The Crypts Of Jephrea

[Snork Maiden]

The OOC Thread for this RPG is {D&D (Give it a read at least)} posted by Morgoth http://www.literotica.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=77251
It is an open thread, anyone is welcome to join. You don't need to be an expert, all newbies are especially welcome and I have as much time as you need to explain anything that you want to know with respect to the game all I/We ask is that you use the above thread to describe your characters and post your questions.

-------------------------------------


Adventure Introduction

Your party finds itself in a small town called Hambulan. It is a rough and tumble frontier town on the borders of a loosely allied collective of Jephean Citadel States.

Your recent employer, a Caravan Master, by the name of Gilma Ashallaz has discharged you until he reforms his caravan in a few weeks time.

The Inn of the Seven Shamen, can only be described as the sleaziest, boarding house in the entire kingdom, yet it provides you with a temporary home, has clean beds, solid meals and good drink all at moderately exhorbitant prices.

Whilst at the Inn, an old man in modest garments approaches one of your group and introduces himself as High Cleric Galen, member of the East Rising Council of Elders, the guilding oligarchy of New Jepheanea. He arranges a night meeting at his residence near the Church of Farlana.

When you visit Galen's town estate, you are aware of being followed. Although you attempt to locate the watcher, you are unable. However you are able to detect a lingering aura of Evil.

Galen tells you his tale.

Here in Hambulan, fortunes are being made in earthsblood drilling and the newly rich have found a novel way to show their wealth. - SANCTIONED SLAVERY - Although slavery has been outlawed in the land for nearly two centuries it is now reappearing with, apparently, the approval of the towns elders, many of whom themselves are amongst these new Slave Owners.

The presence of slavery in Hambulan has alerted the Elders of the East Riding to a possible new inroad for Kastaldane-sponsored evil into the New Jepheanean community.

The influential new slave owners have assured the council that all is well and offer slaves themselves as evidence, they are clean, well cared for, happy obedient and only semi human. Their owners call them Slinkes.

Galen explains that he has travelled to Hambulan to carry out enquiries and discovered that these Slinkes are indeed harmless, speechless and submissive to abuse. The town fathers have passed laws to protect the creatures.

The Slinkes appear to be contented with their lot, yet Galen confesses, the stronger the owners assurances were the more certain his suspicions that something was wrong. Surely no living being would willingly submit itself to slavery.

He offers you a 5000gp reward, authorised by the Council, to discover who is selling the slaves and where they are coming from.

 

[Snork Maiden]

Concluding the meeting - The Adventure Begins

As the meeting draws to a close, Galen suggests that he should accompany you back to the Inn of the Seven Shamen, 'The roads are not well lit and you could find yourselves lost quite easily at night' , he explains to you. ' And there are many undesirable fellows who lurk in the shadows in this quater of town, no doubt you sensed that earlier '

He escorts your party back through the narrow streets until you can see and hear the lights and sounds of revellry eminating from the salubrious tavern. As you enter you notice him indicate to another robed figure standing close to the bar. The man wanders across to you, 'This is Duggan, he is a brother of the temple of Hualdan, I have instructed him that he should assist you in anyway that is necessary ', The young Cleric Duggan, bows his head as he is introduced to you. Galen passes him some coins and instructs him to fetch ale for himself and the rest of the party and then to join you all at the table he has reserved.

Once Duggan has returned and seated, the old Cleric continues to explain about his suspicions. 'There are several people in this town I do not particularly trust, though I do not suspect they have anything to do with the sale of these slaves. Clavis Ottawood is a land owner recently made rich from the deposits of eathsblood found on his land. He has several Slinkes working at Ottawood Manor and may know who is selling them. I have never met or seen the seller but he is rumoured to favor the use of heavy spices and oils '

He sips at his beer before continuing, watching each of the party for reactions. ''I suspect that you will encounter much reluctance from the local people to discuss much about the slinkes, it is really up to you to 'sleuth' it out of them', again he pauses taking a more serious tone, 'It is of the utmost importance that you do not harm any of these slinkes or to endanger the earthsblood fields in anyway '

Again he stops to drink from his tankard, wiping his mouth as he places it the vessel back on the oaken table top. 'Apart from that there is little more I can offer you in the way of information. I have tried unsucessfully to uncover the mystery of the poor wretched creatures but I am sure strangers such as yourselfs, may have more luck in digging up the facts. The last word of advise I can give you is not to draw too much attention to yourselves by acting unruly, the sheriff here is a fine fellow but doesn't take kindly to disruptive influence, and the courts are swift to meet out hefty fines ', Finishing his drink Galen rises from the table and bids you good luck with your quest.

