DM Jan Monday April 17th, 2006 1:25:06 PM
Dahlia's examination of the centre tunnel reveals the following - foot traffic and plenty of it, some of it fairly recently, going off fragments of street soil left here and there. She can feel heat, convecting from somewhere ahead. The tunnel is made of old stone and has an arched ceiling. Size, about 8 ft by 8 ft. There is also evidence of trash - a broken bottle, a left over smoked-out cheroot, orange peel - but this is old. Older than the tracks.
It is dark ahead, although low light vision sketches out the tunnel dimensions and that fact that it slopes downward. Dahlia's gut is telling her this is the way to go, in fact it appears to be yelling at the top of it's voice - "That way! That way! That way!" As for sounds, there is something like a wind or a steady waterfall, far ahead.... and maybe a scream, or the cry of a distressed animal.
Cori's spell hits her like a swift kick up the backside, so that she actually feels the jarring sensation of being pushed a few feet to the left. Same goes for her companion.
Ve's spell on Nick wraps around the cleric like a cool, soothing bandage and Nick's skin, were he or anyone else to touch it, feels quite cold.
For a few moments, Valdor can't tell the inner voice of his sword from that of the clamour of the daggers set in his bandolier, who've been chattering nonsense in his head like a flock of noisy starlings. Again he focusses, and this time things quieten down. This is no dragon. A feeling of dread emanates from the sword. Odd and disturbing, seeing as it has been through so many battles. it takes me, in tiny little pieces. Tell him! Tell him! Tell him! The dagger chorus is deafening, and disorienting. They are pulling out her finger nails. To make her scream. So you'll come. In Valdor's head, his sword starts to weep.
Suspicion of Parnoth serves as a wall for Mordrid's psyche, but not so his own sun sword, which starts to glow slightly and whispers like an eager child, of it's own curiosity at what lies down that centre tunnel.
As for Ve - the protector of Domi reaches out toward the fragmented streamers of a thousand spells. You don't need that, they whisper as his hand brushes against his hammer. There is more power here than a hundred Gods. Here, come, take it. In his mind, some of the streamers brush against his skin, where they crackle with power. Some seek to curl themselves around him, curtailed only by his sheer force of will, and as they let go, it is as though they take tiny little pieces of him along with them. Microscopic fragments, that drift away from him and down the centre tunnel.
And Parnoth? Aside from the occasional glower in Mordrid's direction, he appears to have been paying attention to the surrounding masonary, his eyes scanning the ceilings, his good hand stroking the walls. "I'm not going down there," he says flatly. "You do what you like, I'm going this way." And with that - he sets off with a determined stride down the right hand, downward-sloping tunnel.
Valdor(Dust of Disappearance, Greater Fire Resistance, Holy Aura, Cloak of Arachnid) d20=1 Monday April 17th, 2006 3:24:54 PM
Valdor hears nothing beyond the 'fingernails' comment. He says quietly in his earpiece,"I love you all. Follow P and save who you can."
And then there is silence...
(Jan, I'll be sending you an email tonight)
Dahlia: AC 41; HP 226; Spell Resistance 25; Flying; Blinking, Greater invisibility, Sheild of Law, Status, Protection from fire; elixer of hiding, elixer of fire breath, 2 lavender and green ioun stones; 2 pale lavender ioun stones Monday April 17th, 2006 6:11:29 PM
Through the earpiece Dahlia reports back.
"Ok guys and Gals heat convecting ahead, and something is telling me this is the way to go, So I am going ahead in super-silent sleuth mode. Valdor remember I am up here ahead of you, for the next sounds you hear may be me causing havoc."
That said, Dahlia activates her ring of blinking and her winged boots and moving to the top of the tunnel flies ahead 60 ft or until se sees something definite.
Corialote and Amarth [shield of law, displacement] Monday April 17th, 2006 11:56:54 PM
Dispite the feelings that come with the spell she contains her feelings and fear this time around. She pushes it to the side as best she can to hold onto her own composure. "I have a job to do...I will do it!!" She moves into the tunnel with the others with a sinking feelig but she does not say anything to anyone.
Amarth nearly faints on his Mistress's shoulder as the feelings was over him. It is only through his link with his Mistress that he stays on his feet and perched on her shoulder.
[displacement - 48 rounds]
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, tenser's floating disk(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(2), displacement(3)* 4th: stoneskin(3), greater invisibility(2)*, wall of ice 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk, mass bull's strength, maxamized fireball 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, mass invisibility, maxamized shout(2) 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange, time stop(2), summon monster IX
greater empower rod 1/3 uses * used
Nick (Prot from Fire, Sheild of law) Tuesday April 18th, 2006 12:05:41 AM
Nick stands very still, not liking what he heard in his earpiece one little bit. "Valdor...? Valdor!" He glances worriedly at Mordrid, Cori and Ve. "What just happened?"
(Jan, you should have my email-SteveH)
Ve Mundr d20+14=22 d20+22=41 Tuesday April 18th, 2006 10:01:28 AM
Ve's head is on a swivel as it seems the 'Dragons' are splitting up all over the place. Nick has that confused concern look on his face, so he just heard something he didn't particularly like. Parnoth is heading down the side right passage, Cori is moveing down the central one and did Valdor just say 'I love you.'?
"This is insane people. Pull yourselves together and stopped using those damned earpieces. I don't have one and it is quite maddening. We all feel and hear something, us spellcasters most of all. It has Parnoth terrified, Cori unsure, tempting me to place myself in greater station than Domi and looks to be literally wearing Father Nick out. But it is empty without your own will to fuel it. Empty promises and fears in a dying echo."
Ve stands ready for the backlash that he knows is coming and keeps his attention trained on Parnoth. If the dragon begins a spell he counters it. [listen 22 Spell craft 41]
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Status Endure Elements 22 hours Protection Energy Fire 394.1 miutes Freedom of Movement 219.3 minutes Barkskin 119.4 minutes Extend Rod 1/3 Quicken Rod 1/3
(Valdor said it out loud)
DM Jan Tuesday April 18th, 2006 2:56:02 PM
Three forward alternatives (left, centre and right tunnels) face Ve, Nick, Cori and Mordrid. They have lost contact with Valdor for the moment. Dahlia is somewhere down the centre tunnel. Parnoth has set off down the right hand tunnel and has now disappeared into the gloom. The best course of action needs to be decided upon.
The centre tunnel of course still beckons, slithering into everyone's heads, tugging and pulling at senses and emotions, promising everything and more.
Meanwhile, some ways ahead and moving fast, both Dahlia and Valdor head toward the centre of things. The architecture is solid and well-hewn, and pretty soon, side galleries and hallways become evident; ornate stone columns hold aloft 30ft high arched ceilings. This place is old, very old, and all about is evidence of use - bat droppings, empty rodents nests, piles of charcoal from dead fires, an occasional overturned cooking pot - all at odds with the design, suggesting a relatively recent improvisation of this derelict and buried place. However, there is no sign of any current life right now. No creatures, no humanoids. With the exception of a roar like the wind up ahead, and an ever increasing blue glow - there is nothing. ((Valdor and Dahlia - spot checks and will saves for whats up ahead, please.))
And Parnoth? The dragon begins to jog down the right hand tunnel. The tunnel heads off to the right but then starts to curve down to the left. He is clearly agitated, leaving behind him the stringent traces of one of his more formidable breath weapons. Part of his skin is already beginning to toughen and scale. He is on edge, not knowing what lies ahead, ready to kill anything that moves. However, every once in a while he stops, and once again his attention is drawn to the walls, the ceilings. He appears to be examining the way this place is built - the archways, the buttresses and lintels, columns and walls - it's strengths, and it's weaknesses, and right now - he has only one thing on his mind. Just one, single objective.
SCOTT Tuesday April 18th, 2006 3:01:23 PM
Guys, I am so sorry. I still have no DSL connection. AT&T really dropped the ball. My service was supposed to be up last Friday, however they've lost / cancelled or ignored every service ticket I've applied.
Bad luck. I wish I was a part of this right now.
(~~Jan~~ Scott just dive in when you can. We'll send Parnoth after AT&T ;) )
Nick Tuesday April 18th, 2006 3:07:01 PM
Nick stares at Ve wildly for a second, and then looks down the centre tunnel. He takes a deep breath which does nothing to calm him.
"Ve, my friend, you're right, but Dahlia's down that one. I don't know where Valdor is, but we need to get to them - and fast. I can't protect them unless I'm close."
Dahlia: AC 41; HP 226; Spell Resistance 25; Flying; Blinking, Greater invisibility, Sheild of Law, Status, Protection from fire; elixer of hiding, elixer of fire breath, 2 lavender and green ioun stones; 2 pale lavender ioun stones d20+30=54 d20+14=33 Tuesday April 18th, 2006 6:20:23 PM
Dahlia moving up keeps an eye out for things as she goes. The increasing wind and blue glow have hr intrigued and worried at the same time. Spot DC 54, Will save DC 33 (if spell attack the ioun stones may counter it).
Corialote and Amarth [shield of law, displacement] Tuesday April 18th, 2006 9:56:12 PM
Cori paces along after Dahlia, not knowing where Valdor may have went. She looks to the others and simply shrugs as she cannot answer. Has the group totally split up or are most of them going the same way? That is not something she is sure of at the moment but she knows that she must follow the main group. "Nick is right...we cannot support or protect if we do not follow." Amarth stays close to the side of his Mistress's head as he prepares himself for what maybe the last day.
[displacement - 47 rounds]
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, tenser's floating disk(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(2), displacement(3)* 4th: stoneskin(3), greater invisibility(2)*, wall of ice 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk, mass bull's strength, maxamized fireball 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, mass invisibility, maxamized shout(2) 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange, time stop(2), summon monster IX
greater empower rod 1/3 uses * used
Valdor(Dust of Disappearance, Greater Fire Resistance, Holy Aura, Cloak of Arachnid, Ring of X-ray vision) d20=20 d20+9=27 Wednesday April 19th, 2006 12:28:03 AM
Valdor, moving along silently but quickly, barely glances around as he moves, but somehow, he is completely aware of every little crack in the walls, ceiling and floor(Spot nat 20)
He continues on his way, prepared to go vertical up a wall if necessary. He decides to slip on a ring he rarely uses, just to get a better look around.(X-Ray vision)
(Will save 27)
Mordrid (fire resistance) Wednesday April 19th, 2006 1:19:47 AM
Upon hearing Valdor's command, the ranger stoops over at the waste and grabs his hair. Some how he knew it would eventually come to this.
Slowly he stands erect, and softly whistles to the rest, "everyone rally on me. Valdor has spoken. He commands us to go this way."
Pointing to the right, he glances down at Parnoth as he curves away and down. The thought of abonding his heart, Valdor, to what may be down there; would normally cause the ranger to crumble, but somehow this seems to be the way the page was written.
A tear of acceptance roles down the aging rangers cheek, "this way guys. That includes you Dahlia. Come back."
Nick can see right in the rangers eye. A bridge has been crossed; with few words said. Mordrid knows what lies in the heart of his friend.
Guiltily he speaks to those near, "He expects us to follow his orders. He's gotten us this far." The ranger roles his eyes up, swollen with tears, "a road with no end in sight, we have traveled safely."
Ve Mundr Wednesday April 19th, 2006 10:19:44 AM
Ve looks down the central passage and back to Mordrid trying to get a better reading off the ranger. There was not much to read however, at least not much hidden. He decides that he is the best target for this and so steps up to the ranger and in as a compassionate tone as he can, "Mordrid. Valdor may need rescuing from himself this time. What he hears is likely deception but are cutting too close to his heart and he can not ignore them. Now that said, I do have the Status spell and can remain aware of his and indeed everyones condition through it. I also had keyed Valdor, Cori, Dahlia and yourself to my Bracelet. I do not believe we should listen to Valdor at this time, but will say nothing more after this on the matter. My focus will be wherever you deem." Ve pauses a moment and then much more off handed asks one last thing, "In Valdor's abscence, who is, for the lack of a better word, in charge?"
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Status Endure Elements 22 hours Protection Energy Fire 393.9 miutes Freedom of Movement 219.2 minutes Barkskin 119.3 minutes Extend Rod 1/3 Quicken Rod 1/3
DM Jan Wednesday April 19th, 2006 2:46:00 PM
Tunnel head - As soon as Cori sets a foot into the centre tunnel, she becomes aware of two things. The first is the danger. There was a power here that sought to drag her very soul down that centre passage and swallow it in one gulp. The second is the cold, practical observation that - knowing of the dangerous rites performed by some of the matrons in drow society in order to gain power - if she had the chance to tame what lay ahead, then she would be, without a doubt, one of the most powerful matrons that ever lived. And one of the darkest, and most terrible. But then you couldn't have everything, right? Power corrupted, and had to be borne with no apology, lest it lost it's strength. Something unseen flicks at her flesh, and Amarth gives out an alarmed squawk as one of his wing feathers is plucked from him and floats off down the warm gloom of the tunnel. Right now Cori is still in sight and hearing range of Mordrid, Ve and Nick.
In contrast, the right hand tunnel, also the only other path that leads downward, has a muted siren song. It's the same call, the same promise, but at nowhere near the level of the centre one. And if Parnoth has dashed off and got himself into hot water - there are no tell tale dragon cries to advertise the matter.
((Mordrid, Ve, Nick, Cori - let me know where you're going and marching order, please))
Way down the centre tunnel - Probably quite unaware of one another's existence, Dahlia and Valdor approach the blue glow. The tunnel is wider here, and curved galleries branch off right and left, that seem to encircle whatever lies ahead. About 50 ft ahead is a large archway. Standing beneath it - is a figure; ragged and horrific, it's skeletal frame is only partially clothed in flesh, and if it's appearance alone isn't distasteful enough, small sections of it's remaining flesh appear to be stripping away from the skeleton and are being sucked into the blue glow behind it. It's being eaten alive, very slowly, and Valdor and Dahlia could almost feel sorry for it, for what lies behind, although not visible yet, inspires such fear and dread, that every instinct wants them to turn back and run. There is also a realization that they will need every ounce of willpower they have, just not to get sucked into whatever that blue glow represents, their entire WILL SAVE BONUS, in fact, will be negated. The lich beckons with a rotten arm. "Come! Come my friends! You've been expected! Come!" As if on cue, a weak, female scream can be heard from beyond the archway. Dahlia also hears something in her earpiece. Sounds like Mordrid, but the speech is disjointed, to the point where she is unable to understand it.
Somewhere in the depths, behind one of those gallery walls, Parnoth finds what he is looking for. With a low growl he begins to change and grow in size, and a long, green scaly tail snakes out into the main passageway from whence he came.
Corialote and Amarth [shield of law, displacement] Wednesday April 19th, 2006 3:36:47 PM
Cori stands still as she closes her eyes. She can feel it...the power. Deep down inside she can still feel the need to gather that power and let her fill her. As she thinks on this she suddenly finds that this is partly why she became a wizardess...for the power. "It could be mine." Slowly one foot in front of the other she takes five steps down that tunnel. Her hands itch with the power that she fills along with the need to control and harness it. All thoughts of a higher calling and not being like her ancesters is lost to her right now. Her eyes glow a sharper red as a smile breaks out on her face. Yes, she could go back and smash those that saw her as inferior for her stuttering...she could lay control over all of them...she could rule. "Power to show them...power to have my revenge...to settle it once an for all. To have my mother bow before me...kissing my feet and begging to not be exiled or killed." She takes another five steps down the tunnel as the electricity charges around her.
Amarth is not sure what to do at this point. He can feel his Mistress's emotions through thier link and he wants to see her happy. But would this choice make her happy...would it give her peace? "Mistress...we must go back...Mordrid calls us." His decision is quick as usual as he tries to get her attention. Then there is the sudden pain as a feather is torn from him and whisked down the tunnel.
Cori hears the call of Mordrid through the earpiece and it registers oh so lightly on her fuddled brain. Several things click into place at that point with her as both the feather is plucked and her intelligence takes over. "Why would I wish to inflict the same harm." She slowly turns from the tunnel and moves back towards the others...though she does look back several times with a yearning in her own heart. "If only I was a creature of emotion and not thought..." She knows that if she would let her emotions rule her that she would have walked down that tunnel and did whatever it took to have that power. If the Star Mage Guild and her Master had taught her nothing else it was control...even in these situations. It took calm and control when working with forces of ultimate evil...with all demons, whether summoned or self-made. She shrugs and moves back to the group as a whole. "Valdor has made his choice and now we must make ours." Looking back to the center tunnel she shivers but still feels the urge to run down it. "That tunnel would turn us all...tear the good from us...it is old dark magic that sweeps it's tunnels and you would find it hard to master...even with your God's backing." She did not mean the last as an insult but it could be taken that way but she is know to talk plainly at times.
[displacement - 46 rounds]
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, tenser's floating disk(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(2), displacement(3)* 4th: stoneskin(3), greater invisibility(2)*, wall of ice 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk, mass bull's strength, maxamized fireball 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, mass invisibility, maxamized shout(2) 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange, time stop(2), summon monster IX
greater empower rod 1/3 uses * used
Nick Wednesday April 19th, 2006 5:33:45 PM
Nick looks at Mordrid, seeing the struggle on his friend's face. He's still not sure about that right hand tunnel, despite being unable to argue with the ranger's wild logic. He listens to Ve's suggestions. Status and that bracelet could only help, so at least that was something, and then he finds himself staring open mouthed as his fellow cleric asks about who's in charge. Who's in charge? Well, what was the proper answer to that? In terms of service, then the honour fell to Mordrid. In terms of practicality... something had sent Valdor off the deep end, and if anything happened to him, then Nick feared for Mordrid's sanity too ( although the ranger had rightly warned their leader about the upcoming dangers. Nothing insane there.) And Nick was no leader, he was the family baby back home, and had always been more at ease being a scholar, a follower, and let his brothers and others take up the reins of leadership. Dahlia had always danced to her own lively tune, and Cori.... where in Alemi's name was Cori?
"I don't think we've really discussed - " is his lame answer to Ve's question, cut short as Cori re-emerges from the tunnel. Both her words, and her expression do nothing to settle his nerves. They do however let him decide upon something. "Okay. Let's do as Mordrid says and take the right hand tunnel. And lets pray to both Alemi and Domi that it takes us in the right direction." He tries to sound firm, and not scared, and is not entirely convincing. He's frightened for Dahlia and Valdor, and is at his wits' end with worry.
((Middle of the party, 2nd or 3rd))
Dahlia: AC 41; HP 226; Spell Resistance 25; Flying; Blinking, Greater invisibility, Sheild of Law, Status, Protection from fire; elixer of hiding, elixer of fire breath, 2 lavender and green ioun stones; 2 pale lavender ioun stones 15d6(3+3+4+6+2+6+2+5+6+6+2+2+1+3+3)=54 Wednesday April 19th, 2006 10:18:34 PM
As the liche looks at Dahlia and catches her eye it feels a sudden stiffening start moving through its body (Eyes of Petrification) Fort DC 23 or be turned to stone permanently
Not quite mastering her fear, Dahlia finds herself in a unusual place. The little halfling is scared to stay and scared to leave.
Whatever lay behind the Liche in that abyss terrified her and pulled at her very core, and yet, Valdor is here somewhere, she just knows it in her gut. I can't allow myself to fail or show myself as weak around him again, she thinks to herself. But the fear keeps on eating at her, almost like a physical pain. Grimacing she holds her place facing the Liche.
Then Mordrid's garbled voice in her ear added yet another worry and that didn't help things either. Were the others in trouble behind her and unable to communicate. Nick and Ve can't come down here, I'm not sure what might happen if they were to fall foul to the hate filled desire that was pulling at her very inner being. The thought of Nick gave her a momentary feeling of strength and brought a smile to her lips. He was probably worried sick about her right about now. I suppose I ought to do something about that.
Using the strength she found from her friends, Dahlia throws three small beads (Beads of Force) toward the liche 54 points of damage to anything within 10 feet - then as each bead explodes a glowing sphere begins to appear trying to surround the liche (otiluke's resilient sphere)- 3 reflex saves DC 16 or be encased inside for 10 minutes. Without looking to see what happens Dahlia activates her Cloak of the Mountebank and pictures the three tunnel intersection where she left the rest of the party and dimension doors back to the spot where she left them.
Valdor(Dust of Disappearance, Greater Fire Resistance, Holy Aura, Cloak of Arachnid, Ring of X-ray vision) d20=19 d20=20 Thursday April 20th, 2006 12:09:29 AM
Fear...dread...evil. All emotions and feelings Valdor has come to know oh so well. Almost his whole life he has fought against such. Every rational fiber of his being screams at him to run. He is so far gone, however, that all he sees is a being in his way of freeing his daughter.
He pauses just long enough for a feral grin to creep across his face. He begins to stride purposefully toward the lich, absolutely not caring about the blue glow behind it. He cares nothing for magical power or whatever it is. He just knows his daughter is down here somewhere and she's hurting. Never before, whether facing Flame, the undead red dragon, or even when he faced Gargul at the House of Oshirr, has he backed down from a fight, and by all the gods, he sure wasn't now.
With long, quick steps, he approaches the lich and draws his swords. He says,"You have called upon your own doom. You cannot infect me with your spells or lies. It is time for you to be destroyed. You have no idea how much I will enjoy destroying you."
Not wondering for a second how the lich could see him, he breaks into a run and charges.
(Will save, used hero point)
Mordrid (fire resistance, cats grace) Thursday April 20th, 2006 2:50:46 AM
The ranger can only nod at Ve. "Normally in times such as these, the burden of command falls on my shoulders." Shyly, "you'll find that I usually have a truer picture of what is going on. Besides, Valdor has a way of surviving these things. The Gods have always favored him." This thought encourages him.
As the remainder of the group arrives up the corridor, he takes off down the right hand passage, stopping only long enough to wave them forward. The ranger casts cats grace on himself.
DM Jan Thursday April 20th, 2006 3:25:50 PM
Dahlia's Dimension Door spell makes for a somewhat startling arrival back at the head of the tunnels, as the others witness the halfling appearing in mid air, before being slammed against the wall of the main tunnel, and then dropped like a sack of potatoes not 10 ft away. It's quite a ride, and stuns the halfling for 4 rounds.
