Help From Lord Pelor
After the disasters of the fight against the Carrion Crawlers and the strange rust-creating monsters, we thought it best to return to the room of the positive energy pool. There was a creature of the positive energy plane there, a sort of floating sphere with tentacles of energy. It made no moves to attack, but simply floated serenely. Grungar continued to be very apologetic, but was also whimpering and acting strangely jumpy, as if he'd seen a ghost.
May Lord Pelor grant me patience. In my country, someone who broke ranks in battle, let alone one who then cowered in fear afterward, leaving a comrade to die, would have been punished severely. Pelor calls for mercy and forgiveness, and so I shall try.
Though healed, we were still low on magic. However, we decided to investigate the chambers behind the iron grating. Jacob used his magic to carry myself, Grungar, and Stuzchka through. Unfortunately, as the grate and apparently the halls beyond are of cold iron, and Jacob is of Fey heritage, he then lost his powers. The Mute was able to come through without incident using his own powers, but this left Fflam stuck on the other side of the grate.
Jacob seemed glum.
Those of us who are strong tried, together, to lift the grate, but failed miserably. Giving up we left Fflam on watch, and went exploring. We found an Iron Golem in a niche along the hallway. By some stroke of luck or fate, we avoided activating it. We also found iron double doors at the end of the hallway and a t-intersection much like that in the crystal chambers.
On one side was a room with five engraved pillars with holes in them, scenes of squid creatures fighting fire creatures, a lever, and a grating trapping a strange earth creature in a cell. On the other was a room with a fire pit and five iron spikes engraved with designs that matched those on the pillars.
We quickly agreed that the spikes were meant to be put in the holes in the pillars, probably as a means of releasing one or other of the grates. We each took one, Jacob wrapping his in cloth, and inserted them simultaneously into the pillars. The grate that opened was that trapping the earth creature. It had three legs, multiple arms, and a mouth pointing straight up. Very bizarre. However it was not apparently hostile.
The Mute was, by trial and error, able to communicate with it using written Abyssal. We offered to help it escape, and it in turn instructed us on the means of escape for ourselves. The spikes had to be removed, heated in the fire pit, then reinserted into the pillars. This would open the double doors in the back, leading to a room by which the creature could escape. In return, it would give us a key it kept for the lever, which operated the outside grate.
We did all of these things.
The back room was diamond shaped, and had a gravel pit in the center, along with tables along the side holding curious mechanical spiders made of some very shiny metal. The earth creature promptly disgorged a key, then dove into the gravel pit and disappeared.
Meanwhile, things had been going ill for Fflam.
The floating positive energy creature had apparently befriended him and was keeping him company, but otherwise little happened until he noticed that it was growing dark, and that there was mist outside. Fearing what might come, he somehow managed to pull a boulder backward on top of the entrance to the underground complex, sealing the trap door entrance with us inside.
However, the mists were coming from inside the complex.
Mists were welling out from the stone grating and the chambers behind it, and in fact the stone grating lifted, clearly ready to let something loose upon the world. The positive energy creature retreated to the crystal chambers. Fflam, worried for good reason, called to the rest of us for help.
Fortunately, we were now in a position to do so. We came running, and Jacob was able to use his energy blasts to crack the boulder apart. We then made good our escape and returned to town. There, the gate guards demanded proof that we were who we claimed to be, and were living beings. They asked us to cut ourselves to show we bled proper blood, and we did so. Once inside, I healed everyone of the minor wounds created in this exercise.
At the inn, a wonderful surprise awaited us!
There was Ragnar, a priest of Pelor, and Chris, a wizard and a follower of Pelor! They have been sent by Lord Pelor himself, through visions, to join us! Praise be to Lord Pelor! They are both northerners, though not from THIS far north. We discussed matters with them, then drank a toast of wine to the fallen Oda. Then another of Akavit to our success. At that point I felt it wise to retire for the night. Some of the others remain downstairs and are I think continuing to celebrate.
Farewell Oda, may the gods watch over you.
Praise thee Lord Pelor!
Thank you for your guidance and aid.
I, your servant, thank you for sending other servants in this hour of need.
May your light shine eternal.
May we spread that light and drive back the darkness, while our short lives last.
