GreyShadow
Explorer
Very nice work die_kluge.
The pictures make it so much more interesting.
When's the next update?
The pictures make it so much more interesting.
When's the next update?
die_kluge's story hour - The Lost Continent
- Thread starter der_kluge
- Start date
der_kluge
Adventurer
Valgo continues, "This area nine* is where we're headed. Alexander details something that is clearly not a natural formation. Perhaps here we can also find some remnant of Gorian's lost expedition as well." The party stops to consider what kinds of strange new things await them on this distant shore. Nytor asks, "Do we know what kinds of civilization might have built such a thing?" "No", replies Valgo, "we know very little of this continent, and most of the information we have comes only from what Alexander's research has provided." Continuing, "I intend to take this party aboard as a landing party, while the crew remains aboard the ship. We will secure the shoreline, and make sure there is no imminent dangers to the crew. Once that is done, we will work to bring the crew and the supplies on land for our inland expedition."
The party and the crew, led by Valgo spend the next 4 months uneventfully aboard the Celestial. The party becomes familiar with the crew, and they find ways to assist in the day to day activities that help to fight the monotiny and boredom of ship life. On a brisk morning, the crow's nest topsman shouts out "Land! Land!". There is a scurry of activity aboard the ship, and Valgo appears from beneath and extends his trusty spyglass. "Yes, indeed. This must be it! Excellent!" Valgo requests that the anchor be dropped, and a day is spent looking at the stars trying to ascertain exactly where they might be, in order to determine whether the ship should sail south to find the ziggurat at area 9, or to sail north. With some degree of certainty Valgo orders the anchor raised, the ship sails south, along the coast for two days more before finally spotting the mysterious ziggurat. "We shall drop anchor here, and myself and the adventurers will board the skiff to investigate the safety of the shore." "Valgo, I see something in the water near the shore. I can't make it out", says Bax. "Let me look", Valgo replies, taking out his spyglass. "Hmmm, it looks like the remains of a ship! We shall have to take a closer look at it once we are on shore."
It is about mid-day, the crew gathers their equipment, and readies their armor for any trouble that might occur. The remaining crew remain aboard, and prepare to unload all the stores. Once the adventurers are ready, they and Valgo board a skiff. It is lowered onto the water's surface, and with Mournax and Ivo rowing, they make it to the shore quickly.
In the water, they discover what appears to be the remains of the bow (front) of the ship. It was turned upright, sitting in the water not more than some 20 feet from shore. With a grim look on his face, Valgo states, "That could only be Gorian's ship. We'll get a better look at it once we make our way ashore."
Once on land, Mournax, with ease, pulls the skiff well out of the water. Dzintra, Valgo, and Rath make their way out into the water and climb into the remains of the bow of the torn ship. Valgo clicks his fingers, and utters a few arcane words, and the inside of the bow illuminates greatly. Peering with keen eyes, Dzintra observes some words, written in the common tongue, etched into the inside of the bow as if with a dagger or knife. Pointing out the words to Valgo, they read them simultaneously - "BEWARE TURN BACK". "Curious", Valgo states. Finding nothing more of interest inside the remains, they leave, and make their way back ashore. On shore, Nytor, Valgo, and Dzintra have a discussion about the words, and their significance. "Do you think it's possible that those words could have existed in that boat before it sank", asks Dzintra. "It does not seem likely", responds Valgo, "I can only imagine that they were put there when it sank, or perhaps after it came up on shore, but I don't know why. It seems safe enough " - "Valgo", Rath states, interrupting him. I think I just saw something flying over by that mountain in the distance. "Oh?", responds Valgo, "Let me take a look. That mountain there?", he asks, pointing to a peak, and withdrawing his spyglass from his belt. Valgo draws the spyglass up to his eye and examines the mountainside, when he suddenly drops the spyglass onto the small rocks that make up the shoreline. Just then, everyone sees it - a huge Ice Dragon that has just made its way from behind a mountain peak, and seems to be headed straight for the Celestial. "Into the woods! Take cover!", shouts Valgo. "The boat! Get the boat", Bax suggests, pointing to the skiff. "Not a problem", Mournax replies, hoisting the boat on top of his head, carrying it into the woods as if it weighed nothing.
Quickly, the party leaps into the confines of dense foliage, only to witness their greatest fear - the Ice Dragon swoops down onto the helpless ship, and instantly tears the great mast. He lands on the vessel, and it heaves with the added weight. The dragon tears and bites at the crew, and rips the vessel apart. A terrible cone of ice and cold obliterates a large section of the top deck, and in an instant the ship tears apart in half, and begins sinking in the ocean. A few crew members jump off, and barrels, supplies, and fragments of wood cascade into the water. The dragon flies away as suddenly as he arrived. As the party watches the dragon disappear, the ship does as well - beneath the now calm waters of the ocean.
* - "My crow’s nest spots a strange construction just off the shore. A stone pyramid set amongst the dense vegetation. Though it is covered in vines, and apparently hasn’t seen use in a long time (probably a pre-Ice Age structure) it is obvious to be man-made, and not a natural occurring phenomenon. We do not observe any other structures like it, or other man-made structures in the surrounding areas, however. It appears to be alone in this regard."
The party and the crew, led by Valgo spend the next 4 months uneventfully aboard the Celestial. The party becomes familiar with the crew, and they find ways to assist in the day to day activities that help to fight the monotiny and boredom of ship life. On a brisk morning, the crow's nest topsman shouts out "Land! Land!". There is a scurry of activity aboard the ship, and Valgo appears from beneath and extends his trusty spyglass. "Yes, indeed. This must be it! Excellent!" Valgo requests that the anchor be dropped, and a day is spent looking at the stars trying to ascertain exactly where they might be, in order to determine whether the ship should sail south to find the ziggurat at area 9, or to sail north. With some degree of certainty Valgo orders the anchor raised, the ship sails south, along the coast for two days more before finally spotting the mysterious ziggurat. "We shall drop anchor here, and myself and the adventurers will board the skiff to investigate the safety of the shore." "Valgo, I see something in the water near the shore. I can't make it out", says Bax. "Let me look", Valgo replies, taking out his spyglass. "Hmmm, it looks like the remains of a ship! We shall have to take a closer look at it once we are on shore."
