Quest #21 "Island Hopping"

[ravenn4544]

Alordan pockets the cube for now and listens to the commotion at the beach, "unless the trees got hungry for cat..."

[OGRE MAGE]

I will add the map to my last update since there seems to be some confusion where the noises were coming from.

[Jernau35]

Maag

Maag puts down his lump of Cresty and points in two opposite directions. "Der beach is dat way. Der casks are dat way".

"If wotever is makin' dat noise is der trees, den dat means we 'ave not got a problem gettin' to der beach right now.", Maag points out."An' dey will 'ave to cross der 'ole island to get to der beach".

"An' on top of dat, if it is der trees, an dey have killed der kobolds, dey will now be eatin' der kobolds an' will not be bovvered about us right now."

"If it not der trees, den dat means if we go over der to investigate, we will 'ave to walk across der island twice an' wonder if der trees are gonna attack us der whole time. An' also deal wiv wotever is makin' dat noise".

"Der will be enough dead wood near der beach. It is everywhere. Der will also be driftwood on der beach. Startin' a fire should not be a problem".

Maag takes a deep breath. "So, to sum fings up: if der trees 'ave killed der kobolds, dey are not a problem. If der kobolds 'ave killed der trees, dey are not a problem. Wotever won der fight might be a problem. But it will be as much of a problem on der beach as all der way over der. An' at least on der beach, der boat might show up an' we can all go 'ome".

He picks up Cresty again. "Let's go an' get der bloody fire started an' den worry about der bloody trees."

[Rex]

Tlachtga

"Your logic is correct Maag and yes we can go now. I don't like leaving behind mysteries but your points are all excellent and correct."

[Quonundrum]

Andronichishche

Andronichishche stares in wonder for a brief moment at the suddenly loquacious half-orc. "Quite so, Mr. Maag. That was a well thought analysis. My concern is whatever made that noise could ambush us while we're collecting wood ... but, I will defer to your superior knowledge and experience with firebuilding."

He then abruptly turns on his heel to regard the ranger. "Mr. Alordan, you're brilliant! The cats! Miss Tlachtga can ask the cats to be on the lookout for anything while we work. They have excellent night vision and hearing." Speaking to the druidess now, "If that sounds reasonable? I would also like to ask them questions about their former master."

Andron continues to listen intently for noises from the direction of the casks, then points to the path leading into the jungle from the stone lintel. "Let us make haste to the beach."

[kruk]

Lerrick

The cleric surveys the thick jungle to the east and then expresses her concern. I hope we can find a trail of some sort to follow. The jungle that way looks very thick and maybe hard to move through. i guess Gramble can have fun foraging a trail through with his axe. it may take a long time to cut through though. Whatever beast or killer trees in that area of the island would know we're coming.

[Quonundrum]

Andronichishche

"Another wise observation. We should instead follow the path west to the beach, as Mr. Maag suggested, and light the signal fire for Pete and Joe."

[Rex]

Tlachtga

"We can try and question the cats again but it wasn't very effective last time."

[wolfpack]

Gramble listens to Maag and nods

and if whoever won the fight comes around us, they'll have a problem.

he says patting Labrys

[OGRE MAGE]

Cat Turd Beach
Sunday, 21st of Goodmonth
Early Morning, Warm, Humid

Maag convinces the others to return to the beach instead of going on another jungle investigation to the opposite side of the small island. They take the trail they made earlier and are not accosted along their short journey through the statues. After two disturbing high pitched shrieks or screams are heard from that direction, the rustling in the distance eventually stops completely.

The sun is already on the rise as they make their way onto the lumpy sand of Cat Turd Beach, gathering any fallen fruit or dead firewood they find along the way. As expected, Joe and Pete are nowhere to be seen, though the many cats continue to putter around the area, completely uninterested in the actions of the party, as usual.

