Inky Blackness [DM Matt] Friday July 25th, 2003 3:54:53 AM
Cadmar's further questions of the door go unanswered. The door is no longer there. Everyone stepped into the mouth and then the mouth was not there. Only the dwarf in a small room and a swirly misty white doorway right in front of you. No way back and searches of the wall behind you came up with nothing as if the bricks themselves closed so tightly together as to not let a door exist there. Slowly you all step into the misty white door, which Cadmar notes that the splinter points stubbornly in that direction...
...and you sink. Down down...in muck. STepping down maybe two or three feet. It stinks. Really stinks. Elerinn sinks to his neck. Elf barks and tries to climb onto the mule. The mule brays at Ogden. But you cannot see any of this, but only hear it as the sound echoes off in the vast airy distance. It is total blackness. Dark, inky blackness all around.
Lorth Friday July 25th, 2003 7:36:05 AM
Lorth fumbles through his pack, attempting to find his lantern, when he does he lights it up. "I'm going to try and light my lantern so that I can see, my eyes aren't good in this blackness." After lighting the lantern, (whether it cuts through the blackness or not) Lorth's free hand goes to his temple and he concentrates on the area, and also Mr. Thornhammer, trying to discern evil.
Wynn Brightsong Friday July 25th, 2003 8:40:04 AM
Wynn reaches forward in the darkness until he feels the side of the mule. He keeps one hand resting on the animal and calls to the rest of the group. "Over here...we need to stick together...everyone call out your name one at a time and we'll make sure we have everyone."
Wynn will hover over the muck if his potion of flyis still active, and assist anyone who requires a hand.
Kedarn (darkvision - domain granted) Friday July 25th, 2003 11:14:14 AM
Kedarn looks arond for everyone using the domain granted ability darkvision. Kedarn will try to make it over to the mule.
Garrard Friday July 25th, 2003 12:22:20 PM
Garrard says, "I am going to make a light, but it will only last a few moments. Get ready to move into a group, and Lorth, get ready to grab your lantern."
Garrard waits for a few comments of assent, and then activates his Seal of Sunlight, which illuminates a 50 foot area for a round. During this light, he will move to stand near the group.
Cadmar Friday July 25th, 2003 12:47:51 PM
Just before the group enters the portal, Cadmar replies to Garrard: "It seems doubtful that this flying dwarf is actually the original builder and owner of that tower. He seems more like a squatter to me. To be frank, if he was a spellcaster capable of creating this thing, he could have blasted us out of this world with a single spell when we met him outside. Instead, he uses brute force to take Cassandra, and almost fails at that? Seems more like an apprentice to me with some wand and potions."
Once darkness falls around them, Cadmar calls out his name as Wynn suggested. When (if?) light is made, he makes it to the group around the mule, makes sure the weapon and shield in his hands are ready, and takes a good look around.
Mr. Thornhammer Friday July 25th, 2003 2:17:04 PM
"Bah, this is what it always does. I don't know a galderned thing about this tower. Ya open a door and the floor falls out from under you or gods know what. If I had any idea about it, it wouldn't have taken me a week to find the exit again. Now it's gone, gone, gone, gone."
He takes a flask out of the pocket of his leather vest and takes a long swallow before putting it back.
"Always room for the wagon though. It's loaded with food... and drinks. Couldn't have made it a week in here without a keg of South Harbor Stout."
Andrath Monday July 28th, 2003 1:03:47 AM
Andrath calls out his name, and looks around for Elerinn. If he spots the gnome, he forces his way over, and lifts him from the mire, placing him on the cart brought by the dwarf. "There, Elerinn, that is probably the safest place for you, until we get out of this stink."
What IS this crap? [DM Matt] Tuesday July 29th, 2003 1:16:51 AM
Lorth fumbles through his pack for all the fixins for a good ole lantarn lightin'. While he works on making a spark,Kedern tries to focus his darkvision, but strangely it doesn't seem to work. He, Cadmar, Andrath, and Wynn head toward the mule's noise in the darkness trudging through the sludge. They bump into these boingee slimy fuzzy things about torso-high. The things don't move although they give way a little like a soft branch. You hear some rustling far above you. Garrard recognizes the sound as Bat wings and lots of them.
Garrard breaks his seal and nothing happens. Still dark. Finally Lorth gets his lantern lit. In between the seal pieces in midair there is a point of "light", but that's not where the light comes from. The only light comes from Lorth's lantern.
No walls are seen. Andrath immediately sees Elerinn's head poking out and plucks him up. The five move easily to the mule. Thornhammer stays still and grumbles and takes a nice long shot of stout. When he lowers his flask he sees Lorth looking at him with his finger to his temple with a strange look in his eye, a look Ogden has only seen by spellcasters when they are casting.
[Results next round Lorth as lantern lighting takes a full round]
The group seems to be on the very top of a pillar, which only Ogden can determine is made of stone, as its covered in guano. It measures about 25 feet across. There are no walls, just a sudden drop off. Along with the guano, on the pillars are five tall stalagmites evenly spaced in the shape of an equilateral pentagram halfway between the center and the edge of the pillar. Also on the pillar, spread throughout the guano are mushrooms. They are all over. Some are very small and simply carpet the guano while about every five feet there is a three foot tall mushroom which must be what you bumped into. As you look out across the calm darkness, you realize that there are four other pillars out there with the same mushrooms and stalagmites. All the pillars also form a pentagram. Your pillar is about ten feet from the two pentagrams on either side.
Garrard notices that the flapping sounds overhead now seem more furious and aggressive. Unfortunately, the seal's "light" goes out, plunging you all into darkness again. The lantern no longer penetrates the darkness.
Lorth Tuesday July 29th, 2003 7:33:03 AM
"Hmmm... looks like we need two lights to cut through this inky darkness. Anyone have more light besides my lantern?" Lorth continues to concentrate on the area for evil.
Wynn Brightsong Tuesday July 29th, 2003 8:30:24 AM
Wynn scans the surroundings during the brief period of light.
