20010915 TouristSeason

<H1> Tourist Season </H1>
<H2> Role Call </H2>
<TABLE>
<TR>
 <TD> Travian </TD>
 <TD> 14th Human Paladin </TD>
 <TD> Robert Giedt </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Kill'Dar </TD>
 <TD> 11th/3rd Elf Wizard/Fighter </TD>
 <TD> Rick DiRicco </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Estus </TD>
 <TD> 10th Human Cleric </TD>
 <TD> Ray Chiang </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Grackle </TD>
 <TD> 6th/9th Half-Elf Fighter/Rogue </TD>
 <TD> Mark Whisler </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Prince Donner </TD>
 <TD> 6th/9rd Human Fighter/Wizard </TD>
 <TD> John Speck </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Auric </TD>
 <TD> 9th Human Druid </TD>
 <TD> Keith Farrar </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Fingle </TD>
 <TD> 3rd/12th Gnome Cleric/Wizard </TD>
 <TD> Richard Jacobsen </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Colin </TD>
 <TD> 14th Human Fighter </TD>
 <TD> Jim Yonemura </TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<H2> Session Summary </H2>
<H3> Cleanup">Day One: Cleanup </H3>
Philip and several warriors chain up Zachary's team and take them to Philip's home. Grackle helps the next 20 minutes with helping them remove any equipment from the prisoners. George goes along with them to make sure that they don't get away.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Fingle:</B> Can you perform an Augury whether it would be safe to go after Zachary?
<B>Cullaim:</B> (Casts Augury) Bad idea. Although coming from Diancecht, he may be a bit biased at the moment.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
The group assesses the situation. The ogre is dead. The war troll and the gnoll are still alive.
Significant equipment from Zachary's Team:
<UL>
<LI> Gnoll
 <UL>
 <LI> Wearing Studded Leather (appears to be darkly stained leather, very dull, appears difficult to spot, sized for L, magic)
 <LI> Resealable vials (presumably poison). Appear to contain same substance.
 <LI> Quiver appears to be engineered to renew poison. Arrows are of heavy construction.
 <LI> Falchion (old and worn, blade in excellent condition, Fingle assesses as an alloy with steel, folding lines, magic)
 <LI> Composite Bow (very well made, masterwork or close, Grackle can pull it, 7 feet in length, engraved, magic)
 </UL>
<LI> Ogre
 <UL>
 <LI> Holy Symbol of Vaprak the Destroyer (stained dark metal, not magic)
 <LI> Huge Greatclub (made from wood of small hardwood trees, seen flaming and with spikes)
 <LI> Breastplate (studded with spikes, magic)
 <LI> Gourd filled with liquid (on all bodies, Fingle identifies as drunken poison, valuable, oily suspension--not normally in liquid form, Dark Reaver powder lose 2d6 CON, follow 1d6 CON, 1d6 STR, 6-8 doses per gourd)
 <LI> Spell components for evil spells
 </UL>
<LI> Troll
 <UL>
 <LI> Huge greatsword (magical, low evil)
 <LI> Large suit of spiked Platemail (magic)
 <LI> Markings or scarring on the skin in patterns (Estus--markings of a professional pit fighter, indicates that he killed a lot in the pits)
 </UL>
<LI> Zachary's Bolt Case/Clip
</UL>
Sidebar: Max has kept busy with small jobs from Aquitaine. He has stayed employed doing jobs for the espionage division of Aquitaine.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Father Cullaim:</B> We're going to burn the body
<B>Donner:</B> With someone of his importance, there may be something to be gained by trading him.
<B>Father Cullaim:</B> We generally like to burn the bodies, since they rot.
<B>Travian:</B> I would like to see the body of the ogre priest destroyed.
<B>Donner:</B> I'd rather not do that.
<B>Travian:</B> Why is that?
<B>Donner:</B> I think they would be useful as hostages. If we kill every enemy we come across, our enemies are probably going to do the same thing to us. If we show our enemies that we're willing to exchange hostages and one of us were to be captured, we have a better chance of recovering those captured.
<B>Travian:</B> However, most of our enemies are evil. They are likely to torture and then kill anyone they capture. They aren't going to follow any example that you set. Evil doers aren't going to learn.
