PING
Subject: PING
PING www.sakeriver.com/game/SlashTheDM
Now Back to Your Regularly Scheduled In-Party Strife
Subject: Re: PING
Turn going out today. Finally.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: PING
:)
From: Dan
Subject: Re: PING
I can't believe that nobody replied to say "pong"
From: Scott
Subject: Re: PING
I can't believe no one replied with
Request timed out
Request timed out
Request timed out
Request timed out
:)
From: Dan
Subject: Re: PING
:D
*bows to Scott's keen sense of comedy*
From: Raja
Subject: Re: PING
I thought about that. But since that's improper ping syntax... ;)
From: Scott
Subject: Re: PING
Stupid wizard.
Get back in the kitchen.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: PING
if(Scott.isfunny() != TRUE) { kill(Scott); }
Oh-oh... Looks like you don't have long to live now ;)
From: Ty
Subject: The Hole; more strife
[Note: because of the complex nature of what is happening, I have shifted actions in time to where they made sense, and made a few arbitrary decisions for narrative purposes, but all of the following events that required dice rolls did in fact get dice rolls. I am not including those dice rolls, because it chopped the narrative up too much.]
With the party swarming over him, and Garyth pinning him to the ground, Cadfael struggles and curses, trying to escape. From a few feet away, Sa'id looks the priest over, his eyes shinning with magic. He points at the cleric's left hand and yells, "Get that glove off him, if you can! I need to examine it!" While he speaks, Cadfael hurls Garyth off him with a massive effort, and tries to scramble away. He doesn't get far. Mission leaps expertly on his back, and with several swift movements, ties the struggling priest into something very much resembling a pretzel. The arm lock in which Mission holds him looks complex, uncomfortable, and absolutely unbreakable. In a few seconds, Cadfael stops moving and slumps his shoulders with a defeated look.
Farron, who was standing close by during all of this, moves in and deftly removes the priest's ruined leather glove. He starts to hand it to Sa'id, but Sa'id only glances at it and shakes his head. "It isn't the glove," he says. All eyes are drawn back to Cadfael's left hand, and the glimmering ring he wears there. Sa'id, still looking with his enhanced vision, sucks in his breath. "The ring is magic. It's the ring."
[Mission is still pinning Cadfael, and the priest probably recognizes that he has little or no chance of breaking the expert pin the monk is able to put on him.]
[Please, everyone check in. Dan, I really need to know what Cadfael will do now. Feel free to send me a private email on that.]
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Hole; more strife
Sa'id suddenly feels his frustration dissipate. "That was clever, priest," he says quietly. "Very clever. The glove was a good idea -- if it was even your own." He moves closer to Cadfael, squinting to keep his eyes on the intensely glowing ring. "Don't let him cast anything," he says to the others. "Gag him if you have to. I need to think how to get the ring without anyone being killed..."
There is a pause, then Sa'id reaches out and takes the glove from Farron. Gingerly, he puts it on his own hand. "I'm not sure I want to risk a Dispel," he says. "But maybe I can lessen the effects somewhat..." [Pro' evil on myself].
OOC: Sa'id will then reach for the ring and try to remove it from Cadfael's hand.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Hole; more strife
Rennik watches with interest, but does nothing other than focus the attentions of his bow on Cadfael alone. Let the mages deal with magery.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Hole; more strife
Garyth picks himself up from where Cadfael managed to throw him. He grimaces ruefully; the priest is stronger than he looks. Mission seems to have a handle on him, though, for now. Garyth stands by, ready to pounce on Cadfael if he escapes again.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: The Hole; more strife
Once more the rage vanishes as quickly as it surges forth and takes all of Cadfael with it and he slumps like a broken man against Mission. The weight of his body pulling against Mission's hold must cause the man tremendous pain but Cadfael seems glad to let himself be supported in someone else's arms.
He kneels with his head hung low, eyes closed to the movements around him, trying to shut out the world. He gives Farron no struggle as he peels the torn glove from his left hand to exposing the thin silver band, if anything his head sags lower against his chest.
"' I need to get the ring without anyone getting killed'" Cadfael's hand snaps shut so violently there is an audible slapping, though by this point none of the party seems surprised. While Sa'id is casting his spell Cadfael speaks in a hollow voice, addressing the dark waters that swirl around his knees.
"Mission. If Sa'id touches the ring Promise will be bathed in the Blood of the Light. It would end now and there would be a blessing in that... But Promise will not like the cold."
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Hole; more strife
Promise's name on the priest's lips-- Mission doesn't like the sound of it. But he likes even less the sound of Cadfael's threat. Or prediction, or prophecy, or whatever.
Mission cries out to Sa'id, "Sa'id! Cadfael says that if I let you touch this ring, my son dies. Please stay back! Cadfael, explain yourself."
And then under his breath, Mission whispers, "Don't you betray my trust, Cadfael. I swear-- just don't. No oaths, no silly, vain promises-- do not betray my trust, priest."
Mission will not release Cadfael.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Hole; more strife
Sa'id looks at Cadfael. "Interesting. And in a perverse sense... not necessarily untrue." He looks at Farron. "Farron, do you have any means of casting an Identify spell on that ring?"
To Identify Or Not To Identify, What Good Are Gods Anyway?
Subject: Re: The Hole; more strife
OOC: Ty, how deep is the water Mission and Cadfael are standing in? Where are the party members located in the tunnel? I have this image of Cadfael and Misison being near the rockpile, but I'm not sure. . .
