Raising Glasses and Cheer (DM JohnP) Saturday July 15th, 2006 11:14:47 PM
The introductions and sharing of information have really started to flow. Most of the Crimson Shields have introduced themselves except the bugbear. The others have referred to him as Lang but he hasn't yet spoken for himself. On the other hand, all eight of the Plateau City adventurers have said something. Well, the half-elf with the wolf didn't really say anything but then he doesn't seem the talkative type.
As for the information flowing around the table, the Shields have shared what they have learned so far: - they defeated a vampire in it's lair on a farm outside the City. - the vampire had been corresponding with people inside Plateau City. - Belkior copied a diagram from the vampire's shrine, and it matched one from the death cult's shrine - checking the addresses, one was Lady Ilonia's mansion - the second address was a tenement in Nightmare Quarter.
They also found some things that may, or may not, be important but relate to Floating City: - stone statue of a spider, identical to some found near Floating City - correspondence from the vampire about Floating City.
For their part, Mira from the Plateau City group relates the events that led up to this point. The other parts of their chase of the ringleaders of the death cult are also recounted: - they have a list of buildings owned by Lady Ilonia - they've also been recommended to learn what they can from the two temples who sent clerics to Lady Ilonia's mansion - Alemi and Gargul. And from the Mage Guild.
Like any meeting of adventurers, everyone is a little cautious. The only two who have really shared much about what they contribute to their respective parties are the two clerics, Arm and Conner. Although it's a safe bet that Wynn is a bard, after that impromptu performance. Time will tell how these two groups function together.
Kadaz suggests putting words into action and going to check out some of the addresses they were given. Is that what people will do? Or will they agree on which address to check first?
Edmund Sunday July 16th, 2006 3:07:43 AM
Edmund takes a liking to Wynn instantly. Raising an eyebrow at Xenia's dancing, he light elbows Wynn in the ribs after her dance is finished. It's clear Edmund hasn't had much to drink, but it has probably been a little too much.
"Kindred spirits, what? You and I, I mean. You sing, I speak. Bards and Orators, united in their entertainment of the people. Of course, it's been a long time since I did any sort of real enterttainment in oratory--dramatic soliloquies, readings, and the like. Still, refreshing to hear a professional of the verse at work. Of the muse even. Not sure what muse, but definitely one of the better ones.
Edmund is excited at the prospect of fighting vampires. "Back at home, I was considered a regular vampire slayer," he proclaims confidently. "I'm not afraid of their silly little hats! Have at 'em!" He raises his glass at this point, and then drains the remainder of its contents.
It is not entirely clear that Edmund knows what a vampire actually is. However, attempting to educate him at this particular moment would probably be a futile endeavour. But then again, when isn't it?
Having no preference about where they should begin their investigation, he merely says, "Wherever there are Vampires. I'll take care of them. You just leave it to me!"
Further information doesn't seem to be forthcoming from Edmund at this time.
Wynn Sunday July 16th, 2006 6:24:24 PM
The bard leans over and places a kiss on the dark rogues lips, and then gently helps her up. "Beautiful" he says, leaving it to Xenia to figure out if he means the dance or simply her.
Conner Sunday July 16th, 2006 6:36:42 PM
Conner begins to clap in time with Xenia as she twirls about, encouraging her further. The fighter has seen many women dance in his time, albeit most more skimpily clad than the rogue, and he whistles his appreciation loudly.
[OOC just to avoid any confusuion, Conner is not a cleric]
Kadaz d20+9=27 Sunday July 16th, 2006 8:06:31 PM
Kadaz stands and picks up his axe, settles his shield on his arm, and quickly loosens his daggers at his belt. "Enough talk, Plateau City is in danger. We have an address - the tenament Nightmare quarter. We should go now since we're concerned about them reestablishing their alter. Once we've cleared that location we can search out the clerics or do something else."
Kadaz is rather brusque and would much rather be out doing something than sitting around talking. He turns to look at the others expectantly. "Come Birdie" he says to his dog. "Time to work." Birdie stands up from his place on the floor and trots over the door, ready to start again. (handle animal 27)
Xenia Sunday July 16th, 2006 9:27:45 PM
Lips warm, and soft as velvet leaves. Xenia melts into Wynn's arms. It's the dwarf, the Kadaz guy, who breaks her out of her romantic mood. "Reminds me a bit of Bralin. 'Cept Bralin didn't talk as much." she whispers.
"Like Belkie says, we went out there already," she announces. "To your Nightmare Quarter place. One a those places that you don't really want to go at night. Unless, that is, you're one of those kinds of people that folks aren't looking to meet in those places at night, if you get my meaning."
"Weerdo place. Couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching us the whole time." Xenia retrieves her cloak and walks over to the haversack, strung onto the back of her chair. She folds the cloak and pushes it down into the largest compartment. From one of the smaller compartments, she draws a black ribbon and proceeds to tie her hair back into a tight ponytail.
"Kadaz, why don't you fill us in, huh? What exactly is this Danger that Plateau City's in? I mean like, what kind of Ceremony were these Bearer's of the Chalice types putting on at the de Montmorency place? What kind of Undead did you see and how many?"
The dark-skinned rogue sighs and looks around the inn.
"And if we're going out to that Nightmare place again, I'm gonna need some place to change real quick."
Syr Sunday July 16th, 2006 9:38:34 PM
Syr blinks in surpise when he is corrected, "Why yes, Edmund it is... and I haven't even had a beverage yet." He looks up as the party is leaving and cocks his head to the side, "Did I hear that right? You have a dog named 'Birdie'? Hey Lang, is this guy a friend of yours? We have a couple hounds named Birdie and Sunshine. I know the bad guys are shaking now?" He smirks at Sunshine before reaching down and patting the dog on the head.
Preparing to get up, he looks over at Angus to see what direction the sorceror wants to steer the group.
Mira Sunday July 16th, 2006 9:58:29 PM
Mira sips from a glass of wine as the story gets filled out by the poetic bard. Mira's eyes flick to Arm's face when Xenia does her hoochy-coo, and the be-spectacled sorcerer leans a little more towards her bard. Mira is about to ask Kadaz to take back his seat while the party strategizes, and then the drow-girl says something about her party being watched from the building in Nightmare Quarter.
"We have no time to loose, then!" she announces. "If they've spotted you, they may be clearing out and moving to the next place as we speak!"
Mira starts to give instruction, "anything you don't want to carry, you can leave at our place. It's just a couple of doors behind Sampson's. If it's a scouting mission, Shadow should go with you. He knows this city like the back of his hand, and can get around pretty well undetected. Conner and Kadaz will be back up. You'll need a healer, too, in case you get into...trouble." The woman looks at the strange little catling dubiously, and then turns to Thar. "What do you think? You wanna' go?" While waiting for an answer from the elf, Mira continues, "take a magiker too. Turning to those she hasn't addressed, "The more diplomatic types could pay a visit to the investigators who checked out the de Montmorency pile after we left, or we could check out another address and maybe catch Lady Iliona and her people in a pincer movement. Whatever we do, we shouldn't split up into more than two groups." Putting her hands on the table, she leans forward and addresses the thin flute playing guy who seems to be a leader of sorts for the Crimson Shields and asks, "what-daya think?"
Lang & Sunshine Sunday July 16th, 2006 10:21:51 PM
Lang & Sunshine are the last ones of the Crimson Shields to enter the tavern called Sampsons. He and Sunshine move slightly to the side of the doorway as Xenia and the rest of the Shields make their way towards a group of people she seems to know. He follows their movement for but a moment before he focuses his attention on the rest of the patrons in the Tavern.
Lang is looking for two things as he surveys Sampsons. One is to see if there are any other animals in the place so he can determine if Sunshine should stay inside or outside. He is happy to see that one of the group the Shields is heading for has a dog at his side. The other thing Lang is looking for is how much attention he is drawing from the other patrons. Ever since his transformation into a Bugbear, he gets a lot more stares than he is used to. Mainly though, he is trying to determine if any of the stares will turn violent.
Comfortable, for the moment, that everything is peaceful he and Sunshine move towards the 2 groups that appear to be conversing quite well with each other. They get there just in time to see Angus, Wynn and Xenia perform. As always, he is amazed how the three of them can burst into a performance at the drop of a hat. Lang also hears some of the group finishing up introductions.
"If you do not know already from my companions, I am Lang and this is my friend Sunshine", Lang says as he absent mindedly scratches behind Sunshine's ears. Lang was never the talkative type when he was a human, letting the rest of the Shields do most of the talking for him. He is even less talkative now that he is a Bugbear.
Lang moves off to the side waiting to see if the group stays or goes.
Ash Sunday July 16th, 2006 11:31:59 PM
Watching the event unfold, Ash is amused by watching the various interactions that take place. He studies the partiers with the scrutiny of one studying the cultural activities of a primitive culture but otherwise seems uninterested in their goings-on. He does notice that half the people seem intent on having some fun and relaxing (presumably blowing off steam after their experiences) while the other half seem intent on proceeding to the next stage in their endeavours. As for himself, he will go where the wind blows him....or as an alternative, where the others decide to go.
He is impressed with with other party and their adventures, despite himself. He has heard tales of the Vampires...or Strigoi as he has heard them called...and believes them to be a difficult challenge at best.
The bugbear interests him and he is impressed to see it showing kindness to an animal and relaxes somewhat. His studies of that race do not indicate such behaviour to be the norm and as such, this particular bugbear merits some study. "Greetings Sunshine and Lang, this is Shelya and my name is Ash." Other than to continue scratching behind Shelya's ears, Ash makes no other action or comment.
