Stackman's Adventures (Chapter two)

bsftcs · 07-16-2003, 07:45 PM

The Glimpse of a Higher Purpose

Being the second chapter of Stackman’s adventures

In which the barbarian reminisces and in which a certain toad is invited to a not so run-of-the-mill run of the mill.

When the rooster had crowed several times the valkyrie finally awoke, but not so much from the sound of the rooster rather than than the warlock who was shaking her arm. ”It is already dawn and we need to get going”, the warlock said helping the valkyrie to strap on her plate mail and to put on her plate boots +14.

They went down the stairs to the dining hall where the innkeeper was busy treating the four others to a breakfast. They all enjoyed a good meal while the bard entertained them playing a kazoo found in one of the cereal boxes.

They left Valeia by the other gate this day walking the trail towards Nymph Lake. They had not walked for long before they turned left and walked due south. The weather was even more wonderful than the day before. Not a cloud was in sight and the wondrous sight of the delightful flowers attracting multitudes of butterflies almost seemed to contradict Gareth’s ominous foreboding. While they marched along in high spirits they sang to their hearts’ delight while the bard played his flute. Unfortunately it was the flute of fumes, so they had to wear pince-nez which made their singing rather nasal. But they did not mind that since they were singing in French. [img]graemlins/hehe.gif[/img]

In a clearing to the south of Valeia the party came upon a windmill. The young, beautiful proprietor of the mill, Kerielle, came out to greet them. She had been the keeper of the lands sorrounding Nymh Lake for some years, and she had a sinister story to tell. Already familiar with the tale the adventurers left the assassin the job of talking with the young woman. A job he did not mind at all as he had always had a soft spot for her since he had first seen her during their adventures years earlier. Meanwhile the bard and the barbarian went to loot the treasure chest in the ravine behind the mill, where Mon the Sculz spawns. The valkyrie and the warlock went inside the mill where the warlock incinerated the arachnid in the basement of the mill.

Kerielle told the assassin of the surrounding lands, of the snake worshippers, and of Algamesh. The assassin promised her that the party would go to the crypt and find Algamesh’s necklace for her. This was the third out of seven small quest given by NPCs in the wilderness of Valeia. The bard and the barbarian returned and soon the party was congregated outside the mill again. The valkyrie and the bard went back inside to loot the treasure chest in the attic of the mill.

Climbing the ladder and peering inside the room the valkyrie noticed a lone figure sitting on the treasure chest. Stackman. She pulled herself the last way through the opening in the floor followed by the bard. She cast a glimpse at the open notebook on Stackman’s lap. It contained the conversation the assassin had just had with Kerielle just outside. “I have been waiting for you”, Stackman said. “You might want to create a portal in the basement of the mill”, he said to the bard who was well versed in the art of moon magic. The bard nodded knowing exactly why creating the portal would be a good idea.

Stackman stood up and let the bard pick the lock on the chest. It was almost an insult to his skills. And in the blink of an eye the lid was open. The chest contained nothing of real use to the party, being so well equipped as they were. The bard created the portal in the basement of the mill and the party walked a few hundred metres from the mill to a place where they could spot the ripples on the tranquil Nymph Lake in the distance.

They did not have to wait for long before they got a bite. Along the path a figure came strolling very briskly, or perhaps he was running. (It was hard to tell because his gait was somewhat grotesque). He was Mekdawa and whether it was the dire plight of his people, the effects of the euphoriant fungi colonizing the damp walls of his subterranean habitation, or the cause of some general mental condition was unknown, but he was HYPER. This was one toad completely lacking the ability to stand still. He kept on ranting about Ukabu and the toads’ need of an Ukabu. Before Mekdawa had run out of sight the bard cast the teleport spell on him.

