Figment Monday November 25th, 2002 10:25:06 PM
The mage follows the warrior types into the hole. "Imagine, the Storm Dragons fought a lich to the death here. Pretty cool to be in the same place not too far aftward...". He remains ready to cast on a moments notice.
Olana d20+10=13 d20+13=33 d20+13=22 Monday November 25th, 2002 11:30:17 PM
"Looks like I'm on point then," smiles the elf, replacing her bow with a longsword and one of those curved daggers they found in 'Thief City'.
Carefully, she starts down the steps, using her low light vision to the best of her ability, and keeping her eyes peeled for panels, or anything suspicious. (Search DC13,Listen DC33,Move Silently DC 22)
Milo (Bull's Strength) Tuesday November 26th, 2002 2:18:11 AM
"Wait just a sec Olana." With that, Milo unceremoniously drops his backpack and fishes out a shiny mithral shirt... halfling size. Wrapped in his voluminous cloak the dextrous justicar manages to conceal his entire form while slipping into the light mithral shirt and concealing it under his tunic. His old leather armor drops to the ground, and Milo kicks it aside. Reaching into his backpack the halfling palms something before he closes it up and slings it across his back, replacing his cloak over the top. Approaching Olana he speaks quietly to the elf, "This is a little something that I got for you a ways back." Milo produces a shiny silvery charm bracelet with seven charms. "Place it on your wrist, and then touch one charm and concentrate, saying my name. When next you activate that particular charm with my name, no matter where I am at, I'll appear before you. You can set each charm the same or differently... and you can reset them if you change your mind as well. It only takes a moment." Milo smiles up at Olana, "And I'll join you on point... if you don't mind."
K'Nara Tuesday November 26th, 2002 8:08:13 AM
Snapping out of a daydream that seemed to have come out of nowhere, the leader of the Talons thought quickly, then assigned the party order to advance:
Single file: Milo Olana Maloray K'Nara Figment Ingrge Orson Lian
"Let me know if you see something suspicious, Milo...Olana..." K'Nara said, drawing Lucia from the sheathe on her back, "...I'll activate my sword so that everyone can see it, too." With this, the woman warrior urged the Talons to advance downward.
Orson d20+4=15 d20+4=19 Tuesday November 26th, 2002 10:47:03 AM
Orson does as hes told, assuming position behind Ingrge. "Inazuma" he whispers to his sword in his left hand, which responses by sheathing itself in electrical energy.
He moves down there stairs with the rest of the talons, keeping an eye and ear out for anything noteworthy.
[OOC: Listen = 15, Spot = 19]
Ingrge Tuesday November 26th, 2002 9:10:49 PM
Staff in hand, Ingrge follows along after his fellow mage.
Figment Tuesday November 26th, 2002 9:22:23 PM
The mage looks around the tunnel as he enters - looking for any sign of activity.
Downward (DM Nellie) Wednesday November 27th, 2002 8:59:39 AM
The tunnel is tall enough for a man to stand in, and wide enough for three abreast. It's dark, and damp, and heads north in a downward steep gradient that levels out eventually. Olana's low light vision helps here get her bearings quickly, while others have to rely on the light from K'nara's sword. The tunnel is paved in old stone -- looking like it was built eons ago. The darkness seems to creep up on you as you head down the stone steps and into the passage. As Olana and Milo begin to scout, they see that about 50 feet ahead, the tunnel forks, but the right side is blocked up with rock.
K'Nara Wednesday November 27th, 2002 2:27:10 PM
Once it was discovered that the Talons could enter the passage two by two, K'Nara commanded her trusty flaming sword to alight, using its flames to see what Olana and Milo were reporting was ahead.
"Check out that blockage carefully--" she ordered, "--we should try to be sure that the stones there are truly solid, and not just an illusion or a disguised sort of door."
Maloray Wednesday November 27th, 2002 3:45:50 PM
The half elf follows behind the front-rank party members, his bow out and a masterwork arrow held against the string by his left hand. In his right he continues to tote his father's wrapped sword (OOC got to find a better way to carry that :)
Olana d20+10=17 Wednesday November 27th, 2002 4:24:42 PM
Olana's face breaks into a smile of pure delight for an instant, and she quickly puts on the bracelet and sets one of the charms, picturing Milo in her mind. "Thank you," she says to Milo softly, as they descend the steps.
Figment's comment about the lich has her extremely wary, however, and she scrutinizes the blocked part of the passage with care. (Search DC 17)
Milo (bull's strength) d20+10=23 Wednesday November 27th, 2002 5:49:43 PM
Pleased at Olana's reaction, Milo turns and leads the group into the hole with short sword drawn. Upon reaching the split passage, Milo nods to K'nara, and turns to carefully search the blocked passage. (OOC: Search check DC 23)
Lian +4 cat's grace d20+17=28 d20+14=18 Wednesday November 27th, 2002 6:27:18 PM
The elven monk takes up the rear, with his bow out and knocked. He listens as they go for anyone following the group (28). Lian moves quietly along behind (18).
Lian +4 cat's grace d20+7=10 Friday November 29th, 2002 12:21:28 AM
Lian continues to follow the Talons down the passage. He frequently glances back with his bow knocked (masterwork arrow). (Spot 10)
Further Down (DM Nellie) d20+15=22 d20+1=14 Friday November 29th, 2002 9:30:46 AM
After a complete and thorough inspection of the blocked passage, you find it to be just what it appears to be...a wall of huge boulders blocking up a section of tunnel. Having no other options, the party continues down the tunnel to the left. After traveling a short way down the passage, the architecture of the place changes suddenly. Instead of rough worked gray stone the floor at this point has been carefully crafted to look like snake scales. Tiles composed of various stones glitter and glint in the light provided by the two swords. Likewise, the rough surface of the walls have been smoothed out, and large frescos of colorful snakes wrapped around various types of prey decorate the walls.
Ok, folks, Spot and Listen checks please.---Nellie
Orson d20+4=23 d20+4=18 Friday November 29th, 2002 12:23:30 PM
"Nothing unusual here, every chapel usually has the snake motif room in an underground secret passage, right?" he states quickly, with a chuckle.
He scans the room, looking for any other possible exits to the room besides the one they just entered, or anything within the room that might be noteworthy. Ocassionally he will glance behind him, making sure nothing is following them.
[OOC: Listen 23, Spot 18]
Milo (bull's strength) d20+28=44 d20+25=33 d20+12=31 d20+11=30 Friday November 29th, 2002 12:53:35 PM
As soon as Milo spots the strange snake scaled floor, he immediately slows down and finds himself a shadow as he skulks ahead of the group. Keeping to the walls, and moving as silently as he can, the halfling justicar is alert for any possible danger. (OOC: Milo is hiding and moving silently at DCs 39 and 28 respectively [-5 because he is moving at regular speed]. Made Listn and Spot checks at DCs 31 and 30 respectively.)
Lian =4 cat's grace d20+17=30 d20+7=21 Friday November 29th, 2002 5:26:55 PM
OOC:Listen 30 and Spot 21...
The monk shoots a glance of irritation at Orson, "Shhhh!", hisses the elf, shaking his head 'No.'
The monk, only hearing where Milo went, trains his bow in that direction. (Readying an action to fire at anything that's not a Talon or child)
Maloray d20+1=17 d20+5=11 Friday November 29th, 2002 11:21:19 PM
Maloray, having seen nothing like this before in his life, whispers to K'Nara "Is this what the inside of a snake looks like?"
Eyes wide with wonder he tries to take in everything at once, ready to drop the greatsword and fire should the group be attacked.
Spot=17 Listen=11
Ingrge d20+8=22 d20+8=27 Saturday November 30th, 2002 2:25:39 PM
walking along, Ingrge chats with Figment anout what spells he has ready at this time, lettig him know that he has upped his offensive spells abit this time since they had the time and knew they were going into danger. I primarily have fire and ice offensive spells this time. Do you think we should hit big and mop up or use some more finesses and save the big stuff for later. Or should we just wing it as usual.
[spot 22 search 27]
Olana (Bulls Strength +3) d20+2=22 d20+13=21 Saturday November 30th, 2002 9:14:00 PM
Spot DC 22 (nat 20) Listen DC 21
Olana turns even more apprehensive as the tunnel's decor changes. She keeps careful note of her footing as she moves slowly ahead, and listens for anything untoward.
K'Nara d20=8 d20=17 Sunday December 1st, 2002 8:32:40 AM
(OOC: Spot result is 8; Listen is 17)
The tall human bladesinger blinked at Maloray's question.
"I certainly hope not..." K'Nara whispered back, just a tad unnerved. Her hazel eyes darted around as she strained to listen for something that might give the group a clue as to what they may find down there.
Something Fishy (DM Nellie) Sunday December 1st, 2002 5:44:25 PM
Milo and Olana with their point positions, hear a rustling sound up ahead. Straining their eyes as they scan the area, they manage to spot the outline of a humanoid figure about 30 feet ahead. It turns and heads further down the tunnel quickly. Orson, Lian, and K'nara also hear the noise, but do not see anything. Maloray neither hears nor sees anything. Ingrge also spots the figure, but he notices something much more interesting as he searches the room. About 2 feet in front of Milo a 10x10 foot section of the tile is slightly raised. He also notices a small metal tube, almost flush with the ceiling, a few feet in front of raised tile.
