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Internet Message Format | 1995-12-26 | 27KB

Path: usenet.ee.pdx.edu!news.reed.edu!sun.lclark.edu!netnews1.nwnet.net!netnews3.nwnet.net!news.uoregon.edu!psgrain!usenet.eel.ufl.edu!newsfeed.internetmci.com!news-feed.mci.newscorp.com!uunet!in1.uu.net!not-for-mail From: "Thomas A. Miller" <tmiller@cimmeria.oit.gatech.edu> Newsgroups: rec.games.frp.archives Subject: STORY: Adventurers 314 Followup-To: rec.games.frp.misc Date: 21 Dec 1995 15:55:28 -0500 Organization: UUNET Technologies Inc, Fairfax VA USA Lines: 651 Sender: smm@uunet.uu.net Approved: smm@uunet.uu.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <4bchk0$54l@rodan.UU.NET> NNTP-Posting-Host: rodan.uu.net + + + + + + + + + + + + + + THE ADVENTURERS + + + + Epic II + + + + + + + + + + +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + Many of the locations, non-player characters, spells, and + + other terms used in these stories are the property of TSR, Inc. + + However, this does not mean that TSR in any way endorses or + + authorizes their use, and any such items contained within these + + stories should not be considered representative of TSR in any + + way, shape, or form. + + The player characters contained in these writings are copy- + + right 1991-5 by Thomas Miller. Any resemblance to any persons + + or characters either real or fictional is utterly coincidental. + + Copying and/or distribution of these tales is permissible only + + under the sole condition that no part of them will be used or + + sold for profit. In that case, I hope you enjoy them... + + + + Thomas Miller + + tmiller@cimmeria.oit.gatech.edu + +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + THE PARTY (or a portion of it): + + + + Belphanior 13th/14th/14th level elven warrior/mage/thief (CN) + + Peldor 19th level human thief (N) + + Tanya 5th/11th level human female warrior/thief (N) + +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + Date: 6/6/575 C.Y. (Common Year) + + Time: after midnight + + Place: the wilderness south of the Free City of Greyhawk + + Climate: chilly + +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + "No flesh shall be spared." + + - from _Hardware_ + +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ CCCXIV. Third Strike Chasing the missing Tanya, Peldor and Belphanior have beaten her kidnappers and rescued her, only to be faced by a mysterious elven sorceress and her apparent ally, the nigh-unstoppable iron dwarf! Peldor: Oh, shit. iron dwarf: (charges, growling with rage and swinging a sharp, twin- bladed axe) RRRAAAARGH! Belphanior: (takes to the air, as his spell of flying is still in effect; this is an instinct borne of years of spell use) Peldor: (lacking this instinct, he meets the charging dwarf with his sword) Uhh... Things started happening pretty quickly after that. Peldor was knocked away by a single blow from the iron dwarf, and crashed into the wagon, cracking several of its wooden boards. Tanya prepared to face the armored dwarf, but the thing seemed to have its sights set on Belphanior. iron dwarf: GRAAAR! (leaps skyward, an incredible jump that sends him smashing into Belphanior) Belphanior: Whoulllf! (he falls toward the ground, jockeying with the iron dwarf to be on top when they hit) Peldor: (stirs) Si's when c- can...he fly? elven sorceress: (spellcasting) Oh, we've taken the liberty of adding to his powers. Tanya: (dashes over to Peldor, helping him regain his feet) You okay? Peldor: Yeah... Tanya: What is that thing? Peldor: The iron dwarf...he's practically unstoppable. It took the whole party three tries to stop him last time, and even then we couldn't kill him. Tanya: (grips her sword's handle) Well, _that's_ reassuring. Peldor: (spots the airborne elven sorceress, busily spellcasting) Holy shit! Where're my daggers? (he produces his two magical throwing blades) Oh, here they are. Tanya: Too late - look! The sorceress had completed her spell, judging by the sudden cessation of hand motions and magical phrases, not to mention the smug look on her face. However, nothing seemed to be happening. Peldor: Hah! Didn't work! (he hurls a dagger at the foe) elven sorceress: (laughs as the dagger bounces from her shoulder) Your elven friend's not the only one who uses stoneskin, thief! Tanya: If only I had a bow... Peldor: Don't worry...