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Post by xerxez on Sept 10, 2023 20:07:29 GMT -6
MOhammad gives a prayer to his diety and then comments, " welcome back Mi'kimu " The priest intones his prayer and lifts a hand, the other held to his chest. As his murmured prayer drifts across the chamber, he does feel the stirring of energies, such as he felt in the armorer's shop when he blessed that place. He feels at peace with Qon, Guardian of the Underworld and knows he has kept to his faith.
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Post by xerxez on Sept 10, 2023 20:50:03 GMT -6
Mi'kimu props himself up and shivers, shaking away the bitter cold of death. Then he draws Fi'ru close, and whispers into the boy's ear for a long moment. Nobody hears what is said. The boy's eyes widen in terror, at first, but then soften into understanding, and then a look of resoluteness comes over the boy and he rises, helping Mi'kimu by the hand to his feet. Mi'kimu looks about the assembled company with sadness and weeps. "I have lost us Karunaz." He picks up the fallen warrior's sabre and addresses Vortumoi. "Lord, I witnessed all, everything and more, as if I watched from above — my death, my resurrection. I pledge now my life to you. Grant me the privilege of wielding this blade that I might pay my respects to Karunaz, and honor my obligation to you. I will fight to my death ... again." Mi'kimu bows. The priest of Hu'ru regards Mi'kimu with a granite gaze...there is in it it, perhaps admiration, perhaps calculation, to the warrior's mind. VORTUMOI: "It is heavy upon you... upon us all. Our Liv'yani man chose his own...his death will not be unsung. He died..you died..and all of you risked all.. in garda'siyal....Deeds of Glory And your plan worked. I accept your offer for the present, but it is my uncle Vri'meshtu who must decide on the matter as to the future... Gather yourselves...we must go on! No danger lies behind us now..you, Mi'kimu, and Balesh, should take point in the march, with Fi'ru just behind. The porters are safe behind us all... N'rasa...you and Mohammad should hold middle rank and be ready to use spells if the warriors are engaged by any. I too stand ready with my magic and my Eyes." GM NOTE: Does the GM hear Mi'kimu's whispered words to Fi'ru? You may PM me if so! I'm intrigued!
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Post by xerxez on Sept 10, 2023 20:54:06 GMT -6
"That was...really something," was all N'Rasa could think to say. She was dumbfounded by the string of deadly events, as well as by Vortumoi's staggering command of magic. Would she ever be that capable? She went to the door and held her hand by the edge of the hole in the door, testing to see if it was still hot. ((I'm confused by what this promise is, what information is Vortumoi trying to get from us?)) As the lady-shaman steps the door and touches the melted steel, it is barely warm. However, she feels distinctly a current of cool air..fresh air..and fancies that she hears a murmuring sound which reminds her of water falling but faintly and at a distance...indeed, the walls of the corridor are moist, not dusty.
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 371
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Post by flightcommander on Sept 11, 2023 0:31:26 GMT -6
Mi'kimu bows again, acknowledging all that has been said — the marching order is, after all, exactly as he would have it, with Balesh at his side, and Fi'ru near. After reclaiming his armor, he takes his place among the ranks.
[OOC — were we able to fish the spear out of the water, or did it sink? If we still have it, I think Fi'ru should wield it, and our axe be held in reserve by the porters. Otherwise, Fi'ru wields the axe. In any case, Mi'kimu holds the sword of Karunaz — a great honor! He has not held a blade of such distinction in his life.]
[OOC — the GM does not hear what is spoken between Mi'kimu and Fi'ru ... but we may imagine the warrior has shared with the boy a vision of the world he has just glimpsed beyond the veil of this life, where many paths diverge — some towards dishonor and ruin, some towards eternal esteem and peace.]
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Post by dtspurrier1 on Sept 12, 2023 8:31:02 GMT -6
Mohammad asks, " so okay back to the adventure."