Re-grouped, with the exception of Valdor, the Dragons start their descent down the right- hand tunnel. Dark, old stone heads downward and then starts to level off and curve to the left. To those with a sense of direction, it appears this tunnel circles the perimeter of something, rather than leading straight down to it, like the centre one did. Small rooms and galleries break up the monotony, until - at a point where the tunnel has stopped it's descent - a large green scaly tail can be seen, partially blocking the way ahead, and it's protruding from another tunnel that leads off toward the left.
Suddenly, the massive green tail shifts, and there is a solid *BAM*, and the walls and floor shake like something is being attacked by a great battering ram. Black dust, grit and Domi knows what else, shaken from eons-old resting places in the cracks of the ceiling, rains down on the party.
MEANWHILE! Down at the archway and beyond -
Something beyond the lich and the archway begins to stir. The thing in the pit has no substance. Magically created and not yet whole, it is however partially sentient, and stretches out as Valdor and Dahlia approach. It wants Valdor particularly, and yearns for him like a lost limb, or a vital puzzle piece that will make it whole. Invisible tendrils stretch out toward the archway, demanding, like an infant crying to be fed. Heroes it needs, and here, on the doorstep, are two of them. Something akin to joy manifests itself physically, as the walls of the pit start to bend. The slow ooze of Woldsblood, turning black and corrupt as it trickles down the pit walls begins to increase, until small streams of it are drawn toward the centre and begin to swirl downward like a whirlpool. Further empowered, but utterly chaotic, in it's yearning, the being, the creature, the thing, actually causes time itself to distort. Dahlia 's escape becomes akin to being fired out of a cannon, and her spells are caught up in the distortion.
Valdor sees nothing but the lich as he charges. He sees nothing of the ribbons of lust, the slivers of disappointment as the halfling escapes, nor the fine, eye-cast arrows of stone. To him, motion appears normal, despite that fact that time itself, for a little while at least, in this immediate vicinity, has considerably slowed. As his longsword cuts a slow, graceful arc - Dahlia's spells arrive at the lich slightly before he does. From the corner of his eye, he sees three tiny stones hurtling toward his quarry. And then - both petrification and the sphere stones hit the lich, and in moments, Valdor's target stretches out and distorts, becoming some irregular, thinly stretched, bone an' stone spherical cage, about 7 ft diameter. It hangs there in the air in front of him, it's head somewhere off to the left, mouth caught in a rictus grin, like some ridiculous, empty birdcage, blocking further egress. It is at this point that time snaps back to normal, just in time for the warrior to feel a sharp vibration, as though something, somewhere distant, has begun an attempt to knock the walls down.
Ve Mundr d20+14=32 Thursday April 20th, 2006 4:52:08 PM
Ve nods and moves past Mordrid as he waves the group on, moving as quickly as he can, Ve has no issue taking the front. Dahlia suddenly registers as stunned through the Status Spell and Ve stops short. He thought he heard a femanine 'oof' behind them [Listen 32] "Is Dahlia back there? She's stunned someone check quickly."
The mithril clad cleric then turns back to his immediate front and shortly comes upon what must be a reshifted Parnoth's backside. "Looks to be a tight squeeze past his highness's a..." The shaking roof drowns him out and Ve puts his shield overhead to deflect the heavier dirt and dust. Ve quickly decides to push across and climbs across the tail blockage to the other side.
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Status Endure Elements 22 hours Protection Energy Fire 393.8 miutes Freedom of Movement 219.1 minutes Barkskin 119.2 minutes Extend Rod 1/3 Quicken Rod 1/3
Dahlia: AC 41; HP 226; Spell Resistance 25; Flying; Blinking, Greater invisibility, Sheild of Law, Status, Protection from fire; elixer of hiding, elixer of fire breath, 2 lavender and green ioun stones; 2 pale lavender ioun stones Thursday April 20th, 2006 7:26:21 PM
"Ohhhhhh Floy's toes, that hurt! What happened?" Dismissing her invisibility as she sees she is not in any immediate threat, the little halfling remains slumped in a heap against the stone wall trying to assess if she is actually still alive and in one piece. "I feel like I have gone three rounds with one of Gaal's quads and then found out they were merely the warm-up."
Corialote and Amarth [shield of law, displacement] Thursday April 20th, 2006 10:40:53 PM
Looking around she nods her head in answer to Ve and then moves back in that direction. She kneels by Dahlia and gives her a half smile. "Still with us I see." She looks back down the tunnel and calls to the others through the earpiece. "Dahlia is back here...a little banged up but I think ok." She stands and offers a hand to the other female with another smile.
Glancing back the way she had come from she shrugs. "Got Parnoth's hindquarters in the way our direction...things don't seem to good the way you went either." Her face once again breaks into a large smile as her eyes flash. "Cannot let all the guys have the fun and I guess things should not be too easy." With a laugh and the same twinkle in her eyes she ends that statement. "No fun in that."
Amarth snorts from his perch on her shoulder. "Yeah no fun...I have already lost a feather." He leans forward to look at his Mistress with a critical eye. "And how much more would you have me lose?" It is actually a retorical question and that is most likely why Cori does not answer it.
[displacement - 45 rounds]
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, tenser's floating disk(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(2), displacement(3)* 4th: stoneskin(3), greater invisibility(2)*, wall of ice 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk, mass bull's strength, maxamized fireball 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, mass invisibility, maxamized shout(2) 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange, time stop(2), summon monster IX
greater empower rod 1/3 uses * used
Valdor(Dust of Disappearance, Greater Fire Resistance, Holy Aura, Cloak of Arachnid, Ring of X-ray vision) d20+32=47 d100=67 d20=4 Friday April 21st, 2006 12:59:53 AM
Valdor momentarily is confused. He figures the lich has protected itself in some way. He decides to shove the floating lich through the archway to see what happens(hit ac 47). He doesn't wait, however, and simply watches over his shoulder as he takes off running around the pit, rather than into it(even/odd=left/right, so he goes right). Even as crazed as he is, he won't go into that unless he knows his daughter is in there.
He tries to concetrate and think about where the feminine scream came from, but fails to do so as he just wants to kill something.
Mordrid Friday April 21st, 2006 1:33:09 PM
Mordrid squats in the hallway as derbree begins to fall from the vibrating walls. "You're gonna kill us all Parnoth!"
The ranger then follows Ve up and over the dragon's tail.
Nick Friday April 21st, 2006 8:53:54 PM
Nick doubles back after Cori so he can check on Dahlia. he's relieved to see her and offers her a Cure Moderate if she needs one. "We'd better move quickly, ladies. Valdor's down there and I think Parnoth is trying to bring the house down. Dahlia did you see anything?" He'll bring up the rear as they head after Ve and Mordrid.
Dahlia: AC 41; HP 226; Spell Resistance 25; Flying; Blinking, Greater invisibility, Sheild of Law, Status, Protection from fire; elixer of hiding, elixer of fire breath, 2 lavender and green ioun stones; 2 pale lavender ioun stones Friday April 21st, 2006 9:13:44 PM
Getting off the floor and brushing herself off, Dahlia looks first to Ve and then to Nick.
Did I SEE Anything? No, not much. Just an old powerful decaying Liche holding open a conduit to something so god awful that I would rather face four "Flames" (he was an undead dragon foe of ours that nearly killed us all) than willingly go down there. Well, at least not by myself.
I think Valdor was there as the liche was reacting to two different places in the corridor but he must have gone invisible so I'm not positive.
Moving forward she joins the others and then chimes in at Parnoth. Parnoth, if you don't move and let us through, I am going to ram these emerald dragon slaying crossbow bolts so far up your backside you might be able to see them when I am done. Now MOVE!!!
DM Jan Friday April 21st, 2006 10:42:28 PM
Ve, Mordrid, closely followed by Nick, Dahlia and Cori, negotiate the scaly mass of Parnoth's tail and head further along the tunnel. Parnoth's only reply to Mordrid's observation and Dahlia's threat, is another body slam against the masonry, causing yet more spiders webs, dust and bat droppings to shower the party. He does however shift his tail a little to allow room to get past.
Of all people, Mordrid should perhaps know what this place is, but it seems that every step he takes, the less he remembers of it, as though something is surreptitiously creeping through his mind, pulling at the threads, and unraveling the tapestry of his memory. He felt it out on the street earlier. He's feeling it moreso here, and it is not at all pleasant. How long before it ate away at other, more current memories?
About 75 ft past the tail, the group arrive at a narrow archway in the wall to the left. It's an entrance to another tunnel. Now the group are faced with two choices - left, or straight ahead.
Straight ahead is darkness. Darker than before. Inky black. To the left - a blue gloom, warm air, and that promise of power.
MEANWHILE! Down at the pit -
Valdor gives the obscene object in front of him a hefty push. Just a touch and the thing disintegrates into powder, and the warrior moves quickly beyond the archway. Before him, the pit yawns wide, maybe 100 ft across. A viscous red fluid is bleeding from it's walls, being pulled through the air toward the centre, only to turn black and be sucked downward into the deep. And from those depths, a strange blue light shines upward, splitting and refracting as it hits the corrupted Woldsblood it is feeding on, so that finally the light appears on the ceiling as hundreds of dancing stars.
A 4 ft wide pathway encircles the pit (purple on the map/diagram), it's inner edges are, however, being eaten away and look unstable. At the far side of the pit, at 12 o clock - is a lich. Behind that lich is a cage, and he's offered a glimpse of pale flesh within it. To the left, at 9 o clock - is another lich. To the right, at 3 o clock - is another lich.
Valdor breaks right, and as he does so, flecks of the disintegrated lich stick to the shiny, embossed 'V' of his chest plate. The metal shifts and rolls, pushing in and out, reforming at the upper left hand side of his armour until a face is visible, as though something hideous were trapped within the metal.
The 'dead' lich, although completely helpless, nevertheless finds plenty of welcoming darkness in Valdor's mind, and comforted by black, singleminded ruthlessness, and a bitter wind of howling revenge, the creature settles into the warrior's psyche.
Two steps and Valdor is aware of someone inside his head. Had he the time or the willingness to pause and reflect, he would realize that he perhaps knew who this was. Fragments of memory, places they both knew. Had they met? It rolled like a storm through his mind, spells, dragons, Plateau City on a sunny morning, the view from the Open Air level of the Big Float, blood, pain, victory and defeat, joy, regret, years of it - all split into fragments by a madness beyond reason. Three steps and Valdor is suddenly aware of what is going on here, and what is expected. The thing in the pit - some kind of terrible power that will turn the entire Wold inside out. An utterly insane scheme, the goal of which has now become irrelevant and lost in chaos - but right now, all it needed was the blood of a few heroes, and - "We need the dragon, too," says the thing in his head, as if to confirm the recipe.
But all this is fleeting and unimportant, as muscles power through the moves of forward motion, efficent, smooth and deadly. Adrenalin has already quickened the mind; lungs stretching out and folding deep, drawing in the necessary air.
At 3 o clock, the lich there waits, it's head cocked, unflinching. The lich at 9 o clock heads south, moving almost as soon as Valdor did.
((Ladies and gentlemen, the no smoking sign has been turned on, please fasten your seatbelts and place the tables in their upright position. Combat begins now. AC and HPs in the window, please.))
Mordrid (AC 35 / HP 233) Fire resistance, Cats Grace, Longstrider Saturday April 22nd, 2006 6:38:40 PM
Mordrid taps Ve on the shoulder, and points at the archway to the left. "That way," and will follow the cleric thru... or lead if there is hesitation.
The ranger casts Longstrider on himself.
"Pretty obvious that Parnoth has not told us everything."
Dahlia: AC 41; HP 226; Spell Resistance 25; Blinking, Sheild of Law, Status, Protection from fire; elixer of hiding, elixer of fire breath, 2 lavender and green ioun stones; 2 pale lavender ioun stones Sunday April 23rd, 2006 1:11:29 PM
Following the others, Dahlia moves toward the archway until she sees the bluish light again then she involuntarily stops moving and begins to shiver.
Corialote and Amarth [shield of law, displacement, haste, orange prism ioun] Sunday April 23rd, 2006 5:30:56 PM
Cori rushes back down the tunnel and only pauses long enough to take in the position of everyone in the group...that is present. She nods her head as she prepares herself for the backlash from casting a spell. "Spell everyone...hold onto your goodies." She closes her eyes and begins the intonement that will finish a spell that will lend aid to the group, at least for a time.
Amarth is not too keen on this spell thing right now but he knows the reason for it. They will need every edge they have.
[haste - 24 rounds]
[displacement - 44 rounds]
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, tenser's floating disk(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(2)*, displacement(3)* 4th: stoneskin(3), greater invisibility(2)*, wall of ice 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk, mass bull's strength, maxamized fireball 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, mass invisibility, maxamized shout(2) 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange, time stop(2), summon monster IX
greater empower rod 1/3 uses * used
Ve Mundr AC 45 HP 224 [Shield of Law, Haste, Protection Energy Fire, Freedom of Movement] d20+42=47 d20+46=66 d20+22=34 Monday April 24th, 2006 12:14:22 AM
Being the first in and last to leave has always been a task Ve Mundr has been comfortable with and so when Mordrid taps him on the shoulder, there is no question no second guess, the cleric simply leads the way into the fight.
In the Chamber there is power and the cicle of Liches have fed into it. Ve has faced many powerful spell casters before however and calls out his target to the others in a low voice. "I will take the one who is moving."
Ve raises his shield slightly, "For Domi." and a great disembodied hand materilaizes about the lich and closes about his form, [quicken Grasping Hand Hit AC 47 Grapple 66 Def Grapple 56] just inside the room Ve steps right and prepares to counter any spell the lich in the Domi hand might cast. [Spell craft 34 to ID spell then will counter per Improved CounterSpelling Feat]
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Status Endure Elements 22 hours Protection Energy Fire 393.7 miutes Freedom of Movement 219.0 minutes Barkskin 119.1 minutes Extend Rod 1/3 Quicken Rod 1/3
Valdor(AC37, HP 284, Dust of Disappearance, Greater Fire Resistance, Holy Aura, Cloak of Arachnid, Ring of X-ray vision) Monday April 24th, 2006 1:42:36 AM
Valdor fliches a bit when the thing enters his mind. Then the blackness inside him takes over and he simply doesn't care. He has only one agenda...and that's his little girl who needs her daddy right now! Time slows for the huge warrior as he pictures when she was just a babe. Cleaning her after messing her pants, changing her, bouncing her on his knees...but oh so few times. There was always so much to do. Some battle to fight for someone else. Someone starting a war. Dragons to to kill. Gods being overthrown. Liches to kill. People being kidnapped like King Claudia and, and...HIS DAUGHTER! LICHES TO KILL!!!
His mind races back to the present and with all the consideable strength in his legs, he sprints around the pit. He heard a cry from the other side and means to get there in a hurry! He completely ignores the lich at 3 o'clock and motors on. (Doubling and tripling speed when possible)
Nick (AC 36, HPs 167 Holy Aura, Prot Fire, Haste) Monday April 24th, 2006 8:49:31 PM
Nick steps resolutely down the left hand tunnel, praying silently that they're heading in the right direction. He's ready with another protection spell, once Holy Aura fades out. Part way he stops, making sure Cori and Dahlia are okay.
DM Jan d20+21=41 d20+12=30 Monday April 24th, 2006 10:51:18 PM
Valdor continues his charge, counter-clockwise around the perimeter of the pit, heading straight for/through/past the lich at 3'oclock. The lich here takes this opportunity to attempt a touch attack on the warrior.
Casting IMPRISONMENT' Touch attack AC 30 (Steve, what's Valdors touch attack AC, without his armour bonuses and wotnot?)
SR 41 Will Saving throw DC 22 (However - will save bonuses are all negated because of the pit. That goes for the liches, too, incidentally)
A little further ahead (2 'o clock) Ve Mundr emerges from the tunnel into the pit area. Summoning every ounce of concentration, the Protector hurls a spell toward the lich moving (also counter clockwise) to a position that will eventually take it round and into a flanking position with it's ragged comrade. It is a powerful spell, and the thing in the pit sucks it down, and swallows it without batting an eyelid (not that it had one). At this moment it becomes obvious to Ve that anything traveling etherally or physically across the pit - is going down, and that he'll need to alter his trajectory, keeping everything aligned to the surrounding path in order to succeed. This will imply that flying or jumping across will be equally treacherous.
Behind Ve, further around the perimeter, at 12 o clock - the lich next to the cage starts to unfasten the cage door and reaches inside for its contents.
At various points in the tunnel, still waiting to emerge, or maybe do something else, Nick, Cori, Dahlia and Mordrid can see the flickering glow ahead. It would look pretty but for the wave of dread rolling through their stomachs right now.
(Map will be in the mail in the next few mins. Please ignore the prismatic wall. Shouldn't be there. )
Valdor(AC37, HP 284, Dust of Disappearance, Greater Fire Resistance, Holy Aura, Cloak of Arachnid, Ring of X-ray vision) d20+7=27 Tuesday April 25th, 2006 1:19:17 AM
Valdor, still invisible, runs past the lich and, while the lich was able to touch him, the spell slides off him without success.
He continues to motor around at whatever top speed he can generate and with all the momentum of a rhino.
Corialote and Amarth [shield of law, displacement, haste, orange prism ioun] Tuesday April 25th, 2006 2:58:46 PM
Cori cannot see a whole lot at this point, being down the tunnels and behind others. She simply nods her head and casts a spell that will help out the whole group...she even hopes that it will reach Valdor as well. "Got some buffing if you need it."
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, tenser's floating disk(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(2)*, displacement(3)* 4th: stoneskin(3), greater invisibility(2)*, wall of ice 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk, mass bull's strength*, maxamized fireball 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, mass invisibility, maxamized shout(2) 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange, time stop(2), summon monster IX
greater empower rod 1/3 uses * used
Mordrid (AC 35 / HP 233) Fire resistance, Cats Grace, Longstrider, Delay Poison Tuesday April 25th, 2006 5:02:17 PM
The ranger casts delay poison on himself before he continues the rest of the way out of the corridor, into the huge blue circular room.
He then slides to a hault and onto his rear just before reaching the edge of the pit. Quickly getting to his feet he looks across the way at the lich, "oh crap."
Then left, and right, both ways showing more undead.
"Ve... can you turn these things?"
[Jan, I don't understand what the pillars are on the map. I think maybe i'm not seeing the scene right.]
DM Jan Tuesday April 25th, 2006 6:30:04 PM
((OOC - sorry if the map's a little obscure, guys. All the black channels are tunnels. The grey is solid stone. The perimeter of the pit is a 4 ft wide pathway that goes all the way around, represented by that purple circle. It looks like it should be wider, looking at the perspective, but it isn't. It's what you get when you try to draw a map with one eye, LOL. As for the pillars, there are three huge stone pillars, in amongst those tunnels, holding up the entire underground structure. I haven't gone into detail about the architecture of those because no one in character has come across one of them yet, in any of the tunnels. Fire away with any more questions if you need to. No worries. It's not exactly a plain old cavern.))
Ve Mundr AC 45 HP 224 [Shield of Law, Haste, Protection Energy Fire, Freedom of Movement] d20+20=37 10d6(4+2+6+1+2+1+5+6+1+2)=30 d20+22=27 Tuesday April 25th, 2006 7:06:57 PM
Ve's face becomes a scowl within his helmet and he calls out to the others about his thoughts on the pit. "I believe anything crossing the pit via extra planar or not will be consumed. Check your spells to direct line without crossing the pit. To that affect I am not sure Mordrid. That never was my area of Expertise, perhaps Father Nick."
Ve moves forward 5' and summons his will against the liche. A beam of pure golden energy leaps forth and strikes the creature in the chest. [Quicken Searing Light touch AC 37 dmg 30] Ve is prepared to counter any spell the liche might attempt [Spellcraft 27]
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Status Endure Elements 22 hours Protection Energy Fire 393.6 miutes Freedom of Movement 218.9 minutes Barkskin 119.0 minutes Extend Rod 1/3 Quicken Rod 1/3
Dahlia: AC 41; HP 226; Spell Resistance 25; Greater Invisibility, Blinking, Sheild of Law, Status, Protection from fire; elixer of hiding, elixer of fire breath, 2 lavender and green ioun stones; 2 pale lavender ioun stones d20+13=21 d20+27=44 Tuesday April 25th, 2006 11:03:23 PM
Taking a moment to compose herself, Dahlia smiles weakly at Nick as he passes by her. Moments later the halfing comes across the first tunnel crossing and thinking (Voluntary int roll DC 21)about what she had seen through the last opening she reckons if she goes through here she might come out right behind Valdor's daughter. Without a second thought she turns and leaving the party behind she returns to invisibility (Use magic device DC44) and heads down the side tunnel rapidly.
Nick (AC 36, HPs 167 Holy Aura, Prot Fire, Haste) d20+2=12 2d6(2+5)+23=30 Wednesday April 26th, 2006 11:14:49 AM
Assuming Dahlia is around somewhere, Nick follows the others down the tunnel and emerges at the cavern entrance. He looks quickly to the left and right, then turns up the palms of his hands and begins a prayer.
Alemi, I call upon all that is blessed and holy in your name, to give me the strength to send these creatures back...
TURNING UNDEAD Check 12 Hit Die 30
The only lich in his line of sight right now and within distance is the one who tried to attack Valdor, so all his efforts go into that one. Run, you foul creature. Begone from this place...
DM Jan Wednesday April 26th, 2006 11:59:21 AM
(Sorry this is late, guys.)
Cori's spells of haste and bulls strength sparkle like fireflies around their recipients, so that those in, or within 20 ft of, the huge cavern containing the swirling pit are illuminated by a multicoloured sparkling aura.
Currently invisible, Valdor appears as merely a sparkly outline - a tall, broad-shouldered sparkly outline, that is charging quickly toward Ve, Mordrid and Nick, threatening to charge into them and knock them like bowling pins into the pit, in his efforts to reach his daughter. Getting out of his way would appear to be the next, and wisest, manouvre. Perhaps it is just as well they cannot see the current look in his eye.
The liches -
Lich #1 - the one who attempted a touch attack on Valdor (Daniel I'm assuming this is the one Ve attacked?) - the creature's flesh lights up and it gives out a terrible howl of rage. The lich raises an arm and points a finger, but then suddenly crumples with a whimper as it is hit by something unseen. Still alive, but overpowered by the divine energy of Alemi, it crouches, cowering, on the pathway, it's flesh, or what's left of it, still burning. (Still at 3 o' clock)
Seconds later, Nick starts to feel dizzy and weak, and his hands become wrinkled. The hair on his head becomes brittle and starts to fall out.
