Topic: Haunted Highlands Q&A
Subject: Quick Rundown
I am on the free internet at Dallas airport
We are all outside the gate and the 2 sentries will be firing arrows
The fighters on the wagons are rushing to the gate entrance to fire arrows
Not enough time to close the gates
Orcs are already attacking
Hope that helps because I gotta get to my boarding gate!
Posted on 2009-09-02 at 22:30:16.
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Topic: Haunted Highlands Q&A
Subject: Entering the Roadhouse Gate is ...
..... now posted and I am just reading it over to see if anything needs editing.
Nomad, Brianna and Dragon Mistress please post your Character info and histories.
As for roleplay you all can write things up to the point of the Orcs attacking!
Just use this Q&A to discuss how you plan to react before I write up another post and hopefully post it by September 15th to get the game underway!
Posted on 2009-09-01 at 01:52:25.
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Topic: Haunted Highlands
Subject: Entering the Roadhouse Gate
History of the Marches
The Karboskian Marches are named for the royal family of Karbosk, a hereditary duchy whose borderlands have consistently been plagued by wild beasts, humanoid armies and other foes both seen and unseen.
Ancient History
The Duchy of Karbosk was established 800 years ago when King Pieter II of Rodensia established the line, granting the hard won border territory to his most feared general, Leonid Karbosk.
A great civil war amongst the nobles of Rodensia brought about its eventual decline. Now the former empire occupies less than 1/10th of its original holdings.
Despite the collapse of King Pieter's empire, the Duchy of Karbosk has maintained virtual autonomy from its old masters due to clever diplomacy and the presence of Lake Veyona, separating it both geographically and militarily from its former masters.
What is known to few save the most educated sages is that what now stands as sprawling wilderness, the Duchy of Karbosk was once home to an even greater civilization than the one King Pieter had established.
It was upon these wild highlands, broad lakeshores and clear rivers that the ancient empire of Umeshti once stood. Here, sorcerer kings and priests communed with the very gods at the beginnings of mortal civilization.
All was lost one fateful evening 10,000 years ago when a meteor was cast down from the heavens by angry gods, leaving nothing but a great crater and cursed sinkhole reaching deep into the crust of the earth below.
Recent History
In recent times, the outer marches of Karbosk have become increasingly dangerous. Humanoid armies have always threatened the Karboskian frontiers, but now something more sinister has risen and war has erupted in every corner of the Duchy.
A powerful and some say eldritch orc king has risen to power and driven every humanoid within reach of his bloody axe before him in a frenzy of slaughter and mayhem.
So rapid was the invasion of this foul chieftain, known to those who have survived his plundering as Yorgach the Ravager, that even the capitol city of Dro Mandras has suffered a heavy blow.
East Dro Mandras lies in ruins, with only small walled sections of the town center left standing, but under constant siege.
Luckily, the humanoid army's greed, infighting and ignorance of river navigation have staved off the tide of the invasion for now.
Unfortunately for the frontier citizens of Karbosk, Duke Mandras Karbosk V and his armies are fully occupied in the recapture of East Dro Mandras, leaving much of the frontier unguarded.
Opportunists not yet conscripted into the ranks of Yorgach's horde now plunder the farmlands on all sides, leaving few places untouched, save Dirty's Roadhouse and The Magi Tower of Nesturon spared.
It is into this background of violence, warfare and mystery that the newly arrived adventurers now find themselves. Their actions may have a direct impact on the world around them.
They may rise to the occasion and carve a name for themselves as heroes, villains, opportunists or saviors. The choice is theirs.
The Roadhouse on the Marches
Dirty's Roadhouse sits atop a small bluff some 10 leagues (or 35 miles) from Dro Mandras. The square stone structure is surrounded by a wooden palisade which overlooks one of the major land roads between Dro Mandras and the other settlements of the region.
Dirty's serves as a hub for merchants, soldiers, mercenaries and adventurers seeking wealth and fame within the area. The roadhouse has a somewhat rough edged reputation, especially in the more civilized areas of the region.
In Dro Mandras, the roadhouse is frequently spoken of in scornful terms by members of the city's law enforcement as a place where bounty hunters, bandits and other undesirables go to hide from the long arm of the law.
