Karl Posts 201-250

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" rowspan="2" width=210 BGCOLOR="#99CC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="12a8dfc3.jpg"> <div> <B>  </B></div> </td> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=82 BGCOLOR="#CCCC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="12b8dfe1esnpes.jpg"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#336666" FACE="Arial" ><B>Missiledine's Archives</B></FONT><B>     </B><B>|</B><B>     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Missiledines Archives"><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id47.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Karl Lingsted"><U>Karl Lingsted</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id89.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Karl Posts 20 40"><U>Karl Posts 20 - 40</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id148.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Karl Posts 41 60"><U>Karl Posts 41 - 60</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id165.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Karl 61 80"><U>Karl 61 - 80</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id200.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Karl 81 100"><U>Karl 81 - 100</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id209.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Karl Posts 101 135"><U>Karl Posts 101 - 135</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id268.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Karl Posts 135200"><U>Karl Posts 135-200</U></A>   |   <B>Karl Posts 201-250</B></div> <div> <A HREF="id6.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" Missiledines Archives"><U><B>Archive Directory</B></U></A></div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=398 colspan=2 BGCOLOR="#CCCC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="12b8dfc3.jpg"> <div> <I>Karl Posts 201-250</I></div> <bR> <bR> <div>  Velitrium Campaign</div> <div>   PBEM Exchange</div> <div>   Series 2 GM POST # 201</div> <div>   Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <div>  </div> <div>   "Before you opened the container?" Drust says in a puzzled voice. "What</div> <div>   container?"</div> <div>   The Guardsman answers your question. "She keeps going on in some furren</div> <div>   language and when she do speak Velitar tis only to say odd bits like,</div> <div>   'The Prophesey!' or 'The Hammer has passed!' I canna make any sense of</div> <div>   it."</div> <div>  </div> <bR> <div>  Velitrium Campaign</div> <div>  PBEM Exchange</div> <div>  Series 2 PC POST # 201</div> <div>  Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <bR> <bR> <div>  "Rutus had this ancient bronze container he had bought that he thought there</div> <div>  might be something valuable in. I told Amanda to stay out of the room to be</div> <div>  safe but she had to see if there was some sort of treasure in there. We have</div> <div>  brought something to help her sleep, which is about all we can do until we</div> <div>  are sure what has happened to her. Has she had anything to eat yet?"</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div>  Velitrium Campaign</div> <div>  PBEM Exchange</div> <div>  Series 2 GM POST # 202</div> <div>  Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <bR> <bR> <div> "What was in it?"  Drust asks anxiously. "What happened to her?"</div> <div> The Guardsman says, "Vassa took some stew into her, but I doubt she ate any."</div> <bR> <div> You hear a voice calling from the bottom of the steps. It is the Ranger Captain.</div> <div> The Lieutenant turns to talk to him.</div> <div> "What have you got?" The Captain calls up</div> <div> "No news yet." The Lt answers softly. "We have a sleeping draught from Grelda.</div> <div> Get some one over there to stifle that crow! She knows to much and she'll</div> <div> chatter all over town like a jay bird!"</div> <div> You hear the Captain give some orders to someone, then he says to the</div> <div> Lieutenant. "Do you need anymore men?"</div> <div> "No," He answers. "Not yet. But have asquad standing by. And make sure no one</div> <div> enters or leaves this house until we have things cleared up. Better send someone</div> <div> round to the temple to get a Priest. I think we'll need one."</div> <div> "Aye." The Captain agrees.</div> <div> From the street comes the sound of some sort of commotion.</div> <div> "What is that?" The Lieutenant calls down, but the Captain has already gone to</div> <div> see.</div> <bR> <bR> <div>       Velitrium Campaign</div> <div>       PBEM Exchange</div> <div>       Series 2 PC POST # 202</div> <div>       Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <div>      </div> <div>    </div> <div>      Karl turns arround 'Might be Zulth coming to finish the job, if I</div> <div>  was wrong about the other possibility. Be carefull!'</div> <div>      Karl sighs and looks at Drust 'Some sort of magical serpent named</div> <div>  Zulth of Pathlar was in there, and apparently Rutus wasn't too happy and</div> <div>  attacked  Zulth and Zulth slaughtered Ruthus and his men, and did something to</div> <div>    Amanda,  I'm not sure what it was yet. If that is Zulth we should wait up on</div> <div>  that  sleeping draught and try and get Amanda to safety.'</div> <div>    </div> <div>    </div> <div>    </div> <div>       Velitrium Campaign</div> <div>       PBEM Exchange</div> <div>       Series 2 GM POST # 203</div> <div>       Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <div>      </div> <div>    </div> <div>     The lieutenant goes to look out the window that has a view on the</div> <div>  street.  "Wonderful." He grumbles "Just what we need, the Council and a group</div> <div>  of  'concerned' citizens. How in the Nine Hells did they hear about this?"</div> <div>    </div> <div>     "He attacked her?" Drust asks you, his eyes widening with concern</div> <div>    </div> <div>   </div> <div>  </div> <div>      Velitrium Campaign</div> <div>      PBEM Exchange</div> <div>      Series 2 PC POST # 203</div> <div>      Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <div>     </div> <div>  </div> <div>   </div> <div>    "Yes and no. He was staring at her and she started mumbling these words</div> <div>  I didn't recognize, presumedly he was either hypnotising her or casting</div> <div>  some sort of spell. I started to get her out of there and the next part is a</div> <div>  bit confusing, something that looked like him dove at her, or it could have</div> <div>  been me, which is certainly more direct and physical than any of his other</div> <div>    attacks, but when I pulled her away what had looked like him just melted</div> <div>    into the floor. There are a lot of possibilities, and unless we can</div> <div>  exclude a few it would be a lot better if we could get Amanda to take the</div> <div>  sleeping  draught and get to bed while we work through some of the possibilities."</div> <div>  </div> <bR> <div>      Velitrium Campaign</div> <div>      PBEM Exchange</div> <div>      Series 2 GM POST # 204</div> <div>      Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <div>     </div> <div>  </div> <div>   Drust listens to you intently, his expression clearly trusting in your</div> <div>  knowledge and skill.  He nods in agreement with your conclusion.</div> <div>  </div> <div>   Through the open doorway and from down the steps you can hear angry</div> <div>  voices.  "Is  this Zulth demon thing in there or not!" Someone demands angrily</div> <div>   "Where is the monster?" Another voice calls</div> <div>   "What have you done about it? Three men are dead!"</div> <div>   "Where is the possessed woman? What is being done with her?"</div> <div>   "Tell us what is going on!"  The voices are going increasingly strident and agitated.</div> <div>   You can hear the Captain trying to calm them down. "We have not located</div> <div>  the  creature yet. We don't know for certain that it is a demon.  There is no</div> <div>   evidence that the woman is possessed, she may just be under a spell.. We</div> <div>  have sent for a Priest to examine her."