Action, Adventure, Excitement, Part 7b Chapter 2 (Faerun group, pt. 1) Subject: Re: AAE 7b: Present Simple, Faerun signup On Mon, 11 Jun 2001 17:46:53 -0700 Morgan Said As CAoL Message # 00010442 >On Mon, 11 Jun 2001 06:38:42 -0400 >Caprice/Legion Said As CAoL Message # 00010437 > >Legion and Essex exchange looks for a moment. Mischief, however, has >appearently made up her mind as she launches herself into the air. >The winged kitten gets just enough altitude to clear people's heads, >before diving *plop* into Morgan's lap. She then looks up at Morgan >and mews cutely. Morgan, always a sucker for the cyute fuzzy kitten, obliges with an ear scritch and a smile. Then, >On Mon, 11 Jun 2001 15:55:12 -0700 >Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00010441 > >The Bard looks around once more, counting heads. "A group of five >six, and I beg your pardon, Mischief--should suffice, methinks. >Gather 'round, then, and I believe I can get us there in a trice." "Harlock," Morgan asks as she stands, giving Mischief one last scritch before handing her back to Mommy, "may I touch your thoughts enough to get an idea of appropriate clothing? I'd prefer to blend in as much as possible." Assuming Harlock agrees, Morgan excuses herself to the Folx room, returning with appropriate garb. She then walks over to her husband, gives him a good-bye kiss that stops all conversation in the immediate vicinity for the duration, and then goes back to where the Faerun group is gathering. "Ready when you are," she grins. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7b: Present Simple, Faerun signup On Mon, 11 Jun 2001 22:33:57 -0400 "Xander Opal" Said As CAoL Message # 00010443 >On Mon, 11 Jun 2001 17:46:53 -0700 >Morgan Said As CAoL Message # 00010442 > >>On Mon, 11 Jun 2001 15:55:12 -0700 >>Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00010441 >> >>Harlock nods. "I and Lady Morgan, aye. But, an I may ask, what >>manner of weapon is a 'lightsaber?'" Baz unclips his lightsaber from his belt, and lays a dollar on the bar; collecting a beer bottle, he flicks the weapon on (after making sure nobody's within a good ten feet, of course!) then idly lops the top off the bottle; he just grins wordlessly around the glass as he takes a swig, clipping the weapon back to his belt. >Assuming Harlock agrees, Morgan excuses herself to the Folx room, >returning with appropriate garb. She then walks over to her husband, >gives him a good-bye kiss that stops all conversation in the >immediate vicinity for the duration, and then goes back to where the >Faerun group is gathering. "Ready when you are," she grins. (after Morgan gets dressed) The Jedi/weredragon looks at Morgan, then frowns. "Um... should I get some period garb, as well?" he asks, as he's clad in casual blue-jeans, sneakers, and a snug-fitting T-shirt. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7b: Present Simple, Faerun signup On Tue, 12 Jun 2001 01:16:24 -0700 Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00010447 >On Mon, 11 Jun 2001 22:33:57 -0400 >"Xander Opal" Said As CAoL Message # 00010443 > >Baz unclips his lightsaber from his belt, and lays a dollar on the >bar; collecting a beer bottle, he flicks the weapon on (after making >sure nobody's within a good ten feet, of course!) then idly lops the >top off the bottle; he just grins wordlessly around the glass as he >takes a swig, clipping the weapon back to his belt. Harlock's eyebrows raise fractionally, but he remains silent. >>"Harlock," Morgan asks as she stands, giving Mischief one last >>scritch before handing her back to Mommy, "may I touch your thoughts >>enough to get an idea of appropriate clothing? I'd prefer to blend >>in as much as possible." Harlock looks decidedly non-plussed. "Ah, from what I understand, clothing of your native time period should fit in quite well. Although you'd do well to emulate someone reasonably well off, rather than a peasant. Should you need more detail, I will happily conjure illusions for you." >The Jedi/weredragon looks at Morgan, then frowns. "Um... should I get >some period garb, as well?" he asks, as he's clad in casual >blue-jeans, sneakers, and a snug-fitting T-shirt. The Bard makes a strangled noise, then says "that would probably be best, aye. Wouldst prefer to pass as male or female?" ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7b: Present Simple, Faerun signup On Tue, 12 Jun 2001 08:50:28 -0700 Morgan Said As CAoL Message # 00010450 >On Tue, 12 Jun 2001 01:16:24 -0700 >Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00010447 > >Harlock looks decidedly non-plussed. "Ah, from what I understand, >clothing of your native time period should fit in quite well. >Although you'd do well to emulate someone reasonably well off, rather >than a peasant. Should you need more detail, I will happily conjure >illusions for you." OOC: OK, then Morgan will ask for a quick "consultation" :-). From your comment, I'll assume that something on the high end of well-off merchant or the low end of noble is appropriate. Whichever, she will have a nice dagger at her belt, of an appropriate length to the garb (I was going to say something about a bodice dagger, but if early 14th c. clothing is appropriate there really isn't a "bodice" of the sort we normally see daggers worn with :-). OOC2: We're not going to get to writing up Morgan in 3E until at least this weekend, but in the meantime an idea of her abilities can be had from her character write-ups at . FTR, these stats are all based on what she's already shown she can do, not on what she's ultimately capable of. That's because even _she_ still isn't sure what other training the Oans may have put her through that hasn't manifested yet ;-). ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7b: Present Simple, Faerun signup On Tue, 12 Jun 2001 14:14:40 -0400 "Xander Opal" Said As CAoL Message # 00010451 >>The Jedi/weredragon looks at Morgan, then frowns. "Um... should I >>get some period garb, as well?" he asks, as he's clad in casual >>blue-jeans, sneakers, and a snug-fitting T-shirt. > >The Bard makes a strangled noise, then says "that would probably be >best, aye. Wouldst prefer to pass as male or female?" Bazil shrugs. "A man's outfit would be preferable... I never could see myself in dresses and so forth." Idly, he pokes around in his backpack-- obviously not of modern make, and as he reaches further in, it becomes obvious his hand should've hit bottom by now. "I once saw a nice, heavy sword belt in here, had some clips for other things to keep 'em handy. Adventurer's toolbelt, I'd call it. I don't have anything else period, though." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7b: Present Simple, Faerun signup On Tue, 12 Jun 2001 13:18:15 -0700 Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00010453 >On Tue, 12 Jun 2001 08:50:28 -0700 >Morgan Said As CAoL Message # 00010450 > >>Harlock looks decidedly non-plussed. "Ah, from what I understand, >>clothing of your native time period should fit in quite well. >>Although you'd do well to emulate someone reasonably well off, >>rather than a peasant. Should you need more detail, I will happily >>conjure illusions for you." > >OOC: OK, then Morgan will ask for a quick "consultation" :-). From >your comment, I'll assume that something on the high end of well-off >merchant or the low end of noble is appropriate. Whichever, she will >have a nice dagger at her belt, of an appropriate length to the garb >(I was going to say something about a bodice dagger, but if early >14th c. clothing is appropriate there really isn't a "bodice" of the >sort we normally see daggers worn with :-). Well, there _are_ warrior maids aplenty on Faerun, so if she wants to work up something that looks (more swashbuckling/better armed) she's free to. FTR, I have only a vague idea of fashion through the centuries, and at that it seems to be more than some of the D&D designers had. Looking at some of the equipment listed in one of the 2e supplements is enough to convince me that they lump everything from...oh, about the 6th-16th centuries or so into "medieval." _Some_ of the supplements try to make a distinction between dark ages, medieval, and renaissance, but for the most part...D&D is, at its core, escapist fantasy. Trying to impose too much reality on it spoils the fun. Harlock looks relieved as Morgan goes along with his tacit suggestion. A few minutes playing with illusion allows them to pick out a suitable wardrobe. >OOC2: We're not going to get to writing up Morgan in 3E until at >least this weekend, but in the meantime an idea of her abilities can >be had from her character write-ups at >. FTR, these stats >are all based on what she's already shown she can do, not on what >she's ultimately capable of. That's because even _she_ still isn't >sure what other training the Oans may have put her through that >hasn't manifested yet ;-). Seen it already, thanx. FTR, from what I've seen in the FR handbook, characters _don't_ get hit points after they hit 20th level. And as I said before, the conversion would probably be helpful, but not necessary. If it's giving you too many headaches, don't worry about it. And just in case anybody's wondering, yes, I am pretty much this laid back as a DM IRL. