Mission's Response, Which Way?, Healing
Subject: Re: The hole; Letters to home
(OOC - I'd like to point out once again that there is a VERY OPEN TUNNEL heading EAST which could very well lead somewhere interesting or from where could come something very nasty. Surely Farron isn't the only one who can see this.)
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The hole; Letters to home
Mission stares at Rennick, and there is a long, long silence. The echo of the waterfall at the west end of the tunnel grows thick in the air, punctuated now and then by rocks tumbling into the water.
Kill Promise. As a means to end. . .what? Perhaps now would be a good time to strike out on his own. Mission flicks his eyes toward the rope hanging down--he could reach it before any of them. He could climb up and be away to the temple before these mages, and this murderous halfling could speak a word. It'd be a pity about Garyth-- the man had honor. But between magery, murder, and the sinking uneasiness Mission felt around Cadfael, Mission would not feel overly guilty about leaving him.
Murder. That was what Rennick was proposing. What he had proposed at the tower as well.
Mission struggles to quell the bitterness in his heart. Blood and Stone, they were close to their goal. He would not abandon them just yet, not when he may need them to find Promise. His voice is slow and thick with control. "Rennick, that makes absolutely no sense. None. Did you see something on the marker we found with a picture of Anileth and an arrow pointing to her belly, with the words in halfling, "The cause of all your problems, kill it?" I would have thought you considerate enough to let me know."
"Do not damn my son. . . Do not. . ." Mission swallows. "Do not cast his life away so easily.
Sand take them all. And him for what he is contemplating. Blood and stone, he would not let his son slip away from him.
Not by Anileth.
And not by Rennick.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The hole; Letters to home
OOC: Um, I think he would be the only one to notice that, given:
"Yes, the tunnel does go on to the west, and the water flows that direction."
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The hole; Letters to home
After the halfling finishes, Farron says, "Well, Ketimar retired as Dean at least 10 years ago, and from the way this Danmonoth talks of Professor Tormin so openly disdainfully, the letter must have been written before he became head of the Department of History, and that was at least 20 years ago. This letter must be nearly 25 years old." He looks to Sa'id for agreement, then continues.
"We may never know exactly how this Danmonoth died, whether by the Murrkat or some other peril in this jungle. The possibilities are nearly endless." He turns to Sa'id again, "Sa'id, you're knowledge of death and the undead is far greater than mine. How long after death was it, you would suppose, that this mage was turned? Can you tell by the state of decomposition or anything? He would have had to have been undead for quite a long time else the body would have decayed to dust after two and a half decades, wouldn't he?"
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The hole; Letters to home
Sorry, got my east/west backwards. My point is that the rockfall is in one direction and the open waterfilled tunnel goes in the other direction, so we do have a choice other than going back up to the surface. (Or am I hopelessly confused about this?)
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The hole; Letters to home
OOC: No, you're not confused; we do have options. It's just that we know we're headed east, and the eastbound end of the tunnel was obstructed, guarded, and booby-trapped, while the end pointed away from our presumed destination seems to be completely open. That says to me--and Garyth, who isn't much for figuring out reverse psychology--that east is the way to go.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The hole; Letters to home
(OOC - Fair enough. I don't want to interrupt the current discussion about the letter and what we might deduce from it, but I probably won't be able to reply much today and my home ISP is still giving me problems so I'll send this now and people can react to it when the time comes.)
Farron sees Mission and Garyth eyeing the rope and says, "I know we're heading east, and the tunnel is now blocked in that direction, but shouldn't we check out the tunnel in the other direction at least a little way before we all climb back out?"
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The hole; Letters to home
An awkward silence had ensued after the brief exchange between Mission and Rennik, and Garyth looks almost grateful for the chance to change the subject. He looks into the darkness to the west.
"We could, but I'm not sure it would do much good. We know that this temple is to the east, and it was the east direction that the zombies were guarding, not to mention the explosives." He pauses, feeling the ache in his muscles. "If this tunnel is part of a sewage system for the city that was once here, it seems most likely to me that the waste would be flowing out of the city, not toward its center."
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The hole; Letters to home
No, it goes west.
From: Dan
Subject: Cleric, Heal Thyself
Cadfael is currently feeling ill after eating pasta that had a milky sauce. I don't know which is stupider, the milk allergy or the fact that I ate something with milk in it. Probably me.
Anyway, nothing to add, he's just going to make the healing rounds, assuming everyone lets him. You people seem jittery lately. If you're passing on the healing, let me know and I'll hit you with my mace tomorrow.
Garyth -- Cure Serious Wounds
Rennik -- Cure Serious Wounds -- Daylight
Farron -- Cure Light Wounds -- Sanctuary
Mission (if he's injured) -- Cure Light Wounds -- Summon Monster I followed by another Cure Light -- Remove Fear if he's still injured.
I'm going home to die.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The hole; Letters to home
As Cadfael begins moving from person to person, Mission suddenly feels very much in need of some space. "I'll scout out the other end of the tunnel. Maybe it connects to something that leads eastward."
He will pause only to light a torch, and will move very, very cautiously westward.
We Need a Plan
Subject: Re: The hole; Letters to home
The smile is still fresh on Cadfael's lips as he moves slowly from person to person. He seems content to see the wounds disappear under his hands, this being what he trained many years to do. For a moment he watches Mission leave, and something seems to flash across his face. Whether it is concern, suspicion or just a trick of the light Mission does not know, but the look is gone almost as quickly as it is registered and Cadfael goes back to tending the party.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The hole; Letters to home
Farron will accept whatever healing Cadfael gives.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The hole; Letters to home
What a fool, Rennik thinks. If the boy needs to be killed, then that is what must be done. It simply means that Mission will become a liability at the time they most need his skills. The halfling makes a note to keep a wary eye on the monk as they head toward the mountain.
Why are humans so prone to folly? What blinds them? Rennik doesn't feel the child is the center of the evil they face, but it may be. Mission's refusal to see that could well mean his death. If his actions endanger the group and leave them open to their enemies, that death might have to come at Rennik's hands.
The thought disturbs him. He likes the monk, for all his strange ways, and the idea of killing him to save the party is distasteful. However, he will do what must be done, whatever that may be.
When Mission scouts down the tunnel, Rennik will motion to Garyth and speak with him to the side.
"What our friend Mission says is well and good. But if the child *is* the root of this evil... or if killing the child would help to stop or hinder the spread of this evil..." He pauses, then tries another tack. "If the time comes when the boy or the mother must be killed, Mission will turn against us. We both need to be aware of this, for our very survival."
To the rest of the group, he continues more conversationally.
"Why do we head east? I set out to kill two wereboars, and I have managed to kill one. In that time, I have found that a great evil has set upon my people - and may have also shattered them thousands of years ago."
"I do not know what causes this evil. I have only some notion that the evil is east, under the mountain. What do we plan to do? How do we plan to stop it? We don't even know what causes it! We are stumbling blindly in the dark, with no more of a plan than going east under the mountain and *stopping* the problem."
