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Friends...I come to you with sad news of our Lint, my Xandu. In the early evening, two days hence, our friend and companion succumbed to cancer after nearly 9 years of valiant melee. It was a peaceful event. He was a good man and great friend. He is sorely missed. If you have it in your heart ask whomever for his safe passage on this new journey. Luvs, Moxie. (Tearful sad smile, wave.)
Phntm888....Ssshh! Wave...smile...blown kiss...giggle!!
An Alchemy engine is an interesting concept! Wish I had seen this when you wrote it!!! Are you still interested because I am working on a story based on a character I played in a group in a homebrew and the DM let me captain a submarine it was really fun. I have treid to use the rules to keep it as game coherent as possible and am LOVING where it is going!
Some how I think you guy'z'z'z balmy and mild are a wee bit colder than what most Jayhawkers would enjoy. I was comfortably outside in shorts over the weekend (65ish), then again that is subjective too, Hawaiians wear parkas when its fifty degrees.
Sir Reginald Foursquare, nice to see you and while I am sure those activities are a staple in some circles my experience with boar hunting was quite brisk and in all manners too...up close and physical, shall we say. Further more my one and only visit to the Foxglove Manor left me with an irrational fear and avoidance of anything resembling a crow! I appreciate your enthusiasm, however I would prefer my future outdoor excitement to be of the shopping variety or beach loitering for the foreseeable future. ======================================================================== My condolences to you Cap. I am in the midwestern central plains in relative mildness, and as for these vikings, they sound a bit on the side of....EEEEEWW!
Hey their he is! How is the the good Cap'em? Sadly, its the former...sorry! Lint is running his home brew (awesome!) 5 yrs after we finished here but he gave a snippet of history between he and I, so I would like to give it a little detail and connect the two here. I also made a promise...and I keep them! So I will honor the obligation, and enjoy it to boot! I will be around and you're welcome to stay. I am currently waiting for a reply from a young lady named Essanne confirming her participation in GIRLS MONTH OUT!
A letter, twice penned and posted to their homes in far away places..... Dearest Friend, I hope you receive this in good health and spirits! As promised I have reached the end of my journey and would have you help me determine when and where we are to take our GIRLS MONTH HOLIDAY?!?! I prefer warm, coastal, islandy places, however considering from where we have just returned and spent entirely too much time, a cool temperate clime would suffice if you would prefer. There is soooooo much to share and I can't wait to hear your tales as we sit in a luxurious comfy expanse of a room surrounded by all the wonderful things we have just purchased! The extent of my travels to date have been in and up river from Magnimar to the Storval Stair and the Kodar Mountains. If you have any knowledge of or preference for anyplace you have visited that is fine but there must be establishments that will provide for our desires and needs as we require. To quote a rascal of a boat Captain I have become fond of, that frequents my performances at the Inn where I reside, "I aim to misbehave!" Your input is both desired and required! Remember it is all expenses paid on me...because I said so...reasons...etc.! May Shelyn embrace you and fill your life with all the love and beauty you can imagine! Sincerely, Moxie Ottersqueak, Daughter of the Rose, Sneakabout, and resident entertainer of the Red Dragon Inn, in the Town of Sandpoint, Varisia.
With great care I extricated myself from his spooning embrace without waking him. I pulled on my silk robed and stretched until I almost squeaked. Somehow I think those who reside at the Inn heard quite enough throughout the night. Peaking out the window I saw the sun breaking over the horizon and the town beginning to come to life. I felt amazing, alive, and empowered! I glanced back to the bed to see a restful, peaceful Xandu. It was good to see him sleep, at peace, in comfortable trusted surroundings. Grabbing a long sleeved shirt, tights,heavy socks and my clunky boots, and a warm wool sweater that ties at the waist I let him rest in bed. catching a glimpse in Lucien's mirror, I paused, and to my surprise my hair and face were intact! HUZZAH! Dressing at the top of the stairs I carried my boots to the commons to a smirking assembly of troupe and staff. It seems that numerous squeaks and other...OK it was obvious, can't a girl have some fun!?!? I ignored the jabs until laughter overwhelmed me and asked for breakfast for two, which didn't help. Even Ameiko joined in the fun. All I wanted was to return to my room and the man in my bed. "Ok let me set it straight! All I wanted was to see it through to the end, I could not expose myself to the possibility of such a loss had I given myself over before it was done, I would not have completed the job. So now that it was done I was going to stake my claim." I thanked Ameiko for her help in preparing for the previous nights entertainment and complimented her on how well it had lasted overnight which brought a few snickers and torrid comments. I walked right into that one! Ameiko responded by saying she knew what was going to transpire when I asked for her help and all but took offense that her handy work would be of any less quality. Utterly at the mercy of my would be aggressors, I buried my face in my warm mead and smiled a guilty smile while they began to recall the bits overheard throughout the night. Ameiko finally arrived with a serving tray with a platter of spiced sausage, two fried eggs, a small wedge of cheese, a small basket of steamy rolls, butter, honey and a large pot of warm mulled wine. "Come on! I'll save you from your friends(?) and get you to your room. You know what really cracks my plates about you guys getting together? I can't charge you for having a guest overnight!" she said with a smile as we left the troupe chuckling. Ameiko helped get the food to my room and sheepishly excused herself. I opened the door and placed the food on the bed. I buttered a bun and took a bite, adding honey to it afterwards. Then I sat on the bed watching him sleep and thought, if the cat is already out of the bag, what the hell! With that I tipped my bun and dripped warm buttery honey on his dreamy face! (SMILE!) Later that afternoon we emerged from my room and joined the troupe in residence, returning our dishes. To nip all the commentary in the bud, or at least take the sting out of it, I asked "Do any of you heathens know how to get honey out of a bison pelt?" It seemed to be helpful for a little while. About the time the drink and their rowdy nature resumed I excused myself politely to let the boys "talk" and I returned to my room to write a couple of letters to friends I had met during our travels and promised to travel abroad with once our pursuits and obligations had been accomplished.
LOL!! ME TOO!
I BROUGHT A DATE TO THE PROM Just about the time I realized that the snake squirming about was Duh’rock prior to some wicked sorcery, another troupe mate entered through the shimmering ether welcomed by a cascade of lightning. Xandu snatched my arm and transported us to the open side of the landing away from the fight, and to his credit he maintained my target field. The black giant advanced as the magical barriers were withdrawn. Frederich was no ware to be found though something still held Karzoug’s attention, and I was certain it was he. “Mind to Frederich, he has raised Karzoug’s ire!” With that once again the swift muscle memory and Annie’s ease of handling lent to the effect of slowing time as I sat upon my right foot, left knee half bent in a tight seated position. I wrapped Annie’s strap tight around my left arm and grasped her lightly forward of her mechanical works and rest my elbow upon my knee. Firmly ensconced was the brass plated butt high in my right shoulder. Pulling the marksman goggles over my eyes I concentrated on my breathing. With a deep breath in I locked Annie in fire ready and slowly began to exhale. I timed the release between pounding beats of my heart and the halfway point of my exhale. The sight was placed slightly higher than before on my “mark” that had barely moved. I felt the design of the carved wood as my hand tightened to set Annie loose and I whispered, “Lettie, you are avenged!” KA-POCK!!! * The flash, sparks, rolling cloud and recoil obscured my confirmation at such a distance as the report echoed about the chamber. Then my answer came all too clear as Karzoug glared at me through the receding billow of powder smoke. Suddenly, considering Duh’rock’s condition, hiding seemed apropos and I ducked behind Xandu! “Bugger Frederich I just got his attention!” Just then a cacophony of thunder came from within and I peeked around Xandu to see Karzoug get thrown to the ground in the aftermath of what could only have been an alchemical fusillade from Frederich! “HUZZAH!!! Nevermind! (GRIN!)” As luck would have it, the black giant moved in close and began to wreak havoc showering us with fiery lightning sparks most of which was absorbed by Xandu. (MY HERO…SWOON!) That was followed quickly by a very savage lightning bolt from Karzoug the likes of which I have never seen before…I deftly jumped behind the pillar (*) and watched the now steaming- smoking Xandu blink and cough. Then from within the room came a heart harrowing scream and there by the grace of Shelyn (Praise and glory to the Eternal Rose!)the black giant fell head long-dead into the lava pool! HUZZAH!!! At this moment, for reasons I cannot explain, the memory of my time with the Shaitan Pasha came to mind….and the rose….GRIGNAK!!! Hoping beyond hope, knowing I was unable to use its power in the tower earlier, I grasped the rose and called for Grignak to slay the wizard…..Hee-heee-heeee! (*)With the sounds of combat dimming the obvious thumps of heavy footfalls and the familiar labored grunts of effort gave me a moment of great relief and release. I can’t say I saw the look on Karzoug’s face but his reactions to Grignak’s blows found me jumping and clapping with glee! I turned to share the moment with Xandu….where was he? I looked about and saw a magical discharge flash from the lava pool below…then in the crash of a HARD landing next to me were the two smoldering bodies of Xandu and Frederich. (EGADS!) I bent to lend assistance when a second hard landing, accompanied by a dragon scented breeze and guttural growling from behind me sent a shiver up spine. As I helped Xandu up, I turned and drew my sword. In the first flurry of teeth, claws and wings Xandu was out of the fight and I was backed up to the column with no relief in sight. Then a second harrowing scream filled the chamber followed by more poundings from Grignak. Prior to the second wave of dragon assaults, arrows from the sky giants plunged into the dragon, yet hope seemed still to be a too distant concept at this point, at least for me! However as I glanced to my right at Frederich and Xandu, I knew I would be in good company, and would cut in the queue to be with them…WATCH ME! But if this was to be my final moment, if it was Her will then it would not be as a Serpent’s snack! Try as I might landing blow after blow my tiny stature and blade simply was not up to the task. I was ravaged by every attack the dragon had when a comforting voice called to me…bad me to advance on her so she might provide relief! Beyond the shimmering ether portal stood the warbled image of GrAnnie! In what were likely going to be my last moments I made a quick move towards her as a prehensile lock of her hair pierced the shimmer and touched me with the warmth of healing. Before either the dragon or I could engage again Rikert, with bloodied sword, burst through the portal in angelic form and sliced the dragon to the floor! HUZZAH!!! As I walked through the portal towards the room I had yet to enter Grignak placed the bodies of Sheldor and Karzoug at our feet. I looked about, Kori’el, GrAnnie, Rikert and I were the only ones still in working order and we had much to do. Grignak carried me up the stairs, past the rune well, to a throne explaining he and his people had not been sure I had been honest with them concerning our plight, and that the question of my forthrightness was no longer an issue. I presented him a gift of gemstones for his devotion which he consumed and thanked me for calling on him to assist in our noble undertaking. Politely excusing himself, he informed me I should not call on him for his assistance in the realm we currently occupied. Later I found out it was bad form as we were on the elemental plane of fire…who knew?!?! There I sat in the uncomfy throne of my former nemesis watching my troupe being made whole again by the