They walked back to the mill where Stackman and Kerielle waited for them. They went down in the basement to interrogate the toad running around the place. The gave him the elixirs provided by Onabe and got the story about the toads. (If one has not got the teleportation spells one can try to block Mekdawa’s way or use the elaborate method explained by legendary Radek on page four of the Best Tips) They accepted the task to go to Toad Village and help the toads. This was the fourth of seven small quests given by NPCs in the Wilderness of Valeia. Realizing that Mekdawa would probably not calm down in this confinement they “vanished” him back above ground. They went up again.

“I suppose this means we will be going to Toad Village. We have undertaken all quests to be completed there, and they seem to need us”, the valkyrie said in a tone of voice which indicated that she was stating a fact implying an order to start a journey to Toad Village. But at the same time she cast a sidelong glance at Stackman to see if he had any other suggestions (i.e. orders). But he just smiled, and so the party started walking waving goodbye to Kerielle and Stackman. The assassin kept waving at the beautiful Kerielle until she was completely hidden from view by a protruding thicket.

The party continued exploring the East Bank of Nymph Lake until the lake narrowed and Snake River began. They reached the mouth of the river in the early afternoon, and they continued to walk along the banks of the river until night fell. They camped for the night in a little grove, and while the bard treated the others by assuaging their sore feet playing on his lute of miracles, the barbarian and the zenmaster bathed in the cool clear waters of the river catching a few fish to supplement the evening meal. While fishing the barbarian regaled the zenmaster with stories of the time when he as a young warrior was training to become a barbarian. He had run around Snake River cleaving 20 piranhas with his 2-handed axe. (The quests required for role ascentions are explained by legendary Sazerac on page two of the Best Tips (The stats requirements are listed by legendary Wyvern on page three)) The eyes of the old barbarian twinkled with joy of his recollections.

After dining the party went to sleep with the sole exception of the valkyrie. She had gone a few paces away from the smouldering amber embers of the campfire. She suddenly felt someone present in the woods. She looked back at the party and saw the assassin sound asleep. Usually it would have been him lurking about. She stepped forward to investigate further the presence that puzzled her more than it made her uneasy. Barely discernible in the vague glow of the campfire she recognized Stackman.

“Come to watch over your flock, have you?”, the valkyrie asked. “I have rather come to clarify a matter that puzzles you and distracts you, when your focus should be on the adventures”, Stackman replied. The valkyrie paused for a moment. “The reason why you pressed the “reset adventure” button and sent us out on this mission, when we are not fighting monsters all the time to gain experience points, puzzles me. There is a higher purpose to this, is there not?”. “Yes, the making of a story for educational and amusement purposes for the IRONWORKS FORUM”, Stackman replied. “A story starring us?”, the valkyrie gasped and stepped back dizzy by the almost unfathomable prospect. “So that is why we are not doing much fighting. That was why we experienced the memory lapse yesterday. You reloaded after doing an experiment. And that is why you write down all the words we say to other characters?”. “Exactly. Now do not let that distract you from your mission”, Stackman said smiling mildly to the quivering valkyrie.

Back at the campfire she lay down and stared long into the mesmerizing embers. Having one’s name mentioned at the Forum. The Valhalla of Gael Serran mythology. All the deities would know of their name and their exploits. They would be remembered forever. Their names carved into the very fabric of cyberspace. Perhaps they would even go there themselves when their final adventure was one day over. They would achieve the highest thing possible for a computer character and numeral combination in the binary system of notation. Ah, the IRONWORKS FORUM. She mumbled these words again and again half entranced. It was a very long while before she finally fell asleep.

NPCs encountered:

Kerielle reacts to following words:

Valeia, Cemetery, Temple, Graveyard, Serpent Temple, Ishad N’ha, Nymph Lake, Crypt, Kerielle, Snake Worshipper, Friend, Bersault, Caves, Tomb, Algamesh, Serpent, Naga, Toad Village, Elixir, Cet, Anephas, Spirit, Gael Serran.