Lian 4 cat's grace d20+17=29 d20+7=16 Sunday December 1st, 2002 11:12:52 PM
Hearing the sound ahead, Lian looks back at Maloray signaling that he hears something by placing his finger to his ear and pointing ahead into the room.
The monk stops and raises his bow and readies to fire at anything slithery or undead.
(Listening 29, Spot 16)
Milo (bull's strength) d20+11=30 d20+11=27 Sunday December 1st, 2002 11:18:07 PM
Milo's hand immediately comes up in a gesture that is unmistakeable, as the diminutive rogue wants the rest of the party to stop and wait. He creeps forward inch by inch, searching for the trap mechanism that he knows is there, and looking for a way around it. Milo prays briefly and silently to Pantheon asking for guidance as he searches. He pulls out a number of fine tools as he looks for a way to disarm the mechanism. (OOC: cast guidance and made a search check DC 30. If Milo can't find a way to walk around the trap, he attempts to disarm it with a Disable Device check DC 27.)
K'Nara Monday December 2nd, 2002 6:02:40 AM
Upon Milo's signal, K'Nara froze in place, looking around her to make sure that everyone else had done so, too. Then she waited for Milo to finish his attempt to disarm the mechanism he was working on.
Olana d20+2=21 Monday December 2nd, 2002 11:04:26 AM
The elf stops in her tracks. This place was REALLY starting to make her nervous.
"Someone ahead, human height" she says quietly to the others. "But I couldn't determine much else. Whoever it is, friend or foe - they now know we're here."
She wants to run down the tunnel, to find out more, but for now she stays put, her eyes searching the walls for anything that might help them.
(Spot DC 21)
Ingrge Monday December 2nd, 2002 5:07:40 PM
After getting Milo to stop and then pointing out the raised area and the tube to him, Ingrge watches the halfling go to work. As he does he realizes two things.
First, Milo is really good at what he does, most of the time. And second, that he is having a hard time not liking the little halfling, despite his rampant displays of affection for Olanna.
Shaking his head, Ingrge tries to reconcile all the mixed feelings he is having toward Milo and Olanna and takes a firmer grip on his staff. His knuckles turning white as he waits.
Maloray Monday December 2nd, 2002 6:53:29 PM
When Maloray sees Milo raise his hand, he leans his father's wrapped sword against the wall of the passage and prepares to fire an arrow, keeping his eyes peeled for any sign of enemies or an attack.
"What's wrong, little man?" he whispers, having never seen anybody stop and fiddle with tools in the middle of a corridor before.
Sometimes it Pays to be Sneaky (DM Nellie) Monday December 2nd, 2002 6:58:34 PM
Lian keeps an eye out for any more suspicious activity up ahead, but does not see or hear anything further.
Up at the front of the column, with Ingrge's assistance, Milo spots the trap panel and gets quickly to work. He promptly determines that it will be extremely difficult to maneuver around the panel. Working gracefully with his tools, the quick thinking halfling gently lifts the tile slightly and probes underneath with a thin wire and a small mirror. After a brief examination of the mechanism, Milo discovers that it appears to be a simple pressure plate. Holding the mirror in place with one hand, Milo removes several small pieces of wood and maneuvers them into various places around the mechanism. Finally, after what seems like an eternity to the halfling, Milo feels like he has disarmed the panel and that it is safe to cross.
As K'nara makes sure no one advances, Olana scans the walls looking for anything useful. She doesn't see anything off hand that looks promising, but does spot an interesting looking scene on one of the frescos that depicts a huge viper in the process of swallowing a humanoid figure. Since only the shoes of the victim stick out of the snake's mouth, it's difficult to tell the race of the swallowee. In place of the viper's eyes are two small rubies which flash in the dim light and make the figure seem very life like.
Meanwhile, Ingrge continues to struggle with his personal demons.
Figment d20+9=23 d20+19=25 d20+19=32 Monday December 2nd, 2002 8:41:39 PM
The mage begins to respond to Ingrge when all the hubub begins. As Olana points out the frescos the mage examines it more closely, beginning to get an uneasy feeling about what he sees. He attempts to determine if the shoed feet are the size of a human child's (Int 23). He also considers spellcraft and arcana knowledge he has become so famliar with (25 & 32). He decides to finish his appraisal by detecting magic on the frescos.
Milo (bull's strength) d20+28=33 d20+25=39 Monday December 2nd, 2002 8:46:35 PM
Milo winks at Ingrge, "Thanks, I need all the help I can get. Okay folks," the halfling whispers, "Its a pressure plate, but I think I have it braced so it won't go off. Since I'm the lightest, I'll go first... perhaps we should do this in order of lightest to heaviest, gently testing as we go." That said, Milo draws his short sword and gently makes his way across the trapped area, toward where the figure was standing a few moments ago. He keeps low to the ground, attempting to use the prevailing shadows as cover. (OOC: Made Hide and Move Silently checks at DCs 33 and 39 respectively. Moving at half speed)
Lian +4 Cats' Grace d20+14=30 d20+7=14 d20+17=22 Tuesday December 3rd, 2002 12:46:33 AM
As undeniably the second lightest, Lian moves forward. (Move Silently 31 with cats grace, Spot 14, Listen 22) He moves across the plate so that the next Talon can come across after him. He reaches the other side and looks around for anything of importance, but doesn't go far from Milo (he's afraid that he may 'find' a trap).
Orson d20+25=35 d20+4=20 d20+4=13 d20+6=9 Tuesday December 3rd, 2002 2:21:00 AM
Orson doesnt wait to be last, even if he probably weighs in at the most, with his gear. After Milo crosses and he gauges the size of the plate, he will give a quick leap, gliding through the air to the other side. Landing with a rattle of his chain armor next to the Liam and Milo, he shrugs at the sharp glances the talons are sure to give him, "Better to not test it, if possible. And they know we're here already, tip-toeing around trying not to make noise isn't going to change that." He ignores any glares he may get, and stands guard at this end as the rest of the talons cross. He will reassume his position of rear gaurd once everyone is safetly across.
OOC: [Listen 20, Spot 13, Jump Check 35, for 15 feet. If the plate seemed longer than that, he'll back up some and get a running start, for a total of 30 feet. If it was a REALLY big plate, he wont attempt this, but am assuming like a 10ft plate, or there around. And a 9 Move Silent to Land, guess the die roller already figured in any negatives for landing :-)
K'Nara Tuesday December 3rd, 2002 6:38:50 AM
The redhead groaned to herself as Orson made his rather noisy leap. Oh well--Olana did opine that there was at least one person up ahead who knew the Talons were present in this passage, so it likely didn't matter.
"Lightest first, heaviest last..." K'Nara agreed with Milo's recommendation, mentally attempting to figure out her own weight and see where in the queue to cross over the trapped plate she belonged...
(OOC: K'Nara weighs 145 pounds.)
Lian Tuesday December 3rd, 2002 7:29:16 AM
OOC: The monk weighs 111 pounds. 93 without gear.
Olana Tuesday December 3rd, 2002 11:13:53 AM
Olana wrinkles her nose at the scenes on the wall. Swallowed whole by a snake? Ewwww..... For a moment she stares at them in horrid fascination, but then steps out of the way in order to let Figment examine them.
Moving forward, she steps lightly and carefuly. On reaching Orson, her narrow, elegant fingers rest on the human's arm for a moment.
"Careful," she whispers. "There could be more. We do not know this place."
Maloray d20+13=16 Tuesday December 3rd, 2002 8:42:07 PM
Maloray also prefers not to test the pressure plate, which he accepts as being dangerous at the halfling's say-so - especially since he has great faith in his leaping abilities and the noise damage has already been done by Orson. He'll go in any order the group wants, but (grabbing his father's sword and reslinging his bow first) leaps for the other side, clearing a neat 11 feet without a running start.
(OOC 16+10/boots=26 3+(26-10)/2)= 11 ... and on a d20 roll of 3, too - Magic is a wonderful thing!)
Change in Scenery (DM Nellie) d20+15=26 d20+15=25 Wednesday December 4th, 2002 6:03:58 AM
Figment analyses the fresco, but is unable to determine the relative size of the viper, which makes judging the size of the boots almost impossible. He does not detect any magic in the immediate area.
Despite the misgivings of Orson and Maloray, all of the rest of the Talons cross the pressure plate with no adverse effects. The party reforms its marching columns, and continues several yards down the tunnel. Once again, in a few spots the passage forks, but the other side is again blocked with boulders. A thorough inspection of the areas relieve that there is no illusion involved. As you continue slopping downward, you notice a change in the scenery. The frescos have been replaced with several sections of carved runes. The pictographic language is quite unlike what most of you have seen before.
I know I'm sounding like a broken record, but two Spot checks, please. ---Nellie
Lian +4 cat's grace d20+7=22 d20+7=26 d20+4=9 d20+15=20 d20+17=25 d20+6=9 Wednesday December 4th, 2002 6:33:18 AM
(Spot checks 22 and 26 respectively, and a elven search for secret passage by the bolders as well Search of 9) The monk just shakes his head looking at the blockage.
Lian just plods along with the group making little sound (Move Silently 20) and listening to every sound in the passage (Listen 25). His bow up, knocked and ready, frequently looking behind the party. Not having said anything since they entered the passage, Lian sighs quietly when someone makes an audible sound other than breathing.
