They come (JK) Thursday March 14th, 2002 9:31:12 AM
After the meal, people move to their places, and the celestials check the field preparations. Meteor flies about and comes back to the castle wall to speak with Gareth, "The traps can be little better than they are now. I would keep them hidden. Then we might be able to entice the first couple of lines to fall in, but don't expect thousands to fall prey to the trap. If we had a trained cavalry, I would send them out to test the front ranks, but it would be unwise to send out what little foot we have. It would be better to wait within and to prepare the archers. Prepare fire pots for the archers! Get ready! The enemy comes!"
Cantos hears it first, but soon everyone does. An hour or so after dinner, the sound of marching drums can be heard in the distance. Fortunately it comes from the west.
Thum. Thum. Thum. Thum. Over and over again in a steady rhythm.
Those that attended the prayer and meal begin readying their weapons and look forward to beginning this thing. The others, however, tremble with fear. Clearly many of them didn't truly believe in this attack until now.
Thum. Thum. Thum. Thum. Thum.
The field of battle is prepared. The several lines of berms are the closest defense to the town's fortified wall. Just beyond that is Gareth's system of pit traps. Beyond that a few more berms. Farthest from the wall, the thing the enemy will have to encounter first, is Kennither's area of daylight. The lighted area is large enough that you can see the entire field. It's bright enough that it seems like twilight within the town, and it makes it hard to see the stars that must be shining up above.
Thum. Thum. Thum. Thum. Thum.
Raltos speaks to the men and tries to prepare them. Meteor flies overhead trying to dispell some of the fear. He speaks to the troops in a booming voice, "Men, you have relatively few arrows for this task. Do not waste them by firing before the enemy is in range. Wait until the front ranks fall into the pit traps. Then fire into the second and third lines. The added confusion may keep them from realizing the danger of the traps too soon."
Thum. Thum. Thum. Thum. Thum.
A shrill scream cuts through the night air. A few moments later a pair of batwinged fliers appear high above the town. Rather than flying up to meet them, Meteor and Shep take cover, "Perhaps our presence and strength should be a surprise. Hold your spells." The flying creatures swoop lower, and a frightened man starts shooting his arrows wildly into the air calling out, "Dragon! Dragon!" None of you recognize what the creatures are, but clearly they are too small to be dragons. They circle the town a few times and fly away.
Thum. Thum. Thum. Thum. Thum.
Finally at the distant edge of your vision, movement catches your eye. The enemy has arrived. They march forward slowly, steadily.
Thum. Thum. Thum. Thum. Thum.
When they reach the edge of the magical light, the drumming suddenly stops. So does the enemy. It's unclear what they are doing. They might be within bow shot for the best archers, but they're too far away for most. (about 200 yards from the wall)
The creatures at the front are close enough to the light that you can make them out. They are mostly man-sized goblinoids. Goblins and orcs. A few larger creatures come up to look at the light. Ogres? Trolls, perhaps? They don't stay long and walk back into the mass of troops. Then your eyes focus on that mass. They reach back as far as you can see before they fade into darknes. There are thousands and thousands of evil creatures sitting out there. The inexperienced men are beginning to show their fear.
More allies (DMJK) Thursday March 14th, 2002 10:01:23 AM
Tericus comes to the wall about this time, but he walks with two more celestial beings. A female hound archon similar to Shep stands at his left, and an angel-like male carrying a long silver trumpet stands to his right.
Meteor beams when he sees the other two, "Now we have an army. Here is the plan. When the army finally advances, we will wait for them to hit Sir Gareth's network of traps. Then we will loose our archers. During the hail of arrows, our casters will strike the middle ranks with their spells. Mihel will fly over the ranks of the enemy and blow his trumpet. Gareth, Shep, and Song will then exit the walls alone and engage in melee with anyone foolish enough to challenge them. Raltos will stay within the walls to lend strength to his men. And I? I will call out Barbazou so as to rid the world of his wickedness!"
The three archons immediately agree to Meteor's plan.
Gareth (+4 Con, Bull's Strength +5, Immune to fear & poison, Blessed +1, 50% Displaced, Stoneskin [13, 10/+5], Invisible) d4=4 d20=18 Thursday March 14th, 2002 11:32:20 AM
The first thing he does as the army approaches is make sure the man is ready to flood the trenches once the traps are sprung. "Once it is clear that the pits are not helping anymore flood them.".
The warrior also agrees with Meteor's plan. "I forgot how much I enjoy killing evil creatures. Where will you fight this... Barbazou?". He quaffs a Strength potion and feels the power course through his veins (+5). He makes sure and add his voice to Meteors in shoring up the courage of the men (CHA 22).
He flies up to the wall and positions himself near several other archers, giving them words of encouragement. He then prepares for battle, setting his shield on the wall in a way that gives him some cover, pulling out 2 quivers of 20 arrows from the bag of holding, and finishing with his quiver of masterwork arrows from his back (He won't be needing them once he engages in melee on the ground.). He then pulls out his bow and prepares to fire. He focuses on any creatures who look most powerful. "If anyone has that greater magic weapon spell I wouldn't mind having it on my arrows or bow. (mentions to the casters before going up to the wall).". He nocks his first arrow looking to those around him. "Whatever arrows are left when I leave the wall, take and use well...". He searches the massing crowd to see if he can see any pesky casters. He also keeps a look on the sky for sneak attacks.
And finally, after warning those around him, and nothing is left to do but fight, he goes invisible.
Nonam d4+1=4 Thursday March 14th, 2002 2:49:48 PM
Nonam takes a position upon the wall, cocks and loads his crossbow and sets it at his feet. Then he casts stoneskin on Gareth. Then he casts keen edge on Gareth's sword. The wizard looks at him for a moment, "Remember it takes fire or acid to kill one of those trolls. They look like the toughest things down there, but you'll waste your energy fighting them if they just regenerate after you leave. Focus your efforts on things that are going to stay dead."
Then the wizard moves around using his wand of bull's strength to help everyone out. He zaps everyone in the party that doesn't have enhanced strength already (+4). Then he zaps Raltos and the celestials if they want it.
Then Nonam moves back to his place and keeps an eye out for anyone that looks like a possible caster. If he sees one, he'll zap it with a quickened magic missile.
Cantos, Bullstr +4, Immune to poison and fear, blessed +1, Expeditious Retreat, Displacement, Haste Thursday March 14th, 2002 5:49:01 PM
Cantos smiles grimly and nods at Meteors words. He places his bow infront of him as he cast his preportory spells, Expeditious retreat, Haste, and Displacement. He looks at the men around him and smiles gently,"We will do well my friends stand fast and I will stand fast amongst you." Cantos looks at the cowering men as the winged beasts fly overhead, he speaks into his ring "I will not be talking for awhile but as long as you hear song my friends know that I and the wall still stand." Cantos stands up and looks over all the men he can see" Be not afraid, do not cower, he craves that, he needs that and today we shall not give it to him." Cantos starts to sing not even trying to restrain himself he sings loudly and proudly of Combat and heros, of live and love and of Domi and Alemi, the undercurrent of the song sems to be as each person hears it, one word..just one courage." Cantos turns out to the horde infront, notches his first arrow and waits for his first victim. Readied action to shoot the first caster he can or the first target in the 2nd rank.All persons hearing Cantos's song are inspired +1 on all saving throws attacks and damage.
Addinein (+5 Str fm Nonam) (+4 dex himself) (+2 endurance himself)(Immune to poison and fear)(blessed +1) Thursday March 14th, 2002 11:34:13 PM
ooc sorry for missed post
Having consumed the meal Addinein feels better, until the enemy appears. As everyone works to make the others feel better, Addinein looks around and feels, somthing. Distracted by other preparations, Addinein doesn't get time to reflect on those feelings. Moving over to help Gareth, he casts shield on Gareth (+7 AC 180 deg field of effect, intercepts Magic Missles). "Should we aid ourselves with this shield, or aid those that march with you Gareth?"
Meteor Friday March 15th, 2002 8:10:23 AM
"Aid yourselves, mortal. We have magics of our own."
Mihel (DMJK) Friday March 15th, 2002 8:12:58 AM
The trumpeter moves over to Cantos, "Your song of bravery pleases Teresalia. She will watch over you this night." He casts a Magic Circle against Evil around Cantos.
Out in the field (DMJK) Friday March 15th, 2002 8:58:14 AM
Out in the field two trolls walk up to the area near the light. Someone is standing behind them. He appears to have bat wings, but it's hard to say much more since the trolls are providing him with 3/4 cover. Mr. bat wings appears to start casting. At 200 yards, he's out of range for Nonam's magic missile. At that range and with that amount of cover, he's in the 6th range increment for a longbow. So he's got +19 to his AC. Plus whatever other protections he might have that you don't know about.
Gareth (+4 Con, Bull's Strength +5, Immune to fear & poison, Blessed +1, 50% Displaced, invisible, shielded +7 AC, +1 from Cantos Song) d20+24=44 d20+24=38 d20+24=39 d20+19=24 d20+14=30 d8+15=18 d8+15=22 d8+15=22 Friday March 15th, 2002 12:39:54 PM
He thanks Addinein. "The Celestials will be the only ones joining me on the field of battle. On the wall those near me will benefit. That's about all we can do. Best of luck, my friend.".
On the wall: Seeing the bat thing casting, the warrior looses an arrow at the creature in an effort to disrupt its spell. (Hit AC 45{Nat 20!},[38],[39] for 19+[23]+[23]=65 DMG).
Jus (STR+2, DX+5, CON+3, +3 GWM on bow, +3 GWM on arrows; Stoneskin [10/+5; 90hp max], Keen Edge on Arrows) d20=5 9d6(2+3+5+1+2+5+6+5+1)=30 d100=47 Friday March 15th, 2002 1:49:56 PM
Jus shivers. Is it the cold or the fear he feels. Jus notices the others in his party don't seem to fazed at fighting uncountable hordes of evil. Somehow, he feels that he's failing his comrades.
Jus holds his shots and spells, waiting for the creatures to get closer. Then Gareth fires his arrows. How in the ever loving Wold can Gareth fire a bow like that? Jus never imagined that his muscle-bound friend had a dexterity to match his strength.
Now chagrined even more, Jus disregards his previous thoughts to hold attacks until the enemy gets close enough so that everyone can attack. Instead, Jus casts Fireball centered on the bat creature (max range 760ft > 200yards; 30 dam/sv for half). Perhaps it will spoil the creatures spell. Yeah, that's why Jus cast it.
DMJK Friday March 15th, 2002 3:34:36 PM
[David, I don't think that you roll three times for the crit on an arrow. Just roll once to see if you crit, and then you roll damage three times.
And at some point I would really like a break down of your +24 to hit and +15 to damage. I have you down with a regular longbow and not a mighty composite, so you get 0 strength bonus. Even if you had a mighty bow, the limit to a str bonus is +4. You also don't have a bow specialization or any other bow feats. So I'm at a loss to figure out your numbers. I get a base of +13, +3 for dex. +1 for MW arrows. (maybe a little higher depending on whatever you just bought) +1 for cantos' song, +1 for bless. That comes to +19. For damage I get 1d8 +1 MW, +1 Cantos, +1 bless. Or a total of +3.]
[JK, +5 Dex (new gloves...), but OK on the DMG. must have added strength bonus on DMG. I just glanced at it when I posted this time - sorry. In this case, the Nat 20 makes the To hit number irrelevant anyway.]
[I'll move this to email, now. And delete the post later. -jk]
Tericus(+1 to hit and save, immune to poision, AC28) Saturday March 16th, 2002 10:56:33 PM
commanding his shield to protect him, the device floats out of his hands and into the air in front of him. then commanding his mace to sing, the weapon begins singing loudly. after a moment, it glows dully, its power beginning to increase. moving next to Noonan, Tericus says. "Ill stay near you in case we're breached." then he cast Magical Vestment on himself, improving his AC by 3
Cantos Haste, Cats grace 4 , Heros Feast, Displacement, Magical Circle against Evil, Blessed +1, Bard Song Sunday March 17th, 2002 9:30:54 PM
Cantos pulls his bow sting and then relaxes it realizing that a shot against the bat creature would be streching it at best and waits for a cleaner shot. He continues to sing intertwing songs of courage and battle.
Addinein (+5 Str fm Nonam) (+4 dex himself) (+2 endurance himself)(Immune to poison and fear)(blessed +1) Monday March 18th, 2002 2:05:53 AM
Hearing everyone decline his help for the line. Addinein looks to Cantos and says, "Would want to protect our bow-ers then. Would you like shield spell?" Addinein will offer shield to any other bow-er. To protect them in their time.
Nonam (protection from arrows 10/+5, immune poison & fear, blessed) 13d6(4+6+6+3+3+1+6+4+4+1+5+1+5)=49 6d6(4+4+4+3+1+5)=21 d100=56 Monday March 18th, 2002 8:58:50 AM
Nonam casts chain lightning and blasts the bat winged fellow with the first charge. Then he arcs the bolt through the trolls and then randomly through the ranks of goblins.
(49 dmg to primary, 21 to 12 secondary targets - Ref for 1/2, DC25)
Darkness (DMJK) d20+8=12 d20+4=10 d20+2=12 d20+8=21 d20+4=24 d20+2=21 Monday March 18th, 2002 9:28:57 AM
Gareth's arrow streaks in past one of the trolls and presumably strikes its target. The only reaction to the attack however is a one-fingered salute from the troll the arrow passed.
Nonam and Jus begin casting their spells, but Mr. Bat Wings has a head start. Addinein finds that Raltos is interested in his spell. Tericus gets his magical vestment and stands by Nonam. Cantos sings his song.
Then the field goes black. Kennither's light has been dispelled. At this distance infravision and even lowlight vision are ineffective. Under the stars on this moonless night, watchers on the walls can make out movement and shapes but distinguishing between individuals is impossible.
Then Jus' fireball hits. The ensuing explosion returns light to the area. Jus has the satisfaction of seeing goblins blown every which way. Their burning corpses return a little bit of light to the field but not very much. He's able to see that the trolls don't fall. But can't tell anything about batwings in the darkness.
Nonam's spell brings in a little more light. It apparently struck Mr Batwings because it arcs out to the trolls and through the ranks of orcs and goblins. In the quick flash, Nonam sees 10 goblins fall to the ground. The trolls respond by screaming in rage and running straight for the wall all by themselves. None of the frightened goblins follow suit.
Batwings is apparently gone. The burning goblins soon do little more than glow, and it's impossible to see much anything again. You can all easily hear the two raging trolls, at least until they fall into the pit traps. They make a satisfying sticking noise when they hit the spikes.
