Lookin for Mr Monster (DM MikeK) Monday December 8th, 2003 8:19:22 AM
The group gears up for a descent into the Trash Level, and sets forth on their new quest.
This time, they take the regular way down, and soon find themselves among the pleasant sights and fragrant smells of the well named Trash Level.
The sights of the Level still tug at the heartstrings. Bands of lanky, feral youths stalk through the streets. They give the 7 armed adventurers a lot of room. Entire families occupies half built rooms. Occasional bodies poke out from trash heaps, barely visible in darkened alleys.
The group meanders through the level for an hour or so. They figure their about 10 minutes from the door Tolo and Nheel showed them when somebody (Spot DC 10) notices a patch of white flowers growing over a garbage heap down a side alley. The patch is about 30' in diameter, and 90' from the group.
Gordo d20+3=13 Monday December 8th, 2003 8:42:10 AM
"Well this place doesn't seem to have improved too much since the last time." rumbles the big man, an easy smile on his face.
"Hmm, aren't those the flowers the druid was after?" asks Gordo as he strolls past the alley. He peers into the gloom, then back at his companions. "Should we grab them now, or on the way back out?"
Xenia d20+9=26 d20+11=17 d20+10=17 d20+9=11 d20+6=23 Monday December 8th, 2003 10:07:36 AM
Xenia looks out from behind the large bald monk.
"Looks like them to me." The dark half elf reaches over her shoulder and produces a small sack.
"Might as well," she smiles up at Gordo. "I mean, somebody said something about testing them on the sea monster, right?"
"Wow. That's a lot of flowers," she says squinting her eyes to peer down the alley. "I wonder if they're like this all over? I guess they could grow pretty fast with no bugs around to eat 'em."
With that, she makes her way down the alley. Leaving the protection of the group makes her jumpy. Never know about things down here in the Trash Level. So she proceeds cautiously and quietly, keeping to the shadows. Occasionally, she stops to listen and peer around in the gloom.
[[ OoC: If she encounters nothing on the way ... ]]
She squats at about 15 feet from the rather large patch of flowers, and looks around. She feels dumb. This is dumb. I mean, they're just flowers, right? They didn't hurt Tionel. I mean, not really. Still, as her father would say, Better dumb than sorry.
[[ OoC: If she spots nothing untoward ... ]]
She holds her breath and approaches the edge of the patch. Gingerly, she plucks around ten flowers before having to retreat for more air. She breathes deeply and goes back for ten more. Dumb, but flowers smell. And you never know.
[[ Spot 26 / Move Silently 17 / Hide 17 / Listen 11 / Slight of Hand 23 ]]
Syr 10d4(3+1+2+4+4+4+4+3+4+2)=31 Monday December 8th, 2003 12:51:30 PM
The elf stands poised at the edge of the alley. He follows Xenia's progresss carefully alert for anything out of the ordinary.
Florin Monday December 8th, 2003 2:54:43 PM
Florin looks about as he travels through the trash level and stops when Gordo comments on the flowers. He thinks a moment before looking to Xenia, "Becareful Xenia."
He stays on guard while Xenia goes to pick some of the flowers and looks to the others, "Anyone having poison healing items, Xenia should atleast take a anti toxin just incase."
Angus Monday December 8th, 2003 3:18:04 PM
Angus also calls after Xenia. "Be very careful, the Druid did not tell us much about the flowers."
Angus goes to Tionel "Any thought on how the flowers got to the trash level or how they are spreading so quickly? Do you think your friend Taketh is telling us all there is to know?" We may want to hold council with him prior to ventureing deep into the trash level."
Angus calls over to Bralin and Florin. "Do wither of you have acess to neutralize poison potions?"
Angus walks in a tight circle tapping the side of his head and thinking and stops infrom of Gordo and Syr. " I am not from the Floating city. Who is the keeper of the Locks to open the Turtle & sea Monster pen. Lets let him out and maybe flood the pen to kill the flowers down there. What do you think?"
Xenia (OoC) Monday December 8th, 2003 3:35:11 PM
Xenia is wearing gloves. Unfortunately one is black and the other gray.
Tionel Monday December 8th, 2003 5:57:39 PM
Tionel ponders...a strange thought has occurred to him, more of an impulse really. He fights it down, and wonders what's wrong with him. He seems more focused internally right now, clutching his staff as he stands in the middle of the group staring at nothing in particular.
Bralin Tuesday December 9th, 2003 9:20:59 AM
The dwarf watches with some concern as the scout pads down the alleyway. But, Florin is OK with it, and he's tactical leader. It would be wrong to question him so soon.
Flowers and ? (DM MikeK) d20+14=18 Tuesday December 9th, 2003 9:25:14 AM
Once Xenia gets within 30' of the flowers, she stops suddenly as something inside the patch catches her eye.
Make that several somethings.
Hiding inside the patch of flowers are several (more than 5) creatures. They appear 1-2 two feet long, and the rogue thinks she can spot wings. The creatures are remaining very still, and Xenia is positive they know she's there.
Xenia d20+1=20 Tuesday December 9th, 2003 10:55:33 AM
Xenia remains still, eyes locked on the things. The muscles in her thin legs are coiled, poised to bolt at a moments notice. She squints her eyes to pierce the veil of flowers, hoping to pick out more detail, some clue as to what these things are.
At the same time, slowly and smoothly, without removing her eyes from the patch, she raises an arm behind her and gestures for the others to approach. Maybe someone else will know what these things are. Maybe someone else will better be able to do something with them. Certainly she'd feel safer with the other guys around.
But maybe they'd all clank in and scare the things. Maybe the things would then attack. Maybe, maybe, maybe. Oh framble, this could be a mess.
She looks again for sign of heads, eyes, or mouths, maybe claws or beaks or talons. Ouch. She tries to read their intent.
[[ Sense Motive 20 ]]
Gordo d20+5=16 d20+3=11 Tuesday December 9th, 2003 11:58:46 AM
Hmm. The wee lass seems to have frozen to the spot. Trouble?
At her cautious signal the big man approaches softly (MS 16), trying to make out what is going on (Spot 11). is fists clech unconsciously.
Bralin Tuesday December 9th, 2003 12:54:20 PM
When a scout freezes and calls for backup, combat is imminent.
Bralin pulls his axe, and cautiously clanks forward. He will put himself at the front of the group and get between Xenia and the patch if possible.
Angus Tuesday December 9th, 2003 1:13:18 PM
Angus notices everyone cautiously approaching Xenia and he lets the heavy hitters go first casting Mage Armor on himself before moving forward.
Florin Tuesday December 9th, 2003 2:16:48 PM
Florin frowns when Xenia stops thinking quickly, crap touble. Florin moves foreward quickly, trying to be silent even knows it's not his trong point and sighs inwardly when his armor does clank.
As Florin approaches he looks to the others and thinks to himself, I wonder who has theb est diplomatic skills in the group. Is better if we could get out of fighting first and resort to killing last. Florin guesses he will try to speak to whatever the enemy is.
Syr d20+8=13 Wednesday December 10th, 2003 3:54:33 AM
The elf tenses when Xenia freezes in the middle of the alley. As the others move carefully forward, he casually strolls up next to Xenia while staring at the flowers. Whispering to her while looking at the patch, "Something troubling you?" (Spot 13 vs. what I assume is an 18 hide check)
Attack of the Flower Bugs (DM MikeK) Wednesday December 10th, 2003 10:19:30 AM
The entire party eases on down the alleyway to join Xenia in peering at the flower patch. None of them see a thing, and Xenia can't make out any other features of the creatures.
They solve that particular problem for her by bursting out of the patch and launching themselves at the group. They are leathery, bat like creatures with long, sharply pointed probiscus like noses. They are colored brown with splotches of white. The body is about a foot long and their wingspan is about 2 feet across.
The bugs cover the distance between the flowers and the party in short order, and divvy up to attack everybody in the group.
2 each attack Bralin, Florin, Syr, Xenia, and Gordo. 1 apiece on Tionel and Angus.
AC 16 on the critters.
Xenia (AC 17) d20+3=23 d20+3=15 d6=6 Wednesday December 10th, 2003 11:44:37 AM WAH! Even ready for it, the half elven girl is surprised by the flurry of wings that burst from the patch of flowers.
Still, the short sword snicks into her hand as if from thin air, and her thrust strikes true. Her face set in grim lines of concentration, she moves to place herself back to back with Syrdeth.
Angus d4+1=4 d4+1=2 Wednesday December 10th, 2003 12:24:59 PM
"Wow, they dont' look friendly!"
Angus readies his magic missle spell and waits to release it at any of the flying critters that come toward him.
Two missles fly out and strike the slying critter at is approached Angus.
If the critter is knocked to the ground but not dead Angus will finish it off with a daggar
Bralin (ac18) d20+9=29 d20+9=28 3d10(8+6+4)+12=30 Wednesday December 10th, 2003 1:53:28 PM
Bralin's lips creep upward in a grim half-smile. The scout flushed the ambush early, the battle is ours.
The dwarf's axe rises and intersects a bug at the top of its arc. Bralin's smile increases. A beautiful strike.
(Crit threat, and hit ac28. 30 hp damage)
Florin d20+8=28 d20+8=21 d8+4=9 Wednesday December 10th, 2003 2:23:43 PM
Florin sighs when the bats fly out and pulls his sword and takes aim and swings at the nearestb at that attacks him.
(To hit:28, crit 21, Damage:9x2:18)
Syr (AC 18/17-dodge) d20+7=14 d20+7=20 d8+5=7 Wednesday December 10th, 2003 2:46:14 PM
Syr jumps to position his back aginst the alley as the two creatures approaching, "Who wanted to pick THIS patch again?"
Taking a wild swing he calls out to Tionel, "Any idea what these things are???" He hits the body of one a fist producing a solid thump (Attack 20, damage 7)
Gordo d20+5=19 d8+2=5 d20+5=14 Wednesday December 10th, 2003 6:18:10 PM
The big man whoops as the creatures fly towards him. "Come for a tickle, little flying things!" he laughs, launching rapid blows at one of the flying critters (AC 19 for 5, AC 14).
Tionel (AC 14) d20+7=10 d20+6=25 d20+7=20 Wednesday December 10th, 2003 11:49:36 PM
Tionel spots the creatures flying towards him, snapping out of his stupor barely. (Spot 10). He frowns as the insect flies towards him, and tries to identify it quickly. (Knowledge: Nature of 25!) Unlike the others, he does not take an overtly hostile action. Instead, he waves his hands in front of the creature and begins to sing softly to it, an elven song about dragonflies. His general attitude says he does not want to fight, that he is harmless. (Attempting to use Wild Empathy, to make friends with the insect. 1d20+level+cha=20)
Bug attack - rd 1 (DM MikeK) d20=13 d4=4 d20=17 d4=3 d20+7=19 d4=1 d20+7=12 d20+7=14 d20+7=17 d20+7=24 d4=3 Thursday December 11th, 2003 10:18:42 AM
Xenia's short sword flicks out in front of her, killing a bug.
Angus' spell slams into the bug approaching him. It drops to the ground and moves no more.
Bralin's axe never even slows down as he cuts one cleanly in two.
Florin shreds one of the two bugs coming toward him.
Syr lands a solid blow, killing another bug.
Gordo slaps at an approaching bug. It bounces off the solid blow. It appears injured, but keeps coming.
Tionel believes the creature is a variant of a stirge, a magical dragonfly/mosquito beast. The druid attempts to calm the attacking beast, but its not willing to give him enough time to influence it.
(Bugs attack with a touch attack. If they hit, they latch on and stick their noses into you, draining blood - temp Con loss.)
M1 -- dead M2 -- Attacks Bralin. It latches onto the dwarf and plunges its spiked nose into his shoulder. (Hits AC20 with touch attack for 4 CON pts.) M3 -- dead M4 -- attacks Florin. It lands on the paladin's thigh, draining blood eagerly. (Hits AC 24 with touch attack for 3 CON pts) M5 -- dead M6 -- attacks Syr. It lands on the monk's leg, and gets down to lunch. (Hits AC19 with touch attack for 1 CON pt) M7 -- dead M8 -- Attacks Xenia. The nimble rouge ducks out of the way. (ac12 on touch attack) M9 (wounded) -- attacks Gordo. The monk easily blocks the clumsy attack. (ac14 on touch attack) M10 -- Also attacks Gordo. And again, the monk is just too quick. (ac 17 on touch attack) M11 -- attacks Tionel. It latches onto the poor druid and starts sucking. (Hits ac 24 with touch attack for 3 CON pts.) M12 - dead
Xenia (AC 18- 17+1Dodge) d20+3=22 d20+3=4 d6=6 d20+11=15 Thursday December 11th, 2003 10:58:17 AM
Too fast to think. Things just happen too fast to think. Sword. Thrust. Duck. Turn. Backhand swipe.
The short sword connects with it's second target. The bug, struck, lurches, and the rogue has to pull all of her focus inward to complete the diving roll to a central spot, from which she can provide aide to anyone else.
