The Black Mountains
The Black Mountains
1/22/998rw
After a filling breakfast the party
slogs on, picking carefully a path through the deep snow.
The day passes and the sun breaks through
the light clouds warming the air and melting the snow off the
tree limbs. You stop towards dusk and make camp.
Lester
uncovers a coin hidden beneath the snow. As he looks down upon
it,
Lester
looks down at the snow. a puzzled expression on his face. It appears
that someone has lost a coin in the snow...a gold one at that!
Quickly stooping down Lester sweeps the coins into his palm. Continuing
onward he pretends to take the coin from his pouch, and studies
it to see where it comes from.
When Lester
removes the coin to look at it again he receives a nasty injection
into his hand which temporarily paralysis's him.(Lester will remain
unconscious for six hours. You are also badly hurt.)
As you make camp and go about your
business you see Lester fall unconscious into the cold snow.
Siobhan
rides over, dismounts, and investigates further.
Horst
looks on in alarm "Take care a cursed object does not always
have
Talanos
looks up from what he is doing and notices the gnome is down.
He rushes
Marta
watches worriedly as everyone gathers around Lester. Standing
As you check Lester you find
him pale and breathing erratically. Next to his hand lays a gold
coin shining dully in the gathering darkness. His hand appears
slightly swollen and a dark bruise can be noticed in his palm.
Siobhan
will take a piece of cloth and, using it as one might use a hot-pad
As Siobhan holds the coin aloft for
all to see she breathes a small startled scream and falls to the
snow, coin spinning free into the air. After several tense moments
she shakes her head and looks up at everyone. Her hand is in
pain and swollen same as Lester's. [You have sustained some damage,
not to serious, but it hurts]
Horst
looks around as Siobhan screams in pain. "Great, now there
are two
When the coin bites Siobhan, Talanos
kneels down next to her. Holding her hand, he
'Tis well I had the presence of mind not to actually
touch the accursed
Cronar
dismounts quickly, nearly falling in the snow, and rushes over
to the
Horst
1/23/998rw
The party spends a quiet night and
near morning Lester awakenings, weak and nauseous but otherwise
okay.
Once all the healing and camp preparation is complete.
Horst
eats a brief meal from the available rations and settles into
meditation and prayer. Horst bends over the conscious Lester and
offers him a little water to drink. Once Lester starts to come
around Horst asks the question on everyone's minds..."Lester"
he pauses for a moment "where did you get the coin????"
Lester
moans as he slowly swims towards consciousness. There is a slight
throbbing in his hand and something else, another sensation. Suddenly
Lester realizes sickeningly that it is nausea. That appetite quelching
nemesis! Opening his eyes he peers blearily around. He sees Horst
hovering overhead. Lester thinks for a moment, "Coin what
coin is he talking about?" Then he remembers his last moments
of consciousness. "That cursed thing bit me!" he cried
weakly. "I found it lying on the ground while we were beginning
to set up camp! Just lying in the snow, so I thought to myself
'Who would leave a perfectly good gold coin lying around like
this?' so I picked it up and it bit me!" >>
Marta listens
amusedly to Lester explain what happened. Running her
Looking at Marta Lester
frowns and replies, "I still feel rather
A huge grin appears on Marta's
face, "Not hungry, oh no it's a tragedy!!
You must be really sick!" Turning to Talanos, "I'd be
happy to prepare the evening meal."
Talanos
walks over and examines the coin without touching it. He bends
near it and
"Bit you??", Horst
raises an eyebrow is surprise, " A real bite or merely a
sharp pain." Horst looks around as Talanos reappears "Anything
unusual about the coin? Lester says that it 'bit' him." Horst
mumbles some words drawing pictures in the air above the coin.
1/26/998rw
Three hard days of travel bring the
party to some foothills and in the distance they see the long
chain of mountains dark and ominous characteristic of their name.
You have no encounters during this time and Lester returns to
his voracious self. Foraging for food has been easy as wildlife
has been plentiful in the forest. The first two days the weather
continues to improve but on this day as you approach the foothills
dark clouds to the west look prime for snow. The map that Crendon
gave you indicated that you were to look for a peak that resembled
a horned shaped head and is noted on the map as horned peak. You
don't see that image in the range ahead and assume you must travel
farther to the south. It is late afternoon. Do you wish to stay
in the lowlands or travel through the foothills?
"Talanos, what say you? Shall we skirt the hills
and approach from further
Marta's
head snaps up at the mention of abandoning
their mounts. "I...
Talanos
looks toward the foothills and the mountains beyond before saying,
"I think
Marta shakes
her head sullenly at Talanos' words as a tear rolls down
The horse's snort and pick at the meager
grass that is found just below the surface of melting snow. Time
seems to stand still as the party discusses the question of which
path to follow…
Cronar
"I concur with your assessment. The foothills
it is." Turning to Marta, "It
Horst
As the group prepares to spur their
mounts towards the foothills the comment by Horst brings them
to a halt once again.
Talanos
shakes his head, "Traveling through the foothills will be
easier than you think.
More composed, Marta
acknowledges Cronar's caring words,
with a new sense of respect for the man. His smile warms the chill
from her bones and she speaks softly, "You are most kind.