</div> <div>  </div> <bR> <bR> <div>      Velitrium Campaign</div> <div>      PBEM Exchange</div> <div>      Series 2 PC POST # 204</div> <div>      Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <bR> <bR> <div>      Karl tells Drust "See that she gets the draught, I will take care of</div> <div>  this."</div> <div>      He turns outside to the crowd and in a low forcefull voice says "If you</div> <div>  want to live be quiet. Whatever this Zulth is, he has gone into hiding for</div> <div>  the moment, and the one thing we do kow is that he cannot be stopped with</div> <div>  swords or pitchforks. The three men who are dead tried to capture him, and</div> <div>  unless you want to follow in their footsteps I would urge you to leave off.</div> <div>  If you spot Zult, which looks like a large snake that talks, then report it</div> <div>  to the guard so they may bring the appropriate person. The three men he</div> <div>  killed were killed at the same time, and there is reason to believe he could</div> <div>  handle a crowd of any size in the same fashion. If he is where we suspect</div> <div>  you can only tip him off and anger him, which makes dealing with him more</div> <div>  difficult and will get yourselves killed in the bargain, so go home."</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div>     Velitrium Campaign</div> <div>     PBEM Exchange</div> <div>     Series 2 GM POST # 205</div> <div>     Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <bR> <div> Drust takes the pouch of powder uncertainly, "Errr, Karl, how much should I give</div> <div> her?"</div> <div> <I will presume you tell him the amount as you head for the steps</div> <bR> <div> The lieutenant is leaning out the open window watching the crowd as you go down</div> <div> the steps. He doesn't seem to notice your leaving.</div> <div> Reaching the bottom you step out the front door. The Captain, flanked by two</div> <div> Watchmen are facing a group of twelve or so people. There are three men and a</div> <div> woman in the forefront. They are dressed in clothing appropriate to members of</div> <div> the lower end of the upper class. These must be the Council members that the</div> <div> lieutenant spoke.  Their expressions range from concerned to outraged.</div> <div> You step up alongside the Captain, who was unaware of your presence until you</div> <div> launch into your speech. When you finish he is looking at you coldly and takes</div> <div> you firmly by the elbow and leads you back to the door.</div> <div> One of the Councilmen says, "Your that Wizard from the Academy, aren't you?</div> <div> Lingsted, right? What is your involvement in this? Did you release this</div> <div> monster?"</div> <div> The Councilwoman says, "Wait a minute Captain! We want to talk to him! In a</div> <div> matter of public safety..."</div> <div> The Captain rounds on her, his voice thick with suppressed anger. "In matters of</div> <div> public safety the Watch and the Rangers are in charge Mistress Delna. NOT the</div> <div> Council. Or would you like to discuss precedence with the Count?"</div> <div> "If he has informa..." The first Councilman starts.</div> <div> "Our investigation has only begun." The Captain cuts him off. "There are only</div> <div> two people who know what happened, Master Lingsted and his wife, who at the</div> <div> moment is incoherent. For all we know, this," He gives your arm a slight shake</div> <div> for emphasis."May be this Zulth thing."</div> <div> Everyone takes an involuntary step back at this revelation.</div> <div> "We won't know the truth until the Inquisitor arrives. Now BACK OFF!" His voice</div> <div> rises to a parade ground pitch.</div> <div> To the two Watchmen, in a much lower voice. "No one goes in or out of this house</div> <div> without my say so."  To you he says,. "Go tend your wife Master Lingsted and</div> <div> leave the civic matters to the authorities."</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div>        Velitrium Campaign</div> <div>        PBEM Exchange</div> <div>        Series 2 PC POST # 205</div> <div>        Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <div>  </div> <div>    Karl nods, and whispers to the Captain as he heads back in "If he's not</div> <div>  in  my wife, he may have lain back down in the bowl, if anyone wants to</div> <div>  check."</div> <div>  </div> <bR> <div>     Velitrium Campaign</div> <div>        PBEM Exchange</div> <div>        Series 2 GM POST # 206</div> <div>        Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <div>  </div> <div>   The Captain nods rather curtly to you suggestion. "We have left a guard on</div> <div>  the container and our analysis of it continues."</div> <div>   As you enter the doorway and turn to head back up the steps, you hear</div> <div>  someone in the crowd say, "Here comes the Priest!"  There is an audible murmur of</div> <div>  relief from the crowd.</div> <div>  </div> <bR> <div>    Velitrium Campaign</div> <div>       PBEM Exchange</div> <div>       Series 2 PC POST # 206</div> <div>       Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <bR> <div>      Karl lowers his head to the priest, and says "She is this way." Then</div> <div>  leads him up the stairs.</div> <bR> <bR> <div>    Velitrium Campaign</div> <div>       PBEM Exchange</div> <div>       Series 2 GM POST # 207</div> <div>       Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <bR> <div> The crowd parts to let the Priest through. He is a man of middling years, with</div> <div> the kind of features that make it hard to say exactly how old he is. He could be</div> <div> anywhere from mid thirties to late forties. He wears the robes of a senior</div> <div> priest, with the sash of a Champion and the symbol of an Inquisitor. You hear</div> <div> people murmur greetings, "Father Demel" seems to be his name.</div> <div> Demel steps up onto the stoop and greets the Captain as an old friend. "What is</div> <div> the problem? Your man was full of 'Demon this and Demon that."</div> <div> "We don't know for sure that it is a demon." The Captain says. "And we don't</div> <div> know if it has possesed anyone." In a lower voice he says, "We'll talk inside."</div> <div> The two of them enter the brewery and close the door. They are inside for a few</div> <div> minutes then come out. Father Demel says to the crowd. "I will go upstairs now</div> <div> and examine this unfortunate child. I want you all to go home now."</div> <div> "But..." Someone starts to protest</div> <div> "If I drive the monster from its refuge, I do not want so many nearby that it</div> <div> may seek a new victim amongst." He continues</div> <div> There is a silence at that and then the crowd begins to melt away..... The</div> <div> Councilman looks uncertain</div> <div> "If you truly wish to help," Demel continues "Then go to the Temple and pray for</div> <div> Mitra to give me strength to best this beast and to hold us all in the palm of</div> <div> his protective hand."</div> <div> The Councilmen give up at this and in a few minutes the street is empty except</div> <div> for the Watchmen, the Captain, you and the Priest.</div> <div> Demel turns to you "You are the husband of Amanda?" He asks pleasantly "Take me</div> <div> to her."</div> <div> You lead him upstairs.</div> <div> Once in the apartment he stops in the kitchen area and lases his case on the</div> <div> table. Now that he is inside he seems to be in no rush to go into Amanda.</div> <div> "First things first." He says.</div> <div> He takes his holy sytmbol in his hands and closes his eyes in prayer. Then he</div> <div> looks at the Captain for a long time without speaking. Finally he says, "I know</div> <div> your aura, you are untouched by Darkness." He turns to the Lieutenant and</div> <div> repeats his prayer and the long stare. "I know your aura, you are untouched by</div> <div> Darkness."</div> <div> He does the same for each of the Watch and Drust. Then he looks at you. "I have never met you before Master Lingsted, this will take a bit longer."  