Character sheets, Ran's time
Subject: Character sheets
Mark, do you want us to try to populate new character sheets on the new Sakeriver site? Or do you want Geoff to do it?
I am going to update Harps physical sheet tonight while consuming an adult beverage or two, so by the end, Harp may end up speaking 8 different languages (but he will be unintelligible in all 8).
From: Mark
Subject: Character sheets
Ok the sheets are going up. Please check Sakeriver to see if they are correct. I do not know if you will have access to your own sheet yet. I will have to check with Mike.
Please let me know if there are any changes to your sheet that need to be made. This information is from several weeks ago so most of what you just bought is not included yet. I will get that done.
From: Mark
Subject: Character sheets
Ok small glitch but it is being fixed.
I do need everyone to do something. Actually three something.
First, I need everyone to go to the forum section of Sakeriver and logon.
Second, I need everyone to go to the front page of Sakeriver and logon there.
Third, I need you to send me what your logon name is.
Then, when your sheet is up, I can give you access to your character sheet.
From: Randy
Subject: Ran's time
Ranthir spends much of his time in Gorn visiting with his father. Jaryth Corron was much healthier but was still not the imposing man Ranthir remembered him to be. They talk of Ran's mother and how much they both miss her. They laugh together at memories of happy days long passed. They shed tears over their shared loss. They do not discuss the times of discontent between them. They focus on healing their relationship further.
"Ranthir," Jaryth says to his son, concern in his voice, "you seem to be struggling with something. Why don't you tell me what is on your mind?"
Ran hesitates, not entirely sure he wants to share his weakness with his father.
"I'm scared, father. Ever since that wight sapped so much from me I have felt like I am in over my head on these quests that Heronin has been sending me on. Even as I feel myself getting stronger and faster I don't feel that it is enough. I nearly didn't return to you this time."
"Heronin hasn't sent you on these missions my son, he only requests-"
Ran interrupts "I know that I have no obligation to see to these things but how can I refuse when the stakes are what they are? No, I will continue to serve. I will do all I can to fight the evil in this world. These priests of Nerull were horrific. I can't stand idly by while my friends go off to face nightmares such as these."
"I am proud to hear that you have such love of your friends and your world. For it is your very world that is in danger here. It is right of you to be afraid. Evil is a very real thing. Something that I have taught you from a young age. I only wish that you had chosen to follow in my path. Were you a Paladin you would have had much more protection from that creature." Jaryth beams with pride though as he trails off there is a little bit of sadness in his face.
Ranthir changes the subject, not commenting on his father's career choice.
"There is more that I fear. I fear the person I am. I seem to have very little control of my impulses. I endangered my friends by charging in to save a young girl who died anyway. I am hot headed and I jump to conclusions quickly. I must learn to control this temper of mine."
"Haven't I been telling you that since you were a child?" Jaryth says this with a good natured laugh that turns into a mild caugh.
"Father, I should let you rest."
"Yes, I should rest. Before you go I should tell you that I do know of an enchantment that might give you some additional vigor. There are members of the order who can make an amulet that may help you." Jaryth gives Ranthir the name of someone who can perform this work.
Ran finds the man that his father told him about and makes arrangements to acquire the amulet (Amulet of Health +2 - 3000gp). He also inquires about enchanting his armor. He makes arrangements to have his armor and shield enhanced (armor +1 -> +3 - 6000gp, Shield -> +2 - 3000gp).
*
Ran spends his mornings training with his friends in the chapter house and spends several evenings out at pubs with them. He also spends many evenings with Mira, the barmaid they had introduced to him after Rochelle's rescue. He recounts the latest adventures to her. She is frightened by the evil he tells her of. Reassures him and comforts him as he recounts the death of the young girl. Is Amazed by the things he saw with the druids. She shares with Ran that she had been praying to Heironious for his safety. He thanks her for this kindness.
"It is all I can do while I await your return." She blushes at this revelation of the depths of her feelings towards him. "I worry terribly about you. You are doing a great, noble work. I am lucky to enjoy the attention of such a great man. Me a lowly barmaid."
"I am not such a great man and you are not lowly in any way. I am the lucky one to be graced with your company. It may be that your faith is part of what has kept me alive."
Ranthir agrees to go with Mira to a church service where he sincerely gives thanks to the battle lord.
*
Ran visits with Angelwing and shares his concerns that their band of adventurers might not be strong enough to do what has been asked of them.
"Ranthir, you and your companions have bested much evil and I have every confidence in your ability to continue."
Ran wants to ask why the paladins aren't being sent out in force. He wants to ask why they are being given a limit as to what the Order will provide them with. If the world depends on the success of these missions, why not give every member of this small group the most powerful enchantments available?
He wants to ask these things but as he feels the heat rising to his head he stops himself. These are important questions but now is not the time. Now is the time for friendship.
"Hero," Ran calls his friend by his old nickname "I've been doing quite a bit of training lately. You wanna see if you can still take me down?"
"I hate that nickname." Heronin laughs as he walks to Ran. Towering over him, he grabs Ran and pulls him into a headlock. "And I can still take you down!"
The two grapple for a few minutes before hearing a soft chuckle at the door. Rochelle enters and tells Angelwing that he has a visitor and that if he wanted to play with his friend, he should invite him to dinner sometime.
Ranthir excuses himself and returns to his quarters, feeling like a weight has been lifted from him.
*
OOC: Ran will also give 100 gp for the pearl fund.
Chain shirt and Ring
Subject: Chain shirt
Kal didn't take the +2 chain shirt. He doesn't really benefit from it's use (+1 AC for -1 to attack and a bunch of other minuses). The character sheet still showed him wearing the studded leather so nothing changed. If anyone wants that as part of their loot it's up for grabs.
From: Josh
Subject: Ring
I think this is the ring from the cleric that jumped Harp and Kal. Did we ever find out about this?
