Shocked to see Stephanie transformed into a snake, the remaining Seekers continue to battle the yaun-ti.
Claudius rolls his Flaming Sphere and rams into one of the two remaining purebloods. Pad Magic Missiles the other.
Mercy and Armon rush into the fray, but only Mercy draws blood.
The overmatched purebloods try to flee, but one runs smack into the Flaming Sphere. Pad Polymorph's the last one transforming it into a sheep. It flees into the jungle.
The battle comes to a rest period as the rest of the yaun-ti are still imprisoned within the Wall of Force.
Armon and Mercy try to capture Stephanie, but find her to be one tough snake. She squirms from their grasp and at one point has Armon around the neck! Finally she is wrestled into Zynara's sack.
Pad prepares for the Force Wall coming down. He casts Mirror Image, gaining 7 images, Fly and Fireshield. Zynara enlarges Armon and Mercy.
The Wall comes down and Pad immediately tags the yaun-ti with a Cone of Cold. Four of the six yaun-ti go down immediately.
Zynara hits the abomination with an Acid Arrow and finishes him off. Claudius adds a Magic Missile of his own.
The Enlarged Armon and Mercy clean up the leftovers. Not much a battle, more like shooting fish in a barrel.
Gathering Stephanie's sack, the group returns to the temple.
Once back, they discover the others have repelled an attack by lizard men and that Finrod has returned.
They also meet Kitten, Dani's new pet as it dines on raw lizard man.
Several hours later, the jungle is filled with activity. Those standing guard note lizard men and yaun-ti moving about in the ruins. They are not moving in... yet.
Glancing skyward, you see the red dragon circling overhead. He is an impressive specimen, inspiring fear in many of the Seekers. He is 150' long from nose to tail.
"I'd say that you got his attention", Silvarn adds.
SUBJ: GM Notes: (R) FROM: GM Mad 10/23/91 S#: 466781
Now what gang? ;)
Only Pad's Fly is still active. But the big question is how long?
Here is what I have left as far as spells available go:
Mercy - CLW*3, Bless, Resist Fire
Tania - CLW*2
Claudius - Magic Missile, Color Spray, Alarm, Web, Flaming Sphere, Lightning Bolt*2
Zynara - Enlarge, Reduce, Unseen Servant, Acid Arrow*2, Haste, Slow
Armon - Phantasmal Force
Dani - CLW, Weighty Chest
Pad - Magic Missile, Detect Magic, Feather Fall, Web, Invisibility*2, Detect Invisibility, Lightning Bolt*3, Haste, Improved Invisibility, Polymorph Self, Teleport, Cone of Cold
SUBJ: Claudius FROM: GM Falcon 10/23/91 S#: 466971
Claudius all but hugs Finrod when he returns. "FIN! GOOD TO SEE YOU!", he beams. "How have you been?"
As the two talk, Zynara unloads Steph from the sack. Claudius immediately hustles Fin away: "We will do what we can for her, okay?"
He'll wander back to Pad: "Can we keep her penned up until you can get a dispel spell moving? Sounds good to.."
"##ROOOOOAARRRRR##"
Claud glances out the temple, and frowns when the dragon is seen flying over head. Claud turns to Pad: "Want to handle this now? I still have some lightning bolts and a missile I can toss at that beastie.."
SUBJ: Stephanie FROM: Schar 10/23/91 S#: 469223
Here I am slithering around not bothering anyone when these large men come and grab me! Of course I fight back using my natural slipperiness.
I coil myself around the neck of one of my attackers.
"I'll choke you with my bare hands!", is my thought.
I pause for a moment wondering what the heck hands are. Next thing I know I'm tossed into some smelly sack.
Finally I'm let go and get plopped down on a floor. I coil up and try to get a good look at those around me. Any who get to close I hiss at.
This one attractive man-thing comes over. He smells familiar, but I just can't place him... ;D
(Wanna cuddle, Finrod? ;D)
SUBJ: Padraig FROM: GM Shifty 10/24/91 S#: 843618
Note to GM: 1 Invisibility was used on Sean at the start of the day.
