Valdor Thursday April 7th, 2005 2:03:32 PM
Valdor shouts,"Come on, he's running. But I'll be darned if he's getting away."
Upon seeing his foe, he forgets all reason and worries, and sprints as fast as his boots will let him go, wanting to slow the lich until everyone catches up. He doesn't think for a second before going through the open gate.
Onrad Thursday April 7th, 2005 5:13:51 PM
Coming in last with the cleric, he glances only to see Valdor racing on.
He smiles, as he is true as light to his reputation and races through after him.
"Come Myrridan! I will keep the foes off of you while you tend to your requested business."
Mordrid Thursday April 7th, 2005 6:51:41 PM
Mordrid races after Valdor. Activating his Armor of the Celestial Battalion, the ranger rises 5' off the ground as he continues flying after the hero Valdor, and the villain Morlas.
Myrridan (deathward, wildshape: greater air elemental) Thursday April 7th, 2005 8:36:20 PM
Myrridan sees that both Valdor and Mordrid have charged into the wild unknown. This time Myrridan had prepared ahead of time to ward himself from the effects of death. A mere utterance of a word and the spell blinks to life. (Cast quickened Death Ward, free action). He then goes running after them. After the first few steps, the druids physical form disolves into air and he wisps forward at break neck speed (wildshape: greater air elemental, move: 100-ft, perfect flight.)
Jandar Thursday April 7th, 2005 11:22:28 PM
Seeing the others making haste through the gate, Jandar will make sure everyone is safely through and go through last, figuring healing and spells of distance will be how he'll help in this fight anyway.
Nick Thursday April 7th, 2005 11:43:17 PM
"Valdor, wai -!" Nick gives an exasperated sigh as everyone goes haring off through the gate to goodness knows where. "Well, he who hesitates is lost, I suppose" he says to Jandar as the other cleric watches everyone go through. He shrugs and steps through, preparing to move at speed to catch up.
Corialote d20+30=37 d20+4=21 d20+10=21 Friday April 8th, 2005 12:32:28 AM
Cori makes not move to stop as the liche makes his escape into the desert land. She is hot on Valdor's heels as she moves through the portal as well.
She only takes a few seconds to look at the portal and see why it did not close. "That is interesting." That is all she says as she jumps through.
Tericus Friday April 8th, 2005 6:50:26 AM
Tericus grabs Gareth by the arm and leads him towards the door. "Its time to go, my friend." Tericus says as they enter the door. "We'll get you back to normal soon."
Jerry - OOC Friday April 8th, 2005 12:53:48 PM
::checking in::
...oh and is this a new day for the Storms yet? We've been on the same day since like November and no new spells for 2 major battles.
~~Jan~~ Oh really? Well, we'd better sort that out then. I've taken the liberty of sticking OOC in the header. Looks like a chat board otherwise.
*SteveH-actually, we rested right after the 2nd fight with the liches, JerrJerr. When she gave the elven statues, etc.
DM Jan Friday April 8th, 2005 2:35:23 PM
Shadowlands -
"You know I'm going to have to close this," says Torl matter-of-factly, to anyone who's still there. "Can't just leave a gaping hole into the Shadowlands. It's not safe. But that's the living Wold out there, so I'm assuming you can find your way home." He watches Dragons enter the gate, then sets to work.
Through the gate -
A hot dry wind lashes against everyone's skin. It is nothing compared to being in the Land of Shadow - the Blood ceases it's call, and all magic items stop their clamouring. There's even a slight chance of being able to think straight.
For those on their feet, the ground gives a little, but feels relatively solid underneath. The Dragons are surrounded by sand. Mile upon mile upon mile of it. The only feature in the landscape is the Tower, a short distance away. It is made of red stone and looks forgotten. It's doorway has long disappeared, leaving a large hole.
Ahead of the others and kicking up a whirl of dust, Myrridan can see that the Tower is open to the sky. The roof must have collapsed long ago, but it's walls offer shade. The interior walls look to carry the suggestion of faded frescoes. Parts of an elaborate mosaic floor is visible, along with what looks like a set of carved steps, completely clear of sand, leading down into shadow.
Is THIS Morlas's refuge?
As Tericus helps Gareth through the gate, he might notice that the big warrior appears to have a gleam in his eye and a little more spring in his step than before.
The sun is high, it's light beating down on the sand. The effect is near-blinding. Those with low light vision capabilites will start to get a nice headache really soon if they don't find a refuge.
Where is this place? Unknown. Where is Morlas? Unknown. Does Morlas know the group was able to follow him? Unknown.
A little clear thought also brings forth a dilemma. Both Dragon groups are fresh from their own previous battles. Resources, spells in particular have been spent. Will that matter in the battle ahead?
Valdor Saturday April 9th, 2005 12:18:32 PM
Valdor's head turns quickly from side to side, looking for any sign of Morlas. He asks Mordrid,"Can you tell which way he went from any tracks?"
He asks Tericus and Myrridan,"Can you detect magic on that tower? I don't want to walk into a trap that may be an illusion. Also, we need to spread out, in case there is a trap in the sand. IF that is Morlas's tower, the sand would be rigged to collapse, or it's a possibility anyway."
Corialote d20+4=7 d20+10=13 Saturday April 9th, 2005 9:15:45 PM
Cori glances around some more not really liking what she is seeing. "A little too barren for my taste." She glances around some more as the idea is mentioned of sinking sand and the like.
She pulls up her goggles and drops them over her eyes, making a sigh of relief after that blinding light. "Remind me to mark this spot off my vacation list." She then glances around a little more, now that her vision is back to normal.
Gareth Saturday April 9th, 2005 11:20:20 PM
The warrior moves along with Tericus, not seeing any reason to resist.
Tericus Sunday April 10th, 2005 10:25:10 AM
"Once we get close enough I can." Tericus tells Jandar as he leads Gareth towards the tower.
OOC, i guess im a bit confused. did the storm dragons rest or not? im thinking we did, but ime not sure.
Myrridan (deathward, detect snares & pits, detect magic, wildshape: greater air elemental) d20+32=41 Sunday April 10th, 2005 12:25:17 PM
The druid casts the first of two divinations while in his elemental form. First he casts a spell he thinks might not work here, but it's worth a try (Detect Snares and Pits). After he stares the place down for several rounds, Myrridan will cast his second divination (Detect Magic), and look for what auras, if any, he can see. But he prepares to drop the spell instantly if explosion of auras are too strong. (Spellcraft 41)
Mordrid d20=8 Sunday April 10th, 2005 6:36:19 PM
Mordrid swoops down toward the sand. The footprints in the sand should very obvious, even for someone who is not a veteran tracker. (swift tracker).
Onrad Monday April 11th, 2005 10:52:19 AM
Onrad nods at Jandar. Good we rested. Didn't know for sure.
He not wanting to stay outside more than necessary, rips up a large bag and fashions it into a horrible looking turban and mask. Throwing a rope to Mordred to see if the mighty one will deign to help him, he ties it around his waist [100'] and begins to jog forward.
"Keep up folks. We're hoofing it unless someone has faster transportation for us all. I'm pretty light, and usually if something's out there it will find me."
"Well come on then!"
Mordrid d20=20 Monday April 11th, 2005 10:33:09 PM
Mordrid attempts to grab Onrad's rope four times; hopefully grabbing it (automatic grab with 20).
Mordrid ties the rope around his waiste, and attempts to gain altitude.
"What now my friend?" he says to Onrad.
The Ruins of Morlas. (AMD Jim) Monday April 11th, 2005 10:40:11 PM
A light wind has been blowing since you got through the portal. It helps but down on the heat of the desert but it also shifts the sand.
Myrridan finds no pits or other natural traps in the direction of the tower that lays ahead. The glow of magic coming from that direction though is enough to burn the eyes out of your very head. As it starts you let the spell drop and rub your eyes lightly.
Mordrid can just barely make out the intermitent footprints of Morlas, as he raced across the sand. The wind is fast filling up the prints with new sand.
That is a moot point as no other buildings lay in the immediate area. This has got to be the right direction. It is soon confirmed as a voice issues out of Gareth's body. "He lies in that direction...I must kill this abomination." You are sure that it is the sword that is speaking through Gareth.
The outside area in front of the tower is in shambles with rubble littering the area. Directly ahead of the group lays a pair of large doors. They have been carved into the likeness of large soldiers, one making up each door. The sand shifts lightly under your feet, but does not hamper your footing at all. For about thirty feet from the doors, in all directions is what appears to be an old marble floor under the light layer of sand.
[I will be taking over temporarily for DM Jan, while she is off visiting her mother. Let me know if I need to do anything to make my posts better for the game. I have never DMed a game of this level before.]
Valdor(Boots of Speed, Rary's Telepathic Bond, Ioun Stone-spell absorption) Tuesday April 12th, 2005 12:04:27 AM
Valdor says,"Well, one thing I know for sure. It's got to be guarded, and well. But, we are also in a hurry. Not a good combination. But, we won't improve ourselves by standing still. We should spread out as we get there, so if he casts an area of affect spell, he won't get us all...hopefully."
Valdor pulls a small object out of his backpack and tosses it into the air above his head and it begins spinning, before he starts moving toward the ruins.
Jandar(Bull's Strength) Tuesday April 12th, 2005 12:08:15 AM
Jandar tells Valdor, Onrad and Mordrid to wait so he can cast a spell on them all. When they are all within range, he casts 'Bulls Strength Mass' on all of the group.
Tericus(Bulls Strength, Boots of speed) Tuesday April 12th, 2005 6:39:02 AM
While jogging along with the others, Tericus will activate his boots of speed. Then he studies Gareth to see if he still needs to be led to the tower.
Gareth/Max (Fly, Invisible) Tuesday April 12th, 2005 9:53:53 AM
With the urging of the sword he holds, the warrior doesn't mince words and immediately proceeds above the sand (Fly) towards the tower after a nice boost in his strength. He comes in over the top of the wall making sure he is invisible when he does in hopes of gaining an edge.
Onrad Tuesday April 12th, 2005 12:19:39 PM
Jogging in front of the group with Total Defense on, he yells over his shoulder, "Everyone knows you can't be hurt if you have a rope on!"
He watches for traps, but continues jogging.
When he sees Gareth fly by overhead, he pauses for a second.
"Gareth! No!"
He breaks into a full run for the doors.
Corialote[bull's strength] Tuesday April 12th, 2005 8:00:46 PM
Cori follows along with the combined two groups. She feels the spells being cast settle upon her or at least the strength one. She shakes her head and wonders what she can do with the extra strength.
As they near the doors she glances around to see if anything presents itself. She hangs back some so that she can be of more use of her spells.
Lets Catch a Wave. (DM Jim) Tuesday April 12th, 2005 10:25:40 PM
As the group prepare themselves they find that the large doors before them are made entirely of stone.
Looking around the group is surprised to see what appears to be a green wave traveling across the desert area. With little warning it wraps the surrounding area and group within it's green embrace.
For a few seconds time seems to come to a halt, as if the wheels are being held back for some great deed. All around the group is a green wash of light that leaves them sparkling and bathed within this light. No harm comes to the group and you even feel a flooding of love towards all of you.
Then it passes just a quickly as it came and everyone feels the weight of the past few days, has been taken off your shoulders. Old scars have healed, you feel as if you have rested for a good eight hours. The most amazing thing is that all of your spells and abilities are back in full force, as if you have rested for a day. The whole group is left covered in leaves, small twigs and a light layer of dirt...a blessing from the Wold maybe??
The twin doors still stand before you and look to be extremely heavy. Though without testing this you cannot be sure. After all they could be paper light for all you know.
[Be aware that this does not apply to any spells that were just cast. They are still in effect and all. This is mainly the mass bull's strength, detect pits and snares and the detect magic spell that were used. Those slots were not refilled.]
Remember that we will be observing that hour of silence for Lynn and her husband tomorrow. That will be between the time of 12:00 through 1:00...Woldian time. I will expect no posts during that time and if one appears then I will delete it per Jerry's orders.
Jandar(Bull's Strength, Bear's Endurance) Tuesday April 12th, 2005 11:54:04 PM
Jandar runs along with the group. He feels much better, after the short trip through the Shadowlands drained him of some of his normal spunk. Since everyone's pretty much back together around the doors, he casts'Bear's Endurance, Mass' on everyone except Gareth, as he's not there.
Valdor(Bull's Strength, Bear's Endurance, Boots of Speed, Rary's Telepathic Bond) Tuesday April 12th, 2005 11:56:25 PM
Valdor, feeling all buffed up asks,"Can anyone check these doors for traps? I doubt I can budge them, but I'll try."
Tericus(Bulls Strength, Boots of speed, Bears Endurance) Wednesday April 13th, 2005 6:55:33 AM
seeing Gareth fly off, Tericus hopes he'll be all right, then casts Bless on everyone except Gareth.
Gareth (Bull's Strength, Invisible, Flying) Wednesday April 13th, 2005 11:44:37 AM
The warrior looks over the roof into the area below, wondering what he sees. If he sees Morlas he immediately closes and engages him.
An Hour of Silence - DM Donna Wednesday April 13th, 2005 1:10:59 PM
This board will now observe an hour of silence in honor of Lynn Beck (and her husband Dave) who was taken away from The Wold before her time...
Good-bye Dave & Lynn Beck - DM Donna Wednesday April 13th, 2005 2:10:52 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.
Onrad Wednesday April 13th, 2005 2:38:44 PM
Onrad stops before the doors.
"Gareth will not fight alone this day nor in his condition. See you guys on the inside."
Onrad takes out a potion, imbibes it, and flies up to the top to join Gareth.
When he arrives, he chides him. "Never leave the group! It's a bad thing."
Gareth (Bull's Strength, Invisible, Flying) Wednesday April 13th, 2005 3:24:41 PM
The warrior shrugs at his friend "Max thought it was a good idea...". He turns and continues what he started.
Corialote [bull's strength, bear's endurance, rary telepathic bond] Wednesday April 13th, 2005 10:10:38 PM
Cori looks to the rest of the group as some more of them are casting spells. She wonders what would be the best bet for her to cast and decides to wait as her best spell is haste. "Traps are not my area I am afraid." She looks to the door and shakes her head. "Gee, that looks extremely heavy to me." She makes no move to touch the door as that could be suicide.
Spells
Valdor(Bless, Bull's Strength, Bear's Endurance, Boots of Speed, Rary's Telepathic Bond) d20+13=32 Wednesday April 13th, 2005 11:36:23 PM
Valdor waits for someone to check. When noone offers, he merely shrugs and says,"I'd stand back if I were all of you...just in case. Jandar, Tericus, have some healing spells ready for me, please."
Valdor waits for the others to clear away, then flexes his sizeable muscles a time or two to warm them up. He looks for the hinges to identify whether to push or pull. If it pulls, he looks foranything to grip and will heave with all his strength. If it pushes, he plants his feet, and with more strength than a fire giant, begins to push slowly, building up until his face turns blue with effort, if it's needed.(DC32)
Jandar(Bull's Strength, Bear's Endurance, Bless, Haste) Wednesday April 13th, 2005 11:40:16 PM
Jandar says,"Well, I can't help with the traps, but I CAN protect you somewhat."
He casts 'Stoneskin' on Valdor.
Mordrid (Bull's Strength, Bears Endurance, Cats Grace) Wednesday April 13th, 2005 11:49:22 PM
[I'm thinking of you right now Lynn; watch over us.]
Mordrid casts Cats Grace and flies up toward Gareth, bow in hand; his throat tightens watching the heroes work.
Onrad Thursday April 14th, 2005 10:51:11 AM
Wondering if Gareth is somehow being drawn by his sword to his soul, he provides "escort" for Gareth, clearing his way before him. He'll open doors, kill monsters, etc.
He clears the way.
He dances in front of Gareth from side to side, trying to draw any dangers to himself.
He nods as Mordrid arrives to help.
"Concentrate Gareth. See if the sword can show you where your soul is."
The Doors Open. (AMD Jim) Thursday April 14th, 2005 5:39:41 PM
Valdor applies his strength to the door to push it inwards. Much to his dismay the doors swing in with little problem and he finds himself stumbling into the inner room.
The room is large and lit with what would appear to be a million candles settled upon skulls. The room must be about sixty feet in all directions with a ceiling some eighty feet above you. Before you stands another set of these doors, exactly like the ones that you just came through. The floor it patterned with black and white mosaic of some material, maybe marble.
The ceiling that you can see from the sky is solid stone and it is very unlikely that you will enter through this area. It appears that the only way into the tower of Morlas is through the doors that the rest of the group went through.
This place reeks of death and decay, but also power. Though it is the power of evil and leaves the hair on the back of your neck standing.
Jandar Thursday April 14th, 2005 11:57:39 PM
Jandar says,"Wait before anyone goes in. I want to cast a spell to find exactly where Gareth's soul is. Once we're inside, all heck may break loose, not to mention a thousand spells of protection from good, lawful, and so forth. Traps. pits, we should be ready for them all. This could get real ugly."
He bows his head in prayer and casts 'Discern Location' for Gareth's soul/the gem his soul is in.
Valdor Friday April 15th, 2005 12:00:05 AM
Valdor, losing patience as he normally does, is about to enter anyway, when he gets an idea. He turns to Myrridan and asks quietly,"Can you cast that win walk spell once we know where Gareth's soul is? That way we would touch nothing, and might avoid the traps and spells and such. Or at least, maybe we could bypass some of them and move extremely fast at the same time. What do you think?"
Gareth (Bull's Strength, Invisible, Flying) Friday April 15th, 2005 12:04:00 AM
The warrior sighs as he sees his way blocked (thought I read that the ceiling didn't exist). He flies down with the others quietly and enters, looking as Max directs him.
ADM Jim - I took it that that was the outside part of the building that was mostly in ruins. The actual way into the towers itself or the antechamber has a ceiling.
Myrridan Friday April 15th, 2005 2:12:19 AM
Myrridan shapes back to human form and answers Valdor's question with a bit of embarrassment. It was a good idea, why did he think of it too. "Uhh, Im sorry, but Im afraid I hadn't prepared that spell for this trip."
Tericus Friday April 15th, 2005 10:34:30 AM
"Lets see whats behind that door." Tericus says as he moves up to the door, but doesnt touch it. then he casts detect undead and begins to concentrate on the door.
Onrad d20+16=25 Friday April 15th, 2005 12:04:13 PM
Onrad flanking Gareth flies back to the group, relieved.
Walking inside the first room, he looks around carefully. [Spot check of 25]
Corialote [bull's strength, bear's endurance, rary's telepathic bond Friday April 15th, 2005 9:29:28 PM
Cori looks around the room and shakes her head, something does not fill right. She advances slowly with the others her eyes darting this way and that.
Pulling down her goggles to let them dangle around her throat she looks around to the group some. "Stoneskin anyone?" It is a simple question and one she hopes that someone will take her up on.
0th: detect magic, read magic(2), light 1st: comprehend languages(2), identify(4), reduce person 2nd: glitterdust, melf's acid arrow(2), touch of idiocy, mirror image(2), knock 3rd: extended fox's cunning(2), dispel magic(2), hold person, haste, slow 4th: stoneskin(2), wall of fire, greater invisibility, ice storm(2) 5th: rary's telepathic bond, cone of cold(2), passwall, feeblemind 6th: greater dispel magic(2), chain lightning(3), mass bear's endurance 7th: greater teleport, mass hold person, summon monster VII, prismatic spray, mass invisibility, banishment 8th: extended mordenkainen's sword, polar ray(2) 9th: time stop, summon monster IX, shapechange (*) used
Valdor Saturday April 16th, 2005 12:39:44 AM
Valdor says to Cori,"With that sword guiding Gareth, perhaps you should slap a stoneskin on him, or Onrad, as he's going to be protecting Gareth."
Jandar Saturday April 16th, 2005 12:42:08 AM
Jandar pipes in,"I was kinda hoping we could enter after we checked for traps and spells, but I guess it'll be hard stopping for a few seconds."
Jandar has healing spells ready for when, not if, but when the spell storm happens. He backs up a few paces and makes sure his ring of evasion is on his hand.
Big Ol' Guardians. (ADM Jim) Saturday April 16th, 2005 1:58:56 PM
Moving into the room further you notice that there is just enough light that you can see by, well actually it is nice in here. The air is cooler than it had been outside in the desert sun and heat.
About midroom the door behind you closes you off from the outside and you hear the laughter of someone, most likely Morlas. About half the candles go out about this time and the room is put into deeper shadows than before, but it is obvious that it will not hurt anyone's eyesight.
