<DM> Roll Call II: The Callening. * Erias Callens. * Apol rarrs. * Vita Callenings <Foster> There! Are! Four! Lights! * Fordran dies. <Erias> (Everyone colining... it's so sweet.) * Sam blinks. * Sam shrugs. <Foster> no, no, Fordran. Dying seems to be Sam's job. Or maybe mine. * Fordran ... heals. * DM drops large absentee Half-Giants on everyone. <Erias> Fordran has done so once already, th--ow! <Foster> Gross. <DM> Last Week, on Lost... <DM> <Fordran> "It's probably best that we got some rest. If there were still dangers lurking out there, I don't think we'd have been in any good condition to deal with it." <Sam> ("Wait, when did I tell TiVo to...") <DM> It's half an hour after dawn. <DM> Everyone is up, fully rested, fully healed, and mostly recovered from the celebrations. * Erias is quiet and vaguely emo. <Sam> (goth-free angst?) <Foster> (Erias is too busy writing songs about how much it sucks to not have perform ranks to answer your inquiries~) * Vita is ready for, well, whatever <Erias> (well, I'm not wearing any black or eyeliner, but I do have earrings and a tiara. draw from that what you will.) <DM> (Oh woe, oh woe/how it sucks to have no/ranks in poe-/etry.) <Erias> (I think I could take 10 and beat that) <DM> (You don't get to take 10~ It's too stressful to be angsting~) <Sam> (how many ranks in cross-dressing?) <Erias> (1/2. It's cross-class.) <Foster> "When we're ready to depart, I suggest that we return to the large encampment we fled from yesterday. It strikes me as the most likely candidate of the ones we've seen." <Sam> (for everyone except rogue and bard?) <DM> (Sorceror. Have you seen Hennet?) <Sam> (fair point. <Erias> (okay, enough. we'll have another "erias is lame" session during intermission. let's play.) <Sam> ) * Erias nods. <Erias> "Sounds good to me." * Vita nods * Fordran agrees. * Apol follows every while chewing on melon rind. <Erias> (Looks like we're moving out.) <Apol> (everyone) * Sam stands, stretches. <DM> Ok, Will save. <DM> Oops, wrong channel. <Fordran> (; ;) <Sam> (/glare) <Foster> (heh.) <Erias> |roll d20+17 <tafal> 26 | [d20=9] [+17=17] (Erias) <Erias> (just kidding) <Vita> "I think I remember which way the village was" * Foster dons the rest of his equipment and starts moving towards the village edge. * Erias follows Foster. * Vita moves slightly ahead of the rest of the party and glances at the side to confirm her direction sense * Sam quietly follows. <Vita> (side=sky) * Apol flies in and out of the tree branches and follows the group. * Fordran readies his spiky shield, just in case. * Vita will start moving out when everyone looks ready <DM> Without doing any sneaky doubling-back or circling, you approach familiar-looking surroundings fairly rapidly. * Erias mutters something about the weight of his armor. <DM> Spot checks <Foster> |roll d20+11 <tafal> 17 | [d20=6] [+11=11] (Foster) <Vita> |roll d20+18 <tafal> 33 | [d20=15] [+18=18] (Vita) <Sam> |roll d20+5 <Erias> |roll d20+7 <tafal> 25 | [d20=18] [+7=7] (Erias) <tafal> 21 | [d20=16] [+5=5] (Sam) * Vita has her funny eyes on for the journey <Apol> |roll d20+11 <tafal> 21 | [d20=10] [+11=11] (Apol) <Fordran> |roll d20+3 <tafal> 4 | [d20=1] [+3=3] (Fordran) * Fordran sneezes, seeing nothing. <DM> You see a large hairy lump off to the Northwest. <DM> Except Fordran. * Vita pauses <Vita> (how large?) <DM> It's Large. <Vita> (how mobile?) * Erias releases his shield into the air. <DM> Not. * Sam looks plainly at the hairy lump. <Apol> What does it smell like? <DM> You're too far to smell it; about 30 feet. * Vita whispers "Should we check it out?" <DM> It's black, and hairy. <DM> It looks like a face-down Makumar. <Foster> "We'd better." * Vita moves cautiously towards the lump * Erias nods and walks forward slowly. <DM> Another spot check. * Fordran approaches carefully. <Fordran> |roll d20+3 <tafal> 19 | [d20=16] [+3=3] (Fordran) <Foster> |roll d20+11 <tafal> 21 | [d20=10] [+11=11] (Foster) * Apol flies towards the hairy lump <Vita> |roll d20+18 <tafal> 25 | [d20=7] [+18=18] (Vita) <Apol> |roll d20+11 <tafal> 18 | [d20=7] [+11=11] (Apol) <Erias> |roll d20+7 <tafal> 27 | [d20=20] [+7=7] (Erias) <Sam> |roll d20+5 <tafal> 25 | [d20=20] [+5=5] (Sam) <Fordran> "Look! A makumar!" <Sam> (well, that's my dice karma for the night...) <DM> As you approach, you notice four more, face down nearby, unmoving. <Foster> "It would probably be correct to say that the Spirit Speaker's ritual worked." <Vita> "Assuming these are not the Makumar that we hurt..." * Foster remains prepared for them to do something like rise as skeletons engulfed in necromantic fire. <Foster> (You know. Just in case) * Erias walks forward and kicks the nearest makumar in the ribs. <DM> It goes *thump* <Erias> "Well, we killed an entire tribe of probably hostile primitives." <Erias> "I really don't know how to feel about that." * Sam doesn't comment. <Foster> "It probably wasn't the best route." * Apol lands near one and sniffs at it. <Vita> "I don't really want to touch something that insects aren't willing to touch" * Fordran looks at the bodies thoughtfully. <Vita> "Or animals..." <Foster> "We should keep moving." <Apol> "It smells funny." <Vita> "And didn't we see them kill someone? * Vita starts moving towards the village again, avoiding the bodies <Erias> "Alright, let's head on to the village." * Erias follows. * Apol tries to push at the makumar to get under it. <Foster> "They basically shredded one of our crewmen without provocation about 10 minutes after we stepped onto this island, yes." <Vita> "Eww, Apol what are you doing?" <Apol> "I'm looking for the funny smell." <Apol> "Oh." <Fordran> "You mean, rotting?" <Apol> "It has no heart. And the hole smells funny." * Erias blinks. * Vita frowns * Fordran tilts his head. <Fordran> "Could that ritual... have destroyed all their hearts?" <Erias> "All of their hearts -- " <Apol> "Like when the birds that Bob kept exploded into crystals." <Foster> "That seems to have been the purpose, yes." <Foster> "...you'll have to elaborate on that at some point." * Sam looks like he is trying to ignore a nagging uneasy feeling. <Apol> "Did they all really have the same heart?" * Vita starts moving towards the village agian <Vita> "Shouldn't we, um, look for these people?" * Erias is 30' or so toward the village from the group, moving slowly, lagging while waiting. <Fordran> "Let's move on." * Sam follows Vita. <DM> As you approach the village, you see more of the undisturbed Makumar corpses, in various collapsed positions. The faces of those you can see are twisted in a rictus of pain or surprise, or both. * Fordran winces as he passes