Smiles to see Fin present, "Well, this balances out losing Steph somewhat. We might have a shot at toasting the dragon. We'd have a better shot if we still had Steph in active shape."
"Unfortunately, I've already used the spell that was going to protect me from the dragon's breath. That makes me less than willing to go play tag with it."
"Where we are now, the dragon really can't lend much in the way of aid to its minions. I think we have a reasonable chance to hold the fort in here. If we can turn aside whatever attacks they care to make and still get in enough sleep to retool spells, we'd be in much better condition to go head to toe with the dragon."
SUBJ: Tania FROM: Enchantres 10/25/91 S#: 480764
My happiness on seeing the others return rapidly returns to sadness. 'Roosters dead? The poor lil' guy...'
The next thing I know, Mage Zynara throws this sack on the floor and another snake like Sheba crawls out! I let out a yelp and seek safety behind Dani. 'That's Lady Stephanie? No way!' But she is not among them and everyone seems serious in this matter, even the usually grim Mage Padraig.
Deciding that this slimy snake must really be Lady Stephanie all I can do is feel sorry for Lord Finrod, her husband. He returns to find his wife is a real serpent! 'Gosh', I add as I watch her coil up and try to bite people. 'Nasty disposition. I guess I would be like that if I was changed into a snake. Jeepers.'
The next thing I know there's this awfully loud roaring sound. Red Dragon someone says. 'A duh-, a duh', is about all I can get out. I look outside and see this simply huge creature flying about. My eyes roll up into my head and I fall over having fainted. ;D
SUBJ: FINROD (R) FROM: SGT STONEY 10/26/91 S#: 423920
Rage... pure-burning-hatred-directed- at- self-at- party-at-creatures-who- did-this/ what-was-it-they-said/ working-for-dragon /damn-serpents-snakes-lizards/DRAGONDEATH!!!!!
When Steph's predicament is revealed, the elven mercenary's cold blue eyes grow hot with a swelling of emotion. As the debates go on around him, he is deaf to all. He stands staring at his beloved wife coiled hissing on the paving stones, and all he feels is steadily growing, uncontained fury.
When the Dragon roars overhead, his vessel is filled. With a cry, he casts enlarge on himself, grabs his bow, and charges outside. Quickly he whips off a chain of magic missiles at the overgrown toad in the sky... If it sticks around, he proceeds to feather is with arrows, all the while challenging the vile serpent to single combat. If it falls, he will charge it with sword and dagger drawn, ignoring all other foes.
SUBJ: Fiben Bolger FROM: FatalCharm 10/26/91 S#: 485347
After the battle with the Lizard men, Fiben spends most of his time doing Tumbling exercises and dancing/frockling the way elves do. Actually he's trying to keep in shape, relieve boredom, and work off some of the adrenalin from the battle.
When the party returns, he leaps over to greet them, chattering about how they defied odds and defeated the lizardmen. To young Fiben, that was big stuff! Then he sees the sobriety of the party and hears the news about poor Stephanie, at which time he becomes quiet, thoughtful and subdued. And stays out of the way of Finrod.
Surely Rooster, his new blood brother, would care to hear his battle stories. And the news of his demise hits Fiben like a ton of bricks. Visibly shaken, Fiben slips outside for awhile, and for the first time since he was a toddler, Fiben cries. He does not weep, but rather sits against a tree watching birds fly, as tears slip down his cheek.
When he has regained some control, Fiben goes to Tania and asks her to teach him a prayer he can say for Rooster.
As the creatures start moving through the ruins, Fiben tries to comfort Tania, and tries to appear somewhat calm in front of her and all the rest of the party. Actually, the creatures roaming about don't bother him to awful much, what with the party around him for protection. But every time the Dragon roars, a cold shiver runs down his spine, grabs his guts, and rips them back up his spine into his throat. This is way out of his league. In between roars though, Fiben seems to forget about the dragon. He is quiet and withdrawn, mourning the lost of his first 'best friend' even if he only did know Rooster a few days.
Fiben also settles in a corner and blankly stares at his spell book with bloodshot eyes. Having nothing to really use against the dragon, Fiben works on Color Spray in case the lizard men attack again.
