Vorsaykorai - Revision history

imported>Rusty: /* The Door */

2023-11-06T15:23:51Z

The Door

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:23, 6 November 2023
Line 215:		Line 215:

	The door opened and an elf poked his head around the door, beckoning us forward once he saw Tak. Then it got very confusing. We were at Fontainver, apparently only one day after we had left. It seemed that we had traveled through time as well as space, and Fontainver was just as I remembered seeing - guards everywhere and ready for a fight. Tak went to see his master in the monastery, and we followed as we were both strangers here.		The door opened and an elf poked his head around the door, beckoning us forward once he saw Tak. Then it got very confusing. We were at Fontainver, apparently only one day after we had left. It seemed that we had traveled through time as well as space, and Fontainver was just as I remembered seeing - guards everywhere and ready for a fight. Tak went to see his master in the monastery, and we followed as we were both strangers here.





	Ushered into a small room within a monastery, to meet a plain brown robe. Tak falls to knees, so I take a knee as well, but Silanna stands and watches. People bringing food and stuff around us, but he is focused on Tak, and sits with him, asking which path he followed.

	Speak of our journey, and he is interested in the monk that Tak trained under in the mountains, keeping the tomb of Hintzu. When made aware of freeing of water to come he goes off to issue instructions, and we eat in the meantime. It turns out that Tak has made many journeys on his quest, but has always come back to Fontainver - what was different this time is that I went with him, and he has got further this time. When Brightbane doesn't flow, neither does time, so the flow of time was sporadic and could go backwards if it flowed in the wrong direction.

	Spend some time training and resting before restarting our journey. The waters of the Cloof returned because we destroyed the dam (before but now), so the farmers were happy. Set off at first light towards the Efferendil. A couple of days before we reach the forest, and on the second day Silanna sees smoke so hurry up (I let Silanna carry me for speed). Humanoids moving within the trees, seemingly away from us.

	Run into the trees but encounter Drow ambush. Tak hit by an arrow, and Silanna stabbed by two. Silanna dropped me and drew swords as Tak moved into melee, striking one. I was stabbed as well as they closed in. Silanna fights back, slicing one. Cloak saves Silanna from an arrow. I cut down the one that Tak had hurt and slashed the one that had stabbed me.

	Tak sprinted off to engage an archer. Silanna stabbed again as Tak was engaged by two. I finish off my attacker and move to help Silanna, but she didn't need it - killing her foe, although she was bleeding quite a lot. Tak knocked one out with a punch, abandoning his weapon. I'm quite far away, so launch flechettes into the last foe, then Silanna finished him off.

	Tak concerned about the state of their weapons, so apply a healing ointment to draw out any poison. Quick search but nothing much of interest, then carried on towards the fire. Reach area that is charred and smoldering, with fire ahead of us. Stinks and smoke all around, large fire. Spiders up ahead! They look hot... did they start the fire? I prepare by cooling my weapon.

	They rush and try to bite us, but Tak parried and we managed to dodge. They're very hot! Fight is protracted, but Silanna eventually killed one. Tak struck one and I skewered one with my chilled weapon, killing one. Thankfully - they're horrible! Silanna was bitten and caught fire!

	Silanna managed to riposte and kill it, though, even as bits fell from her equipment. Tak finally found a weak spot and killed his attacker. The bodies were combusting as they fell. Head south to skirt around the fire, reaching the edge of the glade towards the evening.

	Quite a dense forest, but Silanna was relieved to see that there didn't seem to be fire in its location. Keep going as it gets dark and reach the edge of the glade. Orcs are there! Seem to have just arrived, following the water.

	One shouts something rude and they start running to attack. Silanna carries me forward then looses arrows, killing one of them. I engage the front line as Silanna kills another one. I get surrounded and take some heavy blows, but then all five of my attackers fall asleep! Silanna had used dweomer, but it would only last five minutes or so.

	Others run. Disarm the five asleep and get Silanna to shout at them until they leave once they wake up. Tak communes with the water and I take a moment to touch stone and think of my ancestors. Silanna explores tree, but nothing different than the last time she was here alone.

	Ask Tak for help with my wounds, which he gladly does, although he splashed some water on my head as he did so. Start to drag bodies and weapons out of the glade, wishing to make it clean for Silanna. Then rest - Silanna inside and me nearby outside, with Tak watching. Night passes fairly uneventfully, but does see some forest animals come to drink. Speaks to them, talking of the return of water - and excited to drink. Fires have gone out.

	Orcs have camps on the south bank and ships - come from upriver? Deer run, warning of things approaching. Clear the weapons remaining that we couldn't see in the dark and sweep the rest of the glade for impurities. Birds fly in and around, also warning of approaching intruders, so ready ourselves for a fight.

	A horde approaches! Flying demon, ten foot tall ugly things approach Tak as orcs approach my side. Both shout warnings and I loose a bolt, striking the one at the front, and Silanna looses an arrow that thuds into the same one, knocking him down dead. Then puts another one down straight afterwards. Tak joined in and killed three!

	Tak dived into the water, swam rapidly across, and emerged quickly to move near me, still aiming at the approaching orcs. They turned and ran! Silanna hit by magic missiles from demon, and seems winded. Tak raised his hand and shouted "Power" in Gnomish and there was a bright flash and the demon was gone!

	Tak and I loose arrows at the large creatures, but don't manage to hit. Silanna bizarrely moves towards them, and Tak shouts at her to get behind the water. I fire flechettes into one, and Tak targets it with arrows, finally putting it down. Lots more, though!

	One of them started to tip rocks into the stream - trying to dam it. Silanna and I hit a couple more, and one fell. Silanna being charged by one, but puts an arrow into him. Tak hits another. Some have managed to bridge the water. I sent one to sleep, but Tak nearly hit me with an arrow! He hit one soon afterwards, though.

	They're now bridging the stream and closing, although I managed to put one more bolt into one of them. Silanna killed one near the tree, but we were being rushed by the rest. Tak legs it and jumps into the pool! I strike the one that closed with me, whilst dodging his spear, but now was facing them all alone!

	Tak springs back out of water, and rushes my opponent from the side - looks angrier! Silanna chants something and multiple images of herself appear. I manage to kill one. Now completely surrounded, but manage to fire a cloud of shredded oak leaf to cause them irritation.

	Tak hits one, but hit by two in return. Silanna kills two orcs (they had got brave since the big guys joined the fight). I manage to finish one off. It was a mad melee and there were Silannas everywhere, but I killed a big one and so did Tak and the rest started to flee. Tak was enraged about the desecration and draining of life from the glade, but we managed to talk him down.

	Clear one of the dams but then notice a rider coming at pace. Male elf looking above until he notices us. Asks Silanna about the demon, but when he learns it's gone he relaxes a little and sheathes swords. Farion - knows Gnomish as well as Elven, and recognised the Ironcloaks. Tak kneels knowing something of his history - stuff of myth and legend.

	Helps us to remove the dam. It is important to restore and protect the tree. The pool itself is a gate, but there is a blockage somewhere. More elves join as we are working to clear the glade until there are about twenty here. They also agree to send a messenger to Fontainver to warn them of the ships on the Cloof.

	Interested in Tak's bow, but decide it's not for them (couldn't use on a horse), but offer to replace Silanna's because it's a bit basic. They are seeking to reopen the natural gates. Bathomet fights for half folk, not good or ill but fights for them. Lich King Mercantire Carass rules over LockLastar.

	Rest before we explore underwater. Tak explores first, seeing lots of holes and bubbles but not an obvious way through. We all get in the water, after I drink potion of free action, and then I create a bubble to put on my head so that I can breathe.

	Gather around a rock and lift it free, then descend further and find a hole with bubbles that starts violent but then sucks downwards and starts to whirl around. Enter the hole and start to spin but eventually get spat out the other side into darkness. Now gently rotating, but pressure significant.

	Debate find the path use and everyone reticent so I just quaff it eventually and do get a sense of a direction to go in. Carried by Tak onwards, but about an hour later Silanna had to quaff some more water breathing potion. There is a rocky floor below. After the hour Tak notices walls to the sides, but notices a current acting against us so moves up a bit to avoid it. Thirty minutes or so later, Tak notices difference in colour of rocks and it seems to make an opening up ahead. Strong current so try to rope up - some faff as drift apart in the current but eventually get together and connected to continue.

