[pnpgm] Game update #90 - File #492 - Basement is explored
Scott Adams
longshot at darktech.org
Tue Nov 18 20:59:50 CET 2008
s
HT Alias/Player Character Name Type Status/Notes Sex
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R1 John Haight...........Arawn.............Druid .Normal/Alfar Ma
?? Chris Wells...........Ben'dar...........Warrior.Normal/Human Ma
R1 Tom Corckett..........Caladan...........Wizard Normal/Human Ma
W2 Marcel Liberty........Chion.............Sailor..Normal/Human Ma
-- Tobie Bonahoom........Fremea............Sidh....NormalFaerry Fe
Do David Sanders.........Kiet.Sunan........Acrobat Normal/Human Ma
R? J H Hooten............Raban.Usherwood...Bard....Normal/Human..Ma
W4 Wout Broere...........Unali.............Ninja...Normal/Human Fe
R4 Alex Koponen..........Z'leyra...........Healer..Normal/Human Fe
Animals: Corona [Eagle] Z'leyra, Boyzdar [Wolf] (Strie'bog),
Game Web Site - http://www.funport.com/longshot/pbem
Public posts/actions to pnpgm at abroere.xs4all.nl (mailing list)
Private emails (not public actions) to longshot at darktech.org
Game Update #90 in sequence (file #492)
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Admin Notes: None.
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[Recap]
From Ben'dar: [Re: Actions[
Ben'Dar helps take the books and scrolls out to the main room
where Z'leyra is. He also gives her some of the tea from earlier.
"Nothing in this place but magical traps! We are saving these
scrolls, I guess. Not sure why... Anything unusual happen out
here?" If the party wants to continue exploring the place,
Ben'Dar will not object, though he would rather return to question
the woman and report back to the Elder wizard, rather than
continue to stumble through magical traps. If the party wishes
to continue exploring, he has no preference as to whether to
explore the secret trap door and whatever is below this floor,
or to go up to the next higher level.
OOC: I am fine with you taking the reins with our characters as
much as you feel the need to move the adventure forward. The
trouble with PBEM games in general is that they move so slowly.
I like the way you're moving things along. Keep up the good
work!
GM: Ack. Thanks for the comments. Yeah. I've learned my lesson
over a decade ago how best to run these things. Sometimes
motivating one to go this way or that is better than just
waiting. I know it would be best to wait and get a general
consensus on things but even taking a simple vote could take
1-2 weeks.
-----------------------
From Kiet: [Re: Actions]
Kiet: "Perhaps we should refrain from opening any locked portals
until after we have had a long, persuasive conversaion with our
captive. He might have accompanied whomever knew the secrets of
the traps on some errand or rounds or somesuch."
"Either way, this bull-in-the-magic-shop type of exploration has
nearly gotten us killed, and CERTAINLY kept us from who knows
how much in valuable items."
"I'm going back to guard the guard."
(on his way back, Kiet goes to the room with the fire place that
had pokers and the like...he will put them in the fire place near
the area where the guard is currently.)
GM: Ack. Fire pokers. Egads. Roasting a pig? :)
-----------------------
From Arawn: [Re: Actions]
As his eyes fluttered open Arawn caught sight of the pile of
literary work, still scattered but no longer afire thanks to
Caladan's quick thinking.
"The books... they're here...," he whispered, a feeble smile on
his face.
It took him several more seconds before he was finally able to
rise to his feet. He was heavily drained and his stance remained
unsteady for next few minutes but he leaned against a wall and
managed to make his way to the scattered papers. Doing his best
to gather the books and scrolls along with the others he was
filled with some dismay as he watched some disintegrate but he
was glad that some of these works survived the day. It would take
time and much care to peruse the volumes but it likely could wait
for later. Perhaps, he thought, in the future he might be able to
craft some means to restore destroyed objects and learn what he
could from the lost tomes.
OOC: Arawn will gather what dust/ash he can for the purposes of
a potential future spell. If any particular book or scroll
disintegrated apart from the others Arawn would try to keep that
in a separate container. He'll use the water skins from the other
room and store them in his magic bags.
As his strength returned to him his thoughts returned to the
moment just before he blacked out. It wasn't the first time such
strange things had happened to him but it seemed an almost
unconscious doing. Each time seemed linked to some emotionally
charged moment and this was no different. After all that had
happened upon arriving the loss of such ancient knowledge seemed
a final straw, answers to so many questions and a chance to
understand the motives of those here and to rectify things or
at least prevent such darkness from happening again. This time
the emotion was negatively charged and it left a bad taste in his
mouth. Though the intentions were good he allowed the darker
emotions to charge his action and he knew that fear, desperation,
and anger were powerful triggers but he wondered if he could ever
focus things like love and compassion as a regular key to such
power in their place. It had happened before and he knew that he
would have to spend much time meditating and purifying himself
after this quest was through. That and pondering over the flash
of memory that ame to him in that moment.
