DM Jamie Monday February 28th, 2005 6:28:39 AM
The guards part for you, but they follow closely as if you are using the girl as an excuse to ditch them.
Your run to the temple goes unhindered. As you run you notice people watching you though. You don't know if it is becasue you are escorting the girl or if it is because you are being tailed by a seven of the princes' men.
Once there the priest seems unsuprised by your visit. "We have seen sevreal of these today." He explains. "Although none of them have been so young. The others were all soothsayers and fortune tellers. Earlier they made some sort of profecy and then then went into this coma. Right now, counting the girl, we have a total of three. The other two are laying over here. Let me show you whre we can lay her down."
With that the priest leads you to a back room near where poor Timmi was kept. Inside there are six beds. Three on each side. On one side there are already two beds filled. He points to the thrid bed foryou to lay her down."
As you lay her down you notice something peculular. The three patients, in unison, flip onto their backs and straighten themselves out as if stretching. Then the room begins to chill. All three of their eyes open at the same time and they all three sit straight up. "Beware the coming of the three." They then lay back down and seem to drift off into a deep sleep.
Olyn Monday February 28th, 2005 7:20:06 AM
stands there, not knowing what to do, and for once, at a loss for words.
Dietrich Monday February 28th, 2005 9:35:22 AM
Listening to the priests talk, Dietrich already doesn't like what he hears. When the three unconscious patients suddenly move and talk and the air chills, the warrior shivers and makes the sign of Domi, just restraining himself from swearing in the holy place.
He looks startled to his friends in search of answers.
Zayne Monday February 28th, 2005 4:36:27 PM
Patting Dietrich's shoulder,"We will help them." He walks over to stand by little Timmi's bed looks down at the young boy,"We saved you once and we will do it again?" His voice is tight and his words are bitten off fiercly.
Looking to Olyn,"What do we know?" The ominousness(is that even a word? If not I think it should be =p) of the last words of the children does not make the young ranger feel better about the what is going on right now.
Berlon Monday February 28th, 2005 5:46:08 PM
On his way to the gate, Berlon stops off to make some minor tithing (10gp). He sees the commotion and pauses at the entrance to the temple.
Vauhwyt Monday February 28th, 2005 7:08:35 PM
When the three lying in the temple sit up and speak, Mookie starts flapping his wings, and Vauhwyt has to grab him to settle him down.
"BOSS! BOSS! THAT'S WHAT HAPPENED BEFORE! ALL THREE OF THEM ARE NUTS! WE BETTER GET OUT OF HERE!"
"Hush, Mookie," says Vauhwyt. "All in good time."
She asks the priests of Wardd if they know what this means. After all, isn't Wardd the god of madness? But if they do not have any answers, the liontaur suggests heading over to the Palace, since the Prince may know something.
Theodore and Macaw Monday February 28th, 2005 7:13:31 PM
Theodore is obviously concerned with the three prophets, but has little to offer in answers. "I think there is little we can do, here," he begins. He places a comforting hand on Olyn's shoulder. "We should go to the Prince. Perhaps he wishes to see us for reasons connected to what ails our friend. But I'm sure he doesn't need all of us there. If you wish to stay with her, I will not object."
DM Brent (First Posting - added post) Monday February 28th, 2005 10:24:17 PM
The priest pales as the girls straighten and begin to speak. He pushes on the group to hurry them out, letting out a loud punctuated whistle as he does.
Assuming the group doesn't fight the priest, as they are shuttled out, the three begin speaking again in some unknown tongue.
Rose Tuesday March 1st, 2005 6:16:31 AM
Rose runs from her room as she hears the commotion in the other room. "What's the matter?" she calls.
When she sees Elanna laying so still and hears Olyn say that there is the feel of death around Elanna she blanches and runs as fast as she can, although she does fall behind as she cant run as fast as the others.
She bursts into the temple out of breath and panting as she looks around for where her friends and Elanna are, then rushes over to see the priest shooing everyone out of the room. "What's happening?" she asks.
Dietrich Tuesday March 1st, 2005 7:23:45 AM
Dietrich is still dazzled by the recent events. He smiles at Zayne's gesture of friendship and wonders at Mookie's outburst. He's never seen the bird so excited before and there seems to be something.
When the priest pushes them away and the patients start talking in a strange language, the warrior doesn't resist and is probably happy not to presence the eerie scene. He silently prays to the gods for protection.
Dietrich agrees to go to the Prince as a mean of doing something, but is disappointed nobody can explain him what's going on. At Rose's arrival and question, he simply nods towards the clerics and wizards.
Olyn Tuesday March 1st, 2005 9:01:53 AM
letting Vauhwyt's comment slide without a rebuttle, Olyn asks the priest once everyone is out of the room what they think is wrong and what can cure it?
*after answers are given, Olyn will agree to go with the others to meet with the Prince*
Vauhwyt Tuesday March 1st, 2005 2:44:11 PM
The liontaur fills Rose in on what little she knows. She listend to hear if the priests have any more info. Finally she suggests that they need to go see the Prince.
Theodore and Macaw Tuesday March 1st, 2005 8:35:06 PM
Theodore offers no resistance as the priests usher them out of the room. They have more skill in this area than the mage does. He waits for the others to collect themselves before starting out with the Prince's men.
DM Brent Tuesday March 1st, 2005 9:59:27 PM
{Everyone give a sense motive DC:20 if you are interested in some insight to the priests demeanor}
Outwardly, the priest smiles and looks past the group as if expecting someone. He remains firmly planted in the doorway as Olyn asks of the girls' condition.
He responds, "Oh well, yes you know some fevers come on like this. Without warning, and accompanying delusions. I am sure we will manage, thank you. Anything else? Ok then we will look after the girl for you."
His eyebrows raise and two people show up from around the corner. One of them is carrying an armload of scrolls and the other is carrying a bag that is clinking slightly as they move quickly to the door.
The two open the door, which has a light rime of frost on it, and enter the room shutting the door behind them. The priest waits for the group to begin to move away and then enters the room. There is a loud *snap* of the lock in the door after it is closed.
Afterwards, the group notices that the chill from the room diminishes quickly as the group heads to towards the castle.
Vorelle d20+1=20 Wednesday March 2nd, 2005 2:17:25 AM
Perhaps it's because her senses are already on alert, anticipating a visit to the Prince, but Vorelle senses something unusual about the priest's reply.
[Sense Motive 20; could've knocked me down with a feather.]
Rose d20+4=24 Wednesday March 2nd, 2005 6:14:23 AM
Rose is surprised to be ushered out of the room, why she just got there. as she looks around and sees the people (are they priests?) with scrolls and a clinking bag she darts under the priests arm and runs to Elanna's bed. "I'm not leaving until you tell me what's going on."
sense motive: 24, natural 20
ooc: you never said are the other occupants of the room male or female, adult or child?
