After finally catching up with Hrogar in Sigil, we're trading off as planned. He will head back to the Prime Material Plane to raise an army for the final battle; I will continue on with his allies to take on the other Aboleths. Hopefully we will meet again at the final battle.
In the mean time, I've been getting to know my new allies. They are much as Hrogar described them.
I've prepared these allies for the upcoming battle, as well as myself, but I keep thinking I've forgotten a few things. Ah well, hopefully it was nothing important.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
A new member
Rogars has left the group and he has offered a replacement. A wizard from land near my own. I trust Rogar's judgment but it does not mean i will not keep an eye on him. One thing I have learned over the years is wizards can get drunk with power. They see themselves above the law of the land, but for now I will go with what the group feels is right. I have been proven wrong before, there are some good mages out there but he is going to have to earn my trust. Aside from that we are back in Sigel getting some much needed gear. Hopefully this will allow Ragnar to cast his spells. In the mean time I am also purchasing some stone to flesh potions. Last time we were going after the abalith Rogar's mount got turned into stone. To say the least if it was anyone but his mount we would have been in a lot of trouble. So at least this time we can counter it. We should be heading out again tomorrow. So I need to get some rest.
Journal of Crunch, Day 299ish-306 or so
-day292 + Sigil day7:
We have decided to re-equip ourselves for the current situation on the Plane of the Seer Aboleth, and have begun work on this endeavor today. Have brought armor in to Watt's Smithy for further reinforcements. Re-evaluated current equipment, returned unneeded item.
Conclusions: In our operations, you should always prepare for the unexpected.
-day292 + Sigil day8:
Discovered remains of a small starfish that had lodged itself onto upper back during undersea operations. Recycled it with dignity. It was a shame, as it was very pretty. Ragnarr has located an artificer willing to craft an amulet that will assist him in spellcasting on the Plane of the Seer Aboleth. I have located an interesting crystal that will aid against further basilisk assaults. No one else seemed interested in acquiring one of their own, however. Azan has foregone his new tower shield entirely.
Conclusions: Increase regularity of debris checks.
-day292 + Sigil day9:
Hrogar has informed us of sad news. He has been ordered by Pelor to gather and command the forces that will assault the Sunken City. He has located an individual to act in his place while he is away, a male organic by the name of Ken Eyroe. Ken says he is from the land of Tir'Narneah in Material Plane subplane 3, where he worked as an arcanist-for-hire. I had concerns over the employment of mercenaries, however, Arkadesh has approved of him and he did mentor Hrogar. I am sure then he will prove to be a trustworthy fellow.
Conclusions: The complexity of the assault upon the Sunken City will be higher than previously expected.
-day292 + Sigil day10:
Have found besst shirrt in nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn
Have found a very good shirt of surprising comfort in Sigil. Operational funds are now insufficient for any further gear augmentation. Ragnarr and Ken have been exchanging magical advice and information. It is difficult to follow along in their conversations, which is just as well that I am not part of them. Sztuczka was unavailable for visitation due to zealous performance hall security personnel.
Conclusions: The reputation of hair shirts are likely based on organic perceptions.
-day292 + Sigil day11:
Visited St. Dawkins Home for Beleaguered Youth and offered assistance. Brother Speck handed me a shovel and instructed me to purge the dining hall of their supply of moldy goat bread, previously deployed as part of a youth scuffle before the mold-related illnesses set in. Repaired two chairs and a desk as well. The toy supplies were surprisingly intact.
Conclusions: Some component of goats is capable of becoming bread, though not for very long.
-day292 + Sigil day12:
Bored. Polished footwear, cleaned and sorted my clothing, then re-enacted the Battle of Wroat using hats, books, and an inkwell.
Conclusions: Symbology of an inkwell representing Bulwark is surprisingly apt.
-day292 + Sigil day13:
All equipment has been checked and readied. All unit members are ready for duty. Edward Mulligan was brought forth for inspection and exercise. Ken cast a number of protective spells on us before going to sleep. We are prepared.
Conclusions: Pending.
-day292 + Sigil day14:
We leave again for the Plane of the Seer Aboleth. Given the unlikely change of circumstances regarding our capture or deactivation, the person reading this is likely in the employ of the Seer aboleth. To that end, YOUR TIME HAS COME, FOUL FISH. BY OUR HANDS YOU SHALL FALL.
We have decided to re-equip ourselves for the current situation on the Plane of the Seer Aboleth, and have begun work on this endeavor today. Have brought armor in to Watt's Smithy for further reinforcements. Re-evaluated current equipment, returned unneeded item.
Conclusions: In our operations, you should always prepare for the unexpected.
-day292 + Sigil day8:
Discovered remains of a small starfish that had lodged itself onto upper back during undersea operations. Recycled it with dignity. It was a shame, as it was very pretty. Ragnarr has located an artificer willing to craft an amulet that will assist him in spellcasting on the Plane of the Seer Aboleth. I have located an interesting crystal that will aid against further basilisk assaults. No one else seemed interested in acquiring one of their own, however. Azan has foregone his new tower shield entirely.
Conclusions: Increase regularity of debris checks.
-day292 + Sigil day9:
Hrogar has informed us of sad news. He has been ordered by Pelor to gather and command the forces that will assault the Sunken City. He has located an individual to act in his place while he is away, a male organic by the name of Ken Eyroe. Ken says he is from the land of Tir'Narneah in Material Plane subplane 3, where he worked as an arcanist-for-hire. I had concerns over the employment of mercenaries, however, Arkadesh has approved of him and he did mentor Hrogar. I am sure then he will prove to be a trustworthy fellow.
