Dien,
Thank you for a great time and story. Thank you for helping me improve my writing. I will truly miss this game, but I understand. I will look forward to the summary.
Respectfully,
Darren
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That is a totally cool crib.
Tassidar''s mind was busy trying to take everything in, he was having trouble reading what was going on here. Was Rys glad to see them? Was there danger here? Why was Mav trying to separate them from their mounts? Regardless, he was here. He had set out untold months ago to seek out and stand before this leader of an elven house, now he was unsure of how he felt about his accomplishment. One thing he was certain of though, this was going to be interesting. Tassidar allowed the humans to speak first as was their style, simple and to the point, before he added his own voice. Tassidar bows with his fingers steepled in a show of greeting and presenting one's self as answering a summons. "Atish'all vallem, to you whom is called Rys in this place. I have adopted the name Tas here, my companion is called Veth. I have had the pleasure of traveling with your bunting, though I am unsure if she will sing any sweet words of me."
Tassidar sifts through memories. The huldra inclines her head graciously to Tassidar's gestures of respect, seeming charmed by them, and favors him with a warm smile. Her brows arch at the next question, and she raises one fair hand and indicates a bracelet made of interwoven bands of green silk. "Most of us bear some token of allegiance to the lord or lady we have chosen to back," Sula says. "I myself favor the Mother, who watches over that which grows." "For advice: speak kindly to all you meet, even if they do not to you. Fey delight in angering and vexing those from the mortal world, like yourselves; if you can stay calm in the face of insult, they often lose their interest. If any offer you a gift, offer something back-- or the fey can claim rudeness, and rudeness, here, is a serious thing. Do not give your true names out freely, nor ask for the names of others: ask instead what others would wish to be called. Stay on paths as best you can, for the paths are places of... how shall I say it? Stability-- and they are less prone to change than the deepness of the world, here."
Tassidars eyes took in the spectacle before him, the fey tinged breeze he could feel on his cheeks while his nose tried to separate and identify the exotic smell of the place, but he could feel the magic of this place throbbing in his bones. In hushed eleven he speaks In Elven:
"A tree like an ash I know there stands,
Yggdrasill is its name, a tall tree, showered with shining loam. From there come the dews that drop in the valleys. It stands forever green over Urðr's well. . . " "The scale, its . . . unfathomable."
Where did you reach out? On PM?
I am here!
I don't want it to end. Hopefully a break will help, but if you do decide to end it please at least tell us what would have been.
Your posts are always colorful and worth the wait. I love the many characters, it makes it like a good novel, but I get the work that goes into it.
"He could see your spirit guide with this mask." Tassidar holds up the mask for them to see. "With it he could even see the incorporeal spirits. I'm not sure how he pulled the spirit from you though, or how we might bind her back to you. Are your powers intact with her separated from you like this?"
"We left the market about two days ago. We had met a powerful member of the fey and made exchanges to get mounts and companions before leaving. This feline is Hunts-in-Shadows, you have her to thank for pulling you away from a creature that was doing something to your mind." "We are still on the road on our way to meet the leader of the elves in pursuit of the children." "We have just escaped a realm within this one where the spirits of mortals who have passed here were gathered." "Mav may be able to undo some of what was done to you. Mav, also prevented many of our party from running headlong into the wilds off the path."
Tassadar inspects the mask dangling from the elk's antlers.
If I destroy the mask what does it mean for Tash? If I take it with me will Tash forever seek it out? Tassidar smiles and gives the elk a congratulatory pat on the neck. "Thank you my dear friend and ally. Your courage helped us carry the day. It appears your charge was so great that our antagonizer lost his physical form, for a time at least." Tassidar moves closer to the entangled Klo with open hands. "Peace friend. Look behind me, you were ensorceled and held by ones who wished you harm. Those hanging onto you dragged you out of that place to freedom. You have just awoken a that nightmare, things will become more clear in a few minutes. Try to relax yourself and remember the faces of those who care about you."
