Quest #21 "Island Hopping"

[OGRE MAGE]

The Shack
Sunday, 21st of Goodmonth
Sunrise, Warm, Humid

Touching the outlines in the walls causes comfortable fully equipped human size bunks to magically slide out that can be easily pushed back in when not in use. The floor spawns similar chairs and a long table, with another separate chair and desk in one corner. Once everything obvious is checked out and restored back to its original place, the empty 1 room shack is exited again.

Actions?

Gramble 14/16 (Light stone 40'r)
Alordan 18/18
Tlachtga 7/8 3/4 1st
Andronichishche 5/6 3/3 1st / CL, DM, RM 0/1 1st (Light stone 40'r)
Lerrick 10/11 1/4 1st (Light stone 40'r)
Maag 11/12

Deceased
Sir Crestbrook 0/11 LoH (Petrified and Broken in Melania’s bedroom)
Cu AC:3 0/13
Carucenus -5.5/10[/color]
message on tiny decorative box
Mina's note
Notes and other Bookkeeping:

Melania
You have been warned several times now about your unwillingness to remain in your designated location. Since you cannot control your desire to destroy my hard earned collection by turning them into useless statuary, you leave me little other choice but to relocate you somewhere safer.

Melaina
I have decided on a far more suitable spot for you to reside. There is a cave complex on the other side of the island that will suit your needs perfectly. It is an old experiment of mine, that never panned out the way that I had hoped. But there is a fresh water source inside and a magical summoning device of my own creation that should provide you with an endless supply of food. You will be relocated there as soon as I get it ready. I am still working on filling your request for companionship. As I told you before, they are extremely rare and nearly impossible to locate.

Melania
I understand you are not happy with your new accommodations, but it is simply the best I can do for now. I think you will be much more at ease living here once I am able to fill your request for a mate. The reoccurring minotaur should provide you plenty of food and enough sport to keep you preoccupied while I search. Please remember that your captor was also once your savior, and that you wouldn’t be here right now if it weren’t for me. I know this isn’t an easy adjustment for you, but it must be preferable to the horrible death you would have endured without my aid.

Melania
At long last, after several years of searching and burning through countless resources, I have finally found what you seek the most. An unmatched Maedar, one of the rarest of all creatures known to man. And he is all for you. I sincerely hope this will suffice to keep you happy for the rest of your years here. You must stop meddling in my experiments. You of all people should know they can be very dangerous, especially when they are unfinished. Once I have checked him over for myself, I will release him to you. Once that is done, I must insist that you stay put in your area and stop breaking your containment. By the way, his name is Marquees, and he is magnificent.

Melania
Once again you need to learn the hard way that you are no match for my powers. It saddens me greatly that after everything I’ve done to make you happy, you continue to defy me, routinely breaking your pact without remorse. I thought you to be one of the more intelligent of your kind, but you have proven to me that I was mistaken. Since I have invested so much, I will give you one last chance to comply. However, you will now be marked. Breaking the rules of your containment again will result in your termination.

Melania
This last attempt at wreaking havoc on my experiments was all I can take. I have warned you multiple times now and you simply wont listen. Therefore, you have left me no other choice. I cannot allow you or anyone else here to undermine my work as you have. I know you were never really happy here, but with the amount of monies, time, sacrifice, and effort I have put into this place already, finishing my ultimate creation must continue to be my main focus. I will allow Marquees to remain on the island, since he has done nothing that I know of to aid you in your constant meddling. The treasures you were supposed to protect for me will also remain inside the complex, now under the supervision of your lover. However, the next time you see me will be the last. I wish things could have worked out better, but you have only yourself to blame for this outcome.