A check of the surrounding area reveals no signs of undead. Then as you look to the door in front of you, you know that undead is beyond that very door.
Cori steps over and lays her hand upon Onrad, casting one of her stoneskin spells upon the man. She looks around to the other and plans to hit Gareth with her other one next.
Suddenly there is a low rumbling as if stone grinding upon stone. As you watch in horror, wonder and maybe a little bit of anticipation...the very doors of the door before you seem to come to life. Two very large stone golems have just emerged from what was the door...eerrr no they were the door. Though you can see more stone in behind them.
Each stone golem stands over twenty-eight feet tall and handles a club in each hand. Their stoney bodies are formed into what would appear to be armor and the clubs are also of solid stone. Both golems lumber towards the group more than ready for combat. Everyone feels a wave of energy pass over them and through them as they pull in closer and you fight off the effects as best you can (Will DC 36 or be under the effects of a slow spell for 7rounds, Con based save).
Tericus(Bulls Strength, Boots of speed, Bears Endurance, Bless, Air walk) d20+18=22 Sunday April 17th, 2005 9:47:51 AM
Tericus feels the effects of the Slow spell(failed save), then casts Air walk on himself, but isnt able to move after he casts.
Myrridan d20+30=36 Monday April 18th, 2005 7:59:46 AM
Myrridan just barely shakes off the Slow effects (Will save 36, bad roll). He then turns to both of the stony goliaths and weaves a spell that will hopefully hurl them upwards.
(Cast Reverse Gravity. Area: ten 10-ft cubes, shapable. No savethrow or spell resist. Use the amount of cubes to target and fill the area in which the golems are standing in. Then apply the rest of the cubes to add to their elevation.)
Gareth (Bull's Strength, Invisible, Flying, stoneskin 150/150) Monday April 18th, 2005 8:39:33 AM
The invisible warrior flies around the golems scanning for the real threat (NOTE: no need tobother saving. No chance).
Onrad (Flying, Bull's Strength, Stoneskin, Slowed) d20+12=26 Monday April 18th, 2005 12:44:55 PM
Onrad fails the Slow effect rolling a 26. [note that it is impossible for me to make this save. I'd have to roll a natural 24 on a d20. Is that what you intended? :)][d20+12=26]
Frustrated, Onrad increases his speed to maximum running X4 at half speed and moving 60' under the golems trying desperately to keep up with Gareth.
[Gareth you didn't make your save.]
"Dispel on the slow please when you can friends! We have a wand."
---------- 174 of 174 hps. AC37
Corialote [HP: 97/97, AC: 37] [bull's strength, bear's endurance, rary's telepathic bond] d20+20=33 Monday April 18th, 2005 8:45:12 PM
Cori feels the spell from the golem pass over her and she tries to resist and finds that she cannot, her will is not strong enough. Gritting her teeth together she throws her hands into the air and sings out a spell. "Asca melloneamin!" Everyone around Cori finds that their actions have been restored or enhanced if they saved against the slow and won.
[Will 35]
Haste-19rounds, +1attack/+1AC/+1Reflex
0th: detect magic, read magic(2), light 1st: comprehend languages(2), identify(4), reduce person 2nd: glitterdust, melf's acid arrow(2), touch of idiocy, mirror image(2), knock 3rd: extended fox's cunning(2), dispel magic(2), hold person, haste*, slow 4th: stoneskin(2)**, wall of fire, greater invisibility, ice storm(2) 5th: rary's telepathic bond, cone of cold(2), passwall, feeblemind 6th: greater dispel magic(2), chain lightning(3), mass bear's endurance 7th: greater teleport, mass hold person, summon monster VII, prismatic spray, mass invisibility, banishment 8th: extended mordenkainen's sword, polar ray(2) 9th: time stop, summon monster IX, shapechange (*) used
Valdor(Stoneskin, Boots of Speed, Bless, Rary's telepathic Bond, Bull's Strength, Bear's Endurance) d100=6 d20=15 Monday April 18th, 2005 11:25:54 PM
(Even accidentally rolling a d100 Valdor couldn't make it!)
Valdor, with his Boots of Speed activated, is momentarily slowed to nrmal, until Cori casts her spell. With their telepathic bond, she can sense his gratitude.
He moves quickly between the golems and the party, holding his initiative to parry any attacks, if Myrridan's spell doesn't work.
He yells out,"Find the big ugly. I'll hold these off as best I can!"
He draws his swords, plants his feet firmly, and awaits the arrival of the huge stone golems.
Jandar d20+21=29 Monday April 18th, 2005 11:56:39 PM
Jandar begins to slow until the drow's spell comes off. He mutters a "Thank you", not quite sure how to speak to a member of the dark skinned elven race, without causing insult.
He waits to see the result of Myrridan's spell before casting again.
(Due to the nature of online gaming, it's difficult to declare what spell Jandar's casting. Jerry has said before he doesn't want a if this, then I do this...if that, then I do this. Can I hold my spell until I know what happened?)
Door Guardians, Uno. (ADM Jim) d20+40=51 d20+40=50 d20+40=55 3d6(1+2+4)+13=20 3d6(6+6+5)+13=30 3d6(2+2+4)+13=21 Tuesday April 19th, 2005 2:41:38 AM
Tericus gets slowed under the sudden ability of the golem, but he still gets his spells of. Suddenly he is fealing lighter than air and does float a few inches off the ground.
Myrridan is able to fight off the effects of slow and throws back a spell of his own. He hopes to see the golems rise to the ceiling or at least partway and put them out of action for a few.
Gareth also feels the bite of the slow effect but flies on anyways to see if he can find the lich. He is disappointed to not see him anywhere in this room.
Onrad speeds forward to keep pace with Gareth, though he is also effected by the slowness. He calls for some kind of dispel or anything to cancel out this ability.
Cori cannot shake off the slow ability as it washes over her and she combats it with a spell of her own. She sings out and counters it for those that failed with a haste spell of her own.
Valdor moves forward only momentarily slowed as Cori's spell goes off. He yells to the group to find the big ugly while he takes care of the two golems. He sets himself to defend as he waits for the golems to close.
Jandor is also saved by Cori's spell as it goes off and he waits to see what will happen. A spell is right there in case he needs it, but he has to see what will happen first. He mutters a thanks to the drow, not knowing what to really say as he does not want to insult her.
Bob the Door Guardian lumbers forward, not even seeming to have been effected by the spell that Myrridan cast. With a massive swing of it's right club it drives it at Valdor with great force (hit: 51 and damage: 20).
Steve the Door Guardian stands his ground and takes a swing at the flying Gareth with one great club (hit: 50 and damage: 30). The other club takes a mighty swing at Onrad as he follows along after Gareth (hit: 55 and damage: 21).
Expect this battle to not be easy as it was intended that way. I also have a quick question about our current amount of party members. Exactly how many all together with the combined might of the Storms and Golds do we have? I know that Jan is away so Nick is out unless someone has his character sheet and would like to RP him. I would do this but Jan did not give me a CS to use for it. Will get ahold of Carl otherwise to make posts for Nick as we will most likely need his healing.
Myrridan may notice Spellcraft DC 24 that there is something strange about the surface of the golems. There is a strange sort of glittery substance inbedded in the stone, maybe even worked into it.
Map to come as well. Remember to put HP and AC in your post as well as spells effecting your character please.
Tericus - Ac 25, Hp 167(Detect Undead, Haste, Bulls Strength, Boots of speed, Bears Endurance, Bless, Air walk, Haste) Tuesday April 19th, 2005 9:25:35 AM
not able to hurt the stone guardians, Tericus will airwalk over them and continue towards the door where he sensed the undead waiting
Onrad Tuesday April 19th, 2005 11:59:42 AM
Taking the hit and continuing to run past the golems and proceeding to keep pace with Gareth, Onrad examines the area he's travelling through. [description please sir.]
For now, he goes Total Defense and declares the Golem that hit him as his current focused opponent. [AC58 now.]
[We have two fine clerics in Jandar and Tericus. Once Jan returns, Steve will need to retire one character.]
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153 of 174 hps. AC58 Total Defense
Corialote [HP: 135/135, AC: 37] [bull's strength, bear's endurance, rary's telepathic bond] d4+1=5 Tuesday April 19th, 2005 8:05:13 PM
Cori glances around and shakes her head. Things are not looking good and Valdor can sense her anxiety through thier link.
Going through her spells she comes up with only one solution that will have any effect on the battle for the minute. She once again throws her arms wide and begins an incantation. "Sana termara en templa." With the spells end she seems to fade from sight. Looking around she is amazed to see that everyone seems to be standing still in the midst of a battle, but then the enemy is not moving either. She shakes it off though as she has used this spell before and prepares for what is to come.
Haste-18rounds, +1attack/+1AC/+1Reflex Time Stop-5rounds
0th: detect magic, read magic(2), light 1st: comprehend languages(2), identify(4), reduce person 2nd: glitterdust, melf's acid arrow(2), touch of idiocy, mirror image(2), knock 3rd: extended fox's cunning(2), dispel magic(2), hold person, haste*, slow 4th: stoneskin(2)**, wall of fire, greater invisibility, ice storm(2) 5th: rary's telepathic bond, cone of cold(2), passwall, feeblemind 6th: greater dispel magic(2), chain lightning(3), mass bear's endurance 7th: greater teleport, mass hold person, summon monster VII, prismatic spray, mass invisibility, banishment 8th: extended mordenkainen's sword, polar ray(2) 9th: time stop*, summon monster IX, shapechange (*) used
Myrridan (ac42, hp227, deathward, barkskin, haste, greater magic fang, longstrider) d20+32=48 Tuesday April 19th, 2005 8:52:52 PM
Myrridan is perplexed as too why his Reverse Gravity spell didnt work. "Do not these golems get wet in a rainstorm? Do they not become warm in the light of the sun?" The druid has faced many golem, destroyed them all. He knows their strengths and weaknesses. He knows their immunities to magic. He knows his way around such obstacles. But the fact that these two seem to ignor the very forces of gravity tells him other magics must be helping them. There is no defense against such a spell, no resistance is too great. Must be either antimagic ... or some kind of adhesion to the floor!!
Myrridan easily notices the glint of reflected light sparkling on their bodies. "Oh, what is this?" The druids keen eyes scan their bodies to determine what it is. (Spellcraft 48)
With all that information being processed, Myrridan casts a spell that he hopes wont fail for some unknown reason. Light envelopes the druid and takes the form of a translucent raging bear. With a flash, the light streaks out to all his allies. He then snaps his fingers and another spell pops to life instantly.
(Casting Mass Bears Endurance. +4 to Constitution. You all gain +2 hitpoints per level and your Con save increases by +2. Cast Quickened Barkskin, free action.)
Mordrid (Bears Endurance, Cats Grace) d20=19 Tuesday April 19th, 2005 9:26:56 PM
Mordrid swoops in just behind and above Valdor, and casts cats grace on himself.
[I imagine that I saved with the 19 from "slow" however I can't be sure. I am still in Ft. Worth and have no character sheet, so I will not attack. I will be back at my PC on Wednesday. Good Luck!]
Jandar(Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, Bless, Haste, Slow) Tuesday April 19th, 2005 11:23:14 PM
Jandar, knowing how immune to magic these creatures are, decides to try a different. Since both golems are engaged at the moment, he casts 'Stone Shape' on the ground at the golems back foot that is closest to him, making sure the area of effect is away from where Valdor and Gareth are moving around.
He tries to basically make it into a hole until one or both of the golems feet are sunken down, then will reshape it to try to catch them while they are paying attention to the prey in front of them.
(It's a stretch, but what the heck.)
Valdor(AC 37, HP 336, Stoneskin 140/150, Boots of Speed, Bless, Rary's telepathic Bond, Bull's Strength, Bear's Endurance) d20+41=54 d20+41=59 d20+36=56 d20+36=55 d20+31=48 d20+31=50 d20+26=40 d20+26=39 d20+41=50 d20+36=38 d20+36=47 d20+31=51 d20+31=47 d20+26=34 d8+19=23 d8+19=26 d8+19=23 d8+19=22 d8+19=26 d8+19=23 d8+19=23 d8+19=27 d8+19=23 d8+19=21 d8+19=23 d8+19=22 d8+19=23 d8+19=22 Wednesday April 20th, 2005 1:13:55 AM
When the behemoth takes his swing, Valdor attempts to parry the blow with his held attacks. He then realizes his shield is of no use to him against such a brute and drops it, drawing the Sun Sword in one fluid motion(quick draw), and then uses the rest of his attacks.
(Holy cow the dice love me. First attack to parry the blow AC51, 2nd-8th, regular attacks, last 6 possible crits-are they immune to crits? 2nd AC59, 3RD AC56, 4th AC55, 5th AC48, 6th AC50, 7th AC40, 8th AC39, PCRIT 1st AC50, 2nd PCRIT AC 38, 3rd PCRIT AC47, 4th PCRIT51, 5th PCRIT AC47, 6th PCRIT 34. Damage, in order(don't know it's AC yet) is 23, 26, 23, 22, 26, 23, 27, 23, 21, 23, 22, 23, 22 for a possible 304 points of damage!)
Door Guardians, Dos. (ADM Jim) d20+40=44 d20+40=52 d20+40=52 d20+40=44 3d6(4+6+1)+13=24 3d6(3+5+1)+13=22 3d6(3+2+6)+13=24 3d6(5+5+5)+13=28 Wednesday April 20th, 2005 3:53:37 AM
Tericus airwalks over the top of the guardians with little problem. He stops at the doors that had been behind the golems all along.
Onrad takes the hit and keeps running past the two golems. He notices the tiled mosaic floor that he runs upon, covered with a light dusting of sand. Though half of the skull toped candles have went out you can still see well. Each one of the skulls is set into alcoves that line the very walls. The ceiling is made of stone as well with what would appear to be an old murial painted upon it, faded with time and wear. The real doors leading to the next room are set within an alcove of thier own, that the guardians had been set into...posing as doors. The large double doors are split in the middle with a hair line crack so that they can be swung open.
Cori knows that she will need to do something drastic to give the group the edge with these two behemoths. She slips from everyones' sight as she calls upon the powers of time. As she goes through her spells she knows what she must do, but in what order would be best she has no idea. She will have to fly by the seat of her pants as her Master once said.
Myrridan is perplexed by the sudden uselessness of his spell and then he notices the glowing dust mixed in with the golems normal body make. With a growl he comes to understand that the golems are protected by another spell, set into the golems when they were made. This Morlas is a tricky one is all he can think as he conjures up two spells of his own, one to aid his allies and one to aid himself. *Note: Mass Bear's Endurance was cast already if you want to hold that spell for later. Maybe play a different one?*
Mordrid swoops in to take a position above Valdor, but behind him by a little. He empowers himself with a cat's grace spell and finds that his movements are not slowed. *Cori nullified it with a haste spell, but if you saved successful than you can benefit from haste.*
Jandar pulls out some clay from one of his many pouches and starts to form it as he touches the tiled floor. Much to his surprise his spell takes effect and he soon has the nearest golem, Bob. As he continues to shape the clay, this time to come back up and around the golems legs he touches it to the tiles to seal the spell. Though he was able to only get one golem he is happy with that.
Valdor drops his shield after trying to parry the first blow of the golem, but it still catches him though part of it is held by the spell upon him. He tears into the golem with a vengeance with the loaned sunsword. He literally becomes a dervish of steel as he cuts at the things legs, leaving deep cuts and cracks in the stone body. *Yep, immune to criticals*
Bob the Door Guardian seems to be unaware that he is trapped in the floor. He also shows no signs of weakness or pain as he continues to press his attacks upon Valdor. This time it is not one but both clubs that try to find an opening in Valdor's defenses (hit: 44/52 and damage: 24/22).
Steve the Door Guardian turns ever so slowly to those that are gathering around the door. It does not seem to take the time to choose a target it just swings it clubs at the nearest one. The first club swing comes in at Gareth again with all that unholy might that the golem posesses (hit: 52 and damage: 24). The other club attack is split once again, but this time aimed at Tericus with most likely devestating effect (hit: 44 and damage: 28).
Stone Golem AC 27
Myrridan Spot DC 18Highlight to display spoiler: {You notice a blue gem about the size of your fist upon the golem's chest. Something tells you it is magic.}
Sorry about the corny names, but I like it better than Greater Stone Golem 1 and Greater Stone Golem 2.
Gareth (Bull's Strength, Invisible, Flying, stoneskin 97/150) Wednesday April 20th, 2005 6:44:17 AM
(Note: Gareth is invisible and flying. How can he be reached by Bob unless he jumps? And how is he seen...).
The warrior ignores the golem and looks for Morlas.
Myrridan maybe able to shed a little light upon that very soon, if he passes his spot check. :)
Tericus - Ac 25, Hp 167/139(Detect Undead, Haste, Bulls Strength, Boots of speed, Bears Endurance, Bless, Air walk, Haste) 15d6(5+2+4+6+1+4+2+6+5+1+1+5+3+1+6)=52 Wednesday April 20th, 2005 10:08:08 AM
wincing from the blow, Tericus casts a Blade Barrier between Steve and his companions(40 ft long and 40 ft high, 52 pts of damage, reflex save of 21 for half, we get a cover bonus of +4 to ac if the golem attacks through the wall.)
Onrad [Fl;ying, Bull Strength, Stoneskin] Wednesday April 20th, 2005 11:03:27 AM
"Gareth, where are ya?"
He sees the golem swing and hit something unseen.
So Onrad takes off in that general direction, trying to attract the attention of the golem. Still at total defense, he screams and waves at the monster, "Come on big boy! Hit me!"
"Looks like these things are tall enough to hit anything floor to ceiling."
[Things are going well Jim. Questions from this group in combat is normal and to be expected. :)]
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[150 - 21 = 129 stoneskin points left] 174 of 174 hps. AC58 Total Defense
Mordrid (Bears Endurance, Cats Grace) d20=5 d8+12=16 d20=13 d8+12=16 d20=6 d8+12=14 d20=20 d8+12=19 2d10(9+7)=16 d20=17 d8+12=19 d20=12 d8+12=16 Wednesday April 20th, 2005 7:09:43 PM
Mordrid, hovering behind Valdor, begins his aerial onslaught on the golem engaged with Valdor. [using +4 arrows enhanced with cats grace +2 and +1 for height (+7 to base)/ failed save so haste negates].
Mordrid tries to gage if the golems could follow them thru the far doors beyond.
"Those candles could become tools of firey death! Someone get on that. One way or the other."
Corialote [HP: 135/135, AC: 37] [bull's strength, bear's endurance, rary's telepathic bond, fox's cunning] Wednesday April 20th, 2005 7:14:52 PM
Round 1 Cori pulls out a wand from the pockets of her pants and shakes her head as she contemplates her following moves. She knows that she must work everything out so that it happens giving her the maximum benefits.
Round 2 Pulling out a potion from the same pocket as the wand earlier she transfers it over with the wand to be drank later.
Round 3 Cori has by now figured out her exact moves now and smiles as she calls upon the power of the weave to her aid. "Ama handasse." She feels the powers she calls upon infusing her mind as she feels smarter than before. Everything seems to be more clear as to what she needs to do.
Round 4 Cori once again calls upon her arcane abilities to summon up help for the group. Her mind races with the possibilities of what to have come to her aid and then it hits her. "Yala onna en kemen." From out of thin air appears a large earth elemental that looks around to see who it is that summoned it.
Round 5 Cori smiles as her first aid comes and she sinks back into her power of the weave for yet another summoning. She can feel the strain of using all this magic in such short order but she knows that she must do it....for the group. "Yala onna en kemen elde." It is almost the same spell that she cast earlier but with a few suttle changes. This one gets her a larger and more dangerous earth elemental to fight for her side.
As her time stop spell fades she finds that she is back in the same space that she was at before. The battle seems to have progressed little without her and she smiles as she looks to the two elementals. "Earth brethern...hear me and help us in this fight against evil." She thrusts her fist at the two stone golems. "Smash them as you see fit."
0th: detect magic, read magic(2), light 1st: comprehend languages(2), identify(4), reduce person 2nd: glitterdust, melf's acid arrow(2), touch of idiocy, mirror image(2), knock 3rd: extended fox's cunning(2)*, dispel magic(2), hold person, haste*, slow 4th: stoneskin(2)**, wall of fire, greater invisibility, ice storm(2) 5th: rary's telepathic bond, cone of cold(2), passwall, feeblemind 6th: greater dispel magic(2), chain lightning(3), mass bear's endurance 7th: greater teleport, mass hold person, summon monster VII*, prismatic spray, mass invisibility, banishment 8th: extended mordenkainen's sword, polar ray(2) 9th: time stop*, summon monster IX*, shapechange (*) used
Does the whole 5rounds pass for Cori and only one round for the group? Meaning, do all my spells come to completion this round? Can modify this post if needed but not sure as I have never used this spell before.
