Gaining Entry (DM/Al) d20+9=15 Tuesday November 23rd, 2004 9:40:38 PM
Niobe heads right off into the cave. Doors, it seems, are her thing. Savin moves after her and asks if she needs the company to which she responds that she would love the company. More, perhaps, than the simple words passes between the two. Then again, perhaps not.
The rogue then sets to searching the large double doors for traps. (I rolled for you, Search 15) She finds none. Next she unrolls a set of precision tools and sets to work on the lock. Niobe feels the levers slide as she deftly manipulates the picks. Each obstacle slides away with but one more to go. And then one of the picks slips. The lock fails to open. Maybe another try might do it. (Lock is a DC30. You can also Take 20)
Sly Foxx takes out a length of rope and does up a loose harness. Luke eyes it dubiously. It looks dog-sized. Too late to object. Luke is bundled into the uncomfortable ropes and lowered down into the hole. Sly begins to fashion one for the 800-some-odd-pound Yorrick as well, but Peerimus wisely excuses his friend from the exercise. Sly climbs easily down the rope after Luke.
Peerimus believing Tokun to know something of the mysterious cave and it's even more mysterious doorway, takes the barbarian lad aside and attempts to calm his agitation. The agitation goes, but is now replaced by confusion, as Tokun tries his best to understand the magic outsider's hand on his shoulder, the gestures toward the ice hole, and his words spoken loudly in that direction.
They young barbarian watches as the thin woman works at another door of wood. Finally, he turns to the magic Bear Friend. He points a finger at himself and then back down the canyon in the direction from which they had come.
"Tokun, ah heup Jhahk Sha. Nee ah heup lasah uhch weh. Ah heup Jhahk Sha. Hwei?" Again he points back up the canyon. His eyes dart briefly toward the light in the sky with some concern.
OoC Niobe: Trap Sense allows you to avoid traps after they trigger. Trap finding requires that you make a Search Check. And though Dwarves can use Search to find traps in stone. Only a rogue with Trapfinding can use Search to find traps in general. Still, I have to have that Search check if you want to look for traps.
Still up above are Peerimus, Yorrick, and Jason.
Ilsidur (AC25, 94/98 hp, TONGUES) Tuesday November 23rd, 2004 11:21:58 PM
Realizing that the young barbarian needs to talk to the party, Ilsidur casts tongues on himself, then looks up at the lad and say, in barbarianese, "Tokun, what is it that you are trying to say? I have used magic to be able to speak to you, and it will last for about an hour and a half. Magic Bear Friend has indicated that Mother Nature cannot 'feel' the area behind this door, and we want to investigate. Do you know what resides behind this door? Do you need to leave?"
Sly and Luke d20+5=24 d20+5=20 Wednesday November 24th, 2004 10:39:15 AM
Sly yells to Primus, Master Bear! I'm leaving the rope where it is, so when your ready to come down here. Just Yell and I'll help all of you down. Oh! Tell our young guide that it is not as cold down here as when we were up on top."
Sly will look for more secret door or traps. "Come Luke let's look around."
Luke starts to sniff around for the scents that brough then in here.
Luke serch by scent 24.
Sly serch 20.
Savin d20+13=33 d20+13=18 Wednesday November 24th, 2004 2:12:51 PM
Savin comes to the balls of his feet as Niobe tinkers with the locks. He scans the area waiting for something bad to happen. Whenever he is alone with a beautiful girl, bad things seem to happen to him. He remembers the elf lord punching him in the nose. Well he got a kiss from an elf princess anyway.
spot check 33 natural 20 listen check 18
Peerimus Wednesday November 24th, 2004 3:04:42 PM
The druid nods to Tokun, showing his understanding at what teh man is trying to say and is about to sart talking again when Ilsidurs voice rings out under the influence of the tongues spell.
At that he simply steps back to listen and set his mind on how to get Yorrick down when the time arrives. The rope will not hold under his weight. It would take time, but perhaps a ramp...
Niobe d20+16=30 Wednesday November 24th, 2004 5:05:09 PM
Niobe silently utters a few choice curse words as her picks slip. Still very much wanting to open the door she tries again. Hopefully she succeeds on attempt 2 (Open Lock 30). If it comes to it Niobe will grudgingly take 20 if all else fails.
The thief is completely concentrating on her task and thus not paying any attention to anyone else, or anything else.
If she does indeed succeed at her self-appointed task she will turn to Savin, and smiling brightly inform him that the lock was 'easy' to open. Of course no one really needs to know that the lock wasn't at all easy to open!
Noting Savin's signs of nervousness she asks, "expecting something to go wrong? Don't you trust me?"
In spite of the serious questions she is still smiling widely, feeling rather satisfied with herself.
((OOC: I think I probably mixed up the Search roll and the Spot roll, and with my books still packed somewhere I did not have a reference book to look at, so thank you for rolling the search for me Al. Let me know if I have missed any rolls and I can take care of them in an extra post or in my next regular post.))
Where All Bad Things Go (DM/Al) Wednesday November 24th, 2004 9:35:39 PM
The Bear Friend nods and seems to understand. Tokun nods in return. And then the Short Steel Man speaks. And his words are understandable. When the young barbarian is though blinking in disbelief, it strikes him that a question is being asked of him.
"You start UnderIce," Tokun replies tentatively in his own tongue. His voice sounds no different to his ears. If he understands the Short Steel Man, does not the Short Steel Man understand him as well? Tokun indicates the collapsed area with a sweep of both arms. "UnderIce. Only Spiders and Ants live UnderIce. The ice is dark. My mother says that if you are bad, you go to the UnderIce. Maybe that is why the Bear Friend cannot feel behind the ... flap of wood. If you go there, you never see the sun again. I do not want to go. But if you leave me here, I will freeze. So I will return to Smashed Teeth. I can run. I can run long and fast."
"I ... I do not want to go to the UnderIce," he says sheepishly. "I am afraid."
Meanwhile, Sly and Luke sniff around the area of the cave. Secret doors or simple traps might just be hidden in the walls of the cave, or even in the jumble of ice outside the cave. A secret door might just contain something behind it that Luke might find by scent. Something like that might just be out there. Maybe. Just maybe.
But, there isn't. At least nothing that either Sly or Luke can find. Their search turns up nothing. As far as they know, the cave is just a simple cave. And the ice is no more than ice.
Savin watches over Niobe as she devotes her full attention to the lock. The monk turns his eyes and ears to the area for signs of the doom that always seems to be his luck in situations like this. He neither hears nor sees anything unusual. That is, unless you consider a very thick and sturdy door sitting in the back of a cave unusual.
The lock has one last lever to trip. Niobe can almost see it with her inner eye. All she need to is hold the others in place with one pick while she rotates the last lever with the other pick. A deft turn and ...
* click *
The sound of success. A latch drops. The handle that slides the locking bolt now slides freely. The locking bolt may be slid aside, and with the wooden handle on either side of the lock, the doors may be pulled open and the cave entered.
Jason of Aisildur Wednesday November 24th, 2004 10:53:39 PM
Jason marches about the area where the others went in. He tries to keep, as best he can, the cold at bay, and his mind on his watch.
Investigating such things didn't intrigue the paladin like it use to. Now his mind is becoming all too consumed with the rescue of his parents. Patiently the holy warrior continues, keeping one eye below, andone eye about the area above.
Savin Thursday November 25th, 2004 12:47:08 AM
Savin will lay his hand on Niobe's arm and give her a kiss on the cheek. "Nice work, but now I am gonna insist that we wait for the others. Whatever was locked in this cave and then sealed with ice is gonna be dangerous and we need all our friends to help tackle it."
Savin will then say to the others, "Peerimus, I wouldn't bring Yorrick down here. If we need to get out quickly, there won't be a way to get him out. I would string up several lines also just for the same reason. We might be marching into the home of 1000's of goblins for all we know. We might want to get out of here quickly."
Niobe Thursday November 25th, 2004 2:03:59 AM
Niobe pats Savin's hand after he gives her a kiss.
"See nothing bad happend."
The rogue was considering opening the door and taking a peek inside, but Savin advises not to. She turns her head so she is looking straight at Savin. Niobe grins mischieviously (amazingly she is not pouting for being told to wait).
"Spoil sport. Where is your sense of adventure?," Niobe pauses, "unfortunately for me, I find your advice reasonable enough to wait... for a little while."
Niobe moves back over to the now unlocked door and leans her back against it. She crosses her arms across her chest and her feet at the ankles, and waits.
(still to Savin) "I cannot promise that I can actually manage to wait for hours of course. Are you going to wait here with me Savin or go see what the others decide to do?"
Naturally she is leaned against the door close to the handle, as to be expected. After all this is the first real chance of proper excitement in the rogues view. Raiding camps is well and fine of course, but nothing is more exciting than finding out what lies beyond a closed door with a difficult lock.
It is quite clear that if given half a chance Niobe would most certainly not leave the door closed for much longer.
Sly and Luke d20+1=20 Thursday November 25th, 2004 8:41:09 AM
Sly yell to Peerimus,"Peerimus! The door is open. Do you have some pegs? We want to set up some sort of escspe in case of real bad trouble." Sly takes his other plain rope and attaches the peg and ring at the end, then trurle the rope, then lets go to the top of the pit.
Dex roll 20 made it. (i hope)
Peerimus d20+11=27 Thursday November 25th, 2004 12:15:30 PM
Peerimus moves over to the edge as Ilsidur and Tokun continue to talk, "He seems confident in his skills to make it home safe. We could give him some surplus supplies of coal, food and water?" he offers to Ilsidur to relay.
Calling down to Sly and Firn'gaer, "Do either of you have a Flaming Sphere? It could be used to melt a ramp perhaps. Yorrick and I will not be able to get up and down swiftly without waiting a day or constructing a ramp."
Peerimus's eye picks up Niobe's sparkle [Spot 27] "We may have to leave the door a bit longer, it will be there tomorrow."
Ilsidur Thursday November 25th, 2004 8:22:54 PM
Ilsidur looks up at Tokun, and says, "I understand, son. I realize that this place may cause you to fear. However, we are a very powerful group, and we can protect you if you come with us. But I think that my friends and I need to understand why Bear Friend cannot 'feel' this spot. Certainly, ants and spiders are part of nature, so why can't my friend feel them?"
"However, if you don't want to come with us, are you sure that you can make it back in time to your camp? I would hate for you to freeze tonight, because of our curiousity. And if you do leave, is it easy to get to the city that we are trying to find?"
"Hold on, Niobe, we will be ready to go in a minute. But we need to make sure our guide will be alright."
Better the Devil That You Know (DM/Al) Thursday November 25th, 2004 9:20:19 PM
Tokun thinks in silence for a moment.
"I can reach home," he says at last. "I think yes. I can reach Smashed Teeth. Ice Vein I know. Cold. Ice. Snow. Wolves. Spiders and ants too." He puts his hands to his face to capture the escaping heat. "UnderIce, I do not know," he continues. "I would go home. It is better to die going home."
The young barbarian looks back up the canyon again. When he turns back his head hangs. "But it is not easy to go to Zaran City. The canyons are not straight. It is difficult."
At this point he stops talking. This is his answer.
The rest of the party waits on the door. What could be behind it? Concerns run through the group. Preparations are made, expecting the worst.
Niobe Friday November 26th, 2004 1:43:56 AM
Niobe; still leaning against the door, rolls her pretty green eyes in frustation. She calls up to Ilsidur.
"What's wrong with him Ilsidur? Is he too scared to see what might be beyond the door? Just tell him that we have been through far worst and survived. It's not like we're going to use him as bait!"
The rogue almost wishes that their guide could understand what she just said. She has a feeling that they just might need him yet to get to Zaran City; but she doesn't want to leave without at least a quick look behind the door.
As sensible as Peerimus' 'wait until tomorrow' comment is Niobe hopes that they won't decide to wait, but if push comes to shove she can try to be patient.
"Look, just let me go in and take a look around. If I don't find anything then we can leave. I mean for all we know this is where Sly and Jason's families went. Does he know anything about this door??"
Sly and Luke Friday November 26th, 2004 6:10:06 AM
Sly will use one of his Fire spell, but first he will answer Niobe's request, "No! Niobe! We don't split up, remember bact at that Orc Camp? we split up and nearly died by doing so? We go in toghter and we come out toghter. It's not that we don't trust you, Niobe. We cannot lose your errr... Talent! Understand?"
Sly ask Peerimus "Peerimus! funny you should ask, Where do you want the ramp? Fun'gar and I will make it for you!"
Savin Friday November 26th, 2004 1:07:03 PM
Savin will go over to the door and give it a hard look. He will then ask Niobe. "Niobe, can you tell me if the lock was designed to keep something locked in or something locked out?
If it was designed to keep something locked in, we might be walking into a nasty surprise. We will want the group's full strength to deal with that."
Fire is Red. Patience is Blue. (DM/Al) Friday November 26th, 2004 8:54:02 PM
While Ilsidur converses with their young barbarian guide, Niobe can barely contain her desire to look behind the door. And when Savin asks her professional opinion on the purpose of the lock, it is difficult for her to stifle a laugh of derision. The door has an internal bolt. No one goes to the trouble to build a locking mechanism into the door itself unless they want to be able to open it from both the inside and the outside. If they wanted to keep something locked in, a simple hasp and a padlock would be much less trouble. But, then again, maybe that isn't as obvious to just anybody.
Peerimus asks Sly for a Flaming Sphere spell. Building a ramp by melting the ice and snow may be a viable way to get Yorrick's near ton of bear flesh safely down the short drop. It seems that Sly Foxx has just the spell prepared.
Niobe proposes to go into the door for a quick look around. Just on the verge of building a ramp for Peerimus, Sly Foxx turns with strong objections to any kind of party split. He cites the near death that they faced when they split up at the orc raider camp.
Meanwhile, Savin's sharp eye spots something odd. Something that he likely missed before because his foot was upon it. It rests in the thin layer of dirt, rock and ice in front of the door. It is a shell. Small, about the size of his thumbnail, with delicate crenulations along it's edge. It has a single hole drilled at the top where it might be threaded through a string or wire, perhaps as part of a necklace.
Savin Saturday November 27th, 2004 10:02:55 AM
Savin will stoop down and pick up the shell. "What are you doing so far from home?" he will ask retorically. He starts to head out to the others to show Sly and Jason but suddenly stops.
He turns and holds out his hand to Niobe. "Come on...Sly will want to see this, and I don't trust your will power by that door by yourself. Don't want to risk losing the prettiest face by the campfire at nights."
Niobe d20+10=15 Saturday November 27th, 2004 3:36:19 PM
Niobe grins impishly as Savin begins to walk off. Her impish grin hasn't even had time to fade as Savin turns and holds out his hand to her to come with him to discuss the object he is holding with Sly. "Well Savin has certainly grasped that flattery will get you everywhere. Bugger for me..."
The rogue taps the fingers of one hand against her arm indicating some slight irritation. She slowly pushes away from the door. Niobe saunters over to Savin, passing his out-stretched hand and overlooking what it implies. She looks down at the shell he is holding in his other hand.
"A shell?", she asks puzzled, "could be something left by orcs or some other tribe. Lesser societies use them as money or trinkets. Any unlucky native could have dropped that. We won't get much for it." Niobe finishes in a 'matter of fact' voice.
