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Thread: Steel Dragon's "Tales of Orea"
Wednesday, 2nd November, 2011, 06:40 PM #101
A 1e title so awesome it's not in the book (Lvl 21)
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Roused from their collective shock at the explosion. The companions lept into action.
Alaria nodded a thanks to Kordun as she regained her footing and again grasped the orb in her pouch, pulled it forth and began to concentrate on the levitation power. The crystal immediately sparked to life, blue and white light swirling within it. The levitation glyph appeared a moment later and two moments later Alaria was floating slowly up toward the rooftop.
The winds swirling around her whipped her robes and hair, Borsem and the dwarf Deepshaft brothers simultaneously, but silently, understood why this beautiful sorceress was called the Stormrider.
Erevan had shouldered his bow in preference for his slender elf-made long sword as the two remaining ghouls had closed. Eaiser for casting as well, a free hand, was the elfs secondary thought.
He winced as an elongated clawed hand raked through the black shirt and into his upper arm. The preternatural cold sank into his veins. The elf was acutely aware of the stiffening of his blood and muscles and joints, even before the pain. Thankfully, his elvin immunity to the ghoulish paralysis asserted itself and he dodged to avoid an impossibly large mouth of pointed fangs.
The second creature was holding back it bobbed up and down on its haunches as if looking and waiting for a moment to eagerly pounce. The ghoul jumped as a small dart clattered on the slate tiles near him. Unfortunately, he did not realize a second full length arrow was also winging its way and struck deeply into his shoulder. The creature shrieked.
Duor and Festus quickly reloaded their hand crossbow and short bow, respectively, and took aim again at the creature on the slanted roof.
Erevans long sword skated along the greasy grey flesh and the elf cursed to himself that the daelvars blessing had long since faded.
Alaria then rose into view, being sure to keep herself a good fifteen feet from the rooftop. The creatures had shone their capacity for long leaps and strides.
Erevan, back off! the mages said loudly.
Back off? the elf questioned. He was in his last five feet of rooftop before the end of the line of buildings. Besides, he knew, if he moved back, the ghoul would push forward.
Do it! Fens voice came from somewhere behind him.
Then the curious sound of the half-elfs secret language assailed the elfs sensitive ears and weird energy wrapped itself around the elf. A burst of light popped into view on the attacking ghouls face. The light was gone in an instant, but the undead creature was obviously dazed. <druid cantrip: Flare>
Erevan turned to see the druid, standing upon a sturdy branch on a tall tree not five feet from the edge of the building.
Alaria began to evoke.
Erevan made a running dive for the tree branch where the druid stood. The carrot-topped half-elf caught the elf by the arms and pulled him up to the branch beside him.
Imagine meeting you here? the druid smiled at the elf.
For the second time that night, Alaria spoke the words of burning power. A part of her mind was again congratulating herself on her wisdom and capability.
Violet-blue flames fanned out before her, catching both of the ghouls on the roof. The slate tiles insured shed not inadvertently set the building ablaze.
The ghoul who had been engaging the elf near the edge flailed and rolled and fell to the street below. The other creature was severely scorched and shrieked again as another arrow struck it at the same moment as the flames. It hopped back several times and tumbled over the peak of the roof to fall, presumably, to the other side of the building.
Immediately, the dwarf Kordun, Festus and Borsem raced to get to the back of the building.
Erevan looked deeply into the half-elfs green eyes and quietly said, Thank you, kiili. <translated from elvin: a term of endearment roughly translated as dear one or somtimes beloved. Much more emotion relayed than the fairly common and familiar term kiiriwhich loosely means cousin.>
Thank you all. The elf called more loudly to the other companions.
Borsem and Kordun dragged the scorched body of the ghoul from the other side of the building back around to the road. Festus skipped triumphantly behind as they dragged the ghoul to the remaining flames of the firestone explosion and tossed it on. Coerraine and Duor did the same with the unconscious creature who had fallen to the street and all of the companions watched, exhausted, as the last of the creatures fed the fire.
Now, friend Festus, there will be songs of the Heroes of Shafton. Let us return to share the good news. Borsem said with a smile at the satyr.
Wednesday, 2nd November, 2011, 09:35 PM #102
A 1e title so awesome it's not in the book (Lvl 21)
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The companions returned the Silver Platter. Their arrival was met with skepticism which quickly turned to elation as Festus enthusiastically relayed the events of the night. The satyrs own efforts were not at all diminished in the telling, neither were Duors nor the Shafton dwarves.
Yet, even still, somehow Alaria and Haelan were toted as the grand heroes of the night. Haelans turning was particularly detailed and sounded much more amazing than any wind-riding the wizard had done.
Alaria enjoyed the complimentary mug of elfvine (while everyone else was given copious amounts of the Platters house ale). But she shortly excused herself from the festivities, she wanted to get as much sleep as possible.
Tomorrow, we assail the mines themselves. By sundown tomorrow, Shafton will be free! Festus concluded to rousing applause and cheers from the locals in their renewed hope.
Not before noon. Amended Alaria with a raised eyebrow.
Duor leaned over to the satyr when the mage had ascended. Still thinks shes the boss. the dwarf said with intended acid.
Well, its my experience that mages do enjoy their rest. The satyr retorted before taking a long swig of his mug.
Duor noticed the elf, daelvar and paladins disapproving glares, before quickly amending, What?! It was dwarven ingenuity which won the night and freed Shafton from its unholy yoke.
None disagreed to the wonderful outcome of the dwarves plan. Secveral rounds were drunk to the fallen man, Ferdrik, and many more to the Stormriders!
Erevan left the room of rising celebration for his own rest.
Fen was soon to follow. None but the Redstar Knight saw the druids attempt at an unnoticed exit.
Haelan, Festus, Duor and Coerraine (against his own wishes but unable to retire while Duor remained), Borsem and the Deepshaft brothers stayed up through the rest of the night to celebrate the elimination of the undead menace. All were sure the kobolds hold on the mine would end the following day and Shafton could get back to its normal rountine and business.
Alaria was surprised to find the common room of the Silver Platter all but empty in the mid-morning. Two townsfolk and the one remaining Bridgetower guardsman, other than Borsem, slept loudly at one of the corner tables.
The innkeeper, Rulphus, came over to the RHathi magess table. His bloodshot eyes told her of a night much later than she, herself, enjoyed.
Alaria pulled out a few silver coins to pay for the modest breakfast of tea and eggs, which included a slab of bacon she had not ordered. Rulphus steadfastly refused to take her money. She thanked the old man and returned the coins to her purse and poured herself another cup of tea.
Erevan and Fen descended together. The tone of Fens face was significantly lighter than it had been the previous days.
The magus found it curious the druid would have stayed the night in the inn when he hardly ever agreed to sleep indoors during their stint at Bridgetower. Better safe than sorrow, she supposed.
Wheresh thdamned maid? slurred Duor as he descended the stairs. Ale! Morale for the heroesh uh Shashtum! the dwarf said more than little loudly.
Coerraine followed the dwarf. He looked fit for death.
The druid reached out to tap the head of the still-drunken dwarf as an unheard word passed his lips.
Huh?! Wuh?! snapped Duor. Ahhhh, thats much better. Now wheres the damned maid?
Uh friend druid the paladin was loath to ask for help from the heathen. Thankfully, the Redstar didnt have to.
Fen grinned broadly and stroked the handsome blonds face again mouthing some word Alaria could not discern. Immediately the paladin felt better, more himself. The cloud lifted from his mind and the aches eased out of his body.
Ehem. Thank you. Coerraine said in his usual seriousness to the druid.
Fen simply nodded, still holding a devious smile.
The magess took immediate note of the pleasure the half-elf took in making the paladin uncomfortable.
Haelan bounded down the steps from his room. He hailed all in the room with a Faeranthas blessing on you! The daelvar eagerly ordered a hearty breakfast, twice the size of Alarias own. He ate hungrily, making casual conversation between large mouthfuls of eggs and bacon.
Hows the weather? Were going to kick kobold arse today! Howre you feeling this glorious morn, Duor? Coerraine, I trust your god will shine gloriously today. were just a few of the pleasantries that escaped the daelvars hungry mouth.
Festus came clip-clopping in from the street. Apparently, the drunken night had had no effect on the satyrs constitution. Something, Duor silently remarked to himself, was imminently admirable about the ranger.
The satyr, more than any other present, engaged the halfling in idle banter about their expected escapades.
Yes, it could be said, the companions were eager to continue their liberation of Shafton.
Borsem finally roused, looking the worse for ware, as Coerraine had originally, and informed the companions he would not accompany them. He and Guardsman Kurtus (the nearly unconscious guard from the aforementioned table) would be alerting the rest of the town to their safety and then, following a service for the fallen Ferdrik, returning to Bridgetower with all speed to report to the Captain. He had complete and utter confidence in the company to be able to sweep up the loose twigs of the kobold incursion on their own.
Guardsman Kurtus simply moaned at the proposed plan.
Kordun and Kurn, however, were eager to accompany the party and reclaim their ancestral mines. None of the Stormriders voiced opposition to this idea. Duor, in particular, was eager for their company. He eagerly entered into dwarven conversation as to more dwarven ingenuity which could be applied to the situation. Festus listened intently but had no idea what they were talking about.
Rested and sated, flush with spells, confidence, shining armor and weapons, the party left the Silver Platter and strode along the long sloping and switchback road up to the entrance of the lower mine.
They were led by the dwarves Kordun and Kurn. Duor and Festus followed. Coerraine followed Duor closely. Alaria, slowing her ascent to let Haelan keep up, came next. Erevan and Fen brought up the rear.
The group paused for a moment at the site of their previous nights battle. The odor of the ghouls hung over the area like a burning puss.
Alaria withdrew the Ihs Repahl and in a breath sent a breeze up the road to remove the utterly disgusting scent.
The dwarven brothers nodded approvingly. She is indeed the mistress of the storm. Said Kurn to Duor.