Tassidar loops his arm around the elks neck as he swings himself astride his noble mount. "Time for us to go friends! Tellignos, follow Mav out and away from here, without more potent weapons there is little more we can do to harm them!" The elk fluidly complies, head held ready should something attempt to block their path.
Tassidar's summoned eagle presses its attack against the raven. "Screeeeeee, screeeeeeee, screeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!"
Despite the swirl of razor sharp talons and piercing beak the raven proves elusive prey. Tassidars ears hear the bellow coming from inside the cloud. "Tellignos! If you can hear my voice come to me!" Squinting his almond shaped eyes against the stinging airborne debris the wizard lurches forward. "Fisherman, we are friends come with us!" Tassidar exclaims as he moves to help the stricken Ulfen. As he moves he looks for the way out.
I am waiting for you, but Tassidar is going to try and get out with the others if I am holding things up.
Guys I live in El Cajon, CA. I am totally in, but things are crazy. Just want to give you a heads up. I hope to get a breather tomorrow evening.
Tassidar's eagle pops into being and engages the Raven straight away! "Sssssscreeeeeeee!"
The young wizard begins casting Mage Armor from memory to give himself some physical protection from the gathering rubble. He quickly tried to determine the likelihood of the rubble dissipating if they could drop Tash. "Any tactical suggestions Mav?" The elk rushes the masked being with his magnificent rack lowered ivory tips seeking to gore and toss the tormentor. "Your mask shall enhance my already impressive collection."
Yeap, I am still here ;).
Things spun out of control, Klo had begun the physical conflict and words would not stop it now. He didn't want this fight, but that was irrelevant. It was time to fight!
"Magic spells will have little effect on Tess! He is commanding the undead spirits of his realm to manifest as disembodied piles of rubble! Any mundane blade will just pass through them, they can hurl things about through the power of their wills. We need to stop him!" "Tellginos! Charge Tess!" Tassidar takes a five foot step back, draws a scroll from his belt and begins casting Summon Monster 1 to send an eagle after the raven.
Tassidar shows his open hands and appeals to the masked being. "Oh, I believe you misunderstand the circumstances here. My human friend is concerned. You see, this woman is a mortal vessel serving to house the spirit you are trying to collect. We are returning it to the prime plane as soon as possible. In fact we are trying to collect several mortal children and return them to their home plane before their souls become lost here. The spirit housed in that woman is vital to that cause, are you aquatinted with the Winged Spirits of Odyn? These children are Ulfen they rightfully belong to his Mead Hall if they become disassociated with their shells here. If we could please be on our way there will be many fewer souls to collect here in this realm."
The wizard speaks to Klo, Rikka, Knute and Mav. "These two are what the Arcanum label as psychopomps, spirits from beyond who guide the dead to their final judgments. I believe they are like the attendant spirits of Odyn, his winged warriors who carry the valorous dead to his mead-hall." Tassidar's feet turn cold. His instinct to protect a friend is blunted by his failures in the orc cave and the near disaster his loyalty has caused at the faun's cart. He had fancied himself a born leader, but he had been shown how green he was. Klo's booming voice helps steel his resolve. "She gave you her name as you bid, she is clearly living and not in need of your services, what sort of harm has befallen her?! Please pause before there is some kind of misunderstanding." What are you doing you stupid elfling. These things are working as agents of a god from the mortal plane. What the hell do you think you can actually do to stop it? But I have to try at least even if she still doesn't count me as a friend I still have an obligation to her.
Luckily Tassidar perceived the coming ripple of change and managed to have avoided by gracefully sliding off his mount. "A shift is about to occur. Steele yourself for it if you are able."
As Mav spoke Tassidar had the distinct feeling that he was missing something. Rather than let on, he tried to keep his face impassive as he politely nodded in acknowledgement as she spoke to them of the boneyard and its keeper as his elven eyes took in the stones that formed the gate.
