20000220 PawnsPromoted

<H1> Pawns Promoted </H1>
<H2> Role Call </H2>
<TABLE>
<TR>
 <TH> Name </TH>
 <TH> Profession and Level </TH>
 <TH> Player </TH>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Zeldar </TD>
 <TD> 7th Human Fighter </TD>
 <TD> Rick DiRicco </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Brandom </TD>
 <TD> 7th Half-Elf Fighter </TD>
 <TD> Keith Farrar </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Feanor Fingolfin </TD>
 <TD> 5th Half-Elf Bard </TD>
 <TD> Mark Whisler </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Durinal </TD>
 <TD> 5th Dwarf Cleric </TD>
 <TD> Ray Chiang </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Dirge </TD>
 <TD> 7th Half-Elf Bard </TD>
 <TD> John Speck </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Simplex </TD>
 <TD> 7th Gnome Thief </TD>
 <TD> Peter DiPiazza </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Janos </TD>
 <TD> 7th Human Paladin </TD>
 <TD> Steve Opre </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Elverie </TD>
 <TD> 6th Half-Elf Druid </TD>
 <TD> Robert Giedt </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Gralkin Hammerfist </TD>
 <TD> 6th/6th Dwarf Fighter/Cleric </TD>
 <TD> Richard Jacobsen </TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<H2> Pawns Promoted </H2>
<H3> A Day in the Life... </H3>
Janos and Durinal have been in the city of Octax for 2-3 months. There, they have learned that Octax is a great city. They have met the benevolent ruler once and at that point they understood the message of peace that he has been trying to spread. He is a great ruler--listening to the needs of his people and doing what he can to help.
In their time in the city, they have become friendly with each other. Durinal in particular had heard all sorts of horrible stories about Octax, but now that he has seen the city, he wants his people in Delvondar to meet with Octax to listen to his message of peace. Janos feels the same way.
However, Octax is a busy individual, which Durinal and Janos understand. Fortunately, Octax has several brothers who listen to the characters. Janos is learning new skills, such as laying brick, while Durinal has been put to work in the overseeing of the construction.
In particular, Fasex appears to be quite weak, possibly even having died once. Janos brings this up, but one of the beholders tells Janos that Fasex will die when he finishes his mission.
The only other friend that Janos and Durinal have met is an individual named Cyril. He is not a citizen of the city, but does visit fairly often. He has asked the two to not tell Octax that he comes to the city. While Durinal and Janos don't feel comfortable about it, they respect his request.
Everyone in this town is competent. There are cases where monsters have invaded the city, yet the work crew (consisting of people with levels) are capable of fighting directly. The city consists of nearly 300-400 people. The group has yet to meet anyone below 4th level.
For mages, the spellbooks are kept in a single place. There have been times where Octax's brothers have allowed individuals to go there to memorize spells, but they are told what to memorize. All new mages are taught Levitate, Strength, and Tenser's Floating Disc.
Also in this city, people have died and returned. There have been individuals who we have seen die and Octax has managed to bring back through his resources. This just goes to show the great benevolence of the great ruler.
<H3> Work Duty </H3>
One of the adventurers caught yesterday would like to help in the city. He would like to make up for the damage and help on Gralkin's work crew.
Brandom's group attacked a point in the wall where they were building a new structure. Gralkin had designed the area, but someone else was overseeing the work. Fasex, Togox, and one of the little brothers were overseeing the area. Fortunately, one of the wizards of the work crew put up a Wall of Stone to prevent the rest from escaping.
There is a new work group formed. Some of the group has worked before, while others are new to the group. Overall, there are small groups of individuals who know each other. This is the first time that Gralkin and Durinal have worked together, but this is a big job that requires both groups.
Two days ago, the group led by Brandom attacked. Rather than coming through the gate, they came in through the side walls. They attempted to move quickly and blitz straight to Octax's residence and kill him. Instead, they chose a spot that was already assessed as weak, and a work crew was already there working on it. There were several wizards there, one of whom used a Wall of Stone to seal the breach.
Gralkin already has a plan to fix the latest breach. Just in case there is more trouble, Togox will come out to help (e.g. Levitate).
<H3> Description of the City </H3>
The city is located at the end of a large lava tube system. There are three branches at the end of the tunnel which are sealed. The main tunnel leads out to the main Underground Highway. The tertiary wall is the one that needs repairing (the first being by the Highway, the second between the first and the third closest to the city).
The three branches are as follows:
<OL>
<LI> Octax, Library, Armory
<LI> Main city
<LI> Brothers residence, high ranking members, guests
</OL>
<H3> Let Chaos Reign </H3>
Gralkin begins by having the crew moving the rocks from the breach to the pit.
