Learning all you can from the common people of Thrall, you set out on your mission to discover what became of Ser Aedh. The sparse landscape is dotted by distant farmsteads, though in the current drought there can be little that they have been able to reap this past harvest. The chill in the air has already begun to reveal your breath. The newly risen Blood Moon seems to beckon you along; it is your fell guide into the eastern lands.
The private gallery of Ser Aedh must be remote indeed, for none can tell you exactly where it lie, save for a small but thick forest near the Eastern border. The air is still, and the wildlife is silent, though you could swear the stars seemed to twinkle in the darkness beneath the treetops.
Picking your way through the dense brush, you soon come upon a man-made path, originating suddenly and leading deeper into the grove.
The Gallery rises above the canopy before you.
The Gate
A great iron gate bars the entrance to the manor, but it is bent and wrenched, covered in gnarled vines, snaking between the bars, nearly obscuring your view of the courtyard. In the center of the gate is a bronze lock depicting Ser Aedh's Heroic ancestor, whose name has been lost to those outside of Ser Aedh's House. It is smeared with blood.
Illuminating the gate entrance is a glowing globe bathing the area in a dim light. The globe is atop a decorative iron pole, small rungs rising along the sides, set 15 feet in front of the gate.
In your first post describe something mysterious you noticed in the woods as your made your way to the Gallery.
[Lagormeth]
ReplyDeleteUpon our arrival to the gallery's main gate, I attempt to get a feel for my surroundings. Taking a look at the ornate bronze keyhole, I can't seem to find the keyhole, itself, in the blood smeared face. I may not be able to distinguish it from the unsettling event that had occurred on our journey here. Walking along the path, everything seemed normal until we passed the split tree. It may have been struck by lightning. Immediately preceding the tree, I peer to my right to see a woman walking in the thick forest. I can't seem to take my eyes off of her. Looking more closely, all of her limbs seem to be completely twisted and crippled. It's fairly unsettling to watch. Upon prolonging my steady gaze, her face is covered in blood that ran down from her head. When we came upon the galley, she stopped moving, her head turned 180 degrees as a shrill screech pierced my ears. I clutch my ears and duck my head. I look back up only to find that she has vanished.
[Tech]
I don't have my papers with me, but I would like to use my thrives intuition to examine the lock.
[Lagormeth]
DeleteIndeed, your background in infiltration indicates that this lock seems somewhat unconventional. While there is no obvious keyhole, taking a closer look at the face reveals that the lips of the face are slightly parted.
Ricben sets his eyes upon the blood on the statue face and wishes that he is not too late for the rescue. Ricben was hoping to to have his mind at ease for the journey at hand but his sansity is being pushed to the limit for this quest. He swears that he is hearing whispers of a younger child telling him to do horrible acts from behind, yet no one is there when he turns to look. Even more startling his sword seems to be consistently unlatched and unsheaved a little as if someone is trying to grab it from behind. Ricben searches the area around the gate to see if a key is dropped to open the gate.
ReplyDelete[Ricben]
DeleteYour search for a key turns up fruitless. Whatever force locked this gate was wise enough not to leave the means to open it behind.
[Amberdin]
ReplyDeleteAlthough this was not his first choice of destination, Amberdin decided that his ancestor would not steer him wrong. Upon the trek into the unfriendly landscape, Amberdin’s neck and skin began to crawl—not unlike the hackles of a dog rising to meet the challenge. He had a feeling they were being watched. As the night continued and the Eastern forest began to unfold before him, he noticed the silence of the place. He was almost certain that shapes were moving among the canopy, but nothing ever seemed to solidify in his vision. He began to hum a tune under his breath, a calming gesture in case any of his companions decided to glance over and see he was wound tight like a sailor’s stop knot. The pathway of man-made origins opened up like a civilized old friend; his feet were not as young as they once were, bearing down on roots and uneven terrain. The twisted gates amidst the glow of the light pole posed an unwelcoming scene, flecked with blood. Amberdin carefully walks to Lagormeth, careful not to touch anything and giving the light pole wide berth. After quietly watching him work, Amberdin began to take in his surroundings.
[Tech]
Amberdin follows Lagormeth up to the gate, careful not to disturb him. He looks around, following the gate as it breaks off into the fencing surrounding the place with his gaze. He is looking for any break in the uniformity of the fence. Also, he will remove his war hammer from its belt loop and strap his small shield to his arm.
[Amberdin]
DeleteThe gate itself is wrenched and broken, collapsing under the weight of the twisting vines. On your right side, the gate has been twisted from the hinges, leaving a small gap.
The rest of the fence disappears into the dark brush on either side of the clearing.
[Lagormeth]
ReplyDeleteFocusing on the mouth of the brass "lock," I decide to take out a couple of my lock picks in hopes of opening the mouth. I ask one of my companions if they may shed some torch light whilst I work on the lock, for the dimness of the globe just isn't quite enough.