Sakeriver
Subject: Sakeriver
Has any one else been able to get on Sakeriver? I have not been able to logon since last night.
From: Karl
Subject: Sakeriver
I have not. I just tried again. I get the "cannot connect to server" error.
From: Randy
Subject: Sakeriver
I've updated my sheet to reflect my purchases (and the enhancements they provide).
Adventure start
Subject: Adventure start
I have sales meetings all this week so my time is going to be spotty. Right now lets plan for the next adventure to start on Saturday, Sept. 1. Always nice to start on the first of the month.
So if anyone wants to do anything they need to get it and their character sheet done by Friday.
From: Kevin
Subject: Adventure start
I will try to have Harp's stats and information updated by then.
From: Josh
Subject: Adventure start
I'll have Kal updated by then. I picked up comprehend languages for 100 gold and the mithril shirt for 1525 and sold the studded leather for 1160.
Kal has 735 gold left after all his purchases.
From: Mark
Subject: Time of adventure
I figured I would update everyone on some world info.
It is starting to get to be late summer/early fall (late sept. early Oct) The days are getting shorter and cooler. Not cold yet. It has been on the range of 5-6 months since Harp, Ran, Salix and Surin went on thier first adventure.
Therefore, I am going to age those 4 by 1 year. Happy birthday.
Second, I would like to get input on the last adventure now that it is done. I was trying to do a couple of things. First, I wanted an adventure where the party would have to use some of the people skills that sometimes get overlooked. I wanted them to root out the info.
Second, I wanted to work out a more time sensitive scenario. One of the problems with throwing high CR level monsters is that the party either has someone killed really fast and then the other gang up on it. Then they rest and are reset. I wanted to try an encounter sequence that was a sort of war of attrition.
I like to think I got most of it but would like your input.
I have the background for the next adventure all done and some specific set pieces, but as usual, there is room for improvisation along the way.
For example in the last adventure, the encounter Kal and Harp had was not "planned". I had warned many times that people going out at night in small groups did not fare well. When they went out, I had to come up with the press gang. I had had the idea that press gangs were in the city, but I had not fleshed them out. Now I had too. I think it worked out well.
So give me your impressions. Did you like/dislike either aspect that I was going for?
From: Porter
Subject: Time of adventure
It did take an awful long time in meatspace for us to get the information in the game, but I'm not dissatisfied with it.
I think the time-intensivity worked well to give us a challenge other than throwing bigger, badder monsters at us.
I really like that we were able to use cleverness to figure stuff out.
From: Kevin
Subject: time of adventure
I think that those of us that are playing more combat oriented characters were more likely to be put off by the people aspect. Under the D20 D&D rules, fighter types have terrible sense motive/gather information/etc. skills, and so are not much help. While we did learn some things by getting our jobs, and it would have happened that way in real life, the RP aspect of that time was slow when compared to a combat period.
I think that the last adventure went pretty well. I really enjoyed the sideline with Harp and Kal. It was an unexpected encounter that was built up correctly from previous information. It was the longest combat and was on the edge the whole time. It will develop some interesting results down the road.
From: Josh
Subject: Time of adventure
I liked the last mission alot. The attrition part was definitely cool. I thought the final fight was great, and I was interested in the story the whole way through.
If you are searching for suggestions, I'd like it more if there was a sense of potential failure when we were doing the non-combat gameplay. In combat we can lose, in non-combat, to me, it didn't feel like it was a real possibility.
From: Kevin
Subject: Time of adventure
OOC: I have updated Harp's sheets. Derek, on the last adventure, Harp asked Allistair if he could use his Bag of Holding to put some items in. Harp now has his own special item and has it all back.
Here is a list of what Harp has available for the group to use - Ascender, Boltcutters (18 Str), 8 pairs of earplugs, Collapsible Grappling hook, 20' Grappling Ladder, fog cutter lantern, small magnet with a hole in it, steel mirror, crowbar, 2 pulleys, 50'x3 lengths of silk rope, folding saw, snow goggles, sparker, spider poles, hacksaw, 10'x10' tarp, 100' twine, 2x5lbs of silver dust (for spells as needed), misc. other no weight items.
And the nice thing about this holding item is that he can pull anything in it out as a move action without provoking an AOO. It is a thing of beauty and can be had in town for only 2,000 gp.
Shopping
Subject: Shopping
OOC: Guys, just a reminder to have all your "shopping" done and entered into the sheets on Sakeriver by this weekend. Mark is usually pretty easy going, but once we leave town, he will not let you go back and add something.
If you are having issues on Sake, let me know. It took me a couple of trys last night but I finally got the hook of it. But, spend you money to improve your character, unless you are saving your funds for a particular special item.
From: Josh
Subject: Shopping
I'm going to write up one more thing for Kal, Kal and Harp, and probably Kal and Mund. I'll have it out before friday.
Time of adventure
Subject: time of adventure
Sorry, guys -- this has been a crazy week for me. It's a family reunion, and we're having everybody over today to help us fence off our pasture.
I have everything figured out, but I haven't done the writeup.
I should be able to put time into this tomorrow.
From: Derek
Subject: Time of adventure
Darn. I had been hoping Porter would work out all of Ally's and Mund's finances while I was gone. We'll try and work it out together before the next chapter starts.
In other news, I'm back now. (as if you couldn't tell)
Mund goes shopping, Ally as well, Mund and Kal
Subject: Mund goes shopping
During the next few weeks, Mund spends a lot of his time at the training grounds of the Order, sparring or otherwise competing with anybody who will take him on, and practicing new techniques. He trains both in human and bear form. Being able to scare halflings as a bear isn't the same thing as being able to fight effectively as one.
Mund also practices a new technique he's finally gotten the hang of -- launching a wild, powerful attack that has less control but which is more powerful when it hits. He learns that this is even more effective when using two hands, so he stops practicing with a shield and instead weilds his axe with both hands.
