Confessions: Rennik
Subject: Re: The sunmaster's confession
Rennik listens to the others, his own feelings a twisted mess inside his head. There has been no clarity or focus since the day of the wereboar attack on his village, and he had left no room for introspection since that time.
He was driven by the rage held barely in check, and the quest to perfect his body for a stand against the demon boar he swore to destroy. He had never thought to look for weaknesses of mind, gaps in the armor that could be exploited. Not until the Sunmaster's words.
And he found himself lacking.
"I am Rennik of the Chorrdath." He stood, coming just about to the height of those seated and kneeling around him. "I left my home on a quest for vengeance. I abandoned my village and family to seek out the demon boar that destroyed my life and future, and to see it cleaved before my axe. This has driven me these past several years, at first a white hot anger and now a smoldering ember."
"I have not stopped to think of weakness since that time - not weakness of mind. The elves strengthened my body and reflexes, and cooled my passions. The forest honed my skill and axe arm. My fears of not being equal to destroying the demon boar are gone, especially after killing its spawn here in this inn. But weakness of body is not what we have to fear, if this holy man speaks truth."
"My anger is my strength. To abandon that would be to cripple myself in battle. I know this. But my anger is not an opening, for it is directed against the evil and against the demon that threatens to finish the job its servant only started - destroying my home and tribe. My anger is pure, and will guide my blade. It is not my anger that worries me."
"I have been too long a puppet of fate. I have had no control over the events of my life, being pushed this way and that. My destiny was to be chief of the Chorrdath - until the day the demon boar attacked. It killed my betrothed and wounded my best friend - who later turned into its demon spawn and killed many more of my people before escaping."
"I had no choice but to leave and pursue these two servents of darkness, abandoning my home to unknown fates. I had no choice but to track these creatures these last years, learning of the ways to kill them from the lore of the elves. I had no choice but to fall in with humans to accomplish my goals. I had no choice but to kill my best friend and kinsman to save him and the world from the monster he had become. I have had no choices. I have been at the will of fate. I have been helpless."
"And I know wonder if this is not the will of the demon - that I pursue this vengeance to the heart of the mountain itself. That I come to him willingly and with hatred in my heart, so that he may grant my wish of revenge - and steal my mind at the point when it is most vulnerable, when the purpose that has driven me these long years is gone."
"I have sometimes thought about what will happen when I accomplish my goal, and I have found only emptiness and a lack of will to go on. My sense of duty tells me I must return to my village, but there is no warmth for me there. My sense of glory tells me to unite the tribes into a great nation, but I have seen the product of such a halfling nation and it was corrupt. My will stops at the mountain. After I kill the demon boar, I have no purpose."
"These companions of mine have become friends, and all of our homes are threatened. I will fight to destroy the demon to save our lands, for that is what is good and honorable and according to the will of the Goddess Mielikki. But I am afraid that such a powerful evil could corrupt my anger with th helplessness and guilt I still feel over the inability to save my betrothed, my friend, and my village."
"I have a symbol of the Lady's grace and strength in my wolf companion Tichenor. I would gladly accept any strength your god of light and warmth can offer."
With that, Rennik kneels and allows others to speak.
Confessions: Kasen and Sa'id
Subject: Kasen's confession
Kasen nods to the others who have spoken before him. "My name is Kasen, I am a squire of the Order of the White Hart. Well, maybe I'm not any more." He draws the large two handed sword from his back, and lays it within the circle. "I stole this sword when my master was killed. It is his sword. I told myself that I did it to keep it out of Elise's hands, but that was just an excuse. The truth is, I wanted it for myself. I wanted it because it is a symbol of everything that I want to become. It is the weapon of a true Paladin."
"I am unworthy to carry it. I am unworthy to join you men on this crusade against the demon."
He shifts uncomfortably. "And there has been lust in my heart. I- I have seen Elise in embrace with the head of my order. I saw them together, and greater than my disgust at my lord's betrayal of his vows, was the lust in my own heart for her. I hate her. I hate her. But I lust for her as well. And in this too I am unworthy."
"Can Helm forgive these things? His eye is all seeing and his justice is sure. I do not believe he can forgive my weakness."
[I just need a turn from Raja]
From: Raja
Subject: Sa'id's confession
Sa'id, still sobbing quietly, looks up. The room is silent, but he can still feel the supernatural presence. Everyone was looking at him. They had mostly spoken of fear, inadequacy, asking for the strength to complete the task or to overcome their anxiety. This was different. He takes several deep breaths
"My name is Sa'id ibn Shukri," he begins, speaking slowly. "I am twenty-two years old. I was born and raised in Jaffa, on an island far to the west of Huss. My father owned and operated a funeral parlour, preparing bodies for burial. My mother died when I was thirteen, and my father -- I..." He pauses. "I was with my mother when she died. I did not call for my father. Our relationship was... never the same. I left home at sixteen and have not spoken to him since then."
