Perrel and Finrod later aided by Crandor question the intruders! The kobold and hobgoblin talk readily. Both appear to be tired and hungry.
"We were hired as thieves for Tyranthraxus and Vangiraad! (Don't blame me for the names! Send Elezar the hate mail! ;)
"We snuck in invisibly while you fought. We was supposed to lay traps, cause chaos and then get out. Then all these other showed up! We didn't know what to do! Just don't hurt us, okay?"
When Pad confirms that he is the Staff's new master...
"My given name was Mervin, but I shall change it to what you wish. Here's what I can do:"
No Charges: Detect Magic
Speak with Dead
Protection from Good
1 Charge: Animate Dead
Darkness 15' Radius
Dispel Magic
Hold Person
2 Charges: Command Undead
Enfeeble
Feeblemind
Life Level Drain
(Got a misleading roll in your earlier examination!)
Pad can feel the Staff testing his resolve, but some far feels that he is in control. Mervin has spoken only telepathically so far.
Later that day, the platform in the basement activates!! Sharadin and Captain Shea enter the Keep!
Greetings are exchanged.
"I got Pad's message", Sharadin explains, "and decided to come here and see things first hand. I believe that the platform here is set with two destinations. It functions as the other platforms, but when the correct items are placed in it, it switches to an alternate location. We can test this later."
Sharadin presents Pad with a piece of parchment. On it is a very realistic picture of a room with an odd symbol on the floor.
"Constructed one of those teleport towers that you told me about. That's the arrival chamber so that you can home in on it safely."
Much later after everything has been relayed to the new arrivals.
"The Company has done very well in securing this fortress!" Captain Shea says. "If the artifact functions as we believe it should, then we can move troops up here."
"The library itself is a tremendous find. You should all be proud!" Sharadin adds.
"I'll need to report to the General on this situation, but I suspect that he will suggest avoiding this quest that Karn outlined! You know the location of the Sword, so we can provide ships to sail there! It's quite a distance and would prove to be a treacherous journey, but possible safer then going into Karns traps. Do any of you have any other suggestions or ideas?"
SUBJ: GM Notes: (R) FROM: GM Mad 12/18/91 S#: 444691
Fiben: You need to BE a 9th level mage in order to brew potions. Plus you need the recipe for the particular potion you wish to make. It is possible to higher a mage to make a potion for you, but brewing one yourself is beyond your current ability.
Zynara's ID spell causes the magical auras of objects to become visible. Each type of mage has it own color. By now you should have broken the color code down as:
Blue = Conjuration Magic
Red = Enchantment Magic
Violet = Necromantic Magic
Green = Invocation Magic
Yellow = Alteration Magic
Brown = Divination Magic
Grey = Illusionary Magic
Orange = Abjuration Magic
The various shades of the colors indicate the power of the item as per the 5 divisions discussed under the Identity spell. The darker the shade, the more powerful the item. By now you would have come up with the shade variations for Enchanted items. Pink is the weakest, then Vermillion, Scarlet and Maroon. Crimson is the last color, but you have yet to find an item that powerful! Items that go Black appear to be Cursed.
All the ID'ing has been completed! F1 for what you have!
SUBJ: Magic Items! (R) FROM: GM Mad 12/18/91 S#: 458130
The Companie's Goodies from the White Dragon and Mage Tower:
Oil of Etherealness
Potion of Vitality
Potion of Treasure Finding
Scroll: Prot/Dragon's Breath
Human Sized Plate +2
Cloak +2
Longsword +1, +2 vs. Magic Using/Enchanted Creatures
4 Potions of Healing
2 Potions of Extra-healing
4 Rings +1
2 Daggers +1
Bracers AC: 6
Short Sword +1
Rapier +1
Footman's Mace +1
2 Spellbooks: Contains all 5th & 6th level spells in the PBH. Combined with the books already found in the Keep, the Company has access to all Mage spells of 1-6th level in the PHB!!
Argent's Items:
Ring +4
Necklace of Adaptation
Ring of 20% Magic Resistance
The Seekers loot, in addition to the Staff:
Potion of Clairaudience
Potion of Super-Heroism
Potion of Sweetwater*2
Philter of Love
Potion of Extra-Healing
Potion of Vitality
Ring of Chameleon Power
Alchemy Jug
Human Sized Plate +3
20 Arrows +1
Shield +1
That is all! ;)
SUBJ: FINROD (R) FROM: SGT STONEY 12/19/91 S#: 452908
Alone in the room they have chosen as their own, Fin turns to his beloved Wife. "Gee," he says, "these Doomsters are certainly an unfriendly lot... when they aren't arguing with me, they're glowering at you of Claude. They really should learn to work better together-- it might be the death of them."