	Tak swims through "entrance" and find more Sahauagin on the other side. I launch flechettes at middle one but they start to close - many more than I thought! About a dozen. Magic missiles fly into me from below. Silanna quaffs a potion, granting free action, but that somehow cancels the water breathing so she has to hold her breath.

	Tak engages one and kills it. I was sent asleep. Tak killed another. Silanna drinks another potion, but has no effect. Tak notices I was drifting off and gave me a good tug to wake up. Silanna tried another potion and thankfully that worked so she was able to breath again.

	Tak distracted by coloured lights. I grab weapon and stab at one in front of me, landing a hit. I'm taking a lot of damage, though, and Silanna was swimming down whilst fighting. Tak paralysed one and killed another. Silanna gets electrified. I desperately try to heal myself, as does Tak, but then he is blinded. Really suffering, and just can't get any advantage. Finally manage to land a strike, but it wasn't enough. Silanna did kill one, though, running it through with her long sword. Tak landed some blind shots and killed one. I got one with my next attack, giving me some breathing space.

	Tak came to me and asked for a target - blind - pointed him down and he slashed in that direction, killing one! I land a blow at my level, and Silanna started to hurt the magic user. She is hurt, though, and so is Tak. He lands a wild swing on the one below me. Silanna finally killed the shaman. I kill the last one on my level. They start to flee, althogh Silanna killed one as it turned.

	Have to "ride" Tak to direct him as blind. Eventually reach a stone door. Similar serpent symbology and bridge to the dead above, plus the eye symbol. Six sconces have glowing blue/green gems. Silanna goes ahead with no reaction, but then reacts as I approach. Massive shockwave pushes us both back painfully, straight into Tak. End up with head in between Tak's legs, deafened. He grabbed me but Silanna hit into us both and grabbed me.

	Tak and Silanna manage to stablise the tumble, so we are no longer moving. Finally gets his hand on my throat and then realises it's me and relaxes a bit. Reorientates me and can communicate. Deaf so a bit of a faff, but understand that Tak suggests approaching from above and using ring on symbol. Thankfully able to heal me, as I was in a lot of pain.

	Slowly get hearing back as we approach, and orientate ourselves at the top above the symbol. As Tak's hand passes triangle it projects forward, as ring passes the centre of the eye there is a bright blue light from the centre of the eye and light from the door below. Silanna drained - opened the wrong door! Have to close it and open the other, then enter from the side and Silanna above us as we go.

	Tak senses that water more aereated, and current subsides as we enter. Faint light up ahead, but Silanna thought she saw something, so get magic torch out to get some light. There is a floor so go down to it and jog forward, leading Tak with Silanna just behind. At far end there is a door with a gnarly old serpent/fish guy guarding it, huge - nine feet just above coils. Hackles up (red), patterned green and brown skin that look beautiful.

	Try to warn Tak of thing ahead, Silanna draws swords. It circles around on Silanna's side but disappears into the darkness. Pause and Tak speaks a strange tongue into the water. After a few minutes walk forward cautiously until the door ahead is illuminated.

	Single door version of the right hand side of the door before, still with six points of light, serpents either side and above but none on the door and no bridge above. In the middle of the door is the eye symbol. Approach carefully, with Tak front and centre and try touching circle, but nothing happens.

	Snake thing appears and screams in my face, making me jump backwards, but otherwise doesn't attack. Silanna goes for sword again, and moves around slightly to be closer to me. Tak moves hand to right lower triangle and gems on that side glow brighter. I get his attention and tell him, and he punches the door in anger, causing a dent and the whole door moves backwards, and all gems stop glowing. Current now carries it slowly backwards. Serpent sticks its head in front of me, stopping me from moving towards the opening.

	Silanna shoved Tak through the door and tried to grab me, but didn't get a purchase. Still blocked by creature. Suddenly unable to move. Forced to drink potion to travel to border ethereal, which at least lets me walk through walls. Does mean I cannot communicate, but I can see what's happening back with the others.

	I walk through the wall , seeing the heat of the others on the other plane. Serpent confused and starts searching frantically for me, and Silanna was eventually able to swim through a gap into the next room. Makes contact with Tak and starts leading him forward. I follow, although unable to join them physically.

	Continue for thirty minutes or so before Silanna notices there might be a surface up ahead. Swims up and surfaces so is able to talk to Tak again. Explains what I had done, and Tak was cautious about leaving too quickly without me. Decide to wait underwater to see if I appeared, but rope up in case something happens.

	~~Continue swimming, as the rock is rising towards the surface. See heat signatures up ahead... lizardmen?~~

imported>Rusty: /* The Door */

2023-11-06T09:40:25Z

The Door

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:40, 6 November 2023
Line 206:		Line 206:
	Tak swam past us quickly, seemingly trying to tell us of a threat, and we were suddenly surrounded by foes! They looked much like the ones we had seen in the hot water before... the ones Tak had told us were pure evil and should be destroyed. We briefly struggled, but found it hard to fight underwater, and when Tak was caught in a net the rest of us were quickly captured too. We were carried to a rough hewn, rocky cave entrance (still underwater) that was roughly circular, and this restricted the numbers around us. If we were going to escape then there wouldn't be a much better place.		Tak swam past us quickly, seemingly trying to tell us of a threat, and we were suddenly surrounded by foes! They looked much like the ones we had seen in the hot water before... the ones Tak had told us were pure evil and should be destroyed. We briefly struggled, but found it hard to fight underwater, and when Tak was caught in a net the rest of us were quickly captured too. We were carried to a rough hewn, rocky cave entrance (still underwater) that was roughly circular, and this restricted the numbers around us. If we were going to escape then there wouldn't be a much better place.

			I lashed out with my mind, managing to stun my captor and started trying to escape the net that held me. I could see Tak struggling as well, so as I freed myself I stabbed his captor in the back before anyone could react, and it was a killing blow. The other creatures moved to secure the exit, taking Silanna with them, and struck at Tak. He managed to break free, but then I was surrounded by creatures coming from behind and we traded blows. Some glowing snakes shot into me painfully - they had a shaman with them! Tak had his blades out now, and killed one of the foe, and I managed to kill another despite the pain the snakes had caused. Silanna was being carried off, so Tak sped forward to try and head them off. The shaman followed him, leaving just one in melee with me... enough that I couldn't follow (even if I could swim).

			Tak reached Silanna, healing her so that she was conscious and able to fight. The water was really restricting both Silanna and me, though, stopping us from fighting effectively, and we both took hits. In contrast, Tak was just as lethal underwater; despite being hit by the glowing snake things that had hurt me, he chased down and killed the caster straight afterwards. I had finally managed to kill my opponent, and those near Silanna started to flee. I was still stranded and sorely wounded, but Tak returned for me, dragging me forward to where Silanna had managed to free herself. He then dragged us both on until we reached an air pocket with a slope that took us out of the water and ended in a door.

	~~I manage~~ to ~~stun my captor with mind~~ and ~~try~~ to ~~escape~~ as ~~I see Tak struggling - he~~'s ~~awake! I stab his captor~~ in the ~~back and somehow it kills him~~. ~~Others move to secure exit and~~ Silanna, ~~as well as striking at Tak. He manages~~ to get ~~free after~~ a ~~struggle. I get attacked, hitting back and causing some damage but now surrounded~~.		My first thought was to try and will ourselves back to the room we had used to travel, but that had no effect. There was a deep noise from the water, and Tak warned that the enemy were approaching, probably reinforced. He ushered us through the door into darkness, then used a metal spike to pin the door closed. I took out my torch, as Silanna's were soaked, and we made our way up a spiral staircase. There were recesses every twenty feet or so with old weapons in, like old staging posts for battle, and a bit farther up there were also unlit torches on the walls. Silanna swapped wet for dry, lighting one to get a brighter light as we continued.

