Pool of Radiance

Game Master Tarloc Doom

An ancient evil has erupted in the far reaches of the Moonsea the town of Phlan has fallen it is up to Foreign adventures to decide the fate of all of the Moonsea...


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Sylavel: You try the soup it's spice is overwhelming masking most of it's taste, tears are brought to your eyes but you pull them back and keep eating you stomach the soup but find that in the end it is too strong and you cannot finish it.


Male Half-Elven Bard 1

"Fwah, fwah, fwah, fwah, fwah," says Melismar, fanning his mouth. He stands up suddenly from the table, and in as dignified a fashion as possible, proposing to make his way to the kitchen, where he'll ask Flan for the antidote... some nice yoghurt or milk might suit. Predicting that neither will be forthcoming after some days at sea, perhaps some cheese might suffice. "Ladies and gentlemen," he continues, "I fwah, fwah, fwear, fwah, fear this... ah... taster is a little too... ah, fwah, fwah, fwiery, fiery for me. If you'll please excuse me..." and with that, he hurriedly begins his first mission. Already the substance seems to be leaching out of the sweat that's formed on his brow... by the Gods, that was an uncomfortable mouthful.


Male Elf Fighter - Level 1

In hindsight, that was the dumbest thing I've ever done. Normally I pride myself in thinking through things, but that was just stupid. I took the first sip of soup, thinking it might be a little hot. It was more than a little hot. Several new suns exploded in my mouth, burning them with the fire of angry gods. Immediately drenched in sweat, I thought about what to do. Standing up, I saw Melismar through a haze of tears, run into the kitchen and down a piece of cheese. Not an option for me, unless I wanted the afternoon to get worse. I tried to think what kills spice, flapping my arms like a lunatic, waving hands at my mouth.

Holy hells that is spicy. Blythe, Krokolam, whoever. Can I get a few swallows of whatever it is you two carry? Anything. Dont care.

At this point, the two of them make the unintelligent choice to try the soup as well. Oh lord, please let me get some of that.


Male Gnome Cavalier 1

"Damn, that's hot..." Mutters the gnome, as he takes several gulps of ale, then a few of wine, and a sip of sake. He looks at Oropher and hands him a flask of wine. "Here you go.

The gnome, being a bit thick in the skull, decides to see if the soup is something he can get used to. Or perhaps he is just drunk enough not to care anymore. Rather foolishly he upends the soup and tries to drink it down.

willsave:
1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
Does he get any bonus for having his senses dulled by being drunk?


Male Elf Fighter - Level 1

Hah, this gave me the idea for dinner. Currently cooking up a rather spicy chicken curry. Well done, lol.


Male Half- Elf Paladin 1

After many moments pass, Vaniel's stomache finally seemed to settle down a bit. He takes a small sip of water from his skin and after wiping the sweat that had formed on his brow, Vaniel stands and when he's sure he's not gonna get sick again heads over to grab a bowl soup, though knowing the cook's heavy hand for spice, Vaniel just grimaces as he begins to turn the same shade of green again once the smell hits his nostrils. Whispering a brief word "Torm give me strength" you can see Vaniel's normal palor slowly returns to his face. He takes a seat but doesn't eat " Not sure if I can handle it but how's the soup" seeing everyones reaction to it and doubting very much that his reaction would be different


Male Human Summoner 1

It would seem my focusing exercises have allowed me the benefit of tackling the soup, at least. Hopefully that's not their limit. Sylavel lets out a chuckle at his own joke.

It's been awhile, being able to enjoy something as simple as overspiced soup. This definitely feels good, the first time in awhile. I haven't felt this relaxed since...

A touch of sadness appears on Sylavel's face as he stops laughing.

If you'll excuse me, I suddenly need to get some fresh air. Sylavel heads back up.


Male Elf Fighter - Level 1

The wine helped a bit, and slowly over time the spice began to fade. Thank god, as I was going to go insane. A little intoxicated now, but atleast not in pain.

I noticed the slightly green looking half-breed gave a swear to Torm as well. Two signs are not to be ignored. I saddled up across from him with a knowing grimace.