Instead of a general rush toward the wall, the drums begin again. Thum. Thum. Thum.
The goblin host begins to march forward.
Thum. Thum. Thum. Thum.
Then as they close about half the distance and the front ranks are at about 100 yards, the drumming stops again. The advancing host stops marching.
Catapults must get loosed at that point for several dozen small objects arc over the wall and explode in a red mist whenever they strike stone. A couple of unfortunate defenders have the misfortune of being struck down. Then one man starts screaming about his Nellie. You realize why. They've just catapulted the heads of the town's women and children back over the wall. It seems they didn't escape afterall.
Gareth (+4 Con, Bull's Strength +5, Immune to fear & poison, Blessed +1, 50% Displaced, Stoneskin [13, 10/+5]) Monday March 18th, 2002 11:24:14 AM
As the army approaches the warrior grabs 2 flasks of oil and flies down from the wall. He covers the trolls with oil. Having nothing to light them with he simply flies back to the wall and says to the archers around him. "If one of the casters doesn't fireball those guys, hit'em with flaming arrows when they get up.". (I figure he has time as it takes awhile for an army to march 100 yards in an orderly fashion.)
As the warrior returns to the wall he realizes the horror that was launched at them from the approaching army. His resolve deepens and his hatred and anger burn as he prepares to kill anything he can get his hands on. "Nonam, if you're going to cast get it done. I want a LARGE piece of goblin hide to cut on RIGHT NOW!".
Cantos Haste, Displacement, Heros Feast, Bard song, Magic circle vs Evil, Expeditious Retreat, Cats Grace 4, Blessed +1 d20+19=38 d6=2 d8+3=7 d20+16=23 d20+19=25 d6=4 d6=6 d8+3=8 d8+3=4 Monday March 18th, 2002 8:16:43 PM
Cantos nods to Tericus at the mention of the Shield and doesnt stop singing. With the heads of the children and women flying overhead Cantos changes his song to one of fury and lets fly with his first arrow taking time to light it from a nearby torch he aims at the trolls hitting the first one for 7 points of damage and 2 points of shock damage. He then takes aim at the second troll with his next 2 shots doing 12 points of damage and 10 points of shock damage. Cantos holds his last arrow waiting for a magic user to show himself and will fire at him.
Jus (STR+2, DX+5, CON+3, +3 GWM on bow, +3 GWM on arrows; Stoneskin [10/+5; 90hp max], Keen Edge on Arrows) d20+7=9 Monday March 18th, 2002 11:30:00 PM
Jus is miserable now. He's glad there is little light around him so he can't see the grotesque missiles being hurled at the town. Sometimes he even closes his eyes when his night vision lets him see too much.
Embarrassed at his weakness compared to his comrades, Jus' mood only deteriorates more. He looks for Nonam and, finding him, quietly asks if Nonam has Cloudkill. "I was going to memorize it, but I thought you'd do better with those area spells. Now I wish I had."
Jus' words fade to silence as he finishes his comments. He has the eerie feeling that he's belittling the townsfolk's grief by speaking of anything other than the abomination of the moment.
Trying to shore up his willpower, Jus fails miserably (Voluntary Adjusted Will roll of 9). "Nonam," Jus whispers with tears rolling down his cheeks as he sees a childs... a child go by. "Nonam, what should we do?"
Addinein (+5 Str fm Nonam) (+4 dex himself) (+2 endurance himself)(Immune to poison and fear)(blessed +1) Tuesday March 19th, 2002 5:51:05 AM
Addinein casts shield on Raltos.
Doing his best to help out, Addinein looks out over the field, and trys to relay anything that he sees.
When Addinein realizes what's coming from the catapult. A certain level of dread washes over his being. Firming up his resolve Addinein reminds everyone, "This is all out war. They will do what they can to demoralize us first. We must not lose heart, or they win without firing a shot."
Nonam 10d6(3+3+5+3+4+3+2+2+6+3)=34 Tuesday March 19th, 2002 8:31:44 AM
Nonam turns a little colder and says, "Now we start cooking them."
He casts a fireball out into the center of the ranks. (34 dc22)
Kennither (DMJK) Tuesday March 19th, 2002 8:51:13 AM
With a cry of rage, Kennither begins casting a spell. Earthquake. The power of the mighty spell rips the ground apart beneath the evil host.
You can't see much of it, but the screams of dying goblins and the thunder of the broken earth provide something of a release. A few of those monsters have suffered.
DMJK Tuesday March 19th, 2002 9:06:42 AM
Cantos is able to arc some flaming arrows into the pit traps. The trolls burn with a satisfying red glow. A glow that also reveals the location of the traps to anything with half a brain. Then Kennither's earthquake hits. Perhaps few will notice the traps in the confusion.
Meteor screams in a holy rage, "We will slay these infidels now! Mihel blow your horn!"
The planetar follows Kennither's earthquake with another, then he takes to the air. He reveals his full presence and he glows with a holy light. His cries of "BARBAZOU!" are easily heard above the rumbling earth. Even though he's an ally, the menace radiated by the celestial is a little terrifying.
Mihel leaps into the air right after Meteor, he swoops low over the crouching, screaming goblins and blows his trumpet. The notes are simply beautiful and awe inspiring. The enemy beneath him cease screaming and pause to listen. To their detriment as many are just swallowed up by the earth.
Song and Seth motion to Gareth, "let's go." Then they leap over the wall and run full speed toward the chaotic ranks of the enemy.
[battle begins in earnest now. take 5 rounds worth of actions so as to better generate the chaos of battle [and to keep this from taking 3 months]. Don't assume the results of your actions. Roll to hits and damage but don't assume that you kill anything or find anything. You can go looking for someone specific, but don't assume that you find them if you don't already know where they are (ex. you know where the two trolls are, but you don't know where Mr Bat Wings went). Also remember you don't get the full attack if you move more than 5 feet. And remember, the badguys are going to get 5 rounds in a row, too. Distance to the front ranks of troops is about 250 feet. 3rd range increment for longbows, the high end of medium range spells. It's still dark, but the fireballs and flame arrows are starting to at least show points on the field.]
Tericus(+1 to hit, save, immune to poision, AC28) Tuesday March 19th, 2002 9:53:29 AM
"Here we go." Tericus says quietly as he prepares for battle. "Ill take care of the ones in front of us." he tells Noonan as he casts his first spell, Insect plauge positioned right in front of him, just inside the enemie's lines(180ft wide, 40 ft tall. everyone in it takes 1 pt of damage per turn, vision down to 10 ft, 2hd or less flee in a random direction until 100 ft away, everyone else makes a will save of 20 or they also flee). then Tericus casts again, summining another swarm of insects. this swarm appears right next to the one he just summoned, on the right side. knowing that none of his other spells are in range yet, Tericus casts Greater magic weapon on his mace(+6 now), Spell resistance(now have 23% spell resistance), and Prot. from elements(fire, absorbs 122 pts of fire damage) on himself. he then waits until the army is within range of he deadlier spells
DMJK Tuesday March 19th, 2002 10:27:40 AM
(The enhancement bonus from greater magic weapon doesn't stack. You take the highest relevant bonus. So either +3 from the mace or +3 from GMW. Since they're the same, keep the spell or cast it on something else.)
Nonam (protection from arrows 10/+5, protection from elements fire (156), immune poison and fear, bless (+1), cantos' song +1, globe of invulnerability, spell resistance (19)) 5d6(2+5+5+4+5)=21 d100=83 d100=27 d100=28 d100=15 d100=51 10d6(1+5+1+3+1+6+4+6+3+2)=32 5d6(4+6+6+5+3)=24 Tuesday March 19th, 2002 11:41:05 AM
Nonam starts pulling some scrolls out of his pockets, "I think this is about to get really ugly." He casts off the first scroll, protection from elements fire on himself.
Then he casts globe of invulnerability off a scroll around himself.
He follows up with a scroll of ice storm. Hailstones pound down on the enemy in the middle ranks (21 pts to any in a 20ft radius no save).
He grips another scroll in his shield hand ready for use and shouts at Jus, "Cloudkill is a conjuration spell. I have no skill in that area." Then he casts a couple of spells that he did have memorized.
A fireball and another ice storm target new areas and beat down on the enemy.
[fb (32 ref dc22) is (24 no save)]
Cantos Haste, Displacement, Cats Grace 4, Shield, Heros Feast,Expeditious Retreat,Blessed 1, Bard Song, Magic Circle vs Evil d20+19=34 d20+16=19 d20+19=24 d20+19=22 d20+19=26 d20+16=21 d20+19=33 d20+19=24 d20+19=30 d20+16=23 d20+19=37 d20+19=37 d20+19=36 d20+16=25 d20+19=38 d20+19=26 d20+19=34 d20+16=34 d20+19=22 d20+19=25 d6=4 d6=3 d6=1 d6=6 d6=5 d6=2 Tuesday March 19th, 2002 12:34:38 PM
Cantos smiles grimly and sings even louder, unleashing volley after volley of arrows aiming for the trolls first then when they fall(and they will) he will target the mob. Cantos smiles as each of his arrows find a home in troll and goblin flesh, the shock enhancement causing brief flashes of light on enemy flesh. Cantos looks out over the battlefield and smiles at his handywork. ( 138 points of damage from arrows 79 points fo shock damage targetd on trolls first then on whatever targets remain after they fall)
Gareth (+4 Con, Bull's Strength +5, Immune to fear & poison, Blessed +1, Bard Song, 50% Displaced, Stoneskin [13, 10/+5], Keen Edge on sword, Shield +7 to AC) d20+16=26 d20+16=34 d20+16=26 d20+16=29 d20+16=33 d20+11=14 d20+11=15 d20+11=29 d20+11=29 d20+11=30 d20+6=18 d20+6=22 d20+6=25 d20+6=21 d20+6=24 d20+16=29 d20+16=30 d20+16=20 d20+16=29 d20+16=21 d20+16=26 d20+16=30 d20+16=28 d20+16= Tuesday March 19th, 2002 12:47:23 PM
Just before the cry goes out to close, the warrior replaces his Dragon ring with his ring of Regeneration, figuring he'll need every last way available to get his strength back - and not being in any mood to do anything but kill.
Eager to begin payback, the warrior eagerly falls in line with the celestials flying down from the wall with his shield and sword as his battle lust rises. He grimaces with a wild glee as Metor calls out to the demon - and he resists the urge to join him in battle. He also makes sure that he is beside his 2 allies so that it reduces the number of opponents that can attack them (I am assuming the 3 of us would avoid the area of Tericus' swarms). "Max, it's time to kill. I hope you're ready.". The warrior fully employs his reportoire of feats and abilities as he approaches and cuts into the lines, determined to do maximum damage with each blow and to avoid as much damage as possible.
The warrior blasts into the ranks of the creatures with a battle cry (Intimidation DC 20) and he begins to obliterate anything living coming within the range of his sword.
(Round 1: Hit AC 28,16,20,{31} for 25+27+29+{28} DMG), (Round 2: Hit AC 36,[28],17,24,[20],{32} for 22+[23]+31+23+[24]+{24} DMG), (Round 3: Hit AC 28,31,[30],27,[21],{22} for 27+25+[22]+30+[28]+{25} DMG), (Round 4: Hit AC 31,31,[34],23,[29],{31} for 28+23+[28]+26+[31]+{25} DMG), (Round 5: Hit AC 35,[32],32,[24],26,[23],{23} for 28+[25]+27+[25]+26+[26]+{26} DMG).
[His base Attack modifier is +26, less 5 for Expertise, less 5 for Power Attack = +16, Use of Cleave feat each round - I'm assuming that any 3 attacks from Gareth would result in at least one dead goblin so I rolled one extra Cleave attack each round. This attack and damage are notated by {}. Also, [] designates critical hit and associated damage. Gareth's current AC is 40 (28+5{Expertise}+7{Shield Spell from Addinien} - It's 42 if the Bless or Bard Song count. 42 - Hmmmm. :) Hit points with the +4 Endurance are 168, He has on his Darkvision ring as well. I don't know how many rounds you count for the 3 to close with the army. Just drop the other rolls from Round 1. I expect Gareth will not have to move at all to find additional opponents. They'll close with him willingly, or be pushed with the press from behind.]
Jus (STR+2, DX+5, CON+3, +3 GWM on bow, +3 GWM on arrows; Stoneskin [10/+5; 90hp max], Keen Edge on Arrows) 5d4(3+1+2+4+4)+5=19 5d4(4+1+1+1+4)+5=16 2d4(1+1)=2 2d4(4+1)=5 2d4(2+1)=3 2d4(3+4)=7 3d20(3+5+16)=24 3d20(5+3+4)=12 3d20(15+6+18)=39 d20=12 11d8(7+3+3+4+5+4+8+7+1+5+1)=48 11d10(8+9+2+10+5+4+7+9+1+7+1)=63 22d6(3+5+3+6+3+2+2+2+2+1+3+4+1+6+3+1+2+2 Tuesday March 19th, 2002 8:46:20 PM
The celestials help awaken Jus from his funk. He concentrates on the action, which helps keep his mind away from the death occurring all around him, making sure he occasionally checks above and behind him for the enemy.
Jus activates his Boots of Speed to maximize his actions. First (1 round), he moves away from Nonam and casts Protection from elements -- expecting a fireball to hit the wall any moment -- followed by a Spectral Hand.
(options - can cast 2 spells per round with boots)As he moves about casting his spells, Jus keeps an eye out for any substantial enemy spell casters. If he sees any, he casts Bestow Curse [Will save or inaction; memorized 3 times; DC 27 (I think, 10 + spell level + class level + int bonus = 10+4+9+4] on them using his Spectral Hand. If there is a particularly powerful Wizard in their midst, Jus casts Feeblemind on them (DC 28).
(1 round)During this busy time, casts a couple of Glitterdusts in the darker areas of the enemy [and on larger foes, if Jus has any indication.
Running out of mass magic, Jus wants to ensure his spells are well place. He calls all some nearby defenders and asks if they know how the other walls are fairing. "What about the other side of the town? Any news?" Jus also asks this through the Dragon rings, to see if anyone's heard anything.
(3 rounds)Jus holds his final Fireball in reserve as he pulls out his bow and starts letting arrows fly. He concentrates on the larger enemy and any spellcasters he manages to see, hoping to spoil the latter's spells. [round 1 - ac:27/24/40 dam: 29/27/16; round 2 - ac:29/22/28 dam: 23/23/21; ac:39/25/42(possible crit:36) dam: 25/26/19(+41 if critical)]
Addinein d20=14 d20=8 d20=7 d20=1 d20=16 d20=6 d20=16 d20=15 d20=11 d20=9 d20=15 d20=9 Wednesday March 20th, 2002 7:51:10 AM
Addinein will help to defend the walls and the archers. Using his boots of striding and leaping he will move about as necessary.
