I want to throw this out there and see what the gaming community thinks.
Can a shadow dancer be seen when hiding in shadows by detect magic on their equipment?
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My gaming group has come up with an idea about the shadowdancer prestige class. If anyone has dealt with this class the darn guys can pretty much disappear into any shadow and be hidden. When the character rolls in the 40's for their hide and creatures spots average +3 it can be pretty annoying. THe question is this, when hidden in a shadow can the shadowdancer's magical items be detected by detect magic spell? there it is let me know what y'all think?
From the warped mind of the player of Drak'Arath, Thassos, Brilthor. I would like to say that this was the first time I have had any character reach 20th level. I have been playing since 1980 or somewhere around there and the highest level attained was 15th. He was a dwarven fighter "Brilthor" (sorry I like the name) and he died at the breath of Tiamat as I ran two characters with an assorted group that I had joined for the sole purpose of invading the Hells! The group I play with now are a great bunch of foul minded wierdos and my hat off to the DM for running the campaign. SO I plan TPK for them in my campaign, MUWAHAHAHAHAHAHA
From the Journal and Mind of Thassos Silverstaff Archmage of the Ironleague. Fireseek 11 CY 577 Damn! Damn! And further Damnation!!! I and Miya are stuck in a literal abyss hole! I knew the dragon was a better deal, but couldn’t convince that damnable ranger of the real benefit of dragon slaying. Oh bollix! How did this happen? Well since my last entry I sort of wiped my memory due to a brilliant plan that I had conjured, he he he, get it? conjured! Oh bollix! I came up with a brilliant plan to dispose of the Archbishop. The Archbishop is no more, and I don’t remember. So it must have worked. I remember him in a cage in my vault, while Hannor and I were having a few ales in my study talking about how to dispose of him. The next thing I am aware of is waking up in my bedroom and he was gone and no one knows where! After that I wanted to conduct….How long have I been here? The timelessness of it all and the unchanging scenery gives no reference points. I can only determine time by the growth of my beard. Aghh, this place is wearing on my mind. At least Miya is doing her meditations; which she looks very fetching doing!!!! What a problem to see a beautiful woman feet away, but unable to touch. Our conversations have been very insightful. Wait! I am doing it again, wandering even in my writings. Let me start afresh. I was in need of financing to carry out some magical research and creation that I wished to undertake. The attack on the Overking’s black dragon minion would have taken care of the monetary problem. Apparently Silver didn’t believe in the task, and only wished to attack churches of another faith. I guess she didn’t realize that the Hextorians are of the late Archibishop’s powerbase; not the Overking’s. Oh well she effectively convinced half the party, and without all to attack, the point was moot. I teleported all of us out to Mentrey where we had word of a Hextorian church under siege by the forces of good. When we arrived we entered a typical merchant square, where I purchased some horrid tasting and unidentifiable meat and information. I was able to decipher the location of the church from the meat seller, and gathered the rest of the Oathbound. We headed off and soon located the dilapidated structure. The windows had been blown out, stone crushed and scorch marks decorated the exterior. My Arcane sight detected that the entire structure had been glyphed, warded, and ensorcelled in Abjuration spells. Any attempt to enter would set off a cataclysmic explosion to rival my ex-girlfriend’s emotional outburst when I ended the relationship! The local guard spotted us and through diplomacy we were directed to the containment garrison captain. For once I was surprised by El-Rohir. He addressed the Captain and got the point quickly. I was expecting him to be vague and banter about the subject as if this man was a covert operative of the Overking. The Captain plainly gave us our only option. If we wished to enter to help slay the tougher creatures in the dungeons below the church, he would allow it; although if we died, it was our problem and not his. He also cleared up the issue about what happened with the fall of the church. They attacked the church, slew the acolytes and priests quickly, but only in the public areas. Once the inner sanctums were breached all Abyssal Damnation erupted. Men were torn apart like so much bloody papyrus. Priests from all over with mages and sorcerers jumped into the fray and the siege was set and all upper levels cleared and wards and glyphs were set to prevent the creatures from the dungeons from escaping. We are given a guide into the sewers and then left to our own devices at the supposed entrance of the dungeons of the church. We are soon beset by two Death Knights and a Lich, at least that is what I believed them to be. I entered to test my superior Arcane might against the foul creature, but then the floor dropped away and here I am! By my shavings, I think that 5 days have passed. I am not sure, but Miya and I have had some very good discussions. I have learned a lot about the discipline and dedication that a Monk must go through to practice their art. It is very similar to what a Wizard must put into his art. My perception of Miya’s vocation definitely has risen. It is a shame that either of us cannot break these damnable bone cage bars. My dagger broke while sawing at the floor, I think two days ago? Fireseek 20 CY 577? Why does my skin itch? Why do I smell baking muffins with ….. this sucks. Miya, why are you growing fangs? She doesn’t give sensible answers any longer. When I asked her if she knew what the date was she answered that frogs make great dancers! I think she cannot take confinement well. Fireseek 11 CY 600
Date is unknown, I hate being in this Golem. The screams of the other prisoners though drown out all thoughts except for muffins! Oh my, my friend Brilthor is here! He must have heard of my plight. Hi there, watch out for Miya she’s gone completely insane and thinks that she’s a toadstool!
I am restored! The date is Readying 14 CY577. I am quickly brought up to speed about the party. I use a wish spell to bring El-Rohir back from Celestia and learn that the Overking is missing and all is well in the world of Greyhawk. Anyone interested in hunting an ancient black dragon?
Helix, During the exploration into the depths of the goblin lair I discover a curious gauntlet. In an attempt to decipher it's magical nature I place it upon my left hand. It instantly grafts itself to my appendage and I feel strenght flow into my being. It is hard and not very dexterous, but I believe it will help in our endeavor to rescue the small warm bloods! It appears that my new hand will not grasp items very well, to include my shield. This item will have to be removed at the first opportunity. We are able to locate a barbaric halfling, and two children to learn that our prize has been abducted by some sort of undead creature. We follow the path, and locate this creature of chain and flame. We soon destroy it and rescue the male that we sought. Although there apparently are more of these small creatures captive below. We rest and proceed below to fight a large bat, and some fanged amphibians with more kobolds. They all are slain, except for one that flees deeper into its cavern lair.
Damn! Damn! Damnation and a Bollix upon all! The Abyss sucks!
Helix's thoughts. Sypheros 22, 977 YK
Helix's thoughts Sypheros 22, 977 YK
Helix Sypheros 18, 997 YK
HELIX Sypheros 13, 997 YK
Continuance of 11/19/576 After dispensing with the door guard, I fly over to the far door with Mia, and the others. Mia enters, but failed to open the door large enough for her illusionary size and is confronted by three fire giants that didn’t believe her. A fire elemental on the HUGE scale attacks with the giants. Mia teleports back into the entry hall and informs us of the coming fight. I hover up near the ceiling, and hold a spell ready, and we don’t have long to wait. The huge pillar of flame, slightly resembling a bird, burst through the doors. The fight is on, El is dropped, but not before he delays the creature. He provided enough time for Hanor to block the doorway with a stone wall, and let me get a few spells off at the creature. Flamora and I cast spell after spell to little effect. Luckily she had cast a wall of gears that stopped the fire giants just as they bashed their way through the stone wall. The fire creature did not seem to feel the gears lashing out at it, but those giants surely felt them. hits it a couple of times, but like my spells most wash off the creatures like nothing! Hanor is next to fall, while Mia bashes away in a mad flurry of blows and Silver gets whirling away like a dervish of steel. Down goes Hanor, next Mia is dropped. Prior to Hanor’s demise I cast a strong enhancing enchantment on Silver’s fighting prowess and granting higher damage absorption. It seemed to help a little. Aria is shooting ice arrows that seem to cause annoyance to the creature, but everything will be needed to stop this thing. Just as it appears that it will take Silver down, my ice ball breaches its magic resistance and destroys the beast. We quickly gather our dead, and all make contact with my robes waiting for me to teleport us away. I wait, and not for long just as the first of a long line of fire giants burst through the east door of the hall, I launch a mass suggestion at them instructing them to kill the Archbishop. I don’t wait to see if the spell takes affect, I whisk us back to Greyhawk. 11/22/576
I wait as the giants file into the kitchen, and Hanor seals the doorway with an iron wall I dissolve the stone into mud and watch all of the giants fall to the lava, and at least one didn’t survive the drop! We head over to a likely looking spire to attempt to locate the Archbishop. We are met at the door by a Pit fiend with Councilman Thornwell. Flanking them are a pair of lava golems. I know that my magic will not be very effective against them, and will have trouble getting through the Pitfiend’s resistances, but I believe I can take Thornwell out. Just as I prepare a spell, the fiend brings out the a golden and heavily enchanted soul cage. Inside is our quarry. A deal is made and we leave with the caged priest. 11/23/576
From the Journal of Arch Wizard Thasos Silverstaff
As we gain the concourse we are confronted by four heavily magically armored men, three in half-plate and shields emblazoned with Hextor’s foul symbol. The fourth was in full plate with a magical longspear that emitted a strong aura of alteration. I was caught off balance and did not notice them immediately, as I was intrigued by the two tiny creatures in my arms. Exact replicas of real people, I mean adults and the attention to detail was fascinating. I have never wanted children, nor desired any intercourse with any child as they are normally a big nuisance and distraction. It is when the Oathbound stop and Silver places her fragile charges at her feet that I see we have been confronted. With a harsh command Silver demands the four to let us pass, take up our burden or (with a quick flick of her wrists, her blades are bared) die! The leader in full plate with the symbol of Hextor emblazoned upon his breast, demands in an eerie voice to know what we intend. “To finish what we came to do” Silver responds. The three in half-plate advance and seem to reach out to take our burdens, when they launch spells! We are hit with three waves of magical vortexes; acid, cold and fire. Our own magical protections shrug these feeble spells off with only one effect, the death of the infants. Soon we are embroiled in a vicious fight, Aria yells out that the one in full plate is undead. I cast a spell, and see some damage done, when one of the three Hextorians in half-plate attempts to hold me in place. I shrug off his feeble attempt. Flamora’s sonic sphere blasts into them, while Terranza hacks one down. Silver takes another, when the Undead Knight advances. Aria’s arrows thud into him, staggering his stride, but then I feel the might of Moradin pulse out from Hanor crashing into the Knight of the Dead. It spins to flee and is instantly cut down by Silver, while the remaining Hextorian is dispatched with ease. We advance to the Archbishop’s private chambers, at least by what the map indicates. Our advance is halted by an enchanted heavily armored door. It looks as if Kirzit itself had been foiled by this portal. Through the use of the map, we decide to go around the corner and enter via stone shape through the wall. The entry is not the grandest, but does accomplish our needs. We enter the inner sanctum of our enemy only to find our quarry had fled, possibly through a very long vertical tunnel through the ceiling of his bedroom. We search the room, I with my Arcane sight, and Invisibility Detection, the others with their physical means. Nothing, no hidden doors that were not on the map, no lingering magical auras to detect. ZIP, a big FAT Zero!!!! I was so ensorcelled up to confront one of the fingers, if not one of the hands of the Overking, that my disappointment of his flight left me in a mild state of depression. At least one of us kept up their wits, I observed Hanor, stuffing some of the bedding into his pack, muttering something about location…AH a divination spell always works best with something that the person has touched. That was very clever of my dwarven friend. My focus has always been in evocation and enchantments. It is a good thing that we have strong dwarven fortitude and attention to detail with us. I almost feel I am home. We fly up and out. No sign of the Archbishop, we descend again. We make sure the rest of the lower levels are clear for the Medegian troops and meet with Mayor Morningblade. He explains that several hours possible two to three an unknown creature was seen to depart from the keep’s rubble on a flying carpet. It flew north. That is the direction of the Overking, our ultimate foe. This very same night we dine with the new Mayor of Pontilver, Lord Morningblade. I like him; his is no nonsense and a man of his word. He seems almost dwarvish in his mannerisms. Stolid that is what is needed here and they have it in this young man. Lord Fromm is present, Terranza is in noble garb bearing her signet ring on her right hand is at his side. A very intriguing woman is on Lord Fromm’s side opposite of Terranza. By her apparel she is a disciple of self deprivation and physical obedience, in other words a monk. She has captured my heart by her very