Wed night online:

Suttar was annoyed at being 'duped' at dice as he thought, so he used his tin whistle to summon sewer rats to plague Nailo and Garacaius.
Floella Litetoes (aka Pinch) kept Jakob distracted while she filched his wallet.
Melody, the bard on the balcony, was bored. To liven things up, she cast Mage hand and used it to upend a tankard of ale over Woodbine the druid. He was not amused and blamed Sarathien as he was nearest. Woodbine cast Magic Fang on his hawk, Talon, and sent him aloft to 'find the mage'.
Mr Punch at last got Milla in a bear hug and carried her off upstairs.
"Don't worry about me guys, I can look after myself!" she cried. What happened there is a tale for another day.

Pinch made an excuse and left. Even though Jakob felt the 'dip' he ignored it and started to look for his wallet on the floor.
Nailo and Garacaius tried to kill the rats, which made Suttar even more angry so he shapechanged into Rattus, his giant rat form. Talon took her instructions literaly and attacked the only mage she could detect, Garacaius. Attacked by rats at his feet and a hawk from above Garacaius shot a magic missile at the hawk, singing its feathers.
The wererat advanced on Nailo and Garacaius so Sarathien sprinted over to intercept, with Woodbine in hot pursuit.
Nailo nailed a couple of rats and Garacaius fired a second magic missile at the hawk, downing it. He then climbed on the table to try to escape the rats.
Rattus bit Sarathien but lucky for him he did not contract lycanthropy, Woodbine then clouted the ranger from behind with his club. Melody threw plantpots from the balcony at the rats but her aim was poor.
Jakob at last realised he had been robbed and ran to the door but there was no sign of Pinch; then looking around he saw the trouble his friends were in so he ran up the stairs and loaded his crossbow. Garacaius loosed off a silver bolt at Rattus, hurting him. However, Jakob's normal bolt did not even cause the wererat to flinch, it plucked it out and the wound closed immediately.
Melody decided to try and even things up, she cast daze on the druid and he made no attacks for several vital seconds. Garacaius used that time to fire a 3rd magic missile, this time at the druid. Meanwhile, Sarathien fought defensively, trying to prevent letting Rattus get another bite in.
Nailo was getting faint from the numerous rat-bites he had suffered so he ran back and joined Matilda behind the bar, firing crossbows.
A flare spell from Melody and another magic missile from Garacaius brought the wererat down. Sarathien used the flat of his sword to stun Woodbine and Nailo slew the last rat.
Silence descended on the Inn, broken by Rosamunda bringing the watch. They spoke to Matilda and dragged the unconcious Woodbine away for 'disturbing the peace.'

P.S. Back at her dilapedated tenemant, Pinch opened the wallet. Not only gold but a couple of gems, a king's ransome! Now she would be able to pay off the years back rent she owed. Maybe that gnome did own a gem mine, and he was kinda cute - in a gnomish sorta way of course.

250 xps for Sarathien, Jakob and Nailo.
270 xps for Garacaius, for having the foresight to buy some silver bolts.

OoC I will handle Milla as a solo mini-adventure.

Garacaius stops his light show on the middle table and steps down as things seems to slowly get back to normal. He walks to the bar and asks Matilda for an ale and looks at Nailo

"Are you ok friend? Sometimes you just play games with the wrong people I suppose," Garacaius gives a light laugh and looks at Matilda once more.

"Is this a normal event in your bar? "

[This message has been edited by Lokken (edited October 11, 2001).]

Shakily Nailo picks himself off the floor and leans against the bar. "I have been better. I need to bandage these bites and rest. Bloody rats, but at least I won his gold in the dice game..." Giving his sheepish grin. Looking at Gracacius, "You care if I have a seat at your table?"

Matilda looked indignant. "Never had no trouble with rats, no sir-ee! This Inn is as clean as an elven a..., tell me gentlemen, does trouble always follow you around? I wouldn't hang on to anything that there rat creature touched, and that's a fact. And another thing, I got bit by a rat so I'm gonna see the priest tomorrow about gettin' a cure, just in case. If you got bit I suggest you do the same."