SUBJ: Armon (R) FROM: Omni Tuens 10/28/91 S#: 496111
The bard isn't surprised to see Steph has feelings for him, but hadn't expected them to be applied so FIRMLY... as in around his neck.
After prying her off, Armon finishes up the fight feeling larger than life. He is saddened by Rooster's demise, but realizes the party needs to get back to camp quickly. When he gets there, he finds an unexpected surprise.
"FIN! Good to see you! Where's Steph, you say? Well...um... It was like this, you see..."
The bard then launches into an intricate tale which involves the valiant Stephanie being the only one of them who would dare being polymorphed into a snake, taking the risk so that she might slide unobserved into the enemy territory to scout out the dragon. As she returned and Pad started the spell to change her back, he was interrupted by the foul yaun-ti, and lost his spell. And that is why it's necessary to leave her as aa snake for now.
Hopefully, he buys it for now, or at least doesn't go nuts.
SUBJ: Padraig FROM: GM Shifty 10/28/91 S#: 823440
Pad follows up Armon's recital with a terse, "What a load of ****. She got caught by a yaun-ti's spell before she knew what hit her. Save the embroidery for the twits in the taverns."
When Fin goes charging out and attempts to draw down the dragon, Pad sighs. Turning to Claudius, he says, "I suppose this means we're going to tackle the dragon now? I just wish I had something to protect me from that breath weapon. Somebody watch Steph and make sure she doesn't get into any trouble."
If Fin doesn't get too far ahead, Pad will try dropping a Haste spell on him before he gets outside. Pad then drops a Polymorph Self on himself followed by an Improved Invisibility. Pad'll then change into a Quickling. If/when the dragon comes down after Fin, Pad'll zip him with a Lightning Bolt and then race away from where he cast the spell.
Pad'll then take off and fly up behind the dragon and hit it with a Cone of Cold. Again, he speeds away as fast as possible from where he launched the attack. If the Fly spell cuts out, he'll cast Feather Fall.
After that, Pad'll get back to ground and continue his hit and run attacks, using 2 more Lightning Bolts and his last Magic Missile.
SUBJ: Mercy FROM: Mastiff1 10/29/91 S#: 501265
Mercy greets Finrod with a strained smile. "It's good to have you back."
He sticks near Finrod, when his is told about Steph. Mercy will try and calm Finrod.
"I'm not going to try to convince you to fight, but I would like you to fight with a level head. It won't do Steph any good, if you get yourself killed. It would be nice to have you around when the mages change her back ,intead of telling her you are dead. Don't you think?" Hopefully his soothing voice can calm his friend.
When the Dragon comes ,Mercy will cast a *Bless* spell on the party and *Resist Fire* spell on himself if combat is going to happen.
Finrod has returned to the fold just in time to discover that his wife, Stephanie, was polymorphed into a snake! Enraged, Fin goes to confront the leader of the enemy forces: a red dragon!
Fin casts Enlarge and he swells up to 10.5 feet tall. Pad hits him with a Haste as he goes. Mercy adds a Blessing.
Fin stands outside and waits for the dragon to reappear. Pad casts Polymorph Self and changes into a Quickling. This is followed by Improved Invisibility.
At last the dragon appears overhead. Fin pumps a trio of Magic Missiles into it. That gets the dragon's attention! It does a turn and dives towards the source of the attack.
As it draws closer, Pad hits it on one side with a Lightning Bolt. The dragon doesn't seem overly bothered by the attack. Pad flies off.
Claudius fires a Lightning Bolt of his own from the other side and gets less then spectacular results.
The twin Lightning Bolts confuse the dragon and it pulls up.
Fin fires a pair of shafts, but they just bounce off the dragon's thick hide.
The dragon circles around once more and dives to the attack.
This time Pad his it with a Cone of Cold in midair! This really surprises and appears to hurt the dragon.
It shakes of the effects and dives at Finrod. Twin claws rake the Elven Multiclass.
Claudius adds a trio of Magic Missiles as the dragon passes.
The dragon flies off once more.
Several minutes pass and it has yet to return.
Pad's Fly spell shuts down and he casts Feather Fall to land safely.
