ALL OOC: New Player

[Thomas Fulmer]

Hey all,

Just a quick note. Calima, the slave purchased by Thariania for eventual passage to Ivy to be freed is going to be a played character now.

Marianne will be taking her over effective immediately. So for the sake of simplicity we'll assume Calima was present at the trial and can approach the party at any point now that it is concluded.

--GM / Thomas

[David Bofinger]

Vesser, in some random conversation when she happened to have spare time near Calima: "So someone said your name was Calima? Hi,  I'm Vesser. So what's your story, how did you get enslaved?"

FYI: Vesser is 20ish, dresses like a seawoman, carries a bow and a naginata (more or less a katana blade on a stick). She doesn't look particularly strong for a warrior and walks in a creepy insectoid way.

----
David

--
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[dpo...@comcast.net]

howdy! Welcome aboard!

---

From: "Thomas Fulmer" <tful...@gmail.com>
To: "mithras-TFTRPG" <mithras...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, December 17, 2014 12:58:31 AM
Subject: [Mithras][Q2:TheCult] ALL OOC: New Player

[Marianne Sette]

Replying to Vesser in that random conversation,” The Dwarves crossed the border in force and destroyed my village, miss.  I was one of a few dozen taken as slaves by the Dwarves. With a stroke of luck and good fortune, the people of Wodinfolk battled the Dwarves and then I was taken as a slave to this land. Being a slave has been my way of life for quite some time, and it has been far better here as a slave than it would have been in the mines at Mithras.”

Calima looks around and finally locates the Elven child and asks, “Mistress is that you? May I do anything to serve you?  Would you like me to do your hair as I have done it before? “

Nods at Ivy and says softly, “Happy to see your safe return.”

OOC Thank you for welcoming me!

Calima/Marianne

[John Garden]

ooc: I've changed the thread's subject line to reflect that the Vesser-Calima conversation makes it IC.

IC:

The Elven swordsman and flutist Annadin nods a quiet greeting at Calima.  At a sign, the slinker perched on his shoulder slides off and scampers over to the Elven slave, doing two somersaults and bobbing his head several times in greeting.

Annadin then takes a piece of chalk and writes on a slate he carries at his belt.  Any of those literate in Elvish (Ekie, Thariania, Kevlon) can read it to Calima if she is unable to.  It simply says:

"Welcome.  I'm Annadin Flutesong.  The slinker's name is Fleet."

Annadin / John

---

Date: Wed, 17 Dec 2014 23:59:21 -0500
Subject: Re: [Mithras][Q2:TheCult] ALL OOC: New Player
From: calimaau...@gmail.com
To: mithras...@googlegroups.com

[dpo...@comcast.net]

IVY :  The  Elf  smiles slightly,"...We had luck and the night on ourside."  Then he looks about  and says softly,"...do as you think you must, while we are in these lands? But you will be free , once  we cross their boarders. Have You skill in bow or Blade?"

[Sirius Mason]

Welcome Marianne!

As a proactive apology, I want you to know that my character, Sirius Mason, is a bit of a chauvinist and does not deplore slavery. He can also be a bit of an ass.  Please don't mistake these character traits to be my own beliefs and sentiments. 

Sirius Mason (human wizard)

Played by the actor Sam Eliott
http://img.spokeo.com/public/900-600/sam_elliott_2007_05_22.jpg

Sirius Mason is a wizard, who quite accidentally found himself in the this world.  In his own plane, he was a high level wizard and owner of the Gola Artifacts Foundry.  He was a master crafter of greater magic items.  Sirius also held the title of "elite crafter" with the Gola Star Council (side-note: all wizards on the council have star names).  As a respected and feared man in a world where wizards ruled over common people, he was very rich man. Sirius owned many slaves in his world.  However, slavery was different there than it is here.  A wizard's status was measured in no small part by how happy and talented his slaves were.  There was even a (pretend) noble class, supported by the ruling wizards, into which the most beautiful and talented slaves could ascend.

Sirius had a rough and tumble past.  He fought to rise to where he was in his world.  He is ruthless and aggressive in business dealings. 

Unfortunately for Sirius, the power and pride of the wizards in his world brought calamity upon their reign.  An army of demons attacked his land and the wizards were driven out into hiding at the site of some old Mnoren ruins.  Unable to use their teleportation powers inside the ruins, the demons were unable to gain any further ground. 

Sirius led a large group of wizards in a counter-attack strategy which involved summoning greater demons into controlled areas of their sanctuary and forcing them into specially designed gates which would strip them of much of their intelligence, blocking their memory, and depositing them in other planes. 

In a heated battle with one of these greater demons, Sirius was seized in the claws of a greater demon and pulled through one of his own gates.  As they fell into the world of Mithras, the Demon tried to pull out of the gate's teleportation stream into his own plane of fire and pain.  Sirius experienced moments of agony and near insanity just witnessing glimpses of that world. 

Luckily for Sirius, the support apprentices had imbued him with a great amount of strength just as he was pulled into the gate.  With this momentary surge of magical power, he was able to touch the greater demon, killing him before they plunged into a deep pool near the city of Minot.

Unfortunately for Sirius, he had been stripped of his memory of where he was from and much of his intelligence.  Remembering only the sorcerer's tongue, he wandered until he was found by the mages in Minot. 

Sirius traveled with the group known first only as "Snuffy" until his memory is restored by Violet, an apprentice of the mage council in Coran Torvir. 

Sirius still travels with the group, but he has already made it clear that he would rather rebuild his foundry, or find a way to return to his own land. 

Not really a combat wizard, Sirius does the best he can to support the group.  He distrusts elvish magic and women.  In his world, women and elves wielded "wild magic", or the magic that was not taught in the protected academies for the gifted. 

One fact that might be relevant, Sirius very recently purchased a slave, like yourself.  His name is Henry, and he is a jeweler and gem-crafter.  Sirius purchased him under a strict contract which will allow him to pay back the money Sirius spent, and earn a part share in the business they will build together making magic items in Coran Torvir (or somewhere else).

