Valdor Saturday January 14th, 2006 11:39:51 AM
Valdor replies to Cori,"I don't think he is trying to endanger his subjects. Whatever is let loose, or being let loose has made enough noise to make his subjects flee. If he was going to kill them, the creatures would've already come out and it would be carnage everywhere. I think it is a warning system. Mordrid may know more."
Nick Sunday January 15th, 2006 7:32:02 PM
"I think," Nick explains to Cori as they hurry along, "it was supposed to be just a deterrent - a big one - don't take me on or I'll let loose my monsters and kill everything, destroy the land, and you'll be left with nothing - that kind of thing. But yes, Mordrid may know more."
DM Jan Sunday January 15th, 2006 8:01:23 PM
The wind is coming from a northly direction and brings a slight chill with it. Not unusual for this time of year. The rain clouds stretch all the way to the northern horizon. Hard to tell with the road. Right now it is quickly developing into a quagmire; there's a few hours boot marks pounded into the softening ground at least. No elves. Not one. No Emerald Kingdom guards. It is early afternoon.
Valdor's words have the effect of galvanising the crowd. "To the fort! We have weapons!" yells one of the beleagered fort soldiers. People detach from the long line of evacuees and form small discussion groups. Who fights. Who runs. There's a ripple effect, so that by the time the Dragons reach the junction and start to head north, the desperate headlong dash to get out of the kingdom has slowed considerably.
up in the air, Ve and Dahlia head north aboard the carpet. As they travel, they see a break in the clouds on the horizon, suggesting an end to the weather. Below them, the long snake of refugees starts to thin out. They reach a rise, and once over the top of it, are able to see Emerald City in the distance. Guards can be seen below, herding folk south, and in middle distance, before the City, slightly off to the left, is a large depression in the ground. It looks massive - easily two hundred feet across.
Way back down the line, Valdor, Mordrid, Cori and Nick head north along a line of frightened people, screaming children, roaming dogs, herds of cattle and sheep, and carts lodged in the mud. Going off current progress, it's going to take the rest of the day to reach Emerald City on foot.
Valdor Monday January 16th, 2006 3:19:47 PM
Valdor tells his companions,"I'll catch up in a minute, keep herding people along the road."
He heads over to a group of soldiers he finds and says,"Listen, we've got to keep the people moving. Recruit any grown men that look between twenty and fifty that can walk and carry a weapon. String soldiers and these men along both sides of the road with a distance not to exceed earshot from each other. Help move the carts and others along. It will speed up this procession greatly, and may save many lives. When the line shrinks, let the family men go first to catch up to their families, and you soldiers form up ranks behind them, in case there are lots of monsters and any get past us. Then move along with the back of the stragglers and help them and cover their backs. I fear Emerald Kingdom may be no more...very soon. Don't let me down. Split up and tell the soldiers this first, then the men that are fleeing. If anyone complains, then tell them this is by my orders and they can bring me their complaint personally. If any of you don't know me, I am Valdor of the Platinum Dragons. Any questions?"
He wipes his face again and pushes back his shoulder length light brown hair which shows his slightly pointed, but not prominetly so, ears. He is garbed for war, with his swords sticking out at several angles and his daggers strapped across his chest and along his thighs.
Corialote and Amarth Tuesday January 17th, 2006 12:16:55 AM
Cori slips over to talk to Valdor. "You are also going to have to have extra men to help with some of these wagons...they are going to get stuck in the mud the more that comes, as the ruts are cut." She glances to the refugees that are trailing along the road and wishes that she had brought some different spells with her. "If I had known about the rain a few different spell selections and I could have been of further assistance...we are going to have to push it to get to the back of this train before dark." She glances around and then shakes her head. "Is is possible that all of use that are remaining can fly?" She is grasping at straws as she has no spells for flight.
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, grease(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(3), displacement(2) 4th: stoneskin(3), greater invisibility(3) 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk, mass bull's strength, maxamized fireball 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person(2), mass invisibility, maxamized shout 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange(2), time stop, summon monster IX * used
Nick Tuesday January 17th, 2006 12:56:21 AM
Nick does his best to stay out of the quagmire as they walk along the refugee line. Armour and mud didn't exactly get along, and his white robes were unlikely to remain white for very long. He does however keep an eye on the crowd, and if the occasional low level spell will heal up any injuries, then he'll use them. His mind is predominantly on what might lie ahead. Monsters? What kind of monsters? How many? And what was this about holes in the ground? Hopefully Dahlia and Ve were keeping out of trouble up ahead.
DM Jan Tuesday January 17th, 2006 2:05:20 AM
A group of astonished soldiers look at one another for a moment as Valdor starts handing out orders, and then set to work, press-ganging any surrounding able-bodied men. Soon the lines are moving again. As for questions - "Is it true, then?" someone yells. "Is Parnoth dead?"
As those on the line wait for news from Ve and Dahlia, the weather takes a slight turn for the better, and heavy rain becomes drizzle. To the north, the sky seems brighter.
((C'mon you 'orrible lot - get posting.))
Ve Mundr Tuesday January 17th, 2006 8:58:26 AM
Ve pushes the carpet further north over the refugees, "Looks like a bit of luck with the weather at least." he says to his travelling companion. "By the gods, What could have done that." Ve stretches his arm and points to the great crater.
"We have found the reason for the exodus. Can you get a message to any of the others?" Ve directs the carpet to head towards the guards hoping to garner some more information.
Lowering to just above the ground near them, "I am Ve Mundr, Hierophant to Domi and this is Dahlia of the Platinum Dragons. What transpired here and at the gates of the Emerald city? Do you know how the great crater came to exist?"
Valdor Tuesday January 17th, 2006 10:41:54 AM
Valdor nods to Cori and says to the soldier,"You should also instruct a group of 5 to ten strong men to roam up and down looking for wagons that are stuck. They should be instructed that some of these wagons may get stuck more than once and to be patient. These are terrified families trying to escape. Choose these men wisely and explain to them that they will be very dirty but that it is a valiant job to help those who can't do it themselves. Also, if fighting breaks out, they are to continue helping move the wagons, not join in the fight, as it will leave those with wagons easy targets. You have my thanks in this."
Valdor bellows out, upon hearing some of the questions,"NOONE KNOWS ABOUT PARNOTH. THAT IS WHY WE CAME...TO FIND OUT. DON'T THINK ABOUT THAT, BUT ON WHERE YOU ARE GOING AND GET THERE QUICKLY!"
With that said, he smiles at Cori and says,"I'll race you to catch up." He doesn't wait, knowing well the speed of the dark elves and takes off at a good run on the outskirts of the crowd, letting people see him and Cori, praying that it will at least give them some hope and lift their spirits knowing that help has arrived.
Mordrid Tuesday January 17th, 2006 11:49:29 AM
By this time Mordrid is a good pace ahead of the main group, yet behind Dahlia and Ve Mundr which have been scouting ahead. Speaking alone, 'we should have bought horses.'
He turns and waves for the others to catch up quickly. "Hurry down the line! Let's shake a leg."
When the others catch up, he points out how odd it is that no elves are making the journey. Almost as if the elves are forcing everyone out.
Dahlia Tuesday January 17th, 2006 5:05:01 PM
Raising her eyebrows at the vision of the crater, the little halfling whistles. "wow I wonder what could ahve casued that?" At Ve Mundr's request Dahlia answers with a quick yes and starts relaying info back to the others, via the ear piece, as she gets it. As they start to swoop down she wonders what Ve is thinking about and then realising that he is going lower to ask questions stops him befroe he scares the poor folk any more.
"Ummm Ve, Don't forget that we are invisible. Unless you want to casue an additional stampede as well as give someone a heart attack you might not want to do this."
Ve Mundr Tuesday January 17th, 2006 5:30:09 PM Bother it all she's right Ve veers the carpet and heads straight for the crater. "As you age the mind is the first thing they say. Then we shall investigate ourselves."
The carpet speeds along [Speed 40] towards the crater at a steady upward angle
Corialote and Amarth Tuesday January 17th, 2006 10:46:39 PM
Cori nods to Valdor and then takes off after him. Her cloak flies out behind her as she races along but she finds the mud a little easier with her lighter steps. She does wonder when she will need to use a spell to clean herself up...but knows that she will need to.
Though she does not work to pass Valdor she does keep up with him so that she can talk a little with him. "Guess it would be a little early to ask about a game plan...other than find out what we are facing."
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, grease(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(3), displacement(2) 4th: stoneskin(3), greater invisibility(3) 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk, mass bull's strength, maxamized fireball 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person(2), mass invisibility, maxamized shout 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange(2), time stop, summon monster IX * used
Nick Wednesday January 18th, 2006 12:30:01 AM
Watching Valdor and Cori take off up the line, Nick does his best to match the pace. There's no way he'll catch up and overtake those two, so he'll bring up the rear, hopefully not too far behind. He frowns as Dahlia's report comes in through the earpiece. So, the locals were not exaggerating.
DM Jan Wednesday January 18th, 2006 12:55:43 AM
"Valdor for the Emerald Kingdom!" someone hails as Valdor, Cori and Nick play catch up with the ranger, Mordrid. In their wake, men are digging carts out of the mud, and instead of a listless, hopeless panic, people are moving with a purpose.
And Mordrid is right. There are no elves in the line. Shafts of afternoon sunlight are now breaking through the clouds further north ahead of the group. It would look quite pretty - with some warmth and sunlight to look forward to, were it not for Dahlia's information crackling through the earpiece.
Valdor, Mordrid, Cori and Nick are two hours on foot behind Ve and Dahlia.
------------
Up near the City, it's stopped raining, and a group of startled guards turn their heads, trying to discover where the voice came from. One of them puts two and two together. As Ve and Dahlia take off toward the hole, he yells, looking in the opposite direction - "Hey! Hey! Did you say Dragons? Are we getting some help?"