efforts of GrAnnie and Xandu. Nothing feels like victory quite like that does…trust me! I documented it in my journal and sketched the room in as much detail as the troupe allowed. Much was salvaged, and a giant lens was destroyed above the rune well. We also came to discover that all of Xin-Shalast was a giant treasure horde we couldn’t possibly hope to retrieve, not on this trip, and likely not any number of trips in our lives. So we settled for our current haul, and decided if we ever needed more we could come back some other time. We were done! We could go home!!! When everyone was ready we gathered in a circle, and before Xandu could finish his words of making, I said “Fort Rannick would be fine!” and closed my eyes. SandPoint! Sunshine, sea breeze, salty air, warmth! I excused myself and headed towards the beach. Walking to the surf I watched the wave’s crash to the south with the gentle north breeze and it was nice. I laid out my bed roll and began to remove my armor, boots, down to the longshirt and turned to the surf and waded in. I threw my shirt to my other gear as I entered and while I am positive it was cold, it felt better than the bitter frigid ice cold of the high mountains or glaciers. It was a short swim but I stayed long enough to atone and retune to my surroundings. When satisfied that I was truly home, I ran to my shirt, stained, holed, and smelly as it was I put it on with my boots and pistol belt and dragged the bundled bedroll back to the Rusty Dragon Inn. I would collect Maximus on the morrow and play with the raft too, but this night, this was mine, this one was for the troupe and it would be special! I left my armor to be cleaned, refitted, oiled, and repaired. I made my way to the burny pile and discarded those bits of clothes and such that were beyond hope and entered the Inn through the bathhouse. I requested a steamy bath and excused myself to deposit some belongings and hopefully collect a package or two whose postage was paid during our last visit to Magnimar. Resigning from sight I slipped to my room unnoticed and tended to my gears needs quietly. I placed Annie and Uther upon a stand with their munitions within a built in storage box. My cutlass was given a decent polish and placed in its scabbard that was also given a good cleaning. It was time to clean up. With a new towel the remains of Simon’s soap, bath oils, and a new silk robe. I put my mostly dry hair in a ponytail, stripped to the buff and put on the knee length silk robe. When I reached the commons I was greeted with an embarrassing overture of approval. It made me smile and blush. As the questions came I moved toward the bath and promised them a full night of entertainment. My progress to the bath was immediately blocked my Ameiko, with her beautiful smile and a question in her eyes. I simply shook my head in the affirmative and whispered as the tears welled in my eyes, “It is done.” She knelt quickly and opened her arms in to which I leapt and let my emotions flow. We spoke in soft tones, she thanked me, she reassured me, and we wiped away one another’s tears of happiness as we began to laugh. The Inn began to get quiet and I asked her if I could perform the whole evening. Looking at the now worried patrons she stood abruptly and announced a festive celebration in honor of our troupes return. Grabbing her hand I pulled her down so I could whisper in her ear and asked for a few ingredients from the kitchen. “Sure, lets go!” and off we scurried like school girls. We burst into the kitchen in a giggle and spoke with the kitchen ladies and spoke with them for a short time. Placing a gold coin in each of their hands I asked for a half glass each of honey, apple vinegar, olive and coconut oils and paid for each. They helped me to the bath and I asked Lady Ameiko to assist me as it was my fervent wish to look the as beautiful as was possible plus a pinch! With a worried eye to the Inn, the excited ladies of the kitchen took her apron and encouraged her to help, promising to mind to the patron’s.
She helped me to my room and there we shared a second drink. I slipped on my tight crimson stretchy full necked sweater. Then she helped apply the artistic nuances too my features and showed me tricks to make it easier and much more alluring in a subtle way. A crimson paint was applied to the nails of my fingers, and I was quite impressed as she gave each the subtle look of a profiled rose blossom. We sampled each of the new scented oils and perfumes and settled upon a powerful sweet smell of a rose with a bewitching earthy afterthought that complimented the coconut fragrance from my hair. And that is where we went next, the hair. She made an AMAZING braid of the right side of my head and a partial section of the left with a section of long ringlets hanging over the left eye and a faux knot in back with a sassy pony tail from its center. Everything was in place! IT WAS GORGEOUS! She called for one of the Ladies of the kitchen to procure an item in hushed tones and bad her to make it quick. When Ameiko turned she was smiling and we finished our drink as she helped me dress. I pulled on a pair of form fitting black soft leather pants with arose vine stitched up the right leg and a wide silver belt cinched above the hips. The mithral rose was attached to the sweater on the left side of the neck. Last I pulled on the new red boots. They were soft to the touch and came nearly to the knee. They stood me quite a bit higher than I was used too, but these were special boots, made for dancing! Each had a beautiful rose adornment at the ankle. I tried them out and they were truly made for dancing! With that I asked when would be a good time to start? Ameiko suggested shortly after the dinner rush had settled in. I asked permission again and as she left with our empty glasses and began to close the door, she looked at me with a scowl and said “and waste all you got going on there, Moxie you will knock’em dead!” From the opposite side of the hall I saw a head snap as if to see what was going on but Ameiko shut the door without knowing what she had just done. (snicker!) I sat on the bed for a moment to collect my nerve. With a glance in Lucians mirror, I quickly put it away so as not to tear up. I walked to my Firepelt jacket waving my hands desperately to stave off the tears, grabbed up my jacket and walked over to the room where the head had snapped for a peek. Xandu opened his door and I don’t think he recognized me until I asked for his help putting on my jacket. After the second query and a glance over the shoulder he helped me. I turned and told him I was going to see Father Zantus and asked if he word like to accompany me. He politely declined and shuffled behind the door a bit….odd I thought…then I asked him to play and perform with me, and he agreed with a smile. “Thank you, oh and be ready for a full night after the dinner rush settles in ok?” I said with a big eyed smile and walked off to the cathedral. I never heard his door shut…good! With my hood up I walked along the boardwalk and was assisted by many a young gentleman graciously helping me make it safely to the cathedral. I found my way to Shelyn’s chapel, removed my jacket and sat with her until the time came for me to greet all Ameiko’s patrons before the fun began. I thanked her for her presence in my life. I told her how much she had enriched me. I expressed how profoundly I appreciated her support and promised to provide for the less fortunate generously in her name. With that I asked her blessing on this night’s performance, the people of SandPoint, and to fill their hearts with love. Before leaving I spoke with Father Zantus. After pleasantries were exchanged I presented him with my tithe and informed him that if he should ever have a need for fair and reasonable support all he need do is inform me and arrangements could be made. I gave him a big hug and thanked him for his generous kind counsel and returned to the Red Dragon Inn for a wonderful evening. I hung my jacket in my room and primped for a moment before sitting on the edge of my bed to collect my energy and spirit for the performance. Then down I went to make my rounds. I played with all the locals and usual devoted patrons of the Red Dragon Inn a little more than usual. I welcomed all new comers and asked for their participation with a bit of flirtation and orneriness. And before we started I returned to the table our troupe had come to claim when in residency and brought each a heavy tankard of their favored drink and mounted the table calling to the patron’s for a moment of their time and attention. Thanking them I began to tell a very brief story of the troupe, how we met, the accomplishments they were aware of and eluded to the ones they weren’t in brevity and mystery, ending in salute to those with us tonight and to our honored dead, the fallen whose names shall never be forgotten. Then I turned to the troupe and offered a more personal toast. “Troupe mates, friends, brothers and sisters! Never did I believe my star would ever shine so bright. Never did I hope to have made such a pact of comradery, a story of such high adventure, or a bond of strength and love. Bless you for all you have shared with me, all you have taught me, and all you have endured with and from me. I hope you live out your days until your maker calls you home with the greatest blessings they can bestow upon you! You are my brothers….my sisters….and you are always welcome with my undying gratitude for taking me as one of your own!” With that completed, I twisted on a heel, sauntered over to Xandu and as usual moved his drink from between us with my boot and took a seat before him on the table, crossed my legs and leaned forward on my arms. I stared into his eyes. I kept staring. Smiled and kept staring. He began to laugh and tried to look away, I stopped his head by the chin with one finger, and with my head slightly cocked said with a smile “You can’t escape me.” I quickly leapt with one foot planted on his chair between his legs and my other knee on his collar bone, and his face between my hands. I ran my fingers through his hair and said in a whisper “The troupe has finished all it set out to accomplish; tonight is a….very….special….celebration. Play the best you ever have for me this night. Can you do that for me?” His face suggessted a yes. I fixed his hair and leaned into his face nose to nose and while staring into his eye’s “I am done with fighting for a while. I wanna dance!” Hopping from his chair with eyes still locked I started to sing and dance. I poured my heart and spirit into every song Xandu played. He fulfilled his promise inspiring me to take a leap of faith. I used what arcane tricks I had, resigning from sight a couple of times appearing in unexpected places, casting glamorous light about the room, or pulling a shirt or hat over the eyes of boisterous patrons. I worked the entire room many times and with each round I put a little more of me into it until all they were getting was me, Moxie…the real me…. not a persona but ME. And when the night was done and the patron’s generosity was collected, I told Ameiko to give it all to Father Zantus. This night was a big step for me. The girl was no more, I embraced the fullness of who I am. As I sat at the bar taking the compliments of the patrons, I searched the room for my eyes. As the last of Ameiko’s customers left I still couldn’t find them. I hopped from my stool and said my good-nights and made for my room. There at the top of the stairs were my eyes, looking at me with a smile. “You were AMAZING!” I blushed. Looking down at the stairs as I climbed up “Thanks, so were you!” nothing else was said as I climbed the stairs into his soft gentle embrace. When breathing became a requirement, I held his face once more and with doughy bedroom eyes said “I’m done with dancing for a while too!” and led him by the hand to my room.
Note to the troupe: it is roughly half done, it will be very long!
DRT= DEAD RIGHT THERE! Edit: Capt. consider yourself heckled...Sir! (Salute & wink)
That is one reason that I wear a piece of that creature openly, as a subtle (?) reminder to him of... WHAT NOT TO DO!
.... At least until they head to the Worldwound and take on a demonic army! ;) But...but WAIT! What about girls month???
(mumble-grumble) I have not come this far, THIS FAR, to watch my friends die, to have witnessed the evil I have witnessed, to have committed unforgivable acts, all in pursuit of THIS FOE only to surrender or succumb! NO! I deny that. We have faced odds as great as this before and not abandoned hope. ...Eternal Rose, matron of all things beautiful, guide us in this hour of great purpose, bestow upon us your blessings that we may be victorious in pursuit of the that which was laid before us. Deliver our troupe from this day to live in happiness and peace in your glorious grace and charm.... STORMGUARD THERE IS NO YIELD! Now then, fight, fornicate or dance, I'm good at all three!...you picked poorly...err...YA!