I think we are meant to get to one of the other pillars, they must be the other portals the bard cries out.
If his fly potion is still working he will offer to fly over to another pillar with a length of rope.
Elerinn Tuesday July 29th, 2003 10:52:32 AM
Elerinn must recover for a moment, and holds the cart where Andrath placed him, very tight. While sitting on the cart, Elerinn tries to look into the darkness and is horrified by the idea he could just have been drowned to death in a pool of mushrooms.
OOC: I'm sorry I didn't post anything for a couple of days. I had some problems with my internet connection, but I'm able to post again.
Garrard Tuesday July 29th, 2003 2:44:09 PM
Garrard quietly states, "Bats above, and many."
He then waits until the lantern comes up, snugs his gloves on his hands, and begins a slow, careful search, muttering a Guidance spell as he does so.
(Take 10 on search, plus guidance: DC 15)
Cadmar AC21 HP20 Tuesday July 29th, 2003 3:01:02 PM
"Uh oh. What a gross place. I think two light sources won't be enough. Seems that you need some sort of magical aid to dispel the darkness here."
"We should probably investingate one of the other stalagmites. Anyone coming? Let's all keep close. Wynn?" The ranger starts to gently urge the group to follow the bard.
Expecting the bats to attack and swarm around the party any moment now, Cadmar puts his hood on, wraps himself in the cloak, and starts to watch for trouble [Total Defense].
Mr. Thornhammer Tuesday July 29th, 2003 10:44:07 PM
"Well this is different, ain't it? Thorak told me weird stuff like this would happen if I left the mountain, but did I listen? Noooooo."
Andrath Wednesday July 30th, 2003 1:11:42 AM
Andrath struggles to get his hooded lantern out of his backpack, but manages to get it lit, hoping it adds to the light on the top of the pillar. Once the lantern is lit, he holds it in one hand, and draws his longsword to hold it in the other hand.
[OOC: Bob, I was not able to get the book at Comics North in Sudbury, so you should look for it in Ottawa.]
Kedarn Wednesday July 30th, 2003 4:49:58 AM
Kedarn pulls out his sword and then casts Light centered on the sword.
And The Dark Played On... [DM Matt] d8=2 Wednesday July 30th, 2003 6:21:35 AM
As the lights have once again gone out, Lorth turns inward to ask his deity to reveal to him: evil. He is comforted by the short tingly feeling in his temples of peace about the area. No evil. Just a grumbly dwarf. As Lorth finishes, he hears Kedern mumble in tongue arcane but is unsure of what the result was...because no light goes on. Andrath spends a lot of time going through his pack and trying to light flint and steel without being able to see. He stubs his thumb a few times and gets his hand too close to the fire and finally is convinced he has the lantern lit. But still no light...
So Garrard is forced to put his gloves on in the dark. A slight inconventience but he's sure he can manage. Only this makes his search a bit impossible. Unless he wants to get DOWN and DIRTY! Cadmar meanwhile, starts to head towards a stalagmite. He is pretty sure where he saw one and heads in that direction. He does indeed bump into one of the big mushrooms he saw near the stalagmite he's heading towards, but then again, they're all over. [Make a reflex save Cadmar please] Wynn continues to hover a little off the ground. Elerinn stays put, whimpering in the cart. He feels a warm, wet sensation across his face, followed by the questionably worse stench of Mule-breath.
[Wynn I don't know when you started the spell. It lasts 10 minutes/level, where level = the level it was cast at.]
Elerinn Wednesday July 30th, 2003 6:47:27 AM
Elerinn wipes his face clean and remembers one single thing he saw when there was some light: the bats. Realizing in horror that, most likely, it is something belonging to them dripping across his face.
At least it is better than those mushrooms. I think..., the disgusted gnome thinks and almost starts casting one of his spells to get some light, but realizes that the spells cast by his companions moments ago were intended for the same purpose and these didn't work exactly either. Instead, he calls out: "If you decide to go to one of the other stalagtites, could someone please...carry me?"
Lorth Wednesday July 30th, 2003 7:44:48 AM
Lorth makes his way over to Elerinn slowly. When he gets there he says, "Climb up on my shoulders Elerinn, I'll carry you around. Anyone have any ideas how we can get rid of this darkness? I'm afraid to move to far as we might fall off the pillar."
Wynn Brightson Wednesday July 30th, 2003 8:30:46 AM
Wynn curses the magical darkness and calls out to the group...Does anyone have a dispel darkness or a dispell magic spell...if so, now would be a great time for it! Just let me get out of the way before you set it off, I have about 30 more minutes of flying left and that might be useful.
Wynn continues to face in the direction that he last saw one of the other pillars. I could try to find another pillar. If Cadmar or Andrath were to hold onto one end of the rope, I could search around slowly until I bumped into one.
Wynn waits for a response from the group.
Mr. Thornhammer Wednesday July 30th, 2003 11:58:32 AM
"Magic!? Don't do any more magic, it'll just make everything worse.... what is that smell?"
Garrard Wednesday July 30th, 2003 5:49:59 PM
Garrard considers for a moment, and asks, "Did anyone get a look at how far down the floor might be? Any have a grappling hook?"
DM correction Wednesday July 30th, 2003 5:54:26 PM No one has seen ANY bats. You didn't even see the ceilling as it is higher than the light went. You only heard rustling way way overhead which you couldn't identify and Garrard said it was bats.
Also just to make it clear again. You all are standing on a tall pillar (the floor the pillar is standing on could not be seen either). On the pillar with you are five stalagmites (stalagmites form on the pillar and point UP) in the shape of a pentagram (five-sided polygon), bat guano and lots of mushrooms. There are a total of five of these pillars in this cavern which are also in the shape of a pentagram.
If ever I correct someone with information like this they have mistaken you are free to do your post over again and I will delete your original. You can also ask me questions as a private post and I will respond as quickly as possible.
