DMJK Tuesday January 7th, 2003 11:40:38 AM
Bill and Renik find that there is indeed a trapped secret door in the base of the sarcophagus. There is a small hinged section that connects with the floor and lifts up like a trap door. It looks like it could have been opened without ever having disturbed the mummy. No doubt that's what the assassin did.
With no aid forthcoming, Renik attempts to disable the trap after he finds it, but the mechanism is extraordinarily complex. He manages to disable it, but only barely. First he finds the switch used to open the door without harm and does so. Behind is a clever contraption where a flask of alchemist's fire is attached to a small bit of paper wrapped othur. Opening the door would have set it alight and filled the chamber rapidly with noxious burnt othur fumes.
A wooden ladder leads down into darkness. The opening is narrow, and there is no way that the enlarged Feng will fit.
Renik Tuesday January 7th, 2003 11:58:25 AM
Hastily removing his frilly pink hanky ("It was a gift from a lady friend" he mumbles by way of explanation) Renik wipes his brow and turns to his companions.
"Well? Who wants to go down there first?"
He considers telling the one about the hobbit tied to the end of a six foot pole, but refrains. Mr Troublefinder might take it amiss.
"Bill? Would you be able to fly down to scout the area? If you can be made invisible too that might help. Can you see in the dark?"
"And I guess we'll need to shrink Feng again! Shame, it suits you, big fella!"
Hobbes Tuesday January 7th, 2003 4:19:44 PM
Hobbes starts entoning silent prayers to Gargul once the creature is thwarted and everyone starts hunting for doors and such.
He then takes his scythe and squeezes past the rest to join Draax outside, breathing in deep the cool air.
"Fine fine," he mutters as he pats his horse under its chin. "You scout out the area below and if you need be I'll be right here looking after the horses. I can look after yours as well, Sir Feng."
Rond (Todd is a bad boy) d20=20 Tuesday January 7th, 2003 4:21:38 PM
Rond coughs as he tries his best to rid his mouth of the foul dust. Glancing at Hobbes after Bill's comment Rond looks to see if there is anything to worry about from the mummy.
Rond does his best to help Bill and Renik where he can as they work on the way to follow the assassin. Looking around the area Rond does his best to see if there are any indication of tracks (crit).
Bill Troublefinder (flying, blinking, invisible, elfsight, detect magic, antitoxin) d10=10 Tuesday January 7th, 2003 6:27:25 PM
Bill immediately holds his finger to his lips, indicating that people should be quiet now that a passage is opened below. "Yes," Bill whispers in answer to Renik's question as to whether he can fly down. "Yes," he tells him regarding invisibility. "Yes," he affirms regarding his ability to see in the dark.
Bill activates his ring of blinking. He activates elfsight. He goes invisible. He activates again his detection of magic & psionics. The hobbit flies down the hole, looking ahead (can see up to 20' ahead), and telepathically describes everything he sees and hears and perceives to William, who can relay that to his friends above. If he comes to a doorway which would block his passage, after detecting for magic, he will blink through the door. (d10, number represents thickness in feet he can pass through without being 'spanked' by the material for 1d6, and must be rolled for each five feet of thickness he passes. So 6-10 is safe. 10! But he just goes far enough to pass through the door, not going a full ten feet.) He then continues, if appropriate, his exploring and reporting.
While he's down there, he also passes on the suggestion to Draax via William that he let Renik drink the potion of holy water he handled him earlier. 'That might help counter whatever nasty thing that dust might do. Yuck!'
Feng (Bull's Strength, Enlarge) Tuesday January 7th, 2003 7:43:27 PM
"We will have to remember this in the future. We seem to get ambushed alot and this form may help in those situations." Feng looks at the trap door. "I am afraid that my normal form will not fit but I have to try. I can see in total darkness. It makes sense for me to walk in front."
Bill Troublefinder Wednesday January 8th, 2003 5:12:01 AM
As William (should be) passing on to him the goings-on up top, Bill passes back via the psicrystal this message to Arien. 'What, so Arien, can't you make Feng small again? Well, not small, but his regular size? Arien, you there? Hey, William, what does Arien say? I tell ya, Feng tries to come down here the way he is now, and nobody's gonna get past him!'
Then he adds, 'Oh yeah, hey, somebody wrap up that poison othur block and separate it from the alchemist's fire, before somebody gets hurt. You got that done already, Renik?'
Draax Wednesday January 8th, 2003 6:56:15 AM
While waiting for his turn to descend down the ladder, Draax hands Renik the potion of holy water silently relaying to him the message Draax received from Bill.
William Wednesday January 8th, 2003 7:34:17 AM
The crystal happily relays all of Bill's missives, embellishing somewhat as he does so. He hops onto Arien's shoulder and bounces up and down, attempting to ellicit a response.
Head first down the snake hole - DMJK Wednesday January 8th, 2003 12:05:04 PM
As Bill flies down the hole to check it out, Feng shrinks back down to his regular size as the spell fades on its own.
Everyone up above gets some clean air to breathe, and you all feel just fine.
Down below, Bill doesn't have much of a chance to scout out anything. He has time to make out a cavernous sort of hallway. There are numerous alcoves along the walls, and Bill suddenly realizes that he's in a catacomb. Preserved corpses line the walls. The hall branches out to the north and south, but he sees torchlight to the south. The northern hall is completely dark.
Then the spectres are upon him. Apparently they can see invisible halflings just fine. There are 3 of them. They close and attack. Bill feels their deathly chill all around him.
[I don't have the stats with me, so I'll roll the attack rolls a little later.] [Kim, please only make 1 post per round. That way Bill won't be gabbing while spectres are eating his brains.]
Hobbes Wednesday January 8th, 2003 5:41:30 PM
Hobbes grabs a few carrots from his sidepack.
"There you go Bradbury. Your sustenance." he says patting the beasts head lightly. Looking over to Feng's horse, he sighs and moves over to it and holds the last carrot out to it. "There you are. Now eat."
All the while he keeps a sharp eye on the area of the graveyard around him and an ear open for alerts from his companions inside.
Bill Troublefinder Wednesday January 8th, 2003 8:18:22 PM 'Three spectres down here!' Bill squeaks telepathically.
As soon as he spots the spectres, he shoots back up the entrance. "Aaaaah!" A flask of holy water he dashes against the wall on the way up, to splash any spooks which attempt to follow him out.
Spectre attack Attacks on Bill: d20+9=19 (miss) d20+9=17 (miss) d20+9=29 (hit) d8=1 Wednesday January 8th, 2003 9:02:52 PM
Two of the spectres miss Bill as his magical armor protects him from the incorporeal attacks, but the third lays an icy hand on the halfling's face. He feels it leeching something from him.
[1 pt dmg, & 2 negative levels (-2 to checks, attacks, and saves; loss of top 2 psionic abilities)]
For those up above, climbing down the ladder will be 1 action. Attacking will be an action for the next round.
Draax Thursday January 9th, 2003 8:03:45 AM
Hearing Bill's call and if Bill does not make it back through the entrance, Draax will begin to go down the ladder.
If Bill does make it through the entrance, Draax will stand by the entrance and prepare to attack the spectres if they try to follow Bill.
Rond Thursday January 9th, 2003 8:20:27 AM
Hearing Bill's call and knowing that he moves pretty fast when he wants to. Rond waits for Bill to bring the spectres topside. (assuming Bill's call is transferred to the audible range by WIlliam). Just in case Rond says 'Hobbes you should get ready for this.'
Renik d20+11=28 d6+5=10 d6+14=17 Thursday January 9th, 2003 8:47:27 AM
Renik gulps down the Holy Water, then tosses the empty container back. "My thanks, friend. I'd have preferred a drop of Aisildurian red, but beggars can't be choosers!"
Then he hears Bill's cry. Spectres! His twin shortswords are drawn in a flash, and he moves to the opened tomb. "Move it Bill!" he calls, "Get out of there!"
He looks up at Hobbes. "Well, it looks like you'll be earning your keep today, cleric! Any advice you can offer on facing these things? I'm guessing tanglefoot bags and blankets aren't going to help us this time!"
If one of the creatures does follow Bill out of the hole, Renik will launch a single attack, then back off instantly out of reach (Readied Attack AC 28 for 10HP, Tumble 17, 20ft back and towards the crypt entrance)
DMJK (Bill's % roll for blinking last round) d100=35 (doesn't miss) (AAO on Bill) d20+9=15 (miss) d20+9=13 (miss) d20+9=22 (hit) d100=47 (% hits) d8=7 (dmg) Thursday January 9th, 2003 12:33:56 PM
Bill retreats, but breaking the holy water slows him down just enough for the spectres to have another go at him. Only one of them, the same one as before, manages to breach the hobbit's defenses. Bill feels the icy chill weaken him again (dmg 7, 2 neg levels).
Bill breaks the holy water on the wall and shoots up the stairs. Bill's companions wait to wade into the spectres, but they do not come topside. They're waiting somewhere down there in the dark.
-------------- Outside: Bradbury likes his carrot and nuzzles up to Hobbes just a bit. It's late afternoon by this point, and it's starting to get dark out.
