Just Like Christmas (DM Nellie) Monday October 28th, 2002 10:00:25 PM
K'nara rapidly unwraps the item like a child on Christmas day. After all the layers are pealed back, she finds a small (baseball size) crystal ball set in a bronze base that is crafted to resemble a dragons claw. There is a tiny emerald set in the side of the base, and after a few minutes of inspection, K'nara presses the jewel. The ball fills with green smoke, and after a few moments, the very familiar face of Paranoth appears inside the crystal. It is amazing how life like the figure in the glass is. Even more startling is how the voice that emanates from the devise is crystal clear, making you feel as if you were in the actual presence of the Sovereign. "I assssume you have a report for me?"
K'Nara Tuesday October 29th, 2002 1:50:35 PM
"We're here at Mount Bone, Parnoth." K'Nara told the crystal ball. "Something has drawn all manner of orc tribes...as well as lizardfolk and cliques of people like the followers of Jancassis...to a huge tower that stands in the shadow of the mountain. For all that they appear to have been attracted here, though--there is no organization to the whole. We've seen orcs fighting lizardfolk...and even came across a bunch of the Jancassis cult operating in Fort Hospitality."
Olana Tuesday October 29th, 2002 5:29:29 PM
The elf shifts nervously as K'Nara gives Parnoth their report. Her blue eyes flash back and forth, wanting this to end as soon as possible. She was never comfortable in the presence of the green dragon, whatever form it took.
Orson Tuesday October 29th, 2002 5:35:43 PM
Orson props himself up from his bedroll as he hears K'Nara open up the device and begin to use it. 'Great, I'm gonna be taking orders from a little green orb' he thought to himself, while watching in interest as the warrior woman relays the report to the great green dragon. He waits to hear what K'Nara says the green one commands, hoping he'll still get a chance to sleep a few hours.
Figment [By Kent] Tuesday October 29th, 2002 5:50:20 PM
Figment watches with interest as K'nara unwraps the orb and passes on their report. It is obvious that he truly distastes even this small limited amount of contact with Parnoth.
Ingrge Tuesday October 29th, 2002 5:53:19 PM
As K'nara unwraps the orb, Ingrge seems to be casting some sort of spell [detect scrying] trying to focus on any secondary effects of the orb or any other scrying that could be going on.
Maloray d20=11 Tuesday October 29th, 2002 7:23:52 PM
After peering past K'Nara for a glimpse at the source of the new sibilant voice, Maloray will let the Talons deal with their lizard.
He keeps an eye on developments around Mount Bone.
(Spot 11+1=12)
Milo Tuesday October 29th, 2002 7:30:56 PM
Milo stands with a look of sheer mirth on his face as K'nara begins speaking to Parnoth. It is as if the halfling can hardly contain some wisecrack. Though once he notices Olana's unease, he gives her a reassuring pat, all the while biting his tongue to keep from speaking.
How High???! (DM Nellie) Wednesday October 30th, 2002 7:00:11 PM
The image of the dragon becomes slightly larger in the crystal, as Parnoth appears to draw closer to K'nara. "Yesss, that will do. Well done on your missssion, but don't let it go to your headsss. You are to report to Edenmoor immediately. There have been reportsss of missssing children. Sssince the Gold Dragonsss are missssssing, I have graciousssly agreed to lend your ssservicesss to New Elenna. You are to investigate the disssappearancesss, isssolate the sssource of the problem, and neutralize it. When you arrive, asssk for Dak...he will sssee to your arrangementsss. I expect your report sssoon." The figure begins to fade, but then re-emerges, and the dragon's head bears its huge teeth. "There is no excussse for failure. Remember, the children are our future." The crystal fills with green smoke and Parnoth's image disappears, and then the crystal goes dark.
There is much continued activity on Mount Bone, but Maloray sinces no immediate threat to the party. During the conversation, Ingrge detects no other magic other than some sort of two way scrying.
Lian Thursday October 31st, 2002 1:18:35 AM
Looking around the group as Parnoth disappears, Lian remarks absently, "Well, I suppose we're up for a trip. Which way to New Elenna?"
Milo Thursday October 31st, 2002 1:20:50 AM
Milo quickly sobers up as he realizes that Parnoth is actually sending them somewhere, to do something, that he wholeheartedly approves of. Looking up at Olana, "Parnoth had better quit this tender streak of his, or I may be forced to like him." The halfling smiles, though the look on his face is mildly puzzled.
Maloray Thursday October 31st, 2002 1:37:40 AM
Returning to the group and grinning at Lian's words, Maloray asks the elf with gesture at the teeming mountain: "Are you sure you wouldn't rather stir the ant hill a bit? Whatever brews yonder foretells no cool breezes for children same as grown within a hundred mile."
The half-elf loosens Howler's girth and scratches the animal's ears.
Olana Thursday October 31st, 2002 12:06:57 PM
Olana nods and shrugs at Milo. "Is this the dawn of a new era? That would be rather nice wouldn't it," she adds with a wistful smile.
She tells the others that to get to Edenmoor from Izen, the party should head east.
Figment Thursday October 31st, 2002 6:25:51 PM
You know, I truly am getting tired of being Parnoth's lackeys. But you're right, at least its something worthwhile.
Ingrge Thursday October 31st, 2002 6:27:56 PM
Looking around at the others as they make their comments about Parnoth and his assigned task, Ingrge scoffs. The Scaly one has not changed there is either something in this for him or there is a catch. Just like his freeing of the slaves. I just know there was a catch.
Orson Friday November 1st, 2002 1:40:25 AM
Orson listens to the others make there comments about Parnoth. He gathers his gear together in case they others plan to leave right away.
"I'm up for going and saving these children. As much as I like killing orcs, I think saving the young ones is the right choice."
He looks to the leader of the talons for her to make his decision for him.
K'Nara Friday November 1st, 2002 6:46:23 AM
The tall redhead arched an eyebrow at the darkening crystal.
"How lovely of Parnoth to remember that the children are 'our' future..." she commented acerbically, re-wrapping the communication device, "...after having been directly responsible for manufacturing so many elven orphans, eh?" K'Nara snorted, definitely NOT impressed with Parnoth's uncharacteristic show of concern.
"I do believe you have the way of it, Ingrge," the human bladesinger agreed, nodding, "There has GOT to be something in it for Parnoth--but there are children in danger, and if our help is needed then there we will go. I just wish we knew the whole story, because I, too, think there HAS to be a catch to it somewhere." The woman warrior secured her backpack and stood up.
"All right--let's break camp and leave the area to the orcs." K'Nara told her group, then turned a canny eye towards Maloray and Orson. "The Talons will be going to New Ellena...you're free to go with us or to stay here. If you come along, you'll be considered the low guys on the totem pole--but you'll be given ample opportunity to prove yourselves, too. It's your choice."
K'Nara ordered the Emerald Talons to break camp and start their journey to New Ellena, eager to be on the way.
Maloray d20+13=18 Friday November 1st, 2002 8:04:58 AM
Maloray gives the assembled orcs one last long look before glancing briefly at Ingrge and then back to K'Nara.
"One against thousands might be a glorious way to die...but the journey is not yet over for Maloray Maloreyn'n. I'm with you for now...NOT in service to the green lizard, but for reasons of my own."
The half elf re-tightens Howler's saddle girth, and ties the sword shaped bundle back in place before casually leaping hands-free into the saddle (Jump roll 18 + 10 = 28 That's a standing high jump of 4 feet.)
"Ready to ride, Talons!"
Orson Friday November 1st, 2002 1:22:32 PM
Orson quickly backs up his few belongings, slides his chain shirt and slinged sheathes back on, and is ready to move. Bowing slightly in front of K'Nara, "I give no allegiance to your dragon, but my swords and service are the Talon's to use as you see fit."
Having no horse, Orson does a few simple leg stretches as the others break camp, and prepares for the long walk ahead.
A Not So Warm Welcome (DM Nellie) Friday November 1st, 2002 5:46:15 PM
The journey to Edenmoor is uneventful...actually it's a rather pleasant one. The weather is perfect for traveling, and the sun warms your back as your mounts plod down the road. It's tempting to forget all about your mission, strip off your armor, and just once enjoy life without the bloodshed, death, and danger that are part of the adventurer's life.
You stop several times along the journey to ask locals for more accurate directions, but eventually you arrive just outside of the "town". A mixture of old, dilapidated and burned out structures stand side by side with brand new buildings. Just outside of the town proper, several large, well kept farmsteads meet the eye. Ripe corn reflects the golden rays of the sun as the sun sets behind you. A group of children playing a game of tag giggle and laugh. The laughter stops abruptly as they catch sight of the armed party. Eyes wide the youths bolt for the safety of the nearby buildings, with shouts of "Daddy, daddy!" A few young men burst out the doors, brandishing swords. One look at the men's clothing and the way in which they awkwardly hold their weapons suggest that they are better suited to working the land than manning the battlefield. One particularly bold man approaches. "State your business, and do it quickly...I'm not afraid to use this!" He extends his sword in a gesture that is meant to be threatening, but leaves you unimpressed. A large, broad shouldered middle aged male human steps out of a nearby building and spots the exchange. Walking forward, he places a hand on the bold man's shoulder. "Gareth, it's ok. These are our friends." All of the men lower their weapons, as the leader approaches K'nara. "I'm sorry about the misunderstanding. You'll have to forgive Gareth. He was named after the famous hero, and sometimes his bravery gets the best of him." The tension dissolves quickly, weapons are lowered, and the leader approaches K'nara and extends his hand. "You must be the Talons. Parnoth's letter described you well. Thank you for coming! My name is Dak. Let me be the first one to welcome you to Edenmoor." His smiles good naturedly at the female warrior.
Lian d20+4=7 Saturday November 2nd, 2002 3:05:01 AM
OOC: I'm back, until I break my computer again. :)
Lian moves forward and bows. He is, of course, unarmed. "Well met Dak, I am Lian Siannodel. We are the Talons." The monk turns his red-haired leader. (Sense Motive on Dak, ouch, 7)
"K'nara, it would seem our fame has preceeded us." He grins.
K'Nara Sunday November 3rd, 2002 7:04:41 AM
Sliding down off the back of her faithful Poki, the leader of the Emerald Talons stepped up to the man identifying himself as "Dak" and clasped his extended hand firmly.
"I am honored." K'Nara said simply. "I am K'Nara, and we are the Emerald Talons from the Emerald Kingdom. We've been informed that your community needs help with a specific threat to your children..?"
Milo Sunday November 3rd, 2002 1:18:57 PM
Sliding off of the horse he shares with Olana, Milo eyes the group of men cooly. Tired of being greeted with a drawn weapon the halfling speaks to Dak, "I understand that these are strange times, and that the coming of a stranger may or may not be cause for a panick. However, the next time you see someone openly wearing the symbol of Pantheon in this manner," Milo points directly to the holy symbol that adorns the periapt that fastens his cloak, "You can be sure that you are in the presence of a Justicar, and that there is no need for alarm." Milo looks satisfied with his speech, and allows himself to smile broadly, "Is there any place a body can get good ale around here?"
Maloray Sunday November 3rd, 2002 4:47:40 PM
Chuckling at the ruffled halfling, Maloray swings down off Howler's back and approaches Dak, flashing him a bright grin.
"I am Maloray Maloreyn'n Magdorn'd of the Owl Clan. I ride with the Talons for the moment. Perhaps you can speak your problem to us over a jar of ale to calm my short friend's wits."
Olana d20+2=14 d20+13=33 Sunday November 3rd, 2002 6:17:34 PM
Olana smiles, watching Milo - who's attitude made him seem easily as tall as the others.
She stays on horseback for a moment or two longer - it was a better vantage point.
This place was undergoing a rebirth, she muses, sniffing the air. Chopped wood, tilled earth - and missing children. Had they disturbed something here, in their efforts to rebuild? Or perhaps predators had been alerted by all this, which was highly likely. Farmers carried food - of all kinds.
As the others make their introduction, her eyes survey the immediate surroundings, on the look out for anything unusual. (Spot DC14, Wilderness lore DC33)
Ingrge Sunday November 3rd, 2002 6:38:49 PM
Seeing the adults of the village greet the party with suspision, until Dak arrives, Ingrge makes his way past the rest of the group and heads right to the kids. As he dismounts and ground ties Moonshadow, he is digging in his pockets. As he approaches the kids he is making small motions with his hands and soon there are small balls of colored lights dancing around his head and chasing each other around him as he stands by the children. Moments later a silver piece for each child floats out of his pocket and dances in front of each child until they take it. Smiling, Ingrge sits down among the kids and strats juggling the magic lights.
Figment Sunday November 3rd, 2002 6:43:29 PM
Watching the man come out with the sword, Figmentsighs and wryly comments, 'Well if you are going to use it, you probably ought not hold it as if it were a rake ot hoe. You are more likely to hurt yourself than one of us.'
As Dak comes out Figment listens to the welcome and then watches as Ingrge veers from the rest of the group.
Orson Monday November 4th, 2002 1:34:00 AM
Orson just looks pitifully at the farmers attempting to raise arms against him, finding them no more a threat than the children who ran away.
He seems happy when the man steps forward and halts there hostile nature, and stands and waits for K'Nara to finish negotiations and get the details from the man.
The Simple Life (DM Nellie) Monday November 4th, 2002 2:24:11 PM
K'nara finds that Dak too has a very strong handshake. Dak chuckles at Milo's comment. "Yes sir, you are correct. There is no need to fear a Justicar, and we are honored to have you here at Edenmoor. As your friend has just noted, most of us are better suited to farming than we are to soldiery, so once again I'll have to ask your forgiveness. You see, this city was destroyed before the Godswar, so some of the lads hear get a wee bit jumpy when they see armed men riding into town." Lian senses no attempt at subterfuge from the man.
Ingre approaches the children who bolt back into the safety of the buildings until they catch sight of his magic act. Soon, he finds himself surrounded by a group of children (about 10) who watch the juggling lights with absolute fascination. They are giggle as the coins appear, and quickly pluck them out of the air. One of the older boys reaches forward and tries to grab one of Ingre's magical lights as he juggles them. He gasps as the light passes through his hand, and then laughs joyfully.
In the dimming light, it is difficult for Olana to spot much of anything, but she does notice that there is a small chapel on the outskirts of town which seems far older than any of the other buildings. It is in an extreme state of disrepair. She also notices that none of the "shops" in the town seem to be ready for business quite yet, as there is very little merchandise in the windows.
Dak smiles at Maloray and Lian. "Well met Maloray Maloreyn'n Magdorn'd of the Owl Clan, and Lian Siannodel. We are honored to have your assistance." He chuckles at Milo's and Maloray's mention of alcoholic beverages. "My fine sirs, we're just simple farming folk, so I'm afraid that we don't have anything that you would consider "good"! But, I can probably rustle up something that might warm the gullet! Besides, it's getting chilly outside, and the sun will soon set." Dak motions to Gareth. "Gareth, would you please be so kind as to stable these fine adventurer's horses in my barn?" He turns back to K'nara. "If you would be so kind as to join us in my house. I'm sure supper's all ready, and if you don't mind, we can talk about this matter after the kids have been put to bed."
Gareth tends to the party's horses as the other villagers, satisfied that they are not under attack, head back to their homes. The children linger for a little longer around Ingre...no doubt waiting for more coins to appear, but soon run off to their homes as their mothers call them for supper.
Dak's home is small, cozy building. Though not lavish, it appears to be quite comfortable, and there is a peace that almost seems to radiate from the house, though you since an unspoken tension amoung the members of this happy home. True to his word, supper is on the table, and Dak and his homely wife Sally beg you to partake of the meal. Plates of mashed potatoes, green beans, and some form of baked hen are passed around the table. There appears to be more than enough food for all, though Dak's son Toby makes a large dent in the mashed potatoes.
After the meal, Dak ushers you over to the family room while Sally puts Toby down for the night, and then tends to the dishes. Dak checks around the corner, then proceeds to pull up one of the floorboards and withdraws a small jug of ale. Motioning for silence, Dak whispers "Sally doesn't like for me to drink this stuff...says it clouds the mind." He takes a long draught before he passes the jug around, and soon all joviality is gone from his face. "I don't like to talk about this matter around Sally or the boy. It's almost too much for them. Life has been good for all of us until recently. Oh, it's hard work and all, but we like the new life we have here. That is until about three months ago. Right around the time of the new moon, Gareth's little girl Becka disappeared during the night. Her mother put her down for the night, and the morning she was gone. We searched and searched, but we couldn't find any signs of her. Since then, five other children have disappeared. The last was my little girl Jane." Dak breaks down sobbing, and it takes several minutes for him to compose himself. "All of the children have been taken during the night during the new moon. We even tried to post watches during the night, but we never found anything. I don't know what to do. Can you help us?"
Maloray Monday November 4th, 2002 2:53:50 PM
Before Gareth leads Howler away, Maloray unties his wrapped sword and his provision sack from the mustang's saddle. He carries the items with him to Dak's house.
As Dak tells his tale, Maloray waits for some others of the Talons to speak first...the barbarian knows little of these western lands and perhaps the answers to his questions are obvious to those gathered in the Edenmoorian's family room.
Lian Monday November 4th, 2002 3:26:16 PM
Not having ate much in the past two days, Lian nearly stuffs himself silly with potatoes and other veggies, particularly the hen. Then hearing the story of the children disappearing, Lian looks at Ingrge. "That must be why the children ran from you my friend, they are afraid your the 'boogie-elf'." The leaves the elven face and he almost dives under his plate when he realizes his statement may not have been well planned. Quickly changing the the subject, "This certainly is good hen!"
K'Nara d20=5 Monday November 4th, 2002 4:37:28 PM
K'Nara frowned as she attempted to draw a conclusion from the man's sketchy story...unfortunately, thinking about mysteries was NOT her forte.
"We are here to help, Dak," K'Nara assured the farmer, "Though from the sound of it--to me, at any rate--this matter won't be an easy one to settle. We Talons, however, will give it our full attention." Her filleted head swiveled towards the others in the party.
"Figment...Ingrge..." she turned towards the two members of the Talons she most relied on for brainpower, "...do you have any theories..? I'm drawing a blank about possibilities." The female fighter rubbed her chin. "Perhaps Olana can detect some tracks..? Anyone with any other suggestions..?"
Ingrge Monday November 4th, 2002 6:44:37 PM
[ooc, what moon phase is it now and how long ago was Sally taken]
Ingrge's time with the children, once they returned, seems to have lifted a cloud from him and he appears much cheerier. Even to the point of when joining the group for dinner, creating a bouquet of flowers,apparently out of thin air for Dak's wife and a single rose, which, without any fanfare, he presents to Olanna.
After eating, and listening to Dak's story, Ingrge seems to be in deep thought and in a very serious mood. As K'nara asks her question, Ingrge looks up, thinks for a moment more and then speaks.
'Well first off, I think Figment and I would like to take a gander at the room and area where Sally was taken, to perhaps get a feel for any magical residue, and perhaps, with something personal of hers, I might try a seeking of a sort.'Before doing these things I wouldn't dare venture a guess at what we may be facing.'
Milo Monday November 4th, 2002 8:17:13 PM
Though warm with Dak's brew, Milo looks soberly at the distraught farmer, and then looks up to Ingrge, whispering, "Her name is Jane, Sally is the man's wife." Then in a more conversational tone to Dak, "Okay, so where to begin?" Milo begins the questions in rapid succession, "Lets see... how old are the two girls? Have any other children gone missing? Can you give us a physical description of the missing children? When did you first discover them missing? Can we see where Jane slept?"
Orson Monday November 4th, 2002 8:25:50 PM
Orson eats quite a lot, glad to have a home cooks meal, instead of the tasteless train rations he had become accustom to eating.
He politely thanks Sally at the end of the meal for cook such a delicious meal.
As Dak pulls out his hidden ale, and says his wifes thoughts, Orson says in a very serious manner "She is completely right, that vile liquid clouds your judgement, and makes you forget what is truly important, whatever that may be." Orson declines the offered drink, then moves to a wall and leans against it, staring at the floor as he listens to Dak describe what has happened to the little kids.
Seeing K'Nara glance around the group for ideas, Orson simply shakes his head no, "Investigation and tracking are not my strong talents, Im afraid. I'll try to think of something, though."
Olana Monday November 4th, 2002 9:04:15 PM
Olana eats the green beans and hen gratefully. This was good - certainly better than huddling around a campfire nibbling rations, unless of course Figment decided to cook. She accepts the rose from Ingrge with an inward sigh of relief and a hopeful smile. Was this a truce?
She is most upset to learn that their host is the latest to lose a child, and nods at K'Nara.
"We can certainly take a good look around. See what we can see. There seem to be a few old buildings, maybe places for someone or something to hide."
K'Nara d20=5 Tuesday November 5th, 2002 6:41:45 AM
K'Nara attempted to think again (which much the same results as before!) Finally she had to agree with Ingrge that there weren't enough clues just yet.
"I suppose we should find out all the common 'nominaters...you know--everything that might have been the same between all the missing children..?" the human bladesinger said. "Perhaps that will help us figure out who or what is behind this...maybe even where they intend to try to strike next..?"
Lian Tuesday November 5th, 2002 7:16:08 AM
Lian approaches Orson and places a hand on his shoulder gently. "Young man... talent is something you have that no one else could possibly have other than you. I, myself, also felt the way you do now when I started in the Talons about a year... no, wait... my length of time among the Talons has slipped my mind. However, it did take time to find my niche, in fact, you could say I am still finding my talents. Your always learning. So, when we scout, Olana, Milo or myself, we will take you along and see how you do... if you like. Find out what each of us among the Talons has for a talent and slowly find your place, it will take a some time, but you will find it. I have a talent for helping in combat (flanking, usually with Milo), where alone, I would surely die. I also scout and infultrate well, however, I am still working on not being seen... that is Milos FINEST talent." The elf grins at the young man.
Maloray Tuesday November 5th, 2002 1:03:08 PM
Unsure of himself, Maloray clears his throat before talking.
"Um...Could you speak to us the names and the parents of the other missing cubs? Oh, and tell us how many new moons ago each youngling vanished?"
Turning to the Talons, Maloray interjects another idea.
"It could be that we hunt a flesh-and-bone childstealer rather than a haunt or a sorceror - wouldn't thieves prefer to work in the dark of the moon?"
Orson Tuesday November 5th, 2002 1:42:10 PM
Orson glances up at Lian. "I know my talents, old man", said with a small smile, "as long as I have Shockwave and Thunder with me", motioning towards his longswords he deposited in the corner before they ate. "Alone or with support, combat is my field of specialty."
"I do have some skill in the art of stealth, but like yourself, am nothing compared to Milo's talent."
Orson continues to listen to the groups ideas, and attempts to find a thought himself.
Lian Tuesday November 5th, 2002 3:43:20 PM
Turning to Dak, "Everyone else seems to have their questions about the children. Here is mine, what were the chores or jobs around the area? What did they do for fun? Did any of them tend to stay out after dark? Did the abducted children ever play together and if so where did they play and are any of their playmates still with us?" Lian asks one final question, clearing his throat. "Eee em, are the missing children all, um... female?"
The Night Life (DM Nellie) Tuesday November 5th, 2002 9:41:16 PM The moon is waxing, but you know that in a few days it will be full. So, basically you have a couple of weeks before the next new moon.
Since no one else seems interested in partaking of the moonshine, Dak takes another long swig, puts the cork back in the jug, and then carefully places it back under the floor board. He does his best to answer all of your questions. "All of the children that have disappeared were of different ages. Becka was 9 and Jane was 4 ½." Dak wipes back a tear as he continues. "There have been six children taken so far. Four girls and two boys. Each new moon two children have vanished. Gareth and Gwen's girl Beka was first, and Fredick and Dedra's boy Troy the next night. The next new moon it was Ruger and Gilda's boy William and then Trell and Wilma's girl Marti. Two weeks ago it was Charles and Tiffany's girl Bella and finally my little Jane. It was the same each time. Their mothers tucked them in, and then in the morning, they discovered they were gone." Dak pauses again before answering Lian's questions "Sir, I'm not really sure about the other children. Most of the work around here is farming related...you know, tending to the horses, mending a few fences, seeing to the chickens. As for the girls...mostly stayed around the houses and helped out their mothers. Occasionally they would be out after dark, but they always came in when called. As for playmates, as you can see, we're a small town, so yes, all the children played together. Why, just the other day Jane was out playing with Rhasa's little girl Hermone. They were making mud pies, and oooo you should have seen the mess they made of their dresses!" Dak chuckles at the thought. "Sally nearly had a fit when Jane came in...threatened to wash her off in Plodder's water trough if she ever did that again..." The man's smile fades quickly, and his big frame begins to tremble as he struggles to maintain control of his emotions.
Dak seems to be comforted by K'nara and Olana's assurances, and the trembling lessens. He looks at the travel worn group, and a slight smile lightens his face. "I'm sorry, it's been a long journey, and you must be exhausted. We've arranged for you to stay in two of the new houses. You may continue your investigation tonight, if you wish. I'll arrange for the rest of the town council to meet with you tomorrow morning. Perhaps some of the others can give you more helpful information. Of course, you may examine any of the children's rooms that you wish, as well as anywhere else you might need to look. Whatever you need, we'll get it for you." Dak rises to his feet, lights a lantern, and guides the party to two small cottages a few yards from his house. After seeing that all your needs are met, Dak retires to his own house. Upon inspection, you find the houses to be much like Dak's...nothing lavish, but very cozy. There are enough beds for each of you, a small fireplace, and a kitchen that does not yet seems serviceable. The beds are equipped with feather mattresses and pillows, and have several wool blankets neatly folded on the end. All of the beds are fitted with cotton sheets and look to have been turned down recently. By the looks of the rooms, your arrival has been eagerly anticipated.
Ingrge d20+8=22 d20+15=33 d20+10=19 d20+12=28 Tuesday November 5th, 2002 9:52:34 PM
Making his way with Figment to Jane's room and the bed where she was taken, Ingrge and Figment both take alook at the room as a whole and then look at each area and item in the room from a magical perspective. Trying to see if anything of a magical nature lends itself to discovery.
After taking a look non magically Ingrge will cast a detect magic spell to find what might be found in the way of magical residue, if any.[DC 17]
Lian Tuesday November 5th, 2002 10:19:35 PM
"I am sure your new accommodations are better than the gravel and bedrolls we have used in the last few weeks." The elf smiles. "Anything has to be better than that."
"As for these new houses... why are they being built? Is there growth in the area? Who owns them right now?"
"Have all the town folk paid their taxes recently, or has their been recent neglagence in that area? I am not saying that you are intentionally failing to pay, just bringing up the possibilty." The monk looks genuinely serious about this point.
"Are there stories in the area about any history of strange happenings, either recently or in the distant past? I would like to hear them if possible."
Lian Tuesday November 5th, 2002 10:28:53 PM
When alone in the cottages, Lian makes his suspicions known. "I think that perhaps we should go out tonight and inspect the grounds outside the childs room. Olana, you should do that. Maybe take Ingrge with you to inspect for the magics that might have been used. Tracking around in the area is a long shot right now, but who knows what you might find. I think I will go out in the morning and make a list of the children in town that have not yet been taken and then we can access the next months possibilities. If we have a count of where the children are and get a map of the property lines and map out what houses were hit by the abductions, maybe we can figure which houses will be hit next, and what patterns may be used , if any. I think, at the very least, a map might be useful (hint hint hint)."
Sorry Jay, I may be great at combat maps, but I have NO artistic abilities. I'm afraid I won't be able to give you a map of the area.---Nellie
K'Nara Wednesday November 6th, 2002 7:37:44 AM
K'Nara assured Dak that her Talons would do whatever was in their power to solve the mystery of the disappearing children...if they still lived, then the group would move heavens and earth to get the youngsters back!
The redhead was almost brooding in her silence, however.
"I know battle tactics and combat options," she told the others, "But this situation is one that requires the talents of observation and deductive reasoning...which is why I'm hoping that Milo, Olana, Figment and Ingrge can pool their talents and come up with a solid lead about why these young ones are disappearing...and how to get them back."
Maloray Wednesday November 6th, 2002 7:49:16 AM
"Perhaps we should gather the men of this village and let them tell the story of their deeds on each new moon," Maloray says doubtfully.
The half-elf fidgets nervously. Like some others of the group, playing detective is not his forte.
Milo Wednesday November 6th, 2002 10:05:07 AM
After Dak is finished, Milo joins Ingrge in the child's room to help search for clues. (OOC: Milo "takes 20" searching the room for a result of DC 30)
After he is finished searching the room, Milo comes out to speak with Olana and K'nara, "I have an idea, but it involves me posing as a child, playing with the children in town, and hoping that something happens." Milo looks up at the two women, trying to gauge their reaction.
Olana d20+10=28 d20+13=22 Wednesday November 6th, 2002 10:40:43 AM
((Search - DC28 Wilderness Lore - DC22))
While Ingrge, Figment and Milo check out the kid's room, Olana has a look outside for tracks, anything that might have been dropped or disturbed.
She then discusses her conclusions with the others at their new billet. She raises an eyebrow at Maloray - 'There is a possibility it could be female too,'she says. 'I heard a tale once of a woman stealing a child because she had lost one of her own.'
Milo's idea raises her eyebrow even further, and she looks toward K'Nara.
Orson Wednesday November 6th, 2002 12:48:15 PM
After arriving in the cabin, orson removes his sack and chain shirt, and heads outside, saying hes going to go think. He unsheaths his swords and begins a rigoruos training session, his blades lashing out at his immaginary opponents in a whirling dance of steel.
After a good amount of time he comes back in, wiping he sweat from his brow. "Well im thinking the 'normal thievies' possibility is limited, a guy out for profit wouldn't wait a month for the next new moon. What kind of religious cults are active around here, that may need children for their rituals and such? Mabye thats wy they are being taken?, but im not very big on religious knowledge."
Lian, the evil second post Wednesday November 6th, 2002 5:29:55 PM
"Oh..." Chimes in the elf, "Call it a paranoia, but do we not no someone that just gave up his 'elven' slaves? Would human children not be the next logical step? they are small enough to do the jobs. Green Meanie is not beyond doing such things, then sending us off on wild missions." The elf stands, waiting for response. He's not expecting a good one.
By the Light of the Moon (DM Nellie) Wednesday November 6th, 2002 11:10:39 PM
Since Jane's room is at Dak's house, Dak hangs back and watches the Talon's as they examine the room. Neither Ingrge nor Figment find any signs of magical activity in Jane's room. Milo carefully scrutinizes the room from top to bottom. He finds no signs of forced entry, and no signs of a struggle. Actually, he finds very little out of the ordinary....except for a couple of strange squiggly tracks in a dusty corner of the room next to the door. One on the tracks is notable smaller than the other, as if made by a smaller creature. Outside, even though there has been sufficient foot traffic around the house in the past two weeks to obliterate any useful evidence, Olana widens her search. Several feet away from the house, she too discovers two partial sets of squiggly tracks, headed away from the house. It's not difficult at all for her to identify the tracks as those of snakes.
Dak smiles at Lian's complement about the accommodations. He attempts to answer the monk's questions as they head to the houses. "I'm glad you enjoy them. They were recently built by two of our newest homesteaders, but after the disappearances began, they decided to go back to Huxwell until things settle down. Can't say as I blame them...they have small children." Dak shakes his head when Lian asks about back taxes. "No, no. Actually, this area is currently under the homestead program to encourage young families to resettle in Edenmoor. As for strange happenings...the only thing that comes to mind is the chapel on the outskirts of town. Some folk will tell you that lichs and vampires lived there. Others believe that is where Kennither the Sage was killed while battling demons with the Storm Dragons. Personally, I don't believe any of the stories, but it's in such bad shape that no-one goes near it." The big man politely requests that they share meals with his family while they are in Edenmoor. "We have little to pay for your services, but at least we can feed you." He wishes you all a good night and heads back to his home for the night.
Lian d20+6=10 Thursday November 7th, 2002 4:55:59 AM
At Dak's departure, Lian talks openly to his friends. "Well, the stories of the vampires at the old chapel makes sense, however, in small communities like this that stories get quite large. Who knows what the rumors started as? So and so, the town drunk in the tavern, saw a zombie, then the story went down the line. Zombie turns to ghoul, then ghoul turns to ghast, all the way to a lich as stated by the magistrate (who has a 'good source'). Most of these old chapels, at best, have a small graveyard, with one or two crypts for the more well-off families. If they exist at all, we should look around there first. What say you K'Nara? Tonight might be the best time to begin, maybe after a little rest." The elf grins. "Dak gave us a lead. Sort of."
(Knowledge Arcana, for any arcane knowledge of vampires and/or liches Lian might know, check of 10)
"Wait! Lycanthropes! Full moons, do they not show up on the full?" The monk hits himself in the forehead. "Nevermind, they said 'new' moons. I think we should not discount the possibility of were-creatures though." He smiles, blushing.
Maloray Thursday November 7th, 2002 7:09:59 AM
"The chapel seems a good place to start our hunt," Maloray says. "The villagers stay away from it, so anything could be hiding there, from a band of childstealers to weresnakes to worshippers of evil gods to vampires and liches, as friend Dak said."