Of course such talk is often squelched in the presence of Dirty's proprietor, a grizzled Bowbe worshipping barbarian known only as "Bull".
Despite the foul reputation most "civilized" folk have for his establishment, he is well respected by military authorities, who have been known to call upon his sword and glaive in times of trouble.
This is owed to the fact that his prowess and fearless thirst for battle bolsters the morale of their constricted armies.
Bull and his squad of hard nosed bouncers are not above allowing a scuffle to last as long as it needs to. They do, however, step in to see that no one actually dies; though this has been known to happen on occasion.
The Palisades which surrounds the roadhouse is ten feet high and made from sharpened timbers. A three foot wide walkway surrounds the inner wall of the palisade, offering Bull's sentries an easy view of the travelers' road and the surrounding area.
Trees from the surrounding woodland have been removed to a distance of 100 feet on all sides of the roadhouse outside the palisade to ensure that the view is unobstructed. The palisade is typically patrolled by sentries/bouncers in the employ of the roadhouse's owners.
A single gate opens onto the roadhouse grounds which encompass the roadhouse's outbuildings, including its stables, blacksmiths and beer garden.
As the wagon train owned by Adaf Adshead approaches ever nearer to the palisade through the heavy spring rain, our band of adventurers begin to see the grim visages of two Human Barbarian sentries clad in chain shirt and armed with a large wooden shield, dagger, battle axe and longbow.
Adaf Adshead hails the sentries from afar, identifying himself and hastily explaining that the wagons are bearing the precious cargo that his friend Udru Ironhammer has been expecting.
Udru Ironhammer runs the smithy for Bull and his silent partners. The red bearded dwarf is skilled in mending broken armor and can manufacture any metal weapons, armor or metal implement such as horseshoes or cooking implements at a 15 per cent markup from the standard rate due to the often scarce supply of good quality iron ore.
Udru is hailed by the sentries and soon the adventurers can see the Barbarian Dwarf beyond the gate, wearing a breastplate and carrying a large steel shield and warhammer.
The dwarf smithy bellows an uncharacteristic jovial greeting to his friend Adaf Adshead. Udru is typically friendly and engaging as a businessman, but keeps to himself, having few true friends in the roadhouse other than Bull.
The nature of Udru's relationship with Bull is a mystery to most, but it is expected that Bull once saved the dwarf's life, or that they had done time together in some far off prison.
Others claim that Udru was wanted in foreign lands for some unknown crime and only Bull would give him a chance to redeem himself.
Whatever the case, his friend Adaf Adshead has refused to discuss his knowledge of Udru with his hired band of adventurers, saying only that Udru needs the contents of the wagons to replenish much needed materials at the smithy.
The reaction from Udru as the wagons begin entering the gate with their precious cargo makes it plain to the adventurers that their promised payment was well worth their cost of guarding the wagons!
Each wagon has a driver plus one other fighter in the employ of Adaf Adshead riding shotgun. These fighters are armed with longbows, longswords and daggers and each driver is well able to repel any unwanted vermin with a longbow or longsword in case of an ambush against the wagon train.
The hired adventurers dismount from their horses as they approach the gate, having surveyed the surrounding terrain and deciding that there is no threat to the wagons at their long journey's end.
Their mounts follow the next wagon through the gate, grateful for being relieved from the burden of their riders and having caught the scent of fresh feed wafting on the wind from inside the roadhouse, somewhere in the nearby stable.
Ironically, the heavy spring rain turns to a fine misty drizzle as the late afternoon sun breaks through the crevices of the overcast skies, shining its approval upon the two reunited friends!
The Heavy Wooden Gate lies open during daylight hours when there is no trouble in the area from marauding bands of humanoids or bandits. Through the rapidly diminishing misty drizzle, each adventurer is somewhat surprised to behold the top of the open gate as they stand outside, allowing their horses and the remaining wagons to precede them into Dirty's Roadhouse.
Skulls and sometimes the fresh heads of trouble-makers, goblins, ogres and trolls are affixed high atop the gate. Today is No Exception!
