This little event took place on 8/18/1997. Shadowkatt had gone up to the Reach to do some recharging and got stuck in the water tunnels. Our friend Baleford had been keeping Danay company the whole time. As many can attest, it's a wet and frustrating experience. Some people have been lost in there for days! In this case, Katt had been trying to get out for two hours, and no one we talked to knew the way to get out to help her. So Danay tried the only other thing she could think of.

[Melgorehn's Reach, Landing]
The cliff trail comes to an abrupt halt at a sheer drop off. It seems the ledge continues onward after about a forty yard gap. Cut into the mountain side, by means that you cannot imagine, is a perfectly round opening which is large enough to enter. You also see a mountain path and what appears to be a giant, stone draw bridge which is presently pulled open by two hemp ropes originating from slots in an overhang.
Also here: Weepinwizard, Theph, Baleford
Obvious paths: none.

>Baleford says, "Umm, excuse me..."

>Weepinwizard asks, "Yes?"

>Baleford smiles.

Danay smiles hopefully.

>Theph nods to Baleford.

>Baleford asks, "Might you know the way off the top?"

> You ask, "Do you know the way out through the tunnels?"

>Theph asks, "Off the top?"

>Baleford points at you.

>Baleford says, "She said it better."

>Theph asks, "Tunnels?"

> You nod.

>Theph asks, "What?"

> You say, "The water slide."

>Theph says, "I know nothing of tunnels..."

> You say, "Oh"

>Theph asks, "Need you a ride anywhere?"

> Baleford clears his throat.

>You say, "Sorry to bother you then."

>Baleford says, "Ah, no thank you..."

>Theph shrugs.

>Theph bows.

>Theph's group wandered down a mountain path.

> Baleford grumbles.

>Baleford says, "Must have thought us mad."

> Baleford chuckles.

>You laugh out loud!

>You nod.

>Baleford clasps your hand tenderly.

J>Baleford's group wandered down a mountain path.

[Melgorehn's Reach, Lake Eonak]
You are on the bank of a beautiful mountain lake which is fed by a waterfall gushing from the mountain side. There is a path which seems to actually lead up the side of the mountain.
Also here: Baleford
Obvious paths: southwest.

J>Baleford sits down.

J>You sit down.

sJ> You say, "She says with your directions she keep ending up in the pool cavern"

sJ>Baleford snaps his fingers.

sJ>(Baleford whistles a somewhat coherent tune.)

sJ>Baleford asks, "Ah yes, the Lake is beautiful, this eve, is it not?"

sJ>Baleford just touched a beautiful mountain lake.

sJ> You smile.

sJ>You nod.

sJ> You say, "It would be much more beautiful if Katt was here"

sJ> sJ>Baleford nods to you.

sJ>Baleford moves to a kneeling position.

sJ>(Baleford folds his arms across his chest.)

You say, "I have a drastic idea"

sJ>Baleford clears his throat.

sJ>Baleford asks, "Aye?"

sJ> You clear your throat.

sJ> You say, "Not a very good one....but..."

sJ> You say, "I know the Prayer of Commune"

sJ>Baleford raises an eyebrow.

sJ> sJ>Baleford asks, "What might that do for us, Danay?"

sJ>Baleford says, "I know little of such things..."

sJ>Baleford sits up.

sJ> You say, "It might do nothing if the gods ignore us, it might get us killed, in which case we might decay..or we may get an answer"

sJ>Baleford says, "Oh my..."

sJ> You nod.

sJ>Baleford asks, "Death, eh?"

sJ>Lord Azrail just arrived.

sJ>Azrail wandered up a mountain path.

sJ>Kepra just arrived.

sJ>Baleford raises an eyebrow.

sJ>Kepra wandered up a mountain path.

sJ> You stand back up.
Roundtime 5 seconds.

JR>Baleford stands up.

JR>Baleford's group wandered up a mountain path.

[Melgorehn's Reach, Landing]
The cliff trail comes to an abrupt halt at a sheer drop off. It seems the ledge continues onward after about a forty yard gap. Cut into the mountain side, by means that you cannot imagine, is a perfectly round opening which is large enough to enter. You also see what appears to be a giant, stone draw bridge which is presently spanning the gap to the ledge on the other side and a mountain path.
Also here: Baleford, Lord Azrail
Obvious paths: none.

J>Azrail went across a draw bridge.

J>Babbling again, eh?

J>Baleford snaps his fingers.

J>Baleford says, "Tell her to ask one of those men..."

J>Baleford's group wandered down a mountain path.

[Melgorehn's Reach, Lake Eonak]
You are on the bank of a beautiful mountain lake which is fed by a waterfall gushing from the mountain side. There is a path which seems to actually lead up the side of the mountain.
Also here: Baleford
Obvious paths: southwest.

J>Baleford says, "I'm sure they would help."

