After a third uneventful night - interrupted only by several hours of freezing rain - you awaken the next morning to find the skies clear and sunny. You continue west with a spring in your step. By 2 in the afternoon you are nearing the ambush site. Stopping at the west end of the ravine where you were attacked, the rangers move on ahead to check things out. They return an hour later to report that the area is deserted. The orc-trail leading north is still visible. Also, they tell you that they have discovered an open clearing atop the south side of the ravine ridge...a natural hollow surrounded by boulders, that they think might make a defenseable encampment. There are a number of trees growing within it, which will help to conceal it from aerial observation.
Cat frowns, "That seems almost too good to be true. Perhaps we should examine that area more closely, using magical means if possible."
You turn off the road and follow Woody and Op Code into the woods.
When you get within a few hundred feet of the hollow, Salaam chants to Thoth, "Please grant me sight, oh lord." Then he scans the area with his true sight...and sees nothing unusual.
You enter the hollow and poke around. All seems to be as it appears...then you set up camp.
Taking a spellbook from the chest, maybe Dani's, Salaam memorizes spells, then suggests that we camp here and then approximately an hour before daybreak to advance onward.
"Sounds good," says Valdar, taking a long look around the clearing. "I am off, then...the spring equinox is tonight and so I must host a great Elven orgy...errr...festival in celebration of it, back at Castle Greyhall. I will return in a day or two...if I am capable..."
He tips his hat, speaks a few arcane words and disappears.
Salaam comes out of his tent in an apron and chef's hat, "Ok, folks, what do you all want for dinner ?" he asks in a southern Cajun accent.
Cat claps her hands happily. "That is wonderful! I would truly enjoy some blackened grouper with baby peas in dill and caper sauce, some dirty rice and a nice fresh tossed salad with a balsamic dressing ... and a suitable wine of course ... your choice." Cat smiles, liking her lips delicately.
"Go heavy on the red meat for me," Gilstrock says. "I'm a warrior, no wimpy health-food type! And, besides, I need the protein."
After taking everyone's order, Salaam chants, "Thoth, don't fail me now !" and cast Create food and water. Hopefully summoning food that everyone wanted.
A sumptuous feast magically appears...everything that the chef ordered...cooked to perfection. Thoth apparently has a more imaginative kitchen than either Thor or Corellon Larethian.
"Mmmphfff! Thsm ism Ggggodm" says Gonzo, wolfing down his portion of the summoned food.
After eating, he will do his own scouting of the parties new home, taking particular interest in all the strategic opportunities the site offers.
The hollow is hard to see from the outside...while several piles of boulders scattered about just outside the perimeter would provide good places for guards to stand watch.
Occa says, "Maybe we should plan for our foray into this area of dragons, Gonzo." He looks around and says, "It is obvious we are going against many dragons...something very dangerous considering how much damage they can inflict in a very short time. This means that our healing abilities must be ready. We also need to have a plan for retreat. Could each of you think about what you can do and speak freely here? That way we can coordinate our power."
He sits down on the pile of logs that Gonzo has collected and says, "Obviously, I am a mage. Besides being a mage of considerable power, I also have two wands..one of fire and one of ice. I also have a staff that is useful against undead...it produces a great deal of light. And with my robe, I can see much...invisible, hidden, and camoflaged creatures. That is very useful. Since I rely mostly on my spells, the wands and staff are secondary...which means, I would be willing to loan them to members who do not have 'fire power' type magics. They can only be used by mages, though. For this trip, I recommend we take as much firepower as possible....I will be. Maybe we should share what we will be memorizing as well in order to compliment each others spells as much as possible."
Cat hesitates before answering, but then just takes a deep breath and goes ahead.
"Well ... as for firepower ... I do have a wand of magic missiles. I also seem to do well in situations that require charm and negotiation ... though I am sure some of you here do not believe that." She smiles, avoiding looking towards Occa.
Occa frowns and says, "A wand of magic missles? You might want to borrow one of my wands or staff in that case...it can do more serious harm...or will at least give you the potentional for that."
Cat looks surprised. "Why ... thank you ... I would appreciate that ..."
