Dangerous Creations

A Tunnels and Trolls® play-by-post adventure run by khara_khang

Chapter 11: Delvers' Desires

throst54

Amroth

"Wow! I know what I want, O great one! A magical rusty dagger! And and if I could have a nice little scabbard for it, that would be greatly appreciated!" he says while talking and prostrating himself before her.

OOC

I don't think we should go back the the tavern: I think we need to get in contact with Grutoss.

anonlybrat

Felixia

Felixia blinks, looking into the water. What does she want? She has to ask for something. She looks over to Krandor and says, "What should I ask for?"

khara_khang

OOC

I was made aware of a joke in my last post. Read this again fast:

<grins>

GM

The golden creature hands Amroth his rusty dagger in its scabbard as requested, and as if it were created from the water itself.

OOC

Magical Rusty Dagger (4d6+6):

• Rust always present.
• If the blade breaks, it grows back.
• Anyone cut by the dagger must make a 5th level SR, or by the next round s/he will have a serious case of tetanus.

GM

"Enjoy it Amroth-Esa. You are a valiant warrior," says the creature.

"Anything you want, Felixia," whispers Krandor, looking up at Felixia through his helm. "You should do what your heart tells you to do."

Krandor steps forward as Amroth moves away. "I ask for Blodwydd to be returned unharmed with her equipment."

"As you wish, Krandor. Your knightly request is granted," the creature says, and in a sparkle of magic, Blodwydd appears, looking a little confused.

"Whoa! I think I was dead... damn, I know I was," says Blodwydd.

Blerrg points to the first booth on the right. "Oooo, that booth takes you to Grutoss's Castle."

What do you do?

split_94558

Kahi

Kahi waits his turn to ask for something and when it comes, he asks the spirit for the last two heads of his flail (poison and electricity). He explains that one was stepped on by a demon in a rather... terminal way (for both the demon and the flail head), and that the other was destroyed in a volcano a long time ago.

He thanks the spirit and then starts to walk away. Pausing for a second, he snaps his fingers and says as he pulls out his shield, "Oh yeah, and could you tell me what the magic is behind this shield?"

throst54

Amroth

Amroth sheathes his weapons (scimitar and haladie), then attaches his new dagger to his belt and stands before the door leading to Grutoss's castle. "I think it be best if we enter this door and speak with Grutoss, 'cause I need to talk to him about those beetle snacks. Plus, right now I don't exactly feel as if I have become totally human again. I know that I am still a bit o' undead. Well now, hurry up and ask the nice creature for your presents! Don't keep it waiting all day; I'm sure it has something else to do!"

titania_the_kickbutt_fairy

Titania

Titania, aware that she doesn't have much in the way of protection when it comes to hand-to-Fairy combat, thinks hard. "I'm not sure what I'd like to have, but I do know that I need something that can help keep me safe. Can you suggest anything?" she asks the creature.

She has always been indecisive about such things. It is so much easier when things are inherited. Then, you don't have a choice to make; it is just yours.

throst54

Amroth

"I know what you need! You're right: if you get into a fight with another Fairy, you will not be very well equipped as far as protection or weaponry... which is why I recommend to you this!" He rummages through his bag and pulls out a scroll and unrolls it, after removing the green worm guts from it.

"I was going to give these plans to Felixia, but her armour is 3 times better than yours. So I present to you the 'Enchanted Un-Patented Amroth Mithril Dagger-Gauntlet': the Fairy version!" On the scroll, you see two beautiful gauntlets, the right-handed one having a retractable blade on it which looks incredibly deadly. "So what do you think?"

OOC

In the rule book, it says that a Wizard cannot use weapons greater than daggers, or bigger than 2d6 weapons. But this is a dagger, but the difference is that it is attached to a gauntlet, which doesn't "break the rules" so to speak. But in this situation, we're gonna bend them, if it's ok w/ Khara. Since the blade is mithril instead of steel, it does 3d6+3, but it's still just a dagger, and it happens to be enchanted with a permanent Vorpal Blade (dice x2). Therefore the final stats of this weapon are 6d6+3 with 3 armour hits, STR req: 3, DEX req: 14. So what do you think, Khara? It doesn't break the rules, just bends them....

