Under a Red Sky (DM Cayzle) Wednesday March 20th, 2002 1:54:45 PM
Over a nervous breakfast, the group's conversation focusses on the old Temple of Alemi, now forgotten and empty, according to Mattric. Most agree that more information is needed. Thomas's upset tummy from last night still plagues him.
At Thomas's urging, the group decides to begin its investigations. Uteva is nominated to stay at the Pellat Can, with the horses, and with Sir Thomas's Trump Card. That way she can contact him, and he can use her Trump Card to call her.
Outside, the overcast sky is covered with red clouds. There are bats -- many bats -- flitting above the rooftops. Yesterday was cloudy, but this is most unusual! It must be unusual for the townsfolk -- even the normally stoic commoners are looking up, and rushing about so as to spend as little time as possible in the open streets. There are puddles of last night's red rainwater in the sewers and streets -- the locals walk around them.
Near the center of the town is the square that was home to all the temples. Now most are ruined or closed -- only the dark temple of Marteus still thrives. In fact, it has been expanded, and it looms over the square, as if gloating malevolently. The former Temple of Alemi, built of red sandstone, stands opposite it. The door is open.
Being discreet, the group's investigations show that people, mostly dressed in black, do enter and leave the Temple of Marteus.
Roll a spot check vs. DC 12 to notice that a very few black-robed individuals enter the Temple of Alemi.
Everyone can also roll an Int check to notice that the bats are casting shadows on this strange and overcast day.
Roll a Reflex Save vs. DC 10 or a bat has flown low over you and its shadow has fallen on you.
If it's shadow falls on you, roll a Fortitude Save vs. DC 10 or get the shivers.
[DM Notes: Is there anything else anyone wants to do near the Temple of Alemi? So far you've done nothing to attract attention. I'm assuming Holy Symbols are worn out of sight, right? I'm sorry to force your hand and move you out of the Inn, but events proceed apace and we are already slightly behind!]
Sly Foxx and Luke Wednesday March 20th, 2002 2:06:49 PM
"Well,Trace, I agree with Sir Thomas. I would love to snoop around that Blackheard Temple. How abot it?" ask Sly.
Sir Thomas d20=8 d20=6 d20=15 Wednesday March 20th, 2002 8:40:58 PM
Rolled Spot 8 + 2 = 10 Rolled Int 6 + 1 = 7 Rolled Reflex = 15 + 5 = 20
Thomas retrieves his cloak from his backpack and puts it on over his armor as he would if it were raining. He draws up the hood to obscure his face and makes way for the temple of Alemi in a poor excuse for a disguise. At the least he might get away with unobservant parties not paying attention to him or is armor and weapons. Traveling with the group, Thomas does avoid to be caught in a bat's shadow.
When arriving at the square, Thomas doesn't notice the black robes walking into the temple of Alemi. (Yes, Thomas wears his holy symbol under his robes.) After only a short delay on the outskirts of the townsquare, Thomas makes way for the open entrance to the temple of Alemi. He walks in and steps to his right to be concealed from outside view by the wall of the temple. He lets his eyes adjust to the slight change in lighting and takes in the sights of his lord's holy domain. He tries to prepare for the worst since all signs point to desecration.
Altemia d20+13=28 d20=12 d20+3=12 Wednesday March 20th, 2002 8:46:44 PM
Altemia watches the Temple closely and sees a few priests entering Alemi's temple (Spot 28). A bat flies over her head, but she steps out of the way of its shadow (Ref 12).
"We aren't dressed to attend Marteus' temple. Let's stick with Alemi's. I've seen a few black robed priests entering Alemi's temple. If we go in, we need to be on our guard. It might be a good idea if someone got up to the door quietly and had a quick look inside. I have sharp eyes, but I don't know if I'd be quiet enough."
Trace and Radiant d20+9=23 d20+4=12 Thursday March 21st, 2002 1:51:15 AM
Me and Sly are going to try and investigate a bit. We will enter as new followers and tell of our expirence with the traveling gypses and how we come to to learn of the group. We will claim to be mercs and our journeys end has brought us to this town. What do yall think?
Initial Investigations (DM Cayzle) Thursday March 21st, 2002 6:38:38 AM
Trace and Sly do their best to sneak up to the door of the forgotten Alemi Temple. Does Sly have Armor On or Off? Please make Move Silent and Hide rolls, you two.