When Kiet spoke up Arawn nodded.
"I agree. I had hoped we would have rested and balanced necessity
with patience as I feared such as this would happen. I think we
should secure the various entrances and keep watch on them while
we rest. I would guess that all the living guards are captured or
killed as no one else has arrived and the castle in small in size
but it pays to be cautious. I suggest we camp in the foyer where
we will have a better view of the entrances or at least leave
some on watch there unless some sees a better option."
During the search, Arawn would check under the carpets in the
various rooms for trap doors and and gather various inks and
papers from Room C, game pieces from Room D, and gather liquid
from the enchanted barrels and sense them for Mana afterwards in
an effort to see if liquid or barrel is enchanted.
GM: Ack. Sorry too many books to put into separate containers.
Not enough containers in the castle and party to do it.
So may have to vary that action.
-----------------------
From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions]
Z'leyra asks Fremea or Arawn to glance at the scrolls to indicate
any that have magic. Those she will nudge aside with her staff so
that they can be looked at tomorrow. Z'leyra will carefully
glance at the rest to see if she can read any of them.
Z'leyra thanks Ben'Dar for the tea. and responds "No, it has been
quiet. Do you want to help look through the scrolls to see if any
are in languages we can read?"
GM: Ack.
-----------------------
From Ben'dar: [Re: Reply to Z'leyra]
Ben'Dar looks back at Z'leyra in surprise, then he nods. "As you
wish." If the party rests for now, Ben'Dar will help Z'leyra to
look through the scrolls, though he only reads a little in
Marentian and a little of the primitive written language of the
Z'enda. But he will help to sort and hold the scrolls for her.
If the party is not stopping to rest, he will tell her, "Let us
look through these at a later time. Now we must finish our
conquest of this place."
GM: Ack.
-----------------------
From Ben'dar: [Re: Exploration]
Ben'Dar is anxious to be finished with this castle. He will go
exploring in the basement and up into the upper levels with those
who are up for it.
GM: Ack. Thanks.
-----------------------
From Fremea: [Re: Exploration]
After recovering from the library incident, Fremea thinks to
herself that she will learn ever secret she can while she is
here. Maybe she can learn more about her situation and why she
was used.
"Bendar, I will continue on with the search of the place. We will
be careful and prepared, hopefully, for any other traps. I wish
Arawn would come with though, as it seems there are a places I
do not see and well hidden traps."
GM: Ack.
-----------------------
From Arawn: [Re: Exploration]
Hearing Fremea's words Arawn looked in her direction.
"It seems that others still wish to explore this place. Though I
think it wise to rest it seems that will have to wait for now.
I'm drained but I will do what I can help you."
Looking to Raban he asked the bard,
"If you have the strength to do so would you be so kind as to
perform a Spirit Blessing on me to restore my energy?"
Arawn will accompany the others that wish to explore the rest of
the facility.
GM: Ack. Thanks.
-----------------------
From Raban: [Re: Helping Arawn]
Raban (smiling) to Arawn: "I would be honored to aid a druid in
any manner I can, especially one who has worked so hard for
everyones benefit. Spirit Blessing I can cast many times yet if
others need it as well."
Raban concentrates briefly to clear his mind before reaching deep
within for his connection to his goddess.
"Miryan, I call upon you to aid an allied druid in his time of
need in our great endeavor, may you smile upon him and restore
his lost of life force."
<Spirit Blessing at max? cast from Enl may be best. I am unsure
what Mana is left and Raban has more Life than Mana anyway so
that saves Mana for other magic. Also need to move 15' away from
the others as this spell shares in an area. If the Enl Loss was
from enemy creature it would work better?>
<Of course a Bless to Boost Will or Con before the Spirit
Blessing could have been a better idea?>
Raban (smiling) to Frema: "I am fairly skilled in finding traps
or hidden places, but I assumed you were better at it. The troop
often smuggled items, so such training was useful. For someone my
appearance, smuggling gems was a better choice than learning how
to pick pockets or other such extra work. I worked the stage and
earned far more for the troop that way. Private performances
earned even more, but there was never a guarantee of a good
audience so other means to bring in more money to support
everyone was always welcome." <Economics, Raban style. Of
course being able to earn many gold per performance helps too>
GM: Ack. Max SB via Enl. Roger. As to bless that's up to you but
it would improve life the next day mostly. I'll allow the SB
thought borderline on the use. In the particular rule that
Arawn found for the event it could be considered one of the
areas. Though borderline. :)
-----------------------
From Unali: [Re: Exploration]
Unali "We have covered the ground floor it seems. And while it
would be nice to sit down and enjoy the tea, I don't feel at
ease enough to do so. Even if downstairs access is blocked by
the closed door, there is still an upper floor we know nothing
about.