DM Brent - additional Post Wednesday March 2nd, 2005 6:55:44 AM
As Rose tries to dart under the priest's arms, she is rebuffed, finding the air strangly resistant.
The priest looks down at the halfing, "You must go, you are making it worse. As such is the case, YOU may be putting her in graver danger!"
In any event, he stay interposed in the doorway filling it up quite nicely. {The other occupants are all little girls)
Olyn d20+3=6 Wednesday March 2nd, 2005 9:35:05 AM
as he walks to the Prince's castle with the others, Olyn exclaims to all. that was strange, the priest was abnormally colder to us than normal. they are usually forthcoming with info, especially to a fellow cleric.
sense motive 6
he knows what he's doing better than me at the moment. i'll have to trust him.
Berlon Wednesday March 2nd, 2005 10:00:59 AM
Still at the entrance to the temple, Berlon shakes his head and makes his way to the town gates.
Dietrich d20+4=9 Wednesday March 2nd, 2005 12:20:01 PM
Dietrich is too nervous and uncomfortable with all this eerie events to pay attention to the priests behaviour (sense mot 9).
But he has confidence in the servants of the gods and agrees to go and meet the Prince.
Vauhwyt and Mookie d20+1=16 Wednesday March 2nd, 2005 4:11:03 PM
Oblivious to the priest's demeanor, Vauhwyt merrily gallumphs off with the rest of the party through the sewers of Dirt City. "No need to lead," she says to the guards. "We know the way!"
She is in a strangely cheery mood. Adventure is afoot ("a-paw," she thinks), and she thinks that things are getting more exciting.
Theodore and Macaw Wednesday March 2nd, 2005 6:45:35 PM
Theodore, trusting fellow that he is, doesn't apply his mind to the peculiar antics of the priests and follows the others out and towards the Prince's. He sends Macaw flapping ahead to make sure there aren't any nasty surprises between here and there.
Otherwise, Theodore acts normally, walking as best he can, tripping over unseen objects, from time to time.
DM Brent Thursday March 3rd, 2005 1:12:26 AM
{For the two of you that made your roll, you sense the priest is quite troubled but doing a pretty fair job of covering it up, only your exceptional insight allowed you to see the telltale signs...}
The group sets off through the tunnels of Dirt City, making their way through well traveled and well known routes... and yet there is something that is wrong. Everyone gets a small sense of it. It's like there is a flicker of ...something at the outer edge of your perception, that disappears when you turn your full attention on it. It's also in some faces, that seem to be staring when you aren't looking but turn away when you glance back at them.
Once above ground, the group sees no respite. The same odd feelings at the edge of your senses keeps the group from relaxing.
Suffice to say, the group is relieved to make it to the Prince after the uncomfortable journey there.
Inside, the castle is full of the normal hustle and bustle of the day to day operations of running it. The servants and guards however, seem to be affected by something. The guards only speak in hushed tones as do the servants. The prince himself, when the group is ushered in by his majo domo, is wan and withdrawn.
He greets the group in a conference chamber, not the throne room. Inside are only the Prince, the major domo and two guards in red silk, without any visible weapons.
A bottle of wine sits at the table and enough glasses for all...
DM Brent Thursday March 3rd, 2005 1:52:56 AM
The Prince clears his throat and the man next to him says, "Yes, the Prince has need of someone discrete, someone to recover an item lost to the greed and evil of one of the Prince's trusted advisors, the Book -"
"This group is aware of what book we are talking about. It gave us the names of many of the vile Marteus worshippers," the Prince interjects, his voice full of scorn and impatience.
The first man waits to see if the Prince is done, deciding he must be when the Prince picks up a glass of wine and downs the whole glass. "This traitorous advisor was named Gratchien. We think, ..." he looks at the Prince, "we know he took the book into the swamp. I am sure you have questions, ask, but be careful to remember that you are here at the mercy of the Prince."
Olyn Thursday March 3rd, 2005 9:25:35 AM
raising a finger as if to ask permission to speak, then doing so before it is given.
when did this theft occure? was there anyone else involved in the theft and can we speak with them? what is so special about the Swamp where he took the book? did anyone else go with him?
after the answers are given to these questions, Olyn asks 1 more.
what's in it for us beside the honor and priviledge of serving the Prince yet again?
Dietrich d20+4=14 d20+3=17 d20+3=18 Thursday March 3rd, 2005 9:31:33 AM
Dietrich is nervous about the strange feeling in the city and holds the hilst of his sword ready, just to calm him down.
When the group arrives at the Prince, he notices Th'Ayvanen's absence. Dietrich quietly observes their hosts (sense motivation 14) and greets the Prince with a bow (diplomacy 17 for heping others: Olyn or Vauhwyt with their checks). If they are invited to some wine, he gladly accepts the opportunity.
The warrior listens to everything and trys to remember if he knows something about this Gratchien and/or the swamp(local knowledge 18). Dietrich is worried about the disappearance of the Book, as it was dangerous enough bofore and weird thing are happening in the City.
Theodore and Macaw Thursday March 3rd, 2005 6:11:52 PM
Macaw resumes his perch on Theodore's head as the party enters the castle. The apprentice wizard doesn't notice the odd looks of the soldiers and servants as he passes. Never was much of a people person.
Once in the conference room with the Prince, Theodore listens intently. After Olyn's questions are answered, he offers some of his own. "If I may, your Princeness." He bows to the Prince and Macaw shuffles to the back of Theodore's head as the mage bends, then again to the top as he straightens.
"How long has Gratchien worked for you? Do you happen to know why he might have stolen the book?"
DM Brent Thursday March 3rd, 2005 7:13:42 PM
{I may not be posting until late tonight or early tomorrow. I have a prior engagement.}
Vauhwyt and Mookie d20+5=18 Thursday March 3rd, 2005 8:25:23 PM
Vauhwyt speaks at Dietrich's cue. "As always, the Prince knows that we are at his service. We love our city, and we are happy to help when needed. Several of us are skilled out of doors, and I think the swamp will be a good challenge." (Untrained Diplomacy 18 with help from Dietrich).
"Yes, any details we can get about the book's loss would help."
Rose Thursday March 3rd, 2005 11:23:34 PM
As usual Rose arrives just after the others, out of breath and panting a bit. "What did I miss? I wish you guys would wait up for me."
Vorelle Friday March 4th, 2005 2:26:28 AM
By the time they get in to see the Prince, Vorelle's nerves are screaming and she is tempted to join them. During the entire tense trip to the Palace, she kept feeling eyes on her, but when she turned to look there was nobody there. The sensation was depressingly familiar, and she got to the point where she fully expected Targo to leap out from behind a cart or between buildings and snatch her away.
The fact that her fears didn't come to pass was scant comfort when she and her friends found themselves alone with the Prince, and the news that the Book had gone missing was disheartening to say the least.