Occa says, "Well, don't take it personally...I stand to benefit if our enemies are eliminated quickly."
Cat grins. "Of course. That is what I meant."
He chuckles and mutters, "Oh, that is why the Baronet kicked us out."
Cat blushes deeply, looking uncomfortable. "I sort of realized he was not amenable to chat ... but did want to know what manner of man he was. It didn't hurt anything as he is very closed-minded and petty. I could have used suggestion on him ... but I figured he might be protected ..."
Occa says, "Well, I don't think it was just you making a pass at him, although by some miracle you did get some good information. Casting spells near kings or Baronets is not a good idea unless they want it..." he looks over at Salaam, "And they have been warned...they generally can't read minds. However, next time, I think it might be wise to send 1 or 3 people to see people of importance...the whole group going can be a disaster if it is not thought out."
"We did? What kind of information?" Cat replies, surprised.
Occa says, "He said that if we didn't get out, we would be facing the dragons soon enough...if Gonzo hadn't gotten the information as well, taht would have told us that he was also in league with the dragons. Which brings me to my next point....once this trip is over, I think Salaam and I may take a side trip back to town and do a bit of house cleaning. With his true sight and our combined powers it shouldn't take too long."
"Oh that ... yes, I guess it was confirmation at least. I thought there was somthing else I missed." Cat replies.
"Oh, and I wasn't going to cast the spell ... don't know it, actually. I have this ring that does that once a day." She replies.
Occa says, "Really? What else does it do?"
Cat grins wickedly. "Makes people tend to like me better ... maybe I should have used it earlier ... "
Occa says, "Well, it is good you have it...we have another...maybe two would help."
Cat laughs, "I hadn't thought of that! WHat a good idea! If we both wore one ... maybe we could talk civilly for a while ..."
Occa smiles and says, "I meant 2 for you."
Cat smiles back. "I know."
"I also am a mage of sorts ... not a real one though. I am very good at illusions ... but have so much more to learn. I can do some amazing things with a spectral force though." She grins at some private joke.
"I am a wizard," answers Pharian, "though not as learned as you or Stiff. My best spells are fifth level. My stock of magic items is also smaller than yours. Let's see, I got the wand of fire I borrowed from you, a wand of illusion..." As Pharian mentions each item he nimbly pulls it out of his cloak, twirls it on his fingers, then just as quickly tucks it away again. "... a potion of gaseous form, and a ring of invisibility. Oh, and my bracers of defense," he adds, snapping a pair of suspenders.
He pauses, as though trying to remember if he has left anything out, then shakes his head slightly, and falls silent.
Gilstrock says, "I'm a fighter, nothing more, nothing less. I'm good with weapons, sturdy, and tenacious. I don't have much in the way of toys or magic items; these boots will let me levitate myself in a pinch, and my armor is magically enhanced."
Drawing his sword, Gilstrock says, "Although I carry that spear around with me most of the time, this sword is my weapon of preference. It's a frost band, and ought to do well against fire breathing dragons. I'm sort of a specialist with longswords as well."
Sheathing his sword, Gilstrock says, "That's about it for me. I'm not real long on planning and global strategy and such."
Occa says, "Well, that will help, though. I know we will be going against at least a black and 2 white dragons...that is what Salaam and I saw. What concerns me is that they don't normally work together." he looks over gilstrock and says, "How strong are you? I can tell Gonzo is fantastically strong...we might want to enhance your strength as well."
He shakes his head and says, "If only my spell book had survived the journey here...I had a Giant Strength spell that would do nicely."
Occa then says, "Also, who here is able to cast stoneskin? Who already has it on them? I could cast it on everyone, although I only have ten uses worth...I normally cast it on myself, but I usually die from ranged energy type attacks. Therefore it might be better used on the bricks in the group."
Occa says, "Well, I suggest all newcomers...Gilstrock, Gonzo, Pharian, Scrythe, and Catty take a look through the community chest...supplement your items. We are going to need it."
"The name is Cat or Catrina ... not Catty, Occa. The community chest? Oh, that big pile of stuff there ... hmmm ... okay ... I look through it ... I guess the items are tagged and all ... "
Cat goes through the stuff carefully .....
