Registered: Jan 2003
Location:
02-25-2003 09:26

The lake's water called to the heroes, and they responded. Diving into it, and swimming as fast as they could, the supergubbers sought the mermaid.

Registered: Nov 2002
Location: Castle Gobs
02-25-2003 10:36

Vori, the lake

Splash!

The merfolk do not await the strange invaders of their domain, and shy away. The little island, close to east shore of the lake, is abandoned, the chanting stops.

When they approach the island, it is Dave who spots something under water beneath it. The adventurers take a deep breath, and dive under ...

It is the entrance of a cave! Curious, they go in, even while their lungs are emptying. "I can whisk us away at any time", says Arturchix, and his friends hope that it is so.

After a short distance the cave starts to slope upward, and soon their heads pop out above the water. There is air! A little further, and the heroes are standing on dry earth, eager to inspect their surroundings. Two torches on the wall provide a little light.

At their right, they see a neat row of 14 empty potion bottles. In the left corner, there is a bucket. It contains a yellow herb. At the left wall, there is a chest.

A door blocks the way ahead. On it, they can see a mark: two dwarven hammers, shaping a cross. A keyhole is beneath it. Carefully, then more firmly, Regran pushes, but the door is locked.

Vilx: "I'm gonna open that chest. Let's see what gizmo's these merfolk have gathered for us."

While the others hide in the far corner, the Assessin tries the lid.

Ah, the contents of a chest!

There is a grand total of 174 gold, with three bottles containing purple, orange and green potions, a pinewood crossbow, a brass ring of +5 Personality, one leather helmet, and a Scroll of Telekinesis. But no key.

Then on the bottom of the chest, they find a note.

"To the Princess Loryn of Seelie,

One treasure cave for the merfolk, as requested.
May it serve them well.

Highest regards,

Rocklin."

__________________
If you have no feet, don't walk on fire.

Registered: Jan 2003
Location:
02-25-2003 14:19

Regran the Outspoken keeps his mouth shut and looks around, seeking any signs of a secret passage, lever or whatever tat could open the sturd door.

Arturchix: Remember that to the East are the Seelie. Maybe they know something about this Rocklin or the door.

DaveO: In the old times "Rocklin" sounded like a dwarvish name.

Vilx: Not dwarves from Chedian, i assure you.

Registered: Nov 2002
Location: Castle Gobs
02-25-2003 14:59

Vori, the lake

Regran: "There is no way in. We need the key."

DaveO: "Maybe it's for the best. I don't think we are meant to break into their treasure room just like that. Perhaps, one day we can do something for them and be rewarded?"

Vilx: "But they won't speak with us. I'm still curious, I would really like to see their gadgets."

Arturchix: "Maybe someone else would. Is that Seelie princess looking after them? Who else would know more about these Merfolk, or that Rocklin guy? And what is a Seelie? Nicolai?"

Nicolai: "Seelie is the name of a town, that much I know. I think that Rocklin is indeed a Dwarf, the name sounds somehow familiar. There are Dwarves in Stone City, but that is far away. To find that one of them was here is odd."

__________________
If you have no feet, don't walk on fire.

Registered: Jan 2003
Location:
02-27-2003 18:14

Ashore again, a hot debate begins.

Arturchix: Lets go explore Seelie, maybe from there we can get a guide to Lord Markhan's Manor. Is this correct, Prince Nicolai?

DaveO: Exploring the land is being great, lets go a little further down the lake! Many misteries were unveiled by the brave souls who ventured into the depths.

Regran: My good companions, are you not forgetting anything? There is a damsel in distress which i shall not abandon for a single minute more! Please, come with me, lets face those cowardly barbarians in true combat!

Vilx: I agree with Regran. Yanmir would not like to know that we could have saved his daughter a while ago and were beating around the bush for so long.

Regran: - eager, and clearly out of his mind - That is it! Vilx and I would not like to have you out of this fun friends! Lets go, save Atali! That lovely Princess of this ice land, flower of the snow fields, beauty of - sudennly interrupted by Shao Ma's hand in his mouth.

Arturchix: Alright, alright. We agree. Please, save your wooing to Atali, AFTER, we saved her.

DaveO: May the Ancients bless our way!


And so did the supergubbers head to bring war upon the Barbarians!