Conclusions: The complexity of the assault upon the Sunken City will be higher than previously expected.
-day292 + Sigil day10:
Have found besst shirrt in nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn
Have found a very good shirt of surprising comfort in Sigil. Operational funds are now insufficient for any further gear augmentation. Ragnarr and Ken have been exchanging magical advice and information. It is difficult to follow along in their conversations, which is just as well that I am not part of them. Sztuczka was unavailable for visitation due to zealous performance hall security personnel.
Conclusions: The reputation of hair shirts are likely based on organic perceptions.
-day292 + Sigil day11:
Visited St. Dawkins Home for Beleaguered Youth and offered assistance. Brother Speck handed me a shovel and instructed me to purge the dining hall of their supply of moldy goat bread, previously deployed as part of a youth scuffle before the mold-related illnesses set in. Repaired two chairs and a desk as well. The toy supplies were surprisingly intact.
Conclusions: Some component of goats is capable of becoming bread, though not for very long.
-day292 + Sigil day12:
Bored. Polished footwear, cleaned and sorted my clothing, then re-enacted the Battle of Wroat using hats, books, and an inkwell.
Conclusions: Symbology of an inkwell representing Bulwark is surprisingly apt.
-day292 + Sigil day13:
All equipment has been checked and readied. All unit members are ready for duty. Edward Mulligan was brought forth for inspection and exercise. Ken cast a number of protective spells on us before going to sleep. We are prepared.
Conclusions: Pending.
-day292 + Sigil day14:
We leave again for the Plane of the Seer Aboleth. Given the unlikely change of circumstances regarding our capture or deactivation, the person reading this is likely in the employ of the Seer aboleth. To that end, YOUR TIME HAS COME, FOUL FISH. BY OUR HANDS YOU SHALL FALL.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Friends in Strange Places, Or Why It's Better to Lose Your Lizard than Your Spine
If there's one thing that's a bigger bastard about the plains than anything else, it's that damn near nothing is what you think it is by looking at it. And I don't mean looking at it with your eyes, but that's true, too. I mean magical sight sort of rubbish.
You're walking along, and your paladins go "Oh, shite, an evil dragon!"
Except, it's not a dragon, is it? It's a tiny bloody lizard. A talking lizard, sure, but hardly a dragon.
It's still evil, though. Maybe.
The fact is that if there's ways to make a bastard look evil. Most of them look like an illusion. So if you're already looking at an illusion that "Hey, that dinner-sized lizard looks like a dragon!" than how would you even begin to know if the damn thing is actually evil, or if that's an illusion, too?
It's a dirty trick. Lord knows it caused me no end of trouble a few times, no thank to that bastard Planar Lord.
Personally, the closest thing I've found to a sure method for evil is this: offer the bastard some food, or some liquor. If they turn it down? Look at the pirate king: didn't look evil, but sure as Hel's arse is cold was.
If they can be bought off with some dried fish, they're probably okay.
Well, probably. Though if they're sitting on your shoulder, you're likely to find out they're really evil when they chew through your spine.
Praise Pelor for good helmets.
And burn in hell, you blasted Ice Parrot, wherever you are. I hope you choked on those damn crackers.
Anyway. Probably just as well my lizard ran away. My spine might thank me later.
You're walking along, and your paladins go "Oh, shite, an evil dragon!"
Except, it's not a dragon, is it? It's a tiny bloody lizard. A talking lizard, sure, but hardly a dragon.
It's still evil, though. Maybe.
The fact is that if there's ways to make a bastard look evil. Most of them look like an illusion. So if you're already looking at an illusion that "Hey, that dinner-sized lizard looks like a dragon!" than how would you even begin to know if the damn thing is actually evil, or if that's an illusion, too?
It's a dirty trick. Lord knows it caused me no end of trouble a few times, no thank to that bastard Planar Lord.
Personally, the closest thing I've found to a sure method for evil is this: offer the bastard some food, or some liquor. If they turn it down? Look at the pirate king: didn't look evil, but sure as Hel's arse is cold was.
If they can be bought off with some dried fish, they're probably okay.
Well, probably. Though if they're sitting on your shoulder, you're likely to find out they're really evil when they chew through your spine.
Praise Pelor for good helmets.
And burn in hell, you blasted Ice Parrot, wherever you are. I hope you choked on those damn crackers.
Anyway. Probably just as well my lizard ran away. My spine might thank me later.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Arcadius and the Shadow Dragon
PART VI - BATTLE AGAINST THE EVIL ONES
Without hesitation or warning, I charged the Drow lady, and at that moment called forth the light of Pelor blazing like the sun itself. I knew that she was most likely of all of them to have magics to allow the escape of these fiends. It was clear they must be destroyed. Upon reaching the magic circle, I called upon Lord Pelor to protect me as I triggered whatever magical defenses would be up. They were indeed, and I was covered in icy cold, as if from the very void. Praise be that Pelor had guided me to protect myself against such elemental attacks. I called upon Lord Pelor to smite this vile doer of evil, and his power flowed through me to strike her down in a single blow, holy power shining forth from my blade.
The remaining Drow were for a moment stunned by the sudden onslaught of my attack and the brilliant sunlight burning into their eyes. The Drow lord recovered most quickly of them, and for a moment he reached for an amulet at his breast, then seemed to think better of it and instead waved his hands, producing a cloud of deepest darkness around all of us. In that dark, I heard the sound of the Drow and his guards advancing quickly. Another strange sound, like a sword or dagger being drawn from something wet and slimy, came from where I'd last seen the other Drow woman.