Bookkeeping:
01-05= The “Key”
06-10= Intact Copper Bowl of Wax Fruit (25gp)
11-15= Solid Copper Decorative Serving Tray (40gp)
16-20= Broken Cartouche
21-25= List of 7 Unknown Items
26-30= Note About the Contacts
31-35= Moldy Sack of 254 Copper Coins
36-40= Melania's Note About Escaping
41-45= Small Locked Chest: (312gp and 18-25gp gems)
46-50= Grey Stone Sphere
51-55= Fancy String of 21 Pearls (yet to be evaluated)
56=60=
61=65= Large Copper Cube: viewtopic.php?p=501032#p501032
66-70= Ornate Latched Scroll Case
71-75= Copper Armband w/ Circular Diagram (20gp)
76-80= Fairy Tale Storybook
81-85= Hand Written Notes
86-90= Notes on Minotaur Summoning Dais
91-95= Small Wooden Puzzle Box
96-100= Magical Golden Ring

This is a list of the items you will be "protecting" for me in here. Please remember the terms of our earlier agreement before you get any ridiculous ideas to use any of these against me.

Chime of Serpent’s Desire

Protecting Egg

Withering Venom

Shedding Strike

Band of Fools

Green Manalishi

Dansden

Marquees

I know you like this place, but I am not about to spend the rest of my days preforming for this pompous bastard. We are getting out of here, and I think I finally figured out how. The ring of glass obelisks have something to do with the mobility of this place, so through them, there must be a way out. I know the colored stone spheres are the keys, all I need to do is figure out how they function. There must be a way to use the spheres to activate the obelisks, since the ones I have investigated don’t seem to do anything yet. Once I can figure out their secrets, I am hoping we will be able to go anywhere we want. I know you want to concentrate on making more eggs and raising new babies, but you cant expect me to be happy about bringing more of our kind into existence while we are all being held here against our will. We must find a way out! We can discuss this further once I've returned.

scrollcase note:

I have used the magic scrolls to find three of them so far. They are a sight to behold, so tall and crystal clear. One is in the jungle near the black cliffs, a second deep in the swamp, and the third by the lake to the northwest. I promise you that I will figure out what they do and how they function. Once I do, we will be free again.

note about the contacts:

Marquees

My love, I know you don't like wearing the contacts, but their use will be quintessential in making our eventual escape from this place. The wizard doesn't know about them, so it is imperative that we keep them secret for now. Please continue to wear them when you can, since they have no affect on us or our young. You must try to get accustomed to them so they can be used to their utmost effectiveness against our foes once the time comes.

It is important that you keep them wet when you are not wearing them. The case is filled with a salty solution of mannish extract and fairy tears, which should keep them crystal clear and usable forever, so take caution not to spill any of it. Since they will allow both you and I to turn our enemies to stone, I cant wait for you to put them to use.

[Quonundrum]

Andronichishche

After the fellowship is assembled outside the magical hut again, Andronichishche closes the door and places a hand upon it. "I expect the one who activated it must be the one to reduce it again. Dansden," he says in a steady tone. Assuming the hut begins its transformation back into a tiny cube, Andron nods in satisfaction and settles onto a spot on the ground. "As you were the one to find it, Mr. Alordan, I think it is yours to keep or trade as you wish."

He then procures a blank piece of parchment along with his writing kit and arranges them on his lap. "While we await the transformation, I will compose a pictorial message for Brutus that I hope he will understand." Using a pencil, he draws several lines of pictographs. From top to bottom, these are ...

An arrow pointing left from a group of six stick figures. To the right of the figures is a rough sketch of the dais with the minotaur head symbol.

The same pictographs, except now the arrow points from the stick figures on the left to the dais on the right.

Same as the previous line, except the minotaur head is now separate and to the right of the dais. A bold 'X' is superimposed on the latter.

This line includes only the stick figures and the minotaur head. An arrow points to the left from the figures.

The last line has the minotaur head as the sole icon.

Andron places the parchment onto the dais and puts a small rock on top. "Brutus may not be able to read, but I hope he can at least understand the meaning behind this message; that we seek to free him of the dais." He then points to a section of the stone ring. "We may need to scale the stones again if the trees are waiting for us beyond the lintel."