presence. This is insane; I will not let my resolve into the arcane be diverted by mere beauty. There were several of the Medegian military rank and file present. The meal is plain, but very satisfying. As we sit over cold greasy plates, sipping, or in Hanor’s case guzzling a very good vintage of Dwarven Ale (Note! I think it was brewed by Clan Stonecrusher just last year), we entered into some diplomatic issues. I sounded out Lords Fromm, and Morningblade about entering the Iron League. Neither wished to, but were very enthusiastic about entering trade agreements. Possible endeavors into bringing them into the fold will have to be accomplished by others more skilled than I with diplomacy. I learn that Terranza is leaving the Oathbound to follow her public service as a Baroness. I will miss her. 11/05/576 I have diplomatic letters from Lords Morningblade and Fromm to take to the Iron League. The Oathbound agree to accompany me to Irongate, my home city. I utter the word of power, touch all and we are back at my home. I invite all to stay in my humble home, as honored guests. I call my unseen servants to freshen the guest rooms, and summon Grezzor to prepare a meal. Aria’s squeal of elvish delight at my bath, cause all to gravitate to her location. Yes, it is one of my vices, long luxurious bathes. I had it lined with deep blue and green marble to give the appearance of an undersea haven. The fountain that feeds my bath is designed as a natural waterfall. My flowers and plants surrounding it all are of medicinal, magical and spiritual purposes; all to promote serenity and meditation. The look on Aria’s face was worth every copper! I must rethink my preconceptions on elves. This will take some thought. After a tour of my home to the Oathbound, Grezzor had a meal prepared and set out in the dining room. Damn that man is good!, of course this is not his cooking. His culinary arts would make an orc hurl! His efforts and expense on this must have been almost prohibitive! I must give him a bonus! The roasted lamb, with yrt sauce, sautéed garlic and rice was fantastic! So much more after the food we have been forced to endure. The others were very much in agreement about this. After that great lunch, I left my guests to relax in my home, and I reported to the Iron League. Of course I change into my robes of an Arch Master Wizard, with the appropriate sigils. This of course did not impress the bureaucrat zombie at the entrance. I overpower the worm with my intellect, and am soon seated in a room with nothing. I must admit that my ability to intimidate others is very limited. I soon find out that no one is sending/looking for me and I search out the room of where I have to make my report, and deliver the diplomatic letters to Lord Til Silversmith, a very fine Dwarvish lady of note. Oh, I forget to make explanations in case this is read by the uninformed. When a female dwarf is made head of her clan, sect, guild, she is given the same title as that of a male dwarf. This is one of the reasons many outsiders believe dwarves have no women and sprout from stone! Idiots. Hmmm, I wonder about elves and trees? I must say she is a very fine looking dwarvowan (female dwarf) that I have set eyes on. She was not present when I was initially sent on this mission. I must introduce her to Hanor. He is a great priest and boon companion, but I wonder if his heart lies else where. I have seen him looking at Flamora with some very queer expressions on his visage. THAT’S IT! He is bespelled by her beauty! By Boccob’s bouncing balls! Hmmm, I must say a Dwarvish Gnome melding would be interesting. Well she is very pretty, and her stature is in line with his. I wonder if she likes him? Upon my return I find the entire Oathbound in my bath. I join them. The warm soothing waters are a tonic for us all. The ringing of the dinner bell brought about a tidal wave due to our departing the bath for our rooms. Grezzor’s dinner was a masterpiece of culinary art. The baked bluefish in peppered sauce and fresh fruit was the clincher to the Oathbound staying in my home. They were hesitant about intruding and staying with me, this I could tell, but I have enough room, and the food was the clincher, who could resist magically cleaned rooms, a professionally prepared meal, and a bath to accommodate a dwarven shock troop! 11/06/576
11/19/576
The dogs, and the doorguard are soon slain, but the wyvern and it’s rider soon join the fray. I cause the rider to go comatose, while the others chop the wyvern into steaks. The rider is soon put to rest.
FROM THE JOURNAL OF MASTERWIZARD, THASOS SILVERSTAFF 11/03/576
After a quick meeting with General Morningblade, I get to meet an interesting, dangerous personage. Lord Thornwell doesn’t fool me, a creature of evil he definitely is, and his power is quite considerable. After making sure that there are no strings, or conditions of any sort attached to the gift of potions, I take a few to help. I cast fly upon all and we move towards battle. We are soon attacked by the demons, with ballista, and other missile weapons. We destroy some bugbears, wyverns, and a demon or two. Then we met a Balor, even with my great vocabulary I cannot come close to describing this creature’s foulness. Just its presence was enough to make me desire a bath inside and out. The Balor destroyed Terranza, causing her physical shell to implode into nothingness. Just as the killing blows land upon it, I find myself back in Greyhawk, being revived by the local guard in the teleport hall. I soon figure out that the Balor had exploded upon banishment, which caused me to be wounded and knock unconscious. Once brought down, my contingency spell whisked me away to safety. Alas having no time I speed to the Church of Pelor, quickly convince the High Priest to cast the final Resurrection on Terranza and they teleport us both back to Pontylver. 11/04/576 Reunited with the Oathbound, we prepare again, but the destruction of the Balor caused the dimensional gate to the Abyss to close. The Medegians are able to slay the remaining demons, but cannot gain the lower levels of the cathedral. First I ask the Mayor for a map of the lower levels. We enter into an agreement with Mayor Morningblade and proceed down. Our path is temporarily blocked by a spell of spinning magical blades, they slice the air with a eerie efficiency. By plotting my destination I teleport the Oathbound past the barrier right into a guard post. The battle is bloody, but fast leaving us victorious with no injury to speak of. We enter the Cathedral proper and hear a colossal battle raging behind the encircling doors. Using the map we head for a secret passage and find a ghastly sight of a human infant, eating the entrails of a living Hextorian priest. The infant’s upper body was actually inside the man’s body and when it emerged covered in bile, blood and fecal matter, I saw that it had bat wings!. The priest and the demon child are soon slain. The next room contains four cages packed to the bursting point with living mewling human infants. The curtain to the left, I peak out and see a fiendish centaur, actually sewing bat wings on a living infant, while chanting out an incantation. The very sound of it’s Abyssal used in the rite was stomach churning to say the least. By Bocob’s mystical ass! How can conjurers stomach dealing with these creatures. My hand still itches with the desire to blast it from the material plane! Just past the creative centaur, we see Kirzit and the Battletitan tearing into each other. Silver is quickly releasing the infants and administering aid to them. Tears of rage and pain I can see glistening her silver eyes, making them look like pure mithral. We set up and soon the centaur is dead, but El-Rohir’s holiness draws the Battletitan and Kirzit like moths to the flame! I temporarily trap Kirzit in a force cage, while Terranza is eaten by the Battletitan, when she scoops up the infant that the centaur was stitching. At the time I had the craziest thought, dinner and desert in one bite! Kirzit and El chop and each other in holy and unholy frenzy. Dark v. Light, flashes and sparks fly. Each blow landed by El sounds as if Angels were singing, while the blows dealt by Kirzit emit the soul wrenching screech of the damned! I blast the Battletitan, only to cause it to focus on me as it’s next meal. I must admit that seeing a gigantic fanged lizard bite at you is not a very comfortable feeling. Between our magic and brawn Kirzit is banished, and El follows as well. The Battletitan is slain, and we dig Terranza out before she can suffocate, but the infant she had tried to save did not fare so well.
From the Journal of Master Wizard Thasos Silverstaff 10/25/576
Flamora’s fireballs with my wand of chain lightning soon makes short work of them. After the battle my memorized spells are half gone, and we are all hurt. I urge caution and to find a place to hide and recuperate, but my words fall on deaf ears. My misgivings on the future of the Oathbound’s success were soon made true. We headed for what the map depicted as a possible theatre, which turned out to be a temple of evil. We fight a demon creature that could duplicate itself through shadow and was very nimble and fast. Once again we are victorious but not for long. We soon enter the sanctum of the Demon Kirzit. The beast was laying in wait under a veil of invisibility. Terranza who was leading the way was slain in the blink of an eye. I launch spell after spell that just wash off the monster with no effect. The Demon, with it’s vile tentacle arms cradled Terranza’s lifeless body like that of a lover, while it conversed with Silver and El-Rohir! The fools, do they not realize what they are dealing with. Through its lies and deceit I am able to determine that it will lead us to the controlling book. I can see in Flamora’s eyes that she has come to the same conclusion. In unspoken agreement we proceed to the Demon, and tell it to lead the way. I hope to gain control of the book, therefore the Demon. Ah, my stupid pride! I was convinced that I would be able to out think and act a creature that has been around creating havoc for a millennium! Flamora opens the chest, and there it is a vile and evil book, open to a page with an illustration of Kirzit in a binding pentacle writhing in pain. Just as I shout “FLAMORA, DO NOT TOUCH THE BOOK!” Kirzit lashes out at her, and under his demonic magic she shuts the book. With an evil laugh, that still makes my bones ach Kirzit launches into a teleport spell. I attempt to cast disintegrate on Terranza’s corpse, and El-Rohir tried to wrest her corpse from the monster, but all to no avail! It completed the spell and is gone! Then in the ensuing silence El-Rohir’s anguished cry of loss echoes in the caverns. It seems that Pelor did not take kindly to one of his chosen making a deal with a Demon! Silver and Flamora also had some peculiar looks on their faces. I guess the event did not sit well with their deities as well.
An Excerpt from the Journal of Master Wizard Thassos Silverstaff. 10/25/576
It is a shame that the Oathbound did not attend the Magus Academy. They would have benefited from the teachings of Master Loerig, Instructor of Conjurations, “When dealing with evil, remember there is no true loyalty or fairness, only advantages!” Oh, well the Master Eli was a very interesting character as were his lackeys. Their magical equipment was very impressive! Master Eli’s treaty was laughable at best, but the some of the others were seriously considering it! If they had, I would have left them to their fate and returned to Greyhawk. The thought of any tampering with my mind causes me to shudder with unimaginable revulsion. I am grateful that the Elf sided with me in convincing the others. I explained that I can transport us all to the next level. During the truce I examined the maps and calculated the distances between the levels. Everyone agreed, and I opened a dimension door to the next lower level, believing it was a great hall. Much to my chagrin, we ended up on the demon’s level. I landed us on some sort of sacrificial table, and before I could get my bearings a very loud banging startled me out of a years worth of life! The damned Elf was smashing the manacles of the table. To what end I have no idea, but her mutterings of “no,nonononono” seemed be deep rooted. The noise quickly brings some Abyssal Ghouls that are very resilient to most forms of magic! We soon slay the creatures, but are stuck upon the demon’s level. I am sure that Eli didn’t expect this!
From the Journal of Master Wizard Thasos Silverstarff 10/21/576 We emerge from our hidey hole and meet our latest member, Flamora a very charming gnome sorceress that we met during the wedding. She is a friend of Hanor’s and came with very high recommendations. It seems that her clan and Hanor’s go way back and have fought evil and tyranny for quite some time. The only problem was she really did not say much. After some explanation, orientation with the layout and my map, Flamora meshed into the party. We then move deeper into the bowels of this foul and dangerous mausoleum of death. On the second level we start to explore a warren of rooms that are painted with weird silver paint that once had wood partitions dividing them. My evocation of the Light of Lunia provides illumination for all of us, but also makes us stand out like the proverbial bulls eye! Aria’s sharp elven eyes notice an armored male at the edge of my light. She hails him with the well-known “who goes there?” Well, that was original and helpful! I believe that we discussed that this place has no friendlies, and innocents cannot reside in this Hell hole. No, that is not correct. I had thought it, but failed to voice that thought. Well I will do so; all creatures here are in dire need of pain and death. Due to the confining spacing between the rooms, we spread out and try to flank the enemy. As I prepare my spell, Flamora casts Deep Slumber, dropping the Seeker, but soon there are more, with Gnolls, and that Archer B&%!@ that turned Terranza into a pin cushion last time. I protect myself, and then Silver with Iron Guard. I then cast Emerald Flaming Fist for the first time, and charge into battle. Flamora utilized a couple of fire balls very effectively and El Rohir effectively uses his great sword to dismember the enemy. We are victorious, and collect up some trinkets to sell later. The best is we have complete maps of the entire lair! We pick out the most likely spots to explore, and move on. We come across a gnollish priestess, who summoned Slaads to help her. Oh, too bad I turned her mind into mush, and the battle was soon over. Hell, I have to say seeing that Elf fire her bow through the blade barrier put up by the evil priestess was very amazing. I didn’t think such a thing could be done.