I am sorry for my foolishness. Please let's head through the foothills.
Sure we'd be able to keep our mounts with us longer were we to
stay in the lowlands, but Talanos is right we should keep
ourselves hidden as much as possible. Why announce our arrival
prematurely?" Marta falls in with Talanos ready to
enter the foothills.
"Horst, while I recognize your unparalleled
wisdom, I must accept and respect Talanos' opinion when
it comes to path selection. As we draw closer, anything that we
can do to keep ourselves concealed is to our advantage. Lead on,
Talanos, we shall follow. "
Cronar spins his mount around to make
sure everyone else is falling in line, then takes up the rear.
Marta's eyes are met as she makes her way past him and
he quickly averts his gaze. His skin to chaffed by the cold winter
wind to tell if he's blushing or not...
Without further delay the party rides
towards the foothills. As the snow starts to fall you make an
early camp as the light dwindles quickly.
1/27/998rw
The storm blows through hastily and
you awaken to a bright new day with plenty of sunshine and not
a cloud in sight. Riding through the foothills takes a toll on
the horses and you find yourselves walking by mid-afternoon.
1/28/998rw
1/29/998rw
2/1/998rw
Once again the storm blows through
and you pick up where you left off with partly sunny skies.
2/3/998rw
A beautiful day.
2/4/998rw
Another day of good weather
2/5/998rw
The weather worsens and by midday you
take shelter from the driving snow.
2/6/998rw
Can we see a pattern here. The clouds
roll back and you are bathed in warm sunlight.
2/7/998rw
A driving blizzard, the worst you've
seen yet makes any kind of travel impossible. The intense cold
combined with severe exposure makes for an unhappy crew.
The extreme cold wind has almost a
unnatural quality of death about it. Lester, Gillian
and Cronar are stricken and the rest are in a bad way.
The weather has driven you to another rock outcropping that provides
some shelter from the blowing snow. Visibility is reduced to
the end of your nose and you fear sleep may bring you everlasting
peace. Several hours pass with no let up in the force of the storm.
Horst suddenly stands up and breaks free of the huddled
group despite efforts to keep him close. As he disappears from
view and you ready to head after him the snow dissipates and a
brilliant light blinds you. This new golden light brings redemption
from the cold. As you bathe in this heated glow you can just
make out the form of Horst as he stands before a creature
from which this light issues. A creature of such stature and beauty
you weep with emotion. "IN THE NAME OF THOR!",
the creature commands, laying a huge hammer upon Horst's
head. A wave of heat floods through and around you as a force
much like the impact of a wall falling on you. As you regain your
senses the golden light has gone, replaced once again by the snow
storm. You notice the storm has lost it's intensity and is no
longer so cold.
The snow briefly hides Horsts
now hunched figure from you and when it clears again you can see
the him slowly walking back towards the group. As he nears you
can see tears rolling down his cheeks and when he notices the
attention he is drawing he hurriedly wipes them away. The tears
of joy are now replaced by an almost idiotic grin as he scans
the party in front of him..."Wow, I guess we must be doing
something right." After a few moments Horst manages to get
a grip on himself, "Once the storm blows clear we should
continue as quickly as we can. For now though I suggest we retreat
to our shelter before the cold starts to bite again. I will also
see what can be done about warming people up."
Marta looks
on in amazement as the brilliant light blinds her. Through chattering
teeth she looks upward, "Thank you Thor! Er, you too Horst."
Siobhan
waits until the storm subsides and further progress is possible.
The storm abates dramatically and that
evening the moon breaks through the clouds.
The morning brings a stiff breeze accompanied
by blue skies and welcome sun.
2/9/998rw
Midmorning, the group has reverted
to walking to rest the horses, as you crest yet another ridge,
a peak can be seen in the far distance configured in such a way
as to resemble a grotesque face with a horn jutting out of it's
temple. As you draw closer you notice the mouth appears to be
gushing water that falls quite a distance into a small lake far
below.
"Well, the mountain ain't gonna come to us,"
Siobhan
says. The blonde warrior forges ahead to get a closer look.
Continuing down the ridge, Talanos
says, "I believe that we would be better off looking near
the lake for any sign of habitation. Makes sense, since in the
summer anyone living nearby would want to be as close to water
as possible. Makes the arduous task of carrying water that much
easier. Unless the old hag in the vision was dwelling inside the
mountain."
A deep gorge approximately a hundred
feet across cuts a deep path through the hills from the runoff
of the lake. As you approach from the north your progress is
halted by this gorge. As you look towards the lake and the horned
mountain you see that the whole lake with exception of a flat
area near the west portion at the beginning of the gorge has steep
slopes, almost vertical in some places descending into the lake.
A multihued rainbow is created by the waterfall spewing from
the mouth of the mountainside. The water cascades for hundreds
of feet before splashing onto the lake surface. As you look to
the west following the path of the river you see it is uncrossable
for as far as you can see. The map indicates that the location
of the witch's abode is inside the mouth from which the waterfall
disgorges it's contents into the lake.
Marta looks
at the waterfall and the rainbow in awe, having never seen such
a sight before. "Wow", she exclaims in barely a whisper,
her eyes wide in amazement. When the fascination fades, "Anybody
have any ideas on how to get into the mouth?"
