[Supplement] Rennik vs. Elise
Subject: Alone in the jungle and something evil this way comes...
Rennik finishes his examination of the obsidian obelisk and its provocative maps and symbols. His frustration with Cadfael is mounting, and his feeling that the priest knows more than he's telling is growing. He moves back to the west, following the trail a little way, hoping the catch the party unaware as they move clumsily down the path. He finds a nice spot where he can watch the path easily, yet remain hidden in the extremely dense jungle growth.
He hunkers down under one of the thick but trees that seem to be the dominant arboreal form here, and waits. My people once tamed this jungle. We lived here and built a city, and ruled this island. It makes his dreams of reunification burn like fire in his breast. We had all of this once, we can have it again. But something destroyed this city, destroyed his powerful progenitors. And that something is rising again. Making the wild descendents of those people into its' slaves.
A sharp crack like thunder shakes him from his reverie. It was a sound as if something split the air nearby, perhaps no more than 30 feet, though the heavy undergrowth makes it impossible to see. He spins in the direction of the sound, and now hears gentle words, as though someone speaks in a quiet voice. He raises his bow, and is just drawing back the string when a snarling beast launches itself from the jungle. It is an enormous hound, which Rennik immediately recognizes as a hell hound. There is no way this creature could be here on its own, he thinks to himself.
The hounds jaws snap shut right in front of him, and only because of his training is he able to evade this surprise attack [Attack 7; miss].
Rennik rolls away and comes to his feet, bow drawn, while the Hound advances on him.
[Surprise round over, fight starting. Initiative is Mystery Guest 19, Rennik 17, Hound 16.]
From: Ty
Subject: Alone in the jungle and something evil 2
As Rennik is rolling to his feet, he hears a familiar dulcet voice call from the bushes, "Fool! Can you not feel the darkness growing inside you, the hubris, the bloodlust? Why do you force me to cut you down?" Damn. It's the redhead from the farm. How the hells did she get here? And how did she know he was here?
His mental gyrations are cut short by the continued aggression from the hell hound. Faced with the hound, and an even more dangerous enemy in the brush, Rennik makes a decision. He moves to sheath his bow and draw his axe, but before he can finish this action, Elise moves out of the brush, pointing at him and uttering some dark charm.
There is a sharp ringing sound, and the bow in Rennik's hand begins to vibrate [Will save 9; failed]. With a sharp crack, it breaks into two pieces. "Gods Damn you!" the halfling cries, flinging the pieces of his bow at the snarling hound.
With the bow gone, Rennik draws his heavy dwarven axe. The hound leaps at him while he is drawing [Attack 9; miss], but he is able to dodge to one side and evade it. Now that the axe is gripped in his hands, he screams his tribal war cry [enraged] and attacks the hound with all his strength [fate point used for auto 20 to hit]. The blow slams down on top of the hounds head [Critical threat roll 19, critical hit; Damage 43] and cuts the creatures head nearly in two. The hound falls to the ground, hot acidic blood streaming from its shattered skull.
He and the fallen knight stare at each other as she draws her sword [free action].
[Ok, on to round two]
From: Matt
Subject: Re: Alone in the jungle and something evil 2
The hound fell. The she bitch shattered his bow, his advantage. With it, he would have taken her apart from afar, but now she's gained an edge. He circles, sidestepping, resembling so much the jungle cat whose pelt he wears, muscles taut and eyes absorbing the battleground.
The blood pumps in his ears and in his temples as he sizes her up, and he grimaces at what he sees. She's a warrior, with far more training than he's ever had. She's what that git Garyth could be if he dropped the goody-goody act and spent a few years outside his precious city walls. In fact, that's probably where the she bitch started, anyway, toadying around some backwater hamlet.
The thought occurs to him to run, get back to the tower and possibly some help. Or maybe into the jungle - see what she thinks of a swamp dragon up close. He looks at her armor and thinks he could outdistance her pretty easily. But how far, how long? He'd have to turn and fight eventually, and he'd be tired. He'd never make it all the way to the tower, and those bums probably haven't even gotten out of their sleeping rolls yet - there's no way they'd be on the road already.
But if he got out of sight, there's no way she'd find him in the brush... at least without her puppy. Rennik's heart warms as he smiles inwardly, gearing up for her attack.
"I hope you have more fight in you than your dog, she bitch. Not just... parlor tricks."
He shifts his weight to anticipate her attack (fight defensively, standard action) and swings hard at her midsection after she strikes at him.
(OOC: Well, let's throw some dice. :)
From: Ty
Subject: Alone in the jungle and something evil 3
"I hope you have more fight in you than your dog, she bitch. Not just... parlor tricks."
Rennik puts on a bold front, axe at the ready, trying to anticipate Elise's first move. She smiles at him and says, "A warning, halfling: your priest is falling under the shadow of Garesh. He has embraced dark gifts, and you cannot trust his words. I will not permit you to bring him to his master and, in so doing, grant them the world. Will you not turn him back, to save your people""
Rennik is still puzzling over her meaning when she leaps forward in a lighting fast charge. He raises his axe to defend against her first swing, and notices only too late that she is swinging AT his axe [Attack roll 30; defending roll 28; damage 10 (15 - 5), weapon sundered]. Her sword makes a strange thundering sound as it whips through the air, like a distant storm. It strikes the axe at its weakest point, the joint of the haft and blade, and shears through the wooden haft, tearing apart the bolts that hold it in the socket in the process. The head of the axe drops to the ground, leaving Rennik holding only the remnants of the wooden handle.
[stopping here, halfway through the round, so that Matt can give Rennik's next move. His planned next move was an axe attack, so he will need to do something else. Elise is in melee range, and at the end of a charge. Rennik is holding his axe handle, and the head (the actual magic part) is on the ground at his feet.]
Pelor's Judgment
Subject: Re: Alone in the dark
"I still think that is a mistake," Farron says. "You don't heal a viper and then send it back out to strike you again later.
"Still, if we can trust Cadfael's truth spell, he will be too busy taking the mage to be restored to trouble us in the immediate future."
After saying the above, more or less to the group as a whole, Farron faces Garyth directly. "Trials are a luxury of civilization, which we have seen all too little of lately. But have it your way now, though I hope we do not rue this decision later."
From: Dan
Subject: Re: Alone in the dark
Cadfael nods slowly. "Yes, it is for the Gods to judge him now, but I fear he will not care for the judgement they pass. The Blood God shows no mercy and no other god will show mercy to one who follows Blood. His path is set." The last comes out so hard that Cadfael himself seems surprised by it.
"I set him free now. Better this business be done with soon."
Cadfael goes over to Garth and moves to untie him, but pauses before he does. "We are leaving Garth, the lot of us. I will see to your wounds and leave a dagger beside you which you may use to cut yourself free while we leave. Forgive me my caution, I still do not trust you."
Assuming nobody leaps to stop him, Cadfael will cast Cure Medium Wounds on him (gotta give him a sporting chance), draw his dagger and leave it by his side and then walk out the door.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Alone in the dark
Farron grab his things and follow Cadfael out the door.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Alone in the dark
Sa'id, who has been cleaning up the corpse to the best of his ability in the interim, will follow suit.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Alone in the dark
OOC: Where we going when we walk out the door?
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Alone in the dark
OOC: Farron is following Cadfael since he is the only one who really seems to know what's going on.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: Alone in the dark
Cadfael is going to continue walking inland toward the mountain. Where are YOU going?
From: Dan
Subject: Re: Alone in the dark
OOC: I know what's going on? Isn't Garyth supposed to be the leader?
From: Dan
Subject: Re: Alone in the dark
OOC: I just don't want to be blamed when a swamp creatureTM jumps out of the bushes and starts eating people. :b After all, Ty said something cool was coming up and I think Ty's idea of cool includes swamp creatures eating people. Or just people getting eaten in general.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Alone in the dark
(OOC - Well, Farron, for the moment, feels safer being near Cadfael and his magic circles, and he has his own reasons for wanting to get the hell out of that tower. And at the moment, any direction is as good as another.
And I think you're right about Ty's idea of "cool". )
From: Ty
Subject: There's got to be a morning after; Judgements
Cadfael finishes speaking, then kneels down to look Garth in the eye, his face expressionless. Garth nods once, "Do as you will, holy man." Though his words are gruff, there is almost a look of gratitude on his battered face. Perhaps now he does regret his hasty vow.
No one will ever know for sure.
Cadfael begins his prayer, and his once again glow with warm sunlight. He reaches toward Garth's head, and suddenly the glow turns cold and dark. Garth begins to scream. It is a terrible sound, high pitched and drawn out far longer than should be possible on a single breath. As he screams, his skin begins to turn black and flake off. It is quickly followed by the muscle underneath, until bone and organ is visible amidst the ruin of his body. And still the scream drags on, until finally even his organs burst and wither. Then, mercifully, the scream ends. Where Garth sat, there is only a charred skeleton and sludge.