It is about mid-day, the crew gathers their equipment, and readies their armor for any trouble that might occur. The remaining crew remain aboard, and prepare to unload all the stores. Once the adventurers are ready, they and Valgo board a skiff. It is lowered onto the water's surface, and with Mournax and Ivo rowing, they make it to the shore quickly.
In the water, they discover what appears to be the remains of the bow (front) of the ship. It was turned upright, sitting in the water not more than some 20 feet from shore. With a grim look on his face, Valgo states, "That could only be Gorian's ship. We'll get a better look at it once we make our way ashore."
Once on land, Mournax, with ease, pulls the skiff well out of the water. Dzintra, Valgo, and Rath make their way out into the water and climb into the remains of the bow of the torn ship. Valgo clicks his fingers, and utters a few arcane words, and the inside of the bow illuminates greatly. Peering with keen eyes, Dzintra observes some words, written in the common tongue, etched into the inside of the bow as if with a dagger or knife. Pointing out the words to Valgo, they read them simultaneously - "BEWARE TURN BACK". "Curious", Valgo states. Finding nothing more of interest inside the remains, they leave, and make their way back ashore. On shore, Nytor, Valgo, and Dzintra have a discussion about the words, and their significance. "Do you think it's possible that those words could have existed in that boat before it sank", asks Dzintra. "It does not seem likely", responds Valgo, "I can only imagine that they were put there when it sank, or perhaps after it came up on shore, but I don't know why. It seems safe enough " - "Valgo", Rath states, interrupting him. I think I just saw something flying over by that mountain in the distance. "Oh?", responds Valgo, "Let me take a look. That mountain there?", he asks, pointing to a peak, and withdrawing his spyglass from his belt. Valgo draws the spyglass up to his eye and examines the mountainside, when he suddenly drops the spyglass onto the small rocks that make up the shoreline. Just then, everyone sees it - a huge Ice Dragon that has just made its way from behind a mountain peak, and seems to be headed straight for the Celestial. "Into the woods! Take cover!", shouts Valgo. "The boat! Get the boat", Bax suggests, pointing to the skiff. "Not a problem", Mournax replies, hoisting the boat on top of his head, carrying it into the woods as if it weighed nothing.
Quickly, the party leaps into the confines of dense foliage, only to witness their greatest fear - the Ice Dragon swoops down onto the helpless ship, and instantly tears the great mast. He lands on the vessel, and it heaves with the added weight. The dragon tears and bites at the crew, and rips the vessel apart. A terrible cone of ice and cold obliterates a large section of the top deck, and in an instant the ship tears apart in half, and begins sinking in the ocean. A few crew members jump off, and barrels, supplies, and fragments of wood cascade into the water. The dragon flies away as suddenly as he arrived. As the party watches the dragon disappear, the ship does as well - beneath the now calm waters of the ocean.
* - "My crow’s nest spots a strange construction just off the shore. A stone pyramid set amongst the dense vegetation. Though it is covered in vines, and apparently hasn’t seen use in a long time (probably a pre-Ice Age structure) it is obvious to be man-made, and not a natural occurring phenomenon. We do not observe any other structures like it, or other man-made structures in the surrounding areas, however. It appears to be alone in this regard."
der_kluge
Adventurer
"That's it...", the party thought, "there goes our ride home." Just then, Rath unleases a Fly spell, and takes to the air where the wreckage is. Mournax comes back out of the forest with his skiff and places it back in the water - Ivo joins him. "We need to check for survivors", Nytor exclaims. "Yes, indeed!", Valgo responds.
With the dragon gone, the party is able to recover the survivors. There are a few provisions that they are able to recover as well. All told, more than 50 crew members are slain or drown in the attack. The party, along with Valgo, spend the remainder of the day recovering the lost, and assessing what remains of the provisions. Nytor spends his time healing those that are wounded. "Valgo, I should remind you that I have the ability to revive the deceased", Nytor says, quietly aside to Valgo. "Yes, Nytor, I know, but we've lost more than 50 crew members. I do not wish to place myself into a position to choose who lives and who dies. I recommend that you leave those who have fallen to their sleep." "Agreed", nods Nytor, "I shall provide them with the last rites, and attempt to ease the grief of the survivors". Valgo nods, "your services will not go unnoticed; thank you."
While the crew collect themselves, and recover from the attack, the party scouts out the immediate area of the coast. It is heavily forested - with trees that enshroud the ground in shadow. Nearby, Dzintra discovers a well - an open stone well. Examining it closely, she reads a symbol on the well which she does not recognize. "That's a 1", Rath states, "it's in Draconic. Curious." Well, perhaps it can be a source of fresh water. Indeed, they do note that there is water in it, though it is mucky rain water. Mournax takes a small sample of the water to taste it. "Yuck. Tastes awful." "Let's look around the area and see what else we can find", Bax suggests. "Agreed", say the others.
Aside from a few animal tracks, the party doesn't find any sign of intelligent life, but they do find 3 other wells (for a total of 4) around the nearby vicinity of the Ziggurat. The ziggurat itself is a vine-covered, sloped 4-sided pyramid with a flat top. In one side, they can see a depression which leads to a doorway. "What kind of people are these that build wells around here like this?", Mournax asks, "this is craziness." "I agree", states Rath, "let's examine the pyramid."
Utilizing the vines on the side of the structure, the party climbs up. Soon, it becomes apparent to Ivo that the vines have a mind of their own, and they attempt to reach out to strangle him. Acting quickly, Rath unleases a flurry of force spheres, and Ivo attacks with his, now flaming axe. Quickly, they are able to ascertain that this is some sort of plant-based creature, with a gaping maw, and many vine-like tendrils. Mournax's and Ivo's blades make short work of the creature, and they rid the side of the ziggurat with it's foul presence in short time. "What an unusual creature that was", Ivo exclaims. "Indeed, let us hope that it is the last one", Mournax replies.