Because of the potential danger, Togox has brought a locked chest of weapons and other tools in case there are dangers.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Gralkin:</B> (To Gnome) What do you do?
<B>Simplex:</B> I can do this (ventriloquism with rock)
<B>Gralkin:</B> (To Gnome) Hmmm...why don't you stand over there?
<B>Dirge:</B> Where did you send my friend? Do you want me to do the usual? Where's the food?
<B>Gralkin:</B> Over there, we eat at noon and at five.
<B>Dirge:</B> (Walks over to cart) Okay, I'll work there. (Sings) I'm trying to get the food.
<B>Togox:</B> You're amusing. Get back to work.
<B>Durinal:</B> Can't he sing and carry those rocks?
<B>Togox:</B> Hey Gralkin, I have a suggestion for you. Why don't you have him help with moving the rocks? He doesn't seem to be helping much.
<B>Dirge:</B> (Begins singing)
<B>Togox:</B> I don't think he's lifting the spirit of the group much. (Listens to singing) As a matter of fact, I'm sure of it.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
After working a while, the groups hears some sort of rumbling or explosion far away. Immediately Togox's eyes begin to move.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Brandom:</B> I think it came from over there.
<B>Togox:</B> Yes I heard. (To Gralkin) Wait here.
<B>Brandom:</B> That sounds like what I heard yesterday.
<B>Durinal:</B> What did you year yesterday?
<B>Brandom:</B> Fireballs.
<B>Durinal:</B> Really?
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Togox heads towards where the noise came from. Next, six members of the group all of a sudden are freed from their Charm. All of a sudden, we no longer feel that Octax is our best friend, and we are free to judge his behavior during our time.
In the corner next to the wall, we see a well-dressed (but dressed to travel) gentleman, with a well-trimmed beard. He carries a black silver-tipped staff and black with silver tracings. This is Cyril.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Durinal:</B> What are you doing here? (Walks towards Cyril) Please tell me you have a way out of here.
<B>Cyril:</B> (Winks, Smiles, and begins casting a spell)
<B>Gralkin:</B> Get back to work everyone--it's just Cyril.
<B>Dirge:</B> Cyril? Where? (Looks in Cyril's direction) Wassup....
<B>Elverie:</B> (Looks up, cradles head in hands)
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Brandom heads over to the cart and examines the boxes. The boxes are made of solid metal and appear to be locked.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Cyril:</B> (Shouts) Get away from the cart. (Begins casting another spell)
<B>Simplex:</B> Hey Cyril! How's it going? (Tugs at Cyril's robe)
<B>Gralkin:</B> (To Durinal) Don't let the gnome bother Cyril.
<B>Durinal:</B> I'll go on my initiative. I mean, okay.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Cyril completes casting his spell and the box opens and a gout of flame shoots out the back end of the cart. A bright burst of flame.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Gralkin:</B> (To Cyril) Wrong box.
<B>Durinal:</B> (To Simplex) Hey, don't disturb Cyril. You really don't want to disturb a spellcaster when he's casting.
<B>Simplex:</B> What?
<B>Durinal:</B> Hey, why don't you show me that rock trick.
<B>Simplex:</B> Sure.
<B>Durinal:</B> Can you make two rocks talk to each other?
<B>Simplex:</B> (Fascinated look) I don't know. I'll have to try.
<B>Gralkin:</B> (Looking around) Togox is going to come back here soon.
<B>Cyril:</B> I'm working on it.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
-----
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Dirge:</B> Does anyone see any straw around?
<B>Janos:</B> Why?
<B>Dirge:</B> I could make a giant straw beholder and then I could get the books from the library.
<B>Party:</B> (Sighs)
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Janos and Gralkin begin looking around for signs of others approaching.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Durinal:</B> Why we move closer to the light? I'd like to see that trick a bit better.
<B>Simplex:</B> Sure.
<B>Dirge:</B> Hey, does anyone have any food?
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Another chest opens and the box begins to shout.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Chest:</B> Warning! To arms! To arms! Battle! Battle!
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Janos moves towards the box. Inside the chest is one weapon per proficiency per individual. Janos and Brandom begin deploying the weapon trays. Durinal, Feanor, and Simplex arm themselves.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Zeldar:</B> (Shouting) Oh good, Togox is coming back.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Janos and Durinal notice Cyril turn into mist. Presumably, Cyril doesn't wish to encounter the beholder coming back. The next round the rest of the group arms themselves. The lone exception being Simplex who runs towards Togox and talks to him.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Simplex:</B> (Brandishing his sword) Battle! Battle!