The Last Dance
Duh’rock notified the troupe the exit from the room was guarded by a magical barrier along the entire length of the wall on which the door was positioned. After all were once again in fit and ready we probed the wall for a way to pass. Suddenly Kori’el threw a green arcane bolt at the barrier that ricocheted back sending her to the floor. (Snicker…GRIN) Returning to our investigative approach it was found that bashing it would suffice to remove it, but it had a regenerative property. So the second time it was removed, before it regenerated into a solid barrier the troupe decided to converse at length as to whether we should stop to rest as everyone was getting tired and had expended their powers…RUBBISH! I opened the door and went in. we entered another great open room with wide pillars along the outer walls and an enormous golden ball with flames licking its exterior with light emanating vertically from the top. Stairs and a platform stretched out over the giant sphere and into the column of light. However the room was also occupied by three sky giants and a huge lamia. The fight was on! In quick order two of the Giants for themselves standing in hot tar, GrAnnie was dead and Kori’el was nowhere to be seen. Rikert flew over a whirling barrier of blades and was sent back through it without his wings! WHOA! Duh’rock unloaded on the giants in the tar and I took shots as opportunity presented. As we advanced to the right I saw Frederick, Sheldor, Xandu and Kori’el beyond the barrier. Then the Lamia appeared from behind the golden ball to assist the lone giant being assaulted by the troupe. As I passed the last pillar an explosion of light and arcane discharge filled the area upon which I advanced. I peeked around the pillar and loosed Annie on the hind quarters of the Lamia who returned the favor by blinding me….@!^%$#!!! Resigning from sight, I backed to the wall and returned to the doorway….. that was partially obstructed by a rough stone column now??? Suddenly Xandu was rubbing… believe it or not…. my eyes...he does know where they are! Once again I could see! So I followed Duh’rock and loosed Annie after he unleashed his torrent on a giant, and one by one they were dispatched in quick order. The Lamia too fell in quick order as the tide was turned. Then with wall of knives reclaimed we advanced to find Kori’el….well we found her stuff but she was gone! “Where?” then it was explained that she was destroyed completely and that the usual methods of retrieving someone at our disposal would not suffice. EGADS!!! I didn’t wish this on her nor would I on anyone else...well maybe Karzoug, but she was just… poof…. gone! Huh!!! GREAT, here we are knocking on numb nuggets chamber door and the troupe is short two of the original nine. Time to put on the big girl pants I guess? We all concurred to take a rest at this point to refresh and rearm before the next engagement. While others discussed the fabric of time and space, how to bring Kori’el back from the ether, I worked on drawings of the rooms, giants and images that lingered in my head of our time in Xin-Shalast and our mountain top escapade. After cataloging each drawing I sat for one more. The picture was of the troupe seated at our table at the Red Dragon Inn. I penned the troupe as it is, with the late members around also in good humor, and Ameiko petting the mutt. When I finished I looked at it for a long while and realized I was singing softly the songs we would sing when we were together and in good spirits. I miss Barus’s stinky feet, the witty banter of Lucien and Uther, Lynn’s dour aloofness, Annie’s intensity, Ramad’s desire for knowledge, Simon’s cranky devotion, and Kroi’el’s ferocity. Then as I rolled them up and secured them in my fancy locked scroll tube. I day dreamed and hoped to raise my puppy, to see my room, to feel the sun on my skin as I lay on the warm sandy beach….at home! As we were shunted from GrAnnies cozy realm, I had this strange feeling that somewhere in time dimensionally we had a common bond with other troupers, jumping from a place of relative safety into the fight of our time, reality, and lives, and if we were successful saving the world, few would know and many of them wouldn’t care. We hit the ground and lined up on the structure adjacent to the golden fiery orb. Frederick went first. He warned us of the vertigo and after a few attempts at trying to activate a portal leapt off the platform striking the orb and turning to ash…..EGADS! Duh’rock followed…GULP! Xandu was next, and he paused, and waited, inspected, and observed, as soon as he shared that he was witnessing something resembling our troupe-mates I leapt myself. Mostly to provide relief to those who went before as I have experienced waiting on the cavalry to arrive in a similar situation, and also to relieve myself of the unnerving vertigo! Prior to making contact I realized this was feast or famine…and the feast was rotten….VVVVVVWOMP! I landed awkwardly in the sparkly effect of witchery used commonly by GrAnnie. I used the trick Annie taught me to avoid it and it worked! I heard and felt a gust of wind from wings and the smell of dragon was upon it. I peered through the glitter to see the color blue and leapt as it lunged releasing a cascade of lightning. Then I spied a sky giant preparing to launch lightning as well. Lunging towards a pillar I avoided that one too only to hear the words of final release from the opposite side of this cavern intent on repeating the same sorcery. Rolling away from it I reconnoitered the room quickly, single sky giants high to either side, a dragon immediately left, a rune giant beyond a transparent wall and “THE MARK” flitting about behind him in green robes. I saw Frederick moving over lava in his dust form but no sign of Duh’rock…EGADS! Just then Xandu arrives and of all times to take a hit for the team he succumbs to GrAnnie’s favorite sparkle spell!! UGH! It is at this moment I see the Grand Poobah expose himself…err…creep from his defilade position to engage Fredrick. (GRIN!) Annie was once again effortlessly in firing position and though I had to adjust for distance, I let her sound off with full report sending a digger into his gutsack. “That should keep you busy for a second.” As I reloaded I noticed I was trapped on a circle of stone with the access blocked, Lava all around, a blind priest and ….”SNAKE”!!!!....!?!?!?
Good man Cap! teach 'em early, smart too, keepin mama happy...cuz if she ain't happy, OOF!
Hey now...not all is lost just yet, it just means we have to work harder, faster and smarter!
As a student of general history and especially military history, I can see how it could be fun. If paizo took care, as I have experienced in RoTRL, I think I could wrap my head around it and enjoy it just as much as I have in this AP. Sometimes though it is a mix of too much reality with fantasy and mixing genres/timelines must be done gently to keep me focused. I like to compartmentalize my genres a bit to rigidly I think. But I would surely give it the old college try! :)
Now I really want to have Sentry and Moxie meet. The goblin-hating gnome, and the goblin who thinks he's a gnome and hates goblins even worse. ;) Errrrr....ummmmmm....yaaaa....I'm comfy warm fuzzy and all atickle...NO! Girls Month will have to suffice, at least until the blood ceases to boil, and even then....I donno know????
Okay...first off those rancid little poo-flingers would have grown into dog eaters and horse killers. Second I have yet to see a gobler raised to be a decent contributor to the community and not attempt to slay their adopted family and set the hamlet aflame. Third, they delight in raiding the folk who dwell within stone and earth....the hair foots and beards will testify to it....aaaand by all that is holy it is not in my blood to offer those rotten, sour, green apples anything! E-GADS but they smell of dead cat and their own filth...that "BATH" was exactly what they needed!!! Now then...(DEEP BREATH) As to my more aggressive demeanor I can posit two reasons that I can think of. The first a reference to my previous remark to motivate the troupe, the second is more accurate to the current situation at hand. The first has to do with a campaign from more than a decade ago in which the GM, who sadly resides far afield now, decided to have his villain, whose face a motivated party member had removed and stretched on the front of his shield, revisit the troupe and exact his vengeance. The running gag until the next session was...."How mad could a faceless wizard get?!?!" More likely is....I have noticed myself increasingly testy as we progress in this endeavor. To be precise ever since we left the rune forge. Though I must say I do enjoy the relaxation of my down time more when we aren't in pursuit of all our do-goodery!
Sadly....no! ;)
Alright enough crying in the soup, its already salty! Let's go skin the face off this wizard!
No one could ask for a better friend, or troupe of friends. Lint has been an inspiration throughout his trials, coming to work on chemo, miraculous recoveries after surgery, as in working weeks after major surgery. Amazing examples of confronting life as it comes!
Glad I am not alone in looking to the future. I too am weighing options to form the amorphous ball of imaginary primordial goo to follow Moxie.
Rogue and gunslinger work pretty good however I would recommend the musketeer(?) template if you do (lesson learned!), and want to play a sniper type it can be quite fun. That said I do see how much it could hamper the high end of a campaign. The only thing that keeps me on par even remotely is employing a weapon that uses touch AC to hit. Honestly I did it for a couple of reasons. First was for the characters development. Gnome...gadgets...loud boom and a little sisters affection for the person who introduced/exposed her to the exciting explosive mechanical device. I also needed to boost the fighter ranks after the loss of Uther and Lucien as we had yet to reach the level of "breath of life" etc.. Second was for the continued presence of the shiny new thing. As for the numbers... Rogue 9, gunslinger 7
Assuming Shelyn allows me to complete this endeavor I will gladly pay for a girls month out on a warm beach where handsome, strong, thick haired, dark eyed, tan, hand servants wait on us hand and foot! Shopping, exotic foods, strong drinks and wild nights...I am past due for some crazy girl time!!! I will admit that for now though, a bath and my bed would suffice! As for your new found interest, I would say you will not regret it. Just be sure to get only what you need and then follow your heart, where ever it leads. Never known a wildman to give up the fight short of having his head removed...QUITTER! (Wink!) ...Sooo then its a date....post Karzog demise.....MY TREAT!! (Jumping until the squeak!)
So yes we made our way into and out of the quaint rain forest and were threatened with a forced eviction in the manner of terminal consumption/absorbtion by walking plants that have an affinity for the fair sidhe folk apparently. Nature is commonly referred to as “Mother”, but I have come to realize “She” is probably more akin to a starving, villainous, dire, rabid, carnivorous she-weasel in heat, and I am sure all elf folk would agree! If not for the timely application of divine intervention by Sheldor that turned our position from indefensible to a glade with a clear field of fire I have grave doubt we would have made our way out of this predicament intact! The snow elf saved the day and it almost cost him his life. A recurring theme in the days to come. Ever stalwart our troupe raced to the inevitable allure of a mammoth structure the size of which is incomprehensible, and what words or drawings I have penned will undoubtedly be ridiculed but it truly boggles the mind. By the stone relief we guessed it to be an arena of combat and as normal we approached with abandon as only this troupe can muster. As we approached the top of the stair a pair of wicked unnatural spider-like beings pounced from the eaves of the overhang into the troupe and began to lash out with extremely long agile appendages, and that was the good news! I engaged as did the rest of the troupe and found myself face to face with the crimson terror. I felt its gaze wrack my insides with a tremor that felt as if it fed on my spirit and tore small bits from their moorings inside my head. I turned away quickly and slumped behind the stone wall feeling as though my head would burst. At first I noticed the bright red droplets form my nose, then warm sensations washing from my ears, I began to tear and wiped a red stain from my eyes. I panicked and ran to the top of the stairs. When I reached the top the flow had increased dramatically and my strength started to wane in waves of pain.I leaned at the base of the first pillar I could make out with my vision woefully obscured and watched in horror as I coughed a spout of blood. I knelt at the base of the column as I watched my life spill upon me. I lay in a great pool of my life listening to the troupe fight these and newly arrived foes, and caught only glimpses through my bloodied eyes. Then all was quiet, and I heard my troupe advance to the top of the stairs. Too weak to stand let alone heft my gear, I heard Xandu approach. He tended my affliction as weakness enveloped me and revitalized my body and spirit through the blessings of Desna. All had seen the wrath of our foes in one manner or another but I was the only one laying in a warm sticky pool of my life essence and wished to be free of bearing its weight and shame. I worked feverishly with the help of Kori’el and Xandu to make the best of a bad situation and we moved inside. We found a labyrinth with more of the gruesome spiders lying in wait and came to a chamber with a hand full of loot, and a sihedron ring on a table with a message scratched into it saying if we wanted it so bad we were welcome to it. Once again I had been a liability rather than an asset. I had tried to be sure that I had equipped myself for such assaults but found what was lacking, was me….my inner strength. This is a hard pill to swallow; it will be my undoing if it is Shelyn’s will. Despite my devotion, I am weak of will and must try to resist the effects more earnestly or remove myself from selection. My faith in myself is my true weakness.
