Darkwood--Darkness Rising

[Vynarkus]

After experimenting with the rod, Vynarkus hands it back to Sigrid with a slightly disappointed look. "Well, my experiment failed, so you hold on to this."

[Laurel]

Laurel spent the rest of the day in Led's company, attempting to raise his mood with little success. As evening fell and the wind continued to howl outside the icy cavern, the bard pulled out her hand harp and while everyone settled into the sleeping rolls in their various tents for privacy, sang a lullaby of solace to help speed each companion's own natural healing as they slept.

Then taking a hold of the Heshic Scout's hand, Laurel guided him unresisting into their own tent, situated him within the sleeping rolls, and let nature take her course in offering Led what comfort the bard could which he would accept from her throughout the night.

As the sun rises the next morning, Laurel awakes to seeing Led making his way out of the tent flap to go check on the status of the storm. Feeling more than refreshed herself, she rises and makes her way over to the camp fire to grab a hot wake-up beverage, then heads over to the magic items and pulls out the book. "We may as well learn about this one first," she mumbles to herself, "so a decision can be made among those who are interested in it." Beginning the hour long rendition of the Song of Knowledge quietly so as not to disturb those still sleeping, the bard closes her eyes and opens herself to what her music will reveal from within the book, and within herself...

[Laurel]

An hour later, the bard finishes singing and stretches, sets down her harp and then makes her way over to the camp fire to fix a bite to eat. Bringing her plate and one for Led over to the silent Scribe, she sits and leans against him, offering him breakfast. "Has anyone else awakened while I was singing? Has Sigrid started identifying any of the other items yet?"

Led confirms the cleric had taken the ring, the bow and the shield earlier, he assumed to learn more about each item and guessed she would also share what she learned when the party gathered together.

Finishing her meal and soothing her throat with the same hot beverage she had earlier, Laurel goes back to the pile of items and replaces the book, allowing her eyes to settle on Norkkun's Screaming Wraith Slayer. She had only barely recognized it, and her senses told her there was more to be known of this dire flail than what her legends and tales recalled. And the Volk cleric had shared little more than what she recalled...

Her decision made for this next hour, the bard reaches out and grasps the dire flail. Returning to her singing spot she once more strums her harp, closes her eyes and again wraps herself within the Song of Knowledge.

[ooc]second use of level 1 bard spells for the day ~ both uses to cast Identify.[/ooc]

[Sigrid]

"Has Sigrid started identifying any of the other items yet?"

I come out of my tent, carrying the magic shield. "This shield is magically enhanced, but with no other special powers." I pick up the bow, and go back into my tent.

ooc - +3

[Laurel]

Laurel lets the song drift away, letting out a slow whistle as she returns the dire flail to the pile of items. Glancing around, she sees it is yet early enough to learn of the last magical item unknown to them in the pile: the third wand.

Before she begins, she turns to Led with puzzlement, "+3? What is a +3? To what is it applied?
They speak the Common with different meanings here, it would seem."

Once more the bard sings her Song of Knowledge, strumming her harp and letting the wand reveal to her its secrets.

[Laurel]

It is now a little more than four hours since the bard first woke up. Laurel rubs her throat and grimaces a little as the last note of her song dies away. Replacing the wand in the pile, she returns to the fire to once more sooth her throat with a hot drink, then wanders over to the cavern's entrance to see if the blizzard has let up at all.

[Sigrid]

I return to the fire. "The bow is magically enhanced as well. So much so, one with no training could use it as well as a trained warrior. In the hands of an expert, it would be most puisant. The ring generats a magical shield around you, protecting you from harm."

ooc - longbow +4, ring of protection +2

"Would you mind if I watched your next casting? I've never seen Bardic magic in person. You mix the spell with your music?"

[Seven Words]

The blizzard rages...although it does sound somewhat diminished. No longer a raging elemental fury, but a sullen, dull rage.

[Laurel]

"The bow is magically enhanced as well. So much so, one with no training could use it as well as a trained warrior. In the hands of an expert, it would be most puisant. The ring generats a magical shield around you, protecting you from harm."

"As the only archer among us that I know of," with a glance towards Skyseeker along with a raised brow, "I would like to lay claim to the bow. But I will admit I have no experience with a longbow, only the shortbow. So I will yield it to someone who would have expert skill with it, should they wish to claim it.

