Home is where the Heart is (DM Carl) Monday October 29th, 2001 4:15:44 AM
By the early hours of the morning the Chosen are exhausted, despite the brief rests. They pray for the first sweet rays of sun to restore sanity to the Wold. But they never come. With mounting horror the Chosen realise that although it is well past dawn… the sun has failed to rise! The Wold remains drenched in unholy darkness!
The Chosen make their way back through the Portal, across the rainbow bridge and make all haste for Heartkeep and the Heart of Domi. Though it is mid-morning, the sun still has not risen.
As the Taurs finally approach the great doors of Heartkeep a sickening sight greets them. The doors are wide open, and in the Entry Hall bodies lay strewn about. Among them are faces you recognize, Taurs who had been drawn to Heartkeep, and who had set up home there. Lying slumped against the Heart Chamber door, wailing in anguish. Is Neima, the wemic head Housekeeper.
Upon spying the group she struggles to her feet and rushes to meet you. “Oh please, please help us! Help the children!”
She takes some calming down before you are able to piece together the tragic series events, but eventually you establish that yesterday afternoon the Keep was being visited by a school outing led by a centaur, minotaur and wemic Brother of Domi. The school, the United Heart School for Taurs, has the honour of being the first mixed race Taur school in the history of the races. Everything was going perfectly... until Domi died. Madness and fury swept through the keep. Borus, Paladin head of the Heartguard, was killed by his own troops to prevent him murdering all in his path. Many others died, went insane, or are missing.
The Brothers, though grief stricken, seemed sane enough, and were left with the children and the keep teacher, Palamedes. Over the course of that terrible night, however, it became apparent that these Holy Brothers of Domi were anything but sane. First they beat the frail Palamedes unconscious. Then, creeping out into the Eastern, Western and Main Hallways they overpowered and murdered the unsuspecting Heartguard (posted there for their own protection!) and herded the sleepy children into the Heart Chamber. Then, barricading the huge doors against all attacks, the Clerics declared it their intention to sacrifice all 9 of the children as this (they had decided in their madness) was the only way to restore Domi to the Wold! And they have yelled to those outside that any attempt to break down the doors will force the sacrifices to take place early!
The question is asked “What of Kular?” The great Original Taur, Steward of Heartkeep, is (as far as the Chosen can determine) a creation of Domi Himself. What effect have these terrible events had on him?
“He lies at death’s door, sirs” sobs Neima. “When we felt it, Domi dying, I mean, Kular just collapsed. We got him to his room and cared for him as best we could, but I think he’s… he’s dying! I tried to tell him about the children this morning, but all he could do was whisper “Bring the Chosen to me the moment they arrive”. I fear his mind may have gone along with his body, sirs! Oh, what are we to do?!” She breaks down into floods of tears once more.
From within the Heart Chamber you hear the Holy Psalms of Domi being chanted in a grotesque perversion of the Ceremony of Offering. You will need to think fast; the climax of the ceremony is rapidly approaching; those children have only minutes to live!
Zeoll Monday October 29th, 2001 6:42:32 AM
Deep sorrow saturates Zeoll's bones, seeps through his muscles and organs, and leaks out of his eyes. As the horror that has invaded his home sinks fully into his soul, his tail, usually so animated, falls to the ground like a dead thing.
The wemic remembers the last time he returned to his clan's homeground on Liontaur Island. Everyone there -- his people, his family -- lay in their blood, slain in an attack by foul hellhounds. The same stench of death and despair and grief overwhelms his nostrils.
But his determination to confront the unconfrontable is obvious in his iron posture, and even if there is no hope in his face, there is the clear determination to do what must be done. As Zeoll turns and speaks to his fellow Chosen, his face is stern and he is weeping.
But his practical words belie the emotions visible on his face.
"Kenisha, I suggest that at least one of us go to Kularr at once. He may die verry soon, and we must hearr his worrds beforre he is gone. But at least some of us must also act now to save the childrren."
"Does anyone have any idea on how we can get inside the Hearrt Chamberr beforre they perrforrm theirr hideous sacrrifice?"
"Herre is my idea. In theirr madness, these Brrotherrs and Clerrics may have forrgotten to barr the egrress onto the rroof. If we get on top of the Keep, we may be able to quietly advance into the Hearrt Chamberr by way of the stairrs frrom the Obserrvatorry."
"If someone has a skill orr spell to climb walls, that could help get us up therre. If not, I suggest we take the longest table frrom the Commons and use it as a rramp. We can lean it against the Keep and climb up it at least parrtway to the rroof. Frrom therre we might climb orr jump the rrest of the way."
"These arre my ideas -- one or two to Kularr, the rrest into the Hearrt Chamber by any means possible. Anyone else have any ideas? Kenisha, we arre at yourr command."
Kale Monday October 29th, 2001 7:01:29 AM
not waiting for an answer from Zeoll's questions, Kale runs off in the direction of the Heart Chamber(if he doesnt know where it is, he follows the sounds of the chanting priests). as he runs he pulls out his bow and prepares to shoot the first thing he sees
Leets d20+5=7 Monday October 29th, 2001 8:12:29 AM
A veil of dispair darkens Leets' eyes as he is told of such terrible news. After growing up in the middle of the war between Centaurs and Minotaurs the Heartkeep was the best hope of common future for the Taurs to Leets, but now... Kular about to die, childrens about to be sacrified...and this endless night. Since Domi's death, the young centaur often felt like his soul was about to be drowned into darkness. Even in Zeoll's plan, Leets was feeling helpless: as a centaur he could barely climb up a wall...With his paladinhood lost, Leets only had his muscles, his brain and his heart to fight those darkness.
Leets galops after Kale.
"Kale! I hate to do that, but perhaps I have a chance to make them open this door, and maybe you can help me. Don't you think the Brothers would be glad to have one of the Chosen to sacrifice too, particularly if an ex-paladin join them?"
