Errandis's Journal - 2007-11-30
Cast of Characters
Ismael
Dain
Rene
Kraypike
Fingolfin
Imric
Arteasian [Absent]
Errandis [Absent]
The Siege of Dekamura:
I do my Companions a discredit in cutting short the discription of the Underwater Battle.
Dain, upon discovering the metal of his Battle Axe passed through his opponents proceeded to bludgeon them with the halft.
Kraypike struck blows with his Halberd with Electic results. Aterwords his Water Elementals reported only one casualty.
Ismael made his presence know and struck out at his attackers. Shark Men and Orcas alike. at one point creating an area of Silence around Fingolfin and himself and confusing the Orcas. In a desparate attempt to protect Fingolfin he struck an Orca that attacked Fingolfin with his sword Dark Moon and broke the spell controlling the beast and ity fled.
Arteasian defended herself, but found fighting in the underwater environment difficult.
Imric Mental Stunned the Kracken and struke down several Shark Men. When Kraypike warned of a Wizard he found him and captured him. Eventually taking him back to the Prince's Ship.
Fingolfin managed to work his way throught the harbour chain and managed to break through just as an Orca bit him and carried him a short distance away.
With the Harbour Chain broken the Cardien and Megalosian Fleets sailed into port. Imric was detailed to neutralizing the enemy artillery. He was successful and only a few ships were lost entering the harbour.
On the docks, the Defenderserrected barricades and prepared to repel their attackers. Unfortunately the Companions lead the charge.
Dain hacked his way through the barricades, the defenders, and into the city. The Companions not only kept up, but preforemed feats of arms and magic that shattered the defenders forces and moral.
Finally Imric launched a solo assault on the defenders Commanders and Wizards with the precision of a scalpel. Those who could fled and those who could not surrendered enmass.
The battle for Dekamura was over. All that was left was the looting and pillaging.
With the fall of Dekamura, the rebel Earl Gavin Magnus and his forces will be forced to forage and scrounge for any and all supplies. While hotly pursued from both north and south. His forces will scatter, surrender, or flee into the hills. The Earl is spirited away by his loyal supporters. The Eastern Empire is Won. Duke Bran of Craine holds the Western Empire, he stands.
The Good:
Mass Combat Rules: Compendium II
Ismael [Glory by 14, Survival by 4]
Dain [Glory by 29, Survival by 4]
Rene [Glory by 21, Survival by -1]
Kraypike [Glory by 11, Survival by 0]
Fingolfin [Glory by ??, Survival by ?]
Imric [Glory by 21, Survival by ??]
Arteasian [Absent]
Character Points Awarded: 4cp
The Bad:
Tangents
My Character did not get to play, totally my fault, but there you go.
The Ugly:
Lack of understanding of Underwater Combat seriously hampered our combat.
Cheers
QM
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Errandis's Journal 2007-11-16
Errandis's Journal 2007-11-16
Cast of Characters
Ismael
Kraypike
Dain
Arteasian
Rene
Fingolfin
Errandis
Joseph
Imric, Baron of Lorian, Cardiel.
Location:
Dekamura, Earl Gavin Magnus of Dekmaura's Capital.
Serrun, Imperial and Cardiel Fleet Headquarters.
Errandis's Journal: (Meanwhile in Dekamura)
The Companions (Kingmakers) attempt to recover their equipment captured by the Duke's Armsmen. Unfortunately most of it has been sold off by now, but they do not plan on letting go of their important valuables.
Kraypike strikes upon the idea of using the goodwill they have engendered with Lady Justina's family to aide in the recovery of their more precious items.In particular a suit of enchanted Leather Armour given to Kraypike by Sir Errandis. He using his wicked sense of humour to infer that he seeks to recover "Sir Errandis's" Leather Armour, infering that it is his when he does not travel, but packs on the weight between travels. Nudge nudge, wink, wink... With amused laughter the Lady Justina's family agrees to help and they recover all of the precious items the companions wanted, but not there travelling gear.
Late that night Kraypike hears Lord Imric's voice in his mind. After the goblin gets ovver his excitement and questions he asks if the Companioins are ready to aide in the assault on Dekamura. Kraypike passes the message along and soon a Gate opens and they scramble through.
On the other side they find themselves in the Port of Serrun and temporary Admiralty Headquarters for the Imperial and Cardiel Fleets. The Companions are given the task of neutralizing the Enchanted Harbour Chain and Underwater Defenses. There is much planning as they must make work around the missing members of Ismael and Errandis.
Imric gives them the Reconnaisance and Intelligence Reports. Fingolfin will deal with the chain, but he needs to be protected while he does it. They plan they underwater assault. When the time comes the Naval Wizards provide Magical Support. Kraypike creates his Water Elementals, Dain, Rene, and Artesian quaff their potions, and Imric prepared his spells.
Kraypike quips "I guess this is the Dry Run, before our Wet Work eh?"
The trips to the Harbour Chain is uneventful and Imric finds the Chain unenchanted, but informs Kraypike that the Watchdog Spell went off. Fingolfin gets to work and the Companions provide protection.
Bubbling out of the depths swim a squad of Reptilian Sea Men/Monsters, Orca arrive from the Harbour, and long tentacles of the Kracken can be seen reaching towards them. Meanwhile Kraypike's Water Elementals engage the enemy Water Elementals.
The Reptilian Sea Men/Monsters appear immune to Metal and their bite passes right through ones Armour. (Steel Wraith Spell/Enchantement). Imric, Dain, Rene, and Artesian are surprised by their attackers, but as experienced adventurers manage to adapt and fight back.
Rene hooks an Orca with his Short Sword and holds on breifly before being thrown off. As the Kracken's tentacles reach them Imric Mental Stuns the creature and it goes slack. Artesian has both legs almost bitten off by an Orca. And Dain uses his Axes halft to crush the skull of one of the Reptilian Sea Men/Monsters.
At the last Fingolfin Shapes the Chain in half and it falls. This signals the Fleet to begin the invasion of Dekamura and will lead to the final the final stage.
The sack of Dekamura.
Cheers
QM
Cast of Characters
Ismael
Kraypike
Dain
Arteasian
Rene
Fingolfin
Errandis
Joseph
Imric, Baron of Lorian, Cardiel.
Location:
Dekamura, Earl Gavin Magnus of Dekmaura's Capital.
Serrun, Imperial and Cardiel Fleet Headquarters.
Errandis's Journal: (Meanwhile in Dekamura)
The Companions (Kingmakers) attempt to recover their equipment captured by the Duke's Armsmen. Unfortunately most of it has been sold off by now, but they do not plan on letting go of their important valuables.
Kraypike strikes upon the idea of using the goodwill they have engendered with Lady Justina's family to aide in the recovery of their more precious items.In particular a suit of enchanted Leather Armour given to Kraypike by Sir Errandis. He using his wicked sense of humour to infer that he seeks to recover "Sir Errandis's" Leather Armour, infering that it is his when he does not travel, but packs on the weight between travels. Nudge nudge, wink, wink... With amused laughter the Lady Justina's family agrees to help and they recover all of the precious items the companions wanted, but not there travelling gear.
Late that night Kraypike hears Lord Imric's voice in his mind. After the goblin gets ovver his excitement and questions he asks if the Companioins are ready to aide in the assault on Dekamura. Kraypike passes the message along and soon a Gate opens and they scramble through.
On the other side they find themselves in the Port of Serrun and temporary Admiralty Headquarters for the Imperial and Cardiel Fleets. The Companions are given the task of neutralizing the Enchanted Harbour Chain and Underwater Defenses. There is much planning as they must make work around the missing members of Ismael and Errandis.
Imric gives them the Reconnaisance and Intelligence Reports. Fingolfin will deal with the chain, but he needs to be protected while he does it. They plan they underwater assault. When the time comes the Naval Wizards provide Magical Support. Kraypike creates his Water Elementals, Dain, Rene, and Artesian quaff their potions, and Imric prepared his spells.
Kraypike quips "I guess this is the Dry Run, before our Wet Work eh?"
The trips to the Harbour Chain is uneventful and Imric finds the Chain unenchanted, but informs Kraypike that the Watchdog Spell went off. Fingolfin gets to work and the Companions provide protection.
Bubbling out of the depths swim a squad of Reptilian Sea Men/Monsters, Orca arrive from the Harbour, and long tentacles of the Kracken can be seen reaching towards them. Meanwhile Kraypike's Water Elementals engage the enemy Water Elementals.
The Reptilian Sea Men/Monsters appear immune to Metal and their bite passes right through ones Armour. (Steel Wraith Spell/Enchantement). Imric, Dain, Rene, and Artesian are surprised by their attackers, but as experienced adventurers manage to adapt and fight back.
Rene hooks an Orca with his Short Sword and holds on breifly before being thrown off. As the Kracken's tentacles reach them Imric Mental Stuns the creature and it goes slack. Artesian has both legs almost bitten off by an Orca. And Dain uses his Axes halft to crush the skull of one of the Reptilian Sea Men/Monsters.
At the last Fingolfin Shapes the Chain in half and it falls. This signals the Fleet to begin the invasion of Dekamura and will lead to the final the final stage.
The sack of Dekamura.
Cheers
QM
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Errandis's Journal - 2007-11-02
Errandis's Journal - 2007-11-02 Cast of Characters:
Ismael
Kraypike
Dain
Arteasian
Rene
Fingolfin
Errandis
Jospeh
Duke Aston of Ekhans - Rebel Duke who sided with Earl Gavin Magnus of Dekamura -- The Rook.
Lady Justina - Mistress of Duke Aston and daughter of one of his Knights -- The Pawn.
Location:
Duchy of Ekhans, capital.
Bandit Camp, outside capital.
Errandis's Journal:
We raced to the safehouse where the Lady Justina and her Guardian was keeping her.
Ismael caught up to us and explained that the Duke's Armsmen had stormed our rooms and found us gone.
We arrive at the safehouse and using an Perfect Illusion and Illusion Disguise deceive the Bodyguard/Spy and capture him and rescue a confused Lady Justina. I quickly cast a Scryguard on her and then we discuss hideout.
The Holy Wood seems ideal, but is too far away and its location is fading from my mind. Sending her to Countess Lavalee would split our force and weaken our position. Finally we decide on occupying an Bandit Camp outside of the city. I then open a Gate and we travel to our new base of operations.
Kraypike takes it upon himself to calm the Lady Justina's fears and explain the situation. Meanwhile I begin preparing the Magical Defenses for our own hideaway. Upon completing them I prepare a covered bed grown from a tree with Shape Plant and then properly introduce myself to the Lady and reassure her of our intentions.
I confer with the Companions about the Poison and learn that the effects are revers able, but such a long exposure make cause long term damage. I request their aid creating an Essential Garden and grow the Herbs, Fruits, and Vegetables needed for her recovery and then prepare a Ritual Cure Poison. The Restore is a critical success and the long term damage will heal. A Major Healing followed by a Peaceful Rest and Bless lays the path for her full recovery. The night was filled with the songs of my people.
During the night there were several attempts to penetrate my Scrye Wall, Pentagram, and Scrye Guard, but they were unsuccessful in penetrating them all and I recast and reinforced them all.
As she slept we made our plans and Kraypike prepared the evening meal. Several ideas were presented, some not so helpful, but finally I made my decision. In the morning I awakened the Lady Justina and examined her condition. She reported she felt much better. I explained that we wished to return her safely to Duke Aston, but needed some help from her and to continue to monitor her recovery. I asked that she write a letter to the Duke telling him everything. I also wrote a letter explaining our actions and out need to make arrangements.
That is when the Bandits arrived. I turned to the Companions and asked them to handle it while I say the letters delivered to the Duke. Then Teleported to the city.
Meanwhile the Companions walked out of the Mystic Myst and confronted the Bandits. Rene took the lead and in his unusual style convinced them to make camp peacefully, lay down their weapons, and be our guests for the next couple of days. The Bandit Leader recognized Dain and then realized who we are. He called us the "Kingmakers", our Reputation it seems has grown by leaps and bounds over the last few years.
In town I hired a townsman to deliver the Letters to the Duke. Then I cast Possession, Perfect Illusion, and Illusion Disguise on him/me and now an Imperial Courier arrived at the Castle Gate tried to deliver his letters to the Duke. When the Soldiers arrested him he simply smiled and tossed off an amused rejoinder and canceled the spells. Leaving a confused townsman and soldiers.
When I returned I was surprised to find the Bandits alive and had made camp. One of them pointed me out to his band. "See there lads its him Sir Errandis the Kingmaker." Once more taken aback I watched with growing surmise and amusement as Dain and Kraypike socialized wih the Bandits and found Fingolfin had finished the Lady Justina's new hunting cloths. Artesian and Ismael kept an eye on her and Rene made several passes at her.
Kraypike recognized my consternation and offered a solution suited my skills better than a direct confrontation. Using my Bard and Satyr skills I quickly turned the Lady Justina's romantic attentions away from Rene. He also suggested I communicate through the Lady Justina's Mother as their residence is less well guarded.
I again asked the Lady Justina to write a letter and I also wrote one and using Teleport Other sent them on their way. They arrived with a musical refrain. The days past and the Lady Justina's health improved. Finally it was time to move foreword.
The Lady Justina and I Teleported to the City and then I cast a Ritual Teleport into the Castle Courtyard. Upon arrival and using Great Voice I heralded our arrival. Soldiers, Knights, and eventually Wizards pored out into the courtyard and only my calm, the Lady Justina's presence and my reputation stopped them from coming closer. That and the absence of my Companions (The Kingmakers).
At last the Seneschal arrived and we negotiated for a meeting between the Duke and myself. Some time passes and the courtyard emptied out. Soldiers and Wizards watched from Arrow Slits. I engaged the Lady Justina in pleasant conversation and we awaited the Duke's pleasure. Her arrived a short time later with his Personal Guard and we introduced ourselves formally. Then the Lady Justina flew like an arrow into Duke Aston's embrace. I waited patiently and happily for them to finish.
Finally his Grace requested a private conversation with Lady Justina and I nodded politely. A screen was brought forth and they engaged in more emotional and romantic reunion. His Grace questioned the Lady Justina and he answered. Finally they returned and I bowed acknowledgement.
Sir Errandis, you are a Wizard and have a reputation for subtly. Would you agree to be questioned with the Truth-Sayer spell? I agreed, but insisted the Wizard speak the spell clearly before agreeing to lower my defenses. The Duke signalled his Court Wizard foreword and I admired sense of classical style Robes, Hat, and Staff. We exchanged greetings and compliments and then got down to business.
Under the spell I told our story from begining to end and then signalled that the spell remain during our Diplomatic Negotiations. The Duke stated his position and I explained the Emperor's. I offered to speak on his behalf and use what political capital I had earned to represent him with the Empire. Finally he agreed join with the Empire. He gave me a Writ of Passage throughout the Duchy of Ekhans we said good bye. Before I left be offered me a compliment. "You and your Companions are truly the Kingmakers".
I leaped into the air like a thunderbolt, disappearing into the clouds in a flash, and vanished. (Hawk Flight, Flash, and Teleport). Reappearing back at the Bandit Camp I fill the Companions in on what happened and that I would now be travelling to fight in the political arena in Megalos. They should rejoin Baron Imric and aid in the sacking of Dekamura.
Meanwhile in Megalos, I deliver reports to the Ministry of Security with an added note of aid we received from the Ekhan's Thieves Guild. Then it was off to the Imperial Court. Once there I used the full arsenal of my resources to win Immunity for Duke Ekhan's part in the Rebellion. It took many days, but ultimately they agreed. I delivered the Imperial Pardon to the Duke almost immediately.
Over the next few weeks things started to happen. The Duke of Ekhan's forced with Earl Gavin Magnus of Dekamura split from the Earl's forces and linked up with the forces of the Archdiocese of Serrun. Then Imperial and Cadriel Fleets besieged the Earls capital of Dekamura.
The Companions (Kingmakers) joined forces with Baron Imric and defeated the Harbour Defenses underwater. Then began the sack of Dekamura.
Meanwhile the Earl's Forces were cut off, Dekamura had fallen, and his supply lines cut off. He faced the Imperial Forces to the North and the Archdiocese of Serrun and the Duchy of Ekhans to the South. His Forces were hammered and it remains fled into the hills at the edge of the Emperor's Forest. The Earl was spirited away (Teleported), Stripped of his power, position, and wealth he is no longer a threat.
The last of the rebel leaders, Duke Bran of Craine is alone. The Emperor Militidies of Megalos commands all of Eastern Megalos, North and South. The Nobles who declared neutrality could now declare for the Emperor. The Civil War is nearing its end.
Cheers
QM
Ismael
Kraypike
Dain
Arteasian
Rene
Fingolfin
Errandis
Jospeh
Duke Aston of Ekhans - Rebel Duke who sided with Earl Gavin Magnus of Dekamura -- The Rook.
Lady Justina - Mistress of Duke Aston and daughter of one of his Knights -- The Pawn.
Location:
Duchy of Ekhans, capital.
Bandit Camp, outside capital.
Errandis's Journal:
We raced to the safehouse where the Lady Justina and her Guardian was keeping her.
Ismael caught up to us and explained that the Duke's Armsmen had stormed our rooms and found us gone.
We arrive at the safehouse and using an Perfect Illusion and Illusion Disguise deceive the Bodyguard/Spy and capture him and rescue a confused Lady Justina. I quickly cast a Scryguard on her and then we discuss hideout.
The Holy Wood seems ideal, but is too far away and its location is fading from my mind. Sending her to Countess Lavalee would split our force and weaken our position. Finally we decide on occupying an Bandit Camp outside of the city. I then open a Gate and we travel to our new base of operations.
Kraypike takes it upon himself to calm the Lady Justina's fears and explain the situation. Meanwhile I begin preparing the Magical Defenses for our own hideaway. Upon completing them I prepare a covered bed grown from a tree with Shape Plant and then properly introduce myself to the Lady and reassure her of our intentions.
I confer with the Companions about the Poison and learn that the effects are revers able, but such a long exposure make cause long term damage. I request their aid creating an Essential Garden and grow the Herbs, Fruits, and Vegetables needed for her recovery and then prepare a Ritual Cure Poison. The Restore is a critical success and the long term damage will heal. A Major Healing followed by a Peaceful Rest and Bless lays the path for her full recovery. The night was filled with the songs of my people.
During the night there were several attempts to penetrate my Scrye Wall, Pentagram, and Scrye Guard, but they were unsuccessful in penetrating them all and I recast and reinforced them all.
As she slept we made our plans and Kraypike prepared the evening meal. Several ideas were presented, some not so helpful, but finally I made my decision. In the morning I awakened the Lady Justina and examined her condition. She reported she felt much better. I explained that we wished to return her safely to Duke Aston, but needed some help from her and to continue to monitor her recovery. I asked that she write a letter to the Duke telling him everything. I also wrote a letter explaining our actions and out need to make arrangements.
That is when the Bandits arrived. I turned to the Companions and asked them to handle it while I say the letters delivered to the Duke. Then Teleported to the city.
Meanwhile the Companions walked out of the Mystic Myst and confronted the Bandits. Rene took the lead and in his unusual style convinced them to make camp peacefully, lay down their weapons, and be our guests for the next couple of days. The Bandit Leader recognized Dain and then realized who we are. He called us the "Kingmakers", our Reputation it seems has grown by leaps and bounds over the last few years.
In town I hired a townsman to deliver the Letters to the Duke. Then I cast Possession, Perfect Illusion, and Illusion Disguise on him/me and now an Imperial Courier arrived at the Castle Gate tried to deliver his letters to the Duke. When the Soldiers arrested him he simply smiled and tossed off an amused rejoinder and canceled the spells. Leaving a confused townsman and soldiers.
When I returned I was surprised to find the Bandits alive and had made camp. One of them pointed me out to his band. "See there lads its him Sir Errandis the Kingmaker." Once more taken aback I watched with growing surmise and amusement as Dain and Kraypike socialized wih the Bandits and found Fingolfin had finished the Lady Justina's new hunting cloths. Artesian and Ismael kept an eye on her and Rene made several passes at her.
Kraypike recognized my consternation and offered a solution suited my skills better than a direct confrontation. Using my Bard and Satyr skills I quickly turned the Lady Justina's romantic attentions away from Rene. He also suggested I communicate through the Lady Justina's Mother as their residence is less well guarded.
I again asked the Lady Justina to write a letter and I also wrote one and using Teleport Other sent them on their way. They arrived with a musical refrain. The days past and the Lady Justina's health improved. Finally it was time to move foreword.
The Lady Justina and I Teleported to the City and then I cast a Ritual Teleport into the Castle Courtyard. Upon arrival and using Great Voice I heralded our arrival. Soldiers, Knights, and eventually Wizards pored out into the courtyard and only my calm, the Lady Justina's presence and my reputation stopped them from coming closer. That and the absence of my Companions (The Kingmakers).
