Jus d20=5 d20+25=29 d20+20=37 d20+15=22 d20+25=41 4d8(6+5+3+3)=17 4d10(9+1+8+6)=24 8d6(4+6+4+1+5+3+4+6)=33 Thursday December 12th, 2002 9:17:30 AM
Jus looks at the tips of the arrows, considering...
Then he seems to wake up to his senses and decides not to do what he was about to [made WI roll].
However, his curiosity gives him another idea. Jus takes the three arrows coated with what appears to be blood, and one normal arrow, and fires them at Clangden's foe. [AC: 29(blood)/37(b)/22/41(b) Dam: 27/13/21/21]
Nonam Thursday December 12th, 2002 10:17:56 AM
Nonam looks at Tericus and says, "See there. I think your spell worked. He's not moving at all. Maybe we should tie him up or something before he gets to moving again." Nonam takes out a couple of spare silk sashes of the type he wears instead of a belt and holds them out for someone else to take. "I'm not particularly good with knots and such, but I think these sashes would make excellent bonds. The silk fiber is quite strong. Addinein? Torel?"
Clangden (ac35, 258/149-Shield) d20+30=33 d20+25=30 d20+20=31 d20+22=23 d20+22=34 d20+22=26 Thursday December 12th, 2002 12:30:15 PM
with blood streaming down his face, scalp, arms and chest, Clangden wills the new shield surrounding him to be between him and the winged creature, Clangden continues his unrelenting attacks upon it.
hitting ac: 33,30,31 damage: 23+34+26=83
shouting outloud: 2 more series of hits like I just took, and you all will need another fighter to replace me.
Addinein d20+6=16 Friday December 13th, 2002 2:55:34 AM
Hearing Nonam's comments, Addinein takes a look at the archer to confirm his words. If his words ring true than Addinein will move to tie up the archer with with the volunteered sashes, or with the some of the silk rope that he's carrying. (rope use 16)
If not, he moves to a flanking position on the creature with Clangdon as he moves he'll cast shield on himself and continue to be full defensive (AC 34)
Gareth (50% Displaced) d20+34=50 d20+29=43 d20+24=34 d20+19=32 d10+19=20 d10+19=21 d10+19=21 d10+19=27 Friday December 13th, 2002 9:40:10 AM
The warrior once again closes on the creature (Spring Attack). Seeing how hard it is to hit he sheathes his short sword (Quick Draw) and wails on it with two hands. Hit whacks it 4 times hoping to make a bigger dent (Hit AC 50,43,34,32 for (20+21+21+27=89 DMG).
DM Jan Friday December 13th, 2002 10:55:19 AM
Beset by axe arrow and sword - the huge winged creature makes a final ghastly howl and drops like a stone. *THUD*
Torel, who'd been on the opposite flank to Addinein, raises a grisly eyebrow. "Well - that took some doing. Nice work, boys," he says with a definitive nod, and strides over toward the archer.
Clangden feels like he's been knocked into next week, and will need patching up, and Gareth's head is filled with cries of victory, by an over excited Max - pleased as punch at striking the killing blow. The sword isn't usually this loud - maybe this place is getting to him too.
Two of Jus's arrows are now coated with some kind of blue goo, and they smell of death.
At Nonam's suggestion, Addinein ties up the stricken archer using sashes and rope. The man is still unable to move or speak.
Torel takes Tericus to one side. "I will assist you with any healing if you want," he says quietly. "But I know they would probably prefer your healing touch to mine," adds the spooky Gargulian. "Your call."
"Make him talk," he then says in all seriousness to the others. "Perhaps if he lost his bow fingers.."
Clangden (ac35, 258/149, Shield) Friday December 13th, 2002 11:05:52 AM
kicking the dead winged creature as he walks past it, he stomps up to the captured archer, squats down on his haunches, pulls out a wicked looking knife, and awaits the spell to wear off before he starts tortu.....errr interrogating him.
Addinein Friday December 13th, 2002 8:44:27 PM
Not exactly thrilled about what might happen next. Addinein does his best to make sure that the archer is aware of what he is. Addinein's brethren have this habit of starting rumors that the other races expect everyone to have. Maybe that will help a little bit. So Addinein moves behind Clangden with a look of anticipation on his eyes making sure that Addinein's features are recognized. You'd swear that he might be licking his chops.
Speaking in Drow for affect, "I've not done this since coming to the surface. This should be fun if the dwarf doesn't ruin you."
Tericus 4d8(5+7+7+5)+14=38 4d8(1+1+7+7)+14=30 3d8(8+4+2)+14=28 Saturday December 14th, 2002 2:59:49 AM
shrugging his shoulders at Torel, Tericus says "Ill do it." then he walks over to Clangden and touched him on the shoulder(casts CCW twice for 38 + 30 - 68 back). then he touches his own wounds(cast csw for 28 back). then he goes over to Gareth and Nonam and says quietly "I will not allow then to torture the prisoner. No matter how evil or foul it is, no living thing deserves to be treated like that."
Nonam Sunday December 15th, 2002 4:31:56 PM
The wizard tosses Clangden a potion of Cure Critical Wounds (4d8+4), "I didn't want to jump in too soon and ruin your fun." While the brutish types gear up for the interrogation, Nonam mentions, "He won't be able to move for about 15 minutes. Tericus and Jus scared the bedomi out of him."
[I know there shouldn't be a cure critical, but the big cheese just gave it to me in the LnB]
Jus d20=12 Sunday December 15th, 2002 9:53:33 PM
Jus drops his backpack to get a piece of clothing. To his dismay, he quickly realizes he didn't carry his usual full gear to the party.
