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.}
Zeoll says to his friends softly, "Now you slaves be polite! Let me have a worrd with this fellow. No need to starrt a fight!"
He continues down the stairs at a brisk pace.
Ashira d20+12=32 d20+11=27 Saturday March 25th, 2006 8:19:17 PM
Ashira keeps a watch as Rose continues to work. Geez, what the heck are we going to do with these people...can't take them down with us...can't let them just walk out the front door alone. Hmmmmm... she ponders as her eyes and ears probe the tunnel (Spot=nat.20, Listen=27).
OOC: Carl, yeah, I'm sorry I dropped the ball on Tratain. I'll keep posting for him.
Tratain d20+7=12 d20+7=14 Saturday March 25th, 2006 8:23:38 PM
The cleric shifts his feet nervously as the snoring stops. His hand inches from his war hammer, Tratain waits to see if Zeoll can pull off another miracle.
Zeoll (AC12 HP69 Heroism, Locate Object) Saturday March 25th, 2006 10:48:51 PM
"Come on, everrybody!"
The liontaur readies a Charm Monster to use on Snotty as soon as he sees him. He wonders what he is, given that he snored so loud.
Rose Sunday March 26th, 2006 3:17:19 AM "Stupid stubborn lock, just give why dont you!" Rose mutters under her breath "Ashira can you see a key?"
rose continued Sunday March 26th, 2006 3:18:58 AM
as rose is muttering she is still working on the lock. use rolls made on the 23rd.
Vorelle d20+20=21 Sunday March 26th, 2006 10:50:27 PM
Vorelle tries to move quietly and act meek at the same time, and somehow the combination is a bit much for her. Still, even at her clumsiest, she is pretty quiet.
[Move Silently 21, natural 1]
Brahmah Monday March 27th, 2006 10:13:43 AM
He follows.
DM Carl: d20+12=23 Monday March 27th, 2006 4:18:40 PM
The party above: Highlight to display spoiler: {Rose's battle with the rusty lock is finally won. With a satisfying click the iron door springs open, and the imprisoned folk stagger out. At repeated prompting from their leader they continue their howls and wails, and in fairness do a pretty good job of sounding as if they are dying in unspeakable agony. They have obviously had plenty of practice.
Ashira keeps a keen eye out for danger, but sees no sign of trouble yet. However she is well aware that opening the cage door for these people is not the same thing as setting them safely free. The bearded fellow who defied you before whispers urgently "Bless you, friends! A thousand thank yous! Now do you have means to transport us? Many of us are too weak to walk."
Looking at this sorry bunch you see the truth in his words. Some of these wretches are being held upright by their companions, but all of them are near starved to death. They will not get far by foot. }
The party below: Highlight to display spoiler: { You continue down through the gloom. The slow-burning torches bracketed to the walls are few and far between. Zeoll can feel that you have passed over the stone and past it. Now the steps turn 180 degrees, continuing down, and a faint light is visible at their base. From behind you you hear screams of agony, as if folk up there are being painfully butchered.
You also hear sounds from down below, growing ever clearer as you descend. Along with the yapping and snarling of kobolds two brutish voices can be clearly heard echoing up the rocky passage.
Voice 1 "Yoomans!? Yoomans here?" Voice 2 "An wif Khuun an' Patch an' Bungo all magicked up? An' a lion fing and bull fing an all? Voice 1 "Dey got some nerve! Comin' in here? Magickin' up our boys? We's gonna shows 'em, ain't we Snot?" Voice 2 "Too right Guzzle, too right!"
The thud of mighty footsteps can be felt through the stone steps. Dust falls from the roughly carved stone above you as a bellow from below rattles the teeth in your heads.
"Khuun? Boys? You lissen' to Snotguzzle an' you lissen' right good! You pull out yer weapons an' cut dem mates o' yers down, or I's be suckin' da meat from yer bones when I's done wif dem!"
Zeoll's newfound friends look at one another nervously. All around you, weapons are drawn. But are these monsters siding with you, or against you?}
Vorelle d20+20=40 Monday March 27th, 2006 10:37:48 PM
All Vorelle can think to do is keep as quiet as she can--and keep her hands close to her weapons.
[Move Silently 40. Natural 20 today.]
Zeoll (AC12 HP69 Heroism, Locate Object) d20+24=33 d20+11=15 d20+18=26 Tuesday March 28th, 2006 12:46:40 AM
Zeoll calmly continues to walk downstairs, getting closer to Snotguzzle.
The liontaur calms the situation with a few carefully chosen words. "Snotguzzle, you dog! Stop this nonsense rright away! I'm a frriend! These humans arre my slaves. We'rre herre to do the Masterr's worrk! You gonna believe a few stupid kobolds? I know you arre smarrterr than that!"
He listens to try to gauge the monster's state of mind
"I suggest that you calm down and listen beforre you end up in trrouble with the guys upstairrs!"
Diplomacy check: 33. Bluff check: 15. Sense Motive check: 26.
Casting Suggestion spell: Will DC 20, maybe even harder depending on circumstance.
Ashira Tuesday March 28th, 2006 1:01:21 AM
Ashira sighs in relieve when Rose gets the cage open, but the sight of the captives state sends her mind reeling. This was more than she'd bargained for. "Hmmmm...can't walk, you say?" The ranger thinks long and hard. "Well, you can't very well just march out the front gate. And, I can't take you down with the others that think you're dead. So, you really only have one option...lay down and play dead until we get back. Hopefully we'll be back soon. I'm sorry, but that's the best I can offer you right now." Looking sad, but resolute, Ashira turns to Rose. "Rose, we have to join the others. We'll come back for these guys once we've taken care of the other." Ashira looks briefly at the captives. "I'm sorry. Good luck." and then she heads toward the stairs heading downward.
Tratain AC25, HP58/58 (via Nellie) Tuesday March 28th, 2006 1:07:57 AM
With the monsters drawing their weapons, that's enough to convince Tratain that the time for trickery is over. He begins to cast Divine Favor on himself.
Brahmah Tuesday March 28th, 2006 10:42:19 AM
Having drawn his weapons on the stairs, Brahmah stares back, waiting and wondering.
Theodore and Macaw HP 38/38 AC 21(dodge & mage armor) Tuesday March 28th, 2006 9:36:52 PM
Theodore remains unseen, tensed for action.
Rose Tuesday March 28th, 2006 10:02:00 PM
Rose quickly follows Ashira, wishing she could do more to help.
Brahmah Wednesday March 29th, 2006 10:58:57 AM
He remains vigilant.
OOC: Carl Wednesday March 29th, 2006 11:04:22 AM
Apologies gang, RL has given me a proper beating over the last few days. I'll do my best to post tonight.
DM Carl: And it was all going so well... d20+12=19 d20+7=25 d20=11 d20=16 d20-1=13 d20+6=16 2d4(2+1)+4=7 d20+6=7 d20+1=3 d20+1=6 d20+1=13 d20+1=8 Wednesday March 29th, 2006 4:29:13 PM
Party below: Highlight to display spoiler: { The party subtly shifts into a state of readiness. The tension is palpable. Zeoll attempts to defuse the situation with another spell, but Snotguzzle's next words, reverberating up the stairs, leave him in little doubt as to its outcome.
"You not trick Snot with yer clever tricks, wizard!" "Nor Guzzle! Not Guzzle niever!" "S'right! Boys, ATTACK!"
"Sorry boys, nuffin personal, but orders is orders" shrugs Patch as he swings a heavy falchion at Zeoll's hindquarters and connects with a jarring thud of metal against flesh (7 hp).
"Yes boss! Yes boss!" squeaks Bungo as he takes a swing at Brahmah. He may be mates with the lion thing, but if Snotguzzle tells him to attack, attack he will. You don't mess with Snotguzzle if you like your gizzards where they are. But Snotguzzle's threats have him too shaken to do anything. His swing comes closer to hitting Patch than the big minotaur.
The kobolds, sandwiched between the orcs and the the rearguard, cannot all make an attack. But one takes a nervous stab at Vorelle with its spear, and another two try the same trick on Tratain. Even the charmed kobold moves to attack. None connect, their weapons easily knocked aside by the experienced warriors.
Only Khuun does nothing. He finds himself unable to reach anyone but Zeoll, and he cannot bring himself to attack kitty. He stands there, gripping his greatsword, looking torn. If only he could reach that accursed cowhead! Kill him, yes, but not kitty, kitty friend!}
Party above: Highlight to display spoiler: {Ashira tries to persuade the prisoners to remain in their cage. Hope turns to horror as they look back into their cage.
"No! Never!" Cries the leader. I'd rather die than go back in there! We're leaving, with you or without you! We'll crawl if we have to! If we are to die let it be with the sun on our backs rather than starved to death for the amusement of those horrors!"
And so saying he leads his companions shakily towards the entrance.
If you wish to argue or prevent them leaving. Otherwise I'll assume you are heading towards the stairs. With a listen check DC 17 you hear cries from down below, and the clash of steel.}
Zeoll (AC12 HP62 of 69 Heroism, Locate Object) d20+7=10 d20+14=24 Wednesday March 29th, 2006 6:22:15 PM
Zeoll shouts out, with all the force of command in his voice, "You all stop this attack rright now!" [Chr check 10 to command, oh well]
To his friends, he shouts, "Total Defense! This rround at least, please!"
He takes a move action down the stairs.
If he sees the two-headed SnotGuzzle, then he casts Charm Monster on the creature.
If he does not see the monster, then he shouts, "SNOTGUZZLE! COME HERRE! I HAVE BUSINESS WITH YOU!" Then he readies an action to cast the Charm Monster as soon as he sees the monster. [Charm Monster save is a Will DC22.]
Either way, he casts on the Defensive to make sure he provokes no AoOs [Con check 24].
If the charm takes, he shouts to SnotGuzzle, "Tell them to stop the attack rright now, my frriend!"
Vorelle [AC 24; HP 76/76] Wednesday March 29th, 2006 11:40:14 PM
Heeding Zeoll's instructions, Vorelle pulls her handaxes (a free action with Quick Draw) and concentrates only on defending herself.
Ashira d20+12=16 d20+11=17 Thursday March 30th, 2006 12:52:47 AM
Ashira sighs. She completely understands the poor people's plight, but their decision will only lead them to their death. "I'm sorry you feel that way. I wish I could give you something to help you fight with the guards at the gate, but I'm sorry...I can't. If you change your mind, we'll be back in a few minutes..." Ashira's ears catch the faint sounds of a scuffle down below. "We'll that's our cue Rose..." Ashira begins to sprint down the stairs (Running...4x movement=120 feet this round).
Tratain AC25, HP58/58 (via Nellie) Divine Favor Thursday March 30th, 2006 12:58:08 AM
The Protector grunts at Zeoll's order. Doesn't he know that the game is up? Oh well. Pulling out his war hammer, Tratain swings it defensively, keeping the kobolds at bay, but not trying to hurt them....for now.
Rose Thursday March 30th, 2006 3:50:32 AM
Rose quickly reads a scroll then runs after Ashira, hoping they wont be to late.
cast expeditious retreat from scroll. run down stairs 60'x4=120'
Brahmah (97hps, AC22) d20+13=23 d20+15=27 d20+8=16 d20+10=14 2d4(2+2)+7=11 2d4(2+3)+7=12 d6+4=8 d6+4=7 Thursday March 30th, 2006 6:10:08 AM
Brahmah sighs deeply, having really taking a liking to Bungo. 'It's a shame, I really did like him.' He thinks.