"What I did between then and the beginning of this madness is not relevant. I have had..."
Another pause.
"...dreams."
Sa'id swallows, hard. He can feel Pelor's gaze upon him.
"I dreamt of power, the power to create unlife from death. Of commanding an army of the very abominations we have been battling. Of..." his voice breaks, and another sob wracks his frame. "Of killing you. All of you. Before our task is done, afterward, I don't know. It almost doesn't matter. I am terrified that Melancthnagesh will darken my thoughts even further, nudge me over the precipice... but I am even more terrified that he won't need to, that... I will jump off myself."
He turns, looks at the Sunmaster. "It might be best if I did not accompany you. It might be best if Pelor himself burned me with his holy fire here and now, to spare all of you from what might happen."
From: Jake
Subject: Re: Sa'id's confession
Great turn, Raja.
The Sunmaster Comforts
Subject: The Sunmaster comforts...
After the last man speaks, Sunmaster Fellus lets the room grow quiet. But instead of unease, the men feel only peace. Finally, when he does speak, his voice is filled with emotion. "Thank you all, for opening yourselves like this. It is not easy. But now each of us is aware, not only of the secret worries of his companion, but also of the trust that has been given in sharing them. Secret things hold power over us. But once spoken, they lose much of their potency. Pelor has heard your words, and your appeals for aid. So to have all those beings who wish to see the demon caged once more. Your words have not been in vain."
The Sunmaster lowers his head, and begins praying in a strange tongue. Though the men around him do not understand his words, there is something in their cadence and tone that is very comforting. When he finishes, he extinguishes the candle in front of him. "We will leave on the morrow. Make what preparations you need to."
Robert clears his throat. "Forgive me, m'lord, but I don't understand. You blew in here like the wind. Why not just fly to the mountain right now and be done?"
Fellus smiles at him, "I could. But once I got there, the demon's servants would simply run me through. Age has taken much of my former strength, I'm afraid. And the prayer that I must use once I arrive is taxing in the extreme. No, for this to work, I will need all of you by my side, to protect me. I have no prayers that would move us all to the temple together. Sadly, I must walk my aged bones through that damnable jungle."
Kasen scratches his chin, and uncomfortable look on his face. "Elise will know you've left the city. She knew when the wizards and I had, and used magic to try and kill us. It is possible that she will attempt to ambush us along the way, or if she lacks the men with her for that, she will go to the temple to bolster its defenses."
Rennik growls. "Good. I hope to see her there." He clutches the haft of his newly repaired axe until his knuckles are white.
[prep for the journey. Spell lists and whatnot. Also, you may attempt to forage supplies from Gully's, though of course his supplies are mostly all gone. Let me know what you are trying to find.]
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Sunmaster comforts...
Yeah, this is actually the best time to do this.
So, I need all the PC's to level up here, except for Kasen and Bartok. The benefits of having been on board since the beginning... :)
From: Mark
Subject: Re: The Sunmaster comforts...
:(
4th level with a bunch of 7th levels. Children among men.
Mark
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Sunmaster comforts...
Bartok is 4th?
Hmmmmm.... I'd thought he was fifth. Go ahead and level him up to fifth, Mark, even though he hasn't done anything yet. 4th is just too low for the stuff that is coming.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Sunmaster comforts...
So, the burning question:
Animate Dead?
;)
Quick Question From Pensive
Subject: Re: The Sunmaster comforts...
OOC: Ty, I updated Pensive's sheet on sakeriver, except for the HP. If you want, I'll roll it, or you can do so. I added 3 skill points to Tumble, and 2 to Move Silently. (Mike, the sheet doesn't take the 'Synergy' column into account when tabulating Skill values...)
OOC2: Pensive will search for food and healing kits; he'll ask Gully for permission, and pay a bit extra for whatever he takes. He'll take three days worth of food, if he can find it.
Pensive finds a quiet moment to approach the Sunmaster. "Sir," he says, bowing his head a bit. "I was given this token by a woman from the village-- it has the feeling of something very holy within it. I was wondering if you could tell me more about it."
The Sunmaster Reassures Farron and Sa'id
Subject: Re: The Sunmaster comforts...
Farron keeps his face toward the floor while the rest of the men speak in turn. Only Sa'id's words give him pause. How could it be that he held such dark thoughts, yet he had spoken in the holy chamber and not been consumed. Pelor must be much more forgiving than he had thought. More forgiving? or more desperate? Again with the blasphemous thoughts.