When the Items have been thoroughly ID'd, Finrod speaks to the leaders of the seekers. "Stephanie, Claudius, I would like to formally request the Ring of Chameleon Power be given to me. I feel I could make best use of it. Failing that, one of the potions would be my next choice. I am sure you will distribute them wisely and well."
--Finrod Fasthand
--Mercenary Multi-talent
SUBJ: FINROD (R) FROM: SGT STONEY 12/19/91 S#: 416462
Oh, and... hows my CHARMing of the priest coming, Mad?
SUBJ: Mastiff (R) FROM: Mastiff1 12/19/91 S#: 506713
Mastiff finally comes out of his room as he has been there a while. He approaches Fiben.
"I am sorry for being so rude to you. So let us start once again. Hello, my name is Mastiff Nightwalker.
Mastiff's Spells:
Magik Missile
Phantasmal Force
SUBJ: Mercy FROM: Mercy1 12/19/91 S#: 70681
Mercy spend a great deal of his free time in library. He even sleeps there. If anyone ask why he replies "I like history, I's full of wisdom."
This is where he will spend his time until they leave.
SUBJ: Schar (R) FROM: Schar 12/20/91 S#: 411007
Next morning, I'll pray for several Cure Light Wounds. One will go to myself, the others to heal Omni.
I'm in attendance when the mages go about their research.
"Padron me, Padraig, but are you sure that the staff is safe? It seems evil to me. I mean it protects the wielder from good?? That smacks of evil! Please be very careful with it!"
After our own items are Identified, I'll approach Omni.
"I'd be interested in one of the rings. Perhaps I should carry the healing potions? After all, I am the resident healer here."
The healer intentionally avoids the interrogations. She knows that they are necessary, but cannot bring herself to witness it.
SUBJ: Stephanie FROM: Schar 12/20/91 S#: 411065
"I concur, Claudius. I see no reason that Pad should not take the staff. Nor with Fin taking the Ring. Of the items, I request the plate mail. I passed magic items last time so there should be little problems with this request. In turn, I'll add my old Chain +3 back to the pool."
That night Fin and I cuddle in our new quarters. Steph is SO pleased to be sleeping in a real bed once more! The night passes far to quickly as we share elven poetry, sip wine and cuddle! ;D
Much later after Sharadin and Shea arrive and we meet with them.
"It seems to me that we should go after this Sword of Doom. However, neither option seems that great. I agree that we should avoid the traps that this Karn laid."
"Is there any way that magic could aid us in this task" This is asked to all the mages. "Would it be possible to set up a place to safely teleport there, Pad?"
SUBJ: GM Notes: (R) FROM: GM Mad 12/20/91 S#: 421455
On the Priest of Hextor front, it takes a full 5 Charm spells before he goes under! Remarkable will power! (Not to mention a series of lucky rolls. ;)
His basic story is mostly as what has been guessed at. He and the mage were ordered find the Sword of Doom for the Hextorites. They put a group of adventurers together to do the job. They found the Company already at the Keep and decided to kill them off.
Another other questions?
SUBJ: Claudius (R) FROM: GM Falcon 12/21/91 S#: 416196
Claudius gathers the Seekers together once the IDing is done:
"Make your claims soon.", he announces, "..or you risk getting something you don't want, or worse..nothing." He sounds a bit harsh as he speaks.
When Sharadin and Captain Shea arrive, the discussion turns towards "What to do." Claud nods coolly as the options are given. "Let's circumvent this Kairn's traps, and go right there. I think one of the teleport pillars in the ruins and Gateway allowed us access to this graveyard of ships.. and if not, then we can take a vessel ourselves."
SUBJ: Crandor (R) FROM: GM Falcon 12/21/91 S#: 424571
Crandor looks at this Sharadin and Captain Shea, and frowns deeply...the two being strangers to him: "You sure these are friends?", he murmurs to Omni.
Once pacified, and when the options are given, Crandor stays out of it for now. He does cuddle Argent close though, kissing her hair softly.
SUBJ: Omni (R) FROM: Omni Tuens 12/21/91 S#: 439706
Omni nods to Crandor's query.
"Yes... they may not be totally familiar with all of us, but I assure you, they are friends."
He then smiles at the two men, and speaks...
