DM Jan Wednesday August 17th, 2005 12:30:37 AM
The Dragons move into the courtyard, spreading out, front and rear protected, preparing for the worst.
Everything seems quiet enough.
The Carriage House -
UP to the left, the sign (written in an elegant script, who's serif suggests a draconic style) on the converted Carriage House door says:
Enter this dwelling without permission and may what's left of your bloated corpse be washed up on the lakeshore.
Lady Dolores Solara Lady of the Lake Mistress of the Winds Queen of the Marsh
Cori can be certain this particular building is protected magically. (There is magic elsewhere too - it's a distance away and therefore faint - coming from the upper storeys of the Castle Keep.) Dahlia will note that everything seems firmly locked; the window boxes give the carriage house a feminine aspect, and there's a doormat right outside that has a silhouette of a dragon flying over a rising sun, woven into it's surface.
Up toward the main Keep -
Myrridan's sharp eyes (Dahlia will notice this too) can see that the main door looks slightly ajar.
And where there was a light in the small window at the side of this door - it is not there any more...
Tericus Wednesday August 17th, 2005 6:42:14 AM
"Thats not very pleasant." Tericus says after reading the sign. "I wonder if she's there." he says as he backs off a bit.
Corialote {shapechange: pixie, true seeing, detect magic} d20+10=15 Wednesday August 17th, 2005 5:47:46 PM
Cori falls into her magic as the spell is called for and then brings her right hand down in a quick slashing motion. It is not really needed but it looks a lot more impressive or at least she thinks so. It is her left hand that really casts the spell as she rubs her fingers over her eyes applying the salve. She glances all around her to see what this newest spell will tell her about what is around.
"The carriage house is most likely protected by that lady that we saw earlier." She looks to some of the rest to see if they remember the same thing. "Remember she passed us as we came across on the turtle barge." She looks to the castle and shrugs her shoulders. "There is also faint magic from the top stories of that castle as well...I think the distance is too great to be sure of too much though." No wonder she did not notice it earlier when they were looking by the breach in the wall.
[Intelligence 15 to remember the barge incident]
[Tattoo(detect magic) - 00 minute 30 seconds]
[True Seeing - 19 minutes 00 seconds]
[Shapechange - 188 minutes 10 seconds]
SPELLS 0th: read magic(4) 1st: identify(2), magic missile(2), tenser's floating disk(2), color spray 2nd: melf's acid arrow(2), see invisibility, mirror image(2), fox's cunning(2) 3rd: dispel magic, haste(2), fireball(2), lightning bolt(2) 4th: stoneskin(2), greater invisibility(3), wall of fire 5th: hold monster, passwall, cone of cold(2) 6th: greater dispel magic, true seeing*, chain lightning(2), shadow walk(2) 7th: extended mass bull's strength, reverse gravity, summon monster VII(2), finger of death(2) 8th: polar ray(2), summon monster VIII 9th: shapechange*, mass hold monster, summon monster IX * used
Mordrid Wednesday August 17th, 2005 6:38:12 PM
Mordrid speaks thru the dragon's earp-pieces. "Remember, these guys are in trouble just as much as everyone else. We are not here to take anything from them. We are here to use our items together to solve this problem."
Nick Thursday August 18th, 2005 12:07:18 AM
Nick smiles at the message on the door. "That's quite a lot of titles. So, going off what Cori says, the lady isn't in residence. The message from the Under Realm stated 'Black Dragon Castle'. I'm not quite sure that this carriage house counts. And I'm of the same mind as Mordrid. I don't think provoking Lady Solara will help our purpose. However, just going off the weeds in parts of the courtyard, I'd say the main keep hasn't been lived in for quite a while."
Valdor Thursday August 18th, 2005 12:39:48 AM
Valdor nods at the others' wisdom. He says,"Well, as the front door's been kind enough to open for us, how about there? Or, I can scale the wall and enter through a window with no problem and meet you all in the middle. But, I think we'd miss less, if we all went in together...so long as we stay spead out. Whatever we do, though, let's do it fairly quickly."
He heads toward the front door. He holds his shield in front of him, in case a spell goes off.
Myrridan (elemental wildshape: invisible stalker) d20+25=45 Thursday August 18th, 2005 12:43:21 AM
Myrridan whispers into his ear piece, "My strange and wonderous magiks of nature aside," smiling a little from Valdor's previous remarks, "my natural eyes do reveal the front doors are unlocked and left slightly ajar. That's odd! I'll try and see what secrets lie behind. I know no other magiks to employ. Im somewhat out of my element in these artifical surroundings."
Myrridan's body disolves into what appears to be nothing. Becoming quite invisible and equally silent. Only Corialote, with the use of her True Seeing spell, is able to see Myrridan as a swirling, translucent, humanoid-shape cloud of vapor. (Elemental Wildshape: Invisible Stalker). Myrridan floats perfectly up and hovers over the doors. Trying to avoid any possible surprises from anyone that might charge out through the door. His elemental eyes peer into the darkness (darkvision) trying to spy anything that might be on the other side.
(Spot 45, natural 20, to see anyone inside or tracks on the ground. Improved Tracking)
DM Jan Thursday August 18th, 2005 11:00:33 AM
Oh, so easy...
The main door to the castle swings open to the right. Closer inspection will reveal that this door too, has been tampered with. And beyond?
On a 45 degree tilt - a very grand, magnificent hallway. Black marble floors, a central staircase 100ft ahead that rises to a landing then splits left and right to upper levels of the castle. Above that landing is a beautiful window of lightly stained glass, that casts light onto the marble floor below. Sparkling crystal chandeliers hang from an arched, tilted ceiling.
The floor is polished. No tracks.
Down to the right are two sets of large double doors. Both closed. Between them appear to be a mixture of bulky items, covered in dust cloths, slid down and wedged against the wall.
Up to the left. A smaller door - closed. However, Myrridan sees a shadow, as though someone is moving behind it.
Onrad Thursday August 18th, 2005 12:18:04 PM
Shrugging, Onrad mutters, "Might as well try to be legit."
He heads to the door, finds a knocker or something and knocks on the door.
-------------- Total Defense AC58
Corialote {shapechange: pixie, true seeing, detect magic} Thursday August 18th, 2005 9:04:34 PM
Cori flutters along with the rest of the group and shakes her head. "I think that if you wanted to do it that way...part of use could go up to that window Valdor." She looks around to the others and shrugs. "Let us decide if we want to split up or not...I have some spells that will aid those that might want to go through the front door." She has found that shapechange is a spell that she will always have ready...it has been way too handy so far.
[Tattoo(detect magic) - 00 minute 20 seconds]
[True Seeing - 18 minutes 50 seconds]
[Shapechange - 188 minutes 00 seconds]
SPELLS 0th: read magic(4) 1st: identify(2), magic missile(2), tenser's floating disk(2), color spray 2nd: melf's acid arrow(2), see invisibility, mirror image(2), fox's cunning(2) 3rd: dispel magic, haste(2), fireball(2), lightning bolt(2) 4th: stoneskin(2), greater invisibility(3), wall of fire 5th: hold monster, passwall, cone of cold(2) 6th: greater dispel magic, true seeing*, chain lightning(2), shadow walk(2) 7th: extended mass bull's strength, reverse gravity, summon monster VII(2), finger of death(2) 8th: polar ray(2), summon monster VIII 9th: shapechange*, mass hold monster, summon monster IX * used
Myrridan Friday August 19th, 2005 12:35:58 AM
Valdor hears the haunting whisper of Myrridan in his ear. "This is Myrridan. There is a smaller door just within, someone stands behind it."
Valdor(Fire Resistance, Boots of Speed, Cloak of Arachnid) Friday August 19th, 2005 1:33:52 AM
Into his earpiece, he says VERY quietly,"If someone is in there, I'm not too worried about traps or magics going off. I will burst in with Onrad, if one of you spellcasters can create a bright light. It would surprise whoever is in there...hopefully long enough for us to grab them. Onrad, we'll need to keep our eyes closed for just a second, so as not to get blinded ourselves. Myrridan, you call it out."
He activates his boots of speed soundlessly and waits.
Dahlia Friday August 19th, 2005 8:23:05 AM
OK Valdor, one distraction coming up, but plug your ears a moment.
Dahlia then trhows two sun sticks and a thunder stone in through the open door. A moment later there is a deafening boom and the room is brightly lit.
Valdor(Fire Resistance, Boots of Speed, Cloak of Arachnid) Friday August 19th, 2005 1:42:00 PM
Valdor sees Dahlia jump into action and crouches. He shuts his eyes and bolts into the room. He squints through his eyelids, as tightly closed as possible while still peeking a bit and heads toward the spot Myrridan had spoken of, using his extra speed to catch the person flatfooted.
DM Jan d20+4=15 d20+3=13 Friday August 19th, 2005 7:24:47 PM
Onrad's knock echoes around the entrance hall.
As for who's behind that side door -
FLASH FLASH
Bang!!!!
"Aaaaah!"
Everyone within a 10ft radius -I'm assuming that includes Valdor, Dahlia, Onrad, Gareth, Myrridan (correct me if I'm wrong) - make a Fort DC 15 - a fail means role playing DEAF for a character hour.
The sun sticks illuminate a set of wide, plain stone steps leading down into what looks like the kitchen.
At the bottom of the steps, in a very undignified heap, are two elderly folk - a man and a woman, until recently armed with a straw broom and a cast iron frying pan.
Corialote {shapechange: pixie, true seeing, detect magic} d20+16=25 Friday August 19th, 2005 8:36:06 PM
Cori slips her goggles down over her eyes as the light is produced and then the sound. She moves up to touch Dahlia on the shoulder, chanting as she moves. "Attack at your leisure Dahlia...your are hidden from most sight and it will not go away easily." She does glance around the room after the glow is gone or dimmed.
[Fortitude 25]
[Tattoo(detect magic) - 00 minute 10 seconds]
[Greater Invisibility(Dahlia) - 21 rounds]
[True Seeing - 18 minutes 40 seconds]
[Shapechange - 187 minutes 50 seconds]
SPELLS 0th: read magic(4) 1st: identify(2), magic missile(2), tenser's floating disk(2), color spray 2nd: melf's acid arrow(2), see invisibility, mirror image(2), fox's cunning(2) 3rd: dispel magic, haste(2), fireball(2), lightning bolt(2) 4th: stoneskin(2), greater invisibility(3)*, wall of fire 5th: hold monster, passwall, cone of cold(2) 6th: greater dispel magic, true seeing*, chain lightning(2), shadow walk(2) 7th: extended mass bull's strength, reverse gravity, summon monster VII(2), finger of death(2) 8th: polar ray(2), summon monster VIII 9th: shapechange*, mass hold monster, summon monster IX * used
Jan - Do I need to take any penalties for the flash as well? Or would Dahlia's call have prompted her to shield her eyes?
~~Jan~~ Jim, good point. Anyone posting 24 hours prior to and after 7.20AM Fri (Dahlia's post time) is allowed to shade their eyes. Everyone else has to take their chances.
Gareth d20=12 Saturday August 20th, 2005 8:30:56 PM
Seeing the fierceness of their foes, the warrior opts instead to offer "Perhaps we could just ask them to show us around? They have more to lose if we fail anyway...". Then he wonders if anyone heard him with the terrible ringing in his ears (saved DC 28).
Mordrid Sunday August 21st, 2005 1:22:08 AM
Mordrid's face flushes and his veins go taught as he hears the fireworks going off inside. He assumes that surely no one in the party did that, so the group must be under attack. The ranger swoops down and flies through the door.