He chances a glance around the circle, expecting accusing stares but finding none. Everyone, to a man was looking at the floor, no one looking at Farron; No one aghast at his weakness nor his lack of faith. The realization of it hits him at the same time a feeling of peace overtakes him. It had been so long since he felt at peace. He realizes with a start that the darkness is gone from around his heart, not as if stripped away by an external force, but as if the fire from within his very own heart had rekindled and made his soul an uncomfortable place for darkness to dwell.
The Sunmaster finishes the ritual with a prayer, strange to Farron's ears, but comforting nonetheless. Then, he dismisses the group, each to make his own preparations for the journey to come.
As the group disperses, Farron approaches the Sunmaster. "Sir, um, . . . Your Holiness," he begins. "I do not understand what has changed. My head still feels the doubt it felt before, and the unworthiness, too. But my heart, now, could not bear the thought of not joining you on this quest. I know the dangers we face - I've been there before, yet, strangely I feel relieved by the thought of going with you to the mountain. The despair I have felt recently is gone, but I fear its return. How can I keep it from taking hold of my heart again?"
OOC - Farron will listen to the Sunmaster's reply. He will then help assemble any supplies necessary for the trip to the mountain.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Sunmaster comforts...
Fellus grabs Farron's hand and holds it gently. "Only one thing has changed, my friend. Your companions know that you suffer as they do, and they will be there to help you should you need it. You need no longer be ashamed. When the demon spoke to you before, and asked you to betray them, you kept this hidden from them out of shame. Now, you can speak openly to them. If the demon tempts you, you can admit this to your friends and let their strength aid you. I know, I know, it seems like a very small thing. But I promise you, it is of vital importance."
The Sunmaster keeps Farron's hand, and pulls Sa'id over to him as well. He says in a quiet voice, "You two will feel the dangers we face more than the others. You are mages, trained to open your minds to all things arcane. It does not surprise me that you have already felt the weight of the demon's gaze heavy on you. But I will be with you. Please, please tell me if you are tempted again. I promise that the three of us together are stronger than the demon's will. I swear it."
After Farron and Sa'id move away, Pensive approaches holding his necklace. The Sunmaster listens to him, then looks the item over carefully. "One can certainly feel the gaze of something upon this item. I see you have felt it too. Something ancient watches over the one that holds it. I would say it is a powerful talisman, though the design is unfamiliar to me. But when I hold it, I smell leaves and grass, and fresh soil. One of the elven gods, perhaps? Who gave it to you?"
Pensive tells Fellus of the conversation with Elvira. The Sunmaster nods, a serious look on his face. "It is no small matter, that. She has laid an obligation on you, and the God that watches this item is aware of it. I see that you feel that too."
From: Ty
Subject: roll your own HP
If you plan to try and cheat at this late date in our game, I won't stop you. :)
Does everyone have an updated version of their character on Sakeriver?
From: Mark
Subject: Re: roll your own HP
I sent you the hit point roll from the Irony dice roller. A measly 1. :)
I have updated Bartoks skills and such.
From: Mark
Subject: Re: The Sunmaster comforts...
Bartok waits until the humans have finished talking before he approaches the Sunmaster. He bows. "Man of the human gods, you have shown me that our people are not that much different. We all have the same worries, the same fears. Again I promise you, on my life, you will reach the moutain."
Bartok makes the symbol of fealty and bows again.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Sunmaster comforts...
"It is no small matter, that. She has laid an obligation on you, and the God that watches this item is aware of it. I see that you feel that too."
Pensive nods. "I did not expect to love these people so easily. This is so different from the path that I thought I was meant to walk. I thought...well, anyway." He shakes his head.
"I will gather some supplies for you."
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Sunmaster comforts...
"Please, please tell me if you are tempted again."
Again.
What if I never stopped being tempted? What if I'm -still- tempted?
Sa'id realizes, then, that the power he'd dreamt of is already within his grasp. He had only to reach out and take it... a night or two spent collating notes and recollections of their battles with undead over the past weeks would do it. The secret to creating them would not escape his intellect.
The necromancer wants to run to his books. Instead, he lurks in the periphery of the room, waiting for an opportunity to address the Sunmaster again. The halfling scout, Bartok, bows before the Sunmaster and they exchange some words. As the two separate, Sa'id approaches Fellus again.
"Sunmaster," he says quietly, "I must speak with you alone. It does not have to be now."
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Sunmaster comforts...
"Now is an excellent time, while the others prepare for the coming journey. Let us go to one of the private rooms for a few moments."
Fellus leads Sa'id to one of the rooms in the back. "Speak, friend."
From: Mark
Subject: Re: The Sunmaster comforts...
OOC: Mellon.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Sunmaster comforts...
Sa'id speaks softly despite their privacy. "I have sometimes what you might describe as revelations if the context were religious. Things become clear in a flash of insight." He takes a deep breath. "I had one such realization just now. The power I described in my dream, that I know a part of me craves... the power to create undead..." he trails off.
