Time to face the Bone Tower ... [DMiT Inge] Tuesday June 7th, 2005 8:15:07 AM
Evening passes quickly as you all identify and divide the loot. In different times on different locations this would be called a pleasant dinner party ! Yet the gravity of your next assignment weighs heavy on your shoulders.
After you've gathered your newly found magical thingies most of you take a rest. Outside the weather has gone bad. Heavy rain gushes down on the windows, thunder rolls around Bone Mountain and lightning illuminates your rooms. Is this a warning ? Are the forces of Evil gathering to "welcome" you to Bone Tower ...
By midnight, the next day, the weather has improoved. Suddenly there's a hard knock on the door.
You all recognise the voice of Gutmasher. He waits for you at the front door : "Wake up "heroes" ... the Rift is about to open ! Time to enter Bone Tower!"
Olana Tuesday June 7th, 2005 11:50:01 AM
((OOC - sorry about the lack of post. Got attacked by the Migraine Nasty monster :( ))
Olana will take the gloves of Dex as suggested, unless someone else has better use for them. The stew is lying a little heavy in her stomach, her energies spent worrying instead of digesting. She's not quite sure where all this anxiety is coming from. It wasn't in her nature to worry too much. However, this whole Dragon business, and this test - right now, they'd just been in that arena, killing for the sake of it. Was that right? Perhaps she should be focussing on the end result, and stop brooding... her reverie soaks up the turmoil of the weather outside, doing little to improve her mood.
Awake as midnight approaches, she starts getting her act together, buckling and tightening her armour, re-doing her hair.
Lian (AC 34, 49hps) Tuesday June 7th, 2005 4:54:08 PM
The hand of Domi makes sure to keep his holy symbol hidden and then prepares to enter the tower. He checks his gear again and tightens the bracers.
Stunning Attacks: 0 used Enlarge Tat: 0/3 Bull's Str: 0/3
Prepared Spells for Izen trip: Guidance x2, Create Water Divine Favor x2, Shield of Faith, Sanctuary(domain)
Ingrge Tuesday June 7th, 2005 5:00:10 PM
Answering Lian, The mage shakes his head but offers to cast the scroll upon him if he wishes. He then looks around at the others once again to see if anyone needs/wants anything cast upon them.
Milo Tuesday June 7th, 2005 10:04:56 PM
Donning the new cloak and ring, Milo shoulders his pack and stands silently next to Olana as they prepare to leave for the tower.
Brother Bertram Tuesday June 7th, 2005 10:31:27 PM
Bertram prepares as well, having said his prayers, asking for the powers of Domi to be at his disposal.
K'Nara Tuesday June 7th, 2005 11:03:28 PM
"I'll take a Cat's Grace if you can spare it, Ingrge..." K'Nara says, then looks over the rest of the group. "We all set? Then let's go to the Tower." So saying, she leads the party to their destination.
Gunther Tuesday June 7th, 2005 11:51:21 PM
Hearing Ingrge's call, Gunther produces a Stone Skin scroll for him to cast on him. He also asks for the Cat's Grace, Bull's Strength and Bear's Endurance to be cast on himself unless others need it more. After the casting is complete, Gunther heads out with the others, his hand itching to get this over with.
Lian (AC 34, 49hps) Wednesday June 8th, 2005 8:30:26 AM
"Ingrge, this scroll is to be cast when everyone can use it, not just me *hands him the scroll*. As for spells, I could use an endurance, please."
Stunning Attacks: 0 used Enlarge Tat: 0/3 Bull's Str Tat: 0/3
Prepared Spells for Izen trip: Guidance x2, Create Water Divine Favor x2, Shield of Faith, Sanctuary(domain)
Figment Wednesday June 8th, 2005 8:31:17 AM
The mage follows the others to the tower. "I have a number of protection spells and such available for anyone who needs them...I'd say we cast just before we enter.".
Lian Wednesday June 8th, 2005 8:42:54 AM
"Elemental protections might be nice..." He says to Figment. "... that way if... anyone should fire a stray fireball... or whatever, I don't get too burnt." He winks at Fig in a teasing manner.
"Dead men walking" ... [DMiT Inge] Wednesday June 8th, 2005 10:55:58 AM
Slowly you all prepare and go down to meet Gutmasher at the front door. "Follow me ..." he commands and as you all walk in single file you hear him whisper and chuckle : "Dead men walking". K'Nara urges you all to move a little faster as you follow Gutmasher to the Bone Mountain.
Cold and lonely the Bone Tower reaches up to the sky. Approaching Bone Mountain you get a clear view on the Tower. Oddly enough it looks like a ruin ! Broken down sections, holes in the side ... is THAT the Bone Tower ?!?
At the footsteps of Bone Mountain Gutmasher halts in front of what appears to be a cave. He's nervous and whispers : "Now we wait for the Rift to open."
As minutes go by your thoughts go back in time and you remember Valdor's last words ...
"Remember, what you do from here out is how history and the Wold will remember your group! Be strong and faithful, but most of all, have courage!"
Then suddenly a little ball of blue light appears in the center of the "cave". It grows fast like a whirlpool ! Untill it stretches out big enough for all of you to fit through ! The portal has opened ...
Gutmasher looks at you all, nervous, compassionate ... he looks at you as if it will be the last time he sees you all - after all he brought group after group to this entrance and none ever came back - and says : "Now enter the rift. It will bring you to the steps of the Bone Tower. "
He hesitates to swallow the lump in his throat and then goes on : " ... Farewell ... "
Brother Bertram Wednesday June 8th, 2005 1:22:57 PM
Bertram hefts his axe, then looks at Gutmasher for a moment. "Go with peace Friend, You have brought us no ill will. No matter how we are assailed, we will not fail." Bertram then moves to the front of the group, removes his holy symbol from under his shirt once past Gutmasher and moves into the portal before there can be disagreement.
Olana Wednesday June 8th, 2005 2:14:13 PM
"A stoneskin or a cats grace would be very nice," Olana says quietly to Ingrge. "When we get back I'll get some more of those to replenish stocks."
Approaching the Bone Tower, the building's fragility and holes remind her of bird bones - hollowed out and light, but still serving their purpose. For a moment her eyes are on that troll. What was he so afraid of?
She remains on the brink, waiting for the order to go in.
Gunther Wednesday June 8th, 2005 3:40:16 PM
The warrior watches with boredom at the sight..."Yeah, yeah, yeah...death itself avaits, I'm sure. Let's get going." He checks his gear over and tightens a few straps and then looks over at K'nara and beams. "Vell are ve going or vhat?"
Ingrge HP Wednesday June 8th, 2005 4:59:16 PM
taking the time necessary Ingrge casts the scrolls that people ask for.
K'nara _ Cats grace Olanna Cat's grace, stone skin Lian - Bear's endurance Gunther Stone skin, cat's grace, Bulls strength, bears endurance Ingrge - stone skin,bears endurance,bull's strength, unseen servant (7), tenser's floating disk(3)
As the rift opens Ingrge looks at Gutmasher, umm just what are we supposed to do here and how much time do we have to do it in?
Milo d20+14=24 d20+16=30 Wednesday June 8th, 2005 9:53:47 PM
Without even considering an alternative, Milo follows Bertram through the portal. The halfling rogue keeps a steady eye out for trouble, and stops to listen briefly just before stepping through. (OOC: Spot DC 24 and Listen DC 30)
Lian d20+19=35 d20+9=16 Thursday June 9th, 2005 4:01:04 AM
Lian follows Milo.
Without turning, the monk says, "See ya."
(Listen 35, Spot 16)
K'Nara Thursday June 9th, 2005 8:37:04 AM
Surprised at the show of emotion, K'Nara puts out a hand to shake Gutmasher's.
"We plan to surprise everyone." she tells the troll confidently. Once the good-byes are done, the chestnut-maned blade singer turns to her party. "All right, then--let's see what this Tower is all about!"
Then she, too, steps into the portal.
Admire the greatness of "Bone Tower" ! ... [DMiT Inge] d4+1=4 d4+1=3 d4+1=3 d4+1=5 d4+1=5 Thursday June 9th, 2005 11:15:09 AM
As the portal opens Ingrge takes time to enhance the abilities of his friends. Then Ingrge realizes this portal probably isn't open forever ... let's not waste time outside !
Gutmasher looks at him and cynically answers : "No one knows what awaits you in the Bone Tower. No one ever came back to tell ...".
Without hesitation, Bertram and Lian step through the portal. Milo goes in right behind them yet slightly more cautious, but nothing there can alert them of the dangers they are about to face.
Impressed by the touch of emotion the Troll showed K'Nara shakes hands with Gutmasher and steps into the portal. Gutmasher is slightly taken by surprise ... "surprise everyone ?!? ... HUH ... NO ONE can survive the Tower ... can they ?... "
Gunther, Olana and Figment look to the others and follow suit stepping through the portal ...
Your heads spin as you step through the swirling blue curtain. You hear Gutmasher laugh frantically till suddenly you exit the rift on the opposite side ...and all is silent.
Bone Tower ...
A majestic structure of Marteaus in all it's glory ! No longer the ruin you saw right before you stepped through the portal ! Now you witness it's full grandeur ...
An incredible tower made of black stone, carved from rocks in the depts of the Wold, reaching up to the dark sky. Cilinder shaped, a smooth exterior and no windows. Right in front of you wide steps lead up to the entrance. Torches every 5ft along the staircase.
The air feels thicker, heavier, as if it's filled with the essence of danger, death and decay. The Wold looks different out here. Behind you the portal remains, waiting to take you back to the real Wold ... if you survive - so far there have been only one way trips ...
DMiT Inge ooc Thursday June 9th, 2005 11:15:10 AM
Tomorrow I will have to post around 08:00 AM Woldian (Texas) time. I hope you can all post before.
From there on, I hope to post every morning (belgian time) what would be approx 01:00 AM woldian time so you can choose to post in the morning or in the evening - and I can post while most of you are sleeping ;-)
Figment (Cat's Grace +5) d4+1=4 d4+1=3 d4+1=3 d4+1=5 d4+1=5 Thursday June 9th, 2005 11:17:15 AM
As they approach the place and get ready to enter, and seeing the spells Ingrge has cast on everyone, the mage fills in as many blanks as possible. He casts the following spells:
K'Nara - Bull's Strength +4, Stone Skin Olana - Bull's Strength +3 Lian - Stone Skin, Cat's Grace +3 Bertram - Stone Skin Milo - Cat's Grace +5 Figment - Cat's Grace +5
He smiles at Lian's wit and says "I wish I had that available, but I'm afraid I don't. I suppose I need to sit down with everyone and analyze what would be good for us to have in our arsenal for occasions such as this...".
Ingrge Thursday June 9th, 2005 4:31:55 PM
(ooc; the spells Ingrge listed were from his previous posts action I was just finally able to list what everyone had done to them.)
Looking up the steps, Ingrge shakes his head slowly.
"I suppose it would be too much to expect that there are no traps awaiting us."
K'Nara Thursday June 9th, 2005 5:37:05 PM
The leader of the Talons smirks a bit at Ingrge's rhetorical question.
"It's the ex-HQ of Marteaus," K'Nara points out, "I doubt that we'll be able to sneeze without setting SOMEthing off..."
Olana (Bulls Strength, Cats Grace, Stoneskin) d20+16=36 d20+17=28 d20+14=34 Thursday June 9th, 2005 6:13:53 PM
With thanks to Figment and Ingrge, Olana steps through the portal, blinking at the change in scene and atmosphere. She takes in a breath, and then another, in an attempt to get used to what her senses are telling her. She must not become frightened or overawed with this place. It would just slow her down. There, two breaths and she hadn't keeled over yet. Where was Milo? Oh, up at the front. She smiles, and lifts her head, looking up at the architecture, nodding appreciatively at it's carved perfection. Stepping to a point where she can see better, the elf casts her keen eyes on their immediate destination, the steps and the main doorway, and will begin to move forward.
SPOT DC 36, LISTEN DC 28, SURVIVAL DC 34
Lian (AC 34, 69hps) (stoneskin, bears endurance, Bull's Strength) Thursday June 9th, 2005 6:27:40 PM OOC: DEH, save your Cat's Grace, Lian has gloves +4...
ACTIVE SPELLS: Bear's Endurance (Ingrge) Stoneskin (Figment) Bull's Strength (self)
Stunning Attacks: 0 used Enlarge Tat: 0/3 Bull's Str Tat: 1/3
Prepared Spells for Izen trip: Guidance x2, Create Water Divine Favor x2, Shield of Faith, Sanctuary(domain)
Upon exitting the portal, Lian activates his Bull's Strength tattoo.
"Remember the haste scroll Ingrge." Suggests the monk. (Lian did hand him the scroll to use whenever)
Figment (Cat's Grace +5) d20+23=35 Thursday June 9th, 2005 6:43:48 PM
Noting Lian already has it covered, he casts Cat's Grace +3 on Bertram. "I suppose we are expected since the torches are lit...". He looks them over to determine if they are magically lit or just plain old torches (Spellcraft 35).
DM Donna Thursday June 9th, 2005 8:16:29 PM
Quick rules reminder: casting Bull's Strength and Cat's Grace (etc.) grants an automatic +4 to the attribute. No more variable bonus. That was back in the 3e rules--this is D&D 3.5 now.
Milo Thursday June 9th, 2005 10:49:36 PM
Seeing the tower, Milo feels somewhat daunted. Stepping back, he finds Olana, and more importantly he grabs her hand as he continues to stare up, "Oh boy..." The halfling whispers, and shrinks from the sound.
(OOC: Milo has gloves of dexterity, not the ones we just found... some he purchased a long while back, so the cat's grace, while appreciated, is lost on him.)
Gunther (AC 30, HP82/82) Stone Skin (110??), Cat's Grace, Bulls Strength, Bear's Endurance, Animated Shield Thursday June 9th, 2005 10:59:08 PM
Gunther lets out a low whistle. "Dis place is impressive. So vat is it exactly dat ve're supposed to do here?" Gunther looks over expectantly at K'nara as he Animates his shield and calls forth his sword from his glove of storing. As he waits for an answer, he pulls out a couple of bless weapon oils and begins applying them to the blades of his sword.
DMiT inge : The Stoneskin came from Ingrge so you get a Max of 120 HP instead the 110 you listed.
Brother Bertram Friday June 10th, 2005 4:23:21 AM
Bertram looks around, awed at the sight. He slowly rouses himself and begins checking for any signs of trouble.
Enter ... [DMiT Inge] Friday June 10th, 2005 5:15:18 AM
Some of you are struck with awe - this tower IS impressive - and wonder about the odds that you will encounter traps. Time to climb the stairs and find out what you're doing here ...
These are no ordinary torches, Figment can tell. They are magically lit and much bigger than usual. Indeed you ARE expected. After all, you are the ones who won the tournament !
You quickly recover from the first impression the tower gave you and slowly climb the stairs (100ft). As you draw closer to the front entrance the tower menacingly rises above you. The entrance is a massive fortified wooden double door. The symbol of Marteaus is carved in it. As you draw near, the doors slowly and smoothly open ...
A gush of wind is heard and the stench of death and decay is unmistakably around.
In front of you there's a short but wide corridor. K'Nara leads the way and goes right in ... No time to waste.
At the end of the corridor you can finally worship the true grandeur of this tower. The Bone tower is a gigantic cylinder shaped structure. A 15ft wide path is wrapped around an open core (50ft diameter). However it's not the path itself that draws your attention but the core.
Looking up you can see the outside air (approx 150ft above you) ! But looking down ... a bottomless pit ...
There's a VERY strong wind blowing up in this central core. Wind, strong enough to lift a man and blow him out of the tower. Yet this is not the only scary thing ...
The central core has razor sharp spikes sticking out from the sides towards the center at various lengths. Taking a closer look at the spikes you notice dead bodies here and there. Probably warriors that have entered this tower before you and painfully failed. Torsos ripped apart, sliced by the spikes, carcasses waving in the wind dangeling like horrid awards. You DEFINETELY don't want to fall into this core !!
While you all gaze at this spectacle the Necromancer comes down from the upper levels to welcome you all ... Wrapped in a black Robe that conceals its face, carrying the powerfull staff you saw when you were in the Arena.
A cold voice, impossible to tell if it's male or female ... or neither ... speaks to you :
" Five hours is all you have ... Five hours to find and open the Vault of Marteaus ... The Vault is hidden in the lower levels of the Bone Tower ... you will be tested along the way. Your wisdom, intelligence, friendship, bravery ... all is at stake. Only those worthy enough will be able to find the Vault of Marteaus. Open it and you have access to all the riches and spoils Marteaus has left for those worthy of him."
It's hard to tell, but you can "feel" the Necromancer looks each and everyone of you straight in the eyes. Eyes without expression look back at you - unreadable eyes - probing eyes ...
"If you fail to open the Vault of Marteaus within 5 hours you will be considered trespassers in this Tower and you will be destroyed. Many have tried before you and painfully failed."
Then she points to the spiral path leading down : "Start your quest now ..."
Rounding up all enhancement spells for verification - Please list all spells active on you next to your name including AC and HP :
Lian : Bear's endurance (Ingrge - 12 minutes - Con +4), Stone Skin (Figment - 110 minutes - max 110 HP) - Bull's Strength ( DMiT Inge ooc : Lian, sorry but I seem to have a problem with the works file you send me - could you please send your Char Sheet in txt format asap (don't bother about the lay-out if it's screwed)? Thanks a lot )
Figment (Cat's Grace +4) Friday June 10th, 2005 7:24:51 AM
The mage takes stock of the Necromancer and asks "Do you have a name we may call you by?". As they depart he begins to look around. He takes note of the wind on the stairs themselves, trying to judge if it is safe to cast fly and stay over the stairs.
Ingrge:HP 100/100 (120 stoneskin) (24 temp): AC 33: bear's endurance, bull's strength, unseen servant (7), tenser's disk (3), spell resistance 18%, Imunities: sleep,detect thoughts, discern lies, detect alignment Friday June 10th, 2005 7:34:18 AM
(ooc. yup 7 servants 3 disks is correct)
DMiT Inge : In that case, don't forget to take them along and order them to follow :-) - they tend to be rather "stupid"
Taking staff in hand, Ingrge takes his place and heads out with the others, telling his invisible followers to follow at a distance of 25 feet.
Ingrge :
Stone skin (120 minutes - Max 120 HP) Bears endurance (12 min - Con +4) Bull's Strength (12 minutes - Str +4) Unseen servant (7) (12 hours) Tenser's Floating Disk (3) (12 hours)
Lian (AC 34, 69hps) (stoneskin 110, bears endurance, Bull's Strength) Friday June 10th, 2005 10:56:40 AM OOC: Inge, I can't find your email address.
Stunning Attacks: 0 used Enlarge Tat: 0/3 Bull's Str Tat: 1/3
Prepared Spells for Izen trip: Guidance x2, Create Water Divine Favor x2, Shield of Faith, Sanctuary(domain)
Lian follows close behind the group.
Gunther (AC 30, HP82/82) Stone Skin (120), Cat's Grace, Bulls Strength, Bear's Endurance, Animated Shield Friday June 10th, 2005 11:16:40 PM
Gunther wrinkles his nose at the stench. Now that's just wasteful...all that perfectly good meat just lying there rotting. Would have thought by now that someone would have sent something to eat those corpses... As he waits for those with more mental capacity to formulate a plan, Gunther pulls out a potion from his backpack (Protection from evil) and places it in his glove of storing...not wanting to activate it before it would be useful.
Spells in place Stone skin (Ingrge - 120/120 minutes - max 120 HP) Cat's grace (Ingrge - 12/12 minutes - Dex +4) Bulls strength (Ingrge - 12/12 minutes - Str +4) Bears Endurance (Ingrge - 12/12 minutes - Con +4) Bless Weapon (9/9 minutes)
Brother Bertram AC 31 HP 73(110 Stoneskin, Catsgrace) Saturday June 11th, 2005 10:07:45 PM
Bertram carefully keeps his face neutral as the evil being before him talks. He constantly clenches his fist, the one with the markings of Gargul.
K'Nara (AC 33, HP 114/114, Cat's Grace, Stoneskin [120pts] Sunday June 12th, 2005 7:12:05 PM
The leader of the Talons nods acknowledgement of the Necromancer's instructions.
"Thanks for the invitation--" the blade singer says, "--we'll just go get our reward now." The chestnut-maned female fighter beckons to the others in her group and begins to descend the grisly stairway.
Only the Nimble Man Shall Pass ... [DMiT Inge] Monday June 13th, 2005 7:11:43 AM
The Necromancer, after giving directions, turns his back on you and starts to climb the stairs again. Then Figment quickly asks for his name ... The Necromancer doesn't even turn his face around to answer and says : "You don't need to call me ... I will find you or your corpses after 5 hours ... go ..."
Then the necromancer simply goes to his quarters somewhere upstairs.
Disappointed by the Necromancer Figment tries to find out if the wind is too strong for him to fly over the staircase. You notice the wind is rather variable. ( Most of the time you would be safe flying over the staircase (but ONLY over the staircase) but there's a 20% chance you get blown away from the staircase into the core every 15 minutes...
K'Nara doesn't feel like talking to the necromancer too long and starts the decent. Gradually all of you follow her. Behind you, 7 silent shapeless servants also start their decent.
Spiraling down the staircase all you see is the hideous core, torches lit the path, symbols of Marteaus are all around. So far it's like a walk in the park ...
10 minutes later - 4 hours 50 minutes and counting - check your spell durations !
After walking for 10 minutes you come to a wall that crosses your path. No way around this wall as that means entering the core ...
Your only option is a large door to your right (you spiral down, the wall on your right - core on your left - forgot to mention this - sorry). There's no lock on this door ! Only a handle to open it. Push to face your first trial.
Above the door is a sign written in Dwarves (plenty of you can read it so no spoiler)
"ONLY THE NIMBLE MAN SHALL PASS"
Lian (AC 34, 69hps) (stoneskin 110, bears endurance) Monday June 13th, 2005 10:50:13 AM
ACTIVE SPELLS: Bear's Endurance (Ingrge)[2 mins] Stoneskin 110 (Figment)[100 mins]
Stunning Attacks: 0 used Enlarge Tat: 0/3 Bull's Str Tat: 1/3
Prepared Spells for Izen trip: Guidance x2, Create Water Divine Favor x2, Shield of Faith, Sanctuary(domain)
"That's dwarvish... isn't it?" Askes the nimble monk. "What does it say Brother?" He asks, turning to Bertram.
It seems that Lian might be having a hard time with all the symbols of Marteaus, but he is holding it together for the time being.
"Ingrge, can your servants open doors?"
Olana 69/69 HP, AC 30 (with new gloves) d20+12=16 Monday June 13th, 2005 12:06:54 PM
Olana squeezes Milo's hand. "We'll be all right," she says.
The stench and the sights. All there to intimidate. The elf tries to calm her jitters. At least she wasn't alone in this place.
As they come to the door, she tries to think. "Jack be nimble, Jack be quick. Whatever this is, we'll have to move fast." Getting a little closer, she does a quick examiniation of the door and handle. (Search DC 16 - ugh, thats not good.)
(Sorry, folks, I have the Dex Gloves too, which don't stack with the Cats Grace spell. One day I'll get this stacking thing right, lol.) Stone Skin (ingrge - 120 minutes - max 120 HP's) , Bull's Strength (Figment - 11 minutes - Str +4)
Stone Skin - 110 min - max 120 HP Bull's Strength - 1 min - Str +4
K'Nara (AC 33, HP 114/114, Cat's Grace, Stoneskin [120pts] ) Monday June 13th, 2005 6:18:00 PM
K'Nara looked at Bertram as well.
"I can't read Dwarven, either." she said. "However--Milo...would you kindly check the door to make sure that our Host hasn't trapped it for us..?"
Figment (Cat's Grace +4) Monday June 13th, 2005 6:23:46 PM
The mage reads the dwarven message "It says 'ONLY THE NIMBLE MAN SHALL PASS'. I would suggest backing up and letting Ingrge sic his servants on the door opening once Milo checks for traps...".
Ingrge:HP 100/100 (120 stoneskin) (24 temp): AC 33: bear's endurance, bull's strength, unseen servant (7), tenser's disk (3), spell resistance 18%, Imunities: sleep,detect thoughts, discern lies, detect alignment Monday June 13th, 2005 7:17:13 PM
Ingrge nods at Lian's comment.
"That is one of the reasons I have them along." They should be able to open them as long as they are not locked."
I would suggest though that we not be standing in front of the door, as it is opened, so that we are not in anything's direct line of sight.
That said, Ingrge will move himself out of the front of the door and to a place that he will be able to see into the room from an angle.
Stone skin (110 minutes - Max 120 HP) Bears endurance (2 min - Con +4) Bull's Strength (2 minutes - Str +4) Unseen servant (7) (11.5 hours) Tenser's Floating Disk (3) (11.5 hours)
Brother Bertram AC 31 HP 73(110 Stoneskin, Catsgrace) Monday June 13th, 2005 7:35:56 PM
"Only the nimble man shall pass." Bertram ponders the words then shrugs and considers what to do next. He steps out of the front of the door as Ingrge requests.
Milo Monday June 13th, 2005 8:35:40 PM
Milo steps aside as Ingrge asks, but addresses the wizard, "Um... go ahead and give the magic thing a try, but if it doesn't work... the nimble halfling would like a go at this door." Milo smiles, and then clears away from the door as Ingrge prepares to do something magical.
Gunther (AC 30, HP82/82) Stone Skin (120), Cat's Grace, Bulls Strength, Bear's Endurance, Animated Shield Monday June 13th, 2005 10:27:21 PM
Not wanting to get caught in the breeze, so to say, Gunther moves back away from the door and against the wall. Slowly and carefully he controls his breathing. Things were going to get hot soon, and when they do, he'll be ready.
Spells in place Stone skin (Ingrge - 110/120 minutes - max 120 HP) Cat's grace (Ingrge - 2/12 minutes - Dex +4) Bulls strength (Ingrge - 2/12 minutes - Str +4) Bears Endurance (Ingrge - 2/12 minutes - Con +4)
Only the Nimble Man Shall Pass (Part 2) ... [DMiT Inge] Tuesday June 14th, 2005 3:42:11 AM
The door appears to be "intimidating" ... no one feels the urge to go right in.
Figment and Bertram quickly read the text to all. You ponder what this could possibly mean, but most of you agree to have Ingrge's Servants open the door for you and stand aside for ... "incoming" ...
Magic appears to be chosen to open the door. Both Lian and Milo wouldn't mind having a go at this door though. After all ... they are nimble ...
You all move to the side of the door, out of reach of whatever can come out of that door. Six Unseen Servants also move to the side (Ingrge make sure to specify where your servants go for next time I have'm all standing in front of the door - :-) )(ooc, unless specified they will remain 25 feet away as stated by the first post.)
One of the Unseen Servants slowly paces towards the door. He's mindless, lifeless ... not worried about traps at all ...
Slowly he pushes the handle ... nothing ... gradually the Servant opens the door a bit more ... nothing ... seconds later the door is completely open ... still nothing ...
The Servant simply stands there. Gazing at Ingrge.
Very carefully you take a peak around the corner. Ahead of you lies a vast room 20ft wide 120 ft long. On the opposite side another door ... quiet ... too quiet ... bones all over the floor don't predict much good ... especially since few bones are still intact ...
... tick ... tack ... tick ... tack ...
- 4 hours - 49 minutes - 54 seconds -
Brother Bertram Tuesday June 14th, 2005 4:21:24 AM
Bertram looks to the others, "We need to keep moving Friends. They seem to have us over a barrel. We cant wait too long before making an attempt or we die anyway." Bertram looks frustrated at his inability to help.
Ingrge:HP 100/100 (120 stoneskin) (24 temp): AC 33: bear's endurance, bull's strength, unseen servant (7), tenser's disk (3), spell resistance 18%, Imunities: sleep,detect thoughts, discern lies, detect alignment Tuesday June 14th, 2005 7:29:28 AM
Instructing the servant to return to the others and follow as ordered, Ingrge takes a moment to carefully examine the floor and walls from the doorway, looking for arrow holes uniform cracks, raised or depressed sections of the floor, or stone discolorations and then turns to Milo.
DMiT Inge : Yes ! There ARE indeed various cracks or depressed sections to be seen !! You notice 5 large slots from the left wall to the right wall in the ceiling - a bit further 6 slots in the floor, walls and ceiling - no way you can look beyond that to notice anything.
"Oh nimble one, I believe it is your turn."
Stone skin (110 minutes - Max 120 HP) Bears endurance (2 min - Con +4) Bull's Strength (2 minutes - Str +4) Unseen servant (7) (11.5 hours) Tenser's Floating Disk (3) (11.5 hours)
Figment (Cat's Grace +4) d20+23=31 Tuesday June 14th, 2005 7:57:51 AM
The mage waits his turn to cross the floor. "Might have one of those servants hold the door open as we traverse the room. Might also look on the left wall for a secret door that would allow us around the wall. In fact, look at the wall on the stairwell for a secret door...Might be a good way to get us off track.". As he comes close to the wall, he looks it over for any illusory effects (Spellcraft DC 31).
DMiT Inge : GREAT thinking !! But you don't notice anything.
Lian (AC 34, 69hps) (stoneskin 110, bears endurance) d20+9=18 Tuesday June 14th, 2005 10:54:03 AM
ACTIVE SPELLS: Bear's Endurance (Ingrge)[1 min 54secs] Stoneskin 110 (Figment)[99 mins 54secs]
Stunning Attacks: 0 used Enlarge Tat: 0/3 Bull's Str Tat: 1/3
Prepared Spells for Izen trip: Guidance x2, Create Water Divine Favor x2, Shield of Faith, Sanctuary(domain)
"Ingrge, we might be to float out there on the Tenser's... what do you think?"
"Milo, I suggest that I go first. You have a fiancee now." He smiles. "Though, traps aren't my forte. Can we float Milo out on a disc and have him look around?"
The monk pokes his head in and looks at the ceiling with his elven eyes (low light).[Were there bones sticking to the ceiling? Spot 18...]
(DMiT Inge : no. There are only bones ... or what's left of it spread out on the floor. You DO notice the whole room (floor, walls and ceiling) appear to be smeared with blood - old blood, but still noticable)
"Anyone have a potion of gaseous form?" He smirks, semi-joking, semi-serious.
Ingrge:HP 100/100 (120 stoneskin) (24 temp): AC 33: bear's endurance, bull's strength, unseen servant (7), tenser's disk (3), spell resistance 18%, Imunities: sleep,detect thoughts, discern lies, detect alignment Tuesday June 14th, 2005 6:31:45 PM
After perusing the as much of the room as he can, Ingrge points out the groves and depressions to their resident trap experts.
"My guess is that either the raised areas or the depressions trigger a bunch of blades that sythe across the room. What do you think Milo?. Shall we toss somethig heavy onto one of the depressions and see what happens?"
Listening to Liam's comments, Ingrge nods.
"Yes you all could certainly ride on the disks, but I would still need to lead them. I suppose if I were able to fly it could work. As for betrothed or married or what not, no disrespect tendered toward you friend Lian, but we need the most experienced working on these things as well, or we may not make it."
Stone skin (110 minutes - Max 120 HP) Bears endurance (2 min - Con +4) Bull's Strength (2 minutes - Str +4) Unseen servant (7) (11.5 hours) Tenser's Floating Disk (3) (11.5 hours)
Olana 69/69 HP, AC 30 (with new gloves) d20+12=23 d20+11=24 d20+2=14 Tuesday June 14th, 2005 9:11:54 PM
"There must be some kind of trigger," says the elf, crouching down to peruse the doorway and a few steps beyond. "If we can find it, we might be able to disable it." If she finds something, Olana will try and disable it somehow, after figuring out how.
Search DC 23 Disable device DC 24 Int Check DC 14
Stone Skin - 110 min - max 120 HP Bull's Strength - 1 min - Str +4
Gunther (AC 30, HP82/82) Stone Skin (120), Cat's Grace, Bulls Strength, Bear's Endurance, Animated Shield Tuesday June 14th, 2005 10:30:33 PM
Neither incredibly nimble nor one much for contemplating, Gunther waits for the others to formulate a plan. Feeling out of place he says "Is dere anyting I can do to help?"
Spells in place Stone skin (Ingrge - 110/120 minutes - max 120 HP) Cat's grace (Ingrge - 2/12 minutes - Dex +4) Bulls strength (Ingrge - 2/12 minutes - Str +4) Bears Endurance (Ingrge - 2/12 minutes - Con +4)
Milo d20+14=33 Wednesday June 15th, 2005 1:11:03 AM
Milo nods at Ingrge, and a grin slowly creeps across the halfling's face. Brushing Lian away, "Don't worry Lian, I'm a professional. Don't try this at home kids." Milo steps out of his boots of speed, and depositing them in his haversack, speaks clearly, "slippers of spider climb." The rogue dons the slippers quickly as the magic pack produces them, and then proceeds to the entrance cautiously.
Turning briefly to Olana, "Don't forget that you can call me back with the bracelet if something crazy happens."
Milo examines the entrance cautiously, and then proceeds into the room, if all appears clear. (OOC: Made a Search check DC 33.)
Only the Nimble Man Shall Pass (Part 3)... [DMiT Inge] (Servant in-50 or out+50 ?) d100=68 Wednesday June 15th, 2005 4:11:22 AM
Standing in the doorway you discuss your options for this room. Ingrge's senses tell him that this room is probably filled with razor sharp blades. He could be right !
Flying on disks, gaseous forms, spider climbing ... everything sounds pretty usefull. K'Nara is in deep thoughts : How must we cross this room ?!? How did these warriors that entered this room before us die ?!?. She agrees with the rest of you to let Milo have a go at this while you all wait at the door. Gunther and Bertram feel pretty useless right now.
One of Ingrge's servants holds the door open, while the others simply stare in the distance waiting for orders.
Slowly you all enter the room, Milo puts on his slippers and cautiously scans the room while he advances. Olana also tries to find trigger plates, levers, buttons ... anything. Yet there's nothing to be found ...
As you all enter the room the door SLAMS behind you - and you clearly hear a blocking mechanism close the door - you now HAVE to cross the room if you want it or not ... The Servant was not strong enough to keep the door open ! The Servant stands outside !!
Silence ...
You all look around you waiting for something to happen ...
... rattle rattle rattle ... the sound of chains, levers and gears springing to live ... click ... activated ...
Ingrge was right !! Blades !!!
10ft in front of Milo, 5 enormous pendulum blades swing fast from left to right, from one wall to the other. Their blades reach from the floor to the ceiling ! These glide in the cracks Ingrge noticed earlier.
Combination rolls 5 Pendulum Blades : Reflex DC18 - (lower than 8roll again) Reflex DC19- (lower than 9 roll again) Reflex DC20 - (lower than 10 roll again) Reflex DC21 - (lower than 11 roll again) Reflex DC22 - (lower than 12 roll again)
Passing 5 blades takes takes 3 rounds !! (18 sec)
Behind these Pendulum Blades, 6 razor sharp Rotating Blades spring from their hiding places. Some come from the floor, some from the walls and some from the ceiling. You can only cross those by using a combination of Balance, Tumbling and Jumping ...
Combination rolls 6 Rotating Blades: Balance DC18 (lower than 8 - roll again) Tumble DC19 (lower than 9 - roll again) Balance DC20 (lower than 10 - roll again) Jump DC21 (lower than 11 - roll again) Tumble DC22 (lower than 12 - roll again) Jump DC23 (lower than 13 - roll again)
Passing 6 blades takes 3 rounds !! (18 sec)
But after those it's not over yet !! 4 Guillotine Blades spring from the floor to the ceiling, ready to chop you in half !! There appears to be very limited space between them (2.5ft) You'll need to cross these blades one by one, stopping gafter each blade ... far enough, but not too far ...
Only now you understand where all these bones came from ...
DMiT Inge OOC : Please be mindful for your spell durations - Especially the Cat's Grace :-D - oh I HAVE been generous ... the plan was to let you arrive at this room in 30 minutes instead of 10 minutes ...
You ARE trying to become Dragon Level. We need EPIC rolls.
DMiT Inge : Active Spells Summery (please verify) Wednesday June 15th, 2005 5:26:15 AM K'nara : Cats grace 1'48" - Dex +4 Bull's Strength 0'48" - Str +4 Stone Skin 99'48" - max 110 HP's
Stunning Attacks: 0 used Enlarge Tat: 0/3 Bull's Str Tat: 1/3
Prepared Spells for Izen trip: Guidance, Create Water Divine Favor x2, Shield of Faith, Sanctuary(domain)
His brain empties and there is nothing but BLADES! in his mind (He doesn't even remember about his stoneskin!!!). He tries to focus.... tries again.... a third time.... sigh. He was the most eager of the Talons to gain dragon statis. The task must get done. He casts guidance prior to entering.(guidance gives +1 to a save or skill check, which lasts 1 minute or until discharged)
Combination rolls 5 Pendulum Blades : Reflex DC18 - (lower than 8roll again)29 Reflex DC19- (lower than 9 roll again)37 Reflex DC20 - (lower than 10 roll again)29 Reflex DC21 - (lower than 11 roll again)22 Reflex DC22 - (lower than 12 roll again)19 (hero point 37)
Combination rolls 6 Rotating Blades: Balance DC18 (lower than 8 - roll again)34 Tumble DC19 (lower than 9 - roll again)30 Balance DC20 (lower than 10 - roll again)33 Jump DC21 (lower than 11 - roll again)24 Tumble DC22 (lower than 12 - roll again)21(hero point 28) Jump DC23 (lower than 13 - roll again)23
His mind may not have been clear enough, but at least most of him made it across. What is at the other side?
(Hopefully the guidance spell will help Lian as he is tumbling during the rotating blades?! Would that shift a hero point to the next save or check?)
Brother Bertram AC31 Stoneskin (110) Cats Grace +4 d20+10=21 d20+10=11 d20+10=23 d20+10=19 d20+10=27 d20+6=11 d20+6=14 d20+6=7 d20+6=9 d20+6=23 d20+6=13 d20+6=7 d20+6=18 d20+6=19 d20+6=9 d20+6=7 d20+6=17 d20+6=7 d20+6=25 d20+6=25 d20+11=28 d20+10=22 d20+11=17 d20+10=14 d20+11=25 d20+10=19 d20+11=12 d20+10=19 d20+10=24 Wednesday June 15th, 2005 4:00:33 PM
Bertram slaps himself and quickly says a prayer to Domi and blesses each member of the party before they go through. He then runs into the room...
Combination rolls 5 Pendulum Blades : Reflex DC18 - (lower than 8roll again)28 Reflex DC19- (lower than 9 roll again)12 Reflex DC20 - (lower than 10 roll again)15 Reflex DC21 - (lower than 11 roll again)8(Rerolled for 26) Reflex DC22 - (lower than 12 roll again)10(Rerolled for 25)
Combination rolls 6 Rotating Blades: Balance DC18 (lower than 8 - roll again)18 Tumble DC19 (lower than 9 - roll again)19 Balance DC20 (lower than 10 - roll again)10 Jump DC21 (lower than 11 - roll again)8 (Rerolled for 26) Tumble DC22 (lower than 12 - roll again)19 Jump DC23 (lower than 13 - roll again)8 Rerolled for 26)
Combination rolls 4 Guillotine Blades : Concentration DC16 - Reflex DC19(Concentration roll 29, Reflex 23) Concentration DC17 - Reflex DC20(Concentration roll 18, Reflex 15) Concentration DC18 - Reflex DC21(Concentration roll 26, Reflex 20) Concentration DC19 - Reflex DC22(Concentration roll 13, Reflex 20) ((OOC Casts Bless before running))
Ingrge:HP 100/100 (120 stoneskin) (24 temp): AC 33: bear's endurance, bull's strength, unseen servant (7), tenser's disk (3), spell resistance 18%, Imunities: sleep,detect thoughts, discern lies, detect alignment d20+20=30 d20+20=34 d20+20=38 d20+20=30 d20+20=37 d20+9=24 d20+9=26 d20+14=32 d20+14=18 d20+6=16 d20+6=23 d20+15=26 d20+15=33 d20+15=23 d20+15=22 d20+20=40 d20+20=37 d20+20=32 d20+20=40 d20+14=28 d20+6=18 Wednesday June 15th, 2005 6:00:04 PM
Muttering to himself, Ingrge communicates with his servants and tells them to slide through what ever cracks beside the door or under the dorr that they can. (hey they're pure energy, hopefully, they should be able to get as thin as possible and squeeze through.)
Then turning his attention to Milo, he removes a scroll from his pouch, and while the halfling is changing shoes, casts a stone skin spell on him. "This ought to help a bit if you get sloppy." 120 points/ 120 minutes
Waiting until most of the others have gone through, to see if his servants are able to get through the door, Ingrge settles his things on his person, wraps his cloak around him and moves out.
The first set of swinging blades holds no obstacle for Ingrge and he breezes through them like the wind.