Niobe looks Savin in the eyes and honestly states, "In case you ever cared to know. Will power or no will power, it was respect that kept me on this side of that door. However patience is not one of the virtues that I regularly employ."
Whether it is respect for the other Children or respect for something else the thief does not elaborate any further on what she means. She recalls the feeling of danger and the 'dream' of snakes that she had when their tattoos went haywire. "Danger... I wonder what Savin dreamt? Must have been something concerning me."
For once her expression is simply just polite, her characteristic smile is gone for the moment. She isn't giving any indications what-so-ever as to what she is thinking about.
Before walking on she gives the monk a quick wink. She teases, "next thing I know you will be teaching me strict discipline and lecturing me on the evils of impulsiveness!"
(Rolled a Spot check just in case the shell wasn't immediately in plain sight. Spot 15)
Sly and Luke d20+6=18 d20+6=20 d20+10=23 Sunday November 28th, 2004 5:05:26 AM
Sly consentrates on his spell directions in making a ramp for Yurrick, It's a rough ramp, but no sharp edges sticking out to hurt the bear. just rough edges to help the bear up or down the ramp.
It's almost done when Niobe and Savin come to him and show's Sly the shell. Sly exams it very closely, "Hmmm! I wonder??"
Firn'gaer d20+6=20 d20+6=8 Sunday November 28th, 2004 8:32:41 AM
Watching Sly start to build steps for Yorrick Firn'gaer just shakes his head. "Why don't we create a pully system. Tie off a rope to Yorrick wrap it around something sturdy up there." He points back towards yorrick. "With all of us at the other end down here we lower him down, or guide his descent. Might be a little easier than creating steps or a ramp. Wouldn't you agree?"
Turning to the Druid, "Master Peerimus are you sure there is a need for your bear friend down here? Surely he would feel more comfortable top side as when we get through the door?"
[Spot DC20, Listen DC8] [Hit points -8]
Active Effects Extended Mage Armor -- 18 hour Extended Endure Elements -- 24 hours Extended See Invisibility -- 3 hours
Crafting Crafting, Over the Bounding Main (Supplementary Post - DM/Al) Sunday November 28th, 2004 10:57:13 AM
Sly Foxx reviews all of his experience at the Craft of Bow Making and sets to work attempting a ramp. Bows are not very much like ramps. However, carving wood is not much different than carving ice, is it? Sly Foxx plans his work, an intelligent beginning, from a craftsman's perspective. The ramp needs to be 10 feet wide to be big enough for Yorrick. He'll start at the top of the ledge and burn his way down and back. That seems a reasonable start, especially to anyone familiar with the use of a saw. But ... how far back should he build it? How far would it have to be before the slope is shallow enough? Sly Foxx shrugs. The math is not a part of what he does. He casts his spell and directs the Flaming Sphere. Wisely, Sly chooses a spot away from the area in which he and Niobe had attached pitons to ropes. The sphere travels across the top of the ledge and the first thing the Children of Chaos notice is the gallons of water that run down the wall and into the area in which they stand. Sly Foxx backs away from the invading water.
Fortunately the spell lasts no longer than 30 seconds. When he is done, only the top edge has been taken off the ledge. Just under 200 gallons of water has been spilled into the area below and now sits cooling in the fridge air. The cut brings the ledge 3 feet lower. And it is two feet deep. This is certainly enough to allow Yorrick to slide out with his front paws and take a cautious jump. Climbing back up, however, would be a different story. Especially now that the area is so icy slick.
[[ OoC: INT Check of 10 to realize that were an even marginally adequate ramp built, a lot of melt water would flood the area. INT Check of 25 to calculate that a 15 foot deep (steep ramp) would mean some 5000 odd gallons of water. ]]
Niobe d20+3=21 d20+3=12 Sunday November 28th, 2004 3:21:50 PM
The rogue stares in disbelief at all of the water the little fire sphere has created. For the moment the sight of all that water has pushed her teasing of Savin from her mind. She is smart enough to realize the very real danger increasing levels of water water will bring. However engineering type math is certainly not her thing! Niobe has no clue just how much water could be created from building a ramp of any size.
"Honestly Sly, this isn't the season for building bathing pools!" she jibes as she backs farther away from the rapidly cooling water.
"One more fire spell and this whole place will most likely flood. Don't any of you spellcasters have a spell to open a door from up there to down here for Yorrick, or to make him fly or something?"
Peerimus d20+1=3 Sunday November 28th, 2004 4:09:31 PM
The druid frowns at the sight of the water and the little progress the spell actually made. Hmmm, hadn't thought of that problem. Ramp by fire surely is not going to work.
"Perhaps not the best plan." He calls down to those in the hole. "That leaves waiting in the hole til morning or waiting up here til morning. We should move out of this box canyon to camp, it would be safer."
"Firn'gaer, it is not so much as down as it is up and with speed, depending on what is shortly behind that door. As for leaving him, it is out of the question for me to do that. I will have the solution tomorrow, the mystery must simply wait another day."
"We should get moving back out of this area to find a secure an defensible location for your magical shelter."
Sly and Luke d20+3=15 d20+3=17 Sunday November 28th, 2004 4:35:57 PM
Sly stop after he saw the rising water, "I know! I stop as a soon as I saw that the door will stay open!" Sly hope that little lie will not be reconised.
Luke sits there and couff twice, "Couff! Couff!"
Sly ask Preerimus, "I think Yurrick can slide down there only a few feet to hit bottom, But remind me to sutdy a levatate splee if we need to get him out. But if you say so I'll go along with it."
To Fun'gar, Sly tells him, " I didn't use a block and takel because I don't have one, do you have one with you? Or aer you like me, depend on your magic? I'm not mad at you its just that us elves use more magic than brains sometime."
Ilsidur Sunday November 28th, 2004 10:49:11 PM
Ilsidur keeps talking with the young barbarian, "Tokun, it seems that the trail ends here. If you leave, how are we supposed to know which direction to travel, to get to Zaran City? This blank wall seems to only have one way to travel: this door. It would be possible for me to fly to the top of the dead end, and see what lies beyond. If that is the way that we must travel, I could even magically transport most of the party up to the top. It would most likely take most of 2 days. But there is no way that I can magically move the bear. So, it appears that we are stuck. Unless you know of another way to the city, that we can't see? We need your help, and we need you to be brave."
"Just because something is unknown does't mean that it is dangerous. Look at us; we came to the Ice Vein, not knowing what we were getting into. We meet your band, and we helped you and you helped us. Now, we need you to be brave, and help us continue towards the city. And we can help you, and protect you in the underice."
Then the dwarf looks at the carrying-on trying to figure out how the rest of the party, including the bear, can get into the hole. "It is only 10'; just jump down! If someone twists something, I can heal you. Sly, by Drakkin's twin axes, stop trying to drown us!"
Sly and Luke Monday November 29th, 2004 6:37:49 AM
Sly looking down at his feet, "Yes! Sir!" But then goes on to examins the shell, It does look like an ornament, Sly thinks for a minute 'Maybe Jason can be of some help?'
"Err! Jason, do you have a minute to see if you reconize this shell?" ask Sly.
Luke tell Sly "Paws wet!"
Firn'gaer Monday November 29th, 2004 10:12:14 AM
"My appologies, I had not intended to say you leave Yorrick behind. I had only suggested that he remain here while we scouted."
"Sly I don't have a block and tackle, but a large chunk of ice above might have work equally well." He says stepping away from the pool of water.
"Ilisdur I can make him a cottage to stay until our return. It will last the good part of a day. If he wants to stay there while we go I'll create one." He says.
[Hit points -8]
Active Effects Extended Mage Armor -- 18 hour Extended Endure Elements -- 24 hours Extended See Invisibility -- 3 hours
Savin Monday November 29th, 2004 2:08:10 PM
Savin will look at the actions of the others and sigh. He training has been in ways to make others feel better or happy. He never had any mathematical studies so he remains quiet.
He wonders why they just don't shrink the bear or cast fly on him or something like that.
When Jason comes over, he will hand him the shell.
Jason of Aisildur Monday November 29th, 2004 7:39:09 PM
Jason reaches out and grabs the shell. he turns it over in his hands and studies it for a moment.
"It is nothing I can recognize. Perhaps if I took a more detailed look at it." the paladin replies. Jason was eager to help his friends in what ever way he could. Knowing their immediate need, he offers his help in anyway, to get those below up out of the water they had now created.
The Shell (DM/Al) Monday November 29th, 2004 9:03:05 PM
The water made from Sly's construction experiment quickly begins to freeze over. A small shallow five foot diameter pool with it's own miniature icebergs thrusting up above the surface.
Proposals and plans to postpone the opening of the door until the following day move from person to person.
Ilsidur is concerned about finding a way to Zaran City should their barbarian guide desert them at this point. "If you leave, how are we supposed to know which direction to travel, to get to Zaran City?" he asks.
Tokun shrugs. "You can do many magic things. Maybe you can magic to Zaran." His eyes look hopeful for a moment. "This is not the trail to Zaran," he continues. He points back up the canyon and then circles his finger vaguely around to the southeast. He frowns as though that seems incorrect. He looks one way. Then he looks another. Finally, he shrugs.
"I am brave," Tokun says. But, the limits of his bravery show upon his face.
The tiny shell is passed from Savin to Sly, then to Jason. To Sly it is just a shell. Jason too sees no significance in the tiny thumbnail sized bauble. But, then again, the memory of such things would not be of tremendous significance to a boy. And truly, though the shape and color of the shell pull and nag at a corner of his mind, identification comes slow. Yes, Jason has seen them before. But not for many years. They were the favorite of girls and some women. The iridescent shells were collected and made into jewelry, sewn onto clothing, decorations of many kinds. He had collected a few in his younger days, years and years and a different continent away. The tiny shells that all could find washed up on the shores of the bay near Windhorn Hamlet.
Shiraz Monday November 29th, 2004 11:19:33 PM
Shiraz watches unsure of what to do as his friends crawl down into the hole. AS Niobe works on the door Shiraz stands to one side helping the others down and across to the door. "We can wait a night but Tokun should go home, he should be allowed the chance to grow into adulthood without being forced to face his absolute fear."
Sly and Luke Tuesday November 30th, 2004 3:02:17 AM
Sly tells Jason, "I was hoping that you might reconize the shell. It's not something an elven woman would wear, The would have metal leaves made into ear rings and necklaces. But this shell come from a shore line town. I was hoping..." Sly trails off.
To Shiraz, he tells him "Your right! If he's that afraid, he should go home. But if he over comes his fear, and have an adventure with us. Just think of the tall stories he could tell and all the girls that would fall all over him!!". Now for the first time in a long time, Sly smiles.
Firn'gaer d20+11=26 Tuesday November 30th, 2004 9:26:26 AM
"Windhorn Hamlet did you say?" Firn'gaer says on hear a familiar name. "A nice place. It's not far from South Harbor. I was there several years ago for the Renewal of the Sentinel. Alas nothing happened, but I can remember the priestess proclaiming it would happen soon or something to that effect."
...yea, a nice place...
"Let's camp the night here. Well, up there anyway. Tomorrow let's see what down under the ice. If Tokun wants to leave, we have no right to stop him, but I would prefer an extra body." He pauses mid-sentence. "If needs be. Besides, I'd like to readjust my spell repertoire with less fire spells." He continues looking at the rapidly freezing pool of water nearby.
[Knowledge (local) DC26] [Hit points -8]
Active Effects Extended Mage Armor -- 18 hour Extended Endure Elements -- 24 hours Extended See Invisibility -- 3 hours
[ Al/OoC: If you see this Richard, could you add a post defining more clearly what Firn'gaer is attempting to know with the Knowledge Local roll? ]
Savin Tuesday November 30th, 2004 11:07:26 AM
Savin doesn't care if they wait another day. He does suggest that. "If we are going to camp, we might want to find a way to lock the door from the outside. Wedges or something. Keep the curious from going in," sidelong glance at Niobe, "and the protect us or at least give us some warning to nightly visitors."
Peerimus Tuesday November 30th, 2004 3:30:32 PM
"I have no way of securing the door. Sly, Firn'gaer?"
Peerimus will stand ready to assist any who need it getting out of the hole.
"I still think we should move clear of the boxed canyon before setting up camp. Ilsidur, tell Tokun that if he wishes to return to his village he of course can, but ask him to at least wait until morning. We may find only a small forgotten room beyond that door and will be back on track to Zaran City. It is also a bit on in the day and starting fresh in the morning would be better and I could place a protection of cold for him."
Niobe d20+16=28 d20+16=35 Tuesday November 30th, 2004 4:34:06 PM
Niobe grins teasingly at Savin, "what you don't think you could keep me away from the door, hmm?"
Poor Savin Niobe is relentlessly teasing him! She wisely omits that barring the door; or locking it, wouldn't deter her if she decided to go ahead and enter the door.
The rogue taps her foot and gives the men a "are you serious" look, as she hears them debating how to keep things behind the door.
"Oh please, if I can open a lock I can certainly lock it as well."
She returns to the door and takes her thieves' tools out. Niobe proceeds to work on the lock. Failing to complete her task on the first attempt she tries again. Of course she is far from happy about the decision to pospone exploring what lies beyond the door.
(Open Lock 28, Open Lock 35; using the skill to reverse her previous lock opening procedure.)
((OOC: Al I hope that I can use the Open Lock skill to lock the lock again. By my way of thinking it is logical that the Open Lock skill could be used to reverse the process.))
Jason of Aisildur Tuesday November 30th, 2004 7:50:25 PM
"They are the shells commonly found along the shores near my home. I am sure I have seen them in necklaces and on the clothes of the girls there. As a matter of fact..." it goes through his mind again and again,
"...my mother Nadia may have infact worn a necklace or jewelry with such shells on it." The paladin then examines it closer to see if the shell has any man made holes in it, or aborations, that would signify such a use in this case.
Firn'gaer (An elaboration) Tuesday November 30th, 2004 8:03:34 PM ...yea, a nice place...
Firn'gaer sits back and reflects on the shell. He tries to think of its significance and its relation to New Elenna.
A shell found commonly on the shores of Windhorn Hamlet? Buried in the ice...what is the significance? I know there is a connection...but what...
He continues to ponders.
Sundown In The Canyon (DM/Al) Tuesday November 30th, 2004 9:05:25 PM
The Children of Chaos have adapted to conditions that would surely have killed less extraordinary people long ago. Though there is certainly more to learn, they have little fear of Ice Vein any longer. A consensus develops within the group to stay the night and explore the double doors on the morrow.
Niobe kneels by the lock again. The lock is good. The rogue's first attempt at unlocking it stands testament to that. However, as with all puzzles, once solved they become simpler. She inserts her picks and quickly works her way through the levers and plates. A twist of the wrist, and on the first try, Niobe is rewarded with the sound of the locking bolt dropping back into place. The door is again locked.
Firn'gaer watches Jason as he examines the shell. Windhorn Hamlet ... The wizard knows the area. Why in the Wold would such a thing as this be here? So blasted far away? The shells have no commercial value that he knows of. And so this one is unlikely to have found its way here by means of trade. No, the most reasonable deduction based upon his knowledge is that someone from that area has passed this way, most likely a woman. The shell was on her person and it was dislodged here, possibly on the way through the door.