Since eickeric said he was gonna be gone for 3 weeks, I thought I would take the liberty of suggesting some gifts for Jay:

• Firestorm Sling: (2d6+15 fire damage)
  • the 'to hit SR' is lowered by 1 level
• The Napalm Band:
  • magical wristlet that makes wearer immune to all fire damage.
  • Twice a day it can put the user insidee a spherical shield of 4' radius.
  • Touching the shield (unless immune to fire damage) causes 10d6 damage unless you can make a level 5 SR on Luck (then take only half).

khara_khang

OOC

No matter how much I would like you to, throst54, Jay has to pick his own reward. I like the Fairy weapon; the damage is a little high, but it's still nice.

GM

The golden Water Spirit turns its attention on Kahi as the others move away and as he begins his request. The new flail heads appear almost instantly upon his request.

The golden Water Spirit looks at Kahi's large tower shield with a red phoenix painted on it. "Courageous Warrior, the phoenix shield grants the possessor with immunity to fire, 10 hits, and once per month you can summon a real phoenix to save you, but when you do there is a fifty percent chance that the phoenix will take the shield with it when it departs. Those are the possible costs to being saved, I guess. Everything has a price, Kahi," it says as Kahi moves away.

"I'm sorry little magical one, you have to tell me what you want, or give me some idea for me to create it for you," says the golden Water Spirit.

What do you do?

mistwalker_

OOC

There are exceptions to many rules where magic is concerned. Some weapons in some of the modules specify that any class can use them.

Brienna

"A safer profession," Brienna says flatly. "Or armor."

[Note: According to a conversation with eickeric, mistwalker_ didn't intend for Brienna's wish to be armor or a safer occupation. Rather, her reply was intended for Titania, who had just asked the spirit for suggestions. Brienna was going to wish to be with her father again (which meant that Brienna would've wound up in heaven or hell, or so mistwalker_ believed). In retrospect, what she gets instead is probably for the better.... --ed.]

anonlybrat

Felixia

Felixia flutters over. "I'm not sure what to ask for really," she explains. "So whatever you think I could use, I'd appreciate it."

jaxdracon

Jax

Jax stands astonished at Blodwydd's reappearance---so much so, that twice the usual amount of Orcish drool manages to slip out between his tusks onto the smooth floor, making splatting sounds all too audible in the stunned silence. Without much thought, he smears the Orc-pool with the sole of a boot.

"To make a long story short, you were a bug, but now you're not. It's, uh, good to have you back, Red."

Krandor's wish gives the master swordsman an idea as he approaches the golden creature. The sheer brilliance of the watery apparition blinds him, and he feels humbled once again, insignificant in its presence, not unlike how he felt as a young stripling guarding the gates of Dracon Warren and looking up into the vast array of pinpricks guarded by Arahk Gnahk's imposing constellation. There are a handful of things he desires, an army of questions he wants answered, but somehow, they all seem trivial, wasteful, undeserved.

"Damn that high-fallutin' Haroouugh blood," he thinks, wincing. So much for that extra-large sack of Lilac's special recipie sun-dried lizards....

At the pool's lip, he stops and opens his tusked mouth to speak. The words come out after some hesitation: "Honorable creature of the waters, I beg the Death Goddess's pardon for my friend Jack de Crampon's insolence, and also for his safe return to our company, that is, if such forgiveness does not already exhaust my boon, and if both of them shall have it," he says, never quite managing to look the creature in the face. He backs away quickly after speaking his request.

titania_the_kickbutt_fairy

Titania

Titania graciously accepts the scroll from Amroth, nods her thanks, and turning toward the golden spirit says, "If I could ask for you to create these, spirit, that would be my wish."

tarandracon

Taran

As his fellow adventurers belly up to the Water Spirit and ask for treasure, Taran watches silently. He bares his tusk- and tooth-filled mouth to Blerrg at his sarcasm. No, he doesn't feel like going for a swim, but the memory of his bath in a Zweetz healing pool years ago---as a lizard no less---is still clear in his mind.