	~~Glowing snakes hit me~~ from ~~one that was waving~~ around in the ~~water, hurting massively~~. Tak ~~kills one, having taken blades out.~~ I ~~managed~~ to ~~finish~~ the ~~one that I hurt~~, ~~despite the pain~~. Silanna ~~carried off~~, ~~so Tak speeds ahead~~ to ~~try~~ and ~~head them off~~. ~~The one that cast follows~~, ~~as I fight~~ the ~~last one~~. Tak ~~moves~~ in and ~~heals Silanna~~.		We eventually reached an ironclad door, which was locked, with another cut out to the side with old weapons within. The door was solidly spiked from the other side - we could see some of the metal around the edges. Tak and I tried to deal with the lock, but without any luck. Silanna came to the rescue, though, reading a scroll that caused the spikes to ping out and the lock to click open. There was a shout of alarm from the other side, and we could see a chink of light, before some weight was put against the door. Tak tried to call out for aid, saying that we were fleeing from the evil in the water, and surprisingly he got a response of recognition. They knew Tak here!

	~~Silanna~~ and ~~I are hit~~, ~~but water really stops~~ us ~~from fighting properly~~. ~~Tak hit by snakes like I was~~, ~~but kills the caster afterwards~~. ~~Tak returns~~ and ~~drags me back, find Silanna~~ and ~~drags us both on~~. ~~Eventually reach an air pocket~~, ~~with a slope leading up~~ and ~~out to a door~~.		The door opened and an elf poked his head around the door, beckoning us forward once he saw Tak. Then it got very confusing. We were at Fontainver, apparently only one day after we had left. It seemed that we had traveled through time as well as space, and Fontainver was just as I remembered seeing - guards everywhere and ready for a fight. Tak went to see his master in the monastery, and we followed as we were both strangers here.

	Try to will ourselves back, but no effect. Tak warns of enemy approaching. Ushers us through the door into darkness before spiking it. I take out my torch, which is the only light we have, and make our way up a spiral staircase. Recesses every twenty feet or so with old weapons in, like old staging posts for battle, after a couple and a bit more we start to see torches, but unlit. Silanna swaps wet for dry and lights one to get more light.

	Eventually reach an ironclad door, locked, with another cut out with old weapons to the side. Door is solidly spiked from the other side. Tak and I try to unlock it, but no luck. Silanna uses a scroll and spikes ping out as well as a lock clicking. Shout of alarm from the other side - and light. Force put against door. They recognise Tak?! Open the door - Sea Elf pokes head around.

	Guards within - apparently Tak just left yesterday, but seem to be aware of the threat and respond to our warning of being pursued. We have travelled through time as well as space. Make our way into a fortification ready for war - Fontainver as Tak remembered it. He goes to see his master, and we follow, not knowing what else to do.

imported>Rusty: /* The Door */

2023-11-04T21:28:21Z

The Door

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:28, 4 November 2023
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	There was a cornice pattern around the walls, which we hadn't seen when we first entered, that showed a variety of half creatures being tortured elementally in a repeating pattern on all but the wall with the large door in it. That wall also showed half creatures, but in various states of disease or decay towards death. I did notice something different about one of the stones in the wall behind where we entered, and called Tak over to take a closer look. Tak pressed the unusual stone and he and Silanna just managed to jump back as a spiral stairwell opened beneath them! The mechanism definitely predated this room, as if it couldn't be changed when the room was constructed, and I was sure that it was Gnomish!		There was a cornice pattern around the walls, which we hadn't seen when we first entered, that showed a variety of half creatures being tortured elementally in a repeating pattern on all but the wall with the large door in it. That wall also showed half creatures, but in various states of disease or decay towards death. I did notice something different about one of the stones in the wall behind where we entered, and called Tak over to take a closer look. Tak pressed the unusual stone and he and Silanna just managed to jump back as a spiral stairwell opened beneath them! The mechanism definitely predated this room, as if it couldn't be changed when the room was constructed, and I was sure that it was Gnomish!

	We decided to descend, wary of going too far down though. After a few turns we reached a stone door with no locks visible, and we noticed that the stone had got darker as we descended. The stone was surrounded by a gothic arch about five feet tall, but I couldn't focus because I was worried about leaving the stairs open to the room before - I had closed the door we hand entered by, but we should try to conceal this path as well. Tak went back to investigate, and as we waited we heard another tuneless strum before a grinding sound as the stair entrance was concealed again and Tak returned.		We decided to descend, wary of going too far down though. After a few turns we reached a stone door with no locks visible, and we noticed that the stone had got darker as we descended. The stone was surrounded by a gothic arch about five feet tall, but I couldn't focus because I was worried about leaving the stairs open to the room before - I had closed the door we hand entered by, but we should try to conceal this path as well. Tak went back to investigate, and as we waited we heard another tuneless strum before a grinding sound as the stair entrance was concealed again and Tak returned. He now turned his attention to the small door at the foot of the stairs, finding a small niche that a hand might fit into.

			I reached in and found a handle that I pulled. Spikes laced with poison sprang out around my hand, but it was a Gnomish design and they stopped short before touching me - the others would have been in trouble. As I pulled, the door swung open towards us to reveal a square room about thirty feet across. It was dark, and no heat sources were visible, so we stepped inside. Although I was comfortable, the others had to stoop as they found the ceiling to be quite low. As we searched around in the dark, Tak found a door opposite where we had entered and a six-pointed star in the centre of the floor, about fifteen feet across and without symbology on its points. The circle in the centre of the star was glistening white, like Brightbane that had lost its power. The walls were cut out of the stone here, not constructed like the room above. There was also a slight depression in the centre of the circle.

			Rather than the risk of planar travel, we decided to open the door - there was another Gnomish hand device for doing so. It revealed a short passage that sloped slightly upwards to a larger room that was lit well along all its walls. A translucent wall shimmered between the passage and the room, which looked like another structure that had been built with stones covering the walls. There was a lot of activity inside, and it looked like a dwelling place for orcs. They obviously couldn't see us, though, so the wall must have appeared normal to them. We closed the door while we discussed our options, with our attention instead turning to the star and circle.

	~~Then focus~~ on the ~~doorway~~. ~~Tak determines that~~ a ~~hand gap is on the side~~, ~~but Gnomish~~. I ~~reach~~ in ~~and pull~~ - ~~spikes with poison spring out, but my hand fits within them~~, and ~~able to swing door towards us. Square room beyond about thirty feet across~~, ~~so step~~ in. ~~Dark~~ and ~~can't see any heat sources~~, so ~~step in~~. ~~Low ceiling~~, ~~although I am comfortable~~.		I stood in the centre of the circle, focusing on my people, the Ironcloaks, and the peak we were directed towards (the Peak of Lords). Light played across the star until a position, about 11 o'clock from our entry point, started to glow. I vanished from the room and appeared in a void - is it because there wasn't enough energy to make the full transition? I tried to will myself back, and thankfully that worked! Unfortunately, only Silanna was in the room when I reappeared. It seems that Tak had tried to follow, using the ring over the symbol and then stepping into the centre and disappearing. We had to stay together, so we both entered the circle and held hands before focusing on Tak. We shifted again, but this time appeared underwater, quickly quaffing potions to breathe. How did he always manage to find water no matter where he was?!

	~~Start~~ to ~~search around~~ in the ~~dark~~, and Tak ~~finds~~ a ~~door opposite and a six-pointed star in~~ the ~~floor central~~ to ~~the room~~, ~~about fifteen feet across~~, ~~but without symbology on points. Circle in centre in glistening white. Walls are cut out of~~ the ~~stone here, not like room above~~. ~~Brightbane forms the circle, but not as bright as normal - as if inactive. Depression in the centre~~.		Tak swam past us quickly, seemingly trying to tell us of a threat, and we were suddenly surrounded by foes! They looked much like the ones we had seen in the hot water before... the ones Tak had told us were pure evil and should be destroyed. We briefly struggled, but found it hard to fight underwater, and when Tak was caught in a net the rest of us were quickly captured too. We were carried to a rough hewn, rocky cave entrance (still underwater) that was roughly circular, and this restricted the numbers around us. If we were going to escape then there wouldn't be a much better place.

	Eventually decide to open the door (another gnome hand shape) and reveal a short passage to a larger room that is lit well along all the walls, up a gentle slope. Translucent wall shimmering between the passage and room, looking like another structure with stones on the walls. Looks like a dwelling place for orcs. Close the door and discuss.

	Stand in centre focusing on my people, the Ironcloaks, and the peak we were directed towards (Peak of Lords), and light play across the star until a position about 11 o'clock from entry starts to glow. Disappear and appear in the void. Try to will myself back.