Jason, meanwhile, has come to the same conclusion. Except that he thinks he knows who that woman might be. He holds the shell up to the waning light. Sure enough, as Savin had noticed earlier, there is a hole drilled at the back point of the shell in just the place where it might be strung as jewelry.
The light in the canyon is dim. Up above, between the close walls of the canyon, the light of the setting sun can be seen against the deepening blue of the late afternoon sky. The day will be gone soon enough.
OoC
Niobe is now familiar with this particular lock. DC is now lower: DC28. Doesn't get any lower than that though. Not until you take it apart and put it back together.
In the hole: Savin, Niobe, Sly, Luke, Shiraz, Ilsidur, Firn'gaer Up on the rim: Peerimus, Yorrick, Jason, Tokun
Savin Tuesday November 30th, 2004 10:45:25 PM
"Ahhhh Niobe, if you are locking a lock that opend from the inside, won't the owners of the lock be able to open it up also?'
Savin will look through his belongings and find a one of six torches in his haversack. He will pull out a dagger and start whittling the handle down to a flat point. He will then peg the door closed from the outside. He doubts it would stop someone but it should slow them down and give him and his friends some time to prepare.
He will look up at the rim and yell,"Why don't you just jump down? You can't stay up there all night. You will freeze. It isn't that far of a fall and we have some healing spells available to us."
Ilsidur Tuesday November 30th, 2004 11:00:07 PM
Ilsidur says, "I agree that we should probably stay the night right here. Firn, can you set up the shelter so that the door faces this pit, and the door that we plan to enter tomorrow? That way, we can keep an eye on the door as well."
Then he moves over beside the young paladin, and says, "Jason, this is a good sign. Who knows, maybe this shell was dropped for a purpose, to give us a clue of the path to follow. We will be back on the trail tomorrow, and lets hope we make some significant progress."
Finally, he looks up and addresses the young barbarian, "We are going to spend the night here on the surface, in our magical shelter. We would be honoured to have you stay with us. However, in the morning, we must all go through that door and under the ice, since my two friends need to find what happened to their families. In the morning, we would like you to accompany us, but if you need to travel home, we will send you on your way with our thanks, and some coal, food and water to see you safely home. We only ask if you can't come with us, that you tell us whatever you can about the path that we need to follow to get to Zaran City. Now, please throw us down a rope, so we can climb out."
Shiraz Wednesday December 1st, 2004 1:42:49 AM
Shiraz assists Savin in pushing the flat end of the orch into the doorjam, and looks at his friends, "Let me help you all out then you can lower a rope and I can climb out."
Niobe d20+10=12 Wednesday December 1st, 2004 1:48:32 AM
"Very clever. Of course they can open the lock if they have a key or picks."
Niobe looks over at the wedge Savin put under the door and bites her tongue not to laugh.
"That wedge won't help much either though if whom ever might be inside really wants out. In fact it will most likely "tell" them that someone is just outside."
She stifles a laugh as she thinks, 'it won't keep me out either if I really want to go inside!'
The rogue decides to wait beside the door again as the others try to figure out where to set up camp. Once again she thinks to herself that just quickly scouting behind the door and getting that done with quickly would have been best.
Niobe studies the door to see if it opens outward or inward. She suspects that it would open inward because of the wintry conditions of the Ice Vein. She considers whether a wedge would really work on the door if it indeed does open inwards.
(Spot 12)
Sly and Luke Wednesday December 1st, 2004 6:06:30 AM
Sly (with a look of hope in his eyes) tell Jason "I was hoping that you would say that it look like something your mother would wear. Do you know what that means?? The slaves went in there! Alive they passed this way."
Luke approches his master, and puts his nose in Sly's hand. "The Vision!"
Then the light fades from Sly's eyes. Answers his dog "I know, The Pain! But I must know... I have to know."
Savin (Illegal post) d20+9=29 Wednesday December 1st, 2004 11:42:44 AM
Savin will notice that Niobe is again studying the door. He will determinely march over, grab her by the shoulder and turn her around.
He will gently raise his hands to her face, cradling both sides of her cheeks. "Listen, my vision told me I was the protecter of the group and if people went places without me, they would die. I don't want you to die."
Savin's mind flashes back to the young gypsy girl's lessons on kissing. He really enjoyed those lessons but knows it is a skill to kiss well. He leans forward and gently but firmly kisses the pretty thief, enveloping her into a hug. (Rolled natural 20 on my perform roll so assuming it was a pretty good kiss!)
He will then step back and grab her hand and implore, "Please don't go in without me." He will then slip away feeling slightly smug with himself, but also slightly in shock too
Firn'gaer Wednesday December 1st, 2004 8:07:31 PM
"Alright." He says to Ilsidur and moves to begin the incantation for the shelter.
Casting a spell, fly, he and rises out of the pit and finds what he thinks is a good location. He then begins the spell. "Ummm...ummm...ummm..."
The Soft Veil of Night (DM/Al) Wednesday December 1st, 2004 9:45:09 PM
Another night in the Magic Shelter. Tokun nods to the Short Steel Man. "I will be brave." He replies, yet his eyes move once again out across the caved and crumbled ice to the shadowy door.
Within the shadows of the cave, Savin makes wedges for the door while Niobe looks dubiously on. She is, of course correct. A wedge would be of little use against someone determined to open the door. However, she is incorrect in her assumption that the door opens inward. It clearly opens outwards. And, with that observation, she gains an insight into the priorities of the builders. This door was most likely designed to resist a forced entry from the outside. A door that opened inwards would be easier to batter in.
As the rogue comes to this realization, Savin rises from his work and kisses her firmly upon the mouth. The monk's motivations may be cloudy, but the kiss itself is electricity from a clear blue sky. Shiraz appears to help secure the door just as Savin escapes out the mouth of the cave.
Sensing a consensus, Firn'gaer produces a feather and lifts from the bottom of the hole with a spell. The wizard floats in the gloom of the swiftly darkening canyon and produces another cottage. This one rests 10 feet back from the ledge and fills nearly the entire width of the canyon.
Both Sly and Niobe's ropes are still anchored on the ledge.
OoC Climb check would be DC5, but with Shiraz's help, I'll waive that.
Peerimus Wednesday December 1st, 2004 10:14:04 PM
Peerimus will suggest a watch and will volunteer himself and Yorrick for teh first one. Peerimus will maintain his portion of the watch as a bear.
Sly and Luke d20+1=12 d20+16=26 Thursday December 2nd, 2004 7:26:22 AM
Sly will Pick up Luke and tuck the dog in his cape. Up the go to the top, then release Luke.
Sly will tell Peimus, "Friend Peerimus and Yurrick (Sly reconise the bears efforts in this quest)You have been the first ones to do most of the hard work, you need a good rest. So I'll take the first watch as soon as I change my and Lukes charcoals. Now go rest!"
After Luke is on the Snow covered plain, he shake himself going over to his pal Yurrick, as if to say 'Big hole down there. WE go in!"
OOC: DC checks Sly 12 - Luke 26.
Shiraz d20+5=17 Thursday December 2nd, 2004 11:03:41 AM
Shiraz helps the others put and with littel effort climbs out of the hole. " I will take the middle watch so you all can get uninteruppted sleep tonight."
Niobe d20+3=14 d20+8=15 Thursday December 2nd, 2004 6:39:21 PM
Niobe is stunned by Savin's kiss; she would never have expected to have any of her own methods used against herself!
'Wonder what drove Savin to kiss me like that? That had to mean more than just trying to convince me to not wander off. There is no way that didn't mean something deeper. What to do...?'
She stands rooted to the spot for many seconds replaying that unbelievably, utterly breath-taking kiss. The rogue is certainly surprised; no mean feat.
"Wow..." is the only thing she can think to say at the moment. For the while any and all thoughts of the door are very much gone from her mind.
'Huh, I didn't quite think he had that in him... wow...
Like everyone else Niobe will eventually make her way over to the ropes and climb up to the others. As usual she has no trouble what so ever making the climb.
Niobe will take any watches offered to her for the night - though she has a feeling that she won't be asked to take any guard watches outside; certainly not alone at any rate. She will bide her time either doing some sort of chore or just fiddling with some item from her haversack. The rogue is simply bide her time waiting; rather expectantly, for what Savin will do next.
If anyone mentions anything about the door Niobe will immediately join in the discussion. If there is any discussion regarding whatever Tokun decides to do, she will advise that the young barbarian stay with them. She will state that it is not like they will let him get hurt or lost. Niobe will even attempt diplomacy to convince ther guide to stay with them.
(Climb 14, Diplomacy 15)
Firn'gaer Thursday December 2nd, 2004 8:20:15 PM
Firn'gaer settles in for a good night rest and contemplates tomorrow.
Down under the ice...wonder how much experience the others have in spellunking?
Ah...gettin' all worried for nothing...still...
Answers...
Savin d20+9=13 Thursday December 2nd, 2004 9:25:13 PM
Savin will move about the cabin helping to prepare the evening meal. He seems distracted and it shows in his cooking. He burns the bisquits but the rest of the meal is ok.
He keeps glancing at Niobe not really sure on how to follow up on that kiss. Does he even what to follow up on the kiss? He is very confused. He has a strong attraction to the pretty thief, but is that enough?
He will be drawn to her as the night moves on and will find himself rubbing her shoulders and the group chats around the fire.
"What do you think is behind the door? I don't think it has been used in a long time, since the ice formed over it. Maybe a treasure or a bunch of bones..." Savin winces as he says this and shoots a glance at Jason and Sly. He quickly says, "I hope your families are OK."
Soon the Morning (DM/Al) Thursday December 2nd, 2004 9:58:21 PM
Night passes, and more happens within the cramped cottage than perhaps without.
Niobe and Savin steal glances at each other from across the room.
Sly and Jason flirt with speculation as to what they might find beyond the door. In light of their recent premonition, each imagining brings with it fears of tragedy and loss.
In fact, the unopened door weighs heavily upon the minds of all. It stands outside their shelter, waiting, cloaked in a mystery that burns within the darkness of each person's imagination.
Firn'gaer drifts to sleep with thoughts of ... answers.
The next morning comes soon enough. The strip of sky visible from the floor of the canyon lightens to a bluer and bluer black as the dawn reaches out across the world above. All is as they had left it as the Children of Chaos emerge from their shelter. The door remains as it was before. The ropes hang from their pitons as they were placed by Sly and Niobe the previous day. One section of the ledge is still melted away.
Tokun emerges from the cottage, his eyes are sunken and red. It had been a night of struggle for the young barbarian. Inner demons show little mercy. And, yet what can one charged with the care of the Magic Heroes, the Saviors do but to suffer and obey?
Sly And Luke Friday December 3rd, 2004 8:10:06 AM
Sly just before going to take the first watch, he sits beside Savin, "I have been waiting a long time for this!... But here goes, Tell me what monestary did you go to? If they teach you to kiss like that! I might just want join them??" Sly runs out the door with Luke (with a pay-back smerk on his face).
The night passes with nothing going on, Except the thoughs of his Mother being force to go down there and then what?? 'I must find out!!'
In the morning Sly is at the edge, looking down, nothing has chaned, every thing is as they left it. A black cloud crosses his eyes, thinking Who ever went in there never came out. They are either dead or they went on beeper, slaveing away for who knows what?? But Sly thinks, "I Have to Know?"
Spell Lists - OoC (DM/Al) Friday December 3rd, 2004 8:27:51 AM
BTW, it's a new day. Can I have spell lists from:
Firn'gaer Ilsidur Peerimus Sly
Peerimus Friday December 3rd, 2004 5:39:58 PM
The morning again finds the druid just outside sitting with Yorrick just behind him. Basking in the opening light of the first rays of dawn.
Peerimus reflects his fortune and gives thanks to both Mother and Father before preparing his spells:
As everyone readies, "Has Tokun decided on his path as of yet?" the druid will ask Ilsidur.
"I have spells that will make if easy for Yorrick to get in and out of the hole. If needed. At first we shall remain up here as the door is opened. No need to expend the efforts if there is but a single empty room beyond. Shall we begin. Niobe I believe you are up first."
Niobe d20+5=18 d20+16=28 Friday December 3rd, 2004 8:16:30 PM
Niobe shows that she enjoys and appreciates the shoulder rub. The rogue is as relaxed as she ever has been, though by all rights she should be tense. But she is used to occasionally manipulating peoples' emotions to achieve some goals - which is what she had been trying to do initially; out of habit. Old habits do die hard. Still she is considering many of the same things that Savin is. She is certainly tempted to see how this might work out. The question for her is whether to show that interest openly...
Since Niobe has Savin's undevided attention she asks him about his vision. She keeps her voice low, so the conversation will at least seem more private. "Savin what did the Fates tell you exactly? Was it concerning me?" The rogue is being as charming as ever of course - and hopefully just 'distant' enough to continue to be intriguing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In the morning Niobe will be up very early for once. She will do her utmost to be very quiet as she prepares to do some exploring. By being quiet she hopes to keep whomever needs the extra sleep unawakened. She fully expects Savin to somehow notice her preparing to leave the shelter, and Peerimus is already wide awake as well. "Yes Peerimus, I am going to open that lock again right now. You and Yorrick can follow whenever you see fit. The same goes for the others too; but I don't want to wake anyone still asleep."
With that said she scales down the cliff via her rope, quick as a flash she is down. Niobe sets to working on the lock as fast as she can.
(Climb 18, Open Lock 28)
The Pressure of the Unknown (DM/Al) Friday December 3rd, 2004 10:30:38 PM
Sly stands next to Peerimus and Yorrick at the edge of the ten foot drop. They watch as Niobe scampers quickly down the rope and picks her way across the rubble of the collapsed ice ceiling. Disappearing into the gloom of the shallow cave, she kneels before the double doors. It does not take the rogue long to once again pick the lock. With a click, the bolt is free to slide. All that need be done is to pull the bolt aside, remove the wedges, and swing the doors open.
Tokun looks at the Magic One's present and decides to approach Bear Friend. "Shou Whek ton Tokun heup lasah uhch weh?" he asks.
[[ OoC: I'll post more as more people post over the weekend. ]]
Firn'gaer Saturday December 4th, 2004 10:18:39 AM
Firn'gaer steps from the shelter in the morning and prepares for the day.
He cast the following spells endure elements (using rod), extended mage armor.
Active Spells extended endure elements extended mage armor
3 -- deep slumber, dispel magic, fly, lightning bolt
4 -- black tentacles, empowered scorching ray, polymorph
5 -- telekinesis, wall of force
Sly and Luke Saturday December 4th, 2004 11:50:57 AM
Sly wakes as Niobe, goes out the door. Luke jump up and is out the door even before Niobe (Luke is answering the call of nature.) Luke look around notheing id sticking out of the ground, So he let's go on Fun'gar Magic Hut.)
Sly reminds himself that he might be going in a battle arena, He double check is Magic.
Sly is now ready to face what ever is behind that door. Out he goes to stand with the others.
Savin Saturday December 4th, 2004 4:54:48 PM
Savin does tell Niobe about his dream/vision and inquires about hers as well.