"We need a definite plan, a course of action that won't get us all killed."
"We know that some evil is corrupting halflings in the area. We know that the warrior woman is a powerful ally of this evil, and is equally adept with sword and magic. We know that the woman carrying Mission's child is a dark evil in rotting flesh with the powers of the dead at her command. We know that a master of traps and explosives is also allied with this evil."
"We also know the evil is watching us. It knows which way we travel, and when one of us leaves the group. It knows it is more powerful than we are, and is toying with us. It herds us like cattle to our deaths."
"We don't know what we are going to do about it. We don't know how we plan to stop it. We don't even know what it is we are trying to stop. I suggest we think this through and come up with at least a few possibilities before we take even another step."
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The hole; Letters to home
Garyth tries to keep his emotions from his face. His loyalty is to his people, of course, and he is out here to protect them, to use his body to shield them from evil. But at what cost? The idea of killing an innocent child, even to save the world, leaves a bad taste in his mouth. If it must be done... then it must be done. But Garyth resolves to go down that road only when all else has failed. And in the mean time he will be keeping an eye on both Mission and Rennik.
For now, though, there are more pressing matters. "Perhaps you came only to slay two monsters, but I am here to end the threat to Overlook. And why should you be any different? If you succeed at killing the second boar, will you then just go home? Knowing that a greater evil waits to threaten your people in the future? I think you will not. Your reasons are just the same as mine.
"You are right that we don't know what we face. But we have an idea where it is, and how else can we know our enemy than by finding him? I agree that frontally assaulting a superior and prepared enemy is a bad idea, but what choice do we have? We can't just leave, and to try another route would mean cutting our way through this jungle. As we all know, that carries its own dangers.
"I don't see that we have any other options. Either we continue as we have been, or we take our chances with the jungle. I don't see any benefit to either way."
From: Ty
Subject: Healing
Garyth is healed for 17.
Rennik is healed for 17.
Farron is healed for 8.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The hole; Letters to home
BTW, I am just waiting for an "I do this" check in from everyone before I write another turn. Feel free to keep RP'ing and such until you're ready to make a move. This is all good stuff. :)
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The hole; Letters to home
"You misunderstand me. I set out to kill the devilboars, yes. I have discovered a greater threat to my people which must be stopped - and the other devilboar can wait. If I survive this, I will find him in time - and will have weakened his allies."
He stares out across the darkness of the water after Mission, but continues to speak.
"But we stumble blindly ahead, which is foolish. It is the way of humans, to blunder forth without direction, trusting in their own ultimate success. It gives you strength, but makes you easily led."
"The halfling way is one of caution. We live in these wild places, always aware that death stalks us from the shadows. Snakes, wolves, swampdragons, and other denizens of the forest are always on the prowl, and blundering ahead is a good way to get eaten. It is better to use caution, to plan ahead, to know your enemy."
"We have met the warrior woman, already, and I don't feel any one of us could defeat her alone. I don't know if any two of us could. She is a formidable enemy."
"I know the devilboar works with them, and it is twice the foe Horan was. I do not think I could kill it so easily. That task would also take several of us."
"We know they have a master of traps, who has closed off one tunnel leaving only one way through the sewers - and likely to more traps. An unseen enemy, but a deadly one."
"We have also met the rotting woman with child, who is the most dangerous of all. I wounded her gravely with my axe, yet the wound simply closed over without even a drop of blood. She nearly killed Mission with the flat of her hand. She sent Cadfael into screaming shock with her presence."
"We have no chance of success if we attack even these four - and we have encountered halflings, skeletons and zombies that fight along with them. Your human foolishness would have us continue to forge forth without a plan? We need stealth and cunning, not force."
He lowers his voice some, in an attempt to keep Mission ignorant of his coming words, still watching the water where the monk left.
"The evil, rotting woman is carrying a child. Her evil is so strong that Cadfael could hardly bear it, forcing both he and you, Garyth, to flee in terror. This child has spent months consumed by evil, fed by corruption. It is likely as terrible as its mother, and maybe more powerful."
"She is pregnant, this most dangerous of our enemies. Close to the time when she will be incapacitated with birth, weakened by struggle and pain. This is the time to strike her, hard and fast when she cannot use her full potential. If this causes the baby to die, so be it. Is one child worth all the souls of Overlook, of Nesalin, of the entire island of Huss?"
"I think not."
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The hole; Letters to home
That's weird. Did this come in blank for everyone?
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The hole; Letters to home
[OOC: Not blank for me.]
Sa'id looks like he wants to go after Mission, especially when Rennik starts speaking about the impetuousness of humans.
"Yes," he agrees, "it's obvious that we're being herded. But whether it is by our enemies or by the... gods... it is impossible to say." His feelings for the gods are more obvious than ever before; the word comes from his mouth only reluctantly.
"About Anileth. She is not the crux of our problem. She cannot be slain while Promise is still within her; but after Promise is born I suspect her chosen 'god' will cast her aside like a sheikh's concubine would cast aside a torn dress." He pauses for a moment, then carries on. "We cannot defeat Elise, if Rennik's account of their battle is accurate. And we CERTAINLY cannot defeat Kor Garesh. Therefore I believe it most prudent to focus on recovering Promise -- not only for Mission's sake, but because of two things. First, it is a task that is probably within our ability, if we are careful about it. Second, because anything else we try to do will be made more difficult by the fact that Mission is focused on Promise -- and rightly so." Sa'id doesn't add " ...and like my father was NOT focused on me."
"I do not think we can end the threat to Overlook. In fact, it has become patently obvious that the threat is not merely to Overlook, but to Huss; not to mention the rest of the world by extension. We must do what little damage we can, and then return to warn of the danger. This is not a fight for six people, this is a fight for an army."
No Help to the West, Rennik Checks Topside
Subject: Re: The hole; Letters to home
Mission's mind is a blank as he makes his way down the western tunnel. Listen for the click of a trap, listen for the whisper of bodies moving, for voices, yes, that is the way to stay alive in this damp darkness. Listen, listen. But all he hears is the sputtering of his torch.
The tunnel continues west for a good ways, then abrubtly ends in a dam.
A dam. What a metaphorically convenient way to describe his current situation. Darkness, then a dam. "I'll be dammed," he whispers. But he doesn't laugh.
Mission pauses. It looks like the tunnel narrows beyond the dam-- he waves his torch around to get a good sense of what lies in front of him-- and then the water falls through a metal grate at the end of the tunnel.
Standing there on the dam, alone, in the dark, the reality of their situation crushes in on him. Anileth, about to bear his son as a sacrifice to a Pathless god; his companions, divided, conflicted, and one contemplating the Promise's murder; and himself, alone.
He tightens his grip on the torch. Blood and Stone, he'd not despair. Promise was still a promise. Let the Path turn as it may, the way to his redemption was clear-- find his son, and return him to the Mossground. Or die.
What to do about Rennick, and the rest of them? Mission turns his back toward the dam, and makes his way back to the group.
