Camp talk
Subject Setting up camp
Salix accepts Harp's praise modestly. "My God can truly do wonders. His power is indeed a boon to his followers in need.
"I will certainly support your desire to tarry here a day, as that is my own desire. I will back you up if you wish to propose this course, or I will present the idea myself if you think some in the group might better hear counsel coming from one of their own kind." Salix says this last as diplomatically as possible. (Diplomacy skill if it applies in situations like this.)
After a pause, Salix continues, "Quarion must have sensed a need for me to experience truth beyond my own prejudices in bringing us together. I want you to know that you have impressed me beyond what I could have imagined before our quest. You have shown yourself to be a . . . a man of patience --almost beyond reason at times--" he steals a glance toward Kal, "I would do well to learn some of that from you."
Salix feels his face getting warm. "Let's talk with Ran." He turns away, not wanting the moment to turn awkward.
(ooc- Depending on Harp's desire to support or be supported in the conversation with Ran, the following can be adapted to that end.)
"Ran, I feel we should linger here for our own good. I know you are anxious to return The Lady to her beloved as we have been charged, but I think the delay is justified and wise. We need to extra time for rest. Tarrying here is unlikely to endanger us further. Our foe can clearly track us at will and it seems unlikely, if he is planning another challenge for us, that it will make any difference to him if he must send us foes here or place them where we will wander into them again. Of the two possibilities, staying here let's us fight from a position of best recuperation and fortification. The most able of us can secure our perimeter today, and we can keep an extra alert watch tonight. Additionally, it will allow Fal to add the spell we obtained from the earlier strangers to his repertoire. These benefits seem to justify the extra delay, in my opinion."
(ooc- If this conversation leads to the group staying a day, Salix will prepare a few extra healing prayers. (Filling all 0-level slots with CMW, and all lvl-1 except Entangle for CLW for that day only - I?m not going to change the list on sakeriver since on the following day it will most likely return to the one posted there.) After using his healing prayers on the party, and using his heal skill in addition as best he can, Salix will spend the time making light conversation with Rochelle (and the others), pampering Noctis, and exploring the perimeter of the camp, taking note of any interesting flora and fauna, which he will gladly talk about to anyone who shows interest.)
From: Kevin
Subject Setting up camp
"Thank you Salix for offering to propose the idea as your own. I agree that it might be accepted more readily coming from your mouth than mine. I will give my strong support, and I think the Captain will follow our suggestion. Having the idea come from you will likely allow others of our group to accept the idea without undue consideration.
I thank you for your kind words, though trust me, it has not been easy to hold my tounge, nor my sword, at times. When I first joined the Order, I will confess, I would as likely as not struck out at the first provocation. In fact, I often did. That is why I am still just a corporal. This quest, however, is different. I have my responsibility to my Knight Captain, and the Order, but I also have a responsibility to this group, many whom have become, dare I say it, friends. Before, it was always me against everyone else. Here, at least, I have the feeling that I am part of something bigger than myself, and I have to hold up my end. I guess it just goes to show that the Order's training was sinking in, I just had to give it a chance to show itself.
Come, let us go talk to Ran and the rest of the group."
OOC: Mark, I am not going to change my spell list. I will just sacrafice what spells I can for the healing spells as they are needed. When the time comes the next day to dispense the healing, Harp will work with Salix to triage the wounded. The plan will be to work on Kal, Cai, Ran, then Bel. Harp will hold off on his healing until the others are greatly improved - not 100%, but at least 80%. This may mean waiting on healing for Harp until the next morning.
From: Josh
Subject Setting up camp
Kal's gonna cast detect magic on all the equipment we found.
OOC: I'll be back with roleplaying either tonight or tommorow sometime. I'm entertaining some family today.
From: Kevin
Subject Setting up camp
OOC: Kal is going to be in traction before long here if he does not listen to his doctor's orders.
;-)
From: Mark
Subject Exp. Points
I have updated the character experience points on the character sheets at Sakeriver.
From: Rob
Subject Setting up camp
Bel helps the others gather the items, and he also uses detect magic on the items, splitting them up with Fal.
He also offers his skills binding wounds (heal) for anyone who needs them.
From: Jake
Subject Exp points
Is the XP just based on the values for each creature killed, or for role playing as well?
Experience Points
Subject Exp. Points
The base is for the value of the creatures. I have modified each player for RP.