"Or we could just ask him," Mission grunts at the mages. "Like this: Cadfael, what is that ring you wear, and what does it have to do with my son?"
He could break Cadfael's arms now. The madness of the last few days whorls about in Mission's mind. He could snap the priest's arms like branches. Priest of Sand and Shadow. . . hiding what he knew about Promise. Concealing the truth. Him and his sand taken god, Pelor, keeping Promise away from him. Away from the Path.
Blood be stone. Mission calms himself with a few deep breaths. He would not let his feet stray from the Path.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Hole; more strife
Farron gives the glove over to Sa'id and watches with some tension for what might happen.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Hole; more strife
At Sa'id's request, Farron will retrieve the remaining (?) identify scroll from his pack and (assuming Cadfael doesn't make a confession making "identify" unnecessary) he will cast "Identify" on the ring.
(OOC - I'm pretty sure Farron has at least one scroll left. Also he could just cast "identify" without using the scroll, but he'd need 15 minutes to do it and I'm assuming the group is rather too impatient for that at this point).
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Hole; more strife
"I don't trust him to know what it is, Mission. Nor do I trust him to tell us the truth if he does. I DO, however, trust Farron's magic." He pauses. "I understand your desire to hear it from him, but there is no reason these two things can't happen at once." Sa'id's focus shifts to Cadfael. "If, instead of speaking the words of common language, you cast a spell of any kind, you will feel flames born of MY wrath, and not that of your god -- if Mission doesn't beat me to it." His tone doesn't change, and the words are spoken matter-of-factly, out of simple necessity.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: The Hole; more strife
"Cadfael, did you order that code red??"
"What do you want from me?"
"I want the truth!"
"You want the truth?? You cant HANDLE the truth!"
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Hole; more strife
At Sa'id's new words, Farron will continue locating the scroll to cast "Identify" on Cadfael's ring. Unless someone stops him, that is what he will be doing until it is done.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: The Hole; more strife
Cadfael laughs ruefully, "More than one God works through this ring, Sa'id. They hold as much love for you as you do for them and they do not fear your pitiful fire."
"Cast Sa'id's spell for him if you must, Farron, but Gods do not like mortals prying into their affairs and it will be your eyes that suffer, not mine nor Sa'id's."
He tries to speak Sa'id's name as a curse each time he utters it but he seems to deflate as he speaks and by the end he is mumbling to the water once more.
"I am tired, Mission. I am worn and I am weary and there is still so much to do. The Gods have taken everything of mine, why should time be any different? This ring is the key to Promise and has bound our fates as one. You need look no further than the man you hold to see how your son suffers. Set our feet on a path, Mission. Light cannot harm a stone and naught but blood can change blood. Release me and save your son or take this ring and doom him, I cannot make that choice."
Cadfael suddenly tries to surge to his feet, and raises his head to cry out to the darkness.
"Do you hear me? I will not choose, Pelor! I deny you! I would renounce you if it would release me from your hand. You would strip me of your presence and still keep me bound to you? Give me your justice! Let these men choose, it should not have fallen to me. Let them suffer, let them writhe in loss, let them burn. That is my choice, let them bear the burden of their love. It is not my child, it is not my homeland to protect and it is not my people that chose damnation. I do not care what befalls any of them."
Tears suddenly burst from his eyes and he falls heavily back into Mission, "Why am I taunted with choices and haunted with sights of Hell? Why force these visions upon me? Though they torment me less than the holiness I have lost. I would release the ring to you if I could, Mission, I would send you on your way with my blessings and never think of you again. But if you try and take it I will kill you and relish in the act, though I would not guide the blade. Now hurry up and choose for me, at least Pelor never kept me waiting."
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Hole; more strife
Sa'id moves still closer to Cadfael, and Mission can see clearly the pity in the wizard's eyes. "What have the gods done to you?" he murmurs.. "They have taken what was whole and good and left a dessicated shell of a man."
"At least now you understand the gods as I do; why men should seek to be rid of their meddling influence. They play their games and mortals hurt and die. And for what? For the betterment of one god against another?" Sa'id sighs. "Would that they did not exist; the world would be the better for it."
"I could touch your ring and not die. You know this. Kor Garesh cannot influence my mind through the ring as long as I am protected by the magics I have wrought; such are the laws of the universe, by which even your precious gods are bound. You know too that if I could I would read the identification scoll myself. Hate me if you must, if it will make you feel whole again, but what the gods do for you I do for myself. If the craft of wizards shows anything, it is that mortals do not need the gods." He pauses. "...except to deal with the meddlings of other gods. For this purpose - and this purpose ALONE - I will tolerate your Pelor, more so than even you."
He turns to Farron. "I am still curious as to the exact nature of the ring, but it may not be safe to cast spells unprotected. Divine magics are immune to even temporary dispelling; unless you have a spell of protection, it may be unwise to cast Identify. I trust your judgment in either case. What do you think of the ring? Can we safely leave it on him until Promise is recovered?"