Feng d20+3=22 Thursday January 9th, 2003 6:34:57 PM
Feng crouches near the opening and utilizes his darkvision to peer into the depths. "Perhaps I can make things a little easier." Feng mutters a prayer to the gods and attempts to turn the undead. [turn check 22]
Draax Thursday January 9th, 2003 10:08:39 PM
Draax stands near the entrance with his sword ready, waiting to see the results of Feng's action.
Renik Friday January 10th, 2003 8:26:46 AM
"Hobbes, man!" yells Renik. "Get in here! We've got hardcore undead here sucking Bill drier than a sawdust martini and you're outside feeding carrots to the horses! Are you a priest of Gargul or a stableboy?"
He keeps well back from the entrance to the catacombs, and looks nervously out at the darkening sky. Pretty soon things are likely to get mighty uncomfortable around here.
"Bill, are you OK? You look terrible! Friends, I think Bill's in a pretty bad way here! He's all pale and shaky! Do we have any way of defending ourselves against these things? Or healing the damage they cause? Bill was invisible and blinking, and they still got him!"
Moving the Story Along - DMJK Friday January 10th, 2003 11:28:49 AM
Feng feels a rush of divine power, and he knows in his heart that his god has banished the unnatural horrors.
Bill relays his description of the area below to his companions, and the group reaches the rather obvious conclusion that the mystery of Elmo's disappearance will only be solved down below.
The group descends, and it's clear that Feng's god cleansed the chamber. There's something indescribable about the air that's pleasant, despite the dead bodies sewn in canvas bags that line the walls.
Heading south, with Bill as an invisible, blinking scout, the group soon comes upon an unexpected scene. 3 ragged corpses lie on the ground. An experienced eye reveals them as slain zombies.
A human gripping a staff lies unconcious on the ground nearby while a fourth zombie crouches over him. It seems to be examining the man in an intelligent way.
[forgive me for moving you along, but the allotted time for the module is almost over, and there's a lot to do.]
Hobbes d20+4=15 2d6(4+3)+11=18 Friday January 10th, 2003 7:42:04 PM
Hobbes presents his eye forward.
"Halt!" he shouts, "You do desecrate the soul of the living. Stand and be consumed by a power more true than you!" [Turn Check 15, 18 HD total]
He examines the situation of those on the ground carefully and also looks at the fallen "wizard".
Renik d20+12=32 d8+4=12 d20+5=8 d20+8=26 d20+7=16 Saturday January 11th, 2003 11:56:54 AM
The rogue grins over at Feng as his turning does the trick. "Exceptional, paladin! Those things had me seriously worried, but you aced them with one wave of your Holy Symbol! You're even tougher than I realised!"
As the party come face to face with the crouching zombie the rogue rapidly unslings his bow and sends an arrow hissing towards the loathsome creature, striking it hard (AC 32, sadly no crit vs undead, 12HP).
If the creature falls Renik quickly scouts the area, checking for clues as to what happened (Search 8) and keeps his senses alert to possible further signs of danger (Spot 26, Listen 16).
"Feng, can you heal this fellow here?" he says of the fallen combatant. "He seems to have come through a pretty epic battle."
Arien Saturday January 11th, 2003 5:28:07 PM
Arien slowly approaches the fallen man, keeping an eye on the fourth zombie and his dagger in hand. As he approaches he warns the undead being, "This dagger I hold is capable of discharging a bolt of electricity, attack me and you will surely feel its bite. Should you survive, my holy friends here will surely see you blasted to dust. Do we understand each other?"
That said Arien slowly bends down, keeping his eyes on the zombie still, grabs the nearest convienent body part of the fallen man and slowly drags him back to the group; still facing the zombie.
Bill Saturday January 11th, 2003 10:14:50 PM Then... When he comes up and out of the ladderway, and near half drained of life and energy by the sprectres, Bill moans, "Ohhhh - my socks have fallen down."
Now... It takes a minute or two for Bill to regain his composure as he debates internally with himself whether he can dare brave a return to the haunted catacombs below. But William encourages him, and he cannot let his friends down. Besides, he promised he would help unravel the mystery of Elmo's disappearance...
"Stop!" Bill shouts aloud as he sees his friends start to take offensive action without taking the time to see what is really going on. "That is no ordinary zombie! Don't hurt him unless we have to!"
Draax Sunday January 12th, 2003 1:19:38 PM
Draax observes the actions of the others and slowly moves towards the zombie and the unconscious man. Not sure what is going on, the half-elf will take Bill's advice and takes no hostile action against the zombie for the time being.
Rond Monday January 13th, 2003 1:27:17 AM
Seeing his little friend a little unnerved with getting hit by a spectre again, Rond lays his hand on Bill's shoulder for a brief second in sympathy.
As the group approaches the new scene, Rond approaches with caution in the wind. Seeing as how others have taken action in one form or another Rond will hold his actions in order to defend anyone in the group. Hearing what Bill has to say, Rond silently nods his head in the affirmative.
DMJK Monday January 13th, 2003 10:19:09 AM
The zombie jerks away from Hobbes and staggers backward down the hall to get away from his holy might. Then Renik shoots it in the chest with an arrow, and it falls over.
The man in the hallway is alive and half conscious. His wounds are not life threatening yet, but they clearly need attention quickly. He tries to speak...
[note: This is the introduction of Jared our new pc. Chad, you may post when ready.]
barefeet (DMJK) Monday January 13th, 2003 12:24:04 PM
Bill, thinking of Elmo, notices that the zombies have barefeet, just about the right size to have made the footprints scattered around the farms and graveyard.
Bill Troublefinder d8+1=3 d8+1=9 Monday January 13th, 2003 1:11:48 PM
Since Hobbes and Feng have healing powers, Bill trusts one of them to care for the fallen man. He wants answers from another source, though.
The invisible hobbit lays a battlenet next to the fallen zombie, and asks for help. "Hey, I'm gonna wake up this zombie - it's one of the zombies that was wandering around Elmo's place - y'can tell by his feet. Could someone come make sure he doesn't hurt himself or us if I can wake him up? Like, lay this battlenet on him, and sit on him gently?" He then uses his wand of cause light wounds (in the case of the undead, not an attack, but an aid). If one charge is needed to heal the zombie (3 hp), then that is all he will use. If the one charge seems to help, but the zombie is not yet fully conscious, he will use a second charge (9 hp). If the one charge has no apparent effect whatsoever, he will not waste the second charge. He realizes that the wand may be wholly ineffective against the zombie, if Renik's outstanding shot was adequate to negate its unlife.
If the zombie does awaken, Bill asks him, "Okay, are you Hector Visnari, Boogo Visnari, Reckit Yugol, or Mari Freck? And what did you do with Elmo?"
If the zombie is dead dead, then Bill will tie a hankerchief over his face. The battlenet he folds and places into an empty bag. He then searches the body for clues. Afterwards, he washes his hands off with a little wine, then water.
[OOC: Since Bill is trying to assist the zombie, I trust his attempt to heal would not be adjudged an 'attack,' thereby negating his invisibility. -Kim]
DMJK Monday January 13th, 2003 5:44:45 PM
Bill finds that the zombie is dead, not only due to Renik, but also the beating administered to it by the human's quarterstaff.
Draax Monday January 13th, 2003 6:37:39 PM
While the others attend to unconscious man, Draax scans their surroundings. Without touching the zombies, he takes a closer look at the condition of the zombies' clothing, trying to see if their garments are rotting, old, or in good condition.
Feng Monday January 13th, 2003 6:46:52 PM
Feng walks over to the injured man and sets his double axe against the wall. He summons the power of the gods and places his hands on the man. [lay on hands heals 24hp]
Hobbes Monday January 13th, 2003 7:07:34 PM
Hobbes starts towards the fallen man and is stopped cold by Bill's words.
"Wake UP the zombie?!?" he shouts. "Bill I cannot allow you to do such a terrible thing as to perpetuate the stolen life of this monstrosity."
He moves over to stand in front of Bill and any who may try to fiddle with the corpse (although they can certainly see it enough to tell that it is dead).
"I would ask that you not suggest doing such a thing again, if you please."
Bill Monday January 13th, 2003 9:08:19 PM
The halfling looks up at Hobbes, who, were Bill not talking, would have a tough time seeing where the invisible flying halfling is in order to block him. "Aw, he's too dead to do anything with, anyhow. Besides, if he were alive, I was gonna talk with him, if we was talkable, and try to find out what happened to Elmo.
"Yeah, I don't generally care to help keep undead, uh, still alive? No, that's not the word. What's the right word?" he asks Hobbes. "Also - didja get a look at his eyes, just before you scared him off and my friend fletched him? There was somethin' brighter about him than the average stupid zombie. Look, it may not generally be known, but I know lots of people who were undead, for a little while, at least. You can't go lumpin' 'em all into the same ball o' dough. But, yeah, generally, you're right. It's only 'cause there was something different about this one. By the way, did you notice how I hardly ever use any of your guys' names when we're in a dangerous zone? Think about it. Hey, look, our big friend looks to be helping the fella."
He goes over to check on the progress of Feng's patient. "Hello? You okay mister?"
Renik Tuesday January 14th, 2003 3:31:45 AM
As Feng's healing magic flows into the fallen man, Renik leans down and offers him a hand up.
