Onrad d20+33=48 d20+33=44 2d6(3+2)+14=19 2d6(6+6)+14=26 2d6(3+5)+14=22 Tuesday March 1st, 2005 3:39:05 PM
"I'm still here and strong. I'm on the matron! I checked. Morlas has gone somewhere else for the moment.
Turning to the matron, he says, "Your leader has wimped out. This is your chance to live. Surrender and we'll take you back to the Floating City for trial and justice. It is your only hope. Until then, I attack."
Onrad, however, to emphasize the point, closes and attacks her. Since Morlas is gone, he tries his Cloak of Displacement once again.
He hits AC48 on the matron which if it hits is a possible crit. Probably not a crit. Damage is 19hpd unless it's a crit. If so, then add 48hpd to that.
Noticing Gareth, he yells, "Something's wrong with Gareth. Watch him! Help if you can.
"Gareth, listen to me! Fight it off! We need you! Struggle one more time, my friend! Oh Gods, Symon has turned to stone!"
-----------
AC: 38 vs monster in front of him. AC: 37 otherwise hps: 106hps. (of 173)[down 40 this round, and up 35] Major Cloak of Displacement 8 or 10 uses today not equipped currently. Boots of Speed:10 of 10: used up for this day.
Tericus(AC 31, HP 167/122, Bless, Delay Poision, Holy Aura, Rig d20+21=38 d20+16=18 d20+11=30 d8+4=7 d8+4=7 d8+4=6 Tuesday March 1st, 2005 6:55:05 PM
Tericus, closing in on the bone devil, swings his mace 3 times(hit ac 38 for 7 pts, ac 18 for 7 pts, and ac 30 for 6 pts) at the fiend, then looks around and see who needs help.
Gareth (38 AC, 317/114[152] HP, Fly, Disrupting Weapon on Max, Delay poison, Bless+1, Cat's Grace, Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, Holy Sword on Short Sword) d3=3 Tuesday March 1st, 2005 9:33:17 PM
The warrior just stands there a moment, wondering why he is here in this dark place. He looks over the treasure, he looks at those who call themselves his friends with ambivalence, and then looks at the shimmering wall with the newly minted stone statue in front of him. Trying to decide what to do - as all options seem to not matter - he decides to see what is inside the shimmering wall. Knowing what they came for is there, but wondering why it really matters (rolled random for 3 choices). He walks straight through the sphere wondering what he will find.
DM kent Wednesday March 2nd, 2005 6:49:47 AM
Between Jandar and Onrad the matron is looking quite badly and manages to make 2 weak and innefective swings with her staff that miss everything.
The bone devil faced with a new adversary turns, dropping his whip and attacks tericus connecting with one of his claws for7 points
Gareth makes his choice and uncaringly walks through the prismatic sphere, somehow choosing an area that only has two colors in it. Red and blue: the red burns at him 20 points of fire damage and he doesnt even seem to care and try to avoid any of the fire. As he enters the blue area gareth feal himself start to go stiff like stone, and while his mind doesn't seem to care his body begins to fight it off itself. fortitude save DC 23 or become stone
Tericus(AC 31, HP 167/115, Bless, Delay Poision, Holy Aura, Righteous Might, damage reduction 15/evil, SR 25) d20+21=38 d20+16=27 d20+11=22 d8+4=5 d8+4=8 d8+4=7 Wednesday March 2nd, 2005 9:25:36 AM
Tericus swings back at the bone devil(hit ac 38 for 5 pts, ac 27 for 8 pts, and ac 22 for 7 pts). then he prepares for the return attack
Symon (Stone) Wednesday March 2nd, 2005 4:12:03 PM
Symon stands stock still, frozen with fear, or perhaps with magic that has turned him to stone. One or the other!
:-)
Gareth (38 AC, 317/132 HP, Fly, Disrupting Weapon on Max, Delay poison, Bless+1, Cat's Grace, Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, Holy Sword on Short Sword) d20+20=21 d20+20=35 d2=1 Wednesday March 2nd, 2005 6:46:49 PM
The warrior walks through the wall and is horrified as he stiffens up. Maybe its instinct - or perhaps residual will - that makes him try harder to not completely lose control of himself (Hero point reroll of a natural 1). Making it through he sees what he can see, wondering if Morlas will be there.". If so, he decides to attack since that is what he was doing before this horrible apathy towards everything came over him (rolled 50/50, attack/not attack).
Jandar(AC34,HP204/142, SR30, Stoneskin, Holy Aura. Death Ward, Righteous Might, Bless, Delay Poison, damage red 15/evil, Divine Power) d20+34=53 d20+29=45 d20+24=28 d20+19=31 d8+15=18 d8+15=17 d8+15=20 d8+15=17 Thursday March 3rd, 2005 12:44:47 AM
Jandar, sensing an end to the undead matron, swings with fury, especially after hearing about those companions who are either dead, or close to it. (AC53,45,28,31 for 18+17+20+17=72 possible and save 4 times for disruption)
When the drow goes down, if the drow goes down, he swings towards the bone devil to see how Tericus is faring and yells to Onrad, "I'm going after Gareth and those phylacteries. Help Tericus with the devil. Domi be with you my friends." He then sprints toward the same spot Gareth entered the prismatic sphere, praying to Domi for protection from what he knows is coming.