At last the Seneschal arrived and we negotiated for a meeting between the Duke and myself. Some time passes and the courtyard emptied out. Soldiers and Wizards watched from Arrow Slits. I engaged the Lady Justina in pleasant conversation and we awaited the Duke's pleasure. Her arrived a short time later with his Personal Guard and we introduced ourselves formally. Then the Lady Justina flew like an arrow into Duke Aston's embrace. I waited patiently and happily for them to finish.
Finally his Grace requested a private conversation with Lady Justina and I nodded politely. A screen was brought forth and they engaged in more emotional and romantic reunion. His Grace questioned the Lady Justina and he answered. Finally they returned and I bowed acknowledgement.
Sir Errandis, you are a Wizard and have a reputation for subtly. Would you agree to be questioned with the Truth-Sayer spell? I agreed, but insisted the Wizard speak the spell clearly before agreeing to lower my defenses. The Duke signalled his Court Wizard foreword and I admired sense of classical style Robes, Hat, and Staff. We exchanged greetings and compliments and then got down to business.
Under the spell I told our story from begining to end and then signalled that the spell remain during our Diplomatic Negotiations. The Duke stated his position and I explained the Emperor's. I offered to speak on his behalf and use what political capital I had earned to represent him with the Empire. Finally he agreed join with the Empire. He gave me a Writ of Passage throughout the Duchy of Ekhans we said good bye. Before I left be offered me a compliment. "You and your Companions are truly the Kingmakers".
I leaped into the air like a thunderbolt, disappearing into the clouds in a flash, and vanished. (Hawk Flight, Flash, and Teleport). Reappearing back at the Bandit Camp I fill the Companions in on what happened and that I would now be travelling to fight in the political arena in Megalos. They should rejoin Baron Imric and aid in the sacking of Dekamura.
Meanwhile in Megalos, I deliver reports to the Ministry of Security with an added note of aid we received from the Ekhan's Thieves Guild. Then it was off to the Imperial Court. Once there I used the full arsenal of my resources to win Immunity for Duke Ekhan's part in the Rebellion. It took many days, but ultimately they agreed. I delivered the Imperial Pardon to the Duke almost immediately.
Over the next few weeks things started to happen. The Duke of Ekhan's forced with Earl Gavin Magnus of Dekamura split from the Earl's forces and linked up with the forces of the Archdiocese of Serrun. Then Imperial and Cadriel Fleets besieged the Earls capital of Dekamura.
The Companions (Kingmakers) joined forces with Baron Imric and defeated the Harbour Defenses underwater. Then began the sack of Dekamura.
Meanwhile the Earl's Forces were cut off, Dekamura had fallen, and his supply lines cut off. He faced the Imperial Forces to the North and the Archdiocese of Serrun and the Duchy of Ekhans to the South. His Forces were hammered and it remains fled into the hills at the edge of the Emperor's Forest. The Earl was spirited away (Teleported), Stripped of his power, position, and wealth he is no longer a threat.
The last of the rebel leaders, Duke Bran of Craine is alone. The Emperor Militidies of Megalos commands all of Eastern Megalos, North and South. The Nobles who declared neutrality could now declare for the Emperor. The Civil War is nearing its end.
Cheers
QM
Errandis's Journal - 2007-09-28
Errandis's Journal - 2007-09-28
Cast of Characters:
Ismael - disguised as Mr. Krupp, Master Merchant of Kellog, Bruin, and Raceen.
Kraypike - disguised as Mr. Vandermar, Master Merchant or Kellog, Bruin, and Raceen.
Dain - disguised as Human Bodyguard.
Arteasian - disguised as Human Bodyguard.
Rene - disguised as Human Bodyguard.
Fingolfin - disguised as Human Bodyguard.
Errandis - disguised as Human Wizard Bodyguard.
Jospeh - disguised as a servant of Mr. Krupp.
Duke Aston of Ekhans - sided with Earl Gavn Magnus of Dekamura
Lady Justina - Mistress of Duke Aston, suffering from wasting disease, and recently vanished form the public perception
Location:
Duchy of Ekhans, Capital
Errandis's Journal:
Unfortunately our arrival did not go unnoticed and our deception will not withstand to much scrutiny. The Companions each begin their search for information in their own ways. All with varying degrees of success.
I use my contacts and social skills among the Bards and Merchants to learn of Duke Aston and the Lady Justina. They simply confirm what rumors we already know. Ismael and Kraypike as agents of KBR sell the Luxury Foods and Arsenal we brought with us.
Ismael used his Roguish skills and experience to work his way into a meeting with the local Underworld Boss's Chief Lieutenant. They discussed many things and eventually Ismael brought up the topic of Spies. For a fee, he agreed to point out several spies to him and even pointed out one who had purchased the Luxury Foods from our KBR Goods.
Ismael decided to shadow him and later requested my help. Between our skills and spells he never knew we were there. We also spotted his backup and another spy shadowing the backup. Ismael had tracked the spy who bought the luxury foods back to a residence where he suspected a Wall of Silence was being used.
Later Ismael employed Joseph and Rene in shadowing them. Both were unsuccessful, but Joseph is only a kid and they chased him away. Rene however took a different route. He insulted them, harassed them and finally they attacked him. He avoided their attacks, used his cloak to trip one up and throw him to the ground and stole a belt from another. Then he ran away holding the belt and yelling victory. He left them the impression that he was just an Araterrian madman. Looking for the hidden Suhudese Fighting Rings.
The Lady Justina's family was living in Ekhans. Her father was away fighting in Zehan, her mother was living in a Baronet's residence in the city, and her youngest brother was in the clergy. The servants I spoke with did not seem to concerned about the Lady Justina's health or where abouts. The family also had more retainers than was normal.
Finally Ismael and the Companions agree to a plan of action. Fingolfin will stay at the our residence and await the arrival of the spies.
I would walk up behind the lead spy and release my Spells on him Mental Stun and Total Paralysis.
Dain would walk up behind the backup spy and blackjack him from behind using a padded stick covered in leather, and filled with lead filings.
Kraypike would wait in an alley close by with a wheel barrel and Ismael, Rene, and Joshua would watch for any other targets of opportunity.
For once the plan came off without a hitch. I Teleported away with my target and Kraypike put his in the wheel barrel, covered him over, and wheeled away down the alleyways. Rene distracted any witnesses, spun disinformation, and then offered to buy several bottles of wine for everyone at a local tavern.
Meanwhile, I Possessed the spy and learned everything he knew. The spy is an agent of Earl Gavin Magnus of Dekamura, who was poisoning the Lady Justina's food, and causing her wasting illness. None of the Dukes many Chiurgeons, Apothecaries, or Wizards could heal her.
The Earl offered the services of his personal Chiurgeon to heal the Lady Justina. He succeeded in stopping her illness and partially reversing it, but it would take a long time for her to heal and constant supervision. The Duke was very grateful and sided with the Earl in the rebellion.
The Earl suggested that the Lady Justina was vulnerable to kidnapping and could be used to blackmail the Duke. Without his Chiurgeon to continue her treatment she would die. He offered to place her in a safe house close by and arrange safe visits using Teleportation. The Duke agreed.
The Earl's spy was responsible for the Lady Justina's security and for putting the poison in her food. They both appear to be unaware that they are being manipulated.
When the Companions arrive I tell them what I found and we race to rescue the Lady Justina and exposes the Earl's plot before it is too late.
Cheers
QM
Cast of Characters:
Ismael - disguised as Mr. Krupp, Master Merchant of Kellog, Bruin, and Raceen.
Kraypike - disguised as Mr. Vandermar, Master Merchant or Kellog, Bruin, and Raceen.
Dain - disguised as Human Bodyguard.
Arteasian - disguised as Human Bodyguard.
Rene - disguised as Human Bodyguard.
Fingolfin - disguised as Human Bodyguard.
Errandis - disguised as Human Wizard Bodyguard.
Jospeh - disguised as a servant of Mr. Krupp.
Duke Aston of Ekhans - sided with Earl Gavn Magnus of Dekamura
Lady Justina - Mistress of Duke Aston, suffering from wasting disease, and recently vanished form the public perception
Location:
Duchy of Ekhans, Capital
Errandis's Journal:
Unfortunately our arrival did not go unnoticed and our deception will not withstand to much scrutiny. The Companions each begin their search for information in their own ways. All with varying degrees of success.
I use my contacts and social skills among the Bards and Merchants to learn of Duke Aston and the Lady Justina. They simply confirm what rumors we already know. Ismael and Kraypike as agents of KBR sell the Luxury Foods and Arsenal we brought with us.
Ismael used his Roguish skills and experience to work his way into a meeting with the local Underworld Boss's Chief Lieutenant. They discussed many things and eventually Ismael brought up the topic of Spies. For a fee, he agreed to point out several spies to him and even pointed out one who had purchased the Luxury Foods from our KBR Goods.
Ismael decided to shadow him and later requested my help. Between our skills and spells he never knew we were there. We also spotted his backup and another spy shadowing the backup. Ismael had tracked the spy who bought the luxury foods back to a residence where he suspected a Wall of Silence was being used.
Later Ismael employed Joseph and Rene in shadowing them. Both were unsuccessful, but Joseph is only a kid and they chased him away. Rene however took a different route. He insulted them, harassed them and finally they attacked him. He avoided their attacks, used his cloak to trip one up and throw him to the ground and stole a belt from another. Then he ran away holding the belt and yelling victory. He left them the impression that he was just an Araterrian madman. Looking for the hidden Suhudese Fighting Rings.
The Lady Justina's family was living in Ekhans. Her father was away fighting in Zehan, her mother was living in a Baronet's residence in the city, and her youngest brother was in the clergy. The servants I spoke with did not seem to concerned about the Lady Justina's health or where abouts. The family also had more retainers than was normal.
Finally Ismael and the Companions agree to a plan of action. Fingolfin will stay at the our residence and await the arrival of the spies.
I would walk up behind the lead spy and release my Spells on him Mental Stun and Total Paralysis.
Dain would walk up behind the backup spy and blackjack him from behind using a padded stick covered in leather, and filled with lead filings.
Kraypike would wait in an alley close by with a wheel barrel and Ismael, Rene, and Joshua would watch for any other targets of opportunity.
For once the plan came off without a hitch. I Teleported away with my target and Kraypike put his in the wheel barrel, covered him over, and wheeled away down the alleyways. Rene distracted any witnesses, spun disinformation, and then offered to buy several bottles of wine for everyone at a local tavern.
Meanwhile, I Possessed the spy and learned everything he knew. The spy is an agent of Earl Gavin Magnus of Dekamura, who was poisoning the Lady Justina's food, and causing her wasting illness. None of the Dukes many Chiurgeons, Apothecaries, or Wizards could heal her.
The Earl offered the services of his personal Chiurgeon to heal the Lady Justina. He succeeded in stopping her illness and partially reversing it, but it would take a long time for her to heal and constant supervision. The Duke was very grateful and sided with the Earl in the rebellion.
The Earl suggested that the Lady Justina was vulnerable to kidnapping and could be used to blackmail the Duke. Without his Chiurgeon to continue her treatment she would die. He offered to place her in a safe house close by and arrange safe visits using Teleportation. The Duke agreed.
The Earl's spy was responsible for the Lady Justina's security and for putting the poison in her food. They both appear to be unaware that they are being manipulated.
When the Companions arrive I tell them what I found and we race to rescue the Lady Justina and exposes the Earl's plot before it is too late.
Cheers
QM
Errandis's Journal 2007-09-14
2007-09-14
Cast of Characters:
Ismael - disguised as Mr. Krupp, Master Merchant of Kellog, Bruin, and Raceen.
Kraypike - disguised as Mr. Vandermar, Master Merchant or Kellog, Bruin, and Raceen.
Dain - disguised as Human Bodyguard.
Arteasian - disguised as Human Bodyguard.
Rene - disguised as Human Bodyguard.
Fingolfin - disguised as Human Bodyguard.
Errandis - disguised as Human Wizard Bodyguard.
Jospeh - disguised as a servant of Mr. Krupp.
Location:
Duchy of Serrun, Capital and Port City
Duchy of Zehan, Capital and Port City
Duchy of Ekhans, Capital
Errandis's Journal:
After much debate we agree to revive our disguise as Arms Dealers for the Merchant House of Kellog, Bruin, and Raceen. Ismael, Dain, and Fingolfin aquire our stock and I requisition a ship. Before we embark I Teleport to Telperion (Steringling Wood, Caithness) and make arrangements to recharge my Powerstones in the Very High Mana Zone under the Mallorn Tree and security. Then I Teleport back,
We spend 8 days at sea. I sleep every day of our voyage. We study spells, practice our skills, and play in the sea (Shapeshift & Shapeshift Other Dolphin). A relaxing and uneventful trip. Before we arrive I retrieve my Powerstones and when we arrive in Zehan. When we disembark, we do so in disguise and the ship heads back out to sea.
Master Krupp hires Caravan Guards for the journey to Ekhans while everyone gathers information for the trip. The Civil War has made commercial travel difficult and Merchant Caravans have been raided by Bandits and Lords alike. It should prove to be an entertaining couple of days.
We meet our Caravan Guards the next morning and get aquainted before we leave. They appear to be what they say they are, but after a few hours it is obvious to us that they are Bandits and we probably try to ambush us along the way. There is much amusement among the disguised companions about this. Something to look forword too.
After 2 days and no attacks our disappointment is obvious. I think that our "Caravan Guards/Bandits" have realized we are more than we appear to be and decide not to attack us, but to speed us on our way. Their horseman ride ahead and warn off the other Bandits waiting along our path.
We arrive in Ekhans and enter the Duchy Capital with little trouble. The "Caravan Guards/Bandits" collect their pay and ride out the gate. Mr. Krupp and Mr. Vandermar arrange for the safe storage of our trade goods and we split up to gather intelligence before arranging out covert meeting with the Duke.
Still in disguise I pump my Merchant and Bard Contacts for information about the Duke and his missing Mistress. It turns out that Duke Aston of Ekhans had truely fallen head over heels for the young Lady Justina. Apparently the young Lady was a delicate beauty and feel ill to some disease. the Duke did everything he could to find a cure, but before he succeeded she vanished without a trace.
Shortly aftewords the Duke declared for the Rebel Earl Gavin Magnus of Dekamura and attacked his neighbours and the Duchy of Shoo'jour. It was at that time that rumours spread that Duke Aston was being blackmailed and complled to side with the Rebels.
When we are done gathering and analyzing our intelligence and go from there. Our goal is to get the Duke to change sides. If we can find the Lady Justina, cure hero disease, and present her to the Duke as a symbol of the Empire's intent. It just might work.
Politics 101
Cheers
QM
Cast of Characters:
Ismael - disguised as Mr. Krupp, Master Merchant of Kellog, Bruin, and Raceen.
Kraypike - disguised as Mr. Vandermar, Master Merchant or Kellog, Bruin, and Raceen.
Dain - disguised as Human Bodyguard.
Arteasian - disguised as Human Bodyguard.
Rene - disguised as Human Bodyguard.
Fingolfin - disguised as Human Bodyguard.
Errandis - disguised as Human Wizard Bodyguard.
Jospeh - disguised as a servant of Mr. Krupp.
Location:
Duchy of Serrun, Capital and Port City
Duchy of Zehan, Capital and Port City
Duchy of Ekhans, Capital
Errandis's Journal:
After much debate we agree to revive our disguise as Arms Dealers for the Merchant House of Kellog, Bruin, and Raceen. Ismael, Dain, and Fingolfin aquire our stock and I requisition a ship. Before we embark I Teleport to Telperion (Steringling Wood, Caithness) and make arrangements to recharge my Powerstones in the Very High Mana Zone under the Mallorn Tree and security. Then I Teleport back,
We spend 8 days at sea. I sleep every day of our voyage. We study spells, practice our skills, and play in the sea (Shapeshift & Shapeshift Other Dolphin). A relaxing and uneventful trip. Before we arrive I retrieve my Powerstones and when we arrive in Zehan. When we disembark, we do so in disguise and the ship heads back out to sea.
Master Krupp hires Caravan Guards for the journey to Ekhans while everyone gathers information for the trip. The Civil War has made commercial travel difficult and Merchant Caravans have been raided by Bandits and Lords alike. It should prove to be an entertaining couple of days.
We meet our Caravan Guards the next morning and get aquainted before we leave. They appear to be what they say they are, but after a few hours it is obvious to us that they are Bandits and we probably try to ambush us along the way. There is much amusement among the disguised companions about this. Something to look forword too.
After 2 days and no attacks our disappointment is obvious. I think that our "Caravan Guards/Bandits" have realized we are more than we appear to be and decide not to attack us, but to speed us on our way. Their horseman ride ahead and warn off the other Bandits waiting along our path.
We arrive in Ekhans and enter the Duchy Capital with little trouble. The "Caravan Guards/Bandits" collect their pay and ride out the gate. Mr. Krupp and Mr. Vandermar arrange for the safe storage of our trade goods and we split up to gather intelligence before arranging out covert meeting with the Duke.
Still in disguise I pump my Merchant and Bard Contacts for information about the Duke and his missing Mistress. It turns out that Duke Aston of Ekhans had truely fallen head over heels for the young Lady Justina. Apparently the young Lady was a delicate beauty and feel ill to some disease. the Duke did everything he could to find a cure, but before he succeeded she vanished without a trace.
Shortly aftewords the Duke declared for the Rebel Earl Gavin Magnus of Dekamura and attacked his neighbours and the Duchy of Shoo'jour. It was at that time that rumours spread that Duke Aston was being blackmailed and complled to side with the Rebels.
When we are done gathering and analyzing our intelligence and go from there. Our goal is to get the Duke to change sides. If we can find the Lady Justina, cure hero disease, and present her to the Duke as a symbol of the Empire's intent. It just might work.
Politics 101
Cheers
QM
Errandis's Journal - 2007-08-31
Errandis's Journal - 2007-08-31
Cast of Characters:
Ismael (Jonathon) - A male Human Rogue, Warrior, & Wizard.
Dain (Brian) - A male Dwarf Warrior.
Artesian (Chona) - A female mountain Elf Wizard.
Kraypike (Darryl) - A male Goblin Wizard.
Rene (Glenn) - A male Human Warrior.
Fingolfin (Rufus) - A male Wood Elf Wizard.
Errandis (Eddie) - A male Wood Elf Warrior and Wizard. Knight Bachelor of Lavalee.
Location:
Serrun Castle, Southern Megalos
The Story Continues... War Council
After futher discussion I observe the Megalosian and Cardielan interact. The Nobles, Generals, and Admirals are all pursuing there own agendas and it is time to get them moving. After speaking to several of them I pursuade our host, Baron ??? of ??? to convene a War Council. Our host throws a feast and many of them are pleasantly, but not insensibly drunk.
Meanwhile Dain and Rene are carousing and having a grand old time. Ismael sits back and observes while Rene steals and then plants our hosts silverware on an unsuspecting Noble. to much merriment, laughter, and embaressment. Areteasian flirts with Baron Imric of Lorian. While Fingolfin and Ismael watch with bemused expressions.
In the hall next door I listen carefully to the War Council, ask leading questions, and finally maneuver them to attack Dekamura. I would deal with Duke Aston of Ekhan preventing an attack on our rear and the our only remaining obstacle in southern Megalos. I offer to carry messages to Emperor's forces facing Earl's to the north and to prensent their concerns to the Emperor's Royal Councilor.
I address the Lords and ask if anyone knew why Duke Aston of Ekhans joined with Earl Gavin Magnus of Dekamura. A Baron said that Aston was onlove with his mistress the Lady Justina. She went missing shortly after the Civil war started. After a few more questions the meeting was ajourned and then the party really gets wild.
Rene starts a game of find the peral and angers more than a few worthies, Kraypike is interviewing the Courtesans of Count Shambray, and Dain becomes popular among the Knight and Armsmen.
The next morning I seek an audience with Archbishop Nikolai of Serrun. I have observed he has been reluctant to meet priviately with me since our arrival at Castle Thunderdome. I request his aid in arranging credentials to meet secretly with Duke Aston. He agrees. During our conversation I finally divined the reason for Archbishop Nikolai's distrust. He does not understand my motivations. I appear to be a loyal subject of my Countess and the Empire, yet I am personally powerful, influencial, and wealthy. I think his is unable to understand.
The next moring I "Teleport" to the Emporer's forces in the north facing the Earl. There I meet with Royal Councilors and report on the situation in Serrun and the Emperor's loyalists plans. Afterwords I track down the highest ranking Intelligence Officer present and request dossier on Duke Aston of Ekhan and his missing mistress Lady Wyclif, daughter of Baron ??? of Ekhan.
When I ask if he had anyway that I could meet secretly with the Duke he implied that the Arms Merchants of Kellog, Bruin, & Raceen would have little trouble arranging that. I gather more letters of introduction to the Duke and "Teleport" back to the Companions.