There will also be an adventure XP award when you get back to town
Spending the night
Subject Setting up camp
Ran listens as Salix proposes tarrying for a day to give time to heal. He hesitates only a moment before he is racked with pain and begins coughing hard. He takes a pull of water from his flask and once his cough is under control he nods and speaks.
"Salix, you and Harp speak wisely as usual. I do want to get Rochelle to Heronin but, after all we have been through, one more day will be acceptable. Even necessary given our state. We will stay."
Ran then pulls Harp aside and speaks to him.
"Harp, thank you for taking charge while I am preoccupied with my pain. You have acted as a true leader and I will be reporting as much to the order when we return. You are an excellent soldier and an even better friend. I am proud to know you and hope to journey with you again. I will take your council and not go on watch tonight. Thank you for your concern for our well being."
From: Jason
Subject Setting up camp
Cai will spend the extra day caring for any damages to her sword and armor, tending her horse, and then retiring to the woods to ponder about her future. If there are plans to question the captured githyanki, she will try to be present, though her primary interest is in the world they come from rather than any plans they may know.
From: Mark
Subject Setting up camp
We have heard from most every one so I will send out a turn tonight before I feed myself.
From: Josh
Subject Setting up camp
I said I'd get some roleplaying in, but I never got around to it. It wasn't important stuff, so I'll just wait until the next turn comes out to throw it in.
From: Mark
Subject Dinner and spending the night
While everyone is eating Harp and Salix are deep in conversation. Rochelle waits on Ran, taking care of his needs. Cai, Bel and Fal eat together discussing the fight they had just been through. Surin looks, who usually eats with Salix, gives his friend a little after what had happened at the magic user's body. Kal eats slowly, still not a part of the group, feeling his alienation growing. When he is done talking to Salix Harp approaches Cai, Bel and Fal. ?I have a little healing grace left this day. If your wounds are not too serious I might be able to help.? Fal nods gratefully and Harp lays his hands on the magic user and heals his wounds. (Cure Minor wounds) ?Do either of you have any way of finding out if any of their equipment is magical?? Harp asks.
?I have a spell that will tell us if any of these items are magical?Fal says, ?But it will have to wait until tomorrow, since I did not memorize it this morning.? Bel laughs at his friend. ?What I lack in numbers, I make up for in ability. Let me see if I can tell what items are enchanted.? With that he starts chanting the nonsense words he uses to focus his mind and making the small gestures that steady his body. Through his closed eyes certain items in the pile in front of him start to glow. The chain shirt.(Faint Transmutation) The amulet (Faint Transmutation), the two bracers(Faint Transmutation), all of the potions(Light Green Faint Conjuration, Silver, Faint Transmutation, red Faint Evocation). Moving as in a trance, Bel reaches for the items and hands them to the others. ?These are items we will want to keep these separate from the rest.
After they are done eating Salix and Harp approach Ran. Salix speaks ?
Ran, I feel we should linger here for our own good. I know you are anxious to return The Lady to her beloved as we have been charged, but I think the delay is justified and wise. We need to extra time for rest. Tarrying here is unlikely to endanger us further. Our foe can clearly track us at will and it seems unlikely, if he is planning another challenge for us, that it will make any difference to him if he must send us foes here or place them where we will wander into them again. Of the two possibilities, staying here let's us fight from a position of best recuperation and fortification. The most able of us can secure our perimeter today, and we can keep an extra alert watch tonight. Additionally, it will allow Fal to add the spell we obtained from the earlier strangers to his repertoire. These benefits seem to justify the extra delay, in my opinion
Ran listens as Salix proposes tarrying for a day to give time to heal. He hesitates only a moment before he is racked with pain and begins coughing hard. He takes a pull of water from his flask and once his cough is under control he nods and speaks.
"Salix, you and Harp speak wisely as usual. I do want to get Rochelle to Heronin but, after all we have been through, one more day will be acceptable. Even necessary given our state. We will stay."
Fal speaks up. ?While I appreciate the gesture, and I am sure that Kal does as well, this is neither the time nor the place. It will take each of us a couple of days, in nice conditions. I fear that we will not be able to identify these items until we get back to town.? Kal nods in sullen agreement.
Harp announces the watch schedule, with Kal noticeably absent from it. Kal protest this special treatment. ?You are hurt worse than I orc yet still schedule yourself a watch. I will help on first watch.? With that the elf stalks off a few paces from the camp and starts a patrol. Harp nods at Bel and the ranger takes up the first watch with the elf. The rest of the party beds down for the night, Noctis keeping an eye out for any intruders.
