H.M.Gimlord
Explorer
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[Adventure]: Land Ho! FWBTHW (DM:H.M.Gimlord,Judge:Ozymandias79)
H.M.Gimlord
Explorer
Gathering his wits, Max realizes that the axe, though sentient, means him no harm, it just wants justice and reunion with its rightful owner. He feels, awkwardly enough, that he has been chosen by the axe as its bearer until such a time.
He lifts the axe, and stows it on his belt. Miraculously, the weapon changes size, becoming no more than a totem, yet not diminishing in power.
Growing impatient, Riardon produces the maps he has been carrying in his pack, “Alright then. Let’s get off of this rock and find a way to get that axe back to Hankel, and maybe kill a few dragons in the process. I care not whether they be blue, green or both.” He unrolls the maps, “I can’t make out the details, but it looks like this Rioc Parvel is here.” He points to the volcano on the inland island[sblock=Map]
[/sblock]“Problem is, that we are here.” He points to the island at the mouth of a long, meandering river emptying out into the ocean[sblock=Map]
[/sblock]“Even if we sail on our little boat, we’ll be hard pressed to make it against the-”
Max, looking over Riardon’s shoulder begins jumping up and down in excitement, “But don’t you see?” he interrupts, pointing to the other map, “This spot here says Rioc Stang’s Well!” Now pointing back to the map over which Riardon was pouring, “…and this spot says Rioc Stang.” Indicating the island on which they are all standing.
Riardon looks amazed, “How do you know that?”
“Can’t you read it?” Max asks looking puzzled, “It’s plain as day.
“I’m afraid not. This is Dwarven scri-The axe!” Comprehension dawns, “Max, that weapon is allowing you to read this Map,” The eladrin shoves the maps into the startled Wizard’s hand along with a quill and ink, "Here! You take this and write down anything that you can make out."
Max shrugs, “OK.” Max sets to work, and with relatively little effort, manages to translate the scrawls. He even manages to take a good guess at a draconic phrase on one of the maps. [sblock=Max's Map Markups]
[/sblock]"See?" He explains once more, "The first map says that the name of this place is Rioc Stang. I don't know what the name means, but that's how you pronounce it." He then turns to the second map pointing to a small peninusla jutting out from the inland island, "And this spot is called 'Rioc Stang's Well'" He looks up, "I'm not sure what that means, but there was a well inside this lighthouse, and my guess is that these two places are connected somehow."
Max jumps up from the maps and runs over to the ruins of the lighthouse as if he is hunting for something. After disappearing over a small pile of pavers, he calls back to the others, "I found the well!" a few moments pass, and his voice is heard again, although this time it sounds as if it is resounding from within a small cave, "Hey! Come here and look at this!"
The others bound over the rubble, and lean over the edge of the well to get a better look.
"There's a secret passage down here!"
The others scramble down into the well and discover that a portion of the well wall, just above the waterline, was designed to push away and reveal a hidden passage. On the floor of the passage are some solid gold coins on the floor. The coins are the same as the one found by Phoenix as she was climbing out of the well earlier.
Further past the false-wall, the passage continues into the dark.
Max is undaunted, and Riardon accommodates the wizard with the light of his sword.
After what seems to be about a mile of walking, the air gets less salty, and adopts a more earthen smell. Watter seeps down the walls and roots protrude into the passage, some hanging in curtains so thick that it causes the group to pick their way more carefully.
Soon, natural daylight is seen filtering down from what appears to be a hole in the roof of the passage. Upon reaching the location of the hole, they realize that it is the bottom of another well.
Climbing out, the adventurers find themselves in the ruins of a small, towered outpost on a forested outcropping of rock that overlooks an enormous, placid lake.
"If my guess is correct," Max announces, "We've reached the island of Aleinheist."
Confirmation of Max's findings becomes clear when he finds Dwarven runes on the side of the well translated,
The ruins are more than a century old, and overgrown with scrub. The group finds nothing of value left, but with Riardon's maps, they are sure of their way. Using the sun as a guide, the band of six set off for Rioc parvel.
The trek is long and hard, taking several days comprising many encounters with wild creatures, but they meet with no sign of the dragons.
On the twelfth day of their journey through the forests of Aleinheist, they strike what appears to be an old road, cobbled and torn up where the jungle roots and undergrowth has turned over pavers.