Lich #2 - this one was in the process of running around the southern end of the pit. But now, on the arrival of the other Dragons, it has stopped and is staying at a strategic distance, using the pit as a shield. (Currently at 7 o' clock) Eyes like hot coals are glowering warily at the party.
Lich #3 - this one has retrieved a young, unconscious female human from the cage behind it, and is now using her as a physical shield, a rotten finger hovering an inch from her right temple. (Currently at 12 0' clock)
The thing in the pit - is beside itself with anticipation. What it wants, what it needs, is so very close, and it stretches up, invisible filaments drifting across flesh, sensing, tasting, although it recoils from the cleric of Alemi. Poison, that one was. But it was only one, and already withering.
Breaking off from the rest of the party, Dahlia heads down the unnaturally dark passage that led straight ahead. Odd, how dark it was down here, and that after a certain stretch, the dim outlines of the walls can be seen once again. The tunnel curves further in to the left. (Kent, it'll take two rounds for Dahlia to reach the end of this tunnel) The feeling of dread is muted at this point, the dark, heavy stone walls feel almost comforting.
Meanwhile, as a backdrop to the immediate terrors, and no less threatening, the slow, muffled, rhythmic thud of someone or something slamming against the walls, continues.
Corialote and Amarth [shield of law, displacement, haste, orange prism ioun] Wednesday April 26th, 2006 9:12:38 PM
Cori does not move fully into the room as she goes over her spells. Through the earpiece she tries to get information. "How many are there and what is the situation?" She wants to run over some ideas in her head before she shows her own hand in this fight.
With a nod to the familiar on her shoulder and an unspoken idea, she sends him in. Though it sickens her that he maybe in danger she cannot chance it now...there is too much at stake and they all must sacrifice. Amarth flies a ways into the cavern and tries to find a vantage point to land and feed he information.
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, tenser's floating disk(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(2)*, displacement(3)* 4th: stoneskin(3), greater invisibility(2)*, wall of ice 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk, mass bull's strength*, maxamized fireball 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, mass invisibility, maxamized shout(2) 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange, time stop(2), summon monster IX
greater empower rod 2/3 uses * used
Dahlia: AC 41; HP 226; Spell Resistance 25; Greater Invisibility, Blinking, Sheild of Law, Status, Protection from fire; elixer of hiding, elixer of fire breath, 2 lavender and green ioun stones; 2 pale lavender ioun stones Wednesday April 26th, 2006 9:23:24 PM
Dahlia keeps moving listening carefully for any tell tale sounds that might warn her of impending doom.
Valdor(AC37, HP 284, Dust of Disappearance, Greater Fire Resistance, Holy Aura, Cloak of Arachnid, Ring of X-ray vision) d20=19 d20+21=39 d20+10=24 Thursday April 27th, 2006 12:13:57 AM
Valdor continues running. He sees creatures in his way and merely speeds up with all intentions to blow them off the narrow ledge and into the pit. Something registers in his head at the very last second, however, and he makes a quick decision(voluntary int check 19). Knowing he can't possibly stop or dodge the people in his way, he gathers up all his strength and jumps over whoever it is in the way(Jump check dc39). his concentration is complete as he lands and maintains his balance and continues to motor on his way(Balance chk 24).
Only one thing is on his mind and he has to get to her. No matter how many evil drow, undead, demons and evils, evil giants and dragons he has killed, it was all just to prepare him for this moment. When it really counts...
Mordrid (AC 37 / HP 233) Fire resistance, Cats Grace, Longstrider, Delay Poison, Haste, Holy Aura Thursday April 27th, 2006 2:51:38 AM
Mordrid hits the dirt as he sees the ghostly form of Valdor hurtle by, hopefully making his passing easier. He then rises and follows his brother along his route. As everything seems to suck inward to the pit, the ranger has little hope for his arrows, so he draws his sunsword. Waving it above his head he draws forth the good power of sunlight; maybe sickening the power of the pit.
Ve Mundr AC 45 HP 224 [Shield of Law, Haste, Protection Energy Fire, Freedom of Movement] d20+14=27 d20+14=18 Thursday April 27th, 2006 9:19:17 AM
The sound of Valdor pounding up behind him put Ve into the wall and he braces for impact. He is certainly not going to let anything blast him into the pit. Ve has other thoughts on how he will shed his mortal coil. A vengeful father out of control with little regard to his surroundings and friends is certainly not among them. [Listen 27]
His eye catches Father Nick and Ve decides to let Valdor be any reckoning, if required, could come later. A fellow priest is in need and Ve moves back along the ledge to his bretheren. "Father, do you know what has caused this?" Ve puts a hand to his shoulder to stabalize him. [spot 18]
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Status Endure Elements 22 hours Protection Energy Fire 393.5 miutes Freedom of Movement 218.8 minutes Barkskin 118.9 minutes Extend Rod 1/3 Quicken Rod 1/3
Nick (AC 36, HPs 167 Holy Aura, Prot Fire, Haste) Thursday April 27th, 2006 2:59:16 PM
Nick looks at Ve with a puzzled expression, then looks down at his own hands. "I don't know, Ve. Seems to be every time I cast something, it takes more out of me than usual. I'll be okay." He winks at Cori, stood nearby. Peering out toward the cavern. "What the heck just leapt past?" He'll muster up what strength he has, and get back into the fray, and check on that lich, without approaching it.
DM Jan Thursday April 27th, 2006 3:56:59 PM
Cori's raven flies into the cavern, and the considerable thermals immediately send the bird upward. Deep-in-the-gut animal instinct tells the creature that to fly 'across' the cavern itself would mean the end, so Amarth is limited to the peripheral edges, by the walls. Below, it can see the pit in the centre, and the ledge that surrounds it. From it's 2 o'clock position, it sees a cowering lich at 3 o'clock, another stood grasping something at 12 o' clock, and a third lich beginning to run clockwise from the 7 o' clock position toward it's comrade up at 12. It also sees Mordrid, sword held menacingly aloft, and something sparkly heading in a counterclockwise direction.
Valdor, with Mordrid right behind him, lands solidly on the path and continues to run toward the lich (#3) at 12 o'clock. As both men approach, they get to see the horror stood before them in greater detail. The lich looks some kind of defiled and rotten corpse, dug up for it's 200th anniversary. A heady, dark red malevolence glows within it's eye sockets, and although a frayed and threadbare black and grey tunic covers some of it's flesh, other exposed areas are slowly being torn up, and slivers of it's flesh are being sucked down into the pit. Valdora, dressed in a soiled, torn chemise, is slumped against and in front of the creature, gripped by one bony, half-skeletal arm. She looks pale, and appears unconscious. The finger tips of her left hand are bloody shreds, and she looks so painfully gaunt that right now she looks more elven than her father does. Her hair hangs in pale, dirty strings, down one side of her face. As they reach the distance of 15 ft away, the lich shrieks - "Stop! Or she dies right now!"
5ft feet ahead of the two men, on the right, cut into the wall, is another tunnel entrance.
Ve's check on Father Valentine reveals that the man doesn't look particularly sick - his eyes look strong and unwavering, but he looks... old. From Ve and Nick's vantage point, they can see lich #1 to the left of them, crouched over as though suffering from some kind of severe nausea. They can also see lich #2 at the other side of the pit, who is now running as fast as it can, up toward the 12 o'clock position. Off it's current speed, it's going to be in Valdor's and Mordrid's range in two rounds. Ve's ears also register the following - that distant pounding? It stops.
There is a sudden, mighty groan from the surrounding stonework, as though the structure has suddenly taken on a great amount of stress. About half a dozen bricks fall from the arched ceiling high above and drop into the pit, and for a horrible moment, it seems like this whole place will drop on everyone's heads. But then the groaning stops, and there is silence.
All the while, the thing in the pit roars silently like an invisible fire, pushing, demanding, invading everyone's heads, clamouring like a hungry baby.
Out in the tunnels, Dahlia's path takes a steep left turn, so that now she can see the end of the tunnel directly ahead. The blue light shining in the distance tells her exactly what lies in wait, and a falling brick narrowly misses her as the whole area groans in some kind of protest.
Further back, by the fork, the area of darkness begins to move slowly down the tunnel taken by Mordrid, Cori, Ve and Nick.
Corialote and Amarth [shield of law, displacement, haste, shadow walk, orange prism ioun] Thursday April 27th, 2006 7:13:50 PM
Cori sucks in a breath as she takes in the scene that she is getting through her familiars eyes. She closes her eyes and still cannot get the image out of her minds' eye. With a steadying breath she pulls the spell that she needs from those that roam in her head. The arcane power flows to her as she shapes it into the thing that she desires as she tries to keep her breathing steady. With a flourish of her right hand and a single word that she speaks out loud, the spell is finished. "Shadows." She opens her eyes to look at those that are still in the tunnel with her and nods her head. Only catching the wink from Nick she does not take long to think about much.
Amarth from his perch finds a sudden feeling of desperation pass through him. That can only mean one thing and he does not want to think of that either. His Mistress is about to do something stupid but brave...well maybe just stupid.
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, tenser's floating disk(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(2)*, displacement(3)* 4th: stoneskin(3), greater invisibility(2)*, wall of ice 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk*, mass bull's strength*, maxamized fireball 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, mass invisibility, maxamized shout(2) 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange, time stop(2), summon monster IX
greater empower rod 2/3 uses * used
Valdor(AC37, HP 284, Dust of Disappearance, Greater Fire Resistance, Holy Aura, Cloak of Arachnid, Ring of X-ray vision) d20+36=50 Thursday April 27th, 2006 9:47:50 PM
Valdor takes no time making a decision. Running at top speed, the words still escaping the lich's lips, Valdor knows she's dead anyway and will be used as leverage. Without pausing, his hand whips back, faster than the eye can follow and rockets one of his longswords(+2) like a spear toward the lich's hand that's pointing at his daughter in an attempt to either spear the lich's hand, or, at least, to divert it for the mere second that separates them.
Hoping the lich at least pulls his arm back, he attempts to smash the lich into the wall, putting himself between himself and his daughter. He yells aloud,"Gods of the Wold! Now would be nice!"
Dahlia: AC 41; HP 226; Spell Resistance 25; Greater Invisibility, Blinking, Sheild of Law, Status, Protection from fire; elixer of hiding, elixer of fire breath, 2 lavender and green ioun stones; 2 pale lavender ioun stones Friday April 28th, 2006 5:36:33 PM
Seing her destination close at hand, Dahlia moves forward as quickly as dhe can.
Mordrid (AC 38 / HP 233) Fire resistance, Cats Grace, Longstrider, Delay Poison, Haste, Holy Aura d20=18 d8+12=13 2d6(2+4)+2=8 d20=9 d8+12=16 2d6(5+1)+2=8 d20=12 d8+12=18 2d6(6+5)+2=13 d20=9 d8+12=18 2d6(1+3)+2=6 d20=9 d8+12=13 2d6(2+4)+2=8 d20=19 d8+12=17 2d6(1+3)+2=6 2d10(2+4)=6 Friday April 28th, 2006 8:55:14 PM
Mordrid watches in awe as Valdor flings himself full force at the lich. Well, that was all he needed to signal him what to do.
The ranger stops and brings forth his bow. As soon as Valdor connects, and the lich reacts, it would be his cue to unleash a full volley at the undead creature. [+2 favored enemy plus bane of enemies vs. undead (+2 to hit / add. 2xd6]+ 4 arrows of wounding / first arrow greater arrow of undead slaying DC 23 fort[ no crit on undead, but icey blast where applied]
1.) SHOT ONE: 44 + 18 = 62 / 9 damage plus 2d6+2=8+9= 17 damage **** save VS fortification DC23 or DIE
Ve Mundr AC 45 HP 224 [Shield of Law, Haste, Protection Energy Fire, Freedom of Movement] Sunday April 30th, 2006 12:45:13 PM Parnoth. the thought flashes through his mind as soon as his ears register the sesation noise. Instinctively he steps into Father Nick and raises his shield above his head. Dust and small bits of matter fall but nothing more, unfortuantely Parnoth is likely towards another weak point to continue the damage. Time is growing shorter here.
A double look at Nick confirms while something is happening it is at least not to life threatening, unlike what is happening where Mordrid, Valdor the Liche and who must be the Dragonheart's daughter. Ve needs to circumnavigate the pit and catch the last lich, but the other turned creature would be freed if he passed so close.
"I go to do what I may Father." and with those words Ve moves up behind Mordrid hoping to cut the line of effect so that it does not cross the pit. If it does he then casts Heal and reaches across the distance through his gifts as a Heirophant and touches Valdors daughter.
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Status Endure Elements 22 hours Protection Energy Fire 393.4 miutes Freedom of Movement 218.7 minutes Barkskin 118.8 minutes Extend Rod 1/3 Quicken Rod 1/3
Nick (AC 36, HPs 167 Holy Aura, Prot Fire, Haste) 15d6(3+1+1+6+6+6+5+3+2+4+4+3+3+5+4)=56 Monday May 1st, 2006 3:38:14 PM
Nick figures that following the others would make things extremely crowded along that narrow path, and so he keeps his eye on the other two liches and stays where he is. Careful not to approach the cowering lich, he quietly utters a prayer and casts FLAME STRIKE. Dam 56.
DM Jan d20+16=36 10d6(2+4+4+1+2+2+2+5+4+4)=30 4d6(3+3+5+6)=17 d8+5=10 Monday May 1st, 2006 5:09:16 PM
As all hell lets loose, Cori casts her spell and shimmers from view. After a short but wild, corkscrew ride through reality, her perception of her surroundings changes. Everything is muted, darker - everything but for the pit, which appears to be a deep hole filled with purple fire. From this point of view she can see that the pit itself seems to burn within multiple planes, which in turn suggests an unbelievably catastrophic power.
Meanwhile - Dahlia arrives just in time to see something swift, narrow and deadly streaking past the entrance in a blur. Mordrid is 5 ft to her left on the ledge, bow drawn, with Ve right behind him. To her right, 10 ft away, a sparkly, broadshouldered outline is wrestling with a lich. At their feet is a female human, lying at an odd angle, right at the pit's edge.
One of Valdor's longswords is stuck horizontally in a crack in the wall. Directly below it on the ground is a skeletal hand that continues to writhe of its own accord. Only a foot away from the blade, Valdor has the evil creature (lich #3) pinned against the wall. This close, the creature looks even worse than ever, and although its fear aura is manageable, it turns his stomach nonetheless. As for actually touching the thing - the consequences of that begin to open up in his mind and flesh. If he glances down, he'll note the lich's pelvis has shattered, courtesy of a set of arrows, and the entire lower half of its body is hanging on by one strip of sinew. One of Mordrid's arrows has also shot through Valdor's cloak of arachnid, the lich's tunic, effectively pinning the two assailants together before embedding itself in the wall.
From Ve's position behind Mordrid, he sees the girl drop to the ground. Did his spell work? She doesn't look as ashen, certainly, which suggests that it has, but - she's lying oddly, like she is suffering some form of paralysis, and she's a little too close to the edge of the pit for comfort.
Nick sees a column of holy flame descend on the cowering lich (#1). The creature stays in it's position and starts to burn. The cleric also experiences a drop in strength that sends him to his knees.
And so -
Lich #1 starts to burn.
Lich #2 continues in it's attempt to get closer to Valdor and Lich #3, and is currently one round away.
Lich #3 (made save), stapled to the wall with Valdor (how cozy!), emits a sharp, terrible howl. Casting GREATER SHOUT. The sound assaults Valdor's eardrums then carries out over the pit, where it's cone of sound becomes deadened, saving the other Dragons from it's effects. However - the shout weakens the ledge, and a huge lateral crack travels along - below Valdor's feet and ends about 2 ft behind Ve. ((30 sonic dam 17 hours deafness - Saving throw = DC 22 Fort for half damage and half deafness duration. No SR for creatures.))
Valdor also needs to save against the effects of just touching the creature. Paralyzing touch Fort DC22 or become paralyzed. 10 negative energy damage Will Save DC 22 for half)
Dahlia: AC 41; HP 226; Spell Resistance 25; Greater Invisibility, Blinking, Sheild of Law, Status, Protection from fire; elixer of hiding, elixer of fire breath, 2 lavender and green ioun stones; 2 pale lavender ioun stones Monday May 1st, 2006 5:18:43 PM
Making a beeline for the girlish figure, Dahlia lifts her up and drags her away from the ledge and fighting, where she administer what ever first aid she might need. (stabalizing, bandaging, simple setting of bones, and cure critical wand.)
Corialote and Amarth [shield of law, displacement, haste, shadow walk, orange prism ioun] Monday May 1st, 2006 10:28:06 PM
Cori does not really like what she is seeing and the fact that this vortex is present in such power on the shadow plane is not good. With a force of will that she is more than happy to expend she slips through the shadow plane to come out somewhere near the second liche.
As she comes out of the shadow plane and back into the real one she is already molding a spell that should help out or at least slow the liche. She swipes her right hand in a sweeping arc that coincides with the utterance of the last word of her spell. A wall begins to form in front of the liche and bubble out around him, running along the edge of the pit and back a ways behind her. She has effectively trapped herself inside the wall of ice with the liche...or at least that is how it would appear.
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, tenser's floating disk(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(2)*, displacement(3)* 4th: stoneskin(3), greater invisibility(2)*, wall of ice 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk*, mass bull's strength*, maxamized fireball 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, mass invisibility, maxamized shout(2) 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange, time stop(2), summon monster IX
greater empower rod 2/3 uses * used
Valdor(AC37, HP 269, Dust of Disappearance, Greater Fire Resistance, Holy Aura, Cloak of Arachnid, Ring of X-ray vision) d20+22=29 d20+22=26 d20+16=36 d20+38=50 d20+33=36 d20+28=46 d20+23=29 d20+18=35 d8+16=19 d8+16=21 d8+16=22 d8+16=23 d8+16=18 Tuesday May 2nd, 2006 12:29:05 AM
Seeing his baby girl freed from the clutches of the lich merely sends the warrior into more of a frenzy. He now doesn't care about his life anymore. He feels no pain. He feels no remorse. He feels...virtually nothing, except,"YOU WILL NEVER AGAIN TOUCH MY BABY GIRL YOU SCUM!!!!!"
Fortunately for him, all his years of battle have prepared his body for this, and all his sweat, exercise, and fights, have honed his body to fight off the worst effects of such spells. He doesn't care what the lich looks like, smells like, or even what it tastes like. He only cares that his daughter will hopefully soon be safe.
Mentally, with just a thought, he tells his sword,"We have fought together for years and never have you let me down. Strike true and help me save my little girl my friend."
His sword appears in his hand, his other firmly grasping the lich's tunic in an iron grip a Storm Giant couldn't break, so it has to face him. He begins striking, and striking and striking, even hitting himself if he has to, to finish the lich off. Never once does he notice the arrows or that he's holding basically half of the lich.
(Saves DC29, 26, 36(NAT 20) ATT Hit AC50, 36, 46, 29, 35 for 19, 21, 22, 23, and 18)
Ve Mundr AC 46 HP 224 [Shield of Law, Haste, Protection Energy Fire, Freedom of Movement] Tuesday May 2nd, 2006 11:54:20 AM
Ve feels the ledge weaken under him with the aftershocks of the Lich's spell. Valdor is still on the creature, Mordrid is right there and now Dahlia is working past to get to Valdora. Cori is on the other side and so Ve sees little need for him be there as well, so Ve retreats to Father Nick and beckons Dahlia to bring Valdora further back. "We have her and should get her to a more secure location. Draw the undead filth from this pit."
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Status Endure Elements 22 hours Protection Energy Fire 393.3 miutes Freedom of Movement 218.6 minutes Barkskin 118.6 minutes Extend Rod 1/3 Quicken Rod 1/3
Nick (AC 36, HPs 167 Holy Aura, Prot Fire, Haste) d20+19=39 Tuesday May 2nd, 2006 5:46:09 PM
Nick does his best to scramble to his feet. He looks down at himself. Any wounds? Mentally he gives himself a healing check (DC39). Why did he feel so weak? Too late to worry about it now. As Ve approaches, he'll make sure he's not in the way and help out with the girl if Dahlia is dragging her this way. "Careful we don't step too close to that lich we fried. I'm not altogether sure it's dead yet. Dear Alemi, that ledge is going to go."
DM Jan Tuesday May 2nd, 2006 7:07:15 PM
Back in the tunnels, His Excellency, the All Powerful Green Dragon Parnoth, is running quickly toward the next large pillar that supports this entire structure. He has no idea if those other, lesser-race fools are dead or alive, or what they are up to. This, he finds most annoying. Something else is also sticking in his craw. Just a few seconds ago, as he was crossing one of the tunnel junctions, he had become aware of someone and, suspicious (and curious) as always, he had stopped to take a better look. To his left he had seen the blue glow of the pit; to his right - someone obscured by an unnatural darkness. That spell tomfoolery hadn't been enough to hide from Parnoth, however. Besides which, did these humanoids ever have the sense to hide their omnipresent stench? The man was holding a bow. That insufferable wretch Mordrid? No - not the same smell. Similar, but not the same. There had been no time, other than to give the man a hard stare, you know, one of those 'tremble at the knees, you miserable scum' glowers that a dragon of Parnoth's stature was famous for. After all, he had places to go, buildings to knock down, etc etc. As he approaches the next pillar, and shifts into a position where he can grow in stature - it hits him. Korrig. His shift into full dragon form is accompanied by a roar of such power and anger, it's resonance shaking the walls that hard, that for a bad moment, it's looking like the building is about to fall down without any more help. He almost turns around and goes back. Almost.
Meanwhile!
Dahlia dashes forward and grabs Valdora, and begins to drag the poor girl to safety. It's going to take all this round to get back to that tunnel entrance ( the one she emerged from, 5 ft away from Mordrid).
Ve moves backwards along the ledge and out of immediate danger. From his viewpoint he can see that Dahlia's efforts, and Valdor's frenzied pounding away at the 'poor' lich, are doing nothing for the stability of the ledge. he can also see something momentarily weird happening behind the lich on the other side of the pit.