Chion, Fremea, would you like to tag along to explore the upper
floor first? Then we can report back here in the main hall and
the others cans ort these scrolls out in the meantime."
GM: Ack.
-----------------------
From Chion: [Re: Actions]
Chion is all for exploring the rest of the castle. If he has to
go alone, he will. Or he will go with those willing to go with
him. He doesn't mind leaving others behind, as he doesn't expect
a contingent of dark elves to come out of the stonework to attack
them and most likely they will only be found by exploring. As far
as the traps are concerned, he is slightly annoyed that the fea
haven't been doing the best job of detecting them prior to them
going off, but understands how, in a place like this, it might
be easy to miss. Which of course gets his mind motoring. Also,
he is kind of wondering if the place is held up "brick by brick"
or if its held up simply by a single spell. He wonders if it was
made on land, then the land thrust into the sky, or if it was
made in the sky and land brought to it (or magically created).
He is getting more curious as they go, so this is a reason for
his wanting to explore even more.
He will add, "Well, the lady I left with Sven won't stay
unconscious for that long, and with her ample talents (grinning)
I don't know if Sven would be much of match for her if she
awakens. We should probably continue on, even though some of us
are risking greivious injury. Perhaps the wounded should hang
back and the rest of us can continue. Or I can bring the wounded
to the ground now and they can be there when she awakens to ask
questions. I can't gaurantee a mental link from there to here
though, since my staff isn't connecting to the High Elder. But
at least we would have more people watching her that way."
GM: Ack.
-----------------------
From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions]
Z'leyra will gesture Kiet to follow her over to the corner far
from the prisoner. There she whispers into Kiet's ear. "If you
wish to interrogate I have no objection, indeed I offer to help.
But I insist that intimidation go no further than threats. I do
not allow my prisoners to be tortured. If they are tortured the
torturer can expect to have as much or more pain and damage
inflicted on them. As we have several in the party that can gain
the information via magic such methods are not necessary."
Out loud she will say to Kiet "Okay, you guard while I go and
skin the critter that nearly ate me. If I am not back inside two
hours you better get some folks to check on me." She takes Corona
(to guard her while she works and to feed choice bits to), puts
on her raingear and goes outside to do some skinning.
If she sees Unali she will invite her along to learn rudimentary
leatherworking...and to use her magical dagger which would be
more suitable and quicker than the non-magical daggers and magical
greatsword for skinning the beast.
Before leaving Z'leyra takes a Chrysoprase from her satchel
wrapping it in cloth torn from a corpse. She hands it to Kiet
quietly telling him that "Those wearing it will not only be able
to see in darkness but will be happy to the point of distraction.
Distraction such that they may talk freely if questioned
correctly. And perhaps the loss or threatened loss of such
happiness will get the answers without torture."
GM: Ack.
From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions]
cancel previous post actions re going outside to skin critter.
Z'leyra has no intention of leaving the warmth inside until she
has scanned each non-magical scroll to see if it is in a language
she can read. After reading what she can she settles back to pet
Corona, rest and watch those needing guarding. Tomorrow she will
again become active. Till then she rests and plans.
[She ponders future use of a spell and how best to use it without
causing problems.]
GM: Ack.
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[New Stuff]
[Ma 2nd, 1633TH. 5th Day of Adventure #4.
[Location: Chaos domain, Dark Lands, 9 Miles up, Flying Island]
[Time: 11:14am]
[In the hallway the smoke and humid air of the library begins to
die down quickly. It seems the pipes that brings in air in a
controlled heat and humidity is still active. The party figures
it uses some form of nearby fireplace heat and the pipes throughout
the castle. Some cautiously climb the three layer bookshelves to
look on top of them to find the jewels that were once the wards in
the room. No other blades or magic is sensed from them. They seem
to have been a one time charge. Of course with the level of damage
that isn't so unexpected. It seems for every 1 book or scroll that
suddenly and mysteriously appeared in the hallway there were 10
that were destroyed by fire or the destruction spells. The
destruction spells seem to have even affected the book shelves
themselves making them brittle and soft. Most destroyed books or
scrolls are just dust or ashes. For the more educated members of
the party the loss of knowledge is upsetting. To the warriors who
could care less it is just a waste of time.]