[[no feedback about the rapier as of yet. Also fell asleep because of being overly tired last night. I don't have character sheet on me right now, sorry about that.]
Regular sword swing is 14 8 7 1 16 So in round 5 that can be considered a grab. Would also start sword of dancing, if it is available. So that all those numbers shift by one, because I wouldn't use the regular rapier, until I got the dancing sword started.
Dancing sword 6 16 15 11 9.
[I believe anything between 14-20 is a critical for the regular rapier (which has keen)]
Critical roles 15 and 9]
Barbazou (DMJK) Wednesday March 20th, 2002 9:26:25 AM
The mighty pit fiend screams a challenge to Meteor, and he takes to the air from the rear of the host. The giant red skinned devil trails fire as he flies. As he passes over the ranks of the enemy troops, dead orcs and goblins rise back up to fight again.
Then he crashes into Meteor. The mighty outsiders battle in the sky. The angelic meteor bathed in a glowing light, fights with a glowing two handed sword. The demonic pit fiend fights with tooth, claw, tail, and razor sharp wings. The air crackles with magic and rings with the sound of clashing steel and claws.
Song and Shep (DMJK) Wednesday March 20th, 2002 9:28:06 AM
The hound archons leap from the wall and crash into the enemy ranks. Goblin blades and troll claws all seem powerless to harm them. The rend the enemy with a fury equal to Gareth's own. For a few moments it seems that the three of them will turn the tide of battle alone.
Kennither (DMJK) Wednesday March 20th, 2002 9:29:18 AM
Kennither runs about to tend those who receive wounds as best he can. First dealing with those struck by the awful heads, but saving some for what he knows will come.
Party results (DMJK) Wednesday March 20th, 2002 9:37:28 AM
Nonam blasts the enemy twice with gusto. His third spell however beats down on a wall of force that protects the enemy troops beneath.
Even looking for a caster, Jus finds no one that might have cast the spell. Whoever it was certainly wasn't on the front lines. Jus does get his protection spells in place, and his areas of gltter dust guide the archers on the walls. Reports from the few posts on the other walls reveal no news. For now, the enemy seems concentrated on this one wall. It seems odd. Surely they have the numbers to surround the town.
Tericus' insects plague the front lines of the enemy ranks. Goblins yelp and bite and scratch at the bugs. Man forget what they are about. Gareth finds that the miserable little bugs plague him as well.
Gareth chops with a gusto felling trolls, orcs, bugbears, and goblins. Whatever seems to cross his path seems to fall to the ground. The trolls take a bit of effort, but the others go down easily.
From the wall, Cantos downs two trolls and several lesser creatures. Goblins and orcs no doubt.
Addinein looks for threats upon the wall but finds none.
Returned Fire (DMJK) d20+16=21 16d8(8+8+6+1+2+2+6+3+3+3+3+3+7+3+2+4)=64 10d6(5+5+5+6+3+6+3+5+3+2)=43 10d6(2+2+5+3+3+3+5+1+2+2)=28 d20+9=18 d20+9=11 d20+4=13 d20+9=12 d20+9=16 d20+4=9 d20+6=15 d4=3 10d6(3+2+1+4+5+2+3+5+1+4)=30 10d6(3+4+4+3+4+4+2+4+2+6)=36 Wednesday March 20th, 2002 10:14:38 AM
The enemy army returns fire, and a storm of arrows descends on the castle wall. None of the arrows pose a serious threat to the heroes, but several of the defenders are struck. About ten of these die despite wounds that don't look that serious. Clearly the arrows are poisoned.
Then worse things happen...
Spells begin to strike the wall. The first spell is a true horror. Several of the defenders simply dry up as if all the moisutre is sucked out of their bodies. Raltos falls over dead. Three of his elite guards fall with him.
Then the fireballs Jus expected. Two of them, one at each end of the wall. Spaced for maximum effectiveness. Cantos, Addinein, and Tericus are placed just between the two, so that none of the flames hit them. Nonam is near one that bursts for 43 pts, but it doesn't pierce the globe of invulnerability. Jus is by one that bursts for 28 pts. His protection spells saves him a roasting. The blackened corpses of another 10 defenders prove that several weren't so lucky.
Then a driving sleet storm covers the wall. It's cold. The walls get slick, and worse, visibility is almost zero. You hear a sickening crunch as one hapless defender falls from the wall. (reflex save DC18 if you want to move anywhere on the wall).
This devious caster follows up with an attack on Gareth. The hapless warrior is surrounded by a Forcecage. A 10x10x10 cube of force traps him inside, with two wounded trolls and a bugbear. They all fall on the mighty hero, but they are unable to breech his defenses. Gareth feels very isolated and alone. He can't even hear Cantos' song and loses its benefits. Nonam and Jus realize that the caster must be close to Gareth, but it's too dark, icy, and chaotic to see much.
Then the catapults fire again. This time whatever flies over the wall comes in large cloth bags, similar to flour bags. Most of them burst when they hit. There are several dozen of the things, but only about 24 break apart. When they break, they spray forth a fine red powder. Some sort of poison fills the area. Those taking the heroes' feast are immune, but all others inside the wall need to make fort saves DC15 or lose 3 wisdom. Three of the defenders freak out in the dust.
Two more fireballs from farther back in the army. Both of these strike the center of the wall with those that avoided the first two. (30 and 36, reflex DC18 for 1/2). Only 4 of the defenders die this time. However, the wooden shield structure and the dummies are all on fire. They won't provide much protection for very long.
Something else in the middle ranks of the enemy is animating the dead orcs and goblins.
28 defenders dead. 3 insane. Raltos dead. Gareth trapped. And it's only just begun.
Nonam Wednesday March 20th, 2002 10:27:24 AM
Nonam catches the idea of the wall of force and creates one above the defenders. Blocking out sleet and hopefully anything else.
Then he frets about Gareth in the Forcecage. He looks over at Jus, "He's too far away for me to get him out. Maybe he can find his own way."
Then the mage starts looking for catapults, hoping they'll be easier to find than casters. He has a fireball or two waiting.
[round 1 wall of force round 2 searching I'll take the other 3 later today]
Gareth (+4 Con, Bull's Strength +5, Immune to fear & poison, Blessed +1, 50% Displaced, Stoneskin [13, 10/+5], Keen Edge on sword, Shield +7 to AC) d20+18=21 d20+18=22 d20+18=26 d20+18=28 d20+18=33 d20+13=14 d20+13=19 d20+13=27 d20+13=25 d20+13=24 d20+8=19 d20+8=24 d20+8=14 d20+8=18 d20+8=24 d20+18=21 d20+18=26 d20+18=31 d20+18=34 d20+18=31 d20+18=19 d20+18=30 d20+18=33 d20+18= Wednesday March 20th, 2002 2:05:13 PM
Seeing that he is caught in the cage, the warrior first cuts down his adversaries before he does anything else. He wastes no time cutting the trolls and bugbear down with no letup in ferocity. He also resists any type of impact to his confidence as he feels no fear of any kind. (Round 1, Hit AC 20,13,18,{20} for 25,21,25,{23} DMG; Round 2, Hit AC 21,18,24,[29],{25} for 30,24,23,[29],{22} DMG; Round 3, Hit AC 25,26,13,{30} for 28,29,25,{29} DMG; Round 4 Hit AC 27,24,17,{33},{[33]} for 28,23,27,{29},{[24]} DMG; Round 5, Hit AC 32,[18],23,23,[32],{30} for 24,[28],21,29,[25],{27} DMG).
Once his opponents are down he immediately tries to figure out a way to get out. He tests the ground, the walls, and the ceiling to see if there are any breaks in the field. If so he digs, flies, walks, etc to get out. Discovering none, he takes off his ring of regen and puts his Dragon Ring back on. "Hey guys, how can I get out of this cube? I'm stuck and cannot engage the enemy.". He also asks his sword "Max, any ideas on getting out of here?". As he waits he takes a moment to looks around the area for catapults, spell casters, and any enemy that looks like it is in charge or is more powerful than the others. He also chances a glance at Metoer and the demon and gets cured of any ideas he had of helping immediately. He tries to guage how Meteor is doing. If he at any time percieves he is losing then the warrior will instantly go to his aid. He also restabs the trolls to make sure they stay dead.
[I rolled all 5 rounds to make sure the baddies are dead. He does that however long it takes and then begins his other activities.
Addinein (+5 Str fm Nonam) (+4 dex himself) (+2 endurance himself)(Immune to poison and fear)(blessed +1) d20+10=21 d20+15=19 d20+15=17 d20+15=25 d20+15=30 d20+15=20 d20+10=12 d20+10=23 d20+10=24 d20+10=20 d20+10=18 d20=9 d20=8 Wednesday March 20th, 2002 7:08:41 PM
Looking around and seeing the carnage. Addinein wonders about defending this spot. While he ponders this question he reads his see invisible scroll.
"Have we done what we can for this town? This is not where we were to be. We have other things to worry about, maybe?"
Addinein continues to support the spell casters. If he needs to move, he'll attempt to do so. (DC check =21) Only one try for now. Also has balance as a skill, if needed.
Cantos Haste, Displacement, Heros Feast, Blessed +1, BardSong, Magic Circle vs Evil, Shield, Cats Grace 4,Expeditious Retreat d20+19=26 d20+16=31 d20+19=27 d20+19=29 d20+19=25 d20+16=20 d20+19=22 d20+19=34 d20+19=34 d20+16=28 d20+19=20 d20+19=32 d20+19=20 d20+16=31 d20+19=22 d20+19=20 d20+19=26 d20+16=35 d20+19=33 20d6(3+1+2+4+2+5+2+2+4+5+3+3+4+3+6+6+2+6+1+5)= Wednesday March 20th, 2002 7:16:20 PM
Cantos looks around for casters specifically and other bigger targets if no casters appear. Firing his bow with continued accuracy for the first 4 rounds. In the 5th round Cantos will cease singing allowing the effects to remain for 5 rounds and recast haste on himself and fire his last 3 shots. Cantos does considerable damage and slides Gareths arrows towards him for the next round. He quickly speaks into his ring before singing again, "I know of no way out Gareth except maybe a dispell by the way I am down to only 59 arrows we might want to rethink how to win this."
Gareth Wednesday March 20th, 2002 11:33:13 PM
The warrior laughs at Cantos' words. "We will not win this day, my friend. The city will be overrun and most will die. Our only hope is to hurt them as badly as we can and slow them down. My only hope was to save the women and children - and that has failed. If there is a way to actually win the day I do not see it. Perhaps your vantage point is better.".
Tericus(+1 to hit and save, immune to poision, ac28, 23% spell resistance, 122 fire resistance) Thursday March 21st, 2002 7:38:29 AM
(ill just switch the spell over to my sling bullets jk) "Im going after those catapults." Tericus says to Noonan and Jus, then he casts Air walk on himself and takes to the air. on his way there he casts prot from elements on himself twice(once for lightning and once for ice) and the last 2 rounds he'll move his full movement in order to get as close as he can to the catipults
Nonam 10d6(4+6+2+3+1+5+2+6+5+6)=40 10d6(2+6+2+3+1+6+6+3+6+6)=41 Thursday March 21st, 2002 8:04:30 AM
If the wizard spies any catapults, he blasts them with his last two fireballs.
Nonam says into the ring, "The cube is similar to my walls of force. Dispel magic will not destroy Gareth's prison. Disintegrate will destroy it, but I have to get down there to do it. And I foolishly did not memorize fly believing that I would stay upon the wall. I think my running out there would be a tremendous mistake. If someone would dimension door or teleport in and bring him out, that would work."
(dmg 40&41)
Inside the Cage (DMJK) d20+9=17 d20+9=27 d20+4=19 d20+9=21 d20+9=11 d20+4=19 d20+9=24 d20+9=10 d20+4=12 d20+9=18 d20+9=10 d20+4=16 d20+9=27 d20+9=27 d20+4=13 d20+9=20 d20+9=20 d20+4=18 d20+9=14 d20+9=26 d20+4=11 d20+9=19 d20+9=24 d20+4=7 d20+6=13 d20+6= Thursday March 21st, 2002 8:32:24 AM
Gareth moves to a troll. Somehow he manages to miss every attack during the first round. During that round the troll seems to heal up a good portion of its wounds.
Gareth finally connects in the second round, but he doesn't put the beast down. He fares better in the third round and puts down the first troll, cleaving to the second troll. More hits exchanged in the 4th round. Finally he puts the other troll down in the 5th round and quickly kills the bugbear.
As he speaks into his ring (in what should be the 6th round of action since he has to change them out), his darkvision shows that the trolls are healing rapidly. Death doesn't seem to be quite enough to keep them down. The first one is already moving again.
The monsters monsters of course tried to return the favor and attack Gareth during the time he was hitting them.
Troll 1 failed to ever land a blow before he hit the dirt. Troll 2 made a number of attacks that would have shredded a lesser man, but Gareth avoids all the blows. The bugbear knew his weapon but not well enough.
(troll AC22, bugbear AC20)
Catapults (DMJK) d20+8=12 d20+8=14 d20+8=24 d20+8=16 d20+8=19 d20+8=21 d20+8=20 d20+8=22 5d6(1+4+3+1+5)=14 5d6(2+3+3+2+4)=14 5d6(2+2+2+1+6)=13 5d6(4+1+5+6+1)=17 d12=8 d12=9 d12=7 d12=4 5d6(2+3+3+2+2)=12 5d6(2+6+5+2+1)=16 5d6(1+6+6+6+6)=25 d20=4 d20=11 Thursday March 21st, 2002 8:50:55 AM
The watchers on the wall find 8 catapults. There are 4 on either side of the army. They are placed behind one another so that there fire is easily concentrated. They are also spaced out so that a well placed fireball could hit two of them, but not all four. They are manned by what appear to be ogres. The large monsters are operating the machines quicker than a team of humans could.
The catapults fire again. This time, they fire rocks. Four of the engines hurl rocks right into the town's wall. The shots are well placed and hit the wall near the top where they will cause more damage. They strike the stone with a deafening noise, but the wall takes very little damage. One of the catapults sends a stone wide and high, and the rocks arc over the wall and land somewhere in the town. The other three hit the wall low and very nearly strike the front gate.
Nonam's fireballs are well placed and strike between the left catapults. None of the ogres manage to get out of the way. And the catapults are destroyed, or they are at least on fire.
Tericus gets in place above the other set of catapults.
