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Topic: Q & A Oaks Heart
Subject: Boarding the Wagon ...
..... has been posted at Oaks Heart and if anyone takes issue with the content, our illustrious DM can either edit accordingly or PM me to make any editing changes!
Just seemed to be the logical thing to write to get the wagons rolling [PUN Intended]and for the rest of you to play off of when you post, since no one else posted any responses in the Q&A thread here!
 
Posted on 2008-06-26 at 20:53:22.
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Topic: Oaks Heart
Subject: Boarding the Wagon
Hingatuli Hammer was pleasantly amazed at how the towns folk had taken to the adventurers and shared what they could as good faith payment for their commitment to aid the fear ridden citizens of Oaks Heart.
Someone had paid for a room for the Dwarven Cleric to spend the night and prepare himself for an early journey into the unknown. Hingatuli gladly accepted the offer so that he could spend some time preparing and consecrating himself before Clangeddin Silverbeard the Dwarven god of War in a time of prayer and meditation long before the first rays of sunlight began illuminating the seemingly sleepy town of Oaks Heart.
"Oh Mighty Clangeddin ... Provide Your Servant the Strength and Courage to Prevail Against the Unknown Enemy ... Guide Me Through the Peril and Turmoil of Fear that Pervades the Countryside ... Grant Me the Means to Defeat Our Unknown Foes ... May My Companions Prove to Be Worthy of Your Favor ... Help Us All to Aid the People of Oaks Heart ... Equip Us with What We Need to Face the Hidden Danger in Their Behalf This Day!"
As the cock was crowing, fresh biscuits with butter and honey were sold to the gathering festive crowd who were wishing the adventurers well on their quest in behalf of the people of Oaks Heart.
Yet another grateful soul bought extra breakfast to present to Hingatuli Hammer before his journey into the crisp morning countryside as a gift of appreciation for his decision to aid the loggers and help remedy the mystery that had befallen the region.
The Dwarf Cleric gladly expressed his appreciation and thanked Clangeddin Silverbeard the Dwarven god of War for the morning bounty that gave Hingatuli Hammer an added purpose and motivation for aiding the loggers and families of Oaks Heart.
Hingatuli grimly munched on his biscuits and washed the tasty morsels down with some fruit nectar that another young lady had presented to him as the Ol' Crook extended the leash of his two giant dogs towards Anvil Ironfist as he cleared his throat and spoke:
"May I present to you my 2 best friends Muffin and Sprinkles. You lot better take care of them. They're closer to me than anything else in this world."
Hingatuli Hammer noticed the small tear in the Ol' Crook's eye and breathed a remembrance to Clangeddin Silverbeard the Dwarven god of War to help the adventurers watch over the two dogs ... and if at all possible ... return them unharmed to their master.
Then he heard Finneous declare, "Good morning my friends. I’ve got a few things here that might be useful. These here will help heal you. They won't help a lot, so when you drink it drink all of it. There is one for each of you. It's not much, but that's all I can offer at this time."
Hingatuli received the small vial of green liquid that was handed to him with a grateful word of thanks to Clangeddin Silverbeard the Dwarven god of War for answering his early morning prayer, then threaded his way through the crowd to stand next to Anvil Ironfist as Whisper stepped forward to announce:
"The Militia has asked me to give you these boons with the hope that they will help you. If the rumors of the Undead are true you might run into something out there and my men wanted you to be prepared."
Whisper produces 4 silver tipped arrows, 2 silver crossbow bolts and 3 silver daggers.
"May you slay the evil of this land 'til the creeks run red!"
As Whisper saluted the adventurers, Hingatuli Hammer tapped Anvil Ironfist on the arm, looked up into the taller Dwarf fighter's face and declared:
"One or Both of those Silver Crossbow Bolts would be a Good Match for My Heavy Crossbow! As for the Silver Daggers ... Make Sure that Rat and the Lady Get One!"
Hingatuli Hammer took note of the red tubes and instructions that Finneous gave to Trillian and T'Sal ... momentarily pondering what could possibly necessitate sending a red smoke message for assistance ... and what Finneous could possibly do to help?
His contemplative reverie was suddenly broken as Carus bellowed out:
"Everyone mount up in the wagons! It's time to go!"
Hingatuli Hammer made a beeline towards the lead wagon as he shouted to Anvil Ironfist:
"Let Me Ride On the Left Side of the Wagon! My Red Eye Prefers Scouting the Terrain for a Better Shot with My Heavy Crossbow!"
Hingatuli Hammer prefers riding on the left side of the wagon where he can draw a better bead with his Heavy Crossbow! He also prefers riding up front if there is room for the driver to allow him to do so. Otherwise, he would opt for riding in the corner at the back end of the wagon facing the second wagon so he can draw a bead to his left with his Heavy Crossbow in case he notices anything suspicious lurking in that direction!
