Into the Hill: Rounds 7 & 8 (DM Cayzle) Friday December 30th, 2005 11:18:31 AM
Sarigar's keep perception reveals that the eastern hole is used exclusively for creatures going into the earth, and the western hole is for creatures coming out. The sharp smell of ants overwhelms all, and the lost child and his companion detect only that other people with two legs have also walked into the earth.
Renik sees nothing as he peers in; does he hear the faintest chittering as of chitinous legs rubbing together, or of mandibles clicking far off?
Brave Monthor is on his element -- he descends, far enough to see that the tunnel is not too steep, and after a short distance widens to a chamber. He returns to tell his friends that the coast is clear.
Feng summons his celstial charger. A mundane horse might balk at a descent into a dark insect-tunnel, but Feng knows he will have no trouble on that issue. The tunnel is wide and high enough, Monthor reports, that Feng can even ride into the underground lair. Given the size of some of the ants you have seen, that is no surprise.
Arien and Draax are not sure whether the tree or tunnels are the way to go. If it is any help, it would take two or three DC15 climb checks to get up to the hive opening in the tree, while the tunnels are easily accessible to all.
Arien (Mage Armor, Greater Invisibility, Bear's Endurance) HP: 82, AC 21 Saturday December 31st, 2005 4:38:29 PM
"I say we take this tunnel, if needed I can place another wall of force behind us to prevent anything from coming in after us, of course that would make it difficult if we had to retreat, but unless there is something more dangerous down there than ants I beleive we should be ok."
Draax AC 25, HP 133/156 (Bear's Endurance. Bless) Saturday December 31st, 2005 10:17:15 PM
Draax follows the dwarf to the opening. "I guess down we go. I like Arien's idea of covering in-going tunnel with the wall."
Looks over to Renik, "Hey chief, same marching order except with the dwarf in the lead or do we want to switch it up some?"
Feng AC 23, HP 117 (On Horseback) Sunday January 1st, 2006 1:59:19 AM
Feng isn't too worried about taking his steed underground. If things get too bad he can always send him back to his astral home.
"Well lets just pick one and go that way. Going underground always makes me glad I have orc blood in me."
Renik Sunday January 1st, 2006 1:42:35 PM
Renik nods to Draax. "I'll take Monthor's spot at the back. Sarigar, you head up the team with Monthor. Ready folks? Let's head down.
Renik readies a sunrod, but doesn't activate it just yet.
(OOC: Is Renik still invisible, Cayzle? Not sure how many rounds have passed.)
[OOC: Renik activated it in Round 4. It is now Round 7 going into Round 8. You've got lots of time on it still. -- Cayzle]
Monthor d20-2=1 d20-1=9 Sunday January 1st, 2006 9:12:29 PM
" The coast is clear... "
:: Says the burley dwarf. ::
" There's a chamber up ahead. Let me get up ahead a bit before the rest of you get a light source going. Me not want me ultavision messed up with unless we have to. "
:: Monthor readies his axe as he advances back to the chamber at the head of the party. He listens (1) and looks (9) for anything unusual.
Tratain AC 27 HP 123/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing] Sunday January 1st, 2006 10:46:03 PM
Tratain follows the others into the Hole, ready to defend his comrades if anything should threaten the group.
OOC: Really Sorry about missing alot of posts guys, my computer died on me. I'm up and running on a new Machine now though.
Monthor (HP 132, AC 22, Bear's Endurance, Bless) Monday January 2nd, 2006 8:51:03 AM
ooc> RAts! Forgot the header in the post name again.
Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158+56BE-21=189), AC24/21) d20+26=43 d20+17=28 Monday January 2nd, 2006 11:00:41 AM
The brothers take the second position behind Monthor. With his ability to see in the dark, he is the better choice. Although he can't see in the dark, using his nose and 'talking' with his brother, Sarigar is able to navigate reasonably well. Concentrating on his unusial method of navigation and knowing of the insects unique senses, Sarigar doesn't worry so much about hiding, but the brothers do do their best to keep their vibrations as light as possible (Move Silently 43/28)
Black Paws leads his brother along, keeping Monthor in sight as much as possible, and definitely doesn't let him get out of scent range (15-60 feet depending on breezes coming up through the tunnel)
The ANTechamber ahead: Round 9 (DM Cayzle) d20+2=12 Monday January 2nd, 2006 7:16:30 PM
The group descends into the earth. The 10-foot-wide corridor descends at a 20 degree incline for a 40 foot-length. Then it opens ahead into a largish chamber.
You note that there are structures -- arching beams -- that line the passage. Monthor deduces that they keep the tunnel from collapsing, but he cannot say what they are made from. These archway beams are not marked by any sign of saw or plane or nail, in fact, each one seems made of a single piece of whatever it is.
Ahead, the chamber is lit by torchlight. The floor of the chamber is flat, not inclined. It looks to be about 50 feet across. You see several barrels on the other side.
If you make a spot check vs DC12, then Highlight to display spoiler: {You see a couple medium size ants hiding behind the cover of the barrels.}
You cannot see all the room because you have not yet entered it.
Feng AC 23, HP 117 (On Horseback) d20=2 Tuesday January 3rd, 2006 11:40:08 AM
"I figured a room like this would have ants a plenty. I expected to have to get through an army to reach this point." Feng says as holds his great axe tightly in his hands.
Monthor d20-2=6 d20-1=18 Tuesday January 3rd, 2006 12:10:14 PM
" Weird for ants to be using torches? Me'd say that there are other creatures using these holes. The structures are not made for the insects either.... Doesn't look like orc work either. There's carpentry isn't this good. "
:: Preparing for what he considers to be eventual encounters, Monthor enters the room ready for battle. The dwarf scans the room once he enters it. ::
(Spot 6, listen 18)
Draax d20+7=15 Tuesday January 3rd, 2006 1:28:32 PM
Draax agrees with the assessment of the others. "I wonder if the torches are for the orcs with the funny looks inserts on their heads."
Draax readies his bow and prepares for the group's next encounter.
Renik AC 28, HP 89, Blessed, Invisible, Bear's Endurance d20+14=34 d20+14=28 d20+14=34 Tuesday January 3rd, 2006 4:42:03 PM
The rogue follows the others towards the room, keeping a close eye out behind them as well as ahead. He has no trouble spotting the two poorly concealed ants behind the barrels, and warns his companions of them in whispered tones. He looks and listens for the slightest sign of danger.
The rogue cannot help but share his companions' concerns. He suspects they are in for a nasty surprise, sooner or later. This Sage will not be undefended, of that he is sure.
Tratain AC 27 HP 123/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing] d20+11=27 Tuesday January 3rd, 2006 9:59:09 PM
Tratain travels with the others ready to cast Shield of Faith upon himself if the group gets attacked. He keeps an eye out for possible dangers.
(Spot 27)
Inside the ANTechamber (and yes, I'll continue to make this bad pun until someone, ANYone, gives me a smiley or a LOL): Round 10 (DM Cayzle) d20+18=36 d20+2=20 Wednesday January 4th, 2006 6:56:57 AM
The party bravely enters the room. There is another opening that clearly leads back to the other hole to the surface. And there are a number of ways to continue moving ahead. the ceiling is ten feet up.
There are barrels lining the wall of this room, and five continual flames providing light -- four on the walls and one right in the center of the ceiling. There are also wooden columns helping support the ceiling. Monthor looks closer at the supports. It is clear that the thick wood supports although somewhat warped, are holding up the ceiling just fine. They are aided by a network of ribs on the ceiling like those in the tunnel. These supports might be imagined as a kind of exudate ... a substance produced by the ants to help reinforce walls and ceilings underground.
Renik points out to the party that there are two ants ahead hiding behind barrels. Renik and Tratain see another two medium ants (workers, not warriors) hiding behind the cover of barrels behind you (see Map). They are not threatening you.