He returns the attack from Bungo. (hits AC 23, 27, 16 and 14 for 11, 8, 12 and 7 damage)
DM Carl: Battle beneath the mountain round 2 d20+6=8 d20+1=20 d20+1=18 d20+1=21 d20+1=15 d20+1=10 d6-1=5 d20+6=24 d20+6=13 d20+7=13 2d4(1+1)+4=6 Thursday March 30th, 2006 3:58:12 PM
Zeoll moves forward, attempting to draw Snotguzzle out into the open. But the creature is too wily for that, and remains out of sight. Patch takes a swing as Zeoll moves away, but can't hit the fleet-footed Wemic.
He may not find Snotguzzle, but a lone kobold, looking rather nervous, is shoved into the tunnel entrance. It stands there blinking, holding its spear like a comfort blanket in the face of the savage-looking liontaur. From around the left hand corner comes Snotguzzle's mocking voice:
"You no magic us! You fight, wizard!"
Tratain and Vorelle defend themselves valiantly, hoping Zeoll tactics might yet pay off. But one kobold gets through. Springing forward it jabs its spear into Tratain's thigh with a hiss of victory (5hp).
Theo remains invisible, not sure what to do.
Brahmah is less inclined to heed Zeoll's advice. He lets rip with a hail of blows at Bungo, but to his dismay finds that only two strikes draw blood, and even those are only the slightest of wounds. Bungo laughs. "Is dat all ya got?"
Now Brahmah find himself surrounded by foes. Patch lands a solid blow (6 hp), but both Bungo and Khuun miss, much to the ogre's annoyance.
"Cowhead gonna pay now!" grins the ogre mage with a look of grim satisfaction.
Ashira and Rose abandon the prisoners to their fate and race down the steps. Judging from the sounds of battle ahead you should reach the combatants next round.
Theodore and Macaw HP 38/38 AC 21(dodge & mage armor) d20+2=14 Thursday March 30th, 2006 9:26:02 PM
"Nod your head if you want to come with me to Zeoll," Theodore whispers to Vorelle.
With or without her, Theodore casts dimension door to take him (and Vorelle, if willing) to Zeoll's side. Once there, he attempts to move past the lone kobold. (Still invisible, move silently 14)
Rose d10+3=6 Thursday March 30th, 2006 10:18:21 PM
As Rose races towards the combat she pulls out a scroll. As soon as she's come to a stop (within 30' of combat, and can see it) she'll read the scroll.
cast false life from scroll, gained 6 additional hp
ooc: did rose get healed up after last combat? DM Carl: Yes, Rose is fully healed ooc2: is rose's mage armor still active? what about spectral hand from last combat? DM Carl: Yes to both. 15 rounds remain on spectral hand, over 2 1/2 hrs on the mage armor.
Zeoll d20+7=15 Thursday March 30th, 2006 10:23:37 PM
Zeoll once again tries to control his "friends" -- both those charmed and otherwise!
"Frriends! Frriends! Ourr enemies laugh when we fight each otherr! At least use the flats of yourr weapons! Do not strrike with killing blows!"
Chr check 15 to convince the charmed enemies to do as he asks.
He then says to the kobold, "I am yourr frriend! Do not be afrraid!" Then he charms it, or trries to. [Charm monster save DC22, with the kobold getting a +5 if it feels threatened.]
If the spell works, he walks 40 feet closer, hoping to see SnotGuzzle. He says, "Hey SnotGuzzle! Do not be afrraid! I am yourr frriend too!"
Vorelle [AC 20; HP 76/76] d20+12=24 d20+12=16 d20+7=17 d20+7=10 d6+3=7 d6+3=4 d6+3=7 Friday March 31st, 2006 2:06:42 AM
Vorelle shakes her head slightly at Theo's question. She wants to stay where she is, because she has a chance of actually doing damage to the kobolds. She lashes out with her handaxes.
[Hit AC 24 for 7 damage; hit AC 16 for 4 damage; hit AC 17 for 7 damage; hit AC 10]
Tratain AC25, HP53/58 (via Nellie) Divine Favor, Take under Wing (Vorelle gains +5 to AC) d20+12=24 d20+7=23 d8+9=11 2d6(2+1)=3 d8+9=13 2d6(1+5)=6 Friday March 31st, 2006 9:57:20 AM
Tratain shakes his head at Zeoll's order. Can't he see the game is up? No matter...they will soon have this sorted out. With a brief glance over at Vorelle, the Protector decides to lend her a little assistance (Take Under Wing...Vorelle gains +5 to AC). Tratain's war hammer slams into the kobold (k2) in front of him with a little less accuracy than he could normally provide, but it is still a good hit (AC24 for 11+3). The hammer smashes down once more with lethal force (AC23 for 13+6). Should the first blow kill the first kobold, Tratain uses his second strike against k3.
Ashira AC21, HP87/87 Friday March 31st, 2006 10:07:25 AM
Slowing her pace a little, Ashira reaches into her pack and pulls out a potion (Shield of Faith). She can't drink it now, but at least she'll be able to before she jumps into things.
Brahmah (91/97hps, AC22) d20+15=26 d20+13=21 d20+8=28 d20+8=16 d20+10=24 2d4(1+4)+7=12 2d4(1+4)+7=12 d6+4=8 d6+4=10 Friday March 31st, 2006 10:12:29 AM
The minotaur sighs when he hears the plea from Zeoll. He doesn't wish to heed the suggestion, now that the 'jig is up'. He turns his focus to Khuun, who seems to want the full bore of the minotaur's attacks. (hitting AC 26, 21, 24, and 28(possible crit on 16), for 12, 8, 12 and 10 damage)
"HuMpH."
DM Carl: Round 3: Enter Snotguzzle d20+4=6 d20+3=12 d20+1=7 d20+1=3 d20+1=13 d20+7=16 d20+6=21 d20+15=22 d20+10=11 d20+15=24 d20+10=17 d10+8=14 d10+8=14 d10+8=10 Saturday April 1st, 2006 10:19:16 AM
Rose and Ashira follow the stairs down. They make a 180 degree turn and there, 30 feet or so ahead, you see the battle in progress. Rose casts False Life, Ashira has time to down her potion.
Vorelle and Tratain lay into the kobolds. Vorelle connects once (Kobolds are AC 18), and that blow nearly finishes her opponent. Tratain's blows hammer down as if the very power of Domi himself were behind them. Both of his enemies are smashed aside, gouts of blood pumping from their crushed skulls. The terrified kobolds prod feebly at you with their spears, but have no impact.
Brahmah focuses on the sneering ogre mage. Although four blows strike their target, only two do any damage, and that is limited (AC 18, DR 10). Khuun grins swings back, but both he and Bungo cannot penetrate the big minotaur's armor.
Zeoll tries to call a halt to the fighting, but things are too far gone. Most of your charmed monster allies are allies no longer. (OOC: Any act by you or your apparent allies that threatens the charmed person breaks the spell). Only Patch pulls back, torn between the command of his friend and the orders of his boss.
Zeoll casts his spell at the kobold in front of him and a relieved smile spreads across the creature's face. "Hey boss, dis guy ain't our enemy!" grins the kobold, relaxing his defensive posture.
Zeoll presses onward and rounds the corner. At the same time Theo is able to dimension door his way past the kobold, and also peek around the corner of the stairwell.
Zeoll and Theo Highlight to display spoiler: {Zeoll and Theo find themselves face to face with an astonishing creature. Fully fourteen feet tall and covered in thick, matted hair, a two-headed giant stands before you, whirling a heavy flail in each gigantic hand. From the way it is swinging those things you get the impression he has had plenty of practice at using them. He wears some sort of armoured skin as armor, and gives every impression of being a seriously unpleasant and dangerous fellow.
Taking a stomping step forward with twin grins the creature hammers a rain of mighty blows down on the unsuspecting wemic. One head seems amazed when a blow made with its arm misses, but every other strike is true. Zeoll is rocked by the ferocity of the three blows (total 34 hp).}
Brahmah may make a Spot check DC 15 to read the above. Everyone else can see Zeoll take a series of very heavy blows.
Brahmah (OOC) Saturday April 1st, 2006 12:09:39 PM
How is it that only two strikes hit if his AC is 18? Hmmm... this suggests spell usage at some point. Which suggests that his AC ISN'T 18. :)
DM Carl: AC is indeed 18. However his Damage Reduction (DR) is 10, so only 2 of Brahmah's blows do enough to get through it, and even then only for a total of 4 hp damage. The orcs share this unusual feature, although the kobolds do not. They seem to have picked up wings from Gargulus' process. So far the only thing to bypass the damage reduction has been magic spells, cold iron arrows and Tratain's cold iron warhammers.
Vorelle [AC 25; HP 76/76] d20+12=25 d20+12=25 d20+7=23 d20+7=20 d6+1=5 d6+1=5 d6+1=3 d6+1=6 Saturday April 1st, 2006 9:19:47 PM
Encouraged that the kobolds seem easier to hit, Vorelle attacks again. She starts with the wounded one, and moves on to the non-wounded one if that one goes down.
[Hit AC 25 for 5; hit AC 25 for 5; hit AC 23 for 3; hit AC 20 for 6]
Brahmah(OOC) Sunday April 2nd, 2006 2:42:21 PM
OOC: I misunderstood. Perhaps the post was intended to be clearer.
Theodore and Macaw HP 38/38 AC 21(dodge & mage armor) Sunday April 2nd, 2006 8:17:20 PM
Invisible Theodore bends down to pick up a pebble from the floor. He whispers some arcane language and darkness blooms from his position, extending out 20'.
(Cast darkness for 90 minutes on his pebble, providing concealment (20% miss chance) to everyone within 20' radius)
Zeoll (AC12 HP35 of 69 Heroism, Locate Object) d20+14=27 Monday April 3rd, 2006 4:37:10 AM
Zeoll casts on the defensive (Concentration check 27), lifting his staff and trying to charm the head farthest from the stair (on Zeoll's left, that is, on the giant's right, that is, on the south). The save DC is a 22, reduced to a 17 most likely with the -5 penalty.
He then walks southeast by east 40 feet, likely taking an AoO as he does. Maybe he will be lucky and the giant will be slower than him, Zeoll thinks, so that he will have to charge to attack, and maybe this kobold will interfere with that.
If the charm works, he tells the giant, "We have to stop fighting! This is all a terrrible mistake! I am yourr frriend." As he walks away, he tells the kobold, "Follow me!"
Brahmah (91/97hps, AC26) Monday April 3rd, 2006 12:56:14 PM
Brahmah pauses briefly to think. Then moves away toward Zeoll. (Total Defense)
Tratain AC25, HP53/58 (via Nellie) Divine Favor, Take under Wing (Vorelle gains +5 to AC) d20+12=31 d20+7=25 d8+9=13 2d6(5+6)=11 d8+9=15 2d6(2+4)=6 Monday April 3rd, 2006 2:53:03 PM
Looking grim, the Protector moves with Vorelle, ready to remove the kobold resistance one swing at a time. First he moves against the kobold closest to Vorelle (k4, AC31 for 13+11). Once satisfied that it is dead, he slams his warhammer into the kobold in front of himself (AC25 for 15+6). Scanning the battlefield, Tratain looks over at Vorelle. "Looks like the others could use some help. Let's push past these things and help out our friend Brahmah."
Ashira AC24, HP87/87 (Shield of Faith +3) d20+14=21 d8+4=7 Monday April 3rd, 2006 3:00:59 PM
As the magic tingles through her body, Ashira looks at the battle in front of her. Knew Zeoll's plan was too good to be true. she ruses as she rushes forward to take up a position to the left of Vorelle. Her arms tight, Ashira thrusts her longsword at the kobold in front of her (k1, AC21 for 7dam).
