March 7th dawns chilly, damp and partly cloudy. The temperature is around the freezing point. You break camp and are back on the road within two hours of daybreak.
The terrain here is fairly flat, and heavily forested with tall conifers. You are near the west coast of the continent. To the north is a range of hills, which form the spine of a peninsula. It is up there that you found the tomb of Al Anna.
You head eastwards down the Elven Coast Road.
It enters a marshy area at this point, but the road itself is solid so you continue to make good time. The land is slowly descending at this time, and by late morning you have come to a large river, the Rivin, Valdar tells you. This is its delta, and the river has split into a number of small channels...each spanned by an ancient stone bridge.
By early afternoon you are leaving the marshy delta behind, and climbing onto more solid ground. Now, though, you start to see ruins all about you, as you reach the outer fringes of the old city of Frisco. At first you see little more than overgrown piles of rubble, but as you move deeper into the city the ruins become more intact, and the shapes of old buildings are readily identified.
For the second time in two days, Gonzo smells woodsmoke.
Valdar stops the party.
"Frisco is an old city of Men," he tells you. "Once it was a prosperous free city, but when the old Empire of Saltar to the east collapsed, trade all across the continent dried up, and this place was abandoned. Now, it is nominally ruled by an evil cleric of Surma, one Bijou, but most of it is the roaming ground of monsters not under his sway. Bijou is a dark character and there is no love between us, but as long as you pay his tolls he will leave you be. The other inhabitants of this place are not so cooperative, and I would love to seek out and kill a few of them before we continue.
"What do you think? Would you like to press on post haste, or shall we dally here a bit?"
Orlon glances at Dani.
"Orlon is my name. You're confusing me with Brother Rayon, who is back in Sandas that last I heard." as he looks over from where he is meditating.
"Well, if you are so worried about your caravans, I would suggest going on and dealing with the folks here on the way back." Dani replies to Valdar.
"Oh yes! Them!" exclaims Valdar.
"Valdar, were there any temples of note in Frisco that you know of ?" As Salaam asks he detects for magic towards the ruins to determine if there are any emenations present.
He detects no magic.
"I have seen a number of ruined churches here during previous visits," says Valdar, trying to remember what they were. "Ilmatar, Mielikki, Sif and Frigga come to mind."
Occa says, "I think we should take out that cleric...and whatever monsters we find. What do you think Valdar?"
"I will go along with the opinion of the majority," he replies, as he hands out ballots.
"Hear, hear ! I agree, I wish to find any temples devoted to Thoth in this world or any references to his worship. And, if I happen to help destroy any evil faiths, I like it ! I agree w/ Occa, let us take down this evil priest."
Gonzo most definitely wants to go looking for trouble.
"Woodsmoke... would seem that there are others who need the warmth of a fire and the taste of roasted flesh to fill their gullets. Would like to sneak about and see about a peak at whatever it is that is pursuing such a task and see if they be worth a fight or a party. Any joiners to this task?"
Gonzo pulls out his sword and checks the shine, buffing it on his sleeve until he is satisfied it has just the right glimmer before sliding it back into its sheath.
"No offense, but why bother? We have other tasks ahead of us and should not be distracted from them. Besides, they are probably just a group of farmers or traveling minsterals or the like." says the peace loving bard.
In the end the majority of people who voiced an opinion wished to investigate matters further. After a brief conference, Orlon leads the wagon back down the Elven Coast Road aways and sets up camp with the rest of the party, while Op Code, Occa, Gonzo, Dani, Valdar, Jesse and Salaam move carefully into the ruined city to investigate.
You proceed up the main road, past some deserted buildings, following Gonzo's nose. When you come to an open arealittered with smashed bricks and rubble, you cross it heading northwest, using the scraggy bushes and evergreens that grow here as cover. You find yourself down by the water: before you spreads the expanse of Frisco Bay, extending to the north. These were once docks. More buildings run alond the old wharves and quays, these one fairly intact. The smell of meat cooking comes from around a corner to the north.
Gonzo motions the rest of you to wait here, and he moves forward. Moments later he returns, and leads you up to the corner, where you look around to the east.
You are looking down the length of a row of buildings some 180' long, running towards the east (doors in 0' - 20', 70' - 80', 80' - 90', 120' - 140' and 160' - 180' sections). The second doorway is open a crack, and you see smoke from a fire within coming out through it.
Jesse waits to see what is causing the smoke.
"I suggest we investigate the fire first," Salaam whispers as he begins to chant. "Oh great Thoth, please protect your humble worshipper and his friends as they enter unknown places."
Occa says, "I will cast wizard eye to look into yonder door."
He concentrates, and his face takes on a faraway look...
Occa stands back and grimace on his face. "There is an ettin in there roasting a human man. I say we kill the S.O.B."
Dani nods. "Do it."
Occa says, "Well, before I do that...I best send the eye to check the rest of the buildings." He sends the eye to look into windows and the like...on upper and lower levels down the row of buildings. Just in case there are some other ettins in hiding.
"Friend Occa, you sure there was only one of the vile beasts in there? Any back doors to the place or is the one here the only entry?"
Gonzo is fingering the hilt of his sword, he blows into his hand and rubs his fingers across his palm several times. Apparently his hands are sweating in anticipation.
"Once knew me a bunch of mongrel men who thought roasting things was worth their time... they ain't roastin nuthin anymore." A devious grin spreads across the ugly dwarf's face at the memory. "Waddya say we take care of ugly in here now."
Occa says, "There were two other doors in the room, but both doors were closed."
He says, "Okay, wait here for a moment...when you see my lightning bolt come running!"
He casts a spell and disappears.
A moment later you hear a pair of gutteral yells as he pops back into view, facing into the doorway, a lightning bolt springing from his outstretched finger.
The ettin jumps aside and the lightning bolt strikes it only a glancing blow.
"SHIT!" yells one of the heads, as the monster charges at the mage.
He will be on Occa at the start of the next round....
Occa giggles and says, "'Ey, ye're cookin me brother!"
He casts prismatic spray at the ettin. However, the ettin is on him before he can complete casting, and mashes him over the head. Strangely enough his club bounces right off of the mage's thick skull without doing any damage, though it does ruin his spell.
"What duh..???" the ettin's first head wonders.
Then Jesse's magic missiles strike him. They miss his head but still do 15 hit points of damage.
"EEEEEEEYYYYYEOW!" the monster yells in chorus with himself and takes off for the bard in a fury, Occa completely forgotten.
"Thoth, guide my hand," Salaam says as he hurls his hammer at the chest of the ettin. The hammer strikes with a resounding crunch, but still the giant charges.
He will be on Jesse next round...
"For my next trick..."
Jesse suddenly vanishes...only to reappear 10' to the north.
Dani launches a full complement of magic missles at the Ettin...and the giant...befuddled already by the sudden disappearance of his latest target...takes a further 15 hit points of damage.
As if that is not bad enough, Gonzo has launched himself at the ettin, crying -
"KAAAAAAAAARUMBA!"
Moving with unexpected speed, he grabs the ettin by the shin and tosses him into the air like a toy.
"Yeorrrrrr!!!" says the ettin, as he makes like a bird, arms flailing. Somehow he lands on his feet and comes up swinging, missing with his first blow but mashing the dwarf good with his second for 11 hit points of damage.
At this point Salaam's hammer again bounces into the top of the ettin's spine, snapping it and killing him instantly. The monster teeters for a moment, then slowly topples to the ground.
Meanwhile, Occa gets off, dusts himself off and seems to concentrate. All of this action was just too great a thrill for him, it appears.
All is quiet, and no more ettins are to be seen.
As his hammer returns, Salaam detects for magic in the area. "Well done all, by Thoth, we took this creature done quickly ! Is everyone ok ?"
Op Code, amazed at the strength of Gonzo, will go search the Ettin for any possessions on the monster.
The ettin carried nothing of value.
You go over to the inn and search his lair.
He had set up house in the common room of the place. A fire burns here...and roasting on a spit is the fresh-killed body of a man. In one corner is a pile of dried grasses and rags...the ettin's bed. There are also a few pots and pans in here. In another corner is a pile of garbage: chewed bones and the like. Atop the pile are some human-sized clothes...you don't have to guess as to who owned them... Also in the pile are a broadsword, a suit of leather armour and a shield...all of low quality.
This room is 20' X 20' (10' west, 20' south; door in south wall east corner, door in west wall south corner).
"Ugh! I'm glad we did him in ... Ugh!" Dani whispers, looking more than a bit green.
"Do we need to continue? I'm sure he lived here alone ... who else would live with something like that?" Dani says, edging nervously towards the exit ...
The mage has other ideas, though...
Occa casts unseen servant and has it open the door in the South wall.
This opens into a kitchen...long unused...(20' X 20': 10' west, 20' south; door in west wall south corner).
Searching, you find nothing of interest or value.
You open the kitchen door to the west...and find yourself looking into another room: a large apartment...evidently for the innkeeper, now long dead (20' X 20': 10' north, 20' west).