*A*
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
The Mute: Day 150
Lessons Learned
- There are five lights.
- Natives of this area are poor problem solvers.
- Crystal interferes with my ability to teleport.
- Grungar has received a non-optimal number of improvement beatings.
- Oda is not a sufficiently powerful fighter to make up for abject stupidity and cowardice on the part of Grungar.
- Pools of pure positive energy will heal, but will not bring back the dead.
- Jacob enjoys opening sarcophagi.
- Grungar screams like a small girl at the slightest pain.
- Grungar is incapable of accomplishing even the simplest task.
- Grungar cannot climb a simple rope.
- Grungar would think nothing of drowning a party member to "save" them from fire.
- None.
Sztu: day 150 (con't)
Travelling through this labyrinth, we have come across many rooms. The fellows threw a red switch, and a red pillar lit up. In trying to figure out where all the switches were, we went into the crystal area. There were lots of floating crystals! I poked one (they were shiny!) and it played a note! I played around with them some more, figured out how to do flats, sharps, et cetera! It was fun! But good thing Arcadius and Oda were standing guard. It apparently summoned crystal gollums!
Arcadius yelled for them to hold the line, but the Beet Head (haha get it? play on meat head!) charged. I thought we were done with that with the death of Alcander! He nearly died. Finally he retreated so the smart people could fight. Alas, it lead to Oda's death. I can't help but feel somewhat responsible. If I hadn't played with the crystals, would the gollums have come? Though I can't help but be angry at the Beet Head as well. If he had stayed in formation like Arcadius called for, it would have been a much different fight. Rest in peace, Oda. May you find only the best wherever you are.
Though, I cannot be too mad at myself. It turns out that I had to play the crystals anyways to open the door. There was a musical notation near by that, when played on the crystals, let us back out of the crystal labyrinth. That, of course, was done after we finished searching the crystal wing.
We then went back to where the hydra was killed. Using the pearl earring, Arcadius went down into the pools and found a switch to release the water. When we went exploring down there, we found a small switch (small than the red one). When it was pulled (everyone back up to safety of course! No drownings!) the blue column lit up. Only a few more columns to go, then we hopefully will move on from such a dreadful place.
Arcadius yelled for them to hold the line, but the Beet Head (haha get it? play on meat head!) charged. I thought we were done with that with the death of Alcander! He nearly died. Finally he retreated so the smart people could fight. Alas, it lead to Oda's death. I can't help but feel somewhat responsible. If I hadn't played with the crystals, would the gollums have come? Though I can't help but be angry at the Beet Head as well. If he had stayed in formation like Arcadius called for, it would have been a much different fight. Rest in peace, Oda. May you find only the best wherever you are.
Though, I cannot be too mad at myself. It turns out that I had to play the crystals anyways to open the door. There was a musical notation near by that, when played on the crystals, let us back out of the crystal labyrinth. That, of course, was done after we finished searching the crystal wing.
We then went back to where the hydra was killed. Using the pearl earring, Arcadius went down into the pools and found a switch to release the water. When we went exploring down there, we found a small switch (small than the red one). When it was pulled (everyone back up to safety of course! No drownings!) the blue column lit up. Only a few more columns to go, then we hopefully will move on from such a dreadful place.
Journal of Arcadius - Day 150
Trial and Error
We have discovered much, but much has gone wrong. Acting on rumors of ruins in the hills near this town, we went exploring. Ruins we found indeed, and underneath them, a complex of evil power.
May the gods curse those who built it!
We found a strange room with four hallways leading off, one in each direction, and each blocked by a grate. One is coral, another crystal, a third iron, and the fourth stone. Given the association of Coral with the evil, we chose that way first. Using his magic, Jacob transported us through the grate by twos.
On the other side, we found a maze of passages and chambers made of coral, as well as a pair of mighty coral doors. We unwisely began to smash through these, stopping only as water gushed through from the other side. Fortunately for us, before the entire place could be flooded, the coral healed itself.
Elsewhere in the maze we found pools of water, at first seemingly black, but later revealed to be merely deep and in darkness. We were attacked by some things that resembled man-sized lobsters, and then found and fought a hydra! The hydra had some treasure which should prove helpful in our efforts.