At diner I tell them what I learned and what I think we should do and then asked for their input. Ismael agrees with the Imperial Intelligence Officer and begins assmbling out cover. We discuss disguises and our travel route. Once assembled we strike out for Ekhans, Duke Aston, and to rescue Lady Justina. Romanitcs all, true love will prevail
(A horrible thought, what if one of the Courtesans is Lady Justina.)
The next morning I watch amused as Dain and Rene suffer from their nights carouse. Dain heads from the peace of the forge and Rene for more wine.
Cheers
QM
Cast of Characters:
Ismael (Jonathon) - A male Human Rogue, Warrior, & Wizard.
Dain (Brian) - A male Dwarf Warrior.
Artesian (Chona) - A female mountain Elf Wizard.
Kraypike (Darryl) - A male Goblin Wizard.
Rene (Glenn) - A male Human Warrior.
Fingolfin (Rufus) - A male Wood Elf Wizard.
Errandis (Eddie) - A male Wood Elf Warrior and Wizard. Knight Bachelor of Lavalee.
Location:
Serrun Castle, Southern Megalos
The Story Continues... War Council
After futher discussion I observe the Megalosian and Cardielan interact. The Nobles, Generals, and Admirals are all pursuing there own agendas and it is time to get them moving. After speaking to several of them I pursuade our host, Baron ??? of ??? to convene a War Council. Our host throws a feast and many of them are pleasantly, but not insensibly drunk.
Meanwhile Dain and Rene are carousing and having a grand old time. Ismael sits back and observes while Rene steals and then plants our hosts silverware on an unsuspecting Noble. to much merriment, laughter, and embaressment. Areteasian flirts with Baron Imric of Lorian. While Fingolfin and Ismael watch with bemused expressions.
In the hall next door I listen carefully to the War Council, ask leading questions, and finally maneuver them to attack Dekamura. I would deal with Duke Aston of Ekhan preventing an attack on our rear and the our only remaining obstacle in southern Megalos. I offer to carry messages to Emperor's forces facing Earl's to the north and to prensent their concerns to the Emperor's Royal Councilor.
I address the Lords and ask if anyone knew why Duke Aston of Ekhans joined with Earl Gavin Magnus of Dekamura. A Baron said that Aston was onlove with his mistress the Lady Justina. She went missing shortly after the Civil war started. After a few more questions the meeting was ajourned and then the party really gets wild.
Rene starts a game of find the peral and angers more than a few worthies, Kraypike is interviewing the Courtesans of Count Shambray, and Dain becomes popular among the Knight and Armsmen.
The next morning I seek an audience with Archbishop Nikolai of Serrun. I have observed he has been reluctant to meet priviately with me since our arrival at Castle Thunderdome. I request his aid in arranging credentials to meet secretly with Duke Aston. He agrees. During our conversation I finally divined the reason for Archbishop Nikolai's distrust. He does not understand my motivations. I appear to be a loyal subject of my Countess and the Empire, yet I am personally powerful, influencial, and wealthy. I think his is unable to understand.
The next moring I "Teleport" to the Emporer's forces in the north facing the Earl. There I meet with Royal Councilors and report on the situation in Serrun and the Emperor's loyalists plans. Afterwords I track down the highest ranking Intelligence Officer present and request dossier on Duke Aston of Ekhan and his missing mistress Lady Wyclif, daughter of Baron ??? of Ekhan.
When I ask if he had anyway that I could meet secretly with the Duke he implied that the Arms Merchants of Kellog, Bruin, & Raceen would have little trouble arranging that. I gather more letters of introduction to the Duke and "Teleport" back to the Companions.
At diner I tell them what I learned and what I think we should do and then asked for their input. Ismael agrees with the Imperial Intelligence Officer and begins assmbling out cover. We discuss disguises and our travel route. Once assembled we strike out for Ekhans, Duke Aston, and to rescue Lady Justina. Romanitcs all, true love will prevail
(A horrible thought, what if one of the Courtesans is Lady Justina.)
The next morning I watch amused as Dain and Rene suffer from their nights carouse. Dain heads from the peace of the forge and Rene for more wine.
Cheers
QM
Talk of the Future
Using a supply wagon captured from Shambray's retreating forces the companions sit down to discuss their goals. Errandis is sitting on the wagons tail gate, feet dangling off the end, and absent minded strumming a tune on his lute. Silvery shadows dance at his feet.
Errandis - Well done my friends. I would like to thank all of you for saving me back there. Master Kraypike sir, let it not be said that your mantra is without warrant. ("Any problem can be solved with the correct application of Elementals"). Master Rene your sword work was incredible. Mistress Arteasian I have rarely had such good support in a battle. Master Ismael, thank you for the exhumation ;) . Master Dain, you are a terrifying engine of destruction. Master Fingolfin, you Sir have more trick up your sleeves than a Tredroyan Master Thief.
Ismael - I resent that remark. I intend him no disrespect in saying so, but Master Fingolfin *is* one of the tricks I keep up my sleeve.
Fingolfin - You know, I don't know the Anglish underworld and street slang very well, but from what I've gathered I would like to emphasize strongly that I am not and have no plans on becoming, a "trick". As to the tricks up my sleeves--I just learned that Panic spell a few weeks ago. I thought it might come in handy sometime. Don't emphasize it talking to the locals, though--I hear the Megalosians have banned most mind magics.
Kraypike - Don't worry Fingolfin, if you were *that* kind of "trick", he'd keep you in his pants, not his sleeve. His pants aren't roomy enough.
Kraypike then reaches into his pants, pulls out an enormous garlic sausage, and proceeds to munch away, demonstrating the uses of roomy pants.
Errandis -One of the reasons I asked you here was to discuss what WE should do next. So please speak up. For myself, I am Duty bound to protect and defend Countess Lavalee, Honour bound to support Count Almwich, and personal vested interest in preserving the Megalosian Empire.
Fingolfin - I must admit I could care very little less about the Megalosian Empire, have no real ties to Countess Lavallee, and am confident that Count Alnwick can take care of himself. But if Errandis says it's important I'll trust him. I do hope we can discharge this obligation relatively quickly, though--I have the feeling that the troubles of empires do not generally just end; we could be stuck with it for a very long time if we start down the path of thinking the welfare of a human empire is somehow our responsibility as elves and Tredroyites and Aralaise and Dwarves. I think the only person here with much vested interest in who the Emperor is, would be Kraypike. Luckily, Errandis says if we can help solve this current campaign in the southeast chunk, reducing the field basically to a one-on-one battle of claimants with ours holding the heartland, that should be sufficient.
Kraypike - Hey, I'm up for a little more mischeif here, but Fingolfin is completely correct about the unbounded nature of protecting the whole Empire. Like he said, Lavalle and Alnwick aren't in immediate peril. When they are, they know how to reach us. My interests in who'se the Emperor, don't need immediate tending by us after that.
Ismael - I suppose that dealing with Ekhans would be the easiest way to contribute to the civil war, unless Alnwick or Lavellée were directly threatened. So why not just do that, now we're here?
Errandis - Afterwards I plan to go to the Sea Elf Community under the sea. There is some internal strife there and an ongoing conflict with the Fish Men. Then the Black Woods calls. The Horror's Minions must be stopped.
Kraypike - Sounds like fun! After that could we head for the Djinn lands? I'd like to check out the interesting magic there and I'm sure that Cat would be up for investigating their connections with the Orclands. They were selling humans (slaves, I think) as breeding stock to the Orcs, remember? Who wants to get a war going between the Orcs and the Djinn? It would be suitably ironic payback, don't you think?
Fingolfin - I've been hearing a bit about these elves. I am worried about them, although their problems have been brewing a long time. Certainly it seems they were mightier once. I'm worried about the Dwarves, too, though. The fact of the matter is that orcs breed much faster than dwarves, and as long as they have a unified kingdom just below stairs, as it were, western Zarak is in
Ismael - Direct confrontation with the forces of Tsunnucann is an imperative goal, necessary to the preservation of the world. Unless these are the End Times, in which case it doesn't matter and we should just look to our own souls in preparation for the Final War of Judgment. Now... in which sea do these elves live, exactly?
Errandis - What say you?
Kraypike - I say there should be a way to use Errandis' Harlots against Ekhans. They won't be any use against the fishmen, and I don't think Cat would approve of taking them to the Djinn lands as Orc barter. Hey! Who'se going to supply the swimming and waterbreathing magic items we'll need? It may take a while to line them up, better get that underway while we're working the current problem with Ekhans and the Harlots.
Errandis - Well done my friends. I would like to thank all of you for saving me back there. Master Kraypike sir, let it not be said that your mantra is without warrant. ("Any problem can be solved with the correct application of Elementals"). Master Rene your sword work was incredible. Mistress Arteasian I have rarely had such good support in a battle. Master Ismael, thank you for the exhumation ;) . Master Dain, you are a terrifying engine of destruction. Master Fingolfin, you Sir have more trick up your sleeves than a Tredroyan Master Thief.
Ismael - I resent that remark. I intend him no disrespect in saying so, but Master Fingolfin *is* one of the tricks I keep up my sleeve.
Fingolfin - You know, I don't know the Anglish underworld and street slang very well, but from what I've gathered I would like to emphasize strongly that I am not and have no plans on becoming, a "trick". As to the tricks up my sleeves--I just learned that Panic spell a few weeks ago. I thought it might come in handy sometime. Don't emphasize it talking to the locals, though--I hear the Megalosians have banned most mind magics.
Kraypike - Don't worry Fingolfin, if you were *that* kind of "trick", he'd keep you in his pants, not his sleeve. His pants aren't roomy enough.
Kraypike then reaches into his pants, pulls out an enormous garlic sausage, and proceeds to munch away, demonstrating the uses of roomy pants.
Errandis -One of the reasons I asked you here was to discuss what WE should do next. So please speak up. For myself, I am Duty bound to protect and defend Countess Lavalee, Honour bound to support Count Almwich, and personal vested interest in preserving the Megalosian Empire.
Fingolfin - I must admit I could care very little less about the Megalosian Empire, have no real ties to Countess Lavallee, and am confident that Count Alnwick can take care of himself. But if Errandis says it's important I'll trust him. I do hope we can discharge this obligation relatively quickly, though--I have the feeling that the troubles of empires do not generally just end; we could be stuck with it for a very long time if we start down the path of thinking the welfare of a human empire is somehow our responsibility as elves and Tredroyites and Aralaise and Dwarves. I think the only person here with much vested interest in who the Emperor is, would be Kraypike. Luckily, Errandis says if we can help solve this current campaign in the southeast chunk, reducing the field basically to a one-on-one battle of claimants with ours holding the heartland, that should be sufficient.
Kraypike - Hey, I'm up for a little more mischeif here, but Fingolfin is completely correct about the unbounded nature of protecting the whole Empire. Like he said, Lavalle and Alnwick aren't in immediate peril. When they are, they know how to reach us. My interests in who'se the Emperor, don't need immediate tending by us after that.
Ismael - I suppose that dealing with Ekhans would be the easiest way to contribute to the civil war, unless Alnwick or Lavellée were directly threatened. So why not just do that, now we're here?
Errandis - Afterwards I plan to go to the Sea Elf Community under the sea. There is some internal strife there and an ongoing conflict with the Fish Men. Then the Black Woods calls. The Horror's Minions must be stopped.
Kraypike - Sounds like fun! After that could we head for the Djinn lands? I'd like to check out the interesting magic there and I'm sure that Cat would be up for investigating their connections with the Orclands. They were selling humans (slaves, I think) as breeding stock to the Orcs, remember? Who wants to get a war going between the Orcs and the Djinn? It would be suitably ironic payback, don't you think?
Fingolfin - I've been hearing a bit about these elves. I am worried about them, although their problems have been brewing a long time. Certainly it seems they were mightier once. I'm worried about the Dwarves, too, though. The fact of the matter is that orcs breed much faster than dwarves, and as long as they have a unified kingdom just below stairs, as it were, western Zarak is in
Ismael - Direct confrontation with the forces of Tsunnucann is an imperative goal, necessary to the preservation of the world. Unless these are the End Times, in which case it doesn't matter and we should just look to our own souls in preparation for the Final War of Judgment. Now... in which sea do these elves live, exactly?
Errandis - What say you?
Kraypike - I say there should be a way to use Errandis' Harlots against Ekhans. They won't be any use against the fishmen, and I don't think Cat would approve of taking them to the Djinn lands as Orc barter. Hey! Who'se going to supply the swimming and waterbreathing magic items we'll need? It may take a while to line them up, better get that underway while we're working the current problem with Ekhans and the Harlots.
Errandis's Journal - 2007-08-17
Errandis's Journal - 2007-08-17
Cast of Characters:
Ismael (Jonathon) - A male Human Rogue, Warrior, & Wizard.
Dain (Brian) - A male Dwarf Warrior.
Artesian (Chona) - A female mountain Elf Wizard.
Kraypike (Darryl) - A male Goblin Wizard.
Rene (Glenn) - A male Human Warrior.
Fingolfin (Rufus) - A male Wood Elf Wizard.
Errandis (Eddie) - A male Wood Elf Warrior and Wizard. Knight Bachelor of Lavalee.
Location:
Castle of Baron Insanus, Duchy of Serrun.
Encampment of Count Sergius of Shambray
The Story Continues... REAP THE WHIRLWIND!!! (Part 3):
The buildings interior looks like a slaughter house that got hit by a tornado. We still stand. Our enemies have been greatly reduced in number, with two surviving Wizards and seven Leginaries. Dain's Battle Axe destroys the skull of one Wizard and the second vanishes into the earth ["Entombed" self] and makes good his escape. On our side Kraypike falls unconcious. Rene vaults over Legionaire, riposts off his attack and still using the shield to continue his vault.
We offer to let the Legionaires live if they leave. The only suriving Centurion orders a general withdrawl, shields locked and ringed. The battleground is ours. Rene uses his "Sight" to examine the stone pillar and we learn it is the back of Fingolfin's former mana-less cell. Dain, Ismael and I gather the bodies for transport (Apportation) and Kraypike flies them back through the Gate to the Castle. Arteasian, Fingolfin, and Rene search the upper floor for Fingolfin's property which they find. Rene gathers papers from the desk of the Wizards Corps Commander. We then retreat through the Gate to the Castle and Kraypike torches the building behind us.
Once on the other side I separate the Wizard's bodies from their gear and we divide up the Powerstones amonst us. Meanwhile I see a Priest and persuade him to Bless me before returning to begin preparations to launch our next attack. Serrun's Forces are impressed, while others are critical of our success. The Knight's in particular seem unimpressed. We discuss a brief battle plan and then begin again. Using the ceremonial and ritual circle still gathered together we launch our attack.
We repeat our entrance again, but this time Kraypike hits a wall of flower bags. The Goblin is now lightly dusted in flower. It is a supply building. We torch it using spells and Elixir Nails of Essential Flame. Burning everything. Then I open another Gate to the third building. this time Rene uses his "Sight" and says its all clear with a smirk on his face. We enter as before and find ourselves in Shambray's brothel. They women appear as surprised as us (save Rene). After ensuring the buidling is indeed clear. I invite the ladies to entertain at Castle Thunderdome. Enticed by gold, words, and the most exotic male they have ever seen. ;)
We arrives back at the Castle in the surrounded by 47 of Shambray's Courtesans. In an amused tone I say to the Knights "Well Gentlemen, do not say I did not bring you anything." I quickly disentangle myself from the ladies and talk strategy with the Commander of Serrun's Forces.
When the storm breaks I would open four Gates inside of Shambray's defenses. It seems that Shambray's Forces decided to withdraw before we arrived and we harass Shambray's retreat. Serrun's Knights were enthusiastic and motivated to punish their former besiegers. I harass them in my own way. Teleporting among them and causing panic and terror where ever I can. They continued to flee south and them learned that Baron Imric and Cardielan Forces had retaken the captial and port of Serrun. They then fled east. During this time Serrun's Knights and their Retainers from outside the siege arrived to bolster the main body and harass Shambray's Forces.
Victory is bitter sweet. The Archdiocese of Serrun once again a threat to Earl Dekamura, but is badly hurt. It is strategy time again. The Duchy of Sho'Joor was badly hurt by pirates and remained neutral. The Zehan was also hurt by pirates and has been fending off the Duchy of Ekhans. Our intelligence leads us to believe that Duke Ekhans is being manipulated (Blackmailed) by Earl Dekamura.
Events across Yrth pull at us. The Sea Elves internal strife and war with the Fish Men, The Orcs Hordes attacks on Caithness, and The Djinn Lands dabbling in Caithnessian politics and trade with the Orcs. The Horror's Minions in the Black Woods and Tsunikhan on Bilit Isle...
The Good:
Character Points Awarded: 5xp
The Siege is over and Serrun is back in the fight.
Shambray Wizard Corps Loot
The Bad:
Exhausted almost all my Powerstones in the conflict.
The Ugly:
It is never over ;)
Cheers
QM
Cast of Characters:
Ismael (Jonathon) - A male Human Rogue, Warrior, & Wizard.
Dain (Brian) - A male Dwarf Warrior.
Artesian (Chona) - A female mountain Elf Wizard.
Kraypike (Darryl) - A male Goblin Wizard.
Rene (Glenn) - A male Human Warrior.
Fingolfin (Rufus) - A male Wood Elf Wizard.
Errandis (Eddie) - A male Wood Elf Warrior and Wizard. Knight Bachelor of Lavalee.
Location:
Castle of Baron Insanus, Duchy of Serrun.
Encampment of Count Sergius of Shambray
The Story Continues... REAP THE WHIRLWIND!!! (Part 3):
The buildings interior looks like a slaughter house that got hit by a tornado. We still stand. Our enemies have been greatly reduced in number, with two surviving Wizards and seven Leginaries. Dain's Battle Axe destroys the skull of one Wizard and the second vanishes into the earth ["Entombed" self] and makes good his escape. On our side Kraypike falls unconcious. Rene vaults over Legionaire, riposts off his attack and still using the shield to continue his vault.
We offer to let the Legionaires live if they leave. The only suriving Centurion orders a general withdrawl, shields locked and ringed. The battleground is ours. Rene uses his "Sight" to examine the stone pillar and we learn it is the back of Fingolfin's former mana-less cell. Dain, Ismael and I gather the bodies for transport (Apportation) and Kraypike flies them back through the Gate to the Castle. Arteasian, Fingolfin, and Rene search the upper floor for Fingolfin's property which they find. Rene gathers papers from the desk of the Wizards Corps Commander. We then retreat through the Gate to the Castle and Kraypike torches the building behind us.
Once on the other side I separate the Wizard's bodies from their gear and we divide up the Powerstones amonst us. Meanwhile I see a Priest and persuade him to Bless me before returning to begin preparations to launch our next attack. Serrun's Forces are impressed, while others are critical of our success. The Knight's in particular seem unimpressed. We discuss a brief battle plan and then begin again. Using the ceremonial and ritual circle still gathered together we launch our attack.
We repeat our entrance again, but this time Kraypike hits a wall of flower bags. The Goblin is now lightly dusted in flower. It is a supply building. We torch it using spells and Elixir Nails of Essential Flame. Burning everything. Then I open another Gate to the third building. this time Rene uses his "Sight" and says its all clear with a smirk on his face. We enter as before and find ourselves in Shambray's brothel. They women appear as surprised as us (save Rene). After ensuring the buidling is indeed clear. I invite the ladies to entertain at Castle Thunderdome. Enticed by gold, words, and the most exotic male they have ever seen. ;)
We arrives back at the Castle in the surrounded by 47 of Shambray's Courtesans. In an amused tone I say to the Knights "Well Gentlemen, do not say I did not bring you anything." I quickly disentangle myself from the ladies and talk strategy with the Commander of Serrun's Forces.
When the storm breaks I would open four Gates inside of Shambray's defenses. It seems that Shambray's Forces decided to withdraw before we arrived and we harass Shambray's retreat. Serrun's Knights were enthusiastic and motivated to punish their former besiegers. I harass them in my own way. Teleporting among them and causing panic and terror where ever I can. They continued to flee south and them learned that Baron Imric and Cardielan Forces had retaken the captial and port of Serrun. They then fled east. During this time Serrun's Knights and their Retainers from outside the siege arrived to bolster the main body and harass Shambray's Forces.
Victory is bitter sweet. The Archdiocese of Serrun once again a threat to Earl Dekamura, but is badly hurt. It is strategy time again. The Duchy of Sho'Joor was badly hurt by pirates and remained neutral. The Zehan was also hurt by pirates and has been fending off the Duchy of Ekhans. Our intelligence leads us to believe that Duke Ekhans is being manipulated (Blackmailed) by Earl Dekamura.
Events across Yrth pull at us. The Sea Elves internal strife and war with the Fish Men, The Orcs Hordes attacks on Caithness, and The Djinn Lands dabbling in Caithnessian politics and trade with the Orcs. The Horror's Minions in the Black Woods and Tsunikhan on Bilit Isle...
