Wednesday, September 21. 2005
Urfengar: Stranger in a Strange Land Posted by The Mad Giggler
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22:23
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I can't say that I was very happy about this development. Instead of quickly tracking down the Baron's sister and her kidnappers, we were stuck staring at a stone door with odd markings on it. It had a couple lines written in common on it: "Three keys to unlock the gate/ Three races to reveal thy fate." It had more writing below that, in what appeared to be abyssal, the language of the Nine Hells. Rath and Azraiel assured me that it said the same thing as the lines in common. Below all the writing were three indentations in the stone. One was shaped like a cog from a clock, one was shaped like a lizard's footprint, and the third was shaped like a skull. I could only presume that they were the "keyholes" for the keys mentioned.
Jackle impetuously reached forward to shove open the door, only to be thrown back into the air about twenty feet. So much for brute force. Little Max put on his slippers of Spider-Climb and began to scale the tower. He noticed some windows about sixty feet up and tried to pry one open. Clearly, the owner of the tower didn't want just anybody bursting in on him, since Max began to fly backward away from the building. Fortunately for him, he'd picked up a magic cloak from amongst the items we recovered in the dragon's hoard. This particular cloak can sprout wings at the wearer's command, so Maxwell began to flit around up in the air. He shouted down that he'd noticed something off in the distance and began to fly towards it. As he was gallivanting about, Rath explored the area around the tower. We were standing on a bridge of sorts over a moat. Beyond the moat was an area of patchy grass, enclosed by a stone wall that ran the circumference of the tower. There were three evenly spaced gaps in the wall, and one of them led off in the direction that Max was flying. A second gap was directly behind us and led into a forest of very large trees. Or rather, it led onto a path that was straight as an arrow for as far as the eye could see, and on both sides of the path lay a forest of very large trees. Walking out directly from the third gap would lead through miles of grassland and what appeared to be a lake far off into the distance. By the time we'd figured this much out, Max flew back down saying that the shimmering he'd seen was a lot farther off than he'd thought. Since we didn't have much else to go on, we began to march off in that direction. We travelled for the rest of the day and eventually set up camp for the night. We continued the march in the morning, but at some point, a few of our more keen-sighted group sighted a dust cloud off in the direction of the lake. After a heated discussion, we decided to change plans and try to catch the dust cloud. We spent the rest of the day trudging off after that. The next morning we decided to try a much faster march in hopes of actually gaining ground on our quarry. About mid-day, Maxwell thought to give his legs a break and put on his wings again. He flew after the dust cloud at about twice our speed. About three hours later, he returned to report that the dust cloud was a herd of large lizards being shepherded by men riding somewhat smaller lizards. Saturday, September 17. 2005Max's Journal.
Whew! Been a while since I wrote anything in here. Well, a lot has been going on, I've been too busy to whip out my journal and just start writing. Where should I start?
