DM Carl: An echo across the centuries d100=53 d100=41 d20+2=20 d100=59 d100=60 d20+2=13 Thursday February 23rd, 2006 4:36:04 PM
The party continue on until the sun rises, by which time they are deep into the heavily wooded area marked on the map as the Monster Sanctuary. Thankfully whatever monsters there may be in here, none of them find the party. Yet.
Tratain calls a break to pray and recover his spells, during which the party are able to rest up for a short while. No-one dares try on the magic boots.
Zeoll tries to stir the seeds of rebellion in his ogre buddy.
"Hurr! Yer, that'd be sweet!" grins the ogre, spitting out a chunk of naga spine and just missing Vorelle with it. "Tell you what kitty, you go steal Lord Gargulus' stone, Khuurn stay back an' watch while he turn you into cat food! A-hurr hurr hurr! You sure you met Gargulus before?" He belches mightily.
Tratain's fervent prayers are answered. He feels his link to the divine Domi as strongly as ever, even though it echoes across void of countless centuries. Somehow whatever power hurled you back in time has preserved some sort of connection to your true present. Offering final thanks Tratain is able to cure Ashira of the debilitating effects of the naga poison.
You get ready to set out again. Ahead of you and rising above the trees you see the craggy spikes of a great mountain, like gnarled black talons against an apricot dawn sky. Beneath them must surely lie the fortress of the Lord Gargulus. Going by the map the entrance can be no more than a half-hour treck from here.
The time is now 6.30am. Rose's Mage Armor has 3 hours remaining. Her other spells have expired.
Theodore and Macaw HP 38/38 AC 21(dodge & mage armor) d20+4=9 d20+18=33 Thursday February 23rd, 2006 10:04:56 PM
When the party takes a break, Theodore takes the newly found boots out to study them closer. First he goes over them with his eyes and fingers to obtain any clues. (Search 9) Then he uses an even finer sense to delve deeper into the aura of the boots. (Spellcraft check 33)
If none of this helps, he tempts fate and pulls them on.
Zeoll d20+8=17 d20+6=10 d20+6=26 Thursday February 23rd, 2006 11:34:33 PM
Oh! Before Theo tries on those boots, Zeoll asks for a look-see. Maybe the liontaur bard can recall some echo of the history or nature of this item -- or at least take a decent guess at a command word! [OOC: Bardic Lore 17]
Zeoll laughs with his friend, Khuun. "Surre, I'll get the stone!" -- [OOC: Did we know it was a stone? If not, that's news to us!] -- "How would you like anotherr soul to go with yourr firrst one, old buddy? But I've been away forr a while. Wherre does he keep his stone these days? What's the best way to get therre, and what guarrds does he have at the prresent? Come on, you can tell me! If you don't say, I could end up torrturred and worrse!"
[OOC: Opposed Charisma check to get the ogre to spill what he knows ... 10! Bleck! That calls for a hero point reroll (leaving Zeoll with three hero points) ... 26! Nat 20! Holy sweet reroll! Totally worth it! Woo hoo!]
rose Friday February 24th, 2006 6:29:52 AM
Rose gratefully flops down to rest "Tratain, could you hand out some of the food?" She says as she takes a drink of water.
When traiten hands out the food Rose will take some of the sugar spice bread with cream cheese.
tratain put the food in his bag of holding at begining of game. Food that Rose bought is: Tea leaves bread with assorted fillings, 20 with sugar, spices, and nuts 10 with sausage, scrabbled eggs, and cheese 15 with tomato sauce, beef sausages (pepperoni, salmi types), vegetables, and cheese 10 ham and cheese 20 whole wheat 15 assorted, various types Butter Cream cheese
DM Carl: Khuurn d20+2=8 d20+2=18 Friday February 24th, 2006 7:31:09 AM
"Listen, kitty, no joking; you take Lord Gargulus stone, you dead. Khuurn like you, but Khuurn not stupid. He not fight Lord Gargulus. You fight Gargulus, he kill you."
He thinks for a moment, then adds "But kitty Khuurn's friend. Khuurn not help him."
The ogre clearly has great loyalty towards his master, or great terror of him. Perhaps he doesn't know where the stone is, for no further information is forthcoming. He shuts his eyes and drifts off to sleep.
The fat and snoozing ogre's eyes snap open at the mention of food. Salivating he peers over at Tratain and calls out;
"You! Little slave! Bring Khuurn your food NOW! This food for Khuurn, not stupid slaves!"
He places a hand upon his greatsword to emphasise the point. He glowers at Rose, just daring her to touch his second dinner.
Brahmah Friday February 24th, 2006 9:38:41 AM
The ranger is rather hungry after his nap. His nose finds that Rose's pack is smelling like breakfast. He's very happy to see that food is being portioned out.
(OOC: I assume there wasn't time to reprepare spells?)
Ashira Friday February 24th, 2006 11:06:53 AM
Ashira beams at Tratain. "Thanks! Those things pack quite a whallop!"
As the group relaxes, and Rose gets out her food, Ashira gets herself a little bread and butter. She knows that others are probably more hungry than her.
At Khuurn's statments, Ashira shoots Zeoll a murderous look as if to say "Shut him up, or I'll do it for you." Still, she has enough respect for the liontaur that she does not just kill the creature. Instead, she moves to position herself between Khuurn and the others, staring at the ogre blankly.
Zeoll d20+6=13 d20+11=30 d20+6=12 Sunday February 26th, 2006 10:12:57 PM
Zeoll chides his new friend. "What, you want to eat slave food! Eh! Leave it! Stand down! Besides, you just had half a snake. Perrsonally, I only eat things I have killed myself. That's the warrriorr's way."
Chr check to make him ignore the food: 13
Zeoll returns to the topic of Gargul's stone. "My frriend, I did not want to say this beforre, but I am underr a deadly currse. I have to get my hands on that stone. If I do not, I will die frrom the currse. You have to tell me wherre the stone is or else I will die frrom my currse."
Bluff Check to tell a believable lie: 30 woo hoo!
Chr check to make him tell me where the Stone is: 12.
Vorelle Sunday February 26th, 2006 10:24:12 PM
Too keyed up to sit still, Vorelle paces while she has a bit of bread and cheese. She stays well away from Khuun's reach.
Brahmah Monday February 27th, 2006 11:49:34 AM
Brahmah follows, or leads, depending on the function he needs to serve. :)
DM Carl: The way to an ogre's heart is through his stomach d20+3=19 d20+3=5 Monday February 27th, 2006 3:30:19 PM
Khuurn's belly speaks to him more loudly than Zeoll is able. With a brutal snarl the enormous pot-bellied ogre stands, greatsword in hand. He points one long cracked fingernail at Rose and bellows:
"No! Khuurn take food! Slave, bring Khuurn food now or Khuurn eat slave!"
At Zeoll's next words the ogre looks surprised, but his anger at being thwarted does not leave him. "Stone most likely in joining chamber, on lower level." Snaps Khuurn. "But you take stone, you die. You not take stone, you die. Looks like you is dead, kitty!"
He turns back to Rose and fixes her with a gaze of pure fury.
"Just like tiny slave if Khuurn not get his food RIGHT NOW!!"
Theodore and Macaw HP 38/38 AC 21(dodge & mage armor) Monday February 27th, 2006 7:53:27 PM
Seeing the situation begin to escalate, Theodore stands from his scrutiny of the boots and takes a few steps from the altercation. He flings his hands wide and prepares to use his magic should things get nastier.
(DM Carl, did Zeoll or Theodore discover anything about the boots?)
Rose 43/52 hp Monday February 27th, 2006 11:09:43 PM
rose is a bit scared, so she tosses Khuurn 10 loaves of wheat bread (khuurn just got 10lb food so that should fill him right?)
If Khuurn settles down Rose will munch on some wheat bread with butter, and if there's time to rest she rest and study her spellbook.
ooc: did rose ever get healed?
Ashira Monday February 27th, 2006 11:13:54 PM
From her position in front of Rose, an unhealthy flush works its way to Ashira's cheeks. As Rose tosses the bread to the big lug, Ashira mutters through clinched teeth. "Someone has outlived their usefulness. I tire of this game."
Vorelle Tuesday February 28th, 2006 12:15:14 AM
Casually, Vorelle lets her hands drift toward her axes.
Zeoll d20+11=21 d20+6=13 d20+24=42 Tuesday February 28th, 2006 5:28:56 AM
What Zeoll says: "Khuun, you big lug! Ha ha! The things you say make me laugh! I think that brread weighs morre than Rrose does!" He goes on for a few minutes, seeming to laugh in a friendly way at the ogre.
In this way he uses a bit of diplomacy and humor to defuse the group's tension. [Diplomacy check 42 to do so!]
What Zeoll means (Bluff check 21 to pass a secret message to his friends): Yes, I know Khuun is a jerk, but we are getting good info from him. Please be patient for a little while more. Thanks for putting up with him.
As the party continues to travel, Zeoll returns to the topic of Lord Gargullus's keep. "So tell me, cleverr Khuun, if you had to sneak down to the lowerr level, how would you do it? Is therre a back doorr? An entrrance that is less guarrded?"