Cat approaches Salaam when people are busy with their dinner.
"Salaam?" She says quietly. "May I speak with you privately when you have a moment."
"What can I do for you, my dear ?" Salaam says as he puts away his chef's outfit.
They move aside and speak together in low voices. After a moment, though, Cat raises her voice.
"Of course I only believe in myself! I am the only one responsible for me!" Cat snaps, her eyes sparking with anger now. "How can I blindly follow what others dictate? Every rule, every practice ... came from someehere for a reason ... but those reasons are long gone, or changed by todays world - must I blindly then follow? No, I seek to question everything and discover my own meanings, that matter to me and my view of life. I don't need anyone to tell me how to live. I know what is right and wrong ... I *think* ... I have no wish to have that responsibility lifted from me, thank you very much."
" - that is something that we can debate when you are not so heated. Also, you look rather pretty when you are angry," Salaam finishes with a disarming smile.
"I haven't begun to get angry yet ... " Cat sputters, distracted for only a brief moment. "And you know nothing about my heat ... perhaps you would like to try it one day. In addition to my other immoral practices, I am very fond of giving and receiving pain. What does your god make of that then?"
" I have seen more bloodshed and cruelty to last you many lifetimes, and it was caused by immoral people who had no belief or who followed a fallen god who has no depth to his depravity. As a priest of Thoth - "
"See! Because they didn't stop to think for themselves ... the blind leading the blind! One god against others ... everyone following like sheep! Your own gods are the causes of the wars ... " Cat retorts.
" - I have pledged myself to the search for knowledge in all forms, specifically in the form of magic. But with great knowledge and power, comes a greater responsibility, not only of one's behavior but of others around you as well or the world will fall to choas and evil. I have pledged for that never to come to pass !" Salaam says with a stern voice and penetrating eyes.
Cat throws up her hands in frustration ... "If you seek knowledge .. then why follow blindly tenets that may or may not be appropriate?" Cat asks.
"Maybe a bit of chaos is just what this world needs then ... wake people up ... have them realize that YES! They can think if they want to ... they don't have to be sheep led to slaughter by the gods! Let them find their pleasures and pains ... let them live!" Cat replies, her voice rising in anger and indignation.
"YOU PATHETIC WOMAN, YOU KNOW NOTHING OF THE TRUE MEANING OF CHAOS AND EVIL," Salaam screams as his face and body turn a bright shade of red.
Cat steps back, stumbling a bit, frightened now and silent.
Occa looks very surprised by the outburst but says nothing.
Pharian, sitting at the edge of the circle of firelight, shakes his head at the argument. Softly, he says, "It is sad to see us argue amongst ourselves this way. There were few of us enough on the Runelands that believed in good-- I can't imagine it is different here."
Salaam stops and calms himself for a moment, the tanned color of skin returning to normal. "Little acts such as yours is the basis, the very foundation of how good can be corrupted to evil and it takes very strong personalities such as the gods to keep frail mortals in line or all will go the hells and the foul gods that reside there !" With that, wearily, he leaves for his tent, shaking his head as he realizes that he may have pushed one on the edge, over it...
Cat does not reply, but shakes her head and rolls her eyes.
After Salaam retires to his tent Occa speaks a quick word and then pulls a bottle out a large pouch at his side. He lets the bottle go and it seems to float in the air.
Occa says, "Take it to Salaam."
The bottle moves to the tent.
A hand waves out of the tent and then it turns into a thumbs up as the bottle goes into the tent.
Occa sits back down, looks at Gonzo and says, "This is going to be one helluva ride."
Hearing Cat's and Salaam's argument, Occa says quietly so that Tracy doesn't hear, "She is obviously insane...my kind of girl."
Then more loudly so that Cat can hear, "Uh, since you two have taken your argument to a 'higher' level and we are forced to hear it...I must interject one queston to Cat. My question is simply this...if you think people should think for themselves and not follow blindly, how can you take that bourgeois attitude of yours with the members of the 'peasants' as you so kindly put it? You obviously think there is a difference in people with that kind of attitude...a 'better' person, as you obviously think you are and a lower type of person. I guess that would be the rabble that serves you and those that take their dinner in the common rooms."