Cadfael stands up. He seems reluctant to face the party for a moment. When he does turn around, his face is grim. "It is clear the gods judged him for his evil deeds. Whether it was Pelor striking him down, or Mon Kada for failing in his vow, I do not know. But it matters little now. We have larger concerns. Let us go see to them." He then turns and walks out the door.
[Reactions to this and new actions outside the tower, please. Is someone going to try and find a trail east?]
From: Ty
Subject: oops!
I guess the mailing list IS working. :)
Sorry for the double post then.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: There's got to be a morning after; Judgements
Farron winces and covers his ears at the screaming. From the notes of pain and terror in the sound, simply killing Garth would surely have been more merciful. He wants to turn his head away from the horror, but somehow he cannot tear his eyes away from the burning, charring gore. The echo of the screams dies from the tower walls, but they continue ringing in his ears for what feels like some minutes after it is clear there are no organs left to produce such a sound.
Finally able to tear his eyes from the hideous remains, Farron turns to the wall and presses his forehead to the blessedly cool stone as he regains his composure. After some minutes, he gathers his things and quietly exits the tower after Cadfael and the others.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: There's got to be a morning after; Judgements
Cadfael stands facing west, the sun at his back glints off the few clean spots on his armour and casts a long shadow before him. There is an obvious effort behind keeping his face still but for the most part he seems to be unmoved and untroubled by what just transpired.
"It has been long enough, there will be no weeping for a man who traded salvation for vengeance. We go East."
"Rennik is gone and the trail has gone with him, we have no path to follow but that which we carve ourselves. Perhaps, if we cannot find Elise, she will find us."
From: Scott
Subject: Re: There's got to be a morning after; Judgements
"Well," Mission says, choking a bit, "that's one body I won't have to burn."
He then promptly vomits onto the floor of the tower.
When finished, he gathers up Garth's pike. He doesn't know how to use it-- but such a weapon shouldn't be laying out for just anyone to find it. Perhaps Garyth will want it.
Mission joins the group outside the tower. "I'll have to stay on Pelor's good side. Something to remember. Who is this Mon Kada, and what exactly does your god have against him, Cadfael?"
From: Scott
Subject: Re: There's got to be a morning after; Judgements
Mission will hold onto the potions of healing; he'll give the Alchemist's fire to the mages.
Sa'id's Reaction
Subject: Re: There's got to be a morning after; Judgements
By 'holds onto the potions of healing,' I really mean, 'gives two to Garyth.'
From: Raja
Subject: Re: There's got to be a morning after; Judgements
Sa'id flinches as he watches Garth burn, but like Farron he can't bring himself to look away. As he exits the tower, he glances up at the sky warily as though fearful that Pelor will burn him to a crisp as well.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: There's got to be a morning after; Judgements
OOC: I'm still computerless, so my messages will remain infrequent and mostly short for the next week or two. I'll still be checking once a day, though.
Cadfael and Garyth, Heading Out
Subject: Re: There's got to be a morning after; Judgements
Garyth watches in horror as the big warrior dies in agony. He flinches slightly as the scream ends, the sudden silence as palpable as a blow to the face. He is clearly shaken, as he remains staring at the charred skeleton after the rest have walked away. He shivers, then looks around and realizes he is alone. He turns and quickly leaves the tower.
As he exits, Garyth looks around and, spotting Cadfael, hurries over to him. "What happened in there? What magic were you putting on that man?"
From: Ty
Subject: Re: There's got to be a morning after; Judgements
I am going to stay out of this and let you guys play it out until you send me a plan for what you are going to do next, or you ask direct DM questions.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: There's got to be a morning after; Judgements
OOC - Excuse the old address. My Yahoo one seems to want to put all of this in one line and I don't feel like convincing it not to.
"Mon Kada is the god of blood and vengeance. An oath of blood demands blood. Garth's would serve as well as ours, the promise was fulfilled. The Blood God does not take such oaths lightly; any oath made just be fulfilled and fulfilled soon. Do not be so quick to assume that it was Pelor that struck him down."
"That said, even the small sins committed by otherwise good men can cause Pelor's blessed touch to burn even while it heals. You can all attest to that. Can you not believe that the same fire that purifies can also destroy? Garth was vile; the fact that he considered such an oath proved that. The line between health and harm is a fine one. Keep the faith in these dark lands, brothers, lest you be judged yourselves."
"I believe He got no more than he deserved. Twice he sought to strike us down. The first on a mortal scale and he received a mortal's justice -- our justice. He brought the Gods into it, not I. He invoked the power of his God and I invoked mine. Garth received nothing more than he asked for."
Through it all Cadfael's voice has the hard edge that has become characteristic when he speaks of such things, although it is somehow distant as well. It's as though he is thinking things through aloud and talking to himself as much as he his talking to the rest of you.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: There's got to be a morning after; Judgements
Garyth frowns. It seems as though the cleric is being evasive. Bah, this is madness. Cadfael has shown himself to be a worthy companion; he has risked life and limb by going on this mission to protect Overlook. No less important, he has done much to protect the party. Shouldn't he get the benefit of the doubt? And yet, Garyth cannot rid himself of this one nagging doubt. He has to know for sure. Keeping his gaze on Cadfael, he says, "You have not answered my question, brother. What spell did you cast upon him? Did you seek this result?"
From: Dan
Subject: Re: There's got to be a morning after; Judgements
Cadfael stiffens as though slapped. He looks directly at Garyth as he speaks, his voice too soft and too calm.
"What are you accusing me of, Garyth? Do you seek to lay this man's death on my shoulders so you can sleep easier? Content that you had no part in the blood that was spilled? Is this the peace that came to you while we slept? How easy for you. Save your judgements for yourself, I'll not suffer them."
Even as the words spill out of him you can see the shame at them welling up in Cadfael's eyes. After a somewhat awkward pause he continues, in a somewhat gentler tone.
"Do not think I take this lightly Garyth. I reached out to him and sought to make him whole and through me came a terrible, cold fire." He raises his hands and looks helplessly at Garyth, "I could not let go, no matter what I wanted. Though it was not my intent I felt him die in a way you cannot imagine..."
"Sometimes the Gods make harsh judgement of men but it is not for you or I to question them. I do not know the man Garth was nor what was in his heart, but I trust that Pelor saw true and Garth's fate was well deserved. Still, I do not wish to linger her."
From: Mike
Subject: Re: There's got to be a morning after; Judgements
Garyth lowers his eyes, unable to meet Cadfael's gaze. At a time like this a good leader would be bringing the group together, not sowing the seeds of discord. Garyth silently curses himself for doubting his companions.
When Cadfael has finished, there is a long, uncomfortable pause. Garyth looks up, searching the priest's face. He sees the pain there. A good leader would know what to say, but the words simply don't come. Finally, he looks away, clearing his throat.
"Can anyone see any sign of where Rennik may have gone?"
From: Ty
Subject: Re: There's got to be a morning after; Judgements
Does Garyth go looking for sign?
From: Mike
Subject: Re: There's got to be a morning after; Judgements
Yes.
I guess that would read something like: "Before anyone can answer, Garyth decides to take the initiative--like a good leader would--and look for himself."
From: Ty
Subject: There's got to be a morning after; Back on the path
Garyth does not wait for an answer to his question. He moves over to the eastern edge of the tower clearing, and begins searching. It does not take long. There is only one path through the jungle to the east, and it is well worn from frequent travel. Unless Rennik forged off through the jungle making his own path, he must have traveled this way.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: There's got to be a morning after; Back on the path
Garyth relays his findings to the group.
"We should start after him." He's clearly trying to get himself back on track, but just as clearly failing. The strain of the past night's events are heavy in his voice, but he presses on. "Rennik has a night's lead on us, but hopefully we can catch up to him. Hopefully he'll realize that he needs our help as much as we need his."
As quickly as he can, Garyth gathers his gear. He takes a step toward the path, then turns. "Shall we?"
From: Raja
Subject: Re: There's got to be a morning after; Back on the path
Sa'id watches the verbal altercation without comment, though he finds it difficult not to voice his support for Garyth. Cadfael should have been more forthcoming from the start, whatever his emotional state. They were all on edge after witnessing Garth's horrific death.
Garyth waits by the path. Sa'id speaks quickly while walking toward Garyth:
"As much I would like to take some time to mask any evidence that we were here, we should move as quickly as possible." Sa'id checks himself over to ensure that he has all of his gear with him. "I am ready, then, inshalla."
From: Scott
Subject: Re: There's got to be a morning after; Back on the path
Mission makes sure to gather his crossbow and staff and pack. Mundane things. How odd to put his collection of gear on, take up his walnut staff, check the drawstring to his crossbow, count the bolts in the quiver, while Garth lay smoldering in the tower there.
He steps carefully around Garyth and Cadfael.
We're seperating. Only the mages have anything in common, only the mages are. . . bonded. Something to admire in everyone, Mission supposes.
Could he continue protecting everyone? As he stretches, running swiftly through Foam-on-Wave and Loon-lights-on-Rapids, Mission once again contemplates striking out on his own.
No. Not him. Stay with the group, stay alive.
For now. Until. . .