A sign posted below the severed heads indicates the profitable bounty offered by the roadhouse management for clearing the domain of undesirables.
This grotesque display serves multiple purposes as Bull sees it.
First off it sends fear into the hearts of foes who would seek to cause trouble in his establishment.
Secondly, it keeps the majority of uppity paladins and noble knights off his land as well, which suits him just fine. They don't drink or fondle barmaids anyhow!
Roadhouse Bounties
Kobald Head: 2sp
Fresh Goblin Head: 5sp
Fresh Orc Head: 10sp
Gnoll Head: 15sp
Ogre Head: 2gp
Troll Head (scorched only): 5gp and a free drink
For bigger beasts or suspected bandits inquire within
The adventurers stare at the bounty sign and then take another closer look at the heads upon the gate as the third wagon enters the roadhouse compound, closely followed by the final two as the misty drizzle ceases.
As the dim rays of sunlight begin to fade away as twilight begins to fall upon Dirty's Roadhouse, the contemplative reverie of the adventurers is broken by a sudden alarm from the sentries above them:
"ORCS"
Emerging seemingly out of thin air in the cleared area a mere 50 feet away from the open gate as the final wagon begins entering the roadhouse; a blood crazed band of 24 olive green orcs [plus a mottled red Shaman leading the raiding party from the center of the group] advance menacingly, their beady eyes fixed with murderous intent upon the adventurers outside the gate, their yellow jagged teeth bared in crazed defiance, unlike any the adventurers had encountered during their 12 week journey to Dirty's Roadhouse!
The orcs occupy an area 25 feet across and 25 feet deep, between 50 and 70 feet from the center of the roadhouse gate. Each of the olive green orcs are brandising a battleaxe, wooden shield and light crossbow. The red splotched Shaman is armed with a quarterstaff, club and dagger.
The first 10 orcs are charging the adventurers outside the gate with blood curdling snarls of defiance, intending to attack with their battleaxes; while the other 14 olive green orcs advance 15 feet straight ahead before firing their light crossbows!
Meanwhile, the red splotched Shaman stands his ground behind a solid wall of his blood crazed minions and conjurs a spell from his stationary position 60 feet from the roadhouse gate.
Players are now encouraged to post their roleplay up to the point of where the Shaman and his orc warband make their unexpected appearance and launch their brazen attacks, but all Battle Reactions are to be addressed in the Q&A before the Castle Keeper posts the results!
Posted on 2009-09-01 at 01:46:10.
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Topic: Haunted Highlands Q&A
Subject: Opening Post will ...
be up after a while.
It is on the flashdrive and I may have to edit it before posting.
Am leaving tonight and it is about 9:40am Tuesday morning here in Cebu.
Posted on 2009-09-01 at 01:39:50.
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Topic: Haunted Highlands Q&A
Subject: Nomad
Just post your info and your history in the Haunted Highlands thread in the Dungeons and Dragons section of the Inn.
As far as I know things seem to be okay now, but just post your info and like I mentioned to Nimu we will tweak anything that needs tweaking.
Have not heard from ShadowDragon so it looks like we are 5 characters heading to the Roadhouse.
Am about to go back to the house to tweak the Opening Scenario before I post it tomorrow!
Posted on 2009-08-31 at 10:09:58.
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Topic: Haunted Highlands Q&A
Subject: Nimu
Am running out of time at the internet cafe and did not bring my flashdrive to copy your info to read on my laptop.
If anything is out of order I will get back with you to get things tweaked.
Making some modifications to the Opening Scenario that will hopefully enhance the adventure in future posts.
Plan to post it sometime on Tuesday before I leave for the States!
Posted on 2009-08-31 at 10:06:04.
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Topic: Haunted Highlands Q&A
Subject: Brianna and Dragon Mistress
I have not received your characters.
EDIT*** Brianna, I just found the Fighter info in my PM box and sent you a reply.
You will need to write a history, so just take a look at the Haunted Highlands thread.
Assuming your fighter is specializing with the Longsword.
Posted on 2009-08-31 at 09:52:59.
Edited on 2009-08-31 at 10:11:09 by Hammer
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Topic: Haunted Highlands Q&A
Subject: Friendly Reminder
I will need to have your Attribute Numbers and your 2 Primes as each player has created a non-human character.