Out in the jungle, the lizard men and the yaun-ti withdraw.
Night quietly arrives at Silvarn's Temple. There has been no sign of the enemy. One of the sentries notes a large figure approaching. As it gets closer, they realize that it is a familiar fighter.... Blod!!
SUBJ: GM Notes: (R) FROM: GM Mad 10/30/91 S#: 399287
Yes, another old Seeker returns to the fold! Welcome back Blod! :)
Hit Points:
Finrod 10 of 36
I'll need new Spell Lists this post.
You've met the enemy and they have withdrawn. Now what?
SUBJ: Claudius.. (R) FROM: GM Falcon 11/01/91 S#: 520742
#Stay as we are...#
"Okay..", Claud remarks, "I suggest we get some rest, recover spells, and move out as soon as possible while they're still a bit disorganized. We can carry this to the dragon's lair."
(Spells as per last post)
SUBJ: Fiben FROM: FatalCharm 11/01/91 S#: 799720
In his sorrow, Fiben hardly notices the battle going on outside. Though the dragon's roar does make him shudder.
He has memorized ColorSpray again.
SUBJ: Tania (R) FROM: Enchantres 11/01/91 S#: 523344
Before the battle with the dragon, I do my best to easy Fiben's grief over the death of his friend. I'll teach him the words to Mystra's Prayer of release, the words we say when a loved one is laid to rest.
I accepting his comforting during the tense moments before the dragon appears without comment. Things are so tense I don't really even notice it!
Something later I come around to find all the excitement is over with. Seeing Finrod has been wounded, I rush over to him. 'Lord Finrod you are hurt! Please permit me to help you wounds. You will need to be a full strength for the battles to come.'
That night I make a request to Claudius. 'Fiben and I wish to bury Rooster and have a small ceremony to mark his passing. Everyone is invited to attend.'
I'll memorize/pray for the same spells as last time in the morn'.
SUBJ: FINROD FROM: SGT STONEY 11/01/91 S#: 523406
Quaking with unreleased fury, the steel - eyed mercenary multi-class raises his sword in silent promise to renew this conflict later... when he can get the dragon in a place of less freedom of movement, where the cowardly wyrm cannot so easily flee his wrath.
As the adrenaline slowly drains from his system, he notices that his blood does likewise... in copious amounts all over the ground. Gradually he becomes more himself. "Now that was a damnfool thing to do," he tells himself. "Whatever were you thinking of? To find Steph, and leave her widowed in the same afternoon? And never know is she would have forgiven the quarrel? You're reacting like some milksop paladin, not like a true mercenary officer. THINK, fool... it's what you do best!"
With that he returns to the temple, where he tends his wounds in silence, and, after checking with Paddy on what they've been facing here, settles himself for meditation and sleep. In the morning he will need all his skills, no doubt.
Before turning in, he makes sure to thank his fellow mages. "Claude, Pad, thanks guys... Don't know what came over me, it just... the joy of finding Steph, and then the shock of finding her like THIS..." He gazes sadly at the sinewy serpent coiled on the paving-stones. "Anyway-- thanks."
Spells: Charm Person, Enlarge, Colorspray, Magic Missile, Strength, Mirror Image, Haste, Fireball
BTW: I do not have DISPELL MAGIC in my books, so, ummmm... Pad, Claude? Might I prevail upon you to...?
--Finrod Fasthand
--Serpent's Spouse
SUBJ: Padraig (R) FROM: GM Shifty 11/02/91 S#: 830612
After the battle, Pad exchanges greetings with Blod and Fin and brings them up to speed on the explorations of the Pillar Network and the situation here with the couatl, 'elven lady', yaun-ti, and dragon. He then settles down to rest and retool spells. His one comment on the battle is, "Don't you hate magic resistant critters?"
The next day, Pad makes a few changes to his spell list. Since someone else was carrying a Haste, Pad drops it for a Dispel Magic. He also drops a Lightning Bolt for a second Dispel, just in case. He also switches the Poly Others for a second Fireshield.
