|  Author | Topic: What's happened so far... (Read 173 times) |
meldread
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Karma: 0 |  | What's happened so far...
« Thread Started on Mar 21, 2006, 4:09am » | |
I believe, to help sort things out, there needs to be a post about what has happened so far. I'll write it down, as I remember it from Dedrick's prospective. Everything talked about in this post should be common knowledge, and the only one who may not know everything is Mohsen. It is highly likely that your character was there during the event, or the event was briefly explained to your character afterward. This knowledge should be nothing new; it is simply a recap for the sake of clarification (and sanity). I am writing all of this from the prospective of what has happened to Dedrick. In following posts, if I leave out anything (either because I OOCly forgot or missed it) please post. Please try and keep this related to common knowledge only.
Dedrick's Prospective:
Before Dedrick joined the group he was a Zoran Mercenary in Haven. He worked as a Zoran for five years, but he decided (it was more of a random choice than anything else) he was bored with the life as a Zoran. It didn't pay as much as he wanted, and the work wasn't challenging enough. So he decided to quit. Knowing that this wouldn't be looked upon kindly by the Zoran's he left Haven and ended up in Mirrormere.
In Mirrormere he met Godwin and Alena, along with Thalia and Rastane. Alena invited him to join the group, offered him some pay and he agreed. Godwin's Master (Griffin) soon sent word that he needed to see him. The group then left Mirrormere by boat, and during the journey they saw a ship had been sunk by Troglodytes.
After dispatching the Troglodytes, the group then made their way to Haven. Dedrick was apprehensive about this and was more than a little worried about returning after he just disserted his role as a Zoran. During the night after meeting Griffin Dedrick left and headed around Haven. He wanted to see if the Zorans knew he had disserted yet. He figured his best bet would be to do some questioning around the Sweet Trade.
At the Sweet Trade Rosabell lured him into a backroom after some questioning and odd behavior from Dedrick, and there he removed his helm and revealed his identity to her. He asked if anyone had been looking for him, and not receiving a satisfactory answer began to threaten her. She then threatened him herself, and told him that if he returned to the Sweet Trade he'd be sorry.
Dedrick returned to the group and the following day the group was told about a job involving scouting some Hills. They were told of Trolls and possibly Ogres and were promised 50 Gold Sovereign each for the job. Everyone realized this was a great deal of money for a simple scouting mission, but agreed anyway.
The group then went to Hookwood where they met Arden. Arden was the man who was looking for someone to do the scouting in the Hills. As he explained what was going on, Dedrick realized there was far more to the story than had been told. Angry and confused he demanded that the group be paid what was promised for the scouting mission (50 Gold Sovereign Each) plus extra for any additional work. The additional information not told was confusing and there were obvious holes in the story, but when Dedrick tried to get Arden to "spit it out" and "speed it up" he decided to withhold information from the group. Although later the group finds out Godwin, at least, was informed of the full details (if not more information).
During their stay at Hookwood Alena became very ill for a mysterious reason, and had a weird reaction to a large stone hand in the basement - just beyond Arden's laboratory. Arden revealed that the Hand had been there some time and was Pagan in origin.
Alena, Thalia and possibly Godwin (I wasn't there) also met a Ghost named Thomas. They informed the group (Rastane and Dedrick) about it the following day. (You guys might want to fill in some details of that.)
The group then headed off to the Hills, where they battled Trolls and Ogres. They killed a Troll Wife and a Fire Troll. They then battled Cultists, killing a Cultist Witch, and then made their way to the Henge. At the Henge they met Waldron, who they had been told to seek out by Arden as he could provide more information.
Waldron revealed that there were several groups active in the area: Dragons, Ogres and Trolls and Cultists. He also revealed that there was a Giant by the name of Arthan that was some how possessed by a creature. Arthan is the brother of Asgult and the group promised to aid Asgult with his brother as his brother was of particular interest to Arden as well.
After learning about Asgult the group went to meet him. Asgult told of his treasure, and how he has giant bears guarding it that he uses as pillows. Dedrick was intrigued by this and tried to persuade the others to help him steal Asgult's treasure and they promptly refused. Asgult agreed to help the group provided they find a way for him to help (or kill) his brother.