"I know it's not the way a warrior, and even more a paladin should act, but those are CHILDREN inside, and they are going to die an horrible way. Please help me Kale, even just by staying backward while I try to enter..."
Leets will drum on the door, shouting as loud as he can.
"Brothers! Let me enter! I'm one of yours! I hear Domi's voice calling for me too! Calling for the blood of the Chosen to come back! Let me appease his thirst! Let me join you! Let me enter!"
OOC: diplomacy roll...ouch...7
Flat-top Monday October 29th, 2001 9:22:56 AM
Flat-top listens with a sad heart, turns to Kanisha. "Your the Leader, go to Kular and tell him that's it is true WE are the Chosen Ones of Domi, But He (Kular) was the Creation of Domi. That it is here, the Keep that He is needed. Tell him to have Faith and Courage. Now more than ever we need Him." Flat-top to the other two Wemic and tells them,"Only a Wemics with feline agilaty can got up to the tower, there is is rope (and other tools) in the shed off the kitchen. Look for the lowest sloop in the roof, that will be the shortest way up." Off Flat-top gallops to join the rest of the fighters.
Kenisha Monday October 29th, 2001 10:59:06 AM
Kenisha winces as both Kale and Leets race off. She turns to Zeoll and says, "Minotaurs and Wemics will have a better chance of following your plan of entry in to the Heart Chamber. Ceira, go with them and I and Flat-top will race to Kular's room. I pray we are in time to save them."
With that she will head off to Kular as fast as she can through the halls. When she gets there she says, "Kular? We are here. How can we stop the brothers?"
Kalon the Wemic Monday October 29th, 2001 10:21:34 PM
Kalon glances at Zeoll a look of doubt crossing his face. Then with a sigh he says,"Okay Zeoll it's worth at least a look to see if we can" he turns to leave but then pauses,"Hey Raorr you up to a climb?"
Ceira Karwyn d20+2=17 d20+3=13 d20+2=19 d20+2=17 d20+2=12 Tuesday October 30th, 2001 4:12:50 AM
Ever since the dawn of the morning hours, the hazy darkness that blankets the sky is unnerving to her soul. She takes each step reluctantly as if the Wold itself would collapse into the depths of hell from the taint.
Ceira remains staring at the carnage of Hearthold keep from the rainbow bridge. 'Who's to say the island won't sink at any moment?' she wonders to herself as she stops at the edge of the bridge. "There is color on this bridge." she says absent mindedly but she quickly jumps off of it as if something bit her paws. She looks back at the bridge and figures it is even worse to be on a bridge with so much color. A prime target for the drab colors of the night.
Her trance is broken up by Kenisha's resounding words. "Yes... Yes... Let us be off then." she mumbles. Ceira shakes her head vigorously to shake off the chill and focus on the task at hand.
"If we are to storm in by the roof, I suggest we storm in from two fronts. It will create a more chaotic situation and may give us an extra second or two. Every second can count. Raorr, you are probably the most proficient melee fighter among us. You should be able to handle a frontal assault on your own. Zeoll, Kalon, and I will try our paws on trying to scale the wall and pounce with our feline instincts from above."
(OOC: If we can climb, Climb=17. If we can put something together, Craft=13. Maybe climbing on each other, Balance=19. Throughout the process, Move Silently=17 Maybe use a rope, Use Rope=12)
And now, the end is near... (DM Carl) d20+7=22 Tuesday October 30th, 2001 10:00:28 AM
Kale and Leets are already at the door to the Heart Chamber (see previous post), and so don't go anywhere. Leets bangs on the door, and begs to join the proceedings. The answer is unequivocal (Will 22).
"Stay back! No-one come near the door, or we will be forced to complete the sacrifice before the ceremony is complete! I warn you, one more bang on the door, one more word, and they die NOW!" comes the demented voice of a Brother. In the background, the chanting continues.
Ceira, Kalon, Roarr and Zeoll hunt around for some way to make it to the roof, but quickly discover that this is going to be near impossible. The walls of the keep are high (too high for standing on one another's shoulders), designed to keep out invaders, and without specialist equipment or magic the climb is going to be extremely difficult, not to mention lengthy. And time is something you are running short on... The commons tables, though long, are not going to be long enough to get up the wall, and will take at least 4 rounds to fetch and put in place. (OOC: if you wish to continue to try, specify exactly what you are trying to do, and make rolls to attempt it. ).
Kenisha and Flat top set off to speak to Kular in his private chamber (you will reach him next turn).
Flat-top Tuesday October 30th, 2001 10:35:09 AM
"O K! I'm coming, I still think that I should fight those Brothers. But If You Need Me,Kenisha." They both trot off to Kular's Room, Knocks and open the door for Leader Kenisha. Flat-top will stand next to the door and let her talk to Kular.
Zeoll takes charge d20=3 d20=9 d20=9 d20=14 Tuesday October 30th, 2001 3:59:06 PM
OOC: here's the link to the maps of the Keep again:
Zeoll takes charge in Kenisha's absence -- since no one else has a better plan, he goes with the only chance he can think of. He refines his plan to speed it up. He barks out orders in an effort to get the Chosen working together.
"I know that psalm," Zeoll says, "and we have a couple minutes. Come, pull togetherr and we can save them! We have time if we act fast."
"Ceirra and Neima, jam these blades and armor scraps under the main doors to make them hold steady and straight open." He points to the detritus of battle nearby and then to the big main outer doors to the Keep as he speaks.
"Rraorrr, Kale, and Leets, get the 15 feet long table from the Workshop -- that's a lot closer than the Commons." Zeoll points through the secret door to the east.
"Kalon, help me get two beds from the Barrracks, rright thrrough therre, close by."