Cat turns slowly to face Occa. "Excuse me? What do you know of what I think? You immediately, before even knowing me attacked ... in a certain manner I find particularly offensive. You assumed, because of my dress or something else that I was a certain kind of person. Since I am so much into giving pleasure, " Cat turns briefly to regard Salaam's tent then returns her attention to Occa. "I obliged ... you apparently need to hate me or the type of person I seem to represent."
Occa says, "Actually, that was the Jack Daniels speaking....but that isn't why I dislike you...it is more an attitude thing really. Your attitude, that is, your sexual preferences really don't mean anything to me."
"Jack Daniels? Is that a familar ... or something?" Cat asks, puzzled by the reference.
"Oh yes, my favorite familar. He is such a comfort."
"Does it really help ... having one I mean. I have often wondered ... can anyone who practises magic get one ... do you know how to summon one?" Cat asks, an intent look in her eye.
Occa says, "Of course, I know how...but I do not have that spell with me. Speaking of spells..." He looks around at the gathered group and says, "Maybe we should all share what we have in our psell books...I have just looked through mine and find I don't have many 8th order spells to choose from."
Cat nearly chokes. "8th? Geez ... my books won't help then. I've only a few of even 3rd order!" She looks at Occa with a mixture of awe and slight disbelief. She looks to the other magic users.
"Umm ... are you all so powerful then?" She asks.
Gilstrock tries to restrain himself, but ends up goggling at Occa. "8th order? Is that like 8th level? Like pretty severe stuff? I mean, I don't know a whole lot about these things..." he looks uncertainly at Pharian.
Pharian can't help looking impressed as well. "An archmage and a mage in the same party... I'm glad I don't work for those dragons, that's all I can say." Then he pauses, and says in a dry voice, "If I had known you were a mage, Occa, I wouldn't have been worrying about you heading to the Baron's tower alone. Some help I would have been."
"Yes...fairly severe stuff."
Looking back in the diretion of Occa, Gilstrock says, "Can I touch you?"
Occa chuckles, "Sorry, you aren't really my type...at least today."
Gilstrock continues his first thought: "...well, I mean, wizards are rare enough as it is, but I had thought that there were only a handful of people in the whole _world_ who could master spells like that!"
Pausing, he then admends, "At least, in my world that is. Wow. Maybe I am a small fry here."
Robert nods and glances at Stiff.
Cat grins, "I don't think there is anything small about you, Gil."
The large man returns a large grin. "Well, not physically anyway!"
Occa starts laughing and says, "Gee, I shoulda told you guys this stuff a long time ago." He stops laughing and says, "Actually, there are few mages on my home world that can cast high order spells as well...very few. Most are dead due to the war, though. Gilstrock, I hardly doubt that you are a small fry anywhere. Besides, we mages are in dire trouble if someone like you or Gonzo gets too close...especially a sword specialist." He shakes his head and says, "It is all very chaotic, really."
"That's what Pharian always tells me," Gilstrock responds. "I guess that's why he keeps me around, to keep myself between him and whatever's trying to get to him."
Occa says, "That is true...a mage and a fighter team always work well together. Back on Delith, my best friend was a magnificent warrior named Geon. Great guy...I wonder how he fairs." He shakes his head and says, "Such partnerships are always benefical."
Pharian chuckles and says, "That, and to do my heavy lifting." Then he tugs thoughtfully on his scraggly gray goatee. "Perhaps that it how we should plan to fight the dragons. We will have to avoid all getting trapped in the same blast of dragon's breath. If we plan ahead of time to break up into teams of fighters and mages, we will be able to spread out more quickly when we meet dragons, and we won't run the risk of having some wimpy mage running off by himself and being munched."
Cat chuckles softly. "Yup, that would be me -- in the wimpy mage category ... not even really a mage." She sighs.
"But there is a lot of merit in that idea. Now if we could figure out who got along with whom ... " She smiles.
Occa says, "Actually, you are the only one that has been a problem so far."
Cat smiles. "Well then ... no problem then."
Occa says, "Who is an Arch Mage? I musta missed something."