In the morning, he will stick to his normal routine even though he doesn notice Niobe slip out. "She has to follow her own path." he thinks.
He will do his stretches and morning katas losing himself in the exercise. Things have been whirling around in his head and he needs the release.
Niobe Saturday December 4th, 2004 5:54:02 PM
Niobe removes the wedges and decides to wait for the others. When she has finished her self-appointed tasks she finds that Savin didn't follow her down here. Expecting quite the opposite to have occured the rogue finds herself surprised yet again.
She hides a small yawn; and her budding sense of disappointment, as she turns away from the door and looks up at 'her audience' on top of the cliff.
"Are any of you going to join me or am I going to end up scouting this place out alone??", Niobe calls up to the others, her question is half in jest.
Ilsidur Saturday December 4th, 2004 9:44:09 PM
Ilsidur rises in the morning, and moves over to the wizard, saying, "Thank you, Firn, for another comfortable night. This shelter spell of yours certainly is useful."
Then the dwarf cleric spends an hour or so at his morning devotions, asking the Woldian powers to grant him the strength and the magic that he will need this day.
After eating a bite, Ilsidur casts Comprehend Languages on himself, and signals for the young barbarian to repeat himself. He will listen to what Tokun has to say, and then use signals as best as possible to make the young man understand the answer.
After the difficult discussion with their guard, Ilsidur will make his way over to the edge of the ice hole, and look down at Niobe. "Well, young lady, you have been most patient. Let's all get down there with you, and you can open that door at last." He takes hold of the rope, and clambers down the side of the hole, to the bottom.
Jason of Aisildur Sunday December 5th, 2004 9:47:23 AM
Jason is a mix of excitement and apprehension. He new the door could hold behind it the answer he sought. Yet the possible answer it kept from him was terrifying in prospect.
The paladin braced himself and prepared for the worst as the group prepared to find out what secrets the barrier kept.
"If it does hold the answers, and if it is not what we want to hear...at least we will know." Jason says to Sly as he moves to him, waiting beside him as both a brother and a kindred spirit.
What You Don't Understand ... (Supplementary Post DM/Al) Sunday December 5th, 2004 11:30:37 AM
The Short Steel Man approaches Tokun as he awaits an answer from Bear Friend. Unlike the day before, Short Steel Man only gestures. The barbarian lad frowns, puzzled, but repeats the question that he had put to Bear Friend.
"Do you wish Tokun to go in there with you?" he asks in the barbarian tongue.
Tokun watches as comprehension lights in Short Steel Man's eyes. Perhaps they are becoming more like the Smashed Teeth. They not to speak so much in the cold.
Then Short Steel Man climbs down into the hole. Is this an answer? Who can understand the Magic Ones? Guiding them across the ice is easy. Understanding them is very difficult. Living with the Magic Ones makes Tokun feel tired.
OoC At the Ledge Peerimus Yorrick Savin Sly Luke Firn'gaer Jason Shiraz
In The Hole Niobe Ilsidur
Firn'gaer Sunday December 5th, 2004 2:46:36 PM
Firn'gaer takes hold of the rope and slowly lowers himself down.
[Take 10 on climb check making Climb DC10]
Active Spells extended endure elements extended mage armor
3 -- deep slumber, dispel magic, fly, lightning bolt
4 -- black tentacles, empowered scorching ray, polymorph
5 -- telekinesis, wall of force
Savin Sunday December 5th, 2004 5:02:03 PM
Savin will go to the edge of the drop and jump down grabbing the sides to slow his fall. He will trot over to the door and give Niobe a wink. "Ready to satisfy that curiosity?"
Sly and Luke d20+6=24 d20=19 Monday December 6th, 2004 5:22:58 AM
Sly speaks to Jason, "This is why I came here to Ice Vein, To get answers, it maybe painful or Joyful, Either way we'll know" He slaps the paladin on the back, "Let's Go!"
Sly grabs Luke to himself, and down the rope they go. (Sly Climb 24 - Luke Climb 19)
Once down on the bottom, (Here Sly will use sign language.) He signs to their Guide Tokum 'Good man! We feel better you with us. Now you protect (Sly points to Ilsidur, Fun'garand Niobe) We fighters will proteck you. Welcome!'
Luke waits for his friend Yurrick to join him.
Peerimus Monday December 6th, 2004 9:36:28 AM
Peerimus considers what thier young guide has said, through interpretation of Ilsidur. It would better him and most likely the tribe were he to face a great fear, but it could also devestate him once we were inside and put us all in danger
The druid puts a solemn hand on Tokun's shoulder with a firm grip. Knowing he can not understand him he says "This shall be your Nu'eahe, your spiritual test of guidance. Yorrick and I shall do all that we can to help you." Looking to Ilsidur, "Please tell him it is he who must take teh reigns of his destiny and decide for himself in this. I can act as guide and sometimes protector but that is all."
Peerimus waits for an answer for a breif time, then turns to watch the door from above, Yorrick directly at his side.
Firn'gaer Monday December 6th, 2004 1:37:48 PM
Firn'gaer waits quietly as the others speak to their young guide.
He thinks Come on kid just come. You look strong we could use the extra muscle.
Active Spells extended endure elements extended mage armor
3 -- deep slumber, dispel magic, fly, lightning bolt
4 -- black tentacles, empowered scorching ray, polymorph
5 -- telekinesis, wall of force
Niobe d20+9=27 d20+9=27 d20+10=28 Monday December 6th, 2004 6:02:58 PM
Niobe is indeed being uncharacteristically patient, this is based on the realization that they will most likely only succeed by working as a team. During her "long" wait she has wondered what, or who, the builders of the door wanted to keep out.
"I am more than ready to see what is behind the door", Niobe answers Savin. As soon as everyone is down here she will check for any traps before opening the door (27). Her philosophy tends towards 'you can never be too careful'. If it seems safe to open the door then Niobe will open the door wide, but not be dumb enough to stand in the center of the opened door of course. If nothing comes flying out the open door she will immediately enter the door and stay close to the nearest wall as she scopes out the room (search 27, spot 28). The rogue searches for glyphs, other forms of writing, anything moving, monsters, new doors and such.
(Trapfinding: Search 27, Trap sense +2 if she actually sets any potential traps off! Checking out the room: Search 27, Spot 28)
Ilsidur Monday December 6th, 2004 7:45:46 PM
Ilsidur smiles and nods to the young barbarian, and signals for him to join the party. He signals that he cannot speak the language, but only understand it. He tries to make Tokun understand the he can only ask Ilsidur yes/no questions, and Ilsidur will be able to respond with a nod or a shake.
He looks over to see how Niobe is doing with the door.
What You Don't Understand ... Won't Hurt You? (DM/Al) d20+2=17 Monday December 6th, 2004 9:51:50 PM
Tokun turns from face to face. The Magic Ones jabber at him in their Outlander tongue. The people of his village do not speak much while in the cold, not with their voices. They do, though, speak. Through look and gesture, a language that even the youngest learns.
And, to the young barbarian, it is clear what the Magic Ones say to him. Tokun follows the Short Steel Man down the rope.
Firn'gaer climbs down as well. Savin leaps from the ledge. A light touch against the ice wall sets him gently on the crumbled floor of the icy debris. It would be difficult to tumble here. Sly climbs down the other rope.
Luke takes one look at the rope and shakes himself all over. "Don't climb," he barks. Carefully scrabbling at the slippery edge, the war dog jumps down instead, his paws cushioning his fall. (Jump 17. Sorry, I draw the line at dogs who climb ropes.)
Peerimus, Jason, and both the very large Yorrick and Shiraz remain atop the ledge. They watch as Niobe approaches the door. She examines the door with an expert eye. Nothing is revealed. Careful to remain behind the heavy five by ten foot right-hand door, she grasps the handle and pulls backwards. As she pulls the door wide, the rogue keeps it between herself and whatever might be inside.
The interior is dark in the early morning gloom of the deep canyon. At first nothing can be seen but a blackness darker than the dark of the shallow cave. It is something else that is the first to exit through the door. Warmth. Warmth drifts from out of the door, not a great warmth, but enough to feel against the freezing cold that chills the canyon floor. And, with the warmth, comes a smell. It is, at first, a tart chemical smell of antiseptic that stings the nose. But, from underneath the chemical mask rises an undertone that will not be suppressed, an odor of reek an corruption, a stench that rips an image from the mind, an image of carrion meat rotting upon a field of battle.
Then there is a snort, a rough grunt, a shuffling of large feet. Eyes adjust to the dark. Ilsidur and Sly, and Shiraz from his place up on the ledge see a broad back with a head, oddly small, atop the shoulders. Sly's elf-born vision gives him the most detail. The arm of seemingly different coloration than the torso. The odd patchwork of lines.
It lumbers aimlessly into view and then away, as though, as of yet, unaware of the open door and those just outside.
OoC At the Ledge Peerimus Yorrick Jason Shiraz
In The Hole Niobe Ilsidur Savin Sly Luke Firn'gaer
Shiraz Monday December 6th, 2004 9:59:42 PM
Shiraz climbs down carefully and activates his shield, "Be careful" the fighter says drawing both weapons and remember tto keep light to a minimum"
Savin Monday December 6th, 2004 11:06:07 PM
Savin, remembers back to his days at the monestary. What did his master say? "Mages and clerics are capable of making living statues. They can be terrible foes but aren't in most cases very intelligent. They are called golems."
Savin will call out, "Careful, it might be a flesh golem but I have never seen one up in person before. They are supposed to be very strong."
He will reach out and grab Niobe's arm and pull her behind him.
Sly and Luke Tuesday December 7th, 2004 10:01:32 AM
Sly look very carefully, "Oh! My Gosh! I have never see a thing like this. Now I wish we had our Iron Golem right about now. This one is odd, very odd? He has a broad torso with a small head, Great big feet. But his arm are of a different color from the rest of the body, it seem as if he was put together Patch work style? You know like the Barbarian Women make with the wolves pelts. It seem as if he's wandering around and has not seem that the door is open or that we are here,YET!"
Sly tell Luke, "Stay with Niobe and the magic users. OK!"
Luke answers "Yes!"
Peerimus Tuesday December 7th, 2004 5:07:20 PM
The druid squats at the top and does his best to get a glimpse of what it is that patrols the inner hall. If it is a golem is likely has a specific set of instructions.
Calling down "Back away from the door a moment, the next time it turns about it will surely see the door is open. If it does not comme out it must have specific instruction not to unless attacked."
"We need more information before we destroy someone's guardman. A creature of this nature denotes an intelligence behind it that may prove friendly."
Niobe d20+10=22 Tuesday December 7th, 2004 8:55:09 PM
Niobe was geared to enter the room and had planned to be well on her way inside. However she very quickly finds herself being pulled in the opposite direction!
She gently shrugs her arm out of Savin's hand and gives him a questioning look. "Oh for pity's sake I can easily avoid that creature. You worry too much sometimes," she hisses in a whisper to Savin. She is not angry.
If everyone else decides to listen to Peerimus' advice about backing away from the door then Niobe will reluctantly follow suit.
While waiting to see if the creature emerges from the door she will listen to its steps to see try and gauge how long time it takes to go from one end of the room to another (listen 22). This way if it doesn't leave the room then she can possibly sneak in behind it and thus get an opportunity to check out the room at least somewhat. The stench wafting from the room is unpleasant but no big deterent to the rogue as of yet. That might change though depending on what she finds in the room - corpses don't always inspire one to want to continue on.
(Listen 22)
The Door Guardian - Unwelcome Surprise - Round 01 (DM/Al) d20+10=25 2d8(4+1)+5=10 Tuesday December 7th, 2004 9:07:46 PM
Shiraz calls out a warning.
Savin pulls Niobe away and speculates as to what the thing might be.
Niobe, verbally objects.
Sly describes what he sees for his comrades and tells Luke to stay to the back.
Luke says, "Yes."
Peerimus, from up on the ledge calls everyone back.
"quweeEIIIEE-EE-EE!"
The reaction to the sound of voices is electrifying. A high keening wail comes from within the dark room. Savin and Niobe, up close and personal, see the hulking monster swing around. The air explodes with a bang as the left-hand door is struck with tremendous force, and flies open to crash against the cave wall.
"Gyawryawagrarh-EERAAAAAAAAAAH!" The small gnomish head sewn upon the massive shoulders lets out a high pitched roar of challenge. It's lower jaw wags and swings as if unhinged from it's skull. With a lame hopping gait it springs forward and lays a ham fisted back hand into Savin's chest. (Hit AC25, 10hp damage)
OoC
<We are now in combat rounds.>
Map on it's way via email.
List AC and HP in the Name field. Also list all active spell effects.
Firn'gaer - AC 19, HP 45 d20+17=20 5d4(2+2+1+1+3)+5=14 Tuesday December 7th, 2004 10:01:40 PM
Firn'gaer sees the large flesh beast and as he quickly scans his memory of such as creature. His magical recollection was only able to filter out the very basic of knowledge. "It's a golem." he cries out before he calls to his mind the incantation for a magic missile spell.
After a quick series of gestures and incantations, a distortion of air forms around Firn'gaer gathering at his right hand. The distortion dancings with arcs of energy dissipates as five small orbs of distortion streak towards the golem. Each strike the center mass of the unholy creation.
[Arcane Knowledge DC20] [Magic Missiles 14 points of damage]
Active Spells extended endure elements extended mage armor
3 -- deep slumber, dispel magic, fly, lightning bolt
4 -- black tentacles, empowered scorching ray, polymorph
5 -- telekinesis, wall of force
Savin ac 24 hps 85/95 d20+11=26 d20+11=15 d20+6=8 d10+4=7 Tuesday December 7th, 2004 10:03:07 PM
Savin is surprised by the sudden attack, but is game for the fight. He kicks out connecting with the beast's leg. "Ouch! It is flesh but it is solid." he yells.
Savin will back up 5' to draw it out so he companions can get to it more easily.
The follow up strikes fail to connect.
Jason of Aisildur Tuesday December 7th, 2004 10:41:04 PM
Jason, immediately hearing the commotion from below, moves to the ropes and looks down to see if there is room for him to get down where the fight is occuring.
If there is room, the paladin moves down the ropes and prepares to engage the enemy, a prayer to Domi on the tip of his tongue.
Shiraz AC 27 <dodge vs golem> hps 84/84 d20+16=19 d20+12=15 d20+15=28 2d8(4+4)+11=19 d10+6=14 2d8(6+5)+8=19 Tuesday December 7th, 2004 10:52:58 PM
Shiraz charges the thirty feet between where he stands and his comrades side. Sizing up his opponent Shirac carefully chooses his moment and strikes out at the golem, <AC 19, 15, 28 for 19, 14, and 19 damamge.
Peerimus [AC 15 HP 86] Yorrick [AC 19 HP 73] d20+17=30 d20+8=14 d20+9=29 Tuesday December 7th, 2004 11:16:02 PM
Obviously the wait is over and action is now needed.
Calling down, "Firn'gaer, Sly shift to your left Yorrick and I are coming down."
