Flight and Avoidance (DM Kup) Wednesday July 20th, 2005 10:51:06 PM
Most of the group took off running for the refuge of the Temple, with the newly returned Olyn running at their forefront. A few had literal or figurative parting shots--Vorelle's futile missile for the fey, Rose's aborted spell (no line of sight, my dear!)--but even Berlon had to see the futility of a stand-and-fight against the hordes of monstrously large centipedes and the creature that was now burrowing their way, and together, the group ran through the streets of Dirt City, stumbling and slipping on snatching, climbing vines, the burrowing of the huge creature never far behind.
(Berlon--don't you? These are not "small" bugs. Think "Medium" bugs--i.e., bigger than you--and there are hundreds of them. Thousands, in fact, counting the ones elsewhere in the courtyard. Then there's the thing burrowing under the ground. I won't force you to run, of course--if you really want to stay, just say so in your next post.)
At last, together, the group reached the relative safety of the Temple of Wardd. A concerned Clu'eth stood just inside the doors. "Inside, inside!" he waved with his good hand. "Quickly!" His eyes grew wide as he saw the burrow that was fast approaching behind them.
I'm home--at last! I should be able to catch up and regroup tomorrow. But for now, I wanted to award some Hero points from the combat sequence just recently (and presumably) completed.
In my face-to-face gaming days 15 years ago, I used Hero points very similarly to the way they're used here in the Wold. I would award them on the spot for good roleplaying, heroic actions, and just whenever I felt like it. I see no reason not to follow that practice here. In my game, players can earn hero points both for valor, cunning, ingenuity, and daring, as well just for posting darn good, readable posts! For now--
Theo: gets a hero point for braving the pumpkin by himself and using some very creative spellcasting to his advantage!
Vauhwyt: gets a hero point for helping me behind the scenes manage my way through my first Woldian combat!
And while I'm on the subject, a word about combat: I follow a policy of trying to provide a mixture of challenges for the PCs. Some will be easy; some will be challenging; some will be simply impossible! In some circumstances, the only rational behavior will be to run--or to perish. Both from the DM's inexperience with DnD, as well as general DMing philosophy, PC fatalities are a possibility. Not every decision will be a safe one. Consider yourselves warned! : )
Theodore and Macaw HP 16/18 AC 20 (22 vs chaotic creatures) Thursday July 21st, 2005 10:22:56 AM
Huffing and puffing, Theodore puts in a final burst of speed as he sprints towards and through the temple doors.
"I...I have..." He pauses a moment to catch his breath. "I have the seeds!" he exclaims. "Please take them."
Theodore retrieves the three plate-sized pumpkin seeds from his satchel and offers them to Clu'eth.
Dietrich AC 18, HP 31/40 Thursday July 21st, 2005 11:03:18 AM
Glad to have made it safely to the temple,Dietrich stops running and stays ready at the gate to protect his friends passing and stop any bugs from entering.
Probably the fight is unavoidable, but with the Warrdians on their side and better defensive position the odds are now much better.
Vauhwyt and Mookie Thursday July 21st, 2005 7:44:05 PM
Inside the temple, Vauhwyt takes a great breath of relief, but then turns in case the holy building needs a stout defense.
"Boss! Take it easy! You were practically dead," says Mookie.
"Take it easy yourself, goofbird," says Vauhwyt. "And thanks. You did good out therre."
"But not as good as Theo! Wowsy, Theo, that was the bravest thing I saw any of us ever do!"
Rose Thursday July 21st, 2005 8:45:17 PM
Rose runs as fast as she can into the temple "Junior! Junior! We got the seeds!"
Olyn Thursday July 21st, 2005 9:20:12 PM
offers skins of water to the group members and zaps those needing healing with his wand.
Rose (illegal 2nd post) Friday July 22nd, 2005 12:11:54 AM
When Olyn offers water Rose starts washing some of the blood off of her hands, reassuring her brother that it's not her's but Vauhwyt's.
Behind Closed Doors (DM Kup) Friday July 22nd, 2005 12:34:56 AM Shegger: please note that I am subbing in for Berlon and Vorelle as both of their players take a break.
The party ran inside the heavy double doors of the Temple, and Clu'eth signaled to two young priests. "Seal the gates! Seal the gates!" he exclaimed. With the help of the other priests, Clu'eth drew the doors shut just as the line of debris from the burrowing creature drew within a few feet of the Temple steps!
The doors shut solidly and long, heavy bracing beams were drawn across them. Clu'eth muttered a few words under his breath and closed his eyes, holding his unwithered arm outstretched in the direction of the doors. A moment later, the party felt and heard a heavy thud coming from directly between, and just below, the doors themselves. The thud repeated itself once, twice, thrice--then quieted.
Clu'eth exhaled slowly. "We are blessed with Wardd's luck," he stated simply. "The wards and defenses of the Temple have held--for now." He turned to face the party and accepted Theo's proffered seeds.
"Yes," he nodded as he turned the seeds over in his hand, considering. "Yes, I can see now how these could be used. You have done well."
He handed the seeds to one of the younger priests. "Take these to the alchemists," he directed. The younger priest accepted the seeds and bowed low before turning to scamper off toward a staircase. Clu'eth faced the group again.
"We can hope that, with those seeds, we can devise an antidote to the disease that has ravaged so many--too many," he added, as he looked sadly at Rose before turning away.
"You should all rest. The seeds have attracted the attention of the King's minions, and they are not likely to be daunted by our wards and alarms forever. The alchemists tell me that they will need three days to distill an antidote, and we will need to protect their work here for that time."
As Clu'eth spoke, another young priest ran up and bowed before addressing the elder cleric. "Master Clu'eth," he began breathlessly. "The lower level is sealed. None can come in--or out."
"Good," Clu'eth nodded, and smiled at the panting young man. He placed his good hand on the young cleric's shoulder. "Tell the others to distribute weapons from the armory and set watches. We should expect to be tested by the fey, and we must be ready. With Wardd's fortune, we will prevail. Go."
Clu'eth turned back to the party. "Your assistance will be needed on the watches as well, but there will be time enough for that. For now, go--attend to your wounds and your rest. There are--those who may need your attention within." He said no more on the topic.
Vorelle looked around the group for a moment, and her face grew worried. "Wh-wh-wh-wh--where's Berlon?"
The gnome was nowhere to be seen. Indeed, as the others reflected on it--none had seen him enter the Temple doors. One moment, he had been running alongside the rest of them--and the next moment he had vanished. He was nowhere to be found inside the Temple's confines.
There are ample healing services available in the Temple, and, should you wish, each of you may find sufficient healing to recover full strength and attributes before proceeding.
Rose Friday July 22nd, 2005 5:20:03 AM
Rose looks around for Junior as the priest is speaking. "Where's Junior?" She asks the priest. Then Vorelle mentions that Berlon is missing. Rose looks around for Berlon but doesnt see him and before the priest can answer her question about her brother she asks him another one. "Did you see Berlon as we were coming in? He was with us, so where did he go?"
Dietrich d20+4=13 d20+4=11 d20+4=23 Friday July 22nd, 2005 10:27:53 AM
Dietrich is worried at Berlon's disappearance and he wonders what happenend to the stubborn Gnome. He swears and makes a short prayer, hoping that the worst didn't happen... He finally notices Olyn's return and is happy to see the old friend by their side again, specially in this strange times, where the elves seem to have been lured to evil.
He patches Theo's shoulder in recognition of his corageous (suicidal?) deed, but he says: "Next time wait for us, heh!? I wouldn't like to have to extract you from the stinking belly of a vermin!"
The warrior observes the defense preparations intensely, but before anything, he knows the group needs to recover from the last fight and he goes to have his own painful wounds healed.
On his way, Dietrich analyses the building for defensive purposes: masonry 13, carpentry 11, military knowledge 23
DM Kup Friday July 22nd, 2005 4:07:30 PM Given the last-minute nature of my previous post and the slow response up to now, I'll hold off on an official DM post for Friday until over the weekend. I think we could all use a breather anyway!
Theodore and Macaw HP 16/18 AC 20 (22 vs chaotic creatures) Friday July 22nd, 2005 8:25:16 PM
Theodore lets out a deep breath of relief. He smiles at Vauhwyt and Dietrich's compliments.
"Thank you, but it was the only thing that I could have done," he shrugs it off. He does feel proud, though. As if he's finally given something back to the friends that have always protected him so well.
Taking Clu'eth's advice, Theodore goes off in search of healing and rest.
Vauhwyt (Str 11 of 14, Con 12 of 14, AC22, HP 31 of 32, Mage Armor, Bless) and Mookie (AC19, HP16, Mage Armor, Bless) Saturday July 23rd, 2005 11:12:51 AM
The liontaur is grateful for the attentions of the clerics.
"Thank you," she says as she has a little rest.
Olyn Saturday July 23rd, 2005 5:41:57 PM
seeing that all are being tended to and a brief respite has been offered, Olyn goes to the sanctuary, sits on a pew up near the front, and begins praying for the success of the alchemist, Berlon's safe return, and the defeat of the Fey King.
In Sickness and In Health(DM Kup) Saturday July 23rd, 2005 11:42:11 PM
With the doors sealed and time for their eyes to adjust to the gloom of the Temple, the party took stock.
The Temple of Wardd was a familiar building to all of them, as it was to many in Dirt City. From the doorway antechamber where they initially stood, they could look in upon a large, central chamber, in which the main sanctuary was placed. The entire structure had been built on donations, and--typical for the God of Chance whose House it was--the donations were apparently random and diverse, and yet always seemed to come in just the appropriate time and nature to fit the need. As a result, however, the structure of beams, pillars, and joists that supported the massive dome that capped the sanctuary were wildly divergent from one another in materials, shapes, sizes, and appearances.
Much of this main sanctuary had been converted into a hospital ward. Many of the pews had been shifted to one side to make room for makeshift cots, mattresses, and blankets. All of these were filled with the sick and the dying of Dirt City. Coughs, cackles, and gasps filled the room, and the faces of the sick were contorted into the hideous, mask-like grins that the group had seen on the corpses in the streets and on the elves in the Full Moon Market as well. Priests and temple acolytes wandered through the rows of the sick, pausing only momentarily to offer some comfort, a sip of water, and a hurried prayer for the dying. High above the sanctuary, a catwalk ringed the dome. Among the nests of rock doves that roosted there, one could see moving the shadows of a few priests who were standing guard and peering out narrow windows along the catwalk.
Off to the western side of the sanctuary, a smaller chapel had been converted into another ward for the sick, and this room, too, was filled to overflowing. Most of the City folk who populated this room were ambulatory, but none of them appeared completely healthy. Here, many families lay huddled, their faces worried and morose. This chapel shared an external wall that faced out in the direction of the Market, and, standing in this room, those of the party who lingered for a moment could hear occasional distant echoes of underground thuds and scraping noises--as if something big was trying, unsuccessfully for the moment, to get in.
To the east of the main sanctuary were the priests' chambers. Clu'eth indicated that the alchemists were there, busily working with the seeds that Theo had recovered. Much of that space had been converted into housing for the time being as well, he explained; the acolytes' chambers on the floors below were being used to store foodstuffs, and still more refugees had filled the remaining space Below.
Dietrich: Highlight to display spoiler: {The priests seemed to have set wards that were beyond your military expertise. But there was no telling, just by looking, whether the priests who guard the Temple from the catwalks above really have a sufficient vantage-point to survey all the possible points of attack--nor did it seem likely to you that the attack would necessarily come from above ground in any event. The priests, too, struck you as poor soliders--they were little better than scared initiates. They wouldn't last long in a battle with the fey creatures you've encountered, you imagined.}
Rose's queries about Berlon and Junior elicited saddened looks from Clu'eth. The priest shook his head. "I did not see your friend enter, I'm afraid. I'm sorry. As to Junior ...." he paused.
"He was tending to the sick. He was determined to do all he could. He worked harder and longer than all of the rest of us, as if he were possessed. Then, this morning, just after you left, he doubled over. We took him to the the healers, and they examined him."
"He is badly infected. It must have been incubating for days. It is one of the worst infections that I had seen."
"He lays over there now--" Clu'eth indicated a spot near the altar, then pursed his lips. "There is nothing more we can do for him. Perhaps if we are able to devise an antidote in time, but ...." he shrugged, and pursed his lips again. "I am sorry."
Indeed, there seemed to be many in Junior's predictament. Rows upon rows of the sick seemed scarcely able to breathe, and the entire sanctuary had developed the pallor of a mortuary. As they passed among the rows, there were faces that were vaguely familiar among the infected: there lay a fruit-seller from the Keys Quarter; here a shipwright from the docks; there a tavern maid; here, there, and elsewhere, still others. The sick were too numerous to count, and yet ....
Theo saw him first. There, off to one side and not far from where Clu'eth had indicated Junior would be ... lay Zayne!
Rose Sunday July 24th, 2005 2:40:25 AM
When Clu'eth says that Junior is very ill Rose goes pale, shakes her head, and mouths the no a few times until he points to where Junior is laying. Rose immediatly runs over to her brother "Junior, Junior! She calls as she runs hoping for an answer, she doesnt even notice Zayne as she runs past him. When she reaches her brother she kneels down beside him and as it becomes apparent how very ill he is tears stream down her face. She sits beside him and pillows his head on her lap so that hopefully he will breathe easier. Then digs into her bag and pulls out a waterskin and a piece of cloth that she uses to cool him down and hopefully reduce his fever. All the while she murmers to him telling him that he has to get well and reminding him of things that they did as children.
Dietrich Sunday July 24th, 2005 9:28:39 AM
Dietrich is overwhelmed by the ammount of sick people in the temple and the general atmosphere of gloom and decay, despite the interesting architecture. He is worried with the Temple's battle readiness, which again reminds him of the imminent attack on the City itself. Things definetely are not looking well. The Bear makes a short prayer to Domi for the courage to keep fighting.
Dietrich feels compassion for Rose's pain and worry, but he doesn't really know how to express it and remains in the background. When he sees Zayne, the fighter moves to see how his old comrade is doing.
Shortly afterwards though, the ex-soldier prefers to direct his energy to practical matters, also as a means to escape the growing despair. He goes after the people in charge to ask some questions, in preparation of yet another council to be held soon with the party.
How many "troops" do we have? Are the clerics able to cast spells? Is there a way to produce flamable material? Is there a map of the temple area, including underground passages? Do we still have contact with the outside world, possibility of getting help from the Prince and/or House troops? How long can we hold a siege (water, food etc.)?
Theodore and Macaw Sunday July 24th, 2005 10:20:47 AM
"Zayne!" Theodore exclaims as he notices his sick friend. He kneels down beside the ranger. "We were all wondering what had become of you. You just disappeared on us!"
Only now seeming to notice the state his friend was in, concern tightened the wizard's forhead. "Oh, no. Not you, too. Take heart, Zayne! Even now they are creating an antidote to help everyone. Dirt City still needs your help."
Theodore will stay with Zayne, Rose, and Junior not knowing what else to do. "I feel so helpless," he mutters to himself as he pats Rose's hair, awkwardly.
Zayne Sunday July 24th, 2005 8:05:05 PM
Sitting there confused and barely able to piece together his recent memories of the last couple weeks. He wonders where exactly he is how he got to be here and how is he going to tell his friends what he found out about the book and the Prince.
He hears someone call his name and it doesn't really register, not until he hears it again and then he just looks at the source with a bewildered look on his face.
Vauhwyt and Mookie Monday July 25th, 2005 3:18:18 PM
"Zayne! Zayne! We sure did miss you!" Vauhwyt bounds up and sits next to the ill ranger. "You look horrible! Well, there is a cure going around soon. Or there will be."
In the Temple of the Lord of Chance (DM Kup) Monday July 25th, 2005 10:02:13 PM
Dietrich was asking questions. Unfortunately, there were few answers. "Troops?" came the reply. "We are priests, not soldiers. Our task is to minister to the needy, to heal, and to attend to the Lord of Chance. Alea jacta est."
"Flammable material? Look around you: there is plenty to set fire. But what would we do with all of these people if a fire were set here in the Temple? Would you burn Wardd's own House?"
"Maps? The Lord of Chance frowns upon maps. They are too ... deliberate. You are welcome to wander, however. Explore. Let chance take you." (Don't worry. I'll get you a map. ; ) )
"The Prince? The Houses? All of them were compromised by the plague. We dare not risk venturing outside with the fey creatures seeking to get in." (But of course, you are welcome to try--or to try persuading someone else....)
The Temple seems well-stocked for food. Luck shined upon the Priests--of course!--and they were able to gather unspoilt food and water just before the siege began.
Zayne was making a miraculous recovery. Theo's touch seemed to have sparked something in him. He still seemed weary and a bit weakened, but he was conscious, and the priests were giving him permission to move about.
Not so for Junior. The halfling looked sickly and pale, his face pasty and covered in sweat. He took Rose's hand weakly and chuckled, his mouth mirroring the grotesque grins of the disease's former victims. "Hiya, sis," he gasped weakly, and coughed. "Did they tell you how great I did? They're really--" he hacked again, and swallowed with difficulty. "They're really ... really proud ...." His eyes rolled up in his head, and his body began quaking. A priest nearby rushed up and asked the adventurers to step back as he ministered to Junior.
Theodore and Macaw Monday July 25th, 2005 10:55:20 PM
Theodore helps Zayne away from the crowd forming around Junior. "This way, my friend. Please take it easy. Conserve your strength."
The wizard helps his ranger friend to a less crowded space and tries to make him comfortable.
Vorelle Tuesday July 26th, 2005 12:00:09 AM
Needing to be doing something, Vorelle assists the Temple priests in caring for Zayne, then Junior.
[With her Healer's Kit, Vorelle has a +11 on her Heal checks, which means she automatically succeeeds to Aid Another.]
rose Tuesday July 26th, 2005 2:28:29 AM
Rose is trying to comfort Junior when he says that the priests are really proud of him she places a kiss on his forehead and says "Of course, they're proud of you, we all are." Then Junior starts convulsing and she moves aside to let the priests help Junior.
She thinks about this morning, how although Petorin, Aunt Grace, and Uncle Vic are sick they didnt seem so sick. She thinks of how fast this disease can kill and wonders if the cure will be made in time to heal Junior, Zayne, Petorin, Aunt Grace, Uncle Vic and all the others. And she thinks of how after the cure is ready, they still have to get through the beasts that are attacking the temple to get the cure for the rest of her family and the city.
Tears roll down Rose's face as she thinks all these things. It seems hopeless and she remember the last words her father said to her that morning ...look out for Junior... it keeps running through her mind over and over.
Olyn Tuesday July 26th, 2005 8:34:23 AM
moving to Rose, Olyn stands beside her, and like a brother puts his head on her shoulder, giving her a reassuring squeeze.
and stands there silently praying to Wardd for Juniors recovery saying to Wardd only: my life for his.
Zayne Tuesday July 26th, 2005 9:59:50 AM
Zanye sits up groggily and attempts to stand up,"It's good to see you guys. How long have I been gone? Seems like months." He holds his hand to his forehead, and nearly falls down the cot he was resting on is all that prevents him from hitting the floor.
Vauhwyt and Mookie Tuesday July 26th, 2005 1:51:30 PM
"i don;t think it's been more than a week or three," Vauhwyt tells Zayne. "To be truthful, I've been a little woozy myself lately."
Mookie pipes up, "You got that right, Boss!"
The liontaur responds, "Hush Mookie!"
rose (illegal 2nd post) Tuesday July 26th, 2005 4:59:25 PM
Rose keeps thinking...was there something she could have done to get the seeds faster, maybe she should have ignored the fae and went into the pumpkin with theo...maybe...maybe...maby........
Blessed Rest (DM Kup) Tuesday July 26th, 2005 10:38:48 PM
The adventurers spent much of the next few hours tending to wounds, getting rest (in some cases, much-needed rest), and ministering to the sick, including friends and loved ones. Olyn's silent prayers, this time, did not receive an answer--but was that distant laughter echoing in his head his imagination?Vorelle offered her help to some of the sick--she was able to make them comfortable, but their condition did not seem to improve.
On that subject, Zayne's condition continued to seem to improve, while Junior's continued to worsen. The priests tending to him tended to hurry by rather than meet Rose's eyes. In the already morbid Temple, the corner in which Junior lay seemed somehow darker, and more grim than the others--like the shadow of Gargul was growing ever closer.
