Darius sat on the hilltop looking down on the tattered group gathering on the riverbank. They were lucky to have survived. He wondered what his hated enemy wanted with this group. He also knew that Torog had returned before after being seemingly dead. He would have to keep an eye on them, for a little while at least. Best to see what the morning will bring. At least they haven't lit a fire yet, that would complicate things.

OoC: Check RC: Cruising Down the River for the summary of last nights session.



[This message has been edited by Baldak Oakfist (edited August 16, 2001).]

"Just as I was finally getting to know those other fellows..." Pimm thinks to himself as he surveys his new companions. Paricularly keeping a cynical eye on the manipulative Redhead.

As the party travels along the stream, Pimm says to Knomal, "Keep an eye out for Xalen and Xander, there's no telling where one or the other might turn up, I'm sure they're still alive..." he hesitates, "and I had rather morbid thought. Do you suppose we should have gutted and strung up those pirates as a 'discouragement' to others who might try to follow us? Well too late I suppose, they'll just have to decorate the river bank for now."

As the party travels down the riverbank, Kitiara decides to wander a little away and check the river bank for some herbs she needs for a spell she has been working on.

Humming softly to herself she observes the group, and wonders how they ever made it away from that battle alive!

"Pirates? Oh, they're no pirates, methinks... These seemed like common barbarian war party..." Knomal cursed silently, "They see us, they kill us, if they cant - they run. Pirates? Nay, barbarians don't kill for loot. What troubles me is that these thickskulls were way too determined in their actions..."

Knomal continued walking slowly, keeping an eye on the new companions, as well as the area around the party. His hand was close to the hilt of his sword, ready to grasp the weapon at the sign of danger.

Keeping a hand on my sword became a habit lately... Knomal thinks to himself.

Bayne walks close behind Kitiara, the ed-headed sorceress and points out some herbs and plants that might be useful, all the while looking ahead for distant enemies or places of shelter.

As Calin follows the group, he ponders the strange course his life had taken. He had fallen prey to a seemingly random twist of fate. Now, with these almost total strangers, he had let blood fall on the same earth; some his own, mostly the enemy's. No, he decides, we are all true friends: we have put our lives on the line for each other, and that creates a bond not present among even the closest of brothers.

Eleint, 4

"Well, they're finally moving on now. Let's go down and clean things up." Darius had a habit of talking to himself. Even if they were Uthgardt, he would not see bodies desecrated, shallow graves would be good enough to send them on to their God. "Now where is Torog's body. I won't be comfortable until he's truly in the grave." His search for the body became more frantic as the time passed. Torog's body could not be found. The others lay where they fell, but no Torog. Now he *would* have to keep an eye on this group. Torog would surely seek out his revenge. Tracking him was out of the question, for Torog knew how to move without leaving a trace. Darius had time though, Torog would have to regroup first.

OoC: Ok, my site now works. You can check out the maps. http://people.ne.mediaone.net/frankmarianne

More maps will be added as needed.

[This message has been edited by Baldak Oakfist (edited August 17, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by Baldak Oakfist (edited August 19, 2001).]

Kitiara aknowledges Baynes assistance... but she wonders why the rest of the group have fallen so silent.

Glancing at Gaspar she notices he also is quiet and pondering something. "hmmmmm someone needs to liven this group up "she mumbles to herself.

[This message has been edited by Kitiara (edited August 19, 2001).]

Gaspar scowls as he watches Kitiara and Bayne wander off together.
“I am not jealous,” he says to himself crossly as he stalks along behind the others in a sullen silence.

Calin, standing behind Gaspar, heard the remark. Not knowing what to do, he spoke up, "Don't worry, friend. I do not know much of these things, but I believe she likes you." He got up to join the others, leaving Gaspar behind.

The Sun was hanging low in the sky, soon it would be dark. The Ivy covered walls of Herald's Holdfast could be seen from the bottom of the hill. The Moonwood was just a stone's throw away. At the bottom of the hill lay Durlin's Inn and Stables.

Eldon Durlin, the enterprising halfling, had established this inn almost 5 years ago. Many had remarked on the futility of building an inn in such a remote location, but he was not detered. Now they wish that they had thought of it, his rooms are rarely empty. Scholars from all over Faerun come here to peruse the countless tomes and always there is Durlin's Inn, a welcome sight to road weary travelers.