Upon an exploration of the remainder of the maze, we found a strange set of colored crystals on pedestals, and a lever. Together, they appeared to be some sort of lock mechanism or puzzle. We began various fruitless experimentation, but eventually got the red crystal to light and stay lit.
We then decided to go investigate the crystal grate, and Jacob brought us through as before. Except, that is, for the mute, who used his own powers to get through, then found he had some sort of problem with his powers in the crystal hallways on the other side. For the first time I can recall, I saw him visibly disturbed.
On the other side, the walls, floor, and ceiling were all made of crystal, creating a brilliant if disorienting scene. This part of the complex turned out to be far less extensive than the coral section. We passed two crystal statues that seemed likely to spring to life and attack us, though they did not immediately do so.
In one room we found a bizarre set of spinning, rising, and lowering crystals in a column, which Stutzcka recognized as some form of musical instrument. She then began to play the ballad of Tupper and Mona. Unfortunately, this attracted the crystal beings, now looking like some form of golem, who advanced to attack us.
Fflam, Oda, Grungar, and I formed a concave battle line at the entrance of the chamber, ready to hit the golems all at once as they entered the room. Jacob, Stu, and The Mute, meanwhile were in the back ready to aid us with their powers. It was a fine tactical position, as good as we were likely to have in such a situation in fact.
Unfortunately, Grungar broke ranks and charged the golems. He was almost instantly massively wounded and driven back. In fact, he ran to a far corner of the room, leaving the rest of us to face the golems without him.
It was disastrous!
The golems soon struck down Oda, who must have been more seriously wounded to begin with than he had informed us. He died without so much as a cry of pain. Such courage and will! The mute made some complex leaping maneuvers and joined the fight. Together, we kept the golems at bay, destroying one of them, but taking grievous wounds in the process. Meanwhile, somewhere in the back, Jacob used a healing wand on Grungar, who rejoined the fight in time to help take down the remaining Golem.
Then, we took the time to mourn our lost comrade.
In another room, we found many healing supplies and a pool of positive energy. The radiance from that pool began to heal our wounds very quickly. With a mixture of creativity and despair, we decided to see if the pool could revive Oda. Wisely, we removed his possessions and especially his heirloom armor and swords before doing so. Rather than reviving him, the positive energy consumed his body like white fire. In a way however, it was a glorious funeral, much more so than burial or a mere pyre. The mute saved one finger, so that Oda might be resurrected if he so wished, and apparently also agreed to return all the way to their distant part of the world with it, and Oda's heirlooms.
However, that will not be happening before we can leave this place, and we have things to complete here.
After some deliberation, we decided to return to the coral section. There, we took note of one of the treasures found previously - a pearl earring of water breathing. This item is no accident, and we agreed to make use of it. Grungar, to atone for his previous folly and role in the death of Oda, agreed to go, but then revealed he didn't have pierced ears. The Mute, without a word, and none too gently, pierced one with the earring itself. Then it became apparent that the earring gives water breathing while taking away the ability to breathe air.
Amidst choking gurgles, Grungar protested.
Overriding his objections, we ordered Grungar into the Hydra's pool, and he swam down. Coming back up he gave a brief but unhelpful report of the caves down below. Despairing of better options, I donned the earring. Fortunately, as with most people in my land, my ears are already pierced.
I swam down and found a large chamber with passages going in different directions. There was also a small lever. I pulled it, ready to dart to the surface. The water level immediately began to drop, and I indeed swam straight up. Yelling to the others to throw rope, I pulled out the earring and climbed up. The water continued to drop until there was a wet stone floor below us.
We climbed down.
On the lower level, we found various passages including one down a slope, leading to another grate, behind which was absolute magical darkness which even the light I am granted by Lord Pelor could not pierce. In another chamber we found five sarcophagi. For some reason, Jacob felt it necessary to open one, and an undead Saguahin priest emerged. We fought it, and struck it down before it could use the full, if unknown, extent of its powers. It had many strange and ancient items, some of which may prove useful.
Less useful was what happened next.
Amidst our exploration, we found another, larger, lever, and pulled it. Returning to the main level we found a second crystal, the blue one, glowing. So far so good. Then however, we decided to return to the lower level.