A much more significant threat, though, is that as you all enter the chamber, the room fills with a faint haze. It does not onscure your vision, but it does make your mind foggy and hazy! Please make a Will save vs DC27 or suffer a -10 competence penalty on Wis checks (including Wis-based skill checks) and subsequent Will saves.
Sarigar, Please Highlight to display spoiler: {You and Black Paws smell something besides the party ... something ... human? Not within 5 feet. Maybe to the northeast? [OOC: I'll be playing that scent can let you tell the exact square an invisible creature is in (within 5 feet) but you still suffer the 50% miss chance.}
If you make a Listen check vs DC10, then Highlight to display spoiler: {You heard something ... whispering? ... far-off talking? ... to the northeast.}
If you make a Listen check vs DC20, then Highlight to display spoiler: {You heard a spell being cast maybe 80 feet away to the northeast. Yes, there's a wall only 20 feet away. It is a mystery. You get a +5 bonus on the spellcraft check below.}
If you make a Spellcraft check vs DC27, then Highlight to display spoiler: {You recognize the haze as a Mind Fog spell heightened to 7th level.}
And the map. Note: The brown circles are barrels. The E's mark the two entrances. You came in the one on the left (west).
Player status: Arien and Renik are invisible. Is Renik Blinking? BP, Tratain, Draax - Secondary Poison save needed in R12 Feng, BP - Secondary Poison save vs improved poison needed in Rs 12 & 13.
Renik AC 28, HP 89, Blessed, Invisible, Blinking, Bear's Endurance d20+7=25 d20+4=24 Wednesday January 4th, 2006 10:14:37 AM
(OOC: Oof! nearly made Will save. DC 27? Eek!)
ANTicipating an imminANT attack, the rogue finds himself hit by a sudden inability to think clearly. He is not fully cognisANT. He shakes his head to clear it, but finds scANT relief. Backing away against a wall (to Y/Z23) he pANTs "Spread out! Don't allow yourselves to all be targeted by the spellcaster!"
:-)
He activates his Blinking ring and tries to make out what is going on (Listen 24!). Though his head is clouded his ears are not, and he hears a chANT. "Spell being cast, 80 feet or so northeast!" he hisses. "That northeast wall may be an illusion. Scatter!"
Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158+56BE-21=189), AC24/21) d20+9=28 d20+9=25 d20+16=30 d20+6=16 d20+16=24 d20+6=20 d20=18 d20+9=22 Wednesday January 4th, 2006 10:42:11 AM
As the brothers enter the faint fog, Sarigar feels himself get a little woozy, but rattles his head, shaking the cobwebs loose (WS 28). Black Paws, however, isn't quite so fortunate as his mind grows somewhat hazy (WS 25).
Not to be detered by the spell's impairing effects, the brothers scan the area (Spot 30/16, Listen 24/20, Spellcraft 18). Just before Renik calls out his warning, the brothers smell something, maybe a human and follow the smell with their eyes and ears and pick out the sound of casting, from behind a wall? How is the scent getting through? Luckily with Arien's mild tutoring, Sarigar has the basic understanding of illusion spells and wonders, is that wall really there? (Will save 22 to resist the illusion of the wall).
The brothers begin approaching the wall, somewhat cautiously, but still fairly quickly (move 30 feet toward the wall).
Arien (Mage Armor, Greater Invisibility, Bear's Endurance) HP: 82, AC 21 d20+13=26 d20+7=26 d20+7=22 d20+25=38 Wednesday January 4th, 2006 11:27:26 AM
Arien starts to feel foggy a moment but grits his teeth and shakes it off. (Will save 26, use a Hero Point to boost that to a 28) Arien hears something coming from the northeast and after a quick moment of concentration realizes that it is a spell and quickly identifies it as the same one filling this room, a Mind Fog. Arien is determined to take out this spellcaster quickly and so he steps back and to the left and shouts, "We need to take this spellcaster out quickly! I am taking Monthor and Feng with me!" That said Arien Dimension Doors the lot of them directly at the caster, northeast 80 feet, hoping to catch the wizard off guard.
Monthor (HP 132, AC 22, Bear's Endurance, Bless) d20+5=15 d20-2=2 d20+24=40 Wednesday January 4th, 2006 2:29:08 PM
Monthor feels dizzier then normal. Kinda like a good beer buzz but without the fun of actually drinking the beer. ( And he hears Nadda with the 2 role).
" DeadANT, DeadANT, DeadANT.... )
After Arien's statement....
" Say wha..... "
Monthor readies an attack against the first non party being he sees after the dimension door takes effect. If appropriate, he swings his now flamming axe with both hands at 'it'. (AC 40)
Monthor d10+16=21 d6=3 Wednesday January 4th, 2006 2:31:46 PM
Damage role for the readied action. 24
Feng AC 23, HP 117 (On Horseback) d20+10=23 d20=7 Wednesday January 4th, 2006 6:11:43 PM
Feng stops and shakes his head as the mist invades his mind. His grip on his axe loosens slightly as he fails to fight off the effects.
"Can we conjure some wind and get rid of this mist?"
ooc: will save 23, listen check 7
Draax AC 25, HP 133/156 (Bear's Endurance. Bless) d20+7=26 d20+3=10 Wednesday January 4th, 2006 7:31:20 PM
Draax comes close to shaking away the fog that has settled on his mind but he cannot do it (Will save 26).
He can hear some type of whispering (listen check 10)in the distance and knows that he is not going crazy when Renik lets the group know about the caster.
Although he cannot see Arien, Draax does hear him and soon watches Feng and Monthor disappear through the door. Draax moves as far as he can towards the sound of the casting giving the caster a visible target but hoping the others can cut him down before he strikes.
Tratain AC 27 HP 123/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing] d20+17=34 d20+11=22 d20+11=31 d20+12=28 d20+13=26 Wednesday January 4th, 2006 10:22:34 PM
Tratain is able to fight off the effects of the cloud.(Will 34) He looks around the Room with his True Seeing attempting to make out if any of the walls are Illusions or if they are all real.
Tratain is able to hear the spell being cast and attempts to Spot the Mage who cast the spell. (Listen 22, Spot 21)
If he can see him Tratain casts Dimensional Anchor upon Him. (Spell Range is 230 Feet, Ranged Touch attack hits AC 28, No Save. 26 to Beat SR if there is any.)
If the Mage is not Visible Tratain Moves as far as he is able in the direction it sounded like the spell was cast from.
Delay of Game (DM Cayzle) Thursday January 5th, 2006 4:33:58 AM
Sorry everybody, but I need to know ... Does Feng agree to Dimension Door with Arien and Monthor? Monthor has agreed (by his post above). Feng's mount cannot go, of course. If Feng declines, does Arien abort the attempt? or pick someone else?
Feel free to post conversation but not actions for this instant between rounds, please, my friends. And as you may have deduced from the save DC on that spell, do not be lulled by the ease with which you passed the outer defenses!
Feng OOC Thursday January 5th, 2006 6:22:10 PM
I knew I forgot to add something to my post. Since Feng is sufferent from the effects of the fog he'll have to trust those that aren't affected by it. He'll go through the door.
The Puzzle of the Mage behind the Wall: Round 11 (DM Cayzle) d20+18=29 (secret DM roll) d6=5 (dim door damage) d20+11=26 (combat casting defensively check) Friday January 6th, 2006 11:12:49 PM
Renik backs off to YZ23 and activates his ring of blinking.
Sarigar and Black Paws head towards the smell that they smelled ... the smell of manflesh, sort of. Human, mostly, but with a faint tang underneath, like the way an illusion looks after you realize nothing is there, or like the taste of your favorite stew when the cook puts a bit of a spice you never tasted into it ... not quite right, not quite real.