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7b: Present Simple, Faerun signup On Tue, 12 Jun 2001 13:18:48 -0700 Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00010454 >On Tue, 12 Jun 2001 14:14:40 -0400 >"Xander Opal" Said As CAoL Message # 00010451 > >Bazil shrugs. "A man's outfit would be preferable... I never could >see myself in dresses and so forth." Idly, he pokes around in his >backpack-- obviously not of modern make, and as he reaches further >in, it becomes obvious his hand should've hit bottom by now. "I once >saw a nice, heavy sword belt in here, had some clips for other things >to keep 'em handy. Adventurer's toolbelt, I'd call it. I don't have >anything else period, though." Harlock smiles and reaches into one of his pouches, pulling out a set of clothes. "Here. They have a minor enchantment that allows them to fit anybody of roughly human size. I'd advise binding your breasts first, though. There's only so much that a loose-fitting blouse will hide...and hose don't hide much of anything." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7b: Present Simple, Faerun signup On Tue, 12 Jun 2001 22:35:26 -0400 "Xander Opal" Said As CAoL Message # 00010457 >On Tue, 12 Jun 2001 13:18:48 -0700 >Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00010454 > >Harlock smiles and reaches into one of his pouches, pulling out a set >of clothes. "Here. They have a minor enchantment that allows them to >fit anybody of roughly human size. I'd advise binding your breasts >first, though. There's only so much that a loose-fitting blouse will >hide...and hose don't hide much of anything." Baz /winces/. "Erm... after that trip back to the Sevens' '75, well... um. How low a profile do we need, here? I don't have any memorabilia that shows I was in this Faerun during that period I'm missing, so I seriously doubt I resemble anyone of notoriety. And if anyone asks, I could just mumble something about 'upset wizards'..." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7b: Present Simple, Faerun signup On Tue, 12 Jun 2001 23:52:26 -0700 Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00010458 >On Tue, 12 Jun 2001 22:35:26 -0400 >"Xander Opal" Said As CAoL Message # 00010457 > >Baz /winces/. "Erm... after that trip back to the Sevens' '75, >well... um. How low a profile do we need, here? I don't have any >memorabilia that shows I was in this Faerun during that period I'm >missing, so I seriously doubt I resemble anyone of notoriety. And if >anyone asks, I could just mumble something about 'upset wizards'..." Harlock laughs outright at that. "You may have a point there, my friend. I'll admit I never had occasion to bind my breasts while I was a woman, and I had a rather willowy figure anyway, but judging by... Well, anyway, I rather imagine it aches. Constantly. At any rate, wear the clothes with my compliments, then let's away to Berdusk, eh?" ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7b: Present Simple, Faerun signup On Wed, 13 Jun 2001 06:58:15 -0400 Caprice/Legion Said As CAoL Message # 00010459 Legion and Essex vanish briefly. When they return, Essex is dressed as a minor nobleman. His clothing is new, a green tunic not completely hiding the chain mail beneath. The brown leather pants are tucked into matching boots. But the leather is just a little too good, the studs on his belt silver, not brass, a dozen little details that add up to nobleman, rather than commoner. Legion has changed even more, however. Approximately six feet tall, she has an unusually powerful build for a woman. Her hair is pure white, which with ths sharp angles of her face makes her look like an ice statue, or as if there was some non-human blood a few generations back. Her eyes are dark green that does nothing to warm her appearance. She is clad in grey leather and shining chainmail. Her mane of white hair is pulled back behind her into a long white tail, making her sharp features seem even more severe. Her swordbelt and scabbard have that slightly worn look that suggests they are well used and adapted to their owner. All in all, not someone you'd care to meet in a dark alley. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7b: Present Simple, Faerun signup On Wed, 13 Jun 2001 13:02:38 -0700 Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00010460 >On Wed, 13 Jun 2001 06:58:15 -0400 >Caprice/Legion Said As CAoL Message # 00010459 > >Legion and Essex vanish briefly. When they return, Essex is dressed >as a minor nobleman. His clothing is new, a green tunic not >completely hiding the chain mail beneath. The brown leather pants are >tucked into matching boots. But the leather is just a little too >good, the studs on his belt silver, not brass, a dozen little details >that add up to nobleman, rather than commoner. Harlock looks Essex over, then nods with judicious approval. >Legion has changed even more, however. Approximately six feet tall, >she has an unusually powerful build for a woman. Her hair is pure >white, which with ths sharp angles of her face makes her look like an >ice statue, or as if there was some non-human blood a few generations >back. Her eyes are dark green that does nothing to warm her >appearance. She is clad in grey leather and shining chainmail. Her >mane of white hair is pulled back behind her into a long white tail, >making her sharp features seem even more severe. Her swordbelt and >scabbard have that slightly worn look that suggests they are well >used and adapted to their owner. All in all, not someone you'd care >to meet in a dark alley. The Bards eyebrows twitch upward. "My goodness. If I may be so bold as to inquire, what is the name of thy current incarnation, Milady?" ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7b: Present Simple, Faerun signup On Wed, 13 Jun 2001 17:20:07 -0400 "Xander Opal" Said As CAoL Message # 00010461 >On Tue, 12 Jun 2001 23:52:26 -0700 >Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00010458 > >Harlock laughs outright at that. "You may have a point there, my >friend. I'll admit I never had occasion to bind my breasts while I >was a woman, and I had a rather willowy figure anyway, but judging >by... Well, anyway, I rather imagine it aches. Constantly. At any >rate, wear the clothes with my compliments, then let's away to >Berdusk, eh?" Bazil grins, nodding, and heads over to the Folx room. Several minutes later, he returns, tastefully attired in the lent outfit. "Nice," he comments, twisting and doing a few stretches. "My compliments to the tailor, and enchanter; I've not had stuff that fit this good in... Hmm. I don't think I've ever had anything that fit this well." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7b: Present Simple, Faerun signup On Wed, 13 Jun 2001 19:10:32 -0400 (EDT) Caprice/Legion Said As CAoL Message # 00010463 >On Wed, 13 Jun 2001 13:02:38 -0700 >Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00010460 > >The Bards eyebrows twitch upward. "My goodness. If I may be so bold >as to inquire, what is the name of thy current incarnation, Milady?" Legion inclines a slight bow in the Bard's direction. "Argent will do." Indeed her appearance is quite familiar to some of the older members of the CAoL. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7b: Da Faerun run run... On Thu, 14 Jun 2001 01:15:02 -0700 Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00010467 >On Wed, 13 Jun 2001 19:10:32 -0400 (EDT) >Caprice/Legion Said As CAoL Message # 00010463 > >Legion inclines a slight bow in the Bard's direction. "Argent will >do." > >Indeed her appearance is quite familiar to some of the older members >of the CAoL. Harlock returns the bow. "Argent it is, then." And... >On Wed, 13 Jun 2001 17:20:07 -0400 >"Xander Opal" Said As CAoL Message # 00010461 > >Bazil grins, nodding, and heads over to the Folx room. Several >minutes later, he returns, tastefully attired in the lent outfit. >"Nice," he comments, twisting and doing a few stretches. "My >compliments to the tailor, and enchanter; I've not had stuff that fit >this good in... Hmm. I don't think I've ever had anything that fit >this well." The Bard beams at Bazil. "My thanks, and I'll pass the compliments on to the tailor. Well, seamstress, actually. Erin is quite talented, isn't she?" His smile turns ironic. "Of course, clothes-horse that she is, I think it was self-defense." Looking at his five boon companions, Harlock nods once more, then gathers them in a circle with him in the center, facing Morgan. Bazil and Essex face each other to the East and West, while Argent faces North with Mischief at her feet. With a complex (and rather melodious) chant, the Place seems to waver around them and new scenery starts to form. The party finds itself on a small rise overlooking rolling hills, liberally dotted with thickets. The Bard looks confused. "'Tis passing strange. By using a talisman of mine, we should have ended our journey in Berdusk, yet here we stand in open country. I can think of no reason for this to happen unless..." He breaks off as Morgan's appalled look registers and slowly turns around. Behind him, the hill falls away to a valley that shelters a moderate sized town. The town in question has obviously been raided. Recently, to judge by the smoke haze still hanging over everything like a black shroud. Tears spring to Harlock's eyes and his voice cracks as he says "Ladies and Gentlebeings, welcome to Berdusk." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7b: Da Faerun run run... On Thu, 14 Jun 2001 07:28:17 -0700 Morgan Said As CAoL Message # 00010468 >On Thu, 14 Jun 2001 01:15:02 -0700 >Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00010467 > >Behind him, the hill falls away to a valley that shelters a moderate >sized town. The town in question has obviously been raided. Recently, >to judge by the smoke haze still hanging over everything like a black >shroud. Tears spring to Harlock's eyes and his voice cracks as he >says "Ladies and Gentlebeings, welcome to Berdusk." "Come on," Morgan's voice snaps them all out of whatever thoughts each is having while looking at the destruction. "If that's as recent as it appears from here, we might still be able to help people." Unless Harlock gives her a reason to the contrary, she starts herding them towards the town. "Harlock," she asks, presumably while they're on the move, "do ye know who's most likely to ha' done this, and what we'll likely find down there?" ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7b: Da Faerun run run... On Thu, 14 Jun 2001 13:03:18 -0400 "Xander Opal" Said As CAoL Message # 00010470 >On Thu, 14 Jun 2001 07:28:17 -0700 >Morgan Said As CAoL Message # 00010468 > >"Come on," Morgan's voice snaps them all out of whatever thoughts >each is having while looking at the destruction. "If that's as recent >as it appears from here, we might still be able to help people." >Unless Harlock gives her a reason to the contrary, she starts herding >them towards the town. "Harlock," she asks, presumably while they're >on the move, "do ye know who's most likely to ha' done this, and what >we'll likely find down there?" Bazil nods. "Ah, what the Lady said," he comments; his lips press into a thin, white line as he regards the devastation. His backpack already off, he digs around therein, to bring various medical supplies to the top. He gazes out over the ruined town, gauging whether there'd be any of the attackers left... ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7b: Da Faerun run run... On Thu, 14 Jun 2001 21:36:10 -0700 Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00010483 >On Thu, 14 Jun 2001 07:28:17 -0700 >Morgan Said As CAoL Message # 00010468 > >"Come on," Morgan's voice snaps them all out of whatever thoughts >each is having while looking at the destruction. "If that's as recent >as it appears from here, we might still be able to help people." >Unless Harlock gives Harlock blinks. "Right. Let us make haste, then." >a reason to the contrary, she starts herding them towards the town. >"Harlock," she asks, presumably while they're on the move, "do ye >know who's most likely to ha' done this, and what we'll likely find >down there?" The Bard facepalms, then digs a pair of small crystals out of one of his pouches. Stopping only long enough to place one over each eye, he looks at the town again. His voice is flat as he proclaims "Zhents. Wonderful. Look sharp, Ladies and Gentlebeings, a troop of gnolls has been dispatched to greet us." With that, he removes the crystalline lenses from his eyes and draws a sheathed bastard sword from another pouch, then veers slightly to aim the party for a thicket roughly half-way to Berdusk. In case somebody doesn't remember their D&D critters, gnolls are basically humanoid jackals. They are a little taller and stronger than the average human, but somewhat dull of wit. They fight with the same kinds of weapons that humans do. A troop can be anywhere from 20-100 individuals. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7b: Da Faerun run run... On Fri, 15 Jun 2001 01:19:03 -0400 Caprice/Legion Said As CAoL Message # 00010485 >On Thu, 14 Jun 2001 21:36:10 -0700 >Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00010483 > >The Bard facepalms, then digs a pair of small crystals out of one of >his pouches. Stopping only long enough to place one over each eye, he >looks at the town again. His voice is flat as he proclaims "Zhents. >Wonderful. Look sharp, Ladies and Gentlebeings, a troop of gnolls has >been dispatched to greet us." With that, he removes the crystalline >lenses from his eyes and draws a sheathed bastard sword from another >pouch, then veers slightly to aim the party for a thicket roughly >half-way to Berdusk. Mischief bristles at the mention of gnolls, puffing up to twice her normal size in the manner of cats everywhere. *Nasty!* she comments, perching on Legion's right shoulder. Legion and Essex both draw their swords, taking up positions on the opposite sides of the group. Legion growls under her breath, "Nasty is right. You go up the nearest tree and hide, Mischief." And for once, Mischief isn't arguing. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7b: Da Faerun run run... On Fri, 15 Jun 2001 20:14:01 -0700 Morgan Said As CAoL Message # 00010488 >On Fri, 15 Jun 2001 01:19:03 -0400 >Caprice/Legion Said As CAoL Message # 00010485 > >Mischief bristles at the mention of gnolls, puffing up to twice her >normal size in the manner of cats everywhere. *Nasty!* she comments, >perching on Legion's right shoulder. Legion and Essex both draw their >swords, taking up positions on the opposite sides of the group. >Legion growls under her breath, "Nasty is right. You go up the >nearest tree and hide, Mischief." And for once, Mischief isn't >arguing. Morgan, oddly enough, _doesn't_ draw her blade, though her hand rests on the "dagger." At any questioning looks, she smiles wickedly. "Let them underestimate me," she says sweetly. "If I understand this sort of universe, they'll assume I'm a 'simple' wizard. When they get close enough, they'll find out just how 'simple' I am. Not." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7b: Da Faerun run run... On Sat, 16 Jun 2001 01:50:46 -0700 Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00010489 >On Fri, 15 Jun 2001 20:14:01 -0700 >Morgan Said As CAoL Message # 00010488 > >Morgan, oddly enough, _doesn't_ draw her blade, though her hand rests >on the "dagger." At any questioning looks, Such as the Bard's? >she smiles wickedly. "Let them underestimate me," she says sweetly. >"If I understand this sort of universe, they'll assume I'm a 'simple' >wizard. When they get close enough, they'll find out just how >'simple' I am. Not." "Ah. If I may, Milady," Harlock says, "'Twould perhaps be better to have the blade drawn now and use thy magics to surprise them. Should they take you for a mage at first, they are rather likely to attempt to bring you down with arrows or spears before closing with the rest of us. Gnolls are not _stupid,_ just not especially bright. If none of us look like mages, they are far more likely to engage us in melee combat." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7b: Da Faerun run run... On Sat, 16 Jun 2001 14:00:22 -0400 "Xander Opal" Said As CAoL Message # 00010490 >On Sat, 16 Jun 2001 01:50:46 -0700 >Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00010489 > >"Ah. If I may, Milady," Harlock says, "'Twould perhaps be better to >have the blade drawn now and use thy magics to surprise them. Should >they take you for a mage at first, they are rather likely to attempt >to bring you down with arrows or spears before closing with the rest >of us. Gnolls are not _stupid,_ just not especially bright. If none >of us look like mages, they are far more likely to engage us in melee >combat." Bazil, who has been pondering himself as to whether to draw his 'saber, figures he should, after all, after hearing the Bard's advice. He also ensures that there is /plenty/ of space on either side of him for his allies, as he lights up the blade. For some reason, the thought of projectiles headed his way doesn't faze the psychic warrior... ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7b: Da Faerun run run... On Sat, 16 Jun 2001 13:27:47 -0700 Morgan Said As CAoL Message # 00010491 >On Sat, 16 Jun 2001 01:50:46 -0700 >Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00010489 > >"Ah. If I may, Milady," Harlock says, "'Twould perhaps be better to >have the blade drawn now and use thy magics to surprise them. Should >they take you for a mage at first, they are rather likely to attempt >to bring you down with arrows or spears before closing with the rest >of us. Gnolls are not _stupid,_ just not especially bright. If none >of us look like mages, they are far more likely to engage us in melee >combat." "Hm, good point," Morgan says thoughtfully. "I'd forgotten about that factor." She draws the blade, but only extends it to short sword length. "But I can _still_ encourage underestimation," she grins. OOC: Morgan hasn't done a lot of blade-work lately. Is Harlock aware of her (and her sword's) capabilities? ;-) OOC2: Who among the Faerun group has what lens/teep/etc. capabilities, since Morgan would know but I don't. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7b: Da Faerun run run... On Sat, 16 Jun 2001 23:01:12 -0700 Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00010494 >On Sat, 16 Jun 2001 13:27:47 -0700 >Morgan Said As CAoL Message # 00010491 > >"Hm, good point," Morgan says thoughtfully. "I'd forgotten about that >factor." She draws the blade, but only extends it to short sword >length. "But I can _still_ encourage underestimation," she grins. Harlock grins back, then tenses as he starts hearing gnoll voices howling for blood. A few moments later, the rest of the party hears them as well. Soon enough, a good two-score gnolls can be seen headed for the thicket that the group has chosen to defend. >OOC: Morgan hasn't done a lot of blade-work lately. Is Harlock aware >of her (and her sword's) capabilities? ;-) Umm...yes and no, in that order. Being the charming--and insatiably curious--sort that he is, I figure that during down times in the previous adventure he chatted up as many members of the CAoL as he could find. While Morgan's prowess as a bladeswoman came up more than once, the specific nature of (Armegil? Is that its name?) didn't. OTOH, Harlock _has_ seen size-changing blades before. Of course, if the sword can do more than just change size, the Bard _might_ be startled. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7b: Da Faerun run run... On Sun, 17 Jun 2001 13:11:11 -0400 Caprice/Legion Said As CAoL Message # 00010496 >On Sat, 16 Jun 2001 23:01:12 -0700 >Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00010494 > >Harlock grins back, then tenses as he starts hearing gnoll voices >howling for blood. A few moments later, the rest of the party hears >them as well. Soon enough, a good two-score gnolls can be seen headed >for the thicket that the group has chosen to defend. Mischief has high-tailed it for the uppermost branches and is quite hidden from view. Legion mutters, "Forty to five... not good odds." She and Essex both take positions obscured by trees. If they can get a second or two advantage on a Gnoll running past, that is all they need. [ooc: Leaving space for further narration] Essex fights like an expert swordsman, moving fearlessly among the Gnolls his sword leaving a wake of death behind. As good as he is, however, Legion is better. Having the equivalent of several different swordsmasters in her head, and being able to integrate their styles gives her a phenomenal edge. With being so heavily outnumbered, that edge isn't always enough, however her chainmail seems to be absorbing the worst of the damage. Meanwhile, as people fight, occasional objects start falling from the trees onto the heads of the gnolls. Pinecones, old birds nests, and on one occasion a very upset looking squirrel. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7b: Da Faerun run run... On Sun, 17 Jun 2001 10:53:37 -0700 Morgan Said As CAoL Message # 00010497 >On Sun, 17 Jun 2001 13:11:11 -0400 >Caprice/Legion Said As CAoL Message # 00010496 > >Essex fights like an expert swordsman, moving fearlessly among the >Gnolls his sword leaving a wake of death behind. As good as he is, >however, Legion is better. Having the equivalent of several different >swordsmasters in her head, and being able to integrate their styles >gives her a phenomenal edge. With being so heavily outnumbered, that >edge isn't always enough, however her chainmail seems to be absorbing >the worst of the damage. > >Meanwhile, as people fight, occasional objects start falling from the >trees onto the heads of the gnolls. Pinecones, old birds nests, and >on one occasion a very upset looking squirrel. Morgan, meanwhile, faces of with a squad of about eight Gnolls She holds the "short sword" one-handed, holding her other arm as if she's not sure what to do with it, and says, "Which one of ye wants to be first," in Gaelic (thereby guaranteeing that it'll be gibberish to the Gnolls ;-). The Gnolls look at her and look to one who seems to be an impromptu squad leader, who motions four of them towards her. Morgan stands her ground until they're almost in range, then there is a blur of whirling steel. When the blur stops, the Highlander stands holding a now-claymore length blade amid a pile of well-sliced Gnolls. There are a couple of cuts in her clothing, but no blood. She smiles ferally at the other four, and makes a "come on" motion at them with one hand. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7b: Da Faerun run run... On Sun, 17 Jun 2001 12:18:17 -0700 Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00010498 >On Sun, 17 Jun 2001 10:53:37 -0700 >Morgan Said As CAoL Message # 00010497 > >>On Sun, 17 Jun 2001 13:11:11 -0400 >>Caprice/Legion Said As CAoL Message # 00010496 >> >>Mischief has high-tailed it for the uppermost branches and is quite >>hidden from view. Legion mutters, "Forty to five... not good odds." >>She and Essex both take positions obscured by trees. If they can get >>a second or two advantage on a Gnoll running past, that is all they >>need. The gnolls stop short of the thicket and mill around for a bit, then a large one in the back barks some orders. Ten of the gnolls spread out and start scouting. As they come in among the trees, they have just enough time to scream a warning before being cut down. At this, the leader of the gnolls growls out "Funny people. Come out of there and fight fair or I burn you out." As the party comes out of the thicket, the leader counts heads, then breaks his gnolls down into six-man squads, sending one squad after each person. >>Meanwhile, as people fight, occasional objects start falling from >>the trees onto the heads of the gnolls. Pinecones, old birds nests, >>and on one occasion a very upset looking squirrel. *sigh* As hilarious as I found this, I'm going to have to ret-con. The gnolls are going to force the fight out into the open, one way or the other. Like I said, gnolls aren't _stupid_, and fighting in the trees gives the party all the advantages. Harlock's squad contains the six biggest gnolls of the bunch. Reputation has its down side on occasion. Still, despite the fact that he's wearing no visible armor, he doesn't seem worried. Before they get especially close, he gestures with his free hand and chants. "Watch the swirling colors dance. Don't look away, you'll miss your chance!" With that, a globe of swirling multi-colored light envelops his squad. Anybody looking at the globe can see the gnolls inside staring raptly at the colors around them. With a grin, Harlock says "that should hold them until you deal with the others." >The Gnolls look at her and look to one who seems to be an impromptu >squad leader, who motions four of them towards her. Morgan stands her >ground until they're almost in range, then there is a blur of >whirling steel. When the blur stops, the Highlander stands holding a >now-claymore length blade amid a pile of well-sliced Gnolls. There >are a couple of cuts in her clothing, but no blood. She smiles >ferally at the other four, and makes a "come on" motion at them with >one hand. Looks good, except we're down to six gnolls apiece at this point. But for that little detail I have no quibbles. The remaining three gnolls, BTW, are going to sprint for town. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7b: Da Faerun run run... ***FOOD WANRING*** On Sun, 17 Jun 2001 13:23:00 -0700 Squee Said As CAoL Message # 00010501 >On Sun, 17 Jun 2001 10:53:37 -0700 >Morgan Said As CAoL Message # 00010497 > >The Gnolls look at her and look to one who seems to be an impromptu >squad leader, who motions four of them towards her. Morgan stands her >ground until they're almost in range, then there is a blur of >whirling steel. When the blur stops, the Highlander stands holding a >now-claymore length blade amid a pile of well-sliced Gnolls. There >are a couple of cuts in her clothing, but no blood. She smiles >ferally at the other four, and makes a "come on" motion at them with >one hand. From the town an old wagon comes clattering out across the rough uneven ground at top speed, a older looking man dressed in well worn blue robes is at the reins. His pancake hat flies off leaving his long grey hair streaming out behind him contrasting the fluttering black of his cloak. Behind the waggon are another pack of 10 gnolls and they're all headed for the woods near the CAoL. The wagon boucing hard neough to actually be lifiting off the ground a couple times as it hits hole and rocks and ruts, the driver still urging the pair of horses on faster and faster as a wolve in the back of the wagon snarls at the trailing gnolls. Those with senses for such feel a tremenous welling up of psychic power form the wolf and a wave that strikes one of the gnolls. It goes donw clutching its head and screaming. The driver spurs the horses on as the gnolls draw aim at him with shortbows, lossing a volley of deadly shafts. One strikes the man in the side, another strike one of the horse's flanks causing hte hrose to tumble. Unfortunatel yhte tumbling horse takes the wagon out with it, tipping it over and dumping out the driver, wolf and cargo in the wagon, several large casks the crack open with the sweet smell of fine wine dribbling out. The old man rolls up to his eet, surprisingly litthe and agile as the Gnolls draw out their swords and charge him. He snatches up a lngeth of board broken off from the wagon and parries the first strike as they close in, twirling to the side of the second and coming in behind a thrid would be attacker. His hand flicks into his cloak anddraws out a long serpentine dagger he plunges into the gnoll's side, then throws the body in the way of two more gnolls trying to get close. The wolf whirls out of the way of a sword crashing down and launches himself at the throat of another gnoll, bringing it down as a blast of psychic force shatters the mind of the gnoll who just tried to decapitate him. *Driss, how do you get us into these things?* *Me? What are you talking about there? YOU'RE the one who thought hte wine was so good and what a trgedy it would be to leave it to the gnolls when they started attacking!* The old man catches one of the gnoll's arms as it tries to bring its sword crashing down on his head. He twists and yanks the arm over to parry a blow from another gnoll with it, the second gnoll's sword hacking through the arm of the first. The old man grabs the severed arm and sword and hacks at the second gnoll catchign hin in his neck and sending up a spurt of blood as he kicks at the knee of the first shattering it's knee as it stumbled about howling in pain and holding its stump of an arm to try to stop the blood flowing. *OK OK Ok I admit I thought it was really good wine, but I only suggested liberating one cask. YOU were the one talking about having to saven the entire stock for the greater good of the world!* The wolf scoots to the side of another attacking gnoll and charges at one trying to take aim at Driss with a bow, tetth ripping at the gnoll's knee. *Well... um.... it WAS good wine! could have brought a nice penny too fromt he right person. pity these buffoons broke all the casks...* Driss twists aside as another sword is thrustat his abdomen, launching a foot to connect with a crunch between the Gnoll's legs. It howls in pain only a moment before a stiletto seems to appear in Driss's hand and becomes impaled into the Gnoll's throat, slicing through its windpipe. Driss turns to look for the next attacker as the last two fall back with their bows, one shaft catching Driss in the shoulder, the other in the thigh. He winces in obvious pain, *Damn those hurt... wonder if they're poisoned or just dirty as all hell.. Why are we sticking around here anyways?* Roscoe leaps and rips the bow out of the grasp of one Gnoll as his mental blast hits the second causing it to crumble in a heap. The disarmed gnoll stands blinking uncomprehendingly at its now empty hands for a moment before a short sword thrown by Driss plunges into its chest cavity. *Ummmm Because we were in the middle of a fight?* *Ok, we're not now.. there's some more gnolls over there though.. wait... isn't that Morgan?* *Hi Morgan!* *Cut that out Roscoe!* *What? I can't be sayin hello to a pretty young lass?* *We don't have time for that... besides they'd be breaking our cover We've got plans we still need to attend to rememebr?* *Oh like an old man fighting off 10 gnolls isnt' breaking your cover?* *Who's alive to tell about it?* *Good point...* Roscoe looks about *Ok if you don't want to say hi, then what?* *We continue on.* The old man pulls the cloak about him and fades from sight as eh takes off through the woods with the wolf close behind. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7b: Da Faerun run run... On Sun, 17 Jun 2001 21:52:46 -0400 "Xander Opal" Said As CAoL Message # 00010504 >On Sun, 17 Jun 2001 12:18:17 -0700 >Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00010498 > > >Looks good, except we're down to six gnolls apiece at this point. But >for that little detail I have no quibbles. The remaining three >gnolls, BTW, are going to sprint for town. > Baz grins, rather ferally, as his lightsaber 'vwoums' into vibrant acetalyne blue-white light. Whilst no doubt a powerful, magical weapon, the gnolls probably figure any warrior, no matter how good, would be beat down by being fully surrounded, no? It takes a few blurry, sad moments, after Baz simply allows them all to close, dodging and weaving rather than parrying, before he strikes... spatters of molten steel fly, from the more threatening weapons, before a few humanoid heads roll, with a few sundry arms or bits of torso. When the psychic warrior looks up from the carnage, he frowns as he sees the departing trio; he draws his arm back, then lets fly with the lightsaber, which whirls out in a flat arc, a deadly spinning blur. After a certain point, it flies back (OOC: Rick, I'll leave it up to you how many, if any, of the gnolls are hit), to smack neatly into his hand. After all this, Bazil looks around with more astonishment-- he's been running mainly on reflex. "D-did I do that?" ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7b: Da Faerun run run... On Mon, 18 Jun 2001 01:27:05 -0700 Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00010507 >On Sun, 17 Jun 2001 21:52:46 -0400 >"Xander Opal" Said As CAoL Message # 00010504 > >Baz grins, rather ferally, as his lightsaber 'vwoums' into vibrant >acetalyne blue-white light. Whilst no doubt a powerful, magical >weapon, the gnolls probably figure any warrior, no matter how good, >would be beat down by being fully surrounded, no? It takes a few >blurry, sad moments, after Baz simply allows them all to close, >dodging and weaving rather than parrying, before he strikes... >spatters of molten steel fly, from the more threatening weapons, >before a few humanoid heads roll, with a few sundry arms or bits of >torso. When the psychic warrior looks up from the carnage, he frowns >as he sees the departing trio; he draws his arm back, then lets fly >with the lightsaber, which whirls out in a flat arc, a deadly >spinning blur. After a certain point, it flies back (OOC: Rick, I'll >leave it up to you how many, if any, of the gnolls are hit), to smack >neatly into his hand. *shrug* All of them. After all, the Force guides his aim. >After all this, Bazil looks around with more astonishment-- he's been >running mainly on reflex. >"D-did I do that?" Harlock glances over at the pile of bodies surrounding Bazil. "Unless you are suggesting that the gnolls dismembered each other..." He trails off and gestures at the swirling rainbow globe for a few seconds. "Does anybody have a bit of rope to tie these fools up with? I've got to keep most of my attention on the magic, lest it collapse." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7b: Da Faerun run run... On Mon, 18 Jun 2001 07:36:18 -0700 Morgan Said As CAoL Message # 00010508 >On Mon, 18 Jun 2001 01:27:05 -0700 >Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00010507 > >Harlock glances over at the pile of bodies surrounding Bazil. "Unless >you are suggesting that the gnolls dismembered each other..." He >trails off and gestures at the swirling rainbow globe for a few >seconds. "Does anybody have a bit of rope to tie these fools up with? >I've got to keep most of my attention on the magic, lest it >collapse." Morgan looks around, then closes her eyes as the fingers on her right hand move slightly. A pile of non-Gnoll-bits debris shimmers slightly, and becomes a coil of rope. "Sometimes I forget I hae this thing," Morgan smiles sheepishly, holding up her hand to display her Justice Legion Power Ring. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7b: Da Faerun run run... On Mon, 18 Jun 2001 22:22:28 -0400 Caprice/Legion Said As CAoL Message # 00010511 >On Mon, 18 Jun 2001 07:36:18 -0700 >Morgan Said As CAoL Message # 00010508 > >>On Mon, 18 Jun 2001 01:27:05 -0700 >>Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00010507 >> >>Harlock glances over at the pile of bodies surrounding Bazil. >>"Unless you are suggesting that the gnolls dismembered each >>other..." He trails off and gestures at the swirling rainbow globe >>for a few seconds. "Does anybody have a bit of rope to tie these >>fools up with? I've got to keep most of my attention on the magic, >>lest it collapse." > >remaining Gnolls. If not, this will happen when they _have_ all been >dispatched.