Posted on 2008-06-26 at 20:30:09.
Edited on 2008-06-26 at 20:41:21 by Hammer
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Topic: shilling for poetry votes
Subject: Have ...
..... voted for her poem also!
Posted on 2008-06-26 at 15:24:26.
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Topic: Lantan Q&A
Subject: Sometimes we ...
..... have a stream of consciousness or deep introspection of thoughts and feelings in our posts for this adventure ... in addition to any fighting scenes!
Posted on 2008-06-25 at 15:41:09.
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Topic: Q & A Oaks Heart
Subject: Also since ...
..... our friend Anvil is also a Fighter and our leader it would logically seem to me that he would assign the items in his next post at Oaks Heart ... or if I get around to writing something before Nomad does I could suggest that Anvil distribute the items while Hingatuli Hammer negotiates for which side of the wagon he would prefer riding on!
Posted on 2008-06-25 at 11:49:15.
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Topic: Q & A Oaks Heart
Subject: Assigning the Dogs to ...
..... our friend Anvil may be the logical choice as he is the one who negotiated for some Canine Power!
Rat DEFINITELY Needs a Silver Dagger by the way!
Posted on 2008-06-25 at 11:44:15.
Edited on 2008-06-25 at 11:45:42 by Hammer
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Topic: Q & A Oaks Heart
Subject: Okay guys ...
..... Hingatuli Hammer has a Weapon Proficiency with the Heavy Cross Bow ... so hopefully you are in agreement that he get at least one ... if not both ... Silver Bolts!
Anyone Else have a Cross Bow then Please Speak Up!
Silver Dagger would be good to have also ... but obviously Rat should have at least one of them and whoever else is proficient with Daggers!
Therefore, one or more Silver Bolts for my Heavy Cross Bow is all that I am asking for!
Guess I qualify for one of the Red Tubes and Dark Green Vials also!
Oooooopppppssssssss ... T'Sal should have that Red Tube instead of Hingatuli Hammer! My Apologies!
Does Anvil want to take charge of both dogs?
Anyone?
Us two Dwarves could ride in a wagon together and have the 2 dogs, but I guess we should refer to those marching orders that Nomad/Anvil mentioned earlier!
Just trying to get the conversation started as to what we want to do!
Another thought is that Anvil could be in the lead wagon with whoever he chooses and the 2 dogs may be likely to run ahead of the lead wagon or stay close ... really depends upon what we have in the hunting hound department now!
Referring back to the post by Nomad on page 5
1. Marching order.
Anvil - Rat - T'Sal - Tingatuli - Trillian
Anvil & Tingatuli
Rat and T'Sal
Trillian
So looks like with 3 wagons that Anvil and Hingatuli are taking the lead wagon, Rat and T'Sal the second and Trillian the third wagon!
Time for me to get some sleep over here!
Posted on 2008-06-24 at 21:18:35.
Edited on 2008-06-24 at 21:30:32 by Hammer
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Topic: The Legacy of the Shade Lord
Subject: Following the Drow Monk
T’puuli will notice her arm had quit hurting sometime during that odd story the gnome was telling. Looking at her arm, she will say “Magic user huh? Thank you mister Gnome, I owe you one. Normally it would be best to take care of one nest at a time, but the tunnels are small. Why don’t you two magic users and Torigad take 1 tunnel. While myself and Manuhol take the other? That way we do not get in each others way. Ixion Po and Snowlily have already chosen their tunnel.
"Seifu ... Guide Me!"
Manuhol had decided to begin herding the cattle back towards the town while the kobolds were otherwise detained ... but upon hearing T'puuli suggest a plan of action for the two Monks to enter one of the tunnels ... his memories of fighting alongside his fellow Monks against the forces of evil caused him to pause from herding the cows back to town!
Although they were obviously of different backgrounds ... and dojos ... teaming up once again with another Monk ... Any Monk ... was just too good to pass up!
He looked her over and decided that the female Drow with the burnt barn smell and mud covered beauty would prove to be a formidable foe against the unsuspecting Kobolds!
Manuhol nods his head in agreement and follows the female Drow Monk into the tunnel ... taking note of her demeanor ... and ever watchful of her abilities ... to make either an offensive or defensive reaction ... depending upon what they encounter in the tunnel of the Kobolds!
Posted on 2008-06-24 at 20:35:24.
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Topic: Auguries of Destruction - The Linsemptus
Subject: Special Sling and Snooze
Fonhinqann
Guest Room
Four and Three Quarter Hours before Twilight
"Tenarr ... Would You Be Able to Create a Sheath for this Death Scythe ... That Would Allow Me To Transport This Weapon ... Without Cutting My Hands?"