Searching, you again find nothing.
You return to the common room and open the west door. This leads to another room: a common sleeping area (20' X 20': 10' north, 20' west; stairs up along south wall). Apart from some long-broken pallets, you find nothing in here.
You head upstairs.
This leads up to a hallway on the second floor, lined with doors. You open them all and search. Behind the doors are a a dozen small private bedrooms...all empty.
You return to the common room.
"DANG DEXTERIOUS MONSTER! SHEEEEEEEEEEEEEZ!" says Gonzo, dusting himself off. "Next time we'll just take him down and do him in right."
"Ouch, that hurt... dang beast got me with a good wack. Guess that serves me right. Well, guess I'll be alright in a little while."
"Let's check out the rest of this place to eliminate the possibility of any more of those foul beasts being around to waylay hapless travelors."
Gonzo inspects the living quarters and the doors leading out to determine if they have been in use recently.
None of the other rooms in the inn appear to have been used recently. Apparently the ettin only used the old common room.
Salaam douses the fire. He digs a hole in the ground and buries the erstwhile ettin's meal. "I could use some help." he says as he goes through the process of burying the slain human. "May Thoth let you rest from the injustice that has been put upon you. May you rest in the heavens until your next arrival." he concludes as he detects for magic on the man's equipment. None of it is magical.
You gather outside again, near the doorway into the common room.
Occa says, "Well, at least we have ridded the land of a person eating ettin." He smiles and says, "Gonzo, that was very impressive...I haven't seen such strength before."
He then turns and says, "Shall we wander about some more or just go on, or find this cleric? Valdar, do you know of any other lairs hereabouts or should we wander?"
It is midafternoon.
"That was fun," says Valdar. "As I said earlier, Bijou is a thorn in our side but at the moment we have bigger problems to deal with. Perhaps we should go and collect Orlon and the others, then move on."
Dani gives Occa a puzzled look. "You sure do talk funny. Are you one of those people that goes crazy after a while ... I think they call it 'postal' or something." Dani giggles and sticks her tongue out at him, obviously joking.
Occa says, "No, I am not crazy! Why does everyone ask me that! Gee."
Dani laughs. "I was joking, dear Occa. But back in my homeland I knew someone named Ozzie ... and you just remind me of her. She was crazy!"
"Crazy is a word that people use to describe something they don't understand."
"Well of course. What else could it mean?"
He seems a bit frustrated and says, "Okay, I am bored..you guys are slow to respond. Probably slow of mind, but you are, afterall, mundanes. Anyway, let me show you all a trick. When I was in a jungle land called vietnam, we learned to do what they call "recon by fire""
Puzzled, Dani asks, "Slow to respond to what?" She grins then. "Ohhhhhh .... " She trails her hand slowly down his arm, "This?" She caresses his shoulder and travels downward .... "Or this? Is this mundane?" Dani giggles.
He sighs and says, "No, slow to respond to what to do next...we have little direction....well, this group does. So, I will draw the monsters out of their lairs!" He giggles.
"Party pooper!" Dani replies, disappointed. "Gess I will try Salaam and Jesse ... maybe they know how to have fun!" Dani replies, flouncing away.
She soon flounces back, though.
Occa says, "Well, I always find it unwise to bed more than one woman per group...I once got killed doing that!"
Intrigued now, Dani turns back. "Indeed? Care to share the tale? Or maybe Jesse already has a song about it? And what other woman ... ah, nevermind." Dani says with a knowing smile.
Occa says, "Well, it was Teke Perianth who killed me..man, talk about loony, she was loony as they come. Chopped my head off, she did! I still haven't gotten her back for that one....one day she will get hers!"
"Ewwwww. Chopped your head off? Geez! And just because you slept with another woman! Wow! What a great role-model. Where is she these days?" Dani exclaims, obviously impressed with this woman.
"Oh, galavanting across the planes as usual."
He frowns at Dani's knowing smile and says, "I like strong women with lots of stamina. A weakness you could say."
"Why the frown dear - trying to keep things quiet in this group? You poor thing. She told me all about it. Seems you could have used a bit more ... ah, stamina as you put it." Dani laughs and lunges out of the way of whatever retribution Occa might try.
Occa laughs at this and says, "You are, at least, not as slow as some here."
"Hey! I resent that. I'm just as slow as anybody else here." Dani retorts.
Then she frowns. "Oh .... why thanks."
"So ... what is the plan ... guess them buggers aren't coming out to play." Dani pouts.
Occa says, "Oh, it will...it will. It will bring out the predators and those in the buildings we burn. It will also draw out that cleric to see who is burning his city." He giggles.
He smiles and says, "this is how it is done."
He chants for a moment. Seconds later, a stream of fire flies from his hand and travels the length of buildings. About 150 feet out it lands on the rooftop of a building and explodes! A huge fireball engulfs it and the adjoining buildings...on the far side of a square to the east.
He laughs and says, "Yaaaaaaeeeh! Alright!!!!"
Dani claps her hands, "Wow! That was great! Do it again!"
He giggles and says, "Okay, let's burn this burg!"
He starts rummaging through his backpack. "Now where is that scroll!?!"
Valdar rolls his eyes but says nothing.
Occa suddenly stops and starts muttering to himself...some weird language, probably of his own creation.
He slaps himself on the head and says, "Of course you idiot!"
He opens a pouch at his side and pulls out a wand. He holds it gently and says, "This is my boomstick! Notice the walnut handle...the fine craftsmanship! And this is fully charged! We can show these primitives a thing or two!" He holds it up and says, "Shop smart! Shop S-mart!"
He twirls it in his hand and says, "I am ready!"
Still grinning, Dani asks, "Ready for what? Can I try it?"
He frowns and says, "Should I speak more slowly? To burn this burg, silly."
"Yes ... you do. I'm really a blonde." Dani laughs, suddenly changing into a human girl with long, long platinum blonde hair. She giggles again.
"See? This is the real me." Dani laughs and twirls around for everyone to see and admire. She has become quite a buxom blond human.
"I knew you were a shapeshifter!"
He smiles and says, "Sure, you may try..." He holds the wand sideways and says, "The command word is 'Goodnessgraciousgreatballsoffire'" Suddenly a stream of fire shoots out to his right and into the air... it travels out and explodes.
He smiles and says, "See you have to be careful where you point it."
"Goodnessgraciousgreatballsoffire?" Dani asks.
He hits the decks as soon as she says, "Goodne..."
This time a fireball explodes out over the water of the bay...enveloping it in an enormous cloud of steam.
Gonzo looks to the flaming buildings and back at Dani and Occa...
"Wow... is that what happens to you when you get on fire Dani?"
"Sure hope your plan works Occa. Gimme something to take this frustration from that darn ETTIN! I shoulda had him down with that maneuver. Sometimes I don't realize my own strength!"
Gonzo gives everyone a wide grin and then watches the fireworks, keeping a close eye on the surroundings for any sign of danger. "Now this is something to sing about!"
Jesse pops out his lute and plays:
"You shake my nerves and you rattle my brains, too much love drives a man insane, You broke my will, OH what a thrill. Goodnessgraciousgreatballsoffire."
Occa spots a movement in the air over in the direction of the water, as...
Right on cue, a fireball explodes in the middle of your group...immediately followed by a second.
Salaam, Jesse, Occa, Gonzo, Valdar and Op Code take 21 hit points of damage.
Dani, though, takes 42 hit points.
From the second fireball, Salaam, Dani, Jesse, Occa, Gonzo and Op Code take 7 hit points.
Valdar, though, takes 14 hit points.
The airborne magic user winks out of sight again. He is to the west of you...over the bay.
You also see a second magic user...who ducks around a corner of the row of buildings to the north and east of you.
"Way to go, Occa," mutters Valdar as he scrambles back to his feet.
Dani screams, looking quite surprised ... and more than a little singed ...
Occa gets up and dusts himself off, "See what I mean...it always has that affect. I remember when I tried it in Greyhawk...they really got mad."
He begins chanting...and five magic missiles spring from his hand and zoom after the now vanished magic user.
"Good going, guys," Salaam says in pain, "Oh Thoth, heal your humble servant," he intones as he casts a heal spell on himself.
And slowly sinks to the ground, disoriented and confused. After several moments, she rummages through her pack, though her movements pain her severely.
"HEY! Dang blastid sneaky wizards... where the blazes did they come from!" says Gonzo.
Spying the grounded fellow, he will waste no time in pursuing him, sword in hand and moving FAST!
Occa, the only one who can see the invisible mage, notes that his missile did no damage to him.
Valdar ducks back through the doorway of the ettin lair and out of your sight.
Another fireball from the airborne magic user blooms centred on Occa, but luckily for you, his minor globe protects him, Dani, Salaam, Op Code and Jesse; while Valdar is protected by the building and Gonzo has gone roaring around the corner of the building to the northeast...in search of the other spell caster...and out of your sight.
The airborne mage blinks back out of sight again.
By th end of the round Salaam has healed himself of all save 2 hit points of damage, and Dani has pulled a wand out of her bag.