	Tak asks if Silanna saw it - same. Tries to use ring over symbol, but nothing happened. Then goes to centre and disappears. I reappear, speak to Silanna and learn that Tak tried to follow me. We go to centre and hold hands before focusing on Tak. Appear in water and quickly quaff potions to breathe.

	Tak swims past quickly warning of a fight, and then suddenly surrounded by foes like the ones we saw in the hot water before. Tak unconscious and netted, and I get netted. Silanna captured too, and get carried to a rough rocky cave entrance, still underwater. My mind could not save me this time. Cave seemed to be rough hewn, roughly circular.

	I manage to stun my captor with mind and try to escape as I see Tak struggling - he's awake! I stab his captor in the back and somehow it kills him. Others move to secure exit and Silanna, as well as striking at Tak. He manages to get free after a struggle. I get attacked, hitting back and causing some damage but now surrounded.		I manage to stun my captor with mind and try to escape as I see Tak struggling - he's awake! I stab his captor in the back and somehow it kills him. Others move to secure exit and Silanna, as well as striking at Tak. He manages to get free after a struggle. I get attacked, hitting back and causing some damage but now surrounded.

imported>Rusty: /* The Peak of Lords */

2023-11-03T13:28:12Z

The Peak of Lords

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:28, 3 November 2023
Line 173:		Line 173:

	We begrudgingly moved on, and Silanna lit a torch in place of her lantern so that we had some light. She reached a door up ahead, wooden and shot through with metals of different colours, the same style of vertical handle set into it. Tak checked it over for traps, although not before strumming noisily on the lyre again (he was obsessed with that thing) - hopefully we could find someone that could actually teach him to play it in the near future! Although he found no traps, the door resisted being opened. There was no keyhole, but Tak noticed something strange - the hinges were false and it actually opened on the opposite side away from us, which was the opposite of what it appeared to be.		We begrudgingly moved on, and Silanna lit a torch in place of her lantern so that we had some light. She reached a door up ahead, wooden and shot through with metals of different colours, the same style of vertical handle set into it. Tak checked it over for traps, although not before strumming noisily on the lyre again (he was obsessed with that thing) - hopefully we could find someone that could actually teach him to play it in the near future! Although he found no traps, the door resisted being opened. There was no keyhole, but Tak noticed something strange - the hinges were false and it actually opened on the opposite side away from us, which was the opposite of what it appeared to be.

			==The Door==

	It was difficult to open, as if it hadn't been used in some time, but eventually yielded to a good shove. Beyond was revealed a well lit room with a large, ornate set of doors on the far side. They were decorated with serpents, both on the doors and on the pillars beside them, and were in turn surrounded by six burning sconces. The serpents on each door faced up and into the centre, where a six-pointed star was set with Egyptian Gods at the points, although any symbols within it had been beaten out. Above the door was set the radiant eye within a triangle set upon a circle. Between the two was a "bridge" of souls, with Charon (the Ferryman) on the left and a blazing fire on the right - the souls flowed both ways. Four large, brownish, furry humanoids, about seven to eight feet tall were in the room. There was a damp, forest-like smell to them that reminded me of autumn on the surface. There was a chest to our left and a table with food and mugs set on it in the centre of the room. A hearth with a fire and food cooking above it was to our right. The walls were stone, but more like the inside of a building than the tunnels we had been following so far. As well as the flames around the doors, there were torches around the other walls, all burning oil.		It was difficult to open, as if it hadn't been used in some time, but eventually yielded to a good shove. Beyond was revealed a well lit room with a large, ornate set of doors on the far side. They were decorated with serpents, both on the doors and on the pillars beside them, and were in turn surrounded by six burning sconces. The serpents on each door faced up and into the centre, where a six-pointed star was set with Egyptian Gods at the points, although any symbols within it had been beaten out. Above the door was set the radiant eye within a triangle set upon a circle. Between the two was a "bridge" of souls, with Charon (the Ferryman) on the left and a blazing fire on the right - the souls flowed both ways. Four large, brownish, furry humanoids, about seven to eight feet tall were in the room. There was a damp, forest-like smell to them that reminded me of autumn on the surface. There was a chest to our left and a table with food and mugs set on it in the centre of the room. A hearth with a fire and food cooking above it was to our right. The walls were stone, but more like the inside of a building than the tunnels we had been following so far. As well as the flames around the doors, there were torches around the other walls, all burning oil.
Line 187:		Line 189:

	Tak sat staring at the door with a tear in his eye, which was a sad sight - he certainly didn't hold back in expressing his emotions. Thankfully he couldn't hear Silanna barking at the creature that had awoken like a gnoll - it seemed to be the only language that they both understood. He wasn't being particularly helpful, though, from what I could gather.		Tak sat staring at the door with a tear in his eye, which was a sad sight - he certainly didn't hold back in expressing his emotions. Thankfully he couldn't hear Silanna barking at the creature that had awoken like a gnoll - it seemed to be the only language that they both understood. He wasn't being particularly helpful, though, from what I could gather.


	Tak watched our prisoner as Silanna kept searching the bodies for useful information and I headed towards the chest, but as we moved away he tried to make a run for it. He headed for the door we had entered through, but Tak was able to intercept him and stunned him with a powerful punch. Silanna found a key on one of the bodies, and I saw that the chest had a keyhole... perhaps it was meant for that? Tak wanted no part of it, as he thought we were just planning to steal from them, so we were not sure about any possible traps, but Silanna offered to try the key anyway. With a satisfying click, the lock opened and thankfully nothing bad happened as a result. The chest was quite full, and we pulled out a small crossbow, coins, scroll cases (ivory and metal), bottles, and bags. The things that were of note were: a blue liquid in a bottle (possibly water breathing), the hand crossbow (it was particularly light and ornate with a magazine), a heavy glass bottle with an opaque silvery liquid, and a light blue effervescent liquid in another bottle.		Tak watched our prisoner as Silanna kept searching the bodies for useful information and I headed towards the chest, but as we moved away he tried to make a run for it. He headed for the door we had entered through, but Tak was able to intercept him and stunned him with a powerful punch. Silanna found a key on one of the bodies, and I saw that the chest had a keyhole... perhaps it was meant for that? Tak wanted no part of it, as he thought we were just planning to steal from them, so we were not sure about any possible traps, but Silanna offered to try the key anyway. With a satisfying click, the lock opened and thankfully nothing bad happened as a result. The chest was quite full, and we pulled out a small crossbow, coins, scroll cases (ivory and metal), bottles, and bags. The things that were of note were: a blue liquid in a bottle (possibly water breathing), the hand crossbow (it was particularly light and ornate with a magazine), a heavy glass bottle with an opaque silvery liquid, and a light blue effervescent liquid in another bottle.

imported>Rusty: /* The Peak of Lords */

2023-11-03T13:27:30Z

The Peak of Lords

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:27, 3 November 2023
Line 174:		Line 174:
	We begrudgingly moved on, and Silanna lit a torch in place of her lantern so that we had some light. She reached a door up ahead, wooden and shot through with metals of different colours, the same style of vertical handle set into it. Tak checked it over for traps, although not before strumming noisily on the lyre again (he was obsessed with that thing) - hopefully we could find someone that could actually teach him to play it in the near future! Although he found no traps, the door resisted being opened. There was no keyhole, but Tak noticed something strange - the hinges were false and it actually opened on the opposite side away from us, which was the opposite of what it appeared to be.		We begrudgingly moved on, and Silanna lit a torch in place of her lantern so that we had some light. She reached a door up ahead, wooden and shot through with metals of different colours, the same style of vertical handle set into it. Tak checked it over for traps, although not before strumming noisily on the lyre again (he was obsessed with that thing) - hopefully we could find someone that could actually teach him to play it in the near future! Although he found no traps, the door resisted being opened. There was no keyhole, but Tak noticed something strange - the hinges were false and it actually opened on the opposite side away from us, which was the opposite of what it appeared to be.