> Essex says, "Le.. Argent has some in her back, however she is currently trying to fish Mischief from out of a tree." >Morgan looks around, then closes her eyes as the fingers on her right >hand move slightly. A pile of non-Gnoll-bits debris shimmers >slightly, and becomes a coil of rope. "Sometimes I forget I hae this >thing," Morgan smiles sheepishly, holding up her hand to display her >Justice Legion Power Ring. Essex takes care of securing the Gnolls with the rope. Legion is a bit longer in returning, though when she does it is with Mischief clinging to one shoulder. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7b: Da Faerun run run... On Tue, 19 Jun 2001 00:56:26 -0700 Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00010512 >On Mon, 18 Jun 2001 22:22:28 -0400 >Caprice/Legion Said As CAoL Message # 00010511 > >Essex takes care of securing the Gnolls with the rope. Legion is a >bit longer in returning, though when she does it is with Mischief >clinging to one shoulder. With the gnolls tied up, Harlock lets the bubble burst. The gnolls, no longer spacing out, make a brief effort to free themselves, but desist as Harlock growls something at them. A snarling conversation ensues between the Bard and the captive gnolls, with Harlock looking more and more shaken as the conversation continues. Finally he turns to the rest of the group. "They say the Zhentarim invaded Berdusk and put most of the residents to the sword. A few were taken in chains to Darkhold. Fortunately, and I use the term advisedly, Cedryk Tomekeeper was among that number. What has become of my...other friends here, I dare not speculate. What worries me most, however, is the man the gnolls say was in charge of the raid. 'Twould seem that Manshoon lives again." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7b: Da Faerun run run... On Tue, 19 Jun 2001 23:51:52 -0400 "Xander Opal" Said As CAoL Message # 00010520 >On Mon, 18 Jun 2001 01:27:05 -0700 >Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00010507 > >>On Sun, 17 Jun 2001 21:52:46 -0400 >>"Xander Opal" Said As CAoL Message # 00010504 >> >>When the psychic warrior looks up from the carnage, he frowns as he >>sees the departing trio; he draws his arm back, then lets fly with >>the lightsaber, which whirls out in a flat arc, a deadly spinning >>blur. After a certain point, it flies back (OOC: Rick, I'll leave it >>up to you how many, if any, of the gnolls are hit), to smack neatly >>into his hand. > > >*shrug* All of them. After all, the Force guides his aim. > Didn't know if you needed them for some plot bit, is all. >>After all this, Bazil looks around with more astonishment-- he's >>been running mainly on reflex. >>"D-did I do that?" > >Harlock glances over at the pile of bodies surrounding Bazil. "Unless >you are suggesting that the gnolls dismembered each other..." He >trails off and gestures at the swirling rainbow globe for a few >seconds. "Does anybody have a bit of rope to tie these fools up with? >I've got to keep most of my attention on the magic, lest it >collapse." Baz starts to rummage in his pack (after stowing his lightsaber!), but stops when Morgan does her rope trick; instead, he takes up a guard position. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7b: Da Faerun run run... On Tue, 19 Jun 2001 23:59:54 -0400 "Xander Opal" Said As CAoL Message # 00010521 >On Tue, 19 Jun 2001 00:56:26 -0700 >Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00010512 > >"They say the Zhentarim invaded Berdusk and put most of the residents >to the sword. A few were taken in chains to Darkhold. Fortunately, >and I use the term advisedly, Cedryk Tomekeeper was among that >number. What has become of my...other friends here, I dare not >speculate. What worries me most, however, is the man the gnolls say >was in charge of the raid. 'Twould seem that Manshoon lives again." Bazil's brow furrows. "If you don't mind my asking... who's this 'Manshoon' fellow, aside from, apparently, Yet Another Evil Guy?" ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7b: Da Faerun run run... On Wed, 20 Jun 2001 00:34:16 -0700 Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00010525 >On Tue, 19 Jun 2001 23:59:54 -0400 >"Xander Opal" Said As CAoL Message # 00010521 > >Bazil's brow furrows. >"If you don't mind my asking... who's this 'Manshoon' fellow, aside >from, apparently, Yet Another Evil Guy?" The Bard sighs. "Manshoon is, or rather was, the leader of the Zhentarim, also known as the Black Network. He is an extremely powerful mage, with contingency plans for any imaginable disaster and more besides. An I be reading between the lines correctly, he came out to lead this raid to prove to his brethren that he should lead the Black Network again, rather than Fzoul Chembryl. Of course, it could simply be revenge for the last time he was killed. If that be the case, I greatly fear that Cedryk is being held hostage for my benefit. With that possibility before us, dare we step boldly into the jaws of the trap?" ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7b: Da Faerun run run... On Thu, 21 Jun 2001 17:47:57 -0700 Morgan Said As CAoL Message # 00010529 >On Wed, 20 Jun 2001 00:34:16 -0700 >Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00010525 > >The Bard sighs. "Manshoon is, or rather was, the leader of the >Zhentarim, also known as the Black Network. He is an extremely >powerful mage, with contingency plans for any imaginable disaster and >more besides. An I be reading between the lines correctly, he came >out to lead this raid to prove to his brethren that he should lead >the Black Network again, rather than Fzoul Chembryl. Of course, it >could simply be revenge for the last time he was killed. If that be >the case, I greatly fear that Cedryk is being held hostage for my >benefit. With that possibility before us, dare we step boldly into >the jaws of the trap?" "Wouldn't be the first time," Morgan smiles. "When you work with superheros, it's _always_ a trap. So, how much can you tell us about this Manshoon's probable tactics, and what _our_ likely best tactics might be?" She thinks a bit. "And, 'extremely powerful' using what scale? When you're used to travelling with anyone from a Drow Illusionist to Starspawn, scale becomes a relevant question." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7b: Da Faerun run run... On Thu, 21 Jun 2001 23:32:24 -0700 Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00010530 >On Thu, 21 Jun 2001 17:47:57 -0700 >Morgan Said As CAoL Message # 00010529 > >"Wouldn't be the first time," Morgan smiles. "When you work with >superheros, it's _always_ a trap. So, how much can you tell us about >this Manshoon's probable tactics, and what _our_ likely best tactics >might be?" She thinks a bit. "And, 'extremely powerful' using what >scale? When you're used to traveling with anyone from a Drow >Illusionist to Starspawn, scale becomes a relevant question." "Tactics, hmm..." Harlock trails off in thought. "Well, I think myself likely to be his first target purely on the basis of familiarity. Beyond that, I know not what to say. In my last battle with him, there were ten of us, all well versed in our respective crafts, and he nearly killed us anyway. Of course, we thought we had killed _him_, but that seems not to be the case. At any rate, the one possibility I can think of lies in technology. Faerun has no technology more advanced than black powder. Should we contrive to hit him with a laser, that might very well do the job." "As for his power, he is not nearly so powerful as even a demi-god, but he is far more powerful than I. Of the mortal wizards of Faerun, I would rank him in the top five, off-hand. While Elminster and The Simbul clearly out-strip him, I would be hard-pressed to think of a third. Khelben Blackstaff, mayhap, or Szass Tam, although the latter is not, strictly speaking, mortal. And quite aside from his natural prowess, he has a collection of magical items that surpasses my own." ***** In a richly appointed room, a dark-haired man hunches over a crystalline sphere. A respectful tap at the door causes him to straighten and glare at the lackey framed in the doorway. "What is it?" "Milord, our troops have returned from Berdusk. Have you any further orders to give them?" "Yes. It seems that damnable Bard will be showing up after all." "Harlock, Milord?" The lackey's eyes go wide. "The same. And he has allies the like of which I have never seen before. Four humans, all of whom are excellent swordsmen, and two of whom carry most unusual blades. And while they used no magic during the fight, one of them retrieved a tressym from the thicket afterwards while another conjured up a rope. Send our best scouts out, and have them watch the road from Berdusk. If they see anything heading in our direction, they are to report immediately. Meanwhile, see that our supplies of ammunition are...adequate." "Yes, Milord." The lackey bows