Famina Monday July 17th, 2006 1:42:46 AM
Famina is quite happy with the song, and after it, she claps Wynn happily on the back. "That was very good! I'm amazed at your talent." She turns to Xenia and grins, "And you move so wonderfully! Like a shadow-fighter." She shakes her head, pondering. "Or a puppet on a string..." She searches for suitable words, but as one who hasn't seen much dancing, she is at a loss. She drains another mug and refills her tankard, pondering Mira's proposal. "I agree! Tough-types from both parties go one way, diplomatic types the other... and we meet afterwards."
Arm Monday July 17th, 2006 5:55:12 AM
Although he admires the beauty of Xenia and her dance, Arm prefers the beauty of Mira, both inner and outer. As she nuzzles closer to him, he squeezes her shoulder to show her that she has no reason to fear.
As the talk turns to action, Arm agrees, "Yes, let us depart before it is too late. I will go with the diplomatic party, and when our business is concluded, we shall come and seek the rest out, just in case they should require some help. We will all meet at the tenament, then.". As he says this, he looks to Mira to see if she thinks that is a sound plan, and that she will accompany him.
Angus Monday July 17th, 2006 8:43:55 AM
Angus greatly enjoyed performing with Wynn and Xenia, that was a good one, he thinks to himself.
Angus raises an eyebrow when Edmond talks of fighting vampires, the last one was one tough customer.
When Mira and kadaz talk of immediate action, Angus speaks up "This city is new to all of us. There seems to be an underlying evil at work here. You have been investigating this evil longer than us and it appears that you have more information to investigate, but Xenia is very astue in that the nightmare quarter could be more dangerous at this time of night. If these investigators are available for an interview at this time of night, then I say split the groups. If not, we can progress as two groups to the nightmare quarter, the shifty ones first and the rest as backup following behind."
Angus looks at all those in attendance. "We normally form up combat teams based on the situation. If we split, Belkior, Syr and myself can check with the investigators and the rest can go to the nightmare quarter. If we stay together and all go to the nightmare quarter our portion of the recon group will be: Wynn, Lang, Xenia, and Syr."
Angus asks Lang "In either senario, are you taking Sunshine?"
Angus looks to Mira "How are you going to split your group and can we visit both the nightmare quarter and the investigators at this time?"
Thar ail Baerer Monday July 17th, 2006 10:29:15 AM
As the new party members dance and celebrate, Thar smiles and enjoys watching the camraderie. He is interested in the dark elf that hass joined the party and realizes that he should speak to her at a later date and find how she has come to this place.
Thinking for a moment, Thar replies to Mira "Yes, I think we should act now and I'll go with the group to the Nightmare quarter. I'm interested in finding out what denizens are occupying or influencing that place."
Standing, he readies himself to leave, once everyone else is prepared.
Shadow Monday July 17th, 2006 10:45:37 AM
Not one for performances himself unless necessary is thrown off a little by the sudden performce by both groups. He looks a little startled at Edmunds claim of being a vampire slayer, never having experienced a fight with one before has heard terrible rumors about them and therefore is a little sceptical of his claims.
Hearing the group decide to split up right now and go in two seperate directions, Shadow decides it is time to speak up, "I do know the city well, and you are right about the Nightmare Quarter, but if we stay together until we actually do some close recon we should be okay. If you need somewhere to change and leave your belongins, "he looks over the whole group, both his and theirs, "you can do so at our apartment. I need to get geared up also." With that Shadow will go with the groups back to the apartment to get ready for the recon they talked about.
Scott (ADM for PC - OOC) (aka. Shadow) Monday July 17th, 2006 10:46:54 AM
Who is the ADM for FC game. We need to do our posting report, but they said they only wanted one. Do ou want to handle it this week and then I will next week and we can rotate it?
Scott the Southern One-OOC Monday July 17th, 2006 2:44:31 PM
Hmm, is it a wierd coincidence that both ADM's are named Scott? I'll handle it and we can alternate.
Scott the Southern One-OOC Monday July 17th, 2006 3:39:48 PM
With the merging of the two games, I wasn't quite sure where to break it so I used the chapter break of the DM post on Saturday as the last. The last post I have logged is the ADM posts (although considering Belkior hasn't posted yet, I'm giving him credit cause it's always good to suck up to the DM.)
JimF Monday July 17th, 2006 3:47:57 PM
Scott do not forget to list DM post too.
Kadaz Monday July 17th, 2006 7:51:13 PM
Kadaz glances back at the party getting ready. Too much talking, not enough doing, he thinks as he idly rotates his axe.
He glances over at the bugbear with the dog and nods, approvingly. "Lang, can you see in the dark?" he asks. "If so, you should go near the front with me."
Birdie is a bit more cautious about the new dog. He moves a bit towards Sunshine and sniffs, trying to get a read on the friendliness of this newcomer.
Belkior Monday July 17th, 2006 9:17:03 PM
The halfling cleric listens to Angus' proposal to separately check with the temples and other investigators and also send people to the tenement.
"Angus, it's past supper time. While there will surely be priests and other attendants at the temples, I doubt that we could easily find the senior priests who would have investigated. And, for that matter, I doubt that we could find the investigators from the Mage Guild, either."
Then he nods to both Shadow and Xenia. "But I like the idea of checking the place out first before we go in."
Moving Out (DM JohnP) Monday July 17th, 2006 10:42:30 PM
With kadaz' suggestion, the two groups immediately start to plan and prepare to head out. There is a discussion of exactly how to go about it. Angus, among others, had suggested that some people go to spy out the tenements while others go to speak to the investigators from the temples and Mage Guild. However, Belkior reminded everyone that it is after supper and actually fairly late. After thinking about, everyone comes to that same conclusion.
At this time, it appears that Mira is speaking for the Plateau City group while the Shields are looking to Angus for direction. Mira's suggestion of stashing gear at their apartment makes sense. Those people who want to investigate tonight pay for their food and drink at Sampson's and then walks over to the apartment. The warehouse is also close but probably not as secure unless some people were left behind to guard whatever is left behind.
Moving the short distance to the apartment reveals the difficulty of moving so many people with any kind of ... discretion, Shadow might put it. If they want to check out the tenement before going in, they will need to send some people ahead of the main group.
Once the Shields have stored their gear in the apartment, it's time to sort out exactly who is going where. Right now, there seeem to be four, or maybe five, options. People could either: - stay behind in Sampson's to keep drinking; - stay at the apartment; - try to find investigators from the temples and Mage Guild; - go ahead to scout the tenement; or, - ready themselves as part of the main group going to the tenement.
Of course, some method of communication between the scouts and the others will need to be worked out.
DM Request - Please indicate what each character is doing.
Edmund Monday July 17th, 2006 10:57:41 PM
After listening to the plans being formulated, Edmund agrees that little could be accomplished in the evening. "Hunting vampires at night?" Incredulous, he shakes his head. "No, no. You must hunt them when the moon is full, and in Orion. Only then can you pierce their hats with weapons!"
It is apparent however much Edmund has had to drink (though it didn't look like much), it was too much. He also doesn't seem like the sort of person inclined, even in the best of circumstances, to be quiet. These are clearly not the best of circumstances. Therefore, he makes his way off to his room in the apartments for, "Research, research, that's the way to get 'em!" Once there, he promptly falls into bed, where he will sleep until the following morning, if left uninterrupted.
Wynn d20+16=29 d20+10=28 Monday July 17th, 2006 11:05:47 PM
As talk turns more serious and plans are discussed, the bard leans in and voices his opinion. "I don't know much about this 'Nightmare Quarter' but by the looks of it, I think we should wait for daylight to investigate...but if there is going to be a scouting party back to the tenement, I'll be going."
The bard pulls his hat out of his vest pocket, puts it on, and with a few careful adjustments soon looks eerily like one of the many denizens he had seen earlier outside of the tenement; a dirty, thin, unkempt beggar or thief with a patch over one eye and a decided limp. His cloak has taken on the appearance of an old winterblanket, moth-eaten and filthy from too many nights on the street. Any clues as to his armour and weaponry are concealed beneath the disguise. He coughs once, a wet sounding cough that sounds as if it comes deep from within his bronchial passages. [Diguise=29, Perform=28]
"I can also cast a simple spell that allows me to whisper what we may see to as many as four others, although it does not last but 40 minutes".
Wynn will accompany any who go into the Nightmare Quarter, although he will try to make it look as if he is on his own and not part of the group, perhaps he will be unnoticed as just another outcast of society. He will cast message on two of the scouts and two of any back-up party just before they split up.
Conner Monday July 17th, 2006 11:14:05 PM
The fighter rises to his feet and crosses his massive arms. A smile of anticipation crosses his face. "Lots of nightwork to be had soldiering" he says. "Sounds like I'd be better off as part of the second wave, reinforcements if you like" he pats the hilt of his sword and reaches for the spiked shield that leans against the wall behind him.
"Can you use that sword you hid beneath yer cloak?" he asks Wynn.
Conner will accompany any scouting party to the edge of the Nightmare Quarter and then take up a ready position where he can provide immediate support to the scouts if required.
Arm Tuesday July 18th, 2006 5:54:32 AM
After cotemplating the situation for a bit, Arm realizes that it is probably best if they wait until the morning to inquire with the investigators. Turning to Mira, he voices this and continues, "If you wish to hang back a bit and follow the lead group, that's fine with me.".
To the newcomers, he says, "Do you have a place to stay? Unfortunately our apartment is not large enough to accomodate all of you, but we can certainly take some of you in until you find more permanent lodgings.". After he says this, he wonders if Mira would be willing to share a room with him, but for some reason he is pensive about asking her at the present.
Angus Tuesday July 18th, 2006 8:20:27 AM
The tall sorcerer stands and stretches. "Fighting some undead at night is not a healthy proposition, if that is what you think we will be facing during our scouting of the Nightmare quarter. We could not defeat the vampire Sarah at night, as she was too strong. If we wait until morning we can all prepare spells for the day and then also not split our forces. We can go see the investigators at the Mages Guild after breakfast and then check on the Nightmare Quarter after lunch. This way we all have the same information to work on, we do not know what the investigators have found that may be helpful in the Nightmare Quarter. Full sun is a good time to investigate the Nightmare Quarter, especially if we suspect vampires or their ilk. Mira What do you think?"