Meanwhile, however, those who were at liberty to were free to roam the Temple. It was a truly magnificent structure, even in its present (increased) state of disarray. There was much to see. There, in one corner, stood a case holding dice once used by V'rutus "Sky" Kolchak; in an alcove formed by two pillars, here was the lucky kobold's foot once carried by the patriarch of the House of Teeth. There were relics and objects aplenty, including Wardd's Holy Tables. They were familiar to all of you--Devotion Dice, Wardd's Wheel, and the Blessed Ball. A few priests, clearly those who regularly attended these tables, hung around them morosely.
(A map of Level 1--the Above level--including the catwalk is on its way to all of you. Excel format--this map is mighty big. I'll see what I can do about providing a legible picture format.)
Rose Tuesday July 26th, 2005 10:43:20 PM
Rose stays by her brother, giving him water and talking to him. At one point she leaves him for a moment to ask the priests when they think the cure will be ready and to ask if since that morning anyother of her family members have been brought in. She then goes back to her brother and doesnt leave him except when told to so the priests can work on him.
Vauhwyt (Str 11 of 14, Con 12 of 14, AC22, HP 31 of 32, Mage Armor, Bless) and Mookie (AC19, HP16, Mage Armor, Bless) Tuesday July 26th, 2005 11:33:22 PM
With all the wound and dying laying around, Vauhwyt does not ask for healing. Still, she sure does look a mess, with three big injuries -- fang marks on cheek and nose, stings on hand and hindleg. Having been knocked unconscious in battle and then running from a horde of bugs, the weary liontaur is glad to grab a corner with a few blankets and get some rest. She is too tired to explore the cathedral.
Mookie sees that his mistress is not about to ask for help, so after Vauhwyt falls asleep (which takes all of two seconds), the bird whistles at Vorelle when he sees her nearby. "Hey toots! Do the Boss a favor and work your healing arts on her, wouldja please? You're good with a band aid, and the Boss is hurtin', if you have a chance, please."
Vorelle may not much appreciate being called "toots," but this is probably the first time she heard Mookie use the word "please," much less twice in the same breath.
Dietrich Wednesday July 27th, 2005 6:36:13 AM
Dietrich is a little annoyed by the answers he gets (he prefers clerics like Olyn,with their full plate and morningstars...), but asks for someone to heal his wounds without much hesitation. The pragmatic soldier knows they will need him at his full to battle the bugs and any impractical modesty can cost dearly in the current situation. All the scenes of suffering make him uneasy. He's seen too much of it in the past and it's something he learnt to push to the back of his mind, so as not to succumb to the feeling of impotence. Keeping cold at the surface and grabing the hold of his greatsword, he thinks: "Let the nurses do their job, I'll do mine."
Dietrich wishes Berlon and his alchemical skills were there, as something like greek fire would be great (perhaps vital) to defend the temple from the insects. In any case, he continues the inspection, looking for lamp oil and similar stuff.
Dietrich looks up at the relics and thinks: "We're really going to need your luck.."
Theodore and Macaw Wednesday July 27th, 2005 9:43:54 AM
Theodore waves off any offers for healing. A short while later, the small wound he suffered at the hands of one of the impish fey has completely disappeared. (ring of regeneration)
The young wizard splits his time between checking on Zayne's rapidly improving condition and the priests working on the antidote. As always, Theodore is insufferably curious about the process involved and attacks the clerics with numerous questions.
Vorelle d20+11=25 Wednesday July 27th, 2005 10:32:01 AM
Vorelle gladly turns her attention to Vauhwyt, binding up her wounds and making her comfortable. "G-g-get some r-rest," she tells her friend, and tends her while she does so. She also tries to get her other injured friends to rest while she watches over them.
[Heal check 25, which succeeds for "long-term care" for up to six people. It enables Vauhwyt (plus whoever else) to regain hit points at twice the normal rate.]
Olyn Wednesday July 27th, 2005 10:32:37 AM
*in a couple posts ago I said I was offering water and zapping groupmates with my healing wand, those of you who need healing, roll 1d8+1 enough times to fully heal yourself and tell me so i know how many charges to deduct. and dont say no cuz it's already been done*
fully geared up for battle, and a fresh scar on his right hand that he refuses to let anyone cure except with a bandage, Olyn approaches Dietrich.
where do you want me, im ready to kill that @$^* out there and send it back to the Fey Kings hell.
Zayne Wednesday July 27th, 2005 2:22:13 PM
Shaking off his momentary weakness,"It's proably too late if it's been that long. Were you able to keep the book out of the Prince's hands? If you werent it is too late by now and we have to kill him." Looking around at his friend's faces.
"I thought I had seen the last of you all. It is some sort of miracle that I'm here." He lets out a weak chuckle,"Somebody do me a favor and make sure I am not allowed to run around by myself again, at least not in Dirt City."
He stands up slowly this time, and it may be the shadows or some other trick of the lighting but the young ranger looks slightly taller than the last time anyone set eyes on him.
Berlon (HP 21/28) Wednesday July 27th, 2005 2:56:43 PM
A knock on the doors reveals that Berlon has made his way back to the temple. He looks around the structure with a frown and a wrinkled nose.
"Luck?" he questions, "Luck is the crutch of the unprepared. A true warrior works to eliminate the factor of luck, and these people *rely* on it. How unfortunate."
Without another word or gesture to the group or clerics around him, Berlon rests against a wall...
A Knock at the Door? (DM Kup) Wednesday July 27th, 2005 9:32:07 PM
Rose tended lovingly to her ailing brother. He did not seem to regain consciousness, however, and he only moaned softly in response to her comforts. Occasionally the corners of his mouth would twitch and tug upwards, and the tiniest of snickers would emerge. "That's the sickness," a passing priest observed. "Some call it The Laughing Death. They all get those horrid grins on their faces right before ...." He trailed off, mumbled an apologetic excuse, and moved on to assist others.
While Vorelle tended to Vauhwyt's wounds and ordered her patient to bed, Theo, meanwhile, had gone to find the alchemists that were working on the antidote. There were a set of them--curious, hunched figures with darkly stained fingers--working in one of the rooms off of the eastern vestibule (in the northeast corner on the map). The room was dominated by seemingly miles of tubing connecting intricate arrays of beakers set over small flames, and the alchemists scurried here and there checking on bubbling concoctions of all colors and viscosities. His questions were met with cross stares and waves of dismissal. (Know any alchemy, Theo?)
Olyn approached Zayne and Dietrich, who was healed and looking much better, and asked when they would get to kill something. "Soon enough," Dietrich undoubtedly thought. The fighter was silently wishing for Berlon's assistance with alchemy, when--suddenly--there Berlon was! The gnome had appeared unannounced, and apparently unexpected!
As Berlon arrived, dismissive of the domain of the god whose Temple he had just entered, Clu'eth rushed up. "You there!" he called, hurrying forward. "How did you get in here? How did you penetrate the wards? No one was to be allowed in or out!"
"I let him in," came a calm voice from behind them. It belonged to a slight elf dressed in the robes of the Temple priests. "I heard him knock at the door and let him in."
"L'laylon--you?" Clu'eth questioned. "But my directions were explicit."
"It seemed to harm none. He is of this same group of heroes. To leave him outside would mean certain death. Fortune guided my hand."
Clu'eth grimaced, his good hand reflexively stroking his withered arm. "I suppose," he admitted with a grumble. "But there was great risk in it. Not all of our enemies are visible to our eyes." With that last, Clu'eth's voice dropped to a whisper, and he looked up and around them, as if chasing phantoms.
Just then, another voice joined the discussion. "Master Clu'eth!" came the cry of yet another young priest. "There are people at the gates Below. They demand to be admitted. There are sick among them, Master--they ask for healing."
Clu'eth shook his head. "No. No, it's too dangerous. We dare not risk another breach."
"But, Master, they will die without our aid--"
"And we will all die if the dice are not with us!" Clu'eth snapped in retort. "We do not know who else is watching, Apprentice Sha'al."
The discussion continued for a time in front of the heroes.
Dietrich d20+4=9 d20+4=22 Thursday July 28th, 2005 7:34:09 AM
Dietrich smiles at Olyn's appearance and is relieved Berlon is still alive, depite the Gnome's frowning. He says: "Our situation is not very good, but I have the following basic plan. Please give your own opinions. The temple "guards" are not very battle ready, so they better stay in purely defensive positions on the catwalks, throwing stones, boiling water and oil from above at the attackers. Berlon, if you could help making some greek fire or similar the better.
The sick should be removed to the least dangerous place, and also where they don't stay in the way. People that are neither too sick, nor ready to fight, will help by looking after the wounded, bringing water, food and ammunition to the combatants.
Our party stays as a reserve in the centre of the temple, helping with archery and ready to intervene where needed and also guarding against a direct attack from below the temple. If a good opportunity arises, we can move for a combined counter-attack."
Dietrich will of course listen to everybody, but for the moment he commands some novices to help him carrying stones and other heavy objects to the catwalks, preparing cauldrons to boil water and oil, having "ammunition" ready and reinforcing weak walls etc.
masonry: 9, Carpentry 22
He's fully concentrated at the preparations and only listens halfmindedly to the discussion about taking the new sick in. It's very tough, but he has to agree with Clu'eth. In anyway, the cleric is the highest authority in the temple and the decision lies in his hands.
Olyn Thursday July 28th, 2005 12:28:54 PM
nodding to Dietrich, Olyn goes to the center of the room, putting his mace on a pew he sits down next to it. next, taking his bolt case he opens it, for easier access. then cocks his light crossbow, and with bolt in hand for quick load he readies himself for combat.
and tosses a pair of dice over his left shoulder, not knowing the results on it. saying: for luck.
Zayne Thursday July 28th, 2005 1:14:22 PM
"Somebody tell me what's going on. Why is the priest denyong healing to the sick, that's his duty I thought. Olyn why are you getting ready for a fight, we should be helping those people!"
He lools around,"Vorelle....Vorelle you..will help them wont you?" He leans against the wall for support.
Vorelle Thursday July 28th, 2005 1:18:56 PM
Vorelle hears the argument and bites her lip, uncertain what to do. She has the healing skills to help the new influx of sick people, but she is focused for the moment on tending to Vauhwyt, and that is her priority right now.
When Zayne asks her to interfere, she gestures hopelessly to Vauhwyt, trying to indicate that she already has a patient.
[OOC: Vorelle is only down 3 hit points. She'll use a wand charge if Olyn would prefer, or he can drop a few Cure Minors on her; either way.]
Theodore and Macaw Thursday July 28th, 2005 2:55:49 PM
Theodore's attention is divided between the arguing priests and Zayne's pleas to let those Below into the temple. Although he agrees with his friend, he feels helpless to do anything. Clu'eth had opened his doors to so many, already.
Looking around, Theodore could see the sick and dying crowded together. Was there room for anymore?
"I will see what I can do, but please rest, Zayne." The young wizard regains his feet with the help of his staff and shuffles over to Clu'eth and Apprentice Sha'al.
"Excuse me," Theodore weakly interjects. "Perhaps I could take a look at the situation? Mayhaps there is another way. If I could get someone to take me to the door at which these poor folk seek entrance, I would be most obliged."
Vauhwyt and Mookie Thursday July 28th, 2005 3:12:32 PM
Vauhwyt is barely aware that Vorelle is taking care of her. She dreams that she is sick in bed back home in the apartment, and Vorelle is taking care of her.
"Tell Rose to answer the doorr," she murmurs.
Mookie just watches silently.
[OOC: I had the idea that we were settling in for the night. Was I wrong? If something big and noisy happens, Vauhwyt will wake up.]
Rose Thursday July 28th, 2005 6:28:15 PM
Rose continues to care for her brother, glancing occasionally at the room where the cure is being made. Waiting, hoping, and praying that the cure will be made in time.
Berlon (HP 21/28) Thursday July 28th, 2005 7:55:35 PM
As Olyn tosses his dice, Berlon remarks "Just another form of closing eyes and hoping things just magically work out for the best. Let me see if I can actually do something helpful, instead of just hoping for something useful to happen."
With that, he goes off to the vestibule to see what help he can offer with his Alchemy knowledge.
Preparations and Examinations (DM Kup) d20+12=24 Thursday July 28th, 2005 9:33:22 PM
As evening descended upon the Temple, the group made various preparations.
Dietrich asked for novices to help with preparations for battle. After a few questioning looks toward Clu'eth, the elder priest nodded. "He speaks wisely. Fortune favors the well-prepared." With that, the novices began collecting the items that Dietrich had mentioned. They were quickly able to find much of what he sought, owing to the ample supplies in the Temple of both water and oil, and heating fires were quickly set near the altar, while others began hoisting supplies to the catwalk. (Good thinking, D!)
Olyn, meanwhile, made his own preparations. As his dice clattered behind him, a passing novice picked them up. "Lucky seven," the novice announced. He approached Olyn and returned the dice. Smiling shyly, he pointed over to the Tables. "Care for a game to pass the time?"
Worriedly, Zayne leaned against a wall and watched the unfolding developments, while Vorelle and Rose tended to their patients. Vorelle attended the injured Vauhwyt, who was quickly slipping into deep slumber from readily apparent exhaustion. It was as if she hadn't slept in days. Junior continued to show no improvement, but Rose clung to the hope that her ministrations would help.
Berlon sauntered over to the alchemist's chamber. The sights of tubes and beakers that had bedeviled Theo's senses seemed just as equally welcoming and familiar to the gnome. His oversized nose quickly picked up familiar scents: saltpeter, sulphur, eye of newt ... but what was that other smell? He tested the air with judicious sniffs. Something ....
Yes, he thought to himself. Yes--that's it. Mistletoe and Poisoned Oak! That's what's causing the imbalance--and hence the disease! It would take but a simple reversal .... The outlines of the alchemical processes began laying themselves out in his mind.
Meanwhile, Theo followed Apprentice Sha'al down the stairs to the gates Below. There was a small crowd of novices attending the heavy doors, which were the twins to those that led to the City Above. The passage here was narrower, perhaps just five feet wider than the doors themselves. Sha'al pushed forward to the front, with Theo behind him.
A small grated viewing hole was all that allowed a view of the tunnel beyond the doors. Over Sha'al's shoulder, Theo could see crowds of people pushing their way forward. A middle-aged woman with long, brown hair was pleading with the priests.
"Please! My child is sick--he needs help!"
"We need fresh water!" said another voice. "And bread! We've heard that you have clean food and water!"
"Please," said an elderly woman. "You can't leave us out here. There are huge bugs everywhere in the City now--they're eating everything, attacking anything that moves. We're afraid to leave our homes."
"Go back to your homes," Apprentice Sha'al replied. "There is nothing that we can do for you." Shouts of protest drowned him out.
"I heard they're hoarding the food in there!" came a shouted voice.
"I heard that they have an antidote!"
"I heard that they caused this plague!"
"Yes, look at that one! Pointy-ears! They're the ones to blame!" Theo could see the priest L'laylon standing placidly nearby.
"I heard that the ones who let loose the bugs into the City are hiding inside the Temple!" came another voice.
"Let us in, please!" repeated the brown-haired woman in the front. Sha'al only shook his head.
Theo, make a Will save, DC 14: Highlight to display spoiler: {There's something odd about some of these people. There are more of them than would seem to fit in the hallway. And they are oddly thinned out in perspective, and a bit skewed ... like a figment!}
Olyn Thursday July 28th, 2005 10:40:34 PM
looking up at the Novice Olyn responds: you keep the dice, Wardd granted me my luck for now, perhaps it will echo through the rest and the city.
like a mercenary preparing for battle, Olyn begins taking note of his equipement, making sure all is within reach and at the ready.
Dietrich d20+4=19 Friday July 29th, 2005 3:24:24 PM
Supervising and helping out at the preparations, Dietrich finally smiles with some satisfaction. He didn't hear any comments from his friends though and would like to hear their oppinions and suggestions.
But then the fighter hears the commotion from outside again. The situation is getting tense and he only hopes they won't have to use the new devices against the people. Normaly he would move there and show up, just to let the impact of his massive armoured and still blood-drenched body help the priests "persuade" the crowd, but from what he hears this could even worsen the already delicate situation. So he stays in the background, observing and hoping that Wardd will guide his clerics to do the right thing. Maybe there are even some useful lads there to improve the defenses...
Although very curious about what Zayne has discovered concerning the Book, the warrior knows its not the time now and will wait to enquire about it later.
Sense motivation 19 to observe the crowd's behaviour.
rose Friday July 29th, 2005 4:20:34 PM
rose isnt paying any attention to anything except her brother.
DM Kup Friday July 29th, 2005 5:21:58 PM I'll wait again until over the weekend. It looks like that's the general preference rather than my posting early on Fridays anyway, so that's what I'll do from now on.
Vauhwyt Saturday July 30th, 2005 6:16:49 AM
"ZZZZzzzzZZZZzzzz"
... in the temple, the quiet temple, the liontaur sleeps tonight ...
Theodore and Macaw d20+6=15 d20+13=32 d20+4=13 d20+4=6 Saturday July 30th, 2005 1:17:40 PM
Will save 15
Theodore's eyes fly wide as he looks on the crowd. He sucks in a deep breath and pulls Sha'al to him.
"An illusion!" he whispers in the priest's ear. "Someone is trying to trick us into opening these doors. Please return to the temple Above and let the others know. I will stay here."
Theodore keeps with the crowd of priests at the door, gently staying any from getting too involved with the "illusion" outside. He does not divulge the secret unless a particular priest takes it upon himself to allow the "people" in, whereupon he will take the priest aside and explain the situation.
He also attempts to discern the exact spell being used. (spellcraft 32) Scanning the outside, he tries to discern fact from fiction, looking for the enemy spellcaster. (listen 13, spot 6)
It's a Trap! (DM Kup) Sunday July 31st, 2005 3:28:08 PM
Most of the adventuring comrades had settled in for the night, but Theo was downstairs, watching Sha'al and some other priests contend with an unruly mob in the corridor that led to the gates Below. Dietrich came down to join the mage just as Theo was noticing something odd about the crowd. Theodore whispered in Sha'al's ear, "An illusion!"
Just then, a firey arrow appeared, as if from nowhere, and struck down the priest just to Sha'al's left. The man shrieked hiedously as the flames caught him in the chest and he crumpled to the floor.
Dietrich's warrior eyes quickly scanned around--where had the arrow come from? The doors Below were still sealed, and there were many people standing between the casualty priest and the doors. What's more, the arrow had struck him from behind ... and above ... the ceiling?
As Theodore and Dietrich turned to look, another arrow appeared from near the ceiling, as if from nowhere, and struck the floor near Sha'al's feet. A high-pitched, wicked laugh emerged from the direction of the source of the arrow, but no opponent was yet visible. "Pixie!" one of the priests shrieked, just before a third arrow found his throat.
Robed figures were scattering everywhere and none had a moment to think! Theo doubtless would have prepared a spell, and Dietrich his sword, but suddenly, a figure stepped forward with a large, iron pole capped with a wire mesh, like something that the priests might use for beating ornate carpets. With a rush of passing air and a sickening squelching noise, the iron mesh smashed into the ceiling just at the spot where the arrows had originated. In the mesh, the shattered body of a winged pixie became visible.
At the other end of the pole, breathing hard, stood Apprentice Sha'al. "Wardd provides our fortunes," he panted. "This pole was donated just last week. It happened to be lying here. I grabbed the first thing I saw."
The other priests were tending to the victims of the pixie's arrows, novices who had each succumbed to their wounds. One person looked up. "The crowd is gone from outside," he observed. Theo and Dietrich could hear that was right--the noise from outside was gone, as were the faces that had been visible there just moments before. "But the doors remained sealed at all times. How did it get in?"
"It must have come in through the front door, when the gnome was given entrance," Sha'al responded. He looked for a long moment at the priest L'laylon, who still stood aside watching impassively, but said nothing more on the subject. "Come. We should all get rest. Brother Dietrich, if you have suggestions on setting guards or watches, I will relay them to the others."
Theo--good catch! Avoided a much bigger fight. Everyone--assume that your next post is morning.
Dietrich Sunday July 31st, 2005 4:10:17 PM
Dietrich swears as the attack starts and some novices are killed. "(*&^0 magic freaks!" Everything went just too quick to have any reaction, which is certainly not something the warrior appreciates.
