Turn, Harp and Thanga, the Summoning
Subject: Turn
Ok I will be writing up the actually ceremony today. Still waiting to read about Harp and Thanga's tryst in the woods. Harp is learing about the birds and the bees. The slut.
From: Kevin
Subject: Turn
He's not the slut. He's gonne learn to be a pimp.
From: Kevin
Subject: Turn
I have had some deals break free today, so I am going to be unable to write up anything on Harp and Thanga today. I will try to get something done tonight. Do not let it hold up the ceremony.
From: Josh
Subject: Harp and Thanga sittin in a tree
I'll write it for you:
"Harp: Uh, hi."
"Thanga: Hey Harp... "Harp: OH MY GOD UUHHH" Subject: Harp and Thanga sittin in a tree You forgot the part about the cigarette afterwards. ;) The half orc whore with a heart of gold.
From: Mark
From: Mark
Subject: The Summoning
Salix kneels behind Flint and places his right hand on the older druids shoulder. Acer's voice rings out over the glade "My brothers and sisters. Today we meet here to join our power. We druids believe in the balance and the scales have tipped too far to one side for us to ignore any longer. The cesspool that is Bodentown must be cleansed. The area known as the Mayor's estate must also be cleansed. Faldor must be cleansed. Together, let us join to remove this sickness from our forest. We will summon the avatar. Once that is done, follow Flint's lead in bringing the power of the earth and sky down on Bodentown."
Acer falls silent for a few seconds and then starts a faint chant. It is barely audible where the party sits. It is a plaintive sound, pleading, begging. Salix hears Flint take up the chant at the start of the second pass, his voice adding a bass note that reflects the obduracy of stone. On the third pass the Sister next to Flint adds her voice, adding the whispering sound of the breeze. Salix picks up the words and the pattern as in turn each of the Brothers and Sisters of the inner circle add their voices to the song. Each addition adds another element to the theme, reflecting the diversity of nature.
The chant becomes louder and more powerful as the inner circle comes to completion. When all 24 of the inner circle druids have added their voice to the chant, the druid to his right adds her voice to the song. Her voice does not have the power to reflect any major theme, but it reinforces subtle aspects of one of the main themes. Salix realizes he is next and adds his voice to the chant, repeating the phrases over and over, instilling them with what power and feeling of love and loss he can muster.
It takes almost half an hour until all the druids have joined in the chant. Those watching can feel the power build as each participant adds to the song. When the whole Circle is participating, the tone changes, the differing aspects come to the forefront and as they do the world around them responds. Winds pick up and calm, the rumble of thunder comes from a distance and passes over. The heat of a summer's day is quickly replaced by the bitter cold of the mountaintop. On and on, aspects of nature rush by, filling the glade. A small whirlwind appears on the far side of the glade, visible only because of the thousands of leaves that it has picked up.
The small tornado swirls towards the Circle and just when those watching think it is going to strike the first druid in its path, it hops over the two circles and lands in the middle, just in front of Acer. As it swirls and twists something odd seems to happen. The leaves and nuts seem to form a large mask. The mask is almost 3 feet high. Seconds pass. The shape is no longer imaginary, a mask of leaves floats in the air, over 9 feet above the turf. Just then the chanting drops to a low murmur.
From everywhere a voice like thunder booms out "Who summons the Shalm?" Acer faces the mask and answers "I, Acer, head druid of the Great North Woods do." "To what purpose?" is the booming reply. Acer responds with a voice filled with deep respect "The Great North Woods is threatened by a powerful servant of the Hater of Life. One of his followers has corrupted a near by town and even now he culls them to bring undeath to the world. Read me. Know what has happened."
There is a swirl as a tendril of leaves surrounds Acer for a few seconds. The voice rings out again "You speak truly. Great evil is afoot. What do you ask of The Shalm?" "An avatar, might one" is Acer response. "Who will supply the price?" the voice of Obad-Hai asks. "I will, Lord. Of all those here, I have seen first hand the one who serves the Reaper. I alone have felt his touch. I am willing to bring balance back." For a few seconds the swirl of leaves slows. When it speeds back up the voice is clear "Agreed."
The mask floats over to Acer and he reaches up and grabs it. Struggling under its weight, he turns it and places it on his head. Immediately there is a sense of power flowing. Acer starts to grow. His arms and legs become longer, his muscles grow and his hair becomes a brilliant white. Soon he stands almost 9 feet high. The mask no longer looks big on him. He holds out his hand and a glowing quarterstaff appears in his hand. "My children" he says, his voice a mix of his old voice and that of Obad-Hai, "I go to remove the servant of evil. Your charge is to remove his tools. Destroy Bodentown and his estate."
The figure disappears from the center of the circle.
OODM: I will write more. If any one has any internal conversation they wan to write up they may. The circle is still in effect and they are still chanting quietly.
From: Kevin
Subject: Harp and Thanga sittin in a tree
As Harp enters the camp site, he is unsure of the welcome he would receive. He and Thanga had had a pleasant time together, and he liked spending time with her, but these were truly unusual circumstances. As he entered the clearing, he sees her over by a small fire, talking quietly with Jimmy the Hand. Clearing his throat to get thier attention, he moves closer to where there are.
"Thanga, I'm glad you made it out safely. I wanted to go back and warn you to leave, but things went haywire really quickly. I also wanted to thank you for helping Jimmy and the Upright Man get our friend Sephira out of that dungeon. I know what was down there, and what you did was very brave."
OOC: Mark, I thought I could write both sides, but it just isn't sounding right. Would you mind playing the other side of this?
From: Josh
Subject: Harp and Thanga sittin in a tree
Oh dear. Brother on brother role-playing. :-D
From: Mark
Subject: Harp and Thanga sittin in a tree
Do you not read what I put out?
She did not help get him out of the dungeon. Jimmy did that and then took Sephira to where Thanga was. Then Thanga carried the druid to the escape tunnel and out of the town.
I will see about writing up more tonight.
From: Kevin
Subject: Harp and Thanga sittin in a tree
OOC: I did read that. Harp is just trying to be nice and thank her for helping. He's not great at talking to girls and was grasping at the one thing he could think of to compliment her.
You sound like a guy who has dated and married his highschool sweetheart and has never really had to make conversation with a girl. Oh, that right, you did marry your highschool sweetheart and have never had to make conversation with a girl.
From: Mark
Subject: Harp and Thanga
When the girl sees Harp the look on her face is one of surprise. It seems that she had not seen him when she had been presented to the Council. She walks slowly towards him "Jimmy told me what your group was trying to do. I am glad you survived. Do you know when I will be able to get back to work?" She seems a little shy and out of her element.
From: Kevin
Subject: Harp and Thanga
"Well, you see ....' She didn't know what was happening?? What was he going to tell her??
"Things aren't looking real good for Bodentown right now. The Mayor, Faldor, went and got the wrong people mad at him. People that have the power to stop what Faldor was doing there. And they're going to stop him. Problem is, there's a good chance Bodentown might not survive what they're gonna do. I'm sorry."
"If you want, I can take you back to Gorn when we go there and try to find you somthin' to do there. There are taverns, so you could probably get a job in one of them if you like."
From: Josh
Subject: Harp and Thanga
Not to mention lots of whore houses.
From: Mark
Subject: Harp and Thanga
"Gorn? Where's that? And what do you mean my home might not survive?" She has a suspicious look in her face.
From: Kevin
Subject: Harp and Thanga
Well, the druids here (pointing around) are going to try something to get rid of Faldor. Problem is, they think there is a good chance that Bodentown will get hurt beyond repair. Life might not be real easy or good there for a lot of years.
Gorn is where I grew up. Its south of here, so its warmer. (OOC:Mark, pretend like I inserted a reasonable description of Gorn here). It's not as "wild" as up here, but those with power don't abuse those without power nearly so much."
Harp and Thanga cont., the ceremony continues
Subject: Harp and Thanga
Thanga face shows that she does not really understand what Harp is saying. "You mean the people running the houses take less then half your fee? That would be nice. I could buy some really nice clothes then."
From: Mark
Subject: The ceremony continues
With the departure of the avatar, the feeling of power in the glade diminishes. Flint's voice thunders out "Brothers and Sisters, Mothers and Fathers, now is the time to honor Acer's last request. Join with me; lend me your power, so that we may send the vengeance of Obad-Hai down on those who would desecrate our woods." The chant starts up again, but with a different tone this time, a wilder beat, a more primal theme.
Above the clearing clouds start to gather; huge, dark clouds, roiling and churning. Flashes of light and rumbling thunder echo the bolts of lightening that streak from one cloud to the next. The storm grows larger and larger and those sitting on the small hill can almost sense it wanting to release its pent up power. The clouds almost seethe with a hatred that is palpable. Winds whirl around the party but the tops of the trees are almost bent at right angles from the force of the winds above the tree tops.
