A Modest Proposal

[zmflavius]

You enter Vitross.

You don't see anybody at first, but then notice a spectral figure standing near the ruins of what was once a great house.

[thingirl]

"Oh look, he's dead. What a surprise." She slowly approaches the figure and uses Necromancy to try to talk to him.

[zmflavius]

He waves you off.

"I'm still sentient, despite my incorporeal form. I died when Gauldoth, I mean Lord Gauldoth sacked Vitross ten years ago. This used to be my house, before he tortured me to death and brought me back as a specter. Anyways, you wanted to meet Gauldoth?"

[thingirl]

"Umm, yes."

[zmflavius]

"Very well then. I must warn you though, that around 60% of the people Gauldoth massacred here 10 years ago were children, who were of no use to him as undead servants, and so, their restless spirits continue to haunt this former frontier town."

He smiles derisively.

"And to think that Queen Nighthaven still thinks that the Neo-Krewlodians burned down this town."

[thingirl]

"Theodorus, you aren't Neo-Krewlodian, are you? If you are, stay here and wait for us, and if you aren't well, then, if this spirit will lead us, come on."

[zmflavius]

"No, I'm not. Those barbarians back there are Neo-Krewlodians."

[thingirl]

"So, we're hated by the enemies of the queen. That's good, right?"

[zmflavius]

"They're not really enemies anymore they're technically neutral. Apart from the huge plethora of border skirmishes."

[thingirl]

"Whatever. Is them wanting to pull our intestines out through our noses good or bad in terms of whatever we're supposed to do?"

[zmflavius]

"It doesn't really matter, considering where we're going."

Sir Mardor leads you to a border garrison, and you notice that the troops are Great Arcanian. You are granted passage to the other side, which is filled with an army of undead and demons, headed by a sadistic vampire.

[thingirl]

"I really-"

"Myrenne, don't say anything. I agree with you, but don't say anything."

[zmflavius]

Sir Mardor leads you over the border.

"Captain Hadrin will take you to Nekorrum."

A zombie wearing ornate armour followed by 300 other zombie soldiers shows up.

"They will escort you to Nekorrum via the Order Road."

The Order Road is a dirt path that apparently is a major road. Human (living) peasants clump the road, and always stop and salute Hadrin when they see him. Despite Hadrin's claims that Gauldoth is a fair ruler, and a relatively humane necromancer, he tightens up when Theodorus asks how he became a zombie.

[thingirl]

"I apologize for him if he offended you. He means no harm to your ruler who could easily command you to kill us. Is "zombie" not the correct term? And I don't think it matters if we know things like that."

[zmflavius]

"No, it's just that...that's a touchy subject. It's like asking Sir Mardor how he became a spectral ghost."

[thingirl]

"Ahh, gotch ya." She turns to Theodorus. "Now, say you're sorry so we can get on with this."

"HAHA! I'm not the only one she babies!"

[zmflavius]

Theodorus shrugs.

Hadrin doesn't seem to mind.

After ten days of journeying, Hadrin points out the town of Rija.

"We'll stay there, and then make the final leg of the journey east."

[thingirl]

"OK."

[zmflavius]

You enter Rija, and notice that like most of the other towns you've passed, it's filled with undead and demons.

You then notice a familiar face.

While most patrons of the tavern are seated in the atrium, the horned archer from Phoephar appears seated in a corner. When you enter, he stands up.

[thingirl]

Alanne wispers to the humans, "Don't look at him. He sees us."

[zmflavius]

(wispers?)

The horned archer simply moved to the atrium and sat down again. Theodorus looks nervous upon seeing the man, but quickly conceals it. The man smirks.

Hadrin has a few words with the tavern-keep and then returns.

"You will be lodged in the Town Hall. Then, you will be taken to Nekorrum the next day."

[thingirl]

(dropped the h in whispers.)

"OK. Sounds god."

[zmflavius]

(no comment)

At night...

Suddenly arrows start hitting the tavern! Many pierce the walls and now arrows are flying all around you!

[thingirl]

Alanne uses Fortifaction to defend the four girls.

[zmflavius]

You block off the arrows. You see that Theodorus has conjured a similar barrier and is also blurring the image of the tavern and everyone in the party to make them harder to see.

[thingirl]

Myrenne uses Divination to try to find where the arrows are coming from.

[zmflavius]

Archers posted on nearby buildings, a few in the street, and others who are inside houses.

Suddenly, you see the horned archer draw a greatsword and lead a charge into the tavern.

[thingirl]

Myrenne used Destruction to bust out the back wall of the Tavern and they all run for it. Alanne tries to move the fortification barrier with them.

[zmflavius]

You run into Hadrin and the zombie soldiers clashing with what appears to be...elves?

[thingirl]

Is Alanne dreaming again?

[zmflavius]

No.

[thingirl]

(Sorry, it's just, zombies, undead, demons. Ehh, not that unusual, but ELVES!!!!!!)

One of them tries to get Hadrin to tell them what's going on.

(I just saw what the no comment was about. I think I need to take a few classes in proof reading.)

[zmflavius]

"We're under attack!"