Nick finds no wounds on himself, and realizes that he's never felt this way before. His muscles and joints feel slightly weaker, and getting to his feet takes a deliberate effort.
The lich pinned to the wall does not retaliate under Valdor's ferocity. It merely laughs, until it's lower jaw smashes into about four pieces, and the eyes continue to glow until it's skull disintegrates from the pounding. We don't want to kill you, says the dead lich in Valdor's head, but we're building a better world. A new world.
At the other side of the pit, at about 11 o'clock, lich #2 has arrived where it wants to be. For a moment, the air behind it shifts and becomes dark, but the the darkness twists in on itself. Cori, attempting to emerge from the darkness, finds herself caught up in the twisting motion. Arrival after Shadow Walk was always a bit risky, and this attempt was no exception. So close. So close she could almost touch the rotten creature before she is hurled through some kind of blue and purple kaleidoscope, ending up somewhere dark and gloomy. The roar of the pit is quieter here, and her darkvision picks up a wide cylindrical stone object about 5 ft away. And right next to her, is what appears to be Parnoth's left back foot.
It is at this point that Parnoth gives out his deafening, pissed off roar. It is a roar everyone can hear.
Lich #2 wastes no time, and volley of Magic Missiles start to fire along the ledge at a downward angle. In his madness, Valdor doesn't see it, although he feels vibration through his feet. Both he and his sword are working in unison, destroying every rotten bone in front of them, and enjoying every minute. Mordrid has a better view, and perhaps a slightly better perception about what's about to happen, and sure enough, with a loud crack, both he and Valdor suddenly find nothing under their feet as the ledge gives way.
Mordrid (AC 38 / HP 233) Fire resistance, Cats Grace, Longstrider, Delay Poison, Haste, Holy Aura Tuesday May 2nd, 2006 11:26:07 PM
Mordrid watches as time holds still. The ledge has given way. He looks to his right to make sure that Dahlia and Valdoria have made their way securely into the new tunnel.
If they have not, he will use what reaction time he has left to push them safely into the cave. (The next generation always takes priority.) If they are safe he will focus his attention on Valdor. The ranger activates his Armor of the Celestial Battalion to cause its flying effect. He will spring forward the remaining distance and grab Valdor by the shoulders, armor, neck, whatever is available; and then peel off towards the exterior wall, dropping Valdor to the remaining ledge as quickly as possible.
Events happen too fast to editorialize or request help from the other dragons. He just hopes they see what is happening, and can somehow stop it. Too insane an instance to hear Parnoth's deafening howl.
Valdor(AC37, HP 269, Dust of Disappearance, Greater Fire Resistance, Holy Aura, Cloak of Arachnid, Ring of X-ray vision) d20=17 d20+25=45 Tuesday May 2nd, 2006 11:33:41 PM
Valdor comes to his senses quickly when he feels the ledge giving way. The last words the group hears from Valdor is,"Run you fools!"
With a twitch of his sword, the arrow pinning him and the lich is snapped and back in its sheath. Knowing that he has but a second before he is over the open pit, with the rocks tumbling below him, he twists around and dives for Mordrid.(Tumble chk DC45)
Mordrid, while he can't actually see Valdor, more than a sparkly outline, has never seen the large warrior move so quickly. Never has Valdor been the quickest to make a political decision, but ever has he been quick in battle. He knows he's risking both their lives with this move, but that's just who he is.
With a dexterity Dahlia would have been proud of, Valdor, if he gets to Mordrid, grasps Mordrid and pictures the fork in the hallway where Valdor went staight and the group went right.(Teleport)
(Sorry, I couldn't resist the Gandalf quote...falling into Shadow)
Corialote and Amarth [shield of law, displacement, haste, shadow walk, orange prism ioun] Wednesday May 3rd, 2006 1:11:38 AM
Cori shakes her head for just a second and then slowly stands up. She can just make out the back foot of a dragon and it has to be Parnoth. Then he roars and she is clapping her hands over her ears as they start to ring. "Shut up you big idiot...fierfek." The last is said with a lot of venom as she tries to get her bearings. Using her link with her familiar she can see that the others are moving out of the chanber or at least that is what it looks like. "Get out of there Amarth...NOW." She yells it as well as mentally sends the message to the raven. Without a minutes thought she races back in the direction that she has last seen Nick and the few others that had remained in the side tunnel. Through the earpiece she starts to call out for instructions. "Orders needed here...Parnoth is attacking a support pillar so this place will not last long...I am heading to the last location of Nick."
Amarth should sense his Mistress's call and swoop down and out of the room. Then to fly down and land on the nearest shoulder so that he can get out of here.
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, tenser's floating disk(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(2)*, displacement(3)* 4th: stoneskin(3), greater invisibility(2)*, wall of ice 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk*, mass bull's strength*, maxamized fireball 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, mass invisibility, maxamized shout(2) 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange, time stop(2), summon monster IX
greater empower rod 2/3 uses * used
Ve Mundr AC 46 HP 224 [Shield of Law, Haste, Protection Energy Fire, Freedom of Movement] Wednesday May 3rd, 2006 5:21:43 PM
Ve watches the ledge give and the heroic acrobatics of Mordrid and he imagines Valdor in a similar state. From Ve's point of view though, the Dragons are not of prime importance, Valdora is. With Parnoth's roar and suspision of what he is up to Ve, moves to Father Nick and steadies him as he rises. He is aging and fast "Father we need to get you and Valdora out. Mordrid and Valdor will have to handle themselves for now. I'll return if need be."
The powerful Mithril clad northman scoops of Valdora, "Dahlia you got the back guard and tell Cori we are coming out." Ve begins heading out the passage with the unconscious woman in a fireman style carry over his shoulders.
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Status Endure Elements 22 hours Protection Energy Fire 393.2 miutes Freedom of Movement 218.5 minutes Barkskin 118.5 minutes Extend Rod 1/3 Quicken Rod 1/3
Nick (AC 36, HPs 167 Holy Aura, Prot Fire, Haste) Wednesday May 3rd, 2006 5:53:22 PM
Nick hesitates. He's slightly disoriented, and there's no way he wants to leave Valdor and Mordrid behind. He wants to make sure they can escape. Cori, he's just heard, so he knows she's okay. So providing he sees that teleport spell work, he'll follow Ve and get the heck out. Taking that girl away from this horror was definitely a priority, that was for sure.
DM Jan Wednesday May 3rd, 2006 7:45:01 PM
In a quite spectacular manouvre, Valdor and Mordrid collide in mid-air - and wink out of sight.
Because the closest tunnel to Dahlia was the northernmost, Ve and Nick need to re-enter the 2 o' clock tunnel and take a left along the nearest outer ring tunnel in order to reach the halfling and Valdor's quite literally petrified daughter. (Eeeek, that sounded complicated. Hopefully the map helps.) They are met by Cori who was heading along this outer ring tunnel from the opposite direction. Amarth has taken the opportunity to ride along on Father Nicholas's shoulder until re-uniting with Cori.
It's obvious to Nick, Dahlia and Ve that their rescuee is suffering from lich paralysis. It also becomes doubly obvious that they all need to get out - and fast - and the whole structure begins to shake at intervals, as Parnoth gets to work on pillar #2.
However!
Lich # 2, has taken a flying leap, across Valdora's empty cage, and is currently clamboring for grip at the north tunnel entrance. Head, torso and arms are visible. It's lower half, dangling over the edge of the pit is taking terrible damage as the magic, half-sentient being in there begins to pull at every molecule, every cell. The lich's horrid, beady eyes are fixed on the party at the tunnel junction however. And once it has a better grip, it's a sure bet there's a spell coming, and not a friendly one.
Deep in the pit, the thing there curls and twists, absorbing fragments of the dead lich #3, and doing what it can to strip the life out of lich #2 dangling precariously at the pit's edge. It needs the power, the strength, for it's etheral, ribbon-like limbs are currently employed in a titanic struggle. Some of the final pieces - not one, but two heroes of the Wold - were oh, so close, so very close, directly above it with no ledge to protect them. Valdor's teleport ring had activated as it normally does, and both he and Mordrid had flashed out of sight and into that momentary inbetween, and it was right there, where the thing reached out and sought to take them. And what began as a caress, as soft and smooth as silk, had quickly become a strong, vice-like grip, entwining their limbs, their chests, their faces; pulling them apart in a terrible and agonizing fashion. And now, like acid, the thing's touch burns, and it is here that they are shown what their blood will bring - a Wold flipped upside down, dark and volcanic; it's forelorn, wailing people enslaved and worked to death by their lich overlords. It is a place even the Gods cannot reach. It was almost here, and all it needed was the blood of a dragon and a few heroes. That's how far along this chaotic nightmare had come. Endless power for those who could rule here - and nothing for anyone or anything else.
The teleport ring burns red hot on Valdor's finger, and abruptly, both adventurers find themselves out of the nightmare, and at the tunnel junction. Both men are suffering from what look like burns, all over their flesh. The creature, in it's efforts to take them, has inflicted terrible damage.
((Valdor, Mordrid - Damage = 200, with a Fort Save DC 31 for half))
Not too far away, another notorious Woldian figure is making his way quickly up the outer tunnel, hoping to get out before that crazy green dragon brought the roof down on his head. He is trying to remain philosophical. It wasn't the first time that plans had gone slightly awry, and this was proving to be just another of those times. It would have been nice to see the Black Dragons, the Gold Dragons (or whatever high and mighty title they gave themselves these days) and Parnoth meet a sticky end. Nothing personal, of course. It merely cleared the board for all kinds of future plans. He'd been willing to send a few of them into that weird magic pit if need be, not that he believed any of that New Wold nonsense the liches had been spouting. He hadn't been willing to go toe to toe with Parnoth, though. Not right there in the tunnel. Eh, maybe they'd all still manage to kill one another back down there. There was still a chance. All Korrig had done was bring the two sides together - a little kidnapping here, a bit of armed robbery there, some extortion; all in a days work. Perhaps if he hung around town for a while, waited to see what came up after the dust settled. Of course he could always retire, that was definitely an option now he had a sizeable portion of Parnoth's treasure hidden away, but where was the fun in that? Korrig glances upward as another distant impact on the subterreanean building brings dust down onto his cloak. Quickly now, old man. No time to waste.
Mordrid (AC 38 / HP 233) Fire resistance, Cats Grace, Longstrider, Delay Poison, Haste, Holy Aura d20=11 Wednesday May 3rd, 2006 10:12:33 PM
Mordrid snaps into existance as he bounces in a dusty thud onto the cave floor; flat on his back.
The air has been knocked out of his body, and his skin writhes in agony. The pain nearly snaps his will. (Fort 22 + 11 = 33 / 100 points of damage).
Pushing himself onto his shoulder, he looks for Valdor next to him, "Valdor!" The ranger is not quite sure what has happened and how it has resulted. He is so disoriented that it doesn't even occur to him to take a potion and get himself back up to health. He does however know that his life force has been sizeably diminished. 'What is happening?' as he tries to retrace the events of the last 10 seconds.
[Enjoying this Jan. You always amaze me. Did you know five years ago that you would be a grand master DM?]
~~Jan~~ I'm not quite sure what's happened over this last five years, but thanks. I'm glad you're having fun :)
Corialote and Amarth [shield of law, displacement, haste, shadow walk, orange prism ioun 10d6(6+2+3+2+4+2+3+3+3+2)=30 Wednesday May 3rd, 2006 10:30:30 PM
With controlled emotion she pulls the wand that has appeared at the pocket of her pants. She looks to the others and gives them a reassuring smile. "Just a little shot and then we go." She points the wand back down the tunnel and fires off a single pearly bead of fire down the tunnel. She aims it at a spot just a little before the liche and then pulls up the wand to salute him. "Someone must lose...better you than me." As Amarth settles onto her shoulder she looks once again to the group. "So we get out of here." She turns and runs along the tunnel and towards the exit...though she does not outdistance any of the group that she is with. No...she cannot leave any of them behind.
[fireball wand - 1/50, 30damage or reflex DC 17 for half]
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, tenser's floating disk(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(2)*, displacement(3)* 4th: stoneskin(3), greater invisibility(2)*, wall of ice 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk*, mass bull's strength*, maxamized fireball 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, mass invisibility, maxamized shout(2) 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange, time stop(2), summon monster IX
greater empower rod 2/3 uses * used
Dahlia: AC 41; HP 226; Spell Resistance 25; Greater Invisibility, Blinking, Sheild of Law, Status, Protection from fire; elixer of hiding, elixer of fire breath, 2 lavender and green ioun stones; 2 pale lavender ioun stones 10d6(5+5+4+2+5+6+1+6+4+5)=43 Wednesday May 3rd, 2006 10:43:35 PM
Ve, get Nick and Valdora and yourself out of here and back to Gold Dragon castle as quickly as possible Cori and I will bring up the rear and try to find Valdor and Mordrid and catch up with you. NICHOLAS, MOVE, NOW!!!!
Then turning back toward the Lich that is hanging on she releases a lightening bolt directly at it. 43 point reflex DC DC 21 for 21 points.
Nick (AC 36, HPs 167 Holy Aura, Prot Fire, Haste) Thursday May 4th, 2006 1:07:43 AM
As they dash around... dang bird on his shoulder feels like it weighs a ton, although it also feels reassuring somehow. He grits his teeth and keeps up, still not knowing why he's feeling so weak. "Ve can we carry her up in that state? I have a spell we can use that should get rid of that, if needs be." He leaves unsaid his worry of what might happen to him if he casts it, but if it makes it easier, then he was in Alemi's good hands.
"Dahlia, I'm not going anywhere unless you ladies are right on our tails."
Earpiece - "Valdor, Mordrid, are you safe? Sound off."
Despite sounding like a mother hen, he's ready to move out, and help Ve get that girl to safety.
Valdor(AC37, HP 284, Dust of Disappearance, Greater Fire Resistance, Holy Aura, Cloak of Arachnid, Ring of X-ray vision) d20+22=24 d20+12=29 Thursday May 4th, 2006 1:16:06 AM
Valdor, realizing he has his brother in his arms and they will soon be safe, relaxes for just a second as they begin their short journey. When the vision hits him, he gasps for breath. His body tries to fight it, but he just has nothing t this moment, as he had let down his guard. He moans in pain...never would he cry out, though he would want to at this moment.
Just as hopelessness washes over him, the magic of the ring unceremoniously dumps him on top of Mordrid in the corridor. He flops off, taking in deep, sobbing breaths for a moment. He bore the full effect of it, the price of losing his focus. He can barely draw air as he turns to his brother, looking so awful on the ground next to him.
He gets to his knees and says in a raspy voice,"Did they get her brother? Please tell me they got her."
As he asks, he reaches into his backpack and grabs a scroll. He then proceeds to read the scroll and casts 'Heal' on Mordrid. He says,"Find the others and lead them out. I will use my last one on myself in a few seconds." He stays on his knees, barely able to endure the pain he has suffered. A dragon's breath didn't hurt this bad. He mutters a silent prayer to whatever God is listening for letting the magic of his ring work properly.
Mordrid (AC 38 / HP 233) Fire resistance, Cats Grace, Longstrider, Delay Poison, Haste, Holy Aura Thursday May 4th, 2006 2:25:49 AM
Mordrid sputters, "I think they got her Valdor... I think they got her. I have no idea where the hell we are."
Hearing Nick's call, "Nick, we read you. We're hanging on. Have no idea where we are. But it's dark and definitely in this cave complex."
Valdor Thursday May 4th, 2006 2:28:45 AM
Valdor manages a smirk, in an effort to smile. He's grateful that Mordrid can't see him at the moment because of his wounds. He can only imagine how destroyed he looks. He replies,"We're back where we split up. I went straight, you went some other direction. Now go and find them."
Valdor pushes himself to his feet and moves over to a wall for support.
Ve Mundr AC 46 HP 224 [Shield of Law, Haste, Protection Energy Fire, Freedom of Movement] Thursday May 4th, 2006 1:17:23 PM
Ve continues to move "I got her just fine like this. We don't need a disorder and panicked Valdora." A glance back to the lich as the lightning and fire erupt in the back passage and then he keeps going.
A visible wince crosses his face as the Status spell tracks teh pain and suffering of Valdor and Mordrid and then the healing of Mordrid.
"Valdor and Mordrid are fine no one stays to look." he growls at the fellow dragons with him too many heroes "If everyone stays behind to make sure the others get out, no one does. Now Move!" the last came out with a bit more emotion than he wanted, but apologies could come later. "Father, tell Valdor and Mordrid, we have her, we are all together and they should stay together and get out."
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Status Endure Elements 22 hours Protection Energy Fire 393.1 miutes Freedom of Movement 218.4 minutes Barkskin 118.4 minutes Extend Rod 1/3 Quicken Rod 1/3
DM Jan Thursday May 4th, 2006 6:19:33 PM
Parnoth:
BAM! just wait till the next Consortium meeting BAM! saving ALL their hides BAM! 'bout time we got little more RESPECT around here BAM! pretentious golds and silvers... HAH! BAM! Sturtavent. HUH! BAM! might even be worth losing that treasure BAM! mind you, have to get that back one way or another BAM! raise the Kingdom entry tolls, increase the taxes BAM! wonder if there's anywhere that buys elves... could round a few of the vermin up... BAM!
Korrig:
Korrig suddenly stops in his tracks, and cocks his head to one side. Did he hear that correctly up ahead? One word. He recognizes the voice, too. Great. Things were just getting better and better. If that was Mordrid up ahead, then he was blocking the way out. Now, if he was alone.... He bites his lip, and fingers the hilt of one of his longswords. Tempting. However, if there were more of them, then his own odds didn't look too good. Time to make a choice, and quick. Forge on, surprize his arch enemy - OR - turn back, there was another way out, it would take longer, but.... but what if he ran into some of the others? Silently cursing his own luck, Korrig turns around, and as quietly as possible, sets off in the other direction, back down the outer tunnel.
Meanwhile!
As fire and lightning dance over the upper torso of lich #2, Ve, Nick, Dahlia and Cori (along with the paralyzed Valdora) head toward the exit. In moments, they are in that very same outer tunnel, heading upward toward Valdor and Mordrid. (Right now, you're about two rounds apart.) All the while, their surroundings keep shaking, and the dust keeps falling, as Parnoth keeps throwing a huge shoulder against the now distant pillar #2.
At the fork, Mordrid and Valdor do their best to shake off their ordeal. They too can feel the kinetic energy, shaking the floor at intervals, and the surrounding stonework is beginning to groan horribly under the strain.
Valdor d20+12=27 Thursday May 4th, 2006 6:44:45 PM
Valdor, still in intense pain, at least has the strength to cast from another scroll. He uses his last 'Heal' scroll.
Wondering where his group is and feeling fully healed, he stands up and decides to head toward his daughter to carry her out. He activates his ring of X-Ray vision and takes a look around, through the walls, to see if there are any side tunnels or rooms around.
He asks Mordird,"Which way are they coming from:left, or right?"
Dahlia: AC 41; HP 226; Spell Resistance 25; Greater Invisibility, Blinking, Sheild of Law, Status, Protection from fire; elixer of hiding, elixer of fire breath, 2 lavender and green ioun stones; 2 pale lavender ioun stones Thursday May 4th, 2006 6:56:12 PM
Dahlia, Hearing that Valdor and Mordrid are ok and at least temporarily safe, the little halfling sends a message of her own. Valdor, we have your daughter, she is alive and stabalized. We are heading your way so don't chop us up thinking we are Korig or something.
Turning to Nick she smiles up at him ever so innocently, "Do you really think you could stop me from going back for them, if it was necessary, right now, "OLD MAN"? You are needed to make sure Valdora lives. I am not. It is as simple as that.
Now let's get out of here and get you both fixed up. YOU LOOK horrible right now.
Mordrid (AC 38 / HP 233) Fire resistance, Cats Grace, Longstrider, Delay Poison, Haste, Holy Aura Thursday May 4th, 2006 7:13:59 PM
Mordrid pulls himself to his feet; pointing down the corridor that he remembers going down.
"Valdor... you know we can't leave Parnoth here. There is too much power at stake. Perhaps you send one of the others back with Valdora, or take her back yourself."
Ve Mundr AC 46 HP 224 [Shield of Law, Haste, Protection Energy Fire, Freedom of Movement] d20+14=27 d20+14=31 Friday May 5th, 2006 9:29:25 AM
Ve keeps moving, This is a two part mission for him, with the rescue of the girl only part 1. Ve will see to it the liches are destroyed and that this Korrig person has justice placed upon him as well. First is the girl though and so Ve ever attentive to his surroundings when moving through evils domain, keeps a quick and purposeful stride. [Spot 27 Listen 31]
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Status Endure Elements 22 hours Protection Energy Fire 393.0 miutes Freedom of Movement 218.3 minutes Barkskin 118.3 minutes Extend Rod 1/3 Quicken Rod 1/3
Corialote and Amarth [shield of law, displacement, haste, shadow walk, orange prism ioun] d20+4=13 d20+14=22 Friday May 5th, 2006 11:46:11 PM
Cori listens to the interplay with the part of the group she is with and then busts out laughing. Her eyes take in the cleric with a clear challenge. "You think that you could stop me from doing something if I wanted to?" Her eyes flash for the briefest of seconds as she shakes her head...her purple ponytail coming around to land across her shoulder. "We are a cut above the average adventurer and sacrifice has become second nature for most of us...but also is independence." Though she is still moving she hangs to the back of the group...maybe out of spite or to just cover them. Whatever else she may have said is cut off by the sudden noise of a dragon on a mission.
She nods to Dahlia again as the noise dies down. "She is right...there are enough of you to take care of the girl and that is part of what we came here to do." Her eyes flash once again and she cannot help from biting her lip in aggitation. "There are some of us that are expendable...or would sacrifice much for the greater good...luckily Valdor is safe and we do not need to go back." She continues to run.
Amarth is busy talking to his Mistress now, trying to cool her down. Though she does not seem to want to answer him.
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, tenser's floating disk(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(2)*, displacement(3)* 4th: stoneskin(3), greater invisibility(2)*, wall of ice 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk*, mass bull's strength*, maxamized fireball 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, mass invisibility, maxamized shout(2) 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange, time stop(2), summon monster IX
greater empower rod 2/3 uses * used
Nick (AC 36, HPs 167 Holy Aura, Prot Fire, Haste) Friday May 5th, 2006 11:54:42 PM
Nick looks at Dahlia, at Cori, then looks at Ve with his hands raised in a helpless gesture. "Women!" he exclaims, as they dash along.
