Lost City of Gaxmoor - The Borderlands Campaign
- Thread starter S'mon
- Start date
Mathew_Freeman
Adventurer
S'mon said:Thanks Matt, good account - 250xp to Galak. Would've been 300 but you left out the sewer meeting with Ulfius & Clarendon. >
Drat.
For completeness' sake, we met with Ulfius and Clarendon, in which Ulfius moaned that his enemies weren't strong enough and died too easily, and Clarendon said almost nothing but revealed that he'd recently learned teleportation circle.
But I did mention that we'd negotiated with them about a reward. Oh well. I'll go update my character sheet now.
BTW, if anyone else wants to post their characters thoughts on what just happened, I know that I'd be interested!
Leo put down his quill and pushed the book forward, letting the ink dry. He glanced at Tarquin who was still engrossed in his book. He looked around his study. An ordinary room. Not too large, but not small. Wood paneled, a couple of drawings of the Tower of the White Way on the wall had been joined by a small panorama of Gaxmoor which he had drawn one evening; a desk on one corner was piled with books, which were also piled on the floor, and the shelves; some were open and some closed. The piles were precarious. Finally, the sense of clutter was finished with three old but comfortable armchairs that were moved wherever they were needed. Tarquin was sitting in one at the moment. Leo looked up at the ceiling. Yes, the crack in the corner was still there. When he learned the secret of Polymorphing, he changed into a lizard and climbed into that crack as an experiment. He almost got stuck there when he miscalculated the length of the effect. One of the walls still had a dark tinge to it from the time he lost control of a Burning Hands experiment; and the top shelf near the ceiling still had a small dent where he had banged his head against it during one of his early attempts at his Flying spell. Strange how one remembered those details.
His thoughts came back to the decisions he must make in the next few hours. Could he leave all this behind? Did he have to? Would his life be in danger or more importantly, would his presence endanger the Order? His newly found insights suggested this could be the case. A few days ago, he found that his insight, his consciousness, his arcane capabilities and his general being suffered a seismic shift. For a few hours he felt nauseous and suffered a migraine that incapacitated him. After it was over he felt that he had finally stepped over an invisible line; one that he had never realised was there. Now, he felt that the possibilities were limitless. With a newly acquired ritual, which he was able to retrieve from the recesses of his memory, he suddenly had access to obscure and mythical knowledge that awed him. This was going to take careful investigation.
He heard rapid footsteps approaching his door, followed by a knock. Without waiting, Dovistar entered his study. His eyes seemed slightly out of focus and he was breathing quickly. Leo abstractedly thought that he had rarely seen Dovistar so agitated.
“Dovistar, I was hoping to see you later. I have some writings you may wish to look at.”
“Yes, later. More importantly, did you know that a planetar has been summoned here recently?”
“Theoretically I may have some hypothetical knowledge of this” answered Leo.
“What is this hypothetical knowledge? What kind of word games are you playing? Just answer the question”.
Leo gazed at Dovistar for a moment.
“Very well” grated the elder mage, “what is your theoretical knowledge of what may have happened to summon this being”?
“What may have happened is that a religious fanatic summoned this entity to help him in a quest.”
“Didn’t this individual realise the consequences of his actions? You don’t summon any celestials lightly. They are very dangerous. The planetar would have wanted a service in return for his help. More importantly, we both know that in these matters, for every action there is often an opposite reaction.”
Leo shook his head. “The vocabulary of the individual concerned didn’t really contain words like consequences or reactions; and yes, there was a balancing reaction to the summoning which you have also felt. Alas, the individual has paid the ultimate price and the celestial has gone.” Leo shuddered. “I don’t know what has happened to the balancing entity. No doubt it has also exacted a service from its summoners. I am not a religious man but I pray to Avanthe that I never find out what that service was.”
“Why did he summon the entity?”
Leo took a deep breath. “Theoretically, there was hypothetical mission to the Imperial Palace; to try to catch the Overking unawares. In short it failed miserably. The group responsible suffered casualties. With the resources of the Palace, it is only a matter of time before their identities are discovered. They have fled. No doubt they will be declared outlaws and a heavy bounty will be put on their head; and no, before you ask, I was not involved. I take my responsibility to our Order too seriously to jeopardize it with such a half-baked scheme. I was with witnesses while the mission was in progress. However, the people on the quest were known to me. This could be discovered. It is for this reason that I will leave Imarr. I will visit intermittently but I will remove my belongings from the tower.”
“Leo, Leo, how many times have I told you that you should be beyond grubby politics”.