[thingirl]

"What are these things?"

[zmflavius]

"Elves!"

[thingirl]

"This is pointless." She turns and places a fortification barrier around the Elves so that they can't attack.

[zmflavius]

There's an elven mage, he begins breaking down the barrier. He also summons wasps to torment you.

[thingirl]

Gateing to get rid of the wasps, and blast the elves with Elementalism.

[zmflavius]

You successfully get rid of enough wasps to concentrate on using elementalism.

How do you use elementalism?

[thingirl]

What does the ground / road look like and is there any fire or water nearby?

[zmflavius]

The tavern is on fire. There's a well nearby. The road is dirt.

[thingirl]

Alanne creates an earth elemental from the dust under the elves' feet.

[zmflavius]

You startle the elves and 3 are killed. The rest scatter.

[thingirl]

She turns back to Hadrin. "I repeat, what's going on?"

[zmflavius]

"I don't know. I'm just a captain."

[thingirl]

"Do you at least know why we were attacked by elves?"

(BTW, where's the Carverclaw?)

[zmflavius]

(He left the tavern on the opposite side)

"No. You'd best ask Gauldoth that."

[thingirl]

('k)

"Can you take us to him?" Myrenne and Usagi leave to find the Carverclaw.

"Well, at least me."

[zmflavius]

You find the carverclaw, who greets you nervously. You surmise that he was disturbed by the attack.

Strangely enough, Theodorus is gone.

[thingirl]

"OK, you might know what's going on here?" (Myrenne talking to the Carverclaw)

[zmflavius]

"I'm pretty sure they came either for Theodorus...or that book. Probably both. Maybe you didn't know, but Theodorus is an expert in antiques, especially magical artifacts. And that book...didn't it have like 200 different books hidden within it?"

[thingirl]

"1. Doesn't surpise me.
2. No, but still not suprising.
3. Yes, I think so. We couldn't read it. And I think Alanne still has it. Hey, where is she?"

---------------

"Well, Hadrin, can you take me to find this Gauldoth person? If not, I'd better go find my sister."

[zmflavius]

(didn't she summon the earth elementals?)

"Certainly. Follow me."

Two days later, you come before a huge (comparatively) city of around 15000 people.

"This is Nekorrum."

[thingirl]

(Oh yeah.)

Usagi spoke, "Actually, she gave it to me before she summoned those elementals. Here, Mr. Carverclaw, you can look at it if you want."

"But first, looks like Alanne has other plans. SIS!"

Everyone who followed Myrenne joined back up with Alanne before she left.

(Ok, NOW they're in the city :))

"Wow. Bigger than most things I've seen here."

[zmflavius]

The carverclaw examines it for a while. He manipulates the puzzle on the cover a little.

"Hmmm...interesting."

He then returns it.

Upon thinking about it, Nekorrum actually resembles Talinus.

Also, you learn from a local that while Nekorrum has "just" 15000 people, the last census indicated that 69105 people lived in the Nekorrum Municipality.

[thingirl]

Myrenne hangs back a little with the Carverclaw.

"So, did you find anything useful you're willing to tell us?"

[zmflavius]

"Yes I did, in fact. We might need to be a bit careful dealing with King Gauldoth."

[thingirl]

"Thanks." She speeds up until she is walking beside Alanne.

"What is it?"

"Well it's just *giggle* I'm just *snort* and he's hahaha..." Alanne leans in to hear better what Myrenne whispered to her. "Be careful dealing with King Gauldoth."

"Uggh. :rolleyes: You and your gossip..."

[zmflavius]

"Thanks." She speeds up until she is walking beside Alanne.

"What is it?"

"Well it's just *giggle* I'm just *snort* and he's hahaha..." Alanne leans in to hear better what Myrenne whispered to her. "Be careful dealing with King Gauldoth."

"Uggh. :rolleyes: You and your gossip..."

(What'd I say?)

You arrive at a huge Palace which resembles St. Peter's Basilica but has a giant skull instead of the main hall. Also, behind the palace is chained demon...hey...you've seen that thing before...

[thingirl]

(Nothing. Myrenne needed some way to talk to Alanne without anyone else hearing what she said.)

Lemmie guess, the Archer?

[zmflavius]

You're led into a large, oblong building with wide steps. Behind it, you can see...some sort of huge devil. He's chained to the ground and screaming for all it's worth.

No, the demon.

You're led into Gauldoth's throne room. Suddenly, you recoil in shock!




















Half of this foul creature's body is that of a normal human being, but the other thing is just a reanimated corpse! Ugh!

"Well...what are you doing here?"

[thingirl]

"I honestly don't know."

[zmflavius]

The carverclaw quickly speaks up,

"Your Majesty, we were embarked on a recent mission to attempt to slay Runeskin..."

Gauldoth snorts.

"And were searching for the ring gems of Colony"

Gauldoth snorts.

"And we found a map"

Gauldoth snorts.

"in the Tome of Secrets."

Gauldoth stands up in surprise.

"The map, unfortunately, is written in the Mephistian dialect of Old Kreegan, though I am informed that you have a contact who can read it and..."