Mathetais sat at the table in the furthest corner of the dining room, he could see the entire room from here. Why had his mentor, Lord Jullian Elkhorn, sent him here. His only words were "You are needed. Seek the troupe who journey's there. You will know them by the Elven Sorceress who travels with them, hair as red as the fires of hell itself."

You can see a map of the area of Harold's Holdfast at http://people.ne.mediaone.net/frankmarianne

Note: The Inn is not part of the Library.

[This message has been edited by Baldak Oakfist (edited August 20, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by Baldak Oakfist (edited August 31, 2001).]

As Bayne walked inot the inn a smile spread across his face, at last, somewhere proper to sleep. As much as he liked sleeping under the stars he still prefered a comfy bed.
Looking around the inn he admired the wooden panneling and timber around the inn giving it a cheery look.
"Lets order a few rooms, fill our bellies and rest!" He said to the group.

[This message has been edited by herf (edited August 20, 2001).]

"Now that is the best idea I have heard in days", Calin replies, "I am afraid this is my first adventure, precipitated by need." "Ah well.", he continued, "Let us make the most of this brief respite."

The grey cloaked elf watched the group walk into the inn and size up the establishment. He could tell by the way that they kept their hands close to their weapons that danger followed them closely.

As they pulled off their cloaks, one of the troop caught Mathetais' eye. An elf with blazing red hair. "Hair as red as the fires of hell itself," Julian had said.

Mathetais smiled to himself, "I wonder if the personality matches?"

Then, keeping his hands well away from his weapons, he approached the group and bowed formally.

"Greetings in the name of Corellon Larethian. My name is Mathetais du'Sacrafix. I am at your service."

[This message has been edited by Mathetais (edited August 21, 2001).]

Who is this Correlan Lanathon you speak of brother elf?
What do you mean you are at our service? Have you been expecting us?

The grey cloak fell back to reveal an elf with brown hair and tired, but laughing eyes.

With a smile Mathetais explained, "Why my good brother! Corellon Larethian is the Lord of the Elven Dieties! He is the Lord and patron of those skilled in Arts, Crafts, Music and War. Alas, my skills fall into the last and most unseemly of his domains, but he still has accepted me as a follower. It was this service, actually, that brought me to you."

"To answer your second, and more pressing question, Yes. I have indeed been waiting for you. I was sent to assist in anyway that I can."

[This message has been edited by Mathetais (edited August 21, 2001).]

Whom by? Explain yourself quickly "Brother" Elf, i have no patience for people who lie in wait for me! So what be your answer? And make it in detail too...

The laughing green eyes locked onto the elven ranger and seemed to pierce his soul.

"Good sir, I am not ashamed to say that I was sent to you by my mentor Lord Jullian Elkhorn. However, I am not used to exchanging such detailed information while standing in the doorway!"

The glare quickly danced back into a smile.

"Please, join me for a warm meal, and tell me your tale. We shall soon see how closely our paths run together."

[This message has been edited by Mathetais (edited August 21, 2001).]

Bayne walks to a table in the far corner and motions for the rest of the party to follow.
"Julian Elkhorn? Why a man of that exact latter name is travelleing with us now, Darius, could they be related? Anyway, you say you are skilled in war? If so you owuld make a welcome member of this troupe, but of course i do not speak for my companions. I shall let them answer for themselves."

Gaspar follows Bayne and Mathetais to the table. He immediately pulls out a chair and gestures towards Kitiara. "If you would allow me my lady?" he says with a small bow.

"I have no problem", Calin replies, "fellow followers of the Seldarine are always welcome in my company" Calin continued, bowing to Mathetais du'Sacrafix, "I also think that all of our Gods would frown at this bickering behavior." Calin said, "Let's keep an open mind, my friends." Even as he spoke the words, he subconciously began to ready for battle, showing no external signs. Calin moved quickly to the table and sat, nodding to his friends.

Knomal walked in, partially covered in leaves. As he enetered the inn, he noticed a newcomer, engaged in a conversation with the party. More elves? Huh... he thought.

Calin spoke up, "So tell us, Mathetais du'Sacrafix, about yourself. Give us some evidence we can believe that you were sent by Elkhorn." he continued, "I hate to be skeptical, but thats how times are nowadays."
Calin then said, "Even if you were sent by Elkhorn, how do we know we can even trust him?"

Kitiara enters the inn... surveying the room she notices that Gaspar and Bayne have begun a conversation with a handsome elf.

"hmmmm, this trip gets more intresting as we go along!"