Ilsidur, Sir Thomas, and Altemia hang back and wait for a signal.
At the Temple, the windows were smashed long ago. Parts of a statue, much defaced, stand near the entrance. So far Sly and Trace see nothing -- inside is an open concourse. The coast seems clear. Just how clear may depend on those sneak rolls.
Trace and Sly, do you motion the others to enter? Or enter alone to check it out? Do you two stay together or split up? Are Luke and Radiant with you?
Sir Thomas d20=1 d20=4 Thursday March 21st, 2002 11:18:39 AM
(Rolled 1 + 10 = 11 for self-imposed Will save to not approach the desecrated temple of Alemi. I felt that it was warranted because of Thomas youth, strong head, and strong feelings toward his faith. -- no problem. This is a fine way to play. Well done. -- Cayzle)
Thomas notices Altemia's observation of cleric activity around the temple only after she points it out. Despite seeing the danger, Thomas can't stand to see his lord Alemi's temple desecrated in such a way. It makes him sick. He tried to prepare himself for what he might see, but his imagination did not do a sufficient job. "I can't help it you guys. I can't stand by and see this." He rushes toward the temple and into the door; glad that Pryte-Honos cannot see this, but wishing for the company of his friend.
When he has arrived, his hood has fallen off of his head and away from his face. He suerveys the scene and looks for any clerics to approach . . . to talk at first.
Ilsidur Thursday March 21st, 2002 2:17:25 PM
Ilsidur casually walks in front of the doors to Alemi's temple, then 'accidentally' spills 10 or so gold pieces on the ground in the mud. He spends some time trying to find them, all the while keeping his eyes and ears open, glancing through the open doors. If he hears any alarm calls from Sly or Trace, or anything that could be threatening, he forgets the money and runs into the temple. Otherwise, he collects his money and moves on.
Sly Foxx and Luke d20=19 d20+1=16 Thursday March 21st, 2002 2:49:03 PM
OOC:Sly has his armor on. Move Silently 19 - Hide 16.
Sly will follow behind Trace, Luke will follow behind Sly and hope that nobody follows Luke. Sly will go along with any lie (or should I say story) that Trace will. "Trace, I don't see anything out of the ordinary, Do you?"
Altemia d20+13=30 Friday March 22nd, 2002 9:16:04 AM
Altemia continues to wait on some sort of signal from the two scouting. She keeps a lookout to make sure that no one is paying special attention to the group or notices Trace and Sly making their way into Alemi's temple (Spot 30)
Trace and Sly sneak into the temple. They move deeper into the concourse -- a kind of large welcoming hall. Once upon a time it was beautiful -- artwork must have filled the rows of niches on either side. Now there is only rubble. The head of one statue -- is it a depiction of Great Alemi Himself? -- has been placed upside down on a pile of broken red glass, and a black boot stands upright on top of the head. There is a clear way down the center into a vast open space within -- the central nave, no doubt. On the sides, among the broken statuary, ruined furniture, and rubbish, there are lots of places to hide.
At first, they see no one, but from within the ediface they hear something. A low humming. It brings to mind angry wasps, or the sound a wizard's hand makes just before he touches you with a Shocking Grasp.
Ilsidur tries his ruse, but so far as he knows, he is playing to an empty theatre, since no one is around, at first. And his performance is interrupted by Sir Thomas, who -- unable to hold back -- finds this homecoming to be an unsettling experience. He stands just inside the doorway, taking in the ruin, the desecration, and the unpleasant sound from deep in the Temple.
With Trace, Sly, and Thomas inside, and Ilsidur intent on the ground, Altemia is the first to notice the sky getting darker. The bats are flying more and more thickly. From far off Altemia hears a rhythmic pounding sound. This sound is far off, very far off, but rapidly getting louder. It is a compelling sound, like a drum beat, and it sets one's feet moving -- or marching. The marching gets louder.
People start to appear, from the Temple of Marteus, and from other buildings. They are headed towards the marching sound, off to the north, as if they were drawn. Some are running -- none are dawdling as they cross the square. The shadows of the bats fall on them, and they flinch, but keep moving just as fast -- or faster. A few walk within earshot of Ilsidur, but they ignore him.