"The western tunnel goes on for about 100 yards, then is stopped by another small dam. The tunnel beyond that narrows considerably, and then stops at a metal grate," Missions says, without greeting, as he emerges from the darkness.
Why was everyone looking at him so sharply?
He nods at Rennick, and says, "Rennick, I've thought about what you've said. And come to the conclusion that you STILL make no sense. Anileth said that the Path protects my Promise. He is full of Blood and Stone. Such power can't be subverted-- no, let me explain before you burst an artery."
Mission takes off his pack and shirt, revealing the tatoos that cross his bare arms and back. "When I forsook the Path, my tatoos were taken from me. My feet were Pathless, and so became my body. I lost both Blood and Stone, and did not get them back until I took an oath to regain my child.
"Anileth said she leeches off that power. That may be so, though I think it more likely that her dark god gives her strength. But you all saw what happened when she touched me-- beyond me being thrown into a wall, I mean-- her hand withered. The Path protects me-- and it will protect my son.
"I will not give your conscience leave to murder," Mission swallows. "And that is what you're contemplating, Rennick. Dress it how you like, in terms of sacrificing for the greater good-- a very convenient excuse that every Pathless god uses to justify the blood it spills.
"I will not let my child be slain, not by Anileth's dark god, not by Anileth, and not by you. Especially not when we have no idea, beyond what you've imagined, of why exactly he needs to die. You realize that is ALL you've come up with? Shadows and sand. Tales to frighten children. Blood and Stone, Rennick. . ."
He pauses. Enough. Any more and he'd fall to the temptation of attacking Rennick's character, which would do nothing to get Promise back. He bows to the halfling stiffly. "My words are hasty. All I ask, Rennick, is that you give my boy a chance to live. I swear, on the Blood that writes my veins, and on the Stone that holds them, I will not let him fall to Anileth's god. Even if I have to take his life. But you must give him a chance to live."
Mission falls silent. And prays to his Ancestors that what he said, of Anileth and Promise, is true.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The hole; Letters to home
Rennik fixedly stares at Mission, unblinking.
"I never said I would not give the child a chance. I have come up with possibilities, but I do not know what we face. Neither do you."
"It is possible that this child is untainted by the corruption of its mother, but then it is possible he is the cause of that corruption. We don't know."
He pauses and tightens his jaw, determined to finish his thought.
"I do not seek to kill the boy, but if the boy is so important to our enemy, I would rather see him dead than taken by them out of our reach. The rotting woman disappeared into the air, and the warrior woman appeared out of the air. Who is to say the child, once born, will not be taken away the same way, then twisted and corrupted into some force for vileness and evil?"
"It seems you do not see that possibility. You can't see the possibility that the boy might need to die. Your human shortsightedness and foolish arrogance blinds you and ties your hands. Open your eyes! This woman could be birthing their dark god into flesh, unleashing a terror the world has never seen, and you would coddle it and feed it human blood while you rocked its cradle."
"Or, you could be right, and the child could be a pure and powerful boy that we must save from their dark god's corruption. He could be a shining star in the heavens our enemies wish to turn to their purposes, in dire need of rescue."
"I prepare for both possibilities - you can face our enemies with one eye closed if you choose."
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The hole; Letters to home
Mission struggles to contain the anger that is rising in his throat.
[INTERNAL DIALOGUE]My need for you, little savage, is greater than my anger, or my desire to point out your faults. My need to keep this group united is greater than my need to debate moral superiority.[/INTERNAL DIALOGUE]
Mission inclines his head. "It is as you say, Rennick. I am arrogant and shortsighted." But he grins as he says it. "And you are instructing me daily on the errors of these particular faults. I thank you for your wisdom."
He turns to Garyth. "The water flows west, over a small dam-- I think I mentioned that-- and then down through a grate. From the sound of it, it falls a long, long way. I do not think there is a connecting tunnel that might lead us east."
He winks at Rennick, "But I may be wrong."
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The hole; Letters to home
Rennik narrows his eyes at mission, the insult about his own arrogance not lost. He would have to watch the monk closely. There is nothing so dangerous as a man with a single purpose. It was something the elves used to tell him, that only now he begins to understand.
Mission would allow them all to die if it meant saving his son, Rennik thought. The group is useful to him only as a means to his goal, and are easily discarded once they fulfill their usefulness. An image comes to him of Mission fleeing from the mountain, carrying his child in his arms and cooing, while the rest of them screamed in agony and torment at the hands of their enemies. He shook it off.
"We will have to go back up the rope. I will go back up with my bow to make sure the Hrug'da has passed on. If it has stopped to dig roots in the clearing, I may be able to frighten it off. They are strong willed creatures, but likely to move on if harrassed or annoyed. Hrug'da turn on open threats with anger and tusks, but a hidden archer can make them think twice about staying in the open."
Rennik wonders why he still travels with the party. He left once and almost died. But then, he had run into the forest, rather than away. Would Elise have come for him if he had headed back the way they had come?
Mission is so set on the child, and the others seem to follow his lead, having no specific direction of their own. What can six do? The halfling toys with the idea of leaving, heading back to the tribes to raise an army and bring reinforcements. Perhaps with fifty experienced trackers and warriors, some impact could be made.
As he makes his way toward the rope, bow on his back and string secured safe from the water in a tight pouch, he wonders whether he'd even survive a trek back to seek more warriors.
Rennik the Dragon
Subject: Re: The hole; the next turn
Mission meets Rennik's stare with a grin, but keeps his mouth shut. Now would not be a good time to offer to help the halfling across the water. Let him make his own, arrogant way. He'd probably rather drown than ask for help from a shortsighted human.
(OOC: Don't let Rennik forget his gear, which is still over by the rock pile. Oh, and how's he going to get all that across the water by himself? Is there a devilish grin icon available >:) ? Does that one work?)
If Mission can, he'll retrieve the rope he was trying to tie to the rockpile pre-explosion.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The hole; the next turn
Mission says to Garyth, "The ground is pretty soft above-- maybe the explosion knocked some holes up top that will open down on the tunnel east." More to fill the silence in the tunnel than in any hope that their luck will run so well. Luck had been slim since the tower-- since they had attacked those men.
The party is bedraggled, and in a foul mood. Mission realizes that of all of them, he was the only one to escape unscathed from the explosion. Sa'id had almost died.
"The alchemist fire we found-- I wonder if that was what was used to collapse the tunnel." He shakes his head. "Maybe Cale and his lot were involved with this."
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The hole; the next turn
As it stands now, Rennik has left his gear, bringing only his bow, some arrows, and his handaxe. In fact, I think he's going to take off the chain shirt, too, and stow it in the backpack for the time being. He's not expecting to get into any real fighting up there, just to peek his head out of the hole.
If the coast is clear, he'll pull himself out of the hole and scout around a bit with his bow. If, again, all is clear, he'll ask Garyth if he could bring the gear over to the rope. He'd then climb down, put on the backpack, then climb back up. Otherwise, he'll set to work finishing the log he had started to cut with his handaxe earlier, while the rest of the party surfaces.
If the coast is NOT clear, that's a different story.