Good Fortune,
Richard / Sirius Mason

--

[David Bofinger]

Vesser grimaces at the 'Miss'. "Maybe it takes a little while to get used to not being a slave."

---
David for Vesser

[Marianne Sette]

Graciously looking at Ivy and Thariania, Calima replies, “I look forward to having my freedom, but I will repay my debt to you both. I humbly offer my skills as an archer and tracker to you should you need me in the woods."

She quietly adds, "Unfortunately the dwarves stripped me of my longbow and quarterstaff. I will be able to serve you better if I am equipped."

[Marianne Sette]

OOC Thank you for the welcome, the friendly warning, and the background information.

Calima/Marianne

[Thariania]

Thariania waves at Calima when she walks up, "Hi Calima! Yep, it's me, do you like the look?"

She turns her face from side to side, looking every bit the elvish child. "And sure, you can do my hair, that's lots of fun and makes you look busy so people will leave you alone."

Thariania looks her over, "A bow, eh? Hmm. What do you like to use? Elves seem to like Elvish longbows, are you strong enough for that though? If you haven't shot in years you might want something will less draw. Maybe I could make you a hobbit bow or a recurve bow? Do you use blades at all? I don't know if I could make a quarter staff." 

[Marianne Sette]

Calima's face lights up at the sight of Fleet's greeting. She holds out her hand slowly letting him take in her scent. She pats his head affectionately.

With a smile and a nod, she responds to Annadin, "I'm pleased go meet you sir."

On Thu, Dec 18, 2014 at 9:00 AM, John Garden <vertra...@hotmail.com> wrote:

[Marianne Sette]

Calima turns, smiles, and bows at her mistress. “Of course I love the look.  You resemble a sylph in this form.”

She walks over to the elvish child and begins to do her hair.

“Perhaps I could borrow Ivy’s longbow for a trial of my strength in the woods….I mean out of sight of other slaves,” she whispered.

“I can use a dagger or dirk, but nothing larger than that,” she added.

“Thank you for your kindness, mistress.”

Calima/Marianne

[Thariania]

Thariania takes a seat to let Calima work on her hair, "Works for me, I can make just about any bow you want, but don't want to make anything you can't use. Not sure how long we are staying here though and I can't work and walk at the same time. Although I could maybe work on a boat if we were sailing. I'd need to find some nice stone or something to make you a knife or dirk, but that can probably be done."

[David Bofinger]

Vesser: "Do we have anything in the party funds? If so I vote we advance Calima money."

OOC: I have compelling lost track of whether Vesser had any money off her own.

"The locals don't use arrows to fight, only to hunt, so I'm guessing they only make broadheads or the bodkins they make are rubbish. Buy some broadheads for thin-skinned targets." She hands over eight bodkin arrows. "If the bad guys have armour then you can use these, until you have some of your own." She measures them against Calima. "You use a longbow? They might be a little shorter than you'd like." She picks out the eight longest bodkins she has.

---
David for Vesser

[Brenda Fredrick]

oops, been busy with holiday stuff. Welcome. As for Darc, he is suspicious of newcomers. He is gruff and blunt to the point of rude. Once he warms up to you he will be a loyal friend. You have a slight edge because he hates slavery. Darc/Brenda Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

[Brenda Fredrick]

Darc had been watching the others welcoming Calima to the group. Finally he approached. "Welcome, I'm Darc. If you're a tracker we'll see each other. I track as well. An extra pair of eyes is always handy." Not to mention he could keep a wary eye on her until she proved herself trustworthy.  His voice was deep and slightly raspy, he looked around seventeen.

Darc/Brenda Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

[Marianne Sette]

Calima greets Darc politely with a warm smile.  “My eyes are quite keen since my parents taught me to track as an elven child, so it will be an honor to help our group in that capacity, again. It comes naturally to me, and I did what I could to keep my skills sharp working on the farm here  in Wodinland. “

Calima/Marianne 

[Marianne Sette]

“I am extremely patient. I understand making a bow or dirk for me is no easy task, and I am grateful for both your time and effort.  Please ask me if I may be of service to you in any other way,” Calima responds as she finishes Thariania’s hair.

Calima/Marianne

[Neal Setchell]

Figol, standing nearby at that moment, steps over and casually pulls out his stone dirk. "This fine piece was made by Thariania. She does good work."

 

OOC: Welcome aboard, Marianne!

 

Figol / Neal

[Marianne Sette]

Admiring the handiwork Calima replies, "It's beautiful. I look forward to being able to protect myself again."

[John Garden]

ooc:  There may not be much of a market for quarterstaffs in Wodinland.  On the other hand, it might be one of the few weapons allowed to those slaves who shepherd Wodinfolk livestock.  You'd need something to frighten a wolf with.  Also unclear is whether Ebersfjord even has weapons shops - since it is a slave-based economy, who would staff the store?  Maybe there's a quarterstaff somewhere in Ivar's loot room?

Primary audience:  Calima, Ragnar, Sirius, Ivy

Secondary audience:  Ekie, Thariania, anyone who's interested

IC:

Annadin writes a slate and has Ekie read it aloud to Calima:

"Do you know where to buy a quarterstaff in Ebersfjord?"

If Calima doesn't know, he will have Ekie read the same slate to Ragnar.

If such a place exists, Annadin will write to Sirius:

"Perhaps you could pretend to shop for a spare quarterstaff"

Annadin continues to Sirius:

"Thar & Calima keeping low profile about her manumission"

Annadin continues:

"So as not to arouse jealousy or discontent among other slaves"

Annadin also writes several other slates and has Ekie read them aloud to Ivy:

"Calima hasn't used longbow in years, needs test her strength"

Annadin continues:

"Would you join us in woods & lend her your bow for purpose?"

