Cori {shapechange:} Wednesday July 20th, 2005 12:23:53 AM
Cori listens as the citizens bombard the group with questions. She would very much like to take them up on some of that stew but she also knows that she is in need of rest as well. She glacnes to Valdor and the rest as she pulls up short and looks to the city and its tip. "Do we stay for awhile?" She is exhausted and does not really care at this time.
SPELLS 0th: read magic(4) 1st: identify(2), magic missile(2)**, tenser's floating disk(2), color spray 2nd: melf's acid arrow(2), see invisibility, mirror image(2), fox's cunning(2) 3rd: dispel magic(2), haste(2), fireball*, lightning bolt(2)* 4th: stoneskin(2)**, greater invisibility(2), wall of fire(2)* 5th: hold monster(2), passwall, cone of cold 6th: greater dispel magic, move earth(3)***, chain lightning(2)** 7th: extended mass bull's strength, reverse gravity, summon monster VII(2)**, mordenkainen's sword, finger of death 8th: polar ray(2), summon monster VIII 9th: shapechange*, mass hold monster*, summon monster IX* * used
Nick Wednesday July 20th, 2005 12:56:44 AM
"I suggest that we establish a base," says Nick. "Here, or Plateau - anywhere - and let people know where we are. Maybe put out a few messengers, see whats going on?"
He's clearly frustrated by whats going on.
Valdor Wednesday July 20th, 2005 12:58:48 PM
Valdor smiles at Mordrid wearily and replies,"Oh well, we all have to be political at times, I guess. I don't hate politicians overall...I hate the manipulation and lying to better themselves while hurting and casting down others. It's better, in my opinion, to have a king who makes all final judgments, as long as that being stays focused and caring about what's good for the masses and not just the nobility. However, that rarely happens and I'm not in the mood for a good debate today."
He nods to Cori and Nick and then steps forward to the people standing around and says with his voice booming,"Dear people of Floating City! Due to the courage of your guard, the aid of a black dragon surprisingly enough, and a little of our help, the current threat is gone. However, I must be honest when I tell you that more will be coming. We must draw back to a defensible position and all people must be kept back, away from the forest tonight. Barriers should be set up quickly and your local army set up with flaming arrows and flammable oils. These should destroy the trees if they get here during the night. Trenches should also be dug a few feet in from the the treeline now, before they get close. It could pose a problem of advancement, or it might not. But, it could have oil poured into it and it could be lit with a flaming arrow before they get in close. Anyway, we must rest now and are in need of some messengers to send around the Wold. Preferably those registered with your local guilds. Please come see us in one hour."
He looks at Nick and asks,"Will you and Onrad handle sending them out? I am about to fall over. Onrad is from here, so he knows the ropes, and it was your idea. Whoever else wants to help is welcome, but I'd imagine Cori, Myrridan, Tericus, and Dahlia need to sleep for spells. Mordrid may be fine but probably tired. Of course, after you are done with the messengers, we all need sleep."
He looks frustrated and tired. Not too often has anyone, even Mordrid, seen him like this.
DM Jan Wednesday July 20th, 2005 5:57:26 PM
The people of the Floating City take on board the news of more Orcworts with a grim determination. The beginnings of a perimeter are established, and turtle barges are sent back to the City for supplies of pitch, oil, anything that burns. Folk start to work with a purpose.
Mid camp, there's a mobile soup kitchen set up. Someone's actually brought over an oven and the smell of baked bread is mouth-watering. There's a place to rest here, too, where the Dragons won't be disturbed.
More people come pouring in from the City. They have nothing but bad news. Collapsed buildings, plants run amok, friends, neighbours and relatives killed or missing.
Seven hours later... Night begins to fall, and nature puts on a display. Fireflies dance in amongst the trees, and out on the lake, phosphorescent algae shines just beneath the surface of the water in an array of pinks and purples. The City, still lit on the Open Air level, sits on the water like an up-ended, glittering, giant jewel box. Quite a few folk have lit campfires near the water, and are sat looking out toward the lake, admiring the display. The turtlemen and their turtles are still working non-stop, and a steady stream of lit barges are bringing forth people and supplies.
Older children are given tasks as soon as their feet touch the ground. As for the younger ones, they have their own way of dealing with the tragedy, and take to following some of the Dragons around - Valdor, Gareth, Onrad, and Dahlia in particular.
Those setting up the perimeter are full of questions about the creatures the group fought.
At one point in the evening, a cloaked young man approaches Dahlia discreetly. "I hear you're wanting messengers? And those who can seek out information?"
Dahlia Wednesday July 20th, 2005 6:33:42 PM
The little halfling looks at Valdor a bit strangely when he suggests that she need to sleep to regain spells. "I am no caster of spells Valdor and you know it. I am indeed a bit weary from hopping here and there and all about but I am plenty ready to go tackle a few more of those tree things if you like.
Mordrid Wednesday July 20th, 2005 10:30:18 PM
Mordrid watches over the digging of the defenses; pleased with the idea, and the results.
Mordrid also sees that a tent is set up for the Platinums. He insists that everyone sleeps.
Before stumbling thru the sand towards bed, he stops by Valdor at camp side, "Valdor, I think it's time we seriously consider moving the city."
Corialote Wednesday July 20th, 2005 10:49:38 PM
Cori sits for awhile eating a bowl of stew and munching on a piece of bread. She watches the grim determination of the people as they start to set up defenses and smiles some. They knew what was coming and were willing to face it with what force they could muster.
When she can bring herself to move from the spot she is at she thanks the lady for the stew and moves off to find Valdor. Hopefully she will get there to hear Mordrid speak as she nods her head as well. "He is right...we should at least try to get the noncombatants out of here at first light." Her face darkens as she tries to wrap her mind around what it will take to accomplish that and shudders. "Still where do we go with that many people...with so little time?" She looks to both men as she speaks or to just Valdor if Mordrid is not present. As she makes a decision she nods to Valdor and moves off to the tents that were set up for them. "I will make it a point to have some teleport spells ready...should I also have some spells ready to help in setting up defenses here, such as digging trenches and the like?" She is trying to figure out if the Platinums will make a stand here or what but cannot bring herself to ask it bluntly...there are ears listening that could make the morale of the citizens here drop...she does not want to do that.
When at last all things are discussed she will head off to get some well needed sleep...though she knows that she will be up in two hours rested as if she had spent the night. She smile as she thought of the uses of magic and magical items.
Myrridan Thursday July 21st, 2005 12:44:34 AM
Myrridan nods with Valdor's suggestion about getting some sleep. He replies, "Its not so much I need to sleep to prepare my spells. It's the fact that Im exhausted."
Its easy to see. The druid looks completely deflated. His vestment, armor and cloak are merely hanging off his slumping body. He appears to be depending more on his staff's support to remain upright.
Nick Thursday July 21st, 2005 5:03:01 PM
Nick attempts to find someone who can pass a message on to the Cathedral of Light in Plateau City, letting those there know where the group is for the moment, asking that if there are any 'developments', to keep the Dragons informed if at all possible. Then he gets some sleep. Then he walks about the camp, dispensing healing to those who might need it.
DM Jan Thursday July 21st, 2005 6:30:34 PM
At dawn the following morning, the Overlord, Alicia, arrives on shore. Her normal garb appears to have been replaced by boots, narrow pants and a serviceable tunic, and her hair is loosely knotted behind her back. She looks tired, like she hasn't slept in a week. Her bodyguard looks in similar shape. Nevertheless, she approaches the Dragons and thanks them all personally for what they have done. "I heard you had to go through a terrible battle, and if you hadn't been here, half the camp would have died," she says. "As if we didn't have enough to worry about. "I arrived just now, perched atop 30 barrels of cooking oil," she adds, a little mystified. "Why do we need 30 barrels of cooking oil?"
Mordrid Thursday July 21st, 2005 10:38:31 PM
Before the arrival of the Overlord, Mordrid remarks to Cori in Valdor's company, "You misunderstand what I mean. I am saying that we should literally move the city from this place to another, perhaps off the coast of New Elenna. This is not the Float's true home, nor have the people really settled into this location. I'm sure some how some way it can be done. Even if just for a temporary time. Can you contact Star Tower and see what can be done?"
Gareth Thursday July 21st, 2005 10:39:04 PM
The warrior moves among the citizenry and tries to help with the plans to defend against the coming assault from the jungle. He tries to help with the destruction of the vines.
Corialote Friday July 22nd, 2005 12:51:50 AM
Cori looks to Mordrid with that new idea planted in her head and shakes her head. "I can get ahold of the Star Mage Guild easily." She looks back to the leaning city and shakes her head again. "Still the magic and machinery that beholds this city is ancient...I am not sure if any of the masters would even know too much about it..." She shakes her head again with a little bit of a mischievious smile upon it and turns back. "Still it would not hurt to ask...still an evacuation of the women and children may not be a bad idea and soon."
As soon as she can she will send her rave back to Plateau City with a message to the Guild. The note is short but precise in what is being asked...can the Flaoting City be moved in any way known to the Guild...could they help in doing that for the protection of the citizens here.
Valdor Friday July 22nd, 2005 2:48:13 AM
Valdor nods to Cori and Mordrid in their reasoning. He says,"I fear what can be done is being done. The entire city must be evacuated. If that city tips any farther, well, you can easily picture it. There is no way to stand anymore in there."
He bows deeply to the Overlord upon her arrival and says,"It is to create a perimeter of defense against some unnatural trees that were seen moving this way. We fought against a handful and were lucky to come out alive. The only thing that can be done is to keep them away from the shore and then burn them when they are close enough. Besides, with the city turning upside down, there is no need for anything of value to remain in the Float.
The oil should be poured into the trench, once it has been dug completely. When the trees arrive and attempt to cross the trench, that is hen the fire should be lit. Not until they arrive. Plus, arrows should be dipped in vats of oil and then lit and fired at the trees. It will make them burn easier. They weren't difficult to hit, but they have about a sixty foot reach so it must be done from a distance. Anyway, I have done what I can. I hope that both Floating City and Plateau City can remember in the future how much we need each other...if we indeed have a future."