Angus finishes his wine and leaves some money for the bill and winks at the big bugbear "Thanks Lang" as some inside joke just transpired between them.
Angsu looks at Wynn "Excellent tactics my friend and you may want to link your message or I can use mine to like the two groups together, recon and support, just in case things get hot. Mira do you also have a message cantrip at your disposal, very handy you know."
Belkior Tuesday July 18th, 2006 9:48:12 AM
The halfling cleric stands with the others, slowly stroking the fur on one leg with his fingers while he listens.
"If you're planning on scouting tonight, there should be some people ready to rescue them if need. Not that they'll probably need it but just to be careful, of course."
"Although it now sounds like we'll be doing this in the morning. In which case we should turn in and get a good sleep tonight to be prepared. In the morning, I can either go with the backup for the scouts or head to the Cathedral of Light. I do know several people there from when I attended seminary. The Gargulites ... well, I didn't associate with them much."
Sub needed - Does anyone want to take over Belkior for the next while?
[ I'll take Belkior, John. Last CS I have for him was dated: "Date Updated: May 11, 2006". Is that the latest? Do you have a Spell List for the day? -- Al ]
Thar ail Baerer Tuesday July 18th, 2006 10:18:31 AM
The elven ranger/cleric waits in the apartment for a short while, as everyone gathers their equipment. He then says "Well, I'd like to be in the scouting group, as I want to get an idea of what we'll be facing. How will the scouting group let the 'reinforcements' know if we need help? I don't have any spells that could do that, but does anyone else?"
He then prepares to leave, once the scouting group exits.
Shadow Tuesday July 18th, 2006 10:24:49 AM
Shadow was all for using the cover of night for his and Xenia's recon, but listening to the conversation of undead he pipes up, "I think you might be right in your guess that it would not be smart to think there are no undead involved if this tenemant is housing some of the cult. We should probably wait till morning to do a full recon, but I am willing to still go tonight if the group decides they can't wait." He looks around the two groups to see what everyone decides.
Mira Tuesday July 18th, 2006 10:30:50 AM
Mira stands, and wraps her big cloak around her. When several of the party suggest waiting until morning because the night might favour their enemies' strengths, she stops.
Pulling on her lower lip, she thinks for a bit before answering. With an applologetic look at those who are making ready to go into action, she says, "Angus has a valid point. We should have our wits about us before checking out something so dangerous." The sorcerer's eyes follow the progress of the inebriated wizard, Edmund, as he makes his way through the tavern. "Famina and Xenia can crash in my room, and if you've got bedrolls and such, there's space in the common room...I think. A short rest for those who need it to be at their best. Those who don't need a lot of sleep, can work on strategy."
A sly smile plays across the woman's face, "we move out at sunrise!"
Xenia Tuesday July 18th, 2006 12:09:24 PM
"I think it's worth a look see." Xenia pulls a shirt of flowing black enameled mithril links from her haversack along with a large square of black cloth. "The streets are different at night. Different people. Mostly people what don't ask questions and don't get into other folks' business 'cause they don't want other folks to get into theirs."
The dark rogue begins tying the square of cloth around her head in a bandana that hides her red hair.
"Remember when we went in earlier today? Everyone was staring at us. Just the plain folk who live there. That's 'cause we don't belong, and they know it. We go in like that in the morning with a group of ten or more and it's gonna be like coming in with an army. That's fine if that's what you want. Or if you're the City Guard. It's safe. But the stuff you're gonna find out is gonna be over by the time you find it out."
"I think Mira was right. If this Lady Ilonia girl is on the run, then it might be time's against us. If there are Undead, they're gonna be working in the dark, and that means they'll have a whole nights jump on you while you sleep."
"I say we do a soft recon. No contact. Fixed objectives. We go in. Find out if they got sentries, guards, or watchers. Find out if there are any undead guys. Map all entrances and exits."
"If it's all quiet, then could be the place is clean. Or, probs we're too late."
"We could use backup, a'cause there's always the chance of trouble. And it wouldn't be a bad thing to have everyone along. In case we come on something really big going down. With two Message relays, the main body of folks could follow over 500 feet behind pretty safely."
"Me and Shadow on point. Wynn following 130 feet behind in disguise. Angus and Syr 130 feet behind Wynn and the rest 180 feet behind Angus and Syr."
"I'm for having a look see now. Unless you need the sleep or there's something else you wanna do tonight."
"Um," she holds up the mithril shirt, "there any place I could change into this, Mira?"
Angus (Illegal second Post) Tuesday July 18th, 2006 1:11:27 PM
Angus smiles at Xenia "I am always up for some excitement."
Angus then looks at Mira "As Xenia indicated we can do a layered approach, but I leave it up to you if we do a quick recon now and then more exact in the morning, as it is your city and you have discovered most of this evil. If we do go I suggest you stay with my group and we can add a few warriors in to, can never have enough warriors around, maybe Conner to balance out Syr." As Angus seems to take the measure of Conner, as he tries to mix the two groups.
Lang & Sunshine Tuesday July 18th, 2006 1:41:26 PM
"Yes, Kadaz I can see in the dark. I would say my dark vision starts to fail at about 60 feet."
Sunshine's tail keeps wagging as he and the dog Birdie make acquaintances. Sunshine does not approach the other dog Sheyla, but stays near Lang.
OOC - There are 2 dogs in the PC group?
Lang listens to the plans that are starting to formulate. His interest in meeting with the investigators is minimal. His ears perk up when they start talking about doing a little recon. He frowns slightly and shakes his head when he is left off the front lines of the recon team.
"Xenia, I should be at the front of the recon group. Do not let my new form make you forget that I am quite adept at keeping out of people's views and people's ears. This new form also granted me darkvision so I can easily move around without having any light source. Also, I have the power to enhance my speed to move faster than most humanoids. And lastly, if things go bad I will be where I need to be."
Xenia (2nd Illegal Post) Tuesday July 18th, 2006 2:28:17 PM
"Sounds good," Xenia calls out from the small space she's found in which to change. "Haven't seen you slink around since you changed into a bugbear, Lang. But you did a good job snipping when we took on the Hearts in that Courtyard on Trash Level."
"Be good to have your sense of smell there too. Think you could scent undead inside if we get outside one of the windows in that building?"
Xenia comes out dressed in black chain armor, rapier at her side. Her velvet party shirt she folds and slots into her haversack.
"I mean, it's not like we didn't get a good whiff of them back at the plantation, is it?"
Syr Tuesday July 18th, 2006 2:45:44 PM
Syr runs a hand down his black ponytail, "Sounds like we have some work tonight. I'll go to wherever there is need boss. Paired with Conner is fine be me."
Lowering his voice so the barbarian can't hear, he mentions to Connor, "I could use a new partner. Famina's great but she's more of the grunt and nod type." Looking up at the large man the elf smiles modestly, "I know I don't have a sword like you but I think you'll be pleasantly suprised that I can take care of myself." He clenches his fists before him as tendons and veins pop up from his arms in response.
Wih a thoughtful look, he asks those assembled, "Hey, I know everyone wants to have input but it might be best to appoint a single tactician? I mean, we are all after the same thing, right? To make this work effectively it helps to make one decision. Just look at this situation, we have people going to the apartment, going on recon, hanging back, staying with the forward group. I just want a little bit of organization. On top of all that, we don't know what each is capable of. Me for example, don't let these good looks fool you." He smiles as he pokes fun at himself, "I tend to fight unarmed, unarmored and fast."
Famina Tuesday July 18th, 2006 3:09:37 PM
"I suppose you're right, dawn it is." Famina is somewhat disappointed...what's the point of fighting undead if they can't fight back? Still, it's probably more effective. Going in at night to look around seems foolish, but fun. Still, she knows she'll not get in the group, what with her plain old human senses. She feels like pouting a bit, but decides it's better to just overlook it and puts away her beer. "Scouting might be good, but wouldn't it be worse at night? I mean, if the undead are out, they might feed on you. Wouldn't it be better to scout during the day? ..or better yet, scout at just before dawn, when the undead return to their crypts, and people have yet to awaken, and there's a good solid hour or so..." Famina shrugs. "In any case, I suppose I'll turn in early, to prepare for tomorrow. Thank you, Mira."
Thar ail Baerer Tuesday July 18th, 2006 4:03:08 PM
Listening to the discussion re: the advance scouting group, Thar speaks up and says "I'd like to be with the advance party instead of sitting back. I dont have to necessarily be with Shadow and Xenia, but do want to be involved in the recon efforts vs. being part of a relief party. My ranger skills could come in handy."
Kadaz Tuesday July 18th, 2006 4:25:08 PM
Kadaz listens to the strategy and hears some good ideas. "I haven't fought vampires before while you have, Xena. The idea of a scout tonight with an open attack in the morning makes sense. So I suggest you direct us for this night time scout. But I'm not sure we need 500' from front to the back of the group - that's a long way for reinforcements to come if they're needed. How about 3 groups each only about 150' apart. Will the message spell go that far? I'll be in the last group as I am probably the noisiest one here." He glances ruefully at his armor - no way to move quietly in this pile of metal.
He looks over at the bugbear. "Lang, keep Sunshine away from Sheyla. The wolf is not very friendly.
(OOC - I'm also looking for a subsutitute for Kadaz for next week. He's very easy to play - just pound anything in his way into the dust!)
Off Into the Dark (DM JohnP) Tuesday July 18th, 2006 9:52:14 PM
Even before various options are discussed, Edmund decides that it's time to rest. Since he was making even less sense than usual, that's probably for the best.