As the group left Asgult's Cave, Dedrick who was disheartened by the fact that he wouldn't get his hands on the treasure, made the suggestion that if Asgult died trying to help his Brother that they group could then return to his cave and take his treasure. Dedrick reasoned that treasure would of no use to him if he were dead. This was met with eye rolling and scorn.
As the group was heading back to the hedge they were beset upon by a dragon. They fled back into the Henge where they went immediately to Waldron. Waldron then explained to them that the Dragon wouldn't enter the Henge, and if he did he was powerful enough to kill it. Dedrick asked if Waldron could battle against three or four dragons at once and Waldron confessed he probably couldn't. Dedrick then wondered why the Dragon's hadn't mounted an assault on the Hedge.
The group also found dead fish in the river. Waldron said that he wanted to speak to Arden, and after the group had reasoned they had gathered all they could gather they then returned to Hookwood via a spell of Waldron's that allowed them to travel through the "roots of trees". They reported what they had learned to Arden and gave him the dead fish (along with many Troll Hearts) and some of the Bloodbeard Ale. Arden analyzed it and reported to the group that he found traces of a strange substance called Silflur (also known as Fools Silver) within the Fish.
This substance has something to do with magic and can cause changes in creatures... or something. Someone else might want to explain that a bit more. It's a bit foggy, but Arden explained that to us in full.
Arden said he could turn the Troll Hearts into potions, and told the group that the Bloodbeard Ale was actually blood of Giants that the Ogre's drank to become more powerful. (Or something like that, again someone might want to expand here.)
The group then traveled to Haven to resupply. During this trip the group bought a few new outfits. Arden also provided the group with Horses. Alena tried to work with Dedrick and his people skills, and Dedrick bought Alena a flower for her hair. Arden and the group also went to the Luminarian Cathedral where he spoke with the Luminarians in private. During this time Dedrick and Thalia got into a fight. Dedrick revealed that he knew Thalia was hiding something, but didn't know what... but said he'd find out. Thalia mocked him for his actions with Alena, which then caused Dedrick to scurry off in a huff.
Dedrick made his way to the Sweet Trade alone and upset. Shortly after that Arden arrived and they sat at the bar together. They ordered something to drink and dinner. Dedrick, perhaps feeling to uppity for his own good, no doubt because of his new clothes and because he was sitting next to a Noble, revealed his identity to Rosabell and winked at her. She promptly scurried into the back and never came out.
The rest of the group arrived and Dedrick related what had just happened with Rosabell, of course leaving out why he knew she ran off, but feeling a little more than amused with himself. Thalia said she'd check on her, and the rest of the group sat around chatting.
Thalia eventually returned with sandwiches and told the group that she didn't see Rosabell anywhere. Dedrick started to worry that she had gone to the Zorans and began to regret what he had done.
As the group retired for the night Dedrick made his way downstairs and around the Sweet Trade. He went looking for Rosabell for some more "questioning". Finding many of the ways to her office and doors locked, he decided to go around and look for another way. He moved around to the Brewery and through there into the Cellar of the Sweet Trade. The door leading to the Sweet Trade from the cellar was locked, but while in the basement Dedrick did decide to steal some rations.
Upon climbing the ladder to leave the Brewery he was confronted by two thugs who identified themselves as members of a Criminal Street Gang known as the Syndicate. They threatened him with harm should he ever return to the Sweet Trade or bother Rosabell again. Dedrick, trying to keep his cool, told them that they didn't want to mess with him and he did more than a little name dropping - mentioning how he was "friends" with Arden and how they didn't want to anger a Nobleman.
However, one of the thugs (a male) insisted on bullying and threatening Dedrick. Dedrick, trying to walk out, reached for the doorknob only to realize they had locked him in the Brewery. Realizing the gravity of the situation, and realizing that he'd have to send a message to the Syndicate - one that he wasn't to be intimidated or messed with, he killed the male and as he tried to engage the female she fled.