"Welcome back!" he smiles. "Quite a job you did on those zombies sir! Saved us a fair amount of trouble! You have my thanks. Though I would say this is not a place to be wandering alone; if you would care to join us I think you'll find greater safety in numbers. Our names, as my diminutive companion so rightly points out, can wait until we are no longer in a hostile area."
He leans in close and whispers "Sensitive jobs we do, you see. Very hush-hush. Don't want the wrong people getting wind of who we are and what we do."
He stands back and speaks up once more. "But for now please call me "R". The halfling you can call "B", the big lad with the double axe is "F", and that dour fellow over there is "H" (priest of Gargul, you know; mighty handy in a place like this, but awfully serious!)."
"The half elf is "D" (he's good in a scrap), That fellow there is "The Boss", there's none better for tracking and knowledge of the wilderness, and the Elf is "A", a shadowstepper like myself, but well schooled in the mystic arts."
"Apologies for all the secrecy, but in our line of work it tends to help you live longer." He winks; "which can only be a good thing!"
Renik looks to his companions. "Well, are these dead old boys telling us anything of interest, or should we press on?"
Jared Tuesday January 14th, 2003 8:09:17 AM
The crumpled figure shudders for a moment as the healing washes through it, wiping away from the wounds of the zombies.
With a groan and a dry cough, the figure takes in a deep breath, the raises his hands in fear.
"No! Stop! Uncle Elmo!"
As his vision clears and he hears the voices of the group, he realizes that neither Elmo, nor the zombies, are nearby.
"Thank... thank you... I thought I was a goner. I managed to take down 3 of those... things... but the fourth must have gotten in a lucky blow."
At all of the initials, Jared chuckles. "Well, I can't promise to remember all that, unless you promise to line up all the time in alphabetical order." He manages a smile.
"My name's Jared, but if it would make you more comfortable, you can call me J."
(Assuming the group will ask for exposition)
"I came down here looking for my Uncle Elmo. I looked around the shack, but couldn't find anything except a trapdoor that led down here. That's when I ran into -those-"
Rond Tuesday January 14th, 2003 8:29:08 AM
Not wanting to waste the time that the group has Rond tries to rush things along. "Is there anything else to be explored down here? Were you able to find out anything about your Uncle?"
Exposition and protest - dmjk Tuesday January 14th, 2003 11:41:17 AM
Despite the fact that half of Windhorn Hamlet knows the names of our intrepid adventurers, they keep the newcomer, Jared, in the dark about their real names. For his part, Jared relates a tale of his experiences that led him down into the catacombs. Hearing a tale of his uncle's disappearance, he journeyed to Windhorn Hamlet to see if he could be of any help. He found Elmo's house in about the same condition as the rest of the party. His own tactic was to interview the captain of the town guard next. The captain was of little help, but he did mention that there had been some reports of odd goings on in the cemetery. So Jared came up to have a look. He found a trapdoor behind Nigel's shack that the party missed, and he opened it and descended into the catacombs. He hadn't been down there too long when the zombies attacked him. It seems amazing that the group hadn't bumped into him already. Your paths must have nearly crossed several times already today.
During the tale, Draax examines the zombies. He sees that they are wearing black robes with a red trim. They look relatively new. They have no weapons or other adornments. Jared is able to add that he never heard any of them speak, at least not words. A couple of them groaned a bit.
Feng's healing spell seems to have done the trick. Jared appears to be in perfect health now.
The faintly lit hallway beckons you to continue.
Hobbes Tuesday January 14th, 2003 12:21:34 PM
Hobbes in his anger seems to have keened his hearing to know precisely where Bill was to look straight at him for that's what he did. He continues glaring at the spot where Bill last spoke, unchanging his expression.
Then as the stranger begins to speak, he softens ever so slightly as he listens to the tale.
"Uncle, eh?" he thinks.
He sidles up to Feng looking interested in the story and taps him on the back hoping to get his attention and pull him back a little. Then in a whispers very quietly, "Feng. We've been tricked before like this. Check out his aura."
He keeps his eyes and ears open for more ambushes as he makes his way to the front of the pack. Checking with Feng again for "you-know-what" he then peers down the dark corridor and says, "We'd better get moving. They are correct in that it isn't safe down here. I'd better go first for now in case we meet more of those kind."
Bill Troublefinder d8+1=5 Tuesday January 14th, 2003 7:14:41 PM
"Nice to meet you, J," says the disembodied voice. "Have you been down that hallway there with the faint light? Since we used separate entrances, maybe you can indicate which ways you've been, then we'll be sure not to cover the same ground again."
Bill floats along, smack dab in the center of the hallway, and pretty close to the rest of the party members, so that if any more spectres come out of the walls or anything, in his pretty weakened state, he'll have some protection. He is willing to help as much as he can, but is not interested in becoming undead again. As they mosey along, he downs a potion of cure light wounds, restoring 5 of the 9 hp he lost to the spectre. At least some of the physical damage, if not the psychic.
Draax Tuesday January 14th, 2003 11:50:18 PM
Draax takes note of the color and design of the robes worn by the zombie. He stands on guard while scanning the area as the members make their introductions. He smiles when Renik refers to him as D and nods his head towards Jared in greeting. "Well met."
Draax takes a quick look at the newcomer, examining his attire and then takes a guess at his profession. He believes that Jared is telling the truth, but decides to keep an eye on him until he proves himself as an ally or a foe.
Rond Wednesday January 15th, 2003 12:24:26 AM
Listening to the tale that is told Rond ask, "Did you know about these catacombs down here?"
Feng Wednesday January 15th, 2003 4:08:56 AM
Feng glances at his companions and then introduces himself. "My name is Feng. Next time you discover a trap door in a crypt you might want to get some help. I'm glad that we came along in time. The gods know that we have seen enough corpses already."
As they travel Feng will sense the evil and relay Jared's arua to Hobbes.
Renik d20+15=18 d20+5=12 d20+8=28 d20+25=32 Wednesday January 15th, 2003 8:05:25 AM
The rogue grins at Jared. "Well "J", let's see if we can help with your search. And while we're at it let's see if we can wipe out this little nest of evil. It's a pleasure to have you aboard. Onwards!"
And he heads down the hallway behind Bill, bow at the ready, as quietly and carefully as possible, alert to danger and keeping to the shadows (Move Silent 18, Search 12, Spot 28, Hide 32).
Onward - dmjk Wednesday January 15th, 2003 11:47:28 AM
The group moves onward down the hallway. Not visiting areas that Jared has already been leads the group to a room that has been converted into some sort of laboratory. There are vials, beakers, books, and candles all over. Who knows what any of it does? It looks extraordinarily complicated. More interesting, there is a table in the middle and a man is strapped to it. He's blindfolded and bound, and given his lack of movement, he's either asleep or unconcious. His garments are plain, dirty, and torn. There's more than a little blood on him.
There is a closed door in the middle of the wall opposite from you. A rather crude statue of a priest wearing the evil vial of Marteaus stands next to this door.
Hobbes d20+5=20 2d8(1+7)+7=15 Wednesday January 15th, 2003 12:00:13 PM
Hobbes crosses the room without batting an eye, drops his scythe against the wall and immediately begins caring for the man, trying to stabilize him and determine if he is dead. [Successful Heal check of 20 to do both]
If the man is still alive, Hobbes places his hands over the man's chest an moves them back and forth, entoning, "Trick'se wond ff'st'f"
[Cure Moderate Wounds curing 15 hp]
JK Wednesday January 15th, 2003 12:01:00 PM
[You guys have a whole two days to get your Adventurer's Repose legends done before the game gets shut down. We'll cut Arien some slack since he's gone right now, but everybody else needs to do it. Do them and send them to Carl. Do them and send them to Carl. Do them and send them to Carl.]
Carl Wednesday January 15th, 2003 4:13:58 PM
What JK said.
==== Sent mine (Bill T, Game 2, & Akerin, Game 5) -Kim
Draax Wednesday January 15th, 2003 5:47:59 PM
Draax scans the room and bring his eyes to focus on the area with the door and the statue. In a whispered voice he says, "I guess we will never be rid of that foul creature who I would rather not mention by name. I cannot say that I am surprised to see that his followers might be involved."
While still watching the statue and door, Draax says, "Does anyone who is capable of detecting traps want to check this room?"
Bill Troublefinder Thursday January 16th, 2003 4:59:33 AM
After Hobbes works on healing the man, Bill asks, "Hey, mister, are you okay? What in the Wold have they been doing to you? Would you like someone to take your blindfold off? Is that you, Elmo?"
Arien (by Kim) Thursday January 16th, 2003 5:01:20 AM
If the door next the statue opens inwards to the room the party is now in, Arien goes over, and shoves the statue so as to block the doorway. He then steps back, to see if anyone tries to come through that way.
Renik d20+5=20 Thursday January 16th, 2003 8:48:25 AM
The Rogue gives the room close examination (Search 20) before letting the others step inside.
Elmo Thursday January 16th, 2003 11:08:45 AM
Hobbes fears the worst when he approaches for there is quite a bit of blood on the table. Some of the nearby vials seem to be filled with the stuff too. The priest also sees that there is some sort of ceremonial dagger on the table with the man. As Hobbes tends to him, the farmer screams, "No! No! No more! Leave me alone!" He's quite incoherent, but he appears healthy.