"However, I still think we should wait on divulging what we know of these magic items until all have gathered around, to avoid repeating ourselves."

"Would you mind if I watched your next casting? I've never seen Bardic magic in person.

Laurel lights up as if given a gift. "It would be a sorry day indeed when a bard turned down an eager audience. You certainly may. However, it may not work as you are thinking..."

You mix the spell with your music?"

"The music, the Song itself is the magic. There is no spell, per se.

"You have already heard me sing, seen me perform, at least three times since we met. I was singing to bolster the courage of our party as we came through the portal and encountered the dragon. His innate fear may have overcome us all if I had not been singing from before we entered here.

"I sang to produce an aura of healing when Marrowrime was first defeated, though that song seemed to have gone to waste.

"Then finally, I sang a lullaby for us all as we retired for the night, again weaving a sonic web of healing around us all. We should have all slept more soundly, and our natural healing should have been more effective.

"These are examples of what Bardic Songs may do. It is not so much casting, which I am also able to do on occasion with various spells, but more of an...influence upon those who can hear my performance."

The bard shakes her head ruefully and chuckles to herself. "Ah, but the Song of Knowledge... Yes, that is a spell. It strikes me that it may be the same spell that you used to learn of the shield, bow and ring. Each bard has their own way of casting actual spells. For me, this spell does take the form of a song. But not all of my spells do."

[Led Pighp]

"As the only archer among us that I know of," with a glance towards Skyseeker along with a raised brow, "I would like to lay claim to the bow. But I will admit I have no experience with a longbow, only the shortbow. So I will yield it to someone who would have expert skill with it, should they wish to claim it.

"If I'm understanding her correctly, this longbow is as useful to me as it is to you." Led pauses a moment, reflecting. "Marrik, don't all paladins of your order receive training with the longbow as well as the sword and axe we've seen you use? In your hands, that thing could be truly devastating."

Seeing Laurel's look of consternation, he quickly adds, "Don't worry. The bow doesn't suit my temperment; I wouldn't ask it of you. But consider, if we give it to another while you keep your own short bow, that's two archers in our party. I'll wager we'd have been glad of another bow when we were fighting that manticore."

[Seven Words]

Marrik nods, slowly. "Aye, our training covered all but the most esoteric of weapons. As I already wield a magic weapon, it strikes me as unseemly to seem so...greedy. I possess no great skill with the bow, however. Adequate was the strongest term of approbation I ever earned."

Skyseeker seems not particularly interested in the bow. "My training has focused upon hurled weapons, such as my hand axes or these javelins. The subtler techniques of the bowman, such as my people are famed for, I have not practiced, such as great precision, or great distance, or exceptional speed." Her eyes dreamily focus on the mosaic again, and she whispers, "Brightest jewel of Nature's shining crown, ever undimmed in memory undying...."

[Led Pighp]

it strikes me as unseemly to seem so...greedy. I possess no great skill with the bow, however."

"Your skill exceeds the rest of ours. But, how's this: Laurel may have the longbow, and you may carry her mundane shortbow for those situations where two arrows are needed."

[Laurel]

Laurel looks up from her mug of steaming drink and sees the party all gathered around eying the items while snacking on a bite. "I see we are all finally gathered. For the record, I am willing to allow Marrik my shortbow in exchange for the longbow, should he want it."

Then projecting her voice to capture the entire party's attention, she puts on her best oration manner and begins her "performance."

"For now, let us once again go over all of the items we have found and make decisions what to do with them...

"The non-magical items consist of the following...

