Of Purpose and Sacrifice
Truly, Ragnarr is of great heart. Given the loss of the staff, bold steps were called for. Little would I have imagined how bold. Ragnarr sought help from those of the planes beyond, those in service to Lord Pelor.
A service was asked of him - to claim a bit of water from a certain pool, a pool on the Plane of Mist.
At great expense we procured magic items needful for such a journey from the mage in Izmir. He is a man of prudence and judgment, if not generosity. Upon arrival at the Plane of Mist, we were almost immediately confronted by a powerful being that was at least a lord, if not the lord, of the plane.
It told us we were unwelcome.
After much unfruitful conversation, it demanded service from us in return for refraining from attack. Ragnarr, showing a sense of duty worthy of my homeland, took on all six services himself. May none ever doubt his courage and character.
I pray that the mist lord is not hostile to our greater cause.
It turned out that the pool was a great distance away, hundreds of miles. In return for getting us gone from his plane more quickly, the mist lord transported us the greater part of the way.
Unfortunately, the pool turned out to be alive and sentient, or at least controlled by a being that was such. It resisted all efforts to remove part of itself. Finally, Ragnarr made yet another sacrifice. The pool told him he could have part of it, if he gave part of himself - a finger. He did so, at the price of swift and sudden agony.
A true servant of Pelor is he.
My memories of the next stage are, for some unknown reason, hazy, but we have made our way back. I believe at some point we were drinking with Orcs and visiting one of their shamans. I trust in faith that the results be worthy of our spent gold and Ragnarr's great sacrifices.
Praise and glory to Lord Pelor.
*A*
Monday, December 7, 2009
The plane boss the plane
I was pleasantly surprised to see how many interesting item and magical items there are in the planes, to bad they come with a heavy price. One that Ragnarr paid for us. It is moments like these that remind me why I have been friends with him. He has always been willing to put in the extra effort and sacrifice so much to do Pelor’s will. He has a far stronger faith then I. Anyways, we got some water for payment for a spirit Ragnarr summoned, hopefully this will help us track down the person who has the staff. I am right now sitting in Ismer having teleported both Paladins back; I figured it would be a good idea to get them out of the Orc camp. I would hate for them to go attacking an Orc, just because he is evil. We do not have time right now to fight a way with a Orc tribe, not to mention from the stories I have read not sure if I would like to ever be at war with them. It will take a couple more days to teleport the rest of the group here, so I might finally have a little bit of free time to start reading this spell book and learning some of the illusion spells. It would be nice to have some spells that could be used to distract creatures in future battles.
On a side note I need to find a way to earn some gold. I am quickly running out and if we plan on having a chance against this evil I am going to need a lot more gold to prepare for the battles to come.
On a side note I need to find a way to earn some gold. I am quickly running out and if we plan on having a chance against this evil I am going to need a lot more gold to prepare for the battles to come.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
From The Journal of Jacob Cayle
Date: Some time after the last time I wrote in this damn book.
So, I finally was able to talk to someone about whatever it is that's been hovering over my shoulder. I'm still not quite sure what it was, and the orc shaman basically pointed out the obvious for me: if it wanted to communicate with me, it would have done so by now; and no doubt it's here because it's curious about us and what we're doing. I still don't know exactly what it is, but maybe that doesn't matter. The more important question is whether this thing is a potential ally for the group or a potential adversary. If neither, it doesn't really matter, but frankly, if it's been following me this long, it must be planning something, unless it's just eternally bored and simply enjoys a good show. Which I suppose is possible, but is it worth the risk that this thing might eventually make it's presence known at the worst possible time? Hard to say, I'll have to meditate on that for a while.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Ragnarr: Day Drinking With Orcs
I hope this staff is worth it.
If what the druid says is true, it certainly is. If this thing can drive the watery bastards back into the ocean, I'm all for it. If they would take their gnome with them, it would be most appreciated.
But a wee bit of me can't help but wonder if this is some kind of elaborate ruse, the watery bastards throwing us some horse shit about a staff, so we'll run around after it instead of doing what really needs done, whatever that is. The temples, perhaps?