[OOC: Gentlemen and ladies: I do apologize for the sour grapes, but at our level we don't use actions that require a DC of 15 or below to counter. Our enemies at this level would have to role a natural 1 to fail. Naturally such an action a DM could only respond with: old people stunned on the floor. Our characters would know these game mechanics. I am being rude, and I apologize.]
~~DM Jan ~~ emailed.
Valdor d20=11 Monday August 22nd, 2005 10:26:42 AM
Seeing the people are older, Valdor feels a bit ashamed. He had thought it to be thieves and hadn't considered servants. He runs to them and checks to make sure they are alive.
He grimaces and says, "Well, that's a first. Never even thought about a butler and maid. Let's stay spread out, though, just in case there's someone else in here that we haven't seen yet."
Nick d20+21=41 Monday August 22nd, 2005 12:32:42 PM
Entering the main castle, Nick is momentarily spellbound by the entrance hall. Wow, this was some place. A little distracted, he throws his hands up toward his ears as the flash goes off, clamping them tightly to avoid being deafened.
Seeing some of the others enter the side door, he follows.
DM Jan Monday August 22nd, 2005 2:08:09 PM
The steps leading into the kitchen are at an odd angle, and nowhere near as steep as they should be, due to the current City tilt.
At the base of them, the old man pushes himself up to his elbows and blinks. The old lady is in the middle of reaching for the frying pan, stopping in mid grasp as she sees and recognises the Dragonstone and the others. Everyone knows the Dragonstone, and she knows the Storm Dragons by sight, too.
"We thought you were another set of thieves!" says the old man. "I was about to say you were too late! Another clutch of villians is already trying their luck. Not that luck will get them very far in this place. Heh."
Neither of them look too worse for wear. Both of them are wearing clothes that suggest they are in service to the Castle.
Gareth Monday August 22nd, 2005 3:42:08 PM
The warrior moves up with Valdor. "Can you get us in? We need to stop the thieves as they are after something needed for the upcoming war. We are sorry for injuring you - we will fix that - and would greatly appreciate your help.".
Onrad d20+10=18 Monday August 22nd, 2005 4:34:02 PM
Onrad shaking his ears, motions to Tericus. "Buddy, check to see that these folk are ok please."
To the staff, "I apologize for setting off the defenses. I was trying to knock for politeness. Also, be sure to tell the Blacks later that we came to get what was needed and nothing else. We will even help clear out the thieves. We will treat the house as if things were reversed."
Onrad then waits to see if the staff will help them.
Corialote {shapechange: pixie, true seeing} Monday August 22nd, 2005 5:52:04 PM
Cori looks to Valdor with a sour expression on her face. "My detect magic spell has expired...would you like another one?" She glances to the old couple and shakes her head, glad that they are ok. "It will of course only last a short period of time...very short really." If the light as returned to normal or near normal for this place she will slip her goggles back up onto her head.
[Greater Invisibility(Dahlia) - 20 rounds]
[True Seeing - 18 minutes 30 seconds]
[Shapechange - 187 minutes 40 seconds]
SPELLS 0th: read magic(4) 1st: identify(2), magic missile(2), tenser's floating disk(2), color spray 2nd: melf's acid arrow(2), see invisibility, mirror image(2), fox's cunning(2) 3rd: dispel magic, haste(2), fireball(2), lightning bolt(2) 4th: stoneskin(2), greater invisibility(3)*, wall of fire 5th: hold monster, passwall, cone of cold(2) 6th: greater dispel magic, true seeing*, chain lightning(2), shadow walk(2) 7th: extended mass bull's strength, reverse gravity, summon monster VII(2), finger of death(2) 8th: polar ray(2), summon monster VIII 9th: shapechange*, mass hold monster, summon monster IX * used
Mordrid Monday August 22nd, 2005 10:14:09 PM
Upon entering the threshold, Mordrid pulls up; sensing that the party is in relative peaceful posture.
"Geez what happened in here."
Valdor Monday August 22nd, 2005 11:46:50 PM
Valdor turns toward Mordrid and his face is a bit red. He says,"Oops."
He then waits to hear what the servants say in response to the questions that were asked.
Myrridan d20+23=39 Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 2:41:15 AM
(Fort save 39)
The invisible druid relaxes a bit. Evidently all the caution and alarm wasnt necessary.
Dahlia Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 6:46:44 AM
Looking around, Dahlia looks a bit embarrassed by what has happened and looks over at Valdor, as if to say "Thank Domi, I didn't use a lightening bolt"
Tericus Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 9:14:37 AM
going over to the couple, Tericus looks them over for any injuries. while he does it he askes "What was stolen?"
Onrad Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 10:54:30 AM
Onrad begins peering around a bit, anxious to be on the move. He waits for the answers from the house staff.
---------
Total Defense AC58.
Nick Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 2:53:02 PM
Nick also adds his apologies to the castle's custodians. "Did you get a good look at the villians?" he asks.
DM Jan Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 3:24:22 PM
The woman has a flowering bruise on her arm, and keeps asking "What did he say? What did she say?" which suggests she was deafened by the thunderstone. She's a tiny thing, frail, skinny, about 5' 2", her hair rolled up into a pristine, grey bun.
The man seems a little shaken but otherwise fine.
The light in the kitchen is still a little bright for Cori's eyes, and she would no doubt feel better out in the hallway, with it's dark stone and shadowy corners.
"I don't know what the thieves are after," the old man says, leaning on Tericus to get to his feet. He is surprisingly tall, about 6' 4", and as thin as a rake. "And as far as I know - they're still up there - somewhere in the upper rooms. It's been open season around here, ever since the evacuation started. Fence level thugs mostly, who didn't get any further than the gate. But then the wall collapsed. "Lady Solara at the carriage house told us to evacuate, but we heard there were monsters on the shore, too. So we decided to wait it out, in the kitchen. The castle itself seems strong enough, providing it doesn't go over any further, mind you.
"Those who broke into the castle were different, though. Not your usual nae'r do well. There are four of them - three big toughs, armed, and a smaller man in a robe. Looked like the spellcasting sort. Lorainne got a good look at him. Said he had a harder face than the other three put together."
The man gives a sigh, and straightens himself up to his full height, looking a lot like a four-legged gangly spider with wispy grey hair. "Better introduce ourselves, I suppose. My name is Dulwich, this is my wife Lorainne - butler and housekeeper of Black Dragon castle, at your service. Perhaps if you tell me what you're looking for, then I might be able to help you."
As Onrad mentions the Black Dragons, Dulwich nods, hesitates, then asks - "I don't suppose you've seen or heard anything of our Masters, have you? We haven't seen them for - " both he and his wife exchange glances " - a long, long time." Both of them are clearly worried.
Corialote {shapechange: pixie, true seeing} Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 8:52:33 PM
Cori slips back into the hall and then slips her goggles up onto her head. "Man...all that light." She glances around the room and takes in all that she can see. She decides to let the others take care of the immediate problems.
"So we have four to take care off and maybe a favor from the Blacks." She laughs as she thinks of the Blacks oweing their group anything.
[Greater Invisibility(Dahlia) - 19 rounds]
[True Seeing - 18 minutes 20 seconds]
[Shapechange - 187 minutes 30 seconds]
SPELLS 0th: read magic(4) 1st: identify(2), magic missile(2), tenser's floating disk(2), color spray 2nd: melf's acid arrow(2), see invisibility, mirror image(2), fox's cunning(2) 3rd: dispel magic, haste(2), fireball(2), lightning bolt(2) 4th: stoneskin(2), greater invisibility(3)*, wall of fire 5th: hold monster, passwall, cone of cold(2) 6th: greater dispel magic, true seeing*, chain lightning(2), shadow walk(2) 7th: extended mass bull's strength, reverse gravity, summon monster VII(2), finger of death(2) 8th: polar ray(2), summon monster VIII 9th: shapechange*, mass hold monster, summon monster IX * used
Valdor Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 11:42:30 PM
Valdor says,"There is supposed to be an artifact here that will help us defeat the fey king. We will return it when this is finished. If we don't stop him, the whole Wold will be as Floating City...really messed up by 'nature'. Well, we'll return it, if it isn't destroyed in the process. The only problem is, we don't know what this artifact is, nor what it looks like. Anyway, I'm betting those four are looking for the same thing, which means we need to stop them and quickly. I think up top, we should split up. Once we have dispatched the troublemakers, we'll meet back in the kitchen and maybe our kind Dulwich can help guide us in our search.
Up top with me, Onrad, Cori, Dahlia,and Tericus. The rest will go the other direction. We contact with our earpieces. We also need to move both quickly and quietly. It would really be helpful if we could observe them first to see if they have some clues we could use to our advantage. Whatever happens, we have to protect that book Tericus carries and try not to destroy any of their property. We are not here to damage the Blacks, but to get an item.
Dulwich, we will tell you of our meetings with your masters when we have taken out the looters. Time to go now."
He waits for questions or objections, then will motion for Dahlia to head up first, as she's the quietest of the group. And then he will follow quietly, his years of rogue training coming back to help him.
Dahlia Wednesday August 24th, 2005 6:45:59 AM
Moving forward, Dahliakeeps an eye out for areas that might have suprises waitint for them, and leads the way upward.
Tericus Wednesday August 24th, 2005 6:46:11 AM
"Oh, I dont think we could hurt this book." Tericus tells Valdor as he checks the couple over one last time before they leave.
Gareth Wednesday August 24th, 2005 8:08:56 AM
"Perhaps Lady Solara at the carriage house can help us? If the Blacks haven't been here a long time and she is here, I suspect she knows what it is and where it is. Probably easier than looking around the castle. Dulwich, didn't you say she is there now?".
Onrad d20+15=29 Wednesday August 24th, 2005 10:49:01 AM
Onrad moves with Valdor staying one step behind him and to his left. His eyes are wide and searching for surprises.
[Search check of 29]
------------- Total Defense AC58
Mordrid Wednesday August 24th, 2005 4:23:05 PM
"Gareth, the Lady Solora has evacuated the city. She passed us on a turtle as we were coming back in to the city."
Mordrid scans the remainder of the group, "that leaves Gareth, Nick and Myrridan." Mordrid having seen the many forms that the druid can form, comments, "I guess Myrridan would be the ideal candidate for our group's scout."
[to DM: Them main stairs lead up from the entrance hall and split left and right at the landing and stain glass?]
Nick Wednesday August 24th, 2005 7:28:32 PM
"Well, if we're going to split up, I suggest we keep in constant communication and let one another know where we are," says Nick. "We don't want any nasty surprises." To the couple he asks - "Do the Black Dragons have any specific places where they keep unusual objects?" He keeps his manner very polite, fully aware that they were being bombard with questions.
DM Jan Wednesday August 24th, 2005 8:10:13 PM
Dulwich seems to ponder the comments made about the artifact while Lorainne makes a tapping ear gesture at Tericus. The butler then negotiates the oddly angled stairs and checks his footing once reaching the hallway. He points to the central stairwell.
"Up to the left - two levels up - there's a turret room. No one was allowed in there, so I suspect it contained things of value.
"Up to the right, on the next floor above this one, is the museum. That's where a lot of the bulky items are kept. I have to warn you. We've never been in there for years. Frightened of tripping up a spell, you see."
As for Lady Solara, he adds to Mordrid's observation - "She doesn't enter the castle, either. Never has, as far as I'm aware. She has her own little domain right out there in the castle yard. That carriage house is bigger than it looks, and knowing her I'm betting it's twice as well guarded magically as the castle. We take care of her needs, of course, and it's thanks to her that we're still in employment. Monies available to us from our masters ran out quite a while ago."
