Joining the Smugglers' Caravan - DM Donna Monday April 11th, 2005 10:11:25 AM
The Talons go into the City--where K'Nara's bracelets allow them to walk the streets relatively unmolested (at least by the City Watch). The dark-garbed party bristling with weapons and led by a no-nonsense tall human woman manages to stave off the unwanted attention of pickpockets and would-be muggers as well.
The group rendezvous with a portly, bald human outside a rundown warehouse. K'Nara introduces him as Vestur.
"Get in da wagon," Vestur says, showing them a covered conveyance, "Stay inside until I tells ya different--and shut up for da trip. Do dat, an' we'll all comes outta dis wit' our skins whole. Got it?"
Olana (Sub Jay) Monday April 11th, 2005 10:55:42 AM
After a few minutes of internal debate, Olana puts on the bracelet. Looking at Milo she says, "I'm really not comfortable with this."
She fidgets with the metal band for a long while before it sits semi-comfortably on her arm.
She sits close to Milo while inside the wagon.
Lian Monday April 11th, 2005 10:59:45 AM
When the man tells them to get into the wagon, Lian doesn't look at her, he looks at K'Nara for confirmation. His hands remain in his sleeves and his eyes remain focused on either K'Nara or the ground.
Brother Bertram Monday April 11th, 2005 8:59:28 PM
Bertram moves along with the others, not liking the situation but tolerating it.
Milo Monday April 11th, 2005 11:06:48 PM
Milo pats Olana's arm reassuringly, and helps her find as comfortable place to sit as the wagon will allow. Milo remains alert however, keeping his eyes on everyone outside of his friends. The ever wary rogue, he knows what can happen if you let your guard down around these sort of people.
Gunther d20+1=6 Tuesday April 12th, 2005 12:07:36 AM
Gunther finds a comfortable spot to sit during the ride. He attempts to keep a sharp eye out (Spot=6), but the rythmic swaying of the wagon soon puts him to sleep, and he begins to snore ever so quietly.
Road Trip - DM Donna Tuesday April 12th, 2005 8:26:26 AM DM OOC: My apologies--Bertram, Gunther, Ingrge (when he returns), Lian, Milo and Olana can consider everything that they've recently acquired from the Catacombs and elsewhere available to them for use in this module.
"All right, then, people--let's get this trip started..." K'Nara says, helping to hold open the wagon flap. She gets in after everyone else and secures the canvas covering.
The trip is long, hot, boring and not anything to write home about...but, a week later, the Talons feel their wagon roll to a stop and the cover is opened once more.
"This is yer stop." Vestur growls, clearing his throat and spitting over his shoulder. The Talons get out of the wagon and finally get a chance to really stretch for the first time in a week.
The terrain looks every bit as blasted and unfriendly as it had when the Talons had been in pursuit of Elese. The light of the three nearly-full moons is more than enough to illuminate what little there is. The sparse flora was merely scrub or the occasional firethorn bush, and animal life was practically non-existent--although there DID seem to be a momentary reflection of a pair of predatory eyes from behind one of the many broken boulders strewn about the landscape.
"Ya wanna git to da Arena at da Tower..." Vestur told K'Nara, "...then ya gotta go t'roo da pillars. Not around 'em--T'ROO 'em. Udderwise ya won't never find da Tower." He nodded in the direction of a barely-discernable trail. "Follow da path an' ya can't miss 'em. Sorry."
"Sorry?" K'Nara echoed. "What for?"
"Dat yer goin' at all..." Vestur answered as he hauled himself back into the driver's seat of the wagon. "...my brudder d'cided he an' his crew was gonna go git 'emselves rich in da Arena...that was four months ago. Ain't seen him since."
The caravan rolls off in the moonlight, leaving the Talons alone in the Izen wilderness.
Lian Tuesday April 12th, 2005 9:40:30 AM
Lian hadn't spoke much more than a handful of words the whole week. This wasn't strange, considering his long bouts in his room at the Tower and while in meditation.
He looks at the driver for the first time the whole trip. "Thanks for the ride."
After the wagon has pulled off to a significant distance, the monk looks at Milo and Olana. "What sorts of traps can be set in this sparse jungle of nothingness?" He jokes, then looks at all the stone scattered about. "Oh. That could be bad."
He muses about the pillars. "I suppose going through the pillars can be taken as 'passing between them' or 'literally passing into the pillars'. I suppose I should shut up now, right?" Looking at the red-head.
Prepared Spells for Izen trip: Guidance x2, Create Water Divine Favor, Endure Elements x2, Sanctuary(domain)
Olana (Sub Jay) Tuesday April 12th, 2005 9:44:58 AM
The elf hops lightly to the ground exiting the wagon and gives a stretch. She works the kink in her neck out and hefts her gear over her shoulders.
Looking at the terrain, she just lets out a whistle. "I suppose if its this warm now, it'll be nearly intolerable come day break."
She looks at Milo then at K'Nara. "Should we scout ahead or stick together?"
Figment Tuesday April 12th, 2005 9:48:25 AM
The mage takes the indginity of such a ride with calmness knowing it is the best choice. As the driver leaves he asks "What is his name - your brother I mean?"
"Goamez." the illegal teamster answers the wizard before driving off.
Gunther d20+1=12 Tuesday April 12th, 2005 10:48:03 AM
The warrior hops off the wagon looking almost refreshed. He takes a look around to see if he can spot the source of the predatory eyes (Spot=12). Scratching his head, he moves toward K'nara. "Looks like ve're here. So, vhat story are ve going to use...just another bunch of rotten adventurers looking for ill gotten gain?" Gunther chuckles a little as he fumbles in his pack reorganizing things.
Brother Bertram Tuesday April 12th, 2005 8:13:45 PM
Bertram doesnt answer the large warrior's jest. He looks ahead focused on what must be done.
Milo Tuesday April 12th, 2005 9:51:17 PM
Milo glances up at Lian, "All kinds of traps can be made in this terrain. Its very messy.. easy to hide danger." Turning to K'nara, I'd recommend we search ahead of the group... but not too far ahead... just thirty to forty feet. Enough to find traps... not enough to get lost or jumped alone." Milo appears grim. Once the driver is a ways away, the halfling draws his short sword for inspection, and it is apparent to all that it is not the same sword the halfling has used in the past. This one gleams like silvery sunlight, and its hilt is adorned with carvings of wings that are inlaid with gold and alabaster. Satisfied, Milo sheaths the weapon, and prepares to get under way.
Basilisks and Goblins and Orcs--oh, my! - DM Donna Wednesday April 13th, 2005 8:52:55 AM
"From the way Vestur was speaking, Lian," K'Nara ventures a guess, "I'd say that there are pillars up that trail that we have to pass between rather than go around...but you could be right, too. We'll have to go find 'em and see."
To Olana and Milo: "Yes, scout ahead--but keep it at a minimum distance."
She pauses a moment before addressing Gunther's question.
"I think posing as a cash-hungry group would be easiest as it's more than a little true for us, anyhow--it's just that we've also got something else on our agenda that nobody at the Arena needs to know about."
After a quick final check, K'Nara signals for the Talons to begin to move up the trail two abreast: Olana and Milo scouting ahead, K'Nara and Gunther about forty behind them, Figment and Bertram, and then Lian bringing up the rear.
The party moves quickly but carefully up the trail, their way made a bit easier thanks to the light of three nearly-full moons.
Soon enough, a pair of pillars rise up to flank the trail--twisted, slender columns that appear to be carved from stone...and yet, looking at them, one can't help but get this feeling of unease and discomfort--as though there was something not quite right about them.
Everyone in the group must make a Spot check versus DC20 in order to notice that the view between the columns seems to be much darker than the scene on either side of them.
Lian (AC 26, 49hps) d20+9=15 d20+19=37 Wednesday April 13th, 2005 9:49:31 AM
(Spot 15, Listen 37 slightly deaf at times)
Bull's Strength: +4 to Lian's Str, 3mins (30rnds)
Upon seeing the pillars and feeling the unease in the air, the monk chants a low, nearly inaudible spell. (Activates his Bull's Strength tattoo) A chill covers his body, he shudders. His elven muscles ripple under his loose clothing. "Sweet." He smirks eagerly, happy with his purchase.
Prepared Spells for Izen trip: Guidance x2, Create Water Divine Favor, Endure Elements x2, Sanctuary(domain)
Gunther d20+1=6 Wednesday April 13th, 2005 10:40:54 AM
The warrior eyes the pillars, but can't quite catch on to what's wrong with them (Spot=6). Sighing, he hefts his backpack, ready to enter the columns at K'nara's command.
Figment d20=17 Wednesday April 13th, 2005 11:41:53 AM
The mage observes the pillars and notices the darkness they are about to enter."How appropriate...".
An Hour of Silence - DM Donna Wednesday April 13th, 2005 1:00:29 PM
Suddenly everyone in the party can not only notice that the terrain framed by the two pillars is not only darker and gloomier, but that the melancholy "fog" expands outward from them, enveloping everyone present in a palpable atmosphere of sadness and regret. Everyone in the party suddenly feels the keen sense of loss, as though an honored and respected colleague was unexpectedly taken from The Wold before her time...
This board will now observe an hour of silence in honor of Lynn Beck (and her husband Dave) who was, indeed, taken away from The Wold before her time...
Good-bye Dave & Lynn Beck - DM Donna Wednesday April 13th, 2005 2:12:02 PM
The hour of silence is over now. Posting may resume. Thank you and let's all hope for the best for young Alex Beck.
Testing the Pillars - DM Donna Wednesday April 13th, 2005 2:46:06 PM
As quickly as the air of melancholy envelopes the party, it disperses once more, leaving a sense of unease.
"Look--the land itself looks darker--more...sinister between the pillars..." K'Nara points out to everyone, walking up to the columns, "...but on this side, the moons shine bright..." She steps around the pillars to walk around behind them, then--as she crosses from behind the left pillar to behind the right one...
...K'Nara disappears from view, even though the entire party still hears her talking.
"Yet, when I go AROUND the pillars, the moonlight is still bright here." she says, reappearing as she walks out from behind the righthand pillar. "Hey...wasn't there some kind of rumor...or legend...one that says that the only true entrance to the Bone Tower lies--" The redheaded blade singer stops short and frowns deeply. "--in the Shadow Lands..."
Figment Wednesday April 13th, 2005 3:23:00 PM
The mage frowns as he remembers the documentary. "That is where we are going I am afraid. And sadly, the atmosphere around the tower is no better. This will be a tough assignment indeed.".
Olana (Sub Jay B) d20+14=15 d20+16=32 d20+17=37 Wednesday April 13th, 2005 5:40:04 PM
The ranger peers off toward the pillars and K'Nara and she frowns slightly. She releases an audible sigh of disapproval (not at K'Nara, at the situation).
She prepares by drawing her bow and glances around at the ground and the like. (Listen 37, Spot 32, Survival 15(nat 1))
Milo d20+14=33 Wednesday April 13th, 2005 6:11:52 PM
Milo moves right up to the space just in front of the two pillars and peers into the darkness, "Its like some kind of portal in a dark, bleaker land." The halfling shudders, and his hand falls to rest upon his holy short sword. (OOC: Spot check DC 33)
Brother Bertram Wednesday April 13th, 2005 6:21:08 PM
Bertram again approaches Figment before entering and repeats his request about a spell to make another spell permanent.
Marching On - DM Donna Thursday April 14th, 2005 7:22:00 AM
K'Nara still doesn't like the feel of it--but the Talons have their assignment from the Consortium, and so they must go.
"Are you going to help out Brother Bertram..?" K'Nara asks of Figment. After the cleric and the wizard resolve the matter, the leader of the Talons makes a final check of what she's carrying.
"All right, then--let's get going." K'Nara orders. "Same marching order..." Then the Talons begin their real trek to the Tower of Bone Mountain.
Brother Bertram Thursday April 14th, 2005 2:04:13 PM
Bertram trudges along with the others, eyes sharp for any signs of trouble. He had a feeling this would be more horrible than any of them realized before it was all over.
Lian Thursday April 14th, 2005 2:15:11 PM
The monk moves silently forward with the group.
Olana (sub Jay B) Thursday April 14th, 2005 2:16:45 PM
Olana moves along nervously alongside Milo, slightly ahead of the group.
Milo d20+16=30 Thursday April 14th, 2005 7:40:13 PM
Moving ahead noiselessly, Milo remains ever alert to the possibility of danger coming from any direction. He remains keenly aware of Olana's presence by his side, watching out for trouble that may get to her before him, specifically. (OOC: Move Silently DC 30, including a -5 for moving at full speed.)
