Part 6: Freedom!

[danhem]

Auriga returns in a few hours. He appears quite happy with himself.

"The alliance has now been formed. Kanadius and Pandora have agreed to join with us to push into the lower levels of this pyramid and destroy Zargon. In return for these oaths I have given them the artifacts of Alexander and Zenobia."

"Now we have much planning to do. The road ahead will not be an easy one. What we need first are numbers. We have been greatly reduced by this civil war so we must first free as many of our people as we can before we begin to push into the tunnels beneath the pyramid."

"This will be our first objective. Both Kanadius and Pandora have offered to provide a few warriors to help your group and I can give you wizards as well if you desire. Kanadius and Pandora will be personally leading their own companies of warriors into the lowest tier supported by a few of my wizards. With three groups moving in different directions at the same time we should be able to sweep up most of our people and secure a foothold before Zargon's forces can launch an effective counterattack."

"There is a hidden staircase on this tier that leads to the first tier of the pyramid. None of our factions have not been able to hold this entrance against the forces of Zargon. Pandora and Kanadius have vowed to secure this staircase together. Once this is done we will be ready to proceed."

"Take time to rest and regain your strength. You will be provided with healing honey so that your wounds may heal faster. You may also make use of the weapons, armor, and supplies housed in the Gormites storeroom."

OOC: All lost STR, CON, and WIZ are recovered.

As I said previously, each character may take a single retainer: a warrior of Gorm, a warrior of Madarua, or a wizard of Usamigaras. That will give you five additional bodies (assuming Ozmenton decides to stay ).

The storeroom holds the following types of equipment:

Armor
Leather
Scale
Mail
Target shield
Buckler

Weapons
Broadsword
Short sword
Dirk
Poniard
Broad axe
Common spear
Quarter staff
Light crossbow
Crossbow
Quarrels

Supplies
Provisions
Hemp rope
Lantern
Oil skins
Torches
Boots
Sandals
Pitons
Piton hammer

[kwll]

OOC: does the STR recovery even apply to what was lost while fighting these draining monsters below?

[danhem]

OOC: Yes, ALL of you attributes are restored. You are able to rest for several days. That, along with the magic of Auriga and his apprentices, fully restore each of your characters.

Does anyone have any immediate questions of Auriga from my last post or shall I just move things along?

Also, take what equipment you want and let me know if your characters are taking any henchmen and, if so, what kind (Gorm, Madarua, or Usamigaras).

Finally, please update your character sheets in the PC Roster thread. I have my own up to date versions (at least I think they are), so if anyone is unsure of what their characters have just let me know.

[apn]

Elethiran Lvl 2 Warrior-Wizard 2004 AP
ST 13 IQ 18 LK 18 CON 8 DX 18 CHR 32 WIZ 12
PA +13/+16

Weapons: Poniard (2D) x 2, Short sword (3D), Light crossbow (4D)
Armor: Leather (7 hits), buckler (4 hits)
Equipment: Clothing and pack, calf high boots, 1 days provisions, waterskin, 2 torches, 14 quarrels
Magic: 1st level spells, Silver hair pin

Clud
Lvl 2 Warrior (Werebear) 1788 AP
ST 11/39 IQ 14 LK 15 CON 10/35 DX 3/3 CHR 13 WIZ 11
PA -2/+25

Weapons: Club (3D), Bank (2D+3)
Armor: Tower shield (12 hits), Leather apron (2 hits), Leather gloves (2 hits)
Equipment: Clothing and pack, sandals, lantern, 1 oil skin, 2 torches, 50' silk rope

=========

Rested, Clud sits looking at his hands, wondering if he will ever be truly able to be a 'real' man, instead of a man with partially transformed bear paws.

With a sigh he arranges his gear, straps loose so as to shrug off, pants barely on so as to be ready to shrug out of. He'd long since given up any attempt at modesty thanks to his affliction, and gazed wistfully at Elethiran, who was cleaned, with new armour, her hair done up as best she could and looking radiant as always. Clud didn't mind whatever state she was in, but the Elf barely knew him as a man.