Concerning the sentries, Dietrich suggests that they are placed in places with good cover and lines of sight to the outside and to other sentries, so that everybody notices if a sentry disappears or is knocked out. Torches should be ready to lighten up the area, possibly some torches should be thrown outside to iluminate the adjacent area to the temple. If possible, able people should check for magic activities from time to time, so as to avoid what just happened. At least one of the "Dirties" should always be present, with the exception of grieving Rose, Vauhwyt and rest needing spell-casters.
In the morning, Dietrich quickly gets himself battleready and takes a sound breakfast.
Olyn Monday August 1st, 2005 8:45:54 AM
prays for spells
Zayne Monday August 1st, 2005 9:03:05 AM
Despite his night of uninterrupeted sleep he does not feel as thought his sleep was restful.
He gets up and tries to stretch his legs and regain his strength.
Theodore and Macaw Monday August 1st, 2005 9:51:30 AM
Theodore wakes and stretches slightly. He yawns and scratches at his mussed hair, giving his friends a sheepish smile. He spends his normal hour preparing his spells for the day, his face becoming quite stern and thoughtful as he pours over his spellbook.
When finished with his morning preparations, he checks on Zayne, then Rose and Junior, giving his friend a supporting pat on the back. Finally, he makes his way over to Berlon and squats beside the gnome.
"I was wanting to ask you a question," he says quietly to his friend, looking about to make sure no one was within listening range. "This L'laylon, the one that let you into the temple, did you notice anything...peculiar about him when he opened the door for you. I don't know if it is truth or not, but I believe a few priests in here might suspect him of being under this Fey King's power, like the elves at the pumpkin. It is quite possible he let that sprite in on purpose."
He pauses for a moment before leaning very close to his friend. "Also quite possible that he was responsible for the illusion outside the temple."
Theodore shakes his head. "I assumed it had to be cast by someone on the outside, but L'laylon could have constructed the image from within the temple. If that is the case, I'm afraid we might be in great danger."
Vorelle d8+1=3 Monday August 1st, 2005 10:19:49 AM
Vorelle watches over her patient until Vauhwyt wakes up, then joins the others. She shakes her head in response to Theo's question; she noticed nothing odd as they were led into the temple.
[Guess I'm using a wand charge. Vorelle is back to full.]
Vauhwyt (Str 13 of 14, HP 35 of 35) and Mookie (HP 17 of 17) Monday August 1st, 2005 10:40:29 AM
In the morning, thanks to Vorelle's ministrations, the liontaur is just about feeling back to normal -- just a little weak is all. Still, that fang bite on her face is probably going to scar.
Vauhwyt eats a hearty breakfast of whatever is available, and she is as curious as ever.
"How goes the medicine-making?" she asks. "And what happened with all those bugs we were running from? How are the sick people doing? Did Berlon get back okay? Hey Zayne! Old friend! How are you doing?"
Rose Monday August 1st, 2005 5:20:43 PM
Rose hasnt been paying attention to what's been happening, she keeps tending her brother and wondering when the cure will be ready.
Berlon (HP 21/28) Monday August 1st, 2005 5:43:28 PM
Berlon listens to Theodore's whispered questions, then whispers back, although loud enough for anyone around to hear.
"WELL," he begins with enthusiasm, "*maybe* if you all spent less time running around like scared schoolchildren, *maybe* you would notice such things."
"But now, I am going to meditate, as we will need some prayers, I am afraid, and my legs need rest, as they aren't as long or as well used as some..."
With that he tries to find a private corner of the temple.
loretta Monday August 1st, 2005 7:12:55 PM
ooc: as rose hasnt slept and isnt preparing spells if we get another fight soon she might not be worth much.
Morning (DM Kup) Monday August 1st, 2005 10:25:02 PM Y'know what--let's roleplay freely here for a day or so. No posting restrictions--just post away. I'll let you know when we go back to one-per-day. I want to allow y'all to interact for a bit here--I think that there might be some conversations that want having, and I don't want to stop that. So go right ahead. (P.S. If there's ever a time that you think the moment's right for something like this, just let me know. If you don't have much to say, just don't say much, and I'll get the hint.)
It was morning. The light shining in through the windows of the dome high overhead slanted long, dusty beams through the Temple.
Many of the sick had passed away during the night. Many were near to death.
On his cot, Junior gurgled at Rose's limp, exhausted form. "Rosie ... sis ... are you there?" He reached for her hand, and coughed, his body wracked with pain. His eyes gazed sightlessly upward. "I can't see anything--did the fires burn out in the torches? Where are the novices? Don't they know--" his body convulsed in hacking gasps again. "Don't they know they'll get in trouble?"
"Sis--Sis, listen, I haven't got much time. Sis, you gotta take care of Mom and Dad and the rest of them now, okay? Make sure they make it through this. Make sure--" he hacked again. "Make sure there's always food on the table for them, okay?"
"Sis--Rosie--remember--this was all worth it. We gotta do what we can for the City, y'know? 'Cause it's up to us to make sure it works for everyone else. Otherwise, it's nothing--" he spasmed again. "Nothing more than what they call it. The Dirt City."
"Sis. Find the Artist. He's real, Sis. Find him and ask him to come back to the City. Make it what it should be. Tell him--tell him that his gifts are wasted now. Remember, Sis--you gotta promise you'll remember."
"Sis--what's--what's that--what's that laughter--what's that laughter I hear...."
Junior's body, wracked as it was with coughs and desperate wheezes for air, contorted into a disfiguring stretch, his back arching uncontrollably. As he fell back to the cot, he started giggling uncontrollably and his face muscles began seizing up into a horrid mockery of a grin. His breathing became increasingly labored through the death-mask until, at last, with a gurgle, his breathing stopped.
A priest nearby moved to take Rose away. "Come away, dear. You risk infection."
rose d20+5=8 Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 1:15:08 AM
Rose holds Junior's hand and strokes his face as he starts to talk. Her eyes are filled with tears as she talks "O..of course I'll take care of everyone...." As Junior talks she tries to quiet him and calm him down and think of who the artist is "...Of course I promise, I'll find him you know that."
As Junior coughs and his back arches she holds onto him, trying to help him breathe. Then his breathing stops but she keeps holding him willing him to breathe. Finally a priest comes over and has her move. Rose goes into a corner of the temple near her friends, curls up into a ball and cries, and cries, and cries.
Dietrich Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 7:29:32 AM
Dietich is cleaning his sword, when he sees Rose returning and her state of mind. He feels really sorry for her, though not yet knowing for sure what happened. The tough man feels very weak and doesn't know how to console his friend.
Dietrich also sees Theo whispering with Berlon and he hears the Gnome's comment. The knight wonders about what it is, that they should have noticed and is finally annoyed with the indirect comments and insinuations about his own lack of courage. The fighter decides to go and ask Berlon directly:
"My friend, this attitude is not going to help. Are you questioning my honour? What exactly is your point? Despite the assumed risks and probably not the most sound plan, we managed in the end to get the seeds safely to the temple. And now we're trying to organise a defense, for which I asked your most valued comments and cooperation, but didn't get any reaction. We're all equal comrades here and speak up our minds openly, deciding collectvely except where impossible, so, let me hear!"
Eventually, Dietrich would also like to talk with Zayne about his discoveries.
Zayne Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 9:27:26 AM
OOC: I think I am following this correctly, the people outside were and illusion right? Correct me if I am wrong, it went a little fast for me. If not disregard this post.
Zayne walks around the temple, trying to piece together the last couple weeks of his life. His memories are jumbled together. No begining, no middle no end just events, seemingly to be randomly placed inside his head.
Theodore and Macaw d20+2=12 Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 10:04:56 AM
Theodore is also more than a little irritated by Berlon's continuing foul humor. He attributes it to the gnome's hard lot in being forced to leave his village behind. The wizard had never been good with words, though, and simply flushed a pretty red when Berlon moved away.
He shakes his head and sighs before standing and vowing to himself to keep an eye out for L'laylon. (sense motive 12)
He notices Rose returning to the group for the first time since entering the temple. Seeing her in such a grief stricken state, Theodore's first thought is that something has happened to Junior. His fears are verified when he goes to check up on Rose's brother. And again he is at a loss for words to console his friend.
Why am I so helpless, he thinks to himself. Master Geoffrey would know what to say in this situation.
"I'm sorry, Rose. I didn't know Junior very well, but he has helped a lot of people. Saved many lives. You should be proud of him." He awkwardly pats the sobbing girl on her back.
Finally, he moves to Zayne. So much pain. Who would possibly benefit from this?
"How are you, my friend?" he asks of the ranger. "You will have to tell us your story of how we got separated and what you've been up to. Likewise, we will bring you up to speed in regards to our own adventures." He then proceeds to inform Zayne of what's happened since they parted ways.
Olyn Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 10:34:46 AM
going over to Rose and sitting on the floor beside her, Olyn doesnt speak cuz words are of no use right now. instead, Olyn will stay with Rose, offering a shoulder to cry on, a hand to hold, and someone to talk with should she want to.
and cries.
Rose Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 2:01:10 PM
Rose doesnt notice much of what's happening around her, but when olyn sits beside her she curls up into him as she keeps on crying.
Vauhwyt Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 5:17:41 PM
Vauhwyt sees Rose's distress, and it makes her very angry. "This is not right!" she says. "This is just not right!"
Berlon (HP 21/28) Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 6:08:02 PM
"What is my point?"
"My point is this. You'll have to forgive my irritability. Once I find out exactly how many members of my village were slain by the Elves, perhaps my disposition will become a bit more sunny. Not the Fey King, not pixiefolk, the Elves. The Elves did this. The Elves slew my kinsfolk just as sure as the Elves choke the life out of this dirty place. If you give a monkey a crossbow and the monkey shoots someone, you do not blame the monkey."
"Have any of you paused for a moment to actually think about recent events? People magically appear and say "Give us this evil book" and you give them the book. Someone magically appears and yells "Jump through this hoop" as the Gnomes get mercilessly slaughtered and you can't flee fast enough. Did any of you pause for even a second to think that maybe, just maybe, my village is capable of defending itself? No, of course not."
"And now you want to make yet another plan."
"I thought the master plan was to just hope for dice to land on a certain number, and when they don't, simply run off screaming into the night air."
Berlon's eyes start to tear up as he looks in Rose's direction. "It's worked wonderfully so far."
Vauhwyt Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 7:52:48 PM
Vauhwyt, already mad, gets really riled at Berlon's words.
"Now look! We gave those people the book because we trusted them to do the right thing. The only reason those fey creatures were attacking your village was to get at us, so by leaving, we did our best to save your people."
Mookie says, "uh, boss."
"We were too late for Rose's brotherr, but if we had not gone after those seeds, there would be no hope for anybody!"
Mookie tugs on Vauhwyt's sleeve, but that does not distract her from her from her tirade.
"We came straight here, so as far as I know, the only person who ran off into the night was you!"
Mookie says a little louder, "Boss!"
Vauhwyt turns on her familiar. "What!"
Mookie whispers -- If you want to eavesdrop, make a Listen DC10 check and Please Highlight to display spoiler: {"Boss, they said you should not lose your temper. At church. They said to calm down, like."}
Vauhwyt deflates like a stuck bladder. "I'm sorry. We should not let our anger turn on each otherr. We should focus on those who have hurt us and do our best to make sure they never can do so again."
She holds out her hand to the gnome. "Come, friend Berlon. Let us vow to do our best to avenge our dead and protect those we still have with us."
Then she whispers to her familiar -- If you want to eavesdrop, make a Listen DC10 check and Please Highlight to display spoiler: {"Thanks Mookie. You're the best."}
Vorelle Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 8:40:43 PM
Distressed, Vorelle retreats from her shouting companions. She hates yelling. In her experience, it leads to hitting and bullying and other things she'd rather not think about right now.
Instead, she moves to kneel down next to Rose. Not liking to be touched herself, she doesn't hug her friend, or pat her hand, or anything involving physical contact. Instead, she simply sits nearby, hoping her presence will be a comfort. She keeps a wary eye on the heated discussion.
Invective and Grief (DM Kup) Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 9:29:18 PM Let's keep this up. Keep posting away freely, one more day, and we'll reassess. If you want to engage NPC's in conversation, feel free to do that--they're around. For example, L'laylon, Sha'al, and Clu'eth are all around, as could be others.
Rose Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 9:35:46 PM
Rose doesnt even notice her friends arguing as she cries and wails "I want my brother!"
loretta Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 9:36:45 PM
ooc: kup give me an idea of how long in game time this posting is going as I have some plans for rose.
DM Kup: the snively answer would be, "as long as people want it to go." The truth is, I sort of envision the next post picking up at after-breakfast/mid-morning, if it looks like the conversations are over for the moment.
Olyn Wednesday August 3rd, 2005 3:23:49 AM
holding Rose in his arms he says to her: there there Rose, let it all out.
Zayne Wednesday August 3rd, 2005 9:46:19 AM
Struggling with his memories he doesn't even notice Theo until he is in the middle of the story about what the group has been up to.
"What?! An elf-pumkin?! Are you just making things up." He bursts out. I am sure Theo will take the time to go back over everything. "Alright, sorry my mind is everywhere and nowhere at the same time, lately." He looks at Theo, then slowly around the room, he takes a deep breath,"It is good to be among friends."
Raising his voice so that everyone can hear him. "You are probably wondering where I have been and what I have been up to. If I were to tell you all that I didn't know I wouldn't be too far from the truth. My last clear memory was the day we came back into town with the book and I went off to see what I could find out about the state of affairs and the book. I came across a couple clues here and there and then I heard about it being evil and not just your'e everyday run of the mill evil, real evil and it controls people. So I started asking about the Prince's behavoir and turns aout people were saying that there is a noticabe change in his actions and there were rumors that he had the book and it had been stolen."
He pauses and grins,"Not bad for an afternoon of nosing around,eh? So I decide to come and tell you all what I heard and suddenly I was attacked by some men I did what I could to fight them off one of them tried to wrestle me to the ground and I got away, I ran towards the docks to try and lose them, but it didn't work, they caught me and roughed em up pretty good. I guess they figured I was dead or that the river would finish me off because I remember hearing one of them saying to throw me in an getting away from the scene of the crime." He looks pretty mad as he goes over this part. "That is pretty much where things get all foggy, I have memories of people's faces that I have never seen before and places that I had never been before, but those just hop around and they are just glimpses like I only had my eyes open for a moment."
He looks around,"Sorry I couldn't get here any sooner, although I honestly don't even remember traveling to get here, nor could I tell you how I got to the temple of Warrd."
Advice and Dissent (DM Kup) Wednesday August 3rd, 2005 2:07:22 PM I'll post a "real" DM post near 10 or 11 pm Woldian time tonight, but following the conversation up to now, I thought I'd add a bit. Again, feel free to post as often as you'd like for conversational purposes up until the "real" DM post tonight, at which point we'll go back to one-per-day.
The priests around the group were busy clearing away bodies and empty cots. The ranks of those ill and dying in the Temple had thinned overnight by half, but none left by the front door. The casualties, to anyone calculating, were staggering--even more so if one reflected on how this must have meant things were faring elsewhere in the City. Now, scarcely any of the cots in the main sanctuary were occupied, and many people that had survived the night seemed to edge away from the group as their discussion rose and fell in volume.
A handful of people were clustered nearby, however--close enough to hear Berlon's words. There were mutters and nods of bitter agreement.
"I lost my mother and two brothers last night--where's the justice for that?" came an angry voice.
"Most of my family has been affected by this plague," came another. "I have three sick children, and my husband lies dying. Who will care for them?"
"Where is the Prince and the Houses when we need them?" demanded yet another.
"Who's to blame?"
"It's those stinking elves!" said another voice. It belonged to an elderly woman with a pinched eye, who jabbed an accusing finger in Olyn's direction. "The gnome's right. No Fey King brought this on us--they did! Those pointy-eared freaks!"
A younger woman with tousled hair took up the complaint. "Yes! I heard one of the priests saying last night that an elf spy let in the fairy creatures to destroy us all! It killed a dozen priests before they caught it!"
"Where's that elf priest?" came the voice of burly man, his voice filled with grief. "I've seen him sneaking about here somewhere. No doubt he's planning another trap!"
"You don't see them getting sick, do you?" observed the crone. "Them filthy elves, with their filthy ears and snobbish ways--you don't see them in here with us, the sick and the dead, do ye'? And why do you suppose not, eh?"
"They're behind this!"
"Filthy elves!"
"Hang 'em all up by their ears!"
The priest L'laylon stood not far away, watching impassively.
Theodore and Macaw Wednesday August 3rd, 2005 4:52:12 PM But not all of the Elves wanted the Fey King to come, Theodore thinks to himself remembering the gathering at the Giggling Ghost, watching through the campfire as the Elves argued amongst themselves.
"Just as there is good and evil within the heart of Man, so too is there a place in the heart of Elf," he says out loud. "We cannot claim that all Elves support this disaster. Olyn, here, does not. And the Elves are dying like everyone else." He remembers the bodies littering the open space around the big pumpkin.
Rumblings (DM Kup) Wednesday August 3rd, 2005 10:34:04 PM
As the group of civilians began to turn into an unruly mob, a low rumbling could be heard and felt through the floor. "The wards are breached!" A priest exclaimed.
Rose Thursday August 4th, 2005 12:37:47 AM
Rose continues crying and doesnt notice what the people are saying. After a bit she'll go to the room where the cure is being made and ask how much longer it will take, for Rose has other family members who are ill and she also has to tell them about Junior.
Dietrich, AC 18; HP 40 d20+4=14 d20+3=8 d20+4=23 d20+2=7 d20+9=26 2d6(4+4)+6=14 Thursday August 4th, 2005 9:58:13 AM
Dietrich can understand Berlon's anger and is satisfied that the Gnome isn't attacking his honour, but he nevertheless disagrees. Particularly the part about the elves is disturbing, and he remembers the cut down bodies of the elves he slayed the previous day.
Before he can say anything though, Vauhwyt starts replying in her own, more passionate, way. He also hears her conversation with Mookie (listen 12) and finally says:
"Comrades! We have to stick together! Berlon, I understand your grief, but Vauhwyt is right, our presence there only made things worse, don't you see that? As for the Book, now Zayne just confirms what we suspected and it's definetly better to have it far away and out of reach of "volatile" Dirt City folks. We'll have to reflect about what is going on, but right now we had and still have more pressing matters at hand, first to get the seeds and now to hold the temple till the cure is discovered. And yes, planning and hard work is needed for that!" He's trying to calm them down and get the clerics cooperation, unfortunately with doubtful diplomatic skills (diplomacy 8)
In the middle of the speech, he hears the unrest and commotion. The massive fighter draws his sword and shouts:
"Silence!! The first to try to break order and do anything against anyone inside this sacred place will taste the blade!"
Than, again, events catch him up, as he hears that the wards are broken.
"Everybody to his stations! Dirties, battle has reached us!"
The soldier trys to discover where the enemy will come through (spot 23, listen 7) and runs to hold the place.
"Don't let them get through!" He'll slash at anything trying to enter the temple: hits ac 26; damage 14
Olyn Thursday August 4th, 2005 10:35:15 AM
rushes up when he hears Dietrich shout the order.
Olyn prepares to defend, and die for those who would hang him.
Vorelle [AC 17; HP 35/35] Thursday August 4th, 2005 2:45:43 PM
Unhappily, Vorelle moves to join her companions trying to keep the mob at bay. She doesn't want to attack townspeople if she can possibly help it, but she realizes how dangerous they can be in a mob like this.
She also realizes that this is no place for archery, so she draws her handaxes as she moves.
Vauhwyt (Str 15 of 16, HP 35 of 35) (enlarged) and Mookie (HP 17 of 17) d100=95 Thursday August 4th, 2005 5:29:44 PM
Vauhwyt stations herself near an entrance, the one she judges most likely to spew out a mob (standard action, move up to 40 feet). As she moves, she gets out her spear (free action to draw a weapon while moving if BAB +1 or better). She casts Enlarge on herself and Mookie, the better to attack oncoming enemies and intimidate mobs (standard action).
I'm assuming we're round to round here? if not, then Vauhwyt will also cast Mage Armor on herself and Mookie if she has a second round to prepare, and pulls ut a ball of fuzz from her Bag of Tricks if she has a third round of actions -- a black bear.