After Bill speaks, he seems to gain a bit more control, "Bill? Bill Troublefinder. What's going on? Where's the dead wizard? Better get out of here fast!"
Draax keeps a wary eye on the room.
When he gets close to the door, Arien sees that it opens into the other room. He also discovers rather quickly when he approaches that the statue is alive. It holds out its staff across the doorway to block anyone from entering, but it makes no move to attack anyone. Arien isn't really sure about what the statue is made of. It's certainly not stone. It looks like it's possibly ceramic and made of fired clay. If so, the joint work is spectacular and belies the crude lack of detail in the face and garments.
Renik doesn't find any traps, besides the living statue that is.
Rond Thursday January 16th, 2003 1:24:22 PM
"The dead wizard wouldn't look something like this..." as Rond describes the zombie that had hte intelligent look to it.
Hobbes Thursday January 16th, 2003 2:39:50 PM
Hobbes immediately starts cutting the farmer free and getting him off of the tableafter healing him.
"Fear not, farmer," he says as he removes the blindfold from Elmo, "You're safe. Quickly. What is that statue? Did your assailant go that way? and do you require more healing? "
Jared Thursday January 16th, 2003 9:41:10 PM
OOC: Apologies for my absence. Won't happen again.
Jared seems surprised as anyone about the tunnels beneath the shack. "I was just expecting to find a still..or maybe a shrine to one of the less reputable gods. Nothing like this. I wish I could tell you more, but..it seems like my uncle is caught up in more than I thought."
After the healing, he offers his sincere thanks. "I'd like to accompany you, to see if we can find out what happened. I am a wizard by trade, and hopefully my skills will be able to assist what is already a quite competent adventuring group."
He follows near the back, watching everything very closely.
At the altar and the figure, he rushes forward to help.
"What happened? Are you alright?"
OOC: So, is this my uncle? Just unclear if it's actually Elmo.
Draax Thursday January 16th, 2003 9:50:01 PM
Draax looks over at Elmo as he is being released by Hobbes and smiles as he sees that the man is still alive. The warrior quickly draws his sword when the statue moves, but relaxes when it makes not hostile move towards Arien.
Draax waits until Elmo is finished answering everyone's questions before talking to the group. "So do we take Elmo to safety and return to destroy this den of evil or do we take care of it while we are here?"
Feng Friday January 17th, 2003 12:15:49 AM
Feng watches the statue to make sure it isn't going to attack. He's never seen such a creature and wonders if a statue can actually be cut. Hopefully they won't have to find out.
Renik d20+2=10 d20+2=9 Friday January 17th, 2003 8:21:39 AM
Renik winks over at Draax. "No time like the present, Draax! I say we stay and get the job done here and now. Elmo, much as we'd like to get out of here, we have the small matter of destroying this unholy evil to contend with before we leave. Care to shed some light on just what you were doing with a trapdoor leading down to all this? I have a feeling you know rather more than you're letting on." (Sense Motive 10). He steps in close to the farmer, staring him straight in the eye (Intimidate 9).
The chamber (DMJK) Friday January 17th, 2003 11:44:18 AM
Elmo shakes his head at Rond, "No, he controls those kind. Digs them out of the ground, and they do what he says. He's not dead. He controls the dead. That's what I meant. Whaddya call it, a necarmancer? We've got to get out of here."
He looks at Hobbes, "Thank you. I'm fine now. I don't know much about the statue, he always talks to it when he goes in and out of the room. He says, 'Marteaus' blessing upon us.' It gives me the willies the way he says it. He's probably in there now. The door's only closed when he's in there. Please, let's go."
Jared sees that it is indeed his uncle. "Jared? Is that you? I'm fine. You shouldn't have come after me. Are these your friends?" The man breaks down crying. He is apparently overjoyed at being rescued, but he's still afraid.
Renik realizes as the thinks about it that Jared eventually explained that the trapdoor was behind Nigel's shack not in Elmo's house. It just didn't come out right the first time. The man who was strapped to the table moments ago is clearly covered in his own blood, which is probably the red substance filling several vials on the table. The stench coming from the man and the stains on his clothing give evidence that he's soiled himself several times while strapped to the table. If he was a party to his abduction, he clearly got the short end of the deal. Just seeing a glimmer of mistrust in Renik's eye, he starts weeping, "Please get me out of here." He shoots a wild look at the guarded door. He is clearly full of fear.
Hobbes Friday January 17th, 2003 3:25:00 PM
"It's all right, friend. Please pull yourself together. Nothing will harm you as long as we are here."
He pats the man gently on the shoulder until he quiets down. "It is evidently not your time for Gargul to escort you into the afterlife. And thus we will do everything we can to protect you, or if the worst should happen, to revive you. Now--"
He stands and begins placing the vials of blood in a pouch of his own. He then takes a black velvet cloth from his pack and picks up the dagger with it and also places it in his pack.
"These tools and substance of ill repute will not be desecrating the land any further. And I will not have your own blood further used in dark purposes. We shall get it purified and hopefully returned to you back at the Cathedral. Now, Renik, it seems to me that if we wanted to get past that statue we would simply say the words our friend just spoke and walk on by. I will stay in the back with our friend here as we enter and anyone that needs healing I will provide that sort of support."
He looks around at Renik and then others, ready to finish this thing here and now.
Bill Troublefinder d8=1 d8=1 d8=5 Friday January 17th, 2003 4:43:02 PM
"Yes, Elmo, yes, it's me, Bill," he answers, knowing that the notion of maintaining a modicum of the security of anonymity is futile. "Oh, we're so happy to find you. Yep, we'll getcha outta here," Bill tells the farmer as he smears a rather odd-smelling green concoction (healing salve) over his face and neck where the spectre touched him, helping to heal him back up to as good as he's going to get until the negative levels are restored. Of course, he remains invisible, so no one can really tell the color.
"Might sound good to some to use such a password. Not gonna cross my lips, though," says the halfling. "Hey, you stayed back last time. If this fella makes undead, what say you be more toward the front, this time, good cleric. I'm kinda feeling less than prime at the moment. Y'know I don't ever shirk my duty, or try to hold back. This time, though, I think I'm gonna play more the support role. That okay with you all? The way I'm feeling, I could be toast in a jiffy."
"Say, Elmo, could you give me an idea of the dimensions of the next room? Have you seen much of it?" Bill takes a look along the walls of this room, and makes some estimates as to figuring points through which he might be able to blink -- despite his stated intentions to serve in a 'support' role.
Feng Friday January 17th, 2003 6:25:51 PM
"I feel that there is more to this place. At some point we need to get past that statue but first we need to get Elmo out of here. I will take the lead and face the undead if they dare attack."
Renik d20+6=18 d6+5=6 Friday January 17th, 2003 6:55:48 PM
Renik looks incredulous as Feng suggests they should back down, and return later. "Big fella, I admire your desire to protect Elmo there, but we have a more pressing duty. Time spent getting him to safety might mean our quarry discovering those dead zombies back there and either readying for our attack, or escaping to spread further evil. We must hit them now. And I suspect we need to get past this creature to do it."
He grins over at Hobbes. "Priest, I thank you for so gallantly volunteering me!" he jibes with an elaborate bow. "It would be my pleasure to test your theory!"
He steps forward and in a sinister voice growls at the statue-thing "Marteaus' blessing upon us." Unlike Bill the rogue's principles tend to be rather mutable, and needs must where the devil drives. His swords are raised and ready, and he is prepared for any assault (Expertise (+5), Dodge, AC 28, readied attack if golem attacks hits AC 18, 6HP).
Jared d20+15=25 Saturday January 18th, 2003 7:19:20 AM
The young wizard moves quickly to Elmo, trying his best to console him in these troubling times. "I'm so sorry for what happened, uncle. But these people seem to be quite capable of handling what's going on. I need to go with them, to deal with this necromancer before he creates more of those foul undead."
Jared looks back down the corridor. "Do you think you can make it back to your house? You can rest there. Once we get done here, we'll come back."
Jared also glances over to the statue, trying to possibly identify what sort of creature it is, and what possible offensive and defensive capabilities it might have (Arcana check). He relays the information, if any, to the group.
Bill Troublefinder Sunday January 19th, 2003 1:07:55 AM
"No, Jared. Elmo, you should not walk these halls alone," Bill interjects at the suggestion Elmo head out. "Spectres out there, maybe." Then he continues his wall inspection.
Arien Monday January 20th, 2003 4:41:37 AM
"Honestly Bill if you are that bad off I think the best thing that you could do is take Elmo here back to town. I doubt Elmo is in much of a condition to go himself and it sounds if you aren't much better than him. However if you want to stay, stick by me. I'll do what I can to make sure nothing comes after you."
(OOC: As you can see I'm back from the funeral trip now. I'll get on that history post-haste. Thanks for posting for me Kim.)
Draax Monday January 20th, 2003 7:18:58 AM
Draax feels a little uncomfortable with Elmo remaining with them, but he know it cannot be helped if they are going to fight this evil and try to keep the man safe. "I think we should all stay together for the time being. I know its dangerous; we might even find another way out, but first we need to find out what is on the other side of this door."