Andrath Thursday July 31st, 2003 12:26:30 AM
Andrath continues to hold his lit lantern over his head, hoping one of the magic-users in the party can dispell what must be some sort of magical darkness. He tries to figure out what allowed light to first appear, so that the party could see that they were on the top of the pillar. "Can anyone figure what light source originally worked here, so that we can try that again? Dwarf, I understand that your kind can see even in utter darkness. Can you see through this darkness?"
Cadmar C21 HP20 d20+3=20 Thursday July 31st, 2003 12:30:34 AM
Cadmar walks into the mushroom [Ref 20]. Realizing that he has wandered further away from the party than he intended, and afraid to walk off the pillar, he stops. He raises his shield defensively, even though he can't see a thing [total defense]. He doesn't turn around, afraid to lose his sense of direction.
"Wynn, I am here. Fly over and I will hold the rope for you. Also, I have a grappling hook. How do you want to use it, Garrard?"
Elerinn Thursday July 31st, 2003 8:31:42 AM
Elerinn climbs on Lorth's shoulders and is glad he can get away from the cart, for he felt quite helpless in there. If not for the darkness, Elerinn ponders, one of his spells could be very usefull to reach the other pillars.
Whoopsidaisy! [DM Matt] Thursday July 31st, 2003 8:51:11 AM
Cadmar starts walking and as he bumps into another big mushroom it startles him and his feet start to go out from under him. Luckily he catches himself with his sheer center of gravity and does not fall, grabbing onto the mushroom for support, as flimsy as that is.
As Lorth walks towards what he thinks is the cart, he too bumps into tall mushrooms and he too must make a reflex save.
Lorth d20+4=8 Thursday July 31st, 2003 12:26:49 PM
Lorth bumps into something and slips...
Mr. Thornhammer Thursday July 31st, 2003 1:00:05 PM
"I don't think I can see. Let me try."
Cadmar Thursday July 31st, 2003 2:39:57 PM
"It's slippery here. Let's not separate. It must be a long fall. Maybe we should tie ourselves with a rope? Can you make it to me? I think I have pretty good idea about where the stalactite is."
The ranger remains where he is, shield raised above his head for protection.
Garrard Thursday July 31st, 2003 5:30:11 PM
Garrard tries a different tack, and casts Faerie Fire, centered on himself.
Wynn Brightsong Thursday July 31st, 2003 5:49:59 PM
Wynn flys towards where he heard Cadmar call from. The bard flies slowly, feeling his way in the darkness, arms outstretched. Once he has found Cadmar, Wynn searches his pack and retrieves the length of rope contained within.
"Take this end of my rope Cadmar", the bard holds out one end of the rope to the ranger and waits for him to take it. "If I fly towards the next pillar perhaps I can pass through this infernal darkness. If I get lost you can pull me back with the rope."
Wynn waits for affirmation of his plan.
[OOC Greg: I will look for the book in Ottawa]
Andrath Thursday July 31st, 2003 11:44:02 PM
Andrath moves carefully towards Cadmar's voice, calling out, "I suggest we all move towards Cadmar, and tie ourselves together."
Slippery When Pooed [DM Matt] d6=5 d8=3 Friday August 1st, 2003 4:25:49 AM
Cadmar's observation is coorect. Lorth bumps into a mushroom which bobbles and distracts him. His feet slide and he tries to steady himself on the mushroom he is moving towards but it is flimsy and crusty and not strong. Lorth's arms flail and his feet go out.
>*CRACK*<
Lorth feels a sharp pain in his head as he finds a stalagmite. [5 damage]
Wynn flies slowly towards the noise and seems to be in the right area. Lots of noise there. And everyone can hear him.
Andrath tries to carefully move towards Cadmar and it's tough but he's being careful. [A reflex save for Andrath, but the chances are better...] He bumps into a big mushroom every five feet he moves.
Neither Ogden's dwarfvision nor Garrard's Faerie Fire can be seen.
Kedarn Friday August 1st, 2003 4:53:45 AM
Kedarn says to Andrath "very good idea." Kedarn will then pull out his rope from his backpack and try to move carefully in the direction of Cadmar's voice.
Lorth (HP 21/10 Subdual) Friday August 1st, 2003 8:23:04 AM
Lorth decides to crawl the rest of the way to get to the cart and retreive Elerinn.
Mr. Thornhammer Friday August 1st, 2003 11:22:10 AM
Ogden doesn't move from his spot, but he curses bitterly about the situation under his breath, "Right at the exit... right there... now I'm waist deep in $#!% with a bunch of elves... real slick Ogden... way to use your noggin."
Cadmar Friday August 1st, 2003 12:27:30 PM
The ranger sheathes his scimitar, puts his shield over his back, and holds the end of the rope handed to him by Wynn (assuming Wynn does so). He remains motionless, but hearing that others are trying to get to his position he keeps talking: "I'm here. This way. Here. Watch out for the mushrooms, slippery stuff. Here..."
Garrard Friday August 1st, 2003 1:47:25 PM
Taking one, slow, careful step at a time, Garrard moves towards Cadmar.
Wynn Brightsong Friday August 1st, 2003 5:55:26 PM
Wynn hands the end of his rope to Cadmar and when he is sure the ranger has it, he secures the other end to his belt and slowly begins to fly in the direction of the nearest pillar. As before, he feels his way forward in the dark, communicating his progress to Cadmar as he goes. He also feeds out rope behind him in measured amounts until he believes he has let out 40 feet, which must surely exceed the distance to the next pillar.
Should he find the next pillar he will secure his end of the rope around a stalagnite and follow the rope back to Cadmar.
Wynn can hear Cadmar calling out to the others, and chuckles at the grousing dwarf that has joined the party.
Elerinn Sunday August 3rd, 2003 6:18:52 PM
The short gnome feels quite helpless here, at a place where he can't see, walk or use his magic. He is able to remain calm, however, being carried in Lorth's firm grip.
Andrath d20+8=15 Sunday August 3rd, 2003 11:19:18 PM
Andrath continues to move towards the voice of Cadmar, carefully making his way through the slop. [OOC: Reflex save of 15, good enough?]