With ”Algamesh” being the word that triggers the important action. (The Algamesh’s necklace quest), (as also explained by legendary Wyvern on page two of the Best Tips (reply named “Here's a quick shortcut to NPC discussions”))

Mekdawa reacts to following words:

Toad, Mekdawa, Ukabu, Toad Village, Ekbu, Shaman, Evil, Cet, Anephas

Bungleau · 07-16-2003, 11:10 PM

ROTFL! This is going to be a lot of fun to read... and a lot of work to write, I might add [img]smile.gif[/img]

Keep 'em coming...

whiteknight · 07-17-2003, 02:31 AM

omg!!!!!! talk about split personality lol...well wrete m8.umm does the party know that stackman is a figment of there imaginations hahaaha keep the plot thick and the story coming...whiteknight

)

Radek · 07-17-2003, 04:38 AM

Good. A new nice essay about W&W is before us - and not only an essay but also splendid lecture notes! Can anybody remember another game that raised such activity among its players? I think it's a sure sign of quality of the game.
I am looking forward to next chapters [img]smile.gif[/img] No, it's not a compliment, it's reality [img]graemlins/hehe.gif[/img]

Note to Kerielle (only for completness):

You don't need to waste your time with her. Get the amulet, go to her and give it to her without any talk. You will be given the potion as if you had the quest.

Wyvern · 07-17-2003, 09:11 AM

WOWZAH!!!!

What fun!!! Excellent, bsftcs!!! We'll have to add your story to the story sticky thread as well!!

MORE MORE MORE!!!

So is it W&W that inspires the writing of these many and varied tales or is it, in some part, this board or the combination of both? hmmmmm