"No swimming today, Blerrg!" Taran grunts as he slowly approaches the creature. Krandor's and Jax's requests of returning their comrades are noble and expected. He wonders if anyone will use their wish to resurrect Demens, who was plucked to his doom earlier in the journey to the castle. For all his Orcish honor, and how impressed he is at Krandor's and Jax's wishes---although he suddenly wonders why Krandor picked Blodwydd over Demens---Taran isn't going to waste this opportunity to ask for the paladin's restoration.

Taran approaches the Water Spirit and points a thumb to his back. "You're quite powerful, indeed, to fashion such treasure out of magic itself, but I'm wonderin' more about this here, ugh," he says, contorting his waist to try to face the creature and show it his back simultaneously, "tattoo I picked up not long ago." He realizes his armor probably covers up the tattoo, so he grabs his brother Jax and says, "My ever-stinkin' brother's got one too, on his shoulder. So anyways, if you can grant me a service of knowledge, well, frak, that'd be great!"

Taran doesn't feel bad at all about not wishing for some powerful artifact, like some of the others. After all, there is the pile of coins for them to split.

split_94558

Kahi

Kahi ponders the information gained from the spirit and, thanking it, slumps off in the direction of the portal to Grutoss's castle, and waits until everyone is done making their requests.

eickeric

Jay

"Just happen to us." Futility. Ah, so that's how he sleeps at night.

Then I want Krandor assigned to permanent latrine-cleaning duty. Guys like him should have no responsibility for the well-being of others.

Thanks, and I like the idea of the protective shield, but no thanks. Neither fits. There are only a few things Jay's really interested in, and any of them will do. And if none of them will do, well, Jay wasn't expecting much either.

1. Krandor assigned to permanent latrine-cleaning duty.
2. A date with Lerotra'hh
3. Obviously we can restore things to life, and Demens is still dead, so having him somewhere alive and safe (e.g., not back with the birds) would be okay.
4. A few troops (except Krandor) and transportation up north: there's a lion or two being held captive (by a Minotaur and Troll) that Jay promised to free. Wait, skip that. If it can do anything, just save everyone in the pits (save the undead) and send them some place safe/home.
5. Some wearable item allowing shapechanging abilities.

Whatever she can manage is fine. Jay doesn't really feel like anything too spectacular was done to earn such a boon anyway.

Quick! See if they'll give you a wish too!

Surprised me, actually.

Seeing as I've brought him up every 15 minutes, I think it's unlikely he's been forgotten.

He didn't want to give Jay the satisfaction.

khara_khang

GM

The Water Spirit turns its head to face the source of the sound. It looks at the eyes which are looking at it, waiting patiently for a moment. It gives a small hint of a smile to the newcomer. "Again, I am sorry, tiny one, but I cannot choose your reward for you. You have to tell me what you want, even if only in vague reference, otherwise I cannot reward you." Its words are hesitant. The Water Spirit notes the lack of recognition in the group of treasure seekers' eyes as they look upon it, not realizing what they really see: a powerful being eternally bound to torment and servitude by Lerotra'hh. It shakes its head and closes its eyes. After a moment, it opens them again.

Meanwhile, Blodwydd shifts from foot to foot. She can feel the heat crawl up into her face as she blushes. She is certain that her face will erupt into a burst of flames at any moment. It is not something that she practices on a regular basis. Blodwydd is still a little disoriented. "Oh... uh... well, thank you Krandor," Blodwydd stutters, clearly not believing she just stuttered.

Krandor leans forward, whispering secretively to Blodwydd, "I think I owed you that, Blodwydd. No thanks needed." He is silent for a moment, then his calm voice continues, "You know we don't always ask for jobs we are given."

Blodwydd eyes Krandor, but she doesn't respond.

Blodwydd's Krandor-induced blush fades as she catches Jax's remark.

There is silence once again. Then its angelic voice sounds. "Your request is granted, noble Warrior Jax Dracon," the golden Water Spirit says with a hint of hesitation. Then its face softens.