Well... what to do about this goo on his arrows? Jus tries to wipe off what he can on a relatively clean part of the beast's remains. It's a shame the blood arrows didn't do anything significant.
Jus takes another look at the arrows, tossing them aside if he can't get the goo off.
Ignoring the captured prisoner, Jus sits down by a stream and contemplates the rivulets of red that call him by name. [wis roll=12]
Gareth 50% Displaced Monday December 16th, 2002 12:20:49 AM
The warrior shrugs as they move over to the perpetrator. "Looks to me like we all did lots of damage... Max, its over, be still...". He waits for the others to do what they've begun. He speaks in his mind to Max. "Max, if the guy thinks about where the Overlord may be would you tell me?".
DM Jan Monday December 16th, 2002 11:30:00 AM
While waiting for Nonam's spell to wear off, Tericus starts to heal the worst injured and voices his concerns about the prisoner. Nonam hands Clangden a healing potion to help things along.
Torel is a little further along the path, crouched down and muttering - he looks to be tracking.
Jus manages to clean off the blood and goo from his arrows - half human blood from the prisoner, monster blood from the winged creature - life to those it belonged to, but nothing compared to the sheer power and magic of that which runs not too far away from his feet, seductive and eating away at his resolve.
Gareths calms Max down, although there is a wave of eagerness, now the sword has something else to do.
As for the prisoner -
Clangden and Addinein can see the man for who he is - half elven, about 5ft 10", with a long braid of blond hair down his back. The instant he comes out of the spell, his facial expression changes to one of fear, laced with cunning. His eyes dart between Clangden's knife and Addinein's dark elven visage. "Keep me alive, and I'll tell you anything you need to know," he gasps. "Once they know I've failed, then I'm dead meat. I need you to protect me. Throw me in jail, whatever you want, but I need protection. That is my price. What say you?"
Lichs... whispers Max triumphantly in Gareths head. Three of them, and they're heading for Koshe Marr.
Addinein Monday December 16th, 2002 1:05:38 PM
Staring at the half elf as if a servant spoke out of turn for a second. Addinein then turns his gaze to the back of his hand as if inspecting his fingernails for dirt.
"Were my sisters here, you would tell us what you know whether you were alive or dead. I will volunteer to take this 'dead meat' back to them in order to get this information from him so that we don't have to offer our most valuable services for unvaluable information. They've not had something to do for some time, this might keep them entertained for a little bit."
Clangden (ac32,258/237) 4d8(4+7+1+3)+4=19 d8=2 Monday December 16th, 2002 1:30:12 PM
Drinking the potion that was given to him (20 points), Clangden tosses the bottle on the ground, shattering it into a million pieces. Getting up after the man speaks, and slamming the knife back in its scabbard, he turns to Tericus saying, "He's yours to talk with, I'm gonna go grab the winged creatures axe and then go see what Torel is doing."
(Second d8 was for the 1 I rolled for healing, remember to reroll 1's when it comes to healing folks.)
Walking over to the winged creature, he kicks it again for good measure, then scoops up the axe it was using as a weapon, then walks over to Torel and asks what he is pondering over.
Stopping just shy of Torel, Clangden turns to Tericus saying, "Thanks partner, for the healing."
Jus d20=10 Monday December 16th, 2002 3:07:35 PM
Jus glances back towards the party, then briefly speaks through the Dragon Rings, "You did strip him of his belongings, yes? 'Twould be a pity if he teleported himself away."
Jus pulls out one of his non-returning arrows and dips the point into the stream. He gingerly pulls the arrow out and watches the excess drip, creating subtle ripples in the stream.
Nonam Monday December 16th, 2002 7:32:23 PM
Nonam glugs down a potion of detect thoughts while Addinein and the others see to the questioning. The wizard keeps his focus on the prisoner to see if he's telling the truth and such. Nonam also tries to figure out who or what the man is afraid of.
While he concentrates on the thoughts, Nonam washes out the potion vial with a little water from his skin. Then he cleans out the empty vial from the intelligence potion too. He dries them out with another of his silk sashes, once he's finished and tucks them back into their carrying place.
Gareth d20+23=34 Monday December 16th, 2002 10:56:44 PM
The warrior moves forward and stares the guy in the face in the most intimidating way (Intimidate skill - DC 34). "I'd say you'd better be more worried about what we'll do to you. You will talk before we just decide to kill you. If you tell us what we need to know you will leave with your life - at least by our hands. Why did your masters take the girl? Where are they taking her? Why are they after us?". He holds Max near the man, hoping to glean more information.
Tericus Tuesday December 17th, 2002 5:17:45 AM
Tericus begins to question the being, but seeing that Gareth and Addinien are doing it for him, he just hangs back and makes sure they don't carry out their threats.
DM Jan Tuesday December 17th, 2002 11:52:59 AM
Clangden retrieves the axe from the dead beast. It's well made - obviously a masterwork, possibly more. Torel tells him that he's trying to pick up some kind of trail. "I have the ability to track undead, but my skill is enhanced when I know exactly what I'm looking for." He nods toward Jus. "Pull him away, before it holds his mind, and you lose him."
Jus's actions meanwhile are becoming very dangerous. He will note how easy the Woldsblood slips away from the arrow tip, leaving no coating, no trace. The stream appears to command his full attention.
As for the prisoner, faced with multiple threats and intimidation, he appears to make some kind of decision and starts singing like a canary. The entire plot - as he appears to know it, spills out.