In the Air (DMJK) 24d6(5+4+2+2+4+6+5+2+6+1+4+5+3+4+6+6+1+3+1+6+4+5+4+6)=95 24d6(6+5+2+4+3+1+6+5+4+1+2+2+1+2+5+5+3+3+2+5+4+5+3+4)=83 24d6(4+5+1+1+3+2+6+4+3+1+5+5+2+6+1+6+3+6+2+2+5+1+1+5)=80 24d6(6+6+1+4+3+2+6+2+6+2+5+1+4+2+5+1+3+3+3+5+1+1+4+4)=80 6d6(5+4+3+3+5+6)=26 6d Thursday March 21st, 2002 8:58:18 AM
Meteor and Barbazou crash together in the sky. Gareth has time to look up and see it happen, but he's trapped and powerless to render aid. The devil leaps onto Meteor and literally rips the celestial's head off. Barabzou laughs and throws the head toward Edenmoor. Then he lets the body fall into the ranks of the goblins. They swarm over it.
Mihel screams in rage and flies straight at the fiend, his trumpet turning into a shining greatsword as he flies. Barbazou hears the scream and turns to face the new threat. A wicked grin and 4 massive fireballs fly from his hand and burst into the other celestial's chest. Mihel never had a chance against the meteor swarm and falls to the ground by his leader.
On the field (DMJK) d20+4=22 d20+4=11 d20+4=8 d20+4=13 d20+4=18 d20+4=18 d20+4=21 d20+4=11 d20+4=10 d20+4=13 d20+4=24 d20+4=10 d20+4=6 d20+4=12 d20+4=10 16d6(1+5+3+4+3+2+1+5+1+5+1+4+4+2+1+5)=47 d10=8 Thursday March 21st, 2002 9:15:45 AM
Seeing the celestials fall to their fiendish general, the mass of goblins cries in wild delight. They break ranks and storm the town. The trap does it's work and fills with goblins too stupid to look the other way. The townsman in charge of such things lets the water loose, and a large number of them drown. But ever orcs and goblins have a little bit of sense, and soon they are avoiding or covering the pits and rushing on. They try to scale the walls however they can. Trolls beat on the gates. There is chaos down below and hundreds of dead on the field, but the situation looks bleak.
Three islands sit in the sea of goblinoids: Gareth's cube and the two archons on the ground. Two glowing shapes move in on one of the archons, and one of the islands quickly disappears. The other island seems to be moving slowly toward Gareth's prison.
Arrows fly from archers that hold their positions, but very few make it past Nonam's wall. Tericus finds that he's a prime target though. Arrows whistle about him, but none find their mark.
During the rush, the casters must have gotten closer to the wall. Fewer spells hit, but the ones that do are devastating. A green cloud billows in under Nonam's wall. Jus recognizes it... cloudkill. Many of the defenders are protected from the heroes' feast, but a score of others instantly fall dead from the toxic gas. Several others are on the ground coughing. Fortunately, they do not linger on the wall. They sink down to the level of the street below, and it slowly moves through the town. It would be devastating if the houses were occupied. Jus merely finds the cloud irritating and takes 8pts of dmg before it moves on.
Then a firestorm strikes along the top of the wall. A searing heat hits all of the defenders still on the wall. (47 fire dmg, reflex DC23 for 1/2). Another 15 defenders die in the flames.
35 more dead. Many of the others are horribly wounded. Only about half the force remains in fighting condition.
But it's not over yet (DMJK) 9d6(3+2+4+6+4+2+6+4+5)=36 9d6(1+6+4+3+3+6+1+4+5)=33 9d6(5+4+3+4+2+3+1+5+6)=33 9d6(5+5+6+3+2+4+5+3+6)=39 9d6(5+2+5+4+5+1+1+2+4)=29 5d8(7+5+5+2+1)=20 Thursday March 21st, 2002 9:20:16 AM
Suddenly 10 ogre magi appear on the ground inside the compound. 5 rush to the front gates and start to open them. The other 5 move to defend. They blast the walls with overlapping cones of cold. Roughly, they deal 35 cold dmg to anyone still on the wall. (ref for 1/2, DC18)
Not caught unawares, Kennither turns from his healing and blasts them with a searing light. The blast bathes one of the ogres in a holy light, and it clearly winces from the pain. It doesn't fall though.
Gareth (+4 Con, Bull's Strength +5, Immune to fear & poison, Blessed +1, 50% Displaced, Stoneskin [13, 10/+5], Keen Edge on sword, Shield +7 to AC) Thursday March 21st, 2002 9:33:23 AM
The warrior roars in a rage as he sees the celestials taken out and himself helpless to render any aid. He bellows into the ring "Guys! If you are going to help me get out of here now would be a good time!". The warrior uses his time to cut into the trolls - careful not to cut off any pieces of their bodies - so that they stay down until he can get out. The rest of the time he watches the demon and tries to locate those casters. [I'm assuming they are still helpless. He'll spend 1 round on each and the other 3 looking - unless it is clear they need more attention.].
Nonam (protection from arrows 10/+5, protection from elements fire (109), immune poison and fear, bless (+1), cantos' song +1, stone skin 10/+5 130, spell resistance (19), hasted) 5d4(3+4+1+2+3)+5=18 13d4(1+1+3+3+3+2+2+4+4+2+4+2+4)=35 10d6(1+5+5+4+2+3+5+5+2+6)=38 d20+8=18 d100=49 d100=57 d100=20 d20+16=20 d20+9=14 Thursday March 21st, 2002 4:48:54 PM
Nonam's protection from fire saves him from the flames, and the ogres are unable to overcome his spell resistance.
Nonam snaps back into the ring, "I'm gonna come get you out, but you're going to have to start worshipping me."
(round 1) The wizard casts a quickened magic missile at the ogre Kennither zapped (18dmg), and the quickened spell triggers Nonam's contingency spell and surrounds him in a stoneskin.
Then the mad mage shouts out, "I hope you guys can handle the ogres." He leans over the edge and casts a circle of death near the base of the wall, hopefully clearing out a good space for alanding. (kills 35 hit die, fort DC23 to negate)
(round 2) Then Nonam casts invsibility on himself and leaps over the edge.
(round 3) A quick casting of Featherfall to slow the descent.
(round 4) He activates his boots of speed and hits the ground running.
(round 5) The crazy mage points his wand of lightning bolts straight ahead and blasts away, using it to carve a path to Gareth. He hopes electrified goblin makes for a good running surface, and he charges ahead, visible again. (38dmg, ref dc18 for 1/2)
[d100s for Nonam's 10% chance to miscast since he's wearing armor. d20s are the SR rolls for the enemy casters. lvl 16 for the cleric that cast firestorm and lvl 9 for the ogre mages]
A bit of good fortune? - DMJK d100=91 Thursday March 21st, 2002 5:09:57 PM
Cantos spies Mr. Batwings in the horde. He's flanked by another two trolls and casting. He's only about 200 feet out. Cantos can take the shot or worry about the ogres.
Cantos Haste, Displacement, Heros Feast, Magic Circle vs Evil, Bard Song, Blessed +1, Shield, Cats Grace 4 d20+17=35 d20+17=31 d20+19=28 d20+16=36 d20+19=27 d20+19=37 d20+19=36 d20+16=36 d20+19=30 d20+19=29 d20+19=36 d20+16=23 d20+19=29 d20+19=21 d20+19=36 d20+16=26 d20+19=34 d20+19=24 d20+19=31 d20+16=25 d20+19=38 d20+19=29 d20+16=17 d2 Thursday March 21st, 2002 6:41:55 PM
Cantos manages to dodge the worst of both the fire and cold damage and spies Batwings on the ground. He then will fire every arrow this round at him ignoring his damage taken. Cantos grimaces with each pull of his bow and shoots carefully aiming at Mr Batwings until he goes down and ceases to move doing 90 points of arrow damage and 86 points of shock damage for a total of 176 points of damage. The bard never falters in his song intending to stay here if neccessary.
Addinein (+5 Str fm Nonam) (+4 dex himself) (+2 endurance himself)(Immune to poison and fear)(blessed +1)(shield) d20+10=30 d20+10=12 d20+10=15 d20+10=21 d20+12=17 d20+15=28 d6+1=3 d6+2=8 d20+15=21 d20+15=28 d20+15=34 d20+15=18 d20=17 d6+3=8 d6+3=9 d6+3=4 d6+3=4 d6=3 d6=2 d6=6 d6=5 d20+16=21 d20+16=21 d20+16=19 d20+11=31 d20+11=26 d20+11=13 Friday March 22nd, 2002 12:46:02 AM
Doing his best to avoid the attacks directed towards the defenders (2 hero points used.) Thanking Wardd for his efforts on Addinein's behalf. Addinein prays for just a little bit more of luck.
(ooc note -47 hp will delete sometime over the weekend)
Quickly moving towards the Ogre magi. Addinein fully intends to intercept as best he can. Going into full defensive mode. He means to try to tie up the magi until others can assist. (jump of 17 if needed).
Pulling out the dancing rapier first. Addinein proceeds to cut into the Ogre magi. The first swing is ac 28 (11 points damage). Allowing for the rapier to dance 4 rounds. AC 21, 28, 34 (crit), 18. Crit roll is 17 (crit) damage is 8+3, 9+2, 4+6 (x2 for crit (base damage or base + shock?)) , 4+5
(does the dancing sword then get the 2nd attack, also, or just 4 attacks?)
While the dancing rapier goes, Addinein will execute a wirlwind attack to every magi he can get his hand on for 3 rounds (or until he has to catch the dancing sword to restart it's 4 rounds) (remember boots of spring and striding with this particular feat)
1st attack ac 21 21 19 2nd attack ac 31 (crit), 26, 13 crit attack 8
damage 1st attack 9 8 8 2nd attack 6 9 11
(though now that I've done the full movement. All of the 2nd attacks don't go if I get the whirlwind attack. Forgot it was a full round attack.)(Also forgot to -5 to attack for +5 on AC)
Also use dodge 1st opponent to try to swing on Addinein on each round.
Tericus (fire, ice, and lighting resist 122, 23 magic resist, +1 to hit & save, Poison resist) 11d6(4+1+6+3+6+3+4+6+3+6+3)=45 11d6(6+3+3+1+2+1+6+3+2+3+6)=36 11d6(4+5+5+2+2+1+6+2+5+3+5)=40 Friday March 22nd, 2002 3:49:35 AM
Now that he's in position, Tericus casts Blade barrier on the first set of catapults (30 ft radius, lasts for 1 hour) for 45 pts of damage(save of 20 to avoid damage). Then he moves to the second set and casts blade barrier again, enveloping the other 2 catapults for 36 pts of damage (same save as above) then he moves over to the other group of catapults and targets the group that Nonam didn't burn with his fireball, and casts his final Blade barrier spell on those 2 catapults for 40 pts of damage (same radius and save as above). "That takes care of that," the young cleric says and begins to move back towards the city, hoping to spy on spellcasters on his way. (Used 2 actions to move full movement to the second group of catapults. If it took less then he moved back to the city.)
Jus (STR+2, DX+5, CON+3, +3 GWM on bow, +3 GWM on arrows; Stoneskin [10/+5; 90hp max], Keen Edge on Arrows) d20+16=27 d20+9=12 d20+10=25 6d20(1+15+6+13+16+4)=55 6d8(7+4+6+7+1+7)=32 6d10(5+6+10+2+8+2)=33 12d6(4+5+6+3+4+2+4+1+6+3+6+6)=50 d100=9 d100=20 6d20(9+8+20+16+7+7)=67 d20=19 d20=12 6d8(5+8+8+4+2+5)=32 6d10(5+9+7+1+5+10)=37 12d6(1+2+4+4+5+3+2+4+1+6+6+3)=41 2d8(1+6)=7 2d10(7+6)=13 4d6(1+5+2+3)=11 2d6(5+1)=6 6d20=(17+20+2+20+13+7)=79 2d20(13+9)=22 6d8(6+5+7+2+5+4)=29 6d10(3+2+9+9+6+2)=31 12d6(1+5+2+4+6+4+2+2+3+1+2+3)=35 2d6(5+4)=9 2d8(2+8)=10 2d10(5+1)=6 2d6(1+4)=5 2d10(7+6)=13 2d8(7+6)=13 d20+24=31 d20+24=29 d20+24=31 d20+24=36 d20+19=33 d20+19=31 6d8(2+8+8+4+6+4)=32 6d10(8+2+2+8+1+8)=29 12d6(5+4+6+3+2+3+5+5+2+1+4+1)=41 Friday March 22nd, 2002 7:12:02 AM
Jus hears the casters behind him and ducks and rolls behind something as the firestorm swarms around him. Somehow he manages to avoid the effects of the spell. His luck holds as the cold sweeps over him and doesn't manage to overcome his robe's spell resistance.
(round 1) Jus uses the first of his 8 Boots of Speed rounds to launch a volley of arrows at the orcs attempting to open the gates. He fires six arrows down, concentrating his attacks on the weakest enemy first until they fall. [ac:fumble/fumble recovery/30/37/35/28; dam: -/-/28/20/24/26]
(round 2) Realizing that Nonam's going to do something extreme, Jus calls through his ring, "Nonam, accept my Shield spell!" Jus feels his armor constraining his movements, but manages to shift enough to get the spell off through the Spectral Hand (missed first armor Spell Check, made on hero point roll) Then, unfortunately, Nonam disappears. Jus calls to the others through his ring, "We'd better start thinking of a way out of this. Who can teleport how many? I can take about 450 lbs worth."
(round 3; second round for Boots) Jus resumes his attacks on the orcs trying to open the gates, again hitting them one at a time trying to make them fall -- if those gates open and catch Addenien could fall! [ac: 35/27/44(possible crit: 36)/30/26/31 dam: 19/31/29(+43 if critical hit)/17/20/30]
(round 4; third round for Boots) Glancing around, Jus notices what he used for cover from the firestorm; a young guard's body. A grimace is the only reaction Jus has time to give. Jus can't help but notice the flashes of light outside the gate. He sees Lightning Bolts frying everything in a rough line towards Gareth. Speaking through the ring again, Jus calls, "Nonam, I'll try to help cover you." He then uses his bow to take out anyone that threatens Nonam, keeping especially on the lookout for spellcasters. (ac: 41/39(natural 20; possible critical:32)/26/44(natural 20; possible critical:33)/32/31 dam: 21/19(+37 if critical)/26/15(+43 if critical)/15/11]
(round 5; fourth round for Boots) Jus continues covering the moving Storm Cloud that is striking the darkness with numerous lightning bolts -- still keeping an eye out for any spell casters, taking an opportunity to attack any that cast towards Nonam. (ac: 31/33/29/31/31/36 dam: 25/25/21/22/16/19)
First boot round since previous options were not exercised. Rolls: First is for cleric that cast firestorm, which beat Jus' SR. Second is for orge's cold, which didn't. Third is firestorm save, which was made -- so no damage due to ring of evasion. Then lots of rolls for attacks and damages.