Tenarr just takes one glance before he shakes his head. "As far as I know, the only way that scythe can be transported is on the back in a sling like how Xira always carried it. I tried making a case for it once... as soon as I put it on the scythe, the scythe's black aura blew it apart! Not to mention I've tried getting Xira to wear gauntlets, just to prevent further damage to her hands, and the scythe's aura totally destroyed those too!"
Tenarr shivers, "It is such a nasty piece of work... whoever made this definitely knew how to make something formidable... no one in their right mind would make such a thing; it hurts the wielder almost to the same degree as the one it is wielded against!"
Tenarr gingerly takes the scythe and puts it on a weapon stand, its black aura flickering for just a moment as it is put down.
"So Tell Me Friend Tenarr ... Are You Able To Provide Me A Better Sling ... For This ... Weapon?"
"Here Are The Five Gold Coins I Have Been Trying To Give You For Watching My Things ... And Another Five Gold Coins For A Proper Sling If You Can Manage!"
"Now While You Attend To That Special Sling ... If You Can ... I Will Take A Much Needed Nap!"
Manalagna Hammer settles in for a long overdue snooze depending upon what Tenarr is able to do about a custom made sling for the Death Scythe ... Getting Some Much Needed Rest Before Our DM Springs The Big Surprise On Us!
Posted on 2008-06-24 at 20:08:14.
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Topic: Olan's baby photobucket
Subject: Smiles and ...
..... chuckles as I scrolled down each photo!
Thanks for sharing!
Posted on 2008-06-23 at 20:03:59.
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Topic: Q & A Oaks Heart
Subject: Hey Rat ...
..... the adventure I am referring to is called Land of Xenophobia which is in the Yellow Recruitment Threads!
I am working on DMing a different 2e adventure and that is what I am referring to in the previous message.
Was just letting you guys know it was there in case any of you decided to participate and no hard feelings if you guys pass on the adventure!
My apologies for any confusion!
I am playing in several adventures on these boards and a couple of them have died out [including An Evil in Orlane] and in another adventure my Dwarf Wizard was impaled by ballistae bolts when a pirate ship attacked the ship he was travelling on!
So I have some space to give DMing an adventure a shot and I am going on vacation to the States in a couple of weeks and will have time to develop the adventure and get it started in August when I return!
Our game here in Oaks Heart is Alive and Well and I look forward to adventuring with you guys!
Hopefully An Evil in Orlane Revives!
***** Stryke just signed on for Land of Xenophobia a little while ago! There is still plenty of room!
ShadowDragon and Brodeur30 are also confirmed participants!
Anyone else here interested in beginning an adventure by fighting for your emancipation from the Dark Arena?
The Gladiatorial Commission in Nefaria is named the Dark Arena Consortium by the way!
Posted on 2008-06-23 at 07:55:10.
Edited on 2008-06-23 at 19:58:35 by Hammer
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Topic: Q & A Oaks Heart
Subject: Hey Guys
I realize that most of you have quite a bit on your plate, but I just wanted to direct your attention to the Yellow Recruitment Thread titled Gauging Interest.
One of my characters died in another adventure that has freed up some adventure space for me and I have been kicking around an idea for an adventure.
I will NOT take it personal if you guys are unable to participate and I look forward to our adventure here at Oaks Heart and hopefully the resumption of An Evil in Orlane also.
Posted on 2008-06-22 at 14:03:57.
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Topic: There's No Place Like Rome
Subject: Looks like ...
..... an interesting adventure, but I just do not have any more room on my plate to take on another adventure!
Especially with a project I am working on and vacation coming in two weeks!
Thanks for the invite!
Posted on 2008-06-21 at 19:37:29.
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Topic: Q&A: The Return Of The Prodigal Son
Subject: So ...
..... are you saying that my War Dog and Jaguar have died ... even though you have NOT posted an update about Panon Panaw in the adventure?
Because there is still nothing for me to respond to via another post in The Return of the Prodigal Son until you have updated the storyline!
Posted on 2008-06-20 at 15:25:43.
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Topic: Q&A: The Return Of The Prodigal Son
Subject: Are you ...
..... waiting on me to post Flirty?
Because I was waiting to see what you ended up writing about Panon Panaw and his critters!
Please Clarify and Recover from the ankle sprain!
Posted on 2008-06-19 at 12:25:49.
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Topic: Q & A Oaks Heart
Subject: Why two is ...
..... because one can protect and fight on the right flank and the other can protect and fight on the left flank of the group!
Posted on 2008-06-19 at 10:39:55.