That was a bit much for me. How about you? I also couldnt help noticing your swear at Torm. Are you a follower of him as well? Perhaps this is forthcoming, but my father was a cleric of his. I could feel the wine beginning to loosen my inhibitions, and make me a little bit more likely to be social.


Male Halfling Empty Handed Monk

"Heh, name's Dric Ghawn if you want to tell the chef." The strong halfling tells the people around him. "Now, does anyone think they can eat a whole bowl? An iron stomach -or mouth with this soup- competition could be an interesting way to pass the time. I'll try to eat another bowl if one of you will!"


Male Half-Elven Bard 1
Dric "The Quarter Orc" Ghawn wrote:
"Heh, name's Dric Ghawn if you want to tell the chef." The strong halfling tells the people around him. "Now, does anyone think they can eat a whole bowl? An iron stomach -or mouth with this soup- competition could be an interesting way to pass the time. I'll try to eat another bowl if one of you will!"

Melismar, whose eyes have yet to stop watering, staggers to the door of the kitchen area where he graps the lintel, and leans his fevered brow against his forearms, and issues a sort of extended groan which manages to convey the twin concepts that this was a particularly stupid idea that would cause a lot of unnecessary pain, and furthermore, that if it were a game, it would be the sort where he most definitely did not take part.


HP 15/29 | DEFENSE 18; Defense 16 until I drop an opponent; FF 13; Tch 17; DR 1/armor; Perception +8; Init +5; FRW 2/9/3

Blythe pushes the bowl away from her. "That was delightful." She says, her voice dripping with sarcasm. She pulls out a cigar, and lights it, sending plumes of smoke billowing into the confined space. "No one minds, right?"


Male Gnome Cavalier 1

Krokolam glares at Blythe "I do mind, VERY much." he squeaks.


Krokolam: You foolishly drink down the whole bowl you can hardly feel you mouth or whole body for the matter you suddenly feel sick witch is not helped by the rocking of the ship you think yer gona be sick.

The chef pops into the room with his usual Joly look on his face he laughs seeing as no one finished his soup the usual until he comes by Dric amazed he says "Ha ha ha someone with the stomach to take it how did you like it sir a little hot for you." He asks with a smug grin on his face.


Male Gnome Cavalier 1

Krokolam does what he considers the best course of action in his drunken mouth burning state, he passes out.


Male Half- Elf Paladin 1
Oropher Helyan wrote:
That was a bit much for me. How about you? I also couldnt help noticing your swear at Torm. Are you a follower of him as well? Perhaps this is forthcoming, but my father was a cleric of his.

"I am a champion of Torm yes. My name is Vaniel Silvermane, Paladin of the order of The Loyal Fury. Ah your father must of been a good man as for the soup, na I didn't have any. It would seem that on land I can handle anything but here on this ship with the rocking..." Vaniel pauses to take a quick breath and a slight shutter coarses through his body and he swallows hard "can't say it would stay down and I for one would not like to be confined back to my quarters. But I digress. Since I've told a bit about myself how about you? Whats your story friend? "


Male Elf Fighter - Level 1

Avoiding the soup was a good idea. A spoonful is all I got, and all I'll ever need. I never understood the desire to drive people away from your food. I give the door to the galley a long hard stare, wondering just what depraved individual this man truly is.

Ah, yes. My father was a cleric, and I grew up a believer. Its kind of the reason I'm on this voyage at all. I was looking for something meaningful. Over a century spent studying, and what to show for it? Helping this city seems an appropriate way to prove myself, and my faith.

I hate sharing this part of myself. I normally like to play my cards close, and this isnt usual. I'll chalk it up to the alcohol, or the spicy food doing wonders to my head.

What brings you out here? I hope its worth the voyage.


Male Halfling Empty Handed Monk
Wareagle wrote:
The chef pops into the room with his usual Joly look on his face he laughs seeing as no one finished his soup the usual until he comes by Dric amazed he says "Ha ha ha someone with the stomach to take it how did you like it sir a little hot for you." He asks with a smug grin on his face.