The first down was Fflam. There, he encountered a swarm of creatures - carrion crawlers of the sort sometimes found in the catacombs of my homeland, and some sort of horrid beast whose touch turns iron to rust! Fflam was promptly surrounded, paralyzed, and denuded of his armor. Meanwhile, The Mute, who can apparently climb through or along walls like a spider as one of his powers, was having difficulties battling with the creatures, as was Jacob, despite, his flying. I threw a spear to no effect. Grungar attempted to climb down and help.
Unfortunately, attempted is the operative term.
Grungar fell while climbing down the rope. Fflam's unconscious form broke his fall, and several of Fflam's flasks of Alchemist's Fire were broken in turn. They exploded in a stunning fireball, consuming some creatures, my spear, and of course Fflam and Grungar. The remaining creatures fled in panic. When the smoke cleared, Grungar and Fflam were alive, but singed, or in Fflam's case, even more so than before.
Grungar was apologetic, and gave his entire sack of platinum coins to Fflam. I'd guess there was enough in that bag to buy some very fine new armor, once we get out of here, that is.
So, in short, we've discovered much, but taken much harm, and lost a great and noble warrior. Perhaps it is time for another visit to the room of positive energy. In the meantime, here we are binding our wounds.
*A*
We have discovered much, but much has gone wrong. Acting on rumors of ruins in the hills near this town, we went exploring. Ruins we found indeed, and underneath them, a complex of evil power.
May the gods curse those who built it!
We found a strange room with four hallways leading off, one in each direction, and each blocked by a grate. One is coral, another crystal, a third iron, and the fourth stone. Given the association of Coral with the evil, we chose that way first. Using his magic, Jacob transported us through the grate by twos.
On the other side, we found a maze of passages and chambers made of coral, as well as a pair of mighty coral doors. We unwisely began to smash through these, stopping only as water gushed through from the other side. Fortunately for us, before the entire place could be flooded, the coral healed itself.
Elsewhere in the maze we found pools of water, at first seemingly black, but later revealed to be merely deep and in darkness. We were attacked by some things that resembled man-sized lobsters, and then found and fought a hydra! The hydra had some treasure which should prove helpful in our efforts.
Upon an exploration of the remainder of the maze, we found a strange set of colored crystals on pedestals, and a lever. Together, they appeared to be some sort of lock mechanism or puzzle. We began various fruitless experimentation, but eventually got the red crystal to light and stay lit.
We then decided to go investigate the crystal grate, and Jacob brought us through as before. Except, that is, for the mute, who used his own powers to get through, then found he had some sort of problem with his powers in the crystal hallways on the other side. For the first time I can recall, I saw him visibly disturbed.
On the other side, the walls, floor, and ceiling were all made of crystal, creating a brilliant if disorienting scene. This part of the complex turned out to be far less extensive than the coral section. We passed two crystal statues that seemed likely to spring to life and attack us, though they did not immediately do so.
In one room we found a bizarre set of spinning, rising, and lowering crystals in a column, which Stutzcka recognized as some form of musical instrument. She then began to play the ballad of Tupper and Mona. Unfortunately, this attracted the crystal beings, now looking like some form of golem, who advanced to attack us.
Fflam, Oda, Grungar, and I formed a concave battle line at the entrance of the chamber, ready to hit the golems all at once as they entered the room. Jacob, Stu, and The Mute, meanwhile were in the back ready to aid us with their powers. It was a fine tactical position, as good as we were likely to have in such a situation in fact.
Unfortunately, Grungar broke ranks and charged the golems. He was almost instantly massively wounded and driven back. In fact, he ran to a far corner of the room, leaving the rest of us to face the golems without him.
It was disastrous!
The golems soon struck down Oda, who must have been more seriously wounded to begin with than he had informed us. He died without so much as a cry of pain. Such courage and will! The mute made some complex leaping maneuvers and joined the fight. Together, we kept the golems at bay, destroying one of them, but taking grievous wounds in the process. Meanwhile, somewhere in the back, Jacob used a healing wand on Grungar, who rejoined the fight in time to help take down the remaining Golem.
Then, we took the time to mourn our lost comrade.
