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Topic: Eye of the Beholder Campaign (Read 112 times) |
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Tarridus
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OOC: The thread is for the Eye of the Beholder Campaign players:
1. Salvatore the Barber
2. Jenny Appleby
3. Dariusaries
4. Vith Sanquillion
5. Deekin Scalesinger
A small XP reward will be given at the beginning of the next session for each meaningful post in this forum.
===============================================
A letter from Khelben Blackstaff...
Dear Lords,
You have asked for a progress report, and thus here is the situation as the best of my knowledge.
As you all know, two nights ago, A drow criminal was apprehended after spying upon the capital district. Lord Piergeiron has taken my advice and secretly hired some willing adventurers to investigate further into this mystery. In the last night, I have both met and discussed the situation with them and I feel that seem apt to the task asked of them. There was five I counted, and upon detecting their skill level, I found them to be inexperienced but truly capable of completing the mission. Provided, they learn to work together as one cohesive unit.
I fear that they will find more than they expect and I pray that Mystra protect them for what is to come..and granted, they will certainly need Mystra's grace in the coming days.
I will report again, when I have received word from them of any new developments. Until then, I will try to extract more information from our drow criminal. Until that time, I will take my leave.
-Khelben Blackstaff
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| « Last Edit: on: Mar 29, 2005, 6:52PM » |
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Rayburn
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Today was the first day of the rest of my life. I answered the call for Khelben Blackstaff, one of the most powerful mages in the realms. The man is almost a myth, his legend is so grand. Upon entering the Lords of Waterdeep's sanction, I was greeted by a group of adventureres that also answered the call. One kobold, one woman, and two other men, one an apparent barber who serves someone known as the "Queen of Swords", and another who appears to be a mage of sorts. Vith, was the mages name, and he was also an elf. Salvatore the Barber is what I believe to be, a knight.
I still do not know what is going on with the changes within me. It's all so confusing, and I can't even explain the feeling. All I know is... it feels like raw energy soaring through my body. I need to find a release. The village casted me out for this very reason, the fire, the burning, the screaming. I must get a hold of it.
********
One of the new adventurers I met, Vith, handed me a set of boots that I believe he had stolen from one of the Lords of Waterdeeps shopkeepers. The boots radiated magic on them. I saw them in the shop, and thought maybe they were special, or saved for someone, or something, and when I inquired, they were gone. I knew I saw them.
Once he handed them to me, I didn't know what to do. Khelben Blackstaff was standing right there. I felt my heart beat, and a bead of sweat form on my head. Was I to spend my days, trying to figure out what is wrong with me... what I'm becoming, in a prison cell?
And then I noticed the Kobold. Vith handed me the boots, and in turn, I gave them to the Kobold. If anyone is to be caught with stolen goods, it's not going to be me. I do feel bad about handing him the boots, and not telling him they were stolen, but I do not want to incriminate Vith in the process. I do not believe Vith's actions to be filled with malicious content, that is, I'm sure he had good reason for taking the boots. I'm.... I'm confused.
I shouldn't have taken the boots from him. I should have just turned them down immediately, and thanked him for his generous offer, but I didn't. Now, on top of these inner changings that's occurring to me, I have to walk with the guilt of knowing that I have received, and accepted, stolen equipment. Not stolen from someone who attempted to use these items in the name of chaos, but rather from someone who was just trying to make a living.
*********
The guilt of the boots still in the hands of the unsuspecting kobold named Deekin, is eating at me. I fear I have no choice but to tell the Kobold first thing that the boots are stolen, and I will let him decide what he wants to do with the boots. I will apologize to Vith for deceiving him by accepting the boots, and then not offering them back to him first. I owe him for that. Once I find a priest, I will make a donation to his church, to help pay for the crime I have assisted in. There is, however, something inside of me that is telling me not to tell the Knight of this. I don't want to hide anything from anyone, afterall, one of these people may save my life one day, but at the risk of creating hostility in our new found group, I will keep this to myself.