(Lian knowns the languages, Draconic, Sylvan, Elven and Common... are any of the glyphs related to these languages.... Knowledge Arcana 9?)
K'Nara d20+1=13 d20+1=14 Wednesday December 4th, 2002 6:41:09 AM
K'Nara's sharp hazel eyes darted around the area. (OOC: spot checks come out 13 and 14.)
"Nothing seems to be here, either," she said in a low voice, "Are you sure you saw someone before, Olana..?"
Orson d20+4=20 d20+4=9 Wednesday December 4th, 2002 11:03:32 AM
Orson glances as the runes briefly, then continues to glance around for trouble, making sure nothing is following up behind them.
[Spot 20, Listen 9]
Milo (bull's strength) d20+28=32 d20+25=44 d20+11=26 d20+11=26 Wednesday December 4th, 2002 11:29:26 AM
Milo moves quietly down the passage, alert to the danger that most certainly lies ahead. (OOC: Made Hide and Move Silently checks at DC 27 and 39 respectively [-5 for moving full speed]. Made two Spot checks, both are DC 26).
Figment d20+2=18 d20+2=12 Wednesday December 4th, 2002 9:01:15 PM
The mage raises an eyebrow at the frescos and moves on. He keeps his eyes peeled as they progress(Spot 18,12). "I am really hoping those kids haven't been fed to large vipers. That would be a horrible way for a child to die...Anyone to die!".
Olana d20+2=14 d20+2=8 Wednesday December 4th, 2002 9:18:51 PM
(Spot rolls 14 and 8)
The elf shrugs helplessly toward K'Nara. "Well I thought so," she whispers while tiptoeing along. "In fact I'm sure I did. Maybe its someone trying to lure us into a trap. Or maybe they just didn't expect us. I don't know."
Lian +4 cat's grace d20+17=26 d20+7=27 d20+7=20 d20+15=18 Thursday December 5th, 2002 4:05:41 AM
In the quiet of the passage, the monk hears the question from the red-haired warrior and the indefinate answer from the female elf. "Do not be fooled ladies. If an elf sees something, it is usually there, in one form or another." Whispers the monk, breaking his silence.
Lights out (DM Nellie) d20+9=19 d20+4=8 d8=4 Thursday December 5th, 2002 1:57:02 PM
As some of the party members discuss the accuracy of Olana's warning, Milo's careful eyes definitely spot motion about 50 feet ahead in the tunnel. Odd...though he can't make out a creature as such, he's sure he sees the outline of something...kind of like seeing a mirage (think the Predator's camouflage ability). Lian also spots something, though he only sees one ethereal figure.
Before a warning can be given, two arrows whiz through the air. The first strikes Olana in the chest, inflicting 4hp of damage (Fort. Check DC 17 please, Olana). The second zips by Olana's ear, and disintegrates as it hits the stone wall. Then, from out of nowhere, a rock flies out of the air, and lands with a clatter on the ground. An intense darkness emanates from the stone, and engulfs everything within a 60 foot radius.
Alrighty folks, welcome to combat. Combat map should be in your boxes. Have fun, I know I will. ;)!!!---Nellie
Lian +4 cat's grace d20+15=30 d20+20=33 d20+7=11 Thursday December 5th, 2002 7:20:25 PM
The monk moves quickly and quietly backwards until he comes into the light(Moves Silently 30), Lian then finds a hollow in the near wall and hides (Hide 33 using his ring). When he reaches his hidey-hole, he speaks in elven in a low voice. "Illum'narr evis elavar!" ("There's light here.") He raises his bow in the direction of the darkness and waits for non-Talon figures. All the while keeping his eyes behind the group (Spot 11).
Maloray d20+5=17 Thursday December 5th, 2002 8:13:37 PM
Cursing himself for a fool, Maloray holds his father's wrapped sword in his left hand and draws his battle axe. He tries to listen to the sounds around him to gain a clue of what's going on (Listen 17), but otherwise just waits for somebody to turn on the lights. If he's attacked in melee or somehow otherwise senses an enemy within reach, he'll attack with his axe, but not unless he's sure.
Milo (bull's strength, protection from evil) d20+23=34 d20+20=32 d20+12=18 Thursday December 5th, 2002 9:02:19 PM
As things go dark, Milo casts protection from evil on himself and moves forward as quietly as he can, listening for the attackers. (OOC: Milo moves at normal speed [20 ft.] with hide and move silently checks DCs 34 and 32 respectively. Made a Listen check DC 18)
Orson d20+4=15 d20+6=15 Friday December 6th, 2002 12:15:25 AM
Orson watches as the stone clatters to the floor, the last thing he sees before consumed by the darkness. Attempting to gauge its general distance as the darkness envelops the hallway, he will try to quietly move forward, to where he thinks the stone landed. Relying on his hearing to sense any approaching danger, Orson makes a wide sweep with his blade along the floor, attempting to hit and scoop in the rock of darkness.
[Listen 15, Move Silently 10 (forgot the -5 to move normal speed, which is 60ft), not sure what to roll to try and find rock in darkness and all.
K'Nara d100=93 Friday December 6th, 2002 8:24:14 AM
"Who's looking for the stone?" K'Nara demanded. When Orson responded to the query, the human bladesinger continued brusquely:
"Don't waste time trying to find it with a hand or foot--whip off a cloak and cover the area it landed in! Meanwhile, everyone try hugging the walls and moving forward--beyond the range of the spell effect." Before taking her own advice, however, K'Nara stopped long enough to cast True Strike on herself. (OOC: armor penalty check is 93, so she's able to cast the spell in spite of her mithril shirt.) Since the right-hand wall was the one she was closest to, K'Nara sidestepped to that wall and felt her way forward with her upper arm, gripping the hilt of Lucia with both hands as she carefully moved forward.
Olana d20+5=25 d20+17=22 d20+7=25 Friday December 6th, 2002 11:03:22 AM
Olana gasps as she's hit by the arrow. (Fort - made save with flying colours) Her hand quickly rips the thing out, just in case it's poison tipped, and she crouches low, listening to the stone clatter and where the others are. (Listen DC 22). Hearing K'Nara, she steps forward, whips off her cloak and will attempt to hurl her cloak like a net in the direction of the stone. (Hits AC 25)
((Attempted ranged touch attack like a net with -4 penalty as for an exotic weapon. Range 10 ft. Worth a try, LOL))
After that she crouches and hugs the wall.
Can't be a Good Sign (DM Nellie) 3d6(3+2+3)=8 Friday December 6th, 2002 1:34:52 PM
In order to avoid bumping into each other or the walls you are forced to move at half your speed in the darkness.
Lian moves back into the light and spots no movement from behind the party.
While Maloray waits in the darkness, K'nara makes her way forward, groping the walls, and bumping into Maloray on the way. The barbarian almost smashes his axe into the party's leader before he realizes that it's not an enemy that's bumping into him.
As Orson stumbles forward to find the rock, he feels two figures blocking his way.
Meanwhile, as Milo lurches forward in the complete darkness to confront the enemy, Olana tries to cover the rock with her cloak. Much to her chagrin, the darkness does not abate. She gets the feeling that maybe she's not close enough to the rock yet, though it's getting hard to tell direction any more in the gloomy darkness.
Milo thinks he might hear something moving toward him, but it's hard to tell with all the activity of the Talons in the room. He soon has other more immediate things to worry about as he hears a roar come from the ceiling a few feet in front of him. A blast of heat washes over all of the Talons except for Orson, Ingrge and Lian inflicting 8 hp of damage (Dex. Save DC 16 for half damage). The smell of burnt hair fills the air.
Lian +4 Cat's Grace d20+11=19 Friday December 6th, 2002 6:09:45 PM
ooc:Made saving throw, taking half (4).
Lian thinks to himself, 'Not again with the fire. Great.'
He moves back into the darkness, stowing his bow away.
Orson d20+4=10 Saturday December 7th, 2002 12:40:16 AM
Orson, not liking this situation at all, desides to take the Talon's leader advice. Moving past the figures in front of him, he will make his way to the right wall (feeling the blast of heat from his left, decides to go right). Placing the hilt of his blade to guide him along the contour of the wall, he will move quickly forward, seeking exit from the darkness. "Coming through" he whispers, in case hes about to run into someone. He will step around anyone in front moving slower than him, wanting to get out of the darkness quickly.
[OOC: Move at full speed I can; half speed would be 60 feet total on double move. Listen Check 10]
Maloray d20+5=19 Saturday December 7th, 2002 1:46:22 AM
ooc Maloray made his Reflex save, so takes 4 damage
ic Using the bound sword as a blind man's cane to feel his way along the left wall (as shown on the map), Maloray will edge his way forward. As before, if attacked in melee or if he can sense a foe for certain somehow, he'll attack with his axe.
Milo (bull's strength, protection from evil) d20+13=19 d20+28=41 d20+25=37 d20+12=27 Saturday December 7th, 2002 2:33:00 AM
Evading the blast of fire, Milo remains as quiet as he possibly can, continuing to move forward in the darkness, short sword in hand. He listens intently, preparing for his moment to strike. (OOC: Milo takes no damage from the fire, making his save with evasion. He moves at half speed through the darkness, getting another 20 ft. forward. Made Hide and Move Silently checks at DCs 41 and 37 respectively, and a Listen check at DC 27)
Ingrge (Cat's grace) d20+8=19 d20+8=26 7d6(3+6+5+4+5+6+2)=31 Saturday December 7th, 2002 10:21:04 AM
(spot checks of 19 and 26)
Ingrge mutters a curse as the lights go out, and as he hears Olanna's scream of pain he lets out a low loud growl. Having caught a glimpse of the figures just before the darkness hit, Ingrge goes into casting mode and sensd a fireball streaking forward. (target area centered 70 feet ahead of him)(36 points damage; reflex DC 17 for 18 points)
Olana yelps and drops to the floor, caught unawares by the flames.