[Arawn seems to stare at the pile of books for several long moments
in confusion and wonder. Something happened that he even doesn't
quite understand. Something important, maybe even a miracle. Of
course gods and Alfar don't believe in miracles. Not when one is
a god. It just is the will of other gods. Arawn speaks out loud
in a weak voice to on one in general.]
Arawn: "The books... they're here...," [he whispered, a feeble
smile on his face. For the first time Arawn seems to have new
hope for his fate in this world. He doubted his connection to
the gods and his parents. Even back at the lake where he saw
the White Elf. He had doubts then. but now something in him
brightens as hope begins to swell inside him. As well as
something in the back of his mind that seems to nag at him but
he can't grasp it right now.]
[Arawn is helped up and then moves toward the books with a bit
of hesitation that this could be some bad illusion or not.]
[Arawn and Fremea first take a good survey of the books but seems
to find no magical auras. But Arawn is smart enough to know that
a book to be magic tends to be protective not offensive. Most
books that are magical don't give off auras only because their
spells inside are listed runes or spell mechanics. Most have to
be read and understood to get the magic. Of course the feel of
these pages seem quite different from most books. It is a bit more
sturdy and rougher to the touch. Maybe this new form of paper
could also block magical auras from being detected. As one might
expect none of the text is understood by any that glance at it.
Runes might be understood but only with time and study as each
person and culture could use their own versions. Most seem to be
simple texts while others do seem to contain runes. Some are oddly
blank but have runes on them. Arawn figures those may have to be
decoded to study the contents and reveal what they really contain.
Arawn knows that there just isn't enough time to explore the texts
this or the next day.]
[Arawn becomes sad that many of the books were lost but he feels
he may have restored some balance to the day's events. A'kril
might have died by accident but these books could be saved for
eons if well preserved. He considers all the ways that could've
prevented the fire but finds little recourse. Maybe even Time
travel might've done more harsher things and instead of the fire
in the room the entire castle could be on fire. When messing with
Time you mess with gods. Gods who might not like the outcome that
could be and make the outcome they want instead. An outcome that
might have been worse. No the only way to have prevented the fire
would be likely A'kril himself. Not even an illusion but likely
only his words. A password that only he knew. Arawn considers
talking to the spirit for such a thing but with him going to dust
the chance of a spirit here is slim. Maybe he has already crossed
over to the other side.]
Kiet: "Perhaps we should refrain from opening any locked portals
until after we have had a long, persuasive conversation with our
captive. He might have accompanied whomever knew the secrets of
the traps on some errand or rounds or somesuch."
[Caladan glances at the window on the east wall and sees the storm
outside but it looks more gray than blacker. Which could indicate
the storm is on fringes or breaking up.]
Caladan: "We could spend years here. But I have a feeling we don't
have hours here. Not without the entire lands below us being
alerted. Then we'll have every wizard who pulls a trick or shape
shift to get here. Then we and the High Elder will be in hot
soup. We don't know what this place looks like from the sky and
if it can be seen. But I rather not take the chance. Also we
must assume others know this place exists. The female visitor
came here and isn't a native of this place based on Chion's
report. So it seems she may report to others."
[Arawn hears Caladan speak and feels a tingle in his mind as if the
thought matches his but for a far different reason. He wonders if
his parents are trying to relay a message to him through the book
movement. He will have to try and concentrate to get the thought
clear in his mind.]
Kiet: "Either way, this bull-in-the-magic-shop type of exploration
has nearly gotten us killed, and CERTAINLY kept us from who
knows how much in valuable items."
Caladan: "Let's say you sent one of those magical balls inside or
Chion went in invisible or insubstantial. We've seen how that
invisible thing got detected. So that might not have worked. The
magical ball could've been detected as magic and then the wards
might've gone off. Even something as simple as a time stop spell,
I've seen Chion do, it would detect as magic and if there are
wards for that then the room would've gone up in flame either
way. This may not be the most efficient way of exploration but
we have gained more information and things than we did an hour
ago. At least with our Sidh friends they can detect things before
we enter a room, in most cases."
Arawn: "I agree. I had hoped we would have rested and balanced
necessity with patience as I feared such as this would happen. I
think we should secure the various entrances and keep watch on
them while we rest. I would guess that all the living guards are
captured or killed as no one else has arrived and the castle in
small in size but it pays to be cautious. I suggest we camp in the
foyer where we will have a better view of the entrances or at
least leave some on watch there unless some sees a better option."
Kiet: "I'm going back to guard the guard."
[Kiet heads off down the hallway and through the courtyard doors
toward the lounge to gather the fire pokers. Some shake their
heads at the loss of another member.]