Theodore and Macaw Thursday August 4th, 2005 9:28:22 PM
Theodore backs away from the rumbling and casts a protective spell upon himself. "The bug! It's got to be the bug!"
(cast mage armor)
Battle Stations! (DM Kup) Thursday August 4th, 2005 11:13:07 PM Yep, we're round to round. I think I have spells from those who pick 'em for the day--if not, get 'em in, please.
The group began to scatter, weapons were drawn, civilians were intimidated ... but it was Theodore, as ever, who put his finger on it.
"It's the bug! It's got to be the bug!"
The rumbling and the shaking grew increasingly loud, and all of the members of the party began to realize that the attack wasn't coming from one of the entrances to the Temple--
It was coming from Below!
A shudder and a massive crash filled the air, and, almost directly in the center of the sanctuary, a massive chitinous form emerged from the flagstones! Enormous, pincer-like mandibles and a glowing frill that radiated heat framed its hideous, insectoid face. A nearby priest caught its attention; with an incredibly fast movement, it snatched the surprised priest up in its jaws and swallowed him whole!
The civilians, who just a moment before were summoning the courage to attack the elves in their midst, screamed and ran for the western chapel where most of the remaining civilians remained. At the same time, the flying forms of several fey creatures darted out of the hole from where the massive bug had just emerged and flitted their way up into the dome.
That was not all. Several dozen enormous centipedes were now pouring out of the hole as well.
In the bustle of commotion, Clu'eth ran past, heading toward the northeast vestibule. "The antidote!" he cried. "They must not reach the antidote! You all must stop them--let my people protect the civilians!" He began shouting orders to the priests in the catwalk overhead as he ran.
Combat time! The map will be forthcoming, but, unsurprisingly, will be based on the Temple map previously distributed. I may not be able to distribute the map until about 7 or 8 am Woldian Friday. In the meantime, assume that the creature came up near the Temple center; if you'd like, you can post where you were when it emerged based on the earlier map, consistent with what you've posted thus far.
You know what I've said before about challenging combats, with potential fatal consequences? This is one of those! It could end up being a cakewalk, or it could be very, very costly. Be assured that I will pull no punches, and that you will be tested to the utmost! Good luck!
rose Friday August 5th, 2005 1:57:08 AM
Rose had just reached the room where the antidote is being made when the bug comes through the floor. She quickly looks around trying to remember where she left her weapons, then digs into her beltpouch looking for an item she never meant to use, a cute little wind up toy seal. She winds it up and throws it towards the giant bug.
If she can she then runs towards her weapons, unfortunatly she didnt rest or prepare any new spells today.
wind up toy seal, use once for summon monster 2. If rose gets a choice of the animal she'd like a celestial giant bee.
loretta Friday August 5th, 2005 1:57:59 AM
ooc: edit dig in beltpouch to dig in bag of holding.
Dietrich ac 16 (18), hp 40 d20+10=25 2d6(2+4)+9=15 Friday August 5th, 2005 10:30:08 AM
This kind of break-through was exactly what Dietrich wanted to hinder, but unfortunatelly he wasn't fast enough to get there. (OOC: as posted before about having the heroes as central reserve, Dietrich and some others should be there and ready to attack the bug this round) The warrior shouts: "Berlon, Olyn, Vauhwyt with me, cover your flanks and stop the bugs from getting out of the hole! Archers and wizards, concentrated fire at the fey!"
He uses Rose's monster, his friends covering and the rubble (stones thrown up by the bug when it broke from below) to protect his own flanks and charges the giant bug's side, putting some extra punch in the swing (charging +2 attack, -2 ac; flanking +2 to hit; powerattack +3 damage, -3 to hit, ) hits ac 25; damage 15
Zayne Friday August 5th, 2005 11:24:35 AM
(OOC: I had trouble discerning anything on the map as to the location of cots and beds and all that. The way I see it Zayne Is over near that main pillar leaning on it.)
Zayne clearly was not ready for an attack of any kind. As the inital shocks hit he hangs on to the pillar, and as the pass he looks around trying to gather his bearings. He spots his gear near the bed that he was using ans dives for it. (OOC: Not sure exactly how long you are going to have this take but I figur two rounds and Zayne should be able to grab what he is going to need.)
DM clarifications Friday August 5th, 2005 12:01:33 PM Map has gone out on e-mail--hopefully it should help with some of the ambiguities. As I say in the e-mail, please feel free to make positional corrections.
There will be at least two rounds of "preparation" available--one just past, and one to come in today's DM post. (Dietrich, if you want to keep your attack and damage rolls, that's fine, or you can choose to reroll as you wish.) In other words, counting yesterday and today's posts, you can "prep" two rounds' worth, or prep and attack. Hope that's clear.
Oh--and there will be one more surprise coming in the DM post today that will count as a free action. You'll see what I mean ....
Theodore and Macaw Friday August 5th, 2005 12:30:22 PM
Theodore's second spell extends from his outstretched fingers in the form of a white sticky ball, expanding and covering the hole created by the large bug.
(Cast web on the bug's hole to attempt to keep anymore baddies from coming through, and perhaps even catch some. Reflex vs 16)
OOC - Are the fey creatures visible?
DM Kup: Yes, they are. Interesting. (They're displayed on the "Catwalk" sheet. I can put them on the "floor level" sheet if it's easier, but just recall that they're at least 30' up.)
Berlon AC 20 HP 28 d20+6=20 d8+1=2 Friday August 5th, 2005 2:11:10 PM
Not wanting to have to rely on dice coming up on a hard eight (or whatever it has to end up on)Berlon takes the initiative to cast Bless just as things start to happen.
Once the critters start appearing, he mutters some more Gnomish prayers (standard action) and suddenly a shining mace appears next to the big ugly and starts swinging on its own!
Berlon will then make a move action, moving 15' due east.
"Theodore! Fry those critters with that scroll I gave you!"
Spiritual Weapon attack hits AC 20 for 2 dge.
Spiritual Weapon - Range 140', 4 rounds, +6 hit, 1d8+1 dge. No flanking bonuses caused or received by weapon.
Bless - All allies within 50' burst get +1 morale bonus to attacks and saves vs fear.
Vauhwyt (Str 15 of 16, HP 35 of 35) and Mookie (HP 17 of 17) (both enlarged & mage armor) d20+3=9 Friday August 5th, 2005 5:03:45 PM
Vauhwyt casts Mage Armor on herself and Mookie, turning both blood red.
Then she moves to AO-AP-AQ-53-54-55. Her spear is in hand ... if an enemy approaches, she will take an AoO: misses with a 9.
[PS: Kup, you might want to but the big bug's grapple check DC in the next post.]
Vorelle [AC 17; HP 35/35] d20+8=24 d8=3 Friday August 5th, 2005 5:43:04 PM
Vorelle sheathes her axes, draws her bow, and fires at the pixie closest to her.
[Vorelle has two-weapon fighting, so sheathing both axes is a move-equivalent action. She has Quick Draw, so drawing the bow is a free action. Firing is a standard action. So I think I can do all of that. :) Hit AC 24 for 3 points damage. Magic bow.]
Berlon - 2nd post Friday August 5th, 2005 6:47:10 PM
OOC: Judging by the map, am I correct in assuming that Berlon, Theo, Zayne, Vorelle and Olyn are the only ones in the bless effect? Don't forget the +1 hit bonus guys. If anything changed as far as who might be in the bless effect just let us know...
Also, the Spiritual Weapon is a magic attack not a weapon attack so it bypasses damage reduction as per the spell description.
Olyn ac24. hp32, bless d20+7=21 d8=4 Friday August 5th, 2005 7:24:17 PM
directs his dodge towards the big mammajamma.
being in front of the alter with his weapons already layed out before him, and crossbow already for combat, Olyn aims and fires a bolt at the bug, (hitting ac21 for 4 points of damage), then takes a 5' step back while he reloads.
Dietrich OOC Saturday August 6th, 2005 7:05:17 AM
OOC Hi. Can I keep both attacks, like the first (4 August) for when the monster was still emerging and the second for this round? If not, the first round would be preparing, that is, receiving Berlon's bless and moving in position to charge the bug in the flank (second round), hopefully together with some friends... so he shouldn't stay alone with the monster.
Finally, I had some disagreement with the map. Dietrich, Berlon and Vauhwyt were discussing, so they should have been together. And Theo was nearby too, he had just asked Berlon about priest. But I don't insist in changing it, as everybody has already done his actions.
Cheers!
DM Kup: Dietrich, I'm going to give you credit for one attack. There wasn't anything for you to attack in the August 4 post, except for the civilians--the creature hadn't yet broken through.
Zayne Saturday August 6th, 2005 9:16:55 AM
OOC: Seems that I am not the only one not sure of where I was. I thought we were closer to the main pillar down near the cots. So it will take Zayne three rounds to have his bow out, it's about 90ft and Zayne isn't running. I should still be in range of the bless though. I forget the duration on that.
DM Kup: No one is wrong or out of position here--we just weren't clear because we weren't referring to a map until now! So, no problem.
DM post, with all the necessary clarifications, coming in the next few hours. Stay tuned. : )
Actually, make that Sunday night. Sorry--tied up.
Temple Battle Round 1 (DM Kup) d20+2=13 d20+2=22 d20+2=10 d20+2=13 d20+2=9 d20+2=22 d20+2=15 d20+2=18 d20+2=21 d20+2=20 d20+2=11 d20+13=22 d20+23=30 Sunday August 7th, 2005 11:20:00 PM Hi everyone! The start to this battle has been a little complicated, and I apologize for that--I've been trying to give you all time to transition from roleplay to combat, and that complicated things. I'm sending out a map with corrected positions and this round's actions. Hopefully I haven't missed anything, positionally or activity-wise, but there is a lot. If I have, speak now--be specific! Like, "Olyn should be at G5," etc.--or else I'll assume we're all okay with the results.
Even as the Temple was rumbling and shaking around them, the heroes of Dirt City leapt into action.
Rose began by pulling out a wind-up toy and summoning a celestial giant bee. The bee took the air immediately and flew toward the giant bug. (Attack 13) Although it tried to sting the giant beast, the stinger failed to connect.
Dietrich charged into action and swung at the enormous bug, his heavy greatsword immediately making contact and carving a gash in the creature's side. As the creature's thick, black ichors poured down the blade, however, the sword began heating in his hands, as if it had been exposed to a blast furnace! (Dietrich: make a DC 18 FORT save for the greatsword; failure means that the blade has been destroyed!)
Zayne moved forward and grabbed his gear. He was fully armed and ready for combat now.
Thinking quickly, Theo cast an enormous Web over the hole from whence the giant bug had come, blocking the entrance of more of the monstrous vermin. (Rolled REF saves for 1/3 of the critters as a representative sample--ends up about 1/3 of those saved. Even then, though, they could only move slowly--so let's assume that they can't escape the web. Good work!) Several of the centipedes were unaffected by the spell, and still more were still moving inside the Web--but the vast bulk of them had been gummed up in the webs, and no more were emerging from below.
Berlon cast a blessing upon those who were near him, and then summoned a spiritual warhammer that began to attack the giant bug. As the warhammer made contact, it, too, came under the scorching heat of the creature! (Berlon: Roll a FORT save v. DC 18 to avoid destruction of the warhammer!)
Casting protective dweomers upon herself and Mookie, an enlarged Vauhwyt moved forward to attack. (V, I'm a little confused--but I think you had too many actions to get out the black bear in the "prep" round, and then do this stuff this round. True? If so, I've just assumed there's no bear there. If I'm counting wrong, just let me know.)
Moving with preternatural swiftness, Vorelle sheathed her axes, drew her bow, and in one fluid stroke, fired at a pixie overhead. The arrow shaft flew true--but it bounced ineffectually off of the pixie's side! Whatever protected these pixies, it was different than the red and blue fey creatures that now also circled overhead--Vorelle's magic bow wasn't sufficient.
Olyn fired a bolt at the giant bug and the shot flew true, striking the creature and causing some minor damage to its hide.
Civilians were screaming and running for the northwest entrance to the western chapel. Attracted by all of the movement, several of the centipedes that had escaped Theo's web were skittering across the sanctuary floor after them. One centipede, which had started to the south of the web, turned toward Vauhwyt and moved with surprising speed under the enlarged liontaur's spear, nearing the wemic's feet.
Overhead, the four pixies and other fey creatures (two blue, two red) were flitting around the dome. Several priests, armed with heavy crossbows, were doing their best to try to bring the creatures down--but with little success as yet. The screams of one priest as a red creature lashed into his flesh were horrifying to hear.
In the center of the room, the giant bug focused its attention on Dietrich. It moved to strike ....
... and, suddenly, things stopped.
The bugs all stopped moving for a moment. The flying fey creatures, too, hung in midair, their wings frozen in mid-beat.
A screaming woman running toward the chapel had frozen in mid-stride, her mouth stretched open but emitting no sound. All of the civilians were like that.
Time seemed to stand still.
A glow emerged from the direction of the altar, and then grew brighter. It coalesced into a humanoid form; then, as it became more distinct, the adventurers could see that it was two forms. One was taller, but the other was shorter, perhaps no bigger than a child--or a halfling.
The shorter form dimmed in brightness and became clearer. It approached Rose. From within the blinding light, Rose could see the smiling, happy face of her departed brother.
"You didn't think I would let you have all of the fun yourself, Sis, did you?" said Junior, his beatific face glowing with holy radiance. He pointed a thumb over his shoulder to the taller, brightly-glowing form. "I told the boss about what was going on down here, and I persuaded him to let me have this last trip. Can't have this stuff going on in His own Temple without helping out a little, right?"
Junior held out a pile of equipment to Rose--it was her weapons, and her spellbook. "Here, take these. You'll need them. I think you'll find that, with the Big Guy's help, you can get your spells ready faster than normal. You'd better take care of that before he has to let time start again."
With all deliberateness, Junior walked around the sanctuary floor to each of the other adventurers and handed each of them a small bag. He sniffed as he passed the massive bug and seemed like he was about to do something to it, when the tall, glowing figure made a throat-clearing noise and Junior withdrew. "Yeah, yeah, I remember the rules--help those in need, but we cannot directly interfere." He looked at Rose's companions. "See? There are rules even where I've gone. Stinks, huh?" he grinned. "But the same goes for all of you. You can take this moment to look in the bags and get your bearings--but the moment that you try to do something to anyone else, the clock starts moving again. Those are the rules here."
Anyone looking inside the bag would find three golden coins, with Wardd's symbol on one side, and a large X on the other. "These are Wardd's magic coins," Junior explained. "You can use them any time you're in trouble for a little luck. If you call upon them, they'll flip in the air--get Wardd's symbol face up, and you get a boon. Face down, and, well ... better luck next time. You get the idea. You each have three coins, so that's three chances. Use them wisely."
Junior stopped in front of Berlon last, and handed the gnome his bag of coins. "I know you don't prefer our ways. I understand and respect that. You don't have to accept these coins, or use them. Just remember, though--a little good luck can always help, and if it doesn't help you ... well, maybe it'll help a friend." He smiled, then turned back to the altar. As he reached the altar, the taller, glowing figure placed a gentle arm on Junior's shoulder. Junior turned back to the companions and waved.
"Good bye everybody," he smiled, and smiled especially warmly at Rose. Then, he added, "And ... good luck."
It's a free action to put the coins away. Like Junior said, they're lucky coins that work like Hero points. You can use them as a free action to re-roll a bad roll--one try per roll only, please. You have three each, total. To use the coin, roll a D2: 1 is success, 2 is failure.
As Junior and the other, unidentified glowing figure faded from view, sound and motion began returning to the battlefield. The huge bug creature that was poised directly over Dietrich's head opened its giant mandibles, and struck! (Attack 22) The giant pincer-like mandibles snapped shut around the ursine warrior, clutching him about the waist like a vise! The creature squeezed (start grapple, grapple check 30; per Woldian grapple rules, Dietrich takes 10 on his roll, meaning he cannot beat the monster's 30, and he is pinned! Check the Constabulary Castle for Grapple rules), and began drawing the fighter toward its horrible, deep maw!
Big Bug's Grapple: Highlight to display spoiler: {+23, has Improved Grab}
Vorelle [AC 17; HP 35/35] d20+9=29 d20+9=14 d8+1=3 d8+1=8 d8+1=2 Sunday August 7th, 2005 11:59:52 PM
Vorelle sights toward the giant bug, but doesn't dare fire for fear of hitting Dietrich. Instead, she fires at the closest centipede, then edges around the room to try to get in position.
[Hit AC 29, critical threat, confirmed to AC 14, for 3 points damage or 13 points if critical hit. Move to Z-22.]
Berlon - illegal pre post Monday August 8th, 2005 12:23:17 AM
The spiritual weapon is a conjured weapon made of force as per the spell description, I don't think the bug's acid/heat/whatever is going to destroy it. Let me know either way, and if I really need to make a save I will do so in my Monday post.
DM Kup: ooops! You are so right! "A spiritual weapon cannot be attacked or harmed by physical attacks."
Never mind. : )
Vauhwyt (Str 15 of 16, HP 35 of 35) and Mookie (HP 17 of 17) (both enlarged & mage armor) d20+3=19 d20+5=24 d20+16=31 d6+2=5 Monday August 8th, 2005 4:07:38 AM
[OOC: You are right, Kup -- no time last round to use the bag o tricks. I gave an excess of orders on the off chance there would be enough time. Sorry for the confusion.]
Vauhwyt looks helplessly at Dietrich -- if only this pesky centipede were not in her way, she could charge forward ... but alas.
She considers running around it, but that would open her defenses to an attack of opportunity. She could tumble around it, but she could only move 20 feet (since an accelerated tumble would impose a -10 on the check that she can't afford). Annoyed, she decides to squish it.
Vauhwyt says, "Mookie, help me grab this bug." Mookie does his best and Aids Another with a 19.
Vauhwyt reaches out with her bare hands and grabs the centipede. Her Mookie-aided touch attack hits AC24, so she grapples it. Her grapple check beats a grapple DC of 31, so she inflicts 5 hp damage (real damage, not subdual damage) to the beast and has grappled it.
As part of her grapple, Vauhwyt enters the vermin's square. I reckon that puts her at AN-AP-51-53.
DM Kup: heh. I think I misled you. The Grapple listed above is for the Big Bad Daddie, not these puny punks (they are Medium size, if it matters). You easily grappled this runt, and you squished it into jelly. More details (ewww) in the DM post. : )
Dietrich ac 18, hp 40 d20+6=7 d20+7=9 d20+7=20 Monday August 8th, 2005 7:50:47 AM
Dietrich swears as his beloved masterwork greatsword melts away! (Fort 7). Still surprised by the vermin's unnatural heat, Dietrich is really stupefied at the divine intervention he had the privilege to see. He is genuinely happy that Junior seems to be now in a much better place than the rotting Dirt City.
All this events make him slower though, and he doesn't manage to avoid the giant mandibules. He trys to get free, but the bug is too strong (grapple 9). Getting desperate, the warrior throws one of Wardd's coins (new grapple check 20), but even than he continues moving to the bug's stomach! The fighter makes his last prayers to Gargul and is disappointed with such an honourless, disgusting death...
Zayne Ac 17 Hp 19/19 Bless d20+4=23 d20+4=23 d8=6 d8=1 Monday August 8th, 2005 10:01:53 AM
Thinking tho himself,"Hades things are never easy when we all are together." He quickly pockets the coins,"I'll ask Rose how to use them later."
Suddenly thought and action are one, he draws an arrow, aims and fires in one fluid motion, and before his bowstring has stopped moving, he lets another fly. (Quickdraw and rapid shot Target is the centipede in X-27 AC 24 and 24 forgot the bless for 6 and 1 respectivly)
As he watches his arrows fly towards his target he thinks to himself,"It feels good to be at it agian." Then he sees Dietrich get swallowed whole, and he shouts, "Vorelle cover me, I'm going to help Dietrich!" His voice cracks on the last word.
Berlon AC 20 HP 28 - Spiritual Weapon 3r, Bless 3m 54s d20+6=11 d2=1 d20+6=24 d8+1=3 Monday August 8th, 2005 10:33:07 AM
(OOC: Can we get a summation on who is affected by the Bless? DM Kup: Without going back to the former maps, let's just say, for simplicity's sake, everyone but Vauhwyt (too far south) and Rose (too far east). Let me know if that doesn't work.)