"She was merely bait. They knew you'd try a rescue. Once it was apparent that she was going to be voted in, rather than a candidate they controlled - they sought to befriend her and become her council. They made a deal with some VERY unsavoury types - undead - who could have the girl if they put up a welcome committee for you guys. Obviously it wasn't welcoming enough, and they sent me into this godsawful place to finish the job if need be. I figured there'd only be a few stragglers left. I figured wrong." He shrugs in his bonds before continuing. "Just think of it - had it worked, the Black Dragons would have been rid of the Storm Dragons, and they could have had their own candidate re-elected and the entire City under their control. Not a bad plan - if it had worked. Heh. I think they were planning on saying that 'you' had abducted the Overlord, or somesuch that would besmirch your name."
He gives a smug grin, his eyes shifting toward Tericus. "You won't kill me, or hurt me - he won't let you - will you, priest. It'll prey on his conscience if you cut me loose and I turn up dead. Oh yeah, you gotta take care of me. As for your sisters, drow - I've danced with them before. They don't scare me."
He re-affirms what Max told Gareth. "Three lichs have her. They want to make some bargain with a daemon, but they have to get closer to the Lands of Rest." He starts to laugh. "They probably think they're free and clear."
As Nonam listens, he gradually gets the impression the man is telling the truth except for one thing. Those sisters of the Underdark frighten him a great deal.
Clangden Tuesday December 17th, 2002 4:30:39 PM
"Well, Torel, it appears we now know what we are looking for -- three Liches. And if my memory serves me right, those are nasty undead beasts, undead nonetheless, and as you said, you can track those nasties like none other can. So, you lead, and I follow and kill if that's what the gods will me to do."
Turning to the rest of the group he says, "Whatever we are gonna do, we need to do it now, I have to be someplace in a week or a lot of people are gonna be terribly upset. And heaven forbid, that happens."
Gareth (50% Displaced) d20+30=49 Tuesday December 17th, 2002 7:43:25 PM
The warrior smiles at their prisoner. "What is your name?". He looks to Tericus. "Is he evil - or just misguided?". Regardless of the responses to both questions - once he gets his answers he slugs the guy in the side of the head with Max's hilt in an attempt to knock him out. He hits him squarely.
Addinein Wednesday December 18th, 2002 12:04:50 AM
Not knowing what Gareth is about to do Addinein responds to the half-elf's comments about the sisters, "Then you are a fool!"
Addinein waits as he sees Gareth try to knock out the prisoner.
Tericus Wednesday December 18th, 2002 9:10:17 AM
"I can tell you in a few hours. I didnt think it was a vital spell considering where we are." Tericus says as Gareth hits him on the head. "He is right about one thing though, I wont leave him to die. I bet he has someway of getting back." then Tericus begins to search the man for a ring or something that might send him back to his home
Nonam Wednesday December 18th, 2002 7:01:03 PM
Nonam looks over at Gareth, "You know we can't take a prisoner with us..."
Nonam wanders over to pull Jus away from the Woldsblood. When he gets there he whispers, "We can study it later, but it's too strong here. Come back to the group." As long as the Detect Thoughts is working, Nonam tries to check out the Woldsblood. Does the potion help the voices become more clear?
Jus d100=100 d20=11 Wednesday December 18th, 2002 9:14:30 PM
Jus shrugs, letting Nonam pull him away from the stream. "Yeah, probably... let me know when you're ready to leave."
Jus stands where Nonam let him go and touches the end of the arrow where the Woldsblood used to be [failed WI roll; ignore accidental d100].
DM Jan Wednesday December 18th, 2002 11:45:52 PM
As soon as Clangden inform's Torel of their foe, the big undead hunter stands up and nods. "Lichs - I thought I could smell lichs - right, lets move. This way."
"The name's Ranyer - " answers the prisoner to Gareth. He's about to add, "Bow for hi -" when Gareth's sword slams into his head and he slumps forward. From what Addinein can see - he looks to be out cold.
Tericus finds an intricately designed ring on the half-elf's finger, and a carved elven scroll case clipped to his belt. Inside is a single scroll. His longbow lies a few feet away.
Nonam rescues the distracted Jus from the dangers of the Woldsblood stream. The potion he drank doesn't appear to make much of a difference to the voices themselves, they continue to sing on, beckoning. But there is a feeling of truth, and inevitability to them.
Jus will note that the arrow is as clean as a whistle. Not one minute drop is attached to the tip.
"Okay - whats the plan?" asks Torel as he beckons them over a rugged bridge. "And what are you going to do about him?" He points to the slumped prisoner. Looking ahead, it seems that the streams are starting to meet up and grow into rivers.
Tericus Thursday December 19th, 2002 8:47:33 AM
not being able to identify what the ring does, Tericus opens the scroll and reads it. if he cant read it he walks over to Nonan and says "Tell me what this does."
Addinein Thursday December 19th, 2002 2:33:49 PM
"We should probably divest him of everything that is useful to him right now. I'm torn whether we should leave everything of his here, in case he is being tracked magically or not. Torel, is the place proof against scrying?"
Nonam Thursday December 19th, 2002 5:45:56 PM
Nonam starts to ponder the woldsblood himself to Tericus comes over, and the wizard has a look. He'll use his permanent read & detect magic and comprehend languages to help with the scroll if need be, "A proper identification spell will take too long to cast, but let me have a look just the same."
Gareth Thursday December 19th, 2002 10:37:59 PM
The warrior looks up. "Max told me there are 3 lichs and they're heading for Koshe Marr - wherever that is. Sounds like we've a good chance to catch them if they think we're taken care of. Frankly, I don't care what you do with this guy. If he fires arrows at me he chose the wrong side and loses any sympathy I might have had. I'd say just leaving him alive with his stuff would be good enough. That is, if we can prevent him from contacting the liches. Otherwise if I'm forced to choose him or the Overlord, he loses and that's that.".
Jus Thursday December 19th, 2002 11:37:40 PM
Jus is disappointed, but the talk of Liches distracts him for now. "Let's get moving, then. I'm sure Clangden and Max are itching to find those things."