Caladan: "We could have used him but he wasn't with us during our
exploration of another base in the mountains. Of course little
magical traps were there."
[Those who were on the Climan trip recall the length and time it
took to explore Cloud Base. There it was full of people and few
traps. Here its full of traps and few people. Now two have quit
and gone to rest. Some recall how Farseeker alone must've taken
on 50-60 men, badly wounded and made it through the whole base.
But it is clear Kiet wishes to be informed of where to go by the
guard. Even if he were to wake up soon the odds of Kiet
understanding the guard might be low. OF course those who recall
the last few years the luck with prisoners seem to be bad for this
group. Some have died from mysterious shadow creatures and others
killed by their own means. The track record of this group
actually gaining information has not been good.]
[Ben'dar helps to gather up the books gently, especially after one
semi-crumbles under his fingers. Gently they are placed in a bag.
Arawn considers putting each dust pile into some container but
there is simply not enough in this castle and well made enough to
contain the dust piles. Even if that were possible he knows that
there are too many mixed by the wind of Caladan's spell and wind
from the currents created by the wind. Spells used to reform dust
into books and scrolls would simply come up a mix bag of random
things. Near impossible to classify one item from another.]
[The group begins to discuss to explore or not.]
---------------
[Ben'dar and Unali head down the hallway to the doors to send the
books to the main room. But before he does they stop at the
kitchen and grab some tea and warm bread. They take the food,
drink and book bag to the main room where Z'leyra is resting. The
warm bread and tea is given to Z'leyra and also Corona who wakes
up for some of the bread. Ben'dar drops the bag gently on the
ground and informs her of what has happened.]
Ben'dar: "Nothing in this place but magical traps! We are saving
these scrolls, I guess. Not sure why... Anything unusual happen
out here?"
[Ben'dar glances at the tied up knocked out guard. He knows he will
be out for hours likely. Ben'dar considers waking him up with some
force but knows that could be worse than a full interrogation. The
female is below with Sven and safe as Chion reported. But he
wonders if he should bring in the High Elder to all this and avoid
the traps. He wonders if Chion has tried to contact him again
and failed or if Chion even wishes to do so.]
[Z'leyra takes the bag and gently lifts out books to inspect them
on the floor. Ben'dar reports that the Sidh didn't sense anything
magical from them but in this place that isn't always how it works.
When he says that he recalls comments made by Arawn on the candles
and looks up. He sees that only two of them are not lit as
before. He'll note that for later. Maybe the other wards in the
courtyard and library weren't active or controlled here. Which
means Arawn's theory of them being ended here likely won't come
about. Z'leyra places the tea cup on the floor near her and leaves
the warm bread on the sofa. She gives some bread for Corona to
eat when he feels like it. She looks at Ben'dar to reply to his
question after she thanks him for the warm tea.]
Z'leyra: "No, it has been quiet. Do you want to help look through
the scrolls to see if any are in languages we can read?"
[Ben'dar shrugs and knows his reading abilities aren't as skilled
as the others. he rather go explore than stay behind and read
dusty texts. He shakes his head in a somber no thanks gesture.]
Ben'dar: "Let us look through these at a later time. Now we must
finish our conquest of this place."
[Just before Ben'dar and Unali leave, Kiet enters with fire pokers
and places them in the fireplace in the room. It is clear his
intent and Unali looks to Z'leyra in a way to protect the guard's
life. In a single glance it conveys that Z'leyra is a healer and
should uphold that duty but if Kiet were to get out of hand then
what? She looks to Z'leyra for a sign if she needs to remain to
help Z'leyra. But Z'leyra nods in acknowledgment that she can
handle Kiet and she can leave if she needs to. Unali nods back
as the two women have learned to speak without words over the
years. Z'leyra looks at the fire pokers at the fireplace and
knows that Kiet is not planning a good time for the guard.]
---------------
[Ben'dar and Unali return to hear the discussion of exploration
get a bit high handed. Arawn is convinced that the party should
camp and rest. But most seem to think exploration is needed.
Raban seems to want to listen but also follow the Druid's wise
comments. When Ben'dar and Unali return they give their views on
it and others begin to change their minds.]
[Fremea standing aside the others watches Arawn quietly. She
is amazed to have seen the books just appear. Yet she of all
people didn't detect magic in the process. Arawn's emotions
were tangible and even others could likely have picked up on
the storm of thoughts in Arawn's presence. But this new turn
of events that seem to amaze Arawn but also seem familiar to him,
has changed things in her mind. She must watch Arawn and learn
more of this process and why it happened. Is this normal for
Sidh or just Alfar? Arawn has remained quiet the last few minutes
on the entire situation. Fremea comes out of her deep thoughts
and hears Ben'dar's comments on exploration and nods.]