[OOC: Mark let me swap out one of Mund's feats which he never used for Power Attack]
With all the money he has to spend, Mund is interested in buying some items that will help him be more effective. The first thing he does is find out if anybody has enough adamantium to make him an axe. Ever since he saw how useful an adamantium axe was in the hands of Gimdrick, the dwarven mage who couldn't even weild an axe in combat, Mund had been wanting to get an adamantium axe of his own. He sells his axe and comissions a larger, 2-handed axe made out of adamantium. [Admantium great axe]
He had been wanting to magick up his mithril breastplate for quite some time, but since his armor "dissapears" when he turns into a bear, he doesn't know what to do.
He talks to Alistair about this, who knows all about the problem. He explains, and finally gets Mund to understand, that magical items whose magic is dependent on the form of the item, like a weapon or armor, cease to work when he transforms. But magic items which work solely because of their enchantment and not their form and not their form, like Mund's ring of protection, continue to work.
First, he gets something to help make up for his loss of armor and shield when he's a bear. He buys an amulet that makes his skin tougher, like an animal's. (Amulet of naural armor +1)
When he goes to pick up his shiney new axe, While waiting for the amulet, he runs across something that he can't resist -- a pair of gloves that make him stronger all the time, whether as a bear or a human. What could be better? On an impulse, he buys them. [Gauntlets of Ogre Power]
Even though he doesn't say anything about it, Mund is very impressed with Harp's magick backpack. If Mund ever got in trouble again like he did with that summabitch orc, being able to grab a healing potion instantly would be extremely useful. At first he's going to go find it on his own, but decides he's being childsh, and asks Harp where he bought his. Harp takes him to the shop, and they have another one which he buys.
Mund then goes a little overboard when he buys potions. He ends up buying 15 potions [12 Cure Light Wounds, 2 Cure Moderate Wounds, and 1 Cure Serious Wounds], but laughs at his brother when he finds out that Alley bought even more.
One of the better fighters at the Order training grounds, who had been sparring with Mund regularly, noticed how much Mund was enjoying his new wild attack [Power Attack], and showed him where he could buy some armbands which make that attack even more effective. Munch like the gauntlets, Mund falls in love as soon as he tries them out and buys them on the spot. [Armbands of Might*]
At the insistance of his brother, Mund buys a cloak that he claims will protect Mund against must about anything except for direct physical harm. Mund thinks it looks dorky and itches, but when Allistair points out that perhaps Mund wouldn't have fallen in that pit if he had had this cloak, Mund relents.
Mund also gives Alley 100 gp for a magick pearl. It's only fair.
Mund discovers that he really misses the gelato he was able to make with his old magick axe. He asks, and yes, they can easily enchant his new axe like his old axe. Even better, Mund barely has enough money to do so. [Admantium great axe, +1, frost]
At this point, he's got 162 gp left, tucked away in a purse in his fancy new havysacky.
One evening as they're eating dinner, Mund talks to Allistair and Salix. "So, as fun as it's been buying these shiney new toys", he pats his gigantic axe, "I'm startin' to get bored here. What do y'all plan on doing now?"
From: Josh
Subject: Kal and Mund
Kal continued his training daily, exploring the increased awareness he's been experiencing. Often times he would look across the training yard and see Mund acting like a fool; turning back and forth from a bears form at whim, often only to impress a passer-by.
I don't understand why the order tolerates him. He's a danger to the mission. He's able to fight, better than most elves I've seen even, but that's not everything. We were lucky the first time when he tried to betray the mission for treasure. We had time to prevent him from doing any real harm. But things aren't getting easier. These Gems are powerful and they seem to attract calamity. Next time we may not have any free time to stand off with Mund.
It doesn't make sense that they judged me and not him. I may have been impetuous, but that's nothing compared to the recklessness that Mund showed when he tackled me from behind, or the outright greed he displayed at the last stage of our mission. Somebody needs to put an end to this.
Kal wipes his sword clean of dirt and sweat and puts it in it's sheath. He walks directly over to Mund, who, in bear form, had tackled a young zealot to the ground and was laughing loudly. Kal walks up and stands next to them patiently. Mund would notice him quickly.
"What do you want Elf?"
"I must speak with you."
Mund snorts, "Can't you see I'm busy? Go dance with some frogs, I have work to do."
"It will just take a moment. You may not like what I have to say. I suggest we speak in privacy."
"There ain't a damn thing you say I like. What's new?"
Kal sighs, he had tried to spare Mund the embarrassment, "Very well. I think it would be best for everyone if you left the group. You clearly don't have much interest in the outcome of our mission beyond the reward they afford you. I'm certain there are more lucrative ventures in town, why don't you go and see if you can't find something there? I think you'd be happier, and it's certainly for the best."
Kal waits a moment for Mund to respond and then goes back to his training.
From: Derek
Subject: Ally's shopping
Once Allistair had spent several days and had finished scribing the new spells into his spellbook, he goes over to see how Kal's progress was going. "Kal, I was wondering if you would like to look at some of the spells in my spellbook? If you think any of them would be useful, I'd be happy to let you learn them and put them into your own."
Kal is pleased at the offer, and selects a few spells from Allistair's repertoire to learn. Since learning from another's spell book is done most easily with the aid of the owner, Allistair stays to help Kal learn the new spells over the next several days. While they are working together, Kal also offers his own spellbook to Allistair to use. Allistair sees some familiar ones, although Kal's personal touch is clearly evident. He sees some that he's never seen Kal cast though. "An invisibility spell that acts over an area? This would have been wonderful in trying to get away from Faldor's men."
"Yes," Kal agrees. "Unfortunately though, I used all my magical energies for that ice blast that took out all the guards in the guard room."
"Well, I guess that couldn't be helped then," Allistair agrees. Allistair chooses three spells to copy from Kal's spellbook. The area invisibility spell (invisible sphere), a protection spell (shield) and a simple spell that reduces gravity's pull during a fall (feather fall).