DM Jan Friday December 20th, 2002 11:04:25 AM
((OOC - good point, John. Everyone, I'm going to be available to post for the most part, but I know some of you are traveling, and that it is a time for family and friends. I was planning to maybe play it by ear, and certainly not launch into a big battle until we're all back to our regular schedule. We do have a few points to consider in the meantime - what to do about Ranyer, and perhaps come up with a plan of attack and rescue. Your foe is likely to be powerful, and cunning.
What I would like to know - is a date when you're all back on a regular schedule and able to post. After the New Year?))
((BTW - apologies for not posting last night - the site was down for some reason.))
BigTim Friday December 20th, 2002 11:19:18 AM
I say lets wait til after the 1st, I will be working the 2-10 shift, and the library here will be closed most of next week and the following.
DM Jan Friday December 20th, 2002 12:33:04 PM
From the script on the scroll, Tericus may recognise a Plane Shift spell, and Nonam will no doubt be able to confirm it. The ring remains unidentified for the moment.
"Scrying is very difficult in this place," Torel tells Addinein. "There are no guarantees, even for the best of us. It is a world not easily tamed."
"It's entirely your decision as to what to do with him," he adds to Gareth, "but though I might have pained him a little to gather the truth from him, I would not condone his slaughter either. Remember Gargul is with us, and ever watching. For the undead of course, that is a different matter entirely."
"We need to move fast, follow the flow, but with care. They've gone deeper - toward the Lands of Rest, and I need to have a word with these two boys here." The undead hunter's eyes swivel toward Nonam and Jus.
Nonam Friday December 20th, 2002 5:34:21 PM
Nonam was about to walk over and slit the archer's throat to end that little discussion, but instead he turns to Torel and says, "What?"
Jus d20=15 Friday December 20th, 2002 10:47:29 PM
Jus wonders what's up with Torel.
"These voices are still calling for me guys, I think something may be wrong with me," Jus tells the others. Glancing at the streams, he adds, "but I can't convince myself to stop listening."
Jus Friday December 20th, 2002 10:48:12 PM
OOC: I'll be away from my home computer until the 2nd. I may be able to post in between, but no guarantees.
Gareth Sunday December 22nd, 2002 10:43:04 AM
"If we're not going to kill him, leave him his means to escape. We take everything else." The warrior gathers the man's things other than what the mages say we need to leave (ring, bow, arrows, etc.). He gives the stuff to whoever wants it.
Addinein Monday December 23rd, 2002 1:12:54 AM
"Can we give him a sleep spell, or hold person, or something of that kind, to hold him for awhile?"
Clangden Monday December 23rd, 2002 2:26:36 PM
Clangden goes up and pushes Nonam and Jus towards Torel saying, "He needs to have a few words with the both of you, and don't you even think about backtalkin' me boys. You ain't too old to get a whoopin."
After herding the two to Torel, Clangden takes up a position between the Wold's Blood and Nonam and Jus, making sure they don't get no ideas about going swimming.
(on alert) (tapping foot impatiently)
Note from editor Kim to all Tuesday December 24th, 2002 3:56:43 AM
The plural of lich is liches.
[Delete this after Christmas. :-) ]
~~ Jan ~~ Thank you, Kim - liches it shall be. :)
Are you sure it's not Lichen? :) - DEH
Nonam Tuesday December 24th, 2002 10:01:00 AM
"I wonder what a glass dwarf would look like..."
DM Jan Tuesday December 24th, 2002 11:27:32 AM
As the group gets ready to leave, and Jus lets the others know the Woldsblood influence is becoming troublesome, Torel approaches the two spellcasters.
He is fully aware of how this place can affect people, and is concerned about the lives of Nonam and Jus. However - his brutal profession leaves him little time for politeness and social interaction. Brusque and confrontational, he makes Clangden sound like a real smooth talker.
Pointing at a nearby stream, he growls -
"Don't look at it, don't listen to it, don't mess with it, don't talk to it, don't touch it, and under NO circumstances entertain any ideas about capturing any of it. It WILL kill you. Only a Fixer has the skill and years of training necessary to control Woldsblood."
He gives a sigh and for a moment seems a little less fearsome.
"I know only too well how seductive it is. Those who battle it's influence in the long term pay a price."
He says nothing more. Perhaps he doesn't have to. The scarred face, cold clammy skin, mysterious clouds of mist curling from beneath his cloak and overall creepiness suggest that this man would never be asked to tea or taken home to visit Mom.
As for the prisoner, he's starting to come around - his eyes still closed - Addinein and Gareth can hear him muttering incoherently.
Gareth has the bow, and the ring, unless Tericus took care of it. The scroll containing the spell appears to be a 'way out'.
Gareth Tuesday December 24th, 2002 11:35:14 AM
"So are you guys going to detain him or do I let Max taste his blood?". After the prisoner is dealt with (e.g. someone casts on him - or Max gets to have fun), the warrior suggests they move on quickly.
Clangden Tuesday December 24th, 2002 5:16:11 PM
walking up to the prisoner. kneeling before him he pulls out his waterskin and gently tips it up to his mouth, and lets him drink just a bit at a time, not to cause him to choke. after he has his drink, Clangden looks deep into his eyes, with a twinkling look Clangden asks: if we promise to care for you, do you swear on all that is good and holy, do you swear on your life and honor, that you will not outwardly or deviously hurt or stop us in any way? (if he swears, Clangden continues) I then promise to protect you to the best of my abilities. turning to the rest of the group, he says: promise him, so that he might take comfort in the fact that we are not like those who sent him here to kill us. (turning back to the prisoner) you will not be allowed any weapons of any kind, plus your hands will be bound in front of you. should we come under attack, stick by me, I will defend you to my death if the god's will it so. but know this, the first time you break your word to us, I will slit your throat myself. (stands up, next to the prisoner, watching and waiting)
Nonam Friday December 27th, 2002 11:23:57 AM
Nonam looks a bit perturbed about taking a prisoner and with Torel's nattering. He doesn't say anything about it though. "Let's get going, we've waited here long enough."
