The Dark Lord [Chapter 1] A New Beginning

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar deLaBlanche

Spoiler

Show

reflex(d20+4)[14]
HP now 84/94. Move to F12.

As the fireball explodes towards him, Throshkar shifts his momentum to the side just in time; the flames scorch his silken shirt and tarnish his armor, but he is relatively unharmed.

As he looks back to confirm his party's survival, Throshkar's eyes burn brighter than the flames still smoldering in his sleeves.

"Dragon. Steaks."

The cavalier moves closer to the source of the blast, alert for more exciting developments...

[crimson77]

The source of the blast is a crack located in the stone ceiling (E11). You hear a mechanical click around the floor area. You assume that the trap has now reset and ready to startle another victim. Soon the flames in the center of the room die down and you hear the sound of a drop of liquid hitting the ground. Looking closely, you notice that a new droplet of goo has hit the ground. It is slowly dripping from another crack in the ceiling (I11).

A ghostly echoing voice draws your attention away from the slow dripping goo. "YOU...You...you...ARE....Are...are...NOT...Not... not...WEL...Wel...wel...COME...Come...come...HERE. ..Here...here..."

[oliana0]

Olna

"Now, now, Edan, we are visiting his home. Though I despise the fact that my lovely cloak is now a bit charred, he has every right to protect himself." Olna dusts herself off.

"We should expect this sort of thing when visiting powerful creatures."

"Some of us are a bit more charred than others." Johnathon is nearly as grumpy as Throshkar. He coughs a bit.

Olna leans to wipe off a clear spot from Johnathon's cheek and kisses it gently.

Olna calls to the voice from the goo, "We might be more welcome if you knew we were here just to talk! We are looking for someone!"

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar deLaBlanche

Spoiler

Show

Move to opposite side of trap, so it can only hit one of us at a time. I can't see map from cell phone.
HP now 84/94.

Throshkar's grin widens, the joyous flames in his eyes aglow.

"Dragon steaks are delicious," he whispers back at Johnathan, implying that it's worth a little singeing. The cavalier crouches slightly, moving around the crack in the ceiling so it's less likely to catch them all if it goes off again.

[Greyen]

Regis

Regis walks over to Jonathan saying Let me take a look at ya there my singed friend. If Jonathan allows it Regis will apply a bandage or two from his healing kit [roll=heal=1d20+11[/roll] and casting Cure Moderate Wounds (Spont cat for Hold Person) (2d8+10)[20]

[oliana0]

Johnathon

"Right as rain." Johnanthon pats the cleric on the back.

"What say we avoid doing that again, shall we?"

Spoiler

Show

I can't help but notice that we have no sneaky characters. You know, the kind that are capable of finding fireball traps.

[crimson77]

[MAP]

Spoiler

Show

A Gnome comes out from one of the side tunnels. He is dressed in flowing red robes and has upon his head a stereotyped wizard's pointy hat. He smiles at you and takes a bow. "You should be careful when entering the home of a powerful gnome. Now, did I hear someone talk of dragon steaks? That pesky character is always attracting adventurers to try to destroy it. I do wish they would just leave him alone.

"Now you have entered my home and disrupted me. I do apologize for the trap, I like to weed out the pawns from the Knights, Bishops, Rooks and Queens." Replies the little man as he glances at Olna. "Back to business. You can either pay for passage through my domain for the price of 10000 gold per person or I have a set of challenges for you and if you succeed in all three or pay the price I will let you reach your destination unscathed, whether than be the dragon above or the dwarvin ruins below. Are you interested?

"Thee challenges will test you physically, mentally, and metaphysically. My labyrinth is very hard to navigate through and covered with traps and creatures if you decide to trespass. Remember you have only seen the first of many to come. Take a moment to talk amongst yourselves." The gnome smiles warmly as if he were a cat who had corned a new mouse with which he was going to play.

[Will Save DC 21]
[If fail]

Spoiler

Show

You notice nothing

[if pass]

Spoiler

Show

The image of the gnome is an illusion

[Greyen]

Regis (OOC- Of course I fail a WILL save as the cleric )

Well Sir, the deciding factor will be to find out who was in the previous party of people who passed through here, and which way they went. Regis says to the gnome.

[crimson77]

"Information cost money, have you not learned that? Well, you see, there has been many people coming through here in the last few weeks. The smart ones pay or take my challenges. The dumb ones trespass, which usually leads to an untimely death."

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar deLaBlanche

Spoiler

Show

Will save:(d20+2)[21]Needs a 19!! And GETS a 19!

"Ha! I'll run from no challenge!" Throshkar draws himself to his full height, towering over the gnome. "But meaning no disrespect, little one, how do we know you are such a grave threat?" He angles his head. "As for your dragon, much as I would love to do battle with a creature of such greatness, the group of us are indeed here on a higher mission. If you could help us identify where the person we seek has gone and whether he was able to pay you or not, we would eagerly take on an additional challenge in recompense."

"I-- wait. Wait!" Throshkar picks up a rock and throws it through the gnome. "Blasted false magics! Ha! You'll fool me not!"