Gunther Thursday April 14th, 2005 11:37:55 PM
As they advance toward the pillars Gunther snaps his fingers and his sword appears magically in his right hand. Another snap and it disappears... In his nervousness, Gunther plays with his new glove several times. Finally assured that the magic appears to be working, Gunther shoots a quick glance over at K'nara. Man that form fitting armor sure looks nice on her. Shaking his head vigorously to dislodge the errant thought, a small blush forms on Gunther's tan cheeks.
Figment Friday April 15th, 2005 12:00:34 AM
The mage apologizes to Bertram as the Talons trudge forward for missing his inquiry. "I am not able to cast that spell just yet, my friend. But it will not be long until I can. And I most certainly will cast it for you.".
Do Not Go Gently Into the Night - DM Donna Friday April 15th, 2005 9:43:53 AM
Milo and Olana must roll a Spot check versus DC20. Making the Spot check means one or both of you notice that there's a sort of fog beginning to coalesce on the ground about fifty feet away--but the really disturbing thing about THIS fog is that it isn't white or even grayish-white...it's dark gray--almost black.
And (if you've Spotted it)...it's headed directly for the party.
Milo d20+14=21 Friday April 15th, 2005 9:32:05 PM
Spotting the black fog, Milo reaches out and grabs Olana's arm, clicks the heels of his new boots, and races back toward the rest of the group, "Anybody ever seen black fog before?" (OOC: Spot check DC 21. Use 1 round of boots of speed to add speed to Milo's movement just for the round.)
What's the Buzz..? - DM Donna Friday April 15th, 2005 11:54:32 PM
Milo's actions bring the quickly-approaching and highly unnatural fog to the attention of the party...and the cloudy stuff continues to bear down on them.
Everyone in the party must make a Listen check versus DC16. Those who make the check can hear the buzzing of insects from within the fog.
Lian (AC 32) d20+9=26 d20+19=29 Saturday April 16th, 2005 1:29:45 AM
(Spot 26, Listen 29)
The monk stops and takes a defensive stance, looking around. (Total Defense +6ac)
Bull's Strength: +4 to Lian's Str, 3mins (27rnds)
Prepared Spells for Izen trip: Guidance x2, Create Water Divine Favor, Endure Elements x2, Sanctuary(domain)
Olana (sub Jay B) Saturday April 16th, 2005 1:33:40 AM
The elf looks at Milo's hand then moves back with him. "Cloud looks nasty for sure." She wrinkles her nose.
Ingrge spot d20+8=17 knowledge arcana d20+13=24 Saturday April 16th, 2005 9:23:23 PM
On the otherside of the pillars unbeknownst to the other Talons, a white haired and robed elf steps out of nowhere just to the left of the pillars.
Looking around, as if to get his bearings, he briefly nods his head and then mutters a soft curse.
Peering in through the murkiness he shrugs and steps through the twin collumns of stone.
Pausing on the other side he lloks around to get his bearings spot DC 17, Arcane Knowledge DC24.
Gunther d20+1=2 Saturday April 16th, 2005 9:38:44 PM
The warrior looks confused for a few moments at the appearance of Ingrge...his sword popping into his hands and then quickly disappearing. He opens his mouth to inquire of K'nara as to their next step when Ingrge just walks into the shadows. Shrugging his shoulders fatalistically, Gunther looks over at K'nara. "Vell den, do you suppose ve should go in and back him up?"
Clarification - DM Donna Sunday April 17th, 2005 9:34:37 AM
In my "Marching On" post, the last sentence was:
"All right, then--let's get going." K'Nara orders. "Same marching order..." Then the Talons begin their real trek to the Tower of Bone Mountain.
Then I posted that Milo & Olana--traveling 40 feet or so ahead of the party--happen to Spot the fog coming at the party fast...
I thought all this made it clear that the Talons have passed between the pillars and advanced well into the territory there, but people seem to think the party is still on the normal side of the pillars.
CLARIFICATION: the party HAS passed between the pillars and advanced several hundred yards into the territory there--Ingrge appeared at the pillars and he is hurrying up to the party from behind--in fact, Lian can probably Listen versus DC15 or Spot versus DC15 the approach of our absent elf weapon mage.
Gunther Sunday April 17th, 2005 2:51:04 PM
OOC Check and Check...got it this time.
Gunther, being quite unaware of the noise, plows along with the others.
Lian d20+9=29 d20+19=38 Sunday April 17th, 2005 9:14:43 PM
(Spot 29, Listen 38)
Lian points out that Ingrge is approaching, but makes no real effort to make others notice. He shakes his head, thinking to himself.
Brother Bertram Sunday April 17th, 2005 9:55:36 PM
Seeing Lian motion behind them, Bertram turns and sees Ingrge striding towards the party. Then he peers again sharply...Was that really Ingrge?? The mage looked...changed.
The Fog - DM Donna Monday April 18th, 2005 6:59:20 AM
As the dark, gloomy vapor surrounds and builds up around the Talons, K'Nara brings the rest of the party up so that Milo and Olana are not so far ahead of them.
"Ingrge--you're here just in time..." the redheaded blade singer welcomes the elf back, "...in time for what, I don't know, however..."
The fog bank completely envelopes the entire party. Visibility is cut way down--those who have darkvision can see about ten feet in front of them...those who don't have darkvision can only see five feet in front of them.
The other peculiar quality of fog is that it tends to distort and/or muffle sound--the buzzing that had been heard earlier is still nearby, but it sounds at once both closer and farther away.
The whole thing is disturbing and surreal--and, through all this is the unmistakeable feeling that the fog deliberately aimed itself at the party...as though it were alive.
K'Nara draws her sword and squints around through the mist.
"This is like something out of a ghost story..." she mutters.
Figment Monday April 18th, 2005 8:35:44 AM
The mage greets his fellow mage. "Good to have you back, my friend. A few more fireballs are indeed a good thing in battle.".
Milo Monday April 18th, 2005 10:27:07 AM
As the black fog envelopes the party, Milo holds his breath. Seeing no immediate effect, the halfling lets it go, and breathes normally, though stands wary of anything else that might inhabit the strange emanation. Looking to K'nara, "So... perhaps only fifteen or twenty feet ahead? For visual purposes of course."
K'Nara Monday April 18th, 2005 10:33:06 AM
Clearly on edge because of the unnatural fog, K'Nara shakes her head.
"Only ten feet in front of me...so I can still see you and Olana." the leader of the Talons says. "I can see because I have Lucia..."
Upon uttering the sword's name, however, the blade flames on. However, the weird fog doesn't get any less hard to see through.
"I don't like this..." K'Nara growls softly.
Gunther Monday April 18th, 2005 2:54:03 PM
The warrior shudders as the darkness gathers in around him. This was not right, not right at all. Snapping his fingers, his sword appears in his right hand, and Gunther casts from one foot to the other as he continues into the dark.
Lian Monday April 18th, 2005 4:17:50 PM
The elf also holds his breath AND closes his eyes for a moment, but doesn't hold it long. "We... really should be getting on. Shouldn't linger." Says the Hand of Domi sharply.
Thinking for a moment, the lay cleric suggests or perhaps asks, "We, that is to say, someone should detect for evil presence!? You know, on the fog or the like."
Ingrge Monday April 18th, 2005 4:54:19 PM
All the talons notice that Ingrge is no longer wearing any armor. He is also dressed entirely in white from robe to gloves to white soft leather calf high boots. Even his haversack and quiver are now white, as are his bow and arrows. The only thing that doesnt seem to have changed is his black, mithril shod staff. Although there seem to be two of them poking out from his quiver.
With a nod of greeting to the group he takes his place in the middle of the group and casts a quick spell. Arcane Eye sending it out 50-60 feet ahead of the party.
Lian Tuesday April 19th, 2005 2:27:35 AM
Lian, noticing Ingrge's new gear, eyes the mage. "That's different. Looks good Ingrge. Suits you well my friend." Smiles the Hand of Domi.
Combat Round 1 - DM Donna Tuesday April 19th, 2005 9:30:23 AM
The Talons continue to press forward in the swirling darkness, in spite of their growing sense of unease and paranoia.
The angry buzzing sound from within the depths of the unnatural fog surge--suddenly there appear tiny flying beings all around the party!
At first glance, one would think these were pixies--but the pixies the party met were happy, smiling folk...resembling tiny elves with wings. These things are alike to pixies only in stature: pixie-sized beings possessing warped bodies with large, wasp-like wings that buzz in flight. Their features are grotesque and angry. Wiry beards, feral teeth and snake-like eyes adorn their gnarled heads, upon which they wear red caps. (Anyone making a Knowledge [arcana] check versus DC25 will recall tales of a "dark fey" called Powries.)
The redcaps swarm over the party--Redcap #1 and Redcap #8 both shriek at the top of their lungs...a sense of painful dread grips everyone in the party as you all feel the magical effects of the sound pound into you. Everyone must roll TWO Fort Saves versus DC15 or become Deafened by the sound.
Those who can still hear are privy to the high-pitched and annoying nattering of the redcaps as they make fun of the party's appearance in a warped sort of Sylvan tongue. (Assuming your PC knows Sylvan, that is.)
The DM will be emailing a diagram for the group so that you know where the PCs are in relation to the redcaps.
The Redcaps are AC17.
Gunther d20+7=10 d20+16=32 d8+8=9 d6=3 Tuesday April 19th, 2005 10:40:32 AM
"Ahhh!!!!!!!!" Gunther's ears are filled with the horrible shrieking which quickly fades into a droning (Fort=10). Growling in pain and anger, Gunther activates his sword and takes a swipe at the nearest nasty thing (#7). He smiles in triumph as he lands a solid blow (AC32 for 12 total).
Brother Bertram d20+11=21 d20+11=16 d20+12=28 d10+10=19 d20+6=14 d10+10=14 d10+10=19 4d6(3+3+3+2)=11 Tuesday April 19th, 2005 6:55:41 PM
Annoyed at the horrible sound, Bertram swings at the closest creature to him dealing extensive damage. His second strike is not aimed as effectively, but his full strength is behind the blow, striking for some effect. (OOC First hit does 14 hit points damage. Second Strike does 19 hit points damage. Chaotic Creatures take another 11 hit points damage. Grand Total 44 hit points Damage)
Olana (sub Jay) d20+13=24 d20+13=15 d6+4=9 d20+11=24 d20+11=20 Tuesday April 19th, 2005 7:04:12 PM
(Fort save 24 and 20)
Olana quickly knocks two arrows and fires blindly at the sounds. (AC 24 and 15, 9 damage)
Lian (AC 24 due to size) d20+12=32 d20+12=16 d20+8=10 Tuesday April 19th, 2005 7:15:54 PM
(Fort save 32 and 16)
Bull's Strength: +4 enhancement to Lian's Str, 3mins (25rnds) Enlarge Person: doubles in size, has 10ft reach, +2 size bonus to Str, 1min(10rnds)
Prepared Spells for Izen trip: Guidance x2, Create Water Divine Favor, Endure Elements x2, Sanctuary(domain)
Speaks Sylvan. (Knowledge arcana 10)
The monk activates his Enlargement Tattoo. He quickly grows to double his size and shakes off the effects of the shriek.
Ingrge d20+16=36 d20+16=30 Tuesday April 19th, 2005 9:13:09 PM
(fort rolls DC 36, DC30)
Almost as if magic, Ingrge's staff is in his hand and lined up along #s 2,3,&4 ensuring to catch only them in his spell's effect, sends a cone of color spray washing over the 3 of them. will DC 20 negates otherwise effects depend on HD
Milo d20+10=25 d20+10=13 d20+18=38 d20+18=32 2d4(4+1)+8=13 2d6(3+5)=8 Tuesday April 19th, 2005 10:13:00 PM
Deafened by the screeching of the diminutive creatures, Milo reacts nonetheless, his gleamy silvery short sword practically leaping from its sheath, as the halfling attacks the nearest creature. (OOC: Attack number 4, and crit roll a nat 20, and then hitting AC 32 to confirm. Damage is 21 points if evil. 13 points otherwise.)
Figment 5d4(4+2+2+4+3)+5=20 Wednesday April 20th, 2005 6:39:24 AM
The mage reacts with a magic missle hitting the one right in front of him (20 DMG).
Combat Round 2 - DM Donna d20+1=6 d20+1=21 d20+1=3 d20+12=21 d20+9=28 d20+11=18 d20-2=-1 d6+3=5 d6+3=8 d20+1=8 d20-2=-1 d20+9=14 d20+9=21 d20+9=25 Wednesday April 20th, 2005 9:11:49 AM
Gunther is now deaf, but (even more horrifically) he sees his blows upon the tiny flying redcap hit it squarely--yet the thing appears to be unharmed! If only the orc-raised man had his hearing, then he'd be able to hear the mocking laughter and insulting raspberry blown in his direction.