As Ve and Dahlia approach the hole, they can see that the walls of the hole appear to slant inward and downward, like a cone, and they can also see the beginnings of a spiral path. Now they can hear the noises - screeches, shrieks, roars - all kinds of horrific monster jibber jabber. And something down there is moving toward the surface.
At this point they can also make out what looks like another hole to the north west in the far distance. There's movement there, too. Something has already reached the top of it. Hard to say what it is, maybe a giant worm of some kind.
Ve Mundr Wednesday January 18th, 2006 12:41:55 PM
A creature, a massive creature looks to be breaking the surface soon. "We might have to get our hands a bit dirty. Something is digging to the surface and the others are too far behind" The cleric points towards the great hole where the shreieks and monstrous noices emenate. The carpet continues to climb and move towards the crater.
"How do you feel about standing on the bridge so that none may pass?" Ve casts Freedom of Movement upon himself. "You might have to put me down and goe back for help."
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Freedom of Movement 220 minutes
Valdor Wednesday January 18th, 2006 11:25:41 PM
Valdor hears the report in his ring and says,"Any objection to teleporting there? I hate to use the ring so much, but if it saves one life, it's sure worth it. Plus, the good Father Nick will have less mud on his robes when we get there than if we run the entire way. We have a very long way to go to get to where Dahlia and Ve are now."
He makes sure not to outdistance Nick, not letting on that he's easing up, and makes sure that Mordrid is nearby as well.
Nick Wednesday January 18th, 2006 11:34:01 PM
"I'm all for it," says Nick, slightly out of breath. Although he's not averse to walking, or running for that matter, he can now safely say that scampering along in full armour, in the mud, wasn't for the faint-hearted.
DM Jan Thursday January 19th, 2006 12:55:28 AM
As the Dragons further south consider how to join their fellows further north, things start to appear from within the nearest hole, more visible as they get closer to the surface.
There is an emerging and continuous rippling motion along the hole's spiral path now, 50ft from the surface and getting closer to it by the second. The monsterous creature's length is, for the moment, impossible to determine, but it appears to be climbing upward on hundreds and hundreds of pairs of legs. It stops, rears it's ugly head and fronded maw in the direction of the flying carpet, lets out a bellow like a fog horn, then continues crawling, crawling ever upward.
It's not alone. Another creature fires upward, out of the hole - BOOM - like a cork out of a bottle. It accelerates up past Ve and Dahlia, high into the sky, until a pair of wings spread out, enabling the creature to soar. Multiple cries come from the three heads attached to the creature - a goats' bleat, a lion's roar, and the cry of a dragon. The heads swivel, looking.... searching...
Corialote and Amarth Thursday January 19th, 2006 1:57:39 AM
Cori nods to Valdor as she slows down some more. "For Father Nick and for us as well." She had been listening to the reports as well coming in and she does not like it one bit. "We are going to need all our strength soon...so I fear." She sets herself for the teleport. "Amarth...we are to teleport...prepare yourself." She feels the raven move closer to her left cheek as she speaks and smiles at her poor friend.
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, grease(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(3), displacement(2) 4th: stoneskin(3), greater invisibility(3) 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk, mass bull's strength, maxamized fireball 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person(2), mass invisibility, maxamized shout 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange(2), time stop, summon monster IX * used
Mordrid Thursday January 19th, 2006 2:22:06 PM
Nodding his head, "Let's teleport then." The ranger removes a wand from his satchel and utters a command word. Waving the black wand over his shoulder, and upon his quiver; arrows begin to glow in a sparkling swirl. [greater magic weapon +5]
Valdor d100=25 d100=97 Thursday January 19th, 2006 2:29:52 PM
Valdor pullsup to a halt and does the ring thing. He remebers the road after seeing it, having been upon it a handful of times over the last few years. He is able to get his bearings down and teleports the remaining of the group to almost exactly to where Ve and Dahlia are located.(25 % for under ground, over ground, etc, 97% for accuracy)
After a second of re-orienting his senses he activates his earpiece and says,"We should be right below you guys now."
He then glances around to get a idea of what they are facing.
Ve Mundr Thursday January 19th, 2006 4:14:29 PM
Ve looks at the creature churning up the sprial path and then up and over his shouder at the chimera. Decisions, decisions. "I think the larger creature is more of a concern. Besides, the chimera is too far out currently."
The group appears not too far below and Ve calls down, "Welcome to the excitement!" The cleric directs the carpet down to the group. "I would say a battle plan is in order. Ranged combat over 60' is not exactly my fortie. I should be able to delay the worm when it gets closer with some 'Wall' spells." Ve looks back to the sky, "By us a bit more time to deal with him."
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Freedom of Movement 220 minutes
Dahlia Thursday January 19th, 2006 4:55:05 PM
Into the ear piece she relays what is going on and happening in the hole and with a quick plea adds.
"Ok Guys, We might can keep them occupied for a moment or two but we need your help NOW!!!!"
Ve, just how would you like me to buy us a little more time?
I can probably hit the crawler pretty heavily with some lightening but anything else and I will have to be up close and personal. And If I when I attack you had best be ready to move this thing or we will likely be dive bombed, invisible or not.
Nick Thursday January 19th, 2006 10:34:08 PM
Nick braces himself for teleport, and adrenalin starts to kick in, making him edgy. His mind flicks through spells. "I'm going to cast some protection as soon as we hit our destination," he says, "so don't run off straight away. It'll only be a few seconds."
Into the ear piece - "Dahlia, if you have the opportunity to get within 20ft of us when we arrive, I have a spell that might help. Although I'm sure Ve Mundr has something similar up his sleeve."
At their destination, once he's taken a deep breath to put back the nausea he always feels on teleporting - he'll cast SHIELD OF LAW. (+4 AC, +4 resistances, SR25 against chaotic spells)
DM Jan Thursday January 19th, 2006 11:37:28 PM
The main contingent of Dragons, and Cori's raven, arrive on the scene, joining Ve and Dahlia. Mordrid's arrows shimmer with magic, and as soon as Ve's carpet closes up on the group, Nick casts Shield of Law.
Another deep, fog-horn roar comes from the hole, and a mighty head appears - the head of a megapede. The beast begins to crawl out of the hole on what appears to be a million legs. High in the sky, what looks horribly like a chimera, is making a bee-line for Emerald City. Seconds later, there's a horrid shriek of a different kind, coming from the direction of the hole, announcing the good possibility that the crawler and the chimera aren't the only ones coming up from under.
The hole is approx 500ft to the west.
About 100 feet to the south east are a cluster of Emerald City guards, maybe 20 of them, standing and staring toward the hole. Right behind them, assorted townsfolk have just started a flat-out run, heading south, screaming all the way.
Valdor Friday January 20th, 2006 11:34:26 AM
Valdor, knowing there are going to be plenty of monsters to fight waits for Nick to cast. He applies his Dust of Disappearance to himself while he waits, then will activate his ring of Fire Resistance.
He says to the group,"Our main goal was to find out what happened to Parnoth. However, with all the women and children, we need to at least slow the tidal wave of monsters until more people get away. That, to me, is much more important than the big green lizard."
Corialote and Amarth [shapechange] Friday January 20th, 2006 3:11:16 PM
Cori looks to the events unfolding before the group and swallows hard. "I maybe able to slow or at least wound a lot of the creatures that are coming out of that hole...but I will most likely need some help." She holds up a wand in her left hand as she starts the words to a spell. Once complete she knows that she can take the form of something that can fly at a nice speed.
Looking to Valdor she arches an eyebrow. "Do you want me to send some stuff into the hole with backup...while others take care of the flying menace?" She is more than ready to take on whatever her part will be but she also is not going to fly in haphazardly either.
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, grease(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(3), displacement(2) 4th: stoneskin(3), greater invisibility(3) 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk, mass bull's strength, maxamized fireball 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person(2), mass invisibility, maxamized shout 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange(2)*, time stop, summon monster IX * used
Ve Mundr d20+14=23 Friday January 20th, 2006 5:01:46 PM
"I and Dahlia could probably catch the chimera on the carpet and take it down rapidly." the invisble cleric continues to keep his eye on the winged creature. [Spot 23] The Shield of Law does little for him and he also offers this last part. "If no one objects I would like to cast a 'Status' spell to help mind our general health." Assuming no one does, Ve casts Status and touches everyone.
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Freedom of Movement 220 minutes Status 22 hours entire party
Dahlia Friday January 20th, 2006 5:19:02 PM
as they group meets up dahlia, still invisible speaks up.
"Does anyone else feel the need for a bit og greater Invisibility? speak now or forever remain visable."
Nick (Sheild of Law, Status, Greater Invisibility) Sunday January 22nd, 2006 7:15:01 PM
Nick thanks Dahlia and Ve for their spells, then turns to their leader.
"Valdor, while I agree with holding these creatures back until the people are out of the way, I reckon we need to get to the root of this matter and try and stop it if we can, and as soon as we can. The evacuees back on the Trade Rd said 'holes', suggesting more than this one."
Despite his words, he's looking toward the hole and the huge beast emerging from it, wondering what he has that will stop it.
DM Jan Sunday January 22nd, 2006 7:20:17 PM
The chimera is now a small dot in the sky, hovering over Emerald City. Not so the megapede, who has now emerged completely out of the hole and is heading straight toward the guards, the fleeing townspeople, with the Dragons in between. The ground begins to hum and vibrate slightly, the result of so many legs on the monster, step, step stepping onward.
250 ft and closing.