Tericus(AC 31, HP 167/115, Bless, Delay Poision, Holy Aura, Righteous Might, damage reduction 15/evil, SR 25) d20+21=34 d20+16=36 d20+16=32 d20+11=18 d8+4=12 d8+4=5 d8+4=6 d8+4=5 Thursday March 3rd, 2005 9:46:00 AM
(OOC, sorry for the early post, but its my only opportunity to get on today and since i dont want to be replaced, ive got to post now)
Tericus continues to attack the bone devil, swinging 3 times at it(hit ac 24 for 12 pts, critical hit of 36 with a follow up of 32 for 5 and 6 pts, and hit AC 18 for 5 pts)
Onrad d20+33=47 2d6(1+3)+14=18 d20+28=37 2d6(4+4)+14=22 d20+23=35 2d6(4+6)+14=24 d20+18=37 d20+18=22 2d8(4+5)+14=23 Thursday March 3rd, 2005 9:58:33 AM
Onrad, nodding at Jandar, pokes and prods the matron in all her vulnerable places.
His first attack hits AC47. Damage is 18 hpd.
[d20+33=47 2d6(1+3)+14=18]
His second attack hits AC37. It does 22hpd.
His third attack hits AC35. It does 24hpd.
His fourth attack hits AC37 and is a possible crit. Oops probably not. If it hits it does 23 hpd.
His cloak of displacement continues to function.
---------
AC: 38 vs monster in front of him. AC: 37 otherwise hps: 106hps. (of 173) [no dmg this round] Major Cloak of Displacement: 9 of 10 uses today Boots of Speed: 10 of 10: used up for this day
Kent Thursday March 3rd, 2005 7:30:33 PM
Between the continued onslaught from Onrad and Jandar, the matron falls to lay unmoving upon the floor.
Tericus attacks the bone devil and connects a couple of times until the matron falls and then the bone devil pops out.
Gareth, on the inside of the sphere, finds a small stone sarcophagus set within the center of the sphere. It appears to be made from obsidian or possibly black marble. It is roughly six feet in length and twelve inches wide. It also appears to be sealed with some sort of sealant and if he really cared enough to do it could estimate its weight at around 1600 pounds (depending on what was inside).
Symon continues to ponders life as a pigeon potty.
****Combat is now over****
Gareth (38 AC, 317/132 HP, Fly, Disrupting Weapon on Max, Delay poison, Bless+1, Cat's Grace, Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, Holy Sword on Short Sword) d20+13=31 d2=1 Thursday March 3rd, 2005 10:05:08 PM
Looking over the stone sarcophogus the warrior chooses to see what is inside (1=open/2=don't open). He reaches down and opens the crypt lid with all his strength (DC 31), not really caring what it is that seals it.
Jandar(AC34,HP204/142, SR30, Stoneskin, Holy Aura. Death Ward, Righteous Might, Bless, Delay Poison, damage red 15/evil, Divine Power) Thursday March 3rd, 2005 11:32:44 PM
Jandar follows Gareth's path, figuring they can take care of Symon soon enough, but that they have to destroy the phylacteries. That is first on the list. So he heads through the sphere(is it still up?) and takes the punishment it deals to find Gareth and the source of the lich's power.
Tericus(AC 31, HP 167/115, Bless, Delay Poision, Holy Aura, Righteous Might, damage reduction 15/evil, SR 25) Friday March 4th, 2005 9:25:42 AM
after all the liches fall, Tericus goes over to every body and presses his holy symbol into them blessing the bodies
Onrad Friday March 4th, 2005 4:12:41 PM
Onrad nods at Tericus' actions with the dead. He follows that up by cutting off the head of the matron to be sure she is dead.
Then he heads to the center of the room and holds his bloody rapier at the ready.
"He wouldn't just leave with his phylactery in the sphere. Destroy that and he's dead. Either he will return, or that is not his phylactery.
"This is not yet over--although it may be for now."
"Talk to us Gareth. Let us know you're ok in there and what you are doing."
He turns off his cloak of displacement.
-------
hps: 106hps. (of 173)[no dmg this round]
Kent 2d3(2+1)=3 d6=2 d6=3 d6=4 d6=3 d20+20=35 Friday March 4th, 2005 5:24:25 PM
Gareth puts everything he has into pulling the lid off, but is unable to even budge the lid, even the smallest amount, from the sarcophogus (sovereign glue).
Between the head cutting and the holy symbols the liches really seem to be unmoving, at least for a while.
Jandar moves toward the sphere gritting his teeth as he approaches. He is not exactly sure what is going to happen, but is very aware that whatever it is could be quite nasty. He looks for a place that is less colorful than others and has a point chosen and he steps forward, only to catch the colors start to move yet again as he comes into contact with the scintilating orb. Three colors; Red, Orange, Green.