Whistling In The Dark [DM Matt] d8=6 d20=19 Monday August 4th, 2003 2:17:17 AM
Andrath manages to hold his footing exactly and finds a body. It is Kedern's. Kedern, Andrath, and, Garrard move slowly and carefully towards the sound of Cadmar. (Reflex Save DC 5). The three of you manage to find Cadmar. A Reflex save for the four of you. (Ked, And, Gar, and Cad) Whoever scores 18 or above can feel and grab the rope.
Lorth makes it to the cart on his knees and bumps his face into two of the tall mushrooms. They are fairly sweet actually. He meets one in every five foot area he traverses. He also realizes that the guano is the slippery part and the mushrooms, being more flaky and rough provide just a bit of traction unless they are mashed into the stuff.
He picks up the grateful Elerinn and takes him aboard.
Wynn flies forward slowly, a tight rope on his belt. The nervbousness of the fluttering above him increases. He feels something in front of him finally! It is hard and solid and rocky! Feels like it!
Lorth (HP 21/10 Subdual) Monday August 4th, 2003 7:34:42 AM
Lorth puts Elerinn securely on his shoulders and leans on the cart. He waits for futher developments, since he can't fly or see.
Wynn Brightsong Monday August 4th, 2003 8:51:17 AM
Wynn calls back to Cadmar with the news "Cadmar, I think I have found one of the other pillars, give me a momemnt and I will make sure. If it is, I will secure my end of the rope to one of the stalagnites and come back."
The half-elf continues to feel his way forward looking for other stalagnites in the pattern of a pentagram. If he finds them he will choose one to tie off to, and then follow this fixed line back to the group.
[OOC: I presume I have not left the area of effect of the magic darkness]
Kedarn d20+3=22 Monday August 4th, 2003 10:27:09 AM
Kedarn reaches out and grabs the rope (reflex save 22) then helps Andrath.
Cadmar d20+3=15 Monday August 4th, 2003 10:56:35 AM
"I can't find the rope, Wynn!" [Ref 15]
Rising his head and trying to figure out what is causing all those strange noises above, the ranger mutters: "Trouble coming our way."
[OOC: I will be traveling tomorrow. Cadmar will stay put, unless rope is secured to the stalagmite. If the rope is secured, he will hold it for others to follow, then he will go along it himself. I will resume posting on Wednesday]
Garrard d20+2=10 Monday August 4th, 2003 12:56:04 PM
Garrard slowly makes his way across the platform, maintaining his balance carefully. Once he reaches Cadmar's rough vicinity, he stops a short distance away, to allow some room for Cadmar to capture the rope.
CDM Jerry Monday August 4th, 2003 5:41:58 PM
Jasper, your email has been spitting back at me lately...about a week now. Please be sure your email box is not full and is working properly please. Email me when all is ok and I'll send a test email to you to see that we're up and communicating again.
Thanks!
Elerinn Monday August 4th, 2003 5:59:54 PM
Elerinn silently waits for Wynn to return, and isn't complete sure if he would be brave enough to do such a thing himself. Still feeling quite helpless, Elerinn whispers a short prayer, adressed to Wardd.
OOC follow up: Ian Monday August 4th, 2003 8:21:55 PM
(On thursday the 24th, Lorth was healed an additional 10hps.)
Andrath d20+8=16 Tuesday August 5th, 2003 12:10:30 AM
Andrath manages to keep his feet as he nears Cadmar, but can't find the rope. [OOC: Reflex save of 16]
Floating...[DM Matt] d12=3 Tuesday August 5th, 2003 7:10:46 AM
Kedern grabs the rope and holds it tightly. Lorth rights himself and picks up Elerinn. Wynn feels that whatever he ran into gets smaller toward the top and bigger toward the bottom. He drifts forward some more and does not feel anything else though he tries. He passes way past where he thinks other stalagmites should be. As he reflects this, he notices something. Way back across in the area he originally came from, he sees a faint glow of light. Like a faint area of it, dim like the very edge of normal functioning light.
Back at the other end, the fluttering above gets louder. It's still in the distance above but definitely closer.
Garrard, AC: 21, Hp: 12 d20+3=17 Tuesday August 5th, 2003 1:11:20 PM
Garrard kneels, heedless of the muck, and raises his shield to cover his from above. As he kneels there, turtled up, he listens carefully for other clues about the environment.
(Listen check: DC 17)
Cadmar Wednesday August 6th, 2003 1:08:39 AM
The ranger takes some comfort from hearing his friends move close by, but the lack of light starts to make him very nervous. After some fumbling around he realizes that Kedarn managed to catch the rope. Cadmar holds tight to it and whispers hoarsely: "Is everyone here? I think we have a rope we can follow. Is the other end secured?"
A mild wave of panic washes over him as he for a second contemplates the possibility that the door was in fact an one-way portal and the party is stuck here forever...
Elerinn Wednesday August 6th, 2003 8:43:37 AM
Elerinn, still secure in Lorth's firm grip, feels more and more uneasy in the dark. He hopes Wynn will return soon with a possible solution. Trying to hide his own fear, he asks if everyone is still allright.
Lorth Wednesday August 6th, 2003 10:30:42 AM
Lorth waits...
>*Clank*< [DM Matt] d20+5=11 d20+5=18 d100=87 d8+4=5 Wednesday August 6th, 2003 6:28:20 PM
The fluttering noise gets closer and a screech is heard and >*CLANK*<, the sound of something bouncing off Garrard's shield. It felt pretty heavy to Garrard too. Some type of creature. Cadmar hears the same rush from above and then feels a painful bite into his left arm. [5 damage]
Wynn Brightsong d20+3=20 Wednesday August 6th, 2003 11:15:36 PM
Wynn secures his end of the rope around what he believes to be a stalagnite and starts to head back to the group when he spots the dim glow from where he originally came. He flies back towards the group, following the rope and monitoring his progress in armlengths along the fixed line. He wonders why he was unable to find any other stalagnites on the new pillar or if he even found a new pillar.