DM Carl: Round 4: Snot vs Guzzle? d20+1=11 d20+1=6 d20+4=12 d20+7=17 d20+6=12 d20+15=28 d10+8=14 Monday April 3rd, 2006 5:33:13 PM
The kobolds don't have time to curse their fortune as the heroes tear into them. Vorelle puts down one kobold with her first blow, another with her next two, and wounds a third with her last attack. Tratain finishes off the job in style, smashing that wounded creature into a hideous mess of flesh and bone. Then he steps forward and caves in the skull of yet another enemy. Finally Ashira steps past Vorelle and lands a blow on one of the two remaining creatures.
Both he and his companion strike back, but they are hopelessly outclassed. They cannot get close to these deadly invaders.
Brahmah figures Zeoll is in need of aid, and moves to help him. His opponents try to take advantage of his distraction, but the big minotaur is too quick for them.
Theo casts his spell, and the air around him becomes thick with wafting shadows.
Zeoll casts at Snot, trying to charm him. The spell is a success, and Snot beams at his new buddy.
Snot: "Hey, is'OK, Guzzle! He's a good guy, see?" Guzzle (rolling his eyes): "Aw you moron! Dat cat's done magicked yer stoopid head!"
One head smiling, one grimacing, the ettin lumbers after the retreating Zeoll, but finds Brahmah blocking his path. Blinking through the magical darkness Guzzle swings his left arm as Snot nods cheerfully. The massive flail connects with a heavy crunch (14 hp).
Now that Zeoll and Theo a moment away from combat he can take stock of his surroundings. Zeoll can feel the stone, directly south of his current position! Anyone else can also make spot checks, but you need to add 10 to the DCs listed below due to the darkness.
Spot 10: Highlight to display spoiler: {You are in a cave, perhaps 70 feet wide, which opens out into a vast underground cavern. It must be hundreds of feet in diameter.}
Spot 15: Highlight to display spoiler: { You are in a cave, perhaps 70 feet wide, which opens out into a vast underground cavern. It must be hundreds of feet in diameter You can see wooden walkways crossing the cavern, both at this level and high above. You see metal cages hanging from its distant roof. }
Spot 20: Highlight to display spoiler: { You are in a cave, perhaps 70 feet wide, which opens out into a vast underground cavern. It must be hundreds of feet in diameter You can see wooden walkways crossing the cavern, both at this level and high above. Up on theses gantries you can see the faces of several creatures, goblins by the look of them. They are circling round to the scene of the battle. You see metal cages hanging from the distant roof. At the centre of the vast chamber is a stone island, which seems to be surrounded by lava, if that soft orange glow is anything to go by. Actually, now you think about it, it is rather warm down here. }
Spot 25: Highlight to display spoiler: { You are in a cave, perhaps 70 feet wide, which opens out into a vast underground cavern. It must be hundreds of feet in diameter You can see wooden walkways crossing the cavern, both at this level and high above. Up on theses gantries you can see the faces of several creatures, goblins by the look of them. They are circling round to the scene of the battle. You see metal cages hanging from the distant roof. At the centre of the vast chamber is a stone island, which seems to be surrounded by lava, if that soft orange glow is anything to go by. Actually, now you think about it, it is rather warm down here. To the south, on the far side of the island, you see what looks like some holding area. And there, on a pedestal, is a domed glass jar, and within it an object shrouded by a cloth.}.
Theodore and Macaw HP 38/38 AC 21(dodge & mage armor) d20+5=21 Monday April 3rd, 2006 8:29:26 PM
Theodore moves slowly south, carrying the pebble with darkness cast upon it.
Vorelle d20+4=18 d20+8=10 d20+8=28 d20+8=15 d20+3=21 d20+3=12 d6+1=7 d6+1=3 Monday April 3rd, 2006 10:51:01 PM
Without darkvision, Vorelle can't make out much of the room, but she can see a bit of it [Spot 18 with the penalty]. She is concerned that the party is so separated, and at the same time she feels a little sorry for the kobolds.
She turns her axe so that she is striking with the blunt side, hoping to put the remaining kobolds down rather than kill them outright.
[With the -4 penalty for trying to do non-lethal damage, hit AC 10; hit AC 28 (natural 20, confirmed to AC 15 so no crit) for 7; hit AC 21 for 3; hit AC 12]
Zeoll d20+11=31 Monday April 3rd, 2006 11:32:36 PM
Zeoll shouts, Brahmah, step back! This is my good friend!" Then he charms the other head.
Spot DC 31! Nat 20! Woo Hoo!
OOC for Carl: Highlight to display spoiler: { Don't see any d100 rolls for concealment miss chance on our good pal Brahmah!}
Ashira AC24, HP87/87 (Shield of Faith +3) d20+12=22 d20+12=26 d20+7=17 d20+11=27 d20+3=15 d8+4=5 d6+3=7 Tuesday April 4th, 2006 12:07:06 AM
Pressing the attack, Ashira finds it increasingly more difficult to connect with the kobold (k6), though she does manage to land a couple of good attacks (AC26 for 5, AC27 for 7). Unlike Vorelle, Ashira does not try to soften her blows, preferring to end the fight for good.
Tratain AC25, HP53/58 (via Nellie) Divine Favor, Take under Wing (Vorelle gains +5 to AC) d20+7=15 d20+12=21 d20+7=19 d8+9=12 2d6(4+6)=10 d8+9=15 2d6(6+5)=11 Tuesday April 4th, 2006 12:15:11 AM
Too busy smashing kobolds to notice anything important about the surrounding area, Tratain makes what is most likely his last attack against the kobolds. His attacks smash into the kobold (k8) with brute force (AC21 for 12+10, AC19 for 15+11). Blood soaked, he sets his eyes on the combatants facing Brahmah.
Rose d20+10=18 d20+10=23 d4+4=7 2d6(6+4)+4=14 Tuesday April 4th, 2006 3:01:20 AM
rose paused a moment to take a look then fires an arrow at the kobolds (either k6 or k8). before moving to a better position. (rose will move 70' to 4 squares above bu, why dont you give letters & #'s to the grid?)
spot: 18 attack: 23 damage: 7 sneak attack: 10 (ignore the +4, accidently hit when trying to change to +0)
Brahmah (77/97hps, AC26) Tuesday April 4th, 2006 7:51:07 AM
The minotaur moves, stepping in front of Zeoll. (Total Defense)
DM Carl: Round 5: Guzzle vs Snot? d100=81 d20+6=9 d20+6=20 2d4(2+1)+4=7 d20+4=8 d20+15=33 d20+15=30 d20+10=18 2d10(7+4)+16=27 d20+7=23 Tuesday April 4th, 2006 5:06:14 PM
Theo creeps south, leaving Brahmah and Snotguzzle free of the darkness. (OOC: BTW, apologies, I missed Snotty's miss chance vs Brahmah last turn. Oops! Rolled it this time and he hit, so no foul. Bad DM!)
Despite Vorelle's restraint the combined effect of her blows and those of Ashira, Tratain and Rose leave the two remaining kobolds looking like they've been shredded and then mashed. Bits of kobold innard drip from the ceiling as the adventurers batter aside their feeble opponents.
Rose darts forward, only to find Bungo and Patch reel around and face her! Both lash out, and Patch's falchion draws blood, connecting for 7 hp.
Brahmah tries to ward off the ettin's blows as Zeoll weaves his magic once more. Guzzle's eyes light up with newfound bonhomie, but Snot has just seen his wee kobolds reduced to a fine red mist. This sight rather sullies his cheerful disposition towards Zeoll and his companions, and his smile turns to a snarl.
Guzzle: "Hey, Snots, youse right, dis cat's OK!" Snot: "Whut are ya, stoopid? He's magicked yer dumb head, ya moron! Look, him an' his buddies is choppin' our boys inta bits!"
The arm controlled by Snot batters at Brahmah, and one blow completely evades the minotaur's defences, catching him squarely on the side of the head. The blow leaves Brahmah's teeth rattling, but does not put him down (Crit for 27 hp).
Then Khuun moves in with a vile grin. "So long cowhead! Time ta get turned inta steak!" He hammers away with his greatsword, but Brahmah rallies and is able to knock the attack aside. Khuun looks furious at failing, yet again, to cause the minotaur harm.
Zeoll (AC12 HP35 of 69 Heroism, Locate Object) d20+7=19 d20+11=25 Tuesday April 4th, 2006 5:12:41 PM
Zeoll shouts, "Frriends, new and old! Stop fighting! Orr use non-lethal damage! No need to kill each otherr!"
Chr check 17 on that one.
Then another Charm on Snot.
Zeoll also tries to keep an eye on the foes on the catwalks -- Spot 25 -- how long until they arrive?
Stuff Used:
20 staff charges 1 of 3 zero level bard spells 0 of 5 first level bard spells 4 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
Theodore and Macaw HP 38/38 AC 21(dodge & mage armor) Tuesday April 4th, 2006 9:30:10 PM
Seeing Brahmah in trouble, Theodore moves north 5' so that he is within the darkness sphere.
Vorelle [AC 20; HP 76/76] Tuesday April 4th, 2006 10:46:03 PM
Seeing Rose beset, Vorelle wastes no time in moving up, trying to get into a position where she can flank the opponents.
[Double move to P-16, staying close to that wall to avoid AoOs.]
Ashira AC24, HP87/87 (Shield of Faith +3) Wednesday April 5th, 2006 12:07:00 AM
Also noting Rose's prediciment, Ashira likewise charges into the fray.
OOC: From looking at the map, looks like a 40 foot move for Ashira. Sorry, but no time to put coords. in. Please move her appropriately.
Tratain AC25, HP53/58 (via Nellie) Divine Favor Wednesday April 5th, 2006 12:23:01 AM
A look of frustration on his handsome face, the cleric moves forward to engage with the two creatures facing little Rose (50 foot double move to R15). "Not today ugly ones...not today." He growls through gritted teeth.
Brahmah (50/97hps, AC26) Wednesday April 5th, 2006 10:28:26 AM
Still defending himself (Total Defense), Brahmah moves straight back into the darkness 30ft.
DM Carl: Round 6: Snotguzzle charmed! d20+4=10 d20+6=20 d20+6=10 2d4(1+2)+4=7 d100=45 Wednesday April 5th, 2006 3:54:59 PM
Zeoll manages to get his companions to back off. Though they move into threatening positions they hold their attacks this round. As a result he is able to cast his spell and succeed in charming the ettin's second head. The two heads gaze upon the wemic in adoration.
Patch and Bungo are not so well disposed. Patch swings at Tratain and misses, whilst Bungo lands another blow on poor Rose (7hp).
Khuun moves to pursue Brahmah but bumps into the invisible Theo on his travels. He takes a blind swing at the mage but misses.
Zeoll notices the goblins up on the gantry drawing closer. They are still a couple of hundred of feet away, and at least 60 feet up.
Zeoll d20+7=25 Wednesday April 5th, 2006 6:15:38 PM
Zeoll asks his new friend loudly, "Hey Snotguzzle old pal! Tell this motley crrew that we'rre all frriends, rright? No need to fight!"
Chr check 25.
He shouts up to his friends on the stairs, "Hey! Hold yourr attacks! Let peace be the orrderr of the day!"
Meanwhile, he casts his charm spell on Khuun. "Khuun old frriend, calm down!"