Fortunately, I am blessed and honored to be a Paladin of Pelor. I called forth his light and drove away the darkness. I flanked to the left and quickly struck down one of the Drow guards. This put me on the far side from the Drow servitor woman. She, however, had disappeared. Meanwhile, the Drow lord and the other guard quickly turned to face me. The guard charged me as the lord prepared to cast another spell. I darted past the guard, dodging the opportunistic attack he made. I then charged the lord and, again calling forth the power of Pelor, smote him such a blow that he was for a moment blinded. Using this chance, I ran him through. Thinking that the amulet he wore might be their means of escape, I snatched it from him.
Suddenly, I felt a stabbing pain.
Without hesitation or warning, I charged the Drow lady, and at that moment called forth the light of Pelor blazing like the sun itself. I knew that she was most likely of all of them to have magics to allow the escape of these fiends. It was clear they must be destroyed. Upon reaching the magic circle, I called upon Lord Pelor to protect me as I triggered whatever magical defenses would be up. They were indeed, and I was covered in icy cold, as if from the very void. Praise be that Pelor had guided me to protect myself against such elemental attacks. I called upon Lord Pelor to smite this vile doer of evil, and his power flowed through me to strike her down in a single blow, holy power shining forth from my blade.
The remaining Drow were for a moment stunned by the sudden onslaught of my attack and the brilliant sunlight burning into their eyes. The Drow lord recovered most quickly of them, and for a moment he reached for an amulet at his breast, then seemed to think better of it and instead waved his hands, producing a cloud of deepest darkness around all of us. In that dark, I heard the sound of the Drow and his guards advancing quickly. Another strange sound, like a sword or dagger being drawn from something wet and slimy, came from where I'd last seen the other Drow woman.
Fortunately, I am blessed and honored to be a Paladin of Pelor. I called forth his light and drove away the darkness. I flanked to the left and quickly struck down one of the Drow guards. This put me on the far side from the Drow servitor woman. She, however, had disappeared. Meanwhile, the Drow lord and the other guard quickly turned to face me. The guard charged me as the lord prepared to cast another spell. I darted past the guard, dodging the opportunistic attack he made. I then charged the lord and, again calling forth the power of Pelor, smote him such a blow that he was for a moment blinded. Using this chance, I ran him through. Thinking that the amulet he wore might be their means of escape, I snatched it from him.
Suddenly, I felt a stabbing pain.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
From the Journal of Hrogar
So, while we were back in Sigil getting some supplies we need if we are to have a chance against our current target, I finally caught up with Keniroh (or more specifically, he finally caught up with me). After updating him on current matters and the important details since last we saw each other, he believes he can help the group in my absence.
This means I can finally move on to try to raise an army that can challenge the Aboleths in their primary city. I'm heading back to the material plane, and once there will travel to some of the places I visited before with Keniroh and also some other kingdoms that may be sympathetic to our cause. I'll have to be careful, though. It sounds like Tupper was captured and turned to the allegiance of the Aboleths. I must make sure to travel in a hidden manner so as not to be captured myself.
Hopefully, I will be able to raise a strong enough force to seriously threaten the master Aboleth in its fortified city. And hopefully the others will be able to take care of the other Aboleths while I accomplish this task. May the gods be with us.
This means I can finally move on to try to raise an army that can challenge the Aboleths in their primary city. I'm heading back to the material plane, and once there will travel to some of the places I visited before with Keniroh and also some other kingdoms that may be sympathetic to our cause. I'll have to be careful, though. It sounds like Tupper was captured and turned to the allegiance of the Aboleths. I must make sure to travel in a hidden manner so as not to be captured myself.
Hopefully, I will be able to raise a strong enough force to seriously threaten the master Aboleth in its fortified city. And hopefully the others will be able to take care of the other Aboleths while I accomplish this task. May the gods be with us.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Journal of Arcadius
Joining the Cause
We are still in Sigil. We have commissioned a magic item that will aid Ragnarr in calling upon Lord Pelor while in the pocket dimension of the Aboleth. The work is, naturally, taking some time, and we are waiting. Ragnarr himself is drinking so heavily that I am becoming concerned about him. We've had to retrieve him from alleys, gutters, and sundry foul places. I pray thee Lord Pelor to put light in his mind and peace in his heart!
Hrogar, meanwhile, has decided to at last answer his calling of raising an army against the Aboleth. Assuredly, he has a gift of persuasion, and this should serve him well. It seems he has been long in touch with someone else, a powerful wizard, who now wishes to help us in his stead. Having lost two wizards of our group to duties and distractions in Sigil, it is ironic yet good to have one join us here.
He, this wizard, is named Canary or something similar, perhaps in honor of the famous musical bird, and in fact his robes are of a yellowish hue, though more saffron than the bright yellow of his namesake. He goes by Can or Cen for short. He is from a land of the east called Tir-Narnia, a name of at best faint legend to me. From childhood I seem to recall tales of either immortal Fay living underground, or Witch-Queens and talking lions. Whatever the truth of them, the association of his land with powerful arcane magic is apparently true.
Thanks and gratitude to him for joining us at this crucial time! May he be prepared for the severe dangers ahead - he has time, hopefully he will use it well.
*A*
We are still in Sigil. We have commissioned a magic item that will aid Ragnarr in calling upon Lord Pelor while in the pocket dimension of the Aboleth. The work is, naturally, taking some time, and we are waiting. Ragnarr himself is drinking so heavily that I am becoming concerned about him. We've had to retrieve him from alleys, gutters, and sundry foul places. I pray thee Lord Pelor to put light in his mind and peace in his heart!