The druids continue chanting, summoning more and more power. The very air crackles with static from the storm when Flint releases the storm. Suddenly it splits into two parts, and faster then they could have thought possible, the storms rushes to the northeast, towards Bodentown and almost due north, to the estate. Flint's voice rings out again "Now let us summon the power of the earth, so that it might reclaim what belongs to it."
The chant changes again, this time becoming a low, thrumming sound, almost more felt then heard. It builds up a repetitive cadence, working with harmonics in the ground. The earth itself seems to respond to the chant, flowing and undulating in beat with the druid's song. Then as the song reaches a high point, a wave of power rushes through the ground towards the direction of Bodentown. A few seconds later another wave rushes towards the estate. Like the waves in the sea, these waves rush towards their targets, leaving the ground in between undisturbed. Wave after wave, they alternate between Bodentown and the estate, deadly earthquakes bent on destruction.
The people on the small hill are transfixed. They have never seen power like this before. Salix is emotionally transported to a place he never knew existed. He had been one with smaller aspects of nature, but never on this scale. His own personal identity is almost lost in the primal fury of the storm and the ground breaking power of the earthquakes. A piece of him follows the one of the storms and the tremors, and he sees the destruction they are causing.
Rain of acid melts the skin off people caught out side and hail stones the size of a fist batter people to bloody pulps. The earthquakes shatter some buildings and topple others, the inhabitants rushing into the rain and hail of the storms. It is a lethal combination. The buildings are death traps and the outside is certain death. The estate is even worse. The main house lies in ruins, guttering flames coming from its carcass. All over the estate collapsed tunnels ring with the cries of the trapped while others try and flee, only to be knocked to the ground by the tremors or swallowed by the fissures that open beneath their feet.
Salix is suddenly drawn back to the circle. Flint has stopped the chant and struggles to his feet. "Check your neighbor. Make sure everyone is ok." Salix, feeling more tired then he has ever felt, crawls more than walks to the druid to his left. The man had collapsed to the ground and was laying face down. Salix grabs him by the shoulders and shakes "Hey, it's over. Let me help you up and we can get something to eat and rest." When the man does not respond, Salix rolls him over onto his back and gasps in recognition. Lantono. His face is ashen white and he seems not to be breathing. "Flint" Salix calls "It's Lantono. I think he's dead."
Flint hurries over and checks the druid's body. A few seconds later Flint reaches out a hand and closes the eyes on the still form. "Damn, I had hoped we could do this with Acer being the only loss. Get some help and take him to the oak grove. We will bury him there. Then you and your friends should rejoin me. We need to talk." The druids disperse, helping those who were weakened by the ceremony. Salix walks over to his companions.
OODM: I will let Karl and the rest of you role play the rest.
From: Karl
Subject: The ceremony continues
Lantono, dead. Why? Salix wonders. It couldn't be mere skill. Lantono was already a brother, Salix only a wealward still. If a brother succumbed, why not a mere wealward? Maybe it was because a brother had the power to give more, and Lantono had given too much? Or perhaps, lover of lording petty authority that he was, he found himself consumed in the chance to wield the judgement of their god. It did not matter. He had given the ultimate sacrifice and would surely be taken into the bosom of Obad-Hai himself along with the Stormfather. Salix thought of the road ahead and wondered if Lantono hadn't gotten the easier path after all.
Salix calls out, "Ilex! Helix! Quercus! Come to me, please." The three druids named run over. One gasps aloud and all three bow their heads and mumble something inaudible to Salix's group. "The Mountainfather has asked we give him a honorable burial among the oaks." Without further word, the four pick up the spent body of Lantono and carry it out of the circle and out of sight of the party.
Just under an hour later he returns to where the party is assembled. "The Mountainfather requests to see us."
"That was pretty quick for a funeral" Mund says.
"We do not bury our dead very deep, nor do we shield them from the bosom of Obah-Hai with coffins. Lantono will return to the earth from which he came, in truth, not just in words."
Salix leads the group to the Mountainfather.
From: Kevin
Subject: The cerermony continues
OOC: I want to go back to that part about being naked for the ceremony. Mark, can you generate a picture of that for us?? Something like the Summer of Love, right??
From: Mark
Subject: The ceremony continues
They were only naked for the healing ceremony.
From: Porter
Subject: The ceremony continues
"Summabitch," Mund whispers to his brother. "I was lookin' forward to havin' the druid Stormfather owe us a favor," he says with wistful sigh.
Thanga, after the ceremony, leveling
Subject: Thanga
This wasn't going quite the way Harp thought it would.
"You wouldn't have to "work" for the house, if you did not want to. You could just be a serving girl, or you could try to learn a trade. You could continue to "hostess" if you really wanted to, but I was sort of hoping that.... you know...maybe we could get to know each other better???"
From: Kevin
Subject: After the ceremony
Harp sits in awe of the display of power he had just seen. He had heard stories during his training of similar things happening in the Order, but only rarely and in great times of need. The raw sense of power was truly humbling. Arcane folk might think themselves masters of the power of the universe, but this was a display by one who helped create the universe.
As Salix walks over to the group, Harp holds out his hand to grasp the hand of his friend. Harp had just seen one of the most rare dispalys of divine power, and he had been there to share it with his freind. This did not happen every day. Salix had lost one whom he saw as a father, but it has been to balance things. Harp says nothing, but lets his friendship show in his handclasp.
From: Mark
Subject: Thanga
Thanga gives Harp an evil griin "Didn't we get to know each other pretty well the other night?"
"I already know a trade and I am good at it. I was never that good at the serving girl thing. Too many things to remember."
From: Kevin
Subject: Thanga
"I'm not sure that "trade" is accepted in Gorn. You can give it a try, if you want. I was sort of hoping you might want to try something else. There aren't many of our type where I come from. Your'e gonna standout, and maybe not in a good way.
Haven't you ever wanted to do anything else besides that?? Learn a trade that you can do you whole life and not just while your young?"
From: Karl
Subject: After the Ceremony
Salix accepts the offered hand, grasping it firmly and putting his free hand to Harp's elbow, cementing and returning the gesture. A couple of passing druids give the pair an odd glance, one of them mumbling something under his breath. Salix hopes Harp does not notice this, but understands the oddity of the sight. Half-Orcs were seldom seen among the druids at all, and never in the inner circles, at least not in the memories of any of the wards or few if any of the brothers or sisters. Those in attendance at the ceremony knew of Harp, at least, but who knew what the wards had been told if anything.
Salix smiles solemnly at Harp's gesture of friendship. He wants to say more, but the events of the last couple of days have left him with few words to express his feelings. "Shall we attend to the Mountainfather then?"
From: Kevin
Subject: after the ceremony
"Yeah, let's get that gem. I know these bauble can be expensive, but this one has had a steep price."
From: Karl
Subject: After the ceremony
"More than you know," Salix says, his voice cracking slightly before he gets it back under control. "The circle taken a terrible loss today."
From: Mark
Subject: After the ceremony
OODM: Terrible loss my ass. I could have killed dozens. :)
From: Mark
Subject: Thanga
"I've never really thought about it. I mean in Bodentown, most people like me don't make it to old."
She thinks for a bit. "How about this instead? I met this guy once. He told me about this place to the west. Sador, I think he called it. Said that in that town, everyone who wanted to do something was allowed. Anything went. He said girls like me could make a fortune. Maybe I should go there?"
From: Karl
Subject: After the ceremony
Well, to Salix it's a terrible loss. I'm sure to many in the circle, losing the Stormfather was exceedingly tragic. The loss of Lantono? Meh.
From: Porter
Subject: After the ceremony
Hey! It's a terrible loss to Mund as well. He was really lookin' forward to the stormfather owing him. :(
From: Kevin
Subject: Thanga
"But I'm not going that way. I thought, maybe, I could take care of you, like. Oh, I don't know, I've never met anyone like you before, and I thought maybe we could see if we could work something out between us.
I've overstepped myself here. My apologies. If you accompany us back to Gorn, I am sure I can find someone who can get you to where ever it is that you want to go."
OOC: Harp is coming to realize that she does not see him the same way he would like to see her. He's emberrassed and just wants to move on.
From: Karl
Subject: After the ceremony
Hey, you got a really useful brooch out of the deal. I bet you won't see many of those outside druid circles. If Mund doesn't realize what an honor *that* is, I'm sure Salix will be glad to teach him. ;-)
From: Porter
Subject: after the ceremony
Mund doesn't realize what an honor it is, but he does recognize the practical value of the broach. Even still, the broach hardly seems sufficient tit-for-tat for "I laid my life on the line, and nearly lost it to rescue [i]you[/i] from torture and being used in a ceremony most foul. Which do you think would have been worse -- the continued torture, or it finally ending?"