Altemia and Ilsidur, please roll a Reflex Save vs. DC 15 or a bat has flown low over you and its shadow has fallen on you. Ilsidur, take a -2 penalty for looking down instead of up. If a bat shadow falls on you, roll a Fortitude Save vs. DC 10 or get the shivers.
Now, inside what was Alemi's Temple, Trace, Sly, and Thomas hear the marching rhythm. From within the Temple there are voices raised, and about five black-robed people run into the concourse and head through the hall. They don't even glance at Sly and Trace, and they shoulder Thomas aside if he is in the way. If you ignore them or talk to them, they just run out, shouting, "Get out of here!" If you want to attack them or interfere, please give your entire battle strategy, with contingencies -- not just the first round.
The rumbling marching sound gets louder, and nearer, but it is still far off. It resolves into a song. There should be no way to understand the words -- it is far far away -- but you do! Dark One calls us, calls us, calls us, calls us, calls us. Follow, Master, follow, follow, follow, follow. Come to battle, battle, come to battle, battle. Follow, calls us, battle, calls us, battle, follow. Calls us, battle, follow, follow, follow, calls us. Battle, calls us, follow, battle, calls us, follow.
It is a dirge-like, hypnotic sound, clear from miles and miles off, but it does not touch our heros, and they feel no compulsion.
The bats fly.
Sir Thomas d20=20 d20=14 d20=14 d20=6 d10=8 d10=1 Friday March 22nd, 2002 6:37:52 PM
Being very perplexed by the events that are going on all around him Thomas lets the clerics go freely past, except for the last one. This one he pushes (rolled 20 + 13 = 33 to hit dmg not intended?), hopefully preventing him from making it through the door. Thomas draws his sword and points it at the man (readied action to strike the man with his shield if he resists. rolled 14 + 8 = 22, dmg?). "What are you running from?" Thomas' tone leaves no doubt that he very seriously wants to know. Thomas' tongue is quick to continue while the man recovers from the push. "Quickly and we can both leave, otherwise one of us is in for it." Thomas positions himself in the door way and takes a glance at the backs of the other clerics to be sure that they are not returning for their friend.
Thomas lets Pryte know that he wants him by his side. Pryte in turn will do whatever necessary to get there. He will kick the door until it shatters or get someone's attention and continue to be wild and untame until someone lets him out and then he calms down. Only when he is on his way to see Thomas does he stop being such a pain, and then it is nothing but business to get there.
If the man attacks Thomas, he will try to subdue him with his shield (see readied action above) If the man persists, Thomas will kill him. (Rolled 14 + 13 = 27 and 6 + 8 = 14 to hit; dmg rolled 8 and 1 + 5 and + 5 = 13 and 6 dmg) Thomas will continue in this way until either the man is dead, or preferrably, the man tells him why he is running and what from.
If the other clerics attack him, Thomas fills the door so that they cannot get inside to surround him or get to his friends. He pulls Ilsidur inside too. He will simply hope that Alemia will not step in from that side of the fray and that Trace, Sly, and Ilsidur will take care of the man in a position to flank Thomas.
While they fight Thomas inquires, "This is unnecessary. I just want to know why you run. Tell me why you run from this place that you have so elegantly desecrated." the sarcasm in his voice is evident. He will simply kill them until they either tell him what he wants to know or leave.
When the fighting is over Thomas adds, "Friends, I don't think we should go down there, but I must admit that I am drawn into that maw. Pryte-Honos is on his way here if we want to stay on the surface."
Black-Clad Human (DM Cayzle) Friday March 22nd, 2002 7:27:31 PM
The man Thomas stops speaks freely. "The Forces of the Night! The Army of Dread! The End of the Wold! Come and see it! Come and join it! The Great Lord Arises! ARISES!!"
His expression -- is it fantastic joy or incredible terror?
He runs out unless someone stops him.
Sly Foxx and Luke d20=12 d20+4=15 d4=4 d20+10=28 d4+3=7 d20+3=9 Sunday March 24th, 2002 11:39:35 AM
Trace, did Sir Thomas want some Black Robes before? Here's our chance to get two of them. What do you say?