Op Code runs off towards the northwest, making for a corner of the row of buildings that the land-borne magic user is apparently hiding behind.
Dani points her wand at the corner that the second magic user ducked behind but hesitates as Gonzo goes running around that very same corner and out of sight.
From that direction comes the sounds of battle.
Jesse casts invisibility on himself and winks out of the sight of everyone but Occa.
"Thoth, grant me sight !" Salaam quickly intones as he casts true seeing.
Occa mutters, "Bastard, well, fire and ice then..." He chants again...then stops when he realizes that the magic user is beyond the range of his cone of cold spell.
However, the mage you are battling does not seem to have the same problem, as all of you save Valdar and Op Code are suddenly engulfed in a wave of cold.
Occa takes 14 hit points of damage and drops...frozen solid.
Salaam also takes 14 hit points, and his spell is ruined.
Dani takes 28 hit points of damage and dies...frozen to the ground.
Jesse also takes 28 hit points of damage and falls unconscious.
"BY THOTH, YOU WILL DIE NOW !" you scream as you hurl your hammer with all your might at the mage.
The axe sails through the air, but swings by 10' shy of the mage, before it comes arcing back to you.
He laughs...but his humour is short lived as suddenly Valdar pops out of thin air 20' distant from him...his rope of entanglement shooting across the intervening space and trussing the mage up like a tom turkey in the wink of an eye.
Valdar draws his sword as he moves in to finish him off...but as his longsword flashes through the air the mage speaks and suddenly winks out of sight.
"Shit!" you hear the mighty elf lord exclaim as his blade slices through nothing but air.
Meanwhile, the sounds of battle grow louder to the northeast as Gonzo retreats back around that corner and back into your view...battling at least three fighters.
"YEEEEEEEEOWWWWWWWWWWWW!"
Yells Gonzo.
He looks badly hurt.
Occa lies on the ground beside you...badly injured.
As you draw back to throw your hammer you see several things happen at once. Gonzo rams his shortsword through one of his attackers - weilding a flame tongue - and the man drops. The magic user that Valdar just entangled reappears above Gonzo and the remaining enemies...still trussed up. Finally, you see Valdar himself flying over in the direction of this battle...though it will be a moment before he arrives.
"DUCK GONZO" you scream as you hurl your hammer at the three fighters.
The hammer flies true, and conks a fighter using a gleaming rod for a weapon.
After that attack, you invoke Thoth's aid, "Oh great Thoth, bring your heavenly aid to slice and dice my enemies." you say as you cast a blade barrier at the fighters, trying to avoid Gonzo.
The blade barrier takes you almost a minute to cast. During that time the second magic user reappears, as he pours a magic missile spell into Gonzo. The dwarf drops dead...a large smoking hole blown in the back of his head.
The sounds of battle do not cease, though. Apparently there is someone else there meleeing them...hidden from your view around the corner.
The magic user draws a bead on the unseen person with his magic missile finger.
"No!" exclaims the trussed up mage hovering overhead. "Use your missiles on this rope! Free me! Then I will deal with them all!"
The second mage nods and opens fire as directed.
Nine magic missiles pour into the rope, and it drops away from the entangled mage...who smiles and rubs his hands.
Meanwhile, the other fighters have been moving to attack the other person out of your sight...whom you suspect is Op Code.
Your spell goes off, as Valdar flies into attack range. The fighter with the rod is badly chopped up though he still lives. The mage overhead is nearly killed...but remains conscious...barely. You hear a howl of agony as yet another person...presumably invisible...is also caught. The second magic user is hit the worst and falls unconscious...after showering all with his blood.
From around the corner you hear more screams of agony.
The elf lets loose a cone of cold into the remaining magic user...who dies instantly...his body falling to the ground and shattering into pieces.
Around the corner and out of your sight the battle continues, as Valdar flies closer.
"Thank you, Thoth, for all your help !" Salaam says to the air above as he retrieves his hammer. As he approaches the battle to help Valdar, he casts Mirror image. Rounding the corner, he sees Op Code attacking a fighter just outside of the blade barrier, as several others struggle to escape from the whirling blades.
The fighter with the rod jumps clear and moves towards Salaam. Another fighter does not, though, and succumbs. You hear a final scream from a still invisible man, then you see a large pool of blood form...
Meanwhile, Op Code continues to attack...his longsword a blur. He scores a minor hit on his target. Said target - swinging a gleaming mace - misses. The ranger swings again, but misses. Another fighter misses Op Code.
Overhead, Valdar rains magic missiles down upon the enemy. The fighter moving against Salaam is nearly killed. The fighter with the mace takes a lot of damage as well. The second fighter attacking Op Code is almost killed, too. A single missile strikes the rod bearing fighter, and he falls...followed by four more missiles into Op Code's first adversary...still he stands. A single missile topples the next man, though...then the elf puts the rest of his spell into the last fighter...and he falls, too.
All is silent...the ground littered with bodies.
"Ack! The others!" exclaims Valdar, as he turns and flies off to where the rest of the party lies.
He returns a few moments later.
"Occa lives...the fool," he reports. "Dani is dead, though. Jesse is unconscious but appears to be healing unusually quickly."
You inspect Gonzo.
Strangely enough, while he must be dead with a wound such as he has, it appears to be healing rapidly. Op Code and Valdar recall that they have seen similar miracles occur before with the arch mage Stiff...who owned a ring of regeneration.
You carry him back to where the others lie, then Valdar returns to inspect the dead enemy.
Occa, Jesse and Gonzo regain consciousness and life - as the case may be - within a few minutes of each other. You are all back by the entrance to the ettin lair. Salaam and Op Code stand nearby...covering the corpse of Dani.
Some 40' away, near the corner of the building that the second magic user ducked behind, you see Valdar searching and stacking corpses. The group of people who attacked you numbered nine in total...and all are dead, now.
After a few minutes he comes over to you carrying a pile of equipment and weapons.
"Welcome back," he says. "That was fun, Occa, but you missed most of it. Anyway, when I was flying back from the wharves I noticed an open door in a building to the north...probably where those people came from. Shall we go and inspect it?"
He pauses.
"I suppose we should try and raise Dani first," he says. "Salaam, can you do the honours, or should I?"
"Valdar, make sure they're all dead, someone might be playing possum. I will try to bring Dani back and then we shall search the spoils." Salaam sits cross legged by Dani's still form and prays to Thoth to grant her life yet again.
The spell is cast...but nothing happens.
Dani remains dead.
"Well, that is that," says Valdar quietly. "I do not know who she worshipped, but I hope that she is with him or her, now.
"All of the enemy are dead, Salaam," he motions to the pile of equipment. "There is what they were carrying that radiated magic."
You inspect.
In the pile you find: a ring, a rod, a pair of bracers, a small cube, a ring, a wand, a vial, a second vial, a robe, a third vial, a crystal rod, a pearl, another crystal rod, a ring, a longsword (the flame tongue), an axe, a vial, a longsword, 3 javelins, a scroll, a set of pipes, a scroll, a potion, a scroll, a shield, a mace, a vial, a ring, a rope (not Valdar's) and a broadsword.
Jesse lets a tear fall down his cheek. He plays a very mournful dirge on his flute.
"I wish to ask if anyone is willing to give to me some sort of magical wand or device that will cast magic missiles or other offensive spells. I am not that good in a fight, especially in a magical one. I would like to have the ability to be more active and helpful in a fight, and a weapon of this nature might aid me in this quest."
Op Code asks everyone how hurt they are. If everyone is relatively healthy, he suggests searching this complex. If not, then let's head back to the main group. In either case, he will ask Salaam to give Dani last rights.
Occa, Jesse and Gonzo are right now at negative hit points...though the latter two seem to be making remarkable recoveries. Occa is extremely weak, though, and unless one of the resident high priests casts a heal on him, he will incapacitated for the next week (yes, I know, I made a mistake in allowing him to cast detect magic...). The balance of the party members are also suffering, too.
Occa sits up and yawns and says, "I needed a nap. Hey Salaam, do you have a heal I can use...I am hurt pretty badly."
He then says, "Poor Dani...I hate to leave her here...any one mind if I turn her into a zombie?" He smiles and says, "Just kidding!"
Occa says to Valdar, "I say we check it out...there could be more of these types here!"
Occa then adds..."Man, that is a ton of magic!"
"Typical for an adventuring party, I would say," the elf replies.
Occa goes over to Dani and casts detect magic. When he sees everone looking at him he says, "What? Waste not, want not."
"Should would kick your ass, you miserable wretch. But, I believe she would prefer her friends to have of her possessions, than robbers to plunder her sometime in the future." Salaam says as he takes off her tattered cloak as a momento and a keepsake.
Op Code, sounding tired and irritable, says "Just tell us what you find out. OK?"
Occa says, "Miserable wretch? Miserable wretch...I like the sound of it!"
Occa says, "The platemail, 2 swords, 3 wands, hat and an amulet are magical." He takes the wands, hat and amulet and tosses them into the treasure pile. "I am not taking her armor off...you guys can if you want it." He does get the swords and toss those into the pile as well.