From here our path was clear. We had made our way through the perils the city of Xin Shalast had to offer. Now we were to climb the peak to the pinnacle palaces of Karzog where he surely laid in wait of our arrival. Luckily we found our way to said pinnacle via the transport method I have come to disdain, but this time, we made it on the mark. Thankfully we managed to avoid another variety of spider-like abominations in doing so, as they are far and away an undeniable menace to my existence! We delved through buildings of enormous stature settling in at a great spire climbing high into the sky. We entered the immense circular colonnade arched and supporting the central column wrapped with a ramp circling ever higher beyond sight. Up we marched to the top, one foot in front of the other, which for some of us, namely ME… is quite a few more steps than the others! (HUFF! PUFF! HEAVE! HACK!) As we saw the floor of the ramp begin to lose its angle, great sky giants where found standing guard and began to cast stones. A brutal melee led to them being reinforce by a second troupe of sky giants of a different variety but no less lethal. Accompanying them was a terrifyingly large black skinned giant who had nearly impaled multiple troupe mates with one hurled spear whose shaft was easily as broad as one of Rikert’s legs! This was going to be a grand battle. I slipped unseen by way of arcane trickery to the far side of the room. I had intended to attack unseen from a doorway when the great black giant was forced into my direction by way of one of Sheldors well timed divine applications that repelled metal. While good for the rest of the troupe I found it wholly disconcerting as my trickery died off!!!! I slipped into the room with an unexpected ease as the heavy stone door was well balanced and required hardly an effort at all. I stepped in away from the black giant and found myself face to face with Karzog. I screamed his name aloud and felt my heart nearly pound its way from my breast! I felt my body become rigid with muscle memory and found my Annie instantly and without effort in firing position. My vision narrowed to his face and the barrel rested between his eyes on his brow. I will swear until the end of my days that for everyone but me and Annie…time stopped. I looked in his eyes, there was nothing else, no sound, no combat, just his eyes. My mind raced through the trials my people and my troupe had endured, and the faces of the lost flashed before me…and I spoke the words…”for Lettie!” and I loosed THE….PERFECT…..SHOT! Alas it had only been an image of trickery!
(Blood spattered smiley face, raising a huge bloody red haired scalp with one hand, and waving with sword in the other hand!)
Both of you ended with the same word.....fun?!? I think your perception of "fun" is distorted, disturbing and deranged! To quote a character from a wonderful tale... "You kee-pusing tha-hword, I do nothink i-means what you think i-means!"
No, OH ELYSIUM NO! I would not have, in good conscience, knowingly lied to Master Morgiv on this matter! EGADS NO! I would leave it to our dear Fredereich to confirm the details, but his telling of the account included pursuit to a chamber similar to the one I happened upon of bedded skulk assassins, and he too returned with a handful of loot. I can say as matter of fact that Master Morgiv was woefully aware of our combat, and brought to the scene to witness the safety within the room of the former "Hidden Beast" previously approached at ones assured doom.
As well it should...sneakthief...indeed!?!? I too would take great umbrage at such a monicker! Thief, rogue, burglar, etc are all repugnant titles for someone who takes great pride and care in providing for their people! I have repatriated many objects my troupe has found useful or at the very least profited from! And at great peril to my personal safety! The occasional trinket has lent a hand in keeping me on par with my troupe mates but far and away the greatest overwhelming bulk has been parsed and split amongst the troupe. THIEF...BAH!!(SPIT!) They are to be shanked and banked for their lawless degenerate ways. They subjugate and intimidate with terror indiscriminately but that is not me or what I espouse. Finding the hidden passage, deactivating puzzles or heinous contraptions designed to inflict harm, tinkering with quality locks, or simply to sneak forth in the dark to know what is to come, are the hallmarks of a true sneakabout! Oh to be sure a "THIEF" lurks within, but only for those who consider me such, think they are my better, or exhibit cruelty. Woe to the foolhardy to stupid to know the difference! (Wave...giggle...batting eyelashes...grin)
Touring Xin-Shalast It appears much was assumed on my behalf as the sneaks lasted longer than the Octopus thingy! During our tribulation I witnessed more than one gaseous spirit of a felled sneak float and wisp it’s way beneath the raised area where a good portion of the combat had taken place. Whilst the others were finishing off the remainder of the sneaks I grasped my keepsake and walked through the stone staircase and found a chamber with a number of coffins, some of which were occupied! Startled by the skitter of loose stone I retreated only partway until I found yet another spirit wisp float to an empty coffin and form into one of our sneak combatants. All were immobile and non-reactionary as I entered the room with Uther in hand. One by one I leveled Uther taking careful aim and with my other hand shielding my face, and loosed his furry. Waiting for the last to float in and manifest I took the opportunity to relieve them of their nasty blades and other bits of value and returned to the troupe. Sadly I was UNABLE to get a better accounting of the “Octopus” as it too had attempted escape by the same means and had been finished by Fredereich. I had not witnessed the transformation nor to whence it made its escape, and no one else either had the time or inclination to CATALOG its peculiarities. We regained Morgiv and assured him of the demise of the “Hidden Beast” as he called it. We returned to his “Cyst” (EWW!!) and spent a brief moment with his people before retiring to GrAnnies private arcane oasis. While resting I did manage to write a bit of our encounters and sketch the entrance to the city, though I am sure it will give no bearing on size or scope and will completely rely on my description to express the proportions. After a good rest we bid Morgiv farewell and set out upon the causeway. Following the gold road I found myself lifting myself to the top of the handrail to periodically sneak a peek at the City’s vastness when we would stop to deliberate or remove a stone from a boot. We avoided a lava flow covering the causeway resuming travel in the city streets long enough to pass the flow. In doing so Duhrock and Sheldor found tracks and evidence of big creatures called …Yogis…or some such and after a brief hushed discussion we decided to elude them and make for the causeway. After ascending to the causeway it rose and fell as we advanced through the city. We were careful to hug the city side of the road to allow a better vantage into the city for those who could see….well I guess that was everyone but me…and tried not to walk upright with spears aloft. The causeway dipped down to a four way intersection whose pavement had been poorly tended or badly abused. As we made our way across the troupe was ravaged by a snow worm. (EGADS- THEY EXPLODE!!) I managed to flee to cover in its attempts to ravage the troupe and avoided the explosion as well! Then I bolted for the other side….and found the OTHER ONE!!! Knowing full well the troupes love of ending these creatures in such a celebratory fashion I did my very best to avoid its attacks (which I highly recommend) but sadly was bitten by the frigid beast! I called on the Rose to enter the stone to move away and wait for the inevitable boom. Prior to said finale the worm screeched some horrendous noise that even penetrated the stone…and then succumbed to the festive troupe’s delight….BOOM! At this point, knowing this much activity and noise would likely bring on curious would be assassins, we fled to the cover of a hot springs area covered in plant life and warmed by volcanic activity. Here we wait to see the reaction of our hunters.
Well hello stranger, or should I call you "skulk" (grin)...Thank you for your interest in our endeavor! We hope we don't disappoint in our attempt to avoid the doom the Rune Lord would cast upon the world. I hope your hero's have as wonderful an experience as we have! OH!! It seems we are on the move again, nice to have met you...fair winds Friend! (Waving with a big smile, wink!)
(Polite giggle) Uhuh... well as soon as I have powdered the sneakupus in front of me I'll be sure to catalog the humongopusses number of legs! Two legs: Bipus (Simon's Favorite...when Xandu pays..err...paid)
GASP!!... HEAVE!! …Can we…take a…break yet?!?! I have taken leave from my attempt at journaling as we have had next to nothing but bitter cold, snow , and increasingly airless wind, in a non-stop trek to Mt. Shasta. For the love of Shelyn I cannot breath! I often find myself trailing behind the troupe following their single scar in the snow or padding down the road well to the rear. Only Rikert is my companion in his heavy armor, however I am the rear guard when he assumes his divine form and jumps aloft into the wind. Curse my wee stature! There are other more… personal…private… reasons relating to the shaft at the Vekkors, the wendigo, and other minor happenings that I will not address until I’ve had time to think about it. I travelled with the troupe in form only for some time. Waking from my day dreams to participate when called upon against rock throwing giants, flying diseased harpies launching witheringly huge arrows from bows with their feet and so on. I finally woke in a more proper form after our arrival to Mt. Shasta and found my voice again after a battle with a few giants and a rather tense moment with a tribe of giants whose numbers may have exceeded those at Jorgenfist. The cold and wind were less brutal in this immense…oddly inhabited… city. We acquainted ourselves with a guide. He is Morgiv, a curious person well accustomed to this environment, a flabby, quick footed, grey skinned fellow who agreed to take us in. We travelled the great causeway and into the depths of the volcanic flow where his people live. They are a creepy folk able to SKILLFULLY hide in plain sight and match the colors of their surroundings. He spoke of a prophecy, and thinks we are his saviors come to free his people. EH!!? Who are we to question a 10,000 year old prophecy right? As you might expect we agreed to free these people from their oppressor, but not before a number of them spoke against our attempt. They were concerned what would happen if we failed, and rightly so! Morgiv led the way through an impossible maze of tunnels stopping to point the way. I tried to get him to escape but he rightly pointed out we would not find our way back without him. Morgiv spoke ofa creature claiming his people and turning them against their own kind, so we entered expecting people walking from the walls. But as I scouted ahead the only apparent foe was a robed skeletal figure seated in a throne in the center of the room. Duh’rock advanced beyond me and spell casting began. The troupe rushed in and a grand melee ensued. Indeed we were greeted by nasty sneaks formerly of Morgiv’s people, then an immense octopus glopped from its perch on the ceiling! Someone had filled the room with light so shadows were cast about the room, spells, and alchemy filled the air with their arcane discharge. Troupe mates fell and rose again to remain in the fight! This was as intense a fight as I can remember for some time, I have counted six of the sneakers and the odd octopus, the struggle continues and is quite precarious…
Saw Guardians of the Galaxy. Looks like Xandu populated an entire world. The Xandorians. Tee Hee And you wonder why some have reservations about you?!?! (TRAMP!!)