Stephen ooc Wednesday April 20th, 2005 7:42:38 PM
Had forgotten about it. (the mass bears endurance spell) my bad. :)
Big Ol' Myrridan (ac54, hp307, deathward, barkskin, haste, greater magic fang, longstrider, foresight, shapechange:stormgiant) d20+12=27 Thursday April 21st, 2005 12:30:46 AM
(Spot check 27)
Myrridan yells for all to hear, "There is a blue gem embedded in their chests. It may be the source of their power, or at least a magical ward that gives them greater defense."
The last round, he remembers the bear endurance spell was cast already so instead he casts Foresight on himself. Maybe this will shed some light on all the deceptions!
Myrridan realizes his magic will be mostly useless against these two. He begins to cast one of his most useful spells. A spell he has used frequently over the past couple of days. And again he mutters the words of power. He feels the powerful tranmutation take effect. The jade circlet glows brightly, almost like a nimbus of light. Myrridan quickly begins to grow to the height of 21 feet. His skin takes on a greenish hue and his hair turns to a dark forest green. His eyes sparkle like glimmering emeralds and they glare at the stone golems with great intensity. Beside the color changes and a more muscular build, the giant that Myrridan has become pretty much still looks like him, only in greater proportions. (Shapechange spell. Storm Giant)
Myrridan readies his quarterstaff for a focused strike.
Valdor(AC 37, HP 310, Stoneskin 120/150, Boots of Speed, Bless, Rary's telepathic Bond, Bull's Strength, Bear's Endurance) d20+41=61 d20+41=43 d20+36=44 d20+36=47 d20+31=39 d20+31=48 d20+26=46 d20+26=29 d8+19=25 d8+19=21 d8+19=22 d8+19=20 d8+19=22 d8+19=23 d8+19=25 d8+19=23 Thursday April 21st, 2005 1:07:24 AM
Valdor yells out,"Me and Mordrid can handle these, you all find Morlas before he can summon any more friends. We won't be long."
Working furiously with both swords, his Dragonslayer and the loaned Sun Sword, he hammer into the golem in front of him, hoping to finish it quickly so he can get to the other one.
(hit all 8 attacks for 181 points)
Jandar d20+19=37 Thursday April 21st, 2005 1:13:37 AM
Hearing Myrridan's words, Jandar looks at the golem Mordrid and Valdor are not attacking and casts 'Dispel Magic, Greater' on the gem in its chest. (Beat dispel check 37 vs DC11+his level)
Onrad Thursday April 21st, 2005 10:55:39 AM
::checking in::
Door Guardians, Tres. (ADM Jim) d20+40=58 d20+40=54 d20+40=44 d20+40=41 3d6(1+4+3)+13=21 3d6(1+6+5)+13=25 3d6(3+5+5)+13=26 3d6(6+4+2)+13=25 d20+19=32 d20+19=33 2d10(4+10)+9=23 2d10(7+1)+9=17 d20+27=44 d20+27=41 2d10(7+8)+11=26 2d10(3+7)+11=21 Thursday April 21st, 2005 1:56:49 PM
Gareth is looking for Morlas but does not find him in this room. Looking into the next room would be even easier if there were not those huge stone double doors in his way.
Tericus winces under the savage might of the blow and plans to make good some protection for the part of the group near the door. He puts up a blade barrier that should give them ample protection...he hopes.
Onrad starts yelling for Gareth and then notices that the golem has hit some unseen object in the air. Jumping up and down he tries to get the golems attention. He even taunts it by yelling at it...but is unsure if it can even understand.
Mordrid decides that it is time to put some more hurt into the golem attacking Valdor. Soon he has six arrows flying through the air, streaking towards the stone golem. Each arrow embeds itself into the stoney body of the stone golem but it does not seem to mind. Looking at the far doors and the stone golems, he realizes that yes they could get into the next room if they wanted. Heck earlier they had been posing as the door anyways. He makes a suggestion about the candles in the room for those nearby.
Cori uses her time well as she goes through a series of actions of her own. She draws a wand for later use and a potion as well. Increasing her intelligence is the next order of business and she soon has that done as well. Her last two spells call upon aid from the elements, in the form of a pair of earth elementals...there is a size difference between the two and those that know these types of creatures will know the one to be an elder of it's kind. She calls for thier assistance as she phases back into real time again.
Myrridan reaveals that there is a blue gem in the stone golems chest and that it might be the source of magic or at least part of it's greater defense. He then falls into his own magic, taking on the shape of a storm giant....or well actually more like a copy of himself but that tall. He makes ready for combat.
Valdor yells for the group to move on, that Mordrid and he can handle this battle easily. He wants them to find Morlas before he can unleash more of his pets on them. He then goes back to the problem at hand...the stone golem. His swords flash as he once again tears into them with gusto. More pieces of stone fly and still the stone golem takes no notice of it's plight.
Jandor nods in understanding and casts a simple spell of his own aimed at the gem itself. He is unsure if it had any effect but figures that they will find out soon.
Bob the Door Guardian has few worries at this point, in fact he has none as he does what he was built to do. He makes no sound or even seems to be worried as he takes the many hits. But still the clubs come in at Valdor with that might behind them (hit: 58/54 and damage: 21/25).
Steve the Door Guardian turns ever so slightly to face the little man that is yelling at him. What little sense he has tells him to smash this annoyance or maybe it is a direction from somewhere else. Either way it brings both clubs to bear upon Onrad (hit: 44/41 and damage: 26/25).
The huge earth elemental lumbers towards the nearest stone golem, Bob, and slams an earthy fist at him...then the other fist comes crashing in (hit: 32/33 and damage: 23/17).
The elder earth elemental brings both of his fist to bear on the stone golem near him as well, Bob. It is a powerful attack that most would not want to be on the receiving end of (hit: 44/41 and damge: 26/21).
Note: After all that last bit of damage Bob is not looking too good right about now.
Sorry for a noon post for yesterday. Got taken out by a few friends and did not get in till late and could not get everything done. :)
Big Ol' Myrridan (ac54, hp307, bless, deathward, barkskin, haste, greater magic fang, longstrider, foresight, shapechange:stormgiant) d20+39=52 d20+39=50 d20+34=44 d20+29=48 4d6(1+4+3+3)+32=43 4d6(3+3+5+4)+32=47 4d6(3+1+2+5)+32=43 4d6(6+6+5+2)+32=51 Thursday April 21st, 2005 8:47:27 PM
Myrridan attacks the nearest golem with his +5 quarterstaff (15ft reach). He attempts a sunder attack on the gems worn by the golems (Using the Sunder rules on page 158, in order to attack a worn object, the blue gem.)
Myrridan moves in, staying 15ft away to take advantage of his great reach. He slams the head of his staff down on the blue gem.
(Sunder attack on worn object with a +5 quarterstaff. HitAC: 52, 50, 44, 48. Damage: 43,47,43,51 = 184 points of damage)
The druid hopes his attack is fierce enough to shatter the golems gem.
Mordrid (Bears Endurance, Cats Grace) d20=13 d8+12=13 d20=15 d8+12=13 d20=13 d8+12=16 d20=5 d8+12=14 d20=14 d8+12=20 d20=14 d8+12=17 Thursday April 21st, 2005 9:41:21 PM
Mordrid shouts to Jandar, "It's time Valdor got a heal!" The ranger asks for Valdor as the heroic warrior is far too proud to ask for it.
[using +4 arrows enhanced with cats grace +2 and +1 for height (+7 to base)]
Mordrid is pleased to see that the magic arrows found their way into the golems rock hard shell, and continues to fire at the golem on Valdor.
"Come on Valdor! Let's drop this thing and move to the next!"
Tericus - Ac 25, Hp 167/139(Detect Undead, Haste, Bulls Strength, Boots of speed, Bears Endurance, Bless, Air walk, Haste) 15d6(1+2+6+2+5+5+2+6+6+3+4+2+4+6+5)=59 Thursday April 21st, 2005 9:41:25 PM
seeing his wall once again bite into the golem(59 pts of damage, reflex save of 21 for half), Tericus concentrates on the door with his detect undead spell to find out how many undead are behind the door.
Valdor(AC 37, HP 285, Stoneskin 100/150, Boots of Speed, Bless, Rary's telepathic Bond, Bull's Strength, Bear's Endurance) d20+36=42 d20+36=45 d20+31=43 d20+31=40 d20+26=46 d20+26=32 d20+21=35 d20+21=32 d8+24=28 d8+24=25 d8+24=28 d8+24=27 d8+24=26 d8+24=26 d8+24=31 d8+24=31 Friday April 22nd, 2005 12:03:09 AM
Hearing Mordrid's words prompts Valdor to decide to take a chance. Using his 'Power Attack', he flails harder, giving up some accuracy in an effort to damage his injured opponent even more. His decision pays off as he strikes true with all of his attacks!
As he strikes true, Valdor yells back to Mordrid over the ringing in his ears from metal hitting stone,"I'm fine! Those stoneskins are a real life saver. He can save it for later! But thanks for always watching out for me, brother!
Jandar, help them find Morlas! He's the goal here, not these. We can take them out with little trouble!"
(Reduced attack by 5 for each and added 5 to damage for Power Attack and,although some crappy rolls, managed to hit for 222 points)
Jandar(Bull's Strength, Bear's Endurance, Bless,Slow, Haste) Friday April 22nd, 2005 12:16:38 AM
Jandar shrugs at Valdor's words and says,"I'm going after him then."
Jandar sprints as fast as he can to the doors and attempts to push them open, assuming he has enough movement left.
Gareth (Bull's Strength, Invisible, Flying, stoneskin 97/150) Friday April 22nd, 2005 7:26:27 AM
The warrior attempts to open the stone doors.
DM Jan Friday April 22nd, 2005 1:47:08 PM
((Thanks Jim!!))
Myrridan strikes the gem on the golem's chest. There's an immediate kaliedoscope explosion. Beams of light fire outward from the destroyed gem and play all over the walls. Cracks appear and the ground shakes as something unseen discharges. Stone and mortar begins to fall, and although there is some shelter by the great doors, those fighting the golems suddenly find themselves in danger of being hit by fallen masonry.
((Those not in the shadow of the doors, roll DEX DC 27. Those who fail take 2d10 damage.))
The roof is now open to the sky. It should still be broad daylight. However, there's some odd aspect to the light shining down from above. It's not as powerful as it was. Looking up, everyone can now see the two moons. It's the convergence, the eclipse, as predicted, and it's happening now.
Deep in Cori and Valdor's subconscious thoughts, a song begins - beautiful, seductive, powerful. It calls to all elves to join in. It's the song discussed by the great tribes in the Giggling Ghost. It is the song of awakening and it is being sung despite all warnings.
Oblivious to the elven song, Jandar, Onrad and Gareth go ahead and touch the large doors that stand in their way. The doors feel solid, but appear to have some give in them. Their touch triggers the following -
There's a flash of light, and a vision of Morlas hangs in the air. His face is cracked with fury. His shoulders appear to be trembling with rage, or perhaps something else. "HOW DARE YOU!!" his voice booms. "How dare you try to breach my sanctuary! How dare you come here and defile my home! You'll be dead before you take another step! I curse you all!"
The vision disappears.
In Gareth's head, Max begins one of his favourite battle songs. Both he and Tericus know exactly what lies behind that door.
As for the Golems, faced by Cori's elementals and Gold Dragon ruthlessness, they appear to have their hands quite full. The one on Valdor crumbles and falls.
Onrad [Flying, Bull Strength, Stoneskin] d20+16=25 d20+26=33 Friday April 22nd, 2005 4:21:10 PM
Onrad, shaking his head in wonder at the efficiency of Valdor, Mordrid and Myrridan, he gives Jandar and Gareth a look as the door opens. A look that says, "Now."
He jumps in through the open door tumbling inside. Staying Total Defense, he's daring whatever is inside to concentrate on his arrogance.
Tumbling check of 33 gets him in the door and moving forward. He yells out what he sees to those entering behind him.
"What? Holy Lem! Hey guys! It got dark outside! And them moons is lining up!"
He looks around with a keen eye. [Search DC25.]
[150 - 21 = 129 stoneskin points left] 174 of 174 hps. AC58 Total Defense [declares first opponent attacking him as chosen opponent. AC59 vs. him.]
Corialote [HP: 135/135, AC: 37] [bull's strength, bear's endurance, rary's telepathic bond, fox's cunning, haste] Friday April 22nd, 2005 10:46:59 PM
Cori moves five feet forward so that she is closer to the action. Taking the potion that she had transfered to her other hand she drinks down the contents and feels the effects take hold.
With a look to her two elementals she smiles. "Continue to attack the other one now my friends...show them the strength of the earth." She glances to those that are working on the door and wonders how they fare.
Then she hears the song pull at her, asking her to sing. She glances around and grimaces at the intrusion and stamps her right foot. Muttering under her breathe she shakes her head. "I said I would do no such thing...I cannot accept this as it stands..." She wishes that more of her and others questions would have been answered. Why is it that everyone follows things blindly when it will benefit them but not look at the risks that maybe involved. She does not sing and turns a deaf ear to the whole thing, though she is still actuely aware of the song in the back of her head.
0th: detect magic, read magic(2), light 1st: comprehend languages(2), identify(4), reduce person 2nd: glitterdust, melf's acid arrow(2), touch of idiocy, mirror image(2), knock 3rd: extended fox's cunning(2)*, dispel magic(2), hold person, haste*, slow 4th: stoneskin(2)**, wall of fire, greater invisibility, ice storm(2) 5th: rary's telepathic bond, cone of cold(2), passwall, feeblemind 6th: greater dispel magic(2), chain lightning(3), mass bear's endurance 7th: greater teleport, mass hold person, summon monster VII*, prismatic spray, mass invisibility, banishment 8th: extended mordenkainen's sword, polar ray(2) 9th: time stop*, summon monster IX*, shapechange (*) used
Awakening Saturday April 23rd, 2005 2:54:16 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...
Tericus - Ac 25, Hp 167/139(Detect Undead, Haste, Bulls Strength, Boots of speed, Bears Endurance, Bless, Air walk, Haste) 15d6(1+2+3+5+3+6+4+3+2+1+6+3+5+5+2)=51 Saturday April 23rd, 2005 10:01:21 AM
letting his wall continue to chew into the stone guardian(51 pts, reflex save of 21 for half), Tericus decides to light the area up and casts extended daylight, focused on his mace. then he follows Onrad in and yells "Morlas! Come out! Its time we finished this once and for all!"
Mordrid (Bears Endurance, Cats Grace) d20=10 d20=20 d8+12=18 2d10(5+1)=6 d20=12 d8+12=14 d20=3 d8+12=13 d20=10 d8+12=15 d20=8 d8+12=20 d20=2 d8+12=15 Sunday April 24th, 2005 8:58:04 PM
Mordrid, floating behind Valdor, freezes as the earth and sky begin to tremble, his eyes search upwards, as huge chunks of stone begin falling. Oddly he spins in flight to avoid the crashing stones. (d20=10+dex20< , sorry in Fort Worth again and away from chracter sheet.)
Upon seeing the first golem collapse, he rears around to the second and lets loose another flight of arrows.
[using +4 arrows enhanced with cats grace +2 and +1 for height (+7 to base)]
The storm giant known as Myrridan amazingly is able to avoid the more harmful effects of falling debris. He isnt sure if the huge golem dropped from the breaking of blue gem or it was purely from Valdor's and Mordrid's onslaught. Could have been from all three in tandum.
Again, Myrridan brings his attack to the second golem, to his blue gem. He swings his massive staff again with another sundering bludgeon attack.
(Sunder attack on the worn blue gem. HitAC: 50,44,39,42. Damage: 38+44+42+44=168 possible points of damage.
Valdor d20+22=33 Monday April 25th, 2005 1:12:01 AM
Seeing his immediate foe destroyed and the other golem with no chance against the two elementals, Myrridan, and Mordrid, Valdor turns and sprints towards the open door that Onrad has just jumped through, dodging debris and falling rocks as he goes with no problem.
He suppresses a chuckle and thinks about Mycroft's reaction to someone else running stright into a death trap, but he runs to catch up anyway. Hearing Morlas's scream, he knows Gareth's soul is somewhere nearby and reminds himself that this is not the time for such thoughts.
Jandar 19d6(2+6+5+6+4+6+5+3+5+5+5+4+1+3+4+3+6+2+6)=81 Monday April 25th, 2005 1:18:45 AM
As soon as Onrad cracks the doors open, but before he enters, Jandar casts 'Firestorm' into the room, hoping to clear an area right in front of the door, if there are many minions of Morlas's waiting on them.
He then follows Onrad through the door and moves just inside as he hasn't the time to move farther.
Hearing Morlas, Jandar laughs in a taunt and says,"Are you just sore that we destroyed your pets? Well, don't be, cause you're soon to follow them!"
Gareth Monday April 25th, 2005 10:20:03 AM
The warrior opens the door as Max presses him to get to the lich. He doesn't seem to care about being hit, he says nothing, and simply continues as if nothing else really matters.
Nick d20+12=31 Monday April 25th, 2005 6:01:31 PM
Trying desperately to avoid various golems and elementals stomping around, Nick tries to stay within range of healing anyone that takes a nasty knock. Not an easy task,and with the falling masonery -
Still, he manages to avoid getting his head knocked off and takes note that most of the others are heading for the door. The scholarly part of him however wants to stick around and watch what he assumes to be the eclipse. There'd never been one in his lifetime and, ah well - on to business. He heads for the door.
DM Jan Monday April 25th, 2005 6:26:21 PM
The remaining door golem is no match for Tericus's whirling blades, Mordrid's arrows, Cori's elementals, and to add insult to injury - Myrridan's staff, that succeeds in shattering the protective embedded gem. Once again, the gem shatters and it's energy, in the form of light, dashes a zillion colours against what's left of the surrounding walls.
The building is now completely open to the sky. The surrounding walls (except for the one holding the door) are now a pile of low rubble.
Overhead, the two moons continue their path in front of the sun. It's a spectacular sight, full of omens, and the sky darkens to a deep twilight.
Jandar, Onrad and Gareth have managed to shove the door open. Jandar's firestorm spell roars off into the interior. Moments later Onrad quickly tumbles inside to the very edge of a set of stairs leading downward. He's closely followed by Gareth who has the murderous Max deeply embedded in his psyche.
Onrad can see the steps are wide, made of stone. As soon as Tericus casts Extended Daylight surrounding his mace, it becomes apparent to all those looking down the steps that there is a passageway leading directly ahead at the base of them. Of course the stairwell roof conceals it's destination.
There's something else. A scent. A smell of burning. It's perhaps the aftermath of Jandar's spell. Indeed there are blackened scorch marks on the steps and walls, but there's also an undertone of natural woodsmoke, or burning paper drifting up the stairwell.
Back outside, the wind is starting to pick up. Both ranger and druid will recognize the beginnings of a storm. Already the sand is beginning to drift across the mosaiced floor.
Corialote [HP: 135/135, AC: 37] [bull's strength, bear's endurance, rary's telepathic bond, fox's cunning, haste] Monday April 25th, 2005 8:09:07 PM
Seeing the last stone golem go down she sprints off after the others with all haste. She pauses only long enough to give directions to the two elementals. "Follow along underground...I may still have need of your help...but please return if your time here expires." She knows that they will leave no matter what when her spell ends, but she treats the elementals as true companions and friends.
0th: detect magic, read magic(2), light 1st: comprehend languages(2), identify(4), reduce person 2nd: glitterdust, melf's acid arrow(2), touch of idiocy, mirror image(2), knock 3rd: extended fox's cunning(2)*, dispel magic(2), hold person, haste*, slow 4th: stoneskin(2)**, wall of fire, greater invisibility, ice storm(2) 5th: rary's telepathic bond, cone of cold(2), passwall, feeblemind 6th: greater dispel magic(2), chain lightning(3), mass bear's endurance 7th: greater teleport, mass hold person, summon monster VII*, prismatic spray, mass invisibility, banishment 8th: extended mordenkainen's sword, polar ray(2) 9th: time stop*, summon monster IX*, shapechange (*) used
Gareth (Bull's Strength, Invisible, Flying, stoneskin 97/150, Darkvision) Monday April 25th, 2005 9:10:18 PM
The warrior flies down the corridor being sure not to touch the stairs as he goes. He moves ahead of Onrad as he tumbles along - no need to activate traps. He activates his Darkvision (120') as he flies to make sure he can see - light or no (unless it is clearly not necessary).