Chr check 13.
[OOC to Rose and everybody: We took the time to prep arcane spells back at Alemi's place, so Rose should be set for the day. Yes, we used up some fighting Khuun and those goblins, and fighting the nagas, but there's no way to get those back short of sleeping eight hours.]
[Still OOC: Carl, how close are we to dawn? The divine casters get their spells back then, right?]
Brahmah Tuesday February 28th, 2006 10:15:29 AM
Brahmah remains by Roses side. He still isn't sure of the ogre.
DM Carl: Here's spit in your eye d20+3=7 Tuesday February 28th, 2006 6:11:53 PM
Khuurn grabs the loaves and wolfs them down in next to no time. Even for an ogre, this boy is greedy.
His belly filled he grins back at Zeoll savagely, slapping him mightily on the shoulder.
"You see, kitty? Can't be soft on slaves, got to show 'em who boss!"
He steps up close to Rose and lets out a terrifying, ground trembling roar, right in her face. She is showered by gobbets of ogre spittle, her hair blown out behind her by the sheer force of the ogre's blood-curdling roar.
"rrrrRRRRRRAAAAAGGGHHH!!!!"
Clearly satisfied at his bullying tactics he turns, laughing contemptuously, ready to be off.
Theo bravely tries on the boots. He has a good idea what they might be, and with his own insight and Zeoll's help he is able to try a few things. "Hover!" "Float!" "Rise!" "Up!"
The last one does the trick, and Theo finds himself the proud owner of a pair of boots of levitation.
The party set off through the forest, and Zeoll continues to press the point with Khuurn. The ogre shrugs and says "Only way Khuurn know is through main gate, down stairs. Plenty of guards, Khuurn is thinking."
The time is now 6.45am, and dawn has broken over the craggy mountains ahead. Divine casters have been able to spend some time readying their spells before setting off. Arcane casters have not had sufficient rest to regain any spells cast since leaving Oshirr House.
Zeoll d20+11=22 Tuesday February 28th, 2006 7:54:31 PM
"Hey!" says Zeoll, "That slave alrready had one bath this yearr!" With some body language and a whispered word (bluff check 22), Zeoll lets Rose know how sorry he is that she had to put up with that.
Zeoll gathers the whole group together for a strategy meet as they walk toward Gargul's keep. Here are some of his ideas:
1) They group can try to fight our way in, smash the wards, grab the stone, and get out. Disadvantage: probably won't work.
2) The group could try to talk/bluff/enchant our way in. This is Zeoll's strong suit, but the danger is probably too great.
3) Find or make a back door.
3A) Rest up for new spells as needed. Dig/burrow/stoneshape our way in. Zeoll can summon earth elementals to help with this idea.
3B) Fly in a window or roof entrance. We have Jack's mount, Khuun can fly, and now we have the boots.
Any other ideas? Anyone have any way to contribute to these ideas or others?
Theodore & Macaw Tuesday February 28th, 2006 9:40:20 PM
Theodore is quite happy with his new toy. He's also happy that tensions have calmed. Eager to set off again, he cinches his pack. Not having any ideas about entering the stronghold, he holds his tongue and lets others speak.
Ashira Tuesday February 28th, 2006 11:22:26 PM
Her grip on the hilts of her swords so tight that her knuckles pop, Ashira is about 2 seconds away from dispatching Khuurn..and her loyalty to Zeoll will only give him so many allowances. For now, she grits her teeth and continues her white knuckled grip on her swords. She keeps quiet for now, trying to calm down after the ogre's last action.
Vorelle d20+13=31 d20+18=28 Wednesday March 1st, 2006 12:55:59 AM
Now that they are close, Vorelle begins looking for tracks. Perhaps there is a less-used entrance, or a back way in, and maybe the tracks will lead her there.
Rose Wednesday March 1st, 2006 6:04:38 AM
Rose is reassured by the way the others are looking at Khuurn, that they wont let him hurt her. However she is quite upset and disgusted when she gets sprayed with ogre spit and soggy bread crumbs. She whispers to Theo "Theo, do you have any water or a prestidgation spell so I can get cleaned up?"
Brahmah Wednesday March 1st, 2006 10:47:52 AM
Brahmah is with Ashira; he is also close to dispatching the ogre. He looks at Ashira, his hands on his hilts, as if waiting for a signal.
Prepared Spells: Speak with Animals, Charm Animals, Bear's Endurance
DM Carl: A morning stroll d100=88 Wednesday March 1st, 2006 6:26:19 PM
The party continue towards their goal, discussing possible ways into the stronghold. Vorelle finds that there are plenty of tracks here, probably made by orcs or goblins. A track of sorts leads the party towards the sheer rocky mountainside to the south.
The forest remains quiet and peaceful. Khuurn informs you that there is perhaps a 15 minute walk ahead of you until you reach the great doors.
The time is 7am.
Theodore & Macaw Wednesday March 1st, 2006 8:32:19 PM
As the group debates what to do next, Theodore hovers slightly above the ground, grinning foolishly at anyone who looks his way.
Ashira Wednesday March 1st, 2006 11:37:30 PM
The ranger shrugs. "Stealth would probably be best. I think I like the last couple of plans (3A and 3B) the best."
Vorelle Thursday March 2nd, 2006 12:41:51 AM
"I c-c-c-can't f-fly. Or b-b-b-burrow," says Vorelle diffidently. "B-b-but I c-can sn-sn-sneak."
Rose Thursday March 2nd, 2006 3:02:46 AM
Rose resigns herself to being filthy, at least for the moment. "I think we should hide and rest so we can prepare our spell."
If it's decided not to rest she says she can fly in with Theo carrying her, or she can sneak in but reminds everyone that she's slower than the others.
Brahmah Thursday March 2nd, 2006 12:12:30 PM
"I used to be able to fly, but then the tax collector came and took my wings."
DM Carl: Home sweet home d100=78 Thursday March 2nd, 2006 4:17:04 PM
The party edge closer to the entrance, debating the best route forward. After a short while the rangers up front signal the party to stop. Peering ahead through the trees you see a clearing, perhaps 50 feet wide. Beyond that a sheer black cliff face rises high above you, the sun hidden behind the massive bulk of the mountain. At its base are a set of wide stone steps, roughly hewn into the black rock of the cliff. They lead upwards about thirty feet to a wide portal, an entrance directly into a dark cavern beneath the mountain. Though there are massively thick wooden doors at the entrance, reinforced with steel and adorned with spikes, they are wide open, and there are no guards immediately visible.
Khuurn looks at you all with a mixture of contempt and confusion.
"Why you all hiding? Stupid slaves scared, Khuurn understand, but Kitty? Cowhead? You want to come to fortress of Gargulus, we come. Now we go inside, yes?"
He seems ready to stomp right up to the steps and march on up.
Theodore and Macaw HP 38/38 AC 21(dodge & mage armor) Thursday March 2nd, 2006 9:32:01 PM
"I could cast a fly spell and an invisibility spell on someone who could go take a look," Theodore offers.
Vorelle Friday March 3rd, 2006 12:24:09 AM
Vorelle pauses to see what the others decide to do. She's confident in her sneaking ability, but the building entrance looks awfully big. And suspiciously quiet.
Rose Friday March 3rd, 2006 2:28:22 AM "Theo, will an invisibility spell work on both of us if you cast it on yourself while carrying me?" Rose asks curiously.
Zeoll Friday March 3rd, 2006 6:14:11 AM
"Khuun, yourr a smarrt fellow. Can I just walk in and say, 'Oh, Lorrd Garrgullus, please give me yourr magic stone?' No, I can't do that. So we have to figurre out how to go get it."
Zeoll does his best to pull the group back out of sight while plans are finalized.
"We have choices. Do we trry to get in frrom below? Frrom above? Do we wait nine hours to rrecoverr arrcane spells? But we need inforrmation. So let's send out scouts. Vorrelle, how about if you cirrcle arround and look forr trrails, secrret exits, and the like? Someone else can do an invisible fly-overr."
"If someone can turrn me invisible, maybe I can use my Locate Objects spell at differrent points along the base of the ediface."
Zeoll does not mention that the "someone else" he has in mind for the invisible fly over is Khuun. Maybe the ogre will volunteer. Or maybe Zeoll will try to convince him to do that after the other PCs speak.
Ashira Friday March 3rd, 2006 8:38:01 AM
Ashira moves in close and whispers. "I can do the fly over if you want me too... Of course I'd have to have the spells cast on me first. I'm pretty observant when I need to be. But maybe we should have Rose do it. She's quite a bit smaller and might have a better chance at going undetected."
Brahmah Friday March 3rd, 2006 10:50:21 AM
Getting upset, Brahmah responds to the ogre. "None of us are hiding you abnoxious idiot. Now move your big butt."
DM Carl: You call Khuun's butt big? Saturday March 4th, 2006 6:57:39 PM
Khuun shrugs at Zeoll's words, willing to let him dictate the next steps. But when Brahmah finally loses patience with the big ogre he turns sharply, eyes blazing.
