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Atonement Walks on Six Legs
Bugs on the Trail


Nightfall (DM Cayzle) 
Thursday November 10th, 2005 10:55:03 AM
The Windhorn Hamleteers head off into the Wilds to search for the Sage who has taken elves captive. The Spirit of the Fae King begged them to save the elves, so a-questing they shall go!

The party continues to walk in the direction indicated by Tratain. But after a day of walking (about eight miles, given the terrain and speed of the slower party members), there is no sign that you are any closer to where you want to be.

Night falls. Watches? Preparations?

[OOC: This is the Wednesday DM Post. Sorry for the delay!]

Feng 
Thursday November 10th, 2005 6:25:06 PM
"I'll take watch all night. All I need is two hours sleep in the morning thanks to my ring of sustenance. Plus I've had the benefit of riding on horseback during the days trek."

Monthor 
Thursday November 10th, 2005 8:52:13 PM
" Fine with me princess. See all of you girls in the morning then. "

:: Monthor finds a spot under a nice tree and bunks down. ::

Tratain 
Thursday November 10th, 2005 10:29:45 PM
Tratain Sleeps Early and then Watches for the rest of the night. In the Morning he Prays for his spells, and casts his usuall spell on himself.

OOC DM Cayzle 
Friday November 11th, 2005 7:37:10 AM
Only three posts? What's up, friends? I'll post in a couple hours for Thursday.

Still waiting for PC sheets for Renik, Sarigar, and Draax. (But Stan did write to me.)

Renik 
Friday November 11th, 2005 7:41:16 AM
Thanking his companions Renik takes the opportunity to get a full night's rest. He wakes early, performs his usual meticulous ablutionst, and then readies his gear for the journey ahad. He hums to himself as he does so, clearly in a cheery mood about something.

As they eat their morning meal he asks Tratain if it is worth attempting the Find the Path spell again to ensure they are still on the correct route.

"I'm a little concerned at the distance we are travelling. For all we know the Fae King could be mistaken or misleading us. This sage could be on the far side of the continent for all we know. I wish we had some other ay of establishing his whereabouts."

(OOC: You should have a sheet for Renik Cayzle. Let me know if it needs resending)

Sarigar and Black Paws 
Friday November 11th, 2005 11:01:17 AM
Sarigar shrugs at Renik's question, "The world's just not right. The mother should be here, now all this King stuff, it's just not right."

As night comes, As is typical for the brothers, they each sleep on and off through the night, mainly out of habit and mutual protection. With no way, other than their noses, ears, eyes and tongues to find the sage, the brothers offer no suggestions for finding him.

ooc: Sorry, kinda been letting my personal RL feelings bleed in to Sarigar. I'll try to curb that. As for my sheet, my motivation level has been in the toilet for the better part of 2 weeks now, but I'll try to stir up enough to get it done before the end of the weekend.

Arien 
Friday November 11th, 2005 12:24:19 PM
Arien enters trance as normal and after that rests until the rest of the group is up and about. Then he memorizes spells and casts Mage Armor upon himself.

Draax 
Friday November 11th, 2005 3:03:21 PM
Draax will get some rest and joins Feng for the latter part of the watch. "Wonder if our bug man is living like a bug. He could be underground or in a cave or maybe an illusion. All just guesses, but I am also concerned about how far we have traveled."

Night Attack (DM Cayzle)  d4=1 (random DM roll) d20+16=18 (foe's hide check on approach) d20+32=38 (att on Feng) d6+4=7 (sting damage) d8=6 9poss Con damage) 3d6(2+6+6)=14 (bee hurt in losing stinger) d100=63 (roll ofr random chance Sarigar is awake -- nope)
Friday November 11th, 2005 3:14:35 PM

While Feng is on watch, he finds himself under attack by an invisible silent flying foe. If he can make a spot check vs DC18, then he is not surprised.

The flying bug, as it turns out to be, hits AC38 with uncanny accuracy. The attack spoils the creature's invisibility, and you see that it is a Large Bee! As big as a horse! Feng also notes that the creature is surrounded by a zone of silence!

The sting hurts (7 hp damage), and the bee's stinger is lodged in Feng. Make a Fort save vs DC18 or take 6 pts Con damage.

The bee's stinger has been ripped out of its body, injuring it (the bee takes 14 damage) and depriving it of an attack. The stinger is still pumping poison into Feng!

The bee, now right next to Feng, still emits silence in a 10-foot radius. it is AC 15.

Feng can act, although he starts the round in silence. Arien, in Trance, can act. Sarigar does not happen to be awake.

Everyone else has no reason to wake, at least not until Arien and Feng act, if then.

[OOC: This is the "Thursday" DM post. There will be a "Friday" post this weekend.]

Monthor 
Saturday November 12th, 2005 7:07:41 PM
Monthor snores... loudly... and dreams of beer... that's it... beer....

Draax 
Saturday November 12th, 2005 8:05:31 PM
If alerted of the danger, Draax will jump up and ready his bow as he scans for the source. If not alerted of the danger Draax will continue to rest until time for the last watch.

Tratain  d20+11=17
Saturday November 12th, 2005 9:05:38 PM
Tratain Sleeps unless Awoken. If He wakes up he grabs his warhammer and shield and looks for danger. (Spot 17)

Renik 
Sunday November 13th, 2005 4:21:25 AM
Renik dreams he is in a play, an actor playing the part of famed adventurer Renik Dacour in an epic production of the Hamleteer's adventures. Taking his cue he marches onto the stage and brandishes a pair of balsa wood shortswords.

"Yield, Fae king!" he cries melodramatically, to cheers from the crowd. "Yield or be cut down!"

Hands man the winches, and "Renik" is hoisted gracefully into the air on his harness, to suitably astonished gasps and applause. An excitable young lady on the front row swoons.

Smiling in his sleep, the rogue dreams on.



Arien  d20+10=26 d20+10=24 d20+10=12 d20+10=28
Sunday November 13th, 2005 12:56:30 PM
Arien, seeing the large sized bee jumps up with a shout of warning to everyone else. He then casts a Maxamized (through the rod) Scorching Ray at the bee.

(First ray hits touch AC 26 (22 if he is melee), Second Ray hits Touch AC 24 (20 in melee), and Third hits Touch AC 28 (24 in melee)used an action point on the last attack to reroll it. Each ray does 24 fire damage for a total of 72 fire damage if they all hit the bee.)

Fried Bee (DM Cayzle) 
Sunday November 13th, 2005 3:29:08 PM

Arien's shout rouses the camp. But his spell does the trick, and the bee ends up a charred bit of black.

Feng still has the initial poison coursing through his body (need that fort save vs DC18), and the stinger is still pulsing in his flesh.

[OOC: This is the "Friday" DM Post. I'll post next on Monday night or after everyone else posts, whichever comes first.]

Draax  d20+7=24
Sunday November 13th, 2005 11:45:11 PM
Draax jumps up when he hears the shout and readies his bow as he looks for the danger. Noticing the crispy remains of the bug, Draax scans the area for any other creatures (spot check 24).

"If that charred thing is a bug as I suspect it to be, then we are probably on the right track."

Tratain  d20+16=22
Sunday November 13th, 2005 11:48:30 PM
Tratain Goes over to Feng and Pulls out the stinger and Treats him so that the poison will not effect him again. If everything settles down again he will go back to sleep untill rested and then watch for the rest of the night.

Heal Check to Treat Poison 22 Vs DC 18

Renik  d20+3=16
Monday November 14th, 2005 9:58:04 AM
The rogue checks with Tratain on Feng's state, then concurs with Draax.

"Aye, it would seem our appoach has been observed. It could only have been our quarry, what with the magical protections cast upon the creature. I think it might not hurt to stock up on a few scrolls of False Vision; it seems our magical opponents are regularly all too aware of our actions. And this also highlights the inadequacies of our nightly watches. I think from now on we need to consider warding our camps somehow. Are either of you able to do that?" the rogue asks of the party spellcasters

Having dealt with the defensive Renik now switches to the offensive. "Arien, would a detect magic spell be able to follow the path this invisible, silenced creature took? Might we trace it back to where the spells were cast? And might such a pursuit be done as readily in the morning as now?

Also we should consider this; spells have a limited duration. How long could this creature have been kept invisible or silenced? 15 minutes? Half an hour? Arien, you will know the details better than me, but I believe this attack must mean we are quite close to our quarry. We may even be under observation right now."

Renik atempts to work out how far the creature could have travelled whilst under the effect of the spells (Int 16).

Aware that the spellcasters need time to prepare their spells, Renik is willing to remain at the camp for the night. But he remains on watch for the remainder of the night.

Monthor 
Monday November 14th, 2005 10:41:41 AM
:: At Arien's warning, Monthor jumps up and, with axe blazing, runs towards Feng. The dwarf gets quite upset once he sees that the fight is already over.

" ME MISSED A FREY! NOOOOOO!!! "

Taking his guardian duties seriously, Monthor stands defensively over Tratain and Feng as the cleric heals the paladin.

" Well girls, guess we now keep two guards up at all times. Could the creature's abilities be innate and not outside spells? This may have nothing to do with Serge at all? Maybe the bee was just attracted to Feng's sweet smell? "



Sarigar and Black Paws  d20+21=35 d20+17=25
Monday November 14th, 2005 11:26:10 AM
Shocked to consciousness so quickly, the brothers are momentarily dazed, but as they come to their senses, the take a good sniff of any part of the bee's body that is not burned. Then then begin to immediately sniff around the area to pick up the scent of where it came from (Survival: Tracking 35/25).

Feng (118/ 125 HP AC 23)  d20+15=21
Monday November 14th, 2005 5:29:24 PM
"Thanks. Not sure where that bee came from. I hope there aren't any more. A swarm of those things would be quite deadly to deal with. I wonder if our camp intruded on its domain or something."

Magic or Magicked? (DM Cayzle)  2d6(1+6)=7
Monday November 14th, 2005 7:28:25 PM

Feng resists the poison (please make a second save after one minute), and Tratain pulls out the stinger, which causes some damage on the way out (7 hp). The organ, in Tratain's hand or dropped on the ground, continues pulsing poison.

Drax and Sarigar cast around looking for others or a path back or some other clue. There are no other silent invisible bees to be found. Black Paws gets a scent to follow, but a short investigation reveals a random pattern of movement, rather than flight in a straight line.

Renik is worried that a nearby mage magicked up the bee. Monthor, revealing a keener mind than one might have thought considering his usual focus on beer and jokes, thinks that maybe the bee was inherently magic.

Either way, Feng makes the insightful comment that while one of these bees was not much of a challenge, a whole hive of them might pose a problem!

It is early in the evening. Any special preparations for the rest of the night's repose?

Draax 
Tuesday November 15th, 2005 6:52:07 AM
"I agree if we can ward the camp we should. I suggest those that need rest take it. I will get a few hours sleep when the spellcasters get up."

Draax sticks three arrows head first into the dirt and leans on his bow as he scans the area while keeping watch.

Feng (125/ 125 AC 230  d20+15=21
Tuesday November 15th, 2005 10:04:57 AM
Feng places his hand over the nasty wound and calls upon the divine energy to heal it.

"I shall continue to keep watch as well. The bee was a minor problem as I am now fine."

ooc: second save 21

Monthor 
Tuesday November 15th, 2005 2:08:15 PM
"Well if everyone's staying up me be going back to sleep. "

And he does.

Monthor goes back to bed at the foot of a tree. His cross bow close at hand and his battle axe craddled up against his chest.

" Me wouldnt' be creeping up on me if me was youz. Keep covered and with an eye to the sky. They may be more coming back. "



Sarigar and Black Paws 
Tuesday November 15th, 2005 2:12:05 PM
The brothers settle back in, rotating their sleep, one sleeping, one awake through the rest of the night.

Renik  d20+14=26 d20+14=34
Tuesday November 15th, 2005 6:01:36 PM
"A swarm of the things? Naturally silent and invisible? Well aren't you boys a golden ray of sunshine? Anyone ever tell you you're the glass half empty type?" grins Renik at Feng and Monthor.

"Still, we'd best be prepared. Can we ward our camp or not? If not (or even if we can) can See Invisible or some sort of Detect Magic be cast on myself and the other lookouts with sufficient duration to last us until morning?"

The rogue keeps his senses keenly alert for the remainder of the night (Listen 26, Spot 34).



Tratain 
Wednesday November 16th, 2005 9:17:01 AM
Tratain rests for the rest of the Time he needs, then stands watch and prepares for comming battle.

Monthor addition? 
Wednesday November 16th, 2005 9:34:34 AM
" Oh and let's build up a fire. Smoke keeps bugs away. "

ooc> Unless someone else does Monthor builds up a fair size camp fire before going back to sleep.



A Sunny and Bug-Free Morning (DM Cayzle) 
Wednesday November 16th, 2005 10:12:30 AM

The rest of the night passes with no interruption.

In the morning it is sunny and beautiful. The sky is crystal blue, and there is a light, refreshing breeze. The wooded hills are fresh and verdant. But the charred corpse of the large bee remain as a reminder of the night's danger. Surely the party must be getting closer to the home of the Sage.

How will you proceed onward today?

Arien (Mage Armor) 
Wednesday November 16th, 2005 2:24:43 PM
Arien has to rest a bit longer than normal due to the excitment during the night. But after that he memorizes spells and casts Mage Armor upon himself. Arien waits for a marching order to be determined and then sets out.

Sarigar and Black Paws  d20+32=50 d20+18=33 d20+27=32 d20+18=21 d20+21=27 d20+17=31
Wednesday November 16th, 2005 3:59:27 PM
Once everyone is awake and ready, the brothers lead out in search of the Sage. With the excitement from the night before, they do take a little precaution and keep to the underbrush (Hide 50/33, Move Silently 32/21, Survival: Tracking 27/31)

Feng 
Wednesday November 16th, 2005 10:16:14 PM
After clearning the camp Feng calls his trusty warhorse from his planar home. "Let's finish this and head home."

Draax 
Wednesday November 16th, 2005 11:11:27 PM
Draax catches a couple of hours of sleep during the latter part of the night. In the morning he get ready to move out. "Same marching order as before?" If the group uses the same marching order Draax will resume his position as rearguard.

Renik  d20+14=27 d20+14=27
Thursday November 17th, 2005 4:52:26 AM
Renik looks up at the sky and closes his eyes, letting the morning sun warm his face. He enjoys the brief moments of peace before turning his mind once more to the job at hand.

"Aye, same as before" nods Renik to Draax. "Though I'd really like one of us to have some method of detecting invisible creatures as we travel. If there are any more of those things out there we'll have no way of anticipating an attack."

As they move out Renik does his best to keep alert to danger (Spot 27, Listen 27), but is aware that mundane senses will be of little use against magically silenced and invisible foes. He keeps his Blinking ring activated as he walks, hoping it will afford some protection in case of attack.

The Plot (and the Underbrush) Thickens (DM Cayzle) 
Thursday November 17th, 2005 7:32:45 AM

The group heads onward in a the same general direction as yesterday. As they walk, the trees grow more thickly, and the bramble gets a little more dense. Only Sarigar is not slowed by the underbrush.

You find a game trail, like that made by deer. That's not actually surprising -- in fact, you often come upon trails like that in the woods, and your DM would usually not bother to remark upon it. But this trail does not peter out, and it has splits in it from time to time. If you were to stay on the trail, and others that join it, you would make much better time. Or you might prefer to continue stumbling noisily around in the thickets.

If you make a Know(Nature) or Survival or Int check vs DC20, then Please Highlight to display spoiler: {You realize that there are no signs of deer or other large trail-making animals nearby. No willow shoots or birch-bark that has been nibbled. No scat, no bits of fur on bramble-thorns, no hoof or paw prints.}

Renik  d20+3=23
Thursday November 17th, 2005 9:56:48 AM
Renik comes to a halt when they reach the trail. He kneels down and carefully examines the path, quickly reaching the conclusion this was not made by your normal woodland creatures (Int 23). He speaks quietly to his companions.

"Have you noticed? There is no sign of plants being eaten, no fur snagged on branches. Whatever made this path was no deer. Given what we know I think it's safe to assume this path was made by the Sage's giant insects. Which means it should lead us directly to our foe. I say we take it.

It also means we are more likely than ever to encounter opponents, so be on your guard, friends. Sarigar, scout ahead, alert us if you spot anything. Everyone else, stick close together.

If we do get into a fight our priority has to be preventing anything from getting back to the Sage and alerting him of our arrival."

He rises and prepares to move out.

Monthor  d20+1=20
Thursday November 17th, 2005 11:12:21 AM
" Why yes, me did notice that Renik (20). There be no signs of deer or other large trail-making animals nearby. No willow shoots or birch-bark that has been nibbled. No scat, no bits of fur on bramble-thorns, no hoof or paw prints. "

ooc> :-)

" Feng's smell has likely alerted everything within the next 5 miles that we're on the way. Me will be staying down wind of our friend paladin."

" Let's stay on the path and face straight on whatever's coming out. Me got a boot load of arse whooping for Serge when we do find him.


Sarigar and Black Paws  d20+21=36 d20+17=33 d20+21=35 d20+17=25 d20+32=34 d20+18=38 d20+27=38 d20+18=23
Thursday November 17th, 2005 11:28:39 AM
The lack of signs on the trail stand out to the brothers like a bright light (Survival 36/33). Sarigar is noticably shocked when Renik is the one that notices what they're seeing (or not seeing). The brothers take a few moments to investigae what really made the trails to get a better idea if they're following the right path (Survival: Tracking 35/25).

Sarigar nods to Renik at the suggestion that they scout ahead, and without a word and barely a sound, they duck and weave through the brambles as they go off the trails. They keep the trails in sight so as to catch any potential threats off guard (Hide 34/38, Move Silently 38/23) and scout ahead of the rest of the pack a few hundred feet.

Draax  d20+1=18
Thursday November 17th, 2005 2:18:49 PM
Draax kneel down and examines the trail. He nods his head in agreement with the others as if he too noticed what the others are talking about. Draax remains silent; signs of nature has always eluded him and he is not willing to admit that he does not see what the others have noticed (int 18), even the dwarf.

Feng 
Friday November 18th, 2005 2:15:06 AM
Lacking the wilderness knowledge that the others have, Feng simply rides along quietly behind the others.

Tratain 
Friday November 18th, 2005 9:54:07 AM
Tratain follows along with the others, trusting the Trackers of the party to find the hideout they are looking for.

The path ahead (DM Cayzle)  d2=1 (roll for direction of encounter)
Friday November 18th, 2005 10:39:48 AM
Sticking to the trail -- the trail that to Sarigar's trained eye seems pretty clearly created by creatures with six feet -- the party gets a lucky break. A group of large insects is approaching the Hamleteers, and, as luck would have it, from the direction in which the group is travelling, NOT from behind.

The party is on a ten-foot wide trail. There is rough bramble on either side, with trees. Per Renik's Nov. 8 post, the party is arrayed like this:

Sarigar and Blackpaws
(200 foot gap)
Renik
Feng on warhorse directly behind
(10 foot gap)
Tratain
(10 foot gap)
Arien
(10 foot gap)
Monthor and Draax side by side

Sarigar, the ants are moving fast at 50. They are walking, not hustling, though. They are about 100 feet away. They are oblivious to you, although if you make a Knowledge nature (or Int) check vs. DC15. Please Highlight to display spoiler: {You suspect that no amount of hiding will conceal you if you are close enough to those quivering antennae.}

Altogether you have maybe about a half a minute before they sight the main group.

Sarigar and Black Paws  d20+16=21 d20+10=16 d20+32=44 d20+18=22 d20+27=32 d20+18=21
Friday November 18th, 2005 12:46:47 PM
Spotting the ants and suspecting that they might sense them (Knowledge: Nature 21/16), the brothers back further away from the path and angle toward the pack, trying to get enough distance that they shouldn't be sensed.

Once they've got solid cover (a tree for instance) from the ants' eyes, they will reveal themselves to Renik and the others to let them know that something's coming. Using fairly crude hand signals, Sarigar tries his best to convey numbers and roughly what they are.

After alearting the others, they conceal themselves once again (Hide 44/22, Move Silently 32/21) and try to shadow the ants from what they feel is a safe distance to prevent being detected. They attempt to maneuver in behind the ants as best as possible without leaving too much distance to the pack to leave them without help.

Arien (Mage Armor) 
Friday November 18th, 2005 3:21:17 PM
"Renik, shall we fight or do we try to hide from these creatures? If the bee was any indication these creatures will be quite strong but should be fairly easy to kill." Arien waits for Renik's decision before taking any actions.

Renik  d20+3=22 d20+21=34 d20+24=44
Friday November 18th, 2005 6:08:27 PM
Renik nods curtly at Sarigar's information and watches him vanish silently into the trees. Coming to a swift decision he answers Arien in a hushed voice, pointing into the undergrowth.

"The Sage may be in some sort of mental contact with them. Let's avoid battle if possible, let them past us. Forty feet into the brush everyone, quick and quiet as you can. If they spot us, attack. Sarigar and I will cut off their retreat." (OOC: Int 22 to be aware of Scent ability. If the wind is blowing across the path he will indicate the party move downwind of the ants.)

Renik slips silently into the shadows of the undergrowth, raising the hood of his cloak and drawing both blades. He seems to melt from sight. (Move Silent 34, Hide 44)

Monthor  d20+3=7 d20+4=6
Friday November 18th, 2005 8:17:48 PM
" Moi, move silently? DOH!"

ooc> Well, the move silently role is a 7 and the hide role a 6. Big and clumsy.

:: Monthor follows instructions and heads, axe in hand, 40 feet into the brush. ::

Draax 
Saturday November 19th, 2005 1:34:14 AM
Draax agrees with Monthor about his assessment on moving silently, but he moves with the others to get out of the path of the ants. When he gets about 45 feet away from the trail, Draax kneels down and readies his bow as he scans the area for any of the ants friends.

Trouble passes by (DM Cayzle) 
Saturday November 19th, 2005 5:48:52 PM

The party high-tails it into the bramble, hiding as best they can. At 20 feet from the trail, you have concealment, and 40 feet away, you have total concealment.

Anyone who wants to be 45 feet or more off the trail is safe from all view, but similarly can see nothing that is on the trail.

If anyone wants to be closer, then decide how far from the road you want to be. Decide now, before reading further.

If you want to be between 20 and 40 feet off the road, then Highlight to display spoiler: {You need to make a Hide check with a bonus of +5. Also make a Spot check.}
-- If your Spot check is 10 or better, then Please Highlight to display spoiler: {You see that a party of Large Giant Ants passes by on the trail.}
-- If your Spot check is 15 or better, then Please Highlight to display spoiler: {You see that a party of four Large Giant Ants passes by on the trail.}
-- If your Spot check is 20 or better, then Please Highlight to display spoiler: {You see that a party of four Large Giant Ants passes by on the trail. One is being ridden by a humanoid.}
-- If your Spot check is 30 or better, then Please Highlight to display spoiler: {You see that a party of four Large Giant Ants passes by on the trail. One is being ridden by an orc. The orc has on a helmet with a weird visor.}
-- If your Spot check is 40 or better, then Please Highlight to display spoiler: {You see that a party of four Large Giant Ants passes by on the trail. One is being ridden by an orc. The orc has on a tight-fitting black helmet with a visor that looks like two huge bug eyes. Or is that his head?}

If you want to be within 20 feet of the road, then Highlight to display spoiler: { You see that a party of four Large Giant Ants passes by on the trail. One is being ridden by an orc. The orc has on a helmet with a weird visor. The wants wave their feelers around sense you nearby. They leave the trail to close with you. We are entering combat. What do you do?}

Monthor  d20+9=15 d20-1=4
Sunday November 20th, 2005 1:10:45 PM
Monthor starts to get fidgety in the back (40 feet away as previously posted) and whispers to no one in particular...

{ What's going on? Me can't see anything! }

[Hide, 15, spot 4]

Monthor remains blind to the entire situation.



Feng  d20+1=3
Monday November 21st, 2005 10:32:19 AM
Feng dismounts and walks his warhorse into the bramble. He goes back as far as he can. Unfortunately his view of the trail was blocked by his massive warhorse.

Sarigar and Black Paws  d20+17=35 d20+17=31 d20+32=41 d20+18=25 d20+27=38 d20+18=30 d20+19=38 d20+17=24 d20+3=17 d20+6=22
Monday November 21st, 2005 11:11:38 AM
AS the brothers carefully shadow the ants, they try to get a better look at what they are (Spot 35/31). Seeing the orc, Sarigar "talks" with his brother, Highlight to display spoiler: {"If they attack the pack, we kill the orc. Cut off the head and the body dies."}

The brothers move in to within charging distance (Hide 41/25, Move Silently 38/30), but attempt to stay outside the ants sensory range (approx. 50ft).

Should the ants move to attack, the brothers will immediately charge and attempt to trip or bull rush the orc off his mount (whichever is more appropriate to dismount a rider). (Attack 38/24, Strength for trip or bullrush 17/22).

If neither the ants nor party attack, the brothers will shadow the ants at half speed until they move out of sight (since the brothers would only be moving at 30, where the ants are moving at 50, this wouldn't take long).

Renik  d20+24=30 d20+14=19 d20+14=18 d20+21=26 d20+24=37 d20+14=30 d20+14=21
Monday November 21st, 2005 11:54:43 AM
Renik retreats 40 feet into the brush and hides there, waiting for the ants to pass by (Hide 35, Listen 19, Spot 18).

He waits, holding his breath, willing the others to keep quiet and out of sight. Should the ants pass by he will wait a minute or so, then signal the others to remain in place, and then move back to the path to check they have truly moved off (MS 26, Hide 37, Spot 30, Listen 21).

Only once he is happy they are in the clear will he signal his companions.

Draax 
Monday November 21st, 2005 2:47:09 PM
Draax moves back 45 feet away from the trail. Although he cannot see the trail he still takes cover and keeps his eyes on his teammates to watch their reactions to alert him to any danger.

Tratain 
Monday November 21st, 2005 4:39:27 PM
Tratain Moves back 45 Feet away from the Trail, knowing that his abilities to hide are poor at best. He trusts the others to keep him informed as to what is happening.

A Bullet Dodged! (DM Cayzle)  d20+1=7 d20+1=16 d20+1=6 d20+1=11 d20+1=5
Tuesday November 22nd, 2005 12:14:01 AM
Monthor, Feng, Draax, Tratain, and Arien hide a good 40 feet away, totally out of sight. Renik and Sarigar trust in their stealth skills and dare to spy from spots closer to the trail.

All is still. The creatures approach. Suddenly, like a bee's buzz, Monthor whispers, "What's going on? Me can't see anything!"

Normally, a person whispering is a Listen DC15 check to hear. That DC rises by +1 for each intervening 10 feet. That's DC19. Add in a +1 to the DC to represent the muffling provided by the underbrush. So the four large ants and the orc all have DC20 checks to hear Monthor's voice.

And the rolls ... 7 ... 16 ... 6 ... 11 ... 5

Whew! That was close!

Monthor's murmurs pass unheard. Renik and Sarigar watch the ant party pass by towards the area from which the party came. When the coast is clear, the Hamleteers regroup near the path.

Next?

Feng 
Tuesday November 22nd, 2005 8:05:25 AM
"I pray that we make it out of this narrow path before we must test our blades once more. It's much to narrow and any foe we meet will have to be faced one on one."

Monthor 
Tuesday November 22nd, 2005 8:59:22 AM
After what is certain to be one heck of a scolding from the rest of the party, Monthor holds his head in shame at having broken silence.

" Doh..... "

ooc> darn low wisdom scores!!!

Monthor takes position back at the end of party.

" Let's move out girleys "


Sarigar and Black Paws  d20+32=38 d20+18=25 d20+27=39 d20+18=23 d20+17=26 d20+17=36 d20+16=26 d20+10=30
Tuesday November 22nd, 2005 11:04:12 AM
Once the ants and the orc are out of their sight, the brothers return to the pack and quietly and quickly take the lead once again. They stalk (Hide 38/25, Move Silently 39/23) ahead (about 150ft) and off the path (about 30ft).

They keep their ears, eyes and noses open for any sign of others in the area (Spot 26/36). They also watch for trail signs that might indicate some kind of pattern to the insect patrols (Knowledge: Nature 26/30 (nat 20 for BP)).

Renik 
Tuesday November 22nd, 2005 3:29:19 PM
Back on the path the rogue fixes Monthor with a sardonic stare. "Between your "whispering" and Feng's penchant for bursting into song, it's a wonder the whole anthill doesn't know we're here!" he growls, trying to keep a straight face. He gives up and grins.

"Come on, let's get moving. Those elves aren't going to save themselves. Rearguard, keep a good eye out for any unexpected surprises from behind."

He thinks about what he has just said then adds; "Monthor, not a word about Feng or we'll dye your pigtails pink."

He resumes his previous position, moving some way behind Sarigar.

Draax 
Tuesday November 22nd, 2005 7:36:51 PM
Draax retakes his position in the marching order as he listens to the comments made by the others. "I agree with you about the path Feng. I wonder if the patrols have a schedule or if it is just random. That patrol did let us know that the wizard has more than just inserts at his call."

Arien (Mage Armor) 
Tuesday November 22nd, 2005 9:13:42 PM
Arien makes sure to study the group as they pass by. Once the group assembles again and it is safe to talk Arien says, "I prepared the Veil spell again, you know the one that I can disguise the party with. I'm thinking it might not be such a bad idea for us to look like a group of bugs? Perhaps a patrol like what just past us. What does everyone think?"

The Windhorn Antleteers


The Vale of the Sage (DM Cayzle) 
Wednesday November 23rd, 2005 12:29:54 AM

A half hour more of walking through overgrown hills brings the party to a small valley. The trail you are on enters the valley between two hills. The valley itself is roundish, about a half a mile across. The floor of the valley is covered with cropped meadow and huge flat low flowers. The flowers are ten feet in diameter but do not rise more than two feet off the ground. Here and there across the valley you see some sheep grazing.

At the center of the valley a single huge tree grows. If you can beat a Know Nature DC of 20, then Please Highlight to display spoiler: {The tree is a Whistal Tree, common only on Centaur Island to the far west. It is the tallest tree in the Wold.}

Around the base of the tree is a palisade or wood wall of some sort, it seems.

I assume you are all ducking down as you peer into the valley ... since you also see giant bees here and there buzzing from flower to flower, and a number of ants off in the distance.

Renik  d20+3=10 d20+14=21
Wednesday November 23rd, 2005 8:28:12 AM
Peering down into the valley from behind cover, Renik nods in agreement. "Good plan, Arien, that works for me. I'll be an ant."

Stopping to think for a moment he continues "Though don't think any visual disguise is going to get us past real ants if we get close. They are likely to be able to smell us, aren't they?"

Thinking about what he has just said he adds "Monthor, not a word about Feng or we'll steal your boots and force you to wear fluffy bunny carpet slippers."

He looks at the others and says "Arien's plan has merit to me. How about we disguise ourselves, attempt to avoid the real ants and see if we can just walk on in there?"

He peers down into the valley again, trying to work out if such a plan is feasible (Int 10). He also examines the area for hidden dangers or potential sources of danger (Spot 21).



Draax 
Wednesday November 23rd, 2005 8:48:11 AM
Draax ducks down to peer into the valley with the others. "The Veil spell is a good idea if we can stay away from any of the insects. If I remember right from playing with bugs as a child, insects identify each other by smell, touch, sound, and movement patterns. Even disguised as insects the other bugs will know we do not belong, but it might get us pass the humanoids."

Sarigar and Black Paws  d20+16=32 d20+10=25 d20+11=14
Wednesday November 23rd, 2005 3:20:20 PM
The brothers watch the movement in the valley. Insects have always been mostly beneath their notice, but these large ones are rather interesting. Do they have a pattern? Do they have some kind of den? They don't seem to travel in packs, but still work together in some way. (Int check 14, to determine a pattern and/or answer their internal questions by watching them).

And then there is that tree. It's probably one of the biggest trees they've ever seen, but it's different from the other trees they know (Knowledge: Nature 32/25, but they've never been to the taur isles, let alone centaur isle). Seems kind of odd that such a large and obviously different tree should be here.

The idea of being something they are not doesn't sit well with the brothers. Sure, Sarigar allowed himself to be made into a grig, but even then, it didn't feel right. And now, the potential of being an ant <shiver>. Despite their reservations, fighting their way through the valley isn't likely to work, so taking on the illusion may be the best option.

Monthor 
Wednesday November 23rd, 2005 3:26:29 PM
The Dwarf keeps pace with the others and looks out for any signs of trouble.

" Me'll do whatever you girls think is best. Me wouldn't mind slicing an ant or two but me wants to get to Serge even worst. Youse also assuming that those bugs would come after us. If me keeps me axe lite, they may stay away from the fire."



Tratain 
Thursday November 24th, 2005 1:31:55 AM
Tratain says "I'm not sure how much good a Veil Spell will be, I think alot of the creatures down there may rely on senses other than sight to tell things apart. Unless we want to Disguise ourselves as a party of all elves, and try to bluff our way in saying the Fae King sent us."

Honey Tree (DM Cayzle) 
Thursday November 24th, 2005 8:36:04 AM
While the party discusses tactics, Sarigar sees something:

Sarigar, Please Highlight to display spoiler: {There are giant bees buzzing around that big tree. There are also many scattered across the valley floor, going from huge flower to flower, then to the tree. Of the ants there is not so much to be seen -- mostly just near the palisade.}

Arien (Mage Armor) 
Thursday November 24th, 2005 10:40:12 AM
"The spell changes not only our appearance but also us feel and smell just like the creatures that we are imitating. The spell also makes it easier to look like a specific person, such as that orc we passed. I could also make a few of us look like the Bees if they have a method of flying. I myself can cast the fly spell, either on myself or another. As I recall a couple of others also have the ability to fly."

Renik 
Thursday November 24th, 2005 11:24:47 AM
"That settles it then" nods Renik. "If we can beat their sense of smell the Veil spell disguising us as ants or bees has to be the way to go. I'd rather pretend to be an ally than pretend to be a victim. I'll stick with being an ant, myself. As I can only fly once a day I'd rather keep the ability until I really need to use it.

Also, we know those bees can deliver a nasty sting; how are we set for poison antidotes? Spells that can cure venom?"


Monthor 
Thursday November 24th, 2005 4:05:17 PM
" No antidotes here. Me have one potion of cure blindness and deafness, but nothing for poison. "

" And ant is good for me too. Although me's prefer to be an uncle..... "

Draax 
Thursday November 24th, 2005 7:43:19 PM
"Disguised as ants will work for me as long as we do not come in contact with other ants. If I remember correctly ants can tell if other ants are outsiders and they usually attack them. We might be able to look, smell, and move like ants but if we are not recognized as part of the other ants' colony they will attack us or at least identify us as intruders."

Sarigar and Black Paws 
Thursday November 24th, 2005 10:42:23 PM
"That tree is the bee's den. Looks like they're gathering from the flowers and bringing it there. Dunno if that's where we need to go though. Ain't many ants though, except near that wall thing."

"Run and jump is all I've got for spells. Maybe tomorrow, the Mother can give me something for stings, but dunno since I've never asked before."

After his comments, the brothers cringe slightly, waiting for the spell to go off.

Feng 
Friday November 25th, 2005 2:01:55 PM
"I never thought I would say this but I miss the old days. Dealing with insects and this growth of nature is just too strange. As for poison, I'll have to trust the divine protection bestowed upon me by the gods to fight off the effects."

Discussions (DM Cayzle) 
Friday November 25th, 2005 5:40:11 PM

The party continues to plan.

[OOC: As soon as you all are ready, just say the word, and we'll be off. Until then, chat as much as you need to. Feel free to post several times a day if it will better communications.]

Monthor 
Friday November 25th, 2005 7:10:07 PM
ooc> Read DM's response as... "Get off your butts and make a decision already!!!! "

:: Monthor's done discussing and says ::

" Can we go yet? "

:: However, what he's really thinking is... ::

{ What would happen if I used my sovereign glue to stick Feng's bum cheeks together?.....}



Arien (Mage Armor) 
Saturday November 26th, 2005 2:01:36 PM
"Well then if everyone is ready I shall cast the spell to make all of us save Feng to look like ants and he will be our orcish leader person." Assuming there is no dissent Arien will then cast the spell.

Renik 
Saturday November 26th, 2005 6:36:26 PM
Renik nods his agreement, unsheathing his swords.

Draax 
Saturday November 26th, 2005 7:40:45 PM
Draax gathers with the others and waits for the transformation.

Tratain 
Sunday November 27th, 2005 5:36:30 PM
Tratain stands with the others waiting for the spell to be cast, and then travels with the others towords the Tree.

Approaching the Hill (DM Cayzle) 
Monday November 28th, 2005 10:42:59 PM
Arien casts his spell, and the party seems to be a group of giant ants with an orc along for the ride.

The party sets out across the valley floor, through a meadow of short grasses and huge wide flowers that grow close to the ground.

As you get closer, you see that the "palisade" is actually a wall of bramble, small trees, and tangled vines.

You all can see clearly an opening in the trunk of the huge tree, into and out of which fly large bees.

It is clear that this entire area is cultivated -- after a fashion. Does the group stay on the windy paths that run through the valley, or stray from them?

Arien (Mage Armor) 
Tuesday November 29th, 2005 1:28:07 AM
Arien stays with the group, taking care to stay on the paths. They could see the bees and the ants but who knows what else might be lurking off the path.

Renik  d20+14=20 d20+14=29
Tuesday November 29th, 2005 6:19:00 AM
Renik sticks to the path, senses alert to danger. This is a risky strategem, but he can think of no better way to sneak into the compound than this.

(Spot 20, Listen 29)

Sarigar and Black Paws 
Tuesday November 29th, 2005 11:39:31 AM
The brothers stick to the path, but try to lead the others around any other ants. It's likely that of all the bugs around here, the ants are most likely to be able to pick up on the deception.

Otherwise, they pretty much keep with the others, leading them to the tree and what awaits them all inside.

Draax 
Tuesday November 29th, 2005 6:06:02 PM
Draax stays on the path with the others.

Feng 
Tuesday November 29th, 2005 7:18:16 PM
Feng stops a safe distance away. The hive of large bees makes him rather nervous since he found out how bad normal bees could be when he was a kid. Giant bees are that much worse.

"We have to go in there?"

Monthor 
Tuesday November 29th, 2005 9:41:38 PM
Monthor sticks to the path.

" Hummm, what purty flowers."

The Ant (DM Cayzle) 
Tuesday November 29th, 2005 10:47:43 PM
Coming toward the party on the path is a small ant. You all are disguised as large soldier ants; this is a smaller worker ant, about 5 feet long.

It is about 60 feet away from you, and within a round will be close enough to kiss.

Tratain 
Wednesday November 30th, 2005 6:34:51 PM
Tratain walks with the others, He see's the Ant comming forward and hopes that Ariens Magic conceals thier True nature from teh Ants senses. Though if Renik decides that they should abondon the path he will follow.

Feng 
Wednesday November 30th, 2005 7:55:27 PM
Feng readies his great axe just in case things go bad. Perhaps if they can kill it quickly no alarm will be sounded.

Monthor 
Wednesday November 30th, 2005 8:51:24 PM
Monthor, for once, behaves and stays quiet. He'll follow the others.

Draax 
Wednesday November 30th, 2005 10:54:43 PM
Draax get a little nervous when he sees the ant coming towards them. He does not see anyway around the confrontation unless the group leaves the trail. Killing the thing quickly would probably be the group's best choice, but even that is taking a big risk. He wishes the group would have done that mental link thing they did awhile back, at least then they could formulate their actions without talking.

Renik 
Thursday December 1st, 2005 3:11:06 AM
The rogue sees the worker ant approaching and hopes Arien's magic will fool it. He has both swords drawn, just in case.



The Ant turns and runs (DM Cayzle) 
Thursday December 1st, 2005 7:39:15 AM

The ant gets within 20 feet, then waves its antennae. It turns and heads back towards the bramble-wall. It is now 50 feet away from you. Do you let it go?

Sarigar and Black Paws 
Thursday December 1st, 2005 11:03:13 AM
The brothers press on as if nothing special has happened. If the magic's gonna work, it's gonna work. If they kill the ant, it's definitely gonna prove that they aren't what they're pretending to be. Best to just act like nothing's out of the ordinary.

Arien (Mage Armor) 
Thursday December 1st, 2005 12:28:16 PM
Arien lets the worker go, as he recalls the Soldier class ants were more important anyway so the worker would most likely leave them alone. Arien moves with the party as they press on.

Renik 
Thursday December 1st, 2005 5:31:45 PM
Renik sees the ant turn and flee them; that is likely as not a bad sign. Perhaps it has realised their scent is alien somehow, and has gone to warn others. But, he figures, if they race after it and hack it to bits that will warn the others for sure. At least this way there's a chance the bluff has succeeded. And if not... well, they'll get a little bit further before the blood starts flowing.

Monthor 
Thursday December 1st, 2005 8:11:30 PM
{ Poop. We're screwed now. } The dwarf THINKS to himself. He then shrugs his shoulders and keep following the others.

Draax 
Thursday December 1st, 2005 10:03:30 PM
As he watches the ant run, Draax fights with himself to not let out the moan that almost escaped his lips. He would like to take a shot at the creature, but because he does not know if a few arrows could kill it he decides not to take the chance. He continues on with the others hoping that the group could get inside before the alarm is sounded.

Tratain 
Thursday December 1st, 2005 11:39:14 PM
Tratain stays with the Others, ready to cast Mass Bears Endurence on the group if it becomes obvious that an alarm is being sounded.

Moving on up (DM Cayzle) 
Friday December 2nd, 2005 12:06:30 AM

When you entered the vale, the Tree surrounded by the palisade was about 1,200 feet away, at the center of the valley. Right now, at the start of this round, you are about 600 feet away. The ant is 50 feet closer to the Tree than you.

This round you follow at your party speed of 20. That puts you 560 feet from the tree at the end of a double move. The ant is now 450 feet from the tree, having moved 100 feet this round to your 40.

At this rate, you have about 4 rounds before the ant reaches the palisade. In that time you can cover 160 feet and be 400 feet from the tree, if you like.

Or, of course, you can make other actions.

Sarigar and Black Paws 
Friday December 2nd, 2005 11:20:07 AM
Seeing no reason to rush, the brothers lead the others at a good clip (about 40 feet a round) trying to match the normal speed of the ants they've seen but not so fast that members of the pack will fall behind.

Every so often, they move a little bit ahead, stop, look around as if checking the area for something, then move on again. They try to mimic the behavior they've seen in the giants ants they've seen here and on the way here.

Feng 
Friday December 2nd, 2005 11:37:32 AM
Feng can only pray that things will go well. There was no way to catch the fast moving ant. Even by shedding their disguises they still might not catch it. So he takes a deep breath and waits.

Renik 
Friday December 2nd, 2005 12:15:03 PM
The rogue continues to head for the tree in disguise. It occurs to him now, rather too late, just how useful a few Charm Monster spells would be right about now.

Monthor 
Friday December 2nd, 2005 10:31:05 PM
Monthor follows the other. However, he is concerned that the ant has just told the tree... maybe another treant?... that the party aren't real ants. Monthor stays on his guard and watches out for trouble from the tree and the little ant next to it.


Draax 
Saturday December 3rd, 2005 4:49:13 AM
Draax continues with the others, he wonders how the inside of the tree is arranged and how far the ant needs to go before it can alert others.

Arien (Mage Armor) 
Saturday December 3rd, 2005 11:48:51 AM
Arien moves along with the others as well. Hoping that the illusion hadn't been pierced he examines the area for any vantage points should combat break out.

Almost there (DM Cayzle) 
Saturday December 3rd, 2005 4:10:14 PM
Four rounds go by, and the ant reaches the palisade and passes through a break in the grown bramble wall. You have another 10 rounds of hustling to get there.

Renik  d20+14=20 d20+14=27
Sunday December 4th, 2005 6:21:08 PM
Voicing a silent plea to Wardd the rogue keeps on, waiting for any sign of alarm in the enemy camp (Spot 20, Listen 27).

Monthor 
Sunday December 4th, 2005 7:12:00 PM
The dwarf keep his mouth shut and walks on. He is very conscious that battle may be emminent and he is ready to defend himself and his comrades.

Draax 
Sunday December 4th, 2005 9:34:38 PM
Draax continues to be anxious as the group moves closer.

Arien (Mage Armor) 
Monday December 5th, 2005 1:32:29 AM
Arien also continues to hustle towards the palisade.

Sarigar and Black Paws 
Monday December 5th, 2005 10:17:31 AM
The brothers note the tension in the others and do their best to ease them. Their pace and demeanor is surprisingly relaxed. They keep up their immitation of the ants they've witnessed recently, but their movements and where they often look are very nonchalant. Rigidness and tension are likely to be sensed by the other insects and by staying as relazed as possible will hopefully make them all look like they belong here.

Tratain 
Monday December 5th, 2005 4:46:47 PM
Tratain keeps pace with the others, ready to cast his spell if they come under attack or it becomes obvious that an alarm has been raised and a defense is being prepared.

Feng 
Monday December 5th, 2005 4:50:27 PM
It seems that they are all in agreement. Feng keeps quite and moves along with the others.

Approach to the Tree (DM Cayzle) 
Tuesday December 6th, 2005 9:55:54 AM
The party walks in ant guise up towards the great Tree. Recall that Feng is the one in orc guise.

The tree is surrounded, you see clearly now, by a "palisade" that has been grown out of trees, bramble, and throny briars. It is very thick and practically impassible. You deduce that there must be a wide open space inside the brambles under the tree. The tree itself is huge -- dozens of feet in diameter, hundreds high.

There is a break in the palisade, which you are approaching, about 20 feet wide. You can see that the bramble wall is about 20 feet thick and 20 feet high. You are headed for the break, or gate, if that's what it is.

You see several odd portals in the main trunk -- they look grown, rather than cut or eaten. Giant bees fly in and out of these.

At the gate, you see a single orc, wearing an odd helmet. As you approach, the orc shouts in common when you are about 40 feet from the gate, "Halt! Who are you, and why are you here!"

If you make a Spot DC20 check, then Highlight to display spoiler: {You see that his helmet is very tight and close fitting. It has two huge bug-eyes on it where the visor would be.}

If you make a separate Spot DC30 check, then Highlight to display spoiler: {You notice two of the trees that are standing in the bramble wall seem to be watching you, one on each side of the gate.}

(Map to come tomorrow afternoon I hope.)

Draax  d20+7=15
Tuesday December 6th, 2005 6:34:24 PM
The first thing that jumps into Draax's mind when the orc speaks is 'Oh no! The jig up'. He stops himself from attacking the orc, when he remembers that Feng is disguised as an orc and the guard must be talking to him.

Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158, AC24/21)  d20+17=34 d20+17=26
Wednesday December 7th, 2005 10:25:57 AM
As the brothers approach the orc at the gate, they stop when he orders them to halt and Feng give some indication that they should (they are supposed to be "his ants" after all). They scan the area and Sarigar is able to pick out the trees near the gate. He gives the others a subtle head nod toward each of them, but remains silent.

The brothers will split apart slightly to allow Feng to move up should he desire to do so, but also move to more defensible positions (circling the wagons as it were).

Renik  d20+14=22 d20+24=29 d6+7=11 5d6(2+4+5+4+3)=18
Wednesday December 7th, 2005 10:29:43 AM
Renik, his swords drawn, waits to see how Feng plays the subterfuge card. He notes the challenging orc's unusual headgear, but that is all he sees (Spot 22).

It is starting to look as if they are going to have to fight their way in. He gets ready to spring into action if they come under atack (Readied action: activate Flight, move and attack nearest foe, hits AC 29 for 29 HP).

Monthor  d100=78
Wednesday December 7th, 2005 2:09:15 PM
Monthor stays silent and awaits to see what happens. The dwarf turns and looks to spot if anyone is trying to circle them.

ooc: disregard the percentile role

The Scene (DM Cayzle) 
Wednesday December 7th, 2005 5:03:13 PM

As you wait for Feng's response, you look around with veteran eyes. What if a fight breaks out?

http://cayzle.com/hamlet/six/anthillbig.gif

http://cayzle.com/hamlet/six/anthillgate.gif

Feng  d20=17
Wednesday December 7th, 2005 7:13:03 PM
Seeing another orc wasn't something that he expected. His people didn't really venture out away from the clans. "My name is Feng. I'm a simple traveler trying to find my way. I'm rather lost at the moment. I'm glad that I ran into another orc." Feng replies in orc.

Arien (Mage Armor)  d20+9=22
Wednesday December 7th, 2005 7:30:01 PM
Arien notes the odd shaped helmet as he looks around. When Feng replies he cringes slightly and waits for the guard's response.

Draax 
Wednesday December 7th, 2005 8:14:49 PM
Having no idea what Feng replied to the orc, Draax waits to see how the orc responds to whatever Feng said.

The Jolly Orc (DM Cayzle) 
Thursday December 8th, 2005 6:02:22 AM

The orc pauses for a long moment, and then breaks into laughter. In common, he says, between guffaws, "You're a simple traveler ... trying to find your way!" He begins to get a hold of himself. "Oh, that's a good one. Ah, oh, You're rather lost! Oh-ho."

"You have amused me. But seriously, you are here at the head of a party of ants ... HERE, of all places. Now, tell me who sent you and deliver your message."

"No, wait! It was Korbo, wasn't it? This is exactly his style. What a jokester. Well, fun's fun. Let's get to business. Tell me what you came here to say."

Renik 
Thursday December 8th, 2005 7:48:16 AM
The rogue grinds his teeth in frustration as the guard's reply reveals what Feng had said. Is the big dope trying to get them caught? He has half a mind to fly towards the guard and slit his throat, and half a mind to do the same to Feng. In the event he does nothing, contenting himself with silently cursing insects, orcs, paladins and any combination thereof.

(Same readied action as lst round)

Monthor 
Thursday December 8th, 2005 8:08:55 AM
Monthor, who understands orc, shakes his head.
He thinks to himself, having learned to keep his mouth shut... { Travelers? How many orcs does he know that travel the country side with a bunch of giant ants in tow? }. { That's it! Me gluing his enormous 1/2 orcish bumm to his saddle. }
Monthor grips his axe a little tighter and awaits to see what happens next.

Feng 
Thursday December 8th, 2005 9:57:06 AM
ooc: It wasn't my idea to make the honest paladin the normal one. Lying is rather difficult for him as you can imagine.

"Korbo thought you might get a laugh out of that. As for buisness I've got more workers for you."

ooc2: btw there was no plan to get inside. Just leave Feng as an orc and disguise everybody else as ants. I'm suprised that I wasn't attacked right away.

Monthor add on ooc to Feng 
Thursday December 8th, 2005 10:05:44 AM
ooc All this is "in character" bud. Monthor is still shame red from his 'mistakes'. While "you" and "I" may know better our characters don't always. We all post "in character" right?


Tratain 
Thursday December 8th, 2005 11:03:30 AM
Tratain, not being able to understand what is being said still waits ready to cast his spell if it looks like they are going to be attacked.

Arien (Mage Armor) 
Thursday December 8th, 2005 12:29:37 PM
Arien watches the Orc's reaction, ready to cast a spell the moment things turned hostile.

Draax 
Thursday December 8th, 2005 9:01:27 PM
Draax continues to wait, he wonders how Feng knew to start the conversation off with a joke. He figures it must be a thing that orcs do.

Feng Tries His Hand at Con Artistry (DM Cayzle)  d20+4=10 d20+4=6
Friday December 9th, 2005 1:08:12 AM

Feng tries to bluff his way through the encounter with the orc. For the first time, in gods-know-how-long, the paladin tries trickery over his usual direct approach.

[OOC: We're talking Feng's untrained Bluff vs the orc's untrained Sense Motive, as it turns out. Feng's story is only barely credible (Bluff 10), but the orc is more than unusually gullible (Sense Motive 6).]

[OOC: Feng, please accept a role-play XP award of 300 xp for stretching so well with this exchange.]

The orc smiles. "Presents! I love presents! What do these do? They don't look special. Last I heard, Korbo was working on explosions ... these don't blow up, do they? No, don't tell me -- it is more fun to experiment on them."

The orc gestures. "Come in, come in! Come on over here and step into this cage. You'll be safe in there."

He leads you into the compound. You see two big holes in the ground that ants climb in and out of. He leads you around the back of the tree, where a small building leans against the trunk, and a 20x20x10 foot cage stands. The cage has a lock on the door. The orc opens the cage and motions you on in.

Just then the orc's eyes focus on something that is not there. He makes a shooing motion and shouts, "Go away! Go away!" Then he motions you into the cage. "Quick, before they attack! Stupid things! I'm not sure that they are more trouble than they are worth. What was I thinking when I made them?"

If you make a spot check vs DC5, then Highlight to display spoiler: {You see several large lumpish slug-like creatures that are 15 feet long over next to the bramble wall in the back. A few giant bees and ants are tending them, and ... suckling?}

If you make a SEARCH check vs DC10, then please Highlight to display spoiler: {You note that the lock on the cage is crude and rusty.}

If you make a spot check vs DC25, then please Highlight to display spoiler: {You get the idea that the orc is motioning at a flying invisible thing is about to dive bomb the group.}

If you make a spot check vs DC45, then please Highlight to display spoiler: {You sense several invisible flying things are in the area, most by the giant 15-foot long slugs.}

Monthor  d20-2=11 d20+1=18
Friday December 9th, 2005 11:07:58 AM
ooc> Spot 11, Search 18

Monthor says nothing and follows Feng. He does notice.

{ A little to much joy juice that one has had. }
Monthor thinks to himself.

Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158, AC24/21) 
Friday December 9th, 2005 12:02:16 PM
The brothers follow Feng into the hive, though when they see the cage, they become noticable uneasy. Sarigar's been locked in a cage once, he despised it to the core. Voluntarily entering one will not be likely.

ooc: sorry for missing yesterday, Time-Warner had a major system crash and all cable internet (personal and business) in the town were offline pretty much all day.

DM Cayzle OOC 
Friday December 9th, 2005 3:47:33 PM
Just a bit of clarification, fellows. There is a HUGE tree, and around it there is a bramble wall. The bramble surrounds the tree like a fortified wall might surround a tower. You are in the "courtyard" -- you have not entered the tree, and you have not gone underground. Looking up, you can see the sun and sky through the branches and leaves of the Tree. The cage is on the far side of the tree from the gate. Got it?

Arien (Mage Armor)  d20+9=14 d20+12=28 d20+9=20
Friday December 9th, 2005 5:08:23 PM
Arien looks at the strange slug creatures with some puzzlement before the Orc leads them to the cage. Noticing the poor condition of the lock Arien fails to notice any gestures made by the Orc.

(Spot: 14, Search: 28)

Renik  d20+14=18 d20+10=21
Friday December 9th, 2005 5:35:53 PM
Renik takes his lead from Feng. He notices the rusty lock on the cage and the weird suckling slug things, and is so disgusted by what he sees he fails to spot anything else of note (Spot 18, Search 21).

He will enter the cage if Feng guides his 'ants' in that direction.

Feng  d20=13 d20=10
Friday December 9th, 2005 6:17:57 PM
Feng stops when he sees the rusted lock. Not that he was going to voluntarily lock himself up. Now when there was something very strange with their orc host. His hands hold his large double axe tightly as he stretches his divine senses to feel for evil.

ooc: spot check 13, search check 10. Feng is also detecting evil

Draax  d20+5=12 d20+7=22
Saturday December 10th, 2005 7:50:03 PM
Draax sees the slug-like creatures and notices the rusty lock on the cage. (spot 22, search 12). He begins to enter the cage, but stops when Feng stops. Not sure why they stopped, he waits to see if anything happens.


Tratain  d20+11=17 d20=8 d20+11=27 d20+11=18
Sunday December 11th, 2005 10:39:16 PM
Tratain sticks with the group, and goes where Feng Directs. He does notice the slug creatures and keeps an eye on them, as well as the invisible flying creatures.

OOC: My internet Connections been kinda off and on lately, not sure what the problem is, definitly on my cable company's side though.

Monthor ooc> 
Tuesday December 13th, 2005 9:38:49 PM
Is there a break during the holidays? I'll be away from the 23rd to the 28th without pc connection. Anyone hear anything from Cayzle?

Evil for sure (DM Cayzle) 
Tuesday December 13th, 2005 11:20:08 PM

[OOC: I sincerely apologize, friends. Everyone in my household is sick except me, which makes me nurse and nanny. Plus work suddenly came down on me like a brick wall. With the double whammy, I've been crushed.

However, I am posting now and will post between 7 pm and midnight Wold time tonite daily through Saturday. That will be the five posts for this week.

I will be online and posting every day this holidays. If you are going away, fear not. Attendance will not be so strict as usual at the end of December. And if anyone wants to do MORE Wolding around the holiday, check out the Giggling Ghost.

Thanks for being understanding!]

Feng senses evil in the orc, without doubt. Not great evil, but some. The insects that are in range are not evil.

The orc seems to get impatient. "Fear not, lowly one! I'll send you back to your master unharmed. Go into the cage so that my invisible bees do not sting you! The cage door will be unlocked, so long as the ants you are bringing do not wander out."

He seems impatient.

Suddenly it seems like you go deaf. Then, just as suddenly, your hearing returns. As if a zone of silence had engulfed you and then moved off.

Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158, AC24/21) 
Wednesday December 14th, 2005 10:42:19 AM
The brothers wait for Feng to make some gesture to get in the <shiver> cage. Sarigar deliberately bumps the door of the cage as he enters to attempt to knock the chain away, making it even more likely that it will not be able to be locked.

Black Paws is even more reluctant to enter the cage. Even with Sarigar trying to reassure him telepathically, he really doesn't want to get in there. So much so, it's obvious he's getting aggitated enough that he might soon attack someone (most likely the orc).

Renik 
Wednesday December 14th, 2005 10:54:23 AM
The rogue waits, doing his best dumb ant impression, for their herder to lead them to the cage.

Though he has always been a fan of the sneaky route he does begin to wonder whether in this instance they wouldn't have done better letting Arien blow everything up with fireballs.


Feng AC 23, HP 125 
Wednesday December 14th, 2005 5:29:23 PM
"Somehow I doubt the cage will remain unlocked. The evil within your soul taints the words you speak. Your invisible bees you say? Then I guess that means you are in charge of this entire place."

Monthor (Temp. bless, temp hp 120, AC 22, 23 vs the orc) 
Wednesday December 14th, 2005 6:04:43 PM
{ Oh poop!!!} Monthor thinks to himself.

{ The gig , she be up me say. }

And with that, Monthor moves into position to to strikes at the orc should it make any offensive moves towards Feng.

ooc> The 23 AC includes the dodge bonus assigned vs the orc



The Boss in charge of this entire place (DM Cayzle) 
Wednesday December 14th, 2005 8:02:35 PM

The orc pauses for a moment. It is impossible to read his expression under the all-covering helmet with the strange, bug-eye visor. But the pause is pregnant, and you sense the gears turning in his head.

"Well, it seems clear that you are not from my colleague, after all."

"Yes, I'm 'in charge,' so to speak. Do you want to tell me what it is you want here? Really? I'm a reasonable fellow, and I'd like to hear a good story. Perhaps we can come to an accommodation."

Draax 
Wednesday December 14th, 2005 9:10:16 PM
Seeing things are not going as well as they hoped, Draax still has to admit that the group has gotten further than he would have thought without being challenged. Draax stands ready but does not make any aggressive moves because he is wary about the so-called invisible bees. Not sure what he should do, the half-elf continues to wait and lets someone else make the first move; whether it be friend or foe.

Arien (Mage Armor) 
Wednesday December 14th, 2005 9:11:10 PM
"Well," Arien thinks, "At least we got in the compound before things went sour." Arien waits for the moment though, perhaps they could get some information out of this orc before they had to blast him and his bugs.

Renik 
Thursday December 15th, 2005 4:39:28 AM
Renik the giant ant meanders about aimlessly as ants do, antennae twitching. Let's just see, thinks the rogue to himself, where I can end up.

He aims to get around the back of the orc, close enough to unleash a torrent of blows should things take a turn for the worse. Now, if only Feng can keep this fellow talking a while longer without revealing that his "ants" are really his fellow warriors...

Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158, AC24/21)  d20+16=34 d20+16=33
Thursday December 15th, 2005 11:06:03 AM
With their extra sensitive noses, the brothers have the best chance of spotting and fighting the invisible bees that have been spoken of. Even they know that the conversation with the orc seems to be turning away from the pack's advantage.

They immediately begin scanning the area, opening their senses (Spot 34/33) to any sign of the bees and prepare themselves for potential attacks (readied action to attack any target they smell within 5 ft, Scent allows pinpoint detection within 5 feet)

Feng 
Thursday December 15th, 2005 5:47:42 PM
"My tale is not short though you may wish to hear it all. The Fae King I have met and his words I have heard." Feng replies.

Monthor 
Thursday December 15th, 2005 9:41:09 PM
And.... the dwarf watches and readies himself to kick some orc ham.

Name Dropping (DM Cayzle) 
Friday December 16th, 2005 12:35:44 AM
Arien, Monthor, and Draax are poised on the edge of attack. So far the orc shows no sign of aggression.

Sarigar is alert to unseen foes. He senses a flying thing about 20 to 30 feet away as it flies overhead. A little while later, another one. The same one? A second? Hard to say.

Renik wanders around to prepare to flank. The orc does not seem to mind, if he even notices.

Feng drops a name -- the Fey King -- and waits to see its effect.

The orc says, "The Fey King? What words did he say to you? And more to the point, again, why are you here?" His demeanor has shifted to the serious.

Arien (Mage Armor) 
Friday December 16th, 2005 2:40:01 AM
Arien wonders a moment if he should dismiss the illusion but waits. If the situation did turn hostile the surprise might make a crucial difference.

Renik  d20+14=17 d20+3=21
Friday December 16th, 2005 6:17:20 AM
Renik, his twin blades poised to dice the orc into bite-sized chunks, holds as Feng keeps the creature talking. One wrong word now and battle will surely commence.

(OOC: Readied action if the orc turns on the party: full attack on the orc)

As Feng speaks Renik scans the area for any sign of other inhabitants (Spot 17) and tries to tell if the orc is stalling, distrustful or genuine (Sense Motive 21).



Feng 
Friday December 16th, 2005 8:31:01 AM
"I guess the real question is what do you think he said? Why do you think I am here?"

monthor 
Friday December 16th, 2005 10:37:57 AM
And.... the dwarf watches and readies himself to kick some orc ham.


Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158, AC24/21)  d20+3=19 d20+16=21 d20+16=25
Friday December 16th, 2005 11:00:25 AM
Sarigar begins climbing (Climb 19) up the side of the cage to get some height. The invisible bees seem to be staying quite high most of the time, so maybe the top of the cage will get him close enough should the need arise.

Once up there, he will again open his senses (Spot 21)to the possible threats and be ready to pounce if need be (readied action to attack if anything should attack at him).

Black Paws wanders around outside the cage, eyes, ears and nose open to threats a little closer to the ground (Spot 25) and readies himself for a possible fight.

Draax 
Friday December 16th, 2005 7:04:46 PM
Draax starts to become impatient, not because it is taking too long but because he has no idea how an idle ant is supposed to act. He sees the others begin to move around but he stays in place waiting to see what happens.

Jockeying for position (DM Cayzle) 
Saturday December 17th, 2005 6:14:08 AM
The orc scowls at Feng's non-answer. "Come now! You have intruded on me. You have lied about who you are. You have tricked your way into my home. All I ask is that you tell me who you are and why you have come. Failing that, I will simply ask you to leave."

Renik, concentrating on the orc, notes with wonder that there is no clasp or hinge or weld on the orc's chitinous helmet. Renik senses that the orc is both annoyed and stalling.

Arien wonders about the Veil spell. The orc has interacted with the party to such an extent that he has earned himself a saving throw, or more than one. Has he saved? Has he pierced the illusion? Certainly, in a fight, those who attack the party (or who are attacked by the party) will also make saves to see through the disguises.

Sarigar ponders ways to attack invisible bees, and climbs the cage to get a better vantage. [OOC: Philip, remind me -- does Sarigar have scent too, or just Black Paws? If Sarigar can smell them coming, then he could certainly ready an action to attack as an invisible bee comes near. You'd still have the 50% miss chance, but you might get that blow in before the bee attacked.]

The Brothers take note that there is some activity -- ants moving? on the far side of the tree, almost entirely out of line of sight. See below for map and notes.

Monthor and Draax remain alert. Tratain somewhat less so. [OOC: Where do you want to be? Monthor has said that he is ready to attack the orc, so I tend to put him just south and next to the orc.]

Here is a large-scale map. With a caveat that locations may be off by five or ten feet due to eyestrain, note the following:

The 20x20x10 feet high cage is at AR-25. Sarigar is on top of the cage.
The orc is at AR-26.
Feng is at AQ-26.
Renik is at AS-26.
The rest of the group are nearby -- all within 30 feet.
Four giant slug-creatures are along the back wall, row 13, AL-AX. There are several ants and several (visible) bees around there.

Tratain 
Saturday December 17th, 2005 10:26:08 AM
Tratain standing close to Feng readies himself incase it should come to an attack. He waits for Fengs response.

Renik  d20+14=26 d20+14=29
Sunday December 18th, 2005 5:02:05 PM
The rogue holds his breath, awaiting Feng's words and the orc-thing's response. His blades remain poised to strike (OOC: same readied action)

His instincts tell him to strike now, to cut this creature down. Surely it is merely stalling them, setting them up for some sort of devastating attack. He glances about nervously, trying to make out the invisible creatures he is sure surround them (Spot 26).

But something stays his hand. Curiosity perhaps? An unwillingness to kill mercilessly without being certain his target deserves death? Uncertainty as to whether this orc creature truly is the sage he claims to be? Whatever emotions are at work within the young warrior's mind they leave him anxious and uncertain.

As he waits he speculates that if that helmet has no clasp, could it actually be the creature's head? He tries to get a better view to confirm his suspicions (Spot 29).

Feng AC 23, HP 125  d20+19=32 d20+14=28 d20+9=28 d12+37=38 2d6(1+5)=6 d12+37=44 2d6(4+4)=8 d12+37=49 2d6(4+4)=8
Monday December 19th, 2005 10:04:53 AM
Feng's calm demeanor vanishes in the face of evil. "My name is Feng, that is true. I have not lied to you. I simply used your own assumption to gain entry. I am a paladin. A warrior in service to all that is good and righteous in the wold. Nothing else should concern you because now you meet your end." Feng says with the utmost conviction. His knuckles whiten around the shaft of his new holy great axe. With tremendous strength granted by his orc heritage Feng quickly brings the axe into the evil creature before him.

ooc: power attack -7 to hit/ +14 damage. smite evil on all three attacks. 1st attack hit ac 32 for 44, 2nd attack hit ac 28 for 52, 3rd attack hit ac 28 for 57.