[[ Hit AC 22 CritThreat / 4 NoCrit / Damage 6 / Tumble 15 NoAoO. I don't think I'm tumbling through any enemy territory. ]]
Florin d20+8=20 Thursday December 11th, 2003 12:53:35 PM
Florin winces as the insect lands and starts sucking blood from him and thinks quickly since he doesn't want to cut himself he uses the flat side of his sword and swats the bug instead, "I think we know how the flowers got into the city now."
(To hit:20 Dmage:?? not sure what the damage for what Florin is doing would be.)
Angus (Mage armor AC 14) d4+1=4 d4+1=4 Thursday December 11th, 2003 1:23:28 PM
Angus see several of his friends in trouble and knows he can only do so much. Angus targets the Stirge critter on Tionel with two magic missles (Damage 8).
"Tionel do you need any more assistance are you alright?"
Bralin (ac18) d20+8=22 d4+5=8 Thursday December 11th, 2003 3:18:44 PM
Bralin gasps as his blood is sucked away. By the Stone, a monstrous leech!
He's not ready to try and hit himself with his own axe. The large implement clatters to the street as the dwarf lets it go and grabs his dagger instead.
Growling, the warrior slams his knife down into the little monster's head. (hit ac 22 for 8 hp damage)
Gordo d20+5=9 d20+5=19 d8+2=4 Thursday December 11th, 2003 7:20:02 PM
The big man continues his two fisted assault on the oversized midges, giving every impression of having the time of his life (AC 9, AC 19 for 4 HP on the same insect he hit the first time).
Syr (-1 Con) d20+7=13 d20+7=15 d8+5=12 Friday December 12th, 2003 2:09:27 AM
The elf lets out a yelp as the bat-like thing attaches itself to his leg. Swinging wildly in pain, he hits the creature weakly doing no damage. (not sure of it's AC due to it being attached to his leg so I rolled damage just in case, is it considered prone?)
Bug Attack - rd2 (DM MikeK) d8+4=9 Friday December 12th, 2003 10:05:35 AM
Xenia launches herself into a tight roll, coming out right under M8. Her sword flicks out and skewers the bug. It falls to the ground.
Florin smacks M4 soundly with the flat of his blade. It drops off the paladin and lies twitching at his feet. It is still alive (9hp non-lethal damage).
Angus fires two magic missiles at M11. They slam into the creature and it falls off of Tionel, dead before it hits the ground.
Bralin plunges his dagger into M2, killing it.
Gordo's fist slams into M9, killing it.
Syr pummels M6. The creature dies and falls off the monk. (attached bugs are ac12).
There is only one stirge left (M10). As Gordo, pummels its partner, it takes off straight up before disappearing over a building.
The wounded heroes are left standing among dead and unconscious stirges in front of a patch of white flowers.
Xenia Friday December 12th, 2003 10:28:32 AM
The dark half elf heaves a sigh of relief from her crouch near the ground as the last of their attackers buzzes off over the rooftops. She tries to clean her blade off the best she can against the dirt of the ground. (Yuck. Bug guts.) She disappears the sword back into her glove and then stands to survey the aftermath.
Brown and white bugs lie broken on the ground. Her eyes narrow as an idea comes to her. She looks from them to the flowers. She looks from the flowers back to the bugs.
"Hey, you guys. The bugs came from the flowers. And the flowers are supposed to be poisonous. So, you know, maybe the bugs are poisonous. Keep tabs on how you're feeling."
With that, she picks up her sack again, and holding her breath, retrieves 20 of the white blossoms as she had originally intended.
DM Mike d100=68 d100=20 d100=98 d100=75 Friday December 12th, 2003 10:46:44 AM
Bralin, Syr, and Tionel - Fort Save DC 12 or lose 1 pt Dex.
Florin was not poisoned.
(Forgot about that - Thanks for the reminder, Al!)
Angus Friday December 12th, 2003 1:08:41 PM
Angus appears revlived the battle is over as he carefully readjusts his cloths.
"Well that was not fun or expected. Go looking for a Sea Monster and flowers and get attacked by bats.
Angus takes out his dagger and kills the uncouncious critters " Do not want them to spread the pollin any farther than they have already. Tionel do you with the pollin is also poisionous?"
Florin Friday December 12th, 2003 2:27:18 PM
Florin looks to the others as he sheathes his longsword, "I hope those hurt will be okay. My healing abilities aren't good enough to help with poison."
Florin stretches alittle bit and and checks his wound to make sure it isn't bleeding yet before looking to the others, "I can check your wounds if you like. I'm not sure how we can get rid of the flowers without possible problems." Florin looks to Bralin and smiles, "Suppose for now we should handle the sea monster inless anyone has ideas or inless someones posioned and we need to have that dealt with."
Bralin (-4 CON) d20+8=12 Friday December 12th, 2003 2:38:48 PM
As Xenia voices her suspicions, Bralin feels a wave of dizziness wash over him. The dwarf fights it off (Fort check 12).
He watches Angus dispatch the last bug with some surprise. Not at the act, but at the mage being the one to perform it.
There are more important matters, however. The dwarf responds to Florin. "I have been poisoned, but can manage. If you are well, I will look to the others. Moreover, I lost much blood to this beast (he kicks the bat's corpse) and am somewhat fatigued. Mayhap we should seek no more than the monster's location, then retreat to rest and plan, and attack on the morn."
It is quite possibly the longest speech anyone has heard from the quiet dwarf.
Gordo Friday December 12th, 2003 5:54:07 PM
"Aye son, you're looking a wee bit green about the gills there. You could probably do with some resting up. Let's have a peek at this sea beastie, and head back to the house."
Tionel d20+5=18 Saturday December 13th, 2003 3:01:57 AM
(Sorry about my posting... been rather hectic lately.)
"Interesting," says the elf, gently prodding the first fly with his walking stick/quarterstaff. "A distant relative of the stirges, a sort of...giant mosquito. Except these ones also are poisonous. And quite dangerous. Look, how when you touch this part of its brain, it automatically tries to poke its probiscus forward!" He takes a cheerful (and perverse) glee in prodding the insect cadaver. "I agree, we should check out a bit farther. I know of a perfect way to get rid of these flowers. I'm...not quite sure if I can do it, though. Hmmm. Stand back."
Tionel steps forward and plants his stick firmly into the muck. In his current, all black outfit, it hardly makes much of a different. With one hand still clutching the stick, he bends over, hunching low, and brings his hands in close...he begins wiggling his body, trying to focus, looking utterly peculiar, almost as though he has a seizure, and his eyes go distant as he communes within himself and finds a path to the sylvan side...
(To DM: I wish to see if Tionel can polymorph (using sylvan shape) into a version of the beetle that Max was. One of the same species, who feeds upon the flowers...However, to be able to do so, there'd have to be medium sized versions of that species. If there isn't, Tionel fails at his attempt. If there are, Tionel shapechanges into one.)
Syr (-1 Con) d8=8 d4=4 d4=1 d4=1 d4=3 d20+6=17 d20+8=27 Saturday December 13th, 2003 10:10:52 PM
He shakes his leg a bit and the bite spot hard with his right hand. "It still tingles." (Fort 17)
Syr looks doubtfully at the corpses, "I dunno, we hear about children playing with the flowers but not being attacked by anything flying inside there. I'm not quite convinced that it's the source. Even if it is the source, did we get rid of it by killing this one... nest?" He looks inside the flower patch searching for any further clues (Spot check 27)
Echoing Bralin, "I'm all for that, Let's find this Lock and see what we are dealing with."
As Tionel hunches over, he watches with concern. Quietly to Florin, "Ya think it's the poison? Is he going to be okay?"
Tionel's Dance (DM MikeK) Sunday December 14th, 2003 9:39:58 PM
(OOC - This is for Monday)
Xenia creeps forward with Syr to the flower patch. While the monk scans (unsuccessfully) for any clues to help with the stirge/flower connection, the rogue gathers up 20 flowers and sticks them in a small sack.
The nimble little elf is able to get the flowers without getting any of the poisonous resin on her hands.
Meanwhile, Tionel goes through his strange gyrations, but nothing seems to happen. The druid finds he can form Max's image in his mind easily enough, but he feels stretched every time he tries to assume the shape. Tionel concludes the beast is simply too large for him to assume its shape.
Syr, Tionel, and Bralin all succeed in overcoming the initial poison, but unless other steps are taken, they all need another Fort DC 12 save or lose d4 Dex pts.
Bralin (-4 CON) Monday December 15th, 2003 8:44:17 AM
The dwarf pulls out a vial that the group retrieved at the witch's tree. He pours out a third of the contents and eats it.
Stepping over to Tionel and Syr, he says, "Ingest this. It will halt the poison."
(Keought..whatever Ointment. Acts as neutralize poison and no save needed)
Xenia d20+10=25 d20+2=12 d20+9=13 Monday December 15th, 2003 12:27:08 PM
Xenia worries her lower lip as Bralin, Tionel and Syr appear to fight against the effects of the poison. She's on the verge of reaching into her haversack when the dwarf brings out the jar of ointment they had found in the witch's tree. That should do it. He hopes.
Still worried, she none-the-less sets to work examining the ground around the flower patch. She's not exactly sure what she's looking for. Do flowers have seeds like apples? How big would they have to be then anyway? Still, she can cover the ground.
[[ Search 25 / Survival 12 / Spot 13 ]] [[ OoC: I was looking at Keoghtom's Ointment in the 3.5 DMG the other day. I have the vague recollection that the number of uses is now 5. Might be worth checking out. I'll take a look tonight. ]]
Florin Monday December 15th, 2003 2:21:46 PM
Florin looks to Syr and shakes his head about his question, "I'm not sure, but I think he was just trying to cast a spell. My knowledge of the magic arts is slim."
Florin was about ready to speak up about the poisoning when Bralin produces something that should help so he stays quiet on it and walks over to Xenia, "As soon as every is well we will head out to see the sea monster. After we see what it is and where it lives we can return to home and make plans on how to fight it and also how to get rid of the flowers."
Florin softly touches Xenia's shoulder before turning to the group and waiting, knowing that each person should of heard.
Tionel (-3 con) d20+7=18 Monday December 15th, 2003 2:38:46 PM
Tionel chitters a bit...then stands up, shaking his head. He looks back to the others, sees their expressions, and laughs. He can't help it... "Well, forget that idea. Let's get going. Oh, thanks, Bralin. You are too kind." He drinks a bit of it as well. He hums to himself and turns to the passageway, looking beyond it. He keeps on watch as they proceed forward, for any sort of sea serpent or anything unusual... (Spot 18)
Xenia Monday December 15th, 2003 3:29:55 PM
The red headed rogue softly touches the hand on her shoulder, and then nods absently to the paladin as she continues her focused search of the area around the flower patch.
Angus Monday December 15th, 2003 9:55:39 PM
Angus looks on with concern as the heros fight off the poison. "I am concerned that we may encounter more flower patches by the sea monster. Lets take a quick look to scout and go back to rest up and get more supplies...maybe something to slow or neutralize the poison? Any thoughts? I am not sure we are up to full strentht to fight a sea monster... but lets check maybe we can just open the door for it, at least lets hope."
Xenia (Al/OoC) Tuesday December 16th, 2003 12:39:02 AM
Keoghtom's Ointment is 5 applications in 3.5. We'll have two left.
Gordo Tuesday December 16th, 2003 2:24:44 AM
The big man cracks his knuckles and grins. "Ready? OK, let's go find this monster's Lock nest."
Syr (-1 Con) d20+6=20 Tuesday December 16th, 2003 3:20:29 AM
As Bralin comes to him with the jar, he waves it off. "It's okay, save it for someone that might need it later.(Fortitude save 20)"
Moving to leave the flower patch, "C'mon dark and lovely. Let's go see what sort of monster we are dealing with..." To Angus, "I'm feeling pretty good. A little advanced scouting won't hurt." That way we won't make two trips for supplies.
The Monster's Gate (DM MikeK) Tuesday December 16th, 2003 9:27:17 AM
Xenia spends some more time looking at the flower patch, but doesn't see anything else unusual. It is growing on a refuse pile, but refuse piles are a common sight on this Level, so who knows?
Bralin and Tionel take an application of the ointment. Syr refuses, and fights off the poison's effects on his own (3 applications left).
Gordo and Florin lead the group out of the alleyway and toward the lock. After a while, the group arrives at the same small metal door Tolo and Nheel took them through only a week or so ago.
Gordo Tuesday December 16th, 2003 9:56:31 AM
Gordo is about to swing the door open and go marching in when he remembers this is supposed to be a reconaissance mission, not a tail-whupping one. He steps back and waves at the door. "'Scuse me, folks, after you!" he grins to the scouts.
Xenia d20+9=26 d20+11=30 d20+10=19 d20+9=23 Tuesday December 16th, 2003 10:46:58 AM
The half elven girl puts a finger to her lips and quietly listens at the metal door. Dang, metal doors.
Quietly she eases the door open just enough to peek through.
Tionel (-3 con) Tuesday December 16th, 2003 12:24:55 PM
Taking an instant of freedom, he steps over to Gordo and casts Barkskin on him. "There ya go, my friend." Then, he withdraws to the back of the group to stay quiet.