DM Jan Monday May 8th, 2006 12:04:52 AM
The outer corridor starts to get busy.
Heading down, are Valdor and Mordrid, their ravaged skin rapidly rebuilding itself. The healing feels odd - not painful, or uncomfortable - like a mechanical, crackling sensation of new skin pushing away the old. Perhaps this is how a snake feels... Valdor's x-ray ring can give him no further insight at this particular moment, as the surrounding walls are just too thick for the ray to penetrate. Ahead in the gloom, they hear footsteps, and further ahead - voices.
Heading up, are Ve (carrying the paralyzed Valdora), Dahlia, Nick, and Cori bringing up the rear. Ve hears footsteps that stop abruptly, and then a *shick* *shick* as two blades are drawn. In the gloom - straight ahead - he sees a man, knelt down on one knee, with both his hands pressed flat on the ground. In front of him, two long, slightly curved blades lie there glistening. Seconds later, Dahlia, Nick and Cori are also able to see what lies immediately ahead. In the distance behind the knelt figure, shadows begin to coalesce on a cloaked form that moves like the Platinum Dragon ranger.
As (still invisible?) Valdor and Mordrid approach the group and the knelt man, they are in time to hear the words - "I surrender. I am unarmed, and as such ask for the protection of Alemi." Mordrid, Dahlia and Valdor will recognize Korrig's voice.
As if on cue, a foot square piece of masonary drops to the ground nearby and shatters. His Excellency is still down in the depths, attacking the walls like a battering ram.
Valdor Monday May 8th, 2006 1:25:42 AM
Valdor says,"By the Gods, why couldn't he have done that a few minutes ago? Then I would've had a good excuse. However, he is never unarmed...nor helpless. Remove his rings, amulets, and any other jewelry quickly. Mordrid, please don't kill him...yet. We've got to get out of here before Parnoth brings down this whole complex.
He is Mordrid's charge. I will carry my daughter, and we fly with all speed to get out of here. Let's move!"
He takes his daughter from Ve with tears of joy and a look of concern and turns and sprints back toward the exit. He turns his shield so that it covers her in case of falling debris.
Ve Mundr AC 46 HP 224 [Shield of Law, Haste, Protection Energy Fire, Freedom of Movement] d20+14=30 d20+14=24 Monday May 8th, 2006 2:41:46 PM
Ve hands Valdora over without hesitation or comment. Within the great visored helm , his face does scrunch slightly at Valdor's decision about Korrig though. What possible reason would Korrig have to surrender. He could escape just as easily as any of them. The move was tatically unwise at best as far as Ve could tell. Perhaps that is what has his cackles in an uproar in the first place. He could not see the next move and he rarely was in that position of possible surprise by any opponent. Another disadvantage of not having a broad enough history and nothing but time and experience could readily alter that.
"I will assist Mordrid,.." He looks as if to continue his sentence but simply does not. With that the cleric moves forward, he will either be just behind or even in front of Mordrid, however the ranger would prefer. [Spot 30 Listen 24]
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Status Endure Elements 22 hours Protection Energy Fire 392.9 miutes Freedom of Movement 218.2 minutes Barkskin 118.2 minutes Extend Rod 1/3 Quicken Rod 1/3
Corialote and Amarth [shield of law, displacement, haste, shadow walk, orange prism ioun] Monday May 8th, 2006 11:24:22 PM
Cori's glare turns icey as she hears the call for surrender. As she listens to Valdor she cannot stop herself from speaking as well. "I would rather see him stripped down to nothing...less chance of any accidents that way." Her eyes flash a warning to anyone that would make a comment about her comment. You can tell by the way she stands that she is readying herself to cast a spell though it may have no effect or this Korrig maybe able to slip past it.
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, tenser's floating disk(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(2)*, displacement(3)* 4th: stoneskin(3), greater invisibility(2)*, wall of ice 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk*, mass bull's strength*, maxamized fireball 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, mass invisibility, maxamized shout(2) 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange, time stop(2), summon monster IX
greater empower rod 2/3 uses * used
Nick Tuesday May 9th, 2006 12:30:17 AM
Nick frowns. This was Korrig? He steps forward.
"If you are calling on the blessed God Alemi for protection, I suggest that you make no sudden moves and do precisely what you're told to do. I am only one man, and Alemi or no, I would be of little help to you if your actions drove them to hang you from the nearest tree."
He looks toward Mordrid, trying to read the ranger's expression. Hard to do in this light.
Mordrid (AC 38 / HP 233) Fire resistance, Cats Grace, Longstrider, Delay Poison, Haste, Holy Aura Tuesday May 9th, 2006 12:40:48 AM
Mordrid walks up carefully behind Korrig, walking around he then removes Korrig's weapons from the ground and hands them off to Nick.
"You ask for the protection of Alemi? You are a cleaver bastard!?
"However, you are intentionally delaying our escape. I deny you the priveledge of watching this place come down on our heads."
"Valdor lead the others out immediately. Don't waste time on this animal; he's mad enough to get us all killed. Everyone move out!" Mordrid nods to Dahlia. It's a nod of understanding; even though the ranger doesn't fully know the heart of Dahlia's revenge.
Mordrid will hold the back, with bow trained on Korrig, "I would rather leave you in the hands of Parnoth. Alemi has his own ways of handing out justice."
Mordrid looks over his shoulder to see if the others have moved up the cave...
DM Jan Tuesday May 9th, 2006 1:24:45 AM
Valdor's daughter feels odd in her father's hands, warm to the touch but with muscle and bone locked solid. Her hair is covered with falling dust and webs from the trembling ceiling. But the lass is alive.
Korrig exerts as much control as he can muster to keep his breathing slow and his heart beating regularly. Show no fear. Not in front of these people, even though it might help his case. Of course they had to be wondering. He was wondering, too. How had slipping into a side tunnel and waiting until they'd gotten past him, turned into this? No way he's staying down here with that thing. Was this the truth of the matter? Gotta get out. Daren't use another spell. Damn thing had been picking at his brains with a toothpick ever since he got here, and he valued his sanity, although this latest decision was making him wonder even more... "I'll do exactly as you say," he says slowly and calmly. He holds out his hands, ready to let them take what they will. It was damage control now. Even if they threw him in the deepest dungeon, he had people to get him out. But that was later. His eyes shift from Nick, to Cori, to Dahlia. He then looks at the approaching Ve. Was that a Domi symbol? Good. More moral high ground. As for Mordrid, as the ranger removes his swords he looks straight at him and smiles. The smile carries no warmth whatsoever, and neither does the tone of the voice that follows it. "Your priest won't let you kill me in cold blood, Mordrid. And I just want to get out. Just like you."
Back down the passageway, there is a skittering and a thud, as more masonary falls to the floor.
Valdor Tuesday May 9th, 2006 9:03:13 AM
As he's moving out, Valdor replies over his shoulder,"Maybe they wouldn't LET me, Korrig, but they sure can't STOP me. So shut up and move."
Ve Mundr AC 46 HP 224 [Shield of Law, Protection Energy Fire, Freedom of Movement] Tuesday May 9th, 2006 11:13:06 AM
Ve holds his tongue, there is nothing really to say nor any reason to say it. He does stride past Mordrid and grab Korrig by the tunic, hoisting the man to his feet. "and out you shall go." Ve wheels and starts hauling Korrig with him.
"Leave my side or cause me pause Korrig and Domi will see your life end." Ve now had another part of this mission in his hands
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Status Endure Elements 22 hours Protection Energy Fire 392.8 miutes Freedom of Movement 218.1 minutes Barkskin 118.1 minutes Extend Rod 1/3 Quicken Rod 1/3
Mordrid (AC 38 / HP 233) Fire resistance, Cats Grace, Longstrider, Delay Poison, Haste, Holy Aura Tuesday May 9th, 2006 12:27:23 PM
Mordrid shrugs, and steps aside; allowing Ve to seize Korrig. "We'll by all means... shake a leg."
Nick (AC 36, HPs 167 Holy Aura, Prot Fire, Haste) Tuesday May 9th, 2006 1:35:40 PM
Nick breathes a sigh of relief, and at the risk of getting another mouthful, he quietly says "Dahlia, don't do anything rash."
He runs, doing his best to keep up, his joints aching like the blazes.
Dahlia Tuesday May 9th, 2006 6:32:07 PM
Seeing Korrig, everything goes dark and then red and then suddenly everything in her body begins to tingle. Cori's status spell is begining to relate info to her from Dahlia that is more than a bit unsettling. For a moment there it was as if Dahlia's heart had actually stopped beating. And then the next second it starts pounding a mile a minute. Nick bends over to speak and sees that the little halfling is past listening, perhaps even past hearing. Her gaze is fixed malevolently on Korrig's face, her fists are clenching and uncleanching. She is literally bouncing from ball of one foot to the other gearing up for something, probably rash and lethal. Nick and Cori can see the sweat starting to bead up on her forhead and face. Suddenly everything about Dahlia changes and she is frozen in place completely still but on point and ready for action. In a flash both of her swords are in her hands and in the most unDahlia like voice you have ever heard she slowly and clearly states. "Father Nicholas, return Korrig's weapons to him. I am not a murderer and I aim to kill him here and now!"
Mordrid (AC 38 / HP 233) Fire resistance, Cats Grace, Longstrider, Delay Poison, Haste, Holy Aura Tuesday May 9th, 2006 7:33:12 PM
"That is fine Dahlia, but this cavern is falling in on us. Can't this wait?"
Ve Mundr AC 46 HP 224 [Shield of Law, Haste, Protection Energy Fire, Freedom of Movement] Tuesday May 9th, 2006 8:49:28 PM
Ve strides on with Korrig in tow, again he sees nothing to reply to. In fact, anything he does say could simply make things all that much worse. Ve simply did not know the history or the personalities enough to call any of them on anything. The only one was Father Nick, whom Ve was sure that his faith in Alemi's finest would not be in vain. The halfling is another question all together.
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Status Endure Elements 22 hours Protection Energy Fire 392.8 miutes Freedom of Movement 218.1 minutes Barkskin 118.1 minutes Extend Rod 1/3 Quicken Rod 1/3
Corialote and Amarth [shield of law, displacement, haste, shadow walk, orange prism ioun] Tuesday May 9th, 2006 10:54:50 PM
Cori moves over and leans in closer to Dahlia. Whispering to her newest friend she tries to get the dark halfling to think a little. "Come now...death would surely be too quick and easy. Let us girls put our heads together to come up with something a little more fitting." She does not know the history between most of the group and this Korrig but from the looks it is not good. She has practice, though she does not like to admit it, in certain nicer forms of torture. She is sure that she can find nice things to do to help out her friend when the time comes. "Let us get out of here and then we can have our fun...surely he does not warrant an easy death...at least not yet." The smile that plays across her face is not that of a nice person...but of someone that has seen torture firsthand...maybe even dealt a little herself.
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, tenser's floating disk(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(2)*, displacement(3)* 4th: stoneskin(3), greater invisibility(2)*, wall of ice 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk*, mass bull's strength*, maxamized fireball 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, mass invisibility, maxamized shout(2) 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange, time stop(2), summon monster IX
greater empower rod 2/3 uses * used
Valdor Tuesday May 9th, 2006 11:20:09 PM
With his shield covering his daughter, Valdor stoically accepts any hits from the debris, but is quickly putting the others of the group behind him with his long strides. He has put Korrig from his mind for the moment, and is only concerned about getting his daughter out. His legs work furiously, but he has his ring ready to teleport, should the need arise.
Nick (AC 36, HPs 167 Holy Aura, Prot Fire, Haste) Wednesday May 10th, 2006 1:30:16 AM
Nick grinds to a halt and glances down at the two blades, redundant in his hands. The swords didn't belong there. Any callouses on his fingers were related to gardening or the occasional sparring with a quarterstaff. However - better in his hands than Korrigs. "Dahlia!" he implores, "We need to get out!"
He sets off again up the tunnel.
DM Jan Wednesday May 10th, 2006 2:18:07 AM
Five seconds of silence. It is followed by a dreadful groaning deep within the centre of the subterranean structure. Next to the shattered pillar, green scales ripple and shift, diminishing and becoming skin. Was it enough? Something falls close by with a terrible crash. My work is done His Excellency, the mighty, the illustrious, the incomparable Parnoth, allows his now humanoid face to break into a grin, before it winks out of sight, and out of danger.
The surviving lich has managed to claw it's way to the junction of the outer tunnel. It's movements are slow, the proximal, middle and distal phalanges of it's bony hands are mostly gone - chipped and cracked away as it pulls itself desperately along. It's last thought - Had to get them back - throw them in the pit - give chase - brought to an abrupt halt as a massive piece of rock drops from above, crushing the lich completely.
In the nearby chamber, the creature in the pit waits, fully expecting to be fed. Dark, ruined Woldsblood had already chewed away the surrounding ledge as the thing expanded. The fallen liches had helped it grow, but it was not enough. Something entered the maw, something big. Yes, now it was time. Time to fulfil it's purpose. But what should have been warm flesh and a soul carrying the essence of the Wold, is instead a mass of silica, gypsum, basalt and calcium carbonate. The whorl of power at the centre of the creature sputters and falters, as another huge chunk of rock falls from the ceiling and drops into the depths. Woldsblood spatters outward, corrosive against the cavern walls, hastening the collapse. In the ether, the creature's ribboned limbs flail and recoil in confusion.
The entire structure begins to collapse, beginning at the centre, with the kinetic energy flowing outward, pushing a huge dust cloud ahead of it. It gathers momentum, shattering and crushing the contents of a small antechamber not far from the cavern. Contents spill from three ornate wooden boxes, strips of paper and rags, all torn and crushed. A fourth box splits and shatters, identical to the others except that its contents are nowhere in evidence. It too, cracks like an egg and mingles with dust and rock.
The Platinum Dragons have to use every ounce of energy to escape, as the dust cloud flies toward them with a roar, telling them that solid, crushing rock will be not too far behind. The floor of the tunnel jumps violently as the structure begins to fold in on itself, and the journey upward becomes a terrifying dash to safety. Up the final flight of steps, the dust cloud overtakes them, belching out into the overgrown ruins, so that for a moment, their emergence from this nightmare is completely obscured. It is only when the dust begins to settle that the Dragons realize they are truly out, and have reached relative safety.
Ve Mundr AC 46 HP 224 [Shield of Law, Haste, Protection Energy Fire, Freedom of Movement] Wednesday May 10th, 2006 2:55:58 PM
The cloud of dust rockets past them and envelops the group as they make the last steps to safety. Ve keeps his grip on Korrig as they move and with the Status spell not registering wounds or worse his mind is at ease in that regard. Now that they were out he had the bad feeling that he could find himself between the Dragons and Korrig. Both Dalhia and Mordrid would just assume slit his throat then shake hands with him and apparently Cori was quite willing to join them against the man. And on his side? Father Nick likely and admitted ignorance of what autrosities the Black Dragon was responsible for. Not good.
With the cloud providing some cover, Ve decides to continue moving away from the entrance and possibly the others. If he could create a gap, perhaps he could steer away from imminent disaster.
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Status Endure Elements 22 hours Protection Energy Fire 392.7 miutes Freedom of Movement 218.0 minutes Barkskin 118.0 minutes Extend Rod 1/3 Quicken Rod 1/3
Dahlia Wednesday May 10th, 2006 9:17:06 PM
As several of her compatriots talk and try to convince her to leave this until later, the chunks of the building begin to fall closer, causing Dahlia to start a bit and register the danger of staying and finishing this here and now. Sheathing her two swords, Dahlia glares at Korrig once more and starts moving out and dodging pieces of debis in order to get out. Suddenly there is a final rumble and somehow the Dahlia manage to emerge from the rubble covered in dust and several small cuts and abrasions. Looking around she sees that everyone is safe, including Korrig and she turns and walks away from him and finds somewhere to sit down.
Valdor Wednesday May 10th, 2006 10:13:34 PM
Valdor, out a couple of seconds before the others, turns just in time to see the cloud of dust billowing forth from the entrance and wonders just for a moment if the others are now crushed. His concerns are put to rest very shortly as they all emerge relatively unscathed. He gently lays his daughter down and asks Nick,"Would you please see to her Father? She has been petrified by the lich and who knows what else. I will make sure noone kills the wretch yet.?
He leaves his daughter with Nick and marches over to Korrig, who is being shielded by Ve. He looks at Ve and says,"While I greatly appreciate your help and strength today, you have no part in THIS fight or the bad blood between us. I will not kill him unarmed, but I will speak to him without you buffering him. I ask you to step aside. You may stay as close as you like, but I want him face to face"
Mordrid (AC 38 / HP 233) Fire resistance, Cats Grace, Longstrider, Delay Poison, Haste, Holy Aura Wednesday May 10th, 2006 11:56:31 PM
Mordrid is looking over Valdor's shoulder at Ve, "Every word that Valdor says, can be taken as the truth. If he says no harm will come, then no harm will come. Take this moment to pray to your god for a glimpse of what judgement would be adequate for this man, and who is to dispense this judgement."
Nick Thursday May 11th, 2006 1:10:24 AM
Nick emerges from below covered in dust and coughing up a lung. His feet, legs, arms, back - all aching with fatigue. Were they out? Were they safe? He looks around, squinting in the dusty air. "Everyone out?" he croaks. One look at Korrig and he knows they've brought big trouble with them. If the others chose this moment to tear the man apart like wolves, then things would get very difficult for for himself and Ve. He knew they were being manipulated. Nevertheless...
As Valdor dashes over, he places the longswords calmly down on the ground and kneels down alongside the girl, while listening to what his leader has to say. It was all down to trust in the end. Trust and mutual respect. And so he looks over at the Protector of Domi and gives him a nod. Ve had his own concerns, he was sure, but the nod hopefully told him that Nick, at least, was satisfied that Valdor wasn't about to do anything that could have them all sent to the Lands of Unrest at the end of their eventful lives. Back to work. He places his hand underneath Valdora's head for support, and he's at the end of the whispered litany of a REMOVE PARALYSIS spell before remembering the bizarre additional consequences of spellcasting. As she starts to come around, he talks softly - "Valdora, you're safe, my name is Father Nicholas, your father is close by, now keep your eyes closed for a moment or two. There's still a lot of dust..."
He looks over toward Dahlia. "Dahlia, do you have any water? This young lady might need a drink." He had his own water, but he's trying to distract his friend from burying every blade she had in Korrig's hide. Now who was being manipulative? She'd see through it of course, but it was the only recourse he had right now.
DM Jan Thursday May 11th, 2006 2:16:35 AM
The dust settles, leaving a metallic taste in the air. Korrig, the Dragons, and all the surrounding flora, are covered in a thin layer of grey dust, giving the area a monochromatic look. The only touches of colour are a dash of purple on Cori's braid, and a strand of bright green ivy clinging to the west side of a ruined wall. As Dahlia takes a seat, a tiny cloud of dust puffs outward.
The encounter with the thing in the pit has produced changes, but the dust, for the moment, hides much.
One thing becomes apparent, however, especially to Cori and Ve. Their minds are clear, sharp, and free of burden. Everyone feels it to some extent. Like some surreptitious lurking thing has chosen to creep away and leave them be.
Valdora comes around with a jolt. With her eyes screwed tightly shut, she rolls over and starts retching. From what Nick can see, it looks to be dust and bile for the most part.
Ve finds his charge to be silent (with the exception of a courteous "Thank you," as they reach the surface) and very co-operative as they escape from the depths. Korrig doesn't struggle, and moves to where he's supposed to move. Mentally, he's preoccupied, figuring out his next step. This was going to be tricky. He was glad he'd chosen this particular path, he felt sure he'd have been crushed otherwise, however - out of the frying pan and into the fire. As Valdor and Mordrid loom on the near horizon, he tries not to sneer. Show. No. Fear. Not to an arch enemy.
Covered in dust as they all are, the eyes are all the more prominant and easy to read, and Ve can see that whatever anger lies in the eyes of Valdor and Mordrid, is equally apparent in Korrig.
Corialote and Amarth Thursday May 11th, 2006 1:14:12 PM
Cori lets the spells that are upon her slip away as the danger is over for a few. She deftly reaches up and catches the ioun stone that is circling her head and stow it away. Not taking any notice of the other things that are going on around her she moves over to the young girl and kneels beside her with Nick. She digs out a little bit of bread that she holds out to Nick. "If she is hungry." With a look down at herself she shakes her head and then casts a simple spell that every drow knows. Like magic the little girl is quickly cleaned up of all the grime and dirt.
Amarth keeps his own eyes upon the meeting that is going on with Korrig. "That was beautiful Mistress...what you did earlier." The raven was afraid that the little one was going to attack and maybe get them all killed.
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, tenser's floating disk(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(2)*, displacement(3)* 4th: stoneskin(3), greater invisibility(2)*, wall of ice 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk*, mass bull's strength*, maxamized fireball 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, mass invisibility, maxamized shout(2) 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange, time stop(2), summon monster IX
greater empower rod 2/3 uses * used
Ve Mundr AC 46 HP 224 [Shield of Law, Haste, Protection Energy Fire, Freedom of Movement] d20+16=26 d20+14=27 d20+14=33 Thursday May 11th, 2006 1:32:23 PM
Valdor moves towards Ve and Korrig and for the briefest of moments his now clearing mind prepares the rest of him. Another thought touched on the subtle reactions of Korrig and Mordrid approaching as well. Ve, though, pulls his full battle helm off even before Valdor begins to speak. To the very first part, the Cleric of Domi merely acknowledges Valdor with a respectful nod.
Valdor asks the Domi cleric to give himslef rrom to speak with Korrig and Ve steps aside, "My presence has given me a part." He gives a slight return nod towards Father Nick as he does so.
Ve does not go very far, but does step clearly out of the middle of Valdor and Korrig. He will trust Valdor on this at this time, his daughter is safe and Ve can see the return of more the man the legends speak of now, than his impressions over the past few days.