Renik (2nd post): AC 28, HP 85  d20+19=31 6d6(4+3+6+6+5+4)+7=35 d20+14=29 6d6(6+4+1+1+5+4)+7=28 d20+9=10 d20+17=32 8d6(3+1+6+2+1+3+6+1)+3=26 d20+12=21 8d6(6+5+5+2+2+4+3+1)+3=31
Monday December 19th, 2005 11:16:54 AM
(OOC: I guess that qualifies as grounds for the readied action to kick in!)

Seeing the half orc strike Renik follows suit, though regretting the fact that they know so little of their foe.

AC 31 for 35 HP
AC 29 for 28 HP
AC 10: nat 1
AC 32 for 26 HP
AC 21 for 31 HP

Sorry, add 2 to all ACs due to flanking!


Arien (Mage Armor) 
Monday December 19th, 2005 5:11:52 PM
"Well that answers that question I suppose." Arien mutters when Feng and then Renik leap to attack. Arien casts Greater Invisibility on himself and then moves forward towards the battle.

Draax AC 25, HP 133 (Blind-Fight)  d20+7=20
Monday December 19th, 2005 7:30:24 PM
Draax arms himself with his sword and readies his shield as he easily guessed what Feng's words would lead to. He moves to cover Feng's back against the invisible flying creatures (spot 20).

Monthor (AC 23 vs Orcs. Temp Bless, temp hit points 120)  d20+28=36 d20+23=30 d20+18=20 d10=7 d6=1 d10=6 d6=4 d10=9 d6=6
Monday December 19th, 2005 7:31:26 PM
Aaaaaaaand Monthor swings at the orc...

ooc> Monthor swings 3 times. He gets a +1 bonus to hit because of the bless, +1 vs orcs, +2 flanking, for a total bonus for 28 on the first attack, 23 on the second and 18 on the third.

1st attack - To hit= 36, damage, 22
2nd attack - to hot= 30, damage, 24
3rd attack- to hit= 20, damage, 29



The Fight Under the Bee Tree


The Orc Hits the Fan: Round 1 (DM Cayzle) 
Monday December 19th, 2005 11:38:44 PM

Renik looks closely at the orc's strange helm. Is the helm the orc's head? No, no, probably not. But maybe it has grown on the orc's head, or engulfed it?

The orc dies swiftly under the combined attacks of Feng, Renik, and Monthor. Was it the first blow that felled the orc? Maybe two blows? The orc certainly fell to pieces in no time.

You might feel a strange sense of anticlimax. The "sage" certainly proved no challenge. But just as you wonder if you got your adrenalin up too fast, you see that there are enemies a-plenty on the way!

Sarigar senses at least two invisible opponents in the air above him -- maybe 20 feet overhead?

The ants and bees that were nuzzling the big slugs to the north head south towards you. They end the round scattered 50 to 20 feet from you to the north. There are 4 medium ants and 3 large ants, as well as six large bees.

From around both sides of the tree to your south come two sets of foes. Each set is led by a treant and includes a few people. There are a few ants and many bees in each force as well. And what? A unicorn in each force as well! Each of the two forces is well spread out in the air as well as on the ground; both are about 50-100 feet away.

And the Map

Renik: AC 28, HP 85  d20+3=17 d20+14=25
Tuesday December 20th, 2005 4:53:10 AM
Renik looks around frantically as foes pour out on all sides. Trapped in a three way pincer movement! If they are not very careful they will find themselves completely surrounded and at a huge disadvantage. They need to find a way to balance the odds.

"Everyone form up against the tree trunk!" the rogue yells, indicating the giant tree at the centre of the compound to the party's south. "Create a protective perimeter around Arien, we cannot let him fall or we are all lost!"

That formation should also limit the amount of foes that can face them at any one time, he reasons. The best defensive posture, assuming, of course, that the enemy doesn't have offensive spellcasters...

That thought leads him to consider the nature of their foes. Treants? Unicorns? These are not generally evil creatures. How could they be part of this horror?

As he backs up against the tree (in front of Arien if the mage moves there: around AO29 or AO30) the rogue calls out to the advancing enemy;

"Hold! We come at the behest of Eberyon, the Fae King! He told us your master, the Sage, was enslaving elves from Culverwood, planning to bleed them to death in the pursuit of dark experiments! He bade us free them! We came to discover the truth of these accusations. If we have been misled then tell us now, and let us avoid unnecessary bloodshed."

He whispers to Feng "Paladin, see if you can determine whether the warriors and creatures approaching us are evil by nature. We do not want to slay goodly creatures through some mischievous misunderstanding of the Fae King's making."

Renik will very carefully observe the response of the attackers to his words (Sense Motive 17), and try to identify the Sage amongst the attackers (Spot 25).

Finally, he activates his ring of Blinking.


Draxx AC 25, HP 133 
Tuesday December 20th, 2005 5:17:58 AM
Draax expected the attention of the ants and the bees and maybe some slugs for good measure, but he had no idea that they would get this type of attention. Seeing intelligence creatures like the treants and unicorns, Draax hopes that Renik's words get through to them. When Renik talks about the reason the group has come, Draax remembers the captured elves.

"We still need to save the elves, if Renik's plea does not reach them. Then maybe we should go inside to see about the elves. There is probably some resistance inside and if we use all of our resources defending ourselves out here, we might not be able to overcome the resistance inside. Does anyone see a way to operate the cage?"

Draax move to AO27.


Feng AC 23, HP 125 
Tuesday December 20th, 2005 6:45:33 AM
"Renik I will try though they are too far away right now. By the time they are close enough for me to tell they will be ontop of us. Though as a rule of thumb good creatures don't ususally come to the aid of evil." Feng says as he moves against the tree

Arien (Mage Armor, Greater Invisibility) AC: 21, HP: 56 
Tuesday December 20th, 2005 2:29:37 PM
Seeing the groups of monsters Arien decides to slow them down, he casts Wall of Force stretching it from 31AL to 16X. Then he backs up directly to the tree, shouting as he went; "I've blocked off one side against anything that doesn't fly with a wall of force, we should be a little safer now."

Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158, AC24/21)  d20+13=32 d20=6
Tuesday December 20th, 2005 2:52:48 PM
Sarigar quickly drops down from the top of the cage when he sees the treants and unicorns. He approaches them as close as the wall of force will allow him and begins pleading with them in Sylvan. "Forest brothers, why are you here? Mother don't want us fighting each other. 'sides, orcs don't like us, so why help em? I won't hurt you and I won't let my pack hurt you either, but if you try to hurt us, we'll fight back." (Wild Empathy 32, Diplomacy 6, not sure which I should use)

Once he's done speaking to the forest brothers, he turns to the party, holding his arms out as if to block their view of the unicorns and treants. He speaks to the pack in common "Don't hurt the trees or one horns. Mother will talk to them and make them stop, I know she will."

Monthor 
Tuesday December 20th, 2005 8:20:04 PM
:: Monthor moves into position in front of the group. He agrees with Renik, the magic users and healers must be protected at all cost of they are all dead. There are just to many beasts out there and to few of them. ::

" This is not a battle for us unless we have to. These animals must be under something's control! Me say we try to make away from here as soon as we can and head for the elves. Make it a running battle if we must but run we must do. "

Tratain AC 27 HP 130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment] 
Tuesday December 20th, 2005 11:27:47 PM
Tratain casts Mass Bears Endurence on His friends when the attack begins and he see's the other creatures comming at them. Hopefully they can solve this through diplomacy, if not its best to be prepared.

0 level: Cure Minor Woundsx2; Detect Magicx3; Read Magic
1st Level: Endure Elements; Shield of Faithx2; Divine Favor;Prot. From evilx2;Remove Fear(Sanctuary)
2nd Level: Delay Poisonx2; Endurencex2; Align Weapon; Resist Energy, Lesser Restoration (Spiritual Weapon)
3rd Level: Remove Curse; Invisibility Purge;[Magic Circle]; Dispel Magicx2;Magic Vestment*;(Protection from Energy)
4th Level: Freedom of Movement;Death Ward;Dimensional Anchorx2(Divine Power)
5th Level: Quickened Divine Favor; Righteous Might;True Seeing;Spell Resistence (Flame Strike)
6th Level: Healx2; Mass Bears Endurence*; (Blade Barrier)
7th Level: Holy Word; [Summon Monster VII];(Power Word Blind)

Confusion, Negotiation, and Bloodshed: Round 2 (DM Cayzle)  d20+8=27 (secret DM roll) d20+9=19 d20+9=24 (Two bee atts at Sa and BP) d6+4=6 (dam to BP) d6=5 (poi dam) d100=99 (Blinking fails to save Renik) d20+9=26 (att misses R) d20+9=28 d20+9=16 d6+4=7 d6=3 (dam to tr) d2=2 ant bites at monthor) d20+9=15 (misses mo) d20+9=28 (hits Draax) d6+4=6 d6=6 (att on Dr) d20+9=14 (misses BP) d8=2 d8=3 (invis bee vs bp and fe) d20+32=35 d20+32=41 (both hit) d6+4=5 d8=4 d6+4=8 d8=8 d4=1 d4=4 (IB attacks)
Wednesday December 21st, 2005 1:09:59 PM

Slightly put off by the oncoming onslaught, the group puts a back to the big tree and tries to talk it out.

Renik offers freely the explanation that the now-dead orc asked for repeatedly ... but the irony of his call to "avoid unnecessary bloodshed" may be lost on the bloody corpse of the fallen orc.

Speaking of whom, if anyone makes a Spot DC of 27 or better, then Please Highlight to display spoiler: { The "helmet" that the dead orc was wearing has somehow crawled off the corpse's head and is sneaking north away from the fray. It looks kind of like a beetle of some kind, now that it is moving.}

Draax wants to prioritize the rescue of the elves. He looks closely at the cage as he hustles by it -- it seems empty, unremarkable, and slightly rusted. It is 20 ft x 20 ft x 10 ft high.

Feng moves and then detects for evil. In fact, there is some evil in the area he scans to the west and south, but, per the spell, it will take another round or two to pinpoint it. None of the evil is supernaturally strong or overwhelming.

Arien casts his Wall of Force, which will certainly block the attack from the west. Well, the bees will be able to fly over, but even they might be delayed a smidge.

Sarigar approaches the Wall of Force and bumps his nose against it. He tries his best to talk with the natural creatures on the other side, and in his way, his hartfelt earnestness is very moving. Black Paws follows his master, protecting him from the rear.

Monthor forms a battle line with Tratain and Draax. He knows he has to defend the group, and stands with weapon ready.

[OOC: DM Hint for Tactical Success Number 34: If you are waiting for an enemy to approach you, you might want to consider using the Ready action to prepare a swing contingent on the enemy's approach.]

Tratain boosts his friends with a Mass Bears Endurance spell, then stands ready to take the brunt of the attack.

========== ========== ==========

The Attack from the West

As the "ents" get closer, you see that they are probably not really ents after all. Rather than huge woody leafy giants, these creatures look more like animated trees.

But Renik's and Sarigar's diplomacy do not go unanswered. The unicorn looks at Darigar withg sad golden eyes and says, "I am sorry, brother. I was called here from another dimension, and I am compelled to do as my summoner bids. And she commanded me to attack you."

A loud booming voice calls out from the Western Tree: "My mistress awoke me, and I answer only to her! She told me you were our enemies, so I am glad to beat you into pulp!"

The western attack force is stymied by the Wall of Force. But two bees bumble across and try to sting Sarigar and Black paws. One misses Sarigar. The one at AJ24 stings Black Paws, hitting AC24 for 6 hp damage plus a Fort Save DC 15 vs Poison; fail = 5 pts Con damage).

Normally a bee that stings a foe pulls away from the target, leaving its stinger behind, and and then dies. The bee that hits Black Paws DOES leave a stinger in the beast, but does not seem to be in its death throes. Hmmm ...

The Attack from the East

Nothing checks the advance of the enemy on the east. Most of the attackers take a double move to advance, but the lead bee is fast enough to attack Renik. The bee times it right and is not phased (so to speak) by Renik's ring. Its attack, however, falls two short of hitting the slippery rogue.

The Attack from the North

The vermin rush in to attack. Two bees sting at Tratain; one hits AC16, a miss, and one hits AC28, a hit. Tratain takes 7 hp damage and makes a Fort save DC15 or take 3 pts Con damage.

A large worrior ant bits at Monthor, but misses. MONTHOR! I'm assuming your AC is better than 15. PLEASE post AC and HP in your header!

A bee flies at Draax, hitting AC28! Draax takes 6 hp damage and makes a DC15 fort save or take 6 pts Con damage.

Finally, another bee flies at Black Paws, but misses.

Invisible Bees Attack!

Two invisible bees attack from above! One attacks Black Paws and one attacks Feng. The one fighting BP hits AC35; the one on Feng hits AC41. BP takes 5 hp damage and makes a Fort save vs DC18 or takes 4 con damage. Feng takes 8 hp damage and makes a DC18 Fort save or takes 8 pts Con damage. Both are now visible and stingless -- HOWEVER, unlike the other bees, the stinger of these bees continue to pump poison into the victims

========== ========== ==========

NOTES

Party Status
All - Bear's Endurance
Renik - Blinking
Arien - Greater Invis
BP, Tratain, Draax - Secondary Poison save needed in R12
Feng(1), BP(4) - Secondary Poison save vs improved poison needed in R12.

Enemy Stats
Bees are AC14.
Ants are AC17.

Bees have a number to give altitude. Any B05 can be attacked with melee weapons normally. Other bees are likely out of reach.

Bees that are pale blue have lost their stingers. They are unarmed and cannot attack.

Bees labelled I10 were invisible, but attacked and now are visible. They are overhead but IN MELEE RANGE for those directly under them.

NOTE TO CASTERS! Bees labelled IB radiate silence in a ten-foot diameter around them. Be careful casting spells!

And the Map.

Renik AC 28, HP 89, Blessed, Blinking  d20+19=35 d20+14=22 d20+9=12 d100=96 d100=11 6d6(6+6+4+6+5+2)+7=36 d100=56 6d6(2+5+1+4+6+5)+7=30 d20+17=30 d100=2 d20+12=25 d100=16 d20+14=25
Wednesday December 21st, 2005 1:47:49 PM
"Excellent work, Arien" the rogue growls, but there is little of his customary levity in his voice. The Unicorn's words have torn at Renik's soul. So noble a beast, reduced to blindly performing the perfidious whims of some crazed spellcaster! Truly her crimes continue to escalate in his eyes.

But they have many foes to face before he can allow himself to dwell on such matters. They must bolster their defense, and the finest way he knows to do that is to eliminate as many enemies as possible. Draax is right, they need to get to the captives as fast as possible, but they have plenty of foes to cut through before they can attain that goal.

Renik focuses his assault on the bee that attacked him, his twin blades a whirl of deadly steel. (OOC: If his blows bring that bee down he will engage the bee overhead at AO21).

Attack 1: AC 37, blink hits, 36HP,
Attack 2: AC 24, blink misses
Attack 3: AC 14, blink hits, 30 HP
Attack 4: AC 32, blink misses
Attack 5: AC 27, blink misses

Unfortunately the very factor that so often protects him from the blows of his enemies serves to foil his own attacks. Three of his strikes, though precisely aimed, pass harmlessly through his opponents as he flickers in and out of view.

(OOC: Should both his foes fall, either through his own attacks or through the attacks of others, he will take a 5 foot step to AQ29).

Seeing a unicorn approaching him from the east he calls out "Noble creature, I realise you are bound to these actions. But tell me, if I should slay you, will you truly die? Or will you simply be released from this plane, freed of the bondage of one who does not deserve your service?"

The pragmatic rogue, normally so willing to do what needs to be done, finds himself wracked with guilt and indecision at the thought of attacking so magnificent a creature. He is too caught up in his emotions to notice anything untoward (Spot 25).

Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158+56BE-11=199), AC24/21)  d20+3=16 d20+3=19 d20+16=21 d20+11=18 d8+4=11 d8+4=10
Wednesday December 21st, 2005 3:00:44 PM
Feeling the stingers plunge into his brother's flanks as if they were his own, Sarigar immediately spins to face those assaulting him. The sound of ripping flesh emits from his fingertips as his claws burst forth and he bares his fangs in a wicked snarl.

He steps to his brother, grabbing the imbedded stingers and pulls them from the wounds, allowing them to skitter to the ground. Though the poison has been set loose inside him, Black Paws animalistic fortitude fights its effects (FS 16 and 19).

Barking and growling like a beast possessed, Black Paws lunges at the second bee that stuck him biting twice into its chitinous hide (AC21, AC 18) and with two rather savage twists of his massive head, rips large chunks out of the beast (Dmg 11 and 10).

Monthor (HP 132, AC 22, 23 vs ant 25ap)  d20+25=44 d20+20=31 d20+15=26 d10=9 d6=5 d10=4 d6=1 d10=7 d6=4 d20+25=43
Wednesday December 21st, 2005 10:11:05 PM
ooc> First thing. I'm out from tomorrow evening until the 29th. Sub, can you sub for me? Sorry for the short notice.

2nd thing. I'm still assuming that Maag's temp bless effect is still.... in effect

3rd thing. Don't forget guys the temp hit points from the King.

:: Monthor the dwarf swings two handed at the ant in front of him (ap26). Should he kill it before the end of his attacks, he cleaves at whatever's nearest. ::

- 1st attack - AC 44 (critical hit natural 19, AC 43 for the crit. role), damage 30(x3)=90
- 2nd attack - AC 31, damage 21
-3rd attack - AC 26, damage 25

ooc> 136 hp damage on the first attack round. I love my dwarf. Cayzle, check my math with the damage please. I X3rd the full damage (i.e. weapon, fire, strenght and weapon specilization).

Arien (Mage Armor, Greater Invisibility, Bear's Endurance) HP: 82, AC 21  d20+24=36 d8=6 d8=6 d8=4 d8=4 d8=7 d8=1 d8=7 d8=8 d8=4 d8=3 d8=7 d8=4 d6=5 d6=3 d6=2 d6=4
Thursday December 22nd, 2005 2:43:30 AM
Arien moves away from the tree and the silenced bee that is near him, he squeezes under one the the stingerless bees and stands in front on the nearby Unicorn. (AS29, I can just make it moving diagonally) Grimacing about having to hurt the creature Arien casts a spell defensively despite being invisible (Concentration 36), and lets loose with a Prismatic Spray directed straight out from Arien, trying to catch as many creatures as possible.

((OOC: Not sure how many I'm actually going to catch with the spray since I don't have a template handy to compare but I rolled for ten creatures just in case. Note that the 8th creature is struck by 2 rays. All DCs are 24. First: Insanity, Will Save; Second: Insanity, Will Save; Third: Poison, Fort save or Die, 5 con damage on succesful save; Fourth: Poison, Fort save or Die, 3 con damage on succesful save; Fifth: Sent to another plane, Will Save; Sixth: 20 fire damage, Ref save for half; Seventh: Sent to another plane, Will Save; Eighth: Poison & 80 points of electrical damage, 2 con damage on succesful save, ref half for electrical damage; Ninth: Sent to another plane, Will save; Tenth: Poison, Fort save or Die, 4 con damage on succesful save.)

Draax AC 25, HP 127/153 (Bear's Endurance)  d20+23=42 d20+23=42 d8+12=20 d8+12=15 d8=5 d20+18=31 d8+12=14 d20+13=21 d8+12=15 d20+16=23
Thursday December 22nd, 2005 4:11:50 AM
Shaking off the bee's hit (fort save 23) Draax attacks the bee to return the favor.
The half-elven warrior smiles as the familiar thundering roar emits from his sword on a well placed first swing (hit AC 42 crit for 35 dmg and 5 sonic dmg). His return swing is also successful (hit AC 31 for 14 dmg) and with growing confidence he hits the creature one last time (AC 21 for 15 dmg) (69 total dmg).


Feng AC 23, HP 117  d20+15=28 d20+21=36 d20+16=24 d20+11=25 d12+10=11 d12+10=22 d12+10=22
Thursday December 22nd, 2005 10:11:05 AM
Grimmacing in pain Feng holds his axe tightly and hacks at the giant bee that just stung him. He's thinking that the bee will just grow another stinger if left alive to do so.

ooc: poison save 28, 1st attack hit ac 36 for 11, 2nd attack his ac 24 for 22, 3rd attack hit ac 25 for 22. If it matters and if they are evil add another 2d6 per hit.

Monthor ooc> 
Thursday December 22nd, 2005 3:15:42 PM
ooc> Back in a week guys. Try not to let Monthor get killed while I'm away. Merry Ho ho and happy holidays to you all.

Cayzle OOC 
Thursday December 22nd, 2005 3:32:55 PM
Okay, who is Monthor's posting buddy? And do you have his character sheet?

Sorry the turn is late ... these fight chew up all my brain's clock cycles.

Carl 
Thursday December 22nd, 2005 7:29:28 PM
That'd be Stan (Draax)

num2gman@aol.com

Tratain AC 27 HP 123/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment]  d20+19=39 d20+20=26
Friday December 23rd, 2005 12:07:15 AM
The Bee breaks Tratains defenses but he is able to fend off the poison that it stung him with.

Tratain calls upon one of his newly aquired spells and casts Holy Word. (Cast Defensivly check passed)

OOC: Let me know if I'm in a Silence Zone Cayzle, I looked for the ones on the map you said were generating the silence barrier But I couldn't make out if any were near me.


Enemy Disperses: Round 3 (DM Cayzle)  d20+3=18 (Sarigar's Str check to remove a stinger from BP) d6=6 d6=3 d6=2 d6=3 d6=5 d6=5 (secret DM rolls) d8=7 d8=4 d6=2 (more secret DM rolls) d20+4=12 d20+3=16 d20+8=14 d20+2=16 d20+4=10 d20+4=19 d20+3=20 d20+3=14 d20+5=25 d20+3=11 d20+2=7 d20+8=28 (Prism spray saves) d20+11=20 (att on Tratain misses) d100=43 (bee misses Arien) d20+10=11 (misses Sarigar) d6=3 (pulling out stinger and failing hurts BP) d8=7 d8=8
Friday December 23rd, 2005 5:08:26 PM
[OOC: As Yves was saying, "temporary" bonuses from the recent Fae modules, such as Maab's blessing, are still in effect, until the DFR voting is resolved Wold-wide! Enjoy them while you can!]

[OOC: A note on the Silence. Invisibility-capable bees radiate silence in a 10-ft radiaus, but are themselves pretty big. Bottom line -- you are affected by the silence if the bee is next to you or over you. Tratain is not in the silence.]

Renik's two dead-on sneak attacks take out the bee before him, which drops to the ground (Dropped bees are noted as "B00" and are colored red)

Renik calls out to the unicorn again, hoping for some answer to his plight of attacking something he would rather befriend.

Sarigar goes to the aid of his friend. Black Paws had been stung twice, once by a "nirmal" bee and once by an invisible bee that turned visible when it attacked. The stinger from the "Normal" bee is easy to extract as a free action. The other stinger is firmly embedded and requires a move action to pull out with a Strength check. An old PC sheet for Sarigar that I have from March gives his Str at 16, so I'll roll the +3 check to beat DC20 ... 18 -- almost but not enough! The stinger is still embedded.

The attempt to pull out the stinger inflicts 3 hp damage on BP.

Black Paws, ignoring the stinger pulsing in him, attacks, hitting twice. That bee -- formerly invisible -- takes 21 damage, in addition to the 11 it had inflicted on itself in stinging Black Paws.

Monthor criticals!

[OOC: Cayzle's D&D lesson on crits: Do NOT multiply crit damage. Roll again instead. For example, if you do 1d6+1 with a rapier on a crit, then if you crit, roll 2d6+2. Do NOT roll 1d6+1 and multiply by 2! Got it?]

Monthor's crit takes out a giant ant! Another two swings takes out a bee that had stung someone last round.

Arien, meanwhile, ducks through Renik's melee and fires off a striking Prismatic Spray! Through careful placement, he affects ten creatures:

A bee at AU27 -- Insanity, Will Save FAILS = Confused
A medium ant at AV26 -- Insanity, Will Save FAILS = Confused
A medium ant at AV27 -- Poison, Fort save or Die, 5 con damage on succesful save FAILS = Dead
A unicorn at AU25 -- Poison, Fort save or Die, 3 con damage on succesful save SUCCEEDS - Immune to poison
An "ent" at AV30 -- Sent to another plane, Will Save FAILS and poofed
A bee at AX27 -- 20 fire damage, Ref save for half FAILS takes 20
A bee at AX29 -- Sent to another plane, Will Save FAILS and poofed
An orc wearing a helmet at AX31 -- Poison & 80 points of electrical damage, 2 con damage on succesful save, ref half for electrical damage FAILS and dead
Extra -- Sent to another plane, Will save SAVES
A human wearing a helmet at AZ32 -- Sent to another plane, Will save FAILS and poofed
Extra -- Poison, Fort save or Die, 2 con damage on succesful save.) Fails and dead
A bee at AY34 -- Poison, Fort save or Die, 4 con damage on succesful save.) SAVES takes 4 con damage.

Whew!

Draax swings and takes out a formerly invisible bee. It drops to the ground (I00 in red).

Feng also takes out a formerly invisible bee. It drops to the ground (I00 in red). Black Paws tramples it underfoot.

Then Tratain utters his Holy Word. Every bee is deaf and blind. Every ant is deaf, blind, and paralyzed. A couple orcs die.

Enemy turn ===== ===== =====

Every flying bee uses a withdraw action to fly straight up and into the concealing foliage of the tree (most are now about 85 feet above you and out of sight).

The unicorns say, "Defeat us and send us home! But we must try our best to kill you!"

The creatures on the far side of the Wall of Force run away.

The paralyzed ants do nothing (they have green outlines on the map).

The downed bees do nothing (red on the map).

What's left? A unicorn attacks Tratain and misses. A bee, flying toward Tratain, bumps into Arien and attacks, but the invisible mage's miss chance saves him. And a lone ant warrior attacks Sarigar but his natural one misses.

Feng and Black Paws still have pulsing stingers embedded in them. Both must make a DC18 Fort save or takes Con damage -- 7 pts for Feng and 8 for BP. The stinger falls out of Feng, but Black Paws's is still pulsing.

"NOTES

Party Status
All - Bear's Endurance
Renik - Blinking
Arien - Greater Invis
BP, Tratain, Draax - Secondary Poison save needed in R12
Feng(0), BP(3) - Secondary Poison save vs improved poison needed in Rs 12 & 13.

Enemy Stats
Bees are AC14.
Ants are AC17.
Unicorn is AC18.

And the Map.

Renik: AC 28, HP 89, Blessed, Blinking  d20+23=34 6d6(1+5+5+1+3+6)+7=28
Friday December 23rd, 2005 5:40:24 PM
The rogue cannot quite believe how powerful Arien has become over the course of their adventures together. The elven mage has pretty much won this battle for them single handed! Such astonishing spells!

But he cannot afford to wonder at his friend's prowess now. There is still dark work to be done here.

Renik approaches the unicorn swiftly (Move to AR28). His mouth is set in a grim, thin line, evidence of his steely resolve to see this deed over. But his eyes tell another story, one of guilt and regret.

As his blade flashes out in a wicked blow, he whispers "I'm sorry."

Attack 1 hits AC 35 for 28 HP.


Arien (Mage Armor, Greater Invisibility, Bear's Endurance) HP: 82, AC 21  13d6(6+4+5+4+5+5+5+2+6+3+1+4+3)=53
Friday December 23rd, 2005 6:39:42 PM
Arien tracks the Unicorn as it moves into the fray, then after a quick consideration of the layout of the battle targets the Unicorn with a Chain Lightning spell. The lightning arcs off of the Unicorn to hit any other enemy within 30 feet of the Unicorn.

(53 damage to the Unicorn, Ref half DC 23; 26 damage to all enemies within 30 feet, Ref half DC 23)

Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158+56BE-11=199), AC24/21)  d20+3=20 d20+16=23 d20+11=27 d20+4=7 d20+4=9 d20+3=23
Friday December 23rd, 2005 8:06:43 PM
Failing to pull the large stinger out of his brother on the first attempt, Sarigar takes hold of it with both hands and pulls with all his might (Str check 20). At first, it doesn't budge, but his brother's movements along with his own efforts finally dislodge the foul weapon. One his brother is free from the poisonous stringer, Sarigar turns to face the ant that just bit at him.

Black Paws, on the other hand, finding the bee he just bit dropping dead from Arien's colorful spell, turns on the ant attacking his brother. Feeling the stinger pump more venom into his wound, Black Paws shrugs off its effects easily (Con 23) and with his powerful jaws and his impressive fangs, he punches through the ants shell (AC 23 & 27) and tears out chunks of its exoskeleton, flinging gore through the air (Dmg 7 & 9) .

Monthor (HP 132, AC 22, Bear's Endurance, Bless) (Stan subbing)  d20+24=33 d10+14=22 d6=4 d20+19=29 d10+14=20 d6=6 d20+14=30 d10+14=20 d6=6
Saturday December 24th, 2005 6:41:48 AM
If the Unicorn near Tratain is still alive, Monthor will take a step towards it and attack. (hit AC 33 with first hit for 22 regular dmg, 4 fire) (hit AC 29 with second hit for 20 regular dmg, 6 fire)(hit AC 30 with third hit for 20 regular dmg, 6 fire) (78 total dmg)

If the Unicorn near Tratain is dead before Monthor can attack, the dwarf will move to cover Tratain and attack any creature that comes near the priest.


Draax AC 25, HP 133/156 (Bear's Endurance. Bless) 3 out of 9 temp hp left  d20+14=29 d20+23=37 d8+12=15 2d6(6+3)=9
Saturday December 24th, 2005 6:53:30 AM
(save vs poison 29)
Draax moves over to the AS28 and if the Bee near Arien is still alive he will attack it (hit AC 37 for 15dmg).

If the Bee near Arien is dead before he can attack, Draax will defend that area and hope that any creatures that come in the area would rather attack a visible target and give Arien more of an opportunity to use his magic.

Tratain AC 27 HP 123/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing]  d20+11=30
Saturday December 24th, 2005 10:25:17 AM
Seeing that the battle seems to be wrapping up nicely Tratain casts True Seeing on himself and looks around trying to spot any invisilbe enemies or hidden entrences to the Tree or compound.

(Spot 30)

Mopping Up: Round 4 (DM Cayzle)  d20+3=23 (bee save) 3d6(4+4+2)=10 dam to BP in pulling out stinger) d20+9=16 (bee att)
Sunday December 25th, 2005 10:41:48 PM

Renik attacks the unicorn, and Arien finishes it off with a Chain Lightning. The bolt riccochets into the nearby bee, and a natural 20 inflicts only 13 damage.

Sarigar yanks the pulsing poison stinger out of his friend, but doing so hurts! Black Paws yelps and takes 10 points of damage, but no longer has to worry about the poison.

Black Paws inflicts 16 points of damage to an ant.

[OOC: Philip, what damage are you doing? Looks like you rolled d20s for damage! Please let me know the scoop.]

Monthor readies an action to cover Tratain if any enemy approaches.

Draax also makes ready.

Tratain casts True Seeing and looks around. Everything is as it seems, from plants and animals to the tree itself. If there is an entrance or exit, it must be on the other side of the tree or up very high, concealed in the foliage. Tratain does see two invisible bees over there blindly nuzzling the slugs.

The Enemy

Four ants are paralyzed, and will be for a few minutes. Four bees are downed and underfoot. The unicorn is dead and gone back to its home plane. The ant uses the withdraw action to flee, moving to 15X, on top of the wall. The bee moves to where the unicorn had been and attacks Tratain (out of reach of Monthor's weapon), but misses.

Feng AC 23, HP 117  d20+15=34 d20+15=28
Monday December 26th, 2005 9:46:29 PM
Feng turns and scans for enemies but much to his suprise the formidable force sent against them is nearly wiped out.

"I expected much more from a force of this size." Feng comments.

ooc: Feng will ready an attack action in case one of the few insects left attack him. Made two poison saves at 34 and 28

Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158+56BE-21=189), AC24/21) 
Monday December 26th, 2005 10:44:02 PM
ooc: Hehe, oops, I was using d20s. Forgot to change the die type. At least the damage rolled was well within his damage of 1d8+4 /blush

Sarigar grunts along with his brothers yelp as he pulls the stinger loose. A noticable wet patch begins to soak through his armor in the same spot as his brother's sting.

With the immediate battle over, the brothers look and smell around more moving prey. They approach the paralyzed ants and although they smell alive enough, they're confused as to what to do with the completely unmoving prey. Sarigar pokes at one and steps back expecting some sort of retaliation. Black Paws nudges another similarly. With neither ant making any noticeable reaction, the brothers watch them confusedly.

Renik  d20+21=28 6d6(3+2+2+6+1+4)+7=25 d20+18=20 d20+14=23 d20+21=25 d20+14=16 d20+24=40
Tuesday December 27th, 2005 5:27:39 AM
Renik takes a swipe at the remaining bee, hitting AC 28 for 25 HP.

"We need to find an entrance to this tree, and rescue those elves!" calls the rogue. "They are still at risk from this sage. Tratain, come with me, let's see if we can find a way in. How long will your True Seeing spell last? It may well come in handy over the next few minutes."

Assuming we are out of combat:

Renik fishes out his invisibility wand and uses it upon himself (UMD 20: just!).

The rogue (along with Tratain if he is willing to come) will circumvent the tree hunting for ways in. If none are apparent he will activate his armor and fly up the tree (blinking aand invisible), hunting for a way in.

Spot 23
MS 25
Listen 16
Hide 40+Invis (Hide 60)



Monthor (HP 132, AC 22, Bear's Endurance, Bless) (Stan subbing)  d20+24=36 d10+14=22
Tuesday December 27th, 2005 6:53:48 AM
If the bee attacking Tratain comes within his weapon range, Monthor will attack it (AC 36 for 22dmg). If he cannot get to the bee he will remain ready to attack if he gets the opportunity.

Draax AC 25, HP 133/156 (Bear's Endurance. Bless)  d20+7=9
Tuesday December 27th, 2005 6:58:07 AM
Draax stays on guard and tries to look for any new threats that might come the group's way (spot check 9).

Tratain AC 27 HP 123/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing]  d20+16=18 d20+11=26 d20+6=23 d8+4=8 d8+4=11 d8+4=6 d20+11=12 d20+19=21
Tuesday December 27th, 2005 10:59:44 AM
Tratain Swings at the Bee that is attacking Him Striking it 3 Times. If it Falls and he is able he will travel around the Tree with Renik trying to spot a way inside.

-----------------
Hit AC 18 for 8 Damage
Hit AC 26 for 11 Damage
Hit AC 23 For 6 Damage
Total Damage 25

Second Fort Save when needed 21

The Entrance(s): Rounds 5 & 6 (DM Cayzle) 
Wednesday December 28th, 2005 5:17:47 AM

Renik and Tratain combine to finish off the last bee.

Sarigar and Black Paws are confused by the paralyzed ants. They might deduce that some kind of magic is at work to keep their enemies still.

Monthor, Draax, and Feng stay alert. All three notice a bee or two concealed high up in the tall tree -- maybe a hundred feet up or more? Hard to tell with all the foliage in the way.

Tratain and Renik circle the tree. There are three possible ways to go that they note. About 50 feet up the free trunk on the south side is a big hole in the tree. And there are two huge anthills / holes in the ground.

You see no bees or ants or other creatures, aside from the downed bees, the paralyzed ants, two invisible bees over by the slugs, and a glimpse of a bee high overhead in the tree.

Combat notes: Friends, while you are still potentially in danger, I will be tracking actions by the round. Please do not give me poison saves until I call for them. Current Poison status:

BP, Tratain, Draax - Secondary Poison save needed in R12
Feng, BP - Secondary Poison save vs improved poison needed in Rs 12 & 13.

Oh, and let me draw your attention once again to the maps of the entire compound and the compound south of the tree.

Renik  d20+14=27 d20+14=17
Thursday December 29th, 2005 11:18:20 AM
Noting the entrances Renik says "Well, we can go in high or low. Unless we can fly the whole party up the tree I suggest we take the ant hole to the east."

He peers in, trying to determine how difficult it will be to climb down, and whether there are any foes lying in wait.

Spot 27, Listen 17.

Draax AC 25, HP 133/156 (Bear's Endurance. Bless) 
Thursday December 29th, 2005 11:18:55 AM
Draax waits for a decision to be made about which entry point the group should use. "If I remember correctly the king said that the mage lived under a hill. A tree is not a hill but the king could have been mistaken. Anyway, I say we go downward, the king said a hill that the mage's pets made. Maybe it is the tree.

Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158+56BE-21=189), AC24/21)  d20+20=31 d20+20=26
Thursday December 29th, 2005 11:32:23 AM
Able to take a moment and calm down and listen to Renik and Draax's comments, the brothers begin to meander around the area, sniffing intently (Survival 31/26). Perhaps they can pick up the scent of any humanoids and where they seem to be most prevalent. Orc scents will be fairly obvious, but elf smells would be new and welcome.

Monthor  d20-1=3 d20-2=1
Thursday December 29th, 2005 12:26:06 PM
The dwarven fighter grasps Renik by the shoulder and speaks in his ear.

"If this be the way we go then move ye aside tall one. This here hole be me specialty. Me darkvision can see 60 feet ahead without me needing to have a light. Me will go on ahead for a we bit to scout and me will come back. Get the rest of the boys in the hole to give us cover from those bees. Don't forget that those ants over there ain't dead. Whatever magic was used on them by Arien won't likely last forever. That hole in the tree is likely the bee's nest. So, we either take on ants in their holes or bees in their nests. Me'd rather the ants. "

If Renik moves, Monthor, axe held in front of him unlite, sets off down the hole for up to 30', if that's even possible, keeping and eye and ear out as he goes. (Spot 3, listen 1 deff AND blind). If Monthor can climb down it he does. If it's to steep then he'll use his winged boots to go down.




Arien (Mage Armor, Greater Invisibility, Bear's Endurance) HP: 82, AC 21 
Thursday December 29th, 2005 1:25:20 PM
"I actually agree with the dwarf on this one." the invisible Arien says with an equally invisible smirk on his face. The orc had to have sleeping chambers around here and I suspect we will need to go into the tree to find them."

Feng AC 23, HP 117 (On Horseback) 
Thursday December 29th, 2005 5:18:04 PM
Feng takes this moment to call his massive warhorse from his astral home. With all the land before them the extra speed will come in quite handy.

"Well he's got to be around here somewhere."

Monthor (HP 132, AC 22, Bear's Endurance, Bless) 
Thursday December 29th, 2005 5:39:38 PM
ooc> Sorry, forgot to put the stats above Monthor's name in the first post.

Your New Best Friend


Into the Hill: Rounds 7 & 8 (DM Cayzle) 
Friday December 30th, 2005 11:18:31 AM
Sarigar's keep perception reveals that the eastern hole is used exclusively for creatures going into the earth, and the western hole is for creatures coming out. The sharp smell of ants overwhelms all, and the lost child and his companion detect only that other people with two legs have also walked into the earth.

Renik sees nothing as he peers in; does he hear the faintest chittering as of chitinous legs rubbing together, or of mandibles clicking far off?

Brave Monthor is on his element -- he descends, far enough to see that the tunnel is not too steep, and after a short distance widens to a chamber. He returns to tell his friends that the coast is clear.

Feng summons his celstial charger. A mundane horse might balk at a descent into a dark insect-tunnel, but Feng knows he will have no trouble on that issue. The tunnel is wide and high enough, Monthor reports, that Feng can even ride into the underground lair. Given the size of some of the ants you have seen, that is no surprise.

Arien and Draax are not sure whether the tree or tunnels are the way to go. If it is any help, it would take two or three DC15 climb checks to get up to the hive opening in the tree, while the tunnels are easily accessible to all.

Arien (Mage Armor, Greater Invisibility, Bear's Endurance) HP: 82, AC 21 
Saturday December 31st, 2005 4:38:29 PM
"I say we take this tunnel, if needed I can place another wall of force behind us to prevent anything from coming in after us, of course that would make it difficult if we had to retreat, but unless there is something more dangerous down there than ants I beleive we should be ok."

Draax AC 25, HP 133/156 (Bear's Endurance. Bless) 
Saturday December 31st, 2005 10:17:15 PM
Draax follows the dwarf to the opening. "I guess down we go. I like Arien's idea of covering in-going tunnel with the wall."

Looks over to Renik, "Hey chief, same marching order except with the dwarf in the lead or do we want to switch it up some?"

Feng AC 23, HP 117 (On Horseback) 
Sunday January 1st, 2006 1:59:19 AM
Feng isn't too worried about taking his steed underground. If things get too bad he can always send him back to his astral home.

"Well lets just pick one and go that way. Going underground always makes me glad I have orc blood in me."

Renik 
Sunday January 1st, 2006 1:42:35 PM
Renik nods to Draax. "I'll take Monthor's spot at the back. Sarigar, you head up the team with Monthor. Ready folks? Let's head down.

Renik readies a sunrod, but doesn't activate it just yet.

(OOC: Is Renik still invisible, Cayzle? Not sure how many rounds have passed.)

[OOC: Renik activated it in Round 4. It is now Round 7 going into Round 8. You've got lots of time on it still. -- Cayzle]

Monthor  d20-2=1 d20-1=9
Sunday January 1st, 2006 9:12:29 PM
" The coast is clear... "

:: Says the burley dwarf. ::

" There's a chamber up ahead. Let me get up ahead a bit before the rest of you get a light source going. Me not want me ultavision messed up with unless we have to. "

:: Monthor readies his axe as he advances back to the chamber at the head of the party. He listens (1) and looks (9) for anything unusual.


Tratain AC 27 HP 123/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing] 
Sunday January 1st, 2006 10:46:03 PM
Tratain follows the others into the Hole, ready to defend his comrades if anything should threaten the group.

OOC: Really Sorry about missing alot of posts guys, my computer died on me. I'm up and running on a new Machine now though.

Monthor (HP 132, AC 22, Bear's Endurance, Bless) 
Monday January 2nd, 2006 8:51:03 AM
ooc> RAts! Forgot the header in the post name again.

Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158+56BE-21=189), AC24/21)  d20+26=43 d20+17=28
Monday January 2nd, 2006 11:00:41 AM
The brothers take the second position behind Monthor. With his ability to see in the dark, he is the better choice. Although he can't see in the dark, using his nose and 'talking' with his brother, Sarigar is able to navigate reasonably well. Concentrating on his unusial method of navigation and knowing of the insects unique senses, Sarigar doesn't worry so much about hiding, but the brothers do do their best to keep their vibrations as light as possible (Move Silently 43/28)

Black Paws leads his brother along, keeping Monthor in sight as much as possible, and definitely doesn't let him get out of scent range (15-60 feet depending on breezes coming up through the tunnel)

The ANTechamber ahead: Round 9 (DM Cayzle)  d20+2=12
Monday January 2nd, 2006 7:16:30 PM

The group descends into the earth. The 10-foot-wide corridor descends at a 20 degree incline for a 40 foot-length. Then it opens ahead into a largish chamber.

You note that there are structures -- arching beams -- that line the passage. Monthor deduces that they keep the tunnel from collapsing, but he cannot say what they are made from. These archway beams are not marked by any sign of saw or plane or nail, in fact, each one seems made of a single piece of whatever it is.

Ahead, the chamber is lit by torchlight. The floor of the chamber is flat, not inclined. It looks to be about 50 feet across. You see several barrels on the other side.

If you make a spot check vs DC12, then Highlight to display spoiler: {You see a couple medium size ants hiding behind the cover of the barrels.}

You cannot see all the room because you have not yet entered it.

Feng AC 23, HP 117 (On Horseback)  d20=2
Tuesday January 3rd, 2006 11:40:08 AM
"I figured a room like this would have ants a plenty. I expected to have to get through an army to reach this point." Feng says as holds his great axe tightly in his hands.

Monthor  d20-2=6 d20-1=18
Tuesday January 3rd, 2006 12:10:14 PM
" Weird for ants to be using torches? Me'd say that there are other creatures using these holes. The structures are not made for the insects either.... Doesn't look like orc work either. There's carpentry isn't this good. "

:: Preparing for what he considers to be eventual encounters, Monthor enters the room ready for battle. The dwarf scans the room once he enters it. ::

(Spot 6, listen 18)



Draax  d20+7=15
Tuesday January 3rd, 2006 1:28:32 PM
Draax agrees with the assessment of the others. "I wonder if the torches are for the orcs with the funny looks inserts on their heads."

Draax readies his bow and prepares for the group's next encounter.


Renik AC 28, HP 89, Blessed, Invisible, Bear's Endurance  d20+14=34 d20+14=28 d20+14=34
Tuesday January 3rd, 2006 4:42:03 PM
The rogue follows the others towards the room, keeping a close eye out behind them as well as ahead. He has no trouble spotting the two poorly concealed ants behind the barrels, and warns his companions of them in whispered tones. He looks and listens for the slightest sign of danger.

(Spot ahead: nat 20! Spot 28 behind, Listen 34: nat 20!)

The rogue cannot help but share his companions' concerns. He suspects they are in for a nasty surprise, sooner or later. This Sage will not be undefended, of that he is sure.



Tratain AC 27 HP 123/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing]  d20+11=27
Tuesday January 3rd, 2006 9:59:09 PM
Tratain travels with the others ready to cast Shield of Faith upon himself if the group gets attacked. He keeps an eye out for possible dangers.

(Spot 27)

Inside the ANTechamber (and yes, I'll continue to make this bad pun until someone, ANYone, gives me a smiley or a LOL): Round 10 (DM Cayzle)  d20+18=36 d20+2=20
Wednesday January 4th, 2006 6:56:57 AM
The party bravely enters the room. There is another opening that clearly leads back to the other hole to the surface. And there are a number of ways to continue moving ahead. the ceiling is ten feet up.

There are barrels lining the wall of this room, and five continual flames providing light -- four on the walls and one right in the center of the ceiling. There are also wooden columns helping support the ceiling. Monthor looks closer at the supports. It is clear that the thick wood supports although somewhat warped, are holding up the ceiling just fine. They are aided by a network of ribs on the ceiling like those in the tunnel. These supports might be imagined as a kind of exudate ... a substance produced by the ants to help reinforce walls and ceilings underground.

Renik points out to the party that there are two ants ahead hiding behind barrels. Renik and Tratain see another two medium ants (workers, not warriors) hiding behind the cover of barrels behind you (see Map). They are not threatening you.

A much more significant threat, though, is that as you all enter the chamber, the room fills with a faint haze. It does not onscure your vision, but it does make your mind foggy and hazy! Please make a Will save vs DC27 or suffer a -10 competence penalty on Wis checks (including Wis-based skill checks) and subsequent Will saves.

Sarigar, Please Highlight to display spoiler: {You and Black Paws smell something besides the party ... something ... human? Not within 5 feet. Maybe to the northeast? [OOC: I'll be playing that scent can let you tell the exact square an invisible creature is in (within 5 feet) but you still suffer the 50% miss chance.}

If you make a Listen check vs DC10, then Highlight to display spoiler: {You heard something ... whispering? ... far-off talking? ... to the northeast.}

If you make a Listen check vs DC20, then Highlight to display spoiler: {You heard a spell being cast maybe 80 feet away to the northeast. Yes, there's a wall only 20 feet away. It is a mystery. You get a +5 bonus on the spellcraft check below.}

If you make a Spellcraft check vs DC27, then Highlight to display spoiler: {You recognize the haze as a Mind Fog spell heightened to 7th level.}

And the map. Note: The brown circles are barrels. The E's mark the two entrances. You came in the one on the left (west).

Player status: Arien and Renik are invisible. Is Renik Blinking?
BP, Tratain, Draax - Secondary Poison save needed in R12
Feng, BP - Secondary Poison save vs improved poison needed in Rs 12 & 13.

Renik AC 28, HP 89, Blessed, Invisible, Blinking, Bear's Endurance  d20+7=25 d20+4=24
Wednesday January 4th, 2006 10:14:37 AM
(OOC: Oof! nearly made Will save. DC 27? Eek!)

ANTicipating an imminANT attack, the rogue finds himself hit by a sudden inability to think clearly. He is not fully cognisANT. He shakes his head to clear it, but finds scANT relief. Backing away against a wall (to Y/Z23) he pANTs "Spread out! Don't allow yourselves to all be targeted by the spellcaster!"

:-)

He activates his Blinking ring and tries to make out what is going on (Listen 24!). Though his head is clouded his ears are not, and he hears a chANT. "Spell being cast, 80 feet or so northeast!" he hisses. "That northeast wall may be an illusion. Scatter!"



Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158+56BE-21=189), AC24/21)  d20+9=28 d20+9=25 d20+16=30 d20+6=16 d20+16=24 d20+6=20 d20=18 d20+9=22
Wednesday January 4th, 2006 10:42:11 AM
As the brothers enter the faint fog, Sarigar feels himself get a little woozy, but rattles his head, shaking the cobwebs loose (WS 28). Black Paws, however, isn't quite so fortunate as his mind grows somewhat hazy (WS 25).

Not to be detered by the spell's impairing effects, the brothers scan the area (Spot 30/16, Listen 24/20, Spellcraft 18). Just before Renik calls out his warning, the brothers smell something, maybe a human and follow the smell with their eyes and ears and pick out the sound of casting, from behind a wall? How is the scent getting through? Luckily with Arien's mild tutoring, Sarigar has the basic understanding of illusion spells and wonders, is that wall really there? (Will save 22 to resist the illusion of the wall).

The brothers begin approaching the wall, somewhat cautiously, but still fairly quickly (move 30 feet toward the wall).

Arien (Mage Armor, Greater Invisibility, Bear's Endurance) HP: 82, AC 21  d20+13=26 d20+7=26 d20+7=22 d20+25=38
Wednesday January 4th, 2006 11:27:26 AM
Arien starts to feel foggy a moment but grits his teeth and shakes it off. (Will save 26, use a Hero Point to boost that to a 28) Arien hears something coming from the northeast and after a quick moment of concentration realizes that it is a spell and quickly identifies it as the same one filling this room, a Mind Fog. Arien is determined to take out this spellcaster quickly and so he steps back and to the left and shouts, "We need to take this spellcaster out quickly! I am taking Monthor and Feng with me!" That said Arien Dimension Doors the lot of them directly at the caster, northeast 80 feet, hoping to catch the wizard off guard.

Monthor (HP 132, AC 22, Bear's Endurance, Bless)  d20+5=15 d20-2=2 d20+24=40
Wednesday January 4th, 2006 2:29:08 PM
Monthor feels dizzier then normal. Kinda like a good beer buzz but without the fun of actually drinking the beer. ( And he hears Nadda with the 2 role).

" DeadANT, DeadANT, DeadANT.... )

After Arien's statement....

" Say wha..... "

Monthor readies an attack against the first non party being he sees after the dimension door takes effect. If appropriate, he swings his now flamming axe with both hands at 'it'. (AC 40)

Monthor  d10+16=21 d6=3
Wednesday January 4th, 2006 2:31:46 PM
Damage role for the readied action.
24

Feng AC 23, HP 117 (On Horseback)  d20+10=23 d20=7
Wednesday January 4th, 2006 6:11:43 PM
Feng stops and shakes his head as the mist invades his mind. His grip on his axe loosens slightly as he fails to fight off the effects.

"Can we conjure some wind and get rid of this mist?"

ooc: will save 23, listen check 7

Draax AC 25, HP 133/156 (Bear's Endurance. Bless)  d20+7=26 d20+3=10
Wednesday January 4th, 2006 7:31:20 PM
Draax comes close to shaking away the fog that has settled on his mind but he cannot do it (Will save 26).

He can hear some type of whispering (listen check 10)in the distance and knows that he is not going crazy when Renik lets the group know about the caster.

Although he cannot see Arien, Draax does hear him and soon watches Feng and Monthor disappear through the door. Draax moves as far as he can towards the sound of the casting giving the caster a visible target but hoping the others can cut him down before he strikes.


Tratain AC 27 HP 123/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing]  d20+17=34 d20+11=22 d20+11=31 d20+12=28 d20+13=26
Wednesday January 4th, 2006 10:22:34 PM
Tratain is able to fight off the effects of the cloud.(Will 34) He looks around the Room with his True Seeing attempting to make out if any of the walls are Illusions or if they are all real.

Tratain is able to hear the spell being cast and attempts to Spot the Mage who cast the spell. (Listen 22, Spot 21)

If he can see him Tratain casts Dimensional Anchor upon Him. (Spell Range is 230 Feet, Ranged Touch attack hits AC 28, No Save. 26 to Beat SR if there is any.)

If the Mage is not Visible Tratain Moves as far as he is able in the direction it sounded like the spell was cast from.

Delay of Game (DM Cayzle) 
Thursday January 5th, 2006 4:33:58 AM
Sorry everybody, but I need to know ... Does Feng agree to Dimension Door with Arien and Monthor? Monthor has agreed (by his post above). Feng's mount cannot go, of course. If Feng declines, does Arien abort the attempt? or pick someone else?

Feel free to post conversation but not actions for this instant between rounds, please, my friends. And as you may have deduced from the save DC on that spell, do not be lulled by the ease with which you passed the outer defenses!

Feng OOC 
Thursday January 5th, 2006 6:22:10 PM
I knew I forgot to add something to my post. Since Feng is sufferent from the effects of the fog he'll have to trust those that aren't affected by it. He'll go through the door.

The Puzzle of the Mage behind the Wall: Round 11 (DM Cayzle)  d20+18=29 (secret DM roll) d6=5 (dim door damage) d20+11=26 (combat casting defensively check)
Friday January 6th, 2006 11:12:49 PM
Renik backs off to YZ23 and activates his ring of blinking.

Sarigar and Black Paws head towards the smell that they smelled ... the smell of manflesh, sort of. Human, mostly, but with a faint tang underneath, like the way an illusion looks after you realize nothing is there, or like the taste of your favorite stew when the cook puts a bit of a spice you never tasted into it ... not quite right, not quite real.

[OOC: Philip, I'll assume that you two are taking an action to get close, and another to pinpoint the location of the person you smell -- but really you should say so if that's what you intended. Also please give coordinate numbers in general when moving ... otherwise I have to take a guess as to where you want to go.]

[OOC on hero point use. Arien used a hero point to boost his roll by two after the fact. That's a no-no. I'll let it slide this time, but remember that you can use a hero point to make a reroll; you can use more points to add two per point to the reroll, and you might even be able to use hero points to a roll to boost it BEFORE you roll, not after. Okay?]

Arien takes an educated guess at the location of the mage and casts Dimension Door, taking Monthor and Feng (as well as Feng's charger!) with him. There is a POP of displaced air as they go.

Monthor blips with Arien, ready to swing as soon as he is able (note, no actions are possible for the rest of the round after a Dimension Door, per the spell).

Feng also goes with Arien on a short blip ahead.

Draax moves as close as he is able to the sound of whispering that he heard. [Coordinate map numbers are nice ... or I have to guess where you are going!]

Tratain uses his spell to confirm that there are no illusions in the room ... and there are none! None at all! In which case, how could you hear a mage 80 feet ahead in a direction that is blocked by a non-illusionary rock wall?

If there is a mage, Tratain does not spot him, at least not immediately. Tratain follows Draax towards the source of the sound.

RESULTS ========

Arien, Monthor, and Feng end up with a weird faint taste of dirt in their mouths as they try to dimension door into solid earth. The spell shunts them off to the nearest open space. Each takes 5 hp damage. The three (plus mount) find themselves outside, right near the other ant hole, the one that you did not enter. (see maps)

Sarigar and Tratain, through scent and true sight, now realize that there is an invisible person (marked P on the map) in square 13AA.

Tratain, Please Highlight to display spoiler: {Now that the hiding invisible person has no cover, he cannot hide, and of course, your spell pierces his invisibility. You see a small person -- a halfling?? He has no armor or weapon, and he is wearing one of those Beetle Hemlets, like the orc was. Moreover, there is the strangest hole in the middle of his chest! You can glimpse through the hole in his chest ... into a large dark open space! Your True Seeing spell lets you see up to 120 feet even through complete darkness, so you can see that in the large open space there are several creatures of different shapes! You may even see more ...}

Tratain, if your Spot check beats a DC10, then Highlight to display spoiler: {You see several people, and many ants, including a Huge ant, in a natural earthen cavern.}

Tratain, if that same Spot check beats DC16, then Highlight to display spoiler: {You notice that three of the people are elves, some are orcs, and one of the people, standing next to the Huge ant, is a human. The orcs and human are wearing those odd helmets, but the elves are not.}

Tratain, if that same Spot check beats DC24, then Highlight to display spoiler: {How odd! The human next to the Huge Ant bears a striking resemblance to the halfling with the hole in his chest! And the elves are bound in chains. And the human is casting a spell!}

Tratain, if that same Spot check beats DC24, AND you make a Spellcraft check beating DC 15, then Highlight to display spoiler: {The human is casting a Message cantrip!}

Tratain casts his Dimensional Anchor spell on the invisible person, and the ray that shoots out from Tratain's finger makes clear even to Renik the location (which square) in which the person is standing.

Renik, Sarigar, Draax, and Tratain, please Highlight to display spoiler: {You hear a spell being cast (defensively) by the invisible person. You hear a gasp of surprise from the invisible person, whose spell seems not to work! You all hear a whisper in your ear. "Welcome, strangers! Why not be at peace? I think this is all just a misunderstanding."}

Map for Arien, Feng, and Monthor.

Map for Draax, Tratain, Renik, and Sarigar.

Monthor 
Sunday January 8th, 2006 6:34:07 AM
Not being very wise at the moment(or should that be, "even less so then ususal... ") Monthor belows a low growl of frustration.... and charges back into the ant hole with a mighty...

" FOR THE CLAN!!!!! "



Monthor 
Sunday January 8th, 2006 6:35:56 AM
(HP 127, AC 22, Bear's Endurance, Bless)

Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158+56BE-21=189), AC24/21)  d100=6 d20+16=36 d6+5=8
Sunday January 8th, 2006 4:24:09 PM
More out of surprise than anything else, Sarigar swings at the sound of the voice and the smell of whoever it is next to him (AC 36, Dmg 8).

Finding that there appears to be no way for him to squeeze through, Black Paws begins skirting the wall toward the other opening (move to W15-X16).

ooc: Not sure whether you need high or low for the % concealment miss chance.

Draax AC 25, HP 133/156 (Bear's Endurance. Bless) 
Sunday January 8th, 2006 10:21:09 PM
Draax stands with his shield raised and his sword ready. He takes a step to AC16 and speaks to the voice. "What is the misunderstanding? Why do you think we are here?"

Renik AC 28, HP 89 (+28, Bear's Endurance), Blessed, Invisible, Blinking, Flying  d20+21=28
Monday January 9th, 2006 8:50:56 AM
Spotting the location of the hidden spellcaster Renik activates his Celestial armour and flies to Z13 in order to block off any retreat. He remains silent, trusting to his invisibility to give him the element of surprise should the caster try to attack or make a run for it.

He awaits the response to Draax's question, deeply suspicious.

(Move Silent 28)

Feng AC 23, HP 112/ 117 (On Horseback) 
Monday January 9th, 2006 3:57:07 PM
Feng takes a drink of water to clean the taste from his mouth. Magic, this always happened with magic. Well not always but enough. Sighing, Feng rides after Monthor.

Tratain AC 27 HP 123/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing]  d20+11=30 d20=17
Monday January 9th, 2006 10:05:50 PM
Tratain Stares into the Hole in the Halflings chest trying to figure out what it is. Seeing the Elfs in chains he says "We've come for the Elves, why are they in Chains."

He tells the Halfling "Do not move untill we sort this out, if you do we will use force"

The Strangest Hole! Round 12 (DM Cayzle)  d100=93
Monday January 9th, 2006 10:49:10 PM

Monthor, Feng, and Arien (I presume -- let me know if not) travel down the tunnel abd return to the chamber.

Sarigar lashes out at where he smells something unusual and connects! [OOC: on any miss chance, you miss on a low roll. 01-20 is a miss for Blink checks, 01-50 for total concealment.] Sarigar connects and draws blood -- or something that is blood-like, anyway.

Renik moves to the invisible person. Draax attempts diplomacy, or at least negotiation. Tratain adds to that effort.

The tiny invisible man does something very strange. [I won't bother to spoiler this since you will soon know somewhat more about what is going on.] The half-size man has an odd HOLE in his chest. He pulls the hole off his chest and drops it to the ground, where it grows from about 8 inches to maybe 16! Then the little man dives through the hole! He seems very slippery. Tratain and Sarigar can make an attack of opportunity on him as he slips through the hole.

[OOC: The following MIGHT vary depending on the result of any AoOs.]

After he slips through, there is a clang sound from the hole. Tratain, with his spell, sees a barrier of iron has dropped across the hole.

So now you are looking at a hole in the floor. On closer inspection, you see that the hole has a metal lip and is perfectly round. The metal lip also looks very slippery, as if it had been coated with butter.

All except Arien, Feng, and Monthor hear the voice again in a whisper in their ears: "You break into my home, kill my servants, and demand to take my patients away. Why should I? Who are you, really, and why should I surrender innocents to you, except because you are skilled at killing people? Does your might make you right? I beg to differ."

"You ask why I think you are here. Well, if you want to play guessing games, my guess is that you think I intend to harm these elves, and you are here to rescue them. In fact, I am treatingthem!

"Why I should tell you anything else is beyond me, but I'll tell you that the elves are in chains because my usual magical restraints that I use on my patients do not seem to work for some reason on elvish minds."

Note that the four passive worker ants remain motionless in the room. The haze of will-sapping remains as well, but although it continues to affect those who failed their saves, those who saved once are immune to its effects hereafter. By the way, mention in your post that you were affected by it.

Oh, and I need poison saves from Black Paws, Tratain, and Draax this round, ten rounds after initial exposure to bee poison. Fort Save DC 15 vs Poison; fail = 1d6 pts Con damage ... roll your own if you fail the save.

Renik AC 28, HP 89 (+28, Bear's Endurance), Blessed, Invisible, Blinking, Flying, Mind Fogged  d100=82 d20+14=25 d20+14=18 d20+3=21 d20+24=32 d20+21=34
Tuesday January 10th, 2006 5:01:27 AM
Renik curses silently to himself. Nothing is ever quite as clearcut as it should be. They are now stuck with choosing between the word of this sage and the word of of the unpredictable Fey king. Not an easy choice.

He looks around for Feng. The half-orc paladin's instincts may help them here. If the sage is indeed a blackhearted dissembler, attempting to confuse and wrongfoot them, Feng should be able to tell. He whispers in Feng's ear "Do you detect the stench of evil from the hole?"

Then he kneels. Trusting to his blinking ring he pushes his invisible face through the iron barrier over the hole. His aim is threefold; he wishes to determine its thickness, spy upon their potential enemy, and check to see if anyone on the other side is able to see invisible opponents. (Blink check made for 1st 5 feet, Spot 25, Listen 18, Sense Motive 21, Hide 32, Move Silent 34).

Once his scan of the the far side of the barrier is done he pulls back to report his findings.

Draax AC 25, HP 133/156 (Bear's Endurancen, Bless), Mind Fogged  d20-14=6 d20+14=23
Tuesday January 10th, 2006 8:04:52 AM
(Fort save 23) (Disregard first roll, put -14 instead of +14)
Draax did not notice the elves' predicament until Tratain demands an explanation. He finally turns to takes a look at the hole.

"You are right, we do believe that you intend to hurt the elves and we have come here hoping to save them. I will throw your same argument back at you. Who are you that we are to believe that the elves are chained for their own good? Treating them for what? We were told a different story.

Might does not make us right but we must use our might for what we believe to be right and unless you can prove to us that what we believe is wrong. I guess we will continue to be at odds with each other."

Draax tries to look everywhere at once but he keeps most of his attention on the visible ants to ensure that they do not become hostile.

To the air he says, "Oh yeah! What's with the funny helmets?" Draax believes that he already guessed what the insert-like helmets are but he figures it does not hurt to ask.


Feng AC 23, HP 112/ 117 (On Horseback) 
Tuesday January 10th, 2006 9:57:10 AM
Once Feng gets back down with the others he concentrates for evil. Surely if what the Fey King said was true this place should reek of it. But the greatest point should be in that hole, unless...

"I might not get a reading if he's in some pocket dimension."

Monthor (HP 127, AC 22, Bear's Endurance, Bless, dazed and confused) 
Tuesday January 10th, 2006 10:25:19 AM
Monthor arrives back at a running pace.
His burley bearded head swaying side to side the dwarf says...
" Which way did he go? Whick way did he go? Point the way, point the way.... where do me strike, where do me strike!!!! "

Arien (Mage Armor, Greater Invisibility, Bear's Endurance) HP: 77, AC 21 
Tuesday January 10th, 2006 9:04:28 PM
Arien runs back into the room and skids to a halt when he sees the iron lid. Arien looks around the room and waits for the result of Feng's search for evil.

Tratain AC 27 HP 123/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing]  d20+19=33 d20+16=34 d8+4=8 d6=1 d6=4
Wednesday January 11th, 2006 12:02:54 AM
Tratain Takes a swipe at the Halfling as he jumps through the hole, attempting to knock him out instead of killing him outright (Hit AC for 8 Points Subdual damage, 5 Holy Damage if he's Evil)

Since Draax has made the Partys Points very well already Tratain just Casts a Spell upon Himslef Defensively just incase things go awry. (Cast Spell Resistence Defensivly)

Poison Save : 33

Lectures and Recon: Rounds 12-14 (DM Cayzle) 
Wednesday January 11th, 2006 7:39:06 AM
Tratain hits the "halfling" on his way down the hole. It looks like a halfling, but the proportions are off. A skinny dwarf? A human child? Something else?

Sarigar waits to see what happens.

Renik pokes his head into the hole. He feels a little twist, as his dimensional blinking magic interacts with the strange hole. No problem for now, but Renik suspects he would not want to touch the sides of the hole (or the rim) while blinking.

But his risk-taking pays off. Renik, Please Highlight to display spoiler: {You see several people, and many ants, including a Huge ant, in a natural earthen cavern. You notice that three of the people are elves, some are orcs, one is the halfling, and one of the people, standing next to the Huge ant, is a human. All bipeds except the elves are wearing those odd helmets. Then Renik has an insight! How odd! The human next to the Huge Ant bears a striking resemblance to the halfling. And as earlier noted, the elves are bound in chains.}

Renik, your "Spot 25, Listen 18, Sense Motive 21" checks ... did they include the -10 penalty on Wis-based checks? Friends, if you are mind-fogged, keep track of that!