OOC: Yikes! This took me a *long* time. I can't imagine what JK is doing. Thanks for your DM'ing, JK!
Also, my apologies to everyone for missing yesterday's turn. In my defense, I didn't really *miss* it so much as got behind in my usual posting time. Due to the 6+ hour difference out here, I ended up missing the turn. Anyhow, I still apologize.
Cantos & Mr Batwings (DMJK) d20+16=21 d20+16=25 d20+16=32 d20+16=21 d20+16=32 d20+13=15 2d4(3+4)=7 2d4(1+3)=4 2d4(1+3)=4 Friday March 22nd, 2002 8:10:57 AM
Cantos harries Mr. Batwings with arrows. The arrows have a tendency to bounce off, but Cantos can see the blue glow of the electric charge. That at least seems to be having some effect. Mr. Batwings does not go down, but he does ignore everyone but Cantos though.
Cantos manages to disrupt several of the half-fiend's spells, but he gets two off. In the third round, he hits Cantos with a Melf's Acid Arrow. The initial arrow does 7 dmg, but the acid lingers and eats through Cantos' gear doing 8 more points of damage.
Then in the 5th round, Mr Batwings becomes invisibile.
Ogre mages d20+7=23 d20+2=8 d20+7=19 d20+2=6 d20+7=19 d20+2=17 d20+7=17 d20+2=4 d20+7=14 d20+2=11 Friday March 22nd, 2002 9:21:56 AM
[ogre mages have AC18]
[round 1] Nonam's magic missile drops one of the Cone of Cold Ogres before it can do anything.
Then Addinein leaps into the fray, engaging one of the Cone of Cold Ogres in the first round and dancing his rapier.
(Todd, I'll have to look into the dancing rules, but shock damage does not count twice on a crit)
Jus fires arrows from up above and drops two of the Gate Ogres.
Archers from the wall drop one of the Cone of Cold ogres.
The remaining ogres return the favor. The three on the gate have that task well in hand. The confusion from the arrows slows them down, but they're big enough that it won't take them long to move the locking bar out of the way.
The three remaining Cone of Cold Ogres charge after Addinein with huge, rusty great swords. Without his Cat's Grace spell, the dark elf might well have been skewered, but he nimbly dodges a few mighty blows.
Round 2: Jus casts on Nonam before he leaps over the wall.
Addinein fights along side his dancing sword with his whirlwind attack, and he drops one of the Cone of Cold Ogres.
The wall archers hesitate to fire with Addinein engaged, and they don't have a good shot at the gate ogres. So they fire down into the crowd on the other side of the wall.
The two remaining ogres with Addinein try again to hit him. They are obviously incompetent if somewhat large and scary. One of them nearly takes his friend's head off.
The three gate ogres have some trouble figuring out the locking mechanism, so they just take out their swords and start smashing things from the inside. They are proceeding with great effect.
Round 3: Jus turns back to the fray inside the wall. He drops the three trying to open the gate. With the ogres sitting just below him, his shots are easy. He drops one with a particularly nasty shot that drove straight through the the center of a beasty's ear. Jus has time to fire at one of the ogres on Addinien.
The combination of Addinein and Jus together drop another Cone of Cold Ogre.
The final ogre mage steps back from the fight with the drow and disappears from view.
4th round: Jus keeps an eye on Nonam and has ample opportunity to stick arrows in things going after him. He manages to drop a troll that would have run the wizard down from behind.
Addinein cautiously looks about for the probably invisible ogre, but he finds no signs of it. He notices that the locking bar on the gate is holding for now, but it is severely damaged.
round 5: Jus continues to aid Nonam's course. The crazy wizard keeps the elf busy, but the sniping keeps Nonam relatively safe.
Addinein recovers his dancing blade and assumes that the last ogre is gone. He hears no sounds of it moving. Perhaps it left by the same means it used to infiltrate. The gates are starting to sag. The break through seems imminent, and it sounds like there are a couple of irrate trolls on the other side.
On the field (DMJK) d100=53 Friday March 22nd, 2002 9:28:26 AM
Nonam has the luck of the gods. He hits the ground running and charges wildly toward Gareth. About halfway there, a goblin steps in front of the wizard holding a wicked sword. The hound archon Shep leaps out of the mass of goblins and lands on it ripping out its throat. Then Shep is up and running alongside Nonam. The combined efforts of Shep and Jus keep the beasties away from Nonam, and the wand helps clear a path. Kennither helps out a bit too, and blasts a looming troll with a Flame Strike.
Tericus' blade barriers obliterate the catapults. The magic swords chop the seige engines into kindling. They do much worse to the ogre guards.
Gareth watches it all from his prison. He chops on the trolls a bit and hits on the idea of doing some damage that wouldn't regenerate. A stake through the heart perhaps? There are enough swords laying about.
Barbazou and the casters (DMJK) 10d6(6+4+2+5+3+2+6+3+2+4)=37 d2=2 16d6(2+6+5+1+6+2+2+3+3+5+6+6+1+2+1+2)=53 d20+16=22 15d6(5+6+1+4+1+6+1+5+4+3+6+5+4+4+6)=61 Friday March 22nd, 2002 9:49:55 AM
The Pit Fiend surveys the carnage from the air. He shouts out a curse as Tericus smashes up his catapults, and he targets the fleeing priest with a fireball. (37dmg, ref 1/2 dc20)
The fiendish general laughs and turns invisible. Shortly after a wall of fire appears along the length of the defenders' wall. The heat is intense, and the archers are forced to back away. Until the fire is gone, visibility of the field is almost impossible and few arrows would survive the trip through the wall.
A blade barrier appears atop the wall right on top of Jus. Jus will take 53 pts damage unless he can dodge out of the way. If he dodges, he'll be forced to leap down from the wall to get under the blades. (reflex dc21) Regardless of Jus, the blades make movement from one end of the wall to the other impossible. (d2=2 even was for Jus, odd for Cantos. beat Jus' SR with a 22.)
A flame strike follows and strikes Cantos. The roaring heat engulfs him (61 fire dmg, reflex DC20 for 1/2. If you miss the save, roll for your bow and arrows.)
Thankfully no other spells follow. At least none that you know of.
At the gate - DMJK Friday March 22nd, 2002 9:57:05 AM
Everyone along the wall starts to hear a chorus of goblins chanting, "CRAKE! CRAKE! CRAKE!" You can't catch a glimpse of whatever Crake might be due to the wall of fire, but pretty soon you figure out that it isn't good.
Something hits the gate... hard. The sound is like thunder, and the wood starts to splinter and bow. Then another. It sounds like a battering ram.
From his vantage point, Addinein can see that the wall won't hold long.
A bunch of the defenders leap off the wall to get away from the flames and run screaming into the town. Others give up all hope and collapse in a heap, sobbing or praying. Neither choice seems to have much effect.
The original 200 defenders have been whittled down to less than 50.
A cry goes up from the few watchers along the wall on the south side of town. It quickly turns into a long, drawn-out scream. It was only a matter of time til the enemy tried a different gate.
Kennither shouts to the remaining defenders, "We can no longer hold the wall. Flee to the chapel! There, Alemi can better protect us! Use your rings! Tell your friends! We can not stand here if they break through!"
It would be an understatement to say that the situation looks bleak.
Cantos d20+17=19 d20+17=21 Friday March 22nd, 2002 12:03:31 PM
Although Cantos manages to dodge the worst of the damage from the flamestrike he falls to the ground in a heap. The Bard's song stops suddenly.
Kennither (DMJK) d8+16=23 Friday March 22nd, 2002 12:53:04 PM
Kennither stands on the wall and casts a healing circle. The defenders on the wall receive 23 points of healing.
Nonam(protection from arrows 10/+5, protection from elements fire (109), immune poison and fear, bless (+1), cantos' song +1, stone skin 10/+5 130, spell resistance (19), hasted) 10d6(1+5+5+6+1+1+5+1+3+4)=32 13d4(4+2+1+3+1+4+4+4+2+3+2+4+3)=37 13d6(4+5+2+2+6+1+5+1+1+2+6+6+5)=46 13d6(2+6+2+5+4+5+4+6+1+5+3+1+5)=49 Friday March 22nd, 2002 3:35:41 PM
1- Nonam continues his run, and lets loose with one more lightning bolt. (32)
2- He should reach Gareth's prison in his second round. On arriving he casts another Circle of Death centered on himself. It won't affect Gareth, Nonam, or the archon but lesser creatures within 50 feet are in trouble. (37 hit die killed, fort DC23)
3- Hopefully enjoying a little bit of breathing room, Nonam casts disintegrate on Gareth's prison. The thin green ray strikes and should instantly destroy the cube. Then he shouts, "Gareth, I didn't memorize fly. I need you to fly and carry me back, or I'm stuck out here.
[holding the other 2 til I see what Gareth does]
Ouch! (DMJK) 2d6(3+1)=4 d20+16=18 2d4(4+3)=7 d20+16=29 Friday March 22nd, 2002 3:53:14 PM
After Nonam casts circle of death, an Acid Fog rolls into the cleared out area. The spell doesn't overcome Nonam's spell resistance, but it does beat Sheps. The archon takes 4 dmg.
Then after Nonam disintegrates the Forcecage a Wall of Force appears in a dome over Gareth, Nonam, and Shep. All three are trapped with the acid fog. (7dmg this round, and this time Nonam's SR is beaten)
Shep coughs through the fog, "This sucks."
Tericus (+1 to hit and save, 22 spell resistance, immune to poison, fire, ice, and lightning resistance of 122) d100=15 11d6(3+4+3+5+3+1+5+1+4+6+6)=41 Saturday March 23rd, 2002 9:20:50 AM
Not taking any damage from the fiend's fireball(made spell resistance), Tericus continues back towards the wall. Once he's there and sees the huge battering ram, he'll cast flame strike right in the middle of the thing (41 pts of damage), then he'll cast stone wall right in front of the gate, 75 ft long, 20 ft tall, and 2 inches thick. Then, seeing Canto's still form, Tericus moves towards his companion to see if he still lives.
Addinein (+5 Str fm Nonam) (+4 dex himself) (+2 endurance himself)(Immune to poison and fear)(blessed +1)(shield Saturday March 23rd, 2002 8:19:15 PM
Speaking into the ring, " The Ogres have departed into the ground. They turned to mist and went down. There might be tunnels underneath, I don't know if that might help or destroy Gareth."
Not knowing the current fate of Nonam and Gareth (not on the wall), Addinein waits for direction, Addinein plans on helping the others towards the chapel, as he can. If any other fighting appears, he'll jump in the fray. Otherwise he'll do his best to keep the gate intact. If there is any way possible, he'll cast flare through any holes that appear, or are available in the gate.
Jus(sam) d20+10=13 d20+10=11 3d8(2+2+5)+3=12 Sunday March 24th, 2002 9:53:25 AM
Jus is flung over the wall to the inside of it as several of the magical blades bite deeply into his flesh(failed save and hero pt reroll) once he gets up he quickly drinks a potion of CSW(for 12 back) then he hears the call for retreat. "We're retreating to the chapel!" he yells into his ring. "Noonan, I cant cover you anymore. Flee to the chapel!" then Jus uses the rest of his movement to run to the chapel
Gareth (+4 Con, Bull's Strength +5, Immune to fear & poison, Blessed +1, Bard Song, 50% Displaced, Stoneskin [13, 10/+5], Keen Edge on sword, Shield +7 to AC) Sunday March 24th, 2002 8:20:00 PM
The warrior drives his sword into the ground at its base to see if the wall of force goes below the surface of the ground. If not he begins digging and asks Shep to help. If no bottom can be found he makes sure and skewer the trolls with the swords through their hearts. "Nonam, do you think we ought to attack the demon? You can't fly but you could launch things from the wall. I can close and attack once you soften him up. Shep? Me and you? How about the other guy? (Looking outside the wall to see if he can see the 4th Celestial still fighting.). What do you think?".
Nonam d20+23=42 d100=66 Monday March 25th, 2002 8:03:31 AM
Nonam looks at Gareth, "We don't have time for that." He says, "I wish the three of us were inside the gates of Edenmoor instead of under this dome."
(limited wish to teleport, concentration and arcane failure rolls made without any trouble)
DMJK Monday March 25th, 2002 8:23:52 AM
The southern wall must have been breached. It's plain to see from the smoke that section of the city is on fire. Tericus' stone wall saved this gate, but the roaring wall of fire continues to make defense nearly impossible. Nonam teleports himself, Gareth, and Shep inside the wall. They are near Addinein. They look up and see Tericus holding Cantos' body. The burns are so severe that it's plain to see that he's dead.
Kennither urges, "We must go to the chapel quickly. Bring your friend. We shouldn't leave him to these monsters." Kennither stoops to pick up Raltos. The firelight shows the tears running down his face.
[Now that they're in the city, we'll go back to regular style posting. Consider yourselves out of combat for right now unless you put yourself back into it.]
[Sam, spell resistance works differently in the 3e rules than in the 2e ones. Instead of a percentage roll, you roll a d20+caster level. If you roll higher than the SR number then you overcome the spell resistance. So, the spell cast by the pitfiend counts as one cast by a 17th level sorceror. He has to roll d20+17, and he just has to beat 23. That sounds bad, but it's the equivalent ofabout 25% by the old way.]
Tericus(lots of stuff) Monday March 25th, 2002 9:42:56 AM
"I can't help him." Tericus says as Nonam and Gareth approach him. "If I'd of stayed here, I might of been able to, but I had to destroy those catapults. I should of stayed. This is my fault," the cleric says quietly as he begins to move towards the chapel. (That's fine JK, just deduct it from my prot. from elements spell.)
Jus(sam) Monday March 25th, 2002 9:44:20 AM
Further ahead than the others, Jus continues to move towards the chapel, keeping an eye out for any goblins or trolls moving about.
Gareth Monday March 25th, 2002 11:27:25 AM
The warrior moves along with the others and relieves the old man of his physical burden of Raltos - but can do nothing for his inner struggle. He is terribly saddened about Cantos - but very distressed about Tericus. "Cantos is responsible for Cantos, Tericus. You are not. You did not do this to him, they did. THEY are responsible for this - not you. And they will pay. I promise." The warrior makes sure everyone gets into the chapel before he goes in. He asks Kennither, "Is it advisable for me and perhaps Shep to stay outside and strike these guys in guerrilla fashion? We can really do damage and I can fly. Shep, can you? Anyone else have some ideas? I think we need some real good ones very fast." The warrior waits for the others to respond.