"Let's figure out a way to get to that waterfall,"
Siobhan
says.
Lester
took in the awe inspiring scene laid out before him. The rainbow
Looking at the mountain, Talanos
shakes his head. In response to Lesters
Marta surveys
the land around her. Teasingly, "Ya mean you don't want
Pointing down to the flat area at the lakes shore,
Talanos
says, "Perhaps we should
As the party nears the lake you see
it is very clear and swarming with fish. Sediment has allowed
this end of the lake to develop a beach of sorts. (west side)
It appears to be about half a mile to the shear cliff and the
waterfall. No boats or any sign of human activity is present.
The gorge where the lake overflows into the stream begins much
like a waterfall itself. First dropping off about 50 feet. The
width of the gorge is only about 20 feet at this location.
"Let's move up to the base of the waterfall
itself", Siobhan
says, urging
Horst
gazes at the lake before him "Indeed, lets us investigate
the area
> As described earlier, but not
very clearly, obviously, the edges of the lake
As you test the water you find it cool,
and surprised that no ice has formed on the waterfall.
Horst
takes a closer look at the water..."mmmmm..." he says
taking a piece
Marta scans
the surrounding area. "Anyone have any idea what we're
The water tastes wonderful. No odd
flavors or odors.
"Well, here goes," Siobhan
says. She walks along the edge of the
If not already noticed, the male party
members have to work very hard not to tremble in their boots as
the nude figure of Siobhan
enters the water. As you
watch her swim easily to the waterfall nothing out of the ordinary
happens.
You [Siobhan]]]]
have no problem swimming to the waterfall vicinity. As you progress
across the lake you find the life under the water fascinating
as you can see clear to the bottom which you might guess as a
hundred feet in places. Once you reach the waterfall what would
you like to do?
Gillian stares
at the beautiful figure of Siobhan as she enters the water, "Now
that is art in nature."
Siobhan
gives a wave to the group to signify that she is OK. She enjoys
the
You find the falling water quite defused
and are able to swim through it easily. Once past the mist and
spray your feet touch stone and you can climb up to a small landing.
Light here is defused and reflected off the surface of lake and
falling water. As you creep up the landing you find a passage
that leads upwards.
Marta stares
after Siobhan, her cheeks bright red in embarassment at
Before landing, Siobhan
will retrieve her float, shielding her clothing
Siobhan
passes from view as she swims
through the falls.
You find the falling water quite defused
and are able to swim through it
Talanos
watches as the beautiful woman disrobes and then starts to swim
across the
Cronar
watches as Talanos dives into the water and throws his hands into
the air, "I don't swim very well." Looking to the others,
"I am going to climb over to the north side and jump in there
since the swim will be shorter. Anyone want to join me?"
Gillian looks
slightly aghast at either prospect, "I'll just mind the horses."
Marta's
head pops up as people are disrobing left
and right and entering
Cronar
smiles at Marta, "Then we'll make the journey together."
"I too am not too excited about the prospect
of swimming. I will try my luck
Siobhan
will ascend the path slowly but surely, eyes and ears alert...
Siobhan
will inspect the chalice more closely for any inscriptions or
other
The water Siobhan
sips smells normal and tastes
peculiar giving her a tingling sensation that
may unnerve her somewhat. Ascending
the steps you nearing kill yourself as when you reach the ceiling
area tripping on a slightly larger grove of stone that you didn't
see in the gathering gloom. You do bang up your leg a bit. Looking
farther ahead up the stair you can't see anything as it is in
complete darkness.
As Siobhan
swims through the falls she
spies a swimmer coming towards her. She also sees that many of
the party have moved away from the horses and are moving towards
this side of the lake on the northern shore where the hills meet
the shear cliff face of Horned Mountain. In a moment she realizes
it is Talanos who makes strides through the water in her direction.
Stymied by simple darkness, Siobhan
returns to the bottom of the stairs,
Horst
looks at the lake and decides to follow Lester along the ledge.
He
Cronar
spots Siobhan as she swims into view. "It appears
our friend is all right. It looks like we'll reach the wall in
a short time."
Horst
moves carefully around the lake edge towards the waterfall. Moving
As Horst realizes that the water is
too deep to swim the others watch as Siobhan and Talanos swim
together.
Climbing up on the ledge, Talanos
waves to Siobhan and points at the cliff-face. He
Siobhan
swims back to the shore, and dresses herself. She points up the
passageway.
Siobhan and Talanos swim out of your
view beyond the falls.
The group consisting of Marta, Cronar,
Lester and Horst examine the deep water from the edge of a very
steep bank. "How do you propose we get to the falls",
ask the humbled Cronar.
Siobhan
looks at Talanos. "Looks like the others got delayed. Do
you have
"Well I still am not very keen on the idea of
swimming" said Lester
with a
Cronar looks over at the nearby trees,
"If we build it out of those trees it will take awhile."
He confers with Marta, "All right, let's get started",
as he lumbers up the hill to a nearby stand of trees and starts
cutting one down.
Lester
looks at Marta, "Doesn't waste time once he's got an idea
in his head
"I have 50' of rope, that should
be enough", as he cleaves the first tree on three swings
of his massive two-handed sword. "Clear, everyone!"