Leo smiled gently.” Dovistar, I am going to have to tell you some harsh truths. You will not like to hear all that I have to say. Bluntly, your statement about grubby politics is contradictory because at the same time you continuously express your concern about the influence that the Blue Light is gaining at court. Well, I have some news for you. I fear the influence of the Blue Light is much greater than you believe. This is specifically due to their willingness to involve themselves in grubby politics. In fact I think that at this moment, the White Way is existing at the sufferance of the Blue Light. Sad as I am to say this, I think that if the Order of the White Way was to step out of line, then we would have the Bloodhammer Knights and the Blue Light on our doorstep in a few hours. I fear you have lived in the Tower too long and not realised just how deeply the Cult of Ksarul has become entrenched in Imarr.
Dovistar blinked. He wasn’t expecting a conversation like this. “Your exaggerate.”
“No Dovistar, I am not exaggerating. I believe that you will have to make same very radical decisions about the future of the White Way in the very near future. I do have some further thoughts about this matter but I am not sure you want to hear them at this time.”
Dovistar was silent for a few moments. Then he straightened his back and said, “Go on”.
Leo made eye contact with Dovistar. “Tarkane has a ranking member of the Blue Light as his consort. His chaplain is an individual who is able to summon an entity which is closely allied to a Shield Brother of Ksarul himself. Tarkane witnessed this and encouraged it. Tarkane himself could be a member of one of the Inner Circles of Ksarul. A question in a Holy Commune was asked specifically about this matter and the answer given was Unknown. Not a denial but Unknown. The only known opposition to Tarkane in Imarr is a ragbag of individuals who call themselves Democrats. They are kept under continuous watch and their idea of internal security would make you think they are a bunch of jesters. The Temple of Carthea has been decimated. Do you realise what that means? It means that as an offensive threat you rank below the Temple of Carthea and about as effective as a bunch of jesters”
“Exactly”, exclaimed Dovistar, “it is due to our lack of involvement in politics that we are not perceived as a threat”.
“You may not be perceived as a political threat but we both know that sooner of later Tarkane will turn his attention to such a potential power base as the White Order. He has to either convert it to his cause or destroy it. He cannot allow it to continue outside his control much longer; and even if he doesn’t, you can be sure that the Blue Light is eyeing our premises, our resources, libraries and our students and younger members with interest. They will convert them or kill them. I am sorry, but when they are ready they will move against us. In case you still doubt me, I am sure that the tribes in the North that Tarkane has just attacked also felt they were safely outside his reach.”
“ I am not convinced ” Dovistar said.
Leo filled a mug with water and some leaves. He glanced at Dovistar and Tarquin who both nodded. He repeated the operation twice more and then muttered a few syllables and the three mugs started steaming. All three men watched the steam rising, lost in their own thoughts.
Leo sipped his mug. “ I believe the White Order has lost this battle. However, we have not lost the war. To my mind we have two possibilities: we could ally ourselves openly to the only feasible opposition to Tarkane. To me that is Ulfius and his Thrinnians. That is a risky proposition. Ulfius plays his own game and he has been doing it for decades. I cannot help but feel that he is somehow using Tarkane for his own ends. We would be a powerful tool in his hands but only a tool. There are also aspects of Thrinnian philosophy that I find grating.”
“The other possibility is to cede the ground.”
“What do you mean by that?” asked Dovistar.
“I mean leave Imarr. Keep a skeleton staff in the Tower but move anything important, including yourself. All the libraries, laboratories, smithies, students, everything and everyone. When I said I was leaving Imarr, I will be going to Gaxmoor. It is a wondrous city, which has been lost to our civilisation for millenia. Now that Heracules and his minions have been driven out, large parts of it are empty. Both lands and buildings. I have some acquaintance with the Marquis of Dulleaburg. The city falls under his purview. Imarr’s influence there is scant at this time. If the White Way moved to Gaxmoor, I feel it would be very welcome. However, it is a dangerous area. Gaxmoor is not completely free of evil and the surrounding area is very wild. I believe that is one of the reasons why the Order would be welcome. However, Dovistar, I feel that your days of keeping apart from temporal politics would be over. You would be expected to take a direct approach to helping the city reclaim its former glory. It could be an exciting opportunity. Think of it. Being able to conduct conversations with people who were last on this plane two thousand years ago; learning the lost lore of the ancients; helping to turn the city into a metropolis of learning and trade. ”
Dovistar drank his tea and grimaced. “I must think on this. You are telling an old man that he has failed.”