Maloray sets his equipment sack down in a corner of the abode provided to them and removes a coil of rope and a couple of torches from it. The torches, he tucks under his belt, while he loops the rope over his left shoulder.
"I offer to go check out the chapel," he adds.
K'Nara d20=1 Thursday November 7th, 2002 7:27:25 AM
(OOC: this is the third time I've had K'Nara attempt an Intelligence check to see what she could pick up on Dak's dialogue--and she's failed miserably each time! LOL)
"I can't think of anything better, Orson," the leader of the Talons agreed with the relative newcomer to the group, "If nothing else, perhaps Olana can see if these strange snake tracks actually go out that way, too." K'Nara got to her feet.
"We'll go now--something tells me that time is of the essence."
Olana Thursday November 7th, 2002 10:26:23 AM
Olana wrinkles her nose and whispers to Milo - "I hate snakes. If this turns out to be snakes..."
She nods at K'Nara's suggestion and gets her stuff together.
Maloray Thursday November 7th, 2002 1:28:15 PM
Maloray realizes his rope would hamper readying his bow, so he takes the rope off again.
"Anybody else want to carry this? Else I'll leave it here..."
If someone wants it, he hands it to them. Otherwise he places it back in his sack.
Orson Thursday November 7th, 2002 1:58:13 PM
Orson nods at the suggestion of leaving immediately. He strips off his shirt, wipes the sweat from his face, and replaces it with a new one from his bag lying on his bed. He quickly slides his chain shirt on and secures it in place, and then slides his slinged sheaths over his back.
"Ready to go, boss", he says to K'Nara with a smile, and awaits her orders to head out.
Milo Thursday November 7th, 2002 3:44:03 PM
Milo smiles reassuringly at Olana, whispering back, "Don't worry, I'll take care if any snakes we find. Now lets have a look shall we." Milo gives the elf maiden a playful nudge and then moves toward the door outside to examine the tracks himself. On his way out the door Milo looks toward K'nara, "If whoever, or whatever, is doing this prefers to strike at night, perhaps that is the best time to catch them."
Ingrge Thursday November 7th, 2002 7:02:46 PM
Noting the results of of the he amd Figment's spells, Ingrge reports to the others that either no overt magic was used in the abduction or the residual auras have dissipated.
At Olanna's discovery of the snake tracks, He ponders a moment and then speaks. Well all, I expect we ought to rest for the night and start out in the morning. I can't speak for Figment here but I could perhaps use some time to learn a few different spells that would be of use to us in this situation.
As Milo teases olanna a bit, Ingrge smiles and then adds a comment as they go out the door. ' But Milo, as the snakes are carrying off human children, who is going to keep them from carrying you off as well.'
K'Nara Friday November 8th, 2002 6:38:39 AM
"You've got a VERY good point there, Ingrge." K'Nara agreed with the elf, suddenly reminded that the spellcasters of the group needed some time to bone up on their magic. "All right, then--we'll stay here and rest, then set out in the morning to see if we can't discover something."
The leader of the Talons pondered very carefully, then nodded at the two new arrivals.
"We'll integrate you into our watch system." the redheaded woman said. "We each stand guard for about two hours...this way we can assure ourselves of safety without depriving ourselves of sleep.
"First watch will be Figment and Olana. Second watch will be Milo and Orson. Third watch will be Maloray and myself. The last watch will have Ingrge and Lian on duty." K'Nara ordered, adding: "Often the final watch is more than two hours...depends on the time of year and when the sun rises, you know." The female fighter looked at everyone's faces.
"Any questions..?"
Lian Friday November 8th, 2002 7:22:31 AM
"I have a few questions." states the monk. "Are we going to the chapel in the morning, when there is bound to be no activity, or go now when the nightstalkers are roaming? If we go to bed, I feel we will be working backwards. At night the children go missing, albeit at the new moon, not in the morning." The elf looks at the red-headed leader, then raises an eyebrow. "Wow, seems I have been questioning the commands of the Lady lately, I apologize K'Nara. You know what is best."
Ingrge Friday November 8th, 2002 7:46:38 AM
Ingrge looks at the monk like he has lost his mind. "Weren't you just listening to what I said Lian?" Figment and I aren't spell ready. If you want to go in tonite, you go without us, or we go with you and aren't prepared, either way you won't have the spells needed to back you up, so don't blame us if you don't come back." Personally I feel like living a while longer.
Ingrge turns and takes a few steps and then stops, Oh yeah, the other thing, only of minor importance of course, is that these nightstalkers as you call, are still there during the daylight, only most of them are sleeping and many are not as strong during the daylight hours.
So If you want to go take on an unknown number of entitites at night on unfamiliar teritory when they are at their strength, without spells to back you up, go ahaead, I wish you all of Warrd's luck, for you will need it.
Milo Friday November 8th, 2002 10:08:55 AM
Standing there in the doorway considering the possibilities, Milo hates to admit it, but Ingrge has a point. Stopping in mid-stride, the halfling looks at the elf wizard, "From a logistical combative point of view, you are correct, I only hope that the children of this town can weather one more night. I will pray for them." Milo moves to where he will sleep, and after setting down his backpack, falls into prayer.
Maloray Friday November 8th, 2002 2:02:19 PM
Maloray looks back and forth between Ingrge and K'Nara blankly, obviously not understanding the spell problem.
"Well, you Talons may have need of rest after our exhausting journey. I, raised in the hard land to the east, can probably just manage to go look inside a building and see if there are any children being roasted alive by flesheaters within."
And he steps out the door.
Maloray Friday November 8th, 2002 2:06:12 PM
Maloray takes five long strides outside the door of the home, realizes he has no idea where he's going, and squats down, letting his flash of anger cool.
The anger is replaced by a cold fear. Has he blown his chance with these people? And before he even got to ask about his mother? But how could they talk about resting when innocent children's lives are at stake?
The barbarian continues to squat outside the house, wondering what to do next.
Orson Friday November 8th, 2002 3:24:35 PM
Seeing the group change there mind, Orson sighes and begins stripping of his armor that he had just put on. "Maloray, I bet we all could handle that, but no need to put yourself in unneeded risk. Whatever these things are, they have only struck on the new moons, so the children should be safe until the next one."
Orson nods to his assignment of watch, "Whatever I can do to be of help, although shouldn't be in to much danger here. Maybe me and Milo can spare a few rounds, let me get the feel for the Talons combat abilities," He says with a smile. "Although he probably wouldn't be the best for single combat, im betting." He glances over Lian, K'Nara, Olana, and Maloray, as if trying to figure out who he would have the toughest time practicing against.
He finishes taking off his armor, and lays it neatly at the end of his bed. He sprawls out on his bed, floping on his stomach. "Wake me when its my turn for watch."
Lian Friday November 8th, 2002 5:53:37 PM
The monk looks at Ingrge straight-faced and monotoned, says. "So your speaking for the rest of the Talons now I see. Raising your voice gets you nowhere, friend. I have faith in my abilities. If you are unable to go anywhere without your spells Ingrge, let me know, I will find you a crutch." The monk turns his back on the mage, finds his bedroll and sets out to find sleeping arrangements. "I just want to help the children tonight, that is all."
Plans and Petitions (DM Nellie) Friday November 8th, 2002 6:06:03 PM
Tossing it up, the Talons decide to get some rest and continue their investigation in the morning. The night passes uneventfully, with only the sounds of the various farms livestock to disturb various people on watch. Shortly after the roster crows, Dak drops by the houses to invite you to breakfast. Once again, Sally serves a sumptuous homestyle breakfast with plenty of biscuits, sugar cured ham, and something called "grits". After breakfast, the Talons meet with the town council. The meeting proves mostly futile, with most of the men relating facts similar to the ones already gather by Dak and further pleas for help. You are shown to each of the crime scenes and given full access to any place in the town, as well as promises to lend you any equipment or manpower that you might need.
Ingrge Friday November 8th, 2002 7:59:48 PM
Turning back toward Lian again, Ingrge calmly and evenly responds to the youngr elf's scalding words. Lian, never once did I, nor do presume to speak for all the Talons, nor did I raise my voice. Yes, you are right, Figment and I could go without our spells and I could probably still best many of you at combat, but only a fool goes to a fight without his best weapons.
I have never, had nor do I now have any qualms about your abilities, your faith, or your strength, but how many opponents can you face and take out if you are attacked at one time? Two? three? four? What happens if you are facing twenty or thirty? I have fought by your side and you have fought by mine. I have a pretty good idea of yours and every other member of the Talons' abilities, because that is my job as K'nara's appointed number two. I have not abused that position, because I never wanted a leadership role and I am not going to start now.
As for helping the children tonight, NO ONE, more than I wants to help those children, and if you knew me as well as you appear to think you do, you would know that. I will NOT however, put any member of this group, including you in additional danger, if it can be avoided.
After any further discussion on this topic, Ingrge makes his way their appointed sleeping area and lays out his bedroll and sinks into his resting trance. When the time comes for his and Lian's watch shift, The elf sets himself where he can see and interupt any infiltration and starts to study his spells.
After the council meeting Ingrge rises shaking his head and looking toward K'nara rasies an eyebrow.
[janell, do you want an updated list of memorized spells?]
Yeah, sure.---Janell
Figment Friday November 8th, 2002 8:02:09 PM
Watching the interaction between Ingrge and Lian, Figment shakes his head and makes his way to his sleeping pallet and drops off to sleep. When awoken for his watch shift, he studies his spells and prepares for the new day.
Maloray Saturday November 9th, 2002 2:41:17 AM
Maloray walks over to the stable, letting the cool night air calm his mind and clear his senses. If unchallenged, he'll slip in and check on Howler, making sure he's been treated well and giving his nose a pat or two and his ears a scratch.
After a good 15 or 20 minutes, the half-elf walks back over to the Talon's lodging, makes himself known to whatever guard has been set, enters the house and sleeps as if nothing had happened.
When Milo or Orson wakes him for his guard shift, he passes the two hours in silent contemplation unless K'Nara speaks to him, in which case he'll allow himself to be drawn into conversation (OOC Feel free to email me if you want to chat during the night, K'Nara).
The next morning before the Talons leave for the council meeting and while they're gathered, he apologizes for his temper the night before.
"I was wrong to allow my fire to act to control my words and deeds last night. You are all as eager to find the lost younglings as I, else you would be elsewhere. I ask your forgiveness and beg to be allowed to continue to ride with the Talons, at least until this menace has been defeated."
Lian Saturday November 9th, 2002 3:55:58 AM
"You also have not used your position responsibly. You went off, by yourself may I add, and ended up blowing up a local tavern and any number of locals. If you were not alone, and in a corner, you would have had us with you, and there would have been no senseless casting and destruction." Says the monk. He looks at Ingrge now with admiration and respect. "What made you do that my friend, why drowned your sorrow in drink? What was so important?" Shifting topics, "I am more than familiar with your capabilities and I would not want to meet any of my friends in combat, nor would I try to best them. I have greater power in some respects than you, and vice versa. My power is respect and humility, I apologize for any disrespect I have shown you." He bows and lays back on the bedroll.
On Lian's watch, he begins his Kahta excercises and stretches. When morning comes, he leaves the house and goes out running in the chill morning air. Returning from a exhausting jog after about a half hour, he practices balance on a fence post, but not before asking Dak's permission. Entering the house, Lian sits back on his soft bed, legs crossed, opens an ancient scroll and begins to study it carefully. The script is draconic.
Milo Saturday November 9th, 2002 4:28:43 AM
While on watch with Orson, Milo is happy to pass the time getting to know the young man. He addresses his earlier question about sparring partners, "Hmmm... if you wanted to spar with a good warrior, I would say that Olana could probably teach you a thing or two about swordplay. Lian's fighting techniques are unorthodox, the two of you could probably learn a great deal from each other. On the other hand, if you wanna catch a good ol'fashioned whoopin, go ahead and spar with K'nara, though I won't envy the bruises that will come of it. As for me, I'm a budding swordsman myself, though I'm not generally thought of as a warrior in this group. I always welcome the opportunity to learn from someone more accomplished than I." Milo smiles humbly. As Milo's watch comes to an end, just after he quietly wakes K'nara, the halfling pulls his normal warm woolen cloak from his pack and gently tucks it around Olana to make sure she is warm, and then retires to continue his rest.
In the morning, after praying to Pantheon, Milo is fit and ready for breakfast thanking Dak and his wife for the meal. After the council meeting, Milo is happy to help get things started, "Sooo... how about that old mysterious chapel now."
(OOC: Modified my spell selection slightly... 0 -- guidance, light, read magic, resistance;1st -- protection from evil, remove fear, shield of faith, true strike; 2nd -- hold person, remove paralysis, see invisible)
Orson Sunday November 10th, 2002 8:42:53 PM
Orson chats with Milo some on watch, and during the last hour of his watch he again steps outside to preform some training in the sword.
He lets Milo wake those on the next watch, and quickly goes nods off to catch up on sleep.
In the morning, after thanking Dak's wife for the meal, accompanies the Talons to the meeting, and waits to see what steps they have planned to help out.
K'Nara on Watch Monday November 11th, 2002 7:02:49 AM
[OOC to Maloray: aaack! I had NO time to do ANYthing I wanted to over the weekend, otherwise I would have emailed.]
K'Nara briefly considered perhaps hacking off a limb or two of those who questioned her orders, but she grinned wryly instead: never would the tactics of Parnoth be hers!
"I want us full strength--especially since we have next to no clue as to what's happening." the redhead said by way of explanation.
She passed the time on her watch with Maloray by asking questions about the half-elf's weapon preferences and favored battle tactics.
"This way I'll know the best use of your talents if we have to fight something while we're trying to discover the fate of these missing young ones." K'Nara explained. As a sort of exchange of information, the woman warrior told Maloray about the bastard sword on her back.
"It was a gift from the legendary Gold Dragons of Plateau City," she told him, withdrawing the sword and allowing him to inspect the fine craftsmanship of the weapon, "I call her name whenever I want to activate her magical flaming properties. Comes in handy when I'm trying to hack up undead, I can tell you..!" She winked at Maloray as she pointed out the obvious with much humor in her voice.
Something else that she told Maloray about was another of her combat concepts--something K'Nara referred to as her "battle buddy system".
"It's too easy to lose track of the others in your party during the chaos of combat," she said firmly, "So I designate a 'battle buddy' for everyone. It's your responsibility to keep an eye on your battle buddy while you're in combat--within reason, of course. Kindly do NOT get yourself killed because you're paying complete attention to how your particular buddy is fighting a foe!
"Anyway, let's say that I assign you and Lian to be battle buddies...that means that--while we're in combat--you do your best in battle, but you also try to remain aware of what's happening to Lian as well. He is supposed to do the same for you. If you are suddenly threatened by a pair of previously-unseen golems, for example, then Lian would see that and adjust his own combat to be able to either aid you or bring your situation to the attention of another Talon. You would be expected to do the same for Lian." K'Nara paused briefly to scratch a spot above her left elbow.
"I find this tends to cut down on people dying in battle because nobody in the group realized that they were in trouble." The leader of the Talons regarded Maloray with penetrating hazel eyes.
"With the arrival of you and Orson, I'll have to reassign battle buddies." she said with a nod. "Something for me to think about."
K'Nara the Next Morning Monday November 11th, 2002 7:19:30 AM
When dawn arrived, K'Nara went outside to engage in the lengthy but graceful training sequence so that she remained on top of her bladesinger skills. (Anyone with elven blood may recognize the style of exercise should they witness it--and think it VERY odd, indeed, since bladesingers are only supposed to be elves or half-elves.)
After her training session--and the rest of the morning's events--K'Nara gathered the party together.
"First off," the tall female fighter announced, "We're going to check out that chapel. Second--I want to make sure we all have our battle buddies assigned, so we'll pair off like this: Milo and Figment...Ingrge and Lian...Orson and Maloray...and Olana and myself. Remember--keep an eye out for your battle buddy...and I'll keep an eye out for all of you." K'Nara made sure that Orson understood the concept of the "battle buddy" system was for and how it was menat to work.
"Okay...let's go see what we can find out, eh..?" the leader of the Talons said, beckoning to the group and starting off in the direction of the mysterious chapel.
Olana Monday November 11th, 2002 1:28:24 PM
During her watch, Olana patrolled the area diligently, letting Figment read, and kept a good lookout for anything that slithered.
There had been some words said between her fellows tonight, no doubt fueled by emotions surrounding that fact that helpless young ones were being taken. Well, woe betide those who were doing this terrible deed.
In the morning, she regained her conscious senses and smiled, feeling the warmth of Milo's cloak. On arising she found that most of last night's tensions had been resolved, and there was Lian, balancing on a fence post. That brought another grin to her face. Not one of ridicule of course - she could certainly appreciate the discipline involved.
At breakfast, she stared curiously at the 'grits' that were offered, tasting some purely out of politeness and curiosity.
At the council meeting, some of her restlessness returned, and it felt good to be on the move again as the group headed toward the old chapel.
Figment d4+1=4 d4+1=4 Monday November 11th, 2002 8:32:15 PM
Before taking off Figment walks up to k'nara and asks, 'So do you want a little more strenght for a while.' At her nod he casts bull's strength on her. [Plus 4 to strength for 8 hours]
He then casts Cats Grace on himself. [plus 4 to dex for next 8 hours]
Ingrge d4+1=3 d4+1=5 d4+1=5 d4+1=4 Monday November 11th, 2002 8:38:25 PM
Following Figment's lead, Ingrge casts bulls strength on Olanna [plus 3 strength for 7 hours], Bull's Strength on Milo as well [plus 5 strength for 7 hours]
He also casts Cats grace on himself [plus 5 dex for 7 hours] and cat's grace on Lian [plus 4 dex for 7 hours]
Lian Tuesday November 12th, 2002 3:36:00 AM
When Ingrge casts his spell on Lian, the monk says, "Strength might be nice too." He smirks. "I was thinking about what we talked about last night. Anytime you would like to spar with someone, just ask me. I would be honored" He smiles.
Maloray Tuesday November 12th, 2002 1:59:37 PM
Maloray fidgets all the way through the morning council meeting. His level of frustration obviously grows throughout the obvious formality.
When the meeting adjourns, he practically bursts out of the stuffy (his perception, whether it was or not) chamber, reveling in the freedom of the open air.
He listens attentively as K'Nara makes the "battle buddy" assignments, and then looks Orson over appraisingly.
"Nice swords, westerner."
Orson Wednesday November 13th, 2002 12:30:30 AM
Orson chuckles at the barbarian's appraisal of his weapons. "Heh, just try to keep up in combat, greenhorn, I don't need to be held back looking after you." Orsons demeanor doesn't match the fact that he too just joined with the Talons, or that he has no idea of Maloray's abilities. His tone is purely overconfident, on the verge of arrogance.
Once they begin nearing the chapel, he will flex and stretch his muscles a little while walking, then draws his blades, "Never hurts to be ready."
ADM Jan Wednesday November 13th, 2002 1:00:43 AM
The journey toward the old chapel takes the Talons past a small garden nestled in between some of the newly built houses. The garden looks well-tended, and at the centre of it stands a statue of an old, kindly looking man. At the foot of the statue is a plaque, which reads -
Here lived Loren Kennither -- beloved Sage of Edenmoor
There's an elderly lady there also, pulling up weeds. "Morning!" she says, standing to greet the group. "Where are you off to?"
Milo Wednesday November 13th, 2002 1:32:32 AM
When battle buddies are assigned, Milo gives Figment a wink and a grin, "Got yer back, big guy. Mind them fireballs though." Milo chuckles obviously joking as he has great faith in Figment's abilities and judgement.... mostly.
Milo strides alongside Olana as they walk toward the chapel. When the elderly lady speaks to them, he nods his head in a familiar manner and smiles, "Just out for a morning stroll ma'am." Milo breathes in deeply, taking in the fresh air, "Mind those rutabegas, lest they turn sour fore you pick 'em." Milo really has no idea about gardening, having shirked many a' chore in his childhood, though he didn't feel right about exposing good folk to evil, and even knowledge of such could be too much for the average villager to handle.
Lian Wednesday November 13th, 2002 6:26:51 AM
Moving silently behind the Talons, the monk watches the newcomers with great interest, wondering what they are capable of. The one smells of experience and old wet leather, but the other is very sure of himself. Surely these two know the Talons reputation for getting out of the danger we get into. We have been successful in the past, I just hope the young ones don't hold us back and/or cause issues. Mindful of his thoughts, he quiets his mind a bit.
They approach the little garden and quaint home, with old lady included. "Lady." Says the monk bowing. "We are seeking truths madam, that is all." The elf smiles. The monk glides on with his friends.
Figment Wednesday November 13th, 2002 7:50:06 AM
At Milo's comment the wily wizard smiles lightly and retorts. "Well half pint, If you don't go running into areas where I am going to cast them and remain visible occasionally, then perhaps my aim might be better, or perhaps not."
Ingrgre Wednesday November 13th, 2002 7:57:46 AM
Walking along Ingrge chats with Figment for a while and then returns to walk with his battle buddy. "Lian, if you would prefer additional strength to additional agility next time let me know it can be arranged, I just cast what I deem will be the most advantageous for the group." As for sparing with you sometime, that would be fine I don't get to work on my weapon, or hand to hand, skills as I used to.
As they approach the chapel and see the statue and old lady, Ingrge takes a closer look at the statue to see if there is anything out of the ordinary about it. As he is doing so he serepticiously casts protection from evil on the old lady, in order to try and keep her a little safer.
Maloray Wednesday November 13th, 2002 2:03:39 PM
The barbarian lets others better suited speak with the elderly woman. He instead looks around in awe at the garden. He's still not quite gotten used to the greenery in these western lands, and to see so much effort put into tending plants for sheer beauty is unfathomable to him.
Turning to Orson, he points to the statue.
"What do those words say?"
K'Nara, Bull Strength (Str 17) d20=11 d20=17 Wednesday November 13th, 2002 3:12:07 PM
K'Nara looked around the area, trying to Spot anything out of the ordinary. (OOC: Spot check result 11.) When the weed-pulling old lady spoke to the group, the human bladesinger bowed politely, eyeing the unexpected person as though trying to judge what she was really there for. (OOC: Sense Motive check total 17.)
"Ma'am," she said, "We're new to the area...and have heard some rumors about disappearing children. Would you know anything about that..?"
Orson d20+4=9 d20+4=24 Wednesday November 13th, 2002 4:12:05 PM
Orson remains silent as the Talons talk to the old woman, and relays the statues script to Maloray after he asks. He stands observant, blades resting on his shoulders, listening and scanning the area for anything that may be out of the ordinary, or note worthy.
[OOC: Listen Check 9, Spot Check 24(nat. 20)]
Olana Wednesday November 13th, 2002 7:15:46 PM
"Ruta what?" Olana whispers to Milo with a smile as they stop by the garden. She attempts to remember if she has heard of Loren Kennifer before. "Is this a garden of rememberance?" she asks
ADM Jan Wednesday November 13th, 2002 7:48:19 PM
The old lady grins at Milo and Lian, while wiping soil from her hands onto her apron. K'Nara can see that from the woman's earth covered clogs, a sickle and small trowel lying nearby, and a small box of plants, that tending the garden here appears to be her main purpose.
Ingrge will note that the statue is not a masterpiece, but perhaps something a group of villagers could have clubbed together and paid for. Orson can see from the layout that extra care is taken here to make this place look nice. It is very well tended.
As the questions are asked, the lady gives a sigh and shakes her head. "Ah, the children - thats a bad business. Tell me, are you the ones who are here to help? My blessings on you if that is true. None of us are able to sleep at night, not knowing who will be taken next."
She sees some of the others looking at the statue and the garden, and she smiles. "A great man used to live on this very spot, a kind and gentle man. Alas he died in the Godswar, fighting monsterous demons alongside the Storm Dragons. He was their mentor, you know. I heard they all fought well, but it was in vain. As you can see, we're still trying to rebuild, make this place what it was - although I wish they'd tear down the old chapel. No one wants to go near the place. That's where Loren Kennifer died - at the hands of Alemi knows what. It's a bad place. I think they were trying to escape." She pauses and shakes her head. "Well - I suppose I'd better get these pansies planted. You all take care now."
The chapel itself can be seen about 100 yards away. the land immediately surrounding it looks overgrown.
Milo Thursday November 14th, 2002 12:53:18 AM
Whispering back to Olana, "Its a vegetable... I think... my mom was fond of them, though I stayed clear of the kitchen when she was cookin'." Milo's face screws up in a look of comical disgust.
Seeing the chapel up ahead, "K'nara, would ya like me to scout that out fore we get much closer?"
Lian, +4 Cat's Grace(7hours) d20+16=29 Thursday November 14th, 2002 2:17:29 AM
When Milo asks K'Nara if he should scout, Lian grins and replies, "That eager my halfling friend? Well, it has been quite awhile since you got into trouble!" Laughs the elf. Lian looks on the newcomers. "Well new Talons, I believe your about to see what Milo is good at, watch and learn." "Overgrowth. Look at it, it looks like no one has tended it for eons." He says with amazement. Lian listens in the distance (off 100 yards), knowing full well that he'll hear almost nothing at that distance. (Listen 29)
OOC: What is the surrounding 50 yards look like? is the entire 100 yard radius overgrown?
K'Nara d20=6 Thursday November 14th, 2002 6:44:51 AM
The woman warrior listened to the old woman's explanation and nodded empathetically as she related the fate of the spellcaster as well as the recent disappearances.
"Yes, Milo--perhaps you can take Lian with you...I've heard he welcomes any opportunity to practice his shadowstepping skills." K'Nara told the roguish cleric with a grin and a wink. She eyed the chapel, trying to see anything that may help give hints about anything out of the ordinary. (OOC: another Spot check, this one totals 6--bleagh!)
Lian Thursday November 14th, 2002 6:09:26 PM
When K'Nara states that the monk likes to practice 'shadowstepping', Lian glances curiously at the red head and raises an eyebrow. "Shadowstepping? What is that?"
Orson d20+4=8 Thursday November 14th, 2002 6:34:05 PM
"I can go to if you like" Orson suggests at the mention of scouting. "I may not be as talented as master Milo here, but i can be stealthy when there is need."
He continues to gaze towards the chapel, looking for anything dangerous, or out of place.
Orson will remain behind, or advance with Milo and whoever else is sent forward, as the graceful leader of the Talons decides.
[OOC: I had rolled a 5 a little bit ago, but computer crashed. Not sure if that gets logged or whatever, or do i just reroll? If so, replace it with an all-seeing 8.]
Ingrge d20+4=13 Thursday November 14th, 2002 6:38:57 PM
The older elf looks at Lian and chuckles, 'I believe she is implying that you are trying to learn to be sneaky like Milo, and that you to like to practice skulking around a bit. Ingrge moves around toward the building keeping way behind Milo, so he has a good view of the rear of the chapel. [spot check 13]
Maloray Thursday November 14th, 2002 9:41:00 PM
Maloray looks the chapel over from a distance, in particular watching any windows for movement within. He doesn't offer to approach, knowing stealth is not his forte.
Going to the Chapel...(DM Nellie) Thursday November 14th, 2002 10:14:08 PM
Milo advances toward the run down chapel, with Orson following behind. Even with his deftness at stealth, Milo finds it very difficult to make it through the dense overgrowth that surrounds the small building without making noise. A lush, dark green vine has wound itself around the entire perimeter of the house (yep, all 100 yards), snaking through broken windows, and mostly obscuring the front door. Large roots jut out in the path, and vicious briars threaten to tear Milo's pants as he carefully makes his way to the building. It is obvious that this place hasn't been tended in a long time. From his vantage point toward the back of the chapel, Ingre can see that a small tree is poking its way through a hole in the shack's roof. It's beautiful display of bright red leaves eerily accents the dark abandoned abbey. Neither Milo, Orson, nor Ingre sense anything out of the ordinary about the place, though spotting the dark interior, it's not hard to see why the locals avoid it.
Olana d20+10=27 d20+13=21 Thursday November 14th, 2002 11:17:41 PM
Seeing some of the others scoping out the chapel and its immediate surroundings, Olana begins to search a wider circumference, specifically looking for slithery tracks.
She found all this quite puzzling - after all, most snakes were quite small and had a tendency to leap out and bite you. Of course there were strange things back in Culverwood, but that was north west of here - quite a way distant. The odd, magic creatures that dwelled there tended to stay there, within the forests protection.
She wondered what the battle had been like here, and what the Storm Dragons were like. Were they still alive? Were they flashy and bold, like the Gold Dragons? Olana suspected as much. That brought a smile to her face as she pottered around, looking for clues. ((Search DC27, Wilderness Lore DC 21))
Lian "["+4 cat's grace"]"(20 dex) d20+14=34 d20+20=37 Friday November 15th, 2002 12:17:19 AM
Lian moves along with the group scouting the chapel. He does what he can to avoid the brambles and thorns, but all for naught. He moves carefully through.
(Move Silently 34 and Hide 37)
Orson d20+7=8 d20+7=15 d20+4=21 d20+4=23 Friday November 15th, 2002 1:12:50 AM
Orson moves forward with Milo and Lian, move much more loudly and visible than the more talented Talons.
Not used to the dense foilage he is moving through, Orson moves too quickly, making more noise than the others might like, but making steady progress toward the chapel.
He attempts to stay alert for any dangers that may present themselves.
K'Nara d20+5=23 Friday November 15th, 2002 7:37:50 AM
K'Nara was about to explain herself to the unWoldly monk, but Ingrge clarified her meaning, so she let it go at that.
She couldn't help but smile as Orson's attempt to advance unheard didn't go as well as he intended...it sort of reminded her of that time back at Madam Colsum's house when she just about tripped over her own feet...
The human bladesinger followed a bit in the wake of Milo, Lian and Orson, but kept an eye on Olana, figuring that the elven ranger was probably trying to see if those strange snakey tracks were in the area, too.
"Anybody find anything yet..?" K'Nara asked.
Milo (Cat's Grace) d20+13=32 Friday November 15th, 2002 4:24:41 PM
"Ugh... this is like climbing through a briar patch, though I'm not nearly as small as I was in my youth." Milo dislodges himself on the other side. "No K'nara, there is a lot of darkness inside the chapel... but I can't make out much through all the shrubbery." With that, Milo picks up a stone, and praying briefly to Pantheon, casts light upon the rock, and deftly pitches it into the building. (OOC: Hit AC 32 to get the light rock into the dark chapel).
Maloray Friday November 15th, 2002 11:46:50 PM
The half-elf barbarian moves forward as K'Nara does, keeping a sharp eye out for anything unusual and glancing at Orson once in a while, making sure the human isn't currently being gnawed upon.
Lian (cat's grace) Saturday November 16th, 2002 2:04:54 AM
"These vines are nothing like fathers grape vines." Says the monk, stating the obvious.
When Milo chucks the rock into the chapel, Lian stops and cringes. "If anything was unaware of our presence, now they know. Pantheon lights our path, ah Milo?" The monk winks.
Ingrge Saturday November 16th, 2002 12:56:27 PM
moving a bit closer to the chapel, Ingrge tries to tell if the hole in the roof is large enough for them to enter through and if so if it is obvious that anything else has used it recently.
Detective Time (DM Nellie) Monday November 18th, 2002 12:27:31 AM
With all the vegetation surrounding the chapel, Olana is unable to locate any further tracks.
Milo pitches his stone inside the window, and a thick cloud of dust arises when the stone lands with a clunk on the wood floor. After a few seconds, the cloud settles, and Milo finds that his stone has successfully illuminated the interior of the small chapel. Due to his shortened stature, Milo finds it difficult to peer through the broken window. If any of the taller members of the party approach the window, they are just able to make out a small building with rows of broken benches and a stone alter facing the northern side of the chapel. A thick layer of dust surrounds everything in the building.
Maloray notes that the plant surrounding the chapel seems to be fairly docile (no chomping going on here), but reasons that if he stood around long enough, he could probably watch the vine grow.
Ingrge notes that the roof, like the rest of the chapel is in extreme disrepair. Someone could probably fit through the hole in the roof, but it looks like it would be and extremely dangerous job. He seriously doubts whether the rotting structure could hold much more than a few pounds of weight. He sees no signs that anyone has passed through the hole recently.
Those who keep watch over the structure note no signs of imminent danger.
Olana Monday November 18th, 2002 12:56:51 AM
The elf rejoins the others who are closer to the chapel.
"Can't see anything out there that gives us any clues. Are we going in?" she asks everyone with a cheery smile.
Lian "(" cat's grace ")" Monday November 18th, 2002 4:17:39 AM
The monk silently trudges through the growth and sees several of the others looking at the hole in the roof. "I think someone should fly up and check out that hole." The elf looks at the wizards. "That way we maybe be ferried up, one at a time, into the hole completely bypassing the roof or any other unstable construction." He smiles. Lian then walks up to Ingrge and smirks. "Have any plans to blow this place up, let me, I will leave now." The elf winks. "Then again, there is always the front door."
Milo (Bull's Strength) d20+10=28 Monday November 18th, 2002 11:44:26 AM
(OOC: Oops... I misposted cat's grace last time... but I checked, and Ingrge cast bull's strength on Milo)
Milo works his way around to the front of the building and before gingerly stepping inside, thoroughly inspects the doorway, looking for traps, natural and constructed.