 

[airborne92]

Juran slowly drinks his wine as he listens to the information given. As he attentively listens to the older priest he carefully surveys the room.Taking note of anyone or anything that seems even the least bit out of place for an unsavory place such as this. Duggan, what help are you to provide us? Healing? Equipment? Money for expenses?
While speaking to the cleric the elf looks around the room casually looking for anyone that seems to be even slightly interested in the arrival of strangers to this town.

 

[Snork Maiden]

NPC- Duggan 3rd lvl Cleric

Whilst Galen has been talking to the the party, Duggan sit quietly listening and watching his new companions.
As the older cleric leaves one of the fighters turns to him and asks what assistance he is to provide.

'I have been instructed to afford you all the help that I can, though I do not have a much in the way of equipment or money, I do have some limited knowledge of the town and I can provide l protection and healing if required on a limited basis each day.'

He smiles the Elf. 'I guess you all are relatively new in town, I myself have only been here a short while and there are still some quarters of the town I have not visited myself.'

 

[airborne92]

Yes,replies Juran,we have just arrived in the past couple of days. We have some time before we need to leave and decided to take this job.
The elf watches Duggan during this conversation, almost as if he is sizing him up for a fight.
What do you know about this problem that hasn't been told to us yet? Are there any prime suspects in this mystery or any clues that we should know about?,asks Juran.

 

[Snork Maiden]

NPC - Duggan

Duggan looks at Juran, 'Well I don't know anyone by name, I guess the best thing to do would be to have a look around Town in the Morning. I think it would be a bit pointless to try anything tonight.'

There is the marketplace and we could perhaps check out the Ottawood Manor, Galen seems to think that Clavis has some slinkes in his service maybe he might be able to give some information about where he bought them.

Duggan looks at his empty beer mug and then back at you suggestively.

 

[airborne92]

I'll have just one more says Juran and tosses him a couple of coins.

 

[airborne92]

And get one for yourself and anyone else who would like another adds Juran.

 

[Snork Maiden]

NPC Duggan (Cleric/Waiter)

The cleric picks the coins up from the oak table top and tosses them gently them in his hand causing them to jingle.

Looking around at the other party members who up to this point have been talking amongst themselves enquires if any of them also require their mugs recharging.

Collecting the empty vessels he wanders of to the bar to purchase the necessary liquor leaving the rest of the party to sit and contemplate their new quest.

 

[android1966]

Athelbruda stares into his empty mug thoughtfully, one of the gifts "his lady" grants him is the ability to detect the presence of evil and he was aware that some malign presence had been tailing the party earlier. As his thoughts go to the demi-god he has sworn his service to his hand reaches to touch the amulet he wears, a blood red knight chess piece on a chain about his neck.

"The enslavement of these poor wretches troubles me greatly"

The hulking blonde paladin admits to Juran.

"Perhaps we could proceed by posing as a group seeking to purchase some of these slaves. This may at least give us a lead on who is trading these poor souls You would be better suited than I to make enquiries Juran. I fear my conversations with the underworld tend to be short and usually end in violence."

 

[airborne92]

"Athelbruda," says Juran, " I agree that would be a good way to start. But you will have disguise who you are and bide your time to avenge the wrongs against these creatures. I promise, you will get your chance." The elf continues to look for anyone or anything out of place here as well as for anyone who is very drunk and still has a fat coin pouch. "Hopefully, we will find some sort of trail to follow to the ones responsible for this horrendous evil."

 

[Snork Maiden]

DM - Notes on observations

It is still relatively early in the evening, the tavern is lively, with local traders and local people alike.

At this time there doesn't appear to be much in the way of easy pickings from a thief's point of view, but as the evening wears on and more drink is imbibed, it is likely that there would be some opportunity to participate in a little pocket dipping or purse- string cutting.