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Post by xerxez on Sept 12, 2023 13:26:58 GMT -6
The party assumes the decreed marching order and leaves the chamber of Qestinil, passing into a northern corridor which turns east some 30' ahead and then goes another 30' It turns north again abruptly and becomes a long march of some 200', finally turning east again. During your passage, the air grows ever cooler and fresher, and the sound of murmuring, flowing water grows in volume. Going west at the turn, you are all amazed to see what looks like daylight slowly growing! It is. As you come to the end of the passage after about 50', you find yourselves standing in an archway- beyond it, you glimpse a vast cavern, illumined by daylight coming in through some great opening to the west. You realize you are the southern side of a strong flowing river coming from some underground eastward source -- the mighty water is not turbulent but very strong and deep. A stone bridge spans the flood to the north shore some 50' across-- the bridge is some 20' above the water. On the far shore you see a sloop moored-- an armed guard stands on the deck as slaves unload cargo and trudge upwards towards the northern ledge above the water where a Hri'hyal priestess directs them towards a flight of steps leading to a tunnel in the cavern's north face...at the end of this tunnel are two massive double doors. Near the stair stands another armed guard. The two guards are not wearing Temple colors nor even matching armor-- they look like riffraff, but tough riffraff. Apparently boat traffic comes up the river bringing cargo to this place, riding the current away when the job is done.
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Post by scottenkainen on Sept 12, 2023 19:50:28 GMT -6
((Your post isn't clear on this, but am I right to assume there is no land route on this side of the bridge to the cave opening we see sunlight coming through to the west? I'm also guessing we should just ignore that part about Ruun?))
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Post by xerxez on Sept 12, 2023 20:52:45 GMT -6
((Your post isn't clear on this, but am I right to assume there is no land route on this side of the bridge to the cave opening we see sunlight coming through to the west? I'm also guessing we should just ignore that part about Ruun?)) Correct, there is no land route out of the cave. I left the part about the ru'un because Vortumoi did identify the Gleaming Man as a ru'un. That note was made to indicate an outcome if a party tried to jump through the door and outrun the Ru'un-- however, you guys created an alternate outcome! I haven't had time to draw a fresh map of late so I'm using my rather scribbly original map which I obliterated with notations.... I drew this map in 2011, it could use a fresh skin.
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 371
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Post by flightcommander on Sept 12, 2023 23:58:15 GMT -6
[OOC: Love the illustrations!]
Mi'kimu signals to the party to crouch down so as not to be seen, and extinguish any light sources we may have.
He spies what appears to be a cave mouth under the far side of the bridge ... is this so?
"Lord Vortumoi — what do you make of this priestess and her thrall? Perhaps we might steal her boat ... her entourage seems dispersed, and we might easily overcome them a few at a time. But I wonder at what magics she might rain upon us."
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Post by xerxez on Sept 13, 2023 2:57:09 GMT -6
[OOC: Love the illustrations!] Mi'kimu signals to the party to crouch down so as not to be seen, and extinguish any light sources we may have. He spies what appears to be a cave mouth under the far side of the bridge ... is this so? "Lord Vortumoi — what do you make of this priestess and her thrall? Perhaps we might steal her boat ... her entourage seems dispersed, and we might easily overcome them a few at a time. But I wonder at what magics she might rain upon us." (Re: illustrations- thanks! They are meant to help provide PC visuals. I might try to draw them all better later on) VORTUMOI: "I recognize this woman...she is Lady Ví'misa Híchunè. A fifth circle Qùsunçhu in the Dancing Maiden's Temple and a daughter of the Green Kirtle Clan. The Green Kirtle is an offshoot of Blue Kirtle, the latter being Avanthè devotees. Green Kirtle are their heretics who adore the Change goddesses... My knowledge of Hichunè is she and a few others oversee the training and placement of the most handsome of slaves to serve the Temple's interests. I'm surprised to find her so far outside Jákalla and I don't know exactly what lies beyond those doors, though I might guess there is an active shrine here. If so, it will likely be filled with devotees and guards. Aside from being a violation of the Concordat, it's assault by us would likely also be suicidal. Perhaps when the slaves are gone with her into the doors beyond we can somehow get control of that boat....the slaves are obviously not crew. I think the one by the stair is a pirate and ruffian like the deck-hand by his look, not her thrall. What plan do we devise- it should probably include magic!"