himself out while Manshoon turns back to the crystal with a brooding expression. "Soon, Harlock. Soon" ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7b: Da Faerun run run... On Sun, 24 Jun 2001 12:02:48 -0400 Caprice/Legion Said As CAoL Message # 00010539 >On Thu, 21 Jun 2001 23:32:24 -0700 >Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00010530 > >"Tactics, hmm..." Harlock trails off in thought. "Well, I think >myself likely to be his first target purely on the basis of >familiarity. Beyond that, I know not what to say. In my last battle >with him, there were ten of us, all well versed in our respective >crafts, and he nearly killed us anyway. Of course, we thought we had >killed _him_, but that seems not to be the case. At any rate, the one >possibility I can think of lies in technology. Faerun has no >technology more advanced than black powder. Should we contrive to hit >him with a laser, that might very well do the job." Legion and Essex exchange glances. Legion speaks for them both, "Alright. But we hold most of our technology back until we face him. No sense in giving him time to prepare." >"As for his power, he is not nearly so powerful as even a demi-god, >but he is far more powerful than I. Of the mortal wizards of Faerun, >I would rank him in the top five, off-hand. While Elminster and The >Simbul clearly out-strip him, I would be hard-pressed to think of a >third. Khelben Blackstaff, mayhap, or Szass Tam, although the latter >is not, strictly speaking, mortal. And quite aside from his natural >prowess, he has a collection of magical items that surpasses my own." Legion nods, "Okay, so we rescue the prisoners, then kill the villian. Harlock, is there any chance of getting to the prisoners before they reach their destination?" ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7b: Da Faerun run run... On Mon, 25 Jun 2001 01:44:35 -0700 Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00010541 >On Sun, 24 Jun 2001 12:02:48 -0400 >Caprice/Legion Said As CAoL Message # 00010539 > >Legion and Essex exchange glances. Legion speaks for them both, >"Alright. But we hold most of our technology back until we face him. >No sense in giving him time to prepare." Harlock nods soberly. "'Twould be best, aye. Given his abilities..." He breaks off, looking somehow both grim and startled. "Damnation. Somebody is scrying us, and I fear I know who." ***** In the richly appointed room, Manshoon chuckles at the image his crystal presents to him. "Perhaps I should appoint a watch to continue scrying them, if only to drive that damnable Bard to distraction. 'Tis a pity I cannot scry him directly, but where we have no wine, beer must serve." Taking the scrying crystal with him, he heads for one of the mages' workshops to arrange for 24-hour surveillance. ***** >Legion nods, "Okay, so we rescue the prisoners, then kill the >villian. Harlock, is there any chance of getting to the prisoners >before they reach their destination?" The Bard grins sardonically and pulls a crystalline sphere roughly 6" in diameter out of an inner pocket of his cloak. "Braise goose and gander in the same sauce, as we say in Raven's Bluff. Let me see what I spy with my little eye, here..." He trails off, peering intently into the globe, now and then muttering what sound like imprecations. Finally he looks up in disgust. "As near as I can determine, the prisoners just arrived at Darkhold, which has some fairly powerful defenses against scrying. I can try to confirm that with some toys that are more powerful, if less reliable, but I doubt the answer will change. 'Tis less than a week's march away, after all. And if Manshoon activated a portal for this raid...we had best get planning. I can get us there in a trice (never had problems 'porting _within_ a plane) but methinks we need a plan before we leap boldly into the fray." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7b: Da Faerun run run... On Fri, 29 Jun 2001 19:55:45 -0700 Morgan Said As CAoL Message # 00010543 >On Mon, 25 Jun 2001 01:44:35 -0700 >Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00010541 > >Harlock nods soberly. "'Twould be best, aye. Given his abilities..." >He breaks off, looking somehow both grim and startled. "Damnation. >Somebody is scrying us, and I fear I know who." Morgan smiles. /"Well, I think I have a couple of ways around that,"/ she grins. Those on the lens link hear her through that; the others hear her voice just inside their ear. /"It took a little thought, but I think this little bit of 'ventriloquism' should help us communicate without being overheard when necessary. I should also be able to pick up sub-vocalizations. It's not as secure as the link, but at least it won't give Harlock headaches,"/ she adds with a grin. (OOC: She has Life 4 and Correspondence 3 in Mage terms. As with so many of her powers, the effectiveness of this is somewhat story-dependent, so I leave it to our GM to determine if the Evil Overlord du jour can overhear or not. Anyway, I'll use /"this"/ notation, and try to remember to specify whether Morgan's speaking aloud or using the "work around.") /"Now, about that scrying...."/ Morgan bites her lip thoughtfully, then a wicked grin spreads over her face. /"Have any of you seen the late 20th century movie 'Speed'?"/ She waits for signs of recognition, then continues. /"Bunch of people on a bus that'll blow up if it slows down too much, and the bomber is watching them on the surveillance camera. So, the hero sets up a loop, so that the Bad Guy _thinks_ he's watching them all behaving nicely while in fact they're working on getting off the bus. I think I can set up a field that will provide out 'audience' with something similar."/ (OOC: Again, Harlock, your call on how well this works, and how well _we_ think it's working ;-).) >The Bard grins sardonically and pulls a crystalline sphere roughly 6" >in diameter out of an inner pocket of his cloak. "Braise goose and >gander in the same sauce, as we say in Raven's Bluff. Let me see what >I spy with my little eye, here..." He trails off, peering intently >into the globe, now and then muttering what sound like imprecations. >Finally he looks up in disgust. "As near as I can determine, the >prisoners just arrived at Darkhold, which has some fairly powerful >defenses against scrying. I can try to confirm that with some toys >that are more powerful, if less reliable, but I doubt the answer will >change. 'Tis less than a week's march away, after all. And if >Manshoon activated a portal for this raid...we had best get planning. >I can get us there in a trice (never had problems 'porting _within_ a >plane) but methinks we need a plan before we leap boldly into the >fray." "Aye, I don't think the Kzin 'First you scream, then you leap' school of tactics is something I want to emulate if there's a better alternative. UN-fortunately, most of my knowledge of tactics is geared toward either small warbands or supers teams," Morgan sighs. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7b: Da Faerun run run... On Sat, 30 Jun 2001 04:33:45 -0700 Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00010544 >On Fri, 29 Jun 2001 19:55:45 -0700 >Morgan Said As CAoL Message # 00010543 > >Morgan smiles. /"Well, I think I have a couple of ways around that,"/ >she grins. Those on the lens link hear her through that; the others >hear her voice just inside their ear. /"It took a little thought, but >I think this little bit of 'ventriloquism' should help us communicate >without being overheard when necessary. I should also be able to pick >up sub-vocalizations. It's not as secure as the link, but at least it >won't give Harlock headaches,"/ she adds with a grin. (OOC: She has >Life 4 and Correspondence 3 in Mage terms. As with so many of her >powers, the effectiveness of this is somewhat story-dependent, so I >leave it to our GM to determine if the Evil Overlord du jour can >overhear or not. Anyway, I'll use /"this"/ notation, and try to >remember to specify whether Morgan's speaking aloud or using the >"work around.") Actually, he couldn't hear them _before_ she did that...unless he made a specific effort. If you'll look back at Manshoon's activities, nothing he's said or done indicates he's eavesdropping. Reading expression/body language, yes. Eavesdropping, no. As for the spell...I seem to recall something similar in D&D, so Mystra's not going to get all bent out of shape. Harlock smiles. "Marvelous," he mutters under his breath, "but how long canst thou maintain the spell, Milady?" >/"Now, about that scrying...."/ Morgan bites her lip thoughtfully, >then a wicked grin spreads over her face. /"Have any of you seen the >late 20th century movie 'Speed'?"/ She waits for signs of >recognition, then continues. /"Bunch of people on a bus that'll blow >up if it slows down too much, and the bomber is watching them on the >surveillance camera. So, the hero sets up a loop, so that the Bad Guy >_thinks_ he's watching them all behaving nicely while in fact they're >working on getting off the bus. I think I can set up a field that >will provide out 'audience' with something similar."