J> You nod.

J>Baleford says, "Of course your gods might help as well..."

J>Baleford sits down.

J>Baleford leans forward.

J> You nod.

You rub your chin thoughtfully.

J> You say, "Katt is special to Leya, but I am not sure she would hear my call."

J>Baleford says, "I wish not to speak with gods..."

J>Baleford says, "They..."

J> You nod to Baleford.

J>Baleford clears his throat.

J> You say, "You would not have to be here, you could stand a ways away...and keep a flask handy"

J>You grin.

J>Baleford shakes his head.

J>Baleford says, "You do it, I do it as well."

J> You sigh.

J> You say, "I do not want to tell her, she will tell me not to do it."

J>Baleford says, "The do not tell her."

J>Baleford says, "Yet..."

J> You say, "I am not sure I should try...it is a rather frivolous thing to ask of the gods"

J> J>Baleford nods.

J> You sigh.

J>Baleford says, "the gods most likely will confuse and hound Shadowkatt even more..."

J>Baleford says, "Not save her."

J> You say, "Nay, not her, I would be the one praying, she has not bothered them"

J> You say, "I could make it clear she knows nothing."

J>Baleford asks, "But in essance, who are you praying for?"

J> (Danay paces back and forth)

J>Baleford stands up.

You say, "I would try to pray to Leya, she is the one who cares for Katt"

J>Baleford says, "Then do so..."

J> (Danay stops pacing and looks worried)

J>Baleford says, "I shall make it clear I am not fond of them however."

J>Baleford removes a black vultite axe from inside his dusky thigh-sheath.

J> You say, "That is not a good idea"

Baleford says, "Not a bit."

(Baleford places a hand on your shoulder.)

J>Baleford says, "It shall turn out alright..."

J>Baleford sits down.

J> You chuckle.

J>Baleford says, "Call your gods...I shall not pray to them."

J> You say, "I want to call on the gods to tell me if I should call on the gods"

J>Baleford chuckles.

J> You gaze up into the heavens.

J>Baleford stands up.

J> You say, "Bale, just remain quiet no matter what, do not cause any offence"

>You hear the voice of Baleford say, "I think I shall keep to the shadows for this encounter."

> You say, "Aye, good idea"

>You hear the voice of Baleford say, "Aye, I believe you are right."

> You sigh.

>look in grealook in grea In the purple greatcloak you see a weapons harness, a ruby amulet, some black executioner's chain, a blue topaz, a charred scroll, a golden yew amulet, a shaggy scarlet toy cleric, a white flask, a single yellow rose, a purple silk pouch, a crystal amulet, a Wehnimer's promissory note, a Glaesen Star ticket and some soft black leather boots.

> You remove a single yellow rose from inside your purple greatcloak.

> You kneel down.

K> You concentrate on the Prayer of Commune spell...
[Spell preparation time: 10 seconds]

K>Your spell is ready.

K> You gesture.
You begin a quiet prayer, in hope your God will hear.
Cast Roundtime 3 Seconds.

K You say, "My Lady Leya, I pray to you today of a small thing, but for one you care for."

K> You say, "I offer you this rose as an offering, it was given to me by Shadowkatt."

You drop a single yellow rose.

K> You say, "Shadowkatt is special to you and I, and she is now trapped and needs your guidance."

K> You say, "She knows nothing of my prayer to you now."

K> You say, "I ask that perhaps you could look in on her, and give her the guidance she needs."

K> You murmur some prayers under your breath.

K> You murmur some prayers under your breath.

K> You say, "My Lady Leya, please answer my prayer, and speak to the one you love."

K> You murmur some prayers under your breath.

K> You reach out and touch a single yellow rose.

K> You murmur some prayers under your breath.

K> You murmur some prayers under your breath.

K> You say, "I do not think she is listening to such a foolish request"

K>You sigh.

K>Baleford says, "Who knows what might be listining..."

K> You say, "The gods are listening, but they often choose not to answer."

K>Baleford nods. K> You pick up a single yellow rose.

K>sniff rosesniff rose It smells like a single yellow rose.

K>Baleford sighs deeply.

K> You say, "I do not know what else to do, that was all that I had in my power to try."

K> You stand back up.

R>Baleford whispers, "Bah, think nothing of it, Danay."

> You nod.

> You gaze up into the heavens.

> You say, "Thank you for hearing my prayers Leya, even when you choose not to answer."

You say, "I think Katt is going to sleep in the tunnels and try again tomorrow."

>Baleford nods.

> An old memory bubbles up from your past, and causes you to reflect a moment. With a flash of insight, you realize you understand yourself a bit better than you did a moment ago. The sudden feeling of self-knowledge is a pleasant one.

>Baleford squints.

>You sigh.