Okay, so obviously there were more traps, and she could also hear some of her companions behind her moving forward. Staying low to the ground, she feels her way along,c-a-r-e-f-u-l-l-y...
(Search DC18)
She'll also recover her cloak if at all possible.
Figment d20+6=24 d6=5 d6=5 d6=6 d6=5 d6=6 d6=6 d6=6 d6=2 d6=2 Monday December 9th, 2002 12:54:54 AM
The mage evades most of the damage. Hearing Ingrge cast a fireball he decides to follow with a lightning bolt straight down the hall a few meters in front of the party's last know position and moving out into the hallway - which he ses in his mind (42 DMG).
K'Nara, True Strike d20+8=12 d20+27=43 Monday December 9th, 2002 6:44:15 AM
"Ohhhh...not again with the fire..! Just great..!" growled K'Nara. She hadn't gotten out of the way of the heat and so was now stinging smartly. She also figured that she likely looked like an eyebrow-less freak at the very least.
She also felt there was no choice but for her to whip off her own cloak with one hand and attempt to hurl it onto the enchanted stone that was keeping the entire group in darkness. So she did. (OOC: the roll I made takes the following factors into consideration: K'Nara's +11 for ranged attacks, +20 for the True Strike spell effect, and the -4 penalty for the exotic ranged touch attack. However, as K'Nara's cloak is also a magic Cloak of Protection, her AC has now dropped to 22.)
K'Nara resolved to continue forward (hopefully NOT in the inky dark spell from that stone, though.)
Friendly Fire (DM Nellie) d20+5=8 d20+3=22 Monday December 9th, 2002 2:25:35 PM
Lian, Orson, and Maloray make their way toward the front of the party, occasionally bumping into different members of the party as they make their way forward. Milo continues to creep silently forward until he finds the form of Maloray blocking his way.
Olana recovers her cloak and edges forward in the darkness as she hears the familiar sound of Ingrge and Figment casting their spells. Though he can not see it, Ingrge's fireball leaves his hand and rushes toward the last known location of the enemy. Unfortunately, it contacts K'nara and goes off prematurely. K'nara and Lian both feel a very intense heat wave wash over them, and suffer 31 hp of damage (Refl. Save DC 17 for 18). Then Figment feels the tingling electrical energy leave his fingertips and streak off into the darkness. K'nara, Lian, Milo, and Maloray are wracked with pain as the electrical energy courses through their bodies (42 hp damage, Refl. Save DC 23 for 21).
Before she casts her cloak, K'nara has the uncanny feeling that she is not close enough to the rock to cover it with her cloak. She moves forward 15 feet and expertly throws her cloak, covering the rock and suddenly restoring the natural lighting to the tunnel.
Ok spellcasters, remember, you have to have a clear line of fire in order to avoid hitting your own party members!!! I gave both of you a ranged touch attack to weave through the tunnel and not hit the party (DC 24), but both failed.---Nellie
Lian cat's grace @ 0 hps d20+11=18 d20+11=25 d20+7=17 Monday December 9th, 2002 4:13:20 PM
In the dark, both spells singe the monk badly, he miraculously dodges both spells with expert precision, still taking the brunt of the blasts.(DC18 vs fireball, DC25 vs lightning bolt)
Lian just stands there after the blast, sizzling, shaking his head and trying to clear his ringing ears. (Readying to attack back if he is attacked) When the lights come on, Lian takes a quick glance around himself (17 Spot) to get his barings.
DM Nellie Monday December 9th, 2002 8:07:35 PM
A note on the figure in the picture. The creature is now fully visible to all. It is no longer a shadow.
Orson (Power Attack +4 Dmg, -4 Hit) d20+8=26 d8+11=17 Monday December 9th, 2002 9:15:32 PM
Hearing the explosion behind him, he instinctively looks back to see what happened. Of course seeing nothing, but feeling the wave of heat once again, he prepares to shield himself the best he can, should it envelop him as well. As the darkness dissapates he brings his gaze back forward, surveying the rest of the groups condition briefly, trying to remember who he was supposed to keep an eye on; then resting his eyes on the lizard like humanoid before him.
He advances toward the creature, a small smile on his face. Not used to working in a group, he takes his own initiative and speaks to the serpent. "Looks like you'v got some explaining to do. Better speak up and tell us what you've been up to." He stands ready to swing, should the creature show agression, or attempt to retreat.
[OOC: Move up to creature. Ready an action to: If draws a weapon (or is holding a weapon [not sure if it had a bow, because of the arrows before the darkness], and attempts to use it, to sunder the weapon. If no weapon is drawn (either an unarmed attack, or it attempts to flee) will just attack the creature. Hit AC 26, dealing 17 points (or Opposed Attack roll 26 - dealing 17 to its weapon should I win sunder check).
Maloray - Rage (+4 STR +4 CON -2 AC) d20+5=10 d20+15=33 d8+7=12 Tuesday December 10th, 2002 12:02:56 AM
Ref save is 10 (failure).
Suffering the full brunt of the lighting bolt, Maloray's world suddenly becomes a small universe of pain, driving rational thought from his mind. As the red curtain dims somewhat, he realizes he can see again. The first thing he sees is Orson, his battle buddy, near a monster. The combination of factors sends the half-elf into a blinding, furious rage.
He drops his father's sword on the ground, grips the battle axe in both hands, and charges, letting the creature feel the full fury of Maloray of the Owl Tribe (OOC I shouldn't write such things before I roll).
Attack is 1d20 + 11 + 2 (extra strength from rage) + 2 (charge bonus) = 1d20+15 = 33
Damage is 1d8 + 7((3+2)*1.5) = 12
Hit points are temporarily 15 due to +14 from rage CON.
Olana d20+12=25 Tuesday December 10th, 2002 1:20:49 AM
"Milo, duck!" cries the elf, sensing whats coming. She hugs the ground tightly for a moment, pulling her cloak toward herself.
Then the lights come on! Looking up she sees a VERY strange creature. Her first instinct is to leap up and pull her swords - instead she remains in a crouching position, eyes and fingers checking the floor and walls for traps.
SEARCH DC 25
Figment Tuesday December 10th, 2002 2:20:19 AM
Stunned at his lack of control the mage waits until he can see something before acting.
Milo (bull's strength, protection from evil) d20+13=32 d20+10=27 d20+13=28 d20+13=30 5d6(1+6+6+6+6)+4=29 5d6(5+5+6+4+5)+4=29 Tuesday December 10th, 2002 4:12:11 AM
Milo feels the small hairs on the back of his neck rise as a prelude to the massive electrical attack, and dodging aside, evades the lightning bolt completely. Charging forward, Milo tumbles past the creature, into a flanking position and whips his short sword at the beast twice. (OOC: Milo made a Reflex save DC 32, and evasion allows him to avoid all the damage. Milo makes a tumble check DC 27, tumbling through his opponent's area if necessary, without provoking an attack of opportunity. With his short sword he hits ACs 28 and 30 respectively for sneak attack damage of 29 both times. Total damage is 58 hps)
K'Nara (now suffering from 60hpd, thank you!!!) d20+7=11 d20+7=25 3d8(4+7+7)+6=24 Tuesday December 10th, 2002 7:35:37 AM
Even as K'Nara reached up to unclasp her magic cloak, the all-too-familiar sounds of her fellow Talons' respective spells greeted her ears.
"No, wait, DON'T--" she tried to yell, but both Ingrge and Figment were too fast. The human bladesinger, still blinded by the mystic gloom emanating from the enchanted stone, felt the full fiery fury of Ingrge's fireball, although she barely managed to instinctively throw herself to one side as Figment's lightning sizzled by. How she managed to toss the cloak in spite of her severe injuries, she'd never know.
K'Nara was now certain that--between the frying flames and the crisping electrical damage--she'd be lucky if she wasn't looking like her old doll she'd had as a child...the one that (after eight years of rough play) had but three strands of hair standing at odd angles from the top of its head.
"Okay--NOW you should be able to hit what you're aiming for...I hope!" K'Nara said through gritted teeth. She shrugged off her backpack, knowing that she had to find and quaff one of her healing potions or the next volley of "friendly fire" would kill her.
(OOC: she'll use one of her own Cure Serious Wounds potions, but only the DM can say how long it will take K'Nara to find the bottle and drink it; the potion will heal up 24hp if she gets to drink it.)
Ingrge Tuesday December 10th, 2002 7:34:25 PM
Muttering curses the entire way, Ingrge makes his way up to beside K'nara.
Last Words (DM Nellie) Tuesday December 10th, 2002 11:11:23 PM
As most of the party catches its breath from the devastating friendly fire (yes, K'nara may down her potion), Orson attempts to intimidate the creature. The woman smiles warmly, revealing rows of sharp, fang like teeth. "Talk is for the weak..." Before she can continue, Maloray launches into her and slices a large gash in her stomach. Not even grimacing, the creature smiles at the barbarian. "Yes, you're friend knows the truth very well..." A small grunt escapes from her lips as Milo's short sword slices into her back. "Ahh...but this one knows the best.... For true honor is to die in battle." Coughing up blood, the figure slumps lifelessly to the ground in a pool of its own blood.