"It is the only thing I have ever tasted that was hotter than my Father's home-brewed drink. I liked it quite a bit. You could make a fortune running your own inn and having contests to find more stomachs like mine!"


The man laugh hardily and comments "Right you are mate right you are, perhaps after all this I'll settle in and open up me in shop in New Phlan." He than laughs some more he always seems to laugh and then head back to his kitchen. With the meal over you are free to yourselves for the rest of the day.

Liking the RPing that going on please continue. The rest of the trip goes completely uneventful feel free to say what you do the next few days and RP.


Male Half- Elf Paladin 1
Oropher Helyan wrote:
Ah, yes. My father was a cleric, and I grew up a believer. Its kind of the reason I'm on this voyage at all. I was looking for something meaningful...What brings you out here? I hope its worth the voyage.

Vaniel places a hand to his slightly pointed chin and rubs it in thought at the simple question. As his thoughts turn inward, His mind brings up images of his past to this point. His father and the forced studying. Then to his mother, always insisting that he stay inside where he could be safe. Heading off to learn at the famed wizard towers. Time at the church. All these thoughts and a dozen more flooded his mind. Vaniel came too with a quick shake of the head to clear the cobwebs. "My father prefered the arcane arts, I however never developed the ability. But worth the voyage you ask? We shall see. Many stories are told of the land in which we now travel too. Let us hope that whatever paths leads us here, the same forces see us home" Vaniel offers a weak smile but you can tell that the word home when spoken pained him in someway


Male Elf Fighter - Level 1

It was clear that more was said than what Vaniel spoke aloud. Especially the idea of going home. Ah, how well that meshed with what I felt. Home felt so bittersweet. At the same time, it felt comforting and known, but also unwelcoming and skeptical.

That sounds familiar enough. But one so young, and with so short to live, I feel for you. It seemed that little more needed to be said. All at once, I felt comfortable with the half-breed. I think, aside from his young age, that he felt similarly to what I did. The same longing for acceptance, the same desire to fit in.

This was one I could trust moving on. Perhaps we would meet after the voyage. The same could be said for the conflicted man. He seemed to have many things to work out, but within that a comforting dilemma rested. I did not doubt that the depths of his problems were beyond my understanding.


Male Half-Elven Bard 1

Home, eh? Well, that might be a nice idea for some, but it's the last place I'd ever want to go! Directing his conversation at the elf, Oropher, Mel playfully intones "My dear fellow, our lives are not measured in the years that are allotted to us, but rather what we manage to achieve within them. I fully intend to make my mark on history, hence my journeying to a new frontier. That's if I survive the cooked food on this ship... However, you appear to have had a considerable headstart on us in years -- but what of your achievements? Are there yet songs they sing of you?"


Male Gnome Cavalier 1

Oh.... what happened to my head? Did I drink too much again? Krokolam groans and comes to. He looks around the mess and frowns, didn't anybody think to move him? The gnome staggers back up onto the deck, wondering what sort of sadist would cook a meal like the one that knocked him out.


Male Elf Fighter - Level 1

The bard's mocking tone hit a spot I'm not sure if he intended.

Heh. I think elves get in the habit of thinking of ourselves as wise since we live longer. My hundred-some odd years have amounted to very little, I'm afraid. The good thing is, it does give us longer to do whatever it is we're meant to do.

This lofty talk was getting to be too much. I was feeling pretty uncomfortable. I watched the gnome stumble up the ladder to the deck, and decided maybe that was the best course of action.

And with those sage words of wisdom, I think I'll leave you gentlemen in peace.

I got up, and climbed up top.


The weeks go by uneventful and you grow tiered of all the spicy foods but soon you needn't worry for your trip nears it's end. Far off in the distance you can see it the Ruins of Phlan even from afar you can tell it has seen better days most of the city wall are ruined and old towers fallen on top of that only a small portion of the town is owned by the people of New Phlan something evil has arisen there this quest is going to be much more dire than yo initially thought...

It is still at least an hour away giving you some more time to relax this will probably be your last moment to for a long long time...