If all goes well, Zeoll and Kalon carry the first bed outside. Note that the barracks are very near. They set the bed down on its side, leaning against the doors that have been jammed steady and open. Then they get the second bed. Standing on the first bed, they lift the second bed so that it rests on the doors -- with Ceirra's and Neima's help. The rough structure is a trilithon (link: http://www.lessing4.de/megaliths/gl_trilithon.htm) -- each door is a leg and the second bed is the lintel, the horizontal crosspiece.
Zeoll tells Neima to run very fast to get some stout rope, if no one has any.
When the table comes, Zeoll asks Raorr and Kale to climb up on the first bed to the lintel, giving a boost if needed. The others hand up the table, which Raorr and Kale set on the lintel, leaning against the Keep wall like a ladder. Ceirra and Leets will hold the doors to make sure they are steady. Raorr and Kale will stand on the lintel (the second bed) and hold the table. Either Kale or Zeoll will climb from the first bed to the lintel and up the table to the roof. The climber (Zeoll or Kalon) will be the best climber or the strongest -- probably that means Kalon (Zeoll has no Climb skill ranks and a 12 Str).
Whichever wemic is not climbing will help hold the doors and first bed steady. With the climber (Kalon) on the roof holding Neima's rope, Zeoll, then Raorr, then Kale climb up. From the top, Zeoll tells the ones below to go to the door, make a distraction, and try to break in when they hear fighting. The four on the roof will sneak down the stairs, hoping to enter the Heart Chamber with surprise.
[OOC: I have no idea what rolls to make, so I'll just roll four times. Modify them as needed. Zeoll's Climb is +1, his Jump, +3, his Diplomacy, +7]
Kale Tuesday October 30th, 2001 6:19:58 PM
Kale is a bit overwhelmed by what Zeoll wants him to do, but he does it(i dont know what rolls i need to make, but climb skill is 6rank & strength of 18) "I think it would be alot easier if I just pick the lock on the front door." Kale says.
Kenisha Tuesday October 30th, 2001 11:11:19 PM
When she gets to the Kular's room she says, "Kular we are here! How can we stop the Brothers and save the children?"
Cayzle's two cents (out of order) answering Kale Wednesday October 31st, 2001 6:06:18 AM
The description of the Heart Chamber includes this: "All three sets of doors are actually double doors, and none of them have locks, though they all may be barred from the inside of the room if one got something to bar the doors with."
Raorr Wednesday October 31st, 2001 12:12:52 PM
Raorr tries to follow the odd suggestion by Zeoll. Helping him as if still confused. While grabbing beds he says "can we not just charge the brothers, some children may be hurt, but even if this 'machine Zeoll wants to build works only one of us can get inside the window at a time. A frontal assault on the great doors would allow all of us to attempt to stop the brothers."
RAorr continues looking at Kalon "I'm not the greatest Climber, Kalon. But if needed I might be able to get up there."
OOC: I really hope Kular is going to show us the teleporting room of the labrynth... I see that is the only way in. With out breaking things, and I'm not sure that would work wither. Oh well Let's keep working on it.
Leets d20+2=4 d20+2=3 Wednesday October 31st, 2001 3:34:47 PM
Leets grins as the Brothers answer inside the room. He listens carefully at Zeoll's plan, and begins to work, not really seeing what his friend is planning but doing his best.
(Ouch...Rolled 4 on my strength roll to bring the tables, and rolled 3 to hold the doors...that's a failure....)
"I think that Raorr is right, and I'm not sure will have enough time to act...We could have used something, like this table, as a ram to break the door, and attack by surprise, don't you think so?"
Kalon the Wemic d20+3=14 d20+3=12 Wednesday October 31st, 2001 8:05:06 PM
Kalon listens to Zeoll explain his plan still thinking it is not going to be enough to reach the roof. Despair begins to enter his heart as the seconds tick by that they will be unable to save these poor children. He works diligently at it though and when the time comes to attempt the climbs up he is ready.
Then pausing he says,"Does anybody have a grapnel that would help"
He stands a moment trying to assess how one would climb a wall like this one even with a bed leaning against it.
OOC: Rolled twice once to try and get up to the "lintel" and once to climb the bed to the top. 14 for the first 12 for the second. If someone has a grapnel he would use that to help since i am pretty sure neither of those rolls will make it.
Ceira Karwyn d20+3=23 Thursday November 1st, 2001 1:47:03 AM
Without saying much, Ceira takes heed of Zeoll's commands and starts jamming blades under the doors to hopefully keep them stable.
(OOC: My guess is a Craft skill of 23 for this case. Zeoll has his attack plan but we'd better roll one round at a time because things will change. For example, Leets failed in trying to drag a table over so rolling to hold the door up isn't worth much.)
Small Sacrifices (DM Donna) Friday November 2nd, 2001 8:19:31 AM
The part of the Taur group that is desperately wringing their brains for a way into the Heart Chamber suddenly find themselves seized with a conviction that Kular's insistence to see them MUST have a direct bearing on any hope of rescuing the children in time. Everyone runs to Kular's room.
Inside his quarters, the steward of Heartkeep Hold is not looking at all well, but he almost brightens up when he sees that all of the Chosen are assembled here now.
"Masters...Mistresses..." he addresses you weakly, yet with a strength that is nothing short of amazing (in his current condition,) "...there is only ONE way for you to reach the imperiled children before those poor, mad clerics do something they'll regret--you must travel the Labyrinth that lies beneath Hearthold. It was originally merely a test for the faithful...even a diversionary tactic for any who would dare to try to invade Bridge Isle uninvited...but now, it will be the means for you to save the children..."
Kular manages to choke out the directions to the island entrance to the Labyrinth, advising that the party allows the minotaurs to lead them through, as minotaurs do EXTREMELY well in mazes.