As Olana scan the area, she spots no signs of any traps.
Figment d4+1=4 d4+1=4 d4+1=3 d4+1=3 d4+1=4 Tuesday December 10th, 2002 11:17:20 PM
Seeing the creature clearly the mage blasts it with a magic missle (21 DMG).
Lian (cat's grace) Wednesday December 11th, 2002 12:59:08 AM
The monk moves up 20 feet and looks at the short combat.
"Watch out friends, I believe there is another one!"
Milo (bull's strength, protection from evil) d8+1=8 d8+1=6 d8+1=6 d8+1=7 d8+1=3 d8+1=4 2d8(6+7)+3=16 Wednesday December 11th, 2002 1:13:58 AM
Milo looks up at Maloray over the dead creature's body with a calm expression, "Take it easy big guy, time to calm down." Milo wipes the blood from his short sword upon the dead creature, and sheaths the blade. Moving around Maloray carefully, Milo makes his way to K'nara, pulling out his wand of healing, he gently taps the warrior woman six times, healing her a little each time. (K'nara heals 34 more hit points)
Milo then turns, and makes his way quickly to Olana whom he gently places his hands upon, and closing his eyes, prays. (coverted hold person to cure moderate wounds for 16 hps)
Looking up from his prayers, Milo smiles and then turns, looking around, "Anybody else need healing?"
Lian (cat's grace) @0 hps Wednesday December 11th, 2002 1:18:45 AM
"Milo, I could use healing." Raising his hand and smiling.
Maloray - Most likely exhausted (-2 Str -2 Dex) 1 hp d20+1=6 Wednesday December 11th, 2002 1:32:17 AM
The barbarian sees his foe fall and almost immediately hears Lian's soft words. He glances quickly around to see if there is another foe at hand (Spot check = 6).
Assuming he doesn't see one, he'll close his eyes and perform the calming ritual taught him by his father. He collapses exhausted to his knees, near dead from electrical burns.
On the other hand if he does see another enemy similar to the first, he'll continue the bloodbath, charging and attacking.
K'Nara (suffering 2hpd) d20+1=21 Wednesday December 11th, 2002 6:47:03 AM
"Thank you, Milo." K'Nara said, sighing with relief as the healing magic counteracted the damage she'd suffered. Then she bent down and picked up the enchanted stone, still wrapped up in her cloak, which she wadded up and stuffed into her still-crispy-around-the-edges backpack.
"Say, Olana..." the leader of the Talons asked the ranger, "...didn't you tell me you saw TWO figures..? Where's the other one..?" K'Nara turned her head this way and that, her hazel eyes attempting to catch any clue as to where the other figure was or may have gone. (OOC: Spot check result is 21!)
Olana d20+17=28 d20+13=32 Wednesday December 11th, 2002 12:40:48 PM
Satisfied for now they aren't going to blunder into any more traps, the elf gets to her feet and approaches the dead creature, staring at it for a moment. "True honour is to die in battle...?" she repeats softly. Then she closes her eyes, feeling Milo's healing touch.
"Thank you," she whispers, squeezing his hand for a moment. Snapping back to attention, she hears K'Nara's question. "I wasn't completely sure," she answers. "I saw form and movement, but if there is one, there could well be more. We must be careful, for going off what this one said, they will fight to the death and take no prisoners."
With that, she takes a guard position a few feet further ahead, giving the others chance to get healed up before they venture further.
Watching the tunnel ahead, she puzzles over Maloray, having never seen a half-elf attack like that before. So much power and rage... ((Listen DC 28, Spot DC 32))
Fragments (DM Nellie) Thursday December 12th, 2002 12:12:42 AM
Figment's magic missile rip into the dead creature's body leaving a gaping hole in its chest cavity. It is very obvious that the creature won't be bothering anyone EVER again. As Milo sets about his healing, Olana and K'nara search for signs of the other creature. Scouring the ground, K'nara finds a small pile of ashes in the shape of a snake about 15 feet up ahead. With amazing insight, the bladesinger realizes that Figment's lightning bolt did more than just singe the party...it also ushered the other creature to the Halls of Justice.
Orson d20+4=5 d20+4=24 Thursday December 12th, 2002 1:34:05 AM
Watching as his allys drop the snake-like creature, he shakes his head slowly, disagreeing with its parting wisdom. "Honor in death has nothing to do with battle, but for the people and cause for which you are willing to give your life." He states this to no one inparticular, the creature already having been slain. "I've only I'd known that before..." he whispers quietly. Moving his left hand up, he stares at a band on his ring finger, a look of sorrow overcoming his face briefly. Closing his eyes briefly and taking a deep breath, he steps past the creature, glancing around as he slowly moves farther down the hallway.
[5 Listen, 24 Spot]
Milo (bull's strength, protection from evil) d6+1=7 d6+1=5 d6+1=4 d6+1=4 d6+1=7 d6+1=3 Thursday December 12th, 2002 2:35:53 AM
Milo moves quickly over to Lian with wand in hand, and taps the monk once. (7 hps) "All better now... right?" Milo grins, joking with the elf, and then taps him twice more. (9 hps more for 16 hps total)
Moving over to Maloray, Milo smiles mysteriously, looks up, and then taps the human with his wand three times. (healed 14 hps total) "There ya go big guy... perhaps more later."
Lian (cat's grace +4) Thursday December 12th, 2002 5:35:16 AM
"Thank you Milo. Greatly appreciated."
The monk then sits down in the middle of the corridor and crosses his legs, palms up on his knees, then he closes his eyes and begins to mutter to himself, meditating, he channels his chakra into healing himself (for the remaining 7 points he's down). For a moment there's a faint glow. A moment later he's feeling and looking better. Standing back up, he simply smiles and continues into the hall with the party.
Maloray - Fatigued (-2 Str -2 Dex) 15 hp Thursday December 12th, 2002 8:14:39 AM
Maloray feels the soothing touch of Milo's wand and looks at the halfling, managing a feeble grin.
"Thank you, Milo."
He stands, and heads back down the tunnel to retrieve his father's sword before returning to the group.
OOC Nellie, could you tell me when Maloray is no longer fatigued? The PHB says "At the end of the rage the barbarian is fatigued until the end of that encounter."
Rog, this encounter is concluded.---Nellie
Ingrge Thursday December 12th, 2002 6:58:08 PM
Looking around, Ingrge quietly asks Olanna. "Aren't you carrying that curing wand? Perhaps we should use that if others need healing?
Oooo...Look at All the Pretty Colors (DM Nellie) Thursday December 12th, 2002 11:48:43 PM
Milo makes his rounds, bringing his healing touch to several of the Talons as Orson keeps watch. He does not spot any signs of further enemies. After a brief rest the party continues down the tunnel.
About 50 feet ahead, the tunnel makes a sharp turn to the left. The sight that greats your searching eyes is absolutely breath taking. The tunnel straightens out, and about 20 feet in front of you is a large dug out pit approximately 30 feet wide, 50 feet long, and 40 feet deep. The pit is dug in such a manner that it is impossible to bypass it to get to the other end of the tunnel. Huge columns of red, yellow, and blue marble are arranged inside the pit, providing a path to the other side. There are 8 columns of each color, all of which are mixed together. From your vantage point, the collage of varied colored columns strongly resembles the shape of a coiled snake. Each pillar is approximately 7 feet apart, and there is approximately 5 feet between the ledge and the first column.
Lian (cat's grace +4) d20+8=17 Friday December 13th, 2002 3:50:01 AM
Looking at the obstacle in front of the group, Lian just shakes his head.
"Well, whose jumping to that column first?" Asks the monk. Looking around at the group and seeing no volunteers, Lian prepares to jump. He gets prepared to jump the gap, stands on teh edge, then the elven monk launches himself onto the first column. (Standing Jump check of 17 +2 synergy bonus from tumble for 19-10=9/2=4.5 feet +minimum of 3ft= 7.5 feet) He doesn't over shoot the mark.
He then looks back at the group. "So who is next?" He smiles.
(OOC:Are there patterns to the colors on the columns? How wide is the base of the column?)
Nope, no patterns to the colors on the columns. The column is uniform in diameter, about 5 feet. I'm no math genius, so the numbers may not work out. ;)---Nellie
Figment Friday December 13th, 2002 9:42:28 AM
The mage looks at the pit closely to see if it matches the frescos he observed in the hall. He also activates his fly spell.
Olana d20+13=31 Friday December 13th, 2002 11:02:47 AM
"Oh!!!! I forgot," exclaims the elf as Ingrge reminds her of the wand. Quickly, she passes amongst the group. "Who need some more healing?" she asks, pulling out the funny wand that just seemed to have appeared one day.
As for the pit, she spends some time trying to figure out a pattern, or obvious path. ((SPOT DC 31)) She chews her lip nervously as Lian takes the first leap.
Orson d20+25=39 d20+25=37 Friday December 13th, 2002 4:07:05 PM
As Lian makes his jump to the first pillar, Orson stands gauging his jumps, deciding on which platform to spring off of. Choosing a pillar a little over half way out, Orson answers Lians question "I am", and begins his run toward the edge. With a grunt at the last second he leaps into the air, landing safetly on his chosen pillar. Not halting his momentum, he takes a single step to push off into another jump, covering the rest of the distance over the pit, with yards to spare.
