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.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
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
Friday, May 11, 2007
Errandis's Journal: 2007-05-11
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. Eric
Joseph (NPC) - A male Human Rogue. Adopted/Apprenticed to Ismail.
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.
Sir ??? (NPC) - A male Human Warrior. Lord of the Keep. Landed Knight loyal to Rebellion.
Father William (NPC) - a male Human Priest.
Old Man (NPC) - a male Human Peasant. Driven mad by his long incarceration.
Game Master:
Rufus - Sick
Darryl - GM'ed Eric Goldfarb introduction to Ismail
Eddie - Waiting for Rene (Glenn) to use Great Wish?
The Story Continues...
Ismail put the Priest, Father William to sleep and went off to find the Grainery, the Hostages, and Lord of the Keep. Which he accomplished with ease disguised as Father William. He accosted the Lord, telling him about the Holy Spud brought to him by a peasant and offered to try to encourage his hostages to see the light and join him.
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. Eric
Joseph (NPC) - A male Human Rogue. Adopted/Apprenticed to Ismail.
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.
Sir ??? (NPC) - A male Human Warrior. Lord of the Keep. Landed Knight loyal to Rebellion.
Father William (NPC) - a male Human Priest.
Old Man (NPC) - a male Human Peasant. Driven mad by his long incarceration.
Game Master:
Rufus - Sick
Darryl - GM'ed Eric Goldfarb introduction to Ismail
Eddie - Waiting for Rene (Glenn) to use Great Wish?
The Story Continues...
Ismail put the Priest, Father William to sleep and went off to find the Grainery, the Hostages, and Lord of the Keep. Which he accomplished with ease disguised as Father William. He accosted the Lord, telling him about the Holy Spud brought to him by a peasant and offered to try to encourage his hostages to see the light and join him.
Ismail -"What was his name again Mi Lord"
The Lord allowed him to attempt it. Ismail proceeded to the dungeon and found Master Herbert and a Merchant working for Kellogg Bruin & Racine. While he gathered information from them he heard a noise. The sound of several pairs of boots and clatter of weapons coming down the stairs. He quickly sought an exit and dove down the waste chute. An Oubliette filled with human remains, a dirt floor, and cut stone walls.
The Soldiers searched the cells, interrogated the prisoners, and investigated the chute. They saw Ismail's light and fired their crossbows (Which were deflected of coarse.) He then returned to the Hallowed Wood and the Companions.
Meanwhile the Companions discussed their assault. Ismail was introduced to Eric Glodfarb and learned about his travels with Jesus and HIS message to mankind.
The assault was over planned, but finally we agreed to one plan. Ismail returned to the Keep to scout and discovered a metal grating molded into the stone floor over the waste chute, the hostages, save the Old Man had been moved and later found them in the inner Keep.
After placing 2 Guards under Sleep Spell, Wall Walking over the walls, and discovering a Teleport Shield over the Keep. He returned the way he had come and returned to the Companions and told them what he had found.
Ismail communicated with Errandis and they Teleported to the Tunnel he had started. Ismail used the Staff of Earth and tunneled to the Keep using power given by Arteasian and Errandis. Then they signaled the Companions and they entered the Keep.
Kraypike borrowed a Powerstone from Errandis and Create a powerful Air Elemental to stir up the Grain in the Grain Tower, and then a Fire Elemental to ignite it. Errandis cast Flight and Invisibility on the Fire Elemental and we waited.
And waited...
BOOM!!
The fight for the Keep was fast, furious, but ultimately a forgone conclusion. We captured the Lord Knight and gained his parole and would later turn over the Priest to the Archbishop of Serrun. Unfortunately the Wizard escaped. We freed the hostages.
Errandis sought out the Old Man and asked permission to help him. He recieved a confused answer which he took for yes and cast Cure Insanity. Then he gave him a purse of 2000 copper and an offer of a favour. The Old Man thanked him and after a brief interview went on his way.
Meanwhile Arteasian, Rene, and Dain sacked the Keep and destroyed the surviving supplies. Then Dain and Fingolfin entertained themselves by destroying the Gates and Curtain Walls.
Errandis and Ismail interviewed Master Herbert and learned the boy was none to bright. Errandis cast Wisdom (Critical Success) and continued to interview him. He is the son of a Landed Knight sworn to the Archbishop Nikolai of Serrun, but had been forced to side with Duke Aston Valentim of Ekhan with his son held hostage.
The Merchant was a victum of extenuating circumstances. Having lost an Arms Shipment for the Rebel Forces and imprisioned for it.
Errandis sent the paroled Landed Knight to Countess Lavalee to turn over to Count Joseph. He offered to maintain the Wisdom spell on Master Herbert in exchange for his aid. He eagerly joined them.
Ismail offered the KBR Merchant the Keeps arsenal to rebuild his buisness in exchange for information. He readily agreed.
As the Companions and their new friends walk away from the Keep in the early morning dawn. They look back to see a dark smudge of smoke rising from the ruins, the sun touching the shattered gates, and flying proundly from the highest point the Banner of Sir Errandis.
The Good:
Mission Accomplished and Awarded 3 xp.
The Bad:
Rufus was injured and Jonathon was sick.
The Ugly:
Tangents
Cheers
QM
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