some bodies. * Vita looks uncomfortable, but continues <DM> Near the gate of the village, the corpses of those you fought are in various states of decomposition, swarming with scavengers. * Foster rubs his temple from time to time. <Fordran> "Hm. So the animals will eat those, but... not the heartless ones?" * Apol moves closer to one of the decomposing makumar. <DM> The gate is wide open. <Apol> "These still have their hearts." * Apol follows Vita. <Erias> either that or it's just too recent? I guess a night should be long enough, though. <Foster> "I'm starting to think that we've made a big mistake in our methodology here. Let's find whatever people may be left and get off this island." <Fordran> "That's not very reassuring." <Foster> "Wish I had reassuring words to give you." <Erias> "I'm tempted to suggest evening the scales. But... yeah." * Foster moves forward into the village. * Erias walks into the village and begins looking around. * Sam mumbles, "I never thought that I would find the stench of death to be comforting, and its absence the opposite." * Vita slows down and follows the others as they enter the village <DM> Within the tree-walls, the village is dominated by a squat, fat, hollowed-out tree, probably only 20' tall. Rough huts made from branches, flat leaves, and woven grasses are arranged haphazardly around it. <Vita> "I still find this tree thing weird." * Foster listens for anything that might be human cries for help and other such noises. * Vita inspects the tree-walls more closely <Vita> "I wonder who could make these trees grow like this while alive...?' * Erias looks into the distance and concentrates. <Fordran> "Perhaps we should call aloud and see if anyone responds?" <DM> The familiar form of the silver Makumar is lying face-up near the central tree, arms tucked neatly at its sides. <Vita> "That sounds like a plan." <Foster> "I was going to mention that." * Foster proceeds to call out "Survivors of the Whispering Kite, should you be present, I suggest that you cry out - we are here to rescue you!" <DM> Listen checks <Erias> (loudly) "Or anyone else, for that matter!" <Foster> |roll d20+1 <tafal> 11 | [d20=10] [+1=1] (Foster) <Erias> |roll d20+7 <tafal> 10 | [d20=3] [+7=7] (Erias) <Sam> |roll d20+5 <tafal> 18 | [d20=13] [+5=5] (Sam) <Vita> |roll d20+13 <tafal> 20 | [d20=7] [+13=13] (Vita) <Fordran> |roll d20+3 <tafal> 17 | [d20=14] [+3=3] (Fordran) <Apol> |roll d20+11 <tafal> 16 | [d20=5] [+11=11] (Apol) * Vita moves hesitantly towards the center tree <Vita> "I hear noise from over there... no voices" <Apol> "Ohh someone knocking!" * Fordran turns to the tree. * Sam also steps carefully in that direction. * Erias stares at the tree. * Foster draws his sword and turns on his shield, just in case. * Apol flies towards the tree yelling, "Who's there?!" <Foster> "Let us investigate." * Erias walks toward the tree. * Foster approaches the tree. * Vita peers cautiously into the tree without entering <DM> As the rest of you approach, you see another Makumar corpse, just inside, one arm extended, holding a bloody lump. <DM> It was facing the silver corpse. <Vita> "That's... strange." * Fordran examines the bloody lump. <Vita> "Should we go up the stairs?" <Fordran> |roll d20+13 <tafal> 20 | [d20=7] [+13=13] (Fordran) <Fordran> "This... looks like a human heart." <Foster> "Troubling." <Vita> "Ew." <Fordran> "Guess that means at least one of the crew didn't survive." * Foster is looking more and more uncertain. <Vita> "Anyone else want to go up the stairs first?" * Fordran looks down at the silver corpse. <Foster> "Let's investigate further." * Vita motions for Pup to stay outside * Erias nods. <Fordran> "You don't suppose it was trying to..." <Vita> "Let us know if anyone comes, Pup." * Erias begins climbing the stairs. <Foster> "I do suppose, but I'd prefer not to consider the matter further." * Fordran nods. * Vita follows the others up the stairs * Fordran follows on up. * Apol flies next to Erias. * Foster follows, as well * Erias breaks into a run. * Erias slows abruptly. <Erias> "Anyone else hear that?" * Vita skids to a stop behind Erias <Fordran> "What... what's going on?" * Vita listens <Foster> "Hear what?" * Sam shakes his head. <DM> The rest of you start hearing "...Heeeellp" * Sam stops shaking his head. <Foster> "Ah. That. Yes." * Vita tries to locate the direction the sound is coming from * Erias begins climbing quickly. <DM> Upstairs * Foster follows. <Fordran> "It's got to be up." * Vita follows, beginning to fall behind as her 20 ft movement rate catches up to her <DM> At the top of the circular staircase, you find another "floor" in the tree. * Erias draws his mace. (Erias is moving at 20' as well.) * Fordran catches up quickly, what with his 40' move. <Vita> (Right, heavy armor) * Sam has no problem keeping up. <DM> There are ten large cages made of thick wood around the edges of the room, four of them occupied by frightened looking humans. * Fordran regrets not packing anything pointy. * Erias walks to the nearest cage. <DM> A low stone bench in the middle of the room has a human body, chest bloody and open. * Foster moves from cage to cage, releasing the occupants. * Erias opens the cage, if possible. * Fordran grimly checks the body to confirm that it is, indeed, deprived of a heart. <DM> Fordran: Yes. * Erias stows his mace, drawing a sword if necessary. * Fordran hangs his head, and mumbles a prayer to Pelor. <DM> The cages do not seem to have locks, or even doors/hinges. <Foster> "I'm Foster. We're here to rescue you. I assume that you're from the Whispering Kite?" <Vita> "Are you from the...." * Vita trails off as Foster speaks <DM> "Y-yes. Please, save us from these monsters!" <Fordran> "You're safe now." <DM> They look around, wide-eyed and skittish. <Vita> "The monsters are, um, well... dead." * Erias works on breaking the cages without harming occupants. * Fordran 's voice doesn't fully match that sentiment. <DM> Erias quickly hacks away some of the bars <DM> The occupant cowers against the back corner as the wood splinters and chips. * Apol starts gnawing at some of the bars of one cage. <Fordran> (what do the empty cages look like? broken open? or still sealed?) <DM> He waits until Erias stops chopping in his direction with a sharp object <DM> Fordran: Still sealed <DM> They look grown * Erias moves to another cage when the first is sufficiently open. * Vita pulls the Gnomish Hamer out of the Haversack and helps Apol <Vita> (Hammer, even) <DM> Apol manages to chew a couple inches out of one bar. <Fordran> "Were there other prisoners?" <DM> A particularly scarred looking fellow looks at the rest of his companions before answering, "This be it, mate." <Fordran> (resisting urge to reply, "arr.") <Sam> (donning "I Hate Escort Missions" shirt now) <DM> "Thos' red devils butchered t'other half." <Erias> "The red devils... the... other creatures?" * Apol mumbles and continues chewing... *"Ih hafh sflinthersin mah moufh."