Climbing her way up to the door, Dzintra scopes out the structure, "it seems safe, but I can't find a way inside, but wait", she exclaims, examining the door closer, "there is some writing here." Rath, eager to see what is written, clambors up to the door. "Indeed there is. It, too, is written in Draconic."
With the dragon gone, the party is able to recover the survivors. There are a few provisions that they are able to recover as well. All told, more than 50 crew members are slain or drown in the attack. The party, along with Valgo, spend the remainder of the day recovering the lost, and assessing what remains of the provisions. Nytor spends his time healing those that are wounded. "Valgo, I should remind you that I have the ability to revive the deceased", Nytor says, quietly aside to Valgo. "Yes, Nytor, I know, but we've lost more than 50 crew members. I do not wish to place myself into a position to choose who lives and who dies. I recommend that you leave those who have fallen to their sleep." "Agreed", nods Nytor, "I shall provide them with the last rites, and attempt to ease the grief of the survivors". Valgo nods, "your services will not go unnoticed; thank you."
While the crew collect themselves, and recover from the attack, the party scouts out the immediate area of the coast. It is heavily forested - with trees that enshroud the ground in shadow. Nearby, Dzintra discovers a well - an open stone well. Examining it closely, she reads a symbol on the well which she does not recognize. "That's a 1", Rath states, "it's in Draconic. Curious." Well, perhaps it can be a source of fresh water. Indeed, they do note that there is water in it, though it is mucky rain water. Mournax takes a small sample of the water to taste it. "Yuck. Tastes awful." "Let's look around the area and see what else we can find", Bax suggests. "Agreed", say the others.
Aside from a few animal tracks, the party doesn't find any sign of intelligent life, but they do find 3 other wells (for a total of 4) around the nearby vicinity of the Ziggurat. The ziggurat itself is a vine-covered, sloped 4-sided pyramid with a flat top. In one side, they can see a depression which leads to a doorway. "What kind of people are these that build wells around here like this?", Mournax asks, "this is craziness." "I agree", states Rath, "let's examine the pyramid."
Utilizing the vines on the side of the structure, the party climbs up. Soon, it becomes apparent to Ivo that the vines have a mind of their own, and they attempt to reach out to strangle him. Acting quickly, Rath unleases a flurry of force spheres, and Ivo attacks with his, now flaming axe. Quickly, they are able to ascertain that this is some sort of plant-based creature, with a gaping maw, and many vine-like tendrils. Mournax's and Ivo's blades make short work of the creature, and they rid the side of the ziggurat with it's foul presence in short time. "What an unusual creature that was", Ivo exclaims. "Indeed, let us hope that it is the last one", Mournax replies.
Climbing her way up to the door, Dzintra scopes out the structure, "it seems safe, but I can't find a way inside, but wait", she exclaims, examining the door closer, "there is some writing here." Rath, eager to see what is written, clambors up to the door. "Indeed there is. It, too, is written in Draconic."
Attachments
der_kluge
Adventurer
OOC: I'll give everyone a day or so to ruminate on the riddle. Here is the text of the riddle in case you have trouble reading the picture (yes, it's hard to read, I know).
A dragon and a warrior live together on
an island. The island has five poisoned
wells numbered 1 to 5. A well's water is an
antidote to any smaller numbered well.
Well 5 is at the top of a high mountain,
and is only accessible to the dragon.
The warrior and the dragon meet to have
a duel. They exchange glasses of water and
drink. After the duel, the warrior lives,
and the dragon dies.
Feed me the water the warrior brought.
OOC: This concludes Game #1! My players had two weeks to work on the riddle, and Bax was able to come up with a solution.
A dragon and a warrior live together on
an island. The island has five poisoned
wells numbered 1 to 5. A well's water is an
antidote to any smaller numbered well.
Well 5 is at the top of a high mountain,
and is only accessible to the dragon.
The warrior and the dragon meet to have
a duel. They exchange glasses of water and
drink. After the duel, the warrior lives,
and the dragon dies.
Feed me the water the warrior brought.
OOC: This concludes Game #1! My players had two weeks to work on the riddle, and Bax was able to come up with a solution.
Mouseferatu
Hero
The warrior brought the dragon seawater. (You said they were on an island.) The dragon, believing the seawater to be poisoned water from one of the wells, followed his drink by drinking from well #5, and posioned himself.
der_kluge
Adventurer
The party rests that evening, uneventfully.
The next morning, Valgo comes to Nytor's side, "Nytor, three men died during the night." "What?", Nytor asks, "What did they die of?" "I do not know", came Valgo's response, "they were healthy when they went to bed."
Nytor went to examine their bodies - no signs of physical injury were found. "Were they sick at all last night", Nytor asks of the fellow crewmembers. "No", one said, "I saw Jonesy go over and get a drink from the well, and then he went to sleep. That's it." "The well....", Nytor said, drifting off into his own thoughts. Using a simple spell, Nytor casts a divination on the well. "This well water is poisonous" "That makes sense, given the riddle on the door to the pyramid", Bax responds. "What kind of foul place is this", Mournax shouts, vigorously rubbing the stone necklace around his neck.
The next morning, Valgo comes to Nytor's side, "Nytor, three men died during the night." "What?", Nytor asks, "What did they die of?" "I do not know", came Valgo's response, "they were healthy when they went to bed."
Nytor went to examine their bodies - no signs of physical injury were found. "Were they sick at all last night", Nytor asks of the fellow crewmembers. "No", one said, "I saw Jonesy go over and get a drink from the well, and then he went to sleep. That's it." "The well....", Nytor said, drifting off into his own thoughts. Using a simple spell, Nytor casts a divination on the well. "This well water is poisonous" "That makes sense, given the riddle on the door to the pyramid", Bax responds. "What kind of foul place is this", Mournax shouts, vigorously rubbing the stone necklace around his neck.
der_kluge
Adventurer
Between Game #1 and Game #2 - An email discussion takes place.