Addinein Monday December 30th, 2002 8:41:08 AM
Not expecting the turn of events from the dwarf, Addinein holds his breath to see if the prisoner is receptive.
Tericus Monday December 30th, 2002 7:58:53 PM
"Let him read his scroll. That will take him home." Tericus says as he holds the scroll out to the prisoner. Tericus doesnt return his ring though.
DM Jan Tuesday December 31st, 2002 3:28:28 PM
Ranyer the half elf mercenary looks pleadingly into Clangden's eyes. "I swear, I swear, I sw- " he says, right up until the point that Tericus hands over the scroll.
He takes it immediately, reads it as fast as lightning, and POOF!!! - he's gone.
Torel rolls his eyes. "The rabble one finds in here. It's intolerable," he mutters before heartily agreeing with the decision to move one.
"That way," he points down a broad path in between two broadening streams of Woldsblood. "Okay - what is our plan? We haven't seen these 'characters' yet," he spits, "so maybe they're traveling invisibly. I'll be able to sense them when we're close, however."
Nonam Wednesday January 1st, 2003 4:27:54 AM
Nonam offers, "I could see them if they were invisible. I've permenantly enchanted my eyes, you know." The wizard looks about just to make sure. "If we could arrange the ambush next time, that would be most agreeable. In any event, liches will be casting spells, so when we encounter them, I will create a globe of invulnerability for our fighters to attack from. It will ward off their weaker spells and likely give us the edge."
Tericus Wednesday January 1st, 2003 8:12:34 AM
"I have a few surprises for the liche's too. That is, if we survive their first magical barrage." Tericus says
Gareth Wednesday January 1st, 2003 2:38:33 PM
"I can travel invisibly and in the air at a much faster pace. Maybe I can stay below those life.. whatever they are's.". The warrior gets moving rapidly with the others after stowing the newly acquired bow and ring - and whatever else (e.g. I don't recall who got what, but Gareth makes sure nothing is left behind.).
Nonam Thursday January 2nd, 2003 1:24:41 AM
Nonam tells Gareth before he leaves, "Your invisibility won't work on the liches. The undead are immune to illusions, but Jus isn't. He might pop you with an arrow by accident."
Clangden Thursday January 2nd, 2003 2:35:19 PM
stands up, grabbing his axe, everyone sees that his features revert back to the way they were, black hair, and greying beard.
walking up to Torel he says: lead on, we've got a woman to save and some Liches to destroy.
hefting his axe, ordering his shield up, Clangden has a look of death in his eyes.
DM Jan Thursday January 2nd, 2003 5:00:52 PM
The group sets off in the direction Torel pointed. The further the distance traveled, the wider the streams of Woldsblood seem to become, making you wonder ultimately what lies ahead.
Then, after a little while, Torel stops. He looks to be sniffing the air. About 100 yards ahead on the same path, Nonam's enhanced eyes spot a figure walking along, presumably in the same direction, away from the party. This figure is holding a rope. Attached to the other end of the rope is another figure, but this figure is floating about six feet in the air, and doesn't seem to be moving.
Tericus Thursday January 2nd, 2003 6:36:32 PM
"What do you smell?" Tericus asks Torel
Addinein Friday January 3rd, 2003 1:43:49 AM
Having joined the rest of the party after seeing the prisoner leave. Addinein waits to see what Torel reports having heard Tericus's request.
Clangden Friday January 3rd, 2003 12:45:19 PM
watches, listens and waits.
and yawns widely.
Jus d20=15 Friday January 3rd, 2003 8:46:53 PM
"Try to give me a few minutes warning to cast preparation spells before we engage," Jus adds to the conversation. Otherwise, he trods along quietly, listening to the voices calling for him.
Nonam Sunday January 5th, 2003 3:01:44 PM
"Um, does anyone else see that up there? It's a figure walking away from us. This figure is holding a rope. Attached to the other end of the rope is another figure, but this figure is floating about six feet in the air, and doesn't seem to be moving."
Nonam strains to make out a little more detail while he asks, "Um, Torel, what happens to undead if they're exposed to Woldsblood? Will it destroy them or make them stronger? Are they simply immune?"
Gareth (50% Displaced) Sunday January 5th, 2003 3:17:49 PM
At Nonam's words the warrior activates his flying boots and draws Max (Quick Draw). "See what?".
DM Jan Sunday January 5th, 2003 11:55:22 PM
In the middle of the path, Torel has stopped in his tracks. A frown is almost splitting his face in two.
"There's something forward of us, and we're getting close," he growls at Tericus and Addinein, confirming what Nonam has seen. He then turns and points back the way they came. "But I also have a knot in my gut. Just a hunch. Back there... ah *&^%$%*..." he trails off after a rather colourful curse.
Max lets out a jolt of mental anticipation as he is drawn by Gareth, and unfortunately it seems that Jus isn't going to be allowed his few minutes of preparation, for about 75 ft behind the party - the ground appears to shimmer at two points, and two creatures - vaguely humanoid rise up and hover about 1ft in the air.
They are both ragged, skeletal and hideous - one appears to have some kind of crown on his head, the other is half dressed in white shreds.
The white shred-clad horror begins to speak in a high pitched, almost feminine tone, and moments later both figures emit a dark "glow".
