Subject: Turn 3.0

Sent: 11/3/98

"What do you say?" The stranger asks with a sly smile.

 >>Guilliam returns the stranger's sly smile with an equally sly smile.

>>"Good Sir," he says "I might sing and tell jokes but I am no fool. You

>>offer us 125 pieces of gold and tell us that we will live a life of luxery.

>>Perhaps for a while, but certaily not a lifetime. And you ask us to turn

>>our backs on a perfectly good offer from one who we can be quite certain

>>will pay us for your offer. We do not know you. We do not know where to

>>find you. And if there are no flying contraptions to be found or destroyed,

>>I do not see why you would pay us even if we did search you down. Ask

>>yourselves what decision you would make. Would you turn your back on our

>>current offer to go on your wild goose chase? I don't think so. You are

>>more intelligent than that. The gleam in your eyes tells me so without a

>>doubt." Smiling and still treating the stranger with respect, Guilliam

>>concludes, "So, tell us who you are. Sweaten the deal by paying us a

>>portion up front. Let us know how you new of our mission so that we can

>>trust you. That is what it will take to get me to accept your

>>couterproposal. Anything else will be preposterous!"

>>

 >Edryd smiles at this. "Well said, goodman Guilliam.

>Trust is not bartered in the coin of the realm."

>

>Edryd continue[s] looking hard into the eyes of the

>stranger. And it is evident that he is truly starting

>to like this Guilliam...

>

 >Cyveiliog listens thoughtfully to the strangers discourse and many of the

>resultant answers. He sits for a minute, running his left hand along the

>scar on the back of his right. He then speaks, calmly, to the

>assembled...

>

>"Wether true, ye or nay, it best be looked into. Many a great group,

>founded upon ideals of the order highest, have fallen to the corruption of

>percieved necessity. This must be investigated, but quietly. It is a

>simple check. One that should, if the knights be true to their ideals, be

>quick and painless. If it is not true, it could be easily tied to why

>these knights have us upon the mission we be. In looking, we are along the

>track of both missions. I care little for 'ideals' or 'years of standing

>for peace and freedom'. Both missions would be benificial to us. I say we

>be seein' what is up in the mountains... our mysterious enemy leader... or

>not-so-knightly knights."

>

 >Crayne smiles, a little astonished at this man,

>

>"Excuse me! But do you expect us to believe this story! We still have no

>idea who

>you are, what you want, how you know of our mission, you've shown us no

>proof of

>what you say. Also, how an earth do you expect us to take on a whole group of

>knights, they are probably extremely skilled warriors who could finish us all

>in a matter of seconds. I suggest you provide us with a little more substance

>before we even consider going off on this ridiculous mission. Also, I think

>half payment should be up front!"

>

>Crayne rocks back on his chair laughing and drinks from a tankard of frothy

>ale.

>

  Storm, meanwhile, looks up from picking at his nails with his dagger, planting it firmly in the tabletop. He turns to face Crayne, then looks quickly to the stranger. Turning back to Crayne, he grunts and nods in what appears to be approval.

After listening to everyone's opinion, Canter speaks up. "I mean no offense, sir, but your propoal sounds dubious, at best. Were I making the choice for myself, alone, I'm afraid I'd have to turn you down and wish you the best of luck in finding yourself another search party." He looks around the table to see slight nods of approval from a few of his friends.

The stranger looks down into the palms of his hands for a moment, then raises his face, still wearing that irritating smile. "I'm sorry I couldn't offer you everything you seek. But it seems to me that perhaps the best thing for both of us is for you to continue on your way as before..." That said, he slowly rises, deliberately looking over each person still seated at the table. He then turns on his heel and walks out the door.

"Well, I for one feel a little better with him gone from our midst," Canter says to the group. From there small conversation continues until everyone agrees that the time has come to get some sleep. Canter volunteers to arrange with the innkeeper for the rooms, and he returns with the assignments.

The night passes without event; though the beds were not the most for comfort, they were enough, and with the sun rise the party is assembled outside and ready to continue. Edryd addresses the group, asking, "Are we all agreed that we'll continue southward along the road toward the fort?"

His question is answered with various nods and voices of approval. The party leaves Jilten smelling the bread baking for the day, the birds chirping in the trees along the road, and feeling the morning sun on their skin.