Registered: Nov 2002
Location: Castle Gobs
02-28-2003 10:48

Vori, to the Barbarian camp

At the very last minute, Arturchix remembers to set Beacon #3 at the lakeside. A few moments later, the adventurers emerge in Yanmir's Fort. Stealthily they sneak away, before the Frost Giant takes notice. Again, they pass Atali's room on the way out.

Their last encounter with Conan and his company is still fresh in their minds, but now the heroes come prepared. Bless and protective spells are cast, Chain Lightning set as quickspell, and weapons are readied. There is a damsel to be rescued. There they come running into the camp, the time for negotiations is over, the fight is on!

The Barbarians are taken by surprise. Arrows fly, lightning strikes and takes a heavy toll on them. Nicolai is shouting encouragements. But the Barbarians do not flee. Rocks are hurled towards the party, fireballs cast by the sorcerers, the thieves approach with their daggers and try to cast blind on the party, for the moment without luck.

Still, Conan does nothing, sitting on his improvised throne while the battle is raging on all around him. Then he stands, his arms high when he speaks his spell ....

A deafening thunderblast comes from above, followed by a barrage of hailstones that hurts friend and foe alike. The sky is turning black.

The adventurers run for cover under the pine trees. A voice is calling after them: "Fools! You do not know what you are doing!". Then, as an afterthought: "I'll be back!".

When the hammering finally stops, and the sky clears, they find the campside utterly devastated. Four Barbarians lie dead on the ground, but there is no sight of Conan, Kija or the others. Two chests remain on the scene, and one prisoner's cage. One with a roof, they notice to their relief.

Before the heroes have done anything, the door of the cage slowly opens and a giantess steps out. The size of any man, she has the features of a young girl.

Atali: "What was all that for? You spoiled my game! I will go home now."

With that she leaves the party flabbergasted, as she rushes past them in the direction of the Fort.

The unconscious princeling is revived, and more healing spells are cast, not quite curing every wound as Arturchix saves enough spellpoints for two beacon jumps.

Vilx approaches the chests, while Regran and DaveO loot the Barbarian bodies for a total of 78 gold and three Stone Maces. The contents of the chests are better: 412 gold, a Black Potion of Endurance, a Silver Belt of +5 Hitpoints, another Silver Belt, two plain Daggers, a Leather Armor, and - lo and behold - a Golden Crown of Regeneration!

And two letters. One to Conan, one to Kija. The first one reads:

"Lord Conan,

This is to advise you that soon, a party of do-gooders may turn up in your area. Do not let them come to harm. The Council of Grey wishes them in Volee forthwith.

Kilgor of Krewlod"

And the second one:

"Dear Kija,

So far my search for the sword has not lead to anything. We must be careful. Others are aware of its existence, too.

KK."

__________________
If you have no feet, don't walk on fire.

Registered: Jan 2003
Location:
03-01-2003 01:21

Intrigued by their last findings, the supergubbers return to Yanmir's Fort.Regran leads the way, his eyes lost in the horizon, Vilx is close by, DaveO, Shao Ma and Nicolai follow from a distance.

DaveO: Regran is too quiet.

Nicolai: Hey, what is the matter with him?

Arturchix: Our ranger expected a more hearty treatment by Yanmir's daughter. Now the Outspoken isn't saying a word.

Vilx: - tapping Regran on the shoulder - Forget about it, good friend. This land is full of mysteries, even its people are strange, if not somewhat rude. Our life is for fighting, not falling in love with every ed princess who passes by! Remember, maybe Yanmir shall give us a reward!

Regran: The best reward we can get is an explanation.

Registered: Nov 2002
Location: Castle Gobs
03-01-2003 16:25

Vori, Yanmir's Fort

The sounds of the ocean and the seabirds do not improve the adventurers' mood. Still, they are wondering what the Frost Giant will say to them.

Atali is in her room, but pays no attention. More Yeti puppies than before are playing in the corridors of the Fort. What will they look like when they're all grown up, Regran wonders. The girl and the pups ...

Yanmir: "Thank you for getting my daughter home. I wanted her to see the new pets. Hummm, but why are you still here?"
Arturchix: "You promised to do us a favor in return, oh mighty giant."
Yanmir: "Ah, yes, so I did. Choose with wisdom, when the time comes. You still have a lot to learn."

Indeed, there may come a time when you will desparately need Yanmir's help. This favor thing is not to be thrown away on something trivial.