He bows again, waiting for her leave.
Gareth Friday July 22nd, 2005 8:35:50 AM
Upon seeing the Overlord, the warrior moves over to her to report and to plan. After listening to Valdor he offers. "Welcome, Overlord. It is good to see you again. Yes, we have some problems with the forest, but we'll be ready now if another assault comes. The largest concern at the moment is still the destruction of these vines - and I understand there are some ideas about that. What else has come about? Somehow I'm sure there is more...".
Myrridan d20+20=33 Monday July 25th, 2005 1:06:21 AM
Thankful for his rest, Myrridan gets up and readies for the day. After a few quick goodberries, he wildshapes into an eagle and flies up high to patrol the area. Looking for any advancement of the monstrous trees they had attacked the day before.
(Spot 33)
Tericus Monday July 25th, 2005 9:19:53 AM
"Yes, we need to do something about these vines, though Im not sure what to do." Tericus says
Nick Monday July 25th, 2005 11:25:37 AM
As talk shifts toward moving the City, Nick looks out onto the Lake. How would they move such a thing? Mordrid was right, of course. The City hadn't always been here, in fact it seemed to have moved entirely of it's own accord not too long ago. He gives a deferrential bow to the Overlord. "Happy to see you arrived safely on shore, ma'am," he says. "Although how safe the shore will remain is anyone's guess."
DM Jan Monday July 25th, 2005 11:52:53 AM
Alicia listens to Valdor and Gareth's reports. "Excellent ideas," she says, looking out toward the treeline. "If fire is their weakness, that's what we'll use. I suppose we'd better start building rafts, too, just in case. It's not like there's a shortage of wood, and in an emergency..." She trails off for a moment and then gives a sigh. "As for more ideas and developments - on our side of things, we've been attempting to contact the Underlord, but we've been unable to do so. It's all very odd. The guards on the ramp to the Underlevel have disappeared, and there's some kind of barrier there now that we can't get through. Our mages can't make anything of it. They're guessing it's a Teucri thing, perhaps some kind of city self protection." She shrugs helplessly. "On a more positive front, our resident druid circle has been working on a poison to counteract the vines. I had a report a few hours ago. Something to do with photosynthesis and cell integrity. I have no idea what that means I'm afraid. It's quite toxic apparently, because of the vines tough hide and waxy surface, but they think this will get through. I was told two days, and they'd be ready."
Up in the air, Myrridan takes a look around, approaching the Orcwort invasion from a safe vantage point. The black dragon was right. There's 90 to 100 orcworts down there, dropping fruit as they go, and at this rate, they'll probably be at the clearing in about 5 days. Funnily enough, here and there, a few of the wortlings are left behind, presumably to grow into their bigger, nastier mothers and fathers, and jungle is having none of it. Movement around a rooted wortling reveals some wrenching, tearing and choking by what lookes like a particularly virulent ivy. A little further back, and giant beetles are chewing on the dead remains of another unsuccessful rooting.
Meanwhile, as Cori's message awaits a reply, and the group talks to the Overlord, there's a sudden scent - quite bad, very stale, like someone has cracked open a long sealed tomb. it's coming from Tericus's immediate vicinity, and the cleric of Alemi feels a sudden heat radiating from The Book.
Onrad Monday July 25th, 2005 4:54:13 PM
After resting, he wakens, still furious about the Mass Ring Nonam procured for the Storms.
::not good enough::
He puts his ring on mass send. "OK, who amongst all you non-active mages have the ability to make Mass Teleport rings. I want one that teloports at least 8 and has unlimited use. This one we Storms are limited to is not sufficient for our current needs. We can upgrade this one, or make a new one. Whichever will get the job done fastest! Rossko, Joe, Nonam, Jus. I know you all have to hear this, so answer me! We have our backs to the wall and this ring is not good enough!"
Then it's to the poeple. A lesson Valdor taught him recently. "The answers will come when you help people and follow your heart."
He helps with the local defenses, and looks for groups that have special needs. He works off his stress and frustration with good, old-fashioned hard work.
Corialote Monday July 25th, 2005 5:55:24 PM
Cori listens to all the group that is near here as they speak and she keeps quiet. She has never been in the presence of someone with The Overlord's power and she knows not what to say. Though she would not speak up she understands a lot of what The Overlord is talking about in reference to the poison and how it works.
She has thus far not done anything around the camp with her magic as she is not sure what defenses that she can bulster. Then again magic will only last so long so better to wait until almost the last minute and use it then to make it last the longest.
Mordrid Monday July 25th, 2005 10:59:33 PM
Mordrid engages the Overlord.
"So this Underlord that you speak of. Does he have knowledge of the Tucree powers that operate this city."
Mordrid's mind is in hyperdrive now, about the possibilities of moving the city; which can be done, as it has been accomplished twice before.
"Valdor, it is my humble advice that we should aid in contacting this Overlord. At once."
Valdor Tuesday July 26th, 2005 12:46:13 AM
Valdor nods to Mordrid's comments and adds,"Perhaps, if we can find a way into the Undercity, we can contact the Underlord and, if there is a way, then the answer is probably there."
He turns to Alicia and asks,"Is this correct or am I way off?"
Myrridan (wildshape: eagle) Tuesday July 26th, 2005 12:56:47 AM
Myrridan cant help but admire the tenacity of the wild and plantlife. He thinks he might be able to give them a little help. Myrridan swoops down within 200-ft from ground and flies just ahead of the oncoming orcwort army. A shrieking sounds from his beak. He's casting a spell that suddenly makes all of the vegetation beneath him glow faintly and become thick and overgrown even more than it already is. Once it's finished, the magical glow fades.
(Casting Plant Growth. Overgrowth option. Area effect 100-ft radius. Instantaneous duration. Their speed drops 10-ft as they pass through it. Myrridan can cast spells in wildshape forms with the Natural Spell feat.)
Myrridan then makes another pass over the overgrown area and lets off another spell. Much of the areas plants become sharp and spikey like knives.
(Casting Spike Growth. Area effect: twenty 20-ft squares. Duration 20 hours. Anything walking through it takes 1d4 damage per 5-ft step. If they take damage, they become slowed and move at half speed.)
Myrridan stays in the area, circling high in the sky waiting to see what happens to the front line that approaches the area first. Once satisfied, Myrridan turns around and flies back to the city.
Gareth Tuesday July 26th, 2005 8:41:12 AM
Hearing the Underlord's plight the warrior offers "Maybe Daphne at the Giggling Ghost could go down and see what's up? She is a ghost...". Turning to the defense of the populace "If they are 5 days away, perhaps we can go meet them where they are and set fire to as many as possible before they get here? If we at least slow them down it will give us more time to get the city righted and the citizens out of the jungle?".
Tericus Tuesday July 26th, 2005 9:57:08 AM
letting the others talk about what needs to be done, Tericus moves about 100ft away, then he pulls out the book and turns to the page he last talked with Marteuous.
Nick Tuesday July 26th, 2005 11:59:07 AM
"The Underlord might be worth a try, IF we can get to him," says Nick. "I've heard all the recordings of the Wold are kept down there."
DM Jan Tuesday July 26th, 2005 12:20:56 PM
There's plenty going on in the camp, certainly enough to vent Onrad's spleen. (Teleport ring - Catacombs?) Girls are working with nimble fingers, tending to the tips of arrows in order to make them fireworthy. Men and women are digging trenches, chopping wood, and making rope. At the shoreline, there's an argument going on. "What's the hold up with the turtles?" "Merchants won't leave the City without their belongings. There are piles of stuff dockside, cluttering everything up." "Then they should be left to drown, belongings an' all. Half of my family is still over there."
Alicia looks back toward the tilting city. "Well, it might be worth another try," she says. She taps a ring on her finger. "We're supposed to be able to communicate with one another, but I'm getting nothing at the moment. He could have some valuable information, if we get get through. How do we get back - by turtle or some other means?"
Tericus finds a quiet spot and takes out the book. It feels warm in his hands. When he opens it, there's a sensation of opening a door, where a breeze blows through toward him. The scent is the same - old and rotten. But the pages! All of them, every single one - are blank! Pages normally scrawled in blood...
Some distance away, the jungle's natural defensive forces get one heck of a boost, and never one to waste any advantage, the undergrowth revels and flourishes, doing what it can to make itself even more lethal. Spiny points become sharper, even the tiniest plant leaps up to become a nuisance. In a little while, it becomes apparent that Myrridan has bought the Floating Citizens one more day.
Dahlia Tuesday July 26th, 2005 1:17:38 PM
Having rested a bit and listened to the conversations, Dalhia spends time looking at and closely examining the vines that are pulling the city under. Finally having come to a decision, she seeks out Myrridan once he has landed and rejoined the group.
"Hey Myrridan, I know that you don't necessarily like to hurt plants, but isn't there some sort of spell that kills plants that might be helpful? Something that might whither them?
Corialote Tuesday July 26th, 2005 10:07:05 PM
Cori looks to The Overlord and then to Valdor as they talk. When at last they have finished she shakes her head and make a suggestion. "I could try and buy us some more time by flying over the enemy and lobbing a lot of spells into thier ranks?" She does not figure that she can kill very many of them but maybe she can at least slow the advance further and buy more time. "Still you maybe needing my help getting to The Underlord as well."
She taps her foot, an obvious sign of her being annoyed and thinking more. "Maybe a few of the mages could do the same thing that I could and slow things down further...do we have mages with the ability to take a shape that would still allow them to hurl spells?" She looks to Valdor again to see what he has to say on her idea and anyone else that maybe nearby from the group. "The more time bought could help us to get things taken care of...people back into the city...the vines destroyed and then the Floating City...floating." She tries to suppress her sudden need to laugh and ends up just covering her mouth when she does not succeed. "Sorry."
Valdor Wednesday July 27th, 2005 12:03:22 AM
Valdor replies to Alicia,"With all due respect, ma'am, you should not go. The way could be perilous. And...is the Overlord supposed to see the Undercity? The people here will need your direction and authority and guidance. But I believe we should try to get under. With Cori, Myrridan and Nick and Tericus, we have four extraordinary talents at figuring out problems and breaking down magical barriers should not pose too much of a problem, unless they are indeed Teucri magic."