In the morning, every one sleeps late.(Every one heals 4 points) Both Salix and Harp do their morning meditations, asking their gods for healing grace. They they go around the camp, healing those who need it. When they are done most of the party feels like they are brand new. Only Harp still has a few aches and pains, but he takes great care to hide this from the others.
The groups attention now turns to their prisoner.
OODM: OK I need to know what you are going to do with this guy?
From: Randy
Subject Dinner and spending the night
Ran pulls Salix aside.
"Salix, you have been continuously wise and perceptive on this journey of ours. I feel that you may be the best person to question our prisoner and see if we can get any useful information from him. Whether we do or not, we need to bind him securely to one of the extra horses and bring him back with us. We will need to turn him over to the order for further questioning. He may have more information about the man from our dream."
Ran then goes to Rochelle and speaks to her.
"My lady, I am very grateful for the assistance you offered me yesterday. I was in much pain and you eased that. Heronin is a lucky man to have you."
Once the prisoner has been questioned and secured Ran encourages the group to get on the road as quickly as possible.
Ran is anxious to return home and as the thought strikes him, he realizes that he is thinking of Gorn as home. 'I haven't thought of Gorn as home in a very long time. Not since mother died. Could it be that I have misjudged my father all these years? Did the man from our dream have something to do with mothers death? So many questions. All I know is that I need to talk to my father."
The loot , masterwork weapons and interogation
Subject Sorting the loot
OOC: Mark, if I need to, does Harp have any CMW left if we need them.
IC: Harp has little to add to any interogations being done. He would just as soon put this minion of Hextor to the sword as anything. Harp will mention as much if asked but will abide by Ran's decision. He will help break camp when they are ready, helping to pack up what armor and weapons they decide to take with them.
OOC: Mark, you mentioned some of the weapons being fine looking. Would Harp be able to tell if the Morningstar was of better quality than the weapon he is currently carrying? If so, he will claim it for himself.
From: Mark
Subject Sorting the loot
He has one left for this day. Other than that he, and Salix, is done with his spells.
IC: Harp spends some time trying out the morningstar that they had found. After about an hour of swinging it around and doing some weapons drills with it, he finds that the balance of the weapon is just slightly better then that one he had been using.
OOC: Master work weapon. Please update your sheet.
From: Kevin
Subject Masterwork weapons
OOC: Mark, remind me - masterwork gives it a plus 1 to hit, but does not increase damage and it is not magical. It is just a very nice weapon, right? I want to make sure I make the correct changes. I would change the attack bonus from +7 to +8, right?
From: Mark
Subject Masterwork Weapons
Correct.
From: Randy
Subject Masterwork Weapons
Ran will similarly examine the light crossbow and take it if it seems better than his own. He will take the case of bolts either way.
If none of the others are interested in the longsword, he will also examine that and take it if he likes what he finds.
From: Mark
Subject Masterwork Weapons
I do not have the booty list here at work so I will get an answer for you tonight.
From: Karl
Subject Interogation
Sorry, I'm on vacation this week. I'm at home, but I'm dealing with 5 nieces and nephews. :-)
Anyway, Salix will question the stranger, asking why he attacked, who he is working for, and what was the purpose for the attack. He will use whatever skills he can in order to get and discern the truth from this prisoner.
I can role play this if you need me to, otherwise you can write up the turn as you see fit. I'll be back to normal (for me, anyway) on Monday.
The interogation
Subject Turn
Sorry I did not get a turn out last night. My wife decided that I need to take thing up to the church for the rummage sale they are having this weekend.
I am swamped at work this week (someone is on vacation and I am covering her job as well as mine) and I have to do apherisis tonight, so I do not know if I will get a turn out today.
From: Kevin
Subject Turn
Church, blood donation, over worked. All the old tired cliche's of why you can't keep up your end of the bargain. Here we are, days from the end of our first adventure, and we need to wait on you. We have questions we want answered. Who was the man in black? Will Rochelle ever be united with her betrothed? Will Ran give into the secret lust he holds for Rochelle? Will Salix ever give into the secret lust he holds for Harp? Will Surin ever be allowed to sit at the grown ups table? Will Harp's orc father ever come back to make amends for raping his mother? Will Cai's evil twin Skippy return to town to cause problems? This, and more, next week on "Kalevan's Castaways".