In another room, we found many healing supplies and a pool of positive energy. The radiance from that pool began to heal our wounds very quickly. With a mixture of creativity and despair, we decided to see if the pool could revive Oda. Wisely, we removed his possessions and especially his heirloom armor and swords before doing so. Rather than reviving him, the positive energy consumed his body like white fire. In a way however, it was a glorious funeral, much more so than burial or a mere pyre. The mute saved one finger, so that Oda might be resurrected if he so wished, and apparently also agreed to return all the way to their distant part of the world with it, and Oda's heirlooms.
However, that will not be happening before we can leave this place, and we have things to complete here.
After some deliberation, we decided to return to the coral section. There, we took note of one of the treasures found previously - a pearl earring of water breathing. This item is no accident, and we agreed to make use of it. Grungar, to atone for his previous folly and role in the death of Oda, agreed to go, but then revealed he didn't have pierced ears. The Mute, without a word, and none too gently, pierced one with the earring itself. Then it became apparent that the earring gives water breathing while taking away the ability to breathe air.
Amidst choking gurgles, Grungar protested.
Overriding his objections, we ordered Grungar into the Hydra's pool, and he swam down. Coming back up he gave a brief but unhelpful report of the caves down below. Despairing of better options, I donned the earring. Fortunately, as with most people in my land, my ears are already pierced.
I swam down and found a large chamber with passages going in different directions. There was also a small lever. I pulled it, ready to dart to the surface. The water level immediately began to drop, and I indeed swam straight up. Yelling to the others to throw rope, I pulled out the earring and climbed up. The water continued to drop until there was a wet stone floor below us.
We climbed down.
On the lower level, we found various passages including one down a slope, leading to another grate, behind which was absolute magical darkness which even the light I am granted by Lord Pelor could not pierce. In another chamber we found five sarcophagi. For some reason, Jacob felt it necessary to open one, and an undead Saguahin priest emerged. We fought it, and struck it down before it could use the full, if unknown, extent of its powers. It had many strange and ancient items, some of which may prove useful.
Less useful was what happened next.
Amidst our exploration, we found another, larger, lever, and pulled it. Returning to the main level we found a second crystal, the blue one, glowing. So far so good. Then however, we decided to return to the lower level.
The first down was Fflam. There, he encountered a swarm of creatures - carrion crawlers of the sort sometimes found in the catacombs of my homeland, and some sort of horrid beast whose touch turns iron to rust! Fflam was promptly surrounded, paralyzed, and denuded of his armor. Meanwhile, The Mute, who can apparently climb through or along walls like a spider as one of his powers, was having difficulties battling with the creatures, as was Jacob, despite, his flying. I threw a spear to no effect. Grungar attempted to climb down and help.
Unfortunately, attempted is the operative term.
Grungar fell while climbing down the rope. Fflam's unconscious form broke his fall, and several of Fflam's flasks of Alchemist's Fire were broken in turn. They exploded in a stunning fireball, consuming some creatures, my spear, and of course Fflam and Grungar. The remaining creatures fled in panic. When the smoke cleared, Grungar and Fflam were alive, but singed, or in Fflam's case, even more so than before.
Grungar was apologetic, and gave his entire sack of platinum coins to Fflam. I'd guess there was enough in that bag to buy some very fine new armor, once we get out of here, that is.
So, in short, we've discovered much, but taken much harm, and lost a great and noble warrior. Perhaps it is time for another visit to the room of positive energy. In the meantime, here we are binding our wounds.
*A*
Journal of ??????, Day 150
[Because I want to keep my characters' journal entries apace with each other, and because Tupper's already posted for Day 150, here is… something else. Not to be confused with the start of a new player character.]
Day 150.6
Tonight's the night!
At last, the blasted fool took the bait! He's as dumb and distractable as I remember him! But soon, soon I shall remind him of all he left behind! Of what he truly is! He shall learn that I will never forget what he did, and of what it drove me to do.
And then, the blood of the vile and unrepentant shall flood the gutters!