/ (OOC: Again, >Harlock, your call on how well this works, and how well _we_ think >it's working ;-).) Um...depends on how it's set up. Email me off-list to get into the nitty-gritty, but my first impulse is going to be "I'm sorry, Morgan, but I can't let you do that." >"Aye, I don't think the Kzin 'First you scream, then you leap' school >of tactics is something I want to emulate if there's a better >alternative. UN-fortunately, most of my knowledge of tactics is >geared toward either small warbands or supers teams," Morgan sighs. The Bard looks puzzled. "And are we not a small warband? Exceedingly small, to be sure, but having seen you fight 'gainst the gnolls I would venture to say there is little in the Realms that could stop us. Still, Darkhold is both quite defensible and well defended. Built partially into a mountain, it is, though not to the same extent as Fuzzy's keep. And while most of the garrison fight with...ah...conventional arms, they also have a small squad of mages ready to hand at all times. A direct assault on our part is likely to bring fire and lightning down on our heads at best. Still, an I recall the details correctly, there might be another method or two of gaining entry. The sewers are the only one that spring to mind off hand..." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7b: Da Faerun run run... On Mon, 02 Jul 2001 08:31:32 -0700 Morgan Said As CAoL Message # 00010545 >On Sat, 30 Jun 2001 04:33:45 -0700 >Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00010544 > > >Actually, he couldn't hear them _before_ she did that...unless he >made a specific effort. If you'll look back at Manshoon's activities, >nothing he's said or done indicates he's eavesdropping. Reading >expression/body language, yes. Eavesdropping, no. As for the >spell...I seem to recall something similar in D&D, so Mystra's not >going to get all bent out of shape. > >Harlock smiles. "Marvelous," he mutters under his breath, "but how >long canst thou maintain the spell, Milady?" /"My end will only be 'on' when I'm using it. It takes little effort to keep a 'monitor' on those without links, so I know when to 'listen' for inaudible comments,"/ Morgan responds. > >Um...depends on how it's set up. Email me off-list to get into the >nitty-gritty, but my first impulse is going to be "I'm sorry, Morgan, >but I can't let you do that." > Details will have to wait until I can get Roland's input, since he's far more familiar with the game mechanics than I. >The Bard looks puzzled. "And are we not a small warband? Exceedingly >small, to be sure, but having seen you fight 'gainst the gnolls I >would venture to say there is little in the Realms that could stop >us. Still, Darkhold is both quite defensible and well defended. Built >partially into a mountain, it is, though not to the same extent as >Fuzzy's keep. And while most of the garrison fight with...ah... >conventional arms, they also have a small squad of mages ready to >hand at all times. A direct assault on our part is likely to bring >fire and lightning down on our heads at best. Still, an I recall the >details correctly, there might be another method or two of gaining >entry. The sewers are the only one that spring to mind off hand..." Morgan nods. "Tis true we can function as a 'warband,' but what I meant was that my knowledge of tactics will likely be more useful in straight-up battle, whereas this mission seems to call for...less 'straightforward' tactics. Your opinion on the likely results of a direct assault seems to bear that out," she smiles. "How likely 'tis that the sewer entrance will be somehow guarded, and what other possible entrances do you know of?" ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7b: Da Faerun run run... On Tue, 03 Jul 2001 00:43:24 -0700 Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00010546 >On Mon, 02 Jul 2001 08:31:32 -0700 >Morgan Said As CAoL Message # 00010545 > >/"My end will only be 'on' when I'm using it. It takes little effort >to keep a 'monitor' on those without links, so I know when to >'listen' for inaudible comments,"/ Morgan responds. "Lovely. That makes scouting easier, at the very least." >Morgan nods. "Tis true we can function as a 'warband,' but what I >meant was that my knowledge of tactics will likely be more useful in >straight-up battle, whereas this mission seems to call for...less >'straightforward' tactics. Your opinion on the likely results of a >direct assault seems to bear that out," she smiles. "How likely 'tis >that the sewer entrance will be somehow guarded, and what other >possible entrances do you know of?" "Hmm...not so much guarded as infested, methinks." Harlock looks thoughtful. "I think it likely enough that an otyugh or three make their homes in the filthiest portions. Throw in three or four varieties of mold and slime and mix liberally with biting insects and the results are likely to be...unpleasant. I think it highly unlikely that a guard will actually be assigned to patrol the sewers themselves, under the circumstances." "As for other entrances to Darkhold, I know of none. The only other plan that I could recommend would involve subterfuge: pretending to be a caravan or new recruits." The Bard pauses to consider his next words carefully. "But to be quite honest, I only include that for completeness' sake. While I know more than I would like about Zhentarim operations, I have ne'er successfully impersonated one for any length of time." ================================= Subject: AAE 7b: Something stinks in Darkhold On Thu, 02 Aug 2001 01:26:26 -0700 Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00010553 Harlock looks at his companions, waiting for comments and suggestions until the silence becomes somewhat strained. [I suppose 'tis my lot to play native guide this time 'round. Damnation.] "All right. Gather close, ladies and gentlebeings, while Uncle Harlock sings a song of transport." As the party gathers, Harlock begins a highly tonal chant that harmonizes with itself. When he stops, the party finds themselves--elsewhere. The group now stands in a narrow ravine, deep in the foothills of a low mountain range. Ahead of them, about five feet up the side of the ravine, a thin stream of foul water trickles out of a cave mouth. Even from twenty feet away, the smell makes it plain that this is the sewer entrance the Bard was talking about. "Can any among you see in the dark? I have but a few talismans that confer that ability, but many a light source that I can distribute. On the whole, I would prefer to avoid using lights, but if not..." He shrugs. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7b: Something stinks in Darkhold On Thu, 2 Aug 2001 22:22:05 -0400 "Xander Opal" Said As CAoL Message # 00010554 >On Thu, 02 Aug 2001 01:26:26 -0700 >Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00010553 > >The group now stands in a narrow ravine, deep in the foothills of a >low mountain range. Ahead of them, about five feet up the side of the >ravine, a thin stream of foul water trickles out of a cave mouth. >Even from twenty feet away, the smell makes it plain that this is the >sewer entrance the Bard was talking about. "Can any among you see in >the dark? I have but a few talismans that confer that ability, but >many a light source that I can distribute. On the whole, I would >prefer to avoid using lights, but if not..." He shrugs. Bazil, who's been rather quiet after his performance with the gnolls, pulls out a brace of high-tech goggles from his backpack. "I've some night-vision goggles, with infared lamps built-in, good for about twenty-four hours' use, and sets of spare batteries. Err, I should say, a couple sets of the goggles. Cuts the peripheral vision some, but it's a trade-off." He holds out his spare set, for any takers. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7b: Something stinks in Darkhold On Fri, 03 Aug 2001 17:28:31 -0700 Morgan Said As CAoL Message # 00010555 >On Thu, 2 Aug 2001 22:22:05 -0400 >"Xander Opal" Said As CAoL Message # 00010554 > >Bazil, who's been rather quiet after his performance with the gnolls, >pulls out a brace of high-tech goggles from his backpack. >"I've some night-vision goggles, with infared lamps built-in, good >for about twenty-four hours' use, and sets of spare batteries. Err, I >should say, a couple sets of the goggles. Cuts the peripheral vision >some, but it's a trade-off." He holds out his spare set, for any >takers. Morgan's eyes change slightly, taking on a more feline or lupine appearance. "I should be able to see in the dark pretty well now. Well, not _complete_ darkness, but as well as any nocturnal animal. My peripheral vision will be better this way, too." She nods at Bazil. "If it gets _really_ dark, I may still want a pair, but this should be sufficient." =================================