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Post by makofan on Sept 13, 2023 6:08:25 GMT -6
Balesh muses. "After most of the guards are gone, if I started far enough upstream, perhaps I could swim to the ship, clamber up, and attack? It depends how any are left aboard, and how well armed they are. But that might be best left as a last resort"
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Post by dtspurrier1 on Sept 13, 2023 6:59:05 GMT -6
Mahammad says, " unless we have magic to persuade or trick the guard this will not be easy especially tackling a priestess in her own temple. Yes let them enter and lets handle these two. We also need time to cast off as well. "
(OOC: how is the wind here in case we need to use the sails instead of rowing? Plus current of the water if any?)
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Post by xerxez on Sept 13, 2023 11:28:53 GMT -6
Balesh muses. "After most of the guards are gone, if I started far enough upstream, perhaps I could swim to the ship, clamber up, and attack? It depends how any are left aboard, and how well armed they are. But that might be best left as a last resort" With his coastal childhood and the ship life Balesh has known, if he started upstream as far as possible he could easily swim to the ship.
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Post by xerxez on Sept 13, 2023 11:33:04 GMT -6
Mahammad says, " unless we have magic to persuade or trick the guard this will not be easy especially tackling a priestess in her own temple. Yes let them enter and lets handle these two. We also need time to cast off as well. " (OOC: how is the wind here in case we need to use the sails instead of rowing? Plus current of the water if any?) The current would be with you, probably joining later into a larger river course, perhaps even the one which first carried you into the jungle.The water is flowing out of the cave from a strong underground source, and it's overflow into cracks and crevices is likely the cause of the underground lake--there must be routes of drainage under the lake which prevent the Tomb from being flooded but allow a fresh inflow of good water.
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Post by xerxez on Sept 14, 2023 19:24:58 GMT -6
As the party hovers in the shadows of the archway, soon the priestess leads the slaves up the steps and down the far passage in the cavern wall to the double doors-- you can see them owing to the light of torches on the walls of that passage.
The doors open, and a number or armed warriors come out, jostle the slaves into the doors, and they clang closed again with a heavy clank.
The thug by the stair takes his coin purse from his belt and sets his spear down against the cave wall by the steps.
"No'jin! Prepare for sail! We will cast off as soon as I have counted these Kai'tar and jewels."
No'jin laughs.
"You fear Lady Hichune' would cheat the Double Serpent this time?
Worry not--tonite we will be out of this cursed jungle and drinking Ja'kalla's best!"
Nonetheless, the thug is rifling through the coin purse.
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Post by dtspurrier1 on Sept 15, 2023 6:49:41 GMT -6
Mohammad says, " now would be the best time for an attack. we should also advise the city once we come back and see if they will help us come back and free these people."
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Post by makofan on Sept 15, 2023 15:03:46 GMT -6
Balesh is willing to swim for the boat and board it, incapacitating any enemies. Any expansion to this plan?
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Post by xerxez on Sept 15, 2023 18:26:28 GMT -6
I will give some time for everyone to coordinate their character actions in response to Balesh's plan...Vortumoi seems to be readying for magic.
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 371
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Post by flightcommander on Sept 15, 2023 19:18:11 GMT -6
VORTUMOI: "I recognize this woman...she is Lady Ví'misa Híchunè. A fifth circle Qùsunçhu in the Dancing Maiden's Temple and a daughter of the Green Kirtle Clan. The Green Kirtle is an offshoot of Blue Kirtle, the latter being Avanthè devotees. Green Kirtle are their heretics who adore the Change goddesses... My knowledge of Hichunè is she and a few others oversee the training and placement of the most handsome of slaves to serve the Temple's interests. Mi'kimu aside to Lord Vortumoi: "Perhaps this Lady Ví'misa is the mysterious 'V.' of the note we found among the adherents slain by the frog-demons. And this 'Green Kirtle Clan' ... is this the same 'Emerald Light' spoken of in the note?" In any case, Mi'kimu does wish to expand on the plan Bálesh has proposed — "What if I advance across the bridge, while you swim across? This way there would be a distraction — these ruffians would notice me, and draw them away from your attack on the vessel. Perhaps another could join me. I might borrow somebody's shield." Pity Mi'kimu didn't equip himself with a sling, which might've been useful here.* [OOC — Does any of our party recognize any of the slaves that were herded beyond the double doors? Mi'kimu is worried they might be some of our clan.] [OOC* — I made a sling with dollar-store materials and learned how to use it as a Scout, they can be surprisingly accurate and hard-hitting once you get used to using it. Balearic slingers FTW!]