"It is a pleasure to see you again. Shortly after we left Gateway, Montagne left us, and I took over as leader. Since then, most of the make-up of our group has changed... a few of us remain, however. When would you have us depart to retrieve the Sword? If you wish it, I shall see this quest through to the end."
Regarding the interrogation of the cleric....
"Have him tell us of ALL his allies. Make sure we don't have anymore nasty surprises awaiting us... or anyone else we'll need to track down."
On Treasure....
"There's simply too much to distribute out; therefore everyone just stake your claims to what you want. If you can't get it, maybe you can barter with someone."
As far as personal choices, Omni shows interest only in the plate armor, but won't get it if anyone else wants it. He is hesitant about giving up so much mobility for the protection.
SUBJ: Armon (R) FROM: Omni Tuens 12/21/91 S#: 399156
Armon wanders around the keep, tossing a dagger up and down and talking with anyone who will talk back. If he can find anything in the treasure to increase his miserable protection, or a dagger, he'll ask for it.
The bard is happy to see Sharadin and Shea, as they are links to the city. He listens patiently to their words, then quickly inserts:
"So when is it we're leaving to go back to the city?"
SUBJ: Blod... FROM: Blod 12/21/91 S#: 394219
Not having much to do, Blod becomes easily bored. He knows he should practice his sword drills, but he doesn't seem to want to practice alone. His usual partners, Steph and Fin are too busy to spend time sparring with their large, but somewhat thick witted, friend.
Wandering over to the Companies quarters, Blod goes looking for a sparring partner. "Anyone wanna help me with my sword drills? I need to practice, but no one wants to play. :( And we have this nice big place to play in..." He then realizes he is whining and goes off, hoping someone will spar with him.
Seeing Pad with his new staff, Blod wanders over. "Nice stick, Pad! Does it do tricks? I hope you are careful with it. I wouldn't want you to be short again. That would be awful. ;D "
As for treasure, I think the arrows should be divided between the archers, myself included since I can use a bow. I can even make bows and arrows, but can never find the time. :D Also, that potion of super-heroism sounds nifty. Other then that, all I need is a magic two-handed sword, and I'll be happy! :DDD
SUBJ: Tania (R) FROM: Enchantres 12/21/91 S#: 443027
On the magic item front, Tania will volunteer to carry some of the potions. Otherwise, she searches the library for any good books on Mystra! ;D
SUBJ: Argent (R) FROM: Enchantres 12/21/91 S#: 438209
'Impressive', is the quote after learning what the other mage placed on me. 'Omni, i'd rather just hang on to what I have if ye don't mind.'
'Nice to see you again, Sharadin! It has been a long time.'
On the journey to the Sword...
'I believe that you are wrong, what's the name, Claudius? The Graveyard of Ships is very distant from here. It on the other side of the Isle of Everwinter, which, unless I'm mistaken, is itself several hundred miles from here. An ocean voyage would take months to reach the Graveyard! However, there is a pillar that leads to the Graveyard. The secondary location downstairs! Why not make our own KEY? Admittedly, I have yet to examine the other keys to determine their composition, but if we could make our key, then we could use it to travel directly to the Graveyard! Circumvent everything and leap to the Quest's End!'
Out of Character:
Sorry, Finrod by someone else will need to teach you manners, as Argent has about 95% chance of moving on. This is something I decided on BEFORE our little spats. In fact I overacted on them to give her an in-game reason for leaving. ;D
SUBJ: Fiben Bolger (R) FROM: FatalCharm 12/21/91 S#: 71929
Fiben doesn't show too much of his earlier excitement as the magic items are finished being identified. He notices Claudius is a little grumpy and wonders if Claud might be nervous about the Captain and Sharadin's visit.
In reply, he shrugs his shoulders and says, "The potions aren't quite the type I was hoping for, the rest of the stuff uninteresting except for the arrows, and I'm a good enough archer that I don't feel a need for magic arrows." (Whoah, Fiben's getting kinda cocky since that Magic Pool episode. Gonna have to give him the old 'Pride goeth before a fall' sermon) ::another shrug:: "I think I'll follow Lady Stephanie's example and pass this time in hopes that maybe you'll allow me an early bid next time we get lucky enough to recover some items of magic."
Fiben leaves the room and wanders around the Keep looking either bored, or maybe just out of place, when he meets up with Mastiff.
Everyone knows that Elves often have secret handshakes and greetings, and so do many thieves. Well, Elven thieves have yet other secret hand- shakes, and when Fiben offers his hands to Mastiff, he is quite pleased to see Mastiff respond correctly.