He pursued her and they found themselves in the Graveyard. The female begged for her life, and Dedrick agreed to spare it. He tried to coerce the female to come with him. (He wanted to question her.) However, she fled again. This time she fled down into the Crypts. Dedrick called out to two Militiamen who had pursued the female member of the Syndicate with him, but did not chase her into the Graveyard. They arrived but were too afraid to enter the Crypts. Dedrick decided that there was nothing to fear so went down there himself. (Although he was more than a little afraid.)
After some looking around, he found the female member of the Syndicate but she was simply staring at him blankly. Suddenly, Undead appeared and began trying to assault him with magical spells. Dedrick, shocked at the Undead fled. He realized the gravity of the situation, but knew he had to cover his tracks with the Syndicate.
Dedrick returned to the Sweet Trade and found Arden. He told Arden a story of people "dressed in black" that "reminded him of the cultists" and that one was in the Crypts at the Graveyard. They both returned to the Graveyard and upon entering the Crypt found the female dead. Dedrick was more than a little displeased at this, but explained to Arden about the Undead - which were nowhere in site.
Arden decided to investigate and as they adventured through the crypt, they were set upon by horde upon horde of undead nearly bringing them both to death. They battled their way out of the crypt and Arden insisted that they go speak with the Luminarians about the crypt so that they could handle it. Dedrick tried to get out of going to them, but Arden insisted.
Dedrick and Arden then found themselves at the Cathedral and Dedrick was more than a little nervous. He didn't want to lie to the Inquisition, but he couldn't tell the truth about what happened with the Syndicate either (as that would have revealed the fact that he was a former Zoran). So Dedrick stuck to the same story he had told Arden and told them about Rosabell - who he claimed had sent the said 'cultists' after him. The High Inquisitor said he'd look into it, but was more than a little dismissive of Dedrick. (Who was more than a little afraid of being burned alive at the stake, hung, or tortured.) Dedrick breathed a sigh of relief when Arden returned to him and they left.
(I am not completely sure, but I think I missed the next session following that as I was having computer problems.)
The group then found themselves back in Hookwood, where Arden then revealed that the Inquisition wished to speak to Dedrick again. Dedrick was apprehensive about this, and tried to get out of it. (He feared that they found out the truth.) When he found that he couldn't get out of it he decided that he had to at least get some advice. So he took Rastane aside and in private he explained to him what had happened with the Syndicate and the Inquisition. He left out the fact that he was a Zoran and glazed over the part that involved Rosabell. He told Rastane so that he would be ready for whatever happened and hoped that, having at least someone else forewarned would get everyone out alive.
Rastane was naturally unhappy about this... and that eventually lead him to force Dedrick to come clean to the others. (The others that were there were Thalia and Godwin.)
Dedrick came clean to them and repeated what he had told Rastane. They, of course, went ballistic and even as Dedrick tried to explain it did no good. They decided to travel to Haven in secret, and Godwin got Arden to cast Invisibility on the group and their horses... but at the last minute, Godwin got cold feet and decided to stay behind. (OOCly he had to leave.)
Dedrick, Thalia and Rastane then traveled to Haven where they met the High Inquisitor. Dedrick, more than a little afraid again...beleving that all was about to be revealed and that he would not only be jailed but tortured and eventually hung was on his best behavior. (Amazing what fear can do to a man's attitude...)
Luckily, however, the High Inquisitor had not found out anything of particular interest. Still, he was more than a little dismissive of Dedrick who started to feel his backbone reform after turning to jelly. He said he only cared about the crypt key and how a group of criminals got their hands on it... but Dedrick was so glad that he wasn't going to be tortured and killed that he was dismissive and was ready to leave. He told the High Inquisitor that there was nothing he could do about that, that he didn't know anything... and the High Inquisitor said he didn't want to see Dedrick ever again. Dedrick was happy to oblige him and promptly left, feeling like a man who just got pardoned from death row.
Dedrick then turned to Thalia and Rastane, but instead of seeing the happy faces he thought he'd see he saw anger and scorn. He tried to explain that at least now the Inquisition wasn't a problem, but they wouldn't hear any of it. Dedrick tried to devise a method of dealing with the Syndicate, but Thalia and Rastane weren't having any of it. They decided to move to a spot where they could talk in public without fear of being attacked in the Street and began speaking in front of the Militia Barracks.