(he prepares to hurl his other dagger) elven sorceress: (grins wildly) Aha! Tanya: Wha- ? Peldor: Uh-oh. Next to the two thieves, a pair of monstrous forms materialized from thin air. Huge, iron-scaled bulls, fully eight feet high at the shoulder, these creatures immediately fixed their attention upon the pair of thieves. gorgons: (roaring and stamping in place) Grrr... elven sorceress: Hah hah! Attack them, my pets! gorgons: (charge toward the thieves, bellowing loudly all the while) Peldor: (grabs Tanya, and floats into the air) C'mon. Tanya: What...? Peldor: Leftover flying spell. I learn pretty quickly. (he uses his TK ring to lift a detached wagon wheel and send it sailing at the elven sorceress) Maybe this'll knock some sense into her. elven sorceress: Aghk! (she is struck squarely by the thing, but her stoneskin protects her from harm) Damn! (she barks commands at the gorgons) Meanwhile, Belphanior was wrestling with the iron dwarf, a losing proposition if there ever was one. The foe, while small, was many times stronger than the elf, and also fought with a fury unmatched by the best of berserkers. Belphanior: (decides to use his eye's bone-melting power, but is then hit in the face by the handle of the dwarf's axe) Ungh! iron dwarf: (roars in triumph) Belphanior: (snorts, expelling blood) Fuck! (kicking outward blindly, with both feet, he manages to leap away from the crazed foe) iron dwarf: GRAAAR! (charges forth once more) Belphanior: (takes to the air, positioning himself behind the elven sorceress to give himself some cover while he regains his senses) iron dwarf: (looks like he's about to leap, but then runs around on the ground, trying to get a straight shot to Belphanior) Nearby, in the air, Peldor and Tanya were trying to figure out a feasible attack plan. Since the only illumination was the light of the half-moon, in the night sky above, both humans were having a more difficult time seeing than any of the other combatants. It was all they could do to keep clear of the various deadly attacks that were arrayed against them... gorgon#1: (breathes a cone of green gas at the pair) Peldor: Whoa! (he flies away from the cloud, pulling Tanya with him) What a gas. Tanya: Whew...what was that stuff? Peldor: I don't know, and I don't want to find out. (he drops Tanya off atop the wagon) Tanya: What are you doing?!? Peldor: I seem to be the target here, not you. Besides, together we're giving them a chance to kill two birds with one stone! Tanya: But- Peldor: No buts - try and backstab the ground-based foes, if you can. (he flies away) I'll see what I can do up here in the air. elven sorceress: Hmm. (she works her next spell upon the airborne thief, causing the air around him to shimmer) Peldor: (finds Belphanior's flying spell negated) Yie! (he begins falling) elven sorceress: (grinning evilly) Sorry about that. Peldor: (no longer falling, he floats gently to the ground, courtesy of one of his magical tattoos) elven sorceress: (looks confused) Peldor: Heh. gorgon#2: Grrrr... Peldor: (looking around) Uh-oh. gorgon#2: (breathes a cone of noxious green breath upon the stunned thief) Uuurp! Peldor: <cough> Tanya: (using her boots of speed, she sprints toward gorgon#1, the nearer of the two, and leaps astride it, stabbing it in the neck before it can react) Die! gorgon#1: (roars in pain as dark blood spurts from the gaping wound) Rrrrrrrarrrr! (it bucks wildly) Tanya: (thrown from the monster's back, she lands deftly and takes cover, rolling under and behind the wagon as the gorgon chases her) gorgon#1: Grrrrr! (smashes into the wagon, toppling it and freeing its horses, who are only too glad to run away into the night) Tanya: (narrowly escapes being crushed by the wagon) gorgon#1: (succumbs to its mortal wound, and falls, dying) Rrrr... Peldor: (stands, groggily) Agh... gorgon#2: (charges, ramming the thief) Peldor: Ungh! (he