Okay, I'll start with that woman. I didn't like her since the first time I saw her. Ugh. Well, I can't say that I really appreciate most woman from their first impression. I mean, unless they're like Kit - you know, tough and rugged, and able to hold their own. I just can't stand sissy, faint-at-blood, city types. And that's just what this one was. Her name was Vaia. Ohh, my name is Vaia, ohh, I don't do battles, ohh, I'm so terribly lost - would you mind helping me look for my staff of power? Sure, I'll find yer staff of power. And when I do I'll pawn it and take the earnin's to the closest temple I can find, dump it right into the collection box, and forget all about you. But, no, we ended up helping her. And on the way we had to kill some thugs because they wanted to kill us first, and that was weird, and I guess we're on the lookout for guys with black armbands, or something. I don't know. Usually when people like Vaia start talking I just hear 'blah blah blah layer cake, blah blah blah staff of power, blah blah blah'. I mean, I'm not in this party for my brains, right? That's why we've got Kit and Nalathesior and Az. So after all this, we go into some pocket dimension to get a dragon horde. Let me say this now: I didn't wanna go into the other dimension, I didn't wanna kill anything for loot, and I didn't ever trust Vaia. But it worked out alright in the end, I guess. Except that Vaia just took off without a goodbye or a thank-you-for-helping-me. So as soon as we got out of that pocket-dimension, there was this big poofle and I ended up in Brindenford (again) with only half of my party (they half that occasionally threatens to use me a kickball. I like to think that Jackle's just a big kidder and deep deep deep deep down he really likes and respects me. Yeah, I like to think that.) and a weird tattoo on the back of my neck. It's a 'T'. And it looks more like a scar than a tattoo, it's all blood red and stuff. But it doesn't necessarily hurt, it just kinda felt weird at first. Kit got one two, except I didn't know that because she got poofled with the rest of my team to another town. We met up on the road, halfway between cities. I still don't really know what it means. Oh, and then this guy from the Thieves Guild approached me and told me there's gonna be some kinda thieves' uprising. I didn't know what to tell him at the time, but in hindsight I realize I should have told him that I wasn't interested because ever since the Thieves Guild rejected my application, I work for no one but me and maybe my family sometimes. So that was weird. It's getting late, I'll finish this up some other time. Friday, September 16. 2005Urfengar: Planes Hopping
Eventually my anger over the loss of such riches subsided, and I noticed that only half of the party had joined me in suddenly appearing outside the gates of Brindenford. Jackle, Azrael, and Maxwell were standing beside me with their mounts. Well, the halfling drives a cart, so technically. . .but that's beside the point. Vanya, the druid's fox, was also there. Before I could wonder aloud about the others, Max said he could feel Kitya off in the direction of Tyrduk.
That was when we noticed his new tattoo. Strange little thing, looked like this: When asked about their arrival at the battle, Maxwell told us that Llan had appeared in spirit form to whisk Kitya and him to our rescue. At the time, I didn't give it much thought, my mind being occupied with more immediate things, but it seems a bit mysterious that a man whose soul is trapped could open up a planar portal for them. I suspect that the "brand" is related, but only time will tell. We traveled toward Tyrduk and eventually met up with the others. I was glad to see them safe, if a bit perturbed to find the exact same marking on Kitya that had led Max to her. The druid also informed us of a mysterious member of her order who stopped them on the road and began to rant about thinning the herd or somesuch. It tries my patience at times to deal with nature worshippers, but Kitya seems a decent sort most often. I'd hate to see her fall in with folks that're looking to see the local kingdoms shorn of those they don't like. Continue reading "Urfengar: Planes Hopping" Thursday, September 15. 2005Urfengar the dragon slayer.
Sometimes I'm not sure who the greater bunglers are, us or the fools who keep getting in our way. We climbed the mountain in hopes of reversing the trap, but upon encountering no one, set up camp for the night. We were awakened by the trap.
After a fierce battle, we decided that heading in the direction of the dragon hoard, where we wanted to go originally, would be in our best interest. So I patched up everyone's wounds (I think someone tattooed "I LIKE TO HEAL PEOPLE" on my forehead at some point on this journey -- I'll have to invest in a mirror the next time we stop somewhere half-civilized), and we trekked down the mountainside. Our horses, or pony as the case may be, scattered during the fight. The others' mounts returned with the aid of the druid, but I trusted that Pony would find his way back soon enough. I waited at a crossroads while the rest of the party went to fetch Veya. My trusty steed showed up shortly before the party returned with our planes-traveler, and we made good time hiking up the path. For some reason, Jackle still had that weasel Valen tied to his horse; I made a mental note to untie him and drop him over a cliff the next time we set up camp near a handy ravine. Continue reading "Urfengar the dragon slayer." Monday, August 29. 2005Rath: Keeping Secrets
I haven't yet told anyone else what I found on Mahrlee's body. It sends a chill up my spine to think what must be hidden behind the scorch-marks that I can only assume are a result of our mage's fire spells. Before we enter the gate, I have to find a way to tell the rest of them what I fear awaits us on the other side. May Obad-hai protect our souls...