During the conversation (which was more or less an argument), they were approached by one of the Militiamen. This eventually lead to Dedrick's identity being revealed to him, and the fact that he was a wanted man for skipping out on his Zoran contract.
Dedrick, panicked didn't know what to do... he didn't want to go to jail and Thalia and Rastane were more than willing to turn him over to the Militia. Dedrick, in an attempt to buy time, paid the Militiaman off what he would probably make in about what would be six months of paid militia duty.
More than a little angry that he had to part with his money Dedrick, Thalia and Rastane began their journey back to Hookwood. Part of it was rode in silence and the other part was rode in condemnation by Thalia and Rastane toward Dedrick, and Dedrick trying to explain what had happened and being more than a little angry himself.
Rastane rode ahead while Thalia and Dedrick remained behind to talk. Thalia threatened Dedrick with going to the Militia with what she knew if anything like that were to happen ever again. Dedrick, seeing that as a form of blackmail, told her that if she even thought about opening her mouth that he'd shut her up - permanently.
Thalia then became "afraid" of Dedrick and ran to Rastane and told him that Dedrick had threatened her life. Rastane then told Dedrick that he was going to go tell Arden everything. Dedrick refused and said he wasn't going to tell Arden nothing. This ended up in a brawl between Dedrick and Rastane with weapons drawn, and ended with Dedrick being more than a little hurt. Dedrick, shocked at Rastane's actions and not knowing what to do fled to Hookwood and to Arden. When he got there, he ran to Arden and told him that Rastane was crazy and tried to kill him. He tried to quickly make up a story to make the other two look like liars and paint himself as a victim.
Rastane arrived in the house, axe still drawn and ready to beat the living hell out of Dedrick. Arden put a quick stop to the violence and told them both that if they ever tried anything like that again, there would be consequences.
Dedrick, seeing that it was useless to continue with the charade came clean to Arden about everything that happened. Arden didn't really seem the least bit shocked, but was slightly concerned. Thalia said that she couldn't work with Dedrick anymore because she couldn't trust him and Rastane said the same. However, Arden told them both that Dedrick was to remain with the group because he was a madman and that was probably what was needed to get the job he wanted done. Arden also said he'd try and work with Dedrick on his problems.
Dedrick, more than a little flustered, angry, drained... went upstairs and proceeded to drink. He began contemplating fleeing Hookwood and the group, for his own safety as he didn't trust Thalia and Rastane anymore.
Some events transpired (which isn't common knowledge and Dedrick hasn't told about), which lead him to the stables. At the stables he met Thomas - the Ghost Alena, Godwin and Thalia had met before. Dedrick really didn't know what was going on, but Thomas revealed that he knew about Dedrick's problems and offered to help him. In return Thomas wanted Dedrick to help him return to life.
Dedrick was reluctant at first, not sure if it was a trick being played on him by Godwin, but Thomas eventually assured him that it wasn't and then flat out told him that he "really didn't need Dedrick's permission". It was either going to be the hard way (by force) or something that he agreed to. So Dedrick entered the bargain with Thomas.
Thomas then possessed Dedrick and talked to him in his head. He instructed Dedrick to return to Haven, and once there to go to the Pawnshop. He did, and in the basement (after a bit of magical unlocking of doors by Tom) met up with the head of the Syndicate.
Tom revealed himself to the leader of the Syndicate as he knew Tom in life. This intrigued him and bought Dedrick the time he needed to try and negotiate a way out of his problems with the Syndicate. After some talking (most of which the group doesn't know about), he offered Dedrick a job as a member of the gang. Feeling that he had no choice but to accept, he agreed. He then informed Dedrick that Thalia was a member of the Syndicate, and that he would write her a letter informing her of what transpired.
After that, Dedrick left the Pawnshop and Tom informed him to pay off his debt to the Zorans. Dedrick did this as well - reluctantly, and returned his uniform and key as well. This cost him just about every coin he had to his name. Now, even more broke than he was when he joined the group he returned to Hookwood. Events transpired that the group doesn't know about, and he went to bed.