Heeeey Boys (Wink, Smile)....Tangent (Wave,Giggle) Back as soon as Useplanb updates!
(creeper smile, faux laugh) Tee...hee...hee....(Cough!) (hoarse voice, serious face) NOT FUNNY! (hoarse voice) And you need a hair treatment! (Arms folded, stuck out tongue)
Whew! Liberace!(Wincing from stummy cramps caused by extreme fits of laughter!!!)His ultimate goal...YES!
The Beginning of The End The City of Magnimar… how I do love it! The troupe scattered to the four winds, some to Sandpoint others here but none together, for now. I took a healthy portion of my cut of the troupe haul in the ancient Thassalonian jewelry. I figure to use the “nobles” desire, arrogance, and selfishness for profit. However the only connection to that community that would lend credibility in the attempt would be Rikert’s father. So I arrived unannounced, met with Rikert and his father and he agreed to assist in movement of jewelry. Over the course of a few days we managed to squeeze a significant amount from the nobles. I provided a gratuity for Rikert, his father, left one of the most beautiful pieces with a note for Lady Krupt, and kept the most fascinating pieces of my size for my own!! Then it was time to SHOP…..HUZZAH!! Frequenting the Bizarre of Sails by day and the quality entertainment by night, I spent the rest of the week in a blissful state of happiness. I found all the tools and toys I hoped would help make a difference in the days to come. I found some finely crafted clothes of my size whose taste and fit matched me too! We all returned to Sandpoint in our own time and all had enough rest and recuperation over the three week period we took to get back into a healthy state. Upon my return I found the most wonderful surprise! The mastiff “puppy” I had asked the master of the smithy to acquire some time ago! “AAAAAAAAAAA!!!” I screamed as I walked into my room where Lady Ameiko had been playing with him. What a handsome, strong, big footed rascal he is, he should grow to be every bit as big as the Smiths! After the informal introductions and house rules on animals were laid I took a moment to speak with him in earnest to which we found common ground. Food, fun, and lovins for loyal obedience….huh!? If only the men folk were that easy! We braved the cold for a collar, a knotted rope, and some meat treats for good behavior. We returned and so began the house training to include acceptable behavior in public. His name….???....is Max! Actually Maximus, which he became intimately familiar with while we were training. But he is cute and sweet and tries his best to be a good puppy. He was introduced to the troupe and while not all were appreciative of his affections, he lavished them all with his adoration. At the end of the night after a chilly potty walk we retired to our room where he stomped a comfy spot in the bed and curled up at my feet. For the remainder of the two week rest Max and I worked on specific things mostly obedience and acceptable house behavior/training. We played in the snow and I introduced him to the raft. Initially the reaction was extreme hesitance, but as the days advanced the playfulness of the raft and the puppy took over and they made a wonderful mess of themselves! They would retreat to ice or water to which Max would slide onto uncontrolled or splash into. I swear they were laughing at him, but he didn’t care. The response was always a tough puppy “WOOF!” On the last occasion during the customary feeding when I tell them of my future travels and absence Max was sprawled by the fire and the raft lay on or about him, as they “listened” and ate their fish. I am comfortable they have come to regard one another as peers but I will supervise the interaction until Max has reaches majority to be safe. Some evenings I would perform but my time was limited as I promised Lady Ameiko to be attentive to Max’s needs and respect the house rules. Then the time drew near when the troupe began to talk and prepare for the trek to Xin Shalast. That is when I began to talk with Max about my absence in the same manner as I do the raft. He voiced his displeasure quite vocally. But as the departure time drew closer his dissatisfaction was less pronounced. I arranged lodging for him at the stables and someone to provide him with walks and exercise, both of which he was familiarized with before we left. That was a difficult separation for me, I think that made it easier for Max, but only just as he bayed at our leaving him with the stable master(tearful…hard swallow!) GrAnnie made quick work of our travel method in an arcane application that took us into a spooky smoke like, wispy shadow realm and though we travelled incredibly fast I found it mildly uncomfortable and disconcerting. Can’t we just walk or ride like the old days? I have yet to experience a non-creepy way to travel in an arcane manner! We camped for a night and rested quite comfortably considering the cold weather. The next morning we assumed cloud form and flew for a while until we reconnoitered what we hoped to be the Vekkor Brothers mine. At our arrival a disturbing “wild” call that somewhat resembled a bugling elk was heard from a distance determined to close for my comfort considering all who heard it identified it as “elk-like.”Half the troupe approached the mine and Xandu suggested Duh’rock and I take the high ground for a better field of fire. Brilliant, little did I know that was to be followed by the risky popping transport Xandu uses regularly…@%!&#!!! “DAMMIT… STOP THAT!” We three found ourselves at the top of a sixty foot cliff watching the troupe round the mine looking for and entrance. Suddenly the leaning half dead tree south of the buildings began to assault the troupe and before I could prepare to engage the fight was over and three of the troupe were soundly beaten, some lay prone coloring the snow in a dark crimson stain….EGADS! Thankfully all were revived quickly and not too worse for wear. They, the lower troupe continued on their search for an entry, while we the upper troupe, attempted to make entry to the cabin that sat atop the cliff attached to the back of the tall mine building. Two doors were found on the porch, one completely frozen shut the other locked tight. I was required to layout my full set of tools to achieve success at unlocking this door. As I packed my tools a frightening apparition rushed the stairs. A dwarf of gaunt features pleaded us to run for our lives and then he, himself ran out into the increasing blinding heavy snow. That was weird! Upon entry we found smaller rooms than the longshanx were accustomed to…giggle! Mostly just a living space is all that was found, manly, grubby, dwarven, and unkempt but far from nasty. Then as I entered the kitchen I and others became HUNGRY! Many of our stummies called out in impatient growls. All save Duh’rock who gave me a wide eyed look, went on to other areas to search about and that is when Xandu was attacked by a host of bity ghosts that nearly took him from us in a permanent fashion! Now my neck hairs stood on end and I felt quite uneasy about this place as it resembled to closely the haunted Foxglove Manor! Then as I surveyed the area for help I noticed Duh’rock starting a fire on the stove taking sideways glances at me in an all too lustful and salivating maner. All of a sudden the atmosphere had changed from creepy to OH SWEET SHELYN PROTECT ME, I felt the need to remove myself from his presence and gain the rest of troupes company, just in case! As we checked the bunk room Xandu made contact with the lower troupe…yea, the cavalry had arrived! At the reunion of the troupe I felt a touch of relief but found they had experienced haunts in the lower buildings too. My intuition told me there was more to come and they seemed more intense than we had experienced before. As the troupe shared their experience I looked about and found a concealed room that appeared to be the mine office. Then came the knocking from the lower sections and the troupe scurried back down the stairs towards the sound. I leapt from the cabin landing and lit upon the floor below. I advanced to the sound of the knocks with the troupe on my heels. I hid in a lower chamber with a curtain and prepared to employ Annie from cover. Suddenly the world began to tremble and quake violently I made for the door while I still could and was spooked by the momentary glimpse of a gaunt faced dwarf at the very edge of my sight that disappeared as I turned my head to focus on it. Exiting the building lent no relief from the shaking ground as I waited near the door taking count of the troupe as they exited. The snow fall had intensified, almost with the severity of the haunt and tremors. GrAnnie and Kori’el flew from the building and all I could think was we are in the wrong spot if this quake shakes these buildings from their foundation. The wind and noise made meaningful communication difficult and when Kori’el came to me suggesting we try to stop the haunt and check the stone face inside the stair cased building I felt it worth a try, I could find it and together we could fight off a foe until we were reinforced by the rest of the troupe. I willingly jumped into her grasp, only to see another image of a gaunt dwarf falling from great heights through the heavy snow right at me….only to have it disappear mere feet from me. I happily embraced Kori’el and off we flew into the building. She was frightfully chilled and seemed to be suffering from the cold so I warmed her cloak and clothes as I had my bedding, or my packed provisions to provide her some comfort and relief from its bitter grasp. I noticed the cessation of the shaking while in flight and as we went through the rooms and started up the open center of the stairway….I noticed this old place had shaken no dust free…this wasn’t quite what we were being led to believe!?!? Then Kori’el quickly drew her black blade and gave it a flourish pointing higher in the shaft, it had come uncomfortably close to my face and I gave a quick retort asking for a bit more care in the handling of her spirit blade as I looked up to see what she was trying to point out. We did not advance…I saw no sign of danger! Then another quick motion of the black blade. There was a sudden sting across my throat, a popping sound followed by a rushing both of which repeated as I saw my lifes blood spray the stairs and stone cliff, and felt it flowing heavily over my breasts and stummy. I arched my back to attempt an escape in a panic and felt my spirit begin to diminish. I felt myself try to gasp for air, only to choke and violently expel a warm mouthful of my own blood. My vision quickly blurred as images were mixed. I had slumped in Kori’el’s arms and the cold was swiftly engulfing me as I lay trying to focus upside down on what I believe were the stairs. Darkness wrapped swiftly about me I felt a floating sensation not unlike I had with Grig-nak but with no point of physical contact…. I recall an unpleasantness where I was until Xandu’s voice was heard calling out to me from the ether…he asked if I wished to come back…and I pleaded with him to come collect me and remove me from this awful place! I awoke with the troupe standing about wide eyed. I quickly searched the room visually and found Kori’el in an extremely troubled state, the quaking had stopped and I felt renewed of body, but the spirit was not yet whole. Slowly I sat up as questions and explanations were exchanged. I offered my forgiveness in earnest knowing Kori’el to be fragile in her self-confidence; however I am sure it came across in an unintended manner that cast doubts in her mind, I was simply incapable of more at that point. Yet another haunt presented itself promising assistance, however I did not linger for the terms and removed myself by way of the stairs. After it dematerialized I found myself amidst a ghastly scene of a blood spattered staircase and rivulets of my blood dripping into a large stain on the floor. Xandu and Kori’el had evidence of me on them, I had been cleaned up but there was still a bit to be resolved so when the troupe decided not to brave the weather I excused myself and finished the job….in private. After a disconcerting rest and a bountiful breakfast, provided by Xandu, we trekked off into the snow in search of the other brother Vekkor’s bones. I trailed behind to reflect for a while on what had happened. I felt that I was now on borrowed time. “Finish the job” is what I always came back to. Then a thunderous crack and a grievous noise came from the front of the troupe. An enormous beast crawled from the snow and ice and engaged the troupe. I loosed a two shot volley on the critter, then out from a fog bank came another ghostly apparition at which point I used my Rose for the first time in an attempt to achieve escape and advantage. Alas the critter had exploded prior to my exit from the stone. I exited the stone face near the emaciated corpse of a dwarf and with Annie at the ready I advanced only to be nearly electrified by one of the troupes lightning bolts. I returned to cover and called for the troupe with a graveled voice and let them know of my where abouts and the dwarven corpse. No sooner than we all gather and had collected the corpse Xandu pulled that damned popping travel trick again and we were all in the kitchen (?) of the cabin. A disturbing display between the spirits of the two brothers was unceremoniously interrupted by an enormous creature that tore away the wall of the cabin while emitting a elkish bugle….”AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!” A scream with a chest full of mountain air was all I managed to muster!