"What you say to Khuun? You say Khuun idiot? You say Khuun got big butt? Cowhead, Khuun kill many for much less. You friend of kitty, Khuun give you break. You say you real sorry right now, Khuun not chop you into bits."
The ogre draws his greatsword and faces off with the minotaur.
"But any more stupid cow talk, Khuun feed you to cowhead's own slaves. Cowhead beg Khuun for mercy RIGHT NOW, or Khuun turn cowhead into oxtail soup!"
You are 60 feet or so away from the entrance. Khuun's voice is raised: unless you are able to quiten this situation down quickly it is quite likely that anyone near the entrance will hear you.
Zeoll d20+6=21 Sunday March 5th, 2006 7:12:30 AM
Firmly but softly, Zeoll says to Brahmah, "Be quiet!" and to Khuun he says, "Shut up!" To both: "Do you want Lorrd Garrgullus to come down herre and ask who is shouting at his gate?"
"If you shout you will kill us, so stop shouting!"
Chr check 21 to get Khuun to be quiet.
"Come, walk back with me so that we can talk without fearr of detection."
Zeoll leads the party back out of earshot of the fortress.
Brahmah d20+11=18 d20+11=29 Sunday March 5th, 2006 10:14:01 AM
"I wasn't shouting Zeoll, I was simply telling Meathead here to get moving."
"Besides..." He turns, grinning at the ogre, without drawing his weapons. "...you massive dung heap, I had my tail cut off many years ago. Same with my ear.
Now if you would be so kind.... quiet down and get the Nine Hells out of my face so we can complete the mission. I'm a minotaur, not bovine livestock you moron. Stop calling me a cow."
The minotaur will not likely back down.
Zeoll knows Brahmah doesn't tolerate bullies.
This whole time, Brahmah is talking in normal tones.
Brahmah looks past the ogre toward the gates, wwatching and listening. (Spot 18 and Listen 29, +2 vs humans, +4 vs centaurs)
Rose Sunday March 5th, 2006 3:04:07 PM
Rose sort of hides behind Ashira, hoping Khuun wont decide that halfling would be a good snack.
Theodore and Macaw HP 38/38 AC 21(dodge & mage armor) d20+4=8 Sunday March 5th, 2006 9:53:03 PM
Theodore sees the potential for another confrontation and steps back and prepares to cast a spell.
If Khuun makes a hostile move, Theodore lobs an acid splash at him. (Attack 8) The ray shoots wide.
Vorelle d20+20=36 d20+20=40 Monday March 6th, 2006 12:06:53 AM
Never one for confrontation, Vorelle tries to melt into the shadows. As Zeoll suggests, she moves back with him, trying to go quietly.
[Hide 36, Move Silently 40 (natural 20)]
Brahmah Monday March 6th, 2006 11:01:00 AM
OOC: Lets consider Sunday's post as Monday's please.
DM Carl: Fight! Fight! d20+3=15 d20+2=7 d20+7=13 d20+1=17 d20+1=3 d20+1=10 d20+1=19 d20+1=15 Monday March 6th, 2006 4:31:37 PM
Standing toe to toe with Brahmah the 10 foot 2 ogre looms above the minotaur, waiting impatiently for his apology. Khuun growls angrily at Zeoll when the wemic tells him to settle down, but seems willing to back off for now. He begins to turn to follow Zeoll, but he is far from happy.
But then Brahmah proves that he's nobody's whipping boy. Khuun's eyes open wide as the minotaur heaps one insult upon another. His breathing becomes ragged and laboured as Brahmah says exactly what he thinks of the brutish, bullying ogre.
Grasping the greatsword in both hands he slams it down at Brahmah as hard as he is able. The minotaur is easily able to sidestep the wild swing, however. This only serves to infuriate Khuurn all the more.
"RAAGGHH!! Khuun smash puny cowhead!" he bellows, beginning to foam a little around the mouth. "Khuun chew you up and spit you out!"
Alarmed, Theo fires off an acid splash at Khuun, but misses. Vorelle, unnoticed by anyone, slips into the deep shadow of a tree, vanishing from sight. The others stand frozen in shock at this dramatic turn of events. A mere 70 feet from the entrance to the Fortress of Lord Gargulus, and here's Khuun bellowing his head off! If there is anyone in there they are sure to hear him...
Ashira d20+14=20 d8+4=12 Monday March 6th, 2006 5:21:15 PM
A grim look of satisfaction on her face, Ashira moves forward to silence the ogre. Using the flat of her blade, Ashira aims for subdual damage (even though she'd rather just kill the beast). Striking with her longsword, she slaps the ogre fairly well (AC 20 for 12).
Theodore and Macaw HP 38/38 AC 21(dodge & mage armor) Monday March 6th, 2006 10:32:29 PM
Theodore moves away from the confrontation, deciding he can only hurt the proceedings.
Vorelle Monday March 6th, 2006 10:36:09 PM
Vorelle remains hidden.
Zeoll Monday March 6th, 2006 11:09:00 PM
Last round, Zeoll moved off 80 feet. I think the only party member with him is Theo. Zeoll says to Theo, "Well, if Brrahmah wants to make a distrraction, it is up to us to make surre the distrraction is put to good use. I want to use my Locate Object spell to pinpoint the location of the arrtifact. Carre to cirrcumnavigate the keep with me? And would you happen to have any invisibility spells or such in yourr head?"
Zeoll casts his Locate Object spell (range 680 feet), looking for a spherical stone, sized to fit in one's hand. He is basing this on the illustration we saw long ago of the object draped in Gargul's hand and on what Khuun said.
Then he starts walking, heading around the keep (only 40 feet moved this round).
Using his druidic ability to pass through underbrush without a problem, Zeoll keeps to the densest growth, trying to maintain 100% cover/concealment. He'll be less anal about this if he is invisible!
Stuff Used:
8 staff charges 1 of 3 zero level bard spells 0 of 5 first level bard spells 2 of 4 second level bard spell 1 of 1 third level bard spells 1 of 7 bardic musics
Druid spells (in [brackets] = cast): Lvl 0: Detect Poison, [Guidance], Guidance x2, Know Direction Lvl 1: Speak with Animals (x2), Calm Animals, Charm Animal Lvl 2: [Animal Trance], Animal Trance, Hold Animal Lvl 3: [Speak with Plants], [Dominate Animal]
Hero Points: three (?) of five (?) used
OOC: Carl, please clarify -- the divine spells marked in brakets above were cast in the battle with Khuun and the ogre who loved his club too much (Woshka?). Are they available now, or no?
{DM Carl: All divine spells are restored. Arcane spells are not.)
Rose d20+10=12 d4+4=8 2d6(1+3)=4 Tuesday March 7th, 2006 12:02:32 AM
When Ashira attacks Khuun Rose realizes that he needs to be silenced and quickly fires an arrow at him.
attack: 12, +1 if within 30' damage: 8, +1 if within 30' sneak attack: 4
Brahmah (97hps, AC 22) Tuesday March 7th, 2006 11:13:32 AM
Brahmah shakes his head at Zeoll in agreement and continues hurling insults.
"Great big ogre bully thinks he's going to smash the cowhead!? Well, catch me then. Come on idiot." He sprints in the general direction of the gate, distancing himself from the group.
Tratain Tuesday March 7th, 2006 12:32:12 PM
Tratain follows Zeoll as he looks for the stone, unhappy about leaving Brahama alone with the ogre.
DM Carl: For whom the bell tolls d20+1=7 d20+1=10 d20+1=10 Tuesday March 7th, 2006 5:54:12 PM
As Khuun finally goes postal Ashira and Rose decide they'd better help Brahmah out. Ashira suspects her blow has done minimal damage, and Rose sees her arrow sail well wide of its target. Vorelle continues to hide. It makes no odds- Khuun ignores all of them utterly.
Brahmah decides to lead the ogre on a merry dance. He races directly towards the wide entrance, across the clearing, merrily hurling insults at the enraged ogre as he goes. Khuun stalks furiously after the minotaur, waving his greatsword above his head and screaming insults right back, but after only 40 feet he snaps his fingers and vanishes from sight. Brahmah's flight brings him to the foot of the steps. Looking up he sees two astonished orcs at the top of the steps, some 20 feet away, blinking in the morning sunlight. They wear studded leather armor, carry rusty falchions, and (oddly) sport long, curved horns upon their heads. From within the compound Brahmah hears a bell begin to ring, over and over again.
(OOC: The party were 70 feet away from the entrance. I'm going to assume Brahmah makes a withdraw action (double move), in order to avoid an attack of opportunity from Khuun, rather than a run action which will take him well inside the compound (120ft) and draw an AoO from Khuun and goodness knows who else. Please specify in future to avoid any confusion. Thanks!)
Theo, Zeoll and Tratain sneak off through the undergrowth, trying to take advantage of the minotaur's frontal assault in order to track down a back entrance. However the flaw in this plan rapidly becomes apparent. The sheer cliff face either side of the entrance stretches way off into the distance. As far as you can see there are no other entrances anywhere nearby. In fact, if you think back to the map Alemi gave you, this cliff face could well stretch on for miles in this manner. This group are now some 90 feet from the entrance, but are still well hidden.