Hrogar, meanwhile, has decided to at last answer his calling of raising an army against the Aboleth. Assuredly, he has a gift of persuasion, and this should serve him well. It seems he has been long in touch with someone else, a powerful wizard, who now wishes to help us in his stead. Having lost two wizards of our group to duties and distractions in Sigil, it is ironic yet good to have one join us here.
He, this wizard, is named Canary or something similar, perhaps in honor of the famous musical bird, and in fact his robes are of a yellowish hue, though more saffron than the bright yellow of his namesake. He goes by Can or Cen for short. He is from a land of the east called Tir-Narnia, a name of at best faint legend to me. From childhood I seem to recall tales of either immortal Fay living underground, or Witch-Queens and talking lions. Whatever the truth of them, the association of his land with powerful arcane magic is apparently true.
Thanks and gratitude to him for joining us at this crucial time! May he be prepared for the severe dangers ahead - he has time, hopefully he will use it well.
*A*
From the Journal of Hrogar
So, another battle that I was effectively taken out of the fight for. This time, I was constantly under attack by a giant lizard, so at least there was some novelty. And one could argue I was keeping the giant lizard from attacking anyone else while the others attacked the smaller giant lizards (although it was also keeping Ragnarr busy keeping me alive, so the trade was not so good).
It kept me from summoning my mount, which I should have had ready ahead of time. And when I finally did get a chance to summon my mount, the damn lizard turned it to stone! Gods damn it, not a good way to start a long battle.
In general, I'm doing terrible at preparing properly for these things. Our enemies are making less and less mistakes. This is amature crap, and I certainly shouldn't be making so many mistakes. Forgive me Halmyr.
To further worsen matters, Ragnarr is having problems casting his own spells. Seems this plane does not have many, if any, connections to the Celestial Relams. So after we found both he and I were going to be effectively useless (or at least a lot less useful), we decided to head back to Sigil and get these issues dealt with (my mount un-petrified, and a magic item to get Ragnarr back in healing form).
I just hope I can find Keniroh before we go back in. The group could use a wizard, and I need to get on with my quest to rally up an army to take on the final Aboleth or at least distract it in the final battle.
It kept me from summoning my mount, which I should have had ready ahead of time. And when I finally did get a chance to summon my mount, the damn lizard turned it to stone! Gods damn it, not a good way to start a long battle.
In general, I'm doing terrible at preparing properly for these things. Our enemies are making less and less mistakes. This is amature crap, and I certainly shouldn't be making so many mistakes. Forgive me Halmyr.
To further worsen matters, Ragnarr is having problems casting his own spells. Seems this plane does not have many, if any, connections to the Celestial Relams. So after we found both he and I were going to be effectively useless (or at least a lot less useful), we decided to head back to Sigil and get these issues dealt with (my mount un-petrified, and a magic item to get Ragnarr back in healing form).
I just hope I can find Keniroh before we go back in. The group could use a wizard, and I need to get on with my quest to rally up an army to take on the final Aboleth or at least distract it in the final battle.
Journal of Arcadius
Preparation, and lack thereof
We made a key error in our plan of assault on the Aboleth Seer - an assumption that we would have time to prepare once we arrived. In fact, we were promptly met by three immensely powerful Basilisks, strengthened even further with armor and magic. The leader of them wore adamantine barding armor, and had a powerful aura of evil - detectable even above the general universal evil of the Aboleth's plane.
The Seer on the other hand was quite prepared for us, and even watched us through some minion or familiar in the form of a cat. We fought at a disadvantage from the beginning, and paid a heavy price for our lack of foresight. All of us on the front line were heavily wounded in the battle, and some even fell - though Ragnarr's magic revived them. Indeed, we would have all perished if not for his immense powers of healing. However, as he noted to us, even those were unreliable on this plane.
We retreated, and are now regrouping in Sigil. May we learn from this lesson, and may the Gods give us strength.
*A*
We made a key error in our plan of assault on the Aboleth Seer - an assumption that we would have time to prepare once we arrived. In fact, we were promptly met by three immensely powerful Basilisks, strengthened even further with armor and magic. The leader of them wore adamantine barding armor, and had a powerful aura of evil - detectable even above the general universal evil of the Aboleth's plane.
The Seer on the other hand was quite prepared for us, and even watched us through some minion or familiar in the form of a cat. We fought at a disadvantage from the beginning, and paid a heavy price for our lack of foresight. All of us on the front line were heavily wounded in the battle, and some even fell - though Ragnarr's magic revived them. Indeed, we would have all perished if not for his immense powers of healing. However, as he noted to us, even those were unreliable on this plane.
We retreated, and are now regrouping in Sigil. May we learn from this lesson, and may the Gods give us strength.
*A*
Journal of Crunch, Day 290c to… later on.
-day290-C:
We eventually agreed to assault the remaining pirate forces, however, we came across a note in their leader's operations room. In this communication, he threatened the safety of the coastal regions of the Land of 5 Rivers should we continue our assault on the facility. He also offered to assist us in locating a key artifact should we retreat. Given the circumstances, we have opted to retreat and inform the naval authorities of the Land of 5 Rivers. We have also confiscated the pirate leader's desk. I'm not certain why.
Conclusions: When Lives Are Involved, Prioritization Of Objectives Is Important.