Trying to free Dietrich, Berlon focuses (move action) to redirect the Spiritual Weapon towards the mouth. The Weapon then rears back to attack the tongue/mouth/head area; maybe if the bug gets hit there it will accidently let Dietrich go.
When the magic weapon whiffs (Attack hits AC 11) Berlon quickly mutters "I can't believe I'm doing this" and flips one of the coins over his shoulder.
Berlon shakes his head. Did the weapon just miss, or did it strike it's target true? (free action to use coin)
Spiritual Weapon Attack hits AC 24 for 3 damage.
Berlon will then take a quick five foot step southeast, and then cast Bull's Strength upon himself. (standard action)
Bull's Strength - +4 Str for 4 minutes
Olyn ac24, hp32, Bless 2d8(6+8)+3=17 d20+4=12 d2=2 d2=1 d20+4=24 Monday August 8th, 2005 11:01:42 AM
seeing his friend and combat leader in dire straights, and with tears of joy streaming down his face for seeing his God come and help them in this battle, Olyn rushes up to the giant beast.
flipping the coin over his shoulder to land on the floor, only to have it bounce from badluck to goodluck. (flipped the coin, landed on badluck, used the Luck domain special ability to reroll it)
touching the beast at its head he delivers a shot of magical energies into it. (rolled a natural 20, and being there is no crit damage to a IMW I didnt bother rolling a special damage attack)
Inflict Moderate Wounds : 17 points of damage
DM Kup: Okay, now I've seen the issue in question in the e-mail, and I agree: roll the threat and possible extra damage as well. Can't hurt.
The re-rolling the re-roll thing is a little much, but I'll let that slide .... ; )
Olyn d20+4=7 2d8(5+8)+3=16 Monday August 8th, 2005 7:41:08 PM
* had to try, being im a lucky priest * threat of 7, dam 16, doubt it hit.
Theodore and Macaw HP 18/18 AC 16 d20+11=28 Monday August 8th, 2005 9:35:20 PM
Theodore attempts to glean exactly what the creature is from the numerous tomes he's studied. (Knowledge: Arcana check 28 to determine if giant bug is a magical beast, and if so, what.)
Theodore then pulls forth the scroll Berlon gave him, but hesitates using it on the giant bug as several of his friends rush forward. He grits his teeth, and looks about for anything to save his friend Dietrich
Temple Battle Round 2 (DM Kup) 8d6(2+1+5+2+2+5+1+4)=22 d20+23=35 2d8(1+2)+12=15 8d6(3+1+5+2+2+1+1+1)=16 d20+2=3 Monday August 8th, 2005 10:53:12 PM Okay! We're getting this straightened out now!
Vorelle fired a well-aimed arrow at the nearest monstrous centipede and splattered its innards across the Temple floor. Zayne, too, made quick work of a nearby crawlie. Meanwhile, across the Temple sanctuary, Vauhwyt was doing the same with her bare hands. Her immense strength was too much for even an overgrown bug, and the chitinous carapace shattered. Green fluids splattered all over Vauhwyt's chest and Mookie's wings.
Dietrich struggled vainly in the grip of the enormous bug, his ugly fate looming ever closer. Berlon's magical warhammer struck the beast again, but the blow did not seem to daunt it. Berlon's own strength grew from his relationship with his deity.
Rose's giant bee tried to sting the giant creature again (attack 3), but failed.
Olyn, meanwhile, raced across the Temple floor to aim a touch spell of immense pain at the giant bug. (Hey! You were too far away! I'll give you the tactical move this round as a "correction," but no more, okay? : ) ) It connected with the bug and send a jolt through its side--but then Olyn felt pain like he had never felt before! The heat from the creature coursed through his arm; it was like his entire arm was melting from the fingertips upward! (22 hp heat damage!)
Theodore studied the creature. It seemed similar to something he had heard of, once--a remora? No ... no, no, something about ice and snow ... yes! a Remorhaz! These fearsome creatures were rumored to inhabit the icy wastes. Their ability to tunnel through snow and devour their prey whole was legend. Only, now, the creature was all too real, and had Theo's friend Dietrich in its clutches. (You may assume that you know anything about the remorhaz that appears in the MM or SRD.)
The remorhaz--for such it was, apparently--shifted its massive mandibles and its mouth extended. (Grapple check to swallow whole, 35!) With a sudden movement of its enormous mouth, Dietrich vanished into the creature's gullet! The soldier of fortune was immediately plunged into darkness and felt the heat and searing acids of the creature's stomach juices tearing into his sides. The creature's gizzard smashed into his sides (15 points of bludgeoning damage), and the heat was excruciating (16 points of heat damage--a total of 31 points of damage!).
Dietrich was alive, but only just. He could still feel his weapon belt at his side--any light weapons, he judged through the pain, might still be usable in the thickness of the creature's gut. He knew that he had only a moment before he blacked out--perhaps for good.
Above the melee, pixies and other fey creatures chattered with apparent delight at Dietrich's seeming demise. The priests of Wardd were still trying to bring down the flying pests, and the remaining centipedes had raced over to battle the priests guarding the civilians--but with Dietrich in grave peril, did any of that matter?
Olyn ac24, hp32/10 Tuesday August 9th, 2005 1:01:51 AM
moves to a torch burning in a sconce, Olyn retrieves it for his next action.
Dietrich ac 18, hp 9/40, bless d20+25=28 d20+5=17 d4+7=8 Tuesday August 9th, 2005 9:24:45 AM
As the stench and heat approaches Dietrich seems to see his whole life passing through his eyes, the suffering and cruelty of wars long gone by, his stern father teaching the ways of the sword, the whenches and revelling with old mates, the loves that weren't meant to be, and he also remembers all his vain dreams of glory and heroism. At least he will fall defending the people. He is swallowed and almost faints with the pain, his clothes and skin burning.
As a last deed, the warrior instinctively takes his dagger (fast draw?) and trys to cut his way out of the the bug's stomach. (powerattack +3 damage -3 to hit) "By Domi, you'll come with me to hell!" hits ac 17, damage 8
If possible, (fast drawed dagger) he also takes the last cure light wounds flask.
OOC: any fortitude tests to resist the heat damage?
DM Kup: If you use up a luck coin, I'll let you drink the potion this round. Go ahead and roll for it. I understand that it's from Berlon; unless I'm missing something, it should be 1d8+1 hp (you can also use up a luck coin to improve that roll, if it's poor).
Vorelle [Bless; AC 17; HP 35/35] d20+9=15 d2=1 d20+9=22 d8+1=7 Tuesday August 9th, 2005 9:57:33 AM
Vorelle continues to move toward the creature, then fires at it. As her shot appears to be going wide, she digs one of the Wardd coins out of her pouch and tosses it. The arrow straightens and strikes true.
[Move to square AC-24. Use coin to re-roll hit; hit AC 22 for 7 damage. I'm assuming that the cots do not provide cover.]
[Oops! Make that AC 24 for 9 damage. Magical Beasts are Vorelle's favored enemy; I keep forgetting.]
Theodore and Macaw HP 18/18 AC 16 d20+11=21 Tuesday August 9th, 2005 10:47:43 AM
Theodore takes a deep breath and begins to read from the scroll. (spellcraft check 21, needed a 14) Finishing the incantation, he looks up, points his index finger slightly to the side of the remorhaz and a small red ball screams forward and blossoms into a fiery explosion beside the attacking creature.
(DM Kup, I need your help on this one. I can't see where the remorhaz is located on the most recent map that you sent. I see Olyn, the spiritual hammer, and the celestial bee, so I assume the remorhaz is near them, however, I don't have an exact reference point. Theo would send the fireball to hit just the remorhaz, and none of his friends, which I assume is possible. Could you please locate the blast so that it damages just the Remorhaz. If necessary, the fireball can include the celestial bee or some of the other centipedes. Thanks!)
DM Kup: no problem. The remorhaz is located at AL-AM-AN 33-34-35 (Huge creature, 9 squares). Per Olyn's last post, he moved back, so at the time that you cast the spell, there is no one from the party in the immediate vicinity of the creature save for Rose's giant bee. Cast away.
Theodore and Macaw HP 18/18 AC 16 5d6(3+6+3+2+2)=16 5d6(6+2+2+2+2)=14 Tuesday August 9th, 2005 12:49:43 PM
(OOC - Forgot to roll for damage. Damage is 16. Ignore the second roll, hit it twice by accident.)
Berlon Berlon AC 20 HP 28 - Spiritual Weapon 2r, Bless 3m 48s, Strength 4m) d20+6=17 d8+1=8 Tuesday August 9th, 2005 2:02:11 PM
(OOC: I don't think Berlon's ever made a cure Light potion, so the homebrews I gave out should be 2d8+4 (3rd level at the time, +1 domain). I could be wrong, in which case it would still be 1d8+4, someone who wrote it down remind us...)
*Clang!* The spiritual weapon strikes the huge beast again.
Spiritual Weapon attack hits AC 17 for 8 damage.
Careful to time his move with Theodore's spell, Berlon will then run as far as he can. Full action, 45'.
(OOC: If the cots are not obstructions and you can "run through" them, it takes Berlon just west of the square the spiritual weapon is in. If Berlon has to go around them, he can still end up in the square northwest of the weapon. Either one is fine.)
DM Kup: on the potions--great! Dietrich, you hear that? Burn a luck coin, and you get 2d8+4 healing this round (burn a second luck coin if you don't like the initial result).
The cots--yes, I figured they were low obstacles, and potential cover, too, should anyone think to flip one over on its side (the pews, too, for that matter). 'Course, I never did bother to figure out how they'd work in game mechanics. If you really want to move through them, and unless someone else has a better idea, try a Tumble pass, DC 10. Otherwise, let's end you up using your second option.
Zayne Ac 17 Hp 19/19 Bless d20+10=30 d20+10=28 d20+2=14 d8+2=8 Tuesday August 9th, 2005 2:32:51 PM
OOC:Kup have I sent you a copy of my cha sheet? What size category is this thing, I am suuuming huge bt in determining my attack roll I am rolling as if it were large. Also since this is m favorite enemy(bout time I got to attack some)let's have fun with it.
Quickly the ranger turns around and this time only lets one arrow fly. (WHOOT NATURAL 20 followed by a 28 I love fighting favored enemies Damage 24)
Afterh firing the arrow he will move ten feet towards the creature(Into AC 29)
Rose hp: 20/23 AC18 Tuesday August 9th, 2005 3:12:38 PM
ooc 1: sorry for not posting last round. ooc 2: remember for the fireball that it is a ball and will go 20' up from center, 20' down from center, and 20' around from center.
last round: Tears comes to Rose's eyes when she sees her brother. She gives him a big hug (or at least tries to) and obviously doesnt want him to leave. She watches as he hands stuff to her friends and then leaves. She then does what he said to do (after all he's been bossing her her whole life :) She quickly slides under a pew and reads her spell book (I assume it took 1 round tell me if it took more or less)
this round Rose will stand up and cast mage armor on herself as she moves towards the giant insect.
rose Tuesday August 9th, 2005 3:14:15 PM
oops forgot new spell list
cantrips: mage hand message ray of frost acid splash
level 1: mage armor (used) shield color spray
level 2: scorching ray scorching ray
DM Kup: Actually, Rose, the idea was to have Rose "learn" her spells for the day during the "time freeze." So, assume that she got off the Mage Armor last round--what will she do this round?
Vauhwyt (AC18 Str 15 of 16, HP 35 of 35) and Mookie (AC17 HP 17 of 17) (both enlarged & mage armor) d20+5=13 d2=2 d20+5=12 Tuesday August 9th, 2005 5:25:47 PM
Vauhwyt charges the bug. If she is lucky, Rose or the bee may be on the other side of the Big Bug, so that her attack both flanks and is a sneak attack.
Mookie sticks close to Vauhwyt, making a double move to keep up. The familiar, alas, does not have the time this round to Aid Another.
Vauhwyt is at +2 to hit and +2 damage (and -2 AC) with the charge. If she is flanking, she gains another +2. Her attack is a +3, so she rolls -- and she hits AC13 (I'm assuming it is AC20). She flips a Warrd coin and tries again -- this time she hits AC12.
Alas. Her effort is a waste. Vauhwyt fails to penetrate the monster's thick hide.
Temple Battle Round 3 (DM Kup) d20+2=12 2d8(8+4)+4=16 8d6(3+1+1+2+1+5+2+1)=16 2d8(1+4)+12=17 d20+13=18 Wednesday August 10th, 2005 12:01:02 AM
With the terrifying remorhaz having swallowed Dietrich, Olyn fell back to grab a torch from a wall sconce. As fortune would have it--naturally--there was one not too far away, but Olyn did not reach it just yet (got you within 10' or so of a wall, but decided to treat your movement as a "withdraw," which counts as a full move--unless, of course, you'd like to provoke an AoO from the big beastie, who still looks hungry enough for seconds).
Vorelle fired an enchanted arrow, that--luckily!--uncannily sought out its target, embedding deep within the creature's flesh.
Theodore pulled out a scroll, took a deep breath, and chanted the activation phrase. The spell worked--a bead of force flashed out from his outstretched hand and flew to a point between his webbing and the massive remorhaz, before detonating into a firey sphere of carnage! The remorhaz roared and reared in pain, and many of the trapped centipedes were quickly consumed as well.
Berlon's enchanted mace swung at the giant ice-worm, but missed, while the gnome himself charged bravely forward. The giant worm turned its attention to him, with a voracious gleam in its multi-faceted eyes.
Zayne let fly an arrow of his own--and the arrow found the creature's vulnerable eye! The creature roared with pain as the missile struck. (Nice shootin', Tex! Although, I hear tell that criticals are to be rolled multiple times, rather than multiplied. Whatever.)
Meanwhile, Rose prepared herself and her spells. Her giant bee was having no luck connecting with the remorhaz (attack 12).
Vauhwyt bravely charged forward with her spear at the ready. But all the luck in the world wouldn't help her--with all of the cots and rubble to avoid, she was unable to connect with her giant target.
Deep within the remorhaz's gullet, Dietrich summoned the courage to keep fighting. With one hand, he struck out at the creature's side, hoping to cut his way to freedom--he was able to gash the creature, but not succeed in opening a hole (There's no Power Attack on Light weapons! Aaaaah!) With his other hand, he was able to take hold of and drink Berlon's exilir, and the potion gave him a much-needed burst of vitality. (I assumed that you'd want to burn the extra luck coin to use the potion--you get 16 HPs of healing!)
Dietrich's predictament was still dire, however. The creature's stomach acids were eating away at flesh and bone, and the heat was stil melting away at his very being. Dietrich could feel his life force slipping away--slipping ... slipping ... slipping ...
(Dietrich: you take 16 points of heat damage this round--sorry, no FORT save!--plus 17 points of bludgeoning damage, for a total of 33! With the healing that you received, you're at -8 HP!)
And that was nothing compared to the outside of the creature's gut. The remorhaz's one remaining good eye focused evilly on Berlon. It snatched at the gnome (as a Huge creature, it has a 10' reach!). But as the huge, gaping maw and massive mandibles reached out to grab him, Berlon saw, out of the corner of his eye, the briefest reflection of light off of one of the coins that Junior had given him. The beast must have seen it, too, because it moved to the right just as Berlon was dodging left--narrowly missing the gnome! (Attack 18!) But that couldn't have been--nah, it couldn't have been--could it?
Many of the monstrous centipedes that had tried to crawl in after the remorhaz had been fried in the webbing by Theo's fireball. Several others were engaged with the novices by the northwest entrance to the chapel. And the pixies and fey creatures, witnessing the massive damage that the adventurers had dealt to the remorhaz in the span of just a few moments, no longer seemed quite as sanguine--indeed, some were chattering and pointing downward toward the group. In an instant, the four pixies disappeared! Several of the other fey creatures began chattering among themselves and starting flying toward the northeastern portion of the Temple--and the direction of the alchemists' lab.
Vorelle [Bless; AC 17; HP 35/35] d20+11=30 d8+3=8 Wednesday August 10th, 2005 12:39:57 AM
Still hoping to save Dietrich, Vorelle moves and fires again.
[Move to AI-25 (That's I as in Igor, not L as in Larry. Stupid sans-serif fonts). Hit AC 30 for 8 points damage.]
Rose d20+4=12 d20+5=23 d4=1 d20+5=17 d4=3 Wednesday August 10th, 2005 1:56:26 AM
Ok lets get caught up
time freeze: study spells round 1: mage armor & move
round 2: fire arrow at remorhaz & move towards it ignore the +4 roll used wrong number attack: 23, +1 arrow damage: 1, +1 arrow
round 3: Rose realizes that the flying creatures are heading towards the cure "Dont let them get to the cure!" She cries out hoping that a few of the clerics will start helping in the fight. She will move back towards the door and fire an arrow at one of the fae. attack: 17, +1 arrow damage: 3, +1 arrow
ooc: how high are the fae? do they have to go through a door or is the room open from the ceiling?
DM Kup: It's all one big central chamber, with a huge dome that starts about 30' up and continues up to about 60' or 80' up. I made a separate map to indicate that the pixies and fey were much higher than the rest of the battlefield. Next round, though, I'll put them on the main floor map.
The priests have been helping--or at least, they've been trying. But it's hard to damage the fey creatures, as you know.
Dietrich -8hp Wednesday August 10th, 2005 5:14:06 AM
Despite all Wardd's luck, the heat and the pain take their toll and Dietrich fells unconscious.
He feels as a small child again and sees a beautiful light calling him, there is no pain and burning flesh, only peace, and his soul starts moving towards it.
Zayne Ac 17 Hp 19/19 Bless d20+8=26 d20+8=26 d8+2=5 d8+2=6 Wednesday August 10th, 2005 5:48:53 AM
Watching his arrow fly true he decides that his plan is going to take too long so he has to make something happen, and that has to happen now. He stands his ground and lets an arrow fly, and in the blink of an eye there are two arrows on the exact same course(both hit AC 26 Dam 5+6=11) He shouts,"We have to get kill this thing before it can get to the sickly!"
(OOC: I forgot the bless again so that is AC 27,too bad it doesn't give +1 to damage like in 2ed. The kid is hot right now, let's see if he can keep it up, Come on I need another crit or maybe two, come on Warrd)
Vauhwyt (AC18 Str 15 of 16, HP 35 of 35) and Mookie (AC17 HP 17 of 17) (both enlarged & mage armor) d20+5=15 d2=1 d20+5=10 Wednesday August 10th, 2005 6:08:01 AM
[Kup, you put V too close to the bug ... with 20 ft reach as a huge quadruped with a reach weapon, V should have ended her charge in 39-41 an-ap]DM Kup: oops. Okay, I'll change it in the next map.
Since Berlon is flanking, Vauhwyt decides to try a sneak attack. Her attack misses, so she flips her second coin, but it gives her no help.
If the big bug attacks her, V's reach advantage should give her an AoO -- if so, her att is a 10 even with flanking. oh well.
Olyn *ac23, hp32/10, Bless Wednesday August 10th, 2005 10:30:36 AM
forgetting the torch, Olyn makes a beeline towards the alchemy lab, pulling his mace off his belt loop on the way.
*am attempting to position himself in front of the door so the pixies have to fight him to get the door opened.
Berlon AC 20 HP 28 - Spiritual Weapon last round, Bless 3m 42s, Strength 3m 54s) d20+6=17 d8+1=3 d20+9=19 d8+4=11 Wednesday August 10th, 2005 1:18:35 PM
The spiritual weapon blinks from existence, but not before getting in one final shot at the critter.
Spiritual Weapon attack hits AC 17 for 3 dge.
Berlon grips his mace, and snarls at the bug.
"You die now."
Berlon takes a 5 foot step east and takes a swing at the bug.
Heavy Mace attack hits AC 19 for 11 damage.
(OOC: Attack bonuses from Bless and Strength increased to 19)
As a move action if the critter is dead yet, Berlon will try to help retrieve Dietrich. If it's not dead, as a move action Berlon will then retrieve a flask, a ceramic ceramic variety the group hasn't seen him use before.