Once Allistair had finished improving his spell arsenal, he decides to use the remaining gold he had to purchase some useful magic items. He buys a cloak that will protect him from harm (+2 cloak of resistance), since he otherwise has no other armor to protect him from attacks and such. Since in a battle situation Allistair always needs to use his magic missile spell, he buys several magical pearls that will allow him to store 1st level spells in them (4 levvel 1 pearls of power). With his remaning gold he buys some potions, just to be safe (2 CMW and 15 CLW potions). With that his money is spent, but he feels much more ready to take on the quest for the next gem of power.
From: Derek
Subject: Ally's skills
I don't think I did the skills for Ally's level change. How many skill points do we get a level increase?
From: Mark
Subject: Ally's skills
I think a mage gets 2 + INT bonus. So with a 16 or 17 INT he has a bonus of +3 and would have 5 skill points to spend.
From: Porter
Subject: Ally's skills
Yup.
From: Porter
Subject: Kal and Mund
"Yup, I was right. You've got nothin' to say that's worth listening to. I don't care one whit what you think I should do."
"You know, your pretty girl hair is almost grown out again. It would be a pity to have me cut it back off for you. Now leave me alone."
Mund turns his back on Kal, and with redoubled fury, cuts clean through a practice dummy. Crap. That keeps happening ever since he got this new axe.
From: Derek
Subject: Allys skills
OK, thanks. Is there a maximum you can have in a skill based on level or somesuch?
From: Porter
Subject: Allys skills
Your level +3, IIRC.
From: Mark
Subject: Allys skills
In classs skills you can have your level +3 in ranks. There are other bonuses, but the ranks are what you spend the skill points in.
From: Mark
Subject: News flash
I will not be changing the game to version 4 when it comes out. :)
From: Porter
Subject: news flash
Yeah, that would be pretty jarring to change in the middle of the campaign.
3.0 to 3.5 wasn't much of a paradigm shift, but 4.0 seems to be.
From: Porter
Subject: Kal and Mund
Oh, that cheeky Kal.
I love how he's seeing things through such a myopic lens. We both know that Mund isn't in it for the $$, but Kal *can't* know it, because he *has* to be better than Mund. :)
From: Josh
Subject: Kal and Mund
Pshh, Mund almost threw away the world (along with the Gem we were after) for a table of treasure. Kal was pretty pissed about that, and rightfully so!
From: Porter
Subject: Kal and Mund
Oh, you're talking about back in the training grounds?
From: Kevin
Subject: Buying stuff
OOC: Derek and Porter, how much did you guys spend on all your potions of cure wounds? If you spent over 562 gp, you shoudl retcon to consider a Wand of CLW's. You get 50 charges (equivalent of 50 potions) for only 562 gp (at the Order discount). That makes a CLW cost only 11-12 gp. No potion is that cheap. And the wand is just as easy to use.
Just thinking....
From: Mark
Subject: Buying stuff
Now, now, there you go meta gaming.
If they want to spend their money on potions, they spent their money on potions.
From: Kevin
Subject: buying stuff
OOC: Aren't you supposed to be busy?
Ok, then, the jury will disregard the last statement by the person playing the character Harp. Do not notice that he bought 2 Wands of CLW (only cause he could not afford to buy a wand of CMW).
From: Randy
Subject: Wands
Can any character class use a wand?
From: Kevin
Subject: Wands
OOC: Mark has traditionally ruled that if you buy the wand, the merchant gives you the command word. If you find a wand, you need to have the Use Magic Device to try to use it. Once it is identified anyone can use it.
From: Randy
Subject: Wands
Ranthir decides that since he has some money left over that he will talk to Harp about what he has been spending his money on. Harp always seemed to be the most prepared of the group.
"Harp, I was thinking about spending a bunch of money to buy some healing potions."
"Oh, don't do that. Buy yourself one of these wands" Harp reaches into his pack and pulls a wand out. "It's much better value for your money".
"Oh, okay. Thanks."
Ran goes to the store and buys a wand of cure light wounds.
OOC: This wasn't a really cheesy add in or anything.
Wands and the next mission, Chapter 3 begins
Subject: Wands
Absolutely not. Mund cannot use a wand, and the reason why he feels he needs to have potions on hand is because of his special needs with raging. If Mund is take to too low of hit points while raging, he'll die if he's not healed before he stops raging. He cannot depend on other characters to be around to do that for him.
Speaking of which -- Mark -- is there any way for Bear Mund to be able to get access to a potion to drink before he unrages and dies?
Could he spend another rage to turn into a raged humanoid Mund and drink his wheaties?
From: Porter
Subject: Wands
Mark, is this true? Could Mund use the wand? I thought you had to be capable of casting the spell in order to use a wand.
From: Mark
Subject: Wands
Normally I say it is true. However, the description of rage, IIRC, says specifically that MOST other skills and stuff can not be used while raging. I am going to say that Mund can take a potion but can not use a wand while raging.
From: Mark
Subject: Wands
He can not take a potion while in Bear shape. He can not spend another rage since he has to wait between encounters to rage again. Remeber that right now Mund is exhausted or something after each rage. He stays that was for a certain period of time.
Sorry, that is part of the draw backs of changing shape. Salix has the same problems with potions and wands while wildshaped as well.
From: Mark
Subject: The next mission
A month has passed since the party has returned to Gorn. A few of the party members are finding themselves restless. Salix and Mund in particular are ready to get out of town. One evening, all of the members receive a message from Angelwing, asking for their presence at a meeting early the next morning. They all accept, some more eagerly than others.
Heronin greets them all warmly and asks them to sit. A large spread of food has been laid out on the table. Fresh fruit, warm bread, chilled water. Thick slices of bacon are served along with eggs served however they are wanted. As the party eats, several familiar faces join them. Orpal the scribe and Ranthir's father among them. Three quarters of an hour later, most every one is done eating. Mund is still smacking his lips from the juice of the orange he had been eating. When he notices several people staring at him he replies "We don't got nothin like these ranges up where I come from. I like 'm."