"Mastiff, If you were rude to me, I did not notice. The meeting of our parties was, tense, to say the least. And I know you have been grieving for Ashes. I'm sorry I had not the pleasure of meeting him/her."
Then, perking up like the happy little elf that he is, "Nightwalker eh? I'm he who walks the shadows, more of a recon explorer than a thief." Whispering too now, "And buddy, YOU have got a deal! Lets get lost for awhile! Where do you want to go? I think the storage area on level three seems like a place that should be looked into better. And what say we sneak into the Armory for a peek, I'd like to see if I can find any Darts in there." ::grin::
Fiben takes off with Mastiff. If Mastiff has no objections, he'll go to the Armory first to look for darts then check for secret doors, then head to the storage room to search for secret doors and for ANYTHING of interest. (Never know what's interesting to Fiben, he liked the tooth/bone necklaces from the lizard men after all. LOL)
If Mastiff has other ideas where to go, Fiben will follow his lead, since Mastiff has been at the Keep longer and made the initial suggestion.
SUBJ: Padraig FROM: GM Shifty 12/21/91 S#: 446509
Responding to Schar, Pad says, "Power is neither good nor evil. Only the use we make of it can be so characterized. As it happens, I once stole a liche's mind and memories. This will give me advantages in dealing with any problems that might come up."
Responding to Steph, Pad says, "I can't teleport somewhere that I don't have a mental image of. And the danger increases greatly if I haven't directly viewed ad studied the area."
Later, addressing the combined leadership, Pad says, "I have a few suggestions. First, we both are distributing magic items right now. Since we are going to be working together now, let's start working like a team right away. I propose that each group's members take 1 item from the loot they have collected. Then, all the remaining items could be put into a common pool and split between the new combined party. What do you think?"
"I also think the Company mentioned something about 1 area of the castle that they hadn't penetrated yet? Is that correct? If so, maybe we should try getting in there to see what may be seen."
Still later, Pad calls all the spellcasters together. "The Seekers have a policy of open spell exchanges. I suggest that we carry this over into the new joint party. The more spells we each know, the better we can aid each other and the party."
"I have only one reservation on spell trading. The Guild I am a part of does not allow its members to give spells to bards. I don't personally care if you learn a spell from me and then turn around and let a bard learn it. I just need to keep from doing it directly to satisfy the laws of my Guild."
SUBJ: Dani... FROM: GM Elezar 12/21/91 S#: 416606
Dani will not specifically request any particular magical item, content with his prayers and the time he spends teaching Kitten basic tricks. He WILL spend a large amount of time with Tania, if she's doesn't seem "overtly bored" with his company..
This will all change, however, when/if Dani learns of a specific magical sword.. One that was created for destroying magic using or enchanted creatures. Once he discovers this particular swords existence, he will bargain.. beg.. and even resort to theft if necessary to gain possession of it.. His purpose is quite clearly explained to Padraig and Tania at LEAST..
"I am a follower of the Mistress of Magic.. If I were to allow such a weapon to remain in existence, it would be to ignore my faith. Destruction of any magical creature is the destruction of a part of Mystra and therefore blasphemy! I *MUST* destroy this blade!"
Dani will not resort to violence in this issue, though he will seem incredibly disturbed if he is denied the fulfillment of this particular 'quest' then return to his room and brood upon the topic.
(Note: As Clerics CAN make magical items.. Dani does NOT consider magical items, as "Creations of Mystra" thus their destruction is not blasphemy if done for a good cause.)
SUBJ: Mastiff FROM: Mastiff1 12/22/91 S#: 458286
"The Armory is as good a place to start, Fiben. Let's go." Mastiff will take Fiben to the Armory, and help search for secret doors. He will also examine the weapons and weapons racks, as well as the floor. "Also Fiben we should go and check out the Mages library and lab. No telling what kinda of goodies we can find."
Mastiff will cook dinner for everyone, if we are still in the keep in the evening. He will also check the food and spices that he is using to make sure that they haven't been tampered with.
Concerning the magic items, Mastiff will request the short sword." Omni,it is the one that I used to killed the mage, that killed Ashes.
SUBJ: FINROD (R) FROM: SGT STONEY 12/24/91 S#: 446557
Perrel...
"That third leader's name is F.I.N.R.O.D. Finrod. Got it? Good. And I am not a third leader; I just am the one who comes up with the plans that get used. Like I told your impolitic mage, I am spoiled... I'm used to getting my own way. Now let's you and me leave these leader-types to their plots and schemes. We'll go get some more info from that Prisoner-Priest before the CHARM wears off. We need to get him ready to send back to Gateway to be a POW, anyway."