Florin Tuesday December 16th, 2003 3:09:08 PM
Florin stops by the door and allows Xenia to move foreward and try to open it and take a peek since she is better at silent moving and such. As he waits he glances to the other and hopes Syr will be okay for sure. Florin himself feels just a tad funny but it isn't bad (figured the con drain would have a effect of some type).
He looks to Tionel and whispers towards him, "Just incase we have to close this door and get out of here do you have any spells that could slow it down?"
Bralin (-4 con) Tuesday December 16th, 2003 4:41:32 PM
Bralin does not enjoy this weakened feeling. He spent the whole trip day dreaming about what a nice bed is in his room.
At the door, he shakes his head to clear the cobwebs. It is time, he berates his weakness.
The dwarf pulls out his axe and stands ready to act.
Syr (-1 con) Wednesday December 17th, 2003 4:08:37 AM
Syr pats the bite mark on his leg and grimaces. Careful to keep quiet, he clutches his stomach and tries to make the queasy feeling go away. Seeing Florin's concern, he gives a weak smile and stands impatiently behind Xenia.
Anybody Home? (DM MikeK) Wednesday December 17th, 2003 10:03:36 AM
Xenia carefully cracks open the access door and pokes her head through.
Just like last time, the overpowering stench of raw sewage hits her like a physical blow. (Fort save DC15 or become nauseous)
The good news is, she is able to spot the creature without it spotting her. The bad news is, its definitely a monster.
Sitting or lying in a pile of refuse some 120' away is a large gray body. Most of it is submerged in the garbage, so feet or legs or whatever are impossible to make out. What is obvious is the 10' long snake like neck that rises out of that body and ends in a reptillian-like head full of teeth.
The neck sways back and forth over the water's edge, and then darts down forcefully. The head resurfaces with some kind of captured fish, which it swallows in two quick gulps.
Xenia d20+2=19 Wednesday December 17th, 2003 11:19:35 AM
The half elven girl grimaces and a tear comes to her eye as she peeks into the noxious fly infested dock. Totally yucko!
When she spots the monster, her eyes get big and she spends a good few moments staring at it in disbelief. The head swaying at the end of the long sinuous neck clamors at her subconscious before finally being admitted as something physically possible.
Xenia withdraws from the door. Though she moves a few paces away she still speaks in a low whisper. Both the look in her eyes and the carriage of her body command an air of necessity, information to impart.
"Monster. Large, gray. Take Max. Add a snake-like neck. Fill the mouth full of teeth. I didn't see it's feet. Doesn't look like it could fit through this door, but head and neck might. That would be about ... 10 feet." Unlike the Xenia who tends to runs on in casual conversation, this Xenia is terse, her phrases clipped and distinct. This is business. This is different.
She waits for a moment for the basic description to sink in before adding, "It doesn't look much like a turtle. And it doesn't look like it has anything to do with flowers."
[[ Fort 19 ]]
Angus Wednesday December 17th, 2003 11:29:23 AM
Angus waves his hand in front of his fasce as the stench hits him. " Well we know its there. Do we take it now or hget healthy and prepared first. What say all of you to fighting the sea monster from the doorway. We can use missle weapons and not get drowned at the same time?"
Angus takes a step back to get a clean breath of air or at least as clean as it gets on the trash level.
Xenia (OoC) Wednesday December 17th, 2003 11:56:34 AM
Note: Doesn't look like it can fit through the doorway.
Gordo Wednesday December 17th, 2003 12:43:57 PM
"Big bad and gruesome isn't going anywhere. I say we rest up, then come back in the morning. an't say I like the idea of shooting him from the doorway though. Seems a bit... dishonorable somehow. Noble great beastie like that, he deserves to fight for his life, not be picked off like some oversized fish in a stinky barrel. I say we go in there and thump him! In fact, I'd much rather try to knock it silly, use a turtle to drag it away from the city, and let it go."
Florin Wednesday December 17th, 2003 2:39:18 PM
Florin nods and looks to the group, "I agree, we head back, rest and get well before coming back. Tionel, if your druid friend is waiting for us then maybe he can help us with the effects of the blood suckers we ran into."
Florin then looks to Bralin, "I think when we fight it we should try to get it to stick it's head through this door way, if it can't come completely through then it will give us a edge in combat. Xenia, could you tell if the water moved up far enough that it could reach this door and get it's head through?"
Florin thinks and also motions to the door, "Xenia is quieter then the rest of us and more stealthy so we she better reshut the door." Florin bites his lip now as he waits for replies and comments, not sure on his leadership abilities.
Xenia Wednesday December 17th, 2003 3:29:17 PM
"It was sitting on top of a garbage pile, Florin," Xenia replied to the paladin. She frowns as she reexamines the image in her memory. "Almost like it was floating in the stuff. I don't think it needs the water to reach the door. I wonder what it has for legs?" she asks half to herself. "Like my Dad always says, 'What you don't know can hurt you."
[[ OoC: Speach is a free action. But if you want, I'll close the door next round. ]]
Bralin (-4 con) Wednesday December 17th, 2003 3:55:16 PM
Bralin nods his head once as Gordo and Florin speak of going back.
The dwarf had never even considered asking that verbose druid for help with his weakness. He considers the comment slowly, and decides it would be in the group's best interest to do so.
Florin is proving his worth as battle leader already. Excellent.
Bralin moves with the rest of the group.
Tionel (-3 con) Wednesday December 17th, 2003 7:10:44 PM
Tionel ponders that, and ponders the monster. It definitely sounds like something not native to this area, and according to the other druid, that's a bad thing. He ponders, and speaks aloud. "You know, this might sound a bit mean, but if we really want to get rid of this creature, I could just summon a few sharks into that pool from right here. They'd go away in a couple of minutes, and we'd be less one giant monster. Or at least, they'd weaken it. "Then again, I don't know if we should tackle this thing yet. It might be misplaced, but it's not necessarily *evil*. I'd agree that we should go back to the surface to talk to the druid, because I think he could give us a better opinion of the creature now that we can describe it. Besides, now that we know it's in this area, it will be a lot easier to find, no?"
Syr (-1con) Thursday December 18th, 2003 2:38:08 AM
Agreeing with Tionel, "Yes, we do need more information. The sharks aren't a bad idea but let's hold off for the moment until we are sure of what we are dealing with."
Switching subjects he looks at Xenia, "Speaking of weakening it, I guess no one liked the idea of feeding it some meat covered by the those crushed flowers?"
"Not that I like those bat things but I'll brave the flowers to try something like that tomorrow."
Following the others, he heads up to the fence level to get some rest.
R&R (DM MikeK) Thursday December 18th, 2003 11:20:20 AM
The group returns to their apartments with the sack full of flowers, and settles in to get some rest.
The night passes without incident, and all those weakened by the blood sucking beasties feel a bit better (recoverd 1 Con pt).
Tarketh shows up just after breakfast. "You're back! Terrific! How'd it go?"
Xenia d20+2=17 Thursday December 18th, 2003 12:56:28 PM
Bralin doesn't look so good. So during the night, Xenia pops in on him from time to time. She watches over him, bringing him water and juice and other good stuff. Lots of nursy kind of things, thinking that maybe she can help him get better faster.
Then next day, when Tarketh shows up, she brings the sack of flowers in from the place in the garden where she had stashed it the evening before. Unsure of whether Florin or Tionel would take the lead in this, she simply places the sack in the center of the table and nods to the druid guy.
[[ I don't know if overnight is long enough, but ... Heal - Longterm Care 17 ]]
Florin d20+5=25 Thursday December 18th, 2003 2:49:12 PM
(OOC:Sorry I haven't been making note of the con penalty Florin had.)
Florin dresses quickly in the morning and straps on his armor, making his way quickly from the temple to the house where the group stays after only doing a quick prayer to Domi.
At the house he arrives in time to meet Tarketh when he first arrives. Once Xenia lay the bag of flowers for him out Florin speaks up, "Kind sir, while getting these flowers for you and your order we were attacked by some blood sucking creatures. Some of our group was weakened and still are even after a nights rest. Could you help us out?*Diplomacy: 25*"
Rather the druid agrees or not Florin decides to tell Tarketh of the sea monster, all the details he can remember and allowing Xenia to fill in anything he forgets. After telling him Florin looks at Tarketh, "Do you have any idea what the creature is? any help or knowledge on this creature could be greatly useful."
Xenia (OoC) Thursday December 18th, 2003 2:55:32 PM
Florin didn't take a CON penalty, IIRC.
Tionel (-2 con) d20+6=24 Thursday December 18th, 2003 4:55:06 PM
During the night, Tionel consults that handy little book of flora, fauna, and other creatures he's encountered or heard of. He looks through it, for a creature much like the sea serpent... (Knowledge: Nature check of 24. What sort of info does he find?) When Bralin asks the druid, Tionel listens to the fellow, then fills the group in on his own speculations. During his explanations, he coughs and sniffels once or twice, still a bit pale and weakened from the poison of the creature.
Bralin (-3 Con) Thursday December 18th, 2003 9:03:37 PM
Bralin doesn't like being weakened, but he absolutely HATES being nursed.
For the good of the group, he puts up with Xenia's ministrations for a while. But, by about the fourth set of "I brought you some fruit", he's had it.
"BY THE STONE! BEGONE!!" he roars.
That exertion is enough to send him straight to slumber city.
The next morning, Bralin awakens feeling slightly better. Letting Tionel or Florin handle the druid, he gives his customary nod of greeting to everyone in the group, and sits on a couch, bracing himself for a morning of talking.
The dwarf has totally forgotten last night's outburst.
Syr (-0 con) d4=3 d4=4 Friday December 19th, 2003 3:31:45 AM
The elf wakens during the night to some shouting and runs out of the room to see Xenia leaving Bralin's room. With a groggy look at the half-elf he arcs an eyebrow, "Forget I was here, I don't wanna know." He turns immediately around and goes back to bed.
In the morning, he sees the dwarf and gives him a small wink when no one is watching. As Tarketh arrives, he moves to the table and begins his stretching exercises while the group speaks.
Xenia Friday December 19th, 2003 8:38:19 AM
Xenia steps back from the table after depositing the flowers. She stands behind the couch next to the sullen dwarf, Bralin.
"You know, you didn't have to shout last night," she says in a loud whisper. "I mean, I coulda helped you. It's nothing to be ashamed about, you know. Lots of guys have problems like that now and then. It's natural. All you needed was a little help. I coulda helped you. And, if you'd just relax, I betcha it'd feel good too."
She pouts and turns to Syrdeth, sharing a shrug and a roll of her eyes.
Just the Facts, man (DM MikeK) Friday December 19th, 2003 9:44:37 AM
Despite Bralin's protests, Xenia's long term care did help (Bralin recovers 2 con pts instead of 1).
Tionel doesn't find anything on a sea snake. Going over Xenia's description in his mind, he recalls her saying it had 'a body like Max'. That triggers something way in the back of his mind, and he flips to another part of the book. He smiles in satisfaction. The druid is fairly certain the 'monster' is an ancient reptile. Thick body some 10-15' long. 10' long neck, and a 10' long tail. Has flippers, but can move on land or water. (Think Loch Ness Monster).
Tarketh is estatic as Florin places the bag in front of him. "Fantastic! Wonderful! They'll be so pleased!" The druid very carefully opens the bag to peer in at the flowers. "Oh, this is most excellent indeed!"
It is only after several glowing minutes that he seems to remember the rest of Florin's questions.
"Oh, that sea monster again?" He thinks for a few moments. "I really can't think of anything. I'm pretty sure we can help with your injuries, though. I'll take this to the Circle, ask about your monster, and get some scrolls to help your people. I'll be back this afternoon."
He gets up and excitedly takes the bag. "Really fantastic work. Excellent job." Tarketh is off.
Bralin Friday December 19th, 2003 10:51:15 AM
The dwarf's brow furrows in confusion when Syr winks at him. Elves are so odd
An opinion confirmed by Xenia's outburst. "Eh?" he answers, brow furrowing again.
What is she babbling about? Bralin spends several moments looking blankly at Xenia while his mind works its way around this unfamiliar problem. Ah, she is displeased about the way I asked her to stop attending me.
"I meant no offense," he apologies. Understanding the elf might require further explanation, he belatedly adds "Your offer for aid was appreciated, but not required."
The dwarf turns back to the business of killing sea monsters, pleased to have successfully resolved the issue.
Angus d20+7=15 Friday December 19th, 2003 11:23:39 AM
Angus seemed distracted the last day or two (very busy outside of the Wold)thinking about the sea monster.
Angus approaches Florin "I we have to fight the sea monster fine, but I want to avoid getting anyone hurt if at all possible. That monster was big. I really think we should find a way to open the lock or gate down there and let it swim out. If we can kill it, we would be killing it for feeding itself and it may actually be cleaning up down there. I do not necessaricarily trust the motives of the rouge gang or the druid. They are not telling us the whole story. Also how may of those bat creatures have been killing people down on the trash level. One got away, they may be a bigger threat???"
Angus comes up for air and in a few minutes is playing his flute (DC 15). An average performance for Angus. He must have talked too much.
Florin Friday December 19th, 2003 1:48:26 PM
After the bruid runs off with the flowers to the order Florin begins pacing back and forth but away from the group, thinking to himself and pondering everything.