The Good:
Character Points Awarded: 5xp
The Siege is over and Serrun is back in the fight.
Shambray Wizard Corps Loot
The Bad:
Exhausted almost all my Powerstones in the conflict.
The Ugly:
It is never over ;)
Cheers
QM
Errandis's Journal - 2007-08-03
Errandis's Journal - 2007-08-03
Cast of Characters:
Ismael (Jonathon) - A male Human Rogue, Warrior, & Wizard.
Dain (Brian) - A male Dwarf Warrior.
Artesian (Chona) - A female mountain Elf Wizard.
Kraypike (Darryl) - A male Goblin Wizard.
Rene (Glenn) - A male Human Warrior.
Fingolfin (Rufus) - A male Wood Elf Wizard.
Errandis (Eddie) - A male Wood Elf Warrior and Wizard. Knight Bachelor of Lavalee.
Location:
Castle of Baron Insanus, Duchy of Serrun.
Encampment of Count Sergius of Shambray
The Story Continues... REAP THE WHIRLWIND!!! (Part 2):
The Count's Wizards turned their full attention upon me and the Legionnaire's upon the Companions. I marked two Wizards for special attention and then continued to strike out at targets of opportunity.
The Companions cut through the Legionnaire's with skill, power, and in Rene's case grace. Kraypike's Halberd shot a Flame Jet from one end and Lightning crackled from the other. Ismael plucked his Main Gauche from the air and laid into the enemy. Fingolfin raged at his enemies and Arteasian engaged a confused Legionnaire who had unintentionally ended up in our rear, but alone.
Fingolfin seemed to snap out of his rage and cast a spell that sent half the remaining Legionaries fleeing in panic. The Count's Wizards took their toll on me and I was only saved by the Eternal's Grace. Then the Teleport Shield went up. What unfolded is one of the most disparate battles of my life. Never before have I face such magical opposition concentrated on one spot. Slowly we lessened their numbers and fought to restore out battle lines when everything went blank.
Ismael captured the Inquisitor with Apportation saying "You Faith disturbs me Inquisitor" and Fingolfin screamed "He's mine". Then ran over and hacked his torturer to death. A Lightning Bolt grazed him and sparks covered him, but was unaffected. ("There can be only one quickening")
I learned later that one of the Wizard's finally managed to entomb me. Then Ismael was struck a vicious blow and left stunned. Kraypike almost fell to the combined assault of four Legionaries, and Dain was slowed by the sheer press of our foes. Our lives balanced on a razors edge.
But, the eternal has other plans for her Champions and the tide turned.
Artesaian healed Ismael and Kraypike shook it of and returned to the fight. Our battle line was almost complete when an Invisible Wizard turned a Legionnaire Invisible and dooming Fingolfin, but for my forethought. Dain and Ismael could see them. Dain's axe cleaved the life from the Invisible Legionnaire and the Invisible Wizard fled in panic.
Ismael concentrated and reached forth his staff, reversing the entombment, and suddenly I was back. The remaining Wizard's expressed frustration and I sent my jailer crashing down the stairs, sprawling at his fellows feet. Our attacks became more coordinated and theirs less. Until finally we laid low the formidable church Wizard.
We were left with a half dozen Legionaries in front of use and two Wizards trapped between us.
The Good:
Experience Awarded: 3xp
The Bad:
My arrogance almost got us all killed.
The Ugly:
The Count's Men were formidable adversaries, and we succeeded only because of quick wits, necessity, and experience.
Cheers
QM
Cast of Characters:
Ismael (Jonathon) - A male Human Rogue, Warrior, & Wizard.
Dain (Brian) - A male Dwarf Warrior.
Artesian (Chona) - A female mountain Elf Wizard.
Kraypike (Darryl) - A male Goblin Wizard.
Rene (Glenn) - A male Human Warrior.
Fingolfin (Rufus) - A male Wood Elf Wizard.
Errandis (Eddie) - A male Wood Elf Warrior and Wizard. Knight Bachelor of Lavalee.
Location:
Castle of Baron Insanus, Duchy of Serrun.
Encampment of Count Sergius of Shambray
The Story Continues... REAP THE WHIRLWIND!!! (Part 2):
The Count's Wizards turned their full attention upon me and the Legionnaire's upon the Companions. I marked two Wizards for special attention and then continued to strike out at targets of opportunity.
The Companions cut through the Legionnaire's with skill, power, and in Rene's case grace. Kraypike's Halberd shot a Flame Jet from one end and Lightning crackled from the other. Ismael plucked his Main Gauche from the air and laid into the enemy. Fingolfin raged at his enemies and Arteasian engaged a confused Legionnaire who had unintentionally ended up in our rear, but alone.
Fingolfin seemed to snap out of his rage and cast a spell that sent half the remaining Legionaries fleeing in panic. The Count's Wizards took their toll on me and I was only saved by the Eternal's Grace. Then the Teleport Shield went up. What unfolded is one of the most disparate battles of my life. Never before have I face such magical opposition concentrated on one spot. Slowly we lessened their numbers and fought to restore out battle lines when everything went blank.
Ismael captured the Inquisitor with Apportation saying "You Faith disturbs me Inquisitor" and Fingolfin screamed "He's mine". Then ran over and hacked his torturer to death. A Lightning Bolt grazed him and sparks covered him, but was unaffected. ("There can be only one quickening")
I learned later that one of the Wizard's finally managed to entomb me. Then Ismael was struck a vicious blow and left stunned. Kraypike almost fell to the combined assault of four Legionaries, and Dain was slowed by the sheer press of our foes. Our lives balanced on a razors edge.
But, the eternal has other plans for her Champions and the tide turned.
Artesaian healed Ismael and Kraypike shook it of and returned to the fight. Our battle line was almost complete when an Invisible Wizard turned a Legionnaire Invisible and dooming Fingolfin, but for my forethought. Dain and Ismael could see them. Dain's axe cleaved the life from the Invisible Legionnaire and the Invisible Wizard fled in panic.
Ismael concentrated and reached forth his staff, reversing the entombment, and suddenly I was back. The remaining Wizard's expressed frustration and I sent my jailer crashing down the stairs, sprawling at his fellows feet. Our attacks became more coordinated and theirs less. Until finally we laid low the formidable church Wizard.
We were left with a half dozen Legionaries in front of use and two Wizards trapped between us.
The Good:
Experience Awarded: 3xp
The Bad:
My arrogance almost got us all killed.
The Ugly:
The Count's Men were formidable adversaries, and we succeeded only because of quick wits, necessity, and experience.
Cheers
QM
Errandis's Journal - 2007-07-19
Errandis's Journal - 2007-07-19
Cast of Characters:
Ismael (Jonathon) - A male Human Rogue, Warrior, & Wizard.
Dain (Brian) - A male Dwarf Warrior.
Artesian (Chona) - A female mountain Elf Wizard.
Kraypike (Darryl) - A male Goblin Wizard.
Rene (Glenn) - A male Human Warrior.
Fingolfin (Rufus) - A male Wood Elf Wizard.
Errandis (Eddie) - A male Wood Elf Warrior and Wizard. Knight Bachelour of Lavalee.
Location:
Castle of Baron Insanus, Duchy of Serrun.
The Story Continues... REAP THE WHIRLWIND!!!:
Hurricane winds and rain overwhelm any attempts at communication, but years of experience allow the Companions to leap into action. Spells are cast, Potions imbibed, and a battle plan formed. I open a Gate, the winds cut across it like a flute before I cast Weather Dome on the other side. The Gate opens within four meters of the Stone Buildings in Count Sergius of Shambray's camp.
Ismael steps through bearing the Staff of Earth in one hand and a black steel Scimitar in the other. On reaching the wall,he waits for Fingolfin to opened a hole in the wood outer layer, then struck the stone wall with the staff and cast Shape Stone. Kraypike created a hole in the wall and we pored through the breach attacking a surprised group of Legionaries facing a door at the other end of the room..
I struck first, wooden sword striking from a Legionarie's head and casting a spell. Then Dain crashed his Axe into a stunned Legionaire Ismael struck one guard from behind with Spellbreaker, wounding him. Rene jumped through and threw both of his knives blindly across the room and poked a guy in the eye (he crumpled and died), then tumbled across the floor and skewered another guy's innards from beneath (who then crumpled and died a few seconds later). Fingolfin opened with an effective fireball, Flaming Sword hissing and crackling in the air. Arteasian fired arrows into the narrow confines of the room while cloaked in thick fog.
This is when we learned we faced the elite of the Count of Shambray's Legionaires and they dealt wounds to us as well.
I activeted my Delayed Great Haste and Teleported Other my opponents shield away. Ismael dropped the Staff of Earth and concentrated on a spell and managing to maintain concentration despite things getting a bit dicey when two legionnaires charged him, but through sheer physical presence (Dumb Luck) managed to get them to fall by the wayside without encumbering my thoughts. Dain's mighty axe struck blows that either killed men or ruined equipment. Rene's Sword work left his opponents confused and frustrated. Many paid for there mistakes. Arteasian and Fingolfin both now using swords with quiet fury left Legionaire wondering who exactly was the most dangerous of our band. Then Kraypike's mighty Halberd thrust through the melee and claimed an enemy. And again I clubbed another foe in the head. Doing more with wooden sword than spell.
Unfortunately for theses Elite Legionaires we were more than their match.
Again I struck for my foes helm, but was unsuccessful, then Dain's foes lost his sword. Ismael remained on the defense and successfully maintained his concentration. Rene taught the Legionaires a few lessons is Araterren Fencing, but few would live to put those lessons to use and his Knives continued to bedevil the Legionaires fighting on their own. Dain's axe claimed another victum. Fingolfin's fighting with fury rather than finese still managed to take his toll. Arteasian took advantage of an oppenents preocupation and her sabre opened his throat. Kraypike Halberd swund to the attack again surprising his foe and impailing him. Surprisingly he remained standing despite having been spiked through and through and also taken a nasty backhand from Artesian's saber. Dain admires the guy's toughness and wants to heal him. The Lighting Blade freed the pick for him. And I made life difficult for another opponent.
The Legionaire numbers were slowly shrinking, but not fast enough.
Reinforcements arrived, Wizards of the Count of Shambray's Wizard Corps. Seeing their arrival I Teleported into their midst and struck a blow from behind, but my foe was Blessed by his tree hung god and turned my blade. Rene's Knives lept to the attack again only this time targeting the Wizards, much to their chargrin. Dain admiring the toughness of the mortally wounded Legionaire chose another victum. Fingolfin and Arteasian contined there furious assault. I struck down another wizard on teh stairs almost taking his head off.
I continued to Teleport and attack the Wizards on the stairs forcing them to defend themselves and preventing them from casting spells at us. Dain's axe sailed through the air taking the life of Legion Wizard before returning to his hands.
Then Ismael made his presence felt. A Mass Sleep spell cast on the remaining Legionaires caught 12 of them in its radius. Then Artesian used her Dispel Magic Ring on the Wizards on the stairs.
The Good:
The Bad:
The Ugly:
Cheers
QM
Cast of Characters:
Ismael (Jonathon) - A male Human Rogue, Warrior, & Wizard.
Dain (Brian) - A male Dwarf Warrior.
Artesian (Chona) - A female mountain Elf Wizard.
Kraypike (Darryl) - A male Goblin Wizard.
Rene (Glenn) - A male Human Warrior.
Fingolfin (Rufus) - A male Wood Elf Wizard.
Errandis (Eddie) - A male Wood Elf Warrior and Wizard. Knight Bachelour of Lavalee.
Location:
Castle of Baron Insanus, Duchy of Serrun.
The Story Continues... REAP THE WHIRLWIND!!!:
Hurricane winds and rain overwhelm any attempts at communication, but years of experience allow the Companions to leap into action. Spells are cast, Potions imbibed, and a battle plan formed. I open a Gate, the winds cut across it like a flute before I cast Weather Dome on the other side. The Gate opens within four meters of the Stone Buildings in Count Sergius of Shambray's camp.
Ismael steps through bearing the Staff of Earth in one hand and a black steel Scimitar in the other. On reaching the wall,he waits for Fingolfin to opened a hole in the wood outer layer, then struck the stone wall with the staff and cast Shape Stone. Kraypike created a hole in the wall and we pored through the breach attacking a surprised group of Legionaries facing a door at the other end of the room..
I struck first, wooden sword striking from a Legionarie's head and casting a spell. Then Dain crashed his Axe into a stunned Legionaire Ismael struck one guard from behind with Spellbreaker, wounding him. Rene jumped through and threw both of his knives blindly across the room and poked a guy in the eye (he crumpled and died), then tumbled across the floor and skewered another guy's innards from beneath (who then crumpled and died a few seconds later). Fingolfin opened with an effective fireball, Flaming Sword hissing and crackling in the air. Arteasian fired arrows into the narrow confines of the room while cloaked in thick fog.
This is when we learned we faced the elite of the Count of Shambray's Legionaires and they dealt wounds to us as well.
I activeted my Delayed Great Haste and Teleported Other my opponents shield away. Ismael dropped the Staff of Earth and concentrated on a spell and managing to maintain concentration despite things getting a bit dicey when two legionnaires charged him, but through sheer physical presence (Dumb Luck) managed to get them to fall by the wayside without encumbering my thoughts. Dain's mighty axe struck blows that either killed men or ruined equipment. Rene's Sword work left his opponents confused and frustrated. Many paid for there mistakes. Arteasian and Fingolfin both now using swords with quiet fury left Legionaire wondering who exactly was the most dangerous of our band. Then Kraypike's mighty Halberd thrust through the melee and claimed an enemy. And again I clubbed another foe in the head. Doing more with wooden sword than spell.
Unfortunately for theses Elite Legionaires we were more than their match.
Again I struck for my foes helm, but was unsuccessful, then Dain's foes lost his sword. Ismael remained on the defense and successfully maintained his concentration. Rene taught the Legionaires a few lessons is Araterren Fencing, but few would live to put those lessons to use and his Knives continued to bedevil the Legionaires fighting on their own. Dain's axe claimed another victum. Fingolfin's fighting with fury rather than finese still managed to take his toll. Arteasian took advantage of an oppenents preocupation and her sabre opened his throat. Kraypike Halberd swund to the attack again surprising his foe and impailing him. Surprisingly he remained standing despite having been spiked through and through and also taken a nasty backhand from Artesian's saber. Dain admires the guy's toughness and wants to heal him. The Lighting Blade freed the pick for him. And I made life difficult for another opponent.
The Legionaire numbers were slowly shrinking, but not fast enough.
Reinforcements arrived, Wizards of the Count of Shambray's Wizard Corps. Seeing their arrival I Teleported into their midst and struck a blow from behind, but my foe was Blessed by his tree hung god and turned my blade. Rene's Knives lept to the attack again only this time targeting the Wizards, much to their chargrin. Dain admiring the toughness of the mortally wounded Legionaire chose another victum. Fingolfin and Arteasian contined there furious assault. I struck down another wizard on teh stairs almost taking his head off.
I continued to Teleport and attack the Wizards on the stairs forcing them to defend themselves and preventing them from casting spells at us. Dain's axe sailed through the air taking the life of Legion Wizard before returning to his hands.
Then Ismael made his presence felt. A Mass Sleep spell cast on the remaining Legionaires caught 12 of them in its radius. Then Artesian used her Dispel Magic Ring on the Wizards on the stairs.
The Good:
The Bad:
The Ugly:
Cheers
QM
Errandis's Journal 2007-07-05
Our Story Continues...
We are still debating our next plan of action. So far we have four objectives.
1. Break the siege by neutralizing Rebel Wizards
2. Capture and turn Rebel Wizard Infiltrator into double agent.
3. Kill the Rebel Inquisitor Monsignor Cassius. Who tortured Fingolfin.
4. Secure the Port of Serrun.
I ask Kraypike to create a Fire Elemental which I instruct to burn everything in the Rebel Granary, then cast Invisibility and Teleport Other. Sending a harassing element into the Rebel Encampment.
I agree to do some shopping in Tredroy for Arteasian and Kraypike. For the Lady I pick up Potions and Pastilles commissioned from a Master Alchemist (One each of Reverse Missile
As part of our harassment of the Count Sergius's encampment Kraypike Summons an Air Elemental. The Air Elemental that responds is greater than anything we have witnessed before (Critical Success "3"). It is a Prince amongst its kind. Kraypike rises to the challenge and requests the Prince's aid.
The Prince also knows of Kraypike's companion Haashaastaak "Danger" Zephyr as a fallen greater elemental and to communicate his greetings and a message, a tune really "Bird on my mind"
Afterwords, Kraypike creates a series of Air Elementals to harass the Rebel Encampment by setting off Watch Dog Spells everywhere.
Out to sea a storm is building, when we finally see it. By the time it reaches shore it has reached hurricane force winds. The Rebel encampment is is lost from sight. Standing at the most prominent point on the castle wall looking down upon the enemy I cast Great Voice and "A STORM IS COMING!...OUR STORM!!!"
A defiant voice yells back "No Kidding" The Rebel Wizard's are unable to stop the storm and meanwhile we prepare ourselves to take advantage of the opportunity.
Finally I cast Weather Dome at our point of departure and the Gate, but angled just so to take advantage of the high winds creating a gigantic horn.
The Good:
Celebrated 20yrs of GURPS Fantasy campaign
Great Food, nice wine, and good company
Awarded 3cp each.
The Bad:
The Ugly:
Cheers
QM
Fingolfin's Captivity
captivity
In the morning I talked siegecraft with the castle's engineers, and most interesting talk it was. Then in the afternoon I'd made my way to the forge, where I talked the mastersmith into letting me do some work. Well, not so much talked—I know elves are supposed to be talkers, but while I appreciate a well turned phrase I prefer a certain economy with words. Smiths tend not to be the garrulous type, either. I understand a smithy better than a noble court. At any rate, I walked in, racked some tools, set out a couple of my own, donned apron, checked the fire and cocked an eyebrow. He allowed as how if I singed myself it was my own Madonna-cursed fault, which I took as permission. Ah, there is a simple clarity and elegance to smithcraft. I was working on a sword—not so much for use as to investigate how certain dwarven techniques might be combined with Northlander pattern-welding. I suspect it would have been a poor sword, but I was learning something. If this siege lasted a while before my friends figured out a way to break it, I was thinking the time would be well spent. Things were looking up, thought I, as I walked up to our room to check how the others were doing.
Pop. As I walked in, suddenly I was somewhere else. Specifically, over a pit, falling in. But that wasn't left to chance—before I could fall, let alone clear my head, there was a shout and a slab of wood slammed me down into the pit. Stunned, I gathered my wits and tried for a spell, but nothing was happening, and I felt the absence about me—I was in no mana. Obviously you can't teleport someone directly into a no-mana space, so they had done the next best thing. I was in darkness, but after a moment the cover lifted; I saw many crossbows aimed at me, and the pit's sides were not especially climbable. They ordered me to strip or I would be filled with holes. Then a couple of soldiers came down on a ladder and clubbed me down; when I awoke, I was in a cell.
The cell was of stone and I could feel the mana around me; I thought this seemed amazingly foolish, as many wizards can pass through or reshape simple walls of stone. But no, although I myself was in mana, the walls, ceilings, floor and door were all mana-free. I shudder at the risk some mage must have undergone just to trap me—or rather, I suppose, to blackmail my companions. I was stripped, which seemed a trifle undignified, and there was nothing in the cell—no chains, no cot of straw, and most of all no chamberpot. After a time the place began to smell. So did I. I suppose it was also distinctly cold and uncomfortable, but the humiliation told on me far more. From time to time a square in the cell door was unlatched and food tossed in—again, they gave me neither bowl nor utensil; water was squirted in a stream, which I was obliged to catch in my mouth and drink down as best I could—another humiliation.
After a time, some people came in to talk to me. Soldiers and wizards and an inquisitor, oh my. The inquisitor's name was Cassius, and he wanted information and to inform me of my godless status and the possibility of repentance. Really, he was more interested in the second, and in a way not even that. I'm no veteran of interrogations, but I had the distinct impression that it was all rather pro forma. He didn't value my information much, and as an elf he was fairly certain that I wouldn't be sincerely converting to the faith of any mayfly's deity I have uncles older than (well, or did until the Blackwoods). My value as a prisoner seemed pretty clearly to lie elsewhere. But he was a professional. I think he was reading my mind, because he would ask questions and pay little attention to the answers I spoke, going a bit vague. And again, it seemed as if he was largely following the forms—if he read my mind, he didn't need to torture me and indeed I suspect my agony shut out many thoughts of information, but “the book” said interrogations include torture and he was going to do a good job of it. I expect some of you reading this imagine that you could hold up under professional torture. That is, I expect some of you reading this are fools. No ordinary person can resist torture for long—and it's worse when there's no point. No doubt if I had some dire secret and knew I was winning as long as I could hold it within me—but I had no secrets in particular, and I had nothing to win. And he knew my fears, too—those he did read. My worst did not come to pass, but it was threatened. I cracked, oh yes. In blood and piss and screams and shit and tears, where was the vaunted elegance of the elves, that grace under pressure that we think defines us? Far away and irrelevant.