Monthor, Arien, and Feng rejoin the main party. It seems that some of you were mislead. The mage you heard was not 80 feet to the northeast! What you heard was the mage casting from some dozens of feet in on the other side of the "hole" -- and the "hole" was carried by the invisible halfling, about 20 feet to the northeast at the time.

Feng discovers a few faint traces of evil -- no evil creatures are currently in range; there are signs that a few somewhat evil creatures have been by more or less recently. The place certainly does not "reek" of it, like a Temple of Marteaus would, or a graveyard full of undead. Note that, per the Detect Evil spell, it takes three rounds to get a full reading.

Tratain casts Spell Resistance on himself (in round 14)

Draax speaks well for the party, and the whispers that Renik, Draax, Tratain, and Sarigar hear make a reply:

"I am a sage and a scholar. I honor Mother Wold in all her incarnations, but plants and insects have been my special area of study. I especially study the hive mind, and the way that queen bees and queen ants interact with their subjects."

"I have found that it is possible to change a person's mind and behavior by applying the hive mind to a dominated biped, for example. Under the influence of the hive, the subject's behavior patterns can be altered over time."

"Thus, the orcs you have seen or slain were evil creatures who are undergoing treatment to cure their evil inclinations."

"The 'funny helmets' -- as you describe them -- are actually insects of my own design, which allow me to communicate mentally with the hive, and through which I subject my patients to their curative patterning."

"As to the veracity of my story, I would welcome you to inspect my subjects, if you like. But how can I trust that you will not attack or kill me or my people or creatures?"

If you get the feeling that the sage is long-winded and pedantic, then you are not far off the mark! He talks and talks all though the time that Feng is detecting evil.

During that time, I need the following poison saves:

Black Paws must make last round's Fort save vs DC15 or suffer 1d6 Con damage. Feng and BP must both make Fort saves vs DC18 or take 1d8 Con damage as well.

Renik AC 28, HP 89 (+28, Bear's Endurance), Blessed, Invisible, Blinking, Flying, Mind Fogged 
Wednesday January 11th, 2006 4:09:26 PM
(OOC: Oops, sorry! Yes, Renik should have made those rolls at -10. Bad Renik!)

Renik notes that the halfling looks like a smaller version of the sage. A magical contruct, perhaps? Or perhaps some sort of weird offspring, a part of one of the sage's experiments?

He briefly recounts what he saw through the hole through the others, and summarises what he hears to those who cannot hear it.

When the sage pauses to draw breath Renik calls out

"And what "curative patternin" are those chained elves undergoing, sage? You speak of trust. We have among our number a Paladin, sworn to uphold the values of the Gods of the Wold and blessed by them in turn. If you will stand before him and can satisy his divine insight that your motives are as benign as you say, you shall have nothing to fear from us. What say you?"

He whispers to the spellcasters "If we need to get in can the iron barrier be dispelled without disrupting the magics of the portal? If this sage proves to be a charletan we will need to get through that barrier. I should be able to blink, but I don't fancy facing him alone!"

Draax AC 25, HP 133/156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless), Mind Fogged 
Wednesday January 11th, 2006 7:17:12 PM
While waiting to hear the mage's answer to Renik's questions, Draax thinks of something he would like know about the mage. "I would like to hear your answers to my friend's questions and add one of my own. What is your connection to the Fey King?"

While waiting for the mage to answer, Draax wonders if the mage is sincere, crazy, afraid, or just cautious because of the display the group put on against his summoned creatures. As he remembers the fight against the creatures, Draax's willingness to believe the mage drops tremendously, no good person would do such a thing to a unicorn.



Monthor(HP 127, AC 22, Bear's Endurance, Bless, dazed and confused) 
Wednesday January 11th, 2006 7:49:09 PM
Monthor whispers to Arien

~Arien, why don't ye dimension thingy us down there! If the skinny ones be chained up then we'd better seperate Serge's head from his shoulders right? ~

Tratain AC 27 HP 123/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing; SR 25] 
Wednesday January 11th, 2006 9:45:07 PM
Tratain again waits for the Sages Response, eager to hear his side of the story. He asks Renik "How big was that chamber on the other side of that Iron wall? Can you describe it at all?"



Cayzle OOC 
Thursday January 12th, 2006 6:30:23 AM

Friends, sometimes when there is spoiled text, the character for whom it is intended then says something like this: "He briefly recounts what he saw through the hole through the others, and summarises what he hears to those who cannot hear it."

That sort of gives permission to the other players to go back and read the spoiler. But it is really not the best way to do it. There still might be stuff in the spoiler that others should not read. Better, I think, for the player to summarize the secret stuff for his friends, or, what's worse than putting it in your own words but better than telling others to read spoiled text: copy and paste the relevant spoiled text into your own message.

In this case, here's what Renik recounts:

Renik sees several people, and many ants, including a Huge ant, in a natural earthen cavern. Some are elves, some are orcs, one is the halfling, and one of the people, standing next to the Huge ant, is a human. All bipeds except the elves are wearing those odd helmets. The human next to the Huge Ant bears a striking resemblance to the halfling. The elves are bound in chains.

I wish I could delay the game to give Tratain and others a chance to respond to this info, but I'm trying not to miss any posts this week.

Renik adds that the chamber is big but poorly lit, so he's unsure on its size. Big.

An Invitation: Round 15 (DM Cayzle) 
Thursday January 12th, 2006 6:38:31 AM
[OOC: Sorry not to see more posts! Please don't forget those Fort saves.]

Renik confronts the sage and mentions Feng. Draax and Tratain want to hear what the sage says to that. Monthor is eager to blip in and fight. Draax also mentions the Fae King.

The sage seems happy to oblige. "I would be more than glad to submit to your paladin's inspection. Please be welcome in my home. I will not even ask that you put away your weapons. After all this nonsense is resolved, I'm sure we'll laugh at this."

"I know the Fae King, of course! He is a great trickster, and I am not surprised that he is at the bottom of this misunderstanding, if that is what you mean. Yes, he brought me these elves, and asked me to try to cure them of their evil ways. So far I have had no success. The minds of orcs are more malleable, it seems."

"Please, enter. The corridor directly in front of you will lead you to me. Here, to show that there is no danger, follow this ant as your guide."

One of the ants now moves to the corridor to the south, enters ten feet in, and waits for you to follow.

Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158+56BE-21=189), AC24/21)  d20+12=30 d20+12=25
Thursday January 12th, 2006 10:28:10 AM
Apparently the Mind Fog spell had more of an effect upon the brothers than first they realized as they finally shake the effects and follow the others to meet with the sage.

Though the stingers have been removed, their poison still courses through his veins. Black Paws' natural toughness is more than enough to shrug off the effects (Fort Saves 30 and 25 for rounds 12 & 13).

ooc: Sorry for missing posts guys. I've been working at three different schools and finding computer time (since I don't really have a room any more) has been kinda tough. I'll try to stabilize things as best I can as soon as I can.

Arien (Mage Armor, Bear's Endurance) HP: 77, AC 21 
Thursday January 12th, 2006 1:28:23 PM
Arien narrows his eyes and considers his options for a moment then follows the ant as it leads to the sage. Arien doubted there would be any laughing at the end of this.

Renik AC 28, HP 89 (+28, Bear's Endurance), Blessed, Invisible, Blinking, Flying, Mind Fogged  d20+14=31 d20+14=18 d20+21=27 d20+24=35
Thursday January 12th, 2006 3:56:03 PM
The invisible rogue flies above the ant, looking out for signs of treachery from their "host"(Spot 21, Listen 8, MS 27, Hide 35).

(OOC: Included Mind Fog effects this time!)



Monthor(HP 127, AC 22, Bear's Endurance, Bless, dazed and confused) 
Thursday January 12th, 2006 6:17:00 PM
Monthor looks stunned that the others are even considering doing this.

" OH COOOOME ONNNNN! Me can't be the only one that thinks that this is a trap! We can't really be thinking about going along with this are we? Girls? Girls?...... "

Monthor sighs deeply and will follow along with whatever the others decide to do.

Feng AC 23, HP 112/ 117 (On Horseback), Mind Fogged  d20+15=29 d20+15=29
Thursday January 12th, 2006 7:39:16 PM
Feng continues to concentrate on the subtle evil that has infected this place. Overwhelming evil is easy to feel. But this, this is different. It was like evil has infected small parts of everything.

ooc: two poison saves 29 and 29

Draax AC 25, HP 133/156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless), Mind Fogged 
Thursday January 12th, 2006 10:03:01 PM
Seeing that the others decided to give the mage a chance to prove his story, Draax follows the ant. "OK, I guess you will have your chance to prove what you say. Just do not think that we are going to let you put those insects on our heads."

As he walks Draax continues to talk to the air as he hold a conversation with the mage. "So you are saying the king wanted to change the elves' way of thinking? What evil ways are you suppose to cure them from? What were they doing that the king did not like? As you say the king is a great trickster. And if what you say is true he is also a great deceiver. Do you know the elves need to change or are you just doing what the king wanted you to do?"

Secretly Draax agrees with Monthor but he is relying on the stealth and senses of the others to warn of a trap before it catches them.

Tratain AC 27 HP 123/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing; SR 25] 
Thursday January 12th, 2006 10:35:18 PM
Tratain Follows the others ready incase something should happen. The way the Sage is speaking makes the Protector think that a confrontation with him will be inevitable. All creatures have the free will to choose Good or Evil, and what to believe in for themselves. What the Sage is doing reminds him of what he knows of Ga'al.

The Door Behind Curtain Number One: Round 16 (DM Cayzle) 
Friday January 13th, 2006 6:29:01 AM

The sage answers Draax, "You doubt the King's motives? So did I! We are alike in that. Let me explain it all to you. Please come this way."

Everyone is suspicious of the Sage, but nonetheless, the group follows the ant through the tunnel. It is about 60 feet long and ten feet wide. There is a continual flame cast on a small rock set in the ceiling. After 60 feet the tunnel ends, and you see a small tapestry that is not quite large enough to hide a door. The tapestry does not go all the way to the floor, and you see no feet sticking out of the bottom, so if anyone or anything is hiding behind the tapestry, they are clinging to the door or hovering in place. Most likely there is no one hiding. Tratain's True Sight reveals nothing hidden.

The sage says, "Of course, I have my defenses. Be sure all of you speak my name -- Sahnhan the Verminologer -- before drawing the curtain and opening the door."

Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158+56BE-21=189), AC24/21)  d20+18=37
Friday January 13th, 2006 10:24:39 AM
Sarigar approaches the tapestry and takes a good sniff in hopes of discovering whether anyone is behind it or if there are any foul scents like those given off by destructive spells such as fireball (Survival: Scent 37).

If no such scents seem to be present, he shrugs and says, "Hrumph, more wall blankets, you people are silly. Well, here comes brother and I, Sahnhan the Verminologer." With that, he pulls the curtain aside and the brothers step through, though they thoroughly expect some kind of ambush.


Renik AC 28, HP 89 (+28, Bear's Endurance), Blessed, Invisible, Blinking, Flying, Mind Fogged  d20-7=9
Friday January 13th, 2006 5:51:38 PM
Renik is almost certain they are walking into a trap, but can't think what else to do. He tries desperately to work out if the Sage sounds at all duplicitous, but the magical effect is clouding his brain and making it hard to think straight (Sense Motive 9). He feels so unsure of himself, of his senses, it's almost like being in a dream.

He creeps forward and whispers the words "Sahnhan the Verminologer". He holds Sarigar back, waiting until all have spoken the name, then lets the wildman draw back the curtain, prepared for the worst.

Draax AC 25, HP 133/156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless), Mind Fogged 
Saturday January 14th, 2006 12:02:58 AM
As Renik makes Sarigar wait, Draax says the words "Sahnhan the Verminologer". As he walks towards the door a strange through comes to Draax's mind, he begins to think that they are not in Kansas anymore. What or where this Kansas is or why he would reference a place he has never been or even heard of is a mystery to him. He thinks that the mind fog must really be having an affect on him.

Arien (Mage Armor, Bear's Endurance) HP: 77, AC 21 
Saturday January 14th, 2006 3:29:43 AM
Arien utters the sages name, "Sahnhan the Verminologer" and then passes through the door.

Monthor(HP 127, AC 22, Bear's Endurance, Bless, dazed and confused) 
Saturday January 14th, 2006 7:50:03 AM
" Serge, ye better not be tricking us or me'll glue ye bum cheeks together and make ye eat some of me mom's chilli!...."

:: After a slight pause... ::

" BOOOOOM!!!!!"

"Sahnhan the Verminologer"

:: and passes through the door ::


Tratain AC 27 HP 123/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing; SR 25]  d20+11=17
Saturday January 14th, 2006 11:36:35 AM
Tratain walks with the others to the Room and says "Sahnhan the Verminologer" and follows the others through the curtain, he is alert to and Dangers and attempts to Spot anything unusuall with his True Seeing (Spot 17)

Feng AC 23, HP 112/ 117 , Mind Fogged 
Saturday January 14th, 2006 5:09:50 PM
Feng thinks that there has to be something wrong with what was happening but it was so hard to think clearly. Feng wonders if the mage said those words before or after he stepped through the door but can't remember. Before speaking the words Feng sends his celstial war horse back to it's planar home.

"Sahnhan the Verminologer" He says and steps through.

How Persuasive! Round 17 (DM Cayzle) 
Saturday January 14th, 2006 5:37:45 PM

All speak the sage's name, despite misgivings and trepidations.

Sarigar draws aside the curtain, and reveals that there is something written on the door. As you look at the runes, they glow magically brighter and brighter ... in a fascinating way ...

This is a Symbol of Persuasion. Please make Will saves vs DC26, and remember to factor in the -10 if you are Miond Fogged. As always, a natural 20 succeeds.

The voice of the sage whispers in the ears of Renik, Sarigar, Tratain, and Draax. "Come, my friends, open the door, enter, and we will talk about all this."

If you are Persuaded, you must treat the Sage exactly as you would a fellow member of the party. If the sage suggests something you are opposed to, you may make an opposed Charisma check to resist the suggestion.

The door is not yet open. The doorknob is in easy reach. Actions?

Monthor (HP 127, AC 22, Bear's Endurance, Bless, dazed and confused)  d20=10
Saturday January 14th, 2006 7:46:40 PM
ooc> Yeah well... ain't no way Monthor makes this one unless he get's the natural 20... nope. 10 it is.

" Serge me buddy old pal, how ya been!"

Monthor goes to open the door.



Draax AC 25, HP 133/156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless), Mind Fogged, Persuaded  d20-3=7
Sunday January 15th, 2006 7:18:54 AM
As he walks through the door Draax wonders why he previously doubted the mage. It was obvious that the king deceived them about the mage's intentions. He greets his new friend warmly (will save 7).

"It is so nice of you to explain the misunderstanding and show us your work."

Draax realizes the mage must be good if even the hotheaded dwarf wants to be his friend.


Feng AC 23, HP 112/ 117 , Mind Fogged, Persuaded  d20=14
Sunday January 15th, 2006 10:06:25 AM
"It is good to meet you Sahnhan. Unfortunately the pleasentries will have to wait until later. There is evil about and I must find it." Feng says with unwavering determination.

OOC: He's starting up Detect Evil again.

Renik AC 28, HP 89 (+28, Bear's Endurance), Blessed, Invisible, Blinking, Flying, Mind Fogged  d20-3=14
Monday January 16th, 2006 4:16:03 AM
Renik makes no move to prevent Monthor from opening the door, convinced now as he is of the sage's integrity.

Instead he smiles cheerfully at the Sage's words, certain they are finally going to get to the bottom of this misunderstanding. He feels a brief flare of annoyance at that duplicitous Fey King, who is clearly the party at fault in this whole sorry affair.

Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158+56BE-21=189), AC24/21)  d20+9=27 d20-1=16
Monday January 16th, 2006 6:47:00 PM
Sarigar watches the runes and symbols flash in their dazzling and hypnotic pattern for several moments. "Ooooo, pretty." He reashes out to touch some of them to see if they are as warm as they appear to be. Finding the runes no warmer than the surrounding stone, he shrugs.

Black Paws, however is completely entranced by the lights and feel compelled to go through the door, though, perhaps luckily, he doesn't have the fine dexterity needed to turn a doorknob.

When he hears the others words about the Sage, Sarigar gives them one very confused double take. He is most concerned about his brother's words in his head. "What's going on? He sniffs at each of the others tryign to find out if they are who they look like. Finding no odd scents, he pokes Renik rather firmly and watches his reaction. He then looks to Feng and knocks lightly on his head as if wondering if someone's home.

He then looks to his brother and begins a rather lengthly mental conversation with him, reminding him that the Sage is the one they came here for. The one hurting elves and with them the wild places. He's working with the Fae King, the guy hurting the world.

Tratain AC 27 HP 123/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing; SR 25]  d20+2=17 d20+11=20 d20+7=15
Monday January 16th, 2006 9:09:27 PM
When The Magic of the Symbol effects the Party Tratain is protected from it by his Magic. (Spell Resistence)

Tratain watches most of the others staring at the Glyphs but can't Identify what they are (Spell Craft 17). He watches the others for signs that something has happened to them. (Spot 20, Sense Motive 15)

He thinks to Himself "Sarigar is behaving like himself, but Monthor went from wanting to fight the sage to sounding like they are long lost pals, I can't tell if hes bluffing or not though. I cant see any change in the others though."

Tratain Decides to not interfere with anyone opening the Door at the Moment but he is ready to keep them from doing anything unwise by attacking the Sage if need be, either with his Warhammer or with his spells.



Step into my Parlor: Round 18 (DM Cayzle) 
Monday January 16th, 2006 10:27:07 PM

[OOC: NEED Save vs Persuasion from Arien asap!]

With most of the party feeling a lot more friendly toward the sage, Sarigar does not seem as eager to open the door. But Monthor more than makes up for it in the enthusiasm department!

Inside, the party sees a large chamber -- so large that it has several wooden pillars as supports throughout the room. Maybe it is 100 feet by 100 feet? There is only one obvious exit beside the one through which you entered ... a wooden door that has a peekhole in it, maybe 1 foot by 2 high.

This is NOT the room that Tratain or Renik saw before. That room was a little smaller, darker, no pillars, and had a huge ant in it, plus several people.

If you make a Search or Int check vs DC15, then please Highlight to display spoiler: {The wooden pillars seem old and withered, but sturdy.}

The room's edges are full of barrels and boxes. In the middle of the room you see the sage, Sahnhan, as well as a number of chairs or boxes meant as side tables or seats. He spreads his arms in welcome. The medium size ant that guided you here walks up next to the sage, and the sage bends down to touch its head fondly.

He is an older man, healthy, about six feet tall. he is dressed in white robes. His hair, eyes, and nose are covered by one of those insect-helmets, but his mouth is not covered, and you see him smile.

Tratain, please Highlight to display spoiler: {You true sight reveals that this is some kind of projection or image of the sage. }

"Welcome, my friends! Please, sit down!" He waves to the chairs.

"Please accept my apologies! I am so sorry for any misunderstanding. I know we can figure this all out. But I have to ask, what of the Fae King! Have you spoken to him? Please! Tell me the whole story!"

Feng detects no evil in range of his ability. Anyone who is not persuaded can tell exactly who IS persuaded with a DC25 Sense Motive check, per the skill.

Tratain AC 27 HP 123/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing; SR 25]  d20+7=24 d20=1 d20+11=27
Monday January 16th, 2006 10:50:20 PM
Tratain walks into the Room and looks around trying to find any other exits. (Spot 27)

If no others besides the door with the peekhole are visible he heads for it and says to the others "Thats not really Him, its an illusion."

Arien (Mage Armor, Bear's Endurance) HP: 77, AC 21  d20+13=33 d20+12=23
Tuesday January 17th, 2006 12:58:07 AM
Arien resists the effect of the Symbol with ease (Will Save 33, nat 20.) and remains wary as the party moves into the room. A quick look around the room reveals the state of the pillars (Search check 23) before he focuses on the sage.

Arien's eyes narrow when Tratain reveals the sage as an illusion and he says, "You claim to be interested in peace yet you have so little faith that you fear to truly appear before us? If this is all one misunderstanding surely you would not mind actually meeting us face to face instead of this? Why should we bother speaking with you with your lack of faith?"

Renik AC 28, HP 89 (+28, Bear's Endurance), Blessed, Mind Fogged, Pursuaded 
Tuesday January 17th, 2006 4:18:34 AM
"Arien, that's no way to speak to our host" says Renik sternly, dropping his invisibility and blinking, and landing. He cannot understand why Arien would be so hostile.

"If Sahnhan is not here to greet us in person he most assuredly has a perfectly reasonable explanation. There is no call for rudeness. Please, good Sage, accept my apologies."

He scratches his goattee, pondering the sage's question.

"Indeed we have spoken with the Fey King. I believe you know he split himself up into many parts. We did battle with the part that you encountered, after he left a trail of destruction in his wake. We defeated him, and then cast votes upon him, using magical leaves created by the Queen Maab. His shade appeared to us, and in an apparent attempt to attone for his crimes he bade us come here and free elves whom he claimed were being held against their will. It seems now this was simply one final piece of mischief."

Draax AC 25, HP 133/156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless), Mind Fogged, Persuaded 
Tuesday January 17th, 2006 4:38:27 AM
Draax looks over at the image while he listens to Tratain and Arien. He turns to his teammates with a frown on his face. "Yea, you guys must be mistaken; our friend Sahnhan would not try to deceive us."

As Renik begins to tell the story Draax looks at him with a jealous look on his face. He wanted to be the one to tell his new friend the story.

Draax looks around the room and just like let Sahnhan know that he was paying attention; Draax says, "I thought there was supposed to be elves in chains and orcs with funny helmets on in here"


MonthorHP 127, AC 22, Bear's Endurance, Bless, dazed and confused, persuaded_  d20-2=7
Tuesday January 17th, 2006 7:49:44 AM
"What up Serge."

The dwarf leans up against the nearest pillar and crosses his massive arms across his burley chest.

" Got any beer? "



Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158+56BE-21=189), AC24/21) 
Tuesday January 17th, 2006 11:01:59 AM
Black Paws begins to wander up to the image of the sage as friendly as he might one of the pack. Needless to say, Sarigar is more than taken aback by this and begins to follow his brother. When Black Paws sits next to the image, on the opposite side of it from the ant, Sarigar speaks up. "Gimme my brother back! He's not thinking right and it's cause of you!

Despite the warnings that this is only an image, Sarigar unsheaths his claws and is obviously ready to strike out at the image should he not hear the right answer.

Feng AC 23, HP 112/ 117 , Mind Fogged, Persuaded 
Tuesday January 17th, 2006 12:49:25 PM
"Sahnhan this is no time for games. We have serious work ahead of us. You are one of the nicest people I have met in a long time but deciet is one thing I cannot tolerate."

Ha ha! You got me! (DM Cayzle)  d100=62
Wednesday January 18th, 2006 12:03:03 AM

Tratain immediately sniffs out some trickery, and he sees the sage through the porthole in the door.

Sahnhan opens the door and enters the room. The illusionary duplicate pops out of existence. The sage utters a nervous laugh. "Ha ha! Just a joke, my friends! And to be truthful, I was more than a little bit afraid that you would just attack me!" He looks at Arien, who challenges him on this point. "Please, my new friends, forgive an old man his fears, I beg you!"

He sits, and motions for any who are not yet seated to join him. He pats Black Paws on the head and says, "Good boy!"

To Sarigar, who seems upset at this, he adds, "Please be calm, friend! Maybe your wolf simply likes me! I am a druid, you know, and I have an empathy for creatures of the wild."

He notices Sarigar's claws and shrinks back a little. "I am an old man, come defenseless before you! Please do not be angry! And if I make one or two of you angry, I hope the others of you might protect me!"

THen he settles down and listens very carefully to Renik's story. The sage seems impressed. "To defeat even a diminished avatar of the Fey King is a great feat of heroism! I salute you!"

Responding to Monthor, he adds, "Yes, let us enjoy drinks to toast our friendship and your recent victory." He concentrates for a moment, as if in deep thought.

Then he turns to Draax. "My friend, when you attacked my servants, I withdrew those under my protection that I could down to my inner sanctum. They are still there, those of whom you speak."

The sage looks from face to face. He says, "Although it seems to me that we could be great friends, let me remind you that I do not yet know you well, my new friends. Please, tell me your names, and maybe a little about yourselves."

"Let me start. I am a wizard and druid, and I study insects and plants. You already know that I am a verminologer. Although I am not sure I like that name, given the negative connotations of the word "vermin." I live here with my bees, my ants, and several servants. I have recently been investigating good and evil, and how it fits in the Wold."

Draax AC 25, HP 133/156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless), Mind Fogged, Persuaded 
Wednesday January 18th, 2006 9:02:52 AM
Draax looks a little confused by Sahnhan words and he is disappointed that his friend does not trust him, he thinks to himself, 'I thought we were invited here to see the elves and now he tells me he thinks we might hurt them.' He shrug his shoulders thinking that maybe they will see them after the introductions.

Draax turns toward the mage, "My name is Draax, I consider myself a warrior and adventurer. I spent my time moving around the wold trying to fight the good fight. Ya know, fight for good, destroy evil, righting wrongs, and hero stuff like that. That is about it for me, don't have anything else going on in my life at the moment."


Renik AC 28, HP 89 (+28, Bear's Endurance), Blessed, Mind Fogged, Pursuaded 
Wednesday January 18th, 2006 11:12:37 AM
"Sir, rest assured you have nothing to fear from us" says the rogue, looking pointedly at his companions. "My name is Renik Dacour, and my companions and I are known as the Windhorn Hamleteers. Draax is correct, we (through fate, calling or accident) confront evil wherever it may lurk. I myself am somewhat skilled in the subtle arts of combat; the stealth, evasion and misdirection are my specialties."

Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158+56BE-21=189), AC24/21) 
Wednesday January 18th, 2006 4:16:45 PM
"Grrrrrrr, he's not acting like a druid friend, tree lady used to do that sometimes. Let him go! Mother doesn't like her children to be taken like that."

Sarigar menacingly approaches the Sage. There is a mixture of rage and sadness in his eyes. Rage that his brother has been toyed with by another and sadness that it was possible that someone took hold of his brother.

"If you don't let him go, NOW, I'll gut you like a rabbit."

Feng AC 23, HP 112/ 117 , Mind Fogged, Persuaded 
Wednesday January 18th, 2006 6:04:05 PM
Feng keeps quiet while the others are talking. His mind is in turmoil since Sahnhan was a good friend but he was living here with evil. Somebody here enslaved unicorns and had to be killed. Something wasn't right. Feng took a deep breath and tried to feel for the taint of evil.

Tratain AC 27 HP 123/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing; SR 25]  d20+7=25 d20+12=14 d20+13=22
Wednesday January 18th, 2006 8:39:38 PM
Tratain looks over the Sage to make sure its really him. He looks over the others trying to figure out why they seem a bit off. He realizes that something is wrong with his companions. (Sense Motive 25)

He says "What have you done to my compaions. What were those lights on the door behind the curtain as we entered, I can see now that something is not right with their Behavior. This is no way to gain our trust, right now it looks to me like you are trying to trick us."

Tratain ready's an action to Cast Dimensional anchor on the Sage if he attempts to cast any spells.

(If needed Hit Ranged Touch AC 14, 22 to Beat SR)

MonthorHP 127, AC 22, Bear's Endurance, Bless, dazed and confused, persuaded_  d20=19
Wednesday January 18th, 2006 10:17:33 PM
Monthor steps in between Sarigar and Serge.

"Girls, girls, girls, can't we all just get along.... "

:: Well THAT is against what Monthor believes in! (role of 19 minus the 10 for confusion for 9)::

" Serge had beer. Let's hear him out... at least until we have BEER! "

" Oh, and me Monthor of the Axe Head Clan of Dirt City. Me makes sur that the rest of the girlies don't get killed. Now Serge, what's with the elves anyway? Me not like knowing that elves be chained up. That would make me mad Serge... whass up with that? "



Explanations and Fear (DM Cayzle)  d20+2=11
Thursday January 19th, 2006 1:02:42 AM

The sage sits down and atempts to explain everything.

To Draax and Renik: "We are alike! We both confront and fight evil. But I do not fight evil by killing. I try to convert evil to good! It is difficult work, and sinking my own mind into evil thoughts, trying to direct them to good paths, is not pleasant. Sometimes the traces of that work leave evil impressions on my mind, and I struggle to purify myself. But that is a small price to pay to turn a lost soul to salvation."

To Tratain: "Of course you saw the glowing runes. I told you I had set up protections. But the magical defenses left you alone because you said my name. No one was injured or hurt by my defense."

To Monthor: "The elves I have in chains are bad elves. Evil elves. I am trying to turn them to good, but it is very hard."

Feng does detect evil. The sage did say that sometimes traces of evil end up in his head. Maybe that's what Feng detects.

Tratain true sight suggests that this is as real a person as can be -- not an illusion, not a construct or fake or polymorphed thing. The "helmet" on his head is clearly an insect of some kind.

Tratain, if you can make a Sense Motive check vs DC11, then Please Highlight to display spoiler: {You think this guy is surely lying about something.}

Finally, Sarigar makes his threats. The sage seems fearful at that. He holds up his empty hands in a gesture of peace. "Please, don't attack me! I thought we were friends! This is why I used the illusion! You people say you are good, but you killed my servants, killed my bees and ants, and now you threaten me! Help, me! Keep your wild friend off! Help!"

He seems to be pleading with you to intercede some how. He is glad when Monthor steps in between. He calls for drinks. Shortly, an orc wearing a bug-helmet brings in glasses and two bottles of wine.

Feng AC 23, HP 112/ 117 , Mind Fogged, Persuaded 
Thursday January 19th, 2006 5:15:11 AM
Feng prays that he is wrong but the sage's words fill him with more doubts. If elves were in chains then he would speak with them soon to determine the truth of things. But that was later because now he had evil to find. Concentrating on the faint sense, Feng continues to feel for the evil.

ooc: continues to detect evil

Draax AC 25, HP 133/156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless), Mind Fogged, Persuaded 
Thursday January 19th, 2006 5:59:37 AM
Draax takes a steps between Sarigar and the mage, he does not question what Sarigar says about his brothers. Draax has witness the connection between the two too often to not believe anything Sarigar says about the wolf. He thinks that Sarigar must be mistaken by the cause. "Lets calm down and give our friend Sahnhan a chance to set things right and show us what we came here to see."

Sahnhan reaction to Sarigar scratches at Draax senses, Draax has never liked cowardice. He has protected many cowards but has never befriended them.

OOC: Does the mind fog extend into this room?



Renik AC 28, HP 89 (+28, Bear's Endurance), Blessed, Mind Fogged, Pursuaded 
Thursday January 19th, 2006 7:18:20 AM
Renik is bemused by Sarigar's anger and Tratain's suspicions. "My friends, calm yourselves" he says, echoing the sentiments of Monthor and Draax. "The sage is not your enemy! At every turn he has explained away your fears, reassured you when you doubted his word! Why do you persist in this hostility?"

His eyes light up as the servant enters with the wine. "Now that's more like it! What enemy would provide his guests with such gifts?"

He picks up a bottle and blows the dust off it, examining the label. "Hmm, now this looks like something rather special unless I miss my guess. Monthor, will you raise a glass of red with me?"

Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158+56BE-21=189), AC24/21) 
Thursday January 19th, 2006 10:41:57 AM
Sarigar glances down at Monthor briefly, then up at Draax as they bar his path. This only seems to anger him further. His whole pack seems to be turning on him and he has no idea why.

"MOVE! I don't want to hurt pack mates, but he won't let my brother go! I can't let him keep him!

Behind the rage, the grief in his eyes of feeling his brother somehow "chained" is apparent. Behind them, Monthor and Draax can hear Black Paws echoing Sarigar's feelings with both low growls and mild whimpering.

When Renik talks about how the sage has explained away their fears, Sarigar turns at him with a look of shock and...fear? He steps toward Renik, slaps at the bottle in his hand, takes him gruffly by the lapels and pulls him almost nose to nose. The smell of the wild man's breath is, to Renik's more refined sense of smell, unpleasant at best. Not to mention the bits of spittle spewing from his mouth as he shouts at him... "He has brother! It's not druid friendly stuff! And he won't let him go! We can't be locked up like that! We'd rather die!"

Black Paws let's out a loud whine, then lies down on the ground and covers his face with his paws.

Tratain AC 27 HP 123/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing; SR 25]  d20+7=22
Thursday January 19th, 2006 11:39:27 AM
Tratain listens to the Sages answers but something seems to be not right to the Cleric.

Tratain says "You are lying to me about something, I can see something is wrong. Those Runes on the door did not do nothing."

Tratain casts Protection from Evil on Renik.

MonthorHP 127, AC 22, Bear's Endurance, Bless, dazed and confused, persuaded 
Thursday January 19th, 2006 9:21:28 PM
" Wine? Doah!!! Me thought we was having beer!!!"

:: Monthor takes the glass, downs the wine and then lets out a loud, smelly burp. ::

" Humm... not bad. "

:: Monthor then turns back first towards Sarigar, then towards Tratain. ::

" Listen girls... if ye have a beef with Serge then deal with it nicely. Fists be fine, boots be fine, but no weapons or me kick your arses too. A friendly brawl between friends is fine... heck, even entertaining, but me can't let any of ye hurt each other to badly. That goes for you too Serge. Work this out like men but there better be no blood spilled or... "

:: Monthor crushes the wine glass in his gloved hand... ::

" Me will get angry. "

Cave-In!


The Cave-In: Round 24 (DM Cayzle)  8d6(4+1+5+5+6+5+6+3)=35
Friday January 20th, 2006 7:06:12 AM

The sage stands suddenly, and cocks his head as if listening to something. He puts his hand to his "helmet" and cries, "Oh no! The Rock Brothers! They are attacking! Help!"

If you make a spot check vs DC15, you notice something -- Highlight to display spoiler: {The pillars in the room warp and buckle.}

Then the ceiling falls in! The cave in covers most of the room, including all of you AND the sage!

Everyone must make a DC15 Reflex save. The damage from falling rock is 35 or 17. More to the point, everyone is buried!

When you are buried, you have the following options:

Make a Str check vs DC25 to dig yourself out. That's a full-round action, or you can take 20 (but that takes two minutes).

Activate a magic item (but no scrolls) (normal action)

Retrieve a spell component (that takes a round)

Cast a spell that has no somatic component, if you can make a concnetration check of 20+spell level.

Draw a light weapon

Attack with a light weapon or natural weapon or unarmed attack -- at -4!

More to the point, you can't move until you dig yourself out or are dug out. You also cannot see at all (blind). You can hear, but there is a -5 on Listen checks for every intervening 5 feet of debris.

Map to come this weekend.

Note that this is round 24 of the fight so far!

Monthor (HP 110, AC 22, Bear's Endurance, Bless, dazed and confused, persuaded  d20=13 d20-2=1 d20+8=21 d20-2=4
Friday January 20th, 2006 7:56:53 AM
Monthor 'hulks up' and tries to power dig his way out of the rubble (role 13 vs strenght of 26). And.... Monthor spots nothing (1 ooc> I don't know why I even bother.) He does however manages to cover himself up when the debris falls and avoid some damage (reflex role 21).
He listens... and as usual, hears nothing (4).


Renik AC 28, HP 89 (+28, Bear's Endurance), Blessed, Mind Fogged, Pursuaded, Blinking, Flying  d20+4=15 d20+17=36 d100=88 d100=52 d100=15 d6=5 d6=3
Friday January 20th, 2006 10:24:50 AM
Renik looks from Sarigar to the sage and back again, desperately trying to calm the situation. Before he can act he notices something odd...

"Hey! What's wrong with that pillar?" asks Renik a fraction of a second before the roof comes down around their ears.

The rogue looks up and sees two massive rocks plummeting towards him. He is about to hurl himself to one side in a desperate display of acrobatics, but at the last moment he stops, kneels, and remains exactly where he is. The two boulders slam down either side of him and crash together above him, effectively forming a tiny shelter amidst the falling rocks. He suffers little more than a light dusting, which he brushes from his hair with mild annoyance (Ref 36, Evasion for no damage).

Once the dust has settled he calls out to his companions "Is everyone OK? Sound off, people!"

He activates his Blinking ring and flies directly upwards, trying to get into a position where he can help one of the others.

(OOC: Celestial Armor was activated recently, I'm well within the spell duration by my reckoning.

Blink checks: OK for the first 10 feet, failed on the next 5, if that sends him up or down 5HP damage for the first 5 feet, 3 HP for the second)

Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158+56BE-21=193), AC24/21)  d20+16=24 d20+16=29 d20+12=31 d20+10=28 d20+3=7 d20+2=18
Friday January 20th, 2006 10:30:02 AM
When the sage cries out his plea for help, Sarigar lets Renik go with a frustrated shove as he and his brother spot (Spot 24/29) the shaking pillars a mere moment before the ceiling comes down. Both brothers deftly dodge a great deal of the inundation of rock and dirt, but still find themselves stuck (RS 31/28).

After a few moments, they finally regain some semblance of their surroundings and discover to their dismay that they are TRAPPED! In a panic, both brothers begin digging frantically (Str 7/18) but neither one makes much progress. Between Sarigar's terrified screams and Black Paws distressed whining, neither is hearing anything else going on around them (voluntarily forfeiting the Listen check).

/ooc Edited to put back my hit points since I forgot about the brothers Evasion. whoops.

Arien (Mage Armor, Bear's Endurance) HP: 60 AC 21  d20+14=29 d20+9=11 d20+20=27
Friday January 20th, 2006 7:42:38 PM
Arien does not notice anything unusual, besides the Sage, before the ceiling falls in. Only his quick reflexes save him from a particularly large boulder that comes raining down (Ref 29). Arien waits a moment to let the earth settle then Dimension Doors back to the surface near the entrance to the tree (Concentration 27). If anyone is next to Arien under the earth he will take them back as well.

Draax AC 25, HP 139 (Bear's Endurance, Bless), Mind Fogged, Persuaded  d20+7=8 d20+10=25
Friday January 20th, 2006 10:01:56 PM
For some reason that he cannot understand, Draax finds Monthor's solution to the argument reasonable. Their new friend will definitely have to learn to protect himself. Having no idea what the sage is talking about when the sage says something about 'The Rock Brothers' attacking, Draax is about to say something when he misunderstand Renik and starts looking at the chairs for the pillow (spot check natural 1).

It happened so fast that Draax is not sure what alerted him to dive toward the ground and against the wall (reflex save 25). When Renik calls out for a head count Draax makes sure that he is still receiving air before he calls out. "I am OK for the time being, a little bruised but nothing broken."

He starts digging himself (takes 20) making sure that he is careful about how he moves the rocks out of the way.


Buried Alive! Round 25 (DM Cayzle)  d2=1 [how deep is the rubble over Renik] 2d6(5+2)=7 [dur of MF after leaving]
Saturday January 21st, 2006 1:37:41 PM

As the result of the cave-in, everyone was buried alive, at least for a moment, under 10 to 15 feet of rubble. That means that you can't move, can't see, and have trouble hearing.

Remember that you MIGHT OR MIGHT NOT know what is happening with the others! If you choose to post in spoilers, that's fine. If not, also fine, but I trust you will not act on information that your PC does not have!

The effects Mind Fog are over now, but if you re-enter the fog they will affect you again if you failed the first time.

Everybody EXCEPT Renik -- if you make a Listen Check vs DC15, then Please Highlight to display spoiler: {You hear Renik calling people to count off.}

Monthor, Please Highlight to display spoiler: {You took 17 hp of rock damage. Please note it like this in your post header: "HP12 of 29" for example. Anyway, you do not manage to dig yourself out. Want to try again? Str check vs DC 25 will free you!}

Monthor, if you make a Listen check at DC5: Highlight to display spoiler: {You hear Sarigar screaming.}

Monthor, if you make a Listen check at DC10: Highlight to display spoiler: {You hear spell casting.}

Renik, Please Highlight to display spoiler: {You blip up and discover that the rubble above you is only ten feet thick -- so not blink damage for you, my friend! You are in the space where the ceiling used to be. There is so much dust and haze that it is like an obscurement spell up there -- you can see within 5 feet (IF you have a light source -- do you?) at 20% concealment, nothing beyond that.}

Renik, if you make a Listen check at DC20: Highlight to display spoiler: {You hear Sarigar screaming. And maybe some spell casting?}

Sarigar, Please Highlight to display spoiler: {You are both hurt and buried, blind and stuck, and you suspect that your best efforts to free yourself will be for naught (because there's no way you can make a DC25 Str check). Your situation seems dire indeed. And screaming like you are, you can't hear anything else! Maybe others can hear you. Maybe your friends will dig you out. But unless they have some digging magic, it will take time to move all this rock and rubble!}

Arien, Please Highlight to display spoiler: {Note -- even if you saved, that's 14 hp rock damage. Please note your hit points in your post header like this: "HP 20 of 37" for example. Anyway, you are buried only mementarily, and then you dimension door out. You end up back at the tree. You see a bee and two medium ants, but they fly and scurry away when they see you.}

Draax, Please Highlight to display spoiler: {Note -- even if you saved, that's 14 hp rock damage. Please note your hit points in your post header like this: "HP 20 of 37" for example. Anyway, you are buried and you set to digging yourself out. Taking 20 will take two minutes. Do you have a +5 Str bonus? If not, even taking 20 will not suffice to move the heavy rocks trapping you. You realize this after a round. }

Draax, if you make a Listen check at DC5: Highlight to display spoiler: {You hear Sarigar screaming.}

Draax, if you make a Listen check at DC10: Highlight to display spoiler: {You hear spell casting.}

Feng, Please Highlight to display spoiler: {Feng is trapped and buried. It will take a DC25 Str check to get out. You are blind and cannot move. What do you do?}

Feng, if you make a Listen check at DC15: Highlight to display spoiler: {You hear Sarigar screaming.}

Feng, if you make a Listen check at DC20: Highlight to display spoiler: {You hear spell casting.}

Arien (Mage Armor, Bear's Endurance) HP: 60/82 AC 21  d20+7=18
Saturday January 21st, 2006 3:32:50 PM
Arien runs back down the hallway towards where the cave in occured. If he can get there in enough time he will try to disintegrate a ten foot cube of the rubble where he thought the party was mostly situated. If he does not have enough time then he will just run as far as he can towards the room.

Feng AC 23, HP 95/ 117 Persuaded  d20+12=25 d20=18
Saturday January 21st, 2006 4:47:09 PM
Slowly Feng pushes the rubble out from around him and over him. It's tedious work but thanks to his orc heritage, Feng's strong body is up to the task. He knows that he needs to hurry but rushing in this situation won't help anybody. Try as he might he can't stop thinking about what he must do. He might not like it but Sahnhan was evil and had to be delt with in some way.

ooc: reflex save 25, listen check 18, taking 20 to dig himself out for a total of 25 on the strength check.

Draax AC 25, HP 139 of 156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless), Persuaded  d20+3=9
Saturday January 21st, 2006 8:47:09 PM
Draax hears Sarigar's scream but cannot make out anything else (listen check 9). He continues to dig himself out (taking 20 gives Draax a 26 str check) moving in the direction he believes he heard Sarigar.

Renik AC 28, HP 89 (+28, Bear's Endurance), Blessed, Pursuaded  d20+14=21 d20+5=14 d20+5=25
Sunday January 22nd, 2006 4:31:17 PM
Highlight to display spoiler: {Perhaps it is the effect of having 20 tons of stone ceiling dropped on his head, muses the dapper rogue as he finds his fogged thoughts become suddenly clear.

That is the only thing clear though; even though he is able to reach into his Pants of Plenty and pull out a sunrod, he finds the only thing it illuminates are the billowing coulds of dust that surround him. He has no idea where his companions or new ally are under all that rock, or even if any of them still survive. He fights down a rising wave of panic as he stands alone in that dust-filled chasm, and forces himself to be pragmatic. It will take more than a few tons of rock to put the Windhorn Hamleteers out of action. He calls out "WHO CAN HEAR ME? I'M ABOVE THE ROCK!" Closing his eyes he listens for any sign of life from beneath the rubble.

His heart suddenly soars: he recognizes a panicked shrieking coming from somewhere nearby. That has to be Sarigar he thinks, recalling the time the Brothers found themselves similarly trapped the very first time they met. And... is that the sound of a spell being cast? (Listen 21).

Renik makes for where he thinks he hears Sarigar's yelling. He recalls the terror that being trapped underground instilled in his friend the last time, and calls "Sarigar! I'm here! I hear you! I'll get you out!"

He begins to hurl stones away, digging down to the wild man with all his might. He knows in his current state of blind panic the wild man risks doing himself or a companion serious harm (Strength 14, Hero Point to reroll: 25!).}



HP 110, AC 22, Bear's Endurance, Bless,persuaded  d20-2=3 d20+8=10
Sunday January 22nd, 2006 6:05:36 PM
ooc> Why don't I just saw that Monthor is deaf and get it over with? Role 3

Well, Monthor hears nothing again as he tries to dig his way out from the rubble... and fails (10)

" WHERE IS EVERYONE!!! ALL YOU GIRLIES OKAY!!! "

ooc> Can I still take that 20 next turn on the strenght role? I mean like I should have this turn?

Monthor 
Sunday January 22nd, 2006 6:06:14 PM
ooc> The previous was Monthor's post

Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158+56BE-21=193), AC24/21)  d20+3=8 d20+2=8
Monday January 23rd, 2006 10:31:50 AM
Lacking the strength to move the earth and rock covering them (Str 8/8) means nothing to the brothers. Being trapped in any way cuts them to the soul and the moderate amount of reasoning skills they have is completely lost as their flight instinct kicks in full and they kick, thrash, claw, bite, push and dig with all their beings.

Their cries of terror, for those that can hear them grow even more desperate and wild. Very quickly, Sarigar's screams fade out as his voice begins to crack until all that might be heard is him exhaling loudly in a fruitless effort to yell. Black Paws, however is still able to bark and yelp as his canine vocal cords are better developed to sustain such a cacophany.

Tratain AC 27 HP 106/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing; SR 25]  d20+10=15 d20+10=14
Monday January 23rd, 2006 4:55:21 PM
Tratain is able to dodge most of the Rocks (Ref Save 15) He attempts to start Digging Himself Out (Take 20) grumbling while he works. That Sage was starting to get on his Nerves.

OOC: I cast Protection from Evil on Renik right before the roof fell, that should supress the Charm spell on him for the duration of the Protection spell.



Rock Attack (DM Cayzle)  d6=5 d20+8=18 3d6(5+5+1)+3=14
Tuesday January 24th, 2006 7:14:59 AM

OOC to Tratain and Renik: Yes, certainly, the Protection from Evil suppresses the Charm effect which had affected Renik. Sorry I did not make that clearer.

OOC: Rules for getting out of a cave-in [these are taken from the DMG, page 66] -- If you make a DC25 Str check, you have managed to extract yourself. Taking 20 means taking two full minutes to do so, with no other actions in that entire time. IF you are not buried, you can dig out a friend. Every round you remove five times your heavy load limit (PHB 162) worth of rocks. 2000 lbs is a 5x5x5 volume. With a pick, shovel, or crowbar you can dig ten times your heavy load per round.

Arien, Please Highlight to display spoiler: {You run through the tunnel, through the mind fog, through the next tunnel, and into the room. About five feet into the room, the rubble covering the floor gets in your way and makes you stop running. Up to ten feet deeper into the room the rubble piles higher, and there is so much dust still settling that you can see no further.}

Arien, if you make a Listen check vs DC5, you hear something Highlight to display spoiler: {You hear Renik call out: "WHO CAN HEAR ME? I'M ABOVE THE ROCK!"}

Feng, Draax, Monthor, Tratain, Please Highlight to display spoiler: {You all start patiently digging yourselves out (Monthor actually starts next round after giving it one shot at a natural roll). It will take two minutes to free yourselves.}

Sarigar, Please Highlight to display spoiler: {Your struggles begin to wear you out, insofar as your voice goes. All this dust isn't helping either. If there is anything to hear, Black Paws makes that unlikely. However, Sarigar has other things to worry about. A big and incredibly hot worm -- a foot around and several feet long -- burrows through the rubble and slams into Sarigar! Sarigar is blind, still, but his retinas can see the worm after it attacks since it is radiating intense heat! The worm hits AC18 ... and you lose your Dex bonus and dodge bonuses while you are covered by rubble, so maybe that hit? If that is a hit, then take 8 hp impact damage and 6 hp fire damage. Look back two days for your options while buried ... you can one attack with a natural or light weapon at -4 ... and if you hit this thing with a natural weapon, you take 2d6 heat damage! Its AC is 18. Please post current AC without dex and dodge bonuses.}

Renik, thanks for using spoiler tags! Please Highlight to display spoiler: { Take back your Hero Point, my friend! As a digger trying to free another, you get to make no Str checks -- but you can remove rubble, as described above, at a rate linked to your heavy load capacity, see DMG 66.}

Renik AC 28, HP 89 (+28, Bear's Endurance), Blessed, Protection from Evil  d20+14=16
Tuesday January 24th, 2006 9:12:16 AM
Highlight to display spoiler: {Renik reaches into the left pocket of his Pants of Plenty and pulls out a crowbar. He begins to dig as fast as he can, desperate to free Sarigar and Blackpaws before the brothers suffocate or hurt themselves.

He continues yelling "ANSWER ME IF YOU CAN! I'M DIGGING SARIGAR OUT NOW! LET ME KNOW WHERE YOU ARE!". He does his best to listen out for replies over the sound of his digging (Listen 16).}

Monthor (HP 110, AC 22, Bear's Endurance, Bless,persuaded)  d20-2=10
Tuesday January 24th, 2006 9:30:41 AM
ooc> Monthor takes that natural 20 and tries to dig himself out.

Working like a dwarf trying to reach a keg of beer, Monthor tries desperately to free himself from the rubble. And listens for any signs of life..... (ooc> gets a 10 to his listening role.)

Feng AC 23, HP 95/ 117 Persuaded 
Tuesday January 24th, 2006 10:21:59 AM
Feng groans with effort as he pushes the debris aside. He's lucky that no serious damage was done to him though he's now convinced that Sahnhan has to be brought to justice, regardless of how much he likes the guy. He has a duty, a code to uphold and that went above personal feelings.

Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158+56BE-29=185), AC24(19)/21(18))  d20+11=30 d20+6=19 d20+1=16 d6+4=7 d6+4=5 2d6(2+1)=3 2d6(4+1)=5
Tuesday January 24th, 2006 10:42:39 AM
The sounds under the rubble from where Sarigar seemed to be have changed. It's difficult to tell what's happening, but it doesn't sound the same as the digging he seemed to be doing a moment ago. Highlight to display spoiler: {Feeling the worm thump into him and suspecting it may try to tunnel through him and also wanting it simply to go away, Sarigar lashes out at it, ripping itnot it's spongy flesh, twice (AC 30/Dmg7, AC19/Dmg5. However, as his claws impale the worm, he finds himself burned for his effort (Dmg 3, Dmg 5). Although he opens his mouth to howl in pain, nothing, save a rush of air, passes from his lips.}

Between his barking and desperate whines, Black Paws yelps intermittently in apparent pain. Could he somehow be hurting himself while trying to release himself?

Draax AC 25, HP 139 /156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless), Persuaded 
Tuesday January 24th, 2006 9:57:14 PM
Draax continues to concentrate on digging himself out.

Tratain AC 27 HP 106/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing; SR 25] 
Tuesday January 24th, 2006 10:34:40 PM
Tratain continues to dig himself out. He calls out to his friends to see if anyone is close to him and to try and find out if everyone is ok.

Whines in the Dark (DM Cayzle)  d6=1 d4=4 d20+8=16 3d6(5+5+5)+3=18 d20+8=26 d8+7=15 d4=2 d20+12=29 2d8(5+5)+7=17
Wednesday January 25th, 2006 6:55:26 AM
All: Please, if you are buried, you are blind and lose your dex and dodge bonuses to AC. Please repost a new AC based on that (or tell me what you are using for a lgith source. Monthor and Feng are excused, oh ye darkvisioners. No dex bonus loss for you undergrounders!

Renik: Highlight to display spoiler: {You hear Black Paws whining. That's it this round. Wait! Is that the sound of rocks shifting under you? Very slow going, if it is. Please look up your max load with the tool multiple and figure out how many pounds of rock you are moving a round, please. Yes, your DM is lazy! And has a baby to feed. At 2000 lbs per five foot cube, let's figure out how many rounds it takes to clear a 5x5x5 space. Where, by the way, are you digging? There is the space above which you emerged, the space above which you heard Sarigar, and the space above where you now hear BP. You think that BP is maybe only under 5 feet of rubble; Sarigar is surely at least ten feet under.}

Arien: Highlight to display spoiler: {What is Arien's light source? The dust begins to clear a little, and you see before you a HUGE pile of rubble. On a listen DC5 you hear Renik calling out that he is digging out Sarigar. On a listen DC15 you hear Black Paws howling.}

Sarigar (Thanks for using spoiler tags!): Highlight to display spoiler: {Sarigar may be right! In any event, the hot worm turns and burrows off fast in another direction. Too bad it does not leave a tunnel behind, but it is only a foot in diameter anyway. But there's no reprieve! Some big creature swims through the rock and swipes at you. Int or Know Nature check DC 12 to realize it is an earth elemental. It hits AC26 for 15 hp damage. It's AC is 18}

Monthor: Highlight to display spoiler: { You keep digging! Listen DC15 to hear Renik yelling something about digging out Sarigar.}

Feng: Highlight to display spoiler: { You keep digging! Listen DC15 to hear Renik yelling something about digging out Sarigar. But there is more bad news! Some big creature swims through the rock and swipes at you. Int or Know Nature check DC 12 to realize it is a large earth elemental. The monster hits AC29 for 17 hp damage. Look back three days posts for your options while buried ... you can ignore it and keep digging, you can one attack with a natural or light weapon at -4, etc. Its AC is 18.}

Tratain: Highlight to display spoiler: { You keep digging! Listen DC15 to hear Renik yelling something about digging out Sarigar.}

Draax: Highlight to display spoiler: { You keep digging! Listen DC15 to hear Renik yelling something about digging out Sarigar. But there is more bad news!. A big and incredibly hot worm -- a foot around and several feet long -- burrows through the rubble and slams into Draax! Draax is blind, still, but his retinas can see the worm after it attacks since it is radiating intense heat! The worm hits AC16 ... and you lose your Dex bonus and dodge bonuses while you are covered by rubble, so maybe that hit? If that is a hit, then take 8 hp impact damage and 10 hp fire damage. Look back three days posts for your options while buried ... you can ignore it and keep digging, you can one attack with a natural or light weapon at -4 ... and if you hit this thing with a natural weapon, you take 2d6 heat damage! Its AC is 18. Please post current AC without dex and dodge bonuses. }

Feng AC 23, HP 78/ 117 Persuaded  d20=5 d20=19
Wednesday January 25th, 2006 10:40:56 AM
The clatter of stones rolling down and colliding with one another drown out the muffled cries of his teammates. The Feng notices the movement and his eyes go wide. As bad as his father was, his orc blood offers many advantages that has saved his hide more than once. Darkvision is just another one of them. He groans as the rock smashes him in the chest. Oh how he would like to do something but he couldn't. Not buried as he was. Franticly Feng tries to get himself free so he can deal with this threat.

ooc: listen check 5. Int check 19

Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158+56BE-44=170), AC24(19)/21(18))  d20+16=24 d20+11=27 d6+4=10
Wednesday January 25th, 2006 10:55:50 AM
Black Paws lets out another loud yelp between his canine grunts and groans. This time, it's pretty obvious that he's getting hurt or hurting himself in some way under the rubble. He continues to dig fruitlessly as even his size offers (or perhaps hinders?) no help in his efforts.

Highlight to display spoiler: {Sarigar allows the worm to leave since he'd rather not get burned again, though losing the albiet minimal source of light is disconcerting. A moment later, as he feels the elemental slam against him (Knowledge: Nature 24), he can do little but take the hit.}The rubble under which Sarigar seems to be burried shifts oddly. It's obvious that he's not breaking through, but he did seem to shift quite sharply, almost like his whole body moved at once, not far, but a bit. Highlight to display spoiler: {Although his initial instinct it to lash out at the elemental, he knows that they are usually not aggressive and attacking it may make it hostile and in his current state, he'd have no chance against it. Hoping it's just testing it's territory, he holds back and does not attack, but he does prepare himself should it strike him again (hold attack until/if it attacks him again, AC27, Dmg10).}

Draax AC 19, HP 139 /156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless), Persuaded  d20+3=14
Wednesday January 25th, 2006 11:27:31 AM
Draax hears someone yelling but cannot make out what is being said (listen check 14)

Draax is startled when the creature bounces off his armor, although it did no damage to him, he can feel the heat radiating off of it. In the confined space Draax decides to trust the magic of his armor (current AC without dex is AC 19) to protect him long enough for him to ignore the creature while he continues trying to dig himself out.

Monthor (HP 110, AC 22(19 w/o Dex ), Bear's Endurance, Bless,persuaded)  d20-2=8
Wednesday January 25th, 2006 11:29:50 AM
Monthor keeps digging himself out and hears.... (role 8) nothing.



Renik AC 28, HP 89 (+28, Bear's Endurance), Blessed, Protection from Evil  d20+14=22
Wednesday January 25th, 2006 3:50:05 PM
Highlight to display spoiler: {Armed with his trusty crowbar, Renik is able to shift a whopping 3000lb of rocks per round. He focuses his attention directly above where he hears Blackpaws whining. He reasons that together they will stand a better chance of digging Sarigar out quickly.

He keeps calling out to his companions. "ANSWER ME, HAMLETEERS! CAN YOU HEAR ME? WHERE ARE YOU?"

His dropped sunrod glows at his feet, casting eerie undulating shadows into the billowing dust. around him.

Listen 22}

OOC Cayzle 
Thursday January 26th, 2006 6:28:21 AM
Holding off to see if Arien and Tratain act. This is dangerous, friends! Posts are really important!

Tratain AC 26 HP 106/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing; SR 25]  d20+11=24
Thursday January 26th, 2006 10:36:55 PM
Tratain continues Digging himself out, he hears Renik say something about Sarigar.

He calls out "I'll help as soon as I get myself out of this blasted rubble, I bet that sage did this on purpose."

OOC Cayzle 
Friday January 27th, 2006 7:34:23 AM
Friends, I heard from Adam via e-mail. His computer died on Monday. Joe, please mention that in your report to Al this week.

I'll post for Arien today. Who is Arien's buddy? We'll need a sub asap.

Arien (Post by Cayzle) 
Friday January 27th, 2006 7:36:05 AM
For Renik, Arien's sub, and DM: Highlight to display spoiler: {Arien hears Renik atop the pile of rubble, and takes two rounds (last one and this one) to take 10, climbing and balancing up over the rubble and joining Renik as he is shouting and digging. }

Attacks under ground! Round 28 (DM Cayzle)  d20+8=24 d8+7=8 (att on Sar) d20+12=26 2d8(8+5)+7=20 (att on Feng) 2d8(1+5)+7=13 d20+12=29 (att on Trat) d20+8=13 (att on Mo)
Friday January 27th, 2006 8:04:18 AM
Rules Recap!

When you are buried, you have the following options:

Make a Str check vs DC25 to dig yourself out. That's a full-round action, or you can take 20 (but that takes two minutes).

Activate a magic item (but no scrolls) (normal action)

Retrieve a spell component (that takes a round)

Cast a spell that has no somatic component, if you can make a concnetration check of 20+spell level.

Draw a light weapon

Attack with a light weapon or natural weapon or unarmed attack -- at -4!

More to the point, you can't move until you dig yourself out or are dug out. You also cannot see at all (blind). You can hear, but there is a -5 on Listen checks for every intervening 5 feet of debris. In the dust up above you can see (thanks to the sunrod), but you still have a 10% miss chance due to concealment within 5 feet; 20% in ten feet, and 50% in 15+ feet. Oh! Tratain's True Sight lets him see in the dark, so i think that leaves only Draax and Sar/BP blind under ground.

Also note that those without darkvision are blind! They lose their Dex bonuses to AC and have a 50% miss chance against foes (except for glowing red hot foes).

Renik and Arien (and Arien's sub): Highlight to display spoiler: { You are two meet atop the rubble heap created when the ceiling collapsed. Renik, with his flight, is fine, but Arien needs a Balance DC10 check per round of movement to keep from falling on unsteady footing. Non-fliers also lose their Dex bonuses from balancing on rocks (unless you have a high enough balance skill) Renik thinks that one more round of digging will free the large wolf. Listen 10 to hear Tratain calling; listen 20 to make out these words: "I'll help as soon as I get myself out of this blasted rubble, I bet that sage did this on purpose." Then a medium earth elemental appears, "swimming" through the earth as if it were water. It takes a swing at Renik as he digs, but then stops its attack, fist halted a foot from Renik's body.}

Sarigar: Highlight to display spoiler: {The elemental is clearly continuing to attack. First Sarigar hits it for 10 hp (readied from last round. Then it lashes out, hitting AC24 for 8 damage. Meanwhile, Black Paws feels the rubble above him being cleared away! Next round he'll be free! Even if he does not get help from above for some reason, he can still free himself with a DC15 Str check.}

Monthor: Highlight to display spoiler: { You keep digging! Listen DC15 to hear Renik yelling something about call out if you hear him. But then a big worm -- a foot in diameter, and several long -- tunnels fast into you, attacking! It is HOT, like molten rock, and would burn as it hit -- except it hit only AC13, so no harm this round.}

Feng: Highlight to display spoiler: { You keep digging! You are under attack by a large earth elemental! It lashes out, hitting AC26 for 20 damage.}

Tratain: Highlight to display spoiler: { You keep digging! Then there is a movement through the earth, as if the creature were swiming through water. You realize that you are under attack by a large earth elemental! It lashes out, hitting AC29 for 13 damage.}

Draax: Highlight to display spoiler: { You keep digging! You are relieved when the hot creature dashes off (to attack someone else?). }

Feng AC 23, HP 58/ 117 Persuaded 
Friday January 27th, 2006 9:47:09 AM
Feng groins as that last hit caused him to cough up some blood. He would like to try and see how the others are doing but considering that his life is in real danger he doesn't have that option.

ooc: here's the situation as I see it. Feng is still buried and not yet free of the trapped earth. How much farther he has to go I have absolutely no idea. Feng cannot attack due to the fact that he's still trapped in the fallen rock and his weapon is a two handed great axe. Is that about it?

Monthor  d20-2=13
Friday January 27th, 2006 9:59:29 AM
(Listen check, 13)

ooc> Monthor would have had his axe in hand during the cave in. But since it's not a light weapon I'll assume ( hopeing not to make an a.s.s. of myself) and he can't use it... hold on. Just thought of something to PP the DM on... I'll continue this after my response.

Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158+56BE-52=162), AC24(19)/21(18))  d20+2=17 d20+11=26 d6+4=6
Friday January 27th, 2006 10:46:38 AM
Feeling the weight of the rock above him lessen, Black Paws hunches his back up, pushing against the rubble (Str 17). Renik feels the ground beneath him heave and shift. A moment later, the earth peels back as Black Paws' large head and massive shoulders push through the mostly cleared rubble, followed closely by the rest of him as he pushes himself out of his earthen embrace. The look of it all is not unlike the ground giving birth.

Just as Black Paws steps onto more solid ground, he flinches as if something just struck him in the flank. A slight pop can be heard. Did one of his ribs just crack? He yelps in discomfort.

Highlight to display spoiler: {Sarigar can do nothing but take the elemental's blow. Something inside him pops, probably a rib cracking, but in his terror of being buried alive and the rush of the fight, he hardly notices it. He claws back at the elemental (AC26, Dmg6), his claws scraping off it's stony exterior, but still chipping of at least a bit of it.}

Draax AC 19, HP 139 /156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless), Persuaded  d20+3=8
Friday January 27th, 2006 7:47:30 PM
As he continues to dig himself out, Draax notices the absence of the worm like creature that attacked him. He wonders if the creature was actually real or the results of another mind altering spell. He can hear nothing except the sound of moving earth (listen check 8).

Monthor(HP 110, AC 22(19 w/o Dex ), Bear's Endurance, Bless,persuaded 
Friday January 27th, 2006 8:25:55 PM
Seeing the flamming worm coming towards him (using his dwarven ultravision), the dwarven fighter's lips' curl into a sadistic smile. Monthor is buried under gods know how much rocks. He has no room to use his war axe. And for all he knows, his buds are all dead. So what's a dwarf to do?

:: Monthor activates a Quaal's Feather Token in front of him and as far away from him as he can and instantaneously springs forth an oak tree.::

ooc> Will this free him from his earthen death trap? Will this kill him? (and maybe others as well? ). Only time, and our intrepid DM will tell. Don't hate the
play-a, hate the 7 wisdom score!

Renik  d20+14=30
Saturday January 28th, 2006 4:16:00 AM
DM, Arien and Blackpaws Highlight to display spoiler: {Seeing Blackpaws freeing himself the rogue switches his attention to Sarigar. Rocks go flying as Renik shifts another 3000 lbs of stones , calling out to the wolf to assist him.

Confident that Tratain's protective spell will keep the elemental off his back, he ignores it for now, leaving it for Arien to deal with.

