Chapter #593
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+ THE ADVENTURERS +
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+ Epic III +
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+ 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 1991-8 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.ns.gatech.edu +
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+ Belphanior (14th)^3 level elven fighter/wizard/thief (CN) +
+ Otto 8th/10th level dwarven fighter/thief (CN) +
+ Aja 9th level human priestess of Wee Jas (N) +
+ Jutokai 7th level human archer (LN) +
+ Neko human female thief +
+ Razor Charlie 9th level human fighter (CN) +
+ Skektek 12th level human wizard (CN) +
+ Victoria 11th level human vampiress/fighter (NE) +
+ the wispy thing +
+ Ys 13th level reptilian fighter (LN) +
+ Zhao human swordsman +
+ +
+ Nenya 9th/10th level female elven fighter/wizard (NG) +
+ Deryck 11th level half-elven ranger (NG) +
+ Peyote 12th/12th level half-elven warrior/druid (N) +
+ Daffodil 11th level human female druidess (N) +
+ Rob 16th level priest of Trithereon (LG) +
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+ Date: 7/19/577 C.Y. (Common Year) +
+ Time: nighttime +
+ Place: the sky above Sunndi +
+ Climate: cool +
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+ "Anything's fair in love and war, jerkweed. And I just love +
+ to make war." +
+ - the Hulk +
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DXCIII. Pow-Wow
The sky-ship had been stopped for the night, and Belphanior had
called everyone to the galley for a critical meeting.
Belphanior: I'll keep it simple. We've spent most of our efforts
so far finding our quarry and just getting here. Now we're
drawing close to our goal. We're about to head into one of the
deadliest places in the world, the lair of a centuries-old lich.
Some of us don't even know each other, much less how the others
handle combat. I've faced this thing before, and if we're not a
team in there, we'll get ripped apart. (he crosses his arms)
It's time we laid out our fighting tactics, spells we plan to
use, special powers, whatever's gonna keep us alive.
Rob: (eyeing Peyote, he nods)
Belphanior: And just as important, we need to go over the powers
of our adversary. There are some among us who know about
undead, and can offer advice and tactics to defeat undead. We
need to share this sort of information with each other.
Peyote: Right on, dude.
Belphanior: Since my group is the largest, I'll lay out what I
know and how we fight. (he clears his throat) I'm here for one
reason only: to kill Xusia once and for all. My sword here
isn't the best against undead, but I have others. As the best
warrior present, I'll probably be going toe-to-toe with him
after I've fired off a few spells. Take heed: if we don't
press the fight to him personally, Xusia has the power to make
things very bad for us. I'll be summoning some monsters once
the battle is joined. Don't worry about the control of them. I
have that covered as well. Use them as fodder or distractions,
whatever seems best.
others: (nodding)
Belphanior: To my right is Otto, my second-in-command. A dirty
fighter, and if you follow his lead, you just might survive. He
fights mainly with crossbow and sword, but this time I think
he'll be staying invisible, right?
Otto: Definitely.
Aja: That's not necessarily effective against undead.
Belphanior: We'll cover that later. Otto, I may put you at
point.
Otto: Your call. I've loaded my crossbow with silver bolts
thanks to Jutokai, but I need to get them blessed before we
encounter any of the scum.
Rob: (waves a volunteering hand)
Otto: (nods)
Belphanior: Ok, next is Ys.
Ys: Well met all.
Daffodil: What _is_ your story, lizard man?
Ys: I am no lizard man, milady. (he shrugs) I am Ys. I do
not cast spells, and most undead powers can't affect me. The
sword strapped across my back should speak well enough of my
combat tactics.
Daffodil: ...right.
Ys: (cheerfully) You shall see.
Belphanior: Ys is easily the strongest of us and he swings freely
so keep an eye on that sword and make sure you aren't in the
way. I'm counting on you to hold back any of the lesser undead
that may try to swarm us with greater numbers.
Ys: My pleasure.
Belphanior: Next comes Jutokai. Our master with the bow.
Jutokai: I've got plenty of silver arrows. I'll soon have
blessed silver arrows.
Aja: And he's not bad-looking, either.
other guys: (grinning and chuckling at Jutokai's expense)
Jutokai: (almost blushes) My role will be simple: stand far
away and pepper the foes with missile fire.
Razor Charlie: (jerks a thumb at Jutokai) What he said, but I
throw knives. And sometimes a net.
Daffodil: Who are you, though?
Razor Charlie: No one to be trifled with. (for Victoria's
general benefit, he conveniently forgets to mention his amulet
that protects him against vampires)
Belphanior: Let's keep it orderly.
Razor Charlie: (sneers)
Belphanior: Both Jutokai and Razor Charlie will be keeping some
of the more dangerous undead busy with ranged attacks when the
spellcasters aren't doing the same. Which brings me to the
newest members of the group, Neko and Zhao. Perhaps you two'd
like to introduce yourselves.