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Post by xerxez on Sept 15, 2023 22:15:38 GMT -6
VORTUMOI: "I recognize this woman...she is Lady Ví'misa Híchunè. A fifth circle Qùsunçhu in the Dancing Maiden's Temple and a daughter of the Green Kirtle Clan. The Green Kirtle is an offshoot of Blue Kirtle, the latter being Avanthè devotees. Green Kirtle are their heretics who adore the Change goddesses... My knowledge of Hichunè is she and a few others oversee the training and placement of the most handsome of slaves to serve the Temple's interests. Mi'kimu aside to Lord Vortumoi: "Perhaps this Lady Ví'misa is the mysterious 'V.' of the note we found among the adherents slain by the frog-demons. And this 'Green Kirtle Clan' ... is this the same 'Emerald Light' spoken of in the note?" In any case, Mi'kimu does wish to expand on the plan Bálesh has proposed — "What if I advance across the bridge, while you swim across? This way there would be a distraction — these ruffians would notice me, and draw them away from your attack on the vessel. Perhaps another could join me. I might borrow somebody's shield." Pity Mi'kimu didn't equip himself with a sling, which might've been useful here.* [OOC — Does any of our party recognize any of the slaves that were herded beyond the double doors? Mi'kimu is worried they might be some of our clan.] [OOC* — I made a sling with dollar-store materials and learned how to use it as a Scout, they can be surprisingly accurate and hard-hitting once you get used to using it. Balearic slingers FTW!] (No recognition of any of the slaves....your O.O.C. comment on slings is )
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Post by xerxez on Sept 16, 2023 8:43:48 GMT -6
VORTUMOI: "Vi'misa as "V" makes perfect sense, now.
Obviously this shrine is in full use and slaves are needed for its rites upon the High Days.
The Emerald Light sounds like a secret society but it could be a veil for her Clan.
The Temple, however, is not our concern-- we must escape this cavern, make shore, get our bearings and then get back to the ruined tower, perhaps resting along the way.
We must be waiting for our own boat and get the tomb relics safely back to my Uncle. These fertility cultists need never know we were ever here!
The porters should wait here until we secure the boat- the plan is sound, Balesh- beware the currents!
I and Mohammad and Mi'kimu will begin our part when you have nearly gained the deck- perhaps that pirate will rush to join his companion.
We will likely engage them on the bridge- N'rasa that is in range of your spells if you have any to use.
By The Ultimate Darkness shall we prevail."
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Post by scottenkainen on Sept 16, 2023 9:08:11 GMT -6
((I haven't had time to keep up, but I think a diversionary illusion is necessary now! I will make someone appear to be waving to the guards from in the water nearby them, but just out of their reach.))
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Post by xerxez on Sept 16, 2023 11:25:04 GMT -6
((I haven't had time to keep up, but I think a diversionary illusion is necessary now! I will make someone appear to be waving to the guards from in the water nearby them, but just out of their reach.)) Before anyone can react, N'rasa begins the invocation of a spell... the ruffian on the boat gives a sudden shout. His companion snatches up spear (he also wears a sword...) and rushes towards the boat landing-- "Look!" shouts the deck hand. "In the water of the cave mouth! A woman swims and beckons!" "Be careful," shouts the other. "She could be Chask'eri! Beware her mind control!" GM Note: N'rasa did not specify the illusion but given her choice of location this is what would occur to the pirates-- those who speak Tsolyani recognize Chask'eri as being translated "water maiden".
Each tough got a savings throw vs. Spells-- they needed a 16. One got a 15, the other a 4: both fell under the power of the spell.