*a moment of silence for lost guilt-trip opportunities*
From: Mark
Subject: Leveling up
As some of you know, all major combat is over for this leg of the adventure. We are now in what might be called the clean up and/or epilogue. I expect that the XP characters will get from the encounters and role play will put everyone over 8th level, some just over and others well over.
Since it works out this way, Salix is going to have his "leveling" done now. This "leveling" in the story sense is the actual promotion of Salix from Wealward to Brother of the order. In game mechanics it is matching up with Salix going to 8th level. Karl and I have collaborated a bit on the structure of the druids. The PHB says that followers of Obad-Hai have no structure and I find that nonsensical in game terms. Only the most chaotic religions would have no structure.
So Karl is going to be writing his "leveling" story soon. The rest of you will be able to do so in the next few weeks as well, especially once the party returns to Gorn. I plan on the characters having many weeks to rest, recuperate, sell items, have items made, etc while in town before the next adventure starts.
I expect this next adventure to start no earlier than Aug. 6 and no later than Aug. 13. More likely the Aug. 13 date since Randy is out of town until the 6th or so. That will give him a week to do his leveling.
If you do not want to continue in the game now is the time to let me know.
From: Mark
Subject: Flint
When Salix and the other druids are done burying Lantono, he returns to the glade to join up with his companions. After a silent greeting with Harp he turns to the others "MountainFather Flint as asked that we join him. He has information about the gem we seek." The others nod and Salix leads them into the woods. They spend the next quarter of an hour following the druid. This section of woods seems to have the darkness lifted from it. The ground is still dense with undergrowth, but the tangle does not seem to go out of its way to trip them. A scent of freshness abounds and Salix has a spring in his step, even as tired as he is.
They enter a clearing with a large stone outcropping in the middle of it. Flint sits there, silent and unmoving. Salix and the other stop a few dozen feet away but Flint's voice rings out as he starts to stand. "The ground has told me of your coming. Thank you all for joining me here. Please sit. It has been a difficult morning for all of us." He gestures to the ground and all nine of them sit. "When he passed on the leadership of the Great North Woods druids to me" Flint starts "he told me many of the secrets that are known only to the head druid in each area. There were other things as well."
He turns to Salix "Salix Wealdward, by order of StormFather Acer, you are promoted to Brother. You may, as is custom, pick you sphere that you would like to specialize in. Since we are all tired and exhausted, we will hold the formal ceremony tomorrow at dawn, when we are all rested. Afterwards, we will go see what remains of the Mayor's estate and Bodentown. We will help any of the survivors of Bodentown that we find."
Flint then turns to include the rest of the party "In the late afternoon, I will take you to where the gem is kept. Only the nine of us will go. Normally outsiders would not be allowed, but that rule was put in place to protect the gem. With the gem gone, the rule will no longer apply. We will then see you on your way, with our thanks and gratitude." He looks over the party members and asks "We are all weak yet, but is there anything else we can help you with?"
OODM: Role playing time.
Unless something serious comes up you can assume that the party spends an uneventful night in the woods. Karl can write up his leveling turn when he wants. That should take place the next morning at dawn. He can have the others there. 8th level for druids is not that big of a deal: no new spell levels or fancy abilities. He does get to wildshape into large creatures now.
From: Josh
Subject: Leveling
When should the rest of us do our leveling?
From: Jason
Subject: after the ceremony
Ragnar finishes his meditation, and is surprised with just how little it had helped him. He still did not feel at peace, and though he did feel that he was justified before Heironeous by merit of being incapable of doing anything more, there remained a nagging feeling that there *should* be something more he could do. With a sigh he gets to his feet. When he petitions the blessings that would heal Ran and Salix, his mind is already on the ceremony that he would be witnessing.
****
As the ceremony ends, Ragnar leaves abruptly, a bitter taste filling his mouth and distorting his face into a grimace. While he certainly would not have preferred the followers of Nerull to overcome the druids of Obad-Hai, he wished that something could have prevented this slaughter. Perhaps what bothered him more than anything else was the fact that Salix had willingly taken part. He would not have believed any of his companions capable of such an indiscriminate slaughter; for all the quirks and failings they all had, Ragnar had never doubted that they were essentially good at heart. But for all Acer's rationalizations, it was clear to him that what had happened today had been wrong, even though Nerull had been the one to lose most. Now that belief in his companions had been shaken, and he wasn't entirely sure how to deal with that. Would any of the others have made the same choice?
With these troubling thoughts on his mind, Ragnar searched out Kal. While he had occasionally felt the elven warrior was a little too strict, he had no doubt that Kal would never condone this atrocity. Once he finds him, Ragnar is at something of a loss for what to say. Mostly, he supposed, he wanted to reassure himself that there were still others who felt the way he did.
"A dirty work," Ragnar finally says. "Something I never expected to see from those we have long considered allies."
From: Mark
Subject: Leveling
For the most part when they get back to Gorn.
The next morning, Derek is back
Subject: The druids
"I can't help but think of the actions they would take against an over-powering force of good in the area. Would they be willing to go to the same lengths? After today I believe they would. They seem to have no regard for anything but self preservation."
From: Mark
Subject: The next morning
A surprising sound wakes the party the next morning. It is the sound of birds singing. For a second they almost do not recognize it, it seems so long ago that they last heard it. It is just after sunrise and Harp and Ragnar move a short way off to have a quite contemplation time to themselves. Ragnar has seemed more distant than usual, his face more dour. Salix also spends some time preparing himself for the morning activity. Kal and Allistair spend their time with their spell books. Ally in particular feels relived to have access to his arcane power back. Mund is quieter than usual, telling his brother that he had not slept well and that strange dreams had filled his sleep. "Weird things. Me getting chased and cornered but when I turned to face the guys chasin me, it wern't me. They was chasin a bear. Then they stuck me with this huge spear and I woke up. I must've still been dreamin, because I could swear my arm felt like it was covered in fur or something."
Ally laughs at this and pulls up the arm of the cotton shirt, exposing Mund's forearm "You ax swinger. You've been hairy like a bear since you were twelve. Hell, you have more hair on your back then most men have on their whole body. Remember when Mom used to call you her carpet?" The mage punches his brother lightly on the arm. Mund punches Ally back, harder than he really needs to but nods agreement that he really does not feel.
After a plain but filling breakfast, a young druid girl comes for them and leads them to the same clearing where the Council had met yesterday. This time only the male druids are there, a circle of 12, with Flint one of them. The surround the stone table. While the others take their place on the same small hill as yesterday, Flint calls "Wealdward Salix, present yourself to the Council of Fathers." Salix goes forward and the party watches a ceremony few outsiders have ever seen.
OODM: I will let Karl write this up. I will also write up the trip to the estate and Bodentown tomorrow.
From: Derek
Subject: Derek's back
OOC: I just flew back in this evening. It took me over an hour to read up on what happened to the Kalevan group. It seems I missed everything but the final epilogue. Good writing on Mark's part.
From: Mark
Subject: Derek's Back
Welcome back
I am sorry for your loss. If you want to go back and add anything that would not cause continuity problems feel free.
Comments from Derek
Subject: Comments
Thanks for the condolences. I don't know what to say about it, except that objectively Buddhist funerals are very interesting. Unfortunately though, I was of course not in an objective situation. Also my wife and kids are still in Japan for another month, since the mourning period in Japan is 49 days, plus the fact that my mother-in-law handled all the finances for the family, so her sudden death means that my wife and her sister have to help my father-in-law figure out financially how much he has and what he is going to live on for essentially the rest of his life. They should get it worked out in the next couple of weeks though.
IC-wise, I don't have a lot to add for Allistair. Maybe just a few retroactive comments on his thoughts about the destruction of Bodentown and the actual summoning/casting ceremony. I'll add them later today.
From: Derek
Subject: Comments
OOC: Here are some retroactive comments from Allistair.
***
When Acer announces that not only Faldor and his ilk, but all of Bodentown must be destroyed, he is not surprised. After seeing what they did to Acer, Allistair is pretty sure there is a large dose of revenge tied up into Acer's reasion. Still, knowing what Acer did to the Northern tribesmen (and their women and children), it was a race against time to destroy Bodentown before Faldor could do worse to them. Still Allistair's thoughts are troubled. Why don't they just kill Faldor and all the priests? It isn't like the whole town was raping and ravaging the forest before he arrived. It would be a far simpler matter to cause a drought for a generation or two, and any agriculture and trade that kept this place alive would be gone, and so would the town in a few decades. But after seeing all the arguments of his friends rebutted by Acer, Allistair keeps silent. What's the point in asking a question if you already know the answer?