"As a child in my father's house I viewed the dead as deserving of reverence. As an investigator for the coroner's office in Haifa on my home island my view was the same. My study of necromancy grew from this reverence, and the creation of undead defiles it. I wished, initially, to understand the process. Somehow that has grown into desire to harness it and twist it to my own purposes, whatever those may be."
"The power is now within my grasp, should I but reach out and take it. Other incantations I once struggled with are becoming clearer as well. With a little study, and the proper supplies... wouldn't two dozen zombies be helpful in getting through the jungle?"
"But you see, that is pride talking. I assume I am ready, I assume I can succeed, and most of all I assume... I assume that I will not be corrupted even further by using the power I once abhorred." Sa'id digs about in his pack, pulling out a scroll case. He pops the case open and tugs the rolled papers from it. These he presents to the Sunmaster.
"My notes," he says. "My notes about the undead, speculations about how they function, how they might be created. Please, you must help me summon the strength to burn them."
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Sunmaster comforts...
The Sunmaster nods slowly, his face thoughtful. "You are a very strong young man, Sa'id. I keep seeing what Cadfael must have seen in you."
He sits back, one hand rubbing an arthritic wrist as he speaks, "Power. Power is what creates and destroys great men. The desire for it makes them achieve what others do not, and then once gained, the use of it often destroys them. You are on the precipice now. You have seen the first inklings of true power, and you are frightened. I understand this. I am not without power myself, and the temptation to misuse it is sometimes almost overwhelming.
"Great men can attain power, but it is the exceptional man that finds a way to hold power without its corrupting influence. The fact that you sit there, clutching the keys to a corrupt form of power, ready to put it to the flame, shows you to be an exceptional man. You don't need my help. The moment you spoke your thoughts out loud, you robbed those temptations of their ability to hold you in thrall. You know such works would be an evil for you, and you have faced that truth openly. Such corruption only works when it is allowed to fester in hiding.
"Burn those notes, Sa'id, if you know that to be the right thing to do. But do not believe that it is I that saved you. You saved yourself. I am just honored that you chose to speak to me of this first."
Fellus rises slowly back to his feet. "I find that my greatest regret in going to face what is certainly my doom, is that I will not be here to see you become the man you are turning into. I should like very much to watch you grow. I think it will be into something special."
He gestures to the door, "Should we return to the others? Gully has a nice fire burning right now..."
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Sunmaster comforts...
"I only hope," Sa'id replies, fighting back tears, "that I will one day be able to help someone, lend strength, be a worthy guide, as you and Cadfael have done for me."
"But it isn't enough to simply throw these notes into the fire. Even that is too passive." He nods, seemingly to himself. "Yes, altogether too passive." The necromancer murmurs a few quiet words [Prestidigitation], and when snaps his fingers, a spark leaps from between them to the bone-dry papers in his other hand. The light instantly and begin to burn, the acrid smoke rising in soft wisps.
"Now I can throw them in the fire," he says. "Now that I have started the process, I can let Gully's fire complete it." Sa'id grins suddenly. "If I didn't, I suppose I'd burn my hands." He opens the door for the priest with his free hand, and then walks slowly to the fire, carefully shielding the burning papers so that the fire doesn't go out. He ignores the strange looks of his comrades. Extending an arm, he holds the papers over the fire, then releases his grip. They drift downward, the flames licking up at them almost lazily.
Sa'id breathes a sigh of relief. "I did it," he murmurs to himself. "I have taken a step back from the cliff."
OOC: My character sheet on Sakeriver isn't up to date yet. I'll try to have that done by the weekend.
Scrounging Results
Subject: anyone need anything from me before we move on?
From: Mark
Subject: Re: anyone need anything from me before we move on?
I think I am ready to go.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: anyone need anything from me before we move on?
I don't need anything from you, Ty. I haven't updated my sheet, though. I will try to do it this weekend.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: anyone need anything from me before we move on?
I just need to know if I was able to find food enough for Pensive and for the Sunmaster for 3 days or so. And if he found/bought any healing supplies.
I'm good to go then.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: anyone need anything from me before we move on?
Yeah, as long as we have enough food to get there and back, I'm good to go.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: anyone need anything from me before we move on?
Pensive finds no healing supplies of any kind, but he and Gully are able to scrounge up enough food for a week.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: anyone need anything from me before we move on?
And back?
From: Mark
Subject: Re: anyone need anything from me before we move on?
We have the SunMaster and Osred, right. They can both create food, right? Rennick can hunt.
Hell Bartok could probably supply some foraging. The halflings are out there two. They might be able to supply us with some food.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: anyone need anything from me before we move on?