"Go through the Labyrinth..." gasps the rapidly-fading Kular, "...and remember...to reach...the Heart of the Hold..." The steward coughs heavily and drags in a ragged breath. "...together! You...MUST...always stay...togetherrrrrrrrr" Kular falls silent.
(OOC: your characters have the directions to get to the Labyrinth and then through to the room that will lead the party up to the Heart Chamber--if they but heed the courageous Kular's words. Good luck!)
(OOC: Farewell from Carl: Guys, I'm really sorry to bail on you like this, but real life just caught up with me in a BIG way. Hope to be back sometime soon, but its looking like February at the earliest. All the best, and sorry for the inconvenience!)
Flat-top Friday November 2nd, 2001 11:27:50 AM
"Go through the Labyrith? " said Flat-top,"I never knew that there was a Labyrith under the Keep? We were the first call of Domi." Flat-top goes over to the Raorr and Kale. Puts an arm around each of them. "Well! You heared what Kular said, Minotaurs are best in mazes. Don't worry the rest of us will be right behind you." Flat-top turns to Kular, "Hold on Kular, we will be right back."
Raorr shudders Saturday November 3rd, 2001 9:18:18 AM
As Falt-top places his arm on Raorr's shoulder raorr's facial expression tighens immediately. He looks at the centaur warrior "I would suggest you remove your arm quickly, I'm already tense as it is."
Raorr then looks at Kale and says "I dislike puzzles, and minotaurs maybe better at them, however I believe you should lead I will follow at the end of the group to ensure everyone sticks together. One minotaur at the front, one at the back."
Raorr passes a glance over to Kalon "Do I have a sign on my back that says 'place your arm on my back?" he chuckles to the wemic.
Kale Saturday November 3rd, 2001 9:23:59 AM
after hearing Kular's words, Kale stands up tall and says "Ill lead us through. Lets move quickly, though. I dont think we have much time." then he moves as fast as he can to the entrance of the labrynth
Leets Sunday November 4th, 2001 3:11:37 PM
Leets clenches his fists with anger and helplessness when seeing Kular so low... He listens carefully, and hesitates one second, as if he was going to tell something to Kular. Finally he follows the other Chosen, understanding that if there is a whole labyrinth to walk through, every second will be precious. However, the young centaur gets a last worried look at Kular's door while walking away, with a strange feeling...
Kalon the Wemic Sunday November 4th, 2001 10:45:32 PM
For a moment before leaving he stares at Kular a moment sensing that Kular may well not recover. Crouching beside him he whispers,"We will keep the dream that Domi had alive as long as we live. Have courage and we will prevail" he turns to join the group as they leave
Zeoll Sunday November 4th, 2001 10:59:58 PM
Zeoll tries to reassure Kular. "We will stay togetherr, my frriend." Then, follwing Kenisha's lead, he races off with the group to the entrance to the Labyrinth. (which is where, anyway? Outside in the jungle?)
Kenisha Monday November 5th, 2001 12:54:37 AM
Kenisha bows in respect to Kular as the Chosen left the room. "Lead on Kale. Time is precious."
DM Ceil d20=17 d20=8 d20=3 d20=15 d20=15 d20=11 d20=4 Monday November 5th, 2001 10:41:20 AM
Kale and Raorr open the heavy bronze door to the Labyrinth. There in front of them are the tunnels. The minotaurs run down the lefthand tunnel, leading the party to a series of big studded logs on chains, swinging back and forth--an obvious test of dexterity. The minotaurs show the party the way around this puzzle, and a few other puzzles, too.
Eventually the serpentine progress leads to a room that has four doors of heavy oak. There are figures carved into each of the doors--one has a Centaur, another a Minotaur, the third a Wemic, and the last one, a dimensional relief of all three races.
OH! OH! Now which one? The Taurs all put on their thinking caps (OOC: the d20 rolls above), and suddenly one of you exclaims: "What did Kalon say?? 'Stay together?' I say OPEN the door with all the races!"
So Kale and Raorr pull open the door, leading the party into the Heart Chamber--where you find the senior-most cleric--a centaur!--poised with a dagger upraised over the first intended sacrifice to Domi...a young wemic lad. There are seven other priests of the God of War standing guard over the other seven children. (A map will be emailed.)
Leets litteraly jumps outside the stairs, and attacks the first cleric who's holding the young wemic. When he saw the clerics holding the children, Leets realized he could perfectly be one of the Brothers turned mad. Fighting the cleric as well as the shadows lying in his very heart, Leets tried to stand between the wemic child and the mad priest, more taking care of the child than of his second attack.
OOC: rolled 17+3 for my sword attack, damage 5+2 (considering it's not a charge: too close). Only 6+1 for the hooves attack, damage 2+2.
Kalon the Wemic d20+5=15 d20+5=23 d20+4=22 d20+4=16 d20+4=7 d4+3=5 d4+3=6 d4+3=4 d6+3=4 Monday November 5th, 2001 7:57:18 PM
As Leets burst out of the hidden passage Kalon follows fast on his tail. Seeing that Leets has engaged the nearest cleric he notes the children all crowded in the middle of the mad clerics. Rushing across the room he heads directly toward the cleric nearest in the circle to the right (OOC: Number 2)
As he does so he calls out to Raorr,"Raorr,help me clear them back so the children can get out." As he approaches the cleric he rolls in to avoid any attacks against him (tumbling check 15 to go through their adjacent square without provoking attacks). Then roll back to his feet leaps up to try and pounce down on the cleric. (OOC: I don't know if I can pounce from this position but have included a jump roll to help me do that the 23)He springs slashing with his claws and trying to finally drive a strike from his arms in (OOC: Front Paw #1 22 to hit Front paw #2 16 to hit, Unarmed strike 7 to hit. Damage is 1st 5 second 6 (rolled one to many d4's sorry) and unarmed strike for 4)
Kenisha d20+3=7 d4+1=3 Monday November 5th, 2001 10:46:41 PM
Kenisha scrambles out of the passage and moves off to one side of the room; leaving lots of room for the other Chosen to exit and maneuver.