"Yes, he can read it. Yes, I will decode the map for you...on one condition."

Gauldoth smiles.

"Give me the Tome of Secrets."




Hmph. So that's what a distressed carverclaw looks like.

[thingirl]

"Can't we figure out something else? Gold? ATs? Train some of your servants?"

[zmflavius]

"Gold? I have plenty of gold, too much, come to think of it. The treasury's floor is sinking. ATs? Same applies for those trinkets. Train my servants? Who do you think you are?!?!"

[thingirl]

"OK, maybe not train your servents. What if we fight those elves for you?"

[zmflavius]

"I want the Tome of Secrets. No negotiating."

[thingirl]

"Just a second, sir." The group huddles together. "How badly do we need this map and do you have anyone else who can translate it? I'm not giving the book to him."

[zmflavius]

"Yes, we need it, unless we want to blunder around the elemental planes in search of the ring gems."

The Carverclaw thinks for a bit.

"And you do remember that

The locations of these sanctuaries are a closely guarded secret, which can only be found in a fifth, heavily guarded sanctuary..

This map only gives us the location of the Sanctuary of High Magic."

"However, I'm...88% certain I know who King Gauldoth is referring to..."

[thingirl]

"Wait, you know the name of the Sanctuary, but you can't read the map?"

"Whatever, somehow I, at least, trust you. Lets try to escape here with our lives..."

[zmflavius]

"Sure. Just look in front of you."

How is it that you manage to run into a contingent of like 200 orcs right when you're planning to leave?

The fact that they're obviously Gauldoth's soldiers only serves to worry you further.

[thingirl]

(Where in the world ARE we??? Elves? Orcs? What's next, Dwarves come and save us? Alanne, I don't think we're in Sryth anymore..)

"Alanne..."

"I know. Well, we did this once before. RUN!!!!!!!!"

[zmflavius]

(Where in the world ARE we??? Elves? Orcs? What's next, Dwarves come and save us? Alanne, I don't think we're in Sryth anymore..)

"Alanne..."

"I know. Well, we did this once before. RUN!!!!!!!!"

Dwarves come and save you.

Nah, just kidding. Actually, some dwarves broke out of the dungeons in this hall, and were immediately slaughtered by the orcs.

[thingirl]

Did we get away?

[zmflavius]

You're surrounded by orcs now.

[thingirl]

Great. Myrenne stuffs the journal into her large backpack (she still has the book, right?) and then the sisters try to blast a path through the orcs.

[zmflavius]

Yes, you still have it.

You see Gauldoth laughing madly while you attempt to fight off the orcs.

Double Random Roll! I haven't done one of these in a while!

You need greater than 65 to succeed. You are not granted any bonuses.

Second random roll will determine number of orcs you killed.

43! FAIL!

67! You kill a third of the orcs but are subdued.

Gauldoth takes the Tome of Secrets from you.

"You really should have just let me have it."

[thingirl]

Neither of the sisters says anyhting. (They're both very much like me.) Usagi says, "It's not like you can't still use those Orcs. You're a Necromancer."

[zmflavius]

"So?"

[thingirl]

"So you shouldn't be mad at us?"

Since everybody was looking at Usagi, nobody noticed Alanne taking out a small, red stone and holding it in her hand.

(I'll follow GoP's QS rule. As soon as I can find it.

EDIT: Haha, got it. His rule is 2 heals per stone week. He used on in this post. (I figured the quickstone would be acceptable to use. I'll have just one quickstone in their team, with one more use for the whole week. I'll post at my regular rate despite that.))

[zmflavius]

Gauldoth then remarks,

"Take them to the dungeons."

Immediately, over a hundred yelling orcs drag you outside. They stop near a small building, and you are taken into custody by Hadrin's zombies.

"You orcs, go over to that blue portal."

He then leads you towards an oblong building with windows that glow due to the blazing bonfire within the building.

[thingirl]

(This can't be good...)

What are we doing for Usagi's powers since we can't find her profile? I'd be willing to say 70 in all powers, 80 in all skills, and 90 Unarmed. It matters for what I'm gonna do next.

And BTW, Andrassy has his and Usagi's QS. Since Andrassy substained two broken wrists and was cut badly, he resorted to using his quickstone to heal himself completely. I'm assuming that means Andrassy still has it.

[zmflavius]

(This can't be good...)

What are we doing for Usagi's powers since we can't find her profile? I'd be willing to say 70 in all powers, 80 in all skills, and 90 Unarmed. It matters for what I'm gonna do next.

And BTW, Andrassy has his and Usagi's QS. I'm assuming that means Andrassy still has it.

(How do you know he has her quickstone? That quote proves nothing)

Usagi's Profile (http://www.sryth.com/ci.php?f_c=pcp.inc&f_i=10fa70dxce186bbad&f_r=h)

You're led into the building and thrown into a cell with a nice view of the (presumably magical) bonfire. Next to you, you can hear the wails and shrieks of many prisoners.

[thingirl]

(So you're saying Usagi has it? Also, WTH??? How did you find it??? (I can't find Lunar-Yin the on the UC page. PrinceofPride is 94, but he's not with us right now. Should we assume 90 or 84? I seem to remember 90.) You never responded to that.)