Bax proposes a solution to the riddle - "Pour fresh water into the door" (there is a hole in the door, I think I failed to mention that before)
Rath speaks, "I think Bax is on the right track.
The warrior's strategy was to pre-drink his own water before swapping cups with the dragon.
By pre-drinking his own water he hoped that the dragon would bring a higher-numbered water and therefore provide the antidote.
But as Bax mentioned, if the dragon brought water #5 then any of the other waters (1-4) could have been brought by the warrior to satisfy the criteria.
The key to narrowing down the solution space is that the warrior did not know what water the dragon would bring.
The dragon had access to all of the wells (1-5).
We know what the warrior's strategy was (because we know the outcome) so we can predict what the warrior would have done to increase his chances of success.
He would have chosen the lowest -numbered well (#1).
That way the only way he would die of poison would be if the dragon also brought water from well #1. Because any other water (2-5) would serve as an antidote.
Bringing water from well #1 also guarantees that the dragon will be poisoned because no mater what the dragon brings, the dragon cannot be saved by the water from well #1. "
Bax, in turn, responds, "The problem with that theory is that the dragon has access to well 5, and that it's a cure-all for anything the warrior brought. Each only brought 1 glass of water, so the dragon would have known that he could just go to well 5 and drink for the antidote for anything else.
I have a different answer. To fully explain it, I must explain my theory. First, that it actually happened as stated. Water is what killed the dragon, not a sword in the gut.
Second, they both must have drank twice, but only once at the duel. Once for the poison, once for the antidote.
Third, since the dragon was the only one that had access to well 5, that he would use it. He would use it as poison against the warrior and as an antidote against whatever the warrior gave him, since the dragon couldn't know which water the warrior brought, and he knew that the warrior had no antidote to it.
Fourth, that the warrior knew that the dragon could drink from well 5 and cure any poison the warrior brought.
Fifth, that both the warrior and dragon were trying to win.
Sixth, that the poison is not insta-death (as was proven by the people who died in the night).
Seventh, that all wells taste the same, and that they all taste like normal water.
Eighth, the warrior would know that he had no antidote to well 5, but that it was the antidote to anything else.
Ninth, the warrior knew that the dragon would go to well 5 and drink to get the antidote to whatever he brought.
Tenth, that each only brought one glass of water. (This bears out because the riddle asks for the water the warrior brought.)
This means that the warrior could have only won through cunning and trickery.
So here's what must have happened from the dragon's perspective. The warrior brought water and then the dragon went to well 5 and drank. The dragon then died.
What water could the warrior have brought that would kill the dragon even if the dragon went and drank from well 5? Like I said, I have an answer, but I wanted everyone to see this and see if they agree with the assumptions. If so, what could the warrior have brought?"
Mournax chimes in with his own thoughts, "I have been listening to this conversation and have a few things to say. First, you guys are crazy. A giant lizard took all of a hundred heartbeats to fly to our ship, sink it, eat half the crew, and fly away. That was yesterday. I agree with checking the area, but whether you think of the survivors as people to protect or as monster attracting snacks, or both, it is strategically crazy to sit here where the lizard left us, playing thousand year old puzzle games and waiting for the lizard to get hungry again. There are no signs of the other expedition except the destroyed ship. Where are the other survivors? Either eaten or fled. One of those options is better.
Why are we so interested in this big pyramid? Why are we messing with this riddle? We don't know what this thing is (rubbing of necklace) and we're screwing around with it right after our boat sinks? Besides, the monsters or men that built it were also crazy. What kind of people build a network of poisoned wells? Just so they can mess with people with this riddle? They apparently weren't worried about killing anyone accidentally. Not usually a sign of friendly folks. Besides, that first well wouldn't kill a big lizard like that one we saw. I'm tough, but not as tough as a big lizard, and it didn't kill me. Maybe it or some other well is a lot stronger, or just really deadly to lizards, but I doubt it.
We don't know anything. The dragon in the riddle might be a good metallic like in the stories. Maybe it was a clever evil knight who tricked and killed him. Maybe the big lizard we saw is smart enough to make that riddle himself and kills anyone smart enough to solve it because they are dangerous. Or maybe the big lizard wants us to solve the riddle. It was smart enough to wait until we dropped anchor to come attack us. And it made sure it allowed the explorers to land before coming and sinking the boat. It also left plenty of survivors and wounded, maybe to keep us hobbled by the difficulty of traveling with and protecting so many. If it saw us sitting at anchor, it had to have seen us come sailing up with our big billowing sails, but it waited to attack. And what if we give the pyramid this water. Then what happens. Do we get showered with flowers and honey candy? Do we get through the door? Do we give the dragon what it wants? Do we destroy the world? If we really want
through this door so bad, then let's just smash it in. If it's stone, we see if we can salvage picks and sledgehammers and we break it up.
I say again, I don't trust this riddle (rubbing stone around neck again). If it's real, and the big lizard and poison wells seem to mean it is not one of those whatzits, the things that stand for something else...a pinafore, then why is the dragon here and the knight isn't? It's worth asking the question and I, Mournax, say messing with this pyramid is crazy."
Rath rubs his chin, and responds, directing his comments towards Valgo, "Valgo, with your permission, I would address some of Mournax's concerns. First of all, Mournax, thank you for helping get our discussion back on track. I know the events of yesterday were unexpected and horrible. The danger, as you point out, is clear and present. So far we have done what we must: collect the survivors, take cover, heal those we could save, and do what we can to secure the area.
No decision has been made regarding the riddle or what we should do with the pyramid or even if we should stay in this area. Perhaps you have mistaken Bax's and my interest in this riddle as an indication that we propose a course of action. I agree with you that we should discuss these matters fully as soon as we are able and we should each feel free to advise Valgo on what we consider to be a wise course of action.
I agree that the presence of the riddle is curious -- perhaps even crazy as you suggest -- and we should proceed with caution. But we cannot ignore the protection that could be afforded by the pyramid if in fact it can be occupied. Perhaps we see no evidence of the prior expedition precisely because they were able to defend themselves within the pyramid. We do not know what has happened to the previous expedition, we do not understand the creatures that built the pyramid, and we do not understand the purpose of the riddle. Our survival in this land may very well depend on answering these questions."