From: Dan
Subject: Re: The Hole; more strife
Cadfael meets Sa'id's look blankly, he is clearly waiting for Mission's response. Although, when Sa'id mentions his protection from Kor Garesh amusement splashes across Cadfael's face and he looks at Sa'id as if he is missing something obvious. Slowly his face slumps and his head sinks back down to his chest and he quietly waits for Mission to act.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Hole; more strife
The Path is not straight, nor is it soft. And what it calls him to release or bind for Promise's sake, he will do. Can he trust Cadfael and his Pathless god? Flesh be stone, he has little choice that he can see.
"I'm going to let Cadfael go," he says. "Slowly."
And he does. But he keeps two fingers pressed against the pulse in Cadfael's throat. Just in case.
"Don't move. Just talk to us. Explain." He grins. "Use small words so that I can catch your meaning. Where is my boy?"
If Cadfael moves, Mission will use Stonetap to stun him.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Hole; more strife
OOC: I would just like to commend Dan and Scott on their excellent RP since we resumed. I'm really enjoying reading the messages, guys. :)
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Hole; more strife
Karl, is Farron still identifying after Sa'id's warning?
Just Say No to Identifying, Cadfael's "Prophecy"
Subject: Re: The Hole; more strife
"Sa'id, friend, I don't even know what I should be protected *from* at this point. Unless it's everyone of you and everything I see. What kind of protection do *you* have?" With that he will quietly roll up the scroll and store it back in the case in his pack. He remembers the queasy, filthy, feeling he got just reading the language on the infernal scrolls way back at the halfling camp what seems like weeks ago. He is not eager to have that feeling again, or, as Cadfael intimates, worse. He is not eager to go blind, or perhaps insane.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Hole; more strife
I think we are just waiting on Dan now that Mission has released him.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: The Hole; more strife
Cadfael leans forward forcing Mission's fingers hard against his throat so that his words come out sounding strangled and choked by more than just his tears, "So you are against me as well, Mission. You set me free and condemn me for your son. You have done me no favors Mission, none at all. It seems your feet are still set upon Pelor's path, as they have always been."
Making no sudden movements he turns to face Mission, a strange smile on his face, "But where is Promise? Why, right where you left him, cradled in your lover's womb. Follow her call as you followed it before and you shall lead me to him."
"And what a time we will have! The halflings will line up for the slaughter. They were bred for death, by our hands or their own, it makes no difference. They are already dead though they may not yet know it. The undead will trip over their bodies and slip on their blood. There will be plenty of corpses for you, Sa'id, all their secrets left open for you to explore at your leisure. Garyth will have the opportunity to die for his country and Farron can finally scurry back home. And with all this joy and glory they call this place a pit of hell?"
His eyes shining he clasps Mission's wrist, "In 3 days time, Brother, Anilith will birth your son into the Light's Blood and your hand will grapple with living flame to keep his dagger at bay. And for me..."
A dark fire burns in Cadfael's eyes and he tightens his grip on Mission's wrist, his fingernails carving blood from the Monk's flesh, "I am marked with Light and Blood and all Gods welcome me to their breasts. For in me Pelor and Kor Garesh meet. I have safe passage through all places lit with Darkness and will bring True Light to Anilith to tear the babe from the False. Her guardians will let me through though the rest of you will find no path."
He releases Mission and jerks away from his hand, "Come then Mission. You've set the path with stone and now our blood must flow down it. Gods do not wait and it all takes place in 3 days time. 3 days is not so long and we MUST be in place or you will have made me suffer for nothing."
With renewed purpose Cadfael wades through the water, seemingly unaware of it and retrieves his shield. "Now then, Rennik, guide us to your people, guide Mission to his fate and guide me to my peace."
From: Dan
Subject: Re: The Hole; more strife
A quick change:
If Mission moves to strike me or keep hold of me I won't walk to my shield, but will release his wrist and finish the line standing where I am.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Hole; more strife
That wasn't an answer. That was a riddle. Mission stills his annoyance and anger. Cadfael looked to have regained some of his verve, at least. Mission lets him move away from him.
Pelor and Kor Garesh-- sand and shadow. And they had his son. Mission didn't care which one he had to fight-- light and fire and darkness, what did they matter against Stone? Scorch it, smother it, it was still Stone. Unyielding, constant, powerful, supportive.
Sand take him, he was beginning to like the mages better than Cadfael. For all their magery, they at least spoke Common commonly. None of this riddling in the dark, theatrics built on hysteria. Sand. Cadfael would make a fair bard, if only he were more handsome.
Three days, if Cadfael was to be trusted. And for now, Mission does not see a way to retrieve his son without trusting Cadfael. So he will shake off the pain in his shoulder, and follow the priest.
Back to the Rope, Looking for H'rugda
Subject: Re: The Hole; more strife
Cadfael and Mission are heading to the rope.
Does anyone have any other actions they want to take before I write the next turn? Please, everyone check in with at least a 'I go with cadfael and Mission'. Thanks. And good job guys.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Hole; more strife
I go with Cadfael and Mission. :)
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Hole; more strife
Before climbing the rope, Mission calls up to Rennick: "Are your hruda, or whatever, still hogging the air up there?"
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Hole; more strife
A confused Farron will follow, silently.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Hole; more strife
Garyth's mind is spinning as he follows the group to the rope. What have they come to? Cadfael is going mad and Mission seems to be willing to sacrifice anything for his child.
Cadfael's words still stick in Garyth's mind. Can he really deny that his imagination hasn't often been stirred by stories of heroes who die for their countries? And, of course, if it should come to that, if the safety of Overlook, of Huss, should require it, he will gladly lay down his life. But is there really nothing else? No desire for glory, to be remembered in song?