Ask one of the prisoners what's going on.

[zmflavius]

(I'd forgotten. And where else would I find it but in the HoC?)

They're all too unnerved to speak.

[thingirl]

(Exactly. I looked in the HoC and ctrl+f'd godofpride to tr to find both. Couldn't find either so I went ot Unarmed. Found Princeofpride, bu not Lunaryin.)

"My guess is we're gonna be sacrificed."

"I'm safe. I have a feeling that they're not gonna do child sacrifices. Hehe."

"Myre, you're not THAT young. But it doesn't matter because once our Nevernal Reserves recharge, we can bust out."

[zmflavius]

A prisoner across the hallway suddenly says,

"Of course there aren't child sacrifices; Children make for lousy undead servants. You...on the other hand..."

[thingirl]

"OK, Myre, maybe you ARE safe :evilgrin:"

"Oh, no safer than you."

"Why do you always win our arguements?"

How much NR do each of them have?

[zmflavius]

The prison cell, ironically, is a safe spot.

Edit: Albeit, a safespot with anti-magic.

[thingirl]

So they have full SP/NR, but can't use powers?

In that case, Alanne uses thivery to open the cell.

[zmflavius]

Thievery roll! You need more than 125 to succeed! You get a bonus from your thievery skill. Also, the anti-magic exists only within the cell itself.

60+85=145

SUCCESS!

You open the cell!

Luck Roll! You need more than 50 to succeed!

30+20=50!

You succeed in getting out without being noticed.

Now what?

[thingirl]

Do we still have all our stuff, and where is the Carverclaw?

[zmflavius]

Gauldoth stole all your stuff and threw it in his treasure vault.

And the Carverclaw is in another jail cell.

"I need my armour back."

[thingirl]

Get the Carverclaw out and then find the vault again. (we still have the key, right?)

[zmflavius]

Key for what?

[thingirl]

Luck + Telekinesis roll. You need more than 150 to succeed.

You roll a 1! Instant fail.

A demon looks up.

"A flying key!"

I take it this is the same prison, because of that demon in the front, and that Gauldoth recognized us.

[zmflavius]

No, the demon.

You're led into Gauldoth's throne room. Suddenly, you recoil in shock!




















Half of this foul creature's body is that of a normal human being, but the other thing is just a reanimated corpse! Ugh!

"Well...what are you doing here?"

He did not recognize you. You've never met him before!

He was wondering what you were doing in his city.

I take it this is the same prison, because of that demon in the front, and that Gauldoth recognized us.

And it's not the same city. It's not even in Phoephar, it's in Axeoth.

[thingirl]

I read that as "well... what are YOU doing here [you little scounderals who broke out of my prison]?" As for what city, umm, I forgot :p

In that case, get the Carverclaw out and then find Gauldoth's vault.

[zmflavius]

"Now...our stuff. He's much bigger than us so he's not likely to be using any of our stuff. His vault, unfortunately, is guarded by the Champion Guard, mighty and fearsome warriors."

[thingirl]

Alanne's base stats (I love Unarmed) MR 101, SP 48, NR 18, Agility and Mind 19, everything else 20.

Myrenne's are MR 79; SP 38; NR 18; Might, Spirit, and Luck 19, everything else 20.

That is without the Bowl of Blood, Wisp of Black Mist, and Goblin Totem Block.

We can probably assume MR 100, SP 40, NR 18 for Usagi. (If you can out her base stats, you are the GM.)

------------

"Why is everyone looking at me?"

"Because, Alanne, you're the toughest of all of us, and therefore the least likely to die."

[zmflavius]

"Why don't ALL of us go?"

[thingirl]

"Because Myrenne here wants to be a little baby."

"I DO NOT!!!!!! LET'S GO!!!" She starts walking. The carverclaw informs her that she is going the wrong way.

"Whatever. I'll follow you then."

[zmflavius]

"It's nothing to joke about. Do you know what happens when you enter that building?"

[thingirl]

"No, and I probably don't want to."

"Tell us anyway."

[zmflavius]

"It burns everything flammable on your body except for the bones and then takes your skeleton and kills you and re-raises you as an undead minion of Gauldoth. Then, it forcibly removes your spirit and holds it as a shadow or a witherer."

[thingirl]

"See, Myre, there're benifits to following orders."

"Humph."

[zmflavius]

"Now...let's see...where would his vault be...ah! It must be in either that castle there or in his palace!"

[thingirl]

Alanne uses Divination to figure out which one.

[zmflavius]

You're blocked.

[thingirl]

"Which is less heavily guarded?"

[zmflavius]

"Well...the Champion Guard guards the Palace, but everyone else is garrisoned in the Castle."

[thingirl]

"Well, it's 5 against 1, so at least one of us should survive. Unless what's-his-name shows up. Let's go to the palace."

"Hey, what happened to that mage guy? I know he's been gone for a while, but he would be really useful here."

[zmflavius]

"You should never underestimate Gauldoth. And Theodorus? I don't know."