Brother Bertram, however, definitely sees AND hears the fact that his own blows have not damaged the winged creatures at all. Nor do Olana's arrows.
Lian prepares for battle, and Ingrge fires off his spell. Although #2 and #4 are stunned, #3 (rather insultingly) pretends to be taking a bath in the Color Spray.
Milo (who is also now Deaf), too, finds that--although he squarely lands solid blows--his blade does NO damage to the twisted pixie! Only the Color Spray from Ingrge knocks the little creature to the ground.
Figment's missiles blast Redcap 2 (who is stunned) for 20hpd.
K'Nara pauses for a moment (OOC: makes her Fort Save with 21), her brain scraping rustily along before sparking on a tale of Fey gone bad--(OOC: made a Knowledge [arcana] check of 28.)
"They're Powrie! They can't be harmed by steel weapons--no matter how they're magicked!" So saying, the blade singer doesn't swing the fiery Lucia at Redcap 3, but instead grabs at the flying evil irritant out of the air and proceeds to smack it against the rocky ground. (Grapples AC18; damages for 5hp and 8hp; everyone else in the party heard K'Nara's warning except for Gunther and Milo.)
Redcap #1 bares sharpened little fangs and flies at Ingrge, attempting to bite the elf...but it misses Ingrge.
Redcap #2 is injured and stunned on the ground--but it will revive soon.
Redcap #3 can't break K'Nara's grapple of it and is getting its brains dashed out on the ground. However, even as the blade singer smacks the gnarled little head against the ground, the powrie screams something over and over again in Sylvan.
Redcap #4 is stunned and on the ground, but it will revive soon.
Redcap #5 flies at Lian, attempting to stab the monk...but it misses.
Redcap #6 counterattacks Bertram with its little dagger, but the cleric is too well-armored.
Redcap #7 laughs in Gunther's face, giving the large human a rude flip of its little hand, then swoops in to try to stab the fighter, but the tiny weapon bounces off the armor Gunther is wearing.
Redcap #8 giggles and points at Olana, its high-pitched voice repeating something in Sylvan over and over...Olana can tell that the creature is making fun of her--and (if he had been speaking in Elven)--he'd be calling out over and over again a rather derogatory term for "woman".
Olana must make a Listen check versus DC18 to hear that Redcap #3 is shouting the same thing.
DM OOC: there is no real need to update the diagram sent out for Round 1, since none of the PCs nor the Redcaps have significantly changed positions...just keep in mind that #2 and #4 are on the ground, recovering from Stuns, and that #3 is in the grip of K'Nara.
Gunther (AC28, HP73/73) d20+14=33 d20+9=23 d20+14=30 d20+6=17 Wednesday April 20th, 2005 2:12:38 PM
Gunther growls at the annoying creature. He launches a full attack, not yet understanding that his weapon does no good. He smiles as he he launches 4 beautiful attacks. "Hahaha...take dat you ugly little twerp!" Gunther shouts too loudly.
Olana (sub Jay) d20+17=35 Wednesday April 20th, 2005 6:39:09 PM
The ranger groans and puts her bow down, looking at it and disgusted what Knara just said about the redcaps. She lowers herself by kneeling and drawing her shortsword and dagger.
She grabs a handful of dirt and the first redcap in range, she'll throw it in its face to blind it briefly.
(Listen 35)
OOC: Are the redcaps considered fey, aberration or something else? How big are they?
DM OOC: Redcaps are Fey. They are tiny (no more than 2 feet in height.) The Redcap that is taunting Olana IS in range, if you feel like having Olana attempt to blind it.
Lian (AC 24 due to size) d20+13=14 d20+13=29 d20+10=12 3d6(6+4+2)+5=17 Wednesday April 20th, 2005 6:48:29 PM
The monk cracks his knuckles at K'nara's statement. "Suits me fine." He says in a slightly deeper voice. The large elf snickers at the flying creatures.
He strikes out with his much larger fists at #5 to attempt grounding it. (has reach, AC miss, 29 and 12 for miss, 17 and ? damage)(counts as magical and is not steel) ;)
OOC: I assume AC 12 misses?!
DM OOC: I posted before that the Redcaps are AC17. 12 would miss.
Ingrge - AC28, HP 100, 18% spell resistance d20+14=31 d20+14=20 d20+10=28 d6+7=9 d6+7=12 d6+7=10 Wednesday April 20th, 2005 9:29:34 PM
Watching two of his targets fall Ingrge activates his boots and the swings into action against his opponent #1 swinging three times at the powrie in front of him with connecting all three times with his staff.
1st -AC 31 2nd -AC 20 3rd -AC 28
Damage - 31 points
Figment 5d4(4+2+2+3+4)+5=20 Wednesday April 20th, 2005 9:58:32 PM
The mage blasts the little booger again with another salvo of missles (20 DMG).
Milo Thursday April 21st, 2005 1:38:42 AM
Sheathing his short sword, Milo fumbles through his backpack, retrieving a pair of magic iron spikes that he keeps stored there, and prepares to use them as impromptu daggers on the attacking creatures.
Brother Bertram d20+4=23 d20+4=15 d6+4=6 Thursday April 21st, 2005 4:25:30 AM
Bertram lashes out with his fists at the maddening creature, his right fist connecting with a satisfying sound on the creatures skull. (OOC 6hp Damage)
Combat Round 3 - DM Donna d20+3=17 d20-2=6 d6+3=6 d6+3=6 Thursday April 21st, 2005 9:59:06 AM
Gunther can feel his blows strike true--and yet the warped little pixie in front of him is still unharmed. How can this be?
Olana prepares her handful of dirt, awaiting the chance to toss it in the Redcap's face--even as she notices that the one she's fighting and the one that K'Nara is smacking around are shouting the same phrase in Sylvan.
Lian's now-large fist smashes soundly into Redcap #5 for 17hpd.
Ingrge's ironwood staff severely pummels Redcap #1 for 31hpd (he's looking VERY rocky--one more blow will probably do him in!)
Figment's missiles finish off Redcap #2.
Milo switches out his weapon of choice.
Brother Bertram punches #6 for 6hpd.
K'Nara retains her grip on the futilely squirming and screaming Redcap #3, bashing it against the ground for another 12hpd. #3 doesn't look like it can take much more.
DM OOC: I'll post the second half of this round after I get back from an important appointment.
Combat Round 2 (second half) - DM Donna d20+3=16 d20-2=10 d20+3=16 d20+9=24 d20+12=30 d20=16 d20+4=6 d20+4=16 2d8(8+2)+2=12 d20+8=25 Thursday April 21st, 2005 12:45:00 PM
Redcap #1 once again tries to bite Ingrge...and once again, its pointy little teeth snap on air. If Ingrge knew Sylvan, surely his elfin ears would burn at the sound of the foul curses streaming from his foe.
Redcap #2's body lies on the ground
Redcap #3 is still trying to squirm out of K'Nara's grip to no avail (Grapple checks of (redcap) 10 vs. (K'Nara) 16.)
Redcap #4 revives and takes to the air again, drawing out a tiny but deadly-looking dagger and eyeing Milo maliciously.
Redcap #5 swoops towards the gigantic (to the Redcap, anyhow!) Lian, intent on stabbing at the monk with its own dagger--but the agile elf dodges the swipe.
Redcap #6 is spitting mad--he shrieks, which means everyone in the party must roll another Fort Save versus DC15 or become deaf (except Milo and Gunther--they're already deaf and cannot be further effected.)
Redcap #7 is goading Gunther--completely unharmed by the blows that the fighter can see AND feel solidly hit the little flying bugger, the Redcap laughs mockingly and then moons Gunther, slapping its own bottom in a clearly derogatory manner. (Too bad you don't know Sylvan--but his high-pitched nattering is obviously inviting Gunther to just TRY to "spank me, Daddy!" These are REALLY offensive and (pardon the pun) cheeky little things!)
Redcap #8 is continuing its chant of that single word and pointing straight at Olana, as though announcing the female elf's presence to The Wold.
K'Nara suddenly looks--startled--in front of her to the right. (OOC: she made her Fort Save and a Spot check.)
"What in The Wold is THAT???" she gasps, visibly paling and flinching. The redcap in her hand violently jerks as though struck--its head flopping lifelessly about as the blade singer holding it twists--as though dodging a blow aimed at her by something invisible.
Since Figment no longer has an opponent, he must make an Intelligence check versus DC20 to figure out that something invisible IS attacking K'Nara.
If Olana makes her Fort Save versus that latest shriek, she hears something whistle past her right ear--as though she narrowly missed being struck by a club or a mace of some kind...
DM OOC: I'll be emailing an updated diagram to the members of the party so that you all can see what is where.
Ingrge d20+14=31 d20+14=17 d20+10=19 3d6(4+1+6)+21=32 Thursday April 21st, 2005 6:10:55 PM
Responding in Sylvan, in which he is fluent, Ingrge tells his opponent that what is about to happen is only the result of inferior beings messing with their betters. Ingrge then lashes out again at the redcap.
AC 31, AC 17, AC 19 for 32 more points of damage.
Milo d20+13=14 d20+13=33 d20+13=22 d20+8=22 2d3(2+1)+4=7 d3+2=3 Thursday April 21st, 2005 10:01:02 PM
Milo clicks his heels together, activating his boots of speed as a free action, he then attacks the wicked fey with the magic iron spike. (OOC: Milo is hasted for the round which gives him +1 to hit, +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saving throws, as well as 1 extra attack. He misses with a natural 1, then hits with a natural 20, and hopefully confirms the crit with AC 22 (7 hps). His last attack also hits AC 22 (3 hps).)
Lian (AC 24 due to size) d20+13=21 d20+13=31 d20+10=22 3d6(6+4+3)+5=18 3d6(3+3+6)+5=17 3d6(2+1+6)+5=14 Thursday April 21st, 2005 11:08:25 PM
The monk swings again at the redcap. (AC 21, 31, and 22 for 18, 17 and 14 damage)
"Ha!"
Olana (sub Jay) d20+11=22 Thursday April 21st, 2005 11:22:03 PM
(Fort save 22)
The elf shakes off the effect of the shriek and crinkles her nose at the Sylvan curses. She moves into flanking position with her fiance, Milo and swings futily(sp?) and Milo's opponent.
Gunther (AC28, HP73/73) d20+12=18 d20+12=20 Friday April 22nd, 2005 12:01:16 AM
Gunther's growl grows louder at the fey's taunting. With a snap of his fingers, Gunther's sword disappears. As a very unhealthy looking snarl forms on Gunther's face, his bulky scarred arms reach across the gap and grab hold of the cocky little beast's midsection (Grab=18). His grip tightens across the filthy little creature's hips (Hold=20) as he prepares to fulfill it's wish and give it the spanking of a lifetime... If Gunther is successful in maintaining his hold, he begins to squeeze the pixie wanna be, attempting to crush it with his bare hands.
Brother Bertram d20+4=23 d20+4=5 d20+12=23 d6+4=9 Friday April 22nd, 2005 4:30:19 AM
Ignoring the creatures scream of rage, Bertram grins and punches the creature again rocking its head back. His next blow misses the foul creature, but Bertram continues stalking it.
(OOC 9 points damage)
Figment d20+19=36 Friday April 22nd, 2005 7:29:50 AM
Seeing K'Nara's plight with an apparently invisible opponent, he casts "See Invisible" to get a better look.
Combat Round 4 - DM Donna d20+16=20 d20+12=23 d20+11=20 d20+5=21 d20-2=13 d20+2=11 d20=19 d20+15=20 d20+11=22 d10+6=9 d10+6=10 d6=1 d6=6 d20+9=10 d20+9=15 d20+8=27 2d8(5+3)+4=12 d20+9=20 d20-2=8 d20+8=20 d20+6=18 d20+6=11 Friday April 22nd, 2005 12:39:33 PM DM OOC: hmmm...many people forgot to roll Fort Saves vs. DC15 or be deafened by that newest Powrie shriek. I'll roll for them:
Ingrge: saved with a 20 Lian: saved with a 23 Brother Bertram saved with a 20 Figment saved with a 21
Please remember to roll whatever Saves and/or checks you are supposed to make (and POST THE RESULTS) when you are asked to make them.
Ingrge succeeds in bashing Redcap #1 to death.
Milo's use of his iron spikes does a total of 10hpd to Redcap #4.