__________________
If you have no feet, don't walk on fire.

Registered: Jan 2003
Location:
03-02-2003 14:25

Back on the road, the heroes follow the road to Volee.

Registered: Jan 2003
Location:
03-02-2003 14:39

Walking, Vilx and Regran talk.

Vilx: Regran, what has Atali said to you?

Regran: I approached her room, just before we left and asked "Dear Lady? I am sorry if we did anything wrong, but what was happening with you there?" Then she said...

Registered: Nov 2002
Location: Castle Gobs
03-02-2003 19:24

Vori, on the road

Regran: "She said, she was just playing a game. She was not in any kind of danger. Ooooh, but then she smiled at me ....."

Saving their remaining spellpoints, the heroes once more arrive at Larhana on foot. Taking turns wearing the Golden Crown of Regeneration, they have all been properly healed. No Poohbears jump out of the forest.

It is late in the afternoon when they arrive at the settlement.

Vilx: "Shall we take a nap at the tavern? Arturchix, maybe if you have all your spellpoints back, you can enchant some of the items we found. And we can sell them so raise enough money to hire Sir Dragonheart if he's still around."
Regran: "Or we can get us some Qallupilluit skulls first!"
DaveO: "I'd rather learn more about our mission and that Council of Grey. It has been a day, shall we use the mirror to ask the Seer some questions?"
Arturchix: "Nicolai, do you know anything about that?"
Nicolai: "I hope they can help us with our quest. Such a Council must have important members! We should go to Volee right away."

__________________
If you have no feet, don't walk on fire.

Registered: Jan 2003
Location:
03-06-2003 14:48

With the mirror in his hands, Arturchix, the Shaolin Master, summoned forth the Seer.

Arturchix: Wise Seer, what is the Council of Gray? What game was Atali and the Barbarians playing? Have we done something wrong?

Meanwhile, DaveO was shopping in town, reviewing the market for some new itens, and sales!

Vilx and Regran tempered their weapons and asked around about were where the best spots for Qualluptil hunting.

Registered: Nov 2002
Location:
03-06-2003 16:52

Ah yes I will answer your questions and I am glad to see that you have figured out how to use the mirror.

The Barbarians have a seat at the Council of Grey, occupied by Kilgor of Krewlod. The other members of the Council are: Gelu, on behalf of the elves, the dwarf Ufretin, the faerie L'Wren and the wizard Falagar.

Game??? Game??? That was no game, foolish girl, She just does not know, you will see that was no game at all.

The only thing you can do wrong is not to follow your destiny which is to save Nicolai's world. Nicolai knows more that he has told you and knows some things he does not even know that he knows. Watch him perhaps even look and see if he has something he has forgotten he is carrying, this will give you the information you seek.

When you go to the Grey Council or the next time you meet with the Barbarians one thing they want to know is what happened to Krohn that he has been absent for so long. They will not directly ask this question. This is something I wonder about also.

There is something you could do for me since you stated that you would be so inclined to do so if I ever needed something in the future.
I have watched the Merfolk and have seen some of them taken by the current before, and have wondered what has happened to them. Did they survive the waterfall and where are they now?
The Merfolk are akin to the Faeries who live in the eastern woodlands, but while the Faeries know powerful magic the Merfolk are creatures of simple minds and abilities. Everyone finds them
Pleasing, and they should not be hunted.

__________________
Good Luck and Good Gaming
Klar

Registered: Nov 2002
Location: Castle Gobs
03-06-2003 21:59

Vori, Larhana settlement

Ah, the wonders of this world are plentiful!

Meanwhile, Regran has spoken with Tarsellis who has told him that the path west from the road north of the village will bring the party to the ocean's shore.

Tarsellis: "There are ice floes not far from the coast, that's where those nasty creatures are hiding under. Bring back the skulls and I will give you your reward. Better not take the east path by mistake when you come to the crossing."

DaveO has spotted some nice items in the back of both shops, but at the moment they have little money, and Arturchix hasn't yet enchanted the stuff they took from the Barbarians and the Merfolk chest, for lack of spellpoints. But Ochi and Mizuno assure him that everything will probably still be there in the morning. They are looking forward to some good business deals.

Vilx stepped into the inn and found Dragonheart absent.

Penno: "I'll have him here in the morning if you wish to hire him."