Combination rolls 5 Pendulum Blades :
Reflex DC18-(lower than 8roll again)30 Reflex DC19-(lower than 9 roll again)34 Reflex DC20-(lower than 10 roll again)38 Reflex DC21-(lower than 11 roll again)30 Reflex DC22-(lower than 12 roll again)37
Nodding to himself, Ingrge moves toward the rotating blades with confidence and agility. His confidence seems to be well placed as he easily makes it through, past, and over the first three blades. It is then however, that he stumbles a bit, as he twists his ankle on his last jump, which in turn, makes his last tumble more of a stumble. He recovers enough to make the final jump, but he is no longer sure he is ready for the last sequence of blades.
Combination rolls 6 Rotating Blades:
Balance DC18(lower than 8-roll again)24 Tumble DC19(lower than 9- roll again)32 Balance DC20(lower than 10-roll again)26 Jump DC21 (lower than 11-roll again)16**hero point reroll 18*** Tumble DC22(lower than 12-roll again)18** hero point reroll 28 Jump DC23(lower than 13-roll again)23
Taking a moment to center himself he pulls his fragmenting thoughts back to the task on hand, doing his best to keep his mind off what just happened and on observing the guillotine blades in front of him more carefully. Almost tentatively he sets forth to conquer the last set of blades, but what with an almost stubborn single mindedness, Ingrge blanks out everything else around him and easily makes it through the remaining blades.
Stone skin 108'48" - Max 120 HP Bears endurance 48" - Con +4 Bull's Strength 48" - Str +4 Unseen servant (7) 11 hours 48'48" Tenser's Floating Disk(3) 11 hours 48'48"
Milo (stoneskin 120 hp) d20+19=39 d20+19=21 d20+19=30 d20+19=35 d20+19=30 d20+8=19 d20+19=35 d20+8=15 d20+10=20 d20+5=19 d20+19=28 d20+7=17 d20+3=17 d20+19=21 d20+3=21 d20+19=28 d20+3=7 d20+5=21 d20+19=20 d20+19=38 d20+5=16 d20+19=21 Wednesday June 15th, 2005 10:10:59 PM
Milo's eyes about pop out of his head, though he nods gratefully at Ingrge, when he receives the stoneskin spell. Swallowing hard, he proceeds quickly.
Combination rolls 5 Pendulum Blades : Reflex DC18 - (lower than 8roll again)39 Reflex DC19- (lower than 9 roll again)21 Reflex DC20 - (lower than 10 roll again)30 Reflex DC21 - (lower than 11 roll again)35 Reflex DC22 - (lower than 12 roll again)30
Milo slips by the first 5 pendulum blades without a problem. Smiling as he loosens up, he keeps moving.
Combination rolls 6 Rotating Blades: Balance DC18 (lower than 8 - roll again)19 Tumble DC19 (lower than 9 - roll again)35 Balance DC20 (lower than 10 - roll again)20 (used 2 hero points on reroll and +2 for 2nd roll) Jump DC21 (lower than 11 - roll again)19 [missed] Tumble DC22 (lower than 12 - roll again)28 Jump DC23 (lower than 13 - roll again)17 [missed]
Milo gets gaffed good at his lack of vertical ascendance.
Combination rolls 4 Guillotine Blades : Concentration DC16 - Reflex DC19(Concentration roll 17, Reflex 21) Concentration DC17 - Reflex DC20(Concentration roll 21, Reflex 28) Concentration DC 18 - Reflex DC21(Concentration roll 21, Reflex 38) used 3 hero points here Concentration DC19 - Reflex DC22(Concentration roll 16 missed, Reflex 21 missed)
(OOC: not sure what the down side [damage] is for missing, but here ya go.)
Gunther (AC 30, HP82/82) Stone Skin (120), Cat's Grace, Bulls Strength, Bear's Endurance, Animated Shield, Bless d20+9=11 d20+9=24 d20+9=22 d20+9=19 d20+9=11 d20+9=17 d20+3=12 d20+3=15 d20+3=7 d20+3=19 d20+12=16 d20+3=8 d20+3=22 d20+12=22 d20+2=14 d20+9=13 d20+2=9 d20+9=13 d20+2=4 d20+9=13 d20+2=16 d20+9=11 Thursday June 16th, 2005 1:03:00 AM
Gunther's jaw drops as the blades jut out, and not being the most nimble warrior in the world, he does his best not to be sliced into fish bait...
Combination rolls 5 Pendulum Blades : Reflex DC18 - (lower than 8roll again) 11-fail Reflex DC19- (lower than 9 roll again) 24 Reflex DC20 - (lower than 10 roll again) 22 Reflex DC21 - (lower than 11 roll again) 19-fail Reflex DC22 - (lower than 12 roll again)11 (hero point to make it 17--fail) He fairs poorly against the first set of blades, dodging and weaving and getting sliced by three of the blades (yay stoneskin).
Combination rolls 6 Rotating Blades: Balance DC18 (lower than 8 - roll again) 12--fail Tumble DC19 (lower than 9 - roll again) 15--fail Balance DC20 (lower than 10 - roll again) 19--fail (used hero point to reroll 7) Jump DC21 (lower than 11 - roll again) 16--fail Tumble DC22 (lower than 12 - roll again) 8--fail (2nd roll=22) Jump DC23 (lower than 13 - roll again) 22--fail
But Gunther's luck does not hold out with the second set of blades as he is sliced and diced like sushi...getting whacked on by all of the blades.
And with the final set of blades, Gunther is either rapidly being torn to shreds or is dead.
OOC Technically, Gunther was outside the chamber when the others entered, but might as well do this now.
Lian's Blade Run ... [DMiT Inge] [lian rolls] d20+15=28 (chance) d100=66 Thursday June 16th, 2005 6:51:06 AM
The brave Talons start to cross the room all at once. Brave, but maybe a bit careless ?!?
Lian takes first position. He closes in on the Pendulum Blades and skillfully gets passed them. Hey that doesn't seem to be soo tough now does it ...
Then he checks the rotating blades. He passes the first one standing on one leg, bending over then he tumbles right under the second one to get up and fold between the second and the third while standing on his toes. The fourth one comes straight at his legs but he manages to jump right over and as he jumps he's able to tumble past the fifth razor blade as well. Only one remaining ... ooh ... barely, but safely he crosses the rotating barrier as well !!
Guillotine Blades ... standing directly in front of the first one he carefully examines it's speed and how much place he has between this one and the next. At the precise moment he takes a step ... the first blade continues to chop behind him, yet he's able to focus only on the second one. Again he skillfully steps passes this blade. He gets a bit distracted ... he almost reached the end unscathed !! His concentration slips ! He starts to move forward at the same moment the blade comes crushing down ... again he manages to pass a blade. Only one remaining !! His hart races as he thinks about crossing this mayhem in one piece. His concentration slips and ... oooohhh ... as he crosses the blade it slices him in the back ! Lucky for the nimble Monk the Blade only scratches his armor !
Lian crosses this mayhem unscathed !!! CONGRATULATIONS !!!
Bertram's Blade Run ... [DMiT Inge] [Bertram rolls] (pendulum)d20+15=24 d20+15=22 d20+15=35 d12+5=7 d20+15=26 (rotating) d20+15=22 d20+15=29 d20+15=33 d20+15=32 d10+8=9 d10+8=13 (guillotine) d20+15=32 d20+15=28 d20+15=31 2d10(6+4)+10=20 2d10(10+4)+10=24 (chance) d100=28 Thursday June 16th, 2005 6:53:16 AM
Lian turns around to check on his friends ...
Brother Bertram gazes mouth wide open as he sees Lian dodge these blades with such agility. It did look easy when lian showed how to do this. What a monk can, A Cleric of Domi can do as well he thinks to himself as he on his turn closes in on the blade barriers.
His knees wobble as he stands in front of the Pendulum Blades. He passes the first one without too much trouble, but get's hit by the second blade. His armor deflects the blade ! Pfew ... that was close ! Still shaking from his luck with the second blade he also fails to pass the third blade !! Again his armor protect this servant of Domi. Getting knocked around by those blades causes Brother Bertram to loose faith and he gets hit by the fourth blade. This time he can feel the sharpness of the blade going through his armor. ( 7HP from StoneSkin - 103 HP left). But the blade knocks him back ! Again he needs to cross the fourth blade. This time it's no problem. But alas the fifth blade gives Bertram the same problem but than one is deflected by his armor.
Wow ... the first barrier is crossed. Bertram has got a few bruises, but so far only his pride got hurt.
Next are the rotating blades. He's not very eager to start tumbling and jumping around for that's not his forte, but ... he must go forward.
Like Lian did before him, Bertram follows the same path. Balancing past the first Blade, tumbling underneath the second and then folding past the third razor. But as he wants to jump he slips and feels the high speed rotating blade touch his armor. The Blade sings as it scratches the Elven Chain, but is unable to cut through. He has to make that jump again and succeeds this time, but fails to tumble and jump past the last to rotating blades. Both blades cut through his armor !! ( Blade 5 does 9 HP damage - absorbed by stoneskin - 94 stoneskin left) ( Blade 6 does 13 HP damage - 10 HP from stoneskin - 3 hp real damage - 70 real HP left - 84 stoneskin left)
Good. So far some minor damage. Hopefully the Guillotine Blades will go equally well ...
Standing in front of the first blade he's able to determine the precise moment when to take a step ... but then everything goes wrong ! Blade after blade comes down on him bashing on his armor. The Second and the last blade cut through his armor again !! (Blade 2 does 20 HP damage - 10 from stoneskin - 10 real HP's - 60 real HP left - 74 stoneskin HP left) (Blade 5 does 24 HP damage - 10 from stoneskin - 14 real HP's - 46 real HP's left - 64 stoneskin HP left)
Exhausted he reaches the other side and joins Lian. He was less lucky than Lian, but he did make it accros. Congratulations !!
Milo's Blade Run ... [DMiT Inge] [Milo Rolls] (razor) d20+15=25 d20+15=31 d10+8=16 d10+8=13 (guillotine) d20+15=29 2d10(2+9)+10=21 (chance) d100=41 Thursday June 16th, 2005 6:54:36 AM Milo's next ... Gratefully for the enhancements given by Ingrge he proceeds cautiously.
Again the first barrier is like a walk in the park for the nimble Talons ! However jumping definitely isn't Milo's forte. Twice he misses his jumps and feels the cold edge of two razors.
(blade 4 does 16 HP damage - 10 from stoneskin - 6 real HP's - 110 stoneskin HP remain - 64 real HP's remain) (blade 6 does 13 HP damage - 10 from stoneskin - 3 real HP's - 100 stoneskin remain - 61 real HP's remain)
pfew ... nasty ! Only the Guillotines remain. All goes well till he reaches the last Blade. His concentration slips as he sees Lian, Bertram and Ingrge standing on the other side. The last blade comes crushing down on his back fast. (blade 5 does 21 HP - 10 from stoneskin - 11 real HP - 90 stoneskin HP remain - 50 real HP's remain)
Bleeding, Milo reaches his friends. Congratulations !!
Ingrge's Blade Run ... [DMiT Inge] [Ingrge rolls] d20+15=23 (chance) d100=52 Thursday June 16th, 2005 6:55:56 AM Ingrge concentrates on what is about to come. The first set of blades holds no obstacle for him and "he breezes through them like the wind"
In the second barrier Ingrge twists his ankle on his last jump and he feels the razor blade slicing his Robe. Only a minor cut in his Robe. Nothing more . . . all too easy
Skillfully Ingrge dodges the guillotine blades as well. Blade Master !!
Ingrge crosses the Blade Barriers without damage !! CONGRATULATIONS !!!
Gunther's Blade Run ... [DMiT Inge] [Gunther rolls] (pendulum blade) d20+15=20 d20+15=32 d12+5=16 d20+15=16 (rotating) d20+15=23 d20+15=35 d20+15=17 d20+15=31 d20+15=29 d20+15=32 d10+8=11 d10+8=11 d10+8=14 d20+15=25 (guillotine) d20+15=27 d20+15=24 d20+15=33 d20+15=32 d20+15=24 2d10(10+8)+10=28 2d10(6+9)+10=25 (chance) d100=63 Thursday June 16th, 2005 6:56:54 AM Ghunther made sure to watch his friends go through one by one. A bit nervous he starts his run at the blades ... this is the start of a very bloody run ...
Right from the start things start to go terribly wrong. Only the warriors armor and stamina will get him through this barrier. The first pendulum blade only knocks Gunther off course. The fourth blade goes wrong again. This time Gunther can feel the sting of the massive blade !
(Pendulum 4 does 16 HP damage - 10 from stoneskin - 6 real HP-s - 110 stoneskin remain - 76 real HP remain)
The 5th Pendulum blade again knocks Gunther, but his new hide armor provides excellent protection.
From then on Gunther gets knocked and sliced by all remaining blades !!
(Rotating Blade 2 does 11 HP damage) (Rotating Blade 4 does 11 HP damage - crit roll misses) (Rotating Blade 6 does 14 HP damage) (80 stoneskin HP remain - 70 real HP's remain at the end of the rotating blades)
(Guillotine Blade 3 does 28 HP damage) (Guillotine Blade 4 does 25 HP damage) (60 stoneskin HP remain - 37 real HP remain)
Bleeding heavy the warrior reaches the other side of the barrier. He made it ! Congratulations !!
Lian (AC 34, 69hps) (stoneskin 110, bears endurance) Thursday June 16th, 2005 9:02:14 AM
DMiT Inge : Forget to reply to Lian's quesion : "What's on the other side" On the opposite side of the room is an identical door as the one you went through. It won't open till all of you are on this side of the blades.
Combination rolls 5 Pendulum Blades : Reflex DC18 - (lower than 8roll again)31 Reflex DC19- (lower than 9 roll again)26 Reflex DC20 - (lower than 10 roll again)20 Reflex DC21 - (lower than 11 roll again)24 Reflex DC22 - (lower than 12 roll again) 29
Passing 5 blades takes takes 3 rounds !! (18 sec)
Combination rolls 6 Rotating Blades: Balance DC18 (lower than 8 - roll again)15 Tumble DC19 (lower than 9 - roll again)18 Balance DC20 (lower than 10 - roll again)13 Jump DC21 (lower than 11 - roll again)15 Tumble DC22 (lower than 12 - roll again)13 Jump DC23 (lower than 13 - roll again)8 , 18
K'Nara's Blade Run .... [DMiT Inge] d20+11=30 d20+11=31 d20+11=24 d20+11=30 d20+11=30 d20+6=25 d20+6=13 d20+6=21 d20+1=15 d20+6=11 d20+6=14 d20+1=21 d20+4=12 d20+4=18 d20+4=23 d20+4=21 d20+9=25 d20+9=25 d20+9=13 d20+9=16 (Rotating) d20+15=32 d20+15=24 d20+15=34 d20+15=24 d10+8=9 d10+8=11 (guillotine) d20+15=22 d20+15=17 (spot) d20+1=18 Friday June 17th, 2005 6:47:55 AM
Watching her companions cross the blade barrier, K'Nara makes her attempt for them as well.
Slowly she closes in on the Pendulum Blades, thouroughly studies their movements, and then perfectly crosses this first section !
Combination rolls 5 Pendulum Blades : Reflex DC18 - (lower than 8roll again) 30 Reflex DC19- (lower than 9 roll again) 31 Reflex DC20 - (lower than 10 roll again) 24 Reflex DC21 - (lower than 11 roll again) 30 Reflex DC22 - (lower than 12 roll again) 30
She takes a look around to see if there's anything between the pendulum blades and the rotating ones, but there's nothing to be seen.
Combination rolls 6 Rotating Blades: Balance DC18 (lower than 8 - roll again) 25 Tumble DC19 (lower than 9 - roll again) 13 - FAIL Balance DC20 (lower than 10 - roll again) 21 Jump DC21 (lower than 11 - roll again) 15 - FAIL Tumble DC22 (lower than 12 - roll again) 11 FAIL- roll again 14 - FAIL Jump DC23 (lower than 13 - roll again) 21 - NAT 1 - SUCCES
Dispite her success on the first part, K'Nara fails the second one. She stumbles into Blade 2 and Blade 5, and gruesomly fails her jump over Blade 4.
She's pretty angry that this second part went soo bad. She has to recover her wits to cross the last section.
Passing the first blade was a lucky shot. She failed to figure out it's movement but still got passed the Blade unharmed. In the end she gets sloppy and get's sliced by Blade 3 and Blade 4 !
(Damage rolls for K'Nara)
Rotating : HIT AC32 for 9 HP HIT AC24 : miss HIT AC34 for 11 HP HIT AC24 : miss
Guillotine : HIT AC22 : miss HIT AC17 : miss
K'Nara's Stone skin is reduced to 91 Her HP's are down 1HP
As she reaches the other side she quickly looks around. (spot 18). Suddenly, just behind the last Guillotine Blade she sees a little handle ! She goes over there and pulls ...
You hear the gears and levers you heard before !! The Blades are slowing down !!!! All DC's are lowered by 5
Now Olana and Figment are the last ones to cross the blade barriers. All DC's are lowered by 5 so things will get easier. Still you have to make it accross.
(Inge ooc : the little handle could not be detected from the other side of the room (visibility blocked by the blades ...). I hoped the first one accros would make a spot check, but no one did ... thus I made chance rolls hoping someone would accidentally stumble upon it ... I rolled lousy ... Maybe I should have given a few clues there was a way to make things easier. Rookie mistake to assume players can outsmart their DM constantly ?)
DMiT Inge : OOC Friday June 17th, 2005 6:54:39 AM
Figment, please make your turn !!
K'Nara and Olana were the only ones who told me they could have trouble posting. I asked a replacement for both (no one was willing ?!?) and Nellie volounteerd yesterday to roll for Olana. I had to roll K'Nara myself)
There are more tests ahead, we need everyone to post consistently !!
Olana's Blade Run ... [DMiT Inge] d20+15=28 d20+15=29 d20+15=18 d20+15=27 d10+8=17 d10+8=17 d20+15=31 2d10(8+4)+10=22 Friday June 17th, 2005 7:09:23 AM
Olana sees the Blades slow down ! Maybe now things will get easier. Better not linger too long for who knows exactly how long these blades will be inactive ?
Boldly she passes the Pendulum Blades. No problems there.
Next she prepares to overcome the Rotating Blades. Although the blades are now easier to pass, things are still tricky.
She succeeds to pass the first two blades. But then fails on the 4 remaining ones.
HIT AC28 : for 17 HP HIT AC29 : for 17 HP HIT AC18 miss HIT AC27 miss
A bit distracted from the rotating blades Olana fails to pass the first Guillotine Blade and get's sliced on her back.
HIT AC31 for 22 HP
Olana's Stoneskin is reduced by 30HP to 90HP's Her real HP's are down by 28 to 41HP
Lian (OOC) Friday June 17th, 2005 7:53:27 AM
OOC: I will play for Donna, but I don't feel qualified to play K'nara. I also don't have her most current sheet. The most recent sheet I have for her is August of 2004.
As for Olana, I could play for her, but running so many characters can't be good for ones sanity. ;) I also don't have HER current sheet.
Sigh... is DEH (Figment), at WoldCon too? I could play him as well. :D
Nellie Friday June 17th, 2005 8:43:20 AM
Jay, it's cool. I'll run Olana if needed. I just got the sheet yesterday and Jan beat me to the punch.
Kent Friday June 17th, 2005 5:18:18 PM
(OOC: I told Jan that I could play Olana for her if she needed someone to....)
Lian Saturday June 18th, 2005 12:49:04 AM
The monk stands, waiting.
Vacationing DM Donna Saturday June 18th, 2005 2:34:56 AM
Quick check-in from WoldCon 2005:
Thank you, Jay, for offering to post for K'Nara.
Thank you, Nellie, for offering to post for Olana.
Inge, you will have to roll for Figment, as it appears that David--Figment's player--is incommunicado. (Nobody's heard from him lately.)
K'Nara (AC 33, HP 114??/114, Cat's Grace, Stoneskin [120??pts] ) Saturday June 18th, 2005 9:53:48 AM
OOC: How many of Knara's hps are gone as well as stoneskin?
The auburn haired talon stands waiting for the remaining mage. Finally, her temper flares. "Damnit Fig, stop fiddling with that wall and just run through it... if Gunther can make, you can too." She winks at the large warrior jokingly.
Figment (Cat's Grace +4) Saturday June 18th, 2005 10:29:15 AM
The mage sighs, casts teleport on himself and appears next to the others. "No way I'm walking through all of that...".
Lian Sunday June 19th, 2005 10:36:08 AM
Lian lets out a laugh at Figments comment.
Knara (Sub Jay B) Sunday June 19th, 2005 10:38:33 AM
The red-head rolls her eyes and turns on the the next door. "What next?"
Olana Sunday June 19th, 2005 8:11:54 PM
((OOC - Inge and my fellow players. Sorry about the patchy posts. I figured I'd have more time and might be twiddling my thumbs a bit, giving me time to post. Alas, not so! Back home now.))
Olana emerges from the other side of the blade traps, feeling their sting. "One of those things could have sliced my arm off," she says, looking enviously at Figment's smooth transition. Glancing over at Milo and noticing him hurt too, she pulls out a couple of bandages. "If we work on one another we could stop the bleeding, at lest."
Brother Bertram AC31 hp 71(73)Stoneskin (64) Cats Grace +4 4d8(2+8+1+5)+9=25 Sunday June 19th, 2005 10:28:48 PM
Bertram prays over his wounds quickly stopping the flow of blood as the power of Domi moves through his battered body.
((OOC Cure Crit subbed for Restoration-healed 25))
On to the next test ... [DMiT Inge] Monday June 20th, 2005 3:37:43 AM
FIgment doesn't care too much about the blades and ... suddenly he stands next to all of the other adventurers (ooc : EXCELLENT thinking :-D )
Ingrge's 7 servants have all been able to flow through the door and used various tiny little save places to cross the blades unharmed.
The moment all of you are standing on the other side of the blades you can hear the blocking mechanisms unlock the doors again and all blades dissapear. Now only silence remains in this room. The bones of those that tried to cross this room before you are now the sole evidence of the horror you managed to cross skillfully. Test 1 complete. Well done.
Slowly you open the door, and much to your surprise you are back at the same place you first entered the door ! You can tell by the carcass that hangs right in front of the door ... the only difference is the wall that first stood on the left of the door now stands on the right - blocking your way up.
The only way is down ...
The hideous core still on your left hand side, the wall to your right.
(DMiT Inge ooc : make spot and listen checks from time to time. They can be usefull ... )
DMiT Inge : Active Spells Summery (please verify) Monday June 20th, 2005 3:50:26 AM
K'nara : Stone Skin 98'00" - max 91 HP's
Olanna : Stone Skin 108'00" - max 90 HP's
Lian : Stone Skin 98'00" - max 110 HP
Gunther : Stone skin 108'00" - max 60 HP
Ingrge : Stone skin 108'00" - Max 120 HP Unseen servant (7) 11 hours 48'00" Tenser's Floating Disk(3) 11 hours 48'00"
Bertram : Stone Skin 98'00" - Max 64 HP
Figment :
Milo : Stone Skin : 108'00" - Max 90 HP
Ingrge:HP 100/100 (120 stoneskin) ; AC 33: unseen servant (7), tenser's disk (3), spell resistance 18%, Imunities: sleep,detect thoughts, discern lies, detect alignment d20+6=13 d20+9=21 d20+8=22 Monday June 20th, 2005 7:54:45 AM
Looking around, Ingrge grins.
"Well that certainly was fun. Though you might have thought about that spell a bit earlier Figment and saved some of us some trouble. If you have any potions or such for healing, I would make use of them now before we don't have time. I guess someone is trying to tell us that we should go down."
Listen 13 search 21 spot 22
Stone skin 108'00" - Max 120 HP Unseen servant (7) 11 hours 48'00" Tenser's Floating Disk(3) 11 hours 48'00"
Figment Monday June 20th, 2005 9:11:34 AM
The mage nods to Ingrge "Everybody began their traverse before I could cast...oh well, looks like everyone is still intact.". He follows the others down the treacherous path.
Lian (AC 34, 49hps) d20+19=27 d20+9=22 d20+4=15 d20+15=27 Monday June 20th, 2005 9:31:42 AM
Two hero points spent. One left.
ACTIVE SPELLS: Stoneskin 110 (Figment)[98mins]
Stunning Attacks: 0 used Enlarge Tat: 0/3 Bull's Str Tat: 1/2
Prepared Spells for Izen trip: Guidance, Create Water Divine Favor x2, Shield of Faith, Sanctuary(domain)
Lian looks at the hole infront of the Talons and then looks up at K'Nara. "Now what?" He askes.
K'Nara (AC 33, HP 114/114, Cat's Grace, Stoneskin [91pts] ) d20=14 d20=7 d20=13 d20+1=4 Monday June 20th, 2005 9:49:49 AM
Active Spells: Stone Skin 98'00" - max 91 HP's
The red-head looks at Lian, but says nothing. She turns looking at the hole and scratches behind her ear, brushing an auburn strand from her eye. "I'm not good with this sort of puzzle. Only way seems to be down." (INT 14, Listen 7, Search 13, Spot 4)
DMiT Clarification !! Monday June 20th, 2005 12:01:36 PM
Maybe I described this wrong, but ahead of you there's still the stairs you went down with !! To your left is the core, to your right the wall, behind you a wall forcing you to go down the stairs following the spiral path ...
I don't want you to jump into the core !!
(though I would LOVE to see the result of that)
Hope this is clear ?
:-)
DM Donna from Vacationland Monday June 20th, 2005 1:41:28 PM
This is an OOC message: hurry up. ;)
The Talons are on a time limit--this should be uppermost in their minds.
And, no--even K'Nara would know to NOT leap into the shaft...judging from the wind and the other (yick!) bodies, it would not be a good idea.
Jay B Monday June 20th, 2005 1:54:55 PM
OOC: Sorry. I didn't remember the description.
Lian Monday June 20th, 2005 1:55:24 PM
"Milo should take point, I should think."
Knara Monday June 20th, 2005 1:55:55 PM
"Lets move Talons."
Gunther (AC 28, HP37/82) Stone Skin (60), Animated Shield d20+1=14 d20+1=20 Monday June 20th, 2005 3:09:10 PM
Bleeding badly, Gunther scoots toward Lian. "If you don't mind, could you heal me vhile ve go?" Gunther chuckles at the interactions between the others, but is more than a little antsy...if that we the first test, how bad are the other's going to be?!
Should Lian be unwilling/unable to heal him with his wand, Gunther will heal himself with his tattoo.
Gunther walks along with the others doing his best to keep his eyes and ears open for trouble (Spot=14, Listen=20).
Active spells Stone skin 108'00" - max 60 HP
Ingrge d20+6=25 d20+9=29 d20+8=26 Monday June 20th, 2005 4:47:55 PM
As he falls into place somewhere in the middle of the group, Ingrge hears Gunther and tosses him a CSW potion and tells him to drink up. Moving along he keeps his eyes and ears open and taking in any information he can.
Listen DC 25 search DC 29 (Natural 20) spot DC 26
Milo (AC 29; Stoneskin hp 90; hit points 50) Monday June 20th, 2005 8:36:32 PM
Milo nods in agreement with Lian and K'nara, "Indeed, on we go." Milo heads down the stairs keeping his eyes open for further traps, though not slowing to do so.
Brother Bertram AC31 hp 71(73)Stoneskin (64) Cats Grace +4 Monday June 20th, 2005 9:15:56 PM
Bertram follows along with the others, trying to spot the next challenge. He prays to Domi for guidance, and Gargul as well considering where they are.
Olana 50?/69 HP, AC 30 (with new gloves)Stone Skin 108'00" - max 90 HP's 2d8(2+3)+3=8 2d8(6+1)+3=10 d20+16=30 d20+17=28 Monday June 20th, 2005 11:50:27 PM
After a quick patch up (Heal 1 point?), and a sharp *ding* with the cure moderate wounds wand on herself and Milo -
Olana 9 points back Milo 11 points back
"Anyone else?" the elf will ask -
Olana moves toward the front and keeps her eyes and ears open as they move downward.
SPOT DC 30 LISTEN DC 28
Test 2 : Only the Wise One Will Pass ... [DMiT Inge] Tuesday June 21st, 2005 5:25:05 AM
An hour goes by as you gradually walk down the spiral staircase. Still you can not see the bottom of this structure. By now you must be hundreds of feet below the ground ! Along the path the symbols of Marteaus are all around. Painted and carved pictures of the Army of Marteaus conquering the Wold, a worshipping to death and disease.
Nothing appears to be blocking your way down. This starts to get boring !! When will this come to an end ?!? After all, you need to get to the vault in less than 4 hours now !!
Suddenly you can see 2 doors on the opposite side of the core with two guards standing in front of it. Only 2 doors ... on the other side of them, the path simply continues.
As you close in on the guards they are what appears to be constructs. Placed here to guard these doors indefinetely. The doors are made from an exotic extremely hard metal - no cracks, only one handle on each door.
On the wall to your right hangs another golden plaque, this time written in Elves :
"Two doors that lead to destiny Two Guards to help you choose One door unleashes terror One door let's you through One Guard that always lies One Guard that always speaks truth One question to ask wisest of all"
Both doors are identical. Strong magic surrounds them and create an inpenetrable shield. You will have to open one of them to get through, no magic trick will get you to the opposite side of this wall.
You can ask one question to only one guard - what language does the guard speak ?!? (don't ask him for that would be your One Question :-D ). The correct question WILL tell you what the safe door is. You don't know what guard is lying and what guard speaks the truth. You can think about it, but don't think too long. Time IS ticking. Or you can simply open a door you like ...
... tick ... tack ... tick ... tack ...
- 3 hours - 48 minutes - 00 seconds -
DMiT Inge : Active Spells Summery (please verify) Tuesday June 21st, 2005 5:33:43 AM
K'nara : Stone Skin 38'00" - max 91 HP's
Olanna : Stone Skin 48'00" - max 90 HP's
Lian : Stone Skin 38'00" - max 110 HP
Gunther : Stone skin 48'00" - max 60 HP
Ingrge : Stone skin 48'00" - Max 120 HP Unseen servant (7) 10 hours 48'00" Tenser's Floating Disk(3) 10 hours 48'00"
Bertram : Stone Skin 38'00" - Max 64 HP
Figment :
Milo : Stone Skin : 48'00" - Max 90 HP
Lian (AC 34, 49hps) d8+1=3 d8+1=2 d8+1=9 d8+1=3 d8+1=8 d8+1=5 d8+1=3 d8+1=4 d8+1=9 d8+1=8 Tuesday June 21st, 2005 8:02:31 AM
Two hero points spent. One left.
ACTIVE SPELLS: Stoneskin 110 (Figment)[38mins]
Stunning Attacks: 0 used Enlarge Tat: 0/3 Bull's Str Tat: 1/2 Cure light Wand: down 10 charges
Prepared Spells for Izen trip: Guidance, Create Water Divine Favor x2, Shield of Faith, Sanctuary(domain)
"Absolutely Gunther." The monk taps the giant warrior with his wand, several times as they move. (heals 25) "There you are big guy. That help?"
Then he turns his wand on Milo. (heals 29)
Coming upon the doors, Lian reads the words to Gunther, knowing the man is slowly learning the elven language. "It says...."
"Two doors that lead to destiny Two Guards to help you choose One door unleashes terror One door let's you through One Guard that always lies One Guard that always speaks truth One question to ask wisest of all"
"I think we, as a group, get ONE question to determine which guard is which.
We just need a question that has a simple answer. Like, is this red? Or am I a dwarf?" He says under his breath to the others.
The monk smirks. "We could just play the 'Eany, meany' game." He says, pointing back and forth the the doors.
DMiT Inge : Yes, the guards will only answer with YES or NO. And yes you as a group only get one question.
Figment Tuesday June 21st, 2005 2:21:10 PM
The mage clears his throat before the others begin to speak much. "It is simple enough to figure out which guard will tell us the truth. We simply ask one of them if the other one tells the truth. If he says yes, then you know the one speaking is the liar. If he says no, then you know the one speaking is telling the truth. But then we have no ability to find out which door we should take because we've burned our question. So let's see...How to ask such that we can get the answer...".
Ingrge:HP 100/100 (120 stoneskin) ; AC 33: unseen servant (7), tenser's disk (3), spell resistance 18%, Imunities: sleep,detect thoughts, discern lies, detect alignment Tuesday June 21st, 2005 6:49:28 PM
Brother Bertram, By any chance would you have an augury spell handy? If so I would assume we check to see if asking a particular guard would have good or bad results. Then we simply ask the correct guard the needed question. If you do have such a spell though, I might suggest moving away from these guys so they don't mistake your augury for a question aimed at them.
Stone skin 48'00" - Max 120 HP Unseen servant (7) 10 hours 48'00" Tenser's Floating Disk(3) 10 hours 48'00
Milo (Stoneskin hp 90) Tuesday June 21st, 2005 9:16:47 PM
Milo nods his thanks for the healing to Lian, and hugs Olana briefly before continuing on. As they reach the doors with the two guards he grimaces. Clearly this wasn't a test for him. He looks toward the wiser of his friends for assistance.
Gunther (AC 28, HP79/82) Stone Skin (60), Animated Shield d20+1=20 3d8(7+5+2)+3=17 Tuesday June 21st, 2005 10:40:45 PM
Gunther smiles as Lian heals him, and then he gulps down Ingrge's potion and feel muuuch better (17 healed).
Petrified that he will blurt out something stupid and ruin the test, Gunther claps his hand over his mouth in a comical, almost childish action as the inscription is read. Still, he mulls over the riddle in his mind as he listens to the others (Int=20!!)...particularly Figment and Ingrge. Slowly, he uncovers his mouth as he whispers to the others "Vell, if somevon can tell who is lying, den couldn't ve just ask de guards vich door vill let us through? Den ve vould have de answer vouldn't ve?" Gunther looks up hopefully, not used to have such brainstorms.
OOC: I know Gunther doesn't know this, but **I** can see that Ingrge up there has Detect Lies...so if we ask about the doors and he focuses on one of the guards, we'll know which one is lying and will have our answer.
Olana Wednesday June 22nd, 2005 1:31:51 AM
Olana gets into a huddle with the others. "I had a notion," she whispers, "just something that popped into my head. How about if we present the question to one of the guards like this -
"If I asked the other guard if it was safe to go through the door on the left, what would he say?
"Okay, now if the LEFT door IS the correct one, and we ask the liar - he's gonna answer no, because he's a liar, right? If we ask the one who tells the truth that question, he'll also say no, because he knows the liar will lie and tell us the wrong one. So, that follows that whatever they tell us in answer to that - we always do the opposite."
Olana blinks and scratches her head. "Does that sound about right?"
Brother Bertram AC31 hp 71(73)Stoneskin (64) Cats Grace +4 Wednesday June 22nd, 2005 4:24:48 AM
Bertram mulls over the riddle in his mind. Other than asking something such as, "Am I a dwarf?", nothing comes to mind.
They are waiting ... [DMiT Inge] Wednesday June 22nd, 2005 4:48:16 AM
The guards just stand there. Looks like one of you will have to come forward and pop the question you want to ask.
(they are mindless so won't be affected by any detect lies spells - you'll just have to solve the riddle)
ooh ... time goes by at a steady pace ...
Figment Wednesday June 22nd, 2005 8:46:23 AM
The mage smiles at Olana's acumen. "Well done, well done.". Turning to the others, "She's quite right. We can save our magic for the next test.".
Lian Wednesday June 22nd, 2005 10:37:24 AM
Lian looks dumb-foundedly at Olana. "Olana, don't ever let anyone call you dense!" He smiles. "She's right." He says turning to K'Nara, then turning to watch the guards.
Milo Wednesday June 22nd, 2005 9:00:37 PM
Milo grins at Olana, "Well I suppose that settles who the smart one will be in this relationship." Proud, Milo steps back, "Who would like to do the honors?" If no one responds, Milo steps up and asks the question Olana suggested, verbatim.
Ingrge Wednesday June 22nd, 2005 9:46:08 PM
Nice job Olana! Well thought out. Go ahead and ask them the question then and let's be done with it.
Olana Wednesday June 22nd, 2005 11:40:12 PM
"To be honest, I didn't really work it out all on my own," says the elf with a sheepish look. "I seem to remember recovering from the effects of a Green Gnomish a few months back, in the Giggling Ghost, and I overheard some fellows with strange accents talking about a similar problem. "Perhaps I'm a good eavesdropper," she adds with a grin.
"I'll do it," she says, "then if anything goes wrong, it'll happen to me first."
Stepping up to the the guard in front of the door on the left, she asks him clearly -
"If I asked the other guard if it was safe to go through the door on the left, what would he say?
YES ! ... [DMiT Inge] Thursday June 23rd, 2005 2:53:09 AM
The guard in front of the left door looks to Olana as she comes closer to pop her question. After Olana has asked it the guard appears to be in deep thoughts.
Then after a few seconds of thinking he says :
"YES"
Both guards now step aside allowing you to open either of the doors. Your choice ...
Lian Thursday June 23rd, 2005 10:27:12 AM
He simply waits for someone to chose the door.
"The one on the right I think?" He says to noone particular, regardless of the answer.
Olana Thursday June 23rd, 2005 5:18:18 PM
'Oh well, stand back,' says the elf.
Olana opens the door on the RIGHT and steps forward, her hand trembling as she turns the door knob.
Gunther (AC 28, HP79/82) Stone Skin (60), Animated Shield Thursday June 23rd, 2005 10:37:13 PM
Gunther sighs as only one of the guards answers. "Vell, dat's not very helpful." His sword shifting nervously from hand to hand, Gunther follows in after Olana, not willing for the beautiful elven fiance to risk danger all by herself.
Spells in place Stone skin 48'00"???
Figment Thursday June 23rd, 2005 10:53:28 PM
The mage braces for what lies beyond, wishing Olana would let one of the unseen servants do the job.
Milo Friday June 24th, 2005 2:05:39 AM
Regardless of the danger, Milo remains close to Olana the entire time... as she asks the question, and then opens the door.
WELL DONE !!! .... [DMiT Inge] Friday June 24th, 2005 3:54:28 AM
Very carefully Olana opens the right door ... 1 inch ... 2 inches ... 5 ... 10 ... till the door is completely open. Nothing happens !
CONGRATULATIONS !
The question you asked was entirely correct ! Nothing seems to happen from opening this door. You would have known allready if you had opened the wrong door ;-) (fireball ... lvl 15 caster ... from behind you all ... painfull >:-X )
WELL DONE ! You have brilliantly passed Test 2. You wonder how many other tests are ahead of you !!
When you all step through the door it shuts again behind you ... ahead of you ... oh yeah ... the staircase. Ever spiralling down.
On to the next trial, whatever it may be they seem to be inevitable ...
15 minutes down the path again you think you can see the bottom of this structure at last ! (still at least a few 100 ft though) However the stairs start to slightly tilt inwards ... not much ... only a few degrees, but definetely noticable. Looking down you can see the lower levels starting to tilt even more ! This can get dangerous ! You can see them tilting towards the core for almost 20 to 30 degrees a few levels lower !!! You can now feel the treacherous wind on the path as well !! Be carefull friends ...
(make spot and listen checks or whatever you feel like using >:-X )
DMiT Inge : Active Spells Summery (please verify) Friday June 24th, 2005 6:28:01 AM
K'nara : Stone Skin 23'00" - max 91 HP's
Olanna : Stone Skin 33'00" - max 90 HP's
Lian : Stone Skin 23'00" - max 110 HP
Gunther : Stone skin 33'00" - max 60 HP
Ingrge : Stone skin 33'00" - Max 120 HP Unseen servant (7) 10 hours 33'00" Tenser's Floating Disk(3) 10 hours 33'00"
Bertram : Stone Skin 23'00" - Max 64 HP
Figment :
Milo : Stone Skin : 33'00" - Max 90 HP
Figment (Fly) Friday June 24th, 2005 7:46:11 AM
The mage casts fly on himself and flies himself 'down' so that his feet are pressed onto the stairs and away from the gaping pit. He continues on down with the others.
Lian d20+19=35 d20+9=16 d20+2=22 d20+16=36 Friday June 24th, 2005 12:54:19 PM
(Listen 35, Spot 16, Search 22)
(if the talons proceed downward, Balance 36)
"It looks easy enough." Says the monk. "For some reason I would have thought each test would be... I don't know... menacing, I guess." He grins.
Ingrge:HP 100/100 (120 stoneskin) ; AC 33: unseen servant (7), tenser's disk (3), spell resistance 18%, Imunities: sleep,detect thoughts, discern lies, detect alignment concentration d20+12=32 d20+8=14 d20+6=17 Friday June 24th, 2005 9:23:35 PM
Continuing down the path Ingrge continues to try and spot anything that can be seen.
Concentration 32 spot 14 listen 17
Stone skin 33'00" - Max 120 HP Unseen servant (7) 10 hours 33'00" Tenser's Floating Disk(3) 10 hours 33'00"
Milo d20+14=28 d20+16=29 Sunday June 26th, 2005 1:37:59 PM
Milo makes good use of his slippers of spider climb as he traverses the treacherous stairs winding downward. He keeps away from the central shaft as best he can. (OOC: Spot DC 28, Listen DC 29.)
Gunther (AC 28, HP79/82) Stone Skin (60), Animated Shield Sunday June 26th, 2005 11:12:26 PM
Gunther sighs as he sees what's ahead. Not good, not good. Reaching into his pack, he pulls out a scroll and turns to Figment and Ingrge. "Does von of you mind casting anoder stoneskin on me? Looks like I might need it soon."