[crimson77]

The gnome frowns as the rock passes through his body. "Some would take that as a threat foolish Cavalier. However, I can use it to show my power. Could you make yourself here and there at the same time. Could one of your who wields magic?

"So, if i get this right, you will take on a fourth challenge for this information. Done. A rich man and his foolish followers passed through her a week ago heading to talk with the dragon. The dragon, does not belong to me, I think of him as the mate who lives above my flat, if i were to use your human terms. We spar whit, you know the usual.

"Now for your four challenges, would you like to go up to the dragon's cave or down to the dwarvin ruins. Now I have to tell you that I am not liable for any harm that may come to you for dealing with dragons or in the ruins. However, you do have my word that after you have passed my challenges no harm shall overcome ye.

"So what is another type of challenge i should add... hummm....but more importantly, which challenge shall we start with?

[oliana0]

Olna

Olna gasps and reaches toward Throshkar as he tosses the rock. She smiles and laughs a bit when the rock passes through the gnome.

"Sir gnome, for I know not your name, we do not mind a challenge, but we are looking for a man of great importance. If you have stashed him away in one of your challenges, or otherwise provided, even accidental, protection for him, you will have the gratitude of kings at your disposal. I cannot promise anything specific, though making it a crime to disturb this cavern, or even providing you heros for you to challenge for your amusement may not be out of the question."

"If only you can help us find him."

Spoiler

Show

OlnaWill - (1d20+8)[12]
Johnathon - (1d20+1)[9]

Can edit in a roll. Diplomacy +26

[crimson77]

[OOC: you can disbelieve the illusion is the actual gnome now since Thorathor has thrown a rock through the illusion]

"I had my minions escort this noble adventurer that I am guessing you are referring to, up to the dragon's cave.

"Now, I am a fair gnome, so the boy can choose to not participate in the challenges. I would not want his mother to worry about him.

[Greyen]

Regis

As Regis checks the other's wounds he says to the group Well, what shall we do? Challenges or challenge this gnome's labrinth?

[crimson77]

The gnome seem flustered with Olna, it is almost as if he is not used to people speaking so nicely to him. However, his aloof nature makes it hard to even like him. "My name is Berenwinkle. I don't really care to know your in less you pass my challenges. No use wasting breath or time listening to them."

[crimson77]

"Well then, maybe you should rest tonight so that you have all your strength before the challenges begin tomorrow." The gnome smiles and the illusion points to a wall near by. You see the rocks start to move and shift around creating an opening. Inside lies a room furnished with several small stone beds and a stone table. "Rest here, no creatures will bother you in the night, it is a safe place. If you would like I can close the stone around you. However, some feel as if this becomes a coffin."

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar deLaBlanche

Ignoring the suspicious looks Louis and the others give the transformed room, Throshkar walks in and lays himself down on a bed. "Fine -- if you won't let us play your games until tomorrow, we may as well sleep." Unconcerned by the gnome's tremendous magical prowess, he is asleep before the others fully enter the room.

Spoiler

Show

May as well go along with it, to keep things moving.

[Greyen]

Regis

Regis shrugs and walks into the cavern. He goes through the group healing everyone before setttling down himself. Any thoughts for tomorrow? I am here to help. I assume that means following the great snoring beasts lead, eh? Regis nods toward Throskkar as he says 'great snoring beast'.

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar deLaBlanche

Louis scrunches up at his master's feet and falls asleep almost as quickly, the long march tiring even his young limbs. Meanwhile, Throshkar's sonorous evocations threaten to bring down the stony walls around the party. He appears oblivious to the approach of the next stage of their destiny.

Spoiler

Show

Are we waiting for Olna?

[crimson77]

The gnome enters in the morning with a small earth elemental carrying a large plateful of food. "Where did your friends go?" he asks as the elemental places the food on a large stone table. The food is fresh baked bread, warm ham, and scrambled eggs with a large pitcher of pumpkin ale. You look around and see that Olna and Jonathan have vacated the area. Thorador sees a note on his bed with jonathan's hand writing.

The note reads:

Sorry dear friend to leave you before a challenge. The lady has been called away on important business and it is she that I must protect. I am sure that you will finish your quest and we will have a pint on me at pub. See you then brother in arms.

-Jonathon

[Greyen]

Regis

Regis wakes slowly shiuddering and shivering. Rubbing his beard It is too early, bah, it is always to early to wake. He stands in his small cloths and begins to dress himself. Carefully strapping on his plate, he mutters a few small spells.

Once finished be kneels and begins to pray quietly.

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar deLaBlanche

Throshkar kicks up and out of bed in a flash. His eyes are too bright, but he seems to have slept well enough. "Dragon steak would make a better breakfast, but I thank you..." he starts to suggest, then notices Johnathan's absence. Louis takes up the scroll and brings it to him to read.

"Bah! More dragon for me to fight, then!" He crumples the note up while he eyes Regis mid-prayer. Suddenly alone with the stranger, Throshkar muses, will the cleric prove a worthy ally? Usually an undying optimist, the cavalier can't quite swallow a marble's-worth of anxiety tickling his throat. It would have been much nicer to have Johnathan at his back... even Olna could be trusted to distract well a villain's lowly followers while Throsh met him mano-a-mano in the field. How would this Regis handle a truly glorious battle?