Nah, I'm expecting you to send in the eagles to pick up our exhausted unconscious bodies from the side of the mountain after we fix the demon prison. :)
From: Raja
Subject: Re: anyone need anything from me before we move on?
:P
Yes, "and back." I can't speak for others, but Sa'id certainly intends to return from the mountain.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: anyone need anything from me before we move on?
Garyth will want to do some scrounging as well. Food will be his top priority, followed by arrows and crossbow bolts. If there's a bow to replace the one he gave to Rennik, so much the better. (Or did he already replace that one? I can't remember.)
Garyth's sheet is all set, as well.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: anyone need anything from me before we move on?
Garyth replaced that bow a while ago. It isn't a nice masterwork one like he gave to Rennik, but it's functional.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: anyone need anything from me before we move on?
Cool. What about rope? Garyth had rope at the start of the campaign, but it got left behind on the way out of the mountain the first time. If he hasn't replaced that in the interim, he'd look for some now. If he has, then just food and ammunition.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: anyone need anything from me before we move on?
Gully is able to find him another 50' feet of rope. He can take as much or as little of it as he likes. Bartok also carries rope with him.
Out From the Door Where It Began
Subject: Vacation
I do not remember if I sent this to the group but I will be on vacation from Friday Mar. 31 until Thursday April 6. I will be able to post on Friday, April 7.
I will be meeting Karl for dinner on Friday in DC.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Vacation
So send all bribes for the DM to me. I'll be sure he gets them. ;-)
From: Ty
Subject: is everyone ready to go?
Should I write a new turn?
From: Scott
Subject: Re: is everyone ready to go?
Go, man! GOOOOOO!
From: Mark
Subject: Re: is everyone ready to go?
Go for it.
Let's finish this thing by Thursday. :)
From: Ty
Subject: Out from the door where it began...
Bartok finishes strapping the last of his gear to his pack, checking his ropes and climbing equipment one last time. The Belneth had said that these men would need him, and the only thing he can think of that he is better at than most is climbing Kessel. That must mean the Gods need him to climb. He sits back for a moment, eyes closed, thinking of his previous ascents, mentally revisiting each face and path on the mountain. Only a handful of his people had ever reached the summit, and he was one of them. Though it had not come without cost. He silently prays to Mielikki for the souls of lost friends, and for protection for those he is with now.
Nearby, Rennik is sitting on his pack, chewing on the leather wrapped round his axe handle. His eyes are distant and hard. One hand absent mindedly scratches Tichenor behind the ears. The wolf, for his part, keeps one wary eye on the big winter wolf lying near the fire with Manut sitting on him. Tichenor and Cutter had made a sort of uneasy peace early on, but Tich maintains a wary distance from the much bigger wolf.
Farron and Sa'id sit at one of the tables, poring over their books and notes. Farron is writing in his traveling spell book, Sa'id making comments and suggestions as he works. While they work, the two wizards are oblivious to the rest of the world.
Kasen sits on a stool near Manut and the fire, slowly oiling Truth. The huge blade gleams like a mirror, and seems to have its own inner light. Pensive sits cross legged on one of the tables, and watches the Knight care for his weapon. There is a ritual to it, not unlike the meditations the monks did before practicing their skills. It is the ritual that prepares a man to test himself even as far as death. Pensive can feel the deep calm in Kasen, the centering of his being. He hasn't quite woven himself into the fabric of the group yet, but he is comfortable in his own skin, and Pensive knows that many never know that peace. Under the monk's robes, the amulet of Elvira is warm and smells like grass.
Garyth comes back into the lodge, Vincy right behind him. He looks over the rest of his men, and smiles. Robert, Munchy, and Osred sit on the floor. Robert is telling a joke. In his typical fashion, the build up is long, elaborate, and no punch line could ever be enough pay off. But that doesn't matter. Robert makes every inch of the story count, with many asides and interjections that are funnier than the joke itself. Garyth walks over and gives the guardsman a playful swat on the head. "You men ready to go?"
Osred nods, "Ready, Sir. Just give the word."
Garyth looks around the room. Most of them had been up since before dawn, preparing. The Sunmaster was the only one who hadn't come out yet, and it was quietly agreed that he should be given as much time to rest as they could afford. But it's time to go. Garyth says, "Can someone go get the Sunmaster, and make sure his gear is ready? We leave in fifteen minutes."
Farron and Sa'id immediately close up their books, and go to the Sunmaster's room.
Rennik gets up, shouldering his axe. "I fear for the old man, traveling in those cold and damp sewer tunnels. We barely made it ourselves."
Garyth nods, "Better that then risk him going down the gullet of a swamp dragon." He rubs his ribs in a sudden memory of pain.