Am still planning to post the Opening Scenario on Tuesday [before I board a plane] to get the stage set, so you need to get your histories written up and posted in the Haunted Highlands thread as soon as possible.
Thanks!
Posted on 2009-08-30 at 12:31:12.
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Topic: Haunted Highlands Q&A
Subject: Time to Begin
I have sent each of the participants [including ShadowDragon to give him fair warning!] a PM Message to inform you that I will be posting the Opening Scenario before I leave the Philippines on Tuesday!
Although we do not have the deity info available and it may be a couple weeks before I am able to get deity info to everyone, we do have enough info to get started with the adventure!
While I was working on some things this afternoon I decided that we could at least get started with our role play over the next couple weeks and shoot for a full blown start on the 15th of September!
That means posting your histories and some role play to get some valuable Experience Points to add once we arrive safely at the roadhouse!
With a Bard, Fighter, Ranger, Druid and Cleric in possession of the Magic Weapon each has earned as payment from Adaf Adshead we should be able to circumvent any future problems in not having a Wizard and Rogue aboard for the adventure!
I can always introduce an NPC into the storyline if what we are up against needs some more cannon fodder ... errr ... a talented character to get the party past any obstacles that would need outside assistance!
We have at least 3 Elves who by their racial characteristics can discover hidden doors and our Ranger can find a Trap if necessary!
Role play and writing posts is what is mostly necessary at this point and I look forward to getting underway!
Posted on 2009-08-28 at 10:17:22.
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Topic: Haunted Highlands Q&A
Subject: Horses
All 5 characters (6 if ShadowDragon shows up!) are able to ride horses and fresh mounts will be provided at the roadhouse as the adventure progresses!
Posted on 2009-08-28 at 04:57:07.
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Topic: Haunted Highlands Q&A
Subject: Magic Weapons ...
..... have been written into another post that is now on my flashdrive for when we get started.
I sent an Email and PM to ShadowDragon and if he is unable to participate we will go with the 5 characters who are currently on board for the adventure!
Posted on 2009-08-28 at 04:55:40.
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Topic: Haunted Highlands Q&A
Subject: Heads Up
The internet cafe here in the Philippines is relocating to another building a few blocks away.
That means they will not be open for business until Friday!
I am posting this on Tuesday afternoon Philippines time.
Posted on 2009-08-25 at 05:35:03.
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Topic: Aria of the Thirteen
Subject: Although ...
... I will not be able to participate in this adventure I did want to speak up to any who may be interested.
I did participate in an adventure hosted by "R" for a time until circumstances crowded out my time for participating.
For those of you new to the Inn who would consider playing, "R" presents unique and entertaining adventures with plenty of twists and when players are active the game moves along quite well with a depth that makes the journey all that more enjoyable and intriguing.
Best Wishes for those participating!
Posted on 2009-08-22 at 11:13:05.
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Topic: Haunted Highlands Q&A
Subject: Took Some Time ...
... Yesterday to develop a third part of the adventure, so I have plenty to draw from once we get underway!
Of course there will be plenty to fill in between the second and third parts that I have written and waiting!
All depends upon what the PC Characters do during the course of our adventure!
Posted on 2009-08-21 at 06:50:26.
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Topic: Haunted Highlands Q&A
Subject: Glad
to see the responses for who is still here and I am convinced that includes Brianna.
We should have an interesting group of characters participating in this adventure.
Looking forward to your Histories.
Just a reminder that on the trip to the roadhouse that Scale Mail Armor is only available [also leathers and hides etc] but no chain mail.
Those of you who qualify for chain mail armor will be able to get outfitted at the roadhouse upon safe delivery of the wagons!
Also any weapon upgrades in addition to your Magic Weapon that is part of your payment upon arrival at the roadhouse!
Remember, you hired on for 100gp and a Magic Weapon, but before you leave the roadhouse you will have more gold in your coffers ... ahhh ... do not want to give away any of the storyline before we begin ... hee hee!
Posted on 2009-08-20 at 07:12:22.