After some hurried discussion, the others arrive at plan to scout the tenement. At least the outside to determine who or what might be guarding it. After some discussion, the group decides to split into three parties.
The first group - Lang, Shadow and Xenia - will approach the closest to the building. As Xenia suggested, they won't actually go in but will see (and smell) what they can. Lang's companion Sunshine may be convinced to stay with the others or accompany the ranger.
The second group - Conner, Syr, Thar and Wynn - will hang back farther but will keep the advance scouts in sight and range of the Message spells cast.
Then, at a greater distance, most of the others will try to stay out of sight. That group will contain Angus, Belkior, Famina and Kadaz. Birdie, of course, is with Kadaz.
Arm and Mira waver about staying or going out, but still have a chance to make that decision. From what they said, they'll probably go with the main group.
That still leaves the druid Ash who hasn't said anything. And, of course, the sleeping Edmund.
+++++
Those who decide to go out make their way through the darkened streets of Plateau City. Here in Trade Quarter, a large group of people would seem unusual unless they were heading home from a tavern or suchlike. As everyone moves east in loose groups, they manage to sort themselves out and try to be inconspicuous.
Once they enter the Rogue Quarter, it's a bit easier to blend in. Despite the hour, there are still groups of revellers and other less honest folk still out on the streets. Several of the taverns are still open and music flows from the open doors and windows. The streets get darker and rougher as they get closer to Nightmare Quarter. At this time of night, it's difficult to tell exactly where the dividing line is, particularly since many of the beggars are working the crowds in Rogue Quarter. The main group decides to linger on Skull Street which forms part of the boundary between the two quarters. There's enough traffic here that they're not too obvious.
Even in Nightmare Quarter, it's not too difficult to blend in. Or, rather, to be not noticed since few, if any, people wandering the streets of this Quarter at this time of night have wholly legitimate business in mind. Men and women of all races and descriptions linger on the street corners offering to sell various substances, services or themselves.
The second group decides to wait on the edges of Skull Market around the Temple of Marteaus. The advance scouts creep closer to the tenement.
DM Note - The above groups are only approximate. If your character is doing something else, describe and the groups will be adjusted.
Advance Scouts - Into Nightmare Quarter (DM JohnP) Tuesday July 18th, 2006 10:13:36 PM
Lang, Shadow and Xenia only - Highlight to display spoiler: {The trio drift forward towards the tenement. As they move, they try to keep one another in sight without seeming to. The spell really helps since they can communicate by only whispering.
Crossing Skull Market at night is far different than during the day. There are vendors who set up stalls in the evening. Some, offering more legitimate goods, are beginning to close up their stalls and head home. Others offering illegal goods or services are only now displaying them for all to see. Added to that are the people drifting about, making whispered offers of even less reputable goods. Some offer to sell right there while others suggest visiting shops in the streets and alleys leading away from the market.
Finally, everyone is relatively close to the tenement. Unlike the day time, there aren't any people obviously loitering on the steps.
Please describe your approach, etc., making skill rolls as appropriate.}
Back-up Scouts (DM JohnP) Tuesday July 18th, 2006 10:21:18 PM
Conner, Syr, Thar and Wynn only - Highlight to display spoiler: {The edge of Skull Market is decidedly bad. And over it all looms the Temple of Marteaus. For some reason, the temple is lit by magic fires than burn with bilious flames that cast everything in the market with a sickly green tinge. In this light, it is impossible to determine healthy from sick.
And the goods and services offered in this market are definitely less than legal. Even if the spellcasters doubt that much of it actually does anything, the goods are still illegal or, at least, repugnant.
It's already beginning to wear on the nerves, this silent waiting for word from the advance scouts. It would be even worse without the spells that allow communication.
Please indicate what you are doing, making skill rolls as needed, etc..}
Wynn [AC=21; HP=59] Message, Disguise d20+6=25 Tuesday July 18th, 2006 10:45:30 PM
Excited by the adventure ahead, the bard recites a poem he picked up along his travels. It certainly helps to calm his own nerves.
Deep at the end of Nightmare Street Lies a heart without any beat It rests inside a man so old His veins run with blood that's icy cold
If you dare and seek him out to learn of his ways You'll be forever sorry and always rue that day For you'll be turned to cold grey stone No longer a living person of flesh and bone
Down the road lies the Black Cathedral, Shrine to Lord Marteus For the great pandemic he surely dost prepare us Domi's greatest enemy, he cleaved his heart in two Made the Wold a dangerous place for the likes of me and you
Filth and disease are his calling card Those he touches are forever scarred Their minds are tormented and their bodies wracked with pain If they don't die early they will surely go insane
Right in the middle is a barren space Despite the prayers and wishes it remains an unholy place Permanently in ruin and forever cursed this way The Scar's a place of legend where monsters yet hold sway
Still, the Nightmare Quarter isn't really oh so bad If you are a wizard that's gone decidedly mad Lots of poor downtrodden to turn into undead Their eyes on fire glowing bright bloody red Yes the Nightmare Quarter is the place of dreams Wakes you up in cold sweat just to hear your screams
At the appropriate time he casts message on Xenia, Shadow, Conner, Syr and Angus. He also offers to cast disguise on one other member of either the scouting party or his own team in close support "It will let you blend right in" he offers.
Once they actually enter the Nightmare Quarter, Wynn, disguised as one of the downtrodden denizens of the quarter makes his way from one refuse bin to the next, trying to remain inconspicuous. "Let me know what you see" he murmers to Xenia and Shadow from a safe distance. "Angus, Conner,Syr, can you hear me?"
Wynn maintains a watchful eye on those around him as he awaits word from the advanced scouts [Spot=25]
OOC: Message lasts for 50 minutes
Conner [AC=22; HP=62]Message d20+4=16 Tuesday July 18th, 2006 10:48:40 PM
Conner saunters casually down the streets of the Rogue Quarter and finally into the Nightmare Quarter. He accepts the message spell from Wynn but declines the disguise. "I think I fit in pretty well here" he rubs his mohawk and taps his temple near the large ornate tattoo.
Once in the skull market he loiters about and tries to keep alert for any danger whilst listening to any whispered messages. [Spot=16]
"I can hear you fine" he whispers back to Wynn.
Xenia (AC22, HP 48/48) d20+19=30 d20+14=27 d20+16=31 d20+16=20 Tuesday July 18th, 2006 11:27:08 PM "We're outside the tenement, Wynn." Xenia walks tall and casual through the darkness that fronts each building. What she can't cloak in the shadows, she hides with the heedless walk of a native with no more to hide than anybody else. The eyesight of her elven heritage drinks in the slightest bit of light and paints the dark like daylight for 120 feet in all directions.
"Shadow, Lang, I'll stand off and watch the roof and the windows from across the street. Why don't you move in and work your way around the building. I'll warn you of anything your coming up on. Or of anything that's coming up on you."
"How far off are the others, Wynn? Just in case this all breaks down? Looks quiet for now. But you never can tell. I'll feed you a running report."
Mira Wednesday July 19th, 2006 12:21:12 AM
The sorcerer blows a little air through pursed lips, which causes a loose whisp of her hair to rise up, then return to the same place. Impatiently she brushes the stray strand out of the way. "Look," she says, "if it was up to me, I'd just as soon fireball the place and leave it at that!"
There is an exasperated look on the sorcerer's face, "I'll come, but I'll need to get at least a little sleep before the night is out." The woman looks briefly at her newest aquisition, worn on the middle finger of her right hand, then she looks at Arm. "How about you?" she asks, adding, "should we fetch Edmund, and see if we can sober him up?"
(OOC: Mira will swing by the apartment to see if Edmund can be helped, before joining up with the others...those at the very back.)
Edmund Wednesday July 19th, 2006 2:01:07 AM
When and if awakened, Edmund will protest rather violently, but more or less nonsensically--"Not in the mustard pot!" before he realises what is going on.
"Time to move out already? Good heavens, you people don't waste any time. Whatever happened to rest and relaxation? I mean, really! I don't expect there's time to have bath first, is there? I should at least like some time to arrange my thoughts, read over my spell book, and that."
If given such time, Edmund will use it to study his spellbook and memorise his spells for the day. He doesn't appear to be at all inebriated any more, but this is almost certainly because he had very little to drink.
"You do know," he says rather miserably, "That the moon is almost certainly <i>not</i> in Orion, and consequently, the destruction of any vampires encountered will be most difficult. Once they curl up into their hats, they will deploy their whatsits, and there'll be nothing we can do about it!"
If this doesn't make much sense, what comes next is possibly even worse, all said with the straightest face whilst he manages his morning preparations.
"My brother and I used to go out of an evening to step on the little blighters, but they'd always pull up into their hats. It wasn't until much later that we were told the trick about the moon. Sure enough, they didn't have their hats on then. They take them off to charge the follicles. Keeps their hair lustrous. Clever little people. But vicious. Terribly vicious."
It should now be fairly self-evident that Edmund is not talking about the same kind of 'vampires' as the rest of the party. Either that, or he is lying outright.
Once prepared, he nods decisively to Mira. "All right, I'm ready. I hope we'll all come back from this mess alive. I expect the Evil Elf Sorceress Queen will have more up her sleeves than a few paltry vampires."
Kadaz (AC 24, HP 63/63) & Birdie (AC 17, HP 7/7) d20+1=6 Wednesday July 19th, 2006 5:45:18 AM
At the back of the group Kadaz tries, not very well, to keep an eye on what is going on around him. At least he can see in the dark and doesn't depend on the irregular lighting. (spot 6)
Even though he understands the reason for the party division it rankles that he's not in the front. Tomorrow morning it will be his turn to kick down some doors.
Arm Wednesday July 19th, 2006 8:51:37 AM
Turning to Angus, Arm says, "Even if Mira does not have the 'message' cantrip, I do, so we'll be fine.".