Wednesday, August 17. 2005Nalathisor: Ambushes and Massacres
As we left the barracks disaster struck. Lampwick appeared out of the Shadows behind the Mayor, and slit his throat. So much for protecting the Mayor, at least now I know there won't be a reward for the diamond and can just keep it for myself. As the Mayor's lifeless body fell to the ground, Lampwick soon learned a problem with hiding in the shadows of a building. It tends to leave your back up against a wall. When we all surrounded Lampwick, the thief was unable to escape, and before long Thellonius landed a fearsome blow that snapped Lampwicks neck, causing him to join the Mayor in death.
Upon his body we found a scroll, which when I broke the seal and read it aloud said the following. Lampwick, I foresee that Lt. Coldwater will be going down shortly. It's up to you to finish the job. There was no signature, or other sign of who could have sent the message. We decided to take the bodies of the Mayor, and Lampwick with us to the Barracks. Continue reading "Nalathisor: Ambushes and Massacres" Tuesday, August 16. 2005Nalathisor: Tavern Brawl
Once I reached the jailhouse I could see Llan, and Azrael outside. They informed me that the jailer was insistent on waiting for Lt. Coldwater. I related to them the information I had about the Lieutenant, and that he was someone we should worry about. After I finished telling them about Lt. Coldwater, Llan informed us that although the Lieutenant may be evil, he doesn't possess the most evil aura in the town. He said this just as Lt. Coldwater himself came up from behind us.
Everyone headed inside the jailhouse, as we attempted to tell Lt. Coldwater about the red-headed man. However he wasnt' too concerned, and felt that only posting the mans information was enough to suffice. As I paid for Jackle's release Llan began questioning the Lieutenant about the Rangers. Coldwater told us that he had heard from the rangers just a couple days ago. "LIAR" accused Llan, taking the Lieutenant by surprise. "You have not heard from your rangers in quite some time." continued Llan, futher angering Lt. Coldwater, who insisted that he need not answer to us. Continue reading "Nalathisor: Tavern Brawl" Monday, August 15. 2005Nalathisor: A Mole Exposed
As I enjoyed the soldiers teaching my brother he's not as powerful as he thought he was by dragging him off to jail I saw Azrael and Llan coming up into the barracks. I told them why Jackle was being dragged away.
I had just barely finished asking the Sargeant where Lt. Coldwater was when he approached. The Sargeant explained why the city alarm had been cancelled. I then began attempting to explain that the city is actually in danger. However the general lacsidazical attitude that prevailed in the city, that insisted if the threat isn't immediate, then there isn't a threat, finally got to me. I decided to use the information I had gathered from Lampwick. I wasn't worried about it getting back to Lampwick because he had mentioned they didn't have anyone currently in the City Guard. Big Mistake. The moment I mentioned that I knew of an attack on the Mayor, Lt. Coldwater's demeanor changed entirely, and I had a feeling that something isn't right. He asked to see me privately, and a gut feeling told me not to reveal too much more to this man. Once in his office I attempted to bluff my way out of the situation by telling him I didn't know any specific information, only what I had heard on the streets, and that in every town, if one knew where to look they could find a plot against the town's leaders. The Lieutenant didn't seem to be buying my story, but eventually let me leave. On the way out though he confirmed what I suspected when he referred to me as Private Prometheus. I now knew that the situation was much worse. Lampwick did indeed have someone in the City Guard, who was actually quite high ranking. I should have known he wasn't being honest when he said he didn't have someone in the City Guard. Whatever happened to honor among thieves. I also knew now that the group was in even more danger thanks to my exposition of the plot against the Mayor. When I returned to the main barracks, Llan and Azrael were no longer there. No one seemed to know where they were, so I figured I'd head off to jail and try and get Jackle out of his mess. Monday, August 15. 2005Nalathisor: False Alarm
When I first heard my brother's voice I just thought it was part of some dream. And then the city alarm was going off. Great just great, what the heck has he done now. Then there was the sargeant running around yelling at troops that the city was under attack. Something told me I should just stay asleep.