>Suddenly Shadowkatt comes spurting out of of the gushing waterfall and splashes into the lake! After several agonizing moments she is thrust by the currents into knee-deep water nearby.

> Baleford exclaims, "Ah!"

> You beam!

>You throw your head back and howl!

>Shadowkatt growls ferociously!

> Shadowkatt frowns.

>You kneel down.

K> You murmur some prayers under your breath.

K>Baleford whispers, "Your goddess was listening!"

K> You stand back up.

>You hug Shadowkatt.

> You kiss Shadowkatt.

>Shadowkatt exclaims, "I hate that place!"

>Shadowkatt frowns.

> You hug Shadowkatt.

> You hug Shadowkatt.

>Shadowkatt moves to a kneeling position.

>You hug Shadowkatt.

>Shadowkatt grumbles.

>Shadowkatt hugs you.

>Shadowkatt just hugged Baleford.

>Baleford smiles at Shadowkatt.

> Shadowkatt mumbles something that you don't quite catch.

>You ask, "Did you have help coming out?"

>Shadowkatt shakes her head.

> You chuckle.

>Shadowkatt says, "Reached a left right split."

>Baleford says, "But..."

>Baleford says, "Bah, never mind, a passing in the trees..."

> You say, "Ah well, I believe that Leya guided you anyway, I prayed for her assistance."

>Baleford and Shadowkatt shake hands.

> Shadowkatt grins.

You smile at Shadowkatt.

> Shadowkatt says, "ok, now I do want to go rest."

> You nod to Shadowkatt.

> You exclaim, "Aye, we all do!"

> You hug Shadowkatt.

> You hug Baleford.

>Baleford smiles at you.

> You say, "Thank you so much for waiting Baleford"

>Shadowkatt hugs you.

>Shadowkatt nods.

>Baleford asks, "Eh?"

>You say, "Someone walk us back"

>Baleford exclaims, "Oh, not a problem, Danay!"

> You smile at Baleford.

> You kiss Baleford on the cheek.

>Shadowkatt says, "Danay next time we want to get stuff charged up, you go."

Baleford clasps your hand tenderly.

J>Shadowkatt grins.

J>You gaze up into the heavens.

J> You laugh out loud!

J> You exclaim, "Nay!"

J>Baleford clasps Shadowkatt's hand tenderly.

J>Shadowkatt nods to you.

J>Shadowkatt stands up.

J>Baleford says, "Something was not right..."

J>Baleford shakes his head.

J>Baleford says, "I cannot place it."

Shadowkatt shrugs.

J>You peer quizzically at Baleford.

J>Baleford shakes his head.

J>Shadowkatt just pushed back the hood from her lizard-hide cloak, revealing her fine features.

J>Baleford says, "Never mind, twas nothing..."

Baleford says, "Just an old fools mind working..."

J> You chuckle at Baleford.

J>Baleford asks, "Shall I lead you back to town?"

J> You show Shadowkatt your yellow rose.

J>You say, "I tried it as an offering"

J> You smile.

J>Shadowkatt grins.

J>You put a single yellow rose inside your purple greatcloak.

J> You kiss Shadowkatt.

J>Shadowkatt says, "Doesnt matter to me if we go back or not."

J>Shadowkatt just kissed you.

J>Baleford chuckles.

J> You say, "Aye, back to town please"

Back in town...

J>Baleford's group just went south.
[Wehnimer's, Talon St.]
The street runs between the northern wall and the central square that contains the main bazaar. The traffic is more varied, as shoppers, traders, travellers and merchants mix with the ever-present and watchful militia men. You hear rowdy cries and raucous laughter, as well as eerie sounds you cannot quite identify, coming from the building along the road. This is the infamous Cholgar's Bathhouse. You also see a grizzled old warrior, a badly damaged gold chest, a scratched steel chest and a simple wooden chest.
Also here: Lady Shadowkatt, Baleford
Obvious paths: north, south.

J> Baleford wipes the sweat from his brow.

J>You exclaim, "So good to be home!"

J>You throw your head back and howl!

J> A warm glow emanates from your backpack for a moment.

J> You blink.

J> look in grealook in grea
J>In the purple greatcloak you see a ruby amulet, a blue topaz, a charred scroll, a golden yew amulet, a shaggy scarlet toy cleric, a white flask, a purple silk pouch, a crystal amulet, a Wehnimer's promissory note, a Glaesen Star ticket and some soft black leather boots.

J>Baleford raises an eyebrow.

J>You beam!

J> You kneel down.

KJ> You murmur some prayers under your breath.

KJ>You gaze up into the heavens.

KJ> Shadowkatt raises an eyebrow.

KJ>You stand back up.

J>Baleford shakes his head.

J>You say, "My Lady accepted the offering"

J>You smile.

J>Shadowkatt grins.

J>Shadowkatt gazes up into the heavens.