It's night. How do you get in?

[thingirl]

Are there any ground-level windows?

[zmflavius]

Yes, but most have guards next to them.

[thingirl]

They go to the least guarded window and try to quickly and silently get rid of the guards.

[zmflavius]

The least-guarded windows are all equally well-guarded...equally meaning that there is always 1 guard next to them.

[thingirl]

The closest window, then.

[zmflavius]

Thievery roll!

You need 125 or more to succeed!

95+85=180!

Success!

You reach the window, but the guard is currently peering outside.

[thingirl]

Alanne attempts to subdue him without anybody noticing.

[zmflavius]

Luck Roll!

You need more than 75 to succeed.

87+20=107!

Success!

Luck and Might Roll!

You need more than 100 to succeed!

89+20+20=129!

You knock him out.

[thingirl]

Tie him up and gag him so that when he wakes up, he can't get help. Then make sure everybody's in, and look for the vault.

[zmflavius]

You see a long hallway. You entered through the only window in it.

Right or left?

[thingirl]

Divi / Woodsmanship / Thievery to try to find the vault.

[zmflavius]

Divi blocked.

Woodsmanship? In a building?

Ok fine. You discern that the ferns outside this particular window were last trimmed 3 days ago.

Thievery...by examining footprints, you are able to determine that you can expect a new guard to show up in around 15 minutes.

[thingirl]

Shove the guard out the window, go left, and be awear of hiding places to escape the incomming guard.

[zmflavius]

The Carverclaw immediately says,

"You're going to just throw him out the window? What if someone sees him?"

[thingirl]

(how far off the gound are we?)

[zmflavius]

Huh?

[thingirl]

(Umm, I'm too tired to do this.)

"Good point. What do you think we should do?"

[zmflavius]

The Carverclaw takes the corpse and throws it out the window. Then, he jumps out, uses elementalism to create a shallow grave and dumps the corpse inside of it. He then fills it up.

[thingirl]

"Why didn't I think of that?"

"Because you were wiped out and ready to pass out, even if you had nothing soft to land on. However, somehow you look much better now."

Now, Go left and be aware of hiding places to escape the incoming guard.

[zmflavius]

The new guard shows up after you round the corner and yells

"OI! WHERE THE HELL'S THE OTHER GUARD!"

[thingirl]

(what's his MR/SP?)

[zmflavius]

(200/200)

[thingirl]

(Seriously?)

"He's otside." Alanne tries to use Diplomacy to convince him not to harm them. If it fails, they all run for it.

[zmflavius]

(Last time, you had advantage of surprise)

"Errr...umm...I'll need to contact my immediate superior, Gauldoth for direction on how to proceed."

(I forgot to mention, the guy's undead, and can barely think for himself)

[thingirl]

"Oh, no need. Gauldoth is very interested in us. He is testing us to see if we are fit to his needs. In fact, he sent us to guard his personal vault, but we forgot the directions. Would you be so kind as to direct us to it?"

[zmflavius]

"That is strange. Only undead guard the palace complex. Did he offer to turn you people into vampires or something? He does that sometimes."

[thingirl]

"Yes, he did."

[zmflavius]

"Well, in that case, I need to take you to Gauldoth first."

[thingirl]

"But he said we needed to go to the vault first. I think he needed something for the ritual."

[zmflavius]

"Wha...but you don't need anything except for a vampire, and half of his Imperial Guard is made up of Vampires. I'll ask Gauldoth, I might have missed something."

[thingirl]

"Are you sure, he seemed in a bad mood when we left. If you ask now, he'll probably turn you into a pile of ash or something. Defiantly end your unlife."

Nobody noticed, but Usagi was building up energy to smite down the guard if things went wrong.

[zmflavius]

"You're right. I'll ask Sir Mardor."

[thingirl]

(Mardor is still several days away, right? Or do they have some sort of telephone-like communication between undead?)

[zmflavius]

(Huh?)

[thingirl]

(How long will it take for him to contact Sir Mardor?)

[zmflavius]

(Sir Mardor is in the castle. I don't recall him being away, but I have a retcon for that anyways)

[thingirl]

('K.)

"Do you really have to ask any superior? I mean, Lord Gauldoth's word is law, is it not? And who would lie about the law? Besides, do you really want to question the law?"

[zmflavius]

"Exactly. We should ask Gauldoth to make sure everything is in place."

[thingirl]

"Really, ask Gauldoth?

Are you sure, he seemed in a bad mood when we left. If you ask now, he'll probably turn you into a pile of ash or something. Defiantly end your unlife."

Usagi was almost confident that she could take him out in one blow, if need be. Myrenne saw what she was doing and started to accumulate her own mass of Necromatic energy.

[zmflavius]

"I'm in the Champion Guard, he wouldn't smite me."

[thingirl]

"Huh? But you said

"You're right [Gauldoth will smite me]. I'll ask Sir Mardor.""

[zmflavius]

"GAHHH!!! Now I'm confused. We should ask Gauldoth."

[thingirl]

"No, because he hates confusion. You can trust us. You should point us in the direction of the vault, and then you can go ask Sir Mardor. He's more likely to help you out, instead of smiting you."