Ivo speaks, " I think we need to step back an' get our bearings here. Of course, we need to find some sort of shelter away from tha elements, as well as tha prying eyes of yonder dragon. Once all are basic needs be met, then we may discuss this mountainous monolith and tha damn riddle that be carved on its door. Someone went to a lot of trouble to make sure tha door canae be opened, so that leaves tha question of why? To keep people out or..............to keep something in?
Anyway, I believe we should be able to build us another boat, well at least some sort of sea worthy craft. We have plenty of materials counting the trees of the jungle an' salvaging what we can of the other vessels. We have a gnome carpenter (ed note: one of the surviving crew is a gnome carpenter), who I'm sure could design something giving time. And time is one of our assets we be having plenty of. Of course tha blasted dragon would probably keep pestering us and not letting us finish tha dammed thing. Mournax is right about that dragon. Except why did he sink us at all? We are hardly a threat for a creature of that size even if it had let us go on about are business. I donae think it was just pure maliciousness that caused the dragon to attack, though I'm sure there be no lack of it. There be more than one mystery here.
By Hell's Forge, I'm beginning to resent this voyage!"
Dzintra chimes in with her own two coppers' worth, "The way I see it, figuring out the mysteries of this pyramid is exactly one of the reasons we signed up for this voyage. This is what we'd be doing if the dragon hadn't gone and destroyed our ship - so why let that keep us from exploring, as we had originally intended? Otherwise, there was no point in our travelling four months to get here.
Mournaxe makes some good points. There's a lot we don't know, but I figure that's why Valgo assembled this team - some folks are going to be good at figuring out the riddles, others are going to be good at reminding us of the practicalities of our situation.
I assume the crew are capable of taking care of themselves, and how long could it take, anyway?"
Rath nods in agreement.
Nytor speaks, "I have great concerns. We not only have our duty and obligations to our employer, we have obligations to the other men and women of the ship. If they do not already they soon will look to us as an example and for leadership. If we act as if the mission is over they will assume it is and the discipline structure will evaporate. Lack of purpose and despair will claim them if we allow that to happen. While I can not claim to know the will of the Great Provider for all of the men and women here I doubt that he plans for these people to die here lonely and unfulfilled. As the late Brother Modikye said, idle hands can not serve the Great Provider, nor can they put food in ones mouth.
Mournax is right to point out the details of our situation and remind us of our elemental needs. He certainly has a right to rebuke us for our callous attitude towards the recently slain. I most of all offer apologies for this. I have been in shock since the event and while it is no excuse my thoughts and prayers have been with those still alive. Please forgive me.
I suggest that the bulk of the crew be set to meeting the basic needs of the whole. They are well suited to the tasked.
Find and gather potable water
Find and gather food
Find and prepare shelter
Scout for information and useable wreckage.
Etc.
We on the other hand could provide the crew with a sense of continuity by tackling this mystery. We are better suited for it than they are. It needs to be done sooner or latter and it could afford us some shelter we otherwise might not be able to secure. It could also provide us with information regarding the previous mission or tools we can use.
I just do not want discord and despair to rule or lives and allow evil to creep in. We have a long road ahead and this seams like as good a place to start as any."
Mournax responds again, "I repeat that this is crazy. What we would or wouldn't do if the big lizard didn't sink the ship means nothing. The fact is that the big lizard is up there and is well aware of where we are. If it has chosen not to eat us at present, then let us take advantage of this by removing ourselves from the area. If it believes we have gone it may not expend the energy to hunt us down. This is better than having a bunch of landbound sailors making every monster in the area drool in anticipation. Once these folks are in a somewhat safer location we can easily slip back to the pyramid to satisfy everyone's curiosity, though I still doubt the motives and sanity of a people that would set up a network of poisoned wells."
Nytor speaks, "Personally. I do not think the Dragon will back too soon. If it wanted us all dead it would have and could have done so on the first day. Clearly, it just wanted to prevent our escape in order to preserve the secrets of the place. It is because we are in danger that I suggest we use the structure as shelter and temporary base of operations. It is high and very unlikely to be breachable even by a dragon. That would give the crew a shot in the arm of moral. However, Mournax has many good points to his option. Fortunately, I am not in charge and this tough choice is not mine to make. I will do my best regardless of the choice. I pray the Great Providers grants us the wisdom to work though these tough choices ahead. Praise BE! The Great Provider! Do not let despair lie in your hearts less the chill winds take more than your body."
Agreeing with Nytor, Rath says, "I agree that it is not our decision to make. Valgo will have our input if he wants it, but we should discuss our opinions with him privately so we can present a united front to the crew. We should agree amongst ourselves that we should not publicly question Valgo once he has issued his decision. I fear it will bring more disaster if the crew loses confidence in Valgo's leadership."
Bax proposes a solution to the riddle - "Pour fresh water into the door" (there is a hole in the door, I think I failed to mention that before)
Rath speaks, "I think Bax is on the right track.
The warrior's strategy was to pre-drink his own water before swapping cups with the dragon.
By pre-drinking his own water he hoped that the dragon would bring a higher-numbered water and therefore provide the antidote.
But as Bax mentioned, if the dragon brought water #5 then any of the other waters (1-4) could have been brought by the warrior to satisfy the criteria.
The key to narrowing down the solution space is that the warrior did not know what water the dragon would bring.
The dragon had access to all of the wells (1-5).
We know what the warrior's strategy was (because we know the outcome) so we can predict what the warrior would have done to increase his chances of success.
He would have chosen the lowest -numbered well (#1).
That way the only way he would die of poison would be if the dragon also brought water from well #1. Because any other water (2-5) would serve as an antidote.
Bringing water from well #1 also guarantees that the dragon will be poisoned because no mater what the dragon brings, the dragon cannot be saved by the water from well #1. "
Bax, in turn, responds, "The problem with that theory is that the dragon has access to well 5, and that it's a cure-all for anything the warrior brought. Each only brought 1 glass of water, so the dragon would have known that he could just go to well 5 and drink for the antidote for anything else.