As usual, Vorelle stares at the floor and says nothing, but there is a stubborn set to her jaw. He lost the cursed thing; let him go find it, she thinks crossly.
DM Brent Friday March 4th, 2005 8:33:12 AM
The man begins to answer the questions in a thoughtful and measured voice. "The theft occurred in the last five days. It appears he operated alone although Th'Ayvanen has gone missing as well. As he was trusted he had access to most parts of the castle. You are welcome to look about his rooms and speak about him with the servants. You must not speak about the book directly with anyone. The cover story is that he slept with one of the Prince's mistress and disappeared fearing the Prince's wrath." He stops to take a drink from the wine, offering more to anyone else who wants some. The Prince's glass is refilled also.
He continues, "It doesn't appear that there is anything special about the swamp, at least nothing we know of-"
The Prince butts in, "You will find that book. It is in your best interests and mine for it to be found. We will wait until you return with the book to discuss your reward." The other man clears his throat and continues, "Yes well of course there will be some compensation for your services, but now is probably not the best time to discuss them."
"Gratchien has worked directly for the Prince for over a year now. Before that the Prince has been associated with Gratchien for many years."
As to why he stole the book, the reasons are many. The tome has many unusual magic properties as well as reliable information. The reasons for the theft are too hard to ascertain.
Olyn Friday March 4th, 2005 9:26:41 AM
thoughtfully looking at the Prince he turns to the other man saying: let us look at his room then and his workstation. do we have access to where the book was kept as well? there might be something there that might assist us.
Dietrich Friday March 4th, 2005 9:43:11 AM
Dietrich listens to everything and is alarmed when he hears that Th'Ayvannen is missing too. It seems they are dealing with high ranking traitors here.
The warrior accepts more of the wine, but is a little disappointed at the Prince's authoritative manners. Anyway, so far his rewards have been very generous and there aren't really so many options... At the end, Dietrich is glad to leave the underground for a while and go after enemies of flesh and blood, instead of stinking undead (though the dark magic of the Book doesn't forebear any good).
Dietrich accepts Olyn's suggestion and gets ready for the investigation, finishing off his last glass of wine.
Berlon Friday March 4th, 2005 12:03:57 PM
After making his way past the outskirts of town, Berlon begins his march back home to the Gnomish village he grew up in.
Vauhwyt and Mookie Friday March 4th, 2005 9:05:47 PM
Vauhwyt is disturbed to hear that Th'Ayvanen is missing too. "I just can't believe that Th'Ayvanen is a traitorr!" she exclaims, with her accent revealing her emotion. "Maybe he is the victim of some evildoerr."
"How do you know the book was taken into the swamp? Did you use magic or scrying?"
To Olyn, she adds, "I'm not sure that any delay will help, if we know where the book is, I think we should just go fetch it."
Looking around, a thought strikes her. "Hey! Where's that new guy, Berlon? We could use him for this mission!"
Rose Friday March 4th, 2005 11:01:47 PM
Rose polietly refuses the wine. "No thank you, but if you have some tea or water I would appreciate it. The swamp is pretty big, do you have any idea of where in the swamp the book might have been taken, or even where they entered the swamp?"
Theodore and Macaw Saturday March 5th, 2005 6:21:23 PM
Theodore's mind is racing as he begins to piece together information from the answered questions. "If this Gratchien has been with the Prince for so long, his first motive was not to retrieve the book. Perhaps he was a spy before hand. Or perhaps he was approached after the book had been given to the Prince and offered something he couldn't resist."
Macaw pecks the mage on the top of his head to bring Theodore out of his foggy ramblings. "Oh, excuse me," he apologizes to the Prince. "Is it possible that Gratchien might have made off with more than just the book? If he was working with someone all the time he was in your service, your Princeliness, he might be trading secrets as well."
Zayne Saturday March 5th, 2005 8:51:57 PM
(OOC Sorry unexpected traveling for work,just got back into town a few hours ago.)
Zayne will at all costs do whatever is required of him as long as it does not involve him being in the same room as the Prince.
Vorelle Sunday March 6th, 2005 2:05:47 AM
Vorelle listens as the problem is laid out, growing increasingly alarmed. Either the Prince's trusted employee is a traitor, which will make the Prince unhappy, or he was killed or harmed and the book taken--which will make the Prince unhappy.
Vorelle and her group will either fail to find the book, which will make the Prince unhappy, or they will find it, learn what happened to Graitchen, and report on it, which will make the Prince unhappy.
Vorelle realizes that there's no way out and no way to win.
DM Brent Monday March 7th, 2005 1:07:13 AM
To Olyn, the still-unintroduced man says, "It was kept in a private study. I believe it would be alright for you to examine," he looks to the Prince as if to pose the question.
He continues, "And of course, you are free to see to Gratchien's chamber. His desk is there in his chamber - you may examine it. You will not be allowed to leave with any of the papers but you may look through them."
In response to the wemic, he says, "We are still of the opinion that Th'Ayvanen will turn up and that his disappearance is unrelated. We know the general location of the book due to the fact that the Prince has developed a connection to the book. He says that it is definitely in the swamp. Unfortunately it is not much more exact then that. The book entered the swamp about a days walk outside the city."
"As for other secrets, well there is a possibility of that but more important is the safe return of the book. That is paramount now," the man says emphatically.
The Prince clears his throat and rises, which prompts the man to rise also. "Jolath here is your contact in this. His voice speaks only my wishes. I have other matters to attend." Without waiting for a reply, the Prince leaves the room.
As the Prince exits along with his bodyguards, a courier brings a letter in to Jolath. He tears it open and shakes his head. "I will leave you to the discussion of your course of action. I will leave a page in the other room to guide you to the appropriate rooms of the castle. Keep me abreast of the situation by correspondence or arrange a meeting through the Captain of the Castle Watch. It seems that on top of this traitor I must now deal with a plague of locusts devasting our sunny side crops!"
With that he leaves with the courier. You are left to discuss your options.
{OOC: this is your chance to make plans/course of action. To Berlon - this is your chance to move back into the game. Please email me at umbra_veil@hotmail.com to discuss any problems and concerns. To Zayne - you need to contact me also with any problems. I need you to be posting regularly and if not then expect me to post for you, even if that means you will be in the Prince's presence.
Not trying to be hard here guys - I just want this to be about group of people playing together and having a good time. I am also trying to step into a role DMing this group and I need cooperation not conflict (I am all for a bit of between character conflict - but not to the point that it completely derails the plot and thread of the game) Thanks, I look forward to hearing from you.}
Vauyhwyt and Mookie Monday March 7th, 2005 7:10:08 AM
As soon as they are left alone, Mookie says, in a loud stage whisper, "Boss! Did you hear that! He said the Prince has a connection to the book! The Prince musta read in it too much, or tried something with it! Maybe it's possessing him!"
Vauhwyt swishes her tail nervously. "Yeah, this is bad. I wondered why the Prince was not his smooth self. This is real bad. How could he have been so stupid! Why did he fool around with it?"