From: Mark
Subject Turn
Will Harp survive the social disease he gets from his horse?
Will Harp be able to breathe once his mouth is sewn shut?
Will the party survive the blue bolts from heaven that Harps loud mouth has drawn from the gods?
Tune in next week.
From: Kevin
Subject Turn
Harp will be able to breathe about as well as he currently does with his lips strategically placed between the cheeks of a vengeful, spiteful, power mad diety that has no sense of humor.
From: Mark
Subject The interogation
"My lady, I am very grateful for the assistance you offered me yesterday. I was in much pain and you eased that. Heronin is a lucky man to have you."
Rochelle blushes at the compliment. ?I was just so worried about you?and the others? she adds after a moment's hesitation. ?I have seen too many people die trying to protect me. I will be glad to get somewhere safe, but I am starting to feel that I am safe with you.? She turns away, heading towards the makeshift kitchen they have set up to help with the next meal.
Ran pulls Salix aside.
"Salix, you have been continuously wise and perceptive on this journey of ours. I feel that you may be the best person to question our prisoner and see if we can get any useful information from him. Whether we do or not, we need to bind him securely to one of the extra horses and bring him back with us. We will need to turn him over to the order for further questioning. He may have more information about the man from our dream."
Salix nods and heads over to the captive. He kneels down and starts to question the man. ?Do you speak common?? The man nods. ?Who are you?? is the next question. The man replies in halting common, with the same accent that Kendrick had. ?I am number 2? he says tersely. ?And who was number 1?? ?Kendrick? the man spits with disgust. ?Leader let you down, huh? is Salix's response. Over the minute or so Salix and the man converse quietly, Salix bending his will on the man, trying to convince him to give up the info he has. (Diplomacy check, 10 rolls, opposed roll with +10 to roll, success on all rolls)
After talking for about 10 minutes, Salix claps the man on the back and goes over to the ?kitchen?. He takes up a plate and loads it with food. He grabs a water skin and goes back to the man and starts to feed him. When he is done he nods at the man and the man nods back. Salix then goes to Ran. ?I have some to tell, good and bad. I think that all of us should move a bit a way so that he may not overhear us.? Ran nods. He calls Bel over. ?Can Ebon keep in eye on our strange friend and let us know if he tries anything?? The ranger nods and Ran calls the rest of the party to a spot about a hundred feet away. ?Salix has a report on our captive.?
At Ran's nod Salix tells the party what he has found. ?Well he is a Githyanki but he does not have a name. He just goes by Number 2. Kendrick was the leader of his party so he qualified for a name. I guess in their society, you do not have a name until you reach a certain status. He was the second in command in Kendrick's kreel so he went by the name Number 2. He does not know who hired them but they were paid well. Those gems were their down payment. When they brought the head of the human girl to where they were supposed to meet their contact, they would get more. He did not know how much more or the name of the contact. Kendrick kept all that info to himself. The piece of paper we found was the contract. I am fairly sure he told me all he knew. He was despondent that we defeated them so easily.? Salix snorts a bit at this.
OODM: Any one want to add anything else? Any other questions you want posed to this guy?
From: Kevin
Subject The interogation
OOC: I hope someone suggests reading the contract.
Mark, would #2 have known where the contact point was they were supposed to go to?
Karl, might I suggest Salix see if #2 can help identify any of the items we found (vial in particular).
Harp will nod and grunt at all this, prefering to send this minion of Hextor to the hell he deserves.
From: Karl
Subject Interogation
Salix would think it a very good idea, especially if he has been able to build up any rapport with the captive, to ask him what each of the vials and other items are, or what they do. He will use any skills available to him to discern whether he is getting cooperation and truth.
If the contract isn't in common, he will suggest taking it and turning it over to Quarion.
From: Mark
Subject Interogation
Salix returns to Number 2 and asks him if he would mind telling them what the items were.
He shruggs. "The green vial does some small healing. The red vials allow the person to breath fire and the silver vial makes you move fast. The bracers were used for protection. I know nothing about Kendrick's armor. He kept to himself."
Fal looks over the contract and it is not in common.
From: Randy
Subject Interogation
OOC: Is it bad that I read this and started to laugh thinking "Who's Number 2 working for!"
From: Mark
Subject Diplomacy
I may not have been very clear.