A few moments later, the wizards return, supporting the old cleric between them. Fellus is grimacing. "I'm afraid my joints are acting up this morning. This usually happens after I use a powerful prayer, and the one I used to get here yesterday seems to have hit me harder than usual. Growing old is a terrible thing."
Robert says, "But it's better than the alternative." Munch just smacks him in the head. "That is such an old joke. You need to get some new ones."
Rennik throws his pack over his shoulder. They were going back into the wilds. Without anything being spoken, leadership passes from Garyth back to him. "I will lead. Let me stay about fifty feet ahead of the rest of the group. In the main group, the soldiers take the outside positions and protect the mages and the priest. Bartok, you take the extreme rear, and watch for followers. Let's go."
[Pausing here. Please check in with a ready to go, or RP if you like.]
From: Mark
Subject: Re: Out from the door where it began...
Bartok grunts at Rennik's assumption of command, but seeing that the humans accept it, and knowing that his own skill in the forest pales next to the rangers, he accepts it. He makes sure that all his gear is strapped down and that his greatsword is locked in place. Nothin worse that a sword rattling out of a scabard while climbing.
He waits for the rest of the party to move out and brings up the rear, about 50 feet back.
OOC: Ready to go.
From: Jake
Subject: Re: is everyone ready to go?
Yep, I'm more or less ready--just have to roll for HP and I'm good to go.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: is everyone ready to go?
Ready to go.
Back to the Temple; Magic Horses
Subject: Re: Out from the door where it began...
Sitting at a table beside Sa'id, studying, the peace Farron felt in the Sunmaster's circle continued. It was like he was back in college, a good friend at his side, probing the realms of arcane power -- the closest he had ever been to what he thought of as heaven. He knew their peace was an island in the eye of a hurricane, but that only barely lessened his enjoyment of that peace.
Surreptitiously, he kept stealing glances at Sa'id, wondering what he was working on so seriously. He was amazed earlier when his friend burned several pages of his notes, something Farron would have thought Sa'id would die to protect. "What we learn is one of the few things we really ever have", Sa'id had once told him. That had stuck with him for years. He wondered what Sa'id had learned that had led him to destroy something formerly precious to him. Before that, he would have said that he knew Sa'id better than he knew anyone. But as much as Farron was glad to have Sa'id by his side in this, the whole of the past several weeks had only served to show him how little he really knew him -- and therefore how little he knew anyone.
But he didn't want to pursue that train of thought. He wanted the peace to last as long as it would. And besides this study time had proved to be one of the most productive he'd ever had. He was putting the finishing touches on two new spells he had discovered and was almost itching to try them out. Granted one of them was just a more potent version of a spell he already knew - the power to summon creatures from another realm -- but it would, theoretically at least, allow him access to creatures of greater power, or perhaps larger numbers of the creatures he already knew he could summon. The other spell, one he was most proud of, was one he may not have even tried had he not been along on this journey. He knew the party had been watched at various times, probably from the moment they first met Elise at the farm in Overlook. Since then arcane powers had been bent all over the island as the demon and his minions spied on the people of Overlook and Nesalin (and probably each other). Though he could not pinpoint the times exactly that the power had been used, he knew it had, and had been working on correlating times the party must have been scried on with times in his diary when he felt the most paranoid and exposed. Try as he might, he couldn't quite discover how actual scrying was being done, especially over such vast distances, but he did think he could tap into a version of that power to extend his own sight at least into another room, and around corners. He would try this spell tonight before sleep, if he didn't have occasion to make use of it before then.
"We leave in 15 minutes"
Farron turns to Sa'id and without a word, they both close their books and go to assist the Sunmaster. The man seemed more frail this morning, his bones creaking and groaning as he got out of bed and dressed. But even so he made little complaint. Old men should not have to carry such burdens, Farron thought. They should spend their days in libraries, and by the fireside, not traipsing through the jungle with god knows what on their heels, or more likely waiting in their path.
As the group prepares to leave, Farron turns to the Sunmaster. "Sir, may I summon a mount for you to ride? It will allow us to go faster, and be less taxing on you, I believe. At least until we get to the edge of the jungle?"
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Out from the door where it began...
OOC: Great turn, Karl. I'm ready to go.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Out from the door where it began...
OOC: I'm also ready to go.
From: Ty
Subject: Back to the temple; magic horses
The group stands outside Gully's in the early dawn light, the soldiers warily eying the forests around them, and Rennik quietly discussing routes with Garyth. Gully moves around the group, pressing the last of his hard rolls into their hands, and promising that he and Manut will be fine since he plans to follow the boy over to Kalama territory as soon as they leave.