Now here was something Tassidar knew about. "Yes, Fisher, obsidian or as it is also known, volcanic glass, due to its igneous origin. Hummm, the mineraloid sample is remarkably free of impurities for the size of shard . . . Facinating." Hearing Halla questioned and then give her true name shook Tassidar out of his geological ponderings. He spoke up politely hoping to send a subtle reminder to his companions as he gave a slight bow and responded, "In this place I am known as Tas good sir."
I took your advice Dien. Made some adjustments.
Tassidar awoke feeling refreshed and more confident. His mind had resolved some of the mysteries he had pondering. He had a better understanding of the planes, nature and the lands he was in. His senses were even sharper, but most importantly his magic had grown in power. He picked up his spell book to continue on from where he had left off the night before. He decided that he was going to eat the fish. At this point he figured he had already eaten the food at the market. As he chewed he hoped it wasn't magicked like the heart soup. "I had rather a pleasant watch before turning in. My dreams were of power and return to my homeland, but my thoughts were of the children."
DM: For my two level up spells:
What do you think of the 2nd level spell Create Pit? I was thinking that could be a could crowd control spell and it has no SR so it might be useful in the land we are in. I was also thinking that Mirror Image would be good for survivability, although the boards suggested flaming sphere. I was hoping you would give me your opinion. For the spell copying I think Tassidar would focus on detect thoughts and Share memory for 80gp. If that is okay with you I will go with that and deduct the 80gp.
He dreamt of spells that wrote themselves in a strange amalgam of flowing Elven script and angular Skald runes, not on his spellbook's pages alone but on his own skin. He could feel the tiny cuts as an invisible quill's tip gouged furrows in his skin, he could see the blood welling in thin lines in the wake of the writing. He had felt his magic growing, but was it also the magic of this place infusing itself in him? Changing him like the elves he sat amongst now? He feared so.
" . . . There is power here, if you would take it. It costs, of course. Of course it costs. but nothing that is free is truly worth having . . ." Was this Mav visiting his thoughts he wondered. "Yes, but at what cost?" He tried to respond. He then experiences himself performing magics far beyond his studies so far: hurling lightning bolts, great orbs of fire, causing the heavens to rain down ice.... travelling vast distances with just a blink, reshaping the world around him with a gesture of his hands. He sees himself returning to Kyonin as a master of the arts, and his elders, his family, awed at his gifts. "Would this not be worth much?" The young elf wizard relished the rush of magical energies at his fingertips, powers that usually required centuries of dedicated practice at his disposal was indeed intoxicating to him, but it was the return to Kyonin and the reaction of his family that moved him the most. "If I walk that path in this land will I not also be trapped here? To gain such power here is to lose my place in my birth world isn't it?"" Tassidar focused his mind on the letter that had lead him to this place. It had been sent to his grandfather asking for magical assistance. How presumptuous he had been, Cai toyed with the same type of magic he was capable of and Mav claimed magic power, but not like his own. Were they sorcerers? Or was magic now innate for them as it was many if not most of the fey. He wondered if the leader of Elven House who had penned the letter did so at a time like he was now. Stuck between worlds. He was anxious about the children he was hopefully still following. They needed his help, their parents needed his help to return them to their world---His world. Tassidar reflected on how rebellious he had thought himself, how ready he felt he was to leave his home and delve into an unpredictable outside world beyond the warded borders of the Emerald Realm. He realized now he would find it difficult if not impossible to shed the regimen of law, order and logic drilled into him by breeding and instruction of his upbringing. His feelings of loyalty, morality, honesty were out of sink with this place. His family may never know what had happened to him. He might return to court to find only grand nieces and nephews whom he had never know left to greet him his parents long dead, like Fisher's. What if he was already trapped here!? Still part of him felt exhilarated, liberated---he was in the First World! What an amazing journey. What an adventure! If only his tutors could see him now. He started to laugh out loud, but caught himself. He had set out to a small berg named Hofn. He had never laid eyes on it, but he had slept in a tree with a tree family, fought pirate rats with vegetable allies and seen a hag with a stolen child. How ironic. The thought of the hag sent a chill up his spine. It was a reminder Fisher and his fellow prisoner