Salix made 10 diplomacy rolls, and Number 2 made 10 opposing Diplomacy rolls. Salix had +10 to his rolls, +8 for ranks etc. and +2 for circumstance bonus. He tied or beat every roll Number 2 made.
From: Mark
Subject Magic Items
I really should not do this stuff when my rules guru is at Grandma and Grandpa's house. :)
OK the magic items.
Light green potion is CLW
Red potion is Elixir of Fire Breath
Silver potion is Potion of Haste
The chain armor is abjuration faint.
The bracers are moderate conjuration.
The amulet is faint evocation.
I think that that was it.
From: Kevin
Subject Magic items
OOC: Mark, do "we" remember who we took the bracer's off of? Mage? Kendrick? The evil #2?
From: Mark
Subject Magic Items
Well it was probably from the two guys who were not wearing any armor.
Magic items
Subject Magic Item
There's no place like home
Subject There's no place like home
As the day wears on Salix is unable to get any further useful information from their captive. He knows nothing of the person or persons who hired their creel. ?As leader Kendrick was responsible for our contracts. We did not question him.? is the man's reply. He is sort of surprised when Salix informs him that he will not be killed.
The party spends a quiet day and an uneventful night, with the occasional rain shower the only thing disrupting their stay. The next morning they eat a quick breakfast and break camp, heading home in the misty morning light. The full day of rest and the healing gifts of Salix and Harp have restored the entire party.
The next few days go fairly quickly. Every one is anxious to get home. They stay in the occasional in as they get further into Schon. They run across mounted patrols, but the letter of passage that Harp has sees them through any questioning.
During the few days left of their journey, Cai, Bel and Fal spend a large portion of time together. Rochelle is never far from Ran, and although he is polite, he is reserved in his interactions with her. He finds her a remarkable young lady, bright, well read, and quick of wit. However, she is promised to his best friend.
On the fifth day the city of Gorn comes in to view at around noon time. They pass more and more small farms and hamlets as they travel the main road. It is late afternoon when they reach the gate. When they get to the gate, Harp moves forward and speaks to the guards. ?Send a runner to the Chapter House of the Silver Sword. Find the Duty Officer and let him know that Ran-Ell and Harp have returned with their guest. We will be there shortly.? The guard nods and yells to a young private. The private listens and then runs off to carry out his task. With in an hour an honor guard of 20 mounted knights, with Heronin in the lead shows up at the gate to escort the party.
As the mounted escort appears Ran leans to Rochelle and whispers ?Do you see the bald man in the front, on the white charger? That is your future husband.? Ran feels a twitch of emotion as he tells her this. She draws herself up and moves her horse out in front of the party and towards Angelwing. 10 yards in front of the party she meets Angelwing. In a voice louder then they would have thought possible she speaks. ?My Lord Angelwing, I am Rochelle of Mnuhl, your betrothed. I present myself and these brave people who you sent to escort me. They served you well and saved my life several times.? ?My Lady Rochelle? the Paladin replies ? I am glad you are safe and that my friends were able to assist you in your time of need. Please accept this escort as your protection.? He bows and orders the head of the contingent to take the Lady to her quarters. With a glance back at Ran, Rochelle heads off with the mounted warriors.
Heronin turns to Ran and the others. ?I thank you for keeping her safe. We will talk latter. You all have places at the Chapter House. I will see you in the morning.? He spurs his horse and rides off after Rochelle.
OODM: Ok we are back in town. Every one gets 2000 XP for the adventure award. That should put most of you at 5th level. Over the next week I will do the individual encounters for the debrief and the leveling.
Harp's day
Subject No place like home
OOC: Can Kal go hunt some rabbits until he levels up? :-D
From: Mark
Subject Harp's day
Harp's days are spent in meditation at the chapel in the Chapter House. On the second day is he summoned before Heronin. The Knight-Captain calls him into his study and has him sit in the chair in the middle of the office. It looks like the same chair he had sat in those many weeks before. Angelwing spends a few minutes looking over some papers on his desk, reading what looks like reports. ?Well Corporal, I have been reading the reports of the others in your party. Would you like to hear them??
Harp nods hesitantly. ? 'A solid fighter. Someone I would trust my life to.' ?No one better to watch your back.' 'A thoughtful caring person.' 'A true follower of Heronieous.' ? I must say that I am impressed. Angelwing says. ?Your companions, to a man, have nothing but glowing comments about your leadership and behavior while on this mission. Ran and Salix in particular were very vocal in their comments. How do you think you did??