He wondered one day if he might be better off as a bear then wandering off into the woods to be with other bears.

Elethiran straightened up, looking every inch the warrior/wizard maiden she was. With her blond hair in a bunch she seemed to be more relaxed than at any time in this unfortunate adventure, but Clud knew the 'Princess' - if such she was - was far more used to a life of luxuty than grubbing around in the sand and dirt. She walked over to Clud. "Not changed yet, Cluddy? Hop to it!"

Clud looked at her for a lingering moment then sighed.

Shedding his clothes and equipment, he moved into a corner and began the change...

ACTIONS

Cludbear in 'bear' form, Elethiran will lug his stuff about that won't fit on his back. They'll get some leather ties from the crazy people to keep it all in place and tie it loosely in a bow so it falls free when required. Other than that, ready to go. Next post I'll stick to character details as per previous posts, in a bit of a rush (work calls!) at the moment so just copied/pasted the latest character writeup.

[kwll]

The spirit of Ozmenton raised drastically during the last few hours. Going from one place to another, he prepares his things, talks to one Gorm warrior after another, even exchanging a few jokes (but carefully avoiding the warrior maidens...). He succeeds in convincing Gurf, a solid if not very bright lad, to be his retainer for the campaign ahead.

He quickly picks a rope and some pitons, which he gives to Gurf, and an oil flask for his lantern. In the armory, he decides for a small buckler -- you are never too much protected, even with all the strong warriors around!

Finally he goes back to Auriga. "Master, do you have any idea of what danger lies ahead? What should we prepare for before going to these dangerous parts?"

OOC: are we allowed to bring honey pots with us? If yes, how much?

[Toad-Killer-Dog]

Verner
Lvl 2 Warrior
1995 AP

ST 14 IQ 12 LK 15 CON 12 DX 12 CHR 14 WIZ 14
PA +4

Weapons: Enchanted broadsword (5D+4), 2 Spears (3D+1) Dirk (2D+1)
Armor: Mail (22 hits), Knights shield (10 hits)
Equipment: Clothing and pack, calf high boots, 2 days provisions, small hammer, crowbar, large tongs

Genzo
Lvl 2 Warrior (Werewolf)
1824 AP

ST 8/24 IQ 12 LK 12 CON 16/48 DX 15/3 CHR 4/4 WIZ 5
PA +2/+15

Weapons: 2 Spears (3D+1), War bola (2D) 2 Dirks ( 2D+1 ) Short Sabre (3D+1)
Armor: Scale ( 16 hits ) Target Shield ( 8 hits )
Equipment: Robe and pack, boots, lantern, 2 oil skins, magnetic compass, 2 days provisions, lantern

Verner and Genzo raid the equipment stores and Genzo decides to forgo the joys of his wolf form in favor of better armor and weapons.

While Genzo is being fitted for his new coat of mail Verner will go and find a couple of sturdy warriors of Madarua who are willing to squire for the pair of warriors.

Once two promising candidates have been found Verner will make sure they are armed with spears and crossbows and armored as best they can be and equipped with target shields.

Also one of the squires will be outfitted with extra rations and 50' feet of rope and six torches, the other will carry four extra oil skins, a lantern and a spare crossbow and bolts for Verner.

Verner: "Is everyone set?" "Lets see if we can get some kind of map or at least an idea of what we have ahead of us"

"Did any of you mages manages to pick up some new spells for our arsenal?"

"Oh and can anyone find me some chalk, wire or string and a small mirror?"

Genzo: Goes over and gives Clud a friendly scratch
"Well old bear its good to see you up on your feet and fighting fit again"

"When we get out of this place I'll buy you a bucket of beer and all the crackling you can eat, I'm going to gorge on fish and seafood until they have to roll me to bed. The only sand I want to see after this will be on a beach!"

[danhem]

You busy yourselves with resting, preparing your equipment, and selecting retainers while Auriga makes plans with Pandora and Kanadius.