Draax readies his sword and shield, moves closer to the statue and stands ready as Renik says the words that might get them in.
Jared Monday January 20th, 2003 7:57:57 AM
"Yes..of course..you are right."
He looks to the statue with a bit of concern. "Would you mind if I took a few moments to prepare? I have some spells that may be useful in this situation..."
(OOC: If the group agrees, casting Mage Armor and Shield)
Then he pushes up the sleeves of his clothing a bit and glances back to Elmo. "You may want to stand back a bit, uncle. This will probably be pretty messy."
Rond Monday January 20th, 2003 10:20:02 AM
Placing a calming hand on Elmo's shoulders Rond says, "Fear not. Some of my friends," eyeing Renik, "tend to be too suspicious of things." Rond smiles at Elmo. "I've been a little caught up in things in order to let you and your nephew know that we've had dealings with Marteaus before. We cleared out of the Sons of Dread from this are oh so long ago." Pausing to let the information sink in for a second. Rond continues talking to the group, "I would like to go back with Elmo but I agree that things wouldn't be very prudent that way. Let's have Renik and I lead on with Hobbes & Bill, Elmo & Jared, Arien & Draax, then Feng. I want Elmo here protected and I don't want evil to catch us from behind. I am not sure what happened to the spectres, so Feng keep your eye out."
OOC: If I forgot anyone I'm sorry.
The blessing - dmjk Monday January 20th, 2003 12:29:07 PM
The group ponders what to do about Elmo, who does not have any interest in walking the halls of the crypt by himself, while Renik invokes the name of the Dark God and asks for his blessing.
The statue, which Jared recognizes as a golem with rather potent offensive and defensive capabilities, lowers its staff and steps to the side. The group also feels a chill of sorts enter the room. It's probably just the willies from hearing Renik invoke a blessing from Marteaus. Renik feels it more than most though. It's as if he's garnered some extra attention from the heavens. The chill does help some with the stink of this place. Now, you hardly notice it.
Elmo is no help with the dimensions of the room beyond. His vantage point from being strapped to the table didn't offer him much of a view. It's amazing that he remembered the password for the golem.
Preparations are made...
There are no obvious traps on the door. At least not on this side of it. It doesn't detect for magic. However there is magic on the other side, quite a bit of it. The door isn't evil or poisonous. Though there is a lingering feeling of evil in this place.
Renik Tuesday January 21st, 2003 2:43:00 AM
Shuddering at the sudden chill, Renik steps back from the door. "Well, I got us past the statue" he says, wondering at what cost, "now someone else can try the door."
He looks furtive and out of sorts, as if his invocation of the Dark Lord is proving troubling to him.
Draax Tuesday January 21st, 2003 6:21:36 AM
Draax gets into the position of the formation that was stated by Rond. His eyes scans the room as he feels the chill enter the room. Shaking off the feeling, he mentally prepares himself for what awaits on the other side of the door.
Jared Tuesday January 21st, 2003 7:23:12 AM
Jared looks concerned as he moves into position. "Whatever is behind that door, certainly has powerful magic at his disposal. That golem could make paste of all of us, if we didn't have the command word."
He glances over to his uncle with a nod of thanks.
"I wish I could help with the door, but I don't have a spell like that in my books. If we have any idea of what to expect, though, I do have a number of defensive and offensive spells I could cast on a few of the warriors. They won't last long, but they should last long enough for us to get in the room and deal with whoever, or whatever is inside."
Jared briefly lists the spells he's thinking of: Protection from Evil, Greater Magic Weapon, Protection from Elements
"They might not be of great benefit against undead, though. Unless they were summoned."
"Let me know if I should cast them, and on whom."
He looks genuinely interested in making himself a valuable member of the group, perhaps hoping that after this situation has been resolved, they might offer to allow him to stick around...
Rond Tuesday January 21st, 2003 10:22:07 AM
Whispering, "Renik see if you can hear anything on the other side of the door. If not I don't see any reason to wait any longer unless someone has an objection?!"
DMJK Tuesday January 21st, 2003 11:27:00 AM
Renik can not hear anything on the other side of the door.
Hobbes d4+1=5 Tuesday January 21st, 2003 3:03:59 PM
Hobbes takes his place in line and prepares his scythe. He pauses for a second.
"Hold a moment," he says and takes a brooding step forward, placing a hand on Renik's shoulder and moves his hand over Renik's head. "Here friend, you'll need this. 'Po Elv'dn Mort J'nix.'" He then moves forward and places both hands on Renik's main weapon, one on either side and shutting his eyes speaks, "Shorpix 'Po Riz't." Finally he turns to Rond and touches his shoulder, muttering, "Komul Rizz't Ferz," then removes a small bit of smelly substance from his pouch and places it on Rond. It sticks for a second, then dissolves, but boy does it smell.
He then pats both on the shoulder and says, "Go get them now."
While waiting for any more business to go on he removes a bit of talc from a pouch and sprinkles it upon himself entoning, "I' blis zite Nok," and rubs his temples.
He then returns to his place in line and prepares to enter. [On Renik: Negative Plane Protection and Magic Weapon (+1 Attack and Damage from the weapon). On Rond: Bull's Strength (5 strength points for Rond.) Then on me (affecting me): See Invisible]
Bill Troublefinder Tuesday January 21st, 2003 5:03:32 PM
"Just open the door, Rond!" Bill whispers. He keeps his eye on, and some distance from, the guardian statue. 'Alemi and Domi and Gargul, be with us, and please forgive Renik for invoking that revolting name,' he prays inwardly. He flies over near the wall adjoining the next room, well on the other side of the door from where the statue stands, again, gauging a good access point to blink through.
Feng Wednesday January 22nd, 2003 2:00:10 AM
Feng walks over to the door and attempts to open it. If there is evil behind the door he wants to be first in line. "I do not think we will have this opportunity again. We must make the most of it. Already we have seen a mummy and now a golem. These are rare and powerful monsters. Powerful magics must be behind everything."
Draax Wednesday January 22nd, 2003 7:13:49 AM
Draax waits anxiously as Feng attempts to open the door, he scans the room and takes a look behind the party just to be on the safe side.
Renik (Negative Plane Protection, Magic Weapon +1) Wednesday January 22nd, 2003 8:28:39 AM
The rogue shakes off the feeling of dread that has settled upon him in this dark foreboding place. What's done is done, and there is fighting to be done.
"Hobbes, my thanks. I think we will need all the help we can get!"
To Jared he says, "And yours is the sort of help we can use, my friend. My apologies for being suspicious of your uncle Elmo; it's just that in our line of work it pays to be cautious."
He winks at Elmo.
"Protection from Evil is always handy. Cast it on whoever you wish, we will all see combat today, I'll wager! It's good to have a dedicated mage with us, though I warn you we tend to attract trouble like a zombie attracts flies!"
DMJK Wednesday January 22nd, 2003 11:08:13 AM
Hobbes casts his spells...
Bill asks forgiveness and looks for a nice section of the wall to blink through. Given that he really has no idea what lies on the other side of the wall, one place is as good as another. Everyone else gets ready and Feng tries the door...
It swings inward on silent hinges. What happens next is almost too much to take in, but it will live in your memories forever. Well, maybe not in Bill's because he was busy checking out the wall and not the door.
Beyond the door lies an ornate room, apparently the necromancer's private study. The doorway you are entering is not in the center of the next room, instead it is slightly off center on the left side. A man who is dressed in black robes stands off to the right atop a fancy woven rug. He is reading from a large book perched atop a gilded stand. Behind him against the wall is a large ornate desk covered in books and papers. Attached to the back wall are two fancy tapestries. The one on the left features a demon with a fiery sword, and the one on the right depicts a dragon in flight clutching a unicorn in its claws. The wizard intones, "Barbazou," just as Feng is opening the door.
A green, venomous looking smoke begins to coalesce on the left side of the room. The smoke is contained by a circle of black sand.
The wizard cackles, "You're too late! I've already summoned him! The barbazu is here! The last step for me to obtain lichdom is at hand and you are powerless to stop us! Barbazu, I command you to destroy them!"
The smoke begins to take shape and you see before you, the most fearsome and evil thing that you've ever seen in your life. It is a gigantic demon, a pit fiend from the depths of hell. It stands 8 feet tall, and you can feel the heat radiating from its rich red skin. Black batlike wings spread out behind him, and he grips a gigantic, fiery greatsword. Flames lick his feet, and venom drips from his fangs.
The demon raises its blade, preparing to slice Feng in two, but then it pauses and looks down. Following its gaze, the party members standing in the door see what caught its attention. The open door swung through the sand and broke the wizard's circle. The vicious denizen of hell winks at Feng, and grins the most god awful evil smile any of you have ever seen. Then it turns to face the wizard, and it speaks in a gravelly voice that chills your soul, "You've made two mistakes Elzan. First, I am not a barbazu. I AM BARBAZOU! Second, you drew your stupid circle too close to the door!"
The wizard barely has time to scream as the demon leaps at him, bites off his head, and throws the burning headless corpse across the room. It strikes the wall with so great an impact that you hear the bones crunch.