From: Ty
Subject: The hole; out of the fire and into the frying pan
With the tension in the air so thick you can cut it, Rennik and Mission back away from each other. Mission walks nonchalantly back over to the rock pile and begins collecting his rope. He winds up having to cut off about five feet of it, when he discovers that one end is hopelessly burned. The rest is charred, and he fears its strength has been compromised.
Rennik leaves his gear in a little pile at the base of the rubble. Taking only his bow and handaxe, he makes his way cautiously along the wall toward the rope. Without his armor on, it is much easier to tread water, and he has little difficulty working his way back to the rope. He climbs it quickly, and spends a few moments with only half his body visible to the rest of the party while he scans the surface.
[Waiting on response from Matt for the rest]
From: Matt
Subject: Bad News from Rennik
Dropping down the rope to just above the water, Rennik will call out to the others.
"I bear no good news. The Hrug'da has not left, and is not alone. It has a mate, and young. It looks like they've chosen this as a safe place to graze during the midday, and they aren't likely to move on soon."
"If I attempt to scare them away by attacking, they will turn on me. I have no doubt. Hrug'da are murderously protective of their young and would fight until their last breath defending them."
He considers.
"It might be possible to make life uncomfortable enough for the adult female that she would try to herd her young away. The swamp dragons and the Hrug'da are natural enemies... if I could make a convincing enough swamp dragon roar from just below the edge of the pit, they might seek a safer clearing."
"I've heard the swamp dragon's call only a few times, but I think I can make it sound convincing."
(if this is acceptable to the rest, he will make just such an attempt)
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Bad News from Rennik
Mission shrugs. "I don't have any objections to that."
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Bad News from Rennik
Sitting in the dark with Farron, Sa'id allows himself a little grin at the thought of the swamp dragon's roar issuing from the mouth of the diminutive halfling.
"Okay, Rennik," he calls quietly.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: The hole; the next turn
It has happened so many times in the past few days, it is now a matter of course. Cadfael quietly makes his way to each member of the party and simply reaches out to them, their wounds closing under the power of his touch. Not a word passes between them, even if the man being healed is in the middle of a conversation he does not falter under the heat of Pelor's touch, indeed, beyond a tightening of their eyes there is no sign that they have even felt it. The act seems somehow banal. There is nothing sacred to it, Pelor's blessing now seems something owed rather than given. Even potion that restored Sa'id to life became a gift from one man to another, the grace of God removed from it.
This seems lost to the party though, even Cadfael flits about like a shadow, casting spells of miraculous healing without comment as if it were the norm.
The one thing that does catch Cadfael's attention, however, is Rennik's attitude toward Promise. The others who have little at stake in the conversation see a dark look on Cadfael's face, and for once his features are easy to read. It was only this morning that Rennik told of Elise's words concerning Cadfael. If, indeed, he is important to the plans of this Dark God will Rennik kill him without a second thought as he would Promise?
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Bad News from Rennik
Garyth just nods at Rennik's suggestion.
From: Ty
Subject: The hole; rennik the dragon
Having gotten agreement from the majority of the party, Rennik moves back to the rope and climbs again. When he reaches the top, he sucks in a huge breath of air and lets loose with a sort of rattling bellow. It's actually fairly impressive coming from someone his size, and as far as anyone in the party knows, it is a perfect imitation of a swamp dragon. Sadly, the Hrug'da is a more discriminating audience (Perform roll 7 +0 skill +2 wilderness +2 animal empathy =9 vs DC 20; failed). There is a pause, then Rennik lets go of the rope and drops back toward the water with a barely discernable curse half spoken when he strikes the surface.
Above, there is a loud rumbling sound that rolls to the hole like thunder. A large snout is thrust into the hole, and loud sniffing commences. The sniffing is followed by several ill tempered grunts, then thunder as the creature runs off.
"Dammit!" yells the Halfling as he makes his way back to the party. "He'll be keeping his eye on this hole now. I guess that didn't work."
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The hole; rennik the dragon
Rennik treads water near the party, his brow furrowed in thought.
"There's more of a trill in the back of the throat, almost like gargling... These were obviously not afraid of my weak attempt at imitation."
"I suppose I could sneak up and try to draw them off, or even just get a better idea of the land. If I eased away from the hole eastward, I could see if the explosion created any other holes. I might be small enough to be disregarded as nonthreatening."
"Does anyone else have any other ideas?"
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The hole; rennik the dragon
"Would an explosion scare them off?" Sa'id asks. "I have Fireball memorized today."
Mission and Farron, Lights Out, A Different Explosion, Dark Mormon Powers
Subject: Re: The hole; rennik the dragon
"More explosions?" Mission says. He holds up his hands defensively as all eyes turn to him. "I don't have any better ideas than Rennik or Sa'id."
But he will be sure to stay away from the hole should Sa'id decide to start tossing magery around above them. In fact, he'll move to the west-leading tunnel in antcipation of the mage's spellcasting, and to be in a better position to scale the rope if Rennik should need assistance.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The hole; rennik the dragon
"Just make sure you're not yelling out a swamp dragon mating call, Rennik," Farron adds. "I'd hate to have a dozen randy males answer your call."
From: Tom
Subject: Re: The hole; rennik the dragon
OOC: *grin* So would Rennik, I'd imagine.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: The hole; rennik the dragon
Cadfael moves forward slightly to talk to Mission, "What of the metal grate? Is there any chance it could be moved enough to let us pass? There may be another way up westward."
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The hole; rennik the dragon
(OOC - Yeah, I know this was late. Sorry guys, but I was away from work for the holiday yesterday and my home email is still wonky. I'll write more soon.)
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The hole; rennik the dragon
"I don't know," Mission admits. "But from the sound of water falling, the grate led into a deep hole."
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The hole; rennik the dragon
Farron, still shaken by the blast, touches his face where he was burned, but there is no pain and the skin feels smooth. Then he rubs the back of his neck and winces. His burned neck is still raw and his hand comes away wet but in the darkness he cannot tell if the wetness is from the wound or just from swamp water dripping out of his still-damp hair. Cadfael's healing wasn't complete. He did not know why. Perhaps the priest's powers were weaker here, out of the sunlight. Or perhaps he just felt that Farron needed to feel a little pain for some reason. It wouldn't be the first time he'd withheld his power in order to teach one of them something that, in his infinite wisdom he felt they needed.
His thought are interrupted by Rennik and Mission as they exchange tense words. Mission is right, he thinks. It is barbarian to toss away the life of a child so easily as Rennik seems to wish. He can only imagine the anger Rennik's words must stir in the monk, though who can tell? He is as hard to read as a foreign parchment and, alas, Farron knows no spell to read him more easily.
Watching Rennik climb the rope and scream into the jungle, he looks the part of a wildman. Impetuous and overconfident of his own ability, he's already shown once he has no loyalty to the group. And his encounter with the leggy dame hasn't seemed to teach him any humility. Rennik is a wildman -- savage and untamable. Perhaps Mission's child is doomed, and will die before this is through, but it won't be by Farron's hand. And if there is to be any hope of keeping the group or any part of it together, Mission must know this.