He hears Tratain under the earth, complaining about the sage, and yells out "Keep digging Tratain! I'll get to you as soon as Sarigar is free! Sarigar, keep it together, Blackpaws and I will have you out in no time!"}

Arien (subbed by Carl)  d20+4=13 d20+10=21 d20+10=16 d20+10=28 4d6(2+4+5+2)=13 4d6(5+4+5+1)=15 4d6(6+1+3+3)=13
Saturday January 28th, 2006 4:27:03 AM
DM and Blackpaws Highlight to display spoiler: { Though the stones provide treacherous footing the agile elven mage manages to keep his footing without too much trouble (Balance 13). Seeing that Renik is under attack from an earth elemental Arien protects him as best he can; assuming the elemental is still visisble he conjures three fiery blasts that fly towards the rocky creature (Scorching Ray hits AC 21, 16, 28 for 13HP, 15HP, 13HP.)}

A Tree Grows in Rocklyn - Round 29 (DM Cayzle)  d20+8=13 (miss Sar) 3d6(1+6+4)=11 (tree damage) d20+12=32 d20+12=17 d20+12=25 (att on Feng) 2d8(5+6)+7=18 2d8(5+2)+7=14 (two damage on Feng) d20+12=24 d20+12=30 2d8(4+6)+7=17 (at on Tratain)
Saturday January 28th, 2006 8:26:33 AM

Renik, Arien, and Black Paws: Highlight to display spoiler: {Renik ignores the earth elemental, and then Arien attacks. Given that the creature's touch AC is a 9, all three rays hit, blowing the elemental to smithereens! Black Paws emerges, and given his smell and connection to Sarigar, easily points Renik in the right place to dig. Renik digs about seven feet down -- another round will free the Wildman. And, at the end of the round, a magically fast-growing TREE thrusts its way up through the rubble!}

Sarigar: Highlight to display spoiler: {As you chip away at the elemental, you sense that Black Paws is free, and you can hear the rocks shifting above you. Next round you will be free too. In the meantime, the elemental fights back! But this round it misses (hits AC13).}

Monthor: Highlight to display spoiler: {You take the elemental's blows and activate your token! The tree thrusts up, displacing rock. The shifting rubble is dangerous -- make a reflex save vs DC13 or take 11 damage; 5 if you save. A shifting rock pins the hot worm, crushing the life out of it, and it pops out of existence, back to the elemental plane from which it was called. Next round you will be able to spend the whole round hauling yourself out of the rubble by "climbing" the tree!}

Feng: Highlight to display spoiler: {If you have a light weapon, then you can draw it and use it. But a larger weapon can't be used -- just not enough room. Have you not even a dagger on your body? If not, how about a magic item to activate? You could heal yourself, oh paladin, if you have any curing left for the day. But things may be looking grim for Feng! This time the elemental makes a full attack, striking twice at AC32 and 25. Both of those are hits, and one of them is a natural 20, a crit threat! But the follow up is a 17, so no. Feng takes 18 and 14 hp damage -- total 32. The elemental is AC18.}

Tratain: Highlight to display spoiler: { Joe, what's up? This is deadly, and if you don't post you might well die! Also, not that I am trying to tell you how to play your PC, but keep in mind that Protectors can Turn elementals! Anyhoo, this round Tratain continues to dig. The element makes a full round of attacks: one slam misses by two; one hits for 17 hp damage. That's 30 hp down total (last round and this) from your current 106, bringing you to 76 hp, I figure. The elemental is AC18.}

Draax: Highlight to display spoiler: { As Draax continues to dig, he hears sounds of rock shifting nearby. The thought that a tree is growing up through the rubble probably does not occur to him! LOL! If he makes a Listen DC 10 check, then he hears Renik shouting. If he makes a DC15 check he hears the sounds of combat, and for a DC20, he hears Renik calling, "Keep digging Tratain! I'll get to you as soon as Sarigar is free! Sarigar, keep it together, Blackpaws and I will have you out in no time!"}

Feng AC 23 HP 78/ 117 Persuaded 
Saturday January 28th, 2006 1:00:28 PM
Unable to counter attack Feng does the only thing he can. He calls upon his divine power and sends healing warmth throught his battered body. Unfortunately it moves him no closer to getting out of the pile of rubble.

Tratain AC 26 HP 76/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing; SR 25]  d20+1=18 2d6(5+6)+14=25
Sunday January 29th, 2006 12:03:24 PM
Tratain gets hit a few times before he realizes what is happening. He calls upon the powers granted to him by Domi and attempts to Turn the Elemental attacking him.

Turn Check = 18 Clerics Level +2 = 15 HD is the biggest creature he can Turn
Turn Damage = 25 HD worth of Monsters Turned

OOC: Sorry for missing that last post, things got real busy, I'll make sure i definitly post all the time during combat from now on.

Renik AC 28, HP 89 (+28, Bear's Endurance), Blessed, Protection from Evil, Flying 
Sunday January 29th, 2006 2:13:36 PM
DM, Sarigar, Blackpaws and Arien Highlight to display spoiler: {The rogue continues to lever boulder after boulder out of the way, working his way down to the trapped Sarigar. As he does so he calls to Arien "I heard Tratain call out from over there! You and Blackpaws see if you can get him out, I'll join you with Sarigar in a moment." Then he yells out "KEEP CALLING OUT IF YOU WANT TO BE DUG OUT!"

He hopes that Blackpaws' keen nose will help pinpoint the cleric in the same way he managed to locate Sarigar.

As soon as he spots the wildman he reaches down and helps to haul him out, hoping he will not be too distressed by his ordeal.}



Arien (subbed by Carl)  d20+9=22 d20+7=9
Sunday January 29th, 2006 2:25:59 PM
DM, Sarigar, Blackpaws & Renik, Highlight to display spoiler: {The elven mage smiles in grim satisfaction as the rock creature is blow to pieces. That's one less of that accursed sage's conjurations to worry about.

He nods at Renik's request, and follows the rogue's directions as best he can, beginning to dig where he thinks Tratain should be (Spot 22, Listen 9). He calls out to Blackpaws "Can you smell Tratain, Blackpaws? Where's Tratain?"

Arien's forte is brains, not brawn. He finds the work of shifting rocks with his bare hands heavy going, and is only able to move 80 lbs of stone this round. As an enormous oak tree bursts through the rock nearby the mage wishes he had a spell of his own more suited to the task than all sweating and straining.}

Draax AC 19, HP 139 /156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless), Persuaded  d20+3=22
Sunday January 29th, 2006 3:14:53 PM
As Draax continues to dig himself out, he develops a steady rhythm to not wear himself out. He finally clears enough debris out of the way to hear Renik's call (listen check 22).

He yells out, "I AM FINE AT THE MOMENT, I SEEM TO BE MAKING PROGRESS DIGGING MYSELF OUT BUT I HAVE NO IDEA HOW LONG IT WILL TAKE. WATCH OUT AS YOU DIG FOR OTHERS, THERE IS SOME TYPE OF WORM CREATURE MOVING WITHIN THE ROCKS."


Monthor(HP 105( 5D from rubble), AC 22(19 w/o Dex ), Bear's Endurance, Bless,persuaded  d20+9=25
Sunday January 29th, 2006 9:19:38 PM
Monthor spends the next round climbing up the tree.

ooc> Makes the reflex save (25) and takes 5 damage.

Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158+56BE-52=162), AC24(19)/21(18))  d20+20=29 d10=2
Monday January 30th, 2006 1:09:28 PM
As Renik's efforts finally break Sarigar free of the potential tomb, Sarigar scrambles out of the hole with reckless abandon (retreat, 15 feet, I figure half move only to climb up and out). Out of breath and all but mute from all his screaming, Sarigar can only mouth out what was attacking him as he points at the hole Highlight to display spoiler: {"Rock man down there."}

Seeing his brother free, Black Paws begins sniffing the area for others that are trapped (Survival: Scent 29 to find a random person that's still buried that he knows the scent of - - Feng). Once he thinks he's located someone, he begins digging with the incredible speed that only a canine can muster (Digging 2625 lbs of rock every turn). Hopefully no one's standing behind him or they may find themselves buried in short order.

ooc: Made a random 1d10 roll: 1-2 Feng, 3-4 Tratain, 5-6 Draxx, 7-8 Monthor, 9-10 Sage.

Monthor supplementary  d20-2=1
Monday January 30th, 2006 1:28:58 PM
Listen check 1.
( It is to laugh!)

A burning cavity: Round 30 (DM Cayzle)  d20+12=13 d20+12=18 (attacks on Feng) 10d6(6+4+2+2+4+6+4+2+1+1)=32 (fireball damage)
Tuesday January 31st, 2006 7:22:35 AM

Characters on top of the Rock Fall -- Renik, Arien, Black Paws, Sarigar, Monthor -- Highlight to display spoiler: {Renik helps Sarigar out of the rubble. Sarigar climbs out and then looks, or rather smells, for Feng. Monthor might have something to say about Feng's smell, but the dwarf is busy climbing his tree out of the rubble. Directed by Sarigar, Black Paws begins digging out Feng, and gets about half-way down to the half-orc. The dust is still very thick, making it impossible to see beyond 10 feet. Then there is a WHOOSH, and the entire cavity formed when the ceiling caved in is filled with fire. A standard spellcraft check will identify a fireball. That's a reflex save vs DC19 for 32 damage or 16 on a save.}

Monthor -- Highlight to display spoiler: {Didn't you take damage when the rocks fell on everybody? Is that reflected in your post header?}

Feng -- Highlight to display spoiler: {You hear the sounds of digging above you. But will it be in time? The elemental swats atyou twice again, hitting AC13 and 18 ... huh! Lucky Feng! No damage this round!}

Draax -- Highlight to display spoiler: {
You keep digging. Listen DC5 to hear voices and digging away off. Listen DC15 nets you Renik's voice: "KEEP CALLING OUT IF YOU WANT TO BE DUG OUT!"}

Tratain -- Highlight to display spoiler: {You do turn your attacker away. It moves off. But you are still trapped! If you make a Listen DC15 check, you hear sounds of shouting and digging.}

Monthor (HP 89 [16D from the fire], AC 22, Bear's Endurance, Bless,persuaded  d20+8=22 d20+5=25 d20-2=6 d20-2=14
Tuesday January 31st, 2006 10:27:24 AM
ooc> How do you do the display spoiler tags?
And yes,he took damage as noted in the
Friday January 20th, 2006 6:56:53 AM post.

:: Monthor, having just made his way out of the rubble by climbing up the tree, gets free just in time to be singed by the fire engulfing the room. Wether by luck, devine intervention, or his good looks ('cough', 'cough'), the dwarf if able to protect himself from the flames' full furry (saved with a 22 for 16 damage).

" WHERE IN THE SEVEN HELLS DID THAT COME FROM!!! EVERY BODY OKAY! "

Taking a defensive position with his war axe, Monthor uses his dungeoneering skills (with a natural 20 I may add.... 'sigh') to get as much information about the current situation as possible. (spot 6, listen 14)



Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158+56BE-52=162), AC24/21)  d20+12=25 d20+10=25 d2=1 d20+18=27
Tuesday January 31st, 2006 11:04:08 AM
Having had a moment to catch his breath and recover every so slightly from his panic, Sarigar searches the rubble for any other's that are still burried and not being aided yet (Survival: Scent 27, random check between 1 - Draax and 2 - Monthor comes up...Draax ooc: sorry stumpy) and begins digging as fast as he can (Digging up, bare handed, 1150 lbs per round)

Black Paws' sensitive ears hear or maybe more aptly, feels the change in air pressure caused a moment before the blast wave of the fire burst and the brothers instinctively dive for cover in the holes they have been digging, avoiding the blast (Reflex 25/25, Evasion for no damage).

Although both want to find out what caused it, getting their pack mates out is more important. No one should be caged like that and if they can break them out, even if it means getting hurt themselves, they'll do it.

Sarigar digs 1150 lbs, Black Paws digs 2625 lbs.

Renik AC 28, HP 89 (+28, Bear's Endurance), Blessed, Protection from Evil, Flying  d20+17=21 d20+14=23
Tuesday January 31st, 2006 11:07:22 AM
OOC: Spoiler tags are {spoiler} text {/spoiler}, but with [] instead of {}.

Above ground Highlight to display spoiler: { Years of adventuring have honed Renik's reflexes and danger sense to an incredible level. He feels a sudden change in pressure in the dark space and before his mind has had time to consciously process this information he finds himself tucked neatly into a nearby gap between two boulders, his cloak pulled up over his face.

A fraction of a second later a wave of heat and roaring sound blasts through the chamber, but the rogue remains unscathed. Satisfied the flames are gone he springs up, takes stock of the damage to his companions and calls out "That accursed sage is still here somewhere! Arien, see if you can find him. Monthor, back him up. Sarigar, Blackpaws, stick with me on digging detail!"

Blinking sweat from his eyes the rogue resumes his digging in the half-light of the roof cavity where he last heard Tratain's cries. The dust swirls around him as he levers boulder after boulder aside, his muscles burning and back aching. (3000lbs moved)

But he cannot pause in his task; his friends may be suffocating beneath this rocky tomb. Or worse...}

(Listen 23)}


Draax AC 19, HP 139 /156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless), Persuaded  d20+3=16
Tuesday January 31st, 2006 11:51:48 AM
By hearing the others (listen check 16) Draax realizes that he is getting closer to freeing himself. He has no idea what is going on with the others but he can guess that at least a few of them are clear of the debris and digging the others out. Draax yells in a cheerful voice, Highlight to display spoiler: { A LITTLE HELP IS ALWAYS WELCOME. }


Arien (subbed by Carl) (-16 HP)  d20+14=33 d20+9=14
Tuesday January 31st, 2006 4:58:37 PM
Above ground Highlight to display spoiler: { The mage flattens himself against a boulder and sees the worst of the flame roar past him. He does not survive unscathed however (16 HP damage).

Hearing Renik call out he casts a minor cantrip (Detect Magic) and scans the area for telltale signs of the sage or his creatures (Spot 14). If he spots him he will call out to Monthor, indicating the sage's position. }



Tratain AC 26 HP 76/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing; SR 25] 
Tuesday January 31st, 2006 10:41:30 PM
Satisfied that the creature that was attacking him is gone Tratain goes back to digging himself out of the rubble.

He Calls out "Is everyone ok? Whats going on up there. Can anyone give me a hand getting out of all this rubble?"

Feng AC 23 HP 78/ 117 Persuaded 
Wednesday February 1st, 2006 12:45:04 AM
Feng exhales as he twists away from the elementals attack. He heard that elementals were slow but this one was quick and attacked from unexpected angles. Franticly he kept digging and moving earth aside to free himself.

One more emerges: Round 31 (DM Cayzle)  d20+12=13 d20+12=24 2d8(5+7)+7=19 (att on feng) 10d6(4+2+2+3+2+6+3+1+2+4)=29 (fireball damage) d6=5 (who does worm att?) d20+8=19
Wednesday February 1st, 2006 7:53:54 AM

Characters on top of the Rock Fall -- Renik, Arien, Black Paws, Sarigar, Monthor, and, by the END of the round, Feng -- Highlight to display spoiler: { Renik digs to free Tratain; Sarigar, Draax; and Black Paws, Feng. By the end of the round, Feng can climb up out of the rubble and join his friends.

As BP digs out Feng, he becomes aware (and so too, to an extent, Sarigar) that Feng is under attack by a large earth elemental. The rock creature hits at Feng again -- one mighty fist hits the paladin, inflicting 19 hp damage.

Monhor tries to comprehend the situation. It is clear to the dwarf that when the ceiling collapsed, it created a cavity in the ceiling where the rubble had been. You all are up in that cavity. It is possible, Monthor thinks, to walk down and out into the room, although the footing is tricky. He does not know it, but that's how Arien got up here ... by blipping out from under the rubble, and then walking back. There is a heck of a lot of dust. You can see in five feet (by Darkvision or Renik's sunrod), but in ten feet the dust begins to conceal things, and you cannot see more than 15 feet away at all.

Arien feels sure that he knows where the fireball came from. He thinks it was fired blindly up into the cavity, maybe targetting Renik's shouting? He senses magic in the general area, and knows he will have to keep concentrating to learn more.

He has the chance to experience it all again ... ANOTHER fireball is hurled up into the cavity! All in the cavity make a reflex save vs DC 19 for 29 or 14 damage (Feng, save for 14 or 7, since you are still partly in rubble at that point.).

Then a strange creature burrows out of the rubble and attacks! It is a worm, a foot in diameter, made of magma and flame! It launches itself at Black Paws but misses.}

Draax: Highlight to display spoiler: {You are being dug out. Next round you hope to be free.}

Tratain: Highlight to display spoiler: {You are being dug out. Next round you hope to be free.}

Renik AC 28, HP 89 (+28, Bear's Endurance), Blessed, Protection from Evil, Flying  d20+17=25
Wednesday February 1st, 2006 10:26:16 AM
Renik is ready this time, and when the pre-fire burst pressure drop comes he hunkers down into the hole he is digging and feels the fire roaring overhead. Without breaking his rhythm he continues to shunt one rock after another out of the hole, intent upon rescuing Tratain. (Evasion for no damage, 3000lbs dug).

He calls to his companions "Once you have Feng get out of this kill-zone! Withdraw from combat in here, find a better place to make your stand! Find that sage and put an end to his evil! I'll join you as soon as Tratain is free."


Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158+56BE-52=162), AC24/21)  d20+20=26 d20+12=29 d20+10=24
Wednesday February 1st, 2006 11:24:51 AM
Trying to speak out to his brother, Sarigar finds that his voice is still lost and suspects it will be for some time. He instead alerts his brother through their bond...Highlight to display spoiler: {"Brother, find Monthor, he's still stuck! The worm won't hurt us much."}. That said, he continues his own frantic digging (1150 lbs, total 2300lbs removed above Draax.

Just then, another fire blast explodes. Once again, the brothers feel the blast an instant before the damaging wave covers them and they instinctively tuck and cover, avoiding it (Reflex 29/24 + Evasion).

Black Paws withdraws from the worm and sniffs out Monthor. Highlight to display spoiler: {However, due to his being persuaded, should he find the Sage first, he'll start digging there (ooc: leaving that little detail to you Cayzle).} (Survival: Scent 26, digging 2625 lbs this round from either Monthor or the Sage.)

Arien: HP 30 of 80 (56), AC 21, Mage Armor, Blessed, Bear's Endurance (subbed by Carl)  d20+14=19 d20+4=15
Wednesday February 1st, 2006 11:34:18 AM
Arien is barely able to hurl himself aside as the fireball blasts through the dust-filled darkness. He does not escape unharmed however, and the searing wounds he received in the last blast now burn even more intensely. In places his skin is blackened and bubbled, and blood flows freely from a head wound incurred in the rock fall. Gritting his teeth against the considerable pain the elven mage follows the intrepid Monthor forward, moving through the darkness towards the exit (Balance check 15).

Under his breath he speaks the words of a spell, ready to cast it if the sage happens to find himself in range of the wizard's ire.

(Readied delayed blast fireball)

Spells Memorized
0 Level: Detect Magic x2*, Light, Read Magic x2
1st Level: Burning Hands, Magic Missile x5, Protection from Evil
2nd Level: Rope Trick, Scorching Ray x4**, Extended Shield, Extended Mage Armor*
3rd Level: Displacement, Dispel Magic, Fly, Haste, Lightning Bolt, Slow
4th Level: Dimension Door x2**, Ice Storm, Invisibility: Greater x2*, Solid Fog
5th Level: Cone of Cold, Teleport, Wall of Force x2*
6th Level: Analyze Dweomer, Chain Lightning*, Disintegrate, Veil*
7th Level: Delayed Blast Fireball(*), Prismatic Spray x2*

* indicates already cast
(*) indicates ready to be cast


Monthor (HP 60 [29D from the fire], AC 22 (23.dodg, 27 vs AoO), Bear's Endurance, Bless,Persuaded  d20+8=9 d20+24=30 d10+10=13 d6=6 d20+4=8 d20-1=6 d20-2=12
Wednesday February 1st, 2006 1:50:35 PM
The fire engulfs Monthor this time and singes the tip of the dwarve's beard (save 9).

" Free the others and walk down the rubble! It leads back to where we were. From there we can get back to the surface !"

Monthor sees the worm but remembers what he had heard about Serge's powers before and wonders if they are illusions? (Will save 8)

Having notice that the fireball are coming 'up' from where they had been before Monthor activates his winged boots and flies down, holding his now flammed war axe two handed in front of him, towards the source of the fireballs.

" Take the worm!!! Me have the fire slinger "

Monthor readies an attack should anything get in range of his axe. Monthor has heard Renik yell out the previous round that Serge was responsible for the mess that they are now in (ooc> Don't know how that going to affect Monthor's reaction to the sage re: the persuade effect) Monthor knows that his party mates are all either free in the cavity or being dug out so anything that gets in his way will get sliced! Or better yet, he will slice towards any noise that sounds like a spell being casted. (Spot 6, listen 12)

ooc> Don't know if the dwarf will get an attack here... but in case he does.... hits AC 30 for 19 damage (13 physical, 6 fire).

ooc> BTW, I think this is my longest post EVER in the Wold! Yeah me!!!


Monthor correction 
Wednesday February 1st, 2006 1:51:56 PM
Add the bless effect to the attack role and he hits AC 31

Tratain AC 26 HP 76/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing; SR 25] 
Wednesday February 1st, 2006 11:34:59 PM
Tratain Keeps digging himself out.

He calls out "Whats going on out there?"

Draax AC 19, HP 139 /156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless), Persuaded 
Thursday February 2nd, 2006 6:29:41 AM
As he continues to dig, Draax can hear and feel the digging of the others getting closer to him. He feels a little better knowing that he will soon be free.

All fired up: Round 32 (DM Cayzle)  5d4(2+1+4+3+2)+5=17 3d4(2+3+1)+3=9 (mm vs Mnthr) d6=1 (random worm att on R) d100=44 (miss chance) d6=2 (random elem att on T) d20+12=23 2d8(5+6)+7=18 (elem att)
Thursday February 2nd, 2006 6:35:14 AM
[OOC: Hooray! No more secret posts!]

Everybody is now in the cavity on top of the rubble. The dust is still thick, but clearing. There's no problem up to five feet away, so no hinderance to melee attacks. At fifteen and ten feet the dust conceals things (20% miss chance). At 20 feet and more you can see nothing (50% miss chance if you hit into the right square).

Keep in mind that the rubble is rough underfoot and unsteady. Non-fliers need to make a Balance DC10 check per round of movement to keep from falling on unsteady footing. If you fall, you are prone. Non-fliers also lose their Dex bonuses from balancing on rocks (unless you have 5 ranks in balance skill). Walking over rubble is at half speed.

Renik, Black Paws, and Sarigar keep digging, freeing Tratain and Draax. NOTE: Monthor is NOT trapped under rubble! He used a Feather Token to invoke a Tree, then used the tree to cleverly bootstrap himself out.

Arien retreated over rubble back in the direction he came.

Monthor saw the worm, tried to disbelieve with no luck, then flew towards the source of the fireballs, almost out of sight of the rest of the party. What he found was this: Highlight to display spoiler: {He finds a stone wall blocking his way. There is a hole in the wall, maybe a foot and a half in diameter. Through the hole he sees the Sage, who clearly has been casting spells against the group. Any kindly feelings that Monthor had had for the Sage fade away entirely. In fact, the dwarf would like nothing better than to give the sage his own taste of fire, but there's no way that his ax will fit in that little hole. Maybe if he had a sword or spear, or bolts or something. [OOC: Need a piercing weapon to attack through the hole, or a long narrow one, anyway. Even then, the sage has improved cover, like an arrow slit, see PHB p152.]}

Feng is now all the way out of the rubble.

Monthor sees this: Highlight to display spoiler: {The sage looks at him and casts Magic Missile (five points of light that hit the dwarf). That does 17 hp damage to the dwarf. Then the Sage ducks out of sight. Then the Sage ducks back into sight from the other side of the hole, and casts ANOTHER magic missile (THREE points of light this time) for another 9 hp damage.}

Then the hot worm launches itself at Renik. But the rogue's miss chance gives the creature one empty space when it attacks the blinking rogue.

Finally, a Large Earth Elemental rises through the rubble and attacks Tratain. It hits AC23 (remember, no Dex or Dodge bonus to AC for non-fliers, so does that hit Tratain?), possibly hurting the Protector for 18.

The worm's AC is 18. So is the elemental's. Rememer, ranged attacks have a miss chance.

And it sounds to me like we need a map! If only I had the time to make one! Let me give a verbal map:

The rubble fell, creating a 30-foot-by-30-foot cavity in the ceiling. That's where you all are now. Except for Arien, who retreated back out of the rubble and down into the non-collapsed part of the room.

Verbal map for Monthor: Highlight to display spoiler: {Monthor flew forward, towards the entrance through which the Sage entered the room, but the wall he found, RIGHT at the edge of the rubble, stopped him. That wall was not there before, his keen dwarf senses tell him! The walls of the room were earthen, reinforced. This is a smooth stone wall, from the ceiling, down into the rubble.}

Hope that helps you in visualizing things for now.

Monthor ooc to the DM 
Thursday February 2nd, 2006 7:45:10 AM

Highlight to display spoiler: {
ooc> How far back from the wall is Serge?
I've got a nice little surprise cooking up for him but the distance "wall" to "soon to be dead meat" is vital.

}

Arien: HP 30 of 80 (56), AC 21, Mage Armor, Blessed, Bear's Endurance (subbed by Carl) 
Thursday February 2nd, 2006 8:07:07 AM
(OOC: As per last post, Arien is hot on Monthor's heels, is that right? Not 100% clear from your mapless map :-)

Arien continues to follow Monthor. Should he spot the sage he will cast the readied delayed fireball spell at him in such a manner as to avoid Monthor.

Renik AC 28, HP 89 (+28, Bear's Endurance), Blessed, Blinking, Protection from Evil, Flying  d100=53 d100+22=40 d6+5=7 2d6(6+6)=12 5d6(5+2+3+2+1)=13
Thursday February 2nd, 2006 8:22:04 AM
"Finally, something I can hit" snarls Renik, sick and tired of seeing his friends crushed, beaten and roasted. Now they are all free he can turn his attention to their foes.

He floats 5 feet into the air and in an instant his shortswords are in his hands. He stabs downwards with all his might and frustration at the burning creature's maw.

Hits AC 40 for:
7 HP normal damage
12 HP Holy damage if applicable
13 HP Sneak damage if applicable



Feng AC 23 HP 52/ 117 Persuaded  d20+12=27 d20-1=10 d20+16=31 d12+20=25
Thursday February 2nd, 2006 10:18:06 AM
After being smacked around by the earth elemental and getting burnt by a fireball he didn't expect, Feng is ready for some payback. He grips his enchanted great axe in both hands. The burly half orc moves to the earth elemental a little too quickly and almost looses his balance on the shifting rubble. Stumbing, Feng manages to stay on his feet and use the momentum as he brings the great axe around.

ooc: power attack -5 to hit/ +10 to damage. Hit ac 31 for 25 damage

Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158+56BE-52=162), AC24/21)  d20+5=25 d20+3=16 d20+17=27 d20+16=27 d8+3=10 d20+3=10 d20+2=19
Thursday February 2nd, 2006 11:19:47 AM
With everyone finally free, the brothers can turn their attentions to the more immediate threats, the worm and the elemental. Having felt the sting of hitting the worm and getting burned, Sarigar chooses not to go for it. However, attacking the elemental isn't exactly a promising action either, having just been buried alive. Although he's had very little contact with elementals, he doens't think that even an earth elemental has the ability to just bury someone again, so, it is still his best target.

The brothers rush (charge attack) the lumbering stone man, Sarigar going high (Bull Rush), practically flying over the loose rock (Balance 25, nat 20), while his brother goes low (Balance 16, Trip) (AC23/27, Dmg10, Str10/19). Black Paws' enhanced teeth and powerful jaws allow him to bite into the rocky leg of the elemental. With Black Paws tugging with his powerful neck muscles, combined with his brother's push from above, the elemental...

ooc: Black Paws can attempt a trip on a successful attack as per wolves, thus the damage and the strength checks.

Cayzle OOC 
Thursday February 2nd, 2006 5:54:08 PM
Sorry for the confusion regarding Arien and Monthor.

I thought Arien retreated to safety toward the way you originally entered. I thought Monthor moved forward, deeper in, toward where the fireballs were coming from.

I'm 99.9% sure I am right about Monthor. Now I am not so sure about Arien. Carl, you can pick which you prefer. Still, given Arien's current hit points, does he really want to follow the crazed flying dwarf towards trouble?

And waht's Arien's light source? So far as I know there's just a sunrod on the rubble. The dwarf's darkvision works fine, but there is maybe not enough light for even low light vision to be of much use, given the dust.

Your call, Carl!

Carl: Hmm, given that I don't want Adam to come back to a dead character, perhaps I'll err on the side of caution! Very well, Arien is retreating to a point where those nasty fireballs won't roast him, and cast Light on a coin from his pouch.)

Cayzle to Monthor OOC 
Thursday February 2nd, 2006 5:57:49 PM
Highlight to display spoiler: {Looks like the sage is in the five-foot space behind the hole in the wall.}

Monthor (HP 34 [26D from the magic missle], AC 22 (23.dodg, 27 vs AoO), Bear's Endurance, Bless 
Thursday February 2nd, 2006 8:15:14 PM
ooc> And here we go

Highlight to display spoiler: {

ooc> Since it's not stated anywhere, I'll assume that Monthor is at the wall.

:: Monthor throws a Quall's feather token oak through the 1 1/2 foot diameter hole in the wall and activates it. He then uses his boots to hawl dwarven arse away from there ASAP ::

The dwarf grins and thinks to himself... { Buh bye Serge. }

ooc> If he sees Arien

" ARIEN! DUCK!!! "

}

Tratain AC 26 HP 76/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing; SR 25]  d20+20=27 3d8(6+5+2)+13=26
Thursday February 2nd, 2006 10:34:35 PM
Tratain blocks the attack by the elemental. (Tratains AC is 26 with No dex or dodge Bonus, its all Armor)

Seeing his friends are engaged in combat, having just escaped from the rubble and unsure as to how much fighting went on before he got out Tratain opts to Heal his friends. (definsivly Cast Mass Cure Serious Wounds, Everyone Heals for 26)



Draax AC 23, HP 139 /156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless), Persuaded  d20+3=8
Thursday February 2nd, 2006 11:16:31 PM
Relieved to be out of the rubble, Draax finds himself on uneven ground and fall to the floor when he loses his balance (balance check 8). Feeling a little embarrassed he uses his shield for leverage as he starts to get back on his feet.

Cayzle OOC 
Friday February 3rd, 2006 7:29:28 AM
Really sorry, everybody! No time to post this morning. I'll have to do it this evening. Apologies, especially since everybody except me has posted!

Arien: HP 56 of 80 (56), AC 21, Mage Armor, Blessed, Bear's Endurance 
Friday February 3rd, 2006 6:22:08 PM
((OOC: Thanks for Carl and Cayzle for taking over Arien while my computer was out of commission. I just got everything back in working order and should be good to go now. If I read correctly Arien has acted already this round with the light spell on a coin? So I shall wait for Cayzle's post then take over for Arien again. Thanks again to Carl and Cayzle.))

DM Cayzle OOC 
Saturday February 4th, 2006 12:45:41 AM
Ugh! Left the house at 7:30 am, returned at 12:30 am, 15 hours later! Too brain-dead to make a DM post. I'll get it out first thing in the morning. Really sorry, everybody! Real life hit hard this week.

Waiter, there's a tree in my hole! Round 33 (DM Cayzle)  d4=2 d20+12=27 2d8(4+3)+7=14 d6=6 d20+6=17
Saturday February 4th, 2006 10:21:29 AM

Monthor tosses his token into the hole in the stone wall, activating it. He can tell that the tree grows -- and definately blocks the hole. He can see nothing more through it.

Arien retreats out of danger and casts a Light spell.

Renik attacks the elemental. It is neither evil nor subject to sneak attacks, and it has damage reduction 5/-, so Renik's 7 damage inflicts 2 hp to the elemental.

Feng takes a swing and inflicts 20 more (after damage reduction).

Sarigar and Black Paws try to knock the elemental over. [OOC: BP tries to trip from the legs while Sarigar tries to push it from higher up. I think that the purpose of the joint effort is to knock it down, not knock it back. So I'm going to rule that Sarigar gives a +2 on BP's efforts to do the trip, like an aid another. Hope that's okay.]

The elemental's Trip DC is 21, based on size and str. BP attacks and bites for 10 hp damage, of which 5 makes it through the creature's damage reduction. Then the wolf follows with a free trip attempt. BP rolls a 17, +2 for str, +4 for size, and +2 for Sarigar's aid another, for a total of 25 (per my interpretation of your die rolls, LOL!). That is enough to topple the creature! It falls prone.

Tratain heals everyone for a welcome 26 hp.

Draax falls but gets up.

The elemtental gets up. That provokes AoOs from Renik, Feng, Sarigar, and Black Paws (you can't trip on this AoO, sorry, since the AoO technically occurs while the creature is still prone, and you can't trip a prone creature.)

Since it is prone, those AoOs get the standard bonus vs prone foes.

After taking the AoOs, then it lashes out at Feng, hitting AC27 for 14.

The hot worm launches itself at Tratain. It misses.

Verbal Map: The elemental is next to Monthor's tree, in the middle of the rubble. Feng, BP, Renik, and Sarigar are flanking it. Tratain and Draax are 15 feet from it -- if they advance to 5 feet away, they may take AoOs since the creature has reach. The worm is next to Tratain. Monthor is about 25 feet north of the elemental near the stone wall with the blocked hole. Arien is about 20 feet south of the elemental off the rubble. Remember those balance checks if you move. And due to dust you can't see more than 15 feet.

Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158+56BE-26=188), AC24/21)  d20+5=16 d20+16=34 d6+4=7 d20+16=22 d8+2=8 d20+16=20 d20+11=12 d20+1=18 d6+4=7 d6+4=8 d20+16=35 d20+11=18 d8+2=9 d8+2=10 d20+6=26
Saturday February 4th, 2006 12:12:53 PM
As the elemental begins to right himself, the brothers each attack it in their own particular styles. Since Sarigar essentially rode the elemental to the ground (Balance 16), he attacks at its "head" (AC34, Dmg2) barely knocking a few pebbles loose, then rolls to his feet, ready to spring at it again. Black Paws' teeth remain in place as he twists and pulls on the elemental's leg like a dog playing tug of war with a length of knotted rope (AC22, Dmg3)

Once the elemental has righted itself, the brothers continue their assault on the rocky beast. Sarigar's claws flash through the air, clacking off of and chipping at the stony exterior of the behemoth (AC 20/12/18, Dmg 2/3).

Black Paws keeps pulling and tugging with his powerful jaws (AC 35/18, Dmg 4/5). With Black Paws continually yanking at it's leg, the elemental is constantly having to correct it's footing and Black Paws takes complete advantage of one such movement and practically jerks the elemental's leg out from beneath him, sending him toppling to the ground again (Trip 26, nat 20)

ooc: All damage takes off the elementals DR, btw. Edited to say that on 2/5

Arien: HP 56 of 80 (56), AC 21, Mage Armor, Blessed, Bear's Endurance  d20+4=16
Saturday February 4th, 2006 9:02:54 PM
Feeling much better thanks to the healing, Arien makes his way over to where he remembers Monthor heading. (Balance check 16)

Monthor (HP 60, AC 22 (23.dodge, 27 vs AoO), Bear's Endurance, Bless  d20+21=33 d10=6 d6=2
Sunday February 5th, 2006 7:12:13 AM
" Monthor the herbalist me be! "

:: Like a compact ball of furry, Monthor flies to the elemental, flanking it, and attacks two handed with his war axe ::

oo> Monthor adds two to his attack for flanking and takes 5 off for a power attack
Monthor hits AC 33 for 25 regular damage (20 with the elemental's -5 damage reduction) and 2 fire damage. Monthor assigns his dodge bonus to the elemental for an active AC of 22 or 27 vs AoO


Monthor correction 
Sunday February 5th, 2006 7:13:52 AM
ooc> Active AC 23, 27 vs AoO. Darn new math!

Tratain AC 26 HP 117/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing; SR 25]  d20+20=36 d8+13=15
Sunday February 5th, 2006 10:28:54 AM
Tratain again casts defensively upon his friends, ignoring the Worm for the moment knowing his friends will help with it when they can. (Defensivly Cast Mass Cure Light Wounds, Everyone Heals for 15)

Renik AC 28, HP 89 (+28, Bear's Endurance), Blessed, Blinking, Protection from Evil, Flying  d100=23 d100=18 d100=54 d100=58 d100=51 d20+24=41 d20+19=31 d20+14=34 d20+22=29 d20+17=19 d20+14=34 d6+7=12 2d6(2+6)+14=22 d6+3=7 d6+3=4 d100=60 d20+26=28 d6+7=10
Sunday February 5th, 2006 3:52:25 PM
(OOC: Oh infallible DM, I hate to point this out but... last post Renik stated (a little ambiguously I admit) that he was attacking the blazing worm that attacked him immediately before ("He stabs downwards with all his might and frustration at the burning creature's maw"). Apologies I did sort of hide that away! No worries if a revision at this stage is not possible. :-))

Renik takes up a flanking position on the rising elemental and hovering five feet above it he stabs at it repeatedly, his twin blades a veritable blur of steel (assuming he doesn't need to move to reach his enemy).

AoO: 10 hp
5 attacks hit AC, one fails blink chance, one crit (if allowed).

Att 1: 12 hp
Att 3: 22 hp or 9hp if no crits
Att 4: 7 hp
Att 5: 4 hp



Draax AC 23, HP 156 /156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless), Persuaded  d20+3=20
Monday February 6th, 2006 12:27:11 PM
More prepared for the uneven ground, Draax get to his feet and remains there (balance check 20). He moves 5 feet closer to the elemental staying out of its range. He readies his sword and shield preparing himself for an opportunity to strike.

Feng AC 23 HP 52/ 117 Persuaded  d20+21=32 d20+21=39 d20+16=34 d20+11=16 d12+10=19 d12+10=14 d12+10=22
Monday February 6th, 2006 6:34:59 PM
With unstable footing and allies all around Feng decides that finess is better than power. He would like to put everything he has into his swings but that would be reckless and a great axe his a rather large weapon. His powerful arms bring the enchanted weapon around with little effort, muscles straining as he reverses the axe's momentum after each hit for a few quick strikes.

ooc: AoO hit ac 32 for 19, ac 39 for 14, and ac 34 for 22

Help! I've fallen and I can't get up! Round 34 (DM Cayzle)  d20+8=25 d6=4 d20+6=12
Monday February 6th, 2006 8:32:10 PM
[OOC: Carl, my apologies! I'll subtract 2 hp damage from the elemental and give 7 damage to the worm. I'll also allow the full attack on the elemental with no worries about moving to it. Thanks for bringing that to my attention!]

The Lost Children worry at the stone creature, inflicting 19 damage on it and knocking it down again.

Arien spends the round skirting the rubble and the fight against the elemental, coming around to the opposite side of the room. He sees that a stone wall now blocks the entire span of the room headed deeper in, and that there is a hole in the wall. But a tree on the other side of the wall blocks the hole shut.

Monthor closes with the elemental, but as he comes close enough to hit it, it reaches out with a long arm and smacks at the airborn dwarf. The stone foe takes a -4 penalty vs an airborne for, and manages to hit AC25 -- not enough, with the dwarf's Mobility! A miss!

Then Monthor has his turn! 22 points of damage to the monster!

Renik chips away with 13 points of damage after damage reduction.

Draax prepares to join the fray, stepping up cautiously to avoid triggering an AoO.

But Feng makes that effort moot, as he takes three mighty whacks and puts the stone thing down for good. It fades away into dust.

Finally, the wounded fire-worm springs at Draax, attacking and missing, hitting only AC12.

Verbal map: You are in a large underground chamber, once used as a store room. A 30-foot diameter section of the ceiling has caved in. Around the edges of the room there is a little rubble, but that's it. You can easily exit the ant hill complex by going back out of door (the one that had the glowing glyph on it), through the chambers through which you came. You might have trouble going deeper into the complex, as there is a stone wall that spans the width of the chamber. There is a hole in the wall, now blocked by a tree growing on the other side.

Arien notices an ant in a corner as he circles the rubble, watching.

Monthor (HP 75, AC 22 (23.dodge, 27 vs AoO), Bear's Endurance, Bless, Flying  d20+18=37 d10=10
Tuesday February 7th, 2006 8:00:43 AM
Monthor de-flames his axe, flies towards the fire worm and power attacks (takes 5 off AC role adds 5 damage) it two handed with his war axe.

ooc> Monthor hits AC 37 for 29 damage.



Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158+56BE-11=203), AC24/21) 
Tuesday February 7th, 2006 12:44:23 PM
After their ordeals of being buried alive, being attacked while buried and then helping to dispatch the elemental, the brothers take a moment to rest. Sarigar drops to his knees and place his hands on the ground. Both brothers pant heavily wondering if they'll ever catch their breath.

A few moments later, Sarigar finally takes note of just how much his throat hurts from all his screaming. He tries to make a sound, but still nothing more than a hoarse whisper escapes him. His hands still sting from when he burned them by attacking the worm. And the cracked rib, no longer cracked, thanks to his packmate's healing is till tender and bruised, but will heal soon enough.

They know the worm is there, but sheer exhaustion is, for the moment, preventing them from caring or helping.

Renik AC 28, HP 89 (+28, Bear's Endurance), Invisible, Blessed, Blinking, Protection from Evil, Flying  d20+24=40 d20+21=34
Tuesday February 7th, 2006 3:13:01 PM
Renik takes stock of their situation. The immediate foes are out of action (or shortly will be). They need to shift their focus back to the true source of their woes.

He decides to leave the the worm to Feng's tender mercies, vanishing upwards into the darkness and dust (Hide 40). Then he draws his wand of invisiblity and casts upon himself, floating towards the sage's protective wall (Move silently 34).

Arien: HP 56 of 80 (56), AC 21, Mage Armor, Blessed, Bear's Endurance  d20+10=29 d20+10=27 d20+10=24 4d6(4+6+1+6)=17 4d6(1+3+2+5)=11 4d6(3+4+2+1)=10
Tuesday February 7th, 2006 5:05:02 PM
Arien considers the ant a moment, wondering if the Sage could see through the creature's eyes. A sudden, hot anger rises in Arien then and he, without much though casts Scorching Ray at the ant. (Touch ACs: 29, 27, and 24; Damage: 17, 11, 10: 38 total.)

Spells Memorized
0 Level: Detect Magic x2*, Light, Read Magic x2
1st Level: Burning Hands, Magic Missile x5, Protection from Evil
2nd Level: Rope Trick, Scorching Ray x4***, Extended Shield, Extended Mage Armor*
3rd Level: Displacement, Dispel Magic, Fly, Haste, Lightning Bolt, Slow
4th Level: Dimension Door x2**, Ice Storm, Invisibility: Greater x2*, Solid Fog
5th Level: Cone of Cold, Teleport, Wall of Force x2*
6th Level: Analyze Dweomer, Chain Lightning*, Disintegrate, Veil*
7th Level: Delayed Blast Fireball, Prismatic Spray x2*

* indicates already cast

Draax AC 23, HP 156 /156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless), Persuaded  d20+23=25 d8+12=19 d20+18=21 d8+12=19 d20+13=28 d8+12=13
Tuesday February 7th, 2006 9:58:44 PM
Seeing the fire-worm close at hand (if it is still alive) Draax takes advantage of the closeness by attacking it. (3 attacks hit AC 25, AC 21, AC 28 for 19, 19, & 13 dmg, 51 total dmg).

Tratain AC 26 HP 117/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing; SR 25] 
Wednesday February 8th, 2006 1:35:49 AM
Tratain waits for his party members to finish with the Worm, ready to heal anyone who might get to hurt by it.

The Lull: Round 35 (Dm Cayzle) 
Wednesday February 8th, 2006 8:01:27 AM
The hot worm is soon dead meat, and it too fades away.

The ant is also fried.

You pause for a moment, as there seems to be no attack against you for now. But how long until the next wave?

The verbal map from last turn still holds.

Feng AC 23 HP 52/ 117 
Wednesday February 8th, 2006 11:03:05 AM
Feng breathes heavily and looks around to see everybody still standing. It seems he was the worst off and if not for the divine healing he would be dead right now.

"It seems that the Sage has betrayed us. Let us find him before he manages to slip away."

Draax AC 23, HP 156 /156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless) 
Wednesday February 8th, 2006 2:38:28 PM
"I agree with Feng, lets see if there is a way that we can follow the mage. We still have to rescue the elves."



Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158+56BE-11=203), AC24/21)  d20+16=33 d20+16=28
Wednesday February 8th, 2006 3:13:53 PM
Finally having had a moment to catch their breath, the brothers seem ready to move. Sarigar takes his brother's face in his hands and holds him nose to nose. He tries to speak to him, but little more than a raspy whisper comes forth. Abandoning his attempts at speaking to his brother, he just stares intently in his eyes, obviously conversing with him in their own way...Highlight to display spoiler: {"No, no, no, the little one was not your friend. He's bad. He hurts people and wild. We need to find him and the elves he has caged."}

An odd look comes over Black Paws. Almost as if he were coming out of a dream. Highlight to display spoiler: {"Save caged people? I sniff him out."}

Black Paws puts his nose to the ground and begins sniffing about intently. Sarigar does much the same, though his nose doesn't get quite as close to the ground. They both zero in on the wall with the protruding tree, then sniff the area around hoping to find the way the sage got back there (Survival, Scent 33/28).

ooc: Didn't have my sheet with me, so I'm not sure of the modifiers to my Survival, should be close to 16 for both of them though (+4 to Black Paws when tracking by scent)

Renik AC 28, HP 89 (+28, Bear's Endurance), Invisible, Blessed, Blinking, Protection from Evil, Flying  d20+21=27 d20+24=36 d100=41 d20+14=19 d20+14=27
Wednesday February 8th, 2006 5:45:24 PM
The rogue has vanished from sight.

Highlight to display spoiler: {Renik decides to leave the others to their own devices for a moment. He is certain they can come up with some way of reaching the trapped elves, and if their efforts are sufficiently noisy it will provide cover for his own excursion. As he passes the nearest of his companions he whispers "I'll be back".

The rogue keeps to the shadows of the ceiling, invisible and hiding (MS 27, Hide 36). He glides towards the sage's wall, and blinks his way through it (made 5 foot check). Once through he takes stock of his surroundings (Spot 19, Listen 27).}

Monthor(HP 75, AC 22 (23.dodge, 27 vs AoO), Bear's Endurance, Bless 
Wednesday February 8th, 2006 7:34:17 PM
" Serge be the one that shot those fireballs at us AND the rat orc kisser shot magic missles at me. He WAS behind the wall but may well be squished by my feather token now... Me love feather tokens.... or not. Let's go see if there's any way for us to get past the wall. "

:: Monthor assesses, based on the thickness of the material, if there is any way his amazing strenght (26) can be used to get through the wall. ::



More Lull: Round 36 (DM Cayzle) 
Thursday February 9th, 2006 7:35:42 AM
The group realizes that they have to get through the wall. Monthor strains at it, but it is a STONE WALL. You would have to go at it with tools to break through.

Renik disappears -- do you hear a whisper from the rogue that he will be right back?

Renik, please Highlight to display spoiler: {You see that on the other side of the wall is about ten feet of space, then a door with a hoel in it. The same hole through which Tratain saw the Sage at the beginning of the encounter with him. There is a tree filling the five-foot space in front of the hole in the wall.}

Renik AC 28, HP 89 (+28, Bear's Endurance), Invisible, Blessed, Blinking, Protection from Evil, Flying  d20+14=20 d20+14=26 d20+21=33 d20+24=42
Thursday February 9th, 2006 9:23:41 AM
Highlight to display spoiler: {Floating above the door Renik takes a peek through the hole in it at whatever lies beyond, every sense alert to the slightest sign of danger. (Spot 20, Listen 26, MS 33, Hide 42+Invis).}



Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158+56BE-11=203), AC24/21)  d20+18=38 d20+20=26
Thursday February 9th, 2006 10:50:59 AM
The brothers continue to follow whatever trail the scents they pick up lead (Survival: Scent 38(nat 20)/26). They move as quickly as possible, knowing that there are others being held prisoner and they will not have that so long as they have breath in them.

Feng AC 23 HP 52/ 117 
Thursday February 9th, 2006 4:56:49 PM
"Monthor your the expert here. What's the best way to get through this thing?"

Tratain AC 26 HP 117/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing; SR 25] 
Thursday February 9th, 2006 9:05:38 PM
Tratain follows along with the others whereever they decide to go. He says "We may want to go back outside and in the other entrence, it will probably be quicker. This way looks pretty blocked off to me."

Draax AC 23, HP 156 /156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless) 
Thursday February 9th, 2006 10:17:07 PM
Draax looks around and up to see if the falling rocks created any type of opening above,

"I am at a lost and do not have any tools that could help us through the wall. Unless there is a secret door or compartment we might have to do what Tratain suggested, but I do not like what that glyph on the door did to me. I not sure what it did but it did something. Is that thing still active?"

Arien: HP 56 of 80 (56), AC 21, Mage Armor, Blessed, Bear's Endurance 
Thursday February 9th, 2006 10:27:06 PM
"I'll take care of the wall, everyone else, get ready." Arien then faces the wall and casts disintegrate at it, attempting to create a clear passage through the wall. That done Arien waits for the others to go through the newly opened hole.

Spells Memorized
0 Level: Detect Magic x2*, Light, Read Magic x2
1st Level: Burning Hands, Magic Missile x5, Protection from Evil
2nd Level: Rope Trick, Scorching Ray x4***, Extended Shield, Extended Mage Armor*
3rd Level: Displacement, Dispel Magic, Fly, Haste, Lightning Bolt, Slow
4th Level: Dimension Door x2**, Ice Storm, Invisibility: Greater x2*, Solid Fog
5th Level: Cone of Cold, Teleport, Wall of Force x2*
6th Level: Analyze Dweomer, Chain Lightning*, Disintegrate*, Veil*
7th Level: Delayed Blast Fireball, Prismatic Spray x2*

* indicates already cast

Holey Stone! Round 37 (DM Cayzle) 
Friday February 10th, 2006 7:20:12 AM

Just when the slab of stone was seeming an insurmountable problem, magic to the rescue! Arien blasts a hole in the stone wall. Behind the wall, you see a tree (planted by Monthor), a door with a porthole in it, and, if you have True Sight or a Spot check that beats DC 62, InvisiRenik peering through the porthole.

Is that pesky True Sight still on? When oh when does that sucker expire?

Renik sees a corridor extending deeper into the earth.

And -- Yes! Praise the Lord! Miracles DO happen! -- the Map!

Monthor--- RATS! 
Friday February 10th, 2006 7:41:53 AM
ooc> Yesterday's post.

:: Monthor hears Arien's warning and stands back to let the magic user do his thang.

" Give it to her Arien me son!"



Monthor(HP 75, AC 22 (23.dodge, 27 vs AoO), Bear's Endurance, Bless 
Friday February 10th, 2006 7:45:33 AM
ooc> Today's post.

:: Monthor goes to the tree and examines it for any sign of crushed Serge. ::

" Herrrrrre Sergy Sergy Sergy!!!! Uncle Monthor has a nice big axe blade for ye!"

" Hey, where'd Renick go? Reni poo where arrrrre you???? "



Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158+56BE-11=203), AC24/21)  d20+18=34 d20+20=36
Friday February 10th, 2006 3:17:22 PM
Hearing the rush of magical energies released in Arien's spell, the brothers look up from their search just in time to see a hole rip open in the stone with no sign of rubble. Sarigar's eyes grow wide with both fear and wonder. Arien's shown him some spells so he won't be as startled when he needs to use them, but he's never shown the brother's that spell.

When he hears Monthor asking for Renik, the brothers sniff at the air for their invisible companion (Survial: Scent 34/36) then Sarigar points in the direction of the door. Without a voice to alert them, the others aren't likely to notice it since he's standing mostly behind them.

The brothers start moving toward the door with conviction. Unless one of the others get there before them, it's pretty obvious he's going to either open it or try to bash through it.

Draax AC 23, HP 156 /156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless) 
Friday February 10th, 2006 6:00:09 PM
Draax looks at the results of Arien's blast, "Ah, I guess that will work. Nice job!"

Draax goes over and enters through the hole made by Arien.

Renik AC 28, HP 89 (+28, Bear's Endurance), Invisible, Blessed, Blinking, Protection from Evil, Flying  d20+10=29 d20+14=24 d20+14=32 d20+21=39 d20+24=32
Saturday February 11th, 2006 8:08:10 AM
Renik turns his attention to the door, checking it for evidence of boobytraps (Search 29).

If he finds nothing he whispers "boo" in Monthor's ear, then says quietly "I'm going to investigate. Give me a few moments." Then he blinks through the door and heads down the corridor, hunting for signs of their foe.

(Spot 24, Listen 32, MS 39, Hide 32 + Invis)

Tratain AC 26 HP 117/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing; SR 25] 
Saturday February 11th, 2006 11:04:17 AM
Tratain follows Draax through the hole, ready to strike at anything hostile that presents itself.

(True seeing lasts 1 Minute per Level, Making it 130 rounds, Same with Spell Resistence and The Mass Bears Endurence)

At the Door: Round 38 (DM Cayzle) 
Sunday February 12th, 2006 11:06:20 AM
The group enters through the hole Arien made and looks at the door. Through the porthole in it, you can see that the corridor is dark and continues on. Renik looks for traps (a full round action) but sees none.

If Renik wants to go scouting next round, how will he see after blinking through the door?

No one has yet tried the door.

MonthorHP 75, AC 22 (23.dodge, 27 vs AoO), Bear's Endurance, Bless 
Sunday February 12th, 2006 4:14:31 PM
Monthor readies his axe to bash whatever is behind the door and then tries to open it.

:-)



Draax AC 23, HP 156 /156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless) 
Monday February 13th, 2006 5:44:20 AM
Draax moves near Monthor with his shield raised and his sword ready, waiting to see what is on the other side of the door.

Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158+56BE-11=203), AC24/21)  d20+20=31 d20+17=31 d20+17=28
Monday February 13th, 2006 12:57:50 PM
As the door is opened by Monthor, the brothers step through like a man on a mission. The prey has has been acting like the hunter for too long.

They've been toyed with long enough. First the pack was made to think of the Sage as a friend, INCLUDING MY BROTHER!!!. Then the pack was buried under the earth. Then the beasts were sent to attack. Then balls of fire were unleashed. That all ends now!!!

Bad enough that the Fae King wasn't killed outright for hurting the wild and its creatures, now the Sage is hurting and caging others by the King's commands. There's nothing that can be done about the King now, but the Sage sure can be made to pay. He will pay for each person (be it elf or other) that he's caged, tortured and killed.

Once through the door, Black Paws nose drops to the floor to get the Sage's scent to track him to his lair and/or hiding spot (Survival: Scent 31). Sarigar's eyes will be up and his ears will be open watching as best as possible (Spot 31, Listen 28) in the conditions available. The telltale flesh ripping sound of Sarigar's claws extending can be heard as he passes by Monthor. Blood will be spilled...soon, if the brothers have any say.

Renik 
Monday February 13th, 2006 4:50:06 PM
Renik stands aside to let Sarigar past.

(OOC sorry, too ill for more today)

Tratain AC 26 HP 117/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing; SR 25] 
Monday February 13th, 2006 7:06:48 PM
Tratain follows the others through the open door trying to locate the sage or any other threats.

Still At The Door: R39 (DM Cayzle) 
Tuesday February 14th, 2006 7:17:47 AM

Monthor discovers that sheer musculature alone will not work on this door. It is locked, by magic, most likely, given the lack of keyhole, and a quick peek through by Renik reveals no bar on the other side.

So, how to get through a magically locked door? Bash? Knock? Dispel?

Monthor  d20+8=24
Tuesday February 14th, 2006 7:41:42 AM
The dwarven warrior, out of pure anger and frustration, loses it and bashes at the door with all his strenght.

(strenght check 24)

" SERGE!!!!!! "



Sarigar and Black Paws  d20+2=18 d20+3=16 d20+17=33 d6+4=5
Tuesday February 14th, 2006 10:56:26 AM
Knowing that his brother's sheer size and mass would be more useful at bringing down the door, he steps aside. Black Paws dips his head down and presses the top of it against the door. His massive jaws mere inches from the top of Monthor's head. His four legs flexing as if he's pouncing at the door, he pushes against the door with all his might with the dwarf (assisting Monthor Str 18, should add +2 to Monthor's check)

Should the door come free, Sarigar will spring past his brother and the dwarf and start down the hall. Anyone in his way beware (held action, Charge against first target inside the door (Balance 16 check to basically climb past Monthor and Black Paws, AC33, Dmg5 to first target inside the door if in range of a charge)).

Feng AC 23 HP 52/ 117 
Tuesday February 14th, 2006 12:52:50 PM
Feng stands in the back watching the magically secured door stop them cold. If the door could not be opened magically they could go no further.

Draax AC 23, HP 156 /156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless) 
Tuesday February 14th, 2006 6:39:27 PM
Draax moves back to the other side of the opening in the wall to get out of the way and give the big wolf room.

Tratain AC 26 HP 117/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing; SR 25] 
Tuesday February 14th, 2006 9:56:48 PM
Tratain stands back from the door while the others try to force it open. He is ready to enter the room should monthor be able to force the door.

Renik 
Wednesday February 15th, 2006 7:27:33 AM
If the others fail in their attempts Renik blinks through the door, and then assuming he does so unharmed he passes his blink ring back to the next person for them to do the same.

The Inner Sanctum


Another Glyph! Round 39 (DM Cayzle) 
Wednesday February 15th, 2006 7:32:18 AM
To open the door normally would be a DC18 check. An Arcane Lock adds 10 to that DC. I'll grant Black Paws an extra +2 due to size (the DMG suggests a +4 if it were BP who was rolling). So Monthor's 24 gets a +2 boost from Black Paw's Aid Another, and an extra +2 size bonus -- exactly enough to break through!

Monthor and Sarigar burst through the door. Monthor goes another 20 feet onward. He sees that the corridor ahead bends. At the bend there is a magic flame cast on the ceiling lighting the bend. Under the flame there is a large wicked looking rune written on the floor.

So Renik's clever idea about sharing his ring is not needed. Just as well, for the fingerless sake of Sarigar's canine friend.

(Sorry this is hurried. I'll try to get a map out tonite, but no promises.)

monthor 
Wednesday February 15th, 2006 9:35:40 AM
" It's another one of those rune thingings. One of you magic using girlies do something about it! Me want my hands around Serge's scrawney little neck! "

:: Monthor waits.... not so patiently. ::


Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158+56BE-11=203), AC24/21) 
Wednesday February 15th, 2006 2:35:25 PM
Once the door cracks from it's frame and opens up the hallway, Sarigar bounds down the passage. As he approaches the bend where the torch hangs and the rune is scrawled, he holds up. The last strange writing like this the pack encountered made everyone act funny.

Sarigar crouches down next to it, careful not to touch it. He cranes his neck toward the rune, staying just back from it and sniffs at it. Not sure what to make of it, he points back to the others, then at the rune and tries to say something, but can only mouth the words. Obvious frustration at his mutness is seen in his eyes.

Black Paws shakes the dust and splinters from his coat, giving the others time to pass. Lucky, since it looks as if he might clog up the works if he goes through too soon.

Draax AC 23, HP 156 /156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless) 
Thursday February 16th, 2006 3:42:51 AM
A loud groan escapes Draax's lips when he hears there is another rune. "Can any of you magic types tell if this rune is the same as the other one? I remember a few years ago one of these trap type runes blasted me across a room. I do not want to find out what surprise this one holds."

Cayzle OOC 
Thursday February 16th, 2006 7:08:21 AM
Wating for more posts!

Renik AC 28, HP 89 (+28, Bear's Endurance), Invisible, Blessed, Blinking, Protection from Evil, Flying  d20+14=21 d20+14=32
Thursday February 16th, 2006 7:09:13 AM
Renik pauses at the glyph. He too has known these things to be extremely dangerous. He awaits Arien's inspection of the magic rune before passing it.

He keeps his senses alert for signs of the enemy (Spot 21, Listen 32).

Feng AC 23 HP 52/ 117 
Thursday February 16th, 2006 10:19:59 AM
"You know I miss the days with the masses of undead and rampant disease. This Sage is getting on my last nerve. He's dug himself in quite well and had time to lay plenty of traps. Just how long has be been here?"

Arien: HP 56 of 80 (56), AC 21, Mage Armor, Blessed, Bear's Endurance  d20+10=30
Friday February 17th, 2006 12:29:54 AM
Seeing the rune Arien quickly casts a Dispel Magic in an effort to negate it. (Dispel Check: 30 nat 20 yay!)

(Ack real life intrudes the worst times, my car died recently and I've been in a frenzy trying to figure out how to get to work and a tow when I am near broke. Well things finally came together today *whew*)

Spells Memorized
0 Level: Detect Magic x2*, Light, Read Magic x2
1st Level: Burning Hands, Magic Missile x5, Protection from Evil
2nd Level: Rope Trick, Scorching Ray x4***, Extended Shield, Extended Mage Armor*
3rd Level: Displacement, Dispel Magic*, Fly, Haste, Lightning Bolt, Slow
4th Level: Dimension Door x2**, Ice Storm, Invisibility: Greater x2*, Solid Fog
5th Level: Cone of Cold, Teleport, Wall of Force x2*
6th Level: Analyze Dweomer, Chain Lightning*, Disintegrate*, Veil*
7th Level: Delayed Blast Fireball, Prismatic Spray x2*

The Inner Sanctum! Dum-Dum-DUMMM! Round 40 (DM Cayzle) 
Friday February 17th, 2006 6:04:20 AM

Arien's dispel takes effect and the rune vanishes with a pifff.

You have the sneaking suspicion that what may be the longest three minutes of your life are about to pay off in a final confrontation with Sahnhan the Sage.

Someone (Renik? Not True-Seeing Tratain, not yet!) takes the quickest of peeks around the corner, and sees this:

You have reached the inner sanctum of the Sage. It is a large chamber, open without obstruction, well lit, offering no shadows at all in which to hide. At the back there are several doors.

In the room you see:

A large number of Sages, shifting and moving back and forth, clearly a mirror image, but so many!

About ten huge ants, led by what must be a gigantic ant queen!

Three elves, in chains, chained to the floor, each with a human or half-orc guard.

Note that it might be hard indeed to avoid the elves if an area-effect spell, like a fireball, say, were cast into the room. Not impossible for the clever, but hard.

Note that the ceiling is 20 feet high. You could fly over an ant, if you didn't mind the AoOs. You can't fly over the queen -- her head brushes the ceiling.

And the Map!

Renik AC 28, HP 89 (+28, Bear's Endurance), Invisible, Blessed, Blinking, Protection from Evil, Flying  d20+24=25 d20+21=23 d20+14=28 d20+14=28 d20+3=15
Friday February 17th, 2006 8:57:02 AM
Renik pulls back and quickly whispers his findings.

"There are 10 or so giant ants, one bigger than the rest. The sage has mirror image cast upon himself. Tratain, you target him, you should be able to see the real sage amongst the copies. There are guards on each of the elves. I'm going to focus on them. They may have been given instructions to to slit their captives' throats. Give me a few seconds to get into position before you begin the attack.

Arien, maximum damage to maximum number of enemies without harming the captives. Draxx, keep back with Arien and target your fire on the guards first.

Everyone else get in amongst them. Protect Draax and Arien. Good luck!"

Then he slips out of the corridor, hugging the shadows of the ceiling as he flies silently to a position directly above one of the guards (AU62), ready to strike. Along the way he will keep an eye out for signs that he has been spotted, aware that the ants' scent ability may alert them to his presence.

(Hide 25 + Invis, nat 1! MS 23, Spot 28, Listen 28, Sense Motive 15).


Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158+56BE-11=203), AC24/21)  d20+17=22 d6+4=5
Friday February 17th, 2006 11:42:10 AM
As the rune flashes out of existance, Sarigar, from his vantage point (he was at the run, sniffing it and pointing to it) he takes a peek around the corner and sees what Renik saw. He digs his claws at the stone floor in anticipation of the fight that will surely ensue. Despite the seemingly overwhelming odds, he's more than tempted to just dash in and start ripping away until his teeth are on the Sage's throat, but Renik's words of a plan hold him back...barely. His body tenses up and he begins shaking with adrenelin. (Holding action to charge the first ant, AC22, Dmg5 if the signal is given or Renik cries for help)

In the rear, by the door, Black Paws bares his teeth and Tratain can hear a low growl begin issuing from his throat. He begins breathing hard and his hot breath brushes over Tratain's head. The distinct impression that Black Paws might just run over him any moment flickers in his mind. (Holding action to move as close to his brother as possible once a path is cleared)

Feng AC 23 HP 52/ 117 
Friday February 17th, 2006 5:22:46 PM
Feng tenses. This Sage was very crafty and seems to have control of the situation even now. Besides the large ants and the huge Queen how where they supposed to find the real Sage.

"Perhaps the Sage isn't even here. Maybe its an illusion designed to think he used this mirror image spell you say he has."

MonthorHP 75, AC 22 (23.dodge, 27 vs AoO), Bear's Endurance, Bless  d20+25=40 d10=9 d6=4
Friday February 17th, 2006 10:47:28 PM
:: Monthor will stay close by Arien and await Renik's and the mage's action. Once that is done, He'll charge into the melee and enter the frey. ::

ooc> advances to Ak61 and attacks the ant at AJ 61. I don't think Monthor gets there and has an attack this round but, just in case...
Hits AC 40 for 29 ( 9 roled +12 strengt + 2 weapon specilization +2 weapon bonus )physical damage and 4 fire damage (33)

Oh and are the ants considered "giants"? If so, vs the ants, Monthor's AC is increased by 4 (dodge) to 26, 27 vs the first ant and 31 vs AoO)


Draax AC 21, HP 156 /156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless) 
Saturday February 18th, 2006 5:20:21 PM
Draax switches to his bow and will move to get a better aim on the enemy. His exactly location will depend on where Arien moves, Draax will stay a square ahead of Arien and to Arien's left to stay out of his line-of-sight.

OOC DM Cayzle 
Monday February 20th, 2006 6:55:58 AM
Friends, fair warning. This is now the most dangerous encounter of the module. There is significant risk of death or worse. We absolutely need every player to post ever round.

Who are the buddies for Tratain and Arien? The primary divine and arcane spellcasters of the group have to be busy every round. Let's post for them asap.

I'm e-mailing Joe and Adam.

Carl 
Monday February 20th, 2006 7:58:12 AM
Cayzle, I'll post for Arien. Could you mail me his latest sheet please?

Tratain AC 26 HP 117/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing; SR 25]  d20+12=31 d20+13=15 d20+13=28
Monday February 20th, 2006 12:57:30 PM
Tratain Moves down to the Room to AA 60 His True seeing should let him see through the illusions of the Sage. He casts Dimensional Anchor on the sage.

Hits Touch AC 31, No Save. If a Spell Resistence Check is Required Used Hero Point to Make the Check 28.

Arien: HP 56 of 80 (56), AC 21, Mage Armor, Blessed, Bear's Endurance (Subbed by Carl) 
Monday February 20th, 2006 3:44:46 PM
Arien prepares his spell and gets ready to move. He waits for Renik to get into position, mentally preparing himself for the battle to come. He draws his maximising rod as he does so.