Tericus - Ac 25, Hp 167/139(Detect Undead, Haste, Bulls Strength, Boots of speed, Bears Endurance, Bless, Air walk, Haste, Daylight) Monday April 25th, 2005 9:47:42 PM
seeing that its no longer needed, Tericus banishes his blade barrier, the follows Gareth down the stairs, making sure he is 10ft behind his friend
Mordrid (Bears Endurance, Cats Grace) Tuesday April 26th, 2005 12:09:33 AM
Mordrid watches the final golem fall, as he witnesses with mysticism the stars, moons and clouds go beyond comprehension.
His heart flies free into the sky, for he realizes another changing of the ages; another that he his not worthy to be a part of. Two changings of the guard he has witnessed in but ONE human life. He is overwhelmed at the blessings he has received and his heart swells. This is to be expected of his brothers with the elder race's blood in their veins. But to him this is an overwhelming hallmark.
His sense of humanity diminishes even more as he flies forward to embrace possible death. If he were to die this day with these heroes at his side, no honor could be greater.
Mordrid flies at full rate to follow the others into the inner sanctum.
Myrridan (ac44, hp227, bless, deathward, barkskin, haste, greater magic fang, longstrider, foresight, shapechange:human) d20+26=42 Tuesday April 26th, 2005 12:29:41 AM
Myrridana returns to normal form (free action) and yells, "Hurry, lets seek shelter. The winds blow this way a storm. The sands will be unforgiving." He too follows the rest through the doors and into the inner sanctum.
(Survival 42, everyone receives a +2 to Fort saves against severe weather.)
Valdor Tuesday April 26th, 2005 12:47:28 AM
Valdor continues to run to catch up with the others. He glances upward at everyone's words, but really doesn't seem to understand or notice the significance of the moon. He speeds up at Myrridan's words, knowing how awful a desert storm can be. Not trusting the lich and knowing he'll have it protected in here, and since Morlas knows they are coming, he tosses a handful of coins down the stairs, hoping some will bounce or roll down and set off any traps triggered by touch or movement.
He has his ring of levitation ready in case the stairs disappear below him.
Jandar Tuesday April 26th, 2005 12:57:38 AM
Jandar tells Gareth to slow down so he can cast 'Disrupting Weapon' on Max again. If he waits, he does so, otherwise he casts it on Valdor's Dragonslayer sword before following.
Nick Tuesday April 26th, 2005 5:05:26 PM
Following the others swiftly, especially after Myrridan's warning about the storm, Nick hesitates at the top of the stairs and casts AIR WALK. Dropping down a hole or having his feet chopped off by a trap were things he didn't particularly relish.
DM Jan Tuesday April 26th, 2005 8:48:17 PM
As the winds begin to howl outside, and the twilight becomes total darkness, the Dragons enter the stairwell.
Tericus's mace picks up the glint of Valdor's coins as they bounce down the steps. Clink. Ping. Clink. Nothing. The stairs appear to be clean and free of traps. Odd.
Gareth hurtles along the corridor at the bottom, Max swelling in his subconscious, the desire to kill what lies ahead is giddy and overwhelming and the sword is pushing to get to the end of the corridor. (I'm reckoning too far ahead to have noted Jandar's spell offer.)
Tericus is next, with the others not far behind.
The corridor is wide, about 10ft, and similar in height. 100ft ahead is a closed door.
Also - along the corridor there are two open doors to the left, and there are two open doors to the right.
The furthest door to the right is illuminated by the reflection of flickering fire. Smoke and burning motes of paper float from the doorway. The smoke curls across the ceiling and down, making it difficult to see beyond.
Cori's elementals bring up the rear, blocking the base of the stairwell.
Valdor Tuesday April 26th, 2005 11:28:25 PM
Valdor continues to follow, but has an idea. As they are moving along, he passes the ring of teleportation around, but doesn't put it back on yet. In explanation, he says,"If something really terrible happens, we can hopefully teleport out of here in the blink of an eye. I just have a feeling this building's going to fall on top of our heads."
Jandar Tuesday April 26th, 2005 11:30:33 PM
Following behind because of casting his spell, Jandar continues on and asks,"Does anyone else want a disrupting weapon spell cast on their weapon?"
Tericus - Ac 25, Hp 167/161(Detect Undead, Haste, Bulls Strength, Boots of speed, Bears Endurance, Bless, Air walk, Haste, Daylight) 2d8(5+7)+10=22 Wednesday April 27th, 2005 6:41:32 AM
while walking down ths stairs after Gareth, Tericus casts CMW on himself, healing back 22 pts. then he says "Someone should look into those rooms." as he continues to follow Gareth.
Corialote [HP: 135/135, AC: 37] [bull's strength, bear's endurance, rary's telepathic bond, fox's cunning, haste] Wednesday April 27th, 2005 1:02:43 PM
Cori's mind races as she goes through her remaining spells to figure out what is going to be best to use. She absently fingers the wand in her hand and smiles as she rolls it around. "I have something here that we can throw into each room ahead of time." She looks to Valdor and the others as she speaks.
Her face purses a little though as she has another thought. "Though it will most likely be hard on some things inside the room...it is a fireball." A smile passes across her face as she thinks of the possible damage she can do, but waits for the word to begin.
0th: detect magic, read magic(2), light 1st: comprehend languages(2), identify(4), reduce person 2nd: glitterdust, melf's acid arrow(2), touch of idiocy, mirror image(2), knock 3rd: extended fox's cunning(2)*, dispel magic(2), hold person, haste*, slow 4th: stoneskin(2)**, wall of fire, greater invisibility, ice storm(2) 5th: rary's telepathic bond, cone of cold(2), passwall, feeblemind 6th: greater dispel magic(2), chain lightning(3), mass bear's endurance 7th: greater teleport, mass hold person, summon monster VII*, prismatic spray, mass invisibility, banishment 8th: extended mordenkainen's sword, polar ray(2) 9th: time stop*, summon monster IX*, shapechange (*) used
Nick Wednesday April 27th, 2005 8:05:50 PM
"This isn't what I expected," says Nick after reaching the bottom of the the stairs. He touches the ring of teleportation and then volunteers to stick his head around the first door to the left. "Hang on, Corialote," he whispers. "We don't know whats down here. There could be innocents."
Gareth (Bull's Strength, Invisible, Flying, stoneskin 97/150, Darkvision) Wednesday April 27th, 2005 10:28:23 PM
With the war song of Max in his head the warrior completely ignores everyone and everything and simply presses forward to where Morlas is, fully expecting Max to take him there directly. If he sees him he moves forward and attacks without hesitation.
Valdor Wednesday April 27th, 2005 11:49:59 PM
Valdor follows until he comes to the open doors. He looks at Cori and holds up one finger as if to say let's take a quick look first...but only because Nick brought up a valid point.
Jandar Wednesday April 27th, 2005 11:51:39 PM
Jandar goes past and looks into the second open room.
DM Jan 18d6(5+3+1+5+3+6+6+3+3+2+6+4+2+3+3+6+6+1)=68 18d6(5+6+5+3+2+5+2+4+4+3+2+2+6+1+3+6+4+6)=69 Thursday April 28th, 2005 1:28:03 AM
The light from the mace casts a little shadowy light into the rooms adjoining the corridor.
Nick peers into the first room on the left - there look to be pieces of furniture within, including a bed that appears to have a tiny figure lying on top of it.
Jandar looks into the second room on the left - as the light shifts, for a moment he sees what look like a thousand tiny stars.
First room on the right - unknown contents as yet.
Second room on the right is on fire. Whatever lies within is proving to be exceptionally combustible. So much so that flames are starting to lick the ceiling right outside the door.
Gareth runs straight into a set of double doors at the end of the corridor. They burst open, allowing instant access to the room beyond. A brilliant blue flash of light erupts from within the room and twin lines of chain lightning dance toward the charging warrior, they also snake on further toward Tericus as its secondary target. Its caster? Morlas - crouched and ready to strike, with twin rods of doom, in a room fit for a king.
68 + 69 DAM to primary target. Half to secondary. DC21 Reflex save for half damage.
Tericus - Ac 25, Hp 167/110(Detect Undead, Haste, Bulls Strength, Boots of speed, Bears Endurance, Bless, Air walk, Haste, Daylight d20+8=18 d20+8=27 15d6(3+5+5+4+5+2+6+4+5+5+5+6+5+1+4)=65 Thursday April 28th, 2005 9:56:18 AM
able to dodge only one of the bolts of lightning(saves of 18 and 27), Tericus quickly casts empowered flame strike on the liche before anyone else gets close to him.(reflex save of 22 for half, 65 pts +32 for empowered spell for a total of 97 pts of damage, only half of the damage is fire damage, the other half is holy damage). then Tericus airwalks up to get a better aim on Morlas
Onrad Thursday April 28th, 2005 12:06:53 PM
Onrad tumbles in heading straight for Morlas. He "READIES" his action (only 1 because of move) to counter the first spell or use of rod. [following Online Combat Rules for Readied actions.]
Morlas is declared his selected foe [AC38].
[Sorry for missed posts folks.]
"Hit me with disruption if you can, friend."
Onrad says nothing to Morlas. His face is tight and focused. There is death in Onrad's eyes. He is even mostly beyond caring about his own death.
Morlas must die. That is his obsession.
Corialote [HP: 135/135, AC: 37] [bull's strength, bear's endurance, rary's telepathic bond, fox's cunning, haste] Thursday April 28th, 2005 10:13:19 PM
Cori slows slightly to get an idea of what is in each room that they must pass. He does not want to leave enemies at her back. Since others are looking into rooms already she inquires from them. "What did you find?" She will get to the room where the liche is at only after she is sure it is safe to or fighting breaks out that her help is desparately needed in.
0th: detect magic, read magic(2), light 1st: comprehend languages(2), identify(4), reduce person 2nd: glitterdust, melf's acid arrow(2), touch of idiocy, mirror image(2), knock 3rd: extended fox's cunning(2)*, dispel magic(2), hold person, haste*, slow 4th: stoneskin(2)**, wall of fire, greater invisibility, ice storm(2) 5th: rary's telepathic bond, cone of cold(2), passwall, feeblemind 6th: greater dispel magic(2), chain lightning(3), mass bear's endurance 7th: greater teleport, mass hold person, summon monster VII*, prismatic spray, mass invisibility, banishment 8th: extended mordenkainen's sword, polar ray(2) 9th: time stop*, summon monster IX*, shapechange (*) used
Valdor Thursday April 28th, 2005 11:10:23 PM
Valdor tells Cori telepathically,"Maybe you should leave the elementals to guard these doorways. They could warn us if anything comes out behind us."
Hearing the sound of a spell going off, he smiles and says,"Oh yeah! Time to get down and dirty!"
He sprints towards the opening at full speed and will burst into the room, looking for Morlas...or anything else to fight.
Jandar Thursday April 28th, 2005 11:15:47 PM
Jandar catches up with Onrad and casts 'Disrupting Weapon' on Onrad's rapier. He then says,"I will guard our backs and watch and heal anyone who needs it.
(Since Nick is back, Jandar will pretty much lay low until combat ends, then I will retire him...of course, since this is his last battle, he'll have to get some spells in :) )
Myrridan (ac44, hp227, sr40, bless, deathward, barkskin, haste, greater magic fang, longstrider, foresight, shapechange:human) d20+32=43 d20+20=33 Thursday April 28th, 2005 11:17:36 PM
Myrridan enters the room with the lich. He sees other have already engaged the undead menace. Instead of charging in and attacking the Lich with a barrage of spells and possibly hurting his allies, he instead stands back and watches the lich very carefully. He readies himself for when the lich begins to cast, then the druid will try and counter that spell.
(Readying an Action: Counterspell. Spellcraft check 43 to identify the spell being cast [free action], if the spell is on Myrridan's spell list, he will cast it and counter the spell. If the spell isnt on his spell list, he will cast Greater Dispel to counter it. Dispel check 33. Counter Spell rules on page 170 in PHB.)
Gareth (211/279,Bull's Strength, Invisible, Flying, stoneskin 97/150, Darkvision) d20+14=32 d20+14=29 d20+43=62 d10+24=29 Friday April 29th, 2005 10:29:34 AM
The warrior dodges a lot of the damage from both attacks (32, 29 DEX saves) and closes on the lich. He wields Max with both hands and brings him down on the abomination (Hit AC 62, 29 DMG). The warrior's eyes are on fire with the madness of being controlled by another. Nothing comes out of his mouth and his face looks calm.
Onrad Friday April 29th, 2005 10:33:35 AM
::checking in::
Mordrid (Bears Endurance, Cats Grace) Friday April 29th, 2005 10:50:13 AM
"Jandar, if you have another disruptive weapon spell, it could do great good on my bow." Mordrid holds til Jandar's turn. Then he drinks a potion of invisibility and flies into the room and up.
Jandar Friday April 29th, 2005 11:50:49 AM
Jandar replies,"I'll be glad to cast it on your bow, but isn't it the arrows that matter?"
[all magic on bows carries over]
Nick Friday April 29th, 2005 12:13:27 PM
"Cori, there's someone lying on a bed in here," announces Nick in reply to her question, as he peers into the first room on the left. "Asleep, dead, undead, I don't know."
He casts a quick DETECT UNDEAD into the room. If it reveals nothing, he'll run toward the end room. it sounded like the party had already started in there.
DM Jan 18d6(5+6+1+4+6+4+2+6+4+3+5+6+6+2+6+1+1+2)=70 18d6(1+2+6+6+3+5+4+3+6+2+4+6+5+5+4+2+3+5)=72 Friday April 29th, 2005 12:20:45 PM
More Dragons enter the room for the final battle, the surrounding opulence and beauty - intricate, embroidered wall hangings, gilded furniture, a twinkling ruby chandelier - impactless, overshadowed by the deadly matter at hand.
Tericus's flamestrike blasts forth, coating the lich, and the exquisite carpet below, in flames. Max hammers in true, with a blow that would pierce an ordinary man right through. The blade dances with magical light for a moment as some kind of protection soaks up some of the damage.
The smoldering Morlas roars in defiance.
His lair had been chosen well. Situated in an empty place where no civilized Woldian ventured. A secret place. So how had these abominable, jumped-up, hag-for-a-mother low-lives, who strolled about the Wold as though they were Gods, discover it? Oh, and how the scum bred! How many of them were there now? Stinking, sword-weilding morons and idiots who carelessly threw spells about like candy! Worthless buffoons! Thought they were so grand! Well, they wouldn't get all his secrets. The library had to be ash right now. Ha, ha! For an instant, the lich falters. His beloved library. All his cohorts already dead. A full repertoire of enemies, soiling and despoiling his beloved home. Death at his shoulder, waiting in the wings as always. Shock, loss and fear meld into rage. Who was the closest? Who? Be hanged if he was going to die alone at the hands of these pox-ridden monkeys.
Morlas's roar ends with both rods facing the closest foe - Gareth, and as the other Dragons ready their actions, getting into position, waiting, anticipating his every move, he lets go from the rods with twin snakes of CHAIN LIGHTNING at the warrior once more. Onrad becomes the secondary target this time.
70 + 72 DAM to primary target. Half to secondary. DC21 Reflex save for half damage.
Back out in the corridor - Cori takes a quick look in all the rooms, or gets info on those she doesn't have time for. The first room on the right looks to contain three coffin-shaped objects. The second room on the right - the mini inferno has started to die down. Embers of row upon row of books and scrolls twinkle dully in the gloom. And the second room on the left - to her dark vision, the tiny twinkling objects look like gemstones. No sign of undead in the first room on the left.
Gareth (140/279,Bull's Strength, Invisible, Flying, stoneskin 97/150, Darkvision) d20+14=24 d20+14=29 d20+43=60 d20+38=49 d20+33=47 d20+28=44 d20+43=47 d20+43=46 d10+24=27 d10+24=28 d10+24=28 d10+24=28 d10+24=31 d10+24=31 Friday April 29th, 2005 2:46:35 PM
The warrior once again dodges much of the damage as the lightnig arcs toward him (saved for half). Though looking pretty fried he does not relinquish his attack. He wields Max with a vengance striking the lich 4 more times - twice critically (Hit AC 60,[47],49,47,44,[46] for 27+[28]+28+28+31+[31]=173 DMG). He still give no indication that he is hurting or shows any emotion at all, except a feral look of rage coming from...somewhere else...
Max Friday April 29th, 2005 2:50:27 PM
The sword revels with glee as Gareth swings him again and again to strike the lich. Controlling his wielder like this is something he's never been able to do before. And a wielder like this...! He presses Gareth to continue to strike with all his might.
Tericus - Ac 25, Hp 167/110(Detect Undead, Haste, Bulls Strength, Boots of speed, Bears Endurance, Bless, Air walk, Haste, Daylight 10d8(1+7+4+4+2+4+6+2+5+5)=40 d20+13=14 d20+13=33 Friday April 29th, 2005 4:06:05 PM
hanging up in the air, Tericus wont risk another flamestrike on the Liche. instead a ray of light shoots out of his hands at Morlas(empowered searing light spell, ranged touch attack of 14, hero point reroll hit AC 33, 60 pts of damage, no save). Then Tericus will air walk closer to Onrad and Gareth and see if they need any healing
Valdor(AC 37, HP 285, Stoneskin 100/150, Boots of Speed, Bless, Rary's telepathic Bond, Bull's Strength, Bear's Endurance) d20+41=43 d20+41=55 d20+41=52 d20+36=53 d20+36=52 d20+31=48 d20+31=42 d20+26=38 d20+26=44 d8+19=23 d8+19=24 d8+19=23 d8+19=24 d8+19=25 d8+19=23 d8+19=27 d8+19=22 Saturday April 30th, 2005 12:05:50 AM
Valdor grins ferally when he lays eyes on the lich and he comes around Gareth, both swords materializing into his hands.
He laughs at Morlas and says,"Wretched beast, your time is done! You have brought about your own ruin by your actions and we will deliver that ruin to you!"
He lays into the lich with all his attacks...Dragonslayer and Sun Blade alternately hammering into the lich.
(Used hero point on first attack, then hit AC55, 52, 53, 52(crit w/Sun Blade vs undead), 48, 42, 38, 44(crit w/Sun Blade), for 23+48(double damage w/Sun Blade if hit)+23+72(triple damage vs undead/negative plane creatures on crit roll w/Sun Blade)+25+46+27+66(crit w/SBlade)=330 if all hit)
(Also, need Will saves vs Disrupting weapon from attacks 1, 3, 5, and 7 if they hit at DC24)
(Dave, no crits vs undead. Sun Blade gives x3 damage on a crit, but no rerolls)
Jandar d20+19=29 d20+19=38 Saturday April 30th, 2005 12:21:54 AM
Seeing the massive damage that Gareth has taken, and knowing he won't ask for help, Jandar decides to just heal everyone. He casts Mass Heal on everyone.
(250 max points back and Morlas must beat SR38+2 for spell penetration=SR40,used a hero point to reroll, and make a Will save vs DC28 or take 250 points, 125 if he misses SR and saves. Everyone else should be back to max)
Mordrid (Bears Endurance, Cats Grace) d20=13 d8+12=16 2d6(5+2)+2=9 d20=13 d8+12=13 2d6(5+1)+2=8 d20=9 d8+12=16 2d6(1+1)+2=4 d20=13 d8+12=13 2d6(5+1)+2=8 d20=2 d8+12=16 2d6(2+5)+2=9 d20=2 d8+12=20 2d6(6+4)+2=12 Monday May 2nd, 2005 12:01:02 AM
Mordrid pops into existance (invisibilty down) in the room as his arrows fly from his bow toward the undead lich.
[using +4 arrows enhanced with cats grace +2 and +1 for height / bane of enemies (undead) +2 (+9 to base)]
Corialote [HP: 135/135, AC: 37] [bull's strength, bear's endurance, rary's telepathic bond, fox's cunning, haste] d20+30=48 d20+10=15 d20+10=11 Monday May 2nd, 2005 12:26:17 AM
Cori looks into the two rooms that she passes and for a second she makes no more to do anything. Then she hears Nick and nods her head. "Nick...I had three what look like coffins in that room there and there seem to be gems in this one...but this is a liche." She pours through all her knowledge of these types of undead and nods her head.