Khor stirred in the corner where he had collapsed. He sat up and rubbed his bloodshot eyes. "Kurgoth's blades!" he muttered. He couldn't remember the last time he'd passed out from drinking too much. He stood up and walked over to the bar. "Water please, bartender." He grimaced and put his head into his hands.

Jakob shook his head, vaguely aware of a dull throbbing in his foot, but mainly concerned that the reasurring bulge of his wallet had vanished. "Serves me dang well right for being so naive, and I could have done with losing a few bob anyway," he muttered, " Can't very well admit to the others that I've been played for a fool, definetely can't go whining to them for charity, gotta handle these things yourself, Jake..."with that in mind he looked around the room, trying to select a likely mark for his own pickpocketing skills.

As soon as he'd lowered Woodbine, Sarathien rushed over to check on the druid's companion, fervently hoping he was not too late....

ooc: If the hawk is still alive I will try to use first aid to prevent it from dying, otherwise I will just throw dark looks at Garacaius...;)

After checking the fate of the bird, he says to his friends: "Unfortunately I have no cure spells left today, but I can tend your wounds so they will heal better. Tomorrow I will have regained my curative magic and can help some more."

ooc: I will use my Heal skill (+8) on anyone that is hurt

[This message has been edited by Vanadin (edited October 12, 2001).]

The hawk's passed on! This hawk is no more! She has ceased to be! She's expired and gone to meet her maker! She's a stiff! Bereft of life, she rests in peace! She's ready for pushing up the daisies! Her metabolic processes are now 'istory! She's fallen off the twig! She's kicked the bucket, She's shuffled off this mortal coil, rung down the curtain and joined the bleedin' choir invisibile!!

At -13 hp THIS IS AN EX-HAWK!!

With apologies to Monty Python. :D


[This message has been edited by Erran (edited October 12, 2001).]

As the water restored some sense to his addled brain, Khor noticed the commotion in the room. Looking around the room, he noticed the scorch marks, broken pots, and overturned tables... and the bodies. A couple rats, a hunting bird of some type, and an extremely large rat (ooc: unless he shapeshifted back on death?). The elf who he'd noticed earlier at the gambling table was in very bad shape, and his companions were a mess too. "Bloody flaming ashes! What in the nine Hells happened while I was out?"

Sat night online - Milla's tale.

Punch carried Milla over his shoulder, upstairs - into his room and threw her on the bed. "Now we have fun, no?" he chuckled.
"No we don't!" she exclaimed and sprang to her feet. He grabbed her, giving her the opportunity to strike but her blow had no effect. He held on to her and they began to grapple. His superior strength told and his rib cracking bear hugs were wearing down Milla's ability to resist. "Help!" she cried, as the half orc pinned her to the ground.
Downstairs, Khor heard the cry and ran upstairs, but which room had it come from?
At last Milla was able to break the pin and struggle free. Once again, Punch advanced on her. Preferring death to dishonour, Milla leapt through the first storey window and crashed into the alleyway bellow.
As Khor made to charge the door, Punch opened it and they exchanged places. Khor looked through the broken window frame to see the stunned form of Milla in a crumpled heap below.
Punch went downstairs saying: "Where's my sweetie?" Khor caught him up at the foot of the stairs and a vicious fistfight ensued.
Right hooks were traded for left crosses until both could hardly stand. Finally Khor landed a tremendous haymaker to the half orcs midriff, his eyes glazed over and he fell.
Khor ran out to tend to Milla and Jakob, ever alert for the 'main chance' filched Punch's belt sack before the watch arrived. It contained 8gp and a curious bottle containing brown liquid and something floating.
Khor put Milla to bed in the South East corner room and took the room next door.

150xp were granted to Milla and Khor

10th Eleint

The next day, those who had sustained only pummeling damage felt much better. Nailo awoke in a cold sweat, shivering. Milla had a strange dream in which Ilmater seemed to be calling to her. Khor went to Lothron the gem dealer and sold the Chardalyn for 100gp. Then he went to Ugo, traded his leather armour in for a chain shirt and ordered a Dwarven Waraxe.
Milla and Jakob went to the temple. On the way they passed a notice:

100 gp BOUNTY
for every Troll killed on the Evermoors
for details, apply Nesme council offices
signed Tessarin Alaraun

Milla spoke with the priest of Ilmater, Sorrel, who gave her an incense candle to burn before sleeping. On their way back they bumped into Magrit and Samual, who told them that she had been granted title over the ranch and if they cared to stop by they could pick up their horses. Magrit then went to the 5 Gold Crowns to offer Grog the job of chief ranch-hand. She could now pay him his back pay as they had found a pile of jewelery at the bottom of the brine bath.
Samual had given up the bakery to help out at the ranch. ;)

OoC You don't have to rely on Sarathien for healing in town. You can get a clw at the Temple for as little as 30gp, or a healing potion for 50gp.