[zmflavius]

"I dunno. Sir Mardor doesn't mind confused people."

[thingirl]

"Exactly. So, c'mon assume that we're telling the truth and point us to the vault, and then if you still doubt, you can ask Sir Mardor."

[zmflavius]

"Yes, but the Vault is a high-security area, and you need personal authorization right before going there from either Gauldoth, Mardor, the High Seneschal, the Prefect of the Champion Guard, the Vampire Prefect, the Finance Minister, the Finance Prefect, the Chief Praetor, the Chief Aerarius, Treasury Minister, the Treasury, Prefect, any of the dozen General Staff Generals, the Chief of Staff, the Prefect of the Military Treasury, the Keeper of the Privy Seal, Chief Eunuch, Lord High Mayor of the Nekorrum Municipality, Grand Duke Franz of the Nekorrum Municipality, High Duke Sarajevo of the Nekorrum Municipality, Archduke Ferdinand of the Nekorrum Municipality, the Chief Baker, the Chief Seer, the Chief Prophet, The King's Wine Steward, Joseph's Coat of Many Colours, the City Guard Lord, The Keeper of the Wardrobe, Secretary of Petitions, the Senator-General, Secretary of Finance, Secretary of Order, Director of the Secret Police, Director of the Public Police, the Warden of the Nekorrum Prison, Speaker of the House, Privy Councilor, any of the 120 satraps, any of the three Chief satraps, and the Chief Chief Satrap."

[thingirl]

(Making this up as I go along, and I know this isn't what you mean, but...)

"We have authorzation from Joseph's Coat of Many Colours (and, of course, Lord Gauldoth).

"I am descended from Joses (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2013:55;27:56;%20Mark%206:3;15:40, 47), and you know his family line (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%201&version=NIV) includes Joseph.

"Joseph blessed his coat ([not really, but I'm having too much fun with this to care :)]) and the coat received the blessing be making him second in command to one of the most influential (think the Pyrimids had already been built]) countries of the time. By receiving the blessing back, Joesph was able to pass the blessing down to his descendants. It has survived through the eldest son of the family down to my brother, who loves me and my sister here," she pointed to Myrenne, "enough to give us a minor form of the blessing which is his birthright.

"So, since we have the blessing of the coat, we therefore have a right to its possessions, and therefore have personal authorization to enter the vault."

(I know that is not what you meant by the Coat of Many Colours. :))

[zmflavius]

"I said Personal Authorization. Unless you have said coat here to vouch for you, it doesn't count."

[thingirl]

"Well, then, how can ANYONE have authorization from the Coat? It's surely crumbled into dust by now."

[zmflavius]

"If the coat is dead, then it clearly doesn't count as a voucher."

[thingirl]

"Then why's it on the list? And If I could contact it, would it count?"

[zmflavius]

"Because Gauldoth was feeling funny. And you can't contact the steward or the baker either. They're under sentence of death."

[thingirl]

"And if I have the coat to vouch for me?"

"Sis, that won't work."

"Maybe not before, but who knows now?" She channels a bit of Necromatic energy while chanting.

"Oh, mighty All-Father, please allow my father Joseph to appear to this guard and allow his coat to enlighten him of the passing down of the Blessing you gave to my father Joseph, and his father Jacob, and his father Issac, and to his father Abraham. Amen."

Myrenne adds, "And please let us get past this guard!"

Suddenly, a rush of air fills the hall...

[zmflavius]

And a deep booming voice says,

"Which tribe were you from again?"

[thingirl]

"Umm, the tribe of Juda. And my fathers include your servant David* and many of the Kings of Juda, including Josiah**."

(*There are many references thought 1st and 2nd Kings that go along the lines of "And the LORD said, 'I will do this bad thing, but not in your lifetime, because of my servant David.'"

** Josiah was the last good king of Juda.)

[zmflavius]

(It's spelled "Judah")

"Whatever."

Thunder and lightning crashes overhead.

Then the guard is struck by lightning, a thick book appears at your feet, and you see lightning continually striking a spot in the Palace you surmise is the Vault.

[thingirl]

(It's me :) Do you expect me to spell stuff wright. [yes, I know that's the wrong right.])

"See, Myrenne, that's what faith can do (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiBNkZHOBI8)." She picks up the Tome of Secrets.

"Whatever, just don't start singing. Let's get to the vault."

[zmflavius]

(It's me :) Do you expect me to spell stuff wright. [yes, I know that's the wrong right.])

"See, Myrenne, that's what faith can do (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiBNkZHOBI8)." She picks up the Tome of Secrets.

"Whatever, just don't start singing. Let's get to the vault."

You get to the vault, and it's been smashed apart by repeated lightning strikes.

[thingirl]

"Wow. Any you were just saying-"

"-SHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

"He hears your every word and every thought. Me voicing your denial won't change that. Now, let's all find our armor. But first,

Thank you All-Father, Sir.

You are the Highest,
You are the Greatest,
You are the Lord of All.
Angels will worship
Nations will bow down
To the Lord of All"

"I said not to sing."