She walks up to Gaspar and Bayne. Gaspar most graciously offers her a chair and she gladly takes it. The travel has been long and she is weary and in need of rest."Are you not going to introduce me?" Seeing them looking at her in a gaze she decides to take matters into her own hands.

"hello stranger" She reaches her hand out to the strange elven paladin. "Well met, i am Kitiara, and i see you have met Bayne and Gaspar already, they tend to be a little on guard as of late." She gazes into the elfs eyes and cannot help but wonder what brings him to meet them?




[This message has been edited by Kitiara (edited August 21, 2001).]

In a horrid mood, Pimm drags himself to the bar, ignoring the enthusiasm of his new friends meeting yet another stranger. He positions himself at a point where we can both watch his companions at the nearby table and still keep the other eye at the main entry way. He wasn't feeling anything other than paranoid lately.

His thoughts mainly wandered in the direction of the Barge that he was supposed to be on, and the men aboard, and their mission which he was no longer part of. Also he was concerend about those who also went overboard, yet are unaccounted for.

"Bartender, give me what'er you got that's cheap, and keep 'em comin'" he needed to lighten up a bit, and after a few beverages he might just be in the mood to meet the group's new aquaintance.

But right now Pimm just wants to drink.

Eldon Durlin loved to tend the bar. In fact, he specially designed it so that he could do so. Being that he was only 3ft. 4in. he had to have a platform put in. Eyeing the human who just requested a cheap drink, Eldon could tell that the road had not been kind to these travelers. "Welcome to Durlin's Inn. I am Eldon, proprietor and bartender. This is the first time I have seen you here, and because I'm in a good mood I'll give you a good stiff one on the house. After that the least expensive stuff is 2 coppers a mug." Eldon pours a shot of good whiskey and sets it before him. "So, what is your name, stranger?"

Priscilla approached the table of newcomers. "Hello, My name is Priscilla and I'll be your server tonight. Is there anything I ca ...... Hey aren't you Lord Elkhorn's Squire? Yes you are, I've seen you here before with him. Oh sorry, well anyway, what can I get for you?"

Darius waited just outside the door. Good he thought to himself, now that father has sent Mathetais, I can return to my search for the foul Uthgart. Mathetais was not yet experienced, but he would have to do. There was just something about this group. He wondered if his message had reached his friend in Nesme. The others would be there by now. He quickly entered the Inn, placed a note on the bar, and left without a sound.

[This message has been edited by Baldak Oakfist (edited August 21, 2001).]

Mathetais' eyes widened slightly as the red haired elf greeted him. Her manner and appearence were striking! By the way the rest of the group defered to her, he could tell that her voice carried the most weight.

As she extended her arm to him, this "strange elven paladin" took her hand in his and kissed it in greeting. "M'Lady. I am at your service."

As Calin walked past, he squeezed his shoulder in greeting and said in a low voice, "I will be happy to offer any proof you need, but for now, let us rest and tell our tales."

He allowed the group to sit and be served, then resumed his own seat at the foot of the table.

He opened his mouth to ask for a telling of their tale, when his eyes fell apon a note bearing a familiar seal . . .

[This message has been edited by Mathetais (edited August 22, 2001).]

Pimm was suprised by the sudden offer of hospitality from the diminutive bar tender, and the hospitality of stragers was not to be ignored.

"Thank you sire, this is the first thing that's gone right for me in quite some time!" he grins and picks up the shot, "Cheers" and sends the whiskey down. He grits his teeth as the welcome bite of the whiskey takes hold for a second. He breathes in and shakes it off. Nothing like a good shot to ease a foul mood.

"I'm Albrechto Horatio Pimm, pleased to meet you Eldon. Most people have taken to calling me Pimm." he lays a silver coin on the bar counter, "I'll have one of those ales you mentioned, or actually several of them, but one at a time - I suppose."

Pimm looks around the room. At the table of his traveling colleages he sees the redhead allready moving in on the new fellow. Well, it makes sense, he's the only clean one in the bunch. New friends making new friends he observed.

"Nice establishment, particularly for being in the middle of, relatively, nowhere. Have you had much trouble with the local, er... how should I put it? The local barbarians? We had something of a run-in with them a ways back."

Eldon draws a mug of ale and sets it before Pimm. "Well, now that you mention it, no. This Inn is the perfect location, for profit as well as protection. You see, Harold's Holdfast is the respository of all the Heraldry and Genealogy of most of the races of Faerun, as well as housing the greatest library inn all the land. Because of this, Everyone respects the location as neutral ground. No one would dare to cause trouble here lest they suffer the rage of all the other races combined."
Seeing the note Darius placed on the bar, Eldon casually slips it into his pocket. He would have to read it later. "Here, have another shot to go with that ale, on the house of course."