It may sting a bit, but off he goes. Peerimus shifts to a bear and jumps down, a grunt to Yorrick brings him as well. [Handle Animal 30] [Peerimus jump check 14] [Yorrick jump check 29]
Assuming Sly and Firn'gaer clear him room they end up at C14 and E14
Active Spell Endure Elements extended
Ilsidur (AC 25, 98/98 hp, comprehend languages) Tuesday December 7th, 2004 11:43:58 PM
Ilsidur watches Shiraz rush by him to face off against the creature. He moves forward to behind the minotaur, ready to step in if the rogue and the monk step out.
Sly(AC 20 79/79hp) and Luke(AC 21 28/28hp) 2d3(2+3)=5 Wednesday December 8th, 2004 7:56:52 AM
Sly moves to the left, so that Peerimus and Yurrick can land. As long as Sly can see his enermy, he can hit him with Acid arrows. This is not much help but it will help!" Sly utters the magic words "Slish Slash Sisssct" Two acid splash flies and hit the golem (hopefully in the head)
Niobe (AC 19, HP 67/67) d20+12=30 Wednesday December 8th, 2004 4:59:01 PM
Niobe tumbles past the creature and readies her rapier. The rogue takes a defensive stance as she waits. She hopes that Savin; and anyone else near enough by, gets the picture that she hopes to try and flank the enemy.
(Tumble 30)
The Door Guardian - Something is Wrong Here - Round 02 (DM/Al) d6=5 d100=63 d20+10=22 d20+10=25 2d8(4+2)+5=11 2d8(6+6)+5=17 Wednesday December 8th, 2004 9:56:02 PM
Savin returns the blow he received with a flurry of his own. He backs away as they all thud harmlessly against the tough patchwork flesh.
Niobe goes in the exact opposite direction. A diving roll beneath the hulking brute's legs brings her up just behind the creature's back.
Shiraz moves to his comrades' aide, preparing a charge. But he would risk running Ilsidur down. He strides the 30 feet between himself and the monster instead. As he approaches with in ten feet, his shield, floating in the air, falls to the ground, clattering against the ice. The bold minotaur attacks his foe none the less, striking with both weapons. Both bastard swords bite, but without the certainty that he's use to. Neither they don't bite as deeply either. To the seasoned warrior, it feels as though the magic had gone out of the weapons.
(Using both weapon and natural attacks requires a full round action, Shiraz. And it's -5 to the attack that's not primary.)
Sly and Firn'gaer unleash magic attacks against the creature. The magical energies fly unerring toward their target. Ten feet before the creature, Sly's arrow of acid and Firn'gaer's bolts of energy, vanish as though they never existed.
Sly steps aside to allow Peerimus and Yorrick room to jump down. Yorrick lands safely on coiled steel-spring muscles. Peerimus fares not as well. His leg turns as he hits the ice. (DC for Jumping down is 15. Take 5hp fall damage.)
Jason and the Tokun climb down the ropes. Tokun brings a bone greataxe into his hands.
Ilsidur moves up behind Shiraz, waiting on an opening.
The creature's eyes move from its retreating target to the small thing that rolls under his legs to the big thing that strides on hoofed feet to strike at it with steel. Two massive fists strike back at the dark minotaur. Shiraz no longer has his shield, and his armor feels as though it has lost the strength of its magic.
The blows fall and seems to stop them not at all. (Hit AC22, AC25, Damage 11, 17 = 28hp)
OoC <map sent by email>
Shiraz, your shield is lying on the ground. Your armor is no more than a Masterwork Breastplate as well.
The Creature is AC 18 Damage reduction 5/adamantine Creature Status - Wounded
The maps have grid coordinates. Numbers across the top and letters down the left side. Please designate the space in which you want your PC to end up. If you do not, I will place him/her in the place I think s/he should be based upon your description. Once placed, it cannot be changed.
Savin ac 24 hps 85/95 d20+9=23 d20+13=31 d10+4=13 Wednesday December 8th, 2004 10:19:15 PM
Savin sees Niobe do her cute little stunt and decides to try it too. He tumbles forward and hopefully past the golem (tumble 23)and will stand up and strike at the creature.
Savin is trying to get to n4. He will rear up and kick at the monster in the back of the knee Hit ac 31 for 13-5=8 points of damage.
OOC I assume I did 2 points last round? Right?
Shiraz AC 20/21 w dodge against golem 84 hps d20+13=24 d20+9=18 d20+13=26 d20+10=20 2d8(4+3)+8=15 d10+4=5 2d8(6+6)+8=20 d8=6 Thursday December 9th, 2004 4:47:26 AM
Shiraz watches his shield fall to the ground and growls softly then swiftly attacks the golem again. "Be strong, be swift, and my our strikes land true." Shiraz calls out as the blood begins pounding within him. Shiraz attacks the golem directing his attacks wherever he can reach, hitting AC 24 for 15 dmg, AC 18 for 5 dmg, AC 26 for 5 dmg and AC 20 for 6 dmg. Shiraz stands in E7.
Sly(AC 20 79/79hp) and Luke(AC 21 28/28hp) d20+19=36 d20+14=20 d8=6 d8=8 Thursday December 9th, 2004 8:29:28 AM
Sly watches the golem, yelling at the others "This thing has either despell magic aura around him or this is one tough Son of the dams! This is going to be a hand to hand choping away at him. Archers try for the head first, so he cannot see where we are or where he's going. Shiraz if your hurt come back and get cured!"
All the time Sly will use his long bow and shoot two arrows(hopefully hitting the monster for 6+8=14hp of damages). Sly will give Tokum his long bow and 18 arrows. Pointing at the golem, hitting his hand in his fist and tells him to "KILL!" (Hoping that the Barbarian is a fast learner.)
Firn'gaer - AC 19, HP 45 d20+6=24 Thursday December 9th, 2004 8:58:55 AM
Firn'gaer watches as his spell disipates short of the creature. "S#$%." He says calling forth another spell in memory, see invisibility.
Again taking his rod from his waiste he begins the incantation his begin to glow slightly. This glow builds and builds taking on a blue-white hue. As he finishes the glow diminishes until all that can be seen is a low soft illumination from his eyes.
[Spot DC 24]
Active Spells extended endure elements -- 24 hours (in Ice Veins) extended mage armor -- 18 hours extended see invisibility -- 3 hours
Rod (1/3 left)
[OOC: Al, Firn'gaer has the Eschew Material feat. That's why I haven't been describing him using components. If I use a spell that fall under that feat let me know and I'll note that for when I post.]
3 -- deep slumber, dispel magic, fly, lightning bolt
4 -- black tentacles, empowered scorching ray, polymorph
5 -- telekinesis, wall of force
Peerimus Thursday December 9th, 2004 10:59:08 AM
The druid halts abruptly, An Antimagic field will cancel my form as surely as thier magic
For now the druid remains in bear form and moves up with Yorrick taking E9 himself and Yorrick to D9. If nothing else he could hopefully be able to cure Shiraz if need be, but we should soon see.
Jason of Aisildur AC=23 HP=61 d20+15=30 d20+10=22 d10+5=15 d10+5=10 Thursday December 9th, 2004 7:02:07 PM
Jason, seeing his companions in trouble, raises his large sword and runs toward the guardian, determined to help in stopping its madness.
Once he reaches the beast he slams his weapon out at the beast.
OOC: I am unsure if I reached the guardian this round. If I did, the above were my To Hit and Dmg rolls. 2 hits (AC30, AC22, dmg=15+10) for total of 25hp dmg before creatures adjuestments. If I did not, then I will roll once I reach it.
Niobe (AC 19, HP 67/67) (E4) d20+11=23 d6+3=8 Thursday December 9th, 2004 9:12:41 PM
Niobe attacks the golem using her rapier. She tries for its knee hoping to limit its mobility.
(Hit AC 23, 8 pts dmg; note her rapier is a +1 so it should have been a +12, but the anti magic stuff would cancel that out I imagine...)
The Door Guardian - The Clash of Titans - Round 03 (DM/Al) d100=45 d20+10=11 d20+10=14 d20+10=29 2d8(6+6)+5=17 Thursday December 9th, 2004 10:01:36 PM
Savin watches as Niobe rolls beneath the feet of the towering hulk. He dives after her, but his way is blocked by a massive leg. The monk rebounds, laying himself open for the swipe of a large meaty hand. (Tumble at one-half speed through an area occupied by an enemy DC25. Failure provokes AoO.) The massive arm swings through the air and over Savin's head. A close call, the result could have been much different. (To Hit AC11 Nat 1) As the arm flies over his head, Savin lashes out with a kick at the monster's knee. The kneecap fractures and twists, and yet pulls back into position with frightening speed.
Shiraz stands his ground lashing out in a whirlwind of attacks. Blades strike again and again, and a massive horn draws brown blood from the broad gray chest. Yet most of the wounds close over as if they were never there.
Sly draws his longbow and has time to fire a single arrow into the melee. The shaft makes a solid strike, and then falls away as though pushed back out. The half-elven fighter-mage throws the bow to the ground and shouts something to Tokun in the Outlander tongue. The barbarian looks down at the bow without comprehension
Firn'gaer calls a spell upon himself, drawing the power to see that which is invisible. He scans the area, and yet nothing reveals itself.
Peerimus takes a guess at what might have caused the failure of magic. Concerned that it could negate his magic as well, he holds back, moving into a position with Yorrick in case healing should be needed. (Ilsidur is at E9. I put you at F9.)
Jason rushes forward, squeezing between Ilsidur and Yorrick. He's pressed up against the wall and unable to find an opening through his own people into which to direct an attack.
Niobe lunges forward, the point of her rapier sliding into the soft flesh at the back of the monster's knee. As she withdraws the blade, she feels the flesh repel the steel. (Yes, you are correct. And your damage goes down by 1 point as well.)
Wahheeeeeeyaaarrrrrhhh!!! The small gnomish head roars with blazing eyes. The monster's useless tongue flops within its open mouth. The little things scamper across the ground before him. The big thing is easier to see. It pounds again at Shiraz. One fist glances from the minotaur's metal breastplate. The other strikes Shiraz full in the face. With a wet smack it comes away with dark minotaur blood. (Hit AC14, AC29 - Damage 17hp)
OoC <map sent by email>
Remember, if you move more than five feet or use a Move Equivalent Action, you, in most cases, only get one attack.
You're fine with the descriptions, Firn'gaer. Thanks.
Savin, Shiraz, and Niobe, remember that you all have +2 to hit from flanking vs each other.
The Creature is AC 18 Damage reduction 5/adamantine Creature Status - Wounded
The maps have grid coordinates. Numbers across the top and letters down the left side. Please designate the space in which you want your PC to end up. If you do not, I will place him/her in the place I think s/he should be based upon your description. Once placed, it cannot be changed.
Ilsidur (AC25, 98/98 hp) Thursday December 9th, 2004 11:22:25 PM
Ilsidur calls out, "Start backing out of there! We all need to be able to act, and you have the creature bottled in." He shifts back to E13.
He calls out to Firn, "Wizard, can you figure out what is going on here? I presume there is some antimagic going on here, but is attached to the creature, or the doorway? And how is that a magically-animated creature can act in an area that is anti-magic?"
Sly(AC 20 79/79hp) and Luke(Ac 21 28/28hp) Friday December 10th, 2004 8:21:17 AM
Sly will move in closer to this thing, (he moves to F10) but there's no room for him to swing,But he also notice that some of the wounds don't heal all the way. So he'll go back to retrive his bow and arrows, then back to this spot. He'll try again to keep this thing from hitting the others, until there's an opening for him to go and fight hand to hand.
Shiraz AC 23 <dodge vs golem> hps 67/84 d20+15=18 d20+11=23 d20+15=27 d20+12=22 2d8(8+5)+8=21 d10+4=7 2d8(2+3)+8=13 d8=2 Friday December 10th, 2004 9:45:13 AM
Shiraz grimaces as the golem smacks him and calls over his shoulder, "Back out where? There isnt much more room out there." Shiraz strikes at the golem again taking advantage of his flanking position Hitting AC 18, 23, 27, 22 for 21,7,13,2 damage. "You guys withdraw first and I will follow!"
Peerimus [AC 15 HP 86] Yorrick [AC 19 HP 73] Friday December 10th, 2004 9:52:49 AM
Peerimus grunts an agreement to Ilsidur and backs off to F11 and tells Yorrick to move back as well to E12. Peerimus will then shift back to human and draws his club.
"Ilsidur is correct we need to draw it out more and use numbers to our advantage. Fight defensively and bring him out."
Savin ac 24 hps 85/95 d20+9=16 Friday December 10th, 2004 3:22:17 PM
Savin rams into the leg as he tries and tumble past the creature. He briefly thinks about trying to grapple the beast but hears the others yelling to back out so he tries to tumble away from the creature (tumble 16) trying to get to n11
Jason of Aisildur AC=23 HP=61 Friday December 10th, 2004 4:16:22 PM
Jason pulls back in frustration. Unable to get at the guardian from his present location, the paladin looks above, to see if there is room above the creature where he could locate himself and attack downward.
OOC: Jason is looking to see if there is a position he could attack from, from above, the lvel he was at before he climbed down on the ropes.
Niobe (AC 19, HP 67/67) (E4) d20+9=21 d20+10=30 Friday December 10th, 2004 4:36:24 PM
Niobe makes no more to leave the room, instead she backs a little further into the room and begins to earnestly search for something that might deactivate the golem, or at least destroy its magic resistance. She hopes she can find some sort of relic, instruction book or something; anything useful.
(Search 21, Spot 30 (nat 20))
Firn'gaer - AC 19, HP 45 d20+17=34 d20+6=22 Friday December 10th, 2004 6:43:29 PM
"I don't know why it's still running in an anti-magic zone." He says to the question. "I can only make an educated guess that whatever magic created it creates an artificial life force which maintains the animation process. Because it is a life force and not a magically moving corpse the anti-magic field doesn't effect it. But that would only be a guess."
"As long as your all bottled up in there it doesn't really matter." He replies.
[Knowledge arcane DC34, Spot DC22]
Active Spells extended endure elements -- 24 hours (in Ice Veins) extended mage armor -- 18 hours extended see invisibility -- 3 hours
3 -- deep slumber, dispel magic, fly, lightning bolt
4 -- black tentacles, empowered scorching ray, polymorph
5 -- telekinesis, wall of force
The Door Guardian - The Blood of The Strong - Round 04 (DM/Al) d100=16 d20+10=25 d20+10=23 2d8(5+7)+5=17 2d8(7+3)+5=15 Friday December 10th, 2004 10:17:55 PM
Ilsidur calls for a pullback and more information.
Sly rushes forward, but cannot penetrate the press of bodies. He returns and retrieves his bow.
Peerimus cedes to Ilsidur's wisdom and falls back, returning to human form and drawing his club. He calls faithful Yorrick back with him.
Savin clears room as well. He leaps into a backward roll, passing between Jason and Shiraz and springing to the north wall of the canyon.
Jason, glances quickly glances for a height from which to attack down from. But the shallow cave within which the fight is taking place is no more than 15 feet high. Besides, now that Savin has backed away, there is a clear path from him to the creature.
Shiraz grits his teeth and bears down with another barrage of blows, holding position while his companions pull back. His first strike lays the monster's chest open, exposing the white bones of the ribcage. By now it is ripped from wounds all over its body and covered from head to toe in its own leaking fluids.