Red - 20 points fire damage - reflex DC23 for 10.
Yellow - 80 points electricity damage - relfex DC 23 for 40
Green - Poison - Death - Fortitude DC 23 for loss of 3 points of constitution instead.
all effects are negated by a SR of 35
The black pudding slowly moves closer to the symon statue.
Jandar(AC34,HP204/124, SR30, Stoneskin, Holy Aura. Death Ward, Righteous Might, Bless, Delay Poison, damage red 15/evil, Divine Power d20+18=23 d20+14=16 d20+14=34 d20+19=38 Saturday March 5th, 2005 12:25:15 AM
Jandar takes a deep breath and goes through the sphere. The sphere affects him as his spell resistance isn't enough to beat all the effects. He avoids damage from the fire because of his ring. He dances enough to avoid the electricity with his ring of evasion and Domi blesses him with luck enough to only lose some of his constitution from the gas. He nearly hurls and feels immediately less healthy from the loss of that constitution, however.
Jandar, seeing Gareth alive, is happy, until he realizes the liches phylacteries are not in the open, not that he really expected them to be.
He bows his head and calls upon Domi yet again saying, "Domi, you have blessed me much this day and all my life. I call upon you yet again as a faithful servant, serving you always and without question. Grant me the strength to remove this lid so that we may end the terror caused by these abominations. Show the Wold the power of your might through me, I beg of you."
He moves to the sarcophagas and flexes his sizeable muscles... then heaves with all the strength Domi has given him. (Strength domain special ability:perform supernatural feat of strength once per day giving strength enhancement equal to level(+18), which gives him the strength of an ancient gold dragon-46/47. He's also 12 feet tall and weighs 1600 pounds due to Righteous Might.)
Gareth (38 AC, 317/132 HP, Fly, Disrupting Weapon on Max, Delay poison, Bless+1, Cat's Grace, Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, Holy Sword on Short Sword) Saturday March 5th, 2005 9:31:26 AM
The warrior watches the huge Jandar try to lift the lid. "What's that stuff on the seal (pointing out the glue)?". He feels no desire to help Jandar out and wonders why because he knows he used to - and very much. (Are you able to hear through a prismatic sphere?). Hearing the calls of the others he just simply feels no need to return their queries.
The calm after the cataclysm (DM Cayzle) Monday March 7th, 2005 7:03:12 AM
Inside the Prismatic Sphere, Jandar makes a superhuman effort but it is not enough. The glue binds the lid as if it were melded to the stone. The lid simply will not open. But the phylacteries, if they are within, are so tantalizingly close! How to get at them?
Gareth does not seem to care about the puzzle. He seems apathetic in general. That might seem odd to Jandar, standing nearby.
The others stand outside, ready to attack the liches should they reanimate. They can call through the sphere, but as the colors in the hemisphere shift, the sounds fade in and out. It may take some repeated shouting to communicate simple ideas.
Those outside also see the black pudding crawl over the stone Symon, but as puddings attack only organic matter, it does him no harm.
Beginning to take stock, you also note that Fai'Fasal fell unnoticed in battle. In fact, he is dead. There is, of course, no sign of Morlas.
[Howdy, Storms! I'll be posting every morning as your new DM. Please feel free to post every day! :-) I'll be sending out e-mail with XP and Hero Points later today.]
Gareth (38 AC, 317/132 HP, Fly, Disrupting Weapon on Max, Delay poison, Bless+1, Cat's Grace, Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, Holy Sword on Short Sword) d2=1 Monday March 7th, 2005 7:20:38 AM
As the warrior sees Jandar make his unfruitful attempts to open it, he muses, "If I wanted to open it I'd use that hammer to smash it. But hey, that's just me..." (made 50/50 to speak or just stand there).
Tericus(AC 31, HP 167/115, Bless, Delay Poision, Holy Aura, Righteous Might, damage reduction 15/evil, SR 25) Monday March 7th, 2005 9:32:29 AM
"Im not going through that." Tericus tells Onrad as he points at the sphere. "Ive had bad experences with those things." then he walks over to Fai'Fasal and looks for his sword. when he finds it he picks it up and says "Im sure his house would want this back. Maybe we should take his body with us."
Onrad Monday March 7th, 2005 11:04:23 PM
"Yes, we will. We'll let the priests inquire of the gods as to raising him or not. Perhaps talk with his soul and inquire.
"Can you bless the body or something? Just seems appropriate for a priest to say something here.
"Now, how do you kill a black pudding or make it move where you want it to--like away from Symon?
"You guys ok in there?
"Might also want to do something about this place. Seems very evil still. Can we consecrate it?"
Jandar d20+44=60 d20+39=48 d20+34=39 d20+29=48 d20+24=29 d8+23=25 d8+23=30 d8+23=28 d8+23=28 Monday March 7th, 2005 11:07:21 PM
Jandar is a little surprised when it won't budge. He fully expected it to come right off, such is the faith in Domi he has. When Gareth makes his comment, Jandar looks at him sideways, and says,"Gee, thanks for your help. Snap out of it, would you. We may have to kill those things again soon. But enough talking, of course I'll try to smash it next."