The road winds through the jungle, disappearing in places only to reappear just before the group loses hope of finding it again. The terrain continues to press higher in eleveation, until the deciduous trees give way to pines, and the ferns yield to dry dirt and boulders.
Two days after finding the road, the party reaches a clearing blocked by a sheer cliff wall, rising some one hundred feet into the sky, the end of a small dale cut into the side of a mountain, the top of which cannot be seen. Here, the road ends abruptly at the cliff face in a small elevated platform, ornately carved, surprisingly smooth and level.
Decorations ring the steps leading up to the platform, weathered with countless years of neglect. Vines cover the entire structure, and it is hard to tell how long this dais has gone unnoticed.
At the cliff wall on the far end of the platform, vines hang down, in a thick curtain. While inspecting this area, Tikchik makes an interesting discovery, "Hey Max!" he calls back, "Can you give me a hand? Remember I'm short one."
The wizard walks over to the thri-kreen's location and his jaw drops. The two of them quickly work to brush the vines aside. The two discover a niche cut into the rock wall with a Dwarven inscription above it. [sblock=Niche]
[/sblock]Max sets quickly to translating and has the answer in no time.[sblock=Translation]
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Growing impatient, Riardon produces the maps he has been carrying in his pack, “Alright then. Let’s get off of this rock and find a way to get that axe back to Hankel, and maybe kill a few dragons in the process. I care not whether they be blue, green or both.” He unrolls the maps, “I can’t make out the details, but it looks like this Rioc Parvel is here.” He points to the volcano on the inland island[sblock=Map]
[/sblock]“Even if we sail on our little boat, we’ll be hard pressed to make it against the-”
Max, looking over Riardon’s shoulder begins jumping up and down in excitement, “But don’t you see?” he interrupts, pointing to the other map, “This spot here says Rioc Stang’s Well!” Now pointing back to the map over which Riardon was pouring, “…and this spot says Rioc Stang.” Indicating the island on which they are all standing.
Riardon looks amazed, “How do you know that?”
“Can’t you read it?” Max asks looking puzzled, “It’s plain as day.
“I’m afraid not. This is Dwarven scri-The axe!” Comprehension dawns, “Max, that weapon is allowing you to read this Map,” The eladrin shoves the maps into the startled Wizard’s hand along with a quill and ink, "Here! You take this and write down anything that you can make out."
Max shrugs, “OK.” Max sets to work, and with relatively little effort, manages to translate the scrawls. He even manages to take a good guess at a draconic phrase on one of the maps. [sblock=Max's Map Markups]
Max jumps up from the maps and runs over to the ruins of the lighthouse as if he is hunting for something. After disappearing over a small pile of pavers, he calls back to the others, "I found the well!" a few moments pass, and his voice is heard again, although this time it sounds as if it is resounding from within a small cave, "Hey! Come here and look at this!"
The others bound over the rubble, and lean over the edge of the well to get a better look.
"There's a secret passage down here!"
The others scramble down into the well and discover that a portion of the well wall, just above the waterline, was designed to push away and reveal a hidden passage. On the floor of the passage are some solid gold coins on the floor. The coins are the same as the one found by Phoenix as she was climbing out of the well earlier.
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Max is undaunted, and Riardon accommodates the wizard with the light of his sword.
After what seems to be about a mile of walking, the air gets less salty, and adopts a more earthen smell. Watter seeps down the walls and roots protrude into the passage, some hanging in curtains so thick that it causes the group to pick their way more carefully.
Soon, natural daylight is seen filtering down from what appears to be a hole in the roof of the passage. Upon reaching the location of the hole, they realize that it is the bottom of another well.
Climbing out, the adventurers find themselves in the ruins of a small, towered outpost on a forested outcropping of rock that overlooks an enormous, placid lake.
"If my guess is correct," Max announces, "We've reached the island of Aleinheist."
Confirmation of Max's findings becomes clear when he finds Dwarven runes on the side of the well translated,
Well of Rioc Stang
The ruins are more than a century old, and overgrown with scrub. The group finds nothing of value left, but with Riardon's maps, they are sure of their way. Using the sun as a guide, the band of six set off for Rioc parvel.
The trek is long and hard, taking several days comprising many encounters with wild creatures, but they meet with no sign of the dragons.
On the twelfth day of their journey through the forests of Aleinheist, they strike what appears to be an old road, cobbled and torn up where the jungle roots and undergrowth has turned over pavers.