Op Code says "If nobody wants it, then toss it in the com chest. It might be useful to someone else in the caravan."
Occa says, "I didn't say no one wanted...I said I am not taking the platemail off of her. You can do it if you want to, but I wont."
Salaam would like the mace, the cube, the pearl, and any clerical scrolls, or to split w/ Valdar (the scrolls) that is.
Occa says, "Do you guys want to divide them now? Or identify first? Either way is fine with me."
"Identifying first would be helpful," Op Code remarks, before continuing.
"Are we splitting the treasure right now, or will we wait until we get back to base camp. I don't want to go through this greed debate all over again. Let's decide how treasure is to be divided now and in the future. I say we wait until basecamp."
"Identify first, I apologize, I am a little distraught. 'Tis not the first time that ones close to me have been taken before their time, but it is difficult each time, nonetheless." Salaam approaches Occa and say," By Thoth, may he heal you."
Occa is healed for 14 hit points.
"I would like to do any dividing of treasure when we get to a safer place," replies Valdar. "In the past half hour we have battled an ettin and a powerful party of adventurers. This city is a dangerous place. Let's gather up the loot - and Dani, too - go and check out their hideout - if that is what that open door I spotted leads to - and then head back to Orlon and the others."
Valdar turns to Gonzo.
"The greed debate that Op Code refers to was a long discussion / argument that we had a few weeks back as to how magical treasure is to be split," he explains. "Here is how we do it: If a person wants an item then they say so. If no one else wants it then they can have it. If others are also interested then they negotiate. If they cannot reach an agreement, then each of the parties concerned rolls one of these," he pulls out a d20. "The highest roll gets the item.
"If no one wants an item then it goes into the community chest. The chest is a collection of items and junk that we have. The items in it can be sold to raise party funds, used to equip new members of the party, or used by current members to replace items that they have have lost."
Valdar turns to Op Code, Occa, Salaam and Jesse.
"Did I forget anything?"
"Let us gather the items here and then retire to rest. I know I am seriously injured. As for Dani, I will remove her armor before we bury her." Jesse continues to play mournfoul dirges, this time on his lute.
Occa says, "Okay, it is agreed...back to the back and then to rest and identify." He pauses and says, "Which remdinds me" He goes over to Dani and grabs her spellbooks. "She said she had identify..."
Gonzo, who faked unconsiousness until it was apparent that the foes were all dead or gone, grumbles loudly as he helps the others gather and assess the aftermat.
"Occa, you might want to throw some of that healing magic my way. Seems I mistook just how much damage that dag-blasted fireball did to me and then when the fellow with the fire sword came after me from behind, well... let's just say I don't intend to repeat that experience."
"Seein' how that fellow burned me with that sword, I'd like it to pay back some of his other evil friends in the future. And I know what Dani's hat is I've seen dem before... I'd like that to cover that hole in the back of my head and perhaps I can get it to straighten my nose as well. Other than that, I'll pass on the rest of it unless we get it identified and something looks good for a dwarf to be using."
"How is it that everyone I meet seems to know everything about any item that is magical. Bard study long and hard to learn what we know, and it would seem that this type of thing would be ideal." Jesse scratches his head.
"May I please have Dani's ring, for now at least. I would like something to keep to remember her by." If no one obeects, the half-elf will take the ring off her finger and put it on his own finger.
He takes it. (note: Dani did not have a magical ring!)
"Does anyone have one o' those bags that holds lots?" he asks?
He will find something that will work as a cloth bag (a blanket or tarp) in any of the buildings close, by, along with some rope, Gonzo will make a field pack to carry the selected items back to the "base camp".
"You use very strange language when you talk about camp... what means this "base camp". Do you mind if I use that as well?"
Gonzo gingerly rubs the back of his head and mutters again... "DANG NABBIT BACK BITTERS! GIMME a chance and I'll show 'em back-bitting!" He is obviously very perturbed at having been beaten in an otherwise normal bit of fighting.
Occa says, "Gonzo knows what it is, but he doesn't know how to use it.. why don't you identify everything when we get back...or at least try."
"What do you mean GONZO doesn't know how to use it? GONZO does to know how to use it, it is a SWORD and it makes fire when you swing it... like this."
Gonzo will do a little practice dance with the sword, swinging it around his head and dancing around the area, careful not to inadvertently bump into anyone. Then his exertions catch up with him and he sinks to the ground with a groan.
"See... Gonzo does know how to swing the sword." he mutters.
Occa smiles and says, "No, you don't know how to use the hat...I can see how that confused you."
So, you gather up the items and bundle up the body of Dani. To shut Valdar up, you agree to go and check out the open door that he spotted earlier. It is in a building just to the north of the one that the enemy party ducked behind...near the water at the north end of the wharf. The door is wide open...and a strange flickering comes from within.
You creep forward and look inside...to be confronted by a strange sight...
It is a single room, 20' X 40', with no other exits. The place has been made over into an encampment of sorts. You see bedrolls, packs, and several boxes filled with miscellaneous equipment.
Drawn on the floor in blood is a pentagram. In the middle of it is a swirling veil of energy: a cloud of light in a myriad of shifting colours. In the middle of this field are the forms of two men, held immobile, though their eyes are open and they seem to be watching you.
Against the back wall, sittingon the floor is a third person: a halfling, trussed and gagged. He too is conscious, and is watching you with fear in his eyes.
Occa says, "Don't break the pentagram anyone!"
He turns to Salaam, "Do you have any more healing? I hate walking around this weak." He sighs...
He will then make his way across the room and ungag the halfling saying, "Why are you here?"
One of the two men in the the swirling field of light is a tall warrior, a few inches of six feet and powerfully built. He's got a tangled mop of blond hair on his head, some strands of it adhering to the sweat of his forhead. He is wearing a light blue cloak over chainmail; in his left hand is a small shield, in his right hand a spear. He looks a little battered and bloodied, as if he himself has just been in a battle.
The other man is middle-aged. He does not cut a particularly attractive figure. He is 5'9". Thin to the point of being gaunt. His shoulder length hair, once brown, is now grey, thinning, and worn pulled back. He has a moustache and a somewhat scraggly goatee. Eyes are brown. He has long, nimble fingers.
Valdar is examining the pentagram and the swirling colours. Then, he pulls out one of the crystalline rods that you just acquired.
"This should do it," he says, and plunges it into the morass of colours.
The rod shatters and the colours abruptly wink out.
The two held men sag and stagger out of the pentagram.
The younger of the two speaks.
"Um, hello?" He says. "Where are we? What's going on?"
"Uh.....hi.....nice show." says the halfling.
A human with longish brown-black hair and piercing green eyes looks over the three new arrivals. He is dressed in plain green robes...at his side is a quiver with a bunch of wands in it. He has a staff in his hands. "Hail, I am Occa. Who are you and why were you here?"
He turns to Valdar and says, "What was that pentagram, Valdar...you seem to have known. And that rod you just used...what did that do?"
"I guessed correctly that it was a rod of cancellation," the elf replies. "They'll take out just about anything magic. "As for the pentagram...they're usually used for containing magical forces or beings, aren't they?"
The halfling stares up at Occa. He has tight curly brown hair, brown eyes and big chubby cheeks. He is wearing home spun, wool pants and shirt. He looks to be an average sized halfling.
"Well Sir, I was headed to...well some ruins I heard about. And..well..I kind of got kidnapped as it where. Well I guess kidnapped isn't quit the word for it, but you take my meening. Well anyway, these two guys jumped me....no it was three, uh yea these three guys jumped me and I tried to fight them off, but there was three of them. It was a stiff fight.... they circled around me, as i kept them at bay with my sword. One of them tried to take me from behind, but I whirled around, parried his blow and ran him through. As I tried to pull my sword free his friends jumped me from behind and alas they got me.
"Oh, by the way my name is Knott De'Scryte, but my friends call my Scryte(Skreet).
"Would you like to see the move I used on that one guy. Uh..well I guess you'll have to untie me first though."
Occa says, "Well, that is a heckuva story." He unties the halfing and says, "No, I don't want to see the move."
The halfling, Scryte, is heard mumbling,"This is Frisco. There must be all kinds of treasure here. Yeh...treasure. I could become the Great and Mighty Scryte......"
Op Code asks the halfling "My fine fellow, what occupation do you practice?"
"Well Sir", Scryte says as he straightens to his full height (just a little higher than Op Codes knee cap), " I'm going to be a great adventurer. I knew once I left my village, its north of here, that I would find great adventures. I figured I'd kill monsters that crossed my path, and if there happened to be a few too powerful to slay, I would just sneek in and take whatever I wanted."
"I've always been good at sneaking around and no ones going to catch me in any traps....well not again anyway, because my uncle taught me what to look for."
"So are you all sticking around here, or going back to that camp of yours. If you wouldn't mind i'd like to tag along for a little while. Safety in numbers and all."