Giving you some more time to familiarize yourself with one another liking the RPing never a time that's not a time to RP :)


Male Gnome Cavalier 1

Krokolam spends most of the trip hanging over the edge of the boat, sick to his stomach.


Male Human Summoner 1

Sylavel spends the trip socializing with the others on board. The others will probably identify that he has some kind of burden, but he politetly refuses attempts to talk about it.


Male Elf Fighter - Level 1

The rest of the time on board went by pretty uneventfully. It seemed that the other passengers got better at keeping their food down, even if it was spicy and not terribly good. While I was still social, it was never to the extent of that night.

Done and done. Ready to get to the action!


Male Half-Elven Bard 1

Melismar is relieved the long voyage is coming to an end -- not because he's been particularly unwell like some of the others (though there was that silly competition with the fire soup!) -- but because he's been pretty solidly entertaining the crew to help wile away the evening hours. Though Melismar would be the first to admit he was talented, he did not have a limitless repertoire, and the fun of having a captive audience was beginning to pall a little, particularly as some of them seemed to insist on joining in, even if they only half knew the words or just a fraction of the tune. However, his statesman-like face has never registered a flicker of annoyance, and he would like to imagine most of the crew considered him their friend by the end.


HP 15/29 | DEFENSE 18; Defense 16 until I drop an opponent; FF 13; Tch 17; DR 1/armor; Perception +8; Init +5; FRW 2/9/3

Blythe spends her time with the gnome, talking quietly in corners of the boat, or off alone smoking a spicy cigar.


Male Half- Elf Paladin 1

After his bout of sea sickness in the first half of the trip, Vaniel was able to over come it through strength in his faith as well as himself. After that night with the soup Vaniel spent most of his time up on the deck enjoying the surroundings. When New Phlan is spotted Vaniel smiles to himself Soon we will be off this thing he thinks to himself. Though he prayed every morning Vaniel spends the last hour or so in quiet contemplation and praying to Torm.


There it is the ruined keep that once protected Phlaan from the sea and watched over the sea now it is nothing more than an abandoned ruined keep said to be haunted by the guards of old as you pass the keep the ship pulls into the dock of Phlaan even at first glance you can tell that the town has been through a lot of hell well I guess this is time to unload and begin your adventure. good luck....

The captain comes above deck and rings his bell to attract everyone's attention "Now this your stop you lot be sere to remember that boats only come once a month round these part so don't be thinking you can get back easy you hear." With the captain message the group of adventurer hurry of the large ship leaving you lot the captain looks at you all and gives you a strange look"Well what are you waiting for be off with you, you got a meeting to catch." The captain then head back below deck. You are quite unfamiliar with the town and have a meeting to catch perhaps follow the crowd...


Male Gnome Cavalier 1

Krokolam sits atop his noble, odd looking steed. His pet dog is sitting in front of him and his guard dog is walking beside him. The gnome looks quite odd, needless to say. He loves being in new towns, always new things to see and do.


HP 15/29 | DEFENSE 18; Defense 16 until I drop an opponent; FF 13; Tch 17; DR 1/armor; Perception +8; Init +5; FRW 2/9/3

Blythe gathers her pack and follows Kro.


Male Human Summoner 1

Sylavel does indeed follow the crowd.


Male Half-Elven Bard 1
Wareagle wrote:
The captain comes above deck and rings his bell to attract everyone's attention "Now this your stop you lot be sere to remember that boats only come once a month round these part so don't be thinking you can get back easy you hear."

Ha, thinks Melismar, that flier they sent round says *twice* monthly. I hope we've not been brought here under false pretences. The bard looks at the crowds milling about, and tries to work out whether it's aimless milling about, or a dance with purpose. He casts an eye down to his flier, and sees the map. "Well, chaps, I guess we're to make our way to the City Hall, right? Seems to be in the centre of the 'civilized' area -- that's encouraging, at least."

With that, Melismar gathers up his meagre possessions and strides down the gangplank with confidence, joining up with his fellow travellers. He takes a deep sniff of the air -- new exotic places always, always smelt so different. Yep, this was different. Not pleasant, mind you...