"At least we have an option now"he thinks, "I hope the others have some ideas about what I have found and about why I can see the light from a distance and not from up close".
Wynn searches across the darkened space to the dim light for shadows or anything that might betray the size and shape of any potential threats. [OOC Search=20]
Cadmar AC17 HP15(20) Thursday August 7th, 2003 1:49:42 AM
The ranger screams in pain and instinctively grabs his shield [move action] rising it above his head. "Something bit me! Quick, follow the rope! If we remain stuck in here we will be killed off one by one!" Cadmar starts to move along the rope, grasping it firmly with his free hand.
Kedarn Thursday August 7th, 2003 5:45:12 AM
Hearing Cadmar's comment Kedarn starts to move along using the rope as a guide. Kedarn will help the others find the rope if they need help.
Lorth AC 15, HP 26 Thursday August 7th, 2003 7:35:04 AM
"Mr. Thornhammer, are you prepared to leave you mule and cart behind? If not, I'll stay and help you defend it. Sorry Elerinn, I'm going to have to put you down for a moment, I suggest you crawl under the cart." Lorth puts Elerinn down and prepares to attack any of the flying creatures that get near him.
(OOC: Warhammer and shield, 50% miss chance, cause I can't see them, and I lose my dex. so AC 15)
Elerinn Thursday August 7th, 2003 10:46:10 AM
Elerinn, gratefull for Lorth's help, tries to listen if he hears any incoming creatures, so he can warn Lorth. He does this while quietly sitting still in the cart.
Garrard, AC: 21, AC: 12 Thursday August 7th, 2003 12:53:58 PM
Garrard shuffles towards the rope on his knees, maintaining his raised shield position.
Andrath d20+2=6 Thursday August 7th, 2003 11:26:08 PM
Andrath struggles mentally with all that is happening. He says, "What happens if all this, or a significant part of it, is an illusion? Maybe someone is playing with our minds." He tries to concentrate to see through the darkness and the bat crap and the other sillinesses. [OOC: Will save of 6 against illusion, not likely.]
Cadmar AC16 HP15(20) Friday August 8th, 2003 12:41:54 AM
[OOC: errata to AC. Forgot to remove Dex bonus.]
What Lies in the Darkness [DM Matt] d20+5=7 d20+5=8 Friday August 8th, 2003 2:04:40 AM
Wynn drifts back in thought about the darkness and sees further evidence about it. The darkness forms a complete cylinder over the pillar, but it doesn't descend past the top of the pillar. Like there is an area of darkness in every 5-foot square on the pillar. Then he sees it! A creature, he can't quite see what, large in size, with a long wingspan of about 15 feet. It descends and you hear someone scream, sounds like Cadmar, then you see the two creatures ascend again. They then fly around for another dive.
[Wynn if you would like to fire at them you may. I'll give you a lesser miss chance of 20%]
[Others may attack with the total concealment rule. Which means 50% miss chance (01-50 miss 51-00 hit) and no Attack of opportunity chance.]
You all hear the flapping again. Gets closer. Andrath you hear the gnashing of teeth and a screech next to your ear. Elerinn does too and feels the leathery wings flapping on his head and the large furry body. Both are misses.
Cadmar you feel a prick in your pouch. It pokes into you slightly. In the pouch you realize is the splinter.
Garrard, Ac: 17, Hp: 12 d2=2 d20+3=4 Friday August 8th, 2003 2:38:19 AM
Garrard takes a swing with his scimitar as his companions are assaulted.
(50% miss chance, rolling a d2 to see if the attack is effective, a 1 will miss: 2. A roll to hit, AC:4.
Lorth AC 15, HP 26 d100=82 Friday August 8th, 2003 7:36:15 AM
Lorth listens intently and swings when he thinks he hears the rush of wings... (50% = 82,
Lorth AC 15, HP 26 d100=82 d20+4=12 d8+2=4 Friday August 8th, 2003 7:38:31 AM
(OOC: Sorry I hit the wrong button :( ) (Anyway 50% = 82, Hit AC:12+1WF=13, DM: 4)
Cadmar AC16 HP15(20) Saturday August 9th, 2003 2:27:17 AM
"The splinter! I have totally forgotten about it!"
The ranger takes the chip of wood out with his free hand. He holds it in his palm, afraid to loose the grip, knowing that it can be easily lost in the darkness. Wondering if he can figure out which way it is pointing in the dark, he concentrates on doing just that. If he is successful, he will follow the way it is pointing while calling out to others so that they can do that too.
Elerinn d20-2=16 d100=65 d4-2=1 Sunday August 10th, 2003 7:17:55 AM
Elerinn, helpless as he is in this darkness, searches for his small dagger stuck between his belt. He tries to hit the creature that just attacked him and manages to slash the dagger in the direction where the thing just attacked him.
He doesn't know for sure if it is still there, however, and he swings the dagger rather weak. Knowing that he was lucky the creature didn't hit him, he calls out for help: "One of them is here with me! I'm in the cart!"
Wynn Brightsong (AC 18; HP 14) d20+4=19 d100=81 d6=4 Sunday August 10th, 2003 2:49:51 PM
Wynn hears Cadmar's cry of alarm and the shrieking of the creatures flying in and out of the cylinder of darkness. The half-elf feels much more comfortable in flight than 10 minutes ago when he first took to the air and decides to press home an attack on the creatures.
He hovers, almost motionless between the two pillars and lets loose a single bullet with his sling as one of the creatures emerges from the darkness [Hit AC19 for 4 dmg - beat the 20% miss chance)
Wynn calls out to the party "I can see them from out here, there seem to be two of them!"
The bard closes the gap between himself and the party, ready to dodge the first creature that attacks him (Effective AC=19)
Andrath (AC17, 16 hp) d100=24 Sunday August 10th, 2003 10:22:46 PM
Andrath swings at the creature that squeeks beside his ear, but misses in the darkness. [OOC: miss chance of 24] He listens closely to get ready to swing again when the creatures attack again.