Spells in place Stone skin 33'00"???
TEST 3 : The Breath of Marteaus ... [DMiT Inge] (slip chances) d100+20=109 d100=1 d100=19 d100=83 d100=51 Monday June 27th, 2005 11:37:09 AM
Slowly you work your way down the curved path. Figment makes onortodox use of a fly spell, but will manage to get down safe. The nimble monk, Lian, wonders what the fuss is all about. It's only a path curved nearly 30 degrees endangering you all to slip into a hideous core ! Milo makes yet another approach and simply crawls on like a spider.
Ingrge (very well concentrated !), Olana, K'Nara, Brother Bertram and Gunther rely on good faith, hoping they won't slip ...
Suddenly Olana feels her feet sliding away beneath her !!!! (rolled a Nat 1)
(Olana make a Ref Save DC24 to keep yourself from sliding into the core. Figment, Lian and Milo are allowed to make a Ref save DC24 to catch Olana and keep her from sliding to the core !!)
Will Olana be shredded to pieces in the Bone Tower ?!?
But only a few levels down this treacherous path yet another test is presented to the Talons.
This time a plaque in Halfling reads :
The Breath of Marteaus
Your path is once again blocked by a door directly in front of you ... from the levels above you could tell there's nothing behind the door either. It's a sturdy door, blokcing your path.
As you come closer, it opens slowly allowing you to go through ...
... tick ... tack ... tick ... tack ...
- 3 hours - 18 minutes - 00 seconds -
DMiT Inge : Active Spells Summery (please verify) Monday June 27th, 2005 11:39:52 AM
K'nara : Stone Skin 8'00" - max 91 HP's
Olanna : Stone Skin 18'00" - max 90 HP's
Lian : Stone Skin 8'00" - max 110 HP
Gunther : Stone skin 18'00" - max 60 HP
Ingrge : Stone skin 18'00" - Max 120 HP Unseen servant (7) 10 hours 18'00" Tenser's Floating Disk(3) 10 hours 18'00"
Bertram : Stone Skin 8'00" - Max 64 HP
Figment : Fly 2 minutes remaining (started at 11 minutes)
Milo : Stone Skin : 18'00" - Max 90 HP
Brother Bertram d20+11=24 Monday June 27th, 2005 2:37:27 PM
Bertram jerks his rope from his belt and throws the end at Olana in a desparate effort to save her. As the rope flies he prays for Domi to guide his hand, and hers. "By the Gods, Catch that rope Elf!"
((OOC rolled a 24 to 'hit' Olana-not sure if it will work but trying))
Lian d20+16=36 Monday June 27th, 2005 5:19:39 PM
Active Spells... Stone Skin 8'00" - max 110 HP
The monk grabs hold of Olana's belt and at the same time his arm snags a rope... A ROPE? (Reflex 36)
"Milo is going to have his hands full, ranger." He says with a grin to the elf, as they both hang over the edge, looking down into the core. (Ouch! Ultra-wedgy!)
Regaining his footing and handing her off to the halfling, the elf continues on.
Reaching the opening door, he looks at the plaque and shrugs. "I don't know halfling. I do know this is too easy." He does NOT enter.
Olana d20+19=28 d20+16=18 d20+17=36 Monday June 27th, 2005 5:41:58 PM
Walking gingerly along the ever declining path, Olana warns the others to watch their step.
"Be careful, it's really, slip - OOHHH!" she exclaims, losing her footing.
Teetering toward the edge, Olana pushes herself backward (made save), then relaxes, so as not to push everyone out of balance, as she feels Lian grab her belt. For a moment, that rope of Bertram's was looking like the best thing since sliced elf bread. "That was close," she whispers, thanking Bertram and Lian. She winks at Milo. "That could have been.... interesting."
She does a SPOT and LISTEN check on the door as they approach. SPOT DC 18 LISTEN DC 36
K'Nara (Stone Skin 8'00" - max 91 HP's) Monday June 27th, 2005 7:27:27 PM
"Good teamwork, everyone!" K'Nara congratulates the Talons, breathing a sigh of relief. "Now we have another door to contend with--Milo...if you'd be so kind as to check for traps once more?" She goes on to pat Lian on the shoulder.
"It's a good thing you were here, monk--that could have gotten QUITE messy!"
MIlo d20+19=22 Monday June 27th, 2005 7:58:44 PM
Milo's hand jerks out to grab Olana, but pulls back as Lian manages to halt her descent. Breathing a sigh of relief, he assists his love the rest of the way down. Once at the open door, Milo takes his time checking for traps, wanting to do a thorough job of it. (OOC: Missed the Reflex save to grab Olana. Taking 20 to search the doorway [this only requires 2 minutes of actual time] for a DC 34 Search check.)
Figment (Fly) d20+24=40 Monday June 27th, 2005 8:30:03 PM
The mage begins to reach for Olana until she regains her balance. He moves down with the others. "Good we seem to be near the bottom...". He begins to scan upwards from time to time to see if they are being watched or scryed (Arcana 40).
Gunther (AC 28, HP79/82) Stone Skin (60), Animated Shield d20+1=20 d20+1=3 Monday June 27th, 2005 9:45:02 PM
As he peers at the door, Gunther mumbles "The breath of Marteaus...that stinks." The large warrior makes a cursory examination of the surrounding area (Spot=20, Listen=3), but he is more than a little hesitant to just barely into the room...especially after what happened in the first room. He watches with fascination as Milo sets about checking for traps.
Spells in place Stone skin 18'00"
Lian Tuesday June 28th, 2005 5:02:14 AM
The monk blushes a bit at Knara's comment. "Well, I would hope any of you would do the same for me."
He looks at Olana and Milo. "Have anyone in mind for 'Best Man'?" He askes, with a joking wink.
The Breath of Marteaus (part 2) ... [DMiT Inge] Tuesday June 28th, 2005 5:46:15 AM Olana is really lucky to have friends who would risk their lives in order to save her. She was able to brace herself, but this didn't stop her friends from grabbing her to avoid a nasty fall ... euh ... rise ? ...
The open door is less appealing to the talons than a barred iron door would be ! Looking through the door all you see is the path that continues down ! Something's fishy about that door, that's for sure ...
Milo spends valuable time to check out the door for possible traps. He can't find anything ... still it smells magic. But there's absolutely nothing about the door nor the entrace that could activate a trap, be plain or magic !
Figment waits for Milo to inspect the door and takes a look to the upper and lower levels. The bottom is in sight ... most likely the vault will be down there somewhere. When looking up he can see a shimmering moon that hangs directly over the tower and all the levels you've crossed so far. There's no sign of the necromancer so it seems. From this perspective the core looks even more threatening. The razor sharp spikes would shred you to pieces before you would be blown out of the tower !
... oh ... there's something else Figment notices when he looks down ! What's that !! Down there in the distance he can see a wooden bridge going from one side of the tower core to the other !! You won't have to cross that, would you ?!?
Ingrge's servants are dumbly staring throught the open door, and even though they are mindless, they must think what in the Wold you are doing staring at an open door !
Two minutes later Milo found nothing more ...
the door is open ... beyond the door, the path ... no time to waste my friends. Remember you had 5 hours to reach the vault, and from what Figment saw you can expect more challenges to await you further down the track ...
whuhahahahaha
... tick ... tack ... tick ... tack ...
- 3 hours - 16 minutes - 00 seconds -
DMiT Inge : Active Spells Summery (please verify) Tuesday June 28th, 2005 5:49:36 AM
K'nara : Stone Skin 6'00" - max 91 HP's
Olanna : Stone Skin 16'00" - max 90 HP's
Lian : Stone Skin 6'00" - max 110 HP
Gunther : Stone skin 16'00" - max 60 HP
Ingrge : Stone skin 16'00" - Max 120 HP Unseen servant (7) 10 hours 16'00" Tenser's Floating Disk(3) 10 hours 16'00"
Bertram : Stone Skin 6'00" - Max 64 HP
Figment : Fly ENDED
Milo : Stone Skin : 16'00" - Max 90 HP
K'Nara (Stone Skin 6'00" - max 91 HP's) Tuesday June 28th, 2005 8:58:00 AM
The tall blade singer frowned.
"That seems deceptively simple, doesn't it?" she said out loud, then sighed and began to continue the trek. "Time's a-wastin', people. Let's get going."
Ingrge Tuesday June 28th, 2005 1:26:56 PM
"Knara wait a moment. Let me send one of the servants through first. I don't know if it is enough or not but it's worth a try. Ingrge then turns and motions for one of the servants to go through the open doorway.
Brother Bertram AC31 hp 71(73)Stoneskin (64) Cats Grace +4 Tuesday June 28th, 2005 4:54:31 PM
Bertram keeps his rope lashed lightly to his belt, his axe at the ready, knowing full well it probably wont save them from the manner of threat they will face.
Figment d20+24=32 d20+24=39 Tuesday June 28th, 2005 5:17:34 PM
The mage waits for the servant to go through. He looks the door over to see if anything jumps out at him - so to speak... (Spellcraft 32, Arcana 39). After Ingrge is satisfied he walks through with the others.
Olana d20+16=33 d20+17=28 Tuesday June 28th, 2005 6:57:46 PM
Olana chews her lip, watching as Ingrge's unseen sevant goes through the doorway, although she has one eye on the surrounding area. After all, you just never knew what 'things' could be lurking about.
Spot DC 33 Listen DC 28
Milo d20+14=17 d20+16=26 Tuesday June 28th, 2005 9:30:06 PM
Seeing nothing, Milo proceeds through the door and onward, ever watchful for danger. (OOC: Spot DC 17, Listen DC 26)
Brother Bertram AC31 hp 71(73)Stoneskin (64) Cats Grace +4 Tuesday June 28th, 2005 10:04:50 PM
Bertram puzzles over the door then looks back behind them to see if anything looks wrong. He looks for anything that might injure him or his companions from behind.
Gunther (AC 28, HP79/82) Stone Skin (60), Animated Shield d20+1=20 d20+1=9 Tuesday June 28th, 2005 11:54:23 PM
The large warrior shifts restlessly from foot to foot as he waits to see what challenge faces them now. He waits for the unseen servant to go forward and then readies himself to enter the room with the others (Spot=20, Listen=9).
Spells in place Stone skin 16'00"
Lian d20+9=10 d20+4=9 d20+19=22 d20+15=16 d20+6=13 d20+6=17 d20+2=12 Wednesday June 29th, 2005 4:08:48 AM
The elf waits with the others as they search out a solution to the mysterious and spooky door.
(Spot 10, Search 9, Listen 22, Move Silently 16 and Hide 13)(WIS 17, INT 12)
The hand of Domi begins to fidget and is not as quiet as normal. All the murals of Marteaus and disease start to seep into the quiet mind of the monk. He looks over his shoulder, at the ceiling and all over the room. He begins to hear bizarre noises. His reasoning and rational mind begins to get spooky thoughts.
The Breath of Marteaus (Part 3) ... [DMiT Inge] Wednesday June 29th, 2005 4:39:52 AM
Carefully one of Ingrge's servants approaches the door.
Just as he is about to pass the door you can see a flash of blue light !! You all feel swirling around for a split second, and once the light has cleared ...
... you are ALL standing on the other side of the door, closed now, in a dark damp square room 60ft by 60ft ... Looks like this door has activated some teleportation circle ...
On the ground you see countless partially devoured bodies in various stadia of decay. The stench of these decomposing bodies is revolting !
(make FORT DC18 or you start vomiting for 2 rounds - failing renders you unable to attack, cast spells, concentrate on spells, or do anything else requiring attention. You can make a single move action only)
On the opposite side of the room bodies are piled up against the wall ...
... a hissing noise ... the sound of thousands of bugs ? ... gas ? ... ants ? ...
There appears to be no door on the other side !! Hopefully there is one !! It might be blocked by those bodies ... Better find a way out of here presto !!!
... tick ... tack ... tick ... tack ...
- 3 hours - 15 minutes - 54 seconds -
K'Nara (Stone Skin 6'00" - max 91 HP's) d20+12=29 Wednesday June 29th, 2005 1:18:55 PM
"Gods!!!" K'Nara gasped, experiencing a mighty internal battle not to retch right there--it was a battle she managed to win. (OOC: made the Save with a 29.) She coughed and turned to the others.
"Great--well, we're gonna have to push bodies around to keep going forward, it looks like," the cauled blade singer pointed out, "Ingre...if you'd have those assistants of yours help us with this, I know that I'll be grateful!"
Gunther (AC 28, HP79/82) Stone Skin (60), Animated Shield d20+7=24 Wednesday June 29th, 2005 3:39:41 PM
Gunther takes in the stench, breathing deeply...ahhh...just like home (Fort.=24). The smell of rotting corpses reminds him of the parties his clans used to have have after raiding villages. Gunther shakes his head, no...that was then...and besides, K'nara doesn't seem to care for them. "Alright den" Gunther flexes his massive arms. "You vant dem gone...I'll move dem for you." He moves over to the other side of the room and begins hauling corpses out of the way. Spells in place Stone skin 16'00"
Brother Bertram AC31 hp 71(73)Stoneskin (64) Cats Grace +4 Wednesday June 29th, 2005 5:33:20 PM
Bertram sets his shield down and grips his axe in one hand and opens his pack removing several flasks of oil. He holds these with his off hand watching to see if some sort of flesh-eating insects is the problem. If its gas, Alas, he has no cure for that.
Milo d20+12=27 d20+14=32 Wednesday June 29th, 2005 7:53:52 PM
Milo wrinkles his nose at the smell, though he remains composed. He immediately begins looking for the source of the hissing sound. (OOC: Fortitude save DC 27; Spot check DC 32.)
Olana d20+11=28 d20+11=16 d20+17=22 Wednesday June 29th, 2005 8:27:16 PM
Startled, Olana half draws her sword as they appear at the other side of the door and into...
'Ewwwwww,' she says, horrified at the smell. Still, for once her stomach contents decide to stay where they are. And monster moons of Culverwood, look at what Gunther was doing. That man. Honestly.
Listening to the sound, she attempts to discern what it is. KNOWLEDGE NATURE DC 16 (bah) LISTEN DC 22
Brother Bertram AC31 hp 71(73)Stoneskin (64) Cats Grace +4 d20+11=24 Thursday June 30th, 2005 4:24:31 AM
Bertram was thankful that he did not retch in front of the others from the horrific stench.
(Forgot Fort Save-DC 24)
Ingrge d20+16=35 d20+6=25 d20+8=26 Thursday June 30th, 2005 6:29:35 AM
Looking around at the bodies, Ingrge doesn't seem to bothered by the stench. Fortitude 35
Reponding to K'nara, he shrugs. "They may be able to help some, but they can only carry about 20 pounds at a time. They can probably drag a bit more. He sends them over to give gunther what help they can. A well placed fireball moght be better, unless, of course, that smell is flamable.
Listening closely, listen 25Ingrge tries to figure ut what the hissing sound might be and where it is coming from.spot 26
The Breath of Marteaus : LOCUSTS !! ... [DMiT Inge] BB : d20+4=14 Fig: d20+4=23 Gun : d20+4=6 Ing : d20+4=19 K'N d20+4=18 Lia : d20+4=24 Mil : d20+4=21 Ola : d20+4=16 2d6(5+5)=10 d20+4=19 Thursday June 30th, 2005 10:10:00 AM
The revolting stench of the decomposing bodies can not empty the stomachs of our Emerald friends.
Trowing around bodies to look for an exit looks like their best option right now. K'Nara asks Ingrge to command his servants to do the dirty work. Looks like K'Nara won't go near at all !
However, Gunther gets down to business without hesitation ... One by one he picks up the dead bodies ... goo dribbles down on the ground as he lifts them ... rotten chunks fall from the blackened bones. Not only the stench is revolting, but so is the sight !!
By the time Gunther has trown around only a "handfull" of corpses, his hands and clothes are completely drenched with the foul smell and liquids ... he's likely to sleep alone for SEVERAL weeks !!! No way he will wash away that smell right away !
Olana is revolted by Gunthers actions, but Gunther does all this "for the benefit of the group" ... yeah right ... guess he just LOVES this !!
While Gunther starts to clear the back wall, Milo keeps his eyes finely attuned to spot the slightest hint of a door or another exit. There's simply NOTHING to be seen !! Gunther only cleared about 40% of the back wall ... it could be underneath the rest of those bodies ... hopefully
Ingrge's servants help well. These decaying bodies are soo fragile and liquified that they can simply pick up a chunk of flesh and move it around the room with Gunther ... THEY won't be smelly afterwards Gunther !! ...
Olana, Ingrge and Brother Bertram also try to find out what it is they hear ... they don't have to wait long to find out though !!
LOCUSTS !!!
From every little crack in the walls thousands of locusts come swarming in !
(as the locusts fly into the room, you all get an AoO against them)
They seem to be in a feeding frenzy ... the entire room is filled with them, some feed on the corpses, others feel a fresh chunk of meat is more appealing and take their chances on you.
Lian : HIT AC24 - NAT 20 (no crit) ! for 10 HP Lucky for Lian, these are absorbed by his stoneskin (100 HP remaining)
( please list your AC's and HP's guys. I don't think anyone has an AC lower than 23 right ? )
While the swarms are buzzing around your ears it becomes difficult to detect any other noises, but Milo does hear something like a valve that is opened ... more locusts ? ...
GET OUT OF HERE QUICK !!!
... tick ... tack ... tick ... tack ...
- 3 hours - 15 minutes - 48 seconds -
(make Int checks vs unknown DC )
Ingrge:HP 100/100 (120 stoneskin) ; AC 33: unseen servant (7), tenser's disk (3), spell resistance 18%, Imunities: sleep,detect thoughts, discern lies, detect alignment d20+7=16 10d6(3+5+4+3+2+5+4+3+5+5)=40 Thursday June 30th, 2005 11:38:30 AM
INT roll DC 16
Quickly grabbing a scroll Ingrge casts and suddenly, amidst the locusts, appear 40 large, very hungry, bats who immediately get started on a feeding frenzy.
Stone skin 16'00" - Max 120 HP Unseen servant (7) 10 hours 16'00" Tenser's Floating Disk(3) 10 hours 16'00"
Gunther (AC 28, HP79/82) Stone Skin (60), Animated Shield d20+1=3 d20+1=20 Thursday June 30th, 2005 3:21:11 PM
Gunther sighs...The corpses are a lot worse than he was used to...it would be a lot easier if they didn't keep falling apart on him! Oh well...no time to complain. As the swarm arrives, Gunther is so covered in goop that he barely notices the bugs crawling on his skin...still, he takes them as a sign that perhaps it's time to get down to real business. Moving as fast as possible, Gunther begins to shove the bodies out of the way, looking for the exit as he does so (Spot=3). He hums an old orcish work song as he hurriedly flings the corpses out of the way.
Int check=20 (OOC Holy cow, what's up with all the 20's of late???)
Spells in place Stone skin 16'00"
Milo (AC 29; 70 hps) d20+18=23 d20+18=30 d20+13=15 d4+4=8 d4+4=7 d4+4=5 Thursday June 30th, 2005 8:01:28 PM
Seeing the locusts pile into the room Milo thinks of shouting, but manages to keep his mouth shut. Swinging with his short sword, he attempts to bat away the annoying critters. (OOC: Hit AC 23 for the AoO, then AC 30 and AC 15 for 8, 7, and 5 points of damage respectively. I'm assuming they're not evil, so I didn't roll for the holy damage)
(OOC: Heya Guys, I'm going to be outta town all next week with no computer access. If someone wants to take over Milo for me, shoot me an email, and I'll send you his character sheet. Thanks.)
Lian (AC 34, 49hps, stoneskin) d20+3=17 d20+7=18 d20+2=18 d20+3=14 d20+8=12 Thursday June 30th, 2005 8:36:25 PM
Two hero points spent. One left.
ACTIVE SPELLS: Stoneskin 110 (Figment)[?mins]
Stunning Attacks: 0 used Enlarge Tat: 0/3 Bull's Str Tat: 1/2
Prepared Spells for Izen trip: Guidance, Create Water Divine Favor x2, Shield of Faith
INT check 18
(OOC: Why was Lian's stoneskin absorbing the hits? Lian's AC is 34, not 24... he shouldn't have taken a hit or damage at all.)
DMiT Inge : Because I rolled a natural 20 on the locust attack. Nat 20's always hit.
The monk quickly casts sanctuary. (Concentration 17, Spellcraft 18)[He will not cast if the locusts would hinder his spell.] His spell should go off without a hitch. (DC 17 Will save negates) He prepares for another action.
(Knowledge religion 14, Knowledge arcana 12)
Olana 69/69 AC 30 d20+12=21 d20+16=26 Thursday June 30th, 2005 9:25:51 PM
((Have a good vacation, Chris!))
Olana takes the opportunity to duck low and move straight to the wall. There she begins to travel quickly around it, looking for doors, hatches - anyway out of here, using every elven sense that she has.
If she has to step on/climb over these foul bodies, then that is what she will do.
SEARCH DC21 SPOT DC26
K'Nara (Stone Skin 6'00" - max 91 HP's) d20=14 d20=2 d20=9 Friday July 1st, 2005 12:09:10 AM
K'Nara groaned in disgust...bugs! Yuck!
Then she attempted to help Olana find a way OUT of this stinky hive of critters!
Brother Bertram AC31 hp 71(73)Stoneskin (64) Cats Grace +4 d20+11=14 Friday July 1st, 2005 4:16:25 AM
Bertram scans the walls as best he can looking for a release for the doors or anything to stop the onslaught. He reslings his shield and checks each wall from east to west.
Kent Friday July 1st, 2005 7:42:52 AM
(ooc: chriss I will run Milo for you if you want. And I promise not to let mean ole Ingrge do anything bad to him.)
The breath of Marteaus : ... WHERE'S THE DOOR ?!? ... [DMiT Inge] d4=3 d20+4=13 d20+4=18 d20+4=15 d20+4=12 d20+4=15 d20+4=16 d20+4=20 d20+4=16 Friday July 1st, 2005 11:50:26 AM
The swarms wash over you blocking your sight and all. Ingrge's bats are able to take out a fair portion of them, but there are thousands ! Milo frantically slashes around and soon squashed bugs are sticking all over his short sword.
Gunther notices the problems of the locusts and starts trowing around corpse after corse. Goo gushes around him and splatters all over the place. The stench seems to get worse and worse. Then suddenly a thought hits him ...
IS there another door !!?!? He shouts to the others telling his thoughts ! Olana can't seem to find anything that even remotely resembles cracks that could lead to an opening and feels Gunther might be right ! ... where's the exit then ?!? ... the entrance ?!?
But the a piston can be heard ... yellow green fumes seep through little holes in the ceiling and seem to fall over the entire room ! CLOUDKILL !!
( -3 CON damage - make FORT save DC25 for -1 CON damage - DON'T FORGET TO RECALC HP's ! )
The locusts don't seem to be affected by the poisonous fumes. This brand must be immune to poison then !
the contnue to nibble on you all ... but this time all they do is harass you ...
Brother Bertram AC31 hp 71(73)Stoneskin (64) Cats Grace +4 d20+11=22 d20+11=17 Friday July 1st, 2005 1:59:01 PM
Bertram fights to a wall quickly and runs his hand over the walls slowly, trying to remain calm as he searches for anything that feels amiss. Trying for any sort of a door or a release for himself and his companions. He begins on the wall closest to him and moves as best he can coughing and hacking as he goes. ((OOC FORT Save 22))
DMiT Inge : Cloudkill got to you too. You failed your save so you take -3 CON damage. You drop from 17 to 14 or from a +3 to a +2 ability. You loose 9 HP's because of this. You max HP is now reduced to 64 instead of 73 !
K'Nara (Stone Skin 6'00" - max 91 HP's) d20+12=31 d20=1 d20=3 d20=11 Friday July 1st, 2005 5:12:10 PM
K'Nara coughs and gags but is otherwise unaffected by the poisonous gas. (OOC: made her Fort save with a total of 31.) She dismisses Gunther's suggestion (OOC: rolled a natural 1 for the Int check, sorry!) and continues to try to Search for or Spot another exit. (Search = 3; Spot = 11)
DMiT Inge : I think you lowered your HP's too much. You made the save so you drop from a +4 con to +3 con. This is 11HP's you loose. Starting at 114 that's 103 HP max
Milo (AC 29; -3 Con; 50 hps max) d20+12=15 d20+14=26 Friday July 1st, 2005 8:17:52 PM
Milo heaves as the cloudkill hits him, and frantically begins looking for another door out. (OOC: Failed saving throw DC 15; Search check DC 26)
OOC: Thanks for the offer Kent... but Jay/Lian had his hand up a little faster = )
Lian (AC 34+2 vs evil, 49hps, stoneskin) d20+12=30 Friday July 1st, 2005 9:13:57 PM
Two hero points spent. One left.
ACTIVE SPELLS: Stoneskin 100 (Figment)[5mins54secs] Protection from Evil (self, scroll)[1min]{+2 deflection to AC vs evil creatures, +2 saves vs spells cast by evil creatures, hedges out mind control from evil creatures, and hedges out evil summoned creatures and prevents natural attacks from such creatures, SR can overcome this}
Stunning Attacks: 0 used Enlarge Tat: 0/3 Bull's Str Tat: 1/2
Prepared Spells for Izen trip: Guidance, Create Water Divine Favor x2, Shield of Faith
Having cast sanctuary last round, Lian casts another spell just before his sanctuary ends(this round).
"Ingrge, now might be a good time for that Haste scroll of mine!"
The hand of Domi retrieves from his pants (move action) a scroll and reads it(standard action). He casts protection from evil from the scroll.
"Gunther, I'll join you shortly." He prepares to move to help his large friend.
(Fort save 30, +2 if evil effect/spell)
DMiT Inge : Your HP's drop to 39 because of the cloudkill. You made the save but still suffer -1 CON damage. This brings you to 9 con or a -1 adjustment. You're level 10 so this means -10 HP.
Ingrge:HP 88/100 (120 stoneskin) ; AC 33: unseen servant (7), tenser's disk (3), spell resistance 18%, Imunities: sleep,detect thoughts, discern lies, detect alignment d20+16=31 Monday July 4th, 2005 8:48:39 AM
(Fort save 31)
Activating his staff, a globe of energy encircles the mage (lesser globe of invulnerability).
Once set inside Ingrge, grabs Lian's scroll from out of one of his pockets and casts the spell on his monkish freind as requested.
"Let's move folks, we are in kind of a hurry."
That said Ingrge starts using his keen elven eyesight and senses to search the wall for any sort of hidded egress.
DMiT Inge : Cloudkill effects got to you as well. You made your save but still take -1 CON damage ! Your Con drops from 18 to 17 or from +4 to +3. In your case this means you loose 12 HP's. Max HP is reduced to 88HP instead of 100.
That would be why my Hit points say 88/100 instead of 100/100 :>)
DMiT Inge : I see, but then it appears as though you will be able to heal them up to 100 right away, while con damage isn't repaired that easily :-) Ability damage usually returns 1 point per day ...
Gunther (AC 28, HP73/73) Stone Skin (60), Animated Shield d20+7=15 d20+16=36 d20+16=33 2d8(8+2)+16=26 Monday July 4th, 2005 10:33:49 AM
Panting heavily from all the exertion, Gunther sucks in the fumes deeply (Fort.=15, fail). His lungs on fire, Gunther begins to cough uncontrollably. He simply can't fling the bodies the way he has been...and what's the point?! There's no way out...no way out!! Gunther begins to panic. Gunther bolts for the room's entrance. He slashes desperately at the door trying to get out of this hell hole. "Vhat are you doing?! Dis is de exit...it's all a trap...help me break down dis door!!" he shouts over his shoulder (AC36/33 for 26 dam).
Spells in place Stone skin 16'00"
The Breath of Marteaus : WHERE's GUNTHER ?!? .... [DMiT Inge] d20+4=23 d20+4=21 d20+4=7 d20+4=10 d20+4=19 d20+4=6 d20+4=8 d20+4=24 2d6(2+6)=8 (cloudkill) d4=2 Monday July 4th, 2005 10:54:03 AM
Somehow neither of you ever seem to think that Gunther might have a bright idea ... all of you simply continue to throw bodies around, hugging the wall from one end to the other ...
Locusts swarm around you, while your bats feed themselves ... they are mad from joy ! Never did they have such a feast !!
This time Olana can suddenly feel the locusts sting as they start to nibble on her toes.
(hit AC24 - NAT 20 - 8HP damage)
The sickening effects of the cloud and the incredible stench of the rotten bodies render you all weak. Where's the exit ...
Gunther suddenly panics ! No one listens to his idea but ... he's convinced there's NO WAY OUT !!!
He rushes to the other side of the room again towards the only door you can see and swings his weapon at it !!
...
euh ... where's Gunther ?!?
...
GUNTHER ONLY READ spoiler !! Highlight to display spoiler: {As your weapon is about to hit the door you feel a swirling in your head as you seem to be shifted to another dimension again ! One split second later you're back on the spiral path surrounding the deadly core ... behind you that open door Ingrge's servants wanted to go through earlier !!! You are teleported back ... ! Now where are your friends ?!?}
You all heard his primal scream as he was rushing towards the door and saw the blue light when he dissapeared. Is that it ? Is that the exit ?
But the poisonous fog continues to weaken you all ... all but Gunther that is ...
(CLOUDKILL -2 CON damage - FORT save DC25 for -1 CON damage - recalc your HP's please)
You urgently have to get out of here if you don't want to die in here !!
K'Nara (Stone Skin 6'00" -103/114hp) d20=16 Monday July 4th, 2005 11:58:22 AM
K'Nara finally listens to Gunther. (OOC: this time she DID make a successful Int check with 16!) She notices that he disappears when going back through the door that the Talons entered through.
"Gunther's right! The exit is the entrance--everyone, go back out the door we came through!!!" the tall redhead yells, and then does as she advises.
Olana 59/69 AC 30 d20+11=29 d20+11=28 d20+3=19 Monday July 4th, 2005 12:03:54 PM
Olana's eyes become thin slits and her breathing becomes shallow, in an effort to stop taking in the nasty poison cloud. (Phew! Got lucky with those Fort rolls!) (down -2 CON now? CON 8. That means a -1 mod, therefore loss of 10HPS?)
Well, wherever Gunther had gone - it had to be better than this place. Already she was beginning to wheeze because of the bad air, and she was sure she'd inhaled at least one of those insects. Probably eaten enough for breakfast. AND she fully expected them to be crawling in her hair! Ohhhhh, out, out, had to get out. She runs full tilt for the door.
STR check DC 19
Brother Bertram AC31 hp 69(73)Stoneskin (54) Cats Grace +4 d20+11=29 Monday July 4th, 2005 4:59:49 PM
Coughing and hacking, Bertram hears the command and begins to move back the way they came. As he moves his dwarven soul cant help but glance towards the bodies lying there and see if he saw anything that might have value as he ran by.
DMiT Inge : euhm ... your cat's grace has long expired ...
Lian (AC 34+2 vs evil, -2con(39)49hps, stoneskin) d20+11=30 d20+2=14 Monday July 4th, 2005 6:36:08 PM OOC: DM Inge, I assumed, because this is the tower of Marteaus, that spells had to be cast by evil creatures. I also understand about cloudkill and its effects, it didn't need to be explained, I was simply asking a question about the descriptor (whether the spell in the module was evil or non-aligned). I am all too aware of Lian's hit points, considering the fact he has a 1/3 of most of his party members!!!
DMiT Inge : Sorry Jay. Didn't mean to offend you or anything. Yes the spells are evil alligned. I only checked the HP's everyone listed next to their names and checked if the Cloudkill effects were taken into account. They are nasty I know ... but these are Dragon level tests. Thanks.
Two hero points spent. One left.
ACTIVE SPELLS: Stoneskin 100 (Figment)[5mins48secs] Protection from Evil (self, scroll)[54sec]{+2 deflection to AC vs evil creatures, +2 saves vs spells cast by evil creatures, hedges out mind control from evil creatures, and hedges out evil summoned creatures and prevents natural attacks from such creatures, SR can overcome this} Bull's Strength: (self, tattoo, 3min)
Stunning Attacks: 0 used Enlarge Tat: 0/3 Bull's Str Tat: 2/2
Prepared Spells for Izen trip: Guidance, Create Water Divine Favor x2, Shield of Faith
Con is now at 8.
Lian begins to fade. It would seem that whoever is controlling this tower is enjoying and trying by all their might to kill heroes. (Made save again! fort 30, -1 con)
The monk was heading to help Gunther with the bodies, when the huge warrior turns 180 degrees make bolt straight to the door. Having watched him, the monk is shocked to see him vanish. He bolts toward the door with all haste!
He activates his Bull's Strength tattoo to help with the door. (He is going to assist anyone trying to exit, and possibly carry someone. Strength Check 14 to assist, +2 to opening the door!!!)
Milo (AC 29; -5 Con; 40 hps max)[sub Jay B] d20+1=16 d20-1=19 Monday July 4th, 2005 6:46:52 PM
Looking around for the way out, Milo can't seem to find the other door by searching. However, having seen his fiancee run for her life toward the door, Milo decides to do the same. He runs for the door. "Olana, dear. If I can't get out *cough* of here, use your bracelet*sputter* to call me!" Says the halfling as he thrusts his shoulder into the door, assisting the others. (strength 16, to assist, +2 to opening the door) (fort save 19, failed, -2 con)
Gunther (AC 28, HP73/73) Stone Skin (60), Animated Shield Tuesday July 5th, 2005 9:48:24 AM
Black goop drips on the stone stairway as Gunther pants and wheezes. He looks dully at the open doorway in front of him and then breathes a sigh of relief. He was free!! But then a terrifying thought comes to him. K'nara! Gods, K'nara's still stuck in there!!! Indecision wracks his small little brain. He really doesn't want to go back there again, but K'nara and the others were stuck. He waits a few seconds for his friends to appear...but if they do not, he will once more enter the room that leads to death.
Ingrge:HP 76/100 (120 stoneskin) ; AC 33: unseen servant (7), tenser's disk (3), spell resistance 18%, Imunities: sleep,detect thoughts, discern lies, detect alignment d20+7=22 d20+16=27 Tuesday July 5th, 2005 9:50:39 AM
INT 22
Muttering to himself as he realizes that they will have to leave the same way they arrived, Ingrge turns within his globe and faces the door. Taking several deep breaths, knowing he is going to be soon running through the gas, he is glad he did not enter to far into the room. Telling his servants to exit out the door they came through Ingrge takes a very deep breath and bolts for the door.
Somehow he manages to hold his breath until through the door (fort dc 27).
Another test Passed ... well done ! ... [DMiT Inge] Tuesday July 5th, 2005 10:50:18 AM
One by one you run to the door. The moment you come near and touch it or rush into it, you are teleported back to the door you originally went through. Only now you are on the other side ... Seems you've passed yet another test ! Well done !!
Gunther turns around in fear as he has left his friends behind ! Then suddenly K'Nara bumps into him as she materialises in front of the door ! Both roll on the floor and K'Nara ends up lying on top of Gunther ... A few moments later you all come rushing through the door stumbeling over one another ! Then only a split second later, Ingrge's servants pop through the door !
You passed the Breath of Marteaus. A foul test, and it weakened you a lot. Aparently those who entered before you thought like you did and all ran to the other side of the room hoping to find another exit. That's why they were piled up against that wall ...
Still time is running out, and you haven't reached the vault yet. There's no time to recover long !
Ahead of you the path simply winds down. Behind you that devious door simply shuts again. Ready to "welcome" those who will try this test after you ... (ooc make any checks or precautions you feel appropriate to continue walking on that tilted spiral path ... remember ;-) )
Just how much longer can you all stand up against these test that are clearly designed to only let the bravest warriors pass ... could it be ? ... are the Emerald Talons the bravest ? Let's hope so ...
WELL DONE my friends !!
... tick ... tack ... tick ... tack ...
- 3 hours - 15 minutes - 24 seconds -
DMiT Inge : Active Spells Summery (please verify) Tuesday July 5th, 2005 11:00:03 AM
K'nara : Stone Skin 5'36" - max 91 HP's
Olanna : Stone Skin 15'36" - max 90 HP's
Lian : Stone Skin 5'36" - max 110 HP Protection from Evil - 36" Bull's Strength - 2'36"
Gunther : Stone skin 15'36" - max 60 HP
Ingrge : Stone skin 15'36" - Max 120 HP Unseen servant (7) 10 hours 15'36" Tenser's Floating Disk(3) 10 hours 15'36"
"Father Betram, is there anything you can do for those whom were badly debilitated by the gas?"
Lian (AC 34+2 vs evil, -2con(39)49hps, stoneskin) d20+16=18 d20+19=31 d20+17=26 Tuesday July 5th, 2005 9:56:37 PM
Active Spells: Stone Skin 5'36" - max 100 HP Protection from Evil - 36" Bull's Strength - 2'36"
The elf continues on with the group. Hearing Ingrge, Lian nods his head vigorously. Weezing, he says, "Yes, we could use some sort of restoration." His eyes grow large, as he suggest it.
(Balance 18 drat!, Tumble 31, and he has Slow Fall 40ft, reflex 26)
Brother Bertram AC31 hp 69(73)Stoneskin (54) Cats Grace +4 d8+9=13 d8+9=11 3d8(1+3+3)+9=16 Tuesday July 5th, 2005 9:59:06 PM
Bertram nods quickly to Ingrge then quickly prays over his injured comrades. He quickly heals Lian, Milo and Olana as they seem to be weaker than usual from that poisonous cloud. He then heals wounds as he comes to them amongst the group.
(OOC Casts the following: Lian Restoration and Cure Light-13 points Olana Restoration and Cure Light-11 points Milo Restoration Ingrge Cure Serious-16 points(sorry Ingrge lousy rolls) Bertram gave up Neutralize poison for an extra restoration spell. He gave up Detect Evil and Bless for the Cure Light wounds. He gave up Remove curse for the Cure serious wounds)
Milo (AC 29; -5 Con; 40 hps max)[sub Jay B] Tuesday July 5th, 2005 10:02:19 PM
Active Spell: Stone Skin : 15'36" - Max 90 HP
The halfling hastens toward his elven fiancee and gives her a LARGE hug around the waste. "I feel terrible." He pouts, looking up at her.
He activates his slippers of spider climb and proceeds to walk the path.
Gunther (AC 28, HP73/73, -2 CON) Stone Skin (60), Animated Shield d20+7=18 Tuesday July 5th, 2005 10:56:06 PM
As K'nara lands on top of him, Gunther's grin is downright infectious. There's that neck again...mmmmmm.... Gunther begins to pull himself up for a kiss, but notices the others getting healed/getting ready to get back on target. Another time then. Gunther gracefully slides out from under the bladesinger and offers a goop covered hand to help her up. Then it's back to work. He carefully treads the path in front of him (Ref.=18) anxious about what the next test will be.
Spells in place Stone skin 15'36"
Olana 59/69 AC 30 -2 CON d20+16=32 d20+17=18 d20+12=28 Tuesday July 5th, 2005 11:52:31 PM
Olanna : Stone Skin 15'36" - max 90 HP's
"Oh, Milo," croaks the elf, upset at seeing him worse than she was. She hugs him tightly and hugs Bertram, too. "Don't know what we'd do without you," she whispers to the dwarf.
Of course this was no time to wallow in a pool of emotion. She had to be cool, and keep her wits about her, and so once again she starts to descend along the path, taking it very carefully.
SPOT DC32 LISTEN DC 18 CLIMB SKILL DC 28
K'Nara (-1 Con, 103/114hp, Stone Skin 5'36" - max 91 HP's) Wednesday July 6th, 2005 12:23:15 AM
K'Nara is disoriented enough by the sudden relocation that she takes a moment or two to blink and clear her head.
...say...what WAS Gunther trying to do before..?
But it doesn't matter now, as he is standing and holding out a goopy hand to help her up. The blade singer takes the help, getting to her feet...but wiping the goop off on the side of her thigh.
"Are we all here?" she asks, counting heads. "Yes? And the good Brother has restored some of us? Thank you, Bertram! All right--if we're about as ready as we'll be, let's hustle. I'm sure the challenges only get worse from here..."
Brother Bertram AC31 hp 69(73)Stoneskin (54) Wednesday July 6th, 2005 4:28:25 AM
Bertram nods to Olana and smiles somewhat distractedly. His spells were so low and there was much more to come. He prays that they make it through.
TEST 4 : SILENCE ! ... [DMiT Inge] (cloudkill) d4=1 Wednesday July 6th, 2005 6:11:52 AM
Heavily breathing and coughing you all look at eachother ... worried for the damage you took and even more worried for what lies ahead.
Then it hits you ... WHERE'S FIGMENT ?!?!? Just how much damage did he take ?!?
Brother Bertram takes a few moments to try and restore as many negative effects from the Cloudkill as possible. He sprinkles diamont dust over his friends and incants a few powerfull spells.
Lian, Olana and Milo are no longer affected by the poisonous fumes and quickly recover now. (you can alter your HP's again)
Suddenly Figment emerges from the door after all ... He spend one extra round in the poisonous cloud before he acted ...