He rears back, hammer swinging at the side of the sarcophagus, figuring the lid was protected more than the sides, and hammers away.(Please note that his hammer also expanded in size with the Righteous Might spell, so it's huge as well)
Strange Events In and Out (DM Cayzle) Tuesday March 8th, 2005 7:14:50 AM
In the Sphere
Jandar takes Gareth's advice, although he probably would have decided to attempt the bashing route on his own.
After a few rounds of effort, the side is caved in, and Jandar sees six amulets within.
Jandar, if you make a Sense Motive check vs DC 25, then Please Highlight to display spoiler: {You sense that Gareth is under some enchantment or psychic malaise. He seems to be missing something.}
Outside the Sphere
Tericus walks over to Fai'Fasal and picks up Liseth. He senses that the sword is in deep grief. But then the sword's emotion changes to fear and awe and something else!
At that moment, three huge Phase Spiders appear out of nowhere. They are huge in size, and black, and are marked with red squiggles. Onrad and Tericus, you sense power and majesty radiating from these beings. If you make a Knowledge (Religion) check vs. DC15, then Please Highlight to display spoiler: {You recognize that these are minions of Jancassis, who is revered by Drow.}
The power of the spiders feels like heat as it fills this room. The bodies of the liches disintegrate. The sense that this place is embedded with evil disappears. The Black Pudding flees.
The spiders take the body of the fallen Drow fighter and weave webs over and around it. These Webs glow, and fade, and the spiders fade away as well. But after that, Tericus senses joy in the sword. He lives! says Liseth in his mind. Give me to him! Please!
Tericus(AC 31, HP 167/115, Bless, Delay Poision, Holy Aura, Righteous Might, damage reduction 15/evil, SR 25) d20+14=26 Tuesday March 8th, 2005 9:19:02 AM
Realizing exactly what the spiders are, Tericus waits for them to finish with the drow, then he places the sword in Fai'Fasal's hand. Then he steps away from the scene and waits to see what happens.
Onrad Tuesday March 8th, 2005 10:39:41 AM
"What the Ga'al?!!!"
He draws his sabre and yells, "Tell me I shouldn't attack these spiders! Tell me!"
When no one says anything, he strikes quickly sabre dancing and Onrad tumbling.
But he hits nothing as the spiders disappear. His mouth is open and he spins around looking for attackers.
Then he yells so those in the globe can hear.
"I'm not sure, but we may have been attacked just now. Either that or angels now look like spiders!"
Gareth (38 AC, 317/132 HP, Fly, Disrupting Weapon on Max, Delay poison, Bless+1, Cat's Grace, Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, Holy Sword on Short Sword) d2=1 Tuesday March 8th, 2005 9:39:17 PM
The warrior looks the amulets over. "Aren't we looking for scrolls or something?".
Jandar d20=3 Tuesday March 8th, 2005 11:23:48 PM
Jandar hasn't the slightest clue why Gareth isn't helping him, but, at this point, the end of their current journey, he doesn't worry about it. He uses a cloth to move an amulet out of the coffin and onto a flat section of ground. He raises his warhammer overhead, as if chopping wood, slams it down onto the amulet. Once. Twice. And a third time, with all his strength, praying to Domi all the while.
The Shadow Lifts (DM Cayzle) Wednesday March 9th, 2005 6:59:34 AM
As Gareth watches, Jandar works at destroying the amulets. As he handles them, even through the cloth, he senses an psychicly oily dirty feel to them, and as each is destroyed, his spirits lift. And as each breaks, the colors in the Sphere waver, so that after the last is broken, the Sphere is gone, and the atmosphere in the place feels much cleaner.
Onrad deduces that the spiders were divine messengers, and he is proved right the dark elf, now holding Liseth, rises to his knees and loudly thanks Jancassis.
Fai'Fasal seems much more sure of himself and less mad as the drow stands and says, "Thank you," he says to Tericus, "But the new matron! We must go to her. Please, quickly!"
He immediately heads off the way you came, concerned for the safety of the last Drow female of his house.
Gareth (38 AC, 317/132 HP, Fly, Disrupting Weapon on Max, Delay poison, Bless+1, Cat's Grace, Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, Holy Sword on Short Sword) d2=1 Wednesday March 9th, 2005 7:16:17 AM
The warrior watches Jandar smash the amulets. Hurt, burned, bleeding, being eaten by acid, electrocuted and frozen - among other things - he just stands there as if nothing important has happened. He just looks at Jandar, wondering what he ought do...
Tericus(AC 31, HP 167/115, Bless, Delay Poision, Holy Aura, Righteous Might, damage reduction 15/evil, SR 25) Wednesday March 9th, 2005 9:01:08 AM
Tericus runs after the drow, yelling to the others to follow him.
The Matron (DM Cayzle) Thursday March 10th, 2005 6:53:45 AM
While Onrad, Gareth, and Jandar keep watch over the Drow treasure vault, Fai-fasal and Tericus quickly rush over to the chamber wherein you left the young drow matron. She is gathered up and brought back to the vault.