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Topic: Auguries of Destruction - The Linsemptus
Subject: Collecting His Things
Fonhinqann
Arena Infirmary
Four and Three Quarter Hours before Twilight
Xira smiles, although there is no emotion in the smile, "If you know me, you will recognize her. We almost look alike."
Xira's eyes flicker sleepily, "My body is weary. I should let it rest."
With that, Xira's eyes close.
((Should Manalagna wish to stay at the arena and sleep, his quarters are provided on the northern end))
"Sweet Dreams!"
After excusing himself with an honorary bow to his vanquished opponent, Manalagna Hammer gingerly balances the Death Scythe over his right shoulder [careful not to cut himself or anyone else] and makes his way to his quarters to speak with Tenarr.
He collects his things from Tenarr, offers him 5 gold coins from his newly acquired reward and then asks:
"Tenarr ... Would You Be Able to Create a Sheath for this Death Scythe ... That Would Allow Me To Transport This Weapon ... Without Cutting My Hands?"
Posted on 2008-06-18 at 19:06:36.
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Topic: Auguries of Destruction - The Linsemptus
Subject: A Name?
Fonhinqann
Arena Infirmary
Four and Three Quarter Hours before Twilight
Xira picks up the bandaged scythe and, almost carelessly, she holds it forth for Manalagna to take.
The scythe feels unusually heavy in Manalagna's hands, and even through the bandages, he can feel the razor sharp shaft ready to draw his own blood. It also feels cold. It is almost as though its cold feeling from it draining something from Manalagna.
Xira adds, almost as an afterthought, "By the way... if you ever come across the scythe's original owner, before me, you needn't worry about returning it. She has probably just made another."
"So ... Does the Original Owner ... Have a Name ... or ... a Description ... So I Will Recognize Her ... Should Our Paths ... Ever Cross?"
Posted on 2008-06-18 at 17:51:56.
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Topic: Lantan Q&A
Subject: Keeping His Distance has ...
..... been added to Lantan to bring Rex the Reckless in a somewhat close proximity with the rest of the players!
Posted on 2008-06-18 at 17:45:07.
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Topic: Lantan
Subject: Keeping His Distance
There was a Method to his Madness ... this Rex ... the Reckless ... who only had mere moments ... to jolt Septimus from the depths of despair ...
So the Mercenary made his way further into the dark alley way ... until Septimus could no longer blindly follow ... suddenly spurred from within to find his lost love ... the lady Evani ...
Rex waited only long enough for Septimus to distance himself from all awareness of the Mercenary tracking him ... as Rex patiently viewed Septimus desperately searching for Evani ... serving as his unknown protector ... should more adversaries attack the wanted man!
Rex chose to remain hidden in the shadows of another alley ... when Septimus finally found his lost love ... and an unexpected ally ... in the form of ... a dingy dwarven warrior ... armed only ... with a broom!
Posted on 2008-06-18 at 17:40:52.
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Topic: Auguries of Destruction - The Linsemptus
Subject: An Act of Mercy
Fonhinqann
Arena Infirmary
Four and Three Quarter Hours before Twilight
"How Long Have You Been Using The Death Scythe?"
Xira tilts her head, "I suppose that isn't a secret. It has been... thirteen years? Yes, I suppose that's right. I don't pay attention to time."
"Why Are You So Willing To Surrender It To Me Now?"
Xira leans back thoughtfully and shrugs, "You've earned it, have you not? If you want it, you can have it. If you don't want it, I'll keep it."
"What Else Do You Have To Offer Me For Defeating You?"
Xira thinks for a moment, "You can have either scythe, one or the other... or... the tale, as you put it, behind one of them, and only that."
"Please ... Give Me ... A Moment ... To Contemplate ..."
Manalagna Hammer mulled over his choices as he stared absent mindedly in Xira's direction ... but at nothing in particular.
Four choices ... two tales ... two weapons ...
Manalagna Hammer always enjoyed a good tale ... or two ... but he could only choose to hear ... but one ...
Either Scythe would be a formidable weapon of choice ... depending upon the foe he would find himself facing ... but which one would be best suited ... for facing ... the unknown future?
Manalagna Hammer tugged thoughtfully at his silver beard ... blazing red eyes burning brightly with each possibility considered ... then he tried his best to imagine ... the toll that had obviously been exacted upon Xira these past thirteen years ... her torment ... her agony ... her seemingly complete severance from reality ... as most warriors ... would know ... such arena reality ... to be ...
"I Choose ... An Act of Mercy ... You Broke My Flaming Scimitar ... Now I Choose ... To Break Your Bond ... With Your Death Scythe ... A Fair Exchange ... Surrender Your Weapon ... To Me ... Now!"
Posted on 2008-06-18 at 17:19:19.