***
Despite his misgivings about the need to destroy the town, Allistair is of course eager to see the display of power that will summon a god. He is amazed by the presence of the deity and by the power of the storms and earthquakes that are summoned. Still though, he retains some cynicism. The gods command great power, and by that power they command great respect. However my awe and my worship, my fear and my love, these I freely withhold. How can I love them when they so capriciously destroy, and how can I fear them when even men can command their bidding? Allistair prefers to command nature when he himself is in control.
***
At the estate, XP, leveling, Salix goes up
Subject: Turn
Sorry about no turn yesterday. I have it about half done and should be able to finish it up by noon eastern today.
From: Mark
Subject: At the estate
An hour later the ceremony is done. Flint follows Salix and they head towards the group "If you want, I think we should head towards the estate now. It is possible that there may be survivors." Horses are brought and the party mounts up. Most of the party is surprised at how quickly they reach the estate. Maybe it is the fact that druids are leading them, maybe it is that it is now light or maybe it is that they are mounted. In what seems like no time at all, they recognize the dirt road and the stone wall in front of them.
The wall is in shambles, as is the iron gate. Broken pieces of masonry and iron fence stick out from the rubble. The gate is no more, just a twisted puzzle of metal bars. Flint steps down and with a wave of his hand, the stone flows out of the way until there is a 15 foot wide path through the remains. Ahead of them they can see what is left of the main house. It is a pile of rubble almost 15 feet high. It still smolders from the fires from the previous day. Bodies lay strewn about the yard, most burned and melted beyond recognition. The party is silent as Flint leads them around the estate, looking for someone who might have lived through the destruction. There is a melancholy look on Flint's face as he rides around.
"Salix, where was this temple?" The younger druid nods and leads them towards the back of the grounds. As they go they can see that the tunnel they had used just a couple of days before has collapsed. They follow it back to another stone building. This building has also collapsed and burned. There are no signs of survivors. "How about where that stone table was?" Flint asks. Salix nods in mute agreement and leads Flint and the rest of them to the back of the estate. They travel a bit more than a mile and as they top a small rise, a scene straight out of hell awaits them. There is a dell beneath them, maybe ¾ of a mile wide. In the middle, at the bottom, is the remains of the stone alter.
A few yards from the alter is a huge form. It lies on its back, the corrupted flesh already putrefying in the early morning sun. If it had been standing it would reach 20 feet high. As the party approaches the figure they start to pick out details. The most obvious is that the body seems to be made up of a patchwork of other bodies. Tortured faces and broken limbs dot the dead form. It looks as if some one had stripped the skin of dozens, if not hundreds, of people and stitched them back together as one and then filled them with the viscera that were left. Harp and the others recognize the basic form as similar to what they had met in the temple, but the sheer size of it dumbfounds them. The thing must have had a reach of 15 feet and weighed thousands of pounds.
The bloated body is covered in large bruises and welts and its head is a bloody pulp. Not a single facial feature remains. The party continues to search and finally comes upon two other bodies. One they recognize. It is Acer's, but all life is now gone. The skin feels almost like parchment and it seems like it will fall to dust and blow away in the morning breeze. The muscles are thin and stringy, like they had been left to dry in a smokehouse. A shattered staff lies next to the left hand.
The other body is one they do not recognize, but it still seems familiar. Each of the broken arms still holds half of a large scythe. The blade is black with dried blood; the haft of the weapon has obviously been sundered by a devastating force. The wooden shaft looks like it was splintered by a bolt of lightening. The head has been crushed and is barely recognizable as even being human.
OODM: Any commentary or questions.
From: Porter
Subject: At the estate
Picking up the parts of the busted scythe, Mund says "I guess this is Faldor, neh? It's good to get rid of him."
"Hey -- did any of y'all ever look at that purty cup we took from 'em last night? Was it magick or not?"
From: Mark
Subject: At the estate
OODM: I will reply for Kal or Ally, since either of them would know the answer.
Kal pipes up "No, we checked it but it is just a very nice chalice. It has a slight taint of evil, but it does not look like it has been unhallowed."
From: Derek
Subject: At the estate
Ally half mumbles to himself, "So passes Faldor, servant of Nerul, and Acer, servant of Obad-hai. In the end, it seems both were but tools to their master's designs. I hope they receive greater rewards from their masters in this life than they did in this one. Though in Faldor's case, I care little to know what that may be."
After looking at Acer's body, he turns to Salix and Flint. "I suppose you don't want to leave Acer's body here to decompose? It shouldn't be much trouble to take it back to the forest. Can we move on to Bodentown to check for survivors? If there were any innocents, they would be there, not here. I care little to tarry here any longer than necessary."
From: Mark
Subject: At the estate
As Ally is speaking Flint whisltes and 4 birds circle down and land near Flint. They shimmer into human form and Flint says "Take up Acer's body and carry him back to the forest. We will bury what remains of him tomorrow." The four men pick up the old man's body and head off towards the woods.
From: Mark
Subject: XP
I have done the XP for the characters. Everyone has gone up a level. this includes monster XP, adventure XP and role playing XP.
Please let me know what class you want your character to go up in. I will then do the HD for the next level.
I already know what Porter wants Mund to do and I assume I know what Karl is going to what Salix to do.
Next week should be Leveling up week. For those of you new to the game, that is where people tell their leveling up stories. If you want an example go to
http://www.sakeriver.com/archives/kalevan/view/546
There are a couple of stories from the last time the party leveled.
You can either do the story on the way back to Gorn or once we get there. I expect I will have the party back in Gorn by Friday. If people want to sell magic items, have things made do whatever, next week will be the time to do it.
Like I said before I expect to start the next adventure on Aug. 13. If my experience with the last three adventures is any guide, this one will last 1 to 1-1/2 years in our time. So expect it to end around Christmas 2008.
From: Porter
Subject: XP
Question about role playing XP -- as far as I know, Mund has never received any role playing XP. Is that because he never has, or because you choose not to let us know if and when that happens?
From: Mark
Subject: XP
I do not break them out as seperate this time. It is usually a percentage of the adventure XP.
From: Kevin
Subject: XP
Mark, we also get an ability point increase at this level (this is why most everyone's benefits at 8th level seem so minor).
From: Mark
Subject: XP
I meant to mention that.
Everyone please let me know what stat point you want increased.
From: Josh
Subject: XP
I'll do my on-sheet leveling tonight or tomorrow. I'm not sure when I'll get around to the writeup, but whenever it seems opportune.
+1 to strength.
From: Kevin
Subject: XP
When Harp gets back, he is going to focus on his biceps, triceps, and lats, and boost his strength up 1.
Too bad it will not really help until they hit 12th level, when they get another point.
From: Porter
Subject: XP
I think I'll have Mund put it into Con. One of these days, Mund's going to beat his brother in a drinking contest!
From: Mark
Subject: Level 8 HP
Well so far, with 4 out of the 8 characters Level 8 HP done, it has been a bang up level for everyone.
One 10/12.
One 8/8.
ONe 7/8.
One 5/8.
So 30/36, which means 80% of possible HP. Not bad.
From: Derek
Subject: XP
I think Ally will have to put it into Int. As we get to higher levels, he won't be able to cast higher level spells if he doesn't have a high enough Int.
Also, when characters level up do they get feats with each level, or is it only the bonus feats that are listed here?
In general, does the d20 SRD list anywhere what all you need to do when your character goes up a level?
From: Porter
Subject: Leveling
How go create characters and level up are two places which the SRD is deliberately lacking.
In addition to those bonus feats a wizard gets, every character gets a feat every 3, IIRC, levels.
From: Mark
Subject: Leveling
Most people get feats every 3 levels. Certain classes get bonus feats at other times. For example, fighters get bonus feats every two levels. So Ranthir got two feats at 6th level.
However, these bonus feats are normally limited to certain types. For example the fighter feats must be taken from a list of fighter feats.
There is also a list of MU feats, such as brew potion, and the meta magic feats that are the only ones that you can take as your bonus feats.
OK I will bump you a level in mage and do you HP>
From: Jason
Subject: Leveling
I think the SRD deliberately avoids centralizing several important concepts, like leveling up. For your specific question, all characters get feats at levels 1, 3,6,9,12,15, and 18. Wizards also get them at 5, 10 and 15.
From: Mark
Subject: Leveling
Here is what Dereks' page says about bonus feats.
Bonus Feats
At 5th, 10th, 15th, and 20th level, a wizard gains a bonus feat. At each such opportunity, she can choose a metamagic feat, an item creation feat, or Spell Mastery. The wizard must still meet all prerequisites for a bonus feat, including caster level minimums.
From: Karl
Subject: Leveling
Sorry, I'll write up the ceremony shortly. We had a lightening strike very close to us last night, which tripped a circuit breaker. When we got things powered up, we had no internet connection. After lots of troubleshooting, it looks like we blew the router *and* the network port on our cable modem. We had to replace both of them. Grrrrrr.