* <Fordran> "Apol... don't hurt yourself." * Fordran draws his mace, and starts ineffectually bashing away at cages. * Erias turns to the man. <Erias> "What do you mean by 'red devils'?" <DM> Between the four of you, all occupied cages are broken open. <DM> "Hairy thing, like the black ones. Li'l smaller, two arms." * Fordran takes out some trail rations from his pack, and gives them to the prisoners. * Erias grits his teeth. <Foster> "This entire island is full of mad creatures." * Fordran also Creates Water into a waterskin and passes it around. <Fordran> "Are any of you injured?" <Vita> "Wait, there are other creatures?" <DM> "Grabbed Smitty an' the *spit* merchants, and ran off into the trees, hootin' an' screamin' an' carryin' on." <Erias> "mad, dead creatures." * Erias relaxes slightly. * Vita looks at Erias "the two-armed ones might not be dead" * Erias nods. <Foster> "We should return to Brynwylld as soon as our new companions here are capable of the journey." <Fordran> "Great. There better not be six- or eight-armed ones." <DM> (to Fordran) "Li'l roughed up, is all. 'cept Jonie, here. Poor Jonie. Heh, always said he... *expression changes* Uh, nevermind." * Erias turns to Foster. <Erias> "I agree. And we should ask him about the ones taken by the other tribe." <Fordran> (expended 4 days' worth of rations on prisoners) <DM> *expression brightens* "Ah, Brynwylld is here? Good lad, never shoulda made fun o' his ears!" <Fordran> "Are you strong enough to travel?" <Foster> "We'll have plenty of time to talk on the way back to camp." <DM> "Aye.... uh... so... uh... what happened to our hosts?" <DM> "Aye, aye. C'mon lads. Er, got any weapons fer us?" <Fordran> "We're not entirely sure. What else did your... hosts... do? Other than field medicine." <Vita> "are we going back to camp, or are we checking the other villages?" * Fordran looks back over at the corpse. <DM> "They mostly just fed us and let us roam around, long as we didn't go outside, that is, until yesterday." <Fordran> "Oh... no." <DM> "Then they went stark raving mad." <Fordran> "But they captured you in the first place?" <Erias> "Hells." * Foster 's facial expression is difficult to describe, but it's not anything that most people describe as "good". <DM> "Oh, yeah. Jonie tried to escape, and they knocked him around a bit. But that's all." <Fordran> "When did they take his heart?" <DM> He looks thoughtful. <DM> "Yesterday, sometime." <Fordran> "That thing about evening the scale, Erias?" <DM> "After they went bananas." <Foster> "I think 'correcting past mistakes' is more accurate than evening the scale." * Vita has a facial expression best described by "distressed" <Fordran> "Tomato." <Erias> "Call it what you want. It needs to be done." <DM> "I tried talkin' to 'em, offered 'em gold, treasure, anythin'." <DM> "They didn't really unnerstand, y'know?" <Fordran> "I wonder, though, what made the makumar go... bananas." <Foster> "I think we have three priorities now." <DM> "Yer guess is as good as mine, mate. A whole mess of them started hootin' an' carryin' on, and ran outta here like they were on fire." <Fordran> "As long as one of them is 'get off this island' I'm with you." <DM> "Then, next ya know, they knocked us around and when I came to, I was in a cage." <Erias> "I don't care to unravel these puzzles. I don't give a crap about any of this philosophy crap. I want to go back to the other camp and take care of this." <Foster> "First, returning our friends here to the care of Brynwylld. Second, finding the stone that the kumarti spirit speaker spoke of. Third, taking it far, far away from this island." <Vita> "I'm a big fan of the first and third part of that plan." <Fordran> "I don't think we could take on the Kumarti camp, and unless we have a trick rivaling that of the spirit speaker's heart-thing, I don't know how we're going to get rid of their threat." <Fordran> "Preventing them from getting whatever power is contained in that stone sounds like a good idea, though." * Sam looks annoyed with himself. <DM> "Ya lost me, mate. I'm feelin' a bit too landlocked here, can we go?" <Erias> "The kumarti didn't seem as powerful as the makumar. And they may have the stone by now." <Erias> "Let's get these guys to safety." <Fordran> "Right." <Foster> "Agreed." <Fordran> "And perhaps the Kumarti won't have perceived us as a threat... yet." * Erias begins walking down the stairs. * Sam follows. * Vita talks as she walks * Foster brings up the rear. * Erias says back over his shoulder, "We might want to consider being their guests for just one more night." <Apol> "Should be bring Jonie?" <Vita> "Why would they perceive us as a threat?" <DM> He shrugs, picks up "clubs" from the splinters of the cage, and distributes them among his surviving colleagues. <Fordran> "Yes. We shouldn't leave him lying here like this." * Fordran looks for something to wrap the body in. <DM> (to Apol) "Er. Well, if y'can carry 'im, be much obliged. Giv'm a decent burial at sea." * Foster rummages in his bag for a spare cloak. <DM> (Not that one, that has resistance bonuses. Nooo... that one's teleportation. Aww, not that, it's mine!) <Sam> (third time this week, eh?) <Foster> (Clothing can be replaced~) <Fordran> (I knew this Cloak of Gentle Repose would come in handy) * Erias shrugs, returns, wraps the body in someone's cloak (he has a spare if necessary) and carries it. <DM> The scarred sailor follows a couple paces behind the last party member, and his three companions follow close behind him. * Apol whispers to Foster, "They were going to put Jonie's heart in the silver makumar, right? What do you think would have happened?" * Foster whispers back, "I haven't the foggiest." <Erias> (quietly) "The other question is... what would happen if we put a heart in him?" <Fordran> (also quietly) "What would happen if we put a Kumarti heart in him?" * Sam chooses not to hear. <Erias> "I have to admit there's some part of me that wants to do something frightening and unpleasant involving the Speaker and the silver makumar... just to see." * Vita tries not to hear, but is annoying good at it <Foster> (also quietly) "I don't think there's any point to this path of thought, based on my knowledge of basic anatomy." <Apol> "Aw, but it might be just like Bob's power crystals for the