When Sa'id mentions a fireball, Farron notices Mission moving to the back away from the hole and moves over near him. As the others debate the possibilities, Farron approaches Missions and quietly says, "You are right in your loyalty to your child. If innocence can be corrupted before it is even born, there is no hope at all.
He pauses only a moment then continues, "I know that you are not comfortable with my craft, and I will not apologize for what I am, but I am with you if you will accept my aid in saving your child." In the weak light from the hole above, he offers his hand to the monk in brotherhood, if not yet in friendship.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The hole; rennik the dragon
"I know that you are not comfortable with my craft, and I will not apologize for what I am, but I am with you if you will accept my aid in saving your child."
Mission stares, mouth open, as Farron offers him his hand. The world was going mad. That was the only explanation, after so much ill-will . . .
But madness of this kind, the world could use more of. Mission clasps the wizard's forearm. "Thank you, Farron. We may not ever see eye to eye on some things. . . but I appreciate your help. If you are ever near the mountains of Bannock's Ire, I promise you will have safe haven with the Path of Blood and Stone."
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The hole; rennik the dragon
Farron acknowledges the monk's offer with a nod then asks, "What do you think should be our next course of action? "
From: Ty
Subject: The hole; A covering darkness...
Farron and Mission stand talking quietly in the deep water by the rope. Rennik is swimming back to his gear at the rock fall. The rest of the party stands looking uncomfortable in the shallow water near the blocked passage. There is an air of resignation from all. To have come so far and then to be blocked by pigs and rocks seems intolerable. The anger that seeps out must have some part of its roots in deep frustration.
But the anger builds. Cadfael looks back and forth from Rennik to Mission. They constantly bicker like children. Worse than children, children would at least obey from time to time. He wastes his holy prayers on healing their wounds, and he receives NO thanks. Mission walks away from him. Is his godly touch so foul that the monk cannot bear it? Who DO THEY THINK THEY ARE!
The party looks up as Cadfael hurls his shield onto the ground with a resounding crash. His face is clenched in a rictus of anger and hate, and his chest heaves with harsh breaths. "I... Damned...I will...." he gasps out before falling on his knees. Then his face goes white, as if suddenly drained of all life, and his expression changes to one of terrible fear. He begins beating his gloved left hand against the stone wall with bone crushing force. His lips move as if he is praying, but Sa'id who is closest to him can hear him saying, over and over again, "no...no...no...no...no...no..."
The party is just reacting to this, when the lights go out. The torches gutter once, as if in a stiff wind, then fail. Sa'id's staff and Cadfael's glove both cease to glow. Even the midday light that had been streaming though the open hole above vanishes. The tunnel is thrust into blackness as deep as any underdark pit.
Closely following the blackness is a rumbling sound, like a great earthquake. The ground itself does not shake, but there is a sudden compression of air, like the shockwave of an explosion, and everyone is struck senseless.
[Private emails going out]
From: Ty
Subject: A covering darkness; visions
The shockwave hits Mission and he feels himself blown away like a leaf in a storm.
He is floating in a cold blackness. He suffocates eternally, never able to draw breath, yet never dying. The cold is so deep it enters every part of his body, freezing his bones. Far away, so far he can barely detect it, is a spark of heat and hope. He calls to that spark with every ounce of his being. Please, hear me! Please, save me! I'm so cold...
He is coming, but it seems so slow, and now the blackness around him is changing. A slow, diffuse red light can be seen, red like blood. He knows the red light is evil. If he is ever touched by it, he will be lost forever, trapped inside the light for eternity.
From: Ty
Subject: a covering darkness
Cadfael's burst of anger toward his party is quickly overwhelmed by a fiery pain in his left hand. Even that is lost when the vision erupts around him?
He stands at the edge of a ceremony in hell. At least, it must be in hell, for the images are so terrible they burn his eyes and threaten to stop his heart. In the center of a vast dark hall stands a pillar of deepest black. It is the absence of all light, the absence of all goodness. Even to look at it causes pain.
It stands 50 feet high, and is 30 feet around. It is a perfect cylinder except for one flaw. Low on one side, there is a crack. From this crack streams a horrible red light. Cadfael can sense the evil in that light, and knows that to touch it would cost him his soul. The light falls down on a crude, makeshift alter that has been erected. The alter is covered in blood.
All around the alter stand the worshippers. Wild halflings, naked but for their tattoos, faces twisted with emotion, dance around the pillar. Evil men twist and writhe to some horrible rhythm. At the head of the altar stands a creature of flaming red and black heart, impossible to look at directly, but it holds a glass dagger in its hand as if awaiting new sacrifice.
And all around stand the legions of the undead. Undead in numbers so vast they are uncountable. The too move in a clumsy rhythm.
In the midst of all this, a woman is brought out. She moves slowly, and seemingly with great pain. Her belly is swollen grotesquely with pregnancy, and two zombies help her walk to the altar with painful slowness. Her body is placed on the altar, and on it she writhes and screams out her birth pangs. The creature of fire and darkness stands nearby with dagger in hand, awaiting the birth.
Cadfael realizes someone is standing behind him, and turns around. The Solar is there, looking on the scene with terrible sadness and anger. "Three days," it says. "Three days before the covering darkness is released. In three days time, you must be in this place. You must take the child before darkness can claim it. For this purpose you have been brought here, burdened by evil so that the creatures of this place will see you as one of their own. This is the purpose of your life. Will you accept this? Three days..."
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The hole; A covering darkness...
Cut to commercial . . . ;-)
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The hole; A covering darkness...
OH SHIZ!
Just as Farron and Mission begin building a relationship of trust ( :p @ Karl ) . . .
From: Dan
Subject: Re: The hole; A covering darkness...
no... no... no... no... no...
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The hole; A covering darkness...
Um... it's all Farron's fault! Yeah! Or Sa'id's!
:D
When in doubt, blame the mages..
From: Ty
Subject: The hole; A covering darkness
The party slowly returns to their senses. Rennik finds that he is at the bottom of the pool, and pushes back to the surface. He could not have been out for long, because he has swallowed no water. Sa'id's staff begins to glow again, as does Cadfael's glove, though the torches do not reignite.
From the tunnel nearest the rope comes a horrifying scream that seems to drag on for minutes. It takes a moment before everyone realizes it is Mission, his eyes closed, screaming until his throat gives out, while Farron shakes him.
Cadfael is on his knees, hands clenched and eyes closed, saying over and over again, "three days... three days..."
Slowly, the light returns through the tunnel entrance. The sun has returned.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The hole; A covering darkness
Garyth shakes his head a bit, trying to clear the fuzziness from his mind. How long has he been out? What's going on? And who in the names of all the gods is screaming like that?
Wait, screaming?
Awareness returns all at once, and he sees Cadfael on his knees muttering to himself and Mission screaming as though he were being chased by seven kinds of demon. He rushes over to the monk's side and slaps him once across the face. He grabs Mission by the shoulders and yells, "Stop! Mission, what is it?"