> You say, "I no longer have the rose"

J> You elbow Baleford in the ribs in a playful sort of way.

J>Shadowkatt asks, "Ya sure?"

J>Baleford squints.

>You say, "You may just have to change your opinion on the gods Bale"

> J>Baleford shakes his head.

J>Baleford says, "Never."

J>pull balepull bale I don't think Baleford would appreciate that.

> J>Shadowkatt stares off into space.

J>You exclaim, "He is hopeless then!"

J>Baleford says, "They are capable of good...and evil."

J>Baleford says, "Great evils."

J> You say, "Aye"

J>Shadowkatt says, "Well, some happiness came outta my being trapped in the tunnels."

J>Shadowkatt smiles at you.

J> You smile at Shadowkatt.

J> You nod to Shadowkatt.

J> Shadowkatt says, "I guess it was worth it then,"

You say, "Ah well, we all need our rest."

>Shadowkatt says, "I am never going in that darn place again."

> You say, "Aye, please do not"

>You say, "I risked death from an angry god"

>Shadowkatt says, "Well, mayhaps..."

>Shadowkatt says, "Aw, nevermind."

>Shadowkatt shakes her head.

> You ask, "What?"

>Shadowkatt shakes her head.

>Baleford glances at Shadowkatt.

>Shadowkatt says, "Sleep."

> You nod.

>You exclaim, "Aye!"

> You hug Baleford.

> You hug Shadowkatt.

> Baleford smiles at you.

Shadowkatt just kissed you.

>You kiss Shadowkatt.

>You smile at Shadowkatt.

>Shadowkatt just hugged Baleford.

> Something seems to move in your cloak for a moment, then is gone.

>Baleford says, "Fare thee well, priesstess..."

>You say, "Good night Love, I am glad you are back safe,"

>Baleford smiles at Shadowkatt.

>You blink.

>look in grealook in grea
>In the purple greatcloak you see a shining golden rose, a ruby amulet, a blue topaz, a charred scroll, a golden yew amulet, a shaggy scarlet toy cleric, a white flask, a purple silk pouch, a crystal amulet, a Wehnimer's promissory note, a Glaesen Star ticket and some soft black leather boots.

>Baleford says, "And you, oh Lost One."

>Shadowkatt asks, "Priestess?"

>You gasp.

>You remove a shining golden rose from inside your purple greatcloak.

>Shadowkatt smiles at you.

> Baleford's jaw drops.

>You show Shadowkatt your golden rose.

>Shadowkatt gazes up into the heavens.

>Shadowkatt smiles.

> You kneel down and begin your prayers.

K> You gaze up into the heavens.

K>touch rosetouch rose You thumb your golden rose.

K>Shadowkatt kneels down.

K>Shadowkatt just nudged you.

K>Shadowkatt grins.

K>You say, "Oh my"

K> You gaze in awe at the golden rose in your hand.

You stand back up.

>You gulp.

> Shadowkatt says, "Now you have something that you have always hoped for."

Shadowkatt stands up.

>You nod.

>Baleford asks, "Who knows what that 'gift' entails, eh?"

You say, "I am just overwhelmed"

>Shadowkatt smiles at you.

>Shadowkatt nods.

>Shadowkatt says, "A desired affect."

>You put a shining golden rose inside your purple greatcloak.

> You nod.

> You say, "Well...."

> You say, "I really need to rest now"

>Shadowkatt says, "Gee, I am awake now."

> You smile.

>Shadowkatt grins.

> You chuckle at Shadowkatt.

>Shadowkatt nods to you.

> You say, "I am drained."

>Shadowkatt says, "I Believe I will go to the temple."

> You say, "I am so glad you are safe and out of there"

A bit later in Leya's shrine...

KJ>Shadowkatt asks, "Leya helped me out didnt she?"

KJ> You nod.

KJ> You say, "Aye"

KJ>Shadowkatt nods.

KJ>Shadowkatt smiles.

KJ> You say, "I had just given up, when something told me she was listening, and there you were"

KJ> You beam!

KJ> You murmur some prayers under your breath.

KJ>Shadowkatt says, "I cannot think of a nicer way to come outta that hellish place."

KJ> You smile at Shadowkatt.

KJ> You say, "Aye"

KJ> You gaze heavenward.

KJ>Shadowkatt smiles.

KJ>You say, "Thank you Leya."

 

End Note: I thought I would note here for any clerics reading that this is not the best example of a Commune for technical reasons. When using Prayer of Commune, the cleric needs to allow time for a GM to take notice it has been cast, look in, ascertain what is going on, then decide if the cleric is worthy of response or not.

I said my prayers and made my request much too quickly, and I was just plain lucky that it worked out anyway. My advice when doing a Commune is to have a bit of filler material ready to use at the start to give GM's time to get caught up, then move on to the heart of the ritual that has been prepared or the request that is being made.