Male Elf Fighter - Level 1

Finally. That lasted long enough. The bard made a suggestion to go visit the city hall. It sounds about right.

That sounds like the best course of action. No time like the present, eh?

I threw my pack over one shoulder, where it hung awkwardly next to the shield I keep in close distance. This was the first time I'd ever worn my sword, to be truthful, and it swung and hit my leg each time I took a step. I must look like a mess.


Male Gnome Cavalier 1

Krokolam stays close to his companions, even if he would rather go exploring. "So, I wonder what the exact nature of this trouble is. He says, grinning at the others.


Male Half- Elf Paladin 1

Giving his thanks to the crew for a safe voyage Vaniel quickly steps off and is greatful that part of the trip is over. Looking around with what feels like fresh eyes after the long trip. As he walks with his newly made companions Vaniel uses his senses to take in the over all atmosphere of the town. He also makes it a point to look on to people's faces noting any that show fear and apprehension, otherwise he remains quiet on the walk to city hall


You make your way to the Council hall were the meeting is to be held you notice much as you walk to the great hall this town is indeed in a dire state countless guards walk the streets all around the sick and wounded lay stranded on the streets with no one to cure there illness or treat there wounds. The few merchant in town have set up tent around the city most of the building are abandoned or badly burned the only completely intact building is the giant council hall witch is still in the making and the three temples: Mielikki, Torm and Tempus there is also a large makeshift wooden wall blocking off Civilized Phlaan from the rest the town is in true chaos.

You make your way to the giant Council hall countless adventurers some from your ship some not stand outside of it's great door and swarm inside the second the door opens you lot follows in behind into the great hall and are greeted by your escort who will take you to the meeting hall.

The large room looks almost like a throne room and not a meeting hall a old man dressed in regal looking clothes sits on a large chair that almost resembles a throw a slightly younger man stands beside him he seems to ignore the giant group that has just flooded the hall a very young women stands on the opposite side of the old man the group talks a talks until finally they are shushed a man rushes into the room holding a scroll and begins to read aloud to the group "By the call of the council of new Phlaan you brave warriors have been summoned by to aid in the reclamation of Phlaan and to restore it to it's former glory his majesty offers riches and fame for any who aid in this cause for these are dire times for Phlaan and we have decided upon the only answer we could find, To follow the steps of the old council and call the aid of out lander adventurer." The man pauses to clear out his throat. "We are glad you have gathered to aid in this cause and to those who should live this wretched task will be rewarded beyond comprehend." The man bows and steps back putting away his scroll. "The task is no easy feat and we must use strategy to defeat our enemys now we must focus on the slums for there will hold a defensive point from there.." He pause and motions to the man who had spoke earlier he nods in response and grabs a large basket bringing it around to everyone. "Here we have maps of all of Phlaan to aid you in your task." After everyone grabs one he stands back and lets the man speak. "The slums has been long overrun by countless goblins and kobolds they make content attacks focused on the council though there are attacks are futile are guards grow weary from having to guard night after night lowering our battle effectiveness but, as of late these attacks have stopped normally this would be a good thing but our suspicions have rouse that they are doing something in there. We would have sent men to investigate but we are few in number as is and cannot spare any men if we should lose any we could not guard our town, This is a vital task and we charge this to all of you any who should participate in this we offer 200 gold pieces we are willing to pay much more for vital information or the head of there leader...this is all the council has to offer but you may keep any gold or riches you find on your quest and know that we watch over you." He bows and there is a long silence until he yells "You are dismissed!"

The crowd suddenly begins to flood out as do the council men apart from the one who just finished talking who stand and waits for everyone's departure you are last to leave but are suddenly called back as you begin to go the man motions you closer before speaking. "You look like the reasonable sort I am Porphyrys Cadorna second in command of the Phlaan Council, as you already know we are in dire times but there is something even more dire that must be handled should Phlaan succeed in this reclamation." He gives a slight pause for affect. "You know of Sokol Keep yes, It once watched and protected the seas of Phlaan allowing ships to come in safely, but know it is nothing more than ruin and is said to be haunted. Let me cut to the chase here we can't get many ships in without the keep making it first priority and I need a bunch to go there and take it back for Phlaan this is a very important. You must drive whatever scum that lies there now out then my men can handle the rest." He suddenly stops and a somewhat nervous look appears on his face "This task comes from me and not the council it needs to be done can you help." The man seems very nervous suddenly and sweat beats down his face.