He shifts his focus to Cori and Gareth and says,"I understand how you feel. This needs to be done, as does this other, and the list goes on. I think we have done much to slow the trees and given the people here a chance. Besides, we won't be gone for five days, surely. Save your spells and energy. We'll need that soon enough, I fear. I doubt Daphne will leave the tavern. And I doubt she could get past the barriers without the magic we have. Of course, if we fail, we could give that a shot. Gareth, what do you think? To the turtles? Or do we swim? Where exactly is the entrance below?"
Myrridan Wednesday July 27th, 2005 12:32:22 AM
Quite pleased with himself, Myrridan glides back into camp and transforms himself into his natural form. His two feet make a thud on the soil when he lands.
Almost immediately he is sought out by Dahlia. He rubs his chin while answering her question. "Yes, I thought about that too. There are many natural magics that affect plants. The ones you speak of could be either Diminish Plants or the Blight spell, roughly translated from their true druidic names, of course. One merely reduces the size of plants and the latter causes serious damage to plant creatures. Although, it does kill normal plants instantly. However, these plant creatures, much like the plants of this forest, are far from normal."
Tericus d20+21=28 Wednesday July 27th, 2005 6:30:09 AM
studying the book for a few minuets, Tericus will try to search for the reason for the stench, since it wasnt there before(search check of 28).
Gareth Wednesday July 27th, 2005 9:04:55 AM
The warrior nods to Valdor. "If we're going to the city we should take the turtles. From the sounds of it, the jungle doesn't like the orcworts as much as it doesn't like us. So where are these things coming from? Who sent them or what made them decide to come this way? Surely a food source such as us would not be enough to make them travel days and days. And even if it is, how'd they find out about us? Someone with some smarts in this area ought to really try to figure that out as they might not be the real enemy. Could it be this Fae King?".
Mordrid Wednesday July 27th, 2005 12:40:29 PM
"I guarantee you it's the Fae'King."
Onrad Wednesday July 27th, 2005 1:46:17 PM
Continuing to help the citizens, he "vents his spleen" cutting some wood.
::Bingo, it was Rossko and he taught Joe.::
He contacts Rossko and puts in for a new ring.
[I'll talk to Nellie about it Jan. We probably need to reprice these things anyway.]
ROSSKO: says in such terms: The ring was a Jerry special made by Jerry and given to the Gold Dragons as a gift from the high lord mayor when they reached dragon level. - SM
Nick Wednesday July 27th, 2005 6:22:34 PM
"Hang on, though," says Nick. "Just taking what Gareth said to another conclusion. Haven't we been led to believe that what is happening is not as a direct consequence of the Fae King's actions, but instead, an indirect one? "You know we were told of some druids, and not the fae King himself, getting together an army that was marching on Culverwood and Parnoth? "Well what if its the same here - and there's someone else behind it. Someone inspired and empowered by the King's rise?" He rubs his beard. "Did that make any sense? "Now, doesn't the Underlord's Realm record everything that's happened in the Wold? Would he then know? If we can get to him..."
DM Jan Wednesday July 27th, 2005 6:41:38 PM
And so...
The Orcworts are 6 days away. The vines, some at the shoreline, some stretching out from beneath the surface of the water, continue to have their almost supernatural hold on the Floating City.
Is there someone else at the back of this? As Gareth and Nick suggested? And would the Underlord have any answers?
There is obviously some time available to plan for the Orcworts onslaught, and - a turtle barge is currently approaching the lake shore.
Worth a quick trip?
As an aside, Tericus takes a good look at the book. With the exception of the lack of script, it is as it always has been, apart from the breezy sensation coming from it - a mish mash of flesh and parchment pages, bound with sinew from who knows what. if he searches his own thoughts, right now the only things sticking in his mind are 'open door' and 'blood'.
"I could stay here, certainly," says Alicia. "If my ring decides to work, then I should be able to reach him from here. But if you go over there, please be careful. The City is on a 45 degree tilt. There are plants running amok - poisonous for the most part. There is falling masonary, and I'm ashamed to say - rogues and looters taking advantage of this entire situation."
As the barge arrives at shore, a rather cross-looking elf pushes his way past a group of disembarking merchants and makes his way to Dahlia and Mordrid, and Cori (?). "From the catacombs," he says, handing over various bags. "Thought I'd never get here."
Corialote Wednesday July 27th, 2005 7:42:55 PM
Cori nods in understanding and then follows along with the others that are going. "The Overlord mentioned looters and thieves gone wild in the city...how about some invisibility?" She glances to the turtle barge that is coming ashore and waits with the rest. "I have access to several of those spells that will not even disappear when you attack." She waits to see what will be decided though she is not sure if she has enough for all that maybe going with them, but she can cover at least some of them to give an advantage.
SPELLS 0th: read magic(4) 1st: identify(2), magic missile(2), tenser's floating disk(2), color spray 2nd: melf's acid arrow(2), see invisibility, mirror image(2), fox's cunning(2) 3rd: dispel magic, haste(2), fireball(2), lightning bolt(2) 4th: stoneskin(2), greater invisibility(3), wall of fire 5th: hold monster, passwall, cone of cold(2) 6th: greater dispel magic, true seeing, chain lightning(2), shadow walk(2) 7th: extended mass bull's strength, reverse gravity, summon monster VII(2), finger of death(2) 8th: polar ray(2), summon monster VIII 9th: shapechange, mass hold monster, summon monster IX * used
Valdor Thursday July 28th, 2005 12:39:26 AM
Valdor'e eyes raise in surprise. He hadn't thought about someone else being responsible. He had just figured it was the Fae King calling the shots. It made sense though.
After a minute of thought, he shrugs his shoulders and says,"I think we should take that barge to the entrance, if that's the only way. We have a teleport ring that will work, if anyone can visualize the spot perfectly. Of course, with the city tilted, we would probably land wrong, so it's probably better to take a ride for once. Whatever you all think. Overlord, what do you suggest?"
Gareth Thursday July 28th, 2005 8:06:54 AM
The warrior heads toward the turtle. "It's OK, Valdor, I know the way. These big green guys like me a lot anyway...". He gets on the turtle and accepts his normal bout of greeting from it and tells the driver where they want to go.
Dahlia Thursday July 28th, 2005 8:14:51 AM
Not totally following the conversation, Dahlia's mind is racing with possibilities about ways to defeat the orcworts and the vines. She is nearly so distracted that she doesn't realize they are riding on the backs of turtles, until about half way across.
"Hey this is kind of fun, They are quite large aren't they?"
As she finally steps off and is nearly accosted by the harried elf, she accepts her package and puts it all inside her haversack for the ime being.
Tericus Thursday July 28th, 2005 10:43:14 AM
shrugging his shoulders, Tericus puts up the book and rejoins the others.
Onrad Thursday July 28th, 2005 3:39:23 PM
"Ok if I stay here helping, Big V? Or do you want all of us for this venture?"
Lift!
Turn!
Carry!
Set!
Mordrid Thursday July 28th, 2005 4:09:01 PM
Mordrid welcomes the messenger from the catacombs, "Ah, I've been expecting you."
Mordrid takes the package in his arms and carefully unwraps it on the ground. Inside is a wand, and a bunch of vials of a clear orange liquid. He places the vials carefully in his backpack, and places one in a belt pouch.
The wand comes wrapped in a sheet of paper. He unwraps the sheet and reads the command word, "hellfire."
The ranger then marches over to the growing stockpile of bundled arrows and bolts on the beach. Grabbing a corded bolt of 50 arrows he places them on the ground and points the wand at the arrows. "Hellfire," he speaks, and the arrows begin to twinkle, then begin to fade back to normal. He places the magical arrows in his quiver. [+5 arrows]
Mordrid then turns to the remaining arrows and utters the command word twice, making 100x +5 magical arrows to be used in the beach's defense.
Turning to the party, "Anyone else need their arrows magicked. It is truly potent stuff." Mordrid casts greater magic weapon +5 as many times as requested by the party; not to exceed 10 times.
Mordrid gets onto the turtle. There is a first time for everything. And today is the first time to ride on one of these turtles that he has heard so much about.
DM Jan Thursday July 28th, 2005 8:03:02 PM
"The turtles have always proved to be a safe and steady ride," says the Overlord. She wishes the group well, watches them leave the shore, before turning to attend to matters on site.
The Dragons have a choice, a seat in the barge pulled by the turtle, or a ride on the big creature's 12 ft diameter back, which involves sitting somewhere on the crown of the shell and holding on to the criss-cross rope harness that stops any riders from sliding off and into the water. The turtle handler nods at Gareth, knowing the warrior, and throws him a canvas bag. "There's a couple of big dried grasshoppers in there. She'll love those," he says gesturing to the turtle. The dried insects are monsters - about a foot long.
If one isn't afraid of deep water, the journey across the Lake proves to be quite enjoyable. There's a sense of great depth below the turtle and the barge she pulls, and the water is extremely clear. Shoals of fish can be observed below the waterline, weaving to and fro, light catching their scales, making them glitter. Deeper still, fronds of underwater flora wave back and forth, dragged by a slow underlying current.
The group pass two other barges going in the opposite direction, all full of people and their tangled mess of children and belongings. One of them contains the Gold level Representative, Lady Solara, who watches the Dragons' turtle pass with a raised eyebrow and an expression of suspicion. Oh, and where do you think you're going? that raised eyebrow seems to say.
All the way across, the Book sits wherever Tericus put it, exhuding heat, mentally tapping him on the shoulder. It proves to be a bit of a nuisance.
Eventually, the peace on the Lake is overtaken by the clamour at the Floating City dockside - the eastern part of which has reared up into the air, while the western end is fully submerged. The Dragons' method of transport has been eagerly awaited so others can evacuate. It's not easy disembarking, either. At 45 degrees, traversing the streets will take some doing. This is the Fence Level. Entrance to the Underlords Realm is on the Trash Level directly below, via the central ramp system.
The interior of the city looks gloomy, as though some of the lights have failed.