(Ka-Whoosh)
"Alrighty then, I'll get to work on tying these
together" Lester
retrieves
Marta watches
Cronar as he begins to cleave the trees. She stands in
Still keeping an eye open up into the passageway,
Talanos
replies by shaking his
Siobhan
says, "Sounds like a plan to me." The warrior retrieves
her clothes, and the
Horst
has decided to follow Cronar and Lesters lead and build a raft.
His equipment will be placed on the raft in his backpack
where it should be
relatively safe/dry.
Talanos
gets his flint and steel out while Siobhan goes about making a
torch. While
Talanos
gives a mild curse when he realizes that both he and Siobahn have
no oil to
Leaning close to speak to Siobahn, Talanos
whispers, "Do you think that this might
Ascending the steps you nearing kill
yourself as when you reach the ceiling area tripping on a slightly
larger groove of stone that you didn't see in the gathering gloom.
You do bang up your leg a bit. Looking farther ahead up the stair
you can't see anything as it is in complete darkness.
Siobhan
goes into the fountain room. "Told you we needed a light
source,"
Looking into the darkness, Talanos
sighs and whispers, "Guess we'll have to go back
Talanos
and Siobhan- You notice nothing unusual except for its
large size and being made of some queer metal you are unfamiliar
with.
Talanos
looks at Siobhan and gives a small shrug as he picks up the chalice.
The water Talanos sips smells
normal and tastes peculiar giving him a tingling sensation that
may unnerve him somewhat.
As Talanos drinks the water, Siobhan
says in a slightly sultry voice, "Ooooh, look how hairy
you're getting now." She giggles if Talanos looks. "Naw,
actually you look fine to me. No horns grow-" Siobhan falls
silent as she hears the voice. "Shh-you hear that?"
she asks softly. After listening for a time [DM: does she hear
any more details? Do the voices sound male? Female? Human?], she
whispers, "I think we'd best return to the waterfall..."
Siobhan/WorldWeaver
When Siobahn says that Talanos
is getting hairy, he looks down with a look of horror
Cronar, Lester, Marta and Horst load
their armor, weapons and whatnot on the raft and are starting
to push off from the shore when you here a commotion from behind
you. Looking back up the hill you see several dozen ugly bi-pedal
creatures with long pink snouts and brown colored skin. Several
are rushing you with spears ready to launch. They are about 200
feet from you.
Talanos and Siobhan- After waiting
about 20 minutes or so and as you lounge around the area of the
falls you hear in the faint distance the sound of many, many strange
voices shouting angrily in a strange language.
Cronar kicks his feet and water sprays
every which way, "Hurry, we need get away from those spears."
As you kick your feet and make for
the falls you look over your shoulder to see four humans appear
out of nowhere on the hill you just left. A woman with black hair
pulls a sword and dagger and rush the mob, "C'mon boys time
for some fun", she yells to her companions. With the woman
you see three other males, one dressed in the finery of nobility,
one has his head shaved.
Horst
The company of pink snouts rush at
the woman and the first within range are swept aside like ants.
Blood, weapons and appendages fly in all directions. Several
pink snouts rush past this grisly scene towards the others. One
fighter launches several arrows felling one and damaging several
others. Two pink snouts attack another fighter simultaneously
and regret the decision as one is felled on a single punch and
the other beaten to within an inch of it's life. After several
more seconds pass a light and sound flare up from the vicinity
of the woman and a dozen more snout noses burst into flames and
run screaming in all directions. This last event breaks the heart
of the snout nose attack and they retreat quickly away leaving
their fallen comrades behind.
As you get to the landing under the
falls you hear the sounds of multiple screams, an unearthly wail
and the sounds of battle dies down.
Upon hearing the sounds, Siobhan
swims out beyond the falls in the usual way
You see a bunch of dead bodies lying
around and three people talking within the midst of it.
Horst
looks across the raft to Lester and Cronar.. "Well guys do
we return
Talanos
remains where he is, covering whoever he is able to see with his
long bow.
"Who are all of you?" Kahn
asks, "and what do you know of my
brother?"
Glant
merely waits to see if anyone responds to Kahn's query.
Lester
looked on in amazement as the newcomers made short work of the
several
With the sounds of battle dying off, Talanos
relaxes a little and turns his attention
As Cronar, Horst, Marta and Lester
draw their raft to shore and gain solid ground, "Yes, Lester
has a good point, who are you and how do you know about us",
says Cronar. Shar laughs gaily, "I brought them here you
fools!" She indicates the two men beside her, "They
are unwitting pawns in the games played by the Gods! Fear not,
they are here to help. As you may not have heard, they both have
agreed to join you on your little quest. I see you have one still
in the water", says Shar who points to Siobhan bobbing in
the lake near the falls. As Cronar approaches, Shar backs off,
"I must be going now, much to do [for those of you who have
not heard, Shar is sporting a demon like creature upon her shoulder]
so best of luck to you." And in the blink of an eye she disappears
with nothing left except the stiffening bodies of the Orc dead.