Drawing your attention to the notes earlier and Galen's comments. Your party does have meals prepared also which is included in the boarding costs you have paid.

Again at this time there does not appear to be much out of place, the serving wenches and bar staff all seem chatty and cheerful and the merchants and other customer appear to be enjoying an end of day break. You see a couple of groups of men, possibly farmers or workers from the 'earthsblood' fields playing some form of game with wooden peices, but you cannot hear what they are saying from your vantage point, it is likely they are just discussing the days labor or possible domestic issues. They appear to be cheerful and often there is laughter as if one of them has told a joke or humorous tale.

The Merchants seem to keep themselves to there own kind although you can notice that some of the more enterprising ones are indulging in a little 'on the side' trading with some of the local 'punters', again you don't appear to notice anything untoward in their activity.

 

[Wolf_Song]

Observations

A lone figure sits quietly piqued with curiousity at the groups actions of this day. Observing with out notice of any, a man sits fully covered in a mantled dark earthen robe. Nothing of his body shows, even as he eats not even a hint of his skins coloration bares to light.

None take notice of him or his hermit like clothing, nor is his manner threatening. Perhaps a priest upon a pilgramage is the thought of any whom would gaze upon him. Merely nodding at the fare earlier offered, then presented by the taverns staff.

His spirit had went silently along with the party to the meeting of the clergy. Knowing that he couldnt join this group at length, thought perhaps time to time he would check in on them as his lone quests allowed.

The evil presence he to had felt, reacted with a thought sent to it in silent challenge, which was left unanswered. Then within folds of his robes a smile emanated for this group of heroes gathered. Quietly having finished meal, he departs deep in to the night.

 

[airborne92]

The elf slowly drinks his wine over the next hour or so. Always watching the crowd in the room, looking for potential "subjects". After about two to three hours the elf gets up and wanders a round the room for about five minutes before heading off to his room for the evening. As he wanders by a very intoxicated person he carefully attempts to cut their purse strings. After he gets to his room he sets his sword next to bed and places the dagger under the pillow. He then sets simple alarms by the door and window to make noise should anyone try to enter while he sleeps.

 

[android1966]

Athelbruda ponders the mission ahead considering the options carefully. He decides that a good nights sleep is his best option then perhaps in the morning the party could try and check out the manor Duggan had mentioned. Wishing the remaining party members a goodnight he heads up to his room for a nights sleep.

 

[Wolf_Song]

In moons light

As stars alight the nights sky, upon a solitaire shore, midnights breeze with waters reflection rippling gently in pale moons light. Nothing moves, yet heard are natures evening sounds, crickets chirping, soft noises of avian creatures aerially aflight with the sonorous call of a lone wolf seeking its mate.

Air movements bringing a songs tempo to leaves shaking with delight. Amongst all this quietly the earthen robed figure ponders thinking of the days events. Meditating under the boughs of a hale proud sky reaching oak.

" Who will take the initiative ? the rogue with wile ? the paladin with righteous ability ? the priest casting a spell ? or perhaps another shalt join them. The options before them are many, even a beginning familiarization or investigation to solve the mystery they seek to unveil. Will it be one or the group as a whole to unite in cause righteous. Each has special abilities that will make each a part of the whole, unit cohesively as one. Who will take the initiative ?"

Gliding effortlessly from outer robes and clothing he stides forth melting in to and slipping under the waters surface. Exhilarating feelings course his body in the liquid pooling enveloping. Breaking surface soundlessly his outer physical shell glowing in moons bathing light. Treads smiling to the shore revelling upon the feel of water dripping from wind drying skin. Meditating yet again naked under star dappled sky, his being with all about him.. heart glowingly one with nature and all those dear within.

With the morn's light naught remains of the one whom spent the night here. Save for the awakening calls of fauna with flora brightening a wondrous new day.

Yet some where he smiles in welcome to the battles that will be upon his journey to meet a true and dear lady.

 

[Snork Maiden]

Experience Round !!!

Ok Guys, this isn't happening is it - loks at Spectral as he smiles back with a friendly - told you so. Thanks Wolf_Song for your posts and bumbing the thread a couple of times. It is a pity you don't have a character anyway I'm gonna let this one (thread die with some grace)

Panning out the story, here's what happens, or would have .

Another party of adventurers enter the Bar.