Valdor Friday July 29th, 2005 12:34:22 AM
Valdor replies to Onrad,"Do what you feel is best, my friend. However, I think their army can take what suggestions we have made and implement them fine. Plus, we'll be back very quickly...but whatever you feel is best."
Valdor enjoys the turtles thoroughly. Like Mordrid, he has only heard of the giant turtles...and this is the first time in a long while that he hasn't had to teleport somewhere, run somewhere, fight something, or have people asking for help in what seems to be years. He really seems to enjoy himself.
Upon arrival to their drop off spot, he activates his cloak of Arachnid and hops off, landing easily, even on the slant and says aloud,"You know, with the exception of my sword, this cloak has gotten me through more tough spots than anything! I'll carry a torch with a Continual Light spell cast upon it. Gareth, you or Tericus or Onrad will need to lead us, as I don't recall the way through here very well. I can loan my Ring of Levitation to someone and drag them along, and some fly spells or rings would be helpful."
He waits for the others to decide their best means of movement.
Corialote {shapechange: pixie} Friday July 29th, 2005 2:15:19 AM
Cori finds a seat upon the barge and closes her eyes to better enjoy the ride. She spends the time in silent contemplation of the task ahead and does not talk much. She also lets herself just enjoy the ride...the first she has ever had upon a turtle barge.
As the near the docks of Floating City she casts a single spell upon herself. As she steps onto the dock her shape changes into that of a pixie and she flutters her gossamer wings, taking flight.
[Shapechange - 190 minutes 00 seconds]
SPELLS 0th: read magic(4) 1st: identify(2), magic missile(2), tenser's floating disk(2), color spray 2nd: melf's acid arrow(2), see invisibility, mirror image(2), fox's cunning(2) 3rd: dispel magic, haste(2), fireball(2), lightning bolt(2) 4th: stoneskin(2), greater invisibility(3), wall of fire 5th: hold monster, passwall, cone of cold(2) 6th: greater dispel magic, true seeing, chain lightning(2), shadow walk(2) 7th: extended mass bull's strength, reverse gravity, summon monster VII(2), finger of death(2) 8th: polar ray(2), summon monster VIII 9th: shapechange*, mass hold monster, summon monster IX * used
Tericus Friday July 29th, 2005 7:00:37 AM
"Gareth can do it." Tericus says a bit irritably to Valdor. "I have to concentrate on other things."
Onrad Friday July 29th, 2005 9:59:44 AM
"On my way boss."
Onrad grabs the next turtle and follows the others. Knowing their telepathing abilities, Onrad starts whispering into the turtle's ear.
"Get Valdor's turtle to lick him. Yeah, he had honey for breakfast."
Valdor Saturday July 30th, 2005 12:25:40 AM
Valdor taps his foot impatiently, nodding to Tericus, oblivious to the sarcasm, or at least that's how it appears.
Myrridan Monday August 1st, 2005 12:44:13 AM
Myrridan wanders off a little ways and finds a quiet spot. He kneels down and begins to meditate. Asking the Wold to enlighten him on what to do.
Gareth Monday August 1st, 2005 7:05:39 AM
As the heros disembark, the warrior leads them into the streets. He activates his boots and flies more than walks up the street to the main entry to Trash level.
Onrad Monday August 1st, 2005 7:53:40 AM
Landing after the others, he races to catch up.
It is amazing how the city looks different on it's side.
"If this wasn't so horrible it would be kinda cool.
"Well kinda."
He decides that sliding is easier. He grabs a trash can lid and jumps landing on it using it as a sled to slide down the ramp that is the street.
Dahlia Monday August 1st, 2005 9:50:11 AM
As they disembark Dahli tries to get a clear look at where the vines are. If she can see them she will discharge a charge from her wand of blight on to the nearest vine.
Nick (Air Walk) Monday August 1st, 2005 12:42:13 PM
Nick took a seat in the barge on the way over, that way he had more opportunity to look over the side and into the water, as opposed to hanging on for dear life on the turtle's back.
"This lake is beautiful, isn't it," he says as they disembark. "Full of life, too." After a quick look at his surroundings, he casts Air Walk on himself. "Slow, but I'll get there without falling over."
Casting a glance at his fellow cleric he asks, "Tericus, everything all right?"
DM Jan Monday August 1st, 2005 1:25:02 PM
The group make their way into the interior, led by Gareth. Some seem to manage the trip better than others, and flying seems to be a better bet than walking.
The left side of the street dips away, the right side rears up into the air, where doors just lay open, hanging there. Every now and then, something comes crashing down, sliding and bouncing, until it hits the extreme left hand side of the street. The ramp is straight ahead.
Onrad's trash can lid ride takes him down to one side of the street where he is able to pick his way along the rubble and detritus. However, he'll have to climb back up to the middle when it's time to descend the ramp to the Trash Level. Valdor's torch helps light the way. Here and there, the occasional citizen is also scrambling around, searching for something, or making their way to the dockside.
The entire City cracks and groans above everyone's head. There are sounds of falling masonary and the occasional scream. It makes the atmosphere tense and oppressive.
There are no signs of the big vines here. They're at the western exterior edge of the building.
Myrridan's hope for a bit of peace and quiet are drowned out by conditions in the City. However, he does get a visualization of a group entering a large Gate. This gate is not of the living Wold.
The Book whispers away in Tericus's head all the while. It wants something, and that something is blood.
As for the way into the Trash level - To the right side - the ramp is almost like a vertical wall leading down. If the group looks down - it's a straight vertical drop of about 50 ft, and at the end of it - the torchlight reflects on water.
(I'll get a map out today)
Mordrid Monday August 1st, 2005 1:38:58 PM
"Myyridan, looks like we are going to need a scout," Mordrid grunts as he peers over the edge, pointing into the water.
Valdor Monday August 1st, 2005 11:32:51 PM
Valdor says,"Good grief, this town is messed up. We need to find a solution and quickly. Gareth, Onrad, do we need to go underwater?"
Corialote {shapechange: pixie} Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 1:54:47 AM
Cori's wings flutter rapidly as she tries to keep up with the others, doing so with some ease. She pulls up with the others as they look at the way they must go...she smiles. "I can help with scouting as well if you need." She looks to the waterway and shakes her head. "I can get underwater with some of the others with relative ease with my spell up." She ponders her spells and then shakes her head in flustration. "If we can find a wall that will lead us around this I can use a spell that will get us all through a wall...if possible."
[Shapechange - 189 minutes 50 seconds]
SPELLS 0th: read magic(4) 1st: identify(2), magic missile(2), tenser's floating disk(2), color spray 2nd: melf's acid arrow(2), see invisibility, mirror image(2), fox's cunning(2) 3rd: dispel magic, haste(2), fireball(2), lightning bolt(2) 4th: stoneskin(2), greater invisibility(3), wall of fire 5th: hold monster, passwall, cone of cold(2) 6th: greater dispel magic, true seeing, chain lightning(2), shadow walk(2) 7th: extended mass bull's strength, reverse gravity, summon monster VII(2), finger of death(2) 8th: polar ray(2), summon monster VIII 9th: shapechange*, mass hold monster, summon monster IX * used
DM Jan Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 2:28:45 PM
Light from the torch shines on the water, 50ft below. There is a mishmash of floating debris - and something odd.
What looks like the top half of a transparant bubble, piercing the surface of the water, about 15 ft wide at the water's surface.
Deep within it, is light, and what looks like a gateway - THE gateway to the Under Realm. There is a man standing there, dressed in a guard uniform. He is looking up and waving.
((Guys, sorry about the lack of a map as yet. Had a really nice one last night, and it wouldn't save :( ))
Onrad Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 4:28:11 PM
Onrad tumbles up to the group at the ramp and is grinning big after his ride.
When Valdor asks his question, Onrad gets serious looks down and drops a platinum piece down into the ramp hole.
"Looks like it. This central pole goes up and down. We could look at going down the up ramp and see if it's an easier slant to begin with. Do we need to send someone to the CC to get us some water breathing potions right quick via teleport?
"The Underramp that leads to the Float Below is near the center of the bottom level....down there, right.
"Myr could scout, but I don't see the need. I say we go together. That means we need potions unless Myr can turn into a giant blowfish and supply oxygen for us all down there."
Dahlia Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 4:44:18 PM
I can scout, but I'm not sure I can hold my breath long enough to do a complete job.
Valdor Wednesday August 3rd, 2005 12:27:49 AM
Valdor says,"Well, I hate to think of one of us going underwater by themself and getting stuck or something. I can swim well enough, so I can go with whomever else is able. Do Boots of Speed help underwater with swimming? And what about Levitation? Onrad, I fear that it wouldn't get delivered down here anytime soon. It's a good thought and one to remember for another day. Or, what about teleporting to stand beside that guy waving? That would work, right?"
He is looking around at the spellcasters when he asks the questions.
Myrridan Wednesday August 3rd, 2005 12:53:56 AM
Myrridan struggles with his vision. The gate, where does this gate open up to. As much as he tries, his vision does not go beyond its threshold. That can mean only one thing. It leads to a location outside the Living Wold.
Getting up from the ground, Myrridan looks back toward the dragons when he hears his name called. Myrridan yells, "A gate ... I saw a gate! Someone is coming, someone from outside the Living Wold!" When he gets to the waters edge, he turns to Valdor. "Mordrid is right, maybe I should go down and scout first. Unless you all want to go together. If you give me a little time I can prepare a magik that can change us all into fish!" After looking down and seeing the bubble and the guardsman, Myrridan continues, "then again, I hate to abuse the power of that spell for such a short trip."
Mordrid Wednesday August 3rd, 2005 12:56:31 AM
Mordrid sticks his finger and wiggles it vigorously in his ear.
"Am I hearing this correctly? There is a man down there waving us into a magical opening leading into the under-realm, and we are still discussing how we are going to get down there?"
Mordrid tosses a rope down to the man at the entrance. The ranger ties the other end to his waiste.
"Let's do this the old fashion way. Go down the rope."
Mordrid expresses himself with his arms as he invites Corri to go down. "Ladies first. Then you can go where-ever that guy is guiding us to."