Cronar blinks, "Where in the name
of Odin did she go?" He looks at the two new strangers, "you
two look just about as lost as fish out of water". He turns
and points up to the water where it tumbles from the side of Horned
Mountain almost 200 feet above you. "That is our destination
and a Witch is there guarding the Ravens of Odin!". "Let's
do this thing and talk later, I feel to exposed on this hill."
Lumbering his huge frame back down the steep slope and entering
the water next to the raft. Looking back he sees the two newcomers
still standing where he left them, "Well, are you with us?"
Glant,
upon seeing that he has pretty much been accepted into the group,
Kahn steps
forward and speaks to the group before him, "I am not Kahn.
Marta watches
Cronar take command as the newcomers stand their ground
nestled in the snow he notices it's gold tint. Looking quickly
around no one
appears to be looking at him.
to be touched directly to harm someone.
Equally it may be a potent 'contact' poison. Lester can tell us
where he
got it as and when he come round."
Horst then move to take a closer look at Lester....
over to see if there is anything at all that he can do for him,
calling to Horst, Cronar,
and Marta as he goes. When he reaches Lesters side, he stands
back and allows
someone else with more healing ability to look over the gnome.
When there is a
break in the examination he asks, "Is there anything that
you require? Should we
move him closer to the fire or build one closer to him?"
back, she lets someone with more knowledge look him over.
to remove something from an oven, pick the coin up without actually
touching
it. She will hold it in front of her atop the cloth so the whole
party can see
it. "Methinks this is cursed," the warrior says, "and
our friend Lester here
filched it and got more than he bargained for. I warned everyone
that no good
can possibly come of messing around with that temple! Now what
shall we do?"
people injured. Can I suggest that we leave the coin exactly where
it is for the moment."
examines it a bit closer. Shaking his head, he rises and says,
"I believe that the coin
has a way of telling people not to touch it! Can anyone help Lester
and Siobhan?"
While they are being looked after, he says, "I was watching
while Lester was
investigating the door at the temple. As far as I could tell,
he wasn't able to get inside
at all. I've no idea where he got that coin, but I'm pretty sure
it came from somewhere
other than the temple."
thing," Siobhan
says, nursing her swollen hand. "I say we gather up Lester
here
and put some distance between us and...whatever this thing is."
With that,
Siobhan picks up one foot of Lester (with her good hand), and
says, "If I could
have some assistance here, we can carry Lester a couple hundred
paces or so down
the trail, and then set up camp. With two of us stricken methinks
we have
traveled as far as we will for this day."
fallen Lester...but not before Siobhan has been likewise stricken.
Cronar
stares at the coin without touching it, then looks at Siobhan's
hand,
comparing the mark with Lester's. "I know not what caused
such affliction,
but it would be wise not to touch this accursed coin." Cronar
gives it wide
birth and lays hands on Lester. Closing his eyes tightly, he mutters
a
prayer to Tyr.
Watching Cronar for a moment. He then
nods in agreement and also bend his
head in prayer his hand held
just over Lester. Rising to his feet Horst offers his assistance
in carrying Lester to the
proposed camp, "Do you need me to look
at that?" he says indicating Siobhan's injured hand....
hand through her hair, she holds a laugh back. "It certainly
did bite
you Lester!", she exclaims with laughter in her eyes. "Are
you feeling
better now?"
weak...definitely not 100%." he sighs tragically, "I'm
not even hungry!"
He then looks to Talanos, "No I do not recall any markings
at all on the coin.
I hope that I will be able to cook but I still do not feel very
well"
looks to see if there are any markings at all on it. When he finishes
inspecting it, he
returns to the party. Happy to see that Lester is all right,
he sets about building fire to ward off the chill of the coming
night. "Ahhh, Lester. You should be more careful about what
you pick up. But tell me, I examined on side of the coin. Can
you describe what you saw
before it bit you? And, do you think that you are well enough
to cook the evening
meal tonight? I would sorely miss your road cooking!"
south or head inward towards the range?" Cronar
looks about at everyone. "We have had the calm before the
storm in more ways than one, I suspect. As we get closer to our
objective, I expect the going to become more difficult. Eventually,
we will likely have to
abandon our mounts. We all must be prepared for any eventuality.
I can say
with all certainty that these three days have shown us all fit
for the task
and I am proud of our association. Know this, that as we progress,
the Gods
are with us and we shall not fail. There is too much at stake.
We shall
prevail over any obstacle that befalls us. We must all have faith
in each
other, and more importantly...in ourselves." Cronar dismounts,
looking at the weather approaching. He checks the condition of
his horse, then reaches into his saddlebag for some leftover meat
and chews thoughtfully...
I... can't abandon Highsong! Is it so easy for you to just abandon
a
creature that depends on you so? Highsong has been with me for
many
years. It would be a great loss to me and bring me much sorrow.