Lian's fists of fury pummel Redcap #5 into the afterlife.
Gunther grabs Redcap #7, who can't break the large human's hold. Looks like there's some mutant-pixie-butt gonna get spanked..!
Redcap #6's eyes briefly cross as a result of Brother Bert's well-aimed blow.
Figment sees the formerly-invisible foe that is now engaging K'Nara...and it's a bizarre sight indeed: the naked form of a wrinkled old man wearing a tattered loin cloth and walking backwards on hands and feet in a crab-like fashion. However, its head is twisted all the way around so that it can look over its own back and see where it's going when it scuttles along in its backward fashion. Figment can see that the creature is flailing at K'Nara with a barbed, purple tentacle that comes whipping out of its mouth.
So bizarre and disturbing is this surreal sight that the mage fails to Spot a flash of movement to the far side of K'Nara--however, the blade singer does. (OOC: the Spot check was DC15--Figment only got 11 but K'Nara got 19.)
"Figment--there's another one of these things stalking Olana...and she can't see it..." the redhead says, dropping her dead Redcap and whirling Lucia expertly, "...go help her! Now!" So saying, K'Nara dances into her attack on the scuttling thing in front of her. (OOC: attacks hit AC20 & AC22 for 9hpd+1hp fire damage and 10hpd+6hp fire damage.)
The satisfaction of having struck her insanely-configured opponent is short-lived, though: K'Nara sees, to her horror, that the two gaping wounds have a new barbed purple tentacle thrust from each one...now this--this backwards man (Foe #9 on the diagram) has THREE tentacles to attack with!
Now that Olana has moved up to flank Redcap #4, he and his buddy Redcap #8 decide to both attack the female elf! Both of them stab at Olana with their daggers--but both of them miss the nimble ranger (OOC: they hit AC10 and AC15 respectively.)
Unfortunately, however, even Olana's grace cannot save her from the foe she cannot see (#10 on the diagram)--the second backwards man whose tentacle slams unerringly home, grabbing the lithe elf around her torso (trapping her left arm against her body) and squeezing her for 12hpd. Olana must roll a Grapple check versus DC15 to break free.
However, now Milo can tell something's got Olana (as can anyone in the party who can look) because the backwards man has lifted Olana several feet up off the ground as it constricts her.
Redcap #6 tries to stab the cleric he's fighting--but the tiny blade smacks into Bert's shield.
Redcap #7 writhes futilely in the grip of the enraged Gunther...who can start squeezing the life out of it when he wants.
Backwards Man #9's eyes glint with unholy glee as all three tentacles whip out at K'Nara...all three of them miss (OOC: AC20, AC18 & AC11), but they're forcing K'Nara to made several interesting modifications to the way she's dancing in battle.
DM OOC: I'll be emailing an updated diagram to reflect how the battlefield looks after the events of this post.
Redcaps have AC17 and the Backwards Men have AC16.
Ingrge d20+14=18 d20+14=29 d20+14=17 12d6(4+5+1+6+6+3+4+2+5+6+6+4)+14=66 Friday April 22nd, 2005 1:55:23 PM
Ingrge shakes off the pixie pieces from his staff as he hears K'nara yell something about something stalking Olana.
Turning he levels his staff and sends three scorching rays lancing into her attacker. Three ray touch attacks AC 18,29,17. Damage 66 points
Lian d20+15=28 3d6(4+5+5)+5=19 Friday April 22nd, 2005 6:59:28 PM
The monk turns and moves into flanking position with Bertram, having dropped #5, moves to attack #6. (AC 28 for 19 damage)
Olana (sub Jay) 47 of 69hps d20+15=30 d20+14=32 d10=1 Friday April 22nd, 2005 7:10:57 PM
(Escape Artist check 30)
Olana slides free to her knees and turns with a swing, blindly. (+2 short sword AC 32 for 1 damage) (OOC: reading Olana's sheet, I noticed that the Truthsayer is 1d10. Is that right? Shrugs*)
Milo d20+14=20 d20+9=29 d20+9=26 d3+2=5 5d6(5+5+3+5+4)=22 2d3(1+2)+4=7 5d6(1+5+6+4+5)=21 Friday April 22nd, 2005 8:26:21 PM
Milo moves five feet to flank the evil faerie, and lashes out at the creature with the iron spike. "Can anyone see invisible? We have an invisible attacker over here?!" (OOC: Milo hits AC 20 for 27 hit points, and crits for 28 hit points.)
The Wold stirs.... - DM Donna Friday April 22nd, 2005 8:50:07 PM
Suddenly, even as the Talons battle, everyone--friend and foe--freezes in mid-attack.
Lian, Ingrge and Olana look at each other...they seem to be the only people moving..? No, wait--they all turn around and look at the grayish/black fog...all of them realizing that their bodies are still physically inside the fog...but their spirits are here, outside the huge, billowing cloud.
It is no longer night, too--how is this possible? They all look up at the sun...
The elves pick up the faint strain of some ethereal music. It is time! The invitation to join the dream-song and raise the Sleeping King! What will they answer..?
Starless night will cover day, the veiling of the sun, Dark sleep broken, here comes the one!
No more will you wander, on dark journey of dreams. The woods have awoken, the power of living things!
Our love for this land is deeper than the deepest sea. The bonds are sundered, and we will have our King!
A shadow grows along the ground, and looking up the party is witness to a celestial phenomena both awful and beautiful as the two moons of the Wold converge upon the sun, obscuring the passage of light and casting The Wold into total darkness.
And still the song persists...the urge to sing along swells within Lian, Ingrge and Olana. Do they sing..? Do they ignore the song..?
DM OOC: this is a Wold-wide event for those of elven blood only. The elven PCs listed in this post MUST post whether or not their PC joins the DreamSong in an effort to wake the King...or ignores the DreamSong. Please post as soon as possible.
Ingrge Friday April 22nd, 2005 10:26:52 PM
Hearing the stains of music, Ingrge remembers his talk and time with Folbre and purposefully tunes out the music, refusing to allow it to intrude upon his thoughts or influence him in any way.
Awakening Saturday April 23rd, 2005 2:55:36 AM The Wold stirs....
A breeze springs up, seemingly from out of nowhere. On the Sargass Plains, the unending grasses begin to move and toss, and the rapkes pace, restless and uneasy. In the Windbourne Hills, horses whinny and break into a run for no reason. In the tunnels beneath Dirt City, sewer rats begin to flee their hiding places, running into well-traveled corridors while the people wonder what it all could mean. And in the Emerald Kingdom, the anticipation is very nearly palpable as the animals awaken and the trees stir in the wind.
Something is coming.
The Wold seems to hold its collective breath as the Sleeper stretches, turns, sighs...and awakens. Eyes the color of the sea blink and focus as the Sleeper regards the Wold around him. The expanse of New Elanna, the great bulk of Shadow Mountain, the mysteries of the Southern Continent, even the wonder that is Floating City--all of these are known to the Sleeper in a heartbeat. A frown of concentration crosses his face, then a satisfied smile as he begins to know what must be done.
The Sleeper takes a breath and stretches out his hand...
Lian Saturday April 23rd, 2005 4:24:23 AM
The monk isn't able to keep his mind clear, even with all his training. His low voice mixes with the other elves, mingling with the song.
Olana (sub Jay) Saturday April 23rd, 2005 4:25:58 AM
OOC: As I am only subbing, I can't very well accept the song without her approval. ;)
DM OOC: As I have asked Olana's player exactly what would Olana do, she submitted the following post:
Olana opens her mouth to join in with the song. She was an elf, so of course she had to. It was the way of things, an extension of letting nature take it's course. But, like a thorn in her side and as fresh as a daisy, the memory of that meeting in the Giggling Ghost pulls and tugs at her reasoning. She remembers Valdor, so against it, despite the strong argument that said otherwise. Her beloved Milo. He had his doubts about it all too, way before the meeting.
What about Ingrge? Ingrge would know what to do. He's not singing. And Lian? Lian! Noooooo.....
Back to Battle... - DM Donna Saturday April 23rd, 2005 8:55:33 AM
For a moment, The Wold brightens considerably--
--then, just as suddenly as they appeared outside the black fog in the sunshine-dappled Wold, Lian, Ingrge and Olana are back in their places inside the obscuring mist, fighting for their lives and the lives of their friends. No time has passed for all that the Dream Song interrupted them.
Gunther (AC28, HP73/73) {reposted by DM Donna} d20+12=18 d6+3=9 d20+12=30 d6+1=2 Saturday April 23rd, 2005 8:58:07 AM
The orc man's growl grows in volume as he continues to squeeze the stuffing out of the redcap (Grapple=18, Dam.=9). Unceremoniously, Gunther flips the little fey's body around and commences to spank the proffered buttocks. You have been very naughty!! Gunther vill teach you a lesson!! Gunther says rather loudly as he begins to smack the little bottom (AC 30 for 2dam).
DM OOC--this post was originally made by Gunther's player Friday April 22nd, 2005 11:01:16 PM Woldian time.
Brother Bertram d20+10=17 d20+10=25 d6+4=5 d6+4=7 Saturday April 23rd, 2005 11:11:27 AM
Bertram grins insolently at the evil creature. "Surely you can do better than that?" His fists follow up earlier attacks with two more, pounding at the little monster, hitting him twice.
((OOC 12 points damage))
Figment (See invisible) 11d6(4+6+4+2+3+6+5+6+6+6+4)=52 Monday April 25th, 2005 8:30:14 AM
The mage scans to see the creature attacking Olana and moves to get a clean shot (into the middle of the group. He deliveres a different attack as he has a clear perspective on the field. Once he casts, lightnig arcs from his fingers and hits the grotesque thing endangering his elven friend (52 DMG). Multiple arcs of electricity then violently arcs over the top of everyone in the party and hits every other creature in the combat (26 DMG - all withing 30 feet).
DM Donna Monday April 25th, 2005 8:53:07 AM
Currently attempting to resolve a question of combat. Will post ASAP.
Olana d20+14=28 d10+1=4 Monday April 25th, 2005 7:21:09 PM
Back in the real world and completely disoriented the elf flails wildly amongst flashing rays and lightning. "What is it?! What is it?!" she shrieks, trying to land a blow on whatever it was. ((Hits DC 28 for 4, wowee))
Combat Round 5 - DM Donna d100=42 d100=86 d100=2 d100=40 d20+5=18 d20-2=9 d20+5=6 d20+9=14 d20+9=10 d20+15=27 d20+11=28 d10+6=13 d6=6 d10+6=8 d6=3 Monday April 25th, 2005 7:26:05 PM
Ingrge takes a guess at the likeliest spot where whatever it is that's attacking Olana is actually located and sends his three Rays in three spots: 1) Closest to Olana, 2) about five feet from Olana and 3) about 10 feet from Olana. (OOC: rolled the 50% miss chance for attacking Invisible things without the means to see them.)
Ingrge's second ray manages to hit something (judging by the screech of pain) and does partial damage (22hp) to the Unseen Attacker #10.
Lian helps Bertram pummel Redcap #6 some more! (The evil fey is looking VERY lumpy now...well...lumpier than usual.)
Between Ingrge's wounding the Invisible Foe and Olana's ability to Escape, the elf maiden frees herself from the grasp of her attacker, swinging blindly at it--and missing. (OOC: rolled a 42 for the Miss check.)
Milo flanks Redcap #4 and proceeds to slice 'n' dice it to nothing but li'l fey bits.
Just then, K'Nara could swear that The Wold seems to...blink...but--naw, it had to have been her imagination.
Gunther continues to spank Redcap #7 who is now howling and kicking like mad--but still unable to get away.
Bertram's blows add to the damage that Lian heaped upon Redcap #6--the little winged runt is out cold and falls to the ground.
Figment's Lightning fries Foe #10 to a crisp--making the creature explode. Everyone can see (and smell...phew!) what looks to be a leathery humanoid-shaped sack with a bunch of smoking purple tentacles that quiver to a halt. The rest of the lightning manages to hit the remaining foes for 26hpd each.
Gunther finds that he's now spanking a DEAD mutant pixie.
Redcap #6 is now a blackened husk as well.
K'Nara whirls Lucia into action once more, spinning and dancing around Backwards Man #9 as she strikes at it. Her blows land, scoring two more wounds from which new tentacles pop out--but the cumulative damage is too much for the creature to bear...it, too, explodes into a stinky, slightly gooey mess of purple tentacles in a leather, humanoid-shaped envelope.
Redcap #8 is still flying about--but his flight pattern resembles that of a certain yellow cartoon bird named Woodstock...