Falcnor and Balgar say their goodbyes and take their share of the treasure you've won. They are accompanied by two of the apprentice wizards who promise that they can guide them safely out of the desert.

As you gather more mundane equipment from the storeroom, one of the Warriors of Gorm delivers ten pots of healing honey for your use. The warrior explains that they have now used the entire supply of the honey and it will take some time for the bees to produce more.

Ozmenton's retainer, Gurf, moves into the mages barracks with you as do the two warrior maidens that Verner and Genzo selected, Nila and Faerwyll. You equip them as you see fit.

After four days Auriga comes to see you again.

"Pandora and Kanadius have been able to secure the stairs and the entry chamber to the main tier. It cost us some warriors, but we have driven back the hobgoblins. Now it is time for us to explore the tier and liberate our people."

"Kanadius and Pandora will each lead a team and you will be the third. Remember, we want you to find our people and bring them back to us. But many will not be in their right minds. Some may be friendly, others will ignore you, and a few will be hostile. Defend yourselves if you have to, but we need to free as many as we can."

"Unfortunately we do not have a map of the main tier, so you will need to help make one. We need to find the entrance to the lower levels."

"Do you have everything that you need? Kandius and Pandora are waiting."

OOC: Let's get those character sheet updated. Please record the equipment of your retainers there as well. I'll keep track of their attributes. Do Elethiran and Clud want henchmen?

[kwll]

OOC: who is carrying the honey pots?

[apn]

OOC Elethiran will take 4 pots. Suggest Ozmenton take a couple, then one each for Verner and Genzo (or both carried by Verner). Reasoning is that Elethiran will act as 'support' with spells, missile weapons and healing, as should Ozmenton. Verner to take a couple of pots in case he/they get separated for some reason.

[Toad-Killer-Dog]

OOC: An excellent suggestion.

[apn]

Name: Elethiran Shir'Taan (Female elf) Type: Warrior-Wizard Kin: Elf Level: 2 AP: 2004
ST 13 IQ 18 LK 18 CON 8 DX 18 CHR 32 WIZ 12 Personal Adds: +13 Missile Adds: +16
Weapons: Poniard (x5) (2D) (50wu total) Short Sword (3D) (30wu) light crossbow (4D) (120wu) + 14 Quarrels (14wu)
Armour: Scale (8 hits+1) (200wu) Buckler (3 hits+1) (75wu) (13 hits total)

Name: Clud Magaladannannon Type: Warrior Kin: Were-Bear Level: 1 AP: 1184(Were-Form)
ST 11(39) IQ 14 LK 15 CON 10(35) DX 3(3) CHR 13 WIZ 11 Personal Adds: -3 Were-form: +24 Missile Adds: missile? eh? with 3 dex?
Weapons: Club (3D) (50wu) Bank (dagger) (2D+3) (20wu) Armour: Werebear scale armour: 8 hits, 10 ST needed, 1500 wu (bear form)


OOC Thanks for your patience. It's been a brutal 2 weeks at work (60 hours/week) and the last in particular have proven about the toughest I've had yet in terms of being able to sit down in front of a computer and type.

With regards moving on, just waiting on stats for Clud/Elethirans meat shield/wizard and ready to go. If you like I'll post in character to get things moving.

=========

Elethiran turned about. "Well our party is smaller in some ways..." she said, referring to those who'd taken the opportunity to leave with life and limb intact and go out into the desert "... but we're less of a party now, and more of a mob." She shrugs. "Just so long as you folk know the pecking order. You may be experienced at killing each other off and surviving in your own little space, but we've hacked and slayed our way through through this madhouse and I would suggest you defer to us when any decisions need to be made. Not saying we're better... we're just more experienced at dodging certain and grisly deaths. I was thinking of asking for some red sashes for you new guys to wear, y'know, just to mark you out as newbies so as we're not confused when things get rough. It won't mean anything else - like you are certain to die or anything."

Cludbear raised a hairy eyebrow.

"What?" queried Elethiran. "Come on. It's time to boldy go where no man.... or Elf or bear for that matter, has gone before."