Would
there be a way to leave them that we'd be able to retrieve them
on our
return journey?" By the time she is finished speaking, tears
are
brimming in her eyes as she rubs Highsong absently.
we would be better off traveling in the foothills. They should
offer some protection
from detection by anyone meaning us harm. Plus, while the snow
might be deeper,
they should also protect us from the worst of the wind, so we
won't have to deal with
very big drifts." While stroking the neck of his white mare,
he looks at Marta, and says, "I know you don't wish to leave
the horses. I am somewhat attached to P'hulic as well. If we have
to do it, we must. But, I would make it a point to return to claim
her, and your
Highsong as well, if need be."
her cheek. Quickly turning away from scrutiny, she wipes her eyes
dry
before the tears freeze her. Stroking Highsong softly, she whispers
in
his ear and he whinnies in response.
was not my intent to cause you discomfort, but this mission may
call upon
each of us to sacrifice that which is most precious. I just want
you all to be prepared for that eventuality. It would be most
difficult for me to find another mount capable of supporting my
weight so I do not look upon that lightly either. He has been
a good companion. We shall make every provision to ensure the
safety of the horses, should abandonment be
necessary and we shall make every attempt to rejoin with them.
You have my word on these things." Cronar places a caring
hand on the horses muzzle and strokes it gently. Smiling at Marta,
he turns back to his own horse. Mounting as gracefully as one
of his size and inexperience can, he turns the horse toward the
foothills. "Lead on, Talanos, and may the Gods watch over
us as we journey forth." "I'm all in favor of us getting
underway as quickly as possible," the warrior Siobhan says.
"If it means leaving our horses behind, well, I'll miss it,
but so be it. We will no doubt face much greater privations ahead."
Looking at Cronar and Talanos, "I
thinks we should continue around to the
south before we head in towards the range. It will help us considerably
to know which direction we should be going in. " Horst glances
across towards Marta, "It will also allow us to keep the
mounts with us, at least for a little longer, and they will allow
us to travel faster too. We may yet see somewhere that we can
safely leave them until we are able to return."
Sure, the snow might be deep, but it will be more uniform in depth,
as the wind is cut
by the topography. Keeping to the lowlands means that we will
have to push our way
through drifts taller than our mounts heads. But, all that aside,
I feel that we would
move a lot slower with a brace of arrows in our gizzards. We should
use stealth
whenever possible, breaking cover only when the time is right.
Sure, we probably
aren't close enough to warrant this much caution right now, but
I would rather be
accused of being overly cautious than of being overly bold. But,
if the entire party
decides to take the wide open route, then that's the way I'll
lead." He then turns P'hulic toward the foothills and awaits
the decision of the party. As he sits astride his horse, he thoughtfully
strokes the horses neck and withers as he softly speaks to the
horse in soothing tones.
Another beautiful day.
Still no sign of a horned shaped headed mountain. In the morning
you cross the path of three Black Bears. They don't seem interested
in you. The snow melt is heavy and you cross many full creeks.
A warm breeze allows you
to forgo a heavy cloak. Traveling becomes easier.
You new it was to good to
last a terrible storm brings cold and heavy snow. You are grounded
for the making do with a semi cave about ten feet deep.
2/2/998rw
2/8/998rw
brought to mind the wondrous visitation that had come to them
when he felt
that he was on the verge of freezing to death.
"Well, I think that I might be able to scale these walls
they are no steeper
or more intimidating than the mountains I played in as wee'un
but that would
not help the rest of you. It seems that the most plausible course
is on that
flat area in the West. That is bound to be guarded by this witches'
minions
however, so it might be best if we make our way over there now
but wait until
nightfall before attempting to enter the river valley."
suggestion he says, "I hope that way works, because, if it
doesn't, we'll have to go
around to the far side of the mountain to see if there is another
way up that way. And
I agree with you. We should wait till dark before moving any closer."
to scale those hills? Where's your sense of adventure guys? Oh
alright
then, what are we going to do to kill some time before nightfall?"
Looking longingly at the lake, "Boy if there were anyway
to warm up
afterwards, I'd love a swim. Don't look at me like that! A swim
in
weather like this can be quite refreshing! Swimming is one of
my
favorite things in life. When I was little, Alexa and I would
get into
lots of trouble swimming in the middle of a snowstorm. We'd come
back,
our teeth chattering away, and warm up in front of a nice fire
with some
hot soup and a warm blankie." Realizing she's babbling, she
stops
suddenly and looks at Cronar, checking his response to her once
again
frivolous notions.
make for that area and see if there might be a boat of some sort
hidden away there.
That might make our task of getting up to the mouth of the waterfall
much easier, if
there is a climable path closer to the waterfall."
her horse onwards.
around the gorge and the waterfall in some detail. There may be
a hidden
entrance almost anywhere around here...." he then follows
Siobhan around
the edge of the lake looking the entire time for anything that
might signal
a possible entrance to the Hags Lair....
> have extremely steep banks except in the location you are
in. It will be
> impossible to take a mount. On foot is possible with real
good climbing
> rolls. You will have to scale a sheer wall to actually get
to the waterfall
> without being in the water. Ur-Lord
"Didn't someone here say something about
having magic that would enable one
to withstand extreme cold," Siobhan
asks the group. "If anyone does have such
magic, cast it on me and I shall swim the distance to the waterfall
itself, and
take a closer look. I can snag a piece of driftwood here to help
me float,
since it is a fair distance. Whoever lives there is apt to see
a nearly-unarmed
female as far less of a threat than a party of adventurers..."
of nearby litter and tossing it gently into the water, "The
water could be
stopped from freezing by a number of factors: fast flowing water,
a heat
source such as a hot spring or volcano, or even a magical source."