Theodore and Macaw HP 18/18 AC 16 d4+1=3 d4+1=4 Wednesday August 10th, 2005 7:58:02 PM
Theodore points two of fingers at the remorhaz and two bolts of energy shoot forward and strike the giant creature. (Magic Missile 3 & 4 damage)
"Watch out for your weapons," Theodore calls out to his friends. "His body heat will burn them to a crisp."
Temple Battle Round 4 (DM Kup) d100=14 Wednesday August 10th, 2005 10:52:28 PM
Vorelle's arrow sunk deep into the remorhaz once more, and at once, the creature's eyes seemed to reflect something it had not known before--the fear of death.
Rose's arrows failed to find their target, but Zayne's did not. With a heavy shudder, the remorhaz groaned, toppled--and fell. (Nice going, everyone!)
But Dietrich was still inside, (stabilization roll 14%, fails, now at -9!) and he was still dying. His friends set out to rescue him. With Vauhwyt's spear thrust carving a hole in the creature's side (surely your attack would, in fact, have hit a dead giant worm!), Berlon was able to see Dietrich's heat-charred form within the creature's disemboweled entrails. He moved to pull the fighter from the remains.
Olyn dashed toward the alchemists' lab and set himself up in the doorway, directly next to a grim-faced Clu'eth holding a wicked looking heavy mace in his one good hand. Clu'eth nodded wordlessly at the elf.
They soon had company. Four fey creatures--two blue, two red--flittered down from the level of the catwalk and aligned themselves in the space immediately in front of Olyn and Clu'eth.
From high near the catwalk, a disembodied, high-pitched pixie's voice spoke: "Give us the seeds, or you will all be destroyed by the might of the Fey King."
Berlon AC 20 HP 28 - Spiritual Weapon last round, Bless 3m 36s, Strength 3m 48s) 2d8(6+8)+5=19 Thursday August 11th, 2005 12:15:39 AM
Berlon looks up at Vauhwyt.
"I will tend to Dietrich. Do not let the pixiefolk get away."
Once Dietrich is free, Berlon will cast Cure Moderate Wounds on him, healing 19 points.
(Cure Mod. spontaneously cast in place of Aid)
Rose Thursday August 11th, 2005 1:16:18 AM
Rose runs towards the fae, her eyes full of anger. As she runs towards them she reaches into her spell component pouch and starts casting a spell. As soon as she's close enough she will throw a pinch of colored sand at the fae, as she does this blinding colors fly towards them.
Rose will move so that she can get as many fae as possible (and not olyn or the cleric) with her color spray spell.
daily spells left cantrips: mage hand, message, ray of frost, acid splash level 1: shield level 2: scorching ray, scorching ray
Dietrich, ac 18, hp 10 d20+2=7 Thursday August 11th, 2005 5:13:14 AM
Just before Dietrich left this Wold for another plane of existence, the light he was seeing disappears and he feels himself returning to his old, muscular and burned body. It wasn't to be this time he would know peace though, as apparently the gods still had some task for him in Dirt City. The warrior is stunned and weak, but opens his eyes to see Berlon saving his life and the huge stinking corpse of the monster lying besides him.
"*(^%, that was *()&( close! By the anvil of Domi, I owe you my life and won't forget!"
Never one to let emotions override practical worries though, Dietrich checks if his other weapons are useable (longbow and dagger) and looks for any suitable handweapon (search 7)in reach.
OOC: I was already thinking about a new character concept! Thanks everybody for preventing this!
Vauhwyt (AC18 Str 15 of 16, HP 35 of 35) and Mookie (AC17 HP 17 of 17) (both enlarged & mage armor) d20+13=29 d20+13=30 d100=85 d20+3=16 3d6(2+5+5)+3=15 d6+2=6 Thursday August 11th, 2005 6:02:08 AM
[OOC: Kup, at one point you said, "(They're displayed on the "Catwalk" sheet. I can put them on the "floor level" sheet if it's easier, but just recall that they're at least 30' up.)" I'm going to assume that the catwalks are 30 feet above floor level. Hope that's okay.]
"Thank you, Berlon," says Vauhwyt. Then the voice of an invisible pixie speaks above her. Vauhwyt looks up toward the pixie voice and concentrates on where it came from. (Since the voice spoke so clearly, I'm assuming that V has a good chance to be able to target its space. Granted, it still has a 50% miss chance, but it's a shot.)
Vauhwyt mutters a quick prayer -- "Wardd let there be a place I can reach it from" -- and looks to see if there is something ten or fifteen feet tall she can jump up on to reach the pixie (maybe in two hops?). The fey is about 30 feet overhead, I think, and Vauhwyt has a 20-foot reach, so if she can just get a little higher ... maybe onto some pews?
IF Vauhwyt thinks she can get high enough to reach the invisible pixie with a 40-foot move, then she goes for it! If she has to jump on something, her jump checks are 29 and 30! sweet! She stabs at the invisible creature (miss chance 1-50 is a miss) and may even get a good shot at it! (rolled an 85! sweet!). Then her attack ... hits AC16 for 15 damage.
IF, on the other hand, Vauhwyt does NOT think she can reach the talking pixie this round, then she takes a run action to get to 23-25 ba-bc. That puts the two fey on the ends in reach of her spear, and the two in the middle in reach of her paws. Since she ran, she gets no other action this round, but if any fey provokes an AoO, then (using her rolls above) she hits AC 16 for 15 with spear or for 6 with a paw.
Vorelle [Bless; AC 17; HP 35/35] Thursday August 11th, 2005 10:29:36 AM
Vorelle is about to pull out her healer's kit and rush to Dietrich when she sees Berlon revive him. Relief coursing through her, she instead turns and runs toward the fey. She's not entirely sure what she'll do when she gets there; her magic bow seems ineffective and anyway her quiver is ominously light.
[Run to BE-23]
Olyn ac24, hp32/24, Bless d20+7=23 2d8(7+4)+3=14 Thursday August 11th, 2005 11:25:29 AM
standing proud with Clu'eth, Olyn realizes standing with him wont be long if he doesn't heal himself quickly, so, Defensively casting (23 check) Cure Moderate Wounds, he heals himself. (14 points)
Zayne Ac 14 Hp 19/19 Bless Thursday August 11th, 2005 11:27:07 AM
As the beast falls the ranger exhales realizing that he has been holding his breath since he let his arrows fly. Nearly jumping in jubilation he holds it in, it's not over just yet. He then runs towards Rose to help her with the fey. (Using my full turn to run to BA 29)
Theodore and Macaw HP 18/18 AC 16 Thursday August 11th, 2005 6:46:46 PM
Theodore is quite relieved that the remorhaz fell. He now concentrates his energy on the flying fey. Pulling forth another scroll, he speaks the magical words and a burst of golden glitter explodes from the point where the invisible voice emanated.
(Scroll glitterdust; outlines invisible creatures; Will save 16 or blinded for 3 rounds)
Temple Battle Round 5 (DM Kup) d20+3=9 d20+3=8 d20+3=6 d4=3 d20+4=5 d20+4=16 d100=53 d20+6=15 d20+4=23 d20+4=11 d20+8=13 d8=4 Thursday August 11th, 2005 11:56:52 PM
Berlon pulled Dietrich free of the remorhaz's corpse and cast a healing spell, dragging the fighter back from the brink of death. Dietrich's body shuddered and gasped as life returned to his tortured lungs. Although not quite fully healed, Dietrich was well enough to stand and swing a--well, a dagger. Or a longbow. He would need a replacement for his melted greatsword, and there was none immediately handy.
Rose ran forward and cast a spell of shimmering, iridescent colors at the fey creatures. (Spellcasters, do your weary DM a huge favor and list DCs and possible spell effects, okay? I'm very familiar with Color Spray, but I gotta go find Rose's CS for the DC--and it's late.... Okay, here we go: DC 15, affects fey creatures F1, F2, and F3 from the northwest to the southeast. Will saves 9, 8, and 6--they all fail!) With a screech, the two blue fey creatures and one of the red fey creatures clutched their eyes and hovered in place--they were blinded and stunned! (Nice!)
Vauhwyt used her ears and a best guess to try to place the pixie that had spoken. (Listen check = 5, nat 1! Using the luck coin to attempt a reroll--16!) She felt like she had a pretty good read on the pixie's location--it was up ahead to the north--but it was too far to reach in one charge! (I randomized which creature might have been doing the talking, assigning a 25% chance to each, and it came up on the one at AU20, about 100' feet away--too far for a charge attack this round). "Just keep talking, morrron," Vauhwyt thought. She ran across the Temple until she was closer to the speaker, and to the fey that challenged Olyn and Clu'eth (left you a square shy so as not to run into Rose, who got there first). Vorelle and Zayne, too, raced across the Temple floor--just in time to see Olyn casting a healing spell on himself.
Theodore, meanwhile, had plans for the invisible pixies. He tried to estimate where the pixie speaker was (Listen check on a +6, right? = 15), and figured it to be about the same spot that Vauhwyt had determined! Casting his spell there, he was rewarded! Two pixies came into view (at AT20 and AU20, both +5 off the floor--remember, that's 25' in the "vertical notation")! Surprised at their sudden visibility, the pixies coughed and gagged on the dust, (will saves 23 and 11) and the one on the right rubbed its eyes--it was blinded!
With a grimace, the pixie on the left made a rude gesture, and a shimmering light came over himself and his companion. But he seemed surprised that he was still visible, and screeched in outrage, rocketing high up into the dome! (Moves to +11.)
Only one of the fey creatures--the red one at the end--seemed still capable of movement. With a scowl, it breathed out a stormcloud of rocks and dust at Olyn and Clu'eth (Olyn--rock cloud causes 4 HP damage, REF 13 half.)
Nice teamwork and tactics this round, everyone!
Loretta Friday August 12th, 2005 1:24:50 AM
dm kup, since rose is small and vauhwyt is large cant we share the same square? and how high up are these fae, could you do like in the market and list their height?
DM Kup: As to the latter, the "F1 to F4" fey creatures of the now-familiar red-or-blue types are all at +1--melee combat level. The headroom in the Temple drops to 30' once you're out from under the dome, by the way--the pillars indicate the dome edges.
As to the former--truthfully, I have a hard time keeping that straight. : )
Olyn ac23, hp32/22, Bless d20+6=26 d20+5=16 d20+5=25 d20+5=21 2d8(6+3)+4=13 Friday August 12th, 2005 2:59:45 AM
reflex of 26, nat.20, took 2 damage.
smiling at the 2 fey creatures in front of him, then looking deeply into the eyes of the one that didnt breath on him, Olyn says: Wardd have pity on you this day cuz I dont. and with that said he rears back with his Morningstar with his right hand, tosses a coin over his shoulder with his left, THWACKS the creature hard, upside its noggin. *rolled a crit threat, followed it up with a 22* (shows 21 but forgot to add the +1 due to masterwork) *doing 13 points of damage*
Zayne Ac 17 Hp 19/19 Bless d20+3=13 d20+3=6 d8=7 d8=1 Friday August 12th, 2005 5:25:19 AM
As soon as the pixies become visible, Zayne fires an arrow at each(AC 13 and 6 Damage 7 and 1 Doubt either hit but it's worth a try)
Feeling his illness he tries to catch his breath.
Dietrich AC 18, HP 10, blessing d20+5=24 d20+5=9 d8+3=7 d20+2=4 Friday August 12th, 2005 9:28:39 AM
Realizing how dangerous the situation still is, Dietrich looks at Berlon, stands up, takes his bow and starts moving to the north-east (20ft). He aims at the closest stunned fey and let go, hoping to be able to harm the magical critters.
hits ac 25, crit ac 10, damage: 7 (mundane)
His eyes continue looking for a handweapon, possibly from a fallen novice (search 4!).
The knight is still too weak and a little ashamed to adopt his usual commanding posture for the moment.
Theodore and Macaw HP 18/18 AC 16 d4+1=4 d4+1=5 Friday August 12th, 2005 10:02:02 AM
Theodore takes advantage of the now visible pixies and sends to bolts of silvery energy screaming towards the pixie who wasn't blinded by the glitterdust. (Magic missile hit for 4 and 5 damage)
Seeing Dietrich looking for a weapon, Theodore draws his rapier and (if he can) tosses it toward his recently revived friend. "Dietrich!"
Theodore and Macaw (Footnote) Friday August 12th, 2005 10:23:42 AM
OOC - Glitterdust lasts for 2 more rounds. Two pixies are visible, and the one is blinded.
Vauhwyt (AC18 Str 15 of 16, HP 35 of 35) and Mookie (AC17 HP 17 of 17) (both enlarged & mage armor) d20+3=18 4d6(3+1+5+1)+3=13 Friday August 12th, 2005 10:39:35 AM
Vauhwyt leaps forward up onto the pews under the blinded pixie. If she can get her forepaws at least five feet up, she should be able to poke at that blinded one! Since it is blind, it takes a -2 panalty to AC and loses its Dex bonus -- thus opening it up to sneak attacks! She lands a solid blow, if she can reach it (hits AC18) ... for 13 hp damage.
Vorelle [Bless; AC 17; HP 35/35] d20+9=22 d8+1=3 d2=2 Friday August 12th, 2005 11:23:26 AM
Uncertain what else to do, Vorelle moves and fires again, although she has little hope of actually hitting these creatures. Her shot is decent, but won't do much damage. She tosses a Wardd coin, but the god is not smiling on her.
[Move to BF-24 and fire at F4. Hit AC 22 for 3 points. Used Wardd coin to try to re-roll damage, but nothing doing.]
Berlon AC 20 HP 28 - Bless 3m 30s, Strength 3m 42s d8+5=6 d8+5=7 Friday August 12th, 2005 11:58:12 AM
Berlon utters another spell, not wanting Dietrich to go further without additional healing.
Cure Light Wounds (std action) - cures 7 hp (first roll of 1 rerolled)
Dropping his mace and shield (free action) he then readies his heavy crossbow. (move action)
Rose d20+5=11 d8+4=7 d6=6 Friday August 12th, 2005 5:01:45 PM
Rose takes a 5' step (from BB23 to BC22) as she moves she pulls out her bastard sword and swings at F2.
Used bastard sword +1, dont know if I hit because F2 is blind and stunned attack: 11 damage: 7 sneak attack: 6
Olyn d2=1 Friday August 12th, 2005 9:54:36 PM
** i used a coin and forgot to do the d2, here it is and i rolled a 1 **
/phew
Temple Battle Round 6 (DM Kup) 3d8(8+8+4)=20 3d8(2+8+8)=18 3d8(2+1+1)+6=10 3d8(7+3+2)+6=18 d6=5 d6=2 d20+8=23 d8+2=5 d20+7=16 d20+7=9 d20+4=18 d20+8=20 Sunday August 14th, 2005 5:39:14 PM
Olyn stepped forward and delivered a crushing blow to the side of the head of the fey creature that had just breathed upon him (F4). Although his blow might have crushed the skull of most inhabitants of Dirt City, Olyn found the creature surprisingly tough--as had his companions before him, in the Full Moon Market square. Still, he could note with satisfaction that a red, clay-like substance came away from the creature's head along with his morningstar, and the creature grimaced in pain.
Zayne fired arrows at the pixies. Although the first arrow found the blinded pixie (P1, who was unable to dodge the arrow), the pointed tip bounced harmlessly off of the creature's remarkably resilient hide. (Everyone, we're dealing with damage reduction again, so if you can let me know the enchantments and/or special materials in use, that would be very helpful. Thanks!)
Dietrich moved up on the melee and fired an arrow at the first blue fey creature (F1). The arrow found its mark in the blinded and stunned creature, embedding in its thigh--but then, Dietrich had seen this before; he knew that these creatures had a remarkable ability both to blunt damage as well as to recover from it swiftly. He and his colleagues would need to be both quick and powerful to bring the fey creatures down.
Theodore unleashed the unerring power of magic missiles at the pixie that now hovered in the dome (P2). As expected, the energy bolts flew with uncanny accuracy and struck the creature in the chest. But, to the mage's surprise, the creature seemed uninjured! It snarled its defiance down at Theodore.
Taking advantage of her surroundings and her extended reach, Vauhwyt leapt up on to the stacked pews and swiped at the blinded pixie (P1) (V, although the map tends to show you as "under" the pews, in fact you are standing on them. P.S. FANTASTIC! I love it!) The blow caught the pixie utterly unaware and unprepared--it sliced through its midsection, and the creature screamed in mortal agony!
Vorelle side-stepped and aimed an arrow at the red fey creature now engaged with Olyn. As she suspected, the arrow flew true but glanced off the creature's dense hide.
Berlon chased after the rapidly moving, but not yet fully healed, Dietrich the Bear. Just barely catching the longer-limbed fighter, the gnome cleric tapped Dietrich on the back, sending more healing into the fighter's body. (Sorry, B, but Dietrich moved first, forcing you to move to catch him--and you move slower than he does! You can ready your weapons next round.)
Rose stepped forward and readied her bastard sword for an attack on the second blue fey creature (F2). With menace in her eyes, she swung a deadly arc--but even as blinded and stunned as the creature was, it barely avoided her blow! (Rats!)
Clu'eth barked orders at the priests still guarding the civilians. "Advance! Destroy the bugs! These heroes and I will dispose of the fey creatures!" Shouting affirmations, the priests on the catwalk and those on the Temple floor set to destroying the monstrous centipedes located in Theodore's web.
True to his word, the priest stepped forward to Olyn's side and aimed a blow at the fey creature that Olyn had damaged (F4). The blow smashed the creature's side (attack 23, damage 5), and Clu'eth smiled grimly at Olyn. "FOR WARDD!" cried the priest.
The lone, unstunned red fey creature (F4) clearly did not like its odds. It glanced over at its three brethren, who were still stunned and blinded. Moving sideways to use the Temple's pillar as a defensive shield (5' step to BG21), it slashed with its claws at Olyn (attack 16 & 9), but failed to connect with either one.
The blinded pixie that Vauhwyt had damaged (P1) desperately muttered some enchanted words (cast defensively, Concentration check 18, makes it!). A glowing light swept over the creature, and suddenly, its eyes focused! With a grim smile, it disappeared--it had dispelled Theodore's magic!
The other pixie (P2, at AT20 +11), however, was still visible. It squeaked down at the heroes: "Think you can destroy us? What will you do about The Watcher's sister?"
As if on cue, a low rumbling began coming from beneath Theodore's webbing--and it was growing increasingly louder!
Vauhwyt (AC18 Str 15 of 16, HP 35 of 35) and Mookie (AC17 HP 17 of 17) (both enlarged & mage armor) d20+3=9 d20+3=5 d20+3=21 3d6(1+6+3)+3=13 d6+2=3 d6=1 Sunday August 14th, 2005 7:19:47 PM
Vauhwyt carefully walks 20 feet east to az-bb 21-23. (Takes a 40 ft move to move 20 feet carefully).
"Mookie, help me claw this one," she says. But Mookie's help is not enough (rolled a 9).
Seeing how ineffectual Mookie is, Vauhwt pokes her spear (MW, nothing special) at F3. Her attack (+2 BAB, +1 MW weapon, +2 Str, -2 size) is at +3, and she misses.
But her reach extends across the battle. If she gets an AoO before her next turn, she takes it -- hitting AC21 for 13 if the AoO is 15-20 feet away, or for 3 if it is in paw range. If a sneak attack, add 1.
Berlon AC 20 HP 28 - Bless 3m 24s, Strength 3m 36s Sunday August 14th, 2005 9:40:34 PM
At the Fey's words and rumbling from the hole, Berlon shrugs his shoulders and sighs.
"Not *another* one! Looks like I won't be needing my crossbow after all..."
Berlon holds his heavy mace up in the air, and soon it's coated in a shining purple force. (standard action)
Magic Weapon - 4 minutes, +1 to hit and attack rolls
Berlon will then advance 15 feet closer to the hole (move action), keeping his mace and shield ready instead of drawing his crossbow.
Olyn ac24, hp32/24, Bless Sunday August 14th, 2005 11:03:37 PM
as Olyn positions himself directly across from Clu'Eth on the creature they are ganging up on, Olyn screams out. THE OIL, POUR THE OIL WE HAD PREPARED DOWN THE HOLE AND LIGHT IT.