Dahlia 10d6(4+4+2+1+4+4+6+5+6+6)=42 Sunday January 22nd, 2006 8:56:43 PM
Using the wand on Nick and whomever elses asked, she stores it and looks down at the megapede pointing at it she mouths a command word and a lightiening bolts darts out and strikes the megapede near the head. points damage, 21 points if reflex save DC27
Valdor(Dust of Disappearance, Ring of Fire Resistance, Shield of Law, Status) Sunday January 22nd, 2006 11:37:04 PM
Valdor watches the oncoming beast and says,"Well, I've never fought a giant bug before. I don't suppose anyone can cast a slow spell or an icewall spell under it's feet, or anything like that. I'll get on its back and try to do damage there, near its head, so try not to fry me with any spells. After this, Nick, I agree we need to go, but we can't leave this creature to slaughter all those people. We need to spread out so we don't all get trampled.
Mordrid, your arrows would go a long way toward slowing it down."
Valdor moves out of its immediate path while activating his cloak of arachnid, but remains close enough to jump on it when it comes by him. He stands perfectly still so it doesn't feel the vibrations from his feet and turn on him first.
Ve Mundr Monday January 23rd, 2006 1:50:59 PM
Ve replies to Valdor, "I can create multiple Prismatic walls to slow the creature and perhaps do it harm. Also you should know the other hole we saw from the air appeared to be older than this one. Likely there are similar large and unpleasant things already pounding about the area near it."
The cleric then tells the carpet to move him closer. The carpet wordlessly obeys and propels Ve and Dahlia 80' closer.
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Freedom of Movement 220 minutes Status 22 hours entire party
Mordrid d20=18 d8+10=17 d6=5 d20=10 d8+10=13 d6=4 d20=14 d8+10=13 d6=3 d20=16 d8+10=15 d6=6 d20=10 d8+10=16 d6=2 d20=20 d20=13 d8+10=18 d6=4 2d10(2+5)=7 Monday January 23rd, 2006 2:33:11 PM
Waiting for an "ok" to attack, Mordrid nods when Valdor gives him the go ahead, "Ok, I'm on it." [range due to 'far shot'= 165'. Range increment 165" - 330" = -2 to hit. +5 arrows with 'flame arrow'].
The ranger levitates five feet in the air using his Armor of the Celestial Battalion, and releases a flight of arrows toward the huge many legged beast.
Corialote and Amarth [shapechange:, haste] Monday January 23rd, 2006 5:03:19 PM
Pulling out a simple rod from her pocket she channels a spell through it as battle plans are formed and most everyone is near her. When that is done she slips the rod back where it belongs. "That should help out a little...just be prepared for a little bit more action when you attack." She then steps five feet to the side to give her a little room for anything that she will need to do next.
Amarth without a word takes to the air and circles some thirty feet above his Mistress's head. They both can feel the presence of the other and know that this may not be an easy fight.
[haste - 48 rounds, +1 to hit, AC and Reflex, effects all within 30 feet of casting]
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, grease(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(3)*, displacement(2) 4th: stoneskin(3), greater invisibility(3) 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk, mass bull's strength, maxamized fireball 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person(2), mass invisibility, maxamized shout 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange(2)*, time stop, summon monster IX * used
Nick (Sheild of Law, Status, Greater Invisibility) d20+13=30 Monday January 23rd, 2006 11:17:29 PM
Nick swallows down a potion of fly,so fast it almost gives him the hiccups. Taking to the air, he looks around for inanimate objects that may have been left behind by the evacuees. Particularly objects that are not in the path of the fleeing townfolk and the guards. ((Spot DC 30))
Valdor(Dust of Disappearance, Ring of Fire Resistance, Shield of Law, Status, Haste) 3d6(2+5+5)=12 2d6(4+3)=7 d20=13 Monday January 23rd, 2006 11:25:52 PM
Valdor thinks for a second about his own words and says,"Oh yeah, I have a staff of Frost I can use."
He reaches into his backpack of holding and pulls forth a beautifully crafted, heavily runed staff with a diamond at the tip of it and concentrates and calls forth an ice storm centered from about twenty feet in front of the party to past back of the millipede.
(no save, spell resistance, if applicable. damage is 19 points, movement is halved)
DM Jan Monday January 23rd, 2006 11:40:20 PM
((Scott - colossal vermin. Starship Troopers.)) ((AC 18 to hit, everyone))
The carpet zooms closer and Dahlia lets fly with her lightning bolt. The energy of it skitters across the beast's hide. Right about the same time, Mordrid's arrows embed themselves firmly, in amongst a large patch of orange bristles that cover the creature's hide. It's like hitting a barn door at 20 paces. The thing is huge.
The lightning and arrows hit hard, causing the front half of the megpede's body to rear up into the air accompanied by the now familiar deep bellow. It's head lunges left and right, while snapping a giant set of claw-like mandibles in quick repetition.
The ground shakes as it returns to the ground, and it's many legs continue to carry it forward toward the crowd running away, straight past the standing still Valdor,and will reach Mordrid, Cori, Nick in the next round.
Nick sees a line of carts, carriages and packaged bundles, left behind in the panic, that stretches all the way back toward the City.
((Steve, we posted at the same time. I'll include your frost thing in the next round.))
Corialote and Amarth [shapechange: harpy, haste] Tuesday January 24th, 2006 2:45:39 PM
Cori watches the approach of the large insect and shifts into the form of a harpy. She takes to the air and flies straight up about fourty feet, hoping to be out of it's range. She pulls a quiver around from under her cloak and slips a bow out of it. "Not usually my area of expertise...but..." She will set an arrow to her string and wait for the hammer to fall.
[haste - 47 rounds, +1 to hit, AC and Reflex, effects all within 30 feet of casting]
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, grease(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(3)*, displacement(2) 4th: stoneskin(3), greater invisibility(3) 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk, mass bull's strength, maxamized fireball 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person(2), mass invisibility, maxamized shout 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange(2)*, time stop, summon monster IX * used
Mordrid d20=7 d8+10=14 d6=5 d20=11 d8+10=15 d6=6 d20=5 d8+10=16 d6=2 d20=9 d8+10=13 d6=1 d20=16 d8+10=18 d6=2 d20=5 d8+10=18 d6=2 Tuesday January 24th, 2006 2:54:10 PM
Mordrid raises another 5 feet into the air, completely visible to the creature; drawing the insectoid in and damaging it in the process. The ranger knows he is in danger, but surely Valdor's well timed back attack should be coming just in the nick of time, as always.
As the creature closes range, Mordrid lets fly another volley.
Ve Mundr Tuesday January 24th, 2006 3:54:22 PM
Ve commands the carpet into a banking turn up and coming over the cretaure about 60' high. "Let us see if we can not slow this monstrosity and maybe prevent Mordrid from becoming a snack at the same time." Ve channels the power of Domi and lays a vertical, opaque wall of shimmering, multicolored lights 88' wide and 44' high directly in front of the megapeded. A side note crosses the clerics mind, Let us also hope we merely do not aggitate the ranger by removing his firing window until the creature skirts or mounts the wall.
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Freedom of Movement 220 minutes Status 22 hours entire party
Dahlia;AC 32: HP 226: Greater Invisiblity, flying carpet, status, Elixer of Fire breath. Tuesday January 24th, 2006 5:41:38 PM
Dahlia watches the effect of her lightening bolt and wonders if another would be helpful, or if something else is called for. For the moment though she quickly quaffs the contents of a small bottle.
Nick (Sheild of Law, Status, Greater Invisibility) Tuesday January 24th, 2006 9:09:17 PM
Nick casts ANIMATE OBJECT on one or two of the carts (depending on how big they are). He picks carts that are away from the path of the evacuees, hoping they might distract the big monster and change it's trajectory.
DM Jan Wednesday January 25th, 2006 12:51:15 AM
The HUGE megapede continues on it's relentless path, and for a moment it seems unstoppable. Attacks appear to be having an effect, but due to the size of the creature, it looks as though it can take a lot of punishment.
Cori takes to the air, not looking one bit like Cori at all, and hovers as those giant pincers come closer, and closer.
Mordrid's bow is already at work, and from this vantage point in front of the creature, his arrows can be seen to light up the monster's face, leaving scorched holes behind.
Valdor's frost wand leaves a trace of crisp white along it's flank.
Then - the prismatic wall leaps up, an impressive shimmering curtain of lethal power. The megapede ploughs straight into it. There is a flash of fire, another of lightning. From Ve and Dahlia's point of view it is quite spectacular. Nick, Mordrid and Cori are on the other side of the wall, and can't see much until it's colour's change abruptly. It becomes pure violet, and for a moment it seems to bend.
Alongside the creature, Valdor's sense of smell is assaulted by a pungent mixture of bitter poison and burnt flesh.
The final, purple wall disappears. What is left is the rear half of the creature. The front half has completely disappeared. The creature's slimy innards fall out onto the ground, and a rather nasty-looking green slush begins to ooze toward Valdor.
About 200 ft away are the City guards, who have stayed behind. They are cheering wildly. Nick's animated carts lurch around in the mud. It's a crazy scene.
Valdor(Dust of Disappearance, Ring of Fire Resistance, Shield of Law, Status, Haste) d20+38=41 d20+37=53 d20+37=40 d20+33=36 d20+32=51 d20+32=52 d20+28=42 d20+28=42 d20+27=44 d20+27=28 d20+23=31 d20+22=27 d8+17=25 d8+17=18 d8+17=20 d8+17=22 d8+17=24 d8+17=21 d8+17=21 d8+17=23 d8+17=22 d8+17=25 d8+17=24 Wednesday January 25th, 2006 10:31:45 AM
With the haste spell in place, Valdor leaps on the huge vermin just behind its head, as it's reaches him(was holding action due to posting simultaneously the other night). With his cloak active, he sticks to its back and decides to do what he does best. His swords go to work as he hammers into the creatures back, easily finding spots to hit effectively.