Ve stays within 5' and to Korrig's right. his posture appears somewhat relaxed, but it is obviously he is paying close attention. [Spot 27 Listen 33]
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Status Endure Elements 22 hours Protection Energy Fire 392.6 miutes Freedom of Movement 217.9 minutes Barkskin 117.9 minutes Extend Rod 1/3 Quicken Rod 1/3
Valdor Thursday May 11th, 2006 2:54:12 PM
Valdor walks up to Korrig until he's face to face, and says calmly,"You have no idea how lucky you are. My daughter lives and the threat of the liches is over for now. Just before we got out, I caught a glimpse of the future had they succeeded. You know the kind of visions you get at our experience levels. You were nowhere around. The Wold was a dead and barren place with only volcanoes and Woldsblood everywhere. The liches were the masters and ALL others were dead or slaves. They played you like a fiddle...you, who prides himself as a master of deception and manipulation, were deceived like a five year old child.
Anyway, you will live for now, but I wouldn't mind if you gave me any reason to let Mordrid kill you. Or Dahlia. Or Cori, or myself. You may play your humilty game with our clerics and fool them with your false facade you present, but that's only because they want to believe that everyone is truly honorable. There is no honor in you, so save your nonsense. We'll let Sturdevant decide what needs to happen to you."
He makes sure there are no rings, necklaces, bracers, or jewelry of any kind. Having his own arsenal, he knows the hiding places of knives and such, so he searches Korrig over and removes anything that could be used as a weapon. He asks the spellcasters,"Can you please detect magic on him just to make sure I didn't miss anything? And Ve, thank you, and he is your charge for now. Mordrid, bind him, but don't rip his hands off, please."
Everyone in the group can see the clarity in his bright blue eyes and see in his bady movements that his mind is clear again. When he finishes with Korrig, he slowly goes to his daughter, silently mouthing a 'thanks' to Cori for cleaning her up and to Nick for helping her and lifts her gently from the ground. He has had his say with Korrig, and knows he's secure. He carries his daughter like she's still a baby and walks up the path a short distance before finding a place to sit down. He hugs her close. He has no words and finally breaks down into tears and then weeps with joy that she is safe again, all the while keeping her wrapped up in his huge arms.
Nick Friday May 12th, 2006 1:34:48 AM
Nick lets Valdor have his daughter back, then stands slowly and begins to brush off some of the dust. He's a little concerned about the girl's mental state. She was likely to be in shock to a bigger or lesser degree, and they didn't know yet exactly what her ordeal had been at the hands of the liches. Tearing off fingernails alone would have seriously messed up most folks.
"Thanks for you help, Cori," he says quietly, keeping one eye on the Korrig goings-on.
DM Jan Friday May 12th, 2006 11:32:05 AM
Korrig stands there calmly as Valdor removes all his trinkets, and his face remains impassive throughout. Only as Mordrid binds him does it change slightly - a hint of a smile, a narrowing of the eyes, and a slight nod to the ranger, as if to say This isn't over, is it. Not yet. Watching him like a hawk, Ve sees it, too.
Significantly cleaned up, Valdora nevertheless clings to her dusty father and sobs her heart out. Anger, frustration, relief - it's all in there, and a slender arm hammers a fist into her father's armoured shoulder more than once. Valdor's baby girl has been growing up, is as leggy as a colt, and now well into her teens and approaching adulthood. Valdor hears no fear in her cries, but the anger and frustration he recognizes all too well. However, suddenly she stops. "Daddy? What's that?" She wipes a hand across her face, roughly dragging away her tears, then points at his upper torso, where the caricature of a grinning skull appears to be moulded into his chest plate.
Ve hears some peripheral noise - rustling of undergrowth, booted footsteps. Cori, Nick and Dahlia hear it, too. Someone is coming.
Valdor Friday May 12th, 2006 12:50:31 PM
Valdor repiles gently,"It's nothing dear. All that matters is that you are safe again. You just rest and don't worry. The liches are all destroyed and Korrig is done. We need to get back to Plateau City and put him in the deepest hole we can find. Your mom and the other Gods helped us today. Your dreams will be troubled my dear for a while, but be strong enough to picture me standing before you. Nothing, and I mean nothing in this Wold, could get past me to get to you. I am so proud of you. We need to go now. We'll talk more later and I'll stay with you for a few days."
He walks her back to the others and says,"My friends, this is my daughter Valdora. I suppose we should teleport back to Plateau City, if Nick can keep his stomach contents down."
He winks at the cleric, then adds,"Nick, I need to chat with you when we get back."
He makes sure his daughter doesn't see him, but he glances down at the skull on his armor.
Ve Mundr AC 46 HP 224 [Shield of Law, Haste, Protection Energy Fire, Freedom of Movement] d20+16=35 Friday May 12th, 2006 1:03:55 PM
For a moment Ve finds himself depressed and slightly disappointed, but Valdors experiences have lead him to his current beliefs and discussing the inaccuracies within them would be pointless. Ve decides that he will alter the Dragon's perception and beliefs through action and time. Ve glances over as Valdor moves to his daughter, yes the cleric was very much pleased that the rescue side of the operation went so very well. Ve nods to Valdor and casts Detect magic. "Done." A quick enough spell to sense if any magic at least remains with the man.
His attention then refocuses on Korrig and Mordrid. As the ranger binds him, Ve steps back over, "You are in my charge Korrig. Leave my side or hamper me in any way and my judgement will never allow you to stand before Gargul." [Sense Motive 35]
The rustling bush does not distract him from his immediate responsibility. His War Hammer comes to his hand, the brilliant blue fire leaping about the head, "Someone approaches."
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Status Endure Elements 22 hours Protection Energy Fire 392.6 miutes Freedom of Movement 217.9 minutes Barkskin 117.9 minutes Extend Rod 1/3 Quicken Rod 1/3
Dahlia Friday May 12th, 2006 5:05:17 PM
Casually standing, Takes out her crossbow and fits a bolt into it. Dahlia then looks over at Korrig and shakes her head in disgust, perhaps at the fact that he is still alive and presently under protection, and relays a message to the others through her earpiece.
"Valdor, Guys, we are about to have some sort of company!!"
Corialote and Amarth Saturday May 13th, 2006 12:46:18 AM
With the tug at her mind gone she finds that she can finally concentrate on other things without shielding her own thoughts all the time. As the call of company goes up she pulls on little pieces of power from inside of herself and forms the beginnings of a nice little spell. "If it is trap of somekind...it will not be a good one...for them." Her eyes flash as she has not had enough fighting. She had seen little of anything in that little thing in the tunnel and she was really wanting to play around a little.
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, tenser's floating disk(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(2)*, displacement(3)* 4th: stoneskin(3), greater invisibility(2)*, wall of ice 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk*, mass bull's strength*, maxamized fireball 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, mass invisibility, maxamized shout(2) 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange, time stop(2), summon monster IX
greater empower rod 2/3 uses * used
Valdor Saturday May 13th, 2006 9:59:37 AM
Valdor suddenly realizes that Parnoth is nowhere to be found. He says,"Hey gang, I wonder where our other companion is. I doubt the cave in took him. He wouldn't let that happen. It was rather brilliant of him to cover the hole like that. Korrig, I'm sure Parnoth will enjoy finding out where you and your men took his treasure. Something for you to ponder."
He places the ring on his finger, then passes the ring around. Before placing it back on his hand, he places it over his daughter's, then Korrig's finger, then holds it ready to activate the magic if it's someone they don't want to see.
Nick Sunday May 14th, 2006 12:56:34 AM
Nick raises an eyebrow at the moulded image on Valdor's armour. It has the effect of cooling his euphoria at getting out of there alive. Still covered in dust, he says quietly to the others - "Not to be a worry wart or anything, but there's still the matter of the liches phylacteries. Also, that creature - whatever it was - down in that hole. I don't feel it any more, but are we sure it's dead? it might be an idea to contact the Star Tower, and see what they make of it. That was bad magic, and arcane. If there's a remote chance there's still a problem, I daresay they could deal with it, long term. I don't know about anyone else, but I don't think being near that thing did us any good at all."
Mordrid Sunday May 14th, 2006 2:38:52 PM
Mordrid ties Korrig's hands and feet... for show; knowing full well it was an exercise in pointlessness, as would be if someone had bound Mordrid.
He looks Korrig in the eye, again not trying to hide his fear, as that would be pointless too.
"Don't try anything today. Valdora has had a hard day, and I wouldn't want her to witness anymore bloodshed."
When Mordrid hears the brush moving, he places Korrig on his rump, then the ranger begins to levitate; turning to face the incoming sound.
DM Jan Monday May 15th, 2006 1:00:15 AM
Valdora huddles her torn chemise to her body with shaking hands as her father introduces her. She fights hard not to look intimidated at this group of tough men and women - all of them covered in dust and bristling with weapons. The fact that they give her scant attention is perfectly okay as far as she is concerned right now. This isn't exactly a social gathering, and she isn't exactly up for big smiles and hellos. Just watching them talk, and move, it makes her wonder about her father though, and what he does, and just how little she knows. Something he says cuts through the awe. Something important, to her. "Daddy I thought maybe I could come and live with -" she begins quietly, hushing up as everyone goes on the alert. This isn't the time, obviously.
Ve's spells wander uncluttered and untainted toward Korrig. Stripped of all his weaponry and magic items, he looks clean. Ve does sense some deeper apprehension as the warning comes that someone approaches. The need to escape becomes all the more profound within the man. It doesn't read on his features, he's too busy playing some 'face' game with Mordrid, but it's there.
Rising into the air, Mordrid spots them first - four men, big, muscular and armed, picking their way through the ruins, in formation it seems, to protect another man of lesser build in their midst.
Speaking of the dragon... no sooner does Valdor mention his name, Parnoth seems to step out of nowhere only five paces from the party; humanoid once more, with not a spec of dust on him. He's wearing a slightly amused expression as he looks at everyone else. "So, what now?" he asks with a drawl. "Are they bringing out the welcome wagon?"
The approaching men stop. Three of them stay at a distance of about 60 ft. Two of the bigger ones approach, coming well within Dahlia and Cori's range. One of them calls out, throwing a fist the size of a ham across his chest. "Hail Dragons! Mandelor, Governor Absolute of Osto, wishes to speak with you!"
Valdor Monday May 15th, 2006 2:12:20 AM
Valdor's face lights up as bright as the sun and he replies, briefly ignoring the approaching group,"You better believe it princess! We'll go back to the temple and collect what you want to bring, and move you into whatever room you pick. It is as safe as any place in Plateau City and you will have whatever you need there. Let me take care of this, and we'll be on our way shortly after."
He turns to the man talking and says with a deep bow,"The honor is ours and we would be glad to speak with him. We are the Platinum Dragons of Plateau City, and I am Valdor, also known as the Dragonstone...well met."
His eyes cut to the side to see if Parnoth notices the use of his regular nickname/title, as opposed to his former name.
Corialote and Amarth d20+4=5 d20+14=30 Monday May 15th, 2006 1:29:27 PM
Even as the burly man announces thier intent she does not let go of the power that is swelling inside of her. With all the many years of training this is the easy part of her craft. Negotiations are not her specialty...unless they are hostile and she will let the others talk it out. "Guess I should get out more." She keeps her eyes and ears open for what might happen next...she is determined that they will not get the drop one anyone.
Amarth perched upon her shoulder seems to also be bristleing with power. The rest may not know the bird that well but his Mistress can already feel the spell floating through her friends head. The bird would smile if he could but settles for his Mistress doing it for him.
[listen 5 and spot 30]
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, tenser's floating disk(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(2)*, displacement(3)* 4th: stoneskin(3), greater invisibility(2)*, wall of ice 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk*, mass bull's strength*, maxamized fireball 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, mass invisibility, maxamized shout(2) 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange, time stop(2), summon monster IX
greater empower rod 2/3 uses * used
Ve Mundr d20+14=21 d20+14=24 d20+16=32 Monday May 15th, 2006 5:12:03 PM
"He's Clean." The cleric says at Mordrid ties Korrig up and Valdor moves back towards his daughter. Ve too, raises a brow at Valdors new Breastplate decor, "The Father is right of course. None of the liches are likely destroyed and the creauture of the pit lying beyond our realm is likely unharmed as well. Those in the Ether and Shadow generally do not take too much notice of simple things like falling debris. I dare say the portal was destroyed though, as the weight upon my mind is lifted as it seems to have for Cori and Nicholas."
As the men approach, Ve takes a conscious step towards the bound Korrig. [Spot 21 Listen 24 sense motive 32] His eyes and senses fall over the pair as they approach reading them wholly in an instant. "Not a word Korrig. I will answer any question directed at you or about you." The protector says quietly to tbe man. Ve stows teh hammer, it's blue fire dimming upon leaving his grasp and in the same motion he pulls a steel rod.
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Status Endure Elements 22 hours Protection Energy Fire 388.6 miutes Freedom of Movement 212.9 minutes Barkskin 112.9 minutes Extend Rod 1/3 Quicken Rod 1/3 [in hand]
Dahlia d20+25=33 (hide) d20+25=44 (move silently) Monday May 15th, 2006 6:21:57 PM
As the five men work their way to the group, Dahlia silently slips out behind them not trusting anyone found in this area.
d20+25=33 (hide) d20+25=44 (move silently)
Valdor Monday May 15th, 2006 10:10:08 PM
Valdor whispers into his earpiece,"Mordrid, see if knucklehead knows where the lich's phylacteries are."
Nick Tuesday May 16th, 2006 12:39:00 AM
Nick glances around, trying to appraise the situation. They didn't look as though they were under direct attack, and he was sure the others had everything in hand. So... "By your leave," he says quietly to Valdor, "I'll find somewhere quiet and see if Alemi would assist us with the phylactery problem."
Providing there are no objections, he finds somewhere to kneel and calm his thoughts. He lights a small cone of incense and sprinkles some healing herbs into the smoke. Casting DIVINATION. The four liches we fought - did their phylacteries survive?
DM Jan Tuesday May 16th, 2006 12:13:36 PM
At Valdor's reply, one of the big men gives a signal, and the three others approach. Two of them are obviously bodyguards, dressed to intimidate like the two forerunners, and stand protectively alongside their charge. The third man, in contrast, is of slender build and stands about 5 ft 10in. Wavy jet black hair with a few streaks of grey, is drawn back and tied with leather. His clothing is dark and of excellent quality; his boots shine as though someone has spent hours polishing them, and intricate white lace adorns the cuffs of his sleeves. He may have had a handsome face once - narrow, elegant, with high cheekbones, but a cruel, vertical cut, long healed, appears to run from the man's right eyebrow, down through the eye, and onto his right cheek. The eye itself, or what's left of it, is hidden by a studded leather eyepatch. Wrinkles trace a path beneath his other eye and suggest that this man is approaching later middle age.
He and his men look at the Dragons. The bodyguards, faced with bigger fish from an even bigger pond, look defensive. Mandelor merely smiles. "Greetings gentlemen, ladies," he casts a lingering glance toward Cori, "we heard there were strangers in town, and came down here once we were told you had entered the Maze, and suddenly it seems, the air appears to have been cleared of malaise. Do we have you to thank for this?"
At the end of this sentence, two things seem to distract him momentarily. He looks up toward Mordrid and seems briefly puzzled. The sight of Korrig brings out mild astonishment and a broad grin.
Korrig's face holds a sarcastic twist, despite his compliancy, and Ve senses that the man's mind is way beyond the present, planning ahead, plotting escape, somehow.
Valdor's glance at Parnoth will give him the same impression of the dragon. Although he stands silent, the creature's eyes are alive with calculation. They don't know what I am. Yet. Maybe it's time to expand my Empire. After all they should know what I have done for them, and what it cost. Everyone should know!! Someone has to pay....
Valdora is stood directly behind her father, peering out from behind his shoulder.
Up in the air, with a slightly better view of the surroundings, Mordrid realizes that his memories of this place have been shattered like a mirror. Tiny shards of recollection wink at him then disappear, tumbling into darkness much like this one, as he looks toward Mandelor - ...broad daylight... a slashed throat has spattered blood everywhere.. on clothing... on the walls... a little kid with a feral look and a black mop of hair... "Tell anyone, an' I'll cut yours, too"...
A little further afield, Dahlia can see the perimeter of the ruined garden called the maze. Folk are gathered there, and more are arriving. Tall men, holding the reins of horses, waiting. Two kids are daring and double daring one another to enter. Others are shaking their heads, as if they're awakening from something. Others still gather in groups, talking quietly.
As for Nick's Divination, smoke from the incense curls upward, and all he can do is wait.
Valdor Tuesday May 16th, 2006 1:38:32 PM
Valdor's glimpse tells him much and he replies,"We only had a small part in this. We were mainly here to rescue my daughter and some other items important to only us.
However, the one most responsible for ending the threat, is none other than the ruler of the Emerald Kingdom...Parnoth, friend of Osto and allied to the Platinum Dragons. He...brought down the house with his performance."
He gestures towards Parnoth with a michievous grin on his face.
Corialote and Amarth Tuesday May 16th, 2006 10:18:47 PM
Cori watches the man as he talks and then shakes her head, her braid whipping over her shoulder. She returns the stare that the man gives her as she tries to read his attitude. She knows that there are many that do not like drow, let alone elves in this Wold. She flashes him a try me smile that conveys several different meanings all at once. She does tilt her head to him in greeting but her eyes never leave his till he looks away.
Amarth brushes a wing against his Mistress's cheek and dips his head to speak to her in private.
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, tenser's floating disk(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(2)*, displacement(3)* 4th: stoneskin(3), greater invisibility(2)*, wall of ice 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk*, mass bull's strength*, maxamized fireball 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, mass invisibility, maxamized shout(2) 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange, time stop(2), summon monster IX
greater empower rod 2/3 uses * used
Ve Mundr d20+14=15 d20+14=30 d20+16=18 Wednesday May 17th, 2006 11:00:42 AM
That Korrig is planning his departure is a certainty to the cleric. He surrendered merely to fall under thier protection for the immediate threat of being crushed in a great collapse. What Ve now has to do, is essentially out think him and he personally does not feel that it will be to challenging to do so. Divested of magical tricks of any true caliber, the cleric is quite confident and after tomorrow morning there will be very little the man could do.
Ve looks over Mandelor and then to Valdor as he replies. He does not agree with the decision to bestow Parnoth with such credit, but it is said now and so done. Ve is not in charge, rarely was he in charge of more than a prisoner or two or a ward and that suited him just fine. Cori's look to the dark man catches his own eye and a brief smile, almost a chuckle, comes to his face as he thinks on it for a second. Then his attention and focus return to Korrig and Mandelor.
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Status Endure Elements 22 hours Protection Energy Fire 388.5 miutes Freedom of Movement 212.8 minutes Barkskin 112.8 minutes Extend Rod 1/3 Quicken Rod 1/3 [in hand]
Mordrid Wednesday May 17th, 2006 11:28:13 AM
Mordrid peers down at the mayor; tilting his head he is confounded by emotion and bits of memory, 'were do i know this guy from?'
Nick Wednesday May 17th, 2006 11:46:06 AM
Nick continues to kneel, breathe in the incense, and wait, confident that the others have everything in hand. Divinations took a little time and patience was required.
DM Jan Wednesday May 17th, 2006 12:57:12 PM
Utterly maddening, Mordrid's memory of things long since past continues to elude him and slip from his grasp. It is the legacy of his encounter of the pit - an insidious, surreptitious thing, as affairs of the mind often are.
Cori also has a taste of what the 'pit thing' has bestowed upon her. That look the man gave her - covetous, playful - he would not have dared to look upon her in that manner, had she been established and acknowledged as the powerful matron she knew she really was. And there it is - ambition - always there, but now grown hard as nails, steady as a rock, and burning like an unquenchable fire in her soul. It is a fire that will need careful tending. Already it plays in her eyes, and the musclature of her slender face, giving her an altogether fearsome aspect.
As the 'parlay' continues, not far from his position, Nick receives an answer - All are destroyed, but one.
Valdor's assertion as to the identity of the brooding, sandy-haired nobleman in their midst is greeted by a number of different reactions from the Osto party. After all, stood before them are folk who they have only read about, or who's lives have been recanted in song by passing bards. And so their glances to one another are at once tinged with astonishment and disbelief - although not overly so - because with the exception of violence (and possibly Mandelor's lacy cuffs), nothing is overly done in Osto. One of the bodyguards gives an exclamation of what could be taken as a muffled guffaw. It earns him a hard look from Mandelor. The Governor's own composure has not faltered. "Well, I can see that you have all been through much," he says, "and at the very least we can offer you our hospitality, humble as it is, should you wish it, perhaps a place to get clean, and a hearty meal?" He glances to the sky and a grey gathering of clouds. "I believe it is about to rain."
"Or," Parnoth says quietly to Valdor, his face now completely unreadable, "I can talk to these people, if you'd rather 'dash off home'. You look tired. And you have your daughter to consider."
Sat at Ve's feet, Korrig lets out a long sigh.
A short distance away, Dahlia can see more of the townspeople continue to gather. At her feet, two tiny swamp lizards skitter past. These are the first indigenous creatures to enter this place for many weeks.
Corialote and Amarth Wednesday May 17th, 2006 5:42:52 PM
With a snort of her own she does not regard the man with much more now than disdain. At any other time she would have just shrugged it off but today she was fully on edge.
Voicing her opinion about her personal choice to leave. "Let Parnoth talk...I would much rather take my leave at home." As her eyes come to rest upon Mandelor, she flashes him a nasty smile. "It would be more preferable to stay with a Balor in his own home." Her parents had never respected her despite her abilities and now this human would dare to think such things of here. Her hands clench and unclench as she feels the almost uncontrolled need to burn him right now. Her smile broadens as she comes to a realization that that would be too fast and easy...what had she told Dahlia earlier. Yes torture would be a whole lot better. She would get the respect that was due her and her parents would in the end feelt he same backlash from her.
Amarth is literally going nuts on her shoulder as he can feel the emotions in his Mistress. He did not like the road she was traveling but also knew that it was not his place to change her mind...not after last time anyways. Then again there could be little things that he could get out of the deal. Oh yes, his Mistress would most likely reward him with many shiny things.