The unscrupulous landlord has double rented your rooms out and any character retiring to bed woud have discover that all their belonging have been packed and sit waiting for them outside the room.

The party could have negotiated/fought or decided to look elsewhere.

If the party had looked else where thay would have ended up in another tavern where slinkes are being used as waiters - This would have been a chance to find out some more information about the trade of these creatures.

Investigating Ottoway's Manor would have turned up mor clues in terms of receipts. That was a mini adventure involving some crafty thief work.

The Trail would have led the party to the Town Hall, more exploring and negotiating and would have turned up some information about the vendor. (Part 1 of the quest complete) there would also be information which would lead the party out of town to a ruin where there was a bit of dungeoneering and plenty of traps and puzzles to negotiate.

Here you would have picked up further clues to the plot and realised that the slinkes are actually zombies with parmanent illusion cast on them.

Finally you would have discovered the Magic User/ Cleric who is creating these creatures and his laboratory, plenty of spell books, scrolls and magic items in addition to completing the second part of the quest and allowing the party to claim the 5000gp reward.)

There so I posted the plot , it is a shame for the ones that have tried to play and it has been much appreciated by this grrl but to be fair it not going to move any faster than this. I should have listened to Spectral, it would have saved a lot of planning and work not only for myself but also the players that did bother to take part.

 

[Khadgar]

uh.... sorry? i was away?

 

[Wolf_Song]

"bumbing"

" bumbing".. oh my, that sounds naughty doesnt it

Actually in typonese it could read as bumping or bumbling, in literary terms either would have interesting implications methinks. Though I do know it is the word bumbling I am just passing some time here repressing my brat urges mostly.

Though to get more serious.. Snorky we both bumbled in various areas which I am going to elaborate on with a rough time line.
My first post was leaping in, which didnt affect the plot as was a brief interlude which I wrote and explained to you. Letting you know to of my intermittent schedules temporarily in another country which wouldnt allow me to be an active player with out creating delays. As well asked then if there was any problem with it and to please let me know if this was so. Silence was taken as all is well in the land of role play and admittedly with my second thread, time did become affected greatly in the plot.

But as any experienced DM knows and often forgets when caught up in things whether gaming or real life. Things dont always go as we plan them to be, would actually be to boring if this was so and to many great surprise challenges missed. My first thread was very harmless as intended, blending in to plot smoothly with out affecting others. The second thread with it encompassing a greater length of time would have been a challenge for many that consider themselves the best of DM's. But a comment following second interlude with a " Mean while back at the tavern.. " entry would have been the first and easiest plot adjustment. Another would be to have the players wake up next to there packed gear out side of rooms, having drank ale that was drugged.

Even running this with the next evening, ad libbing another day in to campaign where players get feet more wet so to speak. Allowing them to smooth out the flow of communicating/ adventuring in this threaded medium. Which would have helped as I finally got a chance to read the original link at top of page, perusing the thread previous to this campaign one where characters were made. The two active players hadnt played in D&D for some time and were taking things tentatively.

One thing to that stood out among the many frustrations that Snorky had to face previous to my untimely threads, lack of interest and slow responses. Was the mistake of all except for the two players was that " we should have shut our traps and let Snorky DM". She had the gumption and courage to put her money where mouth was by incepting an adventure, taking time, courtesy and wanting all to have fun.

Yup you to Spec, you dont get out of this either, your repeated references to 3E were rather tiresome. In analogy it was like a smurf on strike running around with a banner that had " 3E rules " on it. Where Snorky was the DM offering a 1st edition gendre and trying to placate yourself and some negative others as best she could. Which of course makes for an uneasy task for her in setting up this adventure and amongst other delays and confusions kept others whom showed passing interest away from active play.

So every one added to this threads demise in a round about way, some directly, accidentally and others inadvertantly. Any one that weasels out or whines other wise really should pull there head outta there arse at least far enough for ears to hear clearly.

Mostly I want to apologize to and thank the three who put forth best efforts that they could. The lady DM and two gentleman players.. to each of you I do sincerely give my utmost apologies with my compliments in the highest. You each tried your hardest to start and make things work where others sat back on there haunches watching with being to afraid to join in. With of course the one gentlemans exception whom just messaged above that he was away.