Duor gave the silversmith a nodding agreement. Yeah. Shes pretty special. Duor smiled. And especially pretty. He winked at his distant kin.
<author/dm note: It is a part of the dwarven culture that all dwarves everywhere are assumed to be related through the ages somehow. This is in deference to the cultural belief that all dwarves are descended from the original Rocks of Oor, the dwarves first created in the dawning of the world by the now-lost elder god Oor It is not far from the truth.>
Alaria thought it humorous how, it seemed, all dwarves muttered under their beards to each other.
The troupe continued up the switchback road and finally came to the shrine of Dunric. The low stone structure was within view of the entrance the the lower mine.
I think wed best clean this place of evil influence. Proffered Haelan. Those poor clerics were slaughtered here and, no doubt, consumed by those unholy horrors from last night. We should put their spirits to rest. The daelvars sincerity was difficult to argue with.
Alaria refrained from mentioning the ghoul priests shed noticed among the throng from last night.
Coerraine and Haelan entered the shrine. The interior looked more like a workshop, though the tables and tools, other than the stone altar itself, had been utterly trashed. A large hammer and chisel were carved into the stone wall behind the altar.
Thats the symbol of the stone god? Haelan asked sincerely to the paladin.
It is indeed, friend Hilltender. He is a humble god of humble folk. Miners, craftsmen, masons and carpenters call him Lord. Dunric is well-honored in my homeland. Coerraine replied.
The Mostralian Redstar and the Hilltender said their respective prayers for the lost holy men. The rank of the ghouls was heavy, still, in the modest workshop/chapel. Haelan laid a blessing upon the space. The foul undead odor was replaced by the scent of pine trees.
The Shafton folk can re-annoint the space when they are ready. Haelan said with uncharacteristic solemnity. Let us finish this task. He said cheerily. I have a hankering for the Wyverns Wings mutton pasty.
The Redstar Knight clapped the Hilltender on the shoulder. He smiled in spite of himself at the daelvars simple innocent desires and silently wished he might share them. Yes, let us go, friend Haelan.
The dwarves were already lighting torches at the mouth of the lower mine. With them, the spellcasters had no need to expend valuable energy to magically light the way. Among themselves, the dwarves and satyr chuckled at the poor humans lack of useful sight.
Haelan, understanding the exchange, thought badly of the dwarves and satyr. After all, it wasnt their fault they were born human.
Kurn hugged the right wall of the impressively built mineshaft. Now, he instructed, the kobolds are known to inhabit the second and third levels of the mine, but there may be other dangers. And with two weeks, theres no telling what theyve had time to doooooooooo .. his voice trailed off as the russet-bearded dwarf with the first torch fell into a pit, ten foot long and as wide as the corridor.
KURN! Kordun burst and raced forward, pushing passed the satyr and outlander dwarf. He had taken the middling position, against his better judgement, to light the way for the humans in the middle of the marching order.
The light of Kurns torch was seen as a flickering glow, easily fifty feet below. Korduns impassioned calls received no response.
Hes either dead or unconscious. Duor said quietly to Festus. Me coins is on the former. There was no mirth in his statement.
Alaria, wordlessly, stepped forward. She held the crystal orb in her hand. Wind immediately whipped up around her and she stepped off the edge o the pit trap.
She returned a few moments later, the body of the russet bearded dwarf floated before her, carried on a whirlwind of his own. She had the winds all but throw the unconscious dwarf at his brothers feet.
Thank Manat your brother is not prone to heavy armor as you are, Kordun. Else Id have not been able to bring him back to you. The wizard said plainly.
Her mind raced. They were barely thirty feet into the mine and already one of their number might be dead. She was not beyond her capacity to utilize the Ihs Repahl, by a long shot, but she did not want to make this kind of retrieval a habit. Alaria was determined to never enter the spell sleep again.
Haelan raced to the unconscious dwarf even as Kordun began wailing the loss of his brother.
Still yourself, Kordun. Hes not dead! said the daelvar with more than little irritation. The Hilltenders companions were shocked to hear such a tone come from the ever-cheery halfling.
Beatius Faerantha, beneficia spiritum con u guda riviatus. <cleric spell: Cure Light Wounds, Beautiful Faerantha bless your loyal follower with Your power to heal.> Honey-colored light surrounded the daelvars hands that were placed upon the dwarfs chest. The odor of pine trees filled the air around him.
Kurn coughed and sputtered. He inhaled deeply and looked up in amazement at his borther and the halfling priest.
The wee of an arrow whizzed past them and 'thunked' in the mostly dirt path on the other side of the pit. A rope dangled from the end of the shaft. Festus gave it a few good tugs. The arrow did not dislodge from the ground.
Any chance, Stormrider, you could float us all across? the satyr said smirking.
You test my patience and test my prowess, Ranger Hornshod? Alaria said plainly, with no hunour evident.
Cmon. Peace, Magess. The satyr retorted with all amenity. If we all crawl the rope across, while the good Redstar secures the rope at this end, can you magic him across?
Alaria burned at the presumption of the satyr. She immediately raised a wind through the entrance of the mine and in an instant all of the party, the smaller ones lifted off their feet, Fen and Coerraine and Erevan dragged towards the mouth of the pit before being lifted and deposited safely on the other side.
Alaria, herself, floated over to the other side of the pit and set herself down lightly. The winds dispersed quickly. The blue and white light swirling within the orb faded as she returned the orb to its pouch.
I suggest, friend ranger, that you and our dwarven companions be more careful in the immediate future. Alaria said bitingly, directly toward Festus.
Festus and Duor took her meaning and assumed the lead positions.
As the company again fell into line, this time Kordun in the front but behind the dwarf and satyr, knowing they would not require the light. The slightly rejuvenated Kurn toward the middle, walked with Haelan and Coerraine.
Alaria took a moment to breathe and lean against the mine wall.
Erevan looked at her, concerned.
I cant do that again. Alaria admitted quietly. Not today.
Erevan nodded, in serious understanding. He and Fen waited with the magess before she righted herself and the three followed the flickering balls of flame deeper into the mine.
Last edited by steeldragons; Wednesday, 2nd November, 2011 at 09:39 PM.
Wednesday, 2nd November, 2011, 10:22 PM #103
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Now that was an epic battle. Awesome.
Saturday, 5th November, 2011, 06:29 PM #104
A 1e title so awesome it's not in the book (Lvl 21)
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With painfully slow care the party continued into the Shafton mine which, the revived Kurn explained was, "the lower mine."
Between Duor, Festus and Kurn's brother Kordun, three more traps were discovered before they even arrived at the first cross-chamber. One, a series of simple bent branches with rows of sharpened stone tips haphazardly tied to it, which snapped down from one of the walls to the floor startled the entire party. Duor assured he had done so on purpose and no one was injured.
"Primitive. But effective." Kurn said, almost as if in approval.
The party cautiously stepped/through over the six branches firmly attached to the floor.
At the first cross chamber, Kordun deemed it safe enough to light one of the lanterns that hung on a hook. There was an overturned table. The maps and sheets of engineering computations and diagrams were strewn throughout the wide circular area. Three other passages led off from the chamber in four cardinal directions. They had entered through the passage to the west.
An odor they were all too familiar with lingered in the chamber, though was significantly weak to not attack the senses, simply unpleasant.
With careful inspection, Erevan and Fen concurred the "ghoul-stank", as Duor had deemed it, was stronger in the passage to the south. Kordun explained the initial kobold incursion had, initially, come from the south but in the lower levels of the mine. There was a shaft with a lift, however, down that passage that took one directly to the third level.
The passage to the north, according to Kordun led up and wrapped to the east, eventually connecting with "the upper mine" which was accessible from outside the mountain on the north face. It also had passages that sunk deeper into the mountain, but several of them were long closed-off either because their ores had been spent or the tunnels had become unstable. "The right one, though, would take us down…if we were careful. Might be a good 'back door' way down." The dwarf miner offered.
The passage directly across from the one they had entered would lead them straight down to the second level, "…insofar as any mine passage is 'straight'," Kordun chuckled. On the second level, he added, there would be the lift to take them either down to the third level, or up into the upper mines.
As the party debated their direction to descend, a rustling or scurrying noise came toward them from the eastern passage.
Alaria, Duor and the wounded Kurn backed away from the opening.
Erevan and Festus nocked their bows and took positions to either side of the passage.
Coerraine and Kordun immediately leveled weapons and moved to stand before everyone. To their collective surprise, Haelan took a forward position between the warriors, prepared to call upon his Hill Goddess again to 'turn' any undead the instant he saw them.
Unfortunately, what came into view was no ghoul…nor any kobold, but a multi-legged creature, oddly insectoid. Two huge multi-facetted eyes perched atop a rounded 'head' which sported a series of writhing tenatcles around a circular maw. The slimy green and pukish purple segmented body moved with alarming speed as it came into the chamber, attracted by the light.
Also unfortunate, and disconcerting to many of the party, the creature was not on the ground, but skittering along the ceiling of the passage. A portion of its body scurried out of the passageway and, with a cursory 'look' around the room, began to climb up onto the naturally arching wall/ceiling of the chamber.
"AH! That's not a ghoul!" cried the Hilltender as he all but fell backward over his own blond-topped feet, leaving Coerraine and Kordun in the front.
"Orcass! A bloody Crawler." Kordun burst. "Kill it, quickly. Don't let the feelers touch you!"
The creature let out an inhuman sound as arrows sunk into it from Erevan and Festus. Kurn's crossbow bolt clanked harmlessly against the stone beside it.
"Looks like a bug. Big…BIG bug! Can you talk to bugs, Fen?!" Haelan asked, half-inquiry half-plead.
Releasing the front half of its body from the wall, the crawler twisted and swiped down at the possible meals before it. Erevan thanked his elvin "grace" to avoid two of the 'feelers.'
Kordun, in his attempt to get near enough for his broadsword to aid the cause, received an unexpected swipe across his exposed face by one of the twitching and wriggling tentacles. The dwarf fought the paralytic enzymes that sunk into his skin with almost immediate reaction. He was able to muster a groan of defiance before succumbing to the creature's potent natural poison.