No. Because if he should die out here, it's not likely anyone will be left to tell his story, to write his song. And Garyth has known that. If he dies out here, people may never know why. They may never know that he has helped him--if, indeed, he can accomplish that. But it is enough that he would have protected those who could not protect themselves.
That's why he's here.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Hole; more strife
OOC: Farron or I should bring that shiny blue robe. :) Farron had dragged it up to the rocks, I'm just not sure he still has it.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Hole; more strife
Actually, Mission has that shiny blue robe. He killed the zombie, he searched the zombie, he took the nice looking robe. . .
Hands off, Greedy Greedyton.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Hole; more strife
I thought one of the others claimed it.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Hole; more strife
See, that's what I thought.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Hole; more strife
Matt, is Rennik going up the rope to scout?
From: Matt
Subject: Rennik's thoughts
Madness. The party has descended into madness. One minute, they seek to kill one another, and the next they walk side-by-side as companions...
Rennik's brow furrows, but he does not release tension on his arrow. Could they be possessed by the dark god? Both of them? How else to explain it? One minute they sought to kill one another, and the next they had made peace. He started to make a silent prayer to Mielikki for guidance and protection... but caught himself. She had abandoned him, and would not give him aid.
Hearing Mission's question, he replies. "There is no way to know without looking, but I would assume they are still around. It has been only minutes since I saw them, and this is a good feeding ground."
He gets Garyth's attention as he gathers his equipment. "It seems we have two that bear watching... could you help me get across the water? I hesitate to ask monk or priest..."
(Would it be possible for Rennik to piggy-back on Garyth to the rope? Or would Garyth need to carry his stuff while Rennik swam beside? If the first way worked, he'd don his armor. If it wouldn't, he'd wait until they were above ground to don it)
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Rennik's thoughts
I am writing up the next turn.
From: Ty
Subject: Exiting the hole
With the air still charged with tension following Cadfael and Mission's confrontation, Rennik reluctantly puts his bow away, and asks Garyth to help him back over to the rope. Garyth picks up the halflings gear, and lets him rest one hand on his shoulder as he moves through the water. Once at the rope, there is a brief moment of panic when the rope appears charred, but the burns are only on the surface. Apparently the rope was far enough away from the fire to only sustain superficial damage.
Rennik, leaving all his gear other than the bow with Garyth, quickly climbs back up the rope.
From: Matt
Subject: Looking for H'rugda
After peering out of the hole, Rennik slides down the rope some and speaks to the others.
"The animals are scared. They huddle in the ruin of a building. It seems the darkness that fell was not just on us - and the beasts handled it no better. The adults are sheltering the children, but are afraid - not aggressive. Whatever they fear is far greater than they are, and they cower from it."
"We should be able to sneak past if we are careful not to appear threatening."
The should be safe from the h'rugda, Rennik imagines... but he fears their safety from themselves.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Looking for H'rugda
Rennik was right, Mission and Cadfael would need to be watched. The halfling's words had been a relief; at least someone was still sane around here.
When Rennik reports back, Garyth nods and thinks a moment. Leaving Mission and Cadfael alone together doesn't seem like a good idea, but in case the hrug'da attacked, they'd want the first couple of people up to be combat ready.
"Rennik, go up ahead and try to find a place to regroup where the beast will not be threatened. Mission, you go next, and help Rennik in case the beast decides we are untrustworthy. Farron, Cadfael and Sa'id will go up next, and I will bring up the rear." He looks from face to face. "Agreed?"
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Looking for H'rugda
"Agreed."
From: Matt
Subject: Re: Looking for H'rugda
"Agreed."
With that, Rennik pull on his backpack, climb back up the rope and disappear out the top hole, slowly and cautiously, trying hard to remain unthreatening and off the H'rugda's radar.
(OOC: I'm assuming Rennik donned his armor, since he didn't have to swim)
Metric vs. British, Which Way Now?
Subject: Re: Looking for H'rugda
Mission nods, and follows Rennick up the rope.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Looking for H'rugda
Farron numbly nodds his agreement
From: Ty
Subject: Back in the jungle
Rennik moves swiftly up the rope and disappears through the hole. Mission climbs even faster, and doesn't use his legs at all, climbing with only his arms. In anyone else but the monk, it would look like showing off.
A few moments after Mission has gone through the hole, there is a high pitched whistle, and the wizards begin to climb. Cadfael follows, the glittering ring on his now bare left hand the only reminder of what has transpired in the last few hours. Finally, breathing a sigh of relief that they are all out of the hole and no one killed anyone else, Garyth climbs the rope.
Outside, the group gathers behind the clump of stones from a long collapsed building on the far side of the clearing. The H'rugda keep their distance, though the male looks at the group with wild eyed fear. Clearly, whatever happened when everything went dark has left the animals panicked. Something occurs to Farron, and he turns to Rennik with a question on his mouth. Before he can even ask, Rennik nods assent. "Yes. The swamp dragons are probably panicked too. The only difference is, when H'rugda panick, they hide their babies on go on the defensive. When swamp dragons panic, they kill everything within reach. If we go through the jungle, it will not be pleasant."