Fremea: "Ben'dar, I will continue on with the search of the place.
We will be careful and prepared, hopefully, for any other traps.
I wish Arawn would come with us though, as it seems there are a
places I do not see and well hidden traps."
Raban: "I am fairly skilled in finding traps or hidden places, but
I assumed you were better at it. The troop often smuggled items,
so such training was useful. For someone my appearance, smuggling
gems was a better choice than learning how to pick pockets or
other such extra work. I worked the stage and earned far more for
the troop that way. Private performances earned even more, but
there was never a guarantee of a good audience so other means to
bring in more money to support everyone was always welcome."
[Arawn smiles grimly and knows if the brave Faerry wishes to go on
exploring than why should he sit and rest? Then there is the
tingle in the back of his head that seems to nag at him.]
Arawn: "It seems that others still wish to explore this place.
Though I think it wise to rest it seems that will have to wait
for now. I'm drained but I will do what I can help you."
[Arawn turns to Raban for a request.]
Arawn: "If you have the strength to do so would you be so kind as
to perform a Spirit Blessing on me to restore my energy?"
[Raban beams broadly and bows ever so slightly. As he considers
the spell words he wonders if he has been put in this group to
serve a dual purpose. To protect the women and serve this Druid
Alfar. The gods are mysterious and wise.]
Raban: "I would be honored to aid a druid in any manner I can,
especially one who has worked so hard for everyone's benefit.
Spirit Blessing I can cast many times yet if others need it as
well."
[Raban guides Arawn away from the group down the hall so as not
to affect the others with his spell. As he walks he begins to
attune himself to his goddess. He begins to speak lowly.]
Raban: "Miryan, I call upon you to aid an allied druid in his time
of need in our great endeavor, may you smile upon him and restore
his lost of life force."
[As Raban casts his spell Fremea glances and sees the auras shift
from person to person. It is quite a fascinating scene. If only
Humans could see such things they might have more awe and respect
for magic. Raban feels energy drain from him and seem to double
in strength as it taps into Arawn. Arawn feels energy refill
him and seems to double what he has left. Though he still feels
some drain he isn't as bad off as few moments ago.]
[Unali turns to Chion and others eager to explore.]
Unali: "We have covered the ground floor it seems. And while it
would be nice to sit down and enjoy the tea, I don't feel at ease
enough to do so. Even if downstairs access is blocked by the
closed door, there is still an upper floor we know nothing about
Chion, Fremea, would you like to tag along to explore the upper
floor first? Then we can report back here in the main hall and
the others can sort these scrolls out in the meantime."
[Chion shifts from foot to foot as the others argue on the issue
of exploring or not. He has become annoyed at the traps and how
well the party has not avoided them. But in the Dark Lands such
traps are common place. But in the Lands all know they exist. So
they can avoid them by not setting them off. A clear deterrent but
here not knowing is dangerous. He is also annoyed that he hasn't
felt even the slightest warmth from the staff or any connection to
the High Elder. There must be some spell jamming his staff
connection. As the time grows his curiosity has also increased
on the design of this place. the high Elder spoke of a island of
great wizards that eventually broke out into civil war. The books
now in the main room might contain such secrets but it would take
days maybe years to learn. He is willing to go exploring alone
but finds Caladan also eager to go and so is glad he'd be with
another person. Chion also wonders at the end of the day his
intent with this place. Will he have to destroy it or keep it
for some other reason? Even if he turned it over to the High
Elder the balance of power will shift greatly and those like the
Sorceress will want this place.]
Chion: "Well, the lady I left with Sven won't stay unconscious for
that long, and with her ample talents (grinning) I don't know if
Sven would be much of match for her if she awakens. We should
probably continue on, even though some of us are risking grievous
injury. Perhaps the wounded should hang back and the rest of us
can continue. Or I can bring the wounded to the ground now and
they can be there when she awakens to ask questions. I can't
guarantee a mental link from there to here though, since my staff
isn't connecting to the High Elder. But at least we would have
more people watching her that way."
[Chion knows that Sven is a smart man. If he knows she is a wizard
he'll gag her and tie her up. But Chion can't recall if he told
him or not. But she should be out for some hours hopefully more.
Caladan raises an eyebrow and hand.]
Caladan: "Keep enough energy so we can teleport if this place
suddenly explodes or goes down or up. We may need an emergency
teleport out of here."