OODM: OK Kevin your turn.
Harp's day cont.
Subject Harp's day
Does that include Kal?
From: Kevin
Subject Harp's day
Sir, I started the journey off poorly. We had an encounter with some orcs, and my baser instincts almost cost us dearly. I must still work on controlling my desires. As the journey progressed, I learned much from Ran and Salix. I learned the power of nature from Salix - it is truly awsome the powers he has at his command and we were well served by his presence.
As we travelled, I became aware that others were depending on me. That was a concept that I had not truly grasped before then. I am unsure if it was because the others were willing to accept me (at least after a while) or because we had a common mission, but it was true none the less. By the time we encountered those creatures on our return, we were almost fighting as a team - using each other as support, helping the other get an adavantage and such. I was greatful of having the power of Heironius available to me, albiet in small measure. There were times when I wish I had been more studious in my devotions.
Mostly, I am glad that I was not an embarrassment to you. I know you said that many in the Order did not think I was ready for such a mission. I hope that I have acted in way supported your decision to select me.
From: Mark
Subject Harp's day
Kal was not part of the original party, so no they would not have talked to him about what had happened.
From: Mark
Subject Harp's day
Anglewing replies "I think you have done the order proud." He takes out a small set of bars and throws them at Harp. "In recognition of your service you are being promoted to sergent. Take the next sevenday off and then report back to me. Congratulations sergant Harp." He stands and holds out his hand.
From: Kevin
Subject Harp's day
Harp, stuttering, looks in amazement at the bars in his hand. Sargent? A promotion? Just a few weeks ago, he had been getting off of work detail for failure to follow orders. And here he was, getting promoted. With a somewhat flabbergasted look on his face, Harp stands, takes Anglewing's hand, and takes leave of his commander.
Slowly, he wanders his way back to his quarters. Sargent. All because he had finally, in a small way, learned to follow orders. Harp thought back to his early days. He had fought everything he had been taught. Following rules did not come naturally to him, a fault from his fathers side, he was sure. However, these past few weeks had shown him that there was indeed a time for rules, and that following them could lead to a greater success. It seemed that when he did so, things seemed to work our well for him. Hieronious had answered his prayers when he needed, had provided his support and blessing, even on those who did not believe or follow him. He would have to think, and pray, long and hard about this revalation.
OOC: Mark, I am guessing that Harp will be the only one likely to want to do anything with the full plate armor they captured. I would like him to be able to take the suits to the Orders armorer and see if they can adjust them to his size. I am unsure how long of a break we will be taking in game tiime, so I do not want to wait until the last minute before I ask for that to be done.
From: Mark
Subject Harp's day
The time from when they got home to the next main meeting will be about 9 days. Plenty of time for the MU to get new spells learned and recorded, and for others to have stuff repaired and made, if they wish.
From: Kevin
Subject Harp's Day
As Harp thinks about his recent trip, and his more recent promotion, he remembers his early days. How far he had come since that time. He owed all to the member of the Order who had taken him in, had showed him what life could be like. They had accepted him, well, at least most of them, though they were unsure if he would be able to overcome the troubles of his birth. It had been through the grace of Heironious that he had been able to succeed, in spite of himself. It was then that Harp realized that he should do some extra sacrafice to prove to his lord that Harp recognized the trust that he had been shown.
" I will do a 48 hour fast and prayer. That will be the sacrafice." He called a page to his quarters and informed the page to come collect Harp at the chapel in 2 days time.
With that, Harp stripped off his heavy clothes, put on his simple supplicants robes, and headed for the chappel. Once there, he knealt down and began to pray. He began with the first Analect, the first teachings of Heironious he had learned so many months ago. He started there, and then slowly worked his way through all the rest. Upon completing the first repetition, Harp began to more closely study each one, trying to relate it to what he had learned on his journey. After his second repetition, he went through all of them again, this time adding what he had just thought about to what he had learned in his initial training. It was by this repetition that Harp would open his soul and heart to the teaching of the Battle Lord. The third time through Harp began to try and connect each Analect to the one before it. This took what seemed like hours. Eventually, Harp's mind began to loose some focus, becoming one with his passion.