Annadin continues:

"Assuming Calima can draw your bow, Thar will make her one"

Annadin / John

---

Date: Fri, 26 Dec 2014 22:08:09 -0500
Subject: Re: [Mithras][Q2:TheCult] After the Trial - Conversation w Calima, et al.
From: calimaau...@gmail.com
To: mithras...@googlegroups.com

[Thomas Fulmer]

On Wed Dec 31 2014 at 11:41:22 PM John Garden <vertra...@hotmail.com> wrote:

ooc:  There may not be much of a market for quarterstaffs in Wodinland.  On the other hand, it might be one of the few weapons allowed to those slaves who shepherd Wodinfolk livestock.  You'd need something to frighten a wolf with.  Also unclear is whether Ebersfjord even has weapons shops - since it is a slave-based economy, who would staff the store?  Maybe there's a quarterstaff somewhere in Ivar's loot room?

So far as Annadin and the others have seen, all shops are manned by slaves, including shops for very expensive things like gold and jewelry. The "trusted" slaves seem remarkable trusted in that regard. While no one has visited a weapon shop, no one sees any reason why it would be different.

Ragnar and Calima both confirm that the weapon shops, blacksmiths, armourers, etc are all manned by slaves who essentially run the businesses for the Wodinfolk owners who have better things to do (and by better things, they mean war fighting)

Slaves also often polish, sharpen and otherwise have possession of their master's weapons if their master doesn't like to do such things themselves.

--GM / Thomas

[dpo...@comcast.net]

IVY:  Listening to the  slate words, The elf  nods,"..My Bow  is a Human Lt  Longbow...it does its fair share of  damage, If she cannot  pull? I will see about buying one for her that she can. I can always  say I want it for  small game and such, if any would question  it?"

---

From: "John Garden" <vertra...@hotmail.com>
To: "mithras...@googlegroups.com" <mithras...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, December 31, 2014 11:40:06 PM
Subject: RE: [Mithras][Q2:TheCult] After the Trial - Conversation w Calima, et al.

[Sirius Mason]

ooc:  Marianne might have picked the worst time of all to join us!  Thomas appears to have been torn away from Mithras.

Assuming we are able to exit the King's hall and congregate back in a safe place within the city, Sirius does have more to say about what happened during the fight.  It is not appropriate to talk about in public.

Good fortune,

Richard / Sirius

--

[Nils Lindeberg]

OOC: What is causing the delay? And did the list just got spammed?

[Kelley Wheeler]

Thomas might just be caught up with work and family. And yes we did. Dang spam bots!

Sent from my Cricket smart phone

[Nils Lindeberg]

Bump!

[John Garden]

ooc:  Nils, Thomas will return when he can.  He knows that we are waiting; we don't want to appear impatient for what he cannot help IRL.  

ooc:  Perhaps we do have a little wiggle room.  The only way we can proceed at all without Thomas is to presume that we find someplace private where Sirius can divulge what he knows about the shadow creatures that emerged from Caela.  The last time we had such a conversation, it was in some sideroom or alcove of the great hall when we were talking about Annadin's "you'll meet a talking wolf" prophesy that led us to Grim.  But that location may not be private enough for Sirius.  

IC:

Whenever Ragnar returns from his conversation with Ivar - assuming that he isn't gone for hours -, Annadin writes on his slate to the literate:

"Calima, Ivy, prob Thar to woods, archery practice.  All go?"

Annadin continues:

"Suspect Ivar will want talk to us, shouldn't stay out long"

Annadin / John

---

Date: Fri, 6 Feb 2015 11:03:54 -0800
From: 018.5...@telia.com
To: mithras...@googlegroups.com

Subject: Re: [Mithras][Q2:TheCult] After the Trial - Conversation w Calima, et al.

Bump!

[dpo...@comcast.net]

OOC: I am sure Thomas  will return when able...in all the GAmes I run, "RL comes first" is the first rule.

 

IC: Ivy Nods,"..it would not hurt to have Calima  get used to the bow again, should some one see us, I can say I want her to be a bodyguard?"

---

From: "John Garden" <vertra...@hotmail.com>
To: "mithras...@googlegroups.com" <mithras...@googlegroups.com>

Sent: Friday, February 6, 2015 2:41:27 PM
Subject: RE: [Mithras][Q2:TheCult] After the Trial - Conversation w Calima, et al.

[David Bofinger]

Unless someone else has already offered, Vesser will lend Calima her bow until she has one of her own.

--

David for Vesser

[Thariania]

Thariania perks up, "Sure, I'll practice whenever. Any archer who doesn't practice at least once a week for a few hundred years isn't an archery at all!"

[Kelley Wheeler]

Ekie chuckles softly when she perked up like that. "Practice is a good idea. And I too want to hear about those shadows"

Ekie/Kelley

Sent from my Cricket smart phone

[Marianne Sette]

OOC:   A little over a month late with this, but best wishes for a happy and healthy new year to you all!

Looking to Ivy and Thariania Calima suggests, “Please lead the way.  I am quite eager to feel the bow on my fingers again. I am sure it will not take much to brush up and regain my archery skills. I thank you for the opportunity to practice. Being a bodyguard seems a more challenging task than serving in the Great Hall. Perhaps I can share my song on the way to show you the origins of my name.”

Calima smiles and nods acknowledging Vesser’s gracious offer.  She replies quietly, “As long as my mistress supports my use of your bow, I accept your offer to use it until one is bought or made for me. I assure you it will be in good hands.  I appreciate your generosity.”  

Calima/Marianne

[David Bofinger]

Vesser: "Calima, I realise a lot's been happening in your life lately, and I guess you might not have taken all of it in yet, but ... you do know you're not a slave any more, don't you?"