If that's the case, it's a damn fine trick. With what we've got, we can't very well not go after the bloody staff.
But by Pelor's beard, this thing has cost me enough.
I never thought I'd be in debt to a planar lord. Hell, I never much thought I'd ever meet one. When I was a wee lad, I never thought "Whatever will I do if I meet an angry planar lord?" If the little human boys at the orphanage had even brought it up, I'd have probably punched them in the groin for making shite up.
Only now I owe the bloody bastard six favors. And for what? For permission to take something of his. Except we didn't. We took something from some bastard puddle that wasn't part of the mist lord's domain. Six bloody favors for nothing but him not having a shiteload of elementals kick us in the arse. Which is mighty nice of him, in an "I'm a giant arsehole" kind of way.
And the puddle's got my finger.
This hasn't been my day.
But for all that, it could have been worse.
We're all alive.
We didn't have to kill anything. I didn't have to heal anybody. We did it all without anybody needing to be violent.
We know where the staff is. It's somewhere we can get it. Probably by killing some folks, it's true, but at least we've got the bastards who are good at that.
And tomorrow, Pelor will wake up in the morning, and it'll be a better day.
It can't be any bloody worse.
If what the druid says is true, it certainly is. If this thing can drive the watery bastards back into the ocean, I'm all for it. If they would take their gnome with them, it would be most appreciated.
But a wee bit of me can't help but wonder if this is some kind of elaborate ruse, the watery bastards throwing us some horse shit about a staff, so we'll run around after it instead of doing what really needs done, whatever that is. The temples, perhaps?
If that's the case, it's a damn fine trick. With what we've got, we can't very well not go after the bloody staff.
But by Pelor's beard, this thing has cost me enough.
I never thought I'd be in debt to a planar lord. Hell, I never much thought I'd ever meet one. When I was a wee lad, I never thought "Whatever will I do if I meet an angry planar lord?" If the little human boys at the orphanage had even brought it up, I'd have probably punched them in the groin for making shite up.
Only now I owe the bloody bastard six favors. And for what? For permission to take something of his. Except we didn't. We took something from some bastard puddle that wasn't part of the mist lord's domain. Six bloody favors for nothing but him not having a shiteload of elementals kick us in the arse. Which is mighty nice of him, in an "I'm a giant arsehole" kind of way.
And the puddle's got my finger.
This hasn't been my day.
But for all that, it could have been worse.
We're all alive.
We didn't have to kill anything. I didn't have to heal anybody. We did it all without anybody needing to be violent.
We know where the staff is. It's somewhere we can get it. Probably by killing some folks, it's true, but at least we've got the bastards who are good at that.
And tomorrow, Pelor will wake up in the morning, and it'll be a better day.
It can't be any bloody worse.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
From The Journal of Jacob Cayle
Date: a sad, sad day indeed.
Alas! Grungar is leaving! My beloved Donk! None of the others were nearly so predisposed to helping me with research when I needed to see what happened when something got smashed!
Ah well, I guess I'll just have to find a new meat-shield to encourage into smashing things. Round these parts they seem to be plentiful. But truly, Grungar was a Donk among Donks!
Alas! Grungar is leaving! My beloved Donk! None of the others were nearly so predisposed to helping me with research when I needed to see what happened when something got smashed!
Ah well, I guess I'll just have to find a new meat-shield to encourage into smashing things. Round these parts they seem to be plentiful. But truly, Grungar was a Donk among Donks!
Journal of Grungar the Masher, Day 177-193 (final entry)
Okay so today we see spookys. They were faraway but scary. :o
Okay so today we see smoke. City is on fire! Chris send us there really fast!
Okay so today city was on fire. Many people did badmash to other people and that is bad.
Tupper sad that they trap ghostlady in hole. Tupper also angry that other friends point that out. Poor Tupper. :(
Okay so today we are at a beach!
We find a thing full of bad things. I try to mash a bad thing but I do not and also I fall over.