From: Dan
Subject: Re: The hole; A covering darkness
"Three days." His voice starts out as a whisper, so soft it sounds like a thought unbidden echoing in the heads of the party. Thoughts they project onto his moving lips, not words spoken by the man. "Three days." He repeats over and over to himself. With each repeat his voice becomes stronger and surer though the words become clenched and forced. Soon they are an unintelligible growl and then stop suddenly as Cadfael retches into the dank water.
Stiffly he gropes up the wall, his glove torn from pounding the rock and his blood smears on stone as his fingers scrabble for a hold. Finding one, he pulls himself to his feet with a grunt while keeping his eyes tightly shut, the tracks of tears clear on his dirt-stained face.
"Why do you only come with words of darkness?" He moans aloud. His eyes flick open gaze off toward Mission. "This is not the path I would have chosen." Gracelessly, he pushes himself from the wall and lurches forward a stride, stumbling without direction and seeming off balance without his shield at his side. "It is not right that a being of glory should show me the pits of hell. You demand too much!" Looking heavily about him his eyes settle on the man closest to him and he shambles toward Sa'id.
"You were right, Sa'id," he mutters as he draws closer to the mage, "the Gods push and pull as they please. They are silent save to make demands and you claim all they do is bestow fickle blessings? And even those you doubt. Where are the Gods when you feel healing, Sa'id? It is my touch you feel and MY touch that you fear. The line between Gods and men blur for you and yet for your faithlessness your are given freedom and the price of my faith *is* my faith." His bloodshot eyes seem to light with amusement at that, although no trace of humour touches the rest of his face.
"I will not do it!" He screams to the cavern walls, " Do you hear that, Sa'id? I am refusing the call of a God. I'm sure it brings you joy. Still, your blasphemy will cost you nothing and my love will cost the world and they call it justice." He spits out the last words while barreling faster and faster toward Sa'id, drawing within a foot of the mage. In the face of such fury Sa'id takes a quick step back toward the cavern wall. Just as he does so Cadfael's fist comes swinging at his face with force enough to cave his skull. Only the fact that he was already moving away saves him and Cadfael's heavy blow glances the side of his face, though the force of it is still enough to send the off-balance mage sprawling [Roll to hit: 20 Possible Critical. Critical: 11 No Critical. Damage: 5 (subdual)].
This time he does laugh, "Where the Gods will not go there are only men and this is a man's justice." He gives Sa'id a satisfying kick to the ribs, "You think you lie there because you lack the blessings of God?" He kicks him again, "Would you rather be in my blessed boots? I would rather feel these sacred boots against my ribs than have them remain here on my feet. But (kick) nobody (kick) asked (kick) me (kick)."
Each kick seems to fuel his anger and, panting, he kneels down next to Sa'id. "But what a fool I am," he says angrily, "to refuse the call of Gods. They do not beg for favors, do they? Though they form demands as questions. And without my God I am less than a man." He reaches out and cups Sa'id's chin, "Less even than you. Though it breaks my heart I will do as Pelor 'asks'."
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The hole; A covering darkness
"I will not do it!"
Garyth hears Cadfael yell, and looks over just in time to see him deck Sa'id. He jumps to his feet and races over, leaping at the mage in a flying tackle.
"What are you doing?!" he cries.
OOC: Will grapple and attempt to pin.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The hole; A covering darkness
Garyth watches the priest knock Sa'id off his feet with one powerful punch, and stares in shock for a second before acting. He had moved out into the water to help Mission, and now curses the slowness of his movement back to the rubble wall. As he wades, he watches Cadfael yelling almost incoherently, then begin kicking Sa'id in the ribs over and over again. The cleric is on one knee, gripping the wizards terrified face when Garyth finally makes it out of the water.
Garyth leaps at the kneeling priest [Grapple attempt 20, opposed grapple check 16; grapple succeeds], and knocks him onto his back. Holding the large man down is not easy, but Garyth is young and quite strong, and eventually Cadfael stops moving. "What are you doing?" Garyth asks.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The hole; A covering darkness
Farron, shaking Mission does not realize what is happening to Sa'id until Garyth already has him on the ground. Seeing that Sa'id is no longer in danger, he will continue trying to bring some coherency to Mission. "What is wrong?!" he will say loudly while trying to get him to snap out of whatever has gripped him.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The hole; A covering darkness
As Cadfael charges at him, something goes *click* in Sa'id's mind. Unfortunately, he doesn't manage to dodge the priest's blow, and is unable to fight the larger man off as he is beaten -- but when Garyth is finally able to pull Cadfael off him, Sa'id knows precisely what he wants to do. He can't believe he didn't see it sooner, and is absolutely furious with himself. Even more frustrating to him is the fact that he does not find the spell he wants in his mental repertoire. Sa'id stands up, wiping blood from his lip. When he speaks, though, his tone is commanding. It's obvious that he will not tolerate disagreement as he says "Garyth, don't let him move. Farron, cast Detect Evil and tell me what you see. Look at the priest. I was foolish enough not to memorize it this morning." He shakes his head, then mutters "I am such an imbecile!"
He moves a little bit closer to Garyth and Cadfael, and then says "Now, priest, we shall see." [Detect Magic]
[OOC: Sa'id will focus his augmented gaze on Cadfael. Specifically, on his gloved hand. If Farron doesn't have Detect Evil memorized and doesn't have a scroll of it, Sa'id will sit down and memorize it then and there, overwriting a Prestidigitation spell.]
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The hole; A covering darkness
[waiting on Farron before I write the response to this]
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The hole; A covering darkness
Light as dark as heart's blood, and wicked fingers easing him toward it, and if it were to touch him he'd spend all eternity drowning in it, and no true light would ever touch him again, no clean blood would beat in his heart, and he'd never feel stone under his feet, and he was too far gone, too far gone. . .
Someone was clutching at Mission, calling him in a muffled voice. Hands dragging at him, drowning him. . .
"Let me go!" He flails away from somone-- Farron. There is daylight streaming into the tunnel from above. Honest daylight. Warm daylight.
Deceptive, mercurial daylight.
Daylight, province of Pelor.
Pathless god.
Garyth has the Pathless god's cleric pinned. Mission ignores Farron's questions, steps past Sa'id's crumpled form. Cadfael. Spy. Tool of Sand and Shadow.
Mission will move quickly forward and strike Cadfael with Stoneclutch (stunning blow).
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The hole; A covering darkness
Okay, if the excellent RP'ing we've seen this go-round does not bump everyone up AT LEAST a level. . . I may have to resort to using my Dark Mormon powers to put blisters on Slash's. . . nose.
Big, pus-filled, nasty, runny blisters.
Seriously, some very, very good stuff here from everyone. You guys are freakin' awesome.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The hole; A covering darkness
I *KNEW* there were Dark Mormon powers...
::runs off to call Jack Chick::
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The hole; A covering darkness
Agreed.
About the great RP, that is. :) I loved Dan's email even though I was the one getting beaten down.