(Total CON damage for Figment is -6 / Figment failed to enter a single turn at these vital moments for a few consecutive turns - I HAVE to take this into account and can not let him emerge with the others without additional damage. Sorry. Either Figments posting has to improve or someone else should try to enter a post for him. These are important tests and I need everyone sitting at the edge of their seats.)
Dispite these dangerous times, Gunther appears to have "different" intrests in K'Nara at the moment. K'Nara wonders what he's doing, but quickly takes her mind to the business again.
Time to move on now. Time is precious ...
1 hour later you come to a big double door.
SILENCE is written in Gnomes ...
Carefully you all enter the room thouroughly scanning the entrance for traps and stuff. It's safe to enter ...
Once inside the doors close ...
Ahead of you you see a 50ft long by 40ft wide room. Funny things is that there are black and white tiles 5ft by 5ft.
On the table to the left, you find 15 items ... A crown, a tiara, 2 riding hats, 2 tower shields, 2 bishops hats, and 7 simple helmets.
The scariest thing about this room, is that no sound can be heard. If you try to speak, nothing seems to come from your mouth. There's an utter silence, and it looks as though you can not speak ... then what about verbal spells ?!? ...
Close inspection of the room from where you're standing reveals little holes in the ceiling, the tiles and the walls on every tile, every row and every column. Seems you'd better proceed with caution !
(specify your movement in detail with coordinates taken from the map !)
Lian (AC 34, 49hps) Wednesday July 6th, 2005 9:53:43 AM
Lian walks lightly and avoids touching the squares and items on the table. "Hold on... its a chess board!" He says with suprise. Then notices no sound.
He motions for a pen to write with then writes on a blank scroll...
CHESS! The crown wound be the king, the tiara the queen, the 2 riding hats would be the knights, the 2 tower shields the rooks or castles, and 2 bishops hats... well, would be bishops, and finally 7 simple helmets... I would say are the pawns, but there is one missing.
I know chess well friends. I will take what piece is left, or I can be the king.*he smiles* A couple of us may have to be pawns.
The queen is the most powerful piece, as she can move any distance and in any direction stopping when she takes a piece. The king is what we guard, it moves one space at a time. Bishops move diagonally. Rooks move in a straight line. Pawns move one space at a time, however, they take pieces diagonally and they only move forward. And knights are far more complicated. They move in an 'L' shaped pattern. Then he draws a diagram on the blank scroll of the chess board and the layout of pieces for those who may not understand chess.
He hastily scribbles. I would assume the taking of pieces will be EXTREMELY violent!
White ALWAYS plays first.
OOC: DM Inge, what color or colors are the hats? :)
WHITE
Milo (AC 29; 40/70hps max)[sub Jay B] d20+14=24 d20+16=22 d20+14=15 d20+16=30 Wednesday July 6th, 2005 10:01:55 AM
The halfling quickly scans the note Lian wrote and nods once in understanding. He jesters toward the table and carefully moves over to it, also avoiding contact with the black and white tiles. He checks the table and hats for traps. (Search 24, Disable Device 22) Then he carefully checks the tiles for pressure sensitivity. (Search 15 and Disable 30)
Milo points to Ingrge and then yanks a thumb toward the servants, then shrugs. (seems he's asking if they should play too!)
Milo has trap sense +3! And will be proceeding with EXTREME caution.
K'Nara (103/114hp) Wednesday July 6th, 2005 11:50:55 AM
K'Nara studies Lian's message, frowns and hands it to the next person to read. She goes over to where the items are, muttering (silently) until she picks a tower shield, which the blade singer picks up as her lips move silently.
(OOC: In spite of herself, K'Nara is murmuring: "Guess this means I'm a rook." out loud, even though the room is Silenced.)
K'Nara returns to her starting position on the map, and then, with a visibly deep breath, she walks in a direct, straight line to the doors on the other side.
Ingrge:HP 92/100 ; AC 33: unseen servant (7), tenser's disk (3), spell resistance 18%, Imunities: sleep,detect thoughts, discern lies, detect alignment Wednesday July 6th, 2005 12:01:29 PM
Grimacing as K'nara grabs the shield, he furiously adds a note to Lian's.
The servants might could be the other seven of the pieces, but I guess K'nara just became the eighth. but that would mean I would have to be the player in control. I don't know how good I am at this game though.
Brother Bertram AC31 hp 69(73) Wednesday July 6th, 2005 9:22:04 PM
Bertram leans over the table taking the bishop's hat. "Figure this is as close to one of these as the likes of me will ever get anyways.." He grins half-heartedly, tired and worried about his lack of spells remaining. He worries about losing his comrades because he cant help them.
Gunther (AC 28, HP73/73, -2 CON) Animated Shield Wednesday July 6th, 2005 11:19:04 PM
After seeing the items, Gunther struggles to read what the others have written...but then literature never was his strong point. He sighs deeply, which in the silenced area amounts to an exagerated rise and fall of his shoulders. He watches to see whether the invisible whatevers work out...if not, he grabs one of the plain hats figuring that way he won't have to figure out too many fancy moves...that is if he read what Lian wrote correctly. And there it was again...that tingling in the temples that signifies an impending headache from too much mental stimulation...
Olana 69/69 AC 30 Thursday July 7th, 2005 1:58:59 AM
Olana looks baffled at Lian's note. Chess? What was that? She picks up a riding hat, and looks at it. The floor looked like a dance floor in a castle. Was this a kind of dance? Ohhhhh, how annoying this silence was. She looks helplessly at Milo and Lian, who's face suggested they had an idea of what was going on.
Inge OOC Thursday July 7th, 2005 6:30:36 AM WHERE'S DAVID HOTT ??!!??
Has anyone heard from him ? Figment has not made a single post this week, and I had to punish him for that. I'll wait 4 or 5 hours more before posting ...
Jay B (Lian) Thursday July 7th, 2005 11:11:51 AM
OOC: David(Fig), Chris(Milo) and Mark(Bertram) are ALL on vacation. Chris returns Monday. The others are off for a week or two.
I'm subbing for Milo. I believe Kent is posting for Bertram, but I haven't heard who is covering David.
A game of Chess ?!? ... [DMiT Inge] Thursday July 7th, 2005 12:17:23 PM
Looks like many of you are interested in a game of chess ! Each of you makes funny moves to eachother and figure out what to do. "Harry Potter" style games of chess comes to mind ...
But then K'Nara does something funny ... as there are no other pieces on the other side, she takes a tower shield, takes position at A2 and moves in a straight line to A9 ! Then she simply moves of the "board" ...
looks like nothing happend !
There are 15 attributes ... there are 15 of you ...
DETAIL YOUR MOVE !!! Specify what item you take, where you enter the board and HOW YOU MOVE !! Multiple positions can be given to me in one post. Every position takes 1 turn ... CHECK THOUROUGHLY who has taken what and entered where ... a mistake is ... well ... you'll see about that :-D
[DMiT Inge OOC : oh I'm sorry to dissapoint you here guys. It looks as though some were actually expecting a harry potter style game of battle chess. Though this would be extreme fun, it would take us too long and is too difficult to play with 8 players ... sorry ... maybe another time.]
Lian (AC 34, 49hps) Thursday July 7th, 2005 2:14:57 PM
Lian looks at K'Nara's quick move, then raises an eyebrow. Thinking to himself 'Man, that took guts!'
Lian gestures for Gunther to pick a plain hat and to enter anywhere on row #3.
The monk takes a riding hat and enters on G2, the white square. He moves from there to F4, a black square, then STOPS. The elf waits for the others to each make a move before he moves again.
Milo (AC 29; 40/70hps max)[sub Jay B] Thursday July 7th, 2005 2:46:50 PM
Milo shrugs and silently chuckles at the situation, though remaining entirely convinced this is too easy.
He picks a bishop hat, activates his boots of speed to gain more distance and enters on F2 a black square, then moves diagonally to A7 another black square. He then STOPS, taking a que from Lian. He then deactivates his boots and waits.
Figment (kent) Thursday July 7th, 2005 6:51:44 PM
picking up the other shield Figment enters on H2 and then moves forward to H10
Gunther (AC 28, HP73/73, -2 CON) Animated Shield Thursday July 7th, 2005 10:14:40 PM
Not one to play intellectual games, Gunther trusts Lian's advice and picks up a plain hat. The he goes to stand directly on A3 as instructed. He pauses, having no idea how this game is played and how he's supposed to move next.
Lian Thursday July 7th, 2005 11:50:33 PM
The monk gets Gunthers attention. He then tries to guide the large warrior forward two squares without causing him to move wrongly. (OOC: Hopefully Gunther moves to A5 and no further. ;))
(OOC: On a pawns opening move, they can either move forward two squares or forward one. Then each move after the first they can only move one space forward.)
Olana (69/69 AC 30) Friday July 8th, 2005 12:23:40 AM
With the knight hat, Olana notes with relief that Lian has the same thing. So..... whatever he did, she'd try and do the same. An L shape? She shuffles to the left, and then steps grimly forward, fully expecting the floor to open and swallow her up.
B2 to C4
DMiT Inge Friday July 8th, 2005 5:46:49 AM
Updated map :
Looks like you guys got the hang of it. You are free to enter multpiple moves the way you do now. Specify where you go and when you stop. Ingrge has to make his servants cross as well.
Make sure by monday, you are all on the other side ...
Ingrge Friday July 8th, 2005 8:55:55 AM
using sigh language and some writning if needed, Ingrge tells Bertram to take the other bishops miter and start on C2 and to make all future moves on your white diagonals.
Servants, once Bertram has moved take the remaining plain caps and take your positions each one of you on one of these squares; B3,c3,d3,e3,f3,g3,h3. Once all of you are in position move forward only two spaces.
(ooc: I realize these servants are not the smartest of individuals and ingrge will take them one by one if necessary and talk them through their moves.)
Once his servants are in place, Ingrge will place the queen's tiara upon his head and take his position at E2. He will foloow along with his servants so as to not get to far ahead of or behind them and to help them along.
Lian (AC 34, 49hps) Friday July 8th, 2005 3:18:52 PM
Lian moves to E6, then stops.
Then to F8 and stops.
Then lastly to D9 and then carefully steps off the board, into D10. 'I wonder if I should say check.' He thinks.
Milo (AC 29; 40/70hps max)[sub Jay B] Friday July 8th, 2005 3:23:07 PM
Milo moves cautiously from his position to D10, finishing in the same square as Lian. He squeezes carefully beside the monk. He blinks a few times, then wipes the sweat from his eyes. He looks on helplessly as Olana continues her moves.
Bertram (kent) Saturday July 9th, 2005 7:47:56 AM
Having taken Ingrge's information to heart, Bertram moves from c2-h7 before the servants move onto the board. he then moves to e9 where he steps off of the board.
Ingrge Saturday July 9th, 2005 7:49:42 AM
Ingrge and his servants make it slowly up the board one square at a time following Ingrges simple yet precise directions. Eventually they get across and off the board.
K'Nara (103/114hp) Saturday July 9th, 2005 11:07:14 AM
The tall blade singer can only watch as each of the other Talons (and Ingrge's Unseen Servants) make their choices for accessories and then start across the giant chessboard.
Gunther (AC 28, HP73/73, -2 CON) Animated Shield Sunday July 10th, 2005 2:15:56 PM
Watching how Ingrge guides the invisawhatsajiggers, Gunther mimics the movements...slowly creeping forward on the boad one step at a time. He smiles as he lands on the square with K'nara on it.
OOC (A6..A7..A8..A9..A10).
Olana (69/69 AC 30) Sunday July 10th, 2005 10:57:59 PM
Nibbling her lip, Olana concentrates on moving across the board. "An L shape," she mutters, over and over like a mantra. She waits for Bertram to clear before her last move.
C4 to 6D 6D to 8C 8C to 9E
The Vault of Marteaus !! ... [DMiT Inge] Monday July 11th, 2005 7:42:57 AM
Slowly you all work your way accross this seemingly easy test. There was no room for mistakes, but you all did wonderfully. Well done. The double door ahead of you opens once again allowing you to go through.
You're not in the least surprised to be back at the spiraling path leading down. Looking down the treacherous core tells you the bottom is still at least 100ft away ... you should get there in time though.
Cautiously you continue to walk down. You make sure nothing will escape your keen eyes and ears, but besides the howling wind of the core there nothing to be heard ...
Quite unexpectidly the path widens and in front of you there's an immense ornamental door. This must be the chamber that holds the Vault of Marteaus ! You've reached your goal !! 2 hours early !!! Much earlier than you could have expected ! Good job !
Very slowly the doors open towards you. You can look inside and see a beautifully decorated room. Tiles like gold, torches lit on the wall pour a golden glow in the room, ivory statues stand next to the Vault, and then of course there's the vault itself ... An incredible fortified door, decorated with gems, gold platinum and silver. Above the door a sign but you can not read what's written from here.
Time now to enter the Vault Chamber and find a way to open the Vault itself ...
... tick ... tack ... tick ... tack ...
- 2 hours - 0 minutes - 0 seconds -
Brother Bertram (Mark from Vacation Post) Monday July 11th, 2005 4:49:02 PM
Bertram quietly mutters to himself, "No way its that bloody easy..." He debates asking the aid of Domi but decided to wait when they may need a question answered at a more critical moment.
(OOC as promised with the VERY limited access lol-well done so far gang!)
Milo (AC 29; 48/78 hps) Monday July 11th, 2005 8:25:23 PM
Milo carefully searches the doorway before entering the room. Once all is clear however, he proceeds further. (OOC: Take 20 [2 minutes] to search the doorway for a Search DC of 35)
Lian (AC 35, 53hps) Monday July 11th, 2005 11:19:50 PM
The monk stands back, nervouosly watching Milo.
"Your right Bert.... no way its this easy."
Gunther (AC 28, HP73/73, -2 CON) Animated Shield d20+1=17 Monday July 11th, 2005 11:48:25 PM
Gunther sighs. The others were right. This was too easy. Maybe it was a trap. He strains to see if he can spot anything out of place, but nothing comes to mind (Spot=17). As he waits for Milo, Gunther pulls out another scroll of Stoneskin and asks either Ingrge or Figment to cast it on him...since he figures he'll need the help sooner rather than later.
Olana d20+16=19 d20+12=22 Tuesday July 12th, 2005 12:17:13 AM
Seeing Milo check the vault door, Olana takes on the peripherals - taking a look at the statues - what are the statues of? - and she also attempts to read and/or interpret the sign.
Known languages: Common, Elven, Draconic, Orc
SPOT DC 19 SEARCH DC 22
K'Nara (103/114hp) Tuesday July 12th, 2005 10:03:41 AM
The tall redhead frowns as she, too, has misgivings about how "easy" this area appears to be, as well--but Time is still ticking, ticking away.
"Not that we have a choice..." she mutters, then advances into the room, "C'mon, Talons--the sands of time fly and we have to keep on going."
Lian (AC 35, 53hps) Hide from Undead d20+9=18 d20+19=20 d20+4=17 d20+10=22 Tuesday July 12th, 2005 10:59:22 AM
Active Spells: Hide from Undead - 100rnds(scroll)
Stunning Attacks: 0 used Enlarge Tat: 0/3 Bull's Str Tat: 2/2
Prepared Spells: Guidance, Create Water Divine Favor x2, Shield of Faith
The gray clad monk stands there, nervously watching the halfling. He retrieves a scroll from his pocket and casts it. (casting Hide from Undead.)
Spot 18, Listen 20(natural 1, I guess he's still deaf!), Search 17, Spellcraft 22 Elven, Common, Draconic, Sylvan
Are you lingering ?!? ... [DMiT Inge] Tuesday July 12th, 2005 12:35:19 PM
Again an open "welcoming" door appears to scare the Talons ... why ?!?
Milo takes precious time to closely inspect the seemingly harmless door and ... detects nothing. This time he's even certain there's no teleport circle or whatever mumbo jumbo that Necromancer has installed protecting the door.
Bravely the Talons Leader K'Nara enters the room and ... nothing happens ...
Olana takes a close look inside, without actually moving inside and checks out the statues and the room specifics some more.
The ivory statues are all a worshipping of Marteaus. A worshipping for the days this Tower was his headquarters.
Then Olana sees something else ...
In total this room is a square room 80ft by 80ft. The Vault door is in the center of the room. There are countless slain bodies laying on the floor in the rows 20ft in front of the vault, yet there are no bodies to be seen in the first 60ft tiles. Looks like something happend in those last few feet away from the vault ...
K'Nara is inside. Olana takes a look inside. Nothing happens, but ... something will probably happen ... whuahahaha !!!!!
Time to face your last challenge my friends !! Step inside and open the Vault of Marteaus !!
Brother Bertram Tuesday July 12th, 2005 3:50:03 PM
Bertram carefully moves forward 30 feet and tries to ascertain what happened to the bodies lying before them. He is looking to see if it is crushing damage or whether it was weapons...or something else that did this to the fallen adventurers. His axe is at the ready as he walks.
Milo (AC 29; 48/78 hps) d20+15=17 Tuesday July 12th, 2005 9:31:48 PM
Milo moves forward cautiously, scanning the floor with his eyes as he goes. All looks safe to the halfling however, so he proceeds to the door of the vault. (OOC: Search check DC 17... bleh.)
Gunther (AC 28, HP73/73, -2 CON) Animated Shield d20+2=21 Tuesday July 12th, 2005 9:56:48 PM
The warrior enters the room, but holds his scroll out, hoping that Ingrge or Figment will cast Stone Skin on him like he asked. He sighs as he notices the bodies and he too takes a good look at them (Spot=21!!! Geez, he's on a roll!!) from a safe distance of 30 feet from the vault.
Olana d20+16=35 Tuesday July 12th, 2005 11:48:33 PM
Olana points out ow the bodies are laid out. "Looks like there's a 20ft barrier of some kind."
Stepping into the room, she looks upward toward the ceiling. SPOT DC 35
Lian (AC 35, 53hps) Hide from Undead d8+1=6 Tuesday July 12th, 2005 11:53:54 PM
Active Spells: Hide from Undead - 99rnds(scroll)
Stunning Attacks: 0 used Enlarge Tat: 0/3 Bull's Str Tat: 2/2
Prepared Spells: Guidance, Create Water Divine Favor x2, Shield of Faith
"Milo, wait a second." The elf removes his wand and touches the halfling once. (Heals 6) "Be careful friend."
"Might be a secret door or illusion hiding the switch to turn off said barrier." He says, looking at Olana and Milo.
"Ingrge, Figment, whoever has the haste scroll, now might be the time to use it..." Suggest the monk.
Lian (Jay B) Wednesday July 13th, 2005 12:02:48 AM
OOC: Gunther, I think all our Constitution damage has been removed or has faded, but perhaps the DM's can clarify.
Ingrge/Figment Wednesday July 13th, 2005 9:07:02 AM
Taking whatever scrolls are handed to them to cast, the two mages do so adding a few of their own in the process.
Lian gets his haste scroll Gunther gets his stone skin Ingrge gets his stone skin K'nara gets a stone skin Olana gets a stone skin
Ingrge offers up a couple of haste scrolls, cats grace and bulls strength scrolls also for those who want them.
Lian (OOC) Wednesday July 13th, 2005 10:10:01 AM
OOC: What is the minimum caster level for scrolls?
Lian (AC 34, 53hps) Hide from Undead, Haste, Enlarged Wednesday July 13th, 2005 10:21:05 AM
Active Spells: Hide from Undead - 99rnds(scroll) Haste - (scroll)[gains attack during full round, +1 dodge AC, +1 Reflex, +1 attacks, +30ft speed] Enlarge Person - 10rnds(tattoo)[Large, -1AC, +2 size to strength, -2 size to dex, and 10ft reach]
Stunning Attacks: 0 used Enlarge Tat: 1/3 Bull's Str Tat: 2/2
Prepared Spells: Guidance, Create Water Divine Favor x2, Shield of Faith
Lian wold happily accepts a Bull's Strength since he exhausted his bull tattoo earlier in the day.
Lian cautiously enters the room then activates his enlarge tattoo for himself then offers the tattoo to Gunther as well. "It will increase your power but decrease your defense. I'll understand if your say 'no'."
K'Nara (103/114hp), Stoneskin d20=16 Wednesday July 13th, 2005 10:21:41 AM
The leader of the Talons halts about halfway into the "clear" space, eyeing the bodies closer to the door suspiciously, wondering if there was any clues as to what killed the people they used to be.
(OOC: rolled a Spot check of 16.)
"Well...so far, so good..." she says, trying not to frown.
oops ... down down we go !!! ... [DMiT Inge] (dispel check) d20+15=22 (fall damage)8 8d6(4+1+4+4+1+1+6+4)=25 d100=90 d100=34 d100=76 d100=9 d100=45 d100=9 d100=44 d100=5 Wednesday July 13th, 2005 12:14:11 PM
Slowly each of you enters what appears to be the safe space in this room. K'Nara up front, the rest behind her, strengthen eachother with various spells hoping to be prepared for what lies ahead ...
But ...
Suddenly the door slams behind you and the floor starts to dissapear beneath your feeth !! There's no escape !! The ground simply flaps open. Falling down is inevitable !!!
ALL of you start to slide down floor halves, and eventually you take a long fall down !
a a a a a a a a a h h h h h h h
SPLAT
80ft to be precicely you fell down !!
(80ft fall = 25 HP damage - Lian might have feather fall though)
On your way down you went through a veil of blue fog of some kind ! This was a Greater Dispel Magic Barrier !!
(dispel check vs your spells is 22) (DM Donna OOC: just to clarify, PCs need to have the spellcaster who cast specific buffs on them (like Stoneskin, etc.) post the DC for each of the types of spells they cast. For instance, Ingrge cast Stoneskin on K'Nara and a few others--he must post the DC of that spell so that we know if those Stoneskins are still in place or not.)
This dispel happened before you fell on the ground !!
Olana is lucky this time !! Seems the bodies you never found in the first section of the Vault chamber are down here ... they must have slided down with the floors before ... Olana falls down on a nicely decayed body with some nice soft tissue ... she takes half damage ! The rest of you hits rock bottom !!
But there's more !!!!
You notice a second thin fog barrier 30ft up ... beneath this barrier there's NO OXYGEN !!! Around you are vertical walls !! You'll need to climb your way out of here or suffocate !!
Looks like it was too easy after all ... Marteaus won't let you open his vault soo easily ... The Vault is now ... 80ft above you ... time to climb your way up my friends ...
Milo (AC 29; 48/78 hps) d20+20=29
Wednesday July 13th, 2005 8:36:25 PM
As the floor slips out from beneath him, Milo begins a somersault, tumbling against the wall as he falls down the length of the shaft. Once he reaches bottom, the canny halfling holds his breath, and still wearing his slippers of spider climbing, walks up the wall. As he moves, he pulls the silk rope out of his haversack. (OOC: Milo made his tumble check for the fall, reducing the distance by 10 feet. What is the adjusted damage?)
(DMiT Inge : REDUCED DAMAGE = 21 (removed the last number)
K'Nara ((103/114hp) Wednesday July 13th, 2005 10:07:55 PM
K'Nara uses her sword Lucia's ability to cast Feather Fall on herself during the fall, but obviously the DM is going to have to decide if K'Nara activated the spell before or after going through that Greater Dispel cloud. (OOC: roll a die--odds, the spell was before the cloud; evens, the spell was after the cloud.)
Gunther (AC 28, HP48/73, -2 CON) Animated Shield d6=3 d20+12=24 Wednesday July 13th, 2005 11:17:52 PM
Thud!!! Gunther falls hard on his buttocks. Then wham!! His animated shield plummets and smacks his head (3dam). Rubbing his forehead, Gunther is about to let forth a stream of orcish curses, when he discovers...he can't breath!!
Grabbing up his shield, he stores it in his backpack. A look of urgency on his face, he begins to steadily climb up the wall, moving slowly but surely(Climb=24...not sure if he can climb this round...if not, disregard).
Buff spells in question Stoneskin--Ingrge or Figment Cat's Grace--Ingrge or Figment Enlarge Person--Lian
Questions for Inge What's the DC for the Climb? Is the Con damage from the Breath of Marteaus expired?
Olana AC 30, 56/69, Stoneskin d20+14=20 d20+12=26 d20+16=32 Wednesday July 13th, 2005 11:54:41 PM
What was it with dead bodies in this place? wonders the elf as she lands atop some of them.
Oh dear, no air. Seeing Milo take out his rope, Olana will attempt to reach him then she can tie hers to his own, therefore doubling the length of it. USE ROPE DC20
She then begins to climb, looking for hand holds, and places toward the top where the rope could be anchored. Come on, come on, this was no time to be clumsy-footed. Some of the others might need help. CLIMB DC 26 SPOT DC 32
DMiT Inge on CON Damage Thursday July 14th, 2005 1:34:55 AM "Lian, Olana and Milo are no longer affected by the poisonous fumes and quickly recover now." posted Wednesday July 6th, 2005
Lian, Olana and Milo were the only ones to receive a restoration spell from Brother Bertram. The rest of you is still affected by the CON damage !!
The effects of the Cloudkill are NOT removed by the Greater Dispel Magic barrier (a curse would though)
DMiT Inge on climb DC Thursday July 14th, 2005 1:50:25 AM
the area you're in is round "bowl" shaped. The edges are natural rock walls - requiring a DC25 climb check 30ft high.
Using ropes will significantly lower the DC
Spider Climbing will allow you to ... well ... walk up the wall at a speed of 20ft. It will take Milo two turns to walk up the wall, while the rest is still without oxygen >:-X
DMiT Inge on the Greater Dispel Magic Barrier Thursday July 14th, 2005 2:02:41 AM
ooc : Thanks Donna for the clarifications !
Yes you should check your spell DC's to see if it's still active. Ingrge's Unseen Servants and Floating disks did not fall through as they well ... float. However you'll have to find out if ever you find back the Vault Chamber if they are still there ... isn't there a maximum range or something like that ... >:-X
Hide from Undead - Lian - Lian gets his haste scroll - Ingrge Gunther gets his stone skin - Ingrge Ingrge gets his stone skin - Ingrge K'nara gets a stone skin - Ingrge Olana gets a stone skin - Ingrge
Ingrge offers up a couple of haste scrolls, cats grace and bulls strength scrolls also for those who want them.
All these spells NEED to be checked !
Ingrge (spell DCs) d20+12=21 d20+12=18 d20+12=25 d20+12=23 d20+12=20 d20+12=21 d20+12=14 Thursday July 14th, 2005 10:29:22 AM
Lian gets his haste scroll,21 bulls strength 18 Gunther gets his stone skin 25cat's grace14 Ingrge gets his stone skin 23 K'nara gets a stone skin 20 Olana gets a stone skin 21
Ingrge Thursday July 14th, 2005 10:41:45 AM
Taking out a rope he hands it to whoever wants it and then, taking out his wand of monster summoning, Ingrge looks around and soon a small air elemental is in the pit with the group. After it arrives Ingrge lets it know that there is nothing to attack and that if it will simply provide some air for them until they get out of this pit it will be free to go.
Bertram Thursday July 14th, 2005 10:50:49 AM
Grabbing his and Ingrge's ropes Bertram starts joining them together as he was taught so long ago in his mountain home.
Figment Thursday July 14th, 2005 10:51:27 AM
Grabbing Bertram's and Ingrge's joined ropes Figment casts a spell upon himself (spider climb) and then starts up the wall with the rope.
Lian (AC 34, ??/53hps) Hide from Undead, Haste, Enlarged d20+20=30 d20+7=23
Thursday July 14th, 2005 12:19:47 PM OOC: How wide is the opening where we fell? Is the mouth of the opening the same width? Could a Large Lian reach both walls and shimmy up the chamber(arms and feet on one wall, back facing the other)? I don't know what the spell DC is for a scroll! What is the DC for a Brahmah Tattoo? I created the darn things and still haven't figured it out.
(DMiT Inge : it's actually two massive floor sections that open (one left, one right with the opening in the middel) The room was 80ft by 80ft - and the section that opens is 80ft by 60ft ... 40ft by 60ft per square ... MASSIVE floor sections ! after all it IS a Vault chamber :-)
I'll have to look into those tatoo's myself - I'm the rookie here :-) - Maybe Donna can help us out here ? / thanks Donna )
Active Spells: Hide from Undead - 98rnds(scroll) Haste - (scroll)[gains attack during full round, +1 dodge AC, +1 Reflex, +1 attacks, +30ft speed] Enlarge Person - 9rnds(tattoo)[Large, -1AC, +2 size to strength, -2 size to dex, and 10ft reach] Bull's Strength - (Ingrge, scroll)[+4 to strength]
Stunning Attacks: 0 used Enlarge Tat: 1/3 Bull's Str Tat: 2/2
Prepared Spells: Guidance, Create Water Divine Favor x2, Shield of Faith
Holding his Breath: round 1
The monk feels the floor give and he scrambles furiously for the wall. (slow fall 40ft, tumble check to reduce damage further, tumble of 30) At a little more than 50 feet down, Lian finally picks up full speed, landing hard on his knees. (damage should be reduced by 50 feet!)
(DMiT Inge : Indeed ! Your damage is reduced to 3d6 = 9HP ) only took the first 3 numbers
The monk holds his breath and begins to climb. (climb 23(26 if magic is still effecting strength))
Getting some AIR ... [DMiT Inge] (K'Nara chance) d20=14 Thursday July 14th, 2005 1:13:22 PM
The fall down is painfull enough ... this lack of Oxygen sure wasn't necessary !!
The moment K'Nara feels herself slipping into the depts of this foul tower her sword Lucia commences to cast a spell. Lucia's reactions are keen, but not that good to cast it immediately ! K'Nara commences to free fall down passing the barrier !! Then suddenly K'Nara is stopped along the fall ! She's as light as a feather !!!
The others all fall down hard. Once you are all down, some of you realize they seem to have lost a few spells on them !!! Only Ingrge's and Gunther's Stoneskin remain ...
Gunther's stoneskin though comes in handy ... as a split second after he hits the ground his shields smacks on his head !! (ooc GREAT RP :-D )
Milo immediately starts to climb the wall making sure to throw the others a rope. Gunther tries to climb the rocky wall without the help of Milo's rope, but oop ... suddenly one of his hands slip and ... beng ... there he goes again ! The Smelly warrior kisses the floor once again !
Olana ... smelling much like Gunther does after getting up close and personel with one of those bodies ... tries to connect Milo's rope with her own. Skilled as she is she manages to tie a few knots and make the climbing easier ! Still she has to wait till Milo has climbed all the way up ... and meanwhile there sure ain't much air !!
Instead of trying to climb his way out of here, Ingrge starts to make a few funny moves ... he summons an Air elemental !! Composed of Air these might give Oxygen to our brave warriors. (GREAT THINKING !!) Yet the summoned elemental will only be here at the beginning of next round ... and ... does and AIR elemental - composed of AIR - contains OXYGEN ?!? We'll have to wait till it appears >:-X
(ooc : summoning takes a whole round to complete the spell)
Looking at Milo, Figment is certain he can do this too ... he grabs the Ropes Bertram is tying together and walks the wall !
After some climbing both Milo and Figment make it to the rim of this bowl covered with the anti - oxygen veil ! Up there both can easily breath - in fact that howling wind is also present again !!
Up ahead both notice a tiny path (you'll have to walk single file) that follows the rocks ... rocks to your right a schasm to your left. If you scan this path carefully with your eyes you'll notice this path seems lead to narrow bridge up ahead !
Above you, you can see the bottom of the Bone Tower ! You'll have to work your way up and find another entrance into the vault chamber ...
Figment d20+16=34 d20+10=29 Thursday July 14th, 2005 5:36:43 PM
Looking at the anti oxygen veil Figment tries to ascertain if it is magical.Knowledge arcana DC34 If so or if he is unable to tell he will cast a dispel magic spell on the veil. Dispell DC 29 Inge you need to roll dc 11+caster level and total higher than 29 to keep the spell in place. (if it is indeed a spell)
Milo (AC 29; 27/78 hps) d20+6=21 Thursday July 14th, 2005 6:48:50 PM
Reaching the top, Milo retrieves a +1 piton from his haversack, and after pounding it into a crack using the pommel of his sword, he ties the rope to it. (OOC: Rope Use DC 21)
K'Nara (92/114hp) d20+3=22 Thursday July 14th, 2005 7:17:21 PM
K'Nara waits patiently for a rope to become available, remaining as calm as possible so that she doesn't start choking and gasping and (worse) panicking for lack of air...but smiles appreciatively at Ingrge when he thinks to summon an Air Elemental.
As soon as a rope is available to aid her in her climb, K'Nara begins to climb up the wall with the aid of the rope.
(OOC: I adjusted K'Nara's HP so that the CON damage is accurately reflected; her Stoneskin buff is gone now; I have a total of 22 for her Climb skill check--but that doesn't include whatever bonus the rope would be giving her.)
Olana 56/69 AC 30 d20+12=30 Thursday July 14th, 2005 11:18:08 PM
Olana attempts to climb out of the giant hole without the rope, letting someone with lesser skills use it. Nothing to breathe, covered in dead body goo. And who's idea had this been, again? Maybe she should be n the forest, settling down, having some children, teaching them how to fire arrows, and climb.... Culverwood's acorns this was a deep hole. CLIMB DC 30
Gunther (AC 28, HP48/73, -2 CON) Stoneskin 117/120 d20+7=27 Thursday July 14th, 2005 11:39:29 PM
Smiling at the quick thinking of several of his team members, Gunther too leaves the rope for others less skilled. He begins to rapidly ascend up the wall (accelerated climbing 1/2 move rate), this time doing a far better job (Climb=27...nat.20, made it 15 feet). He too struggles to keep himself from panicing, knowing that in all likelyhood that will just kill him.
Spells in place: Stoneskin 120--120min/120min
DMiT Inge Friday July 15th, 2005 9:27:46 AM
3 haven't posted yet. Will have to wait - but I leave in half an hour. Exhausted from a long week of work.
Next week, your evil DM Donna will be back in charge - she has the honor to ... uhm ... end this tower experience >:-X WHUAHAHAHAHA
Please allow me to say that it has been an honor to run this part of the module. I hope you enjoyed it. I know I make errors, but that's what training is for right. I don't think I've made desastrous errors :-)
From next week, I will work in the sidelines again to watch and learn from Donna ...
... my ... masssster ...
Thanks !!
Ingrge/Bertram Friday July 15th, 2005 9:53:54 AM Ingrge
Knowing that Bertram will have a harder time making it up the wall, Ingrge takes out a scroll and using some of his precious oxygen casts spider climb upon the dwarf.
Bertram
grabbing a rope and using his new climbing abilities, Bertram starts up the wall.
Lian (AC 34, 44/53hps) Hide from Undead, Haste d20+7=20 Friday July 15th, 2005 11:10:12 AM OOC: I know the Enlarge tattoo was interupted by the dispel, but was The hide from undead as well? It is a first level spell and likely dispelled... There was no information about Lian's success or failure at his climbing?!
Active Spells: Hide from Undead - 97rnds(scroll) Haste - (scroll)[gains attack during full round, +1 dodge AC, +1 Reflex, +1 attacks, +30ft speed] Bull's Strength - (Ingrge, scroll)[+4 to strength]
Stunning Attacks: 0 used Enlarge Tat: 1/3 Bull's Str Tat: 2/2
Prepared Spells: Guidance, Create Water Divine Favor x2, Shield of Faith
Holding his Breath: round 2
The monk lets his friends continue up as he attempts to gain distance from the bottom of the airless pit. (Climb 20, 22 if bull strength is active.) If he can, he'll attempt to get help fromt he rope.
Brother Bertram AC31 hp 44(73) Sunday July 17th, 2005 7:39:52 PM
Bertram gasps at the lack of air and nods his head gratefully at Ingrge as he struggles with the steep climb.
Lian Monday July 18th, 2005 4:50:17 AM
OOC: Just checking in. Work this week is going to make posting hard.
Waiting to Inhale - DM Donna d20+3=23 Monday July 18th, 2005 12:35:45 PM
Ingrge's summoned help from the Elemental plane of Air arrives and remains in the vicinity of the party as they begin to struggle up out of the diabolical trap.
Everyone's breathing gets a lot easier because of it. (In other words, you don't have to start making Fort saves to keep climbing while deprived of oxygen.)
K'Nara manages to climb a total of 20 feet--10 feet more and she'll clear that anti-oxygen barrier and be able to scramble onto the path. (OOC: she's climbing at a rate of 10 feet per round with each successful Climb check because she's using that rope...humans and elves using ropes will be able to go 10 feet per round and dwarves and halflings using ropes can 7.5 feet per round; otherwise, a person will be climbing at a rate of 1/4 their normal movement.)
Milo (who gets a +3 racial bonus to his Climbing on TOP of the Slippers) will still have been able to scramble up the wall (I hate math, you lucky halfling you!) and set up his rope for others.
Remember to make your Climb checks versus DC20; the rope adds +5 to your Climb and people can help your PC to Climb as well. Oh, and Spider Climb adds +8 to your Climb check. If you fail your Climb check four or less, your PC hasn't had the strength to pull themselves up any appreciable distance. If you fail by five or more, then you fall from where you are and have to start over.
And that Air Elemental isn't 100% sure that it can remain for its allotted time, what with that horrible anti-oxygen layer in place...
Figment Monday July 18th, 2005 1:24:29 PM
The mage climbs with the others, gasping for air and thanking Ingrge in his mind all the while.
Lian (AC 34, 44/53hps) d20+7=24 d20+7=13 d20+7=26 d20+7=8 Monday July 18th, 2005 5:00:17 PM
Active Spells: Haste - (scroll)[gains attack during full round, +1 dodge AC, +1 Reflex, +1 attacks, +30ft speed] Bull's Strength - (Ingrge, scroll)[+4 to strength]
Stunning Attacks: 0 used Enlarge Tat: 1/3 Bull's Str Tat: 2/2
Prepared Spells: Guidance, Create Water Divine Favor x2, Shield of Faith
Holding his Breath: round 3
Lian grabs a bit of rope (if he can grab unoccupied rope), still holding his breath, and continues up the wall quickly. (Base move is 60ft) [climb checks + 2 if bull strength is functioning, +5 is rope is accessable
first check 24 second check 13 third check 26 fourth check failed, he slides slowly back to the beginning]
It is obvious he's going to have problems.
DM Donna Monday July 18th, 2005 6:24:38 PM
I missed the post about Figment wanting to dispel the Anti-Oxygen veil...his knowledge of Arcana would tell him that the anti-oxygen effect is not the result of a magic spell, but a god-like power. No mere mortal can dispel it.
However, his spell (should he choose to cast it) can get rid of the OTHER spell effect there--the Greater Dispel Magic cloud.
Gunther (AC 28, HP48/73, -2 CON) Stoneskin 117/120 d20+7=12 Monday July 18th, 2005 9:32:04 PM
A little too overconfident in his climbing skills, Gunther rushes for his next hand hold. Slipping and sliding, he falls 15 feet landing roughly on the floor (Accel. climbing=12---fail by more than 5). Not wanting to waste any of the precious little air in the room, he analyzes the wall in preparation to begin climbing again next round.
Spells in place: Stoneskin 120--120min/120min
Milo (AC 29; 27/78 hps) d20+15=16 d20+17=34 Monday July 18th, 2005 9:56:35 PM
Once the piton and rope are set, Milo remains crouched, though he keeps a look out for trouble as well. (OOC: Spot DC 16, Listen DC 34; worst spot roll ever)
Olana d20+12=18 d20+12=18 d20+3=5 Tuesday July 19th, 2005 12:20:55 AM
Olana continues to ascend the wall using the knotted rope for speed. (last climb check was a DC30) Another 20 ft - 18 +5 = 23 Ditto
- and she'll stop at that point, anchor herself (Use Rope check DC 18, STR check DC 3 - ugh, not too good) where the air is good, and try and help others to get this far at least.
Brother Bertram AC31 hp 44(73) d20+11=21 d20+11=24 d20+11=30 d20+11=20 Tuesday July 19th, 2005 4:04:00 AM
Bertram manages to make the climb barely thanks to Ingrge's quick thinking. He helps the others manage as quickly as possible waiting to see what else goes awry.
Ingrge Tuesday July 19th, 2005 8:18:08 AM
Not wanting to waste anymore time than necessary, Ingrge goes to the elemental and asks that it carry him up toward the barrier so that Ingrge can grab a rope closer to top and then climb out. If the elemental agrees to do this Ingrge will grab hold of the rope near the top and thank the elemental and git it leave to go where it will.
Climbing Out of a Hole - DM Donna d20+3=21 Tuesday July 19th, 2005 11:00:39 AM
K'Nara manages to haul herself up to that thirty-foot mark and get onto the path there. (OOC: Made Climb check 21.) This leaves a rope available for anyone climbing up.
The air elemental gives Ingrge a ride to the ledge, but just as the elf begins to dismiss the helpful being, K'Nara says:
"Wait--Lian and Gunther are still at the bottom of the pit, and some of the others are still climbing. As long as we'r in a non-combat situation anyhow, can the elemental help them come up to the ledge, too..?"
Ingrge Tuesday July 19th, 2005 11:18:18 AM
after talking with the elemental he asks that it help the last two talons up the pit and then dismisses it.