Anglewing calls the meeting to order. "As you all know, a month ago you recovered another of the Gems of Valorshield's crown. We were a bit disturbed when no other clues were given to you, like when Lotharios gave you a hit as to the location of this gem. Brother Orpal and his assistants spent the first two weeks combing over the prophecy, looking for new clues. Finally, two weeks ago, a new novice made a connection with an obscure statement and the gem you just retrieved. Orpal used the emerald to study some of the illuminating drawings on the borders of the prophecy. There, hidden in the art, were more clues. Brother Orpal has determined that one of the gems was entrusted to the King of the Dwarves of World Spine Mountains."
"This makes sense as the dwarves were staunch allies in the last conflict with Mesodar. The Order has maintained a good relationship with the dwarves. The current King, Dar, has even been a visitor here at the Chapter House. It was decades ago but he is familiar with the Order." Heronin turns to Ragnar "Brother Ragnar, since you are a dwarf, though not of the clans of the World Spines, I would ask that you lead this mission. I know that your not being a follower of the dwarven gods could be a sticking point, but I was hoping that with you leading the party, things might go a bit more smoothly. You will be given a map to the closest entrance to the mines and warrens of the clans. I would think that you could get an escort there that would take you to Dar."
He turns to the rest of the party "Kal and Harp I also send along with Ragnar. I would ask the rest of you to accompany them. I know there is friction between some members, but you have proved quite effective as a team. You know the importance of this mission. You know more of whoever is behind what opposes us as anyone." He looks at Ranthir, Surin, Salix, Ally and Mund "Will you go?"
OODM: Comments, questions, role play?
From: Porter
Subject: Wands
Crap. That makes Mund's higher constitution as a bear much less useful.
Mark, if you don't mind, could we start not increasing Mund's HP on the sheet when he rages? All we need to do is remember that if he goes to 0 or lower, he stays conscious, and that he doesn't die yet at -10.
From: Mark
Subject: Wands
I usually keep track of both. I use the subdual slot for the rage HP total and the normal slot for his normal HP total.
From: Porter
Subject: The next mission
Mund looks to his brother Allistair and to Salix. "I reckon y'all wanna go, dontcha?" When he gets an affirmative answer [OOC: Assuming he does. If not, we'll retcon this last part out.] , Mund responds "Well, I'll come along with ya."
From: Derek
Subject: The next mission
Allistair speaks. "I don't necessarily agree with the Order's philosophy, but I've stated these thoughts before so I don't need to elaborate on that here. However, having seen what the followers of Nerull did to Bodentown, I feel I have a better idea of what the world will come to if Hextor and his champion Mesodar are allowed to conquer and reign."
"Besides, I've always been a better judge of character than I have of policy, and the past months with Harp and Ragnar have shown them to be brave and trustworthy. So I will accept the Order's request for my assistance."
From: Porter
Subject: The next mission
[This should have been sent out to everybody.]
Surin looks at the others. "I've always been curious about the Spine. I'd not leave this party without completing the mission at any rate."
OOC: I'm in. Apologies for the extended silence lately. As I've told Mark, things've been rather busy (in a good way)
Ragnar's time off
Subject: Ragnar's time off
Ragnar spends much of his month in the temple reading and meditating. He thought about his previous return to Gorn, and all the help he had been able to give, but with remorse he recognizes that this time, he has his own issues to deal with. He was loathe to admit it, even to himself, but he recognized that he had not fully dealt with his pride in his combat abilities, and that in the most recent mission that had nearly caused tragedy to befall the group.
While Harp, Mund, Kal and Ran... and even Surin!... had shown their skill in combat, Ragnar had singularly failed to distinguish himself in that respect. In fact, the one time he had managed to help in combat, it was by using one of his last powerful blessings - a blessing that should have gone to healing Mund.
He hadn't realized at first, in fact not at all until the night Mund had suddenly changed into bear, causing him to contemplate what hidden dangers that newfound power would bring with it, but his decision had come close to costing the warrior his life. The fact that it took him so long to realize this shook him; he had grown up in the Wildlands, he had heard the tales of those who would fight with superhuman tenacity, only to drop dead when the adrenaline ran off. In fact, he had a sneaking suspicion Mund had even mentioned it to him once. It was not like Ragnar to forget such a critical and potentially life-saving piece of information as that, but in the heat of the moment he'd ignored his companion's need to focus on the fight. Only his brother's intervention had saved his life.
These thoughts were his constant companion during the first week at Gorn. The second week he ventured out of his room more frequently, taking advantage of the good will their successful mission had generated to speak at length with several of the wisest (and highest ranking) clerics in the temple. Though most of their advice and comments had been insightful, none of it seemed quite right to him, and his prayers for guidance seemed to indicate that their words were not what he needed, and he retreated back into solitude.
Finally, near the end of their third full week in Gorn, he ventures out again, feeling the need to interact with people once again. Unsure of where he is going, he lets his feet guide him as he concentrates on his thoughts. He passed a hallway that he knew would take him to the guest area, where many of his companions were lodging, but he passes on by, lowering his face a bit as he does so. He still wasn't brave enough to admit his doubts and flaws to his companions. The thought shamed him, but there it was.
How did Kal do it? He certainly hadn't been reticent about sharing his doubts with others. Of course, those were suspicions about first Harp and then Mund, rather than himself, but he seemed to have grown past at least his doubts about Harp. And that was certainly what Ragnar needed to do now, to put aside his doubts and grow past them. With a sudden start he realizes that he had stopped in front of a door. As he takes in his surroundings, he suddenly finds the carpet at his feet quite remarkable. Someone had really put a lot of work into that. There was a lump in his throat, making it hard to swallow. Of course... he was too ashamed to tell his companions his doubts, so he came here, to the one person in the world whose approval mattered to him even more than theirs did... had, in the past, mattered even more than the approval of Heironeous himself, though Ragnar had eventually passed that stage of outright worship.