Farron offers again to summon Fellus a mount, and the old man looks like he is getting ready to be indignant, then suddenly smiles and lowers his head. "You are right, of course. Pride tells me that I can walk to the demon on my own two feet, but of course, that would only slow the rest of you down. Thank you, Farron. I would appreciate the mount very much." Farron quickly conjures it up, and he and Sa'id help the Sunmaster get seated.
Rennik and Garyth appear to finish their conference, and Rennik heads off into the brush without a word, the wolf at his heels. Garyth whistles to his men, "Flank Farron, Sa'id, and the Sunmaster, and keep your eyes on the forest around you."
Osred organizes the men, and adds his own encouragement for them. "If the Sunmaster gets so much a sliver because one of you wasn't paying attention, I promise that man will regret it." His thick scabbed hands, and scarred face are all the threat he needs.
Once Rennik has moved about fifty feed ahead, Garyth leads the main group into the brush behind him. Bartok lets the group get another fifty feet in before he follows.
Rennik, having seen Farron put the old cleric on a mount, sets a punishing pace through the forest. By the time the mid day break comes, the wizards help Fellus off his mount, and then collapse. The Sunmaster himself is so saddle sore he can only lay on the ground with his eyes tightly shut. Garyth is telling his men, "Ten minutes. Eat fast boys." When he sees Fellus and the wizards, he asks with concern, "We are only stopping for ten minutes. Will you be able to continue?"
Fellus nods emphatically, not opening his eyes. "We will, Captain. We are not tired. We are merely conserving our dread powers for the battles to come." He then opens his eyes and winks at Garyth.
The group does not stop until nightfall, when the forest is as black as a cave. Rennik finds them a decent camp site with a trickle of running water. Garyth has his men set up the tents quickly, and the Sunmaster is sleeping soundly inside his tent within ten minutes of stopping. He claims not to be hungry, and doesn't take any of the cold beef and bread the rest of the men eat. After Garyth sends two men off to patrol, Rennik pulls everyone else into a circle. "We are taking a more direct route to the tunnel entrance this time, so we should be there by tomorrow. My worry is that they will have either collapsed the tunnels to prevent their use, or that they will have added additional defenses there. If that is the case, we could go overland, but I am doubtful we can bring the old man through the jungle safely. In any event, we will have to decide that when the time comes. The real question in my mind is how we get into the temple. The demon's creatures will have surely blocked the passage Cadfael used. They are now aware of its existence. The main entrance has no doors, but would undoubtedly bring all of the demon's remaining troops down on us. Any other ideas?"
From: Mark
Subject: Re: Back to the temple; magic horses
"I have climbed the mountain several times but no nothing of this temple you speak of. I have always climbed the mountain from the other side and am not familiar with this side. I am sure I can get us to where you want to go safely, but I will need someone to tell me where we need to go. I am sorry."
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Back to the temple; magic horses
OOC: Remember, there was a shaft leading directly into the demon's chamber from the mountain's face last time we came to the temple. It was designed to allow light into the oratory, but that may be our entrance this go-round.
It is exhilirating carrying the holy symbol. And frightening. This is what the Kaishin was meant to do, sweep the Path with blood, renewing it, strengthening it. Promise's coming was already changing things for Pensive, and wasn't the holy symbol proof of that? When he is alone, Pensive cups the figure in his hands, and brings it close to his face. It smells of grass and earth, and a sweet breeze seems to surround it, tickling Pensive's nose.
Ancestor of the Elves, my ancestor whom I never knew. It is hard to think the words, to acknowledge the...pain. Pain, that's what this was, and jubilation. Pain, because where had this ancestor been all his life? Where was its protection, its love, when he'd been with the Gnomes? Where was it when he, alone of all the acolytes to walk the Path, could not light the fires on Grace days because he didn't have an ancestor to call his own? I was born from Bannock's Ire, baptised in snow and wind, and now this Elven thing has come to me, and it is what I wanted and feared more than anything. My Ancestor, my people!
His people. How were the Elves his people? Elvira and Overlook were more precious to him than the ruins of Aleandell.
I have been alone my whole life, my Ancestor. Forgive me, that I am a poor host.
He whispers to the holy symbol, telling it of his life, and inhaling the continual breeze from the figurine.
Osred's Morning Ritual; Farron After the First Day's March
Subject: Re: Back to the temple; magic horses
Exhausted, Farron has nothing to offer. He can barely think of anything beyond setting camp and just not marching through the woods anymore. He will see to the Sunmaster, helping to make him as comfortable as possible. He will consult with the others as to the best location to bed down and will cast Tiny Hut there, once he has determine that he will be able to remain in one spot for the night (i.e. he can't exit the hut once it is cast or he breaks the spell).