Maloray d20+17=31 d20+17=24 Saturday December 14th, 2002 1:38:37 AM
Narrowing his eyes at Orson's display of leaping skill, Maloray accepts healing from Olana and then backs 20 feet down the corridor. He takes a running start and leaps, attempting to duplicate the warrior's feat.
(OOC my chances: d20 + 10(maximum ranks for a level 7 character) + 3(STR 16) - 1(Armor Check Penalty) + 10(Boots of Striding and Springing)=
d20+22
Distance cleared will be (5+(skill roll-10))x1.25(for Run feat), or (skill roll - 5)x1.25 feet. Thus feet cleared per jump is (d20+17)x1.25.
"It seems we have something in common, westerner."
Milo (bull's strength) Saturday December 14th, 2002 3:13:20 AM
Looking across the pillars, Milo gets a perplexed look on his face. He looks down at himself in all his shortness, and realizes that jumping is just not a solution for him. Digging into his backpack, the halfling justicar produces a 50-foot coil of silk rope. "Does anyone else have rope? I could use another 20 feet or so. Then I need someone who is doing the actual jumping to take one end and string it out across this rather large pit. Then I'll levitate, and ya'll can just reel me in like a worm on a hook." Milo smiles briefly, and then frowns as he realizes that he doesn't like his own analogy.
Ingrge Saturday December 14th, 2002 1:59:25 PM
I have plenty of rope Milo, But I think this place smells of trap so badly even I can smell it. I really think we needed to take some time to maybe puzzle this out, but I guess, indicating the two jumpers, we don't have that luxury. I can burn a spell out of my book a fly myself across with rope and give us a hand hold perhaps, and then you acn pull yourself across.
K'Nara d20=12 Monday December 16th, 2002 6:17:56 AM
"I agree with Ingrge...we ought to make sure that there aren't any traps to be triggered by just jumping all over the columns..." K'Nara said with a nod, frowning thoughtfully. "I hate trying to figure out puzzles." Nevertheless, the redheaded leader of the Emerald Talons squints in concentration, straining to see whether there is a peculiar logic to crossing the room. (OOC: made an Intelligence check for 12.)
Leap of Faith (DM Nellie) d3=1 d3=1 d3=1 d3=1 d20+9=19 d20+9=18 d20+9=18 d20+9=25 d20+9=15 d20+9=12 d20+4=5 d20+4=24 d20+4=9 d20+4=20 d20+4=9 d20+4=16 d20+4=6 d8=1 d8=2 d8=6 d8=6 d8=1 d8=4 d8=1 d20+15=21 d20+15=22 d20+15=35 d20+15=18 d20+15=31 d20+15=25 Monday December 16th, 2002 2:25:25 PM
Lian makes his jump like a pro, and crouches on the yellow column like a tiger while he waits for the others to formulate a plan.
As Figment prepares for take off, he takes a close look at the columns. He finds that though the columns are shaped like a snake and the fresco was in the shape of a snake, the patterns are slightly different.
Olana also scopes out the area, and although she does not see any noticeable pattern, see does spot something a little unnerving. She notices that the red and blue pillars have a minuscule wobble to them. Squinting her eyes a little, Olana also thinks she sees the outline of a form about 100 feet ahead.
Both Orson and Maloray decide on a different course of action, and make two spectacular jumps landing them on the other side of the pit. Just as their feet are back on solid ground, an eerie whistling sound fills the air, shortly followed by a small volley of arrows. Five arrows find homes in Orson's chest, making the warrior strongly resemble a pin cushion (16hp damage). Only two arrows manage to strike Maloray (5hp damage) as several others whistle by him. Orson, make 5 Fort checks DC 17, Maloray make 2 Fort checks DC17
As Milo measures out his rope, and Ingrge ponders whether it might be a trip, K'nara also examines the area, but cannot find any obvious patterns or traps.
Combat map coming your way. Please note, Olana is the only one to take note of Shadowy Figure #1 as of yet. Spot check (with -13 penalty for distance) DC 22, 35, 18, 31, and 25 to notice one of the figures.---Nellie
Orson - - Hp 31 (-16), 4 failed saves d20+4=24 d20+5=14 d20+5=15 d20+5=12 d20+5=14 d20+5=25 Monday December 16th, 2002 3:22:49 PM
[Failed 4 of the 5 Saves. Spot Check 24 - 13 = 11, dont see any figures]
Orson grunts in pain, nearly falling backwards into the pit due to the impact of the arrows. Glancing around to try to spot whatever launched the arrows. "Archers!" he hollers, even though he is unable to see any, and attempts to make his way forward, wobbling as the posion of the arrows takes effect.
[Unless of course the 4 doses of poison drops him, in which case he will try to warn the others, then collapse :)]
Maloray d20+6=7 d20+6=16 d20+1=5 d20+11=13 d8+3=6 Monday December 16th, 2002 4:54:21 PM
Maloray's painful lesson continues as he's struck by two arrows.
(OOC he fails both Fort checks - 7 and 16 - and fails to Spot anything - 5)
If the barbarian remains able to act, he'll charge the visible shadow-thing and attack with his axe, hitting a (ooc and the crappy rolls continue) AC 13 for 6.
OOC BTW I need to know how much healing Olana gave me before I jumped... I specified that Maloray accepted healing from her before he leapt...
Lian cat's grace+4 d20+7=19 Monday December 16th, 2002 5:48:04 PM
As Lian lands, he watches the two newest Talons go soring over him. He just shakes his head and says to himself, 'The impetuousness of youth.' Then seeing Orson get plugged with arrows, he says under his breath, "Young man, hold on! Maloray watch out, get down."
"It is no puzzle, but it is an ambush." Says the elf, looking back over the pit at the other Talons. "K'nara what would you like me to do?" As he crouches on the column like a perched owl on the hunt. (Spot 19-13=6, might be closer than the rest of the talons, but still don't see a thing)
(OOC:Holding my action until K'nara tells Lian what to do.)
Ingrge (Cat's Grace, Displaced, 4 mirror images) d4+1=4 d20-5=15 Monday December 16th, 2002 7:00:49 PM
Looking across the pit Ingrge can make out one of the figures and then sees the arrows and using his staff expends two charges and suddenly there are 5 Ingrges and they all kind of seem to be shifting from side to side.
What is the range to the figure(s)that Ingrge can see. (Spot check natural 20) 20+8-13= 15
Orson and Maloray are 45 feet from the figure. The rest of the party is 100 feet away from the closest figure.---Nellie
Figment (fly) d20+2=12 Monday December 16th, 2002 11:06:32 PM
The mage casts Improved Invisibility on himself and takes to the air. "Time to find out where they are...". He begins to look for the source of the arrows. He prepares to cast. (Spot check 12)
Olana (Precise Shot) 2d8(2+1)+6=9 d20+12=13 d8=5 d8=6 Tuesday December 17th, 2002 12:53:00 AM
"Someone up ahead!" exclaims the elf. "Lian - it seems to me that the blue and the red columns appear unstable!"
Pulling her bow, she takes aim - if she has a clear shot and will not hit Maloray and Orson, she will fire, although whatever she sees appears to be right at the edge of her range.
((Well gee whiz, hits AC13 for 5))
((Rerolled the 1 on the healing roll - 14 HPs for Maloray. Sorry, I didn't see it before.))
Milo (bull's strength) d20+11=28 Tuesday December 17th, 2002 2:33:12 AM
Dropping his rope to the ground, Milo pulls out his shortbow as he begins looking for their attackers in the general direction of Olana's aim. (OOC: Made a spot check DC 28)
K'Nara d20+3=23 Tuesday December 17th, 2002 6:02:04 AM
"Get OFF that column, Lian," K'Nara said, "We need to advance quickly--" Her sharp hazel eyes glanced at the fallen Orson and Maloray, "--and I don't want to chance anyone jumping onto unstable columns." Here she turned towards Figment and Ingrge--but the human mage was already gone.
"If you have another fireball that could possibly illuminate where these bushwhackers are, DO use it!" K'Nara told the elf. Then she scanned the chasm--oh, well, if both Maloray and Orson had been able to make it before...
"I'll wait for you to fire it off before I jump across," K'Nara said to Ingrge, "Gods know that I'll need the cover if them archers are THAT good..!" She nodded towards Orson and Maloray. "We gotta get Milo over to those two..." (OOC: the Jump check [if it is allowed as per K'Nara's stated intentions] is 23.)
Lian (cats grace +4) d20+8=26 Tuesday December 17th, 2002 10:16:02 AM
***Using Held action****
Lian jumps back onto the hard, solid ground, near the Talons. (Standing Jump, 26-10=16/2=8+3ft=11 feet toward the Talons) Landing very solid, Lian stands up straight next to K'Nara. "So, Olana thinks the yellow ones are stable. What do you think, should we cross on the pillars or at the bottom of the pit?" Asks the monk.
Ingrge Tuesday December 17th, 2002 6:37:30 PM
K'nara, as soon as I can find a target or someone can give me some distances I will just that.
We need to get across quickly now. The luxury of figuring a good way across has been taken from us. I say we try the yellow route, and hope Olanna was correct.