Leo quickly looked up: “Dovistar, never ever think that. The White Way is large, respected and growing. Those are the reasons why we are a threat to the Blue Light. We are tentatively reaching out to an arcane spellcasting branch that we have never come across before and most importantly of all, we still exist. I feel that one of the deciding factors that has stopped Tarkane and his minions from attacking to this time is your leadership.
Dovistar finished his tea and stood up. “ You are correct Leo. I don’t like the things you have told me; but I must think on what you said.”
With those words he left the room.
His thoughts came back to the decisions he must make in the next few hours. Could he leave all this behind? Did he have to? Would his life be in danger or more importantly, would his presence endanger the Order? His newly found insights suggested this could be the case. A few days ago, he found that his insight, his consciousness, his arcane capabilities and his general being suffered a seismic shift. For a few hours he felt nauseous and suffered a migraine that incapacitated him. After it was over he felt that he had finally stepped over an invisible line; one that he had never realised was there. Now, he felt that the possibilities were limitless. With a newly acquired ritual, which he was able to retrieve from the recesses of his memory, he suddenly had access to obscure and mythical knowledge that awed him. This was going to take careful investigation.
He heard rapid footsteps approaching his door, followed by a knock. Without waiting, Dovistar entered his study. His eyes seemed slightly out of focus and he was breathing quickly. Leo abstractedly thought that he had rarely seen Dovistar so agitated.
“Dovistar, I was hoping to see you later. I have some writings you may wish to look at.”
“Yes, later. More importantly, did you know that a planetar has been summoned here recently?”
“Theoretically I may have some hypothetical knowledge of this” answered Leo.
“What is this hypothetical knowledge? What kind of word games are you playing? Just answer the question”.
Leo gazed at Dovistar for a moment.
“Very well” grated the elder mage, “what is your theoretical knowledge of what may have happened to summon this being”?
“What may have happened is that a religious fanatic summoned this entity to help him in a quest.”
“Didn’t this individual realise the consequences of his actions? You don’t summon any celestials lightly. They are very dangerous. The planetar would have wanted a service in return for his help. More importantly, we both know that in these matters, for every action there is often an opposite reaction.”
Leo shook his head. “The vocabulary of the individual concerned didn’t really contain words like consequences or reactions; and yes, there was a balancing reaction to the summoning which you have also felt. Alas, the individual has paid the ultimate price and the celestial has gone.” Leo shuddered. “I don’t know what has happened to the balancing entity. No doubt it has also exacted a service from its summoners. I am not a religious man but I pray to Avanthe that I never find out what that service was.”
“Why did he summon the entity?”
Leo took a deep breath. “Theoretically, there was hypothetical mission to the Imperial Palace; to try to catch the Overking unawares. In short it failed miserably. The group responsible suffered casualties. With the resources of the Palace, it is only a matter of time before their identities are discovered. They have fled. No doubt they will be declared outlaws and a heavy bounty will be put on their head; and no, before you ask, I was not involved. I take my responsibility to our Order too seriously to jeopardize it with such a half-baked scheme. I was with witnesses while the mission was in progress. However, the people on the quest were known to me. This could be discovered. It is for this reason that I will leave Imarr. I will visit intermittently but I will remove my belongings from the tower.”
“Leo, Leo, how many times have I told you that you should be beyond grubby politics”.
Leo smiled gently.” Dovistar, I am going to have to tell you some harsh truths. You will not like to hear all that I have to say. Bluntly, your statement about grubby politics is contradictory because at the same time you continuously express your concern about the influence that the Blue Light is gaining at court. Well, I have some news for you. I fear the influence of the Blue Light is much greater than you believe. This is specifically due to their willingness to involve themselves in grubby politics. In fact I think that at this moment, the White Way is existing at the sufferance of the Blue Light. Sad as I am to say this, I think that if the Order of the White Way was to step out of line, then we would have the Bloodhammer Knights and the Blue Light on our doorstep in a few hours. I fear you have lived in the Tower too long and not realised just how deeply the Cult of Ksarul has become entrenched in Imarr.
Dovistar blinked. He wasn’t expecting a conversation like this. “Your exaggerate.”
“No Dovistar, I am not exaggerating. I believe that you will have to make same very radical decisions about the future of the White Way in the very near future. I do have some further thoughts about this matter but I am not sure you want to hear them at this time.”
Dovistar was silent for a few moments. Then he straightened his back and said, “Go on”.