Finally!! Prior to our departure I felt a sudden urge to continue the journal I had started during my voyage to the Stone Ladies palace, only now to catalog the Rune Forge. As I am unsure whether I will be afforded another visit to the wretched ancient place I thought it prudent to make record of our endeavor and show its many dangerous beauties. I purchased a book and stylus, pigment, ink, and charcoals to better express the terrible, foreboding, awe striking ancient structures. With my knowledge of spelunking and the bits learned from local carpenters, boatwrights, and stone and metal crafters of Sandpoint over the years, I can discern dimensions and perspective in decent fashion. When all had assembled for the return trip Xandu whisked us to the standing stones at the base of the mountain with that unnerving, and thankfully accurate popping sensation. We made quick passage to the entrance and though I wished to speak with the great stone guardians at the cave mouth about their duty and to whom it was sworn I deferred to the troupe and we entered swiftly. Therein we set upon the hoard of Freezemaw…there are no words sufficient to encompass the vast enormity of the accumulated wealth of a dragon! However in said hoard is a piece or two of ancient jewelry of remarkable craftsmanship I intend to retain for myself! We gained entry to the Rune Forge and now I can understand the similarity and difference of this travel and that experienced at the hand of the undead tailor. While this is a gentle and specific route to a destination, my experience was considerably more forceful and random…interesting! Inquiring of the Rune Forge operation the reagents required were produced. Meanwhile the troupe desired to finish the Hall we had been working to clear. I told them to continue without me and call if my presence was required. I had no worries as few truly heinous creatures lurked and those remaining we had come to agreement with. Others in the troupe questioned the soundness of my wisdom but I insisted they proceed. There is a difference of philosophy when it comes to the relationship between the troupe and their possessions and me with mine. The only one who comes close to “understanding” my connection would be Duh’rock…maybe Kori, as I have heard one sided conversations of brief nature with her black blade. But considering Kori’el’s blade is a spirit blade it goes without saying a relationship would exist!?! I have come to know the connection between a weapon and its wielder must be steadfast, respectful, and deeply emotional. I have kept this devotion a private personal matter and wish it to remain as such and that is why I insisted the troupe continue without me while I performed the Rune Forge ritual. When the troupe had departed I removed my gear and winter garb. I disassembled, inspected, cleaned and repaired my musket named affectionately after former troupe member Annie. Then knelt upon the floor and prayed to Shelyn clutching my rose, asking for wisdom and guidance in my choice to come. I sat quietly, looking at the disassembled pieces. That is when my eyes were drawn to the scrollwork etched into the barrel, locke and butt plates and patch box of my Annie. It was a motif of twisted vines with rose blossoms, leaves and thorns. I focused on the multitude of thorns upon the etched vines and found the validation for my choice. I have heard it said that those unwilling to chance the thorn are unworthy of the blossom. I have dared the thorns and wholly embraced my Rose. I choose Annie to be my thorn! I reassembled her with care and precision wiping her clean once again. I prepared the Rune forge and presented Annie to it and watched in amazement as wisps of ancient arcane magic wove around every inch emitting flashes, sparks and bubbles of brilliant colors. After retrieving her from the Forge the magical waters beaded from Annie as thoroughly as quicksilver, and returned to the pool. She was dry and ready to receive her next charge. I replaced the bore spider, loaded and fired her without the ball. The report was sound and all her mechanical functions were in perfect working order. Once the spider had completed its cleaning cycle I prepared a full charge and stepped away from the Forge honoring its promise with a full bow and a sincere word of thanks. I returned to my belongings, however instead of pursuing the troupe I pulled my journal from my pack and began to sketch and catalog the Rune Forge, entrances to the individual Halls and their respective statues with as much accuracy as my talent afforded. I recounted the events of each hall as best my memory could recall. I even attempted to reconstruct the Karzoug statue in its former glory from memory as it now lay in pieces about the Rune Forge. I also tried to capture the ruins of the gluttony statue Freezemaw had bashed to bits. Then pausing to reflect on the cost and time spent in this ancient wretched place I began to wax sentimental. With the names, events and structures of this place accounted for I began to sketch and anecdote the troupe to include those fallen- Barus, Lucien, Ramad, Uther, Annie, Flak, Simon and Eilarolyn and our wayward Druid friend and bird lover Haytham. Twice during my furious attempt to record the troupe and this place I found myself in an unusual circumstance of being less than honest with the troupe. They came to check on me after they had cleared the Hall of greed, then again when they had decided to call for a rest period and informed me to come with them for safety sake. Both times I told them Annie had misfired and I was having extreme difficulty clearing the barrel. I doubt they believed me the second time but I wished to finish my work uninterrupted and lingered for longer then they probably appreciated. But after a decent period of rest there was no ill will. The last Hall, representing the sin of sloth proved to be a truly foreboding and more sinister then any of the others from the very outset. As we advanced the degree of filth and foulness of the air screamed of disease and wretchedness as yet unimagined. I found myself lagging behind, from an unwillingness to proceed, an intuition of impending doom and violations most heinous. My fortitude was finally spent. Even at the offer of wondrous flight in cloud form I could not bring myself to acquiesce to enter further. In a fearful shame, for the first time not having been affected by some arcane assault, I found myself unable to assist the troupe. After some time had passed, as I sat in remorse for my inability to engage, praying for forgiveness, I found myself scrambling for cover from an instantaneous travel affect discharged at the edge of the Forge. I peeked from cover to see Kori’el dash from a steaming body back toward the Hall calling for assistance. I leaped from my hiding spot and scampered to the unmoving body, the smell was awful as was the sight! I approached what appeared to be the dissolving corpse of Duh’rock (EGADS!! Tongue GAG!!) He was not moving and was filling the room with an acrid stench of melting flesh. I ran from the scene to a defensible redoubt waiting for the troupe to come back in one of Xandu’s disturbing transporting divinations. But he came out alone and began to work on Duh’rock though I feared he was lost in such a desperate state. Finally the rest of the troupe exited the Hall with GrAnnie in tow, and on deaths door. She was quickly revived and shortly thereafter Duh’rock while not in a significant state of mobility sat up with some help and looked much better than last I had seen him! My fears validated I no longer suffered and lent a hand with Duh’rock. Retiring to a less vulnerable position the troupe quickly came to the realization that discretion, being the better part of valor, mandated our withdrawal from this horrible place before we lost any more troupe mates. Though the idea of leaving our Lynn unavenged pains my heart, I fear we have come as far in this place as we can hope to achieve. His loss will be the fire with which Karzoug will burn. Now to a safe harbor to set the plans for Karzoug’s doom in motion.
"Talk to me when you're about to celebrate 40 years of playing. Then you can gripe." At least 1 has his 40 yr pin, I would say 2-3 are rapidly approaching it. I have been throwing dice since '82. The others are closer to my timeline than the 40 crowd except for Vexariuos. He's the young pup...runt of the litter. We corrupted him at a very young age...more like we inflicted a ripping, torn, ugly, discolored scar on his fragile psyche (giggle)! You know, the kind of life long, haunting injury Lancelot received in Excalibur, an old wound, that never REALLY heals! And the fun part is we all celebrate it as a job well done! Oh the joys of being a "responsible adult" in the presence of anothers hatchling...(giggle!) Sorry LINT!!...NOT!! 8)
Oh how kind! Thank you!...hmmm?...OK...Lemme 'splain! Orphaned at a young age, felt like an outsider until adopted by a couple of acrobats/singers/actors, I learned to assume a persona that would ingratiate me into general acceptance through these arts. Performance is different than common interaction...for me. I assume a role and "I" don't have to invest with the person beyond that point! I can, and have done it before,(thank you dice...errr...Shelyn!)but I do not excel at it. It is simply uncomfortable to me...why would some one I don't know want to take the time to talk with the likes of me (worthless orphaned gnome child)?!? I am a simple common gnome, from simple folk,from little-no-wheres-ville who hides behind a mask of moderate talent that some find entertaining. It begs the question...would they(?) like the real me???... Hmm?!? Maybe thats also why it's so hard for me to open up even to those I am fond of..err...close to...UGG!?! ;)
The mephit encounter was the group just ignoring them essentially because both Diplomacy attempts only netted a 16 each which did nothing to improve their disposition to the party. That's right! and my AC is 22, Highest attk numbers start at 21, with a single musket damage of d10+10(+4d6 Snk when apropos), highest save is REFLEX 16, the only impressive skill I have is stealth at 32ish, many in the teens-20, a number of 10's and a handful below ten one of which is diplomacy! I'm kinda shy when meeting new folk's for the first time...sorta stage frighty! This troupe has ensured I stay current on all things fighty and sneaky! Otherwise I wouldn't be speaking to you as...ME!
Ok...maybe not so patiently....(tap, tap,tap!)I raced up to my room, checked myself in the mirror and for all intents and purposes the nights sleep had done me no harm! (HUZZAH!) The hair was quickly placed and the eyes were lined. Thats when I heard the pooft of arcane transport outside. I quickly dabbed a touch of fragrant oil behind my ears and slid down the stairs to greet my troupe! I gave each a great hug! WHEW! Each had the smell of the Rune Forge still about them mingled with the stench of battle. Xandu had the mix of of everyone's stench about him and it was ripe!I encouraged each of them to eat and tried to persuade them of the powerful "healing" effect of a hot bath before changing into their new clothes! I even offered to work the knots out of shoulders and walk their backs to snap bones back into place afterwards. I had done this for my adopted parents time and again because they found my size, and more specifically, the size of my feet to be perfect for the job. As time, our ever present enemy weighs heavy on their minds, we will see how long they wish to linger and how much they will embrace the good spirit and comfort all were willing to provide during the short stay in an attempted rejuvenation. "EGADS! What took a bite out of you?" Duh'rock looked ROOOUUUGH!! Even for a half-blood orc....which is saying something. Realizing I had just said something mildly inappropriate...out loud, I followed it quickly with "Makes ya look tough...MEAN...ARRRRGH!!!" with a giggle and a big smile. (YEESH!!) Can't say I'm sorry to have missed whatever they endured in my absence!