"It's only the chorus. I could sing the whole song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3ghrsiu3XU)."

"No. Let's get equipped."

[zmflavius]

Ok. Now what.


All of a sudden, you notice that the lightning strikes have stopped.

You wonder why.

[thingirl]

Get out of there as quickly as possible.

[zmflavius]

The lightning strikes wrecked everything, so you can run in any direction.

Which direction?

[thingirl]

Which way did we come in?

[zmflavius]

Errr...south.

[thingirl]

Go north.

[zmflavius]

You see people milling about in the street.

[thingirl]

Living, undead, or Demons?

[zmflavius]

Living.

[thingirl]

Wow.

Talk to some of them.

[zmflavius]

They're in a panic, and wondering what's going on.

[thingirl]

Ahh, right, of course. They ask the Carverclaw to take them to the person Gauldoth was going to have translate the map.

This map only gives us the location of the Sanctuary of High Magic."

"However, I'm...88% certain I know who King Gauldoth is referring to..."

[zmflavius]

"Errr...well, actually, the guy's a lackey of Gauldoth..."

[thingirl]

"Great. So, how do you know what the map is if you can't read it?"

[zmflavius]

"Well, doesn't that look like a map to you?"

[thingirl]

"Yes, it does. But you said This map only gives us the location of the Sanctuary of High Magic."
.

How do you know what the map tells us?"

[zmflavius]

"The symbol here in the corner. It's the seal of the High Magic Guild. One of those big buildings on the map must be their sanctum."

[thingirl]

"Ah, OK. Do you suppose that the guy who can translate it has herd about us?"

[zmflavius]

"Maybe. Maybe not. I mean, communication isn't very good around here. I heard rumours that a powerful shadow mage who's a friend of Gauldoth's has mastered gating but he can only go to one place at a time. If we can outrun all of his messengers, we might, just might make it. In any case, Duke whatever his name was isn't a very pleasant man to be around anyways. Still, I'd try and strike for Crown Shore anyways."

[thingirl]

"OK, then. Let's go. Lead the way."

[zmflavius]

"We'll split up and look for horses or other modes of transportation. We need to head northward to Crown Shore and then from there, we can take the only viable path through Crown Swamp to Crown Keep. So long as we don't run into trouble, Duke, hmm...what was his name again? Oh yeah! It was-"

But before he can say it, a portal suddenly appears above him and sucks him into it. He's been captured.

[thingirl]

"Oh, shoot." Alanne, Myrenne, and Usagi jump in.

[zmflavius]

It's 12 feet above the ground. You can't reach it.

[thingirl]

Are there any buildings nearby?

[zmflavius]

Yes, all the close ones are around 10 feet tall.

[thingirl]

Alanne runs up to one of them and uses the gutter to swing onto the roof. Then she jumps to the portal.

[zmflavius]

There's no gutter.

[thingirl]

Darn. Any way any of them can easily get to the roof?

[zmflavius]

Darn. Any way any of them can easily get to the roof?

They're wattle and daub (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wattle_and_daub) homes mostly, a few with stone, and with mainly thatched roofs or occasionally wood.

[thingirl]

I'm dumb. Why bother with gymnastics when you can create an air elemental to lift you up to the portal?

Alanne creates an air elemental to lift them up to the portal.

[zmflavius]

You land in a jail cell.

The carverclaw stares balefully at you.

"You do realize that was a one-way portal right?"

[thingirl]

"I guessed. However, I didn't want to leave you-"

Usagi cut her off, "YEAH, YOU DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE YOUR LITTLE BOYFRIEND'S PET OUT IN THE LITTLE COLD NOW, DID YOU???? COME ON, IT'S NOT LIKE YOU'RE MARRIED TO HIM OR SOMETHING!!!!!!!!!"

"Calm down, Usagi. I'll let you-"

"Wrangle the information out of Runeskin with his dying breath???? Yeah, if we ever FIND these stupid gems!"

"I know you love him, Usagi, and you should know by now that the best way to find him is to follow us."

"Whatever. I'm stuck with you anyway. For now."

Myrenne spoke, "Hey, sis, you didn't deny that you like Zmflavius :D:Dhehehe:D:D."

"You are correct, Myrenne. That is because it is such a preposteriuos idea that I did not think that was nessicary to dissmis it."

"Yeah, whatever. Alanne's gotta boyfriend, Alanne's gotta boyfriend, Alanne's gotta boyfriend..."

"Yes, I do. His name is Athurok."

"Ah, so you admit it?"

"Will someone remind me why I let my sister go with me on my adventures?"

"Because mom made you?"

"That was a rhetorical question."

Well, this is what girls look like when they're crammed in a small space and on tight nerves.

The carverclaw cuts in, "What were you saying, Alanne?"

"Myrenne, I oughtta- Oh, sorry I was saying that I didn't want to leave you because you have vital information. Now, as for my sister..."

[zmflavius]

"Well...actually, I think you all are incompetents. And I'm an archmaster summoner."

He opens a gate and leaves. The gate closes before you can get through it.

[thingirl]

"What the?"