The road winds through the jungle, disappearing in places only to reappear just before the group loses hope of finding it again. The terrain continues to press higher in eleveation, until the deciduous trees give way to pines, and the ferns yield to dry dirt and boulders.
Two days after finding the road, the party reaches a clearing blocked by a sheer cliff wall, rising some one hundred feet into the sky, the end of a small dale cut into the side of a mountain, the top of which cannot be seen. Here, the road ends abruptly at the cliff face in a small elevated platform, ornately carved, surprisingly smooth and level.
Decorations ring the steps leading up to the platform, weathered with countless years of neglect. Vines cover the entire structure, and it is hard to tell how long this dais has gone unnoticed.
At the cliff wall on the far end of the platform, vines hang down, in a thick curtain. While inspecting this area, Tikchik makes an interesting discovery, "Hey Max!" he calls back, "Can you give me a hand? Remember I'm short one."
The wizard walks over to the thri-kreen's location and his jaw drops. The two of them quickly work to brush the vines aside. The two discover a niche cut into the rock wall with a Dwarven inscription above it. [sblock=Niche]
I am my master’s favorite pet,
though I am one of many.
I’m shiny from my head to tail,
but body haven’t any.
I cannot sin, believe or not.
And know not right from wrong.
Yet evil’s tree finds nourishment
from tendrils I have spawned.
Caging me is vanity
as anyone can see.
For me to bring you happiness,
I must be set free.
I am my master’s favorite pet.
Who am I? Have you guessed?
If you know, then place me here.
Welcome, humble guest.
[/sblock]"It's a riddle of some sort," Max muses, looking up from his translation, "So it wants you to find some sort of animal and put it in this niche?" The wizard scratches his head. though I am one of many.
I’m shiny from my head to tail,
but body haven’t any.
I cannot sin, believe or not.
And know not right from wrong.
Yet evil’s tree finds nourishment
from tendrils I have spawned.
Caging me is vanity
as anyone can see.
For me to bring you happiness,
I must be set free.
I am my master’s favorite pet.
Who am I? Have you guessed?
If you know, then place me here.
Welcome, humble guest.
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Someone
Adventurer
"Animal? What I'm I talking about? continues Max, now smiling. "Let me explain. It becomes easier when you think on the riddle in other terms, namely 'what has heads and tail, but no body' and 'what is the root of all evil'. Additional clarification is surely unneeded at this point."
"So, let's place one of these coins we found way back in the island when we first met in niche and see what happens"
"So, let's place one of these coins we found way back in the island when we first met in niche and see what happens"
Iron Sky
Procedurally Generated
"Anyone have a mirror?"
[sblock=Phoenix's Statblock]Phoenix, Female Tiefling Mage/Master of Flame 11
Passive Perception: 22, Passive Insight: 22
AC: 24, Fort:21, Reflex: 24, Will:24, Resist Fire 10 -- Speed:6
HP:66/66, Bloodied:33, Surge Value:16, Surges left:9/9
Initiative +9(x2), Action Points: 1
MBA: +9 AC, 1d4+1 damage. RBA: Range 20, 11 force damage.
Powers: Magic Missile, Scorching Burst, Hypnotism, Infernal Wrath, Burning Spray, Fire Shroud, Ardent Rain, Fire Burst, Fanning the Flames, Shield, Phoenix Step, Second Wind, Flaming Sphere, Summon Magma Beast, Summon Hell Hound, Fire Shield
Items: Spidersilk Mantle, Dagger of Speed, Healing Potion x 1, Flame Bracers
Notes: *Phoenix does not provoke OAs for Ranged or Area attacks. *Phoenix's attacks ignore fire resistance. *Phoenix gains +1 to hit and +2 damage against bloodied foes. *Phoenix does +1d6+2d8 damage and 12 ongoing fire damage on a crit.[/sblock]
[sblock=Phoenix's Statblock]Phoenix, Female Tiefling Mage/Master of Flame 11
Passive Perception: 22, Passive Insight: 22
AC: 24, Fort:21, Reflex: 24, Will:24, Resist Fire 10 -- Speed:6
HP:66/66, Bloodied:33, Surge Value:16, Surges left:9/9
Initiative +9(x2), Action Points: 1
MBA: +9 AC, 1d4+1 damage. RBA: Range 20, 11 force damage.