Leo made eye contact with Dovistar. “Tarkane has a ranking member of the Blue Light as his consort. His chaplain is an individual who is able to summon an entity which is closely allied to a Shield Brother of Ksarul himself. Tarkane witnessed this and encouraged it. Tarkane himself could be a member of one of the Inner Circles of Ksarul. A question in a Holy Commune was asked specifically about this matter and the answer given was Unknown. Not a denial but Unknown. The only known opposition to Tarkane in Imarr is a ragbag of individuals who call themselves Democrats. They are kept under continuous watch and their idea of internal security would make you think they are a bunch of jesters. The Temple of Carthea has been decimated. Do you realise what that means? It means that as an offensive threat you rank below the Temple of Carthea and about as effective as a bunch of jesters”
“Exactly”, exclaimed Dovistar, “it is due to our lack of involvement in politics that we are not perceived as a threat”.
“You may not be perceived as a political threat but we both know that sooner of later Tarkane will turn his attention to such a potential power base as the White Order. He has to either convert it to his cause or destroy it. He cannot allow it to continue outside his control much longer; and even if he doesn’t, you can be sure that the Blue Light is eyeing our premises, our resources, libraries and our students and younger members with interest. They will convert them or kill them. I am sorry, but when they are ready they will move against us. In case you still doubt me, I am sure that the tribes in the North that Tarkane has just attacked also felt they were safely outside his reach.”
“ I am not convinced ” Dovistar said.
Leo filled a mug with water and some leaves. He glanced at Dovistar and Tarquin who both nodded. He repeated the operation twice more and then muttered a few syllables and the three mugs started steaming. All three men watched the steam rising, lost in their own thoughts.
Leo sipped his mug. “ I believe the White Order has lost this battle. However, we have not lost the war. To my mind we have two possibilities: we could ally ourselves openly to the only feasible opposition to Tarkane. To me that is Ulfius and his Thrinnians. That is a risky proposition. Ulfius plays his own game and he has been doing it for decades. I cannot help but feel that he is somehow using Tarkane for his own ends. We would be a powerful tool in his hands but only a tool. There are also aspects of Thrinnian philosophy that I find grating.”
“The other possibility is to cede the ground.”
“What do you mean by that?” asked Dovistar.
“I mean leave Imarr. Keep a skeleton staff in the Tower but move anything important, including yourself. All the libraries, laboratories, smithies, students, everything and everyone. When I said I was leaving Imarr, I will be going to Gaxmoor. It is a wondrous city, which has been lost to our civilisation for millenia. Now that Heracules and his minions have been driven out, large parts of it are empty. Both lands and buildings. I have some acquaintance with the Marquis of Dulleaburg. The city falls under his purview. Imarr’s influence there is scant at this time. If the White Way moved to Gaxmoor, I feel it would be very welcome. However, it is a dangerous area. Gaxmoor is not completely free of evil and the surrounding area is very wild. I believe that is one of the reasons why the Order would be welcome. However, Dovistar, I feel that your days of keeping apart from temporal politics would be over. You would be expected to take a direct approach to helping the city reclaim its former glory. It could be an exciting opportunity. Think of it. Being able to conduct conversations with people who were last on this plane two thousand years ago; learning the lost lore of the ancients; helping to turn the city into a metropolis of learning and trade. ”
Dovistar drank his tea and grimaced. “I must think on this. You are telling an old man that he has failed.”
Leo quickly looked up: “Dovistar, never ever think that. The White Way is large, respected and growing. Those are the reasons why we are a threat to the Blue Light. We are tentatively reaching out to an arcane spellcasting branch that we have never come across before and most importantly of all, we still exist. I feel that one of the deciding factors that has stopped Tarkane and his minions from attacking to this time is your leadership.
Dovistar finished his tea and stood up. “ You are correct Leo. I don’t like the things you have told me; but I must think on what you said.”
With those words he left the room.
Mathew_Freeman
Adventurer
Wow! Great stuff! Presumably this has come out of conversations and so forth since the rather hideously bad failure of the Tarkane Mission?
I can't wait to get back into this campaign when I get back from York! Thanks guys!
I can't wait to get back into this campaign when I get back from York! Thanks guys!
Mathew_Freeman
Adventurer
Yup, everything in York is going very well indeed. Having lots of fun, off to see Tim Vine at the York Comedy Festival tonight with free Press tickets...
Mathew_Freeman
Adventurer
Proposed new Monk character, using 3.5e rules:
Human male Monk 10
Str 16, Dex 20, Con 16, Int 12, Wis 16, Cha 10.