********
Jenny was insulted by Salvatore earlier. He had passed a comment that maybe she should "stay behind" during our interrigation of a Drow prisoner. She handled it like someone who has been talked down to before, like a champ. With a simple "I'll be fine" and a wave of her hand, she dismissed any biggoted comment that tall floundering oak may have passed by her. During the one day that I've known her, and we've only said "Hello" to each other, I believe I can tell that she let's her actions speak louder than any words could ever do. I suspect she's the kind of woman who knows how to roll up her sleeves and get dirty, if need be.
Either way, she appears to know who she is, and that, makes me both envious of her, and happy for her, that she has found herself.
I lay the quill down now, it's time to move out.
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| « Last Edit: on: Mar 28, 2005, 6:49PM » |
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Rayburn
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The young mage closed his journal, and placed the quill in it's bone case. He wrapped the tether around his journal, and tied a loose bow around it. Placing both journal and quill case in his pack, Darius raised his eyes and spotted the kobold, Deekin.
Dariusaries knew what had to be done. He only hoped the Kobold would not be too offended that he was used as a scape goat, should the boots be found.
Walking towards the kobold, Dariusaries felt a bead of sweat form on his brow. The human took a deep breath as he approached.
"Deekin, did you say your name was? Well, if you don't mind, a word, please." Darius pulled the kobold off to the side.
All at once, Dariusaries realized he had never met a Kobold before, save those who raided his village during his childhood. He wasn't sure what to think of travelling with a Kobold, but this one didn't appear, at least yet, to be harmful. In fact, this Kobold didn't appear to be anything like any Kobold he had ever heard of. Darius wondered how old the Kobold was, how long a Kobold would live for, what a Kobold community was like... the villages, the daily life, the social climate.
But Dariusaries knew those answers would not come easy, if he didn't open up to Deekin, and tell him the truth.
Once the two were out of earshot from the others, Dariusaries began "I... I have not been completely truthful with you, and I'm sorry for it." The humans face began flushing.
Deekin had an inquisitive look on his face. Not understanding what the human meant by "not being completely truthful" caused the Kobold to twist his head slightly, and open his mouth as if to say "Huh?", only the words never came out. Instead, the open mouth only exposed his jagged teeth, while one eyebrow raised.
"Allow me to explain," Dariusaries continued, noticing the Kobolds demeanor change from that of a curious nature, to that of one who is hearing a story for the first time.
"Those boots I gave you... they... they were not mine. In fact, I believe them to be... well.." Darius stammered on the words. Whispering, Darius finished "I believe them to be stolen."
The human looked around once again, to gain some false sense of satisfaction that the other members of his group were not in ear-shot of the whisper.
"I... I don't know what came over me. I don't know why I gave them to you. Well... I know why I gave them to you, and that's the reason I'm apologizing. I don't want the boots back, and I don't care if you want them, or sell them, or do what you will with them. I only feel it's important that you know that they were stolen. What you choose to do from here on out, is your decision, and if need be, I'll help you with your decision."
The young mage had a mix of emotions run through him. A portion felt relief that the truth was out. A spiritual cleansing of sorts. Another portion felt apprehensive now that the truth is out. How will the Kobold react? How will the rest of the group react if they found out? What will their reaction be? Outcasted again, no doubt. How will the elf feel now that this is out in the open? Sure, Darius didn't tell Deekin who stole the boots, nor would Darius tell anyone, but Vith doesn't know that. Vith doesn't know Darius, nor does Darius know Vith.
Darius took one step back, preparing for the worst case scenario. Whatever happens next, didn't matter to Dariusaries. His conscious was clear, he told the truth before anyone got hurt, before anything escalated out of control.
Now, it was just a matter of the reaction from Deekin, and if it would result in a reaction from his fellow adventurers.