Edited on 2008-06-18 at 17:21:23 by Hammer
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Topic: The Embodiment
Subject: Salibat as granted by Brom
Salibat was born to the misunderstood Slaa’kar of the Swamps of Kedesh located on the southwestern coast of the continent of Antaron, a member of a tribe called the Gold Scale Tribe by local humans—the Gold Scale Tribe being one of the rare tribes that had actually struck up trade with outside races. She grew quickly in the care of her tribe becoming a strong fighter, skilled with the spear and the bow, and a provider for the tribe as a young teen; recognition made precarious when some of the larger, stronger males began to take an interest in her as a brood breeder.
Tribe culture was that no one individual’s interests outweighed the good of the crime. This is what Salibat had been raised to believe, and she viewed the disregard for her skills in favor of the tribe’s wish for her to breed a new generation of Slaa’karn to be a breaking of this dogma. It frustrated her to no end, but when she brought this perception to the chieftain’s attention, she was severely beaten. She would do as the tribe intended, and it was not her place to object. True to form, the tribe didn’t give her much time to heal before starting the impregnation process. It wasn’t long after that before the ka’tol declared Salibat infertile. This angered the chieftain, who had designs on her himself, and he proceeded to take his anger out on her, once again, beating her, but this time Salibat wasn’t going to stand for it. Rising up against him, Salibat utilized the benefit of surprise to knock him down. Normally, the Slaa’kar’s tradition of the strongest leads would have prevented interference, but the male warriors of the tribe felt that Salibat was taking something to hinder her impregnation, and that infuriated them. Her actions against the chieftain were also taken as additional affronts in that area, and they jumped in. Salibat’s skills at fighting were nothing when compared with such odds, and many of the warriors she was facing were older, more experienced, and more dangerous. She struggled to escape their wrath—the warriors spurred on by their infuriated chieftain pursued her into the swamps. Salibat’s fight was no longer to be a part of the hunters anymore, it was to survive, and she was scared; her tribe, her family, was trying to kill her!
Salibat made it to the borders of the Gold Scale Tribe’s territory before a spear hurled by the chieftain took her through the back and out her stomach, pinning her to a tree. It was only then that the tribe warriors left her for dead, something that would have spelled her demise had it not been for Haven.
Haven was a druid who had made her home in the Swamps of Kedesh. She was more than aware of the dangers there, and used her understanding of Nature to keep the Slaa’kar at bay, her actions causing them to believe that her section of the swamp was inhabited by powerful, and vengeful spirits. Haven dressed in leathers, branches, strings of hanging moss, bones, and bark. Her hair was ratted and hung over her face—her features often painted with mud to help with her appearance as much as keep the insects at bay—she was a frightening apparition when she appeared. The dying Salibat thought she was Death come for her, and would likely have lashed out at the druid had she not passed out when Haven tore the spear from the tree.
Haven nursed Salibat through fever, fear, and the injury, feeding her fish, lizards, and birds that “offered” themselves to the cause. The teachings of the old human were all about balance and the power that Nature held. She taught Salibat the basics of the human tongue, a difficult task due to the rigidness of Salibat’s mouth, but eventually simple words could be formed, and communication was established. With nowhere else to turn, Salibat clung to Haven and her teachings, and in return, Salibat used her hunting and gathering skills as well as her knowledge of Slaa’kar ways to help the two of them survive in the wilderness. The strongest teaching, perhaps, that Haven bestowed upon Salibat was that though the gods participate in the creation of life, and the manipulation of life, the Slaa’kar were correct in one thing as far as religion was concerned: She Who Always Steps on Stones is not the true power of Nature, for Nature is a power in and of itself. Rocks, trees, the stream, the swamp, they all have spirits, and it is to these that Haven communicates when she works her magic; magic she demonstrated to Salibat rather infrequently out of respect for Nature, but demonstrate she did until the female Slaa’kar believed.
Haven traded with the human settlements in the area the same as the Gold Scale Tribe had, though her trades were medicinal, and for different items than the Slaa’karn, but what Salibat had never seen before, or cared to see before, was that the humans were killing more than they needed, taking more from the swamp than what they could use, and selling it to passing caravans. They were poaching, unsettling the balance of nature. Haven and Salibat began to fight to set the balance straight. They’d attack hunting parties, trading parties, and make raids on storerooms at the settlements on the outskirts of the swamps. This angered the settlements, it angered the merchants, and it angered the Slaa’kar tribes when the trades fell off. Their actions began to incite conflict between the sentient species of the area, and eventually, this led to the human leaders of one settlement to hire an adventuring party to put an end to it.