In the hallway, Cori doesn't see anything untoward via true seeing - everything appears to be as it is.
The Book, it's telepathic output brooding and restless inside Tericus's head, abruptly sends out the rather annoying image of a small boy creature, who has a big secret and gleefully isn't telling. This happens as soon as the artifact is mentioned.
If Valdor's suggestion is carried out, we have:
1) ONRAD, VALDOR, DAHLIA, TERICUS
2) GARETH, CORIALOTE, MYRRIDAN, MORDRID, NICK
(Correctly surmised, Scott) A tilted central stair leads to a landing, right in front of a stained glass window. The stairs then split off to the left and right.
LEFT - this will take some negotiating. The stairs here are almost vertical. Floors above will be slanted UPWARD at a 45 degree angle.
RIGHT - potentially easier at the outset. The stairs here are almost flat, and floors will be slanted DOWNWARD.
Onrad's eagle eyes catch the sight of some scratches 20ft above - at the top of the vertical left stair. Looks like grappling hook rash.
Valdor Thursday August 25th, 2005 12:09:49 AM
Valdor responds to Tericus and says,"I'm sure the book is safe enough from danger...I just didn't want it to end up in this other mage's hands somehow. You might want to keep it hidden. We'll take the left. I'd imagine Cori and Dahlia can get up there with no problem. I have my claok and a ring of levitation. Onrad, can you climb it, or do you want a piggyback ride. Tericus can have the ring, unless he already has means of getting up there."
He hands the ring to Tericus, if he needs it and waits for Onrad before climbing up. Even without the cloak, climbing is one of his best abilities and he smiles at the task.
He then adds,"Can one of you clerics or druid help the lady with her ears? It is probably driving her nuts to see all these mouths moving and not hear anything, not to mention it might be hurting. I feel bad enough since it was my idea, without having to watch her."
(Cori, Valdor, Dahlia, Tericus, Onrad)
(Myrridan, Mordrid, Gareth, Nick)
Corialote {shapechange: pixie, true seeing} Thursday August 25th, 2005 1:29:43 AM
Cori glances to those that will be going thier way and shakes her head. "I have a pair of boots that will allow someone to levitate for a short period of time as well." She looks down at her pixie foot that float in the air and shakes her head. "I can let someone borrow them...if they promise not to sweat in them." Her face pinches up and her nose wrinkles as she shivers. "I know that men has stinky feet but must they cultivate it?"
With another idea she looks to the other group and pulls out four potion vials. "Anyone want a potion of haste to use later...my spell will not be too helpful for all of us if we are split up." She will hand them over to the other group she is not in if they want one.
[Greater Invisibility(Dahlia) - 18 rounds]
[True Seeing - 18 minutes 10 seconds]
[Shapechange - 187 minutes 20 seconds]
SPELLS 0th: read magic(4) 1st: identify(2), magic missile(2), tenser's floating disk(2), color spray 2nd: melf's acid arrow(2), see invisibility, mirror image(2), fox's cunning(2) 3rd: dispel magic, haste(2), fireball(2), lightning bolt(2) 4th: stoneskin(2), greater invisibility(3)*, wall of fire 5th: hold monster, passwall, cone of cold(2) 6th: greater dispel magic, true seeing*, chain lightning(2), shadow walk(2) 7th: extended mass bull's strength, reverse gravity, summon monster VII(2), finger of death(2) 8th: polar ray(2), summon monster VIII 9th: shapechange*, mass hold monster, summon monster IX * used
Tericus Thursday August 25th, 2005 6:42:23 AM
casting cure deafness on the old lady, Tericus asks Valdor and the others to hold on for a moment. then he asks the elderly couple "Do you know of a small boy that lives in this place? Or anyone or anything else that lives here?"
Myrridan d20+25=28 d20+25=41 d20+18=32 Thursday August 25th, 2005 8:05:19 AM
Still in his Invisible Stalker form, Myrridan move ahead of his group to scout. As he moves by Mordrid and the rest, he will tell the others what he's doing in his ghostly stalker voice.
(Spot 28, Track 41, Listen 32)
Onrad d20+16=27 Thursday August 25th, 2005 11:09:12 AM
"Not terrific at climbing, but I can fall and crash pretty good. Throw me a rope when you get up there. I'll shimmy up. Don't want to waste a levitate potion when I don't have to."
He searches the stairs with his eyes for traps or other problems. (DC27)
-------
Total Defense AC58
Gareth Thursday August 25th, 2005 5:53:10 PM
The warrior activates his boots and flies up with the others. He makes sure Onrad gets his rope.
Nick d20+13=18 Thursday August 25th, 2005 6:38:33 PM
Watching Gareth fly up, Nick grins at Mordrid.
"We all seem to be going in the same direction after all." He wonders which direction Myrridan took and takes a step to the right, peering 'along' the stairs where it goes downhill. SPOT DC 13
Valdor Thursday August 25th, 2005 11:10:57 PM
Valdor waits as Tericus requests. He grins at Onrad and says,"Just hop on my back. I'll get you there, my friend...in one piece even."
DM Jan Thursday August 25th, 2005 11:23:02 PM
"Thank you," says the ancient Lorainne, shaking her head a couple of times, then nodding in satisfaction at Tericus. Alas - "A boy? Ooh, there'd no letting a little boy run around in here. It's not safe!" This suggests perhaps that The Book's image in Tericus's head could well be a metaphorical representation of itself. The boy's face keeps changing, as though it really can't make up it's mind. Still, one thing remains constant. It believes it is currently holding a secret.
LEFT - UP -
20ft up, at the top of the vertical stairs (no traps), a long shadowy corridor leads UP at a 45 degree angle. At the end of it, maybe 100ft away is what looks like a corkscrew set of stairs. On the corridor itself are two doors to the right, two doors to the left. All the doors seem to be closed. Hooked onto the doorhandle of the first door on the left - is a coiled length of rope attached to a grappling hook.
No sounds. Nothing moving.
RIGHT - DOWN -
The 'almost level' stairs end here after 20ft, and a corridor slopes DOWN at a 45 degree angle. This corridor ends after 70 ft with a set of grand double doors - one of which - is open. It's fairly dark here, too. The corridor only carries one other door, and that's to the right. It looks closed.
It is along here, that our 'Invisible stalker' hears a distant hissing sound, coming from the open door at the end of the corridor. Sounds organic - alive...
Corialote {shapechange: pixie, true seeing} Thursday August 25th, 2005 11:34:15 PM
Cori shrugs and slips the potions back into the pocket of her pants and flies up after Valdor. She still has the two wands in her hands as she goes but does not appear over concerned about what is going on around her.
[Greater Invisibility(Dahlia) - 17 rounds]
[True Seeing - 18 minutes 00 seconds]
[Shapechange - 187 minutes 10 seconds]
SPELLS 0th: read magic(4) 1st: identify(2), magic missile(2), tenser's floating disk(2), color spray 2nd: melf's acid arrow(2), see invisibility, mirror image(2), fox's cunning(2) 3rd: dispel magic, haste(2), fireball(2), lightning bolt(2) 4th: stoneskin(2), greater invisibility(3)*, wall of fire 5th: hold monster, passwall, cone of cold(2) 6th: greater dispel magic, true seeing*, chain lightning(2), shadow walk(2) 7th: extended mass bull's strength, reverse gravity, summon monster VII(2), finger of death(2) 8th: polar ray(2), summon monster VIII 9th: shapechange*, mass hold monster, summon monster IX * used
Tericus Friday August 26th, 2005 6:39:24 AM
Tericus says "OK, if you see anyone else around here, let me know. Ill check on you on our way out." then Tericus casts airwalk on himself and tells Valdor, "Im ready to go."
Onrad Friday August 26th, 2005 9:56:15 AM
"That's ok. You guys are getting soft."
He shimmies up the rope with ease one-handed.
When he gets to the top, he pats Valdor's belly.
"Too many pancakes, my good friend. I'm putting you on a diet!"
He pulls out a piece of parchment.
He writes.
Breakfast: half cup of oatmeal, water Lunch: 2 bananas, leaf roughage, water Dinner: gnomefish, 3 vegetables, water
He hands it to Valdor.
"Now remember, no serving should be larger than the palm of your hand and don't forget to exercise."
"Oh, and there is a new season of Celebrity Fit Club playing at the Mask Theatre. We'd love to have you participate."
He turns away from Valdor surveying their new location to avoid grinning where he can see it.
Dahlia Friday August 26th, 2005 8:42:36 PM
"Soft?" We just choose not to tire ourselves out before a possible combat situation."
Valdor Saturday August 27th, 2005 12:54:28 AM
Valdor just grins at Onrad for a second, then lifts up his plate shirt. He reveals several rows of rippled muscles in his midsection and replies,"If you hadn't notived, the reason I can eat so much is that I exercise when I'm not fighting and I fight when I'm not exercising. I've really been at it for the last few weeks. After seeing Cori's awesome stomach, I didn't want to be embarrassed to show mine. But I will eat less just so you can tell people that it was your doing."
He flexes his arms then briefly showing just how ripped he really is. Then he shrugs and says,"Now that my ego is all puffed up, let's find what we need before that mage does."
Gareth (Fly, Invisible) Monday August 29th, 2005 8:41:52 AM
The warrior decides to tend to business instead of joining the banter, activates his invisiblity and flies to the open door to have a look.
Onrad Monday August 29th, 2005 10:57:25 AM
Onrad scouts out the new area on the new level looking for anything noteworthy. He begins heading out from the top of the stairs.
------------
Nonam (see invisible, arcane sight) Monday August 29th, 2005 11:09:02 AM Thizzzt
The air crackles with energy and there is a brief blue light as someone teleports into the room. A familiar figure clad in black and silver is suddenly standing near Valdor, and almost immediately ranting, "Did you see my city?!? What did all of you do to it? I left it in perfectly good working order, and I come back this morning to find it like... like... this. You all really need some protection against scrying by the way if you're going to be sneaking about in Black Dragon Castle. You're all quite easy to find." He peers around and adds, "But I suppose no one here has ever been accused of being subtle. So, tell me what's going on... succinctly please, and I'll see if I can't get you out of this mess."
Valdor d20+29=31 Monday August 29th, 2005 11:30:28 AM
When he sees a figure pop into existence near him, Valdor's sword appears in his hand and it swings towards this new target. He is barely able to stop it a couple of inches from Nonam's throat. He takes a deep breath and says,"Domi's ingrown toenail man! You almost lost your head!"
He shakes his head, remembering how erratic Nonam's behavior can be then says,"Well, the city was fine until Gareth, Myrridan , and I had a pancake eating contest. We then had to come here to see the Overlord. As soon as we stepped foot at the edge of the city, it tipped. We didn't realize that we ate THAT many pancakes.
Seriously, though, the Fey King has returned from a thousand year nap, nature has gone nuts all over the Wold and a war is coming against him. What has happened here, has happened all over. We have collected some artifacts that are to help in fighting him. One such artifact, we have this on good advice, is here in this castle, though we don't know what it is, nor where to find it. We're beginning to look now.
There is another group up higher in the castle that we haven't run into yet. We don't want them to find it first, if they are even looking for it. They may just be thieves.
Anyway, it's good to see you are well, I think. But we need to go now, we've been jacking around for too long."