Zeoll decides to cast a Locate Object spell, and tries to focus upon a magical stone, much like the one depicted in the tapestry. With a start the wemic realises that he can indeed sense the direction of just such an object. It clearly lies beyond those great open gates, and below where you currently stand.
Zeoll d20+9=22 Tuesday March 7th, 2006 8:13:17 PM
Zeoll sees Brahmah's nonverbal sign (Spot 22) and just hopes that the brave minotaur will get out before he is slain. He says as much to Tratain and Theo.
"Meanwhile, we have worrk to do," says Zeoll. He explains that he senses the Stone in that direction. But he needs a fix on about how far away it is. So he makes a full round move perpendicular to the direction, hoping to get a crude guess as to distance with a simple triangulation.
He also has to keep under 100% cover or concealment, and he asks his friends to think about ways to get closer to the encampment without being noticed.
He tells his friends his plans: If he can get within 160 feet or so of the sphere, he can summon earth elementals to go and fetch the stone, or at least find out about it.
Theodore and Macaw HP 38/38 AC 21(dodge & mage armor) Tuesday March 7th, 2006 8:26:09 PM
"What do we do now?" Theodore whispers.
Vorelle d20+20=40 d20+20=34 Tuesday March 7th, 2006 10:54:48 PM
If there is enough cover, Vorelle will try to approach closer to the doors while remaining hidden. She will not break cover, however.
[Hide 40 (natural 20), Move Silently 34]
Rose d4=2 Wednesday March 8th, 2006 6:00:59 AM
ooc: did rose get healed after the last fight?
Rose quickly cast a spell that she hopes will help.
cast spectral hand.
Rose hp: 43/52 ac: 20 Piper hp: 26/26 ac: 16 Hand hp: 2/2
Active spells Mage armor: +4 ac for 10 hours, 3 hrs left Spectral hand: 150' 50 rounds, delivers melee touch spells with +2 to melee attack
Brahmah (97hps, AC 26) Wednesday March 8th, 2006 1:31:39 PM
Brahmah draws his swords and he makes a tactical withdrawal. (Moving away and Total Defense) The minotaur is moving away from both the entrance and where the ogre might be. (IE; Point 'B' is moving away from the rock and the hard place ;))
Ashira d20+12=25 d20+11=20 Wednesday March 8th, 2006 3:20:50 PM
At a loss of what to do to help, Ashira keeps a look out for signs of the surely emanate trouble headed their way. (Spot=25, Listen=20)
DM Carl: Wass that crazy guy doin', Patch? Uh, Patch? d20-2=0 d20-2=18 d20+1=3 Wednesday March 8th, 2006 4:54:55 PM
Brahmah veers right, trying to keep ahead of the invisible ogre and away from the orcs at the entrance. For now he seems to have partially succeeded, There is no sign of the ogre, and one of the orcs holds position. The other, a mean looking brute with a patch over one eye, is not so disciplined Forgetting all about whatever orders he may have been given, he comes tearing down the steps after the minotaur, yelling some orcish battlecry. He doesn't reach Brahmah this round.
By now the whole party can hear the ringing bell. Ashira also hears raised voices coming from inside the entrance, and thinks she spots signs of movement back there in the darkness.
Zeoll tries to figure out how far the stone might be. The angle changes disappointingly little as he moves however, leading the wemic to believe that the stone is pretty much directly behind the entrance, but probably at or near the maximum range of his locate object spell.
Rose casts her spectral hand spell as Vorelle looks for a way to get near the entrance unseen. Sadly the occupants have foreseen just this eventuality, and have cleared the 70 feet or so of land between the treeline and the entrance completely.
The orc at the entrance glances over at the trees nervously, perhaps fearing that this lone attacker has allies. His gaze passes you by however, his attention focused upon the crazy suicide attacker. But for how much longer?
(OOC: Folks, you are in cover, but I'll need to see Hide rolls from you all if you want to remain unseen. Also a word of warning; you are at the heart of darkness. The enemy is on high alert, and Brahmah is isolated and exposed. Doing nothing is not an option at this stage!).
Theodore and Macaw HP 38/38 AC 21 (dodge & mage armor) Wednesday March 8th, 2006 6:00:01 PM
Theodore casts a spell and turns invisible. He then moves to Q18.
Spells Active: Mage Armor - 9 hours from beginning of first battle out of fort Invisibility - 9 minutes
Vorelle [AC 20; HP 76/76] d20+11=24 d20+11=26 d20+6=15 d8+1=8 d8+1=3 d8+1=9 d20+20=35 Thursday March 9th, 2006 1:01:40 AM
Vorelle whips out her bow [Quick Draw feat] and snaps off three shots at orc #1. She tries to remain hidden as she does so.
[Hit AC 24 for 8 damage; hit AC 26 for 3 damage, hit AC 15 for 9 damage. Hide check 35, not taking any penalties into account because I'm not sure what they are.]
Cayzle OOC to Kathy Thursday March 9th, 2006 2:28:48 AM
Kathy, you might want to look at the sniping rules in the PHB under the Hide skill.
Zeoll (AC12 HP69 Heroism, Locate Object) d20+9=21 Thursday March 9th, 2006 7:31:43 AM
Zeoll is torn. He has no secretive ranged attacks. Frankly, he suspects that the mission has failed. They have no hope of destroying Gargullus's Fortress, a task Alemi himself could not do. They cannot sneak in. The best they can hope for is to get up that cliff, travel to a spot above the stone, and then send earth elementals down to fetch it.
Zeoll looks at the stone wall -- what's the DC to climb it? How tall is it?
He casts Heroism on himself.
He thinks to himself, how many small air elementals would it take to lift him to the top of the cliff?
He looks for any sign of the invisible Khuun (Spot 21).
Stuff Used:
8 staff charges 1 of 3 zero level bard spells 0 of 5 first level bard spells 3 of 4 second level bard spell 1 of 1 third level bard spells 1 of 7 bardic musics
Druid spells (in [brackets] = cast): Lvl 0: Detect Poison, Guidance x3, Know Direction Lvl 1: Speak with Animals (x2), Calm Animals, Charm Animal Lvl 2: Animal Trance, Animal Trance, Hold Animal Lvl 3: Speak with Plants, Dominate Animal
Hero Points: three of five used
Brahmah (97hps, AC 26) Thursday March 9th, 2006 9:40:06 AM
Being exposed, Brahmah does his best to avoid the ogre, but his biggest worry is what to do if the floodgates open and the content of the fort flow his way. He gets any idea. He stops in his tracks.
"You ogre, I can't see you, but I CAN smell you. I know your nearby." He sees the orc approaching. "Khuun isn't going to let little pigface kill Cowhead all by himself?! Stinky ogre doesn't need help to kill cowhead, does he? The pigface and his friends want to kill cowhead!"
(Brahmah goes into Total Defense)
Ashira AC24 HP87/87, Barkskin+4 Thursday March 9th, 2006 12:32:13 PM
Clearly frustrated, Ashira turns to Zeoll as she fishes a potion out of her backpack and downs it. "Well, unless you have any better ideas, I'm going to drink a fly potion and fly in there and try and take the stone."
OOC Carl Thursday March 9th, 2006 4:22:01 PM
Waiting for more posts...
Zeoll Thursday March 9th, 2006 5:32:03 PM
Zeoll gasps! "Ashirra, you have a Fly potion! My thought was to get close to the Stone we seek, even if seperrated by rrock and soil. Then summon earrth elementals to glide down thrrough the soil and fetch the stone. But I have to get up therre on top of the cliff. Could I use your potion? It is a lot to ask, I know!"
He explains that he has located the Stone and tells her where he thinks it is. And how the elementals can bypass the guards and traps in place by gliding through stone around them.
Ashira (extra post) Thursday March 9th, 2006 10:54:14 PM
Grinning, Ashira thumbs at her pack. "By all means, take it! There's a levitation potion in there too if somebody else wants it. I'll go and help Brahmah keep the guards busy."
Brahmah (97hps, AC 26) d20+11=27 d20+11=16 Friday March 10th, 2006 9:07:22 AM
Brahmah whirls his blades menacingly at the invisible ogre, all the while tossing jabes his way. "Your a sight prettier this way Khuun, I don't have to look at your ugly moosh!" He jockies around to see if he can make out foot prints, or dust wisps or broken twigs or anything that might give away the ogre's position. (Spot 27, Listen 16)
(Total defense)
DM Carl: The window of opportunity grows ever smaller... d20+4=11 d20=7 d20+7=11 d20+6=9 Friday March 10th, 2006 6:11:54 PM
The vanishes from sight as Vorelle fires 3 swift shots at the orc approaching Brahmah. To her dismay they simply bounce off! Clearly this creature has undergone similar magical strengthening to his companions. She is unable to hide again, however.
(OOC: Sniping: If you've already successfully hidden at least 10 feet from your target, you can make one ranged attack, then immediately hide again. You take a -20 penalty on your Hide check to conceal yourself after the shot.)
