Several days slide past as the combined groups work on various matters.
Sharadin experiments on the platform and finds that it is possible to use it to return to Gateway! (With a stop over in the ruins.)
Shea brings word that the Crown is still interested in the Sword of Doom! They will provide you with means to reach the graveyard of ships, providing that you are willing to continue the mission.
The Keep rapidly begins to fill up with people as Sharadin and his associate mages use the platform to bring a squad of men at arms to use as defenders.
Sharadin himself is placed in charge of the Keep. His daughters, Sherry and Terry, cart their possessions to the Keep for many days.
Sharadin announces that General Logan is extremely pleased to have captured such a strategic location! An extra reward of 5000 gp per member of the Company is rewarded!
Sharadin further announces that he is forming the Cynalonian Mage Guild which will be head quartered at this keep! He pesters Pad for several days about suggestions for the Guild. The mages of the Seekers and the Company are invited to join for FREE, since they are involved at the ground level of this endeavor.
Members of the CMG will have free access to the mage spells and the library. Those priests who are interested in knowledge, such as Mercy's sect, will be allowed to peruse the library.
The remaining hidden area of the keep is explored! All that remained was the private chambers of the former High Wizard of Kairn! The quarters are rather spartan in style. A few books are found, but appear to have been borrowed from the library.
The area is heavily protected by spells. The wizard must have been extremely powerful as there are SYMBOLS placed on his GLASSTEELED windows!
A small book of notes is found here. Most of it is rather vague. (You get the impression that he left small notes that allowed him to remember larger thoughts. A type of "shorthand". )
The one sure thing you can gather is that he provides the power to the Sword of Doom! Using the Circlet found in the lower lab he was able to "control the Swords movement".
Sharadin creates more "pictures" of various locations in the Keep for Teleportation purposes. (Those observing him see him carry a large pad and lead. He casts a spell and the lead draws what he is staring at on the pad!)
Copies of these "Pictures" are given to Pad for his own use.
Shea summons all the adventures one afternoon.
"Providing that you are all willing to continue in the quest then I came give you more information. Three ships are be prepared for your use to sail to the Graveyard of ships."
"You'll need to ride down to Kingsport, as it is the closest ocean port in the Kingdom. The Crown will provide horses. It's about a 2 week journey."
"From Kingsport you shall set sail. The next landfall will be East Ochalea, a 20 day journey under normal circumstances. Nineteen days later you'll arrive at Crossroads, a large port at the intersection of several major trade routes."
"Your last landfall is at Far Point, quite literally the edge of known civilization! It is a 57 day journey under normal circumstances. You are looking at a 109 day journey just to reach Far Point! Divinations have placed the graveyard some three weeks South East of Far Point."
"There is one more thing. Our divinations have revealed that the graveyard is ruled by a lich. I thought that you'd like know that."
"If you are ready to continue on, then we'll have you returned to Gateway. Mounts will be provided. You'll need little in the way of supplies as there are way stations spaced out one day apart on the journey to Kingsport."
"Any questions? Any other requests?"
"Also, once you are 2 days out from Kingsport you'll be outside Cynalonian Territory. The Southern Seas are a dangerous place filled with pirates and worse threats."
Argent's idea on faking the keys is perused and discarded.
"We can make it look like the key", Sharadin explains, "but the Elders have placed some unknown magic on the keys to enable them to power the pillars. Insert our key and nothing happens. I'll continue working on it and get in touch with you if I come up with something. You have the spell Sending, Pad?"
The Hextor Priest is further questioned. All his allies have been accounted for. He is then shipped of Gateway for further questioning.
Mastiff and Fiben explore the keep and encounter no surprises. The Armory holds large quantities of weapons and armor of up to 75gp value in the PHB. PC's may select whatever extra arms that they desire.
Items on the Miscellaneous Equipment list in the PHB of 50 gp value and under may be found in great quantities. Take what you desire, but remember that you still have to carry it!
SUBJ: GM Notes: (R) FROM: GM Mad 12/25/91 S#: 412730
Several matters to resolve before moving on.
Mage may attempt to learn new spells, if they are able. All spells of levels 1-6 in the PHB are available. So any spells outside of the PHB should be listed by the mage who knows them. Sharadin will wish to learn such spells and add them to the rapidly growing CMG spell pool.
Sharadin adds two spells of his own making to the pool. Picture, level 1, and Copy, level 1 from the Wizard's Handbook.
Magic Items: Here's what I have for who so far:
Omni the Plate Mail +2 since only he expressed interest in it.
Schar has volunteered to carry the Healing Potions to aid her in healing. She also recieve a Ring +1 as her first choice.
Mastiff the Short Sword +2.
Perrel the Rapier +1
Blod the Potion of Super-Heroism.
Tania volunteered to carry whatever potions the Seekers had.
Finrod the Ring of Chameleon Power
Stephanie the Plate +3 and she added her old Chain +3 to the pool.
Blod some of the Arrows +1
Armon did ask for protection or a dagger, but those items were in the Companies group items.
Mercy expressed interest in the Bracers, but again it was in the other group of items.
Dani wishes to destroy the Short vs. magic and that also is in the other group.
What's it going to be gang?