Again he</div> <div> closes his eyes in prayer.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div>   Velitrium Campaign</div> <div>   PBEM Exchange</div> <div>   Series 2 PC POST # 207</div> <div>   Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <bR> <div> Karl waits patiently, going through any motions the priest requires and</div> <div> trying to stay calm despite the emergency.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div>  Velitrium Campaign</div> <div>  PBEM Exchange</div> <div>  Series 2 GM POST # 208</div> <div>  Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <bR> <div> You are not required to do anything but wait patiently. After a few</div> <div> moments the Priest intones, "I know your aura, you are untouched by</div> <div> Darkness."</div> <div> You hear the Captain murmmer to the Lieutenant, "What d'ye know."</div> <div> "Now,"  Demel says briskly. "Take me to Amada."</div> <div> He follows you into the bedroom. Vassa is sitting on a stool next to the</div> <div> bed. Amanda is lying under the covers, dressed in her shift, staring</div> <div> vacantly at the ceiling, mumbling incoherrently. Vassa is holding the</div> <div> cup that Drust prepared the drug in. She looks up as you come in. "I got</div> <div> most of it into her." She says to you</div> <div> "Most of what?" Demel asks sharply</div> <div> "Oh Father! I'm so glad to see you!" Vassa looks relieved as she stands</div> <div> up.</div> <div> "Everything will be fine now." Demel soothes. He looks at you. "What did</div> <div> you give her?"</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div>   Velitrium Campaign</div> <div>   PBEM Exchange</div> <div>   Series 2 PC POST # 208</div> <div>   Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <bR> <bR> <div>  "Pallis, figured if something else was in control it would be better if the</div> <div>  host were sleeping."</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div>   Velitrium Campaign</div> <div>   PBEM Exchange</div> <div>   Series 2 GM POST # 209</div> <div>   Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <bR> <div> Demel listens to your explanation impassively.  He then turns to Vassa and</div> <div> examines her Aura.  After establishing that she was untouched, the Priest at</div> <div> last examines Amanda.</div> <div> He stands at the foot of the bed and repeats the ritual who has used on each of</div> <div> you, but he concentrates for a much longer time....</div> <div> Finally he seems to return to the here and now.</div> <div> "She is not Possessed by a Demon." He says calmly.</div> <div> "Thank Mitra!" Vassa practicly sobs and hugs Drust tightly</div> <div> "But she does labor under the onus of some form of magical spell.  I am</div> <div> unfamiliar with the exact spell, its form is unusual, but it allows the caster</div> <div> to read through her memories, see through her eyes and hear through her ears.</div> <div> I do not believe that he, or rather, It, can manipulate her body, but I can't</div> <div> be completely certain about that."</div> <div> "So," The Captain says thoughtfully. "This, Zulth, is using Amanda's mind to</div> <div> learn about us?"</div> <div> "Very likely." Demel agrees</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Velitrium Campaign</div> <div>   PBEM Exchange</div> <div>   Series 2 PC POST # 209</div> <div>   Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> Velitrium Campaign</div> <div>   PBEM Exchange</div> <div>   Series 2 GM POST # 210</div> <div>   Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <bR> <div> "She is not completely unconscious, and even if she were I believe this</div> <div> Zulth could still read her mind." Demel says speculatively  "Perhaps we</div> <div> can get Amanda to tell us about Zulth, if he is inside her mind, she</div> <div> maybe able to see something of his. Or rather, It's." He turns to you,</div> <div> "Master Lingsted, perhaps if you were to speak to her. Quietly,</div> <div> conversationaly. Your voice is familiar and loved. She may be able to</div> <div> answer you."</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Velitrium Campaign</div> <div>    PBEM Exchange</div> <div>    Series 2 PC POST # 210</div> <div>    Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <bR> <div>     "Amanda, honey, you are dreaming. Can you tell me what you are</div> <div> dreaming about?"</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Velitrium Campaign</div> <div>  PBEM Exchange</div> <div>  Series 2 GM POST # 211</div> <div>  Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <bR> <div> Amanda tosses a bit, mumbling incoherently all the while.</div> <div> Demel whispers, "Get her to describe where she is or what she hears or</div> <div> smells. If she is connected she may have access to its senses. The</div> <div> creatures thoughts may be to alien for her to comprehend."</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div>      Velitrium Campaign</div> <div>       PBEM Exchange</div> <div>       Series 2 PC POST # 211</div> <div>       Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <div>    </div> <div>     </div> <div>      "Honey, do you hear me? Is there anything else arround? What else do</div> <div>  you  hear?"</div> <div>    </div> <bR> <bR> <div>      Velitrium Campaign</div> <div>       PBEM Exchange</div> <div>       Series 2 GM POST # 212</div> <div>       Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <div>    </div> <div>     "Water... Running water.... it's wet and dark... It feels sooooo good!"</div> <div>     You hear the Captain whisper, "Running water?"</div> <div>     The Priest says, "Maybe after a thousand year sleep it wants a bath."</div> <div>    </div> <div>  </div> <div>    Velitrium Campaign</div> <div>      PBEM Exchange</div> <div>      Series 2 PC POST # 212</div> <div>      Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <div>  </div> <div>        Karl nods "what do you smell?"</div> <bR> <bR> <div>  </div> <div>    Velitrium Campaign</div> <div>      PBEM Exchange</div> <div>      Series 2 GM POST # 213</div> <div>      Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <div>  </div> <div>   "It is.... damp....foul smelling... Like... filth..."</div> <div>   "The sewers?" The Captain asks</div> <div>   The Lieutenant hurries out of the room</div> <div>  </div> <div>  </div> <bR> <bR> <div>  Velitrium Campaign</div> <div>     PBEM Exchange</div> <div>     Series 2 PC POST # 213</div> <div>     Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <bR> <div>      Karl nods "Down through the warehouse floor, and where else would a</div> <div>  snake go?"</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div>  Velitrium Campaign</div> <div>     PBEM Exchange</div> <div>     Series 2 GM POST # 214</div> <div>     Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <bR> <div> You can hear the lieutenant giving orders, "I want lanterns, torches, siege</div> <div> bows, Fire Arrows, Fire Staves, lances. Go to the warehouse and get the wizard.</div> <div> Call in the off duty Watch, we'll need every man we can get. Have them bring the</div> <div> dogs as well."</div> <div> The Captain listens to the orders. "I can't say I know the sewers well, my beat</div> <div> is the countryside, but I would guess that there are a lot of places that snake</div> <div> will squeeze into that a man won't be able to go." He looks at you "Any ideas</div> <div> Master Lingsted?"</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div>      PBEM Exchange</div> <div>      Series 2 PC POST # 214</div> <div>      Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <bR> <div>     "A couple. First of all that container was not enchanted, so it</div> <div> would seem that bronze may be able to hold this creature where stone cannot.</div> <div> But perhaps more importantly" he turns to his wife "Amanda, how are you</div> <div> feeling? Is there something you want?"</div> <bR> <bR> <div>      PBEM Exchange</div> <div>      Series 2 GM POST # 215</div> <div>      Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <bR> <div> Amanda whispers, "Lonely....Angry....Hungry..."