The following morning the group met Mohsen. Dedrick got Thalia aside and gave her the letter and spoke with her. He also spoke with Alena alone and informed her of what happened, and she gave him a new outfit. The group then left Hookwood to return to the Hills.
Mohsen was badly injured in a battle with Bloodbeard Ogres, and the group was forced to setup camp. (OOCly we had to quit early because there was a bug in the bleeding code.) During the night he and Alena spoke with Arden who told them about a letter Godwin's Master (Griffin) found regarding the Troll Wives and Fire Trolls. In the letter it explained that the Fire Trolls are the enforcers for the Troll Wives who use them to bully the other Trolls into doing what they want. It also made mention of a "big lizard". Dedrick, perhaps for the first time realizing the true benefits of having Tom in his head, reasoned that there must be some type of magic involved and the big lizard was likely talking about the dragons. He also reasoned that if the group were to somehow dispel the power of flame surrounding the Fire Trolls that it would likely cause the normal trolls to revolt against the Troll Wives. The rebellion would naturally be beneficial to the group.
Arden then decided to go to sleep, and Alena and Dedrick were left alone to talk. During the conversation Dedrick decided that he wanted to be honest about what had happened with Thomas and tell Alena the truth - as he didn't really want to keep another secret. However, Thomas had other ideas and thought it was too risky. An internal struggle ensued which resulted in Thomas trying to strangle Dedrick to death using Dedrick's own hands. Alena tried to pry Dedrick's hands from his throat but was unsuccessful. As Dedrick realized that he was about to black out and possibly die, he relented and told Tom that he'd keep his mouth shut. However, as he said that (in his head) Alena cut his hand trying to cut the tendons so they'd release the grip around his throat.
This, of course, revealed that something weird was going on with Dedrick that certainly involved an explanation. Dedrick, now panicked, realizing that he couldn't rightly tell Alena the truth and live, nor could he come up with a good enough lie to cover up the fact that he was strangling himself to death... he simply told Alena that he was going crazy as she began to heal his hand.
Dedrick and Thomas began to struggle internally again... Dedrick blaming Thomas for what he'd done, and ruining everything... and Thomas blaming Dedrick and telling him that he'd better come up with an explanation quick. This ultimately resulted in Thomas whisking Dedrick away to be "scolded".
However, as daylight began to shine Alena and Dedrick met up again and Dedrick got Alena to promise to keep things quiet until they had time to talk. Dedrick's neck was badly bruised from where he tried to strangle himself, so he put his helm on to avoid undo notice from the rest of the group.
The group then traveled to the Henge. Which... was the last session as everyone knows and was there. During that session Dedrick was questioned about his odd behavior by Thalia and Rastane who still freshly remembered what had transpired in Haven. Dedrick did his best to avoid the issue.
The group was tasked with finding a Caravan and hijacking it, poisoning the beer supply and taking prisoners. However, the group didn't manage to get any prisoners, was attacked by a strange creature, and only returned with horses and the Caravan's contents.
Dedrick's personality shift became rather obvious to everyone in the group. (He was acting more socially intelligent, and generally speaking wasn't acting like his usual self that caused problems and tension.) Dedrick approached Mohsen about healing some "bruises", in attempt to get rid of the bruise around his neck so he could get Thalia and Rastane off his back and keep his helmet off.
However, an internal struggle with Thomas broke out which ended up with Dedrick laid out on the floor. (After being beaten up by himself and having sever entire body muscle spasms.) Mohsen brought a cup filled with water to Dedrick, who drank... and then suddenly Thomas appeared. He realized that Thomas was free and began to panic. He suddenly felt like his old self again and began franticly looking for Thomas. When he realized that Thomas was gone he ran around looking for Alena to explain what happened.
Everyone gathered around (except Rastane) - who joined shortly after. Dedrick angrily began to explain all that was noted above involving Thomas, and blamed Mohsen for casting Thomas out of his body. Dedrick tried to explain the obvious benefit of having Thomas around and said he wanted him back. He also revealed to the group much of what Thomas had told him notably the fact that Arden was capturing Psions, that he used Thomas, that the Inquisition burned Thomas at the stake, and their entire mission revolved around the fact that Madaline was a Psion. He revealed that the Giant - Asgult's brother - was likely possessed or controlled by a Psion. Godwin was angry with Dedrick for revealing the bit about Madaline.