[This message has been edited by Erran (edited October 14, 2001).]

Khor arrived back at the Inn as the sun reached its zenith. He was feeling considerably better with his new purchases in hand. As he entered the Inn, he spotted Milla along with Jakob. "How goes it this morning, Milla? Rest well?"

"Yes, very well. Still a little bruised but I've had worse"

"And I must thank you for your support last night. You saved me from that brute."
Milla shakes Khors hand with a I'm-taking-my-debts-serious look.

"So lets go to the council then shall we?"

Jakob swirled the brown liquid in the bottle thoughtfully, peering at the enigmatic floating object. He gave a vaguely affirmative sound, then looked up at Milla. "Eh, about that priest and all..", he said, "I think I offended him a bit, so I didn't want to mention any of my doubts about Ilmater, but I've got a question that I think you, as a monk of Ilmater could answer. I just happen to find it difficult to believe that suffering should be accepted and is somehow holy. In my view, it's the duty of people to fight against suffering, rather than passively accept it. Uhm, I know that's very crude of me and everyhing, but please forgive my ignorance, and explain what it is I don't understand..." with that Jakob seems to forget he said anything and goes back to examining the bottle.

Nialo slowly walks down the stairs from his room into the common room. "Hey guys..." He walks to a chair nearest the rest of the group and slumps down. "I don't feel so well. I think those rats almost did me in. Where is that Temple I heard you guys talking about? I think I better get over there...know how much it costs? I think I got about 20 gold." Stopping to wipe the sweat from his forehead.

Khor opened his mouth to respond to Milla, but was interrupted by the arrival of the elf. He frowned over at the elf, trying to place him. "Oh yeah, wasn't you that elf that mentioned seeing a drow at Silverymoon?"

Examining the bottle closely, the floating objects looked to Jakob like a couple of pig's ears. Sniffing the stopper it smelled of vinegar.

"If it's the Temple of Waukeen you want, you can't miss it. Bang in the middle of town, opposite the council offices. Got myself fixed up this morning." Matilda said to Nailo, then retuned to wiping out tankards.

"Have you met my new friend, Melody?" Thomas asked, "She's a real joker."
Melody looked sheepish. "Sorry about the business with the tankard, I was just trying to liven things up. I hope I made ammends later?"
"You can make ammends to me by paying 3gp for the broken plantpots" Matilda said gruffly.

Grog returned with Magrit to the ranch, now renamed the 4 sisters ranch. Majikus enrolled at the Nesme School of Thaumaturgy to further his studies. Surya slipped away and joined one of the many underground cults flourishing in Nesme.

Sarathien walked down the stairs, feeling mighty sore indeed. The rat bite looked like it had been infested over night, despite being tended carefully, so the elf realized he should probably follow Matilda's advice and go see a priest.

Seeing his friends gathered in the common room, he walks up to them with a smile.

"I'm glad to see you're all feeling better today, I hope my tending did some good for you. I have only one cure spell to cast as I will need to translate the Mori'Quessir message. So who is most in need of it?"

Nailo seemed to be the one in the worst shape (OoC, 2HP left)

Over at the council chambers, Milla met with Jygil. The priestess had already heard of the party's exploits at the mine. She handed over a purse cointaing 100gp and made the following offer:
"If you or any of your companions wish it, I will make them Free Citizens of Nesme. This entitles them to:
Call on the Riders in time of need.
Enter Nesme by the postern gates when the main gates are closed.
Be eligable for election to the council of Nesme."
She explained how Nesme valued adventurers and how 2 council seats were reserved for their kind.