He then
bends over to taste the water.....
[OOC: Looking for fast flowing water, or sulphurous taste to the
water.]
going to do with our mounts?" Dismounting Highsong, she walks
to the
edge of the lake and watches the plethora of fish in fascination
as
Siobhan prepares to go for a swim.
lake, inviting the others to go with her. When she has gone about
as
far as she can easily go around the edge of the lake towards the
waterfall, she then finds a large piece of driftwood--one that
is shaped
so it will float quite stable in the water. Placing the driftwood
in
the lake, she says, "I figure there can't be anything too
nasty in
there, else these fish wouldn't be swimming so peaceably or in
such
large numbers. As far as the water not being chilly, and no ice
on the
waterfall--well, I've heard that there are places where warm or
even
steaming water flows up from the fiery depths of the earth itself.
Perhaps this is one such place. In any event, there is no point
in
anyone risking injury and death climbing."
[Assuming no one says anything to dissuade her] Siobhan steps
a
little away from the party towards the water's edge and proceeds
to
unburden herself of her backpack, and then to disrobe. She piles
her
clothing, and her sword, onto the floating log. She enters the
water,
and proceeds to swim towards the waterfall, using the driftwood
as a
flotation device, looking around her at the scenery as it passes
by...
view, and will scrutinize the bottom of the lake for anything
unusual or
interesting. She will leave the float safely behind and approach
the waterfall,
attempting to see behind it. If she can do so safely (in other
words, if the
waterfall isn't a raging torrent that would swiftly propel her
hopelessly
underwater if she tried to cross it), she will swim under the
waterfall to get
to what is behind it (if anything).
Siobhan's brazenness. As the men stare at the beautiful woman,
Marta
glances up at Cronar to check his reaction. Quickly afterwards,
she
begins absently rummaging through her pack, trying to ignore everyone's
reactions.
from the water with her body. She will then pull up onto the beach,
and dress
herself with her dry ;) clothes. She takes her sword and sticks
it into the
ground, to signify her peaceful intentions to whoever (if anyone)
is behind
the falls. She then proceeds towards the path... [I take it what
happens at
this point is contingent on those die rolls, which I shall be
sending you
presently...]
easily. Once past the mist and spray your feet touch stone and
you can
climb up to a small landing. Light here is defused and reflected
off the
surface of lake and falling water. As you creep up the landing
you find a
passage that leads upwards.
lake. When mists from the waterfall swallow her up, he moves away
from the others
and turns his back. Taking a quick look at the others, he quickly
disrobes and finds
a suitable piece of driftwood, places all of his gear on it, and
follows the woman
across the lake and into the waterfall.
the lake. A playful look crosses her face when Cronar speaks.
"I'll go
with ya Cronar. Come on, we don't want the others to get too far
ahead
of us." Marta begins making her way towards the north side.
climbing along the edge as well." says Lester
as he makes his way to the
walls and begins to scale them.
As you proceed through the opening
you come into a large room about 30' x 30' the weak light coming
from the passage you entered is all you have to see by. In the
middle of the room you can make out a small pool with a column
stalagmite in it's center extending upwards to the ceiling some
20' over your head. Water appears to be running down this column
feeding the pool. At the base you also see a large metal chalice
setting at the edge of the pool. On the far wall you see steps
cut into the wall that lead up through a hole in the ceiling.
peculiarities. Finally, her curiosity getting the best of her,
the adventurous
blonde will dip the chalice into the pool, smelling the water.
Thirsty from the
journey, she will take a small sip. Then, she will set it down
where it was,
and go to where the steps are cut into the wall. Whistling a pleasant
tune, she
will go up the steps and see what lies beyond the hole in the
ceiling...
[By the way, Siobhan did dress herself at the landing, though
she left her sword
behind, figuring that it would not help her with whatever lies
within here
anyway...]
mindful of that stone. She will look around the room for a few
minutes, looking
for footprints, other artifacts, anything that might give more
information.
Then, realizing that she has probably strayed farther from the
party than is
wise anyway, she will disrobe and swim out beyond the waterfall.
When she
catches someone's eye, she will wave to the rest of the party
to join her...
does however strip down to what he would consider the essentials
(OOC: He
removes the heavy chain mail armour and anything else that might
be awkward
to carry and places it in his backpack). He then sets off after
the
others....
into the water at the last moment he wades towards Siobhan while
keeping
his equipment well away from the water.
then tries to signal to the others as well. Once he is clear of
the water, he sets his
weapons away from the water, then unsheathes his sword and leans
it against a
rock. He then sluices the water from his body and quickly redresses,
keeping an eye
open on the passage leading up from the ledge. He then moves to
take a position
which will allow Siobhan to get on the ledge and then get dressed,
if she decides
to come ashore.
"Nothing alive up there as far as I looked. A fountain and
stalagtite in a chamber, and an
upward-leading staircase. It was dark up there, so I turned back.
The first thing we'll
need is a light source."
a light source? We'll need it up there."
frown as he gazed at the water, "Perhaps we can build a raft
of some sort."
does he?" As he follows Cronar he asks, "I have some
rope but I would rather
not cut it to pieces to bind this raft together. Does anybody
else have any?"