</div> <div> "Angry?" The Captain mutters "At whom? The men who attacked it are dog</div> <div> meat."</div> <div> "I am more interested in what it eats." The Priest says. "Is it</div> <div> physical, meat or what ever, or is it energy. I wish we knew more about</div> <div> it. Pity we can't access your libraries at the Academy, Master Lingsted.</div> <div> If there is anything on this thing, it will be there.""</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div>         PBEM Exchange</div> <div>         Series 2 PC POST # 215</div> <div>         Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <div>   </div> <div>  </div> <div>      "It said before it was sleeping and we woke it. If that is the case it</div> <div>   may still be angry it was woken up. Lonely I can understand, but hungry is</div> <div>   interesting. I would have thought that the way the men seemed to be</div> <div>  digested would indicate it had eaten them, but apparently either that is not the</div> <div>  case or it has worked up a large appetite while it slept. Amanda, what do you</div> <div>    want to eat?"</div> <div>  </div> <bR> <div>         PBEM Exchange</div> <div>         Series 2 GM POST # 216</div> <div>         Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <div>  </div> <div>   Amanda doesn't answer, her face looks confused amd uncertain. The Priest</div> <div>  shakes his head. "Other then basic emotions and sensory perceptions, I doubt that she can comprehend the thing's thoughts."</div> <div>   From the street below you hear voices and your name being spoken. You</div> <div>  recognise the voice of Ferral. He is trying to convince the guard to let him enter.</div> <div>  </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div>    PBEM Exchange</div> <div>    Series 2 PC POST # 216</div> <div>    Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <div>  </div> <div>  "Ferral is here, my student. I sent him on some errands, he may have found</div> <div>  something."</div> <div>  Karl heads down to retrieve his student.</div> <bR> <bR> <div>   PBEM Exchange</div> <div>   Series 2 GM POST # 217</div> <div>   Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <bR> <div> Ferral is arguing with the guard who is resolutely blocking the door. When you</div> <div> come down the steps to the landing you can see Ferral's face clear "Master</div> <div> Lingsted! Thank Mitra I found you!"</div> <div> The Watchman glances back at you. "No one enters or leaves without the Captain's say so." He says flatly.</div> <div> "Master, is your Lady well?" Ferral asks anxiously "I may have found some one</div> <div> who can help, sir." He adds.</div> <bR> <bR> <div>      PBEM Exchange</div> <div>      Series 2 PC POST # 217</div> <div>      Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <div>  </div> <div>   "Captain, if my student may come in, I think we should hear what he has</div> <div>   found."</div> <div>  </div> <div>  </div> <div>      PBEM Exchange</div> <div>      Series 2 GM POST # 218</div> <div>      Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <div>  </div> <div>   From the second floor landing the Captain looks down, "Aye, let 'im in.</div> <div>   But bring him up here Master Lingsted, where we can all hear what he has</div> <div>   to say."</div> <div>   Ferral seems almost beside himself with excitement. As you climb the</div> <div>   stairs he starts his story.</div> <div>   "When I left you Master, I went to find the Council as you instructed. I</div> <div>   told them of the Creature and..."</div> <div>   "Wait a moment son!" The Captain interrupts. "Your Master told you to</div> <div>   inform the Council of what had happened?"</div> <div>   Ferral nods in reply.</div> <div>   The Captain turns to you. "And you chose not to inform the Watch</div> <div>   Commander or I of this when we met you in front of the warehouse? Why is</div> <div>   that Master Lingsted?"</div> <div>  </div> <bR> <div>     PBEM Exchange</div> <div>     Series 2 PC POST # 218</div> <div>     Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <bR> <bR> <div>      "Panic. I was trying to get a handle on the situation and gave my</div> <div>  student directions for just about everything Iw asn't planning in doing</div> <div>  personally. At the point where I was talking with you it had honestly</div> <div>  slipped my mind that that was what he was doing. It was not his only</div> <div>  instruction, I also had him try to discover if there was any information</div> <div>  about the circumstances surrounding this event that might be usefull."</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div>     PBEM Exchange</div> <div>     Series 2 GM POST # 219</div> <div>     Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <bR> <bR> <div> "I see." The Captain replies. His tone and expression leads you to believe</div> <div> that he is not convinced by your explanation.</div> <div> "Go on, son. What did you do next?" The Officer says to Ferral</div> <div> "After I spoke with the clerks at the Council Hall, I asked directions to any</div> <div> Scholars or Sages that the Clerk's could suggest. They gave me several names</div> <div> and directions. I immediately set out to find them.  The first scholar they</div> <div> referred me to is a man named Varren Lorma.  I spoke to his servants and told</div> <div> them that I was a student at the Academy, here with my Master, and that you</div> <div> were seeking information on this strange creature that had been released.</div> <div> They passed this on to their Master, who stopped his work to hear my story. He</div> <div> said that he had heard of such a thing before and promised to come at once. I</div> <div> immediately went to the warehouse, but the Watch there said you had come here.</div> <div> So I ran as quickly as I could to tell you. IS Mistress Amanda allright?" He</div> <div> finishes anxiously.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div>      PBEM Exchange</div> <div>      Series 2 PC POST # 219</div> <div>      Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <bR> <bR> <div>      "She would seem to be out of danger, but I wouldn't say she is all</div> <div>  right. Captain would you mind letting Varren Lorma through when he gets</div> <div>  here?"</div> <bR> <bR> <div>      PBEM Exchange</div> <div>      Series 2 GM POST # 220</div> <div>      Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <bR> <div> The Captain frowns, "Aye, it might be worthwhile talkin to old Lorma." He nods</div> <div> to the Watchman. "Let im in when he arrives."</div> <bR> <div> The name Varren Lorma is familiar to you... it takes a moment to come up with</div> <div> it... He's the man that the Chancellor suggested you go to for advice if you</div> <div> need it. An Academy Graduate and friend and contemporary of the Chancellor.</div> <bR> <div> Ferral asks, "May I go and see Mistress Amanda, Master?"</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div>       PBEM Exchange</div> <div>       Series 2 PC POST # 220</div> <div>       Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <bR> <bR> <div>  "Not right now. She's pretty out of it and needs the rest. Captain, where</div> <div>  would someone find a map of the sewers?"</div> <bR> <bR> <div>       PBEM Exchange</div> <div>       Series 2 GM POST # 221</div> <div>       Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <bR> <div> Ferral nods his understanding and takes a seat in the kitchen.</div> <div> The Captain frowns, "The Lieutenant should have one, probably off to fetch it</div> <div> right now.  He is the commander of the Watch in town, I am Captain of the County</div> <div> Rangers, we usually have little to do with what happens in town, except as</div> <div> reinforcements when needed." He rubs his chin, "Varren Lorma... where have I</div> <div> heard that name before..." He mutters and steps outside to talk to one of the</div> <div> Watchmen on duty on the street.