Zhao: (stands swiftly and smoothly, then bows) Zhao. My sword
and I are one. We dance like the wind, and cut the foes in
great numbers.
Otto: (to Belphanior) Told you.
Belphanior: I'm curious...we'll see soon enough. (nods to Neko,
who is watching him)
Neko: My name is Neko, and I'm new to this group. (casts a
glance at Zhao) I'm pretty fast, and better in a fight than
you might think to look at me. (she pats the shortsword at her
side) I've got no spells or offensive magical items, though,
so I'll avoid anything that anyone else casts. (to Belphanior)
If you want me to take the point, I can. I've done it before.
Belphanior: Not this time. I expect the both of you to flank Ys
and help cover the spellcasters. Otto says you're both good,
but this isn't the time to show off. Just impress me by
staying alive and not letting anybody...or anything...break our
ranks.
Zhao: Hai!
Peyote: Cool!
Belphanior: Now for the spellcasters. Besides myself, Skektek
probably has the most destructive spells.
Skektek: (interrupts) My specialty is destructive magic with
large-area effects - thunder, lightning, fireballs, all the good
stuff - and I intend to mow down undead by the dozens. Simple
enough.
Nenya: You're overconfident.
Skektek: With my magic, I can afford to be.
Nenya: Think again, before it's too late.
Skektek: I'll be sure to ponder that.
Belphanior: (raising his voice slightly) Enough. Aja is our
priestess. A priestess of Wee Jas though...perhaps you should
explain, Aja.
Aja: I cannot bless you or your weapons, or create holy water...
but I can stop the undead in their tracks, or sometimes turn
them against whoever sent them. (she grimaces) I can't say I
expect this to work where we're going, but I will try. My main
assets for this mission will be my understanding of, and powers
against, the undead. (she winks at Victoria)
Victoria: (impassive)
Aja: Since Wee Jas rules over aspects of death, I will commune
with her, and attempt to learn more details about Xusia. And I
hope to gain some warning before we face him directly.
Belphanior: Good enough. Anything you learn, share with
everyone, no matter how small. Aja can also heal you if
necessary, though I think her abilities will be more useful in
the conflict directly. (he looks around) That just leaves
Victoria.
Victoria: (steps forth) I am Victoria, and yes, I am a vampire.
Don't waste time thinking on it, though. I can fight undead
more effectively than most of you, and my presence will throw
them off, confuse them. I may also be able to help out in
assorted tight spots...it depends what Xusia has up his rotted
sleeve. (she moves to stand by Belphanior)
Nenya: Excuse me if this is rude, but aren't you liable to be
controlled by this lich?
everyone else: (wondering the exact same thing)
Victoria: No, it's good for you to ask. Technically, the answer
is yes; realistically, the chances are very small. So small,
in fact, that _you_- (she waves her hand to point to most of
the group) -are more likely to fall under his influence. I'm
old enough and strong enough to resist any such attempt, but
I'll avoid locking eyes with him and the more powerful
opponents just in case. Of course, the same goes for all of
you, too.
Nenya: (hugs Deryck closer)
Rob: (glaring at her) About the only thing I can suggest is
that you stay behind me while I face the undead foes. Well
behind me.
Victoria: (more than a little intimidated by something in the
priest's gaze) Understood.
Aja: The same goes for spells that he - or I - may cast. We
will call your name if such a case arises. (to Rob) Correct?
Rob: ...yes. (he finds himself wishing he'd had time to draw
up some scrolls of protection from undead)
Belphanior: Be careful, both of you, with your invocations.
Victoria, if you must, I want you to use your ring.
Victoria: Only if I must.
Belphanior: Yes. What am I forgetting?
wispy thing: (floats by, upside down) Pfsss?
Otto: No, not you.
Belphanior: Ah, Angus.
Peyote: Who?
Belphanior: Angus, my iron golem. You may have seen him below
decks. He's immensely strong and immune to most attacks, even
those of the more powerful undead. The problem is, he can't go
with us in the swamp - he'd sink like the great mass of iron
that he is.
Nenya: We'll think of something. Let's wait til we get there.
Belphanior: Agreed. If he is with us, he'll obey myself, Otto,
or Victoria. Angus doesn't think for himself however. He
follows exactly the orders given to him. So. Nenya, Peyote,
and Rob I've fought with before, so I have some idea of what to
expect. Deryck and Daffodil, you especially need to let us all
know what roles you can play in this affair.
wispy thing: (sails past Peyote's face) Yrrrp!
Peyote: (turns his head to follow the wisp's flight) Uh...okay
then. I'm Peyote, a great Druid of Obad-Hai.
Daffodil: You're not the Great Druid!