Op Code replies "You may be handy if we get into a tight spot. But beware of other members of our party. They may not like to be relieved of things in that manner. Come along."
"Sir, I'm no thief", Scryte says in injured tones. "I'm an adventurer. This maybe my first adventure, but ......well.....I'm no thief....I'm not. No matter what the people back home thought. And besides, I'd never take anything from people who just saved my life, even if I was. Which I'm not." Scryte rolled and flipped a copper coin across the top of the fingers of his left hand. Realizing what he was doing he quickly made the coin disappear and started to look for some other place to be or something to do.
The tallish man with messy blond hair in chainmail and a light blue cloak responds next. "Hello, Occa. My name is Gilstrock, and my friend here is Pharian." He indicates the man standing next to him. "I have no idea why we're here. Those people you just blasted-- one of them seemed to have summoned us. The one you tied up in the magic rope. I haven't the faintest idea why he would have wanted to do that."
Occa says, "Magic rope?"
"Yeah..." Gilstrock answers. "We were standing here, and the mage who summoned us up, along with his companions, went flying out after you. A flying elf -- him," Gilstrok points at the elf who was flying, and who erased the pentagram, "ensnared him with some sort of rope which wrapped itself about the mage."
"My rope of entanglement," says Valdar. "You were unconscious by then, Occa, but I entangled the flying mage with it. Unfortunately he was still able to teleport, and by the time I caught up with him again he had gotten the other magic user to blow it apart with magic missiles."
"Where is this place? Are we still in Sunigar? Are we even still in Gowulake?"
The grey elf who just freed you says -
"Greetings, the two of you. I am Valdar, Lord of Greyhall in Dorian to the south. We are travelling north to deal with a horde of dragons...and smelt the smoke of a recently departed ettin's cooking fire, and stopped to check it out."
Valdar does not look much like an elf lord at the moment...clad in filthy, blood stained plate mail, and a dirty cloak. Many of his possessions are somewhat singed. A longsword is sheathed at his side, and he wears a strange looking backpack. He appears to be neither old or young...a quality that many of his race share.
"As for where you are, you are on Earth, in the city of Frisco. I have never heard of these places that you mention."
Occa says, "I have no idea...we are in the Ruins of Frisco. I am new to this world, thanks to an angry mage and his cursed book. Anyway, welcome. Valdar there may be able to tell you if he has even heard of those places."
Gilstrock chuckles. "Sounds like we're in good company there." He looks over at Pharian. "You ever heard of Frisco?"
Back to Occa, he says, "With all these ruined buildings about, I thought we might have been knocked unconscious for a while. Sunigar might look like this after the attack. But I guess not. Are we even in the Runelands?"
"By the way, if you don't mind..." Gilstrock pulls of his backpack. He puts his shield down next to it, and takes off his helmet. Rummaging through the backpack, he pulls out some rags and bandages which he wraps around some of his still-bleeding wounds. He looks up at Occa and the others, and says by way of explanation, "Orcs. Lots."
Gilstrock offers the rags to Pharian if he wants to bind up any wounds.
Occa says, "Well, We have two healers...Salaam and Valdar. More at Base Camp, but as you can see..they don't have much healing." Occa is also very wounded. He smiles and says, "If you guys are evil...now would be the time to attack while we are wounded and such. Hey, Pharian, do you have the identify spell? Man, I could use that!"
Pharian answers, "Not any more. If you'd only asked me yesterday..."
Op Code tells Pharian "There's a mage at our base camp that could help you with your spells if need be. His name is Phil Donahue."
Occa says, "Bummer...I know someone else here has it, but they don't talk much about trading spells. I think it must be illegal here or something. Anyway, I know the feeling of not having one's spell books...I have collected a good size list of spells since being here. Of course, I lost a good deal of sleep doing so, but, assuming we don't kill you, you are welcome to take a look at them...if you need to."
Valdar chuckles again.
"That will be Phil, back at camp," he says. "He is busy training to become a wizard or something. Anyway, I once offered to let you look at my spells. The problem is, I had no extra spell books for you to copy them into."
Occa says, "Oh, that is right...well," He looks at the new arrivals and says, "I do tend to exaggerate a bit...or so I have been told." He shrugs.
"Did you want to teleport to a city to do some shopping?"
Occa's eyebrows go up and says, "That would be great...do you know of a place to teleport to? I would have long ago, but am unfamiliar with this place."
Valdar glances around the room.
"Considering that there were two magic users in that party...I should think that they would have some spell books stashed away in here..."
Occa claps his hands together, "Yes! Let's look." He starts burrowing through the stuff...although a bit slowly. Every so often he stops to cough up some more blood and mutters, "I hate internal injuries."
"We're not evil," Gilstrock says. "Leastwise, I'm not, and Pharian's always told me he isn't."
Op Code asks Gilstrock "What about your halfling friend over there?" pointing to the corner of the room.
Gilstrock shakes his head. "Never seen him before in my life. He was alreadly bundled up in the corner when Pharian and I were summoned. Or, whatever it was that brought us here."
Nodding at the Dwarf, Gilstrock says, "Hello, I don't think I got your name."
Gilstrock gestures at the corpse that Op Code brought in with him. "Who was that? Is there anything we can do to help whoever it was?"
"That is Dani," says Valdar in a solemn voice. "She was killed when the magic user who summoned you blasted her with a cone of cold. Salaam was unable to resurrect her, so I guess she is with her patron now. I will miss her."
Gilstrock finishes bandaging himself, picks up his helmet and spear, and stands up. He helps the other search the place for any evidence of the spell books of the mages he witnessed some of the others defeat -- or any other interesting items.
Occa says, "Well, I kinda figured you werent considering that group was holding you for some reason, but you understand why we have to check don't you? No offense...we need to check that dwarf as well." He points to an extremely ugly dwarf.
Pharian snickers.
Occa gets quiet for a moment and then laughs, "I think I am going to like you Pharian!"
He looks through the items still in the room and says, "Maybe out to shack up here for the night and heal up before heading back to Base Camp. We might even be able to do some identifying."
Valdar shakes his head.
"Haven't you figured it out yet that this city is a very dangerous place, Occa? We are in no condition for another battle. Let's search this place, then return to the main camp and get properly healed. I am sure that Tracy will be more than willing to lay hands on you," he chuckles, then turns to the newcomers. "You are welcome to come with us."
Occa says, "Well, I have sort of figured out that this city is dangerous, Valdar...that is why I suggested we hole up and heal. In our present condition, if we meet anything, we will be in big trouble. However, I suppose we could try."
Op Code tells Occa "If we hole up here, what condition will we be in if something greets us. You yourself say that you're hurt, Jesse and Gonzo are beat up, I am pretty beat up, I imagine that Valdar and Salaam are beeat up, and then the new guys are p[robably wiped out. Let's get back to base camp where there is safety in numbers. Everyone else in agreement?"
Pharian nods in agreement. "You've got my vote, fighter-man. From my admittedly limited experience here on Earth, this seems like a hell of a bad place to hang around and take tea. All those explosions you were making a few minutes ago probably attracted the attention of every living creature for miles. So let's search this place and move on. In the meantime, who is keeping watch?"
"And Occa, who's Tracy?"
Occa says, "Uh, well..." He looks over at Valdar and says, "Thanks for being so observant!"
He pauses and says, "She is my...special friend you can say." He smiles and says, "Just don't tell Orlon when we get back to camp." He winks at Pharian.
A young, good looking half-elf addresses you. "My name is Jesse. I am the parties bard and fool. At your service. Why you were summoned, noone knows, but you're here now and seem to need some cheering up."
Jesse begins to sing.
I forbid you maidens all that wear gold in your hair To travel to Carter Haugh, for young Tam Lin is there...
...Oh had I known Tam Lin, she said, what this night I did see I'd have looked him in the eye and turned him to a tree.
Occa says, "We must find this foul faery queen who does beset knights so...I would fireball her and put an end to her menace." He looks over at Jesse and says, "When did you meet these two and make this story?"
Gilstrock says, "Greetings, Op Code, Valdar, and Salaam. It's nice to find friendly people here, however we got here. That is, friendly assuming your forthcoming check doesn't erroneously decide us to be evil."
Occa says, "Well, we will probably forget to check, so don't worry about it...we are a pretty disorganized bunch."
Occa begins chanting.
...then stops, coughs, and spits up some blood.
Occa rolls his eyes and says, "I hate dying...anyone with a heal here? Damn, I am going to have to relearn my spells...I seem to have forgotten them."
"Unfortunately, Occa, my friend, Thoth has doled out all the healing my mortal frame can channel. With some rest, I would be as good as new." Salaam says sadfully, wary that our day is not near done. "Oh, great Thoth, please grant me one last cure to help a friend in need." he invokes as he lays his hands on Occa.
A quiet averaged sized human, garbed in dirty white robes, scans the newcomers. Piercing blue eyes look you over and you note his lack of hair as well as a large holy symbol on his chest. "I am Salaam Benshel Thothemon, priest of Thoth, the giver of Knowledge. " That is all that he says as he removes himself and heals Occa.