sails ten feet or so, landing roughly on the ground, bruised and bleeding) Argh! elven sorceress: Hah! Lay there on the ground, where you belong! Belphanior: (sails at the woman, slashing) Die! elven sorceress: (staggers, but is not wounded) Ow! Belphanior: Stoneskin, eh? Well, we can take care of that. (he raises his sword again) iron dwarf: GRAARGH! (leaps into the air, knocking Belphanior away) Belphanior: (being propelled away) Fuck, not againnnnnn... elven sorceress: (spellcasting once more) Tanya: (dashes forth, slashing at gorgon#2) gorgon#2: (wounded, it turns to face this new opponent) Peldor: (gets to his feet yet again) gorgon#2: (pawing the ground before it) Grrr... Tanya: (taunts the monster, bloody sword raised) Come on! Come and get me! gorgon#2: (loses patience, and charges madly) Raarrrg! Tanya: (times her jump, and leaps up as the gorgon passes by under- neath) Heh! (she lands, slashing the beast in the hindquarters) gorgon#2: (roars in rage) iron dwarf: (having landed atop Belphanior, it raises its axe) Belphanior: (stabs the foe, sinking his sword-point into the eye- slit in the dwarf's otherwise-sealed helmet) Chew on _that_! iron dwarf: RAAAAARGH! (it begins leaping about in rage and pain, blood seeping from its helmet's eye-slit) RRRAAAARGH! Belphanior: Die, fucker! (he slashes at the foe again, from behind, knocking the armored dwarf to the ground) Heh. elven sorceress: (casts a spell on Belphanior, cloaking his head in a foot-wide sphere of darkness) Try that again, without eyesight. Belphanior: Hey! (he begins walking around, swinging his sword blindly) What the hell...? elven sorceress: Let's see you use all your much-vaunted powers _now_, elf! iron dwarf: (recovers, and turns to face Belphanior, who is stumbling about) GRAAAR! Belphanior: Uh-oh. Peldor: (using his ring to pick up the iron dwarf, he sends it flying toward the airborne elven sorceress) elven sorceress: Oh, damn- The two foes collided with a loud crunching sound, then fell to the ground heavily. Tanya: Nice move! Peldor: Thanks...hey, watch out! gorgon#2: (charging at Tanya again) Tanya: (leaps aside, but is still grazed by one horn, and falls, bleeding from a wound under one arm) Argh! gorgon#2: (continues its charge, heading for Peldor) Peldor: Whoa! (he leaps and rolls, avoiding the monster's charge) gorgon#2: (spots Belphanior, and heads for him, barely missing a beat) Grrrrrr! Tanya: (getting to her feet) Use your ring to stop that thing! Peldor: I'm trying...but it's too heavy! Must be that metallic hide it's covered with. gorgon#2: (rams Belphanior, knocking him down) Belphanior: Argh! (falls, his own stoneskin long since used up) Fucker...(his head still sheathed in the infernal blackness, he struggles to stand, listening for the beast's sounds as he waves his sword slwoly about) Come and get some... The elf was thankful that he had some experience with blind- fighting, and also that he had begun tying his sword to his wrist before going into battle. This latter practice had been born after the fateful battle with Torin, in Helgate. Belphanior didn't want to be disarmed, ever again. Unfortunately, the gorgon wasn't much worried about his sword. gorgon#2: (breathes upon the elf) Belphanior: (surrounded by the rancid green vapor) <cough> (he becomes very still) Tanya: Look! Peldor: Oh, crap. As they watched, the elf's body transformed into dead, grey stone! The gorgon looked at its immobilized opponent with whatever level of satisfaction its animal brain could comprehend, then turned to face Peldor and Tanya. gorgon#2: Grrrrrrr...(it paws the ground) Peldor: Take cover...behind the wagon! Tanya: What then? Peldor: Lemme dig into my bag of tricks...(he begins searching his pockets) elven sorceress: (lying on the ground, moaning) Ungh... iron dwarf: (recovers, and stands, scanning the area for its foes) RARRGH! (it spots the two thieves, and charges at the wagon) Peldor: Quick, back up! This wagon won't stop him! They backed away hastily, keeping their eyes on the wagon, beyond which the charging dwarf wasn't visible, by virtue of his stature. They could still hear him, though, his roars heralding his approach. Then, without warning, the wagon nearly shattered as the dwarf plowed through it. Debris - chunks of wood, metal flanges, shreds of cloth, bits of the wagon's harness - flew in all directions. Tanya: Argh! (struck in the head by a large piece of wood, she falls to the ground, unmoving, her head streaming blood) Peldor: Tanya! Damn...