Milla thanks Jygil for the unexpected gift and continues:
"I can only talk for myself but I gladly accept the honour and responsibility of being a Free Citizen of Nesme"

Before Milla leaves the council offices she talks to Tessarin Alaraun for further details of the Troll situation on the Evermoors. She explains that she and her companions noticed the notice about the bounty and would like to know more.

After having satisfied her curiosity she proceeds Ugos shop.
"Hello Ugo how is life treating you? I was a little bit curios about your name. I bet you can tell how to fight trolls?
...
...
"I'm also interested in some weaponry. Hmm, I don't suppose you have anything for a monk? Maybe you can advice me what type of xbow I should use. This is the one I'm using now"
Milla shows her regular light xbow.

"Free citizen of Nesme, eh?", muttered Jakob, "Is this what you have to do just to qualify for Citizenship and some actual Civil Liberties around this place, why if I had my way..." Jakob looked like he was going to continue on ranting in this vein for some time, but this once, actually managed to discern that this was neither the time or the place, apologised and humbly accepted the citizenship offered.

OOC I have got to thinking of Jakob's mortality. He has to die sometime, and I'm thinking of rolling a replacement character to replace him. (If you're another PC and consider reading about characters before they turn up a SPOILER, skip to the next post now)
Erran, my replacement character is going to have a fondness for headbutting, and I want to give him a bit more oomph by buying a spikey helmet. Unfortunately the Character Generator doesn't list the prices of them. Would you let me have one (I'm thinking very similar to a spiked gauntlet, but worn on the head)?

ooc: Jakob, do you just consider yourself automatically with Milla wherever she goes? :p

Jygil frowned at Jakob: "Well the other way to become a free citizen of Nesme is to be born here." Then she lightened up and presented them each with a special silver piece bearing the arms of Nesme on one side and an inscription on the other. "Guard these well, they are worth more than gold."

At the council offices Milla learned that Trolls could be found almost anywhere on the Evermoors but they preferred abandoned ruined farmhouses and marshland. The council demanded proof of a sucessful kill, the trolls ears in a vinegar jar (to prevent the regeneration).

Ugo grew serious when Milla inquired about troll slaying. "Don't underestimate 'em, fearsome beasts trolls, what with that regeneration trick and all. 5 of us went out on the moors but only 4 came back. Fire or acid, thats the key to making sure the buggers stay dead. Still, no-one takes you seriously in Nesme 'til you've killed your first troll."
In reply to her question about weapons he said: "I got a couple of those sickle like things, kamas I think you call them. Anything else I can make to order. As for crossbows, I got this heavy kind, packs more punch but its slower to reload, depends on your style really."

OoC to Jakob: Ugo can make almost anything to order, given a little time.

After leaving the council buildings, Jakob wandered about on his own for a bit, wondering how he could make some money, and why anyone would want to pickle ears. Soon he realised he was lost again and eventually found his way back to the five crowns, where he stayed put, awaiting the return of his comrades
OOC, Capstone: I always imagine the party's all in one place unless specific circumstances expressly prevent that being so - too much of Baldur's Gate and "you must gather your party before venturing forth" I guess
OOC, Erran, OK, can I assume then that Mr. Replacement Character has had such a helmet knocked up by Ugo (or his equivalent in another town if Jakob manages to stay alive long enough to get there). What price would it be, and could he be proficient in it (finesse and focus)?

Garacaius having taken a little walk before the others got up, realised noone was at the inn when he returned. Hmm, they sure got up fast. Inside he could see Matilda serving breakfast and he walked towards her.

"Matilda, could you tell me who has knowledge of magical items here in town? I have this wand.." Garacaius pulls out his wand, ".. and I'm not sure what it can do, I could always initiate it some desolate place, but I prefer to know what I am dealing with, if you understand."

...

Garacaius then notice Jakob coming back into the inn and spoke with interested voice.

"Hail Jakob, my short fellow, did you go for the council already? What did they have to say?"

After casting a Cure Light Wounds spell on Nailo, Sarathien went to the old priest of Corellon at the temple of Waukeen in order to make sure he would not turn wererat at inopportune times. Well there, he also took some time to discuss matters of the elven pantheon, being a fresh cleric and all.

After returning from the temple, he walks over to Matilda at the bar.
"Pardon me madam, I was wondering if perhaps you could lend me a pen and some ink, I have this note that I need to translate."
Bringing the items up to his room, he finally sat down to have a good look at the Drow's note, using a Comprehend Languages spell.