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Schatten9
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Vith observed the others with a watchful eye. It was not the most balanced of adventuring parties, but it would do. The paladin would draw all the attention, and that was good, at least in battle. Unfortunately in social situations, the paladin did not impart the same sense of awe and fear he would in battle. He had obviously spent time developing a trade outside his battle training and studies in the church. The trade was useless, however, and yet seemed to fascinate Salvatore to no end. Vith shrugged and tried to dismiss his annoyance. Everyone needs a hobby. But why couldn’t it have been something like sword-play, shield bashing, or some other useful paladin skill? Vith resolved to forgive the paladin his wastefulness if he proved himself useful otherwise.
The lady was curious. She seemed calculating. Possibly someone to watch out for, Vith noted. She was observant, and keen. He might not be able to craft fate as easily with someone like her around. The paladin wouldn’t notice much, but this woman…there was definitely more to learn about her, and Vith decided he would be a patient student. No one was unreadable.
Vith liked the kobold. Curious little creature, this one was. His innocence did not mar his potential. The kobold was as all kobolds are by nature—crafty. Vith smiled. Though the kobold seemed genuine and caring, it could well be an act. Even if it was sincere, when the right circumstances emerged, the kobold’s instincts would emerge. Vith liked having a kobold on the team. The only worry was that he seemed inexperienced and had not yet demonstrated his expertise. That would change in time, as long as he survived.
Vith scowled as he recalled the human, Dariusaries. The man definitely had magic coursing through him, that was certain, but he seemed a wreck. He could see it in his eyes—self-doubt, self-deprication, misplaced convictions, and abundant indecision. Vith smiled slowly. Yes, he could be useful after all.
He turned his thoughts back to what had brought them together--the summons by Khelben. The drow prisoner. The lack of answers. Vith furrowed his brow and gazed sharply at Salvatore for a moment. The fool had failed miserably at the interrogation. They all had. He realized his anger was misplaced. Salvatore had certainly demonstrated his inability to manipulate the drow, but this was to be expected. The internal wars they fought among their own kind had sharpened their deceit. Constantly manipulating each-other for coveted positions of power among the many drow houses, this race was not easily broken—they had far too much practice in deception. But it could be done. Vith was frustrated his own plan wasn’t able to see fruition. He believed it was the best chance they’d had. Drow were proud, so much so that it was their one glaring weakness. If that had been properly exploited, the drow spy might have finally broken his silence out of indignant anger. His small slip, mentioning his master was an “it,” was perhaps too convenient. It may well have been another one of his tricks to throw everyone. Still, Jenny was quick to point out the distinction. Unfortunately, everyone gave up. Interrogations are not accomplished within a matter of minutes, they take days, sometimes weeks! Vith was disappointed that they had not been able to persist and break the drow. He wanted to be there for that, to see the look in the drow’s eyes when he realized he had broken, when he realized his usefulness had expired, and when he was finally executed. Vith hadn’t yet seen a drow die and he wanted to, very much.
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Bob Thundergut
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Salvatore, the once-barber of Vairia, quietly seperated from the others, as they rested. Finding a quiet corner, he withdrew from his pouch - a small figurine, of a kneeling woman in robes- her slender hands cupped in prayer, near her angelic face. Two swords were strapped to her back.
Salvatore placed the statuette on the ground, then lit two candles- placing one on each side of the woman. From a seated position, he bent all the way forward, prostrating himself before the altar, and whispered this prayer.
"Hail the Queen of Swords, of Justice and Mercy. Stab my heart, O Well-Armed Lady- with your Thigh-Shank of Compassion. Pierce my mind, Dear Mistress, with your Boot-Blade of Wisdom."
As he prayed, taking care not to touch the dirty dungeon floor, with his carefully groomed mustache, he saw in his mind's eye, a bright sunny day. He was walking - through a flower-shrouded portcullis, into a fragrant garden. A woman in flowing silken robes sat on a marble bench, before a glistening pond. A matching cape and cowl framed her striking face. Smiling, she patted the seat beside her- beckoning Salvatore to approach.