The adventurers were smart, well-equipped, and used their limited magic wisely. Their actions left Haven dead, her body devoured by crocodiles, and Salibat captured as proof of their success. Trussed and chained, Salibat was showcased to the leaders, the adventurers paid out, and the Slaa’kar prize caged. Seeing an opportunity for more money, the leaders sold Salibat to a caravan master who was making his way to Goodlund. From there, Salibat was shipped to Coria, up the Indigo, straight to Coria City. Salibat had a taken Haven’s teachings to heart, and felt that the balance of things would be put in order even though she felt her connection with the spirits of the wilderness fleeting in the structured confines of the city. Her calm was, perhaps, derived a bit from depression at having spent so much time caged, treated like an animal and weak from hunger as she was fed only enough to keep her from dying.
She spent some months in captivity, locked away from her precious spirits, locked away from the sun, and pitted against other creatures in an underground fight scene. She fought to survive, to maintain some sort of balance. Then Jader Atheria, a merchant of some standing, discovered her and bought her as the perfect addition to his secret zoo in Amiran. Salibat was secreted from Coria City in the dead of night and brought cross-country in a canvassed caravan to her new home: a cage in the walled confines of the Atheria Estates just outside of the city of Amiran.
Jader had built his zoo to entertain his children, Aerith and Maessika. His wife was a socialite, practically ignorant of her children, and Jader was focused primarily on business. This left his children in the care of a nurse that preferred the bottle to the children. Salibat found herself distraught over the apparent lack of care these two were receiving, left to wander amongst cages of strange beasts day in and day out where a misstep could lead to their demise. Her concern, her maternal instinct, her awareness for the well-being of the tribe, brought her out of her depression and caused her to coax the children to her. She spent time drawing their attention through small tricks she’d learned from Haven, little things to entertain, nothing serious, nothing sophisticated, but enough to catch their attention. After a time, she even spoke to them, but only after she was certain that she was their little secret. After many more months, Aerith brought the key to her cage so that he and Maessika could enter and be in the same area as their new friend. Even then, Salibat was too concerned with their well-being to take advantage of the opportunity. The children gave her the name Salibat, the children showed her how balance was being maintained: She had to learn how to fight, how to survive so that she could protect the balance of the spirits. Haven spared her life so that she could help restore the balance that the humans and Slaa’kar tipped in the Swamps. She was taken from her land and taught how to survive in the worst of conditions—sold into captivity so that the barren Slaa’kar could watch over and protect two human children.
After a year of captivity, Salibat was woken up by screaming from the house. Fires had broken out and there were a lot of shadows darting around inside. Frightened for the children, Salibat broke out (the children often left the door to her cage unlocked so they didn’t have to keep stealing the key), rushing into the house and encountering thieves everywhere she turned. Jader was away on another caravan run, and his wife was in the city at a party. Salibat ferociously attacked any thief she encountered on her way to the children’s rooms. When she burst in, they were huddled together, screaming as two large, scary-looking men were approaching with bags in hand. Salibat didn’t know then, but they’d intended on taking the children for ransom. All she knew was that the children—her children—were in danger, and that was unacceptable. Salibat killed those two men with claw and tooth. Snatching the children, one in each arm, she made her escape from the burning building. Stumbling out the front door, she could later imagine how she appeared: blood smeared all about her mouth and teeth, her forearms bathed in it, the screaming, crying children in hand. The city guard that had assembled at the house upon the alarm being raised immediately thought she was the threat. Subsequently, they attacked and Salibat was forced to release the children to them and run for her life.
Connected once again with her beloved spirits, Salibat wanders this new land assured that she’d returned balance to her life. Still wary of humans and their treatment of her, she traveled in secrecy, eventually winding up at the Thrace River where she turned to the north, unaware that winter was coming on since she’d never experienced it before. Wrapped up in human clothing, hidden by a deep cowl and a cloak that dragged the ground behind her, Salibat made her way unknowingly towards Calestra until the weather turned and the cold slowed her. Eventually, she succumbed to the cold as one night the temperatures fell below freezing. The next day, as the frigid winds blew, Salibat was too numb, too distant, to be able to move. She remained that way for two days until a group of humans found her.
Led by a wizened old man named Haictale, the group was, at first, astonished by the discovery of a body lying in the wilderness. Then they were horrified as they discovered Salibat’s race, but Haictale was a man of philosophy, and having never seen the Slaa’kar before, he wondered at the nature of their find: a reptile clothed as a man. His people returned to their home for a wagon, and after they’d fetched Salibat back to their abode, she recovered from the cold in the warmth of a locked room. Haictale spoke to her through the door, and after countless hours of negotiation made all the more difficult due to Salibat’s trouble with the human language, she was released from the room into the presence of the Pryor Haictale and a gathering of fighting monks—the protectors of the monastery—who were guarding their leader without weapons.