Finally he musters his courage, knocks, and enters. Jaryth Corron, ever courteous, had risen to greet him, though Ragnar wished he would not. He had never felt more like he was intruding on this great man's time and privacy than he did now. The paladin welcomed him as he always did, and Ragnar gave a few polite replies, but the larger man quickly realized his heart was not in it, and that he was there for some important reason.
"What is it that's bothering you?" They had known each other long enough now to value candor, but Ragnar still found himself needing to warm up to his topic.
"General Corron, you know full well how I've always idolized you. Ever since you showed up in our village... it didn't even have a name, but you stayed for weeks healing everyone. And then, when you freed us... I couldn't even remember not being a slave. My mother told me stories, of course, but I never truly believed her... It never occurred to me that anyone, mortal or divine, cared what happened to us.
"Even when I returned to my mother's home, surrounded by relatives who, I now realize, really did care for me, I couldn't help but think that the person who really cared, the one who had actually helped, was a god seldom mentioned our people. And when I came here and found that you were here as well, I couldn't believe my fortune. I would be here, able to see the person I most admired, able to watch what you did, how you did it, to learn from you, to..." Ragnar trailed off, thinking about what he had been about to say. "To be you... that's what I wanted. But that's not right, is it? That's my problem, I'm still trying to be you, and I'm not. I wanted to be a great crusader, a powerful holy warrior, when Heironeous needed me to be more thoughtful, more mindful of the needs of others, more mindful of my relationship to him."
Jaryth finally speaks again, saying only "Heironeous is the Battle Lord, Ragnar."
"Well I'm not planning on taking a vow of nonviolence, if that's what you're worried about," Ragnar snorts. "But the thing I was trying to become... it wasn't me. That's why I've been beset with these horrible doubts all the time. I'm not the fighter that Harp is, or Kal, or...Mund," at the last second biting back Ran's name, unsure of the reaction it would receive. "But I'll do my part." He smiles. "It seems you've managed to ease my burdens again, and you've hardly said ten words this whole time."
"I find that most of my good advice comes when my mouth is shut," the general chuckles. "I'm glad you could come by today, Ragnar. It's been a pleasure to see you again." They both stand, and Ragnar walks to the door, far more confident than he had entered.
OOC: I had intended to write up a bit more describing Ragnar's purchases, but I'm almost on the end of the second page and that's getting just a bit ridiculous, so I'll just list them so you all know what he's getting: He's trading in his longsword for a cold iron masterword longsword (I may still write that up, as it's a fairly significant decision for him to make) and buying a periapt of wisdom +4, a ring of protection +1, boots of striding and springing, a cloak of resistance +1, and two platinum rings for the shield other spell.
From: Kevin
Subject: The next mission
OOC: Harp, of course, will go.
Flashing back a few days. (Appologies to Kal and Josh).
Shortly after their meeting, Kal is anxious to see what this new blessing Harp has offered will do for him. "Harp, lets go right now to the training yard. I want to see how this works."
"Alright, if you insist, but I have to stop by my quarters first. Head on down and I will meet you there." Watching Kal nod in assent, Harp heads back to his cell. Damn, he had wanted to avoid this. If Kal was hit, Harp was going to show it, and Harp might be able to hide in the middle of a normal battle, doing so on the edge of the training yard would be more difficult. The only way he would be able to do so would be to hide as much of his body as possible. Pulling out his robes, he puts on a pair of gloves and his new cloak, trying to keep only his face exposed. If asked, he would just tell Kal that he had devotions to attend later that day.
Down in the yards, Kal is stretching, preparing himself for what is to come. He sees Harp, but is a bit surprised when the big 1/2 orc is not in his armor. He had thought he would spar with Harp. "What's wrong Harp, you afraid to face me now!!" he says with a little laugh.
"No, no, nothing like that. I just have never used this blessing before, and I need to see what type of concentration I need when it is active. I don't want it to fail us in an important moment." Nodding his understanding, Kal stands aside as Harp approaches the Weaponsmaster. "Brother, we need two opponents, skilled with the sword. They will fight against the elf. Full contact, but with the flats of the swords and no blows to the head. We are trying something here, so call a pause if signaled." The weaponmaster nodds his agreement. This had been done before, so it was not new.
Heading back to where Kal is standing, Harp calls him over. "Are you ready for this? Remember, this does not make you immune to injury, it just makes the injuries less severe. The others have been told to use the flats. If you must hit one of them with that needle of yours, do it in an arm or a leg - not through one of their hearts." With that, Harp starts to chant the words of the prayer. In a few seconds, a slightly shimmering nimubs expands out of the ring on his hand and grows to expand to the ring on Kal's hand, then slowly envelopes the elf. A feeling of strength, power, healthfullness suffuses him. He feels like he can take on anything. Turning to the two sparring partners, the elf sings out an elvish cry and spins toward them, his confidence flowing through his arms and down to the point of his blade.
Over the next few minutes, a display of fancing prowess as few had seen is put on. While Kal is obviously the better sword, the two opponents get in a few good hits here and there. However, whenever they do strike, the wounds they leave are much less severe than Kal would have expected. In a normal fight, Kal had normallys be able to only take a few hits before coming dangeruosly closed to loosing his life. Now, it seemed like he could go on forever. Was this what it was like for Harp and Mund? To have wounds seem like nothing? Why with this blessing, Kal thought, there was almost nothing he could do.