had remained enslaved for decades of his lifetime. Their hallow exhausted eyes bored into his mind's eye. The strange rune caster had cut some sort of deal with the crone---at what cost . . . They had lost their healer who submitted to servitude rather than fight the Satyr. Tassidar had almost cost the group their lives. His altruistic loyalty had spurred him to fight for his companions freedom even at risk of his own life, but this was not a game. No, he had learned valuable lessons here. Life was all shades of grey possibly never black or white. He was gaining a better understanding of his elders and queen through his own experiences. During his watch there were other thoughts. Guilt for one. He spent his materials to add spells to his spell book, he had held those platinum pieces in his hand intending to see if he could buy Knute's freedom from his master. He had traded his Elvenstar for Tellignos's service, his coin for copying spells which left him little in monetary wealth. At least he had not told the ranger of his intentions. He supposed it wouldn't matter anyway unless they made it back. His watch passed uneventfully for the First World. Tassidar worked in his journal depending on his ears and Veth's eyes when he let his own drop to the paper. His lids grew heavy, it was time to wake the next keeper of the watch. He chose to wake Tellignos. The noble elk had not taken any injury and had been allowed to sleep undisturbed til now. He whispered. "I find my alertness slipping sitting here. Could you take a turn? I think it is just you and I awake now I could sit up a bit with you. Maybe we could chat a little to pass the time. Perhaps you could share a little about yourself like how you came to be here if you remember?"
Dien,are we doing 1/2 hit die +1 for hit points? For DM only: Tassidar is interested in learning detect thoughts, share language, share memory, burning hands and sow thought from the spell book."
Tassidar pulls out his own spellbook, a fine travelling tome crafted with distinct Kyonin style binding. In Elven:
"An exchange of magic would be a most welcome opportunity. Here is the book I had in my position when I crossed into this land. Adding some spells to it would be wonderful. Hopefully there is something beneficial in it for you." Tassidar's Spellbook:
Tassidar reguards Klo with respect. "I believe you are correct in your assumption. If we were powerful enough here we could do such things. I believe Mav may be working towards that goal. I am trying to make observations in hopes of reaching a better understanding, but In any case, I don't believe we can hope to grow in power fast enough to save the children and return them home to their parents while they still lived in our world. Time flows and passes differently here. You have no need of such a reminder Klo." He touches his chin, his eyes distantly calculating. "We must tread carefully down any path we choose. I feel there is great danger in our ignorance of this place. Can you remind me again of what your elders warn about the first world?"
Tassidar feels the hair raising on the back of his neck
The elven wizard didn't know what to call this, blood magic perhaps? Dark magic? Did the creatures here consume each other's essence the way demons and devils sought the souls of mortals? The drake was undoubtably edible, the creature alien enough Tassidar didn't think of it as cannibalism, but the thought of eating it for pleasure didn't sit well with him. What troubled him the most was what the act of consuming it might mean for his companions. . . If it wasn't too late already. Hells, even the vegetables here could " be" someone, this place is madness incarnate. Tassidar politely declines the offer of the stew. Mav looks amused, but not offended, at his declining of the stew. "Suit yourself", she says lightly. "The ways of your world are hard to lose, I suppose...." Tassidar drew upon his time a court to keep his response equally light "I suppose they are." Later Tassidar quietly offers Klo and Knute some of the fresh food he bought at the market pointedly reserving the meat for the fighting men. Seeing the tattered book in Mav's hand piqued the young wizards interest. He responds in kind. In Elven:
"Our understandings certainly, but I believe you more than demonstrated your mastery." "My instructors advised me that an open mind is like a fortress with its gates unbarred and unguarded. What sort of exchange do you propose? I am reluctant to lay my mind open to that which I do not yet understand. How does one choose what memories to share, how does one control what they reveal? What sort of bond comes of it afterward?" As he spoke his thoughts Tassidar felt the danger of a fly speaking with a spider in its web. Mav was connected to this world, he was not. Mav had said "your world" making It clear she had left Tassidar's behind. If she was ever a part of it. He wondered if he would ever reach home again as thrilling as this adventure was. He was mindful he would need to navigate without causing offense.
great update, I just got home from being on the road. Will update after sleep.