I ignored the Sargeants insistence that I get ready for battle, and headed to the gates to talk to my brother. After his initial shock that I was in the barracks he began to tell me of the mornings events. Continue reading "Nalathisor: False Alarm" Thursday, August 11. 2005
Urfengar: More Treasure Hunting Posted by The Mad Giggler
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20:08
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Gurind Renar, the earl's contact with the map, told us of a man who might be able to help us in Tyrduk, a hole of a place situated right at the base of the mountains we needed to reach. We set out with Veya in tow the next morning. As we traveled, we came across weird dimensional pockets of goblins popping up at random intervals. Veya's little lecture on the Planes gained a little more substance every time a horde of the little buggers would come charging at us like lemmings off a cliff.
After riding for two days straight, we decided to camp for the night. As it turns out, things didn't stop with just goblins. No, we got several visits from the undead through the night. I finally consecrated the area around our campfire and that (along with the mercy of the Gods) allowed us to sleep in peace long enough to recover our spells. We managed to reach Tyrduk without further incident, late the next day. This collection of hovels got far more attention from the wandering goblins than it deserved. The humans who've been wasting their lives here were busy trying to rebuild as we rode through. Some of the party stopped to talk with some adventurer about who knows what, but I made sure to keep the local tavern in sight. It, at least, had survived the goblin raid. I guess the little beasts show reason from time to time after all. I'd barely had time to sit down and savor the fresh brew of pigslop the barkeep passes off as ale when my companions found the man we were looking for. Valen is his name. I wasn't really impressed on first sight. And he later gave me no reason to change that. He did agree to take us up to the mountains for a hundred and fifty gold pieces, which is absolutely ridiculous. Nalathisor coughed up the coins, though, so we decided to head out at once. Which was fine by me, another swig of that hogspit and I'd probably be joining Thelonious. As we plodded up the mountainside, Rath began to get a little suspicious about the path our man Valen was leading us along. Maxwell, to his credit, also began to suspect the smelly human. I offered to call on Moradin for some truth-defining spells, but the filthy malingerer would have nothing to do with it. Being very tired of dimwits, we hogtied him after a short scuffle and got some real answers out of him. Turns out he was paid to lead us into a trap. He begged and pleaded for his life, but we were too busy discussing how to deal with this turn of events to pay him much mind. After mulling it over, we tied him to one of our horses and headed up the mountain, hoping to spring the trap the other way. Monday, August 8. 2005Nalathisor: The Thieves Guild
Shortly after our arrival in GladeKeep, we were stopped by the Mayor of the town. The Mayor began to fill us in on some local news about the recent orc attacks. He mentioned that the city didn't have the greatest defense, and that the city guard had been depleted a bit recently. He offerred each of us 3 gp per day to join up. Llan and Azrael joined up rather quickly. This dissapointed me some as I did not want to spend much time toiling in local affairs. I needed to get back to Hillydale, and find her body. She needs to be put to rest. But I did not want to leave Llan, so I also joined up.
The Mayor was glad to hear that some of us would be joining up. At least until Jackle began asking questions. We did get some good information thanks to Jackle's questions. Apparently there were no set patrols. All their really was, is a group of Rangers who were patrolling the forest, and would communicate with the town if there was something wrong. However, since there was also no set communication schedules to check in, and the fact that they hadn't heard from the Rangers in a while, it was uncertain whether any of the Rangers were still alive. Jackle took the opportunity to berate the Mayor and his inneffective defenses. Continue reading "Nalathisor: The Thieves Guild" Monday, August 8. 2005
First in a Long Line of New Tools Posted by Ancient of Days
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02:49
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I'm working on a set of tools to help our games go more smoothly. The first thing I've prepared to release is a private installation of 3EProfiler.
I've pre-created the following users: Pete Curtis Anne Katie Brandon Eewee Leave the password field empty. Once you're logged in, feel free to setup the account however you like. Friday, August 5. 2005Nalathisor: A Vision
We rode extra hard to shave some time off of the trip to GladeKeep. However that didn't prevent some of us from falling asleep during the trip. After we arrived, and began to settle in the town, Llan told us of a vision he was sent by Heironeous during his sleep.