Ashira AC24, HP87/87 (Shield of Faith +3) Q15 d20+8=9 d20+3=13 d20+7=9 d20-1=18 Thursday April 6th, 2006 12:00:04 AM
Grumbling under her breath, Ashira tries her best to inflict non-lethal damage to Patch, but she's not used to fighting in this manner, and her blows don't even come close to hitting.
Tratain AC25, HP53/58 (via Nellie) Divine Favor, Take under Wing (Rose gains +5 to AC) d20+8=17 d20+3=14 d8+9=10 2d6(2+6)=8 Thursday April 6th, 2006 12:03:57 AM
Trying to be patient with Zeoll, Tratain aims primarily for the creatures heads, trying to knock them out rather than kill them. As he does so, he extends protection to the nearby Rose(AC17 for 10+8??? not sure what to do with numbers on non-lethal attack).
Vorelle d20+12=28 d6+3=8 Thursday April 6th, 2006 12:45:30 AM
Avoiding possible attacks, Vorelle moves to flank Bungo with Rose. She swings her handaxe, still trying for non-lethal damage, and manages to strike a decent blow.
[Move as follows: P-17, Q-18, R-18, S-18, S-17. Hit AC 28 for 8 nonlethal damage.]
Rose d20+11=29 d8+6=8 2d6(6+2)=8 Thursday April 6th, 2006 3:37:06 AM
After the shock of getting hit wears off Rose draws her sword and swiftly attacks Bungo. She ignores Zeoll's ideas on not killing as stupid and idiotic.
attack: 29 damage: 8 sneak attack: 8 (flanking?)
Rose hp: 45/52 ac: 25 Piper hp: 26/26 ac: 16 Hand hp: 2/2
Active spells Mage armor: +4 ac for 10 hours, 2:30+ hrs left Spectral hand: 150' 15 rounds, delivers melee touch spells with +2 to melee attack Take under wing, from tratain: +5 ac Remaining spells cantrips: detect magic, detect poison, mage hand, message level 1: none level 2: none level 3: none
HERO POINTS: 4
ooc: Tratain how long does take under wing last?
Brahmah (50/97hps, AC22) Thursday April 6th, 2006 5:36:16 AM
Brahmah stays put until Zeoll can ge things under control. Meanwhile, he bleeds heavily.
DM Carl: Round 7: Everybody's friends again... or maybe not d20+9=15 d20+7=13 d20+6=20 d100=15 d100=49 Thursday April 6th, 2006 4:56:28 PM
Zeoll does his best to calm things down, and looks to be succeeding. Both Snot and Guzzle fall under his spell, and yell "Hey! Stop fightin' youse lads!"
His attempt to charm Khuun is less successful. He fails to beat the ogre mage's formidable spell resistance.
Ashira and Tratain both miss, put off perhaps at having to use their deadly weapons to stun instead of maim. (OOC:Tratain, I've posed that non-lethal damage question on the Rules board, I'll let you know what the outcome is). Vorelle lands a solid blow, but it is doesn't slow Bungo down.
Then Rose wades in low, and her sneaky strike is enough to send Bungo tumbling down the stone steps, blood pumping from the wound ti his hamstring. The combined attack is too much for the orc, and he passes out. Patch swings back at her, but his blow is parried by Tratain.
Unfortunately Rose's attack instantly snaps Snot and Guzzle out of their reverie. "Hoy! Youse is tryin' ta tricks us!" they roar, and race towards the hapless minotaur. However the discover an invisible Theo in their path, and take a swing at him instead. The heavy flail whistles high above Theo's head. So far the mighty ettin has not picked up so much as a scratch.
Khuun's grin grows wider than ever as he ignores Theo and moves towards the minotaur (Theo, you may take an Attack of Opportunity if you wish). "See cowhead? See whut happens to dem dat diss Khuun?" He winds up for a killing blow... and misses again! "Stand still, stoopid cowhead!" bellows Khuun in frustration.
Up on the gantry the goblins draw closer. Another round or two before they are in missile range, at a guess.
Theodore and Macaw HP 38/38 AC 25(dodge, mage armor, & total defense) Thursday April 6th, 2006 9:13:52 PM
Theodore senses himself in a predicament and focuses on protecting himself (total defense). The wizard then moves west to get away from the ettin.
Zeoll d20+7=25 Thursday April 6th, 2006 10:05:16 PM
Zeoll gives up on the charms. The liontaur asks his friend k9 to please go tell the oncoming goblins that we are friends, and they should not attack. Chr check 25 to get him to do that.
Then Zeoll casts Summon Nature's Ally III, calling 1d3 small air elementals. The casting time is a full round.
[OOC: I'll roll for how many, and give them instructions, at the start of my next turn.
Tratain AC25, HP53/58 (via Nellie) Divine Favor, Take under Wing (Ashira and Rose gains +5 to AC) d20+12=30 d20+7=27 d20+7=27 d8+9=14 2d6(3+5)=8 3d8(3+5+8)+27=43 2d6(1+3)=4 Friday April 7th, 2006 12:17:29 AM
Tratain's face lightens a bit as he sees that it is indeed to be a fight at last. Taking out his pent up frustrations on Patch. Slamming down his warhammer, the Protector clocks Patch a solid blow (AC30 for 14+8) and then flows up with a second strike to the temple that promises to do some lethal damage (AC27/27 crit. for 43+4).
OOC: Rose, Take Under Wing lasts as long as a) Tratain continues to take a -5 on his attacks and b) Rose is within 5 feet of Tratain. :)
Ashira AC29, HP87/87 (Shield of Faith +3) Q15 d20+12=16 d20+7=23 d20+11=27 d20+3=8 d8+4=8 d6+3=9 Friday April 7th, 2006 12:23:12 AM
Grinning, Ashira stops pulling the punches. Still, Patch proves to be a tricker opponent than she first believed, and Ashira is only able to land a couple of blows on the hardy fellow (AC 23 for 8, AC27 for 9).
rose d20+11=29 2d6(5+3)=8 d8+6=13 Friday April 7th, 2006 12:28:31 AM
Rose quickly attacks the only enemy remaining near her. She will move if Tratain does and stay near him.
attack: 29 damage: 13 sneak attack: 8
Brahmah (50/97hps, AC26) Friday April 7th, 2006 6:50:19 AM
Brahmah jockies around in the dark to avoid Khuun. The ranger stifles laughter.
(Total Defense)
DM Carl: Round 8: Boggle d6=2 d20+15=27 d10+8=9 d10+7=17 Friday April 7th, 2006 5:24:08 PM
Tratain, Ashira, Rose and Vorelle surround Patch and attack in a mind-boggling display of martial prowess. Patch's mind is certainly boggled, along with most of the rest of him. The orc makes a smooth transition from a solid to liquid state.
Theo moves out of Snotguzzle's path, but the ettin doesn't seem greatly interested in the invisible mage. He looks between the wemic and the minotaur, and opts for Zeoll. Striding forward he belts the liontaur once with his huge flail (9hp).
Snot: "You no mess with Snot's head, cat!" Guzzle: "Yer! Wot he said!"
Brahmah stands there and invites Khuun to try again. The ogre mage obliges, and misses yet again. "AAAARRGGH! Stoopid cowhead! Die! Die!" Rages an incandescent Khuun.
The sole remaining kobold races forward waving his arms. "Hold yer fire! Hold yer fire!" he yaps to the goblins far above. "These is friends! Friends!"
You suspect that the pitched battle raging around him may cause the approaching goblins to take his comments under advisement.
Brahmah (50/97hps, AC26) Sunday April 9th, 2006 11:06:57 AM
Brahmah continues to distract the ogre. "Is that all ya got Stinky!" He laughs.
Brahmah (Addendum) Sunday April 9th, 2006 11:07:32 AM
oh yeah, Total Defense as well.
Vorelle [AC 20; HP 76/76] Sunday April 9th, 2006 4:13:11 PM
With Patch out of the picture, Vorelle continues down the stairs toward the ettin and the ogre, intent on helping her friends.
[Can't see the new map, so I can't give exact coordinates. Double move, stopping short wherever continuing would provoke an AoO.]
DM Carl: Apologies for the inconvenience, the map is now up. Please feel free to repost if you wish if the map shows you something you were not aware of.
Theodore and Macaw HP 38/38 AC 21 (mage armor & dodge) Sunday April 9th, 2006 8:17:04 PM
Having free reign again, Theodore takes a double move south, keeping an eye out for anything that might hold the stone they're looking for.
Rose d20+10=20 d4+4=6 Monday April 10th, 2006 2:10:06 AM
Rose will stay near Traitan (she likes his help) and start shooting at Khuun. If Traitan moves so does she, she can move 60'/round.
notes using precise shot, if within 30' then add +1 attack & damage for point blank shot, if more than 70' away after any moving (depends on traitan) than -2 range increment on attack. attack: 20 damage: 6
Rose hp: 45/52 ac: 25 Piper hp: 26/26 ac: 16 Hand hp: 2/2
Active spells Mage armor: +4 ac for 10 hours, 2:30+ hrs left Spectral hand: 150' 15 rounds, delivers melee touch spells with +2 to melee attack Expeditious retreat: +30' 2/10 rounds Take under wing, from tratain: +5 ac, must stay within 5' of him
Brahmah Monday April 10th, 2006 10:31:16 AM
OOC: I posted Sunday.
Tratain AC25, HP53/58 (via Nellie) Divine Favor, Take under Wing (Rose gains +5 to AC) Monday April 10th, 2006 12:48:45 PM
Tratain smiles at his new friend Rose. "Come, friend...let us go show these monsters some manners." Making a double move, the Protector moves over to where he will be in a good position to help out Zeoll next round (R27).
Ashira AC24, HP87/87 (Shield of Faith +3) Monday April 10th, 2006 12:52:03 PM
Grinning at Tratain's pluck, Ashira follows his lead and moves down the steps as well...ready to carve into Snotguzzle when she gets a chance. (Q27)
Vorelle supplemental Tuesday April 11th, 2006 12:00:07 AM
[I think I can get to S-27 without provoking.]
DM Carl: You Stew d6=2 d6=5 d6=4 d6=6 d6=4 d20+15=17 d20+15=31 d20+10=29 d20+10=11 d10+8=9 d10+8=13 Tuesday April 11th, 2006 3:37:57 AM
Snot and Guzzle continue their dualog as their twin flails whir and spin around them, a hypnotic dance of death.
"Ever 'ad cat stew, Snot?"
"Yers, we 'ad dat tiger inna pot dat time, 'member? And dat sack o' kittens?"
"So's we did Snot, so's we did. Stringy buggers, eh? Dis time let's leave thissen cookin' nice 'n slow fer a couple a days afores da eatin, eh?"
(OOC: Executive DM decision. Cayzle hasn't posted, but if Zeoll doesn't act this round he is very likely to be killed. So I'm controlling Zeoll for this round. Isn't it lucky you have such a kindly DM? ;-) Don't expect to be bailed out like this too often!)
Zeoll backs carefully away from the ettin, calling out to his companions "He's all yours!" (Withdraw action).
Snotguzzle notices the threat behind him and double grins. "More meat fer da pot!" notes Guzzle to Snot, and he steps towards his new opponents with a footfall that you feel through the soles of your boots. Twin flails spin, circle, then descend with deadly accuracy and fearsome power. The ettin decides to split his attacks between Tratain and Vorelle, catching each once. Tratain manages to roll with the blow (9hp), but is still amazed at the power behind it. Vorelle takes even more punishment (13hp).
Brahmah continues to torment Khuun, who's fury turns cold. "Cowhead gonna be sorry" growls the ogre mage as Rose's arrow pings off his backside. He promptly vanishes from sight.