<B>Donner:</B> If you would consider Max, for example. He fell into evil and he came back.
<B>Travian:</B> Be that as it may, Max hardly served the same evil forces that our foes do. Those who lead the evil forces against us are far less likely to be as easily redeemed as Max.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
The debate continues for some time. In the meantime, Estus and Cullaim discuss raising the dead. With Donner's permission, Estus casts Raise Dead on Kill'Dar the next morning.
<H3> Day Two: Return of the Living </H3>
The other druids come and take Auric's body to the standing stones.
"He was the greatest among us. We will commune with nature and determine what we will do."
The druids arrive later with a message. They have seen a miracle of nature that they have not seen in some time. Auric has sent a message "Tell them that I will come back to them, but in time".
When Colin arrives to the land of the dead, he remembers the world of the living as a distant memory. The last time he was there, he felt very ephemeral. This time, he felt more real and that the other souls there respect him. When he is brought back, he remembers even more about the land of the dead. When he arrives, he is practically asked to leave. Cullaim raises him. Now that he is back in the land of the living, he is remembering less about this world (say a level's worth of knowledge).
Donner decides to take the two Talons back to Aquarna and allow them to go through their life restoring process. In the meantime, Donner continues to study in George's home.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>George:</B> You've become quite a wizard.
<B>Donner:</B> Thank you.
<B>George:</B> Frankly, I didn't think you had the potential.
<B>Donner:</B> Why is that?
<B>George:</B> Despite being in threat for your life in the previous combat, you didn't draw a weapon.
<B>Donner:</B> Frankly, if I had to do it again, I might learn spells that would make me a more effective warrior.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Later that evening, the group discusses what to do about our captured enemies.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Grackle:</B> Would you like me to talk to my friends about making sure that they don't come back?
<B>Donner:</B> Let's hold off for now.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> We could raise him ourselves and keep the body in a polymorphed form. That would prevent them from raising him as well.
<B>Donner:</B> That reminds me, we should discuss your usage of the spell of Disintegration. It hasn't been effective and if it ever were to work, it would be difficult for us to have any sort of captives.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> I can't help that it hasn't been effective so far.
<B>Donner:</B> Would you want our foes to take a similar tactic? I'd like for our foes to consider that we might be more valuable as a hostage should they capture any of us.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> I understand your point about Disintegrate. I am reviewing this tactic myself.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Kill'Dar examines the bow. It appears as though it was a bow used by the wood giants. They were the elven equivalent of Greek Titans (i.e. the precursor to the modern Elven gods). After some examination, it appears to be a Mighty (18 STR) Composite Longbow of Speed (bonus enhancement undetermined).
The armorer in town can work on any of the suits of armor. Donner has Kill'Dar do Dispel Evil on the magic items. Kill'Dar cleanses the greatsword. He also destroys the holy symbol.
Fingle and Travian teleport to Hensen. There, they see a nine-sided walled city. Six of the towers look original, while the other three look smaller and newer. Travian explains to Fingle the history of Hensen. They descend on the carpet towards the main gate.
They appear to be watched carefully by the guard, but they are not surprised or panicked. The guards watch them fly through the gate--apparently, this is standard protocol for Hensen. After the Darkness, all the guilds, temples, etc. all agreed that they would not allow a repeat of the Darkness. The reason they have held up so far is that they are the largest city on the Plateau, bigger than Kennetar by a factor of 6 or 8.
As they fly through the gate, the citizens appear to be pointing at the group and watching. They arrive at Travian's temple. His leader is also the leader for the Alliance for Justice. Leyla is the high priestess of Athena for Hensen.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Leyla:</B> Greetings. It is good to have you home.
<B>Travian:</B> Thank you. This is Fingle.
<B>Leyla:</B> Welcome to you.
<B>Fingle:</B> Thanks.
<B>Leyla:</B> (To Travian) Have you quested?
<B>Travian:</B> Yes.
<B>Leyla:</B> Have you destroyed evil?
<B>Travian:</B> Yes.
<B>Leyla:</B> Tell us about it.