---

David for Vesser

[Sirius Mason]

When the group has sequestered itself to a private place, Sirius tells the company quietly.  "It was remarkable really."  Sirius seems quite excited.  "Very strange, and exciting.   At first I saw the .. well.. you saw it.  But then I studied it through the special magical properties I was sensing through the influence of the ring.  And, I believe what I witnessed -- and I may be the first person ever to witness -- was the birth of a wraith."  Sirius says this last part quietly.  And as he looks around at blank faces on some, he adds more.  "A wraith is a magical being.  To be honest, I am no expert on the dead or their ways.  But Caela, while her body was destroyed, will live on in some strange and terrible way.  We must be careful.  I believe a wraith to be what some call a shadowwight, or a creature of living shadow.  They retain some level of intelligence, and may even command magic.  It is very strange that she became this creature.  To my recollection, wights are not ghosts.  It is only a guess, but I think what made Caela so evil could be that thing possessing her."

Sirius sits back and lets the others grasp the oddity of what he has relayed.

Good Fortune,
Richard / Sirius

[David Bofinger]

Vesser: "What can a wraith, or shadowwight, do? How can we kill it?"

--
David

[dpo...@comcast.net]

 Ivy listens to Sirius's  words , then  with a look around  at he others   asks,"..then? We need to know how to kill them. Aye?"

---

From: "Sirius Mason" <sirius...@gmail.com>
To: "mithras...@googlegroups.com" <mithras...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Monday, February 9, 2015 9:48:14 PM

[Thariania]

Thariania shrugs, "Just don't go advertising to the Wodinfolk that we are arming slaves. We might find our welcome to be less welcoming."

On Sun, Feb 8, 2015 at 10:38 PM, Marianne Sette <calimaau...@gmail.com> wrote:

[Thariania]

Thariania listens to Sirius. If she knows the answer to Vesser or Ivy's questions she doesn't mention it, "Seems plausible enough, our enemies seem like the type that might put a curse or geas on someone, or to have a follower fanatical enough to return from the grave to continue service. If she is a wight now, let's hope we're not her target. We're a bit low on the proper weaponry."

She'll keep her eyes open for flint which can probably be found around the mountain since she'll need arrow heads for Calima. 

As she strings her bow she says, "I think we should review the bigger picture. I think we have been too focused on individual mysteries and we're not seeing the big picture. I think we should also separate assumption from facts."

"For example, do we know that the Dragon Rider and the cult are working together? Have we yet to see a definite cult member interact with a dragon? Did you guys see anything dragon related at the cult temple you sacked?"

She considers for a moment, "Do we have even a remote theory of what the cult wants? I know the followers are fanatics, but presumably the ring leaders manipulating things either know the truth about a bunch of gods they want to push out or they have an agenda."

"Do we have any idea how we fit into this? You stumble on a temple, fine. Caela comes for revenge, fine. How do we go from there to people in black and dragon riding demi gods coming after us? Once Violet was with us I understand, she was isolated here without any of her extremely powerful friends able to teleport in at a moments notice. There was a reason she needed us as body guards here after all. But this guy came at us before we knew Violet was traveling with us. Although admittedly after we had met Violet. She could have been the target all along."

"But to know she'd be traveling with us would require a lot of fore knowledge"

[dpo...@comcast.net]

  Ivy Knows   and shrugs as he looks to the others,"..she's right...the Cult, could just be mad at us  for  screwing up they way to gain power and plunder?.I find it hard to believe they would have sent more then  Caela and her invisible friends.. The Dragon Folks  are not fond of us  for  killing a few of the dragons. In the  end?  I think the Dragon folk do not  want to see an alliance ...the cult could  be just tools to help slow us  down.".

---

From: "Thariania" <thar...@gmail.com>
To: "mithras-TFTRPG" <mithras...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 10, 2015 1:24:16 AM

[David Bofinger]

> Have we yet to see a definite cult member interact with a dragon?

Vesser: "This is ... I've forgotten the word, my teacher would be furious with me. The kind of philosophy related to knowing things. What do we mean by a cult member? Have we seen a definite cult member interact with anything?"

"I guess you're asking, is there evidence linking the apeps and their associates on one hand with the dragons and their associates on the other hand. I don't know, maybe not."

> Did you guys see anything dragon related at the cult temple you sacked?

"No, it was an apep place. But I guess that fits with the gods of shadow and of flame, if it was a shadow temple and the flame temple was someplace else."

> If she knows the answer to Vesser or Ivy's questions she doesn't mention it

> to know she'd be traveling with us would require a lot of fore knowledge

"They have clairvoyancy methods we don't know how to block. And it seems like their clairvoyants actually pass along what they learn."

---

David for Vesser

[John Garden]

Annadin writes on his slate to Thariania and allows any literate to read it aloud:

"Fair questions.  Links inconclusive but better than circumstantial"

Annadin continues:

"(1) Caela's band attacked us very near Blackclad's Cwald gate"

Annadin continues:

"Caela from distant Thornvine, lost track of us while we sailing"

Annadin continues:

"Still able to intercept us immediately as we left Custiwald"

Annadin continues:

"That interception improbable w/out using Blackclad's gate"

Annadin continues:

"(2) Cooperation of Black (Shadow) and Red (Flame) Dragons"

Annadin continues:

"and Darc's reporting that they don't like working together,"

Annadin continues:

"apparently forced by Blackclad.  Okay, Black Dragons are"

Annadin continues:

"still dragons, but their shadows correlate w apeps & Caela"

Annadin continues:

"Also think some of Caela's words correlate w those of Blackclad"

Annadin continues:

"Have to think back on that for examples, but I am pretty sure"

Annadin / John

---

Date: Thu, 12 Feb 2015 00:07:11 +1100

Subject: Re: [Mithras][Q2:TheCult] After the Trial - Conversation w Calima, et al.

From: bofinge...@gmail.com
To: mithras...@googlegroups.com

[Thariania]

Thariania sighs, "Their evil knows no bounds"

On Wed, Feb 11, 2015 at 8:07 AM, David Bofinger <bofinge...@gmail.com> wrote:

"... And it seems like their clairvoyants actually pass along what they learn."

 

[Thariania]

Thariania says, "Right, exactly. So we have a definite cult member in the form of Caela who has, to my recollection, not done any dragon worship or said anything about dragons. Her shadow god seems to be an Apep, not a black dragon."