Salibat had never seen humans fight without weapons before, and it intrigued her. Besides, she knew that with the extreme cold, she would never be able to travel far and would become one with the earth sooner rather than later. Haictale allowed her to stay, but she had to study their philosophy, help with the care of the facility, and contribute. In return, she had a fire to warm her blood whenever she needed one, and she was allowed to train with the fighting monks. She stayed with the monks for three years, hiding from any who visited, and wearing her heavy cloak and cowl she managed to maintain her secrecy. She managed to maintain an omnivorous diet along with the humans, trying to push the thought of ever devouring a stray human in the swamps from her mind as well.
One year, with spring warming the weather enough for her to travel, Salibat takes her leave of the monks and travels south once more, determined not to get caught in the cold again. She ends up in Pardinal where, from hiding, she watches a hunting party setting up camp. Reminded of the humans encroaching upon the balance at the swamps, Salibat sets up surveillance, discovering that this party is led by a young noble named Gen Menbren. Unaware of the young man’s position, Salibat sets about trying to determine his scent. She spends a week learning as much as she can through observing him, coming to the conclusion that she can appreciate his balance.
The night before the hunting party is to return to Portua it was struck by assassins bent on ending the young prince’s life. Once more, Salibat was thrown into a situation where she had to decide whether to interfere in human violence. In the end it was instinct that caused her to tear a hole in the back of Gen’s tent and leap through just as he was beset by attackers. Salibat’s initial attack was ferocious, tearing the spinal cord out of the back of one of the assassin’s neck with her teeth, but seeing the horror on the young prince’s face, she quickly adjusted her tactics, utilizing the moves that the monks had taught her to counter and render the assassins inert. She was back through the tent and away in the wilderness before Gen’s soldiers arrived, leaving three dead assassins at his feet, and him standing in confusion staring into the night.
Salibat used her connection with the spirits of nature to remain aloof, practically a spirit herself as far as Gen was concerned, for even though he spent hours searching for her afterwards, he found nothing, and returned to Portua with nothing but a good story. Salibat remained outside the city, watching the workings of the patrols, visitors, and peasants to gain a better understanding of the culture. She wasn’t the only one who was curious. Gen’s encounter had given birth to his repeated sharing of his harrowing tale, and it wasn’t long before tales about the creature that had saved his life were spreading through the streets. Unfortunately, this also sparked the public’s interest. Adventurers began to rush the wilderness making it more and more difficult for Salibat to avoid them. Some were not as friendly as others—Salibat could smell it on them when she drew close to them when they slept: they smelled of hunger, anger, and the same scent she often smelled on herself when she was hunting. She knew what they were after, and determined to continue on south, away from Portua. She didn’t move fast enough.
While en route, Salibat encountered a group of eight men—adventurers who were looking for the creature from Gen’s stories, and one just happened to be more observant than Salibat would have hoped, spotting her tail beneath her heavy cloak. They set upon her intent on capturing her, or killing her, for bragging rights. Not wishing to be branded as a killer in the region, she fled, and the men gave chase. It was only through the use of the power of Nature that she managed to stay just out of reach until she happened upon the ruins of an old temple. That is as far as she made it before they fell upon her, and suddenly, Salibat was fighting for her life again. As the battle raged, another individual joined the fray, but even with the addition of a sword and dagger, Salibat was forced down into the ruins where she and her aid managed to cause a cave in, blocking the attackers from reaching them. In the darkness, the two stumbled further into the dark until they found a place where light beams were illuminating the room enough that they could look warily upon one another, and it was then that Salibat looked upon Gen once more.
Forced into the dark ruins, their only known way out blocked by the rock fall they’d caused to ward off their attackers, they had but one choice: to proceed deeper into the ruins. Their adventure was binding, as many adventures are when people are forced into life-threatening situations together where their only chance of survival is each other. When they emerged, the two had a very clear understanding of each other. A deep respect had developed; a friendship, but despite this, Gen knew that his destiny would make it even more difficult for Salibat to fit in, so they parted company.
Salibat was reluctant to leave her new-found friend, but she understood his logic, so she determined to return to areas she was more familiar with as her experiences in lands unknown were a little unnerving. Reaching the coast, Salibat continued on to the west… this is space for more adventures with additional player characters…
The Swamps of Kedesh were strangely lonesome for Salibat upon her return. The calls of her estranged people were like arrows piercing her heart. Even the adventures she found herself caught up in weren’t enough to sooth the ache. Salibat made her way north to the Chindari Plains. Well familiar with winter’s numbing cold, she determined to remain in warmer climates, but found herself missing contact with the humans. The Chindari Plains weren’t exactly crawling with people, but Salibat spoke with the animals, and discovered the camps of some humans and khords. They weren’t the kind of people she was looking for. Salibat had once again found people that were tipping the scales of balance. These people were killing the herds that roamed the Plains and carting the meat off to merchants for distribution elsewhere. No matter the reason, Salibat was furious with the slaughter of the herds, and determined to take action.