Theo moves south, his darkness globe continues to move with him, making his search all the harder (OOC: As does his lack of a Spot or Search roll!).
Up on the gantry four goblins arrive at a run. They look to one another, uncertain of what to do next. What their kobold ally is patently at odds with the conflict playing out before them. From this height their spears have as much chance of hitting their master as these invaders, a prospect they do not relish. They decide to wait for orders, and content themselves with cheering Snotguzzle's attacks.
Brahmah (50/97hps, AC22) d20+15=27 d20+10=18 2d4(2+1)+7=10 2d4(4+2)+7=13 Tuesday April 11th, 2006 7:10:42 AM
"Theo! Get you butt to the group! Or go cover Zeoll! But help us!"
The Minotaur, his cover gone, moves toward Snot, assuming Khuun isn't still in the way. (hitting AC 27 and 18 for 10 and 13 damage)
Zeoll (AC12 HP26 of 69 Heroism, Locate Object) d20+16=30 d3=2 Tuesday April 11th, 2006 12:24:16 PM
[OOC: Thank you for not killing me, Carl!]
[OOC: Last round if allowed ...]
Zeoll is still casting his spell when he is hit for 9 hp damage. That means he has to make a concentration check of 19 or lose the spell. His check is a 30, so no problem.
At the start of his turn, his spell takes effect, and 2 air elementals appear (rolled 1d3 for how many). With a free action, he tells them in Auran to go harass the goblins on the catwalks -- throw them off with whirlwinds and bull rush, stay between them and Zeoll. They will last for five rounds.
Then with his full action, he retreats (withdraw action).
This Round
Zeoll takes a five foot step back and once again casts Summon Nature's Ally III.
Theodore and Macaw HP 38/38 AC 25 (mage armor, dodge, & full defense) Tuesday April 11th, 2006 9:43:07 PM Oops, Theodore thinks to himself when Brahmah hollers for him. Not having any spells that would help the current situation, he simply moves 30' east, bringing his darkness sphere with him.
Vorelle [AC 22; HP 63/76] d20+12=14 Wednesday April 12th, 2006 12:18:34 AM
Vorelle hisses in pain when the ettin smashes her, but it doesn't slow her down much. She realizes that she has but little chance of hurting this thing, but she can still be useful to her friends.
She shifts a bit closer to the beast (5-foot step) and swings her axes not to hit the ettin, but to make it easier for Tratain to do so.
[Attack defensively, use Aid Another action to aid Tratain's attack. Tratain gets +2 on his next attack.]
Tratain AC25, HP44/58 (via Nellie) Divine Favor, Take under Wing (Anyone within 5 feet gain +5 to AC) d20+14=34 d20+14=18 d8+9=13 2d6(3+6)=9 d20+7=23 d8+9=11 2d6(4+1)=5 Wednesday April 12th, 2006 12:20:34 AM
Taking the blow in stride, Tratain steps up to bat. As Vorelle moves in closer to help out, Tratain smiles at her. Twisting and straining to deflect any blows to his friends nearby, the cleric still manages enough accuracy to inflict a good amount of damage on the creature (AC32/16..assuming no crit. for 13+9, and AC23 for 11+5).
Thinking that his attack will probably do a good job of attracting the creature's attention, Tratain smiles. "If you continue your attack, I doubt you will be eating anything come the end of the day!"
Ashira AC29, HP87/87 (Shield of Faith +3) R28 d20+12=30 d20+12=24 d20+7=24 d20+11=17 d20+3=12 2d8(3+2)+8=13 d8+4=12 d6+3=8 d6+3=6 Wednesday April 12th, 2006 12:30:12 AM
Chuckling at Tratain's comment, Ashira moves in closer to help out the only way she knows how...by swinging her swords. Her arms a blur, Ashira catches the ettin with a wicked first strike (AC3/24 for crit? for 13) and her second hammers home as well (AC24 for 12), though she can't help but think that she could have timed her third and forth swings better (AC17 for 8?, AC12). She watches to see how succesful her and Tratain's attack have been in order to plan her next strikes better.
Rose d20+9=24 5d6(5+1+4+6+5)=21 Wednesday April 12th, 2006 4:17:51 AM
Rose quickly pulls out a scroll and begins reading it. Suddenly a force reaches out and touches Khuun.
Cast Shocking Grasp from scroll. Spectral hand delivered. attack: 24, +3 if target is wearing metal damage: 21
DM Carl: Fry, Khuun, Fry! d20+9=13 d20+15=28 d10+8=15 d20+3=19 d20+3=21 d20+3=21 d20+3=22 d4=2 d4=2 d4=3 d4=4 d20+11=13 d20+7=10 Wednesday April 12th, 2006 10:17:06 AM
"Ha HAA!" Bellows Khuun as Brahmah moves away, provoking an attack of opportunity from the invisible ogre. Brahmah is not able to see the attack coming, but it doesn't matter. Even invisible the ogre cannot hit Brahmah. His howl of fury echoes around the cavern.
As Brahmah moves within range of Snotguzzle's mighty flails he takes another attack of opportunity, this time from the ettin. This one slams home (15 hp damage). Then Brahmah strikes back (only once! Only one attack allowed with a move).
Theo, keeping his own council, moves east.
Zeoll sends his elementals up towards the gantry and begins summoning more. The goblins stop their cheering and start to hurl javelins, to deadly effect. All four hit their target, and although the elementals are not destroyed, they are both wounded.
The remainder of the party team up on Snotguzzle. Tratain and Ashira lay into the ettin with enchanted warhammers and swords. The power of the blows rocks the ettin back on his heels. (FYI, Snotty's AC is 23).
"Why I aughta...!" yells Snot.
"Dat hurt! You two is first inna pot fer that!" roars Guzzle.
The ettin winds up for a truly awesome blow against Tratain, but the protector is easily able to sidestep the clumsy blow. The flail crashes into the ground with an almighty crash, causing small stones to dislodge from the ceiling.
Then Khuun moves up, and is just about to hit Brahmah when Rose's spell slams into him, causing him to miss. "Waaagghh!!" shrieks the ogre mage, in pain and frustration.
No map today, sorry!
Brahmah (35/97hps, AC22) d20+13=26 d20+15=18 d20+8=13 d20+10=20 2d4(3+3)+7=13 2d4(2+2)+7=11 d6+4=7 d6+4=7 Wednesday April 12th, 2006 10:48:14 AM
(OOC: I may have misread, the 15 damage was done to Brahmah? Correct?)
Brahmah presses on, attacking Snot furiously.[If Brahmah is flanking, his first attack would be a crit threat] (AC 26,18,13,and 20, for 13,7,11,and 7 damage)
(DM Carl: Correct, 15 hp damage to Brahmah inflicted by Snotty's AoO.)
Zeoll (AC12 HP26 of 69 Heroism, Locate Object) d20+7=12 Wednesday April 12th, 2006 7:11:47 PM
[OOC: Assume you are handling Air Elemental hp and attacks, Carl?]
Zeoll finishes his summoning and calls forth a Thoqqua, an elemental of earth and fire. He tells it in Terran to run over to the isle in the lava, grab the round stone under the cloth, and bring it back to him.
Then Zeoll moves up to 20 feet so that he is in Theo's Darkness and about 40 feet from Khuun (or as close to that as possible). He casts Hideous Laughter on Khuun. His caster level check to get past the spell resist is 12. Oh well.
Stuff Used:
20 staff charges 1 of 3 zero level bard spells 1 of 5 first level bard spells 4 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]
rose d20+9=11 d20+9=19 d6=6 Wednesday April 12th, 2006 7:40:54 PM
Rose quickly pulls out another scroll and reads it. Suddenly the force touches Khuun again.
cast touch of idiocy from scroll, delivered by spectral hand, duration 30 min.
attack: 19 (used hero point to reroll the 11) penalty to int, wis, cha: 6
Rose hp: 45/52 ac: 25 Piper hp: 26/26 ac: 16 Hand hp: 2/2
Active spells Mage armor: +4 ac for 10 hours, 2:30+ hrs left Spectral hand: 150' 15 rounds, delivers melee touch spells with +2 to melee attack Take under wing, from tratain: +5 ac, must stay within 5' of him Touch of idiocy: on khuun 6 pts damage to int, wis, cha for 30 min
Theodore and Macaw HP 38/38 AC 25 (mage armor, dodge, & full defense) Wednesday April 12th, 2006 9:45:20 PM
Theodore stays where he is as Zeoll moves into the sphere of darkness. He holds his staff in front of him in a protective manner.
Tratain AC25, HP44/58 (via Nellie) Divine Favor, Take under Wing (Anyone within 5 feet gain +5 to AC) d20+12=16 d20+9=21 Wednesday April 12th, 2006 11:10:38 PM
Smirking, Tratain lashes out once more at the two headed creature in front of him. Unfortunately, he's so preoccupied with warding off any blows that might be headed Ashira's way that he can't quite connect with the pesky ettin (AC16 and 21).
Ashira AC29, HP87/87 (Shield of Faith +3) R28 d20+12=25 d20+7=25 d20+7=15 d20+11=25 d20+3=10 d8+4=6 d8+4=6 d6+3=6 Wednesday April 12th, 2006 11:18:34 PM
The ranger looks over at Tratain with concern...it wasn't like him to miss like that. Oh well...guess I gotta step up to bat for him. Her swords whirling once more, Ashira follows up with another battery of attacks. Unfortunately, they prove not quite as powerful this go round (AC25 for 6, AC25/15 for 6, AC25 for 6...that's just weird!).
Vorelle [AC 22; HP 63/76] d20+12=19 Thursday April 13th, 2006 12:53:30 AM
Encouraged by its effectiveness the first time, Vorelle once again attacks to aid Tratain.
[Still attacking defensively, succeed in the Aid Another action. Tratain gets +2 on his next attack.]
DM Carl: Who will be first to fall? d20-6=4 d20-6=2 d20+2=19 d20+2=17 d20+2=6 d20+2=12 d6=6 d6=2 d20+2=10 d4=4 d4=2 d20+15=25 d20+10=14 d20+15=32 d20+10=26 d10+8=14 d10+8=9 d10+8=18 d20+7=14 Thursday April 13th, 2006 2:43:12 PM
Brahmah flanks and hacks into snot's arm. Ashira's assault also pays dividends, but Tratain has less luck. Still, the ettin is looking quite badly wounded now, and a glimmer of desperation enters the eyes of Snot and Guzzle.
Zeoll sends an elemental off to retrieve the object on the far side of the cavern, then moves into the darkness. The elemental has a fair distance to cover: it will take some time to reach the glass jar on the far side of the cavern.
Zeoll's remaining two air elementals swoop into battle, slamming into two of the goblins in an attempt to knock them from the gantry. Perhaps it is their wounds that diminish their power, but the attacks are ineffectual. Then the goblins press forward, slamming at the insubstantial creatures with their morningstars. Imploding with a rush of wind, the two creatures are destroyed under the cruel blows.
Rose casts another spell at the ogre mage. She needs to overcome a spell resistance of 19 (forgot that with your shocking grasp, lucky you!): this time the spell fizzles out (Caster check 10).
Now Snotguzzle strikes back. Snot hammers a blow into Tratain (14 hp), then Guzzle follows up with a brutal assault on Ashira (9 hp and 18 hp). The ettin licks his lips.
Khuun remains as ineffectual as ever, clumsily bouncing his greatsword of Brahmah's back.