(OOC: Made a Search check DC 28.)
K'Nara d20=9 Monday November 18th, 2002 12:40:14 PM
(OOC: Spot check result is 9.)
K'Nara looked around again, trying to make sure that all was well. Not seeing anything out of the ordinary, the woman warrior beckoned to the others.
"Let's all go see if there is anything in there for us to find." she said to the rest of the Talons, then advanced over to the entrance of the chapel, intending to do just that.
Orson d20+4=16 Monday November 18th, 2002 3:29:31 PM
Orson will follow closely behind Milo to the doorway, glancing quickly at the inside of the building, looking for more obvious threats than those Milo was looking for [Spot 16]
When Milo gives the all clear, Orson strides into the room, looking for anything that might lead to the whereabouts of the missing children.
Ingrge Monday November 18th, 2002 4:29:24 PM
Lettign a wry smile come across his lips at Lian's comment, Ingrge replies, "If you attack me I will retaliate, just like I did when I WAS ATTACKED in the inn. Believe it or not I don't go around indiscriminately blowing things up. I leave that to others. I also have managed, so far, to not catch any of my friends in my spells. Of course that could change at a moments notice..
Anyhow I don't believe the roof hole is the way in and i doublt the door is either, but we can probably use it with little trouble. I expect there is an underground bolthole somewhere that is used more often than not.
Maloray Monday November 18th, 2002 11:33:00 PM
Maloray quickly circles the building, looking for anything else of interest before joining the group examining the front door.
Achoo! (DM Nellie) Tuesday November 19th, 2002 3:15:36 PM
It takes quite a bit of pushing and shoving to free the front door from the vines that have entangled it. After a few minutes, Milo finally manages to shove his way in. The door abruptly swings open sending a large cloud of dust billowing into his face. The dust clears, and Milo takes a look around, but does not spot any traps. The only source of concern comes from the splintered benches that are in rows to the right and the left. Looks like they could cause a nasty wound if someone were to try and sit on them! Neither Orson nor K'nara spot any reason for alarm, since the building is empty. No tracks can be seen in the immediate area, but that's understandable, considering that the forced opening of the door, and the disturbance it caused in the dust that seems to surround everything. Maloray doesn't find anything particularly interesting in his tour around the chapel. Milo's stone nicely illuminates the interior of the chapel, though there is little of interest. Ten rotting wooden benches are lined up in rows to the right and left. There is a stone altar at the northern end of the room, and a wooden podium to the right of the altar. A large cobweb takes up most of the corner to your right, though you don't spot a spider in it. To your left a small amount of light spills in through the broken window, and small shards of stained glass glitter on the floor underneath the frame. Oh yes, and there's dust....lots of dust!
K'Nara d20=17 Tuesday November 19th, 2002 4:27:16 PM
"Okay, people--spread out and search for anything out of the ordinary." K'Nara ordered, immediately prowling around. (OOC: made a Search check for 17.)
Figment d20+8=21 Tuesday November 19th, 2002 8:04:50 PM
Moving toward the back of the chapel, Figment decides to check out the alter area. [SEARCH 21]
Ingrge d20+8=21 Tuesday November 19th, 2002 8:07:52 PM
Moving to the webbed corner, Ingrge is aware that even though it looks unoccupied, that does not mean it is. poking the webs with his staff, he checks through the webs looking for he doesnt know what. [SEARCH 21]
Orson d20+1=16 Tuesday November 19th, 2002 10:48:28 PM
Orson follows figment toward the alter area, looking around for anything noteworthy.
[Search = 16]
Olana (Bulls Strength +3) d20+10=22 Wednesday November 20th, 2002 12:16:04 AM
Olana moves slowly into the room, trying not to disturb the dust too much. She's looking for signs of slitherin.... slytherin...
((SEARCH check DC 22))
"This doesn't exactly look like a current headquarters for group of child kidnappers," she says with a sigh. "It doesn't look as though it's been used in ages."
Lian +4 Cat's Grace d20+15=25 d20+4=19 Wednesday November 20th, 2002 1:28:32 AM
The monk moves slowly to the alter, he moves up to it slowly (move silently 25). Lian searches the alter carefully for whatever might be found (search 19 or elven search for secret doors). "Milo, come here for a moment. Help me search the alter please."
Maloray d20+1=11 Wednesday November 20th, 2002 8:19:29 AM
Maloray will remain on guard outside the chapel, keeping watch to alert the Talons should anyone or anything approach. (SPOT a mere 11).
Milo (Bull's Strength) d20+10=30 Wednesday November 20th, 2002 10:21:31 AM
Stepping into the room gingerly Milo looks about, and then addressing Ingrge because he is the closest wizard, "Ingrge, is there magic that may cause a room to appear as though it hasn't been used in ages, when that may not be the case at all?" Milo begins carefully stepping through the dust, attempting to not make a stir, while he searchs for secret doors and such. He concentrates mainly on the floor, thinking there might be a trapdoor leading down. (OOC: DC 30 on that Search check)
Most Interesting (DM Nellie) Thursday November 21st, 2002 12:34:42 AM
As most of the Talons go inside to inspect the chapel, Maloray takes up a watch outside. The old woman in the garden area stares in disbelief at the barbarian as he stands outside the "haunted" chapel. She shrugs her shoulders and returns to her gardening. Other than that, Maloray doesn't spot anything out of the ordinary.
Olana picks up the snake tracks a little way away from the door, and follows them to where thy terminated near the left of the alter. Oddly enough, two sets of humanoid tracks appear where the snake tracks leave off. One set of tracks is about the same size as a human's, but ends in sharp points where the toes should be. The other set would appear to be those of a small humanoid. Both of the tracks lead to the left corner of the altar.
Ingrge's search of the cobweb proves futile, and all he manages to do is get cobweb all over his staff. There isn't even a spider around to torment!
Neither Orson nor Lian's inspection of the altar yield any clues, and Milo doesn't find anything interesting on the floor...other than a few fragments of shattered stained glass by the shattered window.
After being alerted to Olana's discovery, Figment checks the altar over thoroughly, and discovers a hidden panel on the left side of the large stone structure!
Lian cat's grace d20+7=25 d20+17=31 Thursday November 21st, 2002 2:52:50 AM
Being close to the alter when Figment finds the panel, the monk moves clear to the opposite side of the alter and kneels to avoid any inevitable traps.
"Milo, Figment found something." Says the elf.
The monk looks around the chapel from his kneeling position and pays close attention to any sounds not made by Talons. (Spot 25 and Listen 31)
K'Nara Thursday November 21st, 2002 7:58:17 AM
Not having found anything herself (in spite of her 17 for her Search check), K'Nara immediately was interested in the discovery of the large and small snake tracks terminating with large and small humanoid prints...and even more so with Figment's discovery.
"Yeah, Milo--come over and check that for traps. I'd like to see what's behind that thing." the leader of the Talons said eagerly.
Orson Thursday November 21st, 2002 10:39:58 AM
Orson stands blinking for a few moments, trying to figure out how he had missed the panel in the spot he had searched just moments before Figment found it.
As the Talons wait for Milo to check the panel for traps, Orson moved toward the front of the chapel for a brief moment.
"Hey Maloray, I think we found something. Come on."
After retrieving the barbarian waiting outside, Orson walks back to the Alter, hoping he didnt miss its opening.
Olana Thursday November 21st, 2002 10:55:16 AM
Olana wrinkles her nose as she examines the tracks.
"I'd say one is around the size of an adult human, the other tracks could well be those of a missing child. This larger track - could be clawed tips - so although its owner may be the size of a human, thats about as far as it goes. Also - see how the snake track stops and the footprints start? That's rather odd, isnt it."
While the others are examining the altar, Olana walks over to Orson and Maloray. "If we get into any trouble," she whispers, " and you find yourself in front of either Ingrge or Figment - I'd advise you to duck."
This advice is delivered with a smile, but laced with a slight touch of irony, as though she speaks from bitter experience.
Milo (Bull's Strength) d20+10=24 Thursday November 21st, 2002 4:34:47 PM
"Okey Dokey, on my way," Milo responds to K'nara as he approaches the altar and thoroughly inspects the panel for traps. Looking up at Figment, "Have you detected for possible magic yet?" (OOC: Search check DC 24)
Ingrge Thursday November 21st, 2002 6:32:38 PM
Overhearing Olanna's comment and warning, Ingrge looks extremely hurt for a moment and then shakes it off, with a deep sigh, as he looks to make some comment.
Then taking a look at the panel that has been foundasks, 'Well Figment, how's it open.'
Perhaps a Little Too Easy (DM Nellie) Thursday November 21st, 2002 10:10:03 PM
Curiously, Lian does not see or hear anything other than noises caused by the Talons.
Once Figment points out the hidden panel, it is a very easy task for Milo to spot a small knob sticking up in the middle of an ornately carved portion of the altar. There is noticeably less dust on the knob than on the surrounding parts of the altar. As a matter of fact, the panel itself has scuff marks on the bottom as if it had repeatedly been slid across a rough surface.
Lian and Milo, you may use the items from your recent purchases in the Catacombs now. You're gonna need them! ;)---Nellie
Milo (Bull's Strength) Friday November 22nd, 2002 12:07:15 AM
"Okay folks, I'm gonna open this thing up. Here is your chance to step back before I do so." After the group has had ample opportunity to step away from the panel, Milo deftly opens it up, ready to spring aside of missed traps.
Figment Friday November 22nd, 2002 12:50:57 AM
The mage prepares a spell as the halfling opens the door. "Ready when you are...".
Lian cat's grace d20+20=31 d20+17=32 d20+7=14 Friday November 22nd, 2002 1:20:26 AM
The monk steps behind a pew and prepares for the explosion, trap or nasty snakes. (Hide check of 31)
While he waits behind the rotting pew, he slips a bundle out of his pack and removes a cloak which has several item wrapped inside. He tosses the cloak around his shoulders, places a band of gold on his right hand and puts on bracers. Finally he places a periapt around his neck.
He continues to listen and watch the doors, (Listen 32 and Spot 14).
"Careful Milo."
K'Nara d100=89 Friday November 22nd, 2002 8:02:46 AM
"Hold on for a moment, there, Milo..." K'Nara said, the halfling's question suddenly reminding her that she, too, was able to cast the occasional spell, "...I'll take this opportunity to see if there is any magic in the area..."
The mithril shirt the human bladesinger was wearing was no impediment to her casting the Detect Magic cantrip (OOC: rolled 89 for the Armor Penalty check); K'Nara's sharp hazel eyes darted about for the soft glow that would betray any magic effect or item in the area. She also took the opportunity to step back a little bit, recalling the fireball that Olana had set off earlier in the week.
Maloray Friday November 22nd, 2002 1:39:38 PM
Hearing Orson call him, Maloray enters the chapel and walks over to where the Talons are grouped around the altar. He unlimbers his bow and holds it in his left hand and the wrapped sword in his right as Milo prepares to open the hidden panel.
Olana Friday November 22nd, 2002 4:58:18 PM
With her back turned, Olana unfortunately misses Ingrge's reaction to her statement.
At Milo's announcement, the elf steps back apprehensively. "Please be careful, Milo," she says with a worried look on her face, bringing forth her bow just in case something nasty leapt out.
Ingrge [cat's grace 4] Sunday November 24th, 2002 5:43:33 PM
Staff in hand, Ingrge steps forward making sure he can reach and protect Olanna and the others as best he can and waits for someone to open the alter.
ADM Jan Monday November 25th, 2002 12:44:23 PM
Milo operates what seems to be the opening mechanism. For a moment, there is silence, as everyone waits in anticipation. K'Nara detects nothing that looks like magic.
Then, after about two seconds, the altar starts to move, slowly dragging itself across the floor with a grating sound.
It reveals a hole - steep, roughly hewn steps lead down into pitch blackness, and from the surface, there doesn't appear to be anyone lying in wait....
Lian +4 cat's grace Monday November 25th, 2002 9:15:23 PM
Lian stands up after he's sure there is no nasty critter or explosion.
"Well, it looks like we have some climbing to do. Who is first?"
The monk draws his bow and knocks a masterwork arrow. "I will cover the rear. I intend to go last."
Lian d20+17=31 Monday November 25th, 2002 9:17:33 PM
Lian plans to Listen while he waits for the rest of the Talons to go first. (Listen 31)
Figment Monday November 25th, 2002 10:25:06 PM
The mage follows the warrior types into the hole. "Imagine, the Storm Dragons fought a lich to the death here. Pretty cool to be in the same place not too far aftward...". He remains ready to cast on a moments notice.
Olana d20+10=13 d20+13=33 d20+13=22 Monday November 25th, 2002 11:30:17 PM
"Looks like I'm on point then," smiles the elf, replacing her bow with a longsword and one of those curved daggers they found in 'Thief City'.
Carefully, she starts down the steps, using her low light vision to the best of her ability, and keeping her eyes peeled for panels, or anything suspicious. (Search DC13,Listen DC33,Move Silently DC 22)
Milo (Bull's Strength) Tuesday November 26th, 2002 2:18:11 AM
"Wait just a sec Olana." With that, Milo unceremoniously drops his backpack and fishes out a shiny mithral shirt... halfling size. Wrapped in his voluminous cloak the dextrous justicar manages to conceal his entire form while slipping into the light mithral shirt and concealing it under his tunic. His old leather armor drops to the ground, and Milo kicks it aside. Reaching into his backpack the halfling palms something before he closes it up and slings it across his back, replacing his cloak over the top. Approaching Olana he speaks quietly to the elf, "This is a little something that I got for you a ways back." Milo produces a shiny silvery charm bracelet with seven charms. "Place it on your wrist, and then touch one charm and concentrate, saying my name. When next you activate that particular charm with my name, no matter where I am at, I'll appear before you. You can set each charm the same or differently... and you can reset them if you change your mind as well. It only takes a moment." Milo smiles up at Olana, "And I'll join you on point... if you don't mind."
K'Nara Tuesday November 26th, 2002 8:08:13 AM
Snapping out of a daydream that seemed to have come out of nowhere, the leader of the Talons thought quickly, then assigned the party order to advance:
Single file: Milo Olana Maloray K'Nara Figment Ingrge Orson Lian
"Let me know if you see something suspicious, Milo...Olana..." K'Nara said, drawing Lucia from the sheathe on her back, "...I'll activate my sword so that everyone can see it, too." With this, the woman warrior urged the Talons to advance downward.
Orson d20+4=15 d20+4=19 Tuesday November 26th, 2002 10:47:03 AM
Orson does as hes told, assuming position behind Ingrge. "Inazuma" he whispers to his sword in his left hand, which responses by sheathing itself in electrical energy.
He moves down there stairs with the rest of the talons, keeping an eye and ear out for anything noteworthy.
[OOC: Listen = 15, Spot = 19]
Ingrge Tuesday November 26th, 2002 9:10:49 PM
Staff in hand, Ingrge follows along after his fellow mage.
Figment Tuesday November 26th, 2002 9:22:23 PM
The mage looks around the tunnel as he enters - looking for any sign of activity.
Downward (DM Nellie) Wednesday November 27th, 2002 8:59:39 AM
The tunnel is tall enough for a man to stand in, and wide enough for three abreast. It's dark, and damp, and heads north in a downward steep gradient that levels out eventually. Olana's low light vision helps here get her bearings quickly, while others have to rely on the light from K'nara's sword. The tunnel is paved in old stone -- looking like it was built eons ago. The darkness seems to creep up on you as you head down the stone steps and into the passage. As Olana and Milo begin to scout, they see that about 50 feet ahead, the tunnel forks, but the right side is blocked up with rock.
K'Nara Wednesday November 27th, 2002 2:27:10 PM
Once it was discovered that the Talons could enter the passage two by two, K'Nara commanded her trusty flaming sword to alight, using its flames to see what Olana and Milo were reporting was ahead.
"Check out that blockage carefully--" she ordered, "--we should try to be sure that the stones there are truly solid, and not just an illusion or a disguised sort of door."
Maloray Wednesday November 27th, 2002 3:45:50 PM
The half elf follows behind the front-rank party members, his bow out and a masterwork arrow held against the string by his left hand. In his right he continues to tote his father's wrapped sword (OOC got to find a better way to carry that :)
Olana d20+10=17 Wednesday November 27th, 2002 4:24:42 PM
Olana's face breaks into a smile of pure delight for an instant, and she quickly puts on the bracelet and sets one of the charms, picturing Milo in her mind. "Thank you," she says to Milo softly, as they descend the steps.
Figment's comment about the lich has her extremely wary, however, and she scrutinizes the blocked part of the passage with care. (Search DC 17)
Milo (bull's strength) d20+10=23 Wednesday November 27th, 2002 5:49:43 PM
Pleased at Olana's reaction, Milo turns and leads the group into the hole with short sword drawn. Upon reaching the split passage, Milo nods to K'nara, and turns to carefully search the blocked passage. (OOC: Search check DC 23)
Lian +4 cat's grace d20+17=28 d20+14=18 Wednesday November 27th, 2002 6:27:18 PM
The elven monk takes up the rear, with his bow out and knocked. He listens as they go for anyone following the group (28). Lian moves quietly along behind (18).
Lian +4 cat's grace d20+7=10 Friday November 29th, 2002 12:21:28 AM
Lian continues to follow the Talons down the passage. He frequently glances back with his bow knocked (masterwork arrow). (Spot 10)
Further Down (DM Nellie) d20+15=22 d20+1=14 Friday November 29th, 2002 9:30:46 AM
After a complete and thorough inspection of the blocked passage, you find it to be just what it appears to be...a wall of huge boulders blocking up a section of tunnel. Having no other options, the party continues down the tunnel to the left. After traveling a short way down the passage, the architecture of the place changes suddenly. Instead of rough worked gray stone the floor at this point has been carefully crafted to look like snake scales. Tiles composed of various stones glitter and glint in the light provided by the two swords. Likewise, the rough surface of the walls have been smoothed out, and large frescos of colorful snakes wrapped around various types of prey decorate the walls.
Ok, folks, Spot and Listen checks please.---Nellie
Orson d20+4=23 d20+4=18 Friday November 29th, 2002 12:23:30 PM
"Nothing unusual here, every chapel usually has the snake motif room in an underground secret passage, right?" he states quickly, with a chuckle.
He scans the room, looking for any other possible exits to the room besides the one they just entered, or anything within the room that might be noteworthy. Ocassionally he will glance behind him, making sure nothing is following them.
[OOC: Listen 23, Spot 18]
Milo (bull's strength) d20+28=44 d20+25=33 d20+12=31 d20+11=30 Friday November 29th, 2002 12:53:35 PM
As soon as Milo spots the strange snake scaled floor, he immediately slows down and finds himself a shadow as he skulks ahead of the group. Keeping to the walls, and moving as silently as he can, the halfling justicar is alert for any possible danger. (OOC: Milo is hiding and moving silently at DCs 39 and 28 respectively [-5 because he is moving at regular speed]. Made Listn and Spot checks at DCs 31 and 30 respectively.)
Lian =4 cat's grace d20+17=30 d20+7=21 Friday November 29th, 2002 5:26:55 PM
OOC:Listen 30 and Spot 21...
The monk shoots a glance of irritation at Orson, "Shhhh!", hisses the elf, shaking his head 'No.'
The monk, only hearing where Milo went, trains his bow in that direction. (Readying an action to fire at anything that's not a Talon or child)
Maloray d20+1=17 d20+5=11 Friday November 29th, 2002 11:21:19 PM
Maloray, having seen nothing like this before in his life, whispers to K'Nara "Is this what the inside of a snake looks like?"
Eyes wide with wonder he tries to take in everything at once, ready to drop the greatsword and fire should the group be attacked.
Spot=17 Listen=11
Ingrge d20+8=22 d20+8=27 Saturday November 30th, 2002 2:25:39 PM
walking along, Ingrge chats with Figment anout what spells he has ready at this time, lettig him know that he has upped his offensive spells abit this time since they had the time and knew they were going into danger. I primarily have fire and ice offensive spells this time. Do you think we should hit big and mop up or use some more finesses and save the big stuff for later. Or should we just wing it as usual.
[spot 22 search 27]
Olana (Bulls Strength +3) d20+2=22 d20+13=21 Saturday November 30th, 2002 9:14:00 PM
Spot DC 22 (nat 20) Listen DC 21
Olana turns even more apprehensive as the tunnel's decor changes. She keeps careful note of her footing as she moves slowly ahead, and listens for anything untoward.
K'Nara d20=8 d20=17 Sunday December 1st, 2002 8:32:40 AM
(OOC: Spot result is 8; Listen is 17)
The tall human bladesinger blinked at Maloray's question.
"I certainly hope not..." K'Nara whispered back, just a tad unnerved. Her hazel eyes darted around as she strained to listen for something that might give the group a clue as to what they may find down there.
Something Fishy (DM Nellie) Sunday December 1st, 2002 5:44:25 PM
Milo and Olana with their point positions, hear a rustling sound up ahead. Straining their eyes as they scan the area, they manage to spot the outline of a humanoid figure about 30 feet ahead. It turns and heads further down the tunnel quickly. Orson, Lian, and K'nara also hear the noise, but do not see anything. Maloray neither hears nor sees anything. Ingrge also spots the figure, but he notices something much more interesting as he searches the room. About 2 feet in front of Milo a 10x10 foot section of the tile is slightly raised. He also notices a small metal tube, almost flush with the ceiling, a few feet in front of raised tile.
Lian 4 cat's grace d20+17=29 d20+7=16 Sunday December 1st, 2002 11:12:52 PM
Hearing the sound ahead, Lian looks back at Maloray signaling that he hears something by placing his finger to his ear and pointing ahead into the room.
The monk stops and raises his bow and readies to fire at anything slithery or undead.
(Listening 29, Spot 16)
Milo (bull's strength) d20+11=30 d20+11=27 Sunday December 1st, 2002 11:18:07 PM
Milo's hand immediately comes up in a gesture that is unmistakeable, as the diminutive rogue wants the rest of the party to stop and wait. He creeps forward inch by inch, searching for the trap mechanism that he knows is there, and looking for a way around it. Milo prays briefly and silently to Pantheon asking for guidance as he searches. He pulls out a number of fine tools as he looks for a way to disarm the mechanism. (OOC: cast guidance and made a search check DC 30. If Milo can't find a way to walk around the trap, he attempts to disarm it with a Disable Device check DC 27.)
K'Nara Monday December 2nd, 2002 6:02:40 AM
Upon Milo's signal, K'Nara froze in place, looking around her to make sure that everyone else had done so, too. Then she waited for Milo to finish his attempt to disarm the mechanism he was working on.
Olana d20+2=21 Monday December 2nd, 2002 11:04:26 AM
The elf stops in her tracks. This place was REALLY starting to make her nervous.
"Someone ahead, human height" she says quietly to the others. "But I couldn't determine much else. Whoever it is, friend or foe - they now know we're here."
She wants to run down the tunnel, to find out more, but for now she stays put, her eyes searching the walls for anything that might help them.
(Spot DC 21)
Ingrge Monday December 2nd, 2002 5:07:40 PM
After getting Milo to stop and then pointing out the raised area and the tube to him, Ingrge watches the halfling go to work. As he does he realizes two things.
First, Milo is really good at what he does, most of the time. And second, that he is having a hard time not liking the little halfling, despite his rampant displays of affection for Olanna.
Shaking his head, Ingrge tries to reconcile all the mixed feelings he is having toward Milo and Olanna and takes a firmer grip on his staff. His knuckles turning white as he waits.
Maloray Monday December 2nd, 2002 6:53:29 PM
When Maloray sees Milo raise his hand, he leans his father's wrapped sword against the wall of the passage and prepares to fire an arrow, keeping his eyes peeled for any sign of enemies or an attack.
"What's wrong, little man?" he whispers, having never seen anybody stop and fiddle with tools in the middle of a corridor before.
Sometimes it Pays to be Sneaky (DM Nellie) Monday December 2nd, 2002 6:58:34 PM
Lian keeps an eye out for any more suspicious activity up ahead, but does not see or hear anything further.
Up at the front of the column, with Ingrge's assistance, Milo spots the trap panel and gets quickly to work. He promptly determines that it will be extremely difficult to maneuver around the panel. Working gracefully with his tools, the quick thinking halfling gently lifts the tile slightly and probes underneath with a thin wire and a small mirror. After a brief examination of the mechanism, Milo discovers that it appears to be a simple pressure plate. Holding the mirror in place with one hand, Milo removes several small pieces of wood and maneuvers them into various places around the mechanism. Finally, after what seems like an eternity to the halfling, Milo feels like he has disarmed the panel and that it is safe to cross.
As K'nara makes sure no one advances, Olana scans the walls looking for anything useful. She doesn't see anything off hand that looks promising, but does spot an interesting looking scene on one of the frescos that depicts a huge viper in the process of swallowing a humanoid figure. Since only the shoes of the victim stick out of the snake's mouth, it's difficult to tell the race of the swallowee. In place of the viper's eyes are two small rubies which flash in the dim light and make the figure seem very life like.
Meanwhile, Ingrge continues to struggle with his personal demons.
Figment d20+9=23 d20+19=25 d20+19=32 Monday December 2nd, 2002 8:41:39 PM
The mage begins to respond to Ingrge when all the hubub begins. As Olana points out the frescos the mage examines it more closely, beginning to get an uneasy feeling about what he sees. He attempts to determine if the shoed feet are the size of a human child's (Int 23). He also considers spellcraft and arcana knowledge he has become so famliar with (25 & 32). He decides to finish his appraisal by detecting magic on the frescos.
Milo (bull's strength) d20+28=33 d20+25=39 Monday December 2nd, 2002 8:46:35 PM
Milo winks at Ingrge, "Thanks, I need all the help I can get. Okay folks," the halfling whispers, "Its a pressure plate, but I think I have it braced so it won't go off. Since I'm the lightest, I'll go first... perhaps we should do this in order of lightest to heaviest, gently testing as we go." That said, Milo draws his short sword and gently makes his way across the trapped area, toward where the figure was standing a few moments ago. He keeps low to the ground, attempting to use the prevailing shadows as cover. (OOC: Made Hide and Move Silently checks at DCs 33 and 39 respectively. Moving at half speed)
Lian +4 Cats' Grace d20+14=30 d20+7=14 d20+17=22 Tuesday December 3rd, 2002 12:46:33 AM
As undeniably the second lightest, Lian moves forward. (Move Silently 31 with cats grace, Spot 14, Listen 22) He moves across the plate so that the next Talon can come across after him. He reaches the other side and looks around for anything of importance, but doesn't go far from Milo (he's afraid that he may 'find' a trap).
Orson d20+25=35 d20+4=20 d20+4=13 d20+6=9 Tuesday December 3rd, 2002 2:21:00 AM
Orson doesnt wait to be last, even if he probably weighs in at the most, with his gear. After Milo crosses and he gauges the size of the plate, he will give a quick leap, gliding through the air to the other side. Landing with a rattle of his chain armor next to the Liam and Milo, he shrugs at the sharp glances the talons are sure to give him, "Better to not test it, if possible. And they know we're here already, tip-toeing around trying not to make noise isn't going to change that." He ignores any glares he may get, and stands guard at this end as the rest of the talons cross. He will reassume his position of rear gaurd once everyone is safetly across.
OOC: [Listen 20, Spot 13, Jump Check 35, for 15 feet. If the plate seemed longer than that, he'll back up some and get a running start, for a total of 30 feet. If it was a REALLY big plate, he wont attempt this, but am assuming like a 10ft plate, or there around. And a 9 Move Silent to Land, guess the die roller already figured in any negatives for landing :-)
K'Nara Tuesday December 3rd, 2002 6:38:50 AM
The redhead groaned to herself as Orson made his rather noisy leap. Oh well--Olana did opine that there was at least one person up ahead who knew the Talons were present in this passage, so it likely didn't matter.
"Lightest first, heaviest last..." K'Nara agreed with Milo's recommendation, mentally attempting to figure out her own weight and see where in the queue to cross over the trapped plate she belonged...
(OOC: K'Nara weighs 145 pounds.)
Lian Tuesday December 3rd, 2002 7:29:16 AM
OOC: The monk weighs 111 pounds. 93 without gear.
Olana Tuesday December 3rd, 2002 11:13:53 AM
Olana wrinkles her nose at the scenes on the wall. Swallowed whole by a snake? Ewwww..... For a moment she stares at them in horrid fascination, but then steps out of the way in order to let Figment examine them.
Moving forward, she steps lightly and carefuly. On reaching Orson, her narrow, elegant fingers rest on the human's arm for a moment.
"Careful," she whispers. "There could be more. We do not know this place."
Maloray d20+13=16 Tuesday December 3rd, 2002 8:42:07 PM
Maloray also prefers not to test the pressure plate, which he accepts as being dangerous at the halfling's say-so - especially since he has great faith in his leaping abilities and the noise damage has already been done by Orson. He'll go in any order the group wants, but (grabbing his father's sword and reslinging his bow first) leaps for the other side, clearing a neat 11 feet without a running start.
(OOC 16+10/boots=26 3+(26-10)/2)= 11 ... and on a d20 roll of 3, too - Magic is a wonderful thing!)
Change in Scenery (DM Nellie) d20+15=26 d20+15=25 Wednesday December 4th, 2002 6:03:58 AM
Figment analyses the fresco, but is unable to determine the relative size of the viper, which makes judging the size of the boots almost impossible. He does not detect any magic in the immediate area.
Despite the misgivings of Orson and Maloray, all of the rest of the Talons cross the pressure plate with no adverse effects. The party reforms its marching columns, and continues several yards down the tunnel. Once again, in a few spots the passage forks, but the other side is again blocked with boulders. A thorough inspection of the areas relieve that there is no illusion involved. As you continue slopping downward, you notice a change in the scenery. The frescos have been replaced with several sections of carved runes. The pictographic language is quite unlike what most of you have seen before.
I know I'm sounding like a broken record, but two Spot checks, please. ---Nellie
Lian +4 cat's grace d20+7=22 d20+7=26 d20+4=9 d20+15=20 d20+17=25 d20+6=9 Wednesday December 4th, 2002 6:33:18 AM
(Spot checks 22 and 26 respectively, and a elven search for secret passage by the bolders as well Search of 9) The monk just shakes his head looking at the blockage.
Lian just plods along with the group making little sound (Move Silently 20) and listening to every sound in the passage (Listen 25). His bow up, knocked and ready, frequently looking behind the party. Not having said anything since they entered the passage, Lian sighs quietly when someone makes an audible sound other than breathing.
(Lian knowns the languages, Draconic, Sylvan, Elven and Common... are any of the glyphs related to these languages.... Knowledge Arcana 9?)
K'Nara d20+1=13 d20+1=14 Wednesday December 4th, 2002 6:41:09 AM
K'Nara's sharp hazel eyes darted around the area. (OOC: spot checks come out 13 and 14.)
"Nothing seems to be here, either," she said in a low voice, "Are you sure you saw someone before, Olana..?"
Orson d20+4=20 d20+4=9 Wednesday December 4th, 2002 11:03:32 AM
Orson glances as the runes briefly, then continues to glance around for trouble, making sure nothing is following up behind them.
[Spot 20, Listen 9]
Milo (bull's strength) d20+28=32 d20+25=44 d20+11=26 d20+11=26 Wednesday December 4th, 2002 11:29:26 AM
Milo moves quietly down the passage, alert to the danger that most certainly lies ahead. (OOC: Made Hide and Move Silently checks at DC 27 and 39 respectively [-5 for moving full speed]. Made two Spot checks, both are DC 26).
Figment d20+2=18 d20+2=12 Wednesday December 4th, 2002 9:01:15 PM
The mage raises an eyebrow at the frescos and moves on. He keeps his eyes peeled as they progress(Spot 18,12). "I am really hoping those kids haven't been fed to large vipers. That would be a horrible way for a child to die...Anyone to die!".
Olana d20+2=14 d20+2=8 Wednesday December 4th, 2002 9:18:51 PM
(Spot rolls 14 and 8)
The elf shrugs helplessly toward K'Nara. "Well I thought so," she whispers while tiptoeing along. "In fact I'm sure I did. Maybe its someone trying to lure us into a trap. Or maybe they just didn't expect us. I don't know."
Lian +4 cat's grace d20+17=26 d20+7=27 d20+7=20 d20+15=18 Thursday December 5th, 2002 4:05:41 AM
In the quiet of the passage, the monk hears the question from the red-haired warrior and the indefinate answer from the female elf. "Do not be fooled ladies. If an elf sees something, it is usually there, in one form or another." Whispers the monk, breaking his silence.
Lights out (DM Nellie) d20+9=19 d20+4=8 d8=4 Thursday December 5th, 2002 1:57:02 PM
As some of the party members discuss the accuracy of Olana's warning, Milo's careful eyes definitely spot motion about 50 feet ahead in the tunnel. Odd...though he can't make out a creature as such, he's sure he sees the outline of something...kind of like seeing a mirage (think the Predator's camouflage ability). Lian also spots something, though he only sees one ethereal figure.