---------------
[Kiet glances over Z'leya's shoulder at the books and scrolls. He
isn't much into the education area like Z'leyra or others but
he feels they might be important. OF course they could just be
some sick joke of a diary or journal. Kiet glances at the
sleeping guard and grins. Finally he could use his skills for
a change to help the overall situation. Of course the guard is
wounded and that could help or hinder any interrogations. But
Kiet finds Z'leyra in the room difficult. With her here she
might not like his questions and methods. Healers always seem
to have that personality. Yet Kiet knows she can kill when needed
for the better good. Z'leyra glances up and seems to feel what
Kiet might be thinking and looks at the guard. She knows only
Corona is in the room and the others have left. She speaks softly
almost at a whisper nonetheless.]
Z'leyra: "If you wish to interrogate I have no objection, indeed I
offer to help. But I insist that intimidation go no further than
threats. I do not allow my prisoners to be tortured. If they are
tortured the torturer can expect to have as much or more pain and
damage inflicted on them. As we have several in the party that
can gain the information via magic such methods are not
necessary."
[Z'leyra looks down back at the books and recalls the party's
history of prisoners. Wonders if some monster or candle spell
might zap this prisoner. But it has been awhile now and likely
that won't happen.]
Kiet: "Z'leyra, the magic from our group is nearly spent and, if
time is essential, and I think it clearly is, then we must resort
to methods that do not cost us more than we have spent so far."
"It will be as the group wishes...but magics are not a good idea
to use here, and often unreliable. Perhaps you use a potion to
tell the truth, say, from a natural magic item. IF the prisoner
wishes to say nothing, all he has to do is lie and then we are
unable to question him for, perhaps, hours or the magic kills
him. Magic has limitations and a smart prisoner knows how to
work around those limits."
[Z'leyra stands and fetches her satchel. She pulls a Chrysoprase
out and holds it. She goes to a dead body and tears some tunic
off and wraps the stone in the cloth piece. She hands it to Kiet.]
Z'leyra: "Those wearing it will not only be able to see in darkness
but will be happy to the point of distraction. Distraction such
that they may talk freely if questioned correctly. And perhaps
the loss or threatened loss of such happiness will get the
answers without torture."
[Kiet takes the stone and feels a bit disappointed not to use
his skills. But as he said magic things might just be more
problems than basic hard methods.]
Kiet: "Hmmm...going from the heights of happiness to the depths of
despair by his wearing the item and then removing it might make
the subject more 'cooperative'."
"The thought of a cheerful subject, however, does turn my
stomach..."
[In another ten minutes the party will have been up on this flying
island for almost two hours. The battle in the main room has now
been over for almost an hour. In that hour talk and more
exploration has occurred. Z'leyra estimates the guard will likely
be out another 35-40 minutes based on his condition and wounds.
She doubt he will wake up in the next 30 minutes or so.]
[Z'leyra takes a break from reading and considers her next move.
She turns to Kiet and speaks.]
Z'leyra: "Okay, you guard while I go and skin the critter that
nearly ate me. If I am not back inside two hours you better get
some folks to check on me."
[She considers waking Corona but he seems exhausted from the
lack of good breathing this high up and the rain. She lets
him sleep. She goes to her bag and begins to pull out her
raingear when she considers this whole situation. If she goes
outside and some flying rock beamed her she could die and no one
might find her for a while. The creature will be there tomorrow
she hopes and it can be skinned later. She puts back her rain
gear and shakes her head.]
[Kiet smiles at the thought of being alone with the guard to
question him gently but his smile fades when she informs him
she changed her mind. He sits and waits for the guard to wake
up, assuming he can wait that long. Too long and Kiet will
force him awake. Kiet checked out the ropes on the guard and
finds them tight but doesn't want them too tight. Poor blood
circulation means he'll wake up later. Its not like he'll
have the strength or weapons to do anything.]
---------------
[Time: 11:19am]
[The group minus Z'leyra and Kiet head from the north hallway to
the courtyard. Caladan activates the fountain door device as
the others look at the fountain. It seems the some cracks have
formed in the fountain when the statue fell under Raban's weight.
Chion smiles inwardly amused at the thought. The group stares
down into the gaping hole formed by the descending stairs. They
wait a few seconds..]
[Fremea knows flapping wings is a giveaway to anything or anyone
below so she and Arawn creep down scanning in all directions.
Awareness of magical and non magical senses at full alert. Above
them pipes of a bronze or metal nature run the ceiling and feed
the fountain. From here there doesn't appear to be cracks but
even if there were risk of avalanche or food is nothing to consider
due to amount of stone, earth and water in the fountain. Once off
the stone steps the corridor goes about 6 feet east in the
direction of the stairs. The floor here is stone but the color
shows age and wear. In many places the walls and floor has
numerous cracks. this might indicate the flying island has seen
some stress or aging. Peeking around the corner the hall twists
to the north. It leads north about 12 or 14 feet. On the left
or west is a stone wall and in the north a dead end stone wall.