The crowned one starts to laugh. It isnt pleasant and jangles in Jus's head, milling with the voices already there.
Up front, Nonam will see the invisible figure turn and pull the floating figure until it hovers over a stream of Woldsblood. It then begins to walk slowly back toward the party, trailing the floating figure alongside it. (Currently about 200 ft away).
"Woldsblood isn't choosy, lad!" Torel answers Nonam's question quickly as battle is about to commence. "Alive or undead - it will take us both to meet with Gargul!
"Dwarf," he adds to Clangden, "I hope that axe of yours is still sharp."
Your init, gentlemen. Map in email.
Tericus 14d6(5+1+2+5+6+6+2+2+4+5+2+2+2+4)=48 Monday January 6th, 2003 1:19:14 AM
"Spread out a bit so they can catch us all with their magial powers." Tericus says as he moves forward to the two visable liches. after moving he casts blade barrier on the liche on the left(30 ft radius centered on him, ref. save of 21, 48 dam.)
Nonam d20+14=30 Monday January 6th, 2003 11:11:54 AM
Inspired by Torel's words, Nonam activates his boots of speed and then casts telekinesis. He uses it to violently hurl Woldsblood from the stream onto one of the liches. He can move up to 375 pounds of the nasty liquid, and he picks up all that he can, giving it a good spray to make sure that at least a little of it contacts the lich.
(attacking lich in the top right of the map, hits AC30 using spell attack formula)
Clangden (ac33/31(due to charging)) d20+32=48 Monday January 6th, 2003 11:56:24 AM
as Nonam attacks the Lich on the right with the Wold´sblood, Clangden lets out a Dwarven battlecry and cgarges the Lich on the left. racing up to it, he raises his axe above his head, and with a fast,hard downward swing, he begins his rain of death on it.
Clangden cont. (sorry, hit submit by ,mistake) d20+32=49 d20+32=49 d10+22=30 d10+22=23 d10+22=26 d10+22=28 Monday January 6th, 2003 12:01:49 PM
used a hero point to reroll attack, rolled a natural 17, hitting ac49. possible crit, rolled another natural 17, hitting ac49 again. critical. rerolled the 2nd (23) damage roll using another hero point.
total damage done = 84 (using a +5 weapon)
(ooc would everyone be so kind as to remove my old email address of clangden_stanky@hotmail.com to clangden_milo@hotmail.com., I haven´t used the first email addy in over a month, had to reactivate it just to get the map. Jerry did send out a post a while back asking everyone to make note of my new addy.)
Gareth (50% Displaced) d20+34=47 d10+19=25 Monday January 6th, 2003 9:51:52 PM
Seeing only the 2 attackers at the rear, the warrior flies low to the ground and closes with the lich that Clangden has engaged wielding Max withboth hands. "I think I'll let Nonam deal with the other one...". He cuts into the creature with abandon, knowing how hard it was to kill only one lich last time they met one (Hit AC 47, 25 DMG).
Jus d20+15=20 d20+15=35 6d6(6+3+5+3+4)=21 d20+15=24 5d6(3+2+3+5+6)=19 Monday January 6th, 2003 11:03:15 PM
Jus activates his boots of speed, while watching Nonam's attack on the right lich. Shuddering with a mixture of fear and longing, Jus momentarily considers how easy it would be to join the Woldsblood. Now is not the time, though. Just to make sure he doesn't do anything rash, Jus moves to the center, between the streams.
Taking his time to get an unblocked view at the left lich in the rear, Jus begins to cast. With as much calm as he can muster, he completes the spell and sends a thin, green ray of Disintegration at the lich.
[hit ac20; used hero point, natural 20, hit ac 35 (critical threat - hit ac 24); Fortitude save for 21hp damage (+19hp if critical hit) or disintegrate]
DM Jan 4d6(4+2+4+4)=14 Tuesday January 7th, 2003 12:39:51 PM
Wasting no time, Clangden and Gareth move to engage the lich on the left - however, Tericus's BLADE BARRIER flashes into existance right before their eyes in a whirl of metal.
(David, Tim - I'll let you engage in that round, taking damage from the blade barrier, or you can hold back, saving your hero points for another opportunity. Lemme know.)
The lich gives a maddened shriek, rising up 30 ft into the air to avoid the blades, taking some damage in the process. He is further damaged as Jus's thin trail of doom connects and threatens to blow the creature into dust.
Suddenly, a large ball of Woldsblood rises from the stream on the right, adhering to itself like mercury, and rolls through the air toward the lich on the right, hitting the creature solidly before dropping to the ground. For the lich itself, there is nothing spectacular about it's death. Snuffed like a candle as it's life energies are sucked out of its phylactery - it drops.
As for the Woldsblood -
The red ball of raw magic drops, and immediately starts to carve out a new stream on the ground. It moves fast, connecting with the stream opposite, others join it, until it has formed a tributary right across the path, connecting one stream to the other. For a few mind-jarring moments, the magic within it literally sings out, affecting everyone, battering the subconscious, and for the first time - Gareth, Tericus, Addinein and Clangden get an inkling of how Nonam and Jus have felt all along in this place. It seems to call out - join the flow, die now, your struggle is over... it is seductive and compelling.
This surge of power causes Nonam and Jus to drop another Wisdom point ahead of time.
"Look out! Watch your feet!" yells Torel as the streams cut a new, 5ft wide path, isolating Clangden and Gareth from the others.
((Gareth, Tericus, Clangden, Addinein - time for another Wisdom save, gentlemen - DC 15, or start to hear the voices and suffer a gradual drop in Wisdom at 10 hour intervals.))