First thing in the morning, he'll drop a Dispel Magic on Steph and hope it works. Second order of business is refreshing Sean's Invisibility. This reminds Pad to introduce his homunculus to Blod and Fin and warn them not to shoot at small invisible objects until they prove themselves hostile.
Current Spell List
3x MMissile, Det Magic, Feather Fall
2x Invis, Web, Det Invis, Mirror Image
2x LBolt, 2x Dispel, Fly
2x Fireshield, Imp Invis, Poly Self
2x Cone of Cold, Tport, Wall of Force
SUBJ: Dani.. FROM: GM Elezar 11/02/91 S#: 832520
Remaining fairly quiet and reserved, Dani rivets his attention on keeping Kitten calm and peaceful.. Only when the battle is over and the dragon gone, does the paralysis leave him, allowing him to move to Fin's aid.
Later, when he can get Tania along, he begs that she listen to him. And, with tears streaming down his face, he begs Mystra's forgiveness.
"I couldn't move.. I could do nothing.. I asked Mystra for her aid so that I might help those brave souls outside.. But nae.. I am unworthy.. " then to the sky,
"Forgive me, Lady Mystra.. Forgive my selfishness in asking a boon from you for something as trivial as capturing a bird."
---------------------------------------
As for spells, he'll cast his cure spells on Finrod and pray for these:
CLW, Darkness, Entangle
SUBJ: GM Notes: FROM: GM Mad 11/02/91 S#: 507537
The night passes without event. The priests heal Finrod's wounds.
Next morning, Pad casts Dispel Magic and causes Stephanie to revert to normal. One moment she's a snake, the next she is human and naked on the floor! ;)
Shortly after that Silvarn reappears.
"The baby was successfully born a few hours ago. Our task is almost complete. You have the enemy on the run. Shall we now complete the task? I shall draw their attention while you penetrate to the dragon's lair. Does this agree with you all?"
SUBJ: Fin (R) FROM: SGT STONEY 11/03/91 S#: 516306
As Paddy casts his DISPEL on his beloved, the steel-eyed mercenary stands by anxiously, torn between elation and trepidation... after all, he is not even sure she will take him back.
The moment she completes the transformation, he rushes forward, kneels at her side, and clasps her hand in his. "Stephanie," he says, "you must know you are the very source of my being. I love you deeply and dearly, and I was a fool ever to have quarreled with you and left your side. Will you have me back?" In the intensity of his need, he does not even realize that others are staring at her nakedness. In fact, the only thought that relates, coursing briefly through his brain is: "Didn't anyone think to bring her armor, or did they leave it lying on the floor? She cannot fight without armor."
Later, to Dani: "Hey, kid, don't get all upset at your paralysis... it is but a natural reaction to a magical property of the dragon. As time goes on, you will find yourself less and less a victim of such effects."
And to Blod: "Hail, and well-met, fellow warrior. How's things with the wife and child?"
SUBJ: Blod... FROM: Blod 11/03/91 S#: 824183
(Glad to be back, Mad one! Did ya'll miss me? ;D)
Walking through the jungle, slapping at the thousand of mosquitoes that seem to have decided to dine on his large frame, Blod begins to wander if this was a good idea. "Gee I hope this wasn't a bad idea. I hope Zynny is ok. I sure do miss her." etc...
When he finally makes it to the pyramid, Blod walks into the midst of the Seekers with a smile of relief on his face. "Finally!! You guys sure were hard to find! Think you could use another sword? Where is my Zynny??"
Upon seeing Zynara, Blod will sweep her into his arms, tears streaming down his massive cheeks. "Zynny, My Love!! I have missed you! Are you ok?"
When Blod is brought up to date, he grins at Fin and says" Gee, Fin, another dragon. The last one we met, I was almost turned into dragon food. Think we can do a better job on this one??"
When introduced to the new Seekers, Blod greets them in friendship. "Well met! If my friends have accepted you as friends, then you are welcome friends to me!"
Blod stands nearly seven feet tall and is massive all over. He carries a massive 2 handed sword and wears plate mail. He has a constant smile on his face, except when Zynara, his wife, is threatened in any way.