Once he is able to bed down, he will test the new Arcane Eye spell he recently added to his spellbook. He will cast the spell to create the eye within the tiny hut. He will take a few seconds, testing the eye, looking around the hut, then he will send the eye off in the direction they will be headed in the morning (having ascertained this from Rennik, et. al earlier). He will move the eye with increasing speed, testing it by moving it through the trees, above the treeline (stopping once to get a 360 degree look) then continue on until the spell ends. (1 min/level) He doesn't really expect to find anything, but anything of interest (spot check?) he will either report immediately if it seems important, or take note of and report in the morning if it isn't urgent.)
From: Jake
Subject: Re: Back to the temple; magic horses
[OOC: This is taking place at the break of dawn the day after the Sunmaster's blessing. Sorry for the delay in getting the turn out.]
Osred wakes, feeling easier than he has in weeks. The Sunmaster's blessing, the sharing that all of them had participated in, had lifted the acid fog of darkness from all of their hearts. The physical darkness shrouding the isle didn't feel so oppressive as it had the day before; the old man had channeled Pelor's light. The demon-summoned gloom still obscured the sun's light, but was powerless to block that light's essence, now that Fellus had opened their eyes to it.
Rousing himself as quietly as possible, Osred takes up his longsword, and steps gingerly between his sleeping companions. He nods silently to Robert, who is on watch, and steps out into the dim morning air. As he walks, his mind is on the events of the night before, of the feel of Pelor's light. It was different than that of Heironeus, somehow gentler without being any less powerful. Less harsh. It was the first time he'd felt the touch of another god of Good, and it bore thinking on.
In the grey half-light he kneels, facing east, the flat of his naked blade cool against his forehead as he utters the invocation. He rises and holds the sword before him, its point level with the eastern horizon, holds it until the muscles of his forearms and shoulders cry out in agony. Finally, in a blur of motion too quick to see, he whirls, the sword flashing up as though to parry some unseen blow, then lancing out again even as he spins to a northward-facing position. The sword rises and falls as the cleric whirls, moving so quickly as to seem to form a cage of steel around him. As he spins, lost in the intricate movement of his prayer, the air around him seems to brighten with the familiar light of Heironeus and he feels his awareness lift up and out of his body.
Although entirely detached, he is aware of the singing ache of his muscles as his body continues its dance, of the sting of sweat in his eyes, the runnels of it that pour down his body, soaking his tunic. He savors the hum of the grass growing underfoot, the rightness of the divot his boot gouges in the turf as he lunges forward. The snoring of Robert, now asleep at his post, the rustle of a skink dashing from the shelter of a fallen tree to a nearby rock, the slow churning of the clouds, the heat and light of the sun above them, the fear of the men and Halflings of the island, the joys and agonies of life across all lands, the light and darkness chasing each other eternally across the face of the world, the dark hate emanating from the mountain and its resonance with other darknesses lesser and greater, the cleansing light of the gods of Good, at once unique in all of its flavors and simultaneously an undifferentiated whole--all of it floods into him, through him, from him, and it is perfect, a rightness beyond imagining.
Whether this perfect peace lasts for a moment or an hour he has no idea, but eventually he feels it begin to recede. He grasps at it, and becomes aware in his reaching of himself as an individual again. He finds himself sprawled across turf torn to mud by his dancing, his sword held firmly in his left hand. He rolls effortlessly to his feet, invigorated rather than exhausted by what he has experienced. Even now the memory of his vision is fading, but his understanding has expanded, and his body seems to thrum with the power of the gifts his god has given him to aid in the coming battle [ooc: ie Hello level 7]
He walks back to Gully's and steps across the common room to the kettle of porridge the innkeep has hung above the hearth fire. As he passes Robert he claps him on the back, hard enough to send the Falcon's porridge sloshing over his bowl's rim. "Have a nice nap, soldier?" he whispers as he passes, not stopping to give Robert an opportunity to reply.
So...?
Subject: So...?
At the moment, I'm drawing a blank for potential ways to get us into the mountain. By the voluminous correspondence on this list lately, I take it everyone else is in the same boat?
From: Scott
Subject: Re: So...?
OOC: Gaah. My response only went to Raja. Resubbing for everyone's edification.
Somewhere on Kessel, there's a gap that opens up into Kor Garesh's prison.
We saw it when we were there last time.
Bartock is around to provide mountain climbing advice.
I think that we need to climb up the moutain at least.
From: Mark
Subject: Re: So...?
Works for Bartok, but he does not know anything about this gap. ( I already had Ty do a knowledge check. sorry)
Mark
From: Scott
Subject: Re: So...?
:)
The gap will be on the side of the mountain that is unshaded at high noon... one of the smart mages might jump to that conclusion...
From: Raja
Subject: Re: So...?
Well, depending on the axial tilt of the world and the position of Huss relative to the equator, any side of the mountain could hypothetically be unshaded at high noon. Perhaps even all of them. ;)