Brahmah (35/97hps, AC22) d20+15=31 d20+15=24 d20+13=14 d20+8=24 d20+8=27 d20+10=27 d20+10=11 d4+7=9 d4+7=10 d4=4 d4=1 d6+4=5 2d4(4+2)+7=13 2d4(1+3)+7=11 d6+4=6 d6+4=9 Thursday April 13th, 2006 2:55:36 PM
Brahmah pushes on, bleeding all over. (AC 31(crit 24), miss, 24(crit 27) and 27(crit 11), for 13(20 if crit), miss, 13(24 if crit) and 6(15 if crit) damage)
loretta Thursday April 13th, 2006 6:22:46 PM
um what do I roll to do the spell resistance? i forgot.
Where's the map?
DM Carl: Spell resistance is your caster level + 1d20. This must at least equal the Spell resistance, in this case a DC of 19.
As for maps, apaologies, but things have been very busy of late, less time for DM posts, and no time at all for maps!
Theodore and Macaw HP 38/38 AC 25 (mage armor, dodge, & full defense) Thursday April 13th, 2006 9:39:28 PM
Theodore stays where he is, prepared to defend himself.
Zeoll (AC12 HP26 of 69 Heroism, Locate Object) d20-2=9 d20+7=14 Thursday April 13th, 2006 10:04:58 PM
Zeoll does his best to hide in Theo's darkness (untrained Hide check is 9 -- but that means others still have to make a Spot DC9 check to see him!)
He casts Hideous Laughter again on Khuun. Spell Penetration check is 14 (ugh). The Will save DC is 15.
Tratain AC25, HP30/58 (via Nellie) Divine Favor, Take under Wing (Anyone within 5 feet gain +5 to AC) d20+14=31 d20+9=15 d8+9=15 2d6(2+1)=3 Friday April 14th, 2006 12:08:36 AM
Tratain grunts under the ettin's blow, but is determined to see it fall. Lashing out once more, Tratain slams his hammer into Snot (AC31 for 15+3). His second blow, however falls short and the cleric wonders how much longer he will be able to afford protection to his comrades.
Ashira AC29, HP60/87 (Shield of Faith +3) R28 d20+12=16 d20+7=12 d20+11=15 d20+3=10 Friday April 14th, 2006 12:17:12 AM
Rocked by the solid blows, Ashira's head whips back. Spitting blood, Ashira grimaces. Shaking her head, she tries to focus her attacks on Guzzle. Unfortunately, the double images of the ettin make it hard to aim precisely, and Ashira misses the creature badly with all of her strikes.
DM Carl: Victory! But where did that pesky ogre go? Friday April 14th, 2006 12:37:10 PM
Now Brahmah and Tratain team up to devastating effect. The sounds of bones cracking beneath the power of their blows rings out across the cavern. Blood gushes from countless wounds and the flails drop drop to the ground. The ettin's heads turn to face one another, looks of confusion on their faces.
"Snot, wass' happenin? I -- I don' feel so good..." "Juss a scratch, Guzzle, juss a scratch..."
And with that the mighty ettin topples over backwards stone dead, landing on his back with a terrific crash. By the time the dust has settled, Khuun is no-where to be seen.
Up on the gantry the four goblins (who had been readying a new set of javelins), stand and gape at the sight of their invincible leader laid low. Then, as one, they turn and flee as fast as their legs will carry them.
The party stand surrounded by the carcasses of their foes, and take stock.
Zeoll's elemental continues its trip across the cavern floor. As it can fly it does not need to concern itself about the rope bridges that connect your cave to the central island and then to the merging area. It sails onwards towards its goal, a domed glass container set on a pedestal amidst the chains, cages and shackles. It will reach its goal in perhaps another round.
You notice that beyond the merging area are another two sets of steps leading upwards. Perhaps they are the sets of stone steps you passed in the corridor up above.
Brahmah Friday April 14th, 2006 3:44:27 PM
"That bloody ogre is invisible again! Someone needs to use that spell to see him."
Rose Saturday April 15th, 2006 12:47:46 AM
Rose pulls out another scroll and starts to cast a spell.
Cast see invisible on rose from scroll.
Rose hp: 45/52 ac: 25 Piper hp: 26/26 ac: 16 Hand hp: 2/2
Active spells Mage armor: +4 ac for 10 hours, 2:30+ hrs left Spectral hand: 150' 15 rounds, delivers melee touch spells with +2 to melee attack Take under wing, from tratain: +5 ac, must stay within 5' of him See invisible: 30 min
Tratain AC25, HP30/58 (via Nellie) Divine Favor, Take under Wing (Anyone within 5 feet gain +5 to AC) Saturday April 15th, 2006 9:20:10 AM
Wiping the blood from his face, Tratain smiles at Brahmah. "I believe I can help with that." Moving his hands in ellaborate movements, Tratain begins to cast (Invisibility Purge).
Brahmah (35/97hps, AC22) Saturday April 15th, 2006 9:50:51 AM
He smiles at Tratain. "No need. I can upset him enough to get him to attack, then he'll appear!"
He begins talking outloud. "Where did stupid ogre go... I should be able to smell him! But I can't. He said I was going to DIE this time! Is he a lier or just scared or embarrassed that he couldn't even scratch me!!" The minotaur bellows on.
Vorelle [AC 20; HP 64/76] d20+14=22 Sunday April 16th, 2006 5:39:17 PM
Vorelle moves cautiously forward to near where the ogre was last seen. She stops and listens intently, trying to hear where her foe has gone.
[Move to S-30 (I think; I'm looking at an old map); active Listen check 22]
Ashira AC24, HP78/87 (Shield of Faith +3) R28 Sunday April 16th, 2006 10:37:49 PM
Pumping her fist at the fall of the ettin. Her smile widens at the fleeing goblins. She looks over at Zeoll. "Now what boss?"
Theodore & Macaw HP 38/38 AC 21 (Dodge & mage armor) Monday April 17th, 2006 2:03:40 PM
Theodore puts the pebble with darkness cast on it into his pocket, and the shadows disappear.
"Have you found the stone?" he asks of Zeoll, eager to get out of the belly of the beast.
Brahmah Monday April 17th, 2006 4:01:26 PM
He continues to taunt the ogre mage.
"Letseee ALL those fancy spells Stinky!"
DM Carl: Deep breath and relax... and PANIC! Monday April 17th, 2006 6:26:06 PM
Basking in the glow of their victory the party look around for the ogre mage. Tratain's spell does not reveal him, and neither do Vorelle's sharp ears nor Brahmah's barbed taunts.
It is Rose who finally spots the invisible ogre mage.
"Oh no, he's going after the stone!" she cries, pointing, though only she can see him.
Khuun is already halfway across the cavern, flying out over central island in hot pursuit of Zeoll's summoned elemental.
The elemental creature has reached the domed glass container within which Zeoll has already spotted some sort of object, covered by a cloth. The glass container would seem to be locked closed, if the struggles of the elemental are anything to go by.
Beyond the joining platform are twin sets of steps leading up. If Khuun should sieze the stone, if he is able to get it back to his master Gargulus and his returning army... that outcome doesn't bear thinking about.
Theodore and Macaw HP 38/38 AC 21(dodge & mage armor) Monday April 17th, 2006 8:25:19 PM
Theodore quickly casts see invisibility on himself as well and sees Khuun heading for the stone. The mage then rushes 30' towards Khuun.
"He's going after the stone!" he exclaims.
Zeoll (AC12 HP26 of 69 Heroism, Locate Object) d20+11=20 Monday April 17th, 2006 9:59:15 PM
Zeoll races towards the stone under glass on the pedastal on the island in the pond of lava in the cavern under the keep of the being who will be the God of Life and Death.
He makes a run (up to 160 feet) but will stop short of the point at which the heat will cause him damage. He shouts to the elemental to melt or break the glass.
He tries his best to see the ogre. (Spot check 20)
Rose 5d6(1+2+3+2+3)=11 5d6(6+4+5+5+1)=21 2d20(7+6)+9=22 Monday April 17th, 2006 11:20:51 PM
Rose quickly casts another spell and moves towards the stone.
rose casts shocking grasp from scroll delivered by spectral hand.
damage: 21 (11 rerolled using hero point) attack: 22 (+3 if khuun is wearing metal)
rose Monday April 17th, 2006 11:22:51 PM
oops, hit enter to soon here's rose's info & can you at least say how far from khuun we are?
Rose hp: 45/52 ac: 25 Piper hp: 26/26 ac: 16 Hand hp: 2/2
Active spells Mage armor: +4 ac for 10 hours, 2:30+ hrs left Spectral hand: 150' 15 rounds, delivers melee touch spells with +2 to melee attack Take under wing, from tratain: +5 ac, must stay within 5' of him See invisible: 30 min
Vorelle [AC 20; HP 63/76] Monday April 17th, 2006 11:42:45 PM
Vorelle, too, races as quickly as she can toward the Feystone.
Ashira AC24, HP78/87 (Shield of Faith +3) R28 Monday April 17th, 2006 11:42:59 PM
Hearing the cries of the others, Ashira reaches into her pack and pulls out a small vial. Handing it over to Tratain, she smiles at the cleric. "I can't do anything about that guy in time...but I'll be you can. Take this potion of fly and take him down."
Tratain AC25, HP30/58 (via Nellie) Divine Favor, Invisibility Purge 30ft, Fly Monday April 17th, 2006 11:47:36 PM
Smiling warmly at the sea-elf, Tratain takes the offered potion and gulps it down. As soon as he feels the effects take place, the cleric begins flying toward the Feystone. Though the thought of killing the ogre doesn't give him any particular joy he knows the importance of the mission.
Brahmah (35/97hps, AC22) Tuesday April 18th, 2006 8:57:21 AM
The ranger begins pelting along behind the others, suddenly realizes his leg isn't working right, and notices the gash in it dripping blood. "Damn. I'll be along. Give me a minute." He finds some filthy rag somewhere and wraps his leg hastily with it. Then he continues on.
DM Carl: Butterfingers! d20+8=18 d6+1=7 d20+7=20 d20+9=13 d20+1=16 d12=1 d6=5 Tuesday April 18th, 2006 4:33:47 PM
The party scramble to catch up with Khuun. Rose is unable to cast her spell, as Khuun is a good 300 feet away. Led by Zeoll they race across the rickety rope bridge that is suspended some 40 feet above the central island and the lava that surrounds it. The alarming swinging of the bridge slows your progress somewhat.
In order to reach the stone you will have to either jump or fly down to the island, or run to the far platform, then back down the next rope bridge.
The elemental, oblivious to the threat behind it, swings at the glass case. It smashes into pieces, and the entire chamber is filled with the sudden ringing of the alarm bell you heard earlier. The elemental reaches out to grab the cloth-covered object, just as Khuun goes barrelling into its back, reappearing in the process. The ogre mage sends the elemental flying, and both of them scrabble for the stone as they crash into the pedestal. Khuun comes closest, but the stone flies out of the cloth and out of his grasping fingers, rolling five feet due north.
Rose d20+6=14 d20+6=11 Tuesday April 18th, 2006 7:29:27 PM
last round if allowed since rose would have known that khuun was to far away she would have cast expeditious retreat and then moved her full 60' with spell. with khuun 300' away by last post that means he would now be 240' away
this round, if change to last round is allowed Rose will move another 60' and fire her bow at him. Khuun should be 180' away by then.
attack: 14, miss (ignore the 11, accidently double clicked)
this round, if change to last round is not allowed Rose will cast expditious retreat & move 60' Khuun should be 180' away.