	It was difficult to open, as if it hadn't been used in some time, but eventually yielded to a good shove. Beyond was revealed a well lit room with a large, ornate set of doors on the far side. They were decorated with serpents, both on the doors and on the pillars beside them, and were in turn surrounded by six burning sconces. The serpents on each door faced up and into the centre, where a ~~familiar symbol~~ was set - the radiant eye within a triangle set upon a circle. Four large, brownish, furry humanoids, about seven to eight feet tall were in the room. There was a damp, forest-like smell to them that reminded me of autumn on the surface. There was a chest to our left and a table with food and mugs set on it in the centre of the room. A hearth with a fire and food cooking above it was to our right. The walls were stone, but more like the inside of a building than the tunnels we had been following so far. As well as the flames around the doors, there were torches around the other walls, all burning oil.		It was difficult to open, as if it hadn't been used in some time, but eventually yielded to a good shove. Beyond was revealed a well lit room with a large, ornate set of doors on the far side. They were decorated with serpents, both on the doors and on the pillars beside them, and were in turn surrounded by six burning sconces. The serpents on each door faced up and into the centre, where a six-pointed star was set with Egyptian Gods at the points, although any symbols within it had been beaten out. Above the door was set the radiant eye within a triangle set upon a circle. Between the two was a "bridge" of souls, with Charon (the Ferryman) on the left and a blazing fire on the right - the souls flowed both ways. Four large, brownish, furry humanoids, about seven to eight feet tall were in the room. There was a damp, forest-like smell to them that reminded me of autumn on the surface. There was a chest to our left and a table with food and mugs set on it in the centre of the room. A hearth with a fire and food cooking above it was to our right. The walls were stone, but more like the inside of a building than the tunnels we had been following so far. As well as the flames around the doors, there were torches around the other walls, all burning oil.

	I stepped in, greeting them in Common, but they spoke in a language I didn't understand. It was clear that we had surprised them and they had not expected anyone to come from our direction - possibly because the door had been hidden to them. Two stepped forwards with swords drawn and I felt a bit intimidated as they were about three times my height! The two farther back drew crossbows and covered us from behind. Tak looked at me pointedly and said: "forgive my friend, may we enter"? Silanna drews one sword and poked her head around the corner, above Tak, to see what was there. It was a well-kept room, and these humanoids seemed well organised, but there was a clear problem with communication. I tried addressing them in Gnomish, but that seemed to really rile them up! Silanna spoke Gnomish as well, trying to say that we were friends, but they charged to attack! Silanna struck first, drawing blood, and barking at them in a different language altogether. They still pressed the attack, and it was only our cloaks moving to deflect their swords that protected us from harm.		I stepped in, greeting them in Common, but they spoke in a language I didn't understand. It was clear that we had surprised them and they had not expected anyone to come from our direction - possibly because the door had been hidden to them. Two stepped forwards with swords drawn and I felt a bit intimidated as they were about three times my height! The two farther back drew crossbows and covered us from behind. Tak looked at me pointedly and said: "forgive my friend, may we enter"? Silanna drews one sword and poked her head around the corner, above Tak, to see what was there. It was a well-kept room, and these humanoids seemed well organised, but there was a clear problem with communication. I tried addressing them in Gnomish, but that seemed to really rile them up! Silanna spoke Gnomish as well, trying to say that we were friends, but they charged to attack! Silanna struck first, drawing blood, and barking at them in a different language altogether. They still pressed the attack, and it was only our cloaks moving to deflect their swords that protected us from harm.
Line 189:		Line 189:


			Tak watched our prisoner as Silanna kept searching the bodies for useful information and I headed towards the chest, but as we moved away he tried to make a run for it. He headed for the door we had entered through, but Tak was able to intercept him and stunned him with a powerful punch. Silanna found a key on one of the bodies, and I saw that the chest had a keyhole... perhaps it was meant for that? Tak wanted no part of it, as he thought we were just planning to steal from them, so we were not sure about any possible traps, but Silanna offered to try the key anyway. With a satisfying click, the lock opened and thankfully nothing bad happened as a result. The chest was quite full, and we pulled out a small crossbow, coins, scroll cases (ivory and metal), bottles, and bags. The things that were of note were: a blue liquid in a bottle (possibly water breathing), the hand crossbow (it was particularly light and ornate with a magazine), a heavy glass bottle with an opaque silvery liquid, and a light blue effervescent liquid in another bottle.

			Then we found an Identify scroll within a leather scroll case, which made things easier, and we used it to learn the properties of several items we had collected (including Tak's new lute). Silanna was particularly interested in some barbed arrows that might allow her to dismiss summoned creatures. Tak was checking the unconscious creatures as we were sorting through these items, and noticed a broach that a creature was wearing. It was shaped like the eye, pyramid, and circle symbol but was cheaply made. As Tak reached out with his hand, though, it was instantly attracted to the ring he was wearing, sticking to it slightly. He decided to take it with him, as it clearly had some kind of affinity to the ring.

	~~6 pointed star~~ on door ~~- Egyptian Gods at points. Indistinct~~ in ~~centre~~. ~~Seal above door (radiant eye~~, ~~triangle, circle)~~. ~~Circles~~ the ~~serpents are curved against, but cannot see the detail any more. Above on left is~~ the ~~ferryman (death) with some souls flowing towards him~~, ~~but on right~~ a ~~firey pit with other souls flowing that way~~. ~~Head~~ just ~~below~~ that ~~but central~~ was ~~like a lizardman almost.~~		There was a cornice pattern around the walls, which we hadn't seen when we first entered, that showed a variety of half creatures being tortured elementally in a repeating pattern on all but the wall with the large door in it. That wall also showed half creatures, but in various states of disease or decay towards death. I did notice something different about one of the stones in the wall behind where we entered, and called Tak over to take a closer look. Tak pressed the unusual stone and he and Silanna just managed to jump back as a spiral stairwell opened beneath them! The mechanism definitely predated this room, as if it couldn't be changed when the room was constructed, and I was sure that it was Gnomish!

	~~Tak watched our prisoner~~ as ~~Silanna kept searching bodies~~, but ~~he tried~~ to ~~leg it. Tak intercepted and stunned him~~ before ~~he could get out of~~ the door we entered ~~through. Silanna found a key on one of the bodies~~, ~~and I suggested it might work on the chest~~. Tak ~~wanted no part of it~~, as ~~it might be theft, so not sure about any traps. Step back~~ a ~~little~~ as ~~Silanna offers to try it~~.		We decided to descend, wary of going too far down though. After a few turns we reached a stone door with no locks visible, and we noticed that the stone had got darker as we descended. The stone was surrounded by a gothic arch about five feet tall, but I couldn't focus because I was worried about leaving the stairs open to the room before - I had closed the door we hand entered by, but we should try to conceal this path as well. Tak went back to investigate, and as we waited we heard another tuneless strum before a grinding sound as the stair entrance was concealed again and Tak returned.

	Works with a click, so Silanna opens it. Thankfully nothing bad happens. Quite full - crossbow, coins, scroll cases (ivory and metal), bottles, bags. Blue bottle (water breathing?), hand crossbow (light and ornate with magazine)
	Tak notices broach on creature - looks like the eye, pyramid, circle symbol. As Tak reaches with ring hand it is attracted, sticking to the ring slightly. Heavy glass bottle with opaque silver liquid. Light blue effervescent liquid in a bottle. Identify scroll within a leather scroll case. Silanna interested in some arrows some.

	Cornice around three sides of wall (not door), variety of half creatures being tortured elementally in a repeating pattern. Door wall has half creatures in states of disease of decay towards death. Something different about one of the stones in the wall behind where we entered.

	Tak presses the unusual stone and he and Silanna just managed to jump back as a spiral stairwell opened beneath them. A little wary of going down, so keep searching. Discuss time... Tak wary that mechanism might not be the same time, and I take a closer look - definitely predates this room, and powerful - could not be changed... Gnomish!

	Decide to descend, wary of going too far down. After a few turns we reach a stone door with no locks visible. Stone gets darker as we get lower. Gothic arch about five feet tall... worried about stairs closing, so Tak goes back and investigates. Hear a strum and then grinding as the way closes before he returns.