Everyone in the party who has hearing must roll a Listen check vs. DC15--those who make it hear the sounds of yelling, screaming...and running feet. Running towards the party, that is...
Lian d20+15=27 3d6(4+1+3)+5=13 d20+19=24 d100=99 Monday April 25th, 2005 8:10:53 PM
(Listen check 24, roll fail chance 99%... remember, his hearing cuts out once in awhile!) ;)
The monk moves over to just behind Milo, and reaching over his head (10ft reach), Lian strikes at #8 once. (AC 27 for 13 damage)
Figment (See Invisible) d20=19 5d4(1+2+2+4+1)+5=15 Monday April 25th, 2005 8:54:49 PM
Smiling with satisfaction at the result of the lasy attack, the mage waits to see the results of Lian's attack. If it doesn't drop he blasts it with another salvo of missiles (15 DMG). Hearing the pitter patter of eager footsteps (19 Hear check), the mage suggests egress "Sounds like we should make haste toget away from here quickly...no need to burn our power on unproductive combat.".
Milo d20+19=33 d20+14=15 Monday April 25th, 2005 10:12:43 PM
Milo tumbles through to a flanking position opposite Lian, and lashes out at the evil fey, missing horribly. (OOC: Made tumble DC 33 but rolled natural 1 on attack.)
Brother Bertram d20+2=8 d20+6=18 d20+6=14 d6+4=6 Tuesday April 26th, 2005 4:28:53 AM
Bertram hearing nothing swings at the last of the flying creatures striking it once.
(OOC failed listen, 6 points damage to redcap)
Combat Round 6 - DM Donna d20=14 d20+4=8 d20+3=4 Tuesday April 26th, 2005 8:29:05 AM
Lian's blow is such that the only airborne Redcap is easily knocked out--both out of consciousness and out of the area. Everyone else doesn't need to attack it anymore.
"I think Figment's got the right idea," K'Nara says, her nose wrinkling at the stench of the dead Backwards Man, "Let's get--"
Before the blade singer can finish her sentence, the footsteps that she didn't hear (OOC: check was only 14) come rushing at her. K'Nara turns at the last minute, but is completely surprised by the stampede of burly orcs that come running at her...she is unable to dodge them (OOC: her Dexterity check is 8) and is knocked to the ground, losing her grip on Lucia (OOC: an extremely sucky 4 for her Strength check)--the flaming sword goes flying and lands 10 feet away, its flame immediately going out.
Bertram, Gunther, Milo and Olana must roll Dexterity checks versus DC15 or be knocked to the ground by the first wave of four panicked orcs that come running through the area from the north, yelling and waving their arms as they go.
K'Nara lets loose a string of curses as she rolls and gets to her hands and knees, intending to get up and get her sword--but another wave of orcs is coming straight at her...
...and they never reach her.
FWOOSH!!!
The second wave of orcs goes up in flames--literally--because right behind them is a 15-foot-tall column about 3 feet across of intense white flame with four tendrils of blue-white fire whipping around it. As much as you feel the heat, you can also feel its absolute hatred of life emanating from it. The tendrils (or arms) strike the fleeing orcs (5 through 8) and immediately incinerate them before your eyes.
Worst of all--this column of living fire is now squarely on top of Lucia...completely blocking K'Nara from retrieving her sword!
DM OOC: I'll be sending out another combat map to the players via email. Players, please roll all the checks I've asked for (and POST the results)...and don't forget to post your PC's AC and HP. The battle will now start in earnest.
Oh...and this thing is AC25--depending on what you hit it with...heh heh heh...
Ingrge - AC28, HP 100, 18% spell resistance, fox's cunning, hasted, d20+7=19 d20+19=25 d20+19=39 d20+19=28 d20+12=16 d6+8=11 d6+8=10 2d10(8+7)=15 Tuesday April 26th, 2005 6:51:02 PM
(OOC. You did not mention Ingrge having to dodge orcs but I rolled for him any way.)
Ingrge nimbly manages to stay out of the way of the charging orcs and casts a scroll upon himself (Fox's Cunning).
Looking around, he watches as the next wave of orcs is fried and the firey being (?) shows up. Drawing his bow he lets loose with 3 arrows watching as his first two disapear into the fiery maelstrom.
The first arrow strikes for 11 points of damage. The second strikes as well but as it does there is a burst of ice for a total of 25 more points (10 + 15)
The third arrow goes astray missing the mighty conflagration by several feet.
Brother Bertram AC28 Hit Points 73 d20+3=21 Tuesday April 26th, 2005 7:32:50 PM
Bertram jerks to the side avoiding the orcish filth, but even as he does is eyes are pulled away from the scrambling orcs and drawn to the real danger they faced. Not knowing what the strange sight was Bertram murmured a prayer to Domi, letting the power flow out and into the closest Talon to the flames; K'nara.
((OOC Dex check Saved-Cast Shield Other on K'nara))
Olana (69/69 AC27 d20+5=22 Tuesday April 26th, 2005 9:02:42 PM
Olan dodges and weaves nimbly to the left and right as frightened orcs run through the party.
The column of flame makes her take a few steps back, quickly followed by some more. What could this be?
She reaches back to her quiver of arrows.
Milo (AC 25, HP 70) d20+17=28 d20+17=21 d4+1=3 d6=4 Tuesday April 26th, 2005 9:31:54 PM
Milo sidesteps the orcs effortlessly, and then looks up, his eyes going wide. For the first time among his friends he forgets all propriety, and a string of curses, all in halfling, leave his mouth. Reaching back, he drops the iron spikes back into his backpack, then clicking his heels he draws his bow as he backpedals away from the flaming conflagration. Milo fires a silver fletched arrow that erupts into a frosty missile as it streaks toward the whirling conflagration. (OOC: Made Reflex save DC 28. Hit AC 21 for 3 regular damage and 4 cold damage [7 damage total])
Lian (AC 24 due to size) d20+13=15 d20+13=25 d20+10=28 3d6(3+2+6)+5=16 3d6(3+2+3)+5=13 3d6(5+4+6)+5=20 Tuesday April 26th, 2005 9:35:56 PM
Bull's Strength: +4 enhancement to Lian's Str, 3mins (19rnds) Enlarge Person: doubles in size, has 10ft reach, +2 size bonus to Str, 1min(4rnds) Stunning Attacks: 2 used
Prepared Spells for Izen trip: Guidance x2, Create Water Divine Favor, Endure Elements x2, Sanctuary(domain)
The monk grimaces as Lucia is engulfed by flame that is NOT her own.
He stands, large, behind the mages and strikes out toward the burly orcs, hitting #1, reaching over the other Talons. (10ft reach, hitting AC 15, 25 and 28 for 16, 13 and 20 damage, the first two attacks are stunning attacks DC 21 Fort or be stunned for a round) The hand of Domi laughs deeply, with a playful tone, as he pummels the orc silly.
Gunther (AC28, HP73/73) ***Prone*** d20+7=12 d20+7=13 Tuesday April 26th, 2005 11:22:00 PM
Gunther looks briefly down at the Redcap's corpse in his hand and then throws it contemptuously to the ground. His face flushed in anger, Gunther looks up just to see the onrush of orcs. He twists and turns in a heroic attempt to dodge the mass of bodies, but it is impossible (Refl=12, burned hero pt. for a lousy 13). A string of rather foul, and very loud orcish profanities flow from his lips as he is slammed to the ground. As he struggles to get back up on his feet, Gunther catches sight of the monstrosity in front of him, and his jaw drops to his chest. Sheer, blinding fear fills his heart, and he begins to scramble backward. And then he sees her... K'nara is down, and that thing is right in front of her. Trying to swallow the large lump in his throat, Gunther begins to crawl toward K'nara.
Combat Round 7 - DM Donna d20+25=36 d20+20=24 d20+15=18 d20+10=20 2d8(5+6)+9=20 2d8(4+5)=9 d20+9=29 Wednesday April 27th, 2005 11:17:13 AM
Ingrge pulls out his scroll and casts Fox's Cunning upon himself. His attacks will have to wait until next round.
Bertram casts his spell to help out K'Nara.
Olana prepares herself to fire arrows at the fiery monster in their midst.
Milo's arrow narrowly misses the column of living fire.
Lian effectively knocks out Orc #1.
Gunther moves slowly forward, which would probably be easier and faster if he got to his feet.
K'Nara gets to her feet--but the living flame column whips its burning tentacles out--the first one strikes and incinerates fleeing Orc #4--it is only the blade singer's dexterity that saves her from being burned by the fire and from the subsequent blows aimed at her by the hateful elemental.
The redhead's maneuvers ultimately relocate her a few feet to the west of her original position on the map. She also now has a scimitar in hand (thanks to her Quick Draw feat.)
Orcs #2 and #3 are heading south as fast as their big ol' feet can take them.
Before K'Nara can do more than ascertain that she's standing up and not on fire, however, something weird happens:
Swirls of black fog settle over the bodies of the blackened orcs and the groups of tentacles that had been the Backwards Men...mini-tornadoes that cover each of the corpses and raise them up...
...so that when the fog once more dissipates, the bodies are now standing--and quite, quite animated!
DM OOC: there's an updated map for the players in the email. Look at it carefully.
Lian (AC 30) Wednesday April 27th, 2005 7:01:45 PM
Bull's Strength: +4 enhancement to Lian's Str, 3mins (18rnds) Enlarge Person: doubles in size, has 10ft reach, +2 size bonus to Str, 1min(3rnds) Stunning Attacks: 2 used
Prepared Spells for Izen trip: Guidance x2, Create Water Divine Favor, Endure Elements x2, Sanctuary(domain)
Lian moves between #9 and Knara, then stands defensively to see what the animated orcs do. (+6 dodge to AC)
Figment (See Invisible) 13d6(6+1+6+6+6+6+1+4+6+4+2+6+3)=57 Wednesday April 27th, 2005 10:35:36 PM
The mage decides to attack the pillar of fire as it is clearly sentient. He casts and a ball of white frost instantly engulfs all 4 orcs and the pillar of flame (57 DMG each) - just barely missing the warrior woman.
Gunther (AC28, HP73/73) Thursday April 28th, 2005 12:39:59 AM
Regaining a small amount of composure, Gunther rises to his feet. He heads over to K'nara's side, determined to help the bladesinger over to the others, even if he provokes an attack in so doing. He speaks is overly loud tones. "K'nara ve need to get back to de oders. I don't tink it's a goot idea to go toe to toe vith dis ting.'
Olana 69/69 AC 27 d20+15=25 d20+8=11 d20+25=28 d20+8=12 d6+4=5 d6+4=8 d6+4=5 d6+4=9 Thursday April 28th, 2005 12:55:06 AM
Frowning with dismay at the reanimation of the surrounding enemy, Olana aims her first salvo at #4. The big flaming thingy would have to wait.
(Rapid shot -2 penalties)
Hits AC 25,11,28,12 for 5,8,5,9 DAM
Milo (AC 25, HP 70) d20+19=25 d20+14=21 d4+2=3 2d6(3+6)=9 d4+2=6 2d6(3+5)=8 Thursday April 28th, 2005 1:07:48 AM
Clicking his heels together, Milo drops his bow, and draws his short sword. The halfling growls as he attacks the nearest undead (10). (OOC: Milo hits AC 25 for 12 hit points damage and AC 21 for 14 hit points damage [assuming the critter is evil])
Brother Bertram AC28 Hit Points 73 d20=18 Thursday April 28th, 2005 4:23:23 AM
Bertram rips his holy symbol from under his shirt holding it aloft. "In the name of Domi and Gargul I command you back to the grave!" Bertram steps towards the creatures, certain that his words would be heeded. ((OOC Rebuke Undead up to 11 hit dice))
Ingrge Thursday April 28th, 2005 6:45:07 AM
Drawing his bow Ingrge lets loose with 3 arrows watching as his first two disapear into the fiery maelstrom.
The first arrow strikes for 11 points of damage. The second strikes as well but as it does there is a burst of ice for a total of 25 more points (10 + 15)
The third arrow goes astray missing the mighty conflagration by several feet.
Combat Round 8 - DM Donna d20+2=22 d20+2=13 d20+2=18 d20+2=4 d20+2=20 d20+8=25 d20+6=22 d20+6=19 d20+6=17 d20+6=20 d20+6=17 d20+6=20 d20+6=22 d20+6=22 d20+6=20 2d6(4+1)+9=14 d20+13=19 d20+9=12 d6+5=10 d20+8=23 d20+6=12 d20+6=25 d20+6=11 d20+6=25 d20+6=24 d20+6=8 d20+6=22 d20+6=11 d20+25=43 d20+20=34 d20+15=18 d20+10=16 2d8(2+2)+9=13 2d8(5+1)=6 2d8(3+2)+9=14 2d8(6+2)=8 d4=3 Thursday April 28th, 2005 9:42:07 AM
Lian repositions himself and stands defensively.