As well some more compliments, these exclusively to Snorky;

- Brilliantly done in all with magnificent plot line that showed excellent creative imagination.

-You did the best you could with the adveristies that faced you, you didnt fail by trying

- Thumbs up to your most recent posted chapter here in Lit. Therein your really putting your true self even more so in to your writing. The real you to the fullest extent, which has brought some of the greatest writers noteriety even if most dont see or exponate upon it.

Some may or may not like some or all of what I have above elaborated upon. What ever the view point, truth is still truth. As for those that may wish to argue some points, as always I back up what ever my actions or words are. Though may take some time to reply with bouncing from state to state as have been doing in US for this past week and possibly up to several months. Just want to let you know now any silences wont be avoidances. When some one has a problem with me, I say " bring it on".

 

[SpectralDragoon]

ouch d00d, a smurf?



Snork, I apologize, I'm sorry if you felt my posts on 3e were "tiresome". I like D&D and I don't mind discussing rules in an OOC environment or offering my experiences. My posts weren't meant to be nagging in any way. I think anyone who has seen me post knows I'm very friendly, light hearted, and that I try to be helpful. Snork coulda told me at any time to shut my trap and I would have. She didn't, maybe she was just being nice, maybe she didn't mind. And I wouldn't have said I told ya so Snork! Sorry it didn't work out.

 

[Wolf_Song]

Yes..

.. yes, a smurf.. in as said, from an anological perspective. Go over the thread previous to this one in detail in the third person and you will see what I mean. Lots of people had ideas and input, but when it came time for the game. Literally, only three strode forth and made the attempt to take a chance at what others had lots of opinions about. The three were a rogue, a paladin and of course a certain willing to take a chance lady DM.

Snorky didnt fail, nor did these two gentlemen, the rest of us did. Myself in being new to this thread medium threw a loop in to things with the time line stretched with my second entry. The first I dont apologize for as it was an honest mistake which I wrote Snorky about, explaining and asking her to write back if it was a problem. Other than myself, those that failed were those who had a barrage of "input", yet still remained silent when Snorky had mentioned that she needed four to flush campaign out better.

Whether in real life or role playing it is all to often seen where so many have opinions. Yet when it comes time to get things rolling, many sit back with posterior covered hands to watch, afraid to leap in.. then are the first to say " I told you so". But no matter I for one am proud of Snorky and these two gentlemen who werent afraid to step up to the plate and be a team. Its the rest of us who failed.. and hopefully Snorky will DM again in a thread, as she did a fantastic job in this ones beginnings.

Hopefully to, others will join in if and when this should happen, with a " we're with ya buddy and lets have some fun " attitude. Thats when the best times are had in groups, just every one wanting to have some fun and make it happen. Heart to heart talks are great to among so many wonderful things in life, but none really need a " what's fun in life list " from me right now.

We all learned from this experience, I certainly did and was a most interesting way to take my first try at something other than real time role play. Its what we all choose to take from these lessons and carry forth whether together or individually. I knew I did wrong with the comments Snorky made in closing the thread and whole heartedly apologized to her and the two gentlemen. Though I wasnt the only one to do wrong and am curious if any others have the fortitude to openly apologize as well.

I may not be able to see many, if any comments that may be replied to this one and my previous. Due to as mentioned above my current schedules are very random to say the least. Currently ending a lease on a house in another country that isnt my primary residence. Then hopefully today begins a twenty hour drive to meet a lady for the first time in person whom has become very dear to me over nearly five months.

I to really wish I had a character to play to as Snorky mentioned in her last thread. But my life isnt really grounded enough, nor has been for quite some time due to my business and world wanderings. It was even worse years ago with several businesses I had then. Which was easy to remedy by liquidating as the extra money made wasnt worth the free time lost. And mostly was that if I am to be married in this life time it isnt going to be to a business, especially one of my own creation.

We all make mistakes in life, for many reasons.. personal, professional and others. I know my mistakes with this thread, know to those that others made. My apology was and is sincere to three great people. There were many whom had all sorts of ideas and the two whom openly admitted that they needed help were the only ones to step forth joining Snorky in adventure. If there are those who so wish to chastise or condemn my self for actions and words then frankly I say " bring it on ". But it would really show some heart if you could pull yer hands from below yer posteriors and let Snorky and these two gents know what a great job they did with efforts put forth. They didnt fail, the rest of us did.