But he didn't know everything about me. Not all, no. I am a maker; they thought, with nothing in the cell, they had denied me everything that could be used to create, but they were wrong, and when they took my dignity they made themselves more wrong. They were too cute—I realize now and indeed suspected then that I was being used as a lure, or the cell would have been magic-free throughout for greater security and to stop any from tracking me. I can create earth and stone, as many mages can. Now I knew that, did I do anything too obvious or constructive in that line they would stop me. But they had left me no chamberpot, and the cell began to stink. The guards themselves found it hard to take the stench, so they quietly failed to raise objection when I made sand to bury my offal in. Fools. For in that sand I could hide other things. Before the interrogation I would have scorned to rummage in my waste just to hide some tool, but my dignity was gone, and I determined they would learn the folly of taking an elf's limits away.
I have a rare magic. Some wizards can create items from nothing—but these do not last, they disappear as soon as they are no longer held or worn; there is an element of illusion about such things. They cannot exist without mana. I have studied the making and breaking of things long and hard, and learned the elvish magic that lets me make a finished artefact from raw materials, provided I could make it normally given the tools, and the artefact is real and true—only the shaping is done by magic. I made a shield of stone, and a glass sword from sand, and a couple of hooks, and hid them in the sand. And to wield the shield, for handles, I braided my hair—but I could not cut it neatly, for I was not supposed to have a blade. I yanked it out in handfuls. I wrapped the swordhilt in leather, for better grip—I used my own skin, carefully cutting where the inquisitors had cut and then healed, healing myself again afterwards so I looked unchanged. My screams were no doubt horrible; I expect they thought me mad. A matter of degree, I suppose. With the success of the swordhilt, I began to work slowly on a set of leather armour. It is well, I think, that rescue arrived before I had progressed far.
I expected rescue. But I also expected the defenses to be tough, perhaps too hard for my friends to reach me. A bit of help could make the difference. My plan was this: The cell door had two openings of sorts, a grill to look through, and the square flap through which food was sent, latched on the outside. If the alarm went up, I would begin to create an earth barrier in front of my cell door, and mock the sentry that he would be unable to come in to kill me before rescue could arrive. My hope was that he would come to look at what I was doing, and when his face was at the grille I would do my best to stab him through the eye with the glass sword. When he fell, out would come a hook which, fed through the grille, I hoped would enable me to open the latch on the flap. Opening the flap, I would put through my hand and the larger hook, and attempt to get the door key from his belt. I believe the lock to be within arm's reach of the flap. Out I would come, or perhaps better first drag my jailer in to gain his clothes and armour, depending.
In the event, they managed to punch a gate through right outside my cell door, overpowering any teleport blocks, much to my and I'd say my captors' amazement. I did injure my sentry somewhat—discounting the helpless prisoner within, he turned away to face the danger coming through the gate, and the glass point took him in the neck. It distracted him, but his gorget was too tough for me to do his business that way. But with no foes to fight through, the couple of sentries by my door, even though one was a mage with some competence, were never going to stop people like Errandis, Dain, Kraypike and Ismail. So I was rescued, a naked, stinking elf bereft of dignity, under the eyes of my friends. I was grateful, but I nearly broke once more at their refusal to leave me alone. Errandis was the worst—his noblesse oblige, wanting to help me when I needed him to not see me, to not have seen me. By helping, by giving, he drew attention to my lack.
I had no real interest in this contest between humans up until now. That has changed. I can have no dignity until this Monsignor Cassius lies dead. Perhaps not then. But whether I regain any claim to elegance or no, these people will regret stripping it from me.
In the morning I talked siegecraft with the castle's engineers, and most interesting talk it was. Then in the afternoon I'd made my way to the forge, where I talked the mastersmith into letting me do some work. Well, not so much talked—I know elves are supposed to be talkers, but while I appreciate a well turned phrase I prefer a certain economy with words. Smiths tend not to be the garrulous type, either. I understand a smithy better than a noble court. At any rate, I walked in, racked some tools, set out a couple of my own, donned apron, checked the fire and cocked an eyebrow. He allowed as how if I singed myself it was my own Madonna-cursed fault, which I took as permission. Ah, there is a simple clarity and elegance to smithcraft. I was working on a sword—not so much for use as to investigate how certain dwarven techniques might be combined with Northlander pattern-welding. I suspect it would have been a poor sword, but I was learning something. If this siege lasted a while before my friends figured out a way to break it, I was thinking the time would be well spent. Things were looking up, thought I, as I walked up to our room to check how the others were doing.
Pop. As I walked in, suddenly I was somewhere else. Specifically, over a pit, falling in. But that wasn't left to chance—before I could fall, let alone clear my head, there was a shout and a slab of wood slammed me down into the pit. Stunned, I gathered my wits and tried for a spell, but nothing was happening, and I felt the absence about me—I was in no mana. Obviously you can't teleport someone directly into a no-mana space, so they had done the next best thing. I was in darkness, but after a moment the cover lifted; I saw many crossbows aimed at me, and the pit's sides were not especially climbable. They ordered me to strip or I would be filled with holes. Then a couple of soldiers came down on a ladder and clubbed me down; when I awoke, I was in a cell.
The cell was of stone and I could feel the mana around me; I thought this seemed amazingly foolish, as many wizards can pass through or reshape simple walls of stone. But no, although I myself was in mana, the walls, ceilings, floor and door were all mana-free. I shudder at the risk some mage must have undergone just to trap me—or rather, I suppose, to blackmail my companions. I was stripped, which seemed a trifle undignified, and there was nothing in the cell—no chains, no cot of straw, and most of all no chamberpot. After a time the place began to smell. So did I. I suppose it was also distinctly cold and uncomfortable, but the humiliation told on me far more. From time to time a square in the cell door was unlatched and food tossed in—again, they gave me neither bowl nor utensil; water was squirted in a stream, which I was obliged to catch in my mouth and drink down as best I could—another humiliation.
After a time, some people came in to talk to me. Soldiers and wizards and an inquisitor, oh my. The inquisitor's name was Cassius, and he wanted information and to inform me of my godless status and the possibility of repentance. Really, he was more interested in the second, and in a way not even that. I'm no veteran of interrogations, but I had the distinct impression that it was all rather pro forma. He didn't value my information much, and as an elf he was fairly certain that I wouldn't be sincerely converting to the faith of any mayfly's deity I have uncles older than (well, or did until the Blackwoods). My value as a prisoner seemed pretty clearly to lie elsewhere. But he was a professional. I think he was reading my mind, because he would ask questions and pay little attention to the answers I spoke, going a bit vague. And again, it seemed as if he was largely following the forms—if he read my mind, he didn't need to torture me and indeed I suspect my agony shut out many thoughts of information, but “the book” said interrogations include torture and he was going to do a good job of it. I expect some of you reading this imagine that you could hold up under professional torture. That is, I expect some of you reading this are fools. No ordinary person can resist torture for long—and it's worse when there's no point. No doubt if I had some dire secret and knew I was winning as long as I could hold it within me—but I had no secrets in particular, and I had nothing to win. And he knew my fears, too—those he did read. My worst did not come to pass, but it was threatened. I cracked, oh yes. In blood and piss and screams and shit and tears, where was the vaunted elegance of the elves, that grace under pressure that we think defines us? Far away and irrelevant.
But he didn't know everything about me. Not all, no. I am a maker; they thought, with nothing in the cell, they had denied me everything that could be used to create, but they were wrong, and when they took my dignity they made themselves more wrong. They were too cute—I realize now and indeed suspected then that I was being used as a lure, or the cell would have been magic-free throughout for greater security and to stop any from tracking me. I can create earth and stone, as many mages can. Now I knew that, did I do anything too obvious or constructive in that line they would stop me. But they had left me no chamberpot, and the cell began to stink. The guards themselves found it hard to take the stench, so they quietly failed to raise objection when I made sand to bury my offal in. Fools. For in that sand I could hide other things. Before the interrogation I would have scorned to rummage in my waste just to hide some tool, but my dignity was gone, and I determined they would learn the folly of taking an elf's limits away.
I have a rare magic. Some wizards can create items from nothing—but these do not last, they disappear as soon as they are no longer held or worn; there is an element of illusion about such things. They cannot exist without mana. I have studied the making and breaking of things long and hard, and learned the elvish magic that lets me make a finished artefact from raw materials, provided I could make it normally given the tools, and the artefact is real and true—only the shaping is done by magic. I made a shield of stone, and a glass sword from sand, and a couple of hooks, and hid them in the sand. And to wield the shield, for handles, I braided my hair—but I could not cut it neatly, for I was not supposed to have a blade. I yanked it out in handfuls. I wrapped the swordhilt in leather, for better grip—I used my own skin, carefully cutting where the inquisitors had cut and then healed, healing myself again afterwards so I looked unchanged. My screams were no doubt horrible; I expect they thought me mad. A matter of degree, I suppose. With the success of the swordhilt, I began to work slowly on a set of leather armour. It is well, I think, that rescue arrived before I had progressed far.
I expected rescue. But I also expected the defenses to be tough, perhaps too hard for my friends to reach me. A bit of help could make the difference. My plan was this: The cell door had two openings of sorts, a grill to look through, and the square flap through which food was sent, latched on the outside. If the alarm went up, I would begin to create an earth barrier in front of my cell door, and mock the sentry that he would be unable to come in to kill me before rescue could arrive. My hope was that he would come to look at what I was doing, and when his face was at the grille I would do my best to stab him through the eye with the glass sword. When he fell, out would come a hook which, fed through the grille, I hoped would enable me to open the latch on the flap. Opening the flap, I would put through my hand and the larger hook, and attempt to get the door key from his belt. I believe the lock to be within arm's reach of the flap. Out I would come, or perhaps better first drag my jailer in to gain his clothes and armour, depending.
In the event, they managed to punch a gate through right outside my cell door, overpowering any teleport blocks, much to my and I'd say my captors' amazement. I did injure my sentry somewhat—discounting the helpless prisoner within, he turned away to face the danger coming through the gate, and the glass point took him in the neck. It distracted him, but his gorget was too tough for me to do his business that way. But with no foes to fight through, the couple of sentries by my door, even though one was a mage with some competence, were never going to stop people like Errandis, Dain, Kraypike and Ismail. So I was rescued, a naked, stinking elf bereft of dignity, under the eyes of my friends. I was grateful, but I nearly broke once more at their refusal to leave me alone. Errandis was the worst—his noblesse oblige, wanting to help me when I needed him to not see me, to not have seen me. By helping, by giving, he drew attention to my lack.
I had no real interest in this contest between humans up until now. That has changed. I can have no dignity until this Monsignor Cassius lies dead. Perhaps not then. But whether I regain any claim to elegance or no, these people will regret stripping it from me.
Errandis's Journal 2007-06-22
Errandis's Journal 2007-06-22
Cast of Characters:
Fingolfin - Captured
Artesian -
Kraypike -
Rene -
Ismael -
Errandis -
Location:
Castle of Maximus, Duchy of Serrun (Loyalist)
Camp of Sergius , Duchy of Serrun (Rebel)
Our Story Continues...
There are times I despair of my friends reckless ways. Upon learning of Fingolfin's capture I returned to the Castle under siege and managed to convince them to wait until I have prepared defenses against spies to discuss our rescue plans. Part of which involved growing plants in the room into a pentagram.
Our room secured we begin making plans. I decided to withhold my suggestions and allow them to present their own ideas and inform them of what is and is not possible thaumaturgically. We finally agree to Kraypike's plan.
I find Lord Henri and inform him that I must drop the Wisdom Spell I have maintained for the last week, but I offered to aid him to find similar and more permanent solutions elsewhere. He intern offered his thanks and favour in the future.
I will cast the Gate spell using Ceremonial & Ritual Magic with support from the Castle's Defenders. I ask that he prepare the supporters and give me 3hrs to prepare a few surprises of my own. First I teleport to Telperion (Stirling) Wood and negotiated the use of a Ceremonial & Ritual Magic with a Delay. I teleport again to Istarlond, in Megalos and do it again.
Before I cast the Gate Ceremonial & Ritual Magic I teleport into the Rebel Investment and unleash a 25 hex Dispel Magic on their most heavily guarded position, then a 50 hex Sparking Cloud against their war horses, and then return to the Castle for the rescue. Then I warn Fingolfin we are coming.
Was it luck, fate, or destiny that allowed us to succeed I do not know. The Gate opens inside the building and the rescue begins. Kraypike casts his spell and creates a geyser that would fills one side of the corridor and pins one guard to the ceiling. Rene and Ismael fly out from either side of him and attack the remaining guard and wizard.
Fingolfin surprises everyone when a glass sword slides through the bars of his cell door and strikes the Wizard in the neck, distracting and disrupting his spell casting and Kraypike's Halberd strikes, but fails to pin the Wizard to the wall like an insect.
From the Castle side of the Gate I cast See Invisibility on on Ismael and Dain as they run through the gate
Then Dain bulls his way through to Fingolfin's cell , attaches hooks to the door which are connected chains, and pulleys which are in turn pulled by war horses on the other side of the Gate. Ready to rip the door open.
A flurry of blows are exchanged and on guard smashes his club against his shield and a brilliant flash dazzles us all. The ceiling above them crashes down.
My Teleport Other fails against the Wizard. Kraypike's Air Elemental friend gets the war horses pulling and the door groans, but holds. Another of the Wizards spells is disrupted and a guard spills out of the geyser onto the floor at their feet.
Ismael apports the other guard and he slowly floats towards the geyser. Knives from Rene's belt fly from their sheaths and attack the Wizard along with Kraypike and Arteasian, but somehow he defends himself. Unfortunately Dain's Great Axe buries itself in his chest killing him instantly.
The horses strain,but the door stays in its frame slowly warping enough for Fingolfin to slip out with Glass Sword in one hand and Stone Shield in the other. An unfortunate guard was lying there for him to vent his wrath upon. The ceiling above them collapses in and faces can he seen in the hole above.
Reinforcements open the door at the other end of the corridor and run smack into Kraypike's Geyser at one end and my Utter Dome at the other. A Wizard above frost bites Dain, who is stunned, but quickly manages to recover and grabs the Wizard's body as we begin our extraction. An Wizard above Air Jets Kraypike and sends his spinning him into the geyser which spat him out again relatively unharmed due to his armour. While the others withdraw I cast another Utter Dome blocking blocking the hole in the ceiling.
I cast one more spell through the Gate. A parting insult to Fingolfin's hosts. An old elven tune, bright, mocking, and victorious that will last for hours and carries through out the Rebel camp.
Fingolfin was in ill temper and forgot his shyness for a time and was not fit company. We healed our wounded and mended our gear and waited to hear his story. When he was ready he told us of his ordeal with a Church Inquisitor. Unspoken was his desire for revenge. Many of us are leaning heavily towards that. Arteasian and I loaned him some Powerstones and were amused that he no possessed more power than before his capture.
Kraypike apologized for not making the rescue amusing (Goblins!!!) And we discussed our next step. To break the siege we need to remove count Sergius's Wizards from the board. We could also strike at his supplies and officers. We also need to find the Wizard who kidnapped Fingolfin ann infiltrated the keep and our rooms.
Plans within plans, wheels with in wheels. Unfortunately now the Rebels are aware of the Fleet of Araterrean, Cardien, and Megalosian Fleets moving in on Serrun. I file reports to the Imperial Intelligence Ministry, Lord Imric, and Istarlond.
The Good:
A successful rescue.
Awarded XP: 3 1/2
The Bad:
Errandis's plans did not work out exactly as planned.
The Ugly:
Fingolfin made the acquaintance of an Inquisitor
Cheers
QM
Cast of Characters:
Fingolfin - Captured
Artesian -
Kraypike -
Rene -
Ismael -
Errandis -
Location:
Castle of Maximus, Duchy of Serrun (Loyalist)
Camp of Sergius , Duchy of Serrun (Rebel)
Our Story Continues...
There are times I despair of my friends reckless ways. Upon learning of Fingolfin's capture I returned to the Castle under siege and managed to convince them to wait until I have prepared defenses against spies to discuss our rescue plans. Part of which involved growing plants in the room into a pentagram.
Our room secured we begin making plans. I decided to withhold my suggestions and allow them to present their own ideas and inform them of what is and is not possible thaumaturgically. We finally agree to Kraypike's plan.
I find Lord Henri and inform him that I must drop the Wisdom Spell I have maintained for the last week, but I offered to aid him to find similar and more permanent solutions elsewhere. He intern offered his thanks and favour in the future.
I will cast the Gate spell using Ceremonial & Ritual Magic with support from the Castle's Defenders. I ask that he prepare the supporters and give me 3hrs to prepare a few surprises of my own. First I teleport to Telperion (Stirling) Wood and negotiated the use of a Ceremonial & Ritual Magic with a Delay. I teleport again to Istarlond, in Megalos and do it again.
Before I cast the Gate Ceremonial & Ritual Magic I teleport into the Rebel Investment and unleash a 25 hex Dispel Magic on their most heavily guarded position, then a 50 hex Sparking Cloud against their war horses, and then return to the Castle for the rescue. Then I warn Fingolfin we are coming.
Was it luck, fate, or destiny that allowed us to succeed I do not know. The Gate opens inside the building and the rescue begins. Kraypike casts his spell and creates a geyser that would fills one side of the corridor and pins one guard to the ceiling. Rene and Ismael fly out from either side of him and attack the remaining guard and wizard.
Fingolfin surprises everyone when a glass sword slides through the bars of his cell door and strikes the Wizard in the neck, distracting and disrupting his spell casting and Kraypike's Halberd strikes, but fails to pin the Wizard to the wall like an insect.
From the Castle side of the Gate I cast See Invisibility on on Ismael and Dain as they run through the gate
Then Dain bulls his way through to Fingolfin's cell , attaches hooks to the door which are connected chains, and pulleys which are in turn pulled by war horses on the other side of the Gate. Ready to rip the door open.
A flurry of blows are exchanged and on guard smashes his club against his shield and a brilliant flash dazzles us all. The ceiling above them crashes down.
My Teleport Other fails against the Wizard. Kraypike's Air Elemental friend gets the war horses pulling and the door groans, but holds. Another of the Wizards spells is disrupted and a guard spills out of the geyser onto the floor at their feet.
Ismael apports the other guard and he slowly floats towards the geyser. Knives from Rene's belt fly from their sheaths and attack the Wizard along with Kraypike and Arteasian, but somehow he defends himself. Unfortunately Dain's Great Axe buries itself in his chest killing him instantly.
The horses strain,but the door stays in its frame slowly warping enough for Fingolfin to slip out with Glass Sword in one hand and Stone Shield in the other. An unfortunate guard was lying there for him to vent his wrath upon. The ceiling above them collapses in and faces can he seen in the hole above.
Reinforcements open the door at the other end of the corridor and run smack into Kraypike's Geyser at one end and my Utter Dome at the other. A Wizard above frost bites Dain, who is stunned, but quickly manages to recover and grabs the Wizard's body as we begin our extraction. An Wizard above Air Jets Kraypike and sends his spinning him into the geyser which spat him out again relatively unharmed due to his armour. While the others withdraw I cast another Utter Dome blocking blocking the hole in the ceiling.
I cast one more spell through the Gate. A parting insult to Fingolfin's hosts. An old elven tune, bright, mocking, and victorious that will last for hours and carries through out the Rebel camp.
Fingolfin was in ill temper and forgot his shyness for a time and was not fit company. We healed our wounded and mended our gear and waited to hear his story. When he was ready he told us of his ordeal with a Church Inquisitor. Unspoken was his desire for revenge. Many of us are leaning heavily towards that. Arteasian and I loaned him some Powerstones and were amused that he no possessed more power than before his capture.
Kraypike apologized for not making the rescue amusing (Goblins!!!) And we discussed our next step. To break the siege we need to remove count Sergius's Wizards from the board. We could also strike at his supplies and officers. We also need to find the Wizard who kidnapped Fingolfin ann infiltrated the keep and our rooms.
Plans within plans, wheels with in wheels. Unfortunately now the Rebels are aware of the Fleet of Araterrean, Cardien, and Megalosian Fleets moving in on Serrun. I file reports to the Imperial Intelligence Ministry, Lord Imric, and Istarlond.
The Good:
A successful rescue.
Awarded XP: 3 1/2
The Bad:
Errandis's plans did not work out exactly as planned.