Mission taps his staff on the ground. "We should get a move on. Eastward, come Rennick or Leggy Dame."
OOC: How's this for a line up?
Mission (scouting)
Garyth
Sa'id
Farron
Cadfael
From: Mike
Subject: Re: There's got to be a morning after; Back on the path
OOC: Garyth approves of that marching order.
Some Feet In Some Mouths, Rennik Returns
Subject: Re: There's got to be a morning after; Back on the path
Mission says, "I don't know much of your God, Cadfael. Or Gods. Whatever. But I find it disturbing that your Pelor would work through you to kill a man, without your knowlege, when your intent was to heal him.
"And if it was Mon Kada's doing. . . how could this Blood God work through you, a priest of the sun god? Don't the gods have some. . .arrangement or something that prevents one god from working through another god's priest?
"I don't mean to insult you, or the gods you worship. And maybe my ignorance of the gods is at fault, because you've certainly shown your valor and worthiness. At this point though, it isn't you I mistrust-- it's Pelor."
He catches his tongue for a moment between his teeth. And here he had thought that he meant to pull the group together.
Good intentions. . .
From: Karl
Subject: Re: There's got to be a morning after; Back on the path
Farron listens absently to the conversation, feeling a little shame that Garth's death seems to him more of a lucky turn of events than a horrible tragedy. Moments ago he was worried that the group was going to decide to let him go, and worse that they might decide he should be given the mage's valuables to trade for the mage's resurrection. Now there is no one left to contest his claim of . . .well. . ."salvage rights" one might say.
He sees the group forming up and heading once again on the well traveled path eastward and wordlessly falls into place near Sa'id.
After all, Farron thinks to himself, what good is leaving valuable material behind to rot? Better they be put to use than lost to the jungle. And far better that they be put to my -- er, *our* uses than that they benefit the next group of dark pilgrims to rest at the tower. And it's not like he wasn't willing to share, right? The only reason all the goods came to him was because Sa'id, the only other person who could make use of them, didn't want a share, right? He only lucked into this bounty, right?
As if, perhaps to prove this to himself, he moves closer to Sa'id and says softly, "You're welcome to any of the mage's components that you can use. I know you said you don't want them, but . . . well . . . if you change your mind." Farron gives a small smile and hopes that the sincerity he really does intend is able to squash the nagging "please say 'no', please say 'no'" that squirms like a spoiled child in the back on his head.
Farron shakes off his doubts about salvage versus plunder, and practicality versus greed and tries to concentrate on the path ahead.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: There's got to be a morning after; Back on the path
"Precisely why I prefer magery to priesthood," Farron whispers to Sa'id with a surreptitious wink. "Magic is a tricky enough medium without having to worry about the whims of gods to boot." He remembers Garth and under his breath adds a quick "No offense" to any gods who might be listening.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: There's got to be a morning after; Back on the path
Cadfael follows Garyth's lead into the woods, the last man to leave the base of the tower. He walks silently besides Mission for a spell, the monk clearly having something to say before working his way to the front of the party to scout ahead.
He shakes his head at Mission's words and does not hesitate to plunge into an explanation.
"It is not so cruel as you make it sound, Brother, if indeed Pelor judged this man to die. The same fires that heal your wounds burn a being of true evil; it is simply the way of things. There are few more evil than The God of Vengeance and by making that pact Garth forged a connection with him. Pelor's blessed flames consumed him for it. It would be the same if I tried to heal Annilith, Mission, she too is simply too far gone."
There is a pause there as Cadfael realizes that he has tread into grounds where he has no right to be. Quickly he plunges on, hoping he has not brought up wounds both old and new.
"It may well have Mon Kada, I do not know. When Garth accepted my healing he have, at that moment, decided he did wish to kill us. In his heart he broke his oath and The Blood God struck him down for it."
"But you must not fear Pelor, Brother. You and the others are good men and he would see you live through this quest. To refuse his aid would be folly."
He says the last while squeezing Mission's arm, trying to regain some of the friendship the party once felt.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: There's got to be a morning after; Back on the path
Garth had had Cadfael's confidence once, too.
Mission nods at Cadfael, "The Path is not straight, nor is it soft. Hard as stone, hot as blood. . . and all that." Mission winks at the cleric. "I'd better get to my scouting."
From: Scott
Subject: Re: There's got to be a morning after; Back on the path
Did anyone else realize that sakeriver has a supplement to our adventures? Apparently involving Rennick and Elise?
Can we read this? Or do we need to stay ignorant of the halfling's adventures with Leggy Dame?
And Ty, what was the decision on experience?
Have we levelled yet?
:hankering for Improved Trip:
From: Ty
Subject: Re: There's got to be a morning after; Back on the path
Actually, it's fine if you read it. Just don't let it sneak into your RP of course.
I went ahead and gave full experience to the party. I have some tentative experience penalties lined up for a few players based on what I consider moving grossly out of alignment. However, those are going to stay tentative for a while, and see how this all plays out.
As always, good RP can overcome such things. I want people to have a chance to work this out on their own before I start penalizing them.
On that note, most of the players are about 600xp from the next level.
From: Ty
Subject: fleeing the battle
[Never mind. I am just going to do it this way. DM's prerogative and all that. :)]
With the loss of both his weapons, and faced with a clearly superior foe, Rennik's Ranger trained practicality begins to win out over his Barbarian rage. There is nothing he can do here other than die on the point of this woman's sword. Though it tears his soul to do it, he leaves his axe head lying where it fell, and begins to retreat backwards as rapidly as he can without giving the knight an easy strike at him [double move to escape the fight].
Elise takes a step forward when he begins to move, but stops quickly. As he backs out of view, into the thick brush, she lifts the visor of her helmet and gives him a smile that cuts his pride like a knife. "Now we see the true nature of halfling courage. I told you I would give you a chance to test your boasts to me. The next time I see you, you will die." She begins to walk away, then says over her shoulder, "Remember what I said about the cleric."
With that, Rennik has moved far enough into the brush to be unseen. When he does not hear the sounds of pursuit, he stops, hoping to go back and recover his axe once Elise has gone. After a short moment, there is another sound like a thunderclap. He waits a few more moments to be sure, and when he comes out of the jungle she is gone. He collects the remains of his weapons, and begins walking back down the path toward the tower.
From: Ty
Subject: Back on the path; meetings
The party, now without Rennik to lead them through the brush, moves clumsily along the trail. Fortunately, the trail itself is easy to follow, as it has been pretty much the entire trip east.
Mission moves quietly along at the front, keeping his keen eyes open for trouble. However, once the party moves into the jungle proper, the visibility drops to less than 20 feet, and everything seems to be moving all the time. It would be very easy to be ambushed here.
Garyth follows behind him, keeping the stealthy Monk always in his sight. His mind churning with the events of the last few days. The moral code that had seemed so right and so logical when he was in town is breaking down out here in the wilds. No, that is all the more reason to keep to it tightly. I can't lose who I am just because the road becomes difficult.
The mages travel together in the middle, talking occasionally in quiet voices. The more killing the group has seen, the more distant and distracted Sa'id has become. Though, it seems to have had the opposite affect on Farron. His face has taken on a cold cheerfulness that is almost frightening when one remembers the events of last few days.
Cadfael brings up the rear. His face is flat, and his mood unreadable. Though, for the very first time, he does not travel with his Pelor adorned shield on his left arm. It is slung across his back as a fighter would carry it.
The party has gone only a few moments into the brush when there is a sound like a distant thunderclap from the east. Mission holds up a hand, and the party stops. "What was that?" he says while looking back at the party.
Everyone shrugs, though Sa'id does say, "It rains here quite a bit. A storm coming perhaps?"
Almost as soon as the words are out of his mouth, there comes a cry from the east, and then the sounds of a short fight. The party begins running east as soon as they hear the cry, but have no idea how far away it is. A few moments later, there is another sound like thunder, only this time much closer.
The group slows down, Mission being greatly concerned about the possibility of ambush. A small figure moves out of the jungle and begins walking toward them down the path. Garyth quickly moves to draw his sword, but Mission places a hand on his arm and says, "It's Rennik."
It is indeed Rennik, though his face is terrible to behold. It is twisted with rage, and hate, but these things do not surprise his companions. They have seen how easily the halfling is brought to anger. What is shocking is the despair in his eyes. He looks lost and frightened, and they have never seen him that way. In his hands, he clutches the broken remains of his bow and his axe.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: There's got to be a morning after; Judgements
OOC: I'll reply to Karl's earlier messages as well as Ty's most recent one (regarding Rennik) now.
> "You're welcome to any of the mage's components that you can use. I
> know you said you don't want them, but . . . well . . . if you change your
> mind." (Farron)
"No, thank you," Sa'id replies quietly. "I believe I cannot use most of those items either way. The school of divination is altogether incomprehensible to me." Sa'id notices the glimmer of relief in Farron's eyes, but does not comment.
