Post by David on Jul 20, 2012 13:18:50 GMT -5
The heroes (Daj, Helga, Moonlight, Black Robe, Jamal, Mizzrie, and Tolinar) awaken at the foot of the mountains to the return of Alef-Thau. Shortly afterward, Thera's spirit and an "echo" of Dobby's previous presence in the Valley of Spirits join the group. The priestess of Hades entered the valley from the Underworld, having sensed the powerful presence within the spirit braid with Dobby's "echo" being the Valley's own response to investigate. Daj moves to give her old friend a hug, only to reveal that the braid is dangerous to spiritual beings.
Using a variety of spells, the heroes fly halfway over the mountains and rest on a small, high plateau overnight. There, the heroes are attacked in the dark by a roost of perytons. There is a moment where both Thera and Tolinar are in danger, but the heroes vanquish the lot of them. Unfortunately, the spells used mean that the heroes must shuttle across the mountains in two groups. By sunset, however, the whole party is on a beach looking south at the mighty ocean. They have a feast of giant crab while listening to the sealions roar in the deeper waters of the outer reef.
In the morning, the heroes use a series of spells to water gate to cross the ocean. Black Robe carries Daj and the two (already with water breathing) arrive in the middle of the deep ocean. A second casting brings the heroes to "the edge of the world" where a vortex sucks them all down. The spells are disrupted and each loses sight of the others, only having a vague spiritual sense of each other. Identifying the various party members to form a cohesive whole, the heroes awaken, many with new, spirit-based perks, on the edge of an oasis. Curiously, Mizzrie and Dajamira have traded bodies...!
Jamal vaguely recognizes the place -- using his land navigational skills, he guesses that not only is the party back on Oerth, but they're in Zakhara, somewhere near the Pantheist League. Jamal confirms this when the heroes enter the oasis seeking water and encounter some al-Badia (Bedouin) guards. Jamal tries to talk wiht the guards, but finally Daj (as Mizzrie the drow cleric) charms the leader so the heroes can continue. Jamal leads a group into the market where they get appropriate clothing and gear as here in the Pantheist League, all women must wear the veil and all beings must worship one of the five Enlightened Gods.
Jamal and company makes contact with Aziz the merchant to protect his caravan for the two week journey to the coast and "civilization". With the help of a hakima (wise woman) they even manage to get the gargoyle (heavily wrapped in robes) to be included.
The first day across the desert passes without incident. Daj (as Mizzrie) struggles a bit with the light, being unaccustomed to the glare. The females in general keep to themselves and avoid the six caravan guards. That evening, the heroes are attacked by seven werehyenas under cover of dark. The monsters slaughter all but two guards (one of which is only saved later with clerical magic) but two of the lycanthropes escape into the desert. Victorious, the heroes go back to sleep. During the fight, Thera, Dobby, and Alef-Thau depart...
Using a variety of spells, the heroes fly halfway over the mountains and rest on a small, high plateau overnight. There, the heroes are attacked in the dark by a roost of perytons. There is a moment where both Thera and Tolinar are in danger, but the heroes vanquish the lot of them. Unfortunately, the spells used mean that the heroes must shuttle across the mountains in two groups. By sunset, however, the whole party is on a beach looking south at the mighty ocean. They have a feast of giant crab while listening to the sealions roar in the deeper waters of the outer reef.
In the morning, the heroes use a series of spells to water gate to cross the ocean. Black Robe carries Daj and the two (already with water breathing) arrive in the middle of the deep ocean. A second casting brings the heroes to "the edge of the world" where a vortex sucks them all down. The spells are disrupted and each loses sight of the others, only having a vague spiritual sense of each other. Identifying the various party members to form a cohesive whole, the heroes awaken, many with new, spirit-based perks, on the edge of an oasis. Curiously, Mizzrie and Dajamira have traded bodies...!
Jamal vaguely recognizes the place -- using his land navigational skills, he guesses that not only is the party back on Oerth, but they're in Zakhara, somewhere near the Pantheist League. Jamal confirms this when the heroes enter the oasis seeking water and encounter some al-Badia (Bedouin) guards. Jamal tries to talk wiht the guards, but finally Daj (as Mizzrie the drow cleric) charms the leader so the heroes can continue. Jamal leads a group into the market where they get appropriate clothing and gear as here in the Pantheist League, all women must wear the veil and all beings must worship one of the five Enlightened Gods.
Jamal and company makes contact with Aziz the merchant to protect his caravan for the two week journey to the coast and "civilization". With the help of a hakima (wise woman) they even manage to get the gargoyle (heavily wrapped in robes) to be included.
The first day across the desert passes without incident. Daj (as Mizzrie) struggles a bit with the light, being unaccustomed to the glare. The females in general keep to themselves and avoid the six caravan guards. That evening, the heroes are attacked by seven werehyenas under cover of dark. The monsters slaughter all but two guards (one of which is only saved later with clerical magic) but two of the lycanthropes escape into the desert. Victorious, the heroes go back to sleep. During the fight, Thera, Dobby, and Alef-Thau depart...