I have a different answer. To fully explain it, I must explain my theory. First, that it actually happened as stated. Water is what killed the dragon, not a sword in the gut.
Second, they both must have drank twice, but only once at the duel. Once for the poison, once for the antidote.
Third, since the dragon was the only one that had access to well 5, that he would use it. He would use it as poison against the warrior and as an antidote against whatever the warrior gave him, since the dragon couldn't know which water the warrior brought, and he knew that the warrior had no antidote to it.
Fourth, that the warrior knew that the dragon could drink from well 5 and cure any poison the warrior brought.
Fifth, that both the warrior and dragon were trying to win.
Sixth, that the poison is not insta-death (as was proven by the people who died in the night).
Seventh, that all wells taste the same, and that they all taste like normal water.
Eighth, the warrior would know that he had no antidote to well 5, but that it was the antidote to anything else.
Ninth, the warrior knew that the dragon would go to well 5 and drink to get the antidote to whatever he brought.
Tenth, that each only brought one glass of water. (This bears out because the riddle asks for the water the warrior brought.)
This means that the warrior could have only won through cunning and trickery.
So here's what must have happened from the dragon's perspective. The warrior brought water and then the dragon went to well 5 and drank. The dragon then died.
What water could the warrior have brought that would kill the dragon even if the dragon went and drank from well 5? Like I said, I have an answer, but I wanted everyone to see this and see if they agree with the assumptions. If so, what could the warrior have brought?"
Mournax chimes in with his own thoughts, "I have been listening to this conversation and have a few things to say. First, you guys are crazy. A giant lizard took all of a hundred heartbeats to fly to our ship, sink it, eat half the crew, and fly away. That was yesterday. I agree with checking the area, but whether you think of the survivors as people to protect or as monster attracting snacks, or both, it is strategically crazy to sit here where the lizard left us, playing thousand year old puzzle games and waiting for the lizard to get hungry again. There are no signs of the other expedition except the destroyed ship. Where are the other survivors? Either eaten or fled. One of those options is better.
Why are we so interested in this big pyramid? Why are we messing with this riddle? We don't know what this thing is (rubbing of necklace) and we're screwing around with it right after our boat sinks? Besides, the monsters or men that built it were also crazy. What kind of people build a network of poisoned wells? Just so they can mess with people with this riddle? They apparently weren't worried about killing anyone accidentally. Not usually a sign of friendly folks. Besides, that first well wouldn't kill a big lizard like that one we saw. I'm tough, but not as tough as a big lizard, and it didn't kill me. Maybe it or some other well is a lot stronger, or just really deadly to lizards, but I doubt it.
We don't know anything. The dragon in the riddle might be a good metallic like in the stories. Maybe it was a clever evil knight who tricked and killed him. Maybe the big lizard we saw is smart enough to make that riddle himself and kills anyone smart enough to solve it because they are dangerous. Or maybe the big lizard wants us to solve the riddle. It was smart enough to wait until we dropped anchor to come attack us. And it made sure it allowed the explorers to land before coming and sinking the boat. It also left plenty of survivors and wounded, maybe to keep us hobbled by the difficulty of traveling with and protecting so many. If it saw us sitting at anchor, it had to have seen us come sailing up with our big billowing sails, but it waited to attack. And what if we give the pyramid this water. Then what happens. Do we get showered with flowers and honey candy? Do we get through the door? Do we give the dragon what it wants? Do we destroy the world? If we really want
through this door so bad, then let's just smash it in. If it's stone, we see if we can salvage picks and sledgehammers and we break it up.
I say again, I don't trust this riddle (rubbing stone around neck again). If it's real, and the big lizard and poison wells seem to mean it is not one of those whatzits, the things that stand for something else...a pinafore, then why is the dragon here and the knight isn't? It's worth asking the question and I, Mournax, say messing with this pyramid is crazy."
Rath rubs his chin, and responds, directing his comments towards Valgo, "Valgo, with your permission, I would address some of Mournax's concerns. First of all, Mournax, thank you for helping get our discussion back on track. I know the events of yesterday were unexpected and horrible. The danger, as you point out, is clear and present. So far we have done what we must: collect the survivors, take cover, heal those we could save, and do what we can to secure the area.
No decision has been made regarding the riddle or what we should do with the pyramid or even if we should stay in this area. Perhaps you have mistaken Bax's and my interest in this riddle as an indication that we propose a course of action. I agree with you that we should discuss these matters fully as soon as we are able and we should each feel free to advise Valgo on what we consider to be a wise course of action.
I agree that the presence of the riddle is curious -- perhaps even crazy as you suggest -- and we should proceed with caution. But we cannot ignore the protection that could be afforded by the pyramid if in fact it can be occupied. Perhaps we see no evidence of the prior expedition precisely because they were able to defend themselves within the pyramid. We do not know what has happened to the previous expedition, we do not understand the creatures that built the pyramid, and we do not understand the purpose of the riddle. Our survival in this land may very well depend on answering these questions."
Ivo speaks, " I think we need to step back an' get our bearings here. Of course, we need to find some sort of shelter away from tha elements, as well as tha prying eyes of yonder dragon. Once all are basic needs be met, then we may discuss this mountainous monolith and tha damn riddle that be carved on its door. Someone went to a lot of trouble to make sure tha door canae be opened, so that leaves tha question of why? To keep people out or..............to keep something in?
Anyway, I believe we should be able to build us another boat, well at least some sort of sea worthy craft. We have plenty of materials counting the trees of the jungle an' salvaging what we can of the other vessels. We have a gnome carpenter (ed note: one of the surviving crew is a gnome carpenter), who I'm sure could design something giving time. And time is one of our assets we be having plenty of. Of course tha blasted dragon would probably keep pestering us and not letting us finish tha dammed thing. Mournax is right about that dragon. Except why did he sink us at all? We are hardly a threat for a creature of that size even if it had let us go on about are business. I donae think it was just pure maliciousness that caused the dragon to attack, though I'm sure there be no lack of it. There be more than one mystery here.