It was in the middle of this thought that the creature appeared. Harp was thinking to himself, considering the 34th Analect, when he felt a presence. Disgruntled at being disturbed, Harp opened his eyes and was suprised when he thought he saw Heronin standing in front of him. He started to speak, but the creature raised his hand and spoke softly to Harp - "Stop. Do not speak. What happens here is between the two of us Harp." Harp is overwhelmed at the feeling of good exuding from the creature in front of him. It looks vaugely like his Knight Captain, but Harp had never felt such a "presence" before. He had no worries, no concerns, things were just good.
The creature spoke again."I am, like you, a servant of the Battle Lord, Heironious. I have been sent because your recent activities have not gone un-noticed. The Battle Lord is pleased with you Harp. You have brought glory to his name and have frustrated the aims of his brother Hextor. Your situation is unique Harp, there are no others of you type who have ever followed this path before. My lord has seen your struggles and seen your valor in battle. He is also familiar with your willingness to sacrafice your own well being for the benefit of others. Because of this devotion to the ideals my Lord stands for, he has decided to grant you some slight bit more of his favor. But be warned. Do not be frivolous with the gifts of the Battle Lord. He expects his followers to hew to his path. You have a wild side about you that you must learn to control.
When you see Heronin alone next, tell him of this vision. He, alone of your companions, will understand what has been said here."
With that, the figure in front of Harp seems to glow with a radiance that soon becomes painful for Harp to watch. He crams his eyes closed, and then feels the glorious presence vanish. When he opens his eyes, the figure is gone. Harp blinks his eyes. What had he just seen? He had heard about "visitations" before, but they had always been to important clerics of the Order, never a lowly corporal - no, sergant. Harp shakes his head, and looks over at the hour glass. He has 4 more hours to go. With a sigh, he resigns himself to repeat the Analects 2 last time before the page comes to get him.
Harp lost track of time
Salix's Day(s)
Subject Salix's day(s)
Upon leaving his interview with the Knight-Captain, Salix no sooner steps out into the daylight than a small sparrow flits down from a small tree and lands on his shoulder. To the bird's leg is tied a tiny rolled piece of parchment. He unties the tiny scroll, strokes the feathered emissary lightly on the head and dismisses it with a quick chirp.
Unrolling the scroll he reads, "Salix Wealdward, you are summoned to the Willow Grove 8 miles east of the city. Come immediately. SFthr Acer."
StormFather Acer, here? He thinks to himself. Perhaps this is my call home. Salix wonders if much has changed back with The Order in the 14 months or so that he has been away. He will have to ask the StormFather when he sees him.
He mounts his horse and whistles for Noctis who glides down from some unseen perch and lands on the pommel of his saddle. With that he is off without a second thought.
Nearly an hour later he finds the grove and enters quietly into a clearing in the center of a ring of enormous willow trees. In the center of the clearing stands a large stone rock, seeming to thrust out from the earth itself. Salix recognizes this as a Druid altar. This one appears to be set up for some ceremony. Looking around the clearing and seeing no one else, Salix starts to approach the altar.
"Beautiful evening, isn't it?" says a voice like the rumble of distant thunder. Salix turns as the StormFather himself steps from the shadows of one of the willows. "We received your message, young Wealdward. You have been most wise in relating these events to The Order." The StormFather moves quietly to stand next to Salix and places a hand on his shoulder. "There is a great storm brewing, young one. I fear that many will be broken by its winds. You must be flexible as your namesake, the willow, or you may be among them."
Salix looks to the StormFather, "You have not come to collect me then." It isn't a question.
"You have proven yourself a great servant of Obad-Hai. The Order has even greater need of your skills yet abroad in the world. No, it is not time to come home." To the questioning look in Salix's eyes, SF Acer answers, "I have come because it is time for you to progress in the order. There are new blessings to be bestowed upon you by The Great God."
The StormFather leads Salix to the altar, upon which are carved the symbols of the 5 elements -- Earth, Wind, Fire, Water, and Spirit -- arranged in a pentacle. In the center of these is a small wooden bowl filled with a clear liquid, reflecting the darkening sky above.
"Kneel before the Altar of Obad-Hai," the StormFather commands. As Salix takes the position of submission before the altar, the StormFather moves to the opposite side and begins chanting the ancient words of growth and transformation. After several minutes he raises the bowl up toward the evening sky. The breeze in the grove increases to a gale, whipping the willows into a frenzy as clouds gather in the sky above. "Stand! Young one!" the StormFather bellows above the roar of the wind. "Drink and know the mysteries of Obad-Hai!"