They had been travelling perhaps an hour or two when they noticed the figures ahead on the horizon. The distance between them closed quickly, and it was evident that whoever was ahead of them was mounted. Within minutes Guilliam says, "May the god's smile on you and me, I think last night's stranger is who I see."

Sure enough, the man from the previous night is on the lead horse. Closely following are two additional men, both human, both armed with swords and wearing some kind of armor. They slow to a trot and come to a stop in front of the party. Looking down from his perch, the man says condescendingly: "Well, what have we here? My good friends, how are you on this fine day? And what a nice day at that," he motions to the cloudless sky, "too bad, then, it's going to have to be your last."

"Good sir," Guilliam begins to interject, sensing tensions rise.

The stranger lashes out his sword. "No more talking. We did enough of that last night. I gave you your offer and warned you you would not survive if you turned me down. Now I am here to prove to you that I was, as you so dearly needed to know for sure, telling the truth." Storm gunts loudly. Canter curses under his breath. Cy rolls up his sleeves and wraps his hand around his sword, seeing what's coming.

The stranger doesn't move, nor do his two followers. The party stands still, poised, the tension mounting. The stranger slowly turns his head looking from one follower to the other and then back to the party below, focusing his glare on Edryd.

For a moment, it seemed at if the sun had stopped its trek across the sky, the wind stopping rustling the tall grass, and time herself stood still, waiting for someone to make a move...

=================

What do you do?!

Note: I realize that we had some problems with Turn 2.5; some people didn't receive it the first time around, and I didn't receive some responses the first time around, though I've now heard from everyone (except Storm, who told me I needed to play for him until he gets his computer fixed, hopefully soon). Hopefully, things should run more smoothly from here. Just make sure you include everyone in your responses so we all know what's going on!

Good luck handling these guys.....

Subject: Turn 3.1

Sent: 11/5/98

Suddenly the silence is broken by a blood-curdling scream from Storm, who quickly flings his dagger at the Stranger, who is mounted on his horse. The dagger is close, but sails over the Stranger's shoulder. Storm then moves toward the thug on the Stranger's right (Garnan) [he doesn't get close enough to attack Garnan during this round but will be in position for next round].

Meanwhile, Crayne has been chanting in the background. He holds up his hands, opens his palms, and lets loose a stream of multi-colored light as bright as the sun itself. The beams of light stream toward the enemy. The spell seems to have no effect on the Stranger, but Garnan and Hound cover their eyes and howl in pain, obviously disoriented, possibly worse.

Edryd charges toward the Stranger with his Long Sword drawn. He boldly swings, but finds his attack blocked by the Stranger's small shield. The Stranger, siezing the chance while Edryd is close slashes at him. Edryd tries to move out of the way, but the sword still manages to catch his arm, opening up a small wound (3 hp damage).

While Edryd and the Stranger are locked in combat, Cy moves toward Hound and Canter charges Garnan. Finding their foes clutching their faces, still reeling from Crayne's spell, both Cy and Canter easily hit them with their swords, skillfully slashing the enemies atop their horses. Screaming in pain, they begin to yank on the reins in an attempt to turn their horses around.

Guilliam, meanwhile, stays behind, not wishing to play an active role in the combat. Seeing how well his comrades seem to be handling their foes (at least for the moment) brings a small smile to his face. He then sees Crayne, and moves toward him in an effort to pool their defensive resources, should they be attacked.

===========

At the end of the round, Canter and Storm are close by Garnan; Cy is sqauring off in front of Hound; Guilliam and Crayne are a short distance behind the "line" with Guilliam at the ready on defense with his scourge; and Edryd is locked in melee with the Stranger, who appears at a slight advantage because of his higher position.

What does everyone plan for the next round?

In fact, it may be a good idea for you to send me two rounds worth of attacks so my next post can have a little more than just one attack for each character. That way this battle doesn't take two weeks. Do you guys like that idea? If you'd rather just take it one round at a time, we can do that, but I think sending me two or three rounds worth of plans (which, of course, may not always turn out as planned--nothing does in battle!) will keep the game moving and exciting!

Subject: Turn 3.3

Sent: 11/10/98

Administrative Note: It seems we'll be playing two rounds at a time during combat, to keep the game moving. Please compose your posts accordingly!