Believing it to be a Water Maiden, they both are subject to the illusion of a Water Maiden calling them forth into the flood-- they must roll a d100 and have by the rules must roll 61 or higher -- one rolls a 71 and the other a 57.
One believes the illusion but does not obey the summons...The man on the decks exclaims "She calls me! I must go to her!" Doffing his arms and armor, the pirate runs and leaps from the deck, splashing into the cold water with spluttering and gasping. "No'jin!!" shouts the other. "Resist!" WHAT DO YOU DO?
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Post by makofan on Sept 16, 2023 17:32:15 GMT -6
Balesh starts to put his plan in motion to board the other ship. With his high strength he should be able to swim even with a sword weighing him down
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 371
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Post by flightcommander on Sept 16, 2023 18:13:57 GMT -6
Mi’kimu follows Vortumoi’s instructions and waits for his signal to proceed across the bridge.
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Post by xerxez on Sept 16, 2023 20:33:02 GMT -6
Balesh starts to put his plan in motion to board the other ship. With his high strength he should be able to swim even with a sword weighing him down Balesh dives relatively silently into the cold waters and is swimming with the current towards the vessel...at the same time, swimming away from him and oblivious to him is a pirate calling out to an invisible person. Balesh takes hold and finds the rough hewn sides will be an easy climb...meanwhile the other pilot runs down to the edge of the landing, a natural stone shelf at the bottom of an incline. "No'jin! Get back here!"
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Post by xerxez on Sept 16, 2023 20:41:39 GMT -6
Mi’kimu follows Vortumoi’s instructions and waits for his signal to proceed across the bridge. Vortumoi signals to go-- with the pirates fully distracted by N'rasa's illusion, you can all easily sprint across the bridge undetected as Balesh swims the river. Once upon the other side, you are parallel with the vessel. Below you on the boat landing one pirate stands shouting--the other is swimming away in the water. Somehow, the pirate becomes aware of you and turns, his face showing astonishment and then fear. He drops his spear and holds his hands out....
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Post by makofan on Sept 17, 2023 16:52:06 GMT -6
How far away is the pirate? Can Balesh rush him from behind?
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Post by xerxez on Sept 17, 2023 17:03:46 GMT -6
How far away is the pirate? Can Balesh rush him from behind?
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Post by xerxez on Sept 17, 2023 17:40:11 GMT -6
How far away is the pirate? Can Balesh rush him from behind? I was unclear-- by the time Balesh clambers on board, the pirate who was on the ship has dived into the river swimming towards an illusory figure created by N'rasa. The pirate who was dealing with the priestess has run down below the prow of the ship on the ledge of shore, where you see your companions have the drop on him. Nonetheless, Balesh has something else to worry about.... The warrior turns at a shimmer of movement in the door of the upper structure on the vessel, the means of egress into the lower hold. A musty smell of cinnamon wafts across to his nostrils as he sees a horrifying four legged and two armed creature, some 6' tall...its eyes are great black, soulless ovals, its mouth a vvgaping hole, it's nose a slit-- it is covered with a strange, molting skin which hangs in sloughing shrouds almost like the bandages of a mummy...something from a nightmare. Two daggers, one short, one long, hang upon a jeweled belt it wears. The warrior is not surprised, but before he can act-- a strange voice like a swarm of insects buzzing underwater says to him in Balesh's native tongue: "Warrrior...I command you to slay the Interlopers. Kill them all, now....."Balesh's will tries to resist, but as in in a dream he cannot control, to his horror his arm grasps his sword and he begins towards the gangplank towards his friends...none of them can yet see the hideous being in the doorway. GM Note: Another passenger of the vessel, drawn above by the pirate's shouting, came up the steps from the hold...I rolled for surprise, Balesh and the creature each rolled a 6, no surprise. In rolling initiative, I rolled a 2 for Balesh and a 6 for his enemy.
His enemy has loosed a spell...Control Person.
I rolled Balesh's saving throw and he unfortunately rolled a 2!
He is now under the control of the mysterious being, who compels the warrior to turn upon his friends!
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