If Trace goes along with the idea. Sly will try to talk him (black robe cleric) into giving it to him (role a 12 I don't think he got any where). "Now I'm not asking for the robe I WANT IT!" Sly said and hit him with his fist (rolled a 15 - damage 4 maybe) Now if the cleric arms himself, Sly will take his dagger and go at him (role a 28 - damage 7) All the time that Sly is scuffling with the cleric Luke will be pulling on the robe to impair the cleric moves (roll a 9 did not role for damage because the dog was just pulling on the cloak).
Now if nothing works, Sly Will just follow the Trace and Sir Thomas (I know the paladin will not like what I did).
Trace and Radiant d20+8=19 d20+11=26 d8+4=6 d20+6=14 d8+4=12 Monday March 25th, 2002 12:15:25 AM
(ooc: I didnt realize I missed a post)
Trace grabs the cleric, "Not enough info my friend. Who are we about to fight? We want to join you but we need to know the enemy. Where is he ariseing?" Trace tries to hold the priest still so that he will answer his questions. If the preist starts to show any clarity in his thinking that someing else is going on in front of him he will draw his long sword and attempt to kill the cleric. Radiant flies to a rafter awaiting for his master.
Altemia d20+3=9 Monday March 25th, 2002 7:12:18 AM
Altemia stands there listening to the chanting and forgets to pay attention to the bats. The shadow of one crosses her and she shivers (Ref 9).She watches as the others attack one of the clerics, but makes no move to help (unless they need it).
Altemia begins to make her way up to Alemi's temple. "Let him go, Sir Thomas. It looks like everyone is under a compulsion to leave. Someone is calling them to battle. I think we are possibly going to have Alemi's temple to ourselves. The call for battle didn't touch us, there may be others that it didn't call."
Ilsidur d20+3=6 d20+10=20 d20+3=13 Monday March 25th, 2002 8:36:51 AM
As Ilsidur is bending down in the street, picking up his coins, a bat-shaped shadow passes over him. He is distracted for a moment, but shakes off any ill effects. [OOC: Missed reflex save, made fortitude save.]
Ilsidur watches the black-robed figures pile out the tepmle, and head to the north, following the voice. He moves into the temple, in time to see Sir Thomas, Trace and Sly accost some of the priests. "I agree with Altemia. I think our answers lie inside this temple. Let's have a look around, and then we can head to the north to see what this battle is all about."
Ilsidur moves into the main room, and briefly examines the stonework in the area to see if anything looks odd or unsafe. [OOC: Search stonework roll of 13.]
Carnage (DM Cayzle) d20+7=23 Monday March 25th, 2002 1:51:00 PM
Altemia feels the bat's shadow fall on her, and she shivers for a moment, but then it passes quickly. (OOC: You didn't make the Fort save -- I did it for you and you rolled a 23.)
Inside the Temple, Sir Thomas pushes the last of the black-robed men, who babbles something about armies and night. Then Sly and Trace make short work of the him.
Sly's fist crunches agains the man's nose, and he feels the bones in the man's face breaking. Sly's fist is wet, with blood, maybe, or just with snot. Then Sly stabs deep with his dagger, and the youngster's strong thrust pushes the blade far into the man's abdomen. For a moment it catches, caught on a rib, and Sly feels the man's pulse beat wildly against the dagger's blade. Hot blood gushes out, so that both of Sly's hands are wet.
The man staggers, and tries to defend himself. "No! No! No!" he cries as he tries to stagger away. Luke barks at him, and blocks his exit.
Trace grabs him and spins him around, but the man does not respond. So Trace's sword thrust finishes the job, disembowling the man, slicing through his viscera, so that long shiny loops of gut fall out and down, along with blood and clumps of foul fresh excrement. The man trips on his own intestine, falling, gurgling as he dies.
Ilsidur and Altemia come into the Temple hust in time to see a spreading puddle of blood run across the floor. Luke runs up to them in welcome, leaving red doggy-prints in his tracks. He pants, and licks at one foot, tongue lolling.
Everybody, please make a Will save.
Now all five can hear the weird angry humming that comes from deeper in the Desecrated Temple of Alemi. Ilsidur inspects the floor -- where it is not obscured by blood and worse -- and sees the marks that many very heavy things have been dragged deeper into the temple, scratching and scoring the floor as they were hauled in. otherwise the structure seems sound.
Altemia walks in and sees the blood covered floor and dead priest. A look of horror covers her face and she turns to Sir Thomas, "Did he fight or did you just let them kill him in cold blood? No one else I saw outside had anything on their mind but following the call!"