Kedarn (AC 16 (ac 13 w/o dex) HP 17) d100=7 Monday August 11th, 2003 1:15:01 AM
Kedarn will draw his longsword and swing at the flying creature when it is near him (miss).
Attracting Attention [DM Matt] d20=4 d20=13 d8=6 d20=19 d8=5 d8=7 d20+5=6 d20+5=19 d8+4=8 d8+4=5 Tuesday August 12th, 2003 6:32:14 AM
Cadmar takes splinter in hand and concentrates. It points strangely enough, not up at the bats, but down in front of him. He squats down a little and gets a facefull of big mushroom. Feeling for the point to see where it's pointing, it seems that the splinter indeed points at a big mushroom.
Garrard, Lorth, Kedern and Andrath all chop into the air and miss connecting with the beasts.
Wynn misses with his bolt but definitely sees that they are bats. He DID get its attention tho. It widens its arch of flight and in the distance, Wynn hears the curdling screech of the bat. It flies faster ever toward him. Faster and faster til it's upon him and snaps at his throat. Wynn bobs and lunges out of the way just in time and it whooshes past. [You may strike it or flee or whatever, Wynn.]
Kedern is not so lucky. He feels a painful bite in his shoulder. [8 damage]
Elerinn Tuesday August 12th, 2003 7:15:40 AM
Elerinn sights as he realizes the bat has left him for another target, but he feels really bad about the fact that he can't see anything, can't get out of the cart and, therefore, isn't able to help anyone.
Lorth AC 15, HP 26 d100=7 Tuesday August 12th, 2003 7:35:40 AM
Lorth waits for the creature to make another pass, when it does he swings at it again. He stays right near the cart, near Elerinn.
(Missed with the 50% miss chance.)
Garrard d2=1 Tuesday August 12th, 2003 12:45:01 PM
Garrard awaits the next pass, and levies an attack when it occurs.
(d2 for darkness, 1 will miss - 1.)
Cadmar AC16 HP15(20) d20+7=19 Tuesday August 12th, 2003 2:10:12 PM
The ranger hears the cry of Elerinn and clenches his fists, unable to do anything about the invisible attackers. Then the splinter urges him to a mushroom. His hands fumble around it, looking for anything at all [Search 19]. If he finds anything of interest he will call out to the others reporting his discovery.
If nothing can be found aside from the mushroom itself Cadmar will grab a small chunk of it and taste it.
Wynn Brightsong (AC 18; HP 14) d20+4=21 d100=98 d4=4 d4=3 Tuesday August 12th, 2003 6:05:26 PM
Wynn evades the on-rushing bat and spins to his left to face it as it goes by. Without thinking he reaches into his belt pouch and extracts another bullet. The sling cuts through the air in a blur and the bullet is sent on its way towards the bat [Hit AC 21 for 4 dmg; beat 20% miss chance w/ 98; ignore second d4 roll].
Following his shot the bard spins again and will dodge the first bat to approach him (Effective AC=19).
Andrath (AC17, 16 hp) d100=17 Tuesday August 12th, 2003 10:03:23 PM
Unable to see what is going on, Andrath hears Kedarn call out in pain, and swings wildly at the flying creature that he assumes attacked the cleric. His swing goes wide [OOC: rolled 17% for the concealment, a miss.]
Kedarn (AC 16 (ac 13 w/o dex) HP 9/17) d8+1=7 Wednesday August 13th, 2003 6:08:32 AM
Kedarn calls out in pain "Yeowwww! that hurts." Kedarn pulls out a potion of CLW and drinks it. (heals 7 hp)
Mmmmmmmmmmmmm [DM Matt] d20=9 d20+5=16 d20+5=19 d8=3 d100=39 Wednesday August 13th, 2003 5:17:31 PM
Cadmar finds nothing save the mushroom so he takes a big bite of it. The mushroom definitely has tastes of bat dung on it but the mushroom itself is very sweet. It has no effect however.
The bat lets out a screeh as Wynn's bullet goes through its wing. It reels and swoops and heads straight at Wynn again but flies right over his head.
The other one dives again toward the people on the pillar. This time Garrard hears the screech up close but it seems the bat simply misjudged his approach and flies into him. A sort of nocturnal headbutt, but no damage.
Wynn Brightsong (AC 18; HP 14) d20+4=9 d100=94 d4=2 d4=4 Wednesday August 13th, 2003 6:10:08 PM
Wynn watches with satisfaction as his bullet pierces the bat's wing and readies another bullet. As the turns to attack again, the bard releases another shot [hit AC 9 for 2 dmg].
Wynn braces for the bat's next strike and prepares to dodge [Effective AC=19]. If given the time he will reloop the sling on his belt and ready his longsword.
Garrard d100=26 d20+3=16 d6+2=3 Wednesday August 13th, 2003 6:43:01 PM
Garrard throws another chopping blow at the beast, hoping he can guess its location from the impact.
Andrath (AC17, 16 hp) d100=75 d20+3=9 Wednesday August 13th, 2003 11:13:43 PM
Totally in the dark as to what is going on, since no-one seems to be communicating possible solutions, Andrath continues to swing at the attacking bat-creatures. [OOC: Beat the 50% concealment roll, but only hit AC9, so a miss] He calls out, "Has anyone thought of anything? Wynn, what can you see from outside? Cadmar, don't you have some piece of wood that can help us get out of here? What is going on?"
Lorth AC 15, HP 26 d100=23 Thursday August 14th, 2003 9:24:33 AM
Lorth again attempts to attack the creature as it goes flying by... (Missed: 23%)
Elerinn Thursday August 14th, 2003 10:11:40 AM
Elerinn, hearing Andrath's somewhat desperate call, feels even more helpless. The bat didn't attack Elerinn for a second time, so he can't try to hit it anymore. He considers calling something back to Andrath, but decides not to, for right now, he doesn't have any clue what to do either.
Cadmar Thursday August 14th, 2003 12:18:41 PM
"Bleugh! Ptooie!"