> "Precisely why I prefer magery to priesthood," Farron whispers to Sa'id with
> a surreptitious wink. "Magic is a tricky enough medium without having to
> worry about the whims of gods to boot." He remembers Garth and under his
> breath adds a quick "No offense" to any gods who might be listening. (Farron)
"Indeed the gods are fickle," Sa'id replies. "Sometimes they grant boons, but other times-" he stops himself. There is a faint hint of something -- disgust, disdain, anger, it's hard to tell which -- in his voice whenever he speaks of the gods. Again, Sa'id glances upward at the treetops toward the almost invisible sky, mentally daring Pelor to prove him wrong.
However, Sa'id is gladdened by the openness and honesty of both Garyth and Mission's questioning of Cadfael, as well as by the priest's straightforward replies. It mitigates somewhat the remnants of last night's furious frustration with his companions' frequent idiocy. Garyth is trying, he thinks to himself. Though he is not the best or the brightest, his role is not one I could fill -- if only because Mission and Cadfael would be unlikely to listen to me.
Sa'id looks up at the words "it is Rennik." He stops in his tracks, taken aback by the abject despair in the halfling's eyes. Realizing that others in the group are likely to call out to the halfling, and not wanting to start a chorus of "Rennik!" he holds his tongue. He will wait for Rennik to speak, and if Cadfael wants to get past him to Rennik, he will move aside.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Back on the path; meetings
Garyth's hand drops from his sword hilt almost as quickly as his jaw drops when he sees the look on Rennik's face. It's almost too much to handle.
"Rennik!" He sees the broken axe in the halfling's hands. "What... What happened?"
From: Matt
Subject: Re: Back on the path; meetings
[Editor's Note: Due to a problem with my webmail client, I had to reconstruct some of the punctuation. Some of it may be a bit different from the original.]
Rennik looks small. For once his stature and composure, his supreme confidence, is gone, and he truly looks his size. He is like a child who has watched his parents murdered before his eyes, who can do nothing but stagger forward.
His face is lined with anger, hatred, spite ... but also anguish. This anger is aimed inward, and his silent plod forward along the path holds not even a shadow of his former swagger. Even with the party in sight, his eyes scan the wilderness, like a beaten animal wary of the shadows.
At Garyth's question, he looks up, his eyes both ancient and childlike at once, almost gazing through the fighter at some nothingness beyond. His jaw is set, and his eyes wander over the group. Registering in his mind as no surprise, the men from the tower are nowhere to be seen. The fools likely released them, or let their guards down long enough for them to escape with their friend ... with a sardonic internal laugh, he realizes that none of them are dead, so they likely learned nothing from the experience.
He is not dead ... at least he breathes, and walks, and has no physical wound. But much of Rennik is gone, the core has cracked and has lost its balance, leaving a man both more human and more beast, both sad and cagey.
Rennik looks wearily into Garyth's eyes and begins to speak, almost with a measured detachment. It is almost as though he's relating a dream, or some vivid event from his distanct past.
"There was a crack, almost like thunder, but different. Like when the witch disappeared from the inn. I spun around, notching an arrow, and found teeth.
"There was a hell hound, where before there had been nothing. I pulled back out of its range, but it lunged. And that is when I saw her." Rennik stops, unable to speak through clenched jaw. His eyes narrow and look downward, as though the intensity of them alone could wound Garyth if leveled at him. "The she bitch, with the red hair. The one from the farm. She pointed... and then this." He holds up the remains of what had been his finely crafted shortbow.
"I reached for my axe and spun on the hound, cleaving its head, but when I turned she had closed the distance." He pauses and looks down at what remains of his axe. He holds only the metal head, broken away from the haft, with the clamps and steel bolts bent and stripped. "I meant to deflect her sword, but she hit what her mark."
His jaw clenches again, and his breathing becomes rapid and heavy, air rushing in and out through flared nostrils. His words come faster, as if he's arguing with himself.
"She would have taken me apart, piece by piece, so I fled, leaving the axe, the bow... I doubled back through the jungle for them. There was another crack, and she was gone. No tracks, no trail... disappeared just as she came. I don't think she wished to fight, though, or I would have suffered the fate of my weapon. She wished to talk..."
He turns to Cadfael with a dark glare, and a low growl barely audible only to Garyth.
"...about our dear Brother Cadfael, who knows *far* more than he's telling."
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Back on the path; meetings
Startled, Garyth glances up at Cadfael, then back to Rennik. What on earth could that mean? Before he knows it, words are tumbling out of his mouth.
"What are you talking abou..."
Garyth catches himself before he says more, and realizes, with relief, that he has spoken softly. Perhaps Cadfael didn't hear. But wait, why shouldn't Cadfael hear? He's a good man, and one who's been through much lately that Garyth wouldn't wish on anyone.
But obviously Rennik has something to say. Garyth keeps his voice low. "I think you had better explain," he says.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: Back on the path; meetings
Rennik stares at Cadfael coldly, with none of the fiery malice he normally throws around with abandon.
"The she bitch could have killed me easily. As easily as crushing a fly. But she did not. She attacked only my weapons, and spoke of you."
"I did not listen to her poison words, and fled. But you are on the minds of our enemies. So much that they would send the she bitch to speak ill of you - not to kill me, but to speak of you. You know more than you tell."
He turns from Cadfael to Sa'id, his tone calming.
"There is a pillar, small and made of black volcanic rock. It bears a map, which you must see. You may be able to interpret it where I could not." He again looks to the rest of the group. "From what I did understand, there was a great city here once. A city of halflings, dominant on this island and spread across what is now jungle. The map has many streets and inscriptions in a tongue I can only guess is ancient halfling, but one thing was certain...
"... at the base of the mountain, there was one distinguishing feature. A temple - the only building depicted on the entire map. The focus of the city. Possibly where we are now headed. A temple that might open into the mountain itself. Of all the unreadable marks, there was one that was very clear. The symbol Cadfael bears on his shield is exactly the same as the symbol on the temple."
He pauses, clenching his teeth and taking a few breaths before continuing, again talking with Cadfael.
"You have more business here than you have told us. Your brethren were here in ancient times. What evil did they awake? What dark forces now inhabit that temple? What horrible fate did they inflict upon my ancestors?"
"This history is ancient, forgotten by my people. But you shuddered at the mention of the Black Pillar. Your face grows more troubled the closer we get to the mountain. Our enemies try to turn me against you."
"You know this place. Its history. The fate of my people."
"You know where we tread, and what awaits us."
"Tell us what you know, before your silence kills us all..."
He adds after a controlled breath, "...as it did my ancestors."
General Unease, No Help For Rennik
Subject: Re: Back on the path; meetings
Mission will let Garyth and Rennick and Cadfael murmur and talk-- he will continue scouting the jungle.
He will not move more than 20 feet out from the party, and will be moving silently as possible.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Back on the path; meetings
Farron listens to this exchange with growing unease. Why can this group not work together. He has never been in a situation before where he depended so much on people he felt so unable to trust completely. Everyone seems to have hidden agendas and ulterior motives. And for all Rennik's claims that he doesn't need the rest of the group, it looks like he has been shown otherwise.
Farron will look closely at both of the halfling's weapons, trying to see if a "mend" spell would be of any use at all on either of them.
When the halfling mentions maps and strange writings, Farron resolves to amend his spell list as soon as they can make camp so he will have those spells on hand if necessary.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Back on the path; meetings
The weapons are far too badly damaged to be repaired by a Mend spell. They can only be truly repaired by someone with the tools and skills to craft weapons.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Back on the path; meetings
On one of his passes by the group, Mission will offer the halberd he took off Garth to Rennick.
"It isn't your axe," he says, apologetically, "but in a pinch. . ."
Cadfael's Response, The Get-Along Gang, Cancer, The Obsidian Obelisk
Subject: Re: Back on the path; meetings
Farron notice this with regret that he cannot aid the halfling, who is clearly in a state of near despair.
(OOC- Ty, how far are we from the site of Rennik's encounter? How far have we traveled? What time of day is it? Etc.)
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Back on the path; meetings
It is still early morning. You would need to ask Rennik how far you are from his encounter. You are unsure how far you have traveled. It is difficult to tell in the heavy jungle, and none of the five of you have much in the way of wilderness skills.
From: Ty
Subject: is dan ok?
Twinky, was Dan murdered?
From: Scott
Subject: Re: is dan ok?
OOC:
He's a-scared o' the hurtin' we's about to lay on him.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Back on the path; meetings
Farron asks Rennik, "How far away was this encounter? And how far are we from the monument you spoke of?"
From: Dan
Subject: Re: Back on the path; meetings
Dan has been in and out of meetings and the lab since yesterday afternoon and hasn't had more than 5 minutes at a time to sit down and write a response. I'm done collecting my data now though and just have to prepare my report for tomorrow. I'll be writing something this afternoon (after I've had something to eat).
Nice to know you're all concerned ;)
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Back on the path; meetings
Pfft. I'm writing and sending THIS e-mail from class! So there!
Oh, and I've bought a new computer. What have YOU done, Dan? Hm?
*chirp chirp*
Yeah, I thought so.
:)
(I'll be set up with the new machine early next week when the monitor I ordered arrives.)
