Eh; what dat you say sonny? (he wheezes) Give an old man a hand and help me outta dis hole.
I look through my bags and pull out my soap to start washing the acid off of people . "Erkholt, do you have any soap?" if he does not, I would cut off a chunk of my soap and toss it to Erkholt to use.
Eh; what dat you say sonny? (he wheezes) Give an old man a hand and help me outta dis hole.
Ok; you guys try the soap and it makes things worse; seems to increase the acid which you now suspect to be very base; though science in my world is not really advanced enough for these terms
I look through my bags and pull out my soap to start washing the acid off of people . "Erkholt, do you have any soap?" if he does not, I would cut off a chunk of my soap and toss it to Erkholt to use.
"$@*%#!" I look at Erkholt "Have you had much to drink of late? The only thing I can think of now is urine..."
Thoronhen,
The guys has no obvious weapon; his right arm is heavily bandaged, wrapped in rags and in a sling; he smells like he hasnt bathed in a long long time; and is very, very sweaty or wet; he grabs your hand with his left and limps up the ladder; he is very rickety and slow and his bones creak; his eyes have a look of great wisdom and pain.
After getting out of the hole; he kicks a old dilapidated rug over the door and sets a table on it; then collapses against the wall wheezing and trying to catch his breath.
"Beast is dead you say, a moment of silence for poor Aldi" (wheeze; takes off his cap; holds it over his heart; seems to scrunch his eyes and mouth mumbling that sounds like a prayer in intonation; perhaps he is crying; hard to tell with all the sweat and wetness. The words are unintelligible.
the sailors look horrified.
"ya wanna pee upon us?"
they make religious mumbling and motions which leads you to think that is some transgression for them.
"Beast is dead you say, a moment of silence for poor Aldi" (wheeze; takes off his cap; holds it over his heart; seems to scrunch his eyes and mouth mumbling that sounds like a prayer in intonation; perhaps he is crying; hard to tell with all the sweat and wetness. The words are unintelligible.
Well it looks like you are hurt. we have 2 people who might be able to help with your arm. So what where you doing down there?
Erkholt frantically goes through his gear, the only possible solvent he has is his armour oil. Although he doubts itll have much effect he tries a small amount on one of the wounded men to determine if it at least begins to dilute the substance.
He turns to Caran and states desperately "Lass, is there nae seaweed or sometin' as could be used to rub on this stuff? The creature was seafarin' ifn I aint mistaken, so twould make sense that some form of sea plant would neutralise this stuff." he states, realsising even as he spoke that this may not be true, but short of ideas at the moment
He observes the effects of his oil, his breath held in anticipation.
Sigh "I did not mean to offend, nature has its ways of healing..." Seeing the how religious they seem to be I think of the Holy Water I carry and say "We can try Holy Water", if any are willing to try this I would sprinkle some on them.
Hearing Erkholt I add "Yes, I believe we could look for plant life from the waters that could help as well." If the Holy water does not work I would ask Erkholt:
Holy Water seems to calm their nerves and gives them hope; some stop grimacing so much (it acts like a placebo) but you see no healing affect. The armor oil is neutral to this crab slime; it doesnt aid; but it does dilute it a bit but does not appear to be a solution to the problem. It occurs to you both that water and salt water are the crabs natural habitat being amphibious, so that is probably not a solution. There are probably many sea plants and creatures that can resist or counteract the slime, but such studies are beyond your current knowledge. It occurs to both of you that something that does not occur in water might be a better solution; often something quite common.
The sailors faith is restored; they look hopeful and patient. They pray and some softly sing. You both begin to think hmm, Thoronhen has been in that building a bit longer than you would think if it was empty, but that does not help the crisis at hand.
To thoronhen:
Hurt, me? (he wheezes a chuckle) only my pride sonny; only my pride. Why did you come here? You should not be here, this place is cursed; you must leave, take what you will, but leave, do not be here after dark; if you are; you are lost, body and soul forever. Flee boy; flee and take your friends with you, there is no help for us. I already spoke to the Oracle, it cost me, but I got my answer; I am damned, my body broken, my penance is to try to warn others (he wheezes and has a coughing fit, the smell is pretty bad of his breath and sweat and other things)
Go young one; go live your life while you can and fear the ocean. Great evil hides there; lurking; waiting; gathering strength. (he shudders and you hear his bones creak)
he gazes at you apparantly trying to discern if you are listening, then his face softens.