Still, the monster fights on. With a brute single mindedness it strikes out at the nearest, biggest thing. Thrashing wildly on its last legs, the monster throws two roundhouse haymaker punches. The blows catch Shiraz one and then two on either side of the head just below his tender ears. (Hit AC25, 23 - Damage 17hp, 15hp)
Trusting to her comrades to keep the monster occupied, Niobe backs cautiously away, and then turns to the room seeking a way to weaken or disable the creature. The canyon floor is dark in the early morning. The cave just outside is darker. This room within which Niobe finds herself is darker still, especially with the bodies of both Shiraz and the monster blocking the light. Niobe's eyes are especially sharp and her training gives her an edge, even in darkness. And yet, here is nothing here that reveals itself to her eye. The room is small, no more than 15x20. And save for the outlines of a door at the other end, this room is completely bare. (The door requires its own separate search check.)
Outside, Tokun watches the titanic clash in the mouth of the cave with awe.
Firn'gaer watches as well with a different interest. All of his knowledge of the arcane arts identifies this indeed as a golem, a flesh golem to be precise. And the behavior of magic has all of the earmarks of Antimagic. A golem would certainly be functional within an antimagic field. Magic is necessary only to create the golem. After that, the golem would no longer be reliant upon the magic.
And yet, if this is a golem, if this force that negates their magic is antimagic, then what has created the antimagic? There are no invisible presences about. He's seen to that. Could it be possible? The wizard imagines the power and resources that must be brought to bear To create a golem. T create an Antimagic field. And then make it permanent! It staggers the imagination.
OoC <map sent by email>
The Creature is AC 18 Damage reduction 5/adamantine Creature Status - Near Death
The maps have grid coordinates. Numbers across the top and letters down the left side. Please designate the space in which you want your PC to end up. If you do not, I will place him/her in the place I think s/he should be based upon your description. Once placed, it cannot be changed.
Savin ac 24 85/95 hps d20+2=20 d20+12=13 Friday December 10th, 2004 10:45:10 PM
Savin is frustrated. He shouldn't have left his friend Shiraz to fight alone. What was it that his master taught him about flesh golems? It is right on the tip of his mind. Suddenly like a flash of light it comes to him (arcana roll 20.
He calls "The golem is resistance to magic. Any magic that he might be able to fight, will not effect him! Firn'gaer! Can you effect the ground around him or the ice above him?"
With that Savin has his own idea and tries to climb up the wall near him but slips back to the ground not finding any handholds. (Natural 1 for climb roll)
Jason of Aisildur d20+15=22 d10+5=6 Saturday December 11th, 2004 11:24:40 AM
Jason sees his moment, and moves quickly to attack. He raises his sword and then brings it down. His blade hits home, although it is only a glancing blow (To Hit AC=22, dmg=6hp). The paladin then prepares to attack the creature again...
Sly(AC 20 79/79) and Luke(AC21 28/28) d20+19=32 d20+14=31 d8=7 d8=4 Saturday December 11th, 2004 5:18:57 PM
Sly will kntch his bow into the ice overhang above this golem"s head. Sly yells "Watch out for falling snow!" as he let his two arrows fly.
OOC: attack (snow overhang) AC32 and AC31, Daqmages 7+4=11hp.
OOC; if this works I hope I don't kill anybody.
Niobe (AC 19, HP 67/67) (E4) d20+9=16 d20+10=22 Sunday December 12th, 2004 7:40:58 PM
Niobe carefully examines the door and the area surrounding the door (search 16, spot 22).
Firn'gaer - AC 19, HP 45 d20+6=13 d20+6=8 d20+17=30 Monday December 13th, 2004 10:37:17 AM
Firn'gaer finds himself in thought as the battle rages with the golem. He considers the magical might required to create and protect the golem in this fashion.
If the anti-magic is permanent that makes the spellcaster in a league above me. Not to mention crafting a golem. That's a chore beyond me as well...the potential for arcane learning...
"What's that? Effect the ground? Sorry Savin, I don't have anything that would be much help. Everything is too close in there."
[Spot DC13, Listen DC8, Arcane knowledge DC30]
Active Spells extended endure elements -- 24 hours (in Ice Veins) extended mage armor -- 18 hours extended see invisibility -- 3 hours
3 -- deep slumber, dispel magic, fly, lightning bolt
4 -- black tentacles, empowered scorching ray, polymorph
5 -- telekinesis, wall of force
Ilsidur (AC 25, 98/98 hp) Monday December 13th, 2004 9:29:23 PM
Ilsidur moves forward to behind Shiraz once again. He still thinks that it would be better if the entire party could bring their strength to bear on the magical creature, but apparently, Shiraz is having too much fun. He is ready to cast a cure spell if the minotaur needs healing. [OOC: Move to E9.]
Shiraz AC 23 <dodge vs golem> hps 32/84 d20+15=24 d20+11=19 d20+15=34 d20+12=26 2d8(2+8)+5=15 d10+4=5 2d8(4+2)+5=11 d8=7 Monday December 13th, 2004 9:44:30 PM
Shiraz bellows at the golem and grimaces as he swings at the golems midsection, "DIE! Loathsome beast!" Shiraz focus intently on the being looking for a weakness. AC 24, 19,34, and 26 for 15,5,11, and 7 damage.
The Door Guardian - Death and Exaltation - End of Combat (DM/Al) d100=85 d6=4 d6=4 d6=5 d6=3 Monday December 13th, 2004 10:27:37 PM
Savin rifles through the lore obtained at the side of his master so many adventures ago.
Flesh golems are immune to magic. Their bodies reject all but the stronger of blows. They are powerful and do not shy from pain. But they are mindless and singular of purpose. Your speed is superior to theirs. And so is your intellect. Use that against them.
Savin, desperate for ideas, calls to Firn'gaer. "Can you effect the ground around him or the ice above him?"
"Sorry Savin, I don't have anything that would be much help. Everything is too close in there," comes the wizard's reply. And indeed it is close within the shallow cave. The wizard's copious lore renders a diagnosis. This must be anti-magic. If so, it is said to suppress even magical area effects. What to do?
Sly Foxx has a solution. He sends two arrows in swift succession toward the snow and ice over the mouth of the cave, possibly in hopes of sealing the golem, along with Shiraz, Jason and Niobe within the shadowy depths. The arrows strike and shatter, sending chips of ice scattering. There is no thundering cascade. The cliff face stands solid against the puny strikes of mere arrows.
While the battle rages outside, Niobe examines the door further. She finds no clear sign of traps. But then, the light is so poor in the cave that it would be easy to miss any but the most obvious signs. One thing, however, is quite clear as her careful fingers test the bolt: The door is locked.
Jason, meanwhile steps five feet forward and strikes with his sword. But it is as if magic has left the blade. The cut is shallow, and quickly closes over as if it hand never been.
Ilsidur moves up behind Shiraz as the minotaur continues to press his attack. The cleric stands ready to apply divine healing should his companion sustain more grievous wounds.
The dwarven cleric's concern, though not unwarranted, proves unnecessary. With a single mighty blow, Shiraz cuts into the golem's chest. The gnomish head raises it's lacerated lips to the ceiling and gives a single dry death rattle.
As the ponderous body falls toward the cave floor a flash engulfs all within ten feet. Those outside the cave watch as for Shiraz, Jason, Niobe and Ilsidur, color ceases to exist. Light is dark and dark is light, as, for a blink of an eye all chromatic values are reversed.
Niobe hears the footfalls of all those who have marched into greatness, and she knows that she is one of them. She feels that power, the edge shared by all those touched by destiny. And if there were battle to march into at this moment, she knows that she would be more than able to answer the call.
Shiraz, Jason, and Ilsidur feel a surge of euphoria, the joy of sudden freedom, as though released from an onerous burden. They feel as though they should shake off binding shackles. All should be free.
The all is once again normal. The shield lying upon the ground, Shiraz's shield, rises into the air. It takes up it's place at the minotaur's guard as though nothing untoward had happened.
<End of Combat Rounds>
Savin hps 85/95 Monday December 13th, 2004 11:24:05 PM
Savin was about to try and climb the wall again when he sees the flash of light. He wonders what it is all about and trots over to the others.
He notices Niobe and shakes his head in wonder. "Wow she is single minded." he says to no one in particular.
He will stride up to Shiraz and look him over. "Nice job. Sorry I wasn't more help in there but Ilsidur called for a retreat."
Sly and Luke d20+5=16 d20+5=23 d20+5=20 Tuesday December 14th, 2004 12:14:50 AM
Sly watches the over icy overhang, and let's out a sigh of relief "Phooof! The over hang did not fall. Great Job Shiraz, Oh! Don't anybody go slaming any doors now, we don't want to have the ledge coming down." Sly will enter the room, lite a ever light rod and serch the room. "Luke every thing look right, We'll need your nose to see if any elves or half elves were in here."
Luke will come to his master, and sniff around.
Occ: Luke Look 16, Track by scent 23,listen 20
Niobe d20+10=28 d20+10=29 d20+9=27 d20+16=23 Tuesday December 14th, 2004 4:36:39 AM
Still kneeling at the door Niobe leans her side against it. She rubs her eyes and tries to blink away the multi-colored dots. She has an acute queasy feeling as she has an illusion of grandeur. As soon as she realizes that she is still very much alive and that the vision wasn't due to dying the queasy feeling passes quickly. 'Hell, now that was an experience I don't know if I care to ever repeat!'
She peers out into the light and sees that the others are moving about (spot 28). Good, so everyone seems to be alright. Niobe certainly hears Savin's comment (listen 29) and actually laughs hard, giving herself a side-stitch.
"Actually I was initially looking for something to stop that creature. There wasn't anything, so then I decided that I had better make myself a way out of here just in case. I got this far," Niobe replies to Savin, and is trying not to laugh while explaining.
Once her eyes are used to the bad lighting again she will recommence with surveying the door (attempting to detect any traps, search 27). Now that she doesn't have to worry about any golems breathing down her neck the rogue proceeds to open this lock as well (open lock 23). If she fails she will justify to herself by claiming that her hands were shaking, or maybe because she was laughing so hard...
(Spot 28, Listen 29, Search (traps) 27, Open Lock 23) (Trapfinding: Search 27, Trap sense +2 if she actually sets any potential traps off!)
Peerimus 3d8(5+8+2)+5=20 Tuesday December 14th, 2004 11:05:35 AM
Peerimus pulls a wand and taps Shiraz [Heal 20] and with Yorrick on his heel, moves into the antechamber.
The reverse of light and odd looks upon those caught within he will keep mental notes about. At this time there seems to be no need to mention it since he is not sure what he would be mentioing anyway.
Shiraz AC 23 <dodge vs golem> hps 32/84 Tuesday December 14th, 2004 12:34:24 PM
Shiraz barely notices his shield rise up as he smiles at Savin, "I was hoping to give you guys enough time to retreat then break and follow but,," Shirazs' voice trails off for a moment. The taur shakes his head "I couldnt seem to do that." Shiraz laughs softly and looks into the cave.
Savin Illegal post Tuesday December 14th, 2004 7:09:30 PM
Savin will look for Ilsidur and say, "I think our horned friend here needs some curing. Look at those bruises. If you have any left over, I wouldn't mind one of your weaker ones. We don't know what is ahead and should be a full strength."
Ilsidur 4d8(5+3+5+8)+9=30 Tuesday December 14th, 2004 9:26:29 PM
As the golem falls, Ilsidur experiences a feeling of freedom and euphoria. He looks around, trying to figure out what caused that feeling. He looks at the new tattoo on his hand, to see if there is any change.
Then, Ilsidur moves up beside the minotaur, and casts a powerful curing spell on him. [OOC: Used the 4th level Neutralize Poison spell as a Cure Critical Wounds spell. Healed Shiraz for 30 hp.]
He looks up at the big fighter, and says, "Well, apparently your tactic worked. I was worried when I saw the wounds appearing to close. I was worried that the golem was healing his wounds faster than you were causing them, and I wanted to move the construct outside of the antimagic area, so that we could all attack, and I could heal if necessary. But the best strategy for a number of less powerful foes to fight one more powerful creature is for all the less powerful foes to attack at once, and bring all their power to bear. That way, the powerful creature will also spread its attacks around."
Then the dwarf looks over at Niobe and asks, "So, what can you tell us about that next door?" He waves to Tokun to join the party in the chamber.
Savin 2nd illegal post 85/95 Tuesday December 14th, 2004 9:36:18 PM
Savin sighs and wonders to himself if he insulted the dwarf in some way. Well he isn't badly hurt and will try not to take to much offense at the snub.
The Better to Keep You Out My Dear (DM/Al) Tuesday December 14th, 2004 9:56:07 PM
The heat of battle quickly cools in the chill morning gloom at the bottom of the canyon. Tokun stands, still transfixed by the scale of events. He watches as the Magic Ones move quickly to various tasks as though the defeat of such a monster were an everyday occurrence. His thoughts drift to the bravery of the Outland woman. She is very attractive, he thinks, in a thin sort of way. His thoughts are very much of her. The Short Steel Man waves to him. He is happy to come in closer.
Sly and Luke squeeze past Shiraz and Jason. Sly lights a sunrod before clambering over the body of the fallen golem and entering the 15 by 20 foot room. Luke sniffs the air, the floor. To the wardog's keen nose, the room reeks of preserved flesh. He shakes his head and blows the smell from his nose in an explosive sneeze.
"Elf," he says. "Small scent." He looks at Sly. "Maybe you."
Peerimus and then Ilsidur touch Shiraz with healing magic. Savin waits for his. Ilsidur, puzzled by the explosion of feeling that had swept through him as the golem had fallen, looks to the tattoo on the back of his hand. It remains the broken eye. And yet, for the briefest of moments the dwarven cleric is possessed of the notion that the eye has a substance beyond that of mere design, a reality apart from the pattern of inks that reside just below the skin of his hand, and, that perhaps, just perhaps, the thing from a distance ... watches.
And then the feeling is gone. Peerimus squeezes past Shiraz and Jason. Yorrick, massive ball of fur and muscle, follows his friend, pushing through all in his way. Ilsidur watches, his notion of but a moment ago is now an embarrassing flight of fancy.
The druid and companion follow Sly and Luke, scrambling over the still body of the fallen golem. In the light of the sunrod its gnomish face is an ruined horror of crushed bone and staring eyes. The mouth is an open wreckage with a tattered tongue hanging from between broken teeth and lacerated lips.
In the light of Sly's sunrod, Niobe's second attempt at a safety check is much more fruitful. In her haste to be on with things, she pulls steel picks from her leather kit and moves to insert them into the keyhole.
Then she stops.
The image of the last few seconds plays across her mind. What was that she had seen, seen but not quite registered? A faint aura pulses about the locking mechanism. Her training tells her it is a trap. Her training also tells her that it is somehow keyed to the lock. The fact that it is magic in nature does not bode well. Especially now that the room is full to crowding with most of her companions.
Bending closer, the dark haired rogue notes another odd item. The dark iron of the lock's escutcheon plate contains traces of an even darker material smeared upon it's surface. Also small lumps of ... she prods one with the end of a pick and it flakes off ... dried organic material are encrusted around the keyhole.