FROM THE JOURNAL OF THASOS SILVERSTAFF, MASTER WIZARD: 10/18/576
We arrive in a killing pit, with soldiers and the Greyhawk insignias and regalia prominently displayed. A leader orders us to disarm, of course my staff having been munched, I toss my dagger to the granite floor. Silver and El Rohir become defensive and El became particularly argumentative. I heard Terranza move to my left and drop that horrifically intimidating double axe. I believe that the first layer of the Abyss felt that adamantine head hit the floor! At least the leader of the Greyhawk Guard definitely raised his eyebrows at that sound! Aria placed her wonderful bow on the floor and drop her weapon belt. Still Silver and El refuse, and then the last words I hear..”What is your name and title” The pain was pretty intense, but then peace. The next thing I am aware of is that I am back in my home; Grezzor and a Priest of Boccob are standing over me. Now this has been a very interesting experience, and costly. It seems that I was pummeled to death. How ignoble! I believe that Boccob’s lack of interest in all mortal left me in limbo until I came to his attention. I was raised due to faithful Grezzor’s aide, prior to falling under Boccob’s uncaring gaze. After paying the fee in my life force to overcome the negative effects of being raised, I rest and recouped my magical powers. I conduct some research as to why my spell misfired and realize that Greyhawk has a major magical teleportation shield over the city to prevent illegal teleportation. Damn! I am such an idiot! I should have inquired with the local magistrate about teleportation laws! I paid the ultimate price, and how! I swear I can still feel those five sonic bursts enveloping me! I wonder if some of that green leaf pipe tobacco could relieve these feelings. 10/19/576
After meeting up with the Oathbound, it seems only Terranza has any compassion about my death. It seems that El Rohir and Silver have only thoughts about their nuptials. Well I cannot be one to hold a grudge. I agree to fetch Hanor from his mines to officiate the wedding. I am starting to feel like an unseen servant! Luckily I think before I jump in, and pick a spot outside of the mines. I then knock upon their door, and was welcomed heartily. I am brought to Hannor quickly, and he readily agrees to preside over the wedding. He states that due to his overwhelming debt to the Oathbound, he will need to have the proper priestly paraphernalia and regalia to do a proper job. The next thing I know, is I am teleporting Hannor, three acolytes, and a chest of full of Moradin religious items. This time when we arrive in Greyhawk, the reception is better. When my vision is able to register, the Guards and their leaders are a lot more respectful about dealing with a High Dwarven Priest of Moradin and his entourage in full regalia. The following days were very hectic. I scribed two new spells of the seventh circle, and transfer one of the scrolls we obtained into my spell book, attend the wedding, sell my loot. Damn this adventuring is very tiring and profitable. I didn’t have time to purchase fitting gift for the wedded couple, so I scribed a note of gift. I bestow upon them a princely gift of permanency for them both. The look upon their faces was very satisfactorily when they read my gift scroll. I have to admit that the wedding was very scenic and had an extremely peaceful effect upon all in attendance, including the dwarves. Having been raised among the stone folk, I was touched as they were. El Rohir is a very lucky man once he beds Silver, but I believe that he bit off more than his dainty half elven jaws can chew! Silver is a very tough and independent woman. I wonder how this will work out between a Ranger devoted to a God of Nature and with El Rohir his devotion to a Sun God. The marital fights will be either very benign, or very catastrophic and entertaining.
Journal of Master Wizard Thasos Silverstaff: 10/17/576
This level is empty, and all but one area has been explored. The sealed hallway that is marked in Mordenkainan’s own Arcane mark warning of danger. Of course the others cannot resist, and El takes the wall down with a stone shape prayer. We find a single door, that opens to Terranza’s tools and we move into the room that has small pits in the floor. The next thing I am aware of is that my staff and cloak are now missing. According to the others I apparently became enthralled by an enchantment that caused me to fling my belongings into the pits that masticated them. I hope they get the runs from it. Damn, I had that staff for 10 years, and the cloak was highly enchanted with abjuration magic. After some choice words, we proceed to the Gnoll tunnel. It only allows single file, so I change us all into Gnolls with a Veil spell. Our exploration was rudely interrupted by a patrol of humans, that felt we had stolen some treasure from the “Master”. We try to bluff them, but I could see that a melee was about to ensue, so I magically enlarge us to double our sizes! The looks on those terrified men was very amusing. They fled, and we continued exploring. A quick melee with some half tiger, half dire wolf creatures handled by the fierce fighters gave a little diversion. The next room caused Terranza to squeak in delight! The focus of that delight was some magnificently made whips hanging on a wall. We search the room and find that the patrol returned with friends! Unfortunately Terranza is in the hall by herself, while the rest of us cannot bring our might to bear upon our foes. Terranza becomes flanked by another dog/cat, but this one seems to be much tougher and meaner. Arrows thud into Terranza from down the hall, and cross bow bolts shatter against the door jam, when El peers around it. Spells and prayers are flung and Aria’s bow sings out its one long song! I try to polymorph the cat dog thing, but fail. I hit it with an orb of electricity, while Terranza uses her double ax with great enthusiasm. The enemy archer flees, with a few of the soldiers, and we take three captive. We move back up to the first level, where we hide out. The captives huddle together, believing themselves the captives of huge, gnolls with unspeakable powers!
Howdy Y'all, Yup, I'm from Texas, but that's beside the point. The initial question was "does the multiclass suck v the true class". Well that's a yes and no answer. Yes, when you compare one and one per class abilities. No, when you compare versatility. Another hit upon the nut of it! Use your abilities to complement your skills. As an arcane user combined with fighter you just have to plan intelligently. Just remember that the fighter who runs into a magical barrier gets stumped, just an arcane user in melee! I had great enjoyment playing a sorcerer 10, monk 2. I was the only arcane player in the party and had to concentrate heavily on the sorcerer part, but wanted to equalize the monk part. The monk evened out all my saves, gave great feats and AC bonuses for an elf who wouldn't wear armor. I had too many spell failures due to armor. I roll really badly. The point being is multi class is never as strong as true, but can be used as a jack of all trades type that kicks butt.
DM of the Raiders! Well once again, I destroy another party! muwahahshhshshasdfadsjdlfkjlsadfjldkj Sorry, that was my 8% evil coming out. I had taken a D&D character test. The test would determine what race and type of character I would be if instantly transferred. Now mind you I am 5'11 225Lbs, but the test resulted in me being a LN Halfling fighter that was 8%evil. Well.... good thing I flunked wizard school! Anyway the party all failed their saves (except Liandrin) and were transformed into Halffiends. Liandrin and Daedulus fled (taking most of the treasure) leaving the half fiends to their fates. COOL!
From the Journal of Thasos Silverstaff, Masterwizard 10/16/576
Oh the turmoil I suffered! Everything became an issue of how I felt, or how they felt, and whether or not my robes made me look fat! Damn! It really sucked! Luckily El Rohir being a priest of higher power was able to dispel the curse and relieve me of the emotional angst I was suffering! Of course Aria in her typical Elvish flamboyant frivolity attempted to share! Shedding the female persona was very gratifying but the night prior was an interesting experience of my personal adjustments. The next day we continued with the southern rooms, and were soon set upon by a group of 7 gnolls bearing those vicious dire flails. El launched his throwing battleaxe at first sight! I was caught unawares as I was concentrating on the magic found with in the next room. El’s yell alerted the rest of us, but it was a desperate fight! El slew a few of the hairy beasts, but was pummeled into unconsciousness. I launched a few spells, but Aria’s bow, Terranza’s axe and Silver’s swords soon slew the creatures. Silver brought her lover awake through a potion, and he drew upon his Deity’s power to heal the rest. I was then able to fully examine the rugs in the room, primarily the one with the magical pin. Through my arcane sight and knowledge of the arcane, and planes was able to determine that the carpet was a carpet of flying. I tested my theory my stating the name on the pin and it elevated to the customary 3 feet off the floor. I dredged my memory for the ancient Suel history and remembered that they used to torture and imprison elementals for mundane tasks such as this carpet. I explained my view on the matter with the rest of the party and all were in agreement to release the elemental. I had them all step away, but the damned elf started harping on me about rewards and me being the only one to receive them. I informed her that on my honor I would share any reward with the rest if such came about. She quieted down. I never would have thought that the musical voices of elves could be sooooo grating! After I made sure the others were at a relatively safe distance, I removed the pin, and invoked the releasing words to free the creature! I formed with much thunder and wind. I met it’s furious gaze and I respectfully informed it was free, with no obligations to the Oathbound. I palatably felt its gratitude, as it returned to its home plane. The creature had been bound for at least 2000 years, what a bad fate. Well I now have the name of a powerful air elemental ally if needed to summon such. After that we explored past the black curtain that was to the south of the rooms we were exploring. El went ahead, while I stayed hidden behind closed doors, my spell of “Light of Lunia” was too revealing. El moved ahead with his permanent Darkvision (thanks to my permanency spell) to look through the curtains while the others waiting in a skirmish line in the dark. As soon as El parted the curtains the violet emanation of faerie fire was seen. The gallery behind the curtain was sufficient to house a small arena. I was advised that my glowing persona was safe to come out, and I detected faint illusion magic from the room. These emanations came from the two bystander stands to the east and west, and the pillars at the entrance. These ivory pillars were great works of art! To the South was a strange set up of two sculptures, one a robed figure with dagger in hand, and an armored figure with long sword in his. They flanked a stairway that led up to a throne. Situated upon the throne was a statue of iron! All else in this gallery was of ivory or wood, but this was in iron! GOLEM, my mind screams. An Iron golem, a creature that is virtually immune to my arcane art! I yell out my fear to the others to beware the iron statue, but alas it animates when Aria enters beneath its platform. I cast my only effective spell against it, an electrical orb that causes it to slow for a brief moment. At this point we prepare. I cast Iron guard, bulls strength, Bear’s Endurance, Cats Grace on the others. El swells in size and then again until he is huge! The golem comes! El drops it with a prayer to Pelor to shake the ground, causing a small quake! The construct drops, but soon rises, only to be hacked and hewed upon by the might axes and blades of the Oathbound. Terranza’s charge is beaten back, but she is smart enough to leave her wonderful adamantine axe for Silver’s use (she has been protected by my magic) and the golem is soon turned into so much scrap! Of course enchanted scrap is valuable for spells, so I magically store 85 pounds of it! What a battle, we hide in the secret hallway behind and under the platform. Oh the ladies were able to toggle some levers that released the dagger and longsword from the flanking statues. They are very powerful weap
From the Journal of MasterWizard Thasos Silverstaff 10/15/576 We gained the entrance without much ado, but then not much occurred for hours and hours. The tedium was really bad, and a few of my defensive spells ran out as we tried to figure out how the get through a set of very stubborn doors. Our patience had practically ran its course, when the doors opened! The hapless Gnoll that done this very beneficial deed was very surprised. We soon made short work of him, and then while we interrogated the lone survivor we were set upon by some mindless undead that had very unsettling eyes. It is a good thing that we had a priest of Pelor with us. El Rohir banished them through his god’s holy might. Very impressive. We let the Gnoll go after he drew a map to his tribe’s area. I did cast prestidigitation upon him in the form of a glowing light and explained that he was now marked with my magic. If he betrayed us, the light would melt his mind from the inside out. I believe my ruse worked. He definitely fled as if. After some more exploring and the finding of some treasure, we were rudely attacked! It was a very near thing, we had split our party to speed up the searching (against my advice) and Terranza, and Aria were slain by a midget giant, and an ogre magi! I warded El Rohir with a mighty spell, and then turned the ogre magi’s mind to that of a lizard. He babbled about, but the midget fled via dimension door. I and El Rohir slew the ogre, and then we dragged the bodies of our fallen comrades into a weaver’s room and rested for the night. Luckily we were undisturbed and El Rohir was able to bring their corpses back to the land of living.