"My Lady," Salvatore said miserably, as he sat. "Please forgive me for my poor service."
"How do you mean, my son?" said the woman.
"My companions- the others who you have bid me join to complete this Quest- I do not believe they like me much."
"Ah."
"How am I to Honor you, how am I supposed to serve you as a paladin, if I cannot command respect?"
"Worry not of such things, son. My Paladins lead by example. By Good Deeds. Not by how many hearts they inspire. That is MY job." She smiled, touching his hand.
"Ahhhh... but there's the problem, my Queen. DO I present a good example? AM I doing Good Deeds?"
Salvatore sighed, "I have been more concerned with everyone's grooming, than with the task at hand.I am a fool."
"My son- you have a point. You SHOULD focus more, on the quest I have set you on- but for the right reasons. The City of Waterdeep needs help. It needs champions. I have sent you to them, to help them in their hour of need, I have chosen you, because your heart is pure,and I know you will do your best to assist these poor folk. As I said before, it is not YOUR duty to win their hearts, convert their souls, or lead. That, I will do- when the time is right."
"But - what of my obsession with cutting hair? Does it not impede my service of you?"
"Absolutely not," she smiled. "It is what you do best. You honor me, with each trim you give, for I know you do it in my name."
Salvatore smiled through his mustache, "Thank you, your Majesty."
"Now go, my son," the Lady said. "Your comrades are waking. There is work to be done."
"Yes, your'Majesty."
He rose to go- he was almost to the portcullis, when she called out his name once more.
"Salvatore, wait- tarry just a moment longer, will you?"
The Lady pulled back her cowl, revealing a long mane of thick, golden hair.
"Would you mind a quick snip?" she asked. "The ends are splitting again - I can't do a THING with them."
"Twould be my pleasure, your Majesty," he said, smiling. He reached for the trimming shears in his belt...
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Jenniza
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From when Jenny was young, she wanted to learn things; but, she also wanted to go out and explore and put that knowledge to use. She found this versatility to be both a blessing and a curse at times. For example, what good was learning how to administer first-aid to someone, if everyone around her lived in relative safety; yet, when she used to go exploring the sewers and "haunted" houses as a child with her friends, sometimes they got in over their heads in trouble. This was also true of her intuitive nature and puzzle solving skills. They were lucky to all come out in relative good health, even if their parents or other villagers had to assist them once in awhile.
After a few years, Jenny and her friends had learned a degree of self-reliance in spite of themselves or their parents' wishes. The best they could do was to guide them with teachings of wisdom, which Jenny took to heart.
One day, Jenny received a letter calling her to Waterdeep to work for the Lords of Waterdeep and Khelben Blackstaff. She was naturally curious about what they wanted her for, and so she went to go help out.
There she met her new companions: Darius, Deekin, Salvatore and Vith. It was explained to them that a drow spy was captured while sneaking into the city through the sewers. They were asked to organize themselves and go see if they could glean any information from him in his magically sealed cell.
Jenny felt a bit unprepared for this interrogation, and was uncomfortable going into jail cells; but, she didn't want to let the others know that it bothered her, so she went along with them. She let them question him at length because she figured if he was as professional at his job as he seemed, then he wouldn't reveal anything useful unless he made a casual slip. So, she waited and watched and listened for such a slip. The opportunity came when he denied that his master was a 'he'; but, rather, his master was an 'it'. the choice of words he had used was rather more subtle than that; but, the pronoun correction that the drow boasted about was a major slip in some sense. There weren't many species that were without gender, and Jenny pounced on this piece of information like a cat on a mouse. The drow instantly recoiled; but, that meant he'd be even more careful with anything further he said, so now he was a useless source for the time being. Jenny's attention to detail was appreciated by the others and she was glad for that.