The drow maid sees that you are wounded, and she tends to your cuts, burns, and other injuries. She mentions privately to Jandar, Onrad, and Tericus that there seems to be something wrong with Gareth, something her arts cannot touch.
She asks you to stay here and rest tonight, accepting the honor and hospitality of her House -- and in the morning she and Fai'fasal will say farewell. She also mentions that tomorrow she will begin the task of bringing the rest of her scattered people home.
Fai'fasal seems, for a drow, to be in heaven. He has a matron he trusts, his enemies are scattered, and there is hope for his House again. He seems more grounded and glad than you have seen him before. "Thank you, Dragon-friends and Drow-friends. Your names will be remembered for generations -- for so long as this House shall stand."
Tericus Thursday March 10th, 2005 9:39:07 AM
Tericus nods at the matron's words and says "Ill use some spells to look over him in the morning. He doesnt seem hurt, but is certainly acting funny."
Onrad Thursday March 10th, 2005 12:40:56 PM
Onrad nods seriously at Tericus. "Good." But at home. We all need some... healing of various sorts after this. The healing of rest, meditation, and time off.
"I personally know it will be a long time before I sleep well at night after battling on top of those dead bodies. That was...."
He doesn't finish. He gets a far off look in his eyes and talks no more.
He looks to the Matron. "We hope to rest after this for a time. Do the bodies remain in the Dias Room?"
He goes back to see. If the bodies are still there, he offers to return and help clean up the room and give burial to all those he had to tread upon. "It will help ease my soul."
Jandar d20+17=28 Thursday March 10th, 2005 11:15:24 PM
Jandar takes out a scroll and, addressing Gareth, casts from it. He's unsure what ails him, but he knows he's hurt and bleeding, burned, and, well, he's pretty messy, even for someone as tough as him. He casts 'Heal' from the scroll.
When he's finished destroying the amulets, he checks around the room for any signs of Morlas.(spot 28)
While he still has his incredible size, he will move the sarcophagus, if possible. If it can't be moved, he searches around it for trigger mechanisms. He checks the bottom of it inside for any trap door, going so far as to 'hammer' the bottom out, if necessary, just in case there's a trap door. He knows Morlas's phylactery must be close and he's not quite ready to give up on it.
Onrad Friday March 11th, 2005 11:53:24 AM
When he returns from the other room (see previous post), Onrad, seeing that Jandar and Gareth are free of the sphere, goes over to help Jandar with whatever he needs.
"What are you thinking, Jandar? How can I help?"
A Breather (DM Cayzle) Friday March 11th, 2005 8:01:54 PM [OOC: Sorry for the late post today, friends! A very busy day for me! -- Cayzle]
With the battle now over, everybody needs to take a breather. Wounds are healed, and Onrad graciously helps the drow begin the task of making the place liveable again. The matron, revealing hidden resources, brings a number of her folk from theit hidden camp, and although it is a sad remnant of a once-proud House, you get the feeling that there is hope here where a short while ago there was none.
By the end of the day, assume that all wounds and damage is healed. The Drow are helpful in that regard. Gareth's condition, however, is still puzzling.
But the troubling fact remains -- it would seem that both Morlas and his phylactery are missing. Frustration upon frustration! Will this enemy never be defeated? Still maybe it is enough to let him go, for now?
Not according to Jandar, in whom determination is still fierce to bring the lich down once and for all! But the thorough investigation of the stone box won't do the job, evidently -- if you do intend to pursue and take the fight to the lich, then you will need some kind of guide or plan or source of information.
But before the next phase of your quest begins, there is the matter of thanks. The drow matron, with Fai'Fasal standing next to her, wish to give you all thanks for the great works you have done.
Each of you are given a small figurine of a dragon. The eyes are made of emerald, and when you pick each up, you feel your senses expand (see below for stats). Each of you also is given a non-magical item: Gareth, an admantine and emerald crown; Onrad, a large goblet carved of a single black pearl; Tericus, a jeweled mithril greatsword; and Jandar, a shield made of platinum and diamonds. Each object is obviously of very great worth.
"You have saved me and my House from ruin," says the Matron, "Please take these small tokens in rememberance and gratitude."
Figurine of Elvenkind: This platinum figurine of a dragon has emerald eyes. The possessor of the figurine benefits from a continual Elf Vision spell and is treated as having elf blood so long as the item is kept with the owner. Moderate divination; CL 12th; Craft Wondrous Item, Elven Vision, creator must have Elf Blood; Price 15,000 gp.
Elven Vision
Transmutation Level: Cleric 1, Druid 1, Bard 1, Sorcerer/Wizard 1, Witch 1 Components: V,S,F Casting Time: 1 standard action Range: Personal Target: You Duration: 10 min/level Saving Throw: Will negates (harmless) Spell Resistance: Yes
The spell grants the spellcaster elven sight. The caster gains low light vision. In addition, he receives a +2 bonus to Spot and Search, and can automatically check for secret doors when he passes within 5 feet of one. These bonuses are similar to the elven ability and does not stack with natural elven sight. The focus for this spell is an eyelash from an elf or a fey creature, usually embedded for safekeeping in a crystal or locket.