To the east it looks open indicating the hall goes in that
direction. The lighting here is dim in this part of the floor.
Only one lantern is lit and it seems to have been lit days ago and
may go out soon.]
[As the party hugs the east wall Fremea stops at the north-east
corner. Her head is the smallest and doesn't have helmets or
wolf heads on it. So she peeks around the corner slowly. Before
she does she listens and hears nothing. When she looks around
she sees the hallway go east. It appears to go about 90 feet
down and seems to stop making this floor small it seems. From
this angle she can spot at least 5 doors on the north end of the
hallway. Each door is wooden and seems to have a lock on it. Each
door also has a small section about 5.5 feet up and square. She has
seen such a sight before used in secret gambling joints and jails.
It looks to be a slide window for looking inside. Based on the
distance between each door, about 6 feet, it seems they are likely
cells. The south end of the hallway appears to be two doors. From
this angle it looks like wooden but she isn't sure. But the most
striking thing she sees is a man standing facing north against the
south wall. From her point at the corner he stands about 45-46
feet away. He stands tall at over 7 feet and appears to be about
250 pounds. He ripples with obvious strength and determination.
He is wearing a metal helmet, plate armor, daggers on his belt and
a sheathed broadsword. He wears a gold colored cape that appears
as tall as he is and normal looking boots.]
[Fremea spreads her senses out and detects no aura of magic except
for the broadsword in the man's sheath. No doors or wards seem
to be detected. She slinks back and waves Arawn forward to peer
around and see what he can detect. Arawn comes up and slowly
peers around to see what she has seen but also detects only one
magical aura around the man's sheath. Arawn slinks back and waves
the party back around and up the stairs. Out of earshot the Sidh
explain what they saw.]
Caladan: "A big guard like that is guarding something important.
Based on your description it is a person, thing or treasure. Since
we likely found their armory upstairs this must be their treasure
vault. Either way that guard is a threat. Looks like sneaking up
behind him for a simple knock out won't work. A frontal assault is
probably the best bet. What should we do?"
Actions? Comments?
Next Update...Monday...
GM: Unali You posted you'd go upstairs but the others more or less
said basement. So figured you wanted to go down first right? :)
GM: Arawn you said to search for trapdoors. But this is primitive
carpet technology. Seams would be found easy for such things
even without skills in finding traps. So no seams are found.
You'd have to tear up the floor from wall to wall to look
and that might take hours. So the obvious answer would be
no seams no trapdoors. Same with stone there has to be
some seam or crack for such. Of course the cracks in the
basement (before you think on that) is in random directions
no one big seam. Also do you still wish to collect inks
and papers? The ink is just normal ink that any store in
the perilous lands should have. The paper is the same way.
The game pieces are nothing fancy or unusual and could be
found in most game halls like dice. So again still want
to collect brass bits quality pieces? The liquid also
seems normal water or alcohol. The barrels seem enchanted
for obvious preservation purposes. If you still want this
stuff let me know and I'll jot them down. No magic sensed
from the items. I don't mind if you take them just didn't
know if you wanted the mundane items.
GM: So I can be one step ahead for the future. When the party
goes up to the second floor which stairs do you want to take?
The courtyard stairs up or the stairs by the main entrance
door? Courtyard would divide it up north and south and
the entrance stairs could let party go south to north. Just
let me know which vote you wish to do. I'll do what the
majority wishes. Just so I can be one step ahead.
GM: Map of basement -
[Castle - Basement Area]
1 2 3 4 5
12345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567890
I--------------------------- ----
I°°°°°°I 1 I 2 I 3 I 4 I 5 I °°°I
I°°°°°°I I I I I I °°°I
I°°°°°°I_/_I_/_I_/_I_/_I_/_I___________________I°°°I
I°°°°°° °°°I
I°° G ~~I
I°° ____ _______ _°°°°II----/\---
I°,,,F°I \/ /
I°,,,°°I
I°,,,°°I <-- Stairs F = Fremea at corner
I,,,,°°I Party south of her (not on map)
I____°°I G = Guard
O--/ < Fountain steps
Basement Level General Notes -
All floors are stone floors. In hallways lightning is done
by a torch on the south wall about every 8 feet along
the hallway.
Stairs - Left bottom - 6-8' x 6-8'
Stone Steps leading up to first floor. Lightning is a single
lantern that hangs from the ceiling in a dim conserved manner.
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