The Ugly:
Fingolfin made the acquaintance of an Inquisitor
Cheers
QM
The Black Woods Incident
The Black Woods Incident
It seems the dark elves, who were largely in control of the Blackwoods and had been expanding it at the expense of human territory for generations, had grown disillusioned and impatient with such incremental approaches. They had discovered magics capable of generating gates to other realms, other realities. Deep in the heart of the Blackwoods, a circle of their greatest wizards had opened such a gate, attempting to contact a plane from which they could draw something capable of putting an end to what they saw as the abomination of humanity. They succeeded too well. A swarm out of Lovecraftian nightmare came pouring through the gate, horrific beyond understanding, incredibly varied, yet all controlled by a single will emanating from an unimaginably huge being. The wizards were infested, parasitized and taken over in moments, before they could drop the gate. They remained there, keeping it open, while the dark things spread through the forest, breeding rapidly, and the central being began to come through the gate. It was so huge that the process was to take some years to complete. They threatened to spread through the entire world, ending all other life. Some dark elves escaped, and warned the elves of what was happening. Now the elves, while not massive in number and scattered in many small communities, are both magically potent and immortal. They have, or had, many wizards of great power and sophistication. They showed in this crisis that as a group, they neither ducked nor shirked; faced with disaster, they managed an unprecedented muster of elves from all over the continent. Unnoticed by the world, the elves went to war.
It was a disaster. The dark things were too numerous and too dangerous. Merely encountering them was to court insanity—they were so alien that their very nature awakened fear. The variety was bewildering. Some were large and some small, some invisible, but all perilous. Some leapt upon heads to cling like obscene helmets then punch tentacles in through the eyes to the brain, animating their victim like a living zombie. Some tracked prey by sensing mental emanations. One variety seems like nothing more than an oily fog—but the fog gradually began to digest those within it, defending its vulnerable nucleus with an immune system of bizarre subcreatures. The flower of the elves died that day; most of those that remained were insane, disabled or both. But a few of the most powerful wizards managed, when they saw the day was lost, to put into place a last ditch containment plan. The ongoing contact between worlds was in a strange, subtle way a source of great power. These wizards placed a network of standing stones in a pattern encircling the entire forest, and made of them a mystic barrier like an enormous pentagram. The dark things had sufficient power to break through, save for one thing: The barrier drew its power from the gate, and was linked to it. Should the barrier be broken, the gate too would fail. And the central controlling entity was only part way through the gate—should the gate shut, it would be cut in two. But this was a stopgap measure—given enough time, the being would finish its entry into our world, at which point it would quickly break down the barrier and begin expanding through the world. The world was ending, and hardly anybody knew.
It was a couple of years after these events that the remaining dark elves thought to contact Imric, the exile who had never been informed during the crisis. Having been blissfully unaware of the debacle, he was now one of the more powerful remaining elves, and acquainted with a number of other very dangerous people. The mission they hoped he could undertake, to shut the gate by whatever means necessary—probably the merciful death of at least one of the infested dark elven wizards doomed to maintain the circle. Of course, this would be no small task—the gate was at the centre of the forest, hundreds of miles in, and not only were the creatures incredibly dangerous but many of the elves who fought them had been taken over rather than simply dying; their arcane power now added to the danger. Imric assembled a team of expertly violent people to help with the task—particularly his old friend Too Tall from the Wrecking Crew and Cat from the Velvet Hammer. I'll write up what happened later. For the moment, let it be said that success was achieved but it was a near thing.
It seems the dark elves, who were largely in control of the Blackwoods and had been expanding it at the expense of human territory for generations, had grown disillusioned and impatient with such incremental approaches. They had discovered magics capable of generating gates to other realms, other realities. Deep in the heart of the Blackwoods, a circle of their greatest wizards had opened such a gate, attempting to contact a plane from which they could draw something capable of putting an end to what they saw as the abomination of humanity. They succeeded too well. A swarm out of Lovecraftian nightmare came pouring through the gate, horrific beyond understanding, incredibly varied, yet all controlled by a single will emanating from an unimaginably huge being. The wizards were infested, parasitized and taken over in moments, before they could drop the gate. They remained there, keeping it open, while the dark things spread through the forest, breeding rapidly, and the central being began to come through the gate. It was so huge that the process was to take some years to complete. They threatened to spread through the entire world, ending all other life. Some dark elves escaped, and warned the elves of what was happening. Now the elves, while not massive in number and scattered in many small communities, are both magically potent and immortal. They have, or had, many wizards of great power and sophistication. They showed in this crisis that as a group, they neither ducked nor shirked; faced with disaster, they managed an unprecedented muster of elves from all over the continent. Unnoticed by the world, the elves went to war.
It was a disaster. The dark things were too numerous and too dangerous. Merely encountering them was to court insanity—they were so alien that their very nature awakened fear. The variety was bewildering. Some were large and some small, some invisible, but all perilous. Some leapt upon heads to cling like obscene helmets then punch tentacles in through the eyes to the brain, animating their victim like a living zombie. Some tracked prey by sensing mental emanations. One variety seems like nothing more than an oily fog—but the fog gradually began to digest those within it, defending its vulnerable nucleus with an immune system of bizarre subcreatures. The flower of the elves died that day; most of those that remained were insane, disabled or both. But a few of the most powerful wizards managed, when they saw the day was lost, to put into place a last ditch containment plan. The ongoing contact between worlds was in a strange, subtle way a source of great power. These wizards placed a network of standing stones in a pattern encircling the entire forest, and made of them a mystic barrier like an enormous pentagram. The dark things had sufficient power to break through, save for one thing: The barrier drew its power from the gate, and was linked to it. Should the barrier be broken, the gate too would fail. And the central controlling entity was only part way through the gate—should the gate shut, it would be cut in two. But this was a stopgap measure—given enough time, the being would finish its entry into our world, at which point it would quickly break down the barrier and begin expanding through the world. The world was ending, and hardly anybody knew.
It was a couple of years after these events that the remaining dark elves thought to contact Imric, the exile who had never been informed during the crisis. Having been blissfully unaware of the debacle, he was now one of the more powerful remaining elves, and acquainted with a number of other very dangerous people. The mission they hoped he could undertake, to shut the gate by whatever means necessary—probably the merciful death of at least one of the infested dark elven wizards doomed to maintain the circle. Of course, this would be no small task—the gate was at the centre of the forest, hundreds of miles in, and not only were the creatures incredibly dangerous but many of the elves who fought them had been taken over rather than simply dying; their arcane power now added to the danger. Imric assembled a team of expertly violent people to help with the task—particularly his old friend Too Tall from the Wrecking Crew and Cat from the Velvet Hammer. I'll write up what happened later. For the moment, let it be said that success was achieved but it was a near thing.
Errandis's Jorunal - 2007-06-08
Errandis's Jorunal - 2007-06-08
Cast of Characters:
Ismael (Jonathon) - A male Human Rogue, Warrior, & Wizard.
Dain (Brian) - A male Dwarf Warrior.
Artesian (Chona) - A female mountain Elf Wizard.
Kraypike (Darryl) - A male Goblin Wizard.
Rene (Glenn) - A male Human Warrior.
Fingolfin (Rufus) - A male Wood Elf Wizard.
Errandis (Eddie) - A male Wood Elf Warrior and Wizard. Knight Bachelour of Lavalee.
Game Master:
Rufus - GMing
Darryl -
Eddie -
Location:
Castle Insanius (Harlech/Thunderdrome), Duchy of Serrun, Empire of Megalos
Telperion (Sterling Wood), Kingdom of Caithness
The Story Continues...
I bid my friends good bye and Teleport to Telperion (Sterling Wood) in Caithness and make arrangements to recharge my Powerstones under the Malorn tree's branches which is a very high mana zone greatly reduce the time required to recharge them.
After resting, I Teleport back to Serrun in secret. I scout the investment looking for weaknesses and surprises, gather intelligence on Rebel Forces, and undermine their moral. Spreading rumour, propaganda, and sabotauging their trust in one another.
On the third day Fingolfin is kidnapped by an infiltrator capable of Suspending Enchantments, Illusion Disguises and avoiding detection, The Companions discover Fingolfin missing on day four. They contact me using an enchanted item and notify me of the situation. I cast Communicate with Kraypike and tell them that something has come up in the Lebethron (Black Woods) and I will be delayed.
The whole time I am subtly trying to signal that our conversation is being listened in on.
One of Kraypikes Air Elementals catches on and points out the presence of an invisible Wizard in the room. Panamonium insues, but the Wizard escapes. Later that day they find a note in our room.
The Rebel Forces are holding Fingolfin hostage for my good behaviour. Fortunately they do not know if they have communicated this to me. This gives us a subtle tactical advantage. Kraypike wants to go right now, but I caution them. Gather some intelligence, find Fingolfin, and confirm his presence.
The Companions use their resources to locate Fingolfin and devise a plan. My part in it is purely transportation, but I plan to have a surprise of my own in reserve.
Time will tell if we made the right descision.
Cast of Characters:
Ismael (Jonathon) - A male Human Rogue, Warrior, & Wizard.
Dain (Brian) - A male Dwarf Warrior.
Artesian (Chona) - A female mountain Elf Wizard.
Kraypike (Darryl) - A male Goblin Wizard.
Rene (Glenn) - A male Human Warrior.
Fingolfin (Rufus) - A male Wood Elf Wizard.
Errandis (Eddie) - A male Wood Elf Warrior and Wizard. Knight Bachelour of Lavalee.
Game Master:
Rufus - GMing
Darryl -
Eddie -
Location:
Castle Insanius (Harlech/Thunderdrome), Duchy of Serrun, Empire of Megalos
Telperion (Sterling Wood), Kingdom of Caithness
The Story Continues...
I bid my friends good bye and Teleport to Telperion (Sterling Wood) in Caithness and make arrangements to recharge my Powerstones under the Malorn tree's branches which is a very high mana zone greatly reduce the time required to recharge them.
After resting, I Teleport back to Serrun in secret. I scout the investment looking for weaknesses and surprises, gather intelligence on Rebel Forces, and undermine their moral. Spreading rumour, propaganda, and sabotauging their trust in one another.
On the third day Fingolfin is kidnapped by an infiltrator capable of Suspending Enchantments, Illusion Disguises and avoiding detection, The Companions discover Fingolfin missing on day four. They contact me using an enchanted item and notify me of the situation. I cast Communicate with Kraypike and tell them that something has come up in the Lebethron (Black Woods) and I will be delayed.
The whole time I am subtly trying to signal that our conversation is being listened in on.
One of Kraypikes Air Elementals catches on and points out the presence of an invisible Wizard in the room. Panamonium insues, but the Wizard escapes. Later that day they find a note in our room.
The Rebel Forces are holding Fingolfin hostage for my good behaviour. Fortunately they do not know if they have communicated this to me. This gives us a subtle tactical advantage. Kraypike wants to go right now, but I caution them. Gather some intelligence, find Fingolfin, and confirm his presence.
The Companions use their resources to locate Fingolfin and devise a plan. My part in it is purely transportation, but I plan to have a surprise of my own in reserve.
Time will tell if we made the right descision.
Kraypike's Point of View
Kraypikes Drunkenly Reminices about the siege: 2007-05-08
... Dain was still hot under the collar about the beard remark, so I tweaked him a bit more about it, reassuring him that although the old Dain's beard was bigger, his was more neat and orderly, silkier. Heh heh, Dain is so much fun when he isn't wreaking mayhem. Later, when that psycho elf bint Artesian suggested I keep creating earth elementals and sending 'em into the enemy camp, I explained that I make 'em too big to control afterwards, so the opposing mages don't just take 'em over. It's more fun that way. What was I talking about? Oh yeah, Dain. So Dain says, how do you make sure they're friendly afterwards, and I just put my arm around Dain and tell him I make friends with them, just like I make I do with him. Ah, the look on his face was beautiful.
So, Errandis does his charming gracious act and says he has to recharge his stones and takes off on his own. As usual. That pompous pignut is a living demonstration of why the Elves are on the bottom, not the top. Powerful, charming, smooth, slick, and always gotta do it all on his own. No concept of working with the team. Constantly demonstrating his contempt by going off on his own without even the faintest attempt at co-ordination. It'd be fun looking forward to the day when we have to rescue him after he goes off to be the prima-donna, but we'd never know where to go to get him unless the opposition told us where they have him, like what happened with Fingolfin.
Fingolfin? Yeah, he got kidnapped during the siege. It was pretty slickly done too. Just vanished out of our room, even though the whole castle was teleport blocked. We got that after Artesian and Rene did some serious grilling of the servants. No no, just talking, no actual grilling, though if it wasn't for Rene, I swear that crazy... what? Oh yeah. So we tap one of the castle mages to seeker him, and the mage blows through some scryguard and tell us a mile that-a-way in a stone cell. And he saw a naked arm.
Turns out the other side has built some small squat stone buildings. Mage formed stone. So I send in an air elemental to scout. Any excuse is a good one for creating elementals. He finds Fingolfin, in one of the buildings and there's lots of guards and mages in there, and there was a no mana area between Fingolfin and the elemental. So it's a trap, see, 'cause they weakly scryguarded him but didn't put him in no mana. And the walls of the stone building are lined with wood inside. So then I send an earth elemental to scout from below. The earth elemental can't move up through the floor 'cause of wood.
So, then we clack Errandis' magic nutshell so we can update him. I was champing on getting some teleport items so we wouldn't have to do this in the future. We're too reliant on that flighty pribbling shard-borne... er, bold and noble knight. We tell him whats what, and he says he's busy and won't be back until he said he would be. No teleport goodies for us yet.
Then we do our first rescue attempt, which fails... but gets me a really really cool air elemental buddy... smart, sarcastic, and adventureous. "Danger is my middle name" he says. Then he had to think up a full name: "Haashaastaak Danger Trouble Zepher". Really great elemental. What? Oh the rescue attempt. That whacked out elf broad Artesian had a one shot high skill teleport item, so I created the elemental, cast body of air on Artesian, she gave the teleport ring to the elemental, and I told the elemental to sneak in and toss the ring through the no mana to Fingofin. Well, the elemental got jumped by a mage who could see him and air-jetted the hell out of him. He got away, but the ring wound up in enemy hands. Maybe the spy told 'em about the elementals.
Yeah, the invisible teleporting illusion disguised mage who was spying on us. What do you mean? Well Fingolfin didn't kidnap himself! How did we know, his capabilities? Well, after that there was a note left in our room saying they'd spring Fingolfin if Errandis stopped interfering. Yeah, he was doing his thing. "Recharging my stones" my ass. So Rene spins this bullshit line about having "mind powers" like his old companion that freaky Reptile Man in the Wrecking Crew and gets a reading of the paper's history and the personality of who wrote the note. A puissant sneaky cautious mage surrounded by enemies. Then good ol Haashaastaak asks how we know he ain't spying on us right now. "Good point", I say, "run around real quick and see if you bump into anyone". Whoosh! and Haashaastaak says "Someone's here, ups! He's gone". Well we pull in a castle mage, and it turns out our invisible buddy had cast suspend enchantment on the teleport block in a corner of the room. Nice trick eh? Then we grill servants some more so Rene can match personality readings off their stuff with them (I gotta find out what magic item he uses for that, the guy isn't a mage), and we learn that someone was in two places at once. Rene gets a read of that servant woman, and it she's not the spy. So, we have a mage who can teleport, be invisible, cast suspend enchantment, and do illlusion disguise. No wonder he nabbed Fingofin.
... Dain was still hot under the collar about the beard remark, so I tweaked him a bit more about it, reassuring him that although the old Dain's beard was bigger, his was more neat and orderly, silkier. Heh heh, Dain is so much fun when he isn't wreaking mayhem. Later, when that psycho elf bint Artesian suggested I keep creating earth elementals and sending 'em into the enemy camp, I explained that I make 'em too big to control afterwards, so the opposing mages don't just take 'em over. It's more fun that way. What was I talking about? Oh yeah, Dain. So Dain says, how do you make sure they're friendly afterwards, and I just put my arm around Dain and tell him I make friends with them, just like I make I do with him. Ah, the look on his face was beautiful.
So, Errandis does his charming gracious act and says he has to recharge his stones and takes off on his own. As usual. That pompous pignut is a living demonstration of why the Elves are on the bottom, not the top. Powerful, charming, smooth, slick, and always gotta do it all on his own. No concept of working with the team. Constantly demonstrating his contempt by going off on his own without even the faintest attempt at co-ordination. It'd be fun looking forward to the day when we have to rescue him after he goes off to be the prima-donna, but we'd never know where to go to get him unless the opposition told us where they have him, like what happened with Fingolfin.
Fingolfin? Yeah, he got kidnapped during the siege. It was pretty slickly done too. Just vanished out of our room, even though the whole castle was teleport blocked. We got that after Artesian and Rene did some serious grilling of the servants. No no, just talking, no actual grilling, though if it wasn't for Rene, I swear that crazy... what? Oh yeah. So we tap one of the castle mages to seeker him, and the mage blows through some scryguard and tell us a mile that-a-way in a stone cell. And he saw a naked arm.
Turns out the other side has built some small squat stone buildings. Mage formed stone. So I send in an air elemental to scout. Any excuse is a good one for creating elementals. He finds Fingolfin, in one of the buildings and there's lots of guards and mages in there, and there was a no mana area between Fingolfin and the elemental. So it's a trap, see, 'cause they weakly scryguarded him but didn't put him in no mana. And the walls of the stone building are lined with wood inside. So then I send an earth elemental to scout from below. The earth elemental can't move up through the floor 'cause of wood.
So, then we clack Errandis' magic nutshell so we can update him. I was champing on getting some teleport items so we wouldn't have to do this in the future. We're too reliant on that flighty pribbling shard-borne... er, bold and noble knight. We tell him whats what, and he says he's busy and won't be back until he said he would be. No teleport goodies for us yet.
Then we do our first rescue attempt, which fails... but gets me a really really cool air elemental buddy... smart, sarcastic, and adventureous. "Danger is my middle name" he says. Then he had to think up a full name: "Haashaastaak Danger Trouble Zepher". Really great elemental. What? Oh the rescue attempt. That whacked out elf broad Artesian had a one shot high skill teleport item, so I created the elemental, cast body of air on Artesian, she gave the teleport ring to the elemental, and I told the elemental to sneak in and toss the ring through the no mana to Fingofin. Well, the elemental got jumped by a mage who could see him and air-jetted the hell out of him. He got away, but the ring wound up in enemy hands. Maybe the spy told 'em about the elementals.
Yeah, the invisible teleporting illusion disguised mage who was spying on us. What do you mean? Well Fingolfin didn't kidnap himself! How did we know, his capabilities? Well, after that there was a note left in our room saying they'd spring Fingolfin if Errandis stopped interfering. Yeah, he was doing his thing. "Recharging my stones" my ass. So Rene spins this bullshit line about having "mind powers" like his old companion that freaky Reptile Man in the Wrecking Crew and gets a reading of the paper's history and the personality of who wrote the note. A puissant sneaky cautious mage surrounded by enemies. Then good ol Haashaastaak asks how we know he ain't spying on us right now. "Good point", I say, "run around real quick and see if you bump into anyone". Whoosh! and Haashaastaak says "Someone's here, ups! He's gone". Well we pull in a castle mage, and it turns out our invisible buddy had cast suspend enchantment on the teleport block in a corner of the room. Nice trick eh? Then we grill servants some more so Rene can match personality readings off their stuff with them (I gotta find out what magic item he uses for that, the guy isn't a mage), and we learn that someone was in two places at once. Rene gets a read of that servant woman, and it she's not the spy. So, we have a mage who can teleport, be invisible, cast suspend enchantment, and do illlusion disguise. No wonder he nabbed Fingofin.
Diner Table Conversation
Setting the Scene: [The Compnaions are sitting down to a fine meal Errandis catered from Bilit Isle.]
IC: Errandis: "My friends, I need to talk to you about something that Arteasian has commented on. It involves my Vetoing of Dain's idea to Summon Quetzalcoatl using the Human sacrifice. I vetoed the idea because I am against Human sacrifice. I also think you are not fully aware of the consequences of using such magic in Megalos." [He looks concerned now]
"I am also concerned that you believe I am making unilateral decisions on your behalf with out consulting you. You are my friends, not my vassals, servants, or hirelings. If you feel I am behaving against your interests I will apologize and remove myself from your company. I cannot change who I am. I will respect your judgements"
IC Ismail: "I have known Errandis longer than any of this company, and know him to be a valiant and heartfelt friend to all who fight with him. We may question his motives, his taste in clothes, and the intentions of his horse, but not his loyalty to a cause or the sincerity of his words. I for one am honoured to keep his company and trust his advice, and will unhesitatingly enter any combat with him kept clearly in sight in front of me."
"And in this question I cannot but agree with him. Human sacrifice is repugnant to civilized mankind, which I agree may seem a curious qualm in the midst of a bloodily contended civil war, but for the benefit of the other species here assembled, please allow me to explain the difference. Any human sacrifice has a terror and horror to it that far exceeds that of
merely deliberately seeking the death of another. Any human sacrifice necessarily invokes some power, some god, as the sacrificer would have it, that is external to the world of men, and in whose debt we would then fall. More severe than this, is the terror or almighty God, called as He is by various names among men, that is the eternal and only God of all creation. To summon a great beast by means of sacrifice, especially a beast long worshipped by the Bilitese, would necessarily bind us in the tentacles of the sin of idolatry, which was forbidden us by the first and most solemn of the commandments given unto the prophet Moses (peace be on his name) that was first of God's messengers to all mankind. Such an act could only serve the way to corrupting us all and leading us onto a path that serves only the tentacles of him who waits in lower darkness to receive te world. We should do nothing to hasten his plan."