SUBJ: More GM Notes: (R) FROM: GM Mad 12/25/91 S#: 446234
Time to weed out some of the missing characters!
Zynara decides to stay behind and raise her son while Blod goes with the group. "There are more then enough mages to fill my absence."
It alls seems that her drink from the Couatl Fountain increase her intelligence to Pad's level! She is eager to add many more spells to her magic lore and create others! She and Ross are moving into the Keep.
Bernice also decides to remain behind. Seems she gets seasick! ;)
Selarin decides that his services are no longer needed and goes off on his own.
Eliza, while looking to be an NPC, continues on with the group. She has a very personal reason and states that she must travel to the Graveyard.
Note: Eliza is descendant from parents in an Oriental Adventures type setting. Eliza herself is like a Samurai. She has a code of honor and such.
A few other characters maybe departing, but that is up to their players. A few new people will be showing up in the weeks to come.
That is all! Post away!
SUBJ: Magic Item Distribution: Se(R) FROM: GM Falcon 12/26/91 S#: 456589
(Sorry to be a little dictatorial... I'm anxious to get this done. Feel free to launch an exchange program)
Claud glances at Steph, then steps forward: "Here's what we got."
"Since there is no real treasure component to this, and balancing everything out would take an archmage, this is it:"
Armon: Chain +3
Blod: 20 Arrows +1
Claud: P-Sweetwater
Dani: P-Clairaudience
Fiben: P-Love (Yes, I know you don't want anything...this won't count too much against you getting first choice)
Finrod: R-Chameleon Power
Mercy: P-Superheroism
Padraig: P-Vitality
Steph: Plate +3
Tania: P-Extra Healing
SUBJ: Claudius FROM: GM Falcon 12/26/91 S#: 401592
(Also- Party Fund: Shield +1)
Claudius will enthusiastically support Sharadin's idea of a separate magician's guild for the exchange of information. To him it's the best idea he's heard in a very long time, and he will loudly let his fellow mages in on this secret. He does join.
(More on that later)
"One-hundred nine days?", Claudius echoes sharply. "The war will be on before we're THERE!" He frowns. "I'm not so sure the other group doesn't have a good idea, that we shouldn't follow Karn's quest to completion! It might be more dangerous, but it also might be a lot faster."
SUBJ: Fiben Bolger (R) FROM: FatalCharm 12/26/91 S#: 476770
(Another LONG one from the Long-Winded One!) LOL!
Fiben is disappointed when so far the Keep appears to be a What-you- see-is-what-you-get kind of place. With all the obvious wealth and care that went into building it, he'd thought there'd be more to it. But then truth be known, Fiben had a hard time keeping his mind on searching for secret doors too. It seems every time he entered one of those long, wide, colossal hallways, he would run and break into a number of floor tumbling exercises that would put an Olympic gymnast to shame.
After gathering up some supplies he wants, (see next post) and stashing them in his room, he hears the sounds of clashing swords! Racing towards the sounds, drawing his own Long Sword as he goes, Fiben burst through some doors to witness none other than Blod and Perrel going at it! Luckily, as Fiben is delayed trying to make up his mind whose side to join or how to stop the fight, it becomes apparent to him that the two are only sparring with each other. And an impressive display it is!
This brings an idea to Fiben and he races off to find Mastiff again. Excitedly, he blurts out, "I know how we can have some great fun AND do something constructive. We can practice our unique skills with my favorite childhood game, Hide-n-Seek!!! Say I never grew up, who cares. This place, ::gesturing around with his hands:: is perfect for it! A contest between the Nightwalker and the ShadowWalker, how grand!"
He laughs with GLEE as he throws a cloth over Mastiff's head and ties it on tight. "By the time you get that off, I'll be hidden, maybe right under your nose! Find me if you CAN!"
Fiben scampers off to hide in the shadows, preferably some place that is so blatantly open and obvious that Mastiff's eyes will sweep right over him without seeing him.
When Fiben is not screwing off with his new friend Mastiff, he spends as much time as possible getting to know Sherry and Terry. He has nothing to win their hearts with, save a winning smile, an infectious sense of humor, and a delightfully entertaining acrobatic ability. Basically, with time being short, his main objective is to get their attention in a pleasant way, so that if he ever makes it back to Gateway alive, they will remember him and he'll possibly have the opportunity to ask for their company. He also studies them carefully to try to figure out how to tell them apart when they aren't together. Fiben has definitely grown in self-confidence lately it seems. Though he will still blush often when the twins tease him.
SUBJ: Fiben 2 FROM: FatalCharm 12/26/91 S#: 501774
In the Armory, Fiben finds exactly what he wanted. Over on some racks and in some piles on a table he finds some throwing Darts. He scopes up about 2 dozen of them, but discovers he hasn't a means to carry them. No problem, next stop will be at the extensive wardrobe someone of the Company mentioned when we first met. But before he leaves the Armory, Fiben sits at the sharpening stone and carefully hones the edge on his Long Sword. Once satisfied with its sharpness, he applies Weapon-Black to the entire length of the blade, to keep such things as moonlight and campfires from glinting off the blade and giving him away. Then of course he pockets a flask of WeaponBlack to take with him. ;>
Next stop....Wardrobe. (I assume that Pad either didn't borrow my black Cloak, or gave it back by now.)