-day291:
We have returned to Arkadesh's homeland to inform the relevant authorities. Ragnarr and Hrogar have been engaged in rituals at the local Temple of Pelor to locate the lair of the Seer aboleth. They have discerned that it is stationed inside its own pocket plane, and will require extraplanar transport to access.
Conclusions: iT iS sUrprisingly rEfreshing tO bE tRansported fRom uNderwater to a dRy cLimate.
-day292:
We have returned to Sigil for supplies and transit. Ragnarr recommended a series of diagnostics for us, due to our experiences after the death of the Telepath aboleth. To that end, we have visited the same psionic engineer that repaired the elven organic; Arkadesh, Azan, andt I have been diagnosed with a psionic affliction. If left unmended, this affliction will override the standard personality traits to that of the Telepath aboleth. A purge of this condition will be required.
Conclusions: siGil feEls leSs alIve in coMparison to suBplane 3. thE abOleth do noT emPloy a stAndardized deAth evAsion meThodology.
-day292 + Sigil day1:
Armor upgrades are under way. Armor suit is being reinforced against mental invasion, and polished. Claimed a tower shield from the confiscated weaponry of the pirate facility, will reinforce it against negative energy fields and emblazon with my newfound symbol of faith. Psionic affliction purging was completed. Arkadesh, Azan, and I are now fully combat ready.
Conclusions: Psionicists do not take well to being called psionic engineers.
-day292 + Sigil day2:
Operational funds currently allow for secondary equipment. Have obtained new gauntlets and footwear. We also have located a supplier who will provide us with superior aquatic combat goods, and are equipping accordingly. Endured a number of "killer robot" jokes from shop clerks.
Conclusions: Do not shop at Maniacal Edward's House of Adventure.
-day292 + Sigil day3:
Continued equipment acquirement. Visited the site of my former shop afterwards, it has been rented to a married couple selling timepieces. Did not acquire one, though the shop is significantly livelier than before. There is even a new door in place.
Conclusions: Improvements to skills at artistic wood ornamentation will be required.
-day292 + Sigil day4:
A quiet day. Obtained an interesting book about the planes from Bglz's Discount Flattened-Inky-Pulp Hive. It does not have a map or listing of the plane we are visiting soon, but it was nice to read in a park and served as a welcome refresher on non-Material planes. Returned to learn that Sztuczka has found employment at the Civic Festhall in the Clerk's Ward, involving the Aria of Tupper and Mona. She will no longer be travelling with us for the duration of this activity. She was a valued member of the unit, and I wish her luck.
Conclusions: In the service of Emotion, no calling can be ignored for long.
-day292 + Sigil day5:
Escorted Ragnarr and Chris on a tavern patrol. Chris and Lief are doing alright, and it has not been long here since we left for Subplane 3. Arkadesh has received word from his commanding officers that Tupper, the Champion of Herakles, has been captured by the forces of Izmir. It's been presumed he has been broken. No new orders.
Conclusions: Pending.
-day292 + Sigil day6:
All armament upgrades complete. We are prepared to embark to the Plane of the Seer Aboleth. Given the probable circumstances of our capture or deactivation, the person reading this is likely in the employ of the Seer aboleth. To that end, YOUR TIME SHALL COME, FOUL FISH. IF NOT BY OUR HANDS THEN SOON.
-day292 + Sigil day6-B:
Combat with initial forces has proven to be more difficult than expected. Ragnarr's deific connections do not function as required while on the Plane of the Seer Aboleth. We are regrouping at Sigil and considering our options.
We eventually agreed to assault the remaining pirate forces, however, we came across a note in their leader's operations room. In this communication, he threatened the safety of the coastal regions of the Land of 5 Rivers should we continue our assault on the facility. He also offered to assist us in locating a key artifact should we retreat. Given the circumstances, we have opted to retreat and inform the naval authorities of the Land of 5 Rivers. We have also confiscated the pirate leader's desk. I'm not certain why.
Conclusions: When Lives Are Involved, Prioritization Of Objectives Is Important.
-day291:
We have returned to Arkadesh's homeland to inform the relevant authorities. Ragnarr and Hrogar have been engaged in rituals at the local Temple of Pelor to locate the lair of the Seer aboleth. They have discerned that it is stationed inside its own pocket plane, and will require extraplanar transport to access.
Conclusions: iT iS sUrprisingly rEfreshing tO bE tRansported fRom uNderwater to a dRy cLimate.
-day292:
We have returned to Sigil for supplies and transit. Ragnarr recommended a series of diagnostics for us, due to our experiences after the death of the Telepath aboleth. To that end, we have visited the same psionic engineer that repaired the elven organic; Arkadesh, Azan, and
Conclusions: siGil feEls leSs alIve in coMparison to suBplane 3. thE abOleth do noT emPloy a stAndardized deAth evAsion meThodology.
-day292 + Sigil day1:
Armor upgrades are under way. Armor suit is being reinforced against mental invasion, and polished. Claimed a tower shield from the confiscated weaponry of the pirate facility, will reinforce it against negative energy fields and emblazon with my newfound symbol of faith. Psionic affliction purging was completed. Arkadesh, Azan, and I are now fully combat ready.
Conclusions: Psionicists do not take well to being called psionic engineers.
-day292 + Sigil day2:
Operational funds currently allow for secondary equipment. Have obtained new gauntlets and footwear. We also have located a supplier who will provide us with superior aquatic combat goods, and are equipping accordingly. Endured a number of "killer robot" jokes from shop clerks.
Conclusions: Do not shop at Maniacal Edward's House of Adventure.