<B>Travian:</B> (Begins telling of his quest against Lord Malbain--18 Perform)
<B>Leyla:</B> I hate to ask you to tell such a fine tale twice. But I'm sure Annelise [Pyn] (current leader of the Guardians of the Law) will wish to hear it. Please come in to the temple.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Since this is primarily a human city, they are a bit surprised to meet someone of Fingle's "stature".
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Leyla:</B> We have been hearing of great movements of evil abroad. Is this true?
<B>Travian:</B> (Relays stories about Home)
<B>Leyla:</B> You say the Gnolls are involved? Well, that explains something.
<B>Donner:</B> What is that?
<B>Leyla:</B> We've had trouble finding them. Our war parties have been getting bored.
<B>Travian:</B> We've been seeing lots of them. They've massed as one army under the demon Aishapra.
<B>Leyla:</B> So they are gathering to destroy the village of Home?
<B>Travian:</B> They are gathering even as we speak.
<B>Leyla:</B> We must act immediately. I will recall all the war bands. Will you lead them to Home?
<B>Travian:</B> Certainly.
<B>Leyla:</B> It will take a few days to gather the war bands from the field. Those in the city can be made to march immediately.
<B>Travian:</B> How long before the rest of the war bands gather?
<B>Leyla:</B> Anywhere from four days to a week.
<B>Travian:</B> We haven't seen Aishapra appear recently.
<B>Leyla:</B> It sounds as though a great battle occurred recently. She may be resting.
<B>Fingle:</B> I have a means of magical transportation.
<B>Leyla:</B> How many could you carry?
<B>Fingle:</B> One or two--depending on the weight.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Travian also reports about Adelphus Marvad and the early reports about the existence of the Magister.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Leyla:</B> They have a consulate here. We have signed no treaties.
<B>Travian:</B> Maybe he knows something about this death warrant on Donner.
<B>Leyla:</B> Rest here. I shall summon the representative.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
A few moments later...
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Imperium Representative:</B> What were you looking for Leyla?
<B>Leyla:</B> Do you have records here?
<B>Imperium Representative:</B> Yes, we've got all sorts of records.
<B>Leyla:</B> Tell me of Donner of Aquitaine.
<B>Imperium Representative:</B> Never heard of him.
<B>Leyla:</B> Understand that I am acting in my official capacity as member of the Council.
<B>Imperium Representative:</B> Oh Donner! I remember seeing some old piece of paper. There was some clan thing--one family getting assassination of another family...
<B>Leyla:</B> Why would an Imperial document involve a person in the Lower Kingdoms?
<B>Imperium Representative:</B> I can't say that I really know.
<B>Leyla:</B> Fetch me that document immediately. You have one day.
<B>Imperium Representative:</B> (Leaves)
<B>Leyla:</B> (To Fingle) Any time you are going to Home, let me know.
<B>Fingle:</B> I'm going now.
<B>Leyla:</B> All right. (Gestures to two nearby soldiers) You and you.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Fingle shows up at Home with his Hensen escorts.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Grackle:</B> Who are those two guys?
<B>Fingle:</B> These are reinforcements from Hensen.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
They introduce themselves as members of the Lions of Justice. One is wearing a holy symbol of Tyr (Road Warden) and and the other as a holy symbol of Athena (Paladin of Athena). They reveal that they have about 200-300 people in their forces.
Fingle takes the bodies of the Talons to Aquarna. He returns to Home with Max and Sergeant Hull. At the end of the day, Estus creates a Wand of Cure Light Wounds for the party (Donner foots the money bill).
<H3> Treasure in the Hole </H3>
Estus casts several protective spells on Grackle. He steps into the hole and falls "splat". Kill'Dar flies into the hole and dispels the darkness, while being attacked. He pulls Grackle out to safety. They come up with the plan to put the hole on the ceiling and a bunch of miscellaneous items fall out.