"A mithril chess set, with aboard made of obsidian and ivory.
"A gold and silver tiara, which I have expressed interest in.
"A mosaic of Jao-u-Zid-Heyatiin. By her reaction to it alone, I would say it belongs to Skyseeker.
"A hand mirror, the frame and handle of platinum with diamonds inset.
"A man's bracelet with strands of steel, gold, silver and copper which are braided like a rope.
"A dagger scabbard which is silverworked with emeralds and moonstones.
"A cloak clasp of mithril and adamantine which is framing a diamond. Led expressed interest in this.
"A gold signet ring, bearing what appears to be the crest of the Ferritis family, nobles in Sverdhame. They would most likely pay well for this.
"A large ivory tusk, elaborately carved and dyed to seem as if there are vines and flowers climbing it.
"A silver-coated polar bear skull, with quartz eyes bearing ruby pupils.
"A set of 9 map or scroll cases, silver filigree with tiny garnets. Led again expressed interest in these. As he is a scribe, I believe he would be best suited to them.
"A tiny matching spear and greataxe set, with silver haft, mithril head, and frusvolk carvings on it.
"An incense burner, elaborate gold work, inset with 4 star sapphires..with platinum symbol of the Unknowable on it. Sigrid expressed interest.
"A 2 foot tall bronze sculpture of Valkhan.
"A walrus hide leather belt, polar bear fur trim, gold work on the buckle with silver studs. Another item which interests Sigrid.
"An onxy statue of an elf, short sword in one hand, a ball of flames in the palm of his other hand. Skyseeker said it is of Calathiri.
"And a statue of a legendary beast: a ki-rin composed f some manner of black ivory. It is bearing a mithril horn, white ivory mane and tail, and silver hooves."

Turning from the mundane items to the magical ones, the bard continues...

"Here we have eleven bottles of potions. They break down into one each of:

"Remove Fear
"Bear’s Endurance
"Cat’s Grace
"Remove Paralysis
"Greater magic fang +3
"Flame Arrow Oil
"and Cure Serious Wounds

"and two each of:
"Cure Moderate Wounds
"and Cure Critical Wounds.

"Led expressed interest in the bottle of Cat's Grace and Greater Magic Fang. I would like the Flame Arrow Oil.

"Led also suggested the majority of the Cure potions be disbursed between himself and Marrik, as they are our party's main melee fighter's. I suspect if the good cleric here," with a flourish towards Sigird, "chooses to travel with us, she may occasionally be in the thick of fighting as well. I will admit to wishing I had a Cure potion or two on me if needed. But the last fight showed how much more the melee fighters will need them than I will, so I am agreeable to such a plan."

Turning towards the scrolls, Laurel lifts an eyebrow in Sigrid's direction. "As the only Divine caster here, I believe the one scroll of Divine spells should unquestionably go to you. As I have said before, I will claim the two scrolls of Arcane spells.

"Finally, let us turn our attention towards the items which are magical themselves. Vynarkus told us about two of the wands. One casts Find Traps, with 17 charges and a duration of three minutes per charge. The second he knew about casts Silence, with 8 charges with a range of 520' and and a duration per charge of three minutes.

"I sang over the third wand to learn of its secrets. It is a wand of Acid Arrow, with 28 charges with a range of 600' and a duration of twelve seconds per charge."

Nodding towards the rod in Sigrid's hand, the bard continues, "This Lesser Rod makes lower level spells up to 50% more effective. An excellent choice, milady," with a bow.

"The longbow's magic makes it a competent weapon in anyone's hand, as Sigrid explained. As neither Marrik nor Skyseeker desire it, and Led said it does not suit his temperament, I would like to claim it. Perhaps in time I will come to master it," she smiles.

"As for the other two items our kind cleric researched for us, they enhance protection over the bearer; the shield slightly more than the ring."

Picking up the Ioun Stone, the bard blushes a bright red, practically matching the color of the stone. "I had momentarily forgotten that the color of one of these stones reveals what attribute it enhances. I did not need to sing over this, as the meaning of its color came to me while I slept. This stone enhances one's Dexterity. I believe both Led and Vynarkus expressed interest in it.

"Regarding the items I sang over other than the third wand, let me begin with Norkkun's Screaming Wraith Slayer. It's legendary status is well deserved. It will work competently in anyone's hands, and is even more powerful against incorporeal creatures. Unless an incorporeal creature should get its hands on it. Then it would be more effective against corporeal creatures such as us.

"It also is a weapon after my own heart, as the "screaming and crashing like thunder when fighting" also inflicts damage upon the enemy.

"I agree with Sigrid. We should offer it in trade to a Volk chieftain we should come across. Although I see no harm in one of our melee fighters using it if need be until then."

Leaning over the pile, Laurel picks up the book and again leafs through it. "This is The Manual of Bodily Health. Being magic, anyone can read it, but its magic will only work once. It contains three chapters of mystic exercises, breathing techniques, diet and other instructions. Read each chapter and apply the suggestions within them, and the reader gains a small permanent increase to their Constitution for each chapter read."