================

The party finds itself in melee on the open road heading south toward the Caerloon border. Edryd is struggling with the mounted Stranger, Crayne has just finished casting a spell, Guilliam guards Crayne, Cy is hacking away at Hound, and Canter is pulverizing Garnan. Storm is moving to attack Garnan as well.

Edryd flinches in pain after getting clipped by the Stranger's sword, but vows to continue the fight. He swings his mighty weapon upward at the enemy, landing a solid hit. He can hear the Stranger groan with the impact, though the stranger doesn't falter. In fact, the Stranger returns the blow, hitting Edryd in a sort of tit-for-tat, drawing blood along his arm (3 hp damage). Edryd lets out a little yelp, which gets Canter's attention.

Canter, seeing that Garnan is temporarily disabled (due to Crayne's successful spell), quickly moves over to aid Edryd in attacking the Stranger who is definitely more powerful than his two sidekicks. Canter forcefully grabs the Stranger and violently throws him to the ground. He calls out to his wounded comrade, "I'm with you!"

Cy seems to be handling Hound pretty well on his own. Considering Hound is blinded by the spell, Cy lands a good hit with ease. But Hound's vision begins to return, and he is able to (just barely!) dodge a second attack by Cy. He attempts to swing his sword at Cy, but his vision is not yet back to normal, and he misses badly.

Storm, in the meantime, tries his hand at a little acrobatic move: He takes a few preperatory steps and then launches himself onto Garnan's horse, just behind the foe. As quickly as he landed, Storm solidly plans his dagger in Garnan's back and twists, letting out a blood-cudling yell of victory in the process. He then throws Garnan's lifeless body from the horse.

Meanwhile, Crayne stands back from the dangerous melee, well guarded by Guilliam, who continues to shout encouraging comments to his comrades.

(3.2) Seeing that his condition is worsening, Edryd takes a moment to back off from the battle to assess the situation. <Anthony: Do you want to Lay on Hands? I can do this for you, if you'd like, at this point, so you can rejoin the battle. Let me know if you'd like to do that.>

Edryd leaves Canter to handle the Stranger by himself momentarily. And Canter doesn't seem to have a problem with that. Though the Stanger managed to recover from his fall, Canter lands an excellent hit on his side, audibly knocking the wind out of him.

On the other side, Cy continues to pound on Hound. He lands a good blow on Hound, who begins to sniffle and wimper, dropping his sword. He looks in the direction of his fallen companion, Garnan, and begins to cry, "please, anything, please..."

Storm, his adrenaline pumping (though I'm sure they didn't know about adrenaline in Rinder!), and high off of his victory over Garnan, moves quickly to the Stranger to help Canter. He arrives within seconds and slashes at him, visibly drawing blood.

Crayne and Guilliam still parry.

At this point, Garnan's lifeless body lies in a heap on the dusty road and his horse is just standing over it, kicking it lightly. Hound is still mounted, but has dropped his sword in a show of benevolence, begging for his life to Cy. Canter and Storm are busy with the Stranger, who, although obviously hurting, shows no signs of giving up or surrender. Edryd stands a few feet removed from the battle, catching his breath and assessing his wounds. Crayne and Guilliam stand farther, still, on the lookout for their comrades.

============

Just so you know, after the battle is over I will send out new Character Information Sheets to all players with updated XP, new hp values (most will be lower from battle damage), and other minor changes we agreed to along the way. If you have problems with Word97 format, please remind me in your next post so I can be sure to send it to you in another format. Thanks!

Subject: Turn 3.4

Sent: 11/11/98

Kicking Hound's sword aside (in a "well practiced maneuver"), Cy points his sword at Hound's throat and says, "You wish to yield, by the law of battle, mercy is yours. Dismount!" Hound wimpers, tears running down his face, a puddle of wetness appearing in the mud below his position on the horse. He slowly dismounts from his horse and holds his hands over his head.

With a glace and a few quick words, Cy moves over to the Stranger and Guilliam relieves him guarding Hound. Guilliam is remarkably intimidating, swinging his sharp weapon above their heads and insulting Hound. He presses Hound for information, but gets no response--things are just too hectic at the moment.