The crowned lich cackles and screeches out a command, and suddenly Gareth and Clangdens little island is shared by a blue slaad - its big, its blue, with an ugly frog face, nasty jaws, claws and some rather impressive bone hooks on the back of its hands. It smiles.
Meanwhile - left to its own devices and full concentration, the lich further down the path approaches, trail it's floating captive precariously over the Woldsblood stream.
A cloud suddenly erupts, 20ft high, speeding toward the group, rolling forward, spitting hot ash and severly limiting visibility. Everyone except Gareth and Clangden take 14 DAM, every round they're in the cloud. Reflex DC22 for half.
Map in the mail. (My apologies Tim, hopefully I've sent it to the correct address this time)
Clangden d20+30=47 d20+30=31 d20+25=32 d20+20=34 d10+22=23 d10+22=27 d10+22=31 d10+22=32 d10+22=28 Tuesday January 7th, 2003 4:05:40 PM
(** will step back to avoid the Blade Barrier, regaining 2 Hero Points**)
seeing that the Lich is now out of his reach, above the whiring blades, and now, out of nowhere is this blue frog thingy, Clangden decides to let the spellchuckers handle the Lichs and then goes for the Frog standing in front of him with full force.
(hitting ac47, poss. crit, rolled ac31 for follow up, ac32 and ac34) (assuming all attacks were successful, damage is as follows) 81 for crit, 32, 28 = 141 points of damage (break down on damage in case all were not a success) 23,27,31(crit roll),32,28 **maybe, in the future, if it doesn't ruin the suprise or rules, that when we attack the creature that his ac is posted so our attack posts wont be so long trying to describe if it hits or not**
Addinein d20=12 d20+9=22 d20+18=31 d4+1=4 Tuesday January 7th, 2003 4:05:58 PM
Having enjoyed the silence in his head before, Addinein is a bit unnerved when the voices don't stop. (failed wis roll (12)).
(made reflex save. Taken 7 points of damage)
Realizing that he has no flying capabilities Addinein casts Expeditious Retreat and quickly moves out of the cloud (120'). Once he is clear of the cloud and can find the lich, he'll launch a crossbow bolt at the lich to try to disrupt any further casting and he'll continue closing. (AC 31 for 4 points). Addinein is nervous about his ability to do anything to this lich, but he knows he's gotta keep him busy while the main fighters take care of the other one and the real spell casters get a chance to recover themselves.
(ooc maybe after first round get the AC. Because we never know how hard something is to hit, until we try! ;) )
Nonam: AC33, HP113, SR19 d20+13=19 d20+13=25 d20+12=22 d20+12=29 d20+15=28 15d6(6+6+6+2+1+1+1+2+5+5+4+5+2+3+6)=55 d20+15=34 5d4(1+3+4+1+1)=10 d100=17 d100=27 d100=27 Tuesday January 7th, 2003 5:23:23 PM
Nonam sees the incendiary cloud coming and rolls out of its direct path. His ring of evasion provides a measure of comfort in the operation and keeps the wizard from burning up this round. (hero point to reroll that 19, gets 25)
Nonam momentarily thinks about flying up out of the mess, but the surge from the woldsblood goes to his head, and he retaliates with his own thin green disintegration ray cast at the lich near the Overlord. (hero point to reroll that 22 gets 29)(hits AC 29 touch attack, fortDC25 or 5d6, overcomes SR28)
Then Nonam uses the power of the boots of speed to cast again. This time he goes with a chain lightning cast at the lich near the Overlord. He doesn't arc it anywhere and delivers the full blast to the single lich. (55 pts, reflexDC25 for half, overcomes SR34)
The mage cackles in glee as the electrical energy makes his own hair stand on end, and just for good measure, Nonam blasts the thing with a quickened magic missile too. (10 pts)
(3 % rolls to cast in armor, all good
Tericus d20+4=15 d20+7=23 Tuesday January 7th, 2003 6:51:06 PM
once again ignoring the call of the Woldsblood(save of 15), Tericus is able to avoid most of the fiery cloud(save of 23) and moves forward out of the cloud towards the liche he attacked before. dropping his blade barrier, Tericus casts Darkness on the floating Liche, hoping to disrupt his spell
Gareth (50% Displaced, Fly) d20=16 d20+34=54 d20+34=46 d20+19=20 d20+19=36 d10+19=28 d10+19=28 d20+34=43 d10+19=20 Tuesday January 7th, 2003 9:39:06 PM
NOTE: Gareth delivers the blow to the lich (25 DMG) and takes the damage from the blade barrier.
As the lich disengages to get out of the blades the warrior whacks him good (Attack of opportunity, Hit AC 54, [46 - crit if allowed] for 28+[28]=56 DMG). He grits his teeth, braving the damage being dealt by the barrier then immediately closes with the thing again above the blade barrier and attacks again (AC 43, 20 DMG). He calmly and coldly says "Cackle all you want, lich. I'm gonna send you to see Gargul shortly. You chose the wrong guys to make enemies of...".
(The 3rd and 4th d30 rolls were mistakes. Disregard - deh)
Jus (WI: 7, HP -14 unless SR21 protects from fog) d20=7 d100=54 11d6(6+2+5+2+3+1+1+3+2+3+6)=34 d100=77 d20+10=23 Tuesday January 7th, 2003 10:53:48 PM
Jus drops to one knee as the voices scream out for him. "No... no...," Jus almost whimpers as the Woldsblood drowns out his other thoughts.
Barely pulling himself together (just made WI-3 roll), Jus struggles to a stand.
He sees Nonam's spells go off towards the invisible Lich. Taking advantage of the visual terminiation of the ray, lightning, and missiles, Jus casts Glitterdust over the invisible Lich's general area [okay with chance of spell failure - 54%].