Fiben looks at the black Cloak he wears, one made to provide ease of movement and to use to hide at night. Its one that was NOT made to keep one warm though as Fiben has been reminded a few times by the brisk air around the keep. So Fiben picks out another Black Cloak, one that is thick and heavy and can double as a blanket if need be. Next he picks out a very thin white cloak. One as thin and light as a sheet, but perfectly white and not see through. This will be to wear over everything else if they run into snow.
(What IS the date now anyways?)
The clothing Fiben has been wearing was specially picked out the day he traveled to the mansion in Gateway to join the Seekers. He has had nothing else to wear. Though in need of laundering, they are so far none the worse for wear and he'd like to keep them that way. So he picks out a couple extra pairs of black breeches, and couple more tunics and vests of black and blue colors. The last article of clothing he adds is a coat containing about a dozen small pockets.
After changing into one of his new sets of clothes, he finds another backpack. One that can be strapped to his horse later like a saddlebag, but carried with him when they are on the ship or separated from the horses. He puts his new darts into the pockets of his new coat, and the rest of his clothes and his new cloaks he puts into the new backpack which he stashes in his room until they leave.
(WHEW!)
Lastly, Fiben approaches Sharadin respectfully and... "Sharadin, tis a mighty honor to finally meet you. I have heard the Seekers speak of your great power. I have a question about your new Guild. Is this for Full-time Wizards only? Or may Mages who also work in other areas such as fighting or thieving ::koff:: I mean scouting, may they join too?" And after thinking about the situation with Pad and Armon adds, "Are there any rules we should know about before we join?"
Mail From: FatalCharm Date: Thursday 26-Dec-91 20:33 EST
Hi ya!
This is concerning Fiben and The Frontier. I would like part of my current move to be secret so I'm Emailing you. This is something that Fiben wouldn't let any of the other Party members know about, so why post it and let the Players know? :)
Anyways...
While visiting with Sherry and Terry, Fiben slips his new Philter of Love into one of their drinks, be it wine, water or whatever. It doesn't matter now which one gets it, as long as Fiben knows which one gets it. So let me know please.
Fiben will NOT take advantage of the Charm abilities of the potion. He wouldn't consider it morally right. But the Enamoring effects on the other hand, do not bother his conscience in the least. Though he IS careful to not let the other sister or heavens forbid let Sharadin know what happened! :D
Also, Fiben makes no attempt to seduce the girl into his bedroom. He merely tries to win her affections so she won't forget him till he can make it back to further persue her in the future.
Thanks, FC
::snicker::
Mail From: GM Elezar Date: Friday 27-Dec-91 03:38 EST
Yoyo! :) Jus' a "Behind the Scenes" mail regarding Dani. :) In addition to his Speak with Animals, he'll be taking an Augury spell for use to determine when a "good time" might be to sneak in and take/destroy the Sword vs. Enchantment. He'll try to keep aware of its whereabouts as much as possible without giving away his interest. :) If given the opportunity to destroy it, he'll do so by wedging it between two boulders and hammering sideways on the hilt to break the blade, or by hammering directly on the center of the blade with it suspended.
(Place it on top of two bricks so the blade is suspended by the hilt and tip.. )
.
::sigh:: Cannae help it. ;D Idle minds make quests. :D
SUBJ: Dani.. (R) FROM: GM Elezar 12/27/91 S#: 393313
After the division of Magical Items and Sharadin's arrival, Dani will become even MORE solitary, his mood will swing from moody to downright depressed, though it's rarely (if ever) that you'll even see him in the latter.
What time he DOES spend outside of his room will be spent with Kitten in training. This "training" often results in the two tumbling around on the ground in a sort of wrestling match.. Though any bystander would think him crazy, the way he talks directly to the Jaguar as if it would understand him. (Though it seems as the cat does, as it follows every command..)
As the party begins talking of shipboard travel and so forth, Dani will also visit the Armory as well as wardrobe. In the Armory, he'll only replace his chain mail with something a little less "shiny new" and a bit more used, so that he won't be drawing attention. He'll then stop by wardrobe to pick up a bit of cold weather clothing as well as a couple hats of various types, and a robe that he can slip over everything fairly easily. From there he'll search around for any armor (or request it if unavailable) that might have been used for a War Dog.. Something he could train Kitten with for the future when she might need it.
SUBJ: Omni (R) FROM: Omni Tuens 12/27/91 S#: 393444
Omni smiles when it appears the majority of the group chooses to pursue the Sword. He has his own thoughts regarding the proper way to pursue it....
"I feel that taking the offered ship after the sword would be our best bet. The teleportational magic is just too dangerous... we don't know where it will take us. We might even end up in solid rock. Besides, if something's going to attack me, I prefer seeing it coming ahead of time. Sharadin, will we be taking the equipment that you said 'makes the Sword move' with us?"
If a chance arises, Omni will speak with Sharadin or Shea about revising the party's long outdated charter. He is also eager to depart for the city, where he can have a tailor replace the tabard which has been mauled over time.