Donner magic missiles the ooze. Eventually, Grackle, using Estus' quarterstaff, and Kill'Dar, using magic missiles, kill the ooze. Eventually, Kill'Dar flies into the hole and ties a rope around the chest. They slowly fish out each item individually out of the hole. Upon examination of the items, there appear to be all sorts of equipment for living. There are two spellbooks which appear to be arcane magic, and Fingle is unable to identify two spells. The two books appear to be 3rd and 4th/5th level spells. Fingle casts Read Magic. The title of the first spell is Master of the Mindless and the title of the second spell is Ghost Form.
There is a large amount of discussion about the "findability" of the portable hole.
<H3> Day Three: Messengers </H3>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Donner:</B> (To Max) Did Grackle tell you what's going on?
<B>Max:</B> No, he only threatened me.
<B>Donner:</B> (Frowns at Grackle) Maybe your efforts would be better spent informing our allies rather than threatening them.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Kill'Dar and Estus travel to Kennetar. Estus goes to the Consulate and drops off the two guards.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Estus:</B> So, did you find anything out about the contract on Donner?
<B>Consul:</B> Issued as part of a Clan feud contract. Clans who are feuding sometimes.
 House Marvad apparently some time back declared that particular family line is a clan at war (House Wymer).
<B>Estus:</B> What are the odds of overturning such a declaration if the evidence of such a war were proven false?
<B>Consul:</B> The odds of that working are not good. There are two possibilities. Treaties would be the first possibility. If you, get a treaty settled with the Westmarch, the contract could be a condition of the treaty. Second, XXX.
<B>Consul:</B> This is a big opportunity. You know what I think of Adelphus Marvad. Here's what we can do. First thing, you need to put that man under your consular protection. We can do that paperwork today. That way, anything Zachary does can be used as evidence later.
<B>Consul:</B> Our consular expediter may be in the area. She may be in disguise and she may be undercover. If you run into her, she will of course give you the proper codesign.
<B>Consul:</B> Keep in mind that we have a nonaggression pact with the gnolls.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
To investigate later: Aishapra and gnolls? Mutual nonagression pact with Donner good (Aquataine good, Westmarch ideal)
In the meantime, Kill'Dar checks in with Velyk.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Velyk:</B> Hey Kill'Dar. How goes the research?
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Well, I really haven't had much time...
<B>Velyk:</B> Man, how am I ever going to finish this if you don't help me.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Well, I've got some spare time now...
<B>Velyk:</B> Great! Let's go out to the wall.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
They get to the wall near the front gate. Outside the gate there appear to be four raptors.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Velyk:</B> Check out this spell
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Polymorph to Harpy <BR> Polymorph to Winter Wolf (Splat) <BR> Wild Disintegrate <BR> Real disintegrate on raptors - works <BR> Velyk casts a spell - swaps places with Raptor <BR> Kill'Dar holds the creature <BR> Velyk casts a spell and the thing floats up 20' <BR> Sindar chews out Velyk
Before leaving Kennetar, Estus and Kill'Dar check on Norc.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Estus:</B> Any new information?
<B>Norc:</B> Some. This is going to be very difficult. This is one of the most powerful fiends we can face. Ever.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> (Rolls eyes) Well, that's good news...
<B>Norc:</B> All my researches indicate that this is going to be a very difficult being to destroy.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>Norc:</B> I would say the two things you need to keep an eye out for is shapeshifting and teleportation.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>Norc:</B> Those two things, along with the others, are the main abilities she will use to infiltrate Home.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>Norc:</B> Remember, she is a general. She is going to be a brilliant strategist. She is going to have a plan that is going to have a lot of forethought.
<B>Norc:</B> I think the first attack was a feint. I think she intended to retreat. She knows the powers of those involved and now that the standing stones have been broken, she is free to come and go as she pleases.
<B>Norc:</B> This appears to be a legacy. She earned the right to be on this plane the same time the Holy Avenger appeared. The appearance of the Holy Avenger was a result of much fervent prayer.
<B>Norc:</B> The only or trap her on another plane. Let's say that you were to trap her to one of the greater planes of good. The owner of that plane would have to have his or her permission to leave the plane.
<B>Norc:</B> I will continue to look for more information on this particular creature and it's weaknesses.