She waits to see if Nick comes back this direction and then she speaks up again. "Do not liche's keep thier souls or power in a gem?" She stares back into the room and then thinks of the room with all the books and scrolls. Going through her mind to tries to remember if anything looked like it could be saved.
0th: detect magic, read magic(2), light 1st: comprehend languages(2), identify(4), reduce person 2nd: glitterdust, melf's acid arrow(2), touch of idiocy, mirror image(2), knock 3rd: extended fox's cunning(2)*, dispel magic(2), hold person, haste*, slow 4th: stoneskin(2)**, wall of fire, greater invisibility, ice storm(2) 5th: rary's telepathic bond, cone of cold(2), passwall, feeblemind 6th: greater dispel magic(2), chain lightning(3), mass bear's endurance 7th: greater teleport, mass hold person, summon monster VII*, prismatic spray, mass invisibility, banishment 8th: extended mordenkainen's sword, polar ray(2) 9th: time stop*, summon monster IX*, shapechange (*) used
Onrad (Flying, Bull's Strength, Stoneskin) d20+17=18 d20+35=47 d20+30=44 d20+25=31 d20+20=28 d20+20=24 d20+20=21 d20+31=49 2d6(6+3)+16=25 2d6(5+2)+16=23 2d6(6+3)+16=25 2d6(1+5)+16=22 2d6(2+5)+16=23 Monday May 2nd, 2005 11:51:27 AM
Onrad fails the save (rolled a 1) and shivers as the electricity shakes his body, but he takes no damage. It is absorbed by his stoneskin as he was chosen as a target.
Onrad once again readies his action vs. any physical signs that Morlas is using an item, physical attack or spell. He activates his boots of speed, giving him 4 attacks all readied to stop Morlas' attacks.
Attack 1 hits AC 45 Attack 2 hits AC 44 Attack 3 hits AC 31 Attack 4 hits AC 21 Attack 5 hits AC 49
I'm not sure if I need to hit normal AC or Touch attack to disrupt spells and rods, etc. Which do I need Stephen?
Damage 1 if hit is 25. Damage 2 if hit is 23. Damage 3 if hit is 25. Damage 4 if hit is 22. Damage 5 if hit is 23.
Each attack also has a chance at disruption.
Will saves vs Disrupting weapon at DC24.
----------
[129 - 71 = 58 stoneskin points left] 174 of 174 hps. AC39 [declares Morlas as his chosen opponent.
Nick Monday May 2nd, 2005 7:06:02 PM
Nick moves toward Cori and takes a look inside the room with the gems. "They might," he answers, "and Gareth's soul might be stored similarly. Let's see what we can see."
Casting DETECT MAGIC in the room.
Part of him is listening to what's going on in the other room. He has a lot of faith in Jandar and Tericus to keep everyone patched up. Nevertheless, if someone yells for help, he'll get there as soon as he can.
DM Jan Monday May 2nd, 2005 7:39:54 PM
The room Nick and Cori are looking into is lined with many tiny shelves. Racks upon racks of diamonds are stored there. It seems that Morlas was a collector. One diamond, on the top shelf in the far right corner of the room lights up after the detect magic spell.
Meanwhile, in Morla's lair come battle arena, the fight continues. Blades, fire, arrows and lightning flash and pierce at the centre of the fight. In amongst the madness -
Tericus's Searing Light spell hits one of Morlas's contingency spells, and its effect slides across some kind of barrier, flashing and dazzling, leaving spots behind everyone's eyes. Myrridan manages to bring one of the rods to a sputtering halt. Mordrid's arrows hammer into and through the rotting form of the lich. Those close up feel a power surge as Jandar's spell takes effect. It triggers another of Morlas's contingencies, and the lich promptly disappears....
... only to reappear moments later. The Dragon's blades go to work. Max's steel is joined by that belonging to Valdor and Onrad. Their disruptive enhancements are underpowered for a creature of Morlas's stature, but the lich's ultimate demise is in their hands nonetheless.
In a whirl of blades, Morlas's head comes clean off, bounces across the floor and gets lodged under a chair. There is a soft thud, as the main body of the lich drops to the ground, wrapped in it's rotten velvets. A detached, skeletal hand starts to scrabble across the floor toward Jandar like a drunken crab.
Max is left glowering and angry - jealous of Onrad's superior finesse and style, and with Valdor's steel in the mix, how did he know he'd struck the killing blow?
Gareth Monday May 2nd, 2005 9:34:50 PM
The warrior glares at Onrad and Valdor as Max's rage flows through him. "My attacks were better!" he bellows at the top of his lungs. He then begins to stomp the remains of the lich until they are in pieces. He especially destroys the skull, paying no heed to the others. As he attacks in an apparent rage he yells over and over "I beat you anyway! Even without my heart!".
Valdor Tuesday May 3rd, 2005 12:12:01 AM
Seeing the lich fall, then witnessing Max/Gareth's words, Valdor's fears about the sword are confirmed. To quench the anger a bit, Valdor says,"Yes, Gareth, indeed they were. Yours was the blow that took him. Now, we need to find that gem your soul is in, and the one that holds Morlas's before he comes back worse than before."
Valdor turns his back to Gareth to walk away and gives Onrad a wink and a smile. In his younger days, Valdor would have probably argued or at least not let the sword have such words, but, that is all they are...words. He shrugs, then asks Myrridan and Tericus,"Can you cast detect magic in here, without blinding yourself?"
Jandar Tuesday May 3rd, 2005 12:23:27 AM
Jandar breathes a sigh of relief when Morlas falls, without any deaths in the group and,upon seeing the hand coming towards him, simply steps on it and pins it to the floor.
Corialote [HP: 135/135, AC: 37] [bull's strength, bear's endurance, rary's telepathic bond, fox's cunning] d20+10=21 Tuesday May 3rd, 2005 1:48:52 AM
Cori looks to Nick as he has cast a spell to see what he will have to say. She looks around the rest of the room to get an idea of what it holds otherwise, looking for signs of something out of place. She does not really want to walk inside without at least an idea of possible hazards. "Any ideas or do you detect anything out of the ordinary?"
0th: detect magic, read magic(2), light 1st: comprehend languages(2), identify(4), reduce person 2nd: glitterdust, melf's acid arrow(2), touch of idiocy, mirror image(2), knock 3rd: extended fox's cunning(2)*, dispel magic(2), hold person, haste*, slow 4th: stoneskin(2)**, wall of fire, greater invisibility, ice storm(2) 5th: rary's telepathic bond, cone of cold(2), passwall, feeblemind 6th: greater dispel magic(2), chain lightning(3), mass bear's endurance 7th: greater teleport, mass hold person, summon monster VII*, prismatic spray, mass invisibility, banishment 8th: extended mordenkainen's sword, polar ray(2) 9th: time stop*, summon monster IX*, shapechange (*) used
Tericus - Ac 25, Hp 167/110(Detect Undead, Haste, Bulls Strength, Boots of speed, Bears Endurance, Bless, Air walk, Haste, Daylight Tuesday May 3rd, 2005 10:39:55 AM
not beliving that Morlas would fall so easlily, Tericus concentrates on his detect undead spell and airwalks around the room searching for the liche.
Mordrid (Bears Endurance, Cats Grace, Protection from electricity) Tuesday May 3rd, 2005 6:58:37 PM
Mordrid remains floating in the air. He is not convinced that the day is won.
He readies an action for a full series of bow shots if anything attacks the party
Nick Tuesday May 3rd, 2005 8:13:54 PM
"The only thing I can see that's magic is that diamond up there," he points. He listens. "Have they stopped fighting?"
Throwing caution to the wind, he steps into the room with the gems, his interest piqued by the magic jewel.
Myrridan d20+20=31 Wednesday May 4th, 2005 12:08:14 AM
Seeing that the fight is over, Myrridan thinks it would be a good idea to quench the fire in the other room. (Casting Quench spell. Target area: twenty 20-ft cubes. All normal fire is instantly snuffed out. Magical fire is dispeled. Dispel check 31.)
Valdor Wednesday May 4th, 2005 12:54:50 AM
Valdor continues to look around the room, looking for the gem for either Morlas or Gareth. He searches the robes that Morlas is wearing...or rather, that Morlas's remains are wearing.
Jandar Wednesday May 4th, 2005 12:55:36 AM
Jandar keeps the hand pinned, preparing a spell, but waiting to make sure that they have the gems before destroying it.
He asks Gareth,"Can your sword lead us to your soulgem?"
DM Jan Wednesday May 4th, 2005 1:34:25 AM
Gareth's yell rings around the room, followed by the voices of Valdor and Jandar. But after the noise of battle, everything seems eerily quiet by comparison. Beneath Jandar's foot the clawed hand twitches slightly, hooked nails digging into the rich carpet. One of the wall tapestries gives a slight hisssssss, as a flame goes out, scorching it's edge, but leaving the stitched masterpiece relatively intact.
Up in the air, Mordrid and Tericus see nothing suspicious, and no undead alarm bells go off.
Valdor can see a number of personal, possibly magic items that have fallen amongst the rotting cloth. Their evil taint is palpable, and they sparkle with a dark, inviting allure. Nothing that screams 'phylactery' or 'soul receptacle', however.
The gem room seems to offer nothing in the way of traps, and both Cori and Nick can see there is an absolute fortune here - beautifully displayed, each stone resting on black velvet. The gem at the top right hand corner of the room is on a 10ft high shelf.
Myrridan puts out what's left of the fire in the library. The room is littered with blacked remains of scrolls and books. The humid air within the room wafts out into the corridor - where two huge gruff elementals are stood looking down at a tiny girl, holding a doll.
Gareth smashes Morlas's skull, causing shattered bone to skitter across the floor. And yes - Max knows exactly where that soul gem is, but does he really want to lead the others to it? 'Your sword' indeed, ponders the weapon internally, stewing in Gareth's subconscious. My name. Is. Maximus. Celerious Maximus.
Tericus Wednesday May 4th, 2005 10:03:54 AM
"Im glad thats over." Tericus says as he casts detect magic and begins to air walk over the area, looking for anything magical
Onrad Wednesday May 4th, 2005 11:50:24 AM
"Not over. Not yet."
He exchanges glances with Valdor.
He face strains to hold in his emotions. His hatred.
He thinks, ::I shouldn't be hating this much. Shouldn't...::
Then as if there's a second voice in his head, ::Righteous anger. Don't sweat it. Stay focused.::
Out loud, "We need the receptacle. Where is it Gareth? He's not dead until then. Did you guys find out anything?
Taking to the air, Onrad begins tearing tapestries off the walls so nothing can hide.
Corialote [HP: 135/135, AC: 37] [bull's strength, bear's endurance, rary's telepathic bond, fox's cunning] Wednesday May 4th, 2005 3:07:13 PM
Cori glances to the diamond that Nick points out and nods her head. "You think that is his phylactery?" She glances around and the room and then down the halls. Her eyes stop upon the girl standing before her elementals and shakes her head. Still as she looks back she still sees the same thing and ponders.
She glances back into the room and speaks to Nick. "We have a problem out here...it appears to be a young girl clutching a teddy?" She seems to be still not in total agreement with what her eyes are telling her.
0th: detect magic, read magic(2), light 1st: comprehend languages(2), identify(4), reduce person 2nd: glitterdust, melf's acid arrow(2), touch of idiocy, mirror image(2), knock 3rd: extended fox's cunning(2)*, dispel magic(2), hold person, haste*, slow 4th: stoneskin(2)**, wall of fire, greater invisibility, ice storm(2) 5th: rary's telepathic bond, cone of cold(2), passwall, feeblemind 6th: greater dispel magic(2), chain lightning(3), mass bear's endurance 7th: greater teleport, mass hold person, summon monster VII*, prismatic spray, mass invisibility, banishment 8th: extended mordenkainen's sword, polar ray(2) 9th: time stop*, summon monster IX*, shapechange (*) used
Nick Wednesday May 4th, 2005 8:00:46 PM
"What?" says Nick to Cori, dragging his eyes from the gems. He dashes out into the corridor. "We've got company!" he yells, looking for the little girl. If he spots her, he'll adopt non-threatening behavior, and smile.
Gareth Wednesday May 4th, 2005 9:54:52 PM
The warrior mutters to nobody in particular "I know my - your name...". When Jandar and Onrad call his name he says "I don't know where Morlas is but Max knows where my soul is...".
Valdor Wednesday May 4th, 2005 11:24:33 PM
Valdor catches the look on Onrad's face and cocks his head slightly and smirks. He's not exactly sure what's passing through Onrad's mind, but his face is plain enough. He winks and nods at Onrad in assurance, then walks over to stand in front of Gareth.
He addresses his sword, though, instead of Gareth and says,"You have brought his body a long way and fought through much to not finish what you came for. You are powerful, no doubt, but without his soul, he is merely a shell and cannot reach his full battle potential. Do you really want to be wielded by someone less than you deserve?
You have a bond with him. He is not your master, nor are you his...just as I am no master to my special sword. Most people of the Wold know of not only me, but my weapon. It's legend is perhaps more than my own, as is yours. We have no time for nonsense. You are intelligent. You know I speak the truth. We will find the gem whether you help or not, but...you can be the hero here. What stories will be told of the great Maximus, who because of his bond with his wielder, would not let him die and led a great adventuring party in search of his wielder's soul. His life will be short, while you and your legend will last for centuries. Show us the soulgem and let us begone from this foul place."
When Nick calls out, he concentrates on his bond with Cori and asks mentally,"Am I needed?"
Jandar 10d6(3+1+1+1+4+5+1+3+2+5)=26 d20+19=20 d20+19=24 Wednesday May 4th, 2005 11:50:17 PM
Hearing Nick, Jandar decides not to mess with the hand any longer. He steps away from it and watches what it does. If it comes at him, he casts 'Searing Light' on it. If it tries to scamper away, he'll hold his spell and follow it to see where it leads him, figuring that a high mage, a high priest of Alemi, and two huge elementals can handle whatever is down the hall.
DM Jan Thursday May 5th, 2005 1:23:22 AM
Not one spec of dust is raised as Onrad, struggling with his hatred of Morlas, cuts down the tapestries. The room is immaculately kept, as the airborne Mordrid and Tericus can see. A rich man's chamber. The dropped tapestries reveal smooth stone walls. That's all.
Valdor appeals to Max's ego and better nature. This makes some sense to the sword; his and Gareth's forces, joined, invincible. Yes. More powerful, more efficient. The stone in that room, up high on the wall. Yes.
Jandar takes his foot off the clawed hand. The thing twitches once, and then remains still. Seconds later it begins to deteriorate. As the metacarpal bones begin to crumble, Tericus, scanning the room for anything magical, feels something faint, but gradually getting stronger. He can see everyone in the room lit up like a mid winter tree in the Giggling Ghost, along with the magic items amongst Morlas's remains. But something is growing in his mind - a feeling, and as the bones of the hand become dust, leaving only the claws behind, there is undead here. Not here in the room. Out in the corridor somewhere.
Out in the corridor, Nick, Cori and Myrridan can see the child stood outside what was the first room on the left when they entered. She looks human, dressed in night clothes, maybe four years old, hair the colour of sand. She is carrying an odd-looking rag doll, and her attention is on the elementals.
Myrridan Thursday May 5th, 2005 2:34:45 AM
In is most gentle voice he asks the girl in the hallway, "What's your name little girl? Are you lost?"
Tericus Thursday May 5th, 2005 6:41:39 AM
"There is something in the corradore we just came from, and it isnt alive." Tericus says. "And its growing stronger by the moment." then he airwalks down to where the liche fell and picks up everything that glows magical.
Gareth (fly) Thursday May 5th, 2005 8:34:31 AM
Under Max's guidance, the warrior flies out of the room and back into the corridor. He travels to the place where the jewel is located. grabbing it he places it over his heart and holds it there - and waits.
Celerious Maximus Thursday May 5th, 2005 10:53:19 AM
The sword hears Valdor's words and knows that he can never control Gareth forever - though its sure tempting to try... He also knows his best chance for greatness will be by staying with the warrior. "Better to have him owe me than be mad...besides, he has added to my powers and has said he will give me more...". He prompts Gareth to the right place.
Onrad d20+16=33 Thursday May 5th, 2005 11:00:03 AM
Onrad flies out the door to take in the situation in the hall.
He sees the girl and glances in the gem room. His subconscious recognizes the elementals, but he's looking for phylacteries.
"We need detects on the gems, the girl and the doll. Evil and magic! Fast!"
Onrad enters the gem room, circling trying to decide which is the phlactery, although he also suspects the doll for some strange reason.
d20+16=33
Mordrid (Bears Endurance, Cats Grace, Protection from electricity) Thursday May 5th, 2005 7:28:05 PM
Mordrid lands on the ground and moves out into the hall to see what is said about this child.
His weapon now put away, he stands near the girl with both hands on his hips. He then points at the girl, "If you wish to know where the phylactery is... you might check around the girl's neck. I believe this may be Morlas."
Corialote [HP: 135/135, AC: 37] [bull's strength, bear's endurance, rary's telepathic bond, fox's cunning] Thursday May 5th, 2005 9:56:33 PM
Cori just nods as she falls into her arcane powers. "Elea idolen." She then scans the girl and all that she has on or holds for signs of magic. If for some reason she is is flashed with great magical presence than she will of course shut down her spell.
0th: detect magic, read magic(2), light 1st: comprehend languages(2), identify(4), reduce person 2nd: glitterdust, melf's acid arrow(2), touch of idiocy, mirror image(2), knock 3rd: extended fox's cunning(2)*, dispel magic(2), hold person, haste*, slow 4th: stoneskin(2)**, wall of fire, greater invisibility, ice storm(2) 5th: rary's telepathic bond, cone of cold(2), passwall, feeblemind 6th: greater dispel magic(2), chain lightning(3), mass bear's endurance 7th: greater teleport, mass hold person, summon monster VII*, prismatic spray, mass invisibility, banishment 8th: extended mordenkainen's sword, polar ray(2) 9th: time stop*, summon monster IX*, shapechange (*) used
Nick Friday May 6th, 2005 12:28:18 AM
"Onrad, we could only find one magic gem in the gem room, up in the corner." (From his current position, he can't see that Gareth has gone for it)
Nick pauses in the corridor and detects undead. Again. Hadn't they already done this? Maybe there'd been something to hide it. Well, from what Tericus said, it wasn't hiding now.
Alemi, let it not be the child.
Jandar Friday May 6th, 2005 12:30:30 AM
Jandar says,"There is no doubt that Morlas is using the body of a child. The gem could even be where her heart would be. Domi forgive me if I'm wrong."
Jandar moves to within 30 feet of the girl and casts 'Undeath to Death'.
Valdor Friday May 6th, 2005 12:34:10 AM
Valdor follows Gareth into the room to get the gem. When he has possession, Valdor says,"I believe you have to destroy the gem in order for your soul to return. I have seen this a couple of times before. If you don't wish to do it, I will do the honors for you, but I think it best if Max does the honor."
He's oblivious to the others in the hallway, as there isn't a fight at the moment.
DM Jan Friday May 6th, 2005 1:05:55 AM
The little girl turns her attention from the Elementals and looks upon Myrridan, a bland curiosity on her features. She stays silent; whether she understood him or not is difficult to tell.
Even as some of the others, spurred by Tericus's warning, arrive, she stays calm, and raising her head to look up at the stern leather and bearskin-clad Mordrid, there is a definite lack of fear in her eyes. She shifts the doll protectively, subconsciously, clutching it to her chest.
Magic, undead and evil radiate from the doll - thick and strong. It sucks at those who cast the identifier spells like a black hole. There is horror here, powerful and concentrated, and very much alive.
Jandar steps forward, wasting no time. His spell blasts outward like a strange, cold wind dressed in dread, the dread all necromancer spells carry. The doll seems to come alive - a stuffed cloth thing with buttons for eyes, and it drops to the floor and starts twitching violently. Part of it's chest seam rips, and a glint of crystal can be seen.
The little girl looks down at the doll, shocked, and tears start to roll from her eyes.
In the gem room, Gareth grabs the gem. Consciously, subconsciously - he knows this is the one. Part of him is inside, calling out, from a distance. But how to set him free? perhaps Valdor is right.
Onrad has a look around this room. Nothing but ice - diamond ice, glittering, beautiful, a diamond collector's dream.