<B>Togox:</B> What battle?
<B>Simplex:</B> The chest opened and shouted "Battle!", so I got ready.
<B>Togox:</B> Let's go back.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Togox and Simplex head back towards the party back.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Togox:</B> Gralkin, who opened the box?
<B>Gralkin:</B> I don't know
<B>Janos:</B> It opened itself.
<B>Simplex:</B> Cyril opened it.
<B>Togox:</B> Let's all gather around and talk about this.
<B>Gralkin:</B> (To Party) Head to the wall. (Runs towards corner)
</BLOCKQUOTE>
The party begins to scatter around between the walls. Janos moves towards Gralkin.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Janos:</B> (Heads towards Gralkin) (To Elverie) Put the light on the beholder.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Elverie attempts to put Continual Light on the beholder, but moves to the next.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Brandom:</B> Look out for the gnome! (Shoots Simplex for 2 points of damage)
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Janos, the two dwarves, and Elverie head towards the corner. Gralkin and Durinal Stone Shape the wall to escape. Fasex suddenly appears behind Brandom, who is held with fear.
Elverie crawls through the wall and gets partway through. The next round, she crawls through. Gralkin and Durinal follow immediately. During that same round Fasex is struck by a lightning bolt. Togox's attention immediately towards the source of the attack.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Janos:</B> What should I do next?
<B>Togox:</B> Wait here. I'll take care of this.
<B>Janos:</B> Okay (Grabs gnome and puts him in an armlock)
<B>Dirge:</B> Will you let me cast a Strength spell on you?
<B>Janos:</B> Sure
<B>Simplex:</B> Cast it on me as well.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Despite the armlock, Simplex attempts to maneuver himself in front of Dirge to become the target of the spell instead, but Janos holds him still. Togox and Fasex turn their attention to the new attacker. Suddenly, Cyril appears and catches the two beholders ("Two points make a line") with another Lightning Bolt from his staff, killing Fasex.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Dirge:</B> Oh my god, Fasex has been hit by a Lightning Bolt.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Dirge casts a Charm Person on Janos, who fails his save. The next round, Cyril turns into mist. Togox turns towards Cyril, but is unable to find the mage. Brandom is forced to make another save, but is unaffected by the spell. Gralkin runs back to help Cyril.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Dirge:</B> That Togox is an illusion. The real one would never have been harmed by the Lightning Bolt.
<B>Janos:</B> Really?
<B>Dirge:</B> Sure, I'll prove it.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Dirge casts a Lightning Bolt, which injures Togox greatly. In the meantime, Simplex frees himself from Janos' grasp. Togox turns his attention to Dirge. Feanor flees the battle scene and makes it to the tunnel.
Meanwhile, back at the wall...
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Elverie:</B> I need Gralkin to get out.
<B>Durinal:</B> I know the way back. Wait here, I'm going to check on Gralkin and Cyril and be back soon.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Back at the room, Gralkin engages Togox in melee. Durinal and Feanor run into each other in the tunnel and discuss what's going on.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Simplex:</B> Everyone come back, we're supposed to be having a meeting!
<B>Togox:</B> Janos, kill Gralkin. He's clearly gone insane. We'll raise him and fix him later.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Janos draws his sword and attacks Gralkin, doing a great deal of damage. Togox attacks Gralkin with a green beam, but misses. Meanwhile, back at the second wall...
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Feanor:</B> Did anyone else make it out?
<B>Durinal:</B> Yes, Elverie made it out. Meet up with her. I'll catch up with you soon.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Feanor continues on while Durinal heads back towards the battle. Durinal crawls through. He sees Janos attacking Gralkin attacking Togox. He hears the sounds of spellcasting--Cyril dispels the charms on the rest of the group.
The next round Cyril dodges a disintegration beam, which carves a giant hole in the wall behind him. Cyril turns Togox into a slug whom Gralkin finishes. Janos performs last rites on the remains of Togox.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Dirge:</B> (Walks over to Cyril) Well done Cyril. Your plan worked.
<B>Cyril:</B> Meet me outside the outer wall. (Vanishes into smoke)
</BLOCKQUOTE>
The rest of the group flees. Simplex returns to the chest to get his weapons. At that moment, the reinforcements arrive, consisting of various citizens of Octax and two more beholders. Simplex saves against the charm effect, but fails against the hold.
Outside the outer wall, Cyril is there.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Cyril:</B> Everybody stay with me. (Turns the group invisible)
<B>Dirge:</B> Where's the gnome?
<B>Cyril:</B> I don't think he's going to make it.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
The group runs down the highway to Cyril's stronghold...