Fort +10, Reflex +14, Will +10, Initiative +5
AC 20 (+5 Dex +3 Wis +2 Monk) flat 15 touch 20
hp 78
Skills: Tumble +20, Jump +30, Balance +20, Sense Motive +16, Listen +16, Spot +16, Diplomacy +2
Feats: Stunning Fist, Dodge, Mobility, Combat Reflexes, Weapon Finesse, Improved Disarm, Weapon Focus (spear), Lightning Reflexes
Monk abilities: Flurry of Blows, Unarmed Strike, Improved Evasion, Still Mind, Ki Strike (lawful, magic), Slow Fall (50ft), Purity of Body, Wholeness of Body
Equipment:
+1 Spear; atk +15melee, 1d8+5, 20/x3; full atk +15/+15/+10, 1d8+5, 20/x3
Unarmed strike; atk +13melee, 1d10+4, 20/x2; full atk +13/+13/+8, 1d10+4, 20/x2
Not sure yet about the rest of his equipment, since I'm waiting for S'mon to tell me how much money he has. Plus, he doesn't have a name yet.
Human male Monk 10
Str 16, Dex 20, Con 16, Int 12, Wis 16, Cha 10.
Fort +10, Reflex +14, Will +10, Initiative +5
AC 20 (+5 Dex +3 Wis +2 Monk) flat 15 touch 20
hp 78
Skills: Tumble +20, Jump +30, Balance +20, Sense Motive +16, Listen +16, Spot +16, Diplomacy +2
Feats: Stunning Fist, Dodge, Mobility, Combat Reflexes, Weapon Finesse, Improved Disarm, Weapon Focus (spear), Lightning Reflexes
Monk abilities: Flurry of Blows, Unarmed Strike, Improved Evasion, Still Mind, Ki Strike (lawful, magic), Slow Fall (50ft), Purity of Body, Wholeness of Body
Equipment:
+1 Spear; atk +15melee, 1d8+5, 20/x3; full atk +15/+15/+10, 1d8+5, 20/x3
Unarmed strike; atk +13melee, 1d10+4, 20/x2; full atk +13/+13/+8, 1d10+4, 20/x2
Not sure yet about the rest of his equipment, since I'm waiting for S'mon to tell me how much money he has. Plus, he doesn't have a name yet.
Tallarn said:Proposed new Monk character, using 3.5e rules:
Human male Monk 10
Str 16, Dex 20, Con 16, Int 12, Wis 16, Cha 10.
Fort +10, Reflex +14, Will +10, Initiative +5
AC 20 (+5 Dex +3 Wis +2 Monk) flat 15 touch 20
hp 78
Skills: Tumble +20, Jump +30, Balance +20, Sense Motive +16, Listen +16, Spot +16, Diplomacy +2
Feats: Stunning Fist, Dodge, Mobility, Combat Reflexes, Weapon Finesse, Improved Disarm, Weapon Focus (spear), Lightning Reflexes
Monk abilities: Flurry of Blows, Unarmed Strike, Improved Evasion, Still Mind, Ki Strike (lawful, magic), Slow Fall (50ft), Purity of Body, Wholeness of Body
Equipment:
+1 Spear; atk +15melee, 1d8+5, 20/x3; full atk +15/+15/+10, 1d8+5, 20/x3
Unarmed strike; atk +13melee, 1d10+4, 20/x2; full atk +13/+13/+8, 1d10+4, 20/x2
Not sure yet about the rest of his equipment, since I'm waiting for S'mon to tell me how much money he has. Plus, he doesn't have a name yet.
Hi Tallarn - looks good. Does he not need a weapon proficiency feat to use a spear? Am in bad way w lots of back pain right now - hard to type,
Mathew_Freeman
Adventurer
Do you remember me talking to you about that Quintessential Monk option that allows you to forgoe all other proficiencies in order to gain one other proficiency of your choice? I'm hoping to do that. I'm also hoping that you'll allow me to take Weapon Finesse and apply it to the Spear, because otherwise my character is going to really suck in combat.
Without these too options, I'm going to think of a different character, I'm afraid.
Without these too options, I'm going to think of a different character, I'm afraid.
Tallarn said:Do you remember me talking to you about that Quintessential Monk option that allows you to forgoe all other proficiencies in order to gain one other proficiency of your choice? I'm hoping to do that. I'm also hoping that you'll allow me to take Weapon Finesse and apply it to the Spear, because otherwise my character is going to really suck in combat.
Without these too options, I'm going to think of a different character, I'm afraid.
Bring round Quintessential Monk next time & I'll give it a look-over.
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