The bard looks down at the ground. "I admit my own constitution is lacking, compared to others of you..." Then she looks up and smiles towards the horses. "But, I started this adventure with my trusted Hardy at my side, who has more then made up my lack. And my beautiful Garvin has since joined me..." she trails off. Bringing her attention back to the group, she continues, "And I am better at being a ranged fighter than a melee one. So, though I believe I would benefit from the book, I do feel there are others in the party who would benefit more.

"I believe nearly all of us have expressed interest in it. I seem to recall at least Led, Marrik and Vynarkus did, as well as myself. I will withdraw my interest in it.

"As for the mundane items, I pretty much agree with Led, though I think Skyseeker should have the mosaic. You need simply look at her and see it belongs with her," Laurel smiles softly at the elf. "I lay claim to the tiara to go with my court gown. The rest feel free to choose from, but I agree it would serve the party best to sell or trade the majority of these mundane items for needed goods."

As she ends her "performance," the bard's presence returns to normal and the party once more returns to eying the items and assessing them for themselves.

[Vynarkus]

Vynarkus looks at Laruel as she lists all of the items.

"I would indeed like the Ioun Stone, especially as it enhances my dexterity. If I understand what you mean by the term correctly, it would make my blasts more accurate, and it would also help protect me, as it would enable me to dodge with moves I would not dare attempt with my current flexibility.
"I am also interested in the ring. Unlike most of the rest of us, I am often going to be far enough from enemies that only spells are likely to reach me. Unlike most armor, the ring will help deflect such spells."

Vynarkus then turns to Led. "I remember that you had a good argument for taking the similar but weaker ring we found when the town was attacked. Perhaps you should take this one, and allow one of us to claim the one you currently wear?"

[Sigrid]

"I am interested in:

"An incense burner, elaborate gold work, inset with 4 star sapphires..with platinum symbol of the Unknowable on it.
"A walrus hide leather belt, polar bear fur trim, gold work on the buckle with silver studs.
"Wand of Acid Arrow
"Wand of Find Traps
"Lesser Rod of Empower Spell"

[Laurel]

Laurel's brows raise at this, then she reaches in to the pile and withdraws all three scrolls, including the divine one. "Since you have no interest in this, and I have managed to trick a divine scroll before, I will take this as well. I will take, with the party's agreement:

"The three scrolls.
"The longbow, and will offer my shortbow to Marrick or Skyseeker, should either wish to lay claim to it.
"The bottle of Flame Arrow Oil.
"The wand of Silence.
"And the tiara."

[Led Pighp]

"For me, I'd like:

"A cloak clasp of mithril and adamantine which is framing a diamond.

"A set of 9 map or scroll cases, silver filigree with tiny garnets. Though, I suspect that at this point, we have enough magical scrolls to make these useful there. I'd wanted them to give the appearance of propserity to those wishing a scribe. It puts the customers at ease. But scroll cases this good would also protect our valuable spell scrolls. Vynarkus had also expressed an interest. I'm not wed to them."

"Potion of Cat's Grace
"Potion of Greater Magic Fang +3
"Potion of Cure Critical Wounds
"Potion of Cure Serious Wounds

"Manual of Bodily Health. I agree that most of us can use this, but since my ability to survive taking damage more directly helps the rest of you, this kind of falls under the same argument as why the healing potions should be unevenly split. It will also allow me to stay shifted (and fight) longer.

"Norkkun's Screaming Wraith Slayer is... interesting. I'd like to examine the thing and get to know the Volk through it. I don't know that I'd use it very much, but in the case that we're fighting some monster that's very resistent to non-magical damage, it could come in handy. To be certain, I won't be very attached to it when we're ready to sell it off."

He turns back to Vynarkus, "Why don't you take this new ring. The difference between the two isn't that great."

[Vynarkus]

Vynarkus smiles at Led. "Thank you very much, I believe I will.
"If no-one else has any objections?"
...He takes the Ioun Stone and the Ring.

[Seven Words]

Skyseeker interjects, "I would like either the stone or the ring, Vynarkus, whichever you deem lesser."

[Vynarkus]

Vynarkus looks at her and nods, then considers for a while before handing over the ring.