Corialote {shapechange: pixie} d20+34=38 d20+34=38 Wednesday August 3rd, 2005 3:28:30 AM
Cori looks to Mordrid with a shocked look and then puts on a pouty face. "But I thought all you tough and brave men were here to protect me?" A tear forms at the corner of her eyes as she looks to the rest with quivering lips. "You would send me in to die alone...a defenseless girl?" She suppresses the need to shudder at her own act but a shiver does run up her spine. Though her eyes literally sparkle as she looks to Dahlia and then to the hole again with a rope running into it.
Her shape slowly changes into one that few have seen outside of the GG, that of a ghost. She moves softly to stand near Mordrid and places a ghostly kiss upon his cheek before passing through him, then decending into the hole. "You are lucky that I do not kick you down this hole." She silently hopes that this form will allow her to pass through most everything, though what that man is doing down there does worry her. Wondering about a trap she stops at the barrier leading to the man on the other side, studying it.
[Spellcraft 38, Knowledge(arcana) 38]
[Shapechange - 189 minutes 40 seconds]
SPELLS 0th: read magic(4) 1st: identify(2), magic missile(2), tenser's floating disk(2), color spray 2nd: melf's acid arrow(2), see invisibility, mirror image(2), fox's cunning(2) 3rd: dispel magic, haste(2), fireball(2), lightning bolt(2) 4th: stoneskin(2), greater invisibility(3), wall of fire 5th: hold monster, passwall, cone of cold(2) 6th: greater dispel magic, true seeing, chain lightning(2), shadow walk(2) 7th: extended mass bull's strength, reverse gravity, summon monster VII(2), finger of death(2) 8th: polar ray(2), summon monster VIII 9th: shapechange*, mass hold monster, summon monster IX * used
Tericus Wednesday August 3rd, 2005 6:44:51 AM
trying to put the book out of his mind, Tericus tells Nick "Im fine." then he waits for the others to decend the rope.
Onrad Wednesday August 3rd, 2005 1:05:22 PM
Onrad says, "I didn't see the person. I must be going blind."
Then to Mordrid, "I can't believe you send her down first. How goughe to send her to her death like this!" He grins in humor.
Then he grabs the rope and begins to slide down after her.
"Hoody Hoo! This is what being a Platinum Dragon is all about!"
Nick (Air Walk) Wednesday August 3rd, 2005 5:39:02 PM
Nick nods at Tericus, then watches as some of the others descend into the Trash Level via Mordrid's rope.
Figuring it will save time, he has a quick look over the edge, and the air walks down.
DM Jan Wednesday August 3rd, 2005 5:55:17 PM
Cori, in ghost form, descends into the gloom, and she hesitates, hovering slightly above the barrier. Not so Onrad, who slides nimbly down the rope, and who's feet land on the solid, transparent surface of the bubble with a light thunk. Directly below, only inches away, is the guard. The interior of the bubble is lit, and it looks as though a stack of crates have been gathered so that the guard can climb up to the 'ceiling' of the bubble. Below him, is the gateway to the Under Realm, and another guard, who is handing the guard on the crates, scrolled up pieces of parchment.
Beneath Cori and Onrad's feet, one of the parchments is unrolled and pressed to the surface of the bubble. Right now, it's too dark here to see what it says.
Off to the right, about 20 ft away in the water, there is an inexplicable gurgling noise.
Up top, on the Fence Level, soft footfalls come closer, and two humanoid shapes appear to be closing in on the group. There is a curse word, and those shapes back off.
Dahlia Wednesday August 3rd, 2005 7:01:34 PM
Not one to be shown up by someone else's acrobatics, Dahlia scampers down the rope with a flair that is all her own and is soon beside Cori and Onrad.
Corialote {shapechange: ghost} Wednesday August 3rd, 2005 9:24:29 PM
Cori gently lays her hand upon the dome and pushes lightly to see if her hand passes through. If she finds no harm coming to her and her hand passes through then she will slip the rest of the way through the dome. She will look around confident that the men here will most likely not be able to see her, not as a ghost anyways and if she does not want them too.
[Shapechange - 189 minutes 30 seconds]
SPELLS 0th: read magic(4) 1st: identify(2), magic missile(2), tenser's floating disk(2), color spray 2nd: melf's acid arrow(2), see invisibility, mirror image(2), fox's cunning(2) 3rd: dispel magic, haste(2), fireball(2), lightning bolt(2) 4th: stoneskin(2), greater invisibility(3), wall of fire 5th: hold monster, passwall, cone of cold(2) 6th: greater dispel magic, true seeing, chain lightning(2), shadow walk(2) 7th: extended mass bull's strength, reverse gravity, summon monster VII(2), finger of death(2) 8th: polar ray(2), summon monster VIII 9th: shapechange*, mass hold monster, summon monster IX * used
Valdor Wednesday August 3rd, 2005 11:30:07 PM
Valdor stays up top as the others test things out. He grins after a second and says,"Hey Mordrid, this may be the first time I remember you going head first and me staying behind."
Mordrid can hear him chuckling. When Valdor hears the footfalls, he turns around and looks, holding the light up over his head. He figures that he's a target for arrows, but that their adveraries will probably see his armor shining and not want a fight. They're probably thieves anyway.
Myrridan (wildshape: greater water elemental) d20+24=30 Thursday August 4th, 2005 12:52:05 AM
Myrridan puts his foot to the water and the rest of his body suddenly melts away into churning liquid that pours into the water without making a single ripple. He looks around to see where that strange sound came from. (spot 30)
(How big of an area does this water take up. It determines what size elemental I choose to take. Movement: Swim 120-ft, darkvision 60')
Tericus Thursday August 4th, 2005 10:07:00 AM
Tericus stays up top with Valdor for the moment and waits for the the others to give the all clear.
Nick (Air Walk) Thursday August 4th, 2005 5:34:53 PM
Nick joins Onrad and Cori at the bubble. "I think they're trying to tell us something," he says.
He takes out a torch, lights it, and attempts to look at the parchment held up on the other side of the bubble.
DM Jan Thursday August 4th, 2005 9:22:07 PM
Dahlia and Nick join Cori and Onrad on the strange barrier/bubble in the Trash level, while Myrridan takes to the water.
Up above, Valdor and Tericus keep watch and man the rope, with Mordrid and Gareth.
Valdor's assessment of those retreating figures is probably correct, because right now, they're nowhere in evidence.
Down the hole, and in the partially flooded Trash Level, Cori attempts to sink her ghostly form through the barrier. Her hand does not pass through, even though she is in ghost form. The barrier feels like cold glass to the touch.
As Myrridan enters the water, he spots movement from where the bubbling sound came from. There are two odd shapes rising to the surface of the water, and, moving with a purpose in a wide arc around the bubble, what looks like a VERY big shark. The water is at intermittant depths and treacherous, depending upon the sunken buildings and street below - getting shallower to the east, deeper to the west, the deepest possibly around 70 ft or more. It will be very easy to get caught or trapped if not careful.
About 10ft away from the group stood on the bubble, a decapitated head, closely followed by an arm, rises to the surface of the water.
Using the torch, Nick is able to read the following in the piece of parchment held up by the guard at the other side of the barrier/bubble.
This barrier arrived as soon as the Trash Level began to take on water. No one can get in. We can't get out. This is the only form of communication we have right now.
Valdor Friday August 5th, 2005 12:42:49 AM
Seeing the two figures gone, Valdor squints to watch the others. He asks,"Figured it out yet?" He taps his foot impatiently and pulls out a piece of beef jerky to gnaw on while waiting.
Myrridan (ac41, hp236, wildshape: greater water elemental, damage reduction 10/-, elemental traits) d20+24=38 Friday August 5th, 2005 1:07:03 AM
Myrridan sees the shark and decides to attempt to protect the others by charging forward at the beast and pushing him away in a torent undertow of rushing water.
(Bull Rush Attack. WaterMastery +1. Improved Bull Rush. Opposed Strength check 38. Shark needs to make an opposing strength check. Shark is pushed back in the opposite direction 5ft + 5ft for each 5 points his roll is greater than the sharks.)
Tericus d8+3=8 d8+3=9 d8+3=7 d8+3=10 d8+3=9 d8+3=8 Friday August 5th, 2005 8:56:54 AM
"One of you fighters should probably go down there, in case there is something nasty down there." Tericus tells the others that are with him.
OOC, ive decided to keep playing, the rolls are for my HPs.
Nick Friday August 5th, 2005 1:21:05 PM
Nick shouts up what it says on the message, along with - "It looks like we're down to pen and parchment, if we want to communicate! I have both. What do we want to say or ask?"
"Dahlia, would you mind holding this torch, while I write?" he asks.
He's trying his best to ignore the grim body parts bobbing about in the water.
Valdor Friday August 5th, 2005 11:15:43 PM
Valdor replies to Tericus,"I think they're okay. But, I didn't want to leave you up here alone. There ar lots of thieves roaming around right now, and I just feel better with two of us watching our backs."
He yells back at Nick,"Ask if there is any other way through, and if they've tried to teleport out!"
Corialote {shapechange: ghost} d20+6=11 d20+6=12 Saturday August 6th, 2005 3:38:29 AM
Seeing that she cannot get through the barrier and that thinga are pretty well taken care of she will move off. Slipping through the area she checks to see what is around and if any other ways in present themselves. At least in the form she is in she knows that she has little to fear from most things.
[spot 11 and search 12]
[Shapechange - 189 minutes 20 seconds]
SPELLS 0th: read magic(4) 1st: identify(2), magic missile(2), tenser's floating disk(2), color spray 2nd: melf's acid arrow(2), see invisibility, mirror image(2), fox's cunning(2) 3rd: dispel magic, haste(2), fireball(2), lightning bolt(2) 4th: stoneskin(2), greater invisibility(3), wall of fire 5th: hold monster, passwall, cone of cold(2) 6th: greater dispel magic, true seeing, chain lightning(2), shadow walk(2) 7th: extended mass bull's strength, reverse gravity, summon monster VII(2), finger of death(2) 8th: polar ray(2), summon monster VIII 9th: shapechange*, mass hold monster, summon monster IX * used
Onrad Saturday August 6th, 2005 12:02:27 PM
"Stinks down here. Shark down here, but Myr's taking care of it. Seems a bubble popped up to protect the undercity. Feels like glass. A guy wrote us a note on the inside. That is what Nick is asking about. No imminent danger down here.