metal toys!" <Foster> "I... doubt it." * Foster resumes marching in silence. <Erias> (okay to ff to Brynwyld whenever for me) <Sam> (what i don't know can't hurt me, what i don't know can't hurt me, what i don't know AAAGH) * Vita follows <DM> (as he follows) "So, eh, this don't have nothin' ta do with Karlsten's treasure map, does it? I mean, we hardly set foot on the island..." * Apol earnubs perk at the word "Treasure." <Erias> "...treasure map?" <DM> (noticing dead Makumar everywhere) "... *strangled cough* Did ya... did ya do this?" * Erias winces. <Foster> "Uh. Perhaps indirectly. It was an error based on bad judgements made with incomplete information." <DM> One of the sailors whistles appreciatively. <Erias> "We were involved. There was some magic that we didn't really understand." * Sam confidently mumbles that he was not an accomplice. <Fordran> "It would be safe to say that were was some deception involved." <DM> "That'll teach 'em. *spit*" <Foster> "Hindsight has many marvelous advantages that are not availible to those without considerable precognitive ability." * Vita mounts Pup and rides a little drearily beside the group * Foster notes the vast array of blank looks, shuts up again. <Fordran> "So... these Makumar. What did you think of them?" * Vita squints at Foster's lengthy language <DM> "Evil devils. Carved Jonie up alive, right afore our eyes." <Erias> "And where did this treasure map point?" <DM> *looks uncomfortable* "I uh... dropped it when they grapt us.... Might still be where I left it, tho' These savages prolly don't read." <Foster> "I think we all value our lives more than possible treasures at this point, no? <Sam> " <Erias> "See... we need to find this magic rock on this island -- it's not treasure, but it might be in the same place. I think these things use it to get strong enough to catch sailors. Be a good thing if someone took it away from them." * Sam smirks. <DM> (to Foster) "I s'pose, lad, but it looks ta me like y'killed em all." <Erias> (I don't really know if there's a bluff check in there, but I can make one if you like) <Foster> "True enough. Were you captured close to here?" <Vita> "I don't see why we have to do anything about the stone..." <DM> "By the beach where we first made camp." <Erias> "Easy enough." <Foster> "Let us continue in that direction, then." <DM> As you continue, you begin to hear the sounds of surf. <Foster> To Vita, "My thinking on the stone is that if the kumarti are willing to do all of this to acquire it, it's best that we prevent them from obtaining it." <DM> "I think it was around here, somewhere..." <DM> He takes 20. * Foster helps him search. * Erias looks around, keeps his eyes open. <DM> "Hmmm..." <Vita> "But they are stuck on this island anyway, right? And what him they get mad at us? Wouldn't it be better to leave?" <DM> Search checks. <Vita> (him = if, geeze!) <Foster> |roll d20+11 <tafal> 24 | [d20=13] [+11=11] (Foster) <Apol> |roll d20+14 <tafal> 30 | [d20=16] [+14=14] (Apol) <Fordran> |roll d20 <tafal> 19 | [d20=19] (Fordran) <Sam> |roll d20 <tafal> 5 | [d20=5] (Sam) <Sam> (i have feet!) <Foster> (You have found: Your coin purse.) <Erias> |roll d20 <tafal> 19 | [d20=19] (Erias) * Apol looks around and lands near a thorny bush. <Vita> |roll d20+5 <tafal> 24 | [d20=19] [+5=5] (Vita) * Vita starts searching, a little late <Vita> (having fumbled with her haversack a bit first) * Apol reaches in to grab what looks like some leather. * Vita moves towards Apol and stops as Apol pulls something out of the bush * Apol pulls it out and grins. <Fordran> "What did you find?" <Apol> "I think this might be it! It says "X"!" * Foster examines the scrap of parchment over his spectacles. * Vita sighs <Foster> s/parchment/leather/ <DM> "Oh, yeah! That be it!" <DM> There's some mumbling from the three sailors behind him. * Erias leans over to glance at it. <Fordran> ("Arr." "Yarr.") <Foster> "Let's continue towards Brynwylld's encampment while we discuss this." <DM> There's an outline of the island. Some attempt was made to sketch in detailed drawings of plants on the borders <DM> In the middle, there's a light handprint in ink. <DM> You can make out fingerprints, just barely. <DM> At each of the tips of the fingers, a stylized circle of trees <DM> The X is drawn in at the palm * Erias nods and continues walking toward the encampment. * Foster studies the map, comparing it to what he's seen of the island's geography so far. <DM> A monogrammed "M" is in the lower right corner * Vita follows <Apol> "Who made this map again?" <Foster> |roll d20+9 <tafal> 28 | [d20=19] [+9=9] (Foster) <DM> "D'no. Karlsten di'n tell us about it 'til we got here." <Apol> "Who is Karlsten?" <DM> "I was holdin' it... 'Lemme see that fool map,' I sez to him.." <DM> "Oh, one o' the merchants. Fat bastard." <DM> "I knew I shoulda talked th' cap'n out of it." <Foster> (Eaten first. Probably stewed.) <Sam> (in a nice white wine sauce?) <DM> You see the campfire along the shore <DM> There's some shouting. * Erias walks faster. * Foster follows suit. <DM> A crossbow bolt buries itself in the sand next to Erias' boot. * Vita follows Foster following suit * Vita pulls out her crossbow <DM> "...shooting you idiot! It's them!" * Foster stops abruptly. * Fordran readies his shield. * Erias goes to full def-- <Apol> "Hi!!" * Erias slows to a normal walk. <DM> You see Brynwylld smacking one of the sailors. <Fordran> "Perhaps we should have announced ourselves first..." * Fordran unreadies his shield. * Sam tenses, relaxes. <Foster> "One tends to forgets niceties like that." * Erias shrugs. "No harm done." * Foster continues towards the shore. * Fordran picks up the crossbow bolt. * Fordran hands it to the sailor when he gets there. * Vita puts her weapon away <DM> "Brynwylld! Arr, I never thought I'd be so glad t' see ya, ya nancy squid!" <DM> He runs up and bearhugs Brynwylld. <DM> *Huurk* * DM * Trigger-happy sailor /eyesdown <Fordran> "It was a commendable shot, though." <DM> <Brynwylld> "Erias! Fordran! Everyone! You're safe! And you found them! *cough* (Let go of me you fool.) Thank the gods!" <Vita> "Fortunately not *too* commendable." * Vita smiles <Erias> "Brynwylld. Yes, we made it." <Foster> "We have returned, yes." <Erias> "Things got ugly, though. We might have some things to take care of." * Fordran smiles a tired smile. * Vita frowns as Erias says that <Fordran> "We... also found Jonie..." * Fordran gestures to the body slung over Erias' shoulder. <Foster> "Yes, I believe we have at least one last thing to tend to in the interior before we are ready to depart." <Erias> (oh, right, I'm carrying