She had been studying the others too in their short time together. Darius was quiet and nervous; yet generous she noticed. Deekin was small and possibly a little scared; but, did not let others forget he was there and put on a brave front. Salvatore was friendly and outgoing and a natural leader, yet, he made too many assumptions about other people by their appearances. Vith was sharp and unyielding when he chose to be; yet, he seemed to be deliberately trying to make others feel uncomfortable to gain some psychological upperhand on them. Each of them had their strengths and weaknesses... each to be admired and yielded some sympathy at the same time. Each must have lived an unusual life, as had most people, espeically ones that were summoned by the Lords of Waterdeep. The only question on Jenny's mind was: Why them? Why her? Were they divined in some prophecy to be special? Were they really that highly recommended by someone? Who did she know that would recommend her so? Then one thought entered her mind: Were they expendable? There was referance to a previous expedition. Jenny didn't like this thought and decided not to dwell on it.
She shared what they learned with Khelben Blackstaff, who then sent the group into the sewers to find out more information.
----------------------------------------------
In the sewers
Jenny and the others weren't happy with the situation they were in; but, well, they had to make do with it.
She sat down and again made a little prayer over the bones. She hadn't quite been sure who to direct the prayer to, since she was still trying to find herself spiritually in life, and she didn't know the faith of the deceased and if that would make a difference. She mentioned a few deities in her prayers to those that she felt some connection with: Tymora, Oghma, Lathander, Sune, Helm, Mielikki, Mask, Eldath, Lliira, Milil, Waukeen and Shaundakul. She also included some prayers to a few of the halfling deities (Yondalla, Brandobaris, Cyrrollalee and Urogalan) in behalf of the deceased. Jenny also quietly listened to some of Salvatore's prayers as she was curious about his new found faith and how he acquired it.
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Piddle
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Piddle the halfling neer-do-well, eyes the group of idealistic adventurers from between his folded arms as he sits slumped over in a feigned ale induced stupor.
Piddle's keen ears picked up snatches of their conversation, but he wasn't exactly sure if the quest they were so boldly discussing was worth getting involved with. So many in the party to split the spoils with.
For now I'll wait, mused the nimble halfling. If one of their number fails to show perhaps I'll introduce myself. Sounds like they will be in need of someone good with locks and traps.
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Rayburn
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An interesting turn of events greeted us today. We entered the sewers, and almost instantly I realized the sewers was no place for me. I couldn't stomach the stench of such a rotten place. It made my stomach churn as though I had drank spoiled milk. I wanted to show a brave face, as I thought I noticed Jenny looking my way, but I came to find out she was looking at Salvatore.
I wasn't sure what happened, I was reading my book, when I felt something latch on to my neck. All went black, and when I woke up, Salvatore was standing above me, bandages in hand. I saw the reminants of these huge leeches, and felt the stinging on my neck. The bite they laid on me hurts, and I'm sure it will take days for the swelling to go down.
Salvatore is certainly strong. I've seen him best three kobolds before I could even muster my crossbow. I've never seen anyone kill so quickly before, but his impatience shows. I think I should speak to him about his tactics.
*********
I witnessed the group go through some green mist. While they were going through, I figured I'd wait, and see if the coast was clear. Not one of my most intelligent moves. A few kobolds were left behind, and they attacked me while I wasn't looking. If not for Jenny and Salvatore, I would have been stew. Unfortunately, one of the Kobolds hit Salvatore pretty hard. He's going to have a black eye for sometime now, and it's my fault. I really feel bad. I must stick with the group from now on, if all else, because there is safety in numbers.
**********
Well, no need to speak to him, he understood before I had a chance (Salvatore, that is). I fear I may have snapped at him, instead of explaining to him that I could help by taking care of some of the mages we encounter first. Earlier, I described his impatience, yet it is I who needs to show more restraint. I only wish I could have spoken to him sooner, as it may have resulted in sparing him another black eye.