[OOC: Philip, I'll assume that you two are taking an action to get close, and another to pinpoint the location of the person you smell -- but really you should say so if that's what you intended. Also please give coordinate numbers in general when moving ... otherwise I have to take a guess as to where you want to go.]
[OOC on hero point use. Arien used a hero point to boost his roll by two after the fact. That's a no-no. I'll let it slide this time, but remember that you can use a hero point to make a reroll; you can use more points to add two per point to the reroll, and you might even be able to use hero points to a roll to boost it BEFORE you roll, not after. Okay?]
Arien takes an educated guess at the location of the mage and casts Dimension Door, taking Monthor and Feng (as well as Feng's charger!) with him. There is a POP of displaced air as they go.
Monthor blips with Arien, ready to swing as soon as he is able (note, no actions are possible for the rest of the round after a Dimension Door, per the spell).
Feng also goes with Arien on a short blip ahead.
Draax moves as close as he is able to the sound of whispering that he heard. [Coordinate map numbers are nice ... or I have to guess where you are going!]
Tratain uses his spell to confirm that there are no illusions in the room ... and there are none! None at all! In which case, how could you hear a mage 80 feet ahead in a direction that is blocked by a non-illusionary rock wall?
If there is a mage, Tratain does not spot him, at least not immediately. Tratain follows Draax towards the source of the sound.
RESULTS ========
Arien, Monthor, and Feng end up with a weird faint taste of dirt in their mouths as they try to dimension door into solid earth. The spell shunts them off to the nearest open space. Each takes 5 hp damage. The three (plus mount) find themselves outside, right near the other ant hole, the one that you did not enter. (see maps)
Sarigar and Tratain, through scent and true sight, now realize that there is an invisible person (marked P on the map) in square 13AA.
Tratain, Please Highlight to display spoiler: {Now that the hiding invisible person has no cover, he cannot hide, and of course, your spell pierces his invisibility. You see a small person -- a halfling?? He has no armor or weapon, and he is wearing one of those Beetle Hemlets, like the orc was. Moreover, there is the strangest hole in the middle of his chest! You can glimpse through the hole in his chest ... into a large dark open space! Your True Seeing spell lets you see up to 120 feet even through complete darkness, so you can see that in the large open space there are several creatures of different shapes! You may even see more ...}
Tratain, if your Spot check beats a DC10, then Highlight to display spoiler: {You see several people, and many ants, including a Huge ant, in a natural earthen cavern.}
Tratain, if that same Spot check beats DC16, then Highlight to display spoiler: {You notice that three of the people are elves, some are orcs, and one of the people, standing next to the Huge ant, is a human. The orcs and human are wearing those odd helmets, but the elves are not.}
Tratain, if that same Spot check beats DC24, then Highlight to display spoiler: {How odd! The human next to the Huge Ant bears a striking resemblance to the halfling with the hole in his chest! And the elves are bound in chains. And the human is casting a spell!}
Tratain, if that same Spot check beats DC24, AND you make a Spellcraft check beating DC 15, then Highlight to display spoiler: {The human is casting a Message cantrip!}
Tratain casts his Dimensional Anchor spell on the invisible person, and the ray that shoots out from Tratain's finger makes clear even to Renik the location (which square) in which the person is standing.
Renik, Sarigar, Draax, and Tratain, please Highlight to display spoiler: {You hear a spell being cast (defensively) by the invisible person. You hear a gasp of surprise from the invisible person, whose spell seems not to work! You all hear a whisper in your ear. "Welcome, strangers! Why not be at peace? I think this is all just a misunderstanding."}
Monthor Sunday January 8th, 2006 6:34:07 AM
Not being very wise at the moment(or should that be, "even less so then ususal... ") Monthor belows a low growl of frustration.... and charges back into the ant hole with a mighty...
" FOR THE CLAN!!!!! "
Monthor Sunday January 8th, 2006 6:35:56 AM
(HP 127, AC 22, Bear's Endurance, Bless)
Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158+56BE-21=189), AC24/21) d100=6 d20+16=36 d6+5=8 Sunday January 8th, 2006 4:24:09 PM
More out of surprise than anything else, Sarigar swings at the sound of the voice and the smell of whoever it is next to him (AC 36, Dmg 8).
Finding that there appears to be no way for him to squeeze through, Black Paws begins skirting the wall toward the other opening (move to W15-X16).
ooc: Not sure whether you need high or low for the % concealment miss chance.
Draax AC 25, HP 133/156 (Bear's Endurance. Bless) Sunday January 8th, 2006 10:21:09 PM
Draax stands with his shield raised and his sword ready. He takes a step to AC16 and speaks to the voice. "What is the misunderstanding? Why do you think we are here?"
Renik AC 28, HP 89 (+28, Bear's Endurance), Blessed, Invisible, Blinking, Flying d20+21=28 Monday January 9th, 2006 8:50:56 AM
Spotting the location of the hidden spellcaster Renik activates his Celestial armour and flies to Z13 in order to block off any retreat. He remains silent, trusting to his invisibility to give him the element of surprise should the caster try to attack or make a run for it.
He awaits the response to Draax's question, deeply suspicious.
(Move Silent 28)
Feng AC 23, HP 112/ 117 (On Horseback) Monday January 9th, 2006 3:57:07 PM
Feng takes a drink of water to clean the taste from his mouth. Magic, this always happened with magic. Well not always but enough. Sighing, Feng rides after Monthor.
Tratain AC 27 HP 123/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing] d20+11=30 d20=17 Monday January 9th, 2006 10:05:50 PM
Tratain Stares into the Hole in the Halflings chest trying to figure out what it is. Seeing the Elfs in chains he says "We've come for the Elves, why are they in Chains."
He tells the Halfling "Do not move untill we sort this out, if you do we will use force"
The Strangest Hole! Round 12 (DM Cayzle) d100=93 Monday January 9th, 2006 10:49:10 PM
Monthor, Feng, and Arien (I presume -- let me know if not) travel down the tunnel abd return to the chamber.
Sarigar lashes out at where he smells something unusual and connects! [OOC: on any miss chance, you miss on a low roll. 01-20 is a miss for Blink checks, 01-50 for total concealment.] Sarigar connects and draws blood -- or something that is blood-like, anyway.
Renik moves to the invisible person. Draax attempts diplomacy, or at least negotiation. Tratain adds to that effort.
The tiny invisible man does something very strange. [I won't bother to spoiler this since you will soon know somewhat more about what is going on.] The half-size man has an odd HOLE in his chest. He pulls the hole off his chest and drops it to the ground, where it grows from about 8 inches to maybe 16! Then the little man dives through the hole! He seems very slippery. Tratain and Sarigar can make an attack of opportunity on him as he slips through the hole.
[OOC: The following MIGHT vary depending on the result of any AoOs.]
After he slips through, there is a clang sound from the hole. Tratain, with his spell, sees a barrier of iron has dropped across the hole.
So now you are looking at a hole in the floor. On closer inspection, you see that the hole has a metal lip and is perfectly round. The metal lip also looks very slippery, as if it had been coated with butter.
All except Arien, Feng, and Monthor hear the voice again in a whisper in their ears: "You break into my home, kill my servants, and demand to take my patients away. Why should I? Who are you, really, and why should I surrender innocents to you, except because you are skilled at killing people? Does your might make you right? I beg to differ."
"You ask why I think you are here. Well, if you want to play guessing games, my guess is that you think I intend to harm these elves, and you are here to rescue them. In fact, I am treatingthem!
"Why I should tell you anything else is beyond me, but I'll tell you that the elves are in chains because my usual magical restraints that I use on my patients do not seem to work for some reason on elvish minds."
Note that the four passive worker ants remain motionless in the room. The haze of will-sapping remains as well, but although it continues to affect those who failed their saves, those who saved once are immune to its effects hereafter. By the way, mention in your post that you were affected by it.