While pacing he tightens the straps on his breast plate armor and checks his sword since he was in a hurry this morning to get to the house and frowns abit more to himself, "Friend Tionel, as a druid maybe you can help me clear something up. Most wild animals are terriorial and once they extablish a eating or hunting area they will return, sometimes even when made to leave. I would rather not fight this thing either but if it will return again and cause problems then it should be dealt with now."
Florin also looks over at Xenia as the other problem in the trash level comes to mind and then comments, "The flowers I have a brief idea of how to get rid of also, if we can find a way to freeze them then they should die off. That should work better then burning specially in the city."
After making those comments Florin sighs deeply, "If we have to fight the monster I think we should try to get it to stick it's head through the flood lock door since it shouldn't beable to pull it's body through. This should impair it's movement and give us a bit of a edge. Being elected leader and if you agree that this is a good idea I will try to get it to stick it's head out though. I don't want no one here hurt when we fight the thing." Florin stands and listens to comments and such now. but will not allow someone to talk him out of being the one to lure the thing to stick it's head through the door if the group decides to try that.
Xenia Friday December 19th, 2003 3:12:20 PM
"Thanks," Xenia smiles, easily mollified by the dwarf's apology. She throws a slim leg over the back of the couch and slides down into a seat next to Bralin. She listens as they don't get a whole lot of new information about much else. Then, as Florin proposes his plan, she raises her hand.
"How much do you think one of those things weighs?" she asks.
Tionel (-2 con) Friday December 19th, 2003 7:29:11 PM
The elf quietly considers. "Before you go about with any plans to kill it, allow me at least the chance to try to pacify it. I usually get along with most people and animals. Perhaps I can draw it out of the city without any violence whatsoever...I'm sure that's what we'd all prefer. If I don't succeed, then I don't want to endanger any other lives. We will have to subdue it. But please allow me the chance." In preparation for this, Tionel has memorized different spells. (I will post 'em next time.)
More Planing (DM MikeK) Monday December 22nd, 2003 9:33:31 AM
The morning and early afternoon pass.
In the mid-afternoon, Tarketh comes bouncing back. "The Circle relays its thanks for the flowers," he happily announces to Florin. "And provided these scrolls to help your wounded people as a show of thanks." The druid hands Florin three divine scrolls. Each contains one spell of Lesser Restoration.
"I talked to them about your monster," Tarketh continues, after helping himself to some tea. "They said its probably just a natural creature from the deep lake, and not a jungle creature." His face falls a bit. "I'm afraid they see it as outside their area of interest." Then, he brightens again. "We do expect your flowers will help us find a solution to the jungle advance on the Trash Level. I'll let you guys know as soon as I find anything out."
If there are no further questions for Tarketh, he leaves again.
Xenia Monday December 22nd, 2003 11:04:10 AM
Xenia comes out of the kitchen with a glass of water and a sandwich on a plate. She sits at the table, and between crunchy bites of lettuce, cheese, and roast beef she listens to the druid's report.
Oh well, the half elven girl thinks, those Circle guys got their job to do. Can't expect every old person to just help you out.
"Hey, Florin," she says after finishing a bite, "can I see one of those scrolls?" She lays the scroll out flat and pulls her legs up into a cross-legged sit on the seat of the chair. She stares intently at the script on the page as she polishes off her sandwich. When she's finished, she brushes the sandwich crumbs on the scroll carefully onto her plate and hands the scroll back to Florin. "Cool stuff," she says.
"Hey, I'm going down to the Ghost. Anybody else want to go?"
[[ OoC: There's an IC discussion on the tactics of this sea monster thing going on in the Giggling Ghost. If you have time, you might want to pop in and drop your 2 cents. ]]
Florin Monday December 22nd, 2003 1:04:39 PM
Florin hands over one scroll to Xenia with a smile and takes it back when she offers. He thinks for a moment and looks to the others, "I'm not sure if I'm able to use these so we should give them to the person who could use them the best, so I figure Bralin or Tionel? inless I'm forgetting someone."
Florin thinks and sighs abit and looks to Tionel, "To open the lock so the sea monster can get out, where is the switch? if it's inside the room with it then I will go in and open the lock. I'm not putting anyone else in danger inless we have to." Florin looks to Tionel, "If nothing else I'm following you inside the room if need be, everyone else can be standing ready."
Bralin (-1 con) d4=1 d4=3 d4=1 d20+10=17 Monday December 22nd, 2003 1:35:05 PM
Bralin spends the time waiting for Tarketh's return in his room. His statue is nearing completion, and any spare minutes are devoted to it. (Craft check 17 vs DC 15. 225cp complete. Running total - 1250 of 1500 complete)
Upon the druid's return, the dwarf goes back downstairs to hear his words.
Wordlessly, Bralin takes the scroll from Florin and casts the spells on Tionel, Syr, and himself.
(Tionel gets back 1 con pt Syr gets back 3 con pts Bralin gets back 1 con pt)
The dwarf sits back, lost in his own thoughts as the conversation continues around him. I am a warrior, and yet, my communion with the stones has endowed me with the ability to heal. I am no healer. Or am I? My companions turn to me when healing is required. This is proper in its place. But, what if they do so during battle? Fah. Time, Stoneminder. These thoughts require much time.
Gordo Tuesday December 23rd, 2003 2:30:49 AM
"I'll go with you, Florin old son" grins the big man. If things turn nasty you'll be fisfood in there on your own"
(OOC: Sorry about the missed posts, it's the Christmas rush!)
Syr Tuesday December 23rd, 2003 4:57:51 AM
As Bralin moves to use the scroll, the elf waves him off, "I had a great night's sleep and I feel back to normal."
Nodding at Florin suggestion, "Might I suggest Gordo or I go in first? Since we will be around water, it helps that wear don't wear anything. Besides, I've seen baldie move, he can really hustle when he needs to..."
Angus Tuesday December 23rd, 2003 8:27:27 AM
Angus seems quite interested in the divine scolls and watches Bralin with great interest as he casts them. "Great work fine dwarf. You are multitalented."
"Xenia I will rest and recoup my spells instead of going to the Ghost. Please say Hi to daphne for me. Oh and here." Angus touches Xenia twice "Practice with these. I have again cast invisibility on you along with Jump."
And the Plan Is? (DM MikeK) Tuesday December 23rd, 2003 1:11:37 PM
Tarketh leaves.
Bralin casts spells on Tionel and himself, and saves the final scroll for later use.
Angus and Xenia seem content to wait till the next day to attack the monster, while the rest of the group seems ready to go now.
(OOC - Things are probably going to slow down some over the next two weeks. I'm not posting without at least 6 of you doing so, and no combat without all seven. Normal posting rules [every day no matter what] go back into effect on 5 JAN)
Angus Tuesday December 23rd, 2003 1:16:48 PM
Angus goes off to bed after casting the two spells on Xenia. "Have fun Xenia. I am off to meditate and rest." Angus casts two light cantrips in the main room before going to his room.
As Angus closes the door he tell the group. " Lets have a good breakfast tommorrow and go catch a sea monster" Angus closes the door.
A soft flute melody can be hear from behind the closed door.
Tionel (-1 con) Tuesday December 23rd, 2003 1:28:11 PM
[Perhaps we should break then, and enjoy a quiet dinner? I can have tiny tim from Moma Flaust hear stories. :) ]
A breeze of passing stirs the air in the room as an invisible half-elven girl executes a running leap into the air. Then with a tuck and an aerial summersault, she thumps back to her feet in a crouch.
"Woo!" her enthusiastic cry bursts from out of thin air.
"Fun," she says, still somewhat breathless from her little experiment. "So, we're going to try Tionel's experiment first. And if that doesn't work, maybe retreat through the door. Right?"
Xenia takes invisible steps toward the garden window and looks out at the mid-afternoon sun. "You know, if we take off for the Trash Level now, we might get there, maybe early evening. I mean, it could be kind of darkish. If you guys want to leave now, it's fine with me, but ... "
"You sure you don't want to come down to the Ghost with me and leave tomorrow instead?"
Florin Tuesday December 23rd, 2003 2:28:59 PM
Florin looks to Gordo and Syr, thinking and smiles glad to have such good friends, "okay, so 3 of us will come in and the rest wait. Tionel, Grodo and I will go in and the rest wait. If a fight breaks out then we can try to use the door way to our favor but otherwise we will have to just make a full out attack."
Florin claps Syr on the shoulder, "I hope this plan is okay with you Syr and the rest of everyone also."
Florin blinks and looks around when Xenia vanishes and then practices the spells out. Florin chuckles to himself and guesses atleast Xenia isn't the type ro goose or such anyone.
Syr Wednesday December 24th, 2003 2:10:52 AM
Syr sticks his lip out as Florin excludes him from entering but says, "Okay, sounds like a plan. I'll wait outside in case something goes wrong." The elf follows Angus upstairs to rest.
Gordo Wednesday December 24th, 2003 5:13:46 AM
"Sounds like a plan son! Let's go visit big bad n'ugly!" the big man grins, cracking his knuckles.
Bralin (-1 con) Wednesday December 24th, 2003 9:11:09 AM
The dwarf nods in acknowledgement of Angus' compliment.
He also nods at Florin's plan.
Like Angus, he'll pass on a trip to the Ghost. He prefers his room, and the soothing presense of rock. Soon, the "tink" and scrapes of metal on stone emanate from the apartment.
On to the Monster! (DM MikeK) Wednesday December 24th, 2003 9:19:18 AM
Some go to the Giggling Ghost, where a fine party is in progress. Others retire to their rooms for an evening of quiet contemplation.
In the morning, Tionel and Bralin have fully recovered (+1 Con point).
The spellcasters prepare their spells for the coming encounter, and the warriors eagerly take part in their morning excercises. Today will be a battle. Perhaps.
The group again descends into the Trash Level and the depredation and filth so common there tugs at the soul. Now that they've trained themselves to look for it, they all see more patches of the flowers here and there. The flowers aren't running rampant. Yet. Most of the Level is completely devoid of them. But, there are enough to make it obvious dealing with them will be quite an effort.
Soon enough, the group again stands outside the access door to the flooding lock.
Angus Wednesday December 24th, 2003 9:33:21 AM
When Angus sees a small patch of the flowers on the way down to the sea monsters lair, he finds a torch from a local vendor and gives him a silver piece for it and approaches the flower patch with the torch. "Time for an experiment Tionel." Angus holds his breath as he approaches the flowers and see what effect fire has on them. Angus then reteats and see what his handy work accomplished. "Well now we know"
The next patch of flowers Angus finds he uses a Ray of Frost on to determine the effect also while holding his breath. "we now know a liitle more. Any other suggestions on what may effect the flowers Gentelmen and Lady? If not then lets catch us a sea monster. Who brought the box and make sure you have holes punched int he lid so it can breath."
Xenia d20+11=22 d20+10=30 Wednesday December 24th, 2003 11:14:50 AM
"Surprise is a weapon with a keen edge, Xenia," her father would often say. These words come back to her as she steps to the door and eases it quietly open. Make the motion slow and smooth, natural, like it's a part of the background.
When the way is clear, she steps back and gives the three who would enter a brave smile. From her belt, she takes out her sling and readies a bullet.
[[ Move Silently 22 / Hide 30 ]]
Florin Wednesday December 24th, 2003 2:06:04 PM
Florin moves with the rest, watching to see what happens with the flowers before heading to the flood lock door. Once their he looks to the others and then opens the door and slowly walking in, waiting long enough for Gordo and Tionel to ready themselves.
Florin before going in pulls his glaive from his back and holds it ready but to the side abit hoping the moneter won't be overly threatened by him.
Tionel Wednesday December 24th, 2003 7:58:26 PM
For the first time the group has seen him, Tionel gets angry. His voice is filled with sarcasm and directed at Angus, who he has normally been friendly with. "Oh, fire and ice hurts plants? Gee, I didn't know that. Wow, how great you could test it out on them. You know, it's not like I like flowers, especially poisonous ones, but you wizards sure like to do things the wrong way, don't you? I mean, every wizard I've ever met, they always are experimenting, throwing fire and lightning, testing out stupid spells and causing rampant destruction, not thinking, HEY! Let's use some common sense here! Of course fire will hurt plants. In fact, if the poison isn't secreted as we know it isn't, then you may have just caused it to release poisonous gas. We could have just damn well left alone..." he continues on, mumbling to himself and stomps towards the chamber of the sea serpent.
(In preparation for today, I memorized the following spells: Speak with animal, Hide from animal, Charm animal Faerie Fire, Hold Animal, Reduce Animal, Water Breathing, Dominate Animal. If all of that can't do it, then I don't know what can.) He stops as he gets to the door and glances back. "Sorry, Angus... Hell, I don't know why I care anymore about plants. I always hated that part of my training. Burning that plant creature in the swamp made me strangely happy..."
Tionel cautiously peeks into the chamber. If he sees it, he will first try to cast charm animal to ensnare it from afar. If this is successful...well, we'll see next post.
Syr Thursday December 25th, 2003 10:31:00 AM
Syr stands idly back as Angus experiments with the plants. Upon seeing Tionel's outburst he silently nods agreement with the elf.
As the three enter the door, he stands on the side, out of Xenia's way with just enough room to see the interior.