By Hell's Forge, I'm beginning to resent this voyage!"
Dzintra chimes in with her own two coppers' worth, "The way I see it, figuring out the mysteries of this pyramid is exactly one of the reasons we signed up for this voyage. This is what we'd be doing if the dragon hadn't gone and destroyed our ship - so why let that keep us from exploring, as we had originally intended? Otherwise, there was no point in our travelling four months to get here.
Mournaxe makes some good points. There's a lot we don't know, but I figure that's why Valgo assembled this team - some folks are going to be good at figuring out the riddles, others are going to be good at reminding us of the practicalities of our situation.
I assume the crew are capable of taking care of themselves, and how long could it take, anyway?"
Rath nods in agreement.
Nytor speaks, "I have great concerns. We not only have our duty and obligations to our employer, we have obligations to the other men and women of the ship. If they do not already they soon will look to us as an example and for leadership. If we act as if the mission is over they will assume it is and the discipline structure will evaporate. Lack of purpose and despair will claim them if we allow that to happen. While I can not claim to know the will of the Great Provider for all of the men and women here I doubt that he plans for these people to die here lonely and unfulfilled. As the late Brother Modikye said, idle hands can not serve the Great Provider, nor can they put food in ones mouth.
Mournax is right to point out the details of our situation and remind us of our elemental needs. He certainly has a right to rebuke us for our callous attitude towards the recently slain. I most of all offer apologies for this. I have been in shock since the event and while it is no excuse my thoughts and prayers have been with those still alive. Please forgive me.
I suggest that the bulk of the crew be set to meeting the basic needs of the whole. They are well suited to the tasked.
Find and gather potable water
Find and gather food
Find and prepare shelter
Scout for information and useable wreckage.
Etc.
We on the other hand could provide the crew with a sense of continuity by tackling this mystery. We are better suited for it than they are. It needs to be done sooner or latter and it could afford us some shelter we otherwise might not be able to secure. It could also provide us with information regarding the previous mission or tools we can use.
I just do not want discord and despair to rule or lives and allow evil to creep in. We have a long road ahead and this seams like as good a place to start as any."
Mournax responds again, "I repeat that this is crazy. What we would or wouldn't do if the big lizard didn't sink the ship means nothing. The fact is that the big lizard is up there and is well aware of where we are. If it has chosen not to eat us at present, then let us take advantage of this by removing ourselves from the area. If it believes we have gone it may not expend the energy to hunt us down. This is better than having a bunch of landbound sailors making every monster in the area drool in anticipation. Once these folks are in a somewhat safer location we can easily slip back to the pyramid to satisfy everyone's curiosity, though I still doubt the motives and sanity of a people that would set up a network of poisoned wells."
Nytor speaks, "Personally. I do not think the Dragon will back too soon. If it wanted us all dead it would have and could have done so on the first day. Clearly, it just wanted to prevent our escape in order to preserve the secrets of the place. It is because we are in danger that I suggest we use the structure as shelter and temporary base of operations. It is high and very unlikely to be breachable even by a dragon. That would give the crew a shot in the arm of moral. However, Mournax has many good points to his option. Fortunately, I am not in charge and this tough choice is not mine to make. I will do my best regardless of the choice. I pray the Great Providers grants us the wisdom to work though these tough choices ahead. Praise BE! The Great Provider! Do not let despair lie in your hearts less the chill winds take more than your body."
Agreeing with Nytor, Rath says, "I agree that it is not our decision to make. Valgo will have our input if he wants it, but we should discuss our opinions with him privately so we can present a united front to the crew. We should agree amongst ourselves that we should not publicly question Valgo once he has issued his decision. I fear it will bring more disaster if the crew loses confidence in Valgo's leadership."
der_kluge
Adventurer
Game #2 [October 19th, 2003]
"Valgo", Rath asked, "what would you have us do?"
"I'm not sure", Valgo replied, "we are still assessing the provisions, and tending to the wounded here. I've not yet formulated a plan."
"We believe that we have a solution to the riddle on the door of the ziggurat", says Bax. "Indeed", Valgo responds, "let me hear your explanation."
"I believe that we can open the door if we pour in regular water. My theory is that the fighter brought regular water to the duel. The dragon drinks it, believes that it is poison, and then goes back to drink water from well #5, poisoning himself in the process. The dragon brings water from well #5 believing that once the fighter drinks it, he will be irreversibly poisoned. However, the fighter comes to the duel having drank water from well #1 beforehand, and when he drinks water from well #5 that the dragon brings, he is cured." "That is most interesting, Bax.", Valgo responds.
"What is your plan, Valgo? Did you want to journey into the ziggurat?"
Dzintra interrupts, "We don't know what kind of evil could be hiding in that thing." Valgo nods, "Indeed, it's possible, though it seems unlikely that opening the door could flood the world with poisonous snakes. I mean, we simply don't know what is beyond the door. It's an unknown."
Mournax asks, "What of the boat? Using the cleric's magic, we can fetch supplies from the sunken ship." Hesitating, Valgo responds, "Yes, well, we do take on a certain amount of risk by venturing out into those waters where the dragon might see us." "The dragon could see us here!", Mournax shouts. "Yes, well he may not know we are here", Valgo responds. "Do you intend to go inland, or go down the shore". Bax asks. "I do not know", Valgo responds, "going inland may face its own peril. My immediate concern is to find a source of fresh water." Nytor responds, "If you venture down the coast, you might be likely to find a source of water that leads into the ocean, as opposed to going inland, since you might wander for days and not find any water." "This is true", Valgo says, "but we do risk being spotted on the shoreline, it does seem somewhat risky." "This is ridiculous!", shouts Mournax.