someone.) * Foster helps Erias put him down in something of a dignified manner. * Erias puts the corpse carefully down on the sand and doesn't unwrap it. <DM> <Brynwylld> *grim expression* "So. No other survivors?" <Foster> "Not that we were able to discern." <DM> <Brynwylld> *nods grimly* "I'd love to put this whole island to the torch." *pause, looks at Foster* "... Can you do that?" * Fordran looks at Foster. * Erias grins. * Fordran looks at the forest. * Apol looks at Foster. <Foster> "I've been considering methods. I think I may have a couple of ideas." <Fordran> "'S a pretty big island." * Vita looks at the forest sadly <Vita> "They are very pretty trees..." * Erias shrugs. <Sam> "We could just...let it be an island." <Erias> "Maybe it's plan B." <DM> <Brynwylld> *shrugs* "Right lads, let's pack it up, we're going home." <Erias> "I have a plan A... maybe we should confer for a moment while these fellows get reunited?" <DM> The sailors at camp scramble to pack everything up. <Fordran> "Ah... just a moment. <DM> <Brynwylld> "Hm?" <Fordran> "We'd like to get back to the mainland as well, but I think we have some unfinished business still." * Vita looks at Sam "I *like* that idea <Foster> "I have one more thing I'd like to tend to before departing this godsforsaken rock, yes." <Sam> "I would just as soon put this misadventure firmly in my past." <Erias> (aside) "I want to go back and repay the Kumarti for their treachery. And if we want to find that rock, I'm willing to do that as well." <Vita> "I'm confused. What was this treachery?" <Erias> "If the rest of you just want to get the hell out of here, I understand, and I'll come with you." <Foster> "The probable location of the stone is probably less than an hour from our current location." <Foster> "I think we owe it to ourselves to investigate it." <Erias> "...my assumption is that they manipulated us into attacking an innocent group; it sounds like they killed Smitty and the merchants as well." <Erias> "I guess we could check on that. One moment." * Erias takes a few steps back toward Brynwylld. <Apol> "Maybe we can ask them when we see them." <DM> Brynwylld looks confused. "I'm thoroughly confused." <Vita> "Um, what? So they faked the killing?" <Erias> "Brynwylld, did Smitty and the merchants ever make it out?" <Sam> (<TeleBEARS> One moment please.) * Vita whispers a little lower "And the fact that they were willing to do.. well... you know... despite... the other thing... still..." <DM> <Brynwylld> "They didn't come out with us, no." * Erias steps back to the group. <Foster> "I think explanations are best left for the voyage home. We can be to the site I'm thinking of and back before dusk." <Foster> "If we've turned up nothing by nightfall, I'm willing to leave it as it is and depart." <Erias> "Vita, I heard your question -- but the Makumar that first grabbed a sailor didn't kill him, or hurt him at all, as far as I can tell." <Fordran> "I wouldn't go so far as to call the Makumar 'innocent' either. That sailor didn't hold them in very high regard, either." <Fordran> (s/either//) <Erias> "Yeah, fair enough. I'm just angry." <Foster> "As you should be." <Erias> "Foster, I'm ready to go on this quick trip into the forest when you and the others are." <Fordran> "Let's find this stone and get out of here." <Vita> "Ok Foster, a quick trip seems wise." * Foster nods, looks to the others. * Vita still looks a little confused, but willing to follow the others * Erias raises his voice. "Brynwylld, we need to go back into the forest briefly. An hour or two. We'll be ready to leave when we return, alright?" <Fordran> "We should expect resistance as well." <Vita> "What should we do if we meet resistance?" <DM> <Brynwylld> "As you wish. Should we be aboard, ready to cast off?" <Erias> "Nothing like a little resistance to get the blood going." <Foster> To Brynwylld: "Absolutely." <DM> <Brynwylld> "Right, you heard the man, lads." <Fordran> "That's the thing. I prefer my blood on the inside." <DM> They begin loading supplies onto their boats. * Apol asks Foster, "Do you think the Kumarti have any prisoners that they didn't show us?" * Foster leads off into the forest, occasionally checking the map. <Vita> "Especially in situations that are questionable." <Foster> After we're out of earshot of the camp: "I think they prefer to eat them, Apol." <Apol> "Does that mean we ate some of them, too?" <Fordran> "So why did they treat us so nicely?" <Vita> "How do we know that they eat them?" * Fordran looks at Apol. <Fordran> "Suddenly, I don't feel so well." <Foster> To Apol, "Not unless the merchants in question were sentient fungus." <DM> With Vita's aid, you navigate to roughly where you think the "X" shows. You find yourself at a pool at the base of a small waterfall coming from the mouth of a cave. <Foster> "Which, given some of Threecrown's inhabitants, is not entirely out of the question, but still." <Apol> "Well, if I ate some munthrek there, I just want you to know that you taste very nice." * Vita looks even more confused <Foster> To Fordran, "I guess the answer to that is that they wanted something, and figured they could use us to get it." * Foster fishes out his lightstone, attaches it, readies his weapons, and prepares to move into the cave. <Foster> "Shall we?" <Erias> "That's the part that really upsets me." * Erias releases his shield and draws his mace. * Fordran asks Pelor to illuminate his shield. <DM> |roll d20+4 <tafal> 19 | [d20=15] [+4=4] (DM) <Erias> "and thank you, Apol, that's very kind." <DM> |roll 1d10 <tafal> 5 | [1d10=5] (DM) <DM> A crossbow bolt is suddenly sticking out of Foster's left bicep. <DM> (Caveward) <Vita> "Actually, I think I'd prefer if Apol did not think we taste nice, considering what, um, uh, it thinks..." <Erias> (So... init?) <DM> (Yep) <Erias> |roll d20 <tafal> 13 | [d20=13] (Erias) <Fordran> |roll d20 <tafal> 9 | [d20=9] (Fordran) * Vita trails off into Init <Foster> |roll d20+1 <tafal> 17 | [d20=16] [+1=1] (Foster) <Apol> |roll d20+1 <tafal> 11 | [d20=10] [+1=1] (Apol) <Sam> |roll d20+4 <tafal> 5 | [d20=1] [+4=4] (Sam) <Sam> (4tl) <Vita> |roll d20+5 <tafal> 7 | [d20=2] [+5=5] (Vita) <DM> The bolt kind of *sloorps* and falls out of Foster's arm, wound closing. <Fordran> (zomg wolverine) * DM changes topic to 'ECLIPSE | Foster 17, Erias 13, Apol 11, Fordran 9, Vita 7, Sam 5' <DM> |roll d20 <tafal> 4 | [d20=4] (DM) <DM> -> Foster * Foster speaks up, trying to find the source of the crossbow bolt. <Erias> (do we have a battlemap for this?) <DM> (no) <Foster> "Would you mind coming out to parley? We're not here to harm you, and if you're not associated with the