You got that creatures get on ya boy; better git it off, n quick too; be bad if you dont; it more than burns boy; it burns the soul. Pity the soul of any who got stung by the creature, I mean with them tentacles; their poison is insidious; takes days to take affect, but the slime aids it; keeps it from iching and driving you crazy; better off being dead than have that happen. (cough, cough) It dont get all though; most, but not all; dont know why yet.
<gm> you guys are doing great ")
To thoronhen:
Hurt, me? (he wheezes a chuckle) only my pride sonny; only my pride. Why did you come here? You should not be here, this place is cursed; you must leave, take what you will, but leave, do not be here after dark; if you are; you are lost, body and soul forever. Flee boy; flee and take your friends with you, there is no help for us. I already spoke to the Oracle, it cost me, but I got my answer; I am damned, my body broken, my penance is to try to warn others (he wheezes and has a coughing fit, the smell is pretty bad of his breath and sweat and other things)Go young one; go live your life while you can and fear the ocean. Great evil hides there; lurking; waiting; gathering strength. (he shudders and you hear his bones creak)
he gazes at you apparently trying to discern if you are listening, then his face softens.
You got that creatures get on ya boy; better git it off, n quick too; be bad if you dont; it more than burns boy; it burns the soul. Pity the soul of any who got stung by the creature, I mean with them tentacles; their poison is insidious; takes days to take affect, but the slime aids it; keeps it from iching and driving you crazy; better off being dead than have that happen. (cough, cough) It dont get all though; most, but not all; dont know why yet.
Ok old man I get that you are concerned about this stuff but when I tried to wipe it off all it did is dissolve the cloth I had used. It does not even get to my skin as its just kind of polishing my armor. Do you know how to get it off. As for poison I am not to susceptible to many but I have a remedy for it if necessary.
"There is some plant life up on that bluff, perhaps there will be something there to counter this slime" I say to Erkholt, I stand after helping the sailors and say "Thoronhen has been a while, would you like to check on him or come with me to gather something that will aide these men?"
no; is way to far; couple miles away and 300ft up; you mostly can only see the ridgeline from here; but remember back; you did see some at some of the farms you passed; take a couple hours to get there and back unless you run the whole way.
Now you also said that you have spoken with "The Oracle." I know of someone who is looking for the Oracle, could you maybe guide us there or provide directions.
I whisper to Erkholt so as not to cause panic to the Sailors "My concern though, is that in travel time and searching some of these men could die... I do not want that to happen. Do you have any other thoughts?"
yes; anything to get you and the rest of yea to leave; I kin tell yea and sorta point yea the way; canna make the trip myself; to old n broken.
gm <He gives you directions; you are pretty certain you can follow them if he is telling the truth; he speaks with knowledge and answers your clarification questions; you feel like you have a good grip on the directions, this conversation takes only a few minutes as the path is pretty clear.>
Ah; sonny; one more thing, no violence is allowed there; no weapons pulled; no magic; no fighting of any sort; even harsh speach kin git you killed; the great Sun God is very active in warding that place and will smite any who violates his peace; any and I mean any may appear before da Oracle and ask their question and seek their answer. Heed this warning well.
Now you also said that you have spoken with "The Oracle." I know of someone who is looking for the Oracle, could you maybe guide us there or provide directions.
Thoron; please give Erkholt a chance to answer before you return with your news; thanks much - Val
Erkholt looked up from treating a man at his feet. "Take em with us lass. Aint none so hurt as can't walk. I can keep treatin' em and hopefully slow this thing some. Me oil slows it some so I'll use as mucha s I can to do this. If'n ye think the lemons and such'll stop this thing then we need te get there soon. I have at least one heal left in me ifn' it gets desperate"
He turs to one of the uninjured sailors and states "Go get the other elf, lad. Let him know we need te get them outa here."
Seeing that leather isn't affected by the stuff, Erkholt looks for some leather to use to rub the ick off. Maybe some curtains nearby or or something from the buildings. No hides hanging around?
Sure; a quick search of a nearby house will turn up some soft leather and some furs; the fur is a blanket sewn together from looks like rabbit hide. Soft leather is rabbit with no hair nicely sewn into a shirt. This search and collection will take a few minutes.