......

Having translated the contents of the text, the ranger walks down to the main room again in time to hear Garacaius' ask Jakob about the council.

OOC: I assume there's no trouble borrowing the materials, in case she wants something for the use I will pay. And speaking of which, how much do we pay to stay at the inn? I haven't been keeping my tab I'm afraid...


[This message has been edited by Vanadin (edited October 17, 2001).]

Matilda advised Garacaius to try Polina the Loremistress at her shop in the Wynnd.

Sarathien translated the letter from undercommon:

Vlondril
It is my pleasure and my duty to pass on these orders. When you have sufficient gems have them taken to the Hall of Seggar the Mage. He will process them (for a fee) into a form that will aid us in the Raising of the Dark. Cross the Goblintide at Knotts Ferry. (see map) When your courier arrives he is to say to the servant, 'Take me to the Master without delay.'
May I ask a boon? A rag taggle bunch including a gnome an elf and a human stole a gem from me. They were last seen heading down the Surbrin. If you hear of them, pray dispose of them as you see fit and if it please you, return the gem to your humble servant.
Er-Cam.

OoC Vlondril's map @ http://people.ne.mediaone.net/frankmarianne/

[This message has been edited by Erran (edited October 17, 2001).]

...


After hearing Jakob out, Garacaius decided to go see this Polina the Liremistress at her shop in the Wynnd. On his way out he greeted Sarathien.
"G'morning to Sarathien, I'll be back in a short while."


Entering Polina's shop he looked around before he noticed Polina: "My Lady, it is said that you are master of lore and I need the unique skill of such as you. Would you help me and tell me what this might be for magic that is in this wand?" Garacaius takes out the wand and hands it to Polina.

Polina's shop contained piles of scrolls, shelves full of potions, spell ingredients and stuffed examples of the smaller fauna from all around the Silver Marches. The lady herself was muttering "where did I leave that fear wand, ah yes here it is." she then proceeded to stir her mug of herbal tea with it.
"What do we have here? Oh yes, I can tell you about that, but if knowledge is given free it is valueless, 50gp will reveal its secrets."

"So true my Lady, though I am afraid I have to decline your offer for the moment. I have another question, not sure if you are the one to ask, but are you able to channel magic into these gems? And if so, what would be the cost of it?"

Garacaius takes back the wand and show her the 2 gems instead.

"Ah, Chardalyn. Alas the required processing is beyond my meagre talents. Perhaps in Silverymoon or Waterdeep you would find someone with the necessary skill. Or seek out a mage who has specialised in gem magic."

Back at Inn Milla announces with a smile:
"I have got some petty cash to share with you my friends. This should help you pay your bills." :)

With an unusual display of wisdom Milla hands 53gp to Jakob, 54gp to Sarathien and 27gp to Khor. She also gives 68gp to Garacaius when he comes back to Inn and saves 68gp for herself.

Ooc: Ok, this was 90gp worth of perfume, 80gp surplus weapons and 100gp from Jygil.

"My thanks my Lady, you have been most kind."
Garacaius leaves the shop and returns to the inn.

Garacaius looks surprised at Milla, not thinking she had carried such a large amount of gold: "Thank you Milla, oh my, uhm.. yes."

He looked at Sarathien, remembering he would translate the note: "Tell me, did you read the note, what did it say? Any connection with Er-cam or just a rogue drow?"

"Ah, thank you Milla, this will surely help in our future endeavours. And believe me, it will be needed, for I have grave news indeed."

Sarathien tells the others of the note's contents, showing them the map.

"Looks like your friend Er-cam has quite an operation going on here, and the fact that it even has a name, the 'Raising of the Dark', sounds like it's a bit too well organized for my liking. What say you we try to make ourselves even more unwanted? I say we pay that Seggar a visit..."

"Hmm, I can't say I like the name of that operation, but it will be nice if my worries about this Er-Cam would disappear. I'm ready to go, though we might need some equipment to defeat trolls, if we happen to meet one. I need to make a short stop at Ugo's as well, I'm in need of more bolts."

The newcomer elf didn't appear to be up to conversation, and when Khor turned back around Milla had left. Having little to do, the dwarf spent the time checking over his equipment until the party members began returning from their various errands.