"The act proposed is therefore anathematous, and injurious to our very souls, which we should all hold dearer than our cause, or victory, or our lives themselves. Also, remembering that the Christians too believe as I do, we'd be doing our reputations such an injury by this act, that there would be nowhere safe for us to live thereafter ina ll Yrth, except perhaps Bilit, and I for one have already been there twice too often."
IC Fingolfin: "Dain said what? Did he really suggest human sacrifice? I wasn't paying close attention, I was trying to figure out how to improve my glassblowing technique. I'm somehow managing to take what starts as a lovely curved shape and have it squash into squat ugliness by the time it cools. But from what I caught, Dain advocated a result which as a non-wizard I think he just wasn't aware of the possible complications involved in trying to achieve. Personally, I'm not at all sure we could do it, with or without human sacrifice. I'm not sure that what Imric has is, or is still, quite what Dain thinks it is, and if it were I'm not sure we would have any real idea how to use it."
"I also hesitate to second-guess Imric, but the whole notion hinges on persuading him to do something dangerous with an artifact he's very serious about keeping safe, to help win a minor battle. I suspect he would give us that smile and say he had "the utmost confidence" in our ability to solve the problem without his help. You know how he gets."
"People are really so much more difficult to deal with than metal and mana. Did we not follow you into this danger? I personally have little stake in human civil wars, or understanding of their ramifications. But I trust your word that those ramifications are significant, as apparently do we all. What, then, would you begrudge your comrades a bit of carping about specifics? Would you "apologize" for some perceived problem by leaving us in the midst of a confusing and dangerous situation only you among us has a really strong understanding of?"
"But, as to understanding, whether what is going on or just who you or any of us is . . . this is all quite a mystery to me. I'm well out of my depth when it comes to people's frictions and reactions and slights. So if the conversation takes too complicated a turn from here on in, I'm afraid you will all have to forgive me if I go back to the forge. Wood and leather, metal and stone don't second-guess a man, and I have grave doubts I can contribute much to the tangling and untangling of whatever this is."
IC Rene: "I must confess dat I vas not paying too much attention eider. But, you know - it seems as if zummoning ancient bad tings iz... not such a great idea, particularly given de specifique requirements mentioned."
Really, I don't care too much if ze Megalans want to cut each other up into leetle peeces. I'm not too sure what is going on 'ere; and I'm pretty sure I don't really want to know. I trust 'dose of you who do dat you are giving good advice and want to be doing de right thing. An I am pretty sure dat zummoning dis Qwetza guy is probably not a good idea or a good t'ing.
IC Dain: "I have to agree with you all human sacrifice is a bad idea and i was unaware that it took this terrible act to summon the breast and knowing this I will veto the whole plan. to do something that evil would only hurt us all."
IC Kraypike: "Dain! You told me that to do this you were going to get Imric involved in some ceremonial magic and sacrifice your virginity. You need to work on your Anglish. There's a big difference between sacrificing virginity and sacrificing a virgin."
IC Fingolfin: "Well, as long as it's just Dain's being sacrificed. Although, didn't he have a fling in Tredroy? And in Dekamera, with some little acrobat girl?"
IC Kraypike:" No no, that was the *other* Dain, wasn't it? ... from before Bilit Island. The Dain with the bigger beard. This Dain hadn't seen a human before then. << leans over to Dain and mutters in a low voice >> you *are* still a virgin aren't you?"
IC Dain: "BIGGER BEARD no way i have the BIGGER BEARD. you fat ugly green monkey. [OOC: This is said with a smile on his face]
[Errandis gets an odd look his face and coughs behind his hand. You think he just avoided choking laughter. He elegantly reaches for some wine and raises it slightly to you in toast.]
IC Errandis: "Thank you my friends. I will endeavor to be worthy of your trust and be a better friend. Dain I did not mean to accuse you of advocating such action. I simply wished to point out to you the consequences involved in such action."
"With regards to the siege I find it necessary leave for 10days to Recharge my Powerstones. I can return, but will only be able to operate under my own power or with you assistance. Do you have any low powered suggestions?"
[Errandis smiles at you all. Looking mildly embarrassed. He spent his 60pt. Powerstone bringing you all here.]
IC Kraypike: "If you're teleporting off somewhere, come back with some serious movement magic items so we can do hit and run raids on that army encampment and actually get away. Hawk flight or teleport items would be good. I'm quite willing to spend the gold to buy that kind of gear if you're short on funds. Say, Dain, need a loan?"
IC Dain: "A loan A LOAN are you play games with my mind i dont want a loan from a goblin you would never let me hear the end of it. Plus i have more money then you and thats all that matters."
IC Rene: "Peut-etre nous pouvons ...find one of dose colonists from the New World on Earth and sacrifice them, non? I understand 'dere are beaucoup des Virginians in zose. colonies."
IC Errandis: [He smiles broadly at Rene's statement and adds] "Uhm... Rene, could you say that again in Anglish. I do not believe it translated very well."
IC: Errandis: "My friends, I need to talk to you about something that Arteasian has commented on. It involves my Vetoing of Dain's idea to Summon Quetzalcoatl using the Human sacrifice. I vetoed the idea because I am against Human sacrifice. I also think you are not fully aware of the consequences of using such magic in Megalos." [He looks concerned now]
"I am also concerned that you believe I am making unilateral decisions on your behalf with out consulting you. You are my friends, not my vassals, servants, or hirelings. If you feel I am behaving against your interests I will apologize and remove myself from your company. I cannot change who I am. I will respect your judgements"
IC Ismail: "I have known Errandis longer than any of this company, and know him to be a valiant and heartfelt friend to all who fight with him. We may question his motives, his taste in clothes, and the intentions of his horse, but not his loyalty to a cause or the sincerity of his words. I for one am honoured to keep his company and trust his advice, and will unhesitatingly enter any combat with him kept clearly in sight in front of me."
"And in this question I cannot but agree with him. Human sacrifice is repugnant to civilized mankind, which I agree may seem a curious qualm in the midst of a bloodily contended civil war, but for the benefit of the other species here assembled, please allow me to explain the difference. Any human sacrifice has a terror and horror to it that far exceeds that of
merely deliberately seeking the death of another. Any human sacrifice necessarily invokes some power, some god, as the sacrificer would have it, that is external to the world of men, and in whose debt we would then fall. More severe than this, is the terror or almighty God, called as He is by various names among men, that is the eternal and only God of all creation. To summon a great beast by means of sacrifice, especially a beast long worshipped by the Bilitese, would necessarily bind us in the tentacles of the sin of idolatry, which was forbidden us by the first and most solemn of the commandments given unto the prophet Moses (peace be on his name) that was first of God's messengers to all mankind. Such an act could only serve the way to corrupting us all and leading us onto a path that serves only the tentacles of him who waits in lower darkness to receive te world. We should do nothing to hasten his plan."
"The act proposed is therefore anathematous, and injurious to our very souls, which we should all hold dearer than our cause, or victory, or our lives themselves. Also, remembering that the Christians too believe as I do, we'd be doing our reputations such an injury by this act, that there would be nowhere safe for us to live thereafter ina ll Yrth, except perhaps Bilit, and I for one have already been there twice too often."
IC Fingolfin: "Dain said what? Did he really suggest human sacrifice? I wasn't paying close attention, I was trying to figure out how to improve my glassblowing technique. I'm somehow managing to take what starts as a lovely curved shape and have it squash into squat ugliness by the time it cools. But from what I caught, Dain advocated a result which as a non-wizard I think he just wasn't aware of the possible complications involved in trying to achieve. Personally, I'm not at all sure we could do it, with or without human sacrifice. I'm not sure that what Imric has is, or is still, quite what Dain thinks it is, and if it were I'm not sure we would have any real idea how to use it."
"I also hesitate to second-guess Imric, but the whole notion hinges on persuading him to do something dangerous with an artifact he's very serious about keeping safe, to help win a minor battle. I suspect he would give us that smile and say he had "the utmost confidence" in our ability to solve the problem without his help. You know how he gets."
"People are really so much more difficult to deal with than metal and mana. Did we not follow you into this danger? I personally have little stake in human civil wars, or understanding of their ramifications. But I trust your word that those ramifications are significant, as apparently do we all. What, then, would you begrudge your comrades a bit of carping about specifics? Would you "apologize" for some perceived problem by leaving us in the midst of a confusing and dangerous situation only you among us has a really strong understanding of?"
"But, as to understanding, whether what is going on or just who you or any of us is . . . this is all quite a mystery to me. I'm well out of my depth when it comes to people's frictions and reactions and slights. So if the conversation takes too complicated a turn from here on in, I'm afraid you will all have to forgive me if I go back to the forge. Wood and leather, metal and stone don't second-guess a man, and I have grave doubts I can contribute much to the tangling and untangling of whatever this is."
IC Rene: "I must confess dat I vas not paying too much attention eider. But, you know - it seems as if zummoning ancient bad tings iz... not such a great idea, particularly given de specifique requirements mentioned."
Really, I don't care too much if ze Megalans want to cut each other up into leetle peeces. I'm not too sure what is going on 'ere; and I'm pretty sure I don't really want to know. I trust 'dose of you who do dat you are giving good advice and want to be doing de right thing. An I am pretty sure dat zummoning dis Qwetza guy is probably not a good idea or a good t'ing.
IC Dain: "I have to agree with you all human sacrifice is a bad idea and i was unaware that it took this terrible act to summon the breast and knowing this I will veto the whole plan. to do something that evil would only hurt us all."
IC Kraypike: "Dain! You told me that to do this you were going to get Imric involved in some ceremonial magic and sacrifice your virginity. You need to work on your Anglish. There's a big difference between sacrificing virginity and sacrificing a virgin."
IC Fingolfin: "Well, as long as it's just Dain's being sacrificed. Although, didn't he have a fling in Tredroy? And in Dekamera, with some little acrobat girl?"
IC Kraypike:" No no, that was the *other* Dain, wasn't it? ... from before Bilit Island. The Dain with the bigger beard. This Dain hadn't seen a human before then. << leans over to Dain and mutters in a low voice >> you *are* still a virgin aren't you?"
IC Dain: "BIGGER BEARD no way i have the BIGGER BEARD. you fat ugly green monkey. [OOC: This is said with a smile on his face]
[Errandis gets an odd look his face and coughs behind his hand. You think he just avoided choking laughter. He elegantly reaches for some wine and raises it slightly to you in toast.]
IC Errandis: "Thank you my friends. I will endeavor to be worthy of your trust and be a better friend. Dain I did not mean to accuse you of advocating such action. I simply wished to point out to you the consequences involved in such action."
"With regards to the siege I find it necessary leave for 10days to Recharge my Powerstones. I can return, but will only be able to operate under my own power or with you assistance. Do you have any low powered suggestions?"
[Errandis smiles at you all. Looking mildly embarrassed. He spent his 60pt. Powerstone bringing you all here.]
IC Kraypike: "If you're teleporting off somewhere, come back with some serious movement magic items so we can do hit and run raids on that army encampment and actually get away. Hawk flight or teleport items would be good. I'm quite willing to spend the gold to buy that kind of gear if you're short on funds. Say, Dain, need a loan?"
IC Dain: "A loan A LOAN are you play games with my mind i dont want a loan from a goblin you would never let me hear the end of it. Plus i have more money then you and thats all that matters."
IC Rene: "Peut-etre nous pouvons ...find one of dose colonists from the New World on Earth and sacrifice them, non? I understand 'dere are beaucoup des Virginians in zose. colonies."
IC Errandis: [He smiles broadly at Rene's statement and adds] "Uhm... Rene, could you say that again in Anglish. I do not believe it translated very well."
Errandis's Journal: 2007-05-25
Errandis's Journal: 2007-05-25
Cast of Characters:
Ismael (Jonathon) - A male Human Rogue, Warrior, & Wizard.
Dain (Brian) - A male Dwarf Warrior.
Artesian (Chona) - A female mountain Elf Wizard.
Kraypike (Darryl) - A male Goblin Wizard.
Rene (Glenn) - A male Human Warrior.
Fingolfin (Rufus) - A male Wood Elf Wizard.
Errandis (Eddie) - A male Wood Elf Warrior and Wizard. Knight Bachelour of Lavalee.
Supporting Cast:
Joseph (NPC) - A male Human Rogue. Adopted/Apprenticed to Ismail.
Eryke Goldfarb (NPC) - A male Half-Elf Rogue Wizard. Jewish Wanderer. Pledged to our cause.
Master Herbert (NPC) - A male Human Warrior. Son of a Landed Knight held Hostage. (Wisdom +5 spell maintained by Sir Errandis)
Centurion Lemitamis (NPC) - A male Human Warrior. The third youngest son of a local Baron? Commander of 40 Legionaires (Elite Troopers), 4 Wizards, and numberous slave labourers.
Baron Maximus (Mad Max) Insanius (NPC) - A male Human Warrior. Besieged by Count of Shambray.
Sir Hendrix (NPC) - A male Human Warrior. Knight Commander of the Fortress and Serrun Forces. The old man with a strong sense of local stratgy.
Master Maxwell of the Silver Hammer (NPC) - A male Human Wizard. Warlock to Archbishop of Serrun.
Game Master:
Rufus - Full Force GM
Darryl - Offered information on Eric Goldfarb.
Eddie -
Locations:
Hallowed Wood - South of Serrun.
River Bridge - South of Serrun.
City of Serrun - Occupied by Rebel Garrison Forces
Harlech Fortress - Besieged by Count Sergius of Shabray
A Bridge Too Far... Or Too Short? ;)
I gleemed some more information from Eryke Goldfarb. It's become a matter of public opinion that Earl Magnus of Dekamura has undergone some personality changes. There were also rumors of a Healer who's description reminds me of the "Mad Monk". Magnus's bad habits have all but disappeared. Perhaps someone cast Cure Insanity on him, to removing his most crippling personality problems?
Meanwhile reconnaissance of the Legionaries nearing construction provided me with some excellent intelligence on them. As I watched their Centurion walk away from his men I saw an opportunity and cast Communicate with the Companions and told them to expect the Legion Centurion.
When the Legion Commander was walking alone I cast Invisibility, Teleported beside him, and Teleported him back to our base of operations in the Hallowed Wood. Where upon Kraypike and the others waiting tried to beat him unconscious.
I arrived in time and shouted, "Put up you weapons!" in a voice ringing with command. The Companions stepped back and waited. Finally I got everyone to put away their weapons and then offered the Centurion some wine and a proper introduction. I accepting his parole of coarse.
At first I tired to get the Centurion Lemitamis to change his allegiance, but quickly realized this intelligent and witty young man was loyal to his Baron. I then attempted to get him to surrender his forces and leave the field with his honour and men's lives intact. The also did not work.
So I simply enjoyed exchanging stories of past battles and future dreams. He let slip a few things and eventually gave me enough to that I could impersonate him if need be. I left him to relax under Master Herbert's guard and told the Companions what I had learned.
We discussed several strategies and tactics before finally settling on a plan of action.
Ismael acquired the Bull and we moved into position. I cast Bless, Shapeshift Other (Great Eagle), Invisibility, and See Invisibility on Ismael and the Bull. Ismael cast Apportation on the Bull/Eagle and then Shapeshift (Raven) and flew over the target. We watched from a safe distance.
Once over the target Ismael transformed back to human form Apportated himself, readied his staff, and signaled he was ready. I canceled the Shapeshift Other and the Bull/Eagle transformed back into a Bull. Ismael cast Flesh to Stone and the Bull fell towards the bridge.
Halfway down I cancelled the Invisibility and cast Great Voice to carry to the Legionaries at the bridge. Mimicking the Centurion's voice
"Look! Up in The Sky! It's a Bird! It's a Bull!... No! It's a Stone Bull!"
Ismael guided the Stone Bull to it's target and then disappeared. It stuck the bridge with terrific force and passed right through it, hitting the water and vanishing into the depths. The stunned Legionaries watched as the bridge slowly, majestically collapsed into the river and vanished from sight. At this point it was easy to recognize the difference between the Engineers and the Elite Troopers. One engineer fell to the ground in helpless gales of laughter, much to Kraypike's a satisfaction. [Bloody Goblins and their sense of humor.]
The Centurion looked awestruck and upset all at the same time. He turned to me and said, "I guess this means we have to return to the Baron after all Sir Errandis, we definitely do not have the materials to build another bridge". After checking with Imperial Intelligence we exchanged salutes and went our separate ways.
Ismael and Kraypike later rescued the Bull from the river bottom, restored him to his natural state, and sold him back to the herdsman.
I asked the Companions to return to our base in the Hallowed Wood and then travelled to Serrun. The City had fallen to Rebel forces and was occupied by Garrison Troops. Traveling further I arrived at a Harlech style Castle by the sea. Besieging troops were based at the bottom of the hill, far out of range of siege weapons, and magic.
I landed out of bow shot and walked to the Castle Gates, under the watch full eyes and weapons of the Defenders, and announced myself. I quickly advanced up the chain of command until I found myself in the presence of the Lord of the Castle, Baron Maximus (Mad Max) Insanius.
I reported on the our activities to the south and the current state of affairs in the Civil War and Lord Maximus gave me news of local events and asked for the purpose of my visit. I tired to explain if in the ancient style of Tamlin, but he did not understand so I resorted to a more mundane style.
He in turn had some interesting news for me. Apparently a mercenary group known as the Francescan's were hired by Earl Magnus of Dekamura to emulate what we were doing in his rear area. They are known for using their Francesca Axes to great effect. They were recently employed by the Legions to augment their forces guarding the Emperor's Wall.
In essence I informed him WE required the Port of Serrun. The Companions would raise the siege if the Baron would commit force to recapturing and garrisoning the Port. I then requested a large room for myself and the Companions a place to Teleport them here. The Baron agreed.
I cast Communicate and notified The Companions to be ready to move out in two hours. Then I prepared to cast a Ritual Gate to bring them all here and a Darkness to hide the method of their arrival. The Ritual turned out to be unnecessary. The must Mana flow.
The Companions arrived in the darkness area and moved beyond it. Then we all retied to our new accommodations, prepared our defenses and counter-espionage spells. Then informed them of our new operation and we discussed more strategies and tactics. It was agreed that to life the siege we need to cripple the besieging forces Wizards and break the siege.
I arranged a meeting with Baron Maximus's Commanders. Sir Hendrix and Master Maxwell of the Silver Hammer. Both a veterans and skilled at their trade. We offered them our intelligence first and then asked after the besieging Wizards. There are members of the Count Segrius of Shambray's personal guard among them.
Finally I cast Communicate for Imric and informed him of our activities, plans, and requests an update from his end. He says confidently that he can secure Port Serrun with little difficulty, but I still wish to coordinate our efforts with the breaking of the siege.
Plans with in plans...
The Good:
Foiled the GM's ambush.
Experience Points Awarded: 3.5 (+ 0.5 to Errandis for foiling the GM's ambush.)
Moved on to Political and Strategic Operations.
The Bad:
The Puns, my gods the puns...
The Ugly:
Several tangents interrupting GM describing scenes and events.
Cheers
QM
Cast of Characters:
Ismael (Jonathon) - A male Human Rogue, Warrior, & Wizard.
Dain (Brian) - A male Dwarf Warrior.
Artesian (Chona) - A female mountain Elf Wizard.
Kraypike (Darryl) - A male Goblin Wizard.
Rene (Glenn) - A male Human Warrior.
Fingolfin (Rufus) - A male Wood Elf Wizard.
Errandis (Eddie) - A male Wood Elf Warrior and Wizard. Knight Bachelour of Lavalee.
Supporting Cast:
Joseph (NPC) - A male Human Rogue. Adopted/Apprenticed to Ismail.
Eryke Goldfarb (NPC) - A male Half-Elf Rogue Wizard. Jewish Wanderer. Pledged to our cause.
Master Herbert (NPC) - A male Human Warrior. Son of a Landed Knight held Hostage. (Wisdom +5 spell maintained by Sir Errandis)
Centurion Lemitamis (NPC) - A male Human Warrior. The third youngest son of a local Baron? Commander of 40 Legionaires (Elite Troopers), 4 Wizards, and numberous slave labourers.
Baron Maximus (Mad Max) Insanius (NPC) - A male Human Warrior. Besieged by Count of Shambray.
Sir Hendrix (NPC) - A male Human Warrior. Knight Commander of the Fortress and Serrun Forces. The old man with a strong sense of local stratgy.
Master Maxwell of the Silver Hammer (NPC) - A male Human Wizard. Warlock to Archbishop of Serrun.