Gunther (AC 28, HP48/73, -2 CON) Stoneskin 117/120 d20+7=20 Tuesday July 19th, 2005 12:01:10 PM
Gunther smiles as K'nara points out his predicament and Ingrge directs the elemental to help him out. His pride still intact, Gunther once more attempts to rapidly climb up the wall. And this time he is rewarded for his efforts, climbing 15 feet once more (Accel. Climb=20). Beads of sweat form on his brow from all the exertion in an oxygen depleted enviroment.
Lian (AC 34, 44/53hps) d20+12=13 Tuesday July 19th, 2005 5:52:10 PM
Active Spells: Haste - (scroll)[gains attack during full round, +1 dodge AC, +1 Reflex, +1 attacks, +30ft speed] Bull's Strength - (Ingrge, scroll)[+4 to strength]
Stunning Attacks: 0 used Enlarge Tat: 1/3 Bull's Str Tat: 2/2
Prepared Spells: Guidance, Create Water Divine Favor x2, Shield of Faith
Holding his Breath: round 4 Having climbed, slipped and having no air is getting to him. The monk's eyes cross.
He helps Gunther onto the rope, and gestures to remove his armor, as that MIGHT actually help the situation in this case.
(climb with the rope, 13, first attempt this round fails)
The monk isn't happy with the lack of progress. He mouths a curse and punches the wall.
Figment Tuesday July 19th, 2005 6:25:55 PM
The mage decides to save his spell as the others seem to be making it. He crests the top with the others - and with great effort.
Milo (AC 29; 27/78 hps) d20+15=17 d20+17=21 Tuesday July 19th, 2005 9:56:18 PM
Milo remains up top, cheering his friends along in their efforts, while keeping a watch out for further trouble. (OOC: Spot DC 17, Listen DC 21)
DM Donna Wednesday July 20th, 2005 3:06:44 AM
Brother Bertram--as long as you're on the ledge now--please roll a Spot check...you get to add an extra +2 to the roll on top of whatever bonuses you get...versus DC17.
Brother Bertram AC31 hp 44(73) d20+9=26 Wednesday July 20th, 2005 4:26:47 AM
Bertram glances up quickly as they raise the last of the party from the trap. He sees something from the corner of his eye.
(DC26 made)
The Climb Is Only Beginning - DM Donna Wednesday July 20th, 2005 11:40:02 AM
Ingrgre's summoned help goes down and carries Gunther back up to the ledge, depositing the brawny next to K'Nara, who is helping Figment onto the ledge as well.
"Good!" she says as the wizard finds his footing. "That's two more done--how many more to go..?" The blade singer turns her hazel eyes to look over who's still climbing...
Lian, as Olana has been able to get up to the ledge. The air elemental heaves a gusty sigh and descends to help the monk.
Meanwhile--although Milo hasn't spotted anything approaching--his ears DO detect the tumbling of rocks. Even as he strives to fathom the meaning, Brother Bertram's stonecunning comes to the fore:
The rock that makes up the next 50 feet or so of ascension back to the Vault level is horrendously unstable--great care must be taken to traverse it, or a major rockslide can occur and sweep some (if not ALL) of the Talons back down that pit!
Brother Bertram AC31 hp 44(73) Wednesday July 20th, 2005 2:05:55 PM
Realizing just how unstable the rest of the climb is going to be, he quickly shares this information with the others, warning against sudden movements. Turning to Ingrge Bertram asks, "Friend Ingrge-can your invisible workers catch a rope and pull us up from here?" Bertram hopes that if they can throw the rope up that each person can be pulled up avoiding the potential problem. (OOC Was Bertram able to tell tell what had happened to the corpses farther in the room? That was what he was trying to examine before the fall?)
Lian (AC 34, 44/53hps) d20+8=9 d8+1=5 d8+1=9 d8+1=7 d8+1=2 d8+1=3 d8+1=9 d8+1=9 d8+1=9 d8+1=3 d8+1=6 Wednesday July 20th, 2005 2:12:54 PM
Active Spells: None?
Stunning Attacks: 0 used Enlarge Tat: 1/3 Bull's Str Tat: 2/2
Prepared Spells: Guidance, Create Water Divine Favor x2, Shield of Faith
Holding his Breath: round 5
The monk sees the elemental and waits a moment for the help.
Brother Bertram AC31 hp 44(73) (Addition) Wednesday July 20th, 2005 2:12:58 PM
Bertram also shares with the group, "The rock is so unstable that if we make too much noise we are doomed. We will need to proceed one at a time to have any chance of success. We have to be absolutely quiet climbing or I am convinced it will all come down upon us all." He glances to again to see if what Ingrge thinks of the chances of his servants helping in some way.
DM Donna Wednesday July 20th, 2005 5:54:45 PM
Brother Bertram HAD been trying to ascertain what had killed the people that had been in the room--but the floor trap was triggered before he could do more than glimpse a body or three...although those three copses seemed to have been in a battle of some sort, as at least two of them had weapons in hand, and the third definitely looked as though she'd be sliced open by a blade of some sort.
Lian doesn't need to hold his breath, really--the presence of the Air Elemental DOES seem to be bringing oxygen with it.
Ingrge: 88/100 (-2 con) Stone skin 120/120: AC 33: Stone skin, servants?, tenser's disks? Wednesday July 20th, 2005 6:29:48 PM
Friend Bertram, I am not at all sure my servants are even in existance any longer, and even if they are they, can only support about 20 pounds, so it is unlikely they will be of much help. I think though I might have a partial solution.
Once Lian is deposited with the rest of the party Ingrge thanks the elemental and allows it to go its own way.
"K'nara, Umm I seem to recall we had a few potions and a staff that might aid in bringing us back to full strength before going back up. Do you have any Idea where those might be?
Again he takes out his wand and expends a charge and moments later another creature is clinging to the wall (summon monster 3- earth elemental)
Ingrge explains that he would like for the elemntal to stabalize one section pit wall so that the group can climb out safely.
Brother Bertram Wednesday July 20th, 2005 6:30:12 PM
(OOC Thanks for the clarification Donna!)
Brother Bertram Wednesday July 20th, 2005 9:07:37 PM
Bertram strokes his beard and ponders this and with Ingrge directing the Elemental, suggests the best place to use the creature.
Gunther (AC 28, HP48/73, -2 CON) Stoneskin 117/120 Wednesday July 20th, 2005 11:18:51 PM
Having heeded Bertram's advice on being too loud, Gunther reaches out a hand for Lian once the elemental brings him up. Then he watches with awe as Ingrge summons the earth elemental and waits for the signal to continue climbing out.
Milo (AC 29; 27/78 hps) d20+15=32 d20+17=25 Thursday July 21st, 2005 12:48:55 AM
As the group makes its final ascensions back out of the pit, Milo draws his short sword and carefully begins to pick his way forward, looking for additional trouble that may be nearby. "Heya guys, the ground is rumbly... perhaps we shouldn't stand around too long." (OOC: Spot check DC 32, Listen check DC 25)
Olana AC 30 58/69 d20+14=26 Thursday July 21st, 2005 1:12:15 AM
"Tread carefully," whispers the elf, trying her best to practice what she preaches.
Moving forward up the treacherous path. She keeps her eyes on the way ahead, and if she is able to ascertain the most stable areas, she'll point them out as she moves. Survival check DC 26
Down & Dirty - DM Donna Thursday July 21st, 2005 5:25:59 PM
Lian gets a hand up (sort of) from the Air Elemental, riding up to the ledge, where Gunther helps the monk stand on solid ground. The whirling column of air seems to pause a moment to kind of wave up--at where the Unseen Servants are, perhaps?--before it POOFS out of The Wold.
The Earth Elemental pauses, seeming to consider Ingrge's command, and then merges into the side of the rock wall about where Bertram suggested. Everyone can hear some crackling and slightly gurgling sounds.
Ingrge gets the feeling that stabilizing the rock wall shouldn't take too long.
"Now that friend Lian is back with us..." K'Nara says with a wink and a grin, "...I think he can break out that Bag of Holding that has just those very items we need!"
OOC: Lian is holding K'Nara's Bag of Holding, and (indeed) there are two Lesser Restoration potions in it. Figment may have need of at least one, as he is down 6 Constitution points.
Ingrge: 88/100 (-2 con) Stone skin 120/120: AC 33: Stone skin, servants?, tenser's disks? Thursday July 21st, 2005 5:48:47 PM
Ok the wall should be stabalized fairly soon, but before we go up we need to be as close to full strength as we can. Olana can you use your wand to heal those with actual injuries. and Lian grab that staff and hand to Brother Bertram so he can use it on those who are still affected by the gas. Also grab those two potions as well. I believe Gunther and I could use those."
Lian (AC 34, 44/53hps) d20+8=25 d8+1=4 d8+1=6 d8+1=4 d8+1=7 d8+1=8 d8+1=9 d8+1=8 d8+1=9 d8+1=9 d8+1=2 Thursday July 21st, 2005 6:03:13 PM OOC: Bag of Holding? Wait, Lian left it in the 'blade room'!! ;)
Active Spells: None?
Stunning Attacks: 0 used Enlarge Tat: 1/3 Bull's Str Tat: 2/2
Prepared Spells: Guidance, Create Water Divine Favor x2, Shield of Faith
He breathes a sigh of relief as he's extracted from the pit.
"Is there any magical way of stablizing the rocks? I seem to have heard of a spell..." He thinks hard (arcane knowledge check 25). "What about a stone to mud spell then revert it back to stone? Would that restabalize the rock?" He askes hopefully. He sets down the bag in front of K'Nara and goes to work as healer; it seems Bert is a bit short on healing currently.
Looking around at the group, most of which look in some manner injured, retrieves his wand and taps Milo twice. (heal 10 total)
Olana twice. (heal 11 total)
Bertram four times, knowing the healer's spells are dwindling. (heal 34 total)
And Gunther twice. (heal 11 total)
This takes the better part of a minute as he wanders around the group, quickly depleting ten charges. He figures it'll take time for the arcane folk to deliberate and come up with a suitable solution for the rock 'n roll.
Brother Bertram AC 28 HP-77/84 Thursday July 21st, 2005 9:56:53 PM
Bertram slumps down on the ground and nods gratefully as Lian heals him to almost full strength. "Thank you Friend Lian, You have surpassed me. Alas I feel utterly useless with my healing powers almost gone." His head down Bertram rests and regains his strength. He opens his canteen and takes a large drink, then removes his helm, pouring a large amount over his head, the water dripping through his grizzled beard. Hearing Ingrge's words, he rises slowly and takes the staff from Lian. "This is the only thing that will restore our friends with damage to their life force, Friend Lian." He raises the staff and uses it to restore all of the team with damage from having thier very will sucked from their bodies. Sighing he slumps again, leaning on the miraculous staff heavily, thanking Domi for this gift. Dropping helm back in place he runs the staff through two loops in his backpack, securing it to his back. Then shouldering his axe he looks to Ingrge nodding that he is ready.
Figment Thursday July 21st, 2005 9:57:54 PM
The mage nods to the others. "Too bad the opening of the bag isn't larger. Some of us could climb in and travel in it.". He stands with the others and prepares to make the next traverse.
Milo (AC 29; 27/78 hps) Thursday July 21st, 2005 11:49:21 PM
Recognizing the instability of the ground, Milo pauses, and relies upon Olana and her expertise to point out the best places to walk. He moves around the general area, keeping an eye out for trouble as the party recovers a bit.
Gunther (AC 28, HP59/83) Stoneskin 117/120 Thursday July 21st, 2005 11:57:29 PM
Gunther smiles at Lian as he speaks softly. "I tink Ingrge has us covered...he summmoned some big rock thing...I think dat it is making de vey safe for us."
Taking a deep breath when Brother Bertram heals him, Gunther can believe how sweet the air is up here. It's amazing how much better one can breath when their lungs aren't on fire. Patting the cleric on the back, he continues to speak softly. "Dere are few better fighters dan you my friend...ve need you now more den ever."
Nodding at Ingrge, Gunther takes a potion. "Vhat is dis? Some kind of healing potion?" If so, Gunther guzzles it down and gets ready.
OOC, I realize I sound like a goober, but what kind of healing did Brother Bertram do? Regular healing or CON healing. I thought it was the later, but now I'm confused.
Brother Bertram-Addition Friday July 22nd, 2005 4:24:09 AM
I used the staff until everyone was FULLYhealed or until it exhausted its charges-I didnt know what it had left and what each member needed.
(Kent: ooc the two potions should take care of Gunbthers and Ingrge's con damage. Figment will need at least 2 possibly 3 charges from the staff, as each charge and the potions all will fix 1d4 lost ability points. I am not sure who else was missing con)
Olana Friday July 22nd, 2005 6:30:49 PM
Olana takes out the wand of HEALING. "Okay, who needs any of this?" she asks, purposefully waving it around in the air.
Lian (AC 34, 53hps) d8+2=9 Friday July 22nd, 2005 8:14:27 PM OOC: Olana, I healed you some and also healed others. Save your wand if you wish.
Active Spells: None?
Stunning Attacks: 0 used Enlarge Tat: 1/3 Bull's Str Tat: 2/2
Prepared Spells: Guidance, Create Water Divine Favor x2, Shield of Faith
Lian puts away his wand and casts a spell. (spontaneously casting cure light on himself, I'm using the shielf of faith slot) The monk's suddenly lurches and a lower grumble can be heard. "I suppose I am a bit famished." He grins. Then he move over to his dwarven Brother. "Brother Bertram." He says in a hushed voice. "Your never going to be useless my friend... if there's combat you can stand in front of me." He sniggers a bit and winks at his friend.
Rest & Restoration - DM Donna Friday July 22nd, 2005 9:51:20 PM
"I need to have something, because the poison in that Breath room has weakened me, as well." K'Nara admits. (OOC: she took -2 CON that never got restored. Please make sure to recalculate your HPs when/if you get your CON restored.)
More gurgling and crackling can be heard from the stone wall and ledge ahead. Then, suddenly, a hand of stone emerges from the wall of the pit near Ingrge's head. The index finger and the thumb of the set of thick digits curl into an "okay" signal.
Ingrge gets the feeling that the earth elemental has stabilized the pathway so that it will take merely three Climb checks versus a DC of 10 to get up the path to the solid ground above. Should anyone fail the Climb check, they must make a Reflex save versus DC15 or fall down; anyone falling down has a 25% chance of falling into the pit (25 or less on the %d means into the pit you go for 15hp damage; 26 or more and you suffer 3hp damage but you're still on the narrow pathway leading up.)
The ledge/pathway will take people single-file.
Lian Friday July 22nd, 2005 10:31:18 PM
"I really don't mind going first." He says simply.
Ingrge: 100/100 Stone skin 120/120: AC 33: Stone skin, servants?, tenser's disks? Saturday July 23rd, 2005 5:28:44 PM
(OOC: Can we assume that we used the two potions and 5 charges from the staff, in addition to the wand charges and are full strength?)
Ingrge looks at his friend and nods, communicating that once everyone is safely up he may go.
"Well, that's it that section of the wall should be good to go all the way up. Milo, Lian want to take the ropes iwth you and set them for the others to use?"
"K'nara, Figment would either of you happen to have a web spell available? I was thinking that we should perhaps make a safety net for us just incase someone slips. I don't want anyone falling all the way back down."
Brother Bertram AC 28 HP 84/84 Spider Climb d20+12=16 d20+12=29 d20+12=22 Saturday July 23rd, 2005 5:39:43 PM
Bertram stiffens and draws himself up and looks at Lian coldly for a moment. "How very comforting. I have listened to all this I am going to." He takes a coil of rope and wraps it around his shoulder. He looks to the others and states flatly, "I will be going first. I wouldnt want anyone valuable to the party to get hurt. If I make it I will toss the rope down to help stabilize you all. If I dont, it appears you have a healer now so you should be fine." He shoulders anyone in the path aside stiffly and starts his ascent. He looks back once at Ingrge and nods curtly, then he resumes his climb. He easily makes it to the top. Checking about him for problems he tosses the rope down, tying the end about him snugly. He braces himself into place. If anyone falls it wont be because Bertram let go. While waiting he looks the the corpses over carefully for any more clues as to thier demise.
Lian (AC 34, 53hps) d20+7=23 d20+7=19 d20+7=22 Saturday July 23rd, 2005 8:05:24 PM
Stunning Attacks: 0 used Enlarge Tat: 1/3 Bull's Str Tat: 2/2
Prepared Spells: Guidance, Create Water Divine Favor x2
Lian looks at Bertram, shock on his face. He watches Bert move half the way up the path then regains his speech, laughing. "I was joking you grumpy ol' dwarf."
He starts up the path. "I wasn't trying to replace you." Watching his feet, a rock clatters into the pit.
"If I wanted to do that, I would have pushed you into the blades about three hours ago... you stubborn..." He trails off. Now about half way across.
"You've doing such a great job healing us up, your simply running low so I helped!" The rope he has hold of almost slips into the hole. Getting to the end, looking Bert in the face, Lian grins kindly. "We need your talents you wrinkled old prune. Now shut up and lets help our friends."
"We can't replace you Brother. Besides, who's going to teach me more things if your gone. I need a good teacher and I couldn't think of anyone better qualified..."
(climb checks, 23, 19 and 22)
Figment d20=13 Sunday July 24th, 2005 10:27:37 AM
The mage climbs to the ledge successfully (dc 13). He waits on the others and helps when needed.
Brother Bertram AC 28 HP 84/84 Spider Climb Sunday July 24th, 2005 5:26:22 PM
Bertram ignore the talk and focuses on their surroundings. Looking for any clue as to what happens next. "No one move and trigger another trap until we get everyone up safely. We might survive one trap at a time but I doubt two." His axe is out and readied now, not sure what form the next encounter will take. His symbol of Domi hanginf from his chest, gleaming in the mottled light.
Lian (Jay B) Sunday July 24th, 2005 8:07:16 PM
OOC: For those spellcasters that went up a level, are we going to have time to prepare our new spells?
Gunther (AC 28, HP59/83) Stoneskin 117/120, Animated Shield d20+12=13 d20+7=16 d20+12=19 d20+12=25 d20+12=17 Sunday July 24th, 2005 11:38:40 PM
Waiting his turn, Gunther starts up the path and immediately stumbles (Climb=nat.1). His hand darts out, and he barely manages to keep his balance and check himself from falling (Ref.=16). Righting himself, Gunther has a much better go of it the next few times, and is easily able to cross the ledge (Climb=19, 25, 17). Heading Brother Bertram's advice, he waits for the others to check out the area, not wanting to set off any more traps. As he waits, Gunther Animates his shield once more.
Milo (AC 29; 78/78 hps) d20+12=28 d20+12=21 d20+12=25 d20+6=17 Monday July 25th, 2005 12:05:58 AM
Milo nods to Ingrge as he collects his rope and piton from the side of the pit. He then moves quickly to the cliff, where he easily climbs the side using his slippers of spider climb. Once up, he pounds the piton into the ground above, and attaches the rope firmly. (OOC: Made 3 climb checks DC 28, 21, and 25. Made use rope check DC 17)
Lian (AC 34, 53hps) d20+9=16 d20+19=35 d20+4=13 Monday July 25th, 2005 4:42:53 AM
Stunning Attacks: 0 used Enlarge Tat: 1/3 Bull's Str Tat: 2/2
Prepared Spells: Guidance, Create Water Divine Favor x2
Olana d20+12=16 d20+12=31 d20+12=17 Monday July 25th, 2005 12:02:22 PM
Olana gingerly watches Gunther's attempts. Oh my, this wasn't going to be easy, and as she follows up, she notes that, for her anyway, the first and last art of the climb are more unstable than the middle. Stupid hole and stupid Marteaus. She's not in the best of moods as she reaches the top. This Tower was doing nothing for her usual sunny disposition.
DM Donna d20+3=11 d20+3=15 d20+3=9 Monday July 25th, 2005 1:18:25 PM
Figment needs to make THREE successful Climb checks versus DC10, not just one.
Brother Bertram, however, having gone first and is securing a rope to help others make the Climb has thus been able to allow those who follow an additional +2 to their Climb check.
Unfortunately, however, the path you all are climbing to get to the solid ground winds AWAY from the Vault Door area, so Bertram can't eye those corpses yet, as you will emerge on solid ground on the side of the pit opposite the Vault Door area.
BUT...Bertram can see now that there is a well-camouflaged stone door that the party will be able to reach easily. You probably would have seen it when you originally entered the area, but the floor opened up, etc.
Once again, just make sure that everyone recalculates their HPs correctly--and I DO grant that--between the potions and the charges--everyone's CON is restored.
Now all we need is for EVERYONE to make their checks and post.
K'Nara's three Climb checks come up 13, 15 and 11 (adding Bert's +2 for the rope)--so she makes it around the winding path.
Lian (OOC) Monday July 25th, 2005 9:37:15 PM
OOC: Made those checks on Saturday. :)
Gunther (AC 28, HP69/83) Stoneskin 117/120, Animated Shield Tuesday July 26th, 2005 12:51:19 AM
The warrior smiles as he waits for the others to cross the ledge. "Vonder vhat type of certain death avaits us next..." he wonders out loud.
OOC HP are confirmed.
Lian (AC 34, 53hps) Tuesday July 26th, 2005 4:26:33 AM
The elf waits, ready to jump in to help if anyone slips.
Figment d20=11 d20=15 Tuesday July 26th, 2005 8:28:05 AM
The mage continues on and makes it to the top (DC 13,11,15)
Ingrge: 100/100 Stone skin 120/120: AC 33: Stone skin, servants?, tenser's disks? d20+6=16 d20+6=24 d20+6=23 Tuesday July 26th, 2005 8:42:08 AM
Using the proffered rope, Ingrge, with a grace and agility that only elves can have, easily scampers up the wall. (Climb 16, 24, 23)
When he arrives at the top, Ingrge checks to see if his invisible servants are still around.
Olana AC30 69/69 d20+14=15 Tuesday July 26th, 2005 12:42:25 PM
(Made checks in last post)
At the top f the hole, Olana does a quick visual survey of the terrain - party - hole - vault - hmmm. She looks to see if there's anyway around it.
Survival DC 15 (that wasn't good)
All Together Now - DM Donna Tuesday July 26th, 2005 3:53:09 PM
Working together, everyone makes it to the top of the pit...but Olana's assessment of the area reminds you that you are now on one side of a wide chasm--and Ingre's Unseen Servants (and those disks) are on the other side.
BUT...on the Talons' side of the chasm is that door that Bertram spotted, as well.
"We better check this door for traps and go through..." K'Nara says, fishing out a bottle and handing it to Gunther, telling him: "I noticed you still look a little rocky--drink this and you'll feel better."
K'Nara has handed Gunther a Cure Moderate Wounds potion. It will heal 2d8+3hp damage.
Kent Tuesday July 26th, 2005 6:48:58 PM
(ooc any chance of a rough map to show what the room/chasm looks like or a detailed descrition?)
Gunther (AC 28, HP81/83) Stoneskin 117/120, Animated Shield 2d8(7+2)+3=12 Wednesday July 27th, 2005 12:29:17 AM
The warrior smiles at K'nara. "Tank you." As he waits for the door to be checked, Gunther looks over his gear. He wonders whether he should down his potion now or later, and decides against it for now.
Milo (AC 29; 78/78 hps) Wednesday July 27th, 2005 1:24:05 AM
Nodding to K'nara's suggestion to check for traps, Milo quickly approaches the door and does so, taking his time, lest haste cause him to miss a potential hazard. (OOC: Take 20 [2 minutes] to check the door for a total DC of 35.)
Brother Bertram AC 28 HP 84/84 Spider Climb Wednesday July 27th, 2005 4:23:18 AM
Bertram slowly coils the rope, letting his mind calm as Milo searches for any hidden pitfalls in the way.
Ingrge: 100/100 Stone skin 120/120: AC 33: Stone skin, servants?, tenser's disks? Wednesday July 27th, 2005 8:05:51 AM
Ingrge tells his energy based friends to join him on this side of the chasm, eiter by going around or using the wall as a floo. (how wide is the gap?)
Figment d20+24=28 Wednesday July 27th, 2005 8:59:09 AM
The mage examines the door carefully for any magical effects. He also examines the wall around the door.
Lian (AC 34, 53hps) Wednesday July 27th, 2005 9:58:49 AM
Stunning Attacks: 0 used Enlarge Tat: 1/3 Bull's Str Tat: 2/2
Prepared Spells: Guidance, Create Water Divine Favor x2
Looking at the door, Lian retrieves two scrolls from his pockets.
Doorway to the Unknown - DM Donna Wednesday July 27th, 2005 11:28:46 AM
Since you're at the bottom of the Tower (more or less), the chasm is about 60-65 feet wide.
Milo's thorough inspection of the door leaves him almost 100% certain that the door is neither locked nor trapped.
Ingrge's Unseen Servants float over to him, taking with them the Floating Disks.
K'Nara, upon hearing that the door is safe, opens it up. Nothing appears to happen--the door opens into a ten-foot-high, ten-foot wide passage that curves a bit to the left as far as she can see.
"We only have a few hours left," the redhead points out, "So we have to hustle..."
She arranges the Talons in the following marching order:
Milo K'Nara and Gunther Lian and Figment Ingrge and Bertram Olana
"Let's get going..." the leader of the Talons urges.
Brother Bertram AC 28 HP 84/84 Spider Climb Wednesday July 27th, 2005 6:09:01 PM
Bertram briskly readies himself, A prayer of power upon his lips and his axe in a defensive posture.
Olana Wednesday July 27th, 2005 6:49:01 PM
Olana takes up the rear as instructed. 10 ft high, 10 ft wide? She reckons she'll have enough bow room, and so nocks an arrow.
Milo (AC 29; 78/78 hps) Wednesday July 27th, 2005 11:59:00 PM
Milo nods in agreement with K'nara, and sets off at a brisk pace down the hallway, keeping his eyes open for trouble of any kind.
Gunther (AC 28, HP81/83) Stoneskin 117/120, Animated Shield d20+1=17 Thursday July 28th, 2005 12:49:06 AM
Sword in hand, Gunther moves along with K'nara happy as an orc on a raiding party (Spot=17). As he travels, he casts several sidelong glances over at the beautiful bladesinger and his mind can't help but wander as the grin on his face widens with each step.
Figment Thursday July 28th, 2005 7:59:27 AM
The mage enters with Lian and begins to look around. Seems this is as much a thinking task as a fighting one...
Ingrge Thursday July 28th, 2005 8:09:07 AM
entering with Bertram, Ingrge whispers to the dwarf.
"I do not have anymore stone skin spells but I do have a haste spell that might aid you in our next encounter if you would like it?
Lian (AC 34, 53hps) Thursday July 28th, 2005 3:59:52 PM
Active Spells: Detect Undead (scroll)
Stunning Attacks: 0 used Enlarge Tat: 1/3 Bull's Str Tat: 2/2
Prepared Spells: Guidance, Create Water Divine Favor x2
Holding two scrolls, he reads and casts one. (Detect Undead, 60ft cone) He concentrates.
Brother Bertram AC 28 HP 84/84 Spider Climb Friday July 29th, 2005 4:21:57 AM
Bertram smiles gratefully, "It would aid me greatly, Friend Ingrge. Speaking of which I have a spell of strength to aid Friend Gunther as well." Bertram quickly says a prayer to Domi, granting him the power to bestow strength upon Gunther. (OOC Bulls Strength on Gunther)
Another Door - DM Donna d20=19 Friday July 29th, 2005 1:26:42 PM
The Talons advance down the hallway, alert and wary. Luckily, no traps appear to be triggered, although everyone in the party gets the feeling that the hallway is being magically distorted so that (wherever the Talons end up) will not seem to make logistical sense with the rest of the Tower.
Soon the group comes to another door--big, oak, iron-bound and a generally rather intimidating-looking door.
"Time to check for traps again, Milo." K'Nara says, both hands gripping Lucia. The disorienting layout of this level of the tower is making her edgy.
(OOC: The DC Milo needs to check against is 18. If he makes his check, he will notice that the door handle seems a bit heavier in appearance than the others on other doors--thumbing the latch will take extra effort and open some kind of trap door...either below or above the party. This door swings away from the party--into the new area beyond it. Make a second Find Traps check versus DC24 to discover the location of the trap door.)
(OOC: My apologies for not posting yesterday--I was out job hunting for most of the day. I will make another post in another 24 hours or so to make up for it.)
Lian (AC 34, 53hps) d20+3=18 Friday July 29th, 2005 5:23:58 PM
Active Spells: Detect Undead (scroll)(Detect Undead, 60ft cone, concetration upto 1 min/level)
Stunning Attacks: 0 used Enlarge Tat: 1/3 Bull's Str Tat: 2/2
Prepared Spells: Guidance, Create Water Divine Favor x2
Watching and anticipating what might be beyond the door, Lian is prepared to activate a tattoo or read a scroll. (concentration on Detect Undead, check 18)
Milo (AC 29; 78/78 hps) d20+17=22 d20+17=23 d20+17=34 Friday July 29th, 2005 9:17:05 PM
Milo scrutinizes the door, taking his time with it, as he has the previous doors. Noting the strange heft of the knob, he looks for and locates the trap door. Milo immediately steps away from the trap door, and sets about disarming the mechanism.
(OOC: Milo takes 20 on the door [just like the last] acheiving a result of 35 on his Search check. He does the same for the trap door, also a DC 35 check. This takes 4 minutes to complete. Milo totally botches his first two rolls for disarming the trap. I'm spending 2 hero points for rerolls. His final DC is 34 to disable the trap.)
The Wind Tunnel - DM Donna Saturday July 30th, 2005 1:08:45 PM
The halfling rogue works diligently on the door and manages to disarm the trap.
(OOC: actually, the trap in the door only needed a DC20, so you don't have to use any hero points for rerolls, as it appears to me that your first roll to Disable the trap was 22.)
Opening the door reveals a platform of about fifteen feet wide by ten feet deep. Fifty feet away, there is another platform of similar dimensions, and another door. Between the two platforms is a narrow bridge made of wooden slats roped together. It's about three or four feet wide--wide enough for people to cross in single file. The other thing you notice about the bridge:
It's arcing up in the middle instead of sagging down...this is due to the ferocious wind blasting up from below the bridge (and, no--nobody can see the bottom of this pit). Obviously you have now found the source of the wind that blows up through the hollow core of the tower. It is so strong and loud here, that you must shout in order to be heard over the wind.
Anyone making an Intelligence check versus DC11 will realize that trying to walk over the bridge will require Balance (make a check versus DC18) AND Strength (another check versus DC18) in order to resist getting blown off the bridge and up into the spikes you all saw on the way down.
Even as you all try to puzzle your way through this challenge, a noise can be heard over the wind's roar:
"aaaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!"
KA-THUMP!
The middle of the bridge seemed to jerk...as though something smacked into it from below...
Lian (AC 34, 53hps) Sunday July 31st, 2005 3:18:14 AM
Active Spells: Detect Undead (scroll)(Detect Undead, 60ft cone, concetration upto 1 min/level)
Stunning Attacks: 0 used Enlarge Tat: 1/3 Bull's Str Tat: 2/2
Prepared Spells: Guidance, Create Water Divine Favor x2
"A troll couldn't cross this thing!" He yells at the top of his lungs. "After years of wind beating on the planks, I doubt they are still stable! Is there a safe way to move acrossed!" He looks at Milo with a smile and wink. "Can I borrow your slippers?!"
"I need a rope!!" He waits for a consensus from the group.
(OOC: Does the bridge look as if it could hold Gunther or someone heavier?! ;))
DM Donna Sunday July 31st, 2005 4:55:41 PM
The bridge--while narrow--seems to be strong enough to hold a person crossing over it...it's just that the wind is so strong that it will try to push a person off (hence the need for a Balance check) while also trying to blow them up into the air (hence the need for the Strength check, too).
Gunther (AC 28, HP81/83) Stoneskin 117/120, Animated Shield, Bull's Strength d20+1=10 Monday August 1st, 2005 12:57:55 AM
The warrior looks at the bridge in an apprasing manner (Int=10). "Sveet Alemi, dat looks nasty!" Gunther racks his brain trying to figure out a safe way to cross the bridge...but then, he never was a tactician. "Vell, I suppose von of us could try and cross de bridge vhile holding a rope. Den if ve do get across, then de rest of you vould have de help of de rope." Gunther begins to fish some rope out of his backpack.
OOC: Sorry about the missed posts folks, I didn't check the boards 'cus I forgot Donna was behind.
Figment d20+24=29 d20+24=32 d20+9=26 Monday August 1st, 2005 7:00:21 AM
Seeing the howling wind ripping through the bridge he bellows over the wind. "We can tie off and cross one at a time. That way if anyone flies off we can pull them back and they can try again. Once we gat some people across we can work the rops so that we are coonected to each other and we can then pul people down to the correct side. We also need to look for a door...". After considering the fact that the troll could not have made this, the mage looks everything over looking for a magic passage or perhaps a magical means to cross (Spellcraft 29, Arcana 32, Int 26).
Lian (AC 34, 53hps) Monday August 1st, 2005 8:15:40 AM
Active Spells: Detect Undead (scroll)(Detect Undead, 60ft cone, concetration upto 1 min/level)
Stunning Attacks: 0 used Enlarge Tat: 1/3 Bull's Str Tat: 2/2
Prepared Spells: Guidance, Create Water Divine Favor x2
"Figment, would it be too dangerous to enlarge myself? Perhaps the sheer weight and strength would help me?"
Ingrge: 100/100 Stone skin 120/120: AC 33: Stone skin, servants, tenser's disks, bulls strength rope use d20+9=21 d20+7=21 d20+6=17 d20+6=20 d20+7=22 d20+6=18 Monday August 1st, 2005 9:47:30 AM
Having cast from two scrolls before the door was opened, Bertram is indeed hasted and Ingrge is bull strengthed.
Looking at the bridge Ingrge shakes his head and starts tying a rope around himself(dc 21), then without waiting he tosses the rope to bertram and moves to the edge of the bridge.
Moving fairly rapidly up the slope, Ingrge seems to be having no difficulty with the crossing, Balance 21 until he gets to near the top of the bridges arc and the center of the strongest wind. It is then that things seem to start to go wrong. At first Ingrge stumbles a bit but manages to keep going another few steps. The first time Bertram realizes that something is wrong is when he feels a massive pull on the rope as a sudden powerful burst of wind lifts Ingrge bodily off the bridge and throws him to the side. stength 17 Sliding toward the edge Ingrge frantically scrambles for a grip using every bit of strength he can muster. As he is about to go over the rest of the Talons hear him yell out something "TAKE CARE OF CAEYRN FOR ME!!" As he finishes yelling his message another burst of wind catches him and lifts him up just enought to finally get a grip on one of the planks and rope. hero point used for reroll - strength dc20
Resting on the planks for a moment, Ingrge catches his breath and somehow manges to pull himself back to his feet. Regaining his balance, balance dc 22 Ingrge mamages the rest of the bridge almost sliding down the last incline strength dc 18. Once on the other side he looks for a place to tie off his rope at about waist level, so the others will have something to hold on to.
Falin (AC 24 HP 63) d20+2=20 d20+2=18 Monday August 1st, 2005 11:22:05 AM
Through the rush of air come a barely audible cry for help.
Hearing someone above him (Listen check 20) Falin cries out, "Hail thee who crosses the bridge. I am in need of assistance."
Figuring anything can be better than the situation he is in now he slowly tries to work his hand from under the bridge to wave where he is (Str check 18). "I am here," he cries.
Olana AC 30 69/69 d20+17=28 d20+16=22 Monday August 1st, 2005 1:47:13 PM
Olana puts away bow and arrows as she sees the door open and nothing horrid jumping out at Milo or anyone else. She listens gingerly to Figment about the best way to cross and nearly has a fit when Ingrge almost gets blown away. What on earth was it going to be like when she, Milo and Lian tried to cr - Caeryn? Who was Caeryn? - what a nightmare this was going to be. She takes out her rope. Hang on though - "Hey did anyone hear that?" LISTEN Check DC 28 Olana gets as close to the bridge as she dares and has a look toward where she thinks the sound came from. SPOT DC 22
Who Goes There? - DM Donna d20=13 d20+4=24 Monday August 1st, 2005 4:41:44 PM
K'Nara's attention immediately is snagged by the call for help that Olana points out. Going over to the bridge and then literally crawling forth on her belly, the tall blade singer notices that she can lean way down and jam herself halfway under the bridge. Looking around, she sees--
"Son of a b***h!" the human shouts, blinking in surprise. It's Falin--looking exactly as he had when he had been vanished by the fire giant months ago. "What in The Wold are you doing here..?" Looking around, she cannily notes that the archer is not tied to the bridge, but, rather, being pushed up on the underside by the force of the wind.
Immediately an idea comes to mind.
"Are you injured?" K'Nara asks Falin, who shakes his head. "If you can move under your own power, crawl to the other side--we're all trying to cross this bridge and need to get to the other side. Careful when you flip out to get back on solid ground, though--if this wind blows you upwards, you'll eventually get blown right into some nasty, big spikes. I'll meet you on the other side..."
K'Nara removes herself and scoots back to the others.
"You won't believe it!" she shouts excitedly. "Falin's popped back and he's under the bridge! But...I noticed that you can actually crawl under the bridge a lot more safely than trying to fight the wind blowing around it...if you slip yourself under the bridge, the wind itself makes it possible. The only thing you have to do is be really careful coming out on the other side--hug the ground as much as possible and pull out on the other side. I'll go first and help everyone who follows..." Even as K'Nara explains to the others, Falin crawls under the bridge to the side that K'Nara indicated and slips out, pulling himself onto the ledge without too much difficulty. (OOC: DM rolled a 13 for his Dexterity check versus DC8.)
The leader of the Talons demonstrates the approach to the task by belly-crawling to the edge of the bridge and then tucking herself under it. It's odd to see her crawling on all fours upside-down under a narrow footbridge, but the wind actually works in her favor, keeping her tight to the underside of the structure.
K'Nara reaches the other side and very carefully scrabbles out onto the ledge there (Dexterity check is a natural 20, so she makes it)...and comes to rest beside Falin.
Everyone who follows K'Nara's directions only has to make one Dexterity check versus DC8...and now that K'Nara is on the other side to help you, you add an extra +2 to your roll.
Brother Bertram AC 28 HP 84/84 Spider Climb /Haste d20+3=17 Monday August 1st, 2005 5:52:56 PM
Fighting his natural instincts, Bertram carefully crawls under the bridge and moves across slowly, wondering how long before the winds died down, dropping him forever in this cursed pit. He makes it much to his surprise and keeps an eye out for trouble with Ingrge as K'nara assists the others in crossing. He muses about finding Falin trapped down here, and what had befell him, then turns back to Ingrge as something came back to his mind. Under his breath, lest others hear, he murmurs, "Who is this Caeryn person, Friend Ingrge?"
Lian (AC 34, 53hps) d20+5=11 d20+19=20 d20+5=7 d20+5=22 d20+5=6 Monday August 1st, 2005 9:06:19 PM
Active Spells: Detect Undead (scroll)(Detect Undead, 60ft cone, concetration upto 1 min/level)
Stunning Attacks: 0 used Enlarge Tat: 1/3 Bull's Str Tat: 2/2
Prepared Spells: Guidance, Create Water Divine Favor x2
The monk looks at the bridge and thinks it pure genious. No one would naturally think about climbing UNDER a bridge... (Dex check 11)
Getting to the other side, Lian looks at K'Nara. "Ingrge said "Take a hare of Serian for three. What does he mean? Is that an incantation?" (Listen check, rolled natural 1)
"Wait, you said FALIN?! Where?"
He waits to assist the others if the need arises. (Aid rolls, 7, 22 and 6)
Milo (AC 29; 78/78 hps) d20+6=13 Monday August 1st, 2005 10:52:00 PM
Seeing Bertram climb under the bridge, Milo follows suit, using his slippers of spider climb to good effect. (OOC: Dex check DC 13)
Lian (AC 34, 53hps) Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 5:49:44 AM
Stunning Attacks: 0 used Enlarge Tat: 1/3 Bull's Str Tat: 2/2
Prepared Spells: Guidance, Create Water Divine Favor x2
Lian looks around on the other side of the bridge. "I think I know what I'm purchasing with my share." He says, looking at Milo.
Olana AC30 69/69 d20+5=10 Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 2:56:42 PM
"Well, would you look at that," Olana murmurs aloud, seeing that it is indeed Falin on the other side of the bridge. She breathes a sigh of relief as Milo get to the other side, and then sets off herself, crawling along the underside. DEX Check = 10
It's a struggle, and she almost loses her grip a couple of times. Her hair comes loose of her braid and whips around making it difficult for her to see. One hand, and one foot, in front of the other. That was the only way. Nice and steady. At the other side, she's never been as relieved to cross a bridge in her entire life.
Falin Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 3:59:23 PM
Upon getting to the other side Falin stands and dusts himself off. He patiently and anxiously waits for the safe crossing of the rest of the party.
After their safe crossing he comes forward and asks with a bit of an adge on his voice, "How long have I been gone? How much time has passed? Where are we?"
He seems to have a bit of a fevered looked in his eyes as he scans his new surroundings.