In a load voice she calls out, "For the love of Domi, stop this madness! Save the Children!" (diplomacy = 7)
She then points at one of the clerics at the other side of the room and shouts, "?Shev-Pak Newal!"; sending a magic missile (damage = 3 HP).
Ceira Karwyn d4+1=3 Tuesday November 6th, 2001 1:35:06 AM
Ceira scrambles out of the passage with her light crossbow in hand and ready to shoot but thinks twice. She isn't a master by any means and there are too many children who could get hit. She lets go of the crossbow and decides to use her ever-popular spell, Magic Missle.
Seeing how Leets is already on the move towards the nearest Cleric, Ceira looks across the room to find the next cleric with the most lethal weapon and aim her Magic Missle at the cleric's hand. (OOC: 3 dmg)
Raorr Charges a Cleric d20+7=18 8d6(5+1+4+4+6+6+2+3)+12=43 d20+6=10 2d6(1+1)+4=6 Tuesday November 6th, 2001 5:52:09 AM
Raorr Charges a cleric on the left side of the room, trying to help Kalon clear a path for the children to run.
In his head is pray 'Hopefully they will attack me and not the children.'
"I am Domi's arm, and you have failed him, you will pay the price for this insult to his way."
OOC: Hit AC 18 with charge. Raorr AC is 21/20 first attack is 21 rest is 20.
Damage from charge 43
If another cleric provokes attack of opportunity Raorr hits AC 10 with his greatsword
Damage for AoO is 6
Flat-top d20+8=14 d20+4=23 d20+4=15 d20+4=6 d8+5=10 d4+4=6 d4+4=5 Tuesday November 6th, 2001 10:21:30 AM
(ooc: I will be making a subdual attack)
Flat-top coming out of passage, and quickly glancing at the battle scene. Flat-top sees that Leets is engaging Cleric(# 1). If he did not drop the dagger, then Flat-top will hit the Cleric(# 1)with the handle of his Morning Star as well as his hooves. (if the Cleric drops his dagger, Flat-top will attack Cleric(# 3) instead.)
Morning Star(handle) hits AC 14 for 10 hp damage; hooves hit AC 23 and 15 for 6 hp and 5 hp; no crit.
Zeoll d20+3=5 d20+3=22 d4+3=7 Tuesday November 6th, 2001 12:02:02 PM
Zeoll leaps to the attack, charging crazed cleric number 4. He leaps to attack and hits once, raking with a paw and drawing blood (7 hp of damage).
DM Cayzle - Round one: Surprise! Tuesday November 6th, 2001 1:14:38 PM
As the Chosen emerge from the undertunnel, they see the enemy clerics looking at them with amazement, the light of their madness burning brightly. However, the crazed clerics seem to have been taken by surprise, and the party puts their advantage to good use.
Leets and Flat-top take a short step forward and attack the centaur with the dagger, who seems to be a leader. They don't have time for a full set of attacks, so they strike with Sword and Morning Star.
Leets cuts the leader (AC15), drawing blood.
Flat-top, trying not to land a killing blow, strikes with the haft of his weapon, but his blow bounces off the leader's armor.
Raorr, Kalon, and Zeoll charge the cluster of clerics on the other side of the room. They only have time to attack the nearest two. [OOC: Some characters also tried to push enemies aside -- note that if you want to move an opponent, you have to specifically make grapple or bull-rush attacks, as per the Players Handbook.]
Raorr charges into a wemic with a longsword, and gores him to death.
Zeoll and Kalon, leaping to attack as wemics do, strike with their heavy paws at a minotaur priest with a sword, who only has time to murmur, "Domi!" before he also dies.
[OOC: Note that charges and surprise attacks do not allow Full Attack Actions, so no one used both natural weapons and forged weapons this round.]
Kenisha tries to reach the clerics in their insanity, but her efforts have no effect this round. [OOC: No magic missile this time because you can't cast a spell and use Diplomacy in the same round.]
Ceira's magic missile effectively targets an imposing wemic with a bastard sword, but he remains on his feet.
In the short time available, Kale only just clambers out of the passage as the round ends.
Still alive at the end of the round are:
Cleric 1 - wounded leader Centaur with dagger. Cleric 4 - Centaur with mace. Cleric 5 - Centaur with longsword. Cleric 6 - Minotaur with battle axe. Cleric 7 - wounded Wemic with bastard sword. Cleric 8 - Centaur with longsword.
As the next round begins, the leader shouts out, "We can still raise Domi! Continue the sacrifices!"
The clerics are trying to use coup de grace attacks on the children. Chosen, please make your attacks, and if you come within five feet of a crazed cleric, also make an attack of opportunity -- but please, no more than one attack of opportunity per Chosen.
Ceira Karwyn d4+1=5 Tuesday November 6th, 2001 3:05:44 PM
With the other Taurs rushing forward, it is important to strike as many clerics as possible in an instant. Knowing the front lines will be engaged by her comrades, Ceira targets her next Magic Missle at the minotaur (#6) wielding the battle axe in the back.
(OOC: damage=5)
Leets d20+3=11 d8+2=9 d20+1=11 d4+2=6 Tuesday November 6th, 2001 3:27:12 PM
Leets has to strengthen his grip on the hilt of his sword. It is a cleric's blood that is now flowing on his blade, and he perfectly knows it.
"I CAN'T LET YOU DO THAT!"
Leets once again strikes the cleric, this time ready for his blow.
"Only Domi can forgive you! All I can do is to stop your madness NOW!"
The young white centaur then stands on his back legs, trying to hit his opponent with his hooves.