Game Master:
Rufus - Full Force GM
Darryl - Offered information on Eric Goldfarb.
Eddie -
Locations:
Hallowed Wood - South of Serrun.
River Bridge - South of Serrun.
City of Serrun - Occupied by Rebel Garrison Forces
Harlech Fortress - Besieged by Count Sergius of Shabray
A Bridge Too Far... Or Too Short? ;)
I gleemed some more information from Eryke Goldfarb. It's become a matter of public opinion that Earl Magnus of Dekamura has undergone some personality changes. There were also rumors of a Healer who's description reminds me of the "Mad Monk". Magnus's bad habits have all but disappeared. Perhaps someone cast Cure Insanity on him, to removing his most crippling personality problems?
Meanwhile reconnaissance of the Legionaries nearing construction provided me with some excellent intelligence on them. As I watched their Centurion walk away from his men I saw an opportunity and cast Communicate with the Companions and told them to expect the Legion Centurion.
When the Legion Commander was walking alone I cast Invisibility, Teleported beside him, and Teleported him back to our base of operations in the Hallowed Wood. Where upon Kraypike and the others waiting tried to beat him unconscious.
I arrived in time and shouted, "Put up you weapons!" in a voice ringing with command. The Companions stepped back and waited. Finally I got everyone to put away their weapons and then offered the Centurion some wine and a proper introduction. I accepting his parole of coarse.
At first I tired to get the Centurion Lemitamis to change his allegiance, but quickly realized this intelligent and witty young man was loyal to his Baron. I then attempted to get him to surrender his forces and leave the field with his honour and men's lives intact. The also did not work.
So I simply enjoyed exchanging stories of past battles and future dreams. He let slip a few things and eventually gave me enough to that I could impersonate him if need be. I left him to relax under Master Herbert's guard and told the Companions what I had learned.
We discussed several strategies and tactics before finally settling on a plan of action.
Ismael acquired the Bull and we moved into position. I cast Bless, Shapeshift Other (Great Eagle), Invisibility, and See Invisibility on Ismael and the Bull. Ismael cast Apportation on the Bull/Eagle and then Shapeshift (Raven) and flew over the target. We watched from a safe distance.
Once over the target Ismael transformed back to human form Apportated himself, readied his staff, and signaled he was ready. I canceled the Shapeshift Other and the Bull/Eagle transformed back into a Bull. Ismael cast Flesh to Stone and the Bull fell towards the bridge.
Halfway down I cancelled the Invisibility and cast Great Voice to carry to the Legionaries at the bridge. Mimicking the Centurion's voice
"Look! Up in The Sky! It's a Bird! It's a Bull!... No! It's a Stone Bull!"
Ismael guided the Stone Bull to it's target and then disappeared. It stuck the bridge with terrific force and passed right through it, hitting the water and vanishing into the depths. The stunned Legionaries watched as the bridge slowly, majestically collapsed into the river and vanished from sight. At this point it was easy to recognize the difference between the Engineers and the Elite Troopers. One engineer fell to the ground in helpless gales of laughter, much to Kraypike's a satisfaction. [Bloody Goblins and their sense of humor.]
The Centurion looked awestruck and upset all at the same time. He turned to me and said, "I guess this means we have to return to the Baron after all Sir Errandis, we definitely do not have the materials to build another bridge". After checking with Imperial Intelligence we exchanged salutes and went our separate ways.
Ismael and Kraypike later rescued the Bull from the river bottom, restored him to his natural state, and sold him back to the herdsman.
I asked the Companions to return to our base in the Hallowed Wood and then travelled to Serrun. The City had fallen to Rebel forces and was occupied by Garrison Troops. Traveling further I arrived at a Harlech style Castle by the sea. Besieging troops were based at the bottom of the hill, far out of range of siege weapons, and magic.
I landed out of bow shot and walked to the Castle Gates, under the watch full eyes and weapons of the Defenders, and announced myself. I quickly advanced up the chain of command until I found myself in the presence of the Lord of the Castle, Baron Maximus (Mad Max) Insanius.
I reported on the our activities to the south and the current state of affairs in the Civil War and Lord Maximus gave me news of local events and asked for the purpose of my visit. I tired to explain if in the ancient style of Tamlin, but he did not understand so I resorted to a more mundane style.
He in turn had some interesting news for me. Apparently a mercenary group known as the Francescan's were hired by Earl Magnus of Dekamura to emulate what we were doing in his rear area. They are known for using their Francesca Axes to great effect. They were recently employed by the Legions to augment their forces guarding the Emperor's Wall.
In essence I informed him WE required the Port of Serrun. The Companions would raise the siege if the Baron would commit force to recapturing and garrisoning the Port. I then requested a large room for myself and the Companions a place to Teleport them here. The Baron agreed.
I cast Communicate and notified The Companions to be ready to move out in two hours. Then I prepared to cast a Ritual Gate to bring them all here and a Darkness to hide the method of their arrival. The Ritual turned out to be unnecessary. The must Mana flow.
The Companions arrived in the darkness area and moved beyond it. Then we all retied to our new accommodations, prepared our defenses and counter-espionage spells. Then informed them of our new operation and we discussed more strategies and tactics. It was agreed that to life the siege we need to cripple the besieging forces Wizards and break the siege.
I arranged a meeting with Baron Maximus's Commanders. Sir Hendrix and Master Maxwell of the Silver Hammer. Both a veterans and skilled at their trade. We offered them our intelligence first and then asked after the besieging Wizards. There are members of the Count Segrius of Shambray's personal guard among them.
Finally I cast Communicate for Imric and informed him of our activities, plans, and requests an update from his end. He says confidently that he can secure Port Serrun with little difficulty, but I still wish to coordinate our efforts with the breaking of the siege.
Plans with in plans...
The Good:
Foiled the GM's ambush.
Experience Points Awarded: 3.5 (+ 0.5 to Errandis for foiling the GM's ambush.)
Moved on to Political and Strategic Operations.
The Bad:
The Puns, my gods the puns...
The Ugly:
Several tangents interrupting GM describing scenes and events.
Cheers
QM
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Errandis's Journal: 2007-05-25
Errandis's Journal: 2007-05-25
Cast of Characters:
Ismael (Jonathon) - A male Human Rogue, Warrior, & Wizard.
Dain (Brian) - A male Dwarf Warrior.
Artesian (Chona) - A female mountain Elf Wizard.
Kraypike (Darryl) - A male Goblin Wizard.
Rene (Glenn) - A male Human Warrior.
Fingolfin (Rufus) - A male Wood Elf Wizard.
Errandis (Eddie) - A male Wood Elf Warrior and Wizard. Knight Bachelour of Lavalee.
Supporting Cast:
Joseph (NPC) - A male Human Rogue. Adopted/Apprenticed to Ismail.
Eryke Goldfarb (NPC) - A male Half-Elf Rogue Wizard. Jewish Wanderer. Pledged to our cause.
Master Herbert (NPC) - A male Human Warrior. Son of a Landed Knight held Hostage. (Wisdom +5 spell maintained by Sir Errandis)
Centurion Lemitamis (NPC) - A male Human Warrior. The third youngest son of a local Baron? Commander of 40 Legionaires (Elite Troopers), 4 Wizards, and numberous slave labourers.
Baron Maximus (Mad Max) Insanius (NPC) - A male Human Warrior. Besieged by Count of Shambray.
Sir Hendrix (NPC) - A male Human Warrior. Knight Commander of the Fortress and Serrun Forces. The old man with a strong sense of local stratgy.
Master Maxwell of the Silver Hammer (NPC) - A male Human Wizard. Warlock to Archbishop of Serrun.
Game Master:
Rufus - Full Force GM
Darryl - Offered information on Eric Goldfarb.
Eddie -
Locations:
Hallowed Wood - South of Serrun.
River Bridge - South of Serrun.
City of Serrun - Occupied by Rebel Garrison Forces
Harlech Fortress - Besieged by Count Sergius of Shabray
A Bridge Too Far... Or Too Short? ;)
I gleemed some more information from Eryke Goldfarb. It's become a matter of public opinion that Earl Magnus of Dekamura has undergone some personality changes. There were also rumors of a Healer who's description reminds me of the "Mad Monk". Magnus's bad habits have all but disappeared. Perhaps someone cast Cure Insanity on him, to removing his most crippling personality problems?
Meanwhile reconnaissance of the Legionaries nearing construction provided me with some excellent intelligence on them. As I watched their Centurion walk away from his men I saw an opportunity and cast Communicate with the Companions and told them to expect the Legion Centurion.
When the Legion Commander was walking alone I cast Invisibility, Teleported beside him, and Teleported him back to our base of operations in the Hallowed Wood. Where upon Kraypike and the others waiting tried to beat him unconscious.
I arrived in time and shouted, "Put up you weapons!" in a voice ringing with command. The Companions stepped back and waited. Finally I got everyone to put away their weapons and then offered the Centurion some wine and a proper introduction. I accepting his parole of coarse.
At first I tired to get the Centurion Lemitamis to change his allegiance, but quickly realized this intelligent and witty young man was loyal to his Baron. I then attempted to get him to surrender his forces and leave the field with his honour and men's lives intact. The also did not work.
So I simply enjoyed exchanging stories of past battles and future dreams. He let slip a few things and eventually gave me enough to that I could impersonate him if need be. I left him to relax under Master Herbert's guard and told the Companions what I had learned.
We discussed several strategies and tactics before finally settling on a plan of action.
Ismael acquired the Bull and we moved into position. I cast Bless, Shapeshift Other (Great Eagle), Invisibility, and See Invisibility on Ismael and the Bull. Ismael cast Apportation on the Bull/Eagle and then Shapeshift (Raven) and flew over the target. We watched from a safe distance.
Once over the target Ismael transformed back to human form Apportated himself, readied his staff, and signaled he was ready. I cancelled the Shapeshift Other and the Bull/Eagle transformed back into a Bull. Ismael cast Flesh to Stone and the Bull fell towards the bridge.
Halfway down I cancelled the Invisibility and cast Great Voice to carry to the Legionaries at the bridge. Mimicking the Centurion's voice
"Look! Up in The Sky! It's a Bird! It's a Bull!... No! It's a Stone Bull!"
Ismael guided the Stone Bull to it's target and then disappeared. It stuck the bridge with terrific force and passed right through it, hitting the water and vanishing into the depths. The stunned Legionaries watched as the bridge slowly, majestically collapsed into the river and vanished from sight. At this point it was easy to recognize the difference between the Engineers and the Elite Troopers. One engineer fell to the ground in helpless gales of laughter, much to Kraypike's a satisfaction. [Bloody Goblins and their sense of humor.]
The Centurion looked awestruck and upset all at the same time. He turned to me and said, "I guess this means we have to return to the Baron after all Sir Errandis, we definitely do not have the materials to build another bridge". After checking with Imperial Intelligence we exchanged salutes and went our separate ways.
Ismael and Kraypike later rescued the Bull from the river bottom, restored him to his natural state, and sold him back to the herdsman.
I asked the Companions to return to our base in the Hallowed Wood and then travelled to Serrun. The City had fallen to Rebel forces and was occupied by Garrison Troops. Travelling further I arrived at a Harlech style Castle by the sea. Besieging troops were based at the bottom of the hill, far out of range of seige weapons, and magic.
I landed out of bow shot and walked to the Castle Gates, under the watch full eyes and weapons of the Defenders, and announced myself. I quickly advanced up the chain of command until I found myself in the presence of the Lord of the Castle, Baron Maximus (Mad Max) Insanius.
I reported on the our activities to the south and the current state of affairs in the Civil War and Lord Maximus gave me news of local events and asked for the purpose of my visit. I tired to explain if in the ancient style of Tamlin, but he did not understand so I resorted to a more mundane style.
He in turn had some interesting news for me. Apparently a mercenary group known as the Francescan's were hired by Earl Magnus of Dekamura to emulate what we were doing in his rear area. They are known for using their Francesca Axes to great effect. They were recently employed by the Legions to augment their forces guarding the Emperor's Wall.
In essence I informed him WE required the Port of Serrun. The Companions would raise the siege if the Baron would commit force to recapturing and garrisoning the Port. I then requested a large room for myself and the Companions a place to Teleport them here. The Baron agreed.
I cast Communicate and notified The Companions to be ready to move out in two hours. Then I prepared to cast a Ritual Gate to bring them all here and a Darkness to hide the method of their arrival. The Ritual turned out to be unnecessary. The must Mana flow.
The Companions arrived in the darkness area and moved beyond it. Then we all retied to our new accommodations, prepared our defenses and counter-espionage spells. Then informed them of our new operation and we discussed more strategies and tactics. It was agreed that to life the siege we need to cripple the besieging forces Wizards and break the siege.
I arranged a meeting with Baron Maximus's Commanders. Sir Hendrix and Master Maxwell of the Silver Hammer. Both a veterans and skilled at their trade. We offered them our intelligence first and then asked after the besieging Wizards. There are members of the Count Segrius of Shambray's personal guard among them.
Finally I cast Communicate for Imric and informed him of our activities, plans, and requests an update from his end. He says confidently that he can secure Port Serrun with little difficulty, but I still wish to coordinate our efforts with the breaking of the siege.
Plans with in plans...
The Good:
Foiled the GM's ambush. Experience Points Awarded: 3.5 (+ 0.5 to Errandis for foiling the GM's ambush.) Moved on to Political and Strategic Operations.
The Bad:
The Puns, my gods the puns...
The Ugly:
Several tangents interupting GM describing scenes and events.
Cheers
QM
Cast of Characters:
Ismael (Jonathon) - A male Human Rogue, Warrior, & Wizard.
Dain (Brian) - A male Dwarf Warrior.
Artesian (Chona) - A female mountain Elf Wizard.
Kraypike (Darryl) - A male Goblin Wizard.
Rene (Glenn) - A male Human Warrior.
Fingolfin (Rufus) - A male Wood Elf Wizard.
Errandis (Eddie) - A male Wood Elf Warrior and Wizard. Knight Bachelour of Lavalee.
Supporting Cast:
Joseph (NPC) - A male Human Rogue. Adopted/Apprenticed to Ismail.
Eryke Goldfarb (NPC) - A male Half-Elf Rogue Wizard. Jewish Wanderer. Pledged to our cause.
Master Herbert (NPC) - A male Human Warrior. Son of a Landed Knight held Hostage. (Wisdom +5 spell maintained by Sir Errandis)
Centurion Lemitamis (NPC) - A male Human Warrior. The third youngest son of a local Baron? Commander of 40 Legionaires (Elite Troopers), 4 Wizards, and numberous slave labourers.
Baron Maximus (Mad Max) Insanius (NPC) - A male Human Warrior. Besieged by Count of Shambray.
Sir Hendrix (NPC) - A male Human Warrior. Knight Commander of the Fortress and Serrun Forces. The old man with a strong sense of local stratgy.
Master Maxwell of the Silver Hammer (NPC) - A male Human Wizard. Warlock to Archbishop of Serrun.
Game Master:
Rufus - Full Force GM
Darryl - Offered information on Eric Goldfarb.
Eddie -
Locations:
Hallowed Wood - South of Serrun.
River Bridge - South of Serrun.
City of Serrun - Occupied by Rebel Garrison Forces
Harlech Fortress - Besieged by Count Sergius of Shabray
A Bridge Too Far... Or Too Short? ;)
I gleemed some more information from Eryke Goldfarb. It's become a matter of public opinion that Earl Magnus of Dekamura has undergone some personality changes. There were also rumors of a Healer who's description reminds me of the "Mad Monk". Magnus's bad habits have all but disappeared. Perhaps someone cast Cure Insanity on him, to removing his most crippling personality problems?
Meanwhile reconnaissance of the Legionaries nearing construction provided me with some excellent intelligence on them. As I watched their Centurion walk away from his men I saw an opportunity and cast Communicate with the Companions and told them to expect the Legion Centurion.
When the Legion Commander was walking alone I cast Invisibility, Teleported beside him, and Teleported him back to our base of operations in the Hallowed Wood. Where upon Kraypike and the others waiting tried to beat him unconscious.
I arrived in time and shouted, "Put up you weapons!" in a voice ringing with command. The Companions stepped back and waited. Finally I got everyone to put away their weapons and then offered the Centurion some wine and a proper introduction. I accepting his parole of coarse.
At first I tired to get the Centurion Lemitamis to change his allegiance, but quickly realized this intelligent and witty young man was loyal to his Baron. I then attempted to get him to surrender his forces and leave the field with his honour and men's lives intact. The also did not work.
So I simply enjoyed exchanging stories of past battles and future dreams. He let slip a few things and eventually gave me enough to that I could impersonate him if need be. I left him to relax under Master Herbert's guard and told the Companions what I had learned.
We discussed several strategies and tactics before finally settling on a plan of action.
Ismael acquired the Bull and we moved into position. I cast Bless, Shapeshift Other (Great Eagle), Invisibility, and See Invisibility on Ismael and the Bull. Ismael cast Apportation on the Bull/Eagle and then Shapeshift (Raven) and flew over the target. We watched from a safe distance.
Once over the target Ismael transformed back to human form Apportated himself, readied his staff, and signaled he was ready. I cancelled the Shapeshift Other and the Bull/Eagle transformed back into a Bull. Ismael cast Flesh to Stone and the Bull fell towards the bridge.
Halfway down I cancelled the Invisibility and cast Great Voice to carry to the Legionaries at the bridge. Mimicking the Centurion's voice
"Look! Up in The Sky! It's a Bird! It's a Bull!... No! It's a Stone Bull!"
Ismael guided the Stone Bull to it's target and then disappeared. It stuck the bridge with terrific force and passed right through it, hitting the water and vanishing into the depths. The stunned Legionaries watched as the bridge slowly, majestically collapsed into the river and vanished from sight. At this point it was easy to recognize the difference between the Engineers and the Elite Troopers. One engineer fell to the ground in helpless gales of laughter, much to Kraypike's a satisfaction. [Bloody Goblins and their sense of humor.]
The Centurion looked awestruck and upset all at the same time. He turned to me and said, "I guess this means we have to return to the Baron after all Sir Errandis, we definitely do not have the materials to build another bridge". After checking with Imperial Intelligence we exchanged salutes and went our separate ways.
Ismael and Kraypike later rescued the Bull from the river bottom, restored him to his natural state, and sold him back to the herdsman.
I asked the Companions to return to our base in the Hallowed Wood and then travelled to Serrun. The City had fallen to Rebel forces and was occupied by Garrison Troops. Travelling further I arrived at a Harlech style Castle by the sea. Besieging troops were based at the bottom of the hill, far out of range of seige weapons, and magic.
I landed out of bow shot and walked to the Castle Gates, under the watch full eyes and weapons of the Defenders, and announced myself. I quickly advanced up the chain of command until I found myself in the presence of the Lord of the Castle, Baron Maximus (Mad Max) Insanius.
I reported on the our activities to the south and the current state of affairs in the Civil War and Lord Maximus gave me news of local events and asked for the purpose of my visit. I tired to explain if in the ancient style of Tamlin, but he did not understand so I resorted to a more mundane style.
He in turn had some interesting news for me. Apparently a mercenary group known as the Francescan's were hired by Earl Magnus of Dekamura to emulate what we were doing in his rear area. They are known for using their Francesca Axes to great effect. They were recently employed by the Legions to augment their forces guarding the Emperor's Wall.
In essence I informed him WE required the Port of Serrun. The Companions would raise the siege if the Baron would commit force to recapturing and garrisoning the Port. I then requested a large room for myself and the Companions a place to Teleport them here. The Baron agreed.
I cast Communicate and notified The Companions to be ready to move out in two hours. Then I prepared to cast a Ritual Gate to bring them all here and a Darkness to hide the method of their arrival. The Ritual turned out to be unnecessary. The must Mana flow.
The Companions arrived in the darkness area and moved beyond it. Then we all retied to our new accommodations, prepared our defenses and counter-espionage spells. Then informed them of our new operation and we discussed more strategies and tactics. It was agreed that to life the siege we need to cripple the besieging forces Wizards and break the siege.
I arranged a meeting with Baron Maximus's Commanders. Sir Hendrix and Master Maxwell of the Silver Hammer. Both a veterans and skilled at their trade. We offered them our intelligence first and then asked after the besieging Wizards. There are members of the Count Segrius of Shambray's personal guard among them.
Finally I cast Communicate for Imric and informed him of our activities, plans, and requests an update from his end. He says confidently that he can secure Port Serrun with little difficulty, but I still wish to coordinate our efforts with the breaking of the siege.
Plans with in plans...
The Good:
Foiled the GM's ambush. Experience Points Awarded: 3.5 (+ 0.5 to Errandis for foiling the GM's ambush.) Moved on to Political and Strategic Operations.
The Bad:
The Puns, my gods the puns...
The Ugly:
Several tangents interupting GM describing scenes and events.
Cheers
QM
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