Evil man also try to mash bad thing but it just get shiny.
We go back to Izmir for things.
Okay so today I see mommy! I give her moneys from goodmash.
I bring Ragnar and Arkadesh to see mommy, they tell her about our playtimes.
They ask mommy if I can go to big city to be Pal of Dan! Mommy is very happy! I am very happy! Hooray!
Okay so today we was put in jail because I drink bad. But nice lady let us out!
Arkadesh and Ragnar gave me paper! Now I leave for big city! I will learn all about Dan and mashing bad things and be the very best!
Okay so today I learn first lesson. Big city is not north.
Okay so today we see smoke. City is on fire! Chris send us there really fast!
Okay so today city was on fire. Many people did badmash to other people and that is bad.
Tupper sad that they trap ghostlady in hole. Tupper also angry that other friends point that out. Poor Tupper. :(
Okay so today we are at a beach!
We find a thing full of bad things. I try to mash a bad thing but I do not and also I fall over.
Evil man also try to mash bad thing but it just get shiny.
We go back to Izmir for things.
Okay so today I see mommy! I give her moneys from goodmash.
I bring Ragnar and Arkadesh to see mommy, they tell her about our playtimes.
They ask mommy if I can go to big city to be Pal of Dan! Mommy is very happy! I am very happy! Hooray!
Okay so today we was put in jail because I drink bad. But nice lady let us out!
Arkadesh and Ragnar gave me paper! Now I leave for big city! I will learn all about Dan and mashing bad things and be the very best!
Okay so today I learn first lesson. Big city is not north.
Journal of Lt. Tupper, Day 176-192a
Day 176
An intruder in the camp last night: a malicious illusionist. We managed to capture him alive. This is all I wish to record on the subject, as I wish to slowly rebuild my faith in the overall competency of our group.
Day 180
Night watch saw a circle of ten ghosts in the woods, one of which was the now-infamous elf woman. That, coupled with a dream… vision… thing in which she thanked me for 'freeing' her, is a bad sign. So the gravesite's been activated, but how? Did someone else stumble upon it, or was it only a matter of time? What did it actually do? Is this a sign of weal or woe? Am I finally rid of those embarrassing dreams? Will I ever be able to answer any of these questions? Bah.
Day 182
Smoke on the horizon. Looks to be coming from the town next to the gravesite. We've been moving in to investigate.
Day 183
Last night the prisoner disappeared. Aerialla tried to track where he went, with no success. Khris tried to dispel any spells in effect, with no success. Jacob tried peering into the invisible spectrums for him, with no success. Arcadius tried stabbing the cart where the prisoner had been, and found the little bastard. If we are the best hope for defending Point of Origin, then they better start evacuating the city now.
As for the town, it's in ruins. No corpses, no weaponry, just footprints and debris. The entrance to the tomb looks like it was hit by a siege engine. Naturally my interest in finding out what they were seeking to hide down there was viewed upon as the lustings of a romantic by the others.
We're following the footprints west out of town, towards the coast.
Day 184
The trail lead into the water. Signs of boats hauled up on the beach, as well as campsites. We found a pot in the sand that was full of gas, 5 quartz crystals, needles and ink, and a black crystal ball at the bottom. Attempts to mangle the contents went as expected, which was nowhere. Nothing else of note in the area.
Heading back towards Izmir.
Day 191
Izmir, just as I left it. Well, save that they replaced the cart. And the acid crater dried up.
Ragnar turned in the illusionist to the authorities before he and Arcadius visited with Grungar's mother. Apparently, Grungar has what it takes to be a paladin. The potential for sarcastic commentary on this development is far too great. He's leaving for Point of Origin tomorrow to join up with the Order, and I can't say I'll really miss him. I don't know, it just seems like every time we lose a yahoo we gain another one soon afterwards.
Day 192
Oh gods damn it.