Should he hear signs that the battle has begun he will move to Z60 and cast a maximised lightning bolt that should hit 2 ants and 5 of the sage images (line from AA60 to AW60 for 60 hp, REF for 30 hp).

Spells Memorized
0 Level: Detect Magic x2*, Light, Read Magic x2
1st Level: Burning Hands, Magic Missile x5, Protection from Evil
2nd Level: Rope Trick, Scorching Ray x4***, Extended Shield, Extended Mage Armor*
3rd Level: Displacement, Dispel Magic*, Fly, Haste, Lightning Bolt*, Slow
4th Level: Dimension Door x2**, Ice Storm, Invisibility: Greater x2*, Solid Fog
5th Level: Cone of Cold, Teleport, Wall of Force x2*
6th Level: Analyze Dweomer, Chain Lightning*, Disintegrate*, Veil*
7th Level: Delayed Blast Fireball, Prismatic Spray x2*


Battle Commences: Round 41 (DM Cayzle)  d20+6=7 (dispel check) d20+5=21 d20+5=9 (ant bolt saves)
Tuesday February 21st, 2006 8:04:46 AM

Renik moves up to AU62, flying invisibly over two huge ants. Their scent ability does alert them to the invisible flier, as Renik passes within five feet of each. However, it would take a move action to pinpoint the rogue's square, so no AoOs are allowed. However, they are clearly aware that Renik is in the vicinity.

Sarigar and Black Paws may move up, if they wish. (Remember that you can move through an ally's square with no penalty -- just not end your move in an ally's square.) The ants, due to the magic that makes them so big, also have damage reduction 10/magic. Are Sarigar's or Black Paws' attacks magical in any way, as with an amulet of mighty fists or a magic fang spell? Please post the square in which you wish to end your moves.

Feng moves up enough to see the entire scene (what square?!?). He spends the rest of the round looking closely at the many images of the Sage. He notes a curious thing ... there are two sets of images! In one, the sage has his hair mussed, in the other, combed. In one, the sage is looking ready to act, in the other, he is digging out a spell component.

Monthor moves up to the front of the battle but does not have time to swing.

Draax moves with Arien into view. He is ready to shoot.

Tratain moves up. He sees through the mirror images, but there are still TWO sages! Which one does he target with his spell? The one nearer the Ant Queen (58AW) or the other one (60AW)?

Arien moves with Draax and casts a lightning bolt. One of the sages had a Dispel Magic readied to counter, and he uses it as Arien casts. That means opposed caster checks, if I am not mistaken. The sage rolls a 7 (nat one!), and fails to beat Arien's roll, whatever it is! Arien's spell has a DC 22, as I figure it, with Int and feats. Both ants fail and are scorched near to cinders. Severly wounded, just one more hit will take out each.

The sages are scorched (I'll roll their saves in a bit, but I am absolutely sure both survive).

Now it is the monsters' turns, but before I do that, i really want to know where Feng, Sarigar, and BP end up. I moved them a bit in the map; please refer to this round's map and last round's when doing movement. Please give coordinate positions when you move.

So I need posts from Feng and Sarigar before I do the monsters. Then everyone can post for Round 42. Sorry if I am drawign this out, but I don't want anyone to complain that I didn't give them a chance before they died. :-)

And the Map! (NOTE: Does not show monster moves and only partly reflects all PC movement!) (Have to get to work. Map up SOON!) Here's a pdf version.

Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158+56BE-11=203), AC24/21)  d20+5=23 d20+5=22 d20+5=15 d20+12=32 d20+12=24
Tuesday February 21st, 2006 11:48:22 AM
Seeing the elf just before he was going to rush in, Sarigar quickly thinks up a different strategy. As if on cue, Black Paws begins to dash forward and his brother swings up onto his back like an expert horseman (Ride 23). As Black Paws continues to sprint straight at the first ant, Sarigar rises to his feet in a crouching position on his brother's back. (Ride 22, Balance 15)

Five feet before the ant, Black Paws pulls up short (AI60-AJ61)and Sarigar leeps with all his might (Jump 32+4 from BPs speed, nat 20, enough for a 35ft jump) and flies through the air right toward the guard with the closest elf Ref 24 to detemine how well he landed/aimed, if he can plow into the guard, so much the better but I'll leave that to you =) ).

ooc: From being a Lost Child, both Sarigar and Black Paw's natural attacks are considered magical weapons, at their current level, +2.

Draax AC 21, HP 156 /156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless)  d20+19=34 d20+14=28 d20+9=26 d8+3=9 d8+3=5 d8+3=5
Wednesday February 22nd, 2006 4:32:56 AM
Draax fires three arrows at the closest guard (62AP) that is guarding one of the elves.

(hit AC 34 for 9dmg, AC 28 for 5 dmg, AC 26 for 5 dmg, 19 dmg if all arrows hit)



Monthor 
Wednesday February 22nd, 2006 6:08:57 AM
ooc> We still waiting for Feng?

Cayzle: Nah. But I DO need Tratain's targetting and attack rolls for the Dimensional Anchor. See below.

Battle Commences: Round 41 continued! (DM Cayzle)  d20+15=16 d20+15=32 3d6(3+4+4)+16=27 (Ant AoOs on Sarigar) 5d4(2+1+3+1+2)+5=14 (QMM vs Monthor) d20+15=29 d20+15=31 d20+15=28 d20+15=20 (three of four hits on Sarigar) 3d6(5+3+6)+16=30 3d6(6+1+2)+16=25 3d6(5+5+5)+16=31 (3 damages vs Sarigar) d2=1 (roll to fight Mon or BP) d20+15=34 d20+15=30 (two atts on Monthor) 3d6(4+6+5)+16=31 3d6(5+3+6)+16=30 (dam on Monthor)
Wednesday February 22nd, 2006 7:31:14 AM
Renik moves up to AU62, flying and invisible.

Monthor moves up to the front of the battle (AK62) but does not have time to swing.

Arien casts his lightning bolt but has to angle it just slightly north of pure east in order to avoid his dwarf friend. The bolt (DC22) badly scorches two ants. But when the bolt gets about ten feet from the sage's images, it hits a faintly shimmering globe that surrounds the area (10 ft radius) -- and the bolt fails to penetrate the globe. Spellcraft DC24 tells you it is a Highlight to display spoiler: {lesser globe of invulnerability}.

Draax moves with Arien into view. He is ready to shoot, and can get one shot off this round (since he moved as well). He shoots an orc guard, who falls to the ground.

Note that the elves are in irons, hand and foot, and chained to spikes in the floor.

Tratain moves up. He sees through the mirror images, but there are still TWO sages! Which one does he target with his spell? The one nearer the Ant Queen (58AW) or the other one (60AW)? Also, his spell requires a ranged touch attack -- and the huge ants provide some sofrt cover on that ranged attack! I need to know which sage Tratain is targetting, and I need a ranged touch attack roll!

Feng moves up near the casters. He spends the round looking at the sages and sees that there are two sets of images.

Sarigar and Black Paws burst onto the scene! Black Paws ends his move near Monthor, and Sarigar hurdles over an ant and lands next to a captive chained elf. He sees the elf is chained to the floor. The guard that was next to him is lying on the floor bleeding and unconscious from Draax's well-aimed arrow.

If Sarigar can make a Tumble Check DC20, even untrained, he can avoid one Ant AoO. If he can ALSO make a Tumble Check DC22, then he can avoid a second AoO from the ant next to the first. Otherwise, those AoOs miss (nat one!) and hit AC32 for 27.

Now the enemy attacks!

The Southern Sage readies a spell.

The Northern Sage casts two spells! A Quickened Magic Missile hits Monthor for 14 hp damage. And seeing Renik with an already cast See Invisible spell, the Sage has no trouble targetting Renik with a ForceCage spell. There is no save and no spell resistance. Renik finds himself bound in the tight version of the spell, with six walls of force surrounding him on all sides. He and the cage are 15 feet off the ground, as well.

The ants attack! Note that they stand their ground and do not move. Therefore two attack Sarigar. They are hasted, so they get two attacks each. Of those four attacks, three hit, inflicting 30, 25, and 31 points of damage.

The ant near Monthor and Black Paws attacks Monthor, hitting AC 34 and AC 30 for 31 and 30 hp damage.

The two remaining guards do their best to be on the defensive!

No enemies move. The fight starts in silence, aside from the crackle of the lightning bolt and the clack of mandibles, with no one talking on either side.

And the Map!

Monthor ooc> 
Wednesday February 22nd, 2006 8:24:45 AM
DM- Can you give me a more detailed description of the ants? How wide, how tall, size (height) of the legs/distance between floor and body. Approximate weight. What's the height floor to ceiling?

- Thank the gods of the Die Hard feat!!!! Monthor's gonna have to get creative... BWHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!



Renik AC 28, HP 89 (+28, Bear's Endurance), Invisible, Blessed, Blinking, Protection from Evil, Flying 
Wednesday February 22nd, 2006 10:18:32 AM
After a couple of moments of panic Renik realises there is no way out of the prison the sage has created. Even his blinking ring cannot help him now.

He wracks his brains thinking of a possible means of escape, but finds none. Instead he sits cross-legged, his blades still in hand, waiting as calmly as he is able. He can only hope that his companions find a way to free him or kill the sage.



Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158+56BE-97=117), AC24)  d20+5=23 d20+5=22 d20+16=31 d20+11=26 d20+6=22 d8+4=12 d8+4=9 d8+4=11 d20+14=24 d20+9=22 d20+4=20 d6+5=11 d6+5=8 d6+5=8
Wednesday February 22nd, 2006 11:34:20 AM
As the ants he flies past try to bite at him, Sarigar twists, almost impossibly in the air, barely avoiding their sharp mandibles (Tumble 23 and 22). However, as he prepares to attack the orc, that Draax has so deftly slain, he is clipped, rather nastily by two ants. Blood gushes from the wounds, but despite the twisted look of pain on his face, he's unable to exude the scream. Black Paws, on the other hand, yelps in pain as identical wounds rip into his own flesh.

Black Paws steps up next to Monthor and bites into the ant (AC 31/26/22), his powerful jaws and teeth cracking it's shell with loud crunches (Dmg 12/9/11).

As he turns from the orc, the charred condition of the ant near him does not excape even his now animalistic mind. KILL THE WEAK PREY!! Claws and teeth extended, he tears into it with raw beastial fury (AC 24/22/20). Ant "blood" sprays around and on him in glops (Dmg 11/8/8), but in his present state of mind, he doesn't notice.

Feng AC 23 HP 52/ 117  d20+18=20 d20+13=26 d20+8=19 d12+16=27 d12+16=27 d12+16=26
Wednesday February 22nd, 2006 4:43:46 PM
Standing before an ant (AM 56) Feng raises his holy great axe. The finely crafted mythril weapon was heavily enchanted and empowered with the essence with all that is holy. A perfect weapon in his opinion. The burly half orc moved gracefully is his breastplate armor. Bringing the axe around he shifts his feet and steps into the swing for added momentum.

ooc: power attack -3 to hit, +6 damage. Hit ac 20 for 27, ac 26 for 27, and ac 19 for 26

Monthor (HP 0, AC 22 (23.dodge, 27 vs AoO), Bear's Endurance, Bless 
Wednesday February 22nd, 2006 10:08:36 PM
The dwarf has an extreme amount of damage. Only his die hard (feat) will to survive is keeping him moving. In a moment of extreme dispair he reaches deep down, takes his last quaal's feather token and throws it under the ant, activating it. Monthor hopes that the resulting tree, instantly springing from under the ant, should destroy it. Monthor then activates his boots and attempts a tactical withdrawl (at maximum flight speed) back towards Tratain. Hopefully, the cleric will be able to heal Monthor back up enough for him to rejoin the battle.

Monthor clarification 
Wednesday February 22nd, 2006 10:10:29 PM
he means the ant directly in front of him. Al or Am 62 (AM if possible).

Tratain AC 26 HP 117/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing; SR 25] 
Wednesday February 22nd, 2006 11:17:05 PM

From Last Round:
Tratain casts his Dimensional Anchor spell on the Sage in 58 AW.
((Hits Touch AC 31, No Save. If a Spell Resistence Check is Required Used Hero Point to Make the Check 28))

This Round:
Tratain Moves to Monthor if he is not close enough, and Casts Heal on the Dwarf. (Monthor Heals 130)

Draax AC 21, HP 156 /156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless)  d20+19=37 d20+14=23 d20+9=25 d8+3=5 d8+3=4 d8+3=11
Thursday February 23rd, 2006 12:53:14 AM
Knowing that his arrows will not have much of an affect on the large ants, Draax fires three arrows at three separate images of the mage.

(arrow for image AU61 hit AC 37 for 5 dmg, arrow for image AV59 hit AC 23 for 4dmg, arrow for image AV58 hit AC 25 for 11dmg)

Arien: HP 56 of 80 (56), AC 21, Mage Armor, Blessed, Bear's Endurance (Subbed by Carl)  d20=14
Thursday February 23rd, 2006 4:03:28 AM
Arien recognizes that the sage has a lesser globe of invulnerability cast. He needs a spell that will get through it. Raising his maximize rod high over his head he dips his other hand into his component pouch and flicks a few droplets of water and dust in the direction of the sage.

The cavern is suddenly filled with the sound of a thousand gigantic hailstones crashing down upon the numerous sages (Maximised Ice storm centered on the sages (should catch most or all of the images) for 18 bludgeoning and 12 hp cold damage).

Spells Memorized
0 Level: Detect Magic x2*, Light, Read Magic x2
1st Level: Burning Hands, Magic Missile x5, Protection from Evil
2nd Level: Rope Trick, Scorching Ray x4***, Extended Shield, Extended Mage Armor*
3rd Level: Displacement, Dispel Magic*, Fly, Haste, Lightning Bolt*, Slow
4th Level: Dimension Door x2**, Ice Storm, Invisibility: Greater x2*, Solid Fog
5th Level: Cone of Cold, Teleport, Wall of Force x2*
6th Level: Analyze Dweomer, Chain Lightning*, Disintegrate*, Veil*
7th Level: Delayed Blast Fireball, Prismatic Spray x2*


Battle Under Ant Hill: Round 42 starts (DM Cayzle)  d4+6=9 d4+3=6 d2=2 d10=6 d2=2 d8=3 d2=2 d8=7
Thursday February 23rd, 2006 7:32:43 AM
From last round: Tratain hits the sage to the north, that is, the one nearer to the Ant Queen, with his dimensional anchor. (No spell resistance, save your hero point.)

Current turn:

Sarigar attacks the scorched ant next to him and finishes it off with just one attack. That's one ant down.

Sarigar turns and attacks the ant between himself and Monthor. Black Paws attacks that one too.

Then Feng approaches and kills that ant. That's two ants down.

Draax fires off three arrows. The northern sage has 8 images; the southern sage, 6. Draax picks off three of the northern sage's images; now there are 5 images and a sage to the north, and 6 images and a sage to the south.

Draax, are your arrows or bow magic? How much?

Renik thinks about what to do, but it stymied for now.

Tratain moves up and Heals Monthor.

Monthor acts (standard action) and then backs off (move action) for healing. Since the bug in front of him is dead, there is no use, I think, in wasting the feather token. And there is no enemy in reach to swing at. Still, Monthor has an action. Please post your action. Note that you can take a double move, that is, move to Tratain, get healed, then move back toward an enemy. Or take some other action, like activating a magic item or whatever.

Arien wants to take down those mirror images, but an Ice Storm will not do that. Per the Mirror Image spell, "Figments seem to react normally to area spells (such as looking like they're burned or dead after being hit by a fireball)." So after an ice storn spell, the images might look battered, but all still be there. Only specific attacks will work, like magic missiles, for example. If Arien wants to reconsider his spell cast, please go ahead and post again.

Therefore, before the monsters act in the bottom of Round 42, I would like extra posts from Arien and Monthor, please.

Monthor (HP 125, AC 22 (23.dodge, 27 vs AoO), Bear's Endurance, Bless  d20+16=34 d6=6 d6=5
Thursday February 23rd, 2006 8:44:09 AM
ooc> what square is Monthor on? What's the scale of the map (5 or 10?)? Can he use his cross bow to fire as his action? (I'd guess not but worth a try asking)

Option one
If Monthor can't fly above the foes to the AX line .
- TRATAIN! Which Serges are real Serges? Shield me up cleric! This dwarf's charging in!

Monthor doesn't move this round and will wait next round until after Tratain's action. Shoots cross bow at the injured remaining ant (if he can) [Hits AC 34 for 12 damage total (13 if withing 30 range) 7 (8) physical D, 5 flame D.]

Option two
If Monthot can fly to the AX line.

- TRATAIN! Which Serges are real Serges?

Monthor flies at maximum safe heeight above the foes, avoiding possible AoO, to the back of the closest Serge pointed out by Tratain
(likely somewhere's on the AX line) and lands.



Arien: repost by Carl 
Thursday February 23rd, 2006 9:19:28 AM
Arien rethinks his approach. He decides to inflict maximum damage instead.

Arien casts a maximised delayed blast fireball (with no delay!) targeted behind the sage images so that the blast radius catches as many sage images as possible, as well as the guards if possible. If he can't banish the images perhaps he can hurt the real sage a bit. He is careful not to catch the elves in his blast.

(78 hp damage)

Stan 
Thursday February 23rd, 2006 9:15:37 PM
OOC: Draax is using a +3 longbow and non-magical masterworked arrows.

Battle Under Ant Hill: Round 42 ends (DM Cayzle)  d20+6=8 (caster level check) d20+15=25 (northern sage save fails) d20+8=23 (southern sage save fails) d20+5=24 (ant fails) d20+8=15 (queen fails) d20+15=22 (sage fails concentration check!) d20+11=23 d20+11=25 d20+11=24 (scorch ray attacks) 12d6(3+1+2+1+3+1+1+2+1+6+2+6)=29 (scorch damage to Monthor) d20+24=41 d20+24=42 (two queen bites) 4d6(2+4+6+1)+24=37 4d6(1+4+5+1)+24=35 (two queen damages) d2=2 (roll to see if ant attacks BP or F) d20+15=19 (miss Feng) d20+15=24 d20+15=21 (one hit, one miss on Sar) 3d6(4+5+1)+15=25 (dam on Sar)
Friday February 24th, 2006 7:17:01 AM

The Hamleteers

Sarigar attacks the scorched ant next to him and finishes it off with just one attack. That's one ant down.

Sarigar turns and attacks the ant between himself and Monthor. Black Paws attacks that one too.

Then Feng approaches and kills that ant. That's two ants down.

Draax fires off three arrows. The northern sage has 8 images; the southern sage, 6. Draax picks off three of the northern sage's images; now there are 5 images and a sage to the north, and 6 images and a sage to the south.

Renik thinks about what to do, but it stymied for now.

Tratain moves up and Heals Monthor.

Monthor steps back to Tratain, and he is healed by the protector. That's a move action.

Arien casts a Delayed Blast Fireball, hold the delay. With very careful positioning, he can hit both sages, two guards, an ant, the ant queen, but not the elves or Renik. The save DC on his spell is 26. The maximized damage is 78.

The southern sage had a readied Dispel Magic to use to counter this exact kind of threat. His caster level check is an 8 -- no way he can beat Arien's d20+13.

The northern sage fails his save, and the entire 78 hp comes off his Protection from Fire spell. He is unscathed. The southern sage also fails to save but has no protection in place. He disappears in a vapor of steam. The two guards are destroyed and turned to ash, whether they save or no. The affected ant fails and is killed. The affected ant queen fails and takes 78 hp fire damage but is not dead.

The blast also destroys two doors, revealing chambers beyond.

Monthor, now healed, flies over the enemy to land next to the sage.

[Yves asked about how tall the ants were and I never answered. If I had, I would have warned him that the ants could reach up and attack a flier. But since I did not answer his question, I'm going to skip the AoOs this time. FOR THE FUTURE, anyone flying over ants who is not invisible will take AoOs!

The Enemy

The Sage is not pleased at all by the loss of his Simulacrum or three of his ants. And now he has Monthor to worry about -- and he is annoyed about that! He casts on the defensive: 12 ranks in concentrate, +3 for Con is a +15. He rolls a 22, and the required DC for the 8th level spell he had planned is a 23! His spell fizzles, and the look on his face changes from annoyance to fear.

Then he casts a quickened scorching ray on Monthor. A quickened spell provokes no AoOs, so no need to cast it defensively. His touch attacks hit AC23, 25, and 24. He inflicts 29 points of fire damage to Monthor in that way.

Then the Ant Queen attacks Monthor. She gets two attacks because she is hasted. She only misses on a 1. She hits AC41 and AC42 for 37 and 35. That's a total of 72 bite damage and 29 fire damage to Monthor this round.

The ants move forward, closing ranks so that no one can get by.

An ant attacks Feng, hitting AC19 ... a miss.

Two ants attack Sarigar after moving up. They hit AC21 (miss) and 24 (hit) for 25 hp.

And the Map!

Draax  d20+17=22 d20+12=28 d20+7=16 d20+17=25 d8+3=10 d8+3=5 d8+3=4 d8+3=5
Friday February 24th, 2006 7:19:49 AM

Figuring he has the best chance of hitting the sage with 5 duplicates, Draax uses his rapid shot feat to shoot at 4 different images of the sage to the north.

(AC 22 for 10dmg, AC 28 for 4dmg, AC 16 fpr 4 dmg, AC 25 for 5dmg.)

[OOC: I reposted Draax's turn AFTER the DM post to reflect when his actions take effect. Feel free to revise or repost for the round if desired. Cayzle.]

Feng AC 23 HP 52/ 117  d20+16=20 d12+20=24
Friday February 24th, 2006 7:22:37 AM

Knowing better than to get in the way of warring spellcasters Feng moves forward and up in the cavern (ap 52). Raising his axe, Feng brings it down hard on the ant.

ooc: power attack -5/ +10. Hit ac 20 for 24

[OOC: I reposted Feng's turn AFTER the DM post to reflect when his actions take effect. Feel free to revise or repost for the round if desired. Cayzle.]

DM Note! 
Friday February 24th, 2006 7:23:26 AM
PLEASE post current hp and ac in your header. Post spells in effect in the header or in the post. Cayzle.

Monthor (HP 24, AC 22 (23.dodge, 27 vs AoO), Bear's Endurance, Bless  d20+23=43 d20+23=42 d10=9 d6=3 d20+18=35 d10=10 d6=1 d20+13=29 d10=5 d6=6
Friday February 24th, 2006 8:21:05 AM
ooc> I don't think you ever answered whether or not the ants are considered 'giant size' creatures or not. If so, the Monthor's effectice AC is 27, (31 vs AoO) vs the ants.

Monthor recognizes that the ant queen is the greatest threat to him right now and swings his axe two handed at it. Should he manage to kill it, he'll cleave at Serge.

ooc> Monthor swings three times using his power attack. He takes 5 off his attacks and adds 5 to the damage. Natural 20 on the first role!!!!
No books here at work DM so please check to make sur I do this right.... I re role the crit.. AND GET A 19!!! Which is another critical hit!!!! Monthor hits AC 42 and 41 on the roles. Damage role: role (9) + 21 (strenght 12, weapon bonus 2 and feat 2, 5 power attack), plus 3 fire damage for a total of 33 damage. Now, his critical damage with the axe is (times 3). This is where I'm not sur so I'll let you do the math. I doubt that it's 33X3. But it would sur be nice if it was!

Monthor's second attack: Hits AC 35 for 32 damage ( 31 physical, one fire).

Monthor's third attack: Hits AC 29 for 32 damage (26 physical and 6 fire damage).





Renik AC 28, HP 89 (+28, Bear's Endurance), Invisible, Blessed, Blinking, Protection from Evil, Flying  d20+12=28 d20+12=28
Friday February 24th, 2006 8:46:23 AM
Sitting in his force cube cell, Renik watches the battle in mounting frustration. He needs to be out there , battling alongside his companions! Monthor is taking an almighty battering, he should be at the dwarf's side!

He growls in fury, knuckles whitening around the pommels of his swords. But try as he might he can think of no way out of this prison save by the death of that accursed sage. He can do nothing to help his companions whilst locked up in here, nothing!

Or perhaps he can. Not all weapons are of steel and sinew, thinks the rogue He has one weapon far mightier than both, and that he can use. Perhaps he can buy Monthor just a few precious seconds by distracting the sage, with duplicity instead of force of arms...

Renik calls down to the sage

"Sahnhan! Wait! We need not fight! Just let us take your captive elves and we will leave in peace! Call your creatures back and my companions will disengage! We have sworn to save the elves, but you need not die into the bargain! And make no mistake, sage, if you continue this fight you will die. Consider that a promise."

Bluff check 28 to convince the sage his offer is genuine. Bluff check 28 to send this hidden message to his companions:

"Don't stop fighting! Kill that no-good $%*&@!!"

Arien: HP 56 of 80 (56), AC 21, Mage Armor, Blessed, Bear's Endurance (Subbed by Carl)  d20+13=22 d20+20=30 d20+20=33 d20+20=30 d20+20=38 d20+20=38 d20+20=33 d20+20=31
Friday February 24th, 2006 9:21:22 AM
The battle is at a precarious point, thinks Arien. One wrong move here could spell death...

Arien hears Renik's words, and understands the subtext. They need to put the sage on the back foot, make him scared enough to consider the rogue's offer.

He pulls out a scroll and once Draax's arrows have taken out some more images he casts carefully, realising that he is casting a far more powerful spell than he is used to. His concentration pays off, and a level 20 Dispel Magic targets the sage.

(OOC: Think I got that right: made caster level check vs DC 21. If I didn't get it right I'll use a hero point to reroll if needed. Arien will wait until Draax's arrows have whittled down the number of images, then cast at any remaining. If the Ant Queen is still standing after Monthor's attack Arien will try to include it the area effect, but the sage is the primary target. Dispel vs the following DCs: 30, 33, 30, 38, 38, 33, 31.)

Arien grins, his whole body charged with energy in the aftermath of casting such a powerful spell. What a rush!

"Ready for some more of those fireballs without your protection, sage? Or do you stand down?" calls the elven mage.

(OOC: I could really use Arien's character sheet Cayzle! I remembered he has that scroll, but after that I'm playing Arien blind.)

Spells Memorized
0 Level: Detect Magic x2*, Light, Read Magic x2
1st Level: Burning Hands, Magic Missile x5, Protection from Evil
2nd Level: Rope Trick, Scorching Ray x4***, Extended Shield, Extended Mage Armor*
3rd Level: Displacement, Dispel Magic*, Fly, Haste, Lightning Bolt*, Slow
4th Level: Dimension Door x2**, Ice Storm, Invisibility: Greater x2*, Solid Fog
5th Level: Cone of Cold, Teleport, Wall of Force x2*
6th Level: Analyze Dweomer, Chain Lightning*, Disintegrate*, Veil*
7th Level: Delayed Blast Fireball*, Prismatic Spray x2*

Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158+56BE-122=92), AC24)  d20+16=34 d6+5=11 d20+11=21 d20+6=24 d6+5=10 d6+5=7 d20+16=28 d20+11=29 d20+6=26 d20+6=20 d8+4=7 d8+4=12 d8+4=12 d8+4=12
Friday February 24th, 2006 11:07:02 AM
Despite (or because of?) the nips and clips from the ants' mandibles, Sarigar seems to have gone off the deep end. Is there a man still in there? Whatever he's become, it definitely seems intent on the Sage as his eye never leave him.

He lashes out at the near dead ant blocking his way (AC34, dmg11).

If the ant drops, he will move up as close as possible (AT59).

If the ant doesn't drop, he unleashes his full fury on it (AC21/24, Dmg10/7) and steps up into it (if is now dies, 5ft step to AP59, Sarigar's between squares on the map)

Black Paws shoulder splits open as Sarigar is bitten on his should by the ant attacking him, but he doesn't seem to feel it. Like his brother, any semblance of sanity is quickly fading from the proud wolf. With foaming maw, Black Paws bites at the ant before him, his last bite is particularly viscious as he bites and rips and twists and nearly takes the beasts leg off (AC 28/29/26(20crit), Dmg 7/12/12+12 crit)
AT59

Tratain AC 26 HP 117/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing; SR 25]  d20+20=36 13d6(3+2+4+2+5+3+2+3+2+3+5+1+2)=37
Friday February 24th, 2006 11:43:32 AM
Tratain takes in the Battle, Monthor is to Far away for Healing and Damaged again. The Protector Decides to Run (x3 Movement) and Try and get a little Closer to him. (Moved to AS 59)

(If Tratain is not Able to Move to that Square he Moves to the Square Feng just left and defensively Casts Flamestrike on the Three southernmost Ant. Damage 37, Reflex DC 21 for Half. I have enough Movement to get there, its just a matter if that Ant Dies or not.)



Battle Under Ant Hill: Round 43 (DM Cayzle)  d6=1 d6=2 d6=2 d4=2 (which arrows hit which images) d20+23=32 (Monthor's cleave through vs sage hits with one to spare) d10+26=35 (Monthor Damge) d6=4 (ax fire damage) d3=1 (cleave follow up hits the sage) d3=2 (next att hits an image) d2=2 (next att hits the last image) 3d6(3+3+4)+16=26 (dam on sa) d20+15=21 d20+15=20 d20+15=21 d20+15=21 d20+15=23 d20+15=33 d20+15=18 (lots of bad ant attacks!) 3d6(5+3+1)+16=25 (dmg to BP) 5d4(3+2+3+4+3)+5=20 (mm dam to Sar)
Saturday February 25th, 2006 9:00:14 AM
The Hamleteers

Draax fires four arrows at the Sage and his five images. The first is aimed at the sage, but is a miss. The second dispels an image. So does the third. So does the fourth. So after Draax's arrows are done, there are only 2 images next to the sage.

Feng wants to move to AP52, but an ant is in his way. He uses the delay action to see if he gets a chance to move that way later this round.

Monthor kills the ant queen with a mighty critical ax blow! Then he cleaves over to the sage and then makes another two attacks on the sage.

There are two images and the sage. The cleave attack hits the sage! The sage is AC31, and I rolled a hit on AC32 for Monthor.

Note: When power attacking two handed, the bonus damage is DOUBLED. So Monthor's -5 penalty on attacks translates into a +10 bonus damage.

Monthor's damage is 1d10+26. That's 35 to the sage, and another 4 hp off his pro fire. Of the 35, 10 comes off the top due to the sage's stoneskin spell, inflicting 25 hp damage to the sage.

Monthor's next two hits disrupt the last two mirror images, leaving the sage standing exposed.

Renik tries negotiation.

Arien reads his scroll of Greater Dispel Magic. That takes down everything on the sage except his See Invisible, his Mage Armor, and his Resist Cold. It also takes down the Dimensional Anchor that had been cast on him earlier this battle!

Sarigar kills the wounded ant and then moves up. Doing so provokes two AoOs; one hits for 26.

Black Paws attacks and inflicts massive damage.

Then Feng moves up, flanks the ant BP attacked, and finishes the job.

Finally, Tratain moves up right behind Sarigar.

The Enemy

Two ants take full attacks on Feng and Tratain. Three other ants take moves and make a single attack each on Sarigar, Black Paws, and Monthor.

On Tratain: First attack misses. Second attack misses too!

On Feng: Two more misses! Holy smokes! The Die Roller hates your DM today!

On Sarigar: Another Miss!

On Black Paws: A hit at last! Damage is 25 hp.

On Monthor: A miss!

The Sage gapes at the incompetence of his ant warriors. "I Command Idiots!" he shouts. He casts a quickened magic missile on Sarigar for 20 damage.

Then he calls up to Renik, "Okay! You win! I'll fall back!"

He backs up five feet from Monthor, takes out a scroll, and casts a spell. Spellcraft DC19 to tell it is a dimension door. He disappears.

And the Map!

Tratain AC 26 HP 117/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing; SR 25]  d20+20=35
Saturday February 25th, 2006 6:37:51 PM
Tratain see's the Sage Vanish, but with that last parting shot at Sarigar theres no way hes going to let him just walk away.

Tratain Defensivly Casts Heal on Sarigar (Sarigar Heals 130) and then takes a 5 foot step to AT 58.

Monthor (HP 24, AC 22 (23.dodge, 27 vs AoO), Bear's Endurance, Bless  d20+23=28 d10=10 d6=1 d20+18=32 d8=5 d10=10 d6=2 d20+13=32 d20+13=26 d10=2 d10=4 d10=5 d6=5
Sunday February 26th, 2006 7:58:53 AM
ooc> RATS! Not even an AoO on Serge.

Monthor attacks the ants two handed with the axe.
ooc> First the AX58 one (assigns dodge bonus to the AW one). Power attack at -5. Cleaves to AW if AX is killed.

First attack hits AC 28. Damage 10+26 phydical (36) plus 1 fire. 37 total

Second attack Hits AC 32 for 10+26 (36)plus 2 fire (37) Ignore the D8 role.

Third attack hits AC 32 (critical hit natural 19) Crit role hits AC 26. Damage 2+26 (28), 4+26 (32), 5+26 (31), plus 5 fire damage (96 damage)

Monthor correction 
Sunday February 26th, 2006 8:07:39 AM
Can't count on a Sunday is seems. The second attack does 38 total damage, not 37. Total for three attacks (if they all hit, with the crit) is 171.

Feng AC 23 HP 52/ 117  d20+16=18 d20+11=28 d20+6=14 d12+20=22 d12+20=30
Sunday February 26th, 2006 6:50:42 PM
Breathing heavily Feng brings his axe down into the ant before him. Those manibles could easily bit him in half and while Feng sees no point in killing the creature now that the Sage was gone he wasn't going to let himself be injured.

ooc: power attack -5/+10. Hit ac 18 for 22 and ac 28 for 30

Draax AC 21, HP 156 /156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless)  d20+17=23 d20+12=21 d20+7=23 d20+17=32 d8+3=11 d8+3=11 d8+3=10 d8+3=8
Monday February 27th, 2006 3:59:33 AM
Draax is tempted to join the melee but decides to stay with Arien and for now will attack the ants from a distance. He lines up his magical bow on the ant that is engaged with BP (63AL) and using his rapid shot feat again, he fires off 4 arrows.

(hit AC 23 for 11dmg, AC 21 for 11dmg, AC 23 for 10dmg, AC 32 for 8dmg, total of 40dmg)

Arien: HP 56 of 80 (56), AC 21, Mage Armor, Blessed, Bear's Endurance (Subbed by Carl)  5d4(2+4+3+4+3)+5=21
Monday February 27th, 2006 4:26:45 AM
Arien winces as the sage dimension doors away, and voices a silent apology to Tratain. He focuses upon the least damaged ant, sending five arcane blasts of force smashing into it (Magic missile, 21 hp).

Spells Memorized
0 Level: Detect Magic x2*, Light, Read Magic x2
1st Level: Burning Hands, Magic Missile x5*, Protection from Evil
2nd Level: Rope Trick, Scorching Ray x4****, Extended Shield, Extended Mage Armor*
3rd Level: Displacement, Dispel Magic*, Fly, Haste, Lightning Bolt*, Slow
4th Level: Dimension Door x2**, Ice Storm, Invisibility: Greater x2*, Solid Fog
5th Level: Cone of Cold, Teleport, Wall of Force x2*
6th Level: Analyze Dweomer, Chain Lightning*, Disintegrate*, Veil*
7th Level: Delayed Blast Fireball*, Prismatic Spray x2*

Renik AC 28, HP 89 (+28, Bear's Endurance), Invisible, Blessed, Blinking, Protection from Evil, Flying 
Monday February 27th, 2006 4:29:28 AM
Renik's heart sinks as the sage vanishes. How will he get out of this prison now? Still, his companions are fighting well, their foes falling in their droves. He prays that Wardd continues to bless them.

Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158+56BE-61=151, AC24)  d20+16=32 d20+11=24 d20+6=21 d20+11=20 d6+5=11 d6+5=11 d6+5=7 d3+2=5 d20+16=31 d20+11=29 d20+6=18 d8+4=7 d8+4=7 d8+4=12
Monday February 27th, 2006 11:34:49 AM
The wounded ant crumples and Sarigar moves on, mind completely focused on one objective. The first pincer tears through the leather covering his right bicep. He barely feels it and moves onward. The second bite slashes across his chest and despite its power and his previous wounds, it hardly registers.

The Sage says something, what, he has no idea, he doesn't care. Streaks of light flash from the Sage and crash into him, nearly putting him down (was down to 21 hit points). But Tratain's magical application heals many of his wounds.

The Sage disappears just as Sarigar is nearly in reach. Sarigar's eyes go wide as his prey suddenly escapes. He throws his head back in frustration then levels his eyes down on the ant before him. The Fury that would have been unleashed upon the Sage suddenly finds it home in the Ant (AC32/24/21/20bite, Dmg11/11/7/5).

Black Paws, just as lost in his brothers madness, lets out narry a whimper as new gaping wounds suddenly tear forth from his shoulder, then his flank, and finally smouldering wounds burn into his chest. Suddenly, most of the wounds immediately knit themselves back together just as he lunges into the Ant before him (AC31/29/18, Dmg7/7/12)

Battle Under Ant Hill: Round 44 (DM Cayzle)  d10+15=24 d10+15=17 3d6(4+4+6)+16=30
Tuesday February 28th, 2006 5:41:09 AM
Tratain heals Sarigar and takes a five foot step to AT58.

Monthor takes two biting, burning swings at the ant to his north and drops it on the second swing! He then cleaves to the ant to his west and whacks that ant with a critical hit, killing it as well! Two ants down this round!

Feng inflicts a telling 52 hp damage to the ant before him. Sarigar takes a five-foot step towards Feng's ant and puts it out of its misery.

Draax and Black Paws combine to inflict 66 damage to the ant attacking the big canine. That knocks it down.

Finally, Arien hits the last ant standing with a magic missile for 21 damage.

That last ant, standing at 55AP-57AR, acting with insectile lack of regard for its own life, snaps twice at Feng. One of those attacks hits AC24, just enough to hit the paladin for 30.

Only that one ant remains, and no doubt the party will make short work of it next round. The field of battle -- and three chained elves -- will soon belong to the bloodied but unbowed Windhorn Hamleteers!

No need for a map -- look at last round's, sans all the ants but one!

Feng AC 23 HP 22/ 117  d20+16=36 d20+16=18 d20+11=18 d20+6=15 d12+20=25 d12+20=23 d12+20=24 d12+20=21
Tuesday February 28th, 2006 11:03:58 AM
As the blood flows strongly from this latest wound, Feng growls orcishly and buries his axe into the last ant. Despite the loud crack and spray of stuff, Feng buries his great axe into the insect again.

ooc: power attack -5/+10. Crit hit with ac 18 to confirm for 72. (Rolled 3 times because the bonus only went to +50) Hit ac 18 for 21 if needed.

Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158+56BE-61=151, AC24)  d20+16=22 d20+11=18 d20+6=17 d6+5=9 d6+5=9 d6+5=10 d20+16=27 d8+4=9
Tuesday February 28th, 2006 12:17:59 PM
With one mind, the brothers combine their attention on the remaining ant, attacking it ferociously like a pack of wild dogs. Sarigar's hands and teeth flash (AC 22/18/17, Dmg 9/9/10) while his brothers chomps at it from the opposite side (AC 27, Dmg 9, 1 attack due to him moving up).

Should the ant drop, the brothers make a quick scan of the room for any more prey, then look to the chained elves.

Renik AC 28, HP 89 (+28, Bear's Endurance), Invisible, Blessed, Blinking, Protection from Evil, Flying 
Tuesday February 28th, 2006 5:42:10 PM
Renik sheaths his swords and knocks experimentally on his force prison.

"So, anyone got any bright ideas on how to get me out of this thing?"

Arien: HP 56 of 80 (56), AC 21, Mage Armor, Blessed, Bear's Endurance (Subbed by Carl)  5d4(2+2+4+2+1)+5=16
Tuesday February 28th, 2006 5:50:23 PM
The mage readies another magic missile spell, prepared to cast it on the off-chance that his companions fail to take down the last remaining ant.

(Readied action: cast MM for 16 hp if the ant is still standing at the end of the round).

He looks up at Renik's question, a frown on his face.

"I used the only spell I had that could destroy that force cage when I broke through the wall back there." explains the elven mage. "Unless Tratain can help you I'm afraid you're stuck in there until we can find that accursed sage. Otherwise we will have to wait several hours for the spell to wear off.

Let us search this area quickly. With Tratain's true seeing he won't be able to hide from us if he is anywhwere near."

Spells Memorized
0 Level: Detect Magic x2*, Light, Read Magic x2
1st Level: Burning Hands, Magic Missile x5*, Protection from Evil
2nd Level: Rope Trick, Scorching Ray x4****, Extended Shield, Extended Mage Armor*
3rd Level: Displacement, Dispel Magic*, Fly, Haste, Lightning Bolt*, Slow
4th Level: Dimension Door x2**, Ice Storm, Invisibility: Greater x2*, Solid Fog
5th Level: Cone of Cold, Teleport, Wall of Force x2*
6th Level: Analyze Dweomer, Chain Lightning*, Disintegrate*, Veil*
7th Level: Delayed Blast Fireball*, Prismatic Spray x2*

Monthor (HP 24, AC 22 (23.dodge, 27 vs AoO), Bear's Endurance, Bless  d20+17=26 d20+17=26 d8=2 d8=6 d6=2 d6=2 d6=6 d20+12=16 d8=6 d6=3 d20+7=16 d8=1 d6=5 d6=6
Tuesday February 28th, 2006 9:37:14 PM
Monthor, covered in blood, uses his cross bow and fires at the sole remaining ant.

ooc> Hits AC 26 with a critical hit (natural 19) HE HE MAKES ANOTHER 19 ON THE CRIT ROLE!

Damage X2 (2 + 2 damage, 2 fire) + (6+2 damage, 2 fire) for 16 damage (ignore the next d6 role)

Hits AC 16 for 8 physica and 3 fire (11)

Hits AC 16 for 3 physical and 5 fire (8)
again, ignore the next D6 role

total 35 damage



Tratain AC 26 HP 117/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing; SR 25]  4d8(5+4+8+5)+13=35
Tuesday February 28th, 2006 11:14:04 PM
After the Ant is Slain Tratain Moves over to Feng and Heals him. (Feng Heals 35)

He says "I don't have any way to get Renik out of that Force Cage. Give me a Moment to Heal Feng and Monthor a little more and we can check around to see if the Sage is still around here or if he's really gone."

Draax AC 21, HP 156 /156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless) 
Wednesday March 1st, 2006 2:11:24 AM
After the last ant falls, Draax goes over to look at the chains on the closest elf to see if there is someway to unlock them. If there is a lock but no key he will begin to search the bodies of the guards.

Battle Under Ant Hill: Round 45 (DM Cayzle) 
Wednesday March 1st, 2006 4:26:10 AM
Together the party is quick to dispatch the last ant -- no need to cast that magic missile, Arien! Tratain casts a cure on Feng, Draax finds keys on one of the dead guards and frees an elf, and Renik looks down disconsolately at the scene.

"Thank you! Thank you!" cries the elf. "Please just free my brothers, and we can escape this unholy pit!"

Feng AC 23 HP 57/ 117 
Wednesday March 1st, 2006 4:53:32 AM
"Thanks Tratain. I was starting to really bleed all over the floor." He says as he moves to free the other chained elves.

Renik 
Wednesday March 1st, 2006 6:32:44 AM
On a hunch the rogue calls down "Feng, use your ability to detect evil on those elves before you free them. Given the sage's penchant for duplicity I wouldn't put anything past him, including using his own men as decoys."

Arien (subbed by Carl) 
Wednesday March 1st, 2006 6:41:50 AM
Arien allows himself to breath deeply, calming himself after the adrenaline rush of the battle. He waits for the others to search the area.



Monthor (HP 24, AC 22 (23.dodge, 27 vs AoO), Bear's Endurance, Bless 
Wednesday March 1st, 2006 7:31:56 AM
A severely bleeding Monthor searches the closest dead guard.

" Tratain! How about some lovin over here! "

" There be two room back here girlies. We need to search them. "



Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158+56BE-61=151, AC24)  d20+18=34 d20+20=31
Wednesday March 1st, 2006 11:48:45 AM
With all the ants dead and no new prey to occupy their shared insanity, the brothers begin sniffing around for their true prey...the Sage. They step over to the doors and each sniffs at a different door, hoping that one of them hides the little coward (Survival: Scent 34/31).

Draax AC 21, HP 156 /156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless) 
Wednesday March 1st, 2006 9:21:07 PM
Hearing Reniks warning Draax gives the freed elf a suspicious look and does not free the others until Feng gives the OK.

Looking up at Renik and not fully understanding the rogues situation Draax says, "Renik, why are you still in that bubble thing?"


Tratain AC 26 HP 117/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing; SR 25]  4d8(3+8+1+4)+13=29 d8=1 d8=8
Wednesday March 1st, 2006 10:18:07 PM
Tratain steps over to Monthor and casts a Healing spell on the dwarf. (Healed 36 Points)

If the others Open the doors He will accompany them, if not he waits in the room where they just fought and goes about healing everyone he can.

Battle Under Ant Hill: Round 46 (DM Cayzle)  d3=1 d3=3
Wednesday March 1st, 2006 10:51:14 PM

The elves are not evil, if Feng wishes to check.

Tratain heals Monthor.

Monthor peeks into the two rooms with the blown-away doors. One looks like a library, the other, personal quarters.

Sarigars sniffs around. The sage has been all through here. No way to tell where he is now. But for sure he is not here in this room invisible, if that helps. Maybe he is behind Door Number Three? Or teleported miles and miles away?

Arien explains to Draax, if he wishes, that the spell that contains Renik is a box of force from which the rogue cannot escape. Renik may be up there for many hours to come. A Disintegrate spell would open it, but Arien used his Disintegrate to get through the stone wall back in the other room.

Feng AC 23 HP 57/ 117 
Thursday March 2nd, 2006 9:35:33 AM
Feng did check to see if the elves were evil. Now that the battle was over the adrenaline faded from his system leaving Feng exhausted and weary. He rested the end of his great axe against the floor and leaned upon it to ease the burden put on his legs.

"Well now what?"

Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158+56BE-61=151, AC24) 
Thursday March 2nd, 2006 12:15:01 PM
With hardly a thought, Sarigar tries to open one of the doors (the northern most door). His present feral mentality won't let go of the idea that the prey got away. From the look of his posture, Sarigar's ready to bring the entire place down just to get at him.

Black Paws tries to scratch through his door (the southern most one) in attempts to get through.

Neither brother seems more urgent than the other, probably indacating that they just want to continue the search, not that either has actually found something.

Renik 
Thursday March 2nd, 2006 4:01:57 PM
Renik calls down to the elves "What can you tell us of your imprisonment here? Have you any idea where the sage might have retreated to? Tell us everything you can think of, some detail might prove of use."



Arien  d20+12=16 d20+12=28 d20+12=25
Thursday March 2nd, 2006 4:03:39 PM
Still kicking himself for dismissing Tratain's dimensional anchor, Arien sets about searching the rooms at the rear of the compound (Search 16, 28, 25).

Draax AC 21, HP 156 /156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless) 
Thursday March 2nd, 2006 5:29:49 PM
With Feng's assurance that the elves are not evil, Draax releases the other elves. He waits for the elves to answer Renik's questions before added a few of his own.

To the elves Draxx say, "Who are you guys and what skills can you offer us to help find the sage or get out of this place?"

Tratain AC 26 HP 117/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing; SR 25]  3d8(1+1+3)+13=18 d8=3 d8=6
Thursday March 2nd, 2006 9:59:54 PM
Tratain Heals Feng again and keeps an eye out for those looking about the other rooms incase they should need some help. (Healed Feng 25)

Battle Under Ant Hill: Round 47 (DM Cayzle) 
Friday March 3rd, 2006 7:19:09 AM

Feng asks, "What now?" and one of the elves says, "Let's get out of here! Please!"

Sarigar and Black Paws try to open two different doors at the same time! If both had opened, who knows what would have happened on both fronts! But both doors are clearly locked (without a key, by the way, so you are probably safe thinking there is magic involved).

Renik and Draax talk with the elves. They say that they were kept in the cage upstairs or experimented on right here. The sage would draw their blood and use it for experiments with plants and animals. In fact, they do look pale, and there are cuts on their arms.

Tratain heals Feng.

Arien searches. In a puddle in the main room (where one of the two sages melted in the fireball) he finds two wands, two rods, and two vials. In the library (center room) he finds a complete set of spell books for a high level mage. These are very out in the open -- this is still round by round. To make real search checks for non-obvious stuff will take time.

The elves say that behind the closed doors is the lab.

IMPORTANT! I want locations for every person! If Sarigar opens that door and there's an enemy inside, I want to know where you are!!!

Tratain AC 26 HP 117/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing; SR 25]  3d8(4+4+4)+13=25
Friday March 3rd, 2006 4:50:25 PM
Tratain Moves over to Monthor and Heals the Dwarf again (Monthor Heals 25)

Renik 
Friday March 3rd, 2006 5:18:18 PM
Locked in his cell, Renik can only look on as his companions search the lab. If that was the sage's sanctum perhaps he has retreated there. If so caution will be critical. Cornered and in his greatest place of power the sage will be doubly dangerous.

Arien: HP 56 of 80 (56), AC 25, Mage Armor, Blessed, Bear's Endurance, Shield (Subbed by Carl) 
Friday March 3rd, 2006 5:30:33 PM
Pocketing the magic items and spellbooks for later perusal, Arien keeps well away from the doors, waiting for the warriors to break them in. While he waits he casts extended Shield upon himself. (AX66)

Monthor (HP 85, AC 22 (23.dodge, 27 vs AoO), Bear's Endurance, Bless  d20+8=22
Friday March 3rd, 2006 7:06:33 PM

:: Possible showing his lack of magical knowledge... ::

" Hey Arien! Anything in that spell book that can let Renik free?"

Monthor waits to be healed by Tratain and then moves up to where Sarigar is (AY 53). He waits for the others to position themselves and then uses his strenth to try to force the door open (strenght check 22)



Draax AC 21, HP 156 /156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless) 
Saturday March 4th, 2006 4:16:59 AM
Draax moves closer to the doors (AV23), readies his bow and waits.

Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158+56BE-61=151, AC24)  d20+3=20 d20+2=17
Saturday March 4th, 2006 12:49:38 PM
Not wanting some little door to keep them from their possible prey, Sarigar and Black Paws both try to help Monthor force it open. Sarigar reaching just over the dwarf's shoulders (Strength 20 for a +2 assistance to Monthor) with Black Paws pushing with the top of his head (Strength 17 for another +2 assistance to Monthor). Both brothers dig in, step up onto their toes and shove...

Feng AC 23 HP 82/ 117 
Monday March 6th, 2006 1:45:03 PM
Location: AR 59

Feng moves a little easier as the last wave of healing magic takes care of some of his more serious injuries. While he wanted to find the Sage and eliminate him. It might be a good to just get out and live to fight another day.

"Do you think its possible to reach the Sage and survive? I do not think that he was destroyed here and now."

Battle Under Ant Hill: Round 48 (DM Cayzle)  d20+15=16 4d8(7+3+2+2)+12=26
Monday March 6th, 2006 10:32:51 PM

OOC to Arien: It takes a move action to pick up an item; no way Arien can pick up everything. And those books are heavy! Pick two items to have in pocket or hand, please. Carl, please post for Adam if he is not yet active here -- hopefully he'll be back soon, per his e-mail.

While Feng voices a note of caution, Monthor, Sarigar, and Black Paws apply force to the door. The required DC to burst the magic holding the portal is DC28. Black Paws gives a +4 to the roll; Sarigar, another +2. Monthor rolls a 22, and with the help of the wild brothers, that's exactly the 28 that's needed! The door opens!

Monthor, Sarigar, and Black Paws are at the door. Tratain is behind them, having just healed the dwarf. Draax is at AV23, weapon in hand. Renik is stuck in his forcecage, of coursel. Feng is at AR59. Arien is at AX66.

Hey wait a second! Draax can't be at AV23! That's out of the room! Let's put him at AV53, more likely.

The elves, by the way, have backed off toward the exit.

The door opens and reveals a freakin' gargantuan spider! You also see an earth elemental (large size) and the Sage himself.

As before, the sage is dressed in red and black robes, and he has a magic stone circling his head, and another stone or gem in his hand. You note that he seems cured of all injury. You note a raven on the sage's shoulder; a stone whirls above its head too.

The sage barks out a command that is intelligible to the spider but not to you. The spider bites down hard at Sarigar. But with a natural one it misses!

The elemental readies an attack in cast any enemy comes in reach.

The raven on the sage's shoulder disappears (Tratain sees that it is still on his shoulder, but invisible).

And the sage makes a motion with his gem. Monthor finds himself in a forcecage, just like the one that encases Renik. Now Monthor, too, cannot move, attack, or be attacked. There is no save allowed, unless Monthor has spell resistance (pretty sure he does not).

ACs: Spider AC19, Elemental AC18; Sage AC23 +4 soft cover from the spider is 27.

Important Note! The sage has cast a Repulsion spell on himself. Within 150 feet (AND within line of sight), if you want to move closer to the sage, you must first roll a Will Save vs DC23. If you make the save, the spell has no effect. If you fail, you cannot approach the sage while the spell lasts.

Also note that with Monthor blocking half the door, only one person can fight in the doorway at once.

And the Map!

Arien: HP 56 of 80 (56), AC 25, Mage Armor, Blessed, Bear's Endurance, Shield 
Tuesday March 7th, 2006 12:02:16 AM
Arien picks up the two rods and slips them into his pocket (last round) and then moves towards the party thirty feet, and then casts Haste on the group near the spider.

Spells Memorized
0 Level: Detect Magic x2*, Light, Read Magic x2
1st Level: Burning Hands, Magic Missile x5*, Protection from Evil
2nd Level: Rope Trick, Scorching Ray x4****, Extended Shield, Extended Mage Armor*
3rd Level: Displacement, Dispel Magic*, Fly, Haste, Lightning Bolt*, Slow
4th Level: Dimension Door x2**, Ice Storm, Invisibility: Greater x2*, Solid Fog
5th Level: Cone of Cold, Teleport, Wall of Force x2*
6th Level: Analyze Dweomer, Chain Lightning*, Disintegrate*, Veil*
7th Level: Delayed Blast Fireball*, Prismatic Spray x2*

Renik AC 28, HP 89 (+28, Bear's Endurance), Blessed, Protection from Evil, Flying 
Tuesday March 7th, 2006 4:44:08 AM
Seeing Monthor ensnared Renik begins to get a very bad feeling. This sage is proving extremely dangerous. He only hopes that the spellcasters are able to lay down some serious damage.

From his vantage point he can just make out glimpses of the elemental and spider, but can do nothing against them. He beats his swords against the forcecage walls in frustration, desperate to get into the battle.



Monthor ooc Rules ruling before actual post 
Tuesday March 7th, 2006 8:19:48 AM
ooc> Questi-onnnn...

"Creatures within the area are caught and contained unless they are too big to fit inside, in which case the spell automatically fails."

Would this mean that if something IN the cube suddenly became to big that the cube would disappear? Thus feeing the person inside of it?

Cayzle -- You mean like a tree? LOL! Not sure how I would adjudicate that, but the rule you cite clearly refers to something that is too big when the spell is cast, not afterward. Afterward?? Who knows!

Monthor ooc Rules ruling before actual post part 2 
Tuesday March 7th, 2006 8:24:11 AM
ooc>

"There is no save allowed, unless Monthor has spell resistance (pretty sure he does not)."

Would the dwarve's natural resistance to spells
(+2 racial bonus vs spells and spell like effects) allow him a savings throw then?

Cayzle -- Sorry, nope. Nice try though.

Feng AC 23 HP 82/ 117 
Tuesday March 7th, 2006 10:42:22 AM
Location: BC 57

Feng sprints for the center room. There was no way that he could get through the tangle of people, and the giant spider. Maybe there is another way in or if the walls are thin enough he could break through with his axe.

ooc: I believe if Feng uses a full movement he can get to the wall seperating the two rooms.

Tratain AC 26 HP 117/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing; SR 25]  13d6(5+2+4+5+1+6+6+5+2+4+5+2+3)=50
Tuesday March 7th, 2006 10:48:52 AM
Tratain Moves Down to AV 54 and Casts Blade Barrier. (From AZ to BE 51, The top of that Room, on the sage and Spider. Reflex DC 22, 50 Damage)

Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158+56BE-61=151, AC24)  d20+15=24 d20+10=24 d20+5=25 d20+5=22 d6+5=10 d6+5=10 d6+5=10 d6+5=11
Tuesday March 7th, 2006 11:40:06 AM
Spotting the Sage through the massive spiders tangle of legs, Sarigar's anger flares up again. Since the spider has his path blocked, he can only think (if you can call it thinking) to do is lash out at it...

His gore covered hands begin raking at the spider in a display of raw savage fury, chunks of exoskeleton and gloppy spider "blood" fly. The first two swings are potent (AC 24/24, Dmg 10/10), but the third is frightening as Sarigar puts his claw through the spider's leg and nearly tears it off as he pulls it back (AC 25(22 crit), Dmg 21)

Blocked out by his brother and the cage holding Monthor, Black Paws can do nothing but stand back barking frantically, wanting a piece of the action (and the spider).

Draax AC 21, HP 156 /156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless)  d20+15=34 d20+10=25 d20+5=23 d8+4=9 d8+4=7 d8+4=9
Tuesday March 7th, 2006 5:31:50 PM
Seeing the opening crowded Draax fires three arrows at the spider. Knowing his arrows add a little extra punch at point blank range, he takes care shooting through the others. (hit AC 34 for 9dmg, AC 25 for 7dmg, AC 23 for 9dmg, total 25dmg)

(OOC: I know the spider is a huge creature but I attacked at -4 because only the areas in melee was exposed.)


Monthor (HP 85, AC 22 (23.dodge, 27 vs AoO), Bear's Endurance, Bless  d20+5=11
Tuesday March 7th, 2006 7:06:44 PM
ooc> Oh well. No guts, no glory!!!! BANZAI!!!!

ooc> Tries to intimidate Serge skill role 11
" ME COMING FOR YOU SERGE!!!!! YOU ORC LOVING SON OF AN OGRE!!!! ME WILL DRINK OUT OF YOUR SEVERED SKULL YOU PIXIE SIZE MEMBERED, FENG SMELLING... MONKEY BOY!"

:: Monthor downs a potion of cure moderate wounds before taking out his last Quaal's feather token and activating the tree at the farthest corner of the cube. ::



Battle Under Ant Hill: Round 49 (DM Cayzle)  d20+6=11 (sage save) d20+8=26 (spider save) d20+15=19 spider att misses Sarigar! Darn!)
Tuesday March 7th, 2006 11:07:54 PM

Arien moves forward -- he can do so because he does not have line of effect to the sage. Then he casts Haste on Sarigar, Black Paws, Tratain, and Draax.

Feng runs to BC57, staying out of sight of the mage as to avoid the Repulsion effect. Note that there is a door between BC57 and BC56 -- Feng is standing by the door. It is a magically held door, and requires a Str check 28 to open, or you can chop it down (AC5, Hardness 5 and 15 hp, see PHB p 165-166). Feng ends his turn next to the door -- he has not yet tried it.

Tratain moves to AV54, which he can do freely because it gets him no closer to the Sage. Then he casts Blade Barrier across the top of the room, possibly affecting the spider and the sage with it, and cutting the sage off from that door to the north. The sage fails his save and takes 50 hp damage! He is sorely wounded! The spider rolls a 26 and is unaffected by the blades.

Sarigar in his fury hurts the spider more than the blades do! He inflicts 41 points of damage to the big vermin this round! Note! The haste spell gives Sarigar another attack this round! Please roll that first thing!

Renik and Monthor are frustrated in their Forcecages, but Monthor takes the time to drink a potion. (You can't do both in the same round ... next round you can try the tree.)

Black Paws growls in frustration but cannot get in to attack.

Draax fires arrows at the spider. His shots also hit their mark, inflicting another 25 on the spider. Note! The haste spell gives Draax another attack this round! Please roll that first thing!

Much the bloodier, the enemy returns the attack.

The elemental moves back and readies an attack on anyone who enters the room.

The mammoth spider takes a five foot step south. and then stabs down at Sarigar with its stinger. It hits AC19, not enough to hit the wild man.

The Sage moves out of sight (but you can deduce his probable location based on his move). He casts a spell.

And the Map!

Arien: HP 56 of 80 (56), AC 25, Mage Armor, Blessed, Bear's Endurance, Shield 
Wednesday March 8th, 2006 12:10:22 AM
Arien, seeing the large crowd in front of the door and Feng off to the side, moves to be behind Feng to support the paladin. Once behind the half-orc, Arien readies a Slow spell that he will cast should Feng get the door open this round. (Will Save DC 19 for Slow)

Spells Memorized
0 Level: Detect Magic x2*, Light, Read Magic x2
1st Level: Burning Hands, Magic Missile x5*, Protection from Evil
2nd Level: Rope Trick, Scorching Ray x4****, Extended Shield, Extended Mage Armor*
3rd Level: Displacement, Dispel Magic*, Fly, Haste, Lightning Bolt*, Slow
4th Level: Dimension Door x2**, Ice Storm, Invisibility: Greater x2*, Solid Fog
5th Level: Cone of Cold, Teleport, Wall of Force x2*
6th Level: Analyze Dweomer, Chain Lightning*, Disintegrate*, Veil*
7th Level: Delayed Blast Fireball*, Prismatic Spray x2*

Draax AC 22, HP 156 /156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless, Haste)  d20+16=29 d8+4=12 d20+16=28 d20+16=26 d20+11=12 d20+6=17 d8+4=10 d8+4=5 d8+4=9
Wednesday March 8th, 2006 1:47:14 AM
(hit AC 29 for 12dmg for last round)

Feeling energized by the haste spell, Draax fires off more arrows at the spider. (hit ac 28 for 10dmg, AC 26 for 5 dmg, AC 12 is a natural one, disregard AC 17)



Monthor (HP 85, AC 22 (23.dodge, 27 vs AoO), Bear's Endurance, Bless  d20+5=15
Wednesday March 8th, 2006 6:05:34 AM
ooc> Tries to intimidate Serge skill role 15
" ME COMING FOR YOU SERGE!!!!! ME COMING FOR YOU !!!!!
:: Monthor takes out his last Quaal's feather token and activating the tree at the farthest corner of the cube. ::

ooc> I'll role the cure moderate once I get to a book to see what i can role.


Renik AC 28, HP 89 (+28, Bear's Endurance), Blessed, Blinking, Protection from Evil, Flying 
Wednesday March 8th, 2006 7:16:04 AM
In his forcecage the rogue can hardly bear to watch. He wills his comrades on desperately, praying that none are cut down by their remaining foes.

Sarigar (AC24) and Black Paws (AC21) (CV158+56BE-61=151, Bless, Haste)  d20+15=34 d6+5=7 d20+15=29 d20+15=32 d20+10=24 d20+5=17 d20=16 d6+5=7 d6+5=11 d6+5=9
Wednesday March 8th, 2006 11:03:42 AM
With never before felt speed, Sarigar lashes out at the spider yet another time, slashing across it's leg yet again (AC34, dmg 7)

With his newfound speed, Sarigar's rage seems to intensify and he tears into the spider once again. Claws flashings (AC 29/32/24/17, Dmg 7/11/9/0), teeth biting (AC 16, Dmg 0), it's a wonder if he will ever return from the madness that seems to have consumed him. The entire time, his eyes look for one thing...the Sage.

Seeing that Feng has opened a possible route to help his brother, Black Paws dashes through the open door (move to the square "east" of Feng).

ooc: Should the spider fall at any point, Sarigar will move up on the Sage using his Haste movement, most likely drawing an AoO.

Tratain AC 27 HP 117/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing; SR 25; Haste] 
Wednesday March 8th, 2006 5:10:10 PM
Tratain takes a few steps to AU 55 and Ready's an action to Cast Power Word Blind Upon the Sage if the sage steps out to anywhere that he can see him.

(No Save on PWB, Tratains Position should let him see and cover the Doors in the room where the combat is now, and the room to the south.)

Monthor - Cure moderate wounds.  2d8(1+3)=4
Wednesday March 8th, 2006 9:15:24 PM
Add 6 (4 roled +2) to Monthor's HP for a current total of 91

Feng AC 23 HP 82/ 117  d20+5=22
Thursday March 9th, 2006 12:05:06 PM
Location: BC 57

Finding it locked Feng plants hsi feet and brings his shoulder into the door with all the strength he has. A soft whump can be heard just before a groan of pain.

ooc: str check 22

Battle Under Ant Hill: Round 50 (DM Cayzle) 
Thursday March 9th, 2006 10:31:45 PM

Arien moves up behind Feng and readies a spell. Black Paws also moves up to Feng so that he can help push open the door (next round). Feng pushes the door but it does not yield.

Sarigar rips into the spider, inflicting another 34 hp damage on it. Draax fires more arrows at it, which hit home to finish the job. The monsterous spider fades away, without even bitten once! Sarigar can't move up as he has already used a full round action to attack.

Tratain moves to AU55 and readies a spell.

Monthor's feather token fails to activate. He and Renik stay put.

Tratain sees the Sage's invisible familiar raven fly out of the lab and down to the library, then duck into a corner. No one else can see it, but Sarigar and Black Paws sense the smell of an invisible bird.

The sage himself takes a five foot step so that Sarigar can see him (but not Tratain, as it happens). Due to the Sage's Repulsion spell, please note:

Important Note! The sage has cast a Repulsion spell on himself. Within 150 feet (AND within line of sight), if you want to move closer to the sage, you must first roll a Will Save vs DC23. If you make the save, the spell has no effect. If you fail, you cannot approach the sage while the spell lasts.

And the Map!

Arien: HP 56 of 80 (56), AC 25, Mage Armor, Blessed, Bear's Endurance, Shield  5d4(4+3+4+1+2)+5=19
Friday March 10th, 2006 12:18:24 AM
Seeing Feng's difficulty with the door, Arien tries to blast the door down with magic by casting Magic Missile at it (19 pts of force damage).

Spells Memorized
0 Level: Detect Magic x2**, Light, Read Magic x2
1st Level: Burning Hands, Magic Missile x5*, Protection from Evil
2nd Level: Rope Trick, Scorching Ray x4****, Extended Shield, Extended Mage Armor*
3rd Level: Displacement, Dispel Magic*, Fly, Haste*, Lightning Bolt*, Slow
4th Level: Dimension Door x2**, Ice Storm, Invisibility: Greater x2*, Solid Fog
5th Level: Cone of Cold, Teleport, Wall of Force x2*
6th Level: Analyze Dweomer, Chain Lightning*, Disintegrate*, Veil*
7th Level: Delayed Blast Fireball*, Prismatic Spray x2*

========

Cayzle: Per the spell description, PHB p251, "Inanimate objects are not damaged by the spell." Arien knows that you cannot use MM to damage a door. Please repost a new action for this round.