Peyote: No, but I am great at being a Druid. So like I can do
swordplay or magic, though I expect that most of my magic will
only be useful in the swamp, before we reach Xusia's lair.
(he frowns) Druids and undead don't mix well.
Otto: What about helping us more through the swamp? Trying to
get our weapons and equipment swamp-proofed is turning out to
be a major pain in the ass.
several others: (nodding and muttering)
Peyote: By communing with Obad-Hai, I hope to gain us assistance
from the denizens of the Vast Swamp...and perhaps druids, too,
if there are any. Hang in there.
Otto: (nods)
Skektek: I'll be happy to conjure a floating disc for people
to dump their stuff in.
Belphanior: Now that's a good idea; I know that spell too, and
it'll be perfect for getting items through a swamp untouched.
Daffodil: I'm also a Druid of Obad-Hai, and like Peyote, I have
the same sorts of spells. Both of us can heal anyone who gets
hurt, but neither of us can turn or dispel undead with magic.
Peyote: Oh, I also have a bagful of magic mushrooms.
Belphanior: (eyes the half-elf dubiously)
Peyote: No kidding, man! Really...these mushrooms, when eaten,
protect you against fear, cure poison, and such things. I'll
be dispensing them before we go into combat.
Daffodil: Ahem. I also wield Thornbolt. (she holds up her
quarterstaff)
Thornbolt: (speaking in a strong female voice) I shock those I
hit in battle - literally - and once in a while, I can launch
a bolt of lightning or create a wall of thick thorns, so keep
your eyes open.
Peyote: Hey, baby, that reminds me. I've also got some javelins
that turn into bolts of lightning, but I'll make sure nobody's
in the way before I hurl one of those babies.
Deryck: (eyeing Peyote and Daffodil) I am a servant to Ehlonna
and as such do not care much to work with minions of Obad-Hai,
but for this cause, I will put that aside.
Peyote: Right on, man!
Deryck: I'm, uh, quite skilled with the bow, but when the time
comes for melee, I have both a dancing sword and a sword of
flames, the latter of particular worth against the foul undead.
Victoria: (beginning to grow uncomfortable, but also pleased
that people are being so open, as she'd rather know what they
can do than remain ignorant)
Deryck: I also possess a magical horn that can summon a number of
berserkers to aid our cause. I will wind it when the need
arises. (to Jutokai) I could use a "loan" of some silver-
tipped arrows.
Jutokai: You've got it. (to Deryck) Those of us who use bows
must take great care to oil our bowstrings, to protect them
against the swamp.
Deryck: (nods) One more thing: it's been years since I fought
in a real fight, with a sword. Quite frankly, I'm rusty, and I
need someone to spar with for a bit, before we arrive.
several others: (nodding)
Deryck: Good.
Nenya: I am both warrior and wizard, though I think I will remain
in the back to cast spells for this fight. Most of my spells
are destructive as well, I suppose.
Belphanior: Deryck, I think you should remain close to Nenya. I
don't want you two getting distracted by losing sight of each
other in the heat of battle.
Deryck: (hugs Nenya closer)
Belphanior: (grimly turns to Rob) That just leaves you, priest.
Rob: (helpfully) Right. I am a high priest of Trithereon.
Justice and retribution are the ethos here and magic, especially
holy magic, is my specialty. This Xusia and his unholy servants
will taste the full wrath of Trithereon soon.
Belphanior: Now-
Rob: There are several things we will need to do to prepare for
the battle against the undead. (he stands)
Belphanior: I-
Rob: First of all, I have been blessing some missile weapons
already, and if anymore remain, I will see to them before we
depart.
Belphanior: Th-
Rob: Second! I have given out some vials of holy water (he
points at Otto) already, and will have more prepared before we
see the lair of the lich.
Belphanior: (scowling)
Rob: I have also brought a magical flute which causes all allies
to be blessed and shielded from evil. I shall sound this
instrument before we go into battle.
Peyote: Gnarly.
Rob: Quite. I'll be wielding this magical weapon. (he pats the
mace at his side) It's enchanted to cause powerful earth
tremors so if you see me striking the ground with its butt end,
be ready.
Belphanior: So-
Rob: Oh, and our last meal before we enter Xusia's domain will
be a Heroes' Feast...this powerful spell will fortify us for
what lies ahead.
Belphanior: (waits) Will there be anything else?
Rob: Oh dear, did I forget something?
Daffodil: There's one more thing that I need to bring up...it
may not seem important, but-
Belphanior: Everything's important. What is it?
Daffodil: Well, I've never fought undead before, so some basic
pointers would be helpful.
Belphanior: Undead 101...Rob, if you'd be so kind...
Rob: Welllll...poison and cold are generally useless, but acid
and flaming oil - as well as other flames, of course, tend to
work rather well.
Nenya: Some undead are immune to other forms of attack.