She pauses. "Maybe if we find the book we can destroy it and get our old Prince back."
Olyn Monday March 7th, 2005 9:06:37 AM
it is obvious to me and you that we are going to be heading to the swamp but, there might be a clue as to where in the swamp he's heading and what we might expect to find there. so, before we form a plan of attack and strategy, let us go to his study and his room and search it thoroughly. the last thing we do before heading out is to see this Jolath person and get him to get with the Prince to verify that it is still in the swamp. I personally dont want to go there just to find out it left while we were doing something else.
waiting for the others to respond, Olyn will then go to the other room, get the paper and start heading to his room first, study second.
Dietrich d20+3=22 Monday March 7th, 2005 9:45:53 AM
Dietrich doesn't like the idea of a conection between the Prince and the evil Book at all. Together with the other information so far, and with what has been happening in the City, it shows that the party will have to be very careful on what to do and with whom to speak.
The warrior agrees with Olyn in getting as much information as possible before they head to the swamps. He also agrees with Theo's suspicions. Finaly he says:
"I'd say we first examine the rooms and than go questioning people, not only the servants here. We have to prepare our stuff anyway, so there is some time to gather info. Perhaps Zayne could hear something from the Cloaks? I have a feeling that powerful people might be involved in the incident and I don't want to run into a trap. Finally, who is this Jolath? (local knowledge test 22) Maybe there is some palace intrigue going on?
I'd also suggest we don't give any cues about our suspicions to the Prince and his people (looking at Theo) and do as if we'll just obey and strictly execute orders."
Dietrich notices Berlon's absence and wonders where the Gnome might be. He was quite useful in their last battle.
OOC: Hi Brent! First of all, nice to have you with us. Hope everything is all right. 2) It's not the right time, but I'd like to know exactly about our last loot? How much did everybody get?
Zayne d20=20 d20+8=15 d20+8=20 Monday March 7th, 2005 12:32:25 PM
Zayne listens to the debriefing of happened in the room,laughs for a second,"One thing about us I noticed is that there is never a dull moment. Good idea Dietrich,I'll try with the cloaks,but don't expect to get much out of them."
Zayne slips out of the castle feeling better about being further away from the Prince. As always he is alert to his surroundings(Listen 15 Spot 20)
Making his way to the Cloak's quarters he begins to nose areound for any information he can find about any information at all about the book and people in town that have had any interest in it at all.
Berlon Monday March 7th, 2005 12:51:17 PM
Berlon suddenly stops short, slapping his forehead.
"Brock! I have to tell Brock..." He sighs. "Now I have to go back to the Ghost..."
"What IS it with all these bugs??" he asks himself. Berlon doesn't spend too much of his time topside, but he doesn't remember so many bugs flying around. Since he suddenly has some time on his hands, he decides to look around to see if there's any source to the flying nuisances, unnatural or otherwise.
Assuming he eventually sees the bugs and the crops, he finds the first person that looks like a city official. "If you need assistance with the insect problem, I can remove the bugs without hurting the crops. In my village, traditionally the clerics also tend to the crops, and..." Berlon realizes he is rambling again. "I apologize, I tend to ramble. I can take care of the problem tomorrow morning, if it is still an issue."
With that, he excuses himself from the official and turns around, heading back to the Ghost.
Since he didn't get done what he needed to at the Ghost, he heads back to his lab. If any of the locals need healing he helps with that, then goes to bed.
The next morning, Berlon prepares his usual spells, with two exceptions. Once done, he makes his way back uptop to the farmlands. If the bugs are still there, he proceeds to try to fix the problem.
First he will make sure there is no children, livestock, pets, or anything else in the area. "Everyone stand back." He tries to find a good bunching of the bugs, gets as close as he needs to and casts Sound Burst.
Sound Burst - range 40 feet, affect 10 foot radius area, all creatures take 1d8 sonic damage, fort save or stunned 1 round
"The sound should kill off most of them, and drive off any that remain, without hurting the crops." Berlon mentions to anyone who wants to hear.
He casts Sound Burst a second time, and even if his second and final casting isn't enough, the farmers now know how to fish, so to speak.
Theodore and Macaw d20+3=19 d20+11=22 Monday March 7th, 2005 7:15:06 PM
When Dietrich turns to Theodore to warn the mage about loose tongues, he finds the scruffy young man puffing his cheeks in and out.
"What?" he asks of the warrior. "Oh, I won't say anything. It usually gets me in trouble, anyway."
"I think we should spend this day gathering information and leave on the morrow. That way we have a better idea of what we're up against, and I can prepare more beneficial spells."
Theodore accompanies Olyn to Gratchien's quarters and helps the priest rifle through the thief's belongings, chatting amiably as he does so.
(Search check of 19. Also casts detect magic, scanning the room for magic. Spellcraft check = 22 in case there is an aura he can attempt to identify.)
rose d20+5=22 d20+6=13 Monday March 7th, 2005 7:39:26 PM
Rose goes along with the others to the mans rooms and looks around.
spot: 22 search: 13
DM Brent Tuesday March 8th, 2005 12:56:10 AM
I am WAY overtired. I have the basic writeup of todays post but I have to post it in the morning - probably around 7 AM CST US.
Sorry Guys. Rollout deadline bit my behind...
Vorelle d20+7=19 d20+7=15 Tuesday March 8th, 2005 2:21:14 AM
Tracking is nearly impossible from inside an occupied building, but Vorelle will attempt it anyway, both from the study where the Book was kept and from Graitchen's chamber.
[Survival check 19 from the study; 15 from Graitchen's]
DM Brent The Mystery Deepends Tuesday March 8th, 2005 8:46:27 AM
{Sorry for the confusion - the page I mentioned was in the medieval sense of Page as in a boy that runs errands and other things - like a gopher/guide in this instance}.
The group spends a few minutes discussing the situation and then they are led by the page to Graitchen's quarters.
The chamber is finely made, with very tasteful paintings and tapestries on the walls. Vauyhwyt notices a slightly odd, cloying lingering scent to the room - incense maybe. There is a four poster bed with a wardrobe next to it. And next to the window is a desk with papers strewn across it. Next to the desk is a bookshelf filled with books. There is a chest at the foot of the bed and a nightstand next to the bed.
Theodore's detect magic bathes the entire room in a very faint dark red hue, making it difficult to note any singularities. It does make your eyes ache to look to long at it, causing a slight nausea.
Cursory examination reveals the papers to be reports of shipping in the city. Rumors collected from different sources. Lists of financial numbers. You get the idea. The wardrobe has several fine black robes of state and other clothes in it. In fact the entire wardrobe is crammed full of clothes.
The chest at the foot of the bed is locked. The nightstand has a book on it - Theories of Agriculture.
[This is a time when my preference will come out - I want to know specifics of what you are doing and looking at not just throwing dice at me. The rolls are important but even moreso are your ideas of what to look at/examine.]