"As to my attitude ... well ... I have my reasons for that." She replies, looking away and suddenly wistful.
Occa says, "Oh, that is mysterious..." He looks around at the group and says, "Anyone else with some big dark secret? Jesse, what about you?"
Jesse looks at Occa. "No. Why do you ask, do you have some deep dark secret you wish to share with us? I'd like to write it into the ballad I am composing."
Occa says, "Me? Oh no...I am probably the least mysterious person here. I have no secrets."
Cat shrugs. "Nothing terribly mysterious ... I almost wish there was ... it would be infinitely more interesting than the truth ... which is simply that is hard to 'break training' as it were ... in times of stress ... I slip back into it ... and hate myself later ... "
"But yes, I have a class distinction of sorts. But I believe it is not the one you are thinking of."
Occa says, "Well, maybe you all discussed that in your private dining room after I left. It matters not."
He pauses and says, "However, if you want everyone to think, you imply some kind equality. I am just curious if you are aware of these inconsistencies. Oh, or do you think that by making people not like you, you will get them to think?"
"Perhaps ... " Cat says. "I think I will go for a little walk. See you all later ... " She grins at Gilstrok, then walks to the woods.
Later, she returns.
Cat pauses at the opening of Salaam's tent and finally calls out softly.
"Salaam? Uh ... well, that is ... it always distresses me when folks part with anger between them ... ummm ... can I come in and chat for a moment?"
She enters. You hear nothing for a moment, then you hear Cat shouting...
"WHAT? Do you think I came here for that?! How dare you! I choose my own partners, and my invitations ... or lack thereof are clear!"
You hear Salaam reply...but cannot make out the words...but Cat's reply comes through loud and clear...
"Did not insinuate any sort of thing - you didn't have to - you said it loud and clear! Do I need to repeat it back? You said, 'I know we are and can be friends,just friends, as attractive as ye may be, and yes I enjoy sex as does the next man, I think it would not be prudent for us to be together.'" Cat replies, mimicing his voice and tone.
"But fine. My conscience is clear ... I came to apologise for my heated words ... I don't know or care to know what is on your mind!"
Cat comes storming out of Salaam's tent.
Jesse, you note, has also rejoined you...though no one noticed him leave.
Occa pulls out a pipe and slowly fills it with tobacco. After packing it tightly, he says, "Anyone have a match?"
"I would like to have my trunks unloaded ... and then perhaps you could set up my pavilion?" Cat asks Gilstrock, calming down, pointing to two of her trunks on the wagon.
"Sure thing ma'am," Gilstrock says. "Only... what does this pavilion look like? It isn't too... colorful is it? Nothing that would be visible to a passerby, or from the air?"
"Oh no! It is in the lovliest greens and browns ... with a few patches of copper, slate grey ... it would blend right in. It is rather large, you are welcome to share my space of course." Cat explains, taking hold of his arm lightly and winking.
"No, just a giant bull's eye painted on the top-- it's very fashionable," says Pharian, imitating Cat's voice.
Gilstrock chuckles.
Cat laughs lightly. "That is very good ... but no, it doesn't have a bull'e eye painted on it ... we could of course do that if you prefer." She grins at Pharian and blows a kiss his way, still holding onto Gilstrock.
"Very good, ma'am," Gilstrock says, "that should be safe then. And, thank you for the offer, it's always good to be warm while one sleeps." Gilstrock gives Jesse a sidelong look on this one.
Gilstrock sets to helping Cat unload her trunks and such, and set up the pavilion. He will keep a skeptical eye on it, however, sometimes going a short ways away from our camp to make sure it doesn't announce our presence to the casual passerby.
Gonzo, being rather bored, jumps in to help Gilstrok set up Cat's tent. He whistles while he works and says nothing, being a perfect gentle-dwarf the whole time. He is meticulous about the tent being set up exactly right. All the tent stakes are driven in and checked and then rechecked. He shifts a couple of poles and tightens the ropes. He rechecks all the ropes again, and peers inside the tent to make sure it is up right.