(If immune to crits, 174 points, if not 275 points, didn't add sneak attacks since he jumped onto it)
Ve Mundr Wednesday January 25th, 2006 11:46:24 AM
With the creature destroyed by his prismatic wall, Ve directs the carpet over the massive hole. He and Dahlia had heard more creatures and it was time to see if there were more indeed nearing the top.
If Ve sees none, he directs the carpet to pursue the Chimera. "Hold on Dahlia"
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Freedom of Movement 220 minutes Status 22 hours entire party
Mordrid Wednesday January 25th, 2006 4:27:49 PM
Mordrid flies up and over the barrier to merge with the rest of the group. When Mordrid sees Valdor on top of the huge creature, the ranger prepares a spell to deal with the poison.
Corialote and Amarth [shapechange: harpy, haste] d20+4=19 d20+14=34 Wednesday January 25th, 2006 7:40:43 PM
Cori, in harpy form, swoops down and sweeps over the now half a centipede. She flies on to see if there is anything else in range that needs to be slowed for the group do get to.
[listen 19 and spot 34*natural 20*]
[haste - 46 rounds, +1 to hit, AC and Reflex, effects all within 30 feet of casting]
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, grease(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(3)*, displacement(2) 4th: stoneskin(3), greater invisibility(3) 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk, mass bull's strength, maxamized fireball 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person(2), mass invisibility, maxamized shout 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange(2)*, time stop, summon monster IX * used
Dahlia;AC 32: HP 226: Greater Invisiblity, flying carpet, status, Elixer of Fire breath Wednesday January 25th, 2006 9:27:49 PM
"Nice Job Ve. If you can mange to come up behind the good beast and get within 25 feet of it I will give our friend a litte toasty wake up."
Nick (Sheild of Law, Status, Greater Invisibility, Haste) Thursday January 26th, 2006 12:56:22 AM
"Well, you don't see things like that every day," says Nick to no one in particular. Then - into the earpiece - "Okay, where is everybody? I'm still in front of what's left of the beast."
He can see Mordrid, and 'maybe' Cori, if that winged, leathery creature flying off toward the hole was Cori. He walks over to where the prismatic wall was.
DM Jan Thursday January 26th, 2006 1:39:17 AM
((OOC - guys, before I continue I'm going to need a couple of things. Steve, would you roll a Will Save for Valdor? Daniel - what would the DC be for escaping that violet colour in the prismatic Wall? Can't find your character sheet.))
(Jan, I won't be home til late Thursday, I'm in the process of moving and have a lot to do. I'll post late tonight, though. I don't know his saves exactly and it's important, I'd guess-SteveH)
daniel K Thursday January 26th, 2006 9:09:56 AM
OOC Prismatic Wall DC 29 regardless of color. Violet is a Will save.
DM Jan Thursday January 26th, 2006 6:00:35 PM
((No worries SteveH, it won't kill The Big V, but he might end up somewhere weird if he fails. Sorry about the inconvenience, players. Shouldn't take long to clear up this little muddle, then we can carry on. ))
Mordrid, Valdor, Nick - hold, please.
Ve, Dahlia, Cori, go ahead and post.
As the carpet, the raven, and the harpy approach the hole, Dahlia, Cori and Ve can see what looks like a dozen giant spiders scurrying out of the hole and off toward Emerald City. Behind them are six giant bundles of dish rags on short stubby legs - or at least thats what they look like.
Sound coming from the hole amounts to what can only be called a cacophony. Shrieks, howls, hisses, and a deep bellowing coming from the far depths.
About a mile away, west of the City, is another hole, also disgorging it's contents.
Corialote and Amarth [shapechange: harpy, haste] Thursday January 26th, 2006 8:12:37 PM
Cori looks to the hole and then quickly calculates the distances. With a grin she goes through a series of quick motions and if she said anything you could not tell. With a rod pointed into the hole she lets loose with a fireball, that should explode about five feet down inside of it. "Burn." She flies back a little and watches to see how many monsters make it out of the hole.
[empowered maxamized fireball - 90 damage, reflex DC 27 for half damage]
[haste - 45 rounds, +1 to hit, AC and Reflex, effects all within 30 feet of casting]
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, grease(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(3)*, displacement(2) 4th: stoneskin(3), greater invisibility(3) 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk, mass bull's strength, maxamized fireball* 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person(2), mass invisibility, maxamized shout 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange(2)*, time stop, summon monster IX
greater empower rod 1/3 uses * used
Dahlia:AC 32: HP 226: Greater Invisiblity, flying carpet, status, Elixer of Fire breath 5d6(5+5+4+2+6)=22 Thursday January 26th, 2006 9:57:41 PM
Targeting the first raggy thing dahli throws a small bead down at it. (bead of force) as it reaches the critter it explodes with a blast that causes 22 points to everything within a 10'radius, and then encases the targeted beast within a tenfoot radius sphere (otilukes resilient sphere) (reflex DC16 to avoid capture only) hopefully the spher will slow or block the egress of further beasties.
Valdor d20+9=29 Thursday January 26th, 2006 11:59:06 PM
Valdor feels the urge suddenly to focus himself against some unseen force and does so for once, with surprising ease. He holds his attacks until things clear up for him, looking down at the mess he created with his last group of attacks.
(I guess it didn't matter, he rolled a natural 20. Imagine for a moment, the amount of goo all over the place created from all those attacks. We've all squished a bug and seen the guts squish out...he just sliced into a huge bug several times...ewwwww!)
Ve Mundr Friday January 27th, 2006 7:23:26 AM
"Thank you Dahlia, it worked better than I had hoped." His face darkens as they arrive over the crater, "Far too many of them, we could spend all day here and there is still the other one." Ve points to the west. Looking at his companions currently over the hole Ve speaks up, "Dahlia and I are pushing on to get that chimera heading to Emerald city, we'll stay in touch."
With that the carpet moves off 200' towards the distant city.
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Freedom of Movement 220 minutes Status 22 hours entire party
DM Jan Friday January 27th, 2006 11:15:56 AM
((Okay folks, you can all post now :) ))
Mordrid arrives to find Valdor atop the rear section of the megapede. Having resisted the Prismatic Wall's power, the kinetic energy of the megapede's collision with the Wall has knocked the Dragon leader right back from his original position, and slid him along the stiff-bristled creature's body.
From Nick's position at the front of the creature, he can see that it's front end, AND the Prismatic Wall, have completely disappeared. The beast's poisoned innards are oozing out all over the ground.
Cracks are appearing in the rear torso and are emitting similar ooze, surrounding Valdor, and his sword is covered with it.
In middle distance, spells can be seen blasting away at the hole - fire, and a loud explosion. Flames from Cori's fireball and Dahlia's blast turn up the shrieking volume. Right now, the raggedy mop creatures are in disarray, but the spiders are off across the fields toward the City.
Movement is erupting everywhere, on the ground, and in the sky. The Emerald Kingdom is becoming a VERY dangerous place.
Nick Friday January 27th, 2006 11:22:58 AM
Shouting upward - "Mordrid - is everything okay up there?"
He does his best to shrug off the invisibility spell while stepping smartly away from the ooze.
Valdor(Dust of Disappearance, Ring of Fire Resistance, Shield of Law, Status, Haste) d20+25=31 Friday January 27th, 2006 3:03:24 PM
(Mordrid can't actually see him because of the dust of disappearance)
[OOC - Scott - sorry, I always forget.]
Valdor, sensing that his work is done, takes a step and jumps out as far as possible to escape the disintegrating bug. He is prepared to activate his ring of levitation if he is going to land in any of the creatures innards. When he lands, he'll clean his sword off thoroughly and survey the area quickly.
Corialote and Amarth [shapechange: harpy, haste] 10d6(4+1+3+5+1+1+5+6+2+6)=34 Friday January 27th, 2006 7:18:47 PM
Cori, in harpy form, scans the area and notices the spiders as they take off along the ground. She tries to do a quick calculation to see if she can reach them with a wand, the one she has just retrieved from the pants the harpy wears.
If she does not feel that she can reach the monsters from her current position than she will fly forward to get into range. With a aim of the wand she says a word under her breathe and sends a flaming sphere at as many as she can get in one blast.
[fireball wand(10th) - 34damage, reflex DC 17 for half damage]
[haste - 44 rounds, +1 to hit, AC and Reflex, effects all within 30 feet of casting]
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, grease(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(3)*, displacement(2) 4th: stoneskin(3), greater invisibility(3) 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk, mass bull's strength, maxamized fireball* 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person(2), mass invisibility, maxamized shout 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange(2)*, time stop, summon monster IX
greater empower rod 1/3 uses * used
Dahlia:AC 32: HP 226: Greater Invisiblity, flying carpet, status, Elixer of Fire breath Saturday January 28th, 2006 12:35:59 PM
Seeing the Spiders heading off toward the city, Dahlia mutters a few choice words from her gypsy upbrining, some of which might make Ve blush, and throws 5 brown stones to the ground. As the elemental stones shatter and the earth elementals appear, Dahlia isues quick instructions to them. Pointing out the spiders heading toward the city Dahlia instructs the five large earth elementals to destroy the spiders and then they may be free to return to the earth. (elementals are in existance for 9 rounds)
"Ok Ve let's go see what we can do about that Chimera."
Valdor Saturday January 28th, 2006 3:29:22 PM
Valdor says into his earpiece,"We are trying to stop a flood with a leaky bucket. I think we've helped as much as possible for now. We need to stop the flow of monsters, then come clean out whatever is left here. If we could fight them all in line, I'd say stay...but there is no way of fighting them all, and more will no daubt be coming. Let's go find out how to stop this madness."
