19990827 LetsStartThisParty

<H1> Let's Start This Party Off With a Bang </H1>
<H2> Role Call </H2>
<TABLE>
<TR>
 <TH> Name </TH>
 <TH> Profession and Level </TH>
 <TH> Player </TH>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Prince Donner </TD>
 <TD> 8th//8th Human Fighter/Mage </TD>
 <TD> John Speck </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Kieran McTernan </TD>
 <TD> 7th/8th Half-Elf Cleric/Mage </TD>
 <TD> Ray Chiang </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Grackle </TD>
 <TD> 7th/8th Half-Elf Fighter/Thief </TD>
 <TD> Mark Whisler </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Elias </TD>
 <TD> 6th Human Priest </TD>
 <TD> Jim Yonemura </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Kill'Dar </TD>
 <TD> 8th/9th Elf Fighter/Mage </TD>
 <TD> Rick DiRicco </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Fingle Shimmerstone </TD>
 <TD> 7th/7th Gnome Cleric/Mage </TD>
 <TD> Richard Jacobsen </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Travian </TD>
 <TD> 6th Human Paladin </TD>
 <TD> (Full Risk, Full Reward) </TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<H2> Session Summary </H2>
<H3> Sent Packing </H3>
<P>
The next morning, Kieran performs a divination about the returning
to Blackvault to clear it out. He gets back the vague phrase:
"Apollo and Prometheus". The party debates about the
meaning of the divination, and comes to the following conclusions:
</P>
<UL>
<LI> It is believed that Apollo and Prometheus refer to sunlight
 and fire.
<LI> Since there are orogs, trolls, and undead left in Blackvault,
 it is believed that the party should attack in the daytime
 and take advantage of using fire in fighting the trolls.
</UL>
<P>
After a resting period, Kieran scrys Blackvault:
</P>
<UL>
<LI> Kieran firsts examines the room where Malbain was slain. The
 room is dimly lit, making it difficult to see. However, it
 appears as though the Ravenloft fog is gone. The interior
 is charred (presumably from Malbain's Fireball). After closer
 examination, Kieran spies two trolls sifting through the
 rubble packing up what usable items they can find.
<LI> Next, he examines the forge area. The dwarves still appear to be
 working. The work crew of zombies, skeletons, and orogs are
 packing up the forge area as well.
<LI> Kieran attempts to scry inside the entry area to Blackvault
 but attempt fails.
<LI> In the Caldera area, it is morning. The Ravenloft fog appears
 to be gone as well. The area appears to be devoid of undead--not
 surprising because of the time of day.
<LI> The second attempt to scry the top room succeeds. Inside,
 there are several orogs sitting inside the room. The door is
 barricaded, and there are several arrow slits in the walls.
<LI> Kieran finally attempts to scry the mirror room, but fails.
</UL>
<H3> Kill'Dar Has a Bad Day </H3>
<P>
The same day, Kill'Dar teleports with Travian to Aquarna. There,
under the influence of the Quest, Travian immediately heads to the
temple of Zeus, followed by Kill'Dar. There, he returns the Holy
Avenger to the priests and feels the completion of the Quest.
</P>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Father Corwyn:</B> Well, it is good that this mission is complete. You will, of course, stay for the celebration.
<P>
<B>Travian:</B> Certainly.
</P>
<P>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Um, aren't you going to be coming back with us to help
 at Blackvault?
</P>
<P>
<B>Travian:</B> Well, it appears as though Father Corwyn would prefer
 I remain.
</P>
<P>
<B>Father Corwyn:</B> Of course. The Holy Avenger of Emalcos Baird hasn't
 been removed from the tomb since his death over 80
		 years ago. The return of the sword and the death of
		 the Death Knight would be cause for a great celebration.
</P>
<P>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Um, actually the Prince was hoping that Travian would
 come with us to help.
</P>
<P>
<B>Father Corwyn:</B> Such a competent party of adventurers could certainly
 handle the rabble remaining easily. Aren't you
		 yourself a formidable fighter?
</P>
<P>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Well yes, but...
</P>
<P>
<B>Father Corwyn:</B> That settles it then. Travian, won't you come with
 me? There is much planning ahead.
</P>
</BLOCKQUOTE>
<P>
Kill'Dar leaves the temple feeling slightly annoyed. As he wanders
around the city of Aquitaine, Kill'Dar notices that there are many more
elves wandering the streets of the city. As chance would have it, he
spots Colonel Ilus sitting with some elven warriors.