I'll be getting him back soon enough, though. :)
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The hole; A covering darkness
Dear, dear, boy. . .
I eat Jack Chick for breakfast every morning. Sometimes with chorizo, sometimes with Thomas' English muffins (LOVE those nooks and crannies).
If you're going to threaten, do it properly. Run off to inform . . .
Hmm. Gosh. I don't think anyone's going to help you out. They're all in our pockets, or are terrified of us.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The hole; A covering darkness
The Mormons are in league with the Universe People!
::runs off to hide::
From: Ty
Subject: The hole; strife
Pandemonium. Cadfael kicking a helpless Sa'id. Garyth jumping on him and taking him down. Mission yelling then rushing across the water while Sa'id sits up and calls to Farron for spells, then begins one of his own. Rennik standing near by with his mouth in an open look of astonishment.
Sa'id finishes his spell, and is just beginning to look over the priest, when Mission gets in front of him and slams and open palm down on the cleric's forehead. Or, at least, he intends to strike his head. His hand comes down looking like it could crush a small boulder, but Cadfael twists aside and the hand hits the rocks beneath him with crushing force [Attack roll natural 1, automatic miss].
[Waiting on actions. Garyth can act, Cadfael can try to act, Sa'id can act, Farron can leave the water, Rennik can act. Mission can act again.]
[Initiative is Cadfael 19, Sa'id 17, Mission 15, Garyth 10, Rennik 9, Farron 9]
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The hole; strife
Sa'id finishes his incantation, and attempts to maneuver such that he can get a clear look at Cadfael. He focuses intently using his augmented vision [no other action this round]. He MUST know.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The hole; A covering darkness
Rennik crouches on the rocks, watching his party devolve to chaos in the dim light streaming from the hole above. His head is still ringing.
Cadfael's decline to madness unnerved him even more than the sudden darkness, but Mission's breakdown was less a shock.
Mission.
He saw Mission as his own dark reflection, what he would have become had he not met Elbereth Gwyndellion, and his band of elven rangers.
Rennik's rage at the loss of his beloved Nunka was too much to bear, and he had struck out alone to track Horan and his devilboar master. The hate consumed him, drove him on, forced him to push through pain and hunger and fatigue in his pursuit. Nothing and no one would stop him from avenging his beloved, and his heart became cold as stone and he shut out the world.
A leopard attacked him on the fringe fo the jungle, and he was wounded badly. He was too weak to move far, and cooked pieces of the great cat for food while he healed. His leg was broken, and he knew if he were attacked again, he would surely die - but he fought on, and when he was sick from fever, pulling the newly skinned pelt of the cat around his shoulders, the elves came on him.
After they nursed his wounds, they nursed his anger. He was almost a devil himself, whirling in anger on any who looked at him, wrestling and fighting the elven rangers several times a day, even in his weakened state. They took pity on him. They calmed him and trained him as a ranger, teaching him logic and rational thought, ways to survive when all hope is lost.
Above all, they tought survival. And to be prepared for anything.
Mission's actions reminded Rennik of his darkest times, when he would strike out at those who wished to help him, who were nursing his wounds, out of anger, fear, confusion. This Promise, this child, was like Rennik's beloved Nunka - it blinded him to the world, and would turn him against even his friends. It was the time when Rennik was his most dangerous, and he was thankful to the leopard, whose skin he still wears, that he had broken his leg - otherwise, he may never have found the elves, and have become worse than the beasts he hunted.
Crouching on the rocks, Rennik prepared his bow and quiver of arrows, aiming carefully at the rest of the party, but not adding tension. Madness had descended upon Mission and Cadfael, and madness could be catching. He was prepared to fight, if need be, to kill anyone who came at him. Survival. Preparation. He kept the halberd close at hand.
As he waited, he thought of leaving. He could strap his equipment on again and walk slowly across the bottom, holding his breath, until he got to the rope. Then he could be away, into the underbrush, back to warn the halfling tribes against their danger, against something that would steal their souls.
To hell with Promise. To hell with this quest into madness and certain death. He might just make it back alive to warn his kin.
Almost decided, he watched Garyth struggle to contain Cadfael and disrupt the fighting. He watched Sa'id and Farron calmly try to resolve the situation with their magery. He respected Garyth, and could not abandon him to this fate - and he had formed a grudging friendship with Sa'id, even if he twisted nature around himself.... He would stay. If only for them.
But he promised himself. If Garyth were to fall, he would look toward his own survival - and the survival of his people.
Cadfael's Words, Detect Evil?
Subject: Re: The hole; A covering darkness
Mission shakes off the cloud in his head and will attempt to use Stoneclutch again, but will try to deal subdual damage if possible.
OOC: A ONE?!! How anticlimatic. Dice have no sense of theater. . .
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The hole; A covering darkness
LOL!
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The hole; A covering darkness
(OOC - It seems that this request is moot at this point since following emails make it seem like Sa'id was able to cast the "Detect Evil" after all (true?). I'm confused.)
From: Dan
Subject: Re: The hole; A covering darkness
Sa'id cast "Detect Magic" and is looking at my hand, he said he'd sit down and memorize "Detect Evil" afterwards if he has to. So no evil detection is happening.
I'll try to get my next turn out over lunch but it probably won't happen until the end of the work day again. I need to get a computer at home...
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The hole; A covering darkness
OOC - Right, misread again. But it's still moot because Farron can't cast "Detect Evil". Also, I don't know how Sa'id could either since according to the link I've been using, it's a clerical spell. /OOC
Farron hears Sa'id calling him just after Mission bolts over to the pinned Cadfael and apparently smashes his head into the stones, but he can't hear what he wants through the other noises and echoes. He rushes to join the group on the pile of rocks and upon seeing that Cadfael was able to dodge the blow is unsure if he is relieved or disappointed.
How can I think that, he asks himself in the next moment. Clearly Cadfael is not himself. How can I wish him injury when he has healed us all many times over?
More than ever, Farron wished to be out of this evil hole in this cursed jungle. The longer he has been on this journey, the more he has felt the worst parts of himself fighting for dominance. He had been increasingly sullen and suspicious. Quick to anger at perceived slights. Where was his better nature? He was usually the one to raise spirits when things got tough. He was the one who smoothed tensions. But these men didn't know him from before this trip. And what had he shown them? I quick temper and sullen face. And his greed at the tower and glee at "winning" such booty - he was acting no better than the pirates he'd fought at sea. And now he feels disappointment that Cadfael's face isn't inches closer to the back of his skull? He looks at Sa'id, mumbling a spell with fire in his eyes, his bruised face looming over the prone priest, then at Mission, apparently intent on killing him. He looks back at Rennik who has drawn his bow and is pointing it from one of them to the other. This is madness, he thinks. We don't need to be attacked. We're killing each other. He falls to his knees, shaking with frustration and fear and screams "ENOUGH!" loudly and long, then hunches forward, his face in his hands as he tries to suppress the shaking.