Mordrid Sunday August 7th, 2005 9:12:36 PM
Mordrid is standing up top with the rope around his waiste. "Gareth, you know Tericus is right. One of the fighters needs to get down there. If I would have known that they would be down there without a fighter, I wouldn't have arranged for our wizard to go first. And as you can see... I'm all tied up at the moment."
Mordrid then glances over at Valdor, then back at Gareth as if to say, 'you two figure it out, but one of you is going down next.'
Nick d20+12=29 Sunday August 7th, 2005 10:36:23 PM
Nick pulls out some parchment and a pen, and begins to write in large, clear script. It's neat style suggests he's had plenty of practice.
We are the Platinum Dragons Have you tried teleporting out? Is there any other way in? We have questions
Craft Calligraphy DC 29
Then he presses the parchment against the barrier
DM Jan Sunday August 7th, 2005 11:07:06 PM
((OOC - Good news, Sam))
Beneath the water in the trash Level, Myrridan's abrupt, strong current pushes the shark back. Startled, it veers away, taking it's cold stare and ghastly maw elsewhere.
Within the bubble, the guard reads the message, gives the thumbs up, and makes a hand signal that suggests waiting until they can write a reply. The water is sloshing around everyone's ankles after Myrridan's success at fending off the shark. The familiar scent of the Trash level is stronger than usual, not partiularly nice. The kind of smell that sinks into one's clothing and hangs around for days.
Cori drifts off and takes a look at the surrounding area. With the exception of the top of the bubble, where Nick, Dahlia and Onrad are perched, it's dark and quiet, although distant noise percolates from above, where the City's infrastructure is being tested to the very limits.
Directly above, Mordrid, Gareth, Tericus and Valdor hold the fort on the equally unstable Fence Level. Anything not part of the Teucri superstructure seems to have either collapsed, or is on the verge of doing so. While the others below wait for an answer to Nick's parchment - about 30 ft away, what looks like an entire building slides from the UP side of the street, and crashes against the DOWN side - and from above - is a scream. The fallen building looks to have blocked out about 60% of the light shining in from the docks in the distance.
Moments later, a piece of parchment is pressed against the bubble's surface -
Teleport does not seem to work. We assume some kind of Teucri defense mechanism. Please be careful up there, Platinum Dragons, What do you wish to know?
Dahlia Monday August 8th, 2005 7:18:12 AM
Holding the torch, Dahlia listens to the notes as they are read.
"What was it that Valdor, Gareth, and the overlord wanted to know about the underlord?"
Onrad Monday August 8th, 2005 7:50:05 AM
Onrad yells up at Mordrid with his fists on his hips in mock anger, "Hey Mordrid, What am I? The fuzz at the bottom of a Green Gnomish?"
"Please hurry down. I don't think I can handle guarding the top of a glass bubble."
Onrad continues to watch the communication with the person inside the bubble with much interest.
Valdor Monday August 8th, 2005 11:12:03 AM
(Sorry, I thought Mordrid and Gareth were down also.)
Valdor chuckles at Onrad's comments. He says,"I'm quite sure they are fine. And, as this is more of a spellslinger's issue, I don't know how much help we'd be anyway. Plus, Myrridan will probably just eat anything that bothers them."
He's smiling when he says that, and he actually looks quite relaxed, as if the down time is rejuvenating him...or was it the serenity of the turtles?
Dahlia Monday August 8th, 2005 2:39:38 PM
Looks up at Onrad and smiles.
"It's alright big guy I'll hold your hand and make sure nothing happens to you."
Nick Monday August 8th, 2005 6:09:03 PM
Nick yells up the details of the message and then starts writing frantically.
Is everyone all right down there? Do you know anything about Ebyron the Fae King? Where he is? How to stop him?
He lets Onrad and Dahlia see what he's written. "Anything else?" he asks (and will include) before placing his parchment on the bubble so the guard below can read it.
Corialote {shapechange: ghost} d20+6=26 d20+6=16 Monday August 8th, 2005 7:39:52 PM
Cori continues to move along and see if she can find any walls around that seem to be intact. She will pass a ghostly hand across them and through them if she can. If she finds any walls that do not keep her from passing through she will slip through her head to have a look around. Her one problem is light at this time and she has no way of getting any. Pouting she silently goes about her work.
[26 spot and listen 16]
[Shapechange - 189 minutes 10 seconds]
SPELLS 0th: read magic(4) 1st: identify(2), magic missile(2), tenser's floating disk(2), color spray 2nd: melf's acid arrow(2), see invisibility, mirror image(2), fox's cunning(2) 3rd: dispel magic, haste(2), fireball(2), lightning bolt(2) 4th: stoneskin(2), greater invisibility(3), wall of fire 5th: hold monster, passwall, cone of cold(2) 6th: greater dispel magic, true seeing, chain lightning(2), shadow walk(2) 7th: extended mass bull's strength, reverse gravity, summon monster VII(2), finger of death(2) 8th: polar ray(2), summon monster VIII 9th: shapechange*, mass hold monster, summon monster IX [i]* used[i]
Valdor Monday August 8th, 2005 11:29:10 PM
Valdor says,"I'll climb down as well. I'm much more concerned about looters and thieves than big fish, but I'll head down there."
Before he gets all the way down, he shouts to Nick,"Hey, ask them if the shield or wall or whatever it is popped up as soon as the city started tilting, or if it happened after it had been going on for a while before it appeared."
Myrridan Tuesday August 9th, 2005 12:30:58 AM
Myrridan remains stationary around the area where his fellow plats are making their way down. The smell from the garbage is unfortunate, but the alternative of a shark attack is far worse.
DM Jan Tuesday August 9th, 2005 1:35:38 AM
Myrridan remains alert. Right now, everything in and surrounding the water seems calm. A little further off, Cori in ghost form drifts through tilted buildings above the water just as spooky as her current form - dark, silent, shadowy. They all appear to be empty of living things.
Up top on the Fence Level, Mordrid, Gareth and Tericus hear/feel a distant thud coming from high above their heads, suggesting some kind of collapse on one of the Levels above.
Meanwhile, Nick, Dahlia and Onrad await an answer to their message, giving Valdor plenty of time to join them before the guard inside the bubble can be seen reaching down for another scrolled parchment, which he unravels and presses to the glass.
This is unprecedented, but we are running out of food and water. The future of the Wold is being written. We are trying to interpret as best we can, as it happens. The natural fabric of the Wold is shaping up for confrontation. Where - we do not know
The parchment disappears, and the guard rapidly replaces it with another one.
Items, artifacts that will shape the fate of the confrontation are being discovered - an orb, a ring, a sword, a book. There are others - unclear what. In Dirt City a book was passed to the Storm Dragon cleric.
Another parchment switch.
Be wary of the book's motives. It is sentient, powerful, evil. That it is mentioned in the records along with other artifacts suggests it has a roll to play. Success depends on these items. Ebyron's power must be lessened if we are to have any hope. His behaviour deems confrontation necessary.
Yet another parchment.
A powerful artifact lies in the City above. We don't know what it is. We know the book can help find it somehow. We do not know why. Please wait.
Five minutes. An interminable wait in a gloomy place, surrounded by swamp water, and the groaning of a city under immense stress. Finally, there is movement below. The guard presses yet another parchment to the glass.
The artifact is in Black Dragon Castle.
Gareth Tuesday August 9th, 2005 6:58:48 AM
The warrior waits with the others since Valdor has decended. He looks on anxiously and listens to the report.
Tericus Tuesday August 9th, 2005 9:28:53 AM
"That cant be good." Tericus says about the thud. "Im going to see what it was." then he heads up to investigate the noise.
Onrad Tuesday August 9th, 2005 9:48:50 AM
"So who has the book? We need to head up to the Black Dragon Castle.
"...and why do I get the feeling that the Blacks knew about this all along?
He begins climbing the rope up again.
His witticisms continue in irony as he climbs:
"Oh, sure Valdor, come on in and search our castle for whatever you want.
::climb::
"Our castle is your castle..."
::climb::
"Oh, you didn't want us to ally with the Fae King?"
::climb::
"No, sure, take the artifact and use it for the good of the Wold with our blessings."
::climb::
".....no good evil, black, #$%&* (::mumbling follows::)"
Valdor Tuesday August 9th, 2005 11:39:28 AM
Listening to Onrad only lightens Valdor's mood. He laughs aloud and says,"Well, wasn't that black dragon in the jungle one of the Black Dragons? Or am I mistaken? Anyway, both of our groups bested them individually, but together...they would have no chance. Anyway, I could sneak in with Dahlia and get it and get out without too much problem, I think.
The book concerns me. Their lack of food and water concerns me. Nick, suggest that they reduce any activity to a bare minimum, so as to not be as hungry or thirsty as normal, though they probably know this already. And tell them we will help as soon as possible. Perhaps Cori can contact the Star Mages Tower and ask for some thoughts on how to get through. If we broke it somehow, there would be wholesale destruction and flooding, so that's not an option.
An orb, a sword, a book, and a ring already. Who has the orb and ring, I wonder? What could the other be...armor, maybe? A helm? And would the Black Dragons even be in their castle? Unlikely, given the circumstances. Well, we're off."
He spider climbs back up quickly, passing Onrad on the way up. He just smiles at the nobleman's ramblings. Once up top, he gives a brief report to the others. He then asks Gareth and Onrad to lead the way.
He stops, looks around and asks,"Where is Tericus?"
Corialote {shapechange: pixie} Tuesday August 9th, 2005 4:39:35 PM
Cori slips back up through the debris as she notices that the rest have started to filter back to the top. She slips back into the pixie form and laughs lightly. "Infiltration should not be too hard for me either...at least for awhile." She nods as she thinks over her current spells that she has left. "I have several spells that would further aid that idea...if a small group is decided upon."