	Then focus on the doorway. Tak determines that a hand gap is on the side, but Gnomish. I reach in and pull - spikes with poison spring out, but my hand fits within them, and able to swing door towards us. Square room beyond about thirty feet across, so step in. Dark and can't see any heat sources, so step in. Low ceiling, although I am comfortable.		Then focus on the doorway. Tak determines that a hand gap is on the side, but Gnomish. I reach in and pull - spikes with poison spring out, but my hand fits within them, and able to swing door towards us. Square room beyond about thirty feet across, so step in. Dark and can't see any heat sources, so step in. Low ceiling, although I am comfortable.

imported>Rusty: /* The Peak of Lords */

2023-11-03T10:58:17Z

The Peak of Lords

Show changes

imported>Rusty: /* The Peak of Lords */

2023-10-23T21:44:31Z

The Peak of Lords

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:44, 23 October 2023
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	Tak tried to offer ale to the other creature with a crossbow ready, but in response it pointed at the fight I was engaged in. Tak approached us, trying to get the attention of the creature attacking me, but it just roared in anger and ignored him. I tried to help by ducking away and hiding under the table, but even that didn't stop them from attacking. A crossbow bolt bounced off Silanna's cloak, and another skittered across the floor beside me as we were engaged by the back two. Silanna reacted first, cutting down the sword-wielding creature nearest her, and then rushing the one that had fired a bolt at her. She knocked it to its hands and knees as I rushed the other one, forcing it to drop its bow and draw swords. Tak joined the fight, although he was still using his fists to avoid killing anyone, and another creature collapsed to the floor unconscious. Silanna did the same to her opponent whilst I traded light blows with my foe. Silanna was first to reach us, managing to punch him to the ground to end the fight.		Tak tried to offer ale to the other creature with a crossbow ready, but in response it pointed at the fight I was engaged in. Tak approached us, trying to get the attention of the creature attacking me, but it just roared in anger and ignored him. I tried to help by ducking away and hiding under the table, but even that didn't stop them from attacking. A crossbow bolt bounced off Silanna's cloak, and another skittered across the floor beside me as we were engaged by the back two. Silanna reacted first, cutting down the sword-wielding creature nearest her, and then rushing the one that had fired a bolt at her. She knocked it to its hands and knees as I rushed the other one, forcing it to drop its bow and draw swords. Tak joined the fight, although he was still using his fists to avoid killing anyone, and another creature collapsed to the floor unconscious. Silanna did the same to her opponent whilst I traded light blows with my foe. Silanna was first to reach us, managing to punch him to the ground to end the fight.

			We all relaxed slightly, but Tak sank to his knees muttering "this didn't need to happen" to himself. I think he said it several times, but I was distracted by the fresh food on the table which was suddenly making me realise I hadn't had a proper meal for a while. I tried a bit and it was delicious! I invited Silanna to try some, but she busy searching the foe for anything useful. We were both shocked when Tak slammed his fist into the table, doing some significant damage to it, and demanded to know what we were doing and why - "this was their place, and we invaded it" he insisted. He seemed a bit hung up on how we had "entered uninvited", and (a but more seriously, to be fair) that we had killed one of them. Now we were looting the bodies as well! Silanna convinced him that it was only wise to search for information or items that would be key to our progressing on our quest, and he reluctantly agreed to look for anything that very specifically matched those criteria.

			Silanna found a scroll that seemed to offer protection from evil, which Tak took as another sign that we had misjudged the creatures. Instead he approached the ornate doors, but there was a loud bang and he was thrown back into the table forcibly. I went to check on him, and he shouted quite loudly: "I hurt"! I offered him the last of the healing ointment, but he pushed it away and entered a trance for a while. We had seen this before - he was tending to his own wounds. Silanna had disarmed a couple of the foe when one started to wake up; it quickly shuffled back towards the wall, clearly afraid of what we were capable of. As I watched, Tak tapped me, pointing at his ears - it seemed that whatever the doors had done they had rendered him deaf.

	Tak ~~sinks to floor, saying "this didn't need to happen". I was more interested in~~ the ~~food on the table - it's been~~ a ~~while since we had fresh food, and it was delicious! Invited Silanna to get~~ in ~~on it~~, ~~but more interested in looting the foe. Tak slams fist into the table, doing some damage to it, asking what we were doing and why - this~~ was ~~their place. Concerned that we had entered uninvited and that one lay dead. Search only for information, not for items. Silanna finds~~ a ~~scroll that offers protection from evil~~ - ~~telling.~~		Tak sat staring at the door with a tear in his eye, which was a sad sight - he certainly didn't hold back in expressing his emotions. Thankfully he couldn't hear Silanna barking at the creature that had awoken like a gnoll - it seemed to be the only language that they both understood. He wasn't being particularly helpful, though, from what I could gather.

	~~Tak approaches door, but there is a bang and~~ he ~~is throw~~ back ~~into the table forcibly. I go to check on him, and he shouts "I hurt" so I try to pass ointment, but he pushed it away. He closed~~ his ~~eyes and enters a trance for a while~~. ~~One starts to wake up, and Tak taps me, indicating that~~ he ~~can~~'t hear ~~anything.~~ Silanna ~~disarms another as~~ the ~~one~~ that ~~woke shuffled back. I try to offer sack to one that awoke. Tak sat staring at door with~~ a ~~tear in his eye.~~

	~~Silanna finally manages~~ to ~~find a~~ language they both ~~speak - barking like a gnoll~~.

imported>Rusty: /* The Peak of Lords */

2023-10-23T15:29:04Z

The Peak of Lords

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:29, 23 October 2023
Line 178:		Line 178:
	I stepped in, greeting them in Common, but they spoke in a language I didn't understand. It was clear that we had surprised them and they had not expected anyone to come from our direction - possibly because the door had been hidden to them. Two stepped forwards with swords drawn and I felt a bit intimidated as they were about three times my height! The two farther back drew crossbows and covered us from behind. Tak looked at me pointedly and said: "forgive my friend, may we enter"? Silanna drews one sword and poked her head around the corner, above Tak, to see what was there. It was a well-kept room, and these humanoids seemed well organised, but there was a clear problem with communication. I tried addressing them in Gnomish, but that seemed to really rile them up! Silanna spoke Gnomish as well, trying to say that we were friends, but they charged to attack! Silanna struck first, drawing blood, and barking at them in a different language altogether. They still pressed the attack, and it was only our cloaks moving to deflect their swords that protected us from harm.		I stepped in, greeting them in Common, but they spoke in a language I didn't understand. It was clear that we had surprised them and they had not expected anyone to come from our direction - possibly because the door had been hidden to them. Two stepped forwards with swords drawn and I felt a bit intimidated as they were about three times my height! The two farther back drew crossbows and covered us from behind. Tak looked at me pointedly and said: "forgive my friend, may we enter"? Silanna drews one sword and poked her head around the corner, above Tak, to see what was there. It was a well-kept room, and these humanoids seemed well organised, but there was a clear problem with communication. I tried addressing them in Gnomish, but that seemed to really rile them up! Silanna spoke Gnomish as well, trying to say that we were friends, but they charged to attack! Silanna struck first, drawing blood, and barking at them in a different language altogether. They still pressed the attack, and it was only our cloaks moving to deflect their swords that protected us from harm.

			Tak was trying his best to calm things down, and said to us: "just hold if you can, parry if you must" whilst walking towards the table with his hands up. He grabbed a flagon, filled it from the barrel propped up beside it, and said: "better to drink with friends than make new enemies" before taking a swig. He coughed a bit at the strength, but then offered the flagon to the nearest creature. In response, the creature looked a little confused, but did lower its crossbow slightly. Silanna dropped her torch and moved to join Tak, although she didn't join in the beer call, while I had to try and dodge more blows (the cloak helped again). I didn't press my attack, though, waiting to see if Tak's strange approach would work.

			Tak tried to offer ale to the other creature with a crossbow ready, but in response it pointed at the fight I was engaged in. Tak approached us, trying to get the attention of the creature attacking me, but it just roared in anger and ignored him. I tried to help by ducking away and hiding under the table, but even that didn't stop them from attacking. A crossbow bolt bounced off Silanna's cloak, and another skittered across the floor beside me as we were engaged by the back two. Silanna reacted first, cutting down the sword-wielding creature nearest her, and then rushing the one that had fired a bolt at her. She knocked it to its hands and knees as I rushed the other one, forcing it to drop its bow and draw swords. Tak joined the fight, although he was still using his fists to avoid killing anyone, and another creature collapsed to the floor unconscious. Silanna did the same to her opponent whilst I traded light blows with my foe. Silanna was first to reach us, managing to punch him to the ground to end the fight.

	Tak says "just hold if you can, parry if you must" and walks towards table with hands up and grabs a flagon, then fills it from the barrel and says "better to drink with friends than make new enemies", swigs, coughs a bit, and offers it to nearest foe. Lowers crossbow a little, although the other doesn't. Silanna drops the torch and moves to join Tak, but does nothing else. I don't press the attack, but cloak does have to defend me again.