Louis munches on the eggs and ham and wonders aloud if Henri will be all right. Shaking himself, Throshkar bellows, "Of course he will! Heart of a lion! Now, Sir Gnome -- what was your name, Thoradoror something? -- what entertainments do you have for us today?" He pulls out his sword and begins oiling it down with swift, sharp motions, Louis having forgotten to do so last night.

Spoiler

Show

For clarity's sake, the names are Throshkar (Throsh for short and Eden to women) and Louis. Not Thorathor, Thorador, or Lewis. Much love, ja.

[crimson77]

The gnome smiles, "Let us start the challenges then. Will your squire be joining us? He is welcome to stay in the safety of this room; however, he may become a little bored. But such is life. Just follow me when you are ready."

The gnome exits the room through the only opening. After you decide what to do about Louis the two of you enter a small room with a statue of a demon in the center of the room. The walls surrounding the door way melt together leaving only stone where there used to be a door. The gnome smiles and says, here is your first challenge to test the wits of your mind. You must answer the riddle before the time runs out. Here is your riddle.

What has roots that no one can see,
Stands higher than the largest trees,
Up it goes to touch the sky,
And yet we never see it grow?"

As the last words come out of the gnomes lips the image of him seems to fade and out from the demons mouth poor out a dark liquid. You think that it will take about a day before the room fills completely with water.

[ooc: Rules. You can consult with others on this riddle but you cannot search for the answer on the internet or post the riddle where you know that others can look up the riddle on the internet or ask others to look it up for you on the internet. I will give you guys until next Friday to post the answer. Good luck.]

[Greyen]

Regis

Regis looks around the room for a moment and says to the air I have one question sir gnome, how many tries do we get?

[crimson77]

Regis, as you ask the question you realize that the gnome has left before answering your question.

[Greyen]

((Regis saw him leave that's why he asked the air...in hopes of getting an answer from whatever may be watching))

[crimson77]

There is no answer to regis's question.

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar deLaBlanche

Louis is fearful of leaving his master; one can almost read in his eyes, 'What if Throshkar dies, or worse, goes ahead without me?' His young face hardens, and he faces the empty space where the gnome illusion once stood.

"I may not be a cavalier, but we are on a mission in the name of the king. If I... if I die in his name, I--I can ask for no better way. To live, I mean." He looks to deLaBlanche hopefully.

Throshkar nods, looking more serious than usual as he straps down his weapons. The two walk side by side out into the tunnel, then into the room with the demon statue.

* * *
"Our mystery host did say we had 'before time runs out' to answer it, and indicated no punishment for guessing wrong. It would be unfair, at least, to restrict us to one guess. Still, let us make our first one the best one..." Throshkar grips his weapon and walks up to the fixture, speaking almost more to the demon than anyone else: "I recall a childhood rhyme... what do you think of mountains as an answer, Regis?"

"The--the sun..." mumbles Louis. Throshkar raises a smooth eyebrow. His squire stumbles, finally blurting out, "The sun rises above the trees... above the mountains, too... up to touch the sky, like a man standing, yes? And we don't see its roots, or how it grows..."

Throshkar smiles to see his apprentice growing more bold. He pats the young man on the shoulder encouragingly.

"But we see how it grows over the horizon, which I think might fit such a tale of root and growth, standing and sky. Yes? But a mountain -- only dwarves might know their roots, they certainly stand as a rock, and yet rise upward to the sun. And who has lived long enough to see a mountain grow so tall? The more I think on it, the more I think that is the rhyme my nurserymaid told me as a boy."

[crimson77]

The statue spewing forth water closes it mouth and then speaks, "You are correct the answer be a mountain. You have passed the first part of this challenge." A face then appears out of stone in the wall adjacent to you and continues speaking. "However, you have turned off the water and now you must answer another riddle to leave this room or you will perish from starvation. Here is your next riddle.

What is it that men love more than life,
hate more than their death or mortal strife;
That which contented men desire,
the poor have, the rich require;
The miser spends, the spendthrift saves,
and all men carry to their graves?"

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar deLaBlanche

Louis pumps his fist in the air before calming his response to a more measured thrust of his jaw when his master shows less excitement himself. He crosses his arms, but his pleasure shows as he bounces on his heels.

"Fine, fine, but this had best be the last one, demon of stone -- a cavalier deserves a worthy foe, not a master of children's games!" The seasoned warrior smiles mildly, but his tone is serious. "In any case, we're hardly at risk of starvation -- have we not weeks of camp food with us? I'd worry more about Henri and Arondight than us."

"So. More boring rhymes. Louis? You did well with the last; your turn for this one." Throshkar crouches, using his sword as balance.

The boy starts, pauses, then begins to pace slowly. "Ah -- so it's something everyone wants... but everyone has. We are jealous of it, and we take it to the grave. Uh... food? No... breath, maybe? We take our final breaths... or final thoughts? Secrets?" He continues pacing, then stops, blushing.

"Love?"