To Khor's surprise, the first thing Milla did when she walked in was give him money. He started to protest, thinking it was some sort of payment for saving her yesterday, but shut his mouth when he saw her distributing to the rest of the party.

Then Sarathien shared his news with the rest of the party. "Hmmm," Khor grunted. "Appears to me this Er-Cam fellow isn't on his own after all. This may be too large an operation for us to take on ourselves."

He looked the translation over closer. "What's he turning these Chardalyn into? What'd you say you had before? A... keera?"

Wed night online

Nailo told of two bodies he had seen on the journey from Silverymoon. One, a drow with two good hands killed by a crossbow bolt just outside Silverymoon. The other, a gold elf, much nearer to Nesme. The elf had been wearing a Harper pin. Garacaius and Jakob told the others what they knew of Er-Cam. Nailo asked to join the party of adventurers and they agreed.

The party then headed over to The Council Chambers and were granted an audience with Jygil. The showed her the drow's letter. She expressed interest but was too concerned with the Barbarian and Troll raids to be able to do anything about it. She asked to be kept informed.
On the way out Jakob finaly realised that the objects in the jar were not pigs ears but trolls ears. He bluffed the clerk that he had slain the troll and claimed the 100gp reward. With that and the money Milla raised the party were now in good financial shape.

They went to see Magrit and claimed their horses. As the sun was setting they agreed to stay the night at the 4 Sisters Ranch.
Milla lit the incense candle before sleeping and had a vivid dream:

It seemed she was in the Temple of Waukeen in Nesme, and the goddess herself was counting her money. A figure which Milla knew to be Bane slipped out of the shadows holding a twisty little dagger. Milla was unable to move as Bane approached Waukeen's back. Then she noticed a beggar on the ground. He stuck out his foot and tripped Bane up, causing him to fall. The beggar was Ilmater, who turned to Milla and said "That is what you must do." When Waukeen turned around she looked a lot like Jygil.
Then she awoke with a start.

11th Eleint

Milla roused the others and convinced them to postpone their original plan of investigating the wizard, Seggar, in favour of returning to Nesme immediately.

100xp each to Jakob, Sarathien, Khor, Nailo, Milla and Garacaius.


[This message has been edited by Erran (edited October 18, 2001).]

On the ride back to Nesme, Khor asked Milla for details about her vision.

On their way back to Nesme Milla tells Khor and the others about what she remembers of the vision. (see above)
"So the question is where this threat comes from and in what form and when and how." Milla stops suddenly realising that she's babbling.

"I only know that I can't risk leaving Nesme and Jygil without knowing more about this"

"Hold on there," says Jakob, "Let's be rational about this for a minute. The dream could easily be reflecting our past experiences. Jygil could represent Nesme, Bane could represent the external strife which threatens Nesme, such as the trolls, barbarians and drow, and you, as a servant of Ilmater, are trying to protect Nesme from this strife"

Listening to Milla tell her vision, Nailo thinks, "What have I got myself into?" Contemplating what Milla had said, Nailo gets a few ideas of his own.

Riding up to the front of the group, "I know I am new to the group all, but we should make sure that we are not riding right into the middle of something that is way over our heads. I know Sarathein is a great fighter and all, but the best way to win is to think your way out of it in the first place. Anyway, maybe we should scout out around Jygil's first. Just a thought, though.."

Khor listened to Jakob and Nailo, but quickly dismissed their thoughts. "Milla, have you given any thought to how we're supposed to protect Jygil? I'm not sure she'd appreciate us hovering around her everywhere she goes."

Khor turned to Jakob. "I doubt Ilmater would have given her this warning if she was already fulfilling it." Then he looked at Nailo. "The dream was given to Milla, so it is her responsibility to do what she can. I, for one, am going to stay with her."

[This message has been edited by Capstone (edited October 20, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by Capstone (edited October 20, 2001).]

:p OK, I'll fix it. /me waves at Erran on the boards.

"Well Khor, I wasn't suggesting leaving Milla alone. Just be careful and don't pass out. haha However, I will be there to keep you all out of trouble again. hahaha...", Nailo gives and evil little grin and drops back to the middle of the group.

Continued under: The Service is Terrible