Everyone falls silent at that, and looks off in the direction of the mountain. Rennik finally says, "Nearly fifty miles of open jungle between us and that mountain. Every inch of it designed to kill you. People have crossed it before, and will do so again I'm sure, so it isn't impossible." He stops to spit, "But it is dumb. And it is what the tunnel collapse was intended to force us to do. We go where our enemy wishes us to go."
Mission shakes his head, and says simply, "I have three days to cross it. I will not stop now." He looks irritated when Cadfael chuckles at this. "Indeed, redoubtable monk. We'll none of us be stopped, will we? That's not the plan." The priest looks up once at the sun after speaking, then looks away.
[What now? You are fairly close to the map marker, if you want to try and find other landmarks. Also, you know pretty much where the temple is, so could just set off through the jungle toward it. It's entirely up to you. You can discuss as much as you like, but when you're ready, everyone check in with an action, please.]
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Back in the jungle
:whine: Why can't I find the walkthrough and cheats for this dumb game?
:)
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Back in the jungle
(OOC- Ty, I'm going to be out of state attending a family wedding until next Monday. Sa'id, can you play Farron until then? I may be able to check in here or there, but nothing regular until next week.)
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Back in the jungle
OOC:
Sure. This will provide me with the perfect opportunity to pilfer the goodies you stole from those nice men we so obligingly slaughtered. ;)
But seriously, no problem. :)
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Back in the jungle
Mission presses his wide brimmed hat over his head to shade himself from the sun's glare. After the dank sewer-hole, he has to squint for a minute or two until the world returns to normal.
Fifty miles. Three days. Like a little, rhythmic, mantra. Fifty miles, three days.
He will look around to see if there are any sink holes that may have been created by the cave-in.
What with all the quicksand and mudpits, it would not be an easy task walking through this jungle, much less running. Mission frowns. Otherwise. . .
Otherwise, he could abandon this lot of fools, and retrieve his son on his own.
And while he was wishing, why not wish for Promise safe in his arms right now, and both of them back in Bannock's Ire, encircled by the Mossground, and his redemption assured?
Right. That's what he was working toward. So no matter how many mosquitoes, swamp dragons, dead women, fallen knights, cursed halflings, and raging wereboars he had kill to get to that point. . . well, let them come on.
"Garyth, Rennick, Farron-- you are the only ones of us who have ranged weapons." He smiles apologetically at Farron. "Farron, it might be better for everyone if you gave your crossbow to me or Garyth-- not that you're not competant with it, I'm sure you are. But we may need your magery more than your crossbow bolts."
His tongue feels thick in his mouth as he admits that. But once said, it is a difficult thing to call compromise back. "Rennick, how effective would the bottles of. . . mage-fire that we picked out of the tower be against the swamp dragons?"
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Back in the jungle
Sa'id interjects: "Mission, if you think a crossbow would be of use, take mine, not Farron's. Farron is more likely to use his crossbow in battle than I am; if it comes to that, I'll be busy conjuring fire." With a wink and a grin, he adds: "...and I have more than enough fire to burn this jungle down. It might even make the climate more to my liking."
OOC: If Mission or Garyth wants it, Sa'id will willingly give his crossbow and bolts to either of them.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: Back in the jungle
Stupid Americans. I mean, really. Miles? Who uses miles. I have absolutely no conception of how far a mile is. 50 of them *sounds* like a walk in the park.
I'm sure that the people of Overlook and the surrounding are use the metric system like everyone on earth who ISN'T on crack. I'd encourage Ty to remember this in future turns.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Back in the jungle
50 miles is about 80 km. And however much I think that the metric system makes much more sense when doing engineering calculations, you would be surprised how many products in the world are made to AES dimensions. Also, it's been my experience that most people in the UK still know what a mile, a pound of weight, and a gallon are.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Back in the jungle
50 miles is about 80 kilometers. I would remind Daniel that the metric system is a relatively recent invention, and that miles has a long and storied history going back hundreds of years. It seems more likely that a medieval culture is using a medieval measurement system like miles, yards, feet, inches, than a nice shiny modern one like metrics.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Back in the jungle
Garyth nods and accepts Sa'id's crossbow. "Thank you," he says. "Hopefully I won't have to make use of it." The expression on his face leaves no doubt what Garyth thinks the odds are of that, though.
He looks up toward the mountain, squinting in the light. Fifty miles. Through thick jungle. He sighs. Well, if they were going to make it in three days, they had better quit wasting time.
He looks over to Rennik. "Can you lead us to the temple?"
OOC: My proposed marching order, from front to back: Rennik, Mission, Sa'id, Farron, Cadfael, Garyth.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: Back in the jungle
"Yes. But as I said, it's dumb. Trying to trek 50 miles through this jungle in three days and hoping to emerge in fighting condition is like trekking across a desert with no water and hoping to put out a fire with your piss."
Then with a wry grin, "Not to say that it *can't* be done, of course."
"This can't be the only sewer. This was an ancient city, and the walls in the tunnel looked very strong. Other sewers must exist. These may be dry or filled with water - I don't know. But I think it might be worth taking another look at that map. If only to see if we can follow the course of *this* tunnel, and hopefully get back down into it at some point."
"As for mage fire and swamp dragons... you could try it, but I think it would only make them angry. Worse, if the moss on their snouts catches fire, their bite is even more likely to kill you. Then again, perhaps a burst of fire in their path might make them think twice about attacking. The best bet would be to get into the trees - attacking from range only if absolutely necessary."
"We should return to the map and decide our course from there."