From: Dan
Subject: Suck it, RJ!
Stop pressuring me! I'm only human! You can't squeeze blood from a stone!
Oh, and Doakester, my old moniter is in the basement at the back. It's in a large cardboard box. I know it's now LCD and you probably don't want to sully your uber-machine with it but hey, it's there should you want it.
*scurries away*
From: Dan
Subject: Re: Back on the path; meetings
When Rennik first appears from the bushes Cadfael holds his place in the back of the party keeping half an eye on the trail behind him. He has not forgotten the last time he let his guard down in the wilderness and has no intentions of being hauled around like a sack of potatoes again. He does, however, note Rennik and Garyth's pointed glances in his direction and decides he must be wanted. Still making an effort to be quiet he winds up standing beside Garyth as Rennik begins speaking of Lady Elise's purpose and continues on into his story of the monolith and the Halfling city.
As he finishes Cadfael stands looking completely and utterly dumbfounded.
"Rennik, Garyth, I swear to you both that know nothing of what lies ahead of us. Nothing beyond what we have learned since setting out toward the mountain. We have been through much together, the lot of us. Look around you, my face is not the only one to have grown hard and troubled since leaving Overlook."
He takes a moment and frowns slightly, thinking hard, trying to recall anything that may be of use. Finally sighing he shrugs his shoulders and carries on.
"I do not know why Lady Elise would speak of me; I was not with you when you encountered her at the farm and I've known no one of that name or description in my time. I do not even know how she would know that I traveled with you."
"As to your ancestors Rennik, until I met you I'd only heard tales of the Halflings that live in these woods but I have heard enough to know that few, if any, worship The Sun God. Surely if there was a temple in his honour at the base of the mountain I would have heard tell of it at *some* point. Are you certain you read the rune correctly? Take a closer look at Pelor's Grace on my shield, were the two suns the same?"
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Back on the path; meetings
[This is another one of those times where I will wait for everyone to check in with a "this is what I do". Let me know when you are ready to move on.]
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Back on the path; meetings
Farron listens to this exchange with interest, but has nothing to add at this point.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: Back on the path; meetings
Rennik stares hard, but wearily at Cadfael.
"The she bitch wished to turn me against you. In fact, her desire for me to hate you holds back my anger and frustration toward you and your sun god. She fears you. She wants me to work against you. You are important to her, and to our enemies."
His expression calms somewhat, more to mental fatigue than actual emotional ease.
"And it ties closely to your god, and my ancestors, I am sure. The symbols are the same, and the language was definitely an ancient form of halfling. Come, it is not far."
He walks with them along the path they had already been following, continuing to speak.
"This land was once a city of halflings, and that map is as ancient as the city itself, I am sure. There was a temple to your god, the one building of importance, and it is at the base of the mountain which now houses the darkest evil."
"I think your brethren, my ancestors, did something they shouldn't have, or bound some darkness here. Its evil poisoned the city and drove my ancestors away, to form tribes in the forests. It seems as though humans have discovered this evil, and it spreads through them."
"Somehow, you are the key to this. The gods are at work, and you are under their gaze. I still believe you know more than you tell, and that the priest scholars of your god could answer many of our questions. Hopefully, friend Sa'id can interpret something from the halfling text that I could not."
As they come to a bend in the path, he points into the bushes to the carcass of the hellhound, and explains where he was resting, where Elise emerged from, and the dynamics of the fight.
(OOC: I figure we can pause here if anyone wants to see anything, or move on. It's only another five minute walk or so to the pillar/map)
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Back on the path; meetings
Garyth had searched Cadfael's face as he responded to Rennik's question. He had seen no sign of deception, and so when Rennik seems to accept the priest's words, Garyth finds himself letting out a breath he hadn't known he had been holding.
When they reach the site of Rennik's battle, Garyth whistles, impressed.
"That was a mighty blow, Rennik." Seeing the splintered remains of the axe's handle on the ground, he shakes his head in disbelief. He unslings his bow and offers it to the halfling. "It's not the same as yours was, but it has a good pull, and you are a much better shot than I."
From: Matt
Subject: Re: Back on the path; meetings
Rennik's eyes widen noticeably as he gently takes the bow from Garyth's hands and feels the weight.
"I do not know what to say. This is a fine weapon, and I will try to give it honor. Thank you, friend Garyth, to allow me to borrow it."
He grabs the fighter's right forearm in a strong grip in a form of handshake, and his face shows the first sign of confidence since he returned to the group.
"I must also thank friend Mission for the gift of this halberd. It seems to have some added properties, from Garyth's wound - is there any way to discover what it did? To use it, though, I must shorten the haft, which would..." he pauses, his brow furrowing with memory.
"... just what happened to its owner? And the thieves?"
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Back on the path; meetings
Garyth grins and returns the handshake, but at the mention of the halbardier his smile fades. Grimly, he recounts the details of the warrior's gruesome death.
"I wouldn't have wished that end on anyone, though I can only hope that it was well-deserved for his oath... As for the thieves... They got away." He looks embarassed.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: Back on the path; meetings
Rennik furrows his brow a bit in puzzlement.
"Just how did two thieves, with no weapons, held under guard in a stone tower with only one entrance, by five well armed men, 'get away' exactly?"
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Back on the path; meetings
Garyth coughs and shuffles his feet. He explains the thieves' escape, leaving out no details and certainly not sparing himself. The whole time he does not meet Rennik's gaze. By the time he is finished the look on his face resembles a prisoner awaiting his own execution.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: Back on the path; meetings
Rennik's eyes widen with the telling, staring from Garyth to the rest of the group and back in disbelief. At last, a toothy smile creeps across his face, accompanied by a slight chuckle.
"It seems you fare as well without me as I fare without you!"
He reaches up to grab Garyth by the armor on his shoulder and gives him a friendly shake.
"Just maybe the cowards will be foolish enough to seek revenge! Then I can do what should have been done in the first place!"
At Garyth's pained expression, he smiles and adds, "invite them to tea and biscuits, of course!" A quick elbow to the ribs adds punctuation to the joke, and Rennik grins like a child who just received a christmas gift. "Just maybe they'll be interested in an archery demonstration with this fine bow while they eat!"
With more seriousness, he continues. "If they run to masters in the mountain, they will tell of dissention in our ranks, of my running off, and of ineptitude... which is to our advantage. There is no more dissention, though they will suspect it. I have returned, but they do not know that. And of the ineptitude... well, maybe they're on to something..."
"... just to be safe, I'll take first watch tonight. We don't want the thieves sneaking back, after all..."
A half-grin, half-smirk returns as he points ahead. "The map is in the clearing just ahead."
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Back on the path; meetings
Garyth looks startled for a moment, but soon a sheepish grin grows on his face. He bows and gestures down the path. "After you, sir."
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Back on the path; meetings
If this niceness goes on much longer, I'm giving one of you cancer. :)
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Back on the path; meetings
Heh. How about this, then:
Garyth falls to his knees beside Rennik's bed. The disease has taken its toll on the halfling; he looks so small and helpless. It's more than Garyth can bear. Before he can help it the tears are streaming down his face. He clutches Rennik's hand, bawling like a hurt child. "Don't die, damn it! Please! We need you!"
:p
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Back on the path; meetings
Hahahahahaha!
That's very good. Now if only Barbara Streisand would agree to direct!
From: Matt
Subject: Re: Back on the path; meetings
Rennik coughs up blood on Garyth, then kindly asks him to empty his colostomy bag.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Back on the path; meetings
OOC: Direct? She's slated to play Garyth. . .
As Garyth and Rennick grow chummy, Mission grows warier by the moment. His muscles are taut and the hairs on the back of his neck prickle sharply.
And the closer they get to the temple, the more anxious he becomes.
It's more than the idea of walking into a den of stinking evil. . . although that certainly played a big part of it. Anileth and Promise were here. His redemption and his child. Months of searching at an end.
Cadfael clanked and rattled behind him. Not holding his shield before him. Not showing Pelor's symbol. Why did that bother Mission so much?
Mission will keep a close eye on Cadfael and Rennick, but will go along quietly with the rest of the group.
Quiet, quiet.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Back on the path; meetings
"Of course I will try to decipher as much of the writing as I can. I am familiar with your language, and if the ancient dialect does not differ too much I may be able to hazard a translation."
Sa'id smiles at the banter between Garyth and Rennik. The party's mood seems to have thawed, at least for the time being. Some trust is being developed, which will improve their chances against whatever they are to face next. And Sa'id has to admit that he's glad to see Rennik acting more like himself. Mission seems like he might be somewhat ill at ease, but the monk is hard to read. Of course, Sa'id reminds himself, Mission is far more tied up in this than any of the others, even Rennik. He didn't doubt that they would see Anileth again. That thought damped his spirits somewhat...
Shaking his head to clear it, Sa'id follows Garyth, Rennik, and Mission deeper into the jungle.