Ingrge Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 4:41:06 PM
As Brother Bertram arrives on the other side with, he finds Ingrge recovering from his near miss. As the doughty dwarf asks his question Ingrge looks up with a smile and a light in his eye and softly whispers Highlight to display spoiler: { "She is my wife."}
Brother Bertram AC 28 HP 84/84 Spider Climb /Haste Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 8:02:46 PM
Bertram eyes widen hearing Ingrge's words, then he smiles. "I hope Domi grants you your heart's desires, Friend Ingrge." He looks about constantly for any dangers present.
Reunion! - DM Donna d20=14 d20=1 d20+3=22 d20+3=15 Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 9:15:46 PM
"Falin...you've been gone for a few months now, to our reckoning..." K'Nara explains after helping Figment from under the bridge (OOC: rolled a 14 for check total of 16 for Figment). "...that giant smacked you on the head and completely vanished you from our midst!"
Gunther's turn to cross the bridge does not turn out as easy as the others. Just as he emerges from under the bridge and reaches up to be helped to the ledge, a sudden gust of wind begins to blow him sharply upwards! (OOC: rolled a 1 for the Dexterity check.)
"GUNTHER!!!" K'Nara screams, immediately throwing herself forward and grabbing both his forearms with her hands (OOC: rolled 22 to make the grab). "Help me--the wind's too strong..!" The wind roaring up from the bottomless pit is so strong that the fillet is blown off K'Nara's head, and her long red hair whips wildly about in the gale as she struggles to keep Gunther--now upside-down and above her--from disappearing up the deadly spiked tunnel above. (OOC: K'Nara's Strength check was only 15 versus the wind, but there are two people for the wind to try to blow away, so her result ends in a stalemate...Gunther isn't gone, but she can't pull him back to the ledge herself. Every PC on the ledge who helps her pull Gunther back to solid ground must post their Strength bonus so that I can reroll the attempt to save Gunther.)
Brother Bertram AC 28 HP 84/84 Spider Climb /Haste d20+4=12 Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 9:57:28 PM
Bertram rushes to help K'nara when he sees Gunther rise. He grasps her around the waist adding his squat mass to her attempts to anchor the big warrior.
(OOC +4)
Lian (AC 34, 53hps) d20=11 Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 11:03:09 PM
Almost at the same time, Lian launches himself toward Gunther and grips his arms too. (Strength DC 11 makes assist check, but makes no headway)
"This wind is a b..." But the rest of his words are drowned out by the rushing air.
Gunther (AC 28, HP81/83) Stoneskin 112/120, Animated Shield, Bull's Strength d6=5 Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 11:12:01 PM
As the strong wind rips him away from the bridge, Gunther snaps out of the rather interesting daydream he was having about K'nara. His feet are ripped out from under him, and he vainly claws at the bridge to catch himself. His animated shield, which had been smashed up against the bridge now rotates and smacks Gunther full in the chest (5hp damage to stoneskin). Closing his eyes, Gunther prepares for the jarring impact that will be his death...
Gunther opens his eyes as his body lurches to an abrupt stop. At the last second, K'nara's strong arms have caught him. This would be so romantic if it wasn't for the fact that he was about to be impaled on thousands of spikes. No...that kind of thinking's what got me into this trouble in the first place. Time to concentrate! His eyes lock on K'nara's, and Gunther locks his hands on the bladeslinger's arms, squeezing so tight that it is sure to leave bruises when and if they survive this day in the Tower.
Milo (AC 29; 78/78 hps) Wednesday August 3rd, 2005 1:51:40 AM
Milo moves quickly to assist K'nara with pulling Gunther up, grabbling the large man's leg and pulling for all he is worth. (OOC: Str bonus is +1)
Ingrge: 100/100 Stone skin 120/120: AC 33: Stone skin, servants, tenser's disks, bulls strength d20+6=24 Wednesday August 3rd, 2005 6:42:13 AM
Jumping up, Ingrge Flys to the bridge to give Gunther and K'nara a hand. Grabbing K'nara around the waist he speaks, "You make sure you keep hold of him K'nara," and then starts dragging her/them back from the edge. (strength DC 24)
Lian (AC 34, 53hps) Wednesday August 3rd, 2005 9:25:53 AM
The monk holds onto Gunther.
Stunning Attacks: 0 used Enlarge Tat: 1/3 Bull's Str Tat: 2/2
Prepared Spells: Guidance, Create Water Divine Favor x2
Falin Wednesday August 3rd, 2005 12:31:26 PM
With so many people at the edge of the cliff Falin doesn't want to make it a dangerous sitauation. He wait and watches. If it looks like anyone else is about to go over he will spring to their aid.
Heave HO! - DM Donna d20+8=24 Wednesday August 3rd, 2005 3:15:31 PM
The chain of Talons works together to yank Gunther out of the grip of the killer winds--and they manage to do so, tumbling back into the safer area near the door that exits this deadly chasm chamber. (OOC: the combined Strengh of everyone who helped resulted in a check roll of 24--nice teamwork, everyone!)
Gunther finds himself, once more, on top of K'Nara...who is on top of Bertram, who is on top of Lian, etc.--much like a line of fallen dominoes. K'Nara has to shake masses of chestnut-colored hair out of her face as she sits up, pushing Gunther upright on his knees.
"Are you all right?" she asks, her hazel eyes wide. "That was too close!"
Olana Wednesday August 3rd, 2005 6:08:04 PM
Olana looks on with shock, and then relief as Gunther is pulled to safety. "Well thank goodness," she says, making sure Milo isn't being trodden on, before turning to Falin. "Well met fellow elf, it's good to see you still in one piece."
Falin Wednesday August 3rd, 2005 6:44:15 PM
"It is good to see you too fellow elf." He grasps Olana's forearms in a show of friendship.
He turns to the group,"It is good to see all of you. I feel that I am at home again. I feel as if I am being used as a pawn by the pwers that be. With my transportation errors and then this most recent disappearence and then reappearing here and in all places the bottom of a bridge!" He says with great emotion in his voice. "I hope nothing else happens to me."
"Now that I have gotten that off my chest, what is our present situation? What is our goal?"
Brother Bertram AC 28 HP 84/84 Spider Climb /Haste Wednesday August 3rd, 2005 7:07:02 PM
Bertram gasps from the bottom of the pile, "Speaking of getting things off your chest....."
Milo (AC 29; 78/78 hps) Wednesday August 3rd, 2005 7:45:39 PM
Quickly dodging and ducking through the pile of bodies, Milo nods smiling at the returned Falin, and grasps Olana's hand reassuringly before turning his attention to the new door before them. (OOC: Take 20 to search the door for traps and trouble for a total DC of 35.)
Gunther (AC 28, HP81/83) Stoneskin 112/120, Animated Shield, Bull's Strength Thursday August 4th, 2005 12:18:16 AM
Once more a goofy grin firmly affixes itself to Gunther's face as K'nara pushes him off of her. By the gods themselves that one was a keeper! Just think of all the strong children she could bear!
Rising to his feet, Gunther reaches out and grabs K'nara, bringing her to her feet. His body screams at him to draw her in close...to forget about this stupid tower...this stupid mission... Gunther takes a deep breath and blows it out slowly. Time...she needed time. "I don't know how I slipped back dere. Sorry K'nara. Tanks for catching me."
As he spots Falin, Gunther gives the archer a hearty slap on the back. "Velcome back. It is goot to see you again. Just ven ve need de help de best!"
Righting his animated shield and removing his two-bladed sword from his glove of storing, Gunther readies himself for the next deadly challenge.
Lian (AC 34, 53hps) Thursday August 4th, 2005 8:16:15 AM
Not really having to endurance to endure the mass of steel and flesh above him, Lian lays there gasping unable to do much more than blink.
'Figures it would the three largest talon members!' He thinks to himself.
It is also very clear to him that all three could use a bath.
He attempts to push out of the pile, but with no success.
(OOC: 700 plus pounds on the thin monk's chest will likely suffocate him. :))
Stunning Attacks: 0 used Enlarge Tat: 1/3 Bull's Str Tat: 2/2
Prepared Spells: Guidance, Create Water Divine Favor x2
Brother Bertram AC 28 HP 84/84 Spider Climb /Haste Thursday August 4th, 2005 10:41:04 AM
Bertram scrambles up and looks around quickly, expecting yet another challenge to be sprung upon them immediately.
(OOC Post for Friday-If I am needed for more Kent will post for me. I am in the Bahamas after today. Be back Monday night and will post then as normal.)
This Way Out - DM Donna Thursday August 4th, 2005 2:41:52 PM
K'Nara gets to her feet, making sounds of annoyance because she now has to deal with a LOT of loose hair--now that the fillet is gone, she's got waist-length wavy hair that will get in the way of a combat unless she can secure it somehow. The wind--while not as bad as in the area of the open pit itself--is still blowing it about.
Milo checks that other door VERY thoroughly, and finds no indications of it being either trapped or locked.
"Has someone got a piece of string...a shoe lace...ANYthing to help me tie my hair back???" K'Nara asks out loud, trying to gather up all her hair into a ponytail at the back of her head.
Falin Thursday August 4th, 2005 10:58:52 PM
Falin produces a bow string for K'Nara. "Here you go, this should work nicely."
Falin draws his bow and knocks an arrow. "So shall we press forward for honor and glory?"
Milo (AC 29; 78/78 hps) Friday August 5th, 2005 12:25:21 AM
Looking back momentarily at the rest of the group, Milo waits for K'nara to tie back her hair, and the remainder of his friends to right themselves, then with a wry little grin, "Ready?" Once it appears as though they are, he opens the door, short sword at the ready.
Lian (AC 34, 53hps), Divine Favor Friday August 5th, 2005 10:34:39 AM
The monk looks at Milo, casts a spell, then nods.
He moves next to Bertram and prepares to move in.
Active Spell: Divine Favor - (10 rounds)
Stunning Attacks: 0 used Enlarge Tat: 1/3 Bull's Str Tat: 2/2
Prepared Spells: Guidance, Create Water Divine Favor
Moving Right Along...Again - DM Donna Friday August 5th, 2005 11:50:01 AM
"Thank you, Falin." K'Nara gratefully accepts the string from the elf and manages to corral her thick auburn hair into a simple ponytail by tying the mass at the back of her neck.
Milo sees that the door opens into another corridor--ten feet by ten feet by ten feet again--and this corridor, too, seems to curve away to the right.
As soon as everyone finishes making sure they're ready, the Talons begin to follow the hallway.
(OOC: I'll give you a day to post if anyone else wants to have spells or scrolls cast on them and then advance the group to the next item on the encounter list. Mwuhahahah...um...I MEAN...good luck.)
Gunther (AC 28, HP81/83) Stoneskin 112/120, Animated Shield, Bull's Strength, Protection from Evil, Hide from Undead, Blessed Weapon Friday August 5th, 2005 12:18:13 PM
Well, looks like this is the time to gear up. Gunther quickly downs a couple of potions and rubs a couple of vials of oil onto his sword blades. If anyone has any buff spells, he would gladly accept them, but he knows they are running low. Goofy grin firmly affixed on his face, Gunther looks over at K'nara's new hair do. "You look very pretty dat vay." he says with a small blush. After his preparations, Gunther readies his sword and checks his shield. Then he waits for the order to move out.
OOC A little busy right now. I'll post the spell durations tonight. :)
Olana d20+17=31 d20+16=27 d20+15=26 Friday August 5th, 2005 9:31:19 PM
About half a step behind Milo, Olana peers ahead - floor, ceiling, walls. She is beginning to get a little jumpy. LISTEN DC 31 SPOT DC 27 MOVE SILENTLY DC 26
Falin d20+2=3 d20+2=16 d20+2=20 Friday August 5th, 2005 11:41:26 PM
Falin brings up the rear. Ever vigilent of danger.
LISTEN 3 SPOT 16
Advance to "GO" - DM Donna Saturday August 6th, 2005 12:40:13 PM
Upon hearing the big fighter's compliment, K'Nara shoots him an odd look...but nods a bit hesitantly.
"Thank you...for saying so." she replies. Clearly she isn't sure what to make of it...so she turns and makes sure that the Talons are all ready to go forward. Everyone advances into the hall, following it for about a hundred feet before coming to a large iron door. Milo's usual inspection shows that it is neither locked nor trapped.
Opening the door reveals a circular room that is about thirty feet around. There are doors set into the wall all around the room--eight of them altogether (including the one that the Talons have just opened into the room.) The doors are identical, made of iron. In the middle of the room, on the floor, is a large iron key.
Lian (AC 34, 53hps), Divine Favor Saturday August 6th, 2005 1:19:11 PM
"We should mark this door before proceeding. We don't want to accidently head back the way we came should the doors start changing.
Seven doors. Sure makes sense. All the doors up to this point have been safe of traps, now there's seven... I would think the one that IS trapped or locked is the door we need to enter to move on to the Vault. Just a theory though. Of course they ALL could be locked or ALL could be safe." His mouth twitches into a forced smile.
Its clear to everyone that Lian is getting more and more doubtful. "Call me paranoid, but it seems that everytime we think we're getting close.... I don't know, it just seems like the Tower is twisting our perception of what we should expect. It's like it knows us... our minds."
"I for one can't afford to waste anymore spells on a hunch."
Active Spell: Divine Favor - (9 rounds)
Stunning Attacks: 0 used Enlarge Tat: 1/3 Bull's Str Tat: 2/2
Prepared Spells: Guidance, Create Water Divine Favor
Ingrge: 100/100 Stone skin 120/120: AC 32: Stone skin, servants, tenser's disks, bulls strength Sunday August 7th, 2005 3:29:14 PM
Before they move on Ingrge offers his last cat's grace, bull's strength and stone skin scrolls to anyone who wants them and then casts them as needed.
Nodding at Lian's comment Ingrge takes out his scroll witing materials and marks the door and the floor in front of the door with his Highlight to display spoiler: {wife's} initials and then steps aside.
Gunther (AC 28, HP81/83) Stoneskin 112/120, Animated Shield, Bull's Strength, Protection from Evil, Hide from Undead, Blessed Weapon d20+1=2 d20+1=4 Sunday August 7th, 2005 8:32:14 PM
Gunther follows allow with K'nara, trying to keep an eye out for danger, but K'nara's...well...she's very distracting (Spot=2, Listen=4). Shaking his head, Gunther tries to clear it for all those distracting, yet compelling thoughts about the Talon's leader. Noting all the doors, Gunther sighs and nods his agreement with Lian's statement. Will this tower never end?!! Nothing but puzzle after puzzle after puzzle. Erg!! Gunther rubs his temples and waits for someone to come up with an idea to figure out which is the right door.
Spells in place Stone skin ??? min/120 min Bull's Strength ??min/??min (Not sure how much time has elapsed since Bertram cast it...also not sure what level Bertram is) Protection from Evil 10rds/10rds Hide from Undead 10min/10min Blessed Weapon 10rds/10rds
Olana AC 30 69/69 d20+14=33 d20+12=13 Sunday August 7th, 2005 11:20:06 PM
"Ingrge, I'll happily take that Stoneskin if no one else wants it," says the elf, looking dubiously into the room. Then she confers with Milo - "One key. Perhaps a look at the locks on the doors might give us a clue - if they're not all the same of course."
She will step forward - carefully - once Ingrge has marked the door. She's going to look at the doors, and signs of traffic through any of them.
SURVIVAL DC 33 SEARCH DC 13
consider it cast
Milo (AC 29; 78/78 hps) Monday August 8th, 2005 1:30:59 AM
Nodding in agreement, "I'll check out the key itself." Milo moves to the iron key and examines it, as well as the area around it, for traps. If none are present, he picks up the key and examines its make before checking out the keyholes on the doors themselves. (OOC: DC 35 to check for traps on the key, and then I'm not sure what kind of roll you'd have me make to compare the key to the locks without actually using it. I'll leave that up to you Donna.)
Lian (AC 34, 53hps), Divine Favor Monday August 8th, 2005 6:00:55 AM
Lian smiles at the fact so many talons seem to agree with his statements.
Falin d20+2=12 d20+2=13 Monday August 8th, 2005 12:08:16 PM
"If the locks are all the same I think this is just a way of slowing us down. I would assume, from what I have heard so far, that they would all go to the same spot. Reguardless of which one we pick."
Falin still has an arrow knocked, waiting for any suprises. But not very well.
Listen 12 Spot 13
What's in a Room? - DM Donna d20+9=17 Monday August 8th, 2005 9:33:57 PM
(OOC: Knock thirty minutes off the spells that were in place before...but keep track of the duration for the newest ones cast from those scrolls.)
So far, so good--Milo finds no traps...he goes to the key and checks it out VERY carefully...and still no traps. However, Milo finds that he cannot pick the key up off the floor while there are members of the group still outside the door.
K'Nara growls--because all of you well know that the magic in this tower gets activated when everyone is inside a room...but you have NO choice. You must go on--you figure you have less than two hours left before the deadline.
Everyone advances into the room, and--sure enough--the door that Ingrge marked slams shut, locking with an audible click. The doors on the circular wall begin to move, as though the wall is actually the outer ring of a top.
"Ha! We still know which way is out because Ingrge marked the floor!" K'Nara says triumphantly--but then the floor begins to spin in the opposite direction of the doors!
Everyone must make a Reflex save versus DC15 or fall down on their butts (no damage except to pride.)
"Me and my big mouth..!" the blade singer grinds out from between clenched teeth as she barely manages to brace against the motion of the floor. (OOC: K'Nara makes her own Reflex save with a mere 17.)
Everything stops spinning. A pair of lips appears on the key in the middle of the floor and you hear them speak:
"See...the key..."
Lian (AC 34, 53hps), Divine Favor d20+18=20 Monday August 8th, 2005 9:51:44 PM
The monk is about to speak, when the floor begins spinning. (Reflex 20)
As the floor starts spinning, the elf looks at K'Nara, then at Ingrge and shakes his head with folded arms. "I told you to mark the DOOR, not the FLOOR." He emphasizes the 'fl' sound at Ingrge. Hearing the key suddenly speak Lian turns and looks at Milo. "Did you know it would do that?" He askes, looking back at the key.
Active Spell: Divine Favor - (8 rounds)
Stunning Attacks: 0 used Enlarge Tat: 1/3 Bull's Str Tat: 2/2
Prepared Spells: Guidance, Create Water Divine Favor
Gunther (AC 28, HP81/83) Stoneskin 112/120, Animated Shield, Bull's Strength, Protection from Evil, Hide from Undead, Blessed Weapon d20+7=24 Tuesday August 9th, 2005 12:13:48 AM
Whoa! Gunther slides and spins as the floor twirls around him...but somehow he manages to keep his feet under him. Gunther watches with amuzement as the key sprouts lips. "Yes, I see de key..." he mutters as he scratches his chin. Puzzles...too many stinking puzzles.
Spells in place Stone skin 90 min/120 min Bull's Strength ??min/??min (Not sure how much time has elapsed since Bertram cast it...also not sure what level Bertram is) Protection from Evil 9rds/10rds Hide from Undead 10min/10min Blessed Weapon 9rds/10rds
Lian (AC 34, 53hps), Divine Favor Tuesday August 9th, 2005 6:07:08 AM
"Boy, all these puzzles are fun...." He looks at Gunther. "... don't you think so?" Asks the elf.
Figment (Stoneskin 120/120) d20+6=24 Tuesday August 9th, 2005 6:53:55 AM
The mage's head spins but he is able to keep his feet. He mutters "Magic...".
Ingrge d20+7=24 Tuesday August 9th, 2005 8:28:39 AM
reflex 24
Scormfully looking over at the monk at his marking comment.
"Lian friend, I marked both. But I guess you were too busy grinning at nothing to notice."
Ingrge takes a look at where the original door and floor markings ended up and then activating his boots of speed each door to the right of his first marked one with a 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 and does the same with each corresponding original floor area.
( OOC; we now should know exactly which doors were which before the shift and the corresponding floor space as well. and their relative post spin positions.)
Lian (AC 34, 53hps), Divine Favor Tuesday August 9th, 2005 9:19:35 AM
The monk continues to smile, scathed by Ingrge's comment, though its nearly impossible to see through the shining white teeth. "Well, I smile so often with great hope of reminding you what one looks like, Old Friend. If it bothers you, stop watching." He then turns his attention back to the task at hand.
Falin d20+5=6 Tuesday August 9th, 2005 3:11:50 PM
Falin tries to keep his balance, but he goes down hard.
"What was that?" Asks Falin looking at the key.
Gunther d20+1=9 Tuesday August 9th, 2005 6:09:21 PM
Grunting at Lian, Gunther helps pick Falin back up on his feet. He casts about anxiously, trying to think of how they can find their way to the vault (Int=9).
Olana crouches low as soon as the room starts to move, and shifts this way and that until it stops spinning.
She tries to keep out of the way of Ingrge marking the doors, while peering at the different keyholes (if they exist).
SPOT DC 25
"Who said that?" she asks, as the key decides to start talking.
Milo (AC 29; 78/78 hps) d20+19=26 d20+15=21 Tuesday August 9th, 2005 9:50:45 PM
Milo keeps his balance, though he purses his lips with annoyance as the voice mutters, "See the key?" Glancing over at Lian, "Yeah... I was pretty sure that messing with anything in this tower would produce an undesirable result." Feeling rather waspish, the halfling glances down at the key, and then directly up at the ceiling over the key. He looks around attempting to ascertain the meaning of the cryptic message. "Any ideas folks... before I go and pick this thing up?" (OOC: Reflex save DC 26, Spot check DC 21.)
Pick a Door...Any Door - DM Donna d20+11=26 d20=4 Tuesday August 9th, 2005 9:59:26 PM
K'Nara frowns mightily.
"That was a Magic Mouth spell..." she explains (after having made a successful Spellcraft check of 26), "...it said 'see the key'...but WHAT could that mean..?" The chestnut-maned female warrior scowled as she attempted to think it through--to no avail. (OOC: she did not make an Intelligence check--she only got 4 versus DC25.)
Gunther's foray into mental gymnastics is only slightly more graceful, but nonetheless a failure as well.
The rest of the Talons must try to puzzle out the meaning of the spoken phrase either by posting their guess or rolling an Intelligence check versus DC25.
Lian d20+2=16 d20+8=17 d20+10=18 d20+9=25 Tuesday August 9th, 2005 11:06:12 PM
The hand of Domi looks around, raises an eyebrow and smirks. "Maybe this room is like the other one. The entrance may also be the exit.
There are 8 doors, we came through this one..." Pointing to the one marked with initials. "...that would mean this one..." Pointing at the opposite door. "... was straight ahead of the entrance." He ponders another minute, scratching his platnum head just behind one ear. He sighs. (Int check 16)
(Knowledge arcana 17, Spellcraft 18, Spot 25) Looking at the key and thinking about the words, he is VERY much wanting to pick up the key himself.
"Maybe we have to lock the door we entered through." He says plainly. "Do the doors have key holes?" He notes the doors that have unique markings, if any (besides the ones put there by talons).
He looks at the ceiling. Did it move as well?
Lian looks for the portion of floor with the Ingrge's wife's initials. The door should be unmarked with the exception of a number put there by Ingrge after the spinning. The door should not have initials. He thinks thats the exit or at least the door to continue to the Vault. "Assuming this door is locked, we should unlock it and exit."
(OOC: Basically, he wants to exit thru the door which stands infront of the piece of floor with initials on it.)
(OOC: Are the doors equally spaced from one another? I don't believe it was stated just assumed.)
Brother Bertram AC 28 HP 84/84 Haste Wednesday August 10th, 2005 4:21:54 AM
Bertram ponders the doors considering the best one to choose. Domi would guide his hand on one door but not eight. He would hold this in reserve if they could figure out how to narrow the choices.
Figment (63/63, Stoneskin 120/120) d20+9=19 d20+9=28 Wednesday August 10th, 2005 7:45:34 AM
Figment frowns as he thinks about the puzzle, knowing he should just be able to see the answer (Int DC 19). Applying all the skill and knowledge he calm himself and allows his mind to wrap around the problem a little closer until the solution begins to come clear (Hero Point re-roll, Int DC 28). "I think I have it...".
DM Donna Wednesday August 10th, 2005 10:13:56 AM
Although I doubt anyone was looking (and it would be hard to tell even if they were)--no, the ceiling did not move when the floor and the doors rotated around.
Yes, the doors are evenly spaced around the perimeter of the round room.
Yes, all the doors have keyholes.
Brother Bertram AC 28 HP 84/84 Haste Wednesday August 10th, 2005 5:10:31 PM
"See....the key. Hmmmm" Bertram chews on his beard thinking deeply. I wonder if the door the key is pointing to could be the clue we need?"
Brother Bertram AC 28 HP 84/84 Haste d20+6=23 Wednesday August 10th, 2005 5:19:15 PM
"Or even...." Bertram trails off and goes over to the key, first noting the direction it points then kneeling down examining the floor under and around the key itself. Looking for anything unusual in the stonework surrounding it. (OOC rolled a 23 to search stonework)
Lain Wednesday August 10th, 2005 5:59:12 PM
The monk looks on, ready to move thru which ever door.
Falin d20+2=19 Wednesday August 10th, 2005 6:11:07 PM
Falin thinks for a seconds and then goes blank. "I had this grreat idea, but it seems to have just slipped out of my mind. Never the less, I will follow through any door that is chosen."
Milo d20+15=24 Wednesday August 10th, 2005 8:49:46 PM
The halfling looks quizzically at Bertram as he sights down the key, and then gets the idea to stand over the key, looking in the direction it is pointing. He then reaches down, and picking up the key, moves directly toward the wall, "Has anyone checked for secret doors? Maybe none of the doors presented are the correct door." That said, Milo quickly begins to search for secret doors. (OOC: Search check DC 24)
Bright Ideas - DM Donna Wednesday August 10th, 2005 9:48:18 PM
Figment looks like he might have an answer...all he has to do is open up his mouth and share it.
Meanwhile, Lian's ponderings (and Spotting) don't seem to turn up anything.
Brother Bertram's careful attention to the stonework only reveals that the room is geared to spin...but you all knew that already.
Milo's diligent check for secret doors turns up nothing.
Gunther (AC 28, HP81/83) Stoneskin 112/120, Animated Shield, Bull's Strength, Protection from Evil, Hide from Undead, Blessed Weapon d20+1=17 Wednesday August 10th, 2005 10:08:30 PM
Bored, restless and nervous, the warrior shifts from foot to foot waiting for someone to find the right door. "How bout if I just break dem all down?" he asks only partially joking.
Olana Thursday August 11th, 2005 2:00:19 AM
Olana grins at Gunther. "You know we might have to do just that if we can't figure it out."
She approaches the key. "I wonder if we can talk to it? Hello? Hello, key, can you hear us?"
Lian (AC 34, 53hps) Thursday August 11th, 2005 4:29:02 PM
Lian sits down, cross-legged, and meditates for a minute while the others figure out what to do.
Ingrge d20+7=13 Thursday August 11th, 2005 4:47:52 PM
after marking the doors and trying to find any hidden/secret doors on his walk,Ingrge ponders the key situation, but does not come up with anything new. (int 13)
Falin d20+2=20 d20+2=3 Thursday August 11th, 2005 7:26:39 PM
"I was never any good at figuring out puzzles. When I was a youngling I was more interested with the sword and bow than I was with the books. And when I did read it was more of the romantic novels than learned material."
With that he sits and continues to watch for any suprises. Apparently he is looking with his eyes closed, but that helps his hearing.
LISTEN 20 SPOT 3
What's In a Door? - DM Donna d20=20 Thursday August 11th, 2005 10:28:10 PM
Olana's conversation with the inanimate object is decidedly one-sided.
Lian assumes the position.
Ingrge continues to ponder the puzzle, but nothing comes to mind.
With eyes closed, Falin spots nothing and hears only K'Nara's voice as she asks out loud:
"You all heard the same thing I did, right..?" she queries, "It said...'SEE...the key'...but...since the key is in the middle of the room, it's in plain sight, so how can we NOT see the key? Unless the word isn't 'SEE'...but 'C'...as in C the key...the musical key...?" (OOC: K'Nara has no INT bonuses but her natural 20 means she managed to glean a clue from the phrase...she needs help to put the rest of the riddle together, though--keep having your PCs puzzle through the meaning of "C, the key".)
Gunther (AC 28, HP81/83) Stoneskin 112/120, Animated Shield, Bull's Strength, Protection from Evil, Hide from Undead, Blessed Weapon d20+1=17 d20+1=2 Thursday August 11th, 2005 11:17:24 PM
"C the key...C the key...C the key." Gunther scratches his chin as he strains to think (Int=17). "Vhat if it means dat C is de key." Gunther looks up at the doors. "I vould understand if von of dem vas labelled vith a C..." (Spot=2) "But dat is not so... Should ve sing to it? I could try, but dat's not vat I'm skilled at, so I doubt I could find the key of C."
Spells in place Stone skin 90 min/120 min Bull's Strength ??min/??min (Not sure how much time has elapsed since Bertram cast it...also not sure what level Bertram is) Protection from Evil 6rds/10rds Hide from Undead 10min/10min Blessed Weapon 6rds/10rds
Lian d20+2=15 Friday August 12th, 2005 1:09:32 AM
(INT check 15)
Lian's eyes open for a moment. He reaches into his pocket for a used scroll scrap and tears off a long strip. The monk places it flat between his thumbs and begins to blow. He is hoping to produce the note of 'c' similar to what a whistle or flute might produce. "I wish I hadn't left my flute in the Tower." He says. "Is there a spell that might produce that note? The doors might require 'C sharps' or 'C flats', or even C major... or whatever."
He continues his method. "I have NO skill at this." He says with a slight frown.
Brother Bertram AC 28 HP 84/84 Haste Friday August 12th, 2005 2:19:22 PM
Bertram listens as the others ponder. "The 'C' might also be the letter that Ingrge placed upon the door Friends..Probably not but just pointing out other options."
Olana Friday August 12th, 2005 5:03:50 PM
Olana nibbles on her bottom lip in consternation. "Oh dear, I can't sing either. However, just thinking ahead, if one of us can hit a C note, then do we 'sing at' each door? And then hope one of them opens?"
Ingrge Friday August 12th, 2005 7:05:20 PM
If singing is what is in order, I would guess that you stand over the key and sing there and see what happens.
I will be glad to try if noone else is a better performer.
Lian Friday August 12th, 2005 9:54:25 PM
"We also might want to try and figure out what other notes, besides 'C', can open other doors.
Just a theory, but could the mere fact that this tower's core is filled with wind also be a clue? What if the note HAS to be play on a wind instrument?" He hypothasizes(sp?).
"Lets assume that each door represents a note. We might be able to open 6 or the 8 doors using JUST the major keys. You know, like E, A, D, G, B and E... the lute has 12 strings, the metal flute has 6 holes, the mandalin has, what like 6 strings?" He runs through a list of instruments.
"What combonations produce the 'C' note?" It looks like all the puzzles are starting to confuse the monk finally.
He moves over to Gunther to join the other confused party member. "I'll stop talking now!"
Falin d20+2=19 Friday August 12th, 2005 10:26:57 PM
Falin thinks for a second.
"I am going to try something. Everyone pick a door to watch. I am going to try to hit a "C" note and I think we will have a better chance to see if it works if we are each watching a door."
He waits for everyone to get into position and then begins to whistle the musical bars hoping to hit a "C" note.
PERFORMANCE 19 (untrained)
Ingrge Friday August 12th, 2005 10:36:03 PM
Well Lian, you may be on the right track. There are 8 notes in an octave so each note may well open a different door.....
As Falin starts to find a note, Ingrge figures out which door the key was originally pointing at prior to spin, and walks toward it
Do, Re, Mi... - DM Donna d8=3 Saturday August 13th, 2005 1:05:25 AM
Everyone in the room cautiously eyes the doors around them as Falin begins to whistle a tune that he feels not only is in the key of C, but also has the note of C in it as well.
"LOOK!" K'Nara says suddenly, pointing to one of the doors. Everyone watches as, at several points in the song, the door in question appears to glow. "Hold that note, Falin..!"
The archer manages to do so, and as he holds that one note, the door DEFINITELY glows!
"It's GOT to be this one!" K'Nara announces. Ironically enough, the glowing door is neither the door with the writing on it, nor the door that the key is pointing towards...but the one that has the mark on the floor in front of it.
Milo (AC 29; 78/78 hps) Saturday August 13th, 2005 3:09:09 AM
His interest peaked, and not wanting to waste a moment, Milo moves toward the glowing door, key in hand, and proceeds to attempt to unlock it with the key, opening it afterward.
Gunther (AC 28, HP81/83) Stoneskin 112/120, Animated Shield, Bull's Strength, Protection from Evil, Hide from Undead, Blessed Weapon Sunday August 14th, 2005 12:02:59 AM
The warrior gives a scowl to Lian, rubbing his temples. But the scowl quickly changes to a full face grin when Falin unravels the riddle. "Yeah, dat's the ticket!" Gunther slaps the archer hard on the back in congratulations and then moves back into his position next to K'nara ready to pass through the door.
Spells in place Stone skin 90 min/120 min Bull's Strength ??min/??min (Not sure how much time has elapsed since Bertram cast it...also not sure what level Bertram is) Protection from Evil 5rds/10rds Hide from Undead 10min/10min Blessed Weapon 5rds/10rds
Lian Monday August 15th, 2005 6:25:35 AM
"I knew it." He smirks.
Falin Monday August 15th, 2005 12:45:32 PM
As Milo approaches the door with the key Falin readies an arrow and hopes for the best.
Of course, when Gunter congratulates him he is completely caught off guard and falls to the group. Standing himself back up he smiles at him and says, "No problem." While he rubs his shoulder.
Olana Monday August 15th, 2005 7:04:55 PM
"Oooh, look at that!" says Olana excitedly, clapping her hands together.
It's a moment of excitement quickly dashed as her beloved Milo heads straight for it, in what to her, looks to be in a reckless manner.
Instinctively, her hand goes to her sword, just in case anything horrible jumped out.
Lian Monday August 15th, 2005 8:14:07 PM
"Um, Milo, are you sure you really want to be that close at this point?"
What's Behind Door #3..? - DM Donna Monday August 15th, 2005 10:01:23 PM
Milo quickly takes advantage of the magical glow, thrusting the key into the ornate iron lock of the door that keeps glowing whenever Falin's whistling hits a "C" note. Wow--and he didn't even check for TRAPS!
What a stupid--er, um...BRAVE halfling! ;)
Fortunately, however, the key unlocks the door and the door opens into the corner of a familiar-looking room...
It's the vault chamber again...and it appears as though the floor is, once again, whole. Ingrge's disks and servants are floating quietly to one side of the chamber, near the large, sealed door that the group had been too far away from to be able to inspect any too closely.
The room's description:
The vault chamber is 80 feet square, and gives the feeling of being impossibly old...as well as decidedly evil. There actually is no ceiling to the room, though it obviously is not part of the wind tunnel that makes up the center of the Bone Tower proper. Regardless, the upper spaces soar up into inpenetrable darkness. It's impossible to tell just how high the ceiling (if there IS one) is in relation to the floor.
The sealed door to what you all assume must be the Vault itself is made of some kind of substance that seems to be both metal and stone, surrealistically enough. The symbol of Marteaus is carved/embossed in the material, and the doorway is flanked by ivory carvings of a mightily-muscled yet diseased-looking warrior.
There are words carved above the great portal...only those who can read Orcish can now read them:
Highlight to display spoiler: {"STATE YOUR GREAT NEED"}
Oh...and you are now much closer to the two-to-three dozen bodies that are scattered about the area closest to the vault door.
(OOC: the players will be receiving a PDF map of the area in the mail.)
Milo (AC 29; 78/78 hps) Monday August 15th, 2005 10:20:50 PM
Looking with some uncertainty, Milo pipes up, "So... um... shall I check the vault door?" The halfling pockets the key and then reaches to grab Olana's hand for reassurance. "Maybe you should lend a hand with this one, my dear? It doesn't hurt to have another pair of eyes looking for trouble. 'specially ones as pretty as yours."
Gunther (AC 28, HP81/83) Stoneskin 112/120, Animated Shield, Bull's Strength, Protection from Evil, Hide from Undead, Blessed Weapon Monday August 15th, 2005 10:56:41 PM
Looking up at the inscription, Gunther blurts out in orchish "Ich wünsche, daß diese Tür sich öffnen würde, und ich könnte diesen verdammten Raum schließlich eintragen!!" The warrior quickly claps his hand over his mouth, a look of terror on his face as he realizes that he actually said what he was thinking.
Spells in place Stone skin 90 min/120 min Bull's Strength ??min/??min (Not sure how much time has elapsed since Bertram cast it...also not sure what level Bertram is) Protection from Evil 4rds/10rds Hide from Undead 10min/10min Blessed Weapon 4rds/10rds
Brother Bertram AC 28 HP 84/84 Haste Tuesday August 16th, 2005 4:31:42 AM
Bertram follows along in party formation, axe at the ready, a prayer on his lips.
Lian (AC 34, 53hps) Tuesday August 16th, 2005 6:23:11 AM
"Actually, I'd check out those statues if I were you Milo." He states rather plainly. "Those could be some sort of animated thing or construct of sorts." He smiles.
He retrieves a handful of scrolls and waits.
Stunning Attacks: 0 used Enlarge Tat: 1/3 Bull's Str Tat: 2/2
Prepared Spells: Guidance, Create Water Divine Favor x2
Ingrge:AC 33: HP100: (120): Stoneskin, boots of speed, displaced (50% miss) spell resistance 18%, (immunities- Detect thoughts, disern lies, alignment, sleep, flanking) Tuesday August 16th, 2005 10:22:05 AM
Activating his boots of speed, Ingrge then uses a charge from his staff before entering the room and now it is kind of hard to tell just where he is (displacement).
Falin Tuesday August 16th, 2005 1:21:38 PM
"State your great need," Falin reads from the portal. "I dont know what that means, but it can not be good."
He readies his bow.
Figment (63/63, Stoneskin 120/120) d20+9=22 d20+24=40 Tuesday August 16th, 2005 2:24:36 PM
The mage reads the inscription and ponders "Hmm. I fully expect that the inscription will be the next step...". He observes the bodies and the types of wounds that killed them to see if they match that of the statues. He also applies what has gone before and what the inscription reads to try to come up with any ideas on what to do next (DC 22). He also evaluates the inscription to see if it is as magic trigger of some kind (Spellcraft DC 40).
Olana 69/69 AC 30 Stoneskin d20+12=17 d20+16=35 Tuesday August 16th, 2005 5:47:12 PM
Olana nods at Milo and steps closer to the door, paying particular attention to the 5ft space before the door, which she doesn't step on. SEARCH DC 17
She also looks over the statues - do they hold weapons, and if so, do they have blood on them? SPOT DC 35
Check It Out - DM Donna d20+2=21 Tuesday August 16th, 2005 10:09:15 PM
Milo must make the appropriate rolls (Search and Spot)...unless he's opting to take 20.
Gunther's exclamation does nothing but echo up into the darkness.
Lian, Ingrge and Falin prepare, wise elves that they are.
Figment once more puts his awesome brainpower to good use, attempting to puzzle out the meaning of the Orcish directive over the door. He is reasonably sure that followers of Marteaus--or, at least, his harsh directive of "suffering in order to know what you want" is the key to opening the portal. He can tell, too, that the huge door is magic--and very, very evil--but it doesn't appear to have any kind of harmful spells on it.
Olana's sharp eyes do not catch anything out of the ordinary, either on the floor, nor on the statues.
K'Nara inspects the bodies, moving from her former position in C5 to I4, using a toe to poke at this corpse or that.
"They all seemed to have died from blasts of some sort..." she points out, "...that one was burned--this one is half-melted, as though by acid...and this poor sod looks like a giant beastie of some sort clawed him..." (K'Nara made an Intelligence roll to figure out the damage done to most of the bodies so far with a 22.)
OOC: anyone moving about on the map must state their coordinates by Letter first and then Number. For instance--K'Nara is now at I4.
Lian (AC 34, 53hps) Wednesday August 17th, 2005 11:04:45 AM
(OOC: What do the ivory statues represent?)
Stunning Attacks: 0 used Enlarge Tat: 1/3 Bull's Str Tat: 2/2
Prepared Spells: Guidance, Create Water Divine Favor x2
Lian moves to B1 and looks close at the statue.
He thumbs through the handful of scrolls.
Gunther (AC 28, HP81/83) Stoneskin 112/120, Animated Shield, Bull's Strength, Protection from Evil, Hide from Undead, Blessed Weapon d20+1=10 Wednesday August 17th, 2005 2:54:30 PM
Gunther sighs. Another puzzle. He was really tired of all the puzzles. He moves over to stand beside K'nara (H4) and takes a gander at the bodies himself (Spot=10). At a loss as to what to do, Gunther defaults to the direct approach. "Do you tink I should just go over dere and pull on de handle and see vhat happens?"