(OOC: The marching order sounds groovy to me)
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Back in the jungle
Every second they spend talking about this is a second lost in which they could be travelling. Garyth's first instinct is to start marching. But if this journey has taught him anything, it's that his first instinct is not always to be trusted.
"I don't think we can afford to spend much time looking for other sewer routes. As you said, the walls looked strong; it seems too much to hope that we will find another hole. But it could make the difference between getting there and dying on the way. The marker is not far behind us, so the time we lose checking it again my be worth what we have to gain."
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Back in the jungle
"What are the odds that you can still read that map, Farron?" Mission swallows. Why does his throat taste like iron suddenly? "Does your magery last this long?"
He can't keep his eyes off the jungle leading east, and the mountain there. A mountain like those in his home, in Bannock's Ire. But not, somehow. There were no jungles in Bannock's Ire, and no dead cities. No--the mountains there weren't. . . malicious, like this thing in the center of the island was.
Mountain of Sand, that's what Kessel was.
And Promise lay beneath it.
Mission taps his staff on the ground impatiently. "Better informed than dead. Let's take another look at the map, and then move on."
OOC: Mission is fine with the marching order put forth. I think Garyth already has MY crossbow-- but if he wants to give it back to take Sa'id's that's fine.
To the Marker! No, Wait, to the Mountain!
Subject: Re: Back in the jungle
OOC: Right you are, Scott. OK so Mission gets his crossbow back and Garyth takes Sa'id's.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: Back in the jungle
Cadfael breaks in, "It is good to be under the sun again, I'm afraid we'll be seeing all too much false light soon. There is, however, no point in going back to the marker, it has served its purpose and I must serve mine. I'm anxious to meet my fate."
He tightens his shield and walks off into the jungle in the direction of the temple without looking back at the group, confident that the will follow and not caring if they don't.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Back in the jungle
Kind of need everyone's reaction to this event before I can write any more turns.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: Back in the jungle
This time I'm not casting Detect Evil, so I should be safe :)
From: Matt
Subject: Re: Back in the jungle
"I do not care if you die, priest. Go your way. Maybe your god will pry you from the jaws of a swamp dragon - or grant you a golden sun chariot to ride freely over the tops of these trees."
Rennik turns to walk back to the marker, then calls over his shoulder.
"When you die, be sure to scream loud enough for me to hear. It will brighten my mood."
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Back in the jungle
What had happened between the tower and the jungle to cause this darkness in Cadfael?
Garth's death at his hands. At Pelor's bidding, or as a tool of Mon Kada. Either way a difficult thing for a man to do. The darkness he'd accused Garth of-- maybe that shadow had found its way into Cadfael's heart.
Maybe what the priest needed right now was not harshness, or hardness-- but warmth. Not the warmth of Pelor's light, shed on all equally-- but the warmth of companionship. Of Blood, blood of friends, blood of those who chose to follow him.
What he needed, perhaps, was the faith of those he travelled with.
And that is the one thing Mission feels almost certain he could not give. He sucks in a breath-- the Path is not straight, neither is it soft. Trust, faith-- in this sand-taken follower of a Pathless god?
Or faith in a man who'd lost his way. Trust in the goodness of someone who was, despite everything, despite how he'd been used and abused by his own Pathless god, was forging ahead, trying to do his duty. To keep his feet on the Path, as best he could.
Mission would take what he could get. When they came out of this, when Promise was in his arms, he would take Cadfael to the Mossground. Well, he'd offer, anyway. And there, perhaps the priest could find the Stone to support his feet.
For now, though, there was the matter of bringing Cadfael back to sanity. Or at least back to the group.
Mission runs to get beyond him-- and to stand passively in front of him. He lays a hand gently on Cadfael's shoulder, and says, "It is a long road to the temple, Cadfael. Actually, from the looks fo things, it doesn't look like there's much of a road at all. It'd be nice, before we set out, to have someone with a big, sharp pointy instrument of some sort to clear the way in front of us, don't you think?" He nods with a grin at Rennick and Garyth.
If Cadfael continues walking, Mission will keep pace with him.
Insane Priests and Friendly Monks
Subject: Re: Back in the jungle
OOC: The intrepid siamese mages will wait to see how this plays out.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: Back in the jungle
When Mission puts his hand on Cadfael's shoulder his free hand moves immediately to the dagger at his side. It is half out of its sheath before Mission's words give him pause. They stand there for a while, the monk with an easy and deceptively relaxed smile looking intently into Cadfael's eerily blank face.
Cadfael glances behind him, "The Halfling's big, sharp pointy instrument does not appear to be heading in the right direction." He smiles back at Mission, "Perhaps we should wait for him. If he cannot find a mountain I doubt that he can follow even my trail."
He rams his dagger back in his sheath and steps around Mission, "Come then Brother, most are not so lucky to know exactly when and where they will meet their fate. Considering all the trouble these Gods have gone through on your account we should not be late."
He takes two quick steps ahead of Mission and, to the monk's surprise, turns and raises his hand to grasp the man's shoulder. They stand as they did a moment before, only with their roles reversed. "Mission, though light cannot harm a stone do not forget that you are flesh. If the Blood of Light falls upon you your soul will burn away. It would sadden me if this were to happen to you..."
Cadfael lets his hand fall and continues into the jungle. With his back to Mission he finishes the thought, "After I've saved your son I want to kill you myself."