SUBJ: Stephanie (R) FROM: Schar 11/03/91 S#: 834818
All during the battle I sit coiled up and hissing inside the temple.
"Who are these strange people", I wonder.
Bored with the whole thing I decide to go exploring and slither off. Those who go to intercept me run into one irritable snake!
Sometime later I've been grabbed by the man-things again. Everything goes fuzzy...
I feel like I'm coming out of a haze. The first thing I'm aware of is Finrod's face before mine pleading for forgiveness.
"I-- Fin? Of course I'd forgive you..."
I suddenly become aware of my nakedness and that annoying smirk in Pad's face!
"What the ---- is going on here?!?", is shouted and I try to cover up. My face turns beet red.
Later once I'm back in my normal clothes me and Fin depart for a long private talk. When we return it appears that any differences have been patched up.
"Welcome back Blod!"
I give the huge fighter a big hug and lift him off the ground.
"The Seekers are almost complete once more! Let us test the mettle of that vile serpent now! You plan sounds good to me, Silvarn. Shall we go to the attack, Seekers?"
SUBJ: Padraig FROM: GM Shifty 11/03/91 S#: 487310
Having seen Steph and Fin in flagrante delicto before, seeing Steph naked doesn't cause Pad to bat an eye. As Silvarn shows up and offers her plan, Pad nods his head. "Sounds fine by me. We've added 2 heavy hitters since we first started out after the dragon. I think we're in good shape to go roast the lizard."
SUBJ: Claudius.. (R) FROM: GM Falcon 11/05/91 S#: 462338
The mage starts by rumbling over to Tania and Fiben at full speed. He seems more irritated than anything at their request:
"Of course." ,he answers briskly, "..but do you mind if we handle the dragon first? We can worry about the dead later...now is for the living."
He then turns to Finrod: "Hey, what our friends for?", he replies when Fin thanks him for his spell support. "You are right though, that wasn't the brightest move you've ever made, hmm?" He grins.
When Blod returns, Claud's eyes light up with joy: "Welcome back!", he beams. "You were sorely missed! Now no one can stand in our way!"
When Steph is transformed back to human, he can't help but gape at her naked form. He blushes beet red, grins a bit, and then tosses her a spare robe while her clothes/armor are sought.
And finally, when Silvarn speaks, Claud looks to Pad: "Might as well trust her, nothing left to lose." He turns to her: "Sounds like a good plan." He turns: "Everyone form up! It's time to settle this once and for all."
If he hears about (Dani)'s problem (the one who froze when the dragon stopped by), he'll wander over: "Don't worry about it..", he says soothingly: "A dragon is a powerful creature. Greater men than you have been worried, and for far less reason. We'll be okay, eh?"
And with that, the final battle of Isle xxxx ready to begin...
SUBJ: Armon FROM: Omni Tuens 11/05/91 S#: 791482
Armon feels quite helpless as the DragonWar rages, knowing there's little much he can do. He stands by waiting on a chance to strike, and is disappointed when it doesn't come.
His spirits lift, however, when he sees Blod return. He smiles and says softly, "And now for one to lead them..."
The bard's prophetic mood quickly shifts, however, as he turns to Pad.
"See? It would have been better not to tell Fin the truth on Stephanie. Instead, he just ended up angry, getting himself hurt, and doing something he regretted. Not to mention... " he adds, "the heartache of seeing her that way."
SUBJ: Padraig FROM: GM Shifty 11/05/91 S#: 799433
"Bard, he would have done something stupid whether he was told your pack of hooey or the truth. I also doubt he would have bought your silly story, since he knows I wouldn't use that spell on someone other than an enemy. The specifics aren't important here. It's a fundamental principle of adventuring. Always deal straight and above board with the other members of your group. Never sugarcoat something just because you think they'll find it more palatable. That kind of thing leads people into dangerous situations because they underestimated the dangers."
SUBJ: Tania FROM: Enchantres 11/06/91 S#: 487980
::Gives Dani a big hug:: 'Don't worry about it Dani. You may have frozen up, but I simply fainted!'
Tania gives Claudius a slightly afraid look when he shouts about giving Rooster a proper burial. 'Yes sir', I whisper and move off.