[OOC: I really need PC sheets for Jandar and Tericus!! Please send those to me ASAP! cayzle@yahoo.com]
A Breather (DM Cayzle) Friday March 11th, 2005 8:01:54 PM [OOC: Sorry for the late post today, friends! A very busy day for me! -- Cayzle]
With the battle now over, everybody needs to take a breather. Wounds are healed, and Onrad graciously helps the drow begin the task of making the place liveable again. The matron, revealing hidden resources, brings a number of her folk from theit hidden camp, and although it is a sad remnant of a once-proud House, you get the feeling that there is hope here where a short while ago there was none.
By the end of the day, assume that all wounds and damage is healed. The Drow are helpful in that regard. Gareth's condition, however, is still puzzling.
But the troubling fact remains -- it would seem that both Morlas and his phylactery are missing. Frustration upon frustration! Will this enemy never be defeated? Still maybe it is enough to let him go, for now?
Not according to Jandar, in whom determination is still fierce to bring the lich down once and for all! But the thorough investigation of the stone box won't do the job, evidently -- if you do intend to pursue and take the fight to the lich, then you will need some kind of guide or plan or source of information.
But before the next phase of your quest begins, there is the matter of thanks. The drow matron, with Fai'Fasal standing next to her, wish to give you all thanks for the great works you have done.
Each of you are given a small figurine of a dragon. The eyes are made of emerald, and when you pick each up, you feel your senses expand (see below for stats). Each of you also is given a non-magical item: Gareth, an admantine and emerald crown; Onrad, a large goblet carved of a single black pearl; Tericus, a jeweled mithril greatsword; and Jandar, a shield made of platinum and diamonds. Each object is obviously of very great worth.
"You have saved me and my House from ruin," says the Matron, "Please take these small tokens in rememberance and gratitude."
Figurine of Elvenkind: This platinum figurine of a dragon has emerald eyes. The possessor of the figurine benefits from a continual Elf Vision spell and is treated as having elf blood so long as the item is kept with the owner. Moderate divination; CL 12th; Craft Wondrous Item, Elven Vision, creator must have Elf Blood; Price 15,000 gp.
Elven Vision
Transmutation Level: Cleric 1, Druid 1, Bard 1, Sorcerer/Wizard 1, Witch 1 Components: V,S,F Casting Time: 1 standard action Range: Personal Target: You Duration: 10 min/level Saving Throw: Will negates (harmless) Spell Resistance: Yes
The spell grants the spellcaster elven sight. The caster gains low light vision. In addition, he receives a +2 bonus to Spot and Search, and can automatically check for secret doors when he passes within 5 feet of one. These bonuses are similar to the elven ability and does not stack with natural elven sight. The focus for this spell is an eyelash from an elf or a fey creature, usually embedded for safekeeping in a crystal or locket.
[OOC: I really need PC sheets for Jandar and Tericus!! Please send those to me ASAP! cayzle@yahoo.com]
Fai'Fasal (DM Cayzle) Monday March 14th, 2005 6:39:02 AM
After the formal thank you ceremony is over, there is a meal in your honors. It is too late in the evening to do more than chat and ponder, and the drow have set up impromptu guest quarters in which you can spend the night at rest.
After dinner, Fai'Fasal approaches the group. "In my heart, I feel satisfied, Dragon-friends. My only regret is the escape of the one called Morlas. Liseth tells me he fled after his attack on Gareth. She urges me to chase after. What will you do?"
[OOC: Friends, I'm sorry my late Friday post threw us off. I was kinda hoping that you all could post over the weekend. But even though you did not, I wanted to make a Monday morning post so as to get back on track with a DM post *early* each day. I'll do my best to be consistent with that. -- Cayzle]
[OOC PS: I still need PC sheets for Tericus and Jandar.]
Tericus Monday March 14th, 2005 9:20:41 AM
"I'm not sure what we'll do next," Tericus tells the drow. "We need to find out what's wrong with Gareth, though."
Jandar Monday March 14th, 2005 11:47:20 PM
Jandar thanks the matron and bows deeply to her after receiving the gift. He excuses himself politely explainig,"I need to find some clues as to where Morlas went. When it's time to sleep, I'll come back and sleep long enough to memorize some spells that might help Gareth. I'm afraid I have no powerful spells left after that fight. Maybe between Tericus and myself, we can break whatever enchantment has been put on him. Until then, however, we need to keep a close eye on him and keep him here. Two people at all times, I think. If he's under some mind control, he could kill anyone here too quickly for one to withstand him. Any disagreements?"
A New Day (DM Cayzle) Tuesday March 15th, 2005 7:20:30 AM
Fai'Fasal bows and leaves you to your rest.
The night passes uneventfully, with two of you awake at all times to watch Gareth. Gareth himself seems unconcerned, even apathetic, about that.
If you can make a sense motive check vs DC30 [or if you are playing Gareth!], then Please Highlight to display spoiler: {You sense that some essential thing is absent in Gareth. He seems lost. Uncaring. Lacking in motivation and purpose. Hardly human.}
In the night, you dream of a forest.