Clearly seeing Mira's consternation, he attempts to calm her down, "It won't take very long, my dear, and I confess that I am a bit curious as to what we'll be getting into. If you get too tired, I'll gladly return home with you.".
Angus - message Wednesday July 19th, 2006 9:17:52 AM
Angus casts message also and uses it to keep Mira, Arm and Syr to keep the group connected and up to date on information.
Through the message spell Angus talks to Mira and Arm "Take you time and get Edmund it you can. Then work your way back toward our group. No rush and do not draw attention to yourself."
Through the message spell to Syr "Hi quick one. I trust you are ready to run in either direction."
When Angus heres Arm's grumbling he comments through the message spell "You should see me in the morning if I do not get my eight hours of sleep."
Active spells:
Message
Shadow d20+4=21 d20+10=29 d20+10=16 d20+4=16 d20+4=17 Wednesday July 19th, 2006 10:40:16 AM
When Wynn offers a disguise Shadow asks, "Could that be used on our big friend here?" Shadow indicates Lang. "It would help us to be more incospicous when we actually get to the building."
When Xenia suggests that she stay and watch the front of the building, Shadow nods. He then grabs Lang's arm and pulls him a little ways away from Xenia and says too loudly, "Oh, I thinksss I ammm gonna be sick. Come on and keep meee from dropping in me own vomit." He pulls Lang to the side of the building wobbling like he is way too drunk. Once on the side of the building he will bend over like he is emptying his stomache and will look between his legs his legs to see if anyone is watching. He will remain this way until he is sure there is no one watching. He will then move off around the building to see what info they can gather.
Syr d20+9=23 d20+9=29 d20+4=20 d20+8=21 Wednesday July 19th, 2006 12:26:42 PM
Nodding to the message in his head from Angus he whispers back, "Don't take this the wrong way but I could go either way."
He points once at Wynn to acknowledge that he hears and then moves slightly away from the group, blending into the dark walls on the street. Looking for any spotters from above and behind he waits there to hear from the front party.
Lang (AC 24; HP 92/92) & Sunshine (AC 22; HP 47/47) d20+14=23 d20+17=25 d20+15=26 d20+6=7 d20+6=17 Wednesday July 19th, 2006 2:00:44 PM
Lang nods in agreement as the groups are decided. He moves towards Angus with Sunshine at his side. Lang looks down at Sunshine and says, "Defend", giving the order for Sunshine to defend Angus (animal handling 23).
Lang moves off with Shadow and Xenia. As is his custom when in a city and expecting violence, Lang retrieves his quarterstaff from his quiver and uses it as a walking stick. He stays behind Shadow and Xenia to give them a clear view as they move towards their destination. Lang hears Xenia's order and he follows Shadow's quick plan of deception, and adds his own part.
"Yes, my friend let's move over here so you do not make a mess on the street. Ugh, not on my feet again."
Lang gets a little distracted to notice much behind him, but keeps an ear out for Xenia or other noise.
Move Silently 25 Hide 26 Spot 7 Listen 17
Sunshine remains next to Angus, ready to defend him if needed.
Thar ail Baerer d20+8=25 d20+8=25 d20+10=21 Wednesday July 19th, 2006 6:55:01 PM
Noticing that he didn't have "Message" initially cast on him, Thar asks Wynn (before he finishes the casting, etc.) to add him to the distribution.
As the 2nd group continues moving, Thar will attempt to silently move towards the edges and dark areas of the street, blending in to the best of his ability and moving silently. He'll also watch for anyone that could be acting as lookouts or early warning scouts.
He'll go to the opposite side of the street from the dark elf.
MS - 25 Hide - 25 Spot - 21
Belkior/Sub Al (AC20, HP40/40) Wednesday July 19th, 2006 9:28:10 PM
Belkior walks on cat feet along side Angus, Famina and Kadaz. That is not to say that the halfling was quiet as a cat. But surely there must be some advantage if you're going to have the legs of a cat.
When he had been in Plateau City before he had rarely gone out at night, and certainly not to these Quarters. Now, here at last, he looks around with a dubious eye.
"Angus, do you think ... " He shakes his head. " ... Well, if there are going to be undead ... " Belkior sighs. "I suppose we'll just have to wait for a sign from the others." Belkior looks up at the evil facade of the Temple of Marteaus, his face is a mask of trepidation.
Advance Scouts - Around the Tenement (DM JohnP) Wednesday July 19th, 2006 10:29:41 PM
Lang, Shadow and Xenia only - Highlight to display spoiler: {The three scouts get closer to the tenement, trying to determine who (or what) is standing guard.
Xenia stands back across the street and looks over the building. She doesn't see much at this time of light. There are some faint lights inside some of the apartments, probably just candles or the like. Nobody is standing watch on the steps of the tenement.
Shadow concocts a ruse that he executes with Lang's assistance. He seems quite convincing as a drunken reveler who had too much to drink. With the bugbear's assistance, he mvoes closer and eventually circles the building. The sides of the tenement are close to the neighbours and the night sky is nearly blotted out. There is an alley behind the tenement that looks to be where most of the refuse is deposited, not all of it in the bins provided. There is also a rear door that isn't secured, moving slightly in the breeze.
None of the three are close enough to hear very much. If there ever really any watchers on the tenement, they're doing something else now.}
Back-up Scouts - Hanging About (DM JohnP) Wednesday July 19th, 2006 10:36:44 PM
Conner, Syr, Thar and Wynn only - Highlight to display spoiler: {These four are mainly occupied with relaying messages between the advance scouts and the others. So far there hasn't been any screams for help or, for that matter, ominous silences.
Loitering about Skull Market, the four are able to observe some of the other people who are there. One person who catches their eyes is a tall person - they're not really sure what race because of the full plate armor they are wearing - who is striding towards the Temple of Marteaus. It's the way that the crowd parts for this person that is striking, that and the swirl of the crimson red cloak that hangs from their shoulders.}
Everyone Else - Hanging on Skull Street (DM JohnP) Wednesday July 19th, 2006 10:44:07 PM
The others loiter about on Skull Street, waiting for word from the scouts. As they wait, Mira appears with the new wizard in tow. Edmund is still muttering about vampires in hats and Belkior is beginning to wonder if he needs to examine Edmund's head for injuries. Of course, nighttime on Skull Street means that nobody looks twice at a raving drunkard being supported by a slight woman.
Those trying to hide are both hindered and aided by Belkior's presence. The Paragon emits a slight glow here that draws the attention of people passing by. While most simply stare at the halfling with the wweird legs, he also draws a crowd of people seeking healing or other attention.
In comparison, Kadaz and Famina pass nearly unnoticed. And, as far as the casual eye can tell, Angus is simply a mage shopping for spell components. Arm hangs back in the shadows and waits for things to happen.
The druid, Ash, must have decided to stay back in the apartments.
Xenia (AC22, HP 48/48) d20+19=35 d20+14=28 d20+16=35 d20+16=34 Wednesday July 19th, 2006 11:32:41 PM "Nothing so far, Wynn." The dark rogue moves down the street parallel to Shadow and Lang as they make their way toward the side of the tenement. "A few small lights in some of the windows. No one on the roof that I can see. No watchers on the front steps. Lang and Shadow are headed around back. I think they said something about an open back door."
"Lang, Shadow, looks tight in there. We go in, we can be boxed real easy. Lang, why don't you check out the back alley. You're probs the only one who can really see back there anyway. Shadow, watch Lang from the rear corner. I'll watch your back from the front corner."
Xenia crosses the road, quick and silent. Her slim dark form merges with the corner of the building. The elfish girl's green eyes drink in the street at night. Her rogue's instinct itches to take this inside. But the discipline of her training keep her at her post.
Mira d20+2=13 Wednesday July 19th, 2006 11:58:40 PM
"Snap out of it, Edmund!" says the green eyed woman with the dark hair, as she grasps the wizard's shoulders and gives him a shake. "If you don't stop talking, I'll...I'll use my magic."
Mira isn't sure what spell to cast, seeing as she doesn't have Silence. She does have some rather nasty scrolls, in her scroll case though.
After a quick look around (Spot=13), the sorcerer looks past Edmund, and over to Arm. "What's going on? What are they telling you?"
Kadaz (AC 24, HP 63/63) & Birdie (AC 17, HP 7/7) Thursday July 20th, 2006 6:27:26 AM
Kadaz looks at Edmund and in suport of Mira shakes his axe at the nattering wizard.
(OOC: still looking for a sub for next week. Without one Kadaz is going silent.)
Arm Thursday July 20th, 2006 8:41:56 AM
Retrieving his hat from a pocket, Arm affixes it to his head and attempts to help Mira with Edmund, "I don't have a silence spell, but I DO have charm person. Do you understand, little one? Cease and desist before you ruin it for us all and force me to do something that I'd really rather not.".
To Mira, he says, "As of this moment, they're still planning on how to enter the tenament.".
Famina Thursday July 20th, 2006 8:58:27 AM
(I'll take over your character if you want for a week... send it over to mikey_powell@hotmail.com) Famina doesn't try to look out of place...she knwos that in trying, often one will draw too much notice. Instead, she just casually waits, leaning against a wall, watching nothing in particular. Though she does occasionally glance at a woman selling herself, with great distaste. If any guy event hinks about approaching her asking for a good time, she glares angrily at him, and reaches for her weapon slightly...
Lang (AC 24; HP 92/92; Sunshine 22; HP 47/47) d20+6=20 d20+17=22 d20+15=33 d20+6=25 d20+6=25 Thursday July 20th, 2006 9:41:18 AM
Lang hears Xenia's instructions to continue the reconnaissance of the building. Lang quickly looks around to see if they have aroused anyone's attention by being on this street and near this building.