Back in the main room, Tericus picks up Morlas's magic items. They drip with power, dread and corruption, and surrepticiously whisper in his ear. (I'll post a list tomorrow)
Tericus Friday May 6th, 2005 6:44:27 AM
seeing everyone else rush into the corradore, Tericus stays in the chamber and continues to examine Morlas's items "Ill go if they need my help." Tericus tells himself as he looks at the items.
Gareth Friday May 6th, 2005 8:15:57 AM
Feeling his life and essence within, the warrior crushes the gem with Max's hilt.
Jandar Friday May 6th, 2005 11:21:22 AM
Jandar, seeing the result says,"Noone touch that gem. Maybe we can save the girls doll. Myrridan, Nick, Tericus and I should all cast our highest dispel magic simultaneously on the gem. We need to have the girl far away, in case of an explosion, though. Can't have an innocent's death on our hands. We should do this outside, unles the weather doesn't permit it."
He walks over in front of the girl, puts his hand on her head gently and says,"My dear, we will try to save your doll, but the gem inside it must be destroyed. We have no choice."
Using a couple of daggers, he piks up the doll with the flats of the blades and will carry it outside for the spells to be cast, while the others take care of Gareth's situation, or check for treasure.
Corialote [HP: 135/135, AC: 37] [bull's strength, bear's endurance, rary's telepathic bond, fox's cunning] Friday May 6th, 2005 12:29:35 PM
Cori's face takes on a suddenly hurt look that she quickly wipes away. Her faces hardens as she stares into Jandar and then sniffs lightly. She moves off into the room that held the diamonds, looking at the two males that are in there. "If that works....you will need to clear this room at once." She indicates the remerging of the soul and then turns to the diamonds. "There maybe several traps layed out to protect these diamonds....I may or may not be able to survive, but if I trip the traps then you can have the spoils." It sounds dumb and all but she is still stung by being left out of the male dominated plan.
Silent whispers are in her head, a part of her telling her and warning her once again that you cannot trust males. Remember that they are our inferiors and need to be controled.
0th: detect magic, read magic(2), light 1st: comprehend languages(2), identify(4), reduce person 2nd: glitterdust, melf's acid arrow(2), touch of idiocy, mirror image(2), knock 3rd: extended fox's cunning(2)*, dispel magic(2), hold person, haste*, slow 4th: stoneskin(2)**, wall of fire, greater invisibility, ice storm(2) 5th: rary's telepathic bond, cone of cold(2), passwall, feeblemind 6th: greater dispel magic(2), chain lightning(3), mass bear's endurance 7th: greater teleport, mass hold person, summon monster VII*, prismatic spray, mass invisibility, banishment 8th: extended mordenkainen's sword, polar ray(2) 9th: time stop*, summon monster IX*, shapechange (*) used
Onrad Friday May 6th, 2005 1:07:30 PM
Once again, just to prevent anything more unusual from happening, he sweeps through the gem room sweeping the gems up into a bag. He's ready with flying and tumble should a trap go off. If he collects all the gems, he exits the room to watch the action with the doll.
Not for the first time this day, he notices how there are too many chiefs in this group, yet how each knows when to back down and let someone else have the spotlight.
Somehow, he feels safer AND more capable in this new group. Not that the old one was not effective nor that the Golds were any better than they. But the combination can only be described as lethal.
He smiles as he gathers gems.
Jandar d20+25=30 Friday May 6th, 2005 3:06:33 PM
Jandar blushes when he catches Cori's look and says,"My apologies. I don't know you, nor your specialties and abilities. You are obviously as adept as any at that spell. You take my place, please. I will watch and heal any that get hurt."
He still carries it, but looks ashamed with himself.
Valdor Friday May 6th, 2005 11:51:12 PM
Valdor watches Gareth crush the gem with great interest. If there are any gems or jewels nearby, he'll start stuffing them into his backpack of holding while keeping an eye on Gareth.
Corialote [HP: 135/135, AC: 37] [bull's strength, bear's endurance, rary's telepathic bond, fox's cunning] d20+10=14 Saturday May 7th, 2005 8:50:09 PM Illegal Second Post
Cori would have maybe given Jandor a wry smile if she had hear him, but with all that is going on in the gem room she cannot. With a look at the others in there she just shakes her head and move back into the hall.
Crossing to the otherside of the hall she enters what was once the library and shakes her head at the mess. She lets her detect magic peruse through all the things that remain. She is looking for anything that maybe still useable and not beyond hope of use. She is also looking to see if there are any hidden areas in this room that she should be aware of.
0th: detect magic, read magic(2), light 1st: comprehend languages(2), identify(4), reduce person 2nd: glitterdust, melf's acid arrow(2), touch of idiocy, mirror image(2), knock 3rd: extended fox's cunning(2)*, dispel magic(2), hold person, haste*, slow 4th: stoneskin(2)**, wall of fire, greater invisibility, ice storm(2) 5th: rary's telepathic bond, cone of cold(2), passwall, feeblemind 6th: greater dispel magic(2), chain lightning(3), mass bear's endurance 7th: greater teleport, mass hold person, summon monster VII*, prismatic spray, mass invisibility, banishment 8th: extended mordenkainen's sword, polar ray(2) 9th: time stop*, summon monster IX*, shapechange (*) used
Nick Monday May 9th, 2005 12:15:18 AM
Nick nods at Jandar, a Greater Dispel Magic at the ready. "We'd better have someone who can break the thing apart, too. Someone stronger than me," he adds."
He is a little concerned about the girl, her welfare primarily, but he's also mystified as to what she's doing here. "Don't worry," he assures her. "We'll fix your doll."
DM Jan Monday May 9th, 2005 1:00:47 AM
In the main chamber, Tericus examines Morlas's magic items. These are -
A staff 2 rods 2 rings 6 daggers Robe Amulet
They will need identifying.
In the gem room, Gareth slams Max's hilt against the gem. The blow resonates and the gem cracks in two. Looking on, it appears to Valdor that Gareth has just taken an unseen punch in the face, as the warrior's soul rushes like the wind, back to where it belongs. Colour, pain, joy, scent, love, hate, sound. Wham. All at once.
No traps go off, the gems are gathered.
Over in what's left of the library, Cori can only wonder as she looks over the stacks of ruined scrolls and charred books. As a spellcaster, she can well imagine the kind of library someone like Morlas would have. Centuries of knowledge. All gone up in smoke. There is nothing here that is retrievable, and as to why Morlas would be so rash to destroy something so precious, it is a mystery. A mystery indeed.
The tearful little girl out in the corridor looks on as Jandar prises out the gem between two blades. A taint of evil emanates outward from it and hangs in the air.
Up at the top of the stairs leading out - one of the big doors is partially open. It appears to be light outside, the wind is dying down, and sand has spilled down the stair steps.
Tericus Monday May 9th, 2005 6:40:52 AM
Tericus gathers up the items and moves to the room with the little girl. "Well, what do we have here?" Tericus asks the little girl.
Gareth Monday May 9th, 2005 8:27:36 AM
The warrior takes in a deep shocking breath as if he'd just been hit by a bath of freezing water. He tries to speak but fails to do so. Tremendous emotion surges through him while his mind and his heart reconnect and his heart gives clarity and control to his thoughts. He takes note of Max's control of his body while he was gone.
Valdor Monday May 9th, 2005 10:30:27 AM
Valdor smiles gently as the huge warrior recovers himself. He holds his hand up and says,"Don't try to talk yet. You have een through much. If not for your bond with Max, your body would have died some time back. He kept you alive and led us to the lich. You have finished his body and the others are destroying his soulgem even as I speak. You did well."
Valdor puts a firm hand on the large man's shoulder to give him some stability, waiting until he is ready to move.
Corialote [HP: 135/135, AC: 37] [bull's strength, bear's endurance, rary's telepathic bond, fox's cunning] Monday May 9th, 2005 7:46:43 PM
Cori comes back out of the smoking library with a shocked look upon her face and a mixture of sorrow. She glances back and shakes her head with a sad look. "Cannot believe it...." She glances around and notices that the group is moving off and follows along.
She seems absent and distant right now but maybe brought back to her senses if asked questions or the like. She still has no idea that she was asked to substitute one of her greater dispels on the gem.
She glances to Valdor and nods to Gareth. "Is he better and was it the right one?" She looks to the man known as Gareth with concern upon her face and tries to get a grasp of the man from his appearance now that the sword is not in control.
0th: detect magic, read magic(2), light 1st: comprehend languages(2), identify(4), reduce person 2nd: glitterdust, melf's acid arrow(2), touch of idiocy, mirror image(2), knock 3rd: extended fox's cunning(2)*, dispel magic(2), hold person, haste*, slow 4th: stoneskin(2)**, wall of fire, greater invisibility, ice storm(2) 5th: rary's telepathic bond, cone of cold(2), passwall, feeblemind 6th: greater dispel magic(2), chain lightning(3), mass bear's endurance 7th: greater teleport, mass hold person, summon monster VII*, prismatic spray, mass invisibility, banishment 8th: extended mordenkainen's sword, polar ray(2) 9th: time stop*, summon monster IX*, shapechange (*) used
Valdor Monday May 9th, 2005 11:09:32 PM
Valdor nods to Cori and tells her telepathically,"It was and is, but I don't know yet if the sword controls him still. I'm just keeping an eye on him."
Into his earpiece, he says,"Give me an update. What is everyone's health and position? I'm with Gareth and Cori in the gem room. Gareth is coming to grips with himself again and is recovering quickly...I think. Cori and I are fine."
Jandar Monday May 9th, 2005 11:21:12 PM
Jandar carries the gem to the edge of the doors and replies into his earpiece,"I have a bad feeling that, when we destroy this gem, this place is coming down around our ears. I suggest everyone grabs what they can carry, and gets out of there. I will hold the gem for a few seconds, but we need to do this quickly, before he comes back. We could really use Cori's help on the casting. Can you tell her for me. I don't think she heard me...or she doesn't like me. Also, Nick says we need one of you strong guys to crush this gem when we cast our spell as well."
Jandar's sweating at the pressure of what he's holding, and is obviouslyy not enjoying it at all.
Nick Tuesday May 10th, 2005 12:34:07 AM Into the earpiece -
"Valdor, I'm on my way outside with Jandar. This gem is making my stomach churn and I'm not even the one holding it."
After considering something for a moment - "And I think Jandar might be right. We need to get everyone out of here, including that little girl. And Cori - she doesn't have an earpiece. She needs to be aware."
Nick does his best to make sure the doors at the top of the stairs are passable.
DM Jan Tuesday May 10th, 2005 1:22:44 AM
In the now 'gem-free' gem room, Gareth's soul is now restored. The warrior will feel a little odd for a few moments, but apart from that and having Max on the edge of a possible sulk, everything is fine. Valdor is there, along with a deliciously exotic female drow elf.
In the corridor, the silent girl child picks up whats left of her doll and the tears stop. She looks up calmly at Tericus with the same bland curiosity as she showed Jandar, Myrridan and Mordrid. A bundle of energy like Onrad doesn't seem to faze her either as he appears in the corridor.
Up at the top of the steps, Nick pulls open the door and both he and Jandar are washed with light, heat and sand. It's back to full, blazing daylight outside, and sand, shifted by the wind, pools around their feet. Everything has been covered and buried by the sands, all except for the wall and the doors behind them, and it takes a moment or two of squinting before they realize they are not alone.
About thirty feet away stands a figure who looks to be swathed in about 30 yards of black cloth. He has a creature with him on the end of a rope - four long legs, a humped back, a scooped neck and a haughty face. The creature bellows as the two Dragons appear at the top of the steps and it tries to back away.
Heat, light and sand drift downward on a hot dry breeze. The breeze carries the scent of the living Wold, and in the minds of Myrridan and Mordrid, there is a barely perceptible sigh.
Tericus Tuesday May 10th, 2005 6:29:30 AM
"Well, lets get this over with." Tericus says as he turns his attention to the jem. "Im ready to get out of here."
Gareth Tuesday May 10th, 2005 9:10:08 AM
The warrior gathers in what has happened and decides to act. He pulls out a large burlap bag and begins piling things in. "If we're going to get the stuff then lets get it. It should all fit.".
Jandar Tuesday May 10th, 2005 12:03:08 PM
Jandar says into his earpiece,"We've got a visitor out here, with a really ugly, odd looking creature with him. Not sure of his intent, but you all need to hurry. I can't bear this gem any longer. It must be destroyed now. We're beginning the spells."
He keeps the figure in front of them and sets the gem on the ground at his feet. He draws his warhammer, then wipes his brow. He is sweating profusely now, the strain of the burden he carried showing on his young face.
He asks Mordrid,"Watch that guy would you? He's either a friend of Morlas's or a visitor and can mean us no good. If he moves to come closer...well, do your thing. We've got to detroy this thing. After the spells, if the others aren't here, I will try to smash it."
He then looks to the other spellcasters and nods. He begins to cast his spell, hopefully in unison with the others.
Valdor Tuesday May 10th, 2005 12:04:38 PM
Valdor tells those with him,"Looks like our time is up. We must go. They have someone up top watching them and they are beginning the spells. We've got to go."
He stays with the others until they leave, but is standing by the door waiting.
Corialote [HP: 135/135, AC: 37] [bull's strength, bear's endurance, rary's telepathic bond, fox's cunning] d20+19=28 Tuesday May 10th, 2005 12:27:01 PM
Cori nods in understanding as Valdor gives her the word to move out. She tries to keep a smirk off her face as she move up the stairs and all. She takes the time to call upon her two elemental friends to follow along, underground if they like. If she is told of the stranger before she gets to the top she will have them move out and behind him.
Part of her is satisfied that the group needs her magical abilities but another part of her says to say no. When she finally reaches the top of the stairs and outside she already has the beginnings of the spell upon her lips, ready for casting. She tries to time it just right with the rest of those using greater dispel. "Lietha guldur." She does glance to the stranger though she makes no move to do anything else as this spell takes her full concentration.
0th: detect magic, read magic(2), light 1st: comprehend languages(2), identify(4), reduce person 2nd: glitterdust, melf's acid arrow(2), touch of idiocy, mirror image(2), knock 3rd: extended fox's cunning(2)*, dispel magic(2), hold person, haste*, slow 4th: stoneskin(2)**, wall of fire, greater invisibility, ice storm(2) 5th: rary's telepathic bond, cone of cold(2), passwall, feeblemind 6th: greater dispel magic(2)*, chain lightning(3), mass bear's endurance 7th: greater teleport, mass hold person, summon monster VII*, prismatic spray, mass invisibility, banishment 8th: extended mordenkainen's sword, polar ray(2) 9th: time stop*, summon monster IX*, shapechange (*) used
Onrad Tuesday May 10th, 2005 1:04:18 PM
We got Gareth's soul back, but where is the phylactery?
Myrridan d20+30=36 d20+12=30 d20+16=21 Tuesday May 10th, 2005 6:58:29 PM
The draw of the Living Wold sends Myrridan to move ahead and stand by Nick and Jandar. Through the door he looks upon the two figures standing before them. He wonders at what kind of creature stands with the figure dressed in black.
(Knowledge Nature: 36, Spot 30, Listen 21)
Nick Wednesday May 11th, 2005 1:13:14 AM
Nick can't focus on the stranger right now. It's all he can do to concentrate on his spell. At the back of his mind, he's wondering at the power in that gem, and what it contains - the lich's lifeforce, presumably stirring and building on itself even as they drag it out into the daylight. How long before it rebuilt what the others had destroyed?
He'll hit it with his own Greater Dispell Magic when the others do.
DM Jan Wednesday May 11th, 2005 1:49:29 AM
Assuming everyone exits...
The little girl follows everyone up the steps and into the sunlight.
The strange creature outside continues to bellow with distress, and it is pulling mightily backward on the rope held by the figure dressed in black. Myrridan can see it's flat padded feet splayed against the sandy ground, perfect for walking on this terrain. (Looks remarkably like a camel.) The black clad figure appears to have his hands full, for now.
A combination of spells halt the vibration of the gem, and it turns an opaque black. On it's surface, small engravings can be seen that are on the verge of fading. Physical destruction has a DC 40. 120 HPs.
Onrad and Valdor have the diamonds.
Gareth had chance to grab one of the tapestries and the baroque ruby chandelier, before everyone left.
Right now the gem seems to overshadow everything, even the Wold's new dawn
Tericus Wednesday May 11th, 2005 6:39:31 AM
seeing the others spells work, Tericus tells the others "Smash it now! Before whatever that creature is gets in here!" then he moves to stand with the others that are confronting the two creatures in the portal
Gareth Wednesday May 11th, 2005 9:11:16 AM
The warrior leaves with the others. "We can always dig it out if necessary...".
Reactivating his boots of speed, he slices at perceived weak points in the gem.
Critting twice, and hitting once, he does 5 sets of damage: 109 hpd.
He grins waiting for one of the tanks to finish it off.
Mordrid Wednesday May 11th, 2005 5:12:35 PM
Mordrid leaves the gem smashing to Valdor or Gareth. His battle with the Lich was synthetic.
Instead he offers a hand to the small child.
Jandar d20+28=31 d20+28=47 d20+23=42 d8+13=16 d8+13=17 Wednesday May 11th, 2005 8:13:09 PM
After Onrad's attacks, Jandar grasps his warhammer and, raising it above his head, says,"By Domi's hammer, your evil will be ended this day!"
He brings his hammer down with all his might, knowing there anticipating the concussion likely to follow.(Hero point, hit AC47,42 for 33pts)
Valdor Wednesday May 11th, 2005 8:15:31 PM
Valdor exits with the others about the time Onrad and Jandar deliver their blows. He makes sure to shield the girl with both his body and his shield, if any eruption occurs.
Nick Wednesday May 11th, 2005 11:19:02 PM
Nick watches, all the while praying silently.
Alemi watch over us, Alemi give us the strength to right this wrong, and deliver this life to Gargul, so he may be judged and given mercy. May his soul be healed, let what was once pure, become so again....
DM Jan Thursday May 12th, 2005 1:59:35 AM
Ding. Ding. Ding. Ding. Ding. Crunch.
Nothing. No earthquakes, explosions. Nothing.
The gem has been smashed to dust, and the mild breeze begins to carry the crystal fragments, mingling them with the surrounding sand. What was Morlas's essence, is beginning to become one with this hot, dry desolate place.
As soon as the gem is destroyed, the black-clad figure's creature stops it's distressful bellowing and it settles, regarding the group with heavy-lidded eyes. As if to confirm it's new mood, it gives out a loud, disgusted snort.
Within the endless swathe of black cloth, there appears to be a man, brown-skinned and maybe 5' 9" tall. He calls out to the group in an accent that bears no resemblence to anything heard before -
"It is written - that on the eve of the Darkness, the Lords of the South would come and destroy a monster of their own making! Is this true? Are you the Lords of the South?"
In the sandy wasteland and near-blinding sunlight, Mordrid finds the little girl's hand in his own. She holds on to him in a relaxed manner, as though she's held hands with Mordrid for years.
In many respects this is a day like any other day, except for the ranger and the druid. With the gem gone, a sense of power thrums through their feet. The power of nature. The power of the land. And it feeds them. Even the sand below their feet gains a clarity they've never felt before. Grains of rock, finely ground, different colours. Beautiful. Offset by the strong scent of the camel.
((Mordrid, Myyridan - temporary +2 on all Survival checks until the Fae King is defeated))
Gareth Thursday May 12th, 2005 8:07:56 AM
The warrior sighs as the Storm Dragons arch enemy for so many years has been destroyed. He calls out to the creature "Where is this place?".
Tericus Thursday May 12th, 2005 9:19:54 AM
Tericus looks at the man and his beast and says "Im not sure that we are lords, but we are from the South. Is today the eve of Darkness?"
Onrad Thursday May 12th, 2005 10:51:36 AM
"We did not make Morlas the Lich. He, Morlas, made the decisions to become and remain what he was--evil incarnate. But hopefully we did destroy him this day."
"We are not Lords, and we do not hold any title like that which I am familiar with. As for being from the south, that depends on your perspective."
Corialote [HP: 135/135, AC: 37] [bull's strength, bear's endurance, rary's telepathic bond, fox's cunning] Thursday May 12th, 2005 1:51:32 PM
Cori shuts her eyes as tight as she can against the glare of the sun. In all the excitement she had forgotten about it and finds herself temperarily seeing spots. She reaches to her neck and pulls up the goggles there to move them to cover her eyes.