Ve Mundr Monday January 30th, 2006 5:58:34 PM
"Chimera won't take but a moment or two. I plan to get him with Domi's Devastating Grip" Ve pushes the carpet further in pursuit of the magical beast. "ask Valdor to have Father Nick hit the crater with an earthquake. Aught to seal the hole or at least reset the creatures trying to get out nicely.
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Freedom of Movement 220 minutes Status 22 hours entire party
Nick Monday January 30th, 2006 9:22:58 PM
"Valdor's right," says Nick. "We need to regroup, and find out what's happened to Parnoth. I suggest we try the lair. Via carpet or teleport."
His eyes blink for a moment as another firey explosion occurs off in the distance. Was that flying thingy up there Cori? Or one of the monsters? Hard to say.
DM Jan Monday January 30th, 2006 10:34:13 PM
Valdor and Nick avoid the messy aftermath of the slowly disintegrating bug. In the near distance, more bellowing can be heard coming from the nearest hole, and what looks like a harpy can been seen in the sky taking pot shots at a horde of giant spiders.
In the air, it's difficult to pick out the chimera. Other things are aloft now - a flock of bats flit by, and a pair of collossal birds, their plumage glittering in rainbow colours are circling and rising over the Emerald City, taking advantage of the relative hot air directly below. And from the north - some giant trangular shaped creature - it's entire body a wing, floats gracefully over the fields. Nothing appears to have sensed the carpet yet, but the air is getting busy.
On the ground, the spiders are seriously disrupted as the blast injures two of them and the earth elementals rise up to prevent further progress. Elsewhere, things shuffle, scurry and crawl. The entire Kingdom is alive with wonderous horrors.
In the distance to the south, the guards are quickly herding any citizens still remaining to safety.
Mordrid Monday January 30th, 2006 11:54:25 PM
Mordrid nods to Valdor, "I agree. This is madness. Let's move on. To the root..."
The ranger rears around taking in the vantage, "By Domi, where has everyone gone." Mordrid casts a sharp glance at Valdor, letting the warrior know his disapproval of the group not staying in correct formation. Under his breath he spits, "we as a mighty river. Not tributaries split and dry."
Nodding to the ring, "come on lets get going to the city gates."
Ve Mundr d20+14=30 d20+14=28 Tuesday January 31st, 2006 4:01:32 PM
Ve notices the ever growing array of creatures filling the sky. Even though he is invisible and Dahlia is quite small, he does not like the looks of it. To much can go horribly wrong too fast. He leans into Dahlia, "find out where they want to regroup. If I hear the chatter coming through that thingamajig, Sounds like we are leaving the area. I take it the thinking is Parnoth released the hounds to get our attention and thus hopefully spur us to his possible rescue."
Ve is very torn, there was the greater good, but there was also the needing masses fleeing below and likely trapped in the city proper. Domi had called him long ago to be his hand and the noble races shield. Ve holds the carpet on course to Emerald City, but dives so that they are blasting across the treetops instead of higher in the open air. In a crouch near the very front, the invisible Heirophant opens his sences to all about him. Spot 30 Listen 28
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Freedom of Movement 220 minutes Status 22 hours entire party
Corialote and Amarth [shapechange: , haste] Tuesday January 31st, 2006 4:49:16 PM
Cori, in harpy form, wheels around as she hears the recall. She makes a straight line for the main part of the group though she does skim the ground the last fourty feet. With a slight stumble she allows her shape to return to normal as he feet touch down. "Heard you wanted to check on the big man and see what is going on." With a wave of her hand at the grand mess she shakes her head. "And how to stop this."
Amarth comes soaring back in to land lightly on his Mistress's shoulder as he preens his wings. "You do that again and I will peck the top of your head...maybe pull out all those hairs on top." He seems rather upset about the fact that she ran off on him. For good measure he does tap the side of her head four times with his beak. "You are old enough and smart enough to form better tactics Mistress."
[haste - 43 rounds, +1 to hit, AC and Reflex, effects all within 30 feet of casting]
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, grease(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(3)*, displacement(2) 4th: stoneskin(3), greater invisibility(3) 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk, mass bull's strength, maxamized fireball* 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person(2), mass invisibility, maxamized shout 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange(2)*, time stop, summon monster IX
greater empower rod 1/3 uses * used
Dahlia:AC 32: HP 226: Greater Invisiblity, flying carpet, status, Elixer of Fire breath Tuesday January 31st, 2006 5:44:18 PM
"Hey Guys where do you want to regroup at? I will need some sort of idea so I can tell Ve where to go and when."
Valdor Tuesday January 31st, 2006 7:51:42 PM
Valdor replies into the earpiece,"We need to teleport outside Parnoth's palace. Regroup next to the huge bug we just killed...nice spell Ve. I'm impressed. Anyway, I'm still invisible, but I'll find the group. Let's go quick. And if any of you spellcasters can cloe any of those holes, please do so."
Mordrid Tuesday January 31st, 2006 11:00:31 PM
Mordrid arcs his back and sends a flaming arrow screaming straight in the sky, "rally point here at flare."
Nick Wednesday February 1st, 2006 1:21:38 AM
Nick, visible and already at the rally point, stares upward as Mordrid fires the arrow.
"What do we do if Parnoth's dead? And there's no way of stopping these things," he asks.
DM Jan Wednesday February 1st, 2006 1:32:10 AM
As Ve's carpet approaches the southern edge of Emerald City, both he and Dahlia can see that it looks fairly deserted. None of the monsters appear to have reached the city streets yet, although some of those on the wing are flying above it. Ve also sees another hole to the east of the city. To the south close to the dead half-pede - Mordrid's flaming arrow flies vertically up into the sky.
As for the big, scaly, green ruler of this little empire, where is he? Somewhere in the City, or out of town to the north west - in his lair?
Valdor Wednesday February 1st, 2006 11:02:52 AM
Valdor, invisible still, puts his hand on Mordrid's shoulder and says,"Here's the ring, pass it and we'll teleport to just outside his lair. There are still probably magical protections to prevent teleporting directly into it."
He makes sure Cori, Nick, and Mordrid all have the ring, then focuses on the lair that he is all-too-familiar with. Just before they teleport, he says into his ring,"Dahila, you and Ve meet us outside Parnoth's lair. We're going there now. We need to stick together with all this madness. Don't want you two accidentally tackling a red dragon by yourselves...I'd miss out on the fun."
Ve Mundr Wednesday February 1st, 2006 12:49:16 PM
Ve nods as Dahlia relays what Valdor wants and has a little chuckle at the dragon comment. Loud enough to be heard, "Then hope there is more than one friend. And thanks, though to be truthful that was not the result I expected." Ve banks the carpet per Dahlia's instruction on where the entrance to the lair is.
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Freedom of Movement 220 minutes Status 22 hours entire party
Corialote and Amarth [shapechange: , haste] Wednesday February 1st, 2006 5:56:58 PM
Cori does little more than touch the ring as it comes by her. She has slipped the bow back into it's case and is now just holding a single wand in her hand. "Check on Parnoth and then play damage control...unless we can stop this at the source." She has to agree that it is a great idea if they are quick about it.
She looks to the voice of Valdor as she cannot see him and mentally runs through her spells. "I do have a shout spell but not sure if it would collapse the hole in on itself or not...that and there are several of them to consider."
[haste - 42 rounds, +1 to hit, AC and Reflex, effects all within 30 feet of casting]
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, grease(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(3)*, displacement(2) 4th: stoneskin(3), greater invisibility(3) 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk, mass bull's strength, maxamized fireball* 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person(2), mass invisibility, maxamized shout 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange(2)*, time stop, summon monster IX
greater empower rod 1/3 uses * used
Mordrid (Cats Grace) Wednesday February 1st, 2006 8:10:09 PM
Mordrid nods in affirmation with Valdor, and the ranger accepts the ring before passing it on. Then he takes a moment to cast Cats Grace on himself.
Dahlia:AC 32: HP 226: Greater Invisiblity, flying carpet, status, Elixer of Fire breath Wednesday February 1st, 2006 10:29:39 PM
Dahlia passes on the messages to Ve and then gives him directions to Parnoth's Palace.
Nick Thursday February 2nd, 2006 12:43:11 AM
Nick touches the ring also and prepares his stomach for another knotty ride, courtesy of the teleport spell - not his favoured way of travel, bur nevertheless a necessity.
DM Jan Thursday February 2nd, 2006 12:59:44 AM
Parnoth's Lair - a short distance away from the City itself, it's entrance dug into the hillside, affords a good view of the Kingdom south of the great forest of Culverwood.
A shock awaits Valdor, Mordrid, Cori and Nick as they flash into existence at the entrance of the lair. There appears to be a large, crude wheel propped up just to one side of the entrance, and someone is attached to it - upside down and crucified, covered in blood, their flesh in ribbons. Those who have had dealings with Mop, Parnoth's right hand man, before, will remember a facetious, overblown little man, brimming with self importance. But not now. The man looks barely alive and looks to have been tortured pretty badly.
The group are joined shortly afterwards by Ve and Dahlia, who have been able to count five great holes so far, on their way here.
The yawning cavern that leads down to Parnoth, his resting place, and his treasure horde, looks dark and silent.
Valdor Thursday February 2nd, 2006 1:50:01 AM
Valdor quickly regains his senses and, upon seeing Mop, says,"Nick, cast a healing spell on him, and quick. No matter how much I didn't care for him, noone deserves such a fate."
He then says,"Mordird, check for tracks and see if you can recognize any in particular...or whether it was man or ogre or whatever. Cori and I will stay back while you two work."