From: Dan
Subject: Re: Back in the jungle
Mission lets his grin widen, "Why then, surely, I shall die. But there's a long way between this jungle and Promise's safety-- let's not get ahead of ourselves."
Or everyone else. He can hear the mages breathing back in the clearing, hear Garyth shifting uncomfortably in his armor. Unsure, all of them, what to do with this lunatic.
No-- he realizes his mistake. These lunatics. The two of them. Cadfael and Mission. Lunatics. That's how the rest of them were bound to see him, joking lightly with Cadfael, as if his threat meant nothing.
But Cadfael's threat DID mean nothing. Who was Cadfael, or the Gods, even, to wrangle the Path? And so he treated Cadfael's threat lightly. The Path would stretch itself out as it ever had. Mission had only to keep his feet upon it, whether in life or in death.
He faces Cadfael squarely. "The Path will lead as it must. If I am to die at your hands, I will die. But I have your oath now that Promise will be safe before my death, and that is hope for me. Thank you, Cadfael."
I Feel Like We're Drifting Apart, Karl's Identity Crisis, Raja Breaks It Down
Subject: Re: Back in the jungle
And be thankful this isn't being written by Farron's point of view or you'd likely have to be converting from leagues to mile or kilometers or whatever. ;-)
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Back in the jungle
Farron, still confused, will stand around waiting for the rest of the group to decide.
From: Ty
Subject: where do we go now
K, guys. I need to know what everyone is doing. Mission just told Cadfael to wait for the group, Cadfael seems determined to walk through the jungle, Rennik basically said he was going to leave if somebody didn't get Cadfael under control, and the wizards are waiting to see what happens.
I need a direction before I can write a turn. :)
From: Scott
Subject: Re: where do we go now
I vote south.
Somehow, it always feels like I'm going downhill.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: where do we go now
Cadfael wants to carry on through the jungle, but he is obviously moving slowly enough that if someone wants to go with him they could easily catch up.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: where do we go now
Garyth looks back and forth between Rennik and Cadfael, watching helplessly as the two get further and further away. Finally he runs after Cadfael.
"Stop!" he shouts as he catches up with the priest. "Just stop here for a moment. Surely you must see that if you are to do your part, we must first reach the mountain. We are much more likely to get there if we can find a safer path. Just hold here while we look for one. You lose nothing but time, and precious little of that, by waiting, but if you go on ahead you could lose the opportunity to fulfill this destiny of yours."
From: Karl
Subject: Re: where do we go now
Nero looks at Sa'id and shrugs.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: where do we go now
I knew Nero could be in two places at once, so to speak, but this is an amazing display of his power.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: where do we go now
OK, I knew this would happen eventually. S O R R Y !!!!!!
FARRON looks at Sa'id and shrugs. Nero continues to back slowly toward the horses.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: where do we go now
Rennik has no time for zealot priests with death wishes. He will continue as stealthily as possible, keeping all caution, back toward the map.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: where do we go now
Where do we go now?
Where do we go, sweet child
Where do we go now?
Now now now now now now now,
Sweet child
Sweet chi-i-i-i-i-ld... o' mine...
Rennik vs. The World
Subject: Re: where do we go now
OOC: Freaky death-mage wants to be a bard now?
Mission nods to Garyth gratefully, and out of the corner of his eye, sees Rennick continuing to move off toward the direction of the obelisk. Sand. The halfling was striking out on his own again. It wasn't enough that he'd been swatted around the last time, he had to go and do it again.
How does Rennick intend to read the map without Farron or Sa'id to throw their magery at the marker, anyway? Neither of the mages were moving, except to throw exacerbated looks around at everyone.
Desperate to keep them all together, he calls to Farron, "Farron, do you remember seeing any alternate entrances to the sewers the last time you read the obelisk?"
OOC: Ty, how far away is Mission from everyone else?
From: Karl
Subject: Re: where do we go now
[ooc-ty, Farron has a pretty good memory. Does he remember anything else that might be useful in getting this party headed in *some* direction?]
From: Matt
Subject: Re: where do we go now
(OOC: Good point, Scott. Rennik would have thought about the mages... d'oh)
Rennik glances back over his shoulder and realizes that no one is following. Cursed fools. He has half a mind to let them follow the priest blindly into the forest.
Their chances of survival are close to nothing without his ranger skills. Could he leave them to that fate? Could he let them stand around in indecision, wondering if they should follow a mad priest of a deluded god? Could he let the forest claim them for their foolishness?
He could, he feels. Certainly the priest and the monk. But the others relied on him to keep them alive in the jungle. He turns, and takes the few steps back toward the group.
"I question my place here. Am I the guide, or is the deluded madman who turned on us? If you are unclear, let me explain it in easier terms."
"You will DIE if you follow the PRIEST. You will DIE if you strike out on your OWN. The PRIEST is a MADMAN who feels he is immune to the horrors of the jungle."
"Now, he may well be. And that is great for him, that the gods feel like protecting their pawn. But YOU are not protected by his gods. Let him go! Let him go and see if his gods protect him! You cannot walk his path!"
He contains his anger, but stares in wonder at the fools.
"I know this land better than ANY of you, and I have no sense of how to proceed without a better look at the map. What chance do you stand?"
He sits on a nearby rock, and stares at them.