Tassidar had been deep in thought, his mind was trying to calculate all possible outcomes of their current predicament. When the commotion broke out he followed Mav, but by the time they arrived the matter had been resolved. he listens closely to Mav's words.
Then he adds his own while unloading the mounts. "Begiling is the word that I think describes what I have experienced in the First World thus far. It is charming and enchanting, sometimes in a deceptive way. This land woos, captivates, bewitches, spellbinds, dazzles, hypnotizes, mesmerizes, enthrals and seduces simultaneously. It is beautifully dangerous in its delights and promise." "I can see the weakness of trying to be ridged and concrete in a place such as this. Like a stout lighthouse perched on a rock in stormy seas, the chaotic and ever changing sea will eventually hammer and erode it away. There must be advantages in remaining adaptible, and learning to join the flow or at least float with it at times."
When he has a chance Tassidar gives his thoughts on the gear, making sure to include Baletooth. "Well the clubs and javelins are ordinary, but the greataxe is a masterful creation as is the cold iron dagger. The bone scale mail armor has magical enhancement for defensive qualities, but it also has an enchantment making it an unholy reliquary for Ragadahn. It won't harm you if you choose to don it Fisher, but it is effectively a large unholy symbol for a power hostile to us." "The wands are useful. The first as we know is a lesser wand of healing with 24 charges when we found it. The second is a wand of endure elements with 37 charges, which I believe could come in very handy. You see it is the spell I used to remain warm in deep snow even in a blizzard. We could use it to help protect the children from the elements when we return to Hofn." "I can't use the scrolls ass they are divine in nature, perhaps one of the women can, or you Fisher?" "The elixir allows one to breathe fire like a dragon." "Now this tooth is most interesting. As you can see it depicts a tiny linnorm. When the command word is uttered, the Linnorm comes to life as a 1" creature and moves as its owner instructs it as per a sensor eye from a prying eye spell. The linnorm remains animated for up to 9 hours or until it returns to the bearer and replays what it saw, at which point will revert back to this tooth form for 1 day." "This pile of coins, gems and jewelry is worth about 400 gold pieces in my estimation."
Tassidar is content to ride near Mav. He has been mostly quiet as his mind works out some of what he has observed. He ponders that the inhabitants of this place were engaged in a never ending battle for their immensely powerful patrons. What had Mav been doing to the skull exactly? Feeding on its essence? Transferring power to the Mother herself?
He had fancied himself a woodsman of sorts, and he was to a point, but he knew he wasn't Klo or Knute's equal. The young prince had learned quite a bit about himself since his decision the travel to the north. Camping and sporting in the woods of Kyonin was not like surviving in the wilds of the North. He reflected on his magical talents, he could feel himself growing in power as a wizard. Dreams of leading from the front would have to be let go, for now at least, until his power grew. Fables of not eating foods offered by fey troubled him. He hadn't seen anything wrong with the food offered them in the market, but the hearts of sentient beings? Was this how his people found themselves transformed and trapped here? Tassidar had been relieved when his fellows had not agreed to share in the meal of the freshly plucked heart. He had refrained from speaking out. He remembered his faux pas with the Satyr and didn't wish to repeat it. Despite his trepidations he still found this experience exhilarating. He felt like he was a part of something and at least a few of the humans were accepting him. As he watched Knute move off he resolved something within himself once more.
Diving a long way. I will post soon.