Cronar's Rope and drags Cronar's Logs to the waterfront where
he then begins
to lash them together.
awe at the sheer power he possesses. As the trees fall, she helps
Lester drag them to the water and bind them together.
head. Whispering, he suggests, "Maybe one of the others will
have a torch or
something that can be made into a torch. How about the driftwood
we used to get
here? Take a strip of cloth and wrap it around one end of it and
then soak it with oil.
That should make a serviceable torch."
float. She fashions a couple of makeshift torches from strips
of cloth. "Now we are
set..."
she is busy wrapping the piece of driftwood, he will stay on guard,
watching up the
passageway with an arrow nocked and ready should anything aggressive
show up.
When the torch is ready, he whispers, "Do you happen to have
a bit of oil to splash
on the cloth? That should keep it going well. And keep a few more
strips of oil-soaked cloth ready to wrap around the torch when
the cloth on there finally burns away."
Once everything is ready to go, he will try to light the torch.
But it doesn't work without oil.
make the torches with. Rising from where he is squatting, he moves
a short distance
into the tunnel, whispering as he does, "If this is one of
just a few ways into this
witches hide-out, then perhaps she has a bundle of torches or
even a lantern hidden
around here." He'll then move up the passageway, but does
not go so far as to get
into complete darkness. He continues to keep an eye open up the
tunnel as he
looks.
be the liquid that Jourgen spoke of to us? How did the riddle
or poem go? "A flagon
full is needed", and then something about a stone of light
or something. We'll have to
ask Marta, since she wrote it down. But, that's for later. If
you'll cover me with your
bow, I'll climb the steps and see if there is anything of note
through the hole in the
ceiling."
the blonde warrior said. "I wonder about the fountain, too."
and hope that one of the others has either a lantern or oil for
a torch. Or even a spell
would work." Glancing at Siobahn, he gestures toward the
tunnel they entered the
room from and starts toward it. He goes around the pool before
exiting the room and
stops near the chalice and gives it a look. Hunkering down next
to it, he examines it
closely, trying to make out any designs or patterns upon its surface.
Turning it over in his hands, he looks as though he is wrestling
with some choice in
his mind. Finally, with a thin-lipped smile, he dunks the chalice
into the water and
fills it. Lifting it up, he whispers, "Siobhan, I've got
a hunch about this water and
chalice. I only hope that the hunch is right." He then brings
the chalice to his lips
and drinks deeply. Once he is finished, he lowers the container
and looks at the
human, trying to determine what, if any, affects are caused by
drinking the water from
the chalice.
on his face. Seeing that she was just joking, he smiles broadly.
Then, when the
voices start, he shuts his mouth and listens intently [DM: Can
we tell if the voices
are coming from the hole in the ceiling? Somewhere else?]
When Siobahn suggests going back to the falls, he holds up his
hand and whispers,
"If I remember right, the poem Jourgen told Marta said something
about three flagons
full. Let me finish this and then I'll gladly go with you."
So saying, he dunks the
chalice in again and drinks two more chalices-full of the water.
"Indeed lets us keep paddling. We
are a touch vulnerable out here."
Horst glances back over his shoulder on a regular basis just in
case one of
the creatures lets fly with a spear. Should the humans find themselves
under pressure from the orcs (?) then he will leave the others
to their paddling and return to the shore with his
Mace and attempt to assist where he can....
to see what the ruckus is. She has her sword on the floating piece
of wood.
Note that she will just look for now.
to our rescuers?? or do we proceed onwards.
I thinks we should at least offer our thanks, whatever we do."
He watches Siobhan and tries to gauge her demeanor trying to figure
out if his help
is needed onshore. If it is, he will once again strip and swim
out, placing both of his short swords on the piece of driftwood
and leaving his long bow on the landing.
He then specifically asks those in the water. "What quest
is this that
you partake?"
dozen creatures that had emerged from the forest. "Come let's
return to
shore and greet these folk." As they pull the raft back to
shore it takes him a moment to respond the their questions. Blinking
at the woman and then at her companion he answers, "Who
are we? I might ask the same question of you. What brought you
to this
fortuitous meeting? As to your brother, I know nothing for how
can I know of
your brother if I do not even know you nor your name?"
He then looks back to the woman and asks suspiciously, "And
how is you know we
are on a quest? And why do you make it your concern?" A wide
smile crosses
his face as he continues, "Take no offense but I find it
passing strange that
you have appeared so suddenly and at such an opportune moment
and then seem to
know much of us although I have fairly certain I have never laid
eyes on you."
back toward the tunnel leading inwards, trusting in Siobhan to
alert him of any
danger from that direction.
responds to Cronar "yeah i guess i am with you, let us teach
this witch
a lesson". Glant then begins to folow the Cronar and the
rest of the
group.
Kahn is the name the hooded man gave me when introduced to the
Baron.
My name is Yahn Shawman. What quest is it that you partake?"
firmly. "Yahn, Glant, are you going to help us rescue the
eyes of Odin
or stand there staring at us? I'm Marta, please join us on the
raft so
we may catch up with our companions!"