Zeoll downs a potion and then is handed another by Ashira. Might his desperate plan just work? Looking up at the sheer cliff face he does some rapid mental calculation. It is a good 100 feet straight up to the first set of rocky crags. But the mountain continues up steeply from there, reaching thousands of feet at its distant summit. Could he position himself directly over the stone? Probably, but by best guess the mountain would already be maybe 1500 feet high by that point. That's an awful lot of rock to travel through, and a long way up to fly...
Brahmah waits for the ogre, trying to fool him into a mistake. But the big ogre is too angry and too cunning to fall for such tricks. He races in to attack, hoping to catch the minotaur by surprise. Brahmah's keen senses save him just in time. He spots some hint of movement above him, and hurls himself to one side at the last possible moment as the greatsword whistles over his head. The ogre blinks into view, cursing the minotaur.
Patch comes in fast, taking a great hack with his falchion. But the blow is a clumsy one, and the minotaur remains unscathed. He calls out "Khuun? Izzat you? What happened to Wozzogg an' the uvvers? Woss goin' on?"
At the gate there is a flurry of activity. Led by two orcs a group of eight goblins appear, and start down the steps towards you. They completely block the steps. Inside two kobolds, under orders from the remaining orc, begin to heave the great gates closed.
If you make an Int check DC 15 please Highlight to display spoiler: {You realise that the vast army of Gargulus cannot be here. They must be some way behind you, whatever the outcome of the battle at Oshirr House. Maybe hours behind, maybe minutes... Which means that if you're lucky there may only be a skeleton crew defending the base. If you don't get the stone now you may never get another opportunity...}
OOC: this is going to be tough folks. We'll need all of you posting if you're going to get through this and succeed in the module. Every posts counts now if you are going to claw this back.
I've mailed Joe and Dave but heard nothing from them. If one of you wants to sub for Tratain and someone for Jack (and I strongly suggest that you do, particularly with Tratain's cold iron weapons, hint hint!) please let me know and I'll mail you their sheets. Joe, Dave, if you see this, we need you back!
Loretta hasn't posted as Rose since Wednesday, hopefully we'll see her back shortly. Loretta, Rose is currently on full hit points.
Good luck troops!
Theodore and Macaw HP 38/38 AC 21(dodge & mage armor) Sunday March 12th, 2006 1:33:11 PM Spells Active: Mage Armor - 9 hours from first battle after leaving fort Invisibility - 8 min 9 rounds
Seeing the gates closing on the party, Theodore thinks quickly and begins to incant. A 2 inch thick stone wall springs up between the closing gates. In the center of the stone wall, is a portal (doorless door) about 6' wide and 9' high. (Stone wall is 2" thick and up to 45 square feet, as per 9th level)
(Wall is intended to stop closing gate and provide an entry way for our party should we decide to enter)
Vorelle [AC 20; HP 76/76] d20+9=22 d8+1=9 Sunday March 12th, 2006 11:42:01 PM
More to provide a distraction than anything else, Vorelle breaks cover and fires another shot at the orc.
[Move to X-16. Hit AC 22 (with -4 penalty for shooting into melee) for 9 damage.]
Zeoll (AC12 HP69 Heroism, Locate Object) d20+8=23 Monday March 13th, 2006 12:24:37 AM
[OOC: OH! I thought that after the 100 feet of cliffs it was a plateau. In fact, it's all mountain up there! Oh well.]
[OOC: Carl, you posted that Zeoll drank a potion. In fact, he cast Heroism on himself.]
Zeoll says no thanks to Ashira. He was confused about the options. Sorry.
Instead, Zeoll runs out 80 feet toward Brahmah, drawing his staff as he moves. (double move). No map, but Zeoll would like to end about 20 feet from Patch and well away from the two orcs and kobolds.
He calls out, "Khuun! Stop that this instant! I need help! Get overr herre and tell yourr associate that we arre frriends!"
Cha check (with Heroism) 23.
Stuff Used:
8 staff charges 1 of 3 zero level bard spells 0 of 5 first level bard spells 3 of 4 second level bard spell 1 of 1 third level bard spells 1 of 7 bardic musics
Druid spells (in [brackets] = cast): Lvl 0: Detect Poison, Guidance x3, Know Direction Lvl 1: Speak with Animals (x2), Calm Animals, Charm Animal Lvl 2: Animal Trance, Animal Trance, Hold Animal Lvl 3: Speak with Plants, Dominate Animal
Hero Points: three of five used
Brahmah (97hps, AC 26) Monday March 13th, 2006 12:48:40 AM
Total Defense.
Brahmah continues to spin the blades, doing everything in his power not to attak the ogre, though he would like too.
Brahmah Monday March 13th, 2006 10:55:02 AM
Use Sunday's post.
Ashira AC24 HP87/87, Barkskin+4 Monday March 13th, 2006 3:22:15 PM
The ranger sighs. Subterfuge again...and she was all set for a life or death battle. Lowering her swords, she calls out to Vorelle "Fellow slave, our Master has ordered us not to harm the mighty ogre our Master's ally. We must obey Master." Turning her head away, Ashira rolls her eyes as she plays along with the game.
DM Carl: Just how stupid is that ogre? d20+8=9 d20+1=14 d20+1=11 d20=12 Monday March 13th, 2006 5:00:56 PM
Theo's quick thinking ensures there is no way those gates are going to shut. Vorelle's arrow bounces off its target again. Brahmah braces himself for impact, but it never comes.
Khuurn recoils as if stung at Brahmah's harsh words, though a hint of a superior sneer appears on his face at Ashira's words.
"Aw, hey kitty, don' be like that" he wheedles, turning his back on Brahmah and spreading his great arms wide. "You heard what stupid cowhead said, Khuun was only going to mash him up a little bit!"
(OOC: I give Khuun a +5 circumstance modifier on top of his Cha bonus and he rolls a natural 1! The dice rolling gods smile upon you!)
He waves at his monstrous allies to stand down. "S'okay boys, these lads is with Khuun. Even stupid cowhead. Take it easy."
The orcs and kobolds come to an uncertain halt, gazing first at Khuun, then at the heavily armed party. They don't attack, but they don't seem to be too sure about letting you in.
The orc who was at the gateway with Patch calls down to Khuun "Hoy, Khuun, 'oo is zis, den? Wotcha bringin' yoomans 'ere for?" He looks deeply suspicious of you all.
(OOC: If you are going to continue this subterfuge I'll need to see Bluff checks from those participating please.)
Cayzle OOC Monday March 13th, 2006 8:12:30 PM
[Sorry everyone who prefers a straight up fight! How's about Zeoll tries to talk us in, and after we win through to the inside, we can fight then if we like? LOL!]
[OOC: Carl - what if Zeoll uses his staff of charming? Is it obvious that he is doing something offensive? Can he use a bluff check to distract the masses while sneaking off the spell? Or is it a lost cause and obvious hostile action?
How about casting a Suggestion spell? How obviously offensive is that?
Thanks!]
Carl: With so many opponents glaring at you suspiciously, any unexpected move may set things off. If I saw a big lion-man start to cast a spell at me with a big staff I think I'd consider it pretty alarming! But it's your call... ;-))
Vorelle d20=4 d20=14 Monday March 13th, 2006 10:31:18 PM
Vorelle puts her bow away and tries to look meek. Since she actually is meek, I'm kind of hoping for a circumstance modifier here.
Bluff 14 (used Hero point to re-roll)
Brahmah (97hps, AC 26) Tuesday March 14th, 2006 9:59:25 AM
Brahmah doesn't let his guard down, but is tempted to stab the ogre in the back. :)
Total Defense still up. He moves about 10ft closer to the gate.
Carl Tuesday March 14th, 2006 4:32:16 PM
Waiting for more posts...
Ashira AC24 HP87/87, Barkskin+4 d20+1=16 d20+11=23 Tuesday March 14th, 2006 4:42:40 PM
Knowing that she's really not the best at this sort of thing, Ashira continues to try and play the game. Sheathing her weapons, she lowers her eyes, fixing her gaze to the ground like what she supposes a good slave would do (Bluff=16). "Master, we await your orders." she says in a subdued voice as she listens to the noises around her, trying to determine whether the ruise is working (Listen=23).
Tratain (via Nellie) d20+1=13 Tuesday March 14th, 2006 4:46:41 PM
Not really thinking Zeoll's and Ashira's plan will work, but with very few other choices right now, Tratain trys to look submissive (Bluff=13), but makes sure his weapons are close by in case this thing goes south.
OOC: Sorry, haven't had time to get a feel for Tratain...will do more homework tonight.
Zeoll d20+13=24 Tuesday March 14th, 2006 5:55:43 PM
Zeoll assumes an air of command. [Bluff check 24]
"Stop this nonsense!," Zeoll calls up to the gate guards, "and inforrm yourr superriorrs that we have imporrtant news frrom the warr. And turrn off that noise!" He motions in the general direction of the alarm bell.
"Khuun, slaves, come follow me! We have business inside."
Zeoll starts walking in as if he owned the joint. He expects everyone to follow.