Figment's Sphere engulfs the area--undead Orc #5 and the Fire Elemental manage to dodge the worst effects of the spell (OOC: Orc got Reflex save 20 and the Elemental got Ref save 22)...but the damage from the cold is enough to destroy all four zombies anyway.
Gunther's determination to get K'Nara puts himself in the path of an Attack of Opportunity from the undead sack of tentacles that used to be Backwards Man #9--but, fortunately for the large warrior--none of its ten tentacles connected.
Two of Olana's arrows squarely hit Orc Zombie #4, doing 10hpd.
Milo's sword is VERY effective on Zombie #10, chopping away at the mass of undead tentacles for 26hpd altogether.
Brother Bertram's presence and conviction immediately forces both #4 and #10 to flee the area.
Although Ingrge's first arrow seems to hit, it doesn't do the damage you would think it ought to--but the icy arrow definitely effects the fiery creature, which howls in fury as it recoils from the cold.
K'Nara takes a five-foot-step and chops her scimitar into the only Zombie left in the area: #9. One of her blows connects for 10hpd.
The ten tentacles of the undead Backwards Man flail out at Lian and K'Nara, but both the monk and the blade singer are too nimble for any of the blows to land.
The fire creature--now howling with fury at the hurt it's suffered from the cold and ice magic--whips out its own psuedopods at Gunther, Lian and twice at K'Nara, hitting both males squarely with its burning tendrils. Gunther suffers 19hpd total and Lian gets 22hpd total--both men must make a Reflex save or suffer an additional 3hpd per round because of the sticky, burning napalm-like substance that will drop on them.
DM OCC: there's an updated map in the email to the players.
Ingrge d20+19=28 d20+19=27 d20+12=28 2d6(5+6)+8=19 2d6(6+6)+8=20 2d6(1+5)+8=14 Thursday April 28th, 2005 7:05:20 PM
Letting Fly with three more arrows, Ingrge watches with satisfaction as his arrows seem to fly true. Though none explode this time the frostiness of the arrows leaves a chill in the air.
AC 28 - 19 points (13 regular and 6 frost)
AC 27 - 20 points (14 regular and 6 frost)
AC 28 - 14 points (9 regular and 5 frost)
(ooc: Oh poop, I forgot my normal frost damage last round.....) :>(
Lian (AC 24, 27 of 49hps) d20+17=29 d20+13=31 d20+13=25 d20+10=15 3d6(3+6+5)+5=19 3d6(6+6+6)+5=23 3d6(4+4+5)+5=18 Thursday April 28th, 2005 7:52:44 PM Reflex save 29
Bull's Strength: +4 enhancement to Lian's Str, 3mins (17rnds) Enlarge Person: doubles in size, has 10ft reach, +2 size bonus to Str, 1min(2rnds) Stunning Attacks: 2 used
Prepared Spells for Izen trip: Guidance x2, Create Water Divine Favor, Endure Elements x2, Sanctuary(domain)
Lian attacks the fire elemental (AC 31, 25 and 15 for 19, 23 and 18 damage... unarmed attacks break DR and are magical attacks)
Milo d20+16=27 d4+1=3 d6=2 Thursday April 28th, 2005 7:55:17 PM
After clicking his heels and sheathing his sword, Milo recovers his dropped bow, and fires a single silver fletched arrow at the fire elemental. (OOC: Hit AC 27 for 3 points regular and 2 points of cold damage)
Gunther (AC28, HP51/73) d20+14=25 d20+9=14 d20+14=24 d20+6=20 d20+7=14 d8+8=10 d8+8=11 d6=5 d8+8=15 d6=1 Thursday April 28th, 2005 11:42:16 PM
Gunther howls in pain from the creature's blow, but he looks even more determined to protect K'nara, regardless of the flames clinging to his body (Ref.=14...assumed that's not enough and deducted an additional 3). "De magic is vorking, it looks like. Ve should move back...give dem time to do dere vork." he shouts at K'nara, though he does not move back just yet. With a snap of his fingers, his sword is in his hands, and Gunther lashes out at the zombie tentacle thingy in front of him, determined to give K'nara someplace to safely back into. (AC25 for 10, AC 24 for 11+5shock, AC20 for 15+1shock)
Olana AC27 69/69 d20+15=21 d20+8=19 d20+15=22 d20+8=22 d6+4=8 d6+4=8 d6+4=9 d6+4=9 Friday April 29th, 2005 2:26:08 AM
Giving a nod to Bertram, Olana switches aim from the fleeing orc undead wotsit, to the monsterous flaming horror attacking the others.
Hits AC 21, 19, 22, 22 Dam 8, 8, 9, 9
Brother Bertram AC28 Hit Points 73 3d8(8+8+6)+9=31 Friday April 29th, 2005 4:26:55 AM
Bertram moves quickly towards Lian, easily noting the wounds on his body. He prays to Domi urgently as he goes, calling for the power to heal. (OOC cure Crit-spontaneous cast trades Remove Curse-heals 31 point when he arrives)
DM Donna Friday April 29th, 2005 9:05:00 AM
oops, sorry Lian & Gunther--yes, your Reflex save was to have been versus DC15 or have sticky fire stuff on you for the next ten rounds or until it's put out.
I'll be posting as soon as Lian's player answers the question I wrote on the last part of his post.
Figment (See Invisible) 13d6(6+2+4+6+4+4+4+6+3+6+3+2+4)=54 Friday April 29th, 2005 10:10:41 AM
The mage moves to the side a bit to get a clean shot at the huge elemental, leaving the wierd thing to the others (moves to the left and north). He blasts the elemental with a white cone of frost again nailing it pretty solidly (54 frost damage DMG Cone of Cold).
Combat Round 9 - DM Donna 2d8(7+1)=8 2d8(3+5)=8 d4=4 d4=1 d20+2=4 d20+6=26 d3+3=5 Friday April 29th, 2005 5:34:53 PM
Ingrge's frosty arrows do more damage to the huge fiery foe facing the Talons.
Lian's blows seem to hurt the elemental...as well as 12hpd and 9hpd of burning his own fists in the flames that make up the hateful entity.
Milo's arrow frosts the elemental a bit.
Gunther's blows finish off the reanimated sack of tentacles, which deflates in a puddle of black ichor. Gunther continues to burn for another 3hpd.
Olana's missiles miss.
Brother Bertram heals Lian for 31hp.
Figment manages to engulf the entire flaming horror in his Cone of Cold--and it is unable to dodge to the side...
...an unholy howl of baneful fury issues forth from the Fire elemental as it vainly seeks to flee the chilling Cone of Cold...but the rapidly-shrinking creature remains in Figment's sights...
...and ~poofs!~ into nothingness.
(OOC: Wow--since the monster boofed its Reflex save, Figment's spell did double damage!)
K'Nara stares at the steamy spot that the oversized elemental used to occupy...then she notices that Gunther's still on fire.
"Gahhhhh!" she yells, knocking him over with a blow to his chest (OOC: rolled a natural 20 for that) and then, literally pouncing on him, starts slapping the flames out.
Gunther is no longer burning, but he suffers another 5hpd from K'Nara's zealousness.
All that remains are chopped-up ex-zombies, a rapidly-cooling Lucia where the fire elemental once stood and an unconscious orc.
The battle is over.
Lian (AC 24, fully healed) Friday April 29th, 2005 5:55:52 PM
Bull's Strength Tattoo: +4 enhancement to Lian's Str, 3mins (16rnds) Enlarge Person Tattoo: 1 out of 3 per day Stunning Attacks: 2 used Wholeness of Body: 12 points of 18 used
Prepared Spells for Izen trip: Guidance x2, Create Water Divine Favor, Endure Elements x2, Sanctuary(domain)
Lian rapidly shrinks back to average size, all the while rubbing his raw, newly healed knuckles. "Remind me never to do that again!" He says while putting out a smoldering sleeve.
The elf pauses and heals the remaining damage using internal energy.
"Thanks for healing me Brother Bertram."
"I think we should question orc-boy there." He says, pointing to the orc he knocked out. "Gunther, would you speak with him?..." He pauses. "... um, well, when he wakes up that is." Smirks the monk.
Ingrge Friday April 29th, 2005 8:43:18 PM
Putting his bow away, Ingrge looks around wondering what is going to occur next.
Brother Bertram 3d8(1+2+8)+9=20 Friday April 29th, 2005 11:09:20 PM
Bertram smiles for a moment at Lian then turns and eyes Gunther's condition. He quickly prays over the big warrior's wounds. ((OOC Cast Cure Serious on Gunther-healed 20 hit points))
Figment Saturday April 30th, 2005 8:43:55 AM
The mage pulls out his dagger and kills the remaining orc. No reason to risk the mission.
Lian Sunday May 1st, 2005 3:00:37 AM
The hand of Domi looks away from the unconscious orc for a moment and looks at Bertram's healing technique. "Would anyone like a tad bit of healing from me?" He asks sheepishly.
Gunther Monday May 2nd, 2005 12:42:26 AM
His ears still ringing from the Redcap's attack, Gunther never even sees K'nara's attack coming. One minute he's slicing and dicing, the next he has a powerful, attractive woman knocking him to the ground and slapping him around. Gunther's smile spreads from ear to ear...here intoxicating scent filling his nose. The urge to pull her closer to him is almost irresistible...but somehow he manages to fight it off and rise to his feet.
As Brother Bertram sends his healing energy flowing into his body, Gunther barely even notices...his concentration firmly fixed on K'nara as she walks away. Now dat is some kind of voman! Gunther says in an over loud whisper known to those who cannot hear their own voice. Unable to hear Lian's request, Gunther watches with confusion as Figment kills the sole surviving orc.
Milo Monday May 2nd, 2005 1:01:20 AM
Replacing his bow, Milo immediately moves toward Olana. Seeing that she is unwounded, he smiles before turning to casually inspect the rest of the group. Seeing that there appear to be no major mishaps, he remains wary for more danger, but moves quickly to within arm's reach of Olana, and just happy to see her unharmed, wraps her in a big hug. "We're going to have to set a date sometime love." Milo chuckles. "Though I imagine it'll have to be when we're done with this necromancer business."
Lian Monday May 2nd, 2005 6:08:39 AM
Lian is unable to stop Figment and turns sharply to K'Nara with a heated look in his eyes. "He... he did it again! Sh...um...ga..." The monk stutters in anger, unable to find further words.
He just stands clenching his fists menacingly, unwilling to strike a friend... this time.
Figment Monday May 2nd, 2005 7:30:38 AM
The mage looks confused at Lian. "Surely you can't be upset over...Look, Lian. This animal - and that's what it was - would get up and either attack us again or go get more frieds to do the same. We cannot compromise the mission and we cannot afford to have others come for us. Remember when we showed mercy to the HOL cleric? It caused us to lose to Parnoth, almost get killed, and ruined most any chance of us calling the Tines allies again. How many elves will die because we let that cleric go? So much blood on our hands... You cannot show mercy to evil. Especially when it attacks you while you're on a mission.
Not Again! - DM Donna d20=19 Monday May 2nd, 2005 10:06:58 AM
As K'Nara was too busy putting out the sticky burning stuff that had stuck to Gunther, she initially misses Figment's execution of the orc until after he's stabbed the unconscious humanoid. Even as she rushes over to where the orc is bleeding out onto the ground, Gunther's words make her stop and stare for a moment.
"Oh, gods--Bertram..!" the blade singer groans. "Would you please see if Gunther is deaf--and if anyone else is? Blasted redcaps!" She checks the orc that Figment attempted to administer his coup-de-grace upon...and finds that it's barely alive.
"Lian, here...you can use one of your new, hard-won healing spells and keep this one alive...but use ONLY one...a minor one." she tells the Hand of Domi, then she stands and whispers a spell. The orc bodies--even the one that Figment tried to dispatch--have items that glow softly.
"Hmmmm..." K'Nara says, her brow wrinkling up as she thinks very, very hard. Then she turns to Figment. "Figment--I'm afraid this time you can't just kill this orc...because if you do, we will never be able to escape this fog." OOC: made an Intelligence check versus DC18.