Vorelle [AC 20; HP 63/76] Tuesday April 18th, 2006 10:49:58 PM
The one thing Vorelle doesn't want to do is hold up the rest of the party. She continues forward with as much speed as she thinks is safe.
[Do we need to make Balance checks?]
[DM Carl: I'll allow Balance checks to move at full speed, otherwise you move at 2/3 speed.]
Zeoll (AC12 HP26 of 69 Heroism, Locate Object) d20+2=11 d20+7=22 Wednesday April 19th, 2006 7:23:48 AM
Zeoll moves up to 40 feet closer to the visible ogre mage. If he has to jump down as part of that 40 feet of movement, he does so with a check result of 11 (if that means taking 4d6 falling damage to get close enough, so be it. That's max 24 hp damage, and Zeoll has 26!)
When he is in range, Zeoll casts Charm Monster on the ogre mage. His spell penetration roll is a 22. The save DC is 22.
If it works, Zeoll says, "Khuun, my frriend! You have come thrrough forr me afterr all! I am so glad to see you!"
If it does not work, Zeoll tells the elemental, "Grrab the orrb and burrrow to me!"
Brahmah (35/97hps, AC22) Wednesday April 19th, 2006 10:57:04 AM
Brahmah retrieves a scroll from his pocket and reads it(move action). (Casts Jump) Then he reaches for another scroll. He continues moving(move action).
(OOC: I assume my animal companion is still here, or no?)
[DM Carl: Animal companions are still around, just busy keeping out of the way.]
DM Carl: Not fade away 4d6(2+5+1+4)=12 d20+8=19 Wednesday April 19th, 2006 3:31:33 PM
Rose casts her spell last round, moves out onto the bridge and shoots an arrow at Khuun. It misses by a fair distance.
The others continue acros the rope bridge.
Zeoll decides he has only one chance at this. Disregarding personal safety he leaps from the brdge, crashing down to the rocky ground far below (12 HP falling damage). Then he casts, and once again catches Khuun in his thrall. The ogre's fist closes over the Feystone just as a huge grin spreads over his face.
"Kitty!"
The grin fades, replaced by a look of mounting terror. First Khuun's hand begins to grow grey, then his arm, then his chest. The huge muscled arm begins to wither, as around the stone a nimbus of light begins to gather, seemingly sucked straight from the ogre mage. Khuun, looks down at the stone in dumb horror, then back up at Zeoll.
"Kitty? Kitty, help Khuun! Wass' happenin'?"
A pattern of dark veins begins to grow up his arm and across his neck and chest as the draining effect spreads.
Zeoll (AC12 HP14 of 69 Heroism, Locate Object) Wednesday April 19th, 2006 4:46:50 PM
"Drrop it, Khuun! Drrop it!" shouts Zeoll. He thinks, well, there go any doubts I might have had about whether we have the correct item.
He looks around for his friends. "Don't attack my good frriend Khuun!" he shouts. "Rrose, stop firring!"
He adds, "Does anybody have a Mage Hand spell or even tongs?"
Zeoll says, maybe this is why it is always shown in a cloth -- because the cloth protects the holder from the effect of the thing. The liontaur looks for the cloth that had draped the orb.
Rose Wednesday April 19th, 2006 7:22:40 PM
Rose looks on in horror as Khuun seems to be turning to stone or something. Hearing Zeoll call for someone with mage hand she continues running. However she needs to be within 40' to use it.
at end of round rose should be 160' away
Theodore and Macaw Wednesday April 19th, 2006 9:09:13 PM
Theodore continues moving towards the stone, thinking of ways to properly carry the stone.
Tratain AC25, HP30/58 (via Nellie) Divine Favor, Invisibility Purge 30ft, Fly Wednesday April 19th, 2006 11:20:17 PM
The cleric continues to fly toward the Fae Stone, unsure of what he'll do once he gets there. Certainly not touch the blasted thing.
Ashira AC24, HP78/87 (Shield of Faith +3) R28 d20+12=15 d20+11=24 Wednesday April 19th, 2006 11:41:12 PM
Figuring that there enough people crowding over that rickety rope bridge that someone really ought keep a look out. Scanning the area, Ashira checks to see if that alarm is going to result in company. (Spot=15, Listen=24)
Vorelle [AC 20; HP 63/76] d20+3=19 Thursday April 20th, 2006 1:15:18 AM
Vorelle continues to move across the bridge.
[Balance check 19. Of course, I don't know what the DC is. :) ]
Brahmah (35/97hps, AC22) d20+16=17 Thursday April 20th, 2006 10:44:41 AM
"IF FOR SOME REASON HE CAN'T LET GO, CHOP OFF HIS BLASTED ARM!" Says the minotaur seriously, jumping from the bridge as well, attempting to break his fall, but failing miserably. (Jump of 17, Nat 1)
DM Carl: Success! Thursday April 20th, 2006 6:13:11 PM
Zeoll commands Khuun to drop the stone. With evident effort the ogre mage opens his fingers slowly, until the stone falls from his numb grasp to the stone floor.
Within a matter of moments the draining effect leaves the ogre mage, his flesh returning to normal. The light around the stone fades.
Khuun looks at Zeoll, his eyes wide with fear and gratitude.
"Kitty save Khuun! Khuun almost sucked dry, like the flappy thing the master used to make Khuun!"
The others gather around (Brahmah decides at the last moment that there is no urgent need to jump off the rope bridge, and follows the bridges down instead).
Zeoll finds the cloth that was draped over the stone.
With the last defenders of Gargulus' stronghold defeated it seems the party have won the Feystone. The question before you now: what to do next?
Theodore and Macaw Thursday April 20th, 2006 10:19:48 PM
"So," Theodore scratches his nose. "What now?"
Zeoll (HP14 of 69) Thursday April 20th, 2006 11:25:36 PM
Zeoll takes the cloth and drops it over the orb without touching it at all.
He looks at the ogre's hand and pronounces it fine. "You stay close to me, old frriend," he tells Khuun.
He turns to the party mages and asks if anyone can cast Mage Hand.
Zeoll suggests that a mage cast Mage Hand and use it to carry the orb. He asks Brahmah to carry the mage so that the party won;t be slowed down.
If the group encounters anyone especially powerful on the way out, Zeoll plans to distract Him with a special song. If that works, the rest of the group should flee while Zeoll (and Khuun) create the distraction.
"Now we have to go home," says Zeoll. "Let's trry going back to that caverrn. Or let's go to the Queen. She may help."
But short term, the liontaur shepherds the group over the bridges and out.
As they go, he turns to Tratain and asks if the priest might be able to cure the wounded.
Vorelle Thursday April 20th, 2006 11:53:27 PM
Vorelle is somewhat startled--and more than a little suspicious--at the apparent ease of the group's victory. She looks around uneasily.
"W-we sh-should g-g-g-go," she says to nobody in particular.
Brahmah Friday April 21st, 2006 5:24:55 AM
"Sure I'll do it." He answers Zeoll.
Tratain (via Nellie) 3d8(6+6+7)+6=25 3d8(7+4+7)+6=24 2d8(6+6)+6=18 2d8(1+4)+6=11 d8=4 2d8(8+1)+6=15 d8=1 d8=1 d8=6 2d8(5+4)+6=15 Friday April 21st, 2006 10:30:19 AM
The cleric nods at Zeoll's request, working first with the most gravely wounded and ending up with himself. Looking very tired, Tratain says "Let us try the cave first, then the Queen.
Healing results: 25 pts. to Zeoll (Spont. in place of Searing Light) 24 pts. to Brahmah (Spont. in place of Dispel Magic) 18 pts. to Zeoll (Spont. in place of Bear's Endurance) 11 pts. to Brahmah (Spont. in place of Bear's Endurance) 14 pts. to Brahmah (Spont. in place of Bull's Strength) 20 pts. to Tratain (Spont. in place of Resist Energy) 15 pts. to Rose (Spont. in place of Align Weapon)
Ashira HP87/87 2d8(7+5)+3=15 Friday April 21st, 2006 10:35:24 AM
Seeing that Tratain has almost exhausted himself healing the party, Ashira grabs a healing potion from out of her bag and gulps it down (15 hp. healed). She holds out 3 other potions. "I've got 3 more of these if anybody else needs any. Otherwise I'll save them for later." Agreeing with Tratain, Ashira gets ready to head out feeling excited and yet very weary. "I'd like to stop to check on the slaves that we freed before we leave." she comments.
rose d20+11=24 Friday April 21st, 2006 6:43:35 PM
Once Rose reaches the stone she says she will be glad to use mage hand (and although she doesnt say it you realize she will be glad not to have to run to keep up)
Rose thanks Tratain for healing her and as soon as the group is ready to go she'll cast mage hand.
concentration: 24
rose Friday April 21st, 2006 6:45:16 PM "Um, you guys know that mage hand doesnt move things very fast dont you?"
mage hand: duration is concentration, move action to move 15' range 40' can lift 5lb
Brahmah Saturday April 22nd, 2006 5:56:30 AM
"How 'bout using that disc thing mages have? You know, the floating thing?!"
DM Carl: More decisions Saturday April 22nd, 2006 11:32:19 AM
Rose casts Mage Hand and is able to lift the stone with ease. However the halfling is correct. Even being carried she needs to mentally push the stone to keep it moving along with her. And at the rate she can push it is going to be a very long journey home.
Does anyone else try to carry the stone in another way?
The party very slowly make their way up the stairs and back to the upper floor. You soon realise from the desperate cries coming from the throne room that there are still a large number of captives in this place. Some are animals, but others are Fae: you recall seeing pixies and dryads in those cages. Should they be set free? Or should you flee this place at once, in case Lord Gargalus' army returns?
Zeoll Saturday April 22nd, 2006 3:14:35 PM
Zeoll is very greatful to Tratain for the healing. "Trruly you do prrotect us, in Domi's name," he tells Tratain.
Then he ponders the stone.
"It is clearr," says Zeoll "that a momentarry touch will not cause perrmanent damage. So someone could trry to handle it wrrapped in its cloth. The cloth may offerr prrotection."
If no one else volunteers, Zeoll will give that a try.
Vorelle [HP 63/76] Saturday April 22nd, 2006 8:57:19 PM
Vorelle is still injured, but not much, and she has more important things on her mind.
She is very much in favor of freeing the captives. "I-if the a-a-army c-comes b-back, I can h-h-hide and sn-sneak out," she says. "B-b-but we c-c-an't just l-l-leave them."
Theodore and Macaw Sunday April 23rd, 2006 7:22:33 PM
"I can offer you a blanket that I carry with me," Theodore says to Zeoll, concerning carrying the stone. "Perhaps even more padding between you and the stone would help."
When Vorelle suggests freeing the prisoners, Theodore agrees. "It's the right thing to do. Plus, we can use the escaping prisoners as a distraction. We shouldn't have a problem blending in."
Ashira Sunday April 23rd, 2006 10:26:35 PM
Seeing the animals and Fae, Ashira's face hardens. "I won't leave them here. Even if you guys leave I'm going to free them." She begins heading toward where she hears the cries intent on doing her best to free the captives.
Rose d20=1 Monday April 24th, 2006 12:35:44 AM
Rose will maintain concentration, just in case nobody else can carry the stone.
ooc: dont have sheet on new comp could you add modifiers...oh well I rolled a 1 so I guess it doesnt matter.
Brahmah Monday April 24th, 2006 10:15:05 AM
"I don't like repeating myself... do we have that disc spell that floats? We can pick up the stone with a blanket..." He pauses. "... or we just use an empty pack?!"