OOC: rolled 8+3 for my main melee attack, damage 7+2, and rolled 10+1 for my hooves bonus attack, damage 4+2.
Flat-top feeling that Leets really need no help from him, But the rest of the children do. "In Domi's Name leave these children go!!" and charges Cleric (#5) hitting him in the head with his weapon and hitting him in the chest with one of his hoof. Then yells "NEXT! I'll stop fighting you, if you put your weapons down."
Kalon the Wemic d20+4=11 d20+4=9 d20+4=18 d20+4=18 d20+3=23 d20+3=4 d20+3=15 d20+3=23 Tuesday November 6th, 2001 8:36:45 PM
Kalon see the clerics about to begin slaying the children and rushes forward. Reaching with his claws and arms to grab the three directly in front trying to pull them back and behind shielding them with his own body. As he does this he yells out to the children.
"Flee children get behind us save yourselves"
As he struggles to get in the way he calls to the clerics,"I'll show you how to bring Domi back you faithless cur. By showing you courage the very thing you lack as you strike at children"
OOC: the first four rolls are to try to grab the children and pull them behind. The next four are strength rolls. He is trying to simultaneously pull them back and get in the way of any of the cleric's blows. Unless the children are paralyzed, held ,tied up or something like that they should not be able to administer coup de grace attacks.
Kale d20+4=6 d20+4=16 d8+4=11 Tuesday November 6th, 2001 10:12:32 PM
a little stunned by the scene he just saw, Kale finally snaps out of it and runs to the minotaur with the battle axe(#6) and attacks with his mace, smashing him once(missed normal attack but hit with attack of oppurtunity) for 11 pts of damage. "Ill kill every one of you!!" the minotaur growls
Kenisha d4+1=5 Wednesday November 7th, 2001 12:37:13 AM
Kenisha lets loose with a magic missile aimed at the wemic with the broad sword (#7) hoping to keep him from striking. (damage is 5 HP)
Raorr moves and attacks d20+10=29 d20+10=30 2d6(2+1)+6=9 2d6(1+3)+6=10 d20+8=9 Wednesday November 7th, 2001 5:25:17 AM
AFter Finishing off his target, Raorr looks to the remining foes. He moves around a cleric (#5), to get a better position noting Flat-Top's position.
Raorr sensing great need to hurt these blashpemers swings the greatsword with all the power in his body (He Rages) at the preist (#5)while flanking him, the preist not fully aware how dangerous Raorr is is most likely caught off guard as Raorr deals what may be a lethal blow to his head. and as the Raorr sees another preist atttempt their part in their most heinious ritual, Raorr swings at the cleric (#8) hoping to sever his foul mind frtom its corrupted shell of a body. However this blow seems off balance as the blade as it passed through the previous target threw Raorr off balance.
OOC 1st roll hits AC 29, threaten for a crit. (Rage, and Flank) 2nd roll confirmation with a natural twenty. 3rd & 4th rolls Damage with greatsword to Cleric #5 is 19 points of damage 5th roll AoA on Cleric #8 is a miss (natural 1) Raorr AC again is 20, 21 verus cleric (#8)
Zeoll d20+2=16 2d6(2+4)+2=8 d20+2=11 Wednesday November 7th, 2001 6:54:22 AM
Zeoll seeks out Crazed Cleric Number 8 -- a centaur with a longsword. It takes him a little while to move there, so he doesn't have time to attack with paws and swords both. Instead, he just moves around, dodging bodies and weapons, and finally slashing out with his greatsword.
[OOC: can't make a full attack action and move that far in a round, so Zeoll is taking a move action and standard attack. Plus, with all his moving through combat, Zeoll may well himself be hit by an attack of opportunity.]
The wemic's sword connects, landing a solid blow. [Hit ac16 for 8 damage.]
Busy with his attempt to kill a child, Zeoll's foe isn't paying enough attention to the fight. Zeoll sneaks in another attack, but this one misses. [Attack of Opportunity hits AC 11]
DM Ceil d20=8 Wednesday November 7th, 2001 11:49:28 AM
You are so intent in saving those children, that you find strength where you didn't know existed.
Ceira's Magic Missiles hit the Minotaur With the ax and he drops dead.
Leets hits the Centaur Cleric so hard the cleric drops his dagger and falls to his knees, bleeding and crying. The child is saved and run to the east side of the room.
Flat-top after hitting the Centaur Cleric in the head and side, Standing there unbelieving that he was hit, along come Raorr and cuts the Cleric Head off.
Kalon who is trying to dodge weapons, saves as much as six children. By garbing them away from the Clerics or by telling them to run to the East end of the room.
Kale hits his Minotaur Cleric and he drops along side of his ax dead.
Kinisha's Magic Missiles not only stops the Cleric from striking the child. But kills him.
Zeoll's Great Sword slices the Centaur Cleric head off, before the Cleric could kill the child.
You have done a good job. But as you can see there's only one Centaur Cleric left and he has the child by the neck. With a crazed look in his eyes, He slowly raises his Mace "We must sacrifice! We must have Domi back! We must Kill! Do you hear me!"
The Centaur Cleric is long winded and slow to strick the child. Now is your chance to save that last child.
Kenisha d20+1=19 Wednesday November 7th, 2001 12:48:57 PM
A terror strikes Kenisha through the heart and and screaming at the top of her voice she races across the room; intent only on grabbing the mace before it can hit it's target. "No child dies here this day!" (Charging- Unarmed Disarm Attack: 19 (does the +2 from charging count? If so add to to that 19. I'm unsure if this provokes an attack of opportunity for the cleric, normal charging attacks don't, but disarming do. Either way her AC=16)
Leets d20+5=13 Wednesday November 7th, 2001 1:30:07 PM
Leets lifts his sword one last time, looking at the cleric who has fallen to his knee. He realizes that he's alsmost breathless, although the fight wasn't that long. his attention his quickly drowned by the last cleric who's holding a child. Leets let the old priest on the ground, throwing his dagger away. He then focuses on the last cleric.