"Whether or not her flame god is a red dragon I don't think we know."

She looks to Darc, "How many colors of dragon are there?"

"Anyway, regardless, I don't think any of the black clad dragon riders have ever claimed to be cult members, and the relatively few cult members we know such as the defector in Coran Torvir or Caela haven't mentioned dragons to my knowledge. I just don't think we should take it for granted they are on the same side."

On Wed, Feb 11, 2015 at 8:07 AM, David Bofinger <bofinge...@gmail.com> wrote:

[dpo...@comcast.net]

 Ivy  ponders for a Moment,"..are Dragons and Apeps related? If so, that would be more then enough reason for  the  Shadow-cult to be used  by the  Dragon folks...It appears here, that the Dragon Folks  are on a much higher tier , then the shadow folks...maybe the shadow people who are helping the Dragon people , are hoping to get...promoted?"  he shrugs,"..at the end of they day, they both harass us...so..even if they are not on the same side, they are against us..."

 

 Turning to Annadin,"..The Dragon we  killed in the City, it seems ...almost as if it wanted to die. Did anyone  notice anything about it when my arrow finished it?...Caela was eager to die..perhaps to become that..wraith thing?. In that, could lie the tie?"

---

From: "Thariania" <thar...@gmail.com>
To: "mithras-TFTRPG" <mithras...@googlegroups.com>

Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2015 2:18:56 PM

Subject: Re: [Mithras][Q2:TheCult] After the Trial - Conversation w Calima, et al.

[Marianne Sette]

  Calima gives a half smile and shakes her head, "Thank you for the concern, but perhaps you missed the point that I am not free yet.  The day my mistress purchased me, it occurred to her that freeing me here openly might spark jealousy among the other slaves. In order to avoid that I am keeping up the charade as I feel it is wise to  do so. It is important for your party to keep your welcome in Wodinland as warm as it is."

[dpo...@comcast.net]

  " Be that as it may? They already have  a slightly elevated view of themselves, they may think it a grand jest, that I am training my ..." he spits the word,"..slave..to be a body guard as well..." he hands her his bow,"..it   may be a bit of a tight pull, but I feel you will be able to handle it. If nothing else..it will make  a lesser bow  feel grand in your hands...." he   will try and find a rotted log or stump and  step off a few paces  , having her aim and fire , slowly at first, but   faster  as  she shakes the rust off...

---

From: "Marianne Sette" <calimaau...@gmail.com>
To: mithras...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2015 10:50:03 PM

[Neal Setchell]

Figol listens intently to what Sirius saw. "Hmm, I remember a little about ghosts and phantoms and such. They can appear to be less opaque than regular folk. But you are right, if she indeed is a wraith, there's not much we can do to harm one. I think they don't travel quickly. I think you should tell Violet when she is conscious, she will know.  We only briefly studied this at the Temple; it was advanced study to learn about the dead."

Figol continues to appear fretful, not having magic at his command.

Figol

[Ragnar Ivarsson]

When Ragnar returns from his conversation with his father (ooc: not sure if it is over or not), he remarks:  "Papa wants to meet with us an' the Angel of Death about how to deal with the Nidhoggkissers."

Ragnar also asks Kevlon and Ekie if either of them can do anything about his wounds.  

(ooc: I've forgotten what has been tended to and what hasn't.  Ragnar received a minor wound from the southern apep - 1 point - and a much more serious wound from the largest frost giant - 5 points.  I think Kevlon dealt with something, but I can't remember what.  I also remember the hobbit offering and Ragnar declining at the time because there was more urgent task for him, probably dealing with the unconscious Violet.)

Ragnar / Eric  

[Ragnar Ivarsson]

If asked about when the meeting is to be, Ragnar shrugs, "Soon is all he said.  In a few hours I'd guess.  Depends on the Angel, too."

Ragnar / Eric

[John Garden]

ooc:  Having received a green light via PM from Thomas and Marianne, I've run the results of Calima's archery practice so the other PCs can get a sense of her abilities.  More precision in hit rates would arise from more rolls - but so would the likelihood of a broken bow on an 18.  As with the previous archery competition near Custiwald, a bullseye is a roll that is 5 or more less than adjDX.  

ooc:  For the sake of clarity, I gave distances in hexes, rather than meters, because I have forgotten if the Mithran meter-to-hex ratio is 1:1 or 4:3.  Which is it?

IC:

After warming up a bit on both Ivy's longbow and Vesser's light compound bow, Calima takes her practice shots.  She has no trouble drawing either bow.  She cannot fire especially rapidly on either one (ooc:  just once per 5-second turn either way).

Calima takes her target practice at the following distances:  6, 15, 18, 24, 27, 30, 33 and 36 hexes.  

First she borrows Ivy's longbow and fires 9 arrows at each of the above distances.

Then she borrows Vesser's light compound bow and likewise fires 9 arrows at each distance.

Considering the 18 shots together at each distance, she scored as follows:

At 6 hexes (-1 DX):             9 bullseyes, 8 hits, 1 miss                                            94% hit rate

At 15 hexes (-2 DX):           9 bullseyes, 8 hits, 1 miss    (ooc:  yes, the same)   94%

At 18 hexes (-3 DX):           4 bullseyes, 10 hits, 4 misses                                      78%

At 24 hexes (-4 DX):           5 bullseyes, 7 hits, 6 misses                                         67%

At 27 hexes (-5 DX):           1 bullseye, 12 hits, 5 misses                                        72%     

At 30 hexes (-6 DX):           1 bullseye, 9 hits, 8 misses                                           56%

At 33 hexes (-7 DX):           2 bullseyes, 9 hits, 7 misses                                         61%

At 36 hexes (-9 DX):           0 bullseyes, 3 hits, 15 misses                                       17%      

On Ivy's longbow, Calima accumulated:                                  17 bullseyes, 34 hits and 21 misses.