Addinein (+5 Str fm Nonam) (+4 dex himself) (+2 endurance himself)(Immune to poison and fear)(blessed +1)(shield) Monday March 25th, 2002 8:15:38 PM
"Kennither is the only one really familiar with the area. What are his suggestions. Are we being herded/trapped inside the chapel?"
Nonam d4+1=5 Tuesday March 26th, 2002 8:17:05 AM
Nonam gapes when Gareth picks up Raltos instead of Cantos. Then he takes his wand of Bull's Strength out and uses it on himself. Hoisting Cantos' body in order to carry his friend to the chapel, he says, "Gareth, we are responsible for each other, and Tericus, Cantos might be beyond your healing ability. However, there are those with the skill required. I will carry him til we find someone that can do it. This day was a dark one, but the next may be brighter."
Kennither (DMJK) Tuesday March 26th, 2002 8:42:58 AM
"We are not going to the chapel to die. There is a tunnel there that goes out of the city. It's hardly a secret, and it doesn't come out very far from the city wall. They may even be watching the exit, but it's better than riding out the front gates. Come quickly."
Kennither leads the way through the streets, and soon all have arrived at the chapel. Perhaps fifteen of the townspeople have also made it to the sanctuary.
Kennither points to the altar, "It moves and there are tunnels beneath, but I wish to do something before we flee. Place Cantos upon the altar, and I will restore his life." The sage goes into the vestry and emerges with a scroll. "I intended to use this upon Raltos, but I believe the bard will ultimately be of more value in the fight against the Dark One."
He gazes in the general direction of the city wall and whispers, "I wish I could resurrect them all."
He returns to attention after a moment and looks to Gareth, "This will take me several minutes to cast, so keep the army from bursting in here for a little while."
Tericus(lots of stuff) Tuesday March 26th, 2002 8:49:10 AM
"There isn't a lot of us here," Tericus says. "Only fifteen of us. How many did we start with? 200, 300? I'd say we did a pretty poor job," the cleric says to no one in paticular. Then he notices that Jus is pretty injured, so he goes over and casts heal on him. "Anyone else need healing?" he asks.
Jus (Sam) Tuesday March 26th, 2002 8:53:57 AM
"Thanks Tericus. It's a good thing you're along or the rest of us would be in real trouble," Jus says, hoping that his words will cheer up the cleric a bit. "I'm going to go find a place where I can set up as a sniper. Maybe we can hurt them a bit before we flee." Then the elf goes to search for a good place to shoot from.
Gareth Tuesday March 26th, 2002 2:09:24 PM
The warrior sets down Raltos in the chapel and makes sure Cantos is also brought offering to carry him AND Raltos. He then goes with Shep and stands guard on the outside of the door. "Nonam, if you, Jus, or Tericus - or ANYONE - has one of those wall spells, you could cast it in front of us whenever we get ready to make a break for it. Then Shep and I could dispatch whatever riffraff was left and we could then come in, bar the door, and join you in the tunnel. Is it possible that we could hide the entrance whenever we leave? Also, I like our chances in the tunnel. Limits the amount of adversaries that can get to us at once." After another moment he adds, "Can anyone cast an illusion to make the chapel disappear, or look deserted or something?"
(OOC: Sorry guys, I read Tericus' post indicating that he was already carrying Cantos. Gareth would never leave one of our own and pick up another. In this case he figured Tericus could carry Cantos better than Loren could carry Raltos. His comments were also an attempt to sooth Tericus grief - his wisdom is low remember. Hope that didn't come off too badly....)
Nonam (like Tericus, a lot of stuff) Tuesday March 26th, 2002 10:58:20 PM
Nonam carries in Cantos and sets him down wherever Kennither directs.
That done he looks over at Gareth, "I already cast my wall spell. The force walls don't last more than a few moments anyway. I also don't have enough skill with illusions to make something as large as the chapel disappear. I do have a stone shape scroll though. If the passageway is stone, I can seal it behind us. If a crowd comes on the chapel before we're ready, I can reverse the gravity in the street. Other than that, the only thing that I know to do is zap them with lightning or freeze them with cones of cold."
When the others go outside to keep watch, Nonam stays with Kennither in case the sage needs help with something. He looks at Gareth as he goes to stand watch, "Call me if you need me."
DMJK Wednesday March 27th, 2002 8:16:31 AM
While Jus finds a perch atop the chapel, Gareth and Shep take up positions by the outside of the door. Tericus finds that several of the men inside need some healing, and he has plenty to keep him busy for a few moments. Kennither has Nonam fetch things that he will need and then sets him to washing Cantos' wounds with holy water. Then Kennither begins casting from his scroll.
Those outside can see that the village is on fire at several points, and Jus sees one of the large winged beasts flying overhead again. The enemy is moving cautiously through the town, and most seem to still be outside the walls. For now, this one small group is safe.
Tericus (lots of stuff) Wednesday March 27th, 2002 8:25:18 AM
While going around healing everyone that needs it, Tericus says, "I can summon a fog. It will make it hard for them to find us quickly, but that's it."
Jus (Sam) d20+15=31 Wednesday March 27th, 2002 8:27:59 AM
"Sorry, but I don't have any wall spells," Jus calls down, then he keeps an eye out for any enemies that are heading towards the chapel. (spot check of 31)
Gareth d20=18 Wednesday March 27th, 2002 9:45:36 AM
The warrior sees the pit fiend but decides not to fly up and engage him (Wis DC 18). He decides to hold his position as escape is the thing that needs to happen now.
Addinein Thursday March 28th, 2002 2:17:43 AM
Addinein double checks the walls of the chapel for sturdiness. When Tericus asks, Addinein responds, "I am wounded some. But not too serious if others need it."
Nonam Thursday March 28th, 2002 9:38:37 AM
Nonam helps out as instructed, but his mind continually goes back to the earlier horrors of the evening.
DMJK Thursday March 28th, 2002 9:44:47 AM
Kennither works on his spell for several minutes. As he works, he washes Cantos with the holy water and places wafers over the fallen bard's eyes. Nonam sees that the burns are starting to fade and the wounds are healing up.
Tericus is able to take care of all serious wounds, but nearly everyone in the chapel still has some sort of cut, bruise, or burn.
Gareth realizes the things flying in the sky are the monsters that buzzed the town before the battle and not the pit fiend. He surmises they are some sort of scouts.
Addinien decides the walls of the chapel are sturdy enough for the normal expectations of a building. It would take wind on the level of a tornado to knock it down. It could stand up to hail storm. It's mostly wood though, so it's susceptible to axes and fire. And chances are, one of those trolls could come through a wall.
Jus sees a group approaching. It's just a handful of goblins and orcs being led by a bugbear. Their progress is slow. They seem to be stopping randomly to pour oil on buildings. Then they light them on fire. Judging from the smoke in the air, there are similar groups all over town. They will probably be in the area of the church soon, but they could just pass it by.
Gareth Thursday March 28th, 2002 10:34:41 PM
The warrior holds his position and looks to conceal himself if possible. Otherwise he just waits until the group is ready to exit via the tunnel.
Nonam Friday March 29th, 2002 8:53:32 AM
Nonam watches Kennither with some interest. Rather than just helping out, he's gained a bit of interest in seeing this spell cast. It's so different than the way he casts spells.
Kennither, Cantos, and Morlas (DMJK) Friday March 29th, 2002 9:11:27 AM
The sage starts speaking faster, and soon he's actually singing and lifting his hands in the air. There's a rush of wind, yet at the same time there is an odd sense of stillness.
Kennither throws his hands into the air, and the still form of Cantos is bathed in light. The wafers on his eyes start to crumble and disintegrate into nothingness.
And then, Cantos is sitting up without any sign that he ever died or was even wounded. It is dramatic proof that Kennither walks with Alemi.
The sage leans down and whispers in Cantos' ear, "Teresallia held your soul, and she bid me to make one demand of you when you returned to us. You are to write an epic song about the tragic Battle of Edenmoor."
Kennither looks at Nonam, "Now gather your friends, and we shall leave."
He helps Cantos down from the altar. Then he starts trying to move the altar so as to reveal the passage underneath.
Once, it's cracked just a little bit, a green cloud rushes in and fills the inside fo the chapel. Nearly as quickly something leaps on top of Kennither and starts to bash his head in. Two more shapes follow the first one in, but they seem content to stand where they are.
One of them speaks, "I thought some of you would try to escape this way. You know you six have caused me a lot of trouble. Barbazou isn't too happy either. You cost him at least a thousand soldiers, and he thought this town would be an easy one like all the others. You even killed Malith. He fell over dead from all those arrows sticking in him. I can't say that I'm too upset, but it was Barbie's nephew. I immagine I'll get another promotion when I finish all of you off... it's a little creepy being in a church."
During the speech, the green fog clears a bit. the speaker is none other than Morlas, the lich you encountered in Plateau City the night Domi died.
Gareth and Shep are outside. Jus is on the roof. A healed Addinien is inside with Tericus and Nonam. Cantos is there if somewhat confused. Kennither is on the ground with some foul sort of undead monster at his his throat.
Nonam Friday March 29th, 2002 9:15:23 AM
Nonam shouts into his ring, "Gareth! Jus! Get in here now!" Then he starts to cast a spell he learned just in case he ever met Morlas again, control undead.
(up to 26 HD of undead controlled, will DC24 to negate)
Cantos d20+17=25 d20+12=27 d6+4=8 d6+4=5 d6=4 d6=3 Friday March 29th, 2002 9:59:02 AM
Cantos pulls out his rapier, and swiftly stabs the creature attacking the Sage.
Striking the creature 2 times in the back, for 13 points of regular damage and 7 points of shock damage.
Cantos stands shakily on his feet, barely able to hold on to his rapier. "ummm what's going on and how did I get here and where is everyone else?"
Gareth (+4 Con, Bull's Strength +5, Immune to fear & poison, Blessed +1, 50% Displaced, Stoneskin [13, 10/+5], Keen Edge on sword, Shield +7 to AC) d20+27=42 d20+27=37 d10+15=24 d10+15=17 Friday March 29th, 2002 10:25:37 AM
Hearing Nonam's words the warrior turns and bursts into the church. When he notices the foe he smiles "Morlas, I wondered if I'd ever get the chance to repay you for your mob scene. Looks like I do...". He closes instantly and strikes without hesitation. (Hit AC 42,[37] for 24+[17]= 41 DMG).
Tericus(still has lots of stuff) d20+8=25 Friday March 29th, 2002 9:16:35 PM
Moving quickly towards the monster that hasn't been attacked yet, Tericus chants his last heal spell and grabs the monster, sending holy power through the undead creation. (When cast on undead, heal acts like a harm spell. the creature loses all his hps except 1d4, no save. I hit AC25 with my touch attack. I remember there use to be a rule that you only had to hit AC10 for a touch attack, but I'm not sure if it's still around.)
Jus (sam) Friday March 29th, 2002 9:23:24 PM
Moving down from his perch, Jus arrives to see what's going on. Not having a shot on any of the monsters, he pulls out his sun sword and waves it above his head. "You are doomed!" he yells as sunlight bursts forth from the sword, engulfing the entire room.
Addinein (+5 Str fm Nonam) (+4 dex himself) (+2 endurance himself)(Immune to poison and fear)(blessed +1)(shield) d20+14=32 d20=5 d6+3=6 d6=5 d20+9=26 d20=2 d6+3=4 d6=3 Monday April 1st, 2002 4:05:51 AM
Not clear on what's going on, but knowing it's not good. Addinein quickly pulls and stabs with his rapier. Preparing to let it dance and do its thing, if these opponents prove to be troublesome.
1st attack: AC=32 (possible crit) (5) (no crit) for (6 + 5 from shock) 11 points dam.
2nd attack: AC=26 (possible crit) (2) (no crit) for (4 +3 from shock) 7 points dam.
DMJK Monday April 1st, 2002 8:50:55 AM
[Who does Addinein try to stab?]
DMJK d20+14=25 d20+14=15 d20+14=20 Monday April 1st, 2002 9:18:31 AM
Cantos strikes the creature feasting on Kennither. It rolls off the sage, and turns to snarl at Cantos. It hisses, and everyone can see the fangs of a vampire.
Kennither looks dead, but Cantos reacted in time to save him from undeath.
Gareth wails on Morlas, and he strikes a savage blow, pushing the lich back a bit. By this time, Gareth is familiar enough with stoneskin to see its effects, but he's coming to the point he can hit hard enough that it doesn't matter much.
Tericus "heals" the other vampire, and it screams in pain.
Jus' sunsword has no more effect on Morlas than it does on the Storm Dragon, but the two vampires freeze and start to back toward the hallway.
Then Addinein attacks the vampire that Terics "healed." The creature falls and starts to turn into a mist. However, the artificial sunlight disperses the mist almost immediately. It seems that this aberration has been destroyed.
Nonam completes his spell. The lich resists, but the remaining vampire falls victim.
DMJK d8=3 d8=7 d8=6 d8=3 d8=2 Monday April 1st, 2002 9:29:46 AM
The remaining vampire awaits Nonam's command as it flinches from the light and snarls at Cantos.
Morlas doesn't sit back idly, he casts a deadly prismatic spray. Not fully understanding that the other vampire is under Nonam's control, he targets the side of the room with the destroyed Vampire. Gareth, Tericus, Addinein, and Nonam are in the affected area.
Gareth is struck by a yellow ray (80 pts elec, reflex DC 23 for 1/2). Tericus is struck by a violet ray (sent to another plane, will DC23 to negate). Addinein is hit by an indigo ray (insane, will DC 23 to negate). Nonam is struck by an orange ray (40 pts acid, ref DC23 for 1/2).
Nonam d20+12=16 d20+23=43 5d4(1+3+4+4+3)+4=19 Monday April 1st, 2002 9:36:57 AM
Nonam screams out as the acid sizzles him for full effect, but he maintains enough focus to command the remaining vampire, "Destroy Morlas!"
The wizard somehow manages to contain enough concentration to cast a magic missile. The bolts streak past Gareth to strike the lich.