DM Jan Monday August 29th, 2005 12:42:28 PM
As Valdor quickly explains things to the newly arrived Nonam -
LEFT UP -
As Onrad starts to scout ahead - the gloomy steep passage upward toward the spiral stairs suddenly becomes a whole lot darker. Ordinary eyes can see nothing.
RIGHT DOWN -
(David I'm assuming if you're heading toward the open door, you're going right.) As Gareth flies invisibly DOWN the declining passage, he too car hear a snake-like hissing sound coming from beyond the door.
((Guys, I'll send a map this afternoon. It'll help me enormously if you specify whether you're going up to the left or down to the right.))
Nonam Monday August 29th, 2005 4:04:20 PM
"I don't suppose anyone thought of having a look at the blueprints of this place before you came in? They should be on file with the local zoning office."
Valdor Monday August 29th, 2005 5:40:32 PM
"I'd imagine it's standing on it's head right about now."
Corialote {shapechange: pixie, true seeing} Monday August 29th, 2005 6:49:48 PM
Cori pats her tummy lightly and smiles at Valdor. "It is all the magic...it burns a lot of calories." Her eyebrow arches slightly as her smile widens. "I mean have you seen me at a meal?" She then snaps a wand up with the arrival of the newest visitor. She slowly lowers it though as Valdor speaks to him.
Her lips take on that pouting look as she looks to Nonam. "Why would anyone be looking for us in all this messs...well except for maybe lady that owns the carriage house out back." She has forgotten the name already and does not try to remember it. With a slightly more hurt look she takes off on gossamerwings to follow along the path they had been taking.
[Greater Invisibility(Dahlia) - 16 rounds]
[True Seeing - 17 minutes 50 seconds]
[Shapechange - 187 minutes 00 seconds]
SPELLS 0th: read magic(4) 1st: identify(2), magic missile(2), tenser's floating disk(2), color spray 2nd: melf's acid arrow(2), see invisibility, mirror image(2), fox's cunning(2) 3rd: dispel magic, haste(2), fireball(2), lightning bolt(2) 4th: stoneskin(2), greater invisibility(3)*, wall of fire 5th: hold monster, passwall, cone of cold(2) 6th: greater dispel magic, true seeing*, chain lightning(2), shadow walk(2) 7th: extended mass bull's strength, reverse gravity, summon monster VII(2), finger of death(2) 8th: polar ray(2), summon monster VIII 9th: shapechange*, mass hold monster, summon monster IX * used
Gareth (Invisible, Flying) Monday August 29th, 2005 10:17:30 PM
The warrior peers through the door to see what is making the hissing noise. He is oblivious to Nonam's appearance and decides to just forge on.
Tericus(airwalk) Tuesday August 30th, 2005 6:44:24 AM
"Your not here for one minuet and all you do is complain." Tericus says to Nonan as he walks up and shakes his hand. "Where have you been?"
Dahlia d20=20 d20+26=40 Tuesday August 30th, 2005 7:16:04 AM
Not at all startled by Nonan's appearance, Dahlia starts scouting the way, checking for any hindrances that are to be found. (search DC 40)
Onrad Tuesday August 30th, 2005 11:04:39 AM
"Tericus, Nonam sensed something in his Crystal Ball of Fame that led him here to steal all the glory. That's all."
To Nonam, "Welcome back my old adversarial friend."
Onrad strikes a glowstick. "There now, I can see."
He continues down the hallway.
"This way Nonam. The traps are this way. Go ahead and light them all up, please."
---------
Total Defense AC58
Nick Tuesday August 30th, 2005 12:27:41 PM
From the opposite stairwell, Nick gives Nonam a wave of greeting. "I'm going to follow Myrridan and Gareth down this way," he says, gingerly watching his footing. If he didn't land on his backside at least twice on this exercise, it would be a miracle.
DM Jan Tuesday August 30th, 2005 1:10:53 PM
((OOC - guys, the map should be in your email.))
The Dragons press on in various directions, on the edge of discovering what lies along the left and right corridors.
Of course at this point, the wiser ones might choose to take stock of the situation before venturing further.
There have been signs that have suggested which way the four thief/assailants have taken. Are they after the same object as the Platinums? Or are they just shaking this place down?
And speaking of the object - what is it? Where is it? This is a big castle, belonging to 'THE premier'(their words, not mine ;) ) adventuring group in the Wold - the Black Dragons. Something knows, of course...
How far down the rabbit hole of doom, dear readers, will our heroes need to venture, in order to acquire this thing? Stay tuned.
And so, as Onrad continues UP the LEFT hallway, there comes a point, right around where the first left hand door is - that the light just gets sucked into nothing, giving one the impression that something magical is afoot. Up ahead is pitch blackness, and the sound of something heavy being moved.
DOWN to the RIGHT -
Nick finds the decline, toward the doors at the end, quite steep.
Gareth has a quick look into the room. The light here is also bad. What little is offered, comes from windows at the far end of a 100ft room - but they are half blocked by items that have slid along the floor and piled up against the wall at the bottom. On that pile, something is moving, but from the door, it's difficult to see what. However, it looks big, and it seems to be the source of the hissing sound.
Mordrid (Cats Grace) Tuesday August 30th, 2005 2:05:19 PM
Mordrid silently tip-toes up behind Gareth with his bow drawn. Upon sensing Gareth stop and become alert, Mordrid tries to wheel around and get a better view inside of the room from behind Gareth. He whispers into the back of Gareth's neck, "what do you see?"
The ranger casts "cats grace".
Gareth (Invisible, Flying) Tuesday August 30th, 2005 5:18:06 PM
The warrior whispers "Big snake I think...probably not what we're looking for. I say we just leave it be and close the door."
Corialote {shapechange: pixie, true seeing} d20+4=19 d20+10=16 d20+14=15 Wednesday August 31st, 2005 12:00:26 AM
With a shake of her little pixie head she calls out to those that just are standing around. "Some of the rest have moved on ahead...shouldn't we join them in this search." She speeds off after Dahlia and moves up close enough to speak to her but not too loud. "Found anything of interest or any signs of our thieves?" She still has a pair of wands in her left hand but still seems unaware that they are there. Glancing around to see what her vision will show to her she asks another question. "How are you with magical items...say a fireball wand or magic missile?" She does not fight to keep the smile off her face as she asks.
[listen 19, search 16, spot 15]
[Greater Invisibility(Dahlia) - 15 rounds]
[True Seeing - 17 minutes 40 seconds]
[Shapechange - 186 minutes 50 seconds]
SPELLS 0th: read magic(4) 1st: identify(2), magic missile(2), tenser's floating disk(2), color spray 2nd: melf's acid arrow(2), see invisibility, mirror image(2), fox's cunning(2) 3rd: dispel magic, haste(2), fireball(2), lightning bolt(2) 4th: stoneskin(2), greater invisibility(3)*, wall of fire 5th: hold monster, passwall, cone of cold(2) 6th: greater dispel magic, true seeing*, chain lightning(2), shadow walk(2) 7th: extended mass bull's strength, reverse gravity, summon monster VII(2), finger of death(2) 8th: polar ray(2), summon monster VIII 9th: shapechange*, mass hold monster, summon monster IX * used
Valdor(Fire Resistance, Cloak of Arachnid, Boots of Speed) Wednesday August 31st, 2005 12:13:49 AM
Valdor begins moving onward and upward, letting Onrad scout ahead a few feet. He makes sure there's at least twenty feet between himself and Onrad in case of a spell.
Myrridan keeps up his tracking and keeping a watchful eye and ear to his surroundings. For a little added magical help, Myrridan casts Foresight. A spell that gives him a magical sixth sense. He will let others know, quietly, if he spots any dangers or his magical senses start tingling.
Nonam Wednesday August 31st, 2005 9:23:09 AM
Nonam tells Tericus, "I've been doing research." Then he settles in to following Valdor about as is he hadn't ever been anywhere else.
Nick Wednesday August 31st, 2005 11:38:19 AM
Seeing Mordrid and Gareth conversing quietly at the doorway, Nick holds his position, part way down the corridor. if they give a signal to move up - he will.
DM Jan 5d6(6+2+2+5+4)=19 Wednesday August 31st, 2005 12:10:58 PM
DOWN to the RIGHT -
As Gareth advises Mordrid, Myrridan's foresight spell tells him there is all kinds of hurt ahead for him in that room - constriction, decapitation, poison - all the greats.
UP to the LEFT -
Cori's True Seeing, and some of Nonam's permanents will no doubt alert the others to movement up ahead, at the top end of the corridor, so the group will not be caught flat footed, when -
what looks like a large harpsichord is shoved out into the corridor.
However, it's big (leaving only 2 ft on either side between it and the walls), it's heavy, and because of that nice, smooth 45 degree angled marble floor, it's fast. It comes hurtling down the corridor toward Dahlia, Cori, Valdor, Nonam, Onrad and Tericus, gathering speed.
REFLEX DC 39 or take 19 Dam
It's momentum will take it over the edge of the top step, not stopping until it crashes on the landing below.
Onrad d20+24=33 d20+6=26 Wednesday August 31st, 2005 1:08:02 PM
Onrad dodges the keyboard easily and warns the folk below.
[Tumbling 33, Dex natural 20]
"Magical Darkness ahead. We need a Sunlight spell or a dispel folks."
"...and someone had to push that."
Onrad stays put until the darkness is dispelled waving the others to stay where they are until it's gone.
Corialote [HP: 152/171 - AC: 33]{shapechange: pixie, true seeing} d20+16=24 d20+10=11 Wednesday August 31st, 2005 5:46:50 PM
Cori can already see that she will never get out of the way in time to avoid this missile. Still she tries to fly straight up and gets clipped by the harpsichord. It sends her spinning up to slam into the wall and steals the breathe from her body.
Unfortunately as she slams into the ceiling above her she loses her grip on both wands. They start to clatter down the slope right behind the harpsichord.
[Reflex 24]
[Greater Invisibility(Dahlia) - 14 rounds]
[True Seeing - 17 minutes 30 seconds]
[Shapechange - 186 minutes 40 seconds]
SPELLS 0th: read magic(4) 1st: identify(2), magic missile(2), tenser's floating disk(2), color spray 2nd: melf's acid arrow(2), see invisibility, mirror image(2), fox's cunning(2) 3rd: dispel magic, haste(2), fireball(2), lightning bolt(2) 4th: stoneskin(2), greater invisibility(3)*, wall of fire 5th: hold monster, passwall, cone of cold(2) 6th: greater dispel magic, true seeing*, chain lightning(2), shadow walk(2) 7th: extended mass bull's strength, reverse gravity, summon monster VII(2), finger of death(2) 8th: polar ray(2), summon monster VIII 9th: shapechange*, mass hold monster, summon monster IX * used
Dahlia sees the harpsichord coming flying toward her and nearly folds herself in half as she drops into a split and then lies back watching the thing go flying over her. Almost as instictively she sees/sences Cori's wands as they come flying toward the ground and somehow manages to catch them as she regains her feet. (reflex 43, 40).
Looking up se quietly queries Cori to see if she is alright and nods an affirmative to her previous question.
Nick Wednesday August 31st, 2005 10:02:50 PM
Nick winces, hearing the crash. He'll glance toward Mordrid and Gareth, or at least he assumes it's Gareth. And presumably Myrridan was around too. One day he was going to step on someone without realising. Anyway, if no one is venturing further, he'll climb back up to the head of the stairs to see what that crash was.