Sly and Luke Wednesday December 15th, 2004 1:30:14 AM
Sly heart starts to beat faster, he squats beside Luke, rubbing his friends ears Sly asks "Are You Sure? It's like me?"
Sly gets to his feet, Ask Niobe "Can you open the door? Is everything alright?"
Luke answers his masters question, "Yes!"
Firn'gaer Wednesday December 15th, 2004 8:42:55 AM
Firn'gaer follows in quietly. Keeping watch for hidden dangers. His heart beats increase as the group enters the underground passage.
Active Spells extended endure elements -- 24 hours (in Ice Veins) extended mage armor -- 18 hours extended see invisibility -- 3 hours
3 -- deep slumber, dispel magic, fly, lightning bolt
4 -- black tentacles, empowered scorching ray, polymorph
5 -- telekinesis, wall of force
Jason of Aisildur Wednesday December 15th, 2004 11:00:09 AM
"You make Domi smile this day my friend." Jason says to Shiraz. He pats the minotaur on the back, and then moves out of the way, to let those with better eye sight, and more nimble fingers due what ever must next be done.
The vision, no doubt, is strange to him, but it seems strange is becoming the norm in this frozen wasteland, so the paladin merely keeps what memory of it he can in the back of his mind, and presses on.
Niobe d20+9=17 d20+10=29 Wednesday December 15th, 2004 3:54:15 PM
Niobe watches the flake of organic matter fall to the ground. She remains as still as ever, her only movement being her hand moving away from near the lock.
The rogue contemplates this incredibly ingenious lock and trap system. Then shifts her position and carefully smells at the substance on the lock. She is trying to see if it either smells acrid or sweet like some type of poison, stinging and sharp like bat guano or metalic like blood. She straightens and turns towards the golem.
"I think we need a key," she says simply.
Niobe continues to stare at the dead construct.
"I think that dead thing has the key - or was the key," she adds possibly a bit cryptically.
Niobe goes straight to the golem's corpse and begins a cursory search of it.
"There is a seriously nasty trap on that door, and it is connected to the lock itself. Oh, and not to forget another important fact... that trap is magical in nature," Niobe comments out loud to no one in particular as she searches for something key-like on the corpse; or as part of the corpse itself.
"We got very lucky. We could have all been blown to hell as crowded as it is in here right now... or worst."
It seems that her answers don't really either confirm or deny if she can open the door. They do indicate that opening the door could be a very risky proposition.
Niobe is most likely having a difficult time even moving the corpse as she looks for anything even remotely seeming like it has to do with the lock.
Unfortunately? for the young barbarian man Niobe hasn't yet noticed that he is seeming to fawn over her. The fact that he seems to respect her too, don't hurt either. That means that maybe her 'actions' (i.e. being a rogue) aren't necessarily frowned upon here in Ice Vein?
(Search 17, Spot 29)
Savin hps 85/95 Wednesday December 15th, 2004 4:13:53 PM
Savin will try and help Niobe move the golem around if she needs help with looking for a key.
He will look around and then say quietly to Niobe, "Why do you think Ilsidur doesn't cure me. Do you think I offended him in some way?"
He will stand up and say, "If we can't find a key, I am willing to try and spring the trap. My reactions are pretty good and I might not get hurt as bad as the others."
Forensics - Supplementary Post (DM/Al) Wednesday December 15th, 2004 4:35:25 PM
Niobe sniffs at the material on the lock, expecting, possibly, the acrid bite of an alkaloid poison. She draws back her head in a grimace as the smell hits her nostrils. The rot of spoiled meat with possibly a hint of bile.
After her announcement, Niobe begins an examination of the immense, and, for her, heavy corpse. There does not, however, appear to be many places to hide a key. This golem is naked.
One of two things that Niobe notes in her search of the golem is the ruin of it's mouth. The teeth are broken and the lips and tongue are split and lacerated. Not the kind of wounds it would have received in the fight with Shiraz.
Niobe (forensics supplementary post) Wednesday December 15th, 2004 7:34:25 PM
Niobe looks really rather sickened as she thinks that maybe the golem was trying to chew on the lock or something. 'eww!' She is mercifully saved by thinking about that any more for a bit when Savin asks her a question.
She answers just as quietly, "I don't think you did anything wrong. I believe that Ilsidur is just distracted; he keeps looking at his hand. Maybe he is having a crisis or something?"
Niobe stares at Savin in sheer surprise as he offers to set off the trap.
"Good reactions or not." [Niobe grins thinking about something totally unrelated to the trap situation, but that passes fast enough that it might be missed if you aren't paying attention - she composes herself remarkably quickly.] "Setting that trap off isn't a good idea. I do not want your death or possible maiming on my conscious Savin. I am not that obsessed with opening locked doors. I respect the offer and the thought behind it though believe it or not. Pretty brave."
Niobe studies the ruined face and mouth, teeth, tongue of the golem as she searches.
"Ilsidur, Peerimus come look at the injuries on this things face. It is a mess. It is all torn up and broken, maybe like it has been smashing its head into a brick wall or something - or chewing on that lock..." The slight green palor returns to her skin. "Do any of you have any idea what can cause injuries like these? There was something putrid on the lock as well, maybe from the creature."
"Oh, Ilsidur could you please take a look at Savin's wounds? I think that a little healing would be greatly appreciated." Niobe asks very politely, though it is somewhat clear that she won't accept no for an answer though.
Niobe wonders if the gnomish head on the creature once belonged to the creator of the lock.
Peerimus d20+9=13 Wednesday December 15th, 2004 8:15:35 PM
Peerimus stops still when Niobe mentions the trap and notes it has obviously set the normally confident rogue on her guard. Nothing she will trifle with. It is good to see there are some things
Peermius and Yorrick move back out of the antechamber.
"My skills in the healing arts are surely less than master Ilsidur, but I will assist in his findings anyway I can." [Heal check 13 to help Ilsidur]
The Key to Deductive Reasoning (DM/Al) Wednesday December 15th, 2004 10:06:11 PM
Tokun steals a glance at the Hands Fighting Man who had kissed her earlier. He watches the both of them, he and the woman, as they talk. He wonders if he will kiss her again, and whether she will let him. Then the woman stops. Tokun senses danger in the movement, or rather, the lack thereof. She moves back and then speaks a lot. Women speak a lot. They are not often out of doors. The woman begins pulling and pushing and looking over the dead monster.
Tokun wonders whether they will skin it. He wonders if they consider it good to eat. He does not think he will eat with them.
Sly becomes excited at Luke's pronouncement that there is the smell of elf. Luke has not the heart to tell him that it the scent could even be from Sly himself. He just says "Yes." If a dog could shrug, Luke would be shrugging now.
Niobe, meanwhile puzzles over the lock, wondering if and how the lock and the flesh golem might be related. She points out the injuries to the golem's mouth. The cut lips and tongue. The broken teeth. And, through the open mouth, the throat, which seems torn inside as well.
Ilsidur d8+5=9 d20+14=22 Thursday December 16th, 2004 12:03:40 AM
Ilsidur reaches over and touches Savin on the shoulder, healing him for 9 hit points. "Savin, I heard what you were asking, and I traded in a spell that would protect one of us from the elements to give you that minor healing. It is not as though I have a bottomless supply of spells, and if I cast healing, it means that I can't cast something else. However, if you truly do need healing, you just need to ask for it. But please don't phrase it as if my spells are 'left over', since we might have needed a spell to protect us from the elements later. I never have any spells 'left over', when we are heading into an unknown, such as this obviously trapped door. When we bed down for the night, that is when I have spells 'left over'. Do you understand?"
Then the dwarf moves over and inspects the golem's body. "It looks to me like this creature has swallowed something that has torn up its mouth and throat. Either that, or something escaped from inside the construct. I imagine that it won't feel anything if we inspect the body a little more closely." He asks someone for a dagger, and presuming that someone gives it to him, he starts to open up the throat of the creature, trying to determine the cause of the mouth and throat damage. [OOC: Healing check roll of 22.]
He looks over at the young barbarian and nods, motioning to the mouth of the creature, and making motions that the mouth was smashed, trying to get the boy to understand what he is trying to do with the disection.
Sly and Luke Thursday December 16th, 2004 7:25:15 AM
Sly know that a lot of slaves pass this way, and hopes that the smell is part of her. Sly tries to think if he had ever touch the door. No! that not posible. But then when they were fighting "I did fire an acid arrows at the head of that golem?? He was not scratch him, almost as if he ha swallowed the acid spell??" He said as he hand Ilsidor his dagger.
Luke sit next to Sly and watches.
OOC: Sly always carries a dagger in his boot, in case he a prisoner and have to cut his bonds.
Niobe d20+2=6 Thursday December 16th, 2004 7:49:40 AM
Niobe moves away from Ilsidur's autopsy of the golem.
"Check it's stomach while you are at it Ilsidur. It might have thought that the key was dinner."
While the others are busy doing whatever they feel they need to do; or checking the golem, Niobe goes back to the main door. She leans against the doorframe and slowly looks around the room. The rogue is just looking at the lay out of the room while she waits to see if the key will [hopefully] be found.
Niobe does happen to watch Tokun for awhile as well. She wonders what he is thinking about, what he makes out of all this. 'Tokun must really think that we are a strange lot. Hope he doesn't think we are really awful people for further mangling that thing.
The rogue looks off in another direction after a minute or so, before simply staring at the door again, trying to recall if she has ever come across anything like that lock and trap combo before.
(Wis check (picking her memory for anything like that lock/trap) 6)
Firn'gaer d20+19=30 Thursday December 16th, 2004 8:57:14 AM
Firn'gaer listens to Niobe and agrees that appointing a Pig Hostage is out of the question. He finds himself more intrigued by the magical trap being a wizard and all.
"We could use the golem to turn off the magical trap." Firn'gaer utters as he looks at the door from a far. "The anti-magic should still be in the area of the golem's corpse..." [OOC: Is it?] "...that would solve the magical trap. As far as poison that may be on the lock, Master Ilsidur or Master Peerimus can either prevent poison from harming Niobe? She is our resident lock expert...or...I...could Knock the door."
[Spellcraft DC30]
Active Spells extended endure elements -- 24 hours (in Ice Veins) extended mage armor -- 18 hours extended see invisibility -- 3 hours
3 -- deep slumber, dispel magic, fly, lightning bolt
4 -- black tentacles, empowered scorching ray, polymorph
5 -- telekinesis, wall of force
Savin 94/95 hps Thursday December 16th, 2004 9:12:07 AM
Savin looks chastised after the tongue lashing he receives from Ilsidur. He mumbles "sorry"
He is almost afraid to put himself forward but says, "Is it possible the golems tongue was the key?"
Peerimus 3d8(4+4+7)+5=20 Thursday December 16th, 2004 9:42:31 AM
Peerimus notes the exchange between Ilsidur and Savin. Odd Ilsidur would strike back so, something has him at odds. Perhaps the flash, perhaps no.
Peerimus speaks up after the exchange for al lto, "Friends remember that I do carry a wand of curing for just such occassions. Does everyone consider themselves fully battle ready?" He says the last looking Shiraz's direction.
As Ilsidur starts, "Can you tell if the lacerations in its throat go down or up? My thought is he may have rejurgitatated the lock and then came down the hall for us?"
"On matters of teh trap I am immune to all forms of poison myself, but we do not know if this is truly a toxin based trap. I also have a protection from elements spell that will shield an individual from harm though probably not entirely negate it."
"Niobe? Have you ever worked with magical traps and do you feel you could deactivate this one given enough time?" [OoC take 20]
If Shiraz asks for another charge, Peerimus supplies it. [20 healed]
Through Other Eyes (DM/Al) Thursday December 16th, 2004 9:04:00 PM
Tokun watches as the Magic Ones speak amongst themselves. The Short Steel Man explains something very carefully to Hands Fighting Man. He explains in the way that Hunt Leader Ragnar would explain things to him when things were not done correctly. He glances covertly at the woman to gauge her reaction. Maybe she will not look so favorably upon Hands Fighting Man anymore.
Short Steel Man gestures Tokun over, a singular honor. He takes a dagger (Steel!) from Dog Talking Man and then begins cutting at the soft flesh under the monster's jaw. After a long cut, Short Steel Man pulls aside the folds of flesh. There is little blood, but other clear and white body fluids still flow. Tokun wrinkles his nose at a sharp alien smell.
The other Magic One's speak. They gesture at the stone room, the door, the monster. The woman says something to Short Steel Man and he begins cutting lower down at the monster's stomach. Short Steel Man stops. He feels the flesh, and then begins cutting again. White and clear liquid flows out around the wound as Short Steel Man pushes his hand in through the cut. The dead flesh complains with a sucking sound as he draws his hand back out. Monster fluids drip, and lumps of unknown meat slide as Short Steel Man holds up his hand. In his hand is a stick, a stick of metal.
The key is large as keys go. It is a size that clearly would not swallow well. It's a size that might break teeth and tear flesh as it is wrestled about and swallowed. It might rip once again when brought back up. Even covered with goo as it is, though, Niobe can tell ... this is the key to the lock.
Shiraz AC 23 <dodge vs golem> hps 82/84 Friday December 17th, 2004 5:35:47 AM
Shiraz backs out of teh way and and accepts teh healing with a smile, "Thanks, I needed both of those." Shiraz watches the others look at teh lock and his battered foe and shrugs his shoulders, "What can I do to help?"
Sly and Luke Friday December 17th, 2004 6:51:33 AM
"AAh! It looks like we got somthing here!" said Sly as takes his dagger back. He'll go to wipe the dagger in the snow before he put's the weapon back in the top of his boot. To Shiraz, Sly tells him, "I hope We'll be going through that door. Friend stay well, I have a feeling that we'll be needing you." Sly turn to Tokum, with signing hands, 'WE FOUND WAY IN (pointing to the Door) WE GO IN'
Luke looks at Tokum, "Understand??"
Jason of Aisildur AC=23 HP=61 Friday December 17th, 2004 6:59:18 AM
Jason readjusts his armor, and raises his sword in preparation for the opening of the door. Based on the toughness of the guardian, the paladin could only begin to wonder what obstacles and horrors would ly in wait beyond the opening.
"Domi grant us courage." he says in a whispered prayer. Jason then falls in line, placing himself either in the rear, or in the front of the group, depending on where the other warriors in the group put themselves.
Niobe Friday December 17th, 2004 7:56:49 AM
Niobe walks over to Ilsidur and takes the key from him, though touching that nasty goo isn't what she really wants to do.
"I'll take that, thank you," Niobe doesn't even break stride as she takes the key and walks back over to the door, "Firn'gaer or Sly have either of you checked to see just what type of magic is on that lock?"
Niobe will wait until she has an answer from the arcanists before unlocking the door; just in case even using the key might set off the trap. Niobe will wait until either a dispell or identification of the trap spell has been made, then she will use the key to unlock the door. For no reason at all she remembers the vision of snakes. The rogue will let one of the warriors enter the door first.
Peerimus Friday December 17th, 2004 2:09:45 PM
Peerimus and Yorrick remain outside of the room and nearby the ropes. In case things go bad and tehre is a cave-in someone will be needed on the outside to dig them out.