Ve Mundr Thursday February 2nd, 2006 1:15:41 PM
The carpet stops at the great lair entrance and Ve's brow furrows slightly at what greets them. Valdor is already in action, so the cleric does just what is needed at the time. He stays out of the way. He does tell Valdor of the 5 holes, he and Dahlia saw. The Emerald Kingdom is going to be quite dangerous for some time. Looking like they will be headed indoors, Ve rolls the carpet and stows it in his HHHaversack.
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Freedom of Movement 220 minutes Status 22 hours entire party
Nick d20+19=29 Thursday February 2nd, 2006 5:10:59 PM
(HEAL CHECK 29)
Nick is already moving forward as Valdor gives the word. "By Alemi, this not good," he says quietly. "I might need some help getting him off this wheel contraption." With a practiced eye, he does his best to ascertain the extent of Mop's injuries and whether there are any knives, swords, arrows, nails etc pinning the man to the wheel. They'll have to come out first. Carefully.
Then he casts HEAL on Mop.
"Whoever did this took pleasure in it," he growls angrily. "None of this was necessary."
Dahlia d20+26=45 d20+40=58 Thursday February 2nd, 2006 6:18:44 PM
Seeing father Nick heading over to Mop, still invisible she calls out, "Father heal for a bit of a distance until I give you clearance to approach. I would hate for us to lose you to some nasty suprise someone left. Trap search DC 45, Diable device DC 58
Corialote and Amarth [shapechange: , haste] Thursday February 2nd, 2006 8:21:58 PM
Cori watches as the others move foward to check out the area and tend to the Mop in a wheel. She reaches over and taps a tattoo on her lower right arm and then scans the area. "Lets see if anything magic presents itself." She walks back and forth scanning the entire entrance and surrounding are for signs of magic that may mean a trap of that nature.
[detect magic tattoo - 10 rounds]
[haste - 41 rounds, +1 to hit, AC and Reflex, effects all within 30 feet of casting]
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, grease(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(3)*, displacement(2) 4th: stoneskin(3), greater invisibility(3) 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk, mass bull's strength, maxamized fireball* 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person(2), mass invisibility, maxamized shout 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange(2)*, time stop, summon monster IX
greater empower rod 1/3 uses * used
Mordrid Thursday February 2nd, 2006 10:26:57 PM
Mordrid looks down at the hodge podge of muddy imprints on the ground, oddly not bothering to kneel down and examin closely as he normally would. Instead he takes a few steps forward, and leans close to the mangled lips of Mop, "who did this to you?"
DM Jan Friday February 3rd, 2006 12:37:32 AM
Dahlia finds no traps in, on, or around the wheel, so it seems safe enough to tend to the unfortunate Mop. As soon as the HEAL spell kicks in - "It wasn't us! We were tricked! The liches! They said you were coming to kill us!" Faced with the prospect of Mordrid to deal with, Mop is in hysterics. He starts thrashing around in a pathetic attempt to flee, his clothing in rags.
Cori's DETECT MAGIC drifts across the entrance to the Lair and illuminates the drifting tendrils of spent spells. Spells that have been tripped, unraveled, overcome, made void. There was magic here, but not now, and not in existence for quite a while.
Not like Parnoth to leave his gate wide open... especially when the Platinum Dragons have come to call without an invitation.
[S- BRILLIANT POST JAN] (J - thank you :) )
Valdor Friday February 3rd, 2006 1:26:11 AM
Valdor asks Nick and Ve,"Can you cast a detect lie spell? I would like to see if the spinelss wretch is telling the truth."
He walks up to Mop and says,"Hold still and quit squirming you knucklehead. It's just going to make it worse. Would our clerics have healed you if we were going to kill you? Now, let's do this the easy way...where is Parnoth right now?"
Corialote and Amarth [shapechange: , haste] d20+3=19 Friday February 3rd, 2006 2:52:35 PM
Cori looks over her discovery with some mild interest as she moves forward to speak to Valdor. "From what I can see...all of the protections spells to ward the cave have been removed, dispelled or destroyed altogether." She looks to Valdor and shakes her head. "It is possible that Parnoth was taken by force." She moves her hand to indicate the opening of the cave and shakes her head again.
Looking to Mop she gives him one of those rare smiles and takes a step forward to kneels by him. "Please hold still so the good cleric can help you..." Her eyes flash as she gives him a wicked grin. "Or I will be forced to use a spell to hold you still...the choice is yours." She does hope that the little man will hold still for the help that is being given.
[diplomacy 19]
[detect magic tattoo - 9 rounds]
[haste - 40 rounds, +1 to hit, AC and Reflex, effects all within 30 feet of casting]
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, grease(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(3)*, displacement(2) 4th: stoneskin(3), greater invisibility(3) 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk, mass bull's strength, maxamized fireball* 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person(2), mass invisibility, maxamized shout 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange(2)*, time stop, summon monster IX
greater empower rod 1/3 uses * used
Ve Mundr d20+16=35 Friday February 3rd, 2006 5:11:11 PM
Ve shakes his head a bit in answer to Valdor, "I have no such spell, but Domi has blessed me to cleave truth from fabrication without them." This last bit is a bit of a stretch, but not entirely inaccurate.
Ve will be mindful of not only all the man says, but of what he does not. [sense motive 35]
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Freedom of Movement 220 minutes Status 22 hours entire party
Mordrid Saturday February 4th, 2006 1:37:05 AM
Mordrid leans over Valdor's shoulder and adds softly, "We mean no harm to your master." The ranger looks at the unfortunate Mop with a brown eye turned golden (trick of the light?). With this look he conveys deepest sincerity.
Putting his hand to his chest..
"If a hero can stand firm in the breath of a dragon, and have powers that grow so to have servants knocking at their keeps... can they not then simply convey the truth to another being, and they not see the sincerity in my eye?"
"I beseech you Mop, be straight with us, and all will be made right."
Nick Sunday February 5th, 2006 11:28:26 PM
"Valdor, I don't have that gift, I'm sorry to say," says Nick, glowering at Mop, "but I'm sure he's clever enough to realize that telling a lie could very well prolong this whole nasty business. And I don't think he'll want that."
He nods at Ve, knowing his comrade will sense any skullduggery better than he.
DM Jan Sunday February 5th, 2006 11:46:20 PM
Surrounded by Platinum Dragons big and small, Mop - not exactly the bravest in the land, starts to sing like a bird, his heart certainly beating as fast as any avian.
"Parnoth - I don't know where Parnoth is. They were... doing something to him, down in the lair - and I ran! I ran, but they caught me. They said they were going to skin me alive. They'd already started! But then one of them - the one who isn't a lich, asked them to leave me behind - as a living warning. "They might as well have killed me! If Parnoth knows I just ran... They had men with them - evil men! I saw them hauling out treasure. That one - the one who isn't a lich, he was telling them what to do. Then they all disappeared! Liches! Men! Treasure! Is Parnoth dead? Please tell me he isn't dead. I don't want him to be dead..."
The wretched Mop begins to cry. To Ve, this outburst seemed honest enough, and a little touching at the end - a servant genuinely worried about his master.
Valdor Monday February 6th, 2006 3:05:00 AM
Valdor says,"Let's get him cleaned up. We sure can't leave him like this. And will someone explain to me why it is, that when we kill or defeat a dragon and start to make off with its hoarde, the ground always begins to shake. But when Korrig does it, he makes off with a hundred lifetimes worth of gold and magic. It also seems that Korrig wanted us to know what was going on. Weird.
Mop, describe the man who wasn't a lich to us please. And did you overhear any other names? I know you were being tortured, but think. Oh yeah, and how do we stop all of Parnoth's monsters from destroying the Emerald Kingdom?"
Ve Mundr Monday February 6th, 2006 10:05:25 AM
Mop starts talking and Ve quickly sees there will be no attempt at deception from the man and he relays as much to Valdor. Such wrongly placed devotion Mop, such a waste.
"The Black dragon has been recruiting it would seem. If we had numbers and a time frame Valdor, it would be most helpful."
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Freedom of Movement 120 minutes Status 22 hours entire party
Corialote and Amarth [shapechange: , haste] Monday February 6th, 2006 7:18:37 PM
Cori listens to Mop and then shakes her head. His loyalty is admirable and his sense of duty goes the way it should in a retainer. Parnoth may not be the nicest of dragons but at least he has someone that cares for him...as well as fears him.
Looking to Valdor she shrugs her shoulders. "Seems that we may have to enter that lair." She looks back to the cave entrance and smiles lightly. It has been awhile since she has been underground and it might be nice to be back at least for a little while. "Though that depends on what we find out from our friend here...but should we not check on Parnoth anyways?" Part of it is curiousity and the other part is...well the need for knowledge.
[detect magic tattoo - 8 rounds]
[haste - 39 rounds, +1 to hit, AC and Reflex, effects all within 30 feet of casting]
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, grease(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(3)*, displacement(2) 4th: stoneskin(3), greater invisibility(3) 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk, mass bull's strength, maxamized fireball* 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person(2), mass invisibility, maxamized shout 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange(2)*, time stop, summon monster IX
greater empower rod 1/3 uses * used
Nick Monday February 6th, 2006 8:49:57 PM
Nick listens carefully to what Mop has to say. Doing something to Parnoth? What was that? Some kind of spell, perhaps, but what? Enough to render a big dragon helpless, if not kill him outright. That suggested impressive spellpower on the part of the lichs. Quietly, he's praying to Alemi that they've arrived in time to save - if not Parnoth - then at least his kingdom and the people in it.
Mordrid (Cats Grace) Monday February 6th, 2006 9:13:30 PM
"I agree Cori, we should at least go check for ourselves what happened in there."
DM Jan Tuesday February 7th, 2006 1:13:52 AM
Talking appears to have brought Mop's heart rate down a touch, and slowly he shifts from hysterical to merely dejected.