Wyv

07-16-2003, 07:45 PM	#1
bsftcs Red Dragon Join Date: January 23, 2003 Location: Denmark Age: 45 Posts: 1,577	The Glimpse of a Higher Purpose Being the second chapter of Stackman’s adventures In which the barbarian reminisces and in which a certain toad is invited to a not so run-of-the-mill run of the mill. When the rooster had crowed several times the valkyrie finally awoke, but not so much from the sound of the rooster rather than than the warlock who was shaking her arm. ”It is already dawn and we need to get going”, the warlock said helping the valkyrie to strap on her plate mail and to put on her plate boots +14. They went down the stairs to the dining hall where the innkeeper was busy treating the four others to a breakfast. They all enjoyed a good meal while the bard entertained them playing a kazoo found in one of the cereal boxes. They left Valeia by the other gate this day walking the trail towards Nymph Lake. They had not walked for long before they turned left and walked due south. The weather was even more wonderful than the day before. Not a cloud was in sight and the wondrous sight of the delightful flowers attracting multitudes of butterflies almost seemed to contradict Gareth’s ominous foreboding. While they marched along in high spirits they sang to their hearts’ delight while the bard played his flute. Unfortunately it was the flute of fumes, so they had to wear pince-nez which made their singing rather nasal. But they did not mind that since they were singing in French. [img]graemlins/hehe.gif[/img] In a clearing to the south of Valeia the party came upon a windmill. The young, beautiful proprietor of the mill, Kerielle, came out to greet them. She had been the keeper of the lands sorrounding Nymh Lake for some years, and she had a sinister story to tell. Already familiar with the tale the adventurers left the assassin the job of talking with the young woman. A job he did not mind at all as he had always had a soft spot for her since he had first seen her during their adventures years earlier. Meanwhile the bard and the barbarian went to loot the treasure chest in the ravine behind the mill, where Mon the Sculz spawns. The valkyrie and the warlock went inside the mill where the warlock incinerated the arachnid in the basement of the mill. Kerielle told the assassin of the surrounding lands, of the snake worshippers, and of Algamesh. The assassin promised her that the party would go to the crypt and find Algamesh’s necklace for her. This was the third out of seven small quest given by NPCs in the wilderness of Valeia. The bard and the barbarian returned and soon the party was congregated outside the mill again. The valkyrie and the bard went back inside to loot the treasure chest in the attic of the mill. Climbing the ladder and peering inside the room the valkyrie noticed a lone figure sitting on the treasure chest. Stackman. She pulled herself the last way through the opening in the floor followed by the bard. She cast a glimpse at the open notebook on Stackman’s lap. It contained the conversation the assassin had just had with Kerielle just outside. “I have been waiting for you”, Stackman said. “You might want to create a portal in the basement of the mill”, he said to the bard who was well versed in the art of moon magic. The bard nodded knowing exactly why creating the portal would be a good idea. Stackman stood up and let the bard pick the lock on the chest. It was almost an insult to his skills. And in the blink of an eye the lid was open. The chest contained nothing of real use to the party, being so well equipped as they were. The bard created the portal in the basement of the mill and the party walked a few hundred metres from the mill to a place where they could spot the ripples on the tranquil Nymph Lake in the distance. They did not have to wait for long before they got a bite. Along the path a figure came strolling very briskly, or perhaps he was running. (It was hard to tell because his gait was somewhat grotesque). He was Mekdawa and whether it was the dire plight of his people, the effects of the euphoriant fungi colonizing the damp walls of his subterranean habitation, or the cause of some general mental condition was unknown, but he was HYPER. This was one toad completely lacking the ability to stand still. He kept on ranting about Ukabu and the toads’ need of an Ukabu. Before Mekdawa had run out of sight the bard cast the teleport spell on him. They walked back to the mill where Stackman and Kerielle waited for them. They went down in the basement to interrogate the toad running around the place. The gave him the elixirs provided by Onabe and got the story about the toads. (If one has not got the teleportation spells one can try to block Mekdawa’s way or use the elaborate method explained by legendary Radek on page four of the Best Tips) They accepted the task to go to Toad Village and help the toads. This was the fourth of seven small quests given by NPCs in the Wilderness of Valeia. Realizing that Mekdawa would probably not calm down in this confinement they “vanished” him back above ground. They went up again. “I suppose this means we will be going to Toad Village. We have undertaken all quests to be completed there, and they seem to need us”, the valkyrie said in a tone of voice which indicated that she was stating a fact implying an order to start a journey to Toad Village. But at the same time she cast a sidelong glance at Stackman to see if he had any other suggestions (i.e. orders). But he just smiled, and so the party started walking waving goodbye to Kerielle and Stackman. The assassin kept waving at the beautiful Kerielle until she was completely hidden from view by a protruding thicket. The party continued exploring the East Bank of Nymph Lake until the lake narrowed and Snake River began. They reached the mouth of the river in the early afternoon, and they continued to walk along the banks of the river until night fell. They camped for the night in a little grove, and while the bard treated the others by assuaging their sore feet playing on his lute of miracles, the barbarian and the zenmaster bathed in the cool clear waters of the river catching a few fish to supplement the evening meal. While fishing the barbarian regaled the zenmaster with stories of the time when he as a young warrior was training to become a barbarian. He had run around Snake River cleaving 20 piranhas with his 2-handed axe. (The quests required for role ascentions are explained by legendary Sazerac on page two of the Best Tips (The stats requirements are listed by legendary Wyvern on page three)) The eyes of the old barbarian twinkled with joy of his recollections. After dining the party went to sleep with the sole exception of the valkyrie. She had gone a few paces away from the smouldering amber embers of the campfire. She suddenly felt someone present in the woods. She looked back at the party and saw the assassin sound asleep. Usually it would have been him lurking about. She stepped forward to investigate further the presence that puzzled her more than it made her uneasy. Barely discernible in the vague glow of the campfire she recognized Stackman. “Come to watch over your flock, have you?”, the valkyrie asked. “I have rather come to clarify a matter that puzzles you and distracts you, when your focus should be on the adventures”, Stackman replied. The valkyrie paused for a moment. “The reason why you pressed the “reset adventure” button and sent us out on this mission, when we are not fighting monsters all the time to gain experience points, puzzles me. There is a higher purpose to this, is there not?”. “Yes, the making of a story for educational and amusement purposes for the IRONWORKS FORUM”, Stackman replied. “A story starring us?”, the valkyrie gasped and stepped back dizzy by the almost unfathomable prospect. “So that is why we are not doing much fighting. That was why we experienced the memory lapse yesterday. You reloaded after doing an experiment. And that is why you write down all the words we say to other characters?”. “Exactly. Now do not let that distract you from your mission”, Stackman said smiling mildly to the quivering valkyrie. Back at the campfire she lay down and stared long into the mesmerizing embers. Having one’s name mentioned at the Forum. The Valhalla of Gael Serran mythology. All the deities would know of their name and their exploits. They would be remembered forever. Their names carved into the very fabric of cyberspace. Perhaps they would even go there themselves when their final adventure was one day over. They would achieve the highest thing possible for a computer character and numeral combination in the binary system of notation. Ah, the IRONWORKS FORUM. She mumbled these words again and again half entranced. It was a very long while before she finally fell asleep. NPCs encountered: Kerielle reacts to following words: Valeia, Cemetery, Temple, Graveyard, Serpent Temple, Ishad N’ha, Nymph Lake, Crypt, Kerielle, Snake Worshipper, Friend, Bersault, Caves, Tomb, Algamesh, Serpent, Naga, Toad Village, Elixir, Cet, Anephas, Spirit, Gael Serran. With ”Algamesh” being the word that triggers the important action. (The Algamesh’s necklace quest), (as also explained by legendary Wyvern on page two of the Best Tips (reply named “Here's a quick shortcut to NPC discussions”)) Mekdawa reacts to following words: Toad, Mekdawa, Ukabu, Toad Village, Ekbu, Shaman, Evil, Cet, Anephas __________________ Moderation is good so long as it is not exaggerated!