From: Ty
Subject: Back on the path; ancient maps
Rennik takes his place at the front of the group, and bow in hand, leads the party down the trail. During the day, the jungle is still murky. The light that makes it past the thick upper layer of growth comes through a sickly color of green. Vines and creepers hang down from the branches and leave trails of slime on anything they touch. On the ground, thick tangles of ferns clutch at your feet, tripping the unwary. And in the warm damp breezes everything moves, constantly. It is very unnerving.
Only a quarter of an hour after finding Rennik, the party emerges into a small clearing in the trees that is little more than a wide spot in the path. In the center of this wide place stands the obelisk. It is half a foot taller than Rennik, and several feet thick at the base. It appears to be carved entirely from black obsidian, and the workmanship is excellent, especially when one considers its probable age.
On each side, the obelisk is covered in runes and regularly repeating lines. It is easy to see why Rennik called it a map. The placement of the lines and runes leave little doubt. The side of the map facing east shows markings of streets that go right up to the edge of the mountain. Though, if the scale is accurate, the city that once stood here must have been immense; fifty, even a hundred times the size of Nesalin.
Also on that side of the map, is the carving Rennik described. It is the only building actually drawn on the map, the rest being represented by the symbols. The building is lovingly carved in great detail, and must have been a place of great importance to be singled out in this way. And, as Rennik said, just above the building is a carving of the symbol of Pelor. No one in the party could mistake it for anything else. Cadfael even takes his shield off and holds it next to the obelisk for comparison. It is identical.
Sa'id does his best to read the symbols on the map, but it is impossible. Clearly each of them must mean something, but without any context, there is no way to translate. The symbols are similar to the characters used in modern Halfling, but there are significant differences as well. There is no sign of the elvish influence that is common in modern Halfling. Also, these symbols are clearly much closer to the pictograms the written language evolved from, though the first signs of stylized simplification are evident.
Sa'id gives Farron a look, and Farron nods. It will take magic to read this map.
The Map, Garyth the Competent
Subject: Re: Back on the path; ancient maps
"How necessary," Mission pauses. He'd been whispering. He clears his throat, and starts again, "How necessary is it to go throwing magic around? The map is readable-- and where else would a dark god and his followers be, but in a temple."
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Back on the path; meetings
ROTFL
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Back on the path; ancient maps
"So you want to do what? Just walk up to the temple and tumble through the door? Are you really that anxious to play pincushion again?" Farron interjects with a chuckle. "Personally, I think we need to proceed very carefully here. As well traveled at this path is, clearly there have been dozens, if not hundreds of people to come this way recently. I imagine they've also gone right up to the temple. The difference is that we're not exactly invited guests." He casts a quick involuntary glance toward Cadfael before continuing.
"We need to find out as much as we can and right now this monument seems to be the best place to start. Wouldn't you feel a little foolish walking blind into the middle of a hundred dark priests if it turned out one of these symbols means 'secret back door'?" Farron says this last with a wink and a grin to show he doesn't actually believe they'd be that lucky, but the point is still valid.
"I'm sure I can glean some more information, but I prepared more for a battle today than for research, so it will take me some time to prepare."
(OOC - Ty, is there any way to replenish a spell list other than take a full night's sleep? If I want to add just a spell or two can't I study an hour or two and then take a nap? :-D )
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Back on the path; ancient maps
Mission keeps his voice soft, but his anxiety is making him edgy. "Somehow, I doubt that this obelisk details the positions, numbers, religion, and boot-sizes of our enemy. Look at it-- it's a map, Farron. An ANCIENT map at that. Not a roster.
"But if you go throwing magic around, who's to say your legions of dark priests won't hear you?"
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Back on the path; ancient maps
"I never said it was a roster," Farron replies with a tinge of irritation. "I agree it looks like a map. I'm saying that since the only OBVIOUS feature on it is the temple (and I imagine if we follow the best worn path it will lead there), it might be a good idea for us to check out the features of the map that AREN'T so obvious.
"And as for being heard," he continues, "The leggy dame spoke of Cadfael, though he was not in our party when we met her. She saw Rennik retreat towards the tower. For what if not to get reinforcements? Do you really think they don't already know we're here?"
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Back on the path; ancient maps
"All the more reason to get moving," Mission says, and falls silent.
Ty: are there any buildings round about? Anything but jungle?
From: Raja
Subject: Maps in a mirror
"Mission," Sa'id interjects, "undead we encountered so far only seem sensitive to clerical magics." He pauses. "Your prudence is wise, but I'm not sure our course of action can be made clear without reading the map."
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Back on the path; ancient maps
"Ty: are there any buildings round about? Anything but jungle?"
No. No visible buildings. Though, this far into the jungle, a building could be 50 feet away and be invisible.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Maps in a mirror
"Cast away, then, Farron," Mission says, as if a dare.
Too much movement in the trees, too much cover for enemies. . . Mission looks around for some sort of shelter to escape to if they're attacked, anything more than greenery. . . and sees nothing.
Flesh be stone. "Well? Go ahead, mage."
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Maps in a mirror
"I did say I'd need some time to prepare," Farron says.
Unless something else comes up or someone stops him, Farron moves a little away from the group and sits near the base of the obelisk. He retrieves his spellbook and to all appearances quickly becomes lost in its pages, periodically closing his eyes and mumbling to himself in strange syllables. This goes on for about 15 minutes.
Farron walks to the obelisk. He has a pinch of a black powdery substance in one hand and what looks like a few grains of salt in the other. While mumbling a string of strange syllables, he grinds his palms together. As he pulls his hands apart, there is a small spark and a puff of smoke that rises from between his palms. Farron, eyes closed, leans forward as if inhaling the smoke. When he opens his eyes, they seem to have a very faint glow. Farron then walks over to the obelisk and puts one hand on each side of one face. He will study this face for a few minutes, then move to the next face until he has studied the entire obelisk.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Maps in a mirror
It is a map, and now that Farron can read it, it is hauntingly similar to any of the maps he has known. There are streets marked with names like 'Hassalo', 'Quickarrow', and 'Greenfallow'. Names that might mark a street in Nesalin.
Seeing the city as it exists now, utterly destroyed, swallowed by the jungle, the names of the buildings and places are heartbreakingly familiar. Places are marked as tanneries, pubs, hostels, market places, blacksmiths. The cultural level of the city is apparent from the large number of public buildings like libraries and schools. A large block called 'Hedgerow Park' marks the area near where the party stands now. Perhaps it had been a place to congregate after the work day; where children played and adults took picnics. Whatever it was when the city was alive, it is nothing but jungle now.
The temple around which the city grew is named simply "The House of God." The god is clearly Pelor, though what the denizens of this city called him is not known.
Farron searches more closely the area near where the party stands. A special mark seems to indicate the locations of these map obelisks. The path that continues on past the map goes almost due east. By looking at the map, Farron can see that the path follows very closely one of the streets that used to exist. At the end of that street is a mark for a building that catches his eye. It says simply, 'Public Sanitation.'
[Mike, I am sending this to you so you can archive it.]
From: Karl
Subject: The Map
Farron turns back to the group with a somewhat-less-than-excited look on his face. "Well, we were right. It's a map.
"Other than the sheer size of this city and the fact that it apparently had a very rich culture, there isn't much that helps our present situation. What we've correctly guessed as a temple is simply labeled 'The House of God', and it's pretty far away. I'd guess about 20 miles at least. The path we're on seems to be leading to a building marked 'Public Sanitation'. That building, or at least the spot where it stood, should be only a few hundred yards away," Farron concludes, looking at anyone but Mission, pointedly avoiding any I-told-you-so type looks he might see otherwise see from the monk.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: The Map
Cadfael follows slowly behind Sa'id, bringing up the rear of the party. He no longer scans the woods warily but is intently focused on the ground, completely lost in thought. It is not difficult to tell what thoughts must fill his head. Why does Elise want him? Why is he important? And most importantly, how is it that there came to be a temple dedicated to Pelor that the current priesthood knows nothing about?
He is deaf to the conversation around him and nearly bumps into the mages when they reach the clearing. His eyes narrow slightly at the site of the black pillar and he seems to hope that the symbol of the sun on his shield will differ from that on the pillar. It is hard not to notice his disappointment when they do not.
Restless, he paces the perimeter of the clearing while Farron memorizes a new spell, clenching and unclenching his left hand as if the fingers were stiff. Once Farron inhales the smoke and begins to read the stone Cadfael stops, secures his shield to his arm and hauls out his mace, resting it over his shoulder until Farron has finished.
"Well then, why waste the remains of Pelor's Daylight? Lead on Rennik, it seems there is only one road to take."
OOC: While we're all giving weapons to Mr. Breaks-his-toys, didn't Garyth give him that halfling's mace from the lodge? I believe it was too heavy for the panty-waist to carry so Rennik agreed to be his mule ;).
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Map
(OOC: C'mere and let me break some more toys... :glares: Actually, Rennik took an extra waterskin and Garyth held onto the mace. He used it as an offhand weapon against Garth, if I remember correctly.)
"One road, to public sanitation?" Rennik looks a little disappointed. "We've been walking all this way toward a shithouse?"