At the side of the combat circle, Harp winces each time the elf gets hit. His loose robes covering the obvious signs of the damage his is taking, he reminds himself that he will have to stop by Brother Ragnar when he was able to see about getting his wounds healed before long. As it is, he has to pray for a few minor prayers when some of the open wounds appear on his neck. He just needs to keep this from Kal while they are here in the city. Once they are on the road, the only time Kal would get hurt Harp was probably going to get hurt as well. Only a few more minutes, and this display would end, and Harp could make his goodbyes for the day.
From: Josh
Subject: Harp and Kal
Thanks for writing that up Kevin. I tried to get started on it a few times, and I could never really get the ball rolling.
I'll try to write something up tonight, covering the same scenario from Kal's point of view.
Harp and Kal, Ran's Question, Salix's time off
Subject: Harp and Kal
OOC: This starts immediately after Harp offered the protection to Kal, and then runs parallel to what Keven just sent out.
Kal briefly returns to his room but is unable to find any rest in meditation. Something was bothering him, something didn't feel right. It wasn't Harp's unwarranted devotion; Harp's strength of character no longer surprised Kal. But Harp wasn't telling the truth. Firstly, the blessing was too powerful. Kal had spent enough time with elven priests to know this sort of blessing was out of Harp's league. Secondly, the lie was written all over Harp's face. Kal almost laughs at the way he used to imagine Harp. Now Kal knew that face isn't capable of monstrosity. It's too honest, too open. Like tonight, Harp's too good to be good at lying.
But why would Harp lie? There's no reason for it. If the blessing did something different than protect Kal there's no good reason to keep that information from Kal. Kal would do best when he knew exactly what was going on, and Harp would be smart enough to know that.
And what of the rings? Why a matching pair? Blessings don't always work like divine magic, but there's usually the same sort of loose causation. Pearls create Ice, sulfur creates fire, a lens will provide far vision. If the blessing just provided protection to Kal, Kal should wear a ring. What did Harp's ring do? Certainly it didn't provide the same protection to Harp; the blessing was already more powerful the Kal imagined it could be.
Kal couldn't figure it out, so there was only one way to know. They needed to practice with the spell. Fortunately Harp had already made the suggestion, so Kal needed no further excuse. He gathered his new armor and weapon and headed to the common area Harp frequents.
As Kal had hoped, Harp's there talking with a few priests and warriors. Harp's still wearing his armor from training that day. Kal wasn't surprised. After spending weeks prepared for battle, he felt naked without a sword at his waist and armor to protect him. Harp must feel the same way. This was a good thing, Harp would likely be ready immediately.
"Harp, lets go right now to the training yard. I want to see how this works."
To Kal's surprise, Harp makes an excuse to return to his quarters. What could Harp need? He had his armor and his sword. The ring was still on his finger. Well, only time will tell. Harp was already walking back to his room, all Kal could do was wait for him in the yard.
My doubts weren't unfounded, Kal thinks with both relief and trepidation. Harp is hiding something. It doesn't make sense that he would lie to me, but there it is, clear as day.
With nothing else to do, Kal begins to stretch in the yard. After a few minutes Harp comes out wearing only a robe. That's strange, Kal thinks to himself.
"What's wrong Harp, you afraid to face me now!!"
"No, no, nothing like that. I just have never used this blessing before, and I need to see what type of concentration I need when it is active. I don't want it to fail us in an important moment."
Kal nods. He still didn't understand what was going on, but better to act like nothing was wrong.
Harp goes to the yardmaster and finds two men for Kal to spar with. Despite the confusion, Kal was looking forward to the match. Harp outlines the rules, "The others have been told to use the flats. If you must hit one of them with that needle of yours, do it in an arm or a leg - not through one of their hearts."
Kal nods in assent, and reaches into a pouch. He takes out a small piece of oak which has been shaped to fit over the tip of his sword, covering about six inches of the blade and preventing it from doing any serious damage.
Harp moves to the sideline, still in prayer. When he gets out of hearing range, Kal says to the fighters, "I'm testing something particular here. I understand Harp asked you not to use the blades of your weapon, but I encourage you to. Don't try to kill me, but I can take a cut or two. I need this to be as much like real combat as possible. Alright?"
Both men look a little uncomfortable but nod in assent.
As Harp finishes his chant, Kal readies his stance. Two opponents hardly seemed like a fight, but Kal intended to let them hit him a few times anyway. If the prayer does what Harp says it will, Kal must be able to feel the difference.
The fight starts, and Kal starts his dance. Without giving up completely, Kal leaves his defenses more open than he normally would. He wants to get hit. He wants to feel the effects of the blessing.
The men fight well, and press harder than they normally would in combat. Kal's sword dance can be intimidating, but not when the opponent knows his sword is non-lethal.
Blows land but don't feel the way they should. Like sound through a wall, or an image through a screen, the attacks are somehow diminished. Kal loves the feeling, after about 5 minutes Kal knows he should be spent from the damage he's taken, but instead he's just getting started.
He laughs a little and begins his chant anew. Determined to regain some of his lost pride, Kal pushes forward against his opponents with full effort now. After a few minute they're all laughing at the silliness of it. If his sword was sharp, they would have each died twice over. If not for the spell, Kal would be well past gone.
The fight comes to an end, and Kal looks over at Harp, reminded of his doubt. With a quick thank you to his sparing partners, Kal dismisses them and walks toward Harp.
Even now Harp's face bears the deception. It is so intense it almost seems to cause him pain, Kal thinks to himself. What was it? Why would Harp need to lie? This blessing worked wonderfully, they would be a much more potent team. What was there to lie about?
Kal walks over to Harp intending to confront him about the issue, but at the last second changes his mind.
I will trust him, Kal resolves. There is something he's not telling me. I don't know what it is, but it doesn't matter. I will trust him.
"Not a bad workout!, Too bad you're over here dodging all the fun, " Kal says, wincing as he pokes a shallow cut on his arm, "Maybe the last mission's turned you soft. Could you patch some of these up for me?"