SUBJ: Armon (R) FROM: Omni Tuens 12/27/91 S#: 393465
Armon is surprised at Sharadin's coincidental (?) announcement of the founding of an area Mages' Guild. When he quickly sees an opening, without Padraig around, he quietly approaches Sharadin with a question of his own.
"I say, Sharadin, I was wondering something... what will be this Guild's policy towards bards, such as myself? I may not be a full time mage, but magic is often used in my profession, and as you saw in town, I'm certainly capable.. and skilled... in research in libraries."
The bard spends the rest of his time wandering around bored, wishing he were off in a city somewhere.
SUBJ: Perrel... (R) FROM: GM Kill 12/27/91 S#: 502200
When not wooing Schar (See last post for that.), I can be found praying to Tymora in the church, or practicing some of my various skills.
I get somewhat saddened when I see the soldiers showing up in the keep, and then hear the plans to turn it into a mage's guild. After all, for awhile, this place was home.
There may be some unpleasant memories of the place, such as Ashes getting blown to pieces, but most of my memories of this place are pleasant, especially since this is where Schar and I started our relationship in earnest.
"Oh well..."I think with a shrug, knowing that the life of an adventurer is often filled with travel, whether we like it or not.
When the topic of the quest comes up, I listen to the others, before I finally put my opinion in.
"I believe we should take the pillars as well. We are fairly certain that the ship is the Sword, but do we know that for an absolute fact?" I ask the assemblage. "We could spend all this time going to the Graveyard of Ships and back, and find that it is indeed not the ship after all."
"Also, we don't know if we were compromised by the other party that was after it. While we did kill them, remember this, they had been sneaking around the Keep invisibly. They might have found out about our suspicions regarding the ship, and passed that information along."
"If they did, those they passed the information to, have quite a head start on us. The pillars may be our only chance to get there before them."
"I'm not saying there is someone who was informed, but it is possible."
"I agree that the pillar route will be dangerous, but the mage would've had it set up so he could travel through it, so it's not impossible."
SUBJ: Perrel cont... FROM: GM Kill 12/27/91 S#: 520357
Later, I try to speak to Sharadin alone.
"I would like to make a request, if I may?" I ask Sharadin. "Would you be so kind as to allow the use of the chapel?"
"I am a priest of Tymora, and that is one of her chapels, would I be allowed to request that my church be granted the right to reclaim it, and use it as a site of worship?"
"I would like it to be a multi-priesthood chapel though, with the followers of Tymora as well as those religions that we're friendly with, such as Azrella, represented."
"Only a few priests total mind you, I'm not talking numerous representatives of each religion, just one or two of each to administer to the mages within the Guild. As powerful as mages are, they must still bow before the power of the gods, and I'm certain they wouldn't mind a few healers around." I say with a wink.
"So, would you allow my church to reclaim this site?" I ask Sharadin, fingering my holy symbol as I do.
SUBJ: Padraig FROM: GM Shifty 12/28/91 S#: 399332
Retreading slightly...
Pad snorts as Dani explains why he must destroy the sword. "Nonsense," he says, "It is the use to which something is put that decides whether it is evil or not. We can't go around destroying everything that might possibly be used for a purpose we don't approve of. There'd be nothing left eventually."
At the discussions on the quest...
Pad's ears perk up a little at the mention of a lich. He then grows quite solemn and says, "I vote for going by the sea route, precisely because it will take so long. No offense intended, but the majority of this party is still in need of some seasoning if they are to stand against a lich."
When Sharadin asks if Pad has the spell Sending, he replies that he does. For the purposes of swapping spells, Pad has 6 spells that aren't from the PHB:
Alacrity & Snapping Teeth (3rd)
Create Darkenbeast, Halo of Eyes, & Locate Creature (4th)
Safeguarding (5th)
(I couldn't find the spell Picture. Assuming it isn't Enchantment or Conjuration magic, Pad'll try to learn it.)
Pad will set about trying to get the following spells into his books, using the Copy spell to speed the time it takes.
1st: Copy, Dancing Lights, Jump, Nystul's Magic Aura, Picture, Spook, Wizard Mark
2nd: Blindness, Deafness, Deeppockets, Hypnotic Pattern, Irritation, Misdirection, Whispering Wind
3rd: Clairaudience, Delude, Gust of Wind, Illusionary Script, Infravision, Tongues
4th: Detect Scrying, Dimension Door, Extension I, Illusionary Wall, Leomund's Secure Shelter, Massmorph, Minor Creation, Phantasmal Killer, Plant Growth, Rainbow Pattern, Rary's Mnemonic Enhancer, Shadow Monsters, Solid Fog, Vacancy
5th: Advanced Illusion, Airy Water, Animal Growth, Contact Other Plane, Demi-Shadow Monsters, Fabricate, False Vision, Leomund's Secret Chest, Major Creation, Passwall, Shadow Door, Shadow Magic, Stone Shape, Transmute Rock to Mud
Lastly, Pad will also join the growing crowd seeking Sherry & Terry's company. Pad isn't particularly smitten by them. However, since he has regained his correct age, he is interested in female companionship again. The twins seem to be the unattached females whom he shares a common interest with. Pad has a slight phobia about getting tied up with a priestess. ];>
SUBJ: Padraig (R) FROM: GM Shifty 12/28/91 S#: 399499
Finally, Pad settles down with Sharadin and anyone else who cares to get involved in the discussion. He starts off with a long speech giving his insights into Guild structures, "The first two things you need to decide on are whether or not you want your membership to uphold any particular principles and how inclusive you want to make your membership. The Guild I'm part of didn't accept evil members. They didn't want the knowledge they had collected being used for evil purposes."