Theodore and Macaw Tuesday March 14th, 2006 7:02:06 PM
Theodore, still invisible, moves up to Vorelle and touches her lightly on the arm.
"It's Theo," he whispers. "I'll follow you since I'm not too quiet. Hopefully, they'll attribute any noise I make to you."
That said, the invisible wizard sticks close to the ranger.
Invisibility - 8 min 8 rounds
DM Carl: They're buying it! Nobody giggle! d20-4=12 Wednesday March 15th, 2006 8:43:00 AM
The party do their best to look like Zeoll's pitiful slaves apart from Brahmah, who moves boldly towards the entrance. This brings a cry of alarm from Patch, who raises his weapon and yells "You stop! Stop right there!"
Then Zeoll calls out in a commanding fashion, and everyone looks to him and then the orc at the gate. Uncertainty reigns.
Khuun does his best to calm his monster comrades' fears.
"You boys lissen' to kitty, he's all right kitty is. Bungo, who'd they leave in charge?"
Bungo, the Orc at the gate, seems torn. These are humans! But they are slaves to these two weird looking monsters, obviously a pair of the master's more disgusting experiments. But they were fighting Khuun! They shot arrows at Patch! But then Khuun is always fighting. And Patch is a moron; he deserves to have arrows shot at him. And they did stop when that lion-thing told them...
Eventually makes up his mind. This has all got too complicated. His head is starting to hurt. Time to upwardly delegate.
"OK, you come in, but no funny business, right? You! Stupid! Stop that bell! We go see Snotguzzle now, he listen to this news. But get this wall out of my gate first!"
Khuun rejoins the group with an apologetic smirk at Zeoll and filthy look at Brahmah. The kobolds move to surround your group as you move towards the steps. Everyone waits for you to remove the stone wall and doorway before you proceed.
Brahmah Wednesday March 15th, 2006 10:42:04 AM
Brahmah smiles back at Khuun and winks at Zeoll.
Out of the pan, into the fire.
Ashira AC24 HP87/87, Barkskin+4 Wednesday March 15th, 2006 3:02:03 PM
Continuing her act, Ashira mummbles as they enter the area. "Perhaps Master's magic stick could make the stone go away..." She hopes that the suggestion might give Zeoll a little leeway to use his Staff to charm more of the creatures.
Theodore and Macaw Wednesday March 15th, 2006 7:03:30 PM
OOC - I can't dismiss the stone wall. It's permanent, unless I'm reading the spell description wrong. They're stuck with it, unless they want to break it down.
"I can't take down the wall," Theodore whispers to Vorelle as he walks behind her.
"Excellent, verry good. You pass the test," says Zeoll to the gate guards. "You have done well. I'll be giving a good rreporrt."
Diplomacy check 43.
Then Ashira speaks, and Zeoll glares at her. "I can come up with my own brrilliant plans, slave!" He uses a Bluff check to communicate that he actually is grateful and thinks his friend's idea IS brilliant. (Bluff Check 16 is just enough)
[OOC: Really, Janell, GREAT idea! You made me laugh!]
"Now, let me see," says the liontaur. "I will use my magic staff to rremove this stone wall. Stand back! My magic is grreat!"
He then casts Charm Monster on Bungo and Patch. Two charges each for the Charm Monsters. The save DC is 21 if you consider Charm Monster to be a 3rd level spell (as it is for bards) or 22 if 4th level (as I think the assumption is for the pricing in the DMG).
If either makes the save, Zeoll will say, "Did you feel my powerr?" and try again.
After the charms, Zeoll says, "Therre! The magic is done. The stone wall will fade away in two hourrs." If either objects to that, Zeoll will say, "Look, do me a favorr and be patient, okay?" (Bluff check 20, Chr checks 20 and 10 if you need them.)
Finally, Zeoll says, "Patch, Bungo, come with us and lead the way. How farr is it to Snotguzzle? Wherre is he now?"
Stuff Used:
12(plus?) staff charges 1 of 3 zero level bard spells 0 of 5 first level bard spells 3 of 4 second level bard spell 1 of 1 third level bard spells 1 of 7 bardic musics
Druid spells (in [brackets] = cast): Lvl 0: Detect Poison, Guidance x3, Know Direction Lvl 1: Speak with Animals (x2), Calm Animals, Charm Animal Lvl 2: Animal Trance, Animal Trance, Hold Animal Lvl 3: Speak with Plants, Dominate Animal
Hero Points: 3 of 5 used.
Tratain (via Nellie) d20+1=21 d20+7=11 d20+7=23 Thursday March 16th, 2006 12:14:01 AM
In the groove (Bluff=nat. 20), Tratain fixes his gaze to the ground and shuffles along. As he does so, he attempts to keep his wits about him, moving closer to Rose to protect her should Ashira and Zeoll's plan fail (Spot=11, Listen=23).
Vorelle d20+20=40 Thursday March 16th, 2006 12:31:56 AM
Vorelle concentrates on moving as quietly as she can. Any sound Theo makes should be attributable to her, and two sets of footfalls could raise awkward questions.
[Move Silently 40, natural 20]
Rose Thursday March 16th, 2006 1:27:37 AM
Rose stays close to Ashira, and as far away from Khuun as possible. She doesnt talk but remains ready in case they are attacked.
ooc: Sorry for not posting. My computer has been freezing when online. I had to slowly email my documents to one of my email accounts and reboot. Unfortunatly my computer is still freezing, so suggestions would be helpful.
Brahmah d20+11=16 d20+11=15 Thursday March 16th, 2006 8:55:01 AM
Brahmah remains alert and stays quiet as Zeoll does his thing. (Spot 16, Listen 15)
DM Carl: Yer me besht mate! d20-2=3 d20-2=11 Thursday March 16th, 2006 11:32:11 AM
Things seem to be looking up. Ashira'a well-timed prompt allows Zeoll to pull off a sneaky bit of spellcasting that has both orcs beaming at their new buddy. The stone wall blacking their gate is waved away. Brahmah marches in with Zeoll and Khuun, the others trooping in behind. The attendant kobolds look at one another with raised eyebrows, but are sufficiently aware of their place (not to mention the likely place the orcs' boots will end up if they argue) to keep their yaps shut.
The rest of the party play their parts to perfection, shuffling along with heads hung and glum expressions as their 'masters' lead them into the dragon's den.
Sorry, did I say dragon? Figure of speech, that's all. Honest. ;-)
Their 'masters' lead them into the gloomy lair of Lord Gargulus, a great stone-hewed structure buried deep below the mountain. You find yourselves in a wide antechamber, a rough cave with stalactites and stalagmites throughout. It feels cool after the early dawn's early rays outside. Ahead is a corridor, leading through to another chamber beyond. To either side of the corridor ahead are what look like cages.
As they walk with you the three charmed monsters chat away merrily.
Bungo: "Snotguzzle? He woz down in the Joining Chamber, workin' on more troops fer the boss last time I looked. Juss' down here."
Patch: "Snotguzzle workin'? Thass a good one!"
Khuun: "Hurr hurr! You'll like Snotguzzle, kitty. He proper nasty!"
Patch: "He sure is. You hear he ate a whole batch of them pixies last week? All in one go? Crunch crunch crunch! He greedier than you and Wozzogg put together!"
Bungo: "Hey Khuun, where is Wozzogg anyways? He finally elope with Woshka? An' what about the bruvvers?"
Khuun: "Kitty an' cowhead an' slaves kill em all. Big fight! Lots of blood an' fire!"
A spot check DC 10 reveals the kobolds are now looking at one another in outright alarm, though none of them yet dares to speak up.
Theodore and Macaw HP 38/38 AC 21 (dodge & mage armor) d20+4=16 Thursday March 16th, 2006 8:39:06 PM
Theodore, still invisible and still sticking close to Vorelle, waits quietly by her side.
I'm gonna become visible shortly, he thinks to himself. I better think of something.
Spells Active: Mage Armor - 9 hours from first battle after fort Invisibility - 8 min 8 rounds from entering fort
Zeoll (AC12 HP69 Heroism, Locate Object) d20+13=15 d20+11=30 Thursday March 16th, 2006 9:50:06 PM
Note: The locate object has a duration (in total) of 7 minutes. How much of that is left? And which way to the Stone?
Zeoll laughs with his three good friends. "Yes, it was a grreat fight! Wozzogg was worrking for the enemy, you know, and I had to put him down. I'm just glad I turrned Khuun herre to the rright side of things."
Bluff Check 15 on that one.
Zeoll looks in the cages. Are they occupied? If so, Zeoll asks Khuun what these creatures are and why they are in cages. And who has the keys? Zeoll is thinking about freeing / charming creatures in cages.
How many kobolds are there? Zeoll notices (Spot 30) that the kobolds are nervous.
"Hold on a moment, therre, my frriends," the liontaur says. "Let me talk to these kobolds. They look nervous.
Zeoll talks quietly to each kobold in turn, casting Charm Person on ten of them (Save DC18). (2 from Zeoll, 8 from the charm staff.
He leaves two charmed kobolds at the gate and takes EVERYbody with the group. "Lead on, good Khuun! To Snotguzzle and the joining room."