Jack de Crampon reappears without any stage drama. Memories of his former self slowly return, and he becomes aware of his friend Jax looking on expectantly. A sense of overwhelming relief overcomes him as Jack realizes that he has survived Lerotra'hh's justice. Jack's voice breaks the silence. "Jumpin' Jax flash, I'm back! So what happened... was I un-created, ya think?" Sarcasm drips from his words. "I'm fine now. I'm a free man... umm, skeleton I mean."

Jack de Crampon's bony hand on Jax's left shoulder holds Jax figuratively in place. After a moment, the skeleton's quiet words meet Jax's ears. "Someday, I'll remember what happened and we'll all look back on this and run into something. I promise you, Jax Dracon, I will not forget what you have done for me now. Thank you."

Jax says nothing but smiles. The grip on Jax's shoulder tightens affectionately. "You're a good well-trained house-broken Orc, Mr. Jax Dracon. Yes you are." The hand then releases its hold. If Jack had skin and not a bony face, Jax would have seen a slight hint of a smile that moment, had Jack even had lips to smile with.

The Water Spirit smiles at Titania's words and nods. It scans the scroll and with a slight movement uses its immense power as it creates the gauntlets per the diagram on the scroll.

OOC

Fairy Dagger/Gauntlets (4d6+4, 3 hits, min STR 3, min DEX 14):

• Mithril construction yields 2d6+4 damage for the dagger, but a permanent Vorpal Blade enchantment doubles the damage dice.
• Blade is retractable into the gauntlet out of sight and can be brought out instantly with a special hand movement when needed.

GM

"You indeed have my blessing, Titania," it says, its voice now chipper.

"Oh ya, I forgot you disliked water, Taran," mutters Blerrg, who then turns away so that Taran cannot see the returning smile. "The crafting powers of that thing are just amazing," thinks Blerrg. For some reason, the Water Spirit brings back inklings of his sketchy memory of his previous death.

Taran and Jax sigh, sounding an air of relief as the knowledge requested is imparted to them mentally.

OOC

Wizard Symbiont: a Talo Tattoo Worm (IQ 10, CON 5 added to host's CON):

The symbiont imparts two magical abilities to the host. Activation of either ability is automatic and costs the host 3 DEX per activation (gained back 1 point per hour). If the host doesn't wear gloves, there is a 50% chance that these abilities will not activate.

• Portal detection: within 100' (tattoo will glow purple)
• Magic absorption: once per day, any magical spell cast on the host will have no effect if the host makes a Level 3 SR versus IQ.

Magic Tattoos can only be gained by Humans, Elves, Orcs and Ogres and should be limited to them, except for the experimental tattoos.

GM

"Your request is granted, Warrior Taran Dracon. May the knowledge I have given aid you in your eternal quest," the Spirit comments, head tilted slightly, suddenly uncomfortable, shifting in the water but leaving barely a visible ripple. Its hidden frown doesn't go away; nor does its gaze.

What do you do?

anonlybrat

Felixia

Felixia waits for everyone to wish what they desire, then she looks to the Water Spirit. Fluttering toward it, she gently touches it, "I... I wish you were free," she says, smiling.

throst54

Amroth

Amroth turns to Blodwydd. "Yeah, like Krandor here: no one asked to have to endure him. So how those gauntlets feel, Titania? Can we go now? I need to go talk to Grutoss about those beetles! I mean I remember him telling me 'use them when the time is ripe,' and, well, when something is ripe, aren't you supposed to eat it?"

Turning to the Water Spirit again, he asks, "What exactly happened in the world while I was dead? Is there anything else that I need to know? You look pretty intelligent."

Turning to Jay, he says, "Can you tell me if anything else happened while I was dead?"

I feel a "Disney's Aladdin" moment comming on....

"You've got a friend in me!"

eickeric

Jay

Well, speak up then. I'm not a mind reader.

Did her speech suddenly get much better, or am I thinking of someone else?

Wait to see if the spirit responds to my request.

I didn't say it.

"Do I know you?" Turning to everyone else, I say, "Is anybody here claiming him?"

Disney company, bah. Anti-American thieves.

Go To: PBPArchives | DangerousCreations | prev | next
This page updated: Mon Jan 09 14:22:12 2006
All text Copyright ©1999-2006 PBPArchives.