(failed ref sav =16, concentration check =43 (rolled a 20), MM dmg =19)
Gareth (+4 Con, Bull's Strength +5, Immune to fear & poison, Blessed +1, 50% Displaced, Stoneskin [13, 10/+5], Keen Edge on sword, Shield +7 to AC) d20+11=24 d20+27=45 d20+27=43 d20+22=32 d20+17=24 d10+15=21 d10+15=21 d10+15=22 d10+15=16 Monday April 1st, 2002 10:42:40 AM
The warrior deftly avoids as much of the damage as is possible (SV DC 24) and he quickly begins his attack anew. "You'll have to do a LOT better than that you abomination!" He again cuts into Morlas deciding he is the more dangerous opponent of he and the vampire. He whacks him with vicious blow after vicious blow, enjoying every resounding 'thunk' as it makes contact. He makes sure and save room for Shep too if he can (OOC: Where's the Celestial? Shouldn't he have had 1 attack last round?). (HIT AC 45,[43],32,24 for 21+21+22+16 less stoneskin = 11+[21]+12+6=50 DMG)
Tericus d20+12=30 d20+8=15 d20+8=22 4d8(8+8+4+5)+12=37 Monday April 1st, 2002 7:03:39 PM
Resisting the effects of the liche's spell (save of 30), Tericus runs up to Morlas and tries to do the same thing he did to the vampire. (Cast CCW on the liche, touch attack of 22 (used hero pt to reroll), 37 pts of damage, will save of 18 for half).
Jus(sam) d20+16=20 d20+11=15 d20+13=21 Monday April 1st, 2002 7:06:34 PM
With his sun sword blazing, Jus moves on Morlas and slashes at him three times, but misses all three times (I'm sure his AC is higher than 21).
Cantos d20+17=24 2d8(2+8)+10=20 Monday April 1st, 2002 9:32:20 PM
Cantos weaves uneasily on his feet, his time of being in the "other" world, and the things he heard while he wasn't here with his group. Cantos manages to hold onto his sword while casting Cure Serious Wounds on the Sage healing the Sage for 20 points and looks over at Morlas through bleary eyes, "Away monster, leave this hallowed place and be forever gone!"
Addinein (+5 Str fm Nonam) (+4 dex himself) (+2 endurance himself)(Immune to poison and fear)(blessed +1)(shield) d20=18 d20+14=22 d6+3=7 d6=5 d20+9=14 d6+3=9 d6=4 Tuesday April 2nd, 2002 3:37:47 AM
Addinein flinches as the ray strikes him. (save = 18 unmodified) (ooc was supposed to be somewhere else tonight. Character sheet not on me. :( ) Setting the dancing sword loose on Morlas with the hopes of being distracting at the very least. Addinein does his best to deliver a hurting that helps Gareth.
AC 22 (7+ 5 shock) 12 points damage AC 14 (9 +4 shock) 13 points damage
DMJK d20+14=31 d20+9=27 d6+6=8 d6+6=11 Tuesday April 2nd, 2002 8:36:34 AM
Shep prudently kept his guard post outside to make sure that Barbazou or someone didn't come in the front without warning.
The vampire leaps on to Morlas' back and makes a thorough nuisance of itself, but it doesn't really hurt the lich too badly.
Tericus' spell hits Morlas about the same time that Cantos says, "Away monster." Morlas' eyes go wide in pain and resentment, and then he is gone.
The vampire drops to the floor and snarls at Gareth, but it awaits a new command from Nonam.
Cantos' repairs much of the damage done to Kennither, but the sage is dead.
A quick look around shows that the green cloudkill that entered the room first did its work. The Storm Dragons are the sole survivors of the Battle of Edenmoor.
Shep steps into the room proving there is at least one other survivor. "They've zeroed in on us. A large group is headed this way. I suggest we leave now." The archon quickly takes in the scene, "I will take Kennither. Someone should get Raltos. Then we should leave this travesty and go to the dwarves."
A horn blows out in the street not too far away.
Gareth Tuesday April 2nd, 2002 8:45:07 AM
The warrior curses as Morlas escapes yet again. "We need to find that guy and take him out!". As the vampire holds, the warrior does not attack. "Perhaps we can get this one to lead us out. Then he can attack his comrades while we escape.". The warrior picks up Raltos again seeing that Loren is taken care of. He looks back at the wake of death of the townsfolk and with great pain says "Why must it be this way? We failed to even save the children...". He turns and enters the passage with the others - after Nonam commands the vampire that is.
Nonam Tuesday April 2nd, 2002 8:52:02 AM
"I fear taking it with us. I don't know how long the enchantment will hold. I thought of sending it out in the street to kill anything it sees. Have it fight til it dies."
Gareth Tuesday April 2nd, 2002 9:00:35 AM
The warrior shrugs at Nonam "You know your magic best. Make the decision.".
Tericus Tuesday April 2nd, 2002 9:02:27 AM
"The only problem with that Nonam," Tericus says, "is that it knows the way we're leaving. If your enchantment won't last long, destroy it." Then Tericus looks around for something that might pass as a stake to spear the vampire's heart.
Jus(sam) Tuesday April 2nd, 2002 9:03:53 AM
"Well, whatever we're going to do, do it quickly. The rest of the army will be here soon." Jus says as he stands by the passageway
Addinein Tuesday April 2nd, 2002 1:59:24 PM
"You should also ask him if there are any others that we'll encounter on the way out. Never know if there are guards or other traps on the way out, since they found their way in."
Cantos Tuesday April 2nd, 2002 8:26:51 PM
Cantos wearliy sheathes his rapier and shoulders the Sage for the walk out through the tunnel. Saying nothing he steps into the tunnel and begins walking looking like a man defeated.
Nonam Wednesday April 3rd, 2002 8:05:59 AM
Nonam considers the options and commands the vampire, "Don't move under any circumstances."
Then he looks to Gareth and draws a finger across his throat.
Gareth Wednesday April 3rd, 2002 8:15:30 AM
The warrior takes aim and decapitates the creature (no roll since it is a helpless opponent). He then finds oil - from the lamps if nothing else and sets the thing blasing. Then he quickly moves to the tunnel. "Molas got away so if we don't hurry they'll be ready for us. Lets go!".
DMJK Wednesday April 3rd, 2002 8:15:59 AM
Once the vampire is taken care of, Shep hoists Kennither and leads the way into the tunnel, and the rest of the group quickly catches up to Cantos.
Shep points out a single magical trap in the tunnel. A rune that would set off some sort of fire-based spell.
Then the group is out of the tunnel and under the stars. You are on the north side of the town. Nothing seems to be around, but you can smell the town burning.
The way is clear for the Storm Dragons to flee, but where will you go?
Gareth Wednesday April 3rd, 2002 8:53:26 AM
"Unless someone has a better idea I'd say we go North into the Cinnamon Valley. My family lives there and has good defenses. Perhaps we can find refuge there while we prepare to see the Dwarves? I can also go invisible and fly around the region to make sure we're clear. Whatever we do we need to do it right now."
Tericus Wednesday April 3rd, 2002 9:07:35 AM
"If this town was destroyed, maybe your home town was too Gareth." Tericus says "We should probably head straight for the dwarves."
Jus(sam) Wednesday April 3rd, 2002 9:08:30 AM
"Lets make sure we get out of this tunnel alive first," Jus says, "Then we can worry about where we are going."
Gareth Wednesday April 3rd, 2002 9:58:59 AM
"Cinnamon Valley is straight on they way to the dwarves, guys - and is far enough off the Plateau that perhaps the army didn't go that way. I expect they are trying to take over Plateau City - not the hill country. I think they'll be next. Just thought it would be a good place to stock up."
Addinenin Wednesday April 3rd, 2002 11:43:21 AM
"I think for now we must plan that everywhere is over run, and that we should proceed with caution everywhere we go". Addinein will help out with carrying duties, if need be. Or scouting ahead if needed.
John Wednesday April 3rd, 2002 1:07:13 PM OOC: I'm back. Sam, thanks for running Jus and keeping him alive. I'll take over for him on the next post.
Cantos Wednesday April 3rd, 2002 10:34:10 PM
Cantos continues to carry Kennither, "Look make a decision already, I don't give a damn where we go but let's get somewhere," the bard fumes. If no one makes a decision he will march in whatever direction he thinks the dwarves off.
Nonam d4+1=4 Thursday April 4th, 2002 9:13:11 AM
"Gareth, I don't want to be the one to tell you where your home is, but the Cinammon Valley is in the Windborn Hills. Moving around by teleportation has probably addled your sense of geography a bit. The dwarves are on the way to your family and not the other way around. So, let's head north. We should also start looking for a safe place to rest. I feel okay, but I slept all day."
Nonam uses the wand of Bull's strength on Cantos, to help him with his burden. (4pts Str)
Gareth Thursday April 4th, 2002 9:18:35 AM
"Sorry guys, my brain must be fried. Lets simply move North into the Red Hills. Looks like most of the riffraff we'd find there is on the Plateau already. Then we can make plans as we get away from this army."
[Had the wrong hills in mind. Sorry]
DMJK Thursday April 4th, 2002 9:33:07 AM
The group at least manages to come to an agreement on heading north.
Morning comes.
To the south there is a huge pillar of smoke marking Edenmoor. Similar pillars can be seen in the distance to the west and the east. It's clear that only a small portion of the Dark Lord's army struck Edenmoor. Marteaus is on the move.
A few hours of walking brings the group into the Red Hills. You've seen no one, except for a stray patrol of goblins that was easily dispatched. But the patrol was much closer to Edenmoor than you are now.
As the terrain changes, Gareth realizes Nonam was right about the location of Cinnamon Valley. After a day of walking, Nonam approximates the party has travelled 20 miles with a remaining distance of almost 50 miles to the Scab. 2 more days of walking.
Fortunately the Red Hills seem empty. It's been deathly quiet for hours.
It's getting dark again. It's been 2 days without sleep for many.
Gareth Thursday April 4th, 2002 10:42:45 AM
When they come to a promising place for a campsite, the warrior ceases the march. "I think we're far enough away now. Can we do anything about Raltos and Kennither this night - or tomorrow? Let's rest, set guards, and let the casters sleep. I'll stand forst watch. Shep are you willing to stand a watch?"
Cantos Thursday April 4th, 2002 2:55:23 PM
Cantos shrugs his shoulders at Gareth's suggestion. Laying Kennither down gently on the ground, the bard covers the sage with his blanket and stands watch, placing the point of his rapier under his chin so if he nods off he will wake up instantly.
Addinein Thursday April 4th, 2002 11:39:12 PM
"I do not have anything that will be able to help with either of those two." Addinein sets out to set up a little camp. Including gathering some firewood, if they wish to have it. Along with digging a pit for the fire, in order to hide it's presence. If the fire is not used, Addinein will meditate and regain his energy. Once he is done, he will aid in keeping watch.
Shep (DMJK) Friday April 5th, 2002 8:36:31 AM
"I need no sleep and will watch through the night. You may all rest if you desire."
Nonam Friday April 5th, 2002 8:41:23 AM
Nonam grumbles a bit about the travelling conditions all along the road, "You know the original plan was for horses.... I'm getting huge blisters.... I haven't walked this far since, you know I haven't ever walked this far."
But when it comes to making camp, he turns a bit more serious, "Has anyone considered that the dwarves are probably at war? The giants didn't mass in the scab for nothing. Even if they aren't wiped out, they could be under seige. We'll need to approach with caution."
Gareth Friday April 5th, 2002 8:47:18 AM
The warrior rolls his eyes at Nonam's whining. He makes sure and thank Shep as well for his willingness to stand guard.
"Let's make sure then we can use stealth. I have no need of extra magic from any of the casters for that. Perhaps we can make sure we know who needs what and then the casters can accommodate?"
Tericus Friday April 5th, 2002 9:00:07 AM
"I can attempt to raise them later, but out here isnt the ideal place to do it. Maybe once we are somewhere safe I can do it. By the way, before I go to sleep let me heal everyone's wounds." Tericus says with a yawn
DMJK Friday April 5th, 2002 9:06:36 AM
The group rests and moves off the next day. Everyone physically feels better with sleep and Tericus' healing. Mentally though... well they used children's heads in the catapults didn't they.
Travel is similar to the day before. You encounter very little. A couple of goblin patrols, more likely a couple of goblin desserters. The smoldering ruins of an halfing township. And lots of rocks.
The party proceeds apace, rests the next night, and continues toward the Scab.
In the foothills of the Scab, you find a dwarf sitting on a rock, "I been waiting some time fer ya! Spost to been heer yisterdee. Wait fer the group with an 'olee archon an' a fithee drow. I s'pose there ain't 'nother group like that. Goin ta see da king, but da drow wears a blindyfold. Oh, me name's Boxer."
Nonam, Tericus, Cantos, and Jus each recall that Odysseus, once a member of the Gold Dragons, is the dwarven king.
Gareth d20+4=14 Friday April 5th, 2002 9:11:03 AM
The warrior steps forward and greets the dwarf. "Well met, Boxer. I have a question for you: Would an archon travel with a drow if that drow were not good of heart? The drow's name is Addinien and he deserves your respect and trust. He has killed many of the Dark Lord's legion and will kill many more. You should not require him to travel in darkness. (CHA DC 14). So how did you know we were coming?"
Shep Friday April 5th, 2002 9:12:03 AM
Putting a comforting hand on Addinein's shoulder, Shep says, "If the fithee drow wears a blindyfold, then so does the 'olee archon."
Cantos d20+2=11 Friday April 5th, 2002 1:33:43 PM
Cantos doesn't sleep all night long. The point of his rapier jabs him just enough in his chin to wake him up. At first light, the bard stands up and stretches, places his rapier back in its sheath, wipes the blood from his chin on his shirt sleeve, and turns and glares at the whiney wizard.
Reverently he picks up Kennether's body and trudges along behind the group. As it gets later in the day, the bard falls further and further behind. (Cantos hasn't slept in 3 days, voluntary con check roll of 11, he's exhausted.)
When the bard finally catches up with the group and sees the dwarf on the stone and hears Gareth chastise another once again for beliefs other than his own, he snaps, "What in the name of the Gods' makes you a better person to judge others the way you do?"
Cantos takes a deep breath. "I was left to die, you didn't care, the words I heard while drifting in nothingness was, 'It was HIS responsibility, HE was at fault.' You call yourself a hero, I call you a child. You have lost my respect, and what's more..."
Cantos turns around, looks at the dwarf, bows as best he can with a dead man in his arms, and says, "Kind dwarf, this man resurrected me. Do you know of any clerics around that would resurrect him? I owe him my life."
Jus Friday April 5th, 2002 4:40:49 PM
Jus doesn't say anything, but does momentarily squeeze Cantos' shoulder. If Cantos looks, he sees no condemnation or judgement in Jus' eyes, just a look of support and encourangement.
Still, Cantos' words sting Jus too. He recalls his feelings of disgust when he first had to team with a dwarf. Those feeling haven't completely dissappeared, but Jus' experience has taught him better.
If Cantos is willing, Jus casts Bull's Strength, Endurance, and Cat's Grace on Cantos. They won't do much to fight the exhaustion everyone feels, but they should help.