The seneschal sent a small army to arrest all of us last night. The officer in charge, a Captain Ooler, had one of those damn crystal pendants. I'd like to be hopeful and positive, but if 'They' are this far inland then Point of Origin is likely also under 'Their' control. Hells' bell. For the record, the crimes were kidnapping, highway robbery, and assault of that damn wizard. Those would be valid charges if he didn't attack first (and he damn well did); and when it's the word of an illusionist against the word of paladins, and when you're as thick in the head as the seneschal, then the course of action is clear.
Fortunately, Miranda came around and vouched for us later in the day. But, after a modest 100 gold fine, we discovered that a very important staff of ours fell off the gear roster during the night. The seneschal said he'll find somebody to look into it. I'm willing to bet that person will be big on unrefined jewelry.
After that, Grungar took the opportunity to leave for Point of Origin. May St. Cuthbert watch over him, as he'll need a lot of adult supervision and will likely eat his letters of recommendation on the way.
An intruder in the camp last night: a malicious illusionist. We managed to capture him alive. This is all I wish to record on the subject, as I wish to slowly rebuild my faith in the overall competency of our group.
Day 180
Night watch saw a circle of ten ghosts in the woods, one of which was the now-infamous elf woman. That, coupled with a dream… vision… thing in which she thanked me for 'freeing' her, is a bad sign. So the gravesite's been activated, but how? Did someone else stumble upon it, or was it only a matter of time? What did it actually do? Is this a sign of weal or woe? Am I finally rid of those embarrassing dreams? Will I ever be able to answer any of these questions? Bah.
Day 182
Smoke on the horizon. Looks to be coming from the town next to the gravesite. We've been moving in to investigate.
Day 183
Last night the prisoner disappeared. Aerialla tried to track where he went, with no success. Khris tried to dispel any spells in effect, with no success. Jacob tried peering into the invisible spectrums for him, with no success. Arcadius tried stabbing the cart where the prisoner had been, and found the little bastard. If we are the best hope for defending Point of Origin, then they better start evacuating the city now.
As for the town, it's in ruins. No corpses, no weaponry, just footprints and debris. The entrance to the tomb looks like it was hit by a siege engine. Naturally my interest in finding out what they were seeking to hide down there was viewed upon as the lustings of a romantic by the others.
We're following the footprints west out of town, towards the coast.
Day 184
The trail lead into the water. Signs of boats hauled up on the beach, as well as campsites. We found a pot in the sand that was full of gas, 5 quartz crystals, needles and ink, and a black crystal ball at the bottom. Attempts to mangle the contents went as expected, which was nowhere. Nothing else of note in the area.
Heading back towards Izmir.
Day 191
Izmir, just as I left it. Well, save that they replaced the cart. And the acid crater dried up.
Ragnar turned in the illusionist to the authorities before he and Arcadius visited with Grungar's mother. Apparently, Grungar has what it takes to be a paladin. The potential for sarcastic commentary on this development is far too great. He's leaving for Point of Origin tomorrow to join up with the Order, and I can't say I'll really miss him. I don't know, it just seems like every time we lose a yahoo we gain another one soon afterwards.
Day 192
Oh gods damn it.
The seneschal sent a small army to arrest all of us last night. The officer in charge, a Captain Ooler, had one of those damn crystal pendants. I'd like to be hopeful and positive, but if 'They' are this far inland then Point of Origin is likely also under 'Their' control. Hells' bell. For the record, the crimes were kidnapping, highway robbery, and assault of that damn wizard. Those would be valid charges if he didn't attack first (and he damn well did); and when it's the word of an illusionist against the word of paladins, and when you're as thick in the head as the seneschal, then the course of action is clear.
Fortunately, Miranda came around and vouched for us later in the day. But, after a modest 100 gold fine, we discovered that a very important staff of ours fell off the gear roster during the night. The seneschal said he'll find somebody to look into it. I'm willing to bet that person will be big on unrefined jewelry.
After that, Grungar took the opportunity to leave for Point of Origin. May St. Cuthbert watch over him, as he'll need a lot of adult supervision and will likely eat his letters of recommendation on the way.
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