Oh, and I need poison saves from Black Paws, Tratain, and Draax this round, ten rounds after initial exposure to bee poison. Fort Save DC 15 vs Poison; fail = 1d6 pts Con damage ... roll your own if you fail the save.
Renik AC 28, HP 89 (+28, Bear's Endurance), Blessed, Invisible, Blinking, Flying, Mind Fogged d100=82 d20+14=25 d20+14=18 d20+3=21 d20+24=32 d20+21=34 Tuesday January 10th, 2006 5:01:27 AM
Renik curses silently to himself. Nothing is ever quite as clearcut as it should be. They are now stuck with choosing between the word of this sage and the word of of the unpredictable Fey king. Not an easy choice.
He looks around for Feng. The half-orc paladin's instincts may help them here. If the sage is indeed a blackhearted dissembler, attempting to confuse and wrongfoot them, Feng should be able to tell. He whispers in Feng's ear "Do you detect the stench of evil from the hole?"
Then he kneels. Trusting to his blinking ring he pushes his invisible face through the iron barrier over the hole. His aim is threefold; he wishes to determine its thickness, spy upon their potential enemy, and check to see if anyone on the other side is able to see invisible opponents. (Blink check made for 1st 5 feet, Spot 25, Listen 18, Sense Motive 21, Hide 32, Move Silent 34).
Once his scan of the the far side of the barrier is done he pulls back to report his findings.
Draax AC 25, HP 133/156 (Bear's Endurancen, Bless), Mind Fogged d20-14=6 d20+14=23 Tuesday January 10th, 2006 8:04:52 AM
(Fort save 23) (Disregard first roll, put -14 instead of +14) Draax did not notice the elves' predicament until Tratain demands an explanation. He finally turns to takes a look at the hole.
"You are right, we do believe that you intend to hurt the elves and we have come here hoping to save them. I will throw your same argument back at you. Who are you that we are to believe that the elves are chained for their own good? Treating them for what? We were told a different story.
Might does not make us right but we must use our might for what we believe to be right and unless you can prove to us that what we believe is wrong. I guess we will continue to be at odds with each other."
Draax tries to look everywhere at once but he keeps most of his attention on the visible ants to ensure that they do not become hostile.
To the air he says, "Oh yeah! What's with the funny helmets?" Draax believes that he already guessed what the insert-like helmets are but he figures it does not hurt to ask.
Feng AC 23, HP 112/ 117 (On Horseback) Tuesday January 10th, 2006 9:57:10 AM
Once Feng gets back down with the others he concentrates for evil. Surely if what the Fey King said was true this place should reek of it. But the greatest point should be in that hole, unless...
"I might not get a reading if he's in some pocket dimension."
Monthor (HP 127, AC 22, Bear's Endurance, Bless, dazed and confused) Tuesday January 10th, 2006 10:25:19 AM
Monthor arrives back at a running pace. His burley bearded head swaying side to side the dwarf says... " Which way did he go? Whick way did he go? Point the way, point the way.... where do me strike, where do me strike!!!! "
Arien (Mage Armor, Greater Invisibility, Bear's Endurance) HP: 77, AC 21 Tuesday January 10th, 2006 9:04:28 PM
Arien runs back into the room and skids to a halt when he sees the iron lid. Arien looks around the room and waits for the result of Feng's search for evil.
Tratain AC 27 HP 123/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing] d20+19=33 d20+16=34 d8+4=8 d6=1 d6=4 Wednesday January 11th, 2006 12:02:54 AM
Tratain Takes a swipe at the Halfling as he jumps through the hole, attempting to knock him out instead of killing him outright (Hit AC for 8 Points Subdual damage, 5 Holy Damage if he's Evil)
Since Draax has made the Partys Points very well already Tratain just Casts a Spell upon Himslef Defensively just incase things go awry. (Cast Spell Resistence Defensivly)
Poison Save : 33
Lectures and Recon: Rounds 12-14 (DM Cayzle) Wednesday January 11th, 2006 7:39:06 AM
Tratain hits the "halfling" on his way down the hole. It looks like a halfling, but the proportions are off. A skinny dwarf? A human child? Something else?
Sarigar waits to see what happens.
Renik pokes his head into the hole. He feels a little twist, as his dimensional blinking magic interacts with the strange hole. No problem for now, but Renik suspects he would not want to touch the sides of the hole (or the rim) while blinking.
But his risk-taking pays off. Renik, Please Highlight to display spoiler: {You see several people, and many ants, including a Huge ant, in a natural earthen cavern. You notice that three of the people are elves, some are orcs, one is the halfling, and one of the people, standing next to the Huge ant, is a human. All bipeds except the elves are wearing those odd helmets. Then Renik has an insight! How odd! The human next to the Huge Ant bears a striking resemblance to the halfling. And as earlier noted, the elves are bound in chains.}
Renik, your "Spot 25, Listen 18, Sense Motive 21" checks ... did they include the -10 penalty on Wis-based checks? Friends, if you are mind-fogged, keep track of that!
Monthor, Arien, and Feng rejoin the main party. It seems that some of you were mislead. The mage you heard was not 80 feet to the northeast! What you heard was the mage casting from some dozens of feet in on the other side of the "hole" -- and the "hole" was carried by the invisible halfling, about 20 feet to the northeast at the time.
Feng discovers a few faint traces of evil -- no evil creatures are currently in range; there are signs that a few somewhat evil creatures have been by more or less recently. The place certainly does not "reek" of it, like a Temple of Marteaus would, or a graveyard full of undead. Note that, per the Detect Evil spell, it takes three rounds to get a full reading.
Tratain casts Spell Resistance on himself (in round 14)
Draax speaks well for the party, and the whispers that Renik, Draax, Tratain, and Sarigar hear make a reply:
"I am a sage and a scholar. I honor Mother Wold in all her incarnations, but plants and insects have been my special area of study. I especially study the hive mind, and the way that queen bees and queen ants interact with their subjects."
"I have found that it is possible to change a person's mind and behavior by applying the hive mind to a dominated biped, for example. Under the influence of the hive, the subject's behavior patterns can be altered over time."
"Thus, the orcs you have seen or slain were evil creatures who are undergoing treatment to cure their evil inclinations."
"The 'funny helmets' -- as you describe them -- are actually insects of my own design, which allow me to communicate mentally with the hive, and through which I subject my patients to their curative patterning."
"As to the veracity of my story, I would welcome you to inspect my subjects, if you like. But how can I trust that you will not attack or kill me or my people or creatures?"
If you get the feeling that the sage is long-winded and pedantic, then you are not far off the mark! He talks and talks all though the time that Feng is detecting evil.
During that time, I need the following poison saves:
Black Paws must make last round's Fort save vs DC15 or suffer 1d6 Con damage. Feng and BP must both make Fort saves vs DC18 or take 1d8 Con damage as well.
Renik AC 28, HP 89 (+28, Bear's Endurance), Blessed, Invisible, Blinking, Flying, Mind Fogged Wednesday January 11th, 2006 4:09:26 PM
(OOC: Oops, sorry! Yes, Renik should have made those rolls at -10. Bad Renik!)
Renik notes that the halfling looks like a smaller version of the sage. A magical contruct, perhaps? Or perhaps some sort of weird offspring, a part of one of the sage's experiments?
He briefly recounts what he saw through the hole through the others, and summarises what he hears to those who cannot hear it.
When the sage pauses to draw breath Renik calls out
"And what "curative patternin" are those chained elves undergoing, sage? You speak of trust. We have among our number a Paladin, sworn to uphold the values of the Gods of the Wold and blessed by them in turn. If you will stand before him and can satisy his divine insight that your motives are as benign as you say, you shall have nothing to fear from us. What say you?"
He whispers to the spellcasters "If we need to get in can the iron barrier be dispelled without disrupting the magics of the portal? If this sage proves to be a charletan we will need to get through that barrier. I should be able to blink, but I don't fancy facing him alone!"