Feng AC 23 HP 82/ 117  d12+10=15
Friday March 10th, 2006 12:48:56 PM
Feng grips his axe tightly in both hands and makes sure everybody is clear. He brings the great axe around and into the door with a wood cracking thunk. (15 damage to the door.)

Sarigar (AC24(25)) and Black Paws (AC21(22)) (CV158+56BE-61=151, Bless, Haste)  d20+5=23 d20+17=33 d20+12=30 d6+5=8 d3+2=5 d20+2=21
Friday March 10th, 2006 2:30:41 PM
As Sarigar spots his prey, he attempts to move forward, pressing against the barrier the Sage has created. For a moment, it appears that it might stop him, but he presses through it's influence (WS 23) and closes in on the Sage. With a strong rake (AC 33, dmg 8), followed by a nasty bite (AC 30, dmg 5), Sarigar leads the Hamletters in the direct assault on the Sage.

As Feng draws his axe back from his mighty chop into the door, Black Paws lunges at it with a loud thud (Str 21), then steps back to shake the cobwebs from his head.

Being right in his face, the Sage sees Sarigar's eyes flutter for a moment as if he'd just been knocked in the head, but the wild man's resolve is unshaken. The wild man before him has every intention of killing him and it looks as though nothing could hold him back. The most eerie part about it is he looks as if he's screaming savagely, but no sound issues forth.

Cheerleader Renik 
Friday March 10th, 2006 6:24:19 PM
The rogue watches on, open-mouthed in horror and excitement as he is vicariously caught up in the scene before him. He winces with every wound his comrades suffer, and strikes every blow along with them.

"GO HAMLETEERS!" He yells from his cage, fighting the urge to dance.

Tratain AC 26 HP 117/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing; SR 25; Haste] 
Friday March 10th, 2006 8:38:17 PM
Tratain continues to Hold his Position waiting for the Sage to show himself (Continue to ready action for the sage to get in his line of site for PWB). He says "Arien, The sages Raven is 10 feet to your left, right near the wall. Its invisible."

Monthor (HP 91, AC 22 (23.dodge, 27 vs AoO), Bear's Endurance, Bless 
Friday March 10th, 2006 8:52:10 PM
Monthor sulks and does... nothing.

{ Stupid oak. Must have gotten a bumb one. }

Arien: HP 56 of 80 (56), AC 25, Mage Armor, Blessed, Bear's Endurance, Shield  5d4(3+3+3+4+3)=16
Friday March 10th, 2006 9:17:28 PM
((Oops thats what I get trying to post while on Vicodin. Thanks for the heads up. Quick question, which version of the forcecage are they in, the barred cell or the solid one?))

Realizing his mistake at the last moment Arien instead motions Feng out of the way and casts a Burning Hands at the door scorching it for 16 points of fire damage.

Spells Memorized
0 Level: Detect Magic x2**, Light, Read Magic x2
1st Level: Burning Hands*, Magic Missile x5, Protection from Evil
2nd Level: Rope Trick, Scorching Ray x4****, Extended Shield, Extended Mage Armor*
3rd Level: Displacement, Dispel Magic*, Fly, Haste*, Lightning Bolt*, Slow
4th Level: Dimension Door x2**, Ice Storm, Invisibility: Greater x2*, Solid Fog
5th Level: Cone of Cold, Teleport, Wall of Force x2*
6th Level: Analyze Dweomer*, Chain Lightning*, Disintegrate*, Veil*
7th Level: Delayed Blast Fireball*, Prismatic Spray x2*


Draax AC 22, HP 156 /156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless, Haste)  d20+17=21 d8+4=12 d20+8=23
Saturday March 11th, 2006 12:43:51 AM
Draax moves to (AZ53) and fires an arrow at the sage (hit AC21 for 12dmg) (made will save 23).

The First Bout Ends in Victory!


Battle Under Ant Hill: Round 51 and last (for now) (DM Cayzle) 
Monday March 13th, 2006 7:09:16 AM

Feng's ax puts a big dent in the door, Black Paws butts it, and then Arien's burning hands flames it to cinders.

Sarigar advances, pushing through the repulsion. He advances on the sage and claws him for 8 hp damage. (Note: Sarigar moved more than five feet, so he can make only a single standard attack this round.)

Renik and Monthor, each in their own way, have no choice but to sit this out in their forcecages. (It is the forcewall version, not the barred version.)

Tratain waits for the sage to pop up his head, ready to zap him.

Draax moves right behind Sarigar, also resisting the repulsion. He fires right past the wild man and hits the sage for another 12. That's 20 this round! (Note: Sage gets soft cover bonuses from Sarigar vs Draax (see map), but the arrow still hits.)

The sage's invisible raven flies over to his master throught he shattered door.

The sage takes a five-foot step back. He laughs and says, "This is not the end!" He reads a scroll he had in his hand, and teleports out with the Elemental.

The battle is over. The field of combat is yours. Please post your actions for the next 12 rounds.

Cayzle OOC 
Monday March 13th, 2006 7:58:11 AM

Oh, yes, the forcecages are still entrapping Monthor and Renik. And anyone with a modicum of Spellcraft knows that they'll be around for hours and hours and hours!

Feng AC 23 HP 82/ 117 
Monday March 13th, 2006 11:11:19 AM
Feng scouts the immediate area to make sure that the danger is indeed over. After that he simply waits for the spells to wear off.

"Well I think she should take the time and strip this place from top to bottom."

Sarigar (AC24(25)) and Black Paws (AC21(22)) (CV158+56BE-61=151, Bless, Haste) 
Monday March 13th, 2006 3:39:49 PM
Sarigar dives for the Sage, just as he pops out of sight causing him to barrel headfirst into the dirty ground. He gets up, coughing the dirt and dust from his mouth, pounding the ground in frustration.

Seemingly sensing that the Sage is gone and will not be back, Sarigar looks rather dejected for a moment. He happens to glance down at his claws and notices the blood from the Sage on them. He lifts his fingers up to his nose and takes a long slow sniff, then slowly drags bloody fingertips over his tongue. This scent, he will not forget...

Black Paws brushes up against his brother. He sniffs and takes a tentative lick at his other hand. As much as they hate when prey gets away, sometimes a long hunt is much more rewarding.

Both begin to slow their breathing and the madness begins to gradually melt away from their eyes. After a good minute, the wide-eyed curious Sarigar seems to be back. He sees the glowing box containing Monthor and pokes at it a few times. Noting that Monthor seems to be trying to get out, the brothers bash on the box in hopes to get the little man out. Black Paws even tries to dig under it.

Renik 
Monday March 13th, 2006 4:41:32 PM
Renik stares down at his companions in disbelief. The sage is still alive! More importantly, he's still stuck in his cage!

The rogue slumps down, just wishing he could have 60 seconds alone with that sage...

Monthor  d20+8=17
Monday March 13th, 2006 7:31:40 PM
Monthor strikes out at the walls in frustration (str 17) before sitting himself down on the floor of the cage.

"Takes it brothers. Me'll need some magic to get me out of here. Hey Arien! What do those wands do?!? "

After things settle down, Monthor closes his eyes and takes a nap. After all, a warrior gets rest whenever he can.

Arien: HP 56 of 80 (56), AC 25, Mage Armor, Blessed, Bear's Endurance, Shield 
Monday March 13th, 2006 11:06:04 PM
Arien returns to the Sage's study area where the remaining magic items and the spellbooks lay. He casts detect magic and concentrates a moment. Then he proceeds to gather up and seperate anything that is magical. He also sets aside the spellbooks for further study later. Arien wants to what exactly that Sage was doing and figures the best way to do it would to be studying his spellbooks and journals.

Draax 
Tuesday March 14th, 2006 1:28:41 AM
Although he believes the sage is really gone this time, Draax stays alert just in case. He is disappointed that the sage escaped but happy that they achieved what the came here to do.

A look around the mad scientist's lab (DM Cayzle) 
Tuesday March 14th, 2006 6:45:03 PM

Feng pauses and then searches from the place. He finds only one unexplored place -- the door behind the blade barrier.

Sarigar does his best to free Monthor, but to no avail.

Renik and Monthor are frustrated.

Arien looks over the Sages library. It is truly odd -- many of the most common spells are represented by versions that focus on insects and other vermin. Charm Vermin, Summon Vermin, Discipline Vermin, Vermin Trance, Dominate Vermin ... the list goes on and on. Arien feels that it would take very intense training to be able to cast spells like this.

Draax takes a look through the lab, and hears a yipping, like a puppy. In fact there is a young pup in a cage. Or is it? In fact, it looks like a cross between an ant and a dog!

After 12 rounds goes by, one of the elves runs back into the room. "Help! Help!" he shouts. "Ants took Terell and Amabore!"

The next round an ant enters, carrying a piece of paper. It drops the paper and steps ten feet back, as if waiting.

Draax AC 22, HP 156 /156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless) 
Tuesday March 14th, 2006 8:30:02 PM
Draax feels sad as he looks at what the sage did to the puppy, depending on the puppy's reaction; whether it is friendly or hostile. If it is friendly, he will attempt to free it from the cage.

When the elf come running in Draax turns toward him with an exasperated expression on his face. He is wondering if the elves are actually working with the sage or if they are really the fools and idiots that he is starting to think they are.

Draax calms himself before speaking but a little argue can still be heard in his voice, "You guys just ran out of here with no weapons, no transportation, and no idea what awaited you outside?" He takes a deep breath, "Forget it! Tell us what happened."

Seeing the ant, Draax pulls his sword and while keeping his eyes on the ant he goes over a picks up the piece of paper and brings it back to others before reading it out loud.


Monthor  d20+8=13
Tuesday March 14th, 2006 9:26:02 PM
" ARGH!!!!! Me miss all the fun! Someone... get... me... out... of... here!!!! "

:: Monthor takes another swing at the wall with his first. ::

(Str check 13)

Arien: HP 56 of 80 (56), AC 21, Mage Armor, Blessed, Bear's Endurance 
Tuesday March 14th, 2006 10:55:36 PM
Arien checks out the force cages that are trapping Renik and Monthor, trying to figure out if there is anyway to reach through to touch one of them so he can dimension door one out. If he is able to he will ask Renik which one should be freed then dimension door himself and the trapped party member out and a few feet away. Otherwise Arien apologizes to the two that he isn't able to free them.

Renik 
Wednesday March 15th, 2006 8:01:30 AM
The rogue sympathises with Monthor's frustration. He tries to think if there is anything to be done.

"Unless there are any scolls of Disintegrate, dimension door or teleoprt lying about in the laboratory I think we're stuck" the rogue concludes sadly. "Have you looked?"

He kicks himself when he hears that two elves have been captured. They are back in the same situation they were in to begin with! Curses! Why didn't he tell them to stop?

Scowling he awaits the contents of the sage's note.

Sarigar and Black Paws 
Wednesday March 15th, 2006 10:26:18 AM
Upon seeing the ant arrive, Sarigar immediately goes on the defensive, expecting more company. The brothers dash up toward the ant, but stops at the paper. Black Paws raises his hockles, growling at the bug while Sarigar picks up the paper. He turns it this way and that, but crumples it and tosses it over his shoulder having no clue as to what it says. He turns his attention back on the ant, ready to dispatch it should it make any movement that could be construed as hostile.

Feng AC 23 HP 82/ 117 
Wednesday March 15th, 2006 6:45:30 PM
"Yes tell us what happened. We might be able tot rack them back to the sage but without all of us present is it a suicide mission?"

Offer (DM Cayzle) 
Thursday March 16th, 2006 7:07:11 AM

Draax finds the "puppy" to be the cutest thing he's ever seen on six legs! It yips and licks his fingers through the bars of the cage. When freed, it runs around fast on its six paws, jumping up on Draax and barking happily.

It tugs on Draax's pant leg (does Draax wear pants?), and he finds that it is very much stronger than one would think a puppy would be.

Sarigar goes on the defensive, casually crumpling the note in passing. The ant stays still and non-threatening. It even turns and looks the other way.

Arien checks out the cages -- solid! No way to touch! Monthor and Renik remain frustrated.

Draax and Feng talk to the elf. Yes, it seems they fled, in case the party lost, and ants captured two of them as they went. This fellow ran back here. Feng would rather not fight the Sage again with two still forcecaged.

By the time Draax gets to the note, it has been crumpled, but it is still easy to read: Truce! I'll give you the other two elves and free your friends from my Forcecages -- if you leave my lab and library alone, if you swear a holy oath never to fight me or my creatures here in my home, and if you vow to leave and never return!

Background info on oaths: Remember from when you swore friendship with the cricket-taurs ... to make such an oath you must swear to a higher power, say what you intend, and declare the consequences if you break the oath.

The ant puppy runs into the main room and starts barking at Black Paws. Sarigar has a clear intuition of what the pup is saying: "Wow! Huh! Wow! What? Wow! Wow!"

Monthor  d20+8=20
Thursday March 16th, 2006 7:31:13 AM
" FORGET THAT!!!! ME WANT HIS HEAD!!! SERGE! ME GONNA GIT YA SUCKER!!!!! "

ooc> That would be a "no" from the dwarf.

:: Monthor hits the cage again ::

(Strenght check 20).



Monthor 
Thursday March 16th, 2006 7:31:52 AM
ooc> Assuming Draax tells us what's in the note of course. :-)

Feng AC 23 HP 82/ 117 
Thursday March 16th, 2006 9:51:27 AM
Enraged, Feng turns sharply and buries his great axe into the wall. He leaves it there shaking slightly from the impact and paces about.

"Never, never will I make such a deal. I would rather die than to sweat to let evil go free and grow strong once more." Feng says with great conviction. He returns to his axe and pulls it from the wall.

"I will end this sage now or may gargul take my soul." Feng says before walking out of the room in search of the sage.

Sarigar and Black Paws 
Thursday March 16th, 2006 11:10:44 AM
As the little pupant runs up to them, Black Paws dips his nose down, sniffs at the little thing and nudges it playfully with his nose. Sarigar, at first shocked by the abomination, quickly notes its innocence and tries to speak with it.

ooc: I know I can speak freely with wolves, but would it apply to all canines? Perhaps like a northerner speaking to a deep southerner, basically the same language, but different dialects?

Highlight to display spoiler: {"Hey there, little one. Where'd you come from? Where's momma? Are you ok?}

While speaking in growls and barks, Sarigar scratches the pupant behind the ears and under the chin while Black Paws licks it like a protective father dog.

Renik  d20+12=32
Thursday March 16th, 2006 1:43:53 PM
The sage has truly caught them on the horns of a dilemma. If they refuse it almost certainly means two innocent deaths. But if they accept the offer how many more may die? An impossible decision.

Worse still, they have absolutely no idea where the sage is. He is clearly still in mental range of his creatures, but they have no way of knowing how long that range is.

Two of the party have already made their feelings clear. Renik too is inclined to turn down the offer, but the thought of those two elves dying for his principles weighs heavy upon him. He decides to play for time, desperately hoping that he can figure out some way to trick the sage. Though with he and Monthor trapped and the spellcasters pretty much cast out he can't think what option they may have.

"What say the rest of you?" asks the rogue, trying to let them know that he wants them to prevaricate (Bluff 32 to pass on a secret message to his companions).


Draax 
Friday March 17th, 2006 12:03:09 AM
Seeing that the pupant (ooc: LOL good name pupant) is happy and seems to be unharmed he begins to pet it before it rips his Bill's Stylish Pants O' Plenty. He notes the strength of the pup and wonders how strong it will be when it is full grown. He smiles as it goes over to Black Paw acting like a normal pup.

After reading the note out loud and listening to the comments of the others, Draax take a moment to think before commenting.

"Although I would love to get my hands on the sage, I can live with leaving him alone on a few conditions. If he stop using the innocent for his experiments, both humanoid and animal. If he and his creatures do not threaten anything that I hold dear. If he does not kidnap anyone or force anyone to do anything against their will. But to just swear to let him be without conditions is not something that I am will to do. So what I am saying is, as long as he does not give me a reason to bother him I am fine with letting him be."

Draax knows what the sage was getting at and it does not involve conditions but he will not swear without them.


Arien: HP 56 of 80 (56), AC 21, Mage Armor, Blessed, Bear's Endurance 
Friday March 17th, 2006 1:43:47 AM
"I will mourn their loss but I cannot allow the sage's works to continue, even if it does cause the death of two inoccents. I will not try to justify the action of letting them die, because that is what I am willing to do, let them die. However I will break this sage's power, he will die here and his evil will end. No more will he plague us with his twisted abominations of nature. Not even the Fae King knew what a wretched creature this sage is I imagine."

Arien takes a step forward and waves a clenched fist at the creature, "Sage if you can hear through this beasts ears, or sense its thoughts, know this. I will destroy this place, tear it about my own ears and end your work before I allow you to continue. If you flee you shall have to watch your shadow for I will be there, hunting you, ready to bring you down."

Turning back to the group Arien continues, "I mean what I have said, I would rather that we all die here, forever ending the sage's works before allowing him to continue them."

Debate (DM Cayzle) 
Friday March 17th, 2006 6:45:01 AM
Arien, Feng, and Monthor are pretty set on death to the sage. Draax is willing to consider some other options. Renik wants to try trickery. Tratain keeps his own counsel. And Sarigar is too occupied with the pupant!

Which, by the way, is happy to meet the Lost Child! It hops on Sarigar and barks with joy when he speaks. "No Mom! Wow! Just Dad!" it barks. "Who? Who are you? Wow! Let's play!" Then it tries to climb, like an ant, on Black Paws (and will do so if the wolf lets him).

Feng in his anger does not look at the yapping pup. He takes his ax and heads out of the room.

[OOC: Is Feng really going off alone? Is anyone going after him?]

Monthor  d20+8=10
Friday March 17th, 2006 7:40:22 AM
" GO GET HIM PRINCESS!!! Hey... wait... Me still stuck here!!! SOMEBODY GET ME OUT OF HERE!!!! "

:: Monthor, now becoming even more frustrated slaps at the walls of his cage (str check 10). ::



Monthor  d20+8=10
Friday March 17th, 2006 7:43:17 AM
" GO GET HIM PRINCESS!!! Hey... wait... Me still stuck here!!! SOMEBODY GET ME OUT OF HERE!!!! "

:: Monthor, now becoming even more frustrated slaps at the walls of his cage (str check 10). ::



Renik 
Friday March 17th, 2006 4:13:11 PM
"Feng! Wait!" yells the rogue from his forcecage. Going off alone will get you killed. Wait a moment."

He thinks a moment. His companions have made it pretty clear to the sage they have no intention of backing down. Arien has pretty much given the sage a final answer. But it is important they give the sage an escape route. A cornered enemy has nowhere to turn, no response left except to fight. Perhaps a threat will work.

"You have our reply sage." says the rogue coldly, fixing his gaze upon the ant. "Let me tell you what happens next, and the choices you have.

We are going to destroy your lab, and everything in this camp of yours. By the time we are done I want to see those two elves back here, safe and unharmed. If I don't you can rest assured my companions and I will hunt you down. We will track you to the ends of the Wold and when we find you there will be a reckoning. You shall die, sage, and all because of these two lives.

I told you before, we came to free these elves. If they die in the process, your life is forfeit. The choice is yours; free the elves and never let word reach us again of your evil deeds, and we will leave. Hurt them and know that we will not rest until you are cold in the ground. You have until we leave this camp."

Feng AC 23 HP 82/ 117 
Friday March 17th, 2006 5:02:30 PM
Feng keeps walking, axe gripped tightly in his hands. While his steps are not quick they are unrelenting and determined.

ooc: yup he's off on his own.

Draax 
Friday March 17th, 2006 11:28:18 PM
Draax listens to the others and realizes that negotiating is not an option. He listens to Renik's reply and hopes the sage does not realize that some of the group will not leave this place without his head. Having nothing to add he waits to see what happens.

Draax makes no move to stop Feng from going after the sage; he would join him if a few of their members were not trapped in the forcecages. He does call out to the paladin, "Feng, do you have any idea where the sage is? He could be anywhere in this place and since he is obviously watching us, I doubt if he will let you get close to him especially with that stupid dimension door spell of his."

Draax does not moment that he believes the sage might kill the elves once he sees Feng coming for him.


Arien: HP 56 of 80 (56), AC 21, Greater Invisibility, Mage Armor, Blessed, Bear's Endurance 
Saturday March 18th, 2006 3:32:52 PM
Arien will not allow Feng to go off by himself, but he will not stop the Paladin either. Casting a glance back at the rest of the group Arien says, " I will go with Feng, and hopefully we will be able to end the Sage's threat together." That said Arien casts greater invisibility on himself and follows Feng.

Spells Memorized
0 Level: Detect Magic x2**, Light, Read Magic x2
1st Level: Burning Hands*, Magic Missile x5, Protection from Evil
2nd Level: Rope Trick, Scorching Ray x4****, Extended Shield, Extended Mage Armor*
3rd Level: Displacement, Dispel Magic*, Fly, Haste*, Lightning Bolt*, Slow
4th Level: Dimension Door x2**, Ice Storm, Invisibility: Greater x2*, Solid Fog
5th Level: Cone of Cold, Teleport, Wall of Force x2*
6th Level: Analyze Dweomer*, Chain Lightning*, Disintegrate*, Veil*
7th Level: Delayed Blast Fireball*, Prismatic Spray x2*

Sarigar (AC24(25)) and Black Paws (AC21(22)) (CV158+56BE-61=151, Bless) 
Monday March 20th, 2006 11:09:21 AM
Sarigar seems to not even hear the talk of the Sage as he's more interested in his new friend. Black Paws has no problems with letting the pupant climb over him and even rolls over to a few time to let him keep climbing without ever reaching the "top". It's almost like they've found a new brother.

When they finally notice that Feng and Arien begin to walk away, but the others seem to be staying behind...

"They goin' huntin'? What's the prey today?" His voice is very raspy and half the words barely come out. He coughs to try to clear his throat. "Need the whole pack if it's big prey."

Then he holds up the pupant over his head, little legs squirming to find solid ground. He growls, yips and barks at the pupant... Highlight to display spoiler: {"No mom, huh? Who's dad? I'm Sarigar, this is brother, Black Paws."}

Cayzle 
Monday March 20th, 2006 11:06:20 PM
OHMIGOSH! What happened to the post I made this morning! Gosh Darn Internets!

I'll get one up right away! Sorry!

Tratain AC 26 HP 117/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing; SR 25; Haste] 
Monday March 20th, 2006 11:14:43 PM
Tratain hopes that Renik and Monthor will be ok in thier force cages, he says "Let check these other Rooms before we run off looking for him."

Tratain will follow Feng and Arien though if they go outside.

The Breaking of the Fellowship (DM Cayzle) 
Tuesday March 21st, 2006 12:43:35 AM

[OOC: Joe, welcome back!]

Tratain comes out of the sage's quarters ( the room next to the library that is not the lab) having found a small iron chest.

Feng stalks off, followed by an invisible Arien, and then by a reluctant Tratain.

The three pass through the room where the ceiling caved in, and then to the room with the Mind Fog. Those who did not save before may affected again if you enter the chamber. Arien knows that the fog lasts about a half hour, so there are like 25 minutes left on the thing.

Back in the big chamber, there is the iron chest that Tratain dropped off. Monthor and Renik can only be annoyed. Draax feels that he should not leave his caged friends behind. Sarigar talks with the antpup, which seems to say that his dad is a bug, or a bug man. The pup loves playing!

Renik 
Tuesday March 21st, 2006 9:48:24 AM
Renik gazes after his vanishing companions with a mixture of disbelief and envy.

Turning his attention back to the here and now he gazes down at the box left by Tratain.

"Well, is someone going to open it?" he asks from the safety of his force cage.

Sarigar (AC24(25)) and Black Paws (AC21(22)) (CV158+56BE-61=151, Bless) 
Tuesday March 21st, 2006 11:16:24 AM
Sarigar looks up at Renik from his play with the pupant as if someone just nudged him. "Hmm?" As he looks around the room, he remembers where he is and spots the chest that Renik was speaking about. He points to it and looks up inquisitively at Renik. "This?"

When Renik confirms his question, Sarigar tries to open the box without a second thought.

Black Paws begins to hop and run around the room, either with the pupant chasing him or him chasing the pupant, whichever way the play takes them.

This obliviousness to their surroundings is having an obvious effect on Sarigar as he has difficulties focusing on even the simple task of opening he box.

Monthor...  d20+8=13
Tuesday March 21st, 2006 12:34:46 PM
" But... but... but.... ARIEN! DID YOU TRY OUT THE WANDS!!!! Me swear, if one of those could have gotten us out me gonna kick yor arse!!!"

:: Towhit, the dwarf gets slightly more frustrated and smashes his unsmashable prison again. :: (str check 13)

" SERGE!!!!!!!!"



Arien: HP 56 of 80 (56), AC 21, Greater Invisibility, Mage Armor, Blessed, Bear's Endurance  d20+13=33
Tuesday March 21st, 2006 10:08:50 PM
Arien continues to follow Feng outside of the tree, ready for any attacks that might come. (Nat 20 for will save vs. Mind Fog)

Tratain AC 26 HP 117/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing; SR 25] 
Tuesday March 21st, 2006 11:18:31 PM
Tratain follows along with Arien and Feng, keeping his eye out for the Sage and his minions.

Draax AC 22, HP 156 /156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless) 
Tuesday March 21st, 2006 11:42:55 PM
Draax watches the others go but decides to stay with his trapped comrades. He is caught off guard when Sarigar starts opening the chest; Draax yells as he jumps and ducks for cover. "What the bloody...!"

If Sarigar does not have the chest open by the time Draax catches his breath. He says, "Sarigar that is a wizard's chest; you should not just open it without someone checking it for magic first."

Feng AC 23 HP 82/ 117  d20+10=28
Wednesday March 22nd, 2006 9:47:21 AM
Taking the risk, Feng continues through the chamber of mind fog. This time he does his best to brace his mind against the magical enchantment. The risk is great but the Sage cannot be allowed to escape.

ooc: will save 28

Splitting up (DM Cayzle) 
Wednesday March 22nd, 2006 11:45:39 PM

Draax's warning is too late! But no disaster befalls, this time.

Sarigar opens the iron box and finds a hoop of metal inside. Funny -- the inside of the hoop is like a hole that goes somewhere ... and it looks familiar ...

Arien, Feng, and Tratain explore the complex. It seems deserted. There are no more ants (other than the one that brought the message, which follows about 40 feet behind). You see chambers you had not yet entered ... store rooms, ant nurseries, other ant chambers ... but no ants.

Above ground is the big tree, and no creature is stirring.

Monthor  d20+8=18
Thursday March 23rd, 2006 8:10:21 AM
Str role 18

" SERGE!!!!!!! "

Monthor bashes the walls again.

ooc> Yes, I know. Doesn't matter what I role, but it's something to do.



Sarigar (AC24) and Black Paws (AC21) (CV158+56BE-61=151, Bless)  d20+1=18
Thursday March 23rd, 2006 10:38:17 AM
With Draax's warning coming just as the box opens, Sarigar drops the box like a scolded child. The lid flips open, allowing the ring to roll out and wobble to the floor like a large coin. With a look that can only be described as "OoooOOOooo, what does this do?", Sarigar snatches up the ring and examines it from various angles.

As he comes to one that allows him to see into it like a hole, he spies something familiar. "Hmmm." he says, as he looks more closely into the "hole" (Int 18 for some recollection).

Provided the scene he sees inside the hole doesn't look obviously dangerous, he'll reach inside up to his elbow. He looks around to the other side of the ring and sees that his hand doesn't come out the other side. "ACK! My arm!" he expounds as he leaps back from the ring, allowing it to skitter to the floor. He reaches for his arm, finding it still intact, he examines each of his fingers carefully to be sure all is in working order.

As Black Paws and the pupant dash about the room playfully, Black Paws stops dead in his tracks the instant Sarigar finds his arm is "missing". He dips his head down and begins licking at front paw, almost as if to confirm that his own leg is still there.

The pupant holds up, turns back to Black paws and tilts his head inquisitively at the massive wolf. It's obvious that he's wondering why his playmate has suddenly stopped playing.

Renik 
Thursday March 23rd, 2006 6:18:23 PM
"Draax, perhaps you should take that from Sarigar, before he does himself a mischief. Can you see anything through it? I wonder if the sage could be on the other side."

He peers down the corridor, frustrated at their headstong departure almist as much as he is with his own imprisonment.

"Hang in there Monthor. We'll be out of here soon enough, worry not."

Feng AC 23 HP 82/ 117 d20 
Thursday March 23rd, 2006 11:36:53 PM
Disappointed and yet relieved Feng heads back down to his captured comrades. "The Sage is not here. Where he fled to I know not. Though I wish I did." Feng says angrily.

Tratain AC 26 HP 117/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing; SR 25; Haste] 
Thursday March 23rd, 2006 11:39:29 PM
Tratain follows the others back into the room. he says "If the sage is still here he's probably in that tree, I don't think theres a way into it without flying."

Draax 
Thursday March 23rd, 2006 11:45:20 PM
Draax carefully picks up the ring and brings it over to Renik's cage and while holding at an angle for them both to see, he looks inside.

Arien: HP 56 of 80 (56), AC 25, Greater Invisibility, Mage Armor, Blessed, Bear's Endurance, Shield 
Friday March 24th, 2006 12:19:32 AM
Arien also returns to the room and continues his examination of the Sage's labaratory, seeing if he could find anything that might give a clue to the Sage's current location.

The long wait? (DM Cayzle) 
Friday March 24th, 2006 6:19:07 AM
It soon is clear that the other "end" or "side" of the hoop hole is the identical hoop that you left in the Mind Fog, through which the small fellow escaped not too long ago. It is an easy job to go fetch it.

If only Renik or Monthor had picked it up, instead of leaving it behind! Then perhaps escape would have been in reach.

Feng returns with mixed emotions. Tratain voices the idea that the Sage is in the tree. Arien looks around for more information. The blade barrier still keeps him from the door to the north, although it will go away in a little while.

The laboratory is set up for the purposes of making things, but, oddly, it would seem that its use is as much to make creatures as to make items. Arien is struck by the potential, but the art of creating magical vermin is of course beyond him. He does find notes on making invisible regenerating bees who can cast True Strike at will.

Alas, Renik and Monthor remain stuck.

So far only a few minutes have gone by. But it seems that the party may be in for a long wait. Or will there be an attack at any moment? The lone remaining ant seems content to wait in a corner. How about you all? Content to wait? For how long? What will you do while you wait?

Monthor 
Saturday March 25th, 2006 3:10:40 PM
Well, doesn't appear that the dwarf has much of a choice other then to wait for as long as he is stuck in the cage. So, he does.

Renik 
Sunday March 26th, 2006 7:37:08 AM
"I don't like the fact that the sage is watching us." says the rogue. He addresses the ant. "Sage, have your creature depart, or we will slay it."

Tratain AC 27 HP 117/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing; SR 25;] 
Sunday March 26th, 2006 9:52:02 PM
Tratain calls the others over to him and cancels the Blade barrier spell so that they can go look through the door to the North that it was blocking.

Draax AC 22, HP 156 /156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless) 
Monday March 27th, 2006 3:56:42 AM
Draax puts down the hoop he is holding and then goes to retrieve the other end.

Hearing Renik statement to the ant, Draax raises his hand to get his attention, "Before we dismiss the ant lets make sure Sage gets the message."

Draax goes need the ant. "OK, tag you're it. You heard our response to your proposal. We are not leaving without the elves and if we cannot get the elves we will tear this place apart and kill every creature of your we come upon. If you have not noticed the elves are a liability to use. With them alive, our first duty is to get them back to safety, if they are dead or we believe they are dead then we get to take our time tearing this place apart and hunting you until we find you. The choice is your, I advise you to make up your mind soon. Like my friend said, you should remove your ant if you do not want us to show our commitment on it."

Feng AC 23 HP 82/ 117 d20 
Monday March 27th, 2006 10:12:30 AM
Feng takes a deep breath and says nothing. He's torn about what should be done. If they leave then lives will be saved. But how many more could be put in danger if the Sage is allowed to continue his ways. If they stay and deal with the Sage, lives will be lost. Did he have that right to make such a decision?

Sarigar (AC24) and Black Paws (AC21) (CV158+56BE-61=151, Bless)  d20+1=20 d20+19=36
Monday March 27th, 2006 10:53:45 AM
Once he's sure his leg is intact, Black Paws returns to chasing the pupant around the room, who, using his size to his advantage bolts between various Hamletter's legs. More than once, Feng, Tratain, Draax (before he leaves for the ring) all find themselves nose to nose with Black Paws as he just barely stops before barreling them over in his pursuit. Each one is also give a kind of "sorry" as he give them a big slobbery lick.

Sarigar, sure that his arm is ok now, joins his brother in pursuit of the pupant until Tratain calls everyone over. He helps search the room, but with his eyes and his nose (Search 20, Survival: Scent 36). Every so often, he lets out a giggle or raspy laugh for no apparent reason.

The Ant, the Door, the Rings, and More (DM Cayzle) 
Tuesday March 28th, 2006 7:51:54 AM
[OOC: Apologies, fellows. Babysitting and other stuff makes this post late and short.]

Draax now has both ends of the ring-gate-item.

The Ant scurries into the library and comes back with ink, pn, and paper. It places these on the floor near Draax.

The pupant is having a great time with Sarigar and Black Paws.

The Blade Barrier goes down, allowing access to the door behind it. The door is locked, like the others, and will take some pushing to force open.

Monthor 
Tuesday March 28th, 2006 9:08:48 PM
Hey! If Arien teleported inside of the cube with one of those ring thingies we could then use it to get out! Right?

Tratain AC 27 HP 117/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; True Seeing; SR 25]  d20+3=5
Tuesday March 28th, 2006 10:48:17 PM
Tratain attempts to Help Force the Door open with the others, but is unable to help make much progress. After a few Tries if the door is still not opened Tratain will attempt to break the door open with his Warhammer.

Draax AC 22, HP 156 /156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless) 
Wednesday March 29th, 2006 2:15:24 AM
Draax unconsciously bends down to pet the pupant every now and then when it gets near him.

Seeing the ant drop the writing tools in front of him Draax looks closely at the ant, "Wow, you are a smart one." Picking up the tools Draax moves to a flat surface to begin writing. "Maybe the sage cannot hear us and needs us to put our demands in writing."

He unconsciously sticks his tongue out of the side of his mouth as he starts thinking. When he finishes writing he reads what he has written out loud for the others approval before giving it to the ant.

"Dear Sahnhan,

It is with regret that we will have to turn down your generous offer. The only vow that we are willing to make is to leave here with the elf alive or destroy everything of yours that we come in contact with and hunt you from one end of the wold to the next.

Our primary mission for coming to your vacation resort was to find and rescue the elves that you held captive. Fighting and killing their evil kidnapper was to be a bonus if we were lucky. Unfortunately you got away before we were able to kill you and the stupid elves ran right back to you. Which brings us back to square one.

Now Sage, we are reasonable men, elves, orcs, dwarves, and wolves; but we trusted you once and you played with our minds and brought a mountain down on us. Fool us once shame on you, fool us twice shame on us. I am sure you get the jest of where I am going with this and to make a long story short. Return the elves and we will see the elves to safety. We may or may not pursue you in the future for trying to kill us. Do not return the elves and we will destroy this place and everything we come across until we find you; then we will do everything in our power to destroy you. The choice is your; have eight very angry and vengeful adventurers that have already proven how destructive we can be do everything is their power to destroy you or set the elf free and live to see any day.

Sincerely,

Not-your-friend"

Draax waits to adds or cross out anything that the group wants before folding the paper and giving it to the ant.


The Closet and the Note (DM Cayzle) 
Wednesday March 29th, 2006 7:20:13 AM

The door is forced, and it opens onto a small closet, 10 ft by 10 ft. There are shelves to the left and right, bare wall ahead. On the shelves are supplies and stores, all kinds of things that one would need to live here in comfort. Table linens, candlesticks, china, towels, blankets, pots, etc.

There is also some adventuring gear and treasure: six masterwork daggers, 100 feet silk rope, warm weather gear, cold wweather gear, a masterwork staff, and three small coffers each holding gold and gems -- total 10,000 cash.

The ant takes the message and dashes off. The pupant chases after, thinking it a race. Do you call the pup back?

Yes, teleporting should work to get in and out of the forcecages, but you would need several.

Sarigar (AC24) and Black Paws (AC21) (CV158+56BE-61=151, Bless) 
Wednesday March 29th, 2006 11:02:35 AM
Seeing their playmate run off after the ant, the brothers take off after it and playfully tackle it. Between them, the barks and growls and yips sound scolding but playful...Highlight to display spoiler: {"Where ya going little un? We're not done playing yet, are we? He's gonna go see a bad guy."}

The last few yips sees the brothers faces contort into a scowl. It's obvious they finally remember why they were here in the first place. Anger and frustration flush over them, but they try to remain at least a little cheerful for the pupant.

Renik 
Wednesday March 29th, 2006 11:03:22 AM
Renik decides to take his rest where he can get it, and grabs 40 winks.

(OOC:Wish I could do the same! Apologies for the missed post, RL is CRAZY at the mo! Wife in bed sick since Saturday, hospital runs, childcare, AND a fulltime job! Sleep's for losers!)

Monthor 
Wednesday March 29th, 2006 10:01:12 PM
Monthor sits tight and waits as well. Nothing much else to do.


Draax AC 22, HP 156 /156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless) 
Thursday March 30th, 2006 1:04:50 AM
Draax watches the ant leave and turns his attention to the pup. He turns his attention to Sarigar when he hears the barks directed at the pup and waits to see if the pup returns. If the pup does not return Draax will run after it.
To the others he says, "The ant is on its way back to the sage."

To Sarigar Draax asks, "Do you think you and/or your brother could track that ant if we need to?"

If the pup stayed or someone was able to get it to come back Draax ask Sarigar another question. "Has the pup had anything to eat yet?"

He looks near where the pup's cage was to see if there is any food in the area for the pup. If no food is located Draax will see if the pup will eat rations.



Arien: HP 56 of 80 (56), AC 21, Mage Armor, Blessed, Bear's Endurance 
Thursday March 30th, 2006 1:54:01 AM
Arien continues to browse the former occupant's library, setting aside any tomes that do not deal with the creation of insect creatures. Those he means to destroy along with the rest of the Sage's work regardless of what happens next. The sage would at least be dealt a grievous blow to his schemes and would likely not recover before he was found again.

The hours fly by (DM Cayzle) 
Thursday March 30th, 2006 6:45:41 AM
The Pupant is easily distracted and eats anything remotely edible that you feed it.

Sarigar could track the ant, with a -5 penalty to the usual rolls because there are so many ant trails in this place.

Arien analyzes the sage's library. If you make a Knowledge (Arcana) check vs DC 15, then Highlight to display spoiler: {You realize that many books you would expect to see in such a library are not present. Either the sage has a shockingly incomplete library, or he has more books somewhere else.}

In the interest of moving along, my friends, please post your actions for the next eight hours or so. If we need more posts to cover that span, no prob; if not, let's get moving.

Renik 
Thursday March 30th, 2006 7:11:49 AM
Renik sleeps for much of the time in his cell. When he awakes he excercises, then spends a good hour or so gatting his har just right. A quick goatte trim and he's ready to face the Wold again.

Monthor (HP 91, AC 22 (23.dodge, 27 vs AoO), Bear's Endurance, Bless 
Thursday March 30th, 2006 8:06:09 AM
Monthor bangs around the cage a bit before settling in for the wait.

" Girls, one teleport spell would be all that is needed to get one of us out. Get Renik out if the party wants help with the searches. Get me out if youz wants help in case there is a battle. Arien can teleport in one of the cages, use the loops to get out of the cage, recover the loop when the cage is dispelled. Simple, and youz just added a major tactical advantage to the party by freeing one of us. "

Feng AC 23 HP 82/ 117 d20 
Thursday March 30th, 2006 10:29:49 AM
Feng takes up a short patrol of the area while those that are stuck in force cages cannot get out. He's quiet, lost in thought and not really paying that much attention to anything.

Sarigar (AC24) and Black Paws (AC21) (CV158+56BE-61=151, Bless) 
Thursday March 30th, 2006 10:37:13 AM
When Arien asks if they can track the ant if need be, the brothers both put their noses down to the ground where the ant had been standing. Sniffing around a bit and examining the small divots left by its "feet", Sarigar looks up..."You betcha. He smells a lot like the rest, but it's different an' his foot's got a little extra thingie stickin' out of it."

As he's asked if the pupant's eaten, he looks down at the little one and speaks to it once again...Highlight to display spoiler: {"Hunrgy little un?} The pupant begins to jump around and climb on anyone that has any food smells on them at all. "Looks like he's hungry. Sarigar reaches into his pack and pulls out a piece of meat (most likely from the last time the party stopped and he hunted) and holds it under the nose of the pupant who eagerly eats it.

Over the next 8 or so hours, the brothers and the pupant play and nap and play and nap. Every so often, Sarigar will jump up on Monthor's forcecage to playfully tease the pupant and seems to make at least a little effort to try to break him out by jumping up and down on it. Luckily Monthor's and Renik's spirits seem to be so high or the brothers would likely be hurting themselves trying to release their caged friends.

ooc: I can't believe that I haven't played up the fact that packmates are caged. The brothers hate anyone/anything to be caged.

Draax AC 22, HP 156 /156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless) 
Thursday March 30th, 2006 12:31:55 PM
Draax catches the two hours of sleep that his ring requires of him and then guards the entrance/exit to the area. Whenever the pupant comes near him, he will feed it small portions of his rations.

The Sage Pops Back In


Time Passes, and POP! (DM Cayzle) 
Friday March 31st, 2006 6:55:04 AM

If Sarigar follows the ant's trail, he finds that Highlight to display spoiler: {the trail leads to the big tree and then up it.}

Hours go by. Renik and Draax sleep. Feng stands watch. Monthor ponders, and wishes the group had a teleport left. But wait! Arien DOES have a Teleport prepped and uncast. Is he saving it for a future escape? Would he consider Teleporting into a prison cell made of force? If he did, even bringing one of the hoops with him, those hoops are really really tight -- in fact, there is no way a dwarf or a human could fit through the 18-inch diameter rings. A small character, like a halfling, could squeeze through with a DC13 Escape Artist check. And Arien has no Reduce or Polymorph spells prepped. Hmmm.

After a little more than 8 hours, the group hears a slight but clear popping sound, a sound with which it is familiar ... the sound of a teleport! The sound comes from the closet, the 10 ft by 10 ft room you opened before. But no one has a line of sight to see inside it.

The pupant immediately races over, barking! Sarigar understands it to be saying: Highlight to display spoiler: {Papa! Papa! Papa!}

Feng AC 23 HP 82/ 117 
Friday March 31st, 2006 10:04:40 AM
Feng cautiously approaches the door, stopping a good twenty feet from it, and looks to the others.

"What now?"

Sarigar (AC24) and Black Paws (AC21) (CV158+56BE-61=151, Bless) 
Friday March 31st, 2006 1:01:19 PM
After following the ant's trail for a bit, Sarigar returns..."The bug climbed the tree. I'm good at climbin', but I'm not that good."

Hearing the pop and the pupant's reaction, the brothers fly off to the "closet" (full or double move to get there, whichever is needed), prepared to rip into whatever they find.

Draax AC 22, HP 156 /156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless) 
Saturday April 1st, 2006 3:29:34 AM
Draax readies his bow as he turns his attention to the room, "I guess we will find out what sage answer is."

Renik 
Sunday April 2nd, 2006 12:53:34 PM
The imprisoned rogue sits in his cell and seeths. He has never felt so helpless. It occurs to him that the sage has spent the last 8 hours relearning all his spells, and his now ready to hit them again, fresh as he was before. This could be very bad.

They either need to hit the sage with overwhelming force, or back off quickly.

Monthor(HP 91, AC 22 (23.dodge, 27 vs AoO), Bear's Endurance, Bless 
Sunday April 2nd, 2006 3:24:40 PM
The dwarf sits back with a snack from his rations and waits for the show to start.

The Empty Closet (DM Cayzle) 
Monday April 3rd, 2006 4:40:11 AM

You take a good look at the closet, but it is empty. Just as you saw it before, with shelves right and left. But the pupant, Black Paws, and Sarigar can all tell that the sage was here just a moment ago. Feng can confirm a very faint trace of evil -- the sage's trace. But he is not there now, and you did not see him leave the closet.

Renik knows enough of magic to figure out this much: The sage has had just enough time to rest, but would need another hour to re-prepare all his spells. Or a half hour to re-prep half of them. With even a few of his most potent spells readied again, the sage would pose a great danger. Another Mind Fog? More of the party in force cages? Giant bugs to fight? You can imagine a range of scenarios -- none especially reassuring.

Monthor 
Monday April 3rd, 2006 9:11:06 AM
The dwarf eats more snacks.
{ Hummmm.... orc knuckles.... tasty. }

Tratain  d20=6
Monday April 3rd, 2006 4:56:07 PM
Tratain Unsure as to wether or not the sage was arriving in or leaving the closet casts Invisibility Purge and procedes to walk around the room, and searches the closet for anything they might have missed before. (Search 6)

If the sage should be uncovered he will immedietly cast Power Word Blind on him.

Renik 
Monday April 3rd, 2006 5:37:50 PM
Renik wonders how much longer the cage can last. They are vulnerable here, and grow more so the longer they remain.

"Arien, Tratain, have your own spells returned yet?" he asks.

Feng AC 23 HP 82/ 117 
Monday April 3rd, 2006 6:31:04 PM
"This is why I don't like messing with wizards." Feng muttered as he stood there before the door.

Draax AC 22, HP 156 /156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless) 
Tuesday April 4th, 2006 12:16:47 AM
By the sage's reaction Draax guesses what his answer is. Draax goes over the closet and rips it away from the wall to ensure there is nothing behind it and then he will hack it apart with his sword. He will also tear apart any other closets, cabinets, desks, tables, and anything else that looks breakable.

The Empty Closet, Part 2 (DM Cayzle) 
Tuesday April 4th, 2006 7:05:18 AM
A note on time of day ... You woke up this morning, walked through light forest, hid from ants, found the sage's valley, and at that point it was maybe 11 am. Add another eight hours onto that, and it is now about 7 pm. So Tratain's spells won't be back for some time. Arien spent the last eight hours combing the sage's library and destroying whtever seemed relevant to the sage's researches.

The "closet" is a ten foot by ten foot room! It has stone walls! As you walk in, there are shelves left and right, and bare stone ahead.

Tratain suspects invisibility and other secrets. Well, nothing is invisible, and Tratain finds no secret doors, although with that roll he'd be lucky to find a normal door!

Draax rips the closet apart, hoping in that way to reveal some secret. But the secret -- at least, the secret of who teleported in and where they went -- remains unknown.

The pupant barks at the far wall (the one with no shelves). To Sarigar, the pupant is saying "papa! papa!"

The elf heads into the Sage's bedroom and hides under the bed! "Good Luck!" he calls. "Don't forget me if you leave!"

Monthor and Renik can only dream of leaving.

Sarigar (AC24) and Black Paws (AC21) (CV158+56BE-61=151, Bless)  d20+1=20 d20-4=14 d20+18=35 d20+22=27
Tuesday April 4th, 2006 10:24:51 AM
Seeing the pupant's reaction to the back wall, even Sarigar's "dimness" can note that something it likely to be back there. He and Black Paws search and sniff around the wall, looking for a way past it (Search 20/14, Survival: Scent 35/27).

Renik 
Tuesday April 4th, 2006 4:33:56 PM
With every passing minute the rogue feels more and more trapped, and more and more anxious. For all their words of bravado it is they who are at the mercy of the Sage, not the other way around. He will soon have his spells back, whilst they have next to none. Two of the party are already out of action. And they have no idea where the sage is. He knows exactly where they are. He could be scrying on them as they speak. If the sage chooses to strike he will be fully prepared. They will be caught with no protective spells in place.

But short of getting the others to leave him and Monthor behind, he is not sure what to suggest. He simply paces his cage, growing increasingly agitated.

Monthor 
Tuesday April 4th, 2006 10:11:17 PM
" Hummmm... roasted kobolt legs.... delish... "

Monthor keeps snacking and observing.

Tratain 
Wednesday April 5th, 2006 12:20:18 AM
Tratain waits to see if anyone else has any luck finding anything in the closet, if anything should be discovered he will cast Endurence on him self and go with the others to check it out.

Draax AC 22, HP 156 /156 (Bear's Endurance, Bless) 
Wednesday April 5th, 2006 12:30:54 AM
After taking some of his frustration out on the furniture, Draax looks around at the group's predicament and wonders just how long those cages are going to last. He knows until the cages disappear or the sage shows himself, they can do nothing but wait. Since he is feeling rested and refreshed, he can believe that the sage is in the same condition.

Draax gives the elf a hard look as the coward goes under the bed. Secretly, he hopes that the group forgets about the elf and leaves him to his fate. There is something about cowards that expect others to fight their battles for them that gets on his bad side.


Arien: HP 56 of 56 AC 21, Mage Armor  d20+12=31
Wednesday April 5th, 2006 12:46:41 AM
Arien looks up from the books when the noise happens and puts down the book that he was looking through. Arien stows any magical items that they were keeping in his pack then walks over to join Draax. "It has only been 8 hours, he would need time to rememorize his spells, which I doubt he has had time to do, just as I have not had time."

Then utilizing his inborn Elven abilities Arien enters the closet and walks about trying to notice any secret doors that might not have been revealed. (If I'm within 5 feet of a secret door I get a search of 31 to find it.)

Through Sheer Stone (DM Cayzle) 
Wednesday April 5th, 2006 7:26:47 AM
The searchers are sure that there is no secret door. But the smell and signs on the floor are clear: Not only did the sage walk into the stone wall, but there are signs that he has done so on more than one occaision!

He has passed through sheer stone? But why? What could be on the other side of that mass of rock?

Arien knows that enough time has passed to rest, but not enough to prepare spells. Besides, the sage can't prep spells without his spell book, and that is in the library -- possibly destroyed by Arien?

But it might occur to the Hamleteers that a mage might keep two sets of books ... and that the back-up set might be kept in a very safe place ... maybe behind tons of solid rock?

Feng AC 23 HP 82/ 117 
Wednesday April 5th, 2006 10:14:56 AM
Feng sighs. "We always seem to find ourselves in these situations. We cannot leave and staying just increases the danger. No doubtedly the Sage will choose spells that best suit the current situation. Its too bad we can't eliminate the magic in the area."

Sarigar (AC24) and Black Paws (AC21) (CV158+56BE-61=151, Bless) 
Wednesday April 5th, 2006 10:36:04 AM
"Hmmmm, he's been in there a lot..." excalims Sarigar as he points at the stone wall."Maybe it's kinda like the tree lady's tree. She used to go into it like this."

Sarigar takes a step back from the wall, closes his eyes and gives a little sigh. Looking surprisingly relaxed, with his eyes still closed, he walks straight at the wall without hesitation...

Renik 
Wednesday April 5th, 2006 2:44:06 PM
Bong bong bong

goes Renik's head as he bounces it against the wall of his force cage.

Monthor 
Wednesday April 5th, 2006 2:55:26 PM
Monthor finishes his snack and lets out a loud burp. Since he's in a small inclosed space, the smell remains. Oddly enough, Monthor doesn't seem to care to much about it.



Draax 
Thursday April 6th, 2006 12:36:24 AM
Not being able to think of anything else to do, Draax remains on guard, hoping that the cages disappears soon.

Stymied by Stone (DM Cayzle) 
Thursday April 6th, 2006 4:20:04 PM
Sarigar's attempt to walk through the wall fails with a bump.

The Forcecages last for 2 hours per level. So far just over 8 hours have gone by.

Any actions? If not, go ahead with another hour of waiting.

Renik 
Thursday April 6th, 2006 4:26:28 PM
Bong bong bong

Monthor 
Thursday April 6th, 2006 5:40:35 PM
:: Monthor smells his arm pits and thinks to himself... ::

{ Smells better the Feng does. }

Feng AC 23 HP 82/ 117 
Thursday April 6th, 2006 7:12:41 PM
Feng will keep watch and rest when possible.

Draax 
Thursday April 6th, 2006 10:16:00 PM
Draax continues to wait.

Tratain  d20=20 d20+17=34
Thursday April 6th, 2006 10:17:53 PM
Tratain goes back to the closet where they are sure the sage has passed through the wall. First he again attmepts to find a secret door or latch or lever to open the way. (Nat 20 Search)

If that does not Work he attempts to walk through the wall like Sarigar did trying to disbelieve it if it is an illusion (Will Save 34).

If He can find no secret door, and the wall is indeed solid, he goes through his pack for a moment and pulls out the scroll case given to the Party by Queen Maab. He takes out the scroll and will cast Open Portal to see if there is some magical doorway there that it will open.

If all of the above Fail Tratain will take out his warhammer and Hit the wall and see if he can break through it.

Arien: HP 56 of 56, AC 21, Mage Armor 
Thursday April 6th, 2006 10:26:36 PM
Since nothing seems apparent with the closet Arien returns to his study and demolition of the Sage's workshop. He destroys any spellbooks that he finds along with anything that relates to the insect research the Sage was conducting.

Sarigar (AC24) and Black Paws (AC21) (CV158-61=97, Bless)  d20+1=19 d20-4=8 d20+18=31 d20+22=33
Friday April 7th, 2006 11:25:58 AM
"Oww! Sarigar steps back from the wall rubbing his nose. "Ok, not like the tree lady." Black Paws lets out a little yip that almost has to be a snicker. "Thanks for the help, brother."

For the next several minutes, the brothers continue to poke and sniff around the room looking for a way to the pupant "papa" (Search 19/8, Survival: Scent 31/33).

Should they not find anything, Sarigar looks to the pupant and asks "How do we get to your papa?"

Behind Stone (DM Cayzle) 
Saturday April 8th, 2006 3:07:22 PM
While Draax, Feng, and, perforce, Monthor and Renik watch, Tratain tackles the wall into which the sage seems to have walked.

Tratain fails to find anything, and the scroll does nothing either. It really is solid rock. So Tratain starts to beat on the wall. It has 500 hp and hardness 8, so roll damage and see how you do! Let me know how long you want to pound.

Sarigar, talking with the pupant, wants to know about "Papa." The pupant tells him that Papa will come out the same way he came in. It sits down to rest, looking at the wall expectantly. But after a while its attention wanders.

Arien causes havoc in the study.

Tratain  d8+8=9 d8+8=14 d8+8=12 d8+8=13 d8+8=9 d8+8=13 d8+8=12 d8+8=14 d8+8=16 d8+8=12 d8+8=9 d8+8=12 d8+8=16 d8+8=11 d8+8=10 d8+8=13 d8+8=13 d8+8=13 d8+8=15 d8+8=16 d8+8=14 d8+8=16 d8+8=14 d8+8=9 d8+8=13 d8+8=13 d8+8=14
Saturday April 8th, 2006 4:09:03 PM
Tratain sets off beating on the wall for a few minutes. He casts Divine Favor on himself for the first minute, but continues on after it wears off, trying to break a hole through the wall.

(Tratains Hammer is Adamantite so Ignores Hardness less than 20, For the Duration of the Divine Favor Tratain does 345 Damage (9 Rounds) I can roll more if needed, Tratain will continue to beat on the wall unless it becomes apparent that he can't get through it.)

Renik 
Saturday April 8th, 2006 7:21:33 PM
Renik tucks into some provsions. Idly picking his teeth afterwards, the relaxed rogue marvels at just how tiring it can be listening to other people sweat and toil.

Draax 
Sunday April 9th, 2006 12:07:10 PM
Watching Tratain knocking down the wall, Draax goes over and starts clearing the rumble out of Tratain way.

Monthor 
Sunday April 9th, 2006 8:48:23 PM
The dwarf trims his finger nails with his axe.


Sarigar (AC24) and Black Paws (AC21) (CV158-61=97, Bless) 
Monday April 10th, 2006 10:52:49 AM
The brothers sit with the pupant as they watch (with a modicum of amusement) as Tratain beats on the wall. They've never seen anyone dig at rock with such determination. Sure, they've both dug at spots for quite some time, but that's when they had a scent of something tasty buried beneath them, but never through rock.

As the pupant begins to lose interest and wander around a bit, the brothers keep an eye on him. Occasionally, the brothers will try to teach him the rudiments of various tricks, with Black Paws demonstrating as an example.

Feng 
Tuesday April 11th, 2006 10:00:53 AM
The half-orc stands in back watching as Tratain decides to obliterate the wall. He wouldn't think such a thing was possible but right now they have little options left.


Making a Door (DM Cayzle) 
Tuesday April 11th, 2006 12:31:18 PM
[Apologies for irregular posting, friends. Sick Baby, Thrown out Back, Real Life!]

Tratain, invoking the spirit of legendary "Steel-Drivin' Men," gets to work making a way through. After a minute (the duration of the spell), he has battered his way about five feet through.

It is clear from the sounds of the ringing admantine hammer that there is a hollow space behind the wall, and that eventually Tratain will batter through. Those same ringing blows will no doubt have alerted people, if any, on the other side.

As Tratain goes deeper, Draax's help is vital in clearing the rubble. Frankly, there's room for another helper or two.

In the meantime, what will happen when he breaks through? What preparations, if any, will the group have made?

[OOC: I strongly suggest that people review their spell lists of spells left uncast, current hit points, other resources.]

Monthor(HP 91, AC 22 (23.dodge, 27 vs AoO), Bear's Endurance, Bless 
Tuesday April 11th, 2006 1:18:55 PM
" GO TEAM, GO! Go TEAM, GO! HAMMER IT! HAMMER IT! GO TEAM, GO!"



Tratain AC 27 HP 117/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; Invisibility Purge] 
Tuesday April 11th, 2006 2:24:17 PM
Tratain Casts Bears Endurence on Himself and then goes back to Hammering on the wall. When the wall is about to Crumble he casts Divine Power On Himself and breaks through it, immedietly heading for the sage if he is in View.

Renik 
Wednesday April 12th, 2006 10:22:35 AM
Using his +1 Holy shortsword, Renik carries out an impromptu manicure.

"You know, fellows, you might want to think twice before rushing through that wall undermanned and unprotected" he observes from the safety of his cell.

Draax AC 25, HP 133 
Wednesday April 12th, 2006 10:28:45 AM
Draax continues to clear the rubble and give Tratain room to swing his hammer. When they break through, he will ready his sword and shield before assessing the situation. If there are any creatures between Tratain and the sage, Draax will try to draw their attention.

Sarigar (AC24) and Black Paws (AC21) (CV158-61=97, Bless) 
Wednesday April 12th, 2006 10:49:31 AM
The brothers, with their sensitive ears, move away from all the banging, but stay within the room. Despite all the noise, they will not leave the pack.

They will try to convince the pupant to move over with them, but they will not force him. They understand the desire to be with their parent(s), though they will have no problems killing said parent should it turn out to be the Sage.

Feng AC 23 HP 82/ 117 
Wednesday April 12th, 2006 4:47:32 PM
Feng takes a deep breath. The wizard knows they are coming and probably has that elemental ready and waiting. Or does he? The elemental could go through the wall and prevent them from finishing the task. Plus what other magical items does the Sage have planted in that room?


Arien 
Thursday April 13th, 2006 2:32:37 AM
Seeing what progress is made Arien approaches the cleric, "While I hate letting the sage get a chance to recuperate I think we should wait for these spells to end, and for us to rest and prepare as well. Two of our group are out of commision and you and I are likely running low on spells. I will memorize some spells to specifically counter the force cages since the Sage seems to like them and we can see what else we can do to make sure we finish the job this time."

Wait! (DM Cayzle) 
Thursday April 13th, 2006 8:11:36 AM
Just as Tratain has cast his Divine Power and is about to break through, Arien asks the group to pause.

It has been about eight and a half hours since the end of the fight. The sage may well be prepping spells right now. It will take at least another full day (24 hours) for the forcecages to go away. Will the Sage let you rejuvenate spells and resources over that period?

Here is the current Map. Please check your positions, reposition if desired, and cast a round of buffs or whatever ... unless Arien has convinced you all to pause. Tratain's hammer is poised to break through!

Choose wisely!

Tratain AC 27 HP 117/130 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; Invisibility Purge; Divine Power] 
Thursday April 13th, 2006 11:39:48 AM
Tratain says "We Can not wait, the Sage Shouldn't have had time to relearn any of his spells, and those force cages aren't going to go away anytime soon. IF we give him a chance to recover we'll all end up in them or dead."

Tratain finishes smashing through the wall and steps through, if any enemies are in view he casts Rightous Might on himself.

Feng AC 23 HP 82/ 117 
Thursday April 13th, 2006 1:56:39 PM
"I agree with Tratain. We have to take the risk. Look at it this way, your perfectly safe in those cages. He could be back any moment with new spells. We cannot delay."

Renik 
Thursday April 13th, 2006 2:47:52 PM
"It's your call" nods the rogue. "But just remember that sage was pretty much a match for all of us together. With two men down and many of your spells gone there is every risk he will overwhelm us."

That said, the rogue can think of no better plan. Short abandonning him and Monthor, which he knows his companions would never do, they are stuck. Perhaps attack is the best form of defense at this point.

Sarigar (AC24) and Black Paws (AC21) (CV158-61=97, Bless) 
Thursday April 13th, 2006 4:14:41 PM
ooc: Please have Sarigar and Black Paws in the room with Monthor and Renik, that way they can "keep an eye" on the whole pack. Somewhere around AV55 for Sarigar and within 10 feet of that for Black Paws

The brothers are get noticably antsy with all the talk of another encounter with the Sage. They look about the room as if trying to spot him as the talk makes them believe that he's already there.

Monthor 
Thursday April 13th, 2006 7:28:34 PM
ooc> I officially vote for the banning of the cage spell by non PC. Another 24 hours!!!! DARN!!

" GET HIM TRATAIN!!!! "

Arien 
Friday April 14th, 2006 2:42:18 AM
"Well I would prefer to wait as I suspect that might be something of an inner sanctum for the Sage but if you wish to continue I shall do my best to make sure everyone survives." That said Arien makes ready to do battle when the hole is finally opened up.

Draax AC 25, HP 133 
Friday April 14th, 2006 10:19:01 AM
Draax agrees with both sides of the argument, but he thinks it is worth the risk if they can catch the sage before he gets back to full strength.

Break on through to the Other Side (DM Cayzle)  d20+11=18 d20+11=26 d20+6=17 d8+6=13 d20+21=36 5d4(2+1+3+2+4)+5=17
Saturday April 15th, 2006 6:09:55 PM

Draax thinks about it but them urges Tratain to hammer on.

Arien is more reluctant but still onboard, come what may. Monthor agrees enthusiastically; Renik, less so.

Sarigar is full of nervous energy and is ready to fight.

With Feng's final push of support, Tratain hammers his way through! He sees, in fact, a giant insect, and wasting no time he takes a five foot step forward and casts Righteous Might.

Tratain is casting within reach of the defender, so I presume he'll want to cast defensively -- if so, please roll for it. Otherwise, I'll roll the AoO next time.

Tratain grows as a result of the spell, but he is squeezed betwen the monster -- a huge scorpion -- and the tunnel he just bashed. See below for the Squeezing Rules.

No one else has any readied actions, so the enemy takes a turn!

Important: Everyone please post your Grapple DC in your header with your AC. Your grapple DC is 10 + Str Modifier + Size Mod + BAB + Feats

The scorpion takes a full round of attacks on the squeezed Tratain. It hits AC 18 (a miss) AC 26 (a hit since Tratain is squeezed), and a miss with the tail stinger.

The claw that grabs Tratain inflicts 13 hp damage (reduced by damage reduction). And it tries to use its improved grapple. Its grapple check (at +21) is a 36. Tratain's grapple DC is (10 +5 Str +4 size +12 BAB = 31 -- not high enough to beat that grapple. Tratain is now grappled! (Silver lining -- you are no longer squeezed).

Off in the distance is a little hut made of branches and leaves. Inside it is the Sage -- reduced to 3 feet high. The Sage is taking cover in it, and firing spells. He hits Tratain with a Quickened magic missile for 17 hp damage. He casts another spell, but with the improved cover he gains from the leafy hut from which he peers out, it is impossible to say what he casts.

Actions?

And the Map!

==========

Squeezing

In some cases, you may have to squeeze into or through an area that isn't as wide as the space you take up. You can squeeze through or into a space that is at least half as wide as your normal space. Each move into or through a narrow space counts as if it were 2 squares, and while squeezed in a narrow space you take a -4 penalty on attack rolls and a -4 penalty to AC.

When a Large creature (which normally takes up four squares) squeezes into a space that's one square wide, the creature's miniature figure occupies two squares, centered on the line between the two squares. For a bigger creature, center the creature likewise in the area it squeezes into.

Tratain AC 30(26 When Squeezed) HP 113/156 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; Invisibility Purge; Divine Power; Rightous Might; Divine Favor; Grapple DC 47 ] 
Saturday April 15th, 2006 11:34:38 PM
Tratain Does indeed Cast his spell Defensively.

When the Scorpion Attempts to Grab Tratain he manages to fight it off. (With My Current Buffs Grapple check is 47 - 10+13(Bab)+ 10(30 Str) + 4(Size) + 10(Sacred from Protector Ability)

Tratain Swings at the Scorpion trying to clear a Path to the Sage.
1st Attack - Hits AC 36 for 20 Physical Damage 8 Holy
2nd Attack - Hits AC 35 for 22 Physical Damage 6 Holy
3rd Attack - Hits AC 19 for 26 Physical Damage 9 Holy.

Joe 
Saturday April 15th, 2006 11:40:57 PM
Bah, keep forgetting things, I'm not sure I understand the part about the scorpion attack. It says i take 13 reduced by damage reduction, Did you already take that out? Or should I reduce it, My DR is 10/Evil right now.

Monthor 
Sunday April 16th, 2006 9:47:13 AM
"ARIEN! Teleport yourself and Feng to the hut! Take out SERGE!!!"

Sarigar (AC24) and Black Paws (AC21) (CV158-61=97, Bless) 
Monday April 17th, 2006 1:01:27 PM
As the wall breaks down and the others announce that the Sage is now within sight, the brothers eagerly move up to find their way to him blocked. They both begin to growl and bark in frustration of being unable to get at the Sage.