Journal of Master Wizard Thasos Silverstaff: 9/16/576
9/18/576
My report on the negotiations with the Hestmark that I prepared is sad. No matter how I rephrase, edit and explain, the report is poor and obvious in my failure. Oh Well they should have sent one of those fops that work in the State Department, possibly a garrulous Halfling, or a flighty Elf, or better yet a serious and devoted dwarf. I presented it to the Iron League bureaucrat clerk. I had sealed it with my magical mark. I let slip as I handed it over, that to open it without the proper password would cause any unauthorized reader to suffer the Slimy Doom. It was very satisfying to see him blanch. He then quickly dropped the scroll case in the send tube. 10/14/576
After a brief fight with some bandits, we rescue some women and I teleport two and a prisoner back to Greyhawk to face punishment. He capture and subsequent release to the authorities netted a little gold. The entrance is located at the ruins and we prepare!
Insight of Master Wizard Silverstaff from a gathering from the ethereal message of one El Rohir to his cousin: "I have failed. I have failed you, myself, and the Hestmark!" WHAT ABOUT YOUR COMPANIONS THAT YOU FAILED! I THINK TO MYSELF. "I have spent the past nine months in earnest seeking spent blood." WELL HE IS A BARBARIC PRIEST! "In but the blink of an eye in the dirge of the grimmest contest of arms and wills I have yet encountered, an act of INATTENTION TO WHAT I HEARD X3, AND COULD NOT FATHOM was meaningless to me. And in the fog (IN THIS FOG, ELROHIR WAS ABLE TO CANCEL HIS RAGE AND CAST SPELLS) of this one battle, I brought about a condition which may have cost the Hestmark its freedom. In my failure my fear and self loathing were justified that our new wizard companion has the good sense to keep his mouth shut along with the rest. YEAH!
Journal of Master Wizard Thasos Silverstaff: Date 8/2/576, I have been sent on a mission by the Iron League to assist the Hestmark in combating the evil of the Overking. Master Scik’s teachings and assistance was invaluable in the creation of my Ring of Wizardry. Its ability to enhance my spells of the second circle will prove most beneficial in this arduous task. I will have to prepare before setting off. The wild lands outside the city can be very dangerous to those not properly protected. Date 8/15/576
Date 8/22/576
Date 8/25/576
My Dwarven escort did get a little fun in when a pack of stupid orcs attacked us. Their axes and hammers soon made short work of them; I only had to cast one spell. Date 8/29/576
Date 8/30/576
9/2/576
9/4 /576
I was introduced in this order: El-Rohir, a barbaric half-elf cleric of Pelor. His long blonde hair almost kept his slightly pointed ears from being seen, but not completely. He carried a huge great sword on his back, and apparently it is well used. Silver, a fair looking young woman of the Ranger code who carried a long and short sword at her slim hips, obviously a student of the twin blade fighting style of the Greyhawk arenas. She has the most amazing eyes I have ever seen on a human. She must have some Celestial blood in her to have eyes of liquid silver! Terranza, a strong female fighter of obvious prowess was next. She was toting a very intimidating double headed ax of very powerful dweomer. By the way she moves I would not be mistaken that she has had been taught the subtle roguish arts. Dwarven Priest Hanor, his Holy symbol of Moradin prominent on his shield, and chest, obviously a great boon the party. I asked for his blessing in Dwarvish, which didn’t surprise him considering my escort. Although through discourse I could tell that he is not a free thinker, and more of a follower of dogma. Then there is Aria a beautiful female elven archer. Her longbow radiated so much magic it was almost painful to look at. Her tiny size was very misleading as I noted the master bowyer’s markings on the handle riser that it had a 200 pound draw. I couldn’t pull that without magical aid! I did notice that she had been weeping recently and through discreet inquiry learned the Oathbound had just recently lost their sorcerer. Drak, an elf who died mysteriously at the hands of an unknown foe. Her heartache was so sincere that it almost makes me jealous of this Drak. Alas, I am not too found of the fair folk as they are too flighty for me, although I do find them very interesting in their innate usage of magic. During this meeting Boss Fromm asked me if I would be up to a little adventure and attempt to deliver a great blow against the Overking. He sketched out the plan of how the party will attack the Archbishop of Pontilver through a “back door” that he had magical means to bypass the guardian. The brashness and overconfidence of the group and of Boss Fromm definitely took me aback. I mean to actually believe that a small group could infiltrate the Archbishop’s defenses and win, what ludicrous thought! Before agreeing, I inquired as to what magical means? He explained that he had the magical cloak of the guardian’s deceased keeper. This cloak would allow the party to pass the guardian and enter the Archbishop’s sanctum. That definitely makes things sound better. So I agreed! Of course I have ways of escaping if things go the way of the nine hells. Date 9/5/576
In the misty morning we all gathered together. Packs are donned and walking sticks tested, when I offer to summon horses for all of us to ride, but Boss Fromm declined. He stated that he needed us to stay close to him. It would be too difficult stay in within the twenty radius of his magic screening with horses. I acquiesced as he is the leader. I still believe that tying the horsed with a slip knot on their saddle horns with measured rope would have worked. Date 9/12/576
Date 9/13/576
Of course the pile of dirt doesn’t return and we go with plan B. I go to my rest. Date 9/14/576
After a few minutes the hole runs out of air and I cast a spell to replenish our air supply. Of course we couldn’t feel any movement and after what we determined was enough time to have made entry through the keep’s floor we decide to make our exodus. I have to say that El-Rohir doesn’t think and here I site the first example; here we are 5 persons in a 10 foot by 6 foot pocket and he enlarges himself to a twelve foot monster! His damned scabbard left an imprint on my right cheek! He spreads open the dimensional hole and is stopped cold by a thick matting of webs! I dissolve the webs through my magic and he exits. I see large clawed appendages of possibly demonic spiders hew into him, when Silver, then Terranza and Aria exit. As I am about to pull myself out I see a large fiery flash, and note Fireball, caste by a Master of the Art of the 14th Circle. Finally I get out of that hole and see that I am standing over the hacked and masticated body of Hanor. A battle is raging well and I spot the enemy wizard. He is peeking from around a staircase landing that leads up. I launch a defenestrating sphere at him, only to watch it fizzle away. The Oathbound soon slay everything, and I loot the enemy wizard’s body. I grab what I can as Boss Fromm commands us to leave through the portal now. I cast a mass flight spell, enable all the power of an avian. We fly through the Hextor portal (which makes my scrotum shrink) and emerge into a subterranean river dock. In front is a large portcullis, four very large armored trolls behind a bank of heavy ballistae and behind us a small ship. Our abrupt entrance surprises the brutes and I launch a blazing ball of light toward them that erupts into a brilliant hovering sphere that fills the entire area around and behind them. I then quickly cast another defensive spell that caused my body to blink in and out of reality rapidly. I fly over to the ship and get behind the railing. Ballista bolts fly at us and we respond. El-Rohir flies to the portcullis and tries to lift it, and fails. Silver, Boss Fromm and Terranza go to help. I search and spot the linking bars near the ceiling and disintegrate them, almost causing the brawn to fall back when the gate flies up. By Boccob’s great mystical orbs! None of my magic seems to harm these brutes for long. They regenerate my lighting, fire, and magical damage easily. Boss Fromm instructs us that only acid cause’s permanent damage to them. Once again, by the bouncing jewels of Garl Glittergold’s mirth I have only two acidic spells prepared for this day. I launch the first and see a very satisfying grimace or was it a grin, can’t tell with all those fangs on the face of my target. Silver is dropped and El-Rohir screams in rage and anguish. Terranza is dancing back and forth and I launch a persistent blade to help flank one of the two creatures she is dancing with. Her adamantine ax head is slicing the trolls up very nicely. Aria’s arrows are a continuous barrage of pain for the brutes, but not really doing any lasting damage. As soon as the frost damage forms it fades to nothing. These creatures apparently have magic resistance and typical of their foul kind regenerate quickly. Boss Fromm using a healing wand brings Silver back from the brink of death. I land and enchant a shield on the ship the acts as her guardian. It is then that I see the beast! A horrific creature of a type and nature that escapes my teachings. That thing must weigh a thousand stone! It emerges from an illusionary wall behind the banks of ballistae. It is armored and has an empty saddle astride its horny back. Its large hind legs propel it like a hopping bird forward as its two small forelegs almost dangle idiotically. Of course there is its maw, with teeth as long as Silver’s long sword. It sniffs about and my sphere of blazing fire does not faze it in the least. It seems curious, and Boss Fromm yells out not to be concerned as he can get us by the beast. May Boccob’s blessing and magic keep me safe, the thing has just been divinely pissed off by the idiocy of El-Rohir! He assaults the beast with a prayer of the third tier! He might as well pinch it in the ass! The monster closes on me and nearly slays me with its mighty bite! I depart in a quick spurt of aerial maneuvering out of it’s reach, yell to the others to converge upon me. They all pile into Silver’s magical hole, and I teleport us back to Hanor’s clan holdings.
Drak’s thoughts, Well, it seems as if things have come to a very foul pickle! We leave the keep to seek out Fromm, and run into some fun. We come across a Medegian cavalry company with supply wagons. They spot us and approach I am about to blast them, when Silver’s outburst of “they might be Fromm’s troops in disguise” changes my incantation to one of attack to one of defense. I thought to ignore her plea, and blast them anyway, but if she was correct then listening to her b%~#~ for the next month was not worth the pleasure. The Medegian leader crassly demands that we keep hands away from our weapons and let them pass. Hmmm, he thinks the Overking owns this road! Ha! I chuckle mentally to myself, I think not. I see the fodder spread out and load their crossbows. My reply to the lame demand is FIRE! A great ball of it, that fries 4 troopers, and sends another running. Soon my magic is flaying the creatures to death, while my companions do their thing, OW! It appears that a spell caster with a bow has approached, targeted and hit my precious hide with an arrow. I unleash burning blood upon him and his shriek of agony is music to my pointed ears. Soon the battle is over and Silver is out and about capturing, kissing and conversing with horses all over the battlefield. The rest are tying up the prisoners, and when I make the suggestion that they are a burden, and will slow us down, Silver once again berates me about not killing prisoners. Damn her hide! I of course throw her off by stating that we just strip them and let them go. Terranza’s thoughtful look of twenty plus naked men running amok brought a smile to her face. While they proceed to clean the area and loot, I go looking for that byproduct of a harpy’s bowel movement that shot me in the back. I soon find him a half a mile away crisped from the inside out. It is such a great spell, well worth the temporary bad taste when cast. The only problem is that he has a glyph of some sort around his corpse, and ……. WHY IS IT SO DAMN DARK IN HERE! I feel funny… OH! Not again!
Howdy,
Then again so has the longbow. In the early eighties I read a book on medieval warfare (sorry can't list the title) that gave these two examples of the power of the English Longbow; Could pierce 6 inches of OAK wood
Those examples impressed me to the point I have never forgot, even though at times I am hard pressed to give my current age! I will continue this line of thought at a later time, but have to go for now.