"You don't have to kill anybody! Domi would never want you to do that! Brother! You know it as well as me, your heart was darkened by the power of evil but it is not too late! Save this child! Save your soul! Don't kill him! Please..."
Leets slowly walks to the centaur cleric, sheathing his sword and holding his hands to the priest. While making this couple of steps forward, he looks the centaur right in the eyes...
"Please...Let him go..."
OOC: rolled 8+5 for my diplomacy roll...
Kalon the Wemic d20+4=13 d20+3=5 d20+3=17 Thursday November 8th, 2001 12:26:00 AM
Kalon turns to the final cleric grabbing the amulet given to him by Kular,"Look at me child of Domi. This was given to me by Kular the steward of the keep and servant to our great lord Domi. This amulet was blessed by our great lord. This is a symbol of him, a symbol that as long as we live he lives. He is our lord and you know he would not want you to harm another of his children" slipping the amulet from his neck slowly he holds it so the cleric can see it,"So many have died already. We are the Chosen of Domi as are you. As long as we live Domi lives. This is blessed by him I will give you this, this small piece of our lord to honor him and to remember him. He said to have courage. He did not say to slay our own, to slay the innocent in his name. Give me the child and you can have this. This part of him that will show you his way and help you find the courage within yourself" he moves slowly closer holding the amulet out closer to him.
OOC: If he lets the child go and reaches for the amulet I will let him have it. If Kenisha's attack distracts him I will attempt to grab the child and pull him away from him. My rolls to hit the child are 13, my first strength roll is a 5 so I will spend a hero point to reroll it to a 17 for my strength roll
Raorr Thursday November 8th, 2001 3:37:13 AM
Raorr looks to Kenisha, as she dives for the cleric. "To many people in the way". Raorr huffs. He stands ready to go still wanting to fight.
Ceira Karwyn Thursday November 8th, 2001 9:13:08 AM
Ceira is shocked! Witness to the carnage envoked by the Chosen Ones, she bites her nails in nervousness. "I thought we were only going to knock them down." She whispers to herself and slowly shaking. "We have slain our own kin... Domi's kin. Not evil."
Ceira remains standing still. Wide-eyed and stunned.
Flat-top Thursday November 8th, 2001 2:24:12 PM
Flat-top stands there watching Kanisha, Leets and Kalon offering his Domi Amulet?? But when Ceira said "We have SLAIN our own KIN." That hit something deep with in him. Flat-top slowly raises his eyes to the Cold, Lifeless, Gray Heart of Domi. Slowly he approches the Heart, there came such a pain from his bowls up through his brain. "I'm a Monster, I'm a horrid Murderer, I Killed my brother Taurs." Flat-top Tears his armor off, throws away his Morning Star and fall in front of the Heart, weeping "I'm not worthy of being a Chosen one."
Kale d20+4=11 d20+4=21 d8+4=9 Thursday November 8th, 2001 3:01:29 PM
"Yes, let us help you see the error of your ways." Kale says as he approaches the cleric. then, as quickly as he can, Kale lashes out at the cleric, smashing him for 9 pts of damage(used hero pt to reroll first roll)
Zeoll Thursday November 8th, 2001 3:21:48 PM
The wemic priest helps shepherd kids to safety, looking them over for wounds.
DM Cayzle -- The Defeat of Domi's Clerics d20=7 d20+4=20 Thursday November 8th, 2001 4:07:52 PM
Four Taurs converge on the last crazed cleric of Domi and the young wemic calf he threatens. Leets appeals to the cleric. Kenisha grabs his mace, shouting. Kalon grabs the child, negotiating. Kale walks up talking, then strikes out.
As chaos ensues, the crazed cleric looks Leets in the eyes -- the light of madness leaves him -- and he screams, "WHAT AM I DOING! OH DOMI!"
The cleric throws away his mace! It bounces off Kenisha's outstretched hand, arcs through the air, and hits the child right between the eyes! Down the cub falls, kept by Kalon from hitting the floor. Then Kale lands his heavy attack, and the cleric goes down too -- as much from mental anguish, seemingly, as from the blow.
In the moment thereafter, the hall is silent. Then Ceira's shocked whisper carries to all in the room: "We have slain our own kin." The children begin to weep, and Flat-top's despairing cry echoes.
You are surrounded by the slain and unconscious. Palamedes, the Keep scholar and tutor, lies in a crumpled heap near the west door. And something else is wrong -- all please make a Listen check vs. DC 15.
Kalon the Wemic d20+1=20 d20+3=14 Thursday November 8th, 2001 4:23:49 PM
Kalon holds the young wemic child in hand lowering him as he hears something (Listen Check 20). Ignoring the sound he tries to stabilise the child (Heal Check 14,failed).
Turning to Raorr he calls out,"The child could certainly use your healing potion. Glancing around at Flat-top bemoaning what they have done and Ceira as well,"Stop worrying about what we have done and see if all those who have fallen are truly dead. If they are not try to keep them from dying. We are the Chosen of Domi stop whining like children and do your duty. Nobody ever said our path would be an easy one and nobody said that our fellow taurs would never die. Our duty is to do all we can, so do it"
Kenisha d20+2=16 d20+3=23 Thursday November 8th, 2001 8:42:30 PM
(ooc- First roll is the Listen roll, second is the Heal. Got a natural 20 on that if that makes a difference)
Kenisha falls to all four knees next to Kalon and the child. Something nags at the back of her mind as she looks around the room with a heavy heart.
With trembling hands, she examines the child and gives what aide as she is able.