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, tenser's floating disk(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(2)*, displacement(3)* 4th: stoneskin(3), greater invisibility(2)*, wall of ice 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk*, mass bull's strength*, maxamized fireball 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, mass invisibility, maxamized shout(2) 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange, time stop(2), summon monster IX
greater empower rod 2/3 uses * used
Dahlia Wednesday May 17th, 2006 10:22:00 PM
using her earpieces she sends what is happening where she is to the others and then watches the lizards for a moment before she turns to come up behind the welcoming committee.
Valdor Thursday May 18th, 2006 12:45:59 AM
Valdor's head tilts a bit as Cori sounds off. He contains a smirk and says,"Easy there, my dear. I'm not sure very many drow elves come through here, and any who had come to this town were probably not as upstanding as yourself."
He returns his icy gaze to the governor and says,"Your offer is appreciated, but we must travel on. We have a few more things to search for and a visit to make, then we will be on our way home. And while I am sure you will offer, we are not in need of any escort, nor anyone following us. We will be perfectly safe and will cause no further destruction. It was a pleasure to meet you."
He bows again, this time not quite as deeply. He turns and says quietly, but making sure the earring is activated,"Now, where do we find the items that were stolen?"
Ve Mundr d20+14=31 Thursday May 18th, 2006 12:21:27 PM
Ve assists Korrig to he feet and he fixes Parnoth with a look to convey his personal negative opinion about the dragon 'staying for a chat'. A quick survaliance of the gathering crowd and Ve dobhts that the wish to not be followed through Osto will be granted. Legends, fame and power has arrived in Osto and this does not appear to be the type of atmosphere that would easily relenquish it.
The sharp senced cleric overhears Valdor's whisper and nods to the leader of the Platinum Dragons. "Ready."
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Status Endure Elements 22 hours Protection Energy Fire 388.2 miutes Freedom of Movement 212.6 minutes Barkskin 112.6 minutes Extend Rod 1/3 Quicken Rod 1/3 [in hand] [Listen 31]
Nick Thursday May 18th, 2006 1:09:55 PM
Unaware of what's been said and by whom, Nick stands and makes his way back to the party. With a bow to the Osto party, he takes off his cloak and hands it to Valdora with a bit of a flourish. That flourish is to hide the fact that he's doing a quick DETECT UNDEAD on Valdor.
DM Jan Thursday May 18th, 2006 2:35:51 PM
Korrig rises to his feet as Ve bades him to do so, with an excellent sense of balance and muscular control. He requires little help, even though he's bound. As he does so, he tests his bonds - hmm, easy enough - and glances at the man set to guard him. Of all the blowhards in the Wold, Domi followers were the worst. Still Korrig would no sooner underestimate him than he would Mordrid, hovering above, and those weapons appeared to sit VERY easily in the man's hands. So, not now. Think longer term. Could he get out of Plateau City? He'd done it before. Think about Parnoth's treasure. It was tucked safely away in... in.... oh, Wardd's rancid toenails... c'mon... stay calm. Think. All he had to do was remember.
Valdor finishes speaking, and His Excellency, Ruler of the Emerald Kingdom, steps to the front of the party, his chest rising slightly as he looks about. If he sees Ve's look of disapproval, it does not register on a face that now carries a beatific smile. Addressing Mandelor, he says "Forgive my colleagues' terseness. They have been through much, and they need rest. Much good has been done here, but the long term success of our mission is still unknown. Perhaps if we can discuss the situation, and field a few questions and answers, then we can decide if anything more needs to be done." He turns and shrugs at Valdor. "I can do this, if you have other tasks to take care of, then we can reconvene. These people might have valid information as to how this whole thing started."
Mandelor shrugs, apparently amenable to this suggestion. Another glance at Cori suggests that he wasn't offended by her words in the slightest.
Coming up behind the Osto party, Dahlia notes that the two kids who were at the perimeter earlier, have followed her in, unaware of her presence.
Nick's spell yeilds interesting results, as Valdor's chestplate, in Nick's eyes, lights up like a candle.
Nick Thursday May 18th, 2006 2:42:18 PM
As talk continues, Nick waits for an opportune moment and says quietly to Valdor - "There's only one phylactery left, and, just an educated guess, but it would appear to be very close." He glances quickly at the face moulded into his leader's armour.
Valdor Thursday May 18th, 2006 3:07:32 PM
Valdor's eyes widen as Nick glances at his armor. Somewhere in his memory, he remembers theattacks with the liches, but it's a bit vague. He tries not to alarm anyone with a response for now, other than a fake and insincere smile.
He then gives Parnoth the briefest nod, then says,"Okay, group. Let's go. Everyone be prepared for a landing. Oh, and Parnoth, try not to let yourself get into anymore traps. We can't communicate and, now that I have my daughter safe and sound, won't have a reason to come bail you out. Come by our Inn in Plateau City tomorrow evening and we'll talk. We'll see what we can get from Korrig. And, if by some chance, you come across any of his men or someone spending absurd amounts of money at a brothel, or jewelry store trying toimpress a woman, you might find that they are Korrig's men, and then find your treasure."
With that, since he passed the ring around to everyone earlier, and made sure it was on Korrig's and his daughter's finger, as well, he activates it and lands them in the alley behind the bar where they started in Osto. He suggests to the others that they stay outside, and he goes in search of their contact from earlier in the day.
Dahlia d20=1 d20+18=38 Thursday May 18th, 2006 6:12:37 PM
Dahlia is just about to step out and say hi when, she feels that gd awful wrenching feeling of being teleported. Not ready for it al all she lands kind of awkwardly and actually falls on her rump (voluntary dex roll - natural 1)
Glaring momentarily at Valdor she stands and stomps over to Korrig and takes a look at his bindings,none to gently, fixing them where needed. (Rope use Dc 38 - LOL natural 20)
Corialote and Amarth Thursday May 18th, 2006 10:31:40 PM
Cori feels the jerk of the spell just seconds before she is about to say something else, particularly nasty. As she looks around the alley she cannot figure out why her blood seems to boil over some of the things that are being said to her. "This will take further reflection." Not really caring that she is talking out loud she notes what she must do but she also realizes that Valdor just saved an important figure from getting his...well personals turned to ash.
Now she paces back and forth in the alley, mad at Valdor for some reason. Maybe it was the tone of his voice when he talked to her or the way he referenced to her so intimately. Then he had left her here in this alley without even a by your leave. Once again she can feel the seething deep down in her gut, something that she has kept in check for so long. She comes to a stop and takes a few breathes. "What the fierfrek am I doing?" She must really get a grip on this anger.
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, tenser's floating disk(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(2)*, displacement(3)* 4th: stoneskin(3), greater invisibility(2)*, wall of ice 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk*, mass bull's strength*, maxamized fireball 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, mass invisibility, maxamized shout(2) 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange, time stop(2), summon monster IX
greater empower rod 2/3 uses * used
Mordrid Thursday May 18th, 2006 11:30:39 PM
Before the teleport, Mordrid decides to leash Korrig, with but a few words.
"Parnoth, do not forget that Korrig is the only key you have to finding your treasure. Not the kind of key you can really keep on a chain, aye? Wish us well in our charge."
Mordrid is unable to make sense of the dynamics going on with other members of the party, namely Corri.
Nick Friday May 19th, 2006 12:15:23 AM
Deep breath. Maybe another. Control the nausea. Nick opens his eyes. Why did he feel so tired? He looks around, recognizing the locality. Okay, now where was Valdor going? And why were the ladies in such a 'good' mood? He assumes Dahlia is mad because Korrig is still breathing. Well, he couldn't do much to help that. Cori, he's not sure about. First off, he'll check on Valdora, make sure she's all right, then he'll ask Cori - "Cori - is there anything wrong?"
Ve Mundr Friday May 19th, 2006 8:48:29 AM
As Valdor activates the ring, Ve rests his hand on Korrig's shoulder. The scene shifts, to Ve teleportation and such have never been a problem and before the thought is finished they are in the alley again. Ve cocks a side long look at Nicholas and Valdor. Little in the way of nuances escape his observance and he files the reaction into his mind for latter consideration. Dahlia is already coming over and not sencing any hostility in her at the moment he does not interfere.
"Secure then?" he queries of her and the clreic nods to any responce she utters. He is on edge, which he does not necessarily like given the company, but at least he knows why. Mayhaps a distraction on the pretense of ignorance then. "Not that I do not appreciate the lessons of patiance, but why are we here and when are we to meet Servandt about Korrig?"
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Status Endure Elements 22 hours Protection Energy Fire 383.2 miutes Freedom of Movement 208.6 minutes Barkskin 107.6 minutes Extend Rod 1/3 Quicken Rod 1/3 [in hand]
Valdor d20=14 Friday May 19th, 2006 10:16:03 AM
Catching the conversation as he enters, Valdor replies over his shoulder,"We made a promise. I am going to fulfill it." He makes his way through the tavern with haste.
DM Jan Friday May 19th, 2006 2:00:46 PM
The atmosphere in the backstreet behind the Tail of the Lizard is distinctly lighter than it was the last time the dragons were here. There is nothing clouding the mind, and no one appears to be blowing anything up. Instead, voices can be heard from the front street, as groups of the curious stroll toward the Maze. It appears that most of the town is out and wandering, trying to figure out just what happened.
"I'm not going anywhere," Korrig hisses irritably at Dahlia. Jancassis and Wardd save us from wretched halflings. He's not sure what Valdor is up to either, by the look on his face.
Then, as Mandelor had promised, it begins to rain. Single, heavy drops spatter down, soon becoming a torrent, and the ground starts to get very muddy underfoot.
Valdor enters the tavern. All the tables in the main room are empty. The barman is still behind the bar, but he's in the midst of asking a group of women, crowded at one of the windows, what is going on outside. They all turn as the Dragonstone enters. Mica is stood amongst the women, dark haired and blue-eyed and lovely, the lot of them. "What's going on out there?" she asks, getting straight to the point. "Yeah what's going on?" echoes the barman.
Corialote and Amarth Friday May 19th, 2006 11:42:29 PM
Cori turns at Nick speaking to her and gives him a faint look of distress. "Just some feelings that I though were long buried coming to the surface." She cannot help but feel a little annoyed that yet another male was grilling her. "Something I will have to deal with." She does not say anymore on the subject and in fact turns her back to see if Valdor is coming out yet. When will men stop keeping her waiting and heel to her demands.
Glancing in the direction of Korrig she cannot help but eye him as she contemplates what she could do to him. Still glancing at Ve and Nick for that matter, they would never allow it. Typical of their crusading types really...they would see the good in a red dragon that was eating them feet first. But Valdor...that one had a mean streak to him that maybe she could cultivate. She shakes here head wondering exactly what she is thinking. "My god...I am turning into my mother."
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, tenser's floating disk(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(2)*, displacement(3)* 4th: stoneskin(3), greater invisibility(2)*, wall of ice 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk*, mass bull's strength*, maxamized fireball 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, mass invisibility, maxamized shout(2) 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange, time stop(2), summon monster IX
greater empower rod 2/3 uses * used
Valdor Saturday May 20th, 2006 12:01:23 AM
Valdor smiles and replies,"We were able to take care of your town's problem. The destruction will stop now. I think the rest of the town is checking out what happened. Anyway, I owe you big time. My daughter is safe and relatively healthy. She was being held hostage by a group of liches who had joined with Korrig to basically destroy not only this town, but the Wold. It's really complicated, and know that it was a real threat, although Korrig was being played for a fool. We now have him captured and are on our way home. I promised you a reward, and so you shall have one. You also have my sincere thanks."
He reaches into his backpack of holding and produces a large bag of gems. He sets it down beside her and says to all gathered,"If I find out that anyone has stolen this from her, or harmed her in any way, I will hunt them down and tear their limbs from their body piece by piece. There is no place in the Wold or in the planes that will be sanctuary to someone who harmed the one who helped me save my daughter. They would wish Korrig was after them, instead of me. I would suggest you all keep your mouths closed about this. She is officially under the protection of the Platinum Dragons...and Valdor's, in particular."
His bright blue eyes blaze fiercely and he stares at them all. There is no doubt that he is serious. He bows deeply to her then before they can blink, is gone. He heads back to the group and smiles...that bright smile with his eyes shining. It's been so long since he felt free and happy with no burden weighing his heart down. No evil knocking at the door, ready to leap into his mind. Ve has never seen him like this, and it's been a long time since the others had as well. Cori probably hasn't either.
Hugging his daugter tightly to him, he asks,"So, where to next gang?"
Dahlia Saturday May 20th, 2006 8:26:51 AM
I think home, for a quick trip to figure out what I get to do to ....I mean what we are going to do with Korig here and to plan what we can do to make sure that whatever that was doesnt return.
Ve Mundr Monday May 22nd, 2006 10:32:18 AM
Valdors change has an abovios affect on Ve, one he does not mind showing at all. Relief. The cleric inhales deeply through his nose and stands a bit straighter, if that were possible, and nods to Valdor once he finishes the hug. "Korrig should be our immediate concern, you mentioned taking him to judgement. His imprisonment, release or death needs to be attended to. Vlador you mentions letting a Sturdevant decide I believe."
"Tomorrow I can more thoroughly ensure the prisoner does not escape, once we are wherever the sentence is to be decided."
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Status Endure Elements 22 hours Protection Energy Fire 383.2 miutes Freedom of Movement 208.6 minutes Barkskin 107.6 minutes Extend Rod 1/3 Quicken Rod 1/3 [in hand]
Nick Monday May 22nd, 2006 8:39:00 PM
"I suspect this adventure has taken it's toll, on all of us," Nick says to Cori. He settles to wait for Valdor, reaching for the hood of his cloak as it begins to rain, and realizing that he has given his cloak to Valdora, he moves to shelter under the eaves of the tavern, close to its outer back wall.
"So, home then?" he asks, as Valdor returns and they discuss what to do next.
DM Jan Monday May 22nd, 2006 10:07:38 PM
The women stare, open-mouthed, as Valdor tells his tale, and it's hard to say what part of it causes the most astonishment. There is a collective gasp as the gems appear, including one from the barman who cranes his neck to see. "W- " says Mica, stopping when she realizes she is talking to thin air. The barman goes back to cleaning tankards. "I was only having a look," he sniffs grumpily.
Valdor steps outside into the backstreet to find his comrades and daughter stood waiting for him in the rain. As he talks, it's as though someone is whispering alongside him, quietly at first, something repeated over and over again, gaining strength, until - in the midst of the discussion -
There is a loud crack, and the Dragonstone's armour shifts, and that moulded, evil face on the surface of the chest plate suddenly becomes more pronounced. "Decora, ultimator, summonaru, Baatezu!" it yells out loud.
Dead Lich #4 had stayed quiet, curled up like a sleeping lizard in Valdor's head. Hadn't said a word, in fact, once it realized that to do so would put it in mortal danger. But the sheer ebullience and renewed good nature of the warrior had stuck in it's craw so much, to the point where it thought it might suffocate on it's own etheral vomit. Had to get out. Push. Regenerate. Push! Get help. And damn them all!
Valdor d20+20=35 Tuesday May 23rd, 2006 12:09:04 AM
Valdor is almost taken by surprise as he had finally calmed down...almost. He thrusts his daughter towards Dahlia and yells,"Mordrid, STAY ON KORRIG! Nick, Ve, Cori, destroy this thing!"
With many thousands of time taking on and off the armor, and using his Quickdraw ability in a way he never dreamed, he sheds the breastplate with a shrug and a twist and flings it across the alley.
He prays to Domi that it's just a part of his armor, and not of his own soul.
Ve Mundr d20+22=32 Tuesday May 23rd, 2006 12:39:14 PM
Ve's head snaps to the armor, "Summoning Spell, High Level, I got it" [Spell craft 32] Since the Summoning takes a full Round Ve will counter it with his Mass Heal spell.
With the Quicken Rod still in his Hand he will cast Bless as well and then stow the rod.
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Status Endure Elements 22 hours Protection Energy Fire 363.2 miutes Freedom of Movement 188.6 minutes Barkskin 87.6 minutes Extend Rod 1/3 Quicken Rod 2/3 [in hand]
Dahlia Tuesday May 23rd, 2006 5:14:45 PM
Taking Valdor's daughter as she is thrust at her Dahlia moves them both away from what is going on and once about 50 feet away asks her if she has ever used a crossbow before and then hands her, her already loaded crossbow If she has not ever used one before Dahlia gives her the crash course on loading aiming and firing one and then tells her that is something separates itself from Valdor to aim at it and pull the trigger, reload and fire again until I tell her to stop.
Corialote and Amarth Tuesday May 23rd, 2006 9:53:40 PM
Cori falls back and pulls the missile wand from the pocket of her Bill's Pants. Her mind pulls to her the first spell that is defensive and that will not cause any problems. As her voice intones the last word of power she lays her hand upon the shoulder of Valdora. "I have no spells for close combat...that will not kill us in the process." She can already tell that Ve is dealing with the summoning or at least trying to deal with it.
Looking to Valdora getting a crossbow she smiles and nods to the girl. "The spell will harden your skin and allow you to avoid some damage...though I will do my best to stop that." She keeps her stance near the young girl with Dahlia.
[stoneskin - Valdora]
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, tenser's floating disk(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(2)*, displacement(3)* 4th: stoneskin(3)*, greater invisibility(2)*, wall of ice 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk*, mass bull's strength*, maxamized fireball 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, mass invisibility, maxamized shout(2) 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange, time stop(2), summon monster IX
greater empower rod 2/3 uses * used
Mordrid Tuesday May 23rd, 2006 10:30:48 PM
The ranger slides over to Korrig in a heart beat, upon Valdor's words.
Quick drawing a bow, aimed at the assassins throat; he then puts a foot behind Korrig and pulls him to his rump. It is done in a fashion that would let Korrig know that it is being done gently, and would require his help. In this state a coupe de grace would be a simple thing.
"Korrig, you know you are going to get out of this, if our clergy have anything to say. So stay put and don't make me kill you."
Nick d20+2=14 2d6(3+5)+23=31 Wednesday May 24th, 2006 1:43:28 AM
Now that it's free and on the ground, Nick points an accusing finger at the emerging thing on Valdor's armour. "Begone foul creature! leave this place and let the blessed power of Alemi speed your passing!"
TURN UNDEAD
DM Jan Wednesday May 24th, 2006 2:01:44 AM
The chestplate flies through the air, bounces off the wall and skids to land in the mud, not too far from the back door of the tavern. A head, a hand, and part of a rotting, grotesque chest protrude from it. Spells fly through the air and Valdora almost drops the crossbow in her trembling hands as she feels several jolts of energy from the HEAL and the STONESKIN.
Senses are bombarded as several things happen at once - a strong feeling of wellbeing - the smell of burning flesh - the sight of raindrops sizzling on Valdor's thrown armour and the thing emerging from it turning black - the malevolence of its still glowing eyes, only to become hidden as the ruined hand covers its face - the soft thud as Korrig's knees hit the mud - a loud crash and the sound of splintered wood coming from inside the tavern, closely followed by the terrified screams of women.
Valdor d20+38=43 d20+37=46 d20+33=40 d20+32=38 d20+28=44 d20+28=36 d20+27=47 d20+27=37 d20+23=24 Wednesday May 24th, 2006 10:40:45 AM
Valdor, standing bare chested while the other cast their spells, Sees that it's not the armor, but it's coming out of the armor...HIS ARMOR! He feels angry at the violation of his symbolic, but very useful armor and decides to take matters back into his own hands. His daughter gets a quick glimpse of who her dad is over the next few seconds as his swords appear out f thin air into his hands and he lays into the beast coming from his armor with a vengeance.
Knowing it's semi-helpless matters not as he relentlessly slashes and hammers away at the lich, determined to destroy the thing that almost killed his girl. His muscles, slick with rain, stand out like cords with the effort. He ignores the screams until the lich is finally finished.
Nick Thursday May 25th, 2006 1:55:24 AM
Hoping the lich is suitably cowed and that Valdor can finish it off, Nick heads toward the tavern back door and the screaming coming from the interior.
Corialote and Amarth [haste] Thursday May 25th, 2006 12:31:20 PM
Cori has a sinking feeling that the summon spell got off anyways. She looks to Dahlia and nods to the young girl. "You got here?" She stows the wand and comes back out with a rod. Without waiting for a reply she sprints off in the direction of the tavern's back door and what is inside. As she moves along she calls to Nick. "Watch it Father...that summoning spell may have been targeted inside the tavern." Reaching into the pocket of her pants again she pulls out a potions that she drinks down.
[stoneskin - Valdora] [haste potion - 5rounds]
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, tenser's floating disk(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(2)*, displacement(3)* 4th: stoneskin(3)*, greater invisibility(2)*, wall of ice 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk*, mass bull's strength*, maxamized fireball 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, mass invisibility, maxamized shout(2) 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange, time stop(2), summon monster IX
greater empower rod 2/3 uses * used
DM Jan Thursday May 25th, 2006 1:06:35 PM
Valdora looks wildly at Dahlia, while still getting a proper grip on the crossbow. She wants to fire at something, but right now her father is in the way.
Valdor lays into the emerging lich partially embedded in his armour. The chestplate becomes even more buckled and distorted, and chips of bone fly. It's not done yet, although right now it seems to be unable to defend itself.
As Nick enters the tavern back door, closely followed by Cori, he finds the way blocked. Blocked by something massive. Was Ve's spell at least partially successful? There is a grey tail and huge clawed feet blocking the doorway, but it's hard to see because it looks as though, whatever this creature is, it is partially melded into one of the tavern interior walls. Floor-shaking thuds, coming from the other side of the wall would suggest this thing is trying to free itself. The terrified screaming, also coming from deeper inside the tavern, suggests that it might, at some point, be successful.
The thudding carries through the ground, so the others can feel it, too.
Korrig looks over his shoulder and up at Mordrid. With a sigh, and without sarcasm, he says - "If you need an extra sword..."
Dahlia d20+10=29 d20+10=23 d8+5=12 Thursday May 25th, 2006 5:26:06 PM
Nodding calmly to Valdora, Dahlia takes her in hand and moves a few feet to the side where she has a clean shot at the critter. Then steadying her aim she settles the girl down gets her breating smoothly and whispers for her to pull the trigger.
+5 silver bolts from a +5 crossbow Hits AC 29, crit threat AC 23 Damage 12
After firing the bolt she walks Valdora through the loading process for her next shot when able.