[Tech]
I use my lock picks in the mouth of the lock in attempts to jiggle something loose.
[OOC]
FYI to all other companions, Lagormeth is female.
[Lagormeth]
DeleteAs you probe the inside of the statue's mouth, the brass eyelids flash open, jaundiced, living eyes stare back at you.
The eyes narrow, and with a snap the jaws of the face clench, catching some of your tools in its maw.
A voice like sandpaper growls through gritted teeth:
"THIS IS NOT THE OFFERING I REQUIRE. RETURN WITH YOUR SACRIFICE IF YOU WISH TO ENTER."
The bloodshot eyes snap shut, and the mouth relaxes once more.
[Jenisys]
ReplyDeletePerhaps the mysterious circumstances in the woods have left you off guard, but it would seem the twinkling stars beneath the treetops have manifested as eyes, and they are all staring at you.
As stand gazing at the wretched gate, you feel a sharp prick in the small of your back, and a black feather rested upon your shoulder...
[OOC]
You mustn't tarry long, lest the mysteries of the woods get the best of you...(post soon or you will be killed off)
[OOC]
Deleteyou should...uh...probably post something soon :/
[Lagormeth]
ReplyDeleteI jump back, out of sheer instinct, unsheathing my short sword from the hilt on my back. After this...creature turned back to the way it was prior to us arriving, I stand back, thinking. My mind is racing with thoughts and possibilities of what "sacrifice" this gatekeeper needs. Could it be as simple as an animal? Or as outgoing as a human life?
I ask the gate "What kind of sacrifice do you speak of?"
[Tech]
I ask the gate what kind of sacrifice it needs, and if he doesn't reply, I am going to turn to my comrades and ask them what they think we should do?
[Lagormeth]
DeleteThe bronze face remains motionless. It may be a trick of the dim light but it now seems to smirk.
[Lagormeth]
ReplyDelete"Well, comrades, what do we think?"
[Tech]
I speak to the party about this "sacrifice"
[Jenisys]
ReplyDeleteThe worry of her sister’s safety had Jenisys distracted during their walk through the woods. Alarmingly they seemed to have been standing at the gate for quite some time before she was able to snap out of her thoughts. After sharply being reminded of why she is here, Jenisys steps forward. “Perhaps the sacrifice is blood, after seeing the other smears of blood on its face”. She moves around the statue looking for any sort of inscription.
[Tech]
Jenisys steps out of the woods and discusses the meaning of the sacrifice. She approaches the face to look for writing.
[OOC]
Sorry for taking so long, it been a long week.
[Jenisys]
ReplyDeleteThe bronze face on the gate seems to exhibit no writing.
[OOC]
No Prob, its that time of year.
In your next post please describe something mysterious you observed while traveling through the woods.
[Lagormeth]
ReplyDeleteAs Jenisys investigates the face, I turn my attention towards the mysterious woods behind us. Peering into the foliage, I pull the bow from my back, nock an arrow, and pull the hood of my cloak over my head, vanishing from sight instantly. I attempt to focus in on ANY forms of life, in search of a blood sacrifice as spoke of by Jenisys.
[Tech]
Scanning the nearby woods in search of any forms of life. Small woodland creatures preferably. Looking for an easy kill if I can get one.
Longbow- +3 to attack; 1d6 damage; 2 shots per round (if needed)
Cloak of Elvenkind- 100% invisibility in natural outdoor settings, 95% in open fields.
[Lagormeth]
DeleteThe dark forest surrounding the clearing is deathly silent, you have seen nor heard the local wildlife since you entered the wood. As you scan the darkness, you again notice the faint twinkling under the canopy.
The creaking made by the increasing tension in your bow seems to scream into you ear given the silence.
Some of the twinkles seem to be moving.
[Tech]
This is what you see when you turn to hunt. Do you still wish to loose an arrow?
[Lagormeth]
DeleteThe string of my bow slides to to tips of my fingers and is about to release, but something in the back of my head keeps me from loosing my arrow. Maybe the shifting twinkling in the darkness was just too eerie. I relieve the tension of the bow, and wait for a glimpse of what we may be encountering. I still get a feeling that blood is not the answer...
[Lagormeth]
DeleteWhatever may be in the woods does not show itself. However, the twinkles continue to move slowly through the darkness all around you.
Is it laughter you hear in the darkness? Or is it the caw of carrion crows?
DeleteMake a decision soon, adventurers. Your loved ones are depending on you...
ReplyDelete[Lagormeth]
ReplyDeleteFeeling anxious, and slightly uncomfortable, in my current surroundings, I grab a nearby stone and toss it towards the glistening lights that sway in the darkness. As I do so, I ready my bow once more for any sudden bursts of movement.