================================================

Actions
Extending claws (no action)

Movement
Move to BB51 for Sarigar
Move to AY52-AZ53 for Black Paws

Draax AC 25, HP 133 (Grapple DC 33 =10 + 6 (Str Modifier) + 4S(ize Mod) + 13 (BAB))  d20+23=25 d8+12=13
Monday April 17th, 2006 4:13:59 PM
As he moves toward the scorpion, Draax yells trying to draw it attention away from Tratain. He swings at the beast with his thundersword (hits AC 25 for 13dmg).

Renik 
Monday April 17th, 2006 6:12:26 PM
Away from the action, Renik can do little more than hope the others are OK.



Feng AC 23, Grapple DC 28, HP 82/ 117  d20+3=20
Tuesday April 18th, 2006 6:32:50 PM
OOC: My Apologies all. I haven't had much time for the internet as of late.

Feng holds his axe tightly and looks at the minurature Sage in his magical hutt. They need to get to him and fast. Taking a deep breath Feng runs at the scorpion intending to jump his armored body onto the creature. It was risky with that stinger so close but he would have to trust in his armor and his divine protection to save himself from the venom.

ooc: Yes Feng is going to attempt to jump onto the scorpion so he can run over it and get to the sage. His jump check was 20.

The Fallen and the Caged (DM Cayzle)  d20+11=14 [AoO on Draax] 5d4(4+1+2+2+3)+5=17 [mm on Tratain]
Wednesday April 19th, 2006 7:03:23 AM
Tratain's immovable faith in Domi keeps him in place, resisting the giant vermin's grab attempt. With his impressive damage reduction, Tratain takes only three hit points of damage from the thing's claw.

Then it is Tratain's turn. He beats on the bug, inflicting 68 points of damage (it is not evil, so it does not also take the holy damage). That hurts the bug, but good!

Monthor calls out to the party mage, but Arien is lost in thought or maybe surprised into inaction.

Renik hopes for the best but really cannot tell what is going on.

Sarigar advances until he can see the huge scorpion, and Black Paws follows, squeezing past Monthor.

Draax moves up bravely, squeezing past Tratain. But doing so provokes an Attack of Opportunity from the scorpion -- but the clumsy bug snaps at thin air, missing cleanly.

Then Draax swings his sword, inflicting another 13 points of damage, totalling 81. That's enough to bring down the monster! And to the sage's dismay, the path inward is clear.

With the vermin dead, Feng is free to leap the corpse and move 55 feet (a double move) right next to the sage.

The sage is in a sort of cage of his own, woven of iron bars cunningly wrought to look like leaves and vines. The net effect is to give the sage improved cover. From inside the vine cage, the sage can cast freely but gains +8 AC and +4 on Reflex saves, as well as improved evasion. It also means he can cast spells without provoking AoOs.

The sage begins his turn looking deeply into Feng's eyes, just five feet away. His choice is clear. He puts Feng in a forcecage, just like Monthor and Renik. There is no save, so Feng finds himself trapped.

Then the wizard casts a quickened magic missile on Tratain, inflicting 17 damage to the protector.

And the Map!

Monthor  d20+5=11
Wednesday April 19th, 2006 7:44:40 AM
"SONOFAB#$#TCH!!!!!! ARIEN!!!! SNAP OUT OF IT!!! SERGE! WHY DON'T YOU COME AFTER ME SERGE!!!! COME ON YOU... YOU.... SMELLY ORC LOVER!!! "

(intimidate 11)

Tratain AC 29(27 charging) HP 119/156 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; Invisibility Purge; Divine Power; Rightous Might; Divine Favor; Grapple DC 47 ]  d20+30=45 d20+30=32 2d6(4+4)+15=23 2d6(5+5)=10
Wednesday April 19th, 2006 8:26:47 AM
Tratain Charges Foreward to Squares BA BB 38 and Using his size to his advantage swings at the Sage, or if He can not be hit at the Cage he is in.

Hit AC 45 for 23 Physical Damage 10 Holy

Feng AC 23, Grapple DC 28, HP 82/ 117 
Wednesday April 19th, 2006 10:11:05 AM
"That was a tactical mistake Sage. This impervious magical cage of yours prevents you from affecting my allies with damaging spells if they stand behind me. You have trapped yourself as well."

ooc: as far as I know magic missles don't go around objects. So wouldn't those magic missiles cast by the Sage slam into the force cage immediately after they are cast?

Sarigar (AC24) and Black Paws (AC21) (CV158-61=97, Bless) 
Wednesday April 19th, 2006 10:52:03 AM
With the massive scorpion out of the way, the brothers finally have a path open to the Sage and take full advantage of it. They both rush in as far as possible, chomping at the bit for a taste of gnome.

================================================
Actions
None

Movement
Sarigar moves as close to BB37 as possible
Black Paws moves up right behind his brother

Arien (subbed by Carl) 
Wednesday April 19th, 2006 3:16:01 PM
Arien is running low on offensive spells, and their three heaviest hitters are trapped in force cages. Still, he can try to prevent the sage from getting off quite so many spells at them. He moves forward and casts Slow, hoping that Tratain and the brothers can take the sage down.

Spells Memorized
0 Level: Detect Magic x2**, Light, Read Magic x2
1st Level: Burning Hands*, Magic Missile x5, Protection from Evil
2nd Level: Rope Trick, Scorching Ray x4****, Extended Shield, Extended Mage Armor*
3rd Level: Displacement, Dispel Magic*, Fly, Haste*, Lightning Bolt*, Slow*
4th Level: Dimension Door x2**, Ice Storm, Invisibility: Greater x2*, Solid Fog
5th Level: Cone of Cold, Teleport, Wall of Force x2*
6th Level: Analyze Dweomer*, Chain Lightning*, Disintegrate*, Veil*
7th Level: Delayed Blast Fireball*, Prismatic Spray x2*

Renik 
Wednesday April 19th, 2006 3:17:46 PM
The rogue can barely contain his frustration as he paces back and forth in his forcecage prison, powerless to intervene.

Clarification -- Cayzle 
Wednesday April 19th, 2006 5:08:58 PM
Excellent Point! The forcecage surrounding Feng prevents the sage from casting magic missile when line of effect is blocked. Last round, the sage cast the quickened magic missile and THEN cast the forcecage.

Draax AC 25, HP 133 
Thursday April 20th, 2006 4:31:40 AM
Draax gets ready to run up with the rest of the group, but he stops and heads toward Arien. He gives Arien one of the sage's dimension rings. "If for some reason he has enough of those cages to catch you, at least you will be able to cast through the rings."

He gets ready to moves deciding to give the other ring to Tratain.


Dance! (DM Cayzle)  d20=12 (save for sage)
Thursday April 20th, 2006 3:43:17 PM
Tratain moves up to within ten feet of the cage, and reaching around the magical barrier that keeps Feng imprisoned, strikes at the Sage through the barrier that protects him. Tratain's attack hitting AC45 is certainly effective, though, and the sage takes 33 damage with an OOF!

Feng, Renik, and Monthor are trapped.

Sarigar and Black Paws move up.

Arien moves up and casts a slow spell on the sage, but the verminologer shrugs it off. It seems he has some protection from spells in place that greatly increases his chance to resist magic.

Draax moves up and gets ready to hand the magic gate rings to friends. But he notices that when he enters this room, the rings cease to function. Something in this room is dampening dimensional effects!

The sage casts a spell, knowing that in his own protective cage, he does not provoke AoOs. With a pearl and red powder in his hand, he calls forth a spell he just cast, and puts a forcecage around Tratain. But because of Tratain's size, the sage is forced to use the larger form of the spell, which is 10 feet on a side and surrounds Tratain not with walls of force , but with bars (marked in red on the map). That stops Tratain from using his hammer, but any weapon that can fit through a half inch gap can be used -- spears or arrows, say. Spells can pass through the bars freely.

Anyone making a spellcraft check vs DC17 will realize that Highlight to display spoiler: {For some reason, the sage's forcecages are half the usual size.}

Note that Black Paws can squeeze through to get to the sage, but does have to squeeze.

And the Map!

Sarigar (AC24) and Black Paws (AC21) (CV158-61=97, Bless)  d20+17=34 d20+12=31 d20+7=24 d20+12=32 d20+15=35 d20+15=33 d6+5=10 d6+5=11 d6+5=7 d3+2=3 d8+3=9 d8+3=11
Thursday April 20th, 2006 4:36:04 PM
Sarigar edges forward to allow his brother to move in as well. Finally, seeing the Sage and getting this close, Sarigar snaps back into the madness that filled him before. All the traps, all the cages, all the people, packmates and those unfamiliar alike being contained have the Lost Child tettering just to the other side of madness and the Sage feels the full force of it. Sarigar reaches through the bars, ripping into the runts flesh. Most astonishing to see is when he rams his head through the bars and bites him.

Black Paws squeezes through the gap between the wall and the cages his packmates have been contained within. Even with the tight fit, he finds it in him to get past, squeeze his muzzle through the bars of the Sage's cage and take a nip at the Sage.

================================================

Actions
Sarigar attacks the Sage
Claw AC34 - Dmg 10
Claw AC31 - Dmg 11
Claw AC24 - Dmg 7
Bite AC32 - Dmg 3

Black Paws attcks the Sage
Bite AC35(33 to confirm crit) - Dmg 9(20 if crit)

Movement
Sarigar - 5 ftt step to BC36
Black Paws - Move to [BC37-BD38] squeezing makes it a 30ft move.

Arien (subbed by Carl)  5d4(1+2+4+2+2)+5=16
Thursday April 20th, 2006 6:22:05 PM
Arien moves into sight of the sage and unleashes a barrage of magic missiles (16 hp). With all his powerful spells exhausted he prays one of the first spells he ever learned can help the party now.

Renik 
Thursday April 20th, 2006 6:24:31 PM
The rogue closes his eyes, tries to slow his breathing and block out the sounds of battle coming from the next room. Either they will prevail or die. His anguish will hasten neither outcome. He searches for inner calm, that he may face death of victory with head held high.

Draax AC 21, HP 133 
Thursday April 20th, 2006 6:42:11 PM
Seeing the ring stop functioning in this place, Draax says loud enough for Monthor and Renik to hear, "Looks like there is something in here that is stopping dimension magic in here; it's at least stopping the rings from working." Draax sprints to BD34 drops his sword and shield and pulls his bow.

Monthor 
Thursday April 20th, 2006 7:04:58 PM
"GO TEAM GO! GO TEAM GO! GO TEAM GO!!
Chop his head off, chop his head off, go, team go!!!! "



Tratain AC 29 HP 119/156 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; Invisibility Purge; Divine Power; Rightous Might; Divine Favor; Grapple DC 47 ]  d20+13=28
Thursday April 20th, 2006 10:20:01 PM
Frustrated at being Trapped within the Force Cage Tratain casts Power Word Blind upon the Sage. After he pulls out his Heavy Crossbow from his Haversack.

No Save, Spell Resist Check DC 28
50 HP or Less - Permanent
50-100 - 1d4+1 Minutes
101-200 - 1d4+1 Rounds

Notice from Cayzle 
Friday April 21st, 2006 2:03:22 PM
Sorry friends, I need some info I have at home, so today's post will come tonight.

Feng AC 23, Grapple DC 28, HP 82/ 117 
Saturday April 22nd, 2006 8:25:49 AM
"Keep it up. I think he's weakening."


The Second Bout Ends in Victory!


That Sinking Feeling (DM Cayzle) 
Saturday April 22nd, 2006 10:54:07 AM
Sarigar moves five feet to make room for his brother wolf. Then he attacks the Sage. Inside his protective cage of iron (woven in the shape of leaves and vines), the Sage is AC25. Tratain has already inflicted 33 hp damage. Sarigar now adds to that -- he hits thrice for 24 more. Black Paws adds insult to that injury with a critical bite for 20 more! That's 77 total damage! The Sage reels!

Arien moves up 30 feet in order to get a line of effect around Feng's forcecage. Then he hits the Sage with 16 points of magic missile damage. That's 93 points total so far!

Draax makes a double move past the wild brothers, drawing his bow.

Monthor, Feng, and Renik remain encased in planes of force.

Then Tratain casts his Power Word Blind spell, and the Sage is now not only near death, but completely sightless! How will he survive another round?

The Sages intuits that a strategic withdrawal is required. He casts a spell and sinks into the stone floor, out of sight and range of attack.

Is the Sage gone? Or is he lurking a few feet under the stone? Has he escaped for good or will he return?

This is clearly the Sage's inner sanctum. The northern hall is a luxurious residence, finely appointed. The eastern hall is a lab; the western, a library -- these facilities, even at a glance, far far surpass the crude-by-comparison rooms you saw before. The quality of the goods and equipment is stunning even at a glance.

Renik notes that the pupant is running off out of the cavern.

And the Map! The spot where the sage sank into the stone is marked with an X.

Actions?

Renik 
Saturday April 22nd, 2006 11:40:05 AM
Renik continues his slow breathing, a remote part of his brain pleased at the speed with which the feelings of tension and frustration have ebbed from him. He tries to empty his mind of all conscious thought, entering a near-trancelike state.

This state of grace achieved he draws both blades from the sheaths on his back in one smooth, fluid movement. Eyes closed he begins a slow, measured twin weapon form, beautiful in its graceful precision. He uses every inch of his confined cell, stretching and flexing his muscles, loosening and preparing his body in the same way as he has his mind.


Sarigar (AC24) and Black Paws (AC21) (CV158-61=97, Bless)  d20+20=39
Saturday April 22nd, 2006 12:31:07 PM
"AAAAARRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!! Sarigar bellows as he jump up on the Sage's cage and begins pulling drastically at the bars frothy spittle flying from his mouth randomly. The leaf and vine design of the bars digs into his hands and his blood drips onto the floor. He takes one hand off the bar and punches it...hard and it's obvious that he damaged the hand as a couple fingers are twisted and bulging in unnatural ways. However, Sarigar seems oblivious to this as he continues pulling and pounding on the cage, desperate to get inside.

Black Paws, on the other hand begins sniffing at the ground in an attempt to find where the Sage may have gone or where he might pop up. Unfamiliar with how spells work, it only makes sense to him that the Sage is likely tunneling like a badger, which although difficult to follow while it's burrowing, is not impossible.

===============================================

Actions
Sarigar
- Pulls and pounds on the cage furiously.

Black Paws
- Survival: Scent - 39

Movement
Sarigar
- Climbs onto the cage

Black Paws
- Moves to follow the scent if he can find and follow it.

Arien  d20+25=36
Saturday April 22nd, 2006 7:45:23 PM
Arien watches as the Sage sinks into the floor and attempts to figure out what spell the Sage had cast (Spellcraft 36). If Arien is able to determine the spell he relays information regarding the spell to the others as he keeps an eye out to see if the Sage was going to resurface.

Tratain AC 29 HP 119/156 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; Invisibility Purge; Divine Power; Rightous Might; Divine Favor; Grapple DC 47 ]  d20+10=28 d20+10=29 d20+10=21 d20+10=13 d20+10=17 d20+10=29 d20+10=29 d20+10=19
Saturday April 22nd, 2006 11:33:30 PM
Watching the Sage disapear into the Stone Tratain is baffeled. He casts Area Dispel Magic Targeted to hit the square the Sage Left hopeing it will make him reappear.

Checks Beat Levels 17,18, 10,2,6,18,18,8 If more checks are needed they are d20+10



DM Cayzle Xtra 
Sunday April 23rd, 2006 4:29:19 PM
Arien determines that the Sage has Melded into Stone. His deep insight into Spellcraft suggests that the Sage must be both a Druid and a Wizard.

Draax AC 21, HP 133 
Sunday April 23rd, 2006 5:15:29 PM
Draax curses under his breath when he sees the sage disappear into the floor. He stands ready while waiting to see if the sage will returns.

Monthor 
Sunday April 23rd, 2006 5:32:06 PM
"What's going on?"

No Sign of Sage (DM Cayzle) 
Monday April 24th, 2006 7:42:54 AM

The Sage seems to have vanished! Tratain's spell fails to bring him forth, but Draax does note that the Ring Gates are working again. Tratain must have dispelled whatever it was that was cancelling dimensional effects.

Arien analyzes the magic and deduces that the Sage melded with the stone. Per that spell, he must still be down there -- unless he then used or is about to use other magic to escape.

Sarigar does some damage to the cage, and hurts himself a little in the process. The cage has Hardness 10. There is a gate in but it is arcane locked. (Sarigar, take a point of damage for every 20 you inflict, if you like.)

Black Paws can smell that the Sage had been in the library wing of the inner sanctum before entering the cage. The wizard/druid did not leave the cage, and seems to have sunk into stone with no trace.

Draax readies a shot in case the villain pops out, but he waits in vain.

Feng, Monthor, and Renik remain entrapped.

In fact, the Sage does not reappear. How long do you wait? What do you do when he does not return in a round? In a minute?

==========

Friends, I have an announcement. JK will be taking over the game as DM after this module ends, in the next 2-3 weeks or so. I'll be moving to the Crescent Valley game, with our own Philip as co-DM. It has been a real pleasure shepherding you all through fire and foe. My only regret is that I never managed to kill off anyone (Monthor does not count because he sacrificed himself!). Well, I still have a couple weeks to try -- and your dear friend the Sage is not dead yet! :-)

Feng AC 23, Grapple DC 28, HP 82/ 117 
Monday April 24th, 2006 9:50:06 AM
"Traitain can you smash the floor as you did the wall? Perhaps we can find where he went or force himt o come out."

Sarigar (AC24) and Black Paws (AC21) (CV158-62=96, Bless)  d6+5=11 d6+5=10 d20+20=36
Monday April 24th, 2006 10:40:26 AM
Sarigar has ceompletely lost it at this point. He punches, kicks and jumps on the cage trying to pound his way in. He makes little progress, other than hurting himself, but it's as if he doesn't feel anything at this point.

Black Paws follows the scent trail into the library to wherever the Sage seems to have spent the most time. Even his beastial intelligence can recognize that this seems to be the Sage's den and he'll likely return to this place and he'll be waiting.

================================================

Actions
Sarigar attacks the cage
Dmg 11 (last round)
Dmg 10 (this round)
Damage sustained - 1

Black Paws
Survival: Tracking - 36

Movement
Sarigar - None
Black Paws - to wherever the Sage's scent seems to be strongest (the place where he spent the most time)

Draax AC 21, HP 133 
Monday April 24th, 2006 12:30:40 PM
To give himself something to do while waiting for the sage to reappear or for the cages to disappear, Draax goes through the inner sanctum collection anything that looks valuable and portable. He will put any books and anything that looks magical to the side for Arien. Once he thinks he has saved anything worthwhile, Draax will begin destroying the place to include pulling down and breaking any cabinets and desks.

Monthor 
Monday April 24th, 2006 4:17:27 PM
The dwarf sighs deeply. He doesn't know why but he feels that their little band will soon be missing something... important.

ooc> We'll miss ya Cayzle. ('sniff)

Renik 
Monday April 24th, 2006 5:32:49 PM
In his force cage Renik continues his weapon form, his twin blades tapping gently against each of the six walls of his prison. The taps come slowly at first, as he moves slowly and precisely through the routine.

But as he continues the taps begin to come faster, the form begins to flow more quickly. Bending, twisting, flipping and ducking the rogues moves grow ever more complex, ever faster.

Tratain AC 29 HP 119/156 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; Invisibility Purge; Divine Power; Rightous Might; Divine Favor; Grapple DC 47 ] 
Monday April 24th, 2006 5:54:49 PM
Tratain Says "Arien come here and Reach your fingers through the bar of this Force Cage then Teleport the two of us to near where the Sage Disapeared."

When out of the Cage Tratain will drop his shield swinging his warhammer two handed to smash the square the sage disapeared into with his Warhammer hopeing to Force him out. (Damage will be 2d6+20 swinging Two Handed, My attack bonus is 28/23/18 if attack rolls are needed, My warhammer ignores Hardness of less than 20)

(OOC: in order to teleport Arien just has to touch Tratain, he should be able to reach his fingers through the gap and cast the spell.

General Destruction, meet Major Havoc (DM Cayzle) 
Tuesday April 25th, 2006 6:52:55 AM

Arien uses his teleport spell to free Tratain -- it is lucky that Tratain's dispel took down the anti-dimension effect, or Tratain might have been stuck.

Tratain and Sarigar make short work of the cage and the floor under it. The sage is not there.

Draax and Black Paws go through the Sage's library. It is clear from scent and sight that he had been studying his spell book when the party's entry forced a response before he had prepped all his desired spells.

The place is starting to be quite trashed.

A minute has gone by since the Sage sunk into the floor.

Tratain AC 29 HP 119/156 [Bears Endurence; Magic Vestment; Invisibility Purge; Divine Power; Rightous Might; Divine Favor; Grapple DC 47 ]  d20=3
Tuesday April 25th, 2006 10:10:44 AM
Tratain looks Frustrated when the Sage does not appear, breaking that big a hole in the floor should have expelled him from it. He must Have teleported away again. Tratain casts Detect Magic and begins to walk around the room gathering anything Magic and searching for any hidden doors. He also stays ready incase the sage should come back. His Invisibilty Purge spell should uncover anyone lurking around the room invisible."

He says "Sarigar, can you and your brother make a quick run around the inside back to where we came in, if you see him come get us, don't try and fight him on your own."

Tratain Addition 
Tuesday April 25th, 2006 10:40:56 AM
Tratain stays within 40 feet of the Big Hole he just made until his Invisibility Purge Runs out while searching. The Invisibility Purge has a range of 65 Feet, If tratain sees the Sages familiar he will Try and Kill it. Any Small or Medium sized animals he will Try and Knock out using Non-Leathal Damage incase they are the sage Wildshaped except the Pup-ant. If He didn't Teleport out That Spot where he entered is the only place he can come out, and Tratain will wait there until all the Force cage spells Expire if Need be.

Sarigar (AC24) and Black Paws (AC21) (CV158-62=96, Bless)  d20+19=32 d20+19=31
Tuesday April 25th, 2006 10:45:26 AM
After Tratain smashes a huge hole in the ground, showing him that the Sage is no longer there, Sarigar calms down slightly. At his suggestion of searching for the Sage outside, the brothers waste no time and dash out of the room, passing through the chamber in which Monthor and Renik are still trapped.

Just as they are about to leave the chamber, they both pick up the scent of the pupant, pausing only momentarily as they realize their new friend wasn't still with them. They then go off in search of the pupant, which they both believe will lead to the Sage.

================================================

Actions
Sarigar
+ Survival: Tracking - 32

Black Paws
+ Survival: Tracking - 31

Movement
Full move (not double) for Sarigar (incurs a -5 penalty to tracking)
Black Paws paces his brother

Renik 
Tuesday April 25th, 2006 5:11:48 PM
His blades are moving at speed now, the taps as the tips hit the walls, floor and ceiling of his cell coming faster and faster. He his spinning, flipping, weaving under the blows of imaginary foes, his two swords little more than a blur.

Still his eyes remain closed, his breathing steady and measured.

Monthor 
Tuesday April 25th, 2006 6:05:08 PM
Monthor burps, passes gases, picks his teeth (and other body parts) and is generally dwarf like.

Draax AC 21, HP 133 
Tuesday April 25th, 2006 11:16:34 PM
Draax feels a little better after destroying the sage's lab and furniture. He gathers up any spell books or items that he came across to ensure the sage does not come back for them. Once he has nothing else to destroy or collect he will wait patiently for the others to return or the sage to make another appearance. He knows that the sage has another room someway in the place because the two elves are still missing.

Arien 
Wednesday April 26th, 2006 2:35:27 AM
Arien takes a moment to take in the surroundings then moves to investigate the Sage's inner sanctum, perhaps there was another area of refuge he might have sought.

The Enemy Masses (DM Cayzle) 
Wednesday April 26th, 2006 8:05:52 AM
The party's efforts reveal nothing of interest -- except for Sarigar!

He finds the pupant trail, then, in the room of rubble where the ceiling fell, he finds a scent of the Sage as if coming from nowhere. Back more to the room that had had the mist (it does so no more), he sees the enemy!

There are a number of bees and the pupant and the sage! The sage is casting spells. The pupant sees him and barks in welcome. The Wild brothers run back fast, followed by the pupant. The bees do not stop the pupant, and the Sage is too busy casting to do so.

Back at the room where Renik and Monthor are held, Sarigar relates this news.

15 rounds have gone by since the Sage sunk into the earth. He looked to Sarigar, by the way, all healed up.

Monthor 
Wednesday April 26th, 2006 9:41:13 AM
"GO TEAM GO! GO TEAM GO! GO TEAM GO!!
Chop his head off, chop his head off, go, team go!!!! "


Sarigar (AC24) and Black Paws (AC21) (CV158-62=96, Bless) 
Wednesday April 26th, 2006 11:06:02 AM
Sprinting back into the room with Monthor and Renik's cages, the brothers stop just inside the room. Frustration is plainly visible on his face. It's obvious that he wanted nothing more than to finihs off the Sage. Even to Sarigar's limited tactical skills, 2 against an entire pack is likely to lead to the two's demise.

With a still hoarse voice, he shouts out to the others..."He's back the other way. He's all better and he's making magic. He's got a pack of bees with him too. Time for the runt to die!"

He waits long enough for the uncaged Hamleteers to approach him before the brothers turn and take off after the sage. They hold back on their speed enough that the slowest Hamleteer can keep up.

Feng AC 23, Grapple DC 28, HP 82/ 117 
Wednesday April 26th, 2006 11:27:17 AM
"I pray the gods smile upon you this day. He is most dangerous and half our number is trapped for quite some time. Finish the sage before he can reinforce his position."

Renik 
Wednesday April 26th, 2006 12:47:11 PM
Blocking out all distractions the rogue accelerates his weapon form into a veritable whirlwind of steel, a staccato rhythm beaten out against the walls of his cell. Still he does not open his eyes or show any sign of slowing down.

Tratain AC 25 HP 119/123 [Extened Magic Vestment; Endurecne; Invisibility Purge]  d20+18=34 d8+4=8
Wednesday April 26th, 2006 9:03:07 PM
Tratain follows along with the Others. Hopefully this will end one way or the other soon, how many more escape Tricks could the sage possibly have?

He will Cast Spiritual Weapon on the Sage as soon as he is in site. (Hit AC 34 for 8 Damage)

Draax AC 21, HP 133 
Wednesday April 26th, 2006 9:14:23 PM
Draax gathers up his sword and shield, counts his remaining arrows, and readies his bow. He follows the others ready to finally put an end to it all.

Rerematch R1 (DM Cayzle)  2d8(4+3)+3=10 2d8(3+6)+3=12 2d8(7+4)+3=14 2d8(3+4)+3=10 2d8(7+8)+3=18 2d8(8+5)+3=16 2d8(4+5)+3=12
Thursday April 27th, 2006 7:28:27 AM
Sarigar leads Tratain, Arien, and Draax back from whence they came. They round a mound of rubble that fell on them earlier, and they see the sage and three bees ahead.

There is also an ant hiding around a corner.

The bees are AC14, the sage is AC26.

Sarigar and Black Paws are in the lead headed through the open door toward the Sage. Tratain casts spiritual weapon, which hits the Sage for 8 hp damage.

The sage casts Mirror Image, and several images spin up around him. The bees take the full defense action, raising their AC to 18.

And the Map!

Monthor, Tratain, and Feng hang tight (sorry guys!).

Feng AC 23, Grapple DC 28, HP 82/ 117 
Thursday April 27th, 2006 9:40:10 AM
Feng paces in the little room that's allowed. He should be out there standing with the others. But the Sage enclosed him in this magical prison. Thankfully his ring of sustenance will keep him from starving.

Tratain AC 25 HP 119/123 [Extened Magic Vestment; Endurecne; Invisibility Purge]  d20+10=17 d20+10=20 d20+10=18 d20+10=29 d20+10=16 d20+10=25 d20+10=23 d20+10=21
Thursday April 27th, 2006 10:37:20 AM
Tratain casts his last Dispel Magic Upon the Sage.
And His Spiritual Weapon Swings at the Sage. He then Moves Foreward 4 Squares. (Tratain is Medium Sized again now)

He says "Sarigar! You and Black Paws need to move back to us, out of Ariens Way so that he can Hit all those Bee's with his Area Spells"
OOC: Looks like all three Bee's are in Cone of Cold or Prismatic Spray Range :)

Dispel Checks Beat Caster Level 6,9,7,18,5,14,12,10 If more are needed checks are d20+10



Tratain  d20+18=29 d20+13=19 d20+8=18 d8+4=5
Thursday April 27th, 2006 10:41:05 AM
Attack Rolls for SPiritual Weapon

One hit for 5 Damage

Draax AC 21, HP 133  d20+17=32 d20+12=31 d20+7=10 d20+17=29 d8+3=10 d8+3=5 d8+3=9
Thursday April 27th, 2006 1:13:06 PM
Draax takes a step to Z35 and using his rapid shot send four arrows at the bee in Z21.
(hit AC 32 for 10dmg; AC 31 for 5 dmg; AC29 for 9dmg, for a total of 24 dmg; missed AC 10)


Arien  3d6(4+4+2)=10 2d6(5+2)=7
Thursday April 27th, 2006 1:43:10 PM
Arien snarls when he sees the Sage and casts one of his few left offensive spells, Ice Storm. He centers the spell just in front of the Sage so that the spell effects everything but the ant that is hiding. Large hail stones fill the area battering at the bees and the Sage (10 bludgeoning damage and 7 cold damage, no save.) Arien then moves closer for a better tactical position.

Spells Memorized
0 Level: Detect Magic x2**, Light, Read Magic x2
1st Level: Burning Hands*, Magic Missile x5*, Protection from Evil
2nd Level: Rope Trick, Scorching Ray x4****, Extended Shield, Extended Mage Armor*
3rd Level: Displacement, Dispel Magic*, Fly, Haste*, Lightning Bolt*, Slow*
4th Level: Dimension Door x2**, Ice Storm, Invisibility: Greater x2**, Solid Fog
5th Level: Cone of Cold, Teleport, Wall of Force x2*
6th Level: Analyze Dweomer*, Chain Lightning*, Disintegrate*, Veil*
7th Level: Delayed Blast Fireball*, Prismatic Spray x2*

Sarigar (AC24) and Black Paws (AC21) (CV158-62=96, Bless)  d20+5=23 d20+17=19 d20+20=40 d20+20=35 d6+5=9 d8+8=15 d8+8=10 d20+5=23
Thursday April 27th, 2006 1:56:10 PM
With Arien's "big boom" out of the way, the brothers make their move. Both charge their own target's. Sarigar rushes the bee on the left, while Black Paws takes the one on the right.

Sarigar's claw scratches across the hard exoskeleton of his chosen bee. Where Black Paws' powerful jaws crush right through his bee's shell.

================================================

Actions
Sarigar:
..Dex 23 to slip under the right bee
..Attacks bee at X19-Y20 [AC 19, Dmg 9]
Black Paws:
..Attacks bee at Z20-AA21 [AC 40 (crit 35), Dmg 25]

Movement
Sarigar:
..Charge to Y21
Black Paws
..Charge to Y22-Z23

Renik 
Thursday April 27th, 2006 2:04:58 PM
tap tap tappity tap tap tap-tap-tap tippity tap tap go the tips of Reniks swords

Monthor 
Thursday April 27th, 2006 7:18:11 PM
The dwarf waits... not so patiently.

ooc> THAT SPELL NEEDS TO BE BANED!!!!!

Rerematch R2 (DM Cayzle)  d20+10=17 d20+10=29 [xtra dispel checks] d20+9=28 d20+9=25 [bee stings] d6+4=5 d6+4=10 [bee damages] d6=3 d6=1 [poison damage] 3d6(1+3+4)=8 3d6(5+6+2)=13 [self inflicted sting damage] d20+9=18 [bee misses Sarigar] d20+12=27 d20+12=26 d20+12=28 [3 rays hit Sarigar] 12d6(3+6+1+5+5+2+3+6+1+4+4+5)=45 [damage rolled to BP] d20+12=24 d20+12=18 d20+12=19 [more rays] 4d6(3+2+6+3)=14 4d6(1+2+4+5)=12 4d6(4+1+5+3)=13 [ray damages]
Friday April 28th, 2006 6:32:50 AM

Hamleteers

Tratain casts his dispel, and the Sage looks annoyed when the mirror images he just called up poof away. One other spell is also dispelled, and the Sage's AC is now 22.

The spiritual weapon hits again, for 5 hp, 13 total so far.

Draax shoots at the bee on the right, inflicting 25 hp damage.

Arien casts his ice storm, inflicting 17 points of damage to the bees and sage. The sage is now down 30.

Sarigar and Black Paws attack two bees. The space available pretty much requires Sarigar to go right, BP, left. The charging brothers are effective, hitting twice. Two bees are now down, one 42, the other, 51. Both are quite wounded.

Feng, Monthor, and Renik, confined, do their best to endure their captivities.

Enemies

The two wounded bees attack the brothers. Each hits! Sarigar is stung for 5, BP for 10. Both must save (Fort DC15 for 3 pts Con damage (Sarigar) or 1 (BP).

As the bees attack, their stingers rip out of their bodies -- which looks very painful and damaging. Usually, this kills a bee, and in fact these bees take 8 and 13 hp damage each. That's 50 hp damage to one and 64 hp damage to another. The one with 50 damage is still alive, but with no weapon. It still takes up space. The one with 64 damage is down for the count.

BUT! Both are regenerating! At the end of this round, damage will be 49 and 63.

Still, the one in front of Sarigar is down. The one in front of BP cannot attack (name in white letters on the map.)

The next bee steps up to fill the gap, and attacks Sarigar. That one hits AC18, missing.

Now it is the Sage's turn!

He casts Empowered Scorching Ray on Black Paws. The wounded bee in front of the canine offers soft cover and a +4 AC bonus; if the sage misses by up to 4, a ray may hit the bee.

The rays hit AC27, 26, and 28. Those are three rays that hit BP. The beast takes 67 hp damage (45 +22 empowered).

The sage follows that up with a quickened scorching ray on BP. That hits AC24, 18, and 19 for 14, 12, and 13 damage. [OOC: Philip, what is BP's AC vs ranged touch? Please apply howsoever much damage is correct. Let me know if any miss by 1 to 4 since those will hit the bee.]

Sage AC22, Bees AC14.

And the map!

Feng AC 23, Grapple DC 28, HP 82/ 117 
Friday April 28th, 2006 10:02:42 AM
Feng listens to the battle and keeps his cool. There is nothing he can do so getting all worked up does no good whatsoever.

Sarigar (AC24) and Black Paws (AC21) (CV158-183=-25, Bless)  d20+13=17 d20+15=28
Friday April 28th, 2006 12:21:56 PM
Both brothers take the stings in stride, though painful, it's not enough damage to stop them from their mutual frenzy.

However, with Black Paws being an easy target to touch attacks (only 12 AC, most of his AC is Natural and Bracers), the scorching rays hit with devestating effect. The first alone singes nearly all the hair off Black Paws large frame. Shockingly, Sarigar himself blisters and a great amount of his visible skin chars or flakes away. Both borhters yelp out in tremendous pain.

The second set, however, ends those screams as they both succumb to death's embrace. They crumple over, little more than charred husks of their former selves.

===============================================

Actions
Sarigar
Fort save - 17
Black Paws
Fort Save - 28

Both die from damage sustained. -25 total hit points

Movement
Both drop dead


Tratain AC 25 HP 119/123 [Extened Magic Vestment; Endurecne; Invisibility Purge]  d20+18=31 d20+13=28 d20+8=22 d8+4=5 d8+4=11 d8+4=10
Friday April 28th, 2006 12:42:34 PM
After Seeing Sarigar Fall Tratain Runs Foreward to Y22 ready to swing at the Bee's or the Sage if he can get at him next Round. Tratain Spiritual Weapon continues to attack the Sage.

Hit AC 31 for 5 Damage
Hit AC 28 for 11 Damage
Hit AC 22 for 10 Damage

Draax AC 21, HP 133  d20+17=28 d20+12=26 d20+7=9 d20+17=27 d8+3=10 2d6(6+1)=7 d8+3=10 2d6(3+3)=6 d8+3=11 d8+3=9 2d6(6+5)=11
Friday April 28th, 2006 12:57:48 PM
Seeing the brother goes down, Draax aims his bow at the sage and using his rapid shot again, he fires 4 of his 5 +1 holy arrows at the sage. (Hit AC 28 for 10dmg and 7 holy dmg; hit AC 26 for 10 dmg and 6 holy dmg; Hit AC 27 for 11 dmg and 11 holy dmg, for total of 55dmg)(disreguard dmg roll of 9, hit the roll key before resetting for holy dmg)

Arien HP (56/56) AC 17 Fly 
Friday April 28th, 2006 7:52:17 PM
Seeing the situation ahead Arien casts Fly upon himself and then moves down the hallway, staying behind Tratain.

0 Level: Detect Magic x2**, Light, Read Magic x2
1st Level: Burning Hands*, Magic Missile x5*, Protection from Evil
2nd Level: Rope Trick, Scorching Ray x4****, Extended Shield, Extended Mage Armor*
3rd Level: Displacement, Dispel Magic*, Fly*, Haste*, Lightning Bolt*, Slow*
4th Level: Dimension Door x2**, Ice Storm, Invisibility: Greater x2**, Solid Fog
5th Level: Cone of Cold, Teleport, Wall of Force x2*
6th Level: Analyze Dweomer*, Chain Lightning*, Disintegrate*, Veil*
7th Level: Delayed Blast Fireball*, Prismatic Spray x2*

Renik 
Sunday April 30th, 2006 7:15:42 AM
Oblivious to the events in the next room Renik's blades tap faster than ever, the rhythm tapped out sounding like some sort of coded message.

T-p-k-t-p-k-t-p-k-t-p-k-t-p-k-t-p-k-t-p-k-t-p-k-t-p-k-t-p-k-t-p-k-t-p-k-t-p-k-t-p-k-t-p-k-t-p-k-t-p-k-t-p-k-t-p-k-t-p-k-t-p-k-t-p-k-t-p-k-t-p-k-t-p-k-t-p-k-t-p-k-t-p-k-t-p-k

Joe 
Sunday April 30th, 2006 12:10:06 PM
If Arien is within 5 Feet of Tratain he will Intercept an attack for him.

Monthor 
Monday May 1st, 2006 6:25:54 AM
... does nothing more then wait.

Rerematch R2 (DM Cayzle)  d20+12=22 [ray att] 36d6(5+5+1+6+6+6+5+2+6+5+4+5+2+1+1+5+3+4+2+6+5+1+1+3+3+2+4+5+5+2+4+5+3+4+4+5)=136 5d6(3+3+3+4+6)=19
Monday May 1st, 2006 11:25:23 AM

The Wild Brothers are scorched to death! "Ha ha!" laughs the Sage. "That will teach you!"

But it seems the Sage has some learning of his own to do. He takes 26 dam from Tratain's Spiritual Weapon, and another 55 from Draax's arrows! He's down a total of 111 and looks real bad!

Tratain advances, and Arien flies up after him.

Tratain is at 22-23-Y-Z. Arien is at 24Y. Draax is at 35Z.

The Sage scowls in rage and terror. He gestures at Tratain bearing down on him. He points at the enlarged protector and a ray shoots out -- a Disintegrate ray!

The ray hits Touch AC 22 Is that a hit?

If so, Tratain, please make a Fort Save vs. DC 22 or take 136 hp damage. If you make the save, take 19.

Then the sage moves 30 feet west to S15. The bee with a stinger follows to T-U-15-16. The bee with no stinger moves to V-W-15-16. Those are withdraw actions, so no AoO.

No map til later today or eve.

Sarigar and Black Paws 
Monday May 1st, 2006 12:04:37 PM
The bodies of the brothers have fallen in such a way that they almost seem to be trying to protect each other. A last effort to show the deep brotherly love they had for each other.

The smell of the charred flesh and burnt hair is nearly overwhelming as you can hear their skin still sizzling.

Renik 
Monday May 1st, 2006 5:25:32 PM
Trapped in his force cage the rogue continues his weapon form, attempting to block out everything from the outside world, focusing instead only on his own movements.

But despite his fervent attempts to maintain a state of mental tranquility and balance, he begins to feel a sense of mounting dread creeping over him. His blades flash back and forth as he dives and sumeraults, backflipping from the walls in an eloquent dance of death. But the effortless ease that characterised the earlier form has gone. His face is contorted now by his exertions, his breath ragged. His movements have lost their graceful fluidity, and are now savage and harsh. Sweat flies from him as he pushes himself ever harder, ever faster. He feels the muscles of his body burn even as a dark fire rises in his soul.

Tratain AC 25 HP 100/123 [Extened Magic Vestment; Endurecne; Invisibility Purge]  d20+19=23 d20+18=24 d20+13=27 d20+8=18 d8+4=12 d8+4=9 d20+14=29 d20+14=21 d8+4=6 2d6(2+6)=8
Monday May 1st, 2006 6:38:51 PM
The Green Ray does hit Tratain but he is able to shrug off most of the damage. (Fort Save 23, Tratain is also Medium Sized again.)

The Spiritual Weapon Keeps attacking the Sage. (Two Hits for 12 and 9 Damage)

Tratain then Steps Foreward to Square W18 and Throws His Warhammer at the Sage.
(Attack Roll 15+11(BaB) +1(Dex) +1(Focus) +1(Magic) +1(Bless) = 30 - 4(Improvised Range Weapon) = 26 - 2(Range Increment) = 24 For 6 Physical and 8 Holy Damage (I think Thats Right Cayzle but check me, its alot to factor in)

Draax AC 21, HP 133 
Tuesday May 2nd, 2006 1:01:11 AM
Seeing the sage withdrawing again, Draax runs to Z23.

Arien HP (56/56) AC 17 Fly  13d6(1+1+5+3+1+3+1+6+6+6+3+6+4)=46
Tuesday May 2nd, 2006 1:09:24 AM
Arien flies into the room and moves to where he has a clear shot at the sage and no risk to Tratain (X17 works I believe) with one of his last few remaining spells, Cone of Cold. The cone spreads out from Arien dealing 46 cold damage to everything in its path (Ref Save DC 22 for half)

0 Level: Detect Magic x2**, Light, Read Magic x2
1st Level: Burning Hands*, Magic Missile x5*, Protection from Evil
2nd Level: Rope Trick, Scorching Ray x4****, Extended Shield, Extended Mage Armor*
3rd Level: Displacement, Dispel Magic*, Fly*, Haste*, Lightning Bolt*, Slow*
4th Level: Dimension Door x2**, Ice Storm, Invisibility: Greater x2**, Solid Fog
5th Level: Cone of Cold*, Teleport, Wall of Force x2*
6th Level: Analyze Dweomer*, Chain Lightning*, Disintegrate*, Veil*
7th Level: Delayed Blast Fireball*, Prismatic Spray x2*

Monthor 
Tuesday May 2nd, 2006 8:00:34 AM
Monthor waits.

Victory at Last! (DM Cayzle)  d20+1=8 d20+1=16 (bees fail saves) d20+8=9 (sage fails too)
Tuesday May 2nd, 2006 8:41:35 AM
Tratain's attacks stagger the Sage, and the Cone seals the deal, taking him by surprise and freezing him to the core. It also has the happy side effect of killing the two already-wounded bees as well. It strikes the champions as a kind of ironic justice that he who killed brave Sarigar with fire should meet his end in cold.

You find on the Sage's frozen form:
headband
amulet
pearl
two rings
ioun stone
14 similar small vials
vestments
a bead
two wands

You had also found earlier in a puddle on the floor:
two wands
two small tubs of ointment
two rods

A thorough search of the inner sanctum brings your total gold count to 10,000 gp. You note that the books, furnishings, and other goods do seem valuable.

You are gathered in the room where Monthor and Renik wait. You have brought the poor remains of Sarigar and Black Paws with you. You have not yet left the underground complex. It is about an hour after the Sage died.

The Third Bout Ends in Victory and Death!


Victory at Last! (DM Cayzle)  d20+1=8 d20+1=16 (bees fail saves) d20+8=9 (sage fails too)
Tuesday May 2nd, 2006 8:42:26 AM
Tratain's attacks stagger the Sage, and the Cone seals the deal, taking him by surprise and freezing him to the core. It also has the happy side effect of killing the two already-wounded bees as well. It strikes the champions as a kind of ironic justice that he who killed brave Sarigar with fire should meet his end in cold.

You find on the Sage's frozen form:
headband
amulet
pearl
two rings
ioun stone
14 similar small vials
vestments
a bead
two wands

You had also found earlier in a puddle on the floor:
two wands
two small tubs of ointment
two rods

A thorough search of the inner sanctum brings your total gold count to 10,000 gp. You note that the books, furnishings, and other goods do seem valuable.

You are gathered in the room where Monthor and Renik wait. You have brought the poor remains of Sarigar and Black Paws with you. You have not yet left the underground complex. It is about an hour after the Sage died.

Feng AC 23, Grapple DC 28, HP 82/ 117 
Tuesday May 2nd, 2006 9:31:04 AM
Feng waits quietly and prays for his fallen comrades. Prayers to gargul for their souls to be welcomed into the joyful afterlife.

Tratain 
Tuesday May 2nd, 2006 10:13:13 AM
Tratain looks around the Sages inner sanctum for anything of Note. He also looks to see if he can find the elves that were lost earlier, he tells the one hiding under the sages bed that he can go now.

OOC: good fight guys, I looked back in the Archives, the running battle took 4 and a half months :)

Questions Cayzle - First is the 10,000 GP you just listed in addition to the 10,000 we found before? Also can we take the Sages Bug Helm?

Sarigar and Black Paws 
Tuesday May 2nd, 2006 10:49:16 AM
The pupant pokes his nose at the bodies of the brothers wanting them to play some more. He whimpers softly as all his nudging does is cause the bodies to limply roll back into the same position.

DM Cayzle 
Tuesday May 2nd, 2006 11:05:43 AM
Sorry, Philip, but in fact the pupant is not to be seen.

Renik 
Tuesday May 2nd, 2006 11:07:55 AM
Renik's whirlwind of blows culminates with a bellow of sheer fury, just as the sage dies and the force cage blinks out of existence. Flipping once he lands on his feet in a low crouch, his breath coming in ragged gasps, his eyes blazing. He slowly expands his awareness, taking in his surroundings, and nearly gags on the acrid stench of burned flesh.

In an instant he is up and running towards the scene of the battle, his heart in his mouth.

His worst fears prove justified. He is far too late. Staring down at the charred and smoking remains of his companions Renik staggers back, a hand to his mouth. He has to fight back the bile rising in his throat, turning from blackened corpses in horror. It is several moments before he is able to regain control over his emotions.

Then his back straightens, he turns to his companions and says "Help me find carpets or tapestries to wrap the bodies. We will take them back with us and see if there is any way we can plead for their souls."

His voice is sharp and businesslike, and the trembling of his hands is the only outward sign of the overwhelming grief that threatens to engulf him.

Renik spends the next hour or so gathering all the valuables he can find. His face is grim as he works, lost in bitter self-recrimination. If only he had not allowed himself to get so easily caught, like a fly in amber! He is supposed to lead the Hamleteers, but he was useless to them, useless! Because of his failure the brothers are dead!

Trying to distract himself from his sense of guilt he says "Can this loot be identified? Then we can consider what to sell and what to keep."



Monthor 
Tuesday May 2nd, 2006 12:26:16 PM
ooc> Are we out of the cages? And where's Feng?


Sarigar and Black Paws 
Tuesday May 2nd, 2006 1:24:19 PM
[ooc: Ah, poopy. So, instead...]

The bodies of the brothers lay in a charred, smouldering heap until the cool air of the underground cavern chills them room temperature.

As the others gather up the limp forms, the slightly rusted and dented symbol of Mittiri around Sarigar's neck slips out from under his armor and dangles from the sturdy necklace chain, glinting in in the eye of every one of the Hamleteers at least once as it catches the light just right.

[ooc again: By gosh, I'm gonna stay in this game, even if I have to describe my now rotting corpses flopping about limply. =) ]

Draax 
Tuesday May 2nd, 2006 2:16:50 PM
Draax search the place for the remaining two elves.

Cayzle 
Wednesday May 3rd, 2006 5:56:09 AM
DO NOT ADJUST YOUR SETS!
The site is acting weird. It is slow and sometimes sends out strange warning messages.
*
Be patient.
Compose your post in WORD or some other format, in order not to loose it. Cut and paste to this board. If you fail, try again. It will eventually take.
*
The powers that be are aware of the problem.

Free at last (DM Cayzle) 
Wednesday May 3rd, 2006 7:26:47 AM

When the Sage died, the cages of force trapping Monthro, Feng, and Renik faded away. [Sorry this was not clear before.]

[OOC: Yes, the total gold found is 20,000.]

The one elf cowering under the bed emerges and thanks you all profusely!

The other two elves are not underground. You have not yet gone above ground.

The group attends to loot and then gathers near the body of their fallen friend.

Identifies must wait for a period of rest and spell recovery. Many are wounded. Will you rest here, amid insect corpses? Or in the Sage's inner sanctum? Or will you brave the open sky while still wounded?

Arien 
Wednesday May 3rd, 2006 8:43:37 AM
"I do have rope trick memorized currently so if we want to rest now I can simply cast that and we can rest in safety for awhile. The question is, where do we want to rest? I would say here in the inner sanctum of the Sage's lair will be just fine." If no one objects the elven wizard then casts Rope Trick and climbs into the extradimensional space the spell created.

Monthor (HP 91, AC 22 (23.dodge, 27 vs AoO), Bear's Endurance, Bless 
Wednesday May 3rd, 2006 12:09:32 PM
The dwarven fighter is very relieved to finaly be out from the force cage. His relief is short lived however as it is overwhelmed with grief for the brothers. Monthor's feelings are conflicting. He is sad at the brother's passing. He is angry at Serge for killing them and he is shamed that two comrades died because he was unable to protect them.

He sees that one of the elves are is with them but questions where the other two are.

" Me go top side to try to find the other two skinny ones. "

With that, Monthor makes his way back to the mouth of the tunnels (where they first entered)and takes a peek out to see what's going on.



Renik 
Wednesday May 3rd, 2006 3:10:17 PM
"Hold, Monthor, do not go alone. I suggest that in the face of the unknown we proceed with caution. Where one goes, we all go. You are correct, we need to scout this place and determine the safety of the remaining elves. But think on this; there may be many more of the Sage's cretures still to face. The elves may have been transported to the top of the great tree. In our current state we risk further... loss... if we act rashly.

Arien is correct, moving to the inner sanctuary, healing our wounded and replenishing our spells is the wisest course. We will do a full sweep of the encampment once we are back to full strength."


Sarigar and Black Paws 
Wednesday May 3rd, 2006 3:36:12 PM
As the remains of the brothers have been gathered for easier transportation, unknown to the others, their spirit finally shakes loose of their worldly containers. As they rise to their ghostly feet, they find themselves pulled together, intermingling, becoming the one they truly have always been.

If the others could see them now, they would see a ghostly beast man, roughly 9 feet tall, barrel chested, full bodied fur, head like a wolf, arms like a man, legs that start like a mans, but end like a wolf. The simplest way to describe this form is werewolf, but not quite, there are some subtle differences.

As they stand between their charred remains, they notice that the others aren't looking at them. They wave their arms and shout at them, "Hey, we're right here! Look at us! Grrrrr" Quickly growing frustrated, they walk to Renik (probably the closest to the bodies since he suggested wrapping them up) and tries to poke him, but finds thier finger, in fact their whole hand, goes right through his chest.

"Ummm, that ain't right." They stand there, staring at their hand for quite a while. Looks and feels solid enough to them, but why can't they touch the pack or why can't the pack hear them?

Monthor 
Wednesday May 3rd, 2006 8:31:01 PM
ooc> Am I allowed to answer Renik? Or does Monthor need to wait until tomorrow? I'll take a guess and post now.

Monthor stops and turns to face Renik. The others think that they see a small tear coming down the dwarve's face... but they are not sur.

" You wait if you want Renik. The skinny ones may be outside right now being hunted by ants or bees. It be bad enough that we lost the brothers... me not waiting and losing the elves too. Me will take a look outside and search the areas that we have already covered. "

::Monthor's voice grows louder as he speaks until it finally reaches a loud roar of anger and anguish. ::

"Then me will take Serge's head and hang it by the entrance of the tunnels as a warning to all... It's going to say DON'T FREAKINGM MESS WITH THE HAMLETEERS!!!!! "

And with that Monthor turns again and, axe in hand, heads for the tunnels opening.



Draax 
Thursday May 4th, 2006 12:51:25 AM
Draax listens to Monthor's and Renik's conversation, "Wait up Monthor, since you are going to go anyway, I will go with you. At least we can make sure the way out is clear or find the little pup. I agree with you about taking Sage's head, he has came back too many time for my taste." Draax joins Monthor as he goes in search of the elves.

Safely above ground (DM Cayzle) 
Thursday May 4th, 2006 7:35:55 AM
There is a small disagreement among the grief-striken heroes. Some want to wait and recover; others cannot bear to wait any longer. But in the end it matters little. Those who leave the underground warren find that there are no dangers above. There are a few medium size worker ants milling around aimlessly, as if bereft of guidance.

Otherwise there is no sign of danger.

There are signs of battle, of course, and maybe more. But now you feel the loss of Sarigar's woodcraft. Who can look for tracks and scents? Who can tell if the elves have been here?

Down below, Renik feels a tiny chill, as if someone had walked on his grave, as the saying goes.

Sarigar: Highlight to display spoiler: {You might note that to the Wild Brothers, colors are faded, scents are very faint, sounds are muted. Even Monthor's cry of rage is soft and distant. Please make a Will save vs DC15 or be pulled toward a stream of Woldsblood. (you get two saves, of course, and you can grant yourself a +2 circumstance bonus if you are not yet ready to leave). Please make this save every post, and increase the DC by 1 each time.}

Time passes, and you have a chance to heal up, regain spells, and recover.

Feng AC 23, HP 82/ 117 
Thursday May 4th, 2006 7:50:19 AM
Since he needs very little sleep and no food or drink Feng finds himself with much time on his hands. He pulls out a small rag and some polish before cleaning the blood and grime from his armor. Slowly he cleans every inch on it until it shines once more. All the while he thinks about what was done wrong and how this time it cost two lives.

Sarigar and Black Paws  d20+7=23 d20+7=14
Thursday May 4th, 2006 2:06:23 PM
As the brothers watch the Hamleteers go about their business of cleaning out the Sages sanctum and start working their way back up to the surface, they notice that things are starting to look, sound and even smell different.

Their own hand looks fine, but the colors of the world around them, including the Hamleteers seems to be fading. The words the others speak to each other sound quite distant and they have to strain to hear most of what's said. And the smell, though they would expect the smell of blood in the air, it seems far too strong for what little was spilt. And there's more than just the smell of blood, but that of fresh dirt.

As they follow the others to the surface, rivulets of a thick red substance seems to begin rising through the ground. They are careful not to step on it, but do see that the others seem to stomp on the rivulets with no problem. Even more oddly, their steps don't disurb the liquid at all. The smell of blood and fertile soil is very strong, almost overwhelming.

As they step around a rivulet, they feel a tugging sensation, but they pull back. A wisp of their form seems to peel off and get dragged in the current, but they remain mostly intact.

"Ummm, guys? What's this stuff? And why's it so strong in our nose?" But again, the others don't react to them at all.

================================================

Actions

Will Saves (DC15) - 23 (save), 14 (fail) - save overall

Renik 
Thursday May 4th, 2006 3:59:50 PM
With the party healed and recovered, Renik suggests immediate transportation to Plateau City.

"We need to sell the sage's gear, then go and petition the temple of Gargul for the life of our comrade" saya the rogue, trying not to look at the blackened ruin poking out from the end of the rolled carpet.

"And we should make haste. The longer we delay the further Sarigar's soul will slip away from us and into the realms of the dead."

Monthor... 
Thursday May 4th, 2006 4:06:04 PM
Listening to Renik....

"INDEEEEEEED...."

Draax 
Thursday May 4th, 2006 10:45:05 PM
Draax listens to Renik, "Before we depart I am going to make one last effort to find those other idiots that got themselves captured. The inserts seem to be harmless at the moment so if I cannot find them, I have no problem letting their friend go through go through this place searching for them."

Draax goes back up to the top and begins searching some of the passageways. He will use chalk to mark his progress and make sure he does not get lost. If he cannot find the elves after 3 hours of searching, Draax will give up and get ready to depart with the others.


Tratain 
Friday May 5th, 2006 12:14:33 AM
Tratain says "The only place we Have not checked yet was on top of that Tree, Lets Go check there for the other elves then Arien and I can Teleport us all back to Plataue City."

Tratain will Memorize Two Wind Walk Spells, and One Word of Recall. We can all Windwalk up to the top of the Tree and check it out. After we explore there Arien and I can Teleport us all back to the City.

Weighty Issues (DM Cayzle) 
Friday May 5th, 2006 6:43:38 AM

Feng reflects as he rests. Draax searches the complex and finds no sign that ant or elf remains underground. Aboveground, the few ants left seem to be wandering off. Renik and Monthor are eager to get back to civilization, but the lone elf begs the group to find his friends.

"Maybe you could scry them or something?" he asks.

Or you just might want to check the top of the big tree, suggests the sensible Tratain.

But if you windwalk to the top of the tree and DO find the elves there, how will you rescue them in insubstantial form? And what about the dead? Sarigar's inert form is not insurmountably difficult to bear, but Black Paws was large in life, and must mass half a ton of dead weight, so to speak, at least. How are you carrying the canine around? Can he even be included in the Wind Walk? Can a teleport or Word of Recall even handle that much weight?

And speaking of the dead, Sarigar, Please Highlight to display spoiler: {As the party grapples (so to speak) with the two corpses, it will be hard to ignore your own dead bodies. How will the spirits of the Brothers react to their earthly remains?}

Oh, and to add to the issue of weight, there are valuables (books, furnishings, lab equipment) that you will leave behind unless you somehow manage to bring them too. (The 20,000 gp I mentioned earlier is mostly in gold, gems, jewelry, platinum, etc. The value of the furnishings and such would be above and beyond that. Anyone have any ranks in Appraise?)

Tratain 
Friday May 5th, 2006 10:38:51 AM
Tratain sticks with the Others Deciding what to do.

OOC: We can switch back and fourth between forms in Wind Walk, if we do find them it Arien can Dimension Door them to the ground if no easier way down is found. As for Loot and Carrying Black Paws, didn't someone have a Portable Hole? If not we can Take what items people have room for, I know we have at least one Bag of Holding and Several Haversacks. For Black Paws as long as someone Can Actually Carry Him he can be included in the Word of Recall Spell, If necessary Tratain can Divine Power and Rightous Might so He can carry him. Also Arien could you Memorize Analyize Dweomer and Identify all that stuff for us? Also Cayzle could you send us an E-mail Identifing everything since Arien can identify it, it'll help us speed up distributing it all.

Sarigar and Black Paws  d20+7=16 d20+7=27
Friday May 5th, 2006 11:09:25 AM
As the brothers follow the party around, not ready to give up on having them see or hear them, they finally take more careful notice of the "rugs" they've been carting around.

"Ummm, guys?!? What cha carrying?"

Something catches their eye and when they look closer at it, they realize it's the symbol of Mother Mittiri that Sarigar had always worn. They look down at their chest and see that same symbol around their neck, then look back at the other one as a realization finally comes over them.

Their eyes go wide as the memory of the pain of the scorching rays come back to them, but they realize that they are in no pain now. Tratain never healed them, they know that, but they don't feel hurt. Could it be...?

"Oh, no, nope, not happenin'. We're here, that's not us. Can't be. Guys?! What's going on?!? What...who are those!?!"

As the realization begins to settle in, the brothers step near another rivulet and they feel it pull on them again. Though strong, the brothers resist the pull better this time as they seemed to be more prepared for it. Regardless, the color and sounds of the world fades a little more as the streams of blood become more vibrant and audible.

================================================

Actions

Will Save DC16 - 16 and 27 (nat 20)

[ooc: Sarigar weighs about 270 with gear and Black Paws weighs around 1200 pounds, maybe a little less now that they're both missing a fair amount of flesh =( ]

Feng 
Friday May 5th, 2006 11:48:55 AM
Not one with an eye for valuables, Feng pulls out a bag of holding he forgot he had. "Just point out what to grab and I'll fill up the bag."

ooc: its a bag of holding [3]. not sure how much can be stored within it.

edited by PhilipK to add the bag info: Bag of Holding - Type III: Weighs 35 lb., Holds 1,000 lb. with a volume of 150 cu. ft.

Arien 
Friday May 5th, 2006 1:53:50 PM
"I can store some within my haversack and also I have the pants that Bill gave us that can hold extra gear. I haven't memorized spells yet as I wanted to wait to see what everyone wanted to do first, I can simply memorize Teleport multiple times and while the first group is trying to get Sarigar and Black Paws raised I and some others can take care of the more mundane matter of stripping the Sage's lair of anything of use or value."

Monthor  d20+8=26
Friday May 5th, 2006 8:39:22 PM
" Me also have a haversack... and can fill it up with stuff if ye need me to. "

The dwarf walks up to Black Paws. The burly dwarf hunches down and begins to stroke his friend's fur. After a few seconds, he tries to respectfully lift Black Paws off the ground (str check 26).

ooc> If he succeeds.

" Me can carry our friend. Me and Arien take the loot and try to bring them back to life quick. The rest of you go look for the skinny ones. We'll catch up as soon as we can... WITH the brothers.



Draax 
Saturday May 6th, 2006 12:43:54 AM
Not being able to find the elves, Draax gives up and turns his attention to more pressing matters. He looks at the different valuables, "I have a pair of Bill's pants also and will take whatever it I carry in them. I think we should try and rig a stretcher for Blackpaw; that way two or more of us can help carry him." He begins looking around the place for items that would be suitable to make a stretcher capable of carrying the wolf.

Renik  d20+3=14
Sunday May 7th, 2006 3:43:29 PM
The rogue nods at the various suggestions.

"I too have a pair of pants given to me by Mr Troublefinder. I'm sure we can get everything and everyone back with Arien memorizing multiple teleports. Assuming your teleport can transport Black Paws, Arien? If not are you able to memorize a spell to reduce him in size?"

He examines the gathered loot, but he has always been better at winning loot than valuing it (Appraise 14).

As he leaves he notices Sarigar's symbol of Mittiri hanging out from one of the two rugs. He kneels and lifts it into his palm, looking down at the rusty emblem with head bowed.

"We shall bring you back, my friend, we shall bring you back!" he whispers, though it is not clear if he speaks to pursuade the cahrred remains of his compatriot or himself. He tucks the pendent back under the rug and stands slowly.

Activating his blink ring and casting invisibility upon himself Renik flies to the top of the tree to see if he can find any sign of the elves. If he can he carries one down at a time (turning off the blink ring first!).



Carrying Capacity (DM Cayzle) 
Monday May 8th, 2006 10:43:10 PM
Per the PHB, page 162, someone with a Str of 28 is needed to hoist Sarigar while the Word of Recall takes you all back to civilization. I think Monthor is not quite there. Can anyone get up to a 28 Str?

Pants and Bags are used to stow away a good portion of the Sage's fancy goods.

The top of the tree is investigated, and a series of platforms are found up there. No bugs, but the two elves are found tied up above. They are pleased as punch to be rescued. "We'll never leave the Emerald Kingdom again," they say. "Better Parnoth's slaves than pawns of the Fae King!" They would love some help getting home.

Sarigar himself is beginning to catch on to his plight, and the pull from the rich flowing streams of blood that trace the ground like veins are calling to him.

Feng 
Tuesday May 9th, 2006 10:05:12 AM
"I think it might be best to put them in the bag of holding. Might keep them better preserved than exposed to air."

Sarigar and Black Paws  d20+5=14 d20+5=18
Tuesday May 9th, 2006 10:40:55 AM
As they are slowly coming to the realization that the wrapped bodies are in fact their own, the brothers begin to understand the graveness of their plight. The rivers of blood, though potent to their nose and somewhat painful as they step close to one, are strangely calming and inviting.

"Guys? This blood stuff is really neat. It keeps tugging at us and we kinda like it. But we've seen too many packmates die and don't really want to leave you too."

Again, the tug comes and the being that is Sarigar Paws fades substantially this time, but comes back.

Actions

Will Save DC17 - 14 and 18 (save, barely)

[ooc: Black Paws is far too large to fix in a bag of holding (150 cu. ft.) as he's probably close to 200 or more cu. ft. Sarigar might though.]

[another ooc: Since they are dead, the brothers are inanimate objects and thus a reduce spell that works on objects (Shrink Item for instance) I would think work.]

Renik 
Tuesday May 9th, 2006 2:36:02 PM
The rogue asks again "Do we have any way of shrinking Black Paws? Whatever we do let us do it fast: we have no time to waste."

To the elves he says "Our first duty is to our comrades. We must return with him to the city at once. If you care to make that journey with us I am sure safe passage to the Emerald Kingdom can be arranged."

Arien 
Tuesday May 9th, 2006 3:16:47 PM
"That would be something that a druid would likely to be able to do but not a spell that I can cast, no. Unless the Sage has some arcane spell for shrinking an animal, which would take me a day to learn regardless then we will need people to just lift the body. Tratain do you have a clerical spell that can take you and others back to Plateau City? I would like to make sure that the elves were at least returned safely there and then we can see about getting them home the rest of the way."

Arien paces a moment before continuing, "I will take who I can as well on the first trip but it will certainly take more than one to get us all to safe harbour, all that is left to decide is how we want to do this."

Monthor 
Tuesday May 9th, 2006 6:00:16 PM
The dwarf struggles to lift the big Black Paws but ultimately fails. (Strenght 26)

" Somebody help me lift the big doggy! Tratain can ye make me a we bit stronger? Arien, don't forget to take the spell books."



Draax 
Tuesday May 9th, 2006 9:53:03 PM
Draax continues to help with the preparations to return home.

Almost time to bid the Sage's Home farewell (DM Cayzle) 
Wednesday May 10th, 2006 12:38:43 AM
All eyes are on Tratain -- can he boost his own strength, or Monthor's, enough so that Black Paws can be carried home? And can his Word of Recall bring everyone with him?

By the way, whatever happened to the Sage's body?

The elves say that Plateau City would be fine. "Any place but here!"

Tratain 
Wednesday May 10th, 2006 2:02:27 AM
Tratain Casts Bull's Strength on Monthor so that He can Carry Black Paws.