<B>Norc:</B> Also as an abyssal creature, she suffers no penalties for getting information from other abyssal creatures. This would explain why she is in league with the gnolls so quickly. I strongly believe that attacking her is the best option. By the time she attacks, destruction will be assured.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Kieran also knows the party is here. He has uncovered two more passages from Tollian's Songs and Poems.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
Darkness aids the blind and quiets the restless dead
</BLOCKQUOTE>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
The noble delivers his people from evil<BR />and they in turn deliver him from doom
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Kieran has also found out more about Tollian. He was a bard years ago. He performed in the Kingdom of the West for all kinds of people. He performed for nobles frequently. He lived a "tortured genius" life where he suffered greatly for most of his life. He ultimately died broke in obscurity. Only one of his works has been kept in its entirety. Estus and Kill'Dar teleport back to Home.
Fingle teleports to the bridge outside Hensen. He examines the bridge which appears to be a single piece of stone. The stone appears to be either magically created or Dwarven flowstone (cement).
As he flies into the city, near each tower, he sees these huge bolt throwers.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Travian:</B> After Colin's note, I believe there is someone who would be helpful in the upcoming battle.
<B>Fingle:</B> What of the note?
<B>Leyla:</B> The document appears to be a legal note in the Imperium. It has nothing to do with the Westmarch.
<B>Leyla:</B> Annelise said that the paperwork is correct, but it is not necessarily here.
<B>Leyla:</B> This is, of course, completely absurd. Anyone found enforcing such a document in my city will be hanged.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
The person is a hospitaler from the Church of Athena. She has been stuck at Hensen training recruits. Travian believes she will be useful in the defense of Home and will give Colin the training that he needs. Fingle teleports back with everyone to Home.
Travian introduces Colin to the Hospitaler. She appears to be an older lady, but definitely a veteran of the battlefield.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Hospitaler:</B> I am Jeneth. I understand that you wish to become a Hospitaler.
<B>Colin:</B> I feel that I owe something to this god of healing. Anything that I can do to help the healing of the injured would be a good thing.
<B>Hospitaler:</B> This is a hard life, especially one who has swung a blade most of his life. Instead of paying attention to his enemies, he has to start paying attention to his friends. I have trained many people less bright than you.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
<H3> Revelations </H3>
Towards the end of the day, there is a commotion coming through town. The druids are coming. The senior druid John McCann heads to George's place where the party is. He appears to be talking to the wolf.
The druid party then heads up to George's place.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>George:</B> What's going on John?
<B>John:</B> There is something this one needs to tell you.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
The wolf grows larger. It ultimately becomes a Wemic. It looks immensely strong and its face is reminiscent of Auric.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Auric:</B> As you can see, there have been a few changes.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Are these permanent changes?
<B>Auric:</B> Yes. It is as nature wills it.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> I see.
<B>Auric:</B> There are some things I must attend to.
<B>Estus:</B> What things?
<B>Auric:</B> There are some things I need to learn. And to learn them, I need to get to Eire. I need to learn some Rune Magic and a miracle or two.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> A miracle or two?
<B>Auric:</B> The standing stones, the return of the Guardians--just a few small tasks.
<B>Estus:</B> So, Auric, how long will this mission take?
<B>Auric:</B> I don't know who I need to find, except that I can find elder druids to learn things from. I also need to get more information from the trees about Dannan McCuhal.
<B>Fingle:</B> Is there any way you can keep in touch with us?
<B>Auric:</B> If I travel on my own, our enemies may make me a target.
<B>Donner:</B> Do you have any reason to believe that you will encounter any danger there?
<B>Auric:</B> It is rumored that they will eliminate anyone who arrives that boat.
<B>Donner:</B> Well, I believe that you're instrumental in restoring the stones. I believe that we should all go with you.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Donner:</B> (To Estus) We have to discuss something with you.
<B>Estus:</B> Yes?
<B>Donner:</B> I'd rather you didn't set up treaties every place we go.
<B>Estus:</B> How about this? For each such trip, you can tell me whether or not I'm permitted to conduct such negotiations.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
The next day Donner teleports the group (mostly in the Portable Hole) to Eire. The land appears to be covered with crab grass. The smell of the ocean is on the air.
<H2> Foes Fought </H2>
1 Ooze