Supplies for tonight:
the empty crate
the key for Warehouse 32 (very important)
the custom set of leg shackles
7 snap traps
9 dart traps
3 razor wire coils
3 goats
1 fake pit-trap door
2 exploding crate traps
the 1ZX Heavy (don't think he could handle the repeating for now)
fried pork scraps (moron'll be in there awhile)
Areas for tomorrow:
Southern Scoops
that one L-shaped part of the dockyards that I always forget about
The eastern park, esp. the pit-like area near the street (good for corpses)
The "Wickets" which is a dumb name because they renamed that street years ago and RAAAGH
Things to Do - Urgent
- Find new healer for Yahm, the current one is getting suspicious
- Brew more alchemist's fire
- Buy new saddlebags again
Day 150.6
Tonight's the night!
At last, the blasted fool took the bait! He's as dumb and distractable as I remember him! But soon, soon I shall remind him of all he left behind! Of what he truly is! He shall learn that I will never forget what he did, and of what it drove me to do.
And then, the blood of the vile and unrepentant shall flood the gutters!
Supplies for tonight:
the empty crate
the key for Warehouse 32 (very important)
the custom set of leg shackles
7 snap traps
9 dart traps
3 razor wire coils
3 goats
1 fake pit-trap door
2 exploding crate traps
the 1ZX Heavy (don't think he could handle the repeating for now)
fried pork scraps (moron'll be in there awhile)
Areas for tomorrow:
Southern Scoops
that one L-shaped part of the dockyards that I always forget about
The eastern park, esp. the pit-like area near the street (good for corpses)
The "Wickets" which is a dumb name because they renamed that street years ago and RAAAGH
Things to Do - Urgent
- Find new healer for Yahm, the current one is getting suspicious
- Brew more alchemist's fire
- Buy new saddlebags again
Journal of Grungar the Masher, Day 150 (continued)
I will not brek lines again becuz that make dead friend.
I will not fall on dorf and make him xpload again.
I will not drop dorf in well again.
I am sorry Dan pleese I do not want to kill your friends pleese I am sorry pleese
I givf bag of shinies to dwarf becuz bugpuppie ate his armor but that not enuff.
DAN MAKE SCARY NOTORC HANT ME!!! noboddy see him but me! I keep sorrying but he still there!!!
mebbe I loose friends again. Mebbe they tell me I am dangerus and go like all notfriends do.
I do not want to loose best friends of Dan!!!!
I will not fall on dorf and make him xpload again.
I will not drop dorf in well again.
I am sorry Dan pleese I do not want to kill your friends pleese I am sorry pleese
I givf bag of shinies to dwarf becuz bugpuppie ate his armor but that not enuff.
DAN MAKE SCARY NOTORC HANT ME!!! noboddy see him but me! I keep sorrying but he still there!!!
mebbe I loose friends again. Mebbe they tell me I am dangerus and go like all notfriends do.
I do not want to loose best friends of Dan!!!!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Sztu: Day 150
This is an odd little town. The guards did not blink an eye when we said we were transported here by magic. Though, frankly, that doesn't surprise me much anymore either. Nor is it as exciting as it used to be. Other than that, the town looked like a town! Just one small problem. When I enter cities, towns, etc I am used to being overwhelmed by the stares of little humans. Little humans my size or there abouts! And that seems to be lacking here. Very odd indeed.
Once we reached our lovely inn. Rooms for all of us! Though everything in my room is twice as big as it needs to be! I feel like a small child climbing into the chairs and the bed. Next time I must inquire as to accomodations for one of my stature... Though I have found not many places have even seen a gnome, let alone hosted one!
I, of course, set up with my violin in the common room. Though I sort of forgot to sing in common and got some very odd looks for my gnomish songs!
The group has found a few interesting things. First off, there are no children here. No one recollects being a child. Nor knows what a child is! They don't know what mothers are either. It's a very bizarre town! I wonder what else we'll find here!
Once we reached our lovely inn. Rooms for all of us! Though everything in my room is twice as big as it needs to be! I feel like a small child climbing into the chairs and the bed. Next time I must inquire as to accomodations for one of my stature... Though I have found not many places have even seen a gnome, let alone hosted one!
I, of course, set up with my violin in the common room. Though I sort of forgot to sing in common and got some very odd looks for my gnomish songs!
The group has found a few interesting things. First off, there are no children here. No one recollects being a child. Nor knows what a child is! They don't know what mothers are either. It's a very bizarre town! I wonder what else we'll find here!
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