Before a warning can be given, two arrows whiz through the air. The first strikes Olana in the chest, inflicting 4hp of damage (Fort. Check DC 17 please, Olana). The second zips by Olana's ear, and disintegrates as it hits the stone wall. Then, from out of nowhere, a rock flies out of the air, and lands with a clatter on the ground. An intense darkness emanates from the stone, and engulfs everything within a 60 foot radius.
Alrighty folks, welcome to combat. Combat map should be in your boxes. Have fun, I know I will. ;)!!!---Nellie
Lian +4 cat's grace d20+15=30 d20+20=33 d20+7=11 Thursday December 5th, 2002 7:20:25 PM
The monk moves quickly and quietly backwards until he comes into the light(Moves Silently 30), Lian then finds a hollow in the near wall and hides (Hide 33 using his ring). When he reaches his hidey-hole, he speaks in elven in a low voice. "Illum'narr evis elavar!" ("There's light here.") He raises his bow in the direction of the darkness and waits for non-Talon figures. All the while keeping his eyes behind the group (Spot 11).
Maloray d20+5=17 Thursday December 5th, 2002 8:13:37 PM
Cursing himself for a fool, Maloray holds his father's wrapped sword in his left hand and draws his battle axe. He tries to listen to the sounds around him to gain a clue of what's going on (Listen 17), but otherwise just waits for somebody to turn on the lights. If he's attacked in melee or somehow otherwise senses an enemy within reach, he'll attack with his axe, but not unless he's sure.
Milo (bull's strength, protection from evil) d20+23=34 d20+20=32 d20+12=18 Thursday December 5th, 2002 9:02:19 PM
As things go dark, Milo casts protection from evil on himself and moves forward as quietly as he can, listening for the attackers. (OOC: Milo moves at normal speed [20 ft.] with hide and move silently checks DCs 34 and 32 respectively. Made a Listen check DC 18)
Orson d20+4=15 d20+6=15 Friday December 6th, 2002 12:15:25 AM
Orson watches as the stone clatters to the floor, the last thing he sees before consumed by the darkness. Attempting to gauge its general distance as the darkness envelops the hallway, he will try to quietly move forward, to where he thinks the stone landed. Relying on his hearing to sense any approaching danger, Orson makes a wide sweep with his blade along the floor, attempting to hit and scoop in the rock of darkness.
[Listen 15, Move Silently 10 (forgot the -5 to move normal speed, which is 60ft), not sure what to roll to try and find rock in darkness and all.
K'Nara d100=93 Friday December 6th, 2002 8:24:14 AM
"Who's looking for the stone?" K'Nara demanded. When Orson responded to the query, the human bladesinger continued brusquely:
"Don't waste time trying to find it with a hand or foot--whip off a cloak and cover the area it landed in! Meanwhile, everyone try hugging the walls and moving forward--beyond the range of the spell effect." Before taking her own advice, however, K'Nara stopped long enough to cast True Strike on herself. (OOC: armor penalty check is 93, so she's able to cast the spell in spite of her mithril shirt.) Since the right-hand wall was the one she was closest to, K'Nara sidestepped to that wall and felt her way forward with her upper arm, gripping the hilt of Lucia with both hands as she carefully moved forward.
Olana d20+5=25 d20+17=22 d20+7=25 Friday December 6th, 2002 11:03:22 AM
Olana gasps as she's hit by the arrow. (Fort - made save with flying colours) Her hand quickly rips the thing out, just in case it's poison tipped, and she crouches low, listening to the stone clatter and where the others are. (Listen DC 22). Hearing K'Nara, she steps forward, whips off her cloak and will attempt to hurl her cloak like a net in the direction of the stone. (Hits AC 25)
((Attempted ranged touch attack like a net with -4 penalty as for an exotic weapon. Range 10 ft. Worth a try, LOL))
After that she crouches and hugs the wall.
Can't be a Good Sign (DM Nellie) 3d6(3+2+3)=8 Friday December 6th, 2002 1:34:52 PM
In order to avoid bumping into each other or the walls you are forced to move at half your speed in the darkness.
Lian moves back into the light and spots no movement from behind the party.
While Maloray waits in the darkness, K'nara makes her way forward, groping the walls, and bumping into Maloray on the way. The barbarian almost smashes his axe into the party's leader before he realizes that it's not an enemy that's bumping into him.
As Orson stumbles forward to find the rock, he feels two figures blocking his way.
Meanwhile, as Milo lurches forward in the complete darkness to confront the enemy, Olana tries to cover the rock with her cloak. Much to her chagrin, the darkness does not abate. She gets the feeling that maybe she's not close enough to the rock yet, though it's getting hard to tell direction any more in the gloomy darkness.
Milo thinks he might hear something moving toward him, but it's hard to tell with all the activity of the Talons in the room. He soon has other more immediate things to worry about as he hears a roar come from the ceiling a few feet in front of him. A blast of heat washes over all of the Talons except for Orson, Ingrge and Lian inflicting 8 hp of damage (Dex. Save DC 16 for half damage). The smell of burnt hair fills the air.
Lian +4 Cat's Grace d20+11=19 Friday December 6th, 2002 6:09:45 PM
ooc:Made saving throw, taking half (4).
Lian thinks to himself, 'Not again with the fire. Great.'
He moves back into the darkness, stowing his bow away.
Orson d20+4=10 Saturday December 7th, 2002 12:40:16 AM
Orson, not liking this situation at all, desides to take the Talon's leader advice. Moving past the figures in front of him, he will make his way to the right wall (feeling the blast of heat from his left, decides to go right). Placing the hilt of his blade to guide him along the contour of the wall, he will move quickly forward, seeking exit from the darkness. "Coming through" he whispers, in case hes about to run into someone. He will step around anyone in front moving slower than him, wanting to get out of the darkness quickly.
[OOC: Move at full speed I can; half speed would be 60 feet total on double move. Listen Check 10]
Maloray d20+5=19 Saturday December 7th, 2002 1:46:22 AM
ooc Maloray made his Reflex save, so takes 4 damage
ic Using the bound sword as a blind man's cane to feel his way along the left wall (as shown on the map), Maloray will edge his way forward. As before, if attacked in melee or if he can sense a foe for certain somehow, he'll attack with his axe.
Milo (bull's strength, protection from evil) d20+13=19 d20+28=41 d20+25=37 d20+12=27 Saturday December 7th, 2002 2:33:00 AM
Evading the blast of fire, Milo remains as quiet as he possibly can, continuing to move forward in the darkness, short sword in hand. He listens intently, preparing for his moment to strike. (OOC: Milo takes no damage from the fire, making his save with evasion. He moves at half speed through the darkness, getting another 20 ft. forward. Made Hide and Move Silently checks at DCs 41 and 37 respectively, and a Listen check at DC 27)
Ingrge (Cat's grace) d20+8=19 d20+8=26 7d6(3+6+5+4+5+6+2)=31 Saturday December 7th, 2002 10:21:04 AM
(spot checks of 19 and 26)
Ingrge mutters a curse as the lights go out, and as he hears Olanna's scream of pain he lets out a low loud growl. Having caught a glimpse of the figures just before the darkness hit, Ingrge goes into casting mode and sensd a fireball streaking forward. (target area centered 70 feet ahead of him)(36 points damage; reflex DC 17 for 18 points)
Olana yelps and drops to the floor, caught unawares by the flames.
Okay, so obviously there were more traps, and she could also hear some of her companions behind her moving forward. Staying low to the ground, she feels her way along,c-a-r-e-f-u-l-l-y...
(Search DC18)
She'll also recover her cloak if at all possible.
Figment d20+6=24 d6=5 d6=5 d6=6 d6=5 d6=6 d6=6 d6=6 d6=2 d6=2 Monday December 9th, 2002 12:54:54 AM
The mage evades most of the damage. Hearing Ingrge cast a fireball he decides to follow with a lightning bolt straight down the hall a few meters in front of the party's last know position and moving out into the hallway - which he ses in his mind (42 DMG).
K'Nara, True Strike d20+8=12 d20+27=43 Monday December 9th, 2002 6:44:15 AM
"Ohhhh...not again with the fire..! Just great..!" growled K'Nara. She hadn't gotten out of the way of the heat and so was now stinging smartly. She also figured that she likely looked like an eyebrow-less freak at the very least.
She also felt there was no choice but for her to whip off her own cloak with one hand and attempt to hurl it onto the enchanted stone that was keeping the entire group in darkness. So she did. (OOC: the roll I made takes the following factors into consideration: K'Nara's +11 for ranged attacks, +20 for the True Strike spell effect, and the -4 penalty for the exotic ranged touch attack. However, as K'Nara's cloak is also a magic Cloak of Protection, her AC has now dropped to 22.)
K'Nara resolved to continue forward (hopefully NOT in the inky dark spell from that stone, though.)
Friendly Fire (DM Nellie) d20+5=8 d20+3=22 Monday December 9th, 2002 2:25:35 PM
Lian, Orson, and Maloray make their way toward the front of the party, occasionally bumping into different members of the party as they make their way forward. Milo continues to creep silently forward until he finds the form of Maloray blocking his way.
Olana recovers her cloak and edges forward in the darkness as she hears the familiar sound of Ingrge and Figment casting their spells. Though he can not see it, Ingrge's fireball leaves his hand and rushes toward the last known location of the enemy. Unfortunately, it contacts K'nara and goes off prematurely. K'nara and Lian both feel a very intense heat wave wash over them, and suffer 31 hp of damage (Refl. Save DC 17 for 18). Then Figment feels the tingling electrical energy leave his fingertips and streak off into the darkness. K'nara, Lian, Milo, and Maloray are wracked with pain as the electrical energy courses through their bodies (42 hp damage, Refl. Save DC 23 for 21).
Before she casts her cloak, K'nara has the uncanny feeling that she is not close enough to the rock to cover it with her cloak. She moves forward 15 feet and expertly throws her cloak, covering the rock and suddenly restoring the natural lighting to the tunnel.
Ok spellcasters, remember, you have to have a clear line of fire in order to avoid hitting your own party members!!! I gave both of you a ranged touch attack to weave through the tunnel and not hit the party (DC 24), but both failed.---Nellie
Lian cat's grace @ 0 hps d20+11=18 d20+11=25 d20+7=17 Monday December 9th, 2002 4:13:20 PM
In the dark, both spells singe the monk badly, he miraculously dodges both spells with expert precision, still taking the brunt of the blasts.(DC18 vs fireball, DC25 vs lightning bolt)
Lian just stands there after the blast, sizzling, shaking his head and trying to clear his ringing ears. (Readying to attack back if he is attacked) When the lights come on, Lian takes a quick glance around himself (17 Spot) to get his barings.
DM Nellie Monday December 9th, 2002 8:07:35 PM
A note on the figure in the picture. The creature is now fully visible to all. It is no longer a shadow.
Orson (Power Attack +4 Dmg, -4 Hit) d20+8=26 d8+11=17 Monday December 9th, 2002 9:15:32 PM
Hearing the explosion behind him, he instinctively looks back to see what happened. Of course seeing nothing, but feeling the wave of heat once again, he prepares to shield himself the best he can, should it envelop him as well. As the darkness dissapates he brings his gaze back forward, surveying the rest of the groups condition briefly, trying to remember who he was supposed to keep an eye on; then resting his eyes on the lizard like humanoid before him.
He advances toward the creature, a small smile on his face. Not used to working in a group, he takes his own initiative and speaks to the serpent. "Looks like you'v got some explaining to do. Better speak up and tell us what you've been up to." He stands ready to swing, should the creature show agression, or attempt to retreat.
[OOC: Move up to creature. Ready an action to: If draws a weapon (or is holding a weapon [not sure if it had a bow, because of the arrows before the darkness], and attempts to use it, to sunder the weapon. If no weapon is drawn (either an unarmed attack, or it attempts to flee) will just attack the creature. Hit AC 26, dealing 17 points (or Opposed Attack roll 26 - dealing 17 to its weapon should I win sunder check).
Maloray - Rage (+4 STR +4 CON -2 AC) d20+5=10 d20+15=33 d8+7=12 Tuesday December 10th, 2002 12:02:56 AM
Ref save is 10 (failure).
Suffering the full brunt of the lighting bolt, Maloray's world suddenly becomes a small universe of pain, driving rational thought from his mind. As the red curtain dims somewhat, he realizes he can see again. The first thing he sees is Orson, his battle buddy, near a monster. The combination of factors sends the half-elf into a blinding, furious rage.
He drops his father's sword on the ground, grips the battle axe in both hands, and charges, letting the creature feel the full fury of Maloray of the Owl Tribe (OOC I shouldn't write such things before I roll).
Attack is 1d20 + 11 + 2 (extra strength from rage) + 2 (charge bonus) = 1d20+15 = 33
Damage is 1d8 + 7((3+2)*1.5) = 12
Hit points are temporarily 15 due to +14 from rage CON.
Olana d20+12=25 Tuesday December 10th, 2002 1:20:49 AM
"Milo, duck!" cries the elf, sensing whats coming. She hugs the ground tightly for a moment, pulling her cloak toward herself.
Then the lights come on! Looking up she sees a VERY strange creature. Her first instinct is to leap up and pull her swords - instead she remains in a crouching position, eyes and fingers checking the floor and walls for traps.
SEARCH DC 25
Figment Tuesday December 10th, 2002 2:20:19 AM
Stunned at his lack of control the mage waits until he can see something before acting.
Milo (bull's strength, protection from evil) d20+13=32 d20+10=27 d20+13=28 d20+13=30 5d6(1+6+6+6+6)+4=29 5d6(5+5+6+4+5)+4=29 Tuesday December 10th, 2002 4:12:11 AM
Milo feels the small hairs on the back of his neck rise as a prelude to the massive electrical attack, and dodging aside, evades the lightning bolt completely. Charging forward, Milo tumbles past the creature, into a flanking position and whips his short sword at the beast twice. (OOC: Milo made a Reflex save DC 32, and evasion allows him to avoid all the damage. Milo makes a tumble check DC 27, tumbling through his opponent's area if necessary, without provoking an attack of opportunity. With his short sword he hits ACs 28 and 30 respectively for sneak attack damage of 29 both times. Total damage is 58 hps)
K'Nara (now suffering from 60hpd, thank you!!!) d20+7=11 d20+7=25 3d8(4+7+7)+6=24 Tuesday December 10th, 2002 7:35:37 AM
Even as K'Nara reached up to unclasp her magic cloak, the all-too-familiar sounds of her fellow Talons' respective spells greeted her ears.
"No, wait, DON'T--" she tried to yell, but both Ingrge and Figment were too fast. The human bladesinger, still blinded by the mystic gloom emanating from the enchanted stone, felt the full fiery fury of Ingrge's fireball, although she barely managed to instinctively throw herself to one side as Figment's lightning sizzled by. How she managed to toss the cloak in spite of her severe injuries, she'd never know.
K'Nara was now certain that--between the frying flames and the crisping electrical damage--she'd be lucky if she wasn't looking like her old doll she'd had as a child...the one that (after eight years of rough play) had but three strands of hair standing at odd angles from the top of its head.
"Okay--NOW you should be able to hit what you're aiming for...I hope!" K'Nara said through gritted teeth. She shrugged off her backpack, knowing that she had to find and quaff one of her healing potions or the next volley of "friendly fire" would kill her.
(OOC: she'll use one of her own Cure Serious Wounds potions, but only the DM can say how long it will take K'Nara to find the bottle and drink it; the potion will heal up 24hp if she gets to drink it.)
Ingrge Tuesday December 10th, 2002 7:34:25 PM
Muttering curses the entire way, Ingrge makes his way up to beside K'nara.
Last Words (DM Nellie) Tuesday December 10th, 2002 11:11:23 PM
As most of the party catches its breath from the devastating friendly fire (yes, K'nara may down her potion), Orson attempts to intimidate the creature. The woman smiles warmly, revealing rows of sharp, fang like teeth. "Talk is for the weak..." Before she can continue, Maloray launches into her and slices a large gash in her stomach. Not even grimacing, the creature smiles at the barbarian. "Yes, you're friend knows the truth very well..." A small grunt escapes from her lips as Milo's short sword slices into her back. "Ahh...but this one knows the best.... For true honor is to die in battle." Coughing up blood, the figure slumps lifelessly to the ground in a pool of its own blood.
As Olana scan the area, she spots no signs of any traps.
Figment d4+1=4 d4+1=4 d4+1=3 d4+1=3 d4+1=4 Tuesday December 10th, 2002 11:17:20 PM
Seeing the creature clearly the mage blasts it with a magic missle (21 DMG).
Lian (cat's grace) Wednesday December 11th, 2002 12:59:08 AM
The monk moves up 20 feet and looks at the short combat.
"Watch out friends, I believe there is another one!"
Milo (bull's strength, protection from evil) d8+1=8 d8+1=6 d8+1=6 d8+1=7 d8+1=3 d8+1=4 2d8(6+7)+3=16 Wednesday December 11th, 2002 1:13:58 AM
Milo looks up at Maloray over the dead creature's body with a calm expression, "Take it easy big guy, time to calm down." Milo wipes the blood from his short sword upon the dead creature, and sheaths the blade. Moving around Maloray carefully, Milo makes his way to K'nara, pulling out his wand of healing, he gently taps the warrior woman six times, healing her a little each time. (K'nara heals 34 more hit points)
Milo then turns, and makes his way quickly to Olana whom he gently places his hands upon, and closing his eyes, prays. (coverted hold person to cure moderate wounds for 16 hps)
Looking up from his prayers, Milo smiles and then turns, looking around, "Anybody else need healing?"
Lian (cat's grace) @0 hps Wednesday December 11th, 2002 1:18:45 AM
"Milo, I could use healing." Raising his hand and smiling.
Maloray - Most likely exhausted (-2 Str -2 Dex) 1 hp d20+1=6 Wednesday December 11th, 2002 1:32:17 AM
The barbarian sees his foe fall and almost immediately hears Lian's soft words. He glances quickly around to see if there is another foe at hand (Spot check = 6).
Assuming he doesn't see one, he'll close his eyes and perform the calming ritual taught him by his father. He collapses exhausted to his knees, near dead from electrical burns.
On the other hand if he does see another enemy similar to the first, he'll continue the bloodbath, charging and attacking.
K'Nara (suffering 2hpd) d20+1=21 Wednesday December 11th, 2002 6:47:03 AM
"Thank you, Milo." K'Nara said, sighing with relief as the healing magic counteracted the damage she'd suffered. Then she bent down and picked up the enchanted stone, still wrapped up in her cloak, which she wadded up and stuffed into her still-crispy-around-the-edges backpack.
"Say, Olana..." the leader of the Talons asked the ranger, "...didn't you tell me you saw TWO figures..? Where's the other one..?" K'Nara turned her head this way and that, her hazel eyes attempting to catch any clue as to where the other figure was or may have gone. (OOC: Spot check result is 21!)
Olana d20+17=28 d20+13=32 Wednesday December 11th, 2002 12:40:48 PM
Satisfied for now they aren't going to blunder into any more traps, the elf gets to her feet and approaches the dead creature, staring at it for a moment. "True honour is to die in battle...?" she repeats softly. Then she closes her eyes, feeling Milo's healing touch.
"Thank you," she whispers, squeezing his hand for a moment. Snapping back to attention, she hears K'Nara's question. "I wasn't completely sure," she answers. "I saw form and movement, but if there is one, there could well be more. We must be careful, for going off what this one said, they will fight to the death and take no prisoners."
With that, she takes a guard position a few feet further ahead, giving the others chance to get healed up before they venture further.
Watching the tunnel ahead, she puzzles over Maloray, having never seen a half-elf attack like that before. So much power and rage... ((Listen DC 28, Spot DC 32))
Fragments (DM Nellie) Thursday December 12th, 2002 12:12:42 AM
Figment's magic missile rip into the dead creature's body leaving a gaping hole in its chest cavity. It is very obvious that the creature won't be bothering anyone EVER again. As Milo sets about his healing, Olana and K'nara search for signs of the other creature. Scouring the ground, K'nara finds a small pile of ashes in the shape of a snake about 15 feet up ahead. With amazing insight, the bladesinger realizes that Figment's lightning bolt did more than just singe the party...it also ushered the other creature to the Halls of Justice.
Orson d20+4=5 d20+4=24 Thursday December 12th, 2002 1:34:05 AM
Watching as his allys drop the snake-like creature, he shakes his head slowly, disagreeing with its parting wisdom. "Honor in death has nothing to do with battle, but for the people and cause for which you are willing to give your life." He states this to no one inparticular, the creature already having been slain. "I've only I'd known that before..." he whispers quietly. Moving his left hand up, he stares at a band on his ring finger, a look of sorrow overcoming his face briefly. Closing his eyes briefly and taking a deep breath, he steps past the creature, glancing around as he slowly moves farther down the hallway.
[5 Listen, 24 Spot]
Milo (bull's strength, protection from evil) d6+1=7 d6+1=5 d6+1=4 d6+1=4 d6+1=7 d6+1=3 Thursday December 12th, 2002 2:35:53 AM
Milo moves quickly over to Lian with wand in hand, and taps the monk once. (7 hps) "All better now... right?" Milo grins, joking with the elf, and then taps him twice more. (9 hps more for 16 hps total)
Moving over to Maloray, Milo smiles mysteriously, looks up, and then taps the human with his wand three times. (healed 14 hps total) "There ya go big guy... perhaps more later."
Lian (cat's grace +4) Thursday December 12th, 2002 5:35:16 AM
"Thank you Milo. Greatly appreciated."
The monk then sits down in the middle of the corridor and crosses his legs, palms up on his knees, then he closes his eyes and begins to mutter to himself, meditating, he channels his chakra into healing himself (for the remaining 7 points he's down). For a moment there's a faint glow. A moment later he's feeling and looking better. Standing back up, he simply smiles and continues into the hall with the party.
Maloray - Fatigued (-2 Str -2 Dex) 15 hp Thursday December 12th, 2002 8:14:39 AM
Maloray feels the soothing touch of Milo's wand and looks at the halfling, managing a feeble grin.
"Thank you, Milo."
He stands, and heads back down the tunnel to retrieve his father's sword before returning to the group.
OOC Nellie, could you tell me when Maloray is no longer fatigued? The PHB says "At the end of the rage the barbarian is fatigued until the end of that encounter."
Rog, this encounter is concluded.---Nellie
Ingrge Thursday December 12th, 2002 6:58:08 PM
Looking around, Ingrge quietly asks Olanna. "Aren't you carrying that curing wand? Perhaps we should use that if others need healing?
Oooo...Look at All the Pretty Colors (DM Nellie) Thursday December 12th, 2002 11:48:43 PM
Milo makes his rounds, bringing his healing touch to several of the Talons as Orson keeps watch. He does not spot any signs of further enemies. After a brief rest the party continues down the tunnel.
About 50 feet ahead, the tunnel makes a sharp turn to the left. The sight that greats your searching eyes is absolutely breath taking. The tunnel straightens out, and about 20 feet in front of you is a large dug out pit approximately 30 feet wide, 50 feet long, and 40 feet deep. The pit is dug in such a manner that it is impossible to bypass it to get to the other end of the tunnel. Huge columns of red, yellow, and blue marble are arranged inside the pit, providing a path to the other side. There are 8 columns of each color, all of which are mixed together. From your vantage point, the collage of varied colored columns strongly resembles the shape of a coiled snake. Each pillar is approximately 7 feet apart, and there is approximately 5 feet between the ledge and the first column.
Lian (cat's grace +4) d20+8=17 Friday December 13th, 2002 3:50:01 AM
Looking at the obstacle in front of the group, Lian just shakes his head.
"Well, whose jumping to that column first?" Asks the monk. Looking around at the group and seeing no volunteers, Lian prepares to jump. He gets prepared to jump the gap, stands on teh edge, then the elven monk launches himself onto the first column. (Standing Jump check of 17 +2 synergy bonus from tumble for 19-10=9/2=4.5 feet +minimum of 3ft= 7.5 feet) He doesn't over shoot the mark.
He then looks back at the group. "So who is next?" He smiles.
(OOC:Are there patterns to the colors on the columns? How wide is the base of the column?)
Nope, no patterns to the colors on the columns. The column is uniform in diameter, about 5 feet. I'm no math genius, so the numbers may not work out. ;)---Nellie
Figment Friday December 13th, 2002 9:42:28 AM
The mage looks at the pit closely to see if it matches the frescos he observed in the hall. He also activates his fly spell.
Olana d20+13=31 Friday December 13th, 2002 11:02:47 AM
"Oh!!!! I forgot," exclaims the elf as Ingrge reminds her of the wand. Quickly, she passes amongst the group. "Who need some more healing?" she asks, pulling out the funny wand that just seemed to have appeared one day.
As for the pit, she spends some time trying to figure out a pattern, or obvious path. ((SPOT DC 31)) She chews her lip nervously as Lian takes the first leap.
Orson d20+25=39 d20+25=37 Friday December 13th, 2002 4:07:05 PM
As Lian makes his jump to the first pillar, Orson stands gauging his jumps, deciding on which platform to spring off of. Choosing a pillar a little over half way out, Orson answers Lians question "I am", and begins his run toward the edge. With a grunt at the last second he leaps into the air, landing safetly on his chosen pillar. Not halting his momentum, he takes a single step to push off into another jump, covering the rest of the distance over the pit, with yards to spare.
Maloray d20+17=31 d20+17=24 Saturday December 14th, 2002 1:38:37 AM
Narrowing his eyes at Orson's display of leaping skill, Maloray accepts healing from Olana and then backs 20 feet down the corridor. He takes a running start and leaps, attempting to duplicate the warrior's feat.
(OOC my chances: d20 + 10(maximum ranks for a level 7 character) + 3(STR 16) - 1(Armor Check Penalty) + 10(Boots of Striding and Springing)=
d20+22
Distance cleared will be (5+(skill roll-10))x1.25(for Run feat), or (skill roll - 5)x1.25 feet. Thus feet cleared per jump is (d20+17)x1.25.
"It seems we have something in common, westerner."
Milo (bull's strength) Saturday December 14th, 2002 3:13:20 AM
Looking across the pillars, Milo gets a perplexed look on his face. He looks down at himself in all his shortness, and realizes that jumping is just not a solution for him. Digging into his backpack, the halfling justicar produces a 50-foot coil of silk rope. "Does anyone else have rope? I could use another 20 feet or so. Then I need someone who is doing the actual jumping to take one end and string it out across this rather large pit. Then I'll levitate, and ya'll can just reel me in like a worm on a hook." Milo smiles briefly, and then frowns as he realizes that he doesn't like his own analogy.
Ingrge Saturday December 14th, 2002 1:59:25 PM
I have plenty of rope Milo, But I think this place smells of trap so badly even I can smell it. I really think we needed to take some time to maybe puzzle this out, but I guess, indicating the two jumpers, we don't have that luxury. I can burn a spell out of my book a fly myself across with rope and give us a hand hold perhaps, and then you acn pull yourself across.
K'Nara d20=12 Monday December 16th, 2002 6:17:56 AM
"I agree with Ingrge...we ought to make sure that there aren't any traps to be triggered by just jumping all over the columns..." K'Nara said with a nod, frowning thoughtfully. "I hate trying to figure out puzzles." Nevertheless, the redheaded leader of the Emerald Talons squints in concentration, straining to see whether there is a peculiar logic to crossing the room. (OOC: made an Intelligence check for 12.)
Leap of Faith (DM Nellie) d3=1 d3=1 d3=1 d3=1 d20+9=19 d20+9=18 d20+9=18 d20+9=25 d20+9=15 d20+9=12 d20+4=5 d20+4=24 d20+4=9 d20+4=20 d20+4=9 d20+4=16 d20+4=6 d8=1 d8=2 d8=6 d8=6 d8=1 d8=4 d8=1 d20+15=21 d20+15=22 d20+15=35 d20+15=18 d20+15=31 d20+15=25 Monday December 16th, 2002 2:25:25 PM
Lian makes his jump like a pro, and crouches on the yellow column like a tiger while he waits for the others to formulate a plan.
As Figment prepares for take off, he takes a close look at the columns. He finds that though the columns are shaped like a snake and the fresco was in the shape of a snake, the patterns are slightly different.
Olana also scopes out the area, and although she does not see any noticeable pattern, see does spot something a little unnerving. She notices that the red and blue pillars have a minuscule wobble to them. Squinting her eyes a little, Olana also thinks she sees the outline of a form about 100 feet ahead.
Both Orson and Maloray decide on a different course of action, and make two spectacular jumps landing them on the other side of the pit. Just as their feet are back on solid ground, an eerie whistling sound fills the air, shortly followed by a small volley of arrows. Five arrows find homes in Orson's chest, making the warrior strongly resemble a pin cushion (16hp damage). Only two arrows manage to strike Maloray (5hp damage) as several others whistle by him. Orson, make 5 Fort checks DC 17, Maloray make 2 Fort checks DC17
As Milo measures out his rope, and Ingrge ponders whether it might be a trip, K'nara also examines the area, but cannot find any obvious patterns or traps.
Combat map coming your way. Please note, Olana is the only one to take note of Shadowy Figure #1 as of yet. Spot check (with -13 penalty for distance) DC 22, 35, 18, 31, and 25 to notice one of the figures.---Nellie
Orson - - Hp 31 (-16), 4 failed saves d20+4=24 d20+5=14 d20+5=15 d20+5=12 d20+5=14 d20+5=25 Monday December 16th, 2002 3:22:49 PM
[Failed 4 of the 5 Saves. Spot Check 24 - 13 = 11, dont see any figures]
Orson grunts in pain, nearly falling backwards into the pit due to the impact of the arrows. Glancing around to try to spot whatever launched the arrows. "Archers!" he hollers, even though he is unable to see any, and attempts to make his way forward, wobbling as the posion of the arrows takes effect.
[Unless of course the 4 doses of poison drops him, in which case he will try to warn the others, then collapse :)]
Maloray d20+6=7 d20+6=16 d20+1=5 d20+11=13 d8+3=6 Monday December 16th, 2002 4:54:21 PM
Maloray's painful lesson continues as he's struck by two arrows.
(OOC he fails both Fort checks - 7 and 16 - and fails to Spot anything - 5)
If the barbarian remains able to act, he'll charge the visible shadow-thing and attack with his axe, hitting a (ooc and the crappy rolls continue) AC 13 for 6.
OOC BTW I need to know how much healing Olana gave me before I jumped... I specified that Maloray accepted healing from her before he leapt...
Lian cat's grace+4 d20+7=19 Monday December 16th, 2002 5:48:04 PM
As Lian lands, he watches the two newest Talons go soring over him. He just shakes his head and says to himself, 'The impetuousness of youth.' Then seeing Orson get plugged with arrows, he says under his breath, "Young man, hold on! Maloray watch out, get down."
"It is no puzzle, but it is an ambush." Says the elf, looking back over the pit at the other Talons. "K'nara what would you like me to do?" As he crouches on the column like a perched owl on the hunt. (Spot 19-13=6, might be closer than the rest of the talons, but still don't see a thing)
(OOC:Holding my action until K'nara tells Lian what to do.)
Ingrge (Cat's Grace, Displaced, 4 mirror images) d4+1=4 d20-5=15 Monday December 16th, 2002 7:00:49 PM
Looking across the pit Ingrge can make out one of the figures and then sees the arrows and using his staff expends two charges and suddenly there are 5 Ingrges and they all kind of seem to be shifting from side to side.
What is the range to the figure(s)that Ingrge can see. (Spot check natural 20) 20+8-13= 15
Orson and Maloray are 45 feet from the figure. The rest of the party is 100 feet away from the closest figure.---Nellie
Figment (fly) d20+2=12 Monday December 16th, 2002 11:06:32 PM
The mage casts Improved Invisibility on himself and takes to the air. "Time to find out where they are...". He begins to look for the source of the arrows. He prepares to cast. (Spot check 12)
Olana (Precise Shot) 2d8(2+1)+6=9 d20+12=13 d8=5 d8=6 Tuesday December 17th, 2002 12:53:00 AM
"Someone up ahead!" exclaims the elf. "Lian - it seems to me that the blue and the red columns appear unstable!"
Pulling her bow, she takes aim - if she has a clear shot and will not hit Maloray and Orson, she will fire, although whatever she sees appears to be right at the edge of her range.
((Well gee whiz, hits AC13 for 5))
((Rerolled the 1 on the healing roll - 14 HPs for Maloray. Sorry, I didn't see it before.))
Milo (bull's strength) d20+11=28 Tuesday December 17th, 2002 2:33:12 AM
Dropping his rope to the ground, Milo pulls out his shortbow as he begins looking for their attackers in the general direction of Olana's aim. (OOC: Made a spot check DC 28)
K'Nara d20+3=23 Tuesday December 17th, 2002 6:02:04 AM
"Get OFF that column, Lian," K'Nara said, "We need to advance quickly--" Her sharp hazel eyes glanced at the fallen Orson and Maloray, "--and I don't want to chance anyone jumping onto unstable columns." Here she turned towards Figment and Ingrge--but the human mage was already gone.
"If you have another fireball that could possibly illuminate where these bushwhackers are, DO use it!" K'Nara told the elf. Then she scanned the chasm--oh, well, if both Maloray and Orson had been able to make it before...