Berlon speaks to the city official about removing the bug threat. The little scribe scratches his head and looks dubious at the gnome. "You are welcome to try," he says with little doubt in his tone as to your ability to do so.
Back at your shop are 4 of the Princes personal bodyguards and a messenger inside the shop, poking around. When they see you, the messenger says, "Good, you are here. We thought you might have left. The rest of your friends are at the Castle speaking to the Prince. You have been invited as well. The bodyguards stand up straighter waiting for your response. Assuming you go along, You find yourself at the castle, ushered first into a conference room, now empty and then after some discussion between the messenger and a servant, taken to Gratchien's quarters.
Dietrich Tuesday March 8th, 2005 10:10:51 AM
Dietrich is satisfied with the group discussion and goes on to see the chambers. Unfortunatelly he can't remember anything about neither Jolath or Gratchien.
The warrior likes the tasteful room and says:
"Looks like this guy had to leave in a haste, letting behind lots of personal belongings. Someone should take a look at the chest."
Dietrich takes a closer look at the papers, particularly the part about the rumors. He looks after rumors about the Book and people interested in it.
DM Brent Tuesday March 8th, 2005 10:59:35 AM
{Hey Diet! Sorry I had something to say about your query but forgot to put it in. Thanks for the gentle reminder}
Gratchien you really know nothing about - the name is one of those that sounds slightly familiar but not for any particular event.
Jolath rings a bell as some sort of secret service or sets of ears for the Prince. Not much is known of him, just that he deals in information and stays WAY deep in the dark...at least until now.
Rose d20+6=21 d20+6=18 Tuesday March 8th, 2005 11:05:34 AM "Vauhwyt, what do you think it means when the entire room glows with magic? Do you think it means that weird smell is magic?"
Rose looks a bit scared and unless reassured by her friends will go out of the room until a cleric from the temple comes to verify that the room is safe.
If reassured by her friends she will examine the chest for traps then try and unlock it.
search: 21 open lock: 18
Vorelle d20+7=14 Tuesday March 8th, 2005 4:51:35 PM
Out of habit, Vorelle is concentrating her search on the floor, looking for anything that might have been dropped or any faint tracks or impressions that might tell her something.
[Spot or Search of 14]
Theodore and Macaw d20+3=9 d20+3=14 d20+4=17 Tuesday March 8th, 2005 9:40:51 PM
Being a bookworm, Theodore is immediately interested in the collection of literature Gratchien has. He sifts through the bookshelf, looking specifically for anything related to Marteaus or Gaal, or something in a language he can't read without further concentration. He flips through the pages in case there are any loose papers that fall out.
He also takes a gander at the book on the nighstand.
Meanwhile, Macaw flaps up to a point near the ceiling (perhaps a bed post or the top of the bookshelf) to get a view from up high of the room, looking for anything out of sight of those on the ground.
(Search for book shelf = 9, search for nightstand book = 14, Macaw spot check = 17)
Vauhwyt and Mookie d100=98 d20+3=12 Tuesday March 8th, 2005 10:16:51 PM
Vauhwyt's nose crinkles, and she smiles when she sees Berlon enter. "Friend Berlon, good, we have need of your expertise. I smell something, maybe incense. I bet your finely trained nose can smell it too. Maybe you can tell us what alchemical or other source made it?"
The liontaur is glad that Rose is tackling the chest. "Good idea," she tells the mage-rogue. She asks if Theo can tell what kind of magic is present.
"Hmmm." She muses. "Incense, magic residue, that book. Maybe this guy was fiddling with dark magic." She asks the clerics if anyone can detect evil.
Then Vauhwyt describes a plan that she has. She just bought a magic item that summons an animal to do her bidding. She wants to summon an animal to track this smell. The animal disappears after ten minutes, but maybe in those ten minutes it can lead the party somewhere.
So after all other investigations of the room are complete, she warns the guards, and then draws a small furry ball from her new Rust Bag of Tricks. The small ball of fur becomes a Black Bear (rolled a 98, per the DMG table on page 248.) A Black Bear has the Scent ability, so with any luck, it can track the scent.
[If needed, Vauhwyt makes an untrained Handle Animal check to tell it what to do. If the first round does not do the job, she'll take 20 on the Handle Animal check to get the result high enough. Maybe Vorelle can help her with an Aid Another roll? Untrained Handle Animal is a 12, so that take 20 may be necessary. That would take 2 minutes of the 10 minute duration for the bear.]
Olyn d20+4=19 Tuesday March 8th, 2005 10:19:39 PM
starting with the papers on the table, Olyn will begin his search there. then the table itself.
someone needs to get that chest opened up, also, check the bed completely, especially the bed posts for hidden compartments. (19 search)
(Brent, im gonna read the papers on the desk, and in the desk drawers. looking specifically for any info regarding the swamp or the area around it and deliveries to and from, and any info regarding the book and/or a special book)
Berlon & Pookie (3 rounds) Tuesday March 8th, 2005 11:11:09 PM
"Huh? What's going on here? Oh! Uh, hello..." he seems disoriented as he is reunited with the group. "What is... what is going on?"
After a relatitevly brief explanation, Berlon strokes his short, twin braid beard. "I know a better nose."
Once he is sure that the summoned Bear is under control, Berlon casts Monster Summoning I to summon a Celestial Badger. Berlon then *talks* to the creature, with the only thing you can make out a bunch of squeaks and the work "Pookie." The creature then proceeds to try to sniff and dig around, much like the summoned bear.
"What?" asks Berlon when the group stares. "I can, uh, talk to badgers. That's why I summoned one. And I call *all* the badgers Pookie..."
If he has time this round, he will cast Read Magic and look over the papers and whatever else might turn up, and then wait for any information Pookie might turn up.
DM Brent Wednesday March 9th, 2005 12:04:38 AM
I will be posting in the morning again.
Zayne d20=13 Wednesday March 9th, 2005 12:58:40 AM
Zayne continues to nose around in the Cloak's quarters,asking about the book,and even more to his suspicions all along,what does the prince have to do with it. (Gather Information 13)
Additional ilegal (?) post Dietrich Wednesday March 9th, 2005 6:32:35 AM
Dietrich is very surprised at the bear, but can help to control it. (take 10 handle animal: DC 15)
DM Brent Wednesday March 9th, 2005 9:36:20 AM
Olyn finds an ashtray with a mostly destroyed piece of parchment while nosing around the papers (It was under the papers). The small corner that is still there while blackened as some markings on it. Setting that aside Olyn and Dietrich don't find anything obvious in the papers, relating to either the swamp, although Dietrich does find a list of names that he isn't immediately familiar with.
Theodore, in thumbing through the books, does notice a small bulge in the lining of one of the more well-thumbed books on the bookshelf. Closer inspection reveals a slit in the lining and a small page inside...