-day292 + Sigil day3:
Continued equipment acquirement. Visited the site of my former shop afterwards, it has been rented to a married couple selling timepieces. Did not acquire one, though the shop is significantly livelier than before. There is even a new door in place.
Conclusions: Improvements to skills at artistic wood ornamentation will be required.
-day292 + Sigil day4:
A quiet day. Obtained an interesting book about the planes from Bglz's Discount Flattened-Inky-Pulp Hive. It does not have a map or listing of the plane we are visiting soon, but it was nice to read in a park and served as a welcome refresher on non-Material planes. Returned to learn that Sztuczka has found employment at the Civic Festhall in the Clerk's Ward, involving the Aria of Tupper and Mona. She will no longer be travelling with us for the duration of this activity. She was a valued member of the unit, and I wish her luck.
Conclusions: In the service of Emotion, no calling can be ignored for long.
-day292 + Sigil day5:
Escorted Ragnarr and Chris on a tavern patrol. Chris and Lief are doing alright, and it has not been long here since we left for Subplane 3. Arkadesh has received word from his commanding officers that Tupper, the Champion of Herakles, has been captured by the forces of Izmir. It's been presumed he has been broken. No new orders.
Conclusions: Pending.
-day292 + Sigil day6:
All armament upgrades complete. We are prepared to embark to the Plane of the Seer Aboleth. Given the probable circumstances of our capture or deactivation, the person reading this is likely in the employ of the Seer aboleth. To that end, YOUR TIME SHALL COME, FOUL FISH. IF NOT BY OUR HANDS THEN SOON.
-day292 + Sigil day6-B:
Combat with initial forces has proven to be more difficult than expected. Ragnarr's deific connections do not function as required while on the Plane of the Seer Aboleth. We are regrouping at Sigil and considering our options.
Monday, December 13, 2010
A near loss can teach you many things.
We learned today what preparation can do for a fight. Sadly we were not the group that was prepared. We step through the portal to find 3 creatures ready to stop us. Thankfully Ragnar was with us, because the group hit hard. We had several people going down at various points. I was one of them. But we all tough fights you can take away great knowledge if you survive. I learned that as nice as a tower shield is, without a bard I have issues hitting things. This is why i decided to drop the shield so i could do more damage to the enemy.
After the battle we decided to head back to Sigel, because Ragnar had issues with being able to heal. So we decided we needed to re gear and we will try again soon. Going forward I am going to change my tactics. I find myself no longer needing to take as much damage I used to. I will therefore work on being more offensive. This well be interesting to change things, but is needed. These mobs we are fighting to die quicker.
After the battle we decided to head back to Sigel, because Ragnar had issues with being able to heal. So we decided we needed to re gear and we will try again soon. Going forward I am going to change my tactics. I find myself no longer needing to take as much damage I used to. I will therefore work on being more offensive. This well be interesting to change things, but is needed. These mobs we are fighting to die quicker.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Ragnarr: Psychic Checkup
When I was a wee healer, back before Pelor trusted me with things like status spells, I used to have to check up on whether anything was wrong with folk by the old fashioned ways. It was never quite so reliable, since it was a lot less "Pelor tells me this is wrong with you" and a whole lot more "Turn and cough" sort of thing.
Sometimes, you were in a large group of healers, and the ladies would checkup on the lady patients, and the men on the men and what have you. But then there were times when you would find yourself deep in the mountains somewhere, in a village of a few hundred or even dozen, and there was no time for propriety and you were going to put your finger there and see what was wrong with the girl because you didn't have any other damn choice.
There were jokes about it, of course. Never when a superior was around, but when we were up late at night with stolen beer and playing card games we'd been ordered not to, there were always a few jokes, here and there, about the pretty young ladies some lad or other had his hand in over the last few months.
Braggery, mostly. I had done it, and the thing is... even if it was a damn pretty lady, it was never all that attractive. For the most part, I was there trying to figure something out. I didnt' have the time to spend appreciating the girl I was examining, and she certainly wasn't pleased at what I needed to do to her to find out what was wrong. It wasn't a pleasant experience for either of us, and I don't care how fine the lass might be otherwise.
Except for one lassy. I didn't realize what was going on until much later. But there was thins one lassy, not bad looking, though not the most attractive girly I'd ever seen. And every week she would have something wrong with her. She'd come in, I'd examine her, tell her nothing was wrong, and not a week later she'd be back again. I thought she looked a wee bit flushed, maybe, and thought perhaps there was something wrong with her.
I told my master about it. He stormed out to go speak to her parents. I didn't quite realize why. And when I did realize why, it was more odd than understandable.
But that was before I had that checkup from the psychic surgeon. That lassie may not be the most lovely girl I've ever laid eyes on. And when she's doing her job, I'm sure she's much like me: she's in my mind looking for something wrong, not as some weird pervert thing.
When she's in there, though... by Pelor's beard.
Oh, hells. I hope she hasn't run into those thoughts while she's rummaging around in there. That would be...
Well. We'll just hope she hasn't, then.
Sometimes, you were in a large group of healers, and the ladies would checkup on the lady patients, and the men on the men and what have you. But then there were times when you would find yourself deep in the mountains somewhere, in a village of a few hundred or even dozen, and there was no time for propriety and you were going to put your finger there and see what was wrong with the girl because you didn't have any other damn choice.
There were jokes about it, of course. Never when a superior was around, but when we were up late at night with stolen beer and playing card games we'd been ordered not to, there were always a few jokes, here and there, about the pretty young ladies some lad or other had his hand in over the last few months.