"I'll wait for you to fire it off before I jump across," K'Nara said to Ingrge, "Gods know that I'll need the cover if them archers are THAT good..!" She nodded towards Orson and Maloray. "We gotta get Milo over to those two..." (OOC: the Jump check [if it is allowed as per K'Nara's stated intentions] is 23.)
Lian (cats grace +4) d20+8=26 Tuesday December 17th, 2002 10:16:02 AM
***Using Held action****
Lian jumps back onto the hard, solid ground, near the Talons. (Standing Jump, 26-10=16/2=8+3ft=11 feet toward the Talons) Landing very solid, Lian stands up straight next to K'Nara. "So, Olana thinks the yellow ones are stable. What do you think, should we cross on the pillars or at the bottom of the pit?" Asks the monk.
Ingrge Tuesday December 17th, 2002 6:37:30 PM
K'nara, as soon as I can find a target or someone can give me some distances I will just that.
We need to get across quickly now. The luxury of figuring a good way across has been taken from us. I say we try the yellow route, and hope Olanna was correct.
Pop goes the Snake Thingy (DM Nellie) d20+15=18 d20+15=31 d20+15=16 d20+15=34 d20+15=28 d20+15=23 d20+9=11 d20+9=15 d20+9=21 d20+9=23 d20+9=11 d20+4=8 d20+4=7 d20+4=22 d20+4=7 d20+4=8 d8=5 d8=7 d8=2 Tuesday December 17th, 2002 10:39:26 PM
Both Orson and Maloray suddenly begin to feel weaker as the poison from the arrows courses through their veins. Orson temporarily looses 4 points of Constitution (down 28hp), while Maloray only looses 2 (down 14hp) . Orson comes very close to passing out, and while Maloray can't see the enemy archers (remember, I said the figure was only visible to Olana), both he and Orson are able to determine the general area where the arrows came from. Orson moves forward to engage, and as he draws closer, he easily spots six creatures similar to the one the party killed in the earlier encounter. He swings at the first creature, but he isn't able to aim properly, and the creature remains unscathed.
The ledge gets a lot more crowded as suddenly there appears to be 5 Ingrge's. Meanwhile, Figment decides to scout ahead. Soaring up above the pit, the invisible mage moves in for a closer view. As he moves closer, the mage is easily able to identify six creatures. About ten feet ahead.
Olana moves a little to the left and has a clear line of fire on the shadowy figure, but her shot goes wide of the target. Due to the incredible distance between himself and the archers, Milo is unable to spot any of them (Olana only got to because she rolled a natural 20!). As Ingrge and K'nara talk shop about spellcasting, Lian returns to the ledge and continues to problem solve with the Talon's leader.
Six creatures suddenly become visible to all of the party. Shadowy creature #1 responds to Maloray's attack by dropping it's bow. Maloray's head begins to throb, and he feels as if he is under some kind of mental attack (Will save DC 17). Five of the creatures draw their bows once more, and let loose yet another volley of arrows. Two arrows whistle by Milo, missing him by a mile. Two more arrows also evade K'nara. Another set of arrows arch forward, and both find their home in Olana, doing 12 hp of damage. Another arrow makes its home in Lian's leg (2 dam), while three others shatter against the side of the pit. Olana, make two Fort saves DC 17, Lian make one. Failure results in a loss of Constitution point per each failed roll.
Maloray, Orson and Figment please make Listen checks DC 10---Nellie
Figment d4+1=4 d4+1=4 d4+1=5 d4+1=3 d4+1=2 Tuesday December 17th, 2002 10:50:33 PM
The mage blasts the creature that dropped its bow with 5 firey missles and immedately moves to the left 30' or so (18 DMG).
Lian (cat's grace +4) d20+11=24 Wednesday December 18th, 2002 12:10:46 AM
(Deflect arrows Reflex Save of 24, arrow is deflected unless the arrow is +4 or greater) (OOC:Note:Monks only make one attempt to deflect arrows each round as long as one hand is free.)
IC: After wiping the arrow out of mid-air, Lian gets noticably frustrated. Tossing his braids back, Lian looks in the direction of the archers, his eyes narrow and the monk begins to shake with anger, clinching his fists. "K'nara I am going to cross those pillars and kick some shadowy-behinds, if you do not tell me what to do." ***Holding action again for K'Nara's commands***
Maloray d20+2=3 d20+5=20 d20+11=28 d20+6=24 d8+3=9 d8+3=6 Wednesday December 18th, 2002 12:28:02 AM
OOC Oops..sorry I saw the one figure on the previous combat map and thought we could see one shadow but that the rest were hidden. My bad. Olana's healing 14 points cancels the Temp constitution lost HP, leaving me at 15 once more. Will save: Ack, a rolled 1 for a total of 3. Not good. Listen: 20.
If Maloray is still conscious and in control of his faculties following the mental assault:
IC:
Maloray feels the cold tentacles of doom crawling in his mind, feelers no mere metal armor can withstand. Although he feels the rage creeping up inside him, Maloray fights it back down. He may need the extra adrenaline boost later if the first two encounters are any indication.
Holding his father's sword in his left hand, he attacks twice with the battle axe in his right:
Attack 1: Hits AC 28 for 9 Attack 2: Hits AC 24 for 6
If the attacks happen to fell the creature in front of him, he takes a five-foot step closer to the creature forward and to the right of his current position.
K'Nara d20=17 Wednesday December 18th, 2002 6:43:44 AM
"We don't have much of a choice," K'Nara said, frowning. "Orson and Maloray need backup now--" Suddenly six figures became visible. "Ingrge--fire off that d*** spell...NOW!!!" K'Nara waited for the elf to blast some of the enemy with his trusty Fireball spell, certain that Ingrge would have the wisdom to place the flaming missile so that Maloray wasn't likely to get hurt by it.
"Follow the fireball, Talons!" K'Nara ordered, starting her own hopskotchy trek from yellow column to yellow column. "Use the yellow columns..." As soon as she got to the other side, K'Nara was going to introduce the bushwhackers to her beloved Lucia...
(OOC: DM, as I'm not certain about what kind of roll you're looking for to make it across the chasm on the columns, I merely rolled a d20. You'll have to add whatever Dexterity or Jump bonuses/penalties that you feel apply.)
Orson (-4 Con, AC 14 (charge), Power Attack -5 hit, +5 damage) d20+9=29 d20+9=17 d8+12=20 d8+12=15 Wednesday December 18th, 2002 11:46:36 AM
Shaking off the effects of the poison, for the moment anyway, Orson chrages forward to support his barbarian friend. With all his might, he brings his blade down upon the serpent like creature to Malorays right (firgure 2).
[Attack Nat 20, Crit possibility hit AC 17. Normal damage 20. If AC 17 hits (im assuming it doesn't shouldn't have power attacked :P) total damage is 35 (20+15). ]
Olana d20+5=10 d20+5=10 d20+4=17 Wednesday December 18th, 2002 7:32:24 PM
Olana coughs abruptly as the two arrows slam home, but she will attempt to pull them out quickly. ((Ugh - failed both saves))
Hearing K'Nara and the others, she waits until Ingrge has done his stuff, and will then attempt to traverse the pit using the Yellow columns.
(Dex check DC 17)
Ingrge 7d6(6+6+4+5+3+5+3)=32 Wednesday December 18th, 2002 7:48:29 PM
Arching his spell so that it will sail over the heads of all the Talons and ignite 3 feet behind and ten feet off of the ground behind shape 4. The five Ingrges cast fireballs at the shapes across the pit. The fireball engulfs several of the enemy in the 20 ft. blast radius causing 32 points of damage.[16 points damage on a reflex save DC 17]
Not Again! (DM Nellie) d20+8=24 d20+7=25 d20+6=15 d20+6=12 d20+6=20 d20+2=17 d20+3=14 Thursday December 19th, 2002 1:14:58 AM
Figment's magic missles rip into the creature, which grunts in pain. Maloray feels a sudden overwhelming fear of the creatures in front of him, and almost runs away. He manages to gain control of himself, and unleashes a devastating attack upon the nasty little creature (Sh#1), ending its pathetic life. (Roger, please read my email about the mind attack before your next post.) However, he still feels an overwhelming terror at the creatures in front of him, and the desire to flee is strong. In the distance, Maloray is sure that he hears a child screaming.
Seeing his newly acquired friend in danger, Orson rushes forward, and with one amazing blow, manages to decapitate the creature (Sh#2) in front of him.
Taking the offensive, Ingrge works his magic, and two of the creatures (Sh#2 &4) are completely consumed in the magical fire, while another manages to avoid the brunt of the blast (Sh#3).
After Ingrge opens up the fire gates, K'nara takes a flying leap, and lands on one of the yellow pillars.
Olana quickly pulls the arrows out, but knows that she is too late. Her limbs begin to tremble slightly as the poison courses through her body (she looses 14 hp due to --2 Const.). Making her own leap of faith, Olana manages to make it to the first yellow pillar.
Seeing that the first two pillars are taken, Lian waits for the others to move on.
One of the creature's (Sh#3) begins to back away, and as he does so, Orson feels as if his mind is under attack. Will save DC 17. Another of the strange snake like creatures (Sh#5) begins to back away from the awesome duo of Orson and Maloray. The final remaining creature (Sh#6) grins a fangy smile and most of the surrounding cavern in suddenly covered in inky black darkness (deeper darkness, PHB 191).
Ok folks, if you're going to be pillar jumping, you roll a d20 + Str. Bonus -- armor penalty. For your first jump, you may make a running jump...so, you get 5 feet +1 foot for each number over 10 that you roll. Obviously, you can only make a standing jump once you are one the pillars, so then you get 3 feet + 1 foot per 2 points over 10 (see PHB 70).
Maloray, Orson, and Figment...the area you are in is in COMPLETE darkness. You cannot see a thing. You may only move at half you move rate, have a 50% chance of failure on any attack, and have no dexterity bonus to AC while you are in the darkened area. People outside of the area cannot see what is going on inside the darkness.---Nellie
Lian (Cat's grace+4) d20+8=26 Thursday December 19th, 2002 4:25:44 AM
The monk, being very impatient, which is uncharacteristic for him, gets back 20 feet, to the left 10 feet and makes a running leap for the yellow column in front and to the left of K'Nara. He soars over the two female Talons and lands solid again (on the Northwest yellow pillar in front of K'Nara)(The lonely yellow pillar in the middle).
(Running Jump... rolled 26-10=16+5 foot minimum=21 feet (+2 synergy bonus from 5+ Ranks in Tumble) =23 feet, no armor penalty)
"At your command, K'Nara." He turns and smiles at the red-head.
K'Nara (Bull's Strength/Strength 17) d20+3=18 Thursday December 19th, 2002 6:15:33 AM
The human bladesinger thanked the gods that the Bull's Strength spell cast on her earlier had boosted her strength for the day, or she might not have been able to do this leaping from column to column.
"Keep going, Lian!" K'Nara told the monk. "We have to get as many of us across as possible..." Now she could see that there was more darkness to contend with once the group was on the other side of the chasm. "Blast it--we're gonna need a Dispel Magic or something to counter that newest spell effect..." She tensed and jumped again, barely making the next yellow pillar (the one that was northeast to her former position.)
(OOC: the actual Jump outcome should have been 19; I forgot to add my Jump skill modifier.)
Maloray d20+5=25 Thursday December 19th, 2002 7:39:05 AM
Snakes. Maloray's mind is filled with their squirming, writhing coils and the only thing he wants is to get away from them, from these snakes that pretend to be people.
The barbarian half-turns to jump back over the chasm, but suddenly hears a noise in the distance. Is that a child crying? Or screaming in pain?
He turns back around, steeling his mind, facing his fear.
And then the lights go out.
The fact that he can no longer see what he fears does not help matters any, if anything it makes it worse. The snakes could be anywhere...he could be stepping on snakes with every step.
But there's a human child ahead, so he must go on.
He takes a moment to orient himself and calls out to his friends nearby..."There's a child screaming up ahead...I'm going forward."
Ignoring the snake creatures for the moment, Maloray simply tries to walk towards the screaming child he hears.
OOC Maloray moves at half speed (40 feet) towards the noise he hears ahead. He uses the wrapped sword in his left hand as a blind-man's cane, keeping his axe ready to attack. Please note that Maloray should retain his +3 Dex bonus to AC because of his Uncanny Dodge ability (At least I think he does...he gets it against an invisible attacker, which would kind of be the same as one completely obscured by darkness, right?) Here's another Listen roll if you need it: Wow, natural 20 for a total 25!
Milo (bull's strength) Thursday December 19th, 2002 9:58:18 AM
Milo thinks to himself, 'It would be easy at a time like this for one of my stature to simply stand by in mock impotence, blaming the cruelty of fate for the inability to perform such feats of jumping... but... ooh I have an idea.' Milo's face quirks up in his self-styled expression of comedy, and the halfling shoves the rope back into his pack, and produces a pair of magical iron spikes and his potion of levitation. He then shoulders his pack once more and prepares to drink the potion.
Orson (Power Attack -5 Hit, +5 Dmg) d20+1=19 d20+7=22 d8+12=16 d100=43 Thursday December 19th, 2002 11:46:25 AM
Orson shudders as he feels the magic tearing at his mind. With a yell, he repels the invasion of his thoughts, moving forward to where the figure in front of him was, before the darkness eveloped them all. Bring down his blade in a strong swing, hoping the creature hadn't moved, and he judged the right direction.
[Will Save 19. Hit AC 22, for 16 Damage. Not sure if you roll high or low for concealment, but rolled 43.]
Ingrge (flying, 4 mirror images, displaced) d20+6=24 Thursday December 19th, 2002 10:41:03 PM
Opening his spellbook, Ingrge sighs as he knows he is burning a spell, but knowing that in the end it may well save one of his friends and proceeds to read his spell of flying out of his book as if it were a scroll. Next thing He knows he is soaring across the pit to the other side, and flies into the darkness to land.
Figment d4+1=2 d4+1=5 d4+1=5 d4+1=3 d4+1=5 Thursday December 19th, 2002 10:52:50 PM
The mage follows the creatures down the tunnel - or at least where it was the last time he saw it. He flies (45') until he exits the darkness prepared to cast. If he can locate a target he uses a magic missle to hit the weakest one (20 DMG). (If not he holds)
Things That Go Bump In the Dark (DM Nellie) Friday December 20th, 2002 10:19:46 AM
Leaping like a lemur on uppers, Lian vaults onto one of the yellow pillars in front of K'nara. Not to be outdone, K'nara leaps onto the nearest yellow pillar. While not having the flare that Lian does, K'nara gets the job done, and finds herself one step closer to the enemy.
Bracing himself against his almost overwhelming fear of the enemy, Maloray stumbles over the dead bodies of Sh#1 and Sh#4. The sound of screaming becomes almost gut wrenching as Maloray continues forward in the darkness.
Milo prepares to do a little elevated spelunking, retrieving his potion and spikes from his backpack.
Orson stumbles forward in the darkness, trying to locate the creature using his sense of hearing. Bringing his sword down, he feels the satisfying crunch as it connects with flesh and bone (1-50=a hit).
Ingrge and his clones loft into the air, and soar over the pit with ease. He travels a little way into the darkness, and then his feet settle on solid ground once more in the pitch black.
Smacking his head against the ceiling several times as he flies in the dark, Figment attempts to find his way out of the darkness. However, after flying as far as he can, Figment does not reach the end of the darkness, nor does he spot an enemy.
In the darkness, all is eerily quiet, until Figment hears a clattering noise. Then once again all is quiet...too quiet.
I am not going to post a copy of the combat map for the darkened area. After hindsight, I think it give you too much information and doesn't make it as much fun. Those characters in the darkness will need to describe their movements in as much detail as possible. Thanks! ---Nellie
Olana (Bulls Strength) d20+6=12 d20+6=14 Friday December 20th, 2002 11:24:10 AM
(Eeeeeeee! Tried to post last night - site was down)
From the first yellow column, Olana attempts to leap forward for 5ft, and then 7ft (second attempt allowed).
(I'm reckoning she just about makes it to the next two yellow columns ahead and then to the left, but those rolls weren't great.)
She hopes those up ahead aren't walking or flying into an ambush.
Orson d20+8=18 d20+7=26 d20+3=16 d100=45 d100=2 d100=97 d8+7=11 d8+4=8 d6=1 d20+4=18 d20+7=12 d8+4=9 Friday December 20th, 2002 12:30:56 PM
Having made contact, and found his enemy, Orson unleashes his full assult, always trying to have his blade in contact, so the foe will not slip away.Should the foe fall, he listens as best he can in the darkness for sounds of the other snakelike creatures.
OOC: Main hand #1 AC 18 (45 = hit) for 11 Dmg. Off hand #1 AC 26 (2 = hit) for 9 Dmg (8+1 electrical) [Possible Crit, Hit AC 12. for extra 9 damage] Main hand #2 AC 16 (97 = miss) Listen Check = 18
Lian cat's grace(20 Dex) d20+8=28 Friday December 20th, 2002 4:27:05 PM
(OOC:Olana, the site was indeed down, I screamed too. ;) )
Lian crouches one more time and leaps up and over to the next yellow column (centered yellow column directly North). (Nat 20!) (Standing Jump 28-10=18/2=9+3ft minimum=12 feet) The monk again lands solid, he then turns to K'Nara. "K'Nara, maybe we should just play hop-scotch on the yellow all day. This is kind of fun." The smile leaves his face when he realized perhaps now wasn't a great time for a joke. He turns back and prepares for the next and hopefully final jump.
(OOC: Can we make more than one jump per round as part of movement? Or is it round by round because we're in combat? The people on the pillers aren't in melee, that's why I ask.)
Ingrge (cats grace, mirror image4, displaced) d20+11=26 d6+5=10 Friday December 20th, 2002 7:08:18 PM
Having stayed to the right side of the pit and tried to fly straight, Ingrge hopes that he is still near to the right side of the passage. Taking a moment to listen, Ingrge tries to hear the hissing breath usually associated with snake-like humanoids. If he hears any tell-tale sounds Ingrge takes 1/4 movement keeping his feet shuffling along the ground and takes a swing with his staff. (AC 26 for 10 points of damage)
Maloray d20+5=12 d20+2=11 Friday December 20th, 2002 11:42:48 PM
Maloray continues to try to follow the child's voice through the darkness. He does his best to convince himself that he's past the snakes by now and steels his thoughts with the idea that the child is nearby and needs his help.
OOC Listen roll: 12 Do I need another fear roll? If so: 11. If not, ignore the second roll.
Milo (bull's strength) Saturday December 21st, 2002 1:37:01 AM
Drinking the potion of levitation, Milo wills himself to rise to the ceiling so that he is flush with its surface, and then begins to use the magic pitons as grips to claw his way across the top of the ceiling. (OOC: I'm not sure how far Milo can get in this manner.. so just let me know.)
K'Nara d20+4=22 Saturday December 21st, 2002 7:30:45 AM
K'Nara cursed the two newcomers to the Talons for rushing ahead before the entire group was ready to go forward, moved as close as she could to the edge of the pillar she was now on and jumped toward the next yellow pillar in her path (the one just northwest of her position on the Round 4 map.)
(OOC: Jump skill check result is 22.)
Figment (Fly, Improved Invis) Monday December 23rd, 2002 12:09:48 PM
The mage continues to fly in the direction of the hallway, holding one arm to protect against the ceiling and one out front against the possiblity of stalactites, walls or height changes. He comes out prepared to cast - if indeed he makes it.
Free Falling (DM Nellie) 4d6(6+2+5+6)=19 d6=4 d6=2 Tuesday December 24th, 2002 12:30:13 AM
With all the distractions around, Olana finds it hard to concentrate on the pillars and just barely misses the yellow one. She plummets 40 feet to the ground, landing hard on her arm (19hp damage).
Feeling around with his sword, Orson manages to connect once with his longsword. Even though he knows that the enemy was there just a second ago, he is forced to grope in the darkness to find it again...and it seems very low to the ground.
Lian makes a spectacular leap, and barely makes it to the yellow column in front of K'nara.
Ingrgre shuffles forward in the darkness, and hears some sort of scuffle ahead, but can't feel anything to attack.
The screaming stops abruptly as Maloray shuffles forward in the darkness, and is replaced by a low moaning.
Milo gets to work crawling across the ceiling, and finds that he can move half his speed.
K'nara for her part manages to easily bound onto the next yellow column.
Figment makes his way up above at a slower pace, feeling around to make sure he doesn't hurt himself. As he continues forward, he finds that the ceiling texture changes from rough stone to a smooth, worked ceiling.
In the darkness, Orson's body tingles as he feels magic trying to invade his body (Fort save DC 17 or be turned into a cute, cuddly bunny rabbit). Maloray also feels as if something is trying to invade his body (Fort save DC 17 or it's carrotsville for you too!).
Ingrge Tuesday December 24th, 2002 8:31:01 AM
With a simple change of mind Ingrge cancels the displacement and then quickly casts a protection form evil upon himself, and then moves forward a bit less gingerly.
Figment Tuesday December 24th, 2002 11:37:40 AM
The mage frowns as he can't seem to make the end of the darkness. He continues forward - now at a faster pace since the ceiling becomes less of an issue. With most of the commotion behind him, he listens to see if he can hear anyone - or anything - up ahead.
Maloray d20+6=20 d20+2=13 Tuesday December 24th, 2002 11:42:29 AM
Fort Save: 20 (passed) OOC Maloray shrugs off K'Nara's curse...lol
IC Suddenly Maloray realizes that he might have passed beyond the magical darkness and simply be in complete natural darkness. He pulls out his flint and steel and tries to light one of the torches he brought with him. While working on the torch, Maloray also tries to judge how far away the moaning noise is.
Listen Roll: 13
Olana d20+13=20 2d8(6+4)+6=16 Tuesday December 24th, 2002 4:14:17 PM
Whooops..... thinks the elf, right before landing hard in the bottom of the pit.
After a short, sharp gasp of pain, she scrambles to her feet, attempts to shake away the dizziness from the poison and has a quick look around - her aim will be to traverse the length of the pit and hopefully grapple-hook-and-rope it up at the far end. ((Spot Check DC 20))
Her eyes on her surroundings, she takes out the healing wand and uses it. (Heal for 16 pts)
Lian (cats grace +4) d20+8=21 d20+14=24 Tuesday December 24th, 2002 6:36:47 PM
The monk hears the distinctive sound of a body hitting solid earth, but doesn't know who it was, friend or foe.
The graceful elf prepares to jump again. He centers himself on the column, aware that he was entirely TOO close to the edge last time. Then he springs off again, this time not aiming for the column, but the solid earth a mere 10+ feet beyond it. After landing happily on the other side, Lian pregresss forward to the edge of the darkness. (Standing Jump, 21-10=11(+3minimum feet)=14 feet jumped)
(If, for some odd reason Lian doesn't make it to solid earth, he'll attempt to the hit the yellow column in mid-flight. If that doesn't happen, he'll Slowfall 30 feet using the column or wall, and then Tumble (Tumble check 24) the last 10 feet landing on his feet, taking NO damage.)
Orson (-4 Con, Power Attack -5 hit, +5 dmg ) d20+5=24 d20+4=7 d20+7=25 d100=87 Wednesday December 25th, 2002 2:11:09 AM
Orson stuggles to keep on his feet, feeling both the poison cycling through his system, on now the onslaught of magic attempting to overtake him [Save DC 22 (forgot -2 due to new con)].
The creature laying at his feet, Orson slowly begins to move forward, listening for anything that should be around him, ready to strike if a likely foe.
[7 Listen, Readied Attack hits AC 25 (87=miss)]
Maloray Wednesday December 25th, 2002 4:34:34 AM
OOC Ooops...forgot to adjust my Fort save for the -2 Con. Still made it with a 19, though.
Danger Still Lurking in the Darkness, and Beyond (ADM Matt) d20+4=24 d20+5=22 d20+5=18 d6=1 d6=4 Wednesday December 25th, 2002 10:33:33 PM
Pulling out his flint and steel, Maloray quickly lights his torch, hearing it ignite; but seeing no light, he determines he is still in the boundries of the magical darkness. Listening to the quiet moaning, he is unable to determine the exact distance of the sounds ahead, but they are a good ways off. He does notice a hissing sound coming from his feet, and feels sharp fangs bite into his leg. [No Dmg; Fort Save DC 13 or 1 Con Dmg]
Orson begins to make his way forward, hearing nothing threatening close to him. Hearing soft booted steps ahead, most likely from one of his companions, Orson fails to notice the threat at his feat, at least until it strikes him in the leg with poisonous fangs. [No Dmg; Fort Save DC 13 or 4 Con Dmg]
Ingrgre finishes his enchantment, and wades into the darkness. He hears Orson grunt in pain, maybe 15 feat in front of him.
Lian successfully makes his leap to solid ground, and approaches the darkness, just as Ingrgre enters the opaque black wall.
Milo continues to make his way along the ceiling, arriving about 10 feet before the ledge.
K'Nara also continues to make her way across, leaping to the last of the yellow columns safetly. [OOC: Rolled Jump for her, Nat 20!]
Feeling a little better, Olana still finds herself at the bottom of the pit. She can see Milo still making his way across the ceiling, and K'Nara jumping toward the last of the yellow pillars.
Figment finally reaches the end of the darkness, finding himself viewing a large, open cavern. The cavern is adorned with large pillars, stretching to the 30' ceiling, intricatly carved with images of serpents consuming all sorts of different creatures, but mostly humanoids. Torches attached to the pillars light the carvern, which leads to an elaborate building carved into the surface of the rock, several hundred feet at the opposite side of the room. Like much you have seen so far within the tunnel system, this building is adorned in a dreadful serpent theme. A large serpent is carved to look like its layered across itself, head poised low and ready to strike. The only door seems to be the one entering into its mouth. With his flying view, Figment is able to see this coiled stone snake is actually an outer wall, with two small buildings inside, and a large door exiting the large chamber he is now in.
[OOC: Not sure how I am supposed to handle PCs who have no actions posted (K'Nara and Milo), this being my first ADM post. Being a combat, their actions are, so just did a sensable decision (continuing across). If im Wrong in that assumption of what I should do, please correct me. Thanks]
Lian (cat's grace +4) d20+17=20 d20+15=24 Thursday December 26th, 2002 4:32:36 AM
OOC: Did Nelly leave you a Map?
Lian continues into the dark, Listening the whole way (Listen of 20), he moves slowly and silently (Move Silently 24-5 for full speed movement= 19). The monk continues to move (double move for 100 feet, half speed for moving in darkness, 50 feet), through the darkness using the wall as a guide (his right hand as the guide).
Maloray d20+5=20 d20+2=13 d20+5=22 Thursday December 26th, 2002 8:26:04 AM
Fort Save = 20 (Includes the -2 to Con from earlier).
Maloray curses as he lights the torch and continues to see only blackness before his face. He was certain that his 80 feet of movement so far should have carried him beyond the edge of the magical darkness. Perhaps that mental attack also blinded him...perhaps he had been travelling in circles...
Tendrils of doubt began to work their way into his mind...
Suddenly he felt fangs sink into his foot and cursed aloud again. (If Mal has to make another Will save at this point, he probably fails...13. If he doesn't run screaming in terror:)
Maloray practices the calming mantra taught him by his father, quiets his panicking mind, and once more continues forward toward the moaning (Listen Roll 22), his father's wrapped sword in his left hand, a useless torch in his right, and his battleaxe hanging once more from his belt.
K'Nara d20+5=24 Thursday December 26th, 2002 2:12:36 PM
"Olana!" K'Nara cried, then saw that Lian, too, had fallen. Well, at least the monk had managed to use his skills to remain unharmed. "Hold on, you two--maybe I can help you up..." The human bladesinger tensed and jumped, landing on the last yellow pillar before the lip of the chasm.
(OOC: it looks like all K'Nara would have to do then is step off, since that last pillar is less than a foot away from the edge of the chasm.)
K'Nara looked around to see if there was some way to anchor a rope as she shouted to Olana to just chuck her grappling hook up and over so that K'Nara could grab it.
Milo (bull's strength) Thursday December 26th, 2002 3:00:05 PM
Not able to do much more than crawl, Milo continues across the ceiling, hoping that he can throw Olana and Lian a rope once he gets to the other side.
Figment Thursday December 26th, 2002 5:02:09 PM
The mage attempts to locate the screaming person he heard earlier. He also casts his "See Invisibility" spell in an attempt to locate the casters, and quickly changes position.
Map Link (ADM Matt) Thursday December 26th, 2002 8:21:28 PM Here is link to current combat map, should you not have received my email [Bounced off Donna's account, so not sure if canceled whole thing or not].
People in Darkness are not shown. Figment is about 20' off the top of the map, just outside of the darkness.
Current Combat Map Messed up the link in prior post, could one of you fine admin people delete that post? Thanks :)
Orson ( - 8 Con) d20+3=6 d20+8=21 d20+7=24 d20+3=21 d100=19 d100=34 d100=99 d8+7=12 d8+4=12 d6=3 Friday December 27th, 2002 4:49:33 PM
Orson struggles to stand as he feels more poison attack his system (Save 6 = Fail). Swinging both blades at whatever had just bit him, he connects with two of his three blows.
[OOC: Main hand Attack 1: Hit AC (19 = hit) for 12 Off hand Attack 1: Hit AC (34 = hit) for 15 Main hand Attack 2: Hit AC 21 (99=miss)
Ingrge Friday December 27th, 2002 9:07:31 PM
rushing forward, Ingrge tries to keep from running into Orson and at the last moment whispers "Orson."
Olana d20+13=15 d20+3=7 Saturday December 28th, 2002 12:01:15 AM
The elf will attempt to move into a position at the far end of the pit (where everyone else is heading), quickly knot her rope to her grappling hook (Use Rope check DC15), and attempt to hurl it upward and secure it without hitting K'Nara. (Str check gives me DC 7, Ranged weapon with -4 penalty gives me AC 11 - either way they were both wimpy attempts)
In the Pit or In the Darkness; neither good (ADM Matt) Saturday December 28th, 2002 4:58:41 AM
Maloray shrugs off the effects of the venom, continuing through the darkness, though still not reaching safety from the pitch black. The distant moaning he heard has stopped, but he can hear the slight sound of scales on rock slithering on the ground moving close behind him.
Orson shudders as more venom flows into his veins, falling to one knee as he spins and swings his blades, killing the venomous creature. He breaths heavily, trying to remain concious, giving Ingrgre an easy time locating the poisoned warrior.
Ingrge easily locates the wounded warrior in the darkness, his heavy breaths drawn quick and rapid.
Lian moves quickly along the right wall, hearing steel scrap briefly against the hard rock, and Ingrge wisper 'Orson'. He heres several peoples movements within the darkness, and what sounds like light scales sliding against stone.
Milo and K'Nara both finish thier crossing of the pit, climbing and jumping respectively. Both rush to get a rope ready for Olana, but see the elf's grappling hook catch hold on the ledge of the pit. Unforunately the stiffness still lingering in Olana's arm from her healed wound keeps her from pulling herself out of the pit, for now.
Figment easily determines the screams came from the structure across the cavern, the harmonics of the chamber enhancing the sounds of everything that is to be heard. Upon completion of his spell, he finds no invisible creatures, though he still cannot see into the deep darkness remaining behind him.
Lian did not fall into the pit, just making sure everyone is clear. He rolled tumble 'just in case'
Lian (Cats Grace dex 20) d20+17=37 d20+17=19 d20+10=30 d20+10=23 d100=9 d8-1=4 d8-1=7 Saturday December 28th, 2002 8:27:05 AM
Lian stops for a moment in the darkness to listen further to the slithering scales on the stony floor (Listen of 37, if target is 10 feet -1, 20 feet -2, etc.). After a moment of clarity, Lian turns and follows the sound quietly (Move Silently 19). When he reaches what he's sure is the source of the reptilian shuffle in the dark, he attacks.
The monk makes a stunning attack, stunning attacks Fort Save DC 18 or be stunned for a round. Wow, natural 20 for AC 30, AC 23 to confirm crit, 9% in the darkness... for a possible 11 damage. Lian is entirely aware that attacking in the darkness is far more difficult than he's used too (50% to hit).
Figment Saturday December 28th, 2002 12:38:29 PM
Seeing there's not much he can do for his comrades right now, the mage flies to the structure on the far side of the cavern and has a look inside. He prepares to cast.
Figment, cont (Improved Invis, See Invis, Fly) Saturday December 28th, 2002 12:39:53 PM
Seeing there's not much he can do for his comrades right now, the mage flies to the structure on the far side of the cavern and has a look inside. He postions himself either right inside or outside the entrance (using his best judgement based on what he sees) and prepares to cast.
Maloray d20=11 Sunday December 29th, 2002 12:28:53 AM
The sudden cessation of the moaning does not sound like a good omen to Maloray. Ignoring the slither behind him for the moment, he once more strikes forward, listening hard for any more human-like sound from ahead (Listen - 11) and feels his way on with the cane in his left hand.
To bolster his confidence, he begins to hum the Battle Song of the Owl Clan.