</div> <bR> <div>             PBEM Exchange</div> <div>             Series 2 GM POST # 221a</div> <div>             Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <div>        </div> <div>         You are standing in the kitchen, alone except for Ferral, who</div> <div>  is looking at you expectantly.</div> <div>        </div> <div>      </div> <div>          PBEM Exchange</div> <div>            Series 2 PC POST # 222</div> <div>            Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <div>      </div> <div>       </div> <div>            "Is there anything else you have found out about this</div> <div>    situation?" Karl  sits down "If only we knew what it eats, that would be</div> <div>  something."</div> <div>      </div> <div>        PBEM Exchange</div> <div>        Series 2 GM POST # 223</div> <div>       Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <div>      </div> <div>       Ferral shakes his head then pauses.  "When I told Master Lorma</div> <div>  what had  happened, he looked rather shocked and said, as though to himself,</div> <div>    'Not again!'  He didn't elaborate I'm afraid. Why would knowing what it</div> <div>    eats be of  help, Master?" He asks.</div> <div>       Ferral picks at some bread and cheese on the table while he waits</div> <div>  to see what you say.</div> <div>      </div> <div>    </div> <div>      PBEM Exchange</div> <div>       Series 2 PC POST # 223</div> <div>      Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <div>    </div> <div>     </div> <div>          "Because it is hungry. With food we might be able to draw it</div> <div>  out, or satiate it to where it might decide to go back to sleep. Assumin</div> <div>  that food is something that we can afford to give it, as opposed to people or</div> <div>      something of that nature."</div> <div>    </div> <div>      PBEM Exchange</div> <div>       Series 2 GM POST # 224</div> <div>      Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <div>    </div> <div>     From out in the street you can hear voices and the tramp of feet. Down</div> <div>  by the doorway you hear a man say, "Is this where I will find Master Lingsted</div> <div>  of the Academy?"</div> <div>     You hear the guard respond "Who might you be?"</div> <div>     "Varren Lorma, my presence was requested."</div> <div>    </div> <div>  </div> <div>     PBEM Exchange</div> <div>      Series 2 PC POST # 224</div> <div>     Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <div>  </div> <div>   </div> <div>   </div> <div>        Karl Rushes to the door to greet Varren. "Hello, I am Karl, I</div> <div>  believe you have met my student Ferral. If you would come inside there are some</div> <div>    urgent matters we should discuss."</div> <div>        Once he is in Karl begins "The late Rutus had purchased a large</div> <div>  copper or bronze container that someone had found out in the Hammer, and though</div> <div>  I tried to disuade him from opening it before it was properly examined, he</div> <div>  decided that having a single acadamy mage arround was sufficient and</div> <div>  opened the container, hoping to find vast treasures. What he found instead was</div> <div>    Zulth, a snakeline creature of significant power. He attempted to attack</div> <div>    Zulth with a net and was disolved by Zulth for his efforts. Currenty</div> <div>  Zulth is hiding in the sewers and is quite hungry. If you could put the longer</div> <div>  and I am certain more interesting explination off till later, do you know of</div> <div>    anything that we can use to deal with this situation at the current</div> <div>  time?"</div> <div>  </div> <div>     PBEM Exchange</div> <div>      Series 2 GM POST # 225</div> <div>     Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <div>  </div> <div>   Lorma is a tall, thin, balding man with snow white hair (the little he</div> <div>  has) and stooped shoulders. He has the pallor and demeanor of a scholar, one who</div> <div>  spends most of his time in libraries. You know the look well. His age is</div> <div>  difficult to determine, but he is at least as old as the Chancellor, if not older.</div> <div>   Lorma nods in greeting at your introduction and listens intently to what</div> <div>  you  say.</div> <div>   "This 'Zulth' is one of the Palthar." He explains "An incredibly ancient</div> <div>  race, a hold over from a time so long ago, our ancestors still dwelt in</div> <div>  Paradise.The Palthar are virtually immortal, though they can be slain. They are</div> <div>  powerful mages. Masters of illusion, shape shifters, mind control and are</div> <div>  Enchanters of great ability. They eat as we do, though they prefer their meat alive and</div> <div>  abhorr plant matter.  They are virtually immune to poisons and disease,</div> <div>  regenerate wounds quickly and are very fast and highly intelligent.  They are also</div> <div>  totally evil in nature!  They see humanity only as slaves and cattle.  Like any</div> <div>  serpant  they are most vulnerable to decapitation, and they are also sensative to</div> <div>   extremes of temperature.  That is about all I can tell you in regards to  Zulth's</div> <div>   nature.  Some forty plus years ago one of the Palthar, a female, ruled a</div> <div>  large portion of the Desert Barbarians, either directly or by use of her sorcery</div> <div>  to control other rulers. Replacing some with simulacrums when needed. Called</div> <div>  "The  Lady" she kept her true nature a secret and ruled the Barbarians for well</div> <div>  over a century. She was slain by a group of travelers from Velitrium.  A group</div> <div>   consisting of a Knight of Mitra, a Priest of Mitra, a mage and several skilled</div> <div>   fighters. That Knight is now our ruler, Duke Demetrius. The Priest is now</div> <div>  Bishop  Durr of Drunmore Cathederal. One of the fighters is Countess McCoy of</div> <div>  Drunmore.  That is the short version." He adds with a slight smile.</div> <div>  </div> <bR> <bR> <div> PBEM Exchange</div> <div>     Series 2 PC POST # 225</div> <div>    Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <bR> <bR> <div>      "Well, we know where this Palthar is, and what he wants, now all we need</div> <div>  to do is get there to hurt it. You say it is harmed by extreems of</div> <div>  tempature, does this apply to heat or is it simply cold that affects it the</div> <div>  way most reptiles are affected?"</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> PBEM Exchange</div> <div>     Series 2 GM POST # 226</div> <div>    Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <bR> <div> "I believe cold will  be most effective. The season is in our favor. But</div> <div> remember, they are powerful spell casters and though their strengths lie in</div> <div> illusion and control spells, they are not, to the best of my knowledge, limited</div> <div> to them."</div> <bR> <div> From out in the strret you hear the tramp of feet. Looking out the window you</div> <div> see about thirty Watch, Rangers and militia in full armor, lined up waiting</div> <div> further orders from the Captain and the Lieutenant. In addition to swords, axes,</div> <div> spears and crossbows, you can see that some have long forks, nets and at least</div> <div> one man is carrying a Drake.  There are many lanterns and torches to be seen,</div> <div> though they are not yet lit.  You see the Captain say something to a Watchman</div> <div> who turns and hurries into the house. From downstairs you hear him call, "Master</div> <div> Lingsted, the Captain wishes you to join us."</div> <div> It is getting dark out and the temperature is dropping.</div> <bR> <bR> <div>   PBEM Exchange</div> <div>        Series 2 PC POST # 226</div> <div>       Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <div>  </div> <div>   </div> <div>        Karl joins the Captain. "Low tempatures can assist us, if we can</div> <div>  hold until the night draws colder and Zulth grows hungrier that should</div> <div>  improve our ability to defeat him. This creature is a master of illusion and</div> <div>  mind control, so your men need to be wary of such traps. If anything is</div> <div>  heating the sewers it should be prevented from doing so, it will be much easier</div> <div>  to clear blockage than get this creature in so vulnerable a position</div> <div>  again."