Draax AC 25, HP 133/156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless), Mind Fogged Wednesday January 11th, 2006 7:17:12 PM
While waiting to hear the mage's answer to Renik's questions, Draax thinks of something he would like know about the mage. "I would like to hear your answers to my friend's questions and add one of my own. What is your connection to the Fey King?"
While waiting for the mage to answer, Draax wonders if the mage is sincere, crazy, afraid, or just cautious because of the display the group put on against his summoned creatures. As he remembers the fight against the creatures, Draax's willingness to believe the mage drops tremendously, no good person would do such a thing to a unicorn.
Monthor(HP 127, AC 22, Bear's Endurance, Bless, dazed and confused) Wednesday January 11th, 2006 7:49:09 PM
Monthor whispers to Arien
~Arien, why don't ye dimension thingy us down there! If the skinny ones be chained up then we'd better seperate Serge's head from his shoulders right? ~
Tratain AC 27 HP 123/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing; SR 25] Wednesday January 11th, 2006 9:45:07 PM
Tratain again waits for the Sages Response, eager to hear his side of the story. He asks Renik "How big was that chamber on the other side of that Iron wall? Can you describe it at all?"
Cayzle OOC Thursday January 12th, 2006 6:30:23 AM
Friends, sometimes when there is spoiled text, the character for whom it is intended then says something like this: "He briefly recounts what he saw through the hole through the others, and summarises what he hears to those who cannot hear it."
That sort of gives permission to the other players to go back and read the spoiler. But it is really not the best way to do it. There still might be stuff in the spoiler that others should not read. Better, I think, for the player to summarize the secret stuff for his friends, or, what's worse than putting it in your own words but better than telling others to read spoiled text: copy and paste the relevant spoiled text into your own message.
In this case, here's what Renik recounts:
Renik sees several people, and many ants, including a Huge ant, in a natural earthen cavern. Some are elves, some are orcs, one is the halfling, and one of the people, standing next to the Huge ant, is a human. All bipeds except the elves are wearing those odd helmets. The human next to the Huge Ant bears a striking resemblance to the halfling. The elves are bound in chains.
I wish I could delay the game to give Tratain and others a chance to respond to this info, but I'm trying not to miss any posts this week.
Renik adds that the chamber is big but poorly lit, so he's unsure on its size. Big.
An Invitation: Round 15 (DM Cayzle) Thursday January 12th, 2006 6:38:31 AM
[OOC: Sorry not to see more posts! Please don't forget those Fort saves.]
Renik confronts the sage and mentions Feng. Draax and Tratain want to hear what the sage says to that. Monthor is eager to blip in and fight. Draax also mentions the Fae King.
The sage seems happy to oblige. "I would be more than glad to submit to your paladin's inspection. Please be welcome in my home. I will not even ask that you put away your weapons. After all this nonsense is resolved, I'm sure we'll laugh at this."
"I know the Fae King, of course! He is a great trickster, and I am not surprised that he is at the bottom of this misunderstanding, if that is what you mean. Yes, he brought me these elves, and asked me to try to cure them of their evil ways. So far I have had no success. The minds of orcs are more malleable, it seems."
"Please, enter. The corridor directly in front of you will lead you to me. Here, to show that there is no danger, follow this ant as your guide."
One of the ants now moves to the corridor to the south, enters ten feet in, and waits for you to follow.
Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158+56BE-21=189), AC24/21) d20+12=30 d20+12=25 Thursday January 12th, 2006 10:28:10 AM
Apparently the Mind Fog spell had more of an effect upon the brothers than first they realized as they finally shake the effects and follow the others to meet with the sage.
Though the stingers have been removed, their poison still courses through his veins. Black Paws' natural toughness is more than enough to shrug off the effects (Fort Saves 30 and 25 for rounds 12 & 13).
ooc: Sorry for missing posts guys. I've been working at three different schools and finding computer time (since I don't really have a room any more) has been kinda tough. I'll try to stabilize things as best I can as soon as I can.
Arien (Mage Armor, Bear's Endurance) HP: 77, AC 21 Thursday January 12th, 2006 1:28:23 PM
Arien narrows his eyes and considers his options for a moment then follows the ant as it leads to the sage. Arien doubted there would be any laughing at the end of this.
Renik AC 28, HP 89 (+28, Bear's Endurance), Blessed, Invisible, Blinking, Flying, Mind Fogged d20+14=31 d20+14=18 d20+21=27 d20+24=35 Thursday January 12th, 2006 3:56:03 PM
The invisible rogue flies above the ant, looking out for signs of treachery from their "host"(Spot 21, Listen 8, MS 27, Hide 35).
(OOC: Included Mind Fog effects this time!)
Monthor(HP 127, AC 22, Bear's Endurance, Bless, dazed and confused) Thursday January 12th, 2006 6:17:00 PM
Monthor looks stunned that the others are even considering doing this.
" OH COOOOME ONNNNN! Me can't be the only one that thinks that this is a trap! We can't really be thinking about going along with this are we? Girls? Girls?...... "
Monthor sighs deeply and will follow along with whatever the others decide to do.
Feng AC 23, HP 112/ 117 (On Horseback), Mind Fogged d20+15=29 d20+15=29 Thursday January 12th, 2006 7:39:16 PM
Feng continues to concentrate on the subtle evil that has infected this place. Overwhelming evil is easy to feel. But this, this is different. It was like evil has infected small parts of everything.
ooc: two poison saves 29 and 29
Draax AC 25, HP 133/156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless), Mind Fogged Thursday January 12th, 2006 10:03:01 PM
Seeing that the others decided to give the mage a chance to prove his story, Draax follows the ant. "OK, I guess you will have your chance to prove what you say. Just do not think that we are going to let you put those insects on our heads."
As he walks Draax continues to talk to the air as he hold a conversation with the mage. "So you are saying the king wanted to change the elves' way of thinking? What evil ways are you suppose to cure them from? What were they doing that the king did not like? As you say the king is a great trickster. And if what you say is true he is also a great deceiver. Do you know the elves need to change or are you just doing what the king wanted you to do?"
Secretly Draax agrees with Monthor but he is relying on the stealth and senses of the others to warn of a trap before it catches them.
Tratain AC 27 HP 123/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing; SR 25] Thursday January 12th, 2006 10:35:18 PM
Tratain Follows the others ready incase something should happen. The way the Sage is speaking makes the Protector think that a confrontation with him will be inevitable. All creatures have the free will to choose Good or Evil, and what to believe in for themselves. What the Sage is doing reminds him of what he knows of Ga'al.
The Door Behind Curtain Number One: Round 16 (DM Cayzle) Friday January 13th, 2006 6:29:01 AM
The sage answers Draax, "You doubt the King's motives? So did I! We are alike in that. Let me explain it all to you. Please come this way."
Everyone is suspicious of the Sage, but nonetheless, the group follows the ant through the tunnel. It is about 60 feet long and ten feet wide. There is a continual flame cast on a small rock set in the ceiling. After 60 feet the tunnel ends, and you see a small tapestry that is not quite large enough to hide a door. The tapestry does not go all the way to the floor, and you see no feet sticking out of the bottom, so if anyone or anything is hiding behind the tapestry, they are clinging to the door or hovering in place. Most likely there is no one hiding. Tratain's True Sight reveals nothing hidden.
The sage says, "Of course, I have my defenses. Be sure all of you speak my name -- Sahnhan the Verminologer -- before drawing the curtain and opening the door."
Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158+56BE-21=189), AC24/21) d20+18=37 Friday January 13th, 2006 10:24:39 AM
Sarigar approaches the tapestry and takes a good sniff in hopes of discovering whether anyone is behind it or if there are any foul scents like those given off by destructive spells such as fireball (Survival: Scent 37).