Tassidar's rides over to the men. His large eyes watch the other elves with interest. What has happened to cause this feral change in my people? A slight smile touches his lips as Klo quaffs his medicine. "Well, Knute's potion will do far more for you than my gauze Fisher. Can I offer you a drink however? That potion leaves quite a taste. Three against one, thankfully you're handy with that fish chopper." He then slaps Knute on the shoulder. "And you huntsman, well placed shot on the Drake."
"To his aid Tellignos! I have bandages!"
"Well struck Klo! Now let's get you all patched up shall we?"
Tassidar pulls a scroll from the tube at his belt and casts magic missile at the fleeing shaman still being harried by the brave rodent. "Dolibix!"
As the scroll crumbles away, the elf wizard speaks to his mount. "I am glad you are free friend. Once you are recovered, what do you say we have a go at the chap bothering Klo?"
I am still all in and will be here when you're ready
"Let's try to free you, then let us carry the fight to them and exact some revenge!" Tassidar begins pouring his water bag and works to free the enlightened elk.
Right?! And for me second level spells
"Acid, ahhhh!"
Tassidar manages to escape suffering the full effects of the drake's spittle. "Tellignos, are you alright my friend? Mav?"
The elf wizard looks over the battlefield. Lydd was providing fire support to Klo and it did appear that the lizardman fighting Baletooth was some sort of shaman. His mind made up, Tassidar casts Magic Missile at the bone wearing beast fighting the tiny pirate. A bolt of energy leaves long Elven fingers to streak unerringly towards its scaly target.
"Stay with me Noble Tellignos, we must get a bit closer to where my magic can be more effective." Tassidar and his mount full round move towards Mav. 60ft
The eagle wings after the grasshopper man, the bird's prey drive pushing it to attack once more.
However, it's talons cannot find purchase on flesh. Tassidar strides with his elk companion towards Klo , before stretching his bow string once more. "Swift death to my enemies." The elf looses an arrow towards the lizard like biped fighting Baletooth.
Update to come in the am when I get to a desktop.
The elf's large almond shaped eyes scan the battlefield for threats and potential targets.
"Rikka is right! Troglodytesin with and axe sneaking down through the rocks to the right!" The eagle let's out a cry as it drops on the grasshopper man from above. It's razor sharp talons seeking soft flesh.
Meanwhile, Tassidar lets the scroll fall to his feet as he draws and fires his bow at the drake. "Swift death to my enemies.", he whispers as the shaft leaves the string and streaks towards the blue menace in the sky.
Summoned Creature: Eagle:
Summoned Creature: Eagle
Eagle CR 1/2 XP -- N Small celestial/fiendish animal Init +2; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +9 DEFENSE AC 14, touch 13, flat-footed 12 (+2 Dex, +1 natural, +1 size) hp 5 [7] (1d8+1) [1d8+3] Fort +3 [+5], Ref +4, Will +2 SR 5 Celestial - Resist Acid, Cold, and Electricity 5 Fiendish - Resist Cold and Fire 5 OFFENSE Speed 10ft., fly 80 ft. (average) Melee 2 talons +3 [+3] (1d4) [1d4+2], bite +3 [+3] (1d4) [1d4+2] Special Attacks Smite evil/good STATISTICS Str 10 [14], Dex 15, Con 12 [16], Int 2, Wis 15, Cha 7 Base Atk +0; CMB -1 [+1]; CMD 11 [13] Feats Weapon Finesse Skills Fly +8, Perception +10; Racial Modifiers +8 Perception SPECIAL ABILITIES Smite evil/good 1/day as a swift action (adds CHA bonus (+0) to attack rolls and damage bonus equal to HD (+1) against evil/good foes; smite persists until target is dead or the celestial/fiendish creature rests). A shriek cuts the air as an eagle comes into existence 30 feet away from the elven wizard and swooped towards the grasshopper man Tassidar has designated as the raptors prey.
Tassidar then prepares his bow.
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