(he uses his ring to lift her body, moving it through the air and into a nearby thicket of bushes) The thief's nobility and love were his undoing, for in seeing that Tanya was moved safely out of harm's way, he left himself open to the impending attack. The iron dwarf tackled him, pummeling wildly as it bore the thief to the ground. Peldor: Ungh! iron dwarf: RAARGH! (it mercilessly punches at the prone form under it) GRAAARR! elven sorceress: (approaches, wounded but alive) Stop! iron dwarf: RAAARGH? (it halts its fusilade of blows) elven sorceress: We need him alive. iron dwarf: (roars in defiance) GRAARG! elven sorceress: (holds up a small talisman of iron, set with a huge ruby; the gem pulses with magical power) I said alive! You _will_ obey! iron dwarf: (reluctantly stands, leaving the battered, bloody form of Peldor alone) RRR. elven sorceress: Now...take the elf and bring him here, to me. iron dwarf: (obeys, grabbing the stone figure of the elf roughly) elven sorceress: Carefully, you moron! Momentarily, the armored dwarf stood next to her, the limp form of Peldor draped over one shoulder. The stony statue that had been Belphanior rested between the dwarf and the elven sorceress; the latter was now spellcasting. A small black sphere formed, and grew to larger proportions. Had Arnold been present, he would have noted that the sphere was rather similar to another he had seen recently. iron dwarf: (regards the surviving gorgon) RRRR... elven sorceress: (turns to the monster) Ah, yes. Well, the battle is over, so... gorgon#2: (vanishes) iron dwarf: (turns to look at the demolished wagon) RRR. elven sorceress: Curious today, are we? Perhaps you're wondering about the lackeys we used to bring the bait? No matter, they are dead. They served their purpose, anyway. iron dwarf: (in the depths of its mind, it senses some manner of unfinished business) RRR! elven sorceress: Or perhaps you're wondering if the woman still lives...again, no matter. We're not here for her, and we haven't the time to go chasing after her in any case. One never knows when these adventurers' friends might show up...and I shall not fail like that fool Potas Potay. iron dwarf: RRRRRR. elven sorceress: You're not really understanding a word I'm saying, are you? The pair of villains, along with their two prisoners, summarily vanished into the black sphere, which then shrunk rapidly, finally blinking out of existence. Some time later, Tanya awoke and sat up. That was a mistake, a painful one, and she laid back down gingerly. Checking her wounds, she found that none were critical, and she hastily bound them while scanning the area. She remembered being hit by some flying object - indeed, that wound had bled ferociously, but it looked worse than it was, and she used a strip torn from her tunic to wrap her forehead. Finally, she stood, surveying the carnage nearby. Tanya made her way over to the wrecked wagon, but found no sign of Peldor or Belphanior. Indeed, all her foes, save the slain gorgon and the two thugs who had driven the wagon, had vanished. There weren't even any tracks leading away, and she made a mental note of this. It would seem that magic had been a major factor in the escape. Tanya poked through the remains of the wagon, checking to see if the ruffian who had accompanied her within the wagon still lived. He didn't, which was just as well for him, since she had been planning to castrate him and feed him his own genitals. Leaving the wreck of the wagon, Tanya made a last cursory check of the area. She then began walking northward, backtracking the route by which the wagon had traveled. She was injured, anxious, and extremely worried, but there was nothing else to do besides begin the long march back to