From: Kevin
Subject: At the estate
(Prior to the ceremony) - Harp's heart is heavy in his chest. Maybe it was just puppy love - he had never really had a "girlfriend" before, and when Thanga had shown some interest in him, he had thought maybe..... but, she was more interested in her "work" than anything else. Well, he had learned something, he just was not sure exactly what.
(At the estate) - The destruction is complete. It looks as if the very ground had been turned up on its self. Harp lost no sympathy on those who died here. They had chosen their path, and that path had lead them to this. The tribes, however... Had they know what they were getting into, or had they just been pawns? The 1/2 orc who had tracked them seemed to have been greedy for more power. He may not have known what the true cost was going to be, but he sure as hell knew Faldor had been up to no good. Good riddance.
At the sight of the two bodies by the alter, Harp encounters a twisting in his heart. They had saved Acer, only to have him die. Even if it was of his own choice, it almost made all their effort wasted. Well, at least Faldor had not been able to use the power that Acer had been able to control.
Still, Harp thinks back to everyone's concerns about the destruction of the estate and Bodentown. Granted, if Bodentown looked anything like this, it would be terrible to behold. But, the druids were doing what they felt best. What would the Order have done in its place? If they had heard about a town where evils acts had been allowed, they might have marched there and attacked it. Would the outcome have been any different? The Order taught that might could be used for right, and that it in fact should be used. Charitable actions were not enough - Evil had to be fought where it occured. He had served his purpose on this venture, but he needed to focus more on combining his two types of training. When he got back to Gorn, he would ask Heironon aobut this.
From: Bryan
Subject: Leveling
Surin will advance another rogue level. I'll write up the leveling up story for Surin for next week. Do you remember where another example of a Surin level story would be in the archives?
From: Porter
Subject: Leveling
We haven't all written up level stories. In fact, IIRC, so far it's only been the spellcasters for whom levels make much more sense IC.
From: Karl
Subject: Leveling
Read further down in the link that Mark provided. There's a Surin leveling story there.
From: Karl
Subject: leveling
Basically, just look at the ways your character is going to level up and come up with story elements that explain that in-story. Last time, Harp I believe, took a new weapon feet. He wrote up how he went to someone in the armory who could teach him how to use that particular weapon and wrote about training in it. If Surin gets a new feat, you can write about how he discovered that talent, or if there is no particular feat, you could write about him improving in the areas where you put his new skill points, etc.
From: Karl
Subject: Salix goes up
At the MountainFather's command, Salix approaches the circle of Druid men, the youngest of whom was easily old enough to be Salix's actual father. At he approaches the Council of Fathers, they part and Flint motions him to the center of the stone table. As he climbs up onto the edge, firm hands grasp him and pull him onto his back in the center of the table.
"Wealdward Salix!" Flint's voice booms unnaturally loud in the clearing. "Stormfather Acer, Loremaster, Keeper of Sacred Knowledge, and Master of our council, as his final act before giving himself as Avatar of Obad-Hai, *commanded* that you be raised to the level of Brother in our circle. Although this is not the usual way in which these honors are bestowed, The Council has had its eye on you for some time, and we are unanimously convinced that you are indeed prepared for this next level of power, responsibility, and accountability."
Flint turns toward the table, completing the circle surrounding Salix. "Wealdward Salix! Are you ready? Do you accept Brotherhood in the Circle of the Great North Woods?"
"Yes!" Salix replies from the table as if answering to the gathering clouds above.
The fathers gathered around the table each extend their right hands toward Salix and place their left on the shoulder of the father to his left. They begin chanting in a language none of the party, save Salix, understands. The sound begins low and grows to a strong, deep, rumbling. It carries the same feeling of summons as the chant from the ceremony summoning the avatar, though powerful as it was, it was only a pale echo of *that* chant.
As the chanting grows, the clouds above the clearing darken ominously and wind whirls the leaves at the tree line. From deep within the forest, a silvery mist seems to stream into the grove, forming vague shapes spaced around the circle of druids.
"Wealdward Salix!" Flint calls again. "You have learned the wildshape and it has served you well. Show us this power! Show us the black bear!"
As the party looks on, Salix transforms into a black bear, just as they had seen him do in his wrestles with Mund. As soon as the transformation is complete, the chanting from the fathers increases, both in volume and speed. To the party's surprise, the silvery shapes coalesce into distinct animal forms. The party recognizes the brown bear, bison, horse, polar bear, and a large snake among them.
"We are pleased with your mastery, Wealdward!" Flint calls above the din of the chanting. "Learn now the greater power of Brotherhood!" As one, the animal shapes charge toward the circle of druids, leaping over them as if pouncing on the black bear in their midst. Salix/bear roars, in pain or ecstasy the party cannot tell, as the shapes enter his body and he collapses in a heap, human form once more, on the table in the middle of the druid fathers. The chanting stops at once and an eerie silence fills the clearing. Even the wind has silenced. After a moment, one of the fathers approaches Salix's limp form on the table and places a hand on his head. He chants a low phrase and returns to his place in the circle. Each of the fathers repeats this gesture, until only Flint remains. At Flint's touch, Salix seems to revive, awake but moving slowly.
"Arise Salix, and show us the power of brotherhood!" Salix stands and with what seems a great effort transforms again into a bear, but this time it is a great brown bear, larger and more fierce looking than it's black cousin. Salix/bear drops to all fours and lets out a ferocious roar. The fathers chant a loud phrase that sounds like approval or admiration to the party, and Salix returns to his human form. Exhausted, he drops to his knees.
The circle closes on him, each father placing his right hand on Salix's head or one of his shoulders. Flint speaks again. "Choose now the realm of your brotherhood."
This was a moment Salix had looked forward to for years. Now he would choose the aspect of Obad-Hai which he would honor and increase for the rest of his life. Until this moment he always imagined he would choose wind or rain, hoping to follow in the footsteps of the Stormfather one day. But at this moment, those thoughts seemed wrong, somehow. He cleared his mind, seeking out the will of Obad-Hai. The image of the Great North Woods came into his mind. Not just one grove or even sector, but the whole of it, every branch and twig, leaf, blade, and flower.
As he saw this, he felt a great malevolence continually gnawing at the edges seeking to weaken and diminish the woods. Then he saw the great ruin that was Bodentown and the barren spot its men had created where nothing would grow. Slowly he saw the life returning, tender grasses first, then shrubs and trees, their seeds spread in the droppings of birds and deer and other animals. He saw the forest expanding and the domain of Obad-Hai increasing in power and beauty across the north. He felt a calling to be a part of this growth. He wanted to learn all he could about the woods and the plants and animals that together kept it strong and balanced. He knew this was his calling just as he had been called Wealdward, guardian of the grove. Now he would be a Brother of the woods, and perhaps one day ForestFather.
But first, he must choose a smaller aspect of that realm - he relaxes his mind and it is flooded with the greensong, the very life of the forest. This he longed to nurture and increase, strengthening the woods and enlarging the realm of his god. He speaks to MountainFather Flint in the language of the druids and he and the other fathers respond in unison. Flint then turns to the party and declares in common, "Receive GreenBrother Salix - keeper of the tender plants of the forest. Go GreenBrother, and nurture the wild places of Obad-Hai. Call forth and care for those precursors of the great oak, larch and hickory. Let the plants of the glade, meadow, and underbrush be your charge."
The circle breaks and the fathers converge on Salix embracing him and putting arms around his shoulders and hands on his back. Salix emerges from this group, beaming with pride at his new commission. He walks towards the group of his friends, smiling.
Back to town, Order in the Order
Subject: Leveling up
Mark, I forget your policy. Do we get any new spells for going up a level?
From: Mark
Subject: Leveling up
You will be able to get them when you get back to town.
While we are doing the paper work now, the actual leveling, in most cases, would take place in town.
Now if you want to get a spell off of Ally, you can role play that if you want. You will not be able to copy it while on the road, since it takes days to copy spells etc, but once back in town, if he is willing, you can do that.
From: Kevin
Subject: Items
OOC: Mark, do you have a list of what we found/kept during this time frame? I know we had the axe and mace from the 1/2 orc, I think the sword of the other trackers, the gem encrusted Chalice, the wicked looking dagger. What else am I missing?
From: Mark
Subject: Back to town
The party spends a few more minutes looking around but it is obvious that the estate has been devastated. It would take years of work to restore the buildings. "Maybe this time" Flint muses "nature will be allowed to reclaim some of what was lost." He turns to the party "Come, if you are ready. Let us see what remains of Bodentown." The party breaks into a gentle gallop, eager to be clear of the scene before them.
The morning ride is crisp and fresh, a sharp counterpoint to the estate. The mood would be lighter except for the cloud of smoke coming from the eastern horizon, backlit by the rising sun. They ride for the better part of an hour, the horses getting a fine workout. The party slows to a canter as they approach the western gate, or what's left of it.