Edited on 2009-08-20 at 07:17:08 by Hammer
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Topic: Haunted Highlands Q&A
Subject: Elves
Elves do have the ability to specialize with a weapon as they are trained from their youth in specializing with a weapon.
Composite longbow, composite shortbow, longbow, shortbow, longsword and shortsword are the choices for Elves.
They receive a +1 bonus to hit with their weapon of choice from this list that they have trained with from a youth.
You Elves only get to choose ONE of these six weapons as your specialty weapon!
Posted on 2009-08-20 at 07:07:28.
Edited on 2009-08-20 at 07:13:36 by Hammer
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Topic: Haunted Highlands Q&A
Subject: Okay Gang
I have just sent a PM to Dragon Mistress with some suggestions for developing a Bard and then after reaching Level 5 adding to the Bard an Illusionist.
Bards in C&C do not cast spells, but if I think that if they do decipher a spell scroll they may be able to cast that spell as though they are a Wizard or Illusionist.
They cannot do so with divine spells of the Cleric or Druid.
Bards also inspire their comrades and have a couple other nifty additions as well as being inspirational fighters in battle!
Posted on 2009-08-20 at 07:04:09.
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Topic: Haunted Highlands Q&A
Subject: Attrition
Received a PM that Ayrn is dropping out due to commitment to playing other games.
No Problem Ayrn!
ShadowDragon has disappeared from Oaks Heart so do not know entirely what is going on with him?
Am presuming that Brianna and Dragon Mistress will be on board and of course NomadD2 so need to hear from Nimu also!
I will proceed in this adventure with whoever stays on board as there will be enough trinkets from Adaf Adshead to make up for any Arcane Spells lost.
Posted on 2009-08-19 at 05:20:43.
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Topic: Haunted Highlands Q&A
Subject: Answers Regarding Oliander and Other PC Characters
MONEY for Equipment will be addressed once the PC Characters have safely escorted the wagons to Dirty’s Roadhouse.
During the wagon journey to the Haunted Highlands each PC Character is allowed to wear Scale Mail Armor or less with a reasonable amount of weapons available for the journey. He did NOT Provide Any Chain Mail for the Adventurers!
He knows the importance of movement for both defense and attack during this long journey to the Haunted Highlands!
Adaf Adshead has supplied the wagons with plenty of weapons for the journey at NO Cost to the PC Characters as part of their provisions.
DEFTNESS in Land of Xenophopia was allowed for using both the Longsword and Shortsword, but in Haunted Highlands there will be some type of penalty for using weapons in both hands.
I suggest giving Oriander a Deftness Secondary Attribute because it will give a Half Elf of Human Lineage a +2 to the Secondary Attribute in addition to any other bonuses for that attribute.
It also would be in his favor to give him a 17 for Dexterity on the original creation. Although both 16-17 give a +2 for Dexterity Bonus, I would take a 17 into consideration above a 16 along with his experience from his background story.
There are Deity Avatars that can fight with weapons in both hands without any penalties, so having a bit of a penalty would help differentiate from a PC Character.
However, there are Deity Avatars that also give bonuses to PC Character followers and depending on what is included in Of Gods & Monsters we may be able to eliminate any penalties with the above combinations. But I must wait for the book to find out for sure!
It should also be noted that Deity Avatars can die during battle!
Yes the Dexterity Modifier affects Armor Class, Ranged Combat and All Checks Involving Dexterity.
Fighters get to specialize with 1 weapon, but Rangers Do Not specialize a weapon.
Rangers do possess an extraordinary ability to combat their most common foes, humanoids and giants and get to inflict extra damage against such foes.
Levels of Experience will also come into play for every PC Character and their abilities.
Horses are provided for each PC Character by Adaf Adshead if you choose to ride one or you can walk or ride in a wagon if you so choose.
Those who will use Horses in the adventure will have the opportunity to get a fresh mount at the roadhouse before exploring the frontier!
Knights have the Special Horsemanship Ability, but Oriander will be allowed some horsemanship abilities due to his background. Horsemanship (Dexterity) for Knights and if Oriander has a Secondary Attribute of Dexterity he will be a better horseman than the average non-Knight PC Character.