Howdy from West TEXAS! I am the DM of this fun game, and my good/bad but not truely evil cleric of Cyric has been detailing the adventure. I explained earlier tht I combined the PC Game with a true game supplement that was made for D&D 3.0. Yes shudder all you wish, but I had to correct a few adjustments; which included the zombie, adult black dragon. In the 3.0 version it only had 55 HP! Ahhhhhhh, the blatent down play of huge monsters. Anyway, in my final battle the fun was amok, and that zombie dragon (properly templated) was rude. The heroes won out for the moment as we had to stop prior to their great escape! (It was 4 a.m. and we had started at 7ish.) Great game
Drak’s thoughts, I am so glad that we returned to Dorr; hanging out in another cave was very depressing. The damp, the human smell, El’s and Silver’s coy and amateurish flirting has really been annoying. I shouldn’t be so annoyed, they are my companions and I should be more appreciative of them. I have been very testy lately. I can feel my power building towards higher heights! It is creating a tension that cannot be released! Ah….to gain additional spells through inner meditation and arcane study is life’s greatest pleasure! By the nine hells and six-hundred-sixty-six layers of the stinking Abyss, my breakthrough in obtaining additional spells is just out of reach. I can feel the power within me growing, building like that of a geyser ready to blow. This power is much greater than previous times. My very soul vibrates with it! I have meditated hours upon this and come to know that I will be able to obtain one new spell in the second, through fifth tiers of the ART. I am aware of what I need to for the necessary components to enhance my repertoire of spells. I will attempt to get them in Dorr. My strength grows daily through my own abilities from within, unlike those stuffy wizards having their musty tomes and scrolls. They are not much better than a scribe on a power kick! Prior to gaining sight of Dorr’s gates, I offered most graciously mind you, to store all sundry large weaponry for the party. Alas, my offer was distained upon by the others. Aria did explain that they all wished to pay the extra fee to keep their weapons upon them in case of trouble. Tsk, pull them out upon trouble and then pay the fee! Well strategery is not my skill! I stored my longbow so as not to pay a silly fee to the guards. Once again we pass through under the guise of our aliases. How fun that is to see Hanor stammer out a lie! Ha, I will have to teach him the finer arts of diplomacy yet! Silver was just as fun to watch with her Ranger Code, but she at least distracted the guards’ attention with her womanly wiles! Aria glided through like the Elvin beauty she is, while Terranza just scowled her way through. El, on the other hand had to get into his PREACHER ego, and use it to expound upon the needs of Good Clerics to posses their weapons in case of evil doings! Geez they must shove that crud down their throats at acolyte level! Then again El, does love to grandstand. He should learn the Bard trade. The Entertainment was lively at the Sunflower Palace of the personal sort! I was able to obtain the same suite with the wonderfully high ceiling. During our last stay Aria and I enjoyed it to the fullest extent! Ah Magic is not just for battle! I believe that when we destroy the Arch Bishop of Pontilver and get my reward, I will spend a few months here enjoying myself. Hope Aria survives! After gaining needed comfort and rest, not to mention spell components which I am finally able to obtain through the wonderful resources of the Boot and Trail. I have officially pledged myself as a member, but due to time constraints, a very large bounty upon my head and a really bad urge to burn something up; I had to postpone the great bash for a time yet to be set. We set off to meet another minion of Boss Fromm as part of the never-ending saga of “Free the Highlands!” Well it hasn’t been boring that is for sure. We travel through some broken land and Silver spots an ambush in the making. Of course the other white meat-Orcs are the ones setting it up. I do love a good pig roast! I engulf a few with flaming spheres of death, set their shamans blood a burning and take out my bow. I see that Silver has entangled quite a few with her woodland magic. They make some great targets! By the pointed ears of my father! THAT was close. Damn Orc almost hit me with an arrow; luckily my enchanted gloves grant me the ability to grab missiles. Damn useful things these gloves. Well back at you my ugly, porcine target! Ha! A hit. I do love using such mundane tools once in awhile! The vermin are soon routed or slain, and they even had a little loot upon their carcasses! What was that term I heard once from a strange fellow, a human of strange garb and stranger accent… Ah yes “Jolly Good!” We continue on, but soon have to rest our horses. This is according to Aria and Silver who seem to know their business around the smelly beasts. It was during this break that either Terranza or Silver once again spotted some movement, but far away. My spyglass is not sufficient to the task of identifying the creatures moving in the distance. I cast fly upon Terranza, she slips on her ring of invisibility and off she goes. She soon comes back claiming it is the enemy, Medigian cavalry with some possible spell casters. They seem to be headed toward Dorr. If I was a gambling elf, I would bet the Palace of Princess Lirial that they are responding to a spy’s report about us. Ha, I love the intrigue, and the smell of burning enemies! Well, Terranza not being one much on stratergery and geography, I ask Silver to scout up to plot the path of these Medegians! Silver, returns quickly and we set off. She stops us just short of the confrontation and we prepare our spells. Through the ART I endow all with grace and myself with many protective enchantments. By Hezrog’s hairy dark regions I don’t think even El could land a blow upon me! We get set up and I start the gala with a great sphere of flaming death. Three horsemen die instantly, as do their steeds. Then we are hot and heavy into it. I hold my actions preparing my staff of evocation to unleash a very unpleasant surprise upon those charging horsemen. Damn! The others set up too far ahead for me to cast what I wanted. Damn their eagerness, don’t they realize that my power can sway the battle when properly applied! Oooooo, that is nice! Terranza and Silver have enabled themselves to become surrounded with cavalry! “VALCELEB”, I voice unleashing a part of the staff’s power. Lightning leaps from the tip to the leading knight, scorching him and marking him mine! What? He still lives, ah no matter I point to the next victim, and he falls from the bolt that leaps from the knight to him, and then to the next and next and next until I have blasted thirteen horsemen, leaving but a few in their saddles. That is passing strange! Terranza seems to be pouting and upset that there are no more riders about her! Well I’ll ask her about it later. Hmmm, seems as if someone wishes a duel with magic! The feeble attempt upon my person washes over me like rain upon an umbrella! Ah… there's the little fool! I voice the word of power, “Vursha” coagulated blood fills my mouth just before the spell is unleashed. As I spit the last remnants of the flavor from my palate I see that my enemy feels my power hit! He flees and I believe it will kill him in time. I don’t know, but doubt greatly that he has the stamina to forestall his blood becoming a viscid flow of acidic fire. If he does, then he will be pissed off with me. The rest soon flee, but a few foolhardy ones that seem to be not of this plane. They all die fairly quickly. Now the next fun part…loot!
Drak's Thoughts: Finally out of that hole in the ground that the Dwarves relish, yrgh! We travel out and arrive at the Den, where we rest a bit then onto Dor, my most favorite of towns! Whatever is your flavor can be obtained here. Aria and I get a room at the best Inn/Brothel in the whole area. I get some supplies and try to obtain additional components to enhance my spell casting, but the specific items I needed were not available. After have fun we move into the woods and met up with the men of Fromm. We set up camp, but Silver goes off on her own and later we see her emergency flare in the sky, about a mile distant. By the time we get to her, she is slice up really bad. I warned her about magical alarms and traps! Well humans are so rash always running about without proper planning. Oh well glad she didn't get wasted (the cost of raise dead is dreadful), because having to listen to El lament her demise would have driven me to homocidal distraction! Watching Silver and El fall into each others arms and profess their undying love and devotion just about made me puke, geeze get a room!
As a player of sorcerers and a DM against magic heavy parties, this is the deal that I found out that works well.......
Of course if your players roll as badly as I do, then the point is mute. My 11th level Fiend Sorcerer 2nd lvl monk was ambushed with a spell (forget the name) that cut him off from using any magic! Well that really sucked! So my character pummeled the enemy wizard to death! Monk really works well with sorcerer.
Well it appears as if my DM/player create quite a stir with this age old problem! To admit being a drunk player or not! I have been using a Crown Royal bag since the eighties, and it has never worn out. What else can you say about a bag? As for the best drink there has ever been in my long line of experience 20+ years, three liver transplants and two marriages, was a single malt scotch; Loc Dhu (no longer in production, by the by if anyone has any let me know. ) Oh great DM/Player I believe you lost that German wunderbar bag
Drak's Thoughts. Well I glad to report that elves do make better sailors and navigators. The ship was a fine lady who carried us with grace a speed befitting her station! The battle was a nice little affair, love to burn things up! The loot was good, and I believe that El and Silver will want to give it to the rebellion; at least not after they buy me out. Hanor's clan was typical of its kind, short & hairy! If it wasn't for that fine ale they made, staying underground would have been tiresome to say the least. Oh yes, El celebrated his birthday. The way the humans carried on it was like the 50 year mark we elves celebrate! Oh well he was very taken with Silver's gift, which I must say was very well done! Although I don't think he enjoyed the stuffed toad I gave him in remembrance of his earlier adventure!
Drak’s Thoughts Well we trudged out way north to another pirate smuggler’s town on the coast, the name escapes me. Any way we check into the nicest inn, the Gondola’s something or other and I took a long soak in the hottest water possible. Afterward I go to the main room, order a drink and wait for Aria to come down so that we may go about the town and enjoy some of the sights. Well that wasn’t meant to be. I notice that the bard entertaining the crowd finished up and he came and sat at my table! I barely recognized him as the bard of the Iuz adventurers that we killed when we recovered the fiend’s cloak. Curious I let him speak his mind. He was sent by his master, Iuz to recover the cloak. He offered me great power and riches and 72 gnomish virgins to give him the cloak, but I really wasn’t interested. Oh yeah I had to swear allegiance to Iuz and be part of his army. Well, I really hate authority (at least over me) and told him to sit on his lute and spin and pay my bar tab. His parting words were “You’ll be sorry”, but in the end he paid my tab. I knew I had to warn the other, but wasn’t able to catch anyone other than Aria. I informed her of gnome and we geared out for full battle. We camped in the main room and waited for the others to return. Just as El and Silver returned to the Inn I felt my connection to my sorcerous powers cut off! By the nine hells that did not feel good! I see the cause of my predicament, a wizard of the Iuz scum. I try my staff of evocation to launch chain lightning against him, and the other scum as they were popping into sight. Damn! I can’t even use my staff! Well there’s more than one way to skin an owlbear! I charge into the fool, and soon my blows have him staggering. El, comes up from behind him and lays him out, and I crush his wind pipe ending his chants forever! Looking up I see that Aria is down and there is a huge halforc slicing into Silver and Terranza is throwing her double ax at the cleric near the door. Realizing the shouts from El and Terranza meant I quickly string my longbow, and pull out the sleep poison that I have been keeping just for an event as this. I dip an arrow into the poison, notch my arrow and….where’d that wench go? Ah well there’s that nice big half orc. Damn, missed him. Oh well El soon has him in pieces and the gnome has fled as well. Three dead, I didn’t even see the third get wasted. I cut their thumbs off, so if they get raised they will have to have them regrown…hehehehe I’m such an inventive elf! We come away with some interesting loot and settle down for the night. The next few days we sell off a portion of the loot we have as El wanted to turn all of it over to the rebellion to boost their fighting ability. Well that’s all and good, but they had to buy me out first, and the sale of a few items all for me brought me enough money to further my personal needs quit nicely. We are settled down in the main room enjoying a fine meal when Aria’s betrothed and party arrive. After some banal talk we get invited to their boat for dinner. Getting dressed up in new clothing I purchased with my appropriate weaponry I escort Aria to the boat. It’s a nice enough thing, seems to be roomy enough for travel. Although I have to say the dinner was finely done, and rivaled that of my family’s chef. Ah, good elven wine, beautiful elven women and a full belly…..
I am just starting my prep work on the AOW, and some of my players wanted to know whether or not they could Gestalt their characters. I have five regular players two have been gaming 20+ years the others just a few. Just wondering whether the gestalt will overpower of not be enough.