Spells in place Stone skin 90 min/120 min Bull's Strength ??min/??min (Not sure how much time has elapsed since Bertram cast it...also not sure what level Bertram is) Protection from Evil 3rds/10rds Hide from Undead 10min/10min Blessed Weapon 3rds/10rds
Ingrge:AC 33: HP100: (120): Stoneskin, boots of speed, displaced (50% miss) spell resistance 18%, (immunities- Detect thoughts, disern lies, alignment, sleep, flanking) Wednesday August 17th, 2005 2:56:54 PM
Ingrge takes a 5 ft move back into A5 and directs the servants to stay out of the way from A 10-14. Turning toward K'nara Ingrge calls out.
"K'nara, good spell coming your way!"
Ingrge then releases another charge from his staff and K'nara too is now a bit hard to place (diplacement)
Brother Bertram AC 28 HP 84/84 Haste d20+7=17 Wednesday August 17th, 2005 6:58:30 PM
Bertram doesnt move from where he is standing waiting on orders from Ingrge or K'nara about whether it was safe. As he waits he looks about for anything else of note. He doesnt understand the comment about 'need' but tries to work it out in his head, searching his mind for any reference to it in his religious training. (OOC 17 check)
Milo (AC 29; 78/78 hps) Wednesday August 17th, 2005 9:21:30 PM
Milo moves to the entrance to the Vault and Searches for possible traps, studying the ground and the door. (OOC: Move to H1. Taking 10 to search. Get a DC 25.)
Taking in the Scenery - DM Donna Wednesday August 17th, 2005 10:55:21 PM
Lian's inspection of the statue reveals nothing except that it's a statue of Marteaus in "warrior" form (i.e. pockmarked from disease, but otherwise formidable.)
Gunther's suggestion might have merit--only the portal to the Vault proper has no discernable doorknob or handle. He also concurs with K'Nara's original theory about the deaths of the people around them--most likely they were victims of the Necromancer and/or any minions (um...LARGE minions) of that spellcaster.
K'Nara grins and thanks Ingrge for the Displacement spell.
Brother Bertram goes over his extensive knowledge of the Woldian religious doctrines. From what he can recall of the credo of Marteaus, the Dark Lord is a god of testing--and he truly pushes his priests to be tested, for he feels that only through suffering a physical, psychological or emotional torment (better still, all three!) can a soul be freed to know what it is that they truly wish from life in The Wold--and then go out and DO all within their power to go get it, as is their due.
(OOC: Brother Bertram can make another Knowledge: Religion roll versus DC18 to further ponder the matter. If he paraphrases his findings out loud, others in the party can attempt to ponder this, too...)
K'Nara scowls, eyeing the indecipherable (to her) writing over the knob-less door to the Vault.
"...'State your great need'..?" she quotes aloud, then snorts. "What I need is for this damn door to open up!!!"
But her cry merely echoes up into the darkness, fading away without results.
(OOC: updated PDF on the way to the players.)
(Another OOC: I posted this move before being able to read Milo's move. Updating the move now...)
The wily halfling rogue finds nothing by way of traps, though it is clear for him to see that the only way to open the door easily must be through magic.
Brother Bertram AC 28 HP 84/84 Haste d20+7=25 Thursday August 18th, 2005 4:24:46 AM
Bertram dredges up bits and peices of of the tenets of Marteaus's religion. Looking up he tells the others of his findings. "Marteaus's religion is one of testing, through suffering, either mental, physical, or emotional testing. Tis the only way that they claim one can know what they really want from this world. Bloody Heathen!" He thinks back to his schooling looking for any other clues. (Knowledge check, DC 25)
Lian (AC 34, 51?/53hps) Thursday August 18th, 2005 5:40:08 AM
Stunning Attacks: 0 used Enlarge Tat: 1/3 Bull's Str Tat: 2/2
Prepared Spells: Guidance, Create Water Divine Favor x2
Lian moves to G2. He ponders the door for a moment and turns to the group. "Can I borrow a dagger?" He asks.
Once he has a dagger, he slices his hand (enough to get the blood to flow, 1 or 2 damage), places it on the door and says, "I give blood..." He chokes on the following words, tears welling. "...to the Dark Lord."
Olana 69/69 AC 30 Stoneskin Thursday August 18th, 2005 11:19:01 AM
Moved to D2.
Olana looks up at the statues. State our great need, she's pondering.
Well, she had a great need to be rid of that necromancer, for one, playing them all like they were toys. An evil sicko person. They'd be well rid of 'it'. "I have a great need to be rid of your evil," she whispers, just as an aside. Obviously, there was a 'correct' answer, and that wasn't it. Suddenly distracted, she stares at Lian, shocked. "Lian be careful! You're going to need every drop of that."
Falin AC 24 HP 63 d20=18 Thursday August 18th, 2005 11:51:06 AM
OOC: I thought I had posted yesterday, but apparently not.
Falin moves slowly over to an area between H5 and I5. He is looking for a good shot between K'Nara and Gunther should something happen.
"Lian," says Falin matter of factly, "I feel someone will have to suffer more than that to prove the door has to open for them. Look at these poor souls. Perhaps they were with someone wishing entrance."
"I have a thought." Says Falin.
Falin faces the door and yells, "I have a need to prove myself to you Marteaus. Test me Marteaus."
Ingrge:AC 33: HP100: (120): Stoneskin, boots of speed, displaced (50% miss) spell resistance 18%, (immunities- Detect thoughts, disern lies, alignment, sleep, flanking) Thursday August 18th, 2005 6:14:47 PM
As Falin moves forward and states his need, Ingrge grimaces and points his staff at the younger elf.
"Falin, Positive magic coming your way." (displacement)
"What I need is to leave this tower, within the time allowed, wealthy and alive."
Brother Bertram AC 28 HP 84/84 Haste Thursday August 18th, 2005 8:48:57 PM
Bertram loses his train of thought as Lian offers blood to the evil god. "Are you mad?", he hissed. "Not even in jest you fool! Tis not something you say...Ever!" Bertram glared at him in a mixture of rage and disappointment.
Gunther (AC 28, HP81/83) Stoneskin 112/120, Animated Shield, Bull's Strength, Protection from Evil, Hide from Undead, Blessed Weapon Thursday August 18th, 2005 10:20:01 PM
Gunther smiles at Falin's direct tactics. He looks over at K'nara and smiles. Well, we might as well die together." He takes a step closer to the door and adds his voice. "Yes, I need for you to test me. Test me Marteaus." His sword griped closely, Gunther shifts his weight from foot to foot waiting to see what happens.
Spells in place Stone skin 90 min/120 min Bull's Strength ??min/??min (Not sure how much time has elapsed since Bertram cast it...also not sure what level Bertram is) Protection from Evil 2rds/10rds Hide from Undead 10min/10min Blessed Weapon 2rds/10rds
Brother Bertram AC 28 HP 84/84 Haste Thursday August 18th, 2005 10:46:51 PM
Bertram turns from Lian and kneels, praying for guidance, his mind awhirl. Faintly anyone listening can hear him calling on Domi and Gargul and interlaced can be heard garbled murmuring, "Evil tests, evil students, Dragons, who?...Oh Domi guide us!"
Milo (AC 29; 78/78 hps) Friday August 19th, 2005 12:13:07 AM
Scratching his head in frustration Milo turns back to the group, "Well... I don't think its trapped... but I'm sure that nothing short of magic... or knowing the password or something... will get it to open either. Any ideas?"
Aaaaaaaaaand...in THIS Corner... - DM Donna d100=94 Friday August 19th, 2005 12:38:26 AM
(DM OOC: I goofed on the last map and have hopefully put everyone (those servants as well!) in their proper places on the newest map.)
Both Lian and Bertram immediately feel a wave of...emotion...? Magic...? Something divine...? The wave rolls over and through them, leaving both of them certain that somebody heard them--though neither of them is certain just who it was.
A lone pair of hands clapped slowly and a decidely mocking laugh floats from across the room. Then a sharp, acrid smell seems to sweep the area as all Talon eyes turn and see two shapes that have magically appeared in front of another carved panel (could be a door--could be a panel)...
It is the Necromancer...and beside the human-sized figure is a great, big, black dragon. K'Nara immediately draws her sword and steps in front of Falin so that she now occupies H/I7.
"How typically arrogant of you goody-two-shoes!" sneered the hooded spellcaster. "To think that a mere bloodletting would actually catch the attention of the next ruler of the gods! You are not fit to soil the sanctity of his unhallowed ground--you are all deceivers AND now, officially, trespassers!" The Necromancer turns to the dragon and says in the sybillant tongue of Draconian:
Highlight to display spoiler: {"I refuse to waste my time with heroes! Mount! YOU'RE the servant here, beast--YOU dispose of them!!!"}
The huge drake bares his horrifically large and toothy maw, replying in kind:
Highlight to display spoiler: {"I hear and obey, o my Master!"} The oversized monster crouches low, his eyes narrowing as he obviously sizes up the party before him with frighteningly intelligent eyes. He inhales, hissing once more, though it is softer and possibly more sinister... (OOC: it is in Draconian.)
Highlight to display spoiler: {"Perhaps this is the day, then, that I finally win my freedom..."}
Lian (AC 34(-1size), 51/53hps, Enlarged) Friday August 19th, 2005 1:28:28 AM
Active Spells: Enlarge - (tattoo, 10 rounds)
Lian wipes his hand on his breeches and turns to look at the dragon. "Another one?! Not another bloody dragon..." Then hearing the dragon speak, he says plainly to the group. "Seems the Black is called Mount and is the Necro-freak's prisoner. He wishes to be free and we're his doorway out."
Lian smiles at the Necromancer. "Well, this arrogant 'blood-letting' got your attention, didn't it friend?" He brushes his hands together and activates his Enlarge Person Tattoo. Then moves to M7.
Stunning Attacks: 0 used Enlarge Tat: 2/3 Bull's Str Tat: 2/2
Prepared Spells: Guidance, Create Water Divine Favor x2
Ingrge d20+16=24 d20+16=21 Friday August 19th, 2005 8:19:54 AM
(Will save 24) As the dragon's presence makes itself felt, Ingrge listens to the conversation between the necromancer and the dragon and lets loose with another charge with another whispered warning to Gunther. (Gunther too is now diplaced.)
Steping forward into square C6, Ingrge faces the the necromancer and the Dragon.
"How is it that we are now trespassers? We are still within the allowed time frame."
Turning to the dragon he continues,
"As I do not know your name, I will call you dragon. " Sir Dragon", You do realize that if you "fight us" you will never get your freedom except through death. The necromancer is a liar and trickster and will never free you, for that is not his way. We however will take you with us when we leave if you help us destroy the necromancer and will allow you to go back to Dragon Isle. As your slave master has pointed out we are "goody-two-shoes" and "heroes," so our word is good. Why else would he want you to kill us, unless he knows that we can set you free. For you know he doesn't want to lose his "SLAVE."
DM Donna Friday August 19th, 2005 9:47:37 PM
hello??? You people are in a combat round with a dragon...shouldn't more than TWO members of the group post? Have you all NO sense of self preservation?
I'm giving you until this time tomorrow and then it will Mount & the Necromancer's turn.
Olana 69/69 AC 30 Stoneskin d20+11=29 Friday August 19th, 2005 9:48:56 PM
Will Save DC 29
Olana out and out scowls at the necromancer. Ooooooh, how typical and how cowardly. For a friendly little elf, Olana is pretty steamed.
"Help us kill the necromancer!" she urges the dragon in a deplorable draconian accent. "Then we'll ALL be free!" To emphasize the point she makes a throat slitting motion and points at the necro, just in case her draconian is as bad as it sounds.
Brother Bertram AC 28 HP 84/84 Haste Friday August 19th, 2005 10:10:21 PM
As he doesnt understand the conversation, Bertram waits, wary but wanting to give Ingrge and Olana a chance to try to talk thier way out of a fight. He dreads a possible battle with foes this powerful. He holds his axe tightly but it is his symbol of Domi that gives him comfort at the moment.
Gunther (AC 28, 29 vs. Dragon, HP81/83) Stoneskin 112/120, Animated Shield, Bull's Strength, Protection from Evil, Hide from Undead, Blessed Weapon, Displacement, Dodge vs. Dragon d20+6=19 Friday August 19th, 2005 11:15:33 PM
Will save=19
Despite the circumstances, Gunther sprouts a big grin. Finally!! Now this was more like it! No puzzles...just cut and dry. Well, mostly. Reaching in to his pack, Gunther pulls out a couple of protection from evil potions. He gulps the first one down and then hands the other one to K'nara. He contemplates heading over to the necromancer, but decides against it, figuring it might trigger a protective response from the dragon. Shifting his weight from side to side, Gunther waits with eager anticipation for the impending battle.
Spells in place Stone skin 90 min/120 min Bull's Strength ??min/10min (Not sure how much time has elapsed since Bertram cast it) Protection from Evil 11rds/11rds (one round left from previous potion, 10 from the most recent potion) Hide from Undead 10min/10min Blessed Weapon 2rds/10rds
Falin AC 24 HP 63 Displaced d20+20=33 d20+15=20 d8+1=8 d8+1=2 Saturday August 20th, 2005 2:15:32 AM
"I have no tollerence for those who work with the undead," cries Falin as he drops to 1 knee, aims and fires two shots at the necromancer.
(AC 33 for 8 points AC 20 for 2 points)
Milo (AC 29; 78/78 hps) Saturday August 20th, 2005 7:51:52 PM
Not wanting to charge into this fracas too early, Milo slides his sword from its sheath, and circles around to his right, eyeing the dragon speculatively, and ready for trouble. (OOC: Milo moves to B7, and the dragon is his Dodge-Buddy... AC 30 against the dragon.)
Figment (63/63, Stoneskin 120/120) d4=2 d4=4 d20+9=28 Saturday August 20th, 2005 8:27:20 PM
The mage wastes no time as the dragon begins looking at the talons. He moves away from the others so as to prevent all of them from being hit by a breath weapon. He then launches a spell straight at the necromancer and hits him with a negative energy ray (Ranged touch AC 29, Enervation - loses 4 levels [hero point reroll of 1] including casting ability). "Maybe you can take us dragon, maybe not. But together we can take out your master - and we will agree to part ways if you agree. And look at the treasure you will aquire. We can only take some of it...".
Combat Round 1- DM Donna 20d4(1+4+2+1+1+2+2+4+1+1+2+2+3+4+2+4+1+4+2+4)=47 d20+8=28 4d6(4+6+2+3)=15 Sunday August 21st, 2005 3:25:51 PM
Lian becomes bigger and moves to a new position, readying himself for the impending battle, hearing Ingrge's and Olana's words add to his own.
Brother Bertram holds his ground, waiting to see the outcome of the dialogue.
Gunther drinks his potion (and is now also displaced) and anticipates the combat about to be joined. He cannot give K'Nara any potion as he is still at H3 and didn't move (K'Nara had stepped in front of Falin and is located at H/I7--too far away from Gunther to accept the bottle.)
Falin's first arrow strikes the Necromancer, who rocks with the impact, dislodging the hood from...her head.
She is bald and pockmarked, but she is definitely a female human--and she is decidely angry at being shot by an arrow. She calls Falin's ancestry into question with a hiss of pain.
Highlight to display spoiler: {"Get that pointy-eared archer first!!!" the necromancer orders Mount in Draconian.}
Milo moves and prepares, while Figment adds his arguments to the logic presented by Lian, Ingrge and Olana...and strikes the Necromancer with a solid Enervation ray.
If the Necromance was angry because of the arrow--she is now livid due to Figment's attack, and begins to hiss and spit in the tongue of dragons:
Highlight to display spoiler: {"Never mind the idiot with the arrows--get that mage!!!" she commands Mount with blazing blue eyes.
"Aye!" agrees the dragon.}
The dragon turns its gaunt, horned head in Figment's direction, taking one five-foot step forward and inhaling mightily--and then loosing a stream of highly-corrosive acid in the wizard's direction, catching not only Figment in his line of fire but also Bertram! (OOC: both PCs must make a Reflex save vs. DC31 for half damage, or suffer the full amount of 47hp acid damage.)
Even as the dragon follows the Necromancer's demands, the woman takes a five-foot step back and casts a spell...and disappears from view! (OOC: any spellcaster making a Spellcraft check versus DC18 will recognize the spell as Greater Invisibility.)
As if that weren't enough--suddenly four of the previously-dead bodies that had been lying about get to their feet, surrounding Bertram and Figment!
K'Nara visibly flinches when the dragon lets loose its stream of acid, but then gets over the frightful presence of the creature (OOC: made a Willpower save vs. DC28), and turns her attention to where the Necromancer has retreated a bit.
"We're not done with you, witch!!!" the leader of the Talons threatens, then charges forth, whirling her sword as its trademark flames flare to life while she yells: "Luuuuu-cia!!!" (OOC: K'Nara now occupies J13--she can see where the Necromancer is thanks to her sword.)
Everyone who hasn't already done so must now make a Willpower save versus the Dragon's Frightful Presence--he's an ancient dragon, so you must save versus DC28 or be shaken for 15 rounds (i.e., your PC suffers a -2 on their combat rolls [Melee and Ranged].)
Ingrge:AC 33: HP100: (120): Stoneskin, Bigby's Interposing hand, boots of speed, displaced (50% miss) spell resistance 18%, (immunities- Detect thoughts, disern lies, alignment, sleep, flanking) d20+16=34 Sunday August 21st, 2005 6:39:37 PM
Will DC 34
Nimbly stepping aside, the acid spits past, and Ingrge moves up to C10 and quickly casts a spell, (Bigby's Interposing hand) and designates the dragon for the time being.
Figment (42/63, Stoneskin 120/120) d20+6=13 Sunday August 21st, 2005 7:54:25 PM
The mage is taken a little off-guard by the choice of the dragon and is caught flat footed. Even so he still somehow evades a good protion of the spray. (ring of evasion for half dmg). Seeing how thier real foe has hidden - and that there is no real value in being invisible (See Invisible), the mage casts and picks up the real position of the necromancer. He also moves away from the undead in hope to eliminate any direct contact (behind Bertam if below is disregarded).
(Note: Figment stated last turn that he moved out away from the rest of the group to prevent anyone from being hit with breath - most likely would be C9 or some such - Bertram should not be near the blast).
DM OOC: sorry, but Figment did not state the specific location he moved to in his post, so he did not move...in order to change your PC's location, the player MUST state the new coordinates the PC moved to--letter first/number second--or they remain where they are. Figment was at C3.
Milo (AC 29 [30 vs. dragon]; 78/78 hps) d20+10=29 d20+10=28 Monday August 22nd, 2005 12:20:22 AM
Milo moves toward the dragon, hoping to flank the creature once K'nara has stepped a bit closer. As he gets within striking distance of the creature, he tumbles the last ten feet, to avoid attacks of opportunity, somersaulting into position. [OOC: Milo tumbles while moving at full speed (-10 to check) for a tumble check DC 29. He moves to E14, and does his best to appear as small and harmless as possible. = ) Oh, and made my Will save DC 28.]
Falin (AC24 HP63 Displaced Shaken) d20+4=23 d20+18=25 d20+13=29 d8+4=10 d8+4=8 Monday August 22nd, 2005 9:58:35 AM
Falin replies to her tort with one of his own in the tongue of dragons:
Highlight to display spoiler: { I may be pointy eared, but at least I finished puberty decades ago. Looks like you haven't been able to shake that!}
Falin looks shaken as the dragon begins its attack at the rest of the group (will save 23).
He turns his attention back towards K'Nara and her close combat with the necromancer. He is looking for signs as to where the necromancer is. A hit by K'Nara or some blood dripping on the floor. When he sees it he lets fly with two more arrows.
(1st arrow AC 25 10 hp) (2nd arrow AC 29 8 hp)
Lian (AC 34(-1size)(+2 vs chaotic creature), 51/53hps, Enlarged, Pro f. Chaos) d20+21=29 Monday August 22nd, 2005 11:22:48 AM
Active Spells: Enlarge - (tattoo, 9 rounds) Protection from Chaos - (scroll, 10rnds, +2AC and resistance vs chaotic creatures)
Stunning Attacks: 0 used Enlarge Tat: 2/3 Bull's Str Tat: 2/2
Prepared Spells: Guidance, Create Water Divine Favor x2
(Will save 29 vs dragon)
Lian wavers as the dragon sprays the acid toward his friends.
The hand of Domi reads a scroll of protection from chaos and moves to M12. In draconic hoping to distract the dragon for a moment to give his friends an opening, 'Mount, can you not tell that the Necromancer fears the ones able to harm her and could care less about you?!'
Olana 69/69 AC 30 Stoneskin d20+14=24 d10+5=10 Monday August 22nd, 2005 2:32:26 PM
((Did a will save DC 29 in last post when the dragon appeared. Does that count?))
About to draw her bow and fire at the necromancer, Olana is astonished to see her foe disappear - AND - some of those nasty corpses reanimate, one right at her feet. Ugh! She steps quickly to one side, pulls her longsword and attempts to get one hit in - on lucky corpse # 1 HITS AC 24 for 10 Dam
Stepped from D2 to E2
Brother Bertram AC 28 HP 84/84 Haste(Same Coord) d20+8=21 d20=18 2d6(6+1)+10=17 Monday August 22nd, 2005 8:41:50 PM
Bertram takes the full brunt of the dragons assault, roaring in agony as the corrosive liquid eats at his flesh. His anger growing as his pain increases, Bertram grasps his Symbol of Domi and raises it high. Praying silently to Domi and Gargul, Bertram shouts towards the corpses. "Begone Fiends! In the name of Gargul and Domi, Begone! This power I have and I command you! (Turn Undead- rolled 18 then rolled 17)
Gunther (AC 28, 29 vs. Dragon, HP81/83) Stoneskin 112/120, Animated Shield, Bull's Strength, Protection from Evil, Hide from Undead, Blessed Weapon, Displacement, Dodge vs. Dragon (I11) Monday August 22nd, 2005 11:23:17 PM
His smile fades as Gunther is caught by the sheer awesomeness of the creature. The very core of his being tells him to run...flee. But then K'nara charges in after the necromancer, and Gunther steels his resolve. No way a lady like K'nara would be seen with a coward, and he wasn't gonna be one! Swallowing the lump in his throat, Gunther charges to the rear of the beast, hoping to set himself up for a full attack next round (I11).
Spells in place Stone skin 90 min/120 min Bull's Strength ??min/10min (Not sure how much time has elapsed since Bertram cast it) Protection from Evil 11rds/11rds (one round left from previous potion, 10 from the most recent potion) Hide from Undead 10min/10min Blessed Weapon 2rds/10rds Shaken 1rd/15rds
Combat Round 3 - DM Donna d20+9=13 d100=88 d20+15=31 d20+11=12 d10+6=15 d6=4 d20+5=7 d8+2=9 d20+11=25 d20+31=46 d10+5=8 d20+31=40 d8+5=12 d20+31=33 d20+31=51 d20+31=42 d100=79 d100=2 d100=64 2d6(2+3)+5=10 Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 12:33:26 AM
Ingrge moves and casts his spell. He is at C10.
Figment takes a five-foot step back to B3 to put more distance between himself and the undead. (OOC: I'm being generous because Figment still did NOT state coordinates when he moved. I rolled for Figment's Will save versus the dragon's Frightful Presence--Figment is now shaken and suffers a -2 to his combat rolls for the next 15 rounds.)
Milo harmlessly stands at E14, almost flanking the ancient drake with K'Nara on the other side--though she looks like she's concentrating on the Necromancer rather than the dragon.
Although Falin can't see it himself, K'Nara sees that his second arrow narrowly misses the invisible Necromancer. (The first didn't come close.)
Olana jumps away from the corpse animating practically from beneath her feet and whacks it, doing very grievous damage to it--it is practically cleaved in twain, and yet it still remains on its feet, albeit unsteadily so.
Whether it is Domi or Gargul (or, perhaps, both?), the result of Brother Bertram's actions is clear: three of the newly cropped undead burst into dust, leaving only Undead #4 standing.
Gunther dashes closer to the big, black dragon in spite of the obvious intimidation by the ferocious beast.
K'Nara's flaming blade whirls as she advances on the Necromancer, striking out at the evil spellcaster twice, though the Necromancer is able to dodge the second blow. (OOC: first blow hits AC31 for 15hpd and 4hp fire damage.)
Undead #4 has a longsword and it takes a five-foot step to B4, swiping viciously at Figment! However, as it only strikes AC7 for 9hpd, it doesn't really connect with the human mage...thank goodness!
The Necromancer screeches in pain and anger, prompting Mount to turn his head and see that K'Nara has injured the female spellcaster. A rumble that could be the prelude to another acid shot--or is it dragon laughter?--is heard:
Highlight to display spoiler: {"Can't you play nice with your fellow humans, Akilah?" Mount says, a decidedly mocking tone in his voice.
"KILL HER, BEAST!!!"} The Necromancer's voice is demanding and panicky at the same time as she screeches in Draconian. Highlight to display spoiler: {"It's your sworn duty! KILL HER NOW!"
"Get the archer! Get the mage! Get the blade singer!" Mount mimics.} Everyone can hear that the dragon responds in a higher pitch, then returns to his normal baritone rumble. Highlight to display spoiler: {"Make up your mind!"}
The dragon's tail suddenly sweeps around to his right, barreling through the area that the Necromancer, K'Nara and Gunther occupy. (Tailsweep hits AC25, which normally would have knocked the trio off their feet, but the Necro managed to jump up, warning K'Nara, who shouts a "JUMP!" to Gunther (who apparently instinctively did as ordered)--so none of the the three of them are tripped.)
However, the dragon's right wing follows up and smacks K'Nara (hitting AC46 for 8hpd). K'Nara is knocked back to J11. (OOC: belatedly rolled for Displacement...but the high roll says the wing connected.)
Mount's other wing slaps at Milo, striking AC40 for 12hpd and knocking Milo to B14.
Both K'Nara and Milo must make a Reflex save or be knocked onto their butts (DC18.)
One claw strikes at Gunther but misses thanks to the magic--however K'Nara's Displacement spell may as well not be there--the dragon's talons rip at the flame-haired blade singer for 10hpd--which actually gets absorbed by the Stoneskin spell that is still on K'Nara.
Mount moves his head as though to bite Gunther, but, curiously, doesn't follow through, prompting a berating scream from the Necromancer (whom, of course, everyone can hear in spite of her invisibility.)
Highlight to display spoiler: {"Fight them--SLAY THEM ALL, you stupid bag of bones! You cannot thwart the geas--DO IT!!!"} The Necromancer takes a five-foot step to K14 and casts a spell--obviously aimed at Figment..!
Those with Spellcraft checks that beat DC18 recognize she's casting Baleful Polymorph. Figment must make a Fortitude save versus DC25 or be turned into a legless rat. If he fails the Fort save, then he must follow that roll with a Will save versus DC25 or lose the ability to cast spells (assuming he has anything memorized with Still and Silent Spell feats) in his new form.
As if the horror of all this wasn't enough, four more Undead warriors rise from the ground.
Ingrge:AC 33: HP100: (120): Stoneskin, Bigby's Interposing hand, boots of speed, displaced (50% miss) spell resistance 18%, (immunities- Detect thoughts, disern lies, alignment, sleep, flanking) 10d6(6+4+5+6+5+4+4+6+4+6)=50 d20+12=31 Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 6:43:40 AM
Moving into space A12, ingrge casts another spell targeting the area I16. A small bead of flame streaks to that point and suddenly bursts into a great 20 ft diameter ball of fire DC 20 spell, resistance 31 - 50 points damage reflex save for 25.
Lian (AC 34 (+2 vs chaotic creature)[+1 dodge vs dragon] touch AC 34), 51/53hps, Enlarged, Pro f. Chaos) d20+14=22 d20+14=23 d20+14=32 d20+11=21 3d8(2+7+6)+5=20 3d8(2+7+1)+5=15 3d8(7+8+7)+5=27 3d8(3+2+7)+5=17 Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 7:02:07 AM
Active Spells: Enlarge - (tattoo, 8 rounds) Protection from Chaos - (scroll, 9rnds, +2AC and resistance vs chaotic creatures)
Stunning Attacks: 4/12 used Enlarge Tat: 2/3 Bull's Str Tat: 2/2
Prepared Spells: Guidance, Create Water Divine Favor x2
Having noticed where the tell-tale sounds of spellcasting from nearby, Lian strikes out blindly at the spot he thinks the Necromancer is in. (10ft reach, all stunning attacks, hitting AC 22, 23, 32 and 21, for 20, 15, 27 and 17 damage counts as magic, Stunning Attack fort DC 21)
'Yes, come out and play nice with the other humans Mage! Come out, come out!' Mocks the monk in draconic, with a near laugh.
Then, as if striking a match, the area where the mage is is lit up with fire. The bubble of flailing air has to the mage. Lian grins and takes note of where the mage is and plans his next assault.
(OOC: Remember, if the Necromancer is stunned, she has no Dex bonus to AC and gains a -2 penelty to AC, and drops anything she is holding)
Falin (AC 24 HP 63 Displaced Shaken) d20+18=33 d8+4=5 Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 4:00:33 PM
Falin will move to k9. When he gets there he fires another shot into the area that K'Nara is attacking.
"Fly true arrow. Seek out the horrid evil that corrupts this place."
AC 33 HP 5
Gunther (AC 28, 29 vs. Dragon, HP81/83) Stoneskin 112/120, Animated Shield, Bull's Strength, Protection from Evil, Hide from Undead, Blessed Weapon, Displacement, Dodge vs. Dragon (J13) d20+2=10 d20+1=19 d10=8 d20+16=36 d100=74 d20+16=24 d8+9=13 2d8(4+2)+18=24 Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 7:35:55 PM
Looking up at the gapping maw above him, Gunther is confused. The dragon could have surely swallowed him up in that horrible mouth, but it didn't. Hmmm...perhaps it wasn't all that eager to help the necromancer.
Shifting his priorities, Gunther moves forward to try and locate the overly loud spellcaster. His eyes scan the area, but to no avail (Spot=10), but his sense of hearing serves him much better (Listen=19). Gunther moves over to J13 (rolled d10 to see where Gunther thought the necromancer is...8=K14!!!) and takes a swipe at the air in front of him, hoping to connect with his prey. His blow is amazingly well placed, and manages to slice into the spellcaster (AC 36..nat. 20!!, 74 for 50% cover...hit!, AC24 for crit threat. 13 if no crit, 24 dam if crit.).
Spells in place Stone skin 90 min/120 min Bull's Strength ??min/10min (Not sure how much time has elapsed since Bertram cast it) Protection from Evil 10rds/11rds Hide from Undead 10min/10min Blessed Weapon 1rds/10rds Shaken 2rd/15rds
Milo (AC 29 [30 vs. dragon/34 vs. an AoO]; 66/78 hps) d20+19=21 d20+20=30 d20+19=38 d20+19=36 2d4(3+2)+8=13 2d6(4+4)=8 Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 10:07:13 PM
Tumbling back, Milo growls, and then moves toward the dragon to E14 and attacks with his holy short sword, sticking the dragon good. Shouting across the room to Gunther, "Let K'nara handle the bloody wizard will ya... give me a flank on this oversized lizard." The diminutive rogue looks determined to slay the beast. (OOC: Made my Reflex save DC 21, then my tumble check DC 30, then scored a crit threat and confirmed at AC 36 for a total of 21 hit points of damage)
Olana 69/69 AC 30 Stoneskin d20+14=22 d10+5=6 d20+9=19 d10+3=11 Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 10:07:35 PM
Olana continues to hack away with her longsword at corpsicle #1, hoping to render it ineffective.
Hits AC 22, 19, for 19 and 11 dam.
She will then shift her position - E2 to C4, taking up the attention of the other undead, then Figment and Bertram can do their thing unmolested.
Figment (40/63, Stoneskin 120/120) d20+5=6 d20+21=31 Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 10:21:20 PM
The mage feels the magic turning him into a legless rat! As the horror of what he would become washes over him in a fit of rage, fear, and will he clenches his fists and somehow fights off the affects with grim determination (9 hero points re-roll). Looking over from where he knows the necromancer must be he speaks loudly to everyone. "The dragon has a spell on him cast from the Necromancer. A Remove Curse may take it off the dragon but it probably won't be powerful enough. Kill the witch woman and he is freed. Figure out a way to work around the commands, dragon and we will win you your freedom!". With that he casts, disappears, and reappears behind the Necromancer (O-16 [Teleport]). He remains quiet in hopes he is not immediately noticed.
DM Donna Wednesday August 24th, 2005 12:54:56 AM
I'm holding posting on the outcome of battle pending my resolution of certain issues.
Brother Bertram AC 28 HP 68/84 Haste(Same Coord) 4d8(7+4+2+8)+10=31 Wednesday August 24th, 2005 4:38:02 AM
Bertram hastily calls upon his god for healing, lest he fall when his comrades need him. He will try to deal with the foul undead the next turn.
(Cure Crit-31 healed)
Lian Wednesday August 24th, 2005 10:59:13 AM
The elf shakes his head at Figment's outburst. Then suddenly the mage is gone.
Lian avoids glancing as the mage reappears, hoping not to give away his position.
Combat Round 4 - DM Donna d100=48 d20+15=21 d20+17=30 d100=80 d100=5 d100=91 d100=1 d100=16 d20+5=11 d20+5=16 d20+5=8 d20+31=42 d20+31=36 2d6(1+5)+5=11 d20+31=41 2d6(3+5)+5=13 d20+13=30 d20+13=27 Thursday August 25th, 2005 12:47:20 AM
Ingrge's Fireball makes a spectacular explosion. The Necromancer's saving throw is 21, so she suffers reduced damage. Mount's saving throw is 30, so he, too, suffers only reduced damage.
Only two of Lian's blow seem to connect to anything (those that did 20 and 27 hpd)...though, somehow, the monk seems to sense that there's some magic afoot that is reducing the effectiveness of his blows...
Falin's arrow arcs harmlessly through the air (OOC: low roll means he missed.)
Gunther moves and gets a lucky shot in at the Necromancer, doing 13hpd, but (again) there is that feeling that the blow isn't as effective as it otherwise ought to be.
Milo's short sword has a sharp bite but it only does 13hpd because Mount's AC is 38.
Olana's attacks dispatch Undead #1 and she is free to move to C4 to help Figment.
Figment gets VERY lucky and ends up at O16.
Brother Bertram heals himself up a bit.
K'Nara chooses to move to L15 in an effort to flank the Necromancer.
Undead #2 takes a five-foot step towards Falin and swings a morningstar at him--the morningstar whistles as it misses the archer.
Undead #3 steps up to Falin, but was far away enough so that it cannot strike at the elf in the same round.
Undead #4 strikes at Olana, missing her cleanly, as does the blow from Undead #5, who took a five-foot step to close with the female and attempt an attack.
The Necromancer sends a panicked screech at Mount:
Highlight to display spoiler: {"Fool--FOOL!!! Get these heroes OFF me now!!!"}
The dragon draws in a breath...sweeping his tail around to his right once more--AC42 means that he trips up all within the reach of his tail...K'Nara and Lian are out of range--but Gunther gets knocked back 15 feet to J10...he also needs to make a Reflex Save versus DC18 to remain on his feet.
Once more, Mount's wings unfurl and slap out--one of them at Milo (hits AC36 for 11hpd), knocking the halfling back to B14 again. The second wing is aimed at Gunther, slapping the animal trainer back another 15 feet to J7, while dealing him another 13hpd...and he, too, must make a Reflex Save vs. DC18 or be knocked on his butt.
The dragon then takes a five-foot-step to his right (east on the map). The Necromancer takes a five-foot-step to J13 and then uses her staff in a way that Figment instantly realizes is extremely bad for the Talons...especially HIM...
Only those who understand the Abyssal language know what the Necromancer's harsh, evil-sounding cry says:
Highlight to display spoiler: {"Demon--kill the mage in the corner! Rip his entrails out and wear them as a necklace--I COMMAND YOU IN THE NAME OF MARTEAUS!!!"}
The large figure that appears right beside K'Nara AND Figment (due to its size!) turns evil eyes that glitter with bloodlust Figment's way...
...and four more bodies animate and rise to their feet to join the horrific battle!
Brother Bertram AC 28 HP 68/84 Haste(Same Coord) d20=20 2d6(1+2)+10=13 2d6(4+3)+10=17 Thursday August 25th, 2005 4:32:19 AM
Recovering substantially from his wounds, Bertram again raises his Symbol of Domi high in the air and shouts above the noise of battle, "In the Holy names of Domi and Gargul I command you! Go back to the dust you were formed from!" Inwardly he prays this will be enough. (Turn Undead, used 1 hero point-turn check was a 20, hit dice 17)
Figment (42/63, Stoneskin 120/120) 24d6(2+6+2+4+2+4+4+6+4+5+5+5+1+4+6+4+2+6+4+3+5+6+6+2)=98 d20+9=28 Thursday August 25th, 2005 8:48:29 AM
The mage sees that his tactic didn't help him very much as the dark magic practitioner utters her coomand to the demon. He bellows, "Kill the Necromancer and most of the other spells will begon! Focus on her!". He moves toward Lian (O13) and fires a green ray straight at the Necromancer (Hit Ranged touch DC 26 [took off two for dragon fear], if save 98 DMG) so as to hit the dragon if somehow he misses the mage.
Lian (AC 34 -2size (+2 vs chaotic creature)[+1 dodge vs dragon] touch AC 34), 51/53hps, Enlarged, Pro f. Chaos d20+14=17 d20+14=26 d20+14=26 d20+11=31 d20+11=31 3d8(7+7+6)+5=25 3d8(1+8+2)+5=16 3d8(8+7+1)+5=21 3d8(3+5+6)+5=19 Thursday August 25th, 2005 9:27:19 AM (OOC: Donna, did you miss the stunning effects of Lian's attacks or did you make the saves?)
Active Spells: Enlarge - (tattoo, 7 rounds) Protection from Chaos - (scroll, 8rnds, +2AC and resistance vs chaotic creatures, blocks mental control and prevents bodily contact with summoned chaotic creatures)
Stunning Attacks: 6/12 used Enlarge Tat: 2/3 Bull's Str Tat: 2/2
Prepared Spells: Guidance, Create Water Divine Favor x2
Feeling his blows land on a solid invisible target, Lian takes another flurry of attacks, hoping to strike the Necromancer again. He hopes to interrupt spellcasting or any other action taken by the Necromancer.
(AC 17, 26, 26 and 31(critting with 31, TWO NATURAL 20's!), for miss, 25, 16, 40(crit) of damage, 10ft reach, first attack missed, second attack is a trip attack, and the last two are Stunning Attacks, Fort DC 21)
Dodge is still versus the dragon.
Ingrge:AC 33: HP100: (120): Stoneskin, Bigby's Interposing hand, boots of speed, displaced (50% miss) spell resistance 18%, (immunities- Detect thoughts, disern lies, alignment, sleep, flanking) d20+20=38 d6+4=9 Thursday August 25th, 2005 6:00:29 PM
Ingrge watches as his fireball does some damage and then quickly rips off another spell. Suddenly centered near the dragons feet H12, a 20 ft radius field of rubbery black tentacles spring up and start wrapping themselves around the dragon and the necromancer Grapple check AC 38, 9 points damage and grappled unless beat they beat the grapple even then they are reduced to reduced to half speed and are subject to further grapples if they remain in the area. Spell casters will need to make concentration checks for all spell casting.
Olana (69/69 AC 30 Stoneskin) d20+14=18 d20+9=21 d10+5=9 d10+3=9 Thursday August 25th, 2005 6:16:41 PM
"We'll be right there," mutters Olana, seeing the sense of Figment's call, but getting a bit bogged down by dead bodies coming to life for no reason. Hopefully she and Bertram could clear the ground a bit and move forward. her sword bites into pesky undead rascal #4.
HITS AC 18, 21 for 9 and 9 DAM
Milo (AC 29 [30 vs. dragon]; 55/78 hps) d20+10=23 Thursday August 25th, 2005 8:46:14 PM
Seeing that his best attack was nearly pointless against the might of the dragon, Milo changes tactics, racing to assist his friends, by tumbling behind the beast toward where K'nara and Figment fight. (OOC: Tumbling while moving at full speed [applied -10 to check] for a DC 23 to avoid attacks of opportunity. Stopping right behind K'nara at K15.)
Falin d20+4=22 d20+18=19 d20+13=18 Thursday August 25th, 2005 9:54:01 PM
Falin tries to move again to K9. Once there he looks to see if he can locate the necromancer through the blows of his party members. (Spot 22)
Once he thinks he knows where she is he lets loose with two shots.
Both shots miss.
Gunther (AC 28, 29 vs. Dragon, HP81/83) Stoneskin 99/120, Animated Shield, Bull's Strength, Protection from Evil, Hide from Undead, Displacement, Dodge vs. Dragon, O13 d20+7=26 d20+7=21 d20+1=20 d20+1=5 Thursday August 25th, 2005 11:26:55 PM Smack! From out of nowhere, the huge tail sends Gunther flying through the air. And then, much like some animal's toy, the burly fighter is lobbed further back by the massive wing. Much like the cat's he's trained, Gunther expertly twists and turns as he flies through the air, and amazingly he lands on his feet (Reflex=26 &21). Growling, Gunther briefly considers teaching the dragon a lesson, but despite his anger, he can see Figment's logic, and continues to focus on the spellcaster. Looking around, he thinks he sees a flicker of movement (Spot=19) but even with all the shouting, he can't nail the pesky necromancer down (Listen=5). Hmmm...well, I can't find her...but oh hey...look at that big ugly thing over there! Might as well be helpful! Moving with purpose (double move), Gunther slides over into position near Figment (O13) making sure that he does not draw AoO's from his movement, and also hoping to put himself out of range of the dragon.