Altemia looks once again at the carnage laden floor before walking deeper into the room. She skirts the blood as best she can and gives Luke a stern look so he does not come near her while his feet are covered in blood. She walks near the walls and begins to quietly move closer to the sound keeping her eyes peeled as she goes (M Sil 19, Listen 25, Spot 30)
Sly Foxx and Luke d20+5=23 Monday March 25th, 2002 4:31:19 PM
OCC Will 23
"No Little Sister, I didn't kill him in cold blood, He more or less ran into my fist and I broke his nose. Them he drop dead. Now I can take The Black robe." Sly will wipe his hands on the young cleric shirt and Luke paws on the cleric handkerchief. Then take the robe and check for holes.
Sir Thomas d20=3 Monday March 25th, 2002 5:59:12 PM
(Rolled 3 + 10 = 13 for Will save)
Shocked at the way his friends quick work with the defenseless cleric, Thomas just watches. He did not intend to kill the man unless he wanted to fight. In response to Altemia's horror he says, "it was over before it began. I did not allow them to do anything. We can talk about it later if you would like. I think there are more important things right now; though I do not agree with their actions." Thomas gives both Sly and Trace a very stern and disapproving look. He then tries to reach a justification so that they can all still work well together in the face of this craze. "Maybe what they did will save our lives. Let's put it in the back of our minds. I suggest we hurry."
[OOC: What of Pryte-Honos? If he is having trouble leaving the stable then Thomas will advise him to sit tight. If Thomas knows he is on his way then he'll make sure the horse can get into the old sanctuary and obtain safety from onlookers.]
Thomas, sword and shield at the ready, makes his way hastily, yet cautiously, for the place from where the clerics came.
Ilsidur d20+9=23 Monday March 25th, 2002 11:34:45 PM
Ilsidur watches, jaw agape, as the fighters slaughter the priest. He shouts, "What do you think you are doing?!? What has that priest done to hurt any of you? Sir Thomas, clearly you detected that this priest was evil, to cause and allow such actions!"
He stomps past the carnage in disgust, shaking his head. "Boy, some bunch of heroes we have turned out to be," he thinks to himself.
Ilsidur continues on down the corridor, following the scratch marks, and heading towards the wierd humming, searching for a real threat, worthy of attack.
Ilsidur Monday March 25th, 2002 11:35:29 PM
[OOC: The roll of 23 was the necessary attempt at a Will save.]
Trace and Radiant Tuesday March 26th, 2002 2:06:28 AM
(OOC: lol man I didnt mean for that to play out like that but ohwell, more drama for our group.)
Trace shakes his head with his hands upturned as to show his clueless state of the situation that just unfolded. "I just wanted to bleed him alittle to get more clear answers out of him. Even though that has to be the most horrible thing I have ever done besides dropping some nasty orcs caught up in vines, this was truly an accident. None the less it keeps our identy clean for now." Trace draws his new silver short sword to compliment his bloody long sword. As the others file past him and his mess he reaches down and cleans the blade of his sword and then follows after dragging the cleric out of sight.
Cayzle Tuesday March 26th, 2002 2:19:43 PM
Sorry for the delay, friends. I'll post later today, as soon as I can!
Sir Thomas Tuesday March 26th, 2002 3:23:19 PM
[OOC: just needed to respond to keep Thomas name clean. Sorry for the early post.]
As Thomas hurries deeper into the temple he responds to Ilsidur in much the same way he responded to Altemia's. "You are entirely in the right Ilsidur and I'm sure that I disagree with the way that turned out just as much as you do, but I think later would be a better time to discuss those actions. And, I'll have you note that my blade is clean of any blood. I simply wanted to prevent that man from leaving so that we could have an answer or two." Thomas holds his blade up as evidence to his innocence. He speaks more sternly in the next sentence and looks directly at Trace and Sly. "It's just that some of us are less interested in determining truth and justice and more interested in making ourselves feel powerful and righteous." He then turns and continues to go toward the heart of the old temple.
Ilsidur Tuesday March 26th, 2002 5:56:41 PM
You are right, young Sir. Perhaps I overreacted. However, you have the ability to detect evil intent, and I think you should be using it a little more, especially when we need guidance about who is and who is not a threat.
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