Ingrge Sunday December 29th, 2002 10:03:04 AM
Making it to Orson's side he raches down and finds the lad's head and mouth. Then reaching into one of his many pockets and pouches Ingrge locates, by feel, the snakeskin covered vial for his one neutralize poison potion, and getting Orson to open his mouth pours it in, immediately covering orson's nose and mouth, forcing him to swallow and not expell the foul tating concoction.
Milo (bull's strength; Str 16) Sunday December 29th, 2002 2:40:27 PM
Levitating down to the ground, Milo sees Olana struggling with her climb and yells down, "Just hold on, I'll haul you up." With that the halfling grabs the rope, and pulling hand over hand, relying upon the bull's strength enchantment to aid him as he pulls Olana up.
K'Nara Monday December 30th, 2002 11:11:12 AM
"Secure the rope around you, Olana," K'Nara called down, helping Milo to haul the ranger up, "Either wrap it around your arm or tie it round your waist...we'll help Lian out after you're up here..!"
Olana d20+12=19 Monday December 30th, 2002 2:00:03 PM
With Milo and K'Nara's help, Olana starts climbing up the rope. (Climb skill check DC19)
She looks a little flustered, embarrassed at having fallen down into the pit.
Lian ( Jay) Tuesday December 31st, 2002 3:31:19 AM
OOC***
GUYS< LIAN DIDN'T FALL. :)
HE'S IN THE DARK THOUGH.
Inside the Snake (ADM Matt) d20+2=3 Tuesday December 31st, 2002 4:32:08 AM
Maloray continues forward, but hears nothing ahead of him. He hears Lian strike something behind him, and just after breaks out of the darkness, viewing the large well-lit cavern that Figment discovered moments before. The torch in his had is now giving of light as well.
Lian [who is NOT in the pit] stalks silently behind the quiet slithering sound, sure its something small, close to the ground. Striking low, he makes contact with the serpent, stunning the creature briefly. [Fort Save = 3, Fail]
Ingrge force feeds the poisoned warrior, who mummbles a word of thanks in between attempts to hack up the foul liquid. Both can hear Maloray hum his tune, and Lian strike the creature.
Milo and K'Nara both continue to help Olana with the rope. Olana, after her momentary weakness, easily pulls herself up, and with the extra help reaches the top of the pit quickly.
Flying to where he can view the interior of the wall, Figment discovers several more of the creatures the group had fought glancing though the wall (most likely arrow slits of something of that sort), and readying bows, dipping arrows into black liquid vials. A globe of light comes out of the darkness at the far end where Figment had started, and he sees Maloray exit the darkness with a torch. The creatures abviously also notice, as the point, and pull back their bows, ready to fire.
[OOC: 4 Creatures in the 'courtyard' of the snake building. They don't fire yet, but are poised to do so.]
K'Nara Tuesday December 31st, 2002 8:13:12 AM
"Lian? Are you all right?" K'Nara yells down, trying to use the light of her flaming sword to see any sign of the elven monk. "We have a rope here to help you climb out of the pit if you can..."
Figment (Improved Invis, Fly, See Invis) d6=4 d6=5 d6=4 d6=6 d6=6 d6=5 d6=1 d6=3 d6=5 Tuesday December 31st, 2002 10:50:50 AM
Seeing the creatures preparing to fire, the makes sure he is out of range and sets a nice fireball right in the center of the critters - hoping to kill them or at least destroy their bows, arrows, and poison (e.g. gets as many in to 40' blast as he can - 39 DMG).
Lian (Cats grace, 20 dex) d20+9=24 d20+9=18 d20+7=21 d8-1=1 d8-1=5 d8-1=5 Tuesday December 31st, 2002 12:31:31 PM
Lian hears the redheaded leader call out for him and he moans a bit, knowing if he yells back, his position might be given away. "K'Nara, I am okay. It is quite dark where I am at though, so if you can, shed some light on us! What is taking so long back there?" He smirks silently in the dark. He strikes out again and the creature close to the ground, who is stunned and loses dex to AC. Flurry of Blows+9/+9/+7, first attack is stunning again (Fort DC 18 or be stunned again), hitting AC's 24, 18 and 21, for 1, 5 and 5 DAMAGE respectively.
Maloray Tuesday December 31st, 2002 2:10:59 PM
Blinking in the sudden light, Maloray is suddenly gripped with an unreasoning fear once more as he sees the enormous coiled snake directly in front of him. Realizing that it's only a snake-shaped building, he once more battles his fears down...that's where the source of the screaming and moaning must be. He drops the torch on the ground and draws his battleaxe, moving forward at a normal pace.
Ingrge d20+4=21 d20+5=24 Tuesday December 31st, 2002 3:56:52 PM
Helping Orson to his feet, Ingrge starts moving quickly forward, dragging Orson if necessary, toward Maloray's himming. (Voluntary Strength roll 21 Dex roll 24)
Orson (-8 Con) Wednesday January 1st, 2003 4:20:23 PM
Orson accepts Ingrgre's help, standing to his feet. Moving forward, he follows Ingrgre towards the sound of Maloray's humming.
Olana (Bull's Strength) d20+12=20 d20+15=24 Wednesday January 1st, 2003 5:43:34 PM
"Where are the rest? Through that blackness ahead?" asks Olana, trying to get her bearings.
She will follow the others, presumably into the darkness, leaving her swords sheathed, not wanting to poke anyone in the darkness with her blades. ((Search check DC20, Listen check DC24))
"This is turning out to be quite nasty, isn't it?" she whispers to Milo. "I just hope some of those children are still alive."
Out of the Pit and into the Fire (ADM Matt) d100=47 d100=35 d100=66 d20+2=6 d20+6=14 d20+6=14 d20+6=12 d20+6=22 d20+9=17 d100=73 Wednesday January 1st, 2003 9:40:31 PM
Maloray drops his torch, moving forward toward the large stone snake.
K'Nara calls out for Lian, but is unable to spot the fallen monk. After hearing his call from the darkness, K'Nara, Milo and Olana all make their way into the darkness.
After Lian respondes to K'Nara, he continues to pummel the serpentine creature, hitting twice, missing only because of the darkness. The creature once again seems to be stunned under the monks assult. Fort save = 6 , Fail. You forgot your concealment rolls, so I took the liberty (47,35,66)
Orson and Ingrge come across what sounds like Lian punching something repeatedly, but can really tell what it is. They continue to follow the sound of Maloray's humming, but it sounds like hes moving faster than they are.
Figment sees the creatures about to fire, until they hear Figment begin his chanting. Glancing up trying to find the invisible mage's location, they do thier best to shield themselves from the fiery explosion. Placing his fireball in a position to hit all 4 of the creatures, all but one drop into a burning heap, and that one is still singed badly. It lets loose a shot into the air, but didn't have the correct position, missing Figment by a great distance.
All hear Figments explosion, and Maloray can see the flames rise up briefly over the top of the coiled snake. The creature hisses out something in a langauge you've not heard before, loud enough due to its pain that it echoes throughout the entire cavern.
Milo (bull's strength) Wednesday January 1st, 2003 10:47:42 PM
Milo draws his short sword, keeping it close, and continues into the darkness, whispering back to Olana, "They had better be." Grim determination is evident in the halfling justicar's voice.
Lian (Cat's Grace +4, 20 dex) d20+8=19 d20+8=11 d20+5=11 d8-1=7 d8-1=1 d8-1=0 d100=60 d100=43 d100=82 d8+17=20 Thursday January 2nd, 2003 4:17:01 AM
Lian strikes again, his fists flying in the dark.
(Hits AC's 19, 11 and 11, for 7, 1 and 1 respectively, at 60%, 43% and 82%. None are stunning attacks this round.)
Some blows fall short this round, one feels quite solid however.
"I am here." He says in elven as he hears the others enter the dark.(Listen 20)
Figment (Improved Invis, See Invisible, Fly) d4+1=5 d4+1=4 d4+1=4 d4+1=2 d4+1=5 Thursday January 2nd, 2003 10:32:55 AM
The mage responds to the creatures ranting by blasting it with 5 magic missles - taking care to make sure the first one blasts it in the mouth. He then moves quickly to another location in case the thing survives (20 DMG).
Maloray Thursday January 2nd, 2003 2:14:29 PM
Maloray closes with the door in the snake mouth and tries it. If it's unlocked, he proceeds through. If it doesn't open easily, he'll open it the hard way, with his axe.
Olana d20+17=20 Thursday January 2nd, 2003 8:37:51 PM
(Listen check DC 17)
Using her ears to guide her, Olana moves forward as fast as she can within the limitations of darkeness.
She could hear some of the others up ahead, and it sounded like trouble.
K'Nara Friday January 3rd, 2003 7:40:58 AM 'Dispel Magic...' the human bladesinger vowed silently to herself, '...I swear to the gods that the very instant that I can, I shall add Dispel Magic to my small list of spells...'
This, however, didn't help her at the moment, so K'Nara could only grope her way through the magic darkness, using the right-hand wall as a guide as much as she could.
Ingrge Friday January 3rd, 2003 7:57:08 AM
Hustling Orson along as quickly as possible, Ingrge moves toward all the commotion ahead.
A Friendly Face (ADM Matt) Saturday January 4th, 2003 1:02:22 AM
Maloray moves forward quickly, but doesn't quite reach the doorway. Unpon getting closer though, he does see its been damaged by the explosion. Parts of the wooden door on fire, others just not there, and it seems to be noticably swinging on only one hinge at the moment. He stands about 10 feet in front of the almost demolished door.
Milo, K'Nara and Olana have nothing to do but move forward through the darkness.
Ingrge continues to motion the big warrior forward, and finally break out of the darkness, opening up into the large, torchlit cavern. They see Maloray sprint across the cavern, running towards the huge stone carved snake.
Lian continues his attacks upon the serpent, hitting only once, but it seems to have been enough. He hears the coiled creature slump to the ground, and moves no more.
Figment silences the poor hissing creature...permanantly. Momently later he sees a group of figures enter the courtyard, from the doorway into the rock. Two of the snakelike creatures are in front, wielding bows, glancing around catiously. One more has a blade to a small girls throat, who seems scared beyond consious thought. Two more have blades held to a very familiar looking dwarf in chain armor, bound and gagged. A very large snake with human arms is in the back of them all, hissing something in thier strange language. One of the creatures holding the dwarf hostage seems to translate "SSShoow Yourssself humansss, or thisss child diessss."
Brother Bertram is lead by his captors out into a small underground courtyard, small fires still ablaze from the explosion he hear moments before. He sees nothing though, beyond four corpses of the fallen snake creatures. He currently has two razor sharp scimitars held against him, one to his throat, the other pointed into his back.
[OOC: I will Get Map Up ASAP, Don't have program i use at home for some reason. Should be up tonight at some point.]
Figment (Improved Invis, Fly, See Invis) Saturday January 4th, 2003 11:19:12 AM
The mage carefully and silently lowers himself directly over the child. If the creature drops its guard for a moment he grabs the child and races back toward the darkness - knowing Bertram would have him do that rather than attempt to save him. Before he gets to far away, he turns to cast.
Brother Bertram d20+7=27 Saturday January 4th, 2003 2:59:20 PM
Bertram struggles against his bonds, trying to release his hands, or failing that his gag. He murmurs a prayer to Domi and continues this struggle. His ultimate priority is saving the child regardless what happens to him.
(OOC Used Strength Domain Feat and obviously succeeded, if DM allows it. Good to be back Folks! I was tempted to start this off with, "Shoot the hostage.", But was afraid you would do it! )
Ingrge (cat's grace, magic mirror 4, displacement) Saturday January 4th, 2003 3:51:31 PM
Now that he can see again, Ingrge looks over at Orson and with a quiet, "Come as quick as you can," and then takes off at a dead sprint to catch up to Maloray.
Milo (bull's strength) d20+23=39 d20+20=25 Saturday January 4th, 2003 5:15:19 PM
Milo moves forward at full speed while still hiding and moving silently. (OOC: Made Hide and Move Silently checks with a -5 applied for moving at full speed. Hide and Move Silently were at DCs 39 and 25 respectively)
Olana (Bulls Strength) d20+17=33 Monday January 6th, 2003 12:04:19 AM
Olana continues on, crouching slightly, following as closely as she can, and listening to Milo's footfalls as a guide. ((Listen check DC 33))
((OOC - welcome back, Bertie!!))
Lian (Cat's Grace, 20 dex) d20+15=16 d20+20=23 Monday January 6th, 2003 1:48:57 AM
Lian moves to the East wall and moves silently (16) and hide (23)as he exits the darkness (having heard the hissing voice). He guides himself into the light using the wall. He moves at full speed (-5 on both checks) 100 feet.
***If the monk exits the darkness, he'll look in the direction he heard the hissing voice, he'll pause a moment. Then realizing his friend Bertram is in trouble, he gets a determined look on his face and a broadening in his stride. He says nothing to his friend he's missed for a few months.***
Maloray Monday January 6th, 2003 12:13:00 PM
Peering through the demolished door, Maloray is filled with anger at the sight of the vile snakes holding the young girl at knife-point.
Hearing the words of the snake, he belts his battle axe and steps boldly through the door, unwrapping his father's sword as he does so.
When he speaks, his voice is steady, sharp and rigid, like the iron death his hands are unwrapping.
"Let the child go and you might survive this hour, vermin!"
Maloray d20+6=11 Monday January 6th, 2003 12:15:18 PM
Ack...just in case it's necessary, an Intimidate roll: 11...Oh well. I see bloodshed in the immediate future.
K'Nara Monday January 6th, 2003 6:00:29 PM
K'Nara--still within the area of darkness--could do nothing but continue to grope her way forward.
Orson (-8 Con) Tuesday January 7th, 2003 2:13:38 AM
Orson struggles to stay consious, but the threats ahead lead him on. Racing beside Ingrge, he makes his way toward the snake wall.
Not everything will end in with a happy ending (ADM Matt) d20+9=29 d20+9=13 d20+4=18 d20+4=8 d20+9=29 d8=3 d8=6 d8=6 d8=8 Tuesday January 7th, 2003 2:24:41 AM
Maloray moves through the door, unsheathing his fathers sword, he gives his warning with force, but the snake cult doesn't seem to be very impressed, not releasing the child.
A moment later though, when the one guarding the child had it sword down slightly for a moment, the child lifts into the air, kicking in fright as Figment carries her off away from her captures. Hissing a curse in their unknown language, the creature points after the child, then backs up, guarding the doorway. Before they can get very far, the two snake creatures with bows acknowledge the others command, letting loose several arrows at the fleeing child and her momentary savior. Only one shoot was needed though, its aim true, striking the child square in the chest. Another also hits, piercing the girls already dead body. Two other shots wing past, narrowly missing Figment. The other creatures retain a defensive stance, still guarding Bertram, still trying to use hostages as thier tactic.
Milo, K'Nara and Olana make their way through the darkness, along the right hand wall. They finally reach light, just in time to witness the child flying over the wall, and get struck by the snake man's arrows.
Both Ingrge and Orson race forward, covering most of the distance to the outer wall. Lian breaks out of the darkness quickly with his swift movement, and does his best to catch up to the others making their way towards the temple.
With the horrid incident with the child, Bertram takes the time offered by the pricy divertion to test his bonds, which he feels give easily under his strong arms. The ropes creak and break, but the serpent men charged with guarding the dwarf don't seem to take notice, thier attention lying elsewhere. He still remains gagged, but that seems quite easy to remove with his hands now free.
Hissing out another translation, the one directly behind Bertram speaks in broken common, loud enough for the entire chamber to hear."Weeessss gotss one more childssss insssidessss, wantss to endangersss itsss life assss well?"
Errata (ADM Matt) Tuesday January 7th, 2003 2:37:59 AM
[OOC: Well don't have option of editting post, so here is error correction.
Having readied actions, the Yaun-ti would have only gotten one shot apiece (not that it matters). So only 2 arrows where fired total (1 each), and only 1 (the double natural 20) hit.] Still the girl dies, but wanted to get the facts correct.
Maloray d20+15=26 2d6(3+4)+8=15 Tuesday January 7th, 2003 7:03:45 AM
Seeing the girl die sends Maloray directly into a rage for the second time that day.
He charges the Yuan-ti that shot the girl, unsheathing the mighty greatsword Divider as he runs and lets the scabbard fall where it may.
He hits an AC 26 for 15.
Note that Rage gives him +4 Str +4 Con +2 on Will saves and -2 AC. Charging gives him +2 to hit and -2 AC. So right now he has an AC of 15 and 29 HP.
K'Nara d20=20 Tuesday January 7th, 2003 8:29:10 AM
The tall redhead with the flaming sword ran forward as fast and far as she could--until the question about the second child was asked. K'Nara halted, then saw Brother Bertram. Using her recently-acquired skill at Spellcraft, she deduced that Figment must still be invisible and the one who had tried to rescue the little girl (OOC: rolled a 20 on the Spellcraft check.) Thinking quickly, the leader of the Emerald Talons shouted out:
"Bertram--stop using your powers now...you tried to save the girl, but there's another child to think about now...put her down...we must ask these...people what they want in order to save the other child..!" K'Nara could only hope that Figment would do as she ordered so that he could seek out and--the gods willing--rescue the other hostage before another death occurred...
Lian (Cat's Grace, dex 20) d20+4=10 d20-1=9 Tuesday January 7th, 2003 8:55:28 AM
Lian moves his full movement straight toward the snake creature (#A), placing his Dodge vs #A, his AC versus #A is 25 (24 versus the others). All the while, pulling a hand full (3 or 4) of arrows from his quiver as he moves thinking, 'He needs some sort of weapon. Oh good, he broke free.'
Lian stops dead still in front of the snake creature, dropping (free action) the arrows behind himself right in front of Bertram (hitting AC 10 to drop them in front of the dwarfs feet) and says to the yunti in draconic, "If you value your lives, you had best reconsider all options!" (Diplomacy 9, ow, this is going to hurt...)
OOC: I've been forgetting Lian's AC is up from the Cat's Grace. Currently AC 24:)
NOTE*** Page 98phb, says "An arrow used as a melee weapon is Tiny and deals 1d4 points of piercing damage (x2 crit), however, it is not designed for this, you recieve -4 attack penelty for being non proficient."
Olana Tuesday January 7th, 2003 11:10:48 AM
The elf begins to sprint forward as fast and as far as she can, as soon as her eyes take in the surroundings, pulling her bow and taking cover behind one of the pillars. The horror of what just happened is firmly pushed back into her mind. Time for sorrow when all this was done.
From there she nocks an arrow ready to fire, holding as she hears K'Nara.
Brother Bertram d20+6=26 d10+7=13 d20=18 Tuesday January 7th, 2003 1:06:23 PM
Bertram reaches down grasping his closest captor's leg and lifts as hard as he can attempting to throw the captor into the other, or failing that at least onto the floor. "There is two more back there, Friend Lian, and one has a knife to the child's throat!" (OOC Rolled 13 Damage if the Dm rules a hit-26 Damage if it is ruled a critical hit-Wasnt sure)
Ingrge (cat's grace, magic mirror 4, displacement Tuesday January 7th, 2003 5:28:08 PM
the five Ingrge storm through over or around the wall, depending on which is quicker, and then stops to assess the situation.
Figment (Improved Invis, Fly, See Invis) Tuesday January 7th, 2003 9:54:44 PM
Cursing silently that he did not shield the child the mage immediately drops her and flies inside to locate the other one. If he sees the kid is alone he then turns and casts web at all the snake things before proceeding anchoring it to the walls and florr. If the child is being held closely by another creature he holds his spell and approaches.
Orson (-8 Con) Wednesday January 8th, 2003 12:24:32 AM
Orson continues after Ingrge, entering the doorway and stopping to assess the situation.
Battle Errupts! (ADM Matt) d20+7=13 d20+12=18 d20+7=12 d20+7=23 d6=4 Wednesday January 8th, 2003 1:13:30 AM
All race forward toward the group of serpent humanoids. Olana and K'Nara stop about 80' from the door, Milo slightly behind them, his short legs unable to keep up with his companions. Both Orson and Ingrge enter the snake wall, stopping just inside, waiting to take in the entire situation before acting. Lian moves forward, approaching the large snake creature, and giving both his warning, and depositing the arrows before his dwarven friend.
K'Nara yells her order out to Figment, not really sure where he is as he has placed the childs body atop the wall. With no delay after her words, she sees Maloray unsheath his sword, and with a battle cry move forward and slash one of the bow wielding serpents. Having fallen under attack, the two drop thier bows and both draw swords. The one who had held the child moves forward, retaliating against the half-elven warrior, but missing with his strike. His minions under attack, the large snake also goes on the offensive, snapping quickly at Lian, but the agile monk evades its bite.
Bertram grabs the creature behind him and slings it into the wall beside him. Suprised completely by the actions of its hostage, it stumbles as it tries to stop, slamming its head hard against the stone wall, staggering the creature. The two guarding Bertram retaliate against their escaping captive, the one Bertram did not attack hitting the dwarf, dealing a minor wound (4 Damage). I will consider your action an unarmed attack (with circumstantial suprise, ill give it no AoC). You critcally hit it, but am wondering where the 1d10+7 damage is coming from? Please reroll the correct damage (I calculate 1d3+2 [x2 for crit.], or let me know how you arrive at that damage) in your next post, along with whatever else you may do.
After setting the child down, Figment quickly enters the inner room over the serpents heads. He enters into a oval shaped room, roughly 50 feet deep and 100 foot wide. The center has a demonic looking altar, dedicated to some serpent fiend, as per the numerous snake motif paintings lining the walls and pillars in the middle of the room, as well as the rest of the compound he has already seen. The left side of the room has several plain cots lined up against the wall, and the far left corner has a large pile of rubble. The right side of the room has three cages, the center one housing the child he seeks. Two of the serpent creatures stand in the room, one has the girls cage open, and is dragging the girl out by one hand. The other stands a few feat away, blade in hand. Pottery of all sizes and designs are stacked in all corners of the room, but beyond that the only noticable item is a large, well crafted waraxe resting on the first cage.
Milo (bull's strength, levitate) Wednesday January 8th, 2003 1:35:09 AM
Milo charges forward as fast as his legs will carry him across the floor.
Lian (cat's grace, dex is actually 22) d20+10=28 d20+10=18 d20+7=12 d8-1=3 d8-1=5 d8-1=2 Wednesday January 8th, 2003 4:04:02 AM
The monk releases a flurry of blows at the creature (#A), the first is a stunning attack, DC 18 Fort save, or be stunned for a round. (hitting AC's 28, 18 and 12; for 3, 5 and 2 damage respectively)
The monk silently thanks Ingrge for the spell of grace.
"I am like a rabbit charging into the lions den, ah Friend Bertram?" The elven monk smirks and glances over his shoulder at the dwarf.
Brother Bertram d20+7=14 d3+2=3 d3+2=3 Wednesday January 8th, 2003 2:07:51 PM
Bertram swings the attacking captor(#2)hoping to give the party time more time to save the other child. In disgust he realizes it was a rather weak strike but hopes it will help to slow the creature.
(OOC If that is a hit the damage is 3, also the hit from yesterday is 3 times 2 for the crit-so 6 total. Sorry I automatically rolled damage yesterday like I still had my axe!)
K'Nara Wednesday January 8th, 2003 4:51:45 PM
The human bladesinger waited only as long as it took for her to see that the invisible Figment dropped the dead child--it was a sign that the mage was on his way to help the other hostage.
"GET 'EM!!!" yelled K'Nara, charging forward herself, her flaming sword at the ready. (OOC: I doubt she'll get any farther than the snake wall on the combat map, though; K'Nara's intentions are to try to engage the enemies closest to Bertram once she arrives in the area.)
Maloray (29 HP, 14 are temporary) AC 17 d20+13=17 2d6(5+2)+8=15 d20+8=24 2d6(1+1)+8=10 Wednesday January 8th, 2003 7:41:54 PM
Continuing to focus his Rage, Maloray attempts to hew down the snakemen in front of him like wheat.
He'll attack the snakeman he wounded with his first attack. If it falls, he'll continue on and attack the foe closest to the door he can reach with a 5-foot step. If not, he'll grace that snakeman with two attacks this round.
First attack hits AC 17 for 15. Second attack hits AC 24 for (minimum damage) 10.
Figment (Improved Invis, Fly, See Invis) d20+8=28 Wednesday January 8th, 2003 9:24:43 PM
The mage decides to not wait for the creatures to get prepared. He makes a bee line at max speed straight for the creature pulling out the child. He rams it at full blast and attempts to dislodge the thing from the kid - assuming that if it gets control of the child that it is doomed. He immediately takes off with the child in tow if he can grab her (Natural 20 - 28 to hit).
Ingrge (cat's grace 4, magic mirror 4, displacement) cureent AC 21 plus 50% miss and random roll to see which ingrge is attacked) 3d4(3+3+3)+3=12 Wednesday January 8th, 2003 10:04:31 PM
The five displaced Ingrge's react immediately upon hearing K'nara's command and all whip out a slender and and let fly with 3 magical energy bolts at #3, watching with grim satisfaction as the strike their intended target(for 12 real damage and 48 points illusiary damage)
Orson (-8 Con, Power Attack -5 Hit, +5 Damage) d20+7=26 d20+7=22 d8+12=18 d8+12=16 Wednesday January 8th, 2003 10:06:59 PM
Orson's body shudders again, the poisons not allowing the full ability he is accustom to. Breathing out heavily, "Katrina, give me strength", Orson demands his body to act, and rushes forward, slashing with all his might at a creature attacking the unarmed dwarf.
[OOC: Hit AC 26 (Poss. Crit. AC 22), Damage 18, or 34 total if critical.]
Olana Thursday January 9th, 2003 1:09:44 AM
Olana starts running once more, as fast as she can toward the snake wall and hopefully beyond. Her eyes look for a suitable target as she moves.
Into the Darkness Again (ADM Matt) d20+10=25 d100=14 d6+2=8 d20+6=23 d20+7=18 d20+7=17 d6=5 d6=4 d20+9=29 d20+7=17 d20+7=15 d20+2=20 d20+2=21 d20+2=15 d20+2=7 d6=6 d6=3 d6=3 d20+12=31 2d6(5+6)+6=17 d6=5 d20+7=23 d6=3 d20+2=4 Thursday January 9th, 2003 10:57:26 AM
Figment speeds into the one dragging the young gagged girl,who tumbles backwards, smashing into a pile of pots. Coins of all varieties pour out of the broken pottery, but the creature rights itself quickly. It had held onto the girl for only a brief mement, pulling the girl into Figments invisible arms, who stands where the creature just was. Having ahold of the child, Figment once again takes flight, passing by the other serpent creature. It quickly sees what is happening, and brings its blade down upon the escaping couple as the race out the door. This time though, Figment had the child shielded with his body, and it is the mage who takes the blow(8 Dmg). He continues out the door, making it about ten feet out and above the door with the child.
Lian strikes out at the cult leader in a series of blows, hitting only once, with his first stunning attack (#A).[Fort Save = 23, Made it.]
Milo moves as fast as his legs will carry him, reaching just inside the outer Snake wall.
Bertram continues to strike out at the serpent warrior, but having lost his advantage of suprise, finds he is not going to win unarmed against two blade wielding foes. Easily dodging Bertrams attack, both snake men take advantage of the weaponless dwarf, lashing out with thier blades, both making contact(AoO's: 9 Dmg Total)
Orson moves forward, striking down the creature assulting the captive dwarf in a single blow (#1).
K'Nara reaches the insides of the inner wall, and moves to help her dwarven friend. She moves into position against the creature remaining on the dwarf, but is unable to set up an attack at this time.
Olana also races toward the melee, making it to the inside of the inner wall.
Maloray strikes out again against the childs slayer, dropping that creature (#4). Enraged, he moves effortlessly to the next creature, connecting a blow against that one as well (#3).
The many Ingrge's activate thier wands, sending a large volley of missiles toward the unfortunate creature. It staggers under the force, but remains standing (#3).
The human warrior posing more a threat than the unarmed dwarf, the creature on the far right slashes out twice against Orson, dealing a minor wound. The wounds Orson has sustained, plus the poison still coursing through his veins take there toll though, and the big warrior drops to one knee, barely able to remain consious (3 Damage, Orson is staggered - 0 hps).
The other creatures lash out as well, the remaining two attacking Maloray hitting the enraged barbarian multiple times (Crit's both missed, 12 Dmg total after the 3 hits).
The snake creature seems unaffected by Lians stunning attempt, and bites at the elven monk, digging its fangs deep into Lian's right shoulder (17 Damage, Fort Save DC 17, or 5 Temp Con Damage).
The creature lying on the pile of coins and pots retrieves a copper, focusing his inner powers upon the coin. Seeming to be this race's popular tactic, darkness eminates from the coin, and a globe of darkness exits the room, consuming the party, as the creature hurls the coin into the melee.
Maloray (corr. HP 24) 14 are temp. Rage Rnd 3 d20=5 2d6(3+5)+8=16 d100=19 d20=2 2d6(4+5)+8=17 d100=12 Thursday January 9th, 2003 2:48:53 PM
The enraged half-elf sees the child fly by and focuses his first attack on Snakeman #5, hoping to distract him and allow the girl to escape. His second attack will be back on #3...trying to keep tabs on both foes in the darkness.
Attack #1 (against #5) Roll is a 5 hits AC 18 for 16. Darkness concealment roll is a 19.
Attack #2 (against #3) Roll is a 2 hits AC 10 for 17. Darkness concealment roll is a 12.
Milo (bull's strength) Thursday January 9th, 2003 5:07:02 PM
Noting the arc of the coin before all goes black, Milo casts true strike, and moves forward into the darkness torward the coin. (OOC: Milo's intention next round is to use the true strike spell to make an attack against the coin with darkness cast upon it, snatching it up. True strike allows Milo to make an attack at +20 as well as ignore concealment. Let me know if there are any problems with this.)
Brother Bertram Thursday January 9th, 2003 9:50:26 PM
Seeing his protector fall, Bertram intercedes himself between the injured warrior and the foul creature. He prepares for the creature's attack as best he can.
Lian (Cat's Grace, dex 22) d20+6=20 d20+10=13 d20+10=27 d20+7=20 d8-1=7 d8-1=0 d8-1=6 Thursday January 9th, 2003 10:44:42 PM
(Fort Save 20, made it)
The monk staggers a bit from the serpents blow, but continues his flurry of blows.
The elf hits (#A) AC 13, 27 and 20, for 7, 1 and 6 damage on #A respectively.
Lian (Cat's Grace, dex 22) Thursday January 9th, 2003 10:50:53 PM
Lian's AC versus #A is 26, 25 versus everyone else.
Maloray Friday January 10th, 2003 7:05:15 AM
OOC Lian's last post got me thinking and I looked at Mal's character sheet...sure enough, he has Dodge. If possible, he'll apply his +1 bonus to Snakeman #3 this round.
Ingrge Friday January 10th, 2003 7:36:47 AM
Muttering a curse as the lights go out yet again, Ingrge pauses a moment as he moves forward five steps (roughly 12 feet) and holding his staff in a defensive position and listens for any telltale sounds.
Figment (Improved Invisible, See Invis, Fly) d4+1=2 d4+1=5 d4+1=3 d4+1=4 d4+1=3 Friday January 10th, 2003 8:26:31 AM
Wincing at the blow but relieved the child survived the mage races out the door. He thinks better of casting his web since it would catch all his compatriots. He instead decides to blast the snake "god" with 5 missles as he flies the child to safety - until it gets dark so he holds. Instead he silently rises higher until he feels the ceiling with his hand and then heads in the direction they came in. He tries to sooth the kid so he won't be any trouble. "Be still child, I am here to save you and take you back to your family, but you must be still...".
Olana d20+10=20 d20+10=29 d8=6 d8=7 d20+17=36 Friday January 10th, 2003 10:37:13 AM
Arriving at a point where she can see whats going on, the elf immediately raises her bow and fires off two arrows toward the snake leader #A (Precise Shot/Rapid Shot). ((Hits AC 20, 29 for 6,7 Dam))
Another blast of darkness makes her frown, and she tries to remember the layout and listen for movement which will determine everyone's location. ((Listen Check DC36))
Maybe these creatures were trying to escape - that meant they had them on the run at least. She just hope that child was okay.
K'Nara d20=16 d20+12=25 d10+7=11 d6=1 d20+7=13 d10+7=8 d6=6 Friday January 10th, 2003 5:02:15 PM
Immediately after recognizing the casting of yet another Darkness spell (OOC: made a Spellcraft check for 16), K'Nara slashed her sword to her right--the place that she last remembered seeing a foe before the spell's effect engulfed the area.
"Get the child to safety!!!" she hollered as Lucia's sharp edge sought the blood of K'Nara's now unseen enemy. (OOC: first blow may hit AC25 for 11hpd and 1hp fire damage; second blow may hit AC13 for 8hpd and 6hp fire damage.)