( Not sure whether today or in a few days time I will be here due to possibly beginning that twenty hour drive today.. but will return )

 

[Snork Maiden]

Blame Me !

Hey Guys, its only a game

I have something to say to everybody.

This was thread was doomed from the start but ever being the optimist, I thought I would give it a go because Morgoth wanted a DM and I love the game, more than that it is part of me I have spent many long days in allnighters, I guess when my girlfriends were out clubbing.

Why didn't this work?

1) I was unreasonably expecting that everyone had the same enthusiasm as myself for the thread when in reality it was just another of those online rpg things.

2) The time differences made it difficult although my PC is connected 24 hours and people could have PM'ed me or contacted me on ICQ to let me know what was happening.

3) The plot needed everyone to play as a team, I thought that would bind the group together but (see point 2) that relies on commitment and entusiasm.

4) Because in someways there was a semi defined cause and effect or even effect and reaction in the actual plot I couldn't take the plot forward without everyone being on board.

5) You don't sit at a table for 3 days and do nothing but drink one mug of beer. Even if players hadn't finished there character sheets they could have posted a couple of lines - how long does that take out of a day.

6) Wolf_Song your posts were appreciated, even though though you hadn't introduced your character, your post fitted with the scenery, didn't impact on anything or disturb the plot, in all they were genuinely non disruptive. I didn't react as a DM because I took them for the retorical prose they were intended to be.

7) Spectral I was very grateful for all your help. Infact I think I actually asked you in the OOC thread I have nothing but gratitude for your input and assistance. No they weren't nagging and my quip about you smirking knowledgeable was actually a dig at myself and not you I think there is some confusion from somewhere, guys don't get worked up over it Snork 's it better.

8) Khadger, my apologies, I didn't realise you were away I was puzzled that you had been so enthusiastic in the ooc thread and then no reply even to my PM.

Airborne, I appreciate the time you took and also the chats, that was exactly the reason I set up the ICQ so that players could talk in real time.

Android thanks too for your time and efforts they were appreciated.


To everybody, I am really sorry that it didn't pan out and for taking up your time

Snork

 

[Khadgar]

hey, you don't be sorry! i put that i was away in my sig, but i should have PMed you. i answered back though, when i got back.

i'm still enthusiastic about it, just.... wasn't here!

sorry.

 

[Wolf_Song]

Dear Lady

.. thou hast done no wrong unto mineself nor any other.

Mine apologies dost stand in sincerity, humility and whole heartedness. Along with my growing admiration and respect of yourself as a person of great beauty with out and within of heart truly golden.

There are so many arguements of what matters most in a person predominantly brawn vs brain. I dont enter those debates other than to clearly comment that which is truth, what matters most is the heart. And you my friend therein, truly shine.. looking upon and sharing unselfishly to the world.

Snorky, ye did yer best.. none can fault you for that, you stood up and took the challenge others wouldnt. I wished that could have done more with schedules permitting to join the group with a full playing character. I can relate what its like to have AD&D as part of a person.. have been playing it myself for nearly 21 years amongst many RPG systems.

These past few years I havent played much other than a few intervals, plus once a year in Vegas with some friends who play AD&D and GURPS. But even that passed quietly as they and so many whom used to play with now and then got caught up in the alluring Everquest. Which I have several accounts in, rarely playing..as its not the same as a group together, unbound by technological and imaginitive restrictions.

You created something wonderful here with your stepping up to take the role of DMing where others were unsure of trying. That showed conviction and character of great individual merit. Then when choosing to end the thread you did so with grace, wisdom and courtesy. Even in frustrations evident through out the planning and inceptions you put others afore self.

An honor, privilige and pleasure to call thee mine friend M'Lady

( bows humbly unto and in deepest respect to Snorky )
---------------------------------------------------------------------

- As for the twenty hour drive, it went well.. though my love and I know outwardly to world, friends only we must appear.. for now. Agreeing together to do what is right, putting the sakes of others afore selves.

In this as in all, always will follow heart.. seeing where it leads.

In closing;

My best to Snorky and all those whom would peruse this thread, may always you and those dear in yer hearts e'er shine in graces of love and life