Drak’s Thoughts Well since I last placed my meandering thoughts to paper, things went from pretty sucky to really sucks. Let me start off that we were trooping along up the valley and were able to avoid a Dire Elk due to Aria’s rangering about, and El’s strategic use of a silence spell foiled the beastie. The others did get a little parboiled by some geysers we stumbled across, but my tainted condition kept me from harm. But we were not so fortunate with three bow wielding harpies that really put a bite into my hide. They were spread out enough that I could could only engulf one at a time with my fiery magic. Aria’s bow once again strummed out it’s angelic music and El actually used his bow! Since I was too busy dodging and knocking arrows away and rolling behind rocks I couldn’t tell if he hit anything with it. Silver and Terranza were too far away scouting that they didn’t get back in time before we killed one and drove the other two off. After healing up through the prayers of El’s Sun God, and the Dwarven God of Secrets we moved on. This time Silver and Terranza stayed closer to the rest of us. We moved up to a boiling lake that had a giant windmill in the middle that had a body tied to it… could this be Lord Morrow? Nah this is too obvious, Wheel of Pain! Yes we found the hapless lord and he was being systematically dipped into a boiling lake. Was he still alive, I think not! I enchanted the Oathbound with the wand of flying we recovered from some creature we killed in the past. We were about halfway to the wheel, when nothing. I wake up in the arms of Terranza with Hanor finishing his healing magic. I am about 30 feet above the boiling lake and smell oddly of bar-b-que? I notice that my staff of fire is missing. Terranza spits out that I got hit with a fire spell! Damn, that must have been one hell of a powerful spell to drop me like that! Without a second thought I fly back towards shore and see some reaaaaaallly ugly undead thing being attacked by a flying toad! Not wishing to waist time about the aerodynamics of toads and the effectiveness of being assailants of the undead, I launch my newest spell. Lucent’s Lance causing the undead creature to become blind and searing the crap out of him. I noticed that the toad had splattered against an invisible barrier about 2 feet in front of the undead creature. Apparently that barrier did not affect my spell. By the way where in the nine hells is El and Silver? Aria is firing her bow, ah there’s Silver flying towards Lord Morrow, but where is El? Maybe he was slain after all. Terranza launched herself at the creature, but her humongous axe bounded away from the same barrier as the toad encountered. No sooner had I observed this when Hanor caste some more healing upon me, when another creature even more vile than the first pops out of a sulfuric pool bordering the lake. He has an open torso revealing intestines that look like writhing snakes! He launches a cone of seething darkness that makes my head throb in annoyance! His feeble attempt melts away at my spell resistant nature. (Another benefit of the taint I am cursed with. Oh me, Oh my, what a burden to bear) although I think Hanor did not fare so well according to his painful outburst. I launch another lance of light that misses! Damn updrafts! Hard to aim when you are above a cauldron of boiling water the size of a small town! What’s this? Another flying toad, no I believe it is the same one as before; unless there is a plague of the creatures in this strange valley. No it is the same one as before, I can see it has a bloody nose from its initial impact. It is acting very strange, wait…. Yes, this is El magically transformed into a toad by the Baleful Polymorph spell! Aha, poor sod, must get that spell as soon as I can. Damn, another black emanation of vile energy hit me, washes off from the undead creature with writhing snake guts. Hanor, Aria and the toad, I mean El grunt, shriek and squeal respectively behind me. My third lance of light fries the first undead thing allowing Terranza to close on the gut monster. I hear Hanor casting another spell and wow, El is back… really pissed off. Or is he raging again, can never tell with those barbarian types. He and Terranza soon hack the monster down. Too bad Hanor removed the curse on El. The fun to have been had at Silver's expense, as she "KISSED THE FROG" to return him to his princely status would have been exquisite! Well, she and her snake have lost interest in skewering me for their goody kill all bad and not so bad people pot!
Hello, I am the DM of this fiasco. My good Cyrist desciple takes too much upon himself. His recounting of events is the greatest complement to a DM there is. His enjoyment at MY torturous obstacles makes me laugh with glee. Of course the other characters that died, well they were not so complementary. Bye the Bye, this was created out of the PC game, and then a game supplement. I have combined the two to see if my victims can negotiate it well. Buwahahahha
Well things haven’t gone as well as I might have wished. Ah I get ahead of myself. It was the day after we won the battle of the Ogre Spire. Silver stated that she would speak with the big ass lizard, and I could see doubt in everyone’s eyes, but Aria and Hanor (I don’t know why as she has accomplished this feat in the past with lesser creatures). Terranza gave a laugh and I believe it was her idea to feed the beast the dead foe, or was it mine? Either way, through food and Silver’s nature spells, the creature became tolerant of our presence. I quickly tired of hearing the grunts of lizard speak, and moved to the lower levels with Thane by stalwart bodyguard. I say, these Ogres were truly vile beasties. Their bedrooms doubled as their privy! Casting Detect Magic didn’t help the search for any hidden treasures, but luckily I was in a spot to observe some returning ogres. I quickly cast a defensive spell, and waited to see what they were up to. Four females I believe had great slings and soon launched large egg like missiles into the sulphuric pools below the cliff dwellings. The vapors soon overwhelmed Thane, and caused me some discomfort, although not enough for me to blast those overgrown vermin with a fireball. I had the satisfaction of seeing three melted down, before I had to withdraw. I attempted to get Thane to safer ground, but he was dead! I was able to gain the upper levels without further mishap. After the vapors departed, I was able to reclaim my property from Thane’s corpse. The rest of the Oathbound were very upset with me and that I wasn’t going to have Thane brought back from the realms of the dead! That’s it; they can take their respective nosey opinions and stick them up the lizard’s scaly butt! This is a private matter between me and MY guard. We had the understanding of what to do and not do in cases like this and I don’t need to explain myself to anyone. Do I tell El on how to woo Silver? NO! Do I tell Terranza on how to spend her money or pick a lock! May the powers that be grant me some forbearance! At least Wulfhere, Aria and Hanor have common sense in this matter, or at least decent manners. The matter is laid to rest with no hard feelings, and El gave a really nice sermon for Thane. I do believe that was his best to date. It almost brought a tear to my eye! Through Silver’s and Aria’s Ranger skills, the big lizard is willing to walk ahead of us, and not eat us… BONUS! The big galoot will cause all lesser creatures to flee away as we troop up the valley, giving us free reign! Damn the walking luggage, it ran off either to procreate, or eat something. Either way we’re on our own. As we trek up, Wulfhere opens up a monetary discussion of replacing Thane and earning pay as my guard. We quickly come to an agreement; which is rudely interrupted by the others as they push their unwanted opinions upon myself and Wulfhere. Our combined refusal to become embroiled in their insipid arguments soon quiet their outbursts. Wulfhere is my new guard. I give him additional equipment to facilitate his abilities and we move on. We move up the valley and soon come across a small lake. Apparently a large battle was fought her ages past. The bleached bones of many dot the shores of the lake. Half buried in the mud, there is a rotting wagon with a skeleton tied to one of the wheels. I stop at what I thought was a safe distance, when the creature animates. It shatters the wheel as is arises and spreads its decaying wings. Not only are its wings decaying, but its entire body is one big running pustule sore of putrefying flesh that replenishes as is runs off. I observe that it has a fell aura that affects my companions who try to close with it. I instruct Wulfhere not to close, but to fire his bow. I fire off a fireball that fizzles against the creature’s magical resistance. The creature closes on Aria and she is hard pressed. I launch a different spell that gets past it’s magic barrier causing flesh to burn off not to reform. The party scrambles about, but the nasty thing is able to close on Wulfhere slaying him through wings, and weapon. Terranza soon follows as does Aria. I continue through the use of my art to pummel the creature, but the effects are not as great as I would like. El invokes a rain of pain on the creature and me! Damn it by the hells that hurt! I quickly step out of the holy rain, and continue by barrage. The creature is soon slain and Hanor was able to save my beloved Aria. Miraculously Terranza survived the creature’s assault. As she fell from its vile blows she landed upon a small granite outcropping that kept her out of the vicious fluids and saving her life! Alas I lose another body guard! We soon realize that we do not have the means to bring Wulfhere back, so he is drained and I preserve his remains in a flask. We find the fresh bones of a dwarf near the wagon and some other treasures. Having been thoroughly thrashed we tactically withdraw back to the spire. Hanor speaks with the dwarf corpse and we learn that he was Lord Morrow’s blacksmith and they were in this valley to recover a dwarven artifact. Although how he escaped the clutches of the vampires and their evil plan to go adventuring into this vile valley for a dwarven artifact is beyond my cognitive abilities. After recovering we move north into the Valley of Stink! Once again Silver and Aria’s use of their combined Rangernessesseseseness, oh whatever! They convince the big lizard to keep from eating us and run interference up the valley. Once again the dumb beast runs off to fornicate or masticate, leaving us alone. We progress past the vile lake where so much was lost, and come into the presence of a gargantuan bug! Is this the same scorpion we saw days ago, or another? AHA! My burning blood spell takes effect! The creature screeches in agony as its blood turns into acidic fire! Damn that spell kicks ass! The insect can only hobble away in pain as my stalwart companions chop it into so much goo! Wow! Silver took two legs, El a pincher, Tarranza buried her double ax betwixt its eyes! I lost count of Aria’s arrows, but the damn thing died quick! Damn I love this job!
Since I last placed my thoughts upon parchment, I have acquired new and wondrous spells, one of which enhances my defenses greatly! Luckily we killed a dragon recently, (a component of the spell is the scale of a dragon). This stood me well, when we encountered a bow wielding monkey and its pet frogs! Nah, not you’re run of the mill frogs, but the size of ponies! As I was about the turn the giant fly eaters into a flambé I was hit by the big monkey’s well aimed shot. Luckily my own inherent resistance and the spell kept most of the damage, away, although my spell was ruined. Aria was able to place a few arrows in return, but was soon grappled by a frog’s great tongue. I could see its acidic spittle etching her armor. I soon slay the creature with my Art, and see that the monkey was dispatched by our wandering Ice Barbarian. The others slay the other frogs and we continue through the rain to a spot to camp and regroup. The rain lets up enough for us to see a spire type fortress with cliff dwellings at its base guarding the pass we need to get through. Through the use of my Art we gain flight and alight to the ridge top overlooking the fortress. After a few days of misery, we gain enough intelligence to determine that we can take the fortress and its Ogre inhabitants. Why the misery? Well let’s just say that staying in a inter-dimensional hole with two barbarians, a dwarf and a two humans overwhelms ones olfactory senses! Although seeing that gargantuan lizard was very inspiring… to stay the hell away from it! I could fit my warhorse inside its mouth! If I could charm it….hmmmm what a pet it would make. We set off with a silence spell and soon Teranza makes the whole silence idea moot by tumbling ass over elbows down the ridge and outside the silenced area. Of course this brings notice to out nocturnal foes, like a rooster crowing the farmer out of bed. Luckily we were close enough to get set up and slay all of the vermin. No one was dropped, and their pitiful ogre magi’s grasp of the Art was pitifully weak. His spell just washed over me with no effect! Of course the others didn’t fare so well, but hey we’re not all perfect. As the Hill Giant fell to Silver and El’s blades I detected the flight of more enemy. A fire ball killed some more and made sure the rest kept on running! I wish Silver would stop trying to put her morale code to me. Remember I am not a Paladin looking to bring justice to all. I am here for the fun and loot!
This Post is from Drak'Arath Tarantial (I can't figure out how to change my avatar's name.!!!!) By the nine hells! I knew that Silver would be in a tizzy about my taint! She keeps looking at me like I’m going to start spitting brimstone and horns at any moment. Please help me from the weak minded. I know she only wants to keep all safe, even myself…from myself? Either way she is stressing herself and me out to the point I’m going to HAVE to get the spell Dominate and make her my slave for a week or so, just to chill her out! Damn even her snake has been hissing at me! At least the rest of the Oathbound have some decorum, and trust my word (and Hanor’s backing of course) at face value. Hell if I wanted to do Evil (capital E most important) I would have fried those stupid villagers back at the vampire town. Weelllllllll did I? NO, I shot warning balls of fire over their collectively stupid heads and does that mean anything? No, I’m still being judged as some creature who just climbed out of an sludge pit with horns, tail and glowing red eyes! Sorry Silver the red eye was from the alchemist fire! Anyway…………….. We proceeded towards the valley that supposedly is the next location of our reward, when we got sidetracked! Our scouts spotted some flying creatures, and when they went in that direction….WHAM a black dragon decides meals-on-feet arrived! Of course the scouts tripped this up, and the rest of us were following at our normal pace. Then all of a sudden I spot the black beastie winging up ahead, I instantly know that the crud is in the mix. I enchant myself, Hannor, Thane, with a variety of good spells, but they are to no avail as the big lizard fled. We all approach the entrance to it’s lair. I send my invitation ahead, exploding the entrance with fire! What no answer… How rude! I summon a creature of fire and brimstone to explore, and his fiery breath doesn’t bring out any response! As I encroach upon the entrance, we are set upon by elite trolls in their camouflage and fierce weaponry. I blast one with spells, but he is only felled by my fellow’s weaponry, and of course the black beast emerges! Luckily my Heart is in position with her deadly bow, and her arrow storm drew a lot of acidic blood, but El’s blade work soon ended the beast’s life! The dragon died quickly, but it’s minions lasted longer! It took a lot to slay those creatures, but eventually we were victorious!