"The man? Hmph.... I don't know - he looked a bit old, tall, drab clothing. I didn't hear any names. I was too busy screaming. No wait... one of the thugs, carrying the treasure, he dropped something and one of the others yelled "Larsen, you %$#@$. Those men - they had a rough look. I don't know where they came from, but it wasn't from around here. "But the monsters? What monsters? Oh, Gargul's all-seeing eye! The monsters?? Only Parnoth can stop the monsters!" The little man starts to get all agitated and jumpy once more, especially when a distant but spectacular roar sounds out, from somewhere down the hillside.
The Lair entrance looks dark and empty. At either side of it, are small, formal arrangements of shrubs and flowers - a reflection perhaps of how Parnoth likes the lower edges of Culverwood to look. One of these little gardens looks to have been trampled on fairly recently, by clumsy feet, obviously in a hurry. From the depths of the lair, there are no sounds.
Valdor d20=15 Tuesday February 7th, 2006 10:27:34 AM
Valdor hears the roar and listens intently, trying to decipher the cause. He's heard enough dragons to hopefully tell if that as the cause of the sound. If not, maybe Mordrid knows.
He tells Mop,"Panic will not free your master. Mop, lead us quickly to the place where they had Parnoth. If you want to see him again, you must do this. You have known us for a long time. We want to find Parnoth as much as you do...and not to kill him. So, lead us now and make haste."
Valdor will take the back of the group as they go into Parnoth's lair.
Ve Mundr d20+14=31 Tuesday February 7th, 2006 3:50:36 PM
Seeing Valdor dropping to guard the rear, "I will take point. I can see in the dark quite well" Ve moves to stand in the front rank pulling a rod from his pack. The heavy mace remains at his side. [spot 31]
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Freedom of Movement 110 minutes Status 22 hours entire party Carrying Rod Metamagic Quicken
Dahlia Tuesday February 7th, 2006 4:57:57 PM
Looking up at Ve, Dahlia smiles, bats her eyelashes and drops a curtesy.
"Ahmmm so flattered that you want to protect lil ol me, and I am sho that you would do a mighty fine job of it too, but I do declare I believe you might be a bit to large of a target, should someone take a dislike to you. I on the otherhand, am a petite and diminuative young lady, who obviously poses no threat to anyone when I am seen, and I do not aim to be seen unless I want to be. Besides on the practical side of things I can relay the information back to you all more quickly and silently that you can. So, if it is all the same to you I will go ahead and scout things out for you."
Corialote and Amarth [shapechange: will-o-wisp, haste] Tuesday February 7th, 2006 6:24:29 PM
Cori covers her mouth as Dahlia falls into her act with Ve. Her eyes flash as she tries hard not to laugh out loud at the poor man. "I can take a point as well as I have access to a few spells that will allow me to go unnoticed." With just a though she is soon in the form of a will-o-wisp and then disappears. She flits behind Dahlia as she makes use of her detect magic spell to seek out hidden magical traps or other things of interest.
Amarth shakes his head as he flies back to land upon Valdor's shoulder. "Show-off." He preens his feathers as he looks to the man, who's shoulder he is currently on.
[detect magic tattoo - 7 rounds]
[haste - 38 rounds, +1 to hit, AC and Reflex, effects all within 30 feet of casting]
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, grease(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(3)*, displacement(2) 4th: stoneskin(3), greater invisibility(3) 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk, mass bull's strength, maxamized fireball* 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person(2), mass invisibility, maxamized shout 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange(2)*, time stop, summon monster IX
greater empower rod 1/3 uses * used
Nick Tuesday February 7th, 2006 8:15:01 PM
Nick's eyes follow the conversation between Ve, Dahlia and Cori. "Well I for one, do NOT mind staying in the middle," he says with the beginnings of a smile. "You're all quite mad, of course. All right, let's go and see what's happened to Parnoth."
Valdor Tuesday February 7th, 2006 11:25:35 PM
Valdor chuckles out loud at Dahlia and Amarth and says,"Ve, don't even try to argue with the ladies. I'd rather face a dozen fire giants by myself than to argue about anything with those two! And Nick, I'm glad you finally have come to grips with our true colors! But, the middle is where you should be. I'll watch out for you my friend."
DM Jan Wednesday February 8th, 2006 12:53:31 AM
Mop decides to walk next to Father Nicholas as the group enter the lair, all the while hugging his tattered cloak around himself.
A wide pathway leads straight into the lair, it's walls gradually turning into some kind of phosphorescent rock that glows gently, casting dim light on the way ahead.
Those at the front discover two dead human males, propped up against the wall, part way down the passageway, their heads lolling at an awkward angle, some of their flesh seared.
And beyond - the passage opens out into a huge, dark cave.
Mordrid (Cats Grace) d20=18 Wednesday February 8th, 2006 1:11:12 PM
Mordrid leans over to examine the two human corpses. "Mop, were these two servants of Parnoth? Did you know them?"
The ranger takes note of their clothing, then checks pockets to see if there are any orders or documentation on them.
(Knowledge Nature check 26 + 18 = 44 to descern the source of the distant roar they heard outside)
Corialote and Amarth [shapechange: will-o-wisp, haste] d20+4=13 d20+14=23 Wednesday February 8th, 2006 5:36:33 PM
Cori flits around the tunnel as they move along, her detect magic turning this way and that. She stops at the opening to the large cavern that should be the dragons lair. She lets her darkvision slide over the cave looking for anything out of place or dangers of mundane or magical type.
Amarth stays on Valdor's shoulder and keeps a sense upon his Mistress to see if she is ok. He does not really like this cave as he cannot see that well here, but at least he thinks he is safe...right now at least.
[listen 13 and spot 23]
[detect magic tattoo - 6 rounds]
[haste - 37 rounds, +1 to hit, AC and Reflex, effects all within 30 feet of casting]
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, grease(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(3)*, displacement(2) 4th: stoneskin(3), greater invisibility(3) 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk, mass bull's strength, maxamized fireball* 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person(2), mass invisibility, maxamized shout 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange(2)*, time stop, summon monster IX
greater empower rod 1/3 uses * used
Ve Mundr (Darkvision, Freedom of Movement, Satus to Party) d20+14=34 Wednesday February 8th, 2006 7:26:45 PM
Ve looks to Dahlia "Being the target was the plan m'lady, but you are corect on relaying information." the solid plate clad cleric answers in complete sincerity. With Cori also floating by, Ve glances over his shoulder and nods at Valdor with a small easy smile, "I had no intention, it does me good to hear you confirm what I thought a losing battle." Ve moves down, presumably with Mordrid next to him when they come upon the bodies. While Mordrid stops, ve takes but a few more steps and maintains a vigilance down into the dark. Spot 34
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Freedom of Movement 110 minutes Status 22 hours entire party Carrying Rod Metamagic Quicken
Valdor Wednesday February 8th, 2006 8:20:44 PM
Valdor waits while Mordrid looks then questions Mop. He looks around as they go, for any signs of dropped items...gold, jewels, etc., wondering just how completely they ransacked Parnoth's lair. If his treasure is all gone, muses, Parnoth would probably rather be dead than alive anyway.
He then absently says aloud,"Remember the last time we faced Flame? Mordrid and Nick were there...well, Nick was for a short time. I don't relish a green dragon being turned undead like Flame was."
Dahlia d20+25=44 d20+30=47 d20+30=39 d20+30=43 Wednesday February 8th, 2006 10:38:34 PM
working the shadows to he best abilities DC 44, dahlia scouts ahead of the others relaying info via earpiece as needed, She is on the lookout for any telltales that might have been left behind and any traps that have been set or not sprung. Trap search DCs 47 39 43
DM Jan Wednesday February 8th, 2006 10:57:08 PM
((OOC - eeek, sorry guys - migraine from hell. I'll pick this up first thing tomorrow, I promise. Gotta get to bed.))
Nick Thursday February 9th, 2006 2:11:25 PM
Staying roughly in the middle of the party, Nick keeps a good eye on Mop, ready to grab the fellow if he makes a run for it.
He's also ready with a torch if needs be, but he doesn't light it. If they can get by with the glow, then he doesn't want to interfere with the darkvision of the forward scouts.
DM Jan Thursday February 9th, 2006 2:44:46 PM
Realizing that the distant roar outside might well have been another of those giant millipedes, Mordrid takes some time to examine the corpses. There are slash marks along the neck, and bare flesh on the head and hands of the men is scorched. Blood is all over their clothing.
One of the men's pockets contains a bloodstained piece of paper. The paper is ragged edged and looks like it has been folded and re-folded into quarters many times. On one side, is the design of a small flyer - an advertisement - a drawing of a woman and a snake, and
One night only! See Moira the Snakecharmer! Only 5 Silver pieces
Tanner's Delight Lizard's Way Osto
On the other side is a series of connected lines that lead from a hastily drawn square at the bottom left hand corner, to a now bloodstained circle at top right. These men look toughened, even in death, like they haven't had an easy life.
"Of course I don't know them," hisses Mop, some of his bravado coming back. He hurls a blob of spittle that lands somewhere on the ground between Mordrid and Ve - who stands guard a few steps ahead.
Valdor is easily able to spot the occasional coin left behind on the ground. About 50 GP's worth so far.
Further ahead, Ve can see Dahlia examining part of the wall. The halfling lass has discovered two sets of shattered blades - both appeared to have been snapped off and broken from their mountings on either side of the wall. The walls on both sides here are scorched, and there are traces of blood on the ground. The trap here has been well and truly sprung, and then demobilized.