DM Carl: Tick tock tick tock... Monday April 24th, 2006 5:38:41 PM
Seeing as no-one else volunteers, Zeoll wraps the stone in the cloth, then Theo's blanket, then tentatively picks it up. Khuun looks on anxiously for a few moments...
...but nothing happens. It seems it is safe to carry the stone in this manner.
The others are intent on freeing the captives, though you realise that every moment spent here brings the enemy army a step closer. With no keys in evidence it looks like you'll have to break these cage doors or pick the locks. Inside the cages the captures creatures clamour for freedom.
Theodore and Macaw Monday April 24th, 2006 9:36:04 PM
"I do not have that spell currently memorized, Brahmah," Theodore replies to his friend.
At the cages, (how many cages?) Theodore pauses to pull out a scroll and begins to read from the parchment.
(Casts knock on one of the cages.)
Zeoll Monday April 24th, 2006 11:21:05 PM
Zeoll cautions everybody to consider the effects of their actions. "Rrememberr, frriends, that we did not come herre to change things. Morre I will not say forr the sake of discrretion. But it will help us not at all, and otherrs even less, if we arre found lingerring when the masterr of this place rreturrns."
So he urges the group to depart immediately.
Moreover, he is not happy carrying the orb. "If we do meet the masterr of this house, my job will be to delay him while the rrest of you flee. So I cannot carrry the orrb. Theo? Arre you still invisible? Maybe you should carrry it. Orr Ashirra, if you still have that potion of fly, you could escape with it."
"I think ourr best courrse is to rreturrn to the cave of ourr arrival. Failing that, the Queen may be able to help."
He asks his good friend Khuun to go invisible, peek out the main door, and come right back to tell Zeoll what he sees.
Ashira d20+14=18 d8+4=6 Tuesday April 25th, 2006 12:39:50 AM
Urging Rose to come and help, Ashira begins bashing on the locks hoping to bust some (AC 18 for 6).
Rose d20=15 Tuesday April 25th, 2006 2:24:48 AM
Rose starts picking some locks.
[ooc: having trouble with word documents (at least some of the time) it tries to open with 2003 which i have a 3 month trial and didnt install. I installed 2000 but when trying to open my documents with 2000 (instead of just clicking) i get blank pages.]
Vorelle Tuesday April 25th, 2006 9:08:31 AM
"Z-Z-Zeoll, c-c-can y-you ask your f-f-f-f-friend wh-who had the k-k-k-k-keys to th-the c-c-c-cells?" Vorelle asks in a low tone.
If Zeoll can't get the information, Vorelle begins searching the bodies of the foes they defeated. Somebody should have keys to these things.
Brahmah Tuesday April 25th, 2006 10:51:43 AM
Brahmah waits patiently.
DM Carl: Two down, four to go Tuesday April 25th, 2006 5:19:28 PM
Rose and Theo succeed in opening a cage each. Two dryads sweep Rose up in their spindly arms, kiss her, then join in the effort to get the cage doors open. Ashira's efforts seem to have little effect so far.
Zeoll urges the party to leave at once, but those with softer hearts cannot bear to leave the occupants of the four remaining cages, who are weeping openly at the prospect of freedom so close.
Khuun, who claims to have no idea where Snotguzzle or the Master may have kept they key, shrugs at this display of sentimentality. At Zeoll's behest he lopes off to scout an escape route, flicking out of sight as he does so.
Zeoll Tuesday April 25th, 2006 6:59:07 PM
Zeoll hates to leave these folk behind, but if the Quest for Ebryon's Orb fails, more innocents thatn these will suffer.
"Come, my frriends! We must away! Rrose, if you wish to stay and frree them, then do so. Maybe Ashirra will let you drink herr potion of flight so that you can catch up with us when you arre done."
"And again I ask, who will carrry the orrb? I am rreluctant because I do not want to be holding it if we meet the masterr of this foul place, since I will be the one staying behind to delay him."
Theodore and Macaw Tuesday April 25th, 2006 9:32:33 PM
"I will take it, Zeoll," Theodore says, not turning towards the liontaur as he takes out another scroll. "Just lay it there on the floor and I'll pick it up in a minute."
It is quite obvious the wizard is more concerned with freeing the prisoners than the stone. He quickly reads from the second scroll, again casting knock.
Rose Tuesday April 25th, 2006 11:21:13 PM
Rose will keep picking on locks, trusting her spell of expeditious retreat to help her leave quickly.
[ooc: still having trouble with word documents, see loot & booty if you want to help me.]
Ashira Wednesday April 26th, 2006 12:00:33 AM
Ashira looks over at the captives and then Zeoll...her face hardened with determination. "Zeoll, you know I trust you completely... but I'm staying here and trying to get the captives out. You're right, it's risky, and if someone wants to go with you to flee with the stone, then I won't grudge you that. But I'm staying here, even if it cost me my life. Sorry, but that's my answer."
Tratain (Str.=24) Righteous Might d20+7=10 Wednesday April 26th, 2006 12:21:28 AM
Tratain smiles at Ashira's little tirade...perhaps there was hope for her after all. Looking up at Zeoll he smiles. "What kind of a Protector would I be if I just left these people here to die. No I'm sorry...I must stay too." As he whispers a prayer to Domi, his muscles ripple and grow (Righteous Might). Grabbing the bars to the nearest cage, he give it a mighty tug...and prompty twists his wrist (Str. Check=10).
Vorelle Wednesday April 26th, 2006 12:49:58 AM
Vorelle sighs. She has no skill with locks, no strength to speak of, no magic to wield, and she can't find the keys.
She would like to help free the prisoners, but her practical side is asserting itself, telling her that others are better suited to the task and that Zeoll has a point.
"I-I've g-g-g-got it," she says, picking up the bundle containing the stone. She starts after the liontaur.
Brahmah Wednesday April 26th, 2006 1:27:19 PM
Brahmah trusts Zeoll's judgement and decides to follow. "Come on friend." He says to Vorelle.
DM Carl: The breaking of the fellowship? d20=13 Wednesday April 26th, 2006 6:02:35 PM
Zeoll is eager to leave. He heads after Khuun towards the entrance with Brahmah and Vorelle tagging along. Khuun has not yet returned from his scouting.
The others (including Theo who volunteers to carry the stone) remain behind to attempt to free the last few pitiful sould from the lair of Lord Gargulus. Rose and Theo succeed in opening two more cages. For all his rippling musculature, Tratain has no luck with the iron bars. Now only two cages remain locked.
Zeoll Wednesday April 26th, 2006 6:51:11 PM
Zeoll is visably unhappy at splitting up. He whispers to his Vorelle and Brahmah that he hopes they will catch up soon .
He says that he is worried that some enemy is outside and has got Khuun. He asks Vorelle if she would consider sneaking up and peeking out without going outside. If she goes, Zeoll follows, keeping about 40 feet back.
Rose Wednesday April 26th, 2006 9:55:12 PM
Rose quickly opens another cage.
[ooc: hmm having less trouble with word, but it wont open my dark fae stuff. I may have to delete and resave from my email.]
Ashira d20+12=31 d20+11=17 Wednesday April 26th, 2006 11:11:05 PM
Ashira bids Zeoll and the others goodbye, vowing to join them as soon as possible.
Knowing that bashing the locks around isn't working, Ashira decides to just keep an eye out for any signs of trouble...or even better maybe the keys or something (Spot=31, Listen=17).
Tratain (Str.=24) Righteous Might d20+7=9 Wednesday April 26th, 2006 11:36:15 PM
Tratain works on the cage that is available, tugging once more...and once more doing precious little more than torq out his shoulder (Str. check=9). Blushing, he encourages Rose in her work as he thumbs his warhammer.
Vorelle d20+20=29 d20+20=29 d20+14=22 d20+14=32 Thursday April 27th, 2006 1:07:19 AM
Vorelle agrees to scout, and slips ahead of Zeoll and Bramah. If she thinks the weight of the feystone will make the sneaking more difficult, she hands it off before she leaves.
[Hide 29, Move Silently 29, Spot 22, Listen 32]
Brahmah Thursday April 27th, 2006 7:30:54 AM
The ranger continues, unconcerned with the amount of noise that he might be making.
He watches Vorelle ahead of him and wonders where the ogre really went.
Theodore and Macaw d20=1 Thursday April 27th, 2006 1:12:23 PM
"That was my last knock scroll," Theodore informs those who stayed with the cages. "We must rely on Rose's skill with the locks."
That said, the wizard moves to assist Rose in picking the locks. (Rolled 1 to assist) He is utterly at a loss with the lock, though. "Sorry. It's not my forte."
DM Carl: The party divided d20=18 Thursday April 27th, 2006 6:09:11 PM
The party leaving Highlight to display spoiler: {Vorelle creeps out towards the stone arch blocking the great gates and looks around. There is no sign of anything untoward that she can make out. Nor, for that matter, is there any sign of Khuun.
"Boo!" says a voice from just behind her, followed by Khuun's disturbing laugh. "Nothing to see, but it don't mean nothing's there, right, little slave?"
Zeoll and Brahmah move slowly towards the entrance.}
The party staying Highlight to display spoiler: {Another cage springs open under Rose's delicate touch. Fey are joyously reunited, weeping and hugging. Only one cage to go, but is there enough time remaining?}
Loretta Thursday April 27th, 2006 10:24:06 PM
[Unfortunately my dark fae documents are blank for some reason. I tried to download from the email I sent myself before I hooked up my new computer, but something must have went wrong with the email as that's no help. I will download from the email that I sent myself about a month ago when I tried rebooting my old computer, but it wont be accurate (ie it will still have all the scrolls & stuff that I used on it).]
Rose Thursday April 27th, 2006 10:27:46 PM
Rose goes to work on the next lock. "Ashira, get them out of here quietly, Theo can you cast expeditious retreat on yourself and be ready to grab me and go. You're alot faster. If you need it take this scroll."
Vorelle d20+20=36 d20+20=32 d20+14=27 d20+14=30 Thursday April 27th, 2006 11:43:13 PM
At the sound of Khuun's voice, Vorelle jumps a little and sidles away. She hopes that if she looks meek and subservient enough he'll do no more than tease her.
And she hopes Zeoll can talk him out of it if he decides to eat her.
Meanwhile, she continues scouting.
[Hide 36, Move Silently 32, Spot 27, Listen 30]
Ashira Friday April 28th, 2006 12:37:25 AM
The ranger looks over at Rose and Theo...they wouldn't stand much of a chance in a fight by themselves. She shakes her head. "No, I'm staying till we all get them out of here."
Tratain (Str.=24) Righteous Might Friday April 28th, 2006 12:43:19 AM
Seeing that Rose is busy, Tratain sets to quieting the freed Fae. "Everyone, please calm down. Let our friend work on setting the rest of you free. Be quiet so we don't draw attention to ourselves!"
Brahmah d20+11=23 d20+11=17 d20+16=19 d20+4=16 Friday April 28th, 2006 7:13:58 AM
Brahmah keeps an eye and ear out. (spot 23, listen 17) He also looks for tracks that aren't the groups or Khuun's. (survival 19, search 16... bad rolls)
Theodore and Macaw Friday April 28th, 2006 12:33:53 PM
"I don't have that spell memorized, Rose. And I wouldn't be able to carry you, anyway. I'm pretty weak." Theodore shrugs. "I have fly prepared. I also have a couple of scrolls I could use if it comes to it. We'll worry about that when the time comes."
Zeoll Friday April 28th, 2006 7:45:54 PM
Zeoll says that if the coast is clear, then let's get moving.
He follows Vorelle, and leaves the Stronghold of Mortal Gargul.
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