Deekin has forgiven me for the boots. He considers them found treasure. Still however, there is a lingering nag in me about those boots. I don't think I will feel good about it until he get's rid of them somehow. In the meantime, Jenny has become quite the finder of lost objects. She has given me an amulet, some bolts, and a defensive potion. In return, I promsed to give her any arrows I find.
She's a crack shot with her bow, and while the sewers make me feel nausceous, she seems to be right at home, or at least not uncomfortable with the surroundings. I need a bath and a meal to say the least. I don't like the sewers not one bit. I can tell already I'm going to have to replace my robes. The smell will never get out.
********
Vith is missing. The elf just disappeared on us. I've heard that elves like to wander, but that usually pertained to the woods.. not sewer systems. I hope he's okay. Just incase, I found a wand that I will save for him. I hope it makes up for the boots.
We found a door with some stairs. Looks like there is another tier to these sewers. I'm hoping the smell is better in there then it is out here. Salvatore just called to us. I guess it's time to move out once again. At least all this stench is keeping my mind off what happened. It's good to be able to think of something other than that. Even if all I'm thiking about is getting out of the sewers not only alive, but with my fellow adventureres.
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Rayburn
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The stench of the sewers was overpowering to Darius. He concentrated hard, and summoned the mystical energy necessary for a spell that would help lessen the effects the stench was having on him.
He felt the energy flow through his body, like a tidal wave of life fleeing through his limbs. The spell came to an end, and all at once Darius no longer felt like he was going to vomit. He was physically weaker now that the energy necessary to cast the spell had been discharged, but he could breath without gagging.
In an instant, he felt something squirm past his knee. Spinning on his heel, the mage spotted a rodent of unusual size headed towards Deekin, only to stop at the kobolds feet.
"Is that your summons, Darius?" Salvatore asked.
"Certainly not!" Darius exclaimed. Imagine, being thought of the type to bring varmint to assist in times of need. Rodents with Darius?
Feeling slightly insulted, Darius wanted to show his fellow adventures the type companion he would rely upon. They would meet her sooner or later anyway.
"I'll introduce you to my companion."
Darius took one step back and clapped his hands. Speaking first in a magical tongue, then in common "Bella, Come!" the mage snapped.
A bright light, a small clap of thunder, and all at once a small fey appeared.
The pixie flew about the room in a rapid motion, chuckling and flying freely, appearing to be without a care in the realms. She hovered for a moment, before spotting Jenny, and flew to the young healers area.
The fey circled Jenny's head faster then Jenny could keep her eyes on it, a game fey folk loved to play on common folks. Many times it would result in the common folk getting dizzy and losing their balance. Fey had to have fun, too.
"Bella, come!" Darius snapped, offering his hand as a place for the pixie to land. In the blink of an eye, the fey left Jenny, who was still in the motion of trying to follow the fey, and came to rest on the palm of Dariusaries.
Bella walked up Darius forearm, onto his bicep, and parched herself on his shoulder, whispering in the mages ear. The mage looked immediately at a smiling Salvatore and said then said "If you say so, Bella".
The pixie grinned and nodded, then here eyes shifted to Jenny. Still smiling, the pixie covered her mouth, and whispered once again in the mages ear.
"No, Bella. I don't think so. Stop with your games." The mage scowled. "I think it is time you went back now Bella. You will need your strength when I call upon you next."
The pixie nodded in agreement, and flew off the humans shoulder.
"I will call to you soon, my friend. Please take care to be ready." Darius clapped his hands, and said first in magic, then in common "Bella, Go!"
Once again, a brilliant light followed by a small clap of thunder, and the pixie was gone.
"That, was my Bella. She is a most cunning companion who can fit in the smallest of places, and tinker with the trickiest of things. On more than one occassion, she has shown me a dangerous spot on a floor, or a trap in the woods. Fey have keen eyes." Darius said to the group.
Lowering his eyes, he looked at Deekin and asked "If you don't mind, please keep your rodent out of my way. I don't want to trip on it or anything."
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