Valdor d20+30=38 Wednesday August 31st, 2005 11:53:27 PM
Valdor, mind wandering at so many different things, barely gets clipped by the harpsichord on the shoulder as it passes and gets spun around. He curses and says,"Well, all that does is make me really want to hurt someone."
He starts striding toward the darkness, whether or not it is still there when he reaches it, or not.
Myrridan Thursday September 1st, 2005 7:54:06 AM
"Constriction, decapitation, poison, pretentious musical instruments ... "Now that's unpleasant!" Turning to the others, Myrridan explains what he feels is on the other side of the door.
Tericus188/169 d20+9=12 Thursday September 1st, 2005 9:03:16 AM
frozen by the coming piano, Tericus takes the thing full in the chest(save of 12) before it shoves him to the side and continues down the stairs. "OW!" Tericus says as he picks himself up.
Nonam d20+17=18 Thursday September 1st, 2005 9:45:51 AM
"Eh? What's that?"
Nonam turns and looks at the harpsichord just as it flattens him.
Onrad Thursday September 1st, 2005 3:45:53 PM
"Still need a dispel on this darkness, please. Who's carrying the Greater Dispell Wand?"
Shrugging as if he just won't wait any longer, Onrad enters the darkness attempting to find the source of the "pushers."
He knows he's setting himself up as a target to draw out their upcoming opponents, but does it anyway.
Total Defense = AC58
Nick Thursday September 1st, 2005 5:12:49 PM
"Guys," Nick says to the visible Mordrid, and he's assuming Gareth and Myrridan are around somewhere, "I think there's something going on, on the UP side."
Back at the landing, avoiding harpsichord fragments, he'll look up and ask - "Everyone all right up there?"
DM Jan Thursday September 1st, 2005 5:36:55 PM
DOWN to the RIGHT (Gareth, Mordrid, Myrridan) -
As the harpsichord clatters to the floor, back on the landing, the only thing of note that happens down this end of the castle, is this -
The snake, or whatever it is - stops hissing.
UP to the LEFT -
As Dahlia, Cori, Nonam and Tericus recover from flying furniture, Onrad and Valdor grimly enter the darkness. As they walk the 70ft UP the incline, everyone on that side of the castle hears a deep voice boom out, coming from the top end of the corridor -
"Give it up, and get back to your hovels. You're out-classed, you're out-matched, you're -"
At 60ft, Valdor and Onrad emerge out of the darkness and see the following, 10ft up ahead - balanced on two door frames on either side of the corridor - are two rather large, fearsom-looking fellows - bald, battle-scarred, breast plates, black leather baldrics, faces only a mother could love. The one one the left had been doing the talking and, when the light from the doorway shines on the upcoming Dragons, he ends his sentence with -
" - oh $$$$" <--- a rather common swear word that would definitely be edited by Jerry.
Blades rapidly leave their scabbards and gleam in the light, ready for action.
It would, by all accounts, be showtime.
Notes: Corridor is 10ft by 10ft. Doorways are 7 ft by 3 ft and on a 45 degree angle. The NPC's currently have the higher ground. Higher ground = +2 on attack rolls (melee only). Lower ground = -2.
Dahlia 10d6(6+4+3+5+2+1+6+5+3+6)=41 Thursday September 1st, 2005 9:56:50 PM
Taking quick survey of the situation Dahlia whips a lightening bolt straight at the curser, saying "didn't your mother not to swear around ladies?" 41 points reflex Dc 21 for half damage
Corialote [HP: 152/171 - AC: 33]{shapechange: pixie, true seeing} d20+20=27 Thursday September 1st, 2005 10:14:36 PM
Cori gives Dahlia a weak smile, laboring to breathe after that blow. "y-yeah...just b-breath knocked o-out of me." She weezes and gives Dahlia another smile as she notices her wands in her hand. He breathing not coming as bad she gives another weak smile. "Which would you prefer?" She indicates the wands that are now as invisible as Dahlia.
She growls as she brings her hands up and starts into the gestures of every arcane user. Words of power tumble from her lips as her smile widens. When she at last twists her hand in the direction of the darkness the words end in with a flood of power.
[Greater Dispel Magic - targeted dispel check 27]
[Greater Invisibility(Dahlia) - 13 rounds]
[True Seeing - 17 minutes 20 seconds]
[Shapechange - 186 minutes 30 seconds]
SPELLS 0th: read magic(4) 1st: identify(2), magic missile(2), tenser's floating disk(2), color spray 2nd: melf's acid arrow(2), see invisibility, mirror image(2), fox's cunning(2) 3rd: dispel magic, haste(2), fireball(2), lightning bolt(2) 4th: stoneskin(2), greater invisibility(3)*, wall of fire 5th: hold monster, passwall, cone of cold(2) 6th: greater dispel magic*, true seeing*, chain lightning(2), shadow walk(2) 7th: extended mass bull's strength, reverse gravity, summon monster VII(2), finger of death(2) 8th: polar ray(2), summon monster VIII 9th: shapechange*, mass hold monster, summon monster IX * used
Valdor(Cloak of Arachnid, Fire Resistance, Boots of Speed) Thursday September 1st, 2005 11:00:52 PM
Valdor grins as he emrges and sees the brutes ahead. He is walking, then starts striding, then breaks into a run directly at them. Of course, they can't know his cloak enables him to move as if there's no incline.
When the lightning bolt blasts into them, he says,"Hey, don't be stealing my fun. After all, I'm outclassed, right?"
He appears to be unarmed as he sprints toward them. He covers the ground quickly and, just before getting to them, his sword jumps into his hand using QuickDraw.
Just before he closes he slows down to stand about six feet short of them and says,"I am Valdor, and you are not welcome here. You may leave now and live or fight us and die. You have three seconds to decide and drop your weapons."
Mordrid Friday September 2nd, 2005 12:36:33 AM
Mordrid hears the smashing and crashing behind. As he turns to look he sees many of his comrads thrown about like bowling pins. He taps Gareth on the shoulder to let the warrior know that he is splitting. Mordrid flies at full speed up onto the stairs on the other side. Once his feet land at on the stairs just below the darkness, he makes his way by foot the remainder of the way, with bow drawn.
dahlia Friday September 2nd, 2005 7:07:49 AM
Whispering, and looking at Cori for a moment(though she cant be seen)Cori can almost hear the grin on Dahlia's fane.
"I think I might be too dangerous for the fireballs, but I would be happy to borrow the magic missiles."
Out loud she continues.
"Valdor, I was just prepping them for you, they need to know what to expect what they are going to get from you, if the first taste is what the smallest in the group can do."
Onrad Friday September 2nd, 2005 7:53:14 AM
Onrad yells, "I don't care how big you are, get through the darkness before you fire lightning so you can see the ones you want to aim at. You might hit lil' ol' me!"
He turns to the guy on the left. "Yeah, we haven't had our breakfast this morning and it kinda makes us grumpy. Plus this place kinda stinks. But we're gonna have to search ya. You might have something we need."
"So drop weapons, turn around, and arms out."
------------
Onrad drops his Total Defense after this round to possibly attack. AC58 for now. Will be AC38 after that.
Gareth (Invisible, Flying) Friday September 2nd, 2005 8:45:52 AM
The warrior reaches in and pulls the door shut, deciding to leave the Black's pet alone. Once it's closed he turns to join the others who are clearly dealing with something more in line with their mission.
Nonam 10d6(4+1+4+3+2+3+5+3+3+1)=29 Friday September 2nd, 2005 10:06:25 AM
Nonam lazily casts a fireball, but he uses mastery of elements to change it into a giant burst of acid. He also uses mastery of shaping to make sure there are holes in the spell effect so that Valdor and the other dumb fighters... er party members don't get themselves burned.
(29 dmg, reflex for half, DC23)
Corialote [HP: 152/171 - AC: 33]{shapechange: pixie, true seeing} Friday September 2nd, 2005 11:23:33 PM
Cori glances to Dahlia, being able to see her with the aid of a spell, she smiles. "The wand has the green tip...is of the five missile variety." She will hold out her hand for the other wand though seeing that Dahlia will have more fun with the other one.
She pulls another wand from her pocket with a green tip on it as well and smiles. "Yeah...I have two of them." She sails on up the incline trying to get into position for using her spells.
[Greater Invisibility(Dahlia) - 12 rounds]
[True Seeing - 17 minutes 10 seconds]
[Shapechange - 186 minutes 20 seconds]
SPELLS 0th: read magic(4) 1st: identify(2), magic missile(2), tenser's floating disk(2), color spray 2nd: melf's acid arrow(2), see invisibility, mirror image(2), fox's cunning(2) 3rd: dispel magic, haste(2), fireball(2), lightning bolt(2) 4th: stoneskin(2), greater invisibility(3)*, wall of fire 5th: hold monster, passwall, cone of cold(2) 6th: greater dispel magic*, true seeing*, chain lightning(2), shadow walk(2) 7th: extended mass bull's strength, reverse gravity, summon monster VII(2), finger of death(2) 8th: polar ray(2), summon monster VIII 9th: shapechange*, mass hold monster, summon monster IX * used
Valdor(Fire Resistance, Boots of Speed, Cloak of Arachnid) Saturday September 3rd, 2005 12:46:08 AM
Valdor stands ready to swing and says,"You have two seconds left and I'm in a foul mood. Make your decision."
Dahlia Sunday September 4th, 2005 3:22:47 PM
Dahlia takes the proffered wand and steps off to one side to watch Valdor go to work.
DM Jan Sunday September 4th, 2005 4:06:29 PM
DOWN TO THE RIGHT:
As Gareth shuts the door - BAM!! - something heavy crashes into the other side of it, and wood splinters. The door jumps a bit, but holds. For now whatever's in there, is staying put.
Gareth, Mordrid and Nick head upward to join the others at the other side of the stairwell.
UP TO THE LEFT:
Cori's spell hits a shady part in the middle of the corridor, and suddenly, it's nowhere near as dark as it was before. To those who couldn't see before, Valdor and Onrad are getting acquainted with two tough-looking chaps stood up at the far end of the corridor.
Dahlia's 'zap first and ask questions later' lightning bolt dances across her target's chest. It's followed by a squirly worm-shaped line of acid - close enough for Onrad and Valdor to smell it's definitve acrid scent - but with enough distance to breeze on by and hit their two assailants.
Both lightning and acid behave rather oddly. Neither of the men flinch, as though they have at least some protection. Some of the acid flies past them and hits the odd-angled stair rail behind them. The rail hisses quietly.
As the others move up the corridor to help -
Left Tough Guy: "I can take him. You take the little squirt."
Right Tough Guy: "Are you stupid? You might be able to take him, but have you seen what's coming up behind? Split!"
Both men dive left and right - into the sloping rooms beyond.
In the distance, behind everyone, is another distant BAM! coming from the area Gareth, Mordrid and Nick just left.
Nick Sunday September 4th, 2005 4:16:34 PM
Clambering up one of the ropes, Nick starts walking the incline of the corridor toward the others. "What was that banging noise back there?" he asks Gareth.
Valdor(Boots of Speed, Fire Resistance, Claok of Arachnid) d20+38=54 d20+38=51 d20+37=42 d20+33=36 d20+32=52 d20+32=43 d20+28=45 d20+28=46 d20+27=47 d20+27=39 d20+23=27 d20+22=34 d8+16=21 d8+16=19 d8+16=23 d8+16=20 d8+16=24 d8+16=21 d8+16=20 d8+16=19 d8+16=20 d8+16=24 d8+16=19 d8+16=17 Monday September 5th, 2005 1:53:54 AM
Valdor hears his answer and says,"You will regret your decision, but not for long!"