He doesn't know what he expected, but the map caused Rennik an emotional letdown. Sprawling rich civilization, a temple to the sun god... then an oversized outhouse. It seemed so anticlimactic.
He looks over the party, trying to gauge their readiness to delve deeper into the jungle. Garyth seemed as uncomfortable as ever with the mixed company and distance from civilization, but he continued to put on an air of authority and leadership. If he could get his head out of his ass a little, Rennik would be far less worried about him. Mission was as pensive as he had been since the inn, despite his efforts to seem calm and collected. Farron and Sa'id still hadn't fully grasped the danger everyone was in - not from their enemies, but from predators. And Cadfael seemed incredibly distracted, even moreso since they arrived at the map.
Rennik frowned at the suggestion to continue on in this state, but it seemed there was no other real option.
"We should continue on, but we must be more cautious.
"The halflings have lived in the forest for generations, living with its dangers and learning to adapt to them. The predators, though fierce, are manageable with knowledge and skill - and numbers. The jungle is avoided even by the hardiest of halfling tribes. Many die on their rights of passage, spending only a few nights within its boundaries - and these are seasoned woodsman, raised tracking wolves and giant cats."
"There is good reason to avoid this place. The woods are filled with unseen dangers. The swamp dragons are the worst, giant lizards with powerful jaws. They can sneak up on you or lie silently still in ambush. If we encounter one, stay back! Close combat would mean almost certain death, except for the very lucky. They have thick hides and are deceivingly fast - plus, their strength is enormous. They aren't malicious, only predatory, and if their prey seems too much effort, they are likely to back off."
His words are very serious, and his eyes dance from their faces to the woods as he speaks, caught by the constantly moving branches and changing light patterns.
"If one attacks, it would be best to attack from a distance, or perhaps to get up in one of the larger trees until the creature has passed on. But swamp dragons are not the only dangers, and I will have a difficult time just scouting the trail ahead. Keep your eyes open, weapons drawn, and close attention to our sides and back... and please, don't get me killed. I've already avoided that fate once today."
He smiles with that last, and then leads on down the trail once everyone is prepared.
(OOC: he'll wait til we're moving on, then just lead he way)
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Map
Garyth scratches his chin thoughtfully. "If a path still exists to the sanitation place, that means that people are still going there. It might be worth stopping to investigate." He shrugs. "It's in the same direction we're already going, so we wouldn't be losing any time."
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Map
Before they set out, Rennik takes a moment to gauge the his newly acquired halberd, feeling it for weight and balance. It is an extraordinarily well crafted weapon, but it is too long for him to wield. Giving it a careful examination, Rennik decides what would be an optimal length for him to trim the haft to. He wants leverage and power, but without the stick whacking the ground behind him and without it being blade-heavy.
He'll consult Garyth on the proper length, knowing the guardsman has some knowledge of weapons, then will take his handaxe from his pack, place the haft as though he were chopping a piece of firewood, and shorten the polearm. If the excess piece is long enough, he'll stow it in his pack to use as a makeshift axehandle later on. Also, if Garyth feels he can do a better job, Rennik'll turn the handaxe over - he doesn't want to screw the weapon up totally, just modify it a bit.
That done, he'll use a length of rope to secure the axe head to his belt, stow the halberd in the large leather flap sheath he uses for his axe, and proceed with bow drawn.
(OOC: I'm guessing none of the mages picked up on the subtle "boy it would be nice if someone could cast Identify on this" undertone of my previous email. :)
When they're ready to go, he'll remind them again of the dangers.
"We will likely be attacked often, but smaller predators looking for an easy meal. We are not known in the jungle, and we look like weak and stumbling prey. Hopefully the attacks will be light and easily turned off, but there is no way to know. Be alert."
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Map
OOC: Not sure this will help, but Garyth has 4 ranks in Weaponsmithing. But I don't know what kind of check, if any, Ty will be making for altering the halberd's handle.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Map
Actually, my plan was to take away the weapons magical bonus to hit, plus add an additional -2 for putting the weapon off balance. However, if Garyth can make a DC20 weaponsmithing roll when he trims the halberd shaft, I will reduce the penalty to -1.
Does that sound fair? It's the best he can do without proper tools.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Map
OOC: That sounds good to me.
From: Ty
Subject: Back on the path; garyth the competent
While Farron finishes looking over the map, Rennik places the halberd on a fallen tree and begins measuring the haft for shortening. He makes a mark, and takes out his handaxe, though he looks none to sure of his choice. Before he strikes he says, "Garyth. You know something of weapon smithing. Can you test the heft of this weapon? Does my mark seem true?"
Garyth seems surprised by the request for help from the independent halfling, but takes up the halberd anyway. After a few moments of putting it through its paces, he begins questioning Rennik on use. "I've noticed you swing from the back foot, so you will want a bit longer reach. Where do you usually place your grip? What face will you defend with?"
After a few moments consultation, Garyth rubs out Rennik's mark, and moves it a bit further down the handle. "This length should be truer to your style, though the weight of the head is wrong for it. It's balance will never really be true."
Rennik shakes his head, "Don't worry. That's still better than throwing rocks at my enemies."
He then takes the handaxe, and following Garyth's direction, makes his cut [Weaponsmithing roll 22 versus DC20; successful]. He picks up the newly shortened weapon, and swings it a few times. "You're right, the head is too heavy for this length. The weapon will tend to pull me out of my stance in powerful swings. I'll need to be careful with that [weapon loses magical to hit bonus; additional -1 penalty to hit for imbalance]. But it's better than I expected."
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Map
(OOC- Farron did pick up on the hint, but #1, I was distracted by other issues in the narrative, and #2 I was hoping I could offer in the morning so I don't have to waste a scroll.)
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Map
Farron interrupts to suggest, "Maybe altering it will damage whatever enchantment is on it. Perhaps we could wait to alter it until it can be identified.
"After a good night's rest I could identify it without using one of the scrolls I obtained from the dead mage, but if you feel it is imperative to have it ID'd now, I'll be happy to use a scroll."
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Map
(OOC - Well that puts me in a quandary. If they alter it before it is ID'd then ask Farron to ID it it will come up non-magical and a valuable spell will be wasted. However, Farron doesn't know that so in fairness he wouldn't refuse to ID it even though *I* know he's wasting his time.)
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Map
> No, it is still a magical item, and can still be identified.
>
> It just lost its bonus to hit. There are other enchantments on it.
OK, Farron will offer the suggestion now since I wasn't online in time to suggest it prior to alteration.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Map
OOC:
I'm pretty sure it doesn't matter one way or the other, actually. My axe is still magical, even though the wooden stick is broken. It still carries its +2 to damage and its tracking properties, even if I can't effectively wield it as a weapon.
Same with the halberd. It still carries its magical properties and added damage, it just isn't whole and complete, offering the balance and workmanship that provides the to hit bonuses. So, identifying it in the morning shouldn't really be too much of a problem, really - at least the way Ty's been running things.
So far as I've gathered from conversations, magical enhancements are focused on the bladed parts of the weapons, not on the hafts. Though, I'm sure a magical staff would have its enchantment on the wood part, for obvious reasons.
Whether this is a modification on Ty's part or no, I'm not sure. The rules don't seem to clear on what causes a magical weapon to lose its magical properties. It's a gray area in an otherwise overly-specific rules system.
Speculation on Secret Entrance, Rules Discussion: Field Modifications
Subject: Re: The Map
Mission ignores Farron ignoring him. 20 miles to the temple. . .
"Didn't the halfling boy say he overheard his captors saying that the entrance was near the marker? Well, this is a marker if ever I saw it. Perhaps the entrance is the sewers."
From: Tom
Subject: Weapon modifications
Ty, I still think that you're being a little bit generous with these weapon modifications. As I pointed out, the rules are fairly unambiguous about the fact that, for example, you can grind down a magical longsword to make it a short sword, or lengthen the hilt on a longsword to make it into a bastard sword.
These kind of modifications, by the normal rules, would not only imbalance the weapon (-4 to hit), but would also break the enchantment until the weapon was restored to its original state.
If you're worried that no one else will give Rennik another weapon, I'd suggest that a modified magical weapon lose all BUT its bonus, and take at least a -2 to-hit modifier even on a successful Craft check. I see no reason why enchantments like tracking bonuses or wounding would continue to work after the integrity of the weapon has been violated.
The only exceptions that I've seen in the rules are, in fact, artifacts. These aren't quite that good. :)
Again, let me point out that cutting down a halberd and expecting it to continue to be useful in a fight is kind of stretching reality; the heads of such weapons were deliberately balanced for the length of their haft, and chopping two or more feet off the end of the handle would remove a lot of its effectiveness.
Moreover, I think this kind of thing is a pretty bad precedent. Allowing people to modify magical weapons in the field, much less craft and modify any balanced weapons without appropriate tools or supplies, is one of those rulings that, in my experience, ALWAYS gets abused once it's written in stone.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Weapon modifications
Could the balance on the halberd be corrected by lashing a counterweight to the end that was cut?
(Not that I myself know what the actual weapon modification rules ARE.)