"It's your fault."

[Thingirl has chosen not to include the "conversation" that ensued over the next thirty minutes.]

"Oh."

"Yes, those are my five main reasons why I am our supreme leader."

"Actually, Alanne, by those same reasons, I believe that you sister has at least some right to decide what to do."

"True. But didn't I say that was "if". But "if" isn't true, we are a group consisting of a number of adventurers banded together for the good of humanity. That said, what do you think we should do, Ln?"

[zmflavius]

"Escape, maybe? And did you notice that he took the Tome of Secrets with him?"

[thingirl]

"WHAT THE?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!????????!!!!!!!! MYRENNE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

"I had it right here. I swear."

"Hey, hey hey, we don't need another arguement."

"Fine. (But, you know, I have this strange feeling that we're somehow being controlled by an 8th grade girl who loves to talk her head off, and that's why we've been arguing a lot.)"

"What?"

"Yehh, I know. Crazy. Anyway, any ideas on how to get out?"

[zmflavius]

"I get the feeling that the ceiling will collapse and kill everyone if a geek sitting in front of a computer gets too annoyed."

[thingirl]

(OK, I get the point. Sorry.)

"And what does that have to do with anything?"

"Sis, I think she means to stop asking her stuff."

"Fine. What do you say?"

"I say you have a look at the lock, Ms. Level 85 Thief."

[zmflavius]

You can't reach it. There are no bars.

In fact, it's another sealed room!

Somewhere else, you hear yowls of pain.

[thingirl]

"Maybe if we combine our powers of Gating, we might be able to get out."

(I've been thinking about combining skill/power levels. Maybe instead of everyone at full level, everyone is halved. Or maybe someone (Alanne in this case) would use her power/skill at full level, and the others would assist at half, quarter, or maybe 1/3 level. Thoughts? Oh, and could you post a link to Ln's profile (or does she still exist?))

[zmflavius]

No dice.

[thingirl]

(dang.)

"Umm, sis..."

"Yeah. I know. Worth a shot." Alanne tried to use Divination to see where they are.

[zmflavius]

Wow...Crown Keep!

[thingirl]

Umm, where's that?

[zmflavius]

It's a castle near Crown Shore.

[thingirl]

I am not at all familiar with the geography of the region. Where's that and what is it?

[zmflavius]

Apart from what the carverclaw told you of it earlier, you can't find out.

[thingirl]

OK, I'm crazy. Alanne uses Gating and Shadow Magic to try to find out more about the cell. Yes, I said Gating. I heard rumours that a powerful shadow mage who's a friend of Gauldoth's has mastered gating but he can only go to one place at a time.

[zmflavius]

It's actually a relatively normal cell...with no ley line ends.

[thingirl]

Smash it.

[zmflavius]

By?

[thingirl]

Punching it. With combined Unarmed. U-huh.

[zmflavius]

Ow! Ow! Ow! Ow!

You bruise your fingers badly and accomplish nothing.

[thingirl]

"You're dumb, Alanne."

"No, you are, Myrenne. You could have stopped me." She blasts the wall (where nobody is) with Destruction.

[zmflavius]

The wall cracks.

[thingirl]

"Everybody hit it!"

[zmflavius]

Ow! Ow! Ow! Ow!

[thingirl]

"With Destruction."

[zmflavius]

The crack grows larger.

[thingirl]

"Again!"

(Don't you hate it when... "This forum requires that you wait 30 seconds between posts. Please try again in 5 seconds.")

[zmflavius]

The wall is severely cracked now!

Also, you can hear the clanking of armour and angry shouts.

[thingirl]

"OK, stop and rest for a bit." Alanne uses Divination to try and figure out what the shouts are about.

[zmflavius]

They're wondering what those sounds of stone cracking were.

[thingirl]

Can she make out any words?

[zmflavius]

No.

[thingirl]

"OK, we're gonna have to fight when we get out of here. Try not to kill anyone if at all possible. Agreed?"

Usagi nods her head.

"Myrenne..."

"Fine, fine, whatever. Can we just blast it now?"

"Yes."

[zmflavius]

The wall cracks open...

Leading into another prison cell.

[thingirl]

"Oh come on!"

Is there anybody in there?

[zmflavius]

Nope.

[thingirl]

When they press their ears to each wall in each cell, through which wall is the shouting the loudest?

[zmflavius]

The ones to the west and the south. You came in through the south.

And there are now guards in your old cell. Think fast.

[thingirl]

Combat stats and how many?

[zmflavius]

Around a dozen, with unknown SP, and around 150 MR ea.

[thingirl]

Alanne and Usagi zap their WoD's at two of them (one each), and Alanne requests that Ln do the same.

[zmflavius]

"I don't have a WoD!"

(No really)

[thingirl]

"Wha-"

"I don't either. Blast them with Necro! Everyone!"

[zmflavius]

All but one fall. This last one opens its mouth. It's a vampire!

[thingirl]

Alanne takes all their lanterns and summons a fire elemental out of them which then attempts to burn the Vampire.

Myrenne calls out a blessing of protection and advances (flashes a crucifix as it).