Salix take the bowl and drinks the contents. The liquid is bitter at first, then nearly immediately his tongue begins to numb. The numbness spreads to his throat and he feels his chest tightening, the breath becoming harder and harder to draw. He staggers and falls forward onto the altar, barely able to feel the cold stone beneath him. Then darkness.
After a minute? An hour? More? Salix can't tell, but he awakes to find himself laying backward across the altar staring up into a starry sky. The StormFather is nowhere to be seen. Salix rights himself but instantly regrets doing so as the grove seems to spin around him. Again the wind picks up and Salix hears in the rustle of the willow branches around him a whispery voice, airy like the wind, but clear and unmistakable. "sssssSalixxxxxx" it seems to hiss. "You have done well. Your God sends his emissary on the wind and in the rain to bless you. He sends the creatures of the wood to teach you new ways to serve Him!"
The wind picks up even more, clouds again gathering at the periphery of the clearing. The voice on the breeze takes on a rhythmic chanting tone, "Repeat these prayers to The Great One." One by one the voice chants out, and Salix repeats the prayers he hears on the wind. When one is completed great bolts of lightning strike the ground within the clearing. After another he feels a vile pestilence issue from his touch. Yet another and the pestilence is caught up and consumed. One moment he feels himself merging with the very stone of the altar, and in another moment he can hear voices from the grass and the trees around him. The prayers seem to go on endlessly, each one burning into his memory as he feels himself wielding new powers of Obad-Hai, one after another. He feels himself filling with power and knowledge almost more than he can bear. Just as he feels that he can receive no more of this bounty, the maelstrom stops.
The furious winds die back to a breeze and the voice continues. "ssssSalixxxx! Prepare to receive these creatures. They will teach you the Wild Shape!"
Salix notices that the ring of trees surrounding the clearing now seems alive with creatures of the forest. He sees a wolf darting among the shadows, and a deer. Several medium sized and smaller creatures both predators and prey also move around the circle. Salix watches as they come to a stop, staring wide eyed at him. He stands before the altar as they begin to howl, roar, chirp, and sound whatever voice their God has given them. Abruptly this cacophony ends and the grove is silent. Quietly the creatures around the grove seem to pulsate with light which draws up from their bodies and coalesces into points of light hovering in the air above their heads. The points of light circle the altar, spiraling in toward Salix as he stands frozen in awe. As the first of the lights reaches him, he feels himself thrown backwards on the altar as the light slams into his chest with the force of a lightening bolt. One after another the lights slam into him till he loses sense of time and consciousness.
He dreams and in his dream he is a great wolf. He runs through the forest with a pack of wolves, his brothers. Then he is a black bear with powerful arms and fearsome claws. Then he is a great constrictor sliding gracefully through the grass and striking out at the enemies of Obad-Hai with sharpest fangs. This vision or dream continues, how long he does not know.
************
Salix awakens in the grove. Alone and exhausted. The sky above is bright and sunny. It is early morning. He sits up, his back against the altar. From across the grove Noctis swoops toward him, a piece of parchment in his claw.
"Congratulations, Salix Wealdward, taker of the Wild Shape and faithful follower of Obad-Hai. You do The Order proud. Use the knowledge and grace you have received in this journey always to preserve balance and protect the Great One's realm.
"As I told you before, there is a great storm brewing. Now you are a bit more prepared to face it. Return to Quarion and serve him yet again. His needs are also the needs of The Order. We look still forward to your return, but the time is still not at hand.
"You will find your horse tethered just beyond the grove. He has been watered and fed. There are fresh provisions in your pack. Take care, my son, and may the Grace of Obad-Hai be with you. --SFther Acer"
************
Salix returns to Quarion to find he has been gone for four days. During the remainder of his free time, he will see about any repairs to his armor or weapons. He will also try to track down Harp to see what he has been up to.
From: Karl
Subject Harp]
Nice job, Kevin. :-)
From: Kevin
Subject Harp
Please, please, no applause. Just large, unmarked bills. And nominations may be sent to the Pulitzer Committee in New York.
You are being kind. If was a half hearted attempt compared to some of the others I have seen. Comes from having skated through Freshman English (in both high school and college).
I decided on the next level of cleric since I got the same Attack Bonus increase, almost identical Save Bonus increase, and 3 new spell slots of 2nd level spells. I know we are going to get a 5th level cleric, but you can never have too much divine help.
Looking forward to us devout ones travelling together again.