Pop goes the Snake Thingy (DM Nellie) d20+15=18 d20+15=31 d20+15=16 d20+15=34 d20+15=28 d20+15=23 d20+9=11 d20+9=15 d20+9=21 d20+9=23 d20+9=11 d20+4=8 d20+4=7 d20+4=22 d20+4=7 d20+4=8 d8=5 d8=7 d8=2 Tuesday December 17th, 2002 10:39:26 PM
Both Orson and Maloray suddenly begin to feel weaker as the poison from the arrows courses through their veins. Orson temporarily looses 4 points of Constitution (down 28hp), while Maloray only looses 2 (down 14hp) . Orson comes very close to passing out, and while Maloray can't see the enemy archers (remember, I said the figure was only visible to Olana), both he and Orson are able to determine the general area where the arrows came from. Orson moves forward to engage, and as he draws closer, he easily spots six creatures similar to the one the party killed in the earlier encounter. He swings at the first creature, but he isn't able to aim properly, and the creature remains unscathed.
The ledge gets a lot more crowded as suddenly there appears to be 5 Ingrge's. Meanwhile, Figment decides to scout ahead. Soaring up above the pit, the invisible mage moves in for a closer view. As he moves closer, the mage is easily able to identify six creatures. About ten feet ahead.
Olana moves a little to the left and has a clear line of fire on the shadowy figure, but her shot goes wide of the target. Due to the incredible distance between himself and the archers, Milo is unable to spot any of them (Olana only got to because she rolled a natural 20!). As Ingrge and K'nara talk shop about spellcasting, Lian returns to the ledge and continues to problem solve with the Talon's leader.
Six creatures suddenly become visible to all of the party. Shadowy creature #1 responds to Maloray's attack by dropping it's bow. Maloray's head begins to throb, and he feels as if he is under some kind of mental attack (Will save DC 17). Five of the creatures draw their bows once more, and let loose yet another volley of arrows. Two arrows whistle by Milo, missing him by a mile. Two more arrows also evade K'nara. Another set of arrows arch forward, and both find their home in Olana, doing 12 hp of damage. Another arrow makes its home in Lian's leg (2 dam), while three others shatter against the side of the pit. Olana, make two Fort saves DC 17, Lian make one. Failure results in a loss of Constitution point per each failed roll.
Maloray, Orson and Figment please make Listen checks DC 10---Nellie
Figment d4+1=4 d4+1=4 d4+1=5 d4+1=3 d4+1=2 Tuesday December 17th, 2002 10:50:33 PM
The mage blasts the creature that dropped its bow with 5 firey missles and immedately moves to the left 30' or so (18 DMG).
Lian (cat's grace +4) d20+11=24 Wednesday December 18th, 2002 12:10:46 AM
(Deflect arrows Reflex Save of 24, arrow is deflected unless the arrow is +4 or greater) (OOC:Note:Monks only make one attempt to deflect arrows each round as long as one hand is free.)
IC: After wiping the arrow out of mid-air, Lian gets noticably frustrated. Tossing his braids back, Lian looks in the direction of the archers, his eyes narrow and the monk begins to shake with anger, clinching his fists. "K'nara I am going to cross those pillars and kick some shadowy-behinds, if you do not tell me what to do." ***Holding action again for K'Nara's commands***
Maloray d20+2=3 d20+5=20 d20+11=28 d20+6=24 d8+3=9 d8+3=6 Wednesday December 18th, 2002 12:28:02 AM
OOC Oops..sorry I saw the one figure on the previous combat map and thought we could see one shadow but that the rest were hidden. My bad. Olana's healing 14 points cancels the Temp constitution lost HP, leaving me at 15 once more. Will save: Ack, a rolled 1 for a total of 3. Not good. Listen: 20.
If Maloray is still conscious and in control of his faculties following the mental assault:
IC:
Maloray feels the cold tentacles of doom crawling in his mind, feelers no mere metal armor can withstand. Although he feels the rage creeping up inside him, Maloray fights it back down. He may need the extra adrenaline boost later if the first two encounters are any indication.
Holding his father's sword in his left hand, he attacks twice with the battle axe in his right:
Attack 1: Hits AC 28 for 9 Attack 2: Hits AC 24 for 6
If the attacks happen to fell the creature in front of him, he takes a five-foot step closer to the creature forward and to the right of his current position.
K'Nara d20=17 Wednesday December 18th, 2002 6:43:44 AM
"We don't have much of a choice," K'Nara said, frowning. "Orson and Maloray need backup now--" Suddenly six figures became visible. "Ingrge--fire off that d*** spell...NOW!!!" K'Nara waited for the elf to blast some of the enemy with his trusty Fireball spell, certain that Ingrge would have the wisdom to place the flaming missile so that Maloray wasn't likely to get hurt by it.
"Follow the fireball, Talons!" K'Nara ordered, starting her own hopskotchy trek from yellow column to yellow column. "Use the yellow columns..." As soon as she got to the other side, K'Nara was going to introduce the bushwhackers to her beloved Lucia...
(OOC: DM, as I'm not certain about what kind of roll you're looking for to make it across the chasm on the columns, I merely rolled a d20. You'll have to add whatever Dexterity or Jump bonuses/penalties that you feel apply.)
Orson (-4 Con, AC 14 (charge), Power Attack -5 hit, +5 damage) d20+9=29 d20+9=17 d8+12=20 d8+12=15 Wednesday December 18th, 2002 11:46:36 AM
Shaking off the effects of the poison, for the moment anyway, Orson chrages forward to support his barbarian friend. With all his might, he brings his blade down upon the serpent like creature to Malorays right (firgure 2).
[Attack Nat 20, Crit possibility hit AC 17. Normal damage 20. If AC 17 hits (im assuming it doesn't shouldn't have power attacked :P) total damage is 35 (20+15). ]
Olana d20+5=10 d20+5=10 d20+4=17 Wednesday December 18th, 2002 7:32:24 PM
Olana coughs abruptly as the two arrows slam home, but she will attempt to pull them out quickly. ((Ugh - failed both saves))
Hearing K'Nara and the others, she waits until Ingrge has done his stuff, and will then attempt to traverse the pit using the Yellow columns.
(Dex check DC 17)
Ingrge 7d6(6+6+4+5+3+5+3)=32 Wednesday December 18th, 2002 7:48:29 PM
Arching his spell so that it will sail over the heads of all the Talons and ignite 3 feet behind and ten feet off of the ground behind shape 4. The five Ingrges cast fireballs at the shapes across the pit. The fireball engulfs several of the enemy in the 20 ft. blast radius causing 32 points of damage.[16 points damage on a reflex save DC 17]
Not Again! (DM Nellie) d20+8=24 d20+7=25 d20+6=15 d20+6=12 d20+6=20 d20+2=17 d20+3=14 Thursday December 19th, 2002 1:14:58 AM
Figment's magic missles rip into the creature, which grunts in pain. Maloray feels a sudden overwhelming fear of the creatures in front of him, and almost runs away. He manages to gain control of himself, and unleashes a devastating attack upon the nasty little creature (Sh#1), ending its pathetic life. (Roger, please read my email about the mind attack before your next post.) However, he still feels an overwhelming terror at the creatures in front of him, and the desire to flee is strong. In the distance, Maloray is sure that he hears a child screaming.
Seeing his newly acquired friend in danger, Orson rushes forward, and with one amazing blow, manages to decapitate the creature (Sh#2) in front of him.
Taking the offensive, Ingrge works his magic, and two of the creatures (Sh#2 &4) are completely consumed in the magical fire, while another manages to avoid the brunt of the blast (Sh#3).
After Ingrge opens up the fire gates, K'nara takes a flying leap, and lands on one of the yellow pillars.
Olana quickly pulls the arrows out, but knows that she is too late. Her limbs begin to tremble slightly as the poison courses through her body (she looses 14 hp due to --2 Const.). Making her own leap of faith, Olana manages to make it to the first yellow pillar.
Seeing that the first two pillars are taken, Lian waits for the others to move on.
One of the creature's (Sh#3) begins to back away, and as he does so, Orson feels as if his mind is under attack. Will save DC 17. Another of the strange snake like creatures (Sh#5) begins to back away from the awesome duo of Orson and Maloray. The final remaining creature (Sh#6) grins a fangy smile and most of the surrounding cavern in suddenly covered in inky black darkness (deeper darkness, PHB 191).
Ok folks, if you're going to be pillar jumping, you roll a d20 + Str. Bonus -- armor penalty. For your first jump, you may make a running jump...so, you get 5 feet +1 foot for each number over 10 that you roll. Obviously, you can only make a standing jump once you are one the pillars, so then you get 3 feet + 1 foot per 2 points over 10 (see PHB 70).
Maloray, Orson, and Figment...the area you are in is in COMPLETE darkness. You cannot see a thing. You may only move at half you move rate, have a 50% chance of failure on any attack, and have no dexterity bonus to AC while you are in the darkened area. People outside of the area cannot see what is going on inside the darkness.---Nellie
Lian (Cat's grace+4) d20+8=26 Thursday December 19th, 2002 4:25:44 AM
The monk, being very impatient, which is uncharacteristic for him, gets back 20 feet, to the left 10 feet and makes a running leap for the yellow column in front and to the left of K'Nara. He soars over the two female Talons and lands solid again (on the Northwest yellow pillar in front of K'Nara)(The lonely yellow pillar in the middle).