The demon spits out the bloody head and slowly turns toward the doorway. It speaks again, and the sound of the voice sends chills down your spine, "You freed me from my imprisonment. For this I owe you a favor, so I will not kill you today. But when next we meet, you will meet that fool's fate." The demon points toward the headless corpse. Then he stares at the paladin in the doorway, "Unless of course you want to fight today..."
The demon hefts its sword and stares murder at the door.
Renik d20+12=28 Wednesday January 22nd, 2003 12:06:20 PM
Fighting the desperate urge to turn and run, Renik looks up at the huge, smoking Demon and feels his innards turn to ice.
However he does a remarkable job of keeping his terror hidden (Bluff 28).
"Us? Fight you? Oh no, you're obviously mistaken Mr Barbazou. We're just here collecting for the Orphans of Windhorn Hamlet Appeal. Would you care to make a donation?"
He nudges the half-orc paladin. "Feng!" he hisses, "We really don't want to fight this guy! Right?"
Despite his unwillingness to have his head torn off and his burning body flung with bone shattering force into a wall, Renik keeps his bow at the ready, in case one of his companions is feeling reckless.
Feng d20+15=28 d20+7=20 d20+7=15 d8+14=18 d8+6=8 Wednesday January 22nd, 2003 1:56:44 PM
There was no way Feng could let this creature escape. Not when he has a chance to finish it. The other will do what they must, just as he will. "Stand back." Is all that Feng says to his companions as he steps forward. He looks at the demon, "You very well know that I cannot let you leave." Feng grips his double axe in both hands and circles the demon so he attacks from the side and gives the others a clear shot. Feng's double axe glows with divine light for a moment as he attacks the demon. [1st attack (smite evil) hit ac 28 for 18] [2nd attack hit ac 20 for 8] [3rd attack misses]
OOC: Feng is in no way obligating anybody from joining in the fight. If anybody wants to help, great. If not Feng will do what he can.
Jared (Mage Armor, Shield, Haste, Protection from Elements - Fire) Wednesday January 22nd, 2003 5:44:41 PM
Jared lets out a sigh of strange relief as Feng rushes forward to attack. He had certainly hoped the group would stand up against the fiend, but knew he couldn't take it on alone. With the paladin leading the way, he leapt into the fray, his voice rising above the din as he intones his spells.
Casting Haste, Protection from Elements (Fire)
Draax d20+13=17 d20+8=28 d20+8=12 d8+7=15 Wednesday January 22nd, 2003 5:52:07 PM
Looking at the demon, Draax suddenly does not feel as great of a need to destroy evil as he did just a few seconds ago. He feels some satisfaction at seeing the headless body of the priest of Marteaus, but fighting a demon was not in the job description. Draax debates with himself about whether he could leave here with the demon on the loose and still live with himself. He is somewhat relieved when Feng takes the decision out of his hands.
Draax smiles. "This is not the way I wanted to die, but then again I never wanted to die so I guess it does not make a difference. Make some room paladin, you cannot have him all to yourself." If given enough room Draax will move along side of Feng and attack the demon. (AC 17 and AC 28 natural 20 no Crit for 15dmg)
Rond (bull's strength +5) d20+11=26 d20+6=18 2d6(6+3)+5=14 2d6(2+5)+5=12 Thursday January 23rd, 2003 12:13:43 AM
Rond mumbles to himself about what good does it do to be leader if no one will listen.
Rond is always glad to see an evil wizard taken care of, and decides that he likes having a clear and present evil. It's so much better than most of the things the group has dealt with lately.
If Rond can he will shoulder his way in with the other fighters and attempt to strike the demon. (AC 26, 18 for 14 and 12 if attacks are available and if hit) (+1 weapon)
Hobbes Thursday January 23rd, 2003 3:00:52 AM
Hobbes steps into the room and uses his gloves to fish out a putrid smelling bone from a sack. It reeks of death, that unnatural smell that comes from undead. He holds it and his holy symbol in one hand, waving in turn with the other, his feet hitting the ground in a rough rhythm.
"Arg...arg...." he begins stamping faster, weaving the bone back and forth in front of him, staring intensely, "Argwa O'Wold Og Da!"
A force shoots outworld from the bone and surrounds hits the demon with a wall of purplish light. Hobbes himself is blown back a little from the blast and knocked into the wall behind him. He then lifts his head slowly to see whether his attempt has succeeded and if the demon... is still there.
[Cast Dismissal. Will Save DC 24. He gets his hit dice as a bonus to his roll. Cross your fingers everyone!]
Bill Troublefinder d10=3 d6=3 d10=3 d10=6 d6=1 d10=1 d2=1 Thursday January 23rd, 2003 5:44:18 AM
Bill blinks through the wall a moment or so after the door opens. If it is more than two foot thick, he takes 3 hp damage as he pops through the other side. If the wall is more than four feet thick, he doesn't even pop through, but requires two more attempts to penetrate five feet. If more than 5 feet thick, forget it, he flies to the door and thence immediately stays as far to the right as the shape of the room allows.
Assuming wall is no thicker than 3 feet: With all his wall evaluation, he arrived just at the end of the cackling wizard's triumphant command. He glances around the whole room to see what all, besides wizard and demon, lies within (furniture, other doors, alcoves, books, lab equipment, whatever), as he listens to Elzan and Barbazou calmly discuss matters. Ouch! he winces as the body splatters. Hmmm - a demon. Must have all kinds of interesting stories to tell. Wait a sec', there, halfling, we don't want this fella comin' back to bother us.
In his scanning of the area, Bill looks to see if anything in the room might be helpful in fighting a demon -- besides what his friends already are doing.
Battle (DMJK) (devil's save against dismissal, w/out HD added in) d20+17=29 10d6(3+3+2+2+3+5+6+5+6+4)=39 Thursday January 23rd, 2003 11:13:11 AM
Feng charges the towering devil and launches into a furious assault. His blade never even chips one of the pit fiend's deep red scales. (AC30)
Jared casts haste, and the speed boost allows him to follow with protection from fire.
Draax knows that he took his best shot, but the blow seems rather ineffective. (dmg reduction 25/+2)
Rond similiarly has no luck.
Hobbes casts his spell with no effect.
Bill sees nothing other than two tapestries on the back wall, a desk covered in books and scrolls to the right, an ornate rug, a book on a scroll stand, a circle drawn on the floor in black sand, a headless wizard, and great big pit fiend that is laughing at the pitiful attempts to cause him injury.
"Baagh! Mortals, you are not ready for Barbazou! For some reason, Marteaus protects you today, so I will still let you live. But you need a lesson." The devil throws a fireball at his feet. The radius of the blast is sufficient to burn everyone. (dmg 39, reflex DC16 for half)
The devil disappears in the blast. Hobbes' see invisible spell lets him know that the thing is truly gone. The sense of fear is gone too. The fireball caught one of the tapestries, the rug, and the desk on fire. The explosion toppled the scroll stand, and the book is burning on the rug. All the items looked pretty valuable. You'd better put them out.
Renik d20+9=23 Thursday January 23rd, 2003 11:31:47 AM
Renik sees his companions launch into a blistering assault on the demonic creature, with a singular lack of effect. He raises his bow, ready to bounce his own attack off the creature's seemingly inpenetrable hide. Ah well, life was fun while it lasted...
Then the creature speaks, and Renik cannot suppress a shuddering sigh of relief. Spared! Then Barbazou's words sink in. Marteaus protects them? Oh dear, thinks the rogue to himself. That can't be good...
He doesn't have much time to ponder the implication of these words, however, as the room suddenly explodes into flames. Renik hurls himself backwards, ducking around the doorframe instants before a roaring belch of flame erupts through it, inches from his face (Reflex 23, Evasion for no damage).
When he peers back through into the smoking ruins of the room Barbazou is gone.
"Is everyone OK?" he calls into the smoke, rushing to put out the flames left by the demon's departure.
Bill Troublefinder d20+4=24 d100=14 Thursday January 23rd, 2003 2:27:11 PM
Bill is apparently in a spot that shelters him somewhat from the full effects of the fireball - but the flames are enough to cause him a fair amount of harm (Reflex save 24, nat 20, damage 20 hp, 8 hp remaining. Rolled d100 to see if on material plane at time of fireball - yep).
He moves quickly to extract his canvas tarp and lays it over the desk and scrolls, and whatever else it might cover, to smother the flames. Last he will pull out some skins of water to douse what remaining flames he can.
"Quick, somebody tell me what Elzan said when you entered the room. I only heard him say, 'and you are powerless to stop us! Barbazu, I command you to destroy them!'
"So, what did he say first? I'm sure it's important. Ay, that hurts! Boy, it sure can be important to say people's names right!" After dousing the flames, he looks to see which of his companions might need immediate assistance.
Hobbes (39 down) d20+3=5 Thursday January 23rd, 2003 4:34:50 PM
Hobbes' head falls back down in exhaustion as he sees the illuminated purple wall completely dissipate when it hits Barbazou. The evil of his words echo in his head.
"Errrg..." he groans, "Have never cast a spell that powerful before."
He summons a little more strength to lift his head again, still feeling a bit of the power from Gargul in his hands from the divine magic, and is powerless to avoid the radiating blast of fire that rips through him like the sharpest blade. His hair and face are badly burned and his pack twitters with little flames.