"Occa, I learned it from another bard. I never met the actual knights. However, I believe that they are long dead."
Standing next to the fighter in the light is a human, a thin, fairly old man, maybe half a foot shorter than his companion. He is dressed like a mage in a grey robe. He is not a handsome man-- his features are harsh, his nose looks like it might have been broken once, his eyes are squinty, or shifty somehow. His long hair is thinning, and is worn pulled back; he also has a scraggly grey-white goatee. His beard and eyelashes are sweaty, and it looks like he has just caught his breath. His robe is slashed in one spot and there is a bit of blood, but it looks like he managed to dodge the worst of whatever blow did that.
While Occa and the halfling talk, the mage passes his eyes quickly over the whole group, taking in the scene, while he brushes some invisible dust off one sleeve of his cloak. Then he answers, in a quiet voice mildly laced with irony, "I am Pharian, lately of Sunigar. Why I'm here, I haven't a clue. Why don't you tell me where I am first, and then maybe we can start to puzzle it out. At any rate, it looked like none of our orc friends made it through the rift."
Occa says, "Too bad..." He smiles and says, "So, Pharian, you look like the nervous type or maybe the silent melancholy type...hmm, maybe the wise silent type? Obviously, I am the chatty obnoxious type." He laughs and says, "Got any good spells? I lost my original spell books when I came here, curse the mighty dm, but I have since regained a fair collection. Wanna compare? Maybe trade some? That is, of course, if you aren't evil and we have to kill you...if that happens I will just take them. Most likely...unless you kill us."
Pharian answers, "You get right to business here in Frisco, don't you? It looks like I have lost my spell book too, or at least left it behind, but I have a couple of travellings with me. So I'll consider trading spells at some point-- assuming we don't kill each other in the meantime. Now's probably not the very best moment, though. Are you all sure that this warehouse is secure?"
"Magic spell books, coooooool. I'll help you look for those. Maybe you could teach me some spells. Something to zap orcs with, or make me invisible..."Scrytes eyes begin to sparkle with the daydream"....YEA that would be neat. What do you think. I could be like an apprentice mage or something."
A young man of average-looks and medium build, dressed in a fancy set of full plate mail and carrying a buckler with longswords hanging on his sides carefully studies Pharian. He says "How are you, my name is Op Code. What skills do you possess that can help our party out?"
Pharian answers, "Greetings, Op Code. I am wizard, so as you can imagine, I have skills that will undoubtedly prove useful. You know, wands, rings, spells, daggers-- all those goodies magic-users keep hidden up their sleeves-- and more. You'll be glad to have me around. Just keep that sword of yours between me and the bad guys."
Occa says, "Oh, so you are going for top wizard, huh? Well, we will see who is the best wizard here, buddy."
He smiles and winks.
Op Code says "Can we just be done with this room, pack up everything, and all get back to base camp? There we can talk all we want, and I'll feel all the safer."
Pharian glances over at Gilstrock, and then answers, "Yes, we will join you-- for the time being, at least."
Gilstrock nods his head. "We're out of our element. Don't really have much of anything else to do. If this place is as dangerous as you say, we'd be grateful for the company and mutual protection."
"So, shall we get out of here? Lead the way; I would have no idea where to go."
The ugly dwarf refered to previously is a short fellow about 150 lbs, just over 4 feet tall (4'3"), wearing yellowish leather armor and a cloak. He looks just as bloody as the rest of the party and seems to be a bit out out of sorts, mumbling about unfair fighting techniques and outright nasty wizards who have to fly and hide behind invisibility instead of standing up like a good dwarven fighter and letting the gods decide the outcome of a fair fight.
After awhile, he comes around and says...
"Glad to meet all of you fellows... I'm GONZO Gallahad. Not to rush things around here in the introduction department, I think we need to finish up our searching here and pack it up to get back to the base camp as you fellows like to call it. IF we got beat up this bad, no telling what could have come along and taken care of our other friends we left behind to find all this fun."
"Me myself, am in need of some good healing and I don't relish gettin in any fights right now with my 'breeches' down, so to speak."
Occa says, "Okay then...let's go...everyone grab something, we will sort through it later."
He grabs something (preferably spell books : ), coughs up some blood and heads back to camp....
Occa says, "Follow me..I know the way."
He heads out of the building.
"Oooooh, we're off to see the Wizard.....Just kidding. Ok, let me get my leather armor on and I'll be right there. It seems to be a little dangerous around here." Scryte pulls the leather armor out of his back pack and scrambles to pull it on. It looks to be pretty worn and a little too big for him. "My Uncle's", he explains sheepishly. "Well, he said he wasn't going to need it anymore." Scryte rearranges his belt, pouches, and backpack. "Ok, I'm ready. Watchout world, Scryte is coming to get you." And with that, the three foot something halfling heads out."
The lot of you gather up whatever possessions you can find that the other party had, and leave the building, heading more or less south. It is a chilly, partly cloudy winter afternoon.
The ruins of the city run on for some time...gradually becoming more and more overgrown. Finally, you come to a road: an ancient thoroughfare paved with cobblestones. The forest closes in on you. After walking for another mile or so, Occa leads you off of the road and into the woods. After a short time you come to a campsite. Many more pople are here, along with horses and a large wagon. A fire burns in the centre of the clearing and going by the smells, dinner is cooking.
More people come out to greet the newcomers.
They are: a halfling, a male cleric, a magic user and a fighter.
...as well as another fighter, who introduces himself as Robert .
In addition, Op Code has some followers: Tracy (lady cleric of Thor), Calvin (ranger), Herman (ranger), Brenda (fighter) and Luann (fighter) as well as a black bear (asleep) and a hippogriff named Harvey.
Tracy rushes over to Occa as soon as she sees him.
"What happened? Are you alright? Orlon, help him!"
While the clerics fuss, you search the loot that you brought back.
In addition to the possessions that were found on the bodies of the defeated party members, you also find three travelling spell books. The other items in the warehouse room consisted mostly of standard items that any party would carry (iron rations, clothes, packs, etc.). However, you discover several boxes that contain what appear to be material components for spells.
The book that the necromancer used to summon Pharian and Gilstrock is blank...now.
Occa says to Tracy, "Well, it is good to see you too." He smiles and says, "Orlon, do you happen to have a heal handy?"
Orlon casts a 'Heal' spell on Occa. "Does anyone else need healing?"
Gilstrock says, "Pharian and I are somewhat wounded as a result of what was going on before we were summoned here, so we could use some healing. Attend to Pharian and the others first, then if you have enough left over, I'd be grateful if you could restore my strength."
Orlon will cast cure wound spells until everyone is back up to full health.
Occa starts relearning his spells, but before that he says, "Okay, who has the identify spell? I could have sworn that Dani said that she did."
He looks through her books...
Her spell books contain: 1st. Burning Hands, Magic Missile, Shocking Grasp, Protection from evil, Unseen Servant, Write, read magic.
2nd. Continual Light, Forget, Invisibility, Rope Trick, Web.
3rd. Feign Death, Fireball, Fly, Hold Person, Invis (10ft), Phantasmal Force, Lightning Bolt, Dispel Magic.
4th. Wizard Eye, Polymorph Self, Polymorph Other, Dig, Minor Globe of invulnerability.
The three travelling spell books that you found in the warehouse contain: 1) read magic, magic missile, Leomund's trap, invisibility, fly, fireball; 2) minor globe of invulnerability, ice storm, teleport, cone of cold, spiritwrack, globe of invulnerability, move earth; 3) read magic, magic missile, invisibility, pyrotechnics, fireball, protection from evil 10' radius.
He says to Orlon and Valdar, "Can you find out if any of these itesm are cursed with a divination or detect curse or detect trap?"
Orlon will cast a 'Detect Curse' on all the stuff.
(DM comment - a detect *what*??)
Valdar casts find traps...and turns up nothing.
To Jesse, "Can you try to identify all these items? The items you can't identify, I can work on."
"I'll do my best." replies Jesse.
The bard starts inspecting the items.
"I'll help you check out that stuff", Scryte says with lust in his eyes. "I can be really helpful with stuff like that. Yea, let me take a look at that."
Occa laughs and says, "A thief and a pile of treasure...yeah, that is a good mix. Sorry, buddy, but unless you are a bard...and can prove it, no way. Also, I should warn you that it probably wouldn't be healthy to steal from the party...Op Code there really frowns on it in a highly violent manner."
"I already told Op Code, Sir. I'm no thief. I'm not. It's just a bad rap everyone tries to push on me. I'm an adventurer." The downtrodden the little adventurer wonders of to meet the other halfling he saw when they arrived.
"Hi, my names Scryte. Well really its, Knott DeScryte whats yours?"
Occa laughs again and says, "An adventurer who happens to know how to pick locks and pockets...very handy...no pun intended."
"My name is Who Knows." She checks the halfling over and says "Maybe we can get together some time," winking at him.
Turning a brilliant red all over, Scryte manages to say,"uuuuuu, guuuhhhh......kkkkay".