"How inclusive to make membership is a complicated question. You want mages, naturally, but there is a lot to be said for also recruiting certain non-spellcasters, such as Alchemists and Sages. Generally, I don't think priests are made members of the Guilds, but you want to keep a good relationship with them, especially the gods of knowledge and the like."
"Since we have one in our midst, let's discuss bards. By and large, I wouldn't extend membership to most bards. However, I think you could make exceptions on a case-by-case basis. The real question on whether to accept a particular bard or not would hinge on his usefulness and character. The happy-go-lucky songster who prowls bars using his spells for entertainment are unlikely to ever give anything to the Guild. They might, in fact, hurt the Guild's reputation by employing magic in some disastrous fashion."
"The type of bard I would accept as a Guild member would be of a more studious nature. Such a person is more likely to increase the Guild's stores of useful knowledge, rather than just constantly being a drain on them. I would also require any bard, or any mage for that matter, who wishes to join to have a thorough grounding in basic magical principles. (Read here, the player has taken the Spellcraft NWP.) The more knowledge related skills, the better the prospect."
"Another 'class of membership' to consider is a 'Friend of the Guild' status. These would be people from any craft who are trusted by the Guild and help out the Guild membership. Adventuring parties, smiths, merchants, anyone could fall into this category. You'd want to have some Guild member vouch for anyone seeking this status. Then that person would be expected to give preferential treatment to requests from Guild members. On the flip side, they would receive preferential treatment from the Guild membership. A nice symbiosis would arise."
SUBJ: Padraig FROM: GM Shifty 12/28/91 S#: 399558
"Now, the last thing to think about is what services does the Guild provide its members. I disagree with free access to the libraries. The Guild needs to make money so it can make purchases to increase its libraries. Some fee should be set, smaller than the costs of setting up your own library, but enough so that it provides a real level of income for the Guild. Another good idea here is providing a credit to someone who is researching a new spell, if they agree to give the Guild a copy of the spell."
"The Guild should also work out a standard price list for things like training and casting spells. This prevents ill will generated by ruthless business practices among the membership. The Guild can then provide a referral service, sending clients to those mages who have the need spell capability and free time to help. The Guild would then exact a certain percentage of the standard fee to further generate income."
"Those are my preliminary thoughts. What do you think?"
SUBJ: Stephanie (R) FROM: Saphfire 12/28/91 S#: 400901
Steph nods in approval as Claudius hands out the rest of the magic items.
"You forgot about the Alchemy Jug. Perhaps just hold on to it as a group item?"
Upon seeing the two options on going after this sword, Steph sides with taking the ships.
"The length of travel may not be the greatest, but it's much more safer. Can we trust the pillars after they accidentally sent us up here? Perhaps they are not working correctly. We could end up in a place that has nothing to do with the quest! As far as missing the war, I seriously doubt that we would miss all of it. It seems to me that if Logan is willing to send us of after this sword while they march on New Keln that he must have a reason. Let's take the ships."
Much later while relaxing with Fin, Steph goes to her window.
"I could have sworn I heard the wail of a dying beast out there! Oh, it's only Perrel." ;D
SUBJ: Schar (R) FROM: Schar 12/28/91 S#: 400976
I am surprised to hear singing coming from my window! Looking out I see Perrel hanging precariously at my window!
"Are you mad?! Get in here this instant! Honestly, you do some of the most reckless stunts that I've-- ::sigh:: What am I going to do with you?"
Schar relents after seeing that Perrel comes bearing gifts!
"Did you remember the cheese and crackers this time?" ;D
The healer has little to add as far as the Mage Guild is concerned. But when the choice of quests come up, I'll add:
"I see the wisdom of taking the ships. We would be in control of the situation instead of the situation being in control of us."
SUBJ: Tania (R) FROM: Enchantres 12/28/91 S#: 401180
I gift Claudius a peck on the cheek when he hands me one of the potions!
'Thanks!' ;D
I do spend time with Dani and his oh so cute kitty! ;D
I'm not sure what to think when Dani goes on his evil sword crusade! 'I think that Pad's got a point, jus' cause the sword does more damage to those who cast spells does not make it an abomination to Mystra! After all, one does no need to worship Mystra to cast spells! The fact that it is magical at all is a tribute to Mystra, not a blemish! The Lady of Mysteries was wise enough to foresee those who would misuse her gifts and allowed this weapon to be created to hold them in check!' ;D
'Jeepers! A hundred and nine days at sea?! That ole graveyard is VERY far from here! I always wanted to see the Southern Seas!' ;D
When discussion of the Mage Guild comes up, I'll toss my two cents in. 'Surely you are going to allow those mages who do double duty in! They may not be as powerful as you solo mages, but we are not lightweights either! I mean I'm a mage and a Priestess of Mystra, the Goddess of Magic itself! Mystrain's should be allowed to join. To refuse them is to insult the source of your own abilities!'