</div> <div>  </div> <bR> <bR> <div>   PBEM Exchange</div> <div>      Series 2 GM POST # 227</div> <div>       Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <div>  </div> <div>   "Hmmph." The Captain says when you finish. "Then it is not likely that</div> <div>  this creature will stay in its hole much longer. When it feels the temperature</div> <div>  start to drop it will know that it must feed soon or risk spending a long cold</div> <div>  night without food. It may already be on the move." After a brief conference</div> <div>  with the Lieutenant, orders are given and the troop is broken up into five groups</div> <div>  of six men. Four of these groups head off in various directions, the Lieutenant</div> <div>  goes  with one group, the Priest with another. The Captain has the last group.</div> <div>  He turns to you. "You will accompany us Master Lingsted?" He looks at Lorma,</div> <div>  "And you?"</div> <div>   Lorma nods. "This creature must be destroyed Captain, it is far too</div> <div>  dangerous to be allowed to live. The last one enslaved tens of thousands, maybe more,</div> <div>  and was responsible for untold suffering for well over a century."</div> <div>    They both look at you. The Captain says, "If you have any weapons or</div> <div>  armor, I'd suggest you get them quickly."</div> <div>  </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div>   PBEM Exchange</div> <div>        Series 2 PC POST # 227</div> <div>       Character: Karl Lingst</div> <bR> <div>      Karl grabs his staff, and calls to see if turek is arround. "Let us</div> <div>  proceed. it is a shame we don't have time to acquire bait aside from the men</div> <div>  themselves."</div> <bR> <bR> <div>  PBEM Exchange</div> <div>       Series 2 GM POST # 228</div> <div>      Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <bR> <div> There is no sign of Turek and Ferral doesn't know where he is, but he is anxious</div> <div> to go with you. Lorma seems torn between intellectual curiousity and personal</div> <div> fear, at last the curiousity wins. "I'm with you." He says, "But I need to stop</div> <div> at my place to get something."</div> <div> The Captain looks annoyed but nods, "Meet us at the market square. Be quick</div> <div> now."</div> <div> Lorma nods and hurries off.</div> <bR> <bR> <div>  PBEM Exchange</div> <div>         Series 2 PC POST # 228</div> <div>        Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <bR> <div>      Karl nods to Ferral. "Just remember you are a student mage, not a</div> <div>  warrior. Let the warriors handle the fighting whenever possible, it is what</div> <div>  they are good at. We are there as support for them."</div> <div>      The two then accompany the captain.</div> <bR> <div> PBEM Exchange</div> <div>        Series 2 GM POST # 229</div> <div>       Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <bR> <div> Ferral nods eagerly as you follow the troops to the market square.</div> <div> Though you haven't been in the Nygg market before, it is typical of many others</div> <div> you have seen. The area is cobbled with sites for stalls and stands laid out on</div> <div> the stones. At this time of the year, and this time of the day, or rather</div> <div> evening, the place is deserted except for a few passers bye.  The square is laid</div> <div> out such that a large central grate allows drainage for rainwater, snow melt and</div> <div> the usual liquid waste found in an agrarian market square.  The grate, which you</div> <div> are now standing at, is approximately 8'x 8' in dimension.  It is made up of</div> <div> flat iron bars that are welded and inter locked so as to allow no largere than</div> <div> an inch and a half drain hole.  As you study it, you see that a smaller portion,</div> <div> about 3'x 3' is actually a seperate grate and can be lifted off to allow access</div> <div> to the sewers beneath. This is what the men are levering up.</div> <div> "Keep your voices down!" The Captain snaps to several Guards. "You lot, don't</div> <div> make so much noise!"  This to the men opening the grate "Might as well blow a</div> <div> bleedin trumpet." You hear him mutter.</div> <div> Ferral's attention is on the two men loading the Drake, priming it and lighting</div> <div> the wick.  They are dreadful weapons in confined quarters, and the sewer tunnels</div> <div> are very similar to the narrow mines that the Dwarves developed them to defend.</div> <div> The Captain is clearly planning on using it as his primary weapon because you</div> <div> hear him tell the man carrying it that he is to stay to the front with two</div> <div> spearmen right behind.  They will fend Zulth off while the Drake does it's work.</div> <bR> <div> A Watchman with a bullseye lantern carefully lowers his head through the grate</div> <div> and shines the light down the tunnels that enter and exit the collection pit</div> <div> below the grate.  "All clear." He reports.</div> <div> You see Lorma coming out of a side street, he is clearly out of breath from</div> <div> hurrying and the weight of the armor he is still buckling on. He is wearing a</div> <div> bronze curiass and helm, along with heavy leather leggings. He is having trouble</div> <div> with the buckles and Ferral politely assists him.</div> <div> Lorma has a shortsword slung across his chest to hang at his left and a leather</div> <div> satchel hangs on his right. He is carrying a thick, whitish colored staff, which</div> <div> upon closer examination you recognise as a Fire Staff.</div> <div> Thanking Ferral, Lorma announces "I'm ready, Captain." You hear him add under</div> <div> his breath, "I think."</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> PBEM Exchange</div> <div>  Series 2 PC POST # 229</div> <div>  Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <bR> <div>     karl takes a position that is protected, as he has no armor, and</div> <div> says in a low voice "remember watch out for a clinging mist or fog, that is what</div> <div> it used to kill the men in the warehouse."</div> <bR> <bR> <div> PBEM Exchange</div> <div>  Series 2 GM POST # 230</div> <div>  Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <bR> <div> The men closest to you look at you wide eyed when you give your warning,</div> <div> your not sure if everyone else heard you.</div> <div> Four men, including the man with the Drake and his back up spearmen, are</div> <div> the first in. They move to watch the tunnels while the rest of the</div> <div> hunters descend.  A couple Watchmen politely assist Lorma down, lowering</div> <div> him by his arms till he was only a foot or two from the bottom before</div> <div> letting him drop.  One of them looks at you and Ferral. "Can we help you</div> <div> down?" He asks</div> <div> From below you hear the men muttering and complaining about the stink</div> <div> and you hear one man marvel, "Why is it so warm?" Presumably he is</div> <div> referring to the water from which you can see a slight mist rising from</div> <div> its surface.  Another man answers, "Don't ask. You don't want to think</div> <div> about it."</div> <div> The Captain says, "We'll check out the cess pool first" He points</div> <div> towards a tunnel opening where the water is flowing into it. "It's the</div> <div> major collection point and the water will be the deepest and warmest."</div> <div> He looks around. "Do you agree Master Lingsted? Master Lorma?"</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div>         PBEM Exchange</div> <div>           Series 2 PC POST # 230</div> <div>           Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <div>        </div> <div>         </div> <div>  "Wait a second." karl says, focusing on the mist,</div> <div>  watching it.  Does  it act like the mist in the warehouse, or like a normal mist?