Hope that covered the questions that have been dangling these past few weeks and my apologies for the delay in addressing them!
I do realize that Real Life issues either conflict with or abort the progress of individuals and even the Castle Keeper in keeping an adventure moving along.
Once we have the adventure underway I will do my best to NPC any PC Characters at times along the way to help progress the adventure.
Therefore it is Most Important to include enough information in your PC Character Background History and Character Description and Info for me to do so if it becomes necessary at some point in the future!
Posted on 2009-08-18 at 09:11:41.
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Topic: Haunted Highlands Q&A
Subject: Greetings from the Philippines
I have just completed an updated scenario that will serve as probably the second major turning point in this adventure.
Once any repercussions or results progressing from the Opening or Intro scenario [that I typed and saved on my flashdrive earlier this year] have been resolved by your role play and my posting such resolutions in the story, this second major scenario will be introduced into the adventure and then we will go from there.
Meanwhile everyone should be submitting further background story and info for their characters as soon as possible so we can progress with getting started in a few short weeks.
Deity selection for your Race will have to wait until I get a copy of the new Of Gods & Monsters book that should be released shortly after GenCon.
That means my copy should be waiting for me for when I return to Oklahoma the first week of September.
Although I have some special missionary meetings to attend on Labor Day Weekend and also in the middle of the month, we should be able to get the adventure underway before the end of September.
By providing your background story and character descriptions I will be able to look through the Of Gods & Monsters book after returning to Oklahoma and select an appropriate deity for your character, or possibly give you a couple of choices.
Deities have Avatars and those Avatars will come into play at appropriate times during the course of this epic adventure!
I will have consistent internet access in the Philippines through August 31 so if you have any questions that need to be addressed please post while you are further developing your characters and I will do my best to reply!
Posted on 2009-08-18 at 09:09:48.
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Topic: Haunted Highlands Q&A
Subject: Minor Setback
Found out this morning that my book orders will not be mailing until sometime next week.
That means I will not have the info for deities until September when I return from the Philippines.
However, we will progress with our character creations as much as possible and I will be online in the Philippines usually 4-5 times per week.
Still have to review some of the questions as I was unexpectedly in town today, so I came to the library to get on the internet.
Posted on 2009-08-04 at 17:45:05.
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Topic: Haunted Highlands Q&A
Subject: Enjoyed ...
..... the history and background info for Nomad's new character!
I will have to get back with you later regarding your specific questions, but at least I am able to spend some time this week typing on my laptop and then transferring the info to a new post when I get back to the library!
Posted on 2009-08-03 at 17:58:19.
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Topic: Haunted Highlands Q&A
Subject: Okay ...
..... I have copied and pasted Nomad's questions and character history info post along with Ayrn's responses onto a Word document and stored it in my Flash Drive so I can open it at the house and type my responses etc after consulting my Haunted Highlands C&C stuff that I have stored on my laptop!
Meanwhile, I will try to read through the stuff posted here and respond before they make me get off the computer for a second time today!
When it is real busy at the library you only get to log on to a computer once a day for an hour!
Posted on 2009-08-03 at 17:47:42.
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Topic: Haunted Highlands Q&A
Subject: Uuuhhhhhhh ...
... just spent most of the month of July house sitting for a missionary friend of mine without internet access.
Then I had a week of meetings to attend 3 times per day and too groggy at midnight or 1am to respond here!
Stopped in at the public library this morning in Okmulgee and of course there is no internet access on the other side of the lake where I am staying.
I am flying to the Philippines on August 12th and will be there almost 3 weeks with internet access at a local internet cafe on nearly a daily basis.
Am still waiting for delivery of the 2 books I ordered, but they may not arrive until after I leave!
I will post answers either later this week or after I get to the Philippines!
Posted on 2009-08-03 at 16:32:36.
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Topic: The Spores of Itanlok - Second Attempt
Subject: Alas
As much as I enjoyed the first adventure my Mushroom eating Cleric will be unable to join in on the fun!
I will have my hands full running a new C&C adventure in a couple months or so and the lack of internet service where I currently reside necessitates my bowing out of this one!
Looking forward to reading your exploits!
Posted on 2009-08-03 at 16:18:12.
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