Bralin Friday December 26th, 2003 3:25:27 PM
Bralin also raises an eye at Angus's experimentation, albeit for a completely different reason.
He steps up near the mage and asks quietly, "You do recall the first patch we encountered was occupied. Mayhap a warning next time, so that we may prepare for possible combat?"
At the door, the dwarf pulls his axe, and watches Tionel, Florin, and Gordo enter the door. He waits anxiously.
Sea Monster rd1 (DM MikeK) Monday December 29th, 2003 9:35:02 AM
Angus throws a torch on one of the patches of flowers. It smolders there awhile, and burns the flowers in the local area. However, the garbage pile the patch is growing on is fairly moist, and nothing very dramatic happens. The torch shortly burns out.
The ray of frost freezes some flowers, which die. Again, nothing very dramatic, and the unaffected part of the patch continues sitting there.
In neither case do any stirges leap to attack.
At the entry door, Xenia silently opens the hatch. Florin, Tionel, and Gordo step through while the rest prepare themselves. Again, the overpowering stench of filth and decaying waste assaults the senses. (Fort DC 15 or be nauseated d4 rounds. Nauseated -- unable to attack or cast spells. Can only perform one move action)
Those three, if not throwing up, find themselves on a slick metal floor. The access room is hundreds of feet wide and about 150' deep. Mounds of garbage and filth float along the far wall in a solid band that terminates some 90' from the inner wall where the adventurers stand. Along that termination line, and slightly to the group's west, sits the beast. Its reptilian head swivels toward the trio on a long snake like neck. Seeing them, the neck rises some 10' and the creature roars a challenge. It does not, however, move toward the party. It remains stationary, some 120' from Florin et al.
Tionel realizes the distance is too great for his spell (his Charm Animal has a range of 35')
Xenia d20+2=20 Monday December 29th, 2003 9:58:08 AM
Xenia's a thin and largely frail girl, but since joining up with these guys, the one thing she's gotten plenty of experience with is nasty, icky, grody. I mean, these guys are, like, magnets for it. Not to mention the fact that she's pretty experienced with the old technicolor yawn by now too. When the wave of stench wafts out of the door, all she does is wrinkle her nose and say, "Yuck."
A roaring hiss of challenge comes from beyond the access hatch, and the "yuck" turns to "yikes."
With her free hand, she reaches out to the haversack on her back. A 50' coil of silk rope comes back in her left hand.
[[ OoC: Is there anywhere around to secure it to? ]]
Florin d20+9=29 d20+2=9 d20+1=20 Monday December 29th, 2003 10:35:41 AM
Florin stares at the creature and keeps his glaive ready as he looks over to Tionel, "Hope you know where that release for the flood lock is so we can let this thing go. I'm not sure how long it will just allow us to be in here without trying to take a bite."
Florin also scans the room for the switch needed. (Search:9 Spot:20)
Angus d20+1=17 Monday December 29th, 2003 11:26:22 AM
ANgus catches up the the group after his experiements with the plants and is assailed by the stench but throws off the effect"You can never get used to that, nasty!"
Then hearing the sea monster roar. "Now that is real nasty..."
Gordo d20+6=13 d4=1 Monday December 29th, 2003 6:06:24 PM
Ther big man marches through the door and casts an appraising eye over the sea monster. "Aaw, he don't look so tough..." he grins.
Then the stench hits him like a battering ram to the guts. "H-woorp! Ptuui! Oops, 'scuse me folks!" splutters the Gordo, wiping his chin (Nauseated for 1 round).
Bralin d20+10=24 Tuesday December 30th, 2003 9:10:01 AM
The stench that caused Bralin so much trouble last week again crashes into him. But, he will not be humbled again. (Fort 24)
Seeing Xenia with her sling, the dwarf pulls out three stones from a pouch, and waves his thick hand over them.
He silently hands the now-glowing missiles over to the rogue. (MAGIC STONE - +1 atk bonus, 1d6+1 damage, 3 stones)
Syr d20+6=13 d4=4 Tuesday December 30th, 2003 10:56:40 AM
Syr takes one wiff of the foul air and stumbles away from the door with a hand over his mouth. He crouches down and proceeds to empty the contents of his stomach on the ground. All thoughts of helping his comrades fade as the power of the smell takes over.
Tionel d20+5=23 d20+7=18 Tuesday December 30th, 2003 3:03:49 PM
Tionel luckily manages to ignore the main blast by having taken a breath to cast his spells...he slowly exhales it, and now breathes gingerly, crinkling a handkerchief around his poor schnozzle. Regarding the leviathan in the ancients, he ponders. It's far away enough that it can't hurt them easily, but too far away for his charms. After waiting to see if anybody has luck in spotting the lever to open it, (In which case Tionel will nod and motion to open it) Tionel says "Well, now. Cover me if it gets dangerous, but do not attack it unless it attacks me first. Okay?" He reaches over and casts a spell on Florin. "Now, you'll be able to breathe underwater, in case it drags you down there. Don't worry about me." He motions for those with close-ranged weapons to follow him, albeit ten feet behind. He moves forward, slowly, leaving behind his staff and holding his hands out so that he appears not dangerous at all. He tries keeping eye contact with the creature, and very softly hums a pleasing hypnotizing rhythm. (Moving forward and attempting to make friends with him: got an 18 on my attempt.)
Xenia(OoC) Tuesday December 30th, 2003 4:32:10 PM
[[ When I ask if there's something to attach the rope to, I mean something aside from the door or it's mechanisms. ]]
Sea Monster rd2 (DM MikeK) Wednesday December 31st, 2003 10:34:20 AM
Neither Florin nor Tionel see anything resembling a lever. Gordo is too busy puking to be of assistance.
Xenia removes a rope and tries to find something to tie it to. Unfortunately, the immediate area is pretty open and nothing comes to mind. The door handle is about all she can see.
Tionel slowly advances (30') toward the monster, with Florin and a slightly recovered Gordo coming up behind. The rest of the party is still on the other side of the door. Syr is pretty much out of action.
The creature stares intently at the druid, head cocked slightly and eyes blinking. It leans forward and bellows again, but is still not moving.
Angus Wednesday December 31st, 2003 11:46:03 AM
Angus looks at the monster through the door and tries to keep one eye on it as he helps Xenia. "Maybe we can just jam the door open" Angus looks to the floor to see if he can stick his daggar is the ground as a door stop, since it is doubtfull he will be using it against the sea monster.
Gordo d20+4=7 d20=7 Wednesday December 31st, 2003 1:37:51 PM
The big man, his dinner revisited, takes a good look at the monster and its surroundings. "I wonder how it got in here in the first place" he ponders (Spot 7, Int 7). He comes up with little, and merely prepares himself for the punching he expects to follow shortly.
Xenia d20+11=21 Wednesday December 31st, 2003 2:04:00 PM
"This might work better, Angus," the Xenia says half to herself as she examines the door. She drops the rope on the floor and reaches around to her haversack again, this time returning with a crowbar. She jams the iron bar in the narrow crack between the door and the frame, just over the lowest hinge. "Hmmm. Dunno, but we can only hope."
Then she looks at how best to secure the rope to the door handle.
"Hey guys! She yells out the door. "If you need a secure anchor, I'll have a rope tied off here pretty quick. But it's only 50 feet, do don't go far."
Wooo, it's stinky in here.
[[ Disable Device 21 ]]
Florin (Water Breathing) d20+2=19 d20+1=3 Wednesday December 31st, 2003 3:59:55 PM
Florin continues foreward, staying close to Tionel though as he whispers to his friend, "I have a bow but am not to good with it, the glaive has decent reach though but not that far friend."
Florin continues looking for anything that could of gave access to the room for the sea monster or the lever or what not to open the area. Florin does speak underh is breath to Tionel once more, "Pray we find some way to open this place or we may be left with little choice here."
(Search:19, Spot:3)
Syr Wednesday December 31st, 2003 5:15:51 PM
Not having another care in the world other than emptying his stomach, the elf continues to vomit.
Tionel Wednesday December 31st, 2003 7:24:55 PM
"Shhh shh, shhhh..." Tionel soothingly says to the beast. Speaking in a soft, unthreatening voice, he says to the others, "I have a trick that will reduce him in size, making it easier to get him out...all we have to do is calm him down..." He motions the others to stay back just a bit and moves forward a bit more... "Caaalmmm...." He moves forward, and when the creature comes within thirty feet of him, he will try to charm it (with a charm animal spell. DC 16 to resist.)
Bralin (magic weapon) Thursday January 1st, 2004 9:34:20 AM
The dwarf continues to watch from the door, occasionally glancing back to Syr. Should it come to combat, we will sore need the elf
The other three are getting too far away. Bralin guages the distance, and doesn't care for the number he's getting.
"Should it be necessary, I must enter the door first. Else I may not arrive in time."
The dwarf casts a spell on his axe. It glows with magical might. (Magic Weapon)
Sea Monster rd3 (DM MikeK) d20+4=7 Thursday January 1st, 2004 9:44:34 AM
Angus and Xenia work on jamming the door open. The crowbar wedges in nicely. Xenia is sure the door can't completely close, but isn't confident on how much open space will be available to anybody in a hurry.
Bralin watches the others.
Syr throws up.
Tionel continues to approach the creature, with Gordo and Florin in tow.
The creature continues to watch them intently, but still doesn't attack. At 30' Tionel casts his spell. The creature still watches, but it stops bellowing. At least until Florin takes another step. He gets a very obvious warning from the beast.
It still hasn't moved.
Anyone making an INT 10 check will remember that the during the turtle ride, the turtle simply slipped underneath the outer wall. It doesn't actually join with Floating City.
Xenia d20+7=16 d20+9=23 Thursday January 1st, 2004 10:53:14 AM
Xenia shakes her head and pulls the crowbar out, opting instead to thread the rope around the hinge itself and tie it off. As she tucks the crowbar back into a pouch in her haversack, she turns to look at the sea thingy.
Bizarre. Just sitting there not moving.
She tips her head to one side in a pose of questioning, and examines the snaky-turtle thingy and the stuff it's flopped down on from her distance at the door.
[[ Rope Use 16 / Spot 23 ]]
Florin d20+1=14 Thursday January 1st, 2004 12:26:42 PM
Florin stops and glances to Tionel, "I think it's trying to tell me to stay back so I'm staying here. Gordo better hold his ground here also for now."
Florin glances to Gordo and nods to him, "Be ready my big friend."
Florin thinks of the turtle incident and comments to him, "We'l have to see if this thing will go under the water and leave and then see if there is a way to shut the place off or something."
(Int:14)
Gordo Thursday January 1st, 2004 2:14:03 PM
The big man nods at Florin's warning. "Don't worry about me, old son!" he grins. A sudden thought strikes him. "Hey, you know the way this beastie is just sitting there, warning us away, on a big old mound of trash; well, you don't think this might be her nest, now do you? Perhaps she's just protecting her eggs or younguns until they're big enough to head out into the lake under their own steam. You have to admit, this is a pretty odd place for a sea monster to hole up."
Angus d20+2=22 Thursday January 1st, 2004 10:18:42 PM
Angus finishes helping Xenia with the door. Int Check (22, rolled a 20!!)
Angus goes to comfort Syr and turns him invisible at the same time. "This may help you get close when the time is right..."
Angus goes to the doorway and mentally cheers his cohorts on.
Syr Friday January 2nd, 2004 1:43:31 AM
Syr barely notices as Angus touches him. He is still on all fours dry-heaving for a bit longer (2 more rounds).
Tionel Friday January 2nd, 2004 2:04:31 PM
"Precisely, Gordo...or, it could be that it was small when it went in here, through the bars, and now it's eaten and swelled in size till it can no longer fit back out. I think it'll be friendly to me now..." He casts speak with animals, and moves forward with very little anxiety displayed, but no threatening gestures, and tries to introduce himself to the creature and get to know it.
Bralin (magic weapon [2]) Saturday January 3rd, 2004 3:49:14 PM
The dwarf continues to watch the trio and the monster, with an occasional glance back at Syr to see if the monk has recovered. He hasn't.
Bralin doesn't understand what Xenia is trying to do with the door, but doesn't really care. He's busy figuring out how long its going to take to get all the way over to that beast, and how many of his companions are going to get eaten in the meantime.
The dwarf absentmindedly slaps the heft of his axe in anticipation.
Sea Monster rd4 (DM MikeK) Saturday January 3rd, 2004 4:07:39 PM
Xenia goes with the rope and succeeds in getting the door wedged open fairly effectively. She takes another look at the creature. The rogue can see Tionel is doing something, but from this distance, she can't make out anything about the monster she hasn't seen before.
Angus helps and watches, as does Bralin.
Syr throws up some more.
Gordo and Florin come to a halt as Tionel casts a spell allowing him to speak to the creature, and approaches still closer.
While everyone else realizes that the druid is now in easy striking distance, Tionel nonchalantly holds a conversation with the critter.
It turns out, Gordo made a very good guess.
The creature is indeed a mama from the deep lake. She found this spot and thought it was quiet, safe, and easily protected. She's laid her eggs and will guard them until they hatch. She likes it here. Its a good nesting ground that will last many, many seasons.