In the morning, paths branch out. Is there some way to track Morlas, or to follow him? And if you do reach him, what would stop him from teleporting away again? If you have no leads on Morlas, how can you find someone who could find him? Or would it be best to turn from that path?
What can be done about Gareth? How to figure out what is wrong with him? And how to make him better?
And what about events back at the Float? What about the drow? Frankly it sure would be refreshing to take a couple days just to rest and recover -- spiritually, that is, since your physical wounds are healed.
Gareth Tuesday March 15th, 2005 7:39:11 AM
The warrior just sits and nibbles his food. He knows he should care about Morlas, or about his friends, or be horrified at the thought of killing one of them as Jandar mentions his plan - but he doesn't. "All I know is I really don't feel very strongly about anything. Anything at all...I don't know why.".
Tericus Tuesday March 15th, 2005 10:26:04 AM
After the night passes, Tericus tells Jandar, "I can commune with Alemi as to the nature of Gareth's ailment. Can you do the same?"
Onrad Tuesday March 15th, 2005 11:53:29 AM
I daresay I could hold Gareth off for a time if it came to that. But I wouldn't enjoy it.
Onrad thanks the Matron for the gift and says, "I will keep this always. It represents an important memory and good new friends. We will return with a gift of our own. A means to contact us so that we may stay friends, visit, talk, and learn about each other.
"We also will talk to our Overlord about you and see what additional aid and help we can provide. The friendship of our cultures can only make both of us stronger. We hope to send an invitation for you to visit our city in return and meet our Overlord."
Turning to his friends, he says, "My thought is to teleport to the Floating City and use the resources of our homeland to find the cure for Gareth and bring our new friend the stone man back to flesh.
"We can then inform the Overlord of what has happened, do some scrying about Morlas, etc. and plan our next step.
"We should also check in with the Golds concerning our newest group and see what needs doing. We don't communicate with them as much as we ought.
"I've got the ring." [player privilege. it's a party item and both our mages are gone.]
"It's time for us to go home. We need healing and rest."
He holds the ring and offers it to the next person.
"Technically our stoned friend should be alive. So hold his hand, bring Gareth in here and pass the ring."
Jandar d20+15=34 d20+15=25 Wednesday March 16th, 2005 12:45:19 AM
Jandar's shoulders slump when Onrad orders the withdrawal, but nods. He says,"Well, before we go, since we've slept and rested, I would rather go ahead and make the attempt on curing our friends. Tericus is right. Between the two of us, we have the ability to not only heal these two, but find Morlas as well, I'm fairly sure. I'll see if I can fix Symon and Gareth first."
He squares his shoulders, saying a silent prayer to Domi, letting the power of the God course through him. He makes sure Symon and Gareth are next to each other and casts 'Break Enchantment' on both of them. (He beats DC34 on Symon, and 25 on Gareth.)
If Gareth doesn't respond to it, He casts 'Detect Undead' on Gareth, just to be sure he didn't die without the party seeing it, and Morlas has trapped his soul with 'Soul Bind'.
He adds to Onrad,"I'm quite sure you COULD hold your own for a time, but, if he's under someone else's control, I doubt he'd give you any warning, and he'd slice any of us up in two seconds if we weren't prepared. And you idea to contact the Golds is a good one. I still have my earring from them, so that shouldn't be a problem."
Symon Dracozyl (HP 20 of 126) Wednesday March 16th, 2005 7:00:25 AM
Free of his enchantment, Symon is amazed at recent events. As always, he has questions, and he wants to hear everything!
"Did you kill all the undead? Liches?"
"Where are we going now? Right now? Later?"
"Ouch! I hurt! Got any healing? Ow."
The sad case of the missing feelings. (DM Cayzle) Wednesday March 16th, 2005 7:06:45 AM
Although Jandar's spell is spectacularly effective in freeing Symon, it has no effect on Gareth.
Tericus ponders a Commune attempt. [OOC: You mean a Commune spell? If so, you get one question per level. If you want to try it, please type out all your questions and I'll give you the answers tomorrow.]
Onrad suggests regrouping. Jandar would prefer to chase after Morlas now, so that the arch-lich does not have a chance to regroup.
Gareth doesn't seem to care either way.
Symon seems to care ... but he wants to know more about it.
Tericus Wednesday March 16th, 2005 9:23:23 AM
(OOC, yes, I meant a commune spell)
As Jandar casts his spells, Tericus will cast his commune spell, hoping to learn some info from Alemi.
1. Is Gareth alive? 2. Can we help Gareth? 3. Do our answers to helping Gareth lie in Plateau City? 4. Is Morlas destroyed? 5. Can we destroy Morlas? 6. Does Morlas have the answers to curing Gareth? 7. Is Symon trustworthy? 8. Does Morlas have more liches under his power? 9. Is Morlas on this plane? 10. Can the Gold Dragons help up with Gareth?
I have 5 more questions I can ask, can anyone else think of anything to ask?