If no such scents seem to be present, he shrugs and says, "Hrumph, more wall blankets, you people are silly. Well, here comes brother and I, Sahnhan the Verminologer." With that, he pulls the curtain aside and the brothers step through, though they thoroughly expect some kind of ambush.
Renik AC 28, HP 89 (+28, Bear's Endurance), Blessed, Invisible, Blinking, Flying, Mind Fogged d20-7=9 Friday January 13th, 2006 5:51:38 PM
Renik is almost certain they are walking into a trap, but can't think what else to do. He tries desperately to work out if the Sage sounds at all duplicitous, but the magical effect is clouding his brain and making it hard to think straight (Sense Motive 9). He feels so unsure of himself, of his senses, it's almost like being in a dream.
He creeps forward and whispers the words "Sahnhan the Verminologer". He holds Sarigar back, waiting until all have spoken the name, then lets the wildman draw back the curtain, prepared for the worst.
Draax AC 25, HP 133/156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless), Mind Fogged Saturday January 14th, 2006 12:02:58 AM
As Renik makes Sarigar wait, Draax says the words "Sahnhan the Verminologer". As he walks towards the door a strange through comes to Draax's mind, he begins to think that they are not in Kansas anymore. What or where this Kansas is or why he would reference a place he has never been or even heard of is a mystery to him. He thinks that the mind fog must really be having an affect on him.
Arien (Mage Armor, Bear's Endurance) HP: 77, AC 21 Saturday January 14th, 2006 3:29:43 AM
Arien utters the sages name, "Sahnhan the Verminologer" and then passes through the door.
Monthor(HP 127, AC 22, Bear's Endurance, Bless, dazed and confused) Saturday January 14th, 2006 7:50:03 AM
" Serge, ye better not be tricking us or me'll glue ye bum cheeks together and make ye eat some of me mom's chilli!...."
:: After a slight pause... ::
" BOOOOOM!!!!!"
"Sahnhan the Verminologer"
:: and passes through the door ::
Tratain AC 27 HP 123/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing; SR 25] d20+11=17 Saturday January 14th, 2006 11:36:35 AM
Tratain walks with the others to the Room and says "Sahnhan the Verminologer" and follows the others through the curtain, he is alert to and Dangers and attempts to Spot anything unusuall with his True Seeing (Spot 17)
Feng AC 23, HP 112/ 117 , Mind Fogged Saturday January 14th, 2006 5:09:50 PM
Feng thinks that there has to be something wrong with what was happening but it was so hard to think clearly. Feng wonders if the mage said those words before or after he stepped through the door but can't remember. Before speaking the words Feng sends his celstial war horse back to it's planar home.
"Sahnhan the Verminologer" He says and steps through.
How Persuasive! Round 17 (DM Cayzle) Saturday January 14th, 2006 5:37:45 PM
All speak the sage's name, despite misgivings and trepidations.
Sarigar draws aside the curtain, and reveals that there is something written on the door. As you look at the runes, they glow magically brighter and brighter ... in a fascinating way ...
This is a Symbol of Persuasion. Please make Will saves vs DC26, and remember to factor in the -10 if you are Miond Fogged. As always, a natural 20 succeeds.
The voice of the sage whispers in the ears of Renik, Sarigar, Tratain, and Draax. "Come, my friends, open the door, enter, and we will talk about all this."
If you are Persuaded, you must treat the Sage exactly as you would a fellow member of the party. If the sage suggests something you are opposed to, you may make an opposed Charisma check to resist the suggestion.
The door is not yet open. The doorknob is in easy reach. Actions?
Monthor (HP 127, AC 22, Bear's Endurance, Bless, dazed and confused) d20=10 Saturday January 14th, 2006 7:46:40 PM
ooc> Yeah well... ain't no way Monthor makes this one unless he get's the natural 20... nope. 10 it is.
" Serge me buddy old pal, how ya been!"
Monthor goes to open the door.
Draax AC 25, HP 133/156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless), Mind Fogged, Persuaded d20-3=7 Sunday January 15th, 2006 7:18:54 AM
As he walks through the door Draax wonders why he previously doubted the mage. It was obvious that the king deceived them about the mage's intentions. He greets his new friend warmly (will save 7).
"It is so nice of you to explain the misunderstanding and show us your work."
Draax realizes the mage must be good if even the hotheaded dwarf wants to be his friend.
Feng AC 23, HP 112/ 117 , Mind Fogged, Persuaded d20=14 Sunday January 15th, 2006 10:06:25 AM
"It is good to meet you Sahnhan. Unfortunately the pleasentries will have to wait until later. There is evil about and I must find it." Feng says with unwavering determination.
OOC: He's starting up Detect Evil again.
Renik AC 28, HP 89 (+28, Bear's Endurance), Blessed, Invisible, Blinking, Flying, Mind Fogged d20-3=14 Monday January 16th, 2006 4:16:03 AM
Renik makes no move to prevent Monthor from opening the door, convinced now as he is of the sage's integrity.
Instead he smiles cheerfully at the Sage's words, certain they are finally going to get to the bottom of this misunderstanding. He feels a brief flare of annoyance at that duplicitous Fey King, who is clearly the party at fault in this whole sorry affair.
Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158+56BE-21=189), AC24/21) d20+9=27 d20-1=16 Monday January 16th, 2006 6:47:00 PM
Sarigar watches the runes and symbols flash in their dazzling and hypnotic pattern for several moments. "Ooooo, pretty." He reashes out to touch some of them to see if they are as warm as they appear to be. Finding the runes no warmer than the surrounding stone, he shrugs.
Black Paws, however is completely entranced by the lights and feel compelled to go through the door, though, perhaps luckily, he doesn't have the fine dexterity needed to turn a doorknob.
When he hears the others words about the Sage, Sarigar gives them one very confused double take. He is most concerned about his brother's words in his head. "What's going on? He sniffs at each of the others tryign to find out if they are who they look like. Finding no odd scents, he pokes Renik rather firmly and watches his reaction. He then looks to Feng and knocks lightly on his head as if wondering if someone's home.
He then looks to his brother and begins a rather lengthly mental conversation with him, reminding him that the Sage is the one they came here for. The one hurting elves and with them the wild places. He's working with the Fae King, the guy hurting the world.
Tratain AC 27 HP 123/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing; SR 25] d20+2=17 d20+11=20 d20+7=15 Monday January 16th, 2006 9:09:27 PM
When The Magic of the Symbol effects the Party Tratain is protected from it by his Magic. (Spell Resistence)
Tratain watches most of the others staring at the Glyphs but can't Identify what they are (Spell Craft 17). He watches the others for signs that something has happened to them. (Spot 20, Sense Motive 15)
He thinks to Himself "Sarigar is behaving like himself, but Monthor went from wanting to fight the sage to sounding like they are long lost pals, I can't tell if hes bluffing or not though. I cant see any change in the others though."
Tratain Decides to not interfere with anyone opening the Door at the Moment but he is ready to keep them from doing anything unwise by attacking the Sage if need be, either with his Warhammer or with his spells.
Step into my Parlor: Round 18 (DM Cayzle) Monday January 16th, 2006 10:27:07 PM
[OOC: NEED Save vs Persuasion from Arien asap!]
With most of the party feeling a lot more friendly toward the sage, Sarigar does not seem as eager to open the door. But Monthor more than makes up for it in the enthusiasm department!
Inside, the party sees a large chamber -- so large that it has several wooden pillars as supports throughout the room. Maybe it is 100 feet by 100 feet? There is only one obvious exit beside the one through which you entered ... a wooden door that has a peekhole in it, maybe 1 foot by 2 high.
This is NOT the room that Tratain or Renik saw before. That room was a little smaller, darker, no pillars, and had a huge ant in it, plus several people.