Syr Saturday January 3rd, 2004 6:31:39 PM
The elf rises to his feet and turns toward he doorway. He takes a moment to marvel at the wonder of the invisibility spell and then places his hands on his knees once more as he is bent over vomiting.
Xenia Saturday January 3rd, 2004 8:07:04 PM
Rope tied, she holds the coil in her left hand, ready to toss it in case anyone should need anchor on the slick surface of the lock. Of course, now, everyone's pretty much too far away. Framblation! Oh, well. If your gonna spin your wheels, you might as well be good at it.
And that snake turtle thingy is just flopping there! What gives? Bee-zare.
Gordo Sunday January 4th, 2004 2:10:38 PM
Gordo folds his arms and purses his lips. "Hmm, you know I'm not so keen on attacking a critter just coz she's defendinmg her nest. Anything you can do to pursuade her that this is a bad nesting site, Tionel?"
Florin Sunday January 4th, 2004 6:54:13 PM
Florin nods in agreement with Gordo, "We have to persuade it to go with it's eggs or we will be in trouble with the Anvilheart gang. We have to figure out how to get it to go without violence but we have to do something no matter."
Florin looks to Gordo and hopes the big man understands that he doesn't want to kill the sea monster but if they can't get it to leave then they will be left with little other choice.
ANgus Sunday January 4th, 2004 10:33:27 PM
Angus watches where Syr was as the vomit appears out of thin air. "Very interesting. Still does not stop the smell...."
Angus waits for Tionel's parley with the monster
Tionel Monday January 5th, 2004 7:22:25 AM
Tionel begins weaving a gentle but (hopefully) convincing explanation to the sea serpent about the dangers of this area. In a gentle but cautioning tone, he begins to warn her that though this place seems all right at first, there is a big danger. That there is a group of beings that would come here and smash her eggs and hurt her, known as the 'Big Trouble Gang'. It may seem safer here now, at first, but the Big Trouble Gang goes through and destroys everything in the city's sewers. Switching to obvious obvious concern, he says that if she can, she should move out of here. If she wants, he, Tionel, can help her find a new home, a safe place to put her eggs. They need not move right now, but soon, and the sooner the better. Finally, he finishes in a tone of optimistic hope, that the little ones to come may find a safe place and grow fat and plentiful. He gauges her reaction, then explains to the rest of the group what he's doing.
Bralin (magic weapon [3]) Monday January 5th, 2004 8:56:00 AM
The dwarf ignores the trio around him and concentrates on the three near the beast.
What is happening?
Bralin realizes he's tapping his axe, and stops himself. Fool! You've been gone from the stone too long. Remember yourself!
The dwarf pauses, mentally picturing the comforting solitude of the Chamber. His body relaxes, his fidgeting stops, his impatience fades. Bralin becomes as still as the stone he emulates.
He watches and he waits.
Sea Monster - rd5 (DM MikeK) Monday January 5th, 2004 9:04:50 AM
The creature refuses to leave. She has seen no other beings, and she'll kill any that approach.
The Wood is too dangerous for the nest, and the last nest is too far for the eggs to survive the trip.
She will stay.
Xenia d20+9=20 Monday January 5th, 2004 10:23:01 AM
Snippets of Tionel's explanation drift back to the door. The words are indistinct, but one thing comes through to Xenia loud and clear: Babies! The snake-turtle thingy is a mom, and it has babies!
"Ask it's name. Ask it's name, Tionel," she urges, all thoughts of their moral dilemma pushed into a dark unseen corner of her mind by the burning beacon of motherhood.
[[ Listen 20 - if necessary ]]
Tionel Monday January 5th, 2004 2:13:30 PM
Tionel idly slightly opens a handy jar (Labeled "Turtle Treats") he's recently obtained and reaches inside to get a honeyed fly and gives it to the serpent to see if she likes it. He asks its name, politely, and introduces himself as well. "She doesn't want to move...and she says the eggs would be damaged if she did. You know what? I think this calls for a druid with more experience than me. I've never been good at this sorta thing. I'm more into singing and human-watching."
Gordo Monday January 5th, 2004 2:28:40 PM
"Hoom, this raises a bit of a complication. I'll not be harming a mom defending her kin. But then those thugs won't take no for an answer either. A quandry and no mistake. Anyone got any bright ideas?"
The big man scatches an armpit idly, wondering what to do next.
Florin Monday January 5th, 2004 2:32:11 PM
Florin sighs and looks to Tionel, "The anvilheart gang is not going to like it if we can not remove this creature and you know they will not allow it to stay. We have a small dilema here."
After thinking abit he looks to Tionel, "Tell the thing after you get done that you will be back." Florin looks to Gordo and motions to the door, "Let us exit here for the moment, we need to talk to everyone."
Wanting to be done with this matter Florin quickly walks to the door and steps through it, looking to his friends gathered there and sighs, "We have a problem here, I think we should get the druid that has been visiting us for the flowers and such and get him to help....are main problem is even if this thing is a mother we can't allow it to stay or the anvilheart gang will deal with it and also burn the orphange for us not holding to the agreement."
Knowing that Xenia may comment on this Florin speaks quickly, "Bringing this to Jonas's attention will do little good also since I think we all know that the man would careless. I do not want to kill the thing so for now we should try to find the druid and have him speak to it."
Florin thinks and rubs his forehead with one hand, waiting for Tionel to come out he speaks to him, "With the druid's help whats the chances of putting the sea monster to sleep and moving it to a spot and her eggs also, that the druid's who are watching over the forest may protect? Bottom line is we may have to either kill the momma in there or be willing to fight the anvil heart gang."
Angus Monday January 5th, 2004 4:50:33 PM
Angus is somewhat excited. "I am not moving the sea monster. She seems fine where she is. If possible we shoud feed Jonas to her, but it may cause her indigestion in her delicate condition."
Angus paces. "I am with Tionel. We turn the problem over to his order and drop Jonas a note."
Bralin (magic weapon [4]) Monday January 5th, 2004 9:03:28 PM
No sooner does he slip into the waiting zone than something does happen and the three return.
The news they bring and the resulting conversation surrounding it confuses the dwarf a bit.
"Is it not merely an animal?" he asks with confusion. "We have pledged to destroy it. Let us do so."
Bralin looks over at Syr for some support.
Syr Tuesday January 6th, 2004 2:49:47 AM
Syr begins to get his normal color back as he once agains rises to his feet. Hearing the debate, he takes a big gulp of air and says, "The dwarf is right. We committed to getting the lock cleaned up. This seems pretty easy to me. We have three choices to satisfy our part of the bargin. Kill her, destroy the eggs, or move her." He stops for a moment and turns a light shade of green.
"What if we started a fire? Angus here seems to have certain talents. I can't imagine any sea monster would want to have a nest near fire? I think she would just move it on her own saving everyone the trouble."
With that he places a hand over his mouth a final time and his stomach convulses trying to empty itself.
Sea Monster conundrum Tuesday January 6th, 2004 9:16:16 AM
The creature doesn't understand the concept of names. Tionel introduces itself, and she immediately begins referring to him as 'the Tionel', as if he was a category.
The trio retreats back to the access door and relays what they know to the rest of the group.
The resulting conversation about what to do now continues......
Xenia Tuesday January 6th, 2004 12:01:59 PM
Clearly unnecessary, now, Xenia unties the rope from the door.
In her eyes is a mixture of sadness and perplexity as she turns to watch the long necked sea lizard down by the shore. It's head sways, watching them in return from her place upon her nest. The light of motherhood seems to lend it a grace and nobility that it lacked while still simply a "sea monster."
Syrdeth, behind her, makes a suggestion and then, makes gagging noises. "Are you ok, Syr?" she places a hand against his shoulder and asks sympathetically. "I ... I know we took the job, Syr ... " she looks up to the elf, despite her superior height. She looks up to him for his wisdom and experience.
" ... but, the babies. What about the babies?" It is only when she feels the hot wet track run down the side of her nose that she realizes that she is crying.
Angus Tuesday January 6th, 2004 12:04:31 PM
Angus exuberently greets the group. "Excellent effort by all. Tionel good try. Well as my Mom taught me live and let live. Lets leave the big Mama alone. Tionel what do you think the local druids would have to say?"
Angus thinks some more tapping his forehead. "It would be bad if she eat people though, except Jonas and his iron heart gang. Do we post signs for now warning people to stay away? What do you think Florin?"
Florin Tuesday January 6th, 2004 1:07:43 PM
Florin looks away from Xenia knowing this will sound cold to her, "We took this job and we must finish it. If we do not then you all know what Jonas will do, his threat was clear and I believe he is the type of man to back it up."
Florin looks to Angus and thinks before speaking, "Put it this way Angus, it's the sea monster or the orphanage, which you prefer to loose. I do not think we can defend let alone take out the anvilheart gang. You seen how uncarrying he was if we tried anything when we met him so I think we all know that he can most likley kill us if he wanted, let alone burn a poor orphange."
Florin sighs and looks to Bralin, "I know I was elected leader but I leave this to the group Bralin....our choices are simple, is the sea monster's life and it's eggs worth more then the children and that orphange? If we agree we can try getting the other druid and see if he can help or even the fire but the cold fact is we all must realize one way or the other innocents may or will get hurt."
Florin steps away from the group now allowing them to decide, literally feeling like he is being as cold as the blue tinted metal of his breastplate armor as he does and not liking it.
Xenia Tuesday January 6th, 2004 1:46:05 PM
Xenia blinks. Her heart is steeled, but the tears will simply not go away.
"Florin," she says, her voice quiet and even, "is there way we could ... a way we could at least save the babies?"
Tionel Tuesday January 6th, 2004 3:08:50 PM
Tionel chooses his words carefully, trying to sound like a voice of reason and yet a bit of internal irritation seeps through his speech. "I for one don't agree with you, Bralin. Think about this. We're being cajoled...no, threatened by a gang of thugs into doing something because they lost their turtle. Not because we did something, but because they're looking for someone to blame. And so, for them, we're going to get rid of a creature. There's no word of honor here because they don't give a hoot about honor, only in the bottom line for them. We're dealing with riffraff, street thugs, and if we let them push us over, they're going to continue doing it in the future. Now, me personally, I'd love to pay Jonas a visit and teach him to mess with the friends of Flaust. "Now, mind you, I'm not high on the whole 'sacredness of life' thing, though my father and mother were all high and mighty about it. And this is somewhat of a monster, certainly, living in the refuse of this area, and obviously stubborn and hard to deal with. I'm sure we could all take it out from a distance with spells and arrows, and safely exterminate it, like a rat. If that's what you want to do. But if you still wish to pretend to have a code of honor, what does that say about yours, once you realize the deeper meanings involved? "I pray, however, that all of this conversation is besides the point. In this case, I've charmed the creature into friendship, and hope I can think of a way without violence to resolve this. "First off, I think I can shrink the creature down a notch or two, making this whole thing easier if necessary. If we could somehow get her eggs, and I have a spell that could make her still and held while we do that...though that would make her extremely angry, it might make her willing to bargain to move. Or we could go up to the druid, get him and some friends to go down to the outside of the lock, and have them convince her to leave. I'm sure they'd be a lot better than us at it. "Now, I know this will take time. Which we have as much as we want. If you guys want to just charge and attack and kill this serpent, you can. But consider we still don't even know all the things involved here...like why the flowers came here, why the mother even wandered this far for a nest. Perhaps having gotten rid of this, we only set a precedent for what happens next time another creature walks in...and then the next time, and the next time. I think there's still a mystery to be found here, and I think before we go to the surface, we should look around to see if we can find any traces of this missing turtle or reasons why those flowers would get here."
Angus Tuesday January 6th, 2004 9:18:09 PM
ANgus pipes up again. "I agree with Tionel. We have option. I vote for feeding Jonas to the sea monster to solve all of our problem...."
Bralin (magic weapon [5]) Tuesday January 6th, 2004 10:17:02 PM
Bralin calmly answers Tionel, "Honor is a personal thing, defined by that being only, not by outsiders. My word is mine. The nature of those I give it to matters not. Their opinions of me and mine matter not. Their threats matter not."
"I agreed to remove this beast, and I shall. Mayhap by force, mayhap by guile."
The dwarf holds up a large hand to forstall another arguement. "Know that your plan of conferring with the other druids is sound. Mayhap they can provide aid without besmirching the honor of those comrades who would see this beast live. Let us return and seek their counsel."
He looks back to Florin, "Then, we may attend to the thieves as we see fit."
Gordo Wednesday January 7th, 2004 2:37:47 AM
"I like the plan of feeding Jonas to the beastie!" grins the big man as they set off to confer with the druid.
Syr Wednesday January 7th, 2004 2:38:08 AM
The group hears a groan from the ground which slowly moves behind Bralin. "Don't put words in shorty's mouth. He wants to live up to his promise not go out killing babies. To be perfectly honest, I share the same views."
With a sigh, "Slaughter doesn't have to be the solution." Towards Xenia he says, "I didn't mean that I want to burn the babies but I was too busy gagging to explain. She breathes air, otherwise she wouldn't nest on land. Let's just smoke her out.We have to make this place unlivable." With a slight chuckle in his voice, "It's pretty close already with that horrible smell."