[Rex]

Tlachtga

"Good luck with the note but I fear his rage has dimmed his already limited intellect."

[kruk]

Lerrick

The cleric closes her eyes and whispers a silent prayer in hopes that Andron's plan works.

[Quonundrum]

Andronichishche

"I actually share your sentiment, Miss Tlachtga," he says with a sigh and a nod to the druid. "I am obligated to attempt dialogue before violence. If we should also not return here, hopefully Brutus will engage peacefully with others who do."

[Rex]

Tlachtga

"I have no issue with the attempt my friend, I hope it works. We should head out now, before he comes back."

[Quonundrum]

Andronichishche

Andronichishche holds up a hand in acquiescence. "I did not mean to imply that you did. On the contrary, I value your considered opinion ... it helps to keep my idealistic tendencies in check." He offers a slightly abashed smile and gestures to the stone lintel. "I agree. Let us make haste." Andron holds his light stone affixed pole above him as they proceed, so as to illuminate the upper limbs of the surrounding trees.

[Jernau35]

Maag

Maag heads out with the others. He too pays attention to the trees. He tries to note if any around the perimeter are obviously the killer trees.

[kruk]

Lerrick

The cleric moves in the with the group as the leave, settling on a position towards the back. She holds here glow stone high so that it provides some light for those in the back. She too observes the trees looking for the ones which eat meat.

[ravenn4544]

Alordan follows along... he can't help but feel a little disappointed that the group is heading out with lingering unanswered questions. He too keeps an eye out for moving trees or rampaging minotaurs. "So what's the plan here - return to town for a few nights then head back? How do we handle Brutus - can't leave this island like this so close to the villagers right?"

[Quonundrum]

Andronichishche

Andronichishche stops midstep to consider Alordan's questions. After a moment of thought he resumes walking. "Quite true, Mr. Alordan. As I see it, we have completed the mission by discovering the truth behind the rumors of a medusa and ended the danger that Marquees represented. In doing so we have also learned about the wizard, erstwhile ruler of these islands and his ... experiments ... of which the dais and Brutus were one. After recent events, Brutus certainly won't talk to us right now and there is little we can safely do without taking time to study the diagram of the magical dais."

"All of that said, I know there are strong feelings about this island after all we've been through. So, this may be a task we leave for another group. I would prefer to help Brutus, but I cannot dictate the fellowship's decisions."

He pauses to look around at the faces of the fellowship in the soft glow of the early dawn's light. "Consider also, as you decide, that there are other mysteries we've discovered that may lead to treasures and magic. The kobolds came to the island ... apparently not by boat as I thought. How then? What is the nature of the half casks? Do they have a lair nearby?"

"... there is also evidence of an underground cavern below the grotto pool. If so, what is to be found there?"

"... and of course, the carnivorous trees. While they exist, harvesting fruit from the island will remain quite perilous for the townspeople."

[Jernau35]

Maag

Maag shakes his head. "Nah. I'm done 'ere. It looks like we got a decent chunk of money an' 'opefully dat chime fing was der only bum bit of magic."

"I'm 'appy to let somebody else sort out der trees. Payin' good money to der lads to look for treasure is one fing. Killin' trees is another."

[Quonundrum]

Andronichishche

"Thank you for your input, Mr. Maag. Please keep in mind that these are not an all or nothing proposition. We can leave the trees for other ... lumber oriented ... groups to deal with."

[kruk]

Lerrick

The cleric thinks back to what the trees did with the dead body, tearing it to pieces with ease. It's going to take a lot of lumber oriented people to deal with those trees

[Rex]

Tlachtga

"I think it best to get back to town, figure out what we have, collect our thoughts, then decide what we want to do."

[wolfpack]

Burn the trees to the ground, oil and fire is what they need.

We have certainly done our part for free in trying to make this a safe place, but the trees, dias, and magic hole may make this a place the town people never inhabit.