"I think this...this fog is actually drawn to us because of the magic items we have...but if we leave a living, unmoving person with magic items here, the fog will stay put, seeking to get the items from the easiest target that has them--this unconscious orc." she explained, then began removing the glowing items from the other bodies. "The redcaps and those...those horrible tentacle-men were probably like camp-followers, and a means for the fog to actually get its victims killed...and then stripped of their items. Don't know how that big ol' fire elemental got stuck in here, though."
The unconscious orc wears armor that is likely magic, as it is glowing from the Detect Magic spell she cast. The pile of magic items gotten from the other orcs includes: 6 falchions, one ring, one backpack, an amulet, a pair of boots, a belt, two cloaks and a pair of bracers.
"Lucia..." K'Nara remembers her beloved blade, then looks around for it on the ground. The sword lies in a blackened circle that is still smoking a bit. The human blade singer goes over and carefully reaches a hand out, but pulls it back.
"It...it's too hot." she says, frustrated. "That fire elemental's heat is still in the metal..."
Brother Bertram Monday May 2nd, 2005 4:48:49 PM
Bertram shakes his head as he sees Figment attack the prone orc before anyone can say a word to stop him. He is relieved to hear that it still lives and might be able to get them out of this cursed fog.
Milo Monday May 2nd, 2005 6:13:33 PM
Deaf as stone, Milo stands there, blissfully unaware of the conversations taking place around him. Looking up at Olana, "I cannot hear a thing."
Olana Monday May 2nd, 2005 7:50:34 PM
Olana hugs Milo tightly. Figment's treatment of the orc washes over her. It's just one thing. She'd killed one, almost got trampled with another. What was that? Milo was deaf? Oh my!
Lian Monday May 2nd, 2005 8:07:12 PM
"Mercy is what seperates good from evil, Figment. If you blur that line, your no better than the evil yourself."
He says nothing more to the mage and listens to K'Nara. "Magic detecting fog eh? Strange." He looks at Figment.
The monk walks up to Milo and Olana. "Are you both alright?" Seeing the look on Olana's face, Lian puts it together. "I think Milo is deaf Bertram. It's beyond my skill I'm sure."
Figment d20+9=26 d20+23=33 d20+23=41 Monday May 2nd, 2005 9:26:39 PM
The mage backs away from the ongoing feud with the young elf about what is and isn't evil, and focuses on the fog (Int check 26), realizing he hadn't noticed the property she had noticed. "Good catch, K'Nara. I am sorry I didn't see it before...". He looks it over a little closer through the eyes of a trained wizard (Spellcraft 33, Arcana 41) to see if he can figure out the exact effect and how to defeat it.
Gunther Monday May 2nd, 2005 10:31:30 PM
Shaking his head to clear his thoughts of K'nara, Gunther rubs absently at his ears. It was so strange watching the others go about their business silently. He could tell a few hot words had been exchanged, but he couldn't tell over what...other than it had something to do with the orc. Gunther heads over to the orc, checking over his wounds. For a mage, Figment sure new how to do a lot of damage with a little tiny blade. Still, he'd live. Gunther goes over to K'nara. "K'nara do you vant me to rough him up a bit? Anyting you vant me to get out of him?" he shouts. Though he's unclear of how he can actually go about interrogating someone when he's deaf, Gunther doesn't want to disappoint K'nara. K'nara...Gunther can't help but manage a goofy grin just about every time he thinks about her since the incident .
Ingrge d20+17=25 Tuesday May 3rd, 2005 6:56:05 AM
Ingrge seems to be lost in thought, as a fleeting smile crosses his lips. Coming out of his momentary reverie, he ponders the fog with Figment trying to figure out what is going on. (knowledge Arcana 25)
In A Fog - DM Donna Tuesday May 3rd, 2005 9:55:59 AM
Both Ingrge and Figment recall from the annals of mystic lore that there is a phenomenon in the Shadowlands called a "Zombie Fog". It strikes at night--a creepy black fog that seems to be drawn to anyone or even anyplace that has magic items. (Oddly enough, simply casting magic spells does not draw it forth.) The fog has a horrible property, though--oftentimes, within that fog will be a number of evil creatures who will stalk and kill whomever else is in the fog in order to get the magic items that are available. Then the fog animates the fallen victims and goes off in search of more magic items, taking its retinue of creatures with it.
If there is a definitive way to "kill" the fog, magic research has not come up with it yet.
The tally of deaf Talons is Milo and Gunther.
"You got Remove Deafness..?" K'Nara asks Bertram hopefully, as she notices that Gunther can't seem to stop grinning.
Once more, K'Nara goes over and attempts to retrieve the fallen Lucia--but, again, she has to back off. Lucia is still too hot to pick up.
"Is there some way to cool off my sword..?" K'Nara asks out loud, not liking the situation at all.
Figment Tuesday May 3rd, 2005 11:13:02 AM
The mage conveys the proprties of the fog to the rest of the group looking to Ingrge for any elaboration on the subject. He recommends that they do whatever they are going to do to the orc and move on towards the castle. Walking over to Lucia, he casts and a very small ray of frosty energy emits from his finger and hits the extremely hot sword. He focuses the energy on the hilt so the warrior woman can pick it up. "That should do it, K'Nara...".
Brother Bertram Tuesday May 3rd, 2005 2:30:35 PM
Bertram nods the negative to K'nara regretfully, his hand stroking his axe nervously.
Ingrge Tuesday May 3rd, 2005 5:25:21 PM
Adding in anything that Figment leaves out about the fog, Ingrge gain smiles to himself and you almost catch the sound of a whistled some start from his lips, but that stops almost immediately. Looking back toward the way they were heading, he looks to the others. "So, is the plan that we just walk up and ask to be entered inot this tournament? or are we going at this haphazardly?"
Milo Tuesday May 3rd, 2005 9:21:48 PM
Aware that everyone is talking, but unaware of what they're saying, Milo stands patiently next to Olana, and waits for some kind of direction.
Lian Tuesday May 3rd, 2005 11:18:50 PM
Looking at the deaf talons, Lian simply says, knowing full well they can't hear, "I know how you must feel."
He goes about gathering the loot, seeing no one else has done it. He looks around at the talons, looking for a sack to dump the treasure into. He leaves the armor on the unconscious orc. "So, do we just leave him here and teleport out of the fog? Just curious. Could we blow it away with a wind conjuration?" He seems not to be thinking of the tournament as much as the current 'fog' situation.
Gunther Tuesday May 3rd, 2005 11:30:11 PM
Big goofy grin fixed firmly on his face, Gunther checks his equipment over. "Vell, are ve leaving or vat??" he calls out in his too loud voice. Actually, he didn't really mind being deaf that much...made things a lot simpler, really.
Olana Wednesday May 4th, 2005 1:50:44 AM
On hearing the properties of the fog, Olana wrinkles her nose in distaste and attempts to relay the info to Milo. "It's black. And Horrible. And it - " she makes a few wild hand gestures. This was going to be awkward. "Magic items!" she finishes followed by a sigh because she suspects she isn't very good at explaining things.
And tickling tea leaves, did Gunther have to yell like that? As soon as everyone's sure the cloud fog thing will remain stable, she'll go into scout mode. In front of Milo she taps her eyes and points ahead.
Brother Bertram Wednesday May 4th, 2005 4:27:38 AM
Bertram rummages through his pack pulling out a pair of gloves. He looks at them thoughtfully for a moment then walks over to the orc. "What if we leave something magical on the orc? Will we be able to escape this then?"
Away We Go - DM Donna Wednesday May 4th, 2005 8:37:43 AM
K'Nara carefully reaches for Lucia once more...and this time is able to pick up her adored weapon.
*Well...it's about time..!* Lucia gripes as K'Nara happily takes possession of the blade once more.
"Oh, Figment--thank you!!!" the tall redhead cries gratefully, throwing her arms around the mage and hugging him for a very tight but mercifully brief instant. She then sheathes Lucia snd strides over to where Lian is so very wisely putting the loose magic items together.
"I have a Bag..." she offers, and rummages out the innocuous-looking sack from her own backpack. "...those swords in their sheathes? Yes? Good...everything will fit in here and it won't weigh too much while I'm carrying it."
To Ingrge, K'Nara says with a grin: "We're working on that right now, my friend..." Then Bertram pulls out the gloves he'd had problems with some time back. The leader of the Talons chuckles.
"Well...now that you mention it, my dear brother," K'Nara says, "...the tales only say that the items that draw and keep the fog's attention must be enchanted--but not whether it is good magic or cursed items. We could concieveably switch out the orc's armor with those gloves, if you're of a mind to..."
Lian Wednesday May 4th, 2005 9:15:11 AM
The monk listen to the short discussion and sees no reason why the cursed gloves can't be switched for the armor. He strips the orc of its armor and deposites the armor into K'Nara's sack.
Holding out his hand, he askes Bertram for the gloves. When it is decided, he puts the gloves onto the orc. Smiling he says, "Well, I hope he likes these things more than you Brother. Do we still have any cursed items among us we are willing to part with?"
"I can carry the sack if you like K'Nara, I have no gear to carry, so I can be of use in this capacity." He winks and hefts the sack over one shoulder.
Gunther Wednesday May 4th, 2005 12:43:04 PM
Gunther's goofy grin disappears in a heartbeat and is replaced by one of confusion mixed with a twinge of anger when K'nara hugs Figment. K'nara cares about me...I know it...otherwise she wouldn't have jumped on me like that. But why does she show affection for the mage?! Is she toying with me? Gunther looks over at Figment, sizing him up. What's he got that I don't?? He's too skinny and he can't even swing a sword that well. Oh sure, he can do fancy magic stuff, but can he wrestle an angry kitty to the ground?! I think not! A firm look of resolve settles in on Gunther's face. No, I will prove to K'nara that I am the one for her. Let this puny mage try if he wishes...I always was a hit with the ladies anyway. Why, back with the Grell clan I could have had any pick of a score of sturdy orc females! The thought of all those hot looking orc women beating each other up just for the honor of going on a raid with him makes Gunther smile. Let this novice try his hand...poor fool, he has no idea what he is up against!
A smirk on his face, Gunther looks over at K'nara. "Come on, let's go...time is vasting!" he states in his "normal" tone.
Lian Wednesday May 4th, 2005 5:21:47 PM
As the monk looks on, he watches many emotions cross the big man's face. He looks resolute about something... he's looking hard at Figment and K'Nara... he's quite focused. Wait, could he be.... nah! NO... oh no... He thinks to himself.
Milo Wednesday May 4th, 2005 8:48:26 PM
Nodding to Olana, Milo accompanies her while she scouts. Even though the halfling cannot hear a thing, his eyes are as keen as ever.
Figment Wednesday May 4th, 2005 9:35:43 PM
The mage smiles as he finds the way to K'Nara's heart. He quickly recomposes himself and prepares to move on after they set up the orc to keep the fog busy. "Probably more merciful to kill the poor bastard...".
Olana Thursday May 5th, 2005 1:34:00 AM
After they set up the dead orc, Olana will test the fog by moving ahead, hopefully finding the edge of it. It would be nice to actually see something. An horizon, a path, some idea of a direction then they could perhaps give the impression they knew where they were going and what they were doing. The tournament is preying on her nerves, always in the back of her mind.
Brother Bertram Thursday May 5th, 2005 4:28:55 AM
Bertram shrugs and keeps an eye on his deaf companions, but also on the surrounding fog, looking for enemies.
Out of the Fog - DM Donna Thursday May 5th, 2005 6:38:27 AM
K'Nara and Lian finish packing up the other magic items and K'Nara hands the monk her Bag of Holding. Then she nods vigorously to Gunther, and catches Milo's eye to signal that they are all leaving the area now.
To Figment, the leader of the Talons grins and agrees: "That was the idea all along..."
Everything secure, the Talons continue their intended trek to the Arena at the foot of Bone Mountain. Soon they clear the confines of the dark, gloomy fog and hastily make up a lot of lost time, seeing the craggy outcroppings and throng of people up ahead that delineate the Arena.
There are lots of unsavory types gathered as the party approaches. K'Nara frowns, then beckons Lian to her and rummages through the bag. She comes up with a hat that she hands to Ingrge.
"A Hat of Disguise..." she tells the all-white elf, "...I have the feeling that your manner of dress may blow our claim of being a...less than sterling mercenary group."
Should Figment choose to utilize the hat, he must make a Disguise check (the hat adds +20 to the roll).
At one end of the gathering, there is a troll who is acting a lot like a carnival barker, making announcements in his gutteral voice:
"Step right up--yes, step right up now! Registration is still open for the Tournament of Death! Any party of up to 10 people can enter this competition to win the right to conquer the Bone Tower! Come, come--we have three groups already...we need one more! Step right up..!"
There seem to be no takers.