On Vesser's light compound bow, she accumulated:            14 bullseyes, 32 hits and 26 misses.

Assuming that one of the mages is willing and able to make an illusion for target practice, Calima will practice headshots at a distance of 15 hexes (-6 + -2 = -8 DX).  Those results, assuming the test occurs:  she hits the illusion's head 5 out of 18 times.

Calima / John on Thomas and Marianne's behalf

---

Date: Thu, 12 Feb 2015 04:06:18 +0000
From: dpo...@comcast.net

To: mithras...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: [Mithras][Q2:TheCult] After the Trial - Conversation w Calima, et al.

[John Garden]

Annadin puzzles for a moment and then writes to Sirius, allowing any literate to read his slate aloud for the illiterate:

"Birth of a wraith? Or possession by one? Sounds different"

Annadin continues:

"Was there just the one creature you sensed or more?"

Annadin continues to the group as a whole, passing his slate to the literate, allowing any to read aloud for the illiterate:

"Wonder:  any connection w what happened to Black Dragon?"

Annadin continues:

"Messenger used pain stick, pulled life force from dying dragon?"

Annadin continues:

"Suppose pain stick stores tormented souls? powered by them?"

Annadin continues, again the slate is given to Sirius primarily, but shared with the rest:

"Suppose wraith you saw was inserted into Caela by a Blackclad?"

Annadin nods at Thariania and continues:

"All pure speculation, I know, but I'm simply exploring ideas."

Annadin / John 

---

Date: Mon, 9 Feb 2015 21:48:14 -0500

Subject: Re: [Mithras][Q2:TheCult] After the Trial - Conversation w Calima, et al.

From: sirius...@gmail.com
To: mithras...@googlegroups.com

[dpo...@comcast.net]

 Ivy: Listens, most of it sounds like Magic to him, so he just allows those who no of such things to  continue, he does add,"...We may be overthinking this? What if...The Dragonlovers had a Plan to try to take over the realms? They would have been going about it  for decades, elsewise, they would not have been able to talk the dragons into helping them..maybe one or two, that were lured by greed?But not  as many as we  have seen thus far...we ma have to assume, there are many more...."

 

  He Holds  Up another hand,"..now? we have  those odd ball Apep folks? They worship in crummy rundown  'shrines' , which would suggest, they are  just getting their  worship rolling...along  comes some people, Kills  one of their  ...gods..and they want to get even...what better  way for the Dragon folks to have cannon fodder, then to get some fools driven by religion to attack some one, who are in the process of  trying to bring the realms together?"

 

  Turning to  Annadin , then the others,"...we would have slain...or should I say Vesser and  Ragnar, would have slain..one of the dragon folks, if their leader was not about...they can bleed..they can die..their  dragons can die, and the Apeps  can die....we just have to makes sure next time...take the head from a dragon rider..."  he loks at Sirius,"...because the power they weild, does not come over night...Aye?...Every rider they lose..weakens them."

---

From: "John Garden" <vertra...@hotmail.com>
To: "mithras...@googlegroups.com" <mithras...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Monday, February 16, 2015 9:38:32 AM
Subject: RE: [Mithras][Q2:TheCult] After the Trial - Conversation w Calima, et al.

[Nils Lindeberg]

Grim has been standing quietly listening to the conversation and adds, "What about the Black Dragon? Was it also possessed by a shadow?"

/Grim

[John Garden]

Annadin shakes his head in response to Grim's question and writes:

"Not that we know of, but its death was very strange"

Annadin continues:

"After being wounded by Ragnar, it showed cowardice,"

Annadin continues:

"seemed reluctant to fight.  Avoided Ragnar, no avail"

Annadin continues:

"Slain by Ragnar, but Dragonrider's Blackclad messenger"

Annadin continues:

"arrived on battlefield, having observed from a distance"

Annadin continues:

"She walked up to this Black Dragon's body and said:"

Annadin continues:

"'There are those of us who serve the Master willingly, ..."

Annadin continues:

"...and those that don't. But it's fate that all will serve.'"

Annadin continues:

"Then she touched the dragon with her Painstick, and"

Annadin continues:

"it started convulsing just as we have who've felt one."

Annadin continues:

"When she stopped, holstered Painstick, she said:"

Annadin continues:

"'Not even death will save you from your fate.'"

Annadin continues:

"Since then I've wondered if Black Dragon's spirit"

Annadin continues:

"lives on in torment, trapped in Blackclad's Painstick"

Annadin shrugs and continues:

"No-one was using mage sight, it's just speculation"

Annadin continues:

"It was this Blackclad whom Ragnar & Vesser slew"

Annadin continues:

"& whom the crowned Dragonrider raised from death."

Annadin continues:

"apparently to show off.  He made it clear he planned"

Annadin continues:

"torture her for failure; he rewarded Ragnar & Vesser."

Annadin continues:

"Convulsing dead dragon, resurrected Blackclad herald,"

Annadin continues:

"wraith from dying Caela, all suggest Shadow cult"

Annadin concludes with a shrug:

"makes wall between life and death more porous."

Annadin / John

---

Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2015 12:31:20 -0800

From: 018.5...@telia.com
To: mithras...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: [Mithras][Q2:TheCult] After the Trial - Conversation w Calima, et al.

Grim has been standing quietly listening to the conversation and adds, "What about the Black Dragon? Was it also possessed by a shadow?"

/Grim

[Sirius Mason]

Sirius's brow is furrowed. 

"I believe we only have one new piece of information, and we should be careful that we do not jump to conclusions simply because it appears that other puzzle pieces now make sense."

"I am more convinced than ever that we should return to the tower and consult their catalog of knowledge about wraiths.  I confess that I am not knowledgeable in the ways of necromancy.  If we had an expert naturalist in our company, then perhaps we might know if wraiths were capable of possessing a living host.  It is really just wild speculat.... "  Sirius stops before he finishes his sentence.  He reaches into the bag under his arm where you know he normally keeps his wand.  He pulls out a book that some of you might recognize as Violet's.  Sirius grabbed Violet's possessions before she was taken to the Angel of Death. 