They don't seem to be Fleeing (ADM Matt) d100=79 d100=11 d100=48 d100=25 d100=92 d100=17 d100=17 d20+7=26 d20+7=16 d100=11 d6=5 d20+7=22 d20+7=21 d100=5 d100=4 d20+2=17 d20+2=22 d20+2=14 d100=63 d100=68 d6=5 d6=6 d20+12=32 d20+12=28 d100=25 4d6(1+3+1+1)+12=18 d6=2 Sunday January 12th, 2003 4:44:43 PM
Figment flies up and away with the child quickly reaching the ceiling, and the exiting the darkness. He quiets the child, but she seems quite terrified hovering 40 feet off the ground.
Lian continues with his rain of strikes, hitting the snake creature twice despite the darkness. (Concealment rolls - 79, 11, 48)
Milo is unable to actually see the arc of the coin, as the darkness was cast before the coin was thrown. However his keen ears listen for the sound of its bouncing, and after casting for his guidance, moves forward, ready to scoop up where he thinks the coin is. (Give me a listen check with your attack roll to hit the coin please.)
Bertram moves to defend fallen warrior, stepping in between him and the snake man.
With Bertram's protection, Orson makes his way to the wall, resting against it, trying to remain consious.
K'Nara lets no time pass, and slashes out at the dwarves captor, hitting with one of her two swipes. (Concealment rolls - 25, 92)
Olana fires twice into the darkness, aiming where the snake attacking Lian was. Her aim true, she hears both sink into the creature.(Concealment rolls - 17, 17)
Maloray attacks at both creatures. Although not actually dealing damage to the one on his left, he does make slight contact and determine his position. His strike to the right one connects, staggering the reptillian creature.
Ingrge moves forward, listening for peoples positions. Nothing seems to change from what he had seen moments before, everyone engaged in melee. Maloray seems to be directly to his left, and Lian his right. Both are under attack, Maloray by multiple creatures.
Olana's thought about them possibly attempting to flee fades quickly, as all the creatures continue thier attacks.
Being struck by K'Nara, the serpent man on the right turns his attention to the unseen bladesinger, lashing out twice with its blade. It connects with its first swing, a minor cut on the K'Nara's arm. (5 Dmg)
Maloray continues to get struck by the creatures double teaming him, recieving two more minor wounds. He feels the damage sustained start to take its toll, his rage the only thing keeping Maloray standing. (5+6= 11 dmg total)
Seemingly not phased by the strikes its taken so far, the snake snaps again, catching Lian in its powerful jaws once more, crushing around the young monks ribcage, and injecting more of its poison. (Critical hit 18 Dmg, Fort Save DC 17 or 2 Con Dmg)
A hissing curse is heard, this time from within the room. A clattering of steel on stone is heard, as if something was dropped near the entrance. Movement can be heard out of the door, close by where K'Nara stands.
No new combat map, due to darkness.
Figment (Improved Invis, Fly, See Invis) Sunday January 12th, 2003 6:28:34 PM
The mage decides his spells are not going to help right now and decides to focus on the child. He immediately heads back the way they came to get clear of the darkness spell prepared to cast or shield the child from any attacks.
Maloray (HP 13, all temporary) Rage Rnd 4 d20+13=20 2d6(5+4)+8=17 d100=89 d20+8=13 2d6(2+3)+8=13 d100=61 Sunday January 12th, 2003 8:55:17 PM
Maloray's soft hum of the Owl Clan Battle Song has escalated to an unintelligible roar of fury and pain. Acting on sheer adrenaline, he strikes defiantly into the darkness, attacking the snakemen before him with his father's massive blade.
OOC Attack #5 first, then #3. Put dodge bonus on #5. Attack on #5: Hits AC 20 for 17 damage. Concealment: 89
Attack on #3: Hits AC 13 for 13 damage. Concealment: 61
Brother Bertram Sunday January 12th, 2003 10:50:00 PM
Bertram backs with Orson as best he can trying to keep the creature away. He feels behind him quickly, and finding the large warrior, he says a quick prayer to Domi to slow the spread of the poison.
(OOC Casts Delay Poison)
Milo (bull's strength, true strike) d20+12=23 d20+26=36 Monday January 13th, 2003 12:45:44 AM
Listening carefully as the coin hits, Milo moves quickly, grabbing for the coin, trusting in the true strike enchantment granted by Pantheon himself to guide his actions. (OOC: Made a Listen check DC 23, and an attack roll hitting AC 36; if successful Milo pockets the coin.)
Lian (cat's grace, dex 22) now at 8 con CON d20+6=7 d100=70 Monday January 13th, 2003 1:58:59 AM
***FAILED FORT SAVE*** (Rolled natural 1)
Lian squacks in pain and falls into a bloody heap before the serpent. The sounds of fist to scale ceases.
(-3 of 39, due to con loss, didn't stablize 70%-- -4 of 39)
K'Nara d20+13=31 d20+6=26 d20+13=27 d20+6=9 d10+6=14 d10+6=15 d10+6=7 d6=6 d6=1 Monday January 13th, 2003 8:13:31 AM
(OOC: I believe that the hit point total the DM has for K'Nara is correct; she's been hit here 'n' there, but still has the majority of her HPs intact.)
(Combat Rolls: both of K'Nara's attacks qualified as possible Crit Hits--the first one hit AC31, the second [a natural 20!] hits AC26; the first blow's CritHit hits AC27, while the second blow hits only AC9, so I don't think it's a true Crit Hit. The first blow does 29hpd as a Crit Hit, with an additional 6hp fire damage; the second blow does 7hpd with 1hp fire damage.)
K'Nara followed her instincts and struck hard and fast with Lucia, even though the sword's magic flames did nothing to alleviate the darkness.
Olana d20+17=37 Monday January 13th, 2003 3:32:22 PM
Engulfed by the blackness, Olana gives a sigh of frustration. Her ears pick up the sounds of her comrades - Maloray's howling was enough to wake the dead, and there were other cries of pain, too - one of which sounded very abrupt.
She had that healing stick, now if only she could get to someone who needed it.
She steps forward in the gloom - using her ears and her feet as a guide, her aim to get closer to those who needed help, hoping her friends would be crying out if they needed it. ((Listen check - Nat 20 - DC37))
Ingrge d20+8=27 d20+8=27 d6+6=12 d6+6=10 d6=6 Monday January 13th, 2003 6:41:33 PM
Focussing on the sounds of those critters facing Maloray and keeing Maloray and his curses to his left, Ingrge slashes ahead and in front of Maloray with his rapier.[(d20 +14 - 6)Hitting AC 27 possible crit for 12, plus crit damage of 10 and a loss of 6 points of constitution]
Not Looking so Gloomy (ADM Matt) d20+12=32 d20+12=29 4d6(1+6+6+4)+12=29 d6=6 d20+10=30 d20+10=30 d20+10=22 d20+10=25 d20+5=16 d20+5=10 2d6(6+6)+4=16 d6+2=8 Tuesday January 14th, 2003 12:59:08 AM
Figment continues to fly away from the melee, turning around once clear of the darkness. High in the air, he prepares to defend the child should any threat present itself.
Lian continues to bleed, his body unable to stablize his wounds.
Bertram recites his prayer, slowing the poison within the human warriors body.
Milo steps forward to where he thinks the coin hit, letting Pantheon guide his grab. Feeling his small hand wrap around a coin, he pockets it quickly, the world becoming visible for everyone once more. Most disturbing is the sight of Lian slumped on the floor, although Orson isn't much better off, but stable for the moment. (Gave a DC 30 Listen check, with -2 to attack for each point off. So with a -14 Circumstance modifier, thats still an 22 to hit, which is sufficient.)
K'Nara's blade slices clean through the creature remaining on the right, turning her attentions to the snake lord before it even hits the ground. Seeing it is turning to bear its attack on her, K'Nara slashes into its scales with her flaming blade (Drops #2, attacks #A).
Olana moves forward, and with the darkness gone, she can easily see her wounded and fallen companions. Lian lays before the snake creature and Orson leans sitting against the wall, though he seems to be in Bertrams care.
Maloray swings at each of the two creatures, and with visibility again, the barbarian hits and slays the creature to his left (#5).
Ingrge rushes the last creature still on Maloray, slaying it with a powerful stab (#3).
Having struck Lian down, the snake 'god' turns its attentions to the Talon's leader, piercing through K'Nara's armor with its razor sharp fangs. The creatures from within the room have exited the room, and move to assist their lord with taking down the bladesinger. Bertram can see one carries his shield. Moving in against K'Nara, they each swing, striking solidly with thier initial blows, but not making contact with each of their seconds strikes (29+16+8 = 53Dmg, Fort Save DC 17 or 6 Con dmg).
Only the Snake creature and the two creatures attacking K'Nara remain, and the tide of the battle seems to be shifting into the groups favor.
Milo (bull's strength) 2d8(6+5)+3=14 Tuesday January 14th, 2003 2:48:39 AM
Regaining his bearings, Milo takes a step toward Lian's crumpled form, and prays to Pantheon as he reaches down to heal his bleeding companion. After the spell is cast Milo looks up toward the snake-man, fury in his eyes, "Death shall be your reward; Pantheon has judged you so." (OOC: Converted remove paralysis to a cure moderate wounds to heal Lian for 14 hps)
Lian (cat's grace, dex 22), stablized @11 of 32, -2 con Tuesday January 14th, 2003 5:49:51 AM
Realizing his current state, Lian decides there's a thin line between valor and stupidity. The monks eyes remain closed, however, now fully concious(at 4 hp). He uses wholeness of body (which is a supernatural ability, no attack of opportunity) to cure another 7 points (last of his wholeness of body for the day). He glows slightly with a pale green aura, but remains still.
K'Nara (who is now looking VERY bloody & ragged, no doubt) d20+11=21 d20+13=31 d20+6=22 d20+11=12 d10+6=8 d6=4 d10+6=10 d6=3 d10+6=10 Tuesday January 14th, 2003 7:35:33 AM
K'Nara didn't bother to stifle the yelps of pain as the blows slammed into her--there was no room to dance out of the way, so she just had to endure the strikes as they came...especially the poisonous bite of the snake creature. (OOC: rolled 21 for the Fort Save.) She screamed defiance at the snake lord, though:
"Now that I've felt YOUR bite, fangface, feel Lucia's fire..!" With this, the warrior woman hacked furiously at the creature. (OOC: first blow had a possible CritHit--it hits AC31 for 8hpd & 4hp fire damage [CritHit hits AC12 to add 10hpd]; second blow hits AC22 for 10hpd & 3hp fire damage.)
Olana 2d8(2+8)+6=16 The elf with the stick! Tuesday January 14th, 2003 8:34:43 PM
Seeing Milo rush toward Lian, and Bertram beside Orson, the elf rushes toward Maloray - poking him quickly with the stick of CURE MOD WOUNDS. ((Heals for 16 points)).
She then attempts to get near K'Nara, while staying out of the snaky person's way.
Ingrge d20+14=34 d20+14=32 d6+6=11 d6+6=10 d6=4 Tuesday January 14th, 2003 9:11:22 PM
With his slender rapier in hand, Ingrge dances with an elven grace that rivals that of the finest elven swordsmen, and with a nearly eye-blurring twist of his wrist and arm sends his slim blade slicing through through scales and parting the muscles of the snake-like beast facing him and K'nara. Before most can blink and nearly as gracefuly, he disengages his sword from the gaping wound and readies himself for his foe's retaliation. (Hit AC 34, critical hit, 21 points and loss of 4 points of constitution)
Brother Bertram 2d8(1+3)+4=8 Tuesday January 14th, 2003 9:40:09 PM
Bertram lays hands on Orson's torn body and murmurs a prayer to Domi, feeling the power flow through him and into the injured warrior.
(OOC Cure Moderate for 8 points-Sorry Orson, Lousy rolls)
Maloray (13 HP all temp) Rage Rnd 5 of 6 d20+15=28 2d6(5+1)+8=14 Tuesday January 14th, 2003 9:57:56 PM
Maloray, continuing to roar unintelligible words, charges charges the big snake creature and chops it with his father's sword.
Hits AC 28 for 14 damage.
Orson (-8 Con; Power Attack -5 Hit, +5 Dmg) d20+7=26 d20+7=21 d8+12=19 d8+12=19 Tuesday January 14th, 2003 11:30:19 PM
Despite the healing spell being so weak, Orson feels his energies returning, and stands. Giving the dwarf a small nod of thanks, still exhausted from all hes been through, Orson lifs his sword up and gets his bearings.
Not having the common sense to stay down like the skilled elven monk, Orson moves past the dwarf, retaliating against the creatures for all the have done to him and his comrades.
OOC: Hit AC 26 (Crit for AC 21) Dmg = 19, or 38 on Critical.
Heh, why couldn't I have rolled as good as I have in the last two rounds for my Fort saves.(Too bad alot of those good rolls were for the bad guys :P)
Now they are fleeing (ADM Matt) Wednesday January 15th, 2003 1:33:36 AM
Figment remains with the child outside of the compound, at a safe distance from the melee.
Milo moves forward, sending forth healing energies into his fallen friend with a prayer to Pantheon.
Lian lies still, focusing his inner energies into a healing effect, paritally closing the grevious wound dealt to him moments before.(You have yourself at 11, I get 17, = -4 +14(milo) +7(you))
Bertram continues his treatment of the warrior, healing his wounds slightly, now that the poison has been stopped.
K'Nara's attacks both slash into the huge snake, which isn't looking very healthy after she gets done with it.
Spinning to assist the leader of the Talons, Ingrge pierces deep into the creatures body, which falles under the elfs well placed stab. The body still twiches slightly, but makes no movements beyond that.
The other wounded being tended to, Olana moves to heal Maloray, releasing the healing powers of the wand into the barbarian.
His intended target dropped only moments before, Maloray continues forward, striking out at the creature who has a shield. It also seems to have hardened scales of some sort, but the barbarian powers through, cleaving into the wretched humanoid. It winces in pain, but remains standing.
Receiving a little healing, Orson too moves forward, swinging at the uninjured creature before him, striking it down in a powerful blow. It isn't quite dead though, and it hisses out to the single remaining creature 'avvvengess our masssta, keepss the worshipss alivvve.' With that, darkness once again bursts out, seemingly from the blade of the fallen creature. Foot steps can be heard, as it seems the last creature flees into the room from which it came.
Lian (cats grace, dex 22), poisoned and hurting d20+5=25 d100=22 d20+17=30 d20+10=27 d20+20=35 Wednesday January 15th, 2003 4:16:03 AM
With the darkness looming over him, he stands up and moves to one of the columns next to the doors (his best guess of where it might be, Wisdom Check natural 20, for a 25, concealment 22%). Hopefully making it to the column, Lian listens to his surroundings (Listen of 30, Moving Silently 27 full speed (-5 calculated)toward the column to his right). The monk then hides in the dark, placing a wall, column or door between him and the fighting (Hide of 35, half movement in the darkness).
Thinking to himself, 'This is a fine fix. I despise darkness.'
Milo (bull's strength) d20+12=17 d20+21=31 Wednesday January 15th, 2003 2:29:24 PM
Milo smiles at the snake creature as it falls, "Told you." As darkness falls, and the creature flees, Milo appears stern once more, "Oh no you don't." With that, the halfling charges past his friends, and into the darkness, looking for the fleeing creature. The halfling tries to listen to its footfalls as he pursues through the darkness. (OOC: Made a listen check DC 17; and a Move Silently check at DC 31 which is at -5 for moving full speed).
Maloray (29 HP, of them are temp) Rage last round d20+13=27 2d6(1+6)+8=15 d100=62 Wednesday January 15th, 2003 2:45:42 PM
OOC Hmm...does Mal get an Attack of Opportunity against the fleeing creature? Don't have my rulebooks handy to check if darkness negates AOOs. If he does, it hits AC 27 for 15, with a concealment roll of (sigh) 62.
Feeling the rage starting to slip away from him and unable to locate a foe in the darkness, Maloray hovers for a moment on the brink of insanity, then repeats the calming mantra his father taught him long ago.
As the strength of his fury seeps out of his muscles, the barbarian collapses to his knees exhausted. At first Maloray is unable to say why he suddenly finds himself crying like a baby, and he presses his face down against the stone floor of the cavern, wetting it with his tears.
Finally he realizes that, despite his best efforts, one of the children had been killed. With that realization, he lets the last dam to his emotions give way and lays sobbing on the floor, for once glad of the darkness.
Maloray - Hit point thing Wednesday January 15th, 2003 2:49:46 PM
Somehow my name bar with hitpoints got messed up, and it would change mid-round anyway.
As he ends his Rage, Mal has 15 hit points (thanks to Olana), including the seven lost to his -2 CON damage. Until the end of the encounter, he's at -2 STR and whatever else that I need my rulebook to check.
Lian (Jay) Wednesday January 15th, 2003 5:53:46 PM
OOC:
MAL, WHEN ENDING RAGE, IT'S -2 STR AND -2 DEX UNTIL THE END OF CURRENT COMBAT. MAL IS FATIGUED.
JUST THOUGHT I'D HELP. :)
Figment Wednesday January 15th, 2003 8:41:10 PM
The mage curses as he misses his chance to zap the fleeing creature with any magic missles. He decides to continue to protect the child. He whispers "Be silent young one, you can only be hurt if they see you. They won't see you if you're silent...".
Brother Bertram 2d8(5+6)+7=18 Wednesday January 15th, 2003 10:04:18 PM
Bertram eyed the big warrior and decided he still was rather weak. He quickly murmured another prayer and layed hands on him. He then looks around to see who else is injured. He flinches when he sees the fallen child.
(OOC traded Aid for Cure Moderate 18 points healed this time)
Orson (-8 Con) Wednesday January 15th, 2003 11:18:33 PM
Orson thanks the dwarven preist once again, and bends down to pick up the blade which the darkness was cast upon. Rapping it in his cloak, he hopes to once again allow everyone to see.
Olana Thursday January 16th, 2003 12:29:59 AM
"Milo, please be caref -" the elf's whisper trails off her friend disappears off into the darkness once more.
"Where's Figment?" she asks, looking around, while attempting to see if anyone else needed patching up.
K'Nara d20+1=20 Thursday January 16th, 2003 7:22:19 AM
Plunged into darkness yet again, the leader of the Emerald Talons growls in frustration.
"For the love of Lem--can't anyone just Dispel this dogged darkness???" K'Nara's exclamation is on the verge of despair...especially when she listens to Milo's interjection and realizes that the halfling is in pursuit of the survivor. (OOC: made a Listen check for 20.)
"I'm going after Milo--we can't afford to lose him and he may need help..." she announces, carefully feeling her way towards the sounds of Milo and the last foe's retreat, "...cure up as much of whatever ails everyone as you can--and then follow us as soon as possible..." With this, the female fighter concentrates on carefully but quickly orienting on Milo and the last snake-creature ally.
Lost him? (ADM Matt) d20+12=30 Thursday January 16th, 2003 12:57:23 PM
Lian, Milo, and K'Nara all make their way into the room, following the footsteps of the fleeing creature. The footsteps vanish quickly, Milo and K'Nara hearing no sound of movement, beyond their own. Lian thinks her heard what sounded like a rock bouncing, very quietly and briefly, then for an instant the sound of scales on rock he had heard earlier in the day.
As Orson hides the blade of darkness, light once again returns to the companions, but no sign of the serpentine creature can be seen.
The rest of the companions remain in the 'courtyard', tending to wounds, and mourning the childs death. Figment ungags the living child (which i forgot to mention that she was gagged earlier, sorry), and hearing the combat sounds dying down, heads toward the others.
Ingrge Thursday January 16th, 2003 5:36:13 PM
Hearing Milo head after the fleeing foe, Ingrge mutters angrily, "Dag Nab It. I wish he would stop doing that. I can't stop people if our own keep getting in the way." Frustrated that he can't cast his spell, he takes a momnet to spread his cloak over the area of the bespelled dagger.
Maloray (15 hp) Exhausted -2 STR -2 DEX Poison -2 CON Thursday January 16th, 2003 6:35:59 PM
When the light returns, the half-elf freezes a moment with his face pressed to the ground, forcing himself to STOP crying. Once again repeating his calming mantra, he stands, face like wet stone, and walks further into the snake fortress.
Figment (Improved Invis, Fly, See Invis) Thursday January 16th, 2003 10:25:17 PM
"I'm here, Olana.". He flies the child down to the others and retrieves the dead child with great bitterness that only he can see (being invisible and all...). I will go an aid in the search of the other one while my spells last. He moves into the room with the others whispering his presence.
Olana Friday January 17th, 2003 1:23:34 AM
Olana will attempt to sooth and encourage the child, while reciting a silent elven prayer for the dead one. Her tears will be held in check, so as not to disturb the one who escaped the nasty fate the snake people had intended.
She looks around for a safe place.
Milo (bull's strength) d20+10=26 Friday January 17th, 2003 1:46:42 AM
Milo frantically begins searching for hidden or secret doors that may lead out of this chamber. (OOC: Made a Search check DC 26)
Lian (Cat's Grace, dex 22), poisoned with 8 CON (-2) d20+17=35 Friday January 17th, 2003 6:10:41 AM
Searching is not the young monks forte, so, he leaves Milo to do his work. Lian slowly hobbles up to the child and Olana, and places his index finger over his lips. "Young one, we must be quiet for the moment. The serpents may return. If you remain quiet, I will have something for you after this ordeal is over." He smiles kindly, placing a hand on the childs head.
Then turning, his gaze lands on Bertram. "I realize we are quite busy at the moment. I expect you have a story of how you came to be among these vipers in their den, my Friend Bertram." He pats his friend on the shoulder and once again his mind finds the reason why their all there. The children. He points in the direction he last heard the scaly sounds, so that the Talons may know. (Listen 35)
K'Nara d20+1=8 Friday January 17th, 2003 7:19:52 AM
Frowning, K'Nara scanned the area with her eyes (now that it could be seen), trying to spot anything out of the ordinary. (OOC: I doubt she does, though--not with a Spot check of only 8.)
"Milo, unless you find something definite to follow, I want us to stay together here," K'Nara ordered, "We barely survived that skirmish, and I--for one--have wounds that need healing." The human bladesinger rejoined the others, extinguishing Lucia and resheathing the weapon before approaching Figment and the surviving child.
"How are you, little one?" she asks the girl gently.
Empty Shaft (ADM Matt) Friday January 17th, 2003 12:27:10 PM
After a few moments of searching, Milo notices the 2 foot hole in the ceiling, above the pile of rubble in the left corner. Getting under it though, he sees no movement in tunnel, and it continues straight up, out of the light of the torches (which only let him see up it about 10').
The only noticable thing K'Nara can see is a Large finely crafted war axe on the floor near the doorway, and only because she almost tripped over it on her way out.
Figment sets the slain child down, moving into the Snake temple. He sees Milo peering up the whole in the ceiling.
Maloray follows the invisible mage into the temple, passing K'Nara on her way out.
The child has tears running down her cheeks, and seems quite frightened. She looks back and forth between those speaking to her confused, some asking how she is, others telling her to remain quiet.
Figment (Improved Invis, Fly, See Invis) Friday January 17th, 2003 1:38:18 PM
Not willing to give up the chase, the mage pulls out one of his torches with Continual Flame on it and moves past Milo up the shaft. He goes into the gloom with all haste.
Ingrge Friday January 17th, 2003 4:21:04 PM
Walking over to the other child (the dead one) Ingrge kneels down and and removes the arrows from her(?) body and carefully picks her up. There is a distraught look upon his face, and his eyes are cold.
Milo (bull's strength, levitate) d20+3=20 Friday January 17th, 2003 4:42:37 PM
Milo looks up into the shaft, and begins looking for signs that the creature actually went this way. "K'nara, I think I may have found his point of exit, though I can't be positive. Hey Olana... you're a much better tracker than I, will you take a look at this?" Milo smiles and bats his eyes at the ranger, "Pleeeeaaase." (OOC: I keep forgetting that I drank a levitate potion. Made a Track check DC 20.)
Lian (Cat's Grace, dex 22), poisoned with 8 CON (-2) d20+20=30 d20+17=36 Friday January 17th, 2003 7:43:34 PM
Lian, realizing that he may actually be scaring the child, backs off, leaving Olana to the task.
The elven monk moves behind a column or serpent wall, then slumps to the floor in pain hoping the child or anyone else for that matter, doesn't see him vomit (Hide 30). "The vemon is fast." Speaking as if someone might be listening. He just leans against the wall, pale green in face, head back looking at the ceiling.(Listening 36)
Brother Bertram Friday January 17th, 2003 8:46:59 PM
After making sure that Orson looks better, Bertram picks up his axe and starts looking to the others and binding any wounds that need attention.
Maloray Sunday January 19th, 2003 8:38:36 AM
The half-elf, upon entering the inside room, looks around for the snake men. Seeing Milo examining a hole in the ceiling, he walks over and peers up into the dark tunnel.
"Are they up there?" he asks the halfling dubiously.
K'Nara Monday January 20th, 2003 7:01:10 AM
"Do we have what we need to cure up everyone?" K'Nara asked, frowning as she saw that several of the Talons had obviously suffered from snake bites. "We really ought to get everyone up to snuff before even trying to track the one who got away." The tall warrior woman plucked up the axe she'd nearly tripped over and scowled at it, too, eyeing the workmanship.
"Wonder if it's magic..?" she mumbled out loud.
K'Nara offered the use of what Cure potions she had--she didn't, unfortunately, possess anything to counteract the effects of poison, though.
Fleeing Snake (ADM Matt) Monday January 20th, 2003 7:59:02 PM
Figment quickly move up to the tunnel leading straight up. The first thing he notices is a spiraling groove in the walls of the round shaft. Possible handholds , but quickly purge that thought from his minds, as a bloodied snake can be seeing sliding through the groove about 10 feet above the mage, winding its way up the shaft.
Milo and Maloray look up the hole, and see nothing, waiting as Olana makes her way into the chamber as the halfling asked. Milo believes the creature may have come this way, as a scimitar and shield have been dropped in the pile of rubble. He also finds a small pool of blood near by.
Ingrge retrieves the dead childs body (a her), removing the single arrow from her chest.
K'Nara bends to pick up the finely crafted axe, grabbing it at the same moment Bertram grabs the weapon.
Lian still feels the poison burning in his system, trying to bring down the monk even after the snake lord is dead. K'Nara too feels the vemon in her system, but isn't nearly in as much danger as her elven companion is.
[Sorry for the Late post, was going to get it out this morning but had ISP trouble, and couldn't get it done at work]
Olana Monday January 20th, 2003 8:08:49 PM
Looking this way and that, hearing Milo's call, hearing Lian suffer from the effects of the poison, Olana walks over to K'Nara with the child. 'I might be able to neutralize Lian's poison,' she whispers.
If K'Nara gives the okay, Olana will leave the kiddie in K'Nara's hands for a moment and go and cast NEUTRALIZE POISON on Lian.
She hopes Milo is okay for the moment.
((OOOPs sorry Matt, I think we posted at the same time! Want me to backtrack?))
Brother Bertram Monday January 20th, 2003 8:18:42 PM
Bertram grins at K'nara. "It has been some time since we last met, K'nara, and to answer your question... Yes it is magic. Now would you like me to see what I can do about your wounds? And may I please have my axe back?"
Olana Update : ) (ADM Matt) Monday January 20th, 2003 9:56:34 PM
Olana leaves the child near K'Nara, making her way over to Lian, purging the remaining poison from his system, though the effects from the prievious still remain.
This happened Last round,so you can post again for the current round. Not that rounds matter much anymore, as combat has basically ended. :)
Lian (Cat's Grace, dex 22), 8 CON (-2), 11 of 32(39) hp Tuesday January 21st, 2003 12:33:14 AM
Lian thanks Olana for her attempt to remove the poison from his system, however, he still feels week. The dizzyness leaves him as he begins to look around. "Where's Milo, Olana?" The monk asks the ranger. "Keep him from getting into trouble would you?" Winks the elf.
Milo (bull's strength, levitate) d20+12=30 d8+1=9 d8+1=7 d8+1=7 d8+3=11 d8+3=6 Tuesday January 21st, 2003 1:26:24 AM
Looking up, Milo replies to Maloray, "Yep... I think that is the way he went." Obeying K'nara's wishes, Milo heads back to the group, "The critter escaped through the hole in the ceiling as near as I can tell. My... but you don't look good K'nara... a little green if I do say so myself." Milo picks through his satchel for a moment, and then produces a potion. "Here, drink this... it's good for what ails ya." The halfling smiles. Then looking at where Lian is Milo scoffs, "Friend... you are a lousy actor. While you are most certainly injured... you're not quite at death's door yet.... I think." Milo appears suddenly thoughtful, and then a grin breaks out across his face. Producing his wand, Milo taps the monk three times, and then snaps the wand in two and pitches it into a corner. "Darn thing is outta charges." Moving back toward K'nara, he begins praying to Pantheon and gently lays hands upon the warrior, healing her. After that, the halfling looks up wearily, "I'm mostly out of healing spells, but I have some potions and stuff if any one else is hurt." Then smiling at Olana, "Oh... but I have an orison or three left if you'd like to feel the healing touch of... Pantheon."
(OOC: Handed K'nara a potion of neutralize poison. Made his Sense Motive check at DC 30 against Lian's act. Used the last three charges on his wand of cure light wounds on Lian for a total of 23 hps of healing, and sub'd out his last two 1st level spells for cure light wounds on K'nara for a total of 17 hps of healing. I'm off to Winter Fantasy Game Con for the week... Jay Barber [Lian] is posting for Milo till I get back. Thx Jay)
Ingrge Tuesday January 21st, 2003 6:31:01 PM
Looking around, Ingrge calls over to either Milo or Bertram. Hey Guys I have a scroll here that should help one of our two most striken members, but it can only fully fix one person so Im not sure what to suggest. Ingrg indicates his pocket and in it will be found a scroll of four spells, one of which is a Restoration spell.
Olana Wednesday January 22nd, 2003 12:36:30 AM
Seeing Milo is alright and not half way up a chimney after a snake creature, the elf suggests -
"Maybe we should get out of here, and get the child to safety."
Turning back toward K'Nara she breaks into a smile. "Bertram!" she says, most astonished.
K'Nara Wednesday January 22nd, 2003 7:22:32 AM
OOC: K'Nara made her save against the poison, dears, so she herself has NO need for any Neutralize Poison potions--she had been concerned about Lian, Orson and Maloray, who were the ones who obviously HAD been poisoned.
K'Nara grinned at the sturdy dwarven cleric and bowed gracefully with the utmost respect.
"No wonder the axe looked familiar!" she exclaimed, presenting it with a flourish to Brother Bertram. "And I would appreciate whatever healing you may see fit to render, Brother Bertram." The rest of the reunion was brushed aside, however, as the tall redheaded woman tenderly accepted the living child and wrapped the girl in her own cloak as the body of her slain friend was tended to.
"Heal all who need it--wounds and poison, by the looks of it." K'Nara ordered. "As soon as we can, though, we should thoroughly search the area for any clues that might tell us who these...people were and why they had the children here. I suppose, Figment, that--" Looking around, K'Nara suddenly realized that she didn't see the clever mage anywhere in the vicinity.
"Oh, flabbergast me!!!" she growled. "Why is it that I can't seem to make this group STAY together???"
Brother Bertram Wednesday January 22nd, 2003 7:18:40 PM
Bertram makes a sweeping bow with a grin at K'nara. "Good to be back my dear. I have a few healing spells left, who seems to have fared the worst in this bunch?" Bertram moves from person to person looking to see who is in the worst shape.
Figment (Improved Invis, Fly, See Invis) d4+1=4 d4+1=5 d4+1=4 d4+1=2 d4+1=4 Wednesday January 22nd, 2003 7:28:55 PM
The mage quickly lets fly another volley of magic missles into the fleeing serpent, intent on killing it (23 DMG). He stays as silent as he can but does not allow the thing to make any ground.
Hes not getting away this time (ADM Matt) Wednesday January 22nd, 2003 9:50:27 PM
A flash of light comes from the hole as Figmets missiles fly toward the unfortunate creature. A loud hiss sounds, then its cut short. Moments later a burnt form of a snake plummets from the tunnel in the ceiling, landing on the floor. Figment completed his intent, and the snake remains unmoving on the floor.
Olana leaves the young girl with K'Nara, who latches onto her leg tightly. Everyone else remains either in the 'courtyard', or within the temple itself, checking over their wounds. A few healing spells are cast, and no one is in serious condition anymore, though some still have wounds.
K'Nara sees to have the worst wounds out of everyone, Orson suffering the most from the poison. Maloray still has some wounds, and both he and Lian seem to be hindered by the snakes poison. Bertram has some larger wounds, and the rest have just minor injuries, if any at all.
Quickly looking about the room, the alter standing in the center, with a cerimonial dagger on it, gives hint as to what the snake people had intended for the children. On the right side of the room, there are several small cages, very crude craftsmanship, line the wall. The left house a few very simple beds.
The left corner holds a multitude of old pottery containers, decorated again with the snake motif you've become all to familiar with. The jars that where broken at the start of combat have floored the surrounding area with a fair amount of coins though her and there what seems to be a humanoid bone can be seen.
The young girl begins to sob into K'Nara's cloak, not being able to hold it back any longer.
Milo (bull's strength, levitate)(sub Jay) Thursday January 23rd, 2003 12:40:15 AM
After searching the beast for more information, pouches, papers etc; Milo starts dividing out some potions.