With a bit of steel and resolve in his voice, "It is abundantly clear that she must go. Not only to satisfy our agreement with Jonas but because of the potential danger she represents to anyone else. The only question is how, I say that we try Tionel's plan."
Xenia Wednesday January 7th, 2004 10:57:27 AM
Much relieved to hear sympanthetic words for the mother sea monster, Xenia sighs and wipes at the unbidden tears.
"I'll stay here while you guys go see the druid," she says. "I'd feel better knowing that someone's here to keep her safe."
"Maybe I'll take a look around here too. See if the Anvilheart goons have been snooping around maybe," she says, though she reflexively wrinkles her nose at the piles of garbage.
Off to see the wizard, er, druid (DM MikeK) Wednesday January 7th, 2004 11:41:36 AM
Everyone seems to more or less agree to go back up top and have a chat with their new-found druid friends.
So now, the question of the hour is do they wait for Tarketh to return with news on the flowers, or do they seek out Alder House?
The group sets out, while Xenia stays behind (by herself?), to keep an eye on Big Mama.
Xenia d20+10=24 d20+9=26 d20+9=20 Wednesday January 7th, 2004 2:03:00 PM
The red-headed rogue begins her search outside the door to the lock and works her way in. Grasping at straws, and, perhaps, just trying to occupy herself, she searches a swath in a direct line from the door to the shoreline. The alternative would be to just stand around and worry about the future of the amphibious mom and her yet to be brood, or about Kyria and the rest of the orphans back up on the Fence Level. And, besides not doing anybody any good, that's just not something she wants to deal with right now.
So, Xenia searches. With an occasional glance around to ensure that no one, none the least momma sea monster, is sneaking up on her, Xenia searches.
[[ Search 24 / Spot 26 / Listen 20 ]]
Florin Wednesday January 7th, 2004 2:26:16 PM
Florin frowns at the thought of Xenia staying by herself and looks to the others as they start to go, "I'll stay with Xenia and make sure nothing happens."
Florin sighs softly and looks to Tionel, "On my word I nor no one else will harm the creature till you and the others return." Florin walks over and leans against the door gently now. His thoughts on this and shakeing his head abit as his own words earlier and wondering if there was some other way of handling that.
Florin is to lost in his own thoughts now to really notice if anyone says anything to him without makingi t terribly clear.
Xenia Wednesday January 7th, 2004 3:35:31 PM
"Thank you, Florin," Xenia says touching the paladin's arm as she passes through the door in her search. "Thanks for staying."
Angus d20+7=8 Wednesday January 7th, 2004 7:17:03 PM
Angus looks ant Xenia and Florin with interest. "This may help your searching and he tap both of them to turn them invisible. I am off to the apartments to work on a new tune."
Angus takes out his flute and trys a new melody and he starts off to the upper levels. (perform 8)The tune an the intermitant song do not ring true. The gist of which involves a sea monster that is not bothering anyone and a nasty rouge named Jonas the must be fed to her. "Does anyone know works that rhyme with Jonas or monster...I will have to work on this one."
Tionel Thursday January 8th, 2004 12:29:22 AM
For a second, the elf wants to stay to make sure the serpent doesn't attack anyone. But someone has to make sure the group doesn't decide to kill the poor mother, and besides, he has to explain the situation to the other druid properly. On the way back, Tionel can't help but comment on Angus' playing... "Uhh, Angus, I love your music most of the time, but that is the most irritating tune in the Wold." (Probably something like Justin Timberlake...)
Syr Thursday January 8th, 2004 1:20:43 AM
The elf frowns not entirely satisfied. He follows Tionel to the druids enclave.
Gordo Thursday January 8th, 2004 2:29:18 AM
The big man furrows his brow, trying to come up with a rhym for monster or Jonas.
Bralin Thursday January 8th, 2004 8:59:24 AM
Mentally shrugging, Bralin follows the rest of the group upstairs.
He does his best to ignore the grating little tune, and offers no suggestions about rhymes.
Alder House (DM MikeK) Thursday January 8th, 2004 9:13:52 AM
The group, minus Xenia and Florin, make the long trek up to the Gold Level. Once there, they locate Copper Way and Ruby Walk, and have to do a bit of searching to find Alder House.
During their moving about, they notice the citizens of the Gold Level giving them many a dirty look. Quite a few folks who find themselves near the party quickly move away to a discrete distance. Perhaps coming straight from the Trash Level was a bad move. It does smell a whole lot cleaner up here.
Within an hour, the group has located Alder House, been let in by a servant (who also wrinkles up his nose), and are seated in a side room. The servant asks them their business, offers some tea and cakes, and points out the nearby washbasin. "And the soap is right there," he adds.
------------------- An invisible Xenia pokes around in the flooding lock as an invisible Florin looks on. She doesn't find anything remotely interesting. But she gets to sort through a lot of garbage in the process.
Big Mama spends a lot of time looking in Xenia's direction. She scans the other areas as well, but the rogue's location seems to be generating a whole lot of interest.
Xenia d20+10=16 d20+9=10 Thursday January 8th, 2004 10:00:49 AM
Xenia continues to search. She explores the shoreline for signs that a turtles might have beached. Especially recent signs. Finally, she approaches Mom. Staying outside a 35 foot perimeter, she examines the area for signs of a fight.
All of this is pretty tedious work. And, as she searches, she sings tunelessly.
Jonas Onus Bonus Pie
Gets us Monsters Cancers Of the eye
Gangsters Pranksters Alabaster Thigh
Worchester Bias My Oh My
[[ Search 16 / Spot 10 ]]
Angus Thursday January 8th, 2004 1:36:20 PM
Angus lets the elves take care of business and is uncharacteristically quite. Angus will listen to any conversation while cleaning up at the wash bin.
Florin Thursday January 8th, 2004 2:36:42 PM
Florin steps into the room just abit and watches the sea monster as Xenia searches. He sighs softly as he watches her and comment mainly to himself, "I hope the other druids can help us big girl or I don't know what will happen. I hate to admit it but I don't think we are strong enough to take on the anvilheart gang and that leaves it between you and what they threatened to the orphanage."
Gordo Thursday January 8th, 2004 5:45:29 PM
Gordo has a quick scrub, then sits down cross legged and closes his eyes.
Bralin Thursday January 8th, 2004 10:11:02 PM
The dwarf plops on a couch, grabs some grub, and waits for Tionel and whoever to get on with it. The not so subtle hints of the human with the goodies were still way to subtle. Bralin makes no move toward the basin.
Syr Friday January 9th, 2004 1:31:18 AM
The elf takes the subtle hint with a wry grin. Once washed, he roams about the room restlessly wating on the druids. When they are finally met, he blurts out the situation and asks for advice on dealing with the monster.
Tionel Friday January 9th, 2004 3:32:29 AM
Appropriately embarassed, Tionel spends as much time as possible lathering, rinsing, cleaning, and preaning as possible before they see the druids. No amount of cleaning is too much... and he feels vaguely sad he can't go back to the inn and get changed, then come back. "Uh, Bralin, would you mind washing a bit? Appearances might count in this meeting."
Talk with Tarketh (DM MikeK) Friday January 9th, 2004 9:43:26 AM
Most of the group gets washed up as best they can. Tarketh strides into the room not long after they're done, and clasps hands happily with Tionel. "Welcome to Alder House!", he beams. "Fantastic to see you all again, especially here. Excellent house isn't it? Really fine." Tarketh looks about the room with the same eager excitement that always seems to be about him, and then his gaze returns back to Tionel. "The Cirle was terribly happy about the flowers. I hear they're close to a breakthrough! Fantastic news."
The druid pauses for a moment, as if realizing that maybe the group came all the way up here for a reason. "So, uh, what can I do for you?" he asks.
After getting the story, ("Sea monster, again, eh"?), Tarketh asks you all to wait a bit longer while he relays the request to one of the Elders. "Should be back in no time," he says brightly. Then, addressing the dwarf, he adds "Um, the Elders are a bit cleanly. Would you mind washing your face? Its really not what they're used to here. Thanks ever so much."
Tarketh is gone.
------
Big Mama is becoming increasingly agitated as the invisible Xenia noses around closer and closer to her position. Since the rogue doesn't know what a turtle's tracks look like, and one pile of garbage pretty much looks like every other pile of garbage, she's not having a lot of success finding anything. In a melancholy mood, the elf starts singing a little tune.
The highly agitated, bus sized sea monster immediately swings around and jumps in Xenia's direction. Its head swings back and forth in wide searching arcs as it charges forward on wide flippers.
Xenia d20+11=25 Friday January 9th, 2004 11:43:39 AM Wah! The sea monster mom jumps toward her, and Xenia's first instinct is to run like hell. Thank god, Dad taught her better. "A quiet exit will often avoid you a chase, Xenia," he would say. "It may even give you a second chance at the target."
So, instead of bolting, she walks quietly in a direction at right angles to the direction in which the momma leviathan is going, and, at the first opportunity, heads for the direction of the door.
When safely enough away, she sends a sharp whisper in Florin's direction. "I'm ok, Florin. Just over here."
Half-elven girl's lesson for the day: "Animals are animals. They don't know they're cute. They don't even necessarily know that you're on their side."
[[ Move Silently 25 ]]
Tionel Friday January 9th, 2004 1:32:43 PM
Wondering if he could meet the council, Tionel throws a look over at the glum dwarf. He mumbles something like "almost bad as Bog..." and waits impatiently.
Florin Friday January 9th, 2004 2:58:30 PM
Florin jumps and looks into the room that the monster is in and Xenia, just as he does he hears Xenia's comment and breathes a sigh of relief, "Shouldn't scare me like that. I wouldn't want to have to jerk you out of that things mouth, let alone take it on by myself." Florin's voice does have a hint of laughter to it though to show Xenia he isn't mad and actually is enjoying her company even if it is a sewer.
Angus Saturday January 10th, 2004 12:31:11 PM
In dwarvish Angus responses."That was somewhat insulting. I will stay with you Bralin as you look just fine to me. My Mom's a druid and she did that to me all the time, but I thought it was just her. I guess not."
Syr Sunday January 11th, 2004 12:38:47 PM
Syr growls at Tionel impatiently, "Should we expect anything less when we bring an issue before a council? It's always debate this or weigh that." With a sigh, he proceeds to tap his foot on the floor until Tarketh returns.
Bralin Sunday January 11th, 2004 4:50:21 PM
The dwarf comes out of his quiet contemplation with a start when Tarketh addresses him.
With a short nod of assent, Bralin moves over to the basin to wash. He answers Angus, also in dwarven, as he lathers up.
"No insult is perceived. My years of solitude have dulled my understanding of other's desires. Yon druid's directness was necessary and refreshing."
Tarketh returns (DM MikeK) Sunday January 11th, 2004 10:01:52 PM
Bralin gets washed up as the others wait impatiently. Fortunately for their collective nerves, the wait is not long.
Tarketh enters the room dociley trailing an extraordinarily average looking human being. The man wears no armor or adornment, and carries no weapon. Pale skinned, with dirty blond hair and plain brown eyes, the man wears a green silk pullover shirt neatly tucked into tan leather pants. His face is plain, his height and weight are unremarkable. In fact, there's not a single distinguishing or character enhancing feature about the man. He is remarkable only in his total plainness.
"Name's Keran," he says pleasantly. "Tarketh says you're the folks who got us our flower samples. Nice job." He glances back at Tarketh who gives him a nod and a quick smile. Looking back to Tionel, he continues, "I can speak for the council. So you'd like us to dispose of this lake creature you found on the Trash Level?"
---
Florin and Xenia gather near the access door. The rogue got way too close to the teeth, but emerged unscathed. Big Mama gives the paladin a challenging bellow, but seems unwilling to cross all the way over to the door for the time being.
Xenia d20+9=19 d20+9=11 Sunday January 11th, 2004 10:56:46 PM
"Thanks, Florin. If I had been in trouble, I know you would have been there for me," Xenia says from the midst of thin air. "I guess I let my guard down. Animals are just not how I imagine them to be," she sighs.
"Just so you know, I'm going to sit by the door and keep watch for a while. Um," she says feeling with her invisible arms as she moves toward the door. "Could you say something so I know where you are? I think bumping into you would hurt me more than it would you."
The invisible half-elf makes her way cautiously to the door, where she squats on the balls of her feet, listening and watching both within and without the doorway.
[[ Listen 19 / Spot 11 ]]
Tionel d20+10=24 Monday January 12th, 2004 12:06:25 PM
"We don't want to dispose of it. I don't think that's the right word. We do seek your judgement on its fate though...if you were to tell us that the only recourse was to kill the creature, then I think that would be what we would do. We leave the judgement of its fate in your hands so far as that goes. "However, if you wish us not to kill it, then we would need your help in getting it back to its native wilderness. I can shrink it somewhat, and hopefully with your help we can keep it still long enough to get it outside of its habitat and into the lake. Then we can remove it to the swamp. If that's what you wish. "In short, Sir, we don't demand any work of you druids, we would not wish to impose. But we do think that this is a situation you might help us out for your own interests." (Diplomacy 24) Jake tries to keep a kind tone, one that genuinely assumes these fellows are not only important, but worthy of respect.