Well thank you sir I hope you dont have any more problems. If you dont mind I have some people who needs the info for the Oracle and many sailors who need the administration of this liquid.
As you leave the building; you hear his labored breath and wheezing in the background; the smell outside is much fresher as the salt tang in the air mixed with the cries of gulls and smell of fishiness replaces the stink of old sweat and rotting flesh.
Erkholt is returning from a building back to the sailors who are gathered in a group about 50ft from the large hole in the sand that the crab came out of and about 40 from the nearly completely decomposed body of the crab.
Caran is about 20 ft from the group; but Lefey comes swooping to her and offers to make the flight up to gather some fruits and berries to try which will save a whole lot of time since she doesnt need to climb the cliff or follow a path; I imagine that Caran will probably agree so Lefey swoops off at good speed.
Giaus comes out of his trance; and appreciates the aministrations of the two healers that cure his nausea and the magic from the crabs droneing is nearly gone. He apologies many times for his lack of input in the battle and cant seem to undertand why he could not act.
as the clouds are breaking up; you notice the sun far in the west; only a few hours of daylight left; some of you reflect on what a full day this has been with a bit of weariness; the storm tossing the ship; the crash landing; the short skirmish, the exploration of this little fishing village, and the monsterous abberant crab. Still; a few hour of light left; you are all pretty hungry once the adrenaline of the battle wears off; still with a few hour so sunlight left; probably best to formulate a plan; if undead rule this continent then the night will probably be very bumpy :)
-----------
Caran; it would probably be a good idea to tell these newcomers a bit about what kind of area they have landed on and perhaps about the battleground not far away as an example of the need for either strength or stealth. Up to you.
LaFey heads out to find some plants for yea old druid...
wow no posts?
I head over to the group and say " Well I know how to get to The Oracle. If you have not figured it out yet how to neutralize this corrosive stuff I have been told that wine works to stop it. So where did the fairy go to."
no prob; was just surprized is all; I know we all have things to do; just hoping you guys are enjoying it so far; hehe we havent got to the adventure yet; this is just the preface lol; building a lot of threads for later adventures if desired ie this village is part of a world wide problem :)on seacoasts.
Gauis responds; the holy druid spoke to her and she went out to find some herbs and possible solutions to healing issues; I have no wine; if you could spare some I would thank you. <he still seems a bit dissoriented>
Well I dont have any but we could run back to the ship there is plenty there. Or we can just take them there since we have to any ways.
So; is the group moving back to the ship? Lol; I guess we only need Caran's consent now, sigh.
"Taking them to the ship would be the best option if what we need is there." I start to help up those that need assistance and motion for Eruanna to follow close so we're all together.
It takes about 15 minutes to get everyone over to the ship; the other sailors captain and the pally aid in the recovery and wine is used to wash off all the acidic slime.
What do you guys do now?
As we are cleaning the slime from people with the wine I tell those around me “In our travels to get here, about north by northeast from here you could see the giant frame of a giant or colossal skeleton in the distance; all signs of a war that has stretched on for over a decade laying waste to all creatures. Un-natural things howled in the distance, about 2am there was a small battle a couple miles to the east of where we camped for the night. The wind was blowing from that direction so we could hear metal on metal and snarls and unintelligible shouting sounds; little snippets on the wind so to speak. About a half-day’s travel from here we ran across signs of the battle from last night. Strewn about were what looked like multiple skirmishes; or small group warfare as the broken terrain is not conducive to formations holding their unit cohesion. There were bodies of ghouls, humans, gnolls, orcs and goblins. The lay of the bodies was strange. It seemed like the orcs and goblins were fighting the gnolls and ghouls and the humans; the humans were also found fighting both groups. Things were strange. There was much blood and gore; sure to attract.... things. The fetid smell of death was heavy in the air. We could see some scorch marks and wounds indicative of magic use on all sides. We did not get very close to the battle; skirted around it to the left and found a path that led us here, but all of it could be seen at a distance of less than 100 yards.”