crazy ape-men, we have some common interests to discuss!" <DM> Sense motive <DM> "You can't have it!!! I saw it first!!!" <Foster> |roll d20+1 <tafal> 18 | [d20=17] [+1=1] (Foster) <Erias> |roll d20+8 <tafal> 21 | [d20=13] [+8=8] (Erias) <Vita> |roll d20+2 <tafal> 8 | [d20=6] [+2=2] (Vita) <Fordran> |roll d20+3 <tafal> 18 | [d20=15] [+3=3] (Fordran) <Foster> (quietly, to the rest of the party) "I don't think he's particularly malicious, just a little crazy." <Fordran> (didn't think we'd all get a sense motive) * Foster moves towards the cave. * Fordran nods in agreement with Foster. <Foster> "Who are you?" <Sam> (not bothering to roll) <Foster> (done) <Vita> "I don't know, he sounds like he really wants it." <DM> There's a fat man, with wide, twitchy eyes aiming an unloaded crossbow at you. <DM> Spot checks <Foster> |roll d20+11 <tafal> 18 | [d20=7] [+11=11] (Foster) <Sam> |roll d20+5 <tafal> 17 | [d20=12] [+5=5] (Sam) <Erias> |roll d20+7 <tafal> 14 | [d20=7] [+7=7] (Erias) <Fordran> |roll d20+3 <tafal> 20 | [d20=17] [+3=3] (Fordran) <Apol> "Karlsten?" * Sam whispers, "I'd prefer not to become like him, mentally or physically." <DM> There's a dead Kumarti on the ground nearby, and a few dead sailors. <DM> He whips his crossbow to Apol. "Who are you!?!? What are you?! How do you know my name????" <Vita> |roll d20+13 <tafal> 20 | [d20=7] [+13=13] (Vita) <Apol> "HI!" * Foster looks somewhat relieved. * Erias walks slowly 20' toward the cave, while attempting diplomacy. <Erias> "We don't want to hurt you or steal from you. You sound tired... we can help. Let's talk." <DM> At the "Hi," his finger spasms several times on the trigger. <Erias> (init is getting scattered, so I'm just going ahead) <DM> (right, out of init) <DM> The Kumarti's head is bashed in, from the back <DM> There's a bloodstained rock nearby. * Foster lowers his weapon as he approaches, seeing that the man is obviously too nuts to reload his weapon. * Apol pulls out the monocle and looks through it into the cave. <Erias> |roll d20+8 <tafal> 25 | [d20=17] [+8=8] (Erias) <DM> Looks up at Erias, plaintively <DM> "So... tired..." <DM> "Can't sleep..." * Apol whispers to anyone near, "There is something glowy in the back." * Vita also lowers her weapon <DM> His eyes roll up into his head, and falls unconscious. <DM> s/falls/he falls * Erias walks forward, stowing his mace. <Vita> "Um, why is he behaving so strangely?" * Sam guesses, "The funny rock?" <Erias> "Under the thrall of the stone, is my guess. We should be careful." * Fordran picks up the crossbow. <DM> It looks gnawed on. <DM> Human teethmarks. * Apol looks at the other sailors. <Foster> "Indeed." <DM> The sailors have had their throats cut, except for one, who has a knife in his back. <Erias> "Perhaps the kumarti took him and the others here at their request. Harder and harder to gauge the situation." <Vita> "Um, leave?" <Foster> "I think the general situation is that this entire island drives people crazy, and the source of it may be in that cave. <Sam> "Yes, leave." <Vita> "In a boat?" <Apol> "Why do they think Kumar will come back anyway? Isn't Kumar dead?" <Sam> "I care not how." * Erias walks past the unconscious man, into the cave. <Vita> "I prefer not to swim" <Vita> "I also prefer not to go crazy" <Foster> To Fordran, "You mentioned that you had a way of preventing outside influences on the mind, yes?" <DM> Further in the cave, the wall slopes down to meet the river. <Fordran> "If they're evil influences, yes." <Foster> "Worth a shot, at least." <DM> At the base of the wall, a small shrine has been set up, and apparently defaced. * Foster heads into the cave after Erias. <DM> There are crushed, dried flowers scattered on the ground, and some sort of brown goop covering some broken pottery. * Vita follows everyone else if everyone goes, but looks unhappy <Foster> (Ew) <Erias> "Apol, where was the glow?" * Erias looks around the shrine. * Sam mumbles, "But if they insist upon doing it the hard way..." * Apol looks through the monocle again. <DM> The "shrine" itself is a small chunk of stone, about 3'x2' * Sam follows slowly. <Apol> "That stone." <Fordran> "This big one?" * Erias pulls out his mace. <DM> The bottom of it looks like it was broken off from a larger piece <Apol> "Yes." <DM> There's writing on it. * Erias pauses. * Apol sniffs at the goop. <DM> It's pretty worn * Erias looks at the writing. * Foster attempts to read the writing. * Vita follows Sam, asking him quietly "Why do they always want to do it the hard way?" * Fordran points his shield at the writing to provide extra light. <DM> M~**x **-rti_ <Erias> "Makumarti"? <DM> F--znd to --**mals, Tender of **ss <Fordran> "Friend to animals, tender of... grass?" <Erias> "A druid?" <Fordran> (or a zookeeper) <DM> That's it, nothing else. * Sam looks at Vita and shrugs. * Fordran looks puzzled. <Erias> "Do we take it or destroy it?" <Apol> "Is this used to mark the dead?" <Fordran> "Apol, what kind of glow is it?" <Vita> "Do we know that destroying it or taking it would be helpful rather than hurtful?" * Apol looks intently for a while. <Apol> |roll d20+5 <tafal> 21 | [d20=16] [+5=5] (Apol) <Fordran> "Not really. And it looks, well, heavy." * Erias reaches out carefully and touches the stone. <Fordran> "Wait, Erias--" <Sam> "No." * Sam tries to block. <Fordran> (and Erias is teleported to the realm of the Penumbral Lord.) <DM> Erias touches it, and nothing happens. <Erias> (penumbral lord summons never strike the same spot twice!) <Apol> "Oh, it's change magic." <Vita> (I guess Sam failed to block) <Sam> (that's fine) <Foster> "If you'll allow me a moment, I think I can identify its powers." * Fordran watches Erias carefully. <Fordran> "You... all right? Feeling okay?" <Vita> "Change...?" <Erias> "Alright. I'd lean toward just..." <DM> (Erias turns into an Emo Paladin) <DM> (oh wait) <Apol> "Transmutation." <Fordran> (so, no change) <Sam> (how many times have i told you not to fuck with the magic wom-wom) <Erias> "Yeah, I'm fine. I mean... well, I'm not fine, at all, but that's been true for weeks. The stone didn't do anything." <Sam> (oh, wait, almost none) <Fordran> "So, you mean like turning something..." * Fordran looks down at the rock. <Fordran> "...into stone." <Sam> "...into a less sane version of itself?" <Foster> "Having experienced that sensation, I think I need to poke it to be sure." <Fordran> "It looks like poking is safe enough." * Sam backs away. <Apol> "I don't know, I just see the <insert appropriate color> aura." * Fordran doesn't poke it. <Erias> "I'd suggest destroying it if we can. And taking it if we can't. I don't trust the kumarti