Cat smiles at Gonzo, working along side him and Gilstrok. "Thank you so much for helping me ... it takes a certain skill and quite some strength to get these set up just right." Cat says, admiring the work of both Gil and Gonzo.
"Can you see it from over there?" he yells at Gilstrok when he goes off to look.
Occa sighs and says, "I can make the pavillion invisible as well...in order to further hide it if we think it might be seen."
Cat frowns ... "Ummm ... would that ... uh, keep us invisible too ... or did you want to watch?"
Occa says, "No, I would prefer to not watch...I would hope that you would at least cover yourself, but I suppose nothing would surprise me. It would, however, hide a large tent. Comprende?"
"I won't give you time to watch," says Tracy, coming over and putting her arm through Occa's.
Occa blushes and smiles and says, "Well, uhmm, I guess we should set up camp."
Cat shakes her head, confused now. "Uh, you would rather join us then?" She pauses, then continues, "Cover ourselves while ... ummm ... do you do it clothed then? How uncomfortable ... where did you say you were from again?"
Occa laughs at this and says, "No, I do not want to join you, thank you anyway. I would prefer to remain in the minority of men you have met." He smiles and says, "As for the rest of your questions, I will assume you are playing dumb and aren't. At least that is what I will hope."
Cat laughs. "I understand." She grins again, about to say something, then changes her mind.
"Oh ... so ... if the tent were invisible ... what would happen to the people inside ... would they be visible or not?"
"Visible...same as if we were under the sky, except we will still have the protection of the pavillon."
Cat smiles, a wicked glint in her eye. "Well then, let's skip the invisibility spell then ... wouldn't want to upset you all with our nakedness ... but a silence spell would be useful ... " She looks at Gilstrock, then back at Occa, grinning. "Very useful, in fact."
Occa rolls his eyes and says, "Okay, I won't turn the pavillon invisible." He looks around and says, "I think I will camp over there...."
He points toward a point as far from the pavillon as possible and heads over there to set up a small shelter.
Tracy follows him, winking at the rest of you over her shoulder.
Occa looks over to Salaam's tent in passing and says, "You might want to stock up on cure disease." He chuckles at his joke.
Cat's soft laughter follows him and she shakes her head. "Come then Gilstrock ... help me unpack this trunk ... we will be needing some of these items tonight." she takes him by the arm and leads him to the trunk, whispering in his ear.
After a few words, Gilstrock moves to continue help Cat unload her various luggage.
Cat silently works next to him, surprisingly deft and strong as she unloads some of the heavier pieces.
Through all this, Jesse has been playing his lute. "A little ditty I've written, I call it "As the world turns" he says to no one in particular.
"Anyone need my help?" he asks.
Gonzo walks back out and go out and gather a few more logs for the campfire and some smaller branches. He'll gather a rather large pile of fist sized stones and practices juggling with them. Rather badly. Finally, being totally bored, he'll just plop down beside the fire and instead goes to piling the stones up in a miniture tower, cursing quietly under his breath when the thing tumbles down.
Cat whispers some words and moves her hands, smiling. Soon, the tower is rebuilt, twice the size, with lights blinking in the windows and minature people and animals walking about ...
"Jesse... sing us a song woudja? I'm interested in a tale of great adventure. If you got anything about our grand exploits, aimless as they may seem, I'd sure like to hear that."
Once things are set up, Gilstrock says to Cat, "Well, ma'am, there it is. Is everything right according to your pleasure? And... is there anything else you require?" Gilstrock bounces on the balls of his feet and has a twinkle in his eye as he winks at Cat.
Cat winks back, taking his arm and leading him into the tent. "Why yes ... would you like to help me unpack my trunks ... " She asks in a sultry whisper.
The tent flaps close behind them ...
Gonzo listens and watches all the conversation going on about him.
Finally, he inserts some conversation in...
"Uhhhh... I jez remembered some other stuff about dat baronetty guy. Seems der is a fellow by da name of Roget who usually does da talking around dat place but he hasn't shown his face 'round der fer some time now. He is a necromancer by the feller I was askin. Me thinks maybe he's the real culprit 'ere abouts and since he kinda 'as the squeeze on the baronett and da baronett not bein' da power like dis Roget, me thinks maybe he is da one joinin dez dragons and other types ta-geder."