</P>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Ilus, what are you doing here?
<P>
<B>Ilus:</B> I am part of a group to travel with the forces of Aquarna
 in this seasons campaign against the orcs.
</P>
<P>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Well, I'm glad to hear that.
</P>
<P>
<B>Ilus:</B> Yes, things appear to be going well for us. We also now know
 the means to slay Krodol Blooddrinker.
</P>
<P>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Well, that's good to hear. What other news from the field?
</P>
<P>
<B>Ilus:</B> Reports indicate that Ravenloft is heavily involved. There
 have been reports about increasing numbers of undead in the
 orc army.
</P>
<P>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Well, that's not good news. Fortunately, we believe that
 we've prevented Gorath's forces from creating any more
 magic weapons in Blackvault.
</P>
<P>
<B>Ilus:</B> That's good as well. Is there anything else?
</P>
<P>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Yes, I sent news asking about Daeron. I'm surprised
 he isn't here.
</P>
<P>
<B>Ilus:</B> Well, he was sent off to the West.
</P>
<P>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> (Disappointed) I see. Well, I can only assume that's
 what he wanted.
</P>
</BLOCKQUOTE>
<P>
During the day, using the Corsican Helm, Kieran has a chat with
Kill'Dar.
</P>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Kieran:</B> Hey, as long as you're in Aquarna, would you go by the temple of Apollo? It's entirely possible that there might be something useful to use there.
<P>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Are you sure about that?
</P>
<P>
<B>Kieran:</B> No, but I don't think it would hurt to check.
</P>
<P>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Well, okay.
</P>
</BLOCKQUOTE>
<P>
Kill'Dar makes his way to the temple of Apollo in Aquarna.
</P>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<P>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> (Knocks on the door)
</P>
<P>
<B>Priest:</B> Can I help you?
</P>
<P>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Uh, I heard that there would be something useful here
 for me.
</P>
<P>
<B>Priest:</B> And where did you get that bit of information?
</P>
<P>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Well, I had a Divination done that indicated that someone
 in the temple might be able to help.
</P>
<P>
<B>Priest:</B> Well, there is the Oracle. You may learn some useful
 information.
</P>
<P>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Well, I suppose I might as well do that.
</P>
<P>
<B>Priest:</B> Very well, follow me.
</P>
</BLOCKQUOTE>
<P>
Kill'Dar is led inside the temple and to the Oracle.
</P>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<P>
<B>Oracle:</B> Your future is dark and cold. What future do you wish
 to know about? Know that the oracle speaks truly, and
 only once to each man.
</P>
<P>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> I wish to know about the future of the elven people.
</P>
<P>
<B>Oracle:</B> Listen well, Kill'Dar of the elves
 <BR>
 Loyalty will be the death of you
 <BR>
 Suspicion is the sword of the enemy
 <BR>
 On your bones is the future laid
</P>
<P>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Well, I guess I'll be going now. (To Kieran) Wouldn't
 hurt to check, huh?
</P>
</BLOCKQUOTE>
<P>
Kill'Dar, having arranged earlier to meet with Seledan, finally gets
a chance to have a mage-to-mage talk.
</P>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> I'm glad that I'm finally able to get a chance to talk to you.
<P>
<B>Seledan:</B> Yes, so what can I help you with?
</P>
<P>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> I was hoping to talk to you mage-to-mage.
</P>
<P>
<B>Seledan:</B> I see. And what would specifically would you like to talk
 about?
</P>
<P>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Well, since we're coming back to Aquarna soon, I was
 hoping to talk to you about getting access to some
		 spells that I've been looking for.
</P>
<P>
<B>Seledan:</B> Certainly. But I do have one question...
</P>
<P>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Yes?
</P>
<P>
<B>Seledan:</B> As a noble of the elven people, don't you have access to the 
 spell library there? It is my understanding that the elven
		archives are far better than what I have available.
</P>
<P>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Yes, but it's a bit far away...
</P>
<P>
<B>Seledan:</B> Excuse me, didn't you just teleport here?
</P>
<P>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Yes, but I didn't cast the spell. George put the spell
 in the Ring of the Silverveils.
</P>
<P>
<B>Seledan:</B> Are you sure? From talking to you about such things, it
 would seem as though you're ready. (Begins talking about
		the theory of Teleportation).