(OOC - If Sa'id does, in fact, have reason to believe Farron could cast Detect Evil, he can repeat the request now. Otherwise, Farron will ignore it, not having understood what he asked in the first place.)
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The hole; A covering darkness
OOC:
Wow, you're right. Detect Evil is a cantrip (0th-level) CLERIC ONLY spell.
Detect Magic will have to do, then.
Actually, Ty, could I use my fate point to detect some evil? (I'm not sure if I want to yet, but I'm curious as to whether you'd let me. :)
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The hole; A covering darkness
...and I REALLY meant first-level spell.
Gah.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: The hole; strife
Cadfael is reveling so deeply in anger that he does not notice Garyth's approach until the man crashes into him. Once on the ground he offers Garyth almost no resistance but laughs bitterly at his question.
"It has never mattered what I do, Garyth. When the third day comes I will do what I must. But what will you do? Will you try and lead? All you have lead us to are doubts and discord. When the time comes, Brother, your heart will lead you back to indecision and you will do nothing. You ARE nothing. Not even the Gods care if you live or die. You are simply taking up space."
"I do as the Gods demand and the Gods say nothing of you."
Garyth feels Cadfael tense beneath him and a sudden hatred flares up in the priest's eyes. It seems to him that a telltale heat is building in the cleric's hands when Mission's fist comes crashing down beside Cadfael's head causing the anger in his eyes to boil.
"You." The fury in Cadfael's voice is so thick he almost gags. "The product of your lust, your arrogance and your shattered oaths has broken a dark god's prison. And who bears the burden of your folly, Mission? I do. Though I have never known you you have taken from me all I have ever had. I suffer for the devil you created." Cadfael begins to struggle against Garyth's grip, trying to use brute strength to pry the fighter off him, though he does not break eye contact with Mission. "Your son may be your salvation and he may restore your oaths but *I* am his salvation, not you. Never you. The only gift you ever gave him was Anilith and now he needs you less than I do."
At this point, I am assuming Mission punches Cadfael in the face. He'll do his best to avoid it but he's more concerned with breaking out of Garyth's pin however he can. If Garyth presents a finger that can be broken or an eye that can be gouged out Cadfael will quite happily do it.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The hole; strife
OOOOO!
Bring it, son!
:)
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The hole; strife
Cadfael's words strike home; they are all the more painful because they are true. When they left Overlook, just a few days before, Garyth thought himself a leader. But despite all of his efforts--or maybe because of them?--the group has split even further. In the depths of his soul, he knows his own unworth and he despairs. Nothing will ever be right again. A terrible evil is about to be loosed upon the world, two of companions seem stricken mad, and there is nothing he can do about it.
Somehow, though, his body knows better. His grip tightens, struggling to control the priest. And when he speaks, his voice is calm.
"I don't know what madness grips you, Brother, but you must control yourself. I will not let you bring this mission to ruin."
OOC: Sorry for the lateness. I've been swamped today at work.
Mission Grapples, Get the Glove!
Subject: Re: The hole; strife
OOC: Can I change Mission's actions? I would like to do the following, rather than punching Cadfael in his well deserving snout.
Sand-taken. Pathless. But Mission does not strike Cadfael again.
He shakes with the control it takes not to lash out at him. The Path is not straight, nor is it soft.
"You struck us with darkness, Cadfael. I believe I saw a vision of Promise in that darkness. He was trapped in a cold, terrifying place, and he despaired. Not becuase he was trapped, but because he was about to be born. Born into-- an evil red light. And I was not there to save him.
"I will not despair. I am not afraid of you, your god, or the shadows you spit at us. The Path is not straight, nor is it soft. Hard as Stone, hot as Blood, it runs from me to my child. I find redemption in this Path-- and perhaps you will as well."
Mission moves to help Garyth hold Cadfael down. "Where is my son, Cadfael? What can we do to find him?"
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The hole; strife
Farron will pull himself together and move over toward Sa'id.
"Are you OK?" he asks. "What have you seen?"
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The hole; strife
OODM: I am going to let you guys keep playing this scene as long as you want. Since Mission isn't punching anyone, feel free to ignore the initiative order.
DM: Sa'id does see a hint of magic coming from Cadfael's left hand. With his ragged glove, it is difficult to tell what it might be: the glove, the hand, or something else.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The hole; strife
Sa'id is still furious. "Get that glove off him, if you can! I need to examine it!"
His thoughts fly about in a barely-controlled frenzy. At first, he barely registers Farron's words to him:
"Are you OK? What have you seen?"
Slowly, the other wizard's presence sinks in. Without turning, Sa'id speaks, his tone clipped and fast. "Some evil - Kor Garesh, possibly - is tainting Cadfael. Through that glove, I think, but I can't get a good look. If only we could cast Detect Evil, we would know for sure. The others have to listen to me. In three days, Promise will be born and Kor Garesh will gain in power. If we can save Promise, we might be able to stall the god's rise long enough to escape and warn..." he pauses. "Well, warn the rest of Huss."
Sa'id again peers at Cadfael, but can't clearly what causes the faint glow of magic around Cadfael's hand. Now, finally, he turns to look at Farron. "How much protective magic you have?" he asks, his accent pronounced for the first time in some days. "If they can't get the glove from him, I may try an area or target Dispel. Foolish, I know. But I cast pro' evil first, of course."
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The hole; strife
Is someone going to take cadfael's glove?
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The hole; strife
OOC: Weird, I didn't get that email from Raja.
It had looked like things were going from bad to worse, as Mission struck out at Cadfael. Garyth had no hope of controlling them both. Fortunately, the monk seemed to have gotten a hold of himself again, and Garyth is glad; Cadfael was becoming more and more difficult to hold.
At Sa'id's cry, Garyth shifts his grip and reaches for Cadfael's glove.
OOC: Attempt to disarm.
Breaking the Pin?
Subject: Re: The hole; strife
Cadfael already tried to break out of Mission's pin, did he not do that? Or did he talk so much he didn't get the chance to break out last round? Because whether or not I'm pinned is going to make a bit of a difference as to what I do.
OOC -- My new computer came in the mail yesterday! Now all I need is an internet connection at home, which will probably happen at the end of next week and I can start posting more than one turn a day again!
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The hole; strife
Um. . .
I think you meant you tried to break Garyth's pin--Mission is trying this round to help Garyth pin you.
Interregnum 1
Subject: Re: The hole; strife
Whose line is it, anyway?
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The hole; strife
Is this the one where we have to respond in the form of a question??
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The hole; strife
Do you want to play at questions?
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The hole; strife
I won't be sending a new turn till after the end of the month, probably. I have two clients going live march first. Busy busy.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The hole; strife
No problem. I'll probably be away for awhile, too. I'm apparently newly responsible for destroying all semblance of civilization and democracy in America. I'll be gone at least a week.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The hole; strife
Novice.
I've been destroying civilization for YEARS.
Get in line.
Interregnum 2
Subject: Re: The hole; strife
Can you be more specific?
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The hole; strife
More specific about what?
Me destryoing civilization?
No, absolutely not. That would be telling.