"Just might be a critical link in the tactics we be discussin."
Occa says, "Oh no...he is also the Guild master for the wizard's guild..where Salaam and I went seeking information. That would make me think that it may be Roget in charge of these dragons. If he is a necromancer, then we may also be facing a horde of undead as well."
He pauses and says, "We may want to do some divining into the situation."
"Now me strength lies in me skills as a fighter... but gimme a chance to sneak up on dem dragons and dey be dead meat on da table... if youse knows what I mean. I have skills dat make dis fightin ding well worth me while and dems dat I fight sorry dey ever met up wid da Gonzo Gallahad."
Gonzo thumps his chest and has a great big crooked smile on his face.
It is evening. The temperature is below freezing and the sky is clear. Salaam is in his tent...Cat has just led Gilstrock into her pavilion. The rest of you are sitting around the fire, but for Jesse and Robert. The former is nearby, quietly playing his flute, while the latter - as is his habit - is standing watch near a pile of rocks on the upper rim of the hollow.
Stiff looks around the camp to familarize himself with it and where everybody is located. Stiff wonders aloud "I wonder if we can find out where the dragons might be exiting?
"Oh, by the way I am the Arch Mage".
Occa says, "So you are the arch Mage? Well, do you happen to have Legend Lore? Or any good 8th order spells?"
A loud snap suddenly breaks the silence, then several more -- and then soft moans. It sounds very much like a switch or a crop striking flesh but it is difficult to tell if the moans are male or female. The sounds all appear to be coming from Cat's pavilion.
The pavilion is lit from within, casting shadows all around. It seems Cat has lit many candles and arranged them around the tent, though the shadows are vague and it is not clear if they are male, female or one of each. The striking sounds, and the moans, which are getting deeper, continue for quite some time ... slowly building in speed and volume.
Gonzo, who has been sitting around looking quite bored for quite a long time, looks at the shadows with interest. Taking a stone from atop the pyramid that he built earlier, he tosses it at the pile of logs that he laid out before.
There is a movement in the grass between the logs and Cat's pavilion...and suddenly the sides of her tent roll upwards like the curtains on a stage...revealing the interior for all of you to see!
What you see, though...is nothing...but for a few guttering candles. The noises continue unabated, though...but there is no sign of the players - whose shadows you just saw against the sides of the pavilion a moment before.
In fact...faintly...almost competely overwhelmed by the other sounds...you now hear a faint snoring coming from the rear of Cat's tent.
Op Code will draw his sword and cautiously circle around the tent, prepared for whatever may be there.
The snoring sounds louder at the back of the tent...in a dark corner.
After a moment, the sounds of moaning and the whips dies away...and the snoring is all that you can hear.
There is no sign of Gilstrock, Cat, or Jesse, you now realize.
Salaam, you assume, is still in his tent.
Occa will disbelive all that is going on...using his robe of eyes as well to see invisible, camflaged, hidden, etc...He will walk around the area and into the tent looking.
He sees nothing unusual in the hollow...but when he goes into Cat's tent he finds Gilstrock...sound asleep in a dark corner, snoring softly, with some cotton stuffed in his ears.
As Occa stands over him he wakes up.
Gilstrock looks up at Occa. He blearily blinks once or twice, and starts to sit up. "Oooh, ow." He says, leaning back down. Evenetually he musters enough gumption to sit back up. Looking at Occa, he says, "What's up? You get lonely out there?"
Occa says, "No, your illusionist friend is playing pranks on the party, I would guess....sorry to wake you."
He leaves the tent .
Gilstrock follows Occa out. "What happened?" he says, befuddled. He's hobbling slightly on his legs as if sore. "What pranks?"
Op Code checks in on Salaam.
You check his tent, parting the flap slightly, and see him in there...copying out spells.
He looks around and glances at you.
Op Code tells Salaam "Sorry to bother you. Heard some noise that sounded like fighting. Just wanted to make sure the party wasn't about to get attacked." He then goes back to the camp and begins eating.