“I have been traveling this way to find the Oracle for guidance on some recent disturbing visions.” I take a moment to try to put into words the intensity of the visions; "The visions are intense and foreboding. I feel as though I am taken into the heavens, moving through them as if I'm riding a great chariot across the sky to look upon on Mother Earth. She is a living person, a deity in her glory; but she is gravely wounded; great slashes and wounds can be seen from the heavens; gaping wounds that would kill any mortal; she is not healing; cannot heal; without help she and the earth will be wounded forever."
I briefly pause with a sad sigh then continue, "Things are not as they should be, too dark, sickly; slithering tendrils of undeath draining life from everywhere it touches; people struggling for naught; the delicate balance upturned... chaos everywhere."
Shaking my head at the thoughts... but you can see a glimmer of hope in my eyes "The sun rises; shining and bright; holy and beautiful; it shines on mother earth and she is strengthened; slight respite; but the darkness of death and chaos are too much; the plants are being choked, they are dying; the trees and grass and all flora and fauna shout out in dismay. There is a beautiful face in the sun; glorious but vain; he is distressed by what he sees, he can help; but others, mortals upon the earth must act. The Sun weeps and sheds more light trying to blot out the undead and restore life to the plants but it cannot; they burrow from within. I could see differences in people; some people seem much clearer than others; they are the ones trying to help; noble houses and leaders of men who drive back the scourge of undeath. Beneath them the world rots, but they do not see it; something is killing the trees; something dark and reptilian; twisting; changing; warping..."
I trail off; you see tears staining my cheeks. "I fear that with each passing day things are getting worse. There has to be something we can do to stop this; bring balance back... the oracle will give us guidance on this... and I will need your help."
Well I will go says Gaius.
I sadly cannot says the paladin; I am strongly called to go that direction, he points NW though I know not why; I must answer that call.
I am feeling the call to go with this paladin says the dwarf; seems the right thing to do.
the fey has not returned yet.
Thoron?
I will casually drift about the grove of the Oracle (or whatever this waiting area full of people is called), exchanging pleasantries and making small talk with various people, especially those who seem to be of a more friendly persuasion. But of particular interest to me is the treant rooted near the path to the Oracle. Treants are known to often be founts of knowledge (albeit sometimes useless knowledge), I will strike up a casual conversation with the creature in Sylvan, assuming he speaks that language. If he seems conversational, I will share tales of my homeland, particularly in the hopes that the sylvan grapevine, as it were - that vast network of trees, branches, breezes and roots through which such beings often communicate with each other - might have carried some news of my homeland and what has transpired there.
To PCs in the area:
Well I probably can note down the directions to the Oracle if necessary. I have given my oath to aid these two in their quest. In fact I have given my word in doing so and I do not go back on my word. Unless you two would give me leave to go to this diviner of mysteries, though I am not asking to be released from my oath.
So what say you, does your quest need my departure from it to succeed? If necessary I can always meet up with you in the future. Perchance the Oracle can give me those answers.
Namaste,
The orcs ignore you after a few crude comments; the Centaurs and Fauns are arguing about the Elf war to exterminate all humanity; the funny thing about this is that they cant stay on any side of the topic; they argue ferverantly and passinately for a side ;then if you listen longer; change sides; alliances between sides change every few moments; is a wild chaotic and facinating discourse. neither of these races wear more than a bag or two and a toga (a toga is an outer wrap, generally a blanket).
Both the Greeks and Romans quit talking and seem aprehensive when you approach them; though they give polite responses, they are obviously suspicous. These are hard men; full of scars and battle weary. To look into their eyes is to see death and no hope.
The treat is sleeping or at least his eyes and mouth are not moving. he is old; large and his trunk twisted with knots; you get the idea it is painful.
The drow is sitting near the path entrance and really looks exotic; such an antithesis of any elf you have ever seen; dark and foreboding, yet sad and distant, yet plays beautifully; no way to tell how old this dark elf is as with most elves; could be 100; could be three thousand; you have only heard whispers of a land and races of the underground; might be a good chance to pick up some info.