Spot 20
Satisfied that the area is clear of observers, or at least anyone that is interested in what the three of them are doing, Lang creeps forward down the alleyway.
"Watch my back Shadow", Lang whispers to his new companion.
Lang stealthily slinks down the alleyway. With Shadow at his back they make there way towards the partially open door. Stopping near it he goes still and listens intently for any noise inside the doorway. Without opening the door anymore than it is, Lang peers inside while remaining hidden and quiet.
Move Silent 22 Hide 33 Spot 25 Listen 25
Sunshine nuzzles Angus's hand as he waits for his master to return.
Belkior/Sub Al (AC20, HP40/40) d20+4=23 Thursday July 20th, 2006 12:19:18 PM
" ... er, no. I don't come here often ... "
" ... the Temple of Light has wonderful facilities for that ... "
" ... yes, well cleaning can be a bit of a problem ... "
Belkior feels like doing nothing more than hiding in and amongst the forest of his companions' long legs. But the Paragon of Alemi hold his own amongst the curious and the seekers. He smiles and nods and the right things to say just seem to come to him. Even amidst the swirling crowd of Big People. (Diplomacy 23)
Thar ail Baerer d20+4=19 Thursday July 20th, 2006 3:16:55 PM
Thar tries to remember what sort of person would be wearing a red cloak and going to the temple of Marteaus. It could be a paladin or some other clerical figure, but this is an odd place for such a person to be around, especially traveling in such a bad part of town.
He continues skulking in the darkness, watching for anything suspicous to happen and hopes that the Advance party is having success.
Knowledge (Religion) = 19
(OOC - John, do you need Spot/MS/Hide checks each round for the Second scout party or just when we move to new areas?)
Wynn [AC=21; HP=59] Message, Disguise d20+9=17 Thursday July 20th, 2006 3:30:06 PM
Wynn continues to play the part of a beggar and keeps tabs on the progress of the advance scouts through Xenia's running commentary.
"Angus, Syr, nothing to report so far. Lights on in the tenement but no movement, and there aren't any guards to report. Shadow and Lang are checking out an open back door." Wynn whispers back to the rear guard. "Almost forgot, Belkior seems to be drawing a crowd. He's glowing faintly and the locals seem to know he is a healer. Must be something to do with the strange lights here".
Wynn observes the cloaked figure striding towards the temple. Obviously a person of power in his armour and cloak. He tries to remember what else he has heard about the Black Cathedral, its worshippers and clergy, and the general area of the Nightmare Quarter and it's strange lighting. [Bardic Knowledge=17]
[OOC Wynn could only cast message on 5 persons so he chose two of the advance scouts, one middle scout, and two of the rear guard - none left over for Thar - Sorry!]
Conner [AC=22; HP=62]Message d20+4=17 Thursday July 20th, 2006 3:36:23 PM
Conner listens to the group's progress but says nothing. His unease with the surroundings only grow as he observes the cloaked figure head for the Temple of Marteus. He keeps a sharp eye out for anything else untoward [Spot=17]
Edmund Thursday July 20th, 2006 3:58:56 PM
Shocked by the threats, less so by threats of charm person, more so by threats of a giant axe, Edmund is reduced to a meek silence preceded only by the words, "I say!"
Briefly flirting with the idea of casting a silent, motionless Charm Person spell on Arm, he decides against the idea as it would almost certainly jeopardise him, as well as everyone else. Looking around, he sees they are all involved in some great plan of which he is not entirely aware. Left out of the message loop, having not been told to prepare a message spell of his own, he feels even more isolated.
Unable to talk, unsure of what to do, and having no idea what is going on, he wonders at what steps he might need to take to facilitate a swift 'tactical withdrawal'. Considering what would happen if twelve heavily-armoured sorcerer-warriors came bounding towards them, he realises his spells aren't much use by themselves. One doesn't defeat groups of enemies with web and glitterdust.
Reaching down to touch the dagger at his waist, he also is comforted a little by the weight of the light-crossbow on his back. This comfort is small indeed. Knowing he would probably succeed only in making his would-be-killers angrier by shooting at them, he continues to look about for possible routes of escape, becoming more and more nervous and frightened, not at all aided by being prevented speaking.
Finding no way of sneaking off without alerting the entire party, and discovering he likes adventures far less than he originally expected, he contents himself with staring at the ground rather sullenly. "At least I shall cast a web spell on the whole mess when they come for us, and maybe that will give me time to get away," he thinks to himself. He doubts it though, being as he doesn't much know the way back to Sampson's for starts.
He doesn't give any other outward signs of his feelings rather than a miserable frown and dim eyes which lack any of their usual excitable glint.
Sighing quietly, he is forced to come to the mental conclusion, "Such is the adventuring life, what."
Ash Thursday July 20th, 2006 5:00:16 PM
Ash, having decided to watch out for the inebriated Edmund, decides to hold back and watch what happened.
(OOC sorry John, been a very bad week :( )
Angus - Message d20+3=13 Thursday July 20th, 2006 7:17:07 PM
Angus draws back a bit and looks down on Belkior "Uh, Belkior, why are you starting to glow? Do Alemi and Marteus have problems with one another?"
Angus will attempt to shield Belkior from view with his body.
Spot 13
Angus scans the crowd, hoping that Belkior does not draw a big crowd, but if he does, hopfully it is a big one so that it will serve as a diversion to help the scouts.
Syr Thursday July 20th, 2006 9:33:48 PM
Syr nods slightly out of reflex as he receives Wynn's status report. Other than that the elf is prepared to sprint towards the reinforcements behind him.
The Advance Scouts - Peeking Inside (DM JohnP) Thursday July 20th, 2006 9:56:33 PM
Lang, Shadow and Xenia only - Highlight to display spoiler: {Xenia checks over her shoulders, looking for any hidden watchers. But nothing stirs, and she is simply a slightly deeper patch of darkness on this poorly lit street. She whispers to Lang, asking what he sees in the alley.
Lang creeps closer to the back door, trying his utmost to remain hidden. When he gets closer to the unlatched door the ranger's ears detect a low, sonorous chanting coming from inside. When Lang peers inside, his dark-adapted eyes show him a small landing and stairs leading up and down. After concentrating on the noise, Lang thinks that it comes from the basement.
Shadow trails behind Lang in the alley.}
The Back-Up Scouts - Mysterious Stranger (DM JohnP) Thursday July 20th, 2006 10:12:57 PM
Conner, Syr, Thar and Wynn only - Highlight to display spoiler: {Each of the four loitering in Skull Market noted the person walking towards the Temple of Marteaus. The cloaked figure is upon the steps of the Temple before something connects for Conner and Thar. That red cloak ... it was very similar to those worn by the cultists they fought in the basement of Lady Ilonia's mansion.
Wynn can't recall anything of significance about it, however.
Meanwhile, they continue to relay messages between the advance scouts and the others. It's not too difficult to remain hidden here in the market but it might be if they decided to move. As planned, the four are about 150' from the mansion.
DM Note - Move Silent and Hide only when moving, Spot if you think you might want to notice something.
}
Everyone Else - Still Loitering on Skull Street (DM JohnP) Thursday July 20th, 2006 10:24:38 PM Mira and Arm finally manage to quell Edmund but the wizard is none to happy about it. Somehow, in all those stories, there was nothing about standing around and waiting. Or having to be quiet when standing around and waiting.
Meanwhile, Mira asks Arm to share what the scouts are reporting. Provided that the old saying "no news is good news" is correct, everything is going well.
Famina tries to stare down some of the passersby who pay too much attention. That scares most of them off but a loud, very drunk man does approach and inquires loudly as he gestures vaguely towards himself. "Wha' chew lookin' at? Ya lookin' for summa this?"
Angus stands near Belkior, wondering why the mutant halfling is drawing so much attention. The Paragon looks over and shrugs as he talks to the people.
And Ash finally shows up with Shelya in his wake.
Right now, everyone is about 300 feet from the tenement. There isn't any real need yet to hide or sneak but there might be if they wanted to move closer to the tenement.
Arm d20+4=6 d20+9=26 Friday July 21st, 2006 6:07:34 AM
Grateful that Edmund has finally come to his senses, as they were anyway, Arm reports again to Mira the preparations, then scans the area for trouble (spot=6, listen=26).
Famina Friday July 21st, 2006 7:41:33 AM
Stupid old man! Famina curses her luck, as the fool brushes closer, and her hand itches for her sword. Still, that wouldn't be nice..he's just drunk, not fully in control of himself. She might be ruining the others chances, though... So, she does the only thing she thinks she can do, without risking the others. Slouching her shoulders, she quickly walks back down the street and heads into the closest alley, vanishing from view. (That is, heading away from the temple) Once out of view, she moves to the side, wondering if the drunk will pursue her. If he does, when he gets to the alley, she'll be able to at least deal with him out of the temple's view. Still, this means she's not entirely aware of what might be going on back in the temple area.
Shadow (AC 21/18 HP 28/28) d20+4=18 d20+4=23 d20+10=25 Friday July 21st, 2006 9:48:15 AM
Shadow will continue to watch both directions (the alleyway with Lang and down the narrows between the buildings towards Xenia). He will take out one of his daggers and palm ready to throw in case of any situation that might arise. He tries to blend into the very dark area around him.
Actions: Spot=18 Listen=23 Hide=25
Xenia (AC22, HP 48/48) d20+19=33 d20+14=25 d20+16=34 d20+16=31 Friday July 21st, 2006 9:53:07 AM
Chanting? Did he say, 'Chanting'?
"Lang, Shadow. Chanting sounds like cultists to me. I'm gonna relay the main group with a request to move on this place. Hold put for now. But be ready to receive reinforcements and move in. If we get a go, we'll finish the circuit of the Tenement and identify all exits before they arrive. Don't want to let anyone escape."