With a curt curse as the Glitterdust reveals what appears to be the overlord, Jus yells for the others through the Dragon Ring, "The invisible lich has the overlord over the blood!"
With hopes that someone else can save the Overlord, Jus casts his own Chain Lightning at the same Lich Nonam hit. [34 dam, save for half - no spell failure (77)].
When the fog rolls around, Jus is caught unaware and is enveloped fully. He isn't too concerned, but hopes that his Mantle of Spell Resistance [21] will keep him undamaged.
Clangden d20+1=9 d20+1=17 Wednesday January 8th, 2003 10:55:48 AM
forgot to roll my wisdom check, sorry rolled a 9 ack, used a hero point to reroll, got a 17 phew.
DM Jan d20+16=26 d20+16=22 d20+16=30 d20+16=23 d20+16=26 Wednesday January 8th, 2003 2:24:03 PM
The surge of Woldsblood makes it's presence known, this time it succeeds in breaking down Addinein's mental barriers and he starts to become vulnerable.
Clangden immediately sets into the nasty blue monster, hitting true twice and cutting deep. Fresh ooze covers the blade of his axe, and the creature roars angrily.
Up in the air nearby, Gareth determindly suffers the blade barrier in order to get his cuts into the crowned lich. (David - reflex save DC21 or 48 damage) Max's mental song of battle starts to gather momentum and glee as the sword connects both times. Bits of bone start to splinter and drop toward the fractured ground below.
Suddenly, both the lich and Gareth are surrounded by complete and utter darkness as Tericus's spell goes into effect. Looking up, Clangden and Tericus will be able to see a 20ft diameter black blob, just hovering in the air, and above that, the occasional tiny spark of life, zipping past at lightning speed, regardless of the chaos below.
Further down the path, Torel is creating a windwall in an attempt to blow away the incendiary cloud. Wisps of smoke start to trail off and dissipate. ((I got a 26 on the spell resistance roll, John which overcomes Jus's 21))
Beyond it, Nonam, Jus and Addinein battle the other lich which flashes into visibility. The red and black gloom is brought startlingly to life as lightning arcs from both Nonam and Jus toward the lich holding the floating prisoner. Both arcs however appear to pass through the creature harmlessly and shimmer off into the distance. However, the hideous thing is spitting mad after taking damage from the disintegration spell, Addinein's bolt and a singed tattered robe from the magic missile.
"Stop!" it hisses, "kill me and she falls and dies!" Then it's voice softens into a croon. "You'll wake her. We had to make her sleep, and keep her away from our touch... fragile, she is. Perhaps we'll take you too. Keep you safe, until we - ah but that would be telling wouldn't it..." It appears to fall into a maddened cackle for a moment before steeling itself and hurling forth another spell.
For a moment, nothing happens - then the ground beneath the group begins to shake and move. Cracks start to appear, and Woldsblood begins to flow, to fill in the gaps. The ground starts to become treacherous and the effect begins to spread upward toward the other combatants.
Back up north, Clangden's opponant slashes back viciously, failing to get through the dwarf's armour.
The lich in the darkened sphere lashes out in an attempted touch attach, missing Gareth in this instance.
** Concentration check DC 13 must be made by all characters on the ground. Attack if succeed - otherwise your round is spent avoiding stepping into Woldsblood and dying**
slashing at the Frog with tremendous speed and accuracy, Clangden continues his unrelenting assault. beginning this round, he begins chanting a song about strength and honor, in Dwarven of course, emphasizing the main points with each hit of the axe.
hit ac41,37 and 38 damage 30,26(was a 23, used hero point to reroll) and 32 for total of 88
Gareth (50% Displaced, fly) d20+34=49 d20+29=36 d20+24=37 d20+19=22 d10+19=28 d10+19=28 d10+19=24 d10+19=22 d20+11=15 Wednesday January 8th, 2003 8:55:31 PM
The warrior grins at the lich's inability to deal with him in darkness. Using his improved ability to blind fight he closes his eyes and lays into the creature as if he can see him in full daylight (no attack penalty) (Hit AC 52,38,39,24 for 28+28+24+22=102 DMG).
NOTE: Gareth made the wisdom save but missed the reflex save so he takes the 48 DMG.
Nonam: AC33, HP113, SR19, boots of speed, other stuff d20+26=31 5d4(4+3+3+3+2)=15 d100=30 d100=71 Wednesday January 8th, 2003 11:45:23 PM
Nonam has no problem avoiding stepping in a pool of Woldsblood (concentration 31), and he shrieks back at the lich, "I'm going to turn your rotten corpse into ash!" He howls a bit too wildly and casts some more.
A bit of sanity for a moment, and Nonam shouts, "Tericus catch her." The mage casts limited wish, "I wish the Overlord was in Tericus' arms."
If the wish works, Nonam follows with a second spell thanks to the boots of speed. Reverse gravity in a column beneath the lich. Aimed just about right to send a column of woldsblood straight up at the thing.
If the wish doesn't work, he casts magic missile while he thinks of something else. (15dmg)
(2 percentage rolls to cast in armor, both ok)
Tericus Thursday January 9th, 2003 6:09:26 AM
"Catch who?" Tericus asks Nonam, but none the less Tericus prepares to catch someone
Addinein d20+5=9 Thursday January 9th, 2003 8:16:05 AM
Addinein finds himself practicing some old dance moves as he suddently discovers he's got bigger things to worry about then the lich he was going after. (failed concentration role)
Jus d20=11 d20=4 Thursday January 9th, 2003 8:28:33 AM
Jus tries to attack, but the Woldsblood is too near and calls to loud. Instead, he finds himself putting all his attention into his survival (failed concentration check and hero-point reroll).
LOG ON