Map of Phlaan


Male Human Summoner 1

Sense Motive:
1d20 ⇒ 11


Male Gnome Cavalier 1

"Pest control, sounds fun. Krokolam says, grinning a bit.


Male Elf Fighter - Level 1

Walking through the town, it became obvious why we were here. This place was a mess. No infrastructure to speak of. Most of the buildings were damaged and abandoned. I did notice a few merchants, however. I still had some coin left over from my father, and could use more supplies.

Sitting through the old man's speech, I couldnt help but think what a ragtag operation this was. I dont know much about organizing, but just sending out adventurers to fight what may or may not be an organized band of goblins seems silly. No matter. I looked around at the others from the ship, whom I seemed to have formed a little band with. This is good. Together, maybe we can do more.

As we waited to leave, that same man spoke to us, telling us about a mission to clear the old Keep on the island. We saw this place coming in. I'm not sure as to why he was asking this, but the sweat suddenly pouring down his face made me suspicious.

I tried to get an idea of what was going on.

Sir, what can you tell us about what's going on there? Is there anything else we should know before accepting?

Dice Rolls:

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 19


"The keep is a very important strategic point once it is taken we can receive shipments cargo and more soldiers more often doing this for me is far more important to rushing to your deaths with the others headed for the slums."

Oropher:
You can tell this man is very stressed and seems unhappy with the councils decision but you do not know his motives as to why he wishes for you to do this.


Male Elf Fighter - Level 1

The man made sense, but his demeanor is a little confusing. Allowing for more soldiers and supplies seems like a good idea. But I still dont have enough information.

I agree, that sounds like an important task. With more soldiers and more supplies, you can reclaim the town faster. I'll have to ask my friends, but as you see from Master Krokolam, we're interested. A couple of questions. Why doesnt the council want to undertake this? And is there anyone who might know more about the keep?

I looked around at the other adventurers talking with us.

Oro knows little about money, and doesnt really think about that. So someone else wanna ask? ;)


"The council has on several occasions sent boats of soldiars to the keep but they we all barrages by a rain of arrows coming from the keep, from orcs they then gave up not thinking it as important as it really is I however did not abandon the task and have kept my eye on the keep since then the orcs have left the keep fled more like it from whatever it is that lurks there now. Retaking the keep is far more important then the sweep and clean that the council has prepared and offers more reward and promise. If you help me in this I can guaranty you will be rewarded." He seems fair enough to you and seems to tell the truth about his story.


Male Human Summoner 1

"I have to admit, assaulting a keep does sound more interesting than some goblin extermination, though abit more dangerous. How certain are you that these orcs have fled? It would not do us well to be brought down by arrows based on a hunch."


HP 15/29 | DEFENSE 18; Defense 16 until I drop an opponent; FF 13; Tch 17; DR 1/armor; Perception +8; Init +5; FRW 2/9/3

"No one ever became great without audacity." Blythe shrugs. "Speed and secrecy. That's the key to our success. And rum."


Male Half-Elven Bard 1

Sense motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19


Male Half-Elven Bard 1

"More reward certainly sounds appropriate," suggests Melismar, "but do I get the sense that not all parties within the council approve of this plan? Are you funding this little sortie yourself? And furthermore, if I may be so bold, why of the many hundreds here, did you select us? Was it our raffish good looks -- though I can scarce believe that, my hair is an absolute horror at the moment -- or do we have this misfortune to appear more expendable than these departed others?"


Male Halfling Empty Handed Monk

"Rum? I'm in. We'll clear out the goblins and this keep in quick order." Dric says. "It will be a good chance to see me family anyway. Dric Ghawn, at your service, Councilman. At a price. The promise of rum will only get me so far."

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