Olyn ac24, hp32/24, Bless d20+7=24 d8+2=5 d8+2=8 Sunday August 14th, 2005 11:07:21 PM
as Olyn positions himself directly across from Clu'Eth on the creature they are ganging up on, Olyn screams out. THE OIL, POUR THE OIL WE HAD PREPARED DOWN THE HOLE AND LIGHT IT.
rearing back with all the force he can muster, Olyn brings his morningstar onto the fey creature him and Clu'Eth has both struck, inflicting 8 points of damage to it.
(used a hero point of my own to reroll damage, dont forget that Clu'Eth gets an additional +2 to his attacks due to flanking)
DM Kup: As to the flanking ... actually, as I understand it, no. The creature positioned itself against the pillar, thereby avoiding flanking from its side. True flanking occurs when the two allies are on opposite sides of the opponent, and so Olyn or Clu'eth would only get a flanking bonus on F4 in this circumstance if someone were directly behind it.
Vorelle [Bless; AC 17; HP 35/35] d20+9=29 d20+9=28 3d8(7+4+1)+3=15 Sunday August 14th, 2005 11:44:27 PM
Giving up on F4, Vorelle instead fires a shot at F3. It's a superb shot.
[Hit AC 29 (critical threat), confirmed critical to AC 28. 15 points damage (8 points if for some reason that wasn't a crit). Magic bow.]
DM Kup: oops! I forgot about your magic bow. In the 3.5 rules, a mundane arrow fired from a magic bow overcomes DR /magic, right? Then your last shot should have damaged the fey creature--as will this one! Sorry!
Dietrich AC 18, HP 17/40, blessing d20+6=14 d8+3=4 Monday August 15th, 2005 10:24:21 AM
Dietrich thanks Berlon again for the healing and gladly catches Theo'r rapier. The massive fighter is a little unused with the light weapon, quite different from his old great-sword, but it kills nevertheless. He sheaths it for now.
He swears at the pixies resilience and shoots again at the wounded F3, shouting: "Concentrate your fire!" hits ac 14, damage 4 (mundane)
When he hears the rumble, he suddenly feels a cold in his stomach. Seeing Berlon prepare for close combat, the Bear shouts:
"Let us pound it from a distance and avoid close fighting. If anyone of us is swallowed again, not even Wardd can help him. Perhaps we can attract it to where it gets stuck and can be surrounded and savely attacked from behind"
He agrees with Olyn's cry and adds his own voice to it. Then the soldier moves 20ft to north-west to get some cover and stays ready to shoot at the uncoming monster.
Olyn *BigTim* Monday August 15th, 2005 11:08:57 AM
any opposite side is flanking, doesnt just have to be front and back, can be side to side or diagonal
DM Kup: yes. The creature can't be flanked side to side at present, because of the pillar. You see?
Olyn*BigTim* Monday August 15th, 2005 11:17:04 AM
hit submit b4 i was done. so, if he wants to take an attack of opportunity against me as i position myself opposite of clu'eth diagonally, so be it. but clu'eth and i will have him flanked. and keep him flanked til he's dead.
*i did say i was moving to flank him in my last post*
Theodore and Macaw HP 18 AC 16 Monday August 15th, 2005 6:58:40 PM
Theodore casts a protective spell upon himself as he feels the rumbling. He then reaches down for a small rock or other piece of rubble.
(Cast Protection from Chaos)
Mage Armor 4 hours Protection from Chaos 4 min
Temple Battle Round 7 (DM Kup) d20+7=21 d20+7=21 d20+7=25 d3+3=4 Monday August 15th, 2005 10:06:00 PM
Vauhwyt carefully crossed the Temple floor, trying as hard as she could not to cause vibrations that might attract ... attention. Perhaps owing to her gingerness, her attacks were ineffective.
Berlon prepared for the coming of the second worm. His heavy mace glowed with holy power.
Olyn shouted commands for Wardd's priests. Clu'eth voiced his agreement--"Do it!" The priests on the catwalk aimed their cauldrons at the hole and did their best to pour their contents down it. The priests on the Temple floor fell back uncertainly. Clu'eth stepped back to guard the doors more closely.
Ignoring any risk to himself, Olyn raced all ... the ... way ... around ... the fey creature with whom he was battling (F4). Guess he figured the creature couldn't lay a claw on him.
Guess he was right. The creature swung, but missed (attack 21, miss). The elf must be invincible. And he even cracked the creature--again.
Vorelle fired an incredible shot at the other red creature (F3). The creature crumpled to the floor. Dietrich's own arrow flew past ineffectually. Theodore took the moment to prepare himself for whatever might come next.
The fey creature engaged with Clu'eth and Olyn seemed badly wounded, but undaunted. It tried to damage Olyn--and connected once, raking its claws across the cleric's shoulder (attack 21, miss, attack 25, damage 4).
The pixie far above the Temple floor cackled with laughter. "Now you will all be destroyed!" It flew down toward the Temple walls (AZ15 +3)
The rumbling beneath the floor of the Temple grew louder, and, seemingly shredding through Theodore's webs like tissue paper, out of the hole emerged a virtual twin to the deceased remorhaz on the floor! Its shining, multi-faceted eyes reflected the body of the dead bug and it roared with anger--and its eyes turned toward the heroes clustered toward its northeast.
Note that the big bug at AL-AN 33-35 is the dead one. It is marked in black on the map.
Olyn ac23/24 V bigbug, hp32/20, Bless Monday August 15th, 2005 10:23:43 PM
grabbing a torch out of a sconce on the pillar he is at, after seeing the Remorhaz appear out of the hole, dripping with the fresh oil on it, and ignoring any and all attacks against him, Olyn races to the creature, holding onto the torch with both hands, a deathgrip mind you, screaming: WARDD'S WILL BE DONE !
Vorelle [Bless; AC 17; HP 35/35] d20+9=10 d2=1 d20+9=21 d8+3=8 Monday August 15th, 2005 11:07:01 PM Not another one!
Vorelle can scarcely believe this is happening, but soon realizes that the new monster takes priority over the fey--annoying though they may be. She heads to where she can see the creature, then fires a shot. It's a misfire, so she frantically tosses her remaining Wardd coin after it. The arrow straightens and flies true.
[Move to AZ-24. Hit AC 21 for 8 damage. The "to hit" formula is as follows: +8 (normal bow attack) +1 (Bless) +2 (Favored Enemy) -2 (range increment penalty) = +9. If those pews provide cover, there's an additional -4, and the shot misses. I'm still unclear on the extent to which that stuff provides cover.]
Vauhwyt (AC20 Str 15 of 16, HP 35 of 35) and Mookie (AC17 HP 17 of 17) (both enlarged & mage armor) d20+3=21 d20-1=0 d20-3=11 2d6(5+4)+1=10 d20+3=4 d20+3=19 4d6(2+3+6+5)+3=19 2d6(2+5)+2=9 Monday August 15th, 2005 11:38:28 PM
"Mookie, help me with that one," says Vauhwyt. The raven's aid another succeeds. Vauhwyt swipes with an aided paw at F2, and misses with a natural one! Angrily, she swipes with the other paw at F2, and hits AC 11 for 10 (includes sneak attack damage) (possible vs a blinded and stunned foe, maybe.).
Then she takes a five foot step back and pokes at F2 with her spear. That's another natural one! What ineptitude!
If Vauhwyt has the chance for an AoO, her attack is a 19 for 19 (inc sneak att damage, 14 without) or an 18 with a paw for 9 (4 without sneak att).
Rose hp: 20/23 AC18 d20+5=22 d8+4=5 d6=2 d20+5=25 d8+4=10 d6=3 d20+5=22 d8+4=7 Tuesday August 16th, 2005 2:51:36 AM
ooc: sorry for not posting last round, I wasnt expecting a sunday post (although I should have) and I've been busy with family stuff.
Rose continues to swing at F2 if F2 dies then she will move 5' to attack F1.
last round attack: 22 damage: 5 sneak: 2
this round attack: 25 damage: 10 sneak: 3
any aoo's attack: 22 damage: 7
Dietrich AC 18, HP 17/40, blessing d20+6=14 d8+3=6 d20+2=4 Tuesday August 16th, 2005 9:45:05 AM
When the other monster appears, Dietrich can only hope the oil and boiling water do damage it. He fires at it: th 14, damage 6
Seeing his two clerical friends moving towards the beast, Dietrich remembers his recent experience quite vividly and he repeats himself again:
"Don't get into hand to hand with it!! Let us keep circling around it and pound missiles and fire on it from a distance! If anyone of us is swallowed again, it's certain death!
Let us try to lure it where we can imobilize him!"
He shouts to the novices:
"Concentrate your crossbow fire on the giant monster!"
Dietrich continues looking for some abandoned weapon (don't want Theodore unarmed) and for any place in the building, where the bug could be lured into and imobilized. Search 4
Berlon AC 20 HP 28 - Bless 3m 18s, Strength 3m 30s, Magic Weapon 4m d20+12=32 d8+7=9 d20+12=13 d2=2 d2=1 d20+12=23 d8+7=13 Tuesday August 16th, 2005 11:15:15 AM
Berlon hunches down and moves as quickly as he can 10' to AH-32. (move action)
"I hope it's a small family. Alemi, let me fix this!"
Cast Divine Favor (standard action) - +2 on attack and damage rolls, 1 minute
"C'mere stupid, come look at the nice shiny things." Berlon tosses the two remaining coins out where the worm might charge the others, yet close enough to lure the critter towards him so he can make an attack of opportunity if it passes...
(OOC: Berlon is going to try to use the dead one as cover, as hopefully the critter is focused on the larger group and Berlon can approach her at a better angle. Even more hopefully, maybe Berlon gets an AoO as the critter goes by? Also, since the mace is now (temporarily) a +1 weapon, does that protect it from heat/acid the worm has?)
AoO check hits AC 32 (nat 20) for 9 damage. Crit check hits AC 13 (nat 1) rerolled with coins. Crit check hits 23 for 13 damage.
DM Kup to Everyone: I'm going to need some checks this round. Hopefully you'll all see this. Please give me:
A FORT, REF, and WILL save A Spot check A Listen check
Dietrich (checks) d20+6=15 d20+5=21 d20+3=5 d20+4=8 d20+2=21 Tuesday August 16th, 2005 12:22:43 PM
Fort 15 Ref 21 Will 5 Spot 8 Listen 21
Vauhwyt d20+4=11 d20+5=21 d20+6=18 d20+4=15 d20+4=18 Tuesday August 16th, 2005 2:47:24 PM
Fort 11 Ref 21 Will 18 Spot 15 Listen 18
Berlon's saves d20+5=10 d20+1=14 d20+7=17 d20+3=22 d20+6=16 Tuesday August 16th, 2005 3:26:19 PM
OOC: If any of the saves are vs fear, the +1 from bless is specifically for that.
Fort 10 Ref 14 Will 17 Spot 22 Listen 16
rose d20+4=18 d20+7=16 d20+6=17 d20+6=21 d20+5=22 Tuesday August 16th, 2005 3:32:06 PM
Fort: 18, +2 against fear Ref: 16 Will: 17 listen: 21 spot: 22
Temple Battle Round 8 (DM Kup) d20+7=19 d20+7=26 d3+3=4 Tuesday August 16th, 2005 10:59:34 PM
At a dead run, Olyn took off running with a torch (boy, this elf's good fortune to have a torch nearby--it's like he was supernaturally lucky!). The red fey creature gave him a parting shot (attack 19), but still couldn't connect. Even at his dead run, however, Olyn hadn't reached the creature yet.
Vorelle fired an arrow at the second remorhaz, and even used a bit of Wardd's luck to aim her shot. But even the God of Fortune's own luck wasn't enough to guide her arrow this time--the arrow did not make solid contact with the remorhaz. (The pews are potential low cover. Think of a long, solid chair. No effect for a big ol' remorhaz, but maybe good cover for a crouching Medium creature, or a careful Small or smaller creature.)
Vauhwyt was having difficulty connecting with blinded and stunned opponents. Fortunately, her ego was still intact. Rose, on the other hand, swung a vicious blow that left nothing behind. It sliced through the blue fey creature in front of her (F2), and it was gravely wounded.
Dietrich's attention was still divided. Attempting to command the battle, search for a weapon, and fire his bow all at once, his bowshot flew wide. The novices nodded nervously at his words. A few pointed toward the front doors. "We could try to seal it out there--but how would we get it there?" Some of the novices, Dietrich couldn't help but notice, carried maces ....
Berlon cast a spell and hid behind the still-warm corpse of the dead remorhaz in a hope to ambush the newcomer, while Theodore moved to Dietrich's side; misery loves company.
The visible pixie continued to chuckle. "Destroy them!" it urged the second remorhaz. It stayed far back, and--moments later--it disappeared! The fey creatures that Rose had stunned were wiping their eyes, and they began to focus--they could see! The red fey creature that had engaged Olyn needed a new opponent, and it chose ... Rose! Flying forward (to BD23 +1), it swung a claw at the halfling, and hit her! (Attack 26, damage 4) It howled with the blood-letting.
Vauhwyt and Rose: Highlight to display spoiler: {You notice that Clu'eth is staying where he was, guarding the doors to the alchemy room, but that the doors have opened just a crack.}
The remorhaz emerged from the webs and began moving toward the northeast, slithering forward and growling menacingly.
Everyone, please continue to give me FORT, REF, and WILL saves, and Spot and Listen checks with each round until further notice. Thanks!
charging the beast with a bloodlust look and emitting a bloodcurtling warcry, Olyn launches himself at the creature.
* touches the torch to the Remorhaz to light the oil on it * * needed to add +2 for the charge plus a +1 for Bless, makes my to hit a 21 *
Vorelle [Bless; AC 17; HP 35/35] d20+11=28 d8+3=8 d20+7=22 d20+7=22 d20+2=8 d20+9=14 d20+9=27 Wednesday August 17th, 2005 12:35:54 AM
Uncertain what else to do, Vorelle moves closer and fires again. It's a better shot than the first, and she watches anxiously to see the result.
[Last turn, I'd said Vorelle moved to AZ-24. I think she had enough movement to get there; her base move is 30 and she's only wearing a chain shirt. However, the map shows her only at BA-24. I'm going to assume that's a mistake, and that Vorelle can have a full movement of 30 feet from AZ-24--in which case she'll move to AU-27. If she's moving slower for some reason, let me know. Hit AC 28 for 8 damage, magic bow.]
Fort: 22 Ref: 22 Will: 8 (9 against fear effect) Spot: 14 Listen: 27
DM Kup: no, you're right--I was off one square. Sorry.
Vauhwyt (AC20 Str 15 of 16, HP 35 of 35) and Mookie (AC17 HP 17 of 17) (both enlarged & mage armor) d20+3=20 d20-1=15 d6+2=6 d20-3=16 d6+2=7 d20+3=12 3d6(3+1+3)+3=10 d20+3=23 d20+3=5 3d6(5+3+4)+3=15 d20-3=12 d6+2=7 d20+4=12 d20+5=24 d20+6=19 d20+4=12 d20+4=11 Wednesday August 17th, 2005 6:40:47 AM
"Again, Mookie! That one!" The liontaur points at F1.
Mookie's Aid Another is a 20.
Vauhwyt's Aided paw hits AC15 for 6.
Vauhwyt's Unaided paw hits AC16 for 7.
Vauhwyt takes a five foot step back and pokes at F1 with her spear. She hits AC12 for 10.
If Vauhwyt has any opportunities for AoOs: Spear hits AC23, a crit threat, with a follow up hitting AC5 (ha!) for 15, OR a paw AoO hits AC12 for 7.
Vauhwyt calls out to Rose, "Another Color Spray! Or tumble past them, and we'll flank!"
Fort: 12 Ref: 24 Will: 19 Spot: 12 Listen: 11
Zayne Ac 17 Hp 19/19 Bless d20+5=16 d20+6=24 d20+2=3 d20+6=12 d8=3 Wednesday August 17th, 2005 8:12:58 AM
OOC:Sorry about missing the last couple days, it's been a HECTIC week at work. Kup had an idea and I like it. I don't know how often I will be able to post this week, I will try to post out the rest of the week, but in case I am not able to would anyone be willing to post for me. So that way Zayne isn't just satnding around in battle looking stupid. I will send whoever is willing a copy of his cha sheet.
Zayne shakes off his weakness and moves towards Rose and Vauhwyt, he will then fire an arrow at F1(Ac 12 damage 3)
(OOC: Kup I rolled all my saves in case you need them and they are Fort 16 Ref 24 Will 3)
Rose hp: 16/23 AC18 d20+4=10 d20+7=21 d20+6=16 d20+6=15 d20+5=17 d20+5=25 d20+5=23 d8+4=10 d8+4=5 d6=4 d20+5=11 Wednesday August 17th, 2005 1:12:12 PM "Clu'eth! The door! Shut the door!" Rose calls as she makes a swing at the red fae.
fort: 10, +2 against fear ref: 21 will: 16 listen: 15 spot: 17
ooc: DM KUP could you please put down the number of the fae that's attacking me? you still have f2 who i killed listed.
DM Kup: sorry for any misunderstanding. No, you didn't kill F2--it was "gravely wounded." Vorelle took down F3, who is off of the map. It was F4 who attacked you this past round.
F1 and F2 are both blue fey, and both appear to be stunned, but no longer blinded. F1 is not wounded; F2 is badly wounded. F4 is a red fey, and is badly wounded but otherwise active.
Hope that helps.
Dietrich, ac 18; hp 17/40, blessed d20+6=17 d20+5=21 d20+3=13 d20+4=10 d20+2=18 d20+6=25 d20+6=21 d8+3=7 d8+3=6 Wednesday August 17th, 2005 2:58:40 PM
Fort 17 Ref 21 Will 13 (14 vs fear) Spot 10 Listen 18
Dietrich shakes his head at Olyn's reckless charge and prays for Wardd...
He moves 20ft to the south-west in order to keep a clear field of sight against the monster and shoots: hits ac 25, 21 for crit, damage 7 (13 crit)
The warrior repeats his orders to the novices:
"Fire the crossbows at the monster! Put that (*&^* oil on fire!"
To the next standing one he shouts: "Toss me your mace!"
Theodore and Macaw HP 18/18 AC 16 d20+4=24 d20+2=16 d20+6=18 d20+4=15 d20+4=14 Wednesday August 17th, 2005 3:15:12 PM
Fort 24 Reflex 16 Will 18 Spot 15 Listen 14
Theodore hears the novices speaking to Dietrich and a plan blossoms. "Maybe!"
He pulls forth another scroll and frantically reads from it. Suddenly, a giant with blue tinted skin clambers from the very hole the two remorhaz's had burst from moments before. It holds a great club in its hand.
Waving it about fiercely, the frost giant, one of the remorhaz's favorite foods, bellows a challenge to the great worm and then charges towards the front doors.
"Open the doors!" Theodore screams at those clerics standing guard over the front door.
(Scroll of minor image; Will 16 to disbelieve. Attempting to lure the remorhaz after the giant going outside of the temple.)
Mage Armor 4 hours Protection from Chaos - 3 min 8 rounds Resist Energy Fire - 39 min 9 rounds Minor Image (Frost Giant) Concentration +2 rounds
Berlon AC 20 HP 28 - Bless 3m 12s, Strength 3m 24s, Magic Weapon 3m 54s, Divine Favor 1m d20+7=14 d20+5=8 d20+1=15 d20+7=11 d20+3=5 d20+6=25 Wednesday August 17th, 2005 7:39:48 PM
Seeing Olyn's frantic dash, Berlon takes uses the round to withdraw a flask of oil and lobs it towards the bug.
"Incoming!"
Ranged touch attack oil flask hits AC 14.
(OOC: I don't know what the range modifier is, so the above roll doesn't take that into effect, if there is any modifier for range)
Fort 8 Ref 15 Will 11 Spot 5 Listen 25
Temple Battle Round 9 (DM Kup) d100=9 d20+13=19 Thursday August 18th, 2005 12:02:42 AM
With a deathwish, Olyn ran forward with a lit torch toward what he hoped--best case--was an oil-soaked, hungry, angry remorhaz. As determined as he was, however, his charge was perhaps a bit too reckless--his swinging torch failed to connect!
Closing with the remorhaz, Vorelle unleashed a powerful shot with her bow. The arrow disappeared into the creature's chitinous folds, but the creature barely registered the wound.