Braggery, mostly. I had done it, and the thing is... even if it was a damn pretty lady, it was never all that attractive. For the most part, I was there trying to figure something out. I didnt' have the time to spend appreciating the girl I was examining, and she certainly wasn't pleased at what I needed to do to her to find out what was wrong. It wasn't a pleasant experience for either of us, and I don't care how fine the lass might be otherwise.
Except for one lassy. I didn't realize what was going on until much later. But there was thins one lassy, not bad looking, though not the most attractive girly I'd ever seen. And every week she would have something wrong with her. She'd come in, I'd examine her, tell her nothing was wrong, and not a week later she'd be back again. I thought she looked a wee bit flushed, maybe, and thought perhaps there was something wrong with her.
I told my master about it. He stormed out to go speak to her parents. I didn't quite realize why. And when I did realize why, it was more odd than understandable.
But that was before I had that checkup from the psychic surgeon. That lassie may not be the most lovely girl I've ever laid eyes on. And when she's doing her job, I'm sure she's much like me: she's in my mind looking for something wrong, not as some weird pervert thing.
When she's in there, though... by Pelor's beard.
Oh, hells. I hope she hasn't run into those thoughts while she's rummaging around in there. That would be...
Well. We'll just hope she hasn't, then.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Exerpts From the Journal of Hrogar
We left the pirate stronghold after we found out their leader had gotten away and we weren't going to be able to cut the head off the snake. But at least we stole his desk. His mahogany desk. Mahogany!
So we went back to magic city (aka Sigil) and sold our loot, and bought new stuff, which will hopefully serve me well in the coming battles.
Speaking of which, we think we know where most of the other Aboleth's are, so we're going after the Seer. Tactically, if we can take it out, it will hinder the others ability to mount as serious a defence against us. That being said, it'll probably be one of the tougher ones since it'll quite possibly know what we're going to do before we do.
I hope we (and especially I) can stop making mistakes as often as we have been.
So we went back to magic city (aka Sigil) and sold our loot, and bought new stuff, which will hopefully serve me well in the coming battles.
Speaking of which, we think we know where most of the other Aboleth's are, so we're going after the Seer. Tactically, if we can take it out, it will hinder the others ability to mount as serious a defence against us. That being said, it'll probably be one of the tougher ones since it'll quite possibly know what we're going to do before we do.
I hope we (and especially I) can stop making mistakes as often as we have been.
Journal of Arcadius
Pirates
The pirates fled. Nathaniel, the pirate leader, left us a note offering a bribe and a threat. A bribe of a piece of the ancient staff, and a threat of attacking my homeland. Perhaps in Crunch's world of Eberron, where pirates are apparently friendly and reasonable, we could negotiate with him. In our world this is folly. As it was, we were pressed for time and saw no point in spending days ransacking their empty headquarters.
In any case, we procured much useful treasure from the Aboleth's lair.
Some of the others did find amusement in carefully disassembling Nathaniel's desk and loading it into one of the bags of holding. I can only imagine his reaction upon return.
We for our part returned to Khemhet, in my homeland, where I made formal warning to the city-district council of the pirate threat, and as is appropriate under such circumstances, for both surety and oversight, sent written warning directly to the central bureaucracy.
We rested and prepared for the next step. Ragnarr spent much time at the temple of Pelor, which must have been a interesting day, as he is drinking even more heavily than usual. May Pelor guide and preserve him! He also called upon aid from the planes beyond, and via that help, located for us another of the Aboleth.
We also returned to Sigil, and spent much of our newfound wealth rightly, on equipment for our cause. I found a most amazing tome which taught secrets of greater health and vitality. It shall be needed in the days to come.
Praise be to Lord Pelor, oblivion to the Aboleth!
*A*
The pirates fled. Nathaniel, the pirate leader, left us a note offering a bribe and a threat. A bribe of a piece of the ancient staff, and a threat of attacking my homeland. Perhaps in Crunch's world of Eberron, where pirates are apparently friendly and reasonable, we could negotiate with him. In our world this is folly. As it was, we were pressed for time and saw no point in spending days ransacking their empty headquarters.
In any case, we procured much useful treasure from the Aboleth's lair.
Some of the others did find amusement in carefully disassembling Nathaniel's desk and loading it into one of the bags of holding. I can only imagine his reaction upon return.
We for our part returned to Khemhet, in my homeland, where I made formal warning to the city-district council of the pirate threat, and as is appropriate under such circumstances, for both surety and oversight, sent written warning directly to the central bureaucracy.
We rested and prepared for the next step. Ragnarr spent much time at the temple of Pelor, which must have been a interesting day, as he is drinking even more heavily than usual. May Pelor guide and preserve him! He also called upon aid from the planes beyond, and via that help, located for us another of the Aboleth.
We also returned to Sigil, and spent much of our newfound wealth rightly, on equipment for our cause. I found a most amazing tome which taught secrets of greater health and vitality. It shall be needed in the days to come.
Praise be to Lord Pelor, oblivion to the Aboleth!
*A*
A note next to an empty bottle on the floor.
To privateer forces Mangy group leader Nathaniel,
While we did not slay the aboleth strictly for your benefit, you are very welcome. I personally find it heartening to restore free will to the enslaved and repressed. I would recommend that you and your forces take this opportunity to choose a more honest profession, though likely you are weary of such statements and will snicker condescendingly at it.
As for your offer, we have discussed it at length and accepted it. While you are likely capable of locating us on your own, the delivery of the final artifact piece should be directed either to this plane or to Sigil, Outlands. I am sorry that I can't provide a more specific location.