He stood immobile, within easy grabbing reach of the crawler's several front legs. All he could do is watch as three of the creature's suckered feet attached themselves to him and pushed the dwarf over into the mouth of the passageway.
The crawler maintained its advantageous position on the ceiling, however, expecting to be able to glean some more of the juicy treats it had found…or at least scare them off of its already captured meal.
Coerraine now moved in, jabbing from a distance with his spear and landing a good strike on it. A thick green fluid began to ooze from the wound.
This distracted the creature enough for Festus to move forward and begin to attempt to drag the incredibly heavy, plate-clad, dwarf away from the passage. The satyr strained with all of his might but was hardly able to budge the dwarf.
Another crossbow bolt from Kurn did manage to sink into the creature's apparently very soft under-flesh. It wheeled about on the ceiling once again, it's paralytic feelers stretching out for anything they might encounter.
Erevan, daringly, ducked beneath the swinging creature and grabbed another of Kordun's legs. Between the elf and satyr, they were able to drag the immobilized dwarf back into the chamber a bit.
Coerraine attempted to stay between them and the crawler. His spear swipe clattered off of the creature's shell-like carapice that armored its back and sides.
Fen had moved forward now and took jabs at the creature, intending to be more distracting than damaging.
Duor remained near the magess, feeling things looked well in hand.
Noticing its meal being dragged back into the chamber, the creature now scurried its whole length out on the wall of the chamber and came to the ground. It charged toward the creatures attempting to take its honestly won prey.
Alaria's eyes widened to see the thing was easily eight feet long. Why had they left the damned ferret back in the Silver Platter stables? This thing would be right up its ally, the wizardess supposed.
Fen was smacked with one of the tentacles and did, himself, haltingly become paralyzed.
Coerraine blocked the flaring appendages with his shield.
Unexpectedly, the creature used the shield to climb up and push off of the paladin. Its sheer bulk forced the startled Redstar back a few steps.
Haelan made a swing with his mace, but his reach fell just short of the writhing body that flashed before him.
"Look wohwahhh!" Festus managed to get out as he unceremoniously dropped Kordun's leg and drew a short curved sword in a flash, just in time to sever one of the wriggling feelers from the crawler's face. A greenish goop spurted out onto his breastplate. He was disgusted, but not paralyzed.
Erevan similarly dropped the leg he had been dragging and leapt back, avoiding the creature again. In a single motion, his bow was off his back, drawn and released before the elf's feet again hit the ground. The arrow sunk painfully into the back of the creature's second segment.
It shrieked a small sound again and decided the small morsel was not worth the pain. It sped its way in a serpentine motion through the remainder of the chamber, up on the southern wall and disappeared into the south passage.
Everyone stood ready for a moment before a cough broke the tense silence.
Kordun coughed another couple of times, slowly regaining the use of his limbs. The embarrassed dwarf gave a gruff thanks to the "point-ear" and "goat-man" and cursed his own foolishness at being incapacitated by such a disgusting lowly creature.
"Musta been some kinda demon crawler or something to break through my dwarven constitution." The blond bearded dwarf supposed in his own defense.
"Musta been." Duor nodded in all serious agreement.
Fen was also soon to recover. He stretched and worked his shoulder joints as the last of the toxin was diluted in his system.
"That was unpleasant." He smiled at the companions, his gaze lingered on Erevan as he reassured everyone, "I am fine."
With a'wicked' looking grin and sparkle in his bright green eyes Alaria had not seen in a while, the druid made a flourishing bow toward the eastern passage. "Shall we?"
"Well, between ghoul-stank and a slimey squid-faced centipede-thing, we're not going south." Haelan said in all seriousness.
"It was a Carrion Crawler." Kurn amended.
"Well, we're not 'carrion'!" the halfling relied with indignation.
"I believe, friend Hilltender," Kurn explained, "They are so called for creating carrion, not consuming it."
Haelan thought on this for a moment before understanding dawned. "Oooohhhh…Ewww." The halfling cleric shuddered a bit.
"Whatever the reason, let us hope our efforts against the thing have not alerted any other denizens of this place to our presence." Alaria said seriously.
The rest nodded their agreement. Everyone took up their marching positions and the companions ventured into the eastern passage.
Last edited by steeldragons; Saturday, 5th November, 2011 at 06:33 PM.
Saturday, 5th November, 2011, 07:12 PM #105
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Duor and Kordun pressed glove and gauntletted fingers to their moustache-covered lips as they neared the lift-room Kordun had told them was around the bend. A passage continued out of the circular area, smaller than the last chamber where theyd fought the carrion crawler, with another two passages leaving it and the shaft with the lift. The platform of the lift was not currently on this floor.
Near the shaft, two kobolds sat, lazily, near the lift controls. Both had short spears resting casually on the floor. They spoke with each other in their tongue between yawns (it was, after all, only mid-morning outside the mountain, nearly the middle of the night for the nocturnal kobolds.)
The sentries, according to Duor, were playing some obscure game with cards and thrown bones.
The language was a series of yips and yaps intermingled with the occasional bark and hiss.
A curious tongue to be sure, Alaria thought, as the group listened. She understood, now, why Duor (and presumably all dwarves) referred to the kobolds as yappers.
Deciding there was no real threat, the party charged into the chamber, completely surprising the sentries.
Coerraine and Kordun, with some help from Festus short bow, easily laid the creature low before they could even get their weapons.
Was that really, necessary? Fen asked.
The party all looked at the druid with surprise.
These arent undead, Fen. Alaria said.
No. They are not. They were a simple sentry guard from whom we probably could have gleaned a good bit of information as to the rest of their guard posts. Their numbers? Their traps? Any other creatures we might expect to find. The druid responded impassively.
Alaria felt thoroughly scolded, though that certainly was not the tone directed at her. Fen is correct. The RHathi admitted.
The dwarves disagreed, but everyone else agreed the next sentries they found would be subdued or captured under the auspices of collecting any relevant information.
Coerraine thought for a moment and added, We are protecting the mines and livelihood of the people of Shafton. We are not butchers. The last sentence was directed most pointedly at Duor.
Aw, cmon, Goldilocks. Yeh not goin soft on me are yeh? the dwarf protested.
There is a distinct difference, my lord Charge, between defense and murder. The Redstar said solemnly. My oath and duty is to your well-being. Not whole-hearted slaughter.
Well then, youll leave the slaughter to us then? Way to keep yer shiny golden gauntlets clean. Duor retorted with obvious disdain.
Haelan began praying rites for the kobolds before being rudely interrupted by Duor, the other dwarves similarly looked at the Hilltender in disapproval.
Aw cmon! Not you too? Duor burst. Need I remind you all that this is our mission! The yappers are the invaders here. This mine is not theirs! Theres not tellin what evil theyll bring to the countryside if theyre allowed to stay!
Alaria found herself conflicted. Duor was, of course, correct but so was Coerraine. They were not here to slaughter simply to re-take the mine. Make it safe for the common people of Shafton to again get the mine working to aid in the defense of Daenfrii, with what limited time they had before winter set in.
Duor is correct. Alarai said quietly.
But, boss lady, I wait What? the dwarf said somewhat surprised.
Complete your rite, Haelan. Alaria said first. Before Duor could object, she continued, We are here to free the mine. We are here to remove the kobolds
Duor crossed his arms across his chest and looked at the paladin and cleric smugly.
But we are not murderers. Alaria concluded. Perhaps there is a way to get the kobolds to leave without having to kill them. She offered.
Erevans eyebrow raised slightly. What would you suggest, Magess? the elf said.
We will not kill needlessly. But we will take prisoners. Alaria suggested. We will learn what we can, as Fen suggested, of the creatures entrenchment and see if there is some way we can end this without unnecessary bloodshed.
Pah! Duor spat. Kordun and Kurn similarly spat their disapproval.
Need I remind you, good dwarves, Alaria said directly at Kordun and Kurn, that your presence here is by our assent.
"That your very life, Kurn, the life of your brother, Kordun, indeed the lives of all of Shafton has been released from the curse of the ghouls because we have deemed it so to aid you. If you disagree with our methods, you are welcome to return to the village. Alaria concluded before switching the hand which held her staff and moving toward the passage toward the south that led, quite sharply, south and down.
The two Deepshaft brothers were adequately chastised. Dwarven honor was not something either took lightly. They each sincerely apologized to Alaria and the others and made vows, appreciatively, to aid the companions in any way they could...however the party felt best. They were at their command.
Quietly, the party again fell into their allotted positions and began down the southern passage.
Duor lingered, a scowl upon his face.
As Festus passed his friend, he said quietly to the cowed dwarf, Say what ye like of compulsion or payment, friend Duor, but she is, most definitely, the boss lady.
Yeah, that she is. Admitted the dwarf.
Saturday, 5th November, 2011, 09:00 PM #106
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The second level proved more difficult to assail than the first. Several rooms containing several kobold guards, each, were over come. Alaria had had to expend a few minor spells. Haelan had to use up another cure spell to reinvigorate a particularly lucky strike upon Kordun. All were shocked when Coerraine was able to heal himself,. after a particularly nasty battle in the third chamber theyd encountered. It was an added/new gift from the Golden Defender, the Restar Knight explained. The chamber was new construction, and definitely not dwarven made according to Kordun.
By the time they came to the passage that led down to the third level, news of the interlopers had definitely made its way, by routed defenders, to the heart of the kobold force.
The party had four captives thoroughly bond and followed by Duor and Kurn, who nudged them along in ront of the party with crossbows to their backs.
With Kordun, Kurn and Duor translating, they had learned that there were easily fifty of the creatures some quick math led Duor to amend there were only forty now living. Their chief had recently moved in to the third level and they were in the process of bringing the tribes treasure also. Only then would the females and younglings be brought to the tribes new warren. Their shaman was back at their old lair with the non-combatants.