[Tech]
I toss a rock into the woods, and prepare for an attack with my bow
[Lagormeth]
DeleteThe rock seems to float in mid-air, so complete is your Elven camouflage. You toss the small object into the darkness, but you do not hear it hit the ground.
The strange noise waxes somewhat, and the rock sails again out of the dark, to land near your feet.
Some of the twinkles in the dark go out. A slight rustling, and the sound of flapping wings fades into the night.
[OOC]
ReplyDeleteCome on guys...I don't want to be the only one participating in this :(
[All]
ReplyDeleteThe darkness seems to close in around you, as if the light emanating from the globe is being suppressed. The forest seems to surge around you, strange as you cannot see through the impenetrable darkness.
The cawing seems to grow imperceptibly louder, their is laughing all around you.
From the darkness, a few black feathers fly into the light.
[OOC]
Better act soon, you seem to be on the verge of something happening around you...
(Someone is gonna die...)
[Amberdin]
ReplyDeleteShaking his gaze from the fog of despair which had just held him, Amberdin re-focuses on the events unfolding before him. With the thoughts of his wife still in his mind, he decides to act. “This demonic gate keeper shall drink blood from a bloodline of those pure of heart. I hope it sits well with you, cursed one!”
[Tech]
Using his boot knife, Amberdin cuts a large gash on the palm of his hand. Without a grimace, he squeezes his fist over the face of bronze, spilling his blood like a crimson rain.
[Amberdin]
DeleteThe jaundiced eyes of Ser Aedh's ancestor shoot open, staring hungrily into yours. The parted lips move, the bronze shrieking as the lips twist into a grin. Your blood, almost black in the dim light, runs down the horrid visage and into its mouth.
The grating voice screams at you, as a blade scraping over grindstone.
'I HAVE TASTED YOUR FLESH BEFORE, SON OF ALTHALUS. I WILL TASTE IT AGAIN BEFORE THIS NIGHT IS THROUGH.'
The eyes continue to stare hatefully into yours, and you feel them demanding more of your blood, all of it.
The conviction of your cause, the love of your dear wife, breaks his gaze as you snatch back your hand with gritted teeth.
[Tech]
You succeed your save vs. spells (17). You pull back your bleeding hand before the face can enthrall you.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete[All]
ReplyDeleteThe face becomes dormant once more, though the smile does not leave his lips. The eyes close, and you hear a mechanical clicking as he releases his hold on the gates.
The twisted, vine choked gates slowly swing into the courtyard beyond, barely making a sound.
Beyond you can see the ruined silhouette of the Gallery against the night sky.
[Amberdin]
ReplyDelete“We should not tarry here, evil gathers in our wake.” Amberdin says with conviction. As he moves through the across the threshold of the ruinous place, his grip tightens on his war hammer.
[Tech]
Amberdin moves through the open gate towards the gallery. He waits for the rest of his party before venturing forth.
[Lagormeth]
ReplyDeleteI pull my hood back from atop my head, keeping a watchful eye of my surroundings. I follow behind Amberdin with some distance between us, remaining focused on our rear, bow drawn. Passing through the gate, it feels as if I had walked through a film of pure darkness. I congratulate Amberdin and say, "Your sacrifice will not go unnoticed."
[Tech]
I pass through the gate, keeping an eye out for anything suspicious or dangerous behind us.
Longbow- +3 to ATK, 1d6 DMG, 2 shots/round
Just for future reference, I need you to be more specific. In regards, most everything occurring behind you could be considered 'suspicious' or 'dangerous,' ya know?
Deleteanything lurking, or coming at us
Delete[All]
ReplyDeleteAmberdin and Lagormeth hurry through the wretched gate, leaving the suffocating darkness behind. Lagormeth raising her bow, seeking a target with which to riddle with darts, but her gaze is met only by the encroaching darkness.
The shadows begin to creep foreward, and Ricben, in mid-step towards the gate, is snatched into the black by shadows. At the last instant however, one shadow seems to manifest as a man-sized crow, eyes glinting and inhuman.
Lagormeth has but a moment to loose a single arrow, but the shadows distort her sense of depth, and the arrow goes wide.
Its grinning beak laughs the horrid cawing laugh, and disappears with Ricben into the black. A grisly choking, and you hear no more from the knight.
The fell dark threatens to envelope Jenisys...
Let the Meat Grinding begin.
Delete[Jenisys]
ReplyDeleteAfter watching Amberdin bravely sacrifice his blood, Jenisys cannot help but feel overwhelming guilty and filled with doubt as she had been since setting foot into this obviously dangerous place. She had payed little attention to Ricban since they set out however watching him being encompassed in the erie blackness. In a moment of terror she makes a run for her fellow companions who have passed the gate.
[Tech]
Jenisys runs from her original position near the gate to Amberdin and Lagormeth.
You all regroup on the opposite side of the gate, at which point the gate slowly swings closed, barring the darkness outside from creeping across.
ReplyDelete(Next area soon to follow...)