Edryd whispers a prayer, laying his hands on his body. If the others weren't keenly watching the enemy, they might have noticed how Edryd's hands seemed to glow a slight yellow for a moment. Feeling a little better (2 hp restored), Edryd charges back into the battle, aiming for the weakest point in the Stranger's armor. He skillfully hits the Stranger, and in the process his sword cuts one of the leather straps holding the tunic of chain mail tightly around the torso of the Stranger! The armor abrasively slides off, scratching all the way down the inside of the Stranger's arm. It hits the ground with a rattle (which causes Hound to jump and yelp), and out slides a very thin, small blade, which slides across the dirt until it stops in the dirt next to the dagger which Storm had thrown, and a scroll of rolled-up parchment.

Storm grunts in pain and attacks the Stanger at the same time as Edryd, narrowing his eyes with fierce determination. His attack is timed too perfectly: the blade of his sword strikes the Stranger's now unprotected chest and the dagger Storm wields in his other hand drives firmly into the Stranger's side.

Crayne, at the same time as Edryd's attack, begins to intone a new spell, waving his hands and speaking some archaic, unknown language. His concentration is intense, and he is still staring at the Stranger's lifeless body when he finishes. It takes him a moment to recover, only to realize that his target was killed during the casting of the spell. While pleased at the party's success, he runs his hand through his hair in frustration.

Canter, seeing how Storm and Edryd so completely disposed of the Stranger, assumes a position behind Hound, his Bastard Sword drawn and ready to pounce should the fiend try anything funny.

For a moment all that is heard is heavy breathing as the party catches its breath. The bodies of Garnan and the Stranger lie in heaps on the dirty road, their horses milling about, knawing at the grass on the sides of the road. Hound stands slumped over, bleeding visibly, wimpering and crying with his hands over his head. Scattered on the dirt road lie Hound's sword, Storm's dagger, the Stranger's armor, stiletto and parchment.

==========

Firstly, I've got to say that you guys must be blessed! Both Edryd and Storm rolled NATURAL 20's for their attack rolls! I realize that Cy wanted the Stranger alive, but with his armor torn off, such a successful hit inevitably led to his demise.

Secondly, WHAT DO YOU DO NOW? Do you have any questions for Hound? What are you going to do with him? He looks in pretty bad shape.

What are you going to do with the two dead bodies? Leave them on the road? Bury them? What about the three horses?

Experience points and any other items resulting from this encounter will be distributed after the next round.

Subject: Turn 3.9

Sent: 11/17/98

Following the battle, things begin to settle down. Cy takes the initiative and drags the bodies of the Stranger and Garnan some distance off the side of the road, burying them in the ground. Before doing so, he begins stripping them of their weapons, armor, and other items, forming a pile in the center of the road.

Storm ambles over to where his dagger landed, after flying over the Stranger's shoulder, retrieving it and replacing it on his belt next to his other, bloodstained dagger. He picks up the stiletto dropped by the Stranger and begins to examine it, but is soon prompted by Cy to add it to the communal pile of loot. He gunts obnoxiously in compliance, dropping the shiny weapon into the pile.

Guilliam takes a quick look over the horses, three of which are now meandering around the road. They seem to be of average or slightly below average quality; hardly war horses, but probably good enough for some distance travel. None of them are adorned with any armor, although all three are equipped with proper saddles and reins. Guilliam pulls the reins all together, handing them to Canter so that they won't get away.

Guilliam then turns his attention to Hound, who appears to have caught his breath in the interum:

> Pacing in front of the now timid man, he speaks forcefully

>"You are right to fear for your life stranger. But to better serve your

>survival it would be in your best interest to settle down and control

>yourself. So take a moment; catch your breath, calm down. Would you like a

>sip of my water?" Guilliam gives the man a chance to settle down. Then

>looking to the man nonchalantly, Guilliam continues "You see how easily we

>took the life from your partners. It would be easier still to end yours

>now. But if you can help us and prove that you have some level of honour,

>then your life might be spared." Now Guilliam stops in front of the man and

>looks him in the eye "Tell us who you are. Let us know who this man is

>(pointing at the stranger met at the inn), tell us who he works for, let us

>know why he wanted to stop us, tell us what you know of us and our plans and

>give us information that will help us along the way. Answer all of these

>things, and perhaps your life will be spared." Guilliam ends that sentance

>sounding very optimistic and friendly. But then his mood seems to sour in

>the flick of an eye as he lowers his voice and hisses menacingly "Prove to

>us that you are a belligerent enemy to our cause by withholding information.