A warning: While it is good that you are aware of the dangers housed inside of your facility, it should be noted that there are more than one aboleth active. Precautions against their remaining forces should be taken, as your facility is still at a key junction of ley lines. I recommend ceasing all piracy operations and refortifying the facility for the duration. Your personal experience with the Telepath Aboleth should serve you well in this endeavor.
Whether you desire it or not, you are now stationed on the frontlines in the battle for your Prime Material Subplane. I wish you luck.
With regards,
Crunch
Champion of Emotions
representing the Defenders of Subplane 3
P.S. I am sorry about the loss of your desk.
While we did not slay the aboleth strictly for your benefit, you are very welcome. I personally find it heartening to restore free will to the enslaved and repressed. I would recommend that you and your forces take this opportunity to choose a more honest profession, though likely you are weary of such statements and will snicker condescendingly at it.
As for your offer, we have discussed it at length and accepted it. While you are likely capable of locating us on your own, the delivery of the final artifact piece should be directed either to this plane or to Sigil, Outlands. I am sorry that I can't provide a more specific location.
A warning: While it is good that you are aware of the dangers housed inside of your facility, it should be noted that there are more than one aboleth active. Precautions against their remaining forces should be taken, as your facility is still at a key junction of ley lines. I recommend ceasing all piracy operations and refortifying the facility for the duration. Your personal experience with the Telepath Aboleth should serve you well in this endeavor.
Whether you desire it or not, you are now stationed on the frontlines in the battle for your Prime Material Subplane. I wish you luck.
With regards,
Crunch
Champion of Emotions
representing the Defenders of Subplane 3
P.S. I am sorry about the loss of your desk.
Dantroe
I have to wonder about these pirates' intentions, and our actions. The letter left to us by Nathaniel threatened that he would turn his attentions to the the nearby Land of the Five Rivers, Arcadius's homeland, conditional upon us not causing any more damage to his base. From his standpoint, this seems like a very generous offer, given how much damage we'd caused already. I'm sure that that portal will not be easy to set up again.
So what do we do? We leave, but not without his rather nice desk and what I assume must be nicer alcohol.
Given how ruthless we can assume this man to be, wouldn't that be rather like a poke in the eye in response to his offer to spare one of our group's homeland? After reading his offer, we did cause him to suffer additional loss, which he may well see as a rejection of his terms.
This all dependent on the assumption that Nathaniel was not outright lying in his letter, which is possible. We also gave a warning to the town in the western Land of the Five Rivers, and Arcadius sent word back to his family and the central bureaucracy. "Hey guys, we may have just angered a group of the most powerful pirates in the world, and they might be coming after you! Good luck! Okay bye!"
Of course, as Arcadius tells us, the Land of the Five Rivers is far from defenseless, but it would be better to avoid conflict in the first place. If the pirates do attack, lives will be lost, regardless of the outcome of the battle. And for what? For the sake of a piece of furniture and a flask.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Ragnarr: Why It's Better to be a Bastard than a Wanker
There's a lot of great reasons to be a bastard. Your parents having a wee bit too much fun out of wedlock, for starters. Hitting uppity shites in the face with a mace to get your Paladin buddies to stop trying to reason with him, that's nice too. Or, for that matter, hitting the occasional rubbish bastard while he's down to make damn sure some cleric a thousand miles away isn't going to start healing him.
But it's never a good idea to be a wanker. Nobody likes a wanker. Sure, they may think they're damn clever. They may even be clever, a bit. But they're damn likely to be so bloody busy being clever that they forget there might be a pack of bastards in their office with their damn nice desk and their damn fine liquor. And this pack of bastards might have crowbars and what have you, and a fine bag of holding to put the parts of that desk into, especially when it can be sold for funds to buy shiny things.
And especially when that pack of bastards has got a cleric who knows the will of Pelor.
Pelor doesn't want wankers to have good liquor. That's what he put his clerics on this plane for.
But it's never a good idea to be a wanker. Nobody likes a wanker. Sure, they may think they're damn clever. They may even be clever, a bit. But they're damn likely to be so bloody busy being clever that they forget there might be a pack of bastards in their office with their damn nice desk and their damn fine liquor. And this pack of bastards might have crowbars and what have you, and a fine bag of holding to put the parts of that desk into, especially when it can be sold for funds to buy shiny things.
And especially when that pack of bastards has got a cleric who knows the will of Pelor.
Pelor doesn't want wankers to have good liquor. That's what he put his clerics on this plane for.
A short break
As we keep killing more ababliths their hold on the world is getting larger and larger. These days we find our self going to Sigel to resupply. This has me concern because I worry that their influence is spreading to quickly. It is become a wild fire. Even if we are able to kill all the abaliths the aftermath damage might be to sever. With a great void the nations might turn on themselves and we could have several years of battles and war.
Hopefully it will not come to that, but it is just a gut feeling. Anyways, we left the pirate base. We decided it was not worth clearing out since we found out their leader had left and as you know if you do not cut of the head of a group like this you accomplish anything. So we are now in Sigel resupplying. Rangar was able to track down were the next abalith is. We will be heading out there in a few more days. So in the mean time I will work on getting some gear, improving my sword and preparing for our next challenge.
Hopefully it will not come to that, but it is just a gut feeling. Anyways, we left the pirate base. We decided it was not worth clearing out since we found out their leader had left and as you know if you do not cut of the head of a group like this you accomplish anything. So we are now in Sigel resupplying. Rangar was able to track down were the next abalith is. We will be heading out there in a few more days. So in the mean time I will work on getting some gear, improving my sword and preparing for our next challenge.
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