	Tak tries to offer ale to one, but he pointed at the one fighting me, so he tried that instead but it was too distracted trying to smash me with its swords. I duck away and move to table, one closes with me but the one that was fighting me seems distracted by Tak. I retracted my weapon and ducked under the table. They are still being aggressive, though, and all move into combat now. Crossbow bolt bounces off Silanna's cloak, and another bolt skitters across floor as one fires at me. Silanna kills one in retaliation.

	Silanna rushed one with a crossbow, knocking it to its hands and knees, and I rushed towards the other. It dropped its bow and drew swords. Tak manages to land a punch in the right place, and one collapsed to the floor unconscious. Silanna punched her opponent too, knocking them out. I was cut with a short sword, but not badly, and I struck back but it was equally ineffective. Silanna moved in and punched him out as well.

	Tak sinks to floor, saying "this didn't need to happen". I was more interested in the food on the table - it's been a while since we had fresh food, and it was delicious! Invited Silanna to get in on it, but more interested in looting the foe. Tak slams fist into the table, doing some damage to it, asking what we were doing and why - this was their place. Concerned that we had entered uninvited and that one lay dead. Search only for information, not for items. Silanna finds a scroll that offers protection from evil - telling.		Tak sinks to floor, saying "this didn't need to happen". I was more interested in the food on the table - it's been a while since we had fresh food, and it was delicious! Invited Silanna to get in on it, but more interested in looting the foe. Tak slams fist into the table, doing some damage to it, asking what we were doing and why - this was their place. Concerned that we had entered uninvited and that one lay dead. Search only for information, not for items. Silanna finds a scroll that offers protection from evil - telling.

imported>Rusty: /* The Peak of Lords */

2023-10-23T13:52:44Z

The Peak of Lords

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:52, 23 October 2023
Line 168:		Line 168:
	Silanna joined us, forcing us both to back off to make room, and she squeezed through the gap into a corridor that rose gently, but with no visible roof above. As we climbed up behind her, Silanna said that she could see a door up ahead on the right, although we also looked up, wondering why there was so much space above us. The walls were well crafted, but there was a slight slope inwards as they rose. Tak looked behind, to see if there was a way to close the entrance we had used, but as he did so Silanna stepped on a pressure plate that did the trick. It left a pit where the stones had been, so we didn't want to fall backwards for any reason.		Silanna joined us, forcing us both to back off to make room, and she squeezed through the gap into a corridor that rose gently, but with no visible roof above. As we climbed up behind her, Silanna said that she could see a door up ahead on the right, although we also looked up, wondering why there was so much space above us. The walls were well crafted, but there was a slight slope inwards as they rose. Tak looked behind, to see if there was a way to close the entrance we had used, but as he did so Silanna stepped on a pressure plate that did the trick. It left a pit where the stones had been, so we didn't want to fall backwards for any reason.

	We had just started to continue when four winged creatures, each with four wings, dropped down from above and set upon us. They were browny-black and noiseless, catching us by surprise so that we could barely react before they were on us.		We had just started to continue when four winged creatures, each with four wings, dropped down from above and set upon us. They were browny-black and noiseless, catching us by surprise so that we could barely react before they were on us. Silanna was raked, but then stabbed in the neck by a proboscis and quickly collapsed. I was hit as well, but was able to stay on my feet, as was Tak. Silanna's lantern smashed when she fell, so we were plunged into darkness. The creatures gave off a faint heat that allowed us to target them, though, and Tak punched one out of the air leaving it crumpled on the floor as he advanced to help Silanna. I grabbed at the creature that had latched on to my neck and pulled it away with a horrible sucking sound - yuck! It managed to latch on again, though, and I started to feel faint and collapsed like Silanna.

			It was up to Tak to save us both, and he started by punching the one on me, knocking that out like the first one. He then straddled Silanna's giant body and pumping his fists, striking down one and then the other attacker. That's what he told us happened anyway, and I have no reason to doubt him. I do know that he then retrieved the ointment he had gifted to me from the pouch on my belt and used it to revive us both. Silanna had been badly drained by the creatures, but quickly regained her strength so that we were able to continue. Tak returned the ointment, although only a small amount remained, and then was back to his old self and insisting we didn't kill the vile things because they were "just hungry"... despite them nearly killing us!

			We begrudgingly moved on, and Silanna lit a torch in place of her lantern so that we had some light. She reached a door up ahead, wooden and shot through with metals of different colours, the same style of vertical handle set into it. Tak checked it over for traps, although not before strumming noisily on the lyre again (he was obsessed with that thing) - hopefully we could find someone that could actually teach him to play it in the near future! Although he found no traps, the door resisted being opened. There was no keyhole, but Tak noticed something strange - the hinges were false and it actually opened on the opposite side away from us, which was the opposite of what it appeared to be.

	~~Silanna clawed and gets stabbed~~ in ~~neck by mouth thing~~, ~~collapsing~~. I was ~~hit as~~ well, ~~but stay~~ on ~~my feet~~. ~~Same~~ with ~~Tak. Silanna's lantern smashed~~, ~~so we~~ were ~~plunged~~ into ~~darkness. Tak punched one out of~~ the ~~air~~, ~~leaving it crumpled on~~ the ~~floor~~. ~~I pulled the creature out of my neck~~, ~~urgh! It got back~~ in, ~~though,~~ and ~~I felt faint~~ and ~~collapsed~~. ~~Tak reached me~~ and ~~punched~~ the ~~one sucking me~~, ~~and that fell to~~ the ~~ground~~.		It was difficult to open, as if it hadn't been used in some time, but eventually yielded to a good shove. Beyond was revealed a well lit room with a large, ornate set of doors on the far side. They were decorated with serpents, both on the doors and on the pillars beside them, and were in turn surrounded by six burning sconces. The serpents on each door faced up and into the centre, where a familiar symbol was set - the radiant eye within a triangle set upon a circle. Four large, brownish, furry humanoids, about seven to eight feet tall were in the room. There was a damp, forest-like smell to them that reminded me of autumn on the surface. There was a chest to our left and a table with food and mugs set on it in the centre of the room. A hearth with a fire and food cooking above it was to our right. The walls were stone, but more like the inside of a building than the tunnels we had been following so far. As well as the flames around the doors, there were torches around the other walls, all burning oil.

	~~Tak straddled Silanna~~'~~s giant body~~ and ~~struck at her attackers, hitting one and knocking that~~ to the ~~floor~~ as ~~well~~. ~~Just the one left sucking~~ at Silanna ~~now~~, ~~and~~ Tak ~~managed~~ to ~~knock that one down as~~ well~~. He took the ointment from my pouch~~ and ~~used it to revive us both. Returned the ointment~~, ~~although only~~ a ~~small amount left~~. ~~Tak was back on form~~, ~~not wanting~~ to ~~kill them despite~~ them ~~nearly killing us~~! ~~I begrudgingly moved on~~ as Silanna ~~lit~~ a ~~torch~~ to ~~replace her lantern~~.		I stepped in, greeting them in Common, but they spoke in a language I didn't understand. It was clear that we had surprised them and they had not expected anyone to come from our direction - possibly because the door had been hidden to them. Two stepped forwards with swords drawn and I felt a bit intimidated as they were about three times my height! The two farther back drew crossbows and covered us from behind. Tak looked at me pointedly and said: "forgive my friend, may we enter"? Silanna drews one sword and poked her head around the corner, above Tak, to see what was there. It was a well-kept room, and these humanoids seemed well organised, but there was a clear problem with communication. I tried addressing them in Gnomish, but that seemed to really rile them up! Silanna spoke Gnomish as well, trying to say that we were friends, but they charged to attack! Silanna struck first, drawing blood, and barking at them in a different language altogether. They still pressed the attack, and it was only our cloaks moving to deflect their swords that protected us from harm.

	Silanna reached door, another wooden door shot through with metal of different colours, with vertical handle. Tak plays badly again before checking the door. Silanna could not open it... and Tak discovered that the hinges were false and it actually opened away from us on that side. Difficult to open, but revealed a lit room with an ornate door on the far side. Double doors with serpents on them, and serpents on the pillars, surrounded by six lit fires. Four furry brownish humanoids about seven to eight feet tall. Damp forest smell, like autumn. Chest to the left and table with food and mugs in the centre. Hearth with fire and food cooking to right. Walls are stone, but more like a building than the tunnels we had been following. Torches around walls as well, all alight - oil burning. Serpents on door looking at the eye on radiant triangle on circle.