(As fer new spells, I'll E-Mail ye at later oh Mad One! ;D)
SUBJ: Argent (R) FROM: Enchantres 12/28/91 S#: 401211
'My position is unchanged as far the Sword Quest goes. It is foolish to walk into the teeth of Karn's traps while there is another option available. We need not worry if the Hextorites beat us to the Sword, after all if the Circlet controls the Sword and we have the Circlet, then there is nothing they can do with the Sword! We may have to fight off some more Hextorites, but the Sword should still be there! I would also have to disagree with your assessment that they would make the Quest easy for them to recover the sword. After all, if the mage that lived here was as powerful as he appeared AND he controlled the sword then he could have simply Teleported to it! He would not need the Keys!!'
Argent is much in favor of the Mage Guild! 'It's about time that we brought magic out of the dark ages in these lands. Let this new guild be a center of enlightenment!'
As Per Sharadin's request, Argent will make her additional spells available. These include: Past Life, Hovering Skull, Ward Against Undead, and Wizard Sight.
On a scroll she has: Fist of Stone, Protection from Paralyzation, and Lasting Breath.
When she has free time, and is not discussing magical matters with the other mages or tinkering in the kitchen, Argent can be seen in the company of Crandor.
SUBJ: GM Notes: (R) FROM: GM Mad 12/28/91 S#: 401443
Pad adds the following spells to his book:
1st Level: Copy, Picture, Dancing Lights, Jump, Nystul's Magic Aura, Spook, Wizard Mark
2nd Level: Blindness, Deafness, Hypnotic Pattern, Irritation, Misdirection, Whispering Wind
3rd Level: Clairaudience, Infravision, Tongues
4th Level: Detect Scrying, Leomund's Secure Shelter, Massmorph, Phantasmal Killer, Plant Growth, Rary's Mneumonic Enhancer, Shadow Monsters, Solid Fog, Vacancy
5th Level: Advanced Illusion, Airy Water, Animal Growth, Contact Other Planes, Demi-Shadow Monsters, Fabricate, False Vision, Leomund's Secret Chest, Major Creation, Passwall, Shadow Door, Shadow Magic, Stone Shape, Transmute Rock to Mud
Picture is a spell that was developed in my off-line game. Here is it's description:
Picture: Level 1, Alteration
Range: 0
Components: VSM
Duration: Instantaneous
Casting Time: 1 Turn
Area of Effect: Parchment drawn upon
Saving Throw: None
This spell allows the recipient to draw an accurate picture of what he is looking at. The recipient must concentrate upon what he is drawing during the spell casting. As he stares, the picture is drawn on parchment that he holds. When completed, an accurate picture of the scene viewed will have been created. The spell does not give the mage any artistic ability and the Picture thus created is an a poor work as far as art goes. (The quality of the Picture can be improved is the caster does have artistic ability.) The material components are parchment and something to draw with. If the caster is interrupted the spell is ruined.
Sharadin's main use of this spell is secure Teleport arrival locations, giving him a "Studied Carefully" result.
SUBJ: GM Notes: (R) FROM: GM Mad 12/28/91 S#: 401611
The current date is late November. However, most of the Southern Seas are more tropical in climate. Much like the island that the Seekers came from.
Sherry and Terry get more then their share of attention from the combined groups! Both girls do seem to enjoy the company. They also have the annoying habit of wearing identical outfits! This causes further confusion about who is who, which they enjoy!
Terry seems to be particularly attracted to Fiben and is constantly making "googly eyes" at him. At least you think its Terry!
One morning the Sword vs. Magic-Using and Enchanted Creatures is found missing!
Dani will be able to find what appears to have been a suit of leather war dog barding. With a few alterations it could be fitted on Kitten.
Sharadin suggests leaving the Circlet behind.
"If it is truly the power source of the sword then it would be much safer back here. I'll be able to keep a watch on your progress by scrying. When the time comes the Circlet could be Teleported to your location. You won't have to worry about losing it and I'll get protective wards placed on it."
Shea handles the re-writing of the Companies charter.
Sharadin agrees with Argent's thought on "Karn's mage could have simply gone right to the Sword itself. We know that he had Teleport available to him, probably even Teleport Without Error judging by his abilities."
"The chapels will remain", Sharadin says when the priests start to question him. "Only a portion of the Keep will be allotted as Guild territory. The rest will be a normal keep. I have no problems and even encourage a chapel dedicated to the Gods of Good."
When the duration of the trip comes up, Shea adds, "The course we plotted mostly follows the known sea routes. It would be possible to cut off up to two weeks by sailing directly for Crossroads. However, you would be sailing through totally unknown seas! Few sea captains would go along with that idea."
Sharadin adds, "I know of someone who could help in you journey. His name is Melanthius, Mel for short. He's a half-elven mage and Priest of Alesh, the Patron of the Oceans. If there is anyway to speed up your journey he would know it. Mel is an independent type and you would need to hire his services."
SUBJ: GM Notes: (R) FROM: GM Mad 12/28/91 S#: 401643
Sharadin proposes the following for the CMG.
Members must be able to cast Mage Spells. (This does include Multi-classed mages. Bards will be determined depending on the magical seriousness of the bard.)