[danhem]

With regards moving on, just waiting on stats for Clud/Elethirans meat shield/wizard and ready to go. If you like I'll post in character to get things moving.

Apn, see the Henchmen post in the PC Roster thread for details on your two henchmen.

[danhem]

The time finally comes. Auriga tells you that Kanadius and Pandora are ready to begin the exploration of the lowest tier.

You and your henchmen are led through the rotating chamber and to the north. You turn west then south through one storeroom and into another where you see several Warriors of Gorm standing guard. There is an open trapdoor in the floor.

"Good luck to you," Auriga says simply. "May the gods be with you."

You descend a set of steep, spiraling stairs that lead down into more darkness. They come to an end in a large, 50'x40' chamber. Kanadius and Pandora are waiting for you there, each leading parties of eight warriors of their own sects along with two wizards. Both Kanadius and Pandora are armed and armored with the artifacts you took from the tombs of the king and queen.

The chamber is filled with shelves. Some are packed with ceramic jars and wooden barrels. Many are empty, their contents having been smashed to pieces.

Kanadius wastes no words on the meeting. Once your group has assembled, he turns and leads the way out of the chamber through it's single door in the southwestern corner. You go west down a short passage then quickly turn south until you arrive at another door. Opening this door reveals an intersection. Passages lead west, east, and south.

"Well, three passages and three groups," Kanadius says. Turning you he asks, "Which way do you want to go?"

[apn]

Name: Elethiran Shir'Taan (Female elf) Type: Warrior-Wizard Kin: Elf Level: 2 AP: 2004
ST 13 IQ 18 LK 18 CON 8 DX 18 CHR 32 WIZ 12 Personal Adds: +13 Missile Adds: +16
Weapons: Poniard (x5) (2D) (50wu total) Short Sword (3D) (30wu) light crossbow (4D) (120wu) + 14 Quarrels (14wu)
Armour: Scale (8 hits+1) (200wu) Buckler (3 hits+1) (75wu) (13 hits total)
4 pots of healing salve

Name: Clud Magaladannannon Type: Warrior Kin: Were-Bear Level: 1 AP: 1184(Were-Form)
ST 11(39) IQ 14 LK 15 CON 10(35) DX 3(3) CHR 13 WIZ 11 Personal Adds: -3 Were-form: +24 Missile Adds: missile? eh? with 3 dex?
Weapons: Club (3D) (50wu) Bank (dagger) (2D+3) (20wu) Armour: Werebear scale armour: 8 hits, 10 ST needed, 1500 wu (bear form)


"Our fate lies before us. Before I suggest a path I want to say this. Never before has such a group of stalwart challengers of death, the unknown and otherwise certain doom been gathered before, and perhaps never will be again. We few represent the finest of Men, Dwarf, Elf and Were. Whatever happens from here I just want to say it's been an honour and a privilege to stand beside you all and, on occasion, scratch my backside on walls." said Cludbear.

(Mind, you, it came out as "Grroooowargh" - Clud is a bear)

Elethiran raised an eyebrow at Clud, rolled her eyes and suggested "Let's go left." (west)

[Toad-Killer-Dog]

Verner
Lvl 2 Warrior / 1995 AP
ST 14 IQ 12 LK 15 CON 12 DX 12 CHR 14 WIZ 14 PA +4
Weapons: Enchanted broadsword (5D+4), 2 Spears (3D+1) Dirk (2D+1)
Armor: Mail (22 hits), Knights shield (10 hits)

Verner nods in agreement

Genzo
Lvl 2 Warrior (Werewolf) / 1824 AP
ST 8/24 IQ 12 LK 12 CON 16/48 DX 15/3 CHR 4/4 WIZ 5
PA +2/+15
Weapons: 2 Spears (3D+1), War bola (2D) 2 Dirks ( 2D+1 ) Short Sabre (3D+1)
Armor: Scale ( 16 hits ) Target Shield ( 8 hits )

Genzo smiles wolfishly.

"Of course, always choose left"