"That's our cue, I suppose." K'Nara says, squaring her shoulders and heading straight for the troll.
"I'm signing on my group! Eight proud warriors!" the tall woman bellows at the big, ugly humanoid, who eagerly swings about to face her.
"Ahhhh! Someone of mettle at last!" the creature says, leering at her. "And what is the name of your group, human?"
"Uh...um..." K'Nara stutters, hitting a blank...
Figment Thursday May 5th, 2005 8:29:33 AM
As K'Nara falters a bit the mage thinks quickly to come up with something impressive yet not too impressive. "We are the Green Claws".
K'Nara Thursday May 5th, 2005 10:52:16 AM
"Yes!" the redhead agrees with Figment quickly. "We're the Green Claws..."
"The Green...Claws..." the troll repeats as he laboriously writes the name of the party into a roster book he has, then eyes K'Nara expectantly.
"...the Green Claws...of Gore..?" she adds, not quite sure why the troll is staring. The troll writes more, but he prompts.
"How many in the Green Claws...of Gore?"
"Oh...um...eight."
"Go through the archway into the Arena proper..." the troll growls, nodding at the crudely-fashioned opening.
"But...but my group...we need to--"
"You get into the Arena or you wait until next month!" the troll barked, one gnarled hand flinging out and pointing persistently at the Arena entrance.
Knowing there was no choice, K'Nara beckoned to the others and plodded through the rough-hewn semi-circle that heralded the entry into the Arena proper.
Milo Thursday May 5th, 2005 8:41:51 PM
Seeing K'nara speaking with the troll, Milo realizes that this must be the place. Keeping his mouth shut, for fear of saying something out of place he waits while the conversation ensues. Once over, he follows the rest of the group into the arena.
Ingrge d20+20=30 Thursday May 5th, 2005 9:58:03 PM
Accepting the hat, Ingrge, figuring simple was best, simply tries to do no more than make himself look like a scruffy human type that might have a small touch of elf in him.
As the group approaches the Registrar and Figmant comes up with the "green claws," Ingrge again nods to himself, as if to say "yup simple is best."
Gunther Thursday May 5th, 2005 11:21:41 PM
The warrior watches the exchange between K'nara and the troll, wonder what's up with the pause. Oh well, looks like it's taken care of. Gunther marches along behind the others. I wonder if we'll have any time to prepare...a few potions might be nice...Hey, why is that mage walking so close to K'nara??! With a low growl, Gunther picks up speed and places himself between Figment and K'nara. "Are ve going to fight now?" he earnestly askes the bladesinger.
Lian Friday May 6th, 2005 1:00:09 AM
The monk stands silent beside the red headed warrior. His face covered and hidden in the deep hood.
(OOC: Should be Thursday post!!!)
Olana Friday May 6th, 2005 1:26:08 AM
As they get closer to the arena, Olana tightens her armour and tries a bit of attitude, making sure at least half her weapons were on show. She puts a little strut into her usual quiet grace, and curls her lip slightly.
The Green Claws? Okay, she was a 'Green Claw'. Oh sheesh, she wasn't fooling anybody, she thinks, giving the troll 'the hard stare'.
Brother Bertram Friday May 6th, 2005 4:34:33 AM
Bertram eyes the troll for a moment then shrugs and shoulders his axe and follows along with the others. He murmurs prayers to Domi as they walk, preparing what magic he has to help his friends.
Figment Friday May 6th, 2005 8:28:20 AM
The mage walks through the arches into the arena, knowing full well his most powerful spells are gone. At least by casting them the Talons are in better shape than they otherwise would have been. Better to start fresh... He hopes Ingrge has some firepower to add.
Something in the Air - DM Donna d20+20=29 d20+20=30 d20+4=20 d20+4=12 Friday May 6th, 2005 1:41:33 PM
As they pass through the semi-circular opening, both Milo and Gunther feel a shudder pass over their bodies...and they can hear again!
All spellcasters who used spells in the last encounter suddenly remember those spells again.
Anyone who used an item that can only be used "X times a day" suddenly realize that their items have been "reset" to the start of a new day.
Any lingering wounds and/or conditions are immediately cured.
GM OOC: treat your PCs as though they've been able to rest overnight & replenish their spells, etc.
The "Green Claws" enter the arena and find the semi-circular opening irises shut behind them.
Now you are standing in one section of a huge open area--the Arena, it appears, has been liteally dug out of this section at the foot of Bone Mountain, with the mountain itself making up part of one side.
The sandy floor of the Arena is strewn with bones, amongst which the occasion form of a scavenger beastie of some type can be seen. The arena floor itself is a good two hundred foot diameter circle, enclosed by a roughly-hewn wall of about 25 feet in height. Arranged above and around the wall is stadium-like levels of rough rock benches--the spectator stands.
Filling the seats nearly to capacity are a diverse bunch of lifeforms...most of them humanoids and subhumans, but there are more than a few ogres, trolls, gnolls, halfbreeds and even the odd hill giant or three.
In the area of the stands that is carved from the mountainside itself is an obvious "skybox"...the preferential balcony-like structure from which some figure of prestige and/or authority is likely to view tonight's gladiatoral game.
"Welcome to the Arena, humans, humanoids and others!" booms out the voice of the troll, who appears in a smaller skybox next to the more imposing one. "I'm Trumtal Gutmasher, your announcer for this evening...and I'm here to tell you the rules..."
Raucous laughter greets this part of the commentary.
"Awrigh--AWRIGHT! Settle down!" Gutmasher roars. When the crowd quiets down enough, the troll continues:
"Yes, I use the term 'rules' VERY loosely, because there is only ONE rule: NOHEALING! The Necromancer is allowing the winners of tonight's competition to enter the Bone Tower, and needs to be sure that only the strongest do so. This means that nobody inside the Arena combat area is to receive ANY type of healing whatsoever, be it magic or even just a bandage. I warn you, players, this is the only rule in the fight and it is STRICTLY enforced!!!"
The crowd murmurs and mutters as different spectators vent different views on this policy.
"Now, be silent, simpletons! The Necromancer approaches!" Gutmasher announces.
The stadium is silent as all eyes turn to the skybox. Advancing from the shadows is a single, human-sized figure in a hooded black-and-silver robe and clutching a carved ebon staff in one hand. Those PCs who can make a Knowledge (arcana) check may do so versus DC25. Making the check means you can tell that this particular staff is a VERY nasty piece of work--but it's customized so that you cannot tell from here the exact kinds of nasty it contains.
"Who comes to answer the challenge..?" the figure intones in a hollow voice that makes it impossible to tell if the speaker is male, female...or other.
"From Aisildur..." Gutmasher announces, "...we have eight members of the Emperor's Elite! Come forward, Aisildurans, and salute the Necromancer..!" The group of well-armored and well-armed fighters with the hated symbol of Ga'al on their tunics step forward, one of them (their commander?) bowing in the direction of the skybox. The crowd's reaction is mixed, most of them applauding in their own way, some of them giving catcalls, others cheering and still others booing.
"From Grimsliver Keep, the Wizards Deux and their retinue..." the troll introduces. Now step foward a pair of humans, one male and one female. Everyone must make two Spot checks--one versus DC29; the other versus DC30.
The two Wizards beckon forth their "retinue"...four monstrous-looking spiders the size of plow horses--their legs spanning more than 14 feet! They have spiky-looking carapaces and very large, very painful-looking pincers that, even now, drip with ichor. You figure they weigh at least two tons each. The wizards both bow to the Necromancer and step back.
Once more the spectators have their mixed reactions, a lot of them "ooh" and "ahhh" over the appearance of the devillish-looking spiders.
"Our local favorites are that infamous group of marauders from Izen--the Arm of Marteaus..." Gutmasher cries with gusto, "...led by the lovely if ruthless Genevieve..!"
The crowd goes wild (though there are some who aren't quite as enthusiastic), stomping and clapping as a human female in plate mail and wearing the typical hooded garb of a cleric of the Dark Lord steps out in front of a group of seven other people and lifts her quarterstaff to salute the Necromancer before returning to her fellows.
"And the final group is from...uh...ah..." Gutmasher fumbles, for he had forgotten to ask K'Nara where the party hailed from, "...from...out of town--the Green Claws of Gore..!"
K'Nara glances back at the others before stepping forward to the applause (and quite a few indecent proposals) from the crowd, who are mostly puzzled as you all are, indeed, unknowns from "out of town". She turns to the skybox and nods, then steps back.
The entire stadium draws in its breath and exhales: "...oooooooo..." Apparently they all believe that K'Nara just dissed the Necromancer.
Ingrge: HP 250 (100), AC 28: Spell resistance 18%, hasted, stoneskin d20+8=14 d20+8=18 d20+13=28 Friday May 6th, 2005 5:22:37 PM
While the announcer is announcing, Ingrge activates his boots (free movement) and then takes out a scroll and casts it upon himself. (Stoneskin) while he is otherwise occupied he spots nothing out of the ordinary about the two wizards.(spot 14,18)
Ingrge then takes a look at their opponents, grimacing a bit as he sees the large spiders. his eyes travel upward as K'nar bows toward the necromncer and his eyes catch sight of the staff Knowledge arcana 28)
Lian (AC 26, 49hps) Friday May 6th, 2005 10:49:18 PM
Active Spells- Bull's Strength: +4 enhancement to Lian's Str, 3mins (30 rnds)
Stunning Attacks: 0 used
Prepared Spells for Izen trip: Guidance x2, Create Water Divine Favor, Endure Elements x2, Sanctuary(domain)
Head still down and hands hidden from view of the crowd, Lian activates his Bull's Strength tattoo. His symbols of Domi hidden well, the monk just waits.
Gunther (AC 28, HP73/73) Animated Shield, Blessed Weapon Saturday May 7th, 2005 9:32:31 AM
The big warrior rubs his ears. That's better! He grins watching the antics of Ingrge and follows suit. Soon his animated shield is floating in front of him, his sword is in hand with with a snap of his fingers, and he pulls out two vials of bless weapon oil and begin applying them to the blades. He also pulls out a scroll of Stoneskin and ask Ingrge to cast it on him. Then he activates the magical properties of his sword. His grin becomes wider as one end crackles with electrical energy while the other burns with fire. "Looks like ve should let de big guns vear each oder down before ve jump in ourselves, don't you tink?" he whispers to K'nara. Gunther eyes the Aisildurians warily, counting carefully. Eight! Oh boy! He'd heard about the infamous Ga'alian Quads...nasty things they were. Well, hopefully someone will kill them off before we have to deal with him. he thinks.
DM Donna Saturday May 7th, 2005 6:03:58 PM
Take a cue from Gunther's Post Name line, players: we'll be entering combat soon, so post your PC's Name, AC, current HP/starting HP, and ALL spell effects/magic effecting him or her. It's VERY important.
Don't forget to make the required check rolls, too--at this moment, each PC needs to roll TWO Spot checks--one versus DC29 and one versus DC30. Spellcasters may roll a Knowledge [arcana] check versus DC25 in order to tell that the Necromancer's staff is a major piece of Evil Magic.
Lian (additional) d20+9=20 d20+9=11 d20+8=10 Sunday May 8th, 2005 4:52:11 AM
(Spot 20, 11) (Knowledge arcana 10)
Brother Bertram AC 28 HP 73/73 d20+5=10 d20+5=9 Sunday May 8th, 2005 6:34:22 PM
Bertram begins sizing up the competition and preparing himself as well. He doesnt recognize anything out of the ordinary about any of them. He decides instead to spend this time on members of his own team. He quickly murmurs a prayer directed at Gunther. (OOC Failed checks, Cast Bulls Strength on Gunther)
Olana AC 27, HP 69/69 Cats Grace d20+16=29 d20+16=24 Monday May 9th, 2005 1:36:09 AM
Gutmasher, thinks Olana with a sigh. Nice name. She quaffs her porion of cats grace and narrows her eyes toward the competition. Ugh. Spiders.
For a moment she takes in their owners. (Made first Sport Check DC 29) Her mind runs over the rest of the competition.
And that Marteaus bunch are probably full of all kinds of germs and diseases, and I bet thase Aisildurians have their heartseeds.... weak spot maybe. Sigh. She glances at Milo. Was this going to be worth it? Then she looks up toward the necromancer and shivers. That was the real target, right there.
Figment (AC 16, HP 63/63) Monday May 9th, 2005 8:40:00 AM
The mage looks over the competition. Interesting mix...he decides to try to get the armed men to attack the spiders while he focuses on the mages. He also takes note of anyone sizing him up. He tries to identify which casters look most powerful and which warriors look most impressive.
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