07-16-2003, 11:10 PM	#2
Bungleau 40th Level Warrior Join Date: October 29, 2001 Location: Western Wilds of Michigan Posts: 11,752	ROTFL! This is going to be a lot of fun to read... and a lot of work to write, I might add [img]smile.gif[/img] Keep 'em coming... __________________ B Save Early, Save Often Save Before, Save After Two-Star General, Spelling Soldiers -+-+-+ Give 'em a hug one more time. It might be the last.

07-17-2003, 04:38 AM	#4
Radek Red Dragon Join Date: April 3, 2001 Location: Prague, Czech Republic Posts: 1,586	Good. A new nice essay about W&W is before us - and not only an essay but also splendid lecture notes! Can anybody remember another game that raised such activity among its players? I think it's a sure sign of quality of the game. I am looking forward to next chapters [img]smile.gif[/img] No, it's not a compliment, it's reality [img]graemlins/hehe.gif[/img] Note to Kerielle (only for completness): You don't need to waste your time with her. Get the amulet, go to her and give it to her without any talk. You will be given the potion as if you had the quest. __________________ My name is Demon\'s Last Day. Yes, the last one.

07-17-2003, 09:11 AM	#5
Wyvern Ironworks Moderator Join Date: January 7, 2001 Location: Rural Paradise, MI Posts: 5,701	WOWZAH!!!! What fun!!! Excellent, bsftcs!!! We'll have to add your story to the story sticky thread as well!! MORE MORE MORE!!! So is it W&W that inspires the writing of these many and varied tales or is it, in some part, this board or the combination of both? hmmmmm Wyv __________________

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07-17-2003, 02:31 AM	#3
whiteknight Elite Waterdeep Guard Join Date: July 6, 2003 Location: new zealand Age: 60 Posts: 39	omg!!!!!! talk about split personality lol...well wrete m8.umm does the party know that stackman is a figment of there imaginations hahaaha keep the plot thick and the story coming...whiteknight )

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