Members must be non-evil in alignment.
Those who desire to learn knowledge or are skilled in fields related to magic may become Associated Members. (These include Sages, Alchemists and certain Priesthoods.)
Members will be charged a yearly fee to be a member of the Guild. This fee includes access to the library and room and board to those staying for several days. Lab access is an additional Fee and is charged weekly.
Spell access fee and training fees are still being negotiated upon.
Sharadin will not charge a fee to all current mages in the group as far as access to the Spell Pool.
"You were here and made this possible. Without your actions there would be no Guild. Consider this a privilege for being here on the 'ground level'."
Later, when the subject of Armon comes up, he relates to Pad "If I have the choice of having him seduce one of my daughters for spells or give him access to the spell pool, I'll take the latter!"
SUBJ: Padraig FROM: GM Shifty 12/29/91 S#: 406303
Pad smiles at Sharadin's comment about Armon. "If you're really worried about it, we could always arrange to turn him into a newt," he replies.
Pad apologizes to the multi-class mages. "Sorry, I thought it went without saying that anyone who was a mage, no matter what else they do, is considered a mage."
SUBJ: Dani.. FROM: GM Elezar 12/29/91 S#: 408449
As the day for departure edges closer, Dani seems t'be a become a bit more cheerful. He starts taking active roles in a few of the discussions, particularly the Mage's Guild discussion..
"There should also be something said about the apprenticing of mages. A central school for those wishing to become mages would provide for the future of the Guild. If that option is a bit too "open" for your tastes.. You might simply allow for discounts to those Mages who enter the guild with an Apprentice."
After the disappearance of the sword, Dani will become almost cheerful, though he'll remain quite closed mouthed about the whole thing responding simply, "I'm glad the thing is gone" to any questions..
Dani thoroughly enjoys Tania's company, surprised at her acceptance of Kitten where before she was openly scared of the Jaguar. He'll eventually go so far as to invite her to help in training..
As the party seems to be leaning closer to Ship-Travel to the place, Dani will start training Kitten to become used to ships/boats in hopes that the animal might accompany the rather huge party.
SUBJ: Fiben (R) FROM: FatalCharm 12/29/91 S#: 409887
Fiben still has trouble telling the twins apart, basically because the twins seem to enjoy making it difficult. But as he begins to notice one of them acting more affectionately towards him than the other, it increases his desire to tell them apart, especially when they aren't both together.
As far as he can tell though, it's Terry who seems friendlier than the other, and he approaches her to request her company.
"Terry, I need to go to the Mage Library here and look over some spells, maybe even try to learn a couple. Why don't you come along with me. It'll be a nice and quiet time. Besides I could always use your help and advice."
Assuming she comes along, they go to the library where Fiben attempts to learn a few spells, (Listed at the end) interrupted by some moments of flirtatious giggling. Whenever Fiben gets a chance, he tries to catch her gaze with his bright blue eyes and hold it till one of them looks away blushing.
Later, Fiben says its time for him to go attend a meeting on the new Guild with Terry's father, and he offers to walk her back to his room. On the way back, Fiben does his best to keep her smiling and laughing. When they reach her door, he puts his hand on her shoulder in a way that is both polite, yet also conveys affection, and tells her he enjoys being with her and with a wink, says he will see her later. Then he skips off merrily down the hall on the way to
Sharadin's meeting.
Fiben slips quietly into the Guild meeting and sits in the back to listen. He seems very interested and enthusiastic about the whole thing. But anyone watching his facial expressions when Padraig starts to speak sees his expressions go from one of delight, to ones of bewilderment, confusion, and eventually down right frustration.
THEN, Pad gets to his final line, "Those are my preliminary thoughts.." and the meeting is interrupted by first some giggling, which becomes laughing, till eventually Fiben is rolling on the floor holding his sides in gut splitting laughter! "If those are your preliminary thoughts, please, PLEASE spare us your in-depth opinions on the subject."
Of course by this time Fiben is receiving irritated stares from at least Sharadin and Padraig to which he replies, still chuckling, "What can I say? I'm an Elf. :D You humans have to learn to relax. No wonder you all die so young. You probably STRESS yourselves to death trying to make life so complicated. Just decide what you believe in for yourself, then go with the flow."
SUBJ: Fiben continued... FROM: FatalCharm 12/29/91 S#: 409919
Fiben sits down again and the meeting continues with no further interruption from him. Except after Sharadin is done of course when Fiben speaks up to say it all sounds splendid and grand and he would like to join up.
Fiben continues using his free time playing Hide-n-seek with Mastiff if he's game, and flirting with Terry (and paying attention to Sherry a little too). If Terry wants, he'll even accompany her to the reading libraries (have to appear civilized you know), help her in the lab, whatever.
Here are the spells he attempted to learn.
1st level: Spider Climb
2nd Level: Alter Self, Deeppockets, Knock
SUBJ: Perrel... FROM: GM Kill 12/30/91 S#: 74025
As I hang there singing, I see Steph look out of her window, and I wave at her as I continue my serenade of Schar.
When Schar opens her window, I give her a wink, and climb in when she invites me.
"A bottle of sweetest wine, which is sour when compared to your own sweetness." I say putting the bottle on the table.