Tericus Friday April 5th, 2002 6:40:03 PM
Surprised by what Cantos just said, Tericus says, "It's not Gareth's fault, it's mine. I'm the healer. I should've stayed in the city instead of destroying those catapults. If anyone deserves your scorn, it's me."
Gareth d20=19 Saturday April 6th, 2002 1:50:57 PM
The warrior raises an eyebrow at Cantos' words, but wisely decides to let them pass (Wis DC 19 - I wasn't expecting that...). "Cantos, I know of the nothingness you speak of. We should speak of this, but not now - not in front of another not concerned with this. But just so you know, you've got the wrong idea. I never left you, nor would I ever. You are mistaken - and tired. Carry the sage if you must, but if you hold us up then you risk the very life you are trying to save. I would venture to guess that Tericus will be able to do the honors when we get to a suitable spot." He turns back to the dwarf and says, "Please forgive our mood. It has been a long 3 days with the battle and long hike."
Nonam Monday April 8th, 2002 8:55:57 AM
Nonam tries to think of something to say to make everything right but comes up empty.
Addinein Monday April 8th, 2002 9:00:36 AM
"If I understand your meaning correctly, then would I not be bound hand and foot in the presence of such company as this?" Waving his hands around to the group in general. "Let us hope that those in charge are not as quick with negative words as you are. For therein lies the doom of co-operation between nations for this dire time of Evil." Addinein shakes his head after he makes his pronouncement.
DMJK Monday April 8th, 2002 9:06:05 AM
"OK, the drow, the archon, and that fithee human," he points at Gareth, "can all wear blindyfolds. Coming into me home is a privEElidge. If he weren't with the archon, he wouldn't come it at all. And neither would, me thinks."
He grins at Cantos, "Ya looks tired. We'll take you to see King Melair right off. If any can do sich miracles, it be him."
The dwarf pulls out a few blindfolds and holds them up.
Shep puts his on right away and says cheerily, "Lead the way, good dwarf."
Gareth Monday April 8th, 2002 9:51:19 AM
The warrior nods "Fair enough. I have no problem wearing your eye covering. But I reserve the right to remove it if battle comes." He looks to Addinein to make sure he is OK with this, and places his own blindfold on.
Jus Monday April 8th, 2002 5:02:55 PM
This is a time of war and the party needs these dwarves. Now is not the time to bicker. He does, however manage to keep his silence and follow the dwarf.
Cantos d20+2=12 d20+1=11 Monday April 8th, 2002 8:51:35 PM
Cantos looks at Tericus, "I can do nothing to help your pain at my demise, however you made a decision and I have no problem with that. However that lout who thinks he leads us said my death was my fault, my responsibility, if that is so then VOILA, I am done, as soon as the good sage can be helped from Gargul's domain I shall leave and hope to find better company elsewhere, because I choose not to travel with those who think that his comrades are there for his amusment. I am a bard and yes can often sustain myself but I let loose arrow after arrow, and sang note after note, when was I supposed to heal myself... when... and at what cost?? This child in a man's body leads me no longer."
Tericus Monday April 8th, 2002 11:42:12 PM
Slumping his shoulders, Tericus says, "If you feel that way, then we are already defeated. I wish you would reconsider, but if your mind is made up, then do what you need to do. But remember, you do have friends here that need your help. If you leave they very well could die." Then Tericus takes a blindfold and covers his eye, though he looks so depressed he probably wouldn't realize where he was going anyway.
Addinein Tuesday April 9th, 2002 6:02:37 AM
Not wanting to hold up the party because time is of the essence. Addinien takes the proferred blind fold. He quickly ties it around his head and waits for the signal to move out.
Nonam Tuesday April 9th, 2002 10:07:19 AM
Nonam lets the dwarf lead the way. Along the way, he looks Cantos up and down and asks frankly, "Is your problem with Gareth alone? If Jus or I, or even yourself, began to speak as the leader of the group, would this improve your outlook." The wizard acts as if Gareth can't hear him, once the blindfold is on, "Gareth is frequently a lunkhead and often says the wrong thing. I've frequently thought that we shouldn't let him speak at all. However, I've learned over the years that he is basically good and holds everyone to the same standards as himself. King or peasant, he treats everyone the same, like a field hand working on the farm. Early on, we dealt more with peasants. For the most part, they liked Gareth treating them as equals. Thus he became our spokesman. Now we are beginning to deal with kings and representatives of nations, like the good dwarf Boxer. They aren't accustomed to his demeanor. What was once a positive thing may have now become a liability. Perhaps it would be better to have another speak for the group. To my way of thinking, we all stand as equals, and I care not who we call the leader."
Nonam stops abruptly lest he began a lecture or diatribe.
Boxer Tuesday April 9th, 2002 10:19:45 AM
Once the blindfolds are in place, Boxer makes same silly faces to make sure that Gareth and Addinein aren't peeking. To those looking on it must appear rather silly at would otherwise appear to be a solemn moment.
The dwarf lets the party worry about their own affairs and leads the way to a rock wall on the side of what would be consider a mountain in most places but here in the beginnings of the Scab is little more than a hill. He pushes on the solid looking wall and a door swings inward. He motions for everyone to follow and leads the way in. Once the door is closed, it is absolutely black in the tunnels. He picks up a sunrod and snaps it on, and he leads the group deeper into the earth.
Boxer knows the way well and navigates the underground passages as easily as one of you would navigate the streets of the Floating City. The going is a little slow due the blindfolded party members, but the dwarf keeps a steady pace. After a few moments into the tunnels he says, "We only gots a few hours to go. It'll be a short walk."
Gareth Tuesday April 9th, 2002 10:38:10 AM
Seeing that Cantos is unwilling to save this conversation until later, the warrior turns to him squarely and in a very controlled tone addresses him. "Cantos, you are wrong about what I said. I did NOT in any way make light of your contribution to the fight. And I did NOT suggest that the party bore no responsibility in your death. Your death has clouded your judgement. Let me tell you what I saw and said. Then if you wish to judge me, do so: I came back from the field after facing the army with the 2 archons - perhaps you forgot that I was in mortal danger too as was everyone else. As I got back to the wall it was clear that you had been slain and Tericus was with you, and frozen in grief by your loss. I too was pained by your death but I knew that if our good cleric hesitated - even for a moment - that he too could be killed by the closing horde. He was trying to take responsibility for your death and what I said was that your life is your responsibility - not his. And it is. I for one expect support from our team, but I, and I alone, am responsible for my own life - and death. Nobody else. You - and YOU alone - are also responsible for yourself. You chose to valiantly stand on that wall. You, and you alone chose to put yourself in harm's way as did I. If I fell on the battlefield then the only person responsible for that is me because I would know that all my comrades had done all they could. If Tericus would have stood idly by as you were fallen on by the enemy and did nothing, then I'd say he was at fault, but that was not the case. I did NOT make light of your death, I did NOT leave you on the field, I did NOT make you stand and fight to the death - in fact I admire you for that, and I most certainly did not and DO NOT think of you or anyone else as being around for what did you say? - my AMUSEMENT?!? How DARE YOU say such a thing! I fulfilled my responsiblity, I did my best in battle, I made sure my fallen comrade was raised. And for that I get THIS?"
By this time the warrior's voice is pretty loud and he is quite angry. "Have my actions toward you in the past at the very least not given me the benefit of the doubt? Could you not have at least questioned me before making such accusations about my intent? Even if my words were poorly chosen they were the best I had at the time - you are the one with the moving words, not me. You could at least give me a chance to explain. I should have at least earned that from you. My conscience is clear in this matter. You may call me names and make fun of my performance, but I did my best - as I always do. Like it or not, it's the best I can do. The only reason I am leader of this group is because I go in first. That's it. My opinion is not more weighty than anyone else, my contribution no greater, I am no more important than you - or anyone else. I'll be glad to let somebody else lead if they want it. I find it wearies me dealing with all the criticsm from my own FRIENDS. Take it from me if you wish - and if the others will accept you. I never really wanted it in the first place."
He looks hard at the bard, but with his last statments his face grows a bit softer with a bit of pain. As if he is mentally tired.
Gareth Tuesday April 9th, 2002 10:40:46 AM
NOTE: Gareth speaks before the blindfolds are on...
Cantos Tuesday April 9th, 2002 8:19:21 PM
Cantos looks at Nonam," I do not know if it would help that another lead this group. I don't know that you, Jus or even I could do a better job than," Cantos points at Gareth, "him, however he does not have the ability nor skills to be a good leader..." Cantos stops abrubtly when Gareth starts talking and his face grow grimer by the second as Gareth's voice rises in volume. "SHUT UP!!!! You can shut your mouth and listen for a change, once again you have allowed your mouth to overwrite what little good sense you have. You seem to think that because you go in first you're a leader... oooooo look at me I am a big, bad, selfish, silly, hard headed, ignorant fighter. How hard is it to shut the hell up and listen for a change? Evidently for you pretty damn hard. You said what you said for whatever reason, and you were WRONG, that's right WRONG. You didn't rez me -- this kind, goodly man I carry in my arms did. You watched, powerless as he imbued me with life again. You, Gareth are a disgrace, and if being a Dragon is being like you then I would rather be a nobody." Cantos stares at Gareth pointedly for a minute and then turns his back and follows Boxer.
Addinien Wednesday April 10th, 2002 7:27:08 AM
In a hushed whisper, "We must focus on the task at hand. There will be time later to figure out what was said, and meant at the time."
Gareth d20=18 Wednesday April 10th, 2002 9:00:46 AM
The warrior chooses not to blast the bard in the face with his fist - but barely (Wis DC 18). "Then get out! Leave if that's how you feel. We have no need for one such as you! One who thinks that he should be able to criticise and call names and receive no response." The warrior redoes his blindfold and storms off after Boxer, using his improved blind fighting skill to determine where and how he goes.
Nonam Wednesday April 10th, 2002 9:16:25 AM
Nonam looks to Tericus, Addinein, and Jus to see if they have any help to offer. Then he just shrugs his shoulders and walks on in silence behind the dwarf.
Tericus Wednesday April 10th, 2002 9:31:09 AM
Tericus starts to say something, but stops at the last moment when he realizes that whatever he says will have no effect. Knowing that if he'd stayed within the walls that this wouldn't be happening, Tericus slowly moves along, trying not to let his guilty feelings overwhelm him.
DMJK Wednesday April 10th, 2002 9:37:50 AM
Boxer and Shep both walk on in silence. Finally the dwarf stops and opens another secret door in the stone wall. He leads the group in, closes the door, and removes the blindfolds.
A short walk along this final passage and then the group emerges on the edge of a large hollowed out cavern. Beneath is a dwarven city. Small lights twinkle in the dark cavern and faintly illuminate houses carved right out of the stone cavern floor. An underground river cuts through the middle of the town. Boxer beams with pride and says, "My home."
A pair of guards standing on either side of the opening greet Boxer in dwarven. Those that understand the language hear them say, "You're late. The new King was expecting you yesterday. Hurry down and see him."
Gareth Wednesday April 10th, 2002 3:22:34 PM
The warrior follows Boxer in silence, pointedly ignoring any additional outbursts from Cantos.
Gareth Wednesday April 10th, 2002 3:23:55 PM
OOC: Cantos did not hear what Gareth said to Tericus after he was slain. Wade, you are operating on knowledge Cantos doesn't have. Why?
Jus d20=3 Wednesday April 10th, 2002 8:14:42 PM
Jus' mood is somber from the horrific images that haunt him from the battle. The party's present tensions don't help.
And now... now Jus is once again under the earth in the unnatural tunnels of ground dwellers. He can almost feel the pain the earth went through as it was roughly violated by these dwarves. His manners fail him -- as if he cares at this point -- and he fails to even acknowledge the guards. With a small chuckle, he realizes that Addenien and Qualde would probably feel more comfortable here than any others from the party.
"Qualde... I hope she is safe," Jus wonders to himself. He has little hope, but dares not attempt to contact her through the ring. Perhaps when... if... the party finds a place to rest.
Cantos Wednesday April 10th, 2002 8:52:34 PM
Cantos stiffens at Gareth's words but continues down the walkway. Entering the second door with Boxer the bard looks around, he nods at the guards. "Boxer, I know you have heard an argument that you would have probably wished to not hear. I am sorry Boxer. I am Cantos the Bard and formerly of the Storm Dragons, now of myself." Cantos almost seems to smile, but then sadness enters his face. "Boxer, I do not have much, but my bit of gold, my rapier, and my bow are the property of whoever would resurrect this goodly man in my arms, then I would take my leave." Taking off his ring of communication, the bard places it safely in Nonam's hand and turns away.
ooc: I do not believe in a white light and "POOF" you are in Gargul's domain, but rather you are where your body is in a time of transition. Hearing, seeing and occasionally affect people and things. This is the way I roleplayed it. The DM has not chastised me why do you?
Tericus Thursday April 11th, 2002 9:18:38 AM
With sadness in his voice, Tericus says, "I guess we can't keep the king waiting. If this is it for you, then goodbye Cantos. I wish you well in whatever you choose to do." Then Tericus follows the guards.
Gareth Thursday April 11th, 2002 9:46:21 AM
The warrior glares at the bard yet again. "You take our money, and our friendship, and then you think you are going to give it away?!? I think not, thief! You have left this group, then fine! Leave! You will return what the group gave you so we can let somebody more WORTHY use it!" It is clear Gareth is quite unwilling to let the bard leave without returning what he has been given.
Cantos Thursday April 11th, 2002 9:28:21 PM
Cantos looks at Gareth, and shakes his head at the warrior. "You would take from me? I think not, I traded in what I had for this, I asked for nothing and you would deem to attempt to take gifts. I think not silly boy!" Cantos stands easy hands near his weapons but not threateningly. "If you feel froggy... JUMP," Cantos says with a smile on his face. "I leave with what is mine, and if you attempt to take it then it is you who would be a thief and not me. One last thing you speak of worthy, let me tell you of my worth, I believe that the demon from Marteaus' army was upset that I killed Mr. Batwings, covered with arrows is what I believe he said, at least I wasn't just caged up... like a rabid, untrained dog."
Gareth d20=14 Friday April 12th, 2002 2:44:02 PM
Having heard enough, the warrior walks right in front of the troublesome bard and spits in his face. "So now you insult the archon and Nonam too, eh? We should have left you DEAD! I give you this ONE CHANCE to leave with your life! Get out NOW or I will kill you for your words!". The warrior places his hand on his sword and if the bard does not comply instantly (i.e close his mouth and walk away) he immediately will cut him down (Failed wisdom check).
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