[Shapechange - 189 minutes 00 seconds]
SPELLS 0th: read magic(4) 1st: identify(2), magic missile(2), tenser's floating disk(2), color spray 2nd: melf's acid arrow(2), see invisibility, mirror image(2), fox's cunning(2) 3rd: dispel magic, haste(2), fireball(2), lightning bolt(2) 4th: stoneskin(2), greater invisibility(3), wall of fire 5th: hold monster, passwall, cone of cold(2) 6th: greater dispel magic, true seeing, chain lightning(2), shadow walk(2) 7th: extended mass bull's strength, reverse gravity, summon monster VII(2), finger of death(2) 8th: polar ray(2), summon monster VIII 9th: shapechange*, mass hold monster, summon monster IX * used
Nick Tuesday August 9th, 2005 8:53:47 PM
Nick's in the middle of answering Valdor's question about the shield wall - "Soon as it started tilting, I think -" When the next message comes through. He looks incredulous. "Black Dragon Castle? That's here?" Of course he hasn't had much contact with the Black Dragons, so his personal knowledge of them is a little sketchy.
He starts writing once more as the others start to leave.
We are doing what we can to help. As fast as we can. We will let others know your predicament. Are you reducing activity and rationing? How long can you last? Do you know what this artifact is?
Mordrid Tuesday August 9th, 2005 10:21:55 PM
The ranger looks concerned as he turns his head to watch Tericus go check on the 'thud'. "Be careful."
Mordrid holds tight on the rope as the others come up.
"So what's going on down there?
Myrridan d20+30=44 d20+12=26 Wednesday August 10th, 2005 12:26:18 AM
Myrridan remains on guard until the others are up and out of the water. Then it hits him. A shark in a swamp!! Is this salt water? To bad this form doesnt have the ability to taste so he can confirm this.
(Knowledge nature: 44, Spot: 26)
DM Jan Wednesday August 10th, 2005 12:34:22 AM Unfortunately, we do not know what the artifact will be - until it is found. We are conserving, as best we can. We should be able to survive for 10 days. Other than that, our fate lies in your hands.
The guard below the bubble gives a hopeful thumbs up, and mouths silently 'good luck'. Right now, all he and his colleagues can do - is wait.
The Dragons use assorted means to get back up to the Fence Level.
Where's Tericus? No doubt a short distance away, figuring out the best way to ascend to the Barracks Level. The ramps are all askew - the lower half almost flat, the upper half almost vertical. It's the same conundrum as it was between the Fence level and the Trash Level, and will presumably be so, all the way up through Barracks - Merchant - Gold - to the Open Air Level.
It looks gloomy up there. Gloomy and dangerous.
Gareth Wednesday August 10th, 2005 7:53:40 AM
The warrior offers to Nick. "They should have clerics who can produce food and water in there. Seems like they'll be busy. Though somehow I think this will be over one way or another before they run out...". He moves to the ramps and activates his flying boots. He picks up anyone and helps them up as necessary as they travel to Black Dragon castle. "Yes, their castle is here. Morlas claimed to have a way into the thing without being detected. He pulls out the crystal plate with the encrypted writing along the sides. "Never figured out if this might be it or not...".
Onrad Wednesday August 10th, 2005 8:22:04 AM
Onrad starts stringing ropes as they climb up through the central ramp to the top level and daylight. Then it's over to the west edge of the level where sprawls the magnificant structure known as Black Dragon Castle.
"Never been this close."
"So Valdor, do we knock? Climb in through a tower?"
"Be careful, I'll bet each entrance is protected if we are not invited in that is."
He grins:
"This is so weird."
Tericus Wednesday August 10th, 2005 9:27:23 AM
once he's up, Tericus will begin to look for the sourse of the noise he heard below
Dahlia Wednesday August 10th, 2005 9:54:37 AM
Shaking her head at Onrad's incessant chatter, she finishes holding the light for Nick and then then climbs out of the whole after the others.
"So, you know what I think we ought to make an unexpected and unnanounced visit to "our friends, the Blacks" I owe a certain halfling a debt for trying to kill me and I guess I don't need to mention Korig."
Mordrid Wednesday August 10th, 2005 12:32:13 PM
"I wouldn't be suprised if the castle wasn't reduced to a pile of rubble at this point."
Corialote {shapechange: pixie} Wednesday August 10th, 2005 7:59:04 PM
Cori follows along with the rest of the group. "Will this place be guarded by magic or just mechanical stuff?" As some of the rest voice thier own concerns and things she brings up another point that has been asked. "Could this group be home as well?" Once they reach the home of the Black Dragons she will look over what she can see from where she flutters.
"I could take a rope up to the top of one of those towers if needed." She looks to some of the others that have the ability to fly as well. "Not as if I have to go alone." She smiles as she winks at Mordrid, not offended to have went first last time.
[Shapechange - 188 minutes 50 seconds]
SPELLS 0th: read magic(4) 1st: identify(2), magic missile(2), tenser's floating disk(2), color spray 2nd: melf's acid arrow(2), see invisibility, mirror image(2), fox's cunning(2) 3rd: dispel magic, haste(2), fireball(2), lightning bolt(2) 4th: stoneskin(2), greater invisibility(3), wall of fire 5th: hold monster, passwall, cone of cold(2) 6th: greater dispel magic, true seeing, chain lightning(2), shadow walk(2) 7th: extended mass bull's strength, reverse gravity, summon monster VII(2), finger of death(2) 8th: polar ray(2), summon monster VIII 9th: shapechange*, mass hold monster, summon monster IX * used
Valdor Wednesday August 10th, 2005 11:25:18 PM
Valdor keeps a wary eye out as they move through the remains of the town. He watches alertly for any movement in the shadows or around corners. He marvels at the wholesale destruction of the place and wonders what the Castle will look like when they reach it.
He says aloud,"It might not even still be standing when we get there. I suppose we might just be sifting through rubble. And, did you notice that the man under the bubble didn't mention the young girl we found at Morlas's lair? I thought she was a part of this mystery."
Nick Thursday August 11th, 2005 1:36:21 AM
"Oh, where did you get that?" Nick asks Gareth, looking at the crystal plate. "It looks valuable. Will it help?"
DM Jan Thursday August 11th, 2005 1:52:42 AM
On the Barracks Level, where the noise came from, there is much evidence of building collapse, one of which must have dropped while everyone was stood on the Level below. There is a smell here too - things going bad, maybe dead things. No sign of movement, as though anyone alive is elsewhere.
The Merchant Level is a different story, and it's obvious by the fact that faces keep peering out of askew doorways and windows - those still intact - that some folk have chose to stop with their wares, protecting their goods, fully prepared to sit it out. An occasional glint of metal suggests that some of them are armed.
There are suspicious characters lurking about on the Gold Level, who slink behind cover as the Dragons appear. Big, deserted houses of wealthy families - easy pickings. The Storm Dragon mansion has held up pretty well, thanks to the butler having had the walls braced. There's a dead body right outside the front door however. A man, and he looks.... fried.
All Levels are sporting extensive damage to anything not of Teucri design. Most dwellings have not been built to withstand a 45 degree tilt.
On the Open Air level, the Dragons have to turn west, then South. Black Dragon Castle is at the Southern edge (on the map), behind the cemetary of the Ghouls. If one were to enter and look over the far wall, one could see the partialy flooded docks five levels below. The western wall of the castle has suffered some collapse, and the front gates are askew. A courtyard can be seen beyond the gate. It doesn't look like anyone is home.
Mordrid Thursday August 11th, 2005 10:51:45 AM
The ranger looks around the perimeter, and thru the grated gate towards the courtyard. He is looking to see if there is any wildlife to be communicated with.
In response to Cori, "You were the perfect choice."
JK Thursday August 11th, 2005 11:34:26 AM
[hi everyone. Nonam will be rejoining the ranks as soon as I get the info to update him.]
Valdor Friday August 12th, 2005 12:06:00 AM
Valdor looks around to see where the voice came about Nonam and shakes his head saying,"I must be hearing things. That would be far too helpful if the sharp-tongued one came back to us."
He says,"I would guess some of the anti-intrusion magic is still up. I suppose a detect magic spell and detect traps would be in order. Unless Gareth, you know how to use that plate, that is. Does it match the one in your head? Or wasn't that one metal? Just getting you warmed up, in case that voice was right about Nonam coming back."
Myrridan Friday August 12th, 2005 12:55:31 AM
After returning to his natural form, Myrridan walks with the rest to the barracks. "I met the Blacks once, the Reds too! The Defenders and I were down in a dungeon and bumped into them both. Not a pleasant trip. I'm surprised they made it out of there. Especially after that run in with the dragons. These very ancient dragons were quite upset that those two groups of humans were calling themselves dragons! They found it rather insulting."
Tericus Friday August 12th, 2005 6:59:41 AM
going back down to where Valdor and Gareth are, Tericus says "Its a big mess up there. Alot of buildings have been reduced to rubble, and there are bodies everywhere."
Dahlia d20+26=43 Friday August 12th, 2005 7:01:39 AM
stepping forard, Dahlia starts a proffesional once over on the area around the front gates fot traps.(search DC 43)
Valdor Friday August 12th, 2005 11:27:35 AM
Valdor watches Dahlia do her thing, much impressed at the halfling's thoroughness. He waits for the right moment, at a pause in her search as to not distract her, and says,"Why don't you check where the wall is collapsed, it could be that any protective spells are gone now, as they would have been set off, I would think."
Mordrid Friday August 12th, 2005 12:40:12 PM
Mordrid nods his head. "That's possible Valdor. Just imagine Gold Dragon Castle. A child could get in."
Corialote {shapechange: pixie} Friday August 12th, 2005 3:26:31 PM
Cori nods at the suggestion of checking for magics that maybe still around the place. She slips her left arm out from under her cloak and taps a tattoo on her lower arm. "While Dahlia checks for other traps I will check for magic." She starts to walk around the immediate area of the castle...she will of course check out the area that has collapsed.