The acid rain and the hail storm from the storm of vengeance has wreaked more devastation here than even at the estate. Not a single wooden building still stands. Around them the party can see druids helping small groups of people, tending the wounded. Ragnar speaks up, a hint of disgust in his voice "You destroy their home and then offer comfort?" Flint, his face still sad, replies "The evil in this town had to be destroyed. Those who survive have learned a lesson. Hopefully it is the right one. I did not hold any enmity towards any particular person in Bodentown, with the exception of Faldor and his followers. But the people of Bodentown did nothing to stop him and many supported him in his rape of the forest."
Flint shakes his head "No, we did what must be done, and now we will do what must be done, which is help those who lived. They will pass the story to others, so maybe they will think twice about despoiling the bounty of nature. If any of you wish to help, you may, for a while, but if you want to get the gem today, we must leave within the hour." Ragnar gives a mocking bow and, with a short order to Harp, the two dismount and head over to where it looks like the wounded are being tended to.
OODM: Does any one else want to do anything while in town?
From: Karl
Subject: Back to town
Salix does not dismount. There are plenty of druids helping with the aftermath of Obad-Hai's wrath, and he does not feel needed. Unlike Ragnar and Harp, apparently, he does not feel a personal need to assist, though he would if he saw a general need or noticed something that wasn't being attended to. As it is, he rides closer to the MountainFather, offering any assistance the new head druid might need.
From: Mark
Subject: Back to town
OODM: Green noser. ;)
From: Porter
Subject: Back to town
Mund grabbed the broken scythe, just in case it's worth anything.
From: Josh
Subject: Back to town
Kal goes with Harp and Ragnar.
From: Jason
Subject: Back to town
Ragnar will use any healing spells necessary, up to and including all of his spells for the day, except for his domain spells which can't be used that way. Of course he'll use his heal skill when that is sufficient (or he has no more cures.)
From: Porter
Subject: Healed up
Can I assume that we're all healed up? 'Cuz Mund woulda griped and moaned if he weren't up to full health before traveling out.
From: Mark
Subject: Healed up
Yes with the over night healing and supplies that the druids had, the party is at full HP.
From: Derek
Subject: Healed up
Allistair is pleased to see a few survivors here in Bodentown, but is dismayed at the destruction. He doesn't posess any healing abilities, but he can help search for survivors. He dismounts and goes around collapsed buildings, asking Sysyphys to see if he can smell anyone alive in the rubble. If Sysyphys finds someone, he will let the druids know so that they can help get the person out. When told it is time to leave though, Allistair will mount up and leave with the rest without protest.
From: Porter
Subject: Back to town
Mund dismounts and helps his brother.
From: Kevin
Subject: Back to town
Harp will help Ragnar, though not out of any feeling of guilt. He is just following the order of a superior within the Order.
From: Porter
Subject: Back to town
BTW, you've had some really good posts these last few days, Derek. It's good to have you back. Your Allistair is much more awesome than when I run him. :)
From: Jason
Subject: Back to town
Now I'm really confused. I was under the impression that the group that's directly connected to the silver sword was under Harp's command. But incidentally, Ragnar isn't doing it out of a feeling of guilt either.
From: Porter
Subject: Back to town
Mund ain't treating nobody as a superior officer.
From: Jason
Subject: Back to town
That would only have applied to Harp, Ragnar, Kal, and maybe Allistair anyways :)
From: Porter
Subject: Back to town
I know, but I just can't help but point out that Mund is beholden to no man.
(Well, except maybe Quarion.)
From: Kevin
Subject: Order in the order
OOC: Within the Order, Ragnar is of a higher position that Harp, at least in Harp's eyes. Ragnar is a much higher level cleric, and while the Order is somewhat militaristic, the clerics and paladins are the higher ranking members. Harp is a non-com officer and a low level cleric (basically a ground pounder with a really good first aid kit).
When Kal had his little encounter before we came here, a member of the elf council put him under the direction of Hieronin (to help him learn some humility), who then put him under the direction of Harp (and maybe, by extension, Ragnar). But Harp and Kal have had the best chance to learn from each other, and they may, in fact, work on the shield other spell while they are back in town.
From: Mark
Subject: Order in the order
This is exactly how I see Ragnar and Harp.
If it was a military decision, Ragnar would probably defer to Harp, but in this situation, healing survivors, if Ragnar says "Harp come here and heal people" Harp is going to jump like a good Sergant.
From: Mark
Subject: Back to town
Mund is not beholden to Quarion. They are friends and Quarion hired Mund to do a job (Lead the party to the Testing Grounds). Then Mund stayed with the party becuase of his friendship with Salix and his brother.
Moving on
Subject: Moving on
Flint gives the party an hour or so to help however then can. Ragnar, Harp and Kal spend most of their time doing what healing they can. All of the survivors are wounded in some way. Many have broken bones from buildings collapsing on them while others have far worse. Any one caught outside during the storm has serious acid burns over most of their bodies. The two healers are unable to heal the worst of the wounds, but they are able to alleviate much of the pain. They are just about done when they hear Mund and Ally cry for help.
The two clerics and Kal rush to where the two humans are. They find Mund trying to lift a great beam off a collapsed pile of wood, what looks to have once been a store of some sort. Ally tells them "Sysyphys says that there is someone alive under all this. We need to get the beam off so we can get in there." Harp and Ragnar rush up to help Mund with the beam. Putting their backs under the beam all three of them heave with all their might. The huge log barely moves. Sweat running down their faces Harp turns to Kal "Do you have that spell of strength still prepared?" Kal nods yes. "Now would be a good time to use it. Cast it on me. There is not enough room in here for more than us three." Kal nods and chants the strength spell. He touches Harp when he is done and Harp feels the power surge through him.
"Now, one, two, three!!" Harp yells and the three lift again. The beam moves further this time. Ally scrambles on the ground, trying to get into the small hole that has opened up. He worms his way in but stops short. "It's not enough. I can't get hold of whoever is in there." Mund growls "Damn it, I'm not letting them druids get another body. Not if I can help it." Mund roars with frustration. The sound is animalistic, beastly. Suddenly the beam shifts another few inches. "That's got it" Ally yells as he wriggles his way under the debris. A muffled "I've got him" comes to the three. "Hurry up, I can't keep this up forever" is Mund's strained reply. Seconds later Ally backs out of the hole, dragging a young boy with him.
The young boy is in surprisingly good shape. A bit roughed up, but the pile of fallen timbers has protected him from exposure to the elements. He is hungry and thirsty, but only has minor cuts and bruises. As Ally leads him over to one of the druids, the dwarf, the ½ orc and the human collapse onto the pile slowly recovering from their efforts. Ragnar turns to Mund "I want to thank you for this small victory against what was done to Bodentown." Mund grunts, not sure how to respond to this thanks. "Sure, no problem."
Flint and Salix ride up a few minutes later, Ally already on his horse next to them. "We need to leave in the next few minutes if we are to get the gem today. Kal and the other three nod and soon the party is mounted and on the road again. They ride at an easy gallop for the first hour, reaching the edge of the woods. They move slower the next hour as they move deeper into the woods. Just around noon, they hear a familiar sound, that of a waterfall. Within 15 minutes the party finds themselves at the base pool of a large waterfall. Not as large or as powerful as the one they had seen at the headwaters of the Rushing River, but still good sized. "Gather all of your gear. We will not be riding back from here." As the party gathers their gear, Flint speaks to all of the horses. His stallion knickers ascent and leads the other horses back west, towards where the druids had set up camp.
"What you are about to see, normally only Fathers and Mothers of the Order see. They are brought here to be initiated into Fatherhood or Motherhood. Now, please join hands and follow me. GreenBrother Salix, bring up the rear. Flint leads the party up a winding path that follows the side of the pool and goes up to the side of the falls. Over the roaring crash of the waterfall Flint yells "When we go through the falls, do not let go of the next person in line." Flint then turns back to the sheet of water and starts to chant. As he does a strange shimmer starts to form within the falling water. Seconds later a silvery door or opening can be seen with in the falls. Flint motions the party forward, and hand on shoulders they follow him into the falls.
The thundering sound and pounding force of the falls disorients the party members. It takes them a few seconds to realize that they are not in some dark, wet cave behind the falls, but in front of another set of falls. The sun has moved in the sky and is now much lower in the eastern sky. It appears to be mid morning instead of noon. "Come this way" Flint says, leading them to a green grassed path that leads down from this new falls. The surrounding area is as different as night and day. This woods looks almost pristine. There are no dead trees, everything is green and growing. As they look out from where they are they can see that they are on one edge of a round valley, almost a caldera, surrounded by high mountains. The bowl looks to be a couple of miles across and a sylvan scene spreads out below them.