Before he can inspect it and while Rose is beginning to look at the chest, Vauhwyt pulls out a bag as Berlon arrives...
More to Come
DM Brent Hitting the Fan d20+13=15 d20+13=31 d4+5=6 d4+5=7 Wednesday March 9th, 2005 2:48:53 PM
As Vauhwyt begins to pull the small bundle of fur from the bag, the dark red aura of magic in the room pulses to those watching.
The furry ball jerks out of Vauhwyt's hand and grows into a bear, but one with mottled fur and a rotting stench.
It is undersized for a bear, but it looks ferocious(sp?) and swipes at Vauhwyt twice as it roars.
{Hits AC:15 and 31 Dmg:6 and 7}
{Its AC:17 FYI for attack purposes}
To Zayne: {I would like you to send me a copy of your character sheet please along with your contacts and connections to the Cloaks - thanks}
Vauhwyt (AC18, HP17 of 24) d20+2=22 d20+2=4 d20+2=15 d20-3=13 d4+2=5 d4+2=6 d6=6 d6=3 Wednesday March 9th, 2005 3:37:16 PM
Vauhwyt is amazed at the ferocity of the small evil bear she has summoned, and she responds in kind.
If she can take a five foot step to flank the bear, the she will certainly do so!
She lashes out with two paws and then throws a punch (improved unarmed strike, taur multiattack). Her right paw hits with a natural 20 (follow up 4 = no crit)! Her left paw misses (hits exactly if flanking). And her fist misses. Her damage is 5 for the one paw (or 5 +6 for both paws +6 +3 sneak attack damage = 20 total if flanking).
Mookie squawks. "Stay out!" orders Vauhwyt.
Berlon d8+4=8 Wednesday March 9th, 2005 5:19:50 PM
Seeing the beast attack, Berlon uses a move action to rush up, and then as a standard action casts his healing domain Cure Light on Vauhwyt, restoring 8 hp.
Theodore and Macaw Wednesday March 9th, 2005 6:23:52 PM
Theodore drops the book he was holding as the bear appears in the room. He falls back against the corner, surprised at the sudden attack.
He pulls forth his wand, but thinks better of it after the disastrous effects of Vauhwyt's magic. What if the aura taints any magic used.
Instead, the small wizard tries to be inconspicuous as possible.
Olyn d8+1=5 Wednesday March 9th, 2005 8:37:15 PM
(Brent, in the ashtray, does it appear that whatever he tried burning, the ash belongs to the object left?)
turning in his chair just in time to see the bear creature attack Vauhwyt, he moves out of the chair and pulls out a wand, aims it at Vauhwyt and activates it.
CLW for 5 points of healing.
Zayne Wednesday March 9th, 2005 10:31:04 PM
(OOC I sent you my cha sheet,I am not sure if I can post until I hear what Zayne found out ifanything.)
DM Brent Wednesday March 9th, 2005 11:11:06 PM
{OOC: I didn't get the sheet David M - try to send it again, please}
Rose d20+6=23 d3+2=4 Wednesday March 9th, 2005 11:35:25 PM
Rose hears a roar and turns to see a bear attacking Vauhwyt she immediatly draws and throws her dagger at the bear then draws her sword.
silver dagger attack: 23 damage: 4
Vorelle d20+6=14 Thursday March 10th, 2005 10:03:12 AM
As quick as thought, Vorelle's axes are in her hands [Quick Draw feat]. She advances on the bear and swings at it, but the blow isn't quite strong enough to penetrate the creature's thick hide.
[hit AC 14]
Zayne Thursday March 10th, 2005 3:28:16 PM
(OOC I sent it twice and I keep getting the mailer daemon, I will send it to our ADM and maybe he can forward it to you.)
DM Brent d20+13=17 d20+13=23 d4+5=6 Friday March 11th, 2005 8:03:34 AM
{OOC:I am going to adjudicate that the room is almost too small for flanking unless Vauhwyt is going to be the bear's only attacker. To get your flanking bonus just roll a DC:15 reflex check to do the extra damage.} Vauhwyt swipes at the bear striking it.
Both sets of healing magic seem to encounter a a strange 'resistance' before getting through to Vauhwyt. {They do work however}
Rose's dagger also wounds the beast. The beast roars and swings again at Vauhwyt, hitting him once again with his paw for 6 more points of Dmg.
Olyn - in looking at the ashtray it is hard to say for sure that all the ash is from the paper but definitely some of the ash is from the paper.
Dietrich, ac 19, 29 hp d20+7=10 Friday March 11th, 2005 10:15:53 AM
Dietrich just wanted to tell his friend what he's find out in the papers when the strange rotting bear apperars.
He curses aloud and, after the beast attacks Vauhwyt, fast draws his greatsword and trys to unleash its fury. The warrior is too astonished and the room is too small, so he misses (hits ac 10).
Dietrich swears silently to himself about magic and Vauhwyt's rash action.
Vauhwyt (AC18, HP18 of 24) d20+5=17 d20+4=24 d20+4=12 d20+4=12 d20-1=16 d4+2=5 d6=6 Friday March 11th, 2005 10:16:21 AM
[OOC: Berlon's cure brought Vauhwyt to max. So no need for Olyn to spend the charge on the wand.]
[OOC: Vauhwyt made her DC15 Reflex save, so last round she inflicted the full 20 hp damage. I'll assume that she continues to flank (with Vorelle? Rose?) this round.]
Vauhwyt says "Ouch!" as the bear rips open the wound Berlon just healed!
Vauhwyt lashes out again at the evil bear! Another natural 20 with a paw, but no critical. Her other paw and her fist miss. Her damage is 5 plus 6 sneak attack damage, for a total from Vauhwyt of 11 this round and 31 over two rounds.
DM Brent Aside Friday March 11th, 2005 11:07:39 AM
{Vauhwyt and anyone else looking to flank- go ahead and make a reflex roll every flanking round of DC15 to successfully flank}
Vorelle [AC 17; HP 27/27] d20+4=14 d20+4=10 Friday March 11th, 2005 12:39:30 PM
Vorelle attacks again, this time with both axes, but misses both times.
[Hit AC 14 and AC 10]
Rose hp: 12/12 AC 14 d20+3=18 d20+5=25 d20+5=9 d8+4=11 d8+4=9 d6=2 Friday March 11th, 2005 12:39:40 PM
Rose quickly flanks the bear with Vauhwyt and attacks.
Vauhwyt (second post) d20+5=20 Friday March 11th, 2005 1:46:55 PM
Woo hoo! Rolled a 20 on that reflex save. Sneak Attack damage stands!
Berlon d8+4=9 Friday March 11th, 2005 2:25:51 PM
If the beast is still alive after all the attacks, Berlon casts Shield Other on Vauhwyt (target gains +1 defelection AC and +1 resistance on all saves, Berlon takes 1/2 damage for target, 3 hours)
If the beast is dead, and anyone needs healing, Berlon will cast Cure Light in the place of Sanctuary, healing for 9 points.