Spells in place Stone skin 90 min/120 min Bull's Strength ??min/10min (Not sure how much time has elapsed since Bertram cast it) Protection from Evil 9rds/11rds Hide from Undead 10min/10min Shaken 3rd/15rds
DM Donna Friday August 26th, 2005 10:27:13 AM
My apologies to the players--I missed posting due to my own silliness. I will post later today and at least once during the weekend to make up for it.
Lian: I missed the "Stunning Attacks" designation--however, rolling afterwards finds that the Necromancer was not stunned (just barely!)
Falin: sorry--I also missed the "K9" move...you may post that Falin has moved from K9 to wherever he may reach in one round if you can do it before I can post later {approximately 11pm or so Woldian time.)
Jay B Friday August 26th, 2005 12:17:44 PM
00C: Donna, don't forget, this round, Lian made a trip attack and two stunning attacks.
Thanks. All resolved.
Combat Round 5 - DM Donna d100=56 d20+13=32 d20+50=67 d20+5=22 d20+4=18 d20+15=20 d20+15=26 d20+15=31 d20+11=21 d10+6=8 d6=6 d20+15=34 d20+15=19 2d6(6+4)+6=16 2d6(5+2)+6=13 d20+13=28 d8+3=6 d20+50=56 Saturday August 27th, 2005 2:51:27 AM
The doughty dwarven cleric draws upon the powers granted to him through Domi and Gargul, his innate goodness causing Undead 4, 5 and 6 to shatter into dust. Olana's attacks hack up #4 just before Bertram's turning effects it.
Figment's tactics are clever, as his movement provokes no attack of opportunity from the sickly-mauve-colored Summoned #1, but it allows his attempt to magically attack the Necromancer. Unfortunately, the Necromancer has AC27 (and Mount's AC is 38)...so the beam misses both of them.
The Necro's AC is 27, so three of the four blows automatically miss, yet Lian's most effective blow does, indeed, strike the invisible Necromancer (OOC: rolled high on the d100 to hit.) However--once more--Lian can almost taste the magic that is protecting her, and doesn't hear the telltale rattle of a staff hitting the floor. (OOC: she made her Fort Save with a 32.)
Ingrge's Tentacles wriggle to life around the dragon and the Necromancer--and even manage to threaten Undead #9! Mount's incredible dragon strength allows him to basically ignore the writhing horrors (OOC: his Grapple check is 67); the Necromancer is snagged and assaulted by the flailing psuedopods (OOC: her Grapple check is actually 30 because I forgot to add in a modifier she gets from some potions she imbibed before the melee--but the tentacles still get her); and Undead #9 is seized by the mindless mass of octopus-like arms and drawn futher into them(OOC: Grapple check only 18.)
Milo's arrival behind K'Nara provokes an attack of opportunity from the bird-like Summoned #1, but the claw that lashes out at the nimble halfling misses (OOC: only hits AC20.)
Falin moves and curses as his arrows fly wide of where the Necromancer may have been.
Gunther's work is cut out for him, as he has to quickly finesse his way past Ingrge's all-too-effective Tentacles spell...but he manages to do so, although it does still provoke an attack of opportunity from Summoned #1 that still misses the man with the cat-like reflexes (OOC: hits AC26.)
K'Nara--seeing that the Necromancer is now getting a pummelling because of Ingrge's spell, takes a five-foot step to L16, flanking Summoned #1 and then whirling her sword into it, though only one of her blows manages to penetrate its defenses (OOC: Summoned #1 is AC22; K'Nara rolled to hit AC31 for 8hpd and 6hp of fire damage.)
All of the Undeads are invariably drawn to Olana's position and converge on the female elf. Undead #3, 7 and 8 draw attacks of opportunity from Olana as they move into her threat range. (OOC: each is AC18.)
The gangly but deadly-looking Summoned #1 follows the orders from the Necromancer, concentrating its attacks on Figment, striking at the human wizard with two (out of four) claws and its beak. (OOC: hits AC34 for 16hpd; hits AC19 for 13hpd; and hits AC28 for 6hpd.)
"Get me OUT of this stuff...NOW!!!" screams the technically-invisible Necromancer in Common. (The tentacles, however, give a good indication of where the woman is within the writhing mass.) Mount heaves a gusty and somewhat acidic sigh, reaching out with one claw and plucking the evil spellcaster free from the grip of the tentacles, then moves with her to the southwest corner of the room, putting her down, muttering in Draconian:
Highlight to display spoiler: {"If you weren't so greedy, you wouldn't get into silly messes..."
"SHUT UP and do your duty!!!"} Everyone can hear the strident voice of the invisible Necromancer, though only two people in the room can see her...or, at least, they could...IF that group of tentacles wasn't blocking their view.
The hairs on the back of Ingrge's neck stand up--the Necromancer MUST be using some magic!
POOF! Ingrge sees that now he has to deal with Summoned #2, a tall humanoid covered with sharp barbs, right down to the tip of its long, meaty tail. Its eyes shift and dart about, making it look very agitated...perhaps even nervous.
...and four more corpses animate, their lifeless eyes seeking out the living that they are compelled to seek out and destroy...
Brother Bertram AC 28 HP 68/84 Haste(Same Coord) 10d6(4+4+2+5+2+5+6+4+4+6)=42 Saturday August 27th, 2005 7:58:47 AM
Seeing that the foul undead are being summoned faster than he can rebuke them, Bertram tries a different approach. Calling upon the power of Domi, the dwarf calls down divine fire washing it over the dragon and perhaps anyone lurking unseen in the area....
(Centered on coordinates C,16 Catching the dragon and possibly the Necromancer? Cast Flame Strike-42 points damage. Half of this has NO SAVE at all due to divine nature.
Ingrge:AC 33: HP100: (120): Stoneskin, Bigby's Interposing hand, boots of speed, displaced (50% miss) spell resistance 18%, (immunities- Detect thoughts, disern lies, alignment, sleep, flanking) d20+16=33 d6+7=12 11d6(2+6+4+3+6+6+5+5+5+1+2)=45 d20+7=20 Saturday August 27th, 2005 8:28:33 AM
Ingrge is not suprised when the next summoned beastie shows up (by the way is he using a summoning spell? if so the beasts should not show up until the next round) and takes an attack of opportunity and smacks him with his staff AC 33 for 12 points. Ingrge then whips off a quick spell sending a cone of cold emanating from his hand that encompasses S2,and undead 8,7,3,2,1,4,5,& 6 for 45 points damage. Reflex save DC 24 for 23 points
Int roll dc 20
DM OOC: Although Ingrge can feel the magic, the summoned are arriving due to a special unholy ability confered onto the Necromancer by Marteaus himself.
Lian (AC 34 -2size (+2 vs chaotic creature)[+1 dodge vs dragon] touch AC 34), 51/53hps, Enlarged, Pro f. Chaos d20+9=16 Saturday August 27th, 2005 11:50:06 AM
Active Spells: Enlarge - (tattoo, 6 rounds) Protection from Chaos - (scroll, 7rnds, +2AC and resistance vs chaotic creatures, blocks mental control and prevents bodily contact with summoned chaotic creatures) Divine Favor - (self, 10rnds, +1 luck att/dam)
Stunning Attacks: 6/12 used Enlarge Tat: 2/3 Bull's Str Tat: 2/2
Hearing the staff clatter to the ground, Lian glances around for it, knowing that it will now be VISIBLE away from the Necromancers possession.
If its in the tentacles, he will ignore it unitl the Evards goes away, if its within reach he will grab it and stow it in his magically deep breeches pocket.
If he can't retrieve the staff, he'll cast Divine Favor.
He glances at the demonic menace nearby.
DM Donna Sunday August 28th, 2005 12:13:26 AM
I will post tomorrow after my guest has left (about noon or so Woldian time.)
I hope more of the group posts before then.
Milo (AC 29 [30 vs. demon]; 55/78 hps) d20+10=23 d20+21=31 d4+4=7 2d6(6+1)=7 6d6(3+5+4+3+5+4)=24 Sunday August 28th, 2005 8:21:24 PM
Milo tumbles around to flank the demon opposite Gunther to O16. He then attacks the creature, sticking him in a tender spot. (OOC: Milo successfully tumbles at full speed to O16, taking a voluntary -10 to his tumble check to do so, and then hits AC 31 for a total of 38 hit points damage.)
Combat Round 6 - DM Donna d20+17=34 d20+14=17 d20=4 d20=19 d20=10 d20=5 d20=14 d20=9 d20=7 d20=6 d20+15=23 d20+13=32 d8+3=6 d20+15=20 2d6(2+2)+6=10 d20+15=20 2d6(4+3)+6=13 d20+31=37 d8+5=13 d20+31=33 d8+5=11 d20+31=47 2d8(6+8)+11=25 d20+31=51 2d6(3+6)+11=20 d20+31=42 2d6(6+5)+11=22 d20+15=19 d20+11=25 d10+6=9 d6=3 Sunday August 28th, 2005 10:55:30 PM
Brother Betram's column of flame envelopes the black dragon, causing the huge beast to bellow in pain as he suffers 34 hpd.
Ingrge's staff smacks the spiky newcomer soundly. Then his spell catches the spiked being full in the chest...with rather mixed results. Clearly it didn't dodge the blast--yet also, just as clearly, it didn't suffer anywhere near the maximum damage. (OOC: suffered only 25 hpd.)
All of the undead are frozen and then shattered by the Cone of Cold.
Ingrge, however, thinks he sees the blurred outline of the Necromancer about ten or fifteen feet north of S2--though the frosty outline soon disappears from his view, he can tell by the screech of pain and anger that the Necro must have suffered some damage from the blast as well.
Lian gets to cast his Divine Favor, because the DM posted in the last turn that: Lian can almost taste the magic that is protecting her, and doesn't hear the telltale rattle of a staff hitting the floor. (OOC: she made her Fort Save with a 32.)
Milo does a bit of damage to the bird-like S1.
S1, however, continues to target Figment--striking at the human wizard with its beak and two claws. (OOC: hits AC32 for 6hpd; hits AC20 for 10hpd; hits AC20 for 13hpd.)
S2 is apparently still in a stupor from his summons.
Mount the dragon snorts--that Flame Strike spell stung like the dickens! He eyes Ingrge, who is closest to him. He uses his wings to slap at the elf--instead, however, Mount smacks into that Interposing Hand instead. (OOC: hits AC37 and AC33 for 24hpd.) Then he bites at the hand (OOC: hits AC47 for 25hpd.) Then he claws at the hand as well (OOC: hits AC51 and AC42 for a total of another 42hpd. This means that the Hand has suffed 91hpd so far.)
Both Olana and Bertram feel the prickle of evil magic permeate the air--and suddenly find themselves sealed off from the rest of the room by a 10-foot-tall Wall of Ice.
And four more corpses rise and begin to seek out the living...
(OOC: oops...forgot to have K'Nara take her turn.)
K'Nara--unable to see where the Necromancer went--opts to save the life of Figment if she can and wails away at the sickly-purple bird-thing in front of her. (OOC: Hits AC25 for 9hpd and 3hp fire.)
Gunther (AC 28, 29 vs. Dragon, HP81/83) Stoneskin 99/120, Animated Shield, Bull's Strength, Protection from Evil, Hide from Undead, Displacement, Dodge vs. Dragon, L13 d20+14=28 d20+9=21 d20+14=21 d20+6=20 d8+9=12 d8+9=12 d8+9=15 d8+9=16 d6=5 d6=2 d6=3 d6=2 Sunday August 28th, 2005 11:35:24 PM
The warrior shakes off the stuper he's in. Ahh...now that's more like it! Finally something he can carve into!! His sword swipes back and forth, and despite his knee knocking fear of the dragon nearby, Gunther feels pretty satisfied with his attacks. (AC28 for 12+5, AC21 for 12+2, AC21 for 15+3, AC20 for 16+2)
Spells in place Stone skin 90 min/120 min Bull's Strength ??min/10min (Not sure how much time has elapsed since Bertram cast it) Protection from Evil 11rds/11rds Hide from Undead 10min/10min Shaken 5rd/15rds
Milo (AC 29 [30 vs. demon]; 55/78 hps) d20+21=29 d20+16=33 d4+4=7 d4+4=6 2d6(5+4)=9 2d6(4+6)=10 6d6(5+4+5+2+4+6)=26 6d6(2+2+6+1+3+1)=15 Monday August 29th, 2005 12:39:02 AM
Maintaining his attack on the foul demon, Milo's short sword becomes a blur as the halfling finds the creature's soft spots. (OOC: Hit AC 29 for 42 hit points damage and AC 33 for 31 hit points damage.)
Figment (42/63, Stoneskin 95/120 - Invisible) Monday August 29th, 2005 8:34:47 AM
Ready to try to finish this, the mage casts Greater Invisibility on himself so he can hopefully avoid this abomination and focus on the Necomancer.
Falin (AC 24 HP 63 Displaced Fly) d20+2=7 d20+2=14 Monday August 29th, 2005 9:04:58 AM
Falin activates his celestial armor and soars up into the sky 30 '. He pulls out a handfull of chalk (5 pieces) and begins to crush it in his hands. Keeping an eye out for the necromancer (Spot 7 and Listen 14)
Olana 69/69 AC 30 Stoneskin d20+12=23 Monday August 29th, 2005 1:16:22 PM
About to weild her sword as the undead converge, Olana blinks, astonished, as they shatter into ice. Well thank goodness for that, she thinks, right before the ice wall appears.
She looks around at Bertram with a exasperated expression. "Anyone would think they didn't want us to kill them,"
Having no levitation potions, she looks at the statues. If they're climbable - she'll start climbing, and then she can let 'em have it with her bow.
CLIMB DC 23
Ingrge:AC 33: HP100: (120): Stoneskin, Bigby's Interposing hand, boots of speed, displaced (50% miss) spell resistance 18%, (immunities- Detect thoughts, disern lies, alignment, sleep, flanking) d20+11=26 d20+11=18 d20+11=28 4d6(2+6+5+3)=16 4d6(6+1+4+4)=15 4d6(3+3+6+6)=18 Monday August 29th, 2005 5:26:34 PM
Taking advantage of the still stupored S2 Ingrge quickly moves past it into C8 and then discharges a staff charge into S2. Three beams of energy (scorching rays) (ranged touch - no armor, natural armor, etc are to be included in opponent's AC) streak out and strike the beast. AC 26, 18, & 28 for 16+15+18= 49 points damage. No save.
Jay B Monday August 29th, 2005 6:40:11 PM
OOC: I'm having issues with my email. My password isn't working, so please forgive any non-replies. I'm not ignoring you. There are technical issues.
Brother Bertram AC 28 HP 68/84 Haste(Same Coord) 10d6(4+6+4+5+6+6+2+2+4+6)=45 Monday August 29th, 2005 6:52:06 PM
Bertram grins at Olana's words. "Then let us make them aware of our intentions.." Again calling upon the power of Domi, Bertram calls down flame yet again upon the same area.
(Flame Strike 42 damage-No save possible on half that damage)
Lian (AC 34 -2size (+2 vs chaotic creature)[+1 dodge vs Undead4] touch AC 34), 51/53hps, Enlarged, Pro f. Chaos, Divine Favor d20+13=20 d20+8=19 3d8(6+4+1)+6=17 3d8(8+7+4)+6=25 Monday August 29th, 2005 9:39:03 PM
Active Spells: Enlarge - (tattoo, 5 rounds) Protection from Chaos - (scroll, 8rnds, +2AC and resistance vs chaotic creatures, blocks mental control and prevents bodily contact with summoned chaotic creatures) Divine Favor - (self, 9rnds, +1 luck att/dam)
Stunning Attacks: 6/12 used Enlarge Tat: 2/3 Bull's Str Tat: 2/2
Prepared Spells: Guidance, Create Water Divine Favor
Seeing the punishment the Ingrge's Hand has taken, and realizing the symbolic nature of it (himself being a Hand), Lian completely avoids the dragon. He instead decides to attack the nearby undead.
He then moves(can move upto 60ft if needs) to the undead, at M7, and begins his attacks(10ft reach). (Hits AC 20 and 19, for 17 and 25 damage respectively, counts as magical and is bludgeoning) He will split attacks if necessary.
Dodge versus Undead4.
DM Donna Monday August 29th, 2005 11:09:49 PM
I'm asking a question about whether or not Brother Bertram's Flame Strike can be cast even though he cannot really see where he's striking. I will post after getting an answer.
Lian Tuesday August 30th, 2005 7:30:10 PM
OOC: Will not be able to post today, Tuesday. Sorry guys and gals.
Combat Round 7 - DM Donna d20=20 d20+31=46 2d8(5+4)+11=20 Tuesday August 30th, 2005 11:23:45 PM
Between Milo and Gunther, the big purple-y bird-thing is very effectively killed.
Figment casts his own Greater Invisibility spell on himself.
Falin gains 30 feet of altitude, but between the chalk dust and the crunch of the chalk in his hands, he can't see or hear anything that gives him even a clue as to where the Necromancer might be.
The Wall of Ice surrounding Olana and Bertram is smooth and exceedingly difficult to climb (OOC: she'd need to make a Climb check versus DC35--she can add +4 to her roll if she has ice climbing gear.) It also wrecks not only Bertram's line of sight, but it also interferes with his possible line of effect, so the dwarf is unable to cast his second Flame Strike beyond the wall.
Ingrge must roll to see if his magic overcomes S2's Spell Resistance of 23.
Lian pulverizes Undead #4.
K'Nara--seeing that the bird-thing is dead--turns and contemplates moving through the dragon's reach, when suddenly some connection is made in the back of her mind...(OOC: K'Nara rolled a natural 20 on making the mental leap.)
"DRAGON!!!" she yells at the top of her lungs. "My mates here tell me you wish for your freedom...and the words on that door of Marteaus' say 'State Your Great Need'...what if you did just that? What if YOU stated YOUR great need???"
Mount--who just snapped at the magic hand (OOC: hits AC46 for 20hp) and obliterated it--turns his nigh-skeletal head and peers keenly at the blade singer for a moment.
"FOOL!" screams a voice that Ingrge can tell is right next to him, to his left. "Don't LISTEN to her! Kill her!!!"
But the dragon's mighty brain is now engaged.
"Is that what the words truly say, human?" he asks, tilting his scaly head in contemplation.
Ingrge's senses can tell that the Necromancer is using more evil magic...and yet another being begins to shimmer into view (it's not there yet--but it's big and it's coming...)
Undead 1, 2 and 3 converge on Lian, as he is the nearest living thing they can reach. However, they cannot attack in the same round.
But another four Undead rise up and search for living victims...
Milo (AC 29 [30 vs. lich]; 55/78 hps) Tuesday August 30th, 2005 11:47:15 PM
As quickly as he can, Milo moves to assist Falin and Lian. (OOC: Double move to M9)
Gunther (AC 28, 29 vs. S3 HP81/83) Stoneskin 99/120, Animated Shield, Bull's Strength, Hide from Undead, Displacement, Dodge vs. S3, K8 Tuesday August 30th, 2005 11:51:29 PM
Gunther beams at K'nara's mental prowess. Oh yes...she was a keeper. Seeing as he's dispatched his current target, Gunther moves on to the other summoned beastie. Having to move carefully around the tentacles, Gunther is forced to take a longer path than he would have liked and also potentially draw AoO's from the nearby undead. But seeing that they probably can't see him thanks to his handy Hide from Undead potion, Gunther's not too worried about that. He shouts out to the dragon above the din of battle. "It is true. But it is an easy enough ting to test. Vhat is de vorst ting that could happen?"
Spells in place Stone skin 90 min/120 min Bull's Strength ??min/10min (Not sure how much time has elapsed since Bertram cast it) Hide from Undead 10min/10min Shaken 6rd/15rds
Figment (42/63, Stoneskin 95/120 - Invisible, See Invisible) Wednesday August 31st, 2005 8:09:52 AM
The mage listens carefully to where he heard the Necromancer's screams coming from and moves in that direction (G3 is the target location). Seeing the only viable path to where he wants to go is right through the undead (e.g. no way he's running by a dragon who can see him) he runs by Lian and the group of 4 animated bodies hoping his speed prevents too many cheap attacks (4-7). As he runs he also hears Bertam's muffled bellow and considers what he might do for them. He casts "See Invisible" on himself, planning on taking this woman out for good, knowing that will dispell the ice. He is also taken aback by the elegance and structure of the ice wall thinking "Dang, this woman is good...".
DM OOC: don't forget to state your new coordinate if you want your character to move AND cast a spell on himself!)
Lian (AC 34 -2size (+2 vs chaotic creature)[+1 dodge vs Undead4] touch AC 34), 51/53hps, Enlarged, Pro f. Chaos, Divine Favor d20+15=31 d20+15=35 d20+15=21 d20+12=26 3d8(2+3+1)+6=12 3d8(4+7+3)+5=20 3d8(7+5+7)+5=25 3d8(2+2+7)+6=17 Wednesday August 31st, 2005 11:23:14 AM
Active Spells: Enlarge - (tattoo, 4 rounds) Protection from Chaos - (scroll, 7rnds, +2AC and resistance vs chaotic creatures, blocks mental control and prevents bodily contact with summoned chaotic creatures) Divine Favor - (self, 8rnds, +1 luck att/dam)
Stunning Attacks: 6/12 used Enlarge Tat: 2/3 Bull's Str Tat: 2/2
Prepared Spells: Guidance, Create Water Divine Favor
The undead maybe unable to attack, but Lian has full advantage. (AC 31, 35, 21 and 26 for 12, 20, 25 and 17 damage, magical and bludgeoning) He will split attacks. "Yes Mount! The solution has been infront of you this whole time! I wish to see you freed."
Dodge is on the incoming creature, S3.
Brother Bertram AC 28 HP 68/84 Haste(Same Coord) Wednesday August 31st, 2005 12:21:47 PM
Bertram curses realizing that nothing happened from his last spell and hurls himself at the ice wall, hacking at it with his axe, trying to break through as fast as he can. "Ingrge! Figment, Open this bloody icebox and get us out of here!" He will continue to hack at it until released or until the ice is sundered.
Immediately focussing on the voice to his left and the feeling of the summoning going on Ingrge strikes out with his staff hoping to interupt the summoning and damage the caster. AC 32 & 29 minus whatever, for 21 points of damage.
Falin d20+2=19 Wednesday August 31st, 2005 7:01:31 PM
Falin listens for the necromancer (DC 19). If he is able to hear her he flys in that direction and comences to blow chalk dust at the spot where he heard her.
Olana d20+12=16 Wednesday August 31st, 2005 10:22:47 PM
Attempting the statue (checked with Donna - DC 25) and failing, she gives a sigh and has another attempt.
CLIMB CHECK DC 16
As she slides back down - again, she can fully appreciate Bertram's ire as he yells for assistance.
Combat Round 8 - DM Donna d3=2 d100=72 d100=13 Thursday September 1st, 2005 12:29:14 AM
Milo relocates to M9.
Gunther moves to stand under the flying Falin (both are at K8--Gunther on the ground and Falin 30 feet up.)
Figment is able to cast his spell and reach O7 on the map.
Lian's attacks dispatch Undead #1 & #2.
Bertram and Olana are still trapped behind the wall (although Bert's blows are slowly chipping away at the thickness of one part of it.)
Ingrge's spells from the previous round do damage to the spiky S2--but some of the effectiveness DOES appear to be diminished. His attack to the area directly to his left (D8) is half successful. (OOC: first blow hits for 21hpd.)
Falin sees and hears the Necromancer--because she screams in anger and pain, becomes visible, and then slumps to the ground, lying extrememly still.
K'Nara gambles on the black dragon's interest.
"Gunther's got a point, dragon..." the redheaded blade singer insists, "...what's the worst that can happen? Say it--speak it...and see what happens..."
Mount's great head swivels from the dead Necromancer to the disappearing allies (S2 and S3, who are now fading away again)...to the door with the inscription.
"What, indeed..." the dragon growls, drawing himself up and then saying in a bass that rumbles through the bones of the living:
"I need my FREEDOM!!!"
freedom...freedom...freedom...
The last word of Mount's sentence echoes up into the darkness above, the sound getting fainter and fainter. For a long, sickening moment K'Nara wonders what it is going to be like to suffer the stream of acid that poor Bertram endured and whether she could possibly fare as well...
...but then...
A great cracking rumble from far, far above can be heard--and the faint light of pre-dawn can be seen from on high--
--the Bone Tower is now open at the top...
"I'm FREE!!!" shouts Mount with malevolent glee. "Free to be myself--free from this stinking cesspool of human greed--FREE!!!" His laughter would be uplifting if it weren't also tinged with evil.
Without so much as a word of thanks, the huge ancient black dragon springs up into the air, his wings sweeping the air and carrying him up, up, up and out of the Tower that had been his home and prison for the last nearly two hundred years.
The undead fall to dust as one, and an eerie sort of silence falls over the battlefield--silence that is broken only by the swishing of those flailing black tentacles...
...and the rumble of the great ironstone door that slowly draws itself into the ceiling, revealing the cavern beyond, causing the ice wall attached to it to shatter into pieces.
Figment (42/63, Stoneskin 95/120 - Invisible, See Invisible) Thursday September 1st, 2005 6:47:37 AM
Seeing the Necromancer fall, the mage moves over to the opening cavern door and takes a look. "Whatever we do we need to do quickly...I'm betting the door on the other wall is a gate we can use to get out of here once we've done what we came to do.".
Lian (AC 34 -2size (+2 vs chaotic creature)[+1 dodge vs Undead4] touch AC 34), 51/53hps, Enlarged, Pro f. Chaos, Divine Favor Thursday September 1st, 2005 10:07:50 AM
Active Spells: Enlarge - (tattoo, 3 rounds) Protection from Chaos - (scroll, 6rnds, +2AC and resistance vs chaotic creatures, blocks mental control and prevents bodily contact with summoned chaotic creatures) Divine Favor - (self, 7rnds, +1 luck att/dam)
Stunning Attacks: 6/12 used Enlarge Tat: 2/3 Bull's Str Tat: 2/2
Prepared Spells: Guidance, Create Water Divine Favor
"This was much too easy." Says the elf, with doubt in his voice. "The real trial will be moving this gold. Can we teleport it back to the Tower of Saryd or are we stuck hauling the treasure back by hand?" He moves over to the piles of gems and starts pocketing them with his magically enlarged hands.
Falin d20+2=10 d20+2=16 Thursday September 1st, 2005 10:43:15 AM
Falin comes back down to the ground.
"Are all we here for is gold?" He looks rather dissapointed. "Weren't you guys on a time crunch or something?"
"If we are just here for the gold I have my quiver of Elohna we can fill."
He takes a look around to see what he can see.
Spot 10 Listen 16
Brother Bertram AC 28 HP 68/84 Haste(Same Coord) Thursday September 1st, 2005 2:34:21 PM
Bertram shakes ice shards from his beard and looks around. Seeing the Necromancer fallen makes him wonder.....He walks over to the lying form, his axe in hand to make sure the job is complete.....
Ingrge:AC 33: HP100: (120): Stoneskin, Bigby's Interposing hand, boots of speed, displaced (50% miss) spell resistance 18%, (immunities- Detect thoughts, disern lies, alignment, sleep, flanking) Thursday September 1st, 2005 4:39:07 PM
Bertram, You chop off her head and then I will burn her to a crisp just to be on the safe side.
Lian, why do you think I brough seven unseen servants and those three floating disks for.
Falin, we are on a bit of a time schedule, but there is time left. This actually was meant to be a treasure hunt after all, though I expect it is not at all over yet.
Milo, you and Olana want to thouroughly check out those doors?
K'nara, do you think we each need to say what we need or should we do it as a group?
Brother Bertram AC 28 HP 68/84 Haste(Same Coord) Thursday September 1st, 2005 6:00:10 PM
"Gladly"..Bertram mutters as he moves towards the still figure.
Milo (AC 29; 55/78 hps) Thursday September 1st, 2005 8:43:51 PM
Milo stands momentarily with mouth agape, as the dragon leaves and all other opponents are instantly destroyed. Then, with Ingrge's voice comes purpose, and the halfling's mouth snaps shut as he pushs forward, and gives the doorway his full attention. (OOC: Take 20 looking for traps for a DC 35)
Gunther (AC 28, 29 vs. S3 HP81/83) Stoneskin 99/120, Animated Shield, Bull's Strength, Hide from Undead, Displacement, Thursday September 1st, 2005 10:52:13 PM
"Uhhhh..." Gunther mutters unintelligently as his brain slowly takes in that the battle is over. His gaze casts about the room and then travels to the vault. The vault! After all, this was their mission...oh and killing the necromancer too, but that really hadn't seemed so tough. Gunther watches as Milo and Olana check the place out, though he's chomping at the bit to get in there.
TROVE!!! - DM Donna Thursday September 1st, 2005 10:56:17 PM
Milo's quick eyes and clever brain determine that the doorway and the area immediately around it are not trapped.
And--as Lian's actions would have one assume--there are piles and piles of gems, jewels and coins of all sorts...as well as no less than 12 different chests.
Everyone bothering to look into the vault itself see a room that is easily as big as the area that they'd been fighting in--only this room DOES have a ceiling about fifty feet up. The piles of coins and gems average about thirty feet high, with the odd mound almost touching the ceiling.
"We were in a race with time, Falin," K'Nara says as she, too, walks to the wide-open entry to the vault and looks at the mind-boggling pile of treasure within, "However, our true mission here was set by none other than the Platinum Dragons: we were to infiltrate the Arena Combat and use it as a means to seek out and destroy the Necromancer who guards Bone Tower." The tall blade singer turns as Brother Bertram easily beheads the late spellcaster.
"Our true mission has been accomplished." she points out. "No, Ingrge...this vault is now open--what occurred to me was that Marteaus wanted to test his own followers--evil followers--by forcing them to confront that which they actually...truly...needed from life in The Wold. Therefore, only an evil being stating their greatest need could unlock the magic keeping the vault closed." She steps into the vault slowly, eyeing the incalculable wealth around her.
"We can't possibly carry out all of this...but those servants and disks of yours will be able to allow us to put a very big dent in this..!" the chestnut-maned leader of the Talons tells Ingrge with a twinkle in her hazel eyes. "But you and Figment are right: we should try to take what we can as quickly as possible--you never know if Marteaus might be peeved that we killed his crony AND unleashed his pet!"
Gunther d20+1=11 Thursday September 1st, 2005 11:17:09 PM
Gunther's jaw drops and his eyes glaze as he slowly takes in the degree to just how filthy rich they're going to be! Running into the vault, Gunther dives into the nearest pile and begins rolling around in it...the hard coins smacking roughly against the stoneskin protecting him. Then Gunther adopts a serious manner...and as if on a mission begins digging through the nearby treasure looking for...something (Spot=11). He searches long and hard and finally digs out a pair of bracers...obviously just for fancy dress--yet their craftsmanship cannot be denied. They are fashioned from matte-finish platinum, with jewels set in them in a rainbow pattern that is both intricate and yet bold...
Enormous goofy grin plastered firmly on his face, he walks over to K'nara and gently places the bracers on her arms...his battle scarred hands working as gently as possible.. "Miss K'nara, ma'am...you are quite possibly the most radiant woman I've ever seen!" A flush on his checks, Gunther leans over and firmly plants a big kiss on the blade-singer's lips... Then, turning quickly, Gunther heads back to the treasure and begins rooting through it once more.
Ingrge Thursday September 1st, 2005 11:34:50 PM
stationing the 3 disks where everyone knows where they are, Ingrge instructs the 7 servants to start loading gems and coins on to them (each disk can carry 1000 pounds) (each servant can load 20 pounds per round)
Ingrge then takes out several scrolls of detect magic and give one to any who can cast it and then cast his first scroll.
Olana d20+12=20 Thursday September 1st, 2005 11:51:34 PM
Olana gives a sigh of relief. Still, something troubles her. "K'Nara, when you say Marteaus was testing his own followers, are you sure? What if he has his eyes on us now?" She looks around, and then at the treasure pile. "This place gives me the creeps. be careful everyone."
She has a quick word with Ingrge about her limited magical skills. If she can figure out the scroll, she'll use one as she pokes around.
USE MAGIC DEVICE dc 20
Brother Bertram 68/84 Greed Mode Friday September 2nd, 2005 4:16:42 AM
Having dispatched the evil creature, Bertram relaxes and begins truly taking in what is lying around them. He muses aloud, "Gems would make the most sense Friend Ingrge for your amazing servants to carry." His hands run across piles, stunned at such riches. He picks up a handful sifting it through his fingers. As he does he begins to smile....
Falin Friday September 2nd, 2005 7:54:27 AM
"I would have to agree with Bertram in that we should probably load up gems first. I think we should be looking ot see if anyhting is magic too. But I see a few of you are taking that initiative."
Falin looks around. "What can I do? Can I help anyone."
Figment (3 Tensor's Floating Disks) Friday September 2nd, 2005 8:43:31 AM
The mage casts and 3 disks similar to Ingrge's appear. "Here's 3000 more pounds of loot. Maybe put the chests on them...I'd recommend focusing on gems and fine jewelry as they will be most valuable...". The mage looks over the stash and begins loading the largest diamonds and ornamted pieces he can find.
"And the good thing is we now know how to get into this place. We can come back another year if we need to...nobody other than the Gold's maybe know how to do it.".
Lian Friday September 2nd, 2005 9:48:25 AM
Lian glances up to listen to K'Nara, just in time to see Gunther kiss her. He mutters under his breath, a smile on his face, "This could turn real bad."
Turning back to his pile of gems, Lian says to no one particular. "Well, regardless, can't we teleport here on occassion to make a withdrawl?" This statement makes sense to Lian, even if it doesn't to others.
"Bertram, with all this loot, the chapel can be made up REAL nice." He grins at the cleric.
"I have great plans for my portion."
Milo Friday September 2nd, 2005 11:37:29 AM
Milo stands with a perplexed look on his face. Considering the arguments they got into last time treasure, and its uses came into question, the halfling looks reluctant to take any of the treasure. Though if asked, he plans to lend a hand.
Brother Bertram 68/84 Friday September 2nd, 2005 2:08:05 PM
Bertram smiles distractedly at Lian "Perhaps so, but I cant help but wonder if this place will be here after this trip...."
Ingrge Friday September 2nd, 2005 5:28:39 PM
sending his detect magic at chest #1 Ingrge hopes to get some sort of reading and then Scoops up the chest (#1) and transfers it to a disk, Ingrge curiously asks. "K'nara, Just how much more time do you recjkon we have left any way?"
Decisions, Decisions... - DM Donna Friday September 2nd, 2005 11:00:37 PM
K'Nara stands, stunned and slack-jawed, as Gunther kisses her after placing the decorative bracers on her wrists. Then she sidles over to Bertram, asking him in a concerned whisper if he could cast a "Detect Curse" or something on the big cat trainer, just to make sure that Gunther isn't under the influence of some kind of magic or something...?
As a blade singer, K'Nara can cast Detect Magic, so she eschews the scroll that Ingrge tries to hand her and, instead, simply casts the spell without using up the written resource.
All of the chests radiate magic...but as Ingrge reaches for chest #1, he is assailed by the overwhelming impression of pure evil that it also radiates. He doesn't need the help of either Lian or Bertram to detect it--Chest #1 definitely contains EVIL!
"Ugh! They ALL feel horrible to even approach..." K'Nara points out, "...except for these two." Sure enough, the plainest of the dozen are the only chests that don't reek of malevolent energy.
"I don't think we have more than ten minutes..." the leader of the Talons squints up at the pre-dawn sky that shows faintly yet irrevocably through the opening in the ceiling of the Bone Tower so very far above them, "...I say let's just grab the two chests that don't seem to be evil, load up the discs and haul our carcasses out of here!"
Brother Bertram 68/84 Friday September 2nd, 2005 11:11:09 PM
As they feverishly load the richest of the loot, Bertram keep an eye out for any odd maps lying about, as well as any holy symbols of Domi or Gargul that might have joined the hoard over the years.
Brother Bertram 68/84 Friday September 2nd, 2005 11:33:35 PM
Bertram glances at K'nara his gruff countenance twtiching to maintain control. "Hmmm Well I dont see a curse anywhere upon him. Perhaps a crush but no curse." He then turns quickly back to his work trying to keep a straight face. Leaving K'nara to consider the possibilities...
Milo (AC 29; 55/78 hps) Saturday September 3rd, 2005 2:37:38 AM
Nodding at K'nara's instruction, Milo moves to assist with loading up the two chests that she indicates are not evil. Once complete, the halfling stands silently ready to leave, contemplating all that has occured within the tower, and the implications of their 'success.'
Falin Saturday September 3rd, 2005 8:35:48 AM
Getting ready to leave, Falin takes his quiver and runs it through the piles of gems in order to fill it up.
Gunther Saturday September 3rd, 2005 9:49:45 AM
Hearing K'nara's call, Gunther begins stuffing all the jewels he can find into whatever space is left in his backpack. Once it's stuffed, Gunther begins piling them on the disks. He works quickly, not wanting to disappoint his new found love.
Ingrge Saturday September 3rd, 2005 9:57:12 AM
As the feeling of evil washes over him, Ingrge leaves the chests and starts loading gems and coins as fast as he can whilt the two chests are place on two of the other disks. when finished he removes his haversak and leaving only his spellbooks, mirror and potions in side he scoops down and fils it with gold and gesm as well, placing it back on his back.
"Let's go ladies and gents scoop and load we have about 1 miute."
(ooc - Ok, let's see.
seven servants @ 20# per round seven party members lets say at 30 # per round.(yes I know we are more than seven , I am figuring in time moving chests and moments of slack jawwed staring.)
So that would be an average of 350# per round.
So ten rounds (1 minute) of feverish shoveling and loading would leave us with 3500# of gems and coins and two chests all loaded on six disks.
Anyone see a problem with my math?)
Brother Bertram Saturday September 3rd, 2005 10:16:38 AM
Scoops feverishly now loading as quickly as possible, always grabbing gems first and gold second. (Sounds good Ingrge, was hoping you forgot to carry a one somewhere along the way and it was 13500 pounds hehe)
Nellie Saturday September 3rd, 2005 1:48:21 PM
Ummm...yeah, Kent...I think we have 10 minutes, not 1.
Kent Saturday September 3rd, 2005 2:58:38 PM
(Nellie we still have to get out of the tower and that may take at least 9 minutes)
Time is Ticking - DM Donna Saturday September 3rd, 2005 5:22:52 PM
"The sooner we're done and out of here, the better." K'Nara says firmly, reminded once more that Gutmasher DID say that the Tower's only known entrances sealed up and were unavailable for an entire month. "Let's get this stuff loaded and us OUT of here as quick as we can..!"
Brother Bertram Saturday September 3rd, 2005 10:00:11 PM
Bertram nods to Ingrge with as if awaiting a signal, a grim resolve up his countenance.
Falin Sunday September 4th, 2005 3:03:11 PM
Filling his quiver to the top, Falin turns to everyone else. "I think we should leave, and quick." He looks around.
"I am guessing that soon we will not be able to leave and I like to know that we have the time to get out."
Lian Monday September 5th, 2005 8:38:41 AM
The elf gathers all he can.
He puts small things into his pockets, shoes and anywhere else.... and into any bags found in the vault.
Brother Bertram Monday September 5th, 2005 8:43:26 PM
Bertram also continues loading, emulating Lian, when the discs are all filled, finding empty pockets and any space possible to carry more. Dumping anything replacable from the backpack as well. Hoping the magical hole device of K'nara's is also stuffed full. He still looks to Ingrge from time to time as if for an unspoken signal.
Gunther Monday September 5th, 2005 10:33:27 PM
The warrior continues busily stuffing, first on the disks and then into his backpack...throwing out anything non-magical.
Lian d20+2=17 Tuesday September 6th, 2005 8:51:58 AM
The elf busies himself with one of the non-evil chests by removing coppers and silvers and replacing them with gems, rings, necklaces and other small, valuable looking pieces of art (like goblets, brooches and even ornate maps or scrolls). [Appraisal 17] Once it is clear that they are running out of time and space, he looks for books, tomes and manuals. These items are heavy, but may be compact and valuable (at least in his mind.)
The Monty Haul Show - DM Donna d20+3=22 Tuesday September 6th, 2005 9:22:33 AM
Using all available containers on their persons, the Talons are able to load up in just under two minutes. (This includes the six available disks, all available sacks/portable holes/other possible containers on the party, and having the Unseen Servants carry what they can hold. There were no other containers in the trove itself except for the chests.)
"All right, everyone...move...!" K'Nara orders, striding over to the only portal that the Talons haven't actually opened themselves. (That last very wide door that was drawn on the south wall of the chamber in all those combat maps.) Knowing she's taking a risk, but realizing that their time is likely running out, the tall blade singer places her hands on the carved handles inset into the double door and pulls inward. The doors slowly swing into the room, revealing a foyer-like area that narrows into a ten-foot-wide by ten-foot-tall corridor that leads south at a slightly upward angle.
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