He lies there groaning.
Draax d20+9=20 Thursday January 23rd, 2003 5:53:07 PM
Knowing that his sword delivered a clear hit and seeing no damage on the creature, the only thing that popped into Draax's mind was 'Uh oh!' Clearly outmatched, Draax hopes that he could find a way to cause the creature some type of pain before the thing kills him. The last thing the half-elven warrior expected was the speech that Barbazou gave before departing. As the demon throws the fireball Draax quickly wraps himself with his blast cloak and lets it absorb the fire. (save 20, no damage due to Blast Cloak)
Draax feels a little ashamed to be relieved that the demon is gone. One thing the demon was correct about was the party is not ready for it yet. Inwardly he fights with mixed feelings, happy to be alive, but dreads thinking about what damage the creature could do while it is loose.
As he ponders about something he can do nothing about at the moment, Draax helps Bill put out the fire using his cloak to smother the flames when needed. As he fights the fire he answers Bill's question about what Elzan said when they first opened the door. "He said something like, 'You are too late, I've summoned him already. Barbazu is here, the last step for me to reach lickdom' - or maybe it was lichdom - 'is at hand and you can't stop me' - or was it stop us? Anyway, then he said 'Barbazu, I command you to kill them,' - no not, 'kill them,' he said 'destroy them.' I think that was he said, but I was a little excited at the time."
Arien d20+10=18 d20+10=22 Thursday January 23rd, 2003 6:02:45 PM
Arien manages to leap backwards through the door, tumbling backwards a good twenty feet before coming to a stop. Jumping back to his feet, Arien rushes back into the room to aid his friends. Should they all be all right, he'll turn to putting out the fires, starting with the book.
(Evasion Roll: 18 so no damage, voluntary tumble roll: 22)
Rond -19 hp d20+6=25 Friday January 24th, 2003 1:18:32 AM
Realizing that his clothes are on fire before he can feel the effects of what the pit fiend has done (reflex =25), Rond quickly avoids some of the more serious damage by putting out the little fires as best he can. From there he starts trying to battle the blaze that has started up in the surrounding area.
Bill Troublefinder Friday January 24th, 2003 2:48:29 AM
"Thanks, Draax," Bill says as he continues working. "That should be close enough. A near lich, eh? Close call. Hey - somebody - Jared, maybe? Feng - you okay? - see if Hobbes there needs a potion or something." He hands a potion of cure light wounds (1d8+3) to whoever can spare a moment for the cleric of Gargul.
Aftermath (DMJK) Friday January 24th, 2003 10:58:25 AM
With a concerted effort, the party gets the fires out. A quick search of the place reveals the following valuable items:
Scrolls: (which fortunately have labels)Control Undead, Contagion, Fear, Vampiric Touch, Detect Undead A wand and bracers on the wizard's corpse Potions in the room that Elmo was in (also labeled): Ghoul Touch, Cure Serious Wounds, Neutralize Poison, Remove Disease, Intelligence) mundane items: 3 flasks of acid, the 2 tapestries, gold ring with a blue diamond (nonmagical), bags of money (683 gp, 41sp, 832cp), masterwork dagger, pair of gold candlesticks fashioned like skeletons, black star sapphire on a find gold chain, fine woven rug featuring an exotic pattern, bag of 5 black pearls, and the ceremonial dagger made of electrum with a star ruby in the pommel
In the bag of black pearls there is a note: Veiran, my friend, here is the payment for the death of the gravedigger.
The note reminds you that the assassin is still missing. He must be down in the catacombs somewhere.
Arien sees that the book from the pedestal was the necromancer's spellbook. Unfortunately, it is burned too badly to be of any use.
Amongst the books on the desk, you discover the dead wizard's journal. It details his desire to become a lich. He discovered these catacombs two years ago, and he began raising the dead for servants and for study. The book details the powers of the undead, and it expostulates theories about the negative plane. The necromancer wanted to study the fresher bodies in the graves on the surface and Nigel's aid was needed for the project. The gravedigger was kept in the dark as much as possible about goings on in the crypt, and he kept his silence for a paltry 2 gold per month. The journal also explains that Elmo was abducted so that his lifeblood could be used to power the transformation to lichdom. Apparently Nigel drank too much for his blood to be valuable to the necromancer, but the journal doesn't really explain why alcohol would pose a problem. The final step involved controlling a devil that would complete the transformation. Exactly how that would work remains a little unclear. Apparently that part is in the ruined spellbook.
Jared Friday January 24th, 2003 11:08:33 AM
Jared flinches involuntarily from the fireball, but his protection spell completely absorbs the damage. He takes a moment to recover, and in his hesitation, the rest of the group rushes forward to take care of the room.
He assists where he can in gathering the items, then shakes his head at the information gathered.
"Such a waste. It is thankful we arrived when we did. If it is true he was about to attain Lichdom, then he may have been too powerful for us to even hope to overcome."
He looks back to Elmo, then to the group. "Thank you so much for saving my uncle. I wish I would have been more helpful in the conflict, but I would be quite happy to offer my services in the future."
DMJ Friday January 24th, 2003 3:17:55 PM {There are no sheets in the Adventurer's Repose for Rond, Hobbes, and Arien. Get those things in gang.}
Draax Friday January 24th, 2003 4:52:55 PM
Draax examines the loot that they found and berates himself for forgetting about the assassin. He glances at the journal before talking to Jared. "Jared, hopefully I speak for everyone when I say you are welcome to join us. We do have other duties in Plateau City and you will have to pass the scrutiny of our main employer before you can join that part of our lives, if you choose to. Everyone is the group gives their our own opinions on how we think we should act in certain situations, but Rond is the official leader of the group." Draax smiles, "And although the last battle, if you want to call it a battle, did not show it, we do listen to him most of the time. Hey, don't apologize about your usefulness during the conflict, you were as effective as I was, probably more. Oh! And if we did not mention it before, we were chasing an assassin just before we found our way down here."
Addressing everyone Draax says, "I guess this Veiran guy is the assassin that we were after and if the note in that bag is correct, we have his payment. I guess we have come full circle again, and the question that we face is, do we look for this killer or get Elmo to safety? With us holding his payment he may come after us, even if we do decide to leave."
Draax waits for the decision to be made on what the party's next move will be.
Arien Friday January 24th, 2003 6:11:08 PM
Arien tosses the spellbook away in disgust, necromancy repelled him and even had the book been burnt so badly he's have likely burned it himself. "Well let us take what we can from this place. We should not leave it here even if we don't want it. After all this man may have a follower or an associate whom may come calling and take these items and use for his own evil purposes. We should take it and deal with it once we are out of these tunnels and from the watching eyes of a god I will not name."
Renik Saturday January 25th, 2003 11:45:41 AM
The rogue's eyes light up at the sight of all the loot. "Finally!" He crows, "Payday!" Let's get this little lot back to the Catacombs!"
He starts to pack away as much of the treasure as he can, into both his own pack and those of his companions.
As he works he says "You certainly speak for me, Draax. Jared, if you want to join up with us after seeing that horned horror we just went up against then you're madder than a box full of snakes. You should fit right in! I know we have to get you sworn in officialy by M, but after seeing how you handled youself in front of that thing, I can't see him raising any objections. Welcome aboard, my friend!"
He offers his hand and a rakish grin to the wizard, for once removing his dark circular sunglasses as he shakes the man's hand.
"Hmm, Veiran... I have to say I'm happier hunting an assassin with aim like his than having him hunt me, but we have pretty much done what we set out to do here. We probably should get Elmo to safety first, then try to track down this Veiran fellow. But it's your call Rond!"
Bill Troublefinder d8+3=5 d8+3=9 d20+19=30 d20+19=25 d20+19=38 d20+19=23 d20+19=26 d20+19=36 d20+19=34 d20+19=23 d8+5=11 Sunday January 26th, 2003 1:00:50 AM
Since no one took the potion from Bill, the hobbit himself administers it to the groaning cleric, Hobbes (curing up 7 hp of damage - should be 1d8+5 rather than +3). "Hey there, Hobbes. You okay?" If for some reason the one potion is inadequate to the task of rousing him, he administers a second potion of cure light wounds to the cleric (healing an additional 11 (rather than 9) hp). "Speak to me, man. Are you home?"
Once he's sure that Hobbes will make it, he busily assists with the inventory and gathering of things. He pulls several bags out of his backpack to store things in, as well as some scroll organizers.
"Look, I got these at the Catacombs. Hey, we're in the catacombs, aren't we?" he titters. He pulls forth a sealed leather tube, pulls from it a rolled-up piece of leather, unfastens a clip, and shakes the roll. It unfurls into a long strip of leather that has an overlapping series of fifteen pockets sewn along one side, each large enough to hold a scroll of a single spell. When slipped into a pocket, only the top of a scroll shows, allowing one to scan all the titles. The outside is fitted with a clip and a sewn-in pouch so that the organizer can be rolled up into a cylinder, slipped in its own pouch, and sealed against the elements. "Only cost five gold pieces! Let's organize the scrolls in them. I've got eight scroll organizers, but it looks like we only need one, or a couple if we need to divvy them up. Should we keep some, and sell or trade the rest?"