Powers: Magic Missile, Scorching Burst, Hypnotism, Infernal Wrath, Burning Spray, Fire Shroud, Ardent Rain, Fire Burst, Fanning the Flames, Shield, Phoenix Step, Second Wind, Flaming Sphere, Summon Magma Beast, Summon Hell Hound, Fire Shield
Items: Spidersilk Mantle, Dagger of Speed, Healing Potion x 1, Flame Bracers
Notes: *Phoenix does not provoke OAs for Ranged or Area attacks. *Phoenix's attacks ignore fire resistance. *Phoenix gains +1 to hit and +2 damage against bloodied foes. *Phoenix does +1d6+2d8 damage and 12 ongoing fire damage on a crit.[/sblock]
Iron Sky
Procedurally Generated
"Well, a mirror could work given the clues indicated as well. I was just curious if a less obvious answer worked as well."
[sblock=Phoenix's Statblock]Phoenix, Female Tiefling Mage/Master of Flame 11
Passive Perception: 22, Passive Insight: 22
AC: 24, Fort:21, Reflex: 24, Will:24, Resist Fire 10 -- Speed:6
HP:66/66, Bloodied:33, Surge Value:16, Surges left:9/9
Initiative +9(x2), Action Points: 1
MBA: +9 AC, 1d4+1 damage. RBA: Range 20, 11 force damage.
Powers: Magic Missile, Scorching Burst, Hypnotism, Infernal Wrath, Burning Spray, Fire Shroud, Ardent Rain, Fire Burst, Fanning the Flames, Shield, Phoenix Step, Second Wind, Flaming Sphere, Summon Magma Beast, Summon Hell Hound, Fire Shield
Items: Spidersilk Mantle, Dagger of Speed, Healing Potion x 1, Flame Bracers
Notes: *Phoenix does not provoke OAs for Ranged or Area attacks. *Phoenix's attacks ignore fire resistance. *Phoenix gains +1 to hit and +2 damage against bloodied foes. *Phoenix does +1d6+2d8 damage and 12 ongoing fire damage on a crit.[/sblock]
[sblock=Phoenix's Statblock]Phoenix, Female Tiefling Mage/Master of Flame 11
Passive Perception: 22, Passive Insight: 22
AC: 24, Fort:21, Reflex: 24, Will:24, Resist Fire 10 -- Speed:6
HP:66/66, Bloodied:33, Surge Value:16, Surges left:9/9
Initiative +9(x2), Action Points: 1
MBA: +9 AC, 1d4+1 damage. RBA: Range 20, 11 force damage.
Powers: Magic Missile, Scorching Burst, Hypnotism, Infernal Wrath, Burning Spray, Fire Shroud, Ardent Rain, Fire Burst, Fanning the Flames, Shield, Phoenix Step, Second Wind, Flaming Sphere, Summon Magma Beast, Summon Hell Hound, Fire Shield
Items: Spidersilk Mantle, Dagger of Speed, Healing Potion x 1, Flame Bracers
Notes: *Phoenix does not provoke OAs for Ranged or Area attacks. *Phoenix's attacks ignore fire resistance. *Phoenix gains +1 to hit and +2 damage against bloodied foes. *Phoenix does +1d6+2d8 damage and 12 ongoing fire damage on a crit.[/sblock]
renau1g
First Post
"If we get a mirror, can I hold it up to show Sheng how pretty his new crown looks?" Tikchik asks, then reads the puzzle for a minute "Hey, maybe it means me. I was a pet before, my last master used to hit me with an iron rod when I talked too much. I think he hit me only little bits because I was his favourite, his other pets, the pretty girl ones, he just took them away and then I heard screaming. They looked so sad when they came back and their clothes were all ripped or torn. So, yeah, maybe I make myself real small and squeeze into that little hole" the thri-kreen adds, trying to judge the niche and how to make himself fit into it.
Someone
Adventurer
"Nonetheless, you fit the rest of the riddle's criteria, my invertebrate friend, as much of your recollections enter the consensual definition of historical fact. So..." Max finally finds one the strage coins they found and places it in the niche "let's see if I'm at least right this time."
H.M.Gimlord
Explorer
As soon as Max places the coin in the niche, the back wall of the recess in the mountain begins to shake, and dust cascades out into the clearing. When the cloud clears, the vines that hang over the niche no longer conceal a recess in the rock, but hang like curtains before an open passageway leading into the mountain.
[sblock=Map]
[/sblock]
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