Harp smiles weakly and heals Kal has best he is able. They clean up the yard briefly, and then return to the barracks just in time for dinner. On the walk back they laugh about some of the things they had seen in town, growing more and more comfortable with each other's friendship.
From: Randy
Subject: Ran's question
"Heronin, I will of course go on this mission. I do, however, wonder why some of the more powerful members of the order do not accompany us on these missions. If they are of the importance they seem to be I would think that we would want to send the best and most powerful. If the people are not available, I wonder why there is a limit placed on the value of equipment and services we take with us. Should we not be equipped in the best available? Should Alistair not be given the most powerful magical protections? Should we not all be given the maximum enchantments for our weapons and armours? Based on what we have faced so far, it seems the very fate of the world hangs on the success of these missions. We are no longer the rag tag band of adventurers that started these quests but we are still far from the most powerful beings on the side of good."
Ran remains calm as he asks his questions. There is no tone of accusation but more one of concern.
From: Mark
Subject: Ran's question
OODM: Randy are trying to find a way for the party not to be sent? :)
I will write up something this afternoon.
From: Randy
Subject: Ran's question
OOC: No, it's just one of those things that always bugs me a little about RPGs where you are sent on a mission of world saving importance and yet are still expected to pay for everything that might help the mission succeed. I think that a person put into that position might logically question this.
From: Porter
Subject: Ran's question
Pay no attention to the plot hook behind the curtain.
From: Josh
Subject: Wands
Oh, last minute Kal picks up one of those wands of CLW. Harp was like "yo dude this shit's hot" and Kal was like "word".
From: Porter
Subject: Wands
*literal lol*
From: Kevin
Subject: Wands
"represent, homie"
From: Mark
Subject: Wands
Just wait until that schizzel fizzels.
From: Derek
Subject: Ran's question
I was reading how shows like Power Rangers have a similar situation, as in why don't they use the most powerful attack they have as soon as the bad guys appear? The real reason is of course that the show has to be 22 minutes long, but IC this is usually explained by the power rangers having certain rules of engagement as a condition for their powers, one being that the heroes have to use the minimum force necessary to defeat the enemy.
From: Porter
Subject: Ran's question
Yeah. Mund hasn't learned those rules of engagement very well yet.
From: Kevin
Subject: Ran's question
Go Go Pink Ranger.
From: Jason
Subject: Ran's question
That's pretty funny. I remember seeing one episode where they were all getting beat on by some green ranger and then they finally just called all their dragons and stomped on him... a 30 foot tall metal giant against a 6 foot guy in a suit. That made me laugh.
From: Jason
Subject: Ran's question
Actually, I was planning on having Ragnar ask why we were being sent if this was mostly a diplomatic mission, seeing as how elves and half-orcs aren't exactly idolized in dwarven society. But I'm content with Ran being the one making Angelwing (or Mark) squirm.
From: Karl
Subject: Salix's time off
Salix was never a lover of cities, and Gorn was no exception. It wasn't by far the worst collection of people around. Even relatively tiny Bodentown had surpassed Gorn on that accounting. Still, it reeked of things endemic to nearly all large assemblies of people, except the druid circles, of course. Most notible was the smell. Excrement and decay were a part of life, of course, but in a city, cut of from the course of nature, it became concentrated and especially noxious, and it tended to accumulate in forgotten corners where it festered and bred all manner of vile things. No, Salix didn't care much for Gorn.
He again politely declined the room offered to him in the chapterhouse, instead asking permission to reside in the garden while in town. Even that was only tolerable. At first, Salix thought he'd just camp outside the city, but after a week of daily trekking back to the chapterhouse to check for news and back out to his little grove, he felt like he spent more time in the streets of Gorn than at either destination. On the plus side, there were no gardens, parks, or even pots of flowers anywhere in the city more beautiful or luxuriant than the ones on Salix's daily path. He saw to that, idly wondering if anyone else would notice his "mark".
He had hoped Angelwing's Order would come up with something quickly, but as that didn't seem to be happening, and since everyone else in the party was busy with training making the most of their time at "home", Salix decided to explore a bit. He'd explored what felt like half of the city before he stumbled on a little shop at the back of an alley he'd never seen. What first drew his eye was the carving of an oak leaf and acorns above the door. This was a place that welcomed followers of Obad-Hai.
Unfortunately, it only took five minutes of talking with the woman inside to find out she knew nothing of the ways of his God, even if she did have an impressive collection of rare and very useful herbs. After a few minutes talking herbs with her, she began showing him her other wares. She seemed to want to impress him, but most of her items, while unusual in the city were pretty common in the Great North Woods. Then she brought out a small pearl on a golden chain. Salix had heard of Pearls of Power, of course, but they weren't very common in his circle. He did know they were very expensive. "16,000 gold pieces" the lady said. Salix whistled appreciatively, which seemed to please her and he left with a polite but insincere "promise" to give her first crack at any unusual herbs he came across in his travels.
Back at the chapterhouse, Salix was talking with a young acolyte he had struck up a friendly relationship with and mentioned the store and the pearl.
"Oh, you've met old Agatha, then" he said with a laugh. "I certainly hope you didn't buy the pearl. If she was asking 16,000 gp, I'm sure it was worth more like 9,000. But to tell you the truth, I'd be surprised if the whole shop were worth even that much!" He laughed and shook his head. "Anyway, if it's a pearl like that you want, we can supply you one. It won't be cheap, but you can be sure it's real. And Angelwing said you should get a discount, seeing as you've done so much for The Order. I'm actually surprised you haven't asked for anything before now."
"Well, it's not like you post a shopping list," Salix replied. "When he mentioned the armory I didn't think such things would be available here. I'm glad to be wrong. Now, you said there was a good place to get a drink. . ."
(OOC - Mark, you said Salix could get a discounted pearl of power from The Order. With the discount, Salix could afford a lvl 4 pearl (16k x .75 = 12k) and the rest could just go in his pocket for next