and I don't want to leave it here for them. But let's wait for Foster to do his thing." <Fordran> (plaid) <Foster> "Erias, be ready to pummel me into unconciousness if something goes wrong." <DM> (I did assign plaid to a school. I forget which one) * Foster pokes the rock. <DM> (Foster: I'd define that more clearly, given Erias' current behavior.) <Vita> "Would destroying it make magic things happen?" <Fordran> "...Possibly." <Foster> |roll 1d8 <tafal> 8 | [1d8=8] (Foster) <DM> Uh, nothing happens. * Erias watches Foster carefully. * Sam tries his best to make nothing happen. <Vita> (How big is the rock?) <DM> (3'x2') <Fordran> (does it have a depth?) <DM> (6") <Apol> "Where do you think it came from? It looks like there should be more to it." *looks at base of the stone* <Fordran> "Perhaps there's something underneath it?" <Vita> "You know, we could touch other things to it besides ourselves. Wouldn't that be safer?" <Foster> "This device is, as I suspected from the Spirit Speaker's story, designed to give sentience to animals on a large scale. I suspect it was created by a druid." * Vita blinks <Sam> "I don't know exactly what that means, but it sounds misguided at best." <Vita> "But the animals... are... sentient already" * Erias thinks. "If it were destroyed... would they be returned to animal nature once again?" * Fordran decides not to get into that discussion with Vita. <Fordran> "We could try to dispel the magic on the stone, for what it's worth." * Vita has no idea what the thoughts in Fordran's head are talking about <Foster> "Dispelling permanent magic items typically only suppresses them temporarily." <Foster> |roll d20+9 <tafal> 13 | [d20=4] [+9=9] (Foster) <Sam> "Bludgeon it into breaking?" <Apol> "So, if Pup were to touch the stone, Pup would start talking munthrek?" * Foster ponders Erias's question for a bit. <Erias> (Vita meant the makumar and kumarti are sentient "already", that is, currently. Fordran reacted as if Vita meant "I'm a ranger so I think all animals are sentient." afaict.) <Vita> (Yep) <Erias> (Of course... Fordran's reaction may well be correct and my assessment may be wrong.) <Fordran> (yep) <DM> (yep) <DM> (Oh, wait, what are we yepping?) <Foster> "Breaking the stone would not be likely to have any effect on the creatures affected by it - it's not an ongoing effect, it's an instantaneous transformation. <Sam> "Do you really want Pup to consider himself your equal?" <DM> (You mean he doesn't~) * Erias nods. * Vita squints at Sam "I was referring to the Kumarti and Makumar" * Sam shows his former farmer bias. <Erias> "Well, I'd still take it or break it." <Foster> "And yes, theoretically, Pup could benefit from this item." <Fordran> "Benefit how?" <Vita> "Besides, there's nothing wrong with letting them think that." * Vita is a Ranger, that doesn't mean she doesn't think she's highest on the food chain <Fordran> (pretty sure dragons are higher) <Vita> "Um, I think Pup is fine the way he is." * Erias shrugs and pulls out his mace. <Vita> "I'm not a huge fan of strange change magics anyway" <DM> Pup, hearing his name repeatedly, looks between you. <Erias> "Someone tell me not to." <Sam> "And I think this island can take care of itself, even if we leave the stone intact." <Vita> "Not when we're all in range!" <Sam> "But that is my uneducated opinion." <Foster> "I figured. I think we had best destroy the thing. And get going. We've outstayed our welcome as it is." * Vita scratches Pup behind the ears <Fordran> "Yeah... and wait, let me ward you." * Fordran Protects Erias from Evil. * Erias nods. * Erias twitches. <Fordran> "I'll be over there." * Vita moves away, bringing Pup with <Fordran> (wait. can erias no longer possess himself?) <Foster> "I believe I have a more expeditious manner of accomplishing this, Erias." <Vita> "Pup, I hope you don't mind too much" <Erias> "Ah. Feel free." <DM> Pup growfs at you in a questioning manner. <Foster> "You, ah, may wish to stand back so as not to be showered with debris." * Sam stands back. * Erias steps back. <Fordran> "Oh. Do you need to be warded, Foster?" * Vita stands back some more <Foster> "It shouldn't be an issue." <Fordran> "Hope you're right." * Vita grimaces and tries to figure out how to explain to Pup * Erias prepares to attack something. <Erias> (just in case.) * Foster focuses for a moment, then unleashes a tremendous burst of sound on the stone. * Vita just falls silent and pets him nervously <Foster> |roll 10d6-10 <tafal> 16 | [10d6=26] [-10=-10] (Foster) <Apol> (So, pup could technically get 18 int and learn to teleport and become a blinkdog.) <DM> The cave shakes a little as the subsonic burst flies to the stone, shattering it into millions of shards. <Vita> (The question is, could Vita blink with him...) <DM> Pup barks and twitches, rolling on the ground. <Sam> " <Vita> "Pup!" * Fordran looks down at Pup. <Erias> "Uhoh." <Sam> (hm, teleport without rider...could be inconvenient.) <Apol> (talk about pimping your ride) <Erias> "Was it just the sound?" * Vita grabs at Pup trying to prevent him from hitting anything <DM> After the explosion, pup blinks, looks around and bites at the air a little, shaking his fur. <Foster> "I hope so." <Fordran> (what sound?) <Vita> "Are you ok Pup?" <Fordran> (subsonic) * Vita looks concernedly at Pup <Sam> (on live 105?) <Fordran> (without Disco Shawn) <DM> The dust settles. * Erias looks at Pup. <Foster> "Now let's get off this rock before we get ourselves into any more trouble." * Erias looks at Foster. * Fordran looks around nervously. * Erias looks at the rock's remnants. * Foster shrugs. <Fordran> "What about what's-his-name here?" * Vita is still too busy making sure Pup is ok to agree * Fordran gestures at the fat merchant. <Erias> "Alright, I'm good to go." <Apol> "Karlsten." <Erias> "...was this where the treasure was supposed to be?" <Foster> "We'll haul Karlsten back with us. Rescuing him is, after all, part of the contract." <DM> Pup settles down after a bit of coaxing from Vita. <Foster> "I think that was the treasure." * Erias shrugs. * Apol looks around for some *real* treasure. <Fordran> "Wonder what anyone else wanted with it." <Vita> "I think it's time to go." * Erias walks forward and tries to pick up Karlsten. * Erias curses colorfully. * Erias picks up Karlsten and staggers after the rest of you. * Vita mounts Pup * Apol looks around with the monocle again. * Vita does it more carefully than usual * Foster looks towards Pup and Vita. "Sorry about that. I'll have to remember not to use sonics in enclosed spaces when Pup is around." <Apol> "Aww no more glowies." *looking at the dust motes in