"You guys see anything wrong with that?"
"Wynn, Lang hears chanting coming from the basement. Tell, um, .... " Who runs things on their side? The dark rogue draws a blank. " ... Mira. Tell Mira we got chanting here, and ask her if she wants to surround the place and take it."
From the corner of the building, Xenia looks up the street and then down. Then she casts a glace at the rooftop, eying the distance from one roof to the other and searching for possible escape routes.
Thar ail Baerer d20+10=28 Friday July 21st, 2006 11:05:59 AM
Finally realizing what the red cloak (on the large man heading to the temple) could represent, Thar relays that it is similar to what he had seen cultists wear in Lady Ilonia's house.
He will continue to watch the man in the cloak and see if anything further erupts.
Spot = 28
"We may have found something that is pretty key to our plans and I agree with Xenia, as this may be the break we've been waiting for. We've got a pretty strong group and if we're going to start a fight, now's the optimum time."
(Wynn, thanks for the info on message. No harm, no foul ;-) )
Kadaz (AC 24, HP 63/63) & Birdie (AC 17, HP 7/7) d20+1=4 Friday July 21st, 2006 4:28:39 PM
All is quiet in the party at the rear. Kadaz assumes guard position - back to a wall, axe head resting on the ground but haft in hand. He keeps an eye on those walking by has he waits patiently. For whatever reason he is distracted and notices nothing beyond his immediate group. (spot 4)
Birdie also knows what to do in these situations. He shuffles around a bit to smooth the ground and curls up for a nap.
Belkior/Sub Al (AC20, HP40/40) Friday July 21st, 2006 4:47:54 PM
"Well ... " Belkior tries to smile at a passing human, boils covering the side of his face. " ... I've always glowed with health, Angus," the halfling replies. "It's part of being a Paragon of Alemi. But ... "
"No. No cat under here. You eat ... Oh my." The halfling draws back a bit toward his friends.
" ... But I suppose being here outside the Temple of Marteaus, amid all of this sickness and disease, makes my Aura of Health that much more apparent."
"Any word from Xenia and Lang? Have they spotted any Undead? I have a spell that can confirm the presence of Undead prepared and ready."
Angus - Mage Armor & Message Friday July 21st, 2006 5:00:30 PM
Angus steers clear of the wandering man and takes Belkior's explaination in stride "Well good for you. Lets saunter forward and see what we can see and give Mira and her tardy friends time to catch up."
Angus moves with Sunshine toward Wynn's group. With the message spell he relays to Syr "We are closing the distance. Keep us up to date."
Angus calls on his group of companions "Lets keep up and close ranks on Belkior so he does not draw too much attention."
Angus casts mage armor on himself.
Edmund Friday July 21st, 2006 9:31:04 PM
Still behaving rather sulkily, Edmund continues to stare determinedly at the ground, not knowing what on earth he could possibly be good for at the moment. He considers, at turns, readying his crossbow, preparing himself the casting of Web, and hiding under the nearest dungcart, but gives them all up as being likely to provoke danger. This places doesn't look like the sort of neighbourhood where people would take kindly to mages brandishing crossbows.
After several minutes of this, Edmund notices his own feet, and with some amount of surprise and shock declares quietly to himself, "Good heavens! My boots are muddy... or is that mud?"
Sighing dejectedly, and with more than the usual pathos, he does his best to wipe the indeterminate muck off his shoes on some nearby straw. The success of this venture is marginal at best. Feeling more stifled and frustrated than ever, he returns to staring at the ground.
Already he has decided that he would very much like for this particular adventure to be over. He thinks to himself ruefully, "Whatever happened to slaying dragons, rescuing fair damosels in distress, and all that? There are no dragons or damosels here. Just mud--at least I hope it is mud--and dark alleys!"
Edmund does his best not to sigh again.
Lang (AC 24; HP 92/92; Sunshine AC 22; HP 47/47) d20+6=10 d20+6=20 d20+17=20 d20+15=34 Friday July 21st, 2006 9:35:45 PM
Lang looks back towards Xenia and makes a hand gesture and a sharp nod of his head to show that he understood the directions she gave. He also gives a quick glance towards Shadow to see if he has any information to give out.
Lang quietly stows his quarterstaff and withdraws his two shortswords, all the while listening to the chanting in case it stops or changes.
Spot 10 Listen 20 Move Silent 20 Hide 34
Wynn [AC=21; HP=59] Message, Disguise Friday July 21st, 2006 9:59:54 PM
Wynn relays Xenia's message back to Angus and the others. "The advance scouts have heard chanting from inside the tenement. Xenia suggests we move in and take them by surrounding the building. If we do, keep your eyes open for sewer outlets, the cultists seem familiar with them and may escape through them again!
Conner [AC=22; HP=62]Message d20+1=9 d20+2=15 Friday July 21st, 2006 10:04:06 PM "I vote we take them now" the fighter whispers to the others. He starts slowly moving towards the tenement in case his support is needed. He tries to stay in the shadows as much as possible without overtly looking like he is hiding. [Hide=9, Move silently=15]
Syr Friday July 21st, 2006 10:07:23 PM
Dropping his voice to a whisper, he tells the group he is with, "The cavalry is coming in. I haven't heard anything from up front yet."
To Angus, he 'whispers' "Wait until Wynn chimes in with a report from the front." At just that opportune moment, Wynn updates Angus. "How about we assemble the troops here while the advance team decides where we need to allocate people."
Mira Saturday July 22nd, 2006 11:48:11 PM
"What are they saying?" whispers Mira, excitedly. "If we are to move forward, I can make some invisible for a little while." Turning to the sulky wizard, she asks, "what about you, Edmund. Surely you have something up your sleeve?"
The Advance Scouts - Whispered Messages (DM JohnP) Sunday July 23rd, 2006 9:30:57 PM
Lang, Shadow and Xenia only - Highlight to display spoiler: {Shadow keeps watching Lang as the bigbear listens outside the back door of the tenement. He manages to find a very comfortable, if smelly, spot to hide beside a large bin of refuse. Meanwhile, Lang hears the whispered communication from the red-haired rogue and prepares for action.
As he crouches there, Lang continues to hear the chanting. He is now certain that it is coming from the basement. Glancing inside, he can see through the shadows to see both the stairs to the basement and up to the first floor. He doesn't see any other exits here in the alley.
Xenia whispers a message back to Wynn and looks around the front of the tenement. Besides the front door, she doesn't see any other doors. But the first floor windows are low enough that a person could drop from them without too much difficulty.
Then the messages start coming back. The others are starting to close in so they can close in quickly, if needed. And it's not long before Xenia sees the tattooed fighter ... Conner, that's it ... quietly walking through the shadows.}
The Back-Up Scouts (DM JohnP) Sunday July 23rd, 2006 9:38:02 PM
Conner, Syr, Thar and Wynn only - Highlight to display spoiler: {The messages go back and forth. Reports from the tenement and the main group. Soon they'll all have company.
Thar keeps an eye on the figure wearing the red cloak and sees them enter the Temple of Marteaus. Whatever happens, the group probably shouldn't try going in there after the presumed cultist.
Wynn and Syr are involved in passing messages back and forth but Conner gets tired of waiting. The tattooed fighter starts moving forward. He doesn't have the skills of the others, though, so while he is quiet he doesn't do much more than stay on the shadowed side of the street.
After a short while, the three see their companions approaching from Skull Street.}
Everyone Else - Getting Moving (DM JohnP) Sunday July 23rd, 2006 9:55:49 PM
The messages get passed back and forth and Angus tells everyone to move ahead to Skull Market. And to try to close up around Belkior, hoping that the Paragon will attract less attention.
Arm and Mira prepare to move forward. Mira offers to make someone invisible and inquires if Edmund could do the same. No one accepts her offer yet which is probably a good thing since it's difficult to tell how the people here would deal with open spellcasting.
The new wizard, Edmund, is lost in his private misery while he waits. Then the message to move forward is given. He now knows that he has to watch where he places his feet in these streets.
Belkior wonders if any undead have been seen, indicating that he has some detection magics available. He accepts Angus' statement with a shrug.
Birdie has barely settled himself before Kadaz starts moving forward. With a big sigh, the dog heaves himself to his feet and follows the sorcerer and the others. When Famina moves off briefly the drunk man makes a feeble wave and her and wanders off into the centre of the market. The barbarian sees that the others are moving off and follows along. As does Ash, even though the druid has again lapsed into silence.
Clustered around Belkior, the group moves along Skull Street and into the market. They can see more of the stalls and other vendors moving about. Things look to be quieting down but it's still enough that their group doesn't stand out. Too much, anyway.
After a short while, they catch sight of Syr, Thar, and Wynn. There's time and opportunity for a hurried conference and planning.
Ash Sunday July 23rd, 2006 10:18:07 PM
Ash and Shelya follow the others, listening to hear what the plan is. Ash grips his staff tightly, knowing that with the others around, violence is likely. Shelya just sniffs the area.
Xenia (AC22, HP 48/48) d20+19=35 d20+14=25 d20+5=17 Sunday July 23rd, 2006 10:30:45 PM
"I see the guy Conner coming down the street. We got reinforcements, guys."
"You say the Stairs go up and down, Lang? I'm going to pop in the Ground floor and make sure those are the only stairs they got. If that's the case, we can block all exit from the Basement except for any secret escapes that they might have underground."
"Shadow, why don't you link up with Lang and see how far the stairs go down and whether they've posted any guards in the stairwell. I'll place Conner at the front door. Don't get seen. WE don't want to spook them before we're in place."
Xenia watches the street before stepping out of the shadows and sauntering toward the front door.
"I got Lang and Shadow checking out the stairwell, Wynn. I'm going to check the basic plan of the Ground floor. Make sure we have them boxed in. I'll post Conner at the front door."