Unless any should object, Bill places the scrolls of Control Undead, Contagion, Fear, Vampiric Touch, and Detect Undead in a scroll organizer. Anyone who wants to may carry it.
He activates detect psionics & magic, to find out what is magical, and what is not, as well as to discern whether anything else in the area radiates magic.
Bill places over his face a translucent crystal mask, and starts examining the rest of the items.
[Using Knowledge: Psionics & Arcana, he makes what determinations he can, as follows (adjusted for his reduced abilities due to negative levels):
Wand - Knowledge arcana DC 30 Bracers - 25 Five black pearls - 23 (just in case they are magical) Potions (checking to see whether some of the items may be mislabeled): Ghoul Touch - 38 Cure Serious Wounds - 23 Neutralize Poison - 26 Remove Disease - 36 Intelligence - 34]
Bill is particularly interested in the wicked wizard's journal, and will tuck it in his pants pocket for later reading. "I'm not claiming this as mine, mind you - just want first quick crack at reading it through," he tells his friends. When later opportunity presents itself, he plans to read through it quickly, then go back to memorize particular passages which he thinks may prove beneficial to know. He will jot from time to time in his own encoded journal salient points, or to voice his disapproval, and agreement or disagreement with what the wizard has to say.
"Our pleasure, Jared, Elmo," Bill answers him. He nods his head in agreement with Draax regarding his words of welcome, and chuckles with Renik's response.
"Yeah, we should probably track down poor Nigel's killer," he answers Draax and agrees with Renik.
"Say, guys, let's stay in town for at least a few days, and you can meet my family. Let's have a nice dinner for Mr. Elmo, here. Sir, you really need to be cleaned up after all this mess."
"Say," he adds, apparently liking that introductory word, "we've taken a quick look around. I'm wanting to see if there may be something we might have missed. Hobbes, would you feel up to healing some of us, here? I've got four cure light scrolls you can use, if you want to. I know you took the brunt of the blast, so tend to your own crispiness, first.
"Renik, Arien, anybody else want to help me poke around a little bit? Maybe there's a secret door, or room, or trap door, or the like. Boy, I'm going to have to get rid of this tarp. I've got a spare one back in the city. This one's all smokey and scorched."
He drinks a potion of cure light wounds (11 hp), and feels somewhat better (19 hp current). "Hey, what about the door's guardian?" he asks, remembering to keep his distance from the movable statue.
Busy, busy Bill.
The treasure - DMJK Monday January 27th, 2003 12:22:01 AM
While everyone discusses the next step...
Bill determines that all of the scrolls and wands have been properly identified. The wand is a Wand of Dispel Magic. The bracers are Bracers of Armor +2. Nothing else is magical. Bill does not find anything else of interest in the room.
Renik's greedy eye appraises the value of the black pearls at 500 gold each, the gold ring with the diamond at 4000 gold, the candlesticks at 100 gold each, the black star saphhire necklace at 1400 gold, the rug at 500 gold (maybe more like 450 since it got singed a bit), the tapestries at 500 gold each, and the ceremonial dagger at 1050 gold.
DMJK Monday January 27th, 2003 12:27:24 AM Windhorn game is now on hold until Carl tells me that Hobbes and Rond have their Adventurer's Repose Legends turned in. Hopefully, that won't take more than a day. In the meantime, feel free to make plans or whatever.
Kim Tuesday January 28th, 2003 1:49:17 AM
Which means, I trust, we can post discussions here in the wizard's lab, but have to wait before we can actually get out of the Windhorn Hamlet graveyard catacombs.
BTW, did you guys know that the very first Windhorn Hamlet adventure took place in the graveyard?
Bill Troublefinder Tuesday January 28th, 2003 3:04:28 AM
"We also should maybe burn the zombies, and bury their ashes where the four graves were, in honor of the people they once were. Wonder if their grave stones are around somewhere?" Bill ponders. "Let's burn the wanna-be lich's remains. Should we show his body to the authorities, first? And we need to hold a funeral for poor Nigel. And find his killer. We should keep the crossbow bolt he shot. Maybe someone'll recognize it. Boy, I think I need to go rest somewhere. Just don't feel so wonderful.
"Hey, anybody breathe a lot of that mummy dust? Maybe you should drink this potion of remove disease. Cause from when we were lookin' to become uh..." and here the halfling checks what he was about to say. "'F course there's only one potion. Hobbes, can you cast remove disease on people? Maybe we can get some scrolls of that spell for you in the Catacombs. Cheaper than potions, and just as good, if someone knows how to use 'em." He looks around the lab to see if there might be some useful lab items - vials, jars, burners, tubes, scales, chemicals, and the like. Even cleaning supplies.
Bill then attempts to communicate telepathically with the party through psicrystal William, but William informs the nomad that he can't seem to get into their minds to say anything now.
Renik Tuesday January 28th, 2003 5:06:41 AM
"I'll take a drop of that potion if no-one else wants it. Despite that Holy Water I can still taste that accursed mummy dust."
If no-one else objects he gulps it down.
"So, we keep the scrolls (should prove handy for you, Jandar), and the wand (Any takers? Who can use it?). Does anyone want these bracers, or should I sell them?"
Bill responds to Renik's queries Tuesday January 28th, 2003 5:36:18 AM
"Probably Arien, Jared, Hobbes or I could use the wand. Renik - you might even be able to use it, if you've spent any time trying to figure out how to use arcane items, yes? Let's keep it in the party. Arien, Jared, Hobbes? Which one of you? Did I leave out anyone who would be able to use it?"
"As for the bracers - a useful pair, though not of the most potent protection. Who cannot wear armor, but might benefit from these bracers? Or, if we trade up for a more powerful set of bracers, I believe such a trade is even more favorable than the average trade-in, at least at the Catacombs."
Feng d20+8=26 Tuesday January 28th, 2003 6:06:36 AM
Feng snaps out of his trance. The battle with the pit fiend was an enlightening one. He considers himself lucky that the demon had other things to do. Otherwise nobody might be alive to tell others what happened.
Feng concentrates on what's going on and tries to bring himself up to speed. "Oh I can remove disease, but it's very draining. I can only manage a couple a week."
[reflex save 26]
Hobbes (Down 21) 2d8(3+2)+7=12 Tuesday January 28th, 2003 3:54:05 PM
Hobbes lifts his head again and swallows the healing tonic. "Oi!" he mutters, "That was unpleasant. This armor isn't very conducive to movement." He cricks his neck and looks around.
Staring down at his hands, "I must practice this. Gargul is giving me power which I haven't prepared for. I definitely need to meditate on this to prepare for next time."
He then rights himself and, grunting, stands. "Thank you Bill. Thank you very much. Now who is in need of my assistance? Is Elmo all right?"
Seeing a blackened Rond he says, "Of course" and wanders over to the leader. "Trick'se tot ni Sem!" and places his hands on Rond's burns.
[Cure Moderate Wounds, heals 12 hp for Rond]
Bill Troublefinder Tuesday January 28th, 2003 11:59:05 PM
"No prob! And here are the four cure light wounds scrolls I mentioned, Hobbes," Bill offers chirpily. "Y'know, if your armor isn't conducive to movement, maybe you should try some bracers. They're more comfortable to sleep with, I'll tell you. Though you have to take them off every once in a while, and wash your forearms, since dust and such can get in there. If you wear 'em outside in the sun, and don't have long sleeves, then you end up with funny tan lines, too. Speaking of tan lines, do you suppose you can bless this place, Hobbes? Like, it's got to've gained plenty of curses from what Mr. Wizard was doin' here, lately. I figure most people would want to be buried in a blessed place, not somewhere where you have spectres and zombies and almost-liches and demons and assassins runnin' around."
After that disquisition, he turns toward the paladin. "Well, Mr. Very Brave Friend and willing to face a fiercesome demon thing that bites off the heads of almost-liches, maybe now would be one of the good times to use one of those spells, or powers, or gifts then. I think I'm okay - well, at least as far as the dusty mummy is concerned. You kinda breathed in a thick cloud of that, didn'tcha? No, wait, I remember it was Rond who really seemed to be choking on it. Could you do that thing to him, Feng? It'd sure make me feel better. 'F course, I hope it will keep Rond from feeling worse. Hey, and speaking of somethin' being very draining - well, just tell me about it. I can empathize right about now, I can."
"So, Rond, you feelin' better, yet? Let's see what our stalwart holy fighter can do for ya!"
Jared Wednesday January 29th, 2003 6:54:30 AM
"The wand will be quite useful, in particular should we encounter more spellcasters. I have no problem keeping it, since I will probably be the one with the greatest chance of using it during combat, when the rest of you will be otherwise occupied."
"I will also take the time to copy as many of these scrolls as possible into my spellbook. While necromancy can be a bit... messy... at times it can be quite a useful tool."
"So, just to make sure, all of you are fine with me animating you, should you suffer an unfortunate fate in battle? At the very least, perhaps your animated corpse could help us cart back all the treasure we find."
He smirks, trying to levitate the mood a bit.
Renik Wednesday January 29th, 2003 8:52:32 AM
The rogue grins at Jared's words, just imagining how Hobbes will take them...
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