>Lie to us. And you shall pay the consequences." Before the man can speak,

>Guilliam adds as an afterthought, "And do not think that we will not know.

>Among us is a master of the arcane, and user of magic. With a motion of his

>hands, he can detect your lies. He will know if you do not speak of

>everything that you know. Now start talking." Guilliam looks to Crayne and

>motions that he should wave his hands as if creating a spell.

Crayne obliges, and with a smile begins to wave his hands and chant some nonesense words, hoping to intimidate the man.

At first Hound merely quivers in fear, but after a moment he regains control of himself. He looks at Guilliam, then at the graves of his companions. He then speaks to Guilliam: "I...I...eh...." stuttering, he scratches the stubble on his chin and runs his hands through his hair. "This was my ... my first time outside ... outside the village ... he said it would be easy ... he told me that I'd ... I'd be rewarded. He didn't tell .... he didn't say ... I didn't know we'd meet you ... I don't even know what ... what we were really .... um.... really doing. Please, please, just let me go and I won't....I won't say a word to anyone!"

Storm, becoming frustrated, steps up behind Hound and lands a vicious punch in his side. Hound yelps in pain, buckling over. "Please! I don't even know their names!" Crying, and eyes Crayne, his eyes widen. "I don't know! He just said that I'd be back in the village by dinner! He gave me the sword and the horse and promised me a reward ... I don't even know why ..."

Storm steps up again, preparing to land a more forceful blow, but Edryd extends his hand, motioning for Storm to stop. Standing behind Hound, Edryd mouths silently to Guilliam "I think he knows nothing."

Guilliam looks around to his companions. Canter nods in agreeance with Edryd. Storm appears frustrated, obviously wanting either the chance to pound on Hound again or at least some more information. Cy, who looked upon the interrogation with an air of experience nods slightly in a tentative agreement. Crayne lowers his hands, shrugging to Giulliam.

Moving toward the prisoner, Canter removes a strip of leather from his backpack and says to Hound, "I have a gift for you..." With a smile, he ties the strip tightly around Hound's wrists like manacles, behind his back.

At this point, the party looks toward the pile of loot, which includes:

1 One-Handed Bastard Sword,

2 Long Swords

2 Daggers

1 Stiletto

1 Suit of Chain Mail

2 Suits of Ring Mail

1 Buckler Shield

41 gp

and 52 sp.

In addition, Guilliam opens up the parchment which the Stranger dropped. Actually, upon closer inspection, it appears to be burlap. "What a find!" He exclaims. He shows the rest of the party: The burlap appears to be a partial map of the southern portion of the Kingdom of Rinder. It probably is a piece of a larger map, and is certainly incomplete as some indicated towns don't even have names...but at least it's a start.

=======================

1. Attached is a GIF file "SRinder.gif" which is an image of the map the Stranger had.

2. You guys MUST decide how you're going to divide the loot. If anyone wants to lay claims on any specific items, now is the time to open up that debate. Keep in mind that if nobody wants an item, the party may be able to try to sell it at he next available opportunity.

3. What are you going to do with Hound?

=======================

Following the dividing of the loot, the party begins to suit up and prepare to continue the journey to the fort along the souther Rinder-Caerloon border. Guilliam mounts one of the horses. Being the most bruised and beaten member of the party, Edryd is offered a place on the second horse. Canter rides the third, stating, "for the moment, these animals should be considered the property of us all...we'll take turns riding..."

With that said, the party slowly heads off into the afternoon, continuing the journey southward toward Caerloon...

======================

By the way, "Guilliam," I really liked your idea of beginning to compile a map! I had already planned to provide you guys with a small, limited map (in this turn), so this should help to clarify the one you've got going. I applaud your initiative.

7. With the issues of XP, loot, money, Hound, and horses ironed out, I will send out Turn 4.0, hopefully by late Thursday or Friday. With that turn, the story will pick up again with the arrival at the border.