Gilstrock greets the new people met at the base camp, introducing himself. "I'm Gilstrock, an accomplished swordsman from... from a place which is evidently very far from here."
Gilstrock looks over to Occa and Op Code. "Looks like you have a well stocked base cap! So, what is it again you were in Frisco for? You mentioned something about hunting down dragons....?"
Occa says, "Well, we were just checking it out...exploring for the fun of it...and profit. Sadly, we lost Dani, but such is life...and death. The dragons are farther along the road...you will see if you stay around that long."
"Good eve, all, I have need to rest and commune with my lord Thoth," says Salaam, and retreats to a quiet place nearby.
Gilstrock shrugs. "Sure, we'll stay around for a while, if we can. (At least, I will.) Pharian and I were just resting up in Sunigar waiting for more adventure to present itself to us. And, given what was going on there -- the place was being sacked! -- I don't think we really want to go back just yet. Besides, I haven't the first clue how we actually would go about getting back. That would be more Pharian's area of expertise. He's been around the block a few more times than I have, anyway." Gilstrock guestures at his older companion.
Valdar sighs, as he helps himself to a hearty plate of stewed turnips.
"It seems to be the same everywhere," he comments. "Evil is on the rise."
"You people seem decent enough," Gilstrock continues. "And this place sure seems mysterious! It should be exciting."
"Well, I don't know about the rest of you, but I am famished! What's cooking in the the stewpot? I think a good hot meal and a bit of a scrubbing is just what I need to get ready for some more of that action I've been looking for. Maybe next time they'll fight a bit more fair!"
Gonzo goes snooping for something to eat.
"I think I'll follow you. It's been quite a while since I last ate." Then more excitedly Scryte says,"Oh, and I can tell you about the fight I had with four of those thieves you all fought. By the way I'm Scryte. Knott DeScryte."
While you were out exploring Frisco, Op Code's ranger followers were hunting. Game is plentiful around here - especially for late winter - and tonight you have your choice of rabbit stew or roast venison.
After you eat, Valdar creates marshmallows, and you sit around the fire roasting them.
"Forgive me for repeating myself," he says to Occa, Op Code, Jesse, Salaam and Gonzo, before turning to Pharian, Gilstrock and Scryte. "Here is the story. My people do a lot of trading along the coast...both on the Elven Coast Road and from ships. There are a number of small, isolated communities...running from just outside the northern borders of Dorian, to the south...all the way up past Dale's Bane, where the northern ice-cap may be seen in the distance. We sell the people who live in these places crafted goods and foods that we make, as well as manufactured goods from the human lands to the east. In exchange they sell us raw materials such as lumber, furs and metals - including gold and platinum.
"Starting last year, though, we have been beset by raiders on both the water and land. Pirates have been attacking and plundering our ships...while dragons - accompanied by bands of humanoids - have been raiding our caravans. Our losses have been huge...but we are willing to forgo them if this party - you people - can stop the dragons and pirates. The plunder that these raiders have taken from us is to be your payment.
"Right now, we are bound for the town of Inner Sanctum, which lies near the lair of the dragons. Once we have delt with them, then we will continue north to face the pirates.
"I am your guide," Valdar continues, "But I will not be with you forever. I have known and adventured with the various members of this group for over 25 years...but I am not a permanent fixture. I have a kingdom to rule. I think that you three would be a welcome addition to the party, but that is not my decision to make. From the sounds of it you all want to join, and the party members want to have you. Good.
"Tomorrow morning, then, we shall teleport to Sandas, Occa and I. Does any other person wish to come? I can take one more. However, if Orlon wishes, he might be able to take others...should anyone need equipment or supplies.
"When we return, we can break camp and move on. I would like to skirt Frisco if possible...we have made a big enough noise there already. Then, we can continue on our way to Inner Sanctum.
"Is this agreeable?"
Occa says, "That is agreeable to me. We could take the magic items that are yet to be identified and have a sage look at them...hmm, that might take a day or two, though. How long did you want to stay, Valdar?"
"That depends on what you want to do. If you are just going to purchase spell books then we could be back the next day...or even faster if you have teleport, Occa. If you wish to purchase spells then it could take you several days to copy them into your books."
With partialy bridled enthusiasm Scryte jumps up, knocking over his food. "Oops....uh, yes Sir, that would be very agreeable. I'm usually not so clumbsy. I'll do my best. But....well, not that I'm not good in a fight, I am, I even took out three of those thieves back there. But dragons and stuff, I don't know that I'd be much good in a fight with something like that. But, can do other things then, maybe. I'll do my best Sir. I promise." Scryte sits back down, focusing his attention on picking up the food he just dropped.
Then looking up with round innocent eyes Scryte adds, "Oh and Sir, I'd like to go to that town with you. I could be especially handy then."
Pharian replies to Valdar, "I need to come along on your teleport trip as well, since I'll have to buy myself a spellbook to replace the one that I left behind when I so abruptly switched worlds. Unless, I suppose, I could appropriate dear departed Dani's..."
"I have no complaints about that...but there are not many spells in them to start with. So do come."
"By the way, it seems that magic works much the same here on earth as it does back on the Runelands. At least, I recognize many of the spells I have seen. A fact of no small interest to the sages, I suppose, why that should be so." Pharian pauses for a moment, lost in thought, then snaps back to the present.
"I have travelled but little off of Earth, but I have several friends who have. One of them is in Sandas...the city that I propose we teleport to. We could speak to her about it if you wish...and if she has the time to see us."
"But that box of material components we found puzzles me. Back on the Runelands, a mage only uses material components when he has lost his power token-- it's such a hassle to be messing around with powdered lizard's feet, after all." Pharian absently twirls an unremarkable ring on a gnarled finger. "Is it possible that power tokens don't work here? If so, I am going to have to find myself some silver horns and bark chips before I am much use to anybody."
"I have never heard of a power token," replies Valdar. "Here we must use different components for different spells...sand for sleep, bat guano for fireballs, and so on. Perhaps the studies of magic are more advanced on your world than here...or perhaps the magical forces differ in some way. So, it looks as if you must purchase or acquire some components for your spells as well, before you can practise your craft."
"I don't need much," Gilstrock says. "Got most of what I need. I've never been one for spell components and such. Might run short on rations, but you people seem to be taking care of that pretty well right here."
"Orlon, Salaam and I can create food and drink...if you can tolerate Orlon's pizzas. They are rather bland..."
"I'd be interested in tagging along, though-- see a living city in this here world of yours. Only one I've seen so far is... what, Frisco?... and it looked pretty ruined to me." Gilstrock looks at Orlon. "If you go along as well, and can bring me, I'll join in for the ride."
Meanwhile, Scryte is inspecting the pile of loot...when Jesse notices him trying to pocket a ring...
In a loud voice the bard says, "Scryte, we have yet to distribute any of the magic items yet. I would strongly encourage you to put that ring down, now. It appears to be the ring worn by Saddam the Insane, and is well known to cause insanity to all but those of his loyal followers. I doubt that you are one of his followers. If you are however, prove it by revealing the mark of his cult.
"Of the other items, these braces offer the wearer some little protection, how much I am not sure. This ring here has a sea serpant on it. I think that it allows the wearer to walk on water. This scroll is protection from possession, this other one is a protection from magic. These two potions smell of giants sweat, meaning they either offer the strength of a giant or can be used to control giants. This potion smells of trolls blood, but I am not sure what that means.
"The broad sword, I believe, is of the class called Flame swords, for it burst into flames when I touched it.
"These pipes are similar to otehrs I have seen and they can summon rats, if played by someone who knows how to play them. Usually the player can control the rats, but not always. These pipes can be useful in ridding a city of it's rat population.
"Now, Scryte, where's that cult mark?"
After eating his share of the prepared food, Gonzo will excuse himself and say "Time to catch some shut-eye. I'm tarrred and need my beauty rest...<chuckle>"
The ugly gnome finds a comfortable place to sack out and tucking his satchel under his head, is soon snoring quite nicely. You will notice that he has the hilt of his drawn sword in his hand, ready for any action or rude awakenings.
Occa sighs when Jesse catches Scryte trying to pocket the ring. "This is most unfortunate." He looks over to Pharian and Gilstrock and says, "Are either of you overly attached to the thief? I had started liking him...oh well."
Gilstrock guffaws. "We met him at the same time you did. I'm not attached. Still, the little guy is cute. Let's give him the opportunity to prove himself, and see if he responds to your scolding."
Shocked and hurt Scryte replies,"Ah come on guys. I wasn't going to take it. I just wanted to look at it. You all where the ones keeping me away when you where looking at it."
Seeing that this was having no effect, Knott DeScryte changes tactics.
"Besides you all are so powerful. Your practically dripping with magic and you still lost one person and the rest where in bad shape...",sniff, sniff. "Hows a little halfling like myself going to last without some sort of magical help or training....but still, was just looking." Turning his big brown eyes straight at Occa, "honest.".....sniff.
Luann starts to cry.