She calls out to her two elementals in a voice of friendship and respect. "You may return to your plane my friends...I hope that I may call upon you again in the future to help me." She now takes in the stranger though she is still hard pressed to see too well, as her eyes have not gotten over the light. She slowly makes her way over to Mordrid and the child. "When next we sleep I will prepare a spell to repair the girls teddy...if she so desires me to." She looks to the girl and gives a smile. "Would you like me to do that for you?" Keeping the smile there she adds. "You do not have to let him go...you can hold him if you want as I work."
0th: detect magic, read magic(2), light 1st: comprehend languages(2), identify(4), reduce person 2nd: glitterdust, melf's acid arrow(2), touch of idiocy, mirror image(2), knock 3rd: extended fox's cunning(2)*, dispel magic(2), hold person, haste*, slow 4th: stoneskin(2)**, wall of fire, greater invisibility, ice storm(2) 5th: rary's telepathic bond, cone of cold(2), passwall, feeblemind 6th: greater dispel magic(2)*, chain lightning(3), mass bear's endurance 7th: greater teleport, mass hold person, summon monster VII*, prismatic spray, mass invisibility, banishment 8th: extended mordenkainen's sword, polar ray(2) 9th: time stop*, summon monster IX*, shapechange (*) used
Jandar Thursday May 12th, 2005 2:13:34 PM
Jandar waits for the explosion that never comes. He is surprised, to say the least. He hardly hears the man's statement and then his question. Whispering to Nick, he says,"Well, that didn't end so badly. I still feel odd about it all."
Jandar says to the group,"I must go now. I will tell the leaders of both Domi's and Alemi's temples the events that have unfolded here. Maybe they can make sense of the man's statements through prayer to our Gods. May Domi give you all strength and Alemi wisdom."
He smiles and makes eye contact with each of the Storms, finally ending with Tericus and says cheerfully,"I want to thank you all for believing in me. I have enjoyed our brief time together. You are all honorable and brave. I will miss you all."
At the last he turns to Cori and says quietly,"I offended you. For that, I am deeply sorry and it troubles me. You are powerful to an extreme, and I really meant no affront. Forgive me, please."
He bows and says a quiet word...then disappears. (Word of Recall)
Valdor Thursday May 12th, 2005 2:25:36 PM
Valdor watches Jandar leave and then says,"We are the ones who make beings like Morlas. Power is worshipped all over our land. People bow when we walk by, although I don't care for such. Because we place so much importance in strength of arms, magical treasure and weapons, spell casting abilities...these are the things that drive people to make poor decisions and become what Morlas became. But, while it wasn't us directly, it is what makes us who we are...the quest to become stronger, conquer enemies, and other such reasons.
It is a shame that some go beyond reasonable, but it is our doing. But, I don't feel we are directly responsible. However, that is just a point for debate. What I am concerned with however, is the Eve of Darkness he refers to. I prefer the light myself.
So, we would be considered by many, if not ourselves, as Lords of the South, and Morlas, while we did not create him, was our responsibility. Boy, doesn't that stink.
Oh well, 'what now?' is my question."
Nick Friday May 13th, 2005 12:45:16 AM
"Maybe you had already weakened him," says Nick quietly to Jandar, "in your last battle, or maybe he just didn't expect anyone to come here. I don't even know where 'here' is."
Personally, he's sorry to see Jandar go, and wishes him well.
DM Jan Friday May 13th, 2005 1:27:35 AM
The man cocks his head, listening to the various comments and questions asked of him. He seems a little apprehensive, as though he isnt quite sure of what to make of those stood before him. But at some point, someone says something that appears to answer his questions. His creature merely stands there, looking haughty and bored.
"You dress like men of the south, metal, and hides - " he begins, "and so, you are now in a land far north of your own, where every man is equally wealthy. Where every man may have all the sand he desires."
"Darkness came upon us all, and sliced the day in two. Perhaps the monster had your attention. Darkness brought with it a great storm, and a storm within a storm." He looks about him. "The darkness and the storm have passed. But they have left something behind." The man clears his throat, and his voice takes on a more formal tone. "It was written that you would come, and that you would offer clemency to the messenger, and take heed of the prophecy. Is this so? It must be so, or the world will end."
He stands, waiting.
In the meantime, the dry heat bears down hard on everyone, drying skin, making armour uncomfortably hot.
Cori's elementals make a graceful, shimmering exit, closely followed by Jandar.
Cori notices that the girl, still hanging on to Mordrid, appears to be taking careful note of how the drow's lips move. She hands over the doll.
Gareth Friday May 13th, 2005 7:29:15 AM
The warrior attempts to process all that has happened to him over the last several hours and his head reels. He thanks Jandar as he comes by but doesn't offer the praise you would expect from him after all he's done. In the end he just decides to go back down and check out the treasure since he can certainly understand that. He also asks Max to read the thoughts of the little girl. Why does this bother him so her being here?
Tericus Friday May 13th, 2005 10:38:43 AM
nodding goodbye to Jandar, Tericus listens to the stranger, then decides not to say anything because he really doesnt understand what the guy is saying
((DM Jan OOC)) Friday May 13th, 2005 12:03:47 PM
((ScoTT - do you have a new email address?))
Why yes I do...
scott.marley@sbcglobal.net
Corialote [HP: 135/135, AC: 37] [bull's strength, bear's endurance, rary's telepathic bond, fox's cunning] Friday May 13th, 2005 10:49:25 PM
Cori takes the teddy from the girl and smiles. "You could actually hold onto him till the morning if you want...I cannot do anything at this time for him." Her face reflects a sadness about this news and she starts to feel tears form. She had just been about to comment on the girl watching her lips so intently when she turns to Jandor.
She quickly moves to gets close to him as he speaks to her. "Please...it is I should apologize...I let my emotions get away with me." She would be blushing except that her ebony skin would not show it anyways. "How would you know exactly what I could do...I am a stranger after all...even to the Gold Dragons I am a stranger really." She takes his hand in friendship right before he disappears and turns to the rest. "What now then...I would like to be able to repair this teddybear before long...I promised."
She seems to remember something that she was going to mention and then looks back to the girl with a smile. A kindred spirit maybe in this little girl...but who is she and how did she get here.
Extended Fox's Cunning-33min 50sec
0th: detect magic, read magic(2), light 1st: comprehend languages(2), identify(4), reduce person 2nd: glitterdust, melf's acid arrow(2), touch of idiocy, mirror image(2), knock 3rd: extended fox's cunning(2)*, dispel magic(2), hold person, haste*, slow 4th: stoneskin(2)**, wall of fire, greater invisibility, ice storm(2) 5th: rary's telepathic bond, cone of cold(2), passwall, feeblemind 6th: greater dispel magic(2)*, chain lightning(3), mass bear's endurance 7th: greater teleport, mass hold person, summon monster VII*, prismatic spray, mass invisibility, banishment 8th: extended mordenkainen's sword, polar ray(2) 9th: time stop*, summon monster IX*, shapechange (*) used
Valdor Saturday May 14th, 2005 1:02:52 AM
Valdor steps forward and says,"We are from the south and hold lands, wealth and titles. From what you have said, we could be considered 'Lords', though I do not consider myself such. I am Valdor of the Gold Dragons. Clemency is granted, as you have done nothing against us. What is the prophecy you speak of?"
Mordrid Saturday May 14th, 2005 10:46:35 AM
"What's this about the world ending? You'ld think throwing a God's sword into the abyss would cause a small delay between one ending and the next."
DM Jan Monday May 16th, 2005 1:11:49 AM
Satisfied for the moment that these southern strangers are not about to rend him limb from limb, the man recollects all that he has been told. It has been a long journey for him and shows in both his eyes and his stance.
"Those who love the Land have called forth Doom. Doom is the one who would rule us. Doom is the one who will turn our land against us. Doom WILL rule absolute, unless the Southern Lords send out their rallying cry to those scattered. Strength must be met with strength, power against power, knowledge against knowledge, in the Vale at life's end."
The man gives a helpless shrug. "We do not know this doom, or this vale. But this much was clear. This message we had to deliver. "Hardship faces us all until you succeed. Even now things change. I feel it on the wind."
As the man talks, the girl takes back her doll, still standing silently. Max is getting some strange thoughts from the girl - words, letters, numbers, strings of them, all jumbled up so he is unable to understand them. It's like the nightmare of Nonam's spellbook, similar style, just as complicated. In amongst this, he imparts to his human companion his awareness that Valdor and Onrad seem to have mopped up the treasure from the gem room. And he hadn't seen anything else.
Myrridan d20+30=45 Monday May 16th, 2005 2:07:47 AM
"I too feel something in the wind. Something is different. I can assure you though, I have had no part in this summoning of Doom, that you speak of. You are speaking of the events surrounding the dreams and the convergence of the moons and sun? How did you receive this message?"
Myrridan draws upon his vast knowledge of nature to recall any historical figures in natural history. (Knowledge Nature: 45)
Gareth Monday May 16th, 2005 8:52:07 AM
The warrior stops his descent into the liche's lair, closes in on Mordrid and the girl, and conveys Max's thoughts to the others. "It's the girl... she is Morlas I think... Some kind of powerful mage. You casters and priests better figure it out - and now... I'm not so smart but a girl wouldn't be down there without a very good reason." If she moves, he strikes. He tries to see if there is any familiarity to the thoughts (e.g. Gareth was close to Morlas for awhile. Might know how he 'feels' mentally).
Tericus Monday May 16th, 2005 8:57:12 AM
hering Gareth's words, Tericus concentrates his detect magic and detect undead spells on the little girl and her doll to see if either one activates.
Corialote [HP: 135/135, AC: 37] [bull's strength, bear's endurance, rary's telepathic bond, fox's cunning] Monday May 16th, 2005 9:33:37 PM
Cori looks to the young girl and quirks an eyebrow. She has no idea as to what to say or do for sure as others have spells that would be far more effective than hers for this job. "I also think that she may not be able to hear...she watches lips or at least she was watching me very intently when I spoke." She gives a wane smile as she looks back to the girl and then shakes her head. Her thoughts turn to the idea of having to kill one so young and she wonders if she can have a hand in it. She does not think so.
Extended Fox's Cunning-33min 40sec
0th: detect magic, read magic(2), light 1st: comprehend languages(2), identify(4), reduce person 2nd: glitterdust, melf's acid arrow(2), touch of idiocy, mirror image(2), knock 3rd: extended fox's cunning(2)*, dispel magic(2), hold person, haste*, slow 4th: stoneskin(2)**, wall of fire, greater invisibility, ice storm(2) 5th: rary's telepathic bond, cone of cold(2), passwall, feeblemind 6th: greater dispel magic(2)*, chain lightning(3), mass bear's endurance 7th: greater teleport, mass hold person, summon monster VII*, prismatic spray, mass invisibility, banishment 8th: extended mordenkainen's sword, polar ray(2) 9th: time stop*, summon monster IX*, shapechange (*) used
Valdor Monday May 16th, 2005 11:01:38 PM
Valdor nods at Mordrid's question and barely suppresses a chuckle. He doesn't want the man to think it's about him, though there is clearly nothing to fear...except that ugly beast next to him.
He replies to the man,"I know what has been awakened, and he would change your lands. I chose not to aid in bringing him back, but too many agreed to do so, I fear. We will heed your words and the prophecy. We have much to decide upon before I issue such a decree, however. Myrridan, Cori, can you research this 'Vale of life's end' of which he speaks? The druid order and the Star Mage Tower must have some mention in it...if it exists. I will attempt to contact Lady Maab, once we are back home. Tericus and Nick, perhaps you could commune with Alemi and see if you can reach a conclusion. Between you all, I know we can get our answers. Gareth, Onrad, Mordrid, and myself can drink a tub of ale while you do this."
He laughs, then adds,"Just kidding, but I don't know what help we will be in this affair. But it's best if we are on our way, unless anyone has anything else to do here."
When Gareth moves close to the girl, Valdor puts a hand on his shoulder and says,"Easy big fella. I know you've been through some tough times lately, but don't jump to any conclusions. If she is, can you honestly kill a young girl? It would be better to teleport her to the Temple of Alemi and let them handle it. I couldn't possibly let anyone kill a tot like this, even if it was Morlas's soul in there somewhere. Let's take her there regardless, and let them study her and help her how they can. Tericus?"
Nick Tuesday May 17th, 2005 1:47:18 AM
Nick is a little shocked - at Gareth's news about the girl, and the fact that the warrior looks ready to slice her head off with that peculiar sword of his.
He's glad Valdor has stepped forth to stop it, although this was an odd situation. As for Cori's suggestion - deaf? By Alemi he'd never considered it. Of course, that would explain a lot of her behaviour. A little enigma, this one.
As for the stranger and his prophecy, there was obviously trouble brewing. Big trouble. The signs had been there.
He nods at Valdor. He'd definitely do some investigating.
DM Jan Tuesday May 17th, 2005 2:25:55 AM
The stranger looks toward Myrridan. "Yes. Our holy man dreamed of this. He raged for two nights, but although he is old, it is our belief that what he spoke of was true. "I was sent to this place, this place of evil to await you, and when the Moons came to cover the Sun, it threw all doubt from my mind."
Myrridan's knowledge of nature doesn't point toward anything in particular apart from a conviction that all this was not part of the normal order of things. Nature and the land had a tendency to go on it's own sweet way, and no figure in history had ever been able to sway it. The notion that someone was about to attempt just that, meant big magic. Big magic indeed.
Catching Gareth's mood, Max is poised and ready for the killing blow. The sword is still reading the girl... Morlas, no... there was no emotion here, no emnity, no lust, no hate, just strings of ordered nonsense, like reading a book written for the insane or the very clever. It seemed her mind was busy, reciting a multitude of things, over and over. It is enough to make Gareth's head spin.
Tericus's spells wash over the child. Nothing. Which isn't surprising as he'd been hitting the whole place earlier, and he hadn't pick up anything then, and it would be strange indeed if any alarm bells went off now. The girl seemed like any other kid on the streets of Plateau City. Young, untainted. And the question as to why she should be in Morlas's lair? Hmmm...
As for the girl herself, she seems unafraid, despite the change in body language of those around her.
The stranger bows before Valdor. "Our trust lies with you. I must return to my people. See - the clouds gather," he points at the horizon, "and we rarely see clouds such as those." Clouds are indeed a factor on the horizon, strato-cumulus, rising high into the air.
Is it time to leave, and if so - where to?
Gareth Tuesday May 17th, 2005 9:19:41 AM
The warrior seems not to care much that Valdor touches him but he relaxes a bit as Max conveys the idea that she is not Morlas and Tericus confirms she is not evil. He holds Max in a non-threatening manner and continues to commune with his sword. "It's...crazy. She has endless spells, numbers, and...'power' going through her mind at light speed. And they repeat over and over. I've seen Nonam's mind from time to time. It's like that only much, much more complicated and powerful. How is that possible?" The warrior winces and sheaths Max as his mind is clearly swimming and his head hurting from the communiion. "Thank you, my friend...".
Tericus Tuesday May 17th, 2005 9:31:09 AM
"Well, where to now? We did what we came to do, but it seems like we're suppost to do something else."
Onrad Tuesday May 17th, 2005 3:01:58 PM
"I'm confused. No boom. No explosions. Nada. I'm still not convinced that we got Morlas' Phylactery. How can we find out for sure? The only way I know of is to visit a temple of Gargul and check to see where Morlas' soul is now. I suggest we do that soon to wrap this up permanently. After all we've been through, this was....just too easy and anticlimatic. Our fated lives don't work that way."
"As for this guy? I hate riddles. All we got when we started this Morlas thing was riddles. They give me a headache. No offense sir."
Onrad bows and begins searching other rooms trying to convince the others to heed his advice and inquire of Gargul about Morlas.
Mordrid Tuesday May 17th, 2005 7:07:27 PM
Mordrid gently pulls the girl close to his hip. He eyes Gareth stoicly, and relaxes his other hand neatly over his sheathed sword. Valdor swoops in to ease the situation, saving Mordrid from having to choose similar words.
Valdor Tuesday May 17th, 2005 11:07:20 PM
Valdor smiles as the tensions rise, then ease up a bit. He says,"Well, enough of this here. We seem to have some riddles to figure out. Onrad, the only reason it was easy was because of some clutch spellcasting, quick and powerful swordplay, and our opponent wasn't ready for us. If he had been, things would've gone much worse, I'm sure. I think until the end, he didn't realize we had combined forces against him, and by the time he did, it was too late for him. You are right, it normally isn't so easy, but who else could've bested those golems so quickly, and Morlas himself would've taken out most adventuring parties with his spells and wands. Against our combined strength, however, there are not many creatures that could do better. Perhaps we should stay together for now, until we sort this all out, at the least. We are somewhat short-handed, as are you guys. Both are powerful, yes, but together...well, Morlas found out the hard way.
I really believe Tericus's spell would've told him if Morlas's soul was still around, but the Temple of Gargul sounds like a good place to start. Then there's the girl. And finally, the questions raised by the messenger. If Myrridan can sense something wrong in the air, then there must be some fact to what the man said.
So, is it the Temple then? I have a ring of mass teleportation we can use, if all are in agreement.
Gareth? What do you think, big guy? Mordrid? Cori? Nick? Tericus?Everyone here has a say, and suggestions are welcome."
Corialote [HP: 135/135, AC: 37] [bull's strength, bear's endurance, rary's telepathic bond, fox's cunning] Tuesday May 17th, 2005 11:18:19 PM
Cori simply shrugs as the ideas are thrown out and she smiles slightly. "Once we are back I will head for the Star Guild and do what I can there...they may have some ideas." She looks around to the rest and laughs lightly. "I think my thread is entangled with the rest of yours...I will stand by you all for now." She can only go so far at this time as she is never sure what the Guild will have for her to do and her loyalties must stay to the Guild.
Looking back to the little girl she truely smiles now. "I will take care of that bear for you when I have rested...I do not break my promises." She waits to see what the rest will decide though she has an idea already. "Do we port straight to the temple?"
Extended Fox's Cunning-33min 30sec
0th: detect magic, read magic(2), light 1st: comprehend languages(2), identify(4), reduce person 2nd: glitterdust, melf's acid arrow(2), touch of idiocy, mirror image(2), knock 3rd: extended fox's cunning(2)*, dispel magic(2), hold person, haste*, slow 4th: stoneskin(2)**, wall of fire, greater invisibility, ice storm(2) 5th: rary's telepathic bond, cone of cold(2), passwall, feeblemind 6th: greater dispel magic(2)*, chain lightning(3), mass bear's endurance 7th: greater teleport, mass hold person, summon monster VII*, prismatic spray, mass invisibility, banishment 8th: extended mordenkainen's sword, polar ray(2) 9th: time stop*, summon monster IX*, shapechange (*) used
Nick Wednesday May 18th, 2005 1:09:33 AM
"Well, I'd like to get back to civilization, at least. If things are happening, then they should be happening in our homelands, too. Although I have to admit I don't really know what to expect. "These visions and prophecies are starting to worry me. As for the girl, I suggest we try and find a way for her to express herself. Perhaps then she can tell us something that might help."
Mordrid Wednesday May 18th, 2005 1:16:38 AM
"Lead and I shall follow you Valdor. The child must find rest in the temple of Alemi soon. Lead sir."
Mordrid scans the group.
DM Jan Wednesday May 18th, 2005 1:34:03 AM
As the Dragons come to a decision, the stranger climbs upon the creature that accompanied him, which involves the creature kneeling, with an acute test of nerves and balance on the part of the stranger as it rises to it's feet once more.
The man bids the Dragons farewell, and sets off at a fair clip into the desert, toward the gathering clouds. Lightning is beginning to flash in the distance.
If Onrad goes back down below into the lair, he will find nothing but furniture, including a child's bed and three empty coffins. Morlas's demise haunts him. Was it over? Was it really over?
Answers to a zillion questions - the prophecy, Morlas, the enigma of the little girl, nature used as a tool for conquest - are not here. All that lies here is sand.
Where to?
Myrridan Wednesday May 18th, 2005 7:39:25 AM
"I agree with Father Nicholas, we need to return. And quickly."
Gareth Wednesday May 18th, 2005 8:40:13 AM
The warrior nods to Valdor as he describes the might of the two groups combined. "If it is like the being here just said, we may every once of poewr we can all bring to combat our new mutual foe. I'd say staying together is a good thing. Besides, I haven't had much competition in my waffle eating contests...".
Tericus Wednesday May 18th, 2005 9:37:13 AM
"Not my favorate place to go." Tericus says of the temple of Gargul, "But if we have to, we have to. Lets go and get it over with."
Valdor d100=38 Wednesday May 18th, 2005 11:01:30 AM
Valdor slaps Gareth on the back and says,"Now that's the guy I remember. Let's get out of ths place. It's doing awful things to my hair, and I just can't have that. Everyone pass Rossco's ring."