Greyhawk. next: more dastardly deeds ftp: ftp.digex.net in /pub/access/dpm/rpg/stories/adventurers www: http://www.gatech.edu/oit/staff/ns/thomas.miller/adv.html notes: This never occurred to me before, but I suppose Tanya would've been a thief-acrobat under the old 1st edition rules. Rather than do 30+ episodes' worth of fan mail all at once, I've been splitting it up. This time we've got feedback on episodes #281 to #286 (Rillen and Peldor/Tanya/drow) plus some miscellany: >> I've really enjoyed the Belphanior and Otto stories, and the one >> where Rillen is at the monastery and finds the medallion was great. >> >> Just read the "coda", looking forward to more. (How do you write so >> fast?) >> >>regards, >> Glen >> The wrap-up of the Belphanior story was well done - the prolonged >> sword fight was excellent. >> >> The Rillen story is shaping up to be something different: very >>stark and somber, with a good mixture of anticipation and dread. >>Has Rillen wandered into an anti-magic zone, or is there something >>about his figurine that he (and we, or at least me, I don't have his >>inventory descriptions handy) doesn't know? If he's in an anti-magic >>zone, will his magical staff still work? >> >> Leonard >> It's been a long time since I've sent you a letter about the >series, but I felt it necessary to let you know I am really enjoying >>the Solo adventures of Rillen and Belphanor. Otto adds a lot more >>than a casual glance would suspect, and the stories are much richer >>in detail than some of the past solo adventures. >> >> Being a regular reader since episode 72, I have to say I have yet >>to be disappointed in in your epic. >> >>Miq >> First, a word of appreciation for your storylines, they are >>excellent, and I enjoy them immensely. (To you point of checking >>the newsgroup as sson as I can each day... :). >> In any event, I noticed you 'plea for assistence' at the end of >>episode 282, and as a die-hard fan of non-dying Highlanders, I'd >>like to offer whatever help I'm able. >> >> PS: Favorate character: Belphanior, with Peldor and Otto tied for >>second. Though I applaud your handling of Ged's financial and other >>landed concerns. Keep it up! :) >> >> --Jon >> I have really liked the Belphanior/Otto and Rillen stories. They >>have all been very entertaining and well written. >> >> Thanks, >> >> Marcus >> There's something satisfying, almost cleansing about a revenge >>story. This was a good portrayal of Rillen's personality: no >>nonsense, get down and do it. >> >> Leonard >> Interestingly enough, as I perceive the situation, Rillen is not >>altogether complete in his task. First, he would do well to >>complete his skills and rebuild the temple of his master and carry >>on the teachings. It is only when you have passed on your knowledge >>that your life has completed the circle... >> >>But beyond that, Rillen may realize that the mystery behind these >>ninja's is not over...as I would guess, that they came and went with >>the milennia. Destorying this band may be similar to stopping the >>symptoms of an illness. you may feel better, but it is likely that >>the sickness will return. >> >>Just some random thoughts. >> >>Patrick >> Well, the fact that they vanished in vapour may mean that they >>aren't dead, or aren't all dead: they could become a recurring >>theme that plagues Rillen (similar to the drow priestess (whose >>name I forget)). Then, the possession of the amulet would allow a >>mage or priest to "legend lore" and get information about the sect. >> >>All in all, very good: although I feel slightly anti-climactic... >>perhaps because we don't learn who they were, or why they acted. >> >>Vince Yep, that effect was intentional! :) >> The story was fantastic. It seems Rillen feels his quest is >>completed. But, please, let him discover later (even by chance) >>the identity of the daemon ninjas. >> >>Best regards, >> >>Costas In time... >> Good job ... the laid-back feel of the episode is _just right_. >>Nothing jumps out as being off key ... >> >> Vince >> I thought sure that 284 was going to be about Belphanior >> installing himself as lord