At first she attempted to scare the hunters from their camp, but they were hardened, seasoned people. Eventually, her tricks resulted in them tracking her, and fortune was on their side that night. Salibat managed to escape them without injury as they fell upon her in the dark of night, and using the power of nature once more, she vanished from their midst while they dealt with a rash of insects. She knew she had to rethink her approach, and bloodshed would result in some terrible attention turned her way. She was stronger, quicker, and more in tune with Nature than ever before, but this did not insure her. While she was considering her options, she heard some music drifting through the night. Following it, she came upon a small camp. The human at the camp was playing an instrument and singing softly in the most enchanting way. There were others there as well: Chindari warriors. It appeared to Salibat that this musical human was calming the fierce warriors her people had often fought with and this intrigued her. It also sparked a thought, but Salibat was righteously wary of strange humans. So, she set about watching their activities.
She quickly determined that the Chindari were intent on raiding and fighting with the hunters, but the human music-player held them at bay while he tried to reason with the hunters. His methods impressed Salibat further, and after three meetings between the Chindari and the hunters, Salibat had made up her mind to continue surveillance and see what he is able to resolve. A week later, and Salibat knows the human’s name is Marius. She also knows that he is frustrated by the hunter’s unwillingness to see reason. He’s becoming less and less capable of restraining the Chindari, and it is looking to be inevitable that battle would ensue.
Salibat had learned something of commerce from her time with the monks, and her interaction with Gen in the ruins when he’d collected what little items of worth they encountered. She also had some understanding of currency, gain, and loss, and hoped to help balance the situation by revealing the profits the hunters were making. She didn’t really know what would result, but she was counting on Nature to enact Its Will…and it did.
Marius discovered that the hunters weren’t exactly being straight forward with them, and were exploiting the weak and famine-afflicted citizens in Ertain. Salibat was ultimately impressed with Marius’ determination to keep the encounter as bloodless as possible when he and his Chindari warriors snuck into the hunter’s camp and stole the provisions, money, and what weapons they could steal. Salibat helped discreetly, using her magic to drive the camp’s animals quietly into the night, leaving the hunters grounded.
The following day, more Chindari arrived resulting in the surrender of the hunters once they realized the futileness of their situation. Salibat watched from afar as the Chindari celebrated their victory, and made an offering of a Chindari female to Marius for mating. Once more, Salibat was intrigued by Marius’ refusal to accept the breeding right, and followed the human when he departed the Chindari’s company.
With Marius on his own, traveling in the wilderness, Salibat works up the courage to approach him. Their first encounter is tense, awkward, and very nearly results in conflict, but Marius’ curious nature, and Salibat’s refusal to attack results in their sitting down to an awkward dinner. Many more encounters between the two take place over the next few days until they are used to each other’s company and a limited amount of trust is developed. Perhaps it was a sense of the unexplored, or perhaps it was just that Marius had nothing better to do with his time. As it was, he remained with Salibat when she returned to the Plains. Their adventures together forged a friendship and a bond as they battled against hunters, bandits, creatures of ill alignment, and other fell creatures for the course of two years.
This opens more room for further explanation…
Posted on 2008-06-18 at 15:06:55.
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Topic: Q & A Oaks Heart
Subject: War Dogs sound ...
..... like a good investment to me!
Marching Orders are fine with me!
Hingatuli Hammer [not Tingatuli] which is kind of funny to me at the moment as Hingatuli in Vassayan means "an instrument for removing the wax from the ears"
Looking forward to the adventure!
Posted on 2008-06-18 at 11:55:37.
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Topic: Tulsa DefCon7
Subject: Tulsa DefCon7
I was Googleing some items yesterday at the office and discovered that the Tulsa DefCon7 is being held on the weekend of August 1-3 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Will anyone else from the Red Dragon Inn Community be attending?
www.tulsadefcon.com
Posted on 2008-06-17 at 10:15:59.
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Topic: Q&A and Character sheets for FR campaign *stryke style*
Subject: Question about ...
... the Spell count for my character which reads:
(Current) Spells Prepared (Clr 3/2):
1st - Cure Light Wounds, Endure Elements (d), Magic Weapon.
Does the /2 mean I get to choose 2 more Spells?
I figure the 3/ is the 3 Spells listed above!
Also not quite clear about the opening Stryke Style intro?
Do we have all of our gear tossed outside the city along with us?
Thanks!
Posted on 2008-06-17 at 08:58:31.
Edited on 2008-06-17 at 08:59:28 by Hammer
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What game do you own the 
Return to Charadun - Q&A
The Morphing Game
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