Salix gasps and points to the middle of the bowl. It takes the others a few seconds to realize what they are seeing. It is a tree, but not just any tree. It looks to be several hundred feet high, easily the tallest tree any of them have ever seen. Also, it is not built like most tall trees, skinny and thin. This tree is almost as broad as it is tall. "This is the WorldTree. As far as we can tell, it has been growing here since the start of the world. We think that the world might end if it ever died. It is the father of all trees." The awe in his voice is obvious. The party is startled when a voice rings out "In the name of the WorldTree, who passes?"
OODM: Any commentary or role playing is allowed. I might write more tonight.
From: Karl
Subject: Moving on
Well, Salix will defer to Flint.
From: Porter
Subject: Moving on
Mund hadn't cared two whits when the druids had looked at him funny for carrying an axe into their forest, but now, in the presence of the WorldTree, Mund wishes he didn't have a couple of axes strapped to his waist.
Down in the valley
Subject: Turn
Ok if everyone is in such awe of my descriptive writing, I will continue. :)
From: Mark
Subject: Down in the valley
"Peace T'Hal" Flint's voice responds "I am Flint, Mountain Father of the Great North Woods. I bring news of the passing of Acer, StormFather of the Great North Woods." From the surrounding undergrowth walks a centaur. The centaur makes an elaborate bow, a combination of hands and hoof. "You are known to us, Flint. The news you bear of Acer is sorely heard. Acer was a good friend to the Herd of the Tree. When there is time, you must tell us of his manner of passing. But I sense other need in you, for you have others with you, many of which do not bear the scent of druids. What is you purpose in the Valley of the Tree?"
Flint returns the bow as best he can. It has an obvious adjustment to it so that humans are able to make the gestures. "You are known to me, T'Hal. I will give the Stallion my story. My purpose is central to the Tree. I will tell the Stallion alone." Flint's voice has a hint that T'Hal has overstepped his bounds a bit. Flint continues "These others are the reason I am here. I will vouch for them, by the word of the Council." T'Hal seems to accept this. "Follow me then." He whistles, and a dozen centaurs, all armed with greatbows step out of the woods. T'Hal turns to one of them "K'Tan, you and your flight, stay on guard. I will take the rest and escort these guests to the Stallion." K'Tan nods and calls out several names. Five of the centaurs walk over and join him. They all give T'Hal the same bow and move off.
"Flint" T'Hal says "let us go. It is a fair distance for those with two legs." There is a slight joking tone to T'Hal's voice. "P'tau you are lead" T'Hal says. A young centaur canters to the front of the group and takes up position. Four more centaurs take their place on each side of the party and one brings up the rear. T'Hal stays with the party. "MountainFather Flint, what can you tell us of the outside world?" T'Hal asks. As the party and their escort start down the winding path, Flint fills the centaur in on events in the world. Flint seems to have knowledge of things happening from around the world, and his grasp of world events is surprising to everyone but Salix. When Ally gives him a raised eye, Salix whispers "People will say almost anything in front of animals. Druids make pretty good spies." He grins, but Ally is deep in thought at the comment.
Over the next two hours the party is led through the surrounding woods. Salix stares in wonder for he has never seen woods like this. All the trees are healthy; the floor of the woods has almost no underbrush, the limbs of the larger trees all start at about 9 feet off the ground, a foot or so above the heads of the centaurs. When Flint takes a break from telling T'Hal about what is happening in the world, Salix asks him about this place and the centaurs.
"Ages ago" Flint says "When the first druids found this place and realized what it was, they decided that it should be guarded by the creatures of the forest. They asked for volunteers from the herds and an elite force was selected. Other forest creatures that have shown love and respect for nature have also been asked to help guard the Tree. Through out these woods you will find Treants, dryads, and any number of other creatures, whose sole purpose is to protect the Tree. They understand that it is a lifetime duty and that they may never go back. They have had centuries to prepare for the defense. You would not want to lead an army through these woods."
He looks around "The Herd knows the ground so well that I have seen them gallop through the woods at full speed on the darkest of nights. They have dead falls and ambushes you would never see until they fell upon you. There are covered pits and other traps that have been years in the making and hiding." T'Hal laughs a short laugh "We spend weeks showing new colts where not to play."
It looks to be about noon local time, but the party's stomachs tell them that it has been longer for them. T'Hal leads them into a large clearing. There are several large buildings around the outside edge of the clearing, most of them stalls. There are centaurs moving about, doing chores. Some look to be preparing food, some are cleaning out stalls, others are working on a new building. As they walk up T'Hal calls out "Summon the Stallion, MountainFather Flint requests to talk with him." A young centaur hurries off. Flint turns to the party "Have any of you met a centaur stallion before?"
The group as a whole shakes their heads no. "Alright, listen up. Let me do the talking. While we have an alliance with him, I am new to my position. That might cause problems, but I hope it will not. Just keep quiet, unless spoken directly to. The Stallion is the alpha male here and he will try and establish dominance. Don't let him. Any questions?"
OODM: Any comments from the party
From: Kevin
Subject: Down in the valley
Other than the fact that we are all sort of feeling out of place??? I mean, c'mon... Centaur, and huge trees, and stallions???
Harp is keeping his mouth shut and trying to keep an ear out on what Flint is tellingT'Hal.
From: Kevin
Subject: Treasure splitting
OOC: Guys, we are going to want to start thinking about how we split things when we get back to the main town. My guess is that Mund is going to want to keep that niffty axe that almost cut him in half. It is probably pretty valuable, so we may struggle keeping things relatively even, unless that jeweled cup ends up being really valuable. I know we got some swords, that dagger, and the mace the 1/2 orc ranger had, so we will have to wait, but start think about if we want to sell or try to use anything.
From: Porter
Subject: Treasure splitting
Well, let's wait and see what we've got first. We might end up selling most of it.
Also, Mund might claim Alley's share of the treasure in order to try to get the axe. Remember, Mund gave Alley pretty much all of his gold last time so that Alley could buy spells.
From: Karl
Subject: Down in the valley
"'Establish dominance' how?" Salix asks. "What do we need to watch for?"
From: Karl
Subject: Down in the valley
Salix isn't likely to argue over any of it. He will claim his own share from among any gold the party gets for items sold, but he doesn't care for any of the items or care who gets them. (He doesn't care too much for the gold, either, but knows it's useful and that he has a right to a share.)
From: Mark
Subject: Down in the valley
Flint gives an uncomfortable shrug. "Not really sure. Every time I visited before, Acer was with me and his position had already been established. This was one of the things that Acer told me in the short time we had before he met his fate. Once I have established my self over him, he will not be a problem for any that he views as under me." He turns and gestures to the party "And that means you. I do not expect this to be a serious problem, more of a custom that must be followed. I am just unsure of the details." He gives Salix an emberassed grin.
From: Karl
Subject: Down in the valley
In that case, Salix decides to keep a close eye on the centaurs who he thinks would be The Stallion's seconds, and will attempt to support Flint in the same way they support The Stallion, if at all.
From: Derek
Subject: Down in the valley
Allistair doesn't really have much to say. He's way out of his element and he knows it, so he's just keeping his eyes and ears open. He's pretty sure they are safe here and the centaurs won't try and harm them, so he's just treating it as a rare experience to see something so amazing.
From: Derek
Subject: Down in the valley
That's right. Ally owes Mund about 750 gold, if I remember correctly. Pretty much all Ally wants/needs is enough money for the two spells he's selecting this level (stoneskin and alter self) and money for a mirror that he can use for the scrying spell (that's 1000 gp though, so he might ask everyone in the group to pitch in for that, since it benefits everyone).
From: Porter
Subject: Down in the valley
Mund cracks his knuckles, preparing to tangle with anybody who tries to assert dominance over him.
From: Kevin
Subject: Down in the valley
He may just pee all over you to "mark" you as his.
From: Mark
Subject: Down in the valley
Thanga would make Mund her bitch. ;)
From: Porter
Subject: Down in the valley
Or the other way around.
From: Porter
Subject: Down in the valley
Mund would approve of that arrangement.
From: Mark
Subject: Down in the valley
You don't know what Thanga did to Harp that night.
And for some reason I don't see Thanga as a one man type of lady.
The Stallion, the test begins, the second test
Subject: The Stallion
The party waits in the clearing. The other centaurs move off to the edge, keeping a large open space around flint and the others. As they wait the party gets a better look at the camp. The buildings all look well built and well kept, even if they are fairly simple. A way to one side there is a large stone structure that looks a bit like an outside hearth. There is a wisp of smoke coming from it, so they figure it is a communal kitchen of some sort, since none of the other buildings have chimneys of any sort. Just beyond the kitchen area the ground slopes gently to a nice sized stream. There are a few small gardens spread around the border of the clearing but no other wildlife. Salix whispers "Centaurs are hunters. It is likely that their meat roams the woods and that they hunt daily.