Tangerine...Noble Harm - Thank you for your kindness. I am the one humbled. Thank you for your time and attention. Thank you for your interactions. It is highly appreciated, beyond your knowing! (teary eyed blown kisses, smiling wave!)
The Giantess, Grig-nak, and me I quickly realized my lights were not necessarily the wisest of ideas in such a huge expanse of open dark environment and so they were quickly doused. I donned my goggles allowing me to see in darkness and began to search for a way out. The air had a rich odor of petrichor. The sweet scent of loam was so overpowering I could not help to think I was in a catacomb of some sort, soon to be devoured by a swarm of zombies! “Just be quiet and use every bit of skill you have!” was all I could think. As I walked I could tell the ground began to incline so I decide to make the climb and develop a plan along the way. After scaling to the top I came to rest on a large boulder at the crest of the hill. As I began to prepare my attempt to reconnoiter, the ground quaked, then again!! I felt motion, vertical motion!! I held on for the ride knowing rock slides to be very dangerous and frequently fatal!! Then the motion stopped and it felt as though I was afloat. As I looked around a mass of stony earth rose rotating and spoke aloud. “You are not of this place, what is your name and where are you from?” Mouth agape, I stammered for an answer. I introduced myself and told him from whence I came. “How did you get here?” Thinking since I had not yet been squished like a bug I could elaborate on the tale a bit and give myself a moment to contrive an escape should an attempt become apropos. After relating my story, he told me to where I had traveled, and that I could refer to him as Grig-nak. He also related that he was unable to provide an immediate solution to my dilemma but he would take me to someone more capable to solve it. To be clear Grig-nak was immense. His height was easily ten times my own. So when he cradled me in hand and asked for my patience, I laid back as his tree trunk sized fingers gently encased me. The swaying motion and thumping of his gate also lent an idea to how large he was. Soon the swaying and thumping became a muffled, constant, gravel-ly rush not unlike the breaking of waves on the bow of a ship. This and the warmth within his clasped hand lulled me into a sound sleep. I woke from the broken cadence of thumps and swaying motion to which he had returned while I was asleep. Shortly thereafter I could hear muffled speech in a language foreign to my ears and then he opened his hand and advised me to be forthright. As his hand lowered me gently to the floor my eyes took in the most beautiful sight I have, and probably WILL EVER BEHOLD in this life!! “WHOA!!” There I stood in a brightly lit room of a palace draped in the most glamorously delightful … stunning and bonnie-lovely finery I have ever seen!! Grig-nak spoke, in our common tongue, and presented me as “The gnome Moxie, a gem found of my domain, that requires assistance to return to her prime.” That is when it became obvious that the female seated in an elaborate stone chair I stood before wasn’t an amazing…extremely…exquisitely carved statue but an actual living creature!! With a start I turned as she first spoke. “What is your name?” she asked as though she questioned whether she had heard correctly. I answered all of her questions quickly and honestly. Especially when she warned me to be truthful! She ended our brief conversation by stating I could stay with her until my companions called for me, or until such time that it became obvious they had not survived the encounter I had described, at which point she would see me delivered safely to my homeland. The only rule set required I stay within the confines of the palace. (I KNOW RIGHT!?!....DEAL!!!) In the most respectful way possible, not knowing local customs, I placed my hands over my heart and exclaimed “Bless you kind Lady of stone, you are a most gracious hostess indeed! It is with great humility I receive your generous hospitality and submit to the terms of your house Noble Lady!” as I performed an elegant deep scraping bow and curtsy, trailing a leg behind me. She was a visage to behold and yet difficult to maintain in eye to eye contact due to the fierceness of her passion and dignified gravitas. This would be the longest period of time I would have her attention or be in her presence during my wait. I would get a brief glimpse of her now and again but never another opportunity to engage. To describe her one would say, though eleven foot tall and a being of stone, she had the physical attributes of the fairest human woman. Her skin resembled the texture of polished, milky alabaster with a hint of pale violet accents. Her hair was a collection of deep blue opal spikes that fired along bright green veins and was clustered with more points of light than the night sky. The intensity of her eyes was due to a quality and resemblance of the finest blue agate whose iris was encircled by wisps of silvery white ribbons that expanded and contracted with the wax and wane of her passion. Her style and choice in fashion were exquisite and very much to my liking as she was always well kempt and “dressed to impress.” She was never, EVER, without the finest of gold and jewels upon her elegant fingers, neck, wrist, waist, stummy button or dripping from her ears! She was a Lady of great power and she displayed it for all to see! The Palace was kept and decorated in the same manner as she kept herself, complete and total opulent comfort and delight. The culmination of said opulence hit home when I was able to rest in a bed capable of accommodating my entire troupe! It was as big, or bigger than my room at the Red Dragon Inn! After a good long rest I ate strange but wonderfully prepared food and explored the confines of the palace. I convalesced at what I hope was a bath house(?) and returned to my room to rest again. Upon rising the second time I realized I had no gauge on time other than the grumbling of my stummy and decided to take up my time in a more suitably constructive way. After a bit of innocent rummaging I found the supplies required to allow me to journal my stay. I expressed it through art and word trying to capture the magnitude of my Host and her palace. Though I am sure it falls ever so short as a quality work I hope it will provide the essence of my experience and remind me of the most amazing other-worldly time of my life. I started my journal with the following, “There is no other way to express this experience than to say it is a welcomed, refreshing reprieve from our endeavor against Karzoug. I praise my Lady Shelyn for the gift of recuperation and rest and ask for her blessings on my troupe mates and our cause!” Again I lost track of time head long in my attempt to journal,… (“Journal entry 6: In what has come to be brief contact with individuals in the palace who I assume are vassals, indentured servants (or possibly even slaves) I have come to know my Hostess to be of the ‘Shaitan’ race. She is specific in nature to them and I believe she is referred to as a ‘Pasha’ in her culture. This is a title of importance to the community at large, but I fear I have not grasped the finer points of the responsibilities of the position, something is getting lost in translation I am sure! It is difficult to extract the nuances of descriptive detail when you are conversing in short bursts, in different tongues, and that is IF you can find a willing participant. From the stories I have heard from seafarers who have anchored off Sandpoint over the years, the merchants of Magnimar and what little Frederich has shared, and then comparing it to the what I have observed thus far I believe this culture is very similar to that of the Kelesh Empire of my home.”) …I quietly sang buried in my diligence to catalog the more outstanding features of the palace, dancing from one feature to the next. It was with great embarrassment and humiliation that I jerked awake at the sound of my host’s voice in an arched, great hall where I had been trying to capture the intricacies of the sculpture and reliefs interwoven with architecture where she informed me the time had come to return to my home. I gathered my belongings with mixed emotions. Happy to be going home, to help my troupe and sad to leave this incredible place! I was led to a court yard where my host awaited. I produced Simon’s oversized map in an attempt to show her where I was from. She looked vexed at my attempt to be helpful and I quickly made the map disappear! I asked for permission to speak once more before my departure to which she acquiesced. As I removed a necklace I spoke plainly and sincerely. “Noble Lady, your generosity is without question or boundary. I appreciate you for accommodating this lowly gnome, and providing the experience of a lifetime. My ability to provide for you will never be within my means as I am a simple gnome from common folk, and my stars will never shine as brightly as your own. Please allow me to repay your kindness with a token of my gratitude. This periapt has served me well and it is my hope that you receive it with an open heart for your merciful assistance and hospitality.” I presented her with my periapt; a bright blue stone dangling from a slender silver chain. I did not wish to meet her gaze and simply stepped back saying “I am prepared…and thank you ever so much!” I heard her speak in the kindest tone yet as she extended her hand, “Take my hand…finish your walk…embrace destiny…daughter of the Rose.” Her understanding and encouragement warmed my heart with hope. As a dust devil began to swirl about me I looked up to her smiling face with a smile of my own. Her beauty faded as the whirl wind intensified and changed to snow. I was home, on the beach, facing a cold winter surf. I almost did it…almost, I wanted to jump into that frigid surf head long and then sprint back to my room but time wasn’t on my side! I turned to race to Shelyn’s chapel and was stunned by the presence of a life sized bust sculpture of my hostess, formed from the white beach sand with her opaque countenance visible upon it. The sand sculpture animated presenting a closed hand. As the elegant fingers opened I heard her voice call out from the sculpture one last time “Be well little one, I hope your battle against ancient evils is well fought and successful.” In the open hand lay an elegant, tiny rose adornment of the most impeccable craftsmanship… “GAAAASP!!” I COULDN’T BREATHE!! I am sure my unblinking eyes couldn’t have opened any wider. The stem and leaves were made of minutely detailed silvery mithril and the blossom’s petals of impossibly cut, brilliant red rubies. With one hand covering my mouth and tears streaming down my cheeks I slowly reached for the rose with trembling hand. Before my fingers could touch it, it leapt into them giving me quite a start. Then the sand sculpture began to melt back into the beach, starting from the open, outstretched hand. I tried to speak words of appreciation, but I couldn’t find them. There were none that could have measured to the occasion. I couldn’t maintain a stance and knelt in the sand, crying and laughing at the same time. When I could breathe without gasping involuntarily and my emotions were again in check, I touched the rose to the center of my high leather collar and there it stayed. Knowing the breadth of my recent good fortune, I ran to Shelyn’s chapel in the Cathedral and sang praises to her, thanking her for allowing me to experience such beauty, and asking for her blessing on my recent host. That is, until Father Zantus placed his hand on my shoulder and asked if I was alright…” Oh Father!!! Get the others; we have to talk right now!!!” After a brief hug, he smiled and sent runners to the Sheriff, the Mayor, and Lady Ameiko. He asked of the troupe, our travels and our endeavors. I impressed upon him I was unsure of how long I would be staying and wished to tell the tale once to ensure the best use of my time. I took the opportunity to relieve myself of tithe and another installment for the orphaned, infirmed and upkeep at the sanitorum. I inquired if any local nobles or notable citizens of Sandpoint had been making contributions? (Because they should be!) At any rate when all were gathered we had a quick “story time” to include our losses. I answered all of their questions after letting them know that either I would need to leave quickly if the call came or that I would have to assemble a new troupe….until that moment my former host’s words had not sunk in! It had already been three days!! I sat motionless and silent at the thought of what may have happened. It was there and then that I asked Ameiko to provide one of her finest meals suitable for packing, along with a few bottles of wine, mead and a short bottle of Duh’rocks spirit’s. I explained how desperately the troupe