We acquired a new pet, a barbaric individual by the name of Wulfhere. He apparently did not take to me or Aria, and I kept a spell readied for anything he may have pulled. I did not trust him at first sight, and smell! The Oathbound ventured forth once again into the swamp, leaving the scaly ones behind. We find the outposts of the enemy by pure Happ-enstance! As we were squelching our way in, we detected the sounds of battle to our left! The scouts led and we followed. Aria and Silver soon found an outpost of orcs, and the fighting was between two of the scum, in foreplay. They were being grunted on by the others and we set up a plan. The others would get in close and wait for me to start the festivities with my signature calling card… a great ball of fire! Hanor, Thane and I wait back about 300 feet from the orc camp as the others sneak through the knee high grass, moving from bush to tree, or tree to bush however they get in close. Tarranza gives me the signal! I start my incantation and OW, zzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Damn I awake with Hanor looming over me. I soon find out from my bodyguard Thane that I and Hannor were ambushed by some sneaking human painted scum that likes to use a sleep poison! (Damn good idea, they must have stolen it from the drow.) I soon find out that the Orc battle is over before I can participate. We move on and find a suitable spot that we hide out while Elrohir jaunts off on an invisible flight to scout out the defenses of the enemy. In no time, he returns, running! I look for what is chasing his half-breed ass, but see nothing. The reason why, there is nothing chasing him! My bad, but by the seven heavens and nine hells he sure had the look of being chased! He reports that there is no activity. We proceed ahead and find a bunch of tracks and drag marks at the base of a hill. This causes the rangers to get all giggly and excited. (Well the humans do, Aria my Evenstar has better sense) start a long conversation over the properties of sand/dirt and the way it lays and is moved and how long before impression fade and blah blah blah! I have to interrupt and tell them, “My dear ladies, there is most likely a tunnel above under the under hang, and the cause of the slide, and steps is that of creatures tumbling or sliding out of it. So I suggest one of you stealthily types go up and check. AH HA a secret tunnel! It is about 10 feet wide, but only three feet high with a floor of slimy mud. As we are discussing the merits of exploring this find, I get the matter moving by stating “Damn it this tunnel has to be explored!” and begin to climb up to enter the tunnel, but Silver’s indignant response stops me. She explains in a voice that is almost, but not quit Elvish in lilt and tone that she had decided to explore, but was deterred by other topics of conversation! Either way, when she saw that the tunnel was so low, she responded positively to my suggestion of sending in her pet, the eight foot long emergency trail ration. Or as I like to call it, “hiss-a-bob”! The moving ration comes back with a story of how the tunnel is blocked. Aria my brave Elvenstar goes in and soon finds out that the blockage is an illusion, but trapped. Tarranza goes in with a rope tied to her ankle (at my suggestion) in case she sets the trap off and it is one of those squishing ones. Of course, she sets the trap off, (she really is an amazing fighter, but an abysmal rouge) that sounds the alarm and douses some acid upon her arms. She takes the pain very well, by only blurting “damn it! This is like that time I ate those Mephit Red peppers! We crawl in! Of course we do this in the most heroic fashion, meaing those in front fling mud on those behind! Whoa! An apparition appears next to me, and what a reasonable fellow he is! YES! I agree the rest of my companions must die and NOW. Damn them I am so tired of their ear snipes and short jokes, Taste my POWER! Ow! Damn it, Elrohir smacked my spell right out my head! The fight is on! We tussle and bite and scratch and roll all about. I get my wand of burning hands out and flame Elrohir and Silver. HA I love it! By the nine hells, Silver and Wulfhere have me in their grasp. Ah, fire does not harm me like these soft creatures, I engulf us all with my wand! I do it again and again and……. Why am I stripped to my small clothes and back outside? And why is every one looking at me like I’m the cause of Tarranza swamp rot? Oh s!$~! Hanor gave up my secret. Okay I have a small problem with being tainted with a fiendish quality since I was brought back from the halls of my Elvin God. You dumb asses you used a disciple of Asmodeas to raise me, and I became tainted with their evil. When I came aware of my status, I couldn’t tell the party all at once. Silver the Queen of Overreaction and emotion would have started slicing my hide before I could defend myself, and Elrohir would have followed his sweethearts move. So I planned to let my condition be known slowly and discreetly. Well the fiend is out of the bag now, so Silver and Elrohir needed some reassuring that I was not evil, but tainted by evil. I am still their boon companion and am the same Drak they knew before of course Aria and Hanor backed me up like true boon companions. ( I do think that Thane likes it, by the way are my teeth getting pointier?) We got over my fiendish taint and set off for the mausoleum by passing that screwed up tunnel. We met some nice fellows who were completely tattooed up and angry. A fire ball, two scorching rays upheld my part of the fight. Apparently these savages were some relation to Wulfhere who had a moment of crises and fled like a little hairy and stinky faerie. While we still had our spell defense up we went to the mausoleum. The doors opened and we could see a stairwell leading down through what was supposed to be a coffin.
We wait a few minutes and the enchantment wears off of the others. We go down and Silver finds a trapped step. She’s about the step past the trap, but my shout pulls her back. “There may be a trap past the obvious pressure plate trap, Let Terranza use her skills to defeat this” (Well let her try…) Terranza squeezes past Silver and pulls her tools out to apply her secondary trade. “SNICK” is heard by all… “Guys, I think something happened!” Terranza stated and Silver goes running outside and soon returns with a grave stone. She drops it past Terranza and as soon as the stone bounds past the pressure plate the next step dissolves revealing a spiked pit trap. Silver is not very receptive to my “your welcome” quip, but then she never is….. TO BE CONTINUED
If I never see another swamp again, ... well let me just say only idiots live in this kinds of climate. I have been able to use my Art to a great effect. I have cooked numerous bugbears, some possible goblinkind (Silver and El really couldn't make that good of an ID after I hit em with my fire). We were talked into ending a large lizard problem for a sweaty little village we came across. We marched out, and were soon fighting large lizards, but between arrows and one fireball they were wiped out. Then came some more larger lizards, these cooked very well, and just as we were finishing them off, the largest %$&**^#^@%$ ing lizard pops out of nowhere right in front of me. Damn it bites hard, before it could get another bite in, I made a quick tactical retreat. Before I could return while healing myself the Oathbound had slain the thing. Teranza was down and El and Silver were hurt. No one else who stayed out of it's bite and tail received injury. At least I lived through another battle, and have a new scar! One that goes all the way around my midsection! I have been able to train some more in the martial arts and have been able to buff up more, which I think Aria will like!
To my fellows of the Boot 'n Trail, Since I last placed my thoughts upon parchment, I haven't died! Yes it is quite an accomplishment, but at least I have Thane back, and Aria's open display of affection has opened up some doors I thought were closed.... but that is all I have to say about that. After being revived from the dead, I was able to enjoy some of the festival. Luckily I was able to beg out of those asinine religous rites! I know my priestly friends mean well, but they can be very annoying about the whole thing. I really did enjoy the confused, embarrased and flustered look on Silver's face when El presented her the gift of that horridly bright yellow dress. Ha! He really shows his rural upbringing with a color like that. He should have taken the advice of a professional dress maker! I will buy him some fine elven wine though for the entertainment value. I even had some of the town folk thank me for not turning them into human torches. I explained that we of the Oathbond are here to help, not oppress. They seemed very pleased with that drivel, but Hey have to keep up the legends of us. It helps with further commissions. During the festival the Lady of the Manor, who seems to have lost her Lord arrived with Tatamos and his Lady. I shared a drink with the misty woman, who had shrunk to somewhat normal proportions, (7 foot tall). We came to an agreement with the Lady of the Manor, her name escapes me, and later she promised me a dance. Of course she is about 6 inches taller and her dancing was very rudimentary, but still enjoyable. Although I almost lost an eye to her shoulder boulders! By the nine hells!, human woman do make them large! The festival was almost ruined by the appearance of a Paladin and his lackeys. They showed up, and were only allowed in after Silver and El vouched for them. After the festival we moved to the Paladin's Bosses home, about ten miles away. We were able to get the general lame map of the swamp, but not the location of the lost Lord. So off we go. We ditch stiff pants as he talks to the gate guards at the town on the edge of the swamp and we get wet. The heat is very bad and we are able to convince El that the riverbottom is not the route, as visibility gets to 3 feet! Even with my great eyesight. We get in his folding boat and the ride is much better. In fact some native savage bugbears (are there civil ones?) provide entertainment by prividing target practice for our bows and spells! We find their lame village and spend the night, which is interrupted by a plant monster. Although the few hours of meditation with Aria were very enjoyable. I do like watching Silver's reactions to El's attempts at fraternization. Hopefully we don't spend months in this armpit of a Fiend trying to find the Lich's lair.
It seems that I only contribute to the annals of the Oathbound when the direst happenings occur. Let me start from the last time I wrote. Since I hired Thane, and we moved away from the Sties, I had learned a few things, first dying sucks! Being brought back is not much better. Now I have great companions that I have honor debt to for their valor and dedication to saving my ass and bringing me back. Events were progressing very well. We found a haven of pirates/ smugglers that lived my kind of life… free! Although I have had to hide my familiar in my back pack (he tends to upset the ignorant) he has been a great boon in heightening my awareness and other skills. After relaxing at the best Inn I have ever patronized, we left south in our boat then hit land and proceeded towards the swamp of the undead wizard. We soon were rudely interrupted by some meager Path wardens who cooked up nicely. (Must increase damage) After that we made camp and were again rudely interrupted by a b+~*& in heat that thought El Rohir would provide stud. Luckily he kept his larger brain engaged and used his holy power to burn the scamp and driver her away. I must say that was a very nifty spell, I wonder if I can make one like it. (note to self). Before we could resettle into our bedrolls the b&*#@ was back and requesting more pain, which she received. She fled again, typical! Then we met the biggest, smelliest creature so far! Dang, I did not know clouds could smell that bad! Isn’t that the make up of cloud giants? Well he enticed us with treasure to rescue his female from some vampires. We set off and came to the town of Briarwood. A very smelly town with a bad attitude. Apparently they haven’t had anything to uplift their spirits in a longgggggggggggggggggg while! I retired to my room with Thane to guard my rest, while the rest of the Oathbound decided to partake of the nightlife! I was soon disturbed by the repacking of the others to leave the inn to some crazed profit’s hovel. This was due to meeting the head bloodsucker. As soon as I walk out the front doors I see a mob of crazed peasants charging the rest of the Oathbound. Damn, burn them in place or scare them? I settle for the less offensive and send my fiery might just over their heads in an attempt to deter them from their rash actions. What morons! A ball of immense flame appears over their heads and they keep on. One more above and then if they don’t flee, they die! Wow, I didn’t know that Hanor could erect such a wall! Good thing! We escape to the sage’s home. After consultation and outfitting we proceed to the volcano. The ride is uneventful until we crest the volcano’s rim and start down the circular path. We are set upon by flying owl bears that are able to grapple me and take me aloft! My fists start to make a mark upon its feathered hide, when it drops me to my fate a thousand feet above a placid lake! The stupid beast did not know of my Art! I summoned a flying beast to catch me, but while I spied Hanor plummet I was unable to arrest his fall. Although when his body bobbed up from the depths of the crater lake, my flying beast snatched his corpse before it could sink. Once things were settled, we invaded the lair of the dead. We broke out a window, and El Rohir silenced the area when My detect magic revealed a glyph. I summoned a fiendish ape (hell v hell) to go through and set it off. (besides I couldn’t use a celestial creature in such a cruel way). Before I know it Silver is firing her bow through the window signing…. Horny hairy man? No… Horned red hairy man…. No Hairy Horns with red ….. Oh Horned monkey with red eyes! I jumped through the window to keep Silver from slaying my summoned creature and we all filed in. After some exploring, slaying of the cook, maid and child vampire we encountered the Gorgon (by accident) and the Vampire guild/group/party/whatever. The fight was hot (due to my fireball spells) and heavy (due to the statues) and things were going great until…………………damn How did I get back in the Inn and Why is Silver all weirded out! She is accusing Hanor that he made me Evil!, No She says I’m Evil, but a check from El Rohir’s divine prayers reveal no evil! Damn, losing my familiar and my bodyguard really sucks.