But yoooooull be sorrrryyyyyy when the shaman comes to our new warren. <translated from Kobold> One of the captives had attempted to intimidate his captors.
Aint yer warren, yapper. Its OUR mine! Duor growled.
Only thirty-six, if yeh dont count this lot, left in the fightin force. He grinned evilly at the captive kobolds.
The rusty red and orange scaled creatures, no taller than Haelan, with reddish-brown patches of fur on their shoulders, forearms and shins, bore teeth from their dog-like snouts at the bullying dwarf. Their slender tapering tails twitched back and forth in aggrevation most of the time. But any threatening motion or word by the dwarves led them to whine (not unlike puppies, Alaria thought to herself) and the tails curled, noticeably, between their legs.
After a couple of feeble attempts to lead the party into trapped areas, which were thwarted by the dwarves time and again insisting the kobolds enter the passage or room first, the little scaley-dog-like creatures defeatedly brought the party to the main guard chamber To Talk to Capn. Him help us, not you.<translated from Kobold>
If it werent for the fact they were evil invading goblinoid creatures, Alaria admitted to herself, theyd be kind of cute.
The Capn was a particularly red kobold, slightly larger of build than the others. He wore one of the human Bridgetower soldiers helmets. Since the canine snout did not all for the noseguard of the helm, Capn Yarp wore it backwards, reasoning (quite well, for a kobold) that the noseguard would provide a nice security for the back of his neck though the whole of the metal hat had to constantly be nudged up, as it continuously fell into his eyes.
Yarp strode, most defiantly, between his troops (two rows of five kobold soldiers each) to stand before the party when they entered the chamber. He wore a simple armor of leather and mismatched metal plates, most over sized for his frame. A none-too-impressive short sword hung at his side. The whole of his retinue held spears pointed at the party.
Slowly, he raised a four-fingered slender hand tipped in small claws in a show he understood to be a symbol for halt for talk to the big folk.
Clearing his throat, he entered into negotiations with, what he believed to be his fluent Common tongue.
Yous bringing us back. Yarp began. We like. Now yous leave us. No mores bloody-hurt.We lets yous go. He shifted the helmet back up onto his shallow brow. It had fallen to cover one of his eyes during his illustrious address.
The company, who had all spread out into the chamber weapons at the ready, turned to look at Alaria. Kurn stood by her as her self-appointed translator.
No, captian. No more bloody-hurt. But you are not welcome here and can not stay. We would discuss um terms for your tribes removal from these mines with your chief. Alaria said boldly from behind Coerraine and Kordun. Kurn translated.
YIPyapyapyap. The captain retorted. Many of his soldiers took up the yip-yapping sound.
Hes laughing at us or, well, at you. Kurn translated.
You nos talk umterms with chief. Him nos talk yous. Him CHIEF! Yous no chief! Captain Yarp replied. Gives us us. Gets out. Gos way! No wants more bloody-hurt.
Hmmm, thought Alaria. She noticed Kurns finger stroking the trigger of his crossbow. A concerned glance to Duor proved her suspicion, the thief was similarly reading his own hand-version to strike.
Kurn, they have a shaman? Are kobolds a superstitious lot? Alaria asked the dwarf.
The russet-bearded dwarf looked at her and nodded, though he did not understand why the human wizard cared.
Alaria had an idea. She reached into her pouch to grip the Ihs Repahl to effect the air around her and called to mind the simplest cantrips to alter the light and sound of the space, much as she had with the were-rats back in Welford.
To the alarm of several of the companions, Alaria strode in front of the paladins and dwarf warriors weapons. As she did so, the air swirled about her, raised dust and dirt from the chambers natural floor. A rumble of thunder rolled through the chamber and the air about her seemed to flare spark with violet and blue flames.
You WILL take me to see the chief. I am chief! I will not talk terms with the likes of you. Else, we will EAT you all! Alarias voice roared through the chamber with increasing furosity. On the last syllable, the magess eyes flared with violet fire. For good effect on her threat, she had some flames lick forth from her open mouth as well.
Kurn, in full appreciation of the ruse, translated with affected fear.
The whole of the kobold forcec shrank back before the wizard. Several of the back row went running in disorganized chaos out the passage at the back of the chamber, throwing spears and shields in all directions and bumping into each other as they went.
Capn Yarps amber eyes widened in complete horror. He all but fell back into the front row of his own troops.
Yesses! YESSES! he yapped and howled like a wounded dog. Chief will talk to you right now! I go gets him for yous.
No, you will take us to him. Then you get back your men. Take us to him, NOW! Alaria amended with a dramatic flare to the purple fire bursting from her eyes. Kurn, still feigning fear, translated into kobold.
Yesses! Yesses, take yous him now! He turned and shirked his way through the shaking soldiers, waving and barking them out of his way with all urgency. Take yous now. This ways, this ways.
Woulda rather we killed them all. Duor said under his breath to Festus. Nice job though. He said lightly to Kurn, who winked his thanks.
Alaria let the Redstar, dwarf warrior and satyr ranger precede her wouldnt a chief do that? She figured. The elf and druid followed her, then the captives with Duor and Kurn and Haelan bringing up the rear.
They were led with much haste and dismissing barking orders from Yarp leading their way through a series of passages. Some, Kordun knew or recognized, others were obviously newly made by the kobolds. The dwarf warrior relayed his concerns that the foolish creatures had made certain areas of the mine unstable to Coerraine, beside him. The Redstar with surprising ability, quietly relayed this information to their chief, Alaria.
Finally, Yarp brought the group into a fairly large chamber. Half of it, it seemed had previously existed, the other side was noticeably less refined in make. A simple slab of stone lay on the floor as a makeshift dais, upon which was a small crude stone throne. A more brown than orange kobold sat upon it. He had a long scar that extended from beneath his large silver crown, also lacking in elegance, over his right eye and across his lengthy snout. He also wore a rusty metal breastplate, the most impressive armor the group had seen since entering the mine, and a cloak of familiar blue cloth one of the Bridgetower guards tabards, no doubt.
The chief and his attendant guards began barking fervently as Yarp entered with the interlopers.
Yarp, you incompetent hatchling! What are you doing!? Guards! Guards? Protect your chief!!! shrieked the chief in utter panic, the sound of which seemed simply another series of barks and yaps to the companions. The chief leapt up onto his haunches on the throne. He was completely prepared to bolt if battle began.
Yarp dissuaded the guards and motioned for the party to stay where they were. He half-slunk half-skittered on his bare clawed scaley feet to cower before the throne. He yipped and yapped with the chief, explaining what had just happened and that the interlopers wished to speak with him.
Kurn could only make out part of the quiet exchange Give us back .Magics?!...surface chief I has no magics!!!...How many?! He relayed all of what he could hear to the magess.
The chief yipped and yapped back in mumbled tones. Kurn could not hear what was said.
Finally, Yarp turned to the party and again cleared his throat.
Most esteemdeeded chief of the surface folks. I gives yous the bestest of the chiefs Barper, King of Kobolds of This-here-rocks. My chieffiest chief, this is the bestest chiefs of surface folk the captain turned toward the party and looked at Alaria with raised scaley brow.
Alaria did not immediately reply but raised an eyebrow.
Yarp twitched his brow up and down.
Kurn stepped up and whispered that he was waiting for a name.
Oh! started the wizard. Alaria, my good chief Barper. She attempted to recover smoothly.
Chief Barper snapped his clawed fingers repeatedly and waved one of the other kolbolds up to the dais. He shooed Yarp away with his other hand. The chief had yet to sit back down, but maintained his pouncing position to flee to the secret door behind his throne.
The kobold hed waved up to the dais wore a simple fabric cowl of plain brown and held a staff that would have been no more than a walking stick for any elf or human. It was wrapped in thongs of leather and bore bright colored feathers and small bones in the strapps that dangled from it.
Is is next-shaman, Kiff. I talks fors Chief Barper. Said the nervously shaking deep red kobold intoned across the wide chamber.
The chief leaned close to his next-shaman and whispered into the creatures pointed ear.
Chief Barper is welcome to the surface chief, Laaaahl-Allll-larrrr-reea. Kiff said, fairly sure hed gotten the translation and pronounciation correct.
A lengthy and tiresome negotiation took place. Alaria had Kurn translate for her, as it seemed appropriate both chiefs should have intermediaries.
The release of the kobold guards was fairly easy to accomplish as a show of good will from Alaria.
It was learned that the kobolds had only come into the mine because something called the Hargak had taken over the subeterranean cavern which held a lake where the kobolds had gathered their water.
At this, Kordun tried to get Alarias attention surreptitiously. He was unsuccessful. Chief Barper took this at an insult and much time was spent regaining the chiefs cooperation. But the news Alaria found most useful. It seemed the miners had broken through to a very large underground cavern, which held a lake a couple of months ago. They had boarded it up after noticing the kobolds coming and going and the unfortunate death of a few miners from insecure stalagtites.
Alaria, again, formulated a plan and requested a recess to the negotiations to discuss things with her companions.
The chief granted the break and directed the party to a small alcove at the side of the chamber.
Alaria preposed to her fellows that they undertake the elimination of this Hargak which could then mean the kobolds could return to their home. Everyone gets what they want. No one else has to be hurt.
Cept us, of course. Duor noted.
The others agreed and Alaria made her proposal to Chief Barper. The chief seemed to consider it carefully for all of two seconds .and agreed. If they could rid the cavern of the Hargak, they would return to their former lair. Was nicer than this dump, anywhos. Translated sub-shaman Kiff. The sub-shaman was thoroughly impressed with himself at knowing the phrase dump.
So, it was settled. The kobold capn would lead the party to the cavern, against Korbuns protests since he knew where the passage which had been boarded up was.
As they made their way deeper in the mine Kurn and Duor were ever watchful at their back to make sure it wasnt some kobold trick. Kordun found a moment to tell Alaria, You understand har-gak in kobold is death-rock or, more accurately, rock of death?
Alaria looked at the dwarf warrior, careful not to betray any surprise, Really, Kordun? You dont say. Bollux! Alaria mentally chided.