Gives his potion of Cure Serious to Bertram. Gives his potion of Curre Moderate to Maloray.
Milo walks over to K'Nara and states, "We need to rest up soon before we go any further." He smiles at the red-head. "Hey Bertram, are you out of spells for the day? Your looking a bit beat up buddy. Oh, and welcome back." Smirks the halfling. "I'm out of spells almost entirely."
(OOC: Chris wasn't sure how long his Bull's Strenght lasted.)
Correction (ADM Matt) Thursday January 23rd, 2003 12:43:15 AM I have no idea what happened when writing that, or why I missed it when proofing it. Second to last sentence should read like this :( Sorry for having a edit post.
The back RIGHT corner holds a multitude of old pottery containers, decorated with the snake motif you've become all to familiar with. The jars that were broken at the start of combat have flooded the surrounding area with a fair amount of coins, though a few humanoid bones can be seen scattered in with the wealth.
Orson (-8 Con) Thursday January 23rd, 2003 12:59:06 AM
Orson wipes his blades clean before sheathing them, glancing about the room catiously.
Not wishing to risk frightening the girl, Orson decides to let the woman she's latch onto ask the questions. "Mommy K'Nara," Orson says with a smirk to the childs current caretaker, "can you ask her if there are any other kids down here besides.....well...." The smirk on his face vanishes quickly, Orson doesn't finish his sentence but motions to the slain child.
Lian (Cat's Grace, dex 22), 8 CON (-2), 32 of 32(39) hp Thursday January 23rd, 2003 12:59:09 AM
The young elven monk looks healed, but seems very weak and pale. "I agree with Milo, we should rest. Wisest option might be to stay here, then move after we have all rested." Then the monk sits down, legs crossed, and begins meditating.
K'Nara Thursday January 23rd, 2003 6:46:51 AM
K'Nara arched an eyebrow at Orson, but picked up the crying girl and cradled her close, murmuring to her in a comforting tone.
"There, now, my girl, we've come and rescued you. You'll be returning to your family soon." the auburn-haired human assured the child. "I know it was very, very scary here for a bit. Tell me, sweeting...what happened to you? Do you know if we need to rescue anybody else from here..?"
Ingrge Thursday January 23rd, 2003 11:50:21 AM
(OOC Ingrge fed Orson and Netralize Poison potion a few rounds ago)
Putting the dead child down, Ingrge reaches into his pocket and pulls out the scroll he was talking about and walks up to both Milo and Bertram. " I guess you two weren't listening to me." I said I have a scoll here that I can not use that would be of great help to our most injured person. I would prefer that one of you use it on someone before we lose one of them. Holding the scroll out in between them, Ingrge shifts his attention to Bertram. Even though I don't much care for the company you were keeping, Welcome back."
Olana Thursday January 23rd, 2003 12:54:36 PM
"I think if I rested a while, I could help with the poison too," offers the elf, trying her best to ignore the nasty dead snake thing that dropped out of the hole.
She then goes to check the cages to see if there are any more children locked in there.
Brother Bertram 4d8(4+4+4+8)+7=27 Thursday January 23rd, 2003 8:12:20 PM
"My thanks, Friend Ingrge. We will use this to the benefit of the group". Turning to Orson, Bertram lays his hand upon the warrior. He slowly begins reading the words on the scroll, feeling the power flow through him. After seeing some color return to Orson's face Bertram hands the potion he received from Milo to Lian. "Drink Friend Lian." Bertram then takes a moment to murmur a prayer over his own wounds, feeling the pain lessen and strength return to his limbs.
(OOC Restoration on Orson, Cure Critical on Bert for 27)
Figment Thursday January 23rd, 2003 10:11:24 PM
The mage flies out of the opening and becomes visible again. He is wounded but not too badly. He bitterly utters "Got him..." as he looks at the dead child.
Lian (Cat's Grace, dex 22), 8 CON (-2), 32 of 32(39) Thursday January 23rd, 2003 10:18:33 PM
"Thank you friend Bertram, but I feel I need Restorative healing, I am not feeling quite myself. Milo has already healed all of the real damage."
OOC: To speed up this process, I'll need Constitution returned to Lian, then perhaps a small amount of healing.
To continue, or to rest? (ADM Matt) Friday January 24th, 2003 11:27:26 AM
Thr girl doesn't stop crying in K'Nara's arms to verbally answer, but does shake her head no. Olana's investigation of the other cages also turns up no other children.
Orson looks much better after Bertram recites the scroll, and Bertram heals his own wounds as well, both those caused in this battle, and the one caused at his capture.
Everyone stands in the small temple, the only obvious exits being the hole in the ceiling the snake attempted to escape through, and of course the way you came in. Who knows however, what other things may be discovered with a more detailed investigation of the room.
Lian (Cat's Grace, dex 22), 8 CON (-2), 32 of 32(39) Saturday January 25th, 2003 6:08:17 AM
The monk sits, meditating, until a decision is made about what the Talons will do next.
Milo (bull's strength, levitate)(sub Jay) Saturday January 25th, 2003 6:14:44 AM
After Milo has handed out his few potions to the select Talons, he sits and waits for the Talons leader to make up her mind.
"Not that I'm impatient, but we should check the higher recesses of this building, soon." Then hearing Figments statement about the fate of the serpent, Milo yawns. "Well, okay then." He begins to unbundle his sleeping gear.
Maloray (15 HP of 47, but 7 lost due to -2 CON) Saturday January 25th, 2003 8:47:59 AM
The half-elf seems to be in kind of a daze, wandering about, lost in thought, as he cleans and rewraps his father's sword.
Figment Saturday January 25th, 2003 10:38:01 AM
The mage activates his Detect Magic and he goes around the room examining everything he can see or that anyone uncovers.
Olana d20+13=26 d20+17=32 Monday January 27th, 2003 2:24:39 AM
Olana also takes a good look around, after coming to the conclusion that no more children are locked away in those cages.
((Spot check dc 26, Search check dc 32))
"Hey, there's quite a lot of coins here," she says, poking at the clay pots.
K'Nara Monday January 27th, 2003 9:23:18 AM
"I'd like to know what these...things here were trying to do." K'Nara said, nodding towards the corpses of the yuan-ti and company. "As I have my hands full, I'm relying on the rest of you to completely search this immediate area for any kind of clues." The warrior woman cradles the sobbing girl a little awkwardly, but with a fierce kind of empathy as well. "We should also see what's inside these other, ahhh, structures as well." She glanced pointedly at the smaller structures (they were square structures labeled "Building 1" and "Building 2" on previous combat maps.)
Milo (bull's strength, levitate) Monday January 27th, 2003 3:29:36 PM
Milo smiles over at Olana... "Hey... that's my line. I must be slipping. I didn't even think to look." Milo nods at K'nara in understanding, and then begins searching for any clues as to the snake-mens' purpose here, beyond kidnapping that is. (OOC: Milo 'takes 20' to search the area as thoroughly as possible that hits DC 30)
Ingrge Mirror image (4 additional images, cat's grace) Monday January 27th, 2003 4:55:35 PM
Aiding with the search, all 5 Ingrges approach Bldg #1 and peer in.
Brother Bertram 3d8(4+5+4)+7=20 Monday January 27th, 2003 7:53:58 PM
Bertram approaches Lian and lays his hands upon his pale friend. He prays to remove any leftover effects from the poison and for healing for his friend.
(OOC will trade Divine Power for Restoration, then trade Magical Vestments for Cure Serious Wounds 20 Points)
No Exit? (ADM Matt) Monday January 27th, 2003 11:03:04 PM
K'Nara continues to sooth the young girl, who quiets down finally after a few minutes. She orders everyone else to begin a search, though many have already begun that. A search of the out two buildings offers little information, those containing only two beds, and a few spare arrows. "*Sniff*, can I go home now?" The girl quietly asks K'Nara as the other begin their searching.
Those who search the interior of the room turn up very little beyond what was initially visible. The exit through the ceiling, and the doors the talons entered remain the only ways out, even under the carful searching of Olana and Milo. The clay pots stacked in the corner ALL seem to contain coinage, which could house quite a fortune, though there seems to be alot of copper and silver mixed in along with gold. Four small humanoid skulls are also found within the stacked pots, and other bones can also be seen, here and there. Investigating the treasure pile first, Olana also finds what looks like shedded skin from a very large snake, some older ones broken up and mixed with the coins, and a fairly new skin coiled around the jars, winding its way toward the top.
The altar in the center of the room draws the most attention though, as it may hold information. It is a large circular stone table, crafted once again in the demonic snake scheme that the Talons are almost getting used to. Atop it runes are carved into a circle around the circumfrance of the circle, and another larger symbol in the center. What seems to be dried blood cakes the cakes the entire top surface of the altar. With a closer look, what seems to be small chips are missing around the middle of the circle, as if hacked at with a sharp instrument of some sort. Suprisingly, a sharp instrument of some sort lies near the edge of the altar, a wavely cerimonial dagger, the end also stained with blood. Milo's keen eyes spot a hidden shelf underneath the large stone slab, holding a small bag resting on a few sheets of old parchment.
After some investigating is done, Figment fires up his detect magic, scanning across the room. Unfortunately, he finds no magical auras at all, besides the ones his fellow talons, and Bertram brought with them.
Bertram considers healing his friend Liam, but finds he doesn't have the proper energies attuned for the day. OOC:Unless a Wold 'house rule' that I know not of, you cannot spontaneous cast cleric spells into Restoration spells, only into 'cure' spells. That is, spells specifically having 'cure' in the name (Cure Minor Wounds, Cure Light Wounds, etc.). You cant for instance, spon. cast even a Heal or Healing Circle spell. I may be missing that house rule, and if it is there, then Bertram will of course heal Liam's Con and Hp damage. Let me know if this is so, please, one of you DM types :)
Lian (Cat's Grace, dex 22), 8 CON (-2), 32 of 32(39) Tuesday January 28th, 2003 12:00:32 AM
OOC: Due to loss of Con, LIAN'S hit points are down.
Lian continues to meditate while the others search, he'll stay put until someone decides to nudges him awake.
Milo (bull's strength) Tuesday January 28th, 2003 2:31:41 AM
Milo picks up the small bag, setting it on the ground next to his feet. He then reaches in, and practicing extreme care, due to their age, he removes the sheets of old parchment. "I've found something here folks," the halfling speaks up to anyone that may be listening.
K'Nara Tuesday January 28th, 2003 8:17:01 AM
"We will get you home very soon now, little one." K'Nara promised the girl. "We need to make sure that this place no longer holds any threat to you and your home." After the subsequent investigation turned up relatively few other clues, the tall human female frowned contemplatively.
"We need to get the girls home." K'Nara said firmly. "I don't know if anyone else here has the strength or the backpack space to carry the contents of these jars--we can leave them and come back after we've rested and recovered.
"I definitely need a volunteer to carry..." K'Nara's voice trailed off and her hazel eyes fixed pointedly on the tiny body of the girl who'd been killed by the arrows of the enemy. "We also need to figure a way to get everyone up out of the exit."
Orson Tuesday January 28th, 2003 12:26:02 PM
"Are we sure that leads out?" Orson mentions, glancing towards the hole. "As for carrying the jars out, I'd say theres at least a good 1000 lbs. of coin there, don't think we need to be weighing ourselves down with that until we are sure its safe."
Following K'Nara's gaze, Orson moves and picks up the dead child solemnly. "And we could just go out the way we came..." Orson says, glancing back toward the darkness still covering the other end of the cavern.
Figment Tuesday January 28th, 2003 9:52:38 PM
Viewing the other 4 dead children, the mage glowers. "We need to take the remains to the villagers. They need to know to what happened to their kids... I'd say we take the gold and leave the rest for the others to come and get. I also think we need to see where the tunnel in the ceiling goes - to make sure there is no more complex left.".
Brother Bertram Tuesday January 28th, 2003 11:47:54 PM
Bertram grimaces and looks to Lian apologetically. "I am sorry Friend Lian, but alas I dont believe I will be able to heal you. Remain strong and we will get you healed."
Olana d20+17=24 d20+13=29 Wednesday January 29th, 2003 12:11:47 AM
Olana's nose wrinkles up as she finds the snakeskin. "Ewww..... hey Ingrge, Figment," she asks while examining it. "Do either of you need this kind of thing for your spells?
"Please be careful, Milo," she whispers as her halfling friend examines the bag.
As for the hole in the ceiling -
"You know - if that was a quick way out of here - it would save an awful lot of time and energy, not to mention having to renegotiate that pit."
She has a closer look with a torch, wondering if there are hand holds cut in it or something.
((Search DC 24, Spot DC 29))
Lian (Cat's Grace, dex 22), 8 CON (-2), 32 of 32(39) Wednesday January 29th, 2003 5:22:44 AM
The monk simply shakes his head to confirm he heard Bertram.
Tunnel leads up and out (ADM Matt) Wednesday January 29th, 2003 1:44:57 PM
Olana's search of the tunnel reveals the small groove winding its way up along the walls of the shaft, and it would make perfect hand and foot holds for someone who tried to climb.
Figment further investigates the tunnel making use of his still active flight spell, discovering it shoots straight to the surface, though curves slightly at the entrance, concealed in an outcropping of rocks.
Milo lifts the small bag carfully, setting it to the side. As he lifes it and sets it down, small sounds like rock sliding against rock, or maybe glass against glass, can be heard from the bag. Retrieving the papers, Milo finds them in sturdy condition, despite how old they seem. He is unable to make out the writing upon them, looking somewhat like draconic symbols, but nothing recognizeable.
Milo (bull's strength) Wednesday January 29th, 2003 5:46:50 PM
Holding the papers up, "Hey guys... there are some papers with strange writing here, though I can't make it out... Anybody else wanna give it a shot... how about you Ingrge?" Then setting the parchment down on the floor, Milo begins to investigate the bag, looking up at Olana, he smiles, "Don't worry... its me." The halfling opens it very carefully to get a view of its contents.
Ingrge Wednesday January 29th, 2003 6:58:20 PM
As Figment checks out the tunnel, Ingrge goes over and checks out the parchments that Milo has found. Taking a quick look at them he turns to the others. I will be the last one out of here. And I will make sure that the alter no longer exists. Let's go."
Maloray (HP 27) CON -2 poison 2d8(2+8)+2=12 Wednesday January 29th, 2003 11:56:47 PM
The half-elf shakes himself out of his daze and swigs down the Cure Moderate Wounds potion provided by Milo.
Glancing around, he sees the group's present dilemma.
"If it would help matters, Orson and I could run the young human quickly back to her parents, while the rest of you stay here and investigate. We'll return when we see her safely home."
Lian (Cat's Grace, dex 22), 8 CON (-2), 32 of 32(39) Thursday January 30th, 2003 8:58:06 AM
The monk, with his eyes shut, responds to the Maloray. "Maloray, my young barbaric cousin-kin, you are quite impatient. In the Talons, we all go or we all stay. We do not leave behind our friends, no matter how dire. The young one travels with us all." Silent once more, the monk remains sitting until a travel plan can be arranged.
Olana d20+12=28 d20+13=27 Thursday January 30th, 2003 10:51:47 AM
"I say we all saddle up and get out of here through this vertical shaft. There's enough of us to carry the children and some gold. I can climb up and secure a rope to help with the climbing for everyone else." She winks and smiles at the little girl. "Almost home," she says.
Olana will offer to take some of the gold, leaving her hands free, and then attempt to scale the shaft and attach a rope at the top.
((Climb check DC 28, Rope Use check DC 27))
Out of the Snakes Lair (DM Matt) Friday January 31st, 2003 5:06:06 PM
K'Nara agrees with the retreat up the tunnel, not wishing to navigate the pit again.
With the groove providing effective hand and foot holds, Olana quickly and easily makes it up the 50ft. of tunnel, securing the rope to the rocks that hide the tunnels exit.
Meanwhile, down below Milo investigates the pouch, as Ingrge examines the parchments. It wasn't glass he heard shift within the bag, but jewels, the bag containing a multitude of small precious stones. Like Milo, Ingrge cannot make out the script on the papers, but is sure it is some language closely related to draconic.
Following K'Nara's orders, and after those who wish to load up on coin do so, the Talons slowly begin their climb to the surface, and after a while everyone safely reaches the top of the tunnel, standing now in a small opening with a light forest.
Bertram recognizes the spot, being the same place he had set up camp two nights prior, and had been ambushed by the snake creatures. They should be about 3 miles east of Edenmoor.
Ingrge 14d6(5+6+5+5+3+6+5+5+3+4+5+3+6+2)=63 7d6(4+3+6+5+6+3+4)=31 7d6(6+6+4+5+6+4+4)=35 Friday January 31st, 2003 7:26:48 PM
Putting the parchments away Ingrge turns to leave. As the others make their way up the tunnel to the outside, Ingrge waits and starts up last.
As soon as everyone is out of the way and He has started up he sends two Lightening bolts arcing into the center of the Alter. (63 points)
As he makes it halfway up the tunnel he lets off a Fireball to cave-in the tunnel behind him.(31 points)
As he exits the tunnel he backs everyone up and sends yet another fireball arcinginto the tunnel to yet again make it impassable. (35 points)
Figment Friday January 31st, 2003 9:30:09 PM
The mage watches Ingrge's work. "Not shabby... not shabby at all...". He helps the others get to the top.
Milo (bull's strength) Saturday February 1st, 2003 1:11:00 AM
Milo looks up from the pouch, "Gems... found some gems folks... I wonder if any of them are magical." Slipping the pouch into his own pack, Milo leaves that rumination for later, and exits the unholy site with the rest of the group, leaving Ingrge to defile the altar as he chooses.
Closed for good (DM Matt) Sunday February 2nd, 2003 11:12:16 PM
Everyone finishes up the climb to the surface, a few people making a couple trips to get the rest of the treasure from the room. Ingrge's magic streaks across the alter, collapsing the small structure, incinerating everything not made of stone. After everyone is out, His fireball does indeed collapse the lower portions of the tunnel, and his second makes little work of the entrance.
It is late afternoon, and only a short 3 mile trek back to Edenmoor, though the amount of coinage that was recovered weighes everyone down considerably. For simplicity, Ill assume there is enough pack space for it all :)
K'Nara still holds the living child, who has fallen asleep, exhausted from all that has occured.
Lian, still not feeling well Monday February 3rd, 2003 4:56:55 AM
The monk carries his share of treasure, but not before groaning about it. He offers to carry the child. After the hike, Lian simply says, "I need to rest."
Milo (bull's strength) d20+11=13 d20+12=18 Monday February 3rd, 2003 3:30:33 PM
Thankful for the bull's strength spell about now, Milo hauls all the treasure he can carry, and still keeps his eyes out for enemies and assailants along the way. (OOC: Spot and Listen checks at DCs 13 and 18 respectively)
Brother Bertram Monday February 3rd, 2003 9:20:02 PM
Bertram reaches for the load the Lian carries. "Friend Lian, let me lighten your load as much as I can. It pains me to see you suffer until Domi restores my healing to me. Perhaps all of us can split up your load even more. I am willing to bear more for my friend!"
Figment Monday February 3rd, 2003 9:49:34 PM
The mage carries the dead child with great effort - both in physical and mental exertion.
Olana Monday February 3rd, 2003 10:54:28 PM
"Well I'm glad we put a stop to that!" says the elf, her voice laced with righteous indignation as Ingrge blows the place up.
She heads with the others back to Edenmoor, carrying what she can.
K'Nara Tuesday February 4th, 2003 2:42:46 PM
The human bladesinger made sure that everyone was together and headed straight for their host's house. She told the man that the Talons had fought to free the captive girls, and were lucky to free the lone living child. K'Nara expressed her condolences about the fate of the children killed by the strange snake-worshipping cult.
"I hope we can try to find out a little more from the girl we rescued," the leader of the Emerald Talons added, "But she's still rather upset by what's happened just now."
Ingrge Tuesday February 4th, 2003 6:02:21 PM
Walking along with the others, Ingrge is mostly silent and then lets out an audible curseand hurries over to Figment. "Hey is there any way, while your fly spell is still active, you could zip over to the entrance to that cursed place and destroy it as well so that place truly can't be used again. I took care of the alter and the exit, but I forgot all about where we came in. As it is it can stil be used, and I am all out of offensive spells."
If Figment agrees, Ingrge will relieve him of his physical burdens until he returns.
Figment Tuesday February 4th, 2003 10:36:10 PM
The mage shrugs at Ingrge's suggestion. "I'm afraid I'm about in the same boat you are, my friend. Perhaps it would be better to let the villagers decide if they would like to examine the place themselves anyway. If they don't I'll be happy to oblige tomorrow after I replentish."
Lian Wednesday February 5th, 2003 2:05:17 AM
"I am going to find someplace to rest."
OOC: Isn't posting supposed to be more regular than this? Just a concern.
Back in Edenmoor (DM Matt) Wednesday February 5th, 2003 2:51:27 AM
The Emerald Talons make their way back to Edenmoor without incident. Several townspeople see them enter town, and can be seen running off in the direction of Dak's house. As they make their way and finally arrive at the residence, they have acquired quite a crowd, both of curious townfolk, and the saddened look of hopeful parents, hoping to see their children again.
Dak rushes out of the home once the Talons are in view, hoping for the best and fearing the worst. "Jane!" he cries, sprinting to scoop the young girl from her carrier, clutching her close against him. "Thank you so much!" After a moment of silence just holding his daughter, he passes the girl to her worried mother. "What of the others?" he asks quietly, his eyes then resting on the body of the dead child in Figments arms. After an answer, he turns, shaking his head towards a man standing a little ways off, who begins to comfort his wife who breaks into tears.
"Well, you must all be exhausted. Please use the home we offered before for as long as you need. And please join my family again for dinner, its the least we can do. You can tell me of what happened then." The father of the dead child solemnly take the girls body, clutching her dead form as he finally breaks down and begins to cry as well. Dak once again leads the talons to the homestead they slept in the night before, again asking the talons to join him for dinner.
After any conversation, the Talons unpack, rest a while, and sort through what was found. The funds looted from the pots total around 30,000gp (Actually, EXACTLY 30,000 gp), and Milo's bag contains 50 gems, mostly bloodstones, but a few Emeralds, and over a half dozen yellow topaz.
Also everyone gains 3,500 XP. Please update you character sheets, XP and treasure (however it is decided to be divided), and then send the updated sheet to me at xellos_mt@hotmail.com. Thanks.
Also, Very sorry about the spuratic and minimal posting. Yes I should be posting more that I have the last few days. Have been doing inventory at work last week and finishing it up this week, so very little time to check and post at work. Plus I've been having major computer problems at home, and finally just did a full reformat.
Lian Wednesday February 5th, 2003 7:00:32 AM
After resting awhile and shortly after the loot is counted, the monk states his opinion on what should be done with the gems and gold.
"Well, I believe, and of course this is my NON professional opinion, but I think we should divide the gold among us evenly, setting aside the odd hundred or more for the villagers who lost a child. The gems should be appraised I think, and then cashed in for the gold, which should also go to the childrens familiies, unless the magic users need them for spells... or something."
Orson Wednesday February 5th, 2003 1:57:16 PM
Orson nods in agreement with Lian. "The old mans right, we should give what we can to help those who lost their children." He spends most of his relaxation time cleaning up his armor and weapons, wiping off both the snakemen's greenish blood, as well as his own.
Also, introducing himself to Bertram, "The names Orson. So you used to travel with this fine group of people here? And thanks again for the healing, thought I was in trouble there for a while."
Brother Bertram Wednesday February 5th, 2003 3:07:24 PM
Bertram offers his hand up to Orson. "Well met Friend Orson. I did indeed find myself forunate enough to travel with the Talons for quite a bit of time. As for your healing, think nothing of it. It is what a Priest of Domi is supposed to do. I just wish that I had been able to heal Friend Lian's afflictions as well. I must pray and see what can be done to remedy his illness."
Ingrge Wednesday February 5th, 2003 8:11:43 PM
Getting back to Edenmoor with the others, Ingrge doesn't much take part in the counting of gold and such and after a brief time playing with several children remembers the parchments from the temple. Knowing that he couldn't read them he checks with Figment and Bertram to see if they have any clue as to what they are.
Lian Thursday February 6th, 2003 1:30:48 AM
The monk finds a calm corner to meditate in and rests until Bertram can heal him. He doesn't talk much more over the course of the night.
Milo Thursday February 6th, 2003 3:15:54 AM
After returning, Milo hands the bag of gems over to K'nara for her purusal, and once in the home of Dak again, sits by the fire and contemplatively drums his forefinger against his chin. He just can't help shake the feeling that they were missing something. Though his fears are temporarily dispelled as he notes that Olana is relatively unharmed, and even winks at the elf maiden playfully when he catches her eye.
K'Nara Thursday February 6th, 2003 7:58:11 AM
K'Nara nodded to Milo as she was handed the gems, putting them aside to count later. (OOC: kindly let me know how many of what kind of gems the group now has, o mighty DM.)
"We'll need to rest up and see if we can't get the magic needed to cure up the effects of that rather nasty poison." the tall human woman said. "I can't read any of that...stuff on the papers, there, but I'm hoping that between Ingrge and Figment, we might be able to find out what the writing means and maybe even what those...snakey things were doing here."
Olana Thursday February 6th, 2003 11:08:08 AM
Worn out after the ordeal with the snake people, Olana sits down by the fire, resting her head on Milo's shoulder, and not saying much.
She never did like snakes, and these creatures had been nasty. Not quite as nasty as some of the magic snakes in Culverwood, but bad enough just the same. Nasty evil things drained her physically, but at the same time strengthened her resolve to fight them.
She agrees with the rest of the group about giving some of the loot to the village. These people had gone through enough.
Mention of a Stranger (DM Matt) Thursday February 6th, 2003 1:04:56 PM
Finishing up the sorting of the rest of the treasure, Milo (or someone with appriase, if he doesn't, don't have his sheet :P) spends some time looking over the gems, valuing the 40 bloodstones at about 50gp apeice. The two emeralds are of excellent quality, worth about 1000gp each. the 8 yellow topaz are worth about half that of the emeralds, each probably selling for 500gp.(So 30,000gp, and gems worth 8,000 : 38,000 total to distribute)
Hours later the Talons are treated to a very large dinner, in which Dak and his wife repeatedly express their thanks and praise the groups efforts. Little Jane tries to recount what happened to her, but is very vague and didn't understand alot of it. She mentions that when taken, everything around her got really big, and when a snake tried to pull her away, she tried to fight it, but her arms and legs wouldn't work, almost like they weren't there. She gives no insight as to what they were up to, having woken up in the cage the Talons rescued her from.
After dinner Dak leads the party back to their temporary residence. "Again, feel free to stay hear as long is needed." As he begins to walk back towards his home, he stops, turning back around. "Oh, I almost forgot. There was a man looking for you here in town while you were out. Looked to be a warrior of some sort, though never mentioned his name. He said he would return later, hopefully you would be back." He then wishes everyone a good night, and heads back to his home.
After being enlightened on the wonderous method of assigning Hero Points, and Jay mentioned that some people may actually want them, I'll allow you to send in recommendations to assign hero points for the last module, as I understand has been done before. So send them to me at xellos_mt@hotmail.com, I'll give everyone until Wednesday to get them in.
Milo Thursday February 6th, 2003 6:36:08 PM
With Olana next to him, Milo wills himself to relax, and gently stroking her hair, drifts off into sleep.
Figment Thursday February 6th, 2003 10:55:09 PM
The mage decides to spare the other families of his theory that the others were eaten by the serpents in some sick ritual. He makes sure that all the remains are returned. "I'd say a good rest is in order, then maybe we can find out about this warrior who is trying to find us...". The mage graciously thanks his hosts complimenting them on their fine cooking, and then retires.
Lian Thursday February 6th, 2003 11:02:23 PM
OOC: If we each take 4000gp, the villagers could get 2000gp.
IC: Lian bows to Dak and retires.
Orson Friday February 7th, 2003 6:15:40 PM
"So what are the Talons plans now that this is finished" Orson asks the group as a whole, after dinner. "I wouldn't mind sticking around, so long as its for a good cause. Don't want to be doing your green lizards dirty work."
Brother Bertram Sunday February 9th, 2003 4:58:56 PM
Bertram finally falls into a troubled sleep and prays for renewal of his ability to heal his friend.
K'Nara Monday February 10th, 2003 6:40:24 AM
The live girl was returned to her family, and K'Nara thanked Dak for his continued hospitality. Once the Talons were alone in the quarters provided to them, the tall redhead turned narrowed hazel eyes towards the two relative newcomers to the group.
"Orson...Maloray..." she addressed them in a rather frosty voice, "...I'm sure that you now know just how golfuddling close you two came to getting yourselves killed with that stupid 'let's just LEAP over the pit!' stunt you both pulled!
"If you plan to remain a part of the Emerald Talons, gentlemen, then I strongly suggest that you exercise a little more common sense and discipline--or the next time you rush ahead of everyone else into a combat, I will drop-kick you into next week!" K'Nara growled, then sighed, her voice softening a bit.
"Your instincts were noble--and your actions heroic...but dead heroes can't help anybody."
K'Nara went on to a rough summary of their funds, and voiced the option of trying to get a cleric to use a Raise Dead spell on the little girl whom had been killed while the Talons were trying to rescue the live children.
"Though we know that both girls were obviously going to wind up like the others," the human bladesinger said grimly, "I can't help but feel responsible for the girl who was shot in our presence...we have to try something to make up for our inability to keep her from harm."
No sign of the Stanger (ADM Matt) Monday February 10th, 2003 11:37:44 AM
The Talons continue their discussion on raising the child, and finish up any dealings with the acquired treasure. Eventually they all fall into slumber, peaceful for some, troubled for others, but welcome after their long day.
The morning brings no sign of the warrior that was looking for the them, and the group prepares to set out to acquire the means of raising the child.
Waiting on character sheets on a few people still, then will start the new module Lets get raising the child wrapped up first part of this week (scroll will be the easiest option [and preferred]), then hopefully we'll be ready to move on.
Orson Monday February 10th, 2003 11:49:07 AM
Orson stares back calmly at the bladesinger, listening, but not ready to concede. "And common sense would have had us hop across slowly while they continually shot at us? It was obvious they were waiting to ambush us on the pillars, getting across fast at least let us deal with them."
Sighing, he turns away, figuring its not best to get into an arguement with the leader of the group he was traveling with. "I'll try to be more 'sensible'," he concedes, but doesn't believe he was in the wrong at that instance.
Olana Monday February 10th, 2003 8:09:42 PM
The elf wakes from her reverie in time to see K'Nara lay into Orson and Maloray. She rises, hoping not to disturb Milo too much.
Speaking quietly, she says to them both - "K'Nara is right, but I just want to say that I admired your courage."
She then approaches their leader. "K'Nara. This 'someone' who's looking for us. It might be an idea to try and find him sooner rather than later. If it's trouble...."
Ingrge Monday February 10th, 2003 8:30:51 PM
Ingrge spends his time scowling at Olanna and Milo, whenever they are together and hanging out with the village children when he has free time. Otherwise he sleeps and studies.
(Matt I will get My new sheet to you this week I need to decide on a few things with my level change, so......)
Brother Bertram Monday February 10th, 2003 10:15:53 PM
After morning prayers, Bertram lays hands on Lian, curing him of his affliction.
(OOC Restoration)
Milo Tuesday February 11th, 2003 1:10:27 AM
Milo awakens from slumber and after preparing himself for the day through prayer and cleansing, joins the group. Approaching Olana and K'nara, "I agree with Olana, we should resolve the raising quickly, and then look for this man, whomever he is. I don't like the idea of being looked for... I like to be the one doing the looking. If you know what I mean?"
Lian (Restored) Tuesday February 11th, 2003 1:23:44 AM
Lian wakes comes out of trance to find his Friend Bertram hanging over him, "I feel much better after the rest. Am I healed? Thank you, I do feel better."
OOC: I'm not sure what gp or items Lian ended up with, so I can't send the character sheet yet with out that info.
K'Nara Tuesday February 11th, 2003 4:24:48 PM
"Yes, the stranger..." K'Nara mused, nodding her filleted head, "...odd about that--especially since there wasn't anyone that I know of besides Parnoth who knew we were here..."
Maloray Tuesday February 11th, 2003 10:39:28 PM
Maloray looks at the female bladesinger in shock.
"So I was wrong to follow my battle buddy into a dangerous situation? I thought that was the whole point of the pairing..."
The half-elf reflects a moment before speaking again, uncertainly.
"But truth, my actions were in part foolish and competitive. I will try to think things out better in the future."
K'Nara Wednesday February 12th, 2003 7:26:43 AM
"It was the way you two literally leaped ahead of everyone else," K'Nara told Orson and Maloray, "You both just assumed that there was no better way to get ahead and went for it--the intention was noble and heroic, but it was stupid because I, as the Talons' leader, was aware of a few things that hadn't crossed your minds...namely that Figment and Milo could have provided us some cover from the air. That would have allowed the rest of our group to remain together and attack more effectively. Instead, you two took a LOT more damage than I thought you should have had to."
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