I don't know why the others are so uptight about Thornwell so far he has done well by us. While in the Sties we get ambushed by some lizard men and human archers. El and I quickly slayed them between his sword and my Art. Although it was a very amazing jump El did from one roof to another. Anyway I am tired of getting attacked, so I hired a bodyguard, Thane is his name and seems a decent enough fellow. I summoned my first familiar a pseudodragon, hopefully with his nature enhancing mine I won't be surprised any more. It took us some time to make up our collective minds, but when I came across the information of a lost Demi-liches lair and it's promise of a vast treasure swayed everyone and convinced Aria that her parents will not die for not seeing her with in the next few months.
Well this time things have gone a little better, but not by much. We knew that Fromm had been taken to the lighthouse (after figuring out the stupid puzzle, I hate puzzles) located an entrance into the underground lair. Wow what a Lair…. You would think these inspiring world conquerors would come up with a better hideout than a stinking sunk ship that the land had fallen on! We enter the main cabin door and see that the interior deck slants down into water to another half immersed door. Ugh, murky and foul smelling water! I suggest throwing something, anything into the dark evil depths, but noooooooooooo I’m sneered at as being fearful, well let me tell you something, dying hurts! It is something that I DO.. NOT..WISH… TO REPEAT! Sorry readers of these chronicles I do tend to get a little snappish when persons of muscles larger that common sense lead! Sorry, but Hell Elrohir learned this the hard way! No sooner had he waded to the far sunken door when he got munched by a Chuul! Those claws sure left a mark! As I have learned my lesson and am no longer the rash elf I once was, I stood back and blasted the chum out of the lobstrosities with my Art! Anyone got butter? We the Oathbound soon won out, and proceeded, I mean they went ahead and I stood cover fire from the dry deck and a good thing too. Elrohir opened the double doors and Teranza stood by with that wicked double axe of hers. The next room was large, with four supporting pillars in each corner and the floor rising to a peak then descending back into water at the foot of a large stairway. In front of that stairway was a giant shark with human heads attached to its sides like mushrooms on a tree was hanging. As soon as the others entered it started to float towards them in an eerie manner, much like a puppet! Too bad my initial thought did not stick, since it was pushed to the side by the thought of Flame that bastard! My initial blast took one of the heads off and it fell with a rotted splat! No sooner had Aria entered the chamber than she came back slashed and bleeding! Her beauty was only enhanced by her angry swearing of “ that fr…. Elrohir, may his ….) well you get the picture. Then right after her came Hanor staggering back frantically flaying about with his hammer, and in his wake came Elrohir 11 feet tall and trying to skewer Hanor. That will not stand! I am sorry my good friend, but things are a little dire so I have to place my magical fire upon you! Yes it is painful, but may you find peace in Pelor’s hands. Damn! Did not drop you as I thought! Elrohir , stop slashing Hanor into dwarven brisket! What! Terranza yells out that the shark is a fake and is being controlled by something in the far pool! Ah good Hanor has been able to enspell you to a stop, good now I don’t have to slay you. As he takes out his rope I and Aria race past to find the mastermind of this fiasco. I get to the middle of the room at the peak of the floor and see that the Shark is nothing but a sham! Poor Silver is flailing about blindly……….ooh that was really gross! She slashed the shark into puree and was covered in its rotting goo. She will never get rid of that stink! I see a large monstrosity just beneath the stairs with tentacles and three weird eyes stacked over each other. Terranza fires her bow at it as it rushes out of the water to attack Aria who soon was backpedaling still having not recovered from Elrohir’s vicious betrayal! Terranza slashes the fish thing and my magical fire scores it’s hide causing it to flee. I turn back and see that Elrohir has dropped Hanor and is thrashing about for his sword. I place a Water Elemental in front of him long enough for the rest to get ready and we soon drop him and revive our fallen members. As soon as Hanor is conscious he informs the rest of us that Elrohir fell under some form of domination spell. We fort up and rest. Then move on down the creature’s lair…… and find that the beast has given up parleying! I want it’s hide, but noooooo the rest negotiate with the fiend to recover Fromm, but the foul creature erred! We agreed to a hale and hearty Fromm to leave, but he was hurt, unconscious and diseased! This is a breach of our agreement so we are free to slay the beast. On we go…. Uh, Sorry we first outfit Fromm, I volunteer my lend magical rapier for him, but Silver wants me to give it to him! The nerve! I eloquently tell her to stick it, and she offers me to purchase the item. I propose 2000 gold and she agrees! Wow should have said 3000, but well that would have been too much. We move on and come out of the tunnel to a sunken part of the Sties. Before us is a temple and we see the Whisperer (the name provided by Fromm) skulking in the shadows. It scuttles back from our approach and we start to deploy in a manner to seek all advantages, when a large serving of calamari attacks Fromm. The battle is on! I am unable to summon sharks as guards, when the Whisperer and the Kraken attack! Ahh the moment is dire. I try to summon the tentacles of Evard upon the Whisperer when the Kraken slaps the spell out of my head with timely swipe of its tentacle. I drop back tactically while Fromm kills the squid and Terranza bonsais the Kraken..Wow she has attached herself to its slimy hide by her short sword! Aria’s arrows are still making her mark upon the flesh of the creatures, but my spells are only a distraction to these behemoths. Before I can bring my Art into play the Kraken is dead and the Whisperer is fleeing, Ah Elrohir redeems himself on the foul beast that enslaved him! With a mighty swing he cleaved the creature in half! Elrohir blesses the temple and we gather the loot and move to the Merfolk city to enjoy our endeavors. We leave back to the Styes we go to recover the soldiers. We decide the spend the night and then go clear out the Light House, which only took two of my scorching rays. Ah this town really stinks!
Ah, things with adventuring have not been all that fun of late. It has been awhile since I have logged in my thoughts for the Boot and Trail chronicles. We had come across some dubious information on the whereabouts of Boss Fromm, who in my humble opinion can take care of himself. I digress, we received some information and acted upon it in our usually hasty way and proceeded to “sail” towards Styes. Now sailing I believe entails the use of that big pole in the middle of the floor and a lot of canvass, well our sailing used a lot of rowing! We did not get very far (I really do not like the ocean and it’s movements) and decided to make for the beach below a castle. No sooner had we made a nice fire and about to eat when a group of Medigean soldiers decided to pay us a visit. They so rudely informed us that we were under arrest, HA! Between the blades, bows and my wondrous arcane might they were soon vanquished to meet with their respective gods! After a tactical withdrawal to the sea, we soon had to go below the waves to escape. Hanor’s and my spells were very decisive in defeating a giant squid that had our stalwart warriors all wrapped up! I do think that merfolk are very lovely creatures, but not very friendly. We gained their somewhat reluctant help, only due to the fact that our previous exploits helped them. We moved through the nasty mode of transportation of a big fishes mouth that left my clothes stinking of fish! Ughh, I don’t like the sea, but the wondrous rings allowed us to move and breath in the water as if on land! Now we came to the very foul city of Styes, and believe me Orcs have better hygiene! We located the floating boat of where our quarry was supposedly taken developed a plan that we soon set into motion. Our actions did not go unnoticed. One of the ruling council members by the name of Thornwell invited us to his manor, which we accepted. He was polite and courteous and for once we found a place that did not stink like the rectum of a zombie! We learned that he was not adverse in having a new opening in the council if a certain member decided to leave this world for another. Taking his hint we set off and the assault began in the early morning hours of the next day. Using a fly potion we gained the hanging boat and soon were engaged with fishmen in melee. I stayed out of the hand to hand stuff as much as possible (being very tired of being brought back from the brink of death, again and again and again), but alas that was not to be for long. While the party were below decks Aria and I were searching for secret entrances as I believed that a 6 foot drop through a cargo hatch was not a very likely true entrance I was jumped from behind by this wall eyed monster and it’s pet! Using my Lord’s Fire I turned the back stabbing coward into a fully deceased corpes, and while back peddling from the fish golem I was struck down…………. Death really is only the beginning and I was enjoying my everlasting peace in the goodly heavens, when I was soooo rudely brought back to that stinkhole the City of Styes! Damn my good intentioned friends. Death really is a great adventure and there they go and screw it all up! Ah well they mean well but damn it I liked were I was. Now that I’m back and slightly weakened from my previous magical might I have decided I have to do something about my physical prowess. I have mastered the Art sufficiently to make most run like kobolds before a dragon, now I have to improve my own hardiness. I have met a really astounding person who can fight with only hands and feet. The things I can learn….
We came across a very interesting place, the inn of the Boot and Trail. We were soon able to determine that this was more than just the local watering hole. It is a waystation of travelers and story tellers! Membership allows much in the way of haven and information. To obtain lodging and food we each had to tell a story of our adventures. So after others gave their tales, I regaled our audience with “The Fight of the Overking’s Fiends.” The audience was most appreciative and during the height of the story I unleashed the dead fiend I had magically stored ! The gasps were most satisfactorily. I then donated the fiend’s corpse to the Inn so that it could be stuffed and placed upon the wall with the other wonderous and fantastic trophies donated by full members. This was a great way to start my initiation into their ranks. I also purchased some of the local liquor to sell at far away Inns of the Boot & Trail. The gift of the Fiend was so much appreciated that we were able to obtain a map of the location of Cold Stone Keep. After resting and gearing up, we left upon our Giant skiff and set off. The keep was soon located and we found another boat tied up at it’s tilted and awash pier. We made entry via a breach in the north wall of the northern tower. The first floor didn’t hold much interest for me, so I checked out the second floor. As I ascended I detected a very strong sickly sweet smell…hmmm, Reminds me of my aunt’s perfume! By the Seven Heavens and Nine Hells! The orcspawned vines attacked me with such force that their blows nearly brought me down. Luckily I was able to leap of the stairs out of their reach and let the powerful fighters take it down. Of course my flask alchemist fire did work on one of the vines! My next spell must be one of precision and power! Fireballs do not lend themselves for close combat! The vines were destroyed and we moved on, after looting of course! We left the tower and were on the veranda of the keep itself when three Skraggs attacked! I must have still been weak from the battering the vines gave me as my aim was severely off. Though they soon fell, and Hanor torched them to make sure they stayed down. We then entered the keep and found a green slime in the foyer. Another flask of alchemist fire soon dispatched the beastie, or oozie? Oh well. We were soon attacked by another adventuring party that was after the same prize. Hanor’s priestly magic soon stopped the lightening throwing bastard to the north, while my summoned earth elemental and my companions arrows and blades soon dispatched the others. One wizard was able to fly away while the female cleric was captured. We soon reached an agreement to help each other, in that she lived and we obtained the cloak. With loot and main prize we set off.
It has been awhile since I have placed my thoughts upon the pages of history. After the battle with the Ettins, which I don’t have any found memories. I still am having trouble removing their stink from my clothing! Anyway we camped out in a thicket and during the night came under attack by worg riding goblins. We quickly armed and defended ourselves. Almost all were slain by well placed arrows and quick blade and ax work. But brave Hanor was savaged most severely by the goblin lances and Worg fangs! Luckily we were able to revive him through the healing magic of our store of potions. We then moved away afraid of further confrontation and located the cave where we believed the cowardly wizard flew off to. We entered and found that it lead to an underground lake with a giant sized skiff, which was being guarded by water trolls. They burn just as easily as regular trolls. We were able to recover some treasure, to include the wizard’s journal! As we rested some stragglers from a Boss Fromm scouting party came to the cave to rest. After welcoming them we had a short battle with the enemy. We all boarded the skiff and went across to the underground Telloy River that we had a map to. As we traveled the water ways we came across a huge crab that was soon so much fish food. After that we came across a merchant barge commanded by Drow! I have never met one of my dark cousins and I must say they are very imposing! I think that they burn just as easily as trolls though. We then came to an underground trading town where all are welcome and conflict and thievery dealt with harshly by the underground gnomes who control it. I must stop at this point as my adventures are about to continue…….. |