Saturday, 5th November, 2011, 10:15 PM #107
A 1e title so awesome it's not in the book (Lvl 21)
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They made their way down through a passage from the throne room, led by Capn Yarp.
Despite her protests, Kurn, Duor, Festus and even Erevan kept their various bows nocked and ready.
Kobolds are a cowardly lot, to be true. Kurn offered. But they can never be trusted.
The RHathi wizard conferred quietly with Fen and Erevan and Haelan as to their allotment of spells remaining for the day. Erevan, Alaria knew, had not cast anything so far that day, nor had Fen. Haelan had only strength to call for Faernathas Grace a couple more times. Alaria herself did a mental inventory. She had both of her more powerful spells and one of her first tier. She had expended her cantrips with the ruse in front of the kobold captain. The orb, she supposed, she could use for minor effect.
<author/DMs note: magic-users in my game get additional spells to their daily allotment depending on their Intelligence score, like clerics and druids get for above average Wisdom. As such, Alaria, even though only 3rd level, can cast 2 2nd level spells per day. Shes one smart cookie . >
They marched for what seemed an eternity. Several passages broke off from the main one as they descended. Some were boarded up with painted warnings about unstable in Common and Dwarven.
Finally, just after another shaft branching off, they came to a large opening. Planks of wood had obviously been placed there, and removed harshly.
The party walked out into the large cavern. A lake shone with a dull blue-green glow from underwater fungi, according to the dwarves. Small clutches of glowing green and blue and purple moss (or fungus) were scattered around the impossibly large carven. Stalagtites and stalagmites reached down from the ceiling and shot up from the floor, respectively. Several rock formations met at precariously narrow joinings. They formed three, no, four columns throught the area.
Alaria had never seen the like. Such a site had never even entered her imaginings. For a moment, with the unearthly light reflecting against moist stone and the occasion batch of crystals around the huge cavern, Alaria understood the dwarf love of the underground.
Hargak, there. Yarp said and pointed out into the cavern to a particularly large stalagmite halfway across the cavern.
The party wandered, awe-struck into the cavern before Kurn shouted a warning.
The kobold captain had retreated into the passage, passed where the side-passage had been dug and smiled at them, if a scaley canine snout could be said to have a smile, as he touched a particular place on the wall.
Buh-byessss. Thank yous. The kobold waved his small four-fingered hand at them as stones rained down almost entirely blocking the passage through which they had just passed.
You no-good yapper! called Kordun. He raced toward the kobold, his broadsword, even in the eerie glow of the cavern glowed with an unnatural white light. He was stopped by the cascade of falling stones. Unharmed but thoroughly annoyed he stood, staring at the pile of rock before turning to glare at Alaria.
Let us go kill a Hargak, friend Kordun. Fen said, at ease, seeking to break the tension. He flashed a grin at Alaria before strutting nonchalantly further into the cavern. His druids cloak gripped onto the natural surroundings as he passed by glowing fungi and cones of rock. One moment, he was swathed in grey, then green, then brown, then grey again.
Haelan said a silent prayer to his goddess. They werent really in a hill per se. But what could it hurt, he figured.
So what is a Hargak, anyway? the Halfling asked casually, also to get the fuming dwarf warrior to relax.
Thats when the sky came down in the shape of sharp pointed stalagtites.
Last edited by steeldragons; Sunday, 6th November, 2011 at 01:34 PM.
Friday, 11th November, 2011, 11:57 AM #108
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It's Raining Rocks! Halleluia!
Yeh caint be serious?!? burst Duor from the mouth of the passage, beside Kordun. They lied to us! They tricked and trapped us in this underground tomb! You think theres actually a Hargak here?! Duor raved. The rest of the companions had begun to follow Fen into the chamber ignoring Duors rantings.
Then it was quite literally, raining rocks.
The first stalactite slammed down to the ground. It skated across Fens grey-green cloak but failed to actually hit the half-elf. Only the camouflaging enchantment of his orders sacred vestment had kept the druid from being thoroughly skewered.
Another fell close enough to Alaria to shake the wizardess from her feet. She laid, in shock, staring at the stone spike that lay on its side near her feet. Why had it not broken apart where it landed?
Alarias shock was doubled to see the rock bend?!...and right itself upon a series of scrambling legs that shot forth from its base. It righted itself and began to make for the nearest pillar of stone.
Walking stones? Alaria wondered.
Orcass! Piercers! Take cover! Duor called as he dodged another of the falling stone-like spikes with a flying tumble to easily regain his footing next to Coerraine.
The Redstar had raised his shield over him and Duor tucked in close beneath it, hoping the metal umbrella would be enough to block to the rock creatures.
Fen had slammed his body up against one of the nearest stalagmites. His cloak quickly wrapped around him and he faded from view, appearing to be nothing more than an almost six foot tall extension of the stone. Unfortunately, the piercers did not need to see simply sense his body heat. The druid was quickly thrown from his hiding place by another of the stone-like creatures slamming down upon the actual rock formation.
Another of the creatures fell near Haelan, the brunt of its fall offset by the clerics magical shield as he dashed back to the overhanging lip of the passage from which theyd entered.
A burst of panicked shouts spouted from all of the companions as everyone moved with all speed back for the stone overhang.
What are they?!
Where are they?!
How many are there?!
I cant see!
Get over here, pally!
What can we do against stone ceilings?! the daelvar shouted as he scurried to a position near the druid.
They are not stone, Haelan. They are alive. Alaria said in obvious frustration at their current predicament.
The creatures that had fallen all immediately tried to scurry themselves to the nearest vertical rock and climb up a few feet before bending themselves to reveal serrated circular maws in the center of the bases, in the middle of their eight or ten small spider-like legs.
Alaria paused a moment too long and a bit too close, in her observations, and one of the piercers launched itself, mouth and legs first at the wizard.
She made a reflexive swing with her staff which had the good fortune of connecting with the creature. It was too heavy to totally bat away, but she altered its flung approach enough to receive only a glancing scrape from the thing.
Fen, the furthest from the passage entrance, ran looking up and jabbed straight up to catch another of the falling creatures. The preternatural green glow of his leaf-shaped spear tip sunk into the stone-looking flesh. It was significantly more supple than the druid had been supposing. Still, the telling blow faltered the druid as he was forced to shove the piercer off his spear with his boot.
Erevan fired twice in hopes of slaying the creature near Alaria. One bolt hit the creature and stuck, the other bounced off the curious hide. But his purpose had been attained and the creature skittered only a moment more before falling to its side, inert.
Kordun at kept his place inside the security of the passages lip. Kurn stood next to him, torch in one hand, crossbow in another. He fired at another of the creatures who was attempting to climb up one of the floor-bound spikes of stone. The bolt sunk deep into the creature and it shuddered a bit before falling off of the stalagmite and did not get up.
Festus sent an arrow up into the mass of stone-looking spikes as he backed toward the passage lip.
The arrow actually stuck into one of the stones that let out a piercing high-pitched sound and dropped to the cavern floor, harmlessly. The creature attempted to right itself as Erevan sent two more arrows firmly into the thing before it faltered and lay still on the cavern floor.
The satyr had not noticed, as he backed away that another of the creatures who had first falled had gained enough height to fling itself at him from behind. It landed squarely on the goat-mans shoulder and Festus howled in pain as the sharp teeth of the thing sank into his muscles. The weight of the creature pushed the ranger down onto his stomach. His bow skittered across the stone ground, out of his reach.
The insectoid legs clutched onto its prey strongly as it continued to munch on the ranger.
Fen stabbed into the creature on Festus back, both killing it and shoving it off. He helped the wounded satyr to his feet and the two, the only party members still out in the open raced for the relative security of the passage entrance.
Fraggin murderous yappers. Growled Duor. I told yeh we shouldve just killed them all! What are we supposed to do against a killer ceiling?! We cant even get into the damned chamber and who knows how many of the things are up there? I cant see them. They just look like other stones.
Erevan reluctantly had to agree with the dwarf. They had to be able to see the creatures and even his elvin vision could not tell a heat difference among the creatures.
Liet! cried the elf and threw his burst of magical energy at the ceiling.
A puffball of yellow-white light appear on the ceiling.
Only two more piercers were above them. They skittered about the ceiling, confused and startled by the sudden illumination.
Of the ones that had already fallen, only two remained alive. These creatures opted to leave the battle, this prey was too strong and had already killed half of their clutch.
Erevan and Festus, Kurn and Duor peppered the creatures with arrows and bolts. The creatures let loose their high-pitched sound and flopped over inert and dropped from the cavern roof.
Fen murmured a phrase in the druidic tongue and touched the heavily wounded ranger. Tendrils of soft green light seemed to flow and wrap around satyrs wound like vines of ivy. The bleeding stopped and the wound closed significantly. Fen helped the satyr bandage the still damaged shoulder.
Haelan did the same to the scrape on Alaria's arm. The magess refused the Hilltender's offer of magical healing, suspecting they might need it in the near future.
The clustered heroes beneath the lip of the entrance passage warily peeked out from under their stone sanctuary.
Are they gone? Haelan whispered, as if fearing the piercers might hear him.
The dwarves and elf scanned the ceiling as far as their vision could within the radius of Erevans puffball of light. Nothing moved as far as they could tell.
Friday, 11th November, 2011, 09:34 PM #109
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This whole section with the kobolds reminds me of the old 3.5 module... Sunless Citadel? I think that's what it was called.
I loved that module.
Anyway, really enjoying the story and wanted to chime in with my appreciation for the description of the fight with the "Piercers".
Friday, 11th November, 2011, 10:04 PM #110
A 1e title so awesome it's not in the book (Lvl 21)
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I am not familiar with any 3.5 modules! lol. But I have seen several threads that mention this "Sunless Citadel"...if I'm emulating a "classic" then I can't be doing toooo much wrong. hahaha. I assure you, all of the "Tales of Orea" are completely original/off the top of my head. I don't use pre-made modules for anything but inspiration anymore....though the thought to run "the Stormriders" through the "Lost Caverns of Tsojcanth" had crossed my mind for the future.