Flat=top d20+3=17 Friday November 9th, 2001 12:01:57 AM
Flat-top in his his deep despare, but a voice from his pass seem to echo in his head. The voice of Kalon sounds like his drill sargent in the Marine Squard. Flat-top hears,"Stop worrying. . . See to the Fallen. . . If not dead HELP them . . . Could use healing potions . . . Chosen of Domi . . . Our Duty . . . Do It." Well that did it, Flat-top gets un on his hooves. Pick up his pouch and goes around from body to body with his healing potion. He seem to hear something, but duty calls.
OOC: roled a 17, made it.
Kale d20-1=18 Friday November 9th, 2001 2:31:28 AM
standing over the fallen cleric, Kale readies his mace just in case the cleric tries something else. he focuses on his job until something catches his ear(made listen check)
Leets d20+2=16 d20+4=12 Friday November 9th, 2001 3:45:59 AM
Leets first impulse was to take care of the hurted child, buthe realizes that there are already a lot of people doing it perfectly.
He looks around. The terrified children Zeoll is taking care of...The slayed clerics all around, between life and death...Such a waste...Flat-Top was right, and Leets knew it since his first blow to the old cleric.
The young centaur then saw the venerable Palamedes, who spent so much time with him talking of religion, life and so many other things...He walked to the old scholar, and on his way put his hand on Flat-Top shoulder, smiling bitterly.
Leets finally sat at Palamedes' side, and tried to cure his wounds the best way he could (12 on my heal roll). While making a bandage, Leets suddenly raise his head, looking around and asking:
"What was this? Did you hear it?" (rolled 16)
Zeoll d20+3=23 d20+3=11 Friday November 9th, 2001 6:33:01 AM
Zeoll helps bind the wounds of a cleric who fell in battle but is not dead yet. He seems to stop the bleeding.
He is so concentrated on this task that he is unaware of anything else.
Ceira Karwyn d20+1=16 Friday November 9th, 2001 10:40:27 AM
(OOC: Listen=16) With the combination of Kalon's forceful words and the keeness of her wemic ears, Ceira snaps out of her stupor. She starts searching for the source of the sound in fear of the possibility of more danger looming ahead.
Kalon the Wemic Friday November 9th, 2001 10:50:34 AM
Smiling weakly at Kenisha he says,"Are you alright?" he quickly looks her over and sees she is, then looks around at the others. Ceira still seeming aghast at what she has done he rises to his feet seeing the child is in Kenisha's capable hands. Looking at Kenisha he says in a trembling voice,"In the times to come. Amidst the darkness that has fallen upon our lands I may well fall. Know though that I love you with all my heart dearest Kenisha" turning from her he with another smile, he moves to where Ceira is.
Placing his hands upon her shoulders he speaks to her and as he does his voice slowly grows stronger till everyone can hear it,"Once when I was a young cub I was out running as cubs often do. When our lord and god appeared beside me and ran with me. On that day I knew fear. I trembled before his strength and power. He bade me to find somethng for him but I was cowering so much that I did not hear what. When I finally looked up. I discovered he was gone and I could not from that day to this remember what he had told me to find. I spent all those years looking for this thing he had asked me to find without success. Yet by being a Chosen of Domi I have found many things. I have found a duty to do. I have found someone precious to love" he glances at Kenisha,"Most of all I have found courage. Each moment this darkened world shows me new horrors that tear at my very soul. We have slain our brethren, yes. They however had slain our brethren before this and were about to slay these children. It is not an easy road we are on and it I'm sure will not get easier. Courage to me is not about having no fear, for certainly there is fear in me, clawing at my heart even as I speak. Domi's words return to me to have courage. This last gift he gave to me I cherish and use constantly. When my heart tightens and my breathing feels constrained I force my fear aside and act. If I do not all my choices will become tainted with fear of what I am doing and will do."looking into her eyes,"Now is the time to act. We are all that is left of Domi. His body may be gone but his spirit is alive and strong as long as we breath. As long as we don't give into the fear. As long as we act." Turning from her he moves to where Leets is.
"Does he still live Leets?" he asks
DM Ceil Friday November 9th, 2001 12:20:13 PM
The Chosen one's are working hard, with healing potions, good advice and bandages. It is getting late and the darkness is overwhelming and then you notice IT. There's nothing. . . No Noise. . . Just SILENCE !! The last time you were all here the Heart was pink and beating. . . Now it is Cold gray and SILENT.
You fill out of the Heart Chamber and return to your rooms, wondering what will happen comes the dawn. . . ?
Zeoll Friday November 9th, 2001 5:54:07 PM
From the way his tail hangs, from the pain in his face, it is clear that Zeoll has only begun to grieve. Especially when he sees the Heart so still and silent.
But at least the insanity has passed, and he seems to be thinking more or less clearly. "Come, my frriends," he says, "and continue to be brrave."
"Let us brring the wounded togetherr and set up a place of healing. The Parrade Grround is big enough and close to the soothing waterrs and frresh air of the Grrotto. We can build big blazes in the firreplaces, and perrhaps chase away some of this neverr-ending night. At least we will all be togetherr. Let the dead sleep here with the Hearrt forr now."
If any Chosen agree, the liontaur helps to bring the wounded and other survivors together in a common place of safety.
Flat-top Sunday November 11th, 2001 4:31:40 PM
Flat-top bring in the wounded, help feed and make the children comtable. Flat-top lock up the Keep. Thinking to himself 'This thr first time, that the Keep was ever lock tight.'
The sun is setting, when Flat-top look at the rest of the party. "You people look so tired, why don't you go to bed and I'll sit out the night?" Flat-top will sit out the night in the Dinning Hall.
Kenisha Monday November 12th, 2001 10:37:15 AM
Kenisha helps with the wounded and the dead but every step and motion comes slower and slower as the minute goes by; her eyes brimming with tears.
(OOC- sorry for posting now, but my modem was acting up.)
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