A fire is built on the sand and stoked with dried leaves for maximum smoke effect. All the group need do now is wait for their ride back to the main island. Unfortunately, there is no immediate sign of the boat returning as they wait out the start of their morning.

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.

[Rex]

Tlachtga

"Get your questions ready for the cats, once you have given me some I will cast Speak with Animals."

[Quonundrum]

Andronichishche

Andronichishche winces slightly at each shrill yelp from the eastern side of the island. "It does sound like another group of kobolds ... or, was another group. Where are they coming from, though?" The question was rhetorical and it's obvious by the delivery Andron wasn't expecting any replies from his companions.

While helping to gather debris for the fire, he nods at the plethora of cats and produces one of the strangely minted copper coins they found. He hands it to Tlachtga. "Would you ask the cats to alert us of anything approaching from the jungle? Also ... he flips the coin as he hands it to her so that it shows the silhouette stamped on one side. Can you ask them for the name of their master and if he resembles this image?"

As the smoke drifts lazily into the morning air from the small bonfire, he looks out across the water towards town. "I hope nothing happened to them ..."

[ravenn4544]

Alordan responds with, "I hope nothing happens to us.." as he peers into the forest, weapons out, ready for the worst to come.

[kruk]

Lerrick

The cleric stays near the fire but by looks to the east, particularly looking for any moving trees.

[Jernau35]

Maag

Maag tries to collect as much dried wood and leaves as he can without going too far under the trees. "We might need to keep der fire goin' for a while...an 'avin a good fire burnin' might keep der trees at a distance if dey show up. Remember dat dey attacked Pete an ' Joe last time".

Maag peers up and down the beach, hoping that he doesn't see a wrecked boat or dead bodies washed up in the surf. Then he looks at the smoke rising from the fire in the bright morning sun.

" 'as anybody got a blanket or a cloak?
We could use it to make smoke signals. Dey would be easier to see in der sky".

[Rex]

Tlachtga

Tlachtga casts speak with animals on the cats.

She shows them the coin.

"Can you warn us if anyone comes?"
"Is this your master?"
"What was your masters name?"

[wolfpack]

Anyone have oil? the smoke burns black and we could use some on the trees.

[Quonundrum]

Andronichishche

Andronichishche looks down at his bare torso. "I have neither a cloak nor oil to help with the smoke, I'm afraid. You mention the trees, though ... would you hand me the copper rod with the round screw top? If I am correct, that item is Withering Venom and judging by the name I expect it may prove quite useful against the trees, if needed."

[OGRE MAGE]

Cat Turd Beach
Sunday, 21st of Goodmonth
Early Morning, Warm, Humid

Maag suggests gathering as much wood and dried leaves as possible, thinking smoke signals might help to see the grey cloud better from a distance. Gramble asks if anyone has oil, to darken the smoke and for defense against the trees if they return. Alordan and Lerrick keep an eye on the jungle, sure something bad is coming for them.

As the fire rages, sending its byproduct floating into the sky above, Maag studies what he can of the distant beach, seeing no indication that anything bad happened to their transportation. Andron suggests using the holy water sprinkler against the trees if they return, assuming that it is the aforementioned Withering Venom from the list of magic items.

Tlachtga casts her magic spell of communication near the largest group of cats, hoping to get better answers than the last time she tried this. She presents the coin to the cats and asks her questions. Most of the animals continue to ignore her as if she weren't there, but one black and white tomcat with a strange fur pattern on its head that looks a lot like the number 37 takes a few steps in her direction.

"Whats this now? Another talking two-legs? I suppose we could tell you if anything was coming, but will we?"

"We have no use for gold, so no.......coin is not our master."

"Name? What do you mean? I am called Thirty Seven, if that is a name. And our master we called......master."

Actions?

Gramble 14/16 (Light stone 40'r)
Alordan 18/18
Tlachtga 7/8 2/4 1st SWA:1
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

Tlachtga relays the similar to last time, useless info to the others. "This is why I have always been a dog owner. May Cu rest in peace."