	I step in and greet them, but speak in a language I don't understand. Two step forward with swords drawn, about three times my height. Two drawn crossbows behind them. Tak says "forgive my friend, may we enter"? Silanna draws one sword and pokes head over Tak to see what's there. Well kept room, and humanoids seem well organised. I tried Gnomish, but that seemed to really rile them up! Silanna spoke Gnomish as well, saying we were friends, and they charged to attack! Silanna struck first, drawing blood, barking at them, and our cloaks moved to deflect their attacks and protect us.

	Tak says "just hold if you can, parry if you must" and walks towards table with hands up and grabs a flagon, then fills it from the barrel and says "better to drink with friends than make new enemies", swigs, coughs a bit, and offers it to nearest foe. Lowers crossbow a little, although the other doesn't. Silanna drops the torch and moves to join Tak, but does nothing else. I don't press the attack, but cloak does have to defend me again.		Tak says "just hold if you can, parry if you must" and walks towards table with hands up and grabs a flagon, then fills it from the barrel and says "better to drink with friends than make new enemies", swigs, coughs a bit, and offers it to nearest foe. Lowers crossbow a little, although the other doesn't. Silanna drops the torch and moves to join Tak, but does nothing else. I don't press the attack, but cloak does have to defend me again.

imported>Rusty: /* The Peak of Lords */

2023-10-22T23:02:28Z

The Peak of Lords

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:02, 22 October 2023
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	After Tak checked the door for traps, he opened it to see a flooded area beyond. He was very excited about finding water, and ran forward but realised that it was very hot so stopped just short. There were some heat sources below the surface, and steam rose from the small lake. The ceiling was out of sight above us, and the walls were roughly hewn. The floor was sloped as well, leading down to the water in front of us, but rose of the far side at the same level - it was hard to see that far through the steam, though, so we couldn't tell what was there other than an opening of some kind. Tak reached out to gently touch the water right at the edge, where it was cooler, but recoiled slightly and said that it was "wrong". The smell of sulphur was in the air, so I tended to agree with him.		After Tak checked the door for traps, he opened it to see a flooded area beyond. He was very excited about finding water, and ran forward but realised that it was very hot so stopped just short. There were some heat sources below the surface, and steam rose from the small lake. The ceiling was out of sight above us, and the walls were roughly hewn. The floor was sloped as well, leading down to the water in front of us, but rose of the far side at the same level - it was hard to see that far through the steam, though, so we couldn't tell what was there other than an opening of some kind. Tak reached out to gently touch the water right at the edge, where it was cooler, but recoiled slightly and said that it was "wrong". The smell of sulphur was in the air, so I tended to agree with him.

	As we paused for a moment, some creatures started to emerge from the water, swimming like lizards but holding weapons and some shields. ~~There was~~ a ~~larger~~ one at the ~~rear~~ that held ~~no weapons, but they~~ were all swimming quickly upwards and ~~then~~ towards us. Although I readied for combat, I hung back to await Tak's inevitable attempt to befriend them.		As we paused for a moment, some creatures started to emerge from the water, swimming like lizards but holding weapons and some shields. Two of them had four arms, one holding a spear and shield and the other a trident and something it dragged in the water. The others had two arms, one with a scimitar also dragging something through the water, and one that held nothing. They were all swimming quickly upwards and towards us. Although I readied for combat, I hung back to await Tak's inevitable attempt to befriend them... and was startled when he quietly said "kill them, kill them all"! He seemed to recognise them, and said that they would surely kill us, also warning that the one at the back might use dweomer against us. We finally found something that Tak didn't want to make friends with!

			I extended my weapon, ready to fight, as Silanna loosed an arrow at the one at the back, striking true. Her second arrow struck the one in front of it, as they were swimming quite close in line. I knelt and inserted a tool into part of my armour, causing a globe to arc towards them and disperse a gas that knocked three of them out. They floated in the water, unharmed but incapacitated. The last one engaged me with its spear, but Silanna strode over and punched him in the side of the head, staggering him slightly. Tak urged us to finish him off as he watched the others for any signs of movement. It turned to flee, but I struck it solidly in the back, killing it. I would not have hesitated to do the same when fighting with my clan, but we had been restraining ourselves for so long that it felt odd. Tak reassured me that they were evil, and by striking it down I had made the world a better place.

			Although we could see an exit across the water, I was worried that we had missed a hidden path when we turned off the corridor, so we spent a few minutes searching the corridor. Sure enough, I noticed that there were bricks missing their mortar in the wall at the end of the passage, which at least warranted an investigation. I called to Tak, wary of traps, and he took a closer look. Before he did so he stopped to take the lyre out, strumming it tunelessly for a few seconds, before starting to poke at the wall with his tools. After a minute or so, he prodded something that caused the stones to move, revealing a three foot rise with shallow steps leading up behind it.

	~~Two of them have four arms~~, ~~one with spear and shield~~, ~~one with trident~~ and ~~something dragging in water. The others have two arms~~, ~~one~~ with no ~~weapons and one with scimitar and dragging something through the water~~. ~~Tak unexpectedly says "kill them~~, ~~kill them all!" A bit surprised by this - he reckons~~ that ~~they will surely kill~~ us, ~~and warned the one at the back might use dweomer~~. ~~We finally found something that he doesn't want~~ to ~~make friends with! Extend my weapon~~ as Silanna ~~loosed an arrow~~ a the ~~one at~~ the ~~back~~, ~~striking true, then another that struck the one in front of it~~.		Silanna joined us, forcing us both to back off to make room, and she squeezed through the gap into a corridor that rose gently, but with no visible roof above. As we climbed up behind her, Silanna said that she could see a door up ahead on the right, although we also looked up, wondering why there was so much space above us. The walls were well crafted, but there was a slight slope inwards as they rose. Tak looked behind, to see if there was a way to close the entrance we had used, but as he did so Silanna stepped on a pressure plate that did the trick. It left a pit where the stones had been, so we didn't want to fall backwards for any reason.

	~~I kneel and pop a sleeping grenade~~, ~~sending three of them into a slumber. The spear and shield guy attacked me~~, ~~but Silanna strode over~~ and ~~punched him in the side of the head, staggering him slightly. Tak said for~~ us ~~to finish him as he watched the others~~. ~~It turned to flee~~, ~~but I struck it in the back, killing it. Tak reassures me~~ that they ~~are evil and I have made the world a better place~~.		We had just started to continue when four winged creatures, each with four wings, dropped down from above and set upon us. They were browny-black and noiseless, catching us by surprise so that we could barely react before they were on us.

	Search for hidden exits, and back in the corridor I notice that there are bricks in the wall missing their mortar - something there? Call to Tak to take a closer look. He stopped and took the lyre out, strumming randomly for a few seconds but then starts poking at the wall with his tools. Prods something and stones move, revealing steep steps, but with a three foot start. Silanna joined us, forcing us to back off, and squeezed through the gap into a corridor that rose gently, with no visible roof above.

	Silanna saw a door up ahead on the right, but look up to see why there was so much space. Well crafted, but slope inwards slightly. Move forward, but Silanna steps on something that causes the bricks to move behind. Tak was looking, and saw that a pit was revealed as the stones moved back. Four-winged creatures (four of them), browny black, descend on us noiselessly and attack.

	Silanna clawed and gets stabbed in neck by mouth thing, collapsing. I was hit as well, but stay on my feet. Same with Tak. Silanna's lantern smashed, so we were plunged into darkness. Tak punched one out of the air, leaving it crumpled on the floor. I pulled the creature out of my neck, urgh! It got back in, though, and I felt faint and collapsed. Tak reached me and punched the one sucking me, and that fell to the ground.		Silanna clawed and gets stabbed in neck by mouth thing, collapsing. I was hit as well, but stay on my feet. Same with Tak. Silanna's lantern smashed, so we were plunged into darkness. Tak punched one out of the air, leaving it crumpled on the floor. I pulled the creature out of my neck, urgh! It got back in, though, and I felt faint and collapsed. Tak reached me and punched the one sucking me, and that fell to the ground.