Olyn d8+1=8 Friday March 11th, 2005 8:29:27 PM
holds the healing wand at the ready and blasts Vauhwyt with healing for 8 points. (if the creature still lives)
takes the piece of paper and the ashtray and tries something. casts mending on the ash and paper. (if the creature is dead, if not, he'll cast this as soon as it is dead)
Theodore and Macaw Saturday March 12th, 2005 2:59:27 PM
Theodore draws his rapier as a defensive measure, but remains firmly attached to the corner of the room, looking on in concern. "Oh, ooh," he ejaculates at each hit one of his allies takes.
Meanwhile, Macaw has started a tremendous racket from above, cawing and shrieking, flapping hither and yon, causing all sorts of ruckus.
DM Brent Monday March 14th, 2005 9:55:02 AM
Vauhwyt and Rose's last attacks drop the disgusting little bear that melts into stinking smudge and then evaporates into thin air.
Healing is dispensed with that same sense of resistance felt earlier.
Olyn tries a mend on the page and it works somewhat. The small slip of paper says - (obscured)en, meet me in my rooms at the ninth hour. Gratchien
{I will hold off in assigning actions to the rest of the group in case they want to change their actions}
Dietrich Monday March 14th, 2005 10:08:29 AM
After the monster vanishes, Dietrich asks his friends about it and sheaths his sword again.
He shows everybody the names he's found in association with the rumours, hoping someone can recognize any of it. Furthermore, he warns the party that Jolath is from the Prince's secret service and consequently dangerous.
When he sees the rest of the burnt message, the warrior speculates:
"It's just a guess, but this '...en' could be Th'Ayvannen."
Rose d20+6=16 d20+6=22 Monday March 14th, 2005 12:34:25 PM Dont cast any more spells!" Rose almost screams to everyone. "I ask if the detect magic in the air means is there some magic in the air and what do you do? You cast a spell and we almost get killed! Dont even use healing spells who knows what will happen, maybe we'll all get slowly poisoned. Wait until we're out of here to cast spells or use a potion you have with you." Rose goes back to the chest and tries to open it again after checking it for traps.
search: 16 open lock: 22
Theodore and Macaw Monday March 14th, 2005 7:33:31 PM
With the disappearance of the bear, Theodore sheaths his rapier and attempts to calm Macaw. After many pecks, scrapes, and whistles, the raven is finally sated and returns to his perch on the wizard's head.
"I think, that it would be prudent to restrain from the use of any further magic while in this room. I don't know what the true intent is of this magic, but it seems Gratchien has some tricks up his sleeves."
The young mage retrieves the book he had dropped, the one with the slit cover, and pulls the sheet back the rest of the way to dislodge whatever might be encased.
Berlon Monday March 14th, 2005 9:58:50 PM
Berlon's frown and furrowed brow seem odd. "This place," he mutters, "it's this place..."
He steps outside the bedroom and sits on the floor, propped against the wall.
Vorelle Tuesday March 15th, 2005 2:27:25 AM
Vorelle, who couldn't cast a spell if her life depended on it, merely looks about her at the wreckage of the room. Any subtle clues that may have been left behind have been completely obliterated, she is sure.
"I-I-I'll b-b-be outside," she tells her companions, and steps out into the hallway.
Vauhwyt and Mookie Tuesday March 15th, 2005 10:50:00 AM
Mookie caws, "Boss! That magic item you got is defective! You better take it back for a refund!"
"No," Vauhwyt says, "I think it is the place, not the item."
"Thank for the healing!" Vauhwyt says. "I needed that!"
Vauhwyt is puzzled. "Why would he burn a note from himself in his own room? Did he decide not to send it? Did the person he sent it to bring it back? And if so, why burn it?"
To the guards, she advises them to close off the room and let no one enter. "You see what it did with my bearr!"
DM Brent Tuesday March 15th, 2005 11:16:04 AM
{FYI: There are no guards outside - only Berlon and Vorelle}
DM Brent Tuesday March 15th, 2005 11:56:05 PM
Rose notices as she is inspecting the chest that there are faint scuff marks on the floor.
Looking at them a bit more closely, she notices that the scuff marks seem to be those that might be made if the bed was moved to the side. The scuff marks look like they were hidden by the carpet that lies under the bed but that got displaced in the fight.
Theodore finds the folded up paper to be a list of items (spellcraft or alchemy roll for what kinds of things it could be used for).
Dietrich mentions the list of names and that he thinks he remembers Jolath to be some sort of heavy operator for the Prince.
After being distracting by the scuff marks, Rose moves back to the chest, looking at it closely. You almost move to work on the lock when you notice an odd sliver of metal inside the lock for the key? What to do?
Olyn Wednesday March 16th, 2005 12:33:16 AM
putting the mended paper in his pocket, he resumes his search of the desk. then moves to the bed and begins a thorough search of it.
Rose Wednesday March 16th, 2005 1:42:12 AM "It looks like the bed has been moved." Rose says just as she notices a sliver of metal in the lock of the chest. "There's something wrong with the chest please stay back."
Rose will carefully look at the lock of the trap and try to figure out what the sliver of metal is, is it a trap or a broken off key or pick?
SHE WILL NOT TOUCH THE LOCK OR ANY PART OF THE CHEST!!
I'm not sure which skill to use but I would like to take 20 on disable device (just to find out what it is) open lock, or search, whichever is appropriate.
take 20 disable device +7 = 27 open lock +6 = 26 search +6 = 26
Dietrich Wednesday March 16th, 2005 9:02:04 AM
Dietrich listens to Vauhwyt and shares her bewilderment. Perhaps something prevented him from sending it. And, if it's related to the stealing, he probably burnt it in order not to let cues.
When Rose warns the party about the danger of the chest, Dietrich steps back and holds his sword ready. With that strange magic in the room you never know.
Berlon Wednesday March 16th, 2005 11:38:33 AM
Berlon rocks back and forth as he sits in the hall, eyes closed. When he hears someone enter the hallway, he sighs. Without lifting his head up, he says "It's this place, it's this whole place. It's all around, it..." He lifts his head up and sees it's Vorelle. He bites his lip and sits silently.
DM Brent Wednesday March 16th, 2005 3:17:28 PM
{Just an FYI - when you start to disable a trap you will have to touch it of course. I am sure you knew that but you also say you will not touch the chest...}
Vorelle d20+7=16 Wednesday March 16th, 2005 4:22:44 PM
Vorelle frowns in concern at Berlon's distress. He is still a stranger, but he doesn't seem to be a bad fellow.
She opens her mouth to say something, or maybe ask something, then closes it again. She is not a talker. Instead, she looks around at the hallway, alert for signs of danger, and hoping to provide some comfort with just her presence.