Also during that time, Dedrick revealed the fact that Thalia was a member of the Syndicate. Dedrick also tried to appeal to Mohsen to try and reverse what he did and resummon Thomas. He explained to the group that Thomas was being hunted by a "Shadow Inquisitor" and that if they didn't act, Thomas would die. Dedrick also tried to explain to the group the value of having Thomas in his head...
That's where the session ended. There is stuff that needs to be filled in, so please - if you know anything I left out that is important please fill it in as long as it is common knowledge!
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firefairy
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Karma: 0 | | Re: What's happened so far...
« Reply #1 on Mar 21, 2006, 6:05am » | |
Pretty much the same here.
I was under the impression that some of the information attibuted to Arden (like the blood potions) was actually from Waldron, but no big.
Alena never met Thomas in Hookwood- she was laid up with a headache (I wasn't there for that session). She did hear about it shortly afterwards from those who did.
Until this missive becomes/became public knowledge, most of the details about Dedrick's travails in getting himself mostly clear of his past issues were unknown to Alena. She's been getting hints that there was more to it, but hadn't had a chance to ask.
Alena asked Dedrick about what the hell was going on because she had detected some seriously strange, albeit positive, changes in his manner. This led to the strangling incident, which she was not happy about. She tried to follow Dedrick when he was spirited off (she could see blue flashes when he moved), but was driven back to the fire by a troll. She then waited until he came back and agreed to keep quiet for one day so that he would have time to tell her what was going on before she decided who to tell. She then kept an eye on him for the entirety of that day.
Alena has a great deal of sympathy for Rastane's suspicious attitude towards Dedrick, especially once she hears about the details she'd missed. She has sympathy for Thalia's suspicions, but none for her method of dealing with them.
If asked why she kept the secret, Alena will reply that she wanted to know how much trouble Dedrick had gotten himself into this time before she turned everyone loose on him, as she never learns the full story on anything once the whole group is involved. She was also keeping him very much in her sights in case of trouble.
It should be noted that she never once lied about anything. She is upset with everyone but Godwin, for acting suspicious and not simply asking politely when something seemed odd. When the likely retort is made that she goes off for "secret" conversations all the time, she replies that no one ever asked what she was talking about, and that the reason the conversations were private (emphasis on the change of term) is because it is almost impossible to have a conversation with more than two people in this group without it turning into a fight. Most likely, the current discussion would be used as an example.
Next! 
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browneyedleo
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Karma: 0 | | Re: What's happened so far...
« Reply #2 on Mar 21, 2006, 8:36pm » | |
Ok a few thoughts of Rastanes.
Rastane would see the truth that is evident in Dedricks tale but is aware that it is Dedricks truth and therefore a little twisted, (much like his lies and excuses).
One of his major frustrations is that on the critical day of enlightenment when all went pete - tong, only Thalia was with Dedrick and himself and he feels that the others are being overly sympathetic towards Dedrick without realising the great depth of trouble that we had been placed in without our knowledge. Also when given the chance to come clean ( on several occasions) Dedrick wriggled and lied and basically made matters worse for himself and others.
Rastane arrived late to the explanation of thomas (the ghostly boy ) and was totally confused, this has only added to his mistrust as he now thinks everyone is letting Dedrick off and using this as an excuse for his appalling behaviour, even though the "possession" was well after all the other stuff.
Rastane has long recognised that Dedrick and Thalia have agendas of their own, that while they may not be in themselves destructive, their inclination towards secrecy means that any trouble coming from them is viewed as an unecessary threat.
Given Rastanes background as a soldier of the church and his well off upbringing, it is hardly surprising to note that one of the traits most valued by him is honesty, which he is ashamed to say he feels is lacking in the group at the moment.
Rastane has strong feelings for this group as they have helped him through a time of adjustment in his life and is desparatly unhappy with how things are panning out.
Well that is all for now, if nothing else Rastanes thoughts could be used to really understand his point of view without need for a massive in group discussion that leads to more conflict, they are after all painfully obvious. Ta ta 4 now 
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