He puts the ring on his finger, then passes it to each member of the group. When all have done so, he visualizes the front of Gargul's temple, just outside.
Cori, with her telepathic bond, gets a glimpse of Valdor picturing himself laughing a bit and everyone landing awkwardly.
(arriving one foot above the ground)
Onrad Wednesday May 18th, 2005 12:26:57 PM
Onrad grins. Valdor truly is a leader. Amazing. He thinks:
::I hope I'm not becoming the perpetual doubter of the group::
"I too think that we stay together. And on pancakes? My vote is for Myrridan. He'll shapechange into a human with a big stomach. :)"
He passes the ring. "We have a mass ring too Valdor. Just so you know. Since we're using yours, I guess we're going to Plateau City rather than Float?"
::He grins mischievously.::
Nick Wednesday May 18th, 2005 7:58:58 PM
Just the thought of teleporting is making Nick's stomach roll. How the others could think of pancakes and waffles is beyond him, still - he was keen on getting back and trying to sift through their many questions before events overtook them all.
He'll make sure the little girl touches the ring too, if Mordrid has not already done so.
DM Jan Thursday May 19th, 2005 2:42:54 AM
Activated, the ring whisks everyone out of the hot dry desert air, into blackness, and then deposits them with a bit of a jolt, right outside the Skull Temple - the main Temple of Gargul in PLATEAU CITY.
It's approaching late afternoon. The air is cooler, but more humid, emphasising the uncomfortable fact that sand has managed to work it's way into every nook and cranny.
As usual, the area around the Temple is fairly quiet. Unlike some of the other temples, this one doesn't attract many people.
There's a heady floral scent in the air, flocks of birds wheel above the city, chirruping excitedly, and a bee flies past, closely followed by another.
For the Dragons, there are things to do, people to see -
- treasure to be valued - the girl to be taken care of - temples and guilds to consult - logistics regarding the combination of the Dragons groups to be taken care of - the mysteries of the prophecy to be unraveled.
((OOC - guys, I need to move you forward a little in the Woldian time frame, so the next two days 'real time' posts will take into account a couple of weeks 'Woldian time' - so keep that in mind when posting.))
Tericus Thursday May 19th, 2005 6:45:36 AM
"Im off the the Catacombs, then to the temple of Alemi." Tericus says to the others. "Ill catch up with you later." then he goes to the catacombs to get the treasure identified.
Gareth Thursday May 19th, 2005 8:05:43 AM
The warrior makes sure that the girl is figured out and that the treasure is valued and divided - or destroyed if evil. He then spends his time training and preparing for what he knows will come soon. Not sure what, but knows it will. He tries to keep up with the discussions of the prophecy but doesn't understand too much.
Onrad d20+16=30 d20+16=33 d20+16=33 d20+16=31 d20+16=30 d20+16=18 Thursday May 19th, 2005 11:23:59 AM
Onrad asks to speak to the high priest of Gargul. Once with him, he inquires about the current location of Morlas. Is he truly dead again? Is he in the Estates of Unrest where he should be? If not, where is he?
He also asks the priest to do some augeries and divinations to support Tericus' findings. He wants to know if the mission to kill Morlas succeeded. If there are any unfinished business relating to the past mission.
He then donates 200gold to the temple coffer.
Onrad then heads home to check on the estate and the family. He hopes his little brother Konrad has been running the winery ok as his regent and that all in the Pryderi family are well. After a day or two there, he returns to the city and moves from inn to inn staying a night or two in each listening and getting the pulse of the city again.
[3 listen checks-d20+16=30 d20+16=33 d20+16=33]
[3 spot checks-d20+16=31 d20+16=30 d20+16=18]
Each morning while in the city he breakfasts at the GDCastle to hear what the others are up to.
One morning at breakfast, Onrad says, "Yaknow friends, we should come up with a new name for our combined group. We can still go by the Golds and Storms when separate, but the super group needs a name.
"And I have a nomination: Platinum Dragons. The elite of the elite. What do you think?"
Valdor Friday May 20th, 2005 12:41:12 AM
Valdor finds a jeweler to get an appraisal on all the gems he stuffed into his backpack of holding. He makes sure to get Cori to Detect Magic on the pile before he heads off. He says,"Why don't we meet at our castle in two days time to discuss what we have. You are all welcome to sleep there, and to come and go as you please. I'll make sure the staff is aware of each of you. And that includes you, Cori, as well."
After basically resting the rest of the day, he exercises, eats strictly meat and vegetables, and fruits, and drinks only water and juices. You'd almost think he was concerned with his diet. He makes sure to inform all the staff of the Storm Dragons.
He then visits his daughter and catches up a bit, as things are getting crazy in the Wold again and he wants to make sure that she is safe.
When they get together, he agrees with a nod to Onrad's suggestion and waits to hear the others input.
Nick Friday May 20th, 2005 1:39:45 AM
Nick will accompany Tericus and Mordrid and the girl (?) to the Cathedral of Light, hopefully to try and cure some of the girl's ills and discover discreetly what makes her tick.
After that, he'll spend quite a bit of time at the cathedral, talking to his elders about the prophecy.
DM Jan Friday May 20th, 2005 2:23:31 AM
After all the appraisals, Morlas's items and the diamonds amount to:
Diamonds - 810,000 GP
Staff of power - evil 2 Rods, both Metamagic, Empower - not evil Ring of Protection +3 not evil Ring of Wizardry 3 - evil 6 daggers of venom - evil Robe of the Archmagi - evil Amulet of natural armour +5 - not evil
Over the next few days, the Dragons go about their business. Plateau City is abuzz with rumour on what the eclipse meant. There are signs here and there, appealing for extra gardeners to cope with the sudden vigorous nature of plantlife in the city's parks and gardens. Nick's herb garden on the grounds of Gold Dragon Castle is overruun - a shrub of rosemary is threatening to take up all available garden space, and trailers of mint are edging through the Castle kitchen door.
The kitchen staff are relieved to hear about Valdor's current regimen, due to the fact that they have been unable to get the hens to lay any eggs since the eclipse. Not one egg. Not one. A visit to check on Valdorra means a quick teleport hop over to the Big Float - where the entire city appears to be overwhelmed by climbing roses, their scent heady and beautiful. Valdor's daughter is living quietly with an elderly couple on the Merchant Level. She seems fine.
Onrad's family appears to be doing well, with the winery anticipating a bumper crop this season. They're glad to see him. Around town, he overhears a lot of talk about elves, gardens run amok, and - a couple of sightings of wolves. Within the City walls, no less. One old man in the corner of one of the taverns gets laughed off when he tells anyone who'll listen that the water in the Endless River is rising.
((Will continue tomorrow morning..... the girl, and Gargul temple stuff))
Gareth Friday May 20th, 2005 9:22:48 AM
The warrior takes his cut of the diamonds and makes sure the others get theirs (What would thatbe exactly - how many total of us are there?). He makes sure that the evil items are destroyed.
He takes his exercise and observes Valdor for awhile, impressed with his level of skill. He learns what he can and incorporates it in his own regimen. He communes with Max a lot during this time, making sure he is repaired and well taken care of as needed. He considers what other power he might try to have him imbued with for all he has done for the warrior.
DM Jan - continued Friday May 20th, 2005 12:40:45 PM
The Skull Temple, Plateau City -
There is an initial stony reception to questions raised about Morlas's demise; death and what happens afterward are firmly considered to be in the sole jurisdiction of the Gargulian priesthood. Onrad and whoever stays there with him are left waiting a long time, as the priests argue over how much knowledge to hand over. Finally, the Dragons are met by an elderly lady of small stature. A thick grey mist huddles at the hem of her robe, and she appears to be blind, so thick are the cataract clouds in her eyes. Like other priests of her kind, she carries the usual, chilling one-foot-in-the-grave aura. "I am Mother Helen, Soulseeker of Gargul. This creature you speak of. Be assured he cannot touch you. He is where he is supposed to be." She walks with the Dragons, back toward the exit, her milky eyes homing in on the duellist. "Tell me Onrad Pryderi, have you made provision for marriage and a family yet?" She smiles before continuing. "Where is our next generation of heroes?"
Finally, at the steps, she graciously thanks the Dragons for their donation, and - "Turbulent times are upon us, sacrifices must be made. Nevertheless it is better to focus on life rather than death. Never be too eager to send someone to the Estates of Unrest, lest you be judged and end up there yourself."
The Cathedral of Light, Plateau City -
Both Tericus, Nick and whoever accompanies them feel a sense of rejuvenation as soon as they step through the cathedral doors. The priests there gladly accept the girl for examination. There is much talk of the eclipse and what it all means. "Elven and fae legends and lore are difficult to interpret, however, our divinations have revealed the birthing of some kind of fae power. A power that will tumble the balance of the entire Wold and plunge us into darkness. It must be found, and it must be stopped somehow. "We rely on your discretion of course. The potential panic amongst our citizens could be just as deadly as I'm sure you're aware."
As for the little girl, she seems to be healthy enough apart from some rather nasty scars striped across her back. "We can heal those," says Father Roth, "but we restore. We cannot put back what wasn't there in the first place. The child has been deaf since birth, and she does not speak. "However, what she seems very able to do - is write."
A day or two later, Father Roth appears at Gold Dragon castle just after breakfast, with more news on the girls writings. "A lot of what she writes appear to be arcane spall componants. We have sent them over to the Star Mages Council headquarters for evaluation, but I've brought you this." He holds out a piece of parchment. "There appear to be journal, or diary entries in amongst the spells."
I have seen the end. I have stood on the abyss and stared it full in the face, everything we are all taught to fear. Oh, how the Gods deceive us. For death is a journey in Red. A mere pathway. Our souls are carried forth and delivered into holding pens. Souls can be restored, and even the Gods can be bargained with if their own purposes match our own. Even they are fallible, and malleable. As rotten as we. I do not fear death. I fear nothing!
"It's -" Father Roth looks a little uncomfortable. "- quite blasphemous."
In Gareth's bag of tricks - There are four tapestries depicting various scenes of monsters and wizards, and a red ruby chandelier. Keep or sell? Two valuations so far from local antique merchants - a straight $8,000 GP for the lot, or $4,000 and an offer to consult on any interior design needs the group may have.
After a further two days, Corialote recieves a summons from the Star mages headquarters.
Gareth Friday May 20th, 2005 1:07:55 PM
The warrior shops for the best price for the stuff and unloads it. He shops around town and makes sure and tells the story of their origin and how they were acquired (using his significant charisma and powers of persuasion). Once complete he takes the stuff back and puts it with the rest of the stuff.
As the mystery of the girl is revealed, the warrior makes sure and get a complete copy of the girl's writings for his friends Nonam and Jus as he is sure they will wantthem - and he trusts them most in things magical.
Mordrid Friday May 20th, 2005 2:13:42 PM
Over this period Mordrid has been most interested in the happenings at the gathering of elves. What transpired? He sends messengers in all directions to gather what information can be found. The meeting had just started when the Dragon's entered the land of the dead.
Mordrid takes special care to visit the child daily. The ranger is not a talker, so they mainly rested in the garden; lazily tossing flat stones into the fountain. They passed the time imagining shapes in the cloud formations. Sometimes he would stop during walks to point out a particular species of bird, or evidence of a resident snake in the blooming wistaria trees. The whole time he comments how unusually lush the gardens are this time of year. Frankly he finds the strange activity of nature to be quite... enjoyable. Mordrid also takes painful measures to insure that the priests aren't poking and proding her all the time. Sure his friends wanted answers, but their were reasonable means of obtaining them.
After a few days, Mordrid brings the child a gift, in the form of small short bow. If she is willing they will play in the garden. He does not over coach her. He just allows her the freedom to fling an arrow a few feet. On this day he asks the priests if they have discovered her name?
When the priests reveal to the Platinum Dragon's what they have discovered...
("There appear to be journal, or diary entries in amongst the spells."
I have seen the end. I have stood on the abyss and stared it full in the face, everything we are all taught to fear. Oh, how the Gods deceive us. For death is a journey in Red. A mere pathway. Our souls are carried forth and delivered into holding pens. Souls can be restored, and even the Gods can be bargained with if their own purposes match our own. Even they are fallible, and malleable. As rotten as we. I do not fear death. I fear nothing!)
He responds, "gentlemen, I see no blashphemy in what the child thinks. I have spoken similar thoughts on many occassions. As I have always told my adventuring companions, 'fight like your already dead.' That is the key to overcoming fear."
Valdor Saturday May 21st, 2005 12:25:49 AM
Valdor says,"I like the child's thinking. There is a lot to this girl, and I think it's more than just arcane knowledge. I know the priests won;t want to hear this, but think about how many times we've faced Gargul in negotiation to bring back one of our deceased companions. He always barters. Alemi, himself, with Domi and Caeroldra, were mortal once, and challenged the Gods of their time, which means they must have had similar thoughts. If the Gods were perfect, why seek to replace them as they did? Anyway, I don't mean to say they aren't to be worshipped and revered...they most definitely are. However, I don't fear death. I know nothing of holding pens and such, but we will all die. And, of course, in our chosen profession, we are closer to it daily than most.
Oh well, theology was never my strong suit. What has everyone found and where do we go next?"
Gareth Saturday May 21st, 2005 12:45:40 PM
The warrior listens to the other two and recalls his own feelings when they communed via Max. "Um, I think she is reciting the diary of Morlas. I don't think those are her words. And yes, they are profane just as much as he was. Or at the very least they are arrogant. I am VERY sure Nonam will want to read the girls recitations. He thinks like that...".
Nick Sunday May 22nd, 2005 12:36:45 AM
"By Alemi, I think Gareth could be right," says Nick. "The girl, she's what - four or five years old? That's far too young to be coming out with anything like that, although the fact that she writes as she does, suggests she has a gift. Now what if, she has some of Morlas's library in her head? What if she has all of it?"
He is of course completely at odds with Valdor's and Mordrid's attitude toward the Gods. However, he'd never tackle them on the subject. He knows they are good men, with strong resolve. A rare thing. In fact Mordrid has been surprising him lately. On his visits to the cathedral, seeing the ranger with the little girl has re-taught him a valuable lesson, that despite all that 'fight like you were dead already' philosophy, one should never judge a book by its cover.
Mordrid Sunday May 22nd, 2005 11:22:58 AM
"Gareth, I will consider what you've said."
Mordrid had not seen the angle of meaning that Gareth was inferring from the child's words.
Gareth Monday May 23rd, 2005 12:07:56 AM
The warrior shrugs. "Seems to me Morlas either exploited a gift the girl has or perhaps he gave it to her in the first place. Either way she has it - and has his thoughts - but hopefully not his thinking...Nonam would definitely want in on this...".
Myrridan Monday May 23rd, 2005 3:25:09 AM
Myrridan trusts that everyone has the situation at hand. The druid is unnerved by a feeling that he cant put his finger on. There is something different here. Nature feels more intense. Scents are more fragrant and pungent. The air is crisper. Its almost like he can feel every blade of grass, every leaf in the trees. He feels it here in this artifical city as strong as if he were in the wild. He's not sure if its a bad thing, but he needs to ponder this, but not here.
Myrridan goes to the druid section of town and waves his hand at a tree. It opens up and he steps into it. The opening closes and druid is gone. He leaves the civilized Wold behind to commune with nature out in the wilds.
(that is what he does for the next two weeks)
Tericus Monday May 23rd, 2005 6:53:56 AM
OOC - im going to sell all the evil items, then wait and see what everyone wants of the non evil items. if anyone objects, let me know by this time tommrow or ill continue through with the transaction.
after visiting the catacombs, Tericus makes his wat to the temple of Alemi and asks questions about Morlas, specificaly if he still exists or not
DM Jan Monday May 23rd, 2005 1:53:16 PM
Gareth's 'significant charisma and powers of persuasion', not to mention his identity and six and a half feet stature, have considerable influence, until finally it comes down to two offers for the tapestries and chandelier. One is from a reputable dealer who offers 15,000 GP for the lot. The other is from a discreet trader who is rumoured to have 'shady' connections. He's offering 25,000 GP.
In the cathedral grounds, so long as Mordrid is facing the girl, she appears to be able to understand him when he speaks. She seems content and settled in his company. With the bow, she is focussed to the point that the ranger has to take it away if he wishes her to stop, otherwise she'd be there for hours and hours. Nothing wrong with her eyesight either; her aim is true. What she lacks right now is strength. As for a name? She doesn't appear to have one.
Father Roth, a bit non-plussed at Mordrid and Valdor's comments, nevertheless keeps his own counsel about it, although on the way out he does give Nick a look that suggests 'My, my, you have your hands full with this lot'.
Tericus sets off to see about converting some of Morlas's items into hard cash. It is the firm belief at the Temple that Morlas is not alive as such. The word 'exist' sets off a major debate though, about the Lands of the Afterlife and the mysteries guarded by Gargul. Is anything ever destroyed utterly? Ah now there was a subject for debate.
Cori returns with news from the Star Mages headquarters, where the girl's writings have set off some major discussions and one or two alarms. The spell fragments, on the whole, lean heavily toward the darker side of spellcasting. The latest batch includes some of the symbols necessary to create a lich's phylactery. Of course all the mages there want the girl delivered to their premises as soon as possible. They're VERY hungry for whatever else she comes up with, and have gone so far as to send a letter of demand to the Cathedral of Light.
Nonam would definitely like to get his hands on the info; so would Joe Hand. Jus is also in the affirmative, although he's a little distracted, letting the others know over the communicator that he's managed to find Kieran (the black dragon hatchling), and is off researching the nature of dragons, good versus evil, and whether alignment is always a foregone conclusion with these creatures.
Mordrid's messengers are currently out in the field.
So is Myrridan who, having immersed himself in the natural world, is reeling from the power of it. He too has contacts throughout the land. Hopefully they would have some answers, for this was nature at it's most unnatural. It was too much. The bountiful growth was a wonder for sure, but how soon before it all began to choke and rot?
One morning, Valdor is approached discreetly by the head of the household staff, Flabersham. "Forgive my impropriety, Sir. The staff couldn't help overhearing... about the Dragon merger. Is it public knowledge, Sir or not? The staff are all behind you of course, but some worry about their jobs, whether you'd be leaving and setting up elsewhere... They say the river is rising, some see it as a bad omen Sir, so they're a little jumpy."
Gareth Monday May 23rd, 2005 10:42:22 PM
The warrior sells the items to the highest bidder (i.e. He has charisma, not wisdom...). He takes the 25K gp and puts it with the rest of the take (so what's the division?). He takes his share of the gold and goes shopping.
Valdor Tuesday May 24th, 2005 12:41:37 AM
Valdor replies to Flabersham,"My dear old friend, their jobs are quite safe...unless the river rises so far as to destroy what we have built. We should have the engineers of the town look to divert more of the water to fall down the plateau, so it won't flood our fair city. You are brilliant, Flabs. But, even if something were to happen, they will be compensated until we can rebuild, when they will renew their work.
As to the first part, it is not official yet, nor will it be until we have had an official meeting and agreement by all parties. It DOES make sense, though. We're pretty tough to beat by ourselves, but together...oh, boy! We took out a lich and his golems in his own fortress, no less, in a matter of a few seconds. It was rather stunning, even if I do say so myself. So, let's keep that quiet for now. I'll tell you if we join forces. And no, I don't plan on moving anytime soon. I rather like my workout facility, the room, privacy, but most of all, our employees. You all are wonderful."
Myrridan Tuesday May 24th, 2005 1:29:23 AM
The druid continues his commune with the overgrowth. How strange, he thinks. "Oh what is that?"
Tericus Tuesday May 24th, 2005 6:40:16 AM
"The possibilites of this debate are endless." Tericus tells the priests at the temple, "But I need to find out if his soul is still around."
Gareth Tuesday May 24th, 2005 1:21:15 PM
During the time off, the warrior expresses his interest and support of merging the groups to the others. He agrees to the name Platinum Dragons and thanks Onrad for his idea. When in conversation with Valdor he offers, "I never imagined we'd be having this conversation. It is indeed an honor to work with you and all the others..."
Nick Tuesday May 24th, 2005 2:52:03 PM
At some point, Nick has a quiet word with Mordrid about the girl. "I'm not happy about the way everyone's clamouring for that information. It sounds to me like the Wold would be a better place without it, and it reeks of child exploitation, too. There's no way she could ever understand what it all means, not at that age. We need to set her on a different path, as I see it."
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