He decides to shut the yapping lips of the one who said he could take him. It's been a while since someone issued him a challenge. He steps forward and lays on with all he's got.
(Hit ac54 poss crit, ac51, ac42, ac36, nat20 poss crit, ac 43, ac 45 poss crit, ac46, nat 20 poss crit, ac39, ac 27, ac 34 for 21+19+23+20+24+21+20+19+20+24+19+17=possible 237 points damage to loudmouth #1)
Onrad d20+38=47 2d6(3+5)+14=22 d20+38=40 2d6(3+4)+14=21 d20+8=22 Monday September 5th, 2005 11:03:13 AM
Onrad runs after the one on the left. He clicks on his Boots of Speed (free action) and closes to attack.
[I'm assuming that Valdor and I are moving more than 5' to close and thus only get the single attack. Onrad gets two because of the Boots of Speed.]
His first attack hits AC 47 [d20+38=47] for 22 hpd. [2d6(3+5)+14=22]
His bonus speed attack hits AC 40 [d20+38=40] for [2d6(3+4)+14=21] 21hpd.
[Voluntary Dex check to keep his feet in combat on the wildly slanted floor=DC22][d20+8=22]
----------- AC38 Boots of Speed Round 1 of 10 for the day.
Dahlia Monday September 5th, 2005 12:30:11 PM
"Well now that you have shed a little light on the subject Cori, shall we start searching for whatever they were looking for and leave the testosterone twins to do what they seem to be itching to do? You know I am thinking that invisibility is'nt much help any more. Everyone seems to notice me anyway these days."
Mordrid Monday September 5th, 2005 8:06:14 PM
Mordrid pushes hard up the stairs. He must join the fight as soon as possible. Once he makes it to the top, he takes in the scene to ascertain where he is most needed.
Corialote [HP: 152/171 - AC: 33]{shapechange: pixie, true seeing} d20+4=24 d20+10=13 d20+14=31 Monday September 5th, 2005 9:12:41 PM
Looking to Dahlia she smiles and nods. "Yes...lets have a look and see what we can find." She places the fireball wand into her pocket and flutters to the area that the two men were standing at. She is alert as she goes trying to find trouble before it finds her.
With another glance to Dahlia she shrugs. "I know why I can see you but the others...maybe they just talk in the direction they think you are." The other magic missile wand is still in her hand.
[listen 24*natural 20*, search 13 and spot 31]
[Greater Invisibility(Dahlia) - 11 rounds]
[True Seeing - 17 minutes 00 seconds]
[Shapechange - 186 minutes 10 seconds]
SPELLS 0th: read magic(4) 1st: identify(2), magic missile(2), tenser's floating disk(2), color spray 2nd: melf's acid arrow(2), see invisibility, mirror image(2), fox's cunning(2) 3rd: dispel magic, haste(2), fireball(2), lightning bolt(2) 4th: stoneskin(2), greater invisibility(3)*, wall of fire 5th: hold monster, passwall, cone of cold(2) 6th: greater dispel magic*, true seeing*, chain lightning(2), shadow walk(2) 7th: extended mass bull's strength, reverse gravity, summon monster VII(2), finger of death(2) 8th: polar ray(2), summon monster VIII 9th: shapechange*, mass hold monster, summon monster IX * used
Valdor Tuesday September 6th, 2005 12:36:35 AM
(Sorry, I misread your last post, Jan. I missed them diving into a room, but since Valdor was holding, he followed and attacked. You decide how many attacks got off, I'm fine with whatever you decide)
Valdor follows quickly into the room to the left and glances around, but focusing on his quarry, preparing to lay into the brute again.
Onrad Tuesday September 6th, 2005 10:31:24 AM
Onrad motions Mordrid over to help him and grins shrugging.
Inside, Onrad is beaming with pride at getting to fight with "his" heroes.
[Will wait for attacks until Jan posts.]
Gareth (Invisible, Flying) Tuesday September 6th, 2005 11:08:18 AM
The warrior flies back the other way with the others. "I think it's a really big snake. I figured it wasn't interested in the artifact so we'd do better to focus on it instead. I shut the door - (hears the second bang) but from the sounds of it we may have to take it out anyway...".
Tericus188/169 Tuesday September 6th, 2005 11:47:46 AM
moving up beside Valdor and Onrad, Tericus just looks arounds, sighs, then continues forward.
DM Jan d20+35=48 d8+11=16 d20+34=42 d20+29=48 d20+24=32 d20+19=38 d20+32=33 d20+29=34 d20+24=30 d8+12=13 d8+12=17 d20+34=49 d20+29=48 d20+24=40 d20+19=23 d20+32=36 d20+29=49 d20+24=42 d8+12=15 d8+12=13 d8+12=19 d6+12=16 d6+12=16 d20+29=44 d20+29=45 d20+29=44 d8+12=15 d8+12=20 d6+12=15 Tuesday September 6th, 2005 1:11:12 PM
Gareth, Tericus, Dahlia, Mordrid, Nonam, Cori, Myrridan and Nick see Valdor and Onrad move left and right into the rooms.
Mordrid's there first at the top of the corridor, and as he looks left and right - a giant clenched fist appears in the left hand doorway, blocking access to that room. It wastes no time in trying to smack the ranger silly with a blow - Hits AC 48 for 16 DAM
In the left hand room, Valdor follows his assailant, his weapons managing to chip into the man a couple of times. As he does so, he feels a slight vibration coming through his sword, suggesting the blade has come up against some kind of barrier. Magical protection? Loudmouth #1 (AC 43) turns and replies with his own brand of swordsmanship. Hits AC 42, 48 (crit), 32, 38, 33, 34, 30 Steve - your AC? 1 crit hit if AC44 or below = 28 DAM
His eyes are wary, a little taken aback. "Vane! Some help here?!" he yells. He begins to step to the upper part of the room, in an attempt to gain advantage.
This room looks like it might have been some kind of sitting room - at the bottom of the tilted floor is a scrunched up carpet and a pile of furniture.
In the right hand room (access clear) Onrad is quickly into combat, striking Bad Man #2 for two solid hits (AC 40). "You're faster than you look, leetle man," the man growls, bringing his sword and main gauche to bear in a whirlwind of death. Blood drips from his elbow.
This room looks like a library, with book shelves on all four sides on the room. Of course the shelves in the upper part of the room are empty - their contents are in a pile at the bottom end of the room.
At the top end of the corridor, just beyond the two left and right doors, acid continues to burn through the stair rail - part of a twirling corkscrew of stairs leading up.
Note: The group have also passed two other doors, one left, one right, both closed, lower down in the corridor.
Valdor(Boots of Speed, Fire Resistance, Cloak of Arachnid) d20+38=58 d20+38=39 d20+37=53 d20+37=54 d20+33=53 d20+33=38 d20+32=45 d20+28=38 d20+27=31 d20+23=30 d20+22=35 d20+38=57 d20+38=44 d8+16=23 d8+16=24 d8+16=18 d8+16=17 d8+16=21 d8+16=20 d8+16=23 Tuesday September 6th, 2005 2:42:46 PM
Valdor, swords spinning and slicing at the large opponent, moves around the man with incredible speed,grins and says,"You move well for a big guy. It's a shame you've chosen the wrong side in this fight. Your friend will be no help. I've taken your best and it's no more than a bee sting. Throw your sword down and I will not kill you, keep fighting and you will most assuredly die. It's just a matter of moments before your stoneskins are gone and you will be carved up like a turkey at a banquet."
He speaks with a calm assurance, as if he's just having a conversation, and not involved in combat, hoping his calm demeanor and seeming lack of concern about a huge armed opponent in front of him, will make the guy re-think his position. "If doubt can creep into his mind...," Valdor thinks,"he's done."
(Two nat 20's followed by two misses on the crits, just about my luck. Hit 7 times, with crits for 147 points. Valdor's ac is 39. Ifigure Valdor can move a little quicker with the boots activated, so he'll try to make the higher ground first. With his cloak active, his footing should be fine)
Onrad d20+37=54 d20+37=44 2d6(4+2)+14=20 2d6(4+1)+14=19 2d6(6+6)+14=26 d20+33=41 2d6(3+3)+14=20 d20+28=45 d20+28=40 2d6(3+2)+14=19 2d6(1+3)+14=18 2d6(2+3)+14=19 d20+23=39 2d6(4+2)+14=20 d20+38=42 2d12(1+8)+14=23 Tuesday September 6th, 2005 4:35:44 PM
Onrad shudders from the massive attack wincing in pain. Spotting Tericus passing by, he yells,
"Tericus! I need ya buddy!"
Onrad activates his Cloak of Displacement 50% hoping that does more to protect him next time.
Meanwhile, he waylays into his opponent hitting him back with all his cunning.
Attack 1: d20+37=54 possible crit (which it is: [d20+37=44] doing [2d6(4+2)+14=20 2d6(4+1)+14=19 2d6(6+6)+14=26] a total of 65hpd.
Attack 2: d20+33=41 hits doing 20hpd.
Attack 3: d20+28=45 is a possible crit which it is! Amazing! The Damage is [2d6(3+2)+14=19 2d6(1+3)+14=18 2d6(2+3)+14=19] a total of 56hpd.
Attack 4: d20+28=40 hits again! It does 20hpd.[d20+28=40]
Attack 5: d20+38=42 hits a final time. It does [2d12(1+8)+14=23] 23hpd.
The grand total is 184hpd.
-------- Guy in front of me is selected opponent-AC38
Cloak of Displacement 50%--roll over 50% of attack misses.
Corialote [HP: 152/171 - AC: 33]{shapechange: pixie, true seeing, extended mass bull's strength} Tuesday September 6th, 2005 5:27:30 PM
Cori smiles as she glances all around her to gauge the distances of all the combatants and her friends. "Time for a little fun." She closes her eyes seeing no danger near and falls into her arcane power. Words tumble from her lips as she pulls it to her and harnesses it to her needs. With a last smile she thrusts her arms out to each side of her.
Friendly muscles bulge with inner power and ripple as they increase in size. Strength of magic flows into those friends around and they find their strikes increased.
[Extended Mass Bull's Strength - 460 rounds, +4 strength, 80 feet, everyone if within 30 feet]
[Greater Invisibility(Dahlia) - 10 rounds]
[True Seeing - 170 rounds]
[Shapechange - 1860 rounds]
SPELLS 0th: read magic(4) 1st: identify(2), magic missile(2), tenser's floating disk(2), color spray 2nd: melf's acid arrow(2), see invisibility, mirror image(2), fox's cunning(2) 3rd: dispel magic, haste(2), fireball(2), lightning bolt(2) 4th: stoneskin(2), greater invisibility(3)*, wall of fire 5th: hold monster, passwall, cone of cold(2) 6th: greater dispel magic*, true seeing*, chain lightning(2), shadow walk(2) 7th: extended mass bull's strength*, reverse gravity, summon monster VII(2), finger of death(2) 8th: polar ray(2), summon monster VIII 9th: shapechange*, mass hold monster, summon monster IX * used
Gareth (Invisible, Flying, 50% Displaced) d20+45=63 d20+45=52 d10+26=28 d10+26=29 d20+29=46 Tuesday September 6th, 2005 6:38:20 PM
Hearing the combat the warrior moves as quickly as he can up the stairs to engage. Seeing Onrad getting nailed pretty hard he heads towards him and engages. He lays into him to add more pain after Onrad whacks him good (Hit AC 63 + crit of [52] for 28+[29]=57 DMG). As he becomes visible to the guy he growls (uses Intimidation skill - DC 46 - or be intimidated) "I'm not so nice as Valdor, prepare to die...". He also activates his Cloak of Displacement to make the guy decide which blur he cares to attack (50% displaced)
Nonam Tuesday September 6th, 2005 7:25:01 PM
Rather than follow either Onrad or Valdor into a room, Nonam waits out in the hall to see what's coming next. He uses his arcane sight to have a look around.