"The splinter is pointing to one of the mushrooms over here, but I can't find any exit from this blasted place!"
The ranger drops to all fours and starts to look for a trapdoor or entry, trying to figure out where precisely the splinter is pointing. Is it the base of the mushroom? If so, he will uproot it and check if it points to the place on the ground or the mushroom.
Let There Be... [DM Matt] d20+5=7 Friday August 15th, 2003 6:23:40 PM
Cadmar feels around the splinters point and again it points to the mushroom, not at the floor, but at the mushroom itself. Just to be sure he grabs hold of the stalk and yanks. It won't budge. He tries again. Nothing. Frantically he pulls and tugs and finally starts slicing at it. And *****POP***** the stalk break and the mushroom falls to the ground with a thud. Cadmar looks down at the cap AND can SEE IT!!!!! A five foot "hole" of light has opened up in Cadmar's square. [No one else can see this as everyone else is still in the dark.] Overhead Cadmar can see the bat recircling. The other bat misses Wynn, but Wynn can now see a shaft of light in the center or the blackness pointing straight up.
Garrard d100=71 d20+3=13 Friday August 15th, 2003 6:50:48 PM
Garrard calls back to Andrath, "If I had an idea, I'd be implementing it."
With that he takes another hack at the critters.
(miss chance, 71%, AC: 13)
Wynn Brightsong (AC 18; HP 14) d20+3=23 d20+3=4 d8+2=4 d100=98 Friday August 15th, 2003 9:19:18 PM
Wynn withdraws his longsword from its scabbard. The leather wrap has worn to fit the shape of his hand and rests comfortably and secure in the bards grasp. Two leather strips hang down from the bottom of the pommel.
Wynn flies closer to the cylinder of darkness engulfing the pillar and attacks the first bat to venture within his range. He then dodges any returned aggression from that same bat [Effective AC = 19].
[Hit AC 23(natural 20),threat only, for 4 dmg, beat miss chance of 20%]
Wynn notices the new source of light from the pillar and calls out, "Whatever you did, its working! Do it again! I see light coming from the pillar you are on."
Kedarn Saturday August 16th, 2003 2:19:27 AM
Kedarn will carfully move over towards Cadmar. "Cadmar do you need any help? Are you okay I just heard a loud thud." asks Kedarn
Cadmar Saturday August 16th, 2003 2:02:46 PM
The ranger instinctively closes his eyes. After such long period of total darkness even faint illumination is blinding.
After winking tears out of his eyes, Cadmar finally knows what is going on. Or at least so he thinks.
"I have toppled one of the mushrooms and the darkness dispersed! I think the mushrooms are causing it! Hack at the mushrooms!"
With that, he grips his scimitar firmly and starts to slash at plants, being extra careful not to hit one of his companions by mistake.
If extra light is created, he will try to make a zone of light 20 ft in diameter and call for everyone to group there.
If the tactics doesn't work, he will communicate that to others with dismay.
Elerinn Sunday August 17th, 2003 5:26:07 PM
Elerinn is glad that Cadmar has found a possible solution to their current problems, but realizes that he won't be able to help much, because he is about as tall as the mushrooms themselves. Therefore, he decides to stay in the cart and hopes that Cadmar's solution will bring some good.
Lorth AC 15, HP 26 Monday August 18th, 2003 7:31:55 AM
Lorth hearing Cadmar's explaination, feels around for the closest large mushroom and attempts to bash it to bits.
Kill The Shrooms [DM Matt] d6=3 d20+5=17 d100=23 d6=2 d20+5=21 d8+4=5 Monday August 18th, 2003 6:27:25 PM
Wynn again slices into the bat and it screeches again. It flies away from him and back into the easier targetted group. [Attack of Opportunity for Wynn] It flies straight into the darkness and right by Kedern's ear. He realizes it was going pretty fast and could have hurt him a lot had it hit.
The other bat changes places and comes out of the light going for Wynn. It does a good flyby maneuver and perfectly encircles Wynn biting him on the back of his non-weapon arm for 5 damage.
Cadmar and Lorth each easily find more mushrooms and begin bashing them to bits. Sometimes they miss, sometimes they hit and just plain slicing through them works too. In both of their squares, the darkness immediately vanishes leaving two more five foot squares of light from the lantern.
Wynn sees two more streaks of light shoot up through the darkness.
Garrard, Ac: 17: hp: 12 Monday August 18th, 2003 7:21:27 PM
Garrard follows the idea, and begins hacking the nearest mushroom apart.
Andrath (AC17, 16 hp) d100=17 Monday August 18th, 2003 9:48:40 PM
Wading through the bat guano, Andrath slashes at the mushrooms as well. He squints his eyes, to try to not be too blinded as the light appears. If any bats get near enough for an attack, Andrath will swing at the nearby bat. However, the bright light distracts him enough for him to miss. [OOC: Miss chance of 17]
Wynn Brightsong (AC 18; HP 9/14) d20+3=20 d8+2=7 d20+3=7 d100=40 Monday August 18th, 2003 10:55:48 PM
Swinging vigorously at the retreating bat, Wynn feels his blade cut deep. [Atk. of Opp. Hit AC 20, for 7 DMG]
Unaware of the second bat encircling him, the bard is surprised by the sharp pain of it's teeth penetrating his left forearm. He swings wildly at the creature, as it flys off.
Wynn takes evasive action against any further aggression from the bat.
[Effective AC=19]
Lorth AC 15, HP 26 Tuesday August 19th, 2003 7:33:56 AM
Lorth reaches over to help Elerinn out of the cart. "Elerinn, I'm going to put you down inside the lighted area I just created. Why don't you reach just outside the lighted area and see if you can cut down some more mushrooms, to make it bigger. I'll stand over you and guard us from the attackers." Lorth takes up a defensive stance when/if he gets Elerinn out of the cart.
Elerinn Tuesday August 19th, 2003 9:12:36 AM
Elerinn is glad he can finally help creating some light and grabs his dagger. He tries first if he can stand up normally here, and if he can, he begins hacking at the surrounding mushrooms.