Stiff says to Occa. "Yes, I do happen to have some 8th level spells in my books. However, I spent considerable sums getting these spells. It has not been customery to just give them away. A bit of compensation would go a long way towards my decision. In this regard, I am amiable to any kind of equitable trade or agreement. I see that you are looking for a few specific spells. Hmmm let me see. Legend lore. Yes, I have it. Stoneskin is also in my repetoir. Is there anything else?".Stiff continues to the rest of the party " Sorry that I am so sluggish with responding to your inquiries. It seems that this adventure is different to what I am accostomed to".
Occa says, "Well, the legend lore would be very useful for the party...I would be willing to trade you some spells for it, if you like or offer compensation...whatever, it doesn't matter to me. Are there any spells you are looking for? If not, what would you charge for Legend Lore? Although I might point out, that I want it so that I can identify the items within the group so that they can be utilized better."
"What the heck is going on in that there tent. Weird sexual stuff I have seen lots of but what all is happening around here. Ms. Cat, please speak up".Hmmm. Stiff will cast a Detect invisibility spell and look around for himself.
On to other topics. Stiff adds "We found a lot of strange stuff in that last adventure. It seems like years ago to me now. We fought strange monsters and then had to face Rockchin and all in the hells. It seems for awhile that we were living there. What an experience. Oh well, it wasn't the first and probably won't be the last time that we adventure there. We did not have a lot of time to figure all of it out at the time. I recall that some of those cannisters had some healing effects. Sort of like having a canned Cure wounds spells. I think that some had other effects, but what effects I can't be sure. The energy attack weapons were very cool as they would dissintegrate matter. Unfortunately they are very limited by the few charges we have left."
Robert steps up.
"Lots of cool stuff here," he says. "We found some of it in an old spaceship that we explored in the Barrier Peaks of Oerth last year, but most of it we found on a small world that we were teleported to while adventuring in the Hells a two months ago."
He rummages through the community chest and pulls out some items.
He holds up some cannisters with a button or nozzle on the top of each.
"Don't know what these do."
There are also a number of small ampules or capsules. He shrugs.
"This robot is broken..."
He points to the grenades.
"Some of them explode, others produce gas.
"These belts," he continues, "Provide the wearer with protection equivilent to armour...don't remember which type. They also protect you against poison and drowning."
He motions to what appear to be a number of sword pommels...minus blades.
"Those are Sinclair molecular chain weapons," he explains. "Extremely sharp...will cut through just about anything. Useless against magical creatures like demons, though... Most of these weapons and items will not work without either a charge or a power disk...they provide the energy to make them do what they do...and we have only so many charges..."
He continues...
"These little pistols launch a ray like a wand, that stuns or paralyses its target. And this thing," he says, holding up another, heavier, pistol, "Launches a slug of lead."
"These energy sabres are similar to the Sinclair swords...I think...and these needler pistols launch a small drug-tipped projectile. The paralysis pistols are similar to the stun pistols.
"These rifles and pistols here shoot forth a ray of light which burns and melts anything it hits...while these rifles here do much the same...only moreso. Again..these weapons are useless against magical creatures.
"This item here," he says, pointing to a piece of equipment with a disk of glass on one side, "Shines a brilliant light. These suits here are for travelling underwater. This chest here has the ability to float...to defy gravity. This belt here bestows the same ability on the wearer. These other items here," he concludes, "We do not know the abilities of."
Occa says, "Hey, those grenades might be useful against dragons!"
Occa will look at the tech items with renewed interest.
Woody looks aroung the encampment himself. He will use his ring to look around and see what is around. He hauls out his bastard sword just in case.
As every one is searching for everyone else, Scryte jumps from out of the wagon containing the magic and technology stuff with a Wand of Wonder in each of his hands.
The little halfling yells, "I'm back from vacation...er I mean, Behold my awesome power and take comfort." Scryte points one of the wands at a nearby tree......he thrusts it in the directio of the tree again...again. "Hey Occa, I thought you said these did something." With a crooked smile he adds,"What do I have to do say ABRA-CADABRA."
Occa says, "You have to say Elzapero to active the wand you had gotten previously."
Occa gets up and goes to his own tent with Tracey and turns in for the night.