In his vision Llan could se the entire town of GladeKeep, and the forest that surrounds it. On the outskirts of the forest he was able to see an extremely large number of orcs gathering in preparation for an attack on the city. Behind the orcs up on a hill he could see a hill giant, who was leading the preparations and the orcs. The hill giant was engulfed by the shadow of a six-armed figure. Llan knew that the shadow of the six-armed figure was that of Hextor, and we all felt the foreboding that told us our time in GladeKeep was not going to be uneventful. Thursday, August 4. 2005Nalathisor: Awaken to Battle
I don't know how long I was asleep, but sooner or later I was awaken by Doran screaming for everyone to return to camp, as we were being attacked by orcs.
On the way back to camp, I noticed an orc desperately trying to communicate. He was trying not to be overheard, but he mentioned that we were surrounded by orcs trying to kill us. He wanted to help us out, because much like the monk he was a follower of St. Cuthbert. Normal orcs aren't smart enought to recognize the symbols of St. Cuthbert and form a plan around it. Apprehensive, yet intrigued I decided to go over to him and hear what he had to say. As I headed over to him, he was cleaved in two by Doran. In a voice loud enough for Thelonius to hear, asked Doran why he did that, and told him that he was a follower of St. Cuthbert. Thelonius seemed outraged at hearing this. It didn't help when Doran replied that he could speak orc and understood what the orc was saying. It appeared that Doran had a deep hatred for all orcs, and didn't care whether they were innocent or not. Despite my urging that we should not all go off and attack from the same direction, Doran rushed off to join Llan, Jack, and two lieutenants by the name of Marcos and Donovan who had come into camp, to face the oncoming orcs head on. Thelonius, who was still raging over the death of his St. Cuthbert brethren and I decided we should come at the group from a flanking position. As we moved towards what we thought was the rear of the battle we could hear what souned like reinforcements, as well as what we assumed was the main battle. We continued to travel to the middle point of the two sounds. As the battle became visible I could see the main group being surrounded. I could also see some orcs who were standing back as ranged fighters, but no reinforcements were in sight. As the battle raged on Thelonius and I were able to finish off those support orcs and headed in to the main group. The battle was furious as I used up all of my spells for the day, but finally after much fighting we watched as Thelonius put his fist clean through the skull of the final orc. Though we were victorious we weren't without losses. Donovan was the long surviving member of the Borderkeep. Thelonius would not get his confrontation with Doran, as some of the orcs he so despised were able to finish him off in the battle. I wondered though, would Thelonious consider this redemption for the callous murder of his brethren. We gathered our wounded and fallen, as well as searched the orc bodies for clues and goods. Thelonius gave the orc of St. Cuthbert a proper burial, and was able retrieve a medallion of St. Cuthbert from the body. Once this was all done, Donovan decided he was going to head to GladeKeep tonight. He bought the wagon from Thomas to hold the bodies of his fallen comrades. We decided to accompany him, and instead put the bodies of the fallen on horses so that the wounded could ride in the wagon. Together the group began the journey to Gladekeep. It was a somber journey. Thursday, August 4. 2005Nalathisor: The Borderkeep
During our trip, Thomas' (The old guy) wife died. He continued along with us until we could reach GladeKeep. About two days into our trip, we came upon a camp. It was getting late, and we were all tired so we figured this would be a good place to rest.
Upon entering the camp we were approached by Doran, the sheriff of the Borderkeep, approached us. He told us to be careful, as a band of orcs, about 20 strong, had been attacking travellers recently. He said they seemed to be more intelligent, and more organized than usual orcs. We told him of our recent encounter. Upon inspecting one of Jackle's gold coins we got from looting the orcs, Doran was able to confirm it's the same group. Doran asked if, sense we were staying tonight, could we help patrol. We agreed, but only after Jackle subtely reminded Doran, he still had his coin. Jackle, Thelonius and I went out on patrol, while Llan, and Azrael stayed back at camp to aid with the wounded. I headed out to the patrol the southeast area. And then it all went black. |
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