[OGRE MAGE]

The Shrinking Shack
Sunday, 21st of Goodmonth
Sunrise, Warm, Humid

When Andron mutters the word Dansden, the shack starts to shrink, slowly reverting back to the tiny cube shape in which it was found. The entire process takes about 10 minutes, so in the meantime, the priest of Rao draws up a note to leave behind for Brutus.

The others check the trees outside the ring of stones, finding none of the dangerous man-eaters nearby. Though the jungle is already starting to awaken for the day, there is a noise on the air that doesn't sound like normal wildlife activity. The sound is coming from the shoreline area where the half casks were found initially, and it sounds like a rustling commotion one might here in battle, though no ringing of steel can be heard.

Once the shack is converted back into the form of a one inch wooden cube again, Andron picks it up and hands it back to Alordan, since he was the one to find it initially.

Several options are voiced about how the group should proceed from here, and what to do about the island as a whole, but it sounds like everyone in the Fellowship is ready to depart, at least for now. Just before they start to make their way back to the beach, the rustling noises in the distant eventually abates.

Actions?

263EE7D8-6181-45F6-835D-E17C71B14B06.jpeg (114.61 KiB) Viewed 347 times

Gramble 14/16 (Light stone 40'r)
Alordan 18/18
Tlachtga 7/8 3/4 1st
Andronichishche 5/6 3/3 1st / CL, DM, RM 0/1 1st (Light stone 40'r)
Lerrick 10/11 1/4 1st (Light stone 40'r)
Maag 11/12

Deceased
Sir Crestbrook 0/11 LoH (Petrified and Broken in Melania’s bedroom)
Cu AC:3 0/13
Carucenus -5.5/10[/color]
message on tiny decorative box
Mina's note
Notes and other Bookkeeping:

Melania
You have been warned several times now about your unwillingness to remain in your designated location. Since you cannot control your desire to destroy my hard earned collection by turning them into useless statuary, you leave me little other choice but to relocate you somewhere safer.

Melaina
I have decided on a far more suitable spot for you to reside. There is a cave complex on the other side of the island that will suit your needs perfectly. It is an old experiment of mine, that never panned out the way that I had hoped. But there is a fresh water source inside and a magical summoning device of my own creation that should provide you with an endless supply of food. You will be relocated there as soon as I get it ready. I am still working on filling your request for companionship. As I told you before, they are extremely rare and nearly impossible to locate.

Melania
I understand you are not happy with your new accommodations, but it is simply the best I can do for now. I think you will be much more at ease living here once I am able to fill your request for a mate. The reoccurring minotaur should provide you plenty of food and enough sport to keep you preoccupied while I search. Please remember that your captor was also once your savior, and that you wouldn’t be here right now if it weren’t for me. I know this isn’t an easy adjustment for you, but it must be preferable to the horrible death you would have endured without my aid.

Melania
At long last, after several years of searching and burning through countless resources, I have finally found what you seek the most. An unmatched Maedar, one of the rarest of all creatures known to man. And he is all for you. I sincerely hope this will suffice to keep you happy for the rest of your years here. You must stop meddling in my experiments. You of all people should know they can be very dangerous, especially when they are unfinished. Once I have checked him over for myself, I will release him to you. Once that is done, I must insist that you stay put in your area and stop breaking your containment. By the way, his name is Marquees, and he is magnificent.

Melania
Once again you need to learn the hard way that you are no match for my powers. It saddens me greatly that after everything I’ve done to make you happy, you continue to defy me, routinely breaking your pact without remorse. I thought you to be one of the more intelligent of your kind, but you have proven to me that I was mistaken. Since I have invested so much, I will give you one last chance to comply. However, you will now be marked. Breaking the rules of your containment again will result in your termination.