Since Renik used his Fly ability to explore the top of the Tree and Bring the Elves Down Tratain will Use one of his Windwalk spells for the elves so that they can Travel where they want.

Between Tratain and Arien they are able to Teleport enough people to plataue city.

Monthor 
Wednesday May 10th, 2006 7:49:22 AM
Scooby Doo flash back time....

before...

:: Monthor walks back back to the room where the brothers were killed. There, laying on the floor is the remains of the sage. The still frozen body has started dripping in the heat of the room. Poodles of blood ar still visible where Monthor assumes the brothers were slain. A determined Monthor walks up to the sage's body and lifts it up with one hand. In the other hand, his knuckes whitten around the handle of the mighty war axe.

{ Screw you Serge! }

ooc> In dwarvish...
" FOR THE BROTHERS!!!! "

With a mighty blow, Monthor seperates the sage's head from his body.

A 'plop' sound is made as the now headless body flops on the floor. The sage's head remains in Monthor's hands. Monthor walks to the tunnel's entrance and spikes the head in plain site at the entrance. A warning to all... Don't mess with the Hamleteers.

ooc> Sorry about the creative licensing DM. I just thought that it would make for a good post.

Sarigar and Black Paws  d20+5=6 d20+5=25
Wednesday May 10th, 2006 2:15:21 PM
The brothers follow the others around, the rivulets of blood growing more vibrant while the Hamleteers fade. They witness Monthor attempting to pick up Black Paws remains by himself and wonder what he's doing? "What cha doin' short one?"

The whole situation is very confusing to the brothers for here they are, walking around, but right there are what must be their dead bodies. The tree-lady never spoke of such things.

As the others seem prepared to leave, the brothers gather close to the others and feel another strong tug on their spirit. Though Sarigar seems to have come to grips, the half of them that is Black Paws seems to have a desire to stay even longer.

Actions

Will Save DC18 - 6 and 25 [nat 20]

Renik  d20=9
Wednesday May 10th, 2006 7:30:11 PM
The rogue makes sure he has everyb last gem stuffed into his numerous pockets before bidding the elves farewell.

He provides whatever assistance he can moving the bodies.

Aid another check?

Draax 
Wednesday May 10th, 2006 10:46:39 PM
Seeing that everything is just about taken care of, Draax waits around to assist anyone if needed.

Epilogue: Rest in Peace

The Third Bout Ends in Victory and Death!

Epilogue: Rest in Peace


Heading for home at last (DM Cayzle) 
Thursday May 11th, 2006 2:37:18 PM
The elves are happy to go to Plateau City when they discover that that is the party's destination. "Better Parnoth's slave than a buggy experiment," says one, "but better free in a city of humans than enslaved in a kingdom of elves," says another.

Monthor looks at the Sage's bloody head with a feeling ... is that satisfaction?

Then the living among the party (along with loot and lifeless bodies) benefit from Tratain's and Arien's magic, and in a flash they are all gone.

The spirits of Sarigar and Black Paws remain alone. Is it time for them to leave too, or will they stay to haunt this battle scene.

The Hamleteers find themselves enjoying the benefits of civilization again. Where will you go? What will you do?

An early order of business is the loot. With a little effort, it is all identified:

headband of int +4
amulet of wis +4
pearl of power (recalls a 7th level spell)
ring of evasion
ring of protection +5
ioun stone +1 caster level
7 elixers of hiding
7 elixers of sneaking
vestments of setanos +2 caster level to a worshipper of jancassis
a bead of karma
wand of cure serious wounds (22 charges)
wand of magic missile (9th level) (43 charges)
wand of cure modierate wounds (40 charges)
wand of magic missile (5th level) (45 charges)
2 tubs of healing ointment
lesser rod of still spell
lesser rod of empower spell

20,000 gp in gold, platinum, gems, etc.
5,000 gp in luxury goods and rare books

Monthor ooc> 
Thursday May 11th, 2006 3:30:22 PM
What about the sage's spell books?

=====

Cayzle: Both sets were destroyed by the party.


Sarigar and Black Paws  d20+5=14 d20+5=22
Thursday May 11th, 2006 3:52:04 PM
As the pack teleports away, the brothers figured they would go along, but find they are, in fact, left behind. Dejected, they wander about the lair for a short time, but eventually make their way to the surface and the surrounding forest. Perhaps someone out there can see and hear them and help.

Before they know it, they find they are moving more easily than than normal. As they glance down, they find that their feet are no longer in contact with the ground. Shocked at first, they don't watch where they're going and notice far too late that they're about to run into a tree. All they can do is throw their hands up and brace for the impact...that never comes. They tumble clumsily throught he tree and rise unbelieving, still several feet off the ground.

Out of curiosity adn hope that someone can hear and help them, they shout out..."HELLO!?! CAN ANYONE HEAR US?!?" They wait for a response, but can't help but to try some more of this flying thing. Plus, it helps them stay above the rivers of blood that keep pulling on them.

Though they try to stay aloft, the blood pulls strongly on them and they find it more and more difficult to hold on, but hold on they do, at least for a little longer.

================================================

Actions

Will Save DC19 - 14 and 22

Renik 
Thursday May 11th, 2006 4:35:19 PM
Once back in the city Renik cries "Now let us get Sarigar and his brother to the temple! There is no time to lose! The longer we delay the greater the risk of losing him for good!"



Monthor 
Thursday May 11th, 2006 5:26:18 PM
ooc> DOH!!!! I remember now but can someone explain to me why the spell books were destroyed?!?!?!?

:: Monthor lifts Black Paws and follows after Renik. ::



Feng 
Thursday May 11th, 2006 8:56:32 PM
Feng would very much enjoy a nice hot bath. The grime that has been coating his body is nearly nauseating. But first Sarigar must be taken to the temple.

"Hopefully it is not too late."

Tratain 
Friday May 12th, 2006 4:53:36 PM
Tratain says "lets get to the Temple of Gargul and see if they will help us petition Gargul to Return the souls of Sarigar and Black Paws to us."

Draax 
Friday May 12th, 2006 8:45:49 PM
Draax agrees with the others. He leaves with the others as they go to the temple.

Arien 
Friday May 12th, 2006 11:43:13 PM
Arien breathes a small breath of relief when they finally arrive at Plateau City, almost not believing that the ordeal with the Sage was over. When Renik speaks Arien nods in agreement and helps the party bring the brothers to the temple.

(Arien destroyed the Sage's library for two reasons, one to destroy the Sage's work should he have fled and two to make sure no one else would be able to pick up where the Sage left off. Plus as a member of the Star Mage's guild Arien has access to all the spells in the book so I don't need them for copying.)

Plateau City (DM Cayzle) 
Saturday May 13th, 2006 7:38:44 AM
By the way, where is it that you popped into here in Plateau City? Arien is certainly familiar with the "landing pads" of the Star Tower, those inscribed circles designed to be teleported into with no chance of error. But where would Tratain's Word of Recall take the group?

Back in the city, two of the three elves high-tail it away, and you hear one say something about wine. But one elf remains -- the one who was clever enough to avoid recapture.

"Before I take my leave, good heroes, please tell me who you are, so that I can tell my children the names of the champions who defeated the Vermin Sage Sahnhan."

Several people want to bring the dead immediately to the Temple. But which Temple? The House of Gargul?

As you travel through the city to your destination, you see that some of the ravages of the Fae King's reign have been repaired. In fact, you see a group of three squat flying fellows -- surely fey of some kind? -- working on repairs to a building. The stone flows under their touch, smoothing cracks and also forming whimsical patterns and stone gingerbread. The building will soon be much sounder, if maybe a little odd-looking.

The elf waits eagerly for your answer, walking along with the group. He offers his own name -- Telfalas.

Feng 
Monday May 15th, 2006 1:11:38 AM
Feng places his hand on his chest and bows slightly. "I am Feng, Paladin of the Woldian Gods. Your praise is not necessary. We did what was right. What was necessary."

Monthor 
Monday May 15th, 2006 9:35:43 AM
" Me be Monthor of the Axe Head Clan. Be sur skinny one to tell your children that Mighty Sarigar and the even mightier Black Paws gave their lives to save you and the other two elves. And make sur to tell everyone that no one... NO ONE messes with the Hamletteers! Not even Serge. "

ooc> Gargul's would be the place to go. The treasure discussion is being done by email.

Sarigar and Black Paws  d20+5=6 d20+5=9
Monday May 15th, 2006 3:43:46 PM
The brothers test their flying and the even more neat ability to pass through objects. More than once, the thought of whether this is what it's like for the tree-lady when she steps into her tree. Once or twice, they step into a tree and just stand there, but quickly get bored as there is absolutely nothing to see or hear.

They travel further and further out into the wild lands looking for someone, anyone and they try valiantly to stay above the rivers of blood. Inevitably, they drift slowly downward until they land, straddling a rivulet. Their knees begin to shake, until they fall to their knees.

Slowly, the pull brings them down on their hands as well as they hold themself just inches from the blood. Just as they're about to make one final push away from the rivulet, they feel something..."Mother? Is that you?"

The distraction is enough and they slip into the river, pulled along by its embrace toward the Lands of Rest.

================================================

Actions

Will Save DC20 - 6 and 9

Renik 
Monday May 15th, 2006 3:53:52 PM
The rogue bows low.

"My companions and I are known as the Windhorn Hamleteers, Telfalas. My name is Renik Dacour. It is always a pleasure to help a fellow in need, and we are glad we were able to help you and your friends escape the sage's clutches.

And though I would speak with you further, and learn more of the events that led you to that dreadful place, our immediate priority is the welfare of our fallen comrade. We must leave at once to petition Lord Gargul himself for his soul.

Fare well sir, and mark good Monthor's words well; if you remember nothing else of this band, spread word of the brothers who fell to save you, Sarigar and Black Paws."

Noting the architectural changes being effected upon Plateau City the rogue reflects that every tragedy inevitably leads to growth, in civilization just as in nature. But there is no time for such musings. Renik encourages haste.

"To the Black Cathedral at once, my friends. With every second we delay our friend grows farther from us!"

Draax 
Monday May 15th, 2006 5:21:06 PM
Draax nods to Telfalas, "Just call me Draax." He agrees with Renik and begins helping the others with the bodies of the brothers.

Tratain 
Monday May 15th, 2006 5:51:00 PM
Tratain introduces himself to the Elf.

He tells the others "I agree with Renik, we should head directly to the Temple of Gargul, so that we may petition Lord Gargul for the souls of our friends."

At the Temple of Death (DM Cayzle) 
Tuesday May 16th, 2006 1:02:47 AM

Telfalas bows his head and thanks you all again. "Your valor and sacrifices will not go unnoticed! Fare well, brave heroes!"

But the group has no time for kudos. You press on to the Temple of Gargul. You are shown to an antechamber, and you may note that divinations confirm you are who you say you are before you are ushered into the office of a high ranking Eye of Gargul.

This is Father Meckett, and by the shadow he does not cast, you might (Religion DC10, Arcana DC15) deduce that he is a Grim of Gargul, one of those who work to make sure that the souls of the dead go where they are meant to go, and do not wander the Wold in torment.

"One or two of your compatriots has passed to the afterlife," he says, motioning to the corpses. "And you seek to petition the Dread Lord about restoring their lives."

"Are you sure that your friend wants to be raised? How do you know? And if they are willing, are you willing to make whatever sacrifice the Lord of Death demands? There is no knowing what he will require."

Black candles flicker and shadows dance in the small audience chamber. The priest is dressed in simple black. There is a smell of incense ... and something else, under that, tickling the nose.

Feng  d20+5=24
Tuesday May 16th, 2006 9:54:49 AM
"We have to try good father. Our companions fell because of our inaction and wrong decisions. We know not what the mighty Gargul will decide but we have to try. Could you not tell us if his spirit is at rest or wandering the wold with unfinished buisness?"

ooc: religion check 24

Monthor 
Tuesday May 16th, 2006 10:25:50 AM
"Me agree with Feng.... Did me just say that? Can we commune with the brothers' spirits to find out what they want?"



Sarigar and Black Paws 
Tuesday May 16th, 2006 12:01:18 PM
The brothers find themselves carried along by the currents of the rivers of Woldsblood. The time they spend in the rivers seems both incredibly long, but also as short as the span of time betwene heartbeats. They don't fight the current, they allow it to carry them along, almost having fun in the whoosh and flow.

Finally, the river deposits them on a shore. For a moment, they are exhausted. Even giving themselves freely to the flow didn't stop them from "keeping their head above water". They kneel upon the shore, slumped over on their hands breathing heavily. For several long minutes they try to catch their breath until can finally throw their head and chest back and bay loudly at the Lands of Rest..."HHHHOOOOOOOOWWWWWWLLLLLL!!!!"

They rise slowly to their feet and finally take in the scene around them. It's not unlike that which they saw in Maab's realm. For the moment, no one is around and all they can hear is the river lapping at the shore. They look back to see that it's no longer a river of blood, but an immense lake of the purest water they've ever seen. The grass seems so greem and alive. They takes in a deep breath and the smells are so intense, but soothing. They close their eyes and allow all their other senses to find the world around them.

Finally, their eyes snap open when they hear a voice on the breeze, "Come to me my Child." One thought of who the voice belongs to comes to mind...The Mother. They can feel themselves being drawn in a particular and begin walking that way.

Renik 
Tuesday May 16th, 2006 1:07:29 PM
Renik bows his head as Father Mekett enters. He notes the absence of shadow with curiosity, but lacks any real understanding of the church, and does not associate the phenomenon with the priest's role.

"Sir, in truth we know not if our companion wishes to return. We cannot know for certain. But I do know the joy and intensity with which he lived his life, and courage with which he lost it. If he wishes to return we owe it to him to help if we can.

You speak of sacrifice sir; the sacrifice Sarigar made was that of his very life to save the lives of complete strangers. If he was willing to make that ultimate sacrifice, how can we in good conscience do less? If Lord Gargul has a price to be paid, we will pay it if we are able."

He thinks back to his last meeting with the Lord of Life and Death with some discomfort. On that occasion his subconscious seemed determined to betray him at every turn, filling his mind with treacherous thoughts. He is not looking forward to this encounter, though he knows it is necessary.



Draax 
Tuesday May 16th, 2006 10:01:34 PM
"I agree with everyone else, the only way we can know their wishes is to try and bring them back."



A Visitation (DM Cayzle) 
Wednesday May 17th, 2006 7:38:04 AM
Father Meckett nods at Monthor. "Yes, it is possible." He steps over to Sarigar's remains and snips a small lock of hair.

He guides you all to an alcove with a basin. The basin is filled with water. The priest shimmers and then becomes insubstantial and shadowy. He opens a vial and pours it in the basin. He invokes some magic that is utterly unfamiliar to the casters of the group.

Sarigar feels distracted in the lands of the dead. He sees his friends appear before him. They are like shadows, and a man with them is more substantial. The man says, "Here are friends reunited for a brief time beyond death, through Gargul's mercy. Speak now, and be quick."

The living see Sarigar and Black Paws full of vigor and health. They are standing in a grassy field -- the grass seems more alive than grass can be in the Wold. The sky seems brighter, bluer. It is as if everything were intensified beyond mortal standards.

A short while ago, maybe Sarigar would have gone back to his friends. But now there is a voice calling to him. Will the power of that pull keep him in the lands of rest?

And for those still alive, maybe it is better that the conversation be short -- no mortal can look for long on that vibrant scene and escape untouched.

[OOC: Post as often as you want to have your conversation.]

Monthor 
Wednesday May 17th, 2006 8:42:39 AM
A small tear falls trickles down the ugly dwarve's face... this is a very emotional moment for Monthor, seeing the brothers like this.

" A hero's reward indeed my friends.... SARIGAR! BLACK DOGGY!!! IT'S MONTHOR!!! DO YE WANT US TO BRING YE BACK TO THE WOLD MY FRIENDS!!! "



Sarigar and Black Paws 
Wednesday May 17th, 2006 10:38:43 AM
Seeing the shadows of their packmates appear before them, the brothers are taken aback for a moment. But, something about this seems normal to them, like it's ok. The others can see the brothers images shifting, merging and splitting constantly. The stuff of their souls must truly be linked far more than they all suspected.

"Hey guys! Can you see this place? It's like home, but better. And we think we hear Mother calling us."

As Monthor 'screams' his greetings and questions, the brothers can help but recoil slightly at his volume. "Brought back? We're right here? Why do we need to be brought back?"

Feng 
Wednesday May 17th, 2006 3:32:38 PM
"Sarigar you are no longer among the living. The question is simple. Do you wish to return to the world of the living or remain in the land of rest?"

Sarigar and Black Paws 
Wednesday May 17th, 2006 3:47:31 PM
"No longer among the living?"

The brothers ponder this for a moment. They feel alive, more alive than they have in a long time. So how are they not living? Then the memory of seeing the others carrying around what must have been their bodies and the way they could pass through things and they way the world seemed to fade from view floods through their mind.

"We're...dead? But...but...how? I know we hurt for a bit, like we were burned, but then everything was ok and we felt better." Their brow furls in thought as they try to make sense of things.

And in their typical style and chaotic thinking, a smile comes over their face..."I think Mother's here. Wouldn't that be great?"

Draax 
Wednesday May 17th, 2006 10:41:04 PM
Draax adds his comments, "Sarigar, we do not think it was your time to leave this world and we would like you to return, but you have to want to return. We cannot force you; the decision is your's and your brother's. You need to make the decision now while this world still has a hold on you. We can ask Gargul to return your souls to your bodies, but if you wait too long, returning to this world will no longer be an option."

Arien 
Wednesday May 17th, 2006 11:39:23 PM
Arien watches the conversation awhile before he speaks, when he does it is softly. "I you wish to go to the Mother we understand and wish you well. Know this though, there are those here who would miss your presence and will feel sorrow at your absence. I feel that there is much to be done still in this world, much to be set right in the Wold. If you feel the same then I ask you to return and aid us in this unending task."

Renik 
Thursday May 18th, 2006 5:47:49 AM
The rogue can't help but smile at the sight of his companion, so vibrant and at peace. His joy is bittersweet though; looking at his friend he can see he is in a better place, a place where he feels at home, and with tears pricking at his eyes he feels a sudden certainty that this is their last farewell.

He grins as the party speak to the wild man, and grins more broadly as Sarigar tries to make sense of everything that has happened. He steps forward and says

"Sarigar, Blackpaws, my packmates, my brothers. It is true that you have "died". You have moved to a new world, one where we your packmates cannot join you. But it is a world where "Mother" lives.

If you want to come back to your packmates you can. Or if you want to go on and find Mother you can do that. I think I know your heart, my friend, I know what you've always desired. That amulet around your neck has always called you on. If you wish to come back to us we can do our best to make it so. But if you wish to go then do so with our blessing and with our love. The decision is yours, my friend."

Renik finds himself welling up as he speaks.

The Magic Begins to Wane (DM Cayzle) 
Thursday May 18th, 2006 6:16:23 AM
The priest of Gargul speaks with strain in his voice. "Quickly now! The magic will soon end. Say what must be said!"

Sarigar and Black Paws 
Thursday May 18th, 2006 10:46:10 AM
Tears of mixed emotion well in the brothers' eyes as they hear what has happened to them and that the pack can't join them here. Everything here just feels right and the best part, Mother seems to be here.

"We...<sniff>...we've lost a lot of brothers and sisters. And, we guess we've lost you all now too, but not like the others. But Mother is here and she seems happy that we are too. We think she wants us to do something, but we think it has to be done here. We'll miss running with the pack, but we'll be running with the Mother's pack now. We need to stay here with Mother."

The brothers look back over their shoulder as if they hear something, then turn back to the others. "Well, gotta go now. Bye." And with that, the brothers turn away and bound off toward a forest treeline. The smile of satisfaction and contentment on their face shows a peace you've never seen on the brothers before, not even at the times where they've seemed happiest.

[ooc: I've had fun guys, but due to personal and religious concerns, I will soon be leaving the Wold as a whole. The fact that Sarigar died shortly before my descision was strictly coincidence. I wish you all the best, both in and out of the Wold. Godspeed.]

Draax 
Thursday May 18th, 2006 1:04:39 PM
Draax smiles when he hears Sarigar's decision; he hopes when it is his time to go that he will find that type of peace. He waves one last time to the brothers as they depart.

(OOC: Thanks for the fun times Philip, it was great gaming with you. Best of luck in the future.)

Fare well, and how much did you say that would cost? (DM Cayzle) 
Friday May 19th, 2006 8:05:27 AM
The heroes say their farewells to Sarigar, sad to part, but glad that he is in a happy place.

[Carl and Philip, would you two be so good as to put together a list of Sarigar's possessions, make a reasonable estimate of which ones might have been destroyed by Scorching, and let us know what you come up with? Thanks!]

As the magic fades away, the priest of Gargul seems very satisfied with himself. "It is good that we used this magic," he says, "since Lord Gargul does not appreciate it when he is asked to raise someone who is content in the Lands of Rest."

"I am sure that you all are very grateful too. That miracle is one that only Eyes of Gargul can invoke, and the components are rare and fabulous."

He seems to be hinting at something. Sense Motive DC12 to Highlight to display spoiler: { sense that he wants a donation.}

"And how," the priest adds, "were you thinking of making the funeral arrangements?"

Monthor 
Friday May 19th, 2006 8:11:30 AM
Monthor stays silent as a tear runs down his cheek...

ooc> Sorry to see you go Phil.

Feng 
Friday May 19th, 2006 10:35:17 AM
Feng is happy for Sarigar. One struggles all their life to earn a place among their god's realm in the afterlife. Sarigar earned such a place and from this point on he would know a kind of peace that he was always looking for.

Sarigar and Black Paws  d3=2 d2=2 d20+13=24 d20+13=30 d20+13=19 d20+13=28 d20+13=22
Friday May 19th, 2006 11:16:49 AM
Hmmmm, Sarigar was not directly attacked by the spells, but the damage was transferred to him via the brothers shared hit points. Do his items need to save? I definitely understand Black Paws needing to since he was hammered by both rays directly.

I'm assuming a Fort Save as it was a physical attack. 10 + 2nd level + I'm guessing +5 for the corresponding ability score = DC17. If the saves are Reflex, then all saves are 1 points less.

According to the SRD,
Items Surviving after a Saving Throw: Unless the descriptive text for the spell specifies otherwise, all items carried or worn by a creature are assumed to survive a magical attack. If a creature rolls a natural 1 on its saving throw against the effect, however, an exposed item is harmed (if the attack can harm objects). Refer to Table: Items Affected by Magical Attacks. Determine which four objects carried or worn by the creature are most likely to be affected and roll randomly among them. The randomly determined item must make a saving throw against the attack form and take whatever damage the attack deal.
If an item is not carried or worn and is not magical, it does not get a saving throw. It simply is dealt the appropriate damage.
The progression follows: Shield, Armor, Magic helmet, hat, or headband, Item in hand, Magic cloak, Stowed or sheathed weapon, Magic bracers, Magic clothing, Magic jewelry, Anything else. This progression explains the order I chose below (Clothing items were selected randomly in alphabetical order).

Sarigar's Belongings and the commensurate saves (if needed)

1) +2 Leather Armor with Silent Moves (Save 24)
2) +1 Sling (Save 30)
3) +2 Gloves of Dexterity (Save 19)
4) Monk's Belt (Save 28)

Ring of Chameleon Power
+2 Amulet of Natural Armor
Heward's Handy Haversack
Boots of Elvenkind

Black Paws Items and the commensurate saves
+3 Bracers of Armor (Save 22)

All items should have saved unless the Sage had some abilities/feats to beef the DC by +2 or more, then the Gloves are toast =(

In the Haversack there is a veritable treasure trove of worthless items (Ration equivalents (5 days), Bear Hide "Winter Blanket", Bell, Candle x5, Map case w/ random map inside, Chain 10ft, Chalk x10 (mostly in pieces), Crowbar, Flask (empty), Hammer, Lock (average), Manacles, Mirror (small steel), Crumpled Parchment x10, Rope (50ft, hempen), Sack x3, Signal Whistle, Shovel) as well as a TON of cash (3 copper pieces, 4 silver pieces, 10 gold pieces, 10 platinum pieces, 27,800gp in gems or other items (most of this is from the Woldcon reward that never got spent)).

=====

[Cayzle: Thanks Philip. Nothing was destroyed.]

Arien 
Saturday May 20th, 2006 9:08:40 PM
Arien bows his head a moment when Sarigar decides to stay with his Mother and then stands and looks to Renik, "There is much to be done and if histroy proves itself true, little time to do it in. I am going to go to the Star Mage's guild and see about adding more spells to my book, perhaps if I am better prepared then next time something...like this will not happen."

That said Arien takes his leave and heads to the Star Mage's guildhouse.

Draax  d20=5
Saturday May 20th, 2006 10:49:03 PM
Draax does not realize that the priest is hinting at something, but he wants to give the man something for his troubles. Draax pull out a bag of platinum pieces worth 2000 gold. "Thanks for what you have done for us, I know this is not much but I would not feel right if I did not give you something." Draax is clueless as to whether 2k gold is enough for what was just accomplished; he is not really donating to the church as much as giving the money to the priest.

The Grisly Details (DM Cayzle) 
Monday May 22nd, 2006 7:09:22 AM

The priest thanks Draax for his gift. Again he offers his help with the funeral arrangements, internment, etc.

Arien, thinking about future encounters, heads off to the mage guild of which he is a member.

And the rest of you? You are in the temple of Gargul with the remains of your friends. What will you do about that? And then what?

Monthor 
Monday May 22nd, 2006 6:11:26 PM
ooc> This part of "the rest of you" would love to go spend some coin and get some "stuff". To that effect, can we PLEASE split the gear? Monthor wants the +5 ring of protection and could use the plus 2 amulet of natural armor (and trade back his+1 amulet if needed). The easy way would be to liquidate everything, split the cash and let everyone fend for themselves (assuming a 1 for 1 trade value at the catacombs, which is a big assumption, or, put a cash value per item, assign a share of the total value per player and keep an item in liew of it's cash equivalency). If we want a party fund, that's cool too. I suggest a 20% party fund. Split the other 80% amongs the party members. Either way, let's make a decision folks. Monthor (Monty Hawl) of the
Axe Head Clan wants to go party and spend some coin.

Renik 
Monday May 22nd, 2006 6:17:57 PM
The rogue bids his final farewells to his friend, lost in contemplation.

(Sorry folks, RL has caught up with me big time, no time for more today...)

Tratain 
Monday May 22nd, 2006 9:41:21 PM
Tratain Thanks the Priest and asks if he can help with the proper funeral arrangements for the Brothers.

Monthor 
Tuesday May 23rd, 2006 9:29:56 AM
Monthor turns to walk out.

" Anyone else need a drink or 20? "

Feng 
Tuesday May 23rd, 2006 10:55:38 AM
Feng suggests creamating the brothers so their ashes can be cast out across a great forest. After that Feng stays in the church, honoring Gargul with all the appropriate rights.

Draax 
Tuesday May 23rd, 2006 4:31:35 PM
Draax remains at the church to observe the funeral arrangements for the brothers. He agrees with Feng's method and the spreading of the brother's ashes.

Funeral Arrangements (DM Cayzle) 
Tuesday May 23rd, 2006 5:33:33 PM
The Eye of Gargul offers the options of cremation, burial in the crypts under the temple, or burial somewhere else -- "Perhaps in a family plot or near your home?"

Feng suggests cremation and spreading the ashes in the forest. The Eye of Gargul thinks that would be fine.

Would you like to have an urn? If so, how ornate would you like it to be?

The priest can make arrangements -- simple or ornate. Would you like a choir? Professional mourners? A bard or two? Would you like to have food afterwards? Is there anyone who should be notified? Amd how much were you planning to spend on the ceremony and such?

Father Meckett is sorry to intrude on your grief with these kinds of details, but he would like to hold the service this afternoon, with a sunset cremation.

How do you answer him?

Draax understands and stays at the Temple to work out the details. Tratain asks about helping out, and he is told that if he would like to speak or say a prayer, that would be fine. In fact, anyone who wants to speak would be welcome.

It is all too much for Monthor, who seeks to honor his fallen friend with the traditional libations. Does he do so alone?

Renik 
Tuesday May 23rd, 2006 5:42:44 PM
The rogue shakes his head at talk of elaborate ceremonies.

"No, Sarigar would never have wanted such things. No urn, but a funeral pyre. He will be cremated amongst his friends, a simple ceremony within the druids' woods, if they will allow it. Perhaps the Green Man can help us arrange it. And after, a wake amongst the trees, with food and drink, tales and song. If there are those amongst the druids and woodland folk of that place who would join us in bidding farewell to our friend that would be fitting If not we shall mark his passing alone."

He turns to Monthor with a rueful smile. "My friend, I see that 20 and raise you!"

Feng 
Wednesday May 24th, 2006 3:41:33 AM
Feng agrees with Renik's assessment. Sarigar was a man of the wild. Perhaps if things were different he would have been a druid. If things were different he would still be alive. In no mood for libations, Feng passes and stays in the quiet confines of the church.

Monthor 
Wednesday May 24th, 2006 7:40:07 AM
To Renik.

"Son, the day ye can out drink me is the day me kisses Feng on the ugly lips of his. Me say let the druids prepare a hero's wake for the brothers while we get good and stinking drunk. And if we happen to get in a fight or three while we be at it... all the better."

Draax 
Wednesday May 24th, 2006 5:18:48 PM
Draax asks the priest if it is possible to perform the funeral as Renik requested. He stays and works out the details with the church.

Arien 
Wednesday May 24th, 2006 7:48:16 PM
Arien arrives at the Star Mages' Guild and wasting no time, begins to consult the spellbooks there, deciding which spells he plans on copying.

((OOC: Any clue how long we are going to have before things start happening again?))

Fare well, Sarigar (DM Cayzle) 
Thursday May 25th, 2006 5:54:31 AM
The priest sees no problem with a service arranged as described by Renik. He does mention that it is customary for another donation to be made, and the Eye of Gargul suggests that the druids would appreciate a token thanks as well.

Evening falls, and at sunset it is time for farewell.

The memorial is held in the forested portion of Plateau City, the Druidic Quarter. Telfalas, the elf you just rescued, is there. So are about two dozen people -- those rescued by Sarigar and Black Paws during the recent flooding, and their families and friends (See May 27, 2005 post). The Ent Seer known as the Green Man stands in silent vigil.

As the sun sets, four grigs (cricket-taurs) appear bearing musical instruments. Father Meckett seems surprised to see them, and something else ... sense motive check 15 to tell that Highlight to display spoiler: { he is angry at the appearance of the fey}.

Maybe more surprising, the Green Man is surprised to see them too.

They play an amazing melody, both sad and welcoming at the same time. As they play, as if in your head, you hear the words that Queen Maab spoke to you when last you saw her:

"But I am not yet done with you, mortal friends."

"And although we now part, remember that I am close. Look for me in your dreams! And remember me when you find your way to your home."

(See post of Aug. 17, 2005)

[Feel free to post any final good by at the funeral service.]

[Friends, it has been a good run, but (in case this is news) JK will be taking over the game as DM. He has run the Windhorn Hamlet as DM in the past, and he is one of the best DMs in the Wold, so you'll be in good hands. He is now travelling out of the country, and will return in early June. At that time he will take over and a new module will begin. I would like to divide the loot, award xp, and wrap things up until then.]

[One thing to keep in mind. Maab talks about finding your way home. But where is home for the Windhorn Hamleteers, vagabond adventurers that you seem to be? Maybe it is getting time to think about finding a home. Just a thought.]

Renik 
Thursday May 25th, 2006 3:28:55 PM
The rogue says his final farewells to his friend, then loses himself in libation and the darkness of the night.

(Cayzle, it has been a pleasure. Many thanks for some wonderful DMing.)

Feng 
Thursday May 25th, 2006 5:28:28 PM
Feng says his goodbyes keeping it brief. Sarigar wasn't one for speeches and wouldn't want him to give one now. Unlike the others Feng doesn't loose himself in the embrace of drink. He feels the guilt for Sarigar's death. If he hadn't gotten himself imprisoned in the force cage then Sarigar would be alive.

Arien 
Friday May 26th, 2006 12:05:52 AM
Arien waits at the grave and instead of going to an inn or the Star Mage's guild he enters trance beside the grave. As he is in trance he sifts through the memories of their adventures with Sarigar and his brother. After his trance has ended Arien returns to the guildhouse to research spells.

((OOC: Speaking of the home thing, I've asked a couple of times but I don't think I've had an answer yet, what happened to those propterties that we had bought way back when, I remember that we set one up as a front but we had 2 more that we owned as well.))

Mourners (DM Cayzle) 
Friday May 26th, 2006 7:12:15 AM
The service ends, and several people approach the party after the ashes are scattered.

Telfalas is visibly grieving. "He was a noble hero. The whole Wold should hear his story!"

A cricket-taur comes by and says, in a piping voice, "TheQueenSendsHerThoughtsToYouAtThisSadTime. ButBeGlad! YourFriendHasFoundHappinessInTheLandsOfRest!"

The Green Man, with a druid you recognize, named Elpanon, also speaks with you. "Your friend was a wild one. He was a lost child. He was a creature of nature."

"But he is lost no more. He has gone home. He has been found."

A few of the humans who came look like they would have come close to speak with you, but they were daunted by the magical folk who came near.

Father Meckett approaches last, and offers you a lock of hair and a bit of singed fur. "This is of Sarigar and Black Paws. Keep it close, I urge you, because the Wold is a strange place, and you may someday long for such a keepsake."

[OOC: I wanted to keep open the door to raising Sarigar if Philip ever so decides. If he does, this may help.]

At last it is over. Where will you go? Perhaps some accomodation at an adventurer-friendly tavern or inn?

There is still loot to be divided.

[OOC: Please do put together any thoughts you might have and e-mail me them -- Role Play awards and Hero Point Nominations, especially.]

[OOC: If you want to take a look at the property you purchased previously, please e-mail me any details you have and then in character go visit it!]

Monthor 
Friday May 26th, 2006 7:50:42 AM
" Well, it be over. Let's drink. "

:: Monthor and whoever wants to go with him head for the nearest Inn. ::

" First round's on Feng. "

ooc> We'll miss you Cayzle. Maybe you should pick up a character sheet and join us?

ooc> Monthor's heading for the catacombs. Since no one's objected, he's taking the +5 ring of protection and the +2 baracers. Who wants to liquidate the left overs? Joe's plan to split the loot has been the only one offered and I vote we go with it.

Philip K 
Friday May 26th, 2006 12:11:07 PM
Thanks guys. I've continued to read WH since my last post to see how things are going. I must say that I'm quite touched at how each of you saw the brothers and how you dealth with their passing.

I think the way you chose to handle their final arrangements was quite appropriate for them.

And thanks to Cayzle for keeping the door open. I doubt I'll ever step through again, but I won't say that it's not a possibility (never say never as they say).

Thanks again for the great times. I had fun and I wish you all the best.

Draax 
Friday May 26th, 2006 10:14:05 PM
Draax says his good-byes to the brothers along with the rest of the gang. He joins Monthor for drinks and his raises his first drink as a toast to the brothers.

(OOC: Joe's plan is OK by me.

Thanks for all the fun Cayzle, I had a great time.)



Carl 
Saturday May 27th, 2006 6:16:06 AM
Hi folks, just to let you know I'm going to be taking a short break from the wold, a month or so, to recharge the batteries and free up some time.



A Quiet (yet Costly) Grief (DM Cayzle) 
Monday May 29th, 2006 10:07:06 AM
Draax and Monthor head off to find a place to drown their grief.

Renik also slips away, when no one is looking, thinking his own thoughts.

Father Meckett approaches Feng, Arien, and Tratain. Diplomatically, he mentions that aside from the 200 platinum pieces Draax donated after the magical conversation with Sarigar, the party has yet made no further donation to either the Temple of Gargul nor the good druids here. "I know that grief is heavy in your hearts," the priest says, "and I know that Sarigar would not you want to leave a debt unanswered."

Feng 
Tuesday May 30th, 2006 6:30:17 AM
Feng is all for supporting the church but its clear Father Meckett is less than noble. "I think that if Sarigar knew you were trying to take advantage of people like this he would feed you to his brother. Your actions are appaling and you should be ashamed of yourself. I forget is this a church that is supposed to help people or a thieves guild?" Feng asks and narrows his eyes at Father meckett.

You Fly-By-Night Adventurers (DM Cayzle) 
Tuesday May 30th, 2006 10:12:59 PM

[OOC: Well over 24 hours and only one post! I know Philip's and Carl's reasons. How about the rest of yas! Thanks for posting, loyal and faithful Feng!]

Father Meckett takes Feng's comments in stride without getting angry.

"Yes, for most mourners I would wait before bringing up such a mercenary topic -- but you are adventurers, well known to dash off without warning, often forgetful of the mundane details of life. If you had a home here, or family, or some other reason for me to think I will ever see you again, then I would have held my tongue. But I decided to speak now rather than lose my opportunity to do so, maybe forever."

"If you will tell me where I can find you in a day or a week, I will gladly meet with you then, and offer my apologies for intruding on your grief."

"As for the fairness of the fees, well, all things in life and death have a cost. We have not discussed how much the fees will be. It seems premature to compare the temple to a thieves guild before you have heard the appropriate donation."

Draax 
Wednesday May 31st, 2006 2:59:25 AM
Draax gets a couple of drinks and then heads to the stables to see about the upkeep of his horse. He pays for another month of care for the animal.

Feng 
Wednesday May 31st, 2006 10:26:59 AM
"A donation is whatever the person feels is appropriate. By you telling people what the appropriate donation is you are setting the cost of the service. I believe that your coffers are quite full and you live quite well for being a man of the people. As for where I will be in a week I honestly don't know. See we go about helping people because its the right thing to do. We do not ask for set amount donations."

Monthor 
Wednesday May 31st, 2006 11:11:43 AM
Monthor did a little buisness at the Catacombs before starting his binging and now sports a full set of plate armor where a set of 1/2 plate used to be worn.

(ooc assuming that this is okay with you Cayzle)

Even without Draax, Monthor continues to drink and sing and boast and toast the memory of the brothers.

Arien 
Wednesday May 31st, 2006 10:19:48 PM
Arien strides forward to stand beside Feng, "Let us simply finish this distasteful topic. I will be blunt here, how much do you want Priest?" The elven mage is clearly angry but speaks in a normal tone of voice, "Name your price so that we can conclude this business, after all who knows where we will be in a week right Priest?"

Tratain 
Wednesday May 31st, 2006 11:50:52 PM
Tratain ushers his friends away from the priest and speaks with him. He says "I will be staying at the War Cathedral. I will come to you tomorrow or the next day to square everything away."

He says to his friends "Lets be off to a Tavern and Have ourselves a few Drinks. We may want to start looking around town for a small Manor house so we have someplace to say while we're here in town so we don't have to depend on the War Cathedral to put us up."

OOC: I have the E-mail stating who wants what. If no one else claims anything else I'll go sell the Unclaimed Items at the Catacombs, We'll split the rest between those who didn't get items and Pay for the Priest and Druids out of that Fund. I apologize for missing a few posts, was busy over the weekend.

Smoothing things over (DM Cayzle) 
Thursday June 1st, 2006 5:36:06 AM
Tratain's diplomacy is welcomed by the priest, who seems surprised at the response he got from Arien and Feng. He agrees readily and will see Tratain tomorrow.

The heroes gather at the place Monthor and Draax found. It is a humble inn, with excellent service and decent food. The ale has a good reputation.

In the common room of the place, a minstrel is playing. You sit, drink, talk, and reflect. Final arrangements for the loot are made. A courier from the Catacombs drops off a package for Monthor.

You realize the musician is singing about a band of heroes who defeated the Fae King and then fought giant bees and ants to rescue some elves. The tune is quite catchy. The minstrel does not seem to realize that the subjects of his tune are sitting in the room!

Feng 
Thursday June 1st, 2006 11:51:50 AM
Feng is glad to be away from the church and the greedy priest. Things aren't the way they used to be. Even those supposedly helping people want gold to justify their services.

"This buisness we are in. It does wear on you after a while."

Draax 
Thursday June 1st, 2006 6:18:59 PM
After taking care of his horse, Draax returns to the place to get a bite with the rest of the group. As he listens to the bard's song, he wonders if Renik might be the song writer for the catchy tune.

(OOC: I will be out of town and away from my computer until Wednesday, 7 Jun.)

Monthor 
Thursday June 1st, 2006 7:00:05 PM
Monthor drinks beer. He also challenges the strongest looking customer to an arm wrestling contest.... and he drinks more beer.

Tratain 
Thursday June 1st, 2006 10:41:55 PM
Tratain sits with his Friends and drinks with them, remembering the trials that got them here.

He says "Does anyone have any idea what the queen wants with us now that we have defeated the Fey Kings avatar?"

"We also may want to start looking around town here and in Windhorn for a Place to set up from. Its about time we had a place of our own."

Arien 
Friday June 2nd, 2006 2:48:10 AM
Arien keeps his vigil over the gravesite, during his trance he remembers some property that the party had purchased, after finishing his trance Arien decides to investigate what happened to these properties and heads off to where they were.

((OOC: In digging around here is what I found about those properties we bought:

DM Kim d20+5=21 d20+5=16 d20+5=14 d20+5=23 d20+5=25 d20+5=25 d20+5=20
Saturday January 5th, 2002 8:31:51 PM
OK, let's figure the places were purchased about two months from the time of the hot tub party.

Allowing a week or so for the cleaning out of the rubbish from the mage's place, and another week or two for painting the clubhouse, the dwellings are basically ready for moving in.

Via some investigation, it is learned that existing underground passageways go quite near to the brick building - just the next building away from the river. From the clubhouse, one must go across the courtyard before arriving at an underground connection. Of course, with enough time, effort, engineering, bracing, a more or less direct route between the buildings could be dug. [An earth elemental might speed things up. ;-) Watch out that the structural integrity of intervening edifices are not compromised by the digging...

Essential kitchen gear - New: a stove, oven, plumbing, and starter utensils can be had starting at 400 gp, with decided increases in quality at double the price and above. However, a higher quality stove and oven are found, albeit used, which bring the costs to 550, including the move and installation.

Ferak, Bill & Darkfang prove to be pretty good diggers, and a tunnel between the two dwellings is finally completed, in a manner of speaking, just a few days before the end of five months. 'In a manner of speaking,' because, although the diminuitive gnome and halfling can pass more of less upright through the whole passageway, those of greater stature must stoop severely much of the way. Those over ~5'8" will have to crawl in spots. The diggers do excavate a few wider areas, with enough room for Rond to stand almost straight in the exact center of two of them, and a few more places to pass here and there. More time and work will be needed to clear out a broader passageway. A separate tunnel is made from the brick building to barely short of the existing nearby tunnel complex. Bill's knowledge of architecture and engineering are sufficient to leave a thin crust of earth to separate the new from the existing tunnel. A few rounds of digging would be sufficient to effect a passable opening - large enough for the larger party members.)

Also if you want to refer to this, the whole talks dealing with this is in Chaper 5 of Volume 4 in the Archives.))

Cayzle apologizes 
Monday June 5th, 2006 11:15:19 PM
Sorry friends, Real Life has been brutal. DM JK will be taking over a week from today, next Monday. I will post asap for today and thru the end of the week.

R&R (DM Cayzle) 
Wednesday June 7th, 2006 6:44:01 AM
As the Windhorn Hamleteers relax and unwind, they think about times gone by.

Feng recalls a less cynical day, when everyone didn;t just think of money.

Tratain remembers Queen Maab and wonders if the group is done with her, or not.

Arien recalls some property the group obtained a while back. How long has it been since you went there? A year? More? What shape will it be in when you return?

Draax and Monthor are less thoughtful, enjoying music and arm wrestling to relax.

That night you spend in the inn. In the morning, will you set out to visit these properties from a bygone day?

[OOC: Has the loot been divided? Could someone e-mail me the final division, please?]

Monthor 
Wednesday June 7th, 2006 7:58:55 AM
ooc> The loot was devided as per the emails but I do believe that we still need to do a trip to the Catacombs to sell off the extras. I believe that Traitain volunteered to do this (or was it Arien?). Monthor was proactive and already took the ring of protection +5 and the amulet +2 of natural armor (as agreed upon) and did his trip to the Catacombs. He now sports a spiffy looking full set of plate armor ta boot (which, from his previous 1/2 plate, added a +1 armour bonus to his AC and allows a +1 dex bonus to armour as well).

::Monthor knows nothing of the properties since they were purchased before his time and thus has no real interest in going there since they don't belong to him. If the party decides to take a break, he'd rather go back to Dirt City to see his mammy and pappy and invites the rest of the party to join him. Monthor, during a sober moment, wonders if they just find out where they need to go next to deal with the King and get on with it. ::

Draax 
Wednesday June 7th, 2006 8:23:48 PM
"I have no idea want the queen could need from us, but if the queen wants us, I am sure she will let us know."

Draax remembers the place the group purchased. "We do own a couple of buildings in the city. Technically a few prior members of the group still share in the ownership, but even if they stop by, the place is big enough for all of us."

Feng 
Thursday June 8th, 2006 9:54:27 AM
"With all of the chaos as of late I bet they need some work getting back into shape. It might be nice to do something normal and not trek across the Wold for one reason or another."

ooc: could somebody send me the final division as well. I have not added anything since I wasn't sure how it would turn out.

Tratain 
Thursday June 8th, 2006 10:17:13 AM
In the morning Tratain will stop by the Temple of Gargul and Give the Priest Another 2,000 Gold to be split between the Temple and the Druids, and then Heads off with his comrades to the property they have been talking about to see what kind of condition it is in.

OOC E-mail has been sent with Loot stuff, I'm going to the Catacombs shortly to sell whats not claimed

Squatters (DM Cayzle) 
Thursday June 8th, 2006 4:57:12 PM

Loot is divided, and the priest of Gargul is satisfied.

The group finds that the buildings they once owned have been occupied by squatters. There are a small gang of beggers, who show you their begging licenses when challenged. There is also a family holed up in one suite of rooms -- about five kids and a granny. The granny tells you that the mother is out working, but she will be back soon.

Draax 
Thursday June 8th, 2006 11:29:45 PM
Draax looks over the beggars; he would hate to have to kill one or two of them to reclaim his property, but he will do it if he must. To the beggars he says, "You guys are going to have to find a new place to live. The owners are back and we plan to live here. You have until tonight to find a new place."

Draax addresses the grandmother, "We will wait until the mother return and discuss with her the situation."

When the group is alone Draax says, "I see no reason why the family cannot stay. As long as they understand the situation and Feng does not sense any evil from them. I would feel better if someone was in the place when we have to be off again for long periods of time. I would also like to leave my horse here instead of paying the local stable every time we leave."


Feng 
Friday June 9th, 2006 7:27:33 AM
"We cannot just throw them out of the street. These simple acts are what seperates us from those that stand as our enemies. The beggers are another problem altogether. They choose that life by getting liscenes. With all the chaos they could have gotten jobs if they wished."

Monthor 
Friday June 9th, 2006 7:32:50 AM
Monthor taps the blade of his axe on his palm repeatedly....

" Beggars be gone or me be tossing ye out. "

" Hey boys, this ain't me house but ye should consider hiring this family to look after it for ye when yer not here. "

Arien 
Friday June 9th, 2006 3:24:59 PM
"I agree with that, also since we do have several properties here, I would suggest that we hire someone or several someones to watch over each building. Perhaps some of these beggars could make for some unskilled labor for any repairs that we might need done to the buildings in our absence?"

Out with a whimper (departing DM Cayzle) 
Saturday June 10th, 2006 9:13:02 PM
The beggars are unwilling to work at an "honest" job, and they take off.

The woman returns, dressed fashionably and looking tired. She is grateful for the offer of employment, though -- in fact she seems very relieved that her family is not out on the street.

Her name is Hmargret, from which you know that she is one of the natives of the Windborn Hills. But her speech is like that of a native New Ellenian. The granny (named Hnancy) has a bit of an accent.

She gladly agrees to work for you and to keep the place up well. She clearly seems to think that she will do this work in exchange for rent. Do you intend to give her a salary as well? By the way, Feng senses no evil in her.

You spend the night in your new/old digs, and in the night you have dreams. You hear the Fae King whimpering. Then that fades and you hear the Queen. In the morning you cannot remember what she said, but you have the sense that she was pleased with you.

Also, in the morning there is an eighty-foot tall oak tree growing next to the building that was not there the night before. Its branches seem to stretch out over the house as if sheltering it.

[OOC: Monday marks the first day of posting for new DM JK. Gentlemen, it has been a good run (over a year and a half!), and I've had a fun time. Good luck and keep up the great play! -- Cayzle.]

Draax 
Sunday June 11th, 2006 3:15:41 AM
Draax sits with Hmargret and the members of the group to work out an employment agreement with the woman and her family. He feel that if the woman and her family are willing to make sure the place is well kept and see to any maintenance that is needed; he is willing to pay her 75gp a month plus free rent. He will also set up a maintenance fund for her to draw from to pay contractors for repairs.

Monthor 
Monday June 12th, 2006 6:13:44 AM
Not Monthor's property so he has nothing to add.

Tratain 
Monday June 12th, 2006 11:07:35 AM
Tratain walks around the properties trying to get an idea of what they look like.

He says "We should probably take a while and fix this place up before we head out anywhere else."

OOC: Did we get exp from the last module yet?

Ex DM Cayzle OOC 
Monday June 12th, 2006 4:36:28 PM
I'lll be talking to DM JK about XP asap.

Monthor 
Monday June 12th, 2006 6:26:49 PM
ooc> Shouldn't we all level up as a going away present from Cayzle? I know! Let's take it to a vote. Anyone?

Feng 
Tuesday June 13th, 2006 9:40:23 AM
OOC: Or a huge pile of gold under one of the floorboards in the house.

Arien 
Tuesday June 13th, 2006 6:49:09 PM
Arien spends some time exploring the buildings, looking for a good place to start putting together a lab. After a few hours of this Arien heads back to the Star Mage's guild for some more studying.

Monthor 
Tuesday June 13th, 2006 7:16:26 PM
ooc> New DM's late. I say we tar and feather him.

The Fey Tree (Ex-DM Cayzle) 
Tuesday June 13th, 2006 9:50:55 PM

[OOC: Hmmm. No JK yet. Well, let me intrude.]

The group settles in. Arien finds a couple rooms to his liking then sets out to study. Tratain looks to tidy up as needed and consider repairs and maintenance. Hmargret is very pleased with Draax's offer. Even the strange new tree outside does not deter her!

It is a strange tree. Its leaves and branches move as if blown by breezes that you cannot feel.

Monthor 
Tuesday June 13th, 2006 10:07:20 PM
Monthor goes to check out the tree.

Tratain 
Wednesday June 14th, 2006 8:24:45 AM
Tratain does some work around the groups properties, when he needs to rest he'll go sit under the new tree and enjoy the shade.

Foozle (DMJK) 
Wednesday June 14th, 2006 11:34:34 AM
The tree seems very large and quite normal aside from the fact that you didn't notice it yesterday, but before anyone really discovers anything interesting about it....

With a bang and a crash, a gnome... a short gnome... and that's short as in short by gnomish standards... afterall, we all know that gnomes are short, but this gnome is particularly short. In any case, the aforementioned short gnome bursts in on the scene making a terrible racket. He has rolled up parchment and canvases tucked under his arms. He's also porting around an impossibly large red bag with loopy leather handles. He seems to be having little difficulty difficulty despite the hefty burden. But then, he starts to sway from side to side and has difficulty regaining balance. His attempts to delay the inevitable quickly meet with failure, and he trips. Bag and canvas go flying.

Unabashedly he hops to his feet and makes a tidy little bow, "Allowmetointroducemyself, FoozleMilthantaneousCobblewoggonNibsparket FanzansizzleDokeeterFishwisterThanatomeekretousBorrcog at your service. Er, mostpeoplecallme Foozle." He has a gleam in his eye that looks like he expects he will be thrown out any second, but he rushes on, "IheardyouwerebuyingsomepropertyoratleastthinkingofbuyingsomepropertyandIassumethatyouwillneedartworkinyournewestablishment. And THAT is why I am here! Perhapsyou'veseenmypaintingof Valdor and Claudia thathangsinthelawofficesofBrushwaiteandJustyouwaite? No? WellIassureyouallthatIamwhattheycallanaturaltalent. Whateversceneyoudesire, Icanpaintitwithperfectskill, andI'dliketooffermydecoratingservicesforareasonablefee."

He bows and tips his hat, which seems to primarily consist of an impossibly long yellow feather, and adds in what now seems to be a reasonbly paced speaking rate, "Perhaps you'd like to look over some of my work." He gestures to the rolls scattered over the ground.

(Hello everybody. This is kind of a holding pattern post while I write up an approved module. I'll confer with Cayzle about xp, and he suggests that the group is setting up a house. I'm open to suggestions about what everyone wants to do in the next module. So, throw some ideas my way (jkf@grm.net), and by the beginning of next week, we'll be off and running like a man possessed.)

More Foozle (DMJK) 
Thursday June 15th, 2006 2:30:14 PM
The gnome looks around at everyone and seems a bit unsure about whether or not he should continue. However, since no one has told him to beat it, he decides its safe to continue. He also seems to wonder whether or not anyone in the group speaks common.

He points around at the ground and says slowly and rather too loudly, "Paintings." Then he points around the group and says in a similar tone, "Patrons?"

Thinking his work would best speak for itself, he starts to pick up some rolls of canvas from the ground and opens them up to show off some of his work. It's suprisingly good... if you like landscapes. It seems all of them are landscapes and pictures of buildings around Windhorn Hamlet.

He adds, "I do portraits too, but these sell better." He looks down at one of the paintings and mutters, "Thatsodd. Treeshouldntbehere." He scratches his head a bit, and indeed he has a painting of this area that does not feature an immense tree. His brow furrows in though, and he goes digging through his satchel and finally comes up with a sketchbook.

He flips through the pages for a few minutes and finally comes up with a picture of a tree that looks remarkably like this one, but it's standing by a large waterfall that none of you has ever seen before.

He holds up the book and points to the tree and points back to the book and looks utterly bewildered.


Draax 
Thursday June 15th, 2006 5:56:01 PM
Not really interested in the gnome's works, Draax looks at the paintings just humor the fellow. He looks very close at the picture with the tree and the waterfall. Looking at the gnome and pointing to the picture he asks, "What place is this?"

Tratain 
Friday June 16th, 2006 10:23:54 AM
Tratain is interested about the picture of the Tree as well.

He tells the Gnome "So what can you do for us and how much do you charge?"

Foozle (DMJK) 
Friday June 16th, 2006 11:36:52 AM
Foozle looks at Draax with a bit of impatience. After all geography has nothing to do with commission. "Where? That myfriend iswherethe BrinkwaterRiver flowsdownthe UpperPlateau. Neverbeenthere? It's especially lovelyinthewinter. Courseitscoldinthewinter. Brrrr."

Finally, Tratain asks the right sort of question, "WhatcanIdo? Mygoodman, I paint pictures. Like these." He points to his paintings. "Wordonthestreet is that youchaps arebuying buying a big house. Bighouses look empty without paintings. I want to sell you paintings... as for price, wellthatreallydependswhatyouwant. You all seem to like the BrinkwaterFalls. Icould letitgo forsay 150 gold. Some work is cheaper. Portraitsand customorders aremore. It all depends on a variety of factors, mostly relatedtosize."

Tratain 
Friday June 16th, 2006 10:11:24 PM
Tratain says "I think we like the Painting of the Tree, perhapse we could also hire you to help us decorate the house? I'm sure we don't have a keen eye from that sort of thing like you do."

Draax 
Saturday June 17th, 2006 1:39:40 AM
Draax is not really interested in house decorations, but he continues to look on as if he is listening.

Monthor 
Monday June 19th, 2006 5:45:30 AM
Monthor s-'sniff at Foozle and gets in his personal space.

" So... ye paint perty pictures do ye?"

Foozle (DMJK) 
Tuesday June 20th, 2006 9:56:10 AM
Foozle takes a step back from Monthor and smiles at Tratain in a nervous way, "AsIsay, Icould letitgo for 150. Andyouknow thistree looksjustlikeit. If you'd liketocommissionit, I'll paint it foryou too."

He rolls the painting back up and makes as if to hand it to Tratain, but it's clear he intends to be paid if he lets it go.

He also adds, "I have lots of other tree paintingstoo. You could come to my studio to seethem."

Feng 
Tuesday June 20th, 2006 12:37:28 PM
The half orc cups Monthor on the back of the head. "Don't be rude shortstack. And people say Orcs are ill manared."

Arien 
Wednesday June 21st, 2006 2:15:04 AM
Somewhat amused and somewhat annoyed by the gnome, Arien leaves to go do more studying at the Star Mage's guild.

Draax 
Wednesday June 21st, 2006 2:26:13 AM
With nothing else to do at the moment, Draax continues to fake interest in the gnome's paintings.

Monthor 
Wednesday June 21st, 2006 8:19:28 AM

Monthor turns and looks up at Feng.
" That's a paladin for ye. "

:: Monthor suddenly tries to pants Feng
ooc> I'll let the DM figure out the roles involved. ::

:: Regardless of success, Monthor then laughs and walks away. ::



Tratain 
Wednesday June 21st, 2006 6:21:59 PM
Tratain maneuvers the gnome a bit away from Feng and Monthor laughing while he does so. He says "We'll definitly take the Painting of the Tree, I think I'd also like to commssion you to Paint the Tree here for us as well. Can you also give me directions to the place in you painting? I may want to go visit there one day."

Monthor 
Thursday June 22nd, 2006 9:57:11 PM
ooc> We held up still?

Monthor 
Friday June 23rd, 2006 5:37:32 PM
ooc> I guess we are.

Arien 
Friday June 23rd, 2006 11:01:04 PM
Arien continues his studies in with the Star Mages.

Cayzle 
Monday June 26th, 2006 9:53:57 PM
Hey Windhorn Hamleteers! I've written to JK and we'll see what is going on.

Since we are between modules, there is nothing for me to give Joe even if I did want him to take over.

But do let me give you some crunchy game goodness to chew on:

Experience Awards

All PCs gain a base of 13,500 xp.

I'll be posting hero point and RP awards in the next day or two.

Arien  d4=3
Tuesday June 27th, 2006 2:23:56 AM
Arien keeps his studies at the Star Mage guildhouse going while wondering what he could add to his study back at their buildings.

(Roll Hp for level, +3)

Monthor 
Tuesday June 27th, 2006 9:50:11 AM
Monthor suddenly feels... more proficient.
(WHOOHOO!!! LEVEL 13!!!)

Foozle Departs (DMJK) 
Tuesday June 27th, 2006 11:22:10 AM
Foozle delivers the painting and happily accepts the gold for payment. He adds that if you want to see his other tree paintings that you're welcome to come by the studio anytime, and he's kind enough to offer directions, which should be easy enough to follow, even if they were delivered rather rapidly.

Then the gnome departs.

It seems there are no pressing demands on your time, but you have a painting of a tree and a location where that tree is supposed to be... Brinkwater Falls.

[Sorry for the delay. I'll have solid daily posting from here on. Consider that any shopping or level adjustment business takes place while you're in town and update your character sheets accordingly.]

Tratain  d8=7
Tuesday June 27th, 2006 7:55:31 PM
Tratain Pays for the Painting. and Goes to hang it where it would look nice. He then spends the day cleaning up around the house and then heads to the war cathedral to train with the priests there.

Monthor ooc> HP role  d10=10
Tuesday June 27th, 2006 8:53:32 PM
10

Monthor 
Tuesday June 27th, 2006 10:16:57 PM
What's your email JK?

Action? - DMJK 
Wednesday June 28th, 2006 1:49:12 PM
Tratain gets the painting hung on the wall, and it looks nice if not terribly exciting.

After that, the day passes quitely. Everyone receives a much needed rest and time to act normal for a change. Still the lure of adventure beckons, but it seems that adveture isn't seeking you out for a change. No comets are falling from the sky (today). No dragons are threatening the hamlet (this week). The sahaguin haven't stolen any children (lately).
There don't seem to be any crazed wizards about to incinerate a tavern (not since that incident last Thursday), and there don't even seem to be any stray dogs that can't find their way home.

It seems that for once, you hold your own destiny in your hands. Many paths await, but it seems you have the freedom to blaze your own trail. Of course, who knows how wide your window of opportunity is?

[jkf@grm.net]

Monthor 
Thursday June 29th, 2006 7:43:21 AM
"Hey girls, anyone know anything about this Brinkwater Falls? Anyone have any ideas as to what we should be doing next?"

Feng 
Thursday June 29th, 2006 11:31:39 AM
"Never heard of the place. If we have no other pressing matters what do we need to do? Some treasure hunting to better equip ourselves in the face of the next crisis?"

Brinkwater Falls 
Thursday June 29th, 2006 11:50:50 AM
It dawns on someone that the Brinkwater River is the principal river of New Elenna. It flows from the upper plateaus down to the Lotiphagi Ocean. It creates a waterfall as it flows over each of the three plateaus. Thus there are three reasonable choices for which one might be the Brinkwater Falls that Foozle mentioned.

The river flows down from the Third Plateau at Hoomwix, from the Second Plateau at Goodiamond, and from the First Plateau at Troiemaret and Golpherand.

Of the three, Windhorn Hamlet is closest to Goodiamond. Hoomwix is near Plateau City. Troimaret and Golpherand lie on the opposite side of the Plateaus from Windhorn. While they are the most distant, they are also easily reached by ship.

http://www.woldiangames.com/maps/yrth/peninsula/newelenna/images/NewElenna2.jpg

http://www.woldiangames.com/maps/yrth/peninsula/newelenna/images/NewElenna1.jpg

Monthor 
Thursday June 29th, 2006 12:18:58 PM
Me all for some exploring.
Let's try Hoomwix. For no other reason then me like the name... HOOOOOMwix.



Draax 
Thursday June 29th, 2006 3:21:51 PM
"Exploring and possible treasure hunt is fine with me. Hoomwix is as good of an idea as any other, so if that is where you guys want to explore, count me in."

Tratain 
Thursday June 29th, 2006 8:51:56 PM
Tratain says "I'd be up for taking a trip to see the tree, not sure if theres any treasure hunting to be done there but It would probably be nice just to take a Day Trip there."

Feng 
Friday June 30th, 2006 10:30:16 AM
"Alright lets go see the tree."

To Hoomwix (DMJK) 
Friday June 30th, 2006 3:02:59 PM
Anyone who has ventured to Plateau City from Windorn Hamlet has undoubtedly passed through Hoomwix since the top of the lift between the Second and Third Plateaus is also located there.

You recall a fairly drab town and a long wait in the lift line. Of course, Hoomwix is at the top of the plateau, and the tree in the picture is located at the bottom of a waterfall. So, you'll not need to make the ascent to Hoomwix itself.

If the falls near Hoomwix Lift are indeed your destination, you have to plan the route to get there. The most direct overland route is to ascend the First Plateau near Windhorn. The First Plateau is rather pleasant and full of farmland, not much chance of treasure or adventure there. But the road will take you by Turtle Lake, the former home of Floating City.

Beyone Turtle Lake the road forks at Jessage. The west fork goes to Goodiamond and its waterfall. The right goes to the Zidiac-Baenville Lift to the Second Plateau. You can ascend to the Second Plateau at either location. The lift at Zidiac is the fastest way up, but Goodiamond has the advantage of being the location of one of the Brinkwater's falls.

However you ascend, you will next have to traverse the Second Plateau and the infamous Blackheart Monster Preserve. As long as you remain on the Safe Road, travel should be swift and safe, but a journey through the preserve offers the lure of a bit more adventure.

The total distance is roughly fifty miles, but with waiting time for lifts being what they are, you can count on a three day trip.

Of course, Hoomwix is less than an hour's ride from Plateau City. So, a quick means of travel to Pleateau City, say via teleportation or the Star Mages portals, could have you there before nightfall.

Draax 
Saturday July 1st, 2006 4:40:39 PM
Draax looks at their options and then gives his opinion.

"Unless you guys are bored and want to take the long way; I suggest we get a T.P. to Pleateau City and ride or walk the rest of the way."


Monthor 
Sunday July 2nd, 2006 9:28:04 PM
" Works for me. Maybe we can hire a coach and ride in style. "

Feng 
Monday July 3rd, 2006 10:38:54 AM
"Monthor I doubt there is anybody you could hire that could get you to ride in style. Let alone walk."

ooc: Still haven't updated my CS yet. When I do what address do I send it to?

Tratain 
Tuesday July 4th, 2006 11:02:15 AM
Tratain says "Lets just walk, its not that Far. Plus it will be nice and relaxing after all that business with the Fey King we just went through."

Monthor 
Wednesday July 5th, 2006 10:32:08 AM
ooc> We still held up JK?


DMJK 
Wednesday July 5th, 2006 11:37:26 AM
The consensus of those who have commented seems to be that a teleport straight to Plateau City would be the fastest, if somewhat less adventuresome, route.

The only thing that remains is to select the method of teleportation.

< we're not held up, just light posting over the 4 day holiday weekend. :)
you can send cs to me jkf@grm.net >

Arien 
Wednesday July 5th, 2006 8:46:30 PM
Arien returns from studying at the star mages guild and gets filled in on the idea to travel to this other tree, he thinks a moment before saying, "The Star Mages generally frown on using their teleportation circles not for Star Mage use. The painting could be enough for me to teleport us there though there is a chance that something may go wrong."

((OOC: JK, I thought we were already in Plateau City? That is where the property that we owned was, did we move somewhere else and I missed it?))

Monthor 
Thursday July 6th, 2006 8:58:24 AM
"Me easy. Me'll do whatever you brainy types decide. "

Feng 
Thursday July 6th, 2006 10:29:31 AM
"Well lets inquire about travel through the star mages. I if they turn us down we will simply have to take the long way there."

On Second Thought (DMJK) 
Thursday July 6th, 2006 10:53:50 AM
Since the group is indeed in Plateau City, teleportation won't be necessary, and the journey will be a rather short venture that will let you get out of town... and hopefully forget what brought you back here.

[Cayzle told me the group had gone home for the funeral, and I assumed (incorrectly) that was still Windhorn. Sorry for the mixup.]

Monthor 
Thursday July 6th, 2006 8:40:08 PM
" Let's go then girls. "

ooc> By the by, anyone know when Renik's back. Are we getting new members?

Once on the way, Monthor starts a "are we there yet?" chant. Mainly aimed at annoying Feng.

Draax 
Thursday July 6th, 2006 11:50:25 PM
As they travel, Draax will walk a good distance behind the others, giving Monthor and Feng a lot of space.

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