</div> <div>        </div> <bR> <div>         PBEM Exchange</div> <div>           Series 2 GM POST # 231</div> <div>           Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <div>        </div> <div>     The mist seems normal enough, if you can call the foul stench</div> <div>    normal!</div> <div>     Some of the men are grumbling about the filth, "Will the town buy me a</div> <div>  new pair of  boots?" One calls out.  "How about britches?" Another asks.</div> <div>  The Captain ignores them.</div> <div>  The Watchman ahead of you turns and asks, "What is this thing</div> <div>  we are looking for anyway?"</div> <div>  The lead men start on down the designated tunnel, someone up</div> <div>  front says  "Make sure we are BEHIND you when you cut loose with that bloody</div> <div>  thing!"  He is speaking to the man with the Drake.</div> <div>        </div> <div>       </div> <div>      </div> <div>        PBEM Exchange</div> <div>        Series 2 .PCM POST # 231</div> <div>        Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <div>      </div> <div>       </div> <div>  "It's name is Zulth, it is a member of an ancient race known</div> <div>  for their cruelty and magical power. It looks like a large serpent, and it</div> <div>  is very dangerous. The fog seems okay, lets continue."</div> <div>      </div> <bR> <div>       PBEM Exchange</div> <div>       Series 2 GM POST # 232</div> <div>       Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <div>      </div> <div>   "A snake is it?" Some one grumbles. "I hate snakes!"</div> <div>   "At least its not a bleedin Troll." Some one else says. "They're a</div> <div>    bloody handfull!"</div> <div>   Lorma says, "A Palthar will make a Troll seem like a child."  That</div> <div>    quiets the men down for a bit</div> <div>   You continue advancing through the sewer tunnel, the Captain</div> <div>  'shushes' any more conversation.</div> <div> There is a pause where a small side tunnel flows into the main.</div> <div>  Lorma whispers to you. "Have you noticed? No rats."</div> <div>   You realise that he is right. The sewers seem to be clear of</div> <div>   all vermin.   Even in the dead of winter the sewers are warm enough to support a rat</div> <div>    population, but there is none to be seen.</div> <div>  "The Council might want to hire this Zulth as a rat catcher.' Some</div> <div> one whispers behind you.</div> <div>      </div> <div>    </div> <div>     PBEM Exchange</div> <div>     Series 2 PC POST # 232</div> <div>     Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <div>    </div> <div>   "Not when you consider the cost." Karl responds "he has already</div> <div>    taken my wife's mind from her."</div> <div>    </div> <bR> <bR> <div>     PBEM Exchange</div> <div>     Series 2 GM POST # 233</div> <div>     Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <div>    </div> <div>     That seems to stifle the men's levity for a bit and you procede in</div> <div>    silence.</div> <div>     After some time you hear the sound of falling water and the Captain</div> <div>    gestures for total silence.  Moving carefully the point men advance a few yards</div> <div>  ahead of the main body. Ahead it looks as though the tunnel opens up and the point</div> <div>    stops just short of opening and seem to be staring downwards.  After a few</div> <div>  seconds they wave to come forward.  The Captain starts up, then turns and points at</div> <div>  you and gives a 'come hither' gesture before continuing.  The Watchmen will</div> <div>    silently part to let you by.</div> <div>    </div> <div>     Ahead you can now see that the tunnel opens into a larger chamber, a</div> <div>  round chamber perhaps thirty feet across. The floor, or rather water level,</div> <div>  is about twenty feet below you.  The room's walls are dotted with seven other</div> <div>  tunnels of similar size to yours. Three of them are at the same hight you are at,</div> <div>  and from them, as from yours, falls a steady stream of water and other things.</div> <div>  Four more tunnels are lower, only about four feet from the water surface.  Water</div> <div>  and such also flow from these.  A ninth tunnel, larger then any of the inflow</div> <div>  tunnels, is at the water level, indeed, judging by its shape it extends well below</div> <div>  the water level. Here is the outflow tube and the current going down that tunnel</div> <div>  seems pretty fast.  Assuming the outflow tunnel is round, and its bottom is</div> <div>  at or close to the chamber's floor level, you would judge the water to be</div> <div>  between four and five feet deep.</div> <div>  The surface is a dark, muddy, swirling mess. The prospect of entering</div> <div>  it is very unattractive!</div> <div>  The Captain points to one of the upper tunnels across the chamber, you</div> <div>  can see the glow of a lantern approaching. Then he points to a lower tunnel,</div> <div>  you can just make out the figure of a man crouching there, a crossbow in hand.</div> <div>  The Captain leans close and whispers almost directly in four ear, "Any</div> <div>  thoughts?"</div> <div>    </div> <div>   </div> <div>  </div> <div>    PBEM Exchange</div> <div>    Series 2 PC POST # 233</div> <div>    Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <div>   </div> <div>    "It went underground near the warehouse, and wherever it was was very</div> <div>   dark. I suspect we should check out area near the warehouse first, where</div> <div>   there aren't any grates or drains that light might come through."</div> <div>  </div> <div>  </div> <div>  </div> <div>    PBEM Exchange</div> <div>    Series 2 GM POST # 234</div> <div>    Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <div>  </div> <div>   The Captain looks at you for a moment,. "We are here now. If we find that</div> <div>  it isn't here we will try that. Everywhere in these tunnels is dark,</div> <div>  especially if you are underwater. Can you do anything to help us determine if it is</div> <div>  under there?" He gestures to the water below</div> <div>  </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div>   PBEM Exchange</div> <div>   Series 2 PC POST # 234</div> <div>   Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <bR> <div>  Karl thinks for a minute. "Not really, the best I could do is find some way</div> <div>  to cause it to react. If you want I can poke the water with a weapon from a</div> <div>  distance, at least that way the men won't be in the area we are checking."</div> <bR> <bR> <div>   PBEM Exchange</div> <div>   Series 2 GM POST # 235</div> <div>   Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <bR> <div> "You can probe it, with a spear? Without exposing yourself?" The Captain asks</div> <div> He gestures to one of the nearby Watchmen who is carrying a spear. The man</div> <div> passes the weapon to the Captain who offers it to you.</div> <div> "Try probing all the way to the bottom, we'll be ready incase the bastard</div> <div> surfaces."  The man with the Drake moves up, along with a man armed with a</div> <div> formidible looking siege bow. The crossbow has already been cocked and the man</div> <div> carefully loads it.  When he is done the Captain nods, "When you are ready,</div> <div> Master Lingsted."</div> <bR> <bR> <div>      PBEM Exchange</div> <div>      Series 2 PC POST # 235</div> <div>      Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <div>  </div> <div>   </div> <div>    Karl casts apportation and lets the spear move down into the water,</div> <div>    twitching from side to side and probing the water. If nothing comes up</div> <div>    he will bring it back up when he gets too tired to continue and inform the</div> <div>    Captain that he must rest before he can repeat the performance.</div> <div>  </div> <div>      PBEM Exchange</div> <div>      Series 2 GM POST # 236</div> <div>      Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <div>  </div> <div>   You have been moving the spear about the pool, when suddenly it is jerked</div> <div>   sideways, as though something large brushed against it.