</P>
<P>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> No, I'm not quite getting it yet. Soon though... 
 [Note: Actually, Kill'Dar <I>was</I> of a level to cast
		 Teleport, although the player thought he was a level short.]
</P>
<P>
<B>Seledan:</B> (Appears disappointed) Anyway, I believe that you should
 be able to contact Lady Mianna to get access to the...
</P>
<P>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> <I>Lady</I> Mianna?
</P>
<P>
<B>Seledan:</B> Yes, Lord Cerethan's wife. Don't you know her?
</P>
<P>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> [Note: At this point, Rick is thinking back to the
 Deck of Fate prophecy in <A HREF="19980620_Dealer.html">
		 Dealer's Choice</A>.] Of course I know her.
</P>
<P>
<B>Seledan:</B> Well, as I was saying, as the former mistress of the
 Grove of Learning, she should be able to help you with
		any spells you might need.
</P>
<P>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Uh, I suppose so...
</P>
<P>
<B>Seledan:</B> That settles that then.
</P>
<P>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> (Sighs, then leaves--it hasn't been a very good day)
</P>
</BLOCKQUOTE>
<H3> Back to Blackvault </H3>
<P>
Kill'Dar makes one final attempt to get Travian to return with him
to Home, but to no avail. Finally, Kill'Dar gets a Teleport from
Seledan and heads back to Home. The next day, the group turns
invisible and is taken just outside Blackvault by George.
</P>
<P>
The party moves to a location to attempt to spy on the caldera, but
find a lone individual already sitting there. He appears to be wearing
armor and holding a spear.
</P>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> So, what should we do?
<P>
<B>Donner:</B> Why don't you go talk to him?
</P>
<P>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> What? He could be dangerous.
</P>
<P>
<B>(Figure):</B> (Turns and looks in the direction of the party)
 Who's there?
</P>
<P>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Uh, just me.
</P>
<P>
<B>(Figure):</B> Who are you?
</P>
<P>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> I am Kill'Dar. Who are you?
</P>
<P>
<B>(Figure):</B> I'm Elias from Dulax Moir. I can't seem to see you.
</P>
<P>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> That's because I'm invisible.
</P>
<P>
<B>Elias:</B> How did you get here with me seeing you?
</P>
<P>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> I transported myself here magically.
</P>
<P>
<B>Elias:</B> I see.
</P>
<P>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> (To Donner) I think he's okay. I'll go check him out.
 (Steps out of the Invisibility, 10'R and walks up to
 Elias) So, what are you doing here?
</P>
<P>
<B>Elias:</B> There was a party of orogs and trolls which came near
 Dulax Moir about a month ago. I've been keeping an
 eye out for trouble since then. What are you doing here?
</P>
<P>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Well, we have some business up in Blackvault.
</P>
<P>
<B>Elias:</B> Hmmm...are you responsible for the mists disappearing?
</P>
<P>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Uh no. (Hears coughing from rest of party) Well, maybe.
</P>
<P>
<B>Elias:</B> Maybe?
</P>
<P>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> I'll know for sure later.
</P>
<P>
<B>Elias:</B> Uh, okay. (Looks skeptical)
</P>
</BLOCKQUOTE>
<P>
Kill'Dar continues talking to Elias and discovers that he is the priest of
Athena in Dulax Moir. He continues talking with the priest to get more
information. Apparently, the undead have become loose and continue to
roam wider and wider paths in the area surrounding Blackvault.
</P>
<P>
In the meantime, Donner and Fingle fly off on the magic carpet to spy out
era. The caldera appears to be free of the mists and the building itself
appears to be rebuilt again. Donner and Fingle perform some magical
investigation, noting that there no longer appear to be Glyphs on the
buildling.
</P>
<P>
After rendezvousing with the party, it appears that there will not be
enough time to perform an attack and return to town. Instead, the party
returns with Elias to Dulax Moir and stays in the temple of Athena there.
</P>
<P>
The next day, the party sets out early to Blackvault. They sneak up
invisibly to the building. Peering inside, there still appear to be
orogs waiting. The plan is to Fireball the inside and then have
Fingle shrink the door and charge in. Standing to the side of an arrow
slit, Kill'Dar begins casting Fireball...
</P>
<H2> Foes Fought </H2>
<P>
</P>
<P>
Base Experience: 
</P>