Melania
This last attempt at wreaking havoc on my experiments was all I can take. I have warned you multiple times now and you simply wont listen. Therefore, you have left me no other choice. I cannot allow you or anyone else here to undermine my work as you have. I know you were never really happy here, but with the amount of monies, time, sacrifice, and effort I have put into this place already, finishing my ultimate creation must continue to be my main focus. I will allow Marquees to remain on the island, since he has done nothing that I know of to aid you in your constant meddling. The treasures you were supposed to protect for me will also remain inside the complex, now under the supervision of your lover. However, the next time you see me will be the last. I wish things could have worked out better, but you have only yourself to blame for this outcome.

Bookkeeping:
01-05= The “Key”
06-10= Intact Copper Bowl of Wax Fruit (25gp)
11-15= Solid Copper Decorative Serving Tray (40gp)
16-20= Broken Cartouche
21-25= List of 7 Unknown Items
26-30= Note About the Contacts
31-35= Moldy Sack of 254 Copper Coins
36-40= Melania's Note About Escaping
41-45= Small Locked Chest: (312gp and 18-25gp gems)
46-50= Grey Stone Sphere
51-55= Fancy String of 21 Pearls (yet to be evaluated)
56=60=
61=65= Large Copper Cube: viewtopic.php?p=501032#p501032
66-70= Ornate Latched Scroll Case
71-75= Copper Armband w/ Circular Diagram (20gp)
76-80= Fairy Tale Storybook
81-85= Hand Written Notes
86-90= Notes on Minotaur Summoning Dais
91-95= Small Wooden Puzzle Box
96-100= Magical Golden Ring

This is a list of the items you will be "protecting" for me in here. Please remember the terms of our earlier agreement before you get any ridiculous ideas to use any of these against me.

Chime of Serpent’s Desire

Protecting Egg

Withering Venom

Shedding Strike

Band of Fools

Green Manalishi

Dansden

Marquees

I know you like this place, but I am not about to spend the rest of my days preforming for this pompous bastard. We are getting out of here, and I think I finally figured out how. The ring of glass obelisks have something to do with the mobility of this place, so through them, there must be a way out. I know the colored stone spheres are the keys, all I need to do is figure out how they function. There must be a way to use the spheres to activate the obelisks, since the ones I have investigated don’t seem to do anything yet. Once I can figure out their secrets, I am hoping we will be able to go anywhere we want. I know you want to concentrate on making more eggs and raising new babies, but you cant expect me to be happy about bringing more of our kind into existence while we are all being held here against our will. We must find a way out! We can discuss this further once I've returned.

scrollcase note:

I have used the magic scrolls to find three of them so far. They are a sight to behold, so tall and crystal clear. One is in the jungle near the black cliffs, a second deep in the swamp, and the third by the lake to the northwest. I promise you that I will figure out what they do and how they function. Once I do, we will be free again.

note about the contacts:

Marquees

My love, I know you don't like wearing the contacts, but their use will be quintessential in making our eventual escape from this place. The wizard doesn't know about them, so it is imperative that we keep them secret for now. Please continue to wear them when you can, since they have no affect on us or our young. You must try to get accustomed to them so they can be used to their utmost effectiveness against our foes once the time comes.

It is important that you keep them wet when you are not wearing them. The case is filled with a salty solution of mannish extract and fairy tears, which should keep them crystal clear and usable forever, so take caution not to spill any of it. Since they will allow both you and I to turn our enemies to stone, I cant wait for you to put them to use.

[Rex]

Tlachtga

"That is ominous, maybe the next wave of kobolds ran into some trouble. Possibly the trees."

[Quonundrum]

Andronichishche

Andronichishche slowly nods in agreement. "Precisely what I was thinking, Miss Tlachtga. Brutus is in the complex. So, either the trees or another minotaur?" He strains to hear any further noises from that direction. "As we'll need to build a fire to signal Pete and Joe, I would rather check what made that commotion now, rather than risk ambush by whatever made it later."

[Rex]

Tlachtga

"Agreed, we should check it out."