From: Matt
Subject: Re: Weapon modifications
Actually, Rennik was thinking about cutting the haft off completely and just using the solid metal halberd head as an axe. I had also thought to ask Ty about putting a counterweight on the butt end of the pole as well, which would put the weapon in better balance.
The thing is, one weapon is essentially like another in this game, since all fighters/barbarians/rangers/etc can use all weapons with equal efficiency. A tree branch club has the same bonus to hit as a rapier according to the rules, provided the latter is not of masterwork quality. A rapier that has been broken in half is really just a dagger, and would have the same to hit rate.
Now, the critical range would change for sure, and the weight, and the damage - and any weapon specialization, finesse or focus possiblities would be lost with that weapon. But, a character has as much ease of hitting someone with a stick, a dagger, a big rock, a sword, an axe or a polearm in this game - regardless of strength, skill or weapon size/shape. That's why we have bonuses, to show truly "masterwork" items that are made so well as to be in perfect balance. A weapon with no special balance is no different then hitting someone with a table leg - having no dice penalties, and relying on your melee rating.
So, with that in mind, I figure that a modification to the haft would eliminate the to hit bonus of the weapon, but wouldn't carry any further penalties. Garyth's weaponsmithing roll was meant to maximize balance of the weapon with regard to Rennik's size/strength/grip, in an attempt to preserve part of the bonus. I can see, though, that such a feat might be impossible (though a counterweight might help considerably).
Tom, you said:
"As I pointed out, the rules are fairly unambiguous about the fact that, for example, you can grind down a magical longsword to make it a short sword, or lengthen the hilt on a longsword to make it into a bastard sword."
I'm guessing you meant "can't" instead of "can" in this sentence, and I'll read it that way. This is a good point. If you change the essential nature of the weapon, you destroy its magical properties. But what if you rewrap the handle with different leather? Or decorate the haft of an axe with carved runes? Or even sharpen the weapon? What signifies alteration enough to change its structural integrity?
I mean, grinding a long sword to a short sword seems obvious. But what about replacing the string on a magic longbow? The rules are extremely unclear. Does a weapon's handle do the constitution damage, or the blade - or is it the gestalt of the entire weapon, down to the leather wrapping on the handle? As far as I've read, there's nothing about a weapon losing its magical potency (except magical ammunition) anywhere in the rules.
The rules that seem appropriate are:
"A damaged magic item continues to function, but if it is destroyed, all its magical power is lost."
Which seems to mean that unless my axe is melted down or shattered into several pieces (a la gimli's at the council of Elrond) it's still magical. And that a modified haft would constitute damage to the item rather than destruction.
"Some magic items take damage over the course of an adventure. It costs no more to repair a magic item with the Craft skill than it does to repair its nonmagical counterpart. The make whole spell also repairs a damaged--but not completely broken--magic item."
So yeah, Mending wouldn't work on the axe, as Ty said. But a weapon repaired with the craft skill would retain its magical qualities. Say, if Garyth managed to lash the remaining halberd haft piece to the axehead with rope.
Still, though, no specific mention is made of combat modifiers at any point. Nor is there mention made of modifying magical weapons on the fly. For instance, if I tied a rope to a magical poisoning dagger +2 and swung it around my head, does it still deal poison, still have it's +2 to hit or damage, or even retain its magical nature because it's being used differently? What if I carved "Orcs Smell" into a magical shield, or widened the eyeholes in a magical helm, or cut a tail hole in magical leather armor - do they lose their properties?
Tom, am I missing something somewhere in the rules? I've all but burned my 3.0 books, since the open source has rendered them obsolete, but I'm focusing on the files at this point rather than the pages I spent actual money on.
]rant] This is the problem with an overly specific rules system. When a question comes up outside the rules, it throws things into chaos. And rules that make a point of such clear delineation stifle creativity and resourcefulness on the part of the players. [/rant]
From: Tom
Subject: Re: Weapon modifications
> Tom, am I missing something somewhere in the rules?
Importantly, to my mind, the limitation of players being able to replace and/or modify weapons in the field is a valuable balance to specialist fighters. When a fighter specializes in a given weapon, the cost of specialization is that he becomes considerably less flexible should that weapon be lost; the ability, then, to easily repair or convert weapons to a given type negates this penalty. (In the same way, Small characters -- like halflings -- receive numerous bonuses that are negated by three things: carrying capacity, weapon size, and speed. Being able to cut down large weapons -- which are balanced for their significant damage capacity by being heavy and unusable by small characters -- to negate THEIR handicaps without affecting their damage or significantly imbalancing them would imbalance THAT ruling.)
Consider for a moment what we are implying. By cutting down this halberd's haft, we have made it a Medium weapon so that a halfling can swing it around two-handed, albeit at a -1 penalty (more, if we add in the negation of the magical bonus). This means that a dual-wielding human ranger could conceivably use TWO such halberds in combat. Can we do the same to scythes? Greataxes? Pikes?
Is a cut-down pike a short spear? Does this mean that someone who's got a Weapon Focus: Spear feat can use a chopped-up pike? If someone has Weapon Focus: Mace, does that mean he can get a +1 to hit with a short sword if he first sticks some cardboard over the blade? If not, why not? :)
The rules are of course meant to simulate reality in the abstract, but they also exist to balance the game.
That said, I didn't mean to question Ty's decision publicly. *blush* I'd meant to send that E-mail to him, but clicked the wrong contact. *shuffles feet*
Tom
From: Matt
Subject: Re: Weapon modifications
Oh, it's no problem. I always like hashing out rules back and forth. :D
Though I think I'll continue discussion in private emails so as not to bog down everyone's mailboxes over the weekend.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Weapon modifications
> Though I think I'll continue discussion in private emails so as not to bog down everyone's mailboxes
> over the weekend.
Thank you. ;)
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Weapon modifications
Ooo, looky, a helpdesk number with an extension for an actual person. . .
Heh.
Moving On, The Hole, Redistributing Some Of The Load
Subject: where from here?
Ignoring the barrage of weapon modification emails for a moment, where is the party going from here?
Please everyone check in.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: where from here?
OOC: Garyth is ready to move along down the path. He will want to check out the sanitation building.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: where from here?
Cadfael, noting Missions suggestion that this is the marker will take a few moments to search around its base for anything trapdoorish/somehow indicating where we should go. After quickly going over it he'll follow Rennik along the path to the temple (that is where we're going, right?)
From: Scott
Subject: Re: where from here?
Mission is ready to do the same.
From: Ty
Subject: Moving on
[I think the general consensus is to move on, so I am going to go ahead and write up the next turn to keep the game moving along. I will answer backward compatible questions if asked.]
Examination of the city map being complete, the group decides to move on to the public works building. If the rumor of access to an underground path near a marker is true, and if this is the marker, then a sewage building might very well lead to an ancient sewer system. No one can think of a better plan, so that direction is chosen.
The jungle density increases rapidly the farther east you travel. Within just a few hundred feet, it becomes difficult to move through the tangle without hacking creepers and branches out of your way. If people stopped using this trail, it would be overgrown and invisible in days, Rennik thinks.
Jack refuses to come out of his pocket in Farron's robes. The number of large snakes you pass as you move down the trail could be the reason why. Despite their size, the snakes seem to be fairly sluggish and docile. Perhaps this is not the time of day when they hunt.
A new hazard makes its appearance as you travel. Anywhere that there is a stable depression in the ground collects water. That water grows a thick layer of sludge and slime that looks indistinguishable from the jungle floor. After a few soggy feet, the group learns to watch out for such sinkholes. It is impossible to tell how deep they might be, and a person could sink out of sight in seconds if they stumbled into a deep one. Careful progress keeps this from happening, but running would be very hazardous.
A few hundred yards progress brings the group to the end of the path. Ahead lies a clearing about forty feet with, with a pile of cut stones that were probably a building once, though they are so covered with moss and growth that they would be easy to miss for the unwary. A sluggish stream of water comes out of the north end of the clearing, and disappears on the west side of the stone pile. Investigation of this shows that that the stream is falling into a dark hole in the ground surrounded by heavy stones.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: Moving on
Rennik will motion for the others to hang back from the clearing as he scouts ahead with bow at the ready. He tries his best to stay within sight of the party, yet out of sight from the clearing. If all looks clear, he will venture into the clearing a ways, still within an easy dive of the cover of the jungle, to get a better look.
If nothing seems amiss, he will motion for the party to come out to the edge of the clearing (allowing them to move more freely if attacked), then creep forward to check out the piled stones and hole in the earth.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: Moving on
Oh, as a side note, picking up this halberd, however it comes down with weapons modifications, puts Rennik over his carry limit by a bit. If someone would be so kind as to take Garyth's extra waterskin and Rennik's own waterskin, that'd be mucho appreciated. Rennik's also planning on dropping one of his three torches if no one seems to want it.
That'll shed 10 pounds, which will bring Rennik back to a light carry level (by one pound, but still)
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Moving on
Mission will take the waterskin and the torch.
"Descending into dark holes. . ." he offers the halfling a grin. "Not a time to be tossing aside our light source."