of the town, now that the old dictator >> is gone...doesn't matter. This is just as good a story as that >> would be. >> >> Kent >> Good Episodes. Relaxing after all the bloodshed. It is always >>nice to see new depth in characters. >> >> Marcus >> Good job. Almost the perfect crime. :-) It's nice to see Peldor >>with another very skilled partner. How about a background on Tanya? >> >>Marcus By now, I've done that background...hope it was enjoyed by all... >> The Peldor takes a vacation story line is quite good, and the >>surprise of Peldor deciding to steal the crown was quite enjoyable. >>Heh. It's good to see him continue with his, um, special skills. >> >> It's a good thing Bosco wasn't there: I'm sure he would have >>claimed credit in front of half the town for stealing the crown. >> >> If Atlanta's winning is what it takes to keep you writing, then >>I'm chearing for Atlanta! >> >>Leonard Well, the World Series is over with now, but it definitely boosted my spirits, which in turn boosted my writing. >> Hiya Tom, >> I have been reading the adventurers since Ged and Mongo's return >>to the suel city. and have really enjoyed the series. I recently >>ftped the whole thing and spent two weeks reading it from begining >>to end. WOW! This stuff is great. As my first official fan mail >>I have to say that my favorite villan was the iron dwarf. I wonder >>when he is going to finally get out of his new tomb? By now, you know... :) >> My favorite character by far is Aldinyar (sp?) The man simply >> has more balls than anyone else in the entire party. I mean >> cracking a staff of the magi over your knee? Belphanor may be >> psycho and Peyote (who is also a favorite) was a little wild with >> the wond of wonder, but this is a whole new order of magnitude. >> He also comes up with the best plans and tricks, somthing more >> complex then charge it head first or rain fiery doom upon it. >> >> In case you couldn't guess, I would like to see more stories about >> Aldinyar and Lyra, and of courese Peoyte. I also like Arnold, he >> was great in the werewolf episode. >> >> Salutations from Mt. Kolvir, >> >> Dave, Marie and Morgan >> I seem to recall that Peldor started out with no memory of his >> past. Was this ever addressed? And if not, since Peldor has >> at one time or another claimed to be a god, why hasn't a god >> shown up and claimed Peldor was once a god, and tried to get >> him and the Adventurers to do some highly dangerous stupid >> things? 8-) >> >> Rob Nope, I haven't addressed it yet, because I feel that a mystery is probably better than anything I could invent. >> Whatever happened to the wispy thing? Did I miss the episode >>where something happened? >> >> Michel Loose end on my part. >> Had to contribute after a long pause... >> >> Belphanior's sojourn >> >> It was well written, I particularly liked the atmosphere of >>Helsgate; little oppression and poverty goes long way. I presume >>Dark Ring was destroyed in the duel because someone suggested how >>everything went too smoothly for Adventurers? Still, one ring is >>little when one thinks treasure Dagron Larthos was bound to have.. >> >>Helsgate could be ideal place for Belphanior and Otto to settle >>down..though Angus and anti-magic sphere should be brought there, >>of course. >> >>One thing that has been nagging my mind of late: Belphanior's spells. >>Is it just me or has Belph been using greater than 1st level spells >>late (excluding Stoneskin) ? Of course he's prone to hack things up >>and use his cool items but still... >> >> VP >> G'day Thomas! >> >> It is so refreshing to read your stories again after such a long >>time without an Internet account (6 months). I can see that you are >>just getting better and better! >> >>Keep up the good work! >> >> SSS >> Hi Tom, >> >>What a great birthday present you just gave me - I found 5 episodes >>waiting for me in the newsgroup. I always look forward to getting >>home, relaxing and reading the latest adventures in my comfy chair. >>A great way to wind down after work! >> >> Stuart Glad to hear it! +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++