Stuff Used:
20 staff charges 1 of 3 zero level bard spells 2 of 5 first level bard spells 3 of 4 second level bard spell 1 of 1 third level bard spells 1 of 7 bardic musics
Druid spells (in [brackets] = cast): Lvl 0: Detect Poison, Guidance x3, Know Direction Lvl 1: Speak with Animals (x2), Calm Animals, Charm Animal Lvl 2: Animal Trance, Animal Trance, Hold Animal Lvl 3: Speak with Plants, Dominate Animal
Hero Points: 3 of 5 used.
Ashira AC24 HP87/87, Barkskin+4 d20+12=24 d20+1=13 Thursday March 16th, 2006 11:09:23 PM
Spotting the nervous kobolds, Ashira resolves to silence them if Zeoll's spells don't work out. The further in they go, the more nervous Ashira is about whether they will be able to pull this off (Bluff=13). But, seeing that they really don't have any other plan... Ashira continues to shuffle along. Looking over as Rose moves in closer, Ashira catches her eyes briefly and then continues with the slave act.
Vorelle d20+20=30 Thursday March 16th, 2006 11:49:56 PM
Most of Vorelle's concentration is taken up with not making noise as she goes.
[Move Silently 30]
Rose Friday March 17th, 2006 6:38:50 AM
Rose carefully moves along with the others keeping close to Vorelle and Ashira and is very wary of the ogres.
Tratain (via Nellie) d20+7=18 d20+1=15 Friday March 17th, 2006 1:10:21 PM
The Protector watches nervously as the kobold's seem to be catching on (Spot=18). He keeps up the slave act (Bluff=15), and smiles a little as Zeoll casts his spells. That one's got guts. Hope he knows what he's doing, because we're in a world of hurt if he doesn't. he thinks as he briefly touches his war hammer.
DM Carl: Is that the sound of the wheels coming off? d20+1=21 d20+1=3 d20+1=16 d20-1=15 d20=16 d20+2=10 Friday March 17th, 2006 3:57:50 PM
Zeoll feels the lure of the divined object somewhere ahead and down.
Ahead of you the corridor continues on. It is wide, perhaps 25 or thirty feet. Just past the cages you can see two sets of stone steps heading down, one set on either side of the corridor (about 30 feet ahead of Zeoll and Brahmah who head the party). The corridor continues on for another 40 feet or so and then opens out into a roughly hexagonal chamber. You can see some sort of large raised throne near the center of the room. As you walk through the corridor you see six cages, three on either side of you. Four are empty but for a few of scattered bones, but in the last two you see huddled groups. It is hard to tell what race they are, so filthy and emaciated are they. The smell is near overpowering, and it is clear they have been left here in their own filth for some considerable time. Seeing humans one bearded figure lurches forward towards the bars and in a cracked and pitiful voice cries "Free us! Please, please free us!"
His pleas are cut off by a savage orc boot to the head. "Back scum!" cries Bungo, drawing his rusty falchion.
Zeoll informs his buddies of Wozzogg's traitorous secret. The orcs buy it wholesale, but Khuun is not convinced. "Wozzogg? Workin' fer the enemy? Never! You bin eatin' funny mushrooms, kitty? Wozzogg not work fer nobody but me! Wozzogg too dumb to work fer more than 1 person at a time!"
He scratches his head, looking perplexed. "Explain to Khuun again why you killed Wozzogg and the uvvers, and set fire to the secret weapon. Khuun not sure he understand."
Zeoll has approached one of the kobolds and casts his spell. It does the trick, but the others have no intention of waiting around to be 'magicked' like their bosses and buddy. "Run!" cries one, and 9 kobolds set off at a sprint, yelling at the top of their lungs. "Help! Help! We're being invaded!. Each party member may take an attack of opportunity if they wish as the kobolds rush past you.
Brahmah Friday March 17th, 2006 4:33:31 PM
Brahmah stays his hand with the kobolds, though he's tempted.
Zeoll d20+13=30 d20+7=25 d20+5=8 Saturday March 18th, 2006 8:20:51 PM
When Khuun asks for an explanation, Zeoll does not miss a beat.
"Well, you know the humans arre plenty trricky, rright? You thought you werre taking the weapon to fight the humans. But they had trricked you! You werre taking it to an ambush! They werre going to get the weapon and use it against us! I had to stop you and destrroy the weapon beforre the humans stole it! I'm just glad I brroke the spell on you orr we would have had to kill you!"
[Bluff Check 30]
When the kobolds flee, Zeoll shouts, "Stop them! Bungo, call them back herre!"
The liontaur tries to grab one. His touch attack hits! (vs AC25!) Then he grapples. He is +8 to size -4 due to non-prof, plus +1 Str. He rolls an 8 on the grapple check. Maybe the kobold slips away? (but if it has a -2 Str adj, maybe not?)
Theodore and Macaw HP 38/38 AC 21(dodge & mage armor) Sunday March 19th, 2006 8:07:03 PM
Still invisible, Theodore sees things begin to go wrong. He keeps his silence and hopes for the best, still unwilling to reveal his presence just yet.
Vorelle Sunday March 19th, 2006 11:25:41 PM
Vorelle does not take an AoO as the kobolds flee past her. She tries to avoid drawing attention to herself--and tries not to look at the wretched creatures in the cage.
rose d20+7=17 d20+10=21 d20+10=19 d20+10=28 Sunday March 19th, 2006 11:38:37 PM
Rose sneaks over to one of the cells and starts unlocking the door. She does her best not to be seen and to be very quiet.
hide: 17 listen: 21 move silently: 19 open lock: 28
Ashira AC24 HP87/87, Barkskin+4 Monday March 20th, 2006 12:33:12 AM
More than a little anxious, Ashira hopes fervently that Zeoll knows what he's doing. At least the kobolds are running away from this Snotguzzle guy. Hopefully that's a good thing... She lets the kobolds run past her, hoping the ogres can shut them up, but her hands itch to draw her swords and just bust in and take the stupid stone thing. This was all taking too long, and frankly, she's beginning to think it's gone south.
OOC:Apologies if I was unclear: the kobolds are running into the complex, towards this Snotguzzle guy! -DM Carl
Brahmah Monday March 20th, 2006 1:01:55 PM
Brahmah looks at Khuun with sympathy.
Then the kobolds make a break for it. Zeoll makes a grab for one kobold, but the wiry little creature is too slippery for the big wemic. It squirms free and races off down the corridor, shrieking wildly.
(OOC: Zeoll didn't quite make the Grapple DC, but also note that "your grapple check fails on a roll of a natural 1, 2, or 3". Cayzle, who wrote our Woldian special attack rules, is clearly testing his poor DM! ;-) Look up those rules here:
They can come in very handy, as we are about to see...)
Bungo does as he is told and sticks out a foot as a kobold goes past. The creatures desperately attempts to avoid the outstretched boot, but is running too fast to stop in time. It slams to the ground in a heap.
Khuun and Patch try the same trick, but are too late.
Then Bungo bellows "Stop where you are, you 'orrible little scum!" in a voice like thunder. Remarkably all but two of the fleeing kobolds skid to a halt, their fear of the big wemic's magic overruled by their absolute terror of their commanding officer's righteous wrath! They stand trembling ahead of you. The remaining two reach the two sets of stone steps. They split up, one heading down each. They continue to yell and scream as they go.
Under cover of all this confusion, brave Rose makes a bid to free the poor occupants of the cages. She sneaks quietly to one side, out of line of sight of those up front. She is just about to fish out her set of lockpicks (OOC: Picking a lock is a full round action, so this round Rose moved into position)) when Khuun turns around (Spot nat 20!).
"Hoy! Wot's dat slave doin' near the cage?" he roars, pointing at the tiny Halfling. A string of saliva drips from his bottom lip. Patch and Bungo turn to stare at her.
Ashira AC24 HP87/87, Barkskin+4 d20+1=14 Monday March 20th, 2006 4:35:26 PM Oh yeah, we're screwed... the ranger thinks as she watches the two kobolds make a bolt for it. Then Khuun spots Rose near the cage and starts bellowing. Better move fast. Darting toward Rose, Ashira slams her into the side of the cage. "Hey! What do you think you're doing?! It's not time to steal yet, besides, these stupid things don't have anything to steal! Move now! Master tells us when to steal!" (Bluff=14) Ashira herds Rose back over to the others and wonders how in the world they're going to get out of this alive. At least that big stone wall afforded them an exit...but there sure are a lot of uglies to fight... Zeoll better know what he's doing.
Zeoll Monday March 20th, 2006 8:09:07 PM
Zeoll is clearly frustrated and barks some orders.
"Bungo, my frriend, tell those kobolds to get in line. We have to be moving out."
Hearing the pleas of the captives, Zeoll snarls. "I'll give you frreedom! You pitiful humans disgust me! You arre frree to die! Rrose, Ashirra, stay herre afterr we go and kill all these snivelerrs. Then catch up to us, fast."
"I wish I had time to kill them myself, But we have to go see Snotguzzle rright now! Khuun, lead the way this instant, my faithful frriend! Then the kobolds, then everryone else!"