Even further ahead, Cori, in will o wisp form, hovers at the entrance to the cavern. In the gloom, she can see the following - A large, non-moving shape in the centre, maybe some kind of statue, but without going closer, she can't really make out what it is a statue of. It looks odd - unnatural. Behind it, at the far end of the chamber, something glitters, like gems, or polished metal. Her detect magic tattoo tickles with energy, highlighting four small areas on the ground surrounding the statue (or whatever it is).
Corialote and Amarth [shapechange: , haste] d20+4=23 d20+14=25 Thursday February 9th, 2006 7:34:39 PM
Forgetting the danger for the moment she lands lightly on the ground as she reverts to her normal form. She whispers back to the rest of the group through her earpiece. "Guys...I have a strange statue here...plus something shiny or glittery some distance behind that." She glances back and shakes her head as she peers around the statue thing to make sure. "What worries me the most is that there is magic around the statue thing in small areas." She does not go any further into the room till she gets some back-up though. She does continue to listen and use her vision to scan the room further to see if there is anything that she missed.
Amarth looks to Valdor and cocks his head to the side. "What is going on...I can sense my Mistresses confusion?" He flexes his wings as if he wants to take off down the tunnel but settles back to bide his time.
[listen 23 and spot 25]
[detect magic tattoo - 5 rounds]
[haste - 36 rounds, +1 to hit, AC and Reflex, effects all within 30 feet of casting]
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, grease(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(3)*, displacement(2) 4th: stoneskin(3), greater invisibility(3) 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk, mass bull's strength, maxamized fireball* 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person(2), mass invisibility, maxamized shout 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange(2)*, time stop, summon monster IX
greater empower rod 1/3 uses * used
Valdor Thursday February 9th, 2006 11:32:03 PM
Valdor, not bothered at all by Amarth being perched on his shoulder asks,"Can anyone light up the cavern with a spell? I'd like to see this statue. I have a torch with comtinual light on it, but that won't light up much of the cavern."
Valdor's not picking up the coins, he's just noticing how sloppy the thieves were. He then looks up at the ceiling and the walls to make sure there is noone who has stayed behind to spy on them.
He remembers to ask Mordrid,"Can you tell how long ago they were killed?"
Dahlia Friday February 10th, 2006 7:08:20 AM
Listening in Dahlia chimes in about the sprung and destoyed trap and then after hearing about the need for light quickly answers.
"On it chief got just the thing, dont anybody waste their magic, it might set something off."
As dahlia gets closer to the statue, she removes several rods from her pack and activating them places them in the most advantageous places for lighting up the area.
(sun rods, have 10 - let me know how many I need ot use.)
Ve Mundr (Darkvision, Freedom of Movement, Satus to Party) d20+14=17 d20+14=20 Friday February 10th, 2006 3:00:46 PM
Ve stays right where he is, old magic, the amount of destroyed traps and destruction and the fact that they are in the heart of Parnoth's lair has him on high caution to say the least. Best to just follow thier lead here
"Possibly his last hoorah." Ve comments about the paper. "Or a lure to bring in possible recruits."
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Freedom of Movement 105 minutes Status 21 hours entire party Carrying Rod Metamagic Quicken
Mordrid d20=11 Friday February 10th, 2006 3:43:38 PM
Mordrid pulls his eyes away from the flyer and up to Ve, "I'm afraid it's more than that. It's one of several clues that have pointed to Osto, and there's a crude map on the back."
"Valdor, you'd better come check this out" The ranger carefully hands the fragile paper behind him to Ve.
By the time Valdor returns to the scene, Mordrid has begun undertaking the gruesome task of further examination; lifting of the eyelids to examine the color and moisture of the eyes, hand on the forehead to check body temperature, fingering the neck wound to measure the bloods thickness, lifting the arm for rigormortis, checking the underpants for the presence of leakage and inversly its evaporation.
The ranger reaches back to his hip for his bowie knife, pausing, "I can tell you what he ate for lunch if you'd like?" Looking up seriously; however those that know him can tell this is his bad attempt at humor.
[Knowledge Nature 26 + 11 = 37]
Mordrid will make an educated assessment and share it with the group.
Mordrid picks up an errant gold piece off the floor and places it in the dead man's hand; pushing the clutched hand to the corpses cold chest, "Well this is what you died for. There it is... in your hand for all eternity. Enjoy."
The ranger stands up, ready to explore further with the rest of the group.
Nick Friday February 10th, 2006 7:46:25 PM
Nick gives Mop a hard tap on the shoulder. "Spitting can spread disease. It's a nasty habit that you'd be better off losing."
He raises an eyebrow as Mordrid mentions Osto, and looking down at the two dead toughs, AND knowing that's where Mordrid was from, he wonders exactly what kind of place Osto is.
DM Jan Friday February 10th, 2006 8:31:07 PM
Valdor doesn't see anyone other than his fellow Dragons and the two dead men in the tunnel.
The cavern beyond appears to be empty of persons also. No movement. No detectible sounds.
As Dahlia ignites the sunrods, the glitter toward the rear of the cavern begins to reflect the light, so she only needs four of the rods. The extra light reveals the following -
In the background, an impressive pile of coins, gems, gold statuettes, gold plates, gold boxes inlaid with jewels, long strings of enormous pearls; paintings, furniture, crowns, coronets, necklaces; there are piles and piles of diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, rubies - the horde is impressive to say the least. However - by taking into account a rough v-shaped wedge of space in the centre of the horde, it looks as though someone has made off with about a third of it.
In the centre of the cavern - what looks to be a stone statue of a hybrid creature - half man, half dragon. The subject is in a pose that would suggest it was caught in mid transition - it's chest expanded, one arm raised aloft, a distorted face - vaguely human, but with the lower jaw beginning to push outward. A scaly, powerful tail has already reached the floor.
Around the statue, about ten feet away from it, equally spaced, are four curliqued designs on the floor. If Dahlia gets close to one of them, she might feel the heat radiating from it, heat borne of magical power.
Mordrid's further examination will confirm that the bodies are cool, and rigor mortis has set in - in fact, as he pokes and prods, one of the cadavers arms jerks involuntarily to life in a cadaveric spasm, rising to protect it's face. There are dull blue and dark red patches visible under the epidermis. No sign of putrification as yet, but both bodies smell quite badly as bowel muscles have obviously been relaxed. Some concentrated areas of blood and urine spillage are still damp. A rough guess? These boys died maybe about 10 - 14 hours ago. Half a peninsula away, in a Dirt City halfling newspaper, it was once claimed by a group of halfling inventors that a more accurate estimate of time of death could be made by placing a thin glass tube containing quicksilver, into the rectum of the cadaver. This of course was laughed off by the City populace, much like their earlier invention 'the bicycle'.
Dahlia Friday February 10th, 2006 9:16:43 PM
Relays the information of what she is finding Dahlia makes sure to go nowhere near the floor designs and also makes sure to not break any plane areas between the designs as she fears they may be wards of some kind.
Valdor Saturday February 11th, 2006 12:03:36 AM
Valdor laughs at Mordrid's comments and replies,"I'm quite sure that you could old friend, but I'm not THAT interested. Just wanted to know how long ago all this happened."
He examines the paper in Ve's hands, but doesn't touch it. He notes mentally all the signs and symbols.
As the lights come up, he grimaces and says,"I was afraid they got a lot of it. No telling what magic items they found. Oh well, at least they didn't get it all. Of course, when we leave, it'll be fair game for anyone strong enough or stealthy enough to get through all the creatures. We'd best look for anything that might help us save our loved ones, and maybe cause a cave in over the rest until we either save Parnoth, or find he's dead and come back and use it to help the Emerald Kingdom rebuild."
He notes the statue and the symbols and gives them a wide berth. He then asks Mop,"Do you know anything about where he kept weapons in here and what their abilities are?"
Mordrid Saturday February 11th, 2006 1:02:49 PM
Walking into the chamber with the rest, "We need to place guards here so looters don't get away with the whole lot. I don't know about Parnoth, but all this belongs to the citizens of The Emerald Kingdom; whether Parnoth be warden or not."
"Is that agreed, other than the weapons and magic we will need to locate Parnoth," Mordrid is looking at Mop.
Ve Mundr (Darkvision, Freedom of Movement, Satus to Party) Saturday February 11th, 2006 3:07:46 PM
Ve places the Quicken rod back, there will be no cause to use it. Breath slowly leaves his mouth as he studies the statue and moves closer. "We may have found Parnoth Valdor." he muses quietly, but not too quietly. The clreic continues his train of thought, mostly to himself but aloud none the less. "He takes human form a great deal, there are spells and enchantments specifically designed against shifters, forcing change. Not a human shifting to lizard, but a lizard being forced to a more controllable human stature." With a small wavew and a scratch at his chin, "I don't know, just musings out loud.
"We should not leave this horde so unprotected. It could be as dangerous as the loosed monsters. I can erect several Walls of Stone to encase and protect it from casual theft at least. Or we remove all of it."
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Freedom of Movement 105 minutes Status 21 hours entire party
Valdor Saturday February 11th, 2006 4:41:45 PM
Valdor cocks an eyebrow at Ve and asks,"You think THIS is him? Well, I suppose it could be. Will destroying the sigils around him let him continue into his transformation? And, if it is him, he needs to be healed immediately upon freeing him. Jeez, they must be strong indeed to catch him like this...if it's him."
Valdor doesn't break the line between the sigils, but looks closely at the face of the statue to try to recognize if it is Parnoth. He has seen the green in lizard form and human form both, so he would probably know. Part of him hopes it is, while another part hopes it isn't.
Mordrid Sunday February 12th, 2006 1:16:40 PM
Ve strikes a nerve. 'That makes sense.'
The ranger walks around the statue to get a better view of the face.
"If it is him, no time will have elapsed in his mind since the last combat. I'm sure he would be spitting mad when he comes out of this."
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