What did you appreciate about the fight with the piercers? Not sure I understand that. But glad you liked it.
Just wait til they get to the Hargak (coming soon)...hope you like that as much. lol.
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Dose-Seeking Trial of PCK3145 in Asymptomatic, Castrate Metastatic Prostate Cancer Patients.
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CT152 F-5.9 Acromatic Refractor from Canadian-Telescopes.com
By Warren Maguire
Figure 1.
I have been into ameteur astronomy for several decades and I have always wanted a big refractor. In May 2011 I finally decided to take the plunge. I purchased a CT152 Achromatic Refractor (sold as an OTA) from Canadian Telescopes.com located in Vancouver, Canada. This scope has a 152mm (6 in.) aperature with a 900mm focal length, which makes it a very fast F-5.9. The scope is equiped with a 3 inch, dual speed (10 to 1), rotatable, Crayford Focuser and comes with a 2 inch star diagonal with 1.25 inch adapter. Brass compression rings are used to hold the diagonal and eyepiece in place. The scope also comes with a very nice cradle with Vixen style dove tail bar and a very sturdy carry handle, all finished in a very attractive matte black. The OTA is finished in a glossy white and comes with a retractable dew shield and is truely first class. The objective lens cell has adjustment screws that allow collimation of the scope should it ever be needed. The objective lens is fully multi coated. Looking down the front end of the tube the deep purple color of the coatings looks even and blimish free. I can also see three baffles down the length of the tube to help cut down on stray light. Even the front lens cap is impressive. It's made of metal and screws on. No cheap plastic here. A finder scope and carry case are not included.
The selling price was 859.00 Canadian dollars ($938.00 US dollars at the then current exchange rate). Canadian Telescopes.com is not able to handle payments in US dollars. This caused a problem that had to be solved. I'll explain more at the end of this review.
To give you some background on myself, I'm 64 years old. I got my first telescope when I was 10 years old and I've been hooked ever since. I currently own 6 telescopes. My old Meade 10 inch LX-5 S.C. (bought in 1986) has been my main scope for the last 25 years. I've made many upgrades on it, including computer controls, and it still performs well. I joined our local astronomy club, The Central Valley Astronomers in Fresno, Calif., 25 years ago and I am currently on the board of directors.
The CT152 is actually a clone of Astro Telescope's 152mm F-5.9 refractor sold by Hands On Optics in Damascus, Maryland. The only difference being it comes with a 2 inch Crayford Focuser and no star diagonal. (This is why I wanted to buy from Canadian Telescopes.com.) Both of these scopes are manufactured by Kunming United Optics in China. From my understanding Canadian Telescopes and Hands On Optics are both exclusive dealers for these scopes, the former in Canada and the latter in the U.S.
Before I get started with my viewing experience with the CT152 I would like to mention there is an excellent review of the AT152 versian of my scope (with the 2 in. focuser) by Larry Carlino on this web site. After reading many reviews, it was his review that finaly convinced me that this was the scope I should buy. He has more experience with different scopes than I do and he goes into a lot of detail on the AT152's performance. If your considering buying an achromatic refractor, then Larry's review is a must read.
The only mechanical problem Larry noted in his review of the AT152 was with the rotation feature of the 2 inch focuser. He said it was noisy and stiff and wondered if the 3 inch focuser might be better. Unfortunately, I found the exact same problem with my scope's 3 inch focuser. However, I found an easy fix that solved the problem. I loosened the hex screws holding the end of the focuser in place and removed it. What I found were 2 large thin nylon gaskets. Apparently they are supposed to rub against each other when rotating the focuser, but they are completely dry. There is no lubrication. I put a thin coating of Vasilene on the gaskets and reinstalled the end piece. This solved the problem. The focuser now rotates smoothly.
My telescope arrived in perfect condition. There were no scratches or blemishes anywhere. The scope was inside a clear plastic bag and packed in a heavy guage cardboard box with foam inserts to cradle it and keep it from moving. Lifting it out of the box for the first time, I was amazed by it's apperance. I have never seen a refracter this large in diameter and this short! The diameter of the tube is 7 inches and the dew shield is 8 inches but the length is only 30.5 inches! This is with the dew shield retracted and the focuser racked in, without the diagonal.
Figure 2.
Figure 3.
I bought the telescope without having a mount to put it on. I wanted to make sure the all up weight of the telescope system I wanted to put on the mount would not exceed its payload capacity. The CT152 with its supplied accessaries weighs 24.5 pounds on my scale. I have a Celestron 102mm F-5 refractor which I mounted piggy back on to the CT152, by removing the carry handle and installing an ADM mini dove tail bar ($59.00) in its place. The dove tail bar can double as a carry handle. By using 125mm ADM mounting rings ($99.00) I can slide the C 102mm on to the CT152. The all up weight of this set up with eyepieces and everything is slightly under 34 pounds.
Figure 4.
I decided to buy the Celestron CG5-GT go to mount with its advertised 35 pound payload capacity ($615.00 from High Point Scientific). I new I would be pushing this mount to its limit. But, I wanted to keep costs and weight down so I went with it. A side note on this mount. The Vixen type saddle supplied with the CG5-GT mount is not suitable for payloads above 20 pounds, in my oppinion. It's only about 2.5 inches long and its vice like teeth will tear up your dove tail bar. To solve this problem ADM makes an upgrade for the CG5 mount ($99.00). Their saddle is 6 inches long and smoothly grips the dove tail bar (no vice like teeth) and will not tear it up. I have been using this telescope and mount set up for visual observations for about 6 weeks now and I have had no problems. Carefully balancing the telescope is important. Once this is done the mount slews from object to object seemingly with little effort. The go to pointing accuracy has been excellent.
Figure 5.
For first light I set up the scope in my front yard under Fresno, Calif.'s light polluted sky. Limiting magnitude is about 3.5. For comparison none of the stars in the Little Dipper's handle are visable except Polaris. I decided on Saturn as my first target. I must confess I was a little apprehensive at this point because, I am well aware of the chromatic aberration problems assocciated with short focus achromatic refractors when viewing bright stars, the moon, or planets. My C 102mm F-5 at powers above 50 or so has a severe problem with c.a.
With my Meade 14mm UW in place at 64 power I brought Saturn into view along with the nearby double star Porrima. What a pretty sight they make together in the same field. I couldn't see any c.a. at this power. Next I put my Meade 8.8mm UW into the diagonal, giving 102 power. I centered saturn and brought it into focus. What a pleasure it is to use this focuser. With my Meade 10 inch S.C., with its inevitable mirror shift, I'm used to rocking the focuser back and forth to find best focus. Not so with this scope. I used the large knob to roughly focus Saturn and the small knob to fine tune it. Saturn just seemed to snap into focus with knife edge clarity. There is zero image shift with this focuser, even when I have used over 300 power. With Saturn focused at 102 power I still couldn't see any c.a. Fresno's sky glow may be helping to hide it. All Ican tell you is I couldn't see it. I decided to go to 191 power usuing my Explore Scientific 4.7mm UW. As I bring Saturn into focus I can now see the c.a. It's not very obvious. It appears as a faint purple glow around the planet. However, this does not seem to interfere with the sharp clear view I have of Saturn. In moments of good seeing I can see subtle detail on the planet and the rings. Titan plus 4 other moons are also visable. I have a Baader Fringe Killer filter I bought to help my C 102mm F-5 with its c.a. problem. I installed it onto the E.S. 4.7mm eyepiece to see what effect it would have. The Baader filter cuts out about 50% of the c.a., but at a cost. The image is slightly dimmer and Saturn has a faint yellowish cast to it. I think for Saturn the view is better without the filter. The Baader filter may be of more value on a brighter planet like Jupter or Venus, but they are in the early morning sky and I haven't had a chance to view them. For my final test on Saturn I installed my Antares 1.6x 2 inch barlow, bringing the 4.7mm eyepiece to 306 power. The view is not quite as sharp as it was at 191 power, but still very good. The c.a. around Saturn has grown in diameter but not in brightness and as before, it doesn't seem to interfere with my view of Saturn. Usuing the Baader filter again produced pretty much the same results. I liked the view better without the filter. To make a direct comparison I installed the E.S. 4.7mm eyepiece on to the piggy backed C 102 F-5 giving 106 power. In this scope, the c.a. is very pronounced around Saturn and it DOES interfere with the view. This is a far different result than I had with the CT152 at 102 power.
Figure 6.
Figure 9.
I'm very happy with the CT152's performance on Saturn. My early fears about chromatic aberration with this scope have been greatly reduced, at least for now. Jupiter and the, Moon will be tougher challanges, but neither is available right now.
Figure 7.
Figure 8.
Since Porrima is close to Saturn I decide to go there next. This tough to split double star has a separation of only about 1.1 arc seconds. I have tried to split it twice in the last month with my Meade 10 inch S.C. and I failed both times. I can see 2 stars but they are overlapping and I can't get black sky between them. With the CT152 and my Meade 40mm SW at 23 power I centered Porrima. This eyepeace produces a big 3 deg. field on this scope. The stars surrounding Porrima are tiny pinpoints all the way to the edge of the field and with Saturn nearby it's a striking view. I decided to go to the 191 power E.S. 4.7mm to try for the split. Usuing the fine focus I dialed in Porrima, suddenly 2 diamond like pinpoint stars appeared in sharp focus with black sky between them. Porrima is cleanly split! This scope doesn't even break a sweat doing it. In fact the space between the pair is large enough that I wanted to see if I could split them at a lower power. I popped in the Meade 8.8mm for 102 power. Again Porrima is split. Razor thin black sky shows between the tiny pinpoint stars.