Zeoll gets the entire party moving as fast as he can, right this instant. If anyone dawdles, he says, "Get moving!"
Over his shoulder he calls to Ashira and Rose, "Make it painful, but fast!"
Vorelle d20+20=21 d20+20=33 Monday March 20th, 2006 8:48:18 PM
Vorelle continues to use her skills to remain unobtrusive, but she's having some serious doubts. If Zeoll's plan falls apart, she can hardly sneak out again.
[Hide 21, Move Silently 33. Using the Hide skill to avoid calling attention to myself, not necessarily to be completely hidden and out of sight.]
Theodore and Macaw HP 38/38 AC 21(dodge & mage armor) Monday March 20th, 2006 9:16:03 PM
The invisible Theodore follows after the entourage, keeping close to Vorelle.
Tratain (via Nellie) d20+1=7 Monday March 20th, 2006 11:57:43 PM
Tratain shifts about nervously. Things have definately taken a turn for the worse. His hands fumble for his weapons, though he does not yet draw them (Bluff=7).
Brahmah Tuesday March 21st, 2006 1:11:32 AM
Brahmah moves along, head high and looking down on the humans imperiously.
Ashira AC24 HP87/87, Barkskin+4 (extra post) d20+1=21 Tuesday March 21st, 2006 9:53:13 AM
Ashira grins evilly at Zeoll's command and unsheathes her swords. "You hear that? Master says we get to kill them...then we can steal from them. Must be our lucky day, huh Rose?" Ashira winks at the halfling, trying to let her know everything's going to be ok (Bluff=nat. 20).
DM Carl: Who watches the watchmen? d20-2=4 d20-2=11 d20+2=10 Tuesday March 21st, 2006 4:00:05 PM
The party continue to ride their luck. Ashira and Zeoll's little charade convinces the two orcs and Khuun, who turn their attention back to the kobolds. They don't seem at all bothered that those sorry wretches are going to be put out of their misery. After a few moments of reshuffling you set out once more, this time with the party guarding the kobolds instead of the other way around!
Ashira and Rose are left behind to heartlessly murder the poor, whimpering prisoners, who are pressing themselves back against their cell walls, terrified that their long ordeal is soon to come to a very brutal end. Some sob, some shriek, one still has enough spirit remaining to raise his filthy emaciated fists to you in defiance.
Ahead is the throne room. Patch beckons you forward. To either side of you are the stone steps descending into darkness. From down the two sets of steps you hear the echo of kobold yaps and screams.
Theodore and Macaw HP 38/38 AC 21(dodge & mage armor) Tuesday March 21st, 2006 9:33:44 PM
Theodore continues to follow along, still invisible.
Vorelle d20+20=25 d20+20=31 Tuesday March 21st, 2006 10:44:36 PM
Vorelle continues to do her best to be unobtrusive.
[Hide 25, Move Silently 31]
Brahmah d20+11=13 d20+11=22 Wednesday March 22nd, 2006 2:37:01 AM
He listens and watches. (Spot 13, Listen 22)
Zeoll Wednesday March 22nd, 2006 8:18:40 PM
Zeoll urges everyone to follow Patch asap.
Ashira Wednesday March 22nd, 2006 11:14:08 PM
Brandishing her swords in a menacing manner, Ashira waits until the others are out of eye and earshot and then she whispers to Rose. "Ok Rose, lets get them out of here...Though how in Gargul's name we're going to pull this off, I really don't know." Then the green skinned warrior turns to the prisoners. Still whispering, she gives them the skinny. "Alright, listen up. We're not going to kill you, but I need you to make it sound like it. 'Cus if you don't, the ogres are gonna come back and kill you...so scream...scream for your very lives." And just how exactly I'm going to get you out of here, I have nooo clue! she thinks as she watches Rose work.
Brahmah Thursday March 23rd, 2006 1:07:33 AM
Keeping with the ruse, Brahmah confirms Ashira's statement. "Yah." He grits his teeth.
rose d20+10=18 d20+10=19 d20+10=26 d20+10=24 d20+10=20 d20+10=23 d20+10=27 d20+10=26 d20+10=21 d20+10=14 Thursday March 23rd, 2006 2:13:53 AM
Rose quickly gets to work on the locks freeing as many as she can.
open lock tries, I'm assuming we're not in rounds at this moment and am making 10 tries or 1 minute of opening locks.
DM Carl: The Throne Room d20=20 Thursday March 23rd, 2006 11:29:29 AM
Patch leads the party into the throne room. Several more cages line the walls, the cages populated by an assortment of fey, animals and monsters. They gaze at you listlessly as you enter the room, their dull eyes and slumped postures evidence of the absence of all hope in this dreadful place. That anyone would choose to situate a throne here, amongst such utter despair speaks volumes for the nature of the master of this place.
Patch indicates a wide set of stone steps to the rear of the chamber, directly ahead of you. "Snotguzzle down here." Peering down into the darkness the steps appear to go down some considerable way.
If you make a Listen check DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {You hear the high pitched yipping of kobolds echoing up the stairs.}
If you make a Listen check DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {You hear the high pitched yipping of kobolds echoing up the stairs, and a sort of low rumbling sound.}
If you make a Listen check DC 25 Highlight to display spoiler: {You hear the high pitched yipping of kobolds echoing up the stairs, and a sort of low rumbling sound, which sounds rather like loud snoring.}
If you make a Listen check DC 30 Highlight to display spoiler: {You hear the high pitched yipping of kobolds echoing up the stairs, and a sort of low rumbling sound, which sounds rather like loud snoring. In fact, it sounds like two distinct sets of snoring.}
Ashira and Rose Highlight to display spoiler: { You hang back and let the humans in the cages into your plan. At first they seem too far gone to register your words, sobbing in horror at the lion-monter's threats. But the fellow who raised his fists to you seems to be made of sterner stuff. His eyes open wide in comprehension, and a look of incredulous hope steals over his face. He turns to his companions and whispers "Scream! Scream for your lives!"
Rose works the lock, struggling to get the rusty thing open. She has no luck at first.
(OOC: Loretta, we're going round by round at the moment. I'll use your rolls as you made them, no luck this turn.)}
From behind you in the corridor the party hear the terrified wails of the human prisoners.
Theodore and Macaw HP 38/38 AC 21(dodge & mage armor) d20+5=15 Thursday March 23rd, 2006 10:14:01 PM
(Listen 15)
Invisible Theodore continues with the party.
Zeoll (AC12 HP69 Heroism, Locate Object) d20+6=17 d20+13=16 Thursday March 23rd, 2006 10:30:41 PM
Zeoll worries that more enemies will be piling in soon, and he wants to enchant Snotguzzle before that. So he urges the group to go down the stairs post haste.
"Come my frriends!" Zeoll exhorts, "Snotguzzle awaits! Let's get down therre!" He leads the group down, staff in hand.
By the way, what is his fix on the stone orb revealing?
As he heads down stairs, Zeoll says to his comrades, "Afterr we get what we came forr, I hope we will meet the masterr of this place. I have a special song I have been composing just forr him. I think he will be interrested in hearring it. No doubt you slaves will flee at the sight of the grreat lorrd, but I will sing my entirre song forr him."
Zeoll is in this way passing a secret simple message to his friends [Bluff check 16 is just enough]: If we meet Gargul after we get the orb, Zeoll will fascinate him with bardic music and give you all a head start in escaping.
Brahmah d20+11=27 Friday March 24th, 2006 1:43:26 AM
(Listen 27)
"Something large is asleep."
Rose Friday March 24th, 2006 5:36:30 AM
Rose continues working on the locks.
use previous rolls
Vorelle d20+14=27 d20+20=27 Friday March 24th, 2006 9:13:03 AM
[Listen 27]
Vorelle agrees with Bramah's assessment--something very large is sleeping down there. The kobolds are worrisome, too.
Vorelle's hand drifts toward her axe, and she continues to move as quietly as she can. No point in waking up whatever's asleep.
[Move Silently 27]
DM Carl: Friday March 24th, 2006 6:29:03 PM
The front party: Highlight to display spoiler: {Zeoll and Brahmah lead the party down the stone steps. Zeoll can still feel the presence of the stone, at a steep downward angle. Steeper than that at which the steps descend, down into the darkness.
Behind them come Khuun, Patch and Bungo, then seven terrified kobolds and one happy one, and then Vorelle, Tratain and an invisible Theo. (OOC: I need posts for Tratain please. Nellie, are you OK to continue doing the honours?)
The sound of snoring that some of you heard now becomes apparent to all. It echoes off the rocky walls, and draws chuckles from Khunn and the orcs. "That be Snotguzzle, workin' as usual!" grins the ogre mage.
Then, without warning, the snoring stops.}
The team at the cages: Highlight to display spoiler: { Rose works as fast as she can. The rusty old lock is proving stubborn, but she thinks she almost has it. Not quite yet though...
Ashira glances nervously about, but apart from the continuing wails of the prisoners, all is quiet. The others have disappeared down the stone steps to the far end of the throne room.}
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