Florin Monday January 12th, 2004 2:15:47 PM
Florin reaches out and luckily cetches Xenia's hand, helping her now that he knows where she is, after she is sat he steps to the side of the door where the sea monster can't see and leans against the wall, "Just glad your not hurt."
Florin reaches up and pulls the necklace out that his holy symbol is on from under his armor and rubs the masterwork silver of the symbol.
Angus Monday January 12th, 2004 3:27:22 PM
Angus remains amazing quite since Tionel echos some of his own thoughts. Although some of his thoghts are still drifting to finding a way to feed Jonas to the sea monster. Thoughts drift to Jonas making great mothers milk for the babies.......
Bralin Monday January 12th, 2004 4:39:33 PM
The newcomer didn't comment on his clean face. So what was the point of this?
Bralin sits heavily into a couch and waits.
Syr Tuesday January 13th, 2004 3:09:28 AM
Syr plps down near Bralin and looks on expectantly. As Tionel describes the situation, he nods his approval.
A Proposition (DM MikeK) Tuesday January 13th, 2004 12:09:55 PM
"Well, I don't think we need to kill it, eh Tarketh," Keran answers Tionel. "We can probably whip up a way to get it and the eggs to a safe spot somewhere."
He muses, half to himself, "Course we're working on this other thing right now."
Facing Tionel, the man has a proposal. "Tell you what," he says. "We think we've found a magic source of some kind up the shore a bit that ought to be able to deal with those flowers there on the Trash Level. We got a boat up there trying to get a better fix, but it looks like its in a cave or something in the Crying Woods. How 'bout we safely remove the creature, and you all go get the item? Tit for tat and all that."
Syr Tuesday January 13th, 2004 1:04:47 PM
From his seated position the elf agrees, "Let's do it Tionel. I'm sure several people will be relived that we don't have to go after the sea monster. The only thing we need is a ride and a way to locate this source ourselves."
Relieved to get the sea monster issue resolved, he stands up ready to go.
Tionel Tuesday January 13th, 2004 3:01:55 PM
The elf smiles and nods civilly, responding, "If this magical source will stop those flowers from hurting anyone else, of course we'll help you in retrieving it. We will need some mode of transportation and guidance to there, as Syr says. And we'll need to know what this magical source is...an object, a person, a creature, or what? But other than that, what do you guys think; does it seem to be a task worth undertaking to aid these druids?" Tionel bows, gracefully to the druids, and glances to check to make sure the other members of his party agree.
Xenia d20+9=17 d20+9=25 Tuesday January 13th, 2004 3:45:52 PM
Xenia watches the corridor. She watches momma seamonster. She watches the rest of the lock. The she returns to the corridor and starts all over again.
It's boring. She turns, invisibly, to ask Florin what he thinks of babies, and then she remembers what happened last time she did something to relieve the boredom instead of concentrating on the job at hand. With a small sigh, she returns to the task of watching, starting again with the corridor.
[[ Don't know if you need it again, but - Listen 17 / Spot 25 ]]
Bralin Tuesday January 13th, 2004 4:53:23 PM
"A heroic quest! I agree," answers Bralin.
Anything to escape this chattering
The dwarf thinks for a moment about the last quest. "We need not ride any animals, do we?"
Angus Tuesday January 13th, 2004 9:02:15 PM
Angus seems pleased. "I hope at least we will not have to buy new cloths after this adventure. I know we would with the Sea Monster. I'm in."
Thinking again. "Tarketh, I do not trust this Jonas character that extorted us in the first place. Is there any way you could look in our orphanage while we are gone on your quest? My concern is that this Jonas of the Anvil Heart Gang threatened to burn down the orphanage if the Sea Monster was not taken care of. I realize that you will be addressing the Sea Monster, but I am not sure of Jonas's word."
Taking a deep breath Angus continues "Also, how long will be gone on your quest and do we need any special supplies or preparations?"
Florin Tuesday January 13th, 2004 10:44:51 PM
Florin sighs abit and wonders when the invisability on him will wear off. He looks around and hums lightly to himself, a old hym he learned in the temple of Domi.
Keran answers (DM MikeK) Wednesday January 14th, 2004 10:43:02 AM
The man smiles at the various questions. "Well, how 'bout we wait a day for our scout to come back and give us the info. There looking for a lot of the stuff your asking.
And, yeah, we'll give you a boat and driver. So, no problems there.
We'll have Tarketh here come by your place tomorrow morning sometime with what we've got. Then you can plan it out and get going."
Sensing agreement, the Keran and Tarketh walk the group to the door and see them out.
On the way back to the apartments, Gordo addresses Angus' concern about the orphanage. "Hrmmmm, you got a point there son," the big man says. "I think I'm gonna move in with the kids for awhile, and keep an eye on things. You all will be fine." [OOC - Carl's gone walkabout]
-- The invisibility spell wears off. BigMama gives a warning bellow at the folks by the door, but doesn't attack.
Syr Wednesday January 14th, 2004 1:40:04 PM
Getting up he turns to Gordo, "Are you sure? It's a great idea to stay around and protect them but that will be quite time consuming. Come to think of it, is that what you were doing when I was there? 'Protecting'?"
Turning to the others, "Well, let's get back to the trash level and give the good news to Florin and Xenia. Also, if it is a cave, we'll probably need to supplies in the way of light. Anyone have anything they can bring?"
Xenia d20+9=25 d20+9=27 Wednesday January 14th, 2004 3:36:08 PM
Momma sea monster roars and Xenia realizes that she's not invisible anymore.
"Why don't we move outside the door, Florin?" she asks as she moves outside the door. "I don't think she'd come up here, but no sense upsetting her either," she sighs.
She's beginning to think that maybe looking after the sea monster and her babies isn't really worth it. She makes another sentry circuit again before turning to Florin.
"Hey, Florin, do you think Domi ever gets tired of looking out for us?" she asks.
[[ Listen 25 / Spot 27 ]]
Angus Wednesday January 14th, 2004 8:02:10 PM
To answer Syr Angus casts a light cantrip and then another and another until he has cast six. "Syr will that be enough light? If not I also have a torch....."
Angus starts off. "I'm up for getting Xenia and Florin and telling big Mamma how close she or maybe we came to the end of it." ANgus whispers under his breath " But hopefully Jonas sometime soon. Angus takes off to the trash level.
Florin Wednesday January 14th, 2004 11:54:58 PM
Florin nods at Xenia's suggestion and moves out of the sight of the sea monster and looks around for a place to sit or something before just standing there, rubbing the holy symbol he wears.
When Xenia asks Florin her question Florin grins at the chance to do something, "I do not think he does. He is my protector and also protector of those who look to him for that. As long as you need his guidance or help I believe he will answer in some way or form." Florin shrugs and smiles, "Should try asking him yourself sometime, you do wear his symbol now also."
Xenia Thursday January 15th, 2004 12:59:05 AM
Xenia considers Florin's answer.
"But, he won't help you if you don't ask, right?" she inquires. "I mean, we're here now, guarding the momma sea monster and her babies because ... because we think it's right. Because we think it's good. She hasn't asked us to. I don't even think she wants us to either. But, we do it anyway."
"Does Domi give guidance to people who don't ask? And, if he ... um, she? ... if he does, does he ever get just plain fed up with people who don't accept his help?"
Tionel Thursday January 15th, 2004 1:51:32 AM
"Okay, sounds like a deal to me. Oh, and watch out for some stirge-like things that hang around the plants. They're vicious." The elf smiles at the druids, and when they all head out (after leaving the druid's apartment) he comments, "Well, I for one am finished with tramping around in those awful sewers! I think I might just burn these clothes; morbid black is horrible to wear, and just clashes with everything I have. I hope I never go back down there again. "Anyways, we have a full day to get ready. I have a lantern and will bring some oil, I guess. And we might as well pack...You know, I've never done so much travelling since joining this group." The elf sighs. "At least we get to spend tonight in a warm bed in a cozy house..."
Bralin Thursday January 15th, 2004 1:31:17 PM
The dwarf dutifully follows.
A day to prepare. It should be just enough time to complete the statue he's working on.
The next day (DM MikeK) Thursday January 15th, 2004 1:55:43 PM
The group gets Florin and Xenia, and everyone goes back to the apartments for a day of preparation. Gordo says his goodbyes and moves across the street.
About lunch time the next day, an ever bouncy Tarketh is at the door.
"Good day, all!" he bubbles. "Really excellent of you guys to go after that item for us! Got any of that tea? Ahhh, fantastic."
After several moments of idle chit-chat, the druid gets around to the point. "Our man came back this morning," he reports. "Also, we did some divining, and put it all together for you."
"We seem to be looking for a bowl of some kind. Not sure exactly what its made out of, but its strongly magical. Our man found an underwater entrance into a cave. He couldn't find the bowl, but we still think its in there someplace. He found a opening to the forest, but it led away from the bowl, not toward it."
"Anyway, we've got a boat and a guide who can take you to the cave entrance. You'll have to swim to the lake bottom, go through an underwater tunnel, and then into the cave. Then, its look around till you find it, I suppose."
"The guide's name is Minos. He's got a fishing skiff on the docks. Oh, and I've got this,"
Tarketh pulls a wand from under his cloak and gives it to Tionel.
"It lets you breathe under water," he smiles, "Should be helpful. But, the Circle would like it back when you're done."
Xenia Thursday January 15th, 2004 3:33:22 PM
Xenia frowns a bit at the thought of going underwater. Breathing aside, a flood of practical questions flood her brain as she contemplates the task. What's this going to do to her armor? How's her haversack going to like being under water for so long? Oh gods, towels, changes of clothing, just tons of stuff.
"So, we going to lighten up for this underwater thing?" she asks? "I mean, armor and weapons and other stuff?"
"Hmmm. If I don't take my haversack, I'm gonna have to scale back on stuff," she muses out loud. "I'm gonna have to put another coat of oil on this leather before we go. Wow, underwater."
Florin Thursday January 15th, 2004 4:09:34 PM
Florin chuckles and looks to Xenia, "I'm wearing my armor, hopefully there will be another way out and if not then I'll just have to force swim out with the armor." Florin does think of his backpack and looks to the druid, "You think we might beable to borrow water proof backpacks so we can carry our equipment? Everyone also should give their weapons and armor a good coat of oil and such to keep it from rusting."
ANgus Thursday January 15th, 2004 7:12:12 PM
Angus muses "Swimming, well at least this time Iwill be more prepared. Remember to bring towels. Ok, Im ready. A good nights sleep and lets go. Bralin are you ok with the water....?
Syr Friday January 16th, 2004 2:36:42 AM
"Hey roomie, I'm glad you have that little light thing you do. It'll be great not having to worry about wet torches and stuff. Speaking of getting wet, bring some rope Florin. At the very least, we can tie your armor to the rope and pull it out after we are back in the boat."
The elf watches Tarketh hand over the wand "Tionel, we all know how you can be with clothes. Just don't lose that wand." With a sly grin, "And we don't care if it matches your shirt or not."
Tionel Friday January 16th, 2004 6:15:17 AM
Tionel looks dubiously at Syr. "You have a point, my friend...I will have to choose my outfit based upon the wand. Hmmm...mahogany with highlights of black fletching. I suppose gold would match it quite well." He loses himself in thought about that for a while. Suddenly he blinks and listens to the conversation...armor? Weapons? We're going to a cave! he thinks to himself. Wait...is there supposed to be something in the cave? I'm lost. The elf shrugs. Not caring much if the others bring a bucketload of items, he is more concerned about the clothing he'll wear, and ponders if he should get another set of boots. He suddenly pipes up his question to Angus. "You know, I've been walking in these two sets of boots for a whole week now through woods and sewers and stuff. I'm thinking maybe I should have another pair...they're already looking scruffy and worn." Later on, he'll pack and get the same sort of backpack filled with camping gear he had the last trip. He ponders if he can get another teammate to carry the heavy burden for him.
Bralin d20+12=14 Friday January 16th, 2004 9:27:16 AM
Bralin is not at all sure about this underwater business, but refuses to show it.
"If yon wand allows us to breathe, mayhap we can simply walk along the bottom."
The dwarf glances at Xenia. "I will take arms and armor. It is in them my skills lie."
"Waterproof sacks for our gear is sound. Ask the druid for them."
Bralin spends the long wait in his room, patiently applying his chisel to the stone. But, he is easily distracted by the others, and makes no progress. (Craft check 14)
With the new morning, the dwarf requests a slighty different list of spells from the gods.
0 -- Detect Magic, Light, Read Magic, Resistance 1- Bless, Magic Weapon, Shield of Faith Domain - Magic Stone
Xenia Friday January 16th, 2004 10:42:21 AM
Xenia contemplates the prospect of paring down her equipment with a decided frown. Then her eyes light up as Florin suggests waterproof sacks, and Bralin seconds the idea. Maybe, she can stuff her entire haversack down into a waterproof sack! Then she could take everything along. That would be almost perfect.
Bouncing off the couch, she approaches the druid. "Tarketh, sir, do you think that in addition to lending us the wand there, that you might also lend us some waterproof sacks? Maybe about this size?" And she plunks her haversack down on the table with an ingratiating smile.
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