Ve Mundr d20+16=24 d20+20=36 Thursday May 25th, 2006 10:43:32 PM
Ve looks to Mordrid and to Korrig for a brief moment and then is after Cori. The counter did not quite work, but Ve had messed up that sort of thing before. The Wold would not coming crashing down around him for that. Besides there were a few other things to try. Without much to go on Ve's healthy knowledge of the Planes [24] does him little. What the casting was is far more important. The creature blocking the way is extra planar and likely a powerful demon, but here by magic and that magic could be dispelled.
Ve casts Greater Dispel Magic [Caster level check 36 against the summoned creature]
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Status Endure Elements 22 hours Protection Energy Fire 360.2 miutes Freedom of Movement 185.6 minutes Barkskin 84.6 minutes Extend Rod 1/3 Quicken Rod 2/3 [in hand]
Valdor d20+38=53 d20+37=56 d20+33=38 d20+32=45 d20+28=36 d20+27=43 d20+23=29 d20+22=34 d8+16=20 d8+16=24 d8+16=24 d8+16=24 d8+16=18 d8+16=19 d8+16=17 d8+16=19 Thursday May 25th, 2006 11:54:52 PM
Valdor, seeing the lich isn't able to defend itself yet, goes for the coup de grace and pummels the creature with vigor. He knows he has to finish it quickly and does his thing.
Mordrid Friday May 26th, 2006 4:44:56 AM
Mordrid snaps back at Korrig, "I wouldn't bestow the honor of letting you fight beside us."
The glint of sweat and rain on Valdor's broad shoulders reminds the ranger that his brother is in a significant amount of danger, as he has no plating to protect his skin (a terrible opportunity for a back attack).
Into the ear-piece, "Valdor, be mindful to not turn your back on Korrig."
Furthermore the ranger is agitated that he can not address the problem inside because he is bound to Korrig. His bow remains taught and directed at the villain.
Corialote and Amarth [haste] Friday May 26th, 2006 4:16:36 PM
Cori backs out of the doorway seeing as how there is no way through and sighs. She moves around the wall a little to get further away from the blockage. Calling upon her powers once again she intones a cantation that will allow her to get through the wall. "Open." She slowly pulls her closed hands apart as if opening something...hopefully the wall will respond well to her efforts. A few sesame seeds fall from her opening hands that seem to puff out of exhistance as they fall.
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, tenser's floating disk(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(2)*, displacement(3)* 4th: stoneskin(3)*, greater invisibility(2)*, wall of ice 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall* 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk*, mass bull's strength*, maxamized fireball 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, mass invisibility, maxamized shout(2) 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange, time stop(2), summon monster IX
greater empower rod 2/3 uses * used
Nick 10d6(3+2+6+5+5+2+4+5+6+4)=42 Sunday May 28th, 2006 2:24:17 AM
Nick is glad to see Ve and Cori. He has no idea what this thing is, but it's aura is turning his stomach. At close quarters like this, he tries something that hopefully won't do anything harmful to those around him - except for the creature. He gets as close as he can and casts HOLY SMITE DAM 42
DM Jan Sunday May 28th, 2006 3:10:39 AM
Inside the tavern -
The Platinum Dragons get to work and for an instant, magic hangs in the air. Then, with no monster to support it, the interior wall collapses into a pile of rubble and billowing dust. Dust and collapse is becoming a familiar thing, and once again Ve, Cori and Nick taste and breathe in thousands of tiny particles of stone and whatever else was packed in the walls. That tells them Ve's spell kicked in, and Cori's tunnel through the wall offers them a grisly sight, for the creature has left a calling card, in the form of a massive trident, driven hard through one of Mica's girls, pinning her to the floor. Blood is beginning to blossom from beneath her prone form.
Outside the tavern -
Valdor's hands continue with their work, power and accuracy are a part of their driving force, interwoven with a rather sinister, and growing every second, sense of enjoyment. It shows in his eyes, and on his face. Dahlia witnesses something similar happen to Valdora, as the guided bolts fly, one of which lodges itself into the crumbling, and now lifeless eye socket of the lich. Seeing the demise of the evil creature brings a wild grin onto the girl's face, and she turns to Dahlia, breathless. "Thank you!" she says, "I've never fired a crossbow before."
The screaming from inside appears to have stopped, although a cloud of dust is currently exiting the back door. Valdor's armour is a mangled piece of metal, the lich is now lifeless.
Korrig's reply to Mordrid comes with a raised eyebrow. "Everything is coming so easy to you all," he says levelly as the dust billows out of the back door, " but don't get too high and mighty Mordrid. We're not that different, you and I."
Valdor Sunday May 28th, 2006 11:41:33 PM
Seeing his armor mangled, he yells in frustration and kicks the breastplate and lich across the alley and into a wall. He turns to see his daughter smiling and grins himself for a moment. When he hears Korrig's words, he turns to the assassin and says,"Oh there is a big difference all right. Each man or woman follows their own road by choice. He COULD have become like you, but CHOSE not to. Just as you could have chosen to help people instead of killing for mere money. Evil doesn't bring power. Look at yourself and look at me. I could be evil if I wanted to. Would it bring me more power or glory or money or fame? No, it would not. Are you more powerful than I am? I doubt it. Do you have a family you can laugh with, and smile, and relax? No, Korrig will always have to watch his back for the next wanna-be assassin who would make his name by killing the number one assassin. I have no such fears, nor does my brother.
Do you even have anyone who would truly call you brother? I think not. Where are your friends? Your family? People fear you and your name, sure, but to what end? Do they respect you? No. They are two different things. However, I am no philosopher, and debate isn't my strong suit. But, no man or woman or living creature is too far gone to change. But the choice is yours, just as it was Mordrid's. He is a great man. He protects the weak, instead of taking advantage of them. And yet, he is wealthy, powerful, and respected across the Wold. Something YOU should consider trying. You might actually like it when people smile at you and tell you 'thank you'. Killing comes too easily to us all. There is no greater feeling than when you have helped someone in need. How do you feel when you kill? Empty? I do. Think on these things before you try to compare yourself to a man as great as Mordrid."
He walks back over to his daughter and, with tears again forming, hugs her close again.
Dahlia Monday May 29th, 2006 4:24:47 PM
"My dear, That was one outstanding shot. I think perhaps you may be a natural. You just helped prtect your father and the rest of us."
As Valdor approaches, Dahlia steps aside and walking over to where the remains of the lich are pours out 5 vials of holy water upon anything left of it. She then turns back and takes up a guard position nearby the father and daughter.
Mordrid Monday May 29th, 2006 11:46:16 PM
The ranger listens to what his brother has spoken. He nods solumnly. If only the part about no worries of assassins trying to take him out were true. Unfortunately there is always someone willing to have a go at it.
"Valdor, you had better go check out what is going on inside." He nods in the direction of Korrig as if to say he would do it himself if things were different.
"Korrig, you had better save your comments for later. Now is not the time nor place. You will have your chance to explain."
Mordrid is not sure how to internalize the look in Valdora's eyes. He had hoped that her path might be different than her father's. It's a dangerous and an all consuming line of work. Many can not fathom the self sacrifice involved. All he can muster is a pained look at Dahlia; it says do not encourage this.
Ve Mundr 3d8(6+8+2)+15=31 Tuesday May 30th, 2006 11:42:16 AM
Pointing to the girls form Ve reaches across the short distance with the speed of thought. Domi's touch alights on the womans form as Ve hopes it is not too late. [Quicken Cure Serious Wounds with Divine Reach Heals 31HP 39 if she is LG Alignment]
The rod, being expended for the day is returned to the Haversack as the cleric moves into the room and takes a knee beside the woman. .Ve chews his lip a bit and inhales deeply, with a long exhale. To no one inparticular, "Tell Valdor everything is under control within the tavern. Father Nicholas, if you can assume control here, I have a prisoner to tend to."
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Status Endure Elements 22 hours Protection Energy Fire 360.1 miutes Freedom of Movement 185.5 minutes Barkskin 84.5 minutes Extend Rod 1/3 Quicken Rod 3/3
Corialote and Amarth Tuesday May 30th, 2006 8:41:07 PM
Cori moves further into the room as she looks over the situation further. With the structure of this building declining fast she looks to those inside. "Those not hurt...move out into the street now." She moves to the pinned body and shakes her head as she does. "We will need someone to remove this weapon if we are to save this man...at least he is stable for now." She glances to Ve with a nod of thanks, as she realizes that she has suddenly taken command here.
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, tenser's floating disk(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(2)*, displacement(3)* 4th: stoneskin(3)*, greater invisibility(2)*, wall of ice 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall* 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk*, mass bull's strength*, maxamized fireball 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, mass invisibility, maxamized shout(2) 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange, time stop(2), summon monster IX
greater empower rod 2/3 uses * used
Nick Wednesday May 31st, 2006 12:58:12 AM
Nick dashes over to the body on the floor. What Ve did was probably necessary, but that trident had to come out. "Ve could you help me get this trident out before you go?" he asks. "It might take some strength." To the barman - "A napkin - quick! Roll it up then place it across her mouth, so she can bite on it if she comes around. But not so she'll choke, okay? Quickly!"
When the trident is out, he'll cast a quick CURE CRIT and take it from there.
DM Jan Wednesday May 31st, 2006 1:32:08 AM
Outside -
There is a loud, bubbling hiss as Dahlia sets to with the Holy Water, and slowly, the finely crafted, magnificent chestplate that has seen so many battles, dissolves into nothing. Valdora is fairly glowing after Dahlia's praise, and as she returns her father's hug fiercely, her current demeanor might cause Mordrid to continue his current line of thought. Was this just a family trait, or was it something more? Perhaps they'd all paid a price, one way or another, down in that pit with that thing. Right now the only one visibly affected appeared to be Nick, who - underneath all the dust that still clung to his features - seemed to have aged rapidly. But what of Valdor, and his daughter? There was a fire in that girl's eyes, that had been ignited as soon as she had loosed that cross bolt, and seen what it had been capable of. Yet another fire that would need careful tending it seemed. Maybe for the father, too.
Korrig answers Valdor with nothing but a stony glare. The look says all it needs to say about what Korrig considers to be Valdor's sanctimonious rantings.
At least the rain has stopped, and the sun is trying to break through the clouds.
Inside -
Ve Mundr's spell staunches the blood flow of the poor girl, and she begins to groan. Getting the trident out will prove tough, as the prongs have been fairly rammed into the wood floor beneath the body. The barman approaches gingerly with the napkin, but does as he's told. "Is this going to get messy?" he asks. "I've never had much stomach for blood." The other women back toward the door on Cori's orders, but they're reluctant to leave, obviously concerned for the girl on the floor. ((Who's touching the trident? Anyone? Anyone?))
((OOC - folks, Jerry's a bit concerned about our posting. It's partially my fault, I haven't been able to keep to a regular timetable this last week or so, and - I have a race coming up this weekend which knocks this Friday out. However, lets try and keep it tight, when and wherever we can. Thanks guys.))
SM - as long as we all are enjoying ourselves, what is there to be concerned about?
Mordrid Wednesday May 31st, 2006 7:51:28 PM
[Holds] Prepaired action - attack vs Korrig should he try escaping. More to come.
Corialote and Amarth Wednesday May 31st, 2006 10:11:36 PM
Cori moves over and takes the cloth from the owner of the bar and then motions to the hole she made in the wall. "Go...you will do no good here, if you are to faint." She looks to Nick with a sudden idea. "Would a hold person spell do the job to keep her still?" She has never though to use her spells in this way but it might work...at least she hopes.
Depending on what Nick has to say she will cast the spell upon the poor woman before she can regain too much awareness.
[hold person - Will DC 23; if spell is used]
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, tenser's floating disk(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(2)*, displacement(3)* 4th: stoneskin(3)*, greater invisibility(2)*, wall of ice 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall* 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk*, mass bull's strength*, maxamized fireball 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, mass invisibility, maxamized shout(2) 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange, time stop(2), summon monster IX
greater empower rod 2/3 uses * used
Valdor Thursday June 1st, 2006 12:07:14 AM
Valdor pays Korrig no more heed. He looks at his daughter and says,"I know you have been through much, but don't let killing ever come easy to you. Of course, that thing wasn't anything short of an abomination, and it WAS a great shot. We'll teach you more about self defense when we get home and rest up. I know a thing or two about most weapons. You did well."
He keeps his arm around her, knowing that if his help is needed, Nick or Cori would let him know. He turns to Mordrid and says,"Well, that stinks. I'll need some new armor now. That was such a work of art that I'm sick. Oh well, not my first armor and won't be my last."
He reaches into his backpack of holding and pulls out a shirt. With some difficulty from his wet skin, he manages to get the shirt on. He waits with his daughter for the others to come out or call.
Nick d20=20 Thursday June 1st, 2006 1:54:28 AM
"Stand by, Cori, just in case," says Nick, and attempts to pull out the trident (ohhhh 20 on STR roll), quickly, then apply healing spells.
If all goes well, he'll help the girl to her feet, reassure those gathered that all is well, then head out back just to make sure he wasn't telling any lies.
DM Jan Thursday June 1st, 2006 2:10:13 AM
The trident comes out of the girl's torso with a sharp jerk, the girl draws in breath to scream, and blood starts to well up, and then the healing spells kick in. The barman is now stood with the rest of the women near the door. They are all looking on apprehensively, until it becomes apparent that the girl will stop bleeding and live. Mica rushes forward with a shawl and draws the girl back into the group. They are all stunned, in shock, after the devil creature had materialized in their midst, and it is obvious they have never seen such a thing before.
As for the trident, it looks ordinary enough, but it feels unnatural - like touching an unlikely mixture of velvet and oil. It feels - bad.
To those going back outside to rejoin the others - it appears that everything is under control. The liches are dealt with - finally.
And so - what next for our heroes?
Ve Mundr Thursday June 1st, 2006 2:46:09 PM
Cori seems to be taking teh situation in hand and will be able to lend Nicholas plenty of help, "It looks as if Cori has and you have things well in hnad Father, Valdor charged me with Korrig and I must see to him."
Ve moves back outside and holds a hand up. "A summoned Devil is all, likely an Ice Devil from the weapon it left." Which was strange, normally a summoned creature and all possessions would return to origin. Perhaps it was a gate and he misread the spell while it was cast. It would explain both the trident still being here and the partial failure on the counterspell. Well then that must be it. "It appears there was only a single casualty and Father Nicholas is attending her wound now. I would expect a complete recovery on her part."
Ve nods to Mordrid, "I thank you for the assistance in watching my charge." the cleric takes a stance over Korrig at this point and looks to Valdor, "Before things get more exciting we should be off to the one you spoke of for judgement on Korrig."
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Status Endure Elements 22 hours Protection Energy Fire 355.1 miutes Freedom of Movement 180.5 minutes Barkskin 79.5 minutes Extend Rod 1/3 Quicken Rod 3/3
Valdor Thursday June 1st, 2006 11:32:33 PM
Valdor nods to Ve and waits for the others to exit before he replies,"I'm ready, but what of the others' possessions and loved one's remains and such? I believe there was more than just my daughter's health and life at stake."
Corialote and Amarth Thursday June 1st, 2006 11:42:04 PM
Cori watches as the woman they met earlier rushes back in to take care of her friend. She looks around at the building for a few seconds and then to Nick. "You ok Nick...want something to get that out of here so you do not need to touch it?" A weapon like this is not something to mess with when other things are going on and Nick's appearance is enough to tell anyone that something is going on.
If Nick wants it she will summon up a floating disk that the trident can be set upon and transported out of this building.
Amarth has been strangely quiet as his Mistress has worked. Maybe he has fallen asleep or speechless for once.
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, tenser's floating disk(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(2)*, displacement(3)* 4th: stoneskin(3)*, greater invisibility(2)*, wall of ice 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall* 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk*, mass bull's strength*, maxamized fireball 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, mass invisibility, maxamized shout(2) 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange, time stop(2), summon monster IX
greater empower rod 2/3 uses * used
Nick Friday June 2nd, 2006 2:21:35 AM
Nick is grateful to Cori, for her suggestion about the trident. he really didn't want to leave it there, but he certainly didn't like touching it either. A nasty piece of work.
As they rejoin the others, he catches Valdor's last comment. He knows nothing about this, and looks puzzled.
DM Jan Friday June 2nd, 2006 2:32:27 AM
The trident is brought outside via Cori's spell. It's a big weapon, the workmanship certainly seems admirable, but it bears a slick sheen of evil that any seasoned adventurer's sixth sense would recognize.
Valdor's comments might jog a few memories, the liches lure had indeed included something apparently taken from some the others. It had of course been presented to the group when Nick and Ve were absent. Were the liches merely bluffing? There was certainly no evidence, and no one Cori and Dahlia would have recognized in that now buried cavern. Just a cruel trick? The answer may well have died with the liches.
Korrig attempts to stand. "Getting cramp," he grumbles.
Valdora starts shivering.
Dahlia Friday June 2nd, 2006 8:09:45 AM
Valdor, I can not speak for the others, but my foster father has been dead for years. It may be that Korrig had something to do with that and if so that is another notch added to what I already owe him in due measure. I for one, did not go looking for a possible reunion as I knew he was dead. I went to help those that I knew were still alive.
Mordrid Friday June 2nd, 2006 11:24:40 AM
Mordrid points at Korrig, "First things first."
Corialote and Amarth Friday June 2nd, 2006 1:37:59 PM
Cori floats the disk outside of the building, though it holds a trident on it. Just being this close to it makes her feel unclean. "If Nick and Ve agree...this thing should be destroyed at the earliest opportunity." She does not even want to imagine teleporting anywhere with it. She just catches the end of the conversation as she comes out as well. "If my Teacher's body was in there it is once again buried...may he rest in peace once again."
Amarth gives a light snore from the shoulder of his Mistress, mixed with a couple of snorts. It appears that the raven has fallen asleep. Must have been all the excitement.
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, tenser's floating disk(2)*, ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(2)*, displacement(3)* 4th: stoneskin(3)*, greater invisibility(2)*, wall of ice 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall* 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk*, mass bull's strength*, maxamized fireball 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, mass invisibility, maxamized shout(2) 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange, time stop(2), summon monster IX
greater empower rod 2/3 uses * used
Valdor Friday June 2nd, 2006 2:44:47 PM
Valdor nods to the others and says,"We're off to back home again. Let's head straight to see Sturdevant, then home after we take care of this mess."
He places the ring over his finger, then Valdora's, then Korrig's, then passes it around until getting it back. Holding his daughter tightly in a hug, he pictures the front of their castle, and away they go. He glances with concern at Father Nick just before they teleport.
Dahlia Saturday June 3rd, 2006 9:11:49 AM
Dahlia slips the ring on in turn and soon finds herself standing in front of where she calls home.
Ve Mundr Monday June 5th, 2006 9:34:33 AM
Ve slips on the ring and has it put on Korrig. The cleric does nothing as Korrig stands, the man is not going very far. Ve notes Valdora's condition Might there be an affect lingering upon my person that I am as of yet unaware? It is a sombering thought, Cori's question relieves him from pondering it for a time.
"She is right in that we certainly can not leave the vile weapon here." The weapon currently is on a disk and Ve thinks that is a fine place for it at the moment. "When we get to the castle, It is a weapon like any other in some regards. Valdor should be able to Sunder it without undue difficulty. We should do it there, however incase there are unforseen consequences. This place has seen enough of those."
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Status Endure Elements 22 hours Protection Energy Fire 350.1 miutes Freedom of Movement 175.5 minutes Barkskin 74.5 minutes Extend Rod 1/3 Quicken Rod 3/3
Nick Monday June 5th, 2006 8:18:36 PM
Nick is in agreement with Cori and Ve with regard to the weapon. It couldn't be left behind for possible innocents to find. He gathers with the others and takes the ring for a moment, and passes it on. Now why was Valdor looking at him like he'd just grown an extra head?
DM Jan Monday June 5th, 2006 8:55:31 PM
Osto -
Toby slips down the alley that leads to the back of the Tail of the Lizard tavern. Sometimes it was quicker this way, and he was more likely to get in the tavern through the kitchen door anyway. Most of the time, men wouldn't let him in at the front, and Val Dere had told him - he had to deliver these hastily scrawled leaflets to every place in town. And seeing that Toby now has three silver in his pocket, then he is going to do just that. But around the corner, he stops. There were people stood there, outside the back door. Tall people, covered in dust, with some pretty impressive weaponry. They were talking. Odd accents. Something about going home. Maybe if he just walked quietly along the wall - no, others were coming, out of the tavern back door. Now what? Toby wonders if they might want a leaflet. He stands at the corner, watching as they pass what looks like a ring amongst themselves, all the while his hands are busy, folding and re-folding one of the leaflets. His face breaks out a cheeky grin. One of the wizards kids said that if you folded a piece of paper this way, it would fly like a bird. Well - here goes nothing. He aims the folded paper point first - and throws - and then he stands there staring - as those big dusty people, and his paper leaflet, abruptly disappear.
Plateau City -
The trident drops with a loud clatter on the courtyard cobbles of Gold Dragon Castle, announcing the arrival of the Platinum Dragons to a couple of guards stood by the main keep steps. For a second or so, the men are taken aback by the sight of their employers, covered head to toe in dust and looking bone weary. They quickly recover their composure however and give the group a formal bow, but not before exchanging a glance to one another - what have they been up to, now?
The breeze twitches at Cori's cloak, and a strangely folded piece of paper drops to the ground.
Korrig flexes his muscles slightly in his bonds and looks around. Ah yes, he recognizes this place. In his mind he knows every floor, every room, every door, every window - memorized from plans and blueprints, reports both verbal and written, all of which had cost a fortune. Estimates of the extent of magical protection had cost even more. All paid for up front on the assumption that one day, someone would want these adventurers dead, and they would call in the best. A tiny smile flickers across his face. It's there, and then gone in an instant. So, where were they going - Sturtavent? He hoped the old rascal was in a lenient mood. Should he be worried? Maybe. Looking to the others, he wonders if they all know what Sturtavent really is. It was highly possible. You didn't get to this level of the game unless you knew a few things. You didn't stay in this game with your sanity intact unless you knew exactly what it was all about, either. Pawns in a dragon game. Every man and woman stood here.
In comparison to the humidity of Osto, Plateau City's dry, fresh air smells wonderful, but has the effect of irritably hardening the dust caked to everyone's faces.
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