Sirius moves to a table and sits down.  He takes out a quill and ink, opens to a blank page and writes: "Can a wraith possess a living human host?  We have witnessed a cult member transforming into something we believe to be a wraith upon death."

Good Fortune,

Richard / Sirius

[Nils Lindeberg]

 Grim listens and reads the tablet, "We don't need to travel to find the answer to that question. I am sure the Allfather will give me a nod in the right direction. And if it is possible for a wraith to possess a living being, we can try to glean some more knowledge about it's limitations and how to fight it. This might also mean that dragons might be the enemies of our enemy."

[John Garden]

Annadin nods and writes on his slate:

"Re dragons, has occurred to us, but at best some."

Annadin continues:

"5 of 6 dragons we've fought showed no reluctance." 

Annadin continues:

"Even this Black seemed eager until Ragnar sliced him"

Annadin continues:

"and, having fled, returned to the fray to attack Thariania."

Annadin continues:

"The crowned Rider's Big Red guarded him like a wolfhound"

Annadin continues:

"when he was busy resurrecting slain Blackclad messenger."

Annadin continues:

"Other Blackclad praised Big Red we slew in Canigli as warrior"

Annadin continues:

"although one small clue suggests she may've been ensnared."

Annadin continues:

"Historically, Cult of Flame and Shadow predominated under"

Annadin continues:

"an alliance of wizards and dragons.  Magii rose, beat wizards,"

Annadin continues:

"drove dragons back to northern mountains, eradicated cult."

Annadin continues:

"If I had to guess, I'd bet that some dragons miss those days"

Annadin continues:

"while others would find it revolting to carry, serve wizards."

Annadin continues:

"Only thing we know:  Black and Red hate working together."

Annadin continues:

"Darc here speaks Draconic, was able to tell us their thoughts."

Annadin / John

---

Date: Thu, 19 Feb 2015 13:59:42 -0800

From: 018.5...@telia.com
To: mithras...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: [Mithras][Q2:TheCult] After the Trial - Conversation w Calima, et al.

[John Garden]

Annadin looks at Sirius oddly and writes quickly on his tablet, allowing any literate to read aloud:

"Does Tower know Violet's state?"

Annadin / John

---

Date: Thu, 19 Feb 2015 09:58:14 -0500

Subject: Re: [Mithras][Q2:TheCult] After the Trial - Conversation w Calima, et al.

From: sirius...@gmail.com
To: mithras...@googlegroups.com

[Thomas Fulmer]

About a half hour after Sirius writes this message, he checks the book. The next page has a message written in a very nice  hand, probably a professional scribe's work:

'Who are you?'

--GM / Thomas

[Sirius Mason]

Sirius replies:  "Sirius Mason, apprentice of the order, traveling companion of Violet and Master Figol.  Violet was recently attacked, and bested, by a very powerful adversary and is undergoing the best treatment we can get her in this null magic zone.  I thought it safer to keep this book and her other possessions safe while she is under the care of the locals and unable to guard it herself.  She is likely to make a full recovery.  As soon as she can travel, we will attempt to head back to the tower, if that is her wish."

"The question I asked is not urgent, but might be very important in understanding the cult of shadow and flame.  If I could teleport, I would return to the tower to research an answer myself.  Constrained by the need to oversee Violet's recovery and the null magic zone, I took the decision to write in Violet's book requesting assistance."

Good Fortune,

Richard / Sirius 

--

[Neal Setchell]

After noticing Sirius pulling out Violet's book, Figol has a slap-to-the-forehead moment. He mutters, "This whole absence of magic thing must be affecting my thinking too".  He sees what Sirius writes, then asks, " Sirius, may I borrow the bracelet for a moment or two?"

Figol pulls out his own book given to him by Violet. He starts by writing, in Sorcerer's Tongue, the date. Then he considers the location, hmmm. 'Wodinfolkland' he scribbles. Then on a new line he writes 'Violet recovering from injury, sustained in battle. More to come as she heals. Figol.'

Then Figol waits. He also passes the bracelet back.

(OOC: this was stuck in my Drafts for some reason)

Figol

--

[Thomas Fulmer]

After about an hour, writing starts to appear again in a different but equally skilled in calligraphy:

"Provide more details of Violet's attacker. Provide more details of battle. How are you communicating through the magic field? Will have a master specializing in necromancy related studies address your questions. Lilly"

--GM / Thomas

[Neal Setchell]

Figol writes slowly in Sorcerer's Tongue: 'The enemy was the rider of the great dragon we encountered on the road to Coran Torvir.'

Figol remembers some details and adds: 'He has declared himself "I am the Master of this World". He has exhibited control over dragons.'

He then writes of the battle: 'Blackclad dragon rider created black orb in his hand that crackled along its surface.  Mistress Violet threw Lightning, but it was imbibed by the orb, then it hit her, undoing her defensive spells. The dragon rider then cast a beam of energy, hitting Violet in midsection, then extending through her and burning a hole in a rock behind her.'

Lastly he adds: 'Limited resource allows use of magic. Waiting on update of her recovery. Will communicate update soon.  Master Mage Figol.'

Figol

[Thomas Fulmer]

OOC: Since the towers response thus far was in Violet's book, I'm going to assume Figol and Sirius are both writing in that book for the time being. Figol's book doesn't have a reply yet, one can only assume it isn't checked as often as Violets.

IC:

It would seem the book is being actively attended now, in about the time it would have taken to read the message, the response starts to appear on the next page. It is likewise in Sorcerer's Tongue.

"You are certain it was the orb that absorbed the lightning and not a spell shield of sorts? Do you know what (unfamiliar word) magic is? Could this have been (unfamiliar word) magic?"