Jandar Thursday March 17th, 2005 12:08:56 AM
Jandar adds,"You might ask if you or I have the spell capability to help restore Gareth's mental condition from before the fight began. Also, does the Oracle have the answer to where Morlas is. I haven't asked my question yet, so I could use it for that. I suppose we could cast 'Miracle' as a last resort, although it's not one I memorized today."
Symon Dracozyl (HP 20 of 126) Thursday March 17th, 2005 7:34:39 AM
"Huh! Why are you guys ignoring me? Am I dead? Dead!"
He thumps his chest. "I seem alive! Dead people don't bleed, right?"
When Jandar mentions that he will ask if Symon is trustworthy, Symon says, "Hey! I'm here! You could ask me! Me!"
Divine Answers (DM Cayzle) Thursday March 17th, 2005 7:40:05 AM
1. Is Gareth alive? YES
2. Can we help Gareth? YES
3. Do our answers to helping Gareth lie in Plateau City? NO
4. Is Morlas destroyed? NO
5. Can we destroy Morlas? YES
6. Does Morlas have the answers to curing Gareth? YES
7. Is Symon trustworthy? MOSTLY
8. Does Morlas have more liches under his power? NO
9. Is Morlas on this plane? NO
10. Can the Gold Dragons help up with Gareth? YES
11. Does Jandar or Tericus have the spell capability to help restore Gareth's mental condition from before the fight began? NOT YET
12. Does the Oracle have the answer to where Morlas is. YES
Symon Dracozyl Thursday March 17th, 2005 7:41:11 AM
"Well! I never! Mostly! Huh!"
"I'm not sure whether to be insulted or honored!"
Gareth Thursday March 17th, 2005 8:17:31 AM
The warrior just stands there, not really doing much of anything except taking care of himself and following along. His actions seem somewhat random and lacking any purpose. He just appears to be 'existing' and not really wanting to do anything.
Tericus Thursday March 17th, 2005 1:18:11 PM
after listening to what Alemi says and passing the info along to the others, Tericus turns to Jandar and says "Well, it seems our answers lie with either the Gold Dragons or the Oracle. I for one think the Oracle is our best bet. Remember, she told me and you that we were welcomed at any time."
Jandar Thursday March 17th, 2005 4:12:35 PM
Jandar nods at Tericus and says,"I agree. We don't know if the Golds would be able to help at this moment, or if they are in the middle of a fight with a dragon, so let's check with the Oracle. Onrad, Symon, you guys okay with that. I would ask Gareth, but he doesn't care.
So Morlas isn't on this plane. Hmmm. Symon, any halfling would be considered mostly, or mostly not, so don't feel too badly. It was actually a compliment that you fell into the first category. Of course, we are all 'mostly'. Noone is perfect. Anyway, we should head out immediately."
Symon Friday March 18th, 2005 11:20:40 AM
Hey! The Oracle! The Oracle owes me a question! An Answer!
He laughs, and changes shape to a human. "I'm not always a halfling! Just when I think I might want to hide better!"
If no one objects, the sorcerer teleports the group to the lair of the Oracle.
The Oracle (DM Cayzle) Friday March 18th, 2005 11:43:32 AM
You find yourselves in a a twenty foot wide hallway leading to the Chamber of the Oracle. At the center of the circular chamber is wide pedastal on which you see a silver font in the shape of a coiled silver snake.
Just as it was before when you visited, the edges of the room are shrouded by a thick mist.
The elf woman you met before, Illimria, is there again, wearing her shiny white robe.
She bows to you in welcome, saying, "We meet again, Dragons of the Storm. Have you come for answers or for succor?"
As she speaks, the small dragon figures just given to you by the Drow matron start to feel warm. The elvish senses you gain by carrying them tingle, and the air is heavy, not just with mist, but with expectation.
[OOC: Please feel free to post now, and again over the weekend after a special post to come tonight.]
Gareth Friday March 18th, 2005 2:57:19 PM
The warrior simply follows along with the others as they seem to think it is important. He doesn't really do much of anything other than breathe.
Jandar Saturday March 19th, 2005 12:28:20 AM
Jandar bows deeply to the Oracle, a smile from her peace and tranquility creeps onto his lips as he finally relaxes a bit in her presence. He says,"Unfortunately, we have questions. My heart is a bit torn between asking about Morlas because I want an end to his evil, but I need to ask about Gareth, so here's my question: What has been done to Gareth and what steps must we take to cure his disinterest problem?"
Tericus Saturday March 19th, 2005 6:54:58 AM
nodding at Jandar's words, Tericus adds "I communed with Alemi and he said you have the answers we seek."
Onrad Saturday March 19th, 2005 10:05:21 AM
"I didn't mean to imply that if we "could" get Morlas now we shouldn't. Let's go for it. I for one want this finished.
"However, we need to replenish spells and this seems a safe place to do that. We've been through alot this day.
"For me, while you guys deal with this, I'm going to sit over here and zone out for a bit. Try to get my head together."
Onrad then sits down, stretches himself out, and takes up a position of meditation.
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