"Ohh, please don't hurt the little tyke!" she says, "He meant no harm, and...and ...Waaaaaaa!" she concludes, as her maternal instinct awakens in full bloom. She grabs him and clutches him to her bosom, nearly suffocating him in the process.
Occa smiles at Scrythe's performance and says, "Well, someone with your talents could be very useful to the group, but we also have to be able to trust you. As for magical items, I don't think that will be a problem because this would seems rich in them...we will find many, many more...especially if I have another of my 'spells' and start lobbing fireballs again. Do you promise never to steal from this group again? Never to take what this group has rightfully earned togehter and which will be divided among the members of the group? That does include you by the way...if you stay in the group that is."
Jesse adds,
"Scryte, this group has a set of rules that have been adapted so that we can all work together and trust each other. One of the most important things that you can learn about magical items is to let those who know identify them before you take and use an item. It will save us all a lot of trouble.
"If I did not know that ring you wanted to look at was cursed, there could be major ramifactions. Besides, Occa and the others will check everything I have said, in case I am wrong. But it is better to be safe than to have a party member go insane, turn to stone or even worse.
"_If_, and I repeat _if_ we are to trust you, you must promise _never ever_ on those things you old most dear that you will take things from the group until after we have determined that they are safe and it is time for everyone to share in the spoils.
"I have been with this group a short time, and know that we seem to always find a great deal of treasure, enough for everyone. So, be patient and keep your fingers in our enemies pockets."
Scryte manages to escape Luann's clutches.
After wiping his runny nose along his sleeve and sniffing a few more times, the little halfling nods his head. "Ok, I promise. I don't know any good promises though. Well...I remember my uncle said he had to make a promise like this once. But, he was a thief you understand. I just wanted to be an adventurer. But if you all insist on me being a thief I'll be one." Sniff.
Looking everyone straight in the eyes Scryte says in a clear voice, "I promise, on my hands, my health, and The Silent One, never to take anything from this assembled group with evil intent."
After a small pause a grin creeps onto the the little halfling face. "But I'm going to need someone to train me now that I'm going to be a thief."
He eyes the other halfling in the party.
Valdar looks about.
"Is anyone else going to have a go at identifying these magic items?" he asks. "Or did you want to divide them up? I see that Gonzo has already claimed the flaming longsword...as is his due, I think."
Occa frowns and says, "The 'with evil intent' clause bothers me. Would you be willing to take a geas to make sure you don't break your promise, Dnott DeScrythe?"
The Scryte stares at Occa with a look of confusion on his face. "I wasn't the one who made the oath, like I said my uncle did, but I think that 'clause' is there for a reason. A good one. If I had promised never to take anything from any of you, that mightstop me from barrowing something if you where unconscious and I needed it to save your life. Not very likely, but there could be other situations like that, that I can't think of right now." "But if you don't trust me Occa, I'll eat gease, duck or chicken if you want. I don't really see the reason though."
"Was your uncle a lawyer?" asks Valdar.
Occa sighs and says, "Just be careful Scryte...you have an opportunity to make friends here." He turns and walks off to study his books.
Occa says, "Valdar, do you have identify? I could learn that and identify items...we really need that spell."
Op Code asks "What is the inventory of stuff that we just found? I have been bewidered by all that has happened to us lately."
Valdar checks his books.
"Sorry...I don't."
Phil mentions that he has 'Identify' on him. He will cast it on all the above mentioned items.
Phil casts the spell on the first ring.
"It is a magic ring," he announces, as the spell takes hold. "It has the ability to enhance the personal qualities of the wearer. The wearer will have the ability to win friends, influence people and fix parking tickets. The wearer can also cast a charm spell from it."
That is all of the information that he can provide.
Phil...how many identify spells do you have memorized..?
Occa says to Phil, "May I copy identify out of your book? Then I could also assist in the identifying of items."
Walking over to Who Knows, Scryte asks, "So what do you think. Would you mind having an apprentice. I guess I could pay you with my future shares of the loot. My uncle said I was a fast learner and that I had VERY nimble fingers." Scryte smiles broadly.
Who Knows replies "I could always use some extra loot. Mind you, if you don't have the loot, we could always arrange something."
"Uuuh...wellll....I'm suure I'll have enough ggold at ssomepoint. Ya, well i'd better go uh, sharpen my daggers. Uh, ya." The little halfling scuffles off.
Still red in the face, Scryte (Skreet) approaches Occa. "Pardon me sir, but I'd REALLY like to see a real city. PLEEAAAASSSSSSSSSE, take me. I'll be good."
Looking up at Occa, Scryte adds in a very serious tone, "If you don't mind my asking Sir, why did you want me to eat gease? You seemed truely sincere about it, but it seemed kind of strange to me. Is there a magical roperty to gease that makes it impossible to lie. I'll eat some gease if you want. I'm not very hungry anymore but I don't mind. Like you said it's important that you all trust me like I trust you."
Occa steps back away from Scrythe and says, "Don't get within hands reach of me, Scrythe...I have some traps on my items and I would hate to see you shocked to death."
He chuckles at the joke and says, "Surely you aren't the fool you pretend to be..." He chuckles again. "Apprentice thief...that is a good one as well."
Then in a more serious tone he says, "You have never heard of a Geas? It is not a bird, but rather a spell. It causes someone to do a task for you, much like a quest or act in a particular manner...or not do something. If the qeased person violates the mandate that has been spelled out by the mage...and to which he agrees, he gets sick...this eventually results in death in a few weeks. Now run along and bother someone else, I am reading here and have no time for chit chat...except for clerics of Thor."
Tracy grins.
"Go talk to Luann," she suggests. "I think she's taken a shine to you."
A little chilled at the description of the Geas spell, the fuzzy headed little halfling wonders away without comment, lost in his daymare of breaking the Geas spell. He finds a good place to lay down at the edge of the camp. Pulling his cloak out, he lays it across the ground. Pulling an extra dagger from somewhere in his clothes, he places it under his backpack.
Laying on the cloak, head on his pack, Scryte stairs up into the sky. He thinks about the theives that attacked him, the wizards, the group he's now with, how they rescued him, how he would see a city very soon (being teleported there no less). The world just got much, much larger.
Under the tall evergreens of some mysterious forest, a small halfling adventurer falls asleep.
Orlon would like to go to Sandas. He could carry two other people with him. Would anyone like to accompany him?
Gilstrock replies that, as indicated earlier, he would like to go.
"Reviewing the spell," says Valdar, glancing up from his spell book, "It looks like I can only take Occa plus one other small person...Scryte. You can travel with Orlon and Pharian."
Occa has a thought come to him. "Ah, we can use the covered wagon as a base point for teleport. IF we use a section of it for memorizing, then even if the group moves on, we should be able to teleport back to the covered wagon. However, we will need to keep a small section of the wagon always looking the same...and even more importantly, unoccupied with gear."
He goes and examines the amount of room left in the wagon.
Actually with the amount of stuff that this party carries around, that wagon is filled to overflowing as it is. There is no room to rearrange anything in order to open up some space.
"Bummer...just an idea for the mages who aren't as high as me," says Occa.
"Sounds like we need another wagon" mumbles Gonzo, sitting up and scratching the former hole in the back of his head.
"Perhaps we could make a box or shower-stall with a pretty floor that could be setup whenever we weren't moving to allow your teleportalling. Of course you would be a bit SOL when-ever it wasn't up and it would be tough to keep arranged exactly the same."
"You know, I think yee be talking about a target that you kin shoot for each time you teleportal. How about a platform constructed on top of the wagon that yee could concentrate on? It would always be up there and it wouldn't change unless the whole dern wagon rolled over on it."
"Jees some food fer thought...."
The ugly dwarf falls back asleep, still muttering to no one in particular, and beyond reconition or interpretatoin.
Occa says, "A platform would work if it had walls and roof...otherwise the terrain around it would change constantly...that would affect the teleportation..even if in a minor way. That could have dramatic consequences."
Phil replies to Occa's request about looking at his spell books.
"Yeah, take a look. I just ask one thing. Stop spreading vicious rumours about me to other people. OK?"
Occa looks surprised and says, "Which vicious rumour would that be?"
Then, to Valdar -
"I only had the one memorized. I can memorize four at a time if I wish," Phil tells Valdar.
Occa says, "I can learn 10 of them...that should help."
Orlon says -
"Seeing that Scythe has fallen asleep, I will take Gilstrock and Pharian."
"I was not clear," replies the mighty elf lord. "I will take him. He is small and light...I could carry him along with Occa."
With a BIG yawn Scryte wakes up. "See I can stay out of everyone way when they need to get things done. When do we go? I'm ready whenever you are."
"Tomorrow. Go back to sleep."
Phil goes to rest for four hours...waking up around midnight to start learning identify spells. Occa goes to sleep.
Phil casts his first spell on the gleaming rod that the fighter used. He determines that it is indeed magical...improves the wielder's chances of hitting a target...and has charges.
That is all he learns about the rod.
After that he is too tired to cast any further spells.