__________________
If you have no feet, don't walk on fire.

Registered: Jan 2003
Location:
03-08-2003 11:45

Refreshed from the recent confusion, the heroes thrive to the ice floes on the coast. Regran's eyes intent upon finding the strange new creatures. Shao Ma casts an Wizard Eye spell to warn before danger gets great. Vilx and DaveO ready their weapons for slightest sing of trouble.

Registered: Nov 2002
Location: Castle Gobs
03-08-2003 19:33

Vori, fishing spot

At the crossing north of the village, everyone remembers Deedlit and her warning not to go east to the Forest of No Return. Tarsellis, too, seemed to think the path dangerous. So, west it is - this time.

Arturchix: "It is strange that the path doesn't go downhill. We are high above the ocean, right? How can you fish from so high up?"

The question is answered when the heroes reaches the end of the path. Right beyond the edge there is an elevator cage! It is up, so the Snowelves must have finished with their fishing for the day.

Nicolai says he has seen contraptions like this before, just never outside. It should be safe enough. As they don't want to appear as cowards in the prince's eyes, they all step into the cage, where Vilx pushes the button. Slowly they make their descent.

Below, they step onto the beach. It is a narrow patch of sand, which probably submerges under water at high tide. But now there is enough room. At the south end, a trail goes right up the cliffside.

DaveO: "Makes me wonder if there isn't an alternative path to this spot."

But they focus on the ocean, and the several ice floes they see floating on the water. Nothing happens, until they send Nicolai into the water to draw them out, whatever 'them' might be.

Sure enough, there is some movement under the ice. Something vile is swimming towards the prince, who hastily steps back onto the beach. But he has done his job. Bows are readied, and Regran scans the monsters - three of them, there are - when their heads pop out above the surface. Gems go red.


By Dani 'Elfman' Shaddeau

"Half fish, half Orc", says Regran], "the Qallupilluit must be the ugliest creatures they have ever seen! Resistant to magic, they are, but physically nothing special at a mere 150 HP. No pity is needed, let those arrows fly!"

As they conveniently kept swimming to the shore, making an awful squeaking noise as they went, it is no effort to pick up the skulls. The adventurers eagerly look for more, but these seem to be the day's catch.

Vilx: "We'd better not get too far into the water. There may be bigger monsters out there."
Nicolai: "I wish we would see an Eel though. There are a whole bunch of them near Alamos, but I've never been there."

__________________
If you have no feet, don't walk on fire.

Registered: Jan 2003
Location:
03-09-2003 11:30

While getting those skulls out of their previus owners, a small talk began,

Vilx: Nicolai, it's been two days since we are here. What year is it in this land? How old are you?

ShaoMA: What about historical events of note? Did those "devils" appear before?

Registered: Jan 2003
Location:
03-09-2003 15:12

The action with the aquatic creatures left a taste of disapointement.

Regran: With only three skulls we will not be able to hire even a dog...

DaveO: Guess we have to search for more. Haven't we any spells capable of finding more action?

Vilx: Lets use Grey Magic, huh? What about the Tag scroll? Okay, i am casting it (love to use those magicks,he,he)! Here we go! QALLUPILLUITS OF THE LAND REVEAL YOURSELVES TO OUR MAGIC AT ONCE!

The Grey magic started...

Registered: Nov 2002
Location: Castle Gobs
03-09-2003 17:01

Vori, fishing spot

Nothing happens when Vilx tries to use the Tag scroll.

Vilx: "Wha! D'oh!"
Arturchix: "I think I understand this runic letter. One has to choose a single target. Anyhow, I could raise money in the morning by enchanting some items. "
DaveO: "The Fog scroll doesn't have the same rune on it, so that makes sense."
Regran: "Nicolai, how about our question?"

The young prince coughs.

Nicolai: "Why, the year is 1167, of course. And I am almost 17!"

__________________
If you have no feet, don't walk on fire.

Registered: Jan 2003
Location:
03-10-2003 13:22

Dragons. Only one had the supergubbers seen in all their adventures.

Vilx: Let's seek the Dragoncaves!
Regran: Ready to go. Lets ask some villagers for directions.
ShaoMa: I wonder if those dragons here are as powerful as the Dragon of Chedian.
DaveO: I have battled dragons before, in other lands. The creatures are always tough, although i believe we can take care them.