</div> <div>   The Captain asks in a hushed voice "Was that something you did?":</div> <div>   The man with the drake edges forward slighly and you hear a man behind</div> <div>   you, with a powerful siege crossbow, set the bolt, ready for shooting.</div> <div>  </div> <bR> <bR> <div>     PBEM Exchange</div> <div>     Series 2 PC POST # 236</div> <div>     Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <bR> <div>  "Nope, either that is one huge aligator or we have found the target."</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div>     PBEM Exchange</div> <div>     Series 2 GM POST # 237</div> <div>     Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <bR> <div> "Al a gator?" The Captain asks in a puzzled voice. Before he can say any more</div> <div> the water below you begins to froth and bubble, as though it is effervesing from</div> <div> some strange chemical reaction.  The entire surface of the pool seems engulfed</div> <div> in the bubbling froth, of which some of the bubbles are almost a foot across!</div> <div> The pool looks as though it has been instantly brought to a hard boil, but there</div> <div> is no heat manifesting itself. But, after the first few bubbles burst, you</div> <div> notice a thin layer of white mist forming above the water's surface. As more</div> <div> bubbles continue to break surface the mist layer becomes denser and thicker.</div> <div> Still the bubbles continue to break surface and add more body to the growing</div> <div> layer of mist!</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div>           PBEM Exchange</div> <div>           Series 2 PC POST # 237</div> <div>           Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <div>        </div> <div>         Karl's mouth twitches into a hint of a smile "Different</div> <div>  climate,   never  mind, that's our boy" Then he catss purify air where the mist</div> <div>  is gathering.</div> <div>        </div> <div>        </div> <div>        </div> <div>     <GM Question:  The mist is forming across the entire surface</div> <div>  of the pool, which is circular and 30 feet (ten hexes) across. How big an</div> <div>  area are you going  to purify? Note: A radius of 5 hexes has 61 hexes contained in</div> <div>  the area.</div> <div>        </div> <div>        </div> <div>     <PC Reply:    Since he can cast for free over one hex he will</div> <div>  cast one hex versions repeatedly, wherever the greatest concentration is, until the</div> <div>  mist changes it's behavior.</div> <div>        </div> <div>        </div> <div>           PBEM Exchange</div> <div>           Series 2 GM POST # 238</div> <div>           Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <div>        </div> <div>         You begin casting repeatedly. Despite your efforts the mist</div> <div>    continues to thicken and deepen. You can no longer see the loweropenings</div> <div>  around the chamber, but from the sounds you heard the Watchmen down there</div> <div>  had cut and run when the mist first began. Or so you hope.</div> <div>        </div> <div>       </div> <div>      </div> <div>          PBEM Exchange</div> <div>          Series 2 PC POST # 238</div> <div>          Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <div>      </div> <div>       </div> <div>        Karl starts motioning to back away from the mist as he continues</div> <div>  to cast.  Hoepfully this thing has a limited supply of the stuff and this</div> <div>  will  eventually turn the situation arround, but he doesn't want the</div> <div>  soldiers to go the way the guys in the warehouse did.</div> <div>      </div> <div>          PBEM Exchange</div> <div>          Series 2 GM POST # 239</div> <div>          Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <div>      </div> <div>       The men around you are already getting restless before you start</div> <div>    waving them back. The Captain hisses, "It doesn't seem to be working...</div> <div>  Whatever  it is your doing... Unless your trying to fill the chamber." He adds.</div> <div>       At the rate the mist is rising it will be spilling into your</div> <div>  tunnel in about five seconds.</div> <div>      </div> <div>    </div> <div>        PBEM Exchange</div> <div>         Series 2 PC POST # 239</div> <div>         Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <div>        </div> <div>     </div> <div>      "I had noticed, I only hope I am slowing it, but unless your men can</div> <div>    fight mist, we had best move back, for I have seen that mist disolve a man</div> <div>    inside his clothes. Maybe that seige weapons of yours fired into the water</div> <div>  will break it's concentration." Karl will start purifying the air close</div> <div>  to the tunnel- perhaps I can at least hold it at bay.</div> <div>     </div> <div>      OOC: I am assuming that the mist is vanishing and then filling back</div> <div>  in-  if not please let me know...</div> <div>    </div> <bR> <div>        PBEM Exchange</div> <div>         Series 2 GM POST # 240</div> <div>         Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <div>     </div> <div>    </div> <div>     It is hard to say what effect, if any, your spell is having. The mist</div> <div>  is swirling as it rises, with vaporous arms and puffs rising briefly</div> <div>  above  the main  layer. But no, your spell does not seem to be working at all the way</div> <div>  you would expect.</div> <div>    </div> <div>     The Captain considers your suggestion for a moment, then nods and taps</div> <div>  the Watchman holding the Drake. "Use it all." He orders "Spray the area."</div> <div>      The man aims roughly into the center of the cloud and presses the</div> <div>  lever.</div> <div>    You hear a rather rude sound, much like a very large individual breaking</div> <div>  wind.  It continues for about three seconds, during which a stream of flame</div> <div>  shoots from the weapons spout, vanishing into the mist below. The Watchman</div> <div>  expertly plays the stream back and forth as it discharges.  Suddenly there is a</div> <div>  piercing scream from below!  It is the shrieks of someone, or something, in agony!</div> <div>     "Mitra!" Whispers the Watchman. "I hope that's not one of our guys!"</div> <div>    </div> <div>  </div> <div>    PBEM Exchange</div> <div>        Series 2 PC POST # 240</div> <div>        Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <div>    </div> <div>           "Are any of your guys down there? If not, we would seem to have</div> <div>  found  our weapon."</div> <div>  </div> <bR> <div>    PBEM Exchange</div> <div>    Series 2 GM POST # 241</div> <div>    Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <div>  </div> <div>   The Captain shakes his head, "I've no idea... There shouldn't be... This</div> <div>  damn  mist is making a cock up of it!  Fall back!" He orders as the mist</div> <div>  threatens to spill into your tunnel.</div> <div>   The Watchmen begin to retreat. (You are going too?) They look worried but</div> <div>  not  pancky</div> <div>   "How are we going to root that thing out of here?" The Captain mutters as</div> <div>  he brings up the rear.</div> <div>  </div> <bR> <div> PBEM Exchange</div> <div>   Series 2 PC POST # 241</div> <div>   Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <bR> <div>  Yes, I do retreat.</div> <div>  "I'm not sure, with luck it will think it has enough of an advantage to</div> <div>  pursue us. With more luck it will be mistaken in this assumption." He</div> <div>  considers for a bit. "We need to retreat and count your men. We have to know</div> <div>  if we hurt that thing or not."</div> <bR> <bR> <div> PBEM Exchange</div> <div>   Series 2 GM POST # 242</div> <div>   Character: Karl Lingsted</div> <bR> <div> From behind you, you hear the Captain say, "We need to bloody RUN!"</div> <div> The man in front of you, who is carrying the Drake, looks back "Holy Shit!" He</div> <div> shrieks and takes off, splashing through the sewage shouting "Run you</div> <div> bastards!". The men ahead of him, having also looked back are now in full flight</div> <div> with a chorus of curses and prayers.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>