Skektek: Last time we met, Xusia shrugged off my lightning bolt
like it was nothing. (to Daffodil) Remember that, since most
of your heavy-duty offense seems to be based on electricity.
Daffodil: Then Peyote and I will carry mostly healing spells,
freeing the clerics to carry combat spells.
Peyote: Excellent.
Belphanior: All agreed? (they nod) Okay, everyone remember
who to go to when you're hurt. Anything else about fighting
undead?
Aja: Avoid their touches...you never know what ill effect you
may get from even a simple contact.
Nenya: Charms and suggestions and holding magic hardly ever work
on such foes, so don't waste your time.
Rob: When it comes to the ones with lots of bones, blunt weapons
usually do more damage. (to Jutokai and Razor Charlie) Your
missile weapons probably won't slow skeletons down at all, so
I'd suggest focusing your efforts on the "fleshy" undead.
Razor Charlie: (sneers at the priest)
Victoria: (helpfully) Those that appear and act more intelligent
are often the ones that drain life energy. Watch their actions
and movements - it may help. And remember that most such undead
can't be harmed by non-magical weapons.
Rob: Hmm. (nods) Also, don't forget holy water - which, again,
I have created in abundance. Holy water will burn the flesh
from any undead creature, so don't spare it. It seems harmless
to you, but it is the bane of the unliving.
Otto: That's not all. (he points to a crate)
Belphanior: Eh?
Otto: Back when me and Charlie and Jutokai went north - before we
picked up Neko and Zhao there - we lived it up for two days
straight.
Jutokai: When we sobered up, we remembered to buy a bunch of
supplies.
Daffodil: Food and drink?
Razor Charlie: Oil. Acid. Healing potions. Spikes. Blades.
Otto: It's all in that crate - we'll open it up later on.
Belphanior: (eyes a second crate, one that he brought along but
didn't mention to anyone) Heh.
As Belphanior thought to himself what he could do with the
contents of the second crate, the discussion began to break up
into individual conversations. Belphanior brought everyone's
attention back to him banging his fist against the table.
Belphanior: Alright, alright. Let's get back on track. We've
had our introductions. Does anyone have any brainstorms on how
to coordinate our attacks?
Nenya: I suggest code-words for us magi, before we cast a
large-scale destructive spell.
Skektek: Hmm.
Belphanior: (nods) What did you have in mind?
Nenya: Something simple, something yelled out so that everyone
knows what's about to happen. How about..."RED" for a fire
spell like a fireball..."WHITE" for an ice spell..."YELLOW" for
a light spell or bright flare of any kind...maybe "BLACK" for
anything electrical?
Belphanior: I could do that.
Skektek: I'll try to remember.
Nenya: It's to warn everyone else...
others: (nodding)
Nenya: I also brought a bunch of light-pebbles...these have a
permanent bright light spell cast upon them, and can come in
handy in darkness or to surprise foes. I'll be handing them
out to whoever wants a couple, but remember the code word:
YELLOW.
Skektek: Light should be "white".
Nenya: That's for ice.
Skektek: Then ice should be "blue".
Belphanior: (irritated) Ice isn't "blue", it's "white". And
light spells are "yellow". _I_ pick the colors, not you.
Skektek: Yeah.
Belphanior: Okay, it's getting late and there may not be much
more rest in the near future, so let's wrap this up. We've
got myself, Victoria, Ys, Otto, Zhao, and Neko up front. Peyote
we may need you there as well or in back. Razor Charlie,
Jutokai, and Deryck will provide missile attacks and watch for
flank attacks or surprises from the rear. That leaves Rob,
Aja, Nenya, Daffodil, and Skektek to provide magical support.
Anything further? Everyone know what they need to do to
prepare?
everyone: (nods)
Rob: Are we done?
Belphanior: Yes. I'll close this with a reminder of our goal,
which is simple: kill everything, preferably from a distance;
there are no friendlies where we're going. Destroy ALL foes,
grab any treasure, sterilize the area, and leave. No mercy, no
hesitation, and we all cover each other's backs: we survive
together or we die together. And _I'm_ going to survive!
A strange silence fell over the room which no one seemed willing
to break. Belphanior stood up and left them pondering the serious
task ahead of them. The briefing was over, and it was a success.
Everyone now felt much more confident about this mission, and
each of them had at least one thing to take care of or acquire.
All that remained was to succeed in their grand plan. Most of
them didn't get to sleep for at least an hour or two, but sleep
they did, in the end. On the morrow, they would arrive at the
Vast Swamp, and then they would land, to make their way into
Xusia's domain.
next: they land in the Vast Swamp and set out on foot
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homepage: http://www.gatech.edu/oit/oe/design/thomas/adv/adv.html
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notes: Thanks to David Murphy, Tom Vallow, Patrick Weeks, Lance
Dooly, Matt Hurd, and Leonard Bottleman for suggestions shown in
this episode.
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