I head for the Double Double (Epsilon Lyra) with my 14mm at 64 power next. This quadruple system has 2 pairs of stars separated by 2.1 and 2.4 arc seconds respectivley. It is fairly tough to split, but doable for many ameteur scopes. My Meade 10 inch can split them at 139 power. I brought them into focus thinking I would need to go to 102 power to split them. Wrong. They're already split at 64 power. After Porrima the Double Double seems like childs play.
It's going to take me a while to get used to the tiny star images this scope can produce. None of the scopes I have ever owned can match it.
Ten days later I had the CT152 at our astronomy club's dark sky site, Eastman Lake, about a one hour drive north of Fresno. Except for a little sky glow to the south from Fresno the sky is very dark. The Milky Way stretches from horizon to horizon and is a wonderful site. With twilight just about done, I zeroed in on the cresent Moon in the western sky. At 102 power and 191 power features on the Moon's surface are shown in strikingly sharp detail, but chromatic aberration is a factor. The c.a. manifests itself as a very thin blue line on the limb of the Moon. It's only moderately bright and no more than a mild distraction. There was no sign of any c.a. on the Moon's surface features. I was a little worried crater rims might show some c.a., but they didn't. The c.a. really doesn't seem like much of a problem to me when viewing the Moon with this scope. Viewing the bright stars Vega and Altair showed c.a. that was somewhat more prominent than it was on Saturn.
For many years now my main viewing interest has been deep sky objects. In this area the CT152 is outstanding. C.A. ceases to be a factor at about mag. 3.5. At 64 power M-13 is a swarm of tiny glittering stars. At 102 power I have the impression I can see deeper into it's core than my Meade 10 inch can reveal. At 64 and 102 power M-51, The Whirlpool Galaxy, faintly shows its connecting bridge and a hint of spiral structure. M-81 and M-82 are a lovely site with both galaxies easly contained in the 1.3 deg. wide field at 64 power. M-17, The Swan Nebula is bright and contrasty, an amazing view for a 6 inch scope. The Ring Nebula was a delight at 102 power. At this power its small but its donut shape was very obvious even without averted vision. The open cluster M-11, The Wild Duck, was a very nice sight appearing as a spray of tiny stars at 102 power. The last object I viewed that night at Eastman Lake, turned out to be the most impressive of all. The Double Cluster in Perseus. It just fits into the 1.3 deg. field at 64 power. The feeling of diamond like pin point stars floating in the blackness of space was a stunning sight. If you want to impress somebody with a telescope view, just show them the Double Cluster with this scope. It's a guaranteed winner.
Before closing let me clear up how I purchased this scope usuing U.S. dollars. Canadian Telescopes has a working agreement with Woodland Hills Telescopes in southern Calif. Canadian Telescopes set up a deal allowing me to call Woodland Hills and buy the scope usuing my credit card for $938.00 U.S.D. Woodland Hills then sent a payment of $859.00 CDN dollars to Canadian Telescopes. Canadian Telescopes then shipped the scope to me. The scope arrived 7 days after I made that call. It was a little more trouble and expense to buy the scope this way, but it was the only way I could get the scope with the 3 inch focuser, which I really wanted.
I had hoped to include views of Jupiter in this review, but I haven't been able to drag myself out of bed at 3:00 AM to do it. I will try to do an update at a later date.
If you have read this review you have probably guessed I have a very high regard for this telescope. At $938.00 this scope wasn't cheap. But given the fit, finish, quality of construction and razor sharp optics, I believe it is a bargain. Sure, a 6 inch apo will out perform this scope, but at 7 to 10 times the cost! Other than lubricating the rotatable focuser (a 10 minute job for me) I wouldn't ask the manufacturer to change anything. For me this scope is a keeper.
I hope this review has been of some help to you.
Clear skies,
Warren Maguire
P.S. I have no affiliation with any of the companies mentioned in this review.
- Hubert, Deus_Ex_Mamiya and kj09 like this


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Stephen Frost <sfrost(at)snowman(dot)net> writes: > We're talking about a quote-everything option, not what quote_ident() > does today. I don't see why that needs to be done by the backend or why > pg_dump/pg_restore doesn't have enough info to handle that. Are you proposing to stick a SQL parser into pg_dump so that it can split apart view and expression definitions to tell what is an identifier and what isn't? BTW, it wouldn't be just one parser, but a different one for each back version supported by pg_dump, else you'll fail on exactly the cases that are of concern here. regards, tom lane
Next: From: Tom Lane Date: 2010-06-10 14:46:40 Subject: Re: BUG #5488: pg_dump does not quote column names -> pg_restore may fail when upgrading Previous: From: Stephen Frost Date: 2010-06-10 14:43:11 Subject: Re: BUG #5488: pg_dump does not quote column names ->pg_restore may fail when upgrading


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Philly Re-Grooved: The Tom Moulton Remixes" showcases the world's greatest and most respected veteran mixer of all time with one of the first labels which catered to the emerging Disco sound of the early 1970's – Philly Groove!
Philly Groove exploded onto the world stage with a huge brace of hits for the Delfonics then subsequently followed through with the international smash "Armed & Extremely Dangerous" by First Choice which well and truly ushered the Disco age into worldwide consciousness. Philly Groove followed through with a slew of beautifully recorded gems from the likes of Tapestry, Nat Turner (featuring Major Harris), Finishing Touch and further Disco smashes from First Choice, The Delfonics and the Philly Groove Orchestra (essentially M.F.S.B. under another name). However most of Philly Groove's prestigious output was released before the 12 inch format was invented (co-incidentally by Tom Moulton himself). When the opportunity arose for Tom Moulton to go back to the original 2" masters of these early Disco gems and remix them he jumped at the opportunity. So finally we are treated to the full glory of the Philly Groove catalogue remixed for the full 12" versions by the master himself.
Also includes the hard-to-find "We're On The Right Track" by Ultra High Frequency and two fantastic bonus tracks which are blowing up on UK Radio and Club's right now – the wonderful "Don't Put Me Down" by Finishing Touch and the utterly sensational 9.46 "Whatcha Gonna Do" – Heaven n' Hell!


text: I've browsed the forums a few times, but what finally made me sign up was the Skyfall trailer ( , for those who have not seen it). I recently started wearing suits more, and though I love the way I look, every one I wear has the same problem. The shoulders are binding. All of my suits are traditional, American cuts (the brands are Men's Warehouse, Jones New York, and Joseph A. Bank), altered to fit my body. I think the problem is with the suits I buy, but I don't know what to look for to solve it. So to get to my question, why is it that James Bond can fight a guy on top of a train in his suit, but I cannot reach across a bar without my suit shoulders binding? The second part of the question, is there something I can do to my current suits to make them work? And last, what can I do to get suits that will fit me, allow that range of motion, and not cost an insane amount? Thanks for the help!


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Platt plays down Norwich link
Colchester's Clive Platt insists stories linking him with a move away from the club are wide of the mark.
By Chris Galea
Last Updated: 24/07/09 6:53pm
Colchester United striker Clive Platt insists stories linking him with a move away from the club are wide of the mark.
The former MK Dons target man scored ten goals for the U's last season and has been linked with a move to League One rivals Norwich this summer.
However, the 31-year-old insists he is more than happy to stay at the Weston Homes Community Stadium and claims any suggestion he is poised for an imminent exit is merely paper talk.
"I've heard all the stories regarding my future, but as far as I'm aware it has been all paper talk," Platt told skysports.com.
"The manager pulled me to one side in Germany and told me that I was in his plans for next season and that the stories outlining that the club were willing to listen to offers for me were wide of the margin.
"He wants me here and I want to be part of the club because it's a club that are on the up, I believe. There have been no official bids or enquiries that I know of."
He added: "It did put a little bit of doubt in my mind because before Paul Lambert pulled me to one side the club hadn't told me of any intention to sell me, so it came as a bit of a shock.
"However, the gaffer was quick to play down the stories and told me on the same day that the rumours started that I was part of his plans last season and that he still regarded me as a part of his squad for next season as well.
"He wants me to be a part of this season's success at Colchester and I am more than happy to stay."


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The body this morning confirmed that it is to launch BBFC.online – a classification system for both e-retailers and downloadable games, film and TV content.
First revealed by MCV earlier this month, the scheme sees the BBFC logos and consumer advice made clear on the 'purchase screen' of downloadable content – as well as the firm's famous 'black card' placed at the beginning of any downloaded content.
The scheme also requires e-retailers and content-on-demand services to have age-rating (or 'gate-keeping') systems in place to check the age of customers online. These retailers will be policed by the BBFC with random 'test purchases'.
The BBFC said the voluntary system had already been agreed to by movie studios Walt Disney, Warner Bros and 20th Century Fox – and that it had already rated 700 of the trilogy's films.
The BBFC's head of policy Pete Johnson said that all major e-retailers were "close to signing on the dotted line", and that the body expected to make "announcements of major e-tailers and games content providers signing up in the next few weeks".
The body said the scheme would cover all formats that offered downloadable entertainment content – including games consoles, set top boxes, websites and mobile phones. The system will not affect games hosted online – including World Of Warcraft and other MMORPGS.


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J.D. ALKIRE, banker, Greenview; was born in Menard Co., Ill., Feb. 10, 1832; he is the youngest son of Leonard and Catharine, (Davis) Alkire, who came from Ohio to Illinois in 1823, and settled in Sugar Grove; here our subject passed his youth and early manhood on the farm of his father; he received such education as could be obtained from the schools of that early day; at the age of 19, he and his brother Leonard built a storeroom in the then newly laid-out town of Sweetwater, and put in a general stock of goods. Neither had had any experience in the mercantile business; and, strange as it may seem, they succeeded beyond their most sanguine expectation; they continued in this business for a period of eight years, when they sold the store and contents to William Engle & Son; not long after, they bought out Engle & Son, and continued in business for more than a year; they then sold out to a Mr. Whipp. In all of these transactions they were very successful, making money at every change they made; this was about a year 1862; then for a period of eleven years, the two brothers engaged in farming and the live-stock trade; in this, as in mercantile business, they were very successful; about this time they went to the Far West where they improved a large ranch, and handled a large number of sheep; at the end of two and a half years, the partnership that had existed between the brothers, for a period of twenty-four years, ceased - J.D., our subject, taking the property they owned in Menard Co, Ill., and his brother the ranch and stock in Colorado; after J.D. Alkire's return to his native State, he, and his eldest brother, Milem, stated a private bank in the village of Greenview; this was the first enterprise of that kind in Eastern Menard Co.; they continued in business one year, with a capital of $100,000; at the expiration of that time they dissolved, and a new bank was started, under the name of Marbold, Alkire & Co.; this is one of the best and safest banking-houses in the State, representing a capital of $150,000.