Thoronhen, my freind (says the Paladin) I do not feel your call to join us; the greater good must be served; if you cannot find it; perhaps this oracle can help; but the Priest and I have other sources and must follow our calling. No matter what you choose, we are each on this continent to battle the forces of evil and their tyranny. It is my belief that we should separate; yet even distant we shall battle the same foe; a thorn in his side and a ache in his leg; like the bull shall we gore this foe in two places yet with the power of overall unity.
|
Namaste,
The orcs ignore you after a few crude comments; the Centaurs and Fauns are arguing about the Elf war to exterminate all humanity; the funny thing about this is that they cant stay on any side of the topic; they argue ferverantly and passinately for a side ;then if you listen longer; change sides; alliances between sides change every few moments; is a wild chaotic and facinating discourse. neither of these races wear more than a bag or two and a toga (a toga is an outer wrap, generally a blanket).Both the Greeks and Romans quit talking and seem aprehensive when you approach them; though they give polite responses, they are obviously suspicous. These are hard men; full of scars and battle weary. To look into their eyes is to see death and no hope.
The treat is sleeping or at least his eyes and mouth are not moving. he is old; large and his trunk twisted with knots; you get the idea it is painful.
The drow is sitting near the path entrance and really looks exotic; such an antithesis of any elf you have ever seen; dark and foreboding, yet sad and distant, yet plays beautifully; no way to tell how old this dark elf is as with most elves; could be 100; could be three thousand; you have only heard whispers of a land and races of the underground; might be a good chance to pick up some info.
If the treant appears to be asleep and in pain, I will not bother him. The drow, though, seems to be of interest. I will approach and sit nearby, wait a few minutes and listen to his song. If he stops playing and acknowledges me, I will ask him why the song is so sad and what it is about.
He will look at you idlely; and perhaps nod; do you look like a noble? Anyway; It doesnt look like you speak any elven languages so you only get the feel of soul wrenching heartache and loss. If and when you speak; please say what language you use; I looked at your character sheet and dont recognise some of your languages; you can change them if you like
He will look at you idlely; and perhaps nod; do you look like a noble? Anyway; It doesnt look like you speak any elven languages so you only get the feel of soul wrenching heartache and loss. If and when you speak; please say what language you use; I looked at your character sheet and dont recognise some of your languages; you can change them if you like
If he is singing in the Drow language, I would not understand, but if the song is in the general tongue of the elves (Elven), I would understand it. If the moment seems appropriate (he stops playing, or acknowledges me in a manner that seems to indicate that conversation would not disturb the song), I will speak to him in Elven, commenting on the beauty of the song and inquiring, if it is not too bold to ask, what might have inspired such a heart-rending and beautiful piece.
Then it is settled. I will accompany you to the Oracle, Caran. I wish you two good luck on your quest. When you see the Grace again let him know that the crossbow did come in handy. Well we probly need to head out in the morning with the undead roaming around in the night. I will head to my pallet now if anyone has any need of me. Captain I would strongly suggest you keep watch through out the night as it is likely undead about in the night as well as more of those abominations about. Most of use will be leaving you here as our courses have diverged. I enjoined the voyage and will let others know of your good name.
If it is late enough to stop for the night
"Would you mind if we stay with the group here for the night? It would be safer in numbers than separated." I shift my bags, get out some rations for myself, then get some of Eruanna's out of her bags for her (I give her hers). "We should take watches to be safe. I will take last watch if you all do not mind."
I pause, and set down my Guquin. I reply to her in common. The piece I play is a lament. It is for one I rever in the highest esteem. She was the most magnificent of us all. The most loved of us all. Everything she ever did was for her people. She finally attained a point where all her dreams, and desires would finally be obtained. To finally know rest and satisfaction. She was to finally drink from the chalice of success. Alas a poison pill was put in her goblet. Her dreams, her desires, and her life itself ended. So I play for her. I play only for her.
I pause, and set down my Guquin. I reply to her in common. The piece I play is a lament. It is for one I rever in the highest esteem. She was the most magnificent of us all. The most loved of us all. Everything she ever did was for her people. She finally attained a point where all her dreams, and desires would finally be obtained. To finally know rest and satisfaction. She was to finally drink from the chalice of success. Alas a poison pill was put in her goblet. Her dreams, her desires, and her life itself ended. So I play for her. I play only for her.
Llvenoc
Namaste
about 3pm; prolly wont get dark for another 5 hours.
If it is late enough to stop for the night
"Would you mind if we stay with the group here for the night? It would be safer in numbers than separated." I shift my bags, get out some rations for myself, then get some of Eruanna's out of her bags for her (I give her hers). "We should take watches to be safe. I will take last watch if you all do not mind."