Vauhwyt raked claws at the flying--and now sighted--fey creatures, but still could not connect. Stepping back five feet to employ her spear, Vauhwyt still wasn't successful. Even worse--her opponents seemed to be rousing themselves from Rose's magical stupor. She shouted at Rose to try to renew the favor.
Trying to join the fray, Zayne stepped up and fired an arrow at Vauhwyt's favorite target. Like the liontaur, however, he found no success.
Rose shouted directions at Clu'eth. Rather than do as requested, however, the priest stood still and mumbled under his breath. "Rabba-rabbhan-nnn-nnn-nuk ... gabba ... he was a gabba-da-da-da .... hummnnnnarrr .... rrrrr ...." As the priest babbled, Rose's mighty sword found the red fey creature (F4) and laid it low. It (F4) was dead. (Dead, dead, dead! ; ) )
Dietrich moved further into the Temple and fired an arrow with deadly accuracy toward the remorhaz. It appeared to find its target; like Vorelle's, however, the creature hardly seemed to notice the arrow's prick. Shouting at a novice for a weapon, the nearest one responded. "Aye, sir!" The priest ran forward to within a few feet of Dietrich and held his mace outstretched--but his eyes were wide with fear as he stared over Dietrich's shoulder at the giant worm beyond.
Theodore spawned an ingenious idea. Using a scroll to create the image of the remorhaz's natural prey, he sent an illusionary frost giant toward the Temple's large front doors. Theodore shouted at the priests in the southern end of the Temple to go open the doors, but, somehow, they seemed ... unwilling ... to run out in front of a frost giant being chased by a remorhaz. Strange.
No matter. Theodore's plan was an ingenious ploy that would have great success 9 times out of 10. But perhaps that would require the remorhaz to be in its natural environment, or not otherwise predisposed toward another end ... whatever the reason, the remorhaz was (literally) not biting on the frost giant illusion. It made no move to follow. (But your DM loves the creativity ... remind me to explain after, if it doesn't become clear why this didn't work.)
Berlon lobbed a flask of oil at the remorhaz. The flask failed to strike the creature and instead splashed harmlessly on the floor.
The remorhaz growled fiercely at Olyn and snapped at the elven cleric (attack 19), but Olyn's incredible luck in the House of his lord continued--the creature missed! It roared and reared over the cleric's head, poised as if preparing to strike again.
Meanwhile, the two blue fey creatures remaining near Zayne, Vauhwyt, and Rose began stirring. They flexed their claws and their eyes began to focus on their opponents. They would not be staying still much longer.
From beyond the cracked-open door to the alchemist's lab, Vauhwyt, Rose, and Zayne could all hear crashing equipment and cries of dismay. An alchemist swung open the door and ran out, his face alight with panic. "They've stolen it! They've stolen the antidote!"
Dietrich ac 18; hp 17/40, blessed d20+6=22 d8+3=9 d6=1 Thursday August 18th, 2005 6:27:42 AM
Dietrich swears as the excellent shots fired at the monster don't seem to harm it very much. Than he swears more as Theo's illusion doesn't lure it away. And finally he swears even more when he hears that the antidote has been stolen.
"*&%$ we failed!"
He shouts to the newly appearing novices:
"Where have they gone?
He would like to run after the thieves immediately, but there is a Remorhaz causing havoc in the temple and if it kills the patients there won't be anymore need for a cure. After some reflection, the soldier thinks it's better to concentrate all forces and kill the monster first, instead of splitting the party against quite dangerous foes.
"Everybody, let's kill the bug together first and than together chase the thieves!
Dietrich lets Theo's rapier fall to the floor (free), continues moving 20ft south (move), staying behind the remorhaz and hopefully within 30ft of it, and fires (it killed the other one before...):
hits ac 22, damage 9 (10 with sneak attack)
DM Kup: Dietrich and everyone--Don't forget those saves and checks!
Berlon AC 20 HP 28 - Bless 3m 6s, Strength 3m 18s, Magic Weapon 3m 48s, Divine Favor 54s d20+5=24 d20+1=17 d20+7=22 d20+3=15 d20+6=15 Thursday August 18th, 2005 8:48:46 AM
"So I guess we do this now then..."
Berlon lifts his shield into the air, this time asking for protection. (standard action)
He will then move 15' counter clockwise around the carcass, still trying to use it as cover, to AK-33. (move action)
Cast Shield of Faith - +2 AC, 4 minutes
Fort 24 Ref 17 Will 22 Spot 15 Listen 15
Vauhwyt (AC20 Str 15 of 16, HP 35 of 35) (enlarged & mage armor) and Mookie (AC15 HP 17 of 17) d20+1=16 d20+4=11 d20+4=20 d100=63 d20+5=15 d20+7=10 d20+4=16 d20+5=23 d20+6=12 Thursday August 18th, 2005 10:02:17 AM
[Int Check 16 -- an amazing roll for Vauhwyt, who only has a +1 mod.] Vauhwyt is not distracted by the tumult of the "second bug" behind her. She feels that the only priority has to be the antidote. She struggles to put together a fast chronology.
Last round the door opened a crack (a move or standard action by an invisible pixie), and the invisible pixie (probably the one she wounded) snuck in (that's another move action).
This round the invisible pixie picked up the antidote (a move action that would have provoked AoOs, but not on an unseen pixie, especially with the alchemists inside flat-footed with surprise). Another move action might just get the pixie a standard move away from the spot where the antidote had been.
The same round that the pixie picked up the anitdote, the alchemist ran out screaming.
How fast could a pixie fly? Vauhwyt tries to guage from seeing pixies move this battle. 40 feet, maybe? And it had been at least 20 feet into the room, likely. If the alchemist took a double move out of the room, and look at where he is now, then maybe the pixie started out 30 feet into the room.
So at this very moment the invisible pixie with the antidote is within 10 to 20 feet of the door, under the balcony, headed for the exit.
But which way was it flying? West, toward her? No way, especially if this was the pixie she had speared. Southwest, towards the "bug" -- and something about that "bug" bothers Vauhwyt, but no time for that -- but the pixie would not fly toward the place where her friends were looking and listening, Vauhwyt guesses.
No, the darn invisible pixie would be flying south, toward the main exit -- the only exit, Vauhwyt thinks.
[Kup! I've been searching and searching the map -- where oh where IS the main exit? Is it to the south, between the stairs? Is there any other way out of the temple at all? Windows a flier could break? I'm assuming the only exit from the building is to the south.]
So that means the pixie with the antidote is Right There! (Vauhwyt looks at an area on the map from BF19 to BF22 on one side, and BI19 to BF22 on the other.)
Vauhwyt concentrates her best -- Listen 11, Spot 20.
What to do? What to do? "Even if I ran there myself, it would evade me easily," Vauhwyt thinks. She decides she has only one choice.
She gets out her bag of tricks (move action) and reaches in. The liontaur takes a five foot step east to BA20. Then she tosses the fuzzy ball from the bag to BE26. She wishes she could throw it closer to where she thinks the invisible pixie might be, but she does not want the animal to attack the visible fey, and this might put the animal more in the pixie's path.
Vauhwyt's fuzzy ball develops into a (rolled a 63) boar. If she had any way to talk to it, she would tell it to find the invisible flying enemy, but oh well. She can only hope it will sniff out the pixie and give some sign.
Then Vauhwyt shouts, "NO! BY LEM, NOT THE BUG! WE CAN STILL GET THE INVISIBLE PIXIE WHO STOLE THE ANTIDOTE. I THINK IT IS OVER THERRE!"
Vauhwyt points to a place toward BG21.
She says, "Rose, if you can, Glitterdust or Color Spray or Burning Hands that spot, PLEASE!"
Finally, Vauhwyt makes a very hard decision. "Mookie, fly over therre, past the boarr, due south of Clueth, and try to hear the pixie if it flies by you!"
"Boss, don't make me go!"
"Get, my friend! Get over therre!"
Mookie flies to BG26 and tries to sense an invisible pixie. (It may be a sleaze to give Mookie spot and listen checks this round considering Vauhwyt already used his Alertness bonus this round. But if possible, Mookie's Listen is a 15 and his Spot is a 10.)
[Note, Mookie shrinks back to tiny size as soon as he goes more than 5 feet from Vauhwyt. He also loses his Mage Armor.]
Finally, saves. Fort 16, Reflex 23 Will 12.
Sorry, everybody, for such a rambling post.
DM Kup: Great post as far as I'm concerned. Yes, the main doors are to the south, past the alcove. Scrolling down on the (Excel) map should show yellow lines denoting the large, double doors, which are currently barred.
There are windows high in the Temple dome. Somewhere along the way, I thought I said something about "long, slanting dusty rays of light" coming from high up--that's them. They're not designated on the map, but let's assume that there's one for every pillar on the map. Breakable? Hard to say.
Then, of course, there are the stairs to the floor Below, and the big hole in the floor--wherever that leads.
Olyn ac24, hp32/20, Bless d20+6=24 d20+6=25 d20+6=24 d20+4=22 d20+4=14 d20+5=9 d20+5=20 Thursday August 18th, 2005 11:13:54 AM
determined to strike true with his torch, and seeing the beast poise itself to strike from above, Olyn reaches the torch up and touches the creatures oil soaked scales.
hit ac21 burning torch to oil, you figure the damage
fort: 24 refl: 25 will: 24
spot: 22 listen: 14
rolled a 9 for first attack, used last luck coin for a reroll. forgot to add +1 to attack for Bless in my roll.
Vorelle [Bless; AC 17; HP 35/35] d20+11=28 d8+3=6 d20+7=10 d20+7=11 d20+2=16 d20+9=29 d20+9=21 Thursday August 18th, 2005 11:50:48 AM The bug's about to eat Olyn. The fey are waking up. The antidote's been stolen. And there's a frost giant over there. Dietrich says take out the bug, and he has a point. Vauhwyt says get the antidote, and she has a point, too.
Paralyzed for a moment with indecision, Vorelle finally decides to shoot at the bug. It's about to eat Olyn, and there are others closer to the antidote. She'll just have to trust them to take care of it.
Her mind made up, she stays where she is and fires another shot at the Remorhaz. She hits it again.
If we hit it enough times, we ought to have some effect. I just hope we have time.
[Hit AC 28 for 6 damage.]
Fort: 10 Ref: 11 Will: 16 (17 vs fear effects) Spot: 29 (Natural 20) Listen: 21
Zayne (posted by Kathy) [Bless; AC 17; HP 19/19] d20+8=19 d20+7=20 d100=74 d8=5 d20+5=8 d20+6=16 d20+2=20 d20+8=23 d20+8=21 Thursday August 18th, 2005 11:59:27 AM
"I'll get it!" Zayne cries, and heads for the spot where Vayhwyt is pointing. He pauses and listens, trying to pinpoint the invisible fey's location. [Listen 19]
If he can hear where the fey is, he'll fire a shot at it. If not, he instead fires at F2.
[Move to BG-27. Hit AC 20 for 5 points damage. Succeeded vs the 50% miss chance for an invisible foe.]
*If Dave finds time to post today, his post will supercede this one.
Dietrich, saves d20+6=25 d20+5=9 d20+3=10 d20+4=10 d20+2=7 Thursday August 18th, 2005 12:45:32 PM
Fort 25 Ref 9 Will 10 Spot 10 Listen 7
Rose hp: 16/23 AC18 d20+4=16 d20+7=21 d20+6=11 d20+6=19 d20+5=18 d20+6=26 d4+1=4 d6=5 d20+6=15 Thursday August 18th, 2005 1:20:41 PM "I dont have any of those spells left, but wait a moment maybe this will help." Rose says. She puts her hand on a seal in the shape of an eye. "OK AS SOON AS I BREAK THIS EVERYONE WILL BE ABLE TO SEE THAT PIXIE SO BE READY TO GET IT!" she yells to everyone.
She breaks the seal, drops her sword, draws her bow and an arrow and fires in seconds.
Seal of true seeing: The whole party (does that include the clerics as they're helping us?) gets true seeing as per the spell
fort: 16, +2 against fear ref: 21 will: 11 listen: 19 spot: 18
bow with +1 arrow attack: 26, +1 if point blank damage: 4, +1 if point blank sneak: 5, +1 magic arrow (if i get) crit?: 15
DM Kup: Wow! That's one heck of a seal! True seeing for the entire party, per the spell? That's like 15000 gp in scrolls, all going off simultaneously! Is that the complete description?
Zayne Ac 14 Hp 19/19 Bless d20+3=20 d20+3=21 d8=8 d8=1 d20+7=16 Thursday August 18th, 2005 2:06:14 PM
The younger ranger pauses for a brief moment to catch his breath, he holds it for a count of one and then, he looks at his target and fires not one but two arrows on very nearly the same path.(Ac 20 and 21 for 8 and 1 damage)
he will then take a look around, to see if he might be needed anywhere else.(Spot 16)
Temple Battle Round 10 (DM Kup) d20+4=17 d20+4=14 d20+4=5 d20+4=18 d3=3 Thursday August 18th, 2005 10:43:54 PM Cri'sis, n.; pl. cri'ses [from krinein, to decide, separate.] 1. a serious or decisive state of things, or the turning point when an affair must soon terminate or suffer a material change; a decisive or crucial time, stage, or event.
Dietrich moved toward the enraged remorhaz and let fly another volley. His aim was true and the missile seemed to strike its target--and yet again, the remorhaz didn't even flinch. In fact, it was nearly motionless. Vorelle, too, fired another shot at the bug. Her aim was also true, and yet--again!--the arrow seemed to do no damage. The creature was still motionless! What, was it immune to any attacks?
Calling down more holy power upon himself, Berlon moved cautiously forward toward the remorhaz. Something was just not right about what he was seeing. It was hard to put his finger on it--something about the way the creature was moving ... Berlon Highlight to display spoiler: {The way it was standing motionless--it was like it frozen, almost as still as a picture.}
Vauhwyt did some quick mental calculations and decided that there must be a pixie in the vicinity. She listened and concentrated on the spot (BF19 to BF22, BI19 to BF22), but did not see any signs of an invisible presence there. On the other hand, there was still sounds of commotion coming from inside the alchemists' lab. Vauhwyt shouted to her companions to concentrate on BG21. Meanwhile, she moved 5' east and tossed a ball that created a boar (at BE26). The boar looked around for an immediate enemy--but there was none visible. It turned its attention to the flying fey, which, it seemed to be gathering, were its closest available foes. It looked like it would head toward them next.
After a bit of discussion and indecision, a reluctantly loyal Mookie flew to BG26, looking for an invisible pixie. Like her mistress, however, the raven was unsuccessful in locating anything.
Zayne, too, tried to locate the hidden pixie, without success. He turned and fired two arrows at the blue fey creature still near Rose (F2), striking it twice but only appearing to harm it once. It looked badly wounded--but with the way that its wounds healed over time, it seemed barely worse off than it had before.
Across the Temple floor, Olyn was sacrificing himself for the cause. Heedless of the danger his actions would cause himself, and in the face of what was almost certain death, Olyn determinedly thrust his torch forward toward the remorhaz's oil- soaked hide. The torch thrust true and struck the creature's side ....
... and passed right through. It was like he was passing his torch through smoke. Waving his torch back and forth, seemingly right through the creature's body, Olyn gazed at what he thought would be his ticket to oblivion with disbelief. Olyn Highlight to display spoiler: {It is an illusion.}
Rose shouted to the group. "OK AS SOON AS I BREAK THIS EVERYONE WILL BE ABLE TO SEE THAT PIXIE SO BE READY TO GET IT!" She broke a seal, and, in a moment, it seemed as if a veil had been lifted from everyone's eyes:
-- There was Theo's frost giant, heading toward the doors, vainly trying to coax the remorhaz to follow. The giant was translucent and immaterial, like a cloud of smoke--it was an illusion.
-- There was the dead remorhaz on the floor and the trapped centipedes in Theo's Web. They were all real enough.
-- There was the second remorhaz, motionless, in the center of the room. Like the frost giant, it revealed itself as a smoky and indistinct outline; it, too, was an illusion.
-- There was no invisible pixie revealed anywhere in the dome or the main floor of the Temple. Nothing invisible appeared to the true-seeing eyes of the adventurers.
-- But--off to one side of the Temple--there was that "alchemist," running south down the side vestibule behind the pillars that supported the dome. His form was blurry and indistinct. The magical sight granted by Rose's seal showed him for what he truly was--a pixie, carrying several beakers of fluid!
Now fully awake and free of Rose's spell, the two blue fey creatures near the door to the lab (F1 & F2) turned their attention to Rose, and attacked! But only one claw connected (attacks 17, 14, 5, and 18), causing only light damage to the halfling mage (3 HP damage).
Seeing the disbelieving looks aimed in its direction, the "alchemist" pixie cast caution to the wind, literally. It shed its polymorphed form and flew as fast as it could through the Temple. Displaying a tremendous burst of speed, the pixie flew off south along the eastern vestibule, dodging around a pillar, darting diagonally across the Temple, flitting down the easterly stairs, and out of sight.
From within the alchemists' lab, more sounds of destruction and mayhem emerged. Clu'eth seemed to shake off his confusion and ran to the doors. "Wardd's Fortune preserve us!" he cried, as he ran into the room. There was the sound of the crashing of the priest's mace.
loretta Thursday August 18th, 2005 11:10:56 PM
hey, what happened to my attack? breaking a seal & dropping sword are free actions. drawing bow & arrow are a move action so i should get my attack.
the seal isnt over powered as it only lasts 1 round (so everyone had better take advantage of it) the spell description says that it would normally last 1 min/level min level 7. the only description i have for the seal is that the party gets true seeing as the spell for 1 round. (i have no idea when i got it so i had better use it)
DM Kup: Aha! 1 round! That's what was missing! Makes much more sense.
The attack didn't penetrate the pixie's damage reduction. Sorry!
Vauhwyt (AC20 Str 15 of 16, HP 35 of 35) (enlarged & mage armor) and Mookie (AC15 HP 17 of 17) Thursday August 18th, 2005 11:20:22 PM
"Rose, you rule!" shouts Vauhwyt.
The liontaur runs southwest, then south, then southwest to the doors, hoping to get to them before the pixie can open them and escape. She runs 160 feet. Doing so may open her to an AoO from the fey that moved next to her, but she does not care.
"Come on Mookie! Come on Boarr!" she shouts. Mookie, at least, follows -- in fact, Mookie may get to the door before Vauhwyt.
[Kup, are you sure the pixie can travel that far in one round? Just checking.]
DM Kup: Pixie, Speed: 20 ft. (4 squares), fly 60 ft. (good). "Running" speed is x4, or 240 ft = 48 squares.
Vorelle [Bless; AC 17; HP 35/35] d20+7=15 d20+7=13 d20+2=17 d20+9=25 d20+9=21 Thursday August 18th, 2005 11:47:10 PM
Cursing herself for a fool, Vorelle, too, takes off at a run.
[It's hard to count when not moving in a straight diagonal, but I think Vorelle can make it to AN-48.]
Fort: 15 Ref: 13 Will: 17 (18 vs. fear effects) Spot: 25 Listen: 21
Dietrich AC 18, HP 17/40, blessing Friday August 19th, 2005 9:18:50 AM
Dietrich curses the pixies and their &$%^% magic (thuogh still better than to have a second, real remorhaz to fight...) and runs 80 ft to south to intercept the thief.
He shouts to the novices again to keep firing at the other feys.
Olyn ac23. hp32/20, Bless Friday August 19th, 2005 10:22:09 AM
realizing the oil soaked creature is in fact the imagination of a Pixie, Olyn turns, dropping the torch and yells: Illusion, big bug is an Illusion.
turns and makes a beeline back to the alchemy lab.
Berlon AC 20 HP 28 - Bless 3m, Strength 3m 12s, Magic Weapon 3m 42s, Divine Favor 48s Friday August 19th, 2005 12:39:56 PM
Berlon will take the time to light the webfull of centipedes, then move as far as he can to help chase after the thief.
Rose hp: 13/23 AC18 d20+4=10 d20+4=15 d20+6=26 d20+5=22 d20+5=17 d20+6=21 d4+1=2 d6=2 d20+4=18 d20+7=13 d20+6=15 Friday August 19th, 2005 1:06:16 PM
Realizing that Vauhwyt is going after the pixie rose jumps and crawls onto Vauhwyt's back just as she takes off. rose will carefully get ready to fire another arrow as soon as the pixie comes into view.
LOG ON