"Beautiful flowers that should feel jealous when in your presence, for they can never attain such beauty as you possess." I say while handing her the flowers, before scooping up her hand and kissing it gently.
"And yes, the cheese and crackers." I say, while opening a small pouch and pulling them out.
After putting the cheese and crackers on the table, I spin about, scoop her into my arms, and kiss her softly, but very passionately.
SUBJ: FINROD (R) FROM: SGT STONEY 12/30/91 S#: 412811
Glad to see regulars coming in to run a proper garrison. Be sure to give them help setting up and learning the lay of the place.
Guilds a fine idea. Think Paddy's thought of requiring SPELLCRAFT skill is super... it keeps out the total dabblers while allowing serious mages, clerics, and bards in. Require it of ALL applicants. Also central school hard to work... discount for apprentices better... might take on own apprentice one of these centuries.
Bowl of Fiber: Behave yourself. Humans take themselves seriously, but that is why they will supplant us one day. They burn short but bright and intense. None of us can hope to match their intensity of purpose.
I prefer the Ship approach... it is more sure than trying to get the rest of the keys, and allows us more time to get the newer folk trained up to a level to take on a lich. ::nods to Pad in agreement::
If the two parties are to join in seeking the ship, we should negotiate a revised contract, choose a new name, and elect new leaders. There should be no more than two of them, and BOTH should have been voted in by the WHOLE Company. Otherwise i see bickering and strife ahead. ::was that a glance at Argent? Maybe not. :) ::
SUBJ: explanation (R) FROM: SGT STONEY 12/30/91 S#: 412852
Why is the verbose and flowery sarge suddenly terse and dropping articles from every sentence?
Early x-mas day, I hit a patch of ice w/ my motorcycle. Minor damage to the bike, and helmet and leathers did their job: am alive and uncrippled. However, broke arm and dislocated wrist (am left-handed--care to guess which arm naturally broke? ) So posting is a pain... eight-to-ten weeks before Fin will be his old wordy self again.
Finrod One-hand
Mercenary Motorcyclist
SUBJ: Armon FROM: Omni Tuens 12/30/91 S#: 412859
Armon wanders about the keep at the same time Sharadin is talking with Padraig, oblivious to the words of him passing. As a matter of fact, he also happens to be visiting the twins, counting on their previous encounters and his remarkable looks.....
"Hi girls, remember me? I hope you ladies have been well since the Seekers left... has much excitement come to the city?"
SUBJ: Fiben again FROM: FatalCharm 12/31/91 S#: 838818
As I said, the Guild meeting continued with no further interruption from Fiben. But when Finrod talks to Fiben afterwards, Fiben gets a thoughtful look on his face. If anyone wants to know what's going through his mind, he is thinking
Finrod is right. The humans can never hope to match the Elves dexterity, stealthing skills, or even their archery and sword wielding abilities. Nor can they match the strength of many other races. But they certainly do burn brightly, for their ambitions and force of will can be match by no other, tis true. Call em brave, or call them stubborn, but they are tough. No sense inflating their egos further by telling them that though. After his moment of thought, he perks back up and cartwheels down the hall. "Good for them", he thinks. "But I think life is just TOO good" :)
Fiben also agrees with Finrod about picking new party leaders. Not that he has any problems with the current leaders, but if everyone thinks they might stay together on a permanent basis, then they should act as one party, not two. If there is a chance the two parties will go their separate ways after the war or sometime though, then Fiben thinks things should stay the way they are.
Fiben takes Terry a couple small purple flowers he found outside the Keep. There is only a couple and they aren't the loveliest flowers in the world, but they are one of the few rare types that will grow and blossom in this type of weather. When he gives them to her, he takes her hand and just stares into her eyes (What color are her eyes anyways?) with his big blues eyes without saying any- thing. Finally he hands her the flowers and says, "Just because you're you." He pecks her REAL quick like on her cheek bone, then lets go of her hand, smiling, and changes the subject to something else.
Stoney, get well soon, hope you don't hurt to much. Oh, and :PppPpppP for living somewhere where it is nice enough to ride a Motorcycle this time of year. ;D
Then again, if ya hit a patch of nice, maybe it isn't warm enough to ride a bike. ::thwap:: :DD
SUBJ: Argent (R) FROM: Enchantres 12/31/91 S#: 417976
The Invoker appears with her belongings all packed up. First she seeks out Omni and the other members of the Company of the Sword. 'I'll be taking my leave of you all. It's been a grand adventure but my destiny lies elsewhere. The best of luck on your quest!' Argent gives each of them a hug.
After that she says her goodbyes to some of the Seekers and Sharadin and clan. (No, she didn't say goodbye to Finrod.)
As Argent walks out the keep she feels the eyes of Crandor on her. She looks back longingly for a moment, turns and continues on off into the Sunset... ;D
Farewell all!! ;D
SUBJ: Tania FROM: Enchantres 12/31/91 S#: 418000
'I didn't mean to sound upset, Pad. I get kinda excitable at times ya know!' ;D
As fer Kitten, Tania points out that 'Well, before she was a wild animal! Not that I see you've tamed the beastie I'm not afraid of her! And she is just SO cutie and cuddly!' ::giggles:: ;D