[Spot 16]
Theodore and Macaw d20+11=20 Wednesday March 16th, 2005 6:26:01 PM
Theodore ticks off the items on the list, trying to make some sense of them.
(Spellcraft check = 20)
Vauhwyt d20+1=18 Wednesday March 16th, 2005 8:22:12 PM
The liontaur looks under the carpet to see if there are any othe marks or clues. Maybe a trap door? Search check 18.
DM Brent d20=17 Thursday March 17th, 2005 12:25:12 AM
{I don't think you can take 20 on disarming traps - and if you can that is silly - not that you are silly Rose just the rule. I rolled a 17 modified by your +7 gets a 24}
Rose can tell that the chest definitely has a trap on it - that the small bit of metal is a sort of trigger for the trap. Using some long tweezers from your thieves kit, you pull it out slightly and are able to put a tiny shim in that you think will keep the trigger from firing. Assuming that you then move to the lock, you are able to make short work of it, the lock snapping open with a satisfying snick. Are you ready to open?
Theodore, in a quick scan it appears that the list are items normally associated with conjuration and transmutation magic...
Olyn and Vauhwyt search the bed and the carpet. There is clearly some sort of line or marking burned into the ground. You will have to slide the entire bed out of its current position and then move the carpet to see all of it. The rest of it is obscured for now.
Outside of the room, Berlon feels his holy symbol getting warm. Vorelle notices it shedding just a bit of warm white light.
Olyn d20+6=23 Thursday March 17th, 2005 7:56:10 AM
upon seeing the burnt mark onto the floor, and without removing the carpet to see more, he scans and studies the marking...
(spellcraft check of 23 to determine if it is perhaps an outline for a sygil or ward)
Dietrich Thursday March 17th, 2005 10:30:34 AM
Dietrich observes Rose's work with interest. When VAuhwyt and Olyn discover the sign, the warriors helps to remove the bed etc.
He wonders when Zayne will get back with more information.
DM Brent FYI Thursday March 17th, 2005 11:06:54 AM
{This is the problem with the group being split up folks - in game time we have only been apart for an hour or two, even if in posting days it has been a long time. I have been in contact with David M about his character, hopefully soon we will have info to post with his character...}
Rose Thursday March 17th, 2005 12:38:40 PM
If possible Rose will go behind the chest and open it so that if anything comes out it will not affect anybody as there would be no one in front of the chest for it to affect.
Theodore and Macaw Thursday March 17th, 2005 5:47:49 PM
"Hmm, looks like Gratchien was into summoning." He espies the markings on the floor that Olyn discovered, which only strengthens his opinion.
Then he notices that Rose is attempting to open the chest. "Wait, wait!" he puts up one hand while stuffing Gratchien's item list into a pouch. "Perhaps the rest of us should clear out of the room. Just in case." The timid wizard begins to hustle to the bedroom's entrance.
Vorelle Thursday March 17th, 2005 6:18:48 PM
Alarmed, Vorelle draws Berlon's attention to his holy symbol.
"Wh-wh-wh-why is it d-d-d-doing th-that?" she asks.
Berlon Thursday March 17th, 2005 11:59:56 PM
Berlon pulls his knees up to his chest and pulls the hood of his cloak up over his head, partially obscuring his face.
He giggles uneasily then frowns. "It's this place..."
DM Brent Friday March 18th, 2005 1:24:21 AM
{Sorry I was hoping Vauhwyt was going to post}
As the Dietrich, Olyn and Vauhwyt move the bed and part of the rug they see a very regular curved line with evenly spaced small straight lines running into the circle.
Berlon's holy symbol glows whiter and warmer, calming him as Vorelle looks on and Zayne shows up looking worried with the guide that showed the group where the room was originally.
Rose begins opening the chest after seeing no one is directly in front of it, too quickly for Theodore to stop. The chest opens on well oiled hinges and stuffed inside is a corpse. You can also see that there was some sort of canister strapped to the underside of the chest that was part of the trap that Rose disarmed.
Dietrich Friday March 18th, 2005 7:25:35 AM
Dietrich is already worried when he sees the magic sign, probably for some dark magic, and he prays silently to Domi.
When Rose opens the chest and there is a corpse, Dietrich swears in surprise and shivers. Eventually he takes a quick look at the body.
The warrior is glad with Zayne's return and hopes they can find out who the body is (was) and news from the city.
Olyn Friday March 18th, 2005 8:37:26 AM
when the chest opens and there is a corpse discovered inside, the first thing Olyn does is say a prayer to Wardd and another to Gargul.
then he starts examining the body in the chest to attain its identity.
(Brent, nothing was said about my spellcraft check when examining the marks on the floor)
Theodore and Macaw Friday March 18th, 2005 9:42:39 AM
The chest pops open just as Theodore is moving in front of it. His eyes are drawn to the body within. A flash of horror crosses the young man's face and his body seems to double in upon itself as he spins from the terrible sight and retches in the corner.
From his perch up high, Macaw espies the tantalizing meal and flutters down to begin pecking at the corpse.
DM Brent Friday March 18th, 2005 9:59:34 AM
{Sorry Olyn meant to put that in - try a religion check the spellcheck may give you more after you see more of it but not yet}
Berlon d20+8=16 d20+6=26 Friday March 18th, 2005 12:35:56 PM
When he hears the commotion, Berlon gets up and re-enters the room. He sees the corpse in the chest and pulls his cloak tighter around him.
He goes up to Theodore and asks "May I take a look at that list you have?" (Craft: Alchemy check 16)
He then notices the markings and kneels down to get a better look at them to see if they hold any meaning to him. (Knowledge: Religion check 26, natural 20)
He stands up and sighs. "This place..."
He goes back out to the hallway.
DM Brent Friday March 18th, 2005 12:50:26 PM
{Berlon - that's too many actions... You can get to where you are examining the alchemy list and the markings.}
Vauhwyt and Mookie Friday March 18th, 2005 1:29:10 PM [Sorry I missed a post!]
Vauhwyt shoos Macaw from the corpse and looks at it with Dietrich.
Mookie says, "Macaw, but you just had lunch! You can't still be hungry!"
Vauhwyt tries to guess how long has the person been dead. She searches the corpse and chest, lifting the body as needed. She says a little prayer under her breath.
Olyn d20+6=23 Friday March 18th, 2005 10:41:38 PM
here's your religion check Brent, 23.
DM Brent Friday March 18th, 2005 11:13:31 PM
{Olyn, you are thinking Marteus... as is Berlon.}
As the rest of the markings are uncovered you see a circle of power that is clearly some sort of modified Marteus unholy symbol.
Those looking at the corpse surmise from its slender stature that it is an elf. It looks to be dead as long as Gratchien has been gone.
That is when the circle flares with power and the dark red light that suffuses the room pulses and the corpse jerks, sending out tendrils of light that touch each of the group, sending them falling backwards away into nothingness...
LOG ON