the air* * Vita looks at Foster, back at Pup <Vita> "Oh! Not magic at all." <Vita> "Sorry about that Pup." <DM> He doesn't seem to hear you. <Fordran> "Let's move on, before we meet anyone else." * Vita winces <Foster> "Agreed." <Fordran> (pup hears: RINNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG) <DM> You trudge back to camp. (Right?) * Vita rubs Pup's ears <Foster> (right.) <Fordran> (i was thinking of duoing the kumarti camp w/ erias) <Vita> (right) <Fordran> (need more xp) <DM> (Ah, right, repair first?) <Erias> (I have 7/8 of the blackguard set, just need one more drop) <Foster> (I bubblehearth) <DM> (omg nerf!) <DM> The camp has been completely taken apart, and is deserted when you return. <Foster> (anyhow. yes. back to camp.) * Foster looks around for Brynwylld. <DM> The ship is still anchored just past the shallows. <DM> (He did say he was going to be aboard) <Foster> (right) * Erias walks toward the water and puts down the merchant for a minute. <DM> (Fordran: Shield still glowing?) <Erias> "Brynwylld!" <Fordran> (probably) <Fordran> (glows for 80min) * Foster shouts "We're back, and ready to go!" <DM> A rowboat lowers from the ship <DM> It begins rowing out to you * Fordran keeps a nervous eye on the trees. <DM> Brynwylld is aboard, and two sailors are aboard, rowing. <DM> <Brynwylld> "Karlsten! No sign of the others?" <Foster> "Oh, there was sign enough." * Erias sees Fordran looking around, and takes a few steps back toward the trees. <Foster> "Our fat man here killed them all." <DM> Brynwylld gasps. <Fordran> "Less talk. More rowing." <Erias> "He was possessed by a magic, I think." <DM> <Brynwylld> "...R-right..." <Apol> "We need help to get the dead sailors, right?" <Foster> "Or by his own greed." <DM> Everyone hops aboard, and they begin rowing back. * Vita looks a little nervous, back on the water * Erias looks more relaxed, back on the water <Fordran> "Under normal circumstances, Apol, we would. But I think we've risked enough for one day." <Apol> "OK, when will be come back?" * Fordran starts to respond, but doesn't. <Foster> "If the gods are good, it will be many lifetimes before we set eyes on that rock again." <Erias> "I don't know about you, but I don't ever plan to." <Vita> "We don't." <DM> When the dinghy reaches the ship, they lower ropes and begin to lift it aboard. <Vita> "Or at least, I am not going to." <Erias> "Sailors on the island have gone to their gods if they have any. Little difference what we do now." <DM> Once at eye-level with the others, Brynwylld shouts, "Threecrown, full sail!" * Fordran watches the island from the deck. * Sam doesn't. * Vita stands with Fordran <Vita> "The trees are pretty from here. Far away from it." <DM> <Brynwylld> *eyeing Karlsten's unconscious form* "Should we, er, tie him up or something?" <Foster> "We had best lock Karlsten here away, yes." * Fordran stays silent. <Foster> "Perhaps he'll be more inclined towards reason with the object of his greed behind him, to say nothing of normal rations." * Erias helps get Karlsten locked up or bound or whatever, then sits and leans against the mast. <Vita> "I think he wanted sleep, too." <DM> <Brynwylld> "You two, toss him in the brig." * Erias leans back and closes his eyes. <Erias> "Foster, when we get home I need to talk to you." <DM> <Brynwylld> *pause* "And give him fresh water, but keep anything sharp away." <Foster> "I agree entirely." <Foster> "If anyone needs me, I'm going to be in my cabin." * Foster retreats belowdecks. * Vita stares at the land for as long as it can be held in view <Foster> (Catch 22, ain't it?) <Vita> (Yeah.) <Vita> (X hours pass...?) <Sam> (6 months pass.) <DM> Night falls <Foster> (Willing to fast forward to the inevitable arrival of Bloodnose and Friends) <Erias> (heh) <DM> After too far away, you arrive back at Threecrown. <DM> s/far/long <Sam> (i'm dodging , uh, something) <DM> As you pull in, Brynwylld beckons Erias into his cabin. * Erias enters. * Erias is a bit guarded. * Foster loafs about the boat while waiting on Erias. * Fordran suns himself on the deck. * Sam meditates. * Vita huddles in a corner and thinks about trees <DM> The door opens, and Brynwylld comes out. * Sam gets swindled out of a few coppers by the crew. <Foster> (My god, he's eaten Erias!) <DM> (*burp*) <DM> <Brynwylld> "Alright, lads, as soon as these good folks debark, just take me a little further down the coast." * Erias returns to the deck, presumably. * Foster looks at Brynwylld and Erias. <DM> The crew waves their goodbyes. <DM> <Brynwylld> "... Wait! What do we do with Karlsten?" <DM> <Brynwylld> "Can you take him ashore to trial?" <Foster> "We had best turn him over to the authorities, yes." <Fordran> "We can do that." <DM> He gestures to some of the sailors, and they haul him up. <DM> He (Karlsten) is conscious now, and somewhat lucid, but silent. <Foster> "And I expect that we'll be seeing you or a proxy with our payment at some point in the near future?" <Erias> "It's taken care of." <DM> "I just set--" <Foster> "Ah, good." <Foster> "I had hoped that was taken care of, but never hurts to ask." <Foster> "That aside, farewell. May your journeys be less disastrous in the future." <DM> "... Yeees. And you as well." * Foster disembarks. * Fordran disembarks with Karlsten. <DM> Karlsten doesn't resist. * Erias helps Fordran with Karlsten if necessary, and disembarks as well. <DM> Apol, Sam, Vita? * Vita disembarks with Pup <Vita> (once Karlsten is out of the way) * Sam gets off the boat. * Apol chases seagulls. <Foster> (Those are bad for you, you know.) <DM> The Whispering Kite pushes off, and begins sailing South. <DM> They wave from the deck. <Erias> (They're basically just flying rats.) * Erias waves back. * Foster waves back * Vita waves <Fordran> (i thought those were pigeons.) * Fordran waves. <Sam> (obRatsWithWings) <Fordran> "May Pelor shine upon you!" <DM> You hear clanking footsteps at a jog. * Erias spins. <DM> A city guard jogs up and sketches a salute, panting. <DM> "Thank, uh, Pelor, you're back." <Erias> "What's the matter?" <DM> "We, uh, had some incidents near your house." <DM> "We've had the area quarantined since." <Erias> "Uh... uhoh." <DM> CLIFFHANGERED! <Foster> "My apologies. We had to depart on short notice." <Fordran> "Oh, great." <DM> Here's a Cliffhanger I decided not to go with: <DM> "Hey... where's Grith?" <Fordran> heh <Foster> hee. <Erias> Rock. <Vita> And we appreciate that <Fordran> (been there, done that) <DM> From the Joke Reels: <DM> Meanwhile -- Kumarti Village <Sam> (och!) <Fordran> (cf. "What Ever Happened to Mr. Thornbane?") <DM> <Grith> "zzzz..." <Fordran> hehe