Tericus188/169 (air walk, bulls strength) Wednesday September 7th, 2005 9:43:03 AM
walking calmly over to where Onrad is fighting, Tericus casts Heal on the fighter(210 hps back)
Onrad Wednesday September 7th, 2005 11:16:46 AM
"Woah! That felt amazing!"
Onrad grins at his opponent as he is healed.
Talking to his opponent like he's an old friend, Onrad quips, "See, the good side has it's benefits, old boy. You can't do anything to me I can't do back and better, plus I get healed."
He continues to pick his attacks and parry.
"Surrender now and we'll simply search ya and get ya to the authorities. Otherwise, you're facing a higher authority: The God of Life and Death! We don't play around with evil."
--------
I'll do my attacks after Jan posts if I can.
Nick Wednesday September 7th, 2005 12:44:25 PM
Nick casts GREATER DISPEL on the hand that's clobbering Mordrid and blocking access to the room on the left. He notices himself suddenly getting stronger, too.
Glancing at Nonam, Dahlia and Cori, he says - "There are supposed to be four of them. Where are the other two, I wonder?"
If the spell works, he'll try and access the room Valdor is in.
DM Jan d20+34=49 d20+29=46 d20+24=43 d20+19=30 d20+32=36 d20+29=41 d20+24=37 d8+12=15 d8+12=19 d8+12=17 d6+12=18 Wednesday September 7th, 2005 1:19:55 PM
The monster hand, rearing up for another swat at the ranger, disappears.
In the left room beyond, Loudmouth #1 bellows out - "Vane!! You coward, help me!" Who Vane is, or where Vane is, is not immediately apparent. Valdor's last blow registers a subtle change. That vibration of stubborn magical resistance lessens considerably. Still, despite the fear growing in his eyes, his pride has the upper hand at the moment, and he's not about to give up, even though, with a few deft moves, Valdor gains the upper ground.
Adjusting for lower ground - Hits AC 47, 44, 41, 39 Damage = 15, 19, 17, 18 = 69
over in the room on the right, Onrad puts up a blistering display of swordsmanship. If it wasn't for the blood, it would be a beauty to watch. Bad man #2, bleeding from various cuts, narrows his eyes as Tericus appears - oh, now that wasn't fair, was it. Mind you, an opponant having a cleric on hand was one thing, damn his eyes and all his children, but the situation becomes truly dire as Gareth appears, nearly hacking off his arm and accompanying it with a threat that sounds more like a promise. In a single beat, the man lowers himself to one knee, bows his head, and slams his blades flat on the ground. It's an Izen gladiator move. He knows he's beaten, and he gracefully waits for his head to roll.
Back in the corridor, that acid on the stair rail has eaten through a small, carved, ornamental pommel, which drops from the rail and on to the first stair of the corkscrew staircase.
The light begins to fail, all around, as though someone is drawing a gauze curtain around the entire castle. Light becomes half light, and there is a big, long sigh. And a breeze.... As soon as it goes darker, the Book starts laughing in Tericus's head.
Back down at the other side of the main stairwell and along the corridor, the distant BAM BAM BAM indicates that the huge snake or whatever else it was, has quickened it's attempts on escaping.
Seems some of the castle's defenses were still to be triggered. Both Nonam and Cori become aware of a greater, overall, magical presence in the castle. There's also some kind of magic in the left hand room, other than Valdor and his assailant. And there's definitely magic up the top of the corkscrew stairwell.
Now what? And yeah, the caretakers said there were four of these intruders, so where are #3 and #4?
Dahlia: AC32, HP 226/226: greater invisibility, bulls strength d20+30=48 Wednesday September 7th, 2005 7:10:00 PM
Dahlia grins as she feels the additional strength that fills her body but doesnt wade into the fighting but makes her way around the perimeter of the room looking for the missing opponents. (spot DC 48)
Corialote [HP: 152/171 - AC: 33]{shapechange: pixie, true seeing, extended mass bull's strength} 5d4(1+2+4+1+2)+5=15 Thursday September 8th, 2005 12:19:17 AM
Cori slips into the room that Valdor is in and takes a quick inventory of what she can see. Her true seeing spell she hopes will reveal any hidden dangers.
Not wanting to be left out she brings up the wand and aims it at the man facing Valdor. Muttering a word lightly under her breath, five missiles sprout from the tip and fly at the man.
[Magic Missile Wand - 15 damage, 49/50 charges]
[Extended Mass Bull's Strength - 459 rounds, +4 strength, 80 feet, everyone if within 30 feet]
[Greater Invisibility(Dahlia) - 9 rounds]
[True Seeing - 169 rounds]
[Shapechange - 1859 rounds]
SPELLS 0th: read magic(4) 1st: identify(2), magic missile(2), tenser's floating disk(2), color spray 2nd: melf's acid arrow(2), see invisibility, mirror image(2), fox's cunning(2) 3rd: dispel magic, haste(2), fireball(2), lightning bolt(2) 4th: stoneskin(2), greater invisibility(3)*, wall of fire 5th: hold monster, passwall, cone of cold(2) 6th: greater dispel magic*, true seeing*, chain lightning(2), shadow walk(2) 7th: extended mass bull's strength*, reverse gravity, summon monster VII(2), finger of death(2) 8th: polar ray(2), summon monster VIII 9th: shapechange*, mass hold monster, summon monster IX * used
Valdor(AC:39, HP:348/251, Fire Resistance, Boots of Speed, Cloak of Arachnid, Bull's Strength) d20+40=60 d20+40=47 d20+39=51 d20+35=49 d20+35=49 d20+34=53 d20+34=50 d20+30=47 d20+30=46 d20+29=40 d20+25=28 d20+24=38 d20+20=32 d20+19=26 10d8(5+1+7+7+4+1+3+7+5+4)=44 Thursday September 8th, 2005 12:25:54 AM
Valdor accepts the hits stoicly, not letting his opponent that he hurts at all, although he feels the pain. He lets his fury build and says with clenched teeth,"I tried to give you a way out, before your stoneskins ran out. Now, however, it's time to die. This 'Vane' doesn't want any of this and now I'm angry!"
The large warrior spins his words and starts slashing and hammering away, striking his opponent furiously, several times.
(Hit 4 times with crits and two others, so 10 altogether for 44+160=204 points.)
Nonam Thursday September 8th, 2005 9:15:56 AM
Looking about nervously at the castle, Nonam tries to stay where he can keep an eye on both Valdor and Onrad, and he calls out, "Guys, we need to pull our forces together soon. The castle is about to... about to do something."
Onrad Thursday September 8th, 2005 12:07:05 PM
Onrad grabs some rope and ties the guy up. He pulls on it to see that it's tight. Hands and feet with enough slack that the guy can walk, but slowly.
"One captured and tied up!"
Onrad yells hoping to demoralize the others.
Quietly to the one he's tying up, he says. "If you try to escape, or pull anything I determine to be unsavory, I will not hesitate to kill you. You live now at our mercy."
Onrad turns his head to look out the door to see where he's needed next.
Gareth Thursday September 8th, 2005 4:13:31 PM
Seeing the move of the guy and Onrad's tactic, the warrior decides on a less diplomatic move and smashes the guy in the side of his head with his sword hilt to knock him out. As the darkness looms he closes his eyes and 'looks' for the other attackers. (e.g. Can detect the presence and location of any invisible creature with no penalties). "Where are you...".
Nick Thursday September 8th, 2005 4:31:14 PM
With the giant hand gone, Nick steps quickly into the left hand room then he can cast HEAL on Valdor (150 points recovered).
"Give up!" Nick implores his leader's opponant. "Your friend has. Just stop it now!" His voice carries a greater sense of urgency. Nonam was probably right.
DM Jan Thursday September 8th, 2005 6:08:36 PM
To the Right -
Onrad ties up assailant #2. He's almost done when Gareth seals the deal by knocking the fellow out cold. In this room, the warrior cannot see anyone else hiding. This room is clean.
To the Left -
Valdor counters and puts forth a blistering attack on his opponant. There comes a point when, in an attempt to duck Cori's magic missile, the man shifts awkwardly, putting his neck in harm's way. Half a beat later, as Nick's spell jolts through Valdor's shoulder, and Dahlia is approaching the bottom end of the room - one of the Dragonstone's blades takes the man's head clean off. It bumps and rolls, and lands on top of the crumpled rug at one end of the room.
Dahlia sees a grey guinea pig, dart from beneath the rug.
Cori sees exactly the same thing, although her True Seeing tells her that far from being a guinea pig - this is a man crawling along on all fours, carrying a small sack.
Out in the corridor, Nonam hears another sigh, followed by another. Back toward the main stairwell, something seems to be shifting, coalescing, a number of forms. Wraiths! There's one, and another, and another, and another, and probably more. They begin to drift up the corridor toward the party.
Also - in a moment of pure 'Woldiness' a hole appears on the sloping floor, and out steps a rather leathery little creature wearing a Catacombs badge. It hands Cori a bag, and Nick a letter. "Eeee," it says, then hops back in the hole and disappears.
Dahlia: AC32, HP 226/226: greater invisibility, bulls strength Thursday September 8th, 2005 6:22:59 PM
Thinking that a guinea pig is just a little out of place in Black dragon castle, Dahlia darts over in front of the guinea pig and slaps at it making herself momntarily visible, and hopefully causing it to look up at her. If successful the guinea pig feels itself start to stiffen up and turn to stone. Fortitude DC 19 or be petrified. Eyes of petrification.
Valdor Thursday September 8th, 2005 9:55:19 PM
Valdor, in the same sweeping motion of his blades, spins them both and sheathes them. If there had been an audience, they would have probably apprecitaed the fine art with which he did so. However, his shoulders slump as he realizes the battle is over and he stares at the corpse. He says to the dead body,"Why didn't you listen? I gave you five chances to surrender, and now you are worm meat. What a waste of life."
He turns around to see Nick standing there and smiles. He nods and says,"Thanks for healing me, I feel much better. I just wish he would have given up. I'm sick of killing people... even if they are evil. And what made me feel so much stronger? Was that you as well?"
Nick Friday September 9th, 2005 1:33:40 AM
Nick nods at Valdor, although his grin fades as he looks down at the decapitated body. "You gave him his chance, he'd have killed you if he could. As for the strength, I think that was courtesy of Cori."
He looks around, a little startled to see Dahlia appear. "I think Dahlia has caught a mouse."
Thanking the Catacombs minion for the letter, he puts it away for a moment, until things are safe. "The castle has changed. I fear we might have triggered something."
Gareth (Flying) Friday September 9th, 2005 8:23:18 AM
The warrior moves back into the hall looking for the other intruders. "Where are they? Who can see them?".
Nonam Friday September 9th, 2005 9:42:43 AM
Nonam casts a prismatic wall and cuts off the portion of the room with the wraiths in it.
Not quite as afraid of the known as the unknown, Nonam calls out calmly, "There's a gaggle of wraiths in here that might need our attention."