"I am sure the leaders can work out their own deals on integration of the Doomsters into the Seekers."
--Finrod Fasthand
--Mercenary Multiclass
SUBJ: Omni (R) FROM: Omni Tuens 12/24/91 S#: 406902
Omni allows those who want items to take them, but doesn't take part in their actual distribution. He readily agrees to Pad's proposal to share the items later.
As Perrel bursts in on another meeting, the fighter hides a smile at his words. He does however quickly back him up when he's done.
"I agree...everyone has a right to know what's going on. The Company's decision seems fairly simple..." Omni pauses, looking to Shea for confirmation, "It is my wish to continue the Quest for the Sword of Doom, and retrieve it. If the Seekers wish to aid us in this, they are more than welcome to do so."
SUBJ: Perrel... FROM: GM Kill 12/23/91 S#: 394797
I find the Hobgoblins and Kobolds explanation satisfactory to me, so I quit spanking them.
"Well, you boys got yourselves in a heap of trouble now, or haven't you noticed that yet?" I say to them. "What do you think we should do about it?"
"Urm...I'm game, let's go." I say when Blod asks about sparring practice, and I'll head downstairs with him, and practice, getting used to the feel of my new magic rapier.
"Omni, if nobody else has claimed those magic daggers, I'll take one or both of them if no one else wants one."
"That's it!" I say, walking in on yet another of the endless leader meetings that seems to be going on here. "I don't know what you all are talking about in here, but, might I make a suggestion?"
"I trust Omni's judgment, and you all seem like reasonably sound minded folks." I say to Cluad, Steph, and whoever the third leader is of the other group.
"But, maybe the rest of us would like to know what's going on, try to have a little say in what's being decided her, those sort of things."
"Might I suggest getting everyone together and talking about it, this place is certainly large enough to accommodate everyone."
"Should we join forces? Should we go after the sword? Should we do something else? There's so many questions, and maybe together we can come up with the answers."
That night, I put a bottle of wine in my sash, and a book of poetry in my pocket, before going outside, and scaling the wall up to Schar's window.
Once outside her window, I clear my throat, and then start singing.
I serenade her with a soft, warming, song, even though my singing voice isn't the greatest in the world, neither is it the worst.
When she opens the window, I smile and wink at her, while continuing my song, although I'm hoping she'll invite me in out of the cold. ;)
SUBJ: Armon FROM: Omni Tuens 12/24/91 S#: 407012
Armon sits in on the mages' meeting, staying near the back of the room. He sighs audibly when Pad speaks against giving spells to bards. He quickly pipes up when he gets an opening, smiling winningly and walking to the front of the room.
"Really Pad. I don't see the harm in letting trustworthy bards...like myself... learn a few spells. After all..." he looks away modestly, "I can weild more powerful spells than some full time mages. And what Guild truly objects to sharing? You've said yourself you come from another 'place', so obviously, their Guild law wouldn't hold here. As far as here goes, I haven't encountered any other mages who won't help a friend."
Armon smiles again, placing a hand on Pad's shoulder and turning to address the rest of the room.
"But I can respect your wishes, Pad... I owe a lot to you, and our combined research on the pillars proved we work well together. I only ask... " He laughs softly, "that the others aren't unduly influenced by your own policy."
SUBJ: Padraig (R) FROM: GM Shifty 12/24/91 S#: 448021
Turning to Armon, "As I said, I don't care if anyone else cares to allow you to learn spells from their books. I have to obey the rules of my Guild, no matter where I am. The Guild rule exists for a reason. Let's just leave it at that."
SUBJ: Mastiff FROM: Mastiff1 12/25/91 S#: 514537
Concerning the Treasure:
Since so much treasure is up for grabs, Mastiff will request the Bracers also. "They will make it easier to use my many skills, that could be helpful to the party."
Mastiff continues his search with Fiben, hopefully coming across something interesting.
SUBJ: Mercy FROM: Mercy1 12/25/91 S#: 513807
Mercy spend MUCH time in the library. Looking for, and reading all he can about the place they are going. He makes small notes in his journal on what he find out.
Mercy reads with a smile knowing that any other priest with a knowledge of Ancient History would die to be where he is now.
**********
Spells:
CLW(*3)
Bless
Protection from Evil
2nd lvel:
Hold Person
Mind Read
(Will break away from reading and help Perrel and Finrod with the cleric. The second spell will be another Hold Person)