Rath, pulling Valgo aside, says, "Valgo, I think it's important that you make a firm decision, and stick with it. The crew will become unsettled if they feel like you are not able to lead them." Valgo, uncomfortable, says to Rath, "Yes, but that's why I brought you and the rest along - I seek your wisdom in such matters as much as my own. I don't pretend to have all the answers. I am merely giving some cautionary warnings and hopefully we can all work together to come to a conclusion. Perhaps Nytor can assist us in such manners. Nytor -", Valgo calls out. "Yes, what is it", Nytor replies.
Valgo, walking back to Nytor and the rest of the party says, "Nytor, can you divine some answers for me - to help me make a decision." "Certainly", Nytor says. "Can you ask the Provider where we can find a source of fresh water?" "Well, the question has to be specific, like a yes/no", Nytor says. "Hmmm. Then, ask the Provider if there is a source of fresh water in the ziggurat" "That seems unlikely", Mournax says. "Well, I don't know", Rath responds, "if it's a temple of some sort, they may have used water for rituals inside". "I will ask", Nytor says. Going into a trance, Nytor meditates and asks his god the question. "Yes", Nytor says, channeling the divine voice through his own. "Fascinating", Valgo says, "then it is settled. I will ask you to venture into the ziggurat, and find a source of water - it may also be suitable for protection against the forces while we formulate a plan." Rath asks, "Will you join us inside?" "No", Valgo replies, "as much as I would like to, I need to remain outside for the protection of the crew. Journey in, investigate what you can, and if you determine it is safe, I will accompany you inside."
With that, the party makes their way back to the recessed, vine-covered doorway. Bax, feeling smug pours fresh water into the little hole on the door. Dzintra, cautious, stands far away. Suddenly, the sound of stone against stone is heard as the door opens, and a dark stairway on the other side is revealed. "Ugh", shouts Mournax curling up his keen nose, "it reeks of death and decay." "We need a light source", Rath says, pulling a permanently lit stone from his pouch. "This stairway is narrow, we need to go single-file. Who is first?", Mournax asks, looking towards Dzintra. "Yes, I will go first - I can check to ensure there are no traps."
A marching order is quickly formulated, and the adventurers journey into the ziggurat.
"Valgo", Rath asked, "what would you have us do?"
"I'm not sure", Valgo replied, "we are still assessing the provisions, and tending to the wounded here. I've not yet formulated a plan."
"We believe that we have a solution to the riddle on the door of the ziggurat", says Bax. "Indeed", Valgo responds, "let me hear your explanation."
"I believe that we can open the door if we pour in regular water. My theory is that the fighter brought regular water to the duel. The dragon drinks it, believes that it is poison, and then goes back to drink water from well #5, poisoning himself in the process. The dragon brings water from well #5 believing that once the fighter drinks it, he will be irreversibly poisoned. However, the fighter comes to the duel having drank water from well #1 beforehand, and when he drinks water from well #5 that the dragon brings, he is cured." "That is most interesting, Bax.", Valgo responds.
"What is your plan, Valgo? Did you want to journey into the ziggurat?"
Dzintra interrupts, "We don't know what kind of evil could be hiding in that thing." Valgo nods, "Indeed, it's possible, though it seems unlikely that opening the door could flood the world with poisonous snakes. I mean, we simply don't know what is beyond the door. It's an unknown."
Mournax asks, "What of the boat? Using the cleric's magic, we can fetch supplies from the sunken ship." Hesitating, Valgo responds, "Yes, well, we do take on a certain amount of risk by venturing out into those waters where the dragon might see us." "The dragon could see us here!", Mournax shouts. "Yes, well he may not know we are here", Valgo responds. "Do you intend to go inland, or go down the shore". Bax asks. "I do not know", Valgo responds, "going inland may face its own peril. My immediate concern is to find a source of fresh water." Nytor responds, "If you venture down the coast, you might be likely to find a source of water that leads into the ocean, as opposed to going inland, since you might wander for days and not find any water." "This is true", Valgo says, "but we do risk being spotted on the shoreline, it does seem somewhat risky." "This is ridiculous!", shouts Mournax.
Rath, pulling Valgo aside, says, "Valgo, I think it's important that you make a firm decision, and stick with it. The crew will become unsettled if they feel like you are not able to lead them." Valgo, uncomfortable, says to Rath, "Yes, but that's why I brought you and the rest along - I seek your wisdom in such matters as much as my own. I don't pretend to have all the answers. I am merely giving some cautionary warnings and hopefully we can all work together to come to a conclusion. Perhaps Nytor can assist us in such manners. Nytor -", Valgo calls out. "Yes, what is it", Nytor replies.
Valgo, walking back to Nytor and the rest of the party says, "Nytor, can you divine some answers for me - to help me make a decision." "Certainly", Nytor says. "Can you ask the Provider where we can find a source of fresh water?" "Well, the question has to be specific, like a yes/no", Nytor says. "Hmmm. Then, ask the Provider if there is a source of fresh water in the ziggurat" "That seems unlikely", Mournax says. "Well, I don't know", Rath responds, "if it's a temple of some sort, they may have used water for rituals inside". "I will ask", Nytor says. Going into a trance, Nytor meditates and asks his god the question. "Yes", Nytor says, channeling the divine voice through his own. "Fascinating", Valgo says, "then it is settled. I will ask you to venture into the ziggurat, and find a source of water - it may also be suitable for protection against the forces while we formulate a plan." Rath asks, "Will you join us inside?" "No", Valgo replies, "as much as I would like to, I need to remain outside for the protection of the crew. Journey in, investigate what you can, and if you determine it is safe, I will accompany you inside."
With that, the party makes their way back to the recessed, vine-covered doorway. Bax, feeling smug pours fresh water into the little hole on the door. Dzintra, cautious, stands far away. Suddenly, the sound of stone against stone is heard as the door opens, and a dark stairway on the other side is revealed. "Ugh", shouts Mournax curling up his keen nose, "it reeks of death and decay." "We need a light source", Rath says, pulling a permanently lit stone from his pouch. "This stairway is narrow, we need to go single-file. Who is first?", Mournax asks, looking towards Dzintra. "Yes, I will go first - I can check to ensure there are no traps."
A marching order is quickly formulated, and the adventurers journey into the ziggurat.