If you make a Search or Int check vs DC15, then please Highlight to display spoiler: {The wooden pillars seem old and withered, but sturdy.}
The room's edges are full of barrels and boxes. In the middle of the room you see the sage, Sahnhan, as well as a number of chairs or boxes meant as side tables or seats. He spreads his arms in welcome. The medium size ant that guided you here walks up next to the sage, and the sage bends down to touch its head fondly.
He is an older man, healthy, about six feet tall. he is dressed in white robes. His hair, eyes, and nose are covered by one of those insect-helmets, but his mouth is not covered, and you see him smile.
Tratain, please Highlight to display spoiler: {You true sight reveals that this is some kind of projection or image of the sage. }
"Welcome, my friends! Please, sit down!" He waves to the chairs.
"Please accept my apologies! I am so sorry for any misunderstanding. I know we can figure this all out. But I have to ask, what of the Fae King! Have you spoken to him? Please! Tell me the whole story!"
Feng detects no evil in range of his ability. Anyone who is not persuaded can tell exactly who IS persuaded with a DC25 Sense Motive check, per the skill.
Tratain AC 27 HP 123/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing; SR 25] d20+7=24 d20=1 d20+11=27 Monday January 16th, 2006 10:50:20 PM
Tratain walks into the Room and looks around trying to find any other exits. (Spot 27)
If no others besides the door with the peekhole are visible he heads for it and says to the others "Thats not really Him, its an illusion."
Arien (Mage Armor, Bear's Endurance) HP: 77, AC 21 d20+13=33 d20+12=23 Tuesday January 17th, 2006 12:58:07 AM
Arien resists the effect of the Symbol with ease (Will Save 33, nat 20.) and remains wary as the party moves into the room. A quick look around the room reveals the state of the pillars (Search check 23) before he focuses on the sage.
Arien's eyes narrow when Tratain reveals the sage as an illusion and he says, "You claim to be interested in peace yet you have so little faith that you fear to truly appear before us? If this is all one misunderstanding surely you would not mind actually meeting us face to face instead of this? Why should we bother speaking with you with your lack of faith?"
Renik AC 28, HP 89 (+28, Bear's Endurance), Blessed, Mind Fogged, Pursuaded Tuesday January 17th, 2006 4:18:34 AM
"Arien, that's no way to speak to our host" says Renik sternly, dropping his invisibility and blinking, and landing. He cannot understand why Arien would be so hostile.
"If Sahnhan is not here to greet us in person he most assuredly has a perfectly reasonable explanation. There is no call for rudeness. Please, good Sage, accept my apologies."
He scratches his goattee, pondering the sage's question.
"Indeed we have spoken with the Fey King. I believe you know he split himself up into many parts. We did battle with the part that you encountered, after he left a trail of destruction in his wake. We defeated him, and then cast votes upon him, using magical leaves created by the Queen Maab. His shade appeared to us, and in an apparent attempt to attone for his crimes he bade us come here and free elves whom he claimed were being held against their will. It seems now this was simply one final piece of mischief."
Draax AC 25, HP 133/156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless), Mind Fogged, Persuaded Tuesday January 17th, 2006 4:38:27 AM
Draax looks over at the image while he listens to Tratain and Arien. He turns to his teammates with a frown on his face. "Yea, you guys must be mistaken; our friend Sahnhan would not try to deceive us."
As Renik begins to tell the story Draax looks at him with a jealous look on his face. He wanted to be the one to tell his new friend the story.
Draax looks around the room and just like let Sahnhan know that he was paying attention; Draax says, "I thought there was supposed to be elves in chains and orcs with funny helmets on in here"
MonthorHP 127, AC 22, Bear's Endurance, Bless, dazed and confused, persuaded_ d20-2=7 Tuesday January 17th, 2006 7:49:44 AM
"What up Serge."
The dwarf leans up against the nearest pillar and crosses his massive arms across his burley chest.
" Got any beer? "
Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158+56BE-21=189), AC24/21) Tuesday January 17th, 2006 11:01:59 AM
Black Paws begins to wander up to the image of the sage as friendly as he might one of the pack. Needless to say, Sarigar is more than taken aback by this and begins to follow his brother. When Black Paws sits next to the image, on the opposite side of it from the ant, Sarigar speaks up. "Gimme my brother back! He's not thinking right and it's cause of you!
Despite the warnings that this is only an image, Sarigar unsheaths his claws and is obviously ready to strike out at the image should he not hear the right answer.
Feng AC 23, HP 112/ 117 , Mind Fogged, Persuaded Tuesday January 17th, 2006 12:49:25 PM
"Sahnhan this is no time for games. We have serious work ahead of us. You are one of the nicest people I have met in a long time but deciet is one thing I cannot tolerate."
Ha ha! You got me! (DM Cayzle) d100=62 Wednesday January 18th, 2006 12:03:03 AM
Tratain immediately sniffs out some trickery, and he sees the sage through the porthole in the door.
Sahnhan opens the door and enters the room. The illusionary duplicate pops out of existence. The sage utters a nervous laugh. "Ha ha! Just a joke, my friends! And to be truthful, I was more than a little bit afraid that you would just attack me!" He looks at Arien, who challenges him on this point. "Please, my new friends, forgive an old man his fears, I beg you!"
He sits, and motions for any who are not yet seated to join him. He pats Black Paws on the head and says, "Good boy!"
To Sarigar, who seems upset at this, he adds, "Please be calm, friend! Maybe your wolf simply likes me! I am a druid, you know, and I have an empathy for creatures of the wild."
He notices Sarigar's claws and shrinks back a little. "I am an old man, come defenseless before you! Please do not be angry! And if I make one or two of you angry, I hope the others of you might protect me!"
THen he settles down and listens very carefully to Renik's story. The sage seems impressed. "To defeat even a diminished avatar of the Fey King is a great feat of heroism! I salute you!"
Responding to Monthor, he adds, "Yes, let us enjoy drinks to toast our friendship and your recent victory." He concentrates for a moment, as if in deep thought.
Then he turns to Draax. "My friend, when you attacked my servants, I withdrew those under my protection that I could down to my inner sanctum. They are still there, those of whom you speak."
The sage looks from face to face. He says, "Although it seems to me that we could be great friends, let me remind you that I do not yet know you well, my new friends. Please, tell me your names, and maybe a little about yourselves."
"Let me start. I am a wizard and druid, and I study insects and plants. You already know that I am a verminologer. Although I am not sure I like that name, given the negative connotations of the word "vermin." I live here with my bees, my ants, and several servants. I have recently been investigating good and evil, and how it fits in the Wold."
Draax AC 25, HP 133/156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless), Mind Fogged, Persuaded Wednesday January 18th, 2006 9:02:52 AM
Draax looks a little confused by Sahnhan words and he is disappointed that his friend does not trust him, he thinks to himself, 'I thought we were invited here to see the elves and now he tells me he thinks we might hurt them.' He shrug his shoulders thinking that maybe they will see them after the introductions.
Draax turns toward the mage, "My name is Draax, I consider myself a warrior and adventurer. I spent my time moving around the wold trying to fight the good fight. Ya know, fight for good, destroy evil, righting wrongs, and hero stuff like that. That is about it for me, don't have anything else going on in my life at the moment."
Renik AC 28, HP 89 (+28, Bear's Endurance), Blessed, Mind Fogged, Pursuaded Wednesday January 18th, 2006 11:12:37 AM
"Sir, rest assured you have nothing to fear from us" says the rogue, looking pointedly at his companions. "My name is Renik Dacour, and my companions and I are known as the Windhorn Hamleteers. Draax is correct, we (through fate, calling or accident) confront evil wherever it may lurk. I myself am somewhat skilled in the subtle arts of combat; the stealth, evasion and misdirection are my specialties."
Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158+56BE-21=189), AC24/21) Wednesday January 18th, 2006 4:16:45 PM "Grrrrrrr, he's not acting like a druid friend, tree lady used to do that sometimes. Let him go! Mother doesn't like her children to be taken like that."
Sarigar menacingly approaches the Sage. There is a mixture of rage and sadness in his eyes. Rage that his brother has been toyed with by another and sadness that it was possible that someone took hold of his brother.
"If you don't let him go, NOW, I'll gut you like a rabbit."
Feng AC 23, HP 112/ 117 , Mind Fogged, Persuaded Wednesday January 18th, 2006 6:04:05 PM
Feng keeps quiet while the others are talking. His mind is in turmoil since Sahnhan was a good friend but he was living here with evil. Somebody here enslaved unicorns and had to be killed. Something wasn't right. Feng took a deep breath and tried to feel for the taint of evil.
Tratain AC 27 HP 123/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing; SR 25] d20+7=25 d20+12=14 d20+13=22 Wednesday January 18th, 2006 8:39:38 PM
Tratain looks over the Sage to make sure its really him. He looks over the others trying to figure out why they seem a bit off. He realizes that something is wrong with his companions. (Sense Motive 25)
He says "What have you done to my compaions. What were those lights on the door behind the curtain as we entered, I can see now that something is not right with their Behavior. This is no way to gain our trust, right now it looks to me like you are trying to trick us."
Tratain ready's an action to Cast Dimensional anchor on the Sage if he attempts to cast any spells.
(If needed Hit Ranged Touch AC 14, 22 to Beat SR)
MonthorHP 127, AC 22, Bear's Endurance, Bless, dazed and confused, persuaded_ d20=19 Wednesday January 18th, 2006 10:17:33 PM
Monthor steps in between Sarigar and Serge.
"Girls, girls, girls, can't we all just get along.... "
:: Well THAT is against what Monthor believes in! (role of 19 minus the 10 for confusion for 9)::
" Serge had beer. Let's hear him out... at least until we have BEER! "
" Oh, and me Monthor of the Axe Head Clan of Dirt City. Me makes sur that the rest of the girlies don't get killed. Now Serge, what's with the elves anyway? Me not like knowing that elves be chained up. That would make me mad Serge... whass up with that? "
Explanations and Fear (DM Cayzle) d20+2=11 Thursday January 19th, 2006 1:02:42 AM
The sage sits down and atempts to explain everything.
To Draax and Renik: "We are alike! We both confront and fight evil. But I do not fight evil by killing. I try to convert evil to good! It is difficult work, and sinking my own mind into evil thoughts, trying to direct them to good paths, is not pleasant. Sometimes the traces of that work leave evil impressions on my mind, and I struggle to purify myself. But that is a small price to pay to turn a lost soul to salvation."
To Tratain: "Of course you saw the glowing runes. I told you I had set up protections. But the magical defenses left you alone because you said my name. No one was injured or hurt by my defense."
To Monthor: "The elves I have in chains are bad elves. Evil elves. I am trying to turn them to good, but it is very hard."
Feng does detect evil. The sage did say that sometimes traces of evil end up in his head. Maybe that's what Feng detects.
Tratain true sight suggests that this is as real a person as can be -- not an illusion, not a construct or fake or polymorphed thing. The "helmet" on his head is clearly an insect of some kind.
Tratain, if you can make a Sense Motive check vs DC11, then Please Highlight to display spoiler: {You think this guy is surely lying about something.}
Finally, Sarigar makes his threats. The sage seems fearful at that. He holds up his empty hands in a gesture of peace. "Please, don't attack me! I thought we were friends! This is why I used the illusion! You people say you are good, but you killed my servants, killed my bees and ants, and now you threaten me! Help, me! Keep your wild friend off! Help!"
He seems to be pleading with you to intercede some how. He is glad when Monthor steps in between. He calls for drinks. Shortly, an orc wearing a bug-helmet brings in glasses and two bottles of wine.
Feng AC 23, HP 112/ 117 , Mind Fogged, Persuaded Thursday January 19th, 2006 5:15:11 AM
Feng prays that he is wrong but the sage's words fill him with more doubts. If elves were in chains then he would speak with them soon to determine the truth of things. But that was later because now he had evil to find. Concentrating on the faint sense, Feng continues to feel for the evil.
ooc: continues to detect evil
Draax AC 25, HP 133/156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless), Mind Fogged, Persuaded Thursday January 19th, 2006 5:59:37 AM
Draax takes a steps between Sarigar and the mage, he does not question what Sarigar says about his brothers. Draax has witness the connection between the two too often to not believe anything Sarigar says about the wolf. He thinks that Sarigar must be mistaken by the cause. "Lets calm down and give our friend Sahnhan a chance to set things right and show us what we came here to see."
Sahnhan reaction to Sarigar scratches at Draax senses, Draax has never liked cowardice. He has protected many cowards but has never befriended them.
OOC: Does the mind fog extend into this room?
Renik AC 28, HP 89 (+28, Bear's Endurance), Blessed, Mind Fogged, Pursuaded Thursday January 19th, 2006 7:18:20 AM
Renik is bemused by Sarigar's anger and Tratain's suspicions. "My friends, calm yourselves" he says, echoing the sentiments of Monthor and Draax. "The sage is not your enemy! At every turn he has explained away your fears, reassured you when you doubted his word! Why do you persist in this hostility?"
His eyes light up as the servant enters with the wine. "Now that's more like it! What enemy would provide his guests with such gifts?"
He picks up a bottle and blows the dust off it, examining the label. "Hmm, now this looks like something rather special unless I miss my guess. Monthor, will you raise a glass of red with me?"
Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158+56BE-21=189), AC24/21) Thursday January 19th, 2006 10:41:57 AM
Sarigar glances down at Monthor briefly, then up at Draax as they bar his path. This only seems to anger him further. His whole pack seems to be turning on him and he has no idea why.
"MOVE! I don't want to hurt pack mates, but he won't let my brother go! I can't let him keep him!
Behind the rage, the grief in his eyes of feeling his brother somehow "chained" is apparent. Behind them, Monthor and Draax can hear Black Paws echoing Sarigar's feelings with both low growls and mild whimpering.
When Renik talks about how the sage has explained away their fears, Sarigar turns at him with a look of shock and...fear? He steps toward Renik, slaps at the bottle in his hand, takes him gruffly by the lapels and pulls him almost nose to nose. The smell of the wild man's breath is, to Renik's more refined sense of smell, unpleasant at best. Not to mention the bits of spittle spewing from his mouth as he shouts at him... "He has brother! It's not druid friendly stuff! And he won't let him go! We can't be locked up like that! We'd rather die!"
Black Paws let's out a loud whine, then lies down on the ground and covers his face with his paws.
Tratain AC 27 HP 123/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing; SR 25] d20+7=22 Thursday January 19th, 2006 11:39:27 AM
Tratain listens to the Sages answers but something seems to be not right to the Cleric.
Tratain says "You are lying to me about something, I can see something is wrong. Those Runes on the door did not do nothing."
Tratain casts Protection from Evil on Renik.
MonthorHP 127, AC 22, Bear's Endurance, Bless, dazed and confused, persuaded Thursday January 19th, 2006 9:21:28 PM
" Wine? Doah!!! Me thought we was having beer!!!"
:: Monthor takes the glass, downs the wine and then lets out a loud, smelly burp. ::
" Humm... not bad. "
:: Monthor then turns back first towards Sarigar, then towards Tratain. ::
" Listen girls... if ye have a beef with Serge then deal with it nicely. Fists be fine, boots be fine, but no weapons or me kick your arses too. A friendly brawl between friends is fine... heck, even entertaining, but me can't let any of ye hurt each other to badly. That goes for you too Serge. Work this out like men but there better be no blood spilled or... "
:: Monthor crushes the wine glass in his gloved hand... ::
LOG ON