needed some reminder of what we were trying to save! I would not allow the anxiety of what might have happened to rule in place of meaningful preparation when the call came. That, and I could not bear to think of the entire troupe defeated and sewn back together by the “noble” undead keeper!! I excused myself and made quick time to the fish monger. His pickings were slim but that did not matter much. As I turned hastily headed for my rendezvous, I stopped for a moment, took a deep breath and made the conscious decision to slow down and enjoy as much of the time at home that remained. I walked to the Turandarok along the Lost Coast Road and surveyed the river. After a brisk walk in the cold winter wind I found them hunting below Boggy Creek Bridge. As they were darting about in the water and ice, I watched from the bridge. A couple gave me a passing glance but did not recognize me for the bundle of winter gear in which I was wrapped. It wasn’t until I squeaked that they all gave a curious look, then I removed my mask, hat and scarf and they swam to my side of the bridge in excitement and expectation of the contents of my bucket. I sat on the seaward side of the bridge with my feet dangled down. I gave them a few bites as I told them the story of my travels, to which they cared not one lick. Then we played games and performed tricks for the remainder of their meal, at one point racing the length of the bridge and back, or playing hide and seek from side to side. The later didn’t last near as long, as soon as they figured to split up and guard both sides. After the meal I told them I would be leaving soon and would visit upon my return. I left them to their round, full bellies lounging on the bank and headed back to town to return my pail, to tend to some quick business and clean up if time allowed. I replaced my heavy coat, hat, and boot covers and had my armor and leathers cleaned. I purchased new crispy clean adventurers outfits for every member of the troupe resembling those they already wore with the help of the local merchants and guessed as best I could for Kori’el. Finally I returned to the Red Dragon Inn with a load of clothes to smiling, cheery faces and excused myself to the privacy of my room. OH MY!! The smell of fresh home cooking filled the air!! Baked breads, spices, hearty meat, fruit, it was all there!! My first order of business was to see to the unloading of the troupes haul from my pack to make more room for the things we would need to bring home. I locked it in a trunk and then I packed the troupes fresh change of clothes and bottles of wine, mead and spirits in my bag for the return to the Rune Forge. The only thing that remained to pack was the home cooked food! I tied Simon’s torch to the top of my partition and began to get out of my smelly, combat weary clothing. I removed my grimed and tattered overshirt and trousers. It is amazing the smells they hide…whew! I peeled away my undershirt and stockings and finally old bandages and poultices Xandu had applied for good measure (GAG!!)….EGADS what a wreck! I could never perform in such a state of unkempt, I would have to summon all my tricks and skill to recover from this much filth and disregard! I began the ritual in my room by warming the water and basin on my wash table. I used a mildly coarse stone and some powdered soap to scour my face clean. Then I knelt on the bison rug over the basin before me and rinsed and brushed my hair into it…EEEE-YEW-WAH! The filth that had dried from spatter and spray cut from the innards of untold foul creatures matting portions of my mane into clumps (TONGUE GAG!!!) while mostly soluble, pieces were evident! I scrambled to remove as much as possible as bathing in a soup of that fetid, rancid, putrescence was wholly undesirable!! I called a warning from the window and cast the contents of the basin to the street when all was clear. With a renewed sense of urgency I collected a towel, Simon’s soap, my bath oils and hair tonics and with absolute abandon raced to the bath! There I collected some hot water and scrubbed while standing in the “spit bath” or half barrel and washed with Simon’s soap, rinsing with the bucket of water until I felt free of the really nasty funk. Then I asked for some milk, two fresh eggs, and a heavy glass of the hard stuff. I asked the milk be placed by the window to allow it to chill. Then I gingerly slid into the full, stimulating tub of hot water as the surface swirled with vapors against the winter chill. I took two generous gulps of spirits and poured a healthy portion into the tub. As I laid in the steamy tub, melting away the hardness of the season and sustained combat I cracked the eggs over my head and worked them into my hair and left them to soak until half the heat had escaped from the tub. I asked for a new tub of water and another heavy glass of spirits. While the water was being changed I pulled the cold milk from the window and soaked my hair and face in it until my new bath was ready, then I rinsed my hair of the egg and milk wash in the “spit bath”. At last I was off to the final pleasure, the long hot soak! I poured a generous amount of scented oils in the tub. I washed slowly and methodically with Simon’s soap occasionally taking a stingy gulp of the spirits until there was but a fingers measure in the bottom of the glass. This was poured into my hand and used to wash my face, neck, and ears until the last of it was gone. I rinsed with a bucket of hot water after standing before the ajar window long enough for my skin to shiver and contract with goose bumps. FINALLY I FELT CLEAN AGAIN!! I wrapped in my towel and giggled off to my room. I dabbed a light, yet fragrant, fruity oil along my neck line and between the girls, inside my hips and behind the knees. I dressed in a nice form fitting white pullover shirt with extra-long sleeves and a low split front that ties at the neck line....if you need it secured. I tied it in front of the sisters and called it good. Then I slipped into the black pants and boots and trotted down stairs to pay for my bathing regimen, dairy products and the rest of that bottle of spirits. The sideways glance made me feel like I had to explain. So I whispered to Lady Ameiko about the nasty brush and basin and that settled the discussion. As I began to head back to my room, I heard some of the regulars ask if I would perform for them, at first I said maybe, but quickly changed my mind after seeing their mood diminish. But I explained it would not happen until I was ready, and definitely wouldn’t happen if the troupe called on me. With some flattering (?) remarks and flirtatious banter I skipped off to my room. The hair would have to wait, I poured half the remains of the spirits into the basin and swished it around, then I poured it out rinsed with water and poured it out again. The process was repeated with the brush after a good period of soaking! Afterwards I placed a few drops of spiced oil in my palms and rubbed it into my hair and let it set while I produced my paints and powders. Using the best makeup tricks my adopted parents taught me I produced the most elegant night look with warm natural color and brilliant bright eyes surrounded with heavy dark lashes and red summer apple colored lips. As I leaned away from Lucian’s mirror to inspect the hair, it was wavy and curly and shined with a healthy glow. So after a few minor fixes and pinning back one side I called it good. I gathered my gear just inside my door just in case the call came. Gathering my performance mind set, I sauntered down to the commons to some approval and made my rounds from table to table playing with the regular patrons and being innocently flirtatious until it was agreed that everyone would sing while I danced, and if there was time I would sing a song or two. While dancing I noticed Simon’s Kitten with company having as much fun as she would allow herself, though it pained me to do so I finished my dance flirting with him. She was approving and entertained, and as normal I leaned in to make amends with the woman whose escort I had been so naughty, with a big smile….but with her….. this time….. the embrace was much longer and intense than normal! I separated quickly and made a concerted effort to fight the coming tears by taking suggestions for the first song…silly me! Of course they wanted the interactive sea shanty that required I move about the room and lite on the laps of every male patron…what was I thinking?!?! After that song I was a bit dewy and begged for a moment of rest before the last song. Soon the commons was again filled with another boisterous display at which I leapt onto a table and began to sing a lewd old pirate tale that was another favorite of the locals. It is a mostly humorous tale in which the successful drunken pirate is accidentally and comically slain in sword play with his rival. I always play the pirate and we have taken to have an Inn employee play the rival to keep the peace with the exuberant patrons. After dying at the hand of a serving wench wielding a broom stick, I retired to a seat at the bar to cool off and cool down from the rowdiness of the evening. It was fun and the Inn was lively. A much welcomed site I wished to have shared with my troupe! My thoughts went to their needs, their state of mind, I found myself doubting for the first time, it had been so long! Ameiko brought a generous collection from the patrons for my performance. That is when the call came. Xandu’s voice was heard calling my name asking where I was. Ameiko and I grinned as I adjusted myself and said “Ameiko’s Inn.” He asked if I had died…to which I answered “You just missed it…NO!” with a giggle. I looked at her like I assume the “Pasha” had looked at me when I produced Simon’s map of Varisia. Ameiko also played with him a bit just to increase his emotion that much more, she is a peach! He said all was well and he would notify me when they were to arrive. He asked if I had been here the whole time at which point I told him “NO, I had been somewhere else for three days waiting for this call and would tell the troupe about it when they returned for me, it was a LOOOONG story!” (CRICKETS….) Xandu finally asked “Well…so…but you’re OK?” “Yep just waitin for a ride!” I knew that would dig in a bit! “Ok well I’ll call on the morrow when we’ve had a chance to regroup and charged for the trip there.” He said. “Sounds shiny! Take care of the troupe!” as I looked up with a sweet smile and a wave. After we felt the effect come to a close Ameiko took my hand, walked me to my room and said. “Young lady, you have had a rough road as late, and you have done what you can, for your companions, for this town and for your little sea monkeys! Give it a break, and DO NOT give up on those boys! They made it, you know that! Now clean yourself up and get in that bed quick! Your luck they’ll call two minutes after you fall asleep!(sniff…sniff) GOD’S OF ELYSIUM WHAT IS THAT STINK?!?!...” That made me break out in a shameful laugh as I pointed to the pile of tattered clothes….”After you get those retched smelling rags out of my Inn, LETS GO!” (snap,snap, snap!) I took them through the bath house to the burny pile, then ran back to the room and washed my face, lost the pants and boots and jumped into a warm bed…HMMM!?! Sleep came fast, and deep! The night went by quietly. In the morning a gust of wind rattled the shutters and Uther’s chime! I shivered and was on the verge of sleep again in dream land when I heard his voice. It was calling my name….OH SNAP! “Hello?” I said. “Where are you?” Xandu asked. “Ameiko’s…i-i-in my room…YAWN!” I said. “Be ready, we’re gonna try this!” Xandu warned. “KAY!” I stretched to the squeak and dressed in my new clean clothes and gear, fixed my hair and rinsed a bit before placing my beautiful rose below Shelyn’s notch beneath my shirt. Then I grabbed my bag and scurried to the kitchen and informed them the troupe was arriving very soon. We prepared a table with a hot hearty plate and a full mug of spiced wine and mead for each of them. I placed their new clothes on a table next to their meals and sat patiently awaiting their arrival.
Apologies!!! Brevity is not among my strongest traits!!!
( LOL, As a complete and total fan of the movie Stalag 17, sorry couldn't resist!) Unt now I vould like to velcomen our new grammar feldvebel...heir Rikert! Ist you oll goot little schpeakars offen da qveens Anglish?! Ist you oll goot little Schpellars? GOOT!! Den let ush oll zay danke to feldvebel Rikert...I'm vaiting!!! :)
Just keep calm and focus. Now, where are those goggles? Now then, move quietly and see what can be ascertained from on high! Whatta mess we have gotten ourselves into now! Catacombs, this feels like catacombs or a labyrinth!!!! Calm….KEEP CALM! Climb to the top and let us see what we are in for. Whoa! What was that?!?! “SHELYN PROTECT MEEEE!”
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