Then, from the other side of the clearing, comes a thundering noise. The party turns as one and watches as 4 centaurs charge out of the woods. The one in front is easily the largest they have seen so far. Most of the males they have seen stand close to 7 feet tall, but this one is almost 7-1/2. He is larger than any of the others in the herd. The 4 centaurs gallop towards the party and just as they reach them, break off and gallop around the party in a circle. At first they are a good 10 feet from the party, but as they circle around they start constricting the distance. Soon they are 8 feet, then 5. Then they seem to be so close that the party members can almost feel the horse hair on their flanks. The dust and noise is blinding and deafening.
With out a verbal command the centaurs pull up to a stop and wheel to face the party with the largest one stopped in front of Flint. In a voice loud enough for everyone to hear the centaur bellows "Who dares to come to the Valley of the Herd of the Tree?" The challenge is obvious. Flint is up for the challenge "I Flint, MountainFather of the Great North Woods, dares come to the Valley of the Herd of the Tree. As has been the custom since the Tree was first founded, the Druids claim stewardship for the Tree. Who are you to naysay?" Flint's voice is clear, loud and defiant. The centaur responds "I am the Stallion of the Herd. My voice is law in the valley. I would crush you beneath my hooves like the crawling bug you are, but out of respect for those that have come before you; I instead challenge you to the four tests of leadership. Do you accept?"
Flint turns back to the party, so that only they can see his face, and gives them a wink. He turns back to the Stallion and replies "I accept, four legged son of a donkey. What is the first test?" The Stallion does not seem upset at the insult; however one of the three with him pushes forward, as if to accost Flint. The Stallion's response is swift and sure. He slaps the other centaur across the face with a stinging blow, rocking the younger creature back. "L'ton, the worm has accepted the challenge. Do not interfere." L'ton backs away, a look of anger on his face.
"Come, bug, and let us do the first challenge, the Test of Speed." The Stallion motions for Flint to step away from the party and the druid does. "Do you see that tree over there? The one with the two large branches close to the ground?" Flint nods. The tree is almost a mile away. "The first one to touch it" the Stallion continues "and back is the winner. Go." The Stallion takes off leaving a stunned Flint in his dust.
Flint is only caught off guard for a few seconds but the party starts to despair. The centaur moves faster than almost anything they have ever seen on foot. Salix, who has seen the cheetah run, realizes that the Stallion is easily that fast. How is Flint ever going to beat him? Flint stands motionless for a few seconds more and then his form shimmers. In the noon sun the form of an eagle now sits where Flint once stood. With a downbeat of his wings that raises dust clouds, Flint takes to the air. In seconds he has caught the Stallion and passed him. Powerful wings drive the MountainFather towards the tree. When he gets there, still well ahead of the Stallion, he shifts back to human form, quite clearly touches the tree, and shifts back to eagle form. The rest is anticlimactic. Flint beats the Stallion back to the starting point with ease.
When the Stallion returns there is a strange look on his face that quickly disappears. L'ton moves forward again "Stallion, the human cheated. Did you not see? He turned into a bird and flew." The Stallion turns to L'ton, signaling him to silence "There was no rule on how the person was to get there, so silence. Do not speak again, unless spoken to." The rebuff is harshly given. The Stallion turns back to Flint "Human, you have bested me in the Test of Speed. Well done. The next test is the test of Strength. Do you wish for time to rest and prepare?" Flint's answer is quick "I am not tired. Bring on the test."
OODM: I will write more later. If anyone wants to write up stuff for while the test is going on, you know discuss things amongst themselves that is fine. Ask Salix questions he might know the answer to, etc.
From: Mark
Subject: The test continues
"The Test of Strength" Salix hears Flint say under his breath. Salix looks at the other druid, seeing if there is concern there. There isn't. Flint has a small gleam in his eye. He's actually enjoying this, Salix thinks. "Come this way" the Stallion says as he moves to the other side of the clearing. A few feet beyond the edge of the clearing, just inside the tree line, is a large pile of logs and branches. The do not look like they were cut from trees, but more likely the remains of limbs that fell off during storms and such. There is one huge tree trunk in the pile that must be 4 feet across and 15 feet long. The Stallion points at it and says "The test is this. I will pick up this trunk and carry it to that spot over there." He points to a spot 10 feet away. "Time will be kept. Then you will have to carry it back, but in less time. Understand, two legged weakling?"
Flint nods understanding. "Who will keep time? Surely you do not think I would trust one of your herd in this?" "We will have one from each group keep time together" is the Stallions reply. "Is that acceptable?" Flint nods and turns to Salix "Who do you suggest?" "Allistair" Salix responds with no hesitation. "Go ask him if he will participate." When Salix asks him, Ally is honored to help. All of this is so new to him, a chance to see it up close is something he can not turn down. The mage steps forward and is handed a branch with which to beat out the timing rhythm. L'ton is the centaur picked to keep time for the centaurs. The two practice keeping a steady beat and are soon on count.
When the two are ready the Stallion takes his place next to the tree trunk. Harp whispers to Salix "Are centaurs that strong? There is no way I could lift that, much less move it." Salix replies "They are stronger than they look. The muscles on their legs are stronger than a horse's, and the back muscles keep pace. Still, I would think the log would be too large, even for him. He's got something up his sleeve." Ally and L'ton start their beat and the Stallion makes his attempt.
Salix is surprised when the Stallion reaches down and actually picks up the log. The strain is obvious, his muscles forming chords in his neck and back. His flanks ripple with effort, the tail swishing in exertion. Slowly the log lifts off the ground. A halting step at a time, the Stallion moves towards the designated spot. Once he almost stumbles but keeps his hooves about him. It seems like an eternity, but soon the huge log is across the line. The Stallion drops the large piece of wood on the ground and a thud vibrates through the ground at the impact. "Now, weak, puny two legged human, move it back."
Ally and L'ton are consulted on how much time passed and there is a disagreement. L'ton says it was 30 beats while Ally says it was 35. "This thing is calling me a liar" L'ton yells, starting to look threateningly at the mage. Flint steps forward "I will accept the number as 30." L'ton does a double take, as if he is not sure of what he is hearing. "You will?" his voice is incredulous. It regains some of its bluster "Well of course you will. I am right." Flint just smiles and moves over to the log.
Flint looks at Ally and L'ton and says "Start." At the first beat of the sticks Flint's form changes again. He hunches over and gets onto all fours. Seconds later a huge bear takes his place. Salix does not recognize the type of bear. Its face and limbs are strange looking, almost primitive. A large ridge of bone crests the eyes, looking almost like horns. It looks like some type of prehistoric grizzly bear. It gives out an ear shattering roar, bends over and picks up the log in two clawed paws. In its hands the log looks like a twig. The bear then roars and with a non chalant toss, throws the tree trunk 20 feet through the air, right past the line it needed to be at. The bear shimmers and Flint is back in his place. He casually pulls a piece of wood out of his hand "Damn splinters." Ally and L'ton give the same answer when questioned about the time: 7 beats.
The Stallion does not seem bothered by this. "Well druid, you beat me on that test. The nest test is the Test of Agility. Do you wish to rest?" Flint shakes his head "No, I am ready."
OODM: I might be able to get the next test done this afternoon if it stays slow at work. I will not get anything out tonight, since it is RL game tonight.
From: Karl
Subject: The test continues
Nothing from Salix at this time. He's just keenly interested in the procedure.
From: Porter
Subject: The test continues
I've got a few responses, but I have to take care of something this morning.
Quick question, though -- did we all see Salix's recent ceremony?
From: Karl
Subject: The test continues
Salix whispers to Flint, "what kind of bear was that? Can you teach me before we part?"
From: Karl
Subject: The test continues
If I understood correctly, everyone in the party was present for Salix's recent ceremony.
From: Mark
Subject: The test continues
As far as I knew everyone saw Salix's ceremony.
From: Porter
Subject: The test continues
OOC: In game terms, does it make a difference which aspect of druidness Salix chose?
From: Mark
Subject: The test continues
Not really. As far as I am concerned it is color only. Not that I might not make it important at some time in the future, but no, not a big deal at the moment.
From: Porter
Subject: The test continues
When Alley goes out to help with the timekeeping, Mund whispers to him "You might wanna fudge a little on the numbers. Can't be to careful."
Mund thought he had been impressed with the centaur's strength, but his jaw nearly hits the ground as he sees Flint turn into the biggest bear Mund's ever seen. I wonder what it feels like to turn into a bear like that. He wonders, then remembers his nightmare from the night before, and tries to think of something else.
From: Derek
Subject: The test continues
Allistair is curious what the centaurs are burning in the hearth. He highly doubts they cut wood here, and any community that tried to rely only on fallen/dead wood would quickly run out. Perhaps they burn their own dung? He thinks with a hint of amusement.