(Running Jump... rolled 26-10=16+5 foot minimum=21 feet (+2 synergy bonus from 5+ Ranks in Tumble) =23 feet, no armor penalty)
"At your command, K'Nara." He turns and smiles at the red-head.
K'Nara (Bull's Strength/Strength 17) d20+3=18 Thursday December 19th, 2002 6:15:33 AM
The human bladesinger thanked the gods that the Bull's Strength spell cast on her earlier had boosted her strength for the day, or she might not have been able to do this leaping from column to column.
"Keep going, Lian!" K'Nara told the monk. "We have to get as many of us across as possible..." Now she could see that there was more darkness to contend with once the group was on the other side of the chasm. "Blast it--we're gonna need a Dispel Magic or something to counter that newest spell effect..." She tensed and jumped again, barely making the next yellow pillar (the one that was northeast to her former position.)
(OOC: the actual Jump outcome should have been 19; I forgot to add my Jump skill modifier.)
Maloray d20+5=25 Thursday December 19th, 2002 7:39:05 AM
Snakes. Maloray's mind is filled with their squirming, writhing coils and the only thing he wants is to get away from them, from these snakes that pretend to be people.
The barbarian half-turns to jump back over the chasm, but suddenly hears a noise in the distance. Is that a child crying? Or screaming in pain?
He turns back around, steeling his mind, facing his fear.
And then the lights go out.
The fact that he can no longer see what he fears does not help matters any, if anything it makes it worse. The snakes could be anywhere...he could be stepping on snakes with every step.
But there's a human child ahead, so he must go on.
He takes a moment to orient himself and calls out to his friends nearby..."There's a child screaming up ahead...I'm going forward."
Ignoring the snake creatures for the moment, Maloray simply tries to walk towards the screaming child he hears.
OOC Maloray moves at half speed (40 feet) towards the noise he hears ahead. He uses the wrapped sword in his left hand as a blind-man's cane, keeping his axe ready to attack. Please note that Maloray should retain his +3 Dex bonus to AC because of his Uncanny Dodge ability (At least I think he does...he gets it against an invisible attacker, which would kind of be the same as one completely obscured by darkness, right?) Here's another Listen roll if you need it: Wow, natural 20 for a total 25!
Milo (bull's strength) Thursday December 19th, 2002 9:58:18 AM
Milo thinks to himself, 'It would be easy at a time like this for one of my stature to simply stand by in mock impotence, blaming the cruelty of fate for the inability to perform such feats of jumping... but... ooh I have an idea.' Milo's face quirks up in his self-styled expression of comedy, and the halfling shoves the rope back into his pack, and produces a pair of magical iron spikes and his potion of levitation. He then shoulders his pack once more and prepares to drink the potion.
Orson (Power Attack -5 Hit, +5 Dmg) d20+1=19 d20+7=22 d8+12=16 d100=43 Thursday December 19th, 2002 11:46:25 AM
Orson shudders as he feels the magic tearing at his mind. With a yell, he repels the invasion of his thoughts, moving forward to where the figure in front of him was, before the darkness eveloped them all. Bring down his blade in a strong swing, hoping the creature hadn't moved, and he judged the right direction.
[Will Save 19. Hit AC 22, for 16 Damage. Not sure if you roll high or low for concealment, but rolled 43.]
Ingrge (flying, 4 mirror images, displaced) d20+6=24 Thursday December 19th, 2002 10:41:03 PM
Opening his spellbook, Ingrge sighs as he knows he is burning a spell, but knowing that in the end it may well save one of his friends and proceeds to read his spell of flying out of his book as if it were a scroll. Next thing He knows he is soaring across the pit to the other side, and flies into the darkness to land.
Figment d4+1=2 d4+1=5 d4+1=5 d4+1=3 d4+1=5 Thursday December 19th, 2002 10:52:50 PM
The mage follows the creatures down the tunnel - or at least where it was the last time he saw it. He flies (45') until he exits the darkness prepared to cast. If he can locate a target he uses a magic missle to hit the weakest one (20 DMG). (If not he holds)
Things That Go Bump In the Dark (DM Nellie) Friday December 20th, 2002 10:19:46 AM
Leaping like a lemur on uppers, Lian vaults onto one of the yellow pillars in front of K'nara. Not to be outdone, K'nara leaps onto the nearest yellow pillar. While not having the flare that Lian does, K'nara gets the job done, and finds herself one step closer to the enemy.
Bracing himself against his almost overwhelming fear of the enemy, Maloray stumbles over the dead bodies of Sh#1 and Sh#4. The sound of screaming becomes almost gut wrenching as Maloray continues forward in the darkness.
Milo prepares to do a little elevated spelunking, retrieving his potion and spikes from his backpack.
Orson stumbles forward in the darkness, trying to locate the creature using his sense of hearing. Bringing his sword down, he feels the satisfying crunch as it connects with flesh and bone (1-50=a hit).
Ingrge and his clones loft into the air, and soar over the pit with ease. He travels a little way into the darkness, and then his feet settle on solid ground once more in the pitch black.
Smacking his head against the ceiling several times as he flies in the dark, Figment attempts to find his way out of the darkness. However, after flying as far as he can, Figment does not reach the end of the darkness, nor does he spot an enemy.
In the darkness, all is eerily quiet, until Figment hears a clattering noise. Then once again all is quiet...too quiet.
I am not going to post a copy of the combat map for the darkened area. After hindsight, I think it give you too much information and doesn't make it as much fun. Those characters in the darkness will need to describe their movements in as much detail as possible. Thanks! ---Nellie
Olana (Bulls Strength) d20+6=12 d20+6=14 Friday December 20th, 2002 11:24:10 AM
(Eeeeeeee! Tried to post last night - site was down)
From the first yellow column, Olana attempts to leap forward for 5ft, and then 7ft (second attempt allowed).
(I'm reckoning she just about makes it to the next two yellow columns ahead and then to the left, but those rolls weren't great.)
She hopes those up ahead aren't walking or flying into an ambush.
Orson d20+8=18 d20+7=26 d20+3=16 d100=45 d100=2 d100=97 d8+7=11 d8+4=8 d6=1 d20+4=18 d20+7=12 d8+4=9 Friday December 20th, 2002 12:30:56 PM
Having made contact, and found his enemy, Orson unleashes his full assult, always trying to have his blade in contact, so the foe will not slip away.Should the foe fall, he listens as best he can in the darkness for sounds of the other snakelike creatures.
OOC: Main hand #1 AC 18 (45 = hit) for 11 Dmg. Off hand #1 AC 26 (2 = hit) for 9 Dmg (8+1 electrical) [Possible Crit, Hit AC 12. for extra 9 damage] Main hand #2 AC 16 (97 = miss) Listen Check = 18
Lian cat's grace(20 Dex) d20+8=28 Friday December 20th, 2002 4:27:05 PM
(OOC:Olana, the site was indeed down, I screamed too. ;) )
Lian crouches one more time and leaps up and over to the next yellow column (centered yellow column directly North). (Nat 20!) (Standing Jump 28-10=18/2=9+3ft minimum=12 feet) The monk again lands solid, he then turns to K'Nara. "K'Nara, maybe we should just play hop-scotch on the yellow all day. This is kind of fun." The smile leaves his face when he realized perhaps now wasn't a great time for a joke. He turns back and prepares for the next and hopefully final jump.
(OOC: Can we make more than one jump per round as part of movement? Or is it round by round because we're in combat? The people on the pillers aren't in melee, that's why I ask.)
Ingrge (cats grace, mirror image4, displaced) d20+11=26 d6+5=10 Friday December 20th, 2002 7:08:18 PM
Having stayed to the right side of the pit and tried to fly straight, Ingrge hopes that he is still near to the right side of the passage. Taking a moment to listen, Ingrge tries to hear the hissing breath usually associated with snake-like humanoids. If he hears any tell-tale sounds Ingrge takes 1/4 movement keeping his feet shuffling along the ground and takes a swing with his staff. (AC 26 for 10 points of damage)
Maloray d20+5=12 d20+2=11 Friday December 20th, 2002 11:42:48 PM
Maloray continues to try to follow the child's voice through the darkness. He does his best to convince himself that he's past the snakes by now and steels his thoughts with the idea that the child is nearby and needs his help.
OOC Listen roll: 12 Do I need another fear roll? If so: 11. If not, ignore the second roll.
Milo (bull's strength) Saturday December 21st, 2002 1:37:01 AM
Drinking the potion of levitation, Milo wills himself to rise to the ceiling so that he is flush with its surface, and then begins to use the magic pitons as grips to claw his way across the top of the ceiling. (OOC: I'm not sure how far Milo can get in this manner.. so just let me know.)
K'Nara d20+4=22 Saturday December 21st, 2002 7:30:45 AM
K'Nara cursed the two newcomers to the Talons for rushing ahead before the entire group was ready to go forward, moved as close as she could to the edge of the pillar she was now on and jumped toward the next yellow pillar in her path (the one just northwest of her position on the Round 4 map.)
(OOC: Jump skill check result is 22.)
Figment (Fly, Improved Invis) Monday December 23rd, 2002 12:09:48 PM
The mage continues to fly in the direction of the hallway, holding one arm to protect against the ceiling and one out front against the possiblity of stalactites, walls or height changes. He comes out prepared to cast - if indeed he makes it.
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