He was united in marriage with Caroline D. Stone, April 15, 1860; she is a native of Bath Co., Ky.; from this union there were nine children, seven of whom are now living - William P., John D., Eva E., Henry, Ethalinda, Mary E., and a babe not named; the names of those deceased were Edwin D. and Ida H. Mr. Alkire is one of the Menard Co.'s wealthiest and most respected citizens, and a self-made man. A Democrat in politics, but quite liberal in his views.


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But here's the bad news: A new study by the European Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development says that broadband penetration in the United States still lags behind 14 other countries. That report -- which defines broadband as speeds of over 256Kpbs in either direction -- pegged U.S. broadband penetration at 19.6%, compared to rates like 31.9% in Denmark, 29.1% in Korea and 23.8% in Canada.
Broadband capacity is playing a tremendous role in policy debates now under way that will shape the future of the Internet for decades to come. When Comcast was caught throttling traffic to peer-to-peer sites, the company's defense was that it has to do so to manage its network. Otherwise, Comcast says, a handful of bandwidth-hogs would cause delays for everyone.
Net neutrality advocates argue that the solution isn't for Internet service providers to ration bandwidth as if it's a precious commodity, but to invest in bigger pipes, so that more people can access the Web for more purposes.
But, obviously, this type of upgrade requires money, and Internet service providers currently don't face the kind of market pressure that would make this investment a priority. Many people only have two options for home broadband -- their local phone company or cable provider. Given that reality, consumers aren't in a position to vote with their feet and give their business to a broadband provider that doesn't impede traffic.
If the FCC wants to encourage net neutrality, it needs to figure out how to encourage Internet service providers to invest in their networks.
This week, the commission did announce at least one step in that direction: It will no longer count connections of 200Kpbs as broadband. Instead, 768Kpbs will be the minimum speed considered broadband. With the new definitions, the FCC should be able to get a better picture of the true situation -- which, hopefully, will be a start towards improving it.


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Around the Jewish World As South America Turns Toward the Left, How Are Jewish Communities Affected?
South American Jewish communities are surveying their surroundings anew after elections across the continent in recent years have been dominated by left-wing or center-left parties. Among the changes: In 2002, Luis Ignacio "Lula" DaSilva, a union leader from a poor background, was elected president of Brazil as a candidate of the Worker's Party. Nestor Kirchner,… More ▸


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Research Topics
Genomes and Genes
Toshi Komurasaki
Affiliation: Taisho Pharmaceutical Co
Country: Japan
Detail Information
- Mechanism of growth promoting activity of epiregulin in primary cultures of rat hepatocytesToshi Komurasaki
Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Molecular Biology Laboratory, Medicinal Research Laboratories, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd, Saitama, Japan
Growth Factors 20:61-9. 2002..Our findings suggest that epiregulin may play significant roles in liver regeneration following partial hepatectomy in cooperation with other growth factors...
- Early induction of osteoactivin expression in rat renal tubular epithelial cells after unilateral ureteral obstructionAtsushi Nakamura
Medicinal Research Laboratories, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co Ltd, Saitama shi, Saitama, Japan
Exp Toxicol Pathol 59:53-9. 2007....
- A novel homocysteine-responsive gene, smap8, modulates mitogenesis in rat vascular smooth muscle cellsShinichi Nishimoto
Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Medicinal Research Laboratories, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co Ltd, Yoshino cho, Saitama shi, Japan
Eur J Biochem 270:2521-31. 2003..Our results imply that smap8 is involved in the regulation of mitogenic signalling in vascular smooth muscle cells, possibly in response to a homocysteine-induced injury...
- Transgenic mice over-expressing dicarbonyl/L-xylulose reductase gene crossed with KK-Ay diabetic model mice: an animal model for the metabolism of renal carbonyl compoundsTakako Sudo
Medicinal Research Laboratories, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd, Saitama, Japan
Exp Anim 54:385-94. 2005..The DCXR Tg mice and the Tg x KK-A(y) hybrid mice, therefore, serve as specific models for carbonyl metabolism in the kidney with diabetic background...
- Expression and significance of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS)-1 in an animal model of renal interstitial fibrosis induced by unilateral ureteral obstructionAtsushi Nakamura
Medicinal Research Laboratories, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co Ltd, Saitama Shi 331 9530, Saitama, Japan
Exp Toxicol Pathol 59:1-7. 2007....
- Molecular characterization of human telomerase reverse transcriptase-immortalized human fibroblasts by gene expression profiling: activation of the epiregulin geneCharlotta Lindvall
Department of Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Hospital and Institutet, SE 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
Cancer Res 63:1743-7. 2003....
- Epiregulin is more potent than EGF or TGFalpha in promoting in vitro wound closure due to enhanced ERK/MAPK activationBradley K Draper
Department of Medicine Dermatology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
J Cell Biochem 89:1126-37. 2003..5-fold increase in p-ERK1/2. When compared with EGF or TGFalpha, EPR is a more potent and more effective inducer of in vitro wound closure due to its ability to promote significantly greater ERK/MAPK activation...
- Epiregulin as a major autocrine/paracrine factor released from ERK- and p38MAPK-activated vascular smooth muscle cellsMasanori Takahashi
Department of Neuroscience, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine D13, 2 2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565 0871, Japan
Circulation 108:2524-9. 2003..In this study, we sought to identify the dedifferentiation factor(s) derived from vascular SMCs (VSMCs)...
- Mesenchymal-epithelial interactions involving epiregulin in tuberous sclerosis complex hamartomasShaowei Li
Department of Dermatology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814 4712, USA
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 105:3539-44. 2008..These results suggest that hamartomatous TSC skin tumors are induced by paracrine factors released by two-hit cells in the dermis and that proliferation with mTOR activation of the overlying epidermis is an effect of epiregulin...
- Effect of epiregulin on pancreatic beta cell growth and insulin secretionEmmanuelle Kuntz
European Centre for the Study of Diabetes, Faculty of Medicine, Strasbourg, France
Growth Factors 23:285-93. 2005..Finally, in the two cell lines expressing ErbB receptors, we demonstrated that only EGFR/ErbB1 was activated by epiregulin. Thus, epiregulin appears as a new growth and insulinotropic factor in pancreatic beta cell lines...
- Psychophysiological stress-regulated gene expression in miceShigenori Murata
DNA Chip Research Inc, 1 1 43 Suehiro, Tsurumi, Yokohama 230 0045, Japan
FEBS Lett 579:2137-42. 2005..These results suggest that some stress-response mechanisms, including transcriptional and post-transcriptional events, are coordinated in the whole body in mice under psychophysiological stress...
- Involvement of mitogen-activated protein kinases and protein kinase C in cadmium-induced prostaglandin E2 production in primary mouse osteoblastic cellsTatsuro Miyahara
Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama shi, 930 0194, Japan
Toxicology 200:159-67. 2004..From these results, it was suggested that activation of each of the ERK1/2, p38, and JNK MAPK cascades in addition to that of PKC and cPLA2 played an important role in the Cd-stimulated biosynthesis of PGE2 in mouse osteoblastic cells...
- Topical epiregulin enhances repair of murine excisional woundsBradley K Draper
Department of Medicine Dermatology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
Wound Repair Regen 11:188-97. 2003..Furthermore, epiregulin is more potent and more effective than epidermal growth factor in promoting proliferation and maturation of the epidermis as well as enhancement of the neodermis...
- Common behavioral influences of the ErbB1 ligands transforming growth factor alpha and epiregulin administered to mouse neonatesNoriko Tsuda
Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata 951 8585, Japan
Brain Dev 30:533-43. 2008..Abnormal ErbB1 ligand production at neonatal and potentially prenatal stages might therefore associate with neurodevelopmental disorders such as schizophrenia...


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With a name that could create some confusion at a few shady massage parlors nearby, Royal Tug Yacht Club (est. 2069) recently made its debut in the Tendornob.
The small space opened about a month ago on the corner at Bush St. at Taylor St., replacing Yong San Lounge, a dingy and uninviting bar with a pool table that still allowed patrons to smoke inside (a rebellious attribute we liked but can live without).
The decks were swabbed, the pool table removed, a coat of bright red paint was added to the exterior and local boating supply stores were raided for the kitschy decor at the new bar, owned by the same group that runs Bullitt, Tonic, Soda Popinski's, Wild Hare, Lightning Tavern and Dr. Teeth and Electric Mayhem. The maîtresse is a giant squid that hangs from the rafters and keeps an eye (also red) on the night's proceedings.
Excluding the eccentric seafaring theme and the vaguely naughty nautical name, the Royal Tug is your standard-order neighborhood bar—and a good addition to lower Nob Hill at that. The mid-week happy hour was low-key with an even mix of guys and girls and the energy slowly picked up as the glow from the open door faded from grey to black.
You won't find a fancy cocktail list, but there's all the usual suspects for cocktail fare. Two beers were on tap during our visit (Guinness and Scrimshaw) and there's a decent list of bottled brew. We took advantage of the no-frills special of the evening: buy a shot, get a beer.
After a couple of those, we blew off some steam with a few rounds of Buck Shot video game hunting in the back corner before pulling anchor and setting sail into San Francisco's rolling fog and hills.
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Eye of the squid:
Buy a shot, get a beer:
Fully loaded and ready for action:
A homage to Yong San remains:
Stay tuned for more happy hour adventures. Where should we go next?