[This message has been edited by Baldak Oakfist (edited August 21, 2001).]

"Well thank you once again sire, your generosity is unheard of!" Pimm, looks between the shot and the beer, hesitates and settles on a sip of the beer, followed by the shot... "Well sire, down the hatch! *cough, cough, ehhhhhhh, cough! hrrr - ahem* oooh, that was gooood...."

Pimm takes another sip of his ale to smooth his throat.

Seeing the note dissapear into the bartender's pocket combined with the phrase "greatest library in all the land" sparked a thought in Pimm's mind, specifically regarding the note and the burned piece of map that the Redhead had found on the gigantic bleeding lout.

"So, people come from all over the land to view the collection of tomes collected here... I take it that they are carefully kept track of then? Have there been any thefts lately that you know of? Or perhaps a book missing a page?"

Given that we are in the middle of nowhere, I can't see much other alternative for the origination of the map particle, Pimm thinks to himself.

"Does the name Novamyst mean anything to you?"

[This message has been edited by ArtEChoke (edited August 22, 2001).]

"Well, I would not know if something were missing from the library. You'd probably have to ask one of the "Keepers". I doubt that they'd let one of their tomes get taken. Not when they will make copies for a fee." Eldon stares at the ceiling, deep in thought. "Novamyst...Novamyst...That name is familiar, but I can't place it. Maybe Dorf over at the stables can remember. I'll have to ask him later."

[This message has been edited by Baldak Oakfist (edited August 22, 2001).]

Mathetais tried to read the stories behind the words of his new companions as they exchanged small talk over drinks.

He especially watched Pimm consuming information and alcohol in equal measure. He'd have to keep an eye on that one. He seemed to be a "holy man" but not of a style he was familiar with.

As to the others, he would have to weight their words carefully. This party needed him . . . as a leader or as a servant. Either way, he could already sense change on the horizon and, like all elves, Mathetais hated change!

"Priscilla. Great to see you again. When you have a moment, ask Durlin if I could have a word with him about . . . ahhh . . . I think he'll know."

Peiscilla smiled at Mathetais. She was happy he remembered her. "I will pass on the message, Now would somebody pleeeeassse order."

As Pimm finishes his first ale, he realizes that it might not be wise to continue at the pace he's moving at, and decides to order a small meal to pad his empty (except for spirits) stomach. Over his dinner, and another ale, he told the bartender how he found his way to Harold's Holdfast, telling him about walking in on the murder investigation, getting shot with a crossbow, the ambush with the hobgoblins, getting harpooned with a javelin, getting dumped out of the boat into the river and the ensuing combat with barbarians.

Finishing his meal with a satisfied belly and carrying a nice heat from the spirits, he rises from the bar. "Thank you for your generosity and your company sire, it was much needed." He leaves a sliver coin on the counter. "I believe I'll head over to the library to talk to the Keepers before it gets too late... and let me know if you remember anything about that name: Novamyst. Thanks!"

Pimm takes a big stretch, decides he's now in a terrific mood, and heads out of the inn towards the library.

"Pimm," Eldon called out. "You might as well wait until the morning, The Keepers shut down the library in Mid-Afternoon. They won't admit anyone else after that no matter who you are. You're welcome to stay the night. A place by the hearth is 2 SP, the common room is 5 SP, and a bed is 2 GP, of course, Dorf will put you up at the stables for 2 coppers if that's your pleasure."

Pimm stops in the doorway, turns around and hesitates for a second.

"Well sire, I suppose its a good enough time for another ale, eh?"

He sits back down at the bar.

"I think a place at the hearth will do just fine this evening."

"Do you have any Elverquist, Priscilla?" Calin asks, "If not, an ale will do for me, please." Leaning over to Mathetais he whispered, "Sorry for doubting you, but it was the prudent course" Speaking in a normal tone, Calin continued, "So you are a follower of Correlon Larethian. You also said you serve in His least of portfolios, War." Calin continued, "I mean no offense, but does that mean you are a paladin, or a war-priest?"


OoC: During char creation, I bought a bottle of fine wine. Can it be an Elven wine, such as Elverquist?


[This message has been edited by The Word (edited August 22, 2001).]

Priscilla began writing the requests from the occupants of the table. "We have every wine produced in this area, good sir." she said to Calin. "I'm certain that one is on the list. A glass or do you wish the bottle?"