"Decide your path, and your guide, and rein in your priest if you choose. If not, feel free to stumble through these trees to your deaths."
From: Scott
Subject: Re: where do we go now
If Rennick truly knew this land better than anyone else, he would have certainly known about a dead halfling city on the outskirts of the jungle.
If he was truly familiar with his own land, he would have known that not even a day's walk down a clearly marked path, were the ruins of a civilization his ancestors built.
Were he truly half as competant as his pride led him to believe, he would acknowledge his shortcomings and work with them instead of biting at them whenever opportunity presented itself.
How much protection or guidance could such a fickle character as Rennick offer? At the slightest provocation, he is up and stamping off like a spoiled child, willful and angry. How different was he from Cadfael's god?
But Mission says nothing of that. Instead, he says, "Rennick, I have faith in Cadfael, if not Pelor. I believe that he knows where Promise is. I hope he does. For almost nine months, I have had no hope at all. I have walked the Path of Blood and Stone with _nothing_. No sense of my son, no hope of ever finding him. Not even dreams.
"Cadfael, for all his strangeness, offers me what I cannot refuse-- a path to my boy. In three days, he says, Promise will be born. I believe him, because I have started dreaming of him. I saw with Promise's eyes. I am closer now than ever before to Promise. And so I will follow Cadfael, no matter how insane the path.
"Because otherwise, there is no hope at all, that I can see. And I have walked that road long enough."
From: Karl
Subject: Re: where do we go now
"I did not see any other entrances to the sewers specifically marked. However, I did see that the sewer runs largely in the direction of the mountain." Farron replies. "But I'm not a guide and in the jungle it all looks the same to me. If one of you has a better sense of direction, perhaps working together we could stay on or at least near the sewer path as we head toward the mountain. If we come upon another entrance, all the better."
Saying this already makes him feel better. Less confused and directionless. And he remembers the promise he made to Mission just before all hell broke loose below. I will help him find his child, he thinks to himself. And with that heads over toward the monk and priest without looking back.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: where do we go now
Rennik looks at Mission with a mixture of pity and condescension.
"He attacks you. You subdue him, and threaten him. He tells you what you want to hear, and like a H'rugda to a pit trap, you're willing to jump at the bait..."
He shakes his head.
"I apologize for having once assumed you an intelligent human, as rare as that trait is in your kind."
Then, looking to Farron, he simply laughs silently and shakes his head.
Fools. Mission, raised in a monestary. Farron, a university. Sa'id, the same. Cadfael, a temple. Garyth, safe within the walls of his town. What are they to know about the dangers of the jungle? Halfling tribes who live in the wilds, whose entire world revolves around the threats and dangers of the deep woods - they avoid the jungle. Elven rangers hundreds of years old, wise in ways no human would ever understand - they avoid the jungle. The other inhabitants of the island avoid even the forest, let alone the jungle.
And five humans raised and trained behind the security of walls and roof think to walk across it as if they were headed to their local tavern. They are ignorant of its dangers, not having seen them. They do not have memories of gorings, maulings and death by poison, tooth and fang. They do not have images of beasts killing the unwary with lightning speed, without even the opportunity to yell for help. They have no knowledge, and refuse to listen when they are told of their peril.
No matter. It matters little to him whether the monk or priest die grisly deaths - it would be for the best, in the long run, for the world. The weasel-mage chose his fate willingly, having been warned. But what of the others?
"What say you, Sa'id? And you, friend Garyth? Would you follow the madman through the woods as though he were a rabid dog, blindly blundering in a straight path toward some destination known only to his warped mind? If you choose that path, I fear for your lives, but I will not join you."
He pauses.
"The priest and the monk may be the death of you both, and that will weigh on my heart. But don't say you were not warned. They are headstrong and feel themselves unconquerable, more powerful than the jungle. They are fools. I will not travel with them unless they are willing to abide by my decisions in the wilds - which they have proven they will not. That refusal, or even hesitation, could mean the death of us all - and I will not die because of their stupidity."
"Make your choice. If you follow the madman, it will be the end of our travels together. I will return to my people and warn them of the growing threat in the mountain, and I will mourn for the loss of your lives."
From: Mike
Subject: Re: where do we go now
Garyth steps in front of Cadfael and plants his feet. He speaks to the priest, but is loud enough that he obviously wants Rennik to hear as well.
"Listen! If we have learned nothing else in the past few days we should still know that we have strength and hope only together! We must ALL stick together or our enemies will surely pick us off one by one. Think! If we split up we are doomed to failure and death!"
From: Scott
Subject: Re: where do we go now
Mission chokes down his anger, and simply nods at the halfling. "I will not abide by any decision that will keep me from my son, Rennick. As you say, I am stupid and arrogant."
But I will find Promise.
"If our ways split here, than I am sorry, Rennick," Mission says, not insincerely. Because of all of them, Rennick probably _was_ the most capable in this wilderness. It _was_ foolishness to try this jungle without him. But foolish or not, Mission knew the Path.
And perhaps they would survive longer without the little savage snapping at them every moment.
He had been tolerable only once-- after his axe was broken. Mission bites his lip. He had retrieved the pike that Rennick carried in its place. Maybe if he hadn't brought such a poisoned weapon, Rennick's temperment would be more. . . tempered.
"Farron's advice is sound," Mission offers. "I trust the mage's memory of the map, just as I would trust the counsel you would give on this jungle, Rennick."