The unfamiliar word looks like the symbol normally used to represent the four elements rather than writing them out, but it is inverted and has incorrect vowel markings in it. Figol is not familiar with the word at all, Sirius has a vague memory of a symbol like that but can't find it in his head. Perhaps it is locked away with the demons. Since it is a symbol for an idea rather than a spelled out word, even with the vowels the mages don't know how to pronounce it, although if they could figure out the word the vowels would likely tell them it was declined in the object case. At least letting them know what class of word it was in the complex sorcerer's tongue.

--GM / Thomas

[Neal Setchell]

OOC: shoot, I'm sorry, I should have clarified which book. I read it as in Figol's book.

[Neal Setchell]

Puzzled, Figol says to Sirius, "They must be referring to some 'advanced' or 'ancient' magic. Perhaps Violet will give us an understanding of what it means when she revives and is stable." Figol re-reads the book. "It appeared to me that Violet cast Lightning, but it was absorbed by the orb rather than affected by "normal" defensive spells, like Spell Shield or Reverse Missiles.  Did your SpellSniffer give you any other clues, while we were in the BlackClad's presence?"

"We should reply with what we observed, and see what they say".

Figol

[Sirius Mason]

Ooc:  it did.  Very busy lately.  I need to read back before replying.

[John Garden]

Annadin watches the mages' interaction with the book with interest.  He writes to them on his slate, allowing any literate to read aloud:

"Please translate anything of general interest."

He continues:

"Might Tower be interested in what you copied in chalk chambers?"

He continues:

"I realize that would take hours to copy, but maybe a sampling?"

Annadin / John

---

From: tful...@gmail.com
Date: Sat, 28 Feb 2015 14:01:11 +0000

Subject: Re: [Mithras][Q2:TheCult] After the Trial - Conversation w Calima, et al.

To: mithras...@googlegroups.com

[Sirius Mason]

Sirius replies:  "Yes, I do have additional facts about the man and his magic.  Read along as I write."

Sirius writes in the book (if the protocol was to use Sorceror's Tongue, then Sirius would have known this from earlier experiences.  He writes in Sorceror's Tongue.):

"The last was from Figol.  Sirius writing again."

"The man had two layers of armor, one that looked like very finely
fitted leather with silver studding. The second was a finely crafted
Mithril segmented armor. He also wore a large, golden ring on his
right hand. Beneath the armor, the man was wearing loose fitting
clothing, mostly in black, although with some streaks of red, blue and
green. It should be noted, he had no metal on him other than gold,
silver and mithril."

"He was also wearing a crown on his head, and a magical spell was clearly surrounding his head, but I could not read it with spellsniffer.  I considered that he might be glamored, which makes very good sense considering the aspect of this guy.  However, I could not see through his enchantment, if he was glamored."

"Regardless, he had magical enchantments that were self-powering, even if I could not understand exactly what items powered which spells.  He had some type of 'elemental proofing' and some sort of warming spell.  He had some sort of flaming enchantment, probably on his sword or maul."

"As the battle began, he followed the standard forms for combat.  He made the first move, forming a black orb crackling with energy.  Violet was clearly preparing a very large lightning bolt, even though I had wispered to her only moments earlier that he had some sort of elemental protection.  The black orb absorbed her lightning, and as it moved and impacted Violet, it seemed to wipe out her protective enchantments.  The enemy was faster than Violet, and before she could cast another spell, he leveled a finger and a beam of light, or energy shot through her, burning a hole and killing her quite effectively.  I can only assume that this was wizard's wrath, in the form of an energy beam."

"The enemy came there looking for Violet.  He called for her by name prior to the battle, but did not seem to know who she was until she answered the challenge."

[Nils Lindeberg]

If Grim is present while they write in the book, he will take a look at the magic word they seemed to not understand. He is a wizard, but a religious one, so his understanding of Sorceror's Tounge might be lacking even though his IQ is not. (I think 16 means you know ST for free if you are a wizard.)

He does know about the elements, he has created and spoken to them often enough and knows more than most about the wodin lands and its special kind of magic. Runes are his written language and symbols are very important to him and his culture.

Has he seen the word before or heard about it?

[John Garden]

Watching Calima take her archery practice, Annadin writes several slates to Ekie and Thariania.

(PM incoming for Ekie and Thariania)

Annadin / John

---

From: vertra...@hotmail.com
To: mithras...@googlegroups.com
Subject: RE: [Mithras][Q2:TheCult] Calima's archery practice
Date: Sun, 15 Feb 2015 21:20:17 -0500

[Thomas Fulmer]

Grim has never seen this particular word, the book is gibberish to him. He's always written in runes to access magical powers.

OOC: I've talked to a few of the players about this before -- I consider sorcerer's tongue as a way to focus the mind correctly to cast a spell. The fact that spells far enough below the character in IQ don't require words/motions is because the mind can be properly structured without the training wheels by the wizard.

OOC: As such, you can structure your mind using other schools if that is how you were trained. So the elvish school uses old Elvish and in the north they use runes.

OOC: This only has value from the role play perspective, but I think it helps some of the key power players mistrust each other, which is important for a properly war torn and mistrusting world

--GM / Thomas

--

[Neal Setchell]

Figol looks at Annadin, and replies, "We're just letting the Tower know about Violet, and the details surrounding the battle. It is important to pass them along while it is still fresh in our minds."

Figol then adds, "I don't know if Violet relayed the chalk artwork. Perhaps when we have a moment we can read what she has written. She very frequently wrote in her book, so it is likely she did mention it."

Figol

[John Garden]

Annadin nods at Figol's initial remarks but looks somewhat skeptical at the mage's conclusion.  He writes:

"That was just last night between apeps & frost giants."

Annadin continues:

"When could she have had time to report? Mentioned maybe. "

Annadin / John

---

Date: Wed, 11 Mar 2015 08:24:46 -0500
Subject: RE: [Mithras][Q2:TheCult] After the Trial - Conversation w Calima, et al.
From: heys...@gmail.com
To: mithras...@googlegroups.com