Onrad Friday September 9th, 2005 11:26:02 AM
Onrad wheels on Gareth, "Hey! what was all that about Gareth? He'd surrendered honorably and I'd treated him honorably. You made our actions unhonorable. We can't become like them. We just can't!"
Onrad then runs to join Nonam. "Ready when you release the prism wall."
Valdor Friday September 9th, 2005 11:46:26 AM
Valdor nods at Nick's comments and replies,"I'll have to thank Cori then, thanks again for being here for me, my friend."
He moves with haste back to the hallway to hear Nonam's comments, and says,"Well, if they are trapped in there for a while, let's get moving. We need to find what we came for and get out of here. I only want the one thing we need and nothing else. Cori, Nonam, can you tell where the strongest magical aura comes from now? We need to move out..and fast."
Corialote [HP: 152/171 - AC: 33]{shapechange: pixie, true seeing, extended mass bull's strength} Friday September 9th, 2005 3:04:13 PM
Cori is about to use her wand upon the guinea pig when she see a hole open near her. She had just been about to point the wand at the emerging creature when she notices the Catacombs badge. "Sorry about that." She apologizes and then takes the small bag. She opens it slowly and peers inside a smile spreading over her darkened features. She pulls out a small stone and tosses it a short ways to have it suddenly start circling her head, she stows the rest for now in the pocket of her pants.
Cori closes her eyes and lets her senses travel as she tries to get that feel for the magic in this place. To help in this she taps the tattoo on her lower arm again and then opens her eyes. "Give me a second to see what appears."
[Tattoo Detect Magic - 10 rounds]
[Magic Missile Wand - damage, 49/50 charges]
[Extended Mass Bull's Strength - 458 rounds, +4 strength, 80 feet, everyone if within 30 feet]
[Greater Invisibility(Dahlia) - 8 rounds]
[True Seeing - 168 rounds]
[Shapechange - 1858 rounds]
SPELLS 0th: read magic(4) 1st: identify(2), magic missile(2), tenser's floating disk(2), color spray 2nd: melf's acid arrow(2), see invisibility, mirror image(2), fox's cunning(2) 3rd: dispel magic, haste(2), fireball(2), lightning bolt(2) 4th: stoneskin(2), greater invisibility(3)*, wall of fire 5th: hold monster, passwall, cone of cold(2) 6th: greater dispel magic*, true seeing*, chain lightning(2), shadow walk(2) 7th: extended mass bull's strength*, reverse gravity, summon monster VII(2), finger of death(2) 8th: polar ray(2), summon monster VIII 9th: shapechange*, mass hold monster, summon monster IX * used
Kent - Dahlia is under the effects of a greater invisibility and will not disappear with a normal attack.
(James- I was under the immpression that she still becomes invisible, as per invisibility, at her attack, but goes invisible once again at the end of it, instead of the spell ending. At least that is always how I've interpreted the spell.)
DM Jan d20+11=23 Friday September 9th, 2005 5:32:44 PM
The Room on the Right -
The bound man lies there unconscious.
The Corridor -
Nonam's prismatic wall glows and shifts colour in the half light. It stops the wraiths from moving straight toward the party. Instead, they begin to move laterally, presumably looking for a way around it.
The Room on the Left -
There is a squeak of shock from the guinea pig. Something appears right alongside it - a bag. An object rolls out of the dropped bag, shaped like a disc, that curves around on the slanted floor and comes to rest next to the severed head. Now it's out of the bag, those detecting magic can see a bright green halo around the disc.
As for the guinea pig itself - it shivers momentarily (Fort Save DC 23), and makes for the door at great speed. (Reflex DC 30 to catch it)
Dahlia d20+26=36 Friday September 9th, 2005 5:41:56 PM
smiling at the guinea pig's squeak of fear and bolt for the door Dahlia almost casually darts her hand down and grabs hold of it Relex DC 36. And brings it toward her face again.
"Unless you want another go I would behave yourself," giving it a light shake.
Gareth (Flying) Friday September 9th, 2005 10:32:16 PM
Back in the hall, the warrior sees Dahlia messing with a guinea pig. He moves to block its passage out so that it will be nailed by him before it can escape. Over his shoulder he says "I made sure he was disabled without killing him, Onrad - it more than he deserved and much more quarter than he would have shown us. We are very different...".
Corialote [HP: 152/171 - AC: 33]{shapechange: pixie, true seeing, extended mass bull's strength} d20+4=13 d20+14=22 Sunday September 11th, 2005 2:58:02 PM
Cori's eyes fall upon the bag that is dropped and then the disk that falls out. She traces its travel across the floor and notes the magic. "I think our pig thief has just produced said item...maybe." She points a finger in the direction of the disk for those that may not have noticed to see. "The aura is green...expected of an item to deal with a nature being." She does turn her eyes to the rest of the room looking for anymore hidden surprises. "How are the undead doing?"
[listen 13 and spot 22]
[Tattoo Detect Magic - 9 rounds]
[Magic Missile Wand - damage, 49/50 charges]
[Extended Mass Bull's Strength - 457 rounds, +4 strength, 80 feet, everyone if within 30 feet]
[Greater Invisibility(Dahlia) - 7 rounds]
[True Seeing - 167 rounds]
[Shapechange - 1857 rounds]
SPELLS 0th: read magic(4) 1st: identify(2), magic missile(2), tenser's floating disk(2), color spray 2nd: melf's acid arrow(2), see invisibility, mirror image(2), fox's cunning(2) 3rd: dispel magic, haste(2), fireball(2), lightning bolt(2) 4th: stoneskin(2), greater invisibility(3)*, wall of fire 5th: hold monster, passwall, cone of cold(2) 6th: greater dispel magic*, true seeing*, chain lightning(2), shadow walk(2) 7th: extended mass bull's strength*, reverse gravity, summon monster VII(2), finger of death(2) 8th: polar ray(2), summon monster VIII 9th: shapechange*, mass hold monster, summon monster IX * used
We will just let our DM handle it. Her word is law on this one. I so love to put the ball into the DMs court and have them make decisions. :)
Onrad Monday September 12th, 2005 12:37:34 PM
"It doesn't matter what he would have done to us. We have a code. At least I do. Prisoners are not to be further harmed once captured. After combat his wounds should be tended to--but we'll talk this out later, my friend."
"Woah! What's this disk thing? Can it attack us Nonam?"
Onrad points his sword at it defensively.
Mordrid (cats grace, bull strength) Monday September 12th, 2005 5:13:23 PM
Mordrid is on his hands and knees; stunned by the magic fist's sudden attack. (Sorry guys - RL has been too busy.)
About the time Valdor and Nick emerge from the room on the left; the ranger begins picking himself up off the floor.
An ornamental piece of stair railng comes rolling down the stairs, catching Mordrid's eye. He strains to see up the stairs.
DM Jan Monday September 12th, 2005 10:10:38 PM
The Room on the Right -
The bound man still lies there unconcious. Below him, at the end of the room, the beginnings of a grey drifting form begins to coalesce amongst the bookcases.
In the corridor, the prismatic wall holds off the wraiths here.
The Room on the Left -
Dalia has a guinea pig in her clutches. The creature stays motionless, for now.
As for the disc - Anyone's character at Woldcon? - Read spoiler - Highlight to display spoiler: { It is a well-tooled discus-shaped object, maybe 8" across, and the sight of it triggers a memory of a waking dream - the Cathedral of Light in Plateau City - an orb made of similar materials. An orb recovered at great cost from the past. This disc appears to have been created by the same craftsman.}
At the bottom of the room, in the wall, just above the piles of furniture, grey shapes begin to form, as though something is pushing it's way through.
Corialote [HP: 152/171 - AC: 33]{shapechange: pixie, true seeing, extended mass bull's strength} d20+34=47 d20+4=21 d20+14=24 Tuesday September 13th, 2005 1:26:56 AM
Pointing in the direction of the emerging gray shapes she shakes her head. "Seems we may have more company." Her eyes take in the situation and the smirk on her face is enough to tell you that she is ready to do whatever is needed. "What do you think that is?" She runs through all of her training to see if it fits with anything magical as she keeps her eyes and ears open for more of it, or other trouble.
[know(arcana) 47, listen 21, spot 24]
[Tattoo Detect Magic - 8 rounds]
[Magic Missile Wand - damage, 49/50 charges]
[Extended Mass Bull's Strength - 456 rounds, +4 strength, 80 feet, everyone if within 30 feet]
[Greater Invisibility(Dahlia) - 6 rounds]
[True Seeing - 166 rounds]
[Shapechange - 1856 rounds]
SPELLS 0th: read magic(4) 1st: identify(2), magic missile(2), tenser's floating disk(2), color spray 2nd: melf's acid arrow(2), see invisibility, mirror image(2), fox's cunning(2) 3rd: dispel magic, haste(2), fireball(2), lightning bolt(2) 4th: stoneskin(2), greater invisibility(3)*, wall of fire 5th: hold monster, passwall, cone of cold(2) 6th: greater dispel magic*, true seeing*, chain lightning(2), shadow walk(2) 7th: extended mass bull's strength*, reverse gravity, summon monster VII(2), finger of death(2) 8th: polar ray(2), summon monster VIII 9th: shapechange*, mass hold monster, summon monster IX * used
Tericus Tuesday September 13th, 2005 6:44:40 AM
stepping past the tied up man, Tericus focuses his attention on the grey form. "What is that?" he asks no one in paticular.
Myrridan Tuesday September 13th, 2005 7:51:05 AM
(sorry for not posting. havent been 'feeling it' lately about anything, both wold and non-wold endeavors. will try and catch up.)
Myrridan keeps an eye out for anything while he tries to follow the others. The wild potency of natural forces lately has been quite distracting.
Onrad Tuesday September 13th, 2005 8:36:13 AM
Onrad recognizing the make of the disk says, "This is of the same material as the Feystone! At least it looks that way."
He carefully puts the disk back in it's bag without touching it. He then puts that bag inside one of his sacks which he ties securely to his waist. "Got it. Folks I think we have what we came for. I guess the thieves are giving it to us. Let's get out of here before they catch their wind and attack again."
Mordrid Tuesday September 13th, 2005 10:35:34 AM
Mordrid looks over his shoulder long enough to see the wraiths regathering for a new assault: the "wraith", dangerous to both hero and novice alike.
"If we have what we're looking for, let's get out of here before they turn our heros into little school boys and girls. We can go up to the towers and make our escape there, our we can port to the lakeside from right here.""
Gareth (Flying) Tuesday September 13th, 2005 11:34:50 AM
The warrior picks up the unconcious captive - not wanting to leave him to the wraiths. "The others can be left to their own devices in this place...let's go!". He moves out with the others as quickly as possible.
Valdor Tuesday September 13th, 2005 12:11:33 PM
Valdor covers the back of the party and moves out behind them in case the wraiths close.
Mordrid Tuesday September 13th, 2005 2:33:56 PM
Mordrid points for Dahlia to lead the way up the spiral staircase.
Dahlia Tuesday September 13th, 2005 8:38:34 PM
Looking at the guinea pig, she simply asks, Do you want to join us, by your own volition, shall I put you in a bag and carry you or leave you to the wights? Decide now please.
After getting a decision Dahlia heeds Mordid and Valdor and stars leading them upward toward the tower and quick exit.
Nick d20=15 2d6(3+1)+20=24 Wednesday September 14th, 2005 12:19:48 AM
Nick stays at the base of the stairs as part of the defense.
"Begone foul creatures!" he calls out in a commanding voice. " Away from this place, in the name of the Blessed Alemi!"
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