Savin d20+13=19 d20+13=17 Friday December 17th, 2004 4:03:06 PM
Savin will be disgusted with the retrieval of the key. He will feel pity for the poor creatures that were sacrificed to make this horrible guardian.
"I am willing to lead the way if no one else wants to."
He will move up towards the front and peer into the doorway, sniff the air and listen to see what he hears.
Spot 19 Listen 17
On the Threshold (DM/Al) Saturday December 18th, 2004 7:52:38 AM
Niobe ceremoniously takes the key. As ceremoniously as one can while at the same time trying to avoid the meat and bodily fluids on the shaft of metal.
The rest of the Children gird for whatever may come. Sly gestures excitedly at Tokun. He speaks loudly in hopes that volume will bring understanding.
"Understand?" Luke asks. It is difficult to tell whether Tokun understands or not, he appears too engrossed by the novelty of a talking dog.
Rather than opening the lock, Niobe turns and stands with the dripping key. She addresses a question to the arcanists in the group.
"Firn'gaer or Sly have either of you checked to see just what type of magic is on that lock?"
OOC: Sly (Ceil) Saturday December 18th, 2004 8:21:30 AM
(No Sly was too excited at what he though the meaning of what Luke told him. But if Fun'gar does not cast it, he will do it now. But if my wizard friend does cast, don't count that spell as one Sly used for that day)
Sly will cast Consentraited Detect Magic on the Door. "?dnik tahw cigam" He said waiting for a clue??
OOC: Sly is wearing a Elven Mithril Chainshirt. that means he can cast magic without penelty.
Detecting the Magic of The Trap -Supplementary Post (DM/Al) d100=32 d20+10=28 Saturday December 18th, 2004 9:02:04 AM
Sly steps forward to answer Niobe's request. Intoning the word of revealing, he directs his hands toward the lock. He stares at the auras, analysing them by color and ripple. From his study of magic, Sly determines the magic to be of a moderate evocation.
{Spell failure 32 *success*, Spellcraft 28)
OoC: I'm sorry. But, I'm afraid that's wrong, Sly. Bards may wear light armor and not incur a chance of spell failure. But wizards may not. The chance of spell failure is 10% with an Elven Mithril Chainshirt.
Sly and Luke Sunday December 19th, 2004 7:03:56 AM
Sly turns back to Niobe and the others, "I'm getting all sorts of colors and ripples in in my magic. It seem to be of recent magic, But will not reviel what kind of magic the lock has. Maybe Friend Fun'gar's magic can have better view of this lock?"
Sly and Luke eyes turn to Fun'gar.
OOC: They changed the rules again? Huh!
Firn'gaer d20+19=38 Sunday December 19th, 2004 9:06:41 AM
"Sorry, I drifted off for a second there. Give me a few seconds and I'll let you know." He cast Detect Magic and looks at the door closer.
[Spellcraft DC38]
Active Spells extended endure elements -- 24 hours (in Ice Veins) extended mage armor -- 18 hours extended see invisibility -- 3 hours detect magic -- concentration
3 -- deep slumber, dispel magic, fly, lightning bolt
4 -- black tentacles, empowered scorching ray, polymorph
5 -- telekinesis, wall of force
Detecting the Magic of The Trap Again -2nd Supplementary Post (DM/Al) Sunday December 19th, 2004 11:33:17 AM
Firn'gaer also casts a Detect Magic spell on the lock. He reads from the color and texture of the aura as well. And he comes to the same conclusion as Sly Foxx. The magic of the trap is of Moderate Evocation.
Neither wizard has experience building traps, however. A number of Evocation spells roll across the screen of their imagination. All of them would serve as adequate traps.
Niobe d20+10=12 d20+9=18 Sunday December 19th, 2004 5:47:32 PM
The rogue listens to the arcanists' assessment of the magic. She taps her left index finger on her right arm (her arms are crossed over her chest). The key is held in her right hand.
"So we can expect to get cooked if the trap goes off?"
Niobe takes a guess at what she means must be the most favored arcane spell to put on doors to keep people out - any fire based spell in essence.
"Anyone have any suggestions on measures to take if the trap goes off?"
Niobe will give the others 5 minutes or so to think on this before inserting the key into the lock and unlocking the door. Once this is done she will re-inspect the lock and door to see if the trap was altered in any significant way. Unless unlocking the door sets the trap off of course! (If it seems to her that it is safe to open the door then she will. Once again provided the trap doesn't go off.)
(Search 18, Spot 12 (looking for altering of the trap))
Ilsidur Sunday December 19th, 2004 9:32:14 PM
Ilsidur tries as best he can to clean off the gunk from the golem surgery. He tries to smile reassuringly at the young barbarian, and indicate the successful finding of the key.
"Well, it appears that we have a couple of options. Firn, either you and I can try to dispel magic on the lock, and suppress or maybe even remove the magical effect. Or, maybe using the key will allow the opener to bypass the lock. Is there any way that you can tell, Niobe, without setting off the trap."
Savin Sunday December 19th, 2004 10:19:32 PM
Savin will look at his friends as they try to solve the puzzle and say, "I am not trying to be heroic. Monks are trained to dodge away from these kinds of things. Do what you think is best but if someone has to spring the trap, let me do it."
Savin will go out side and scan the area looking for any trouble.
He will then call out, "Whenever we decide to do it, I should be the only person in the room."
Firn'gaer Monday December 20th, 2004 2:14:04 PM
"Yes, that pretty much what that means." He says to Niobe.
"I dohave another option. None of us need really be in the area. I can manipulate the key from a distance. So as long as the anti-magic is not a permanent effect in the area, none need to sacraficial lambs." He says. "I for one would rather try that then test Savin reflexes, wouldn't you." He says giving a smirk Savin's direction.
Active Spells extended endure elements -- 24 hours (in Ice Veins) extended mage armor -- 18 hours extended see invisibility -- 3 hours
3 -- deep slumber, dispel magic, fly, lightning bolt
4 -- black tentacles, empowered scorching ray, polymorph
5 -- telekinesis, wall of force
Peerimus Monday December 20th, 2004 6:07:46 PM
Peerimus stands listening to the others discuss the trap and posible preparations. He begins to nod at the dispel magic suggestion, but then takes into his mind fully what Firn'gaer is suggesting.
"Savin, not to remove you from what you would surely treat as a test of your impressive skills, but I believe our good wizard has an excellent point. If he is capable of inserting and or turning the key from a distance, it sounds like the best and most assured course of action to prevent any harm."
Defusing the Situation (DM/Al) Monday December 20th, 2004 9:18:45 PM
The liquids on the key begin to cool and harden. Can the metal of the key in Niobe's hand be far behind?
The research of the two wizards has brought to light facts about the trap. But it has done little about the fact of the trap. It remains.
Niobe and Ilsidur speculate upon the nature of the trap. They mull contingencies.
Savin proposes a more direct approach: a personal test of reflexes.
Firn'gaer offers a magical manipulation. Peerimus agrees.
Sly and Luke Tuesday December 21st, 2004 5:21:11 AM
"OH! You mean to open the door with magic hands? Oh! Fun'gar! What a wonderful Idea, you must teach me that spell!!" Sly almost smiles at his friend Fun'gar!
Luke watches Sly, tying to understand what is going on. "Huh!" said the dog.
Savin Tuesday December 21st, 2004 8:42:45 AM
Savin is almost disappointed. He was curious to test his reflexes against the magical trap and see if he was up to the task.
He will wander over to Peerimus and say in a baby's whine, "I could have done it no problem. If we are always gonna play it safe, what is the point of adventuring?" Savin will grin at the serious druid.
Firn'gaer Tuesday December 21st, 2004 8:47:24 AM
"Yes, Sly, I will use magical hands, but if that is insufficent I have more powerful means." He says. "I could show how to cast the magic hands. Perhaps a simple exchange of a spell when we arrive at this town. I would like an opportunity to expand my magical repetoire as I'm sure you are."
"Is there any way that a call to Domi or...I'm sorry I don't want to seem rude, but other than Domi what other deity should I be thankful to for both my rescue as well as my continuing and future survival?" He poses the question to this other marked companions. "I know Master Ilsidur as a cleric of Domi and Master Peerimus as a druid. I have also guessed talents from others, but I'm asking because I was think that we could seek to Divine the nature of the trap. Perhaps then we would know if our plan has at least some chance of success." He stands with arms folded low in the sleeves of his clothes. "I know this seems like a bad time for all this, but we're shielded from the wind and the door's not going anywhere."
Fortune Telling? (DM/Al) Tuesday December 21st, 2004 8:23:53 PM
Clustered in and about the anteroom and the shallow cave, the Children of Chaos consider the hazards of the trapped door. They wait.
Sly and Firn'gaer consider trading recipes.
Savin ribs Peerimus about the thrill of danger.
Firn'gaer casts an eye about this strange group he has found himself a part of. So far he's made guesses as to the many things they do and can do. He asks if there might be some way of, perhaps, calling upon the gods, a way to ask a foretelling of the outcome of their actions.
Tokun, meanwhile, appears puzzled by the speaking and standing about. The Magic Ones have the look of deep thought. The same look that Mekrenden and the elders would have from time to time. The young barbarian walks, quietly so as not to disturb the deep thought. He walks around the periphery of the group to see what it is Short Steel Man has dug from the bowels of the monster. Short Steel Man had pointed it out to Tokun earlier so it must be important.
Tokun studies the bone in the woman's hand. It is an odd shape. And ... it is not bone. What could it be? And why is it important to The Magic Ones? In the midst of his musings, Tokun is distracted by a scent. It is the woman, from her hair. The smell is like nothing in Ice Vein, and Tokun finds himself captivated.
Boldly, and without thought, he speaks to her. "Hehpsha oqu whent nah." He points to the magic metal bone and then to the woman herself. "Hehpsha oqu ehb-owan larahn da?"
Niobe d20+3=21 Tuesday December 21st, 2004 9:10:44 PM
Niobe looks at the key in her hand after Tokun motions to it. She shifts it to her other hand and notices that the goo is getting tacky. She gestures for Tokun to wait a moment and puts the key into the lock. She does not turn it however even though she is sorely tempted to just unlock the door. Niobe rubs her hand brisky on the wall hoping to get the worst of the rapidly drying goo from her glove. She only does that for a few seconds.
Niobe returns to Tokun still trying to figure out what he is saying. She smiles as prettily and charmingly as she can at Tokun, hoping that her complete ineptitude with his language isn't too rude. She hopes that he was saying to put the key into the lock, now she is trying to think about what he was talking about when he pointed at her. Niobe wishes that he had rather pointed at something more specific.
The rogue somehow manages to pick up that Tokun used two of the same words in the two sentences (Int 21), unfortunately it does not help her understand any of it.
She has a thought that it is all connected to the goo. Immediately she starts to look at her clothes and her braid to see if she got any of those awful fluids on herself. As she inspects her hair she is pleased to notice that her hair still smells lightly of flowers. 'Thank the Powers for small miracles.'
Niobe finally looks back at Tokun smiles just as nicely though she looks somewhat confused, but trying very hard to be polite about it. She hopes he doesn't become offended, because she might be seeming rude. Not knowing what else to do she plays with the end of her braid, now wishing that someone would translate before she inadvertantly does something inanely stupid.
"I am so sorry Tokun, but I really do not understand the question," Niobe answers very politely and not looking away, but looking the young man straight in the face.
Savin Tuesday December 21st, 2004 9:57:47 PM
Savin doesn't understand all the standing about. "It is only a door. Do your magic thinga ma job and lets see what is inside? If you are reluctant, I still can try and open it."
Savin starts to move forward and continues, "Why don't you back off and I will turn the handle."
Shiraz Wednesday December 22nd, 2004 3:13:09 AM
Shiraz watches in fascination Sly and Fin as they mumble and weave their hands across the door. Drawing closer a step at a time until Niobe places teh key in the door Shiraz watches quietly.
Sly and Luke d20+5=20 d20+5=24 Wednesday December 22nd, 2004 4:50:14 AM
Sly is wondering at the sworling colors he saw with his magic, asking Fun'gar "Can I call you Funm to shorten your name? The elves in my village had shorten mine to Sly, I've gotten so use to that name that I hadly remember my full Elven name! Well that's another story!>
What I'm wondering is the colores that I saw coming from the lock? We know the lock is made from living mater, But who put it there? I follow Domi, and we have a Cleric of Domi here (Ilsidure) and a very good one at that. I was wondering the Wizard or the Mage or the Cleric as to whom they were worchiping?? Could this be of some help? Do we have into Arcane? I have a little knowledge of the Arcane, but never though of using it?? How about you? Do You have any though of the Arcane??"
Sly is asking Fun'gar, as Niobe passes them and puts the key into the lock.
Luke is a little board, so he sniffes around the anteroom.
Luke's Looking 20 and Tracking(scent) 24.
Firn'gaer d20+6=21 Wednesday December 22nd, 2004 8:54:41 AM
Firn'gaer sighs at the impatience of Savin, but as he sees Niobe place the key in the lock his eyes grow to the size of gold coins. He is much relieved when she steps away from the door.
"My friend Sly, if you wish to call me Firn, then by all means do so. I only ask that in company other than our own you use my full name. And when time permits, I would like to learn of your full name." He says to the elf as he places a hand on Sly's shoulder.
"If there are no objections to the plan, then as Savin spoke, move back from the door, far back, and I'll work some magic ma job..."
Assuming everyone steps back Firn'gaer begins to speak in tongue arcana. He speech is soft, but it is easily heard by all. He reaches out his hand towards the key and an opaque field extends from his outstretched hand for a few feet before ending. At the key the field forms around it. Slowly he wills the key to turn. It shakes slightly and then begins to turn until the key has turned fully.
"...And it should be unlocked. Let me see if I can open it by pulling on the key while it's turned."
He changes his concentration and makes a pulling motion on the key. Slowly he makes a pulling motion trying to get the door to swing open if possible.
[Spot DC21]
Active Spells extended endure elements -- 24 hours (in Ice Veins) extended mage armor -- 18 hours extended see invisibility -- 3 hours
3 -- deep slumber, dispel magic, fly, lightning bolt
4 -- black tentacles, empowered scorching ray, polymorph
5 -- telekinesis#, wall of force
Peerimus and Yorrick d20+1=6 Wednesday December 22nd, 2004 10:54:18 AM
Peerimus is unable to hold his composure well. [Bluff 6] Biting his sheek to contain the smile, he puts a hand on Savin's shoulder and in his best father-like tone. "If you can not behave, you will have to wait in the hut with the rest of the children."
Peerimus cocks his head sidelong as Tokun starts sepaking and again he is reminded that he should have tried to pick up at least redamentary words while at the Village. Having nothing to add and feeling the young man won't do anything horribly stupid he turns his attention back towards the two people he thinks might.
A shiver runs the length of his spine as Niobe inserts the key. did she not say the lock was the trap? Could not merely the insertion of the key activate it?
Intolerable seconds pass.
If nothing happens, Peerimus will step over and lightly hook Savin's belt as he moves by, I believe our friend is getting to the key just now, my patient freind."
Yorrick stays next to Peerimus and has a seat in snow.
If something bad happens Peerimus will move in with the healing wand.
Active Spells Endure Elements Xtnd'd 48hours Yorrick and Peerimus
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