Cadmar (5dam) Tuesday August 19th, 2003 1:41:17 PM
The ranger cries: "Let us coordinate our work! Let's make one large opening in the shroud of darkness!"
While hacking he does his best to move in the direction from which he hears the voices of his companions, hoping to join the small pillars of light into one large hole in the aura of blackness.
Kedarn Tuesday August 19th, 2003 6:29:59 PM
Kedarn moves over near the others and will then start to hack at the mushrooms.
I'll Take Big Bat in the Center Square! [DM Matt] d8=7 d8=5 d20+5=7 d20+5=16 d8+4=8 Tuesday August 19th, 2003 8:03:53 PM
Everyone starts hacking away at the mushrooms. They are somewhat brittle so it is easy work. Even Elerinn manages to hack one up in the dark. With Cadmar's suggestion you all start at the mushrooms in the center and clear a nice area which is now all lit with your lantern.
The bat circles overhead. You can see the blood red in his eyes and the thick dark fur that stands on its back. It dives at Kedern but its trajectory is off and it flies by hitting nothing. Suddenly, the other one comes streaking low out of the darkness and gouges Elerinn in the throat with its fangs. [8 damage] It clearly liked that snack.
[Wynn you get another Attack of opportunity as that last bat was yours. BTW there is now no more darkness concealment for anyone.]
During all the excitement Cadmar feels the poke of the thorn in his other hand. It still points down at the original mushroom he decapitated.
Garrard, Ac: 17, Hp: 12 d8+5=10 Tuesday August 19th, 2003 8:10:55 PM
Seeing Elerinn hit, Garrard drops his scimitar on its lanyard, draws his wand, and taps Elerinn with the wand of healing.
(10hp healing)
Wynn Brightsong (AC 18; HP 9/14) d20+3=12 Tuesday August 19th, 2003 9:07:21 PM
Wynn swings at the retreating bat but fails to connect [Hit AC 12]. The growing source of light begins to reveal the location of his friends and Wynn flies over to provide more direct support to the party. He is careful to watch for any attacking bats and dodges the first bat to attack him [Effective AC=19].
Andrath (AC 17, 16 hp) d20+3=7 Tuesday August 19th, 2003 10:05:35 PM
Andrath swings wildly at the bat that attacked Elerinn, but slips on the bat guano, and misses. [OOC: Hit AC7, clearly a miss.]
He makes his way to the pillar of light, and asks Cadmar, "What does that piece of wood point out for you right now?"
Lorth AC 15, HP 26 d20+5=18 d8+2=10 Wednesday August 20th, 2003 9:25:25 AM
Lorth sees the bat gouge Elerinn, disappointed with his guarding ability he swings at the bat when it comes within reach. (Hit AC: 18, Damage: 10)
Elerinn d4+1=3 Wednesday August 20th, 2003 12:25:24 PM
When the enraged bat slashes the small gnome's throat open, Elerinn screams in pain and looks up to see if the beast attacks again. He thanks Garrard, who uses his wand to heal the wounds on his neck and gets ready to fire a spell at the creature if it decides to attack on of the group again.
(OOC: Magic Missile for 3 damage)
Cadmar AC15 HP15(20) - 5subd Wednesday August 20th, 2003 4:09:06 PM
As the ranger replies to Andrath some surprise can be heard in his voice. "The splinter still points to the original mushroom! I do not understand!..." The ranger points out the plant in question for all to see. "Its the one with a bite mark on it!"
Cadmar sheaths his scimitar and puts his shield on his back [two move actions]. His hand moves to his bow and he starts to watch the aerial attackers, calculating the distance.
Cadmar Wednesday August 20th, 2003 4:09:54 PM
[Errata: damage is real, not subdual. Got confused with the Tapestry. Sorry.]
Scaredy Bat! [DM Matt] Thursday August 21st, 2003 5:51:02 AM
You slice into the bat as it tries to retreat and it's wing is shred. It flies lopsided and crashes headlong into a slalagmite and falls to the ground. The other circles back overhead then flies up away from you. The bat on the ground shrieks in pain.
It's red eyes bulge and its mouth froths, its jaws snapping violently in your direction.
Lorth Thursday August 21st, 2003 7:41:29 AM
(OOC: If the wounded bat is lying up here with us.)
Lorth approaches the wounded bat and finishes it off. He then checks on Elerinn and goes to join Cadmar.
Andrath d20+10=13 d20+14=30 Thursday August 21st, 2003 8:23:58 AM
Andrath watches Lorth finish off the crippled bat and then turns his attention to the mushroom and the area immediately around it. He clears away as much of the bat guano and mushroom remains as possible and searches the area and the mushroom for anything unusual. He also specifically keeps his senses attuned to the presence of any hidden doors or passageways [OOC Search=13, Spot=30]
"Well, if the sliver points here, then here's where we should look" he mutters as he works. The bat guano makes the job distinctly unpleasant.
Wynn Brightsong Thursday August 21st, 2003 8:28:31 AM
Wynn watches the second bat fly away and floats down to join his companions. "I'm glad to see that everyone is all right". Wynn wipes the blood from his longsword on the fleshy part of a dismantled mushroom before sliding it into his scabbard. "Have you found anything down there?" he asks of Andrath.
Garrard Thursday August 21st, 2003 12:53:32 PM
Garrard kneels by the bat for a moment, offering a quiet prayer to Mother Wold before standing up and beginning to examine the mushrooms.
(not sure what the relevant check is here.)
Cadmar AC15 HP15(20) Thursday August 21st, 2003 3:49:58 PM
"Good Domi, that was unpleasant." The ranger wipes his forehead with his hand and immediately starts to regret it, remembering only too late what it is covered with.
"Is everyone all right? I'm slightly wounded, but for a moment I can go on without healing."
While others examine the mushroom Cadmar tries to get the group together, making sure everyone and all equipment is gathered inside the cleared area.
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