OoC: Yes you can choose that as the wine you have.

[This message has been edited by Baldak Oakfist (edited August 23, 2001).]

Calin laughs, "Does it look like I can afford a bottle?" he asks rhetorically. Calin continues, "A glass would be fine, thank you." Calin turns his friends, "What would you all like?"

The Evening repast lead into discussions concerning "The Who's and Why's" of their situation. They had been assaulted by Torog and his band of Barbarians and discovered a note bearing the surmane Novamyst. With the note a Map of equal mystery was also discovered. Was there a link between the two? They were at Durlin's Inn. Just up the hill from there lay the greatest library in the North (perhaps all of Faerun), Harold's Holdfast. Some information was obtained by talking to Dorf, the Stable hand. Also, arrangements had been made for them by Darius in the form of a wagon and team. A newcomer joined in, observing the group, Dranamar an elf.

The morning brought a new aquaintenance, Aramil, the Head Keeper of the library. He remembered the name, Novamyst, as a young woman with a large cloaked companion. After a short discussion on the topic it was discovered that Torog was the large companion. As to the map, Keilsor Castle would be the fabled ancestral home of the now lost Hydra Tribe of the Uthgart, A place of Evil indeed. Mathetais, having received a request to visit his mentor, Lord Jullian Elkhorn, suggested that the group head toward Quaevarr. There they could take advantage of the towns resources for supply, and possibly Lord Jullian would know something of Keilsor Castle as well.

During the journey, the group discovered some goblins laying in wait for unsuspecting travelers. A long discussion ensued as to how to best dispatch the evil marauders. Mathetais, unhooked one of the horses from the wagon and decided to try and draw them out by feigning a charge on their location. His skill at riding proved to be rusty as he proceeded to ride up 10 feet and then fell off the horse, He failed his riding check and was not using a saddle. This was met with much laughing. Meanwhile, Bayne decided to crawl through the tall grass around to the left of the trees and came up behind the goblins. He proceeded to charge in and quickly had turned the situation to the groups advantage. Two goblins fell to his deadly blows before they could even react. One turned to meet the threat, while the other four remaining charged out to meet the others, who took advantage of Bayne's distraction to advance. Bayne was hit by a thrown javelin, but would indeed live to tell the tale. he dropped his rapier in favor of a greataxe and took down the goblin with a single blow. The others had decided to charge in on their four. Kitiara let loose with an arrow and missed, perhaps next time she will remember that she is a Sorceress and that the range on a Magic Millile s 100 feet plus 10 feet per level. Mathetais was next, taking out a goblin with the thrust of his longsword. He was followed by Calin, who proceeded to take out the next two with equally deadly blows from his long and short swords, but not before taking a javelin in the gut. The final Goblin was dispatched by Gaspar, who charged in swinging his Greataxe. With his impressive strength, Gaspar finally proved his worth, dealing the goblin 18 points of damage in a single blow, sending the poor creature to the nether regions in several pieces.

The group arrived in Quaevarr during mid-afternoon. They sold off the excess weapons and armor they had aquired and would now rest up for the evening. Kitiara, having gathered up the herbs she needed, quietly moved off to a secluded spot and began the incantations necessary to call her familiar (She has the feat Improved Familiar as noted in the manual Tome and Blood).

Each mamber participating in the encounter with the goblins received 150 Experience. Any who were present at the library encounter with Aramil, can now take an additional 100 experience.

So ends the day of 5 Eleint.

The new thread will be "RC: No. America - Quaevarr"

[This message has been edited by Baldak Oakfist (edited August 23, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by Baldak Oakfist (edited August 23, 2001).]

ooc - Baldak, could you offer some advice on the techniques of playing and keeping the momentum going? Last night was my first night, but it seemed difficult to progress the story. This has to be frustrating for you too.

Maybe we can have main speakers during interrogations, and a better chain of command during combat or something. Maybe we need an old fashioned, first edition leader who directs people (although people can disagree or disobey).

The above is more of a question than opinion.

There are several ways to move the on-line sessions along. First; However much the small talk adds to the overall flavor of the game, it would be best to keep that to the threads. Second, Just as during combat, we could come up with an "order of initiative" so to speak for session play. This would require the members to speak during their turn, and others would not interrupt. The player would be allowed to continue their turn until the current action is complete. They would then indicate the end of their turn by defering to the next player in the order. If anyone else has any suggestions post them here and we will decide during the next session, or in the chat room.