[Tattoo(detect magic) - 1 minute 00 seconds]
[Shapechange - 188 minutes 40 seconds]
SPELLS 0th: read magic(4) 1st: identify(2), magic missile(2), tenser's floating disk(2), color spray 2nd: melf's acid arrow(2), see invisibility, mirror image(2), fox's cunning(2) 3rd: dispel magic, haste(2), fireball(2), lightning bolt(2) 4th: stoneskin(2), greater invisibility(3), wall of fire 5th: hold monster, passwall, cone of cold(2) 6th: greater dispel magic, true seeing, chain lightning(2), shadow walk(2) 7th: extended mass bull's strength, reverse gravity, summon monster VII(2), finger of death(2) 8th: polar ray(2), summon monster VIII 9th: shapechange*, mass hold monster, summon monster IX * used
Onrad d20+16=33 d20+16=22 Friday August 12th, 2005 4:09:05 PM
Onrad stops at their manor to look and see if he recognizes the dead guy in front.
Either way, he'll move the guy to the side of the manor house so he's not so conspicuously in front.
He'll then race to catch up with the others.
Nick d20+13=31 Friday August 12th, 2005 4:31:05 PM
"Dahlia, please be careful," says Nick quietly. He stands back a little, looking at the entire building, in an attempt to figure out what looks treacherous and what doesn't, in terms of collapse. SPOT DC31
DM Jan Friday August 12th, 2005 4:56:45 PM
Onrad joins the others after clearing away the body at the front door of the Storm Dragon mansion on the Gold level. The corpse had a short, metal crowbar clutched in it's blackened skeletal claw. A victim of a protection spell?
Compared to the Barracks (as witnessed by Tericus), Fence and some of the other Levels, the Open Air level isn't quite as trashed. Superior masonry perhaps. The Overlord's Palace at the centre stands strong.
However, facing the Black Dragon's castle it's easy to see there was a weak point on the western wall, causing collapse, and looking over the building, Nick notices that one of the high central turrets has fallen over and is resting in a semi collapsed state, on the roof directly below it.
There is no sign of any wildlife beyond the front gate, unless Mordrid counts a few weeds growing a distance away, up by the main door into the castle itself. The area around the outer gate and half way through the courtyard is completely weed-free. Inside the courtyard, to the left of the gate, well before the main door to the keep, is what looks like a large carriage house. It looks in good repair. In fact it has been shored up by lengths of wood, in similar fashion to the Storm Dragon mansion, to prevent collapse.
Cori fails to detect any magic around the outer gate. Maybe Valdor is right. The perimeter has been breached by the wall collapse. There's a tingle of it coming from the direction of the carriage house, though.
Dahlia's close inspection of the gate reveals no trap as such. However - the wood/metal construction around the huge gate latch is bent and splintered, suggesting that someone, or something, has forced it open.
From the outer gate, the main entrance to the Keep is about 100 feet away.
Dahlia d20+26=46 Friday August 12th, 2005 7:06:57 PM
Well we seem to be clear at this point. I will lead the way and continue checking as we go.
(whoo, nat 20, DC 46)
Corialote {shapechange: pixie} Sunday August 14th, 2005 4:21:07 PM
Cori comes back to the group her head shaking. "That breach has no indication of magic...but that carriage house is awash with magic." She looks to the group and waits for a decision to be made on what to do next. She does feel a little curious about that carriage house but does not voice any opinions...that is not her job, well at least at this point.
[Tattoo(detect magic) - 00 minute 50 seconds]
[Shapechange - 188 minutes 30 seconds]
SPELLS 0th: read magic(4) 1st: identify(2), magic missile(2), tenser's floating disk(2), color spray 2nd: melf's acid arrow(2), see invisibility, mirror image(2), fox's cunning(2) 3rd: dispel magic, haste(2), fireball(2), lightning bolt(2) 4th: stoneskin(2), greater invisibility(3), wall of fire 5th: hold monster, passwall, cone of cold(2) 6th: greater dispel magic, true seeing, chain lightning(2), shadow walk(2) 7th: extended mass bull's strength, reverse gravity, summon monster VII(2), finger of death(2) 8th: polar ray(2), summon monster VIII 9th: shapechange*, mass hold monster, summon monster IX * used
Tericus Monday August 15th, 2005 6:37:57 AM
after telling what he saw, Tericus waits for the others to decide what they want to do
Valdor Monday August 15th, 2005 2:18:02 PM
Valdor says, "Well, let's get going. Cori, keep that magic detection up for a bit. If there is an artifact, which there should definitely be, then it will show all the more powerful. I think the carriage house is our first stop. It could save us a bunch of searching, or it could be set to explode a hundred fireballs. I'll go first, Dahlia, in case I set anything off. Then, I'll leave the rest to you and our spell casters."
Valdor walks through the breach in the wall. He moves slowly across, watching the ground carefully for any trip wires, although he figures they'd already have been set off by the city's movement.
Mordrid Monday August 15th, 2005 2:48:46 PM
Mordrid takes to the air using his Armor of the Celestial Battalion. With his bow he keeps trained on Valdor, and intends to cover the lead as best as possible.
Nick Monday August 15th, 2005 6:36:49 PM
Trusting Dahlia's skills, Nick enters via the gate, and takes a good look around.
Looking up toward the castle -
'The Underlord's message said that the book Tericus is carrying can help us, but that we must be wary of it. So, do we use it or rely on our own wits?'
DM Jan Monday August 15th, 2005 6:56:19 PM
Note: Ground currently at a 45 degree angle. From the front gate looking in toward the Keep - left is up, right is down.
The Dragons enter the courtyard of Black Dragon Castle. Decorative swirls of black cobbles are set into the ground, and the surrounding walls and buildings are of dark stone and slate. There is a dark elegance to the design of it; a vision of sombre might and understated wealth.
Up to the left, the carriage house has had some of the large doorways walled up, and the upper windows carry window boxes containing bright red flowers. The ground surrounding it has been tended and swept. There are large wooden beams propping up the front walls. There looks to be a sign nailed to a highly polished dark wood front door.
Down to the right, are what look to be stables. They look empty.
Straight ahead, a few weeds are poking up between the cobbles. Beyond that is a set of 10 wide steps leading up to a huge panneled door, that obviously leads into the castle proper.
To the left of the main castle door is a tiny window. Even in daylight, the wrapped around darkness of the walls presents enough gloom to highlight the fact that a light is shining in that window.
No traps. No tricks. Not yet....
Corialote {shapechange: pixie} Tuesday August 16th, 2005 12:25:16 AM
Cori nods and then flutters along with the rest of the group. She has moved up some thirty feet into the air thought. "I detect no other magic as of yet." She does pull out a pair of wands and weighs them in her hands. She is not sure which one maybe more useful.
[Tattoo(detect magic) - 00 minute 40 seconds]
[Shapechange - 188 minutes 20 seconds]
SPELLS 0th: read magic(4) 1st: identify(2), magic missile(2), tenser's floating disk(2), color spray 2nd: melf's acid arrow(2), see invisibility, mirror image(2), fox's cunning(2) 3rd: dispel magic, haste(2), fireball(2), lightning bolt(2) 4th: stoneskin(2), greater invisibility(3), wall of fire 5th: hold monster, passwall, cone of cold(2) 6th: greater dispel magic, true seeing, chain lightning(2), shadow walk(2) 7th: extended mass bull's strength, reverse gravity, summon monster VII(2), finger of death(2) 8th: polar ray(2), summon monster VIII 9th: shapechange*, mass hold monster, summon monster IX * used
Myrridan d20+13=33 d20+17=27 Tuesday August 16th, 2005 12:44:33 AM
"Hmmm, I love what they've done with the place. Very ... er, inviting!"
(Spot 33, Listen 27)
Dahlia d20+26=39 d20+26=44 Tuesday August 16th, 2005 11:08:21 AM
"Valdor, let me check ou the doors, or do want to use the windows to enter?" (door search DC 39) (window search DC 44)
Gareth Tuesday August 16th, 2005 2:18:34 PM
The warrior joins the others at the front as they enter the courtyard and carriage house.
Onrad Tuesday August 16th, 2005 4:01:04 PM
Onrad tells the others about the body and asks if anyone sees anything significant about it. "I'm at a loss to know if it's important or not."
Seeing the others begin to step inside the breach, he waits to go through last. "I got the rear."
He sniffs somewhat self-consciously as if the evil this place represents should actually smell bad.
Whispering to himself, he says, "Do you have any idea how long I've wanted to take this place out?"
He goes total defense raising his AC to 58 and auto-designating the first of anything to attack him as his selected target.
As he backs through the breach after everyone else, he looks to see what the slant angle is and which way it is leaning. {Are we climbing, descending, does it lean left to right, etc.? How severe is the leaning of the city and which way is it leaning Madam DM?}
((~~Madam DM~~ To reiterate - DM Jan Monday August 15th, 2005 5:56:19 PM Note: Ground currently at a 45 degree angle. From the front gate looking in toward the Keep - left is up, right is down. ))
Nick Tuesday August 16th, 2005 5:49:14 PM
Nick walks carefully toward the Carriage House, his intention to read the sign on the door.
Tericus Tuesday August 16th, 2005 10:32:41 PM
Tericus will follow Nick, being sure to stay out of his way
Valdor(Fire Resistance, Cloak of Arachnid) Wednesday August 17th, 2005 12:02:31 AM
Valdor activates his ring of 'Greater Fire Resistance' as he moves inside. As they aproach the house, Valdor nods to Dahlia to do her thing and spreads out a little, away from the group. He asks Nick and Tericus, "Could you guys stay back a little, just in case we get fried or something worse happens? If you two go down, we're in trouble. And Cori, do you have a True Seeing spell? Just in case there's an illusion here or on the building? It's odd that only one thing would shine like that for your spell, and why the whole building?
"Myrridan, I know you have an enormous number of spells, I'm just not sure exactly. We haven't had a druid in the group for a while, and the spells you cast that I have seen are different. You know where you fit in to this, so do what you feel will help us out. The rest of us will keep watch. And I suggest we spread out pretty wide... I don't like the feeling here. If it were our castle, and someone was wanting in, like that guy in front of the Mansion, they'd get fried if they were too close together."
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