As the tattooed fighter approaches up the street, Xenia extends skinny arm and beckons as though calling a customer to the sweet delights under her cloak.
"If I get the layout of this building right, Wynn, we'll have to all move quickly down the single stairwell in a hurry. It's a bottleneck, but if we got surprise on your side, and if we all hurry, we can be on them before they know it. We'll need heavy armors in front, though."
Rolls and Actions Spot 35 Listen 25 Disguise 17 (To Act in Character)
Active Effects Message (Duration 50 minutes)
Edmund Monday July 24th, 2006 2:28:19 AM
Edmund looks over to Mira and shrugs plaintively. "I don't know how to cast Invisibility, I'm afr--"
He pauses for a moment, thinking.
"Well, I do have those two scrolls you gave me, actually. I could cast Invisibility with them. They are one-use only, however."
"As for having something up my sleeve, I have lots of things up my sleeve--but probably not very useful things. Daze, Detect Magic, Colour Spray, Grease, Hypnotic Pattern, Web, to name a few. I'm not certain what good any of that is for sneaking about dark streets. What do you suggest?"
Arm d20+4=18 d20+9=14 Monday July 24th, 2006 5:52:19 AM
Arm relates to Mira what is going on then suggests that they move forward a bit and be at the ready. As he is scanning the area for 'surprises' (spot=18, listen=14), he wonders how they got themselves into an all-out battle plan when they were only supposed to be 'taking a look at the situation'...perhaps these newcomers aren't what they are perceived to be. While they advance, he expresses his concerns to Mira, "I hope we're ready for this.".
Famina and Kadaz (Subbed by Mikey) Monday July 24th, 2006 6:08:39 AM
The two fighters stand ready to charge in after the others with only a second's notice. Both are eager to start a fight; the only thing stopping them from going in now is the willingness to work with the rest of the group. So, they stand and listen to the others, complying with the plan.
Conner [AC=22; HP=62]Message d20+4=23 d20+3=9 d20+2=17 Monday July 24th, 2006 7:33:19 AM
Conner sees Xenia beckoning him forward and he makes his way towards her [Move Silently=17]. "The front door it is" he agrees, "but do not hesitate to call me below, this sword isn't just for decoration. Where do you want the others when they arrive?"
Once at his post, the fighter finds a darkened corner to stand in, and keeps a watch for any signs of danger from either inside or outside of the building [Spot=23, Listen=9]
Wynn [AC=21; HP=59] Message, Disguise Monday July 24th, 2006 7:47:41 AM
Wynn passes along what information he has to the rear guard who have now joined them in the market. "Xenia believes they are in the basement with but a single set of narrow stairs as the only entrance or exit. I guess they will also have a way in through the sewers from what Conner and Kadaz have said. I think we should make our way to the tenement in small groups of two or three to remain unobtrusive. Xenia wants some armor to lead the charge down the stairs. Conner is already there as is Lang. Syr and Kadaz should join them first, perhaps with Mira in tow. I can take the next group, and then Arm can follow with Edmund and Ash. Does that sound reasonable?"
If the group is in agreement, Wynn will wait for Syr and his group to make it to halfway across the market before starting across with Famina, Belkior and Thar. Wynn leads them along the edge of the market so as to not look like they are following Syr and the group in front.
"Xenia, Syr and Kadaz will be with you in a moment, I'm bringing the next group right behind. Where do you want us?" Wynn whispers his message to the rogue.
Shadow (AC 21/18 HP 28/28) d20+10=12 d20+3=11 d20+3=19 d20+10=23 Monday July 24th, 2006 10:40:23 AM
Shadow listens intently to Xenia as she sends the messages. Once he gets the indication to join Lang he will move forward quietly to where the bugbear is stationed in front of the back door. As he moves over there he will put his dagger away and unsheath his rapier.
Once there he will look into the stairwell (from outside first). If he does not see anything he will move into the landing and check both up and down for any signs of sentries. (he will indicate what he finds to xenia)
Xenia (AC22, HP 48/48) - 2nd Illegal Post Monday July 24th, 2006 11:19:38 AM "We'll need most 'round at the back of the Tenement, Wynn," the rogue replies. "With a small group at the front. The group at the back will enter first. The group at the front will wait for a reaction, then follow next or stay above, depending on what happens."
"Hey, you know, I just had an idea. If Angus can do his Invisible thing on me, Lang or Shadow, we could maybe sneak into the basement and seal off any escape route to the sewers before we close this thing down. What do you think? Ask Mira if anyone in her group can make with the Invisibility too."
Rolls and Actions
Active Effects Message (Duration 50 minutes)
Belkior/Sub Al (AC20, HP40/40) Monday July 24th, 2006 11:49:56 AM
Belkior scampers down the street as fast as possible, the wall of his much taller companions shepherding him along. "Wait. Please." A few skips and he forms his hands into the Symbol of Alemi. The he stops and concentrates on the spell. Belkior feels awash with the wisdom of health and well-being.
"Alright. Lets go. So what are they saying? Have they discovered anything? How close are we?"
From down in the Well of his Companions it's very difficult to see out.
Active Effects Owl's Wisdom (Duration, 8 minutes)
0 Level: Detect Magic**, Detect poison*, Light*, Read Magic*, Resistance* 1st Level: Bless**, Detect Undead*, Hide from Undead*, Magic Stone*, Sanctuary*, (Protection from Evil+) 2nd Level: Hold Person*, Owl's Wisdom*, Silence, Spiritual Weapon* (Aid*) 3rd Level: Dispel Magic*, Prayer*, Searing Light*, Speak with Dead (Magic Circle against Evil+*) 4th Level: Death Ward*, Freedom of Movement*, Summon Monster IV+, (Holy Smite+*)
Thar ail Baerer Monday July 24th, 2006 11:56:08 AM
Thar will continue forward, following Wynn's lead. He'll try to saunter casually, trying to not look like he is following anyone. He will keep his arms close to his twin short swords, to ensure that they are close, if needed.
Lang AC 24 Hp 92 d20+17=27 d20+15=33 d20+6=20 d20+6=26 Monday July 24th, 2006 12:32:41 PM
Lang looks back at Shadow and the with short swords out, the big Bugbear attempts to enter the unlatched doorway as quietly as possible (move silently 27).
Lang will then find the deepest shadows a few feet in (hide 33) and take a better listen (listen 20) and see what he can see (spot 26, nat. 20).
Lang is ready to relay what he sees to Shadow.
Angus - AC 16 Monday July 24th, 2006 12:41:03 PM
Angus continues to move forward with his group and casts and extended protection from evil on himself, using his new rod. Angus mumbles to himself "I am going to like this new toy."
Using the Message Angus relates to Syr "We are still coming up. I think we see you now. When we get to your position, you should move up to support. If you wait for me I will make you invisible."
Communicating with Mira "The front groups are doing a quick recon and we are moving up to support. Bring your group up casually to our position."
Angus reaches down to stroke Sunshines coat as he is very thankful for the protection.
Mira (AC 13+4,40 HP) Mage Armour d20+3=14 Monday July 24th, 2006 1:14:50 PM
Mira does as she is bid, and with her group, makes her way to catch up with the others. She continues her dialogue with the party wizard. "Those are all good Edmund," she enthuses in a hushed voice, continuing, "just keep your wits about you, and be careful not to hit any of our group, unless it is to give them extra protections or other benefits."
When the small group makes their next pause, Mira stands with her back against a wall, and whispers to Arm, "lean in towards me, like...ah...you know, like you're going to kiss me...or something. I don't want to be seen quite yet." With the bard's body helping to block her from view (Hide=14) the sorcerer fumbles with her spell component pouch, makes a few quick movements with her hands and mumbles some archaic words to cast a protective spell upon herself.
DM Sanity Info:
Spells In Effect:
Mage Armour - on Mira Message - on Mira, cast by Angus
- Spells: (0-level 6 per day, 1st level 7 per day, 2nd level 6 per day, 3rd level 4 per day) 0-level: detect magic, read magic, light, mage hand, opn/close, ray of frost 1st-level: magic missile, burning hands, mage armor#, shield 2nd-level: glitterdust, invisibility 3rd-fireball
Syr (AC 21/20 HP 62) d20+9=11 Monday July 24th, 2006 7:18:51 PM
The elf lightly grabs Kadaz's forearm and says, "Hold on a few moments for the rear group to catch up and then we move forward to help
As he waits for the sorceror's group, "Unseen and underappreciated, that's me." Assuming Angus casts the invisibility, he keeps a hand on Kadaz and prompts him to advance with a subtle pull. (Move silently 11)
Advance Scouts - Creeping Inside (DM JohnP) d20=18 Monday July 24th, 2006 10:13:09 PM
Conner, Lang, Shadow and Xenia only - Highlight to display spoiler: {At the tenement, everyone prepares to investigate more closely.
Xenia saunters up to the front entrance, up the short flight of stairs to the door. As she might have expected, the door is propped open and she can glance inside. A dark hallway stretches ahead of her to where she can see the shadows of cross hallway. There is one doorway a short distance down this first hallway, also held open. She can hear the sounds of chanting coming from somewhere ahead.
Right behind her, the tattooed fighter lounges against the wall in what Conner hopes is a large enough shadow.
At the back, Lang and Shadow creep inside the building towards the stairwell. Lang manages to move quietly but the Plateau City adventurer scuffs something with his feet. When the bugbear looks down the stairs, he sees that the basement is dimly illuminated by flickering lamps or candles. He can see a humanoid figure just beside the base of the stairs. His nose, however, tells him that the undead at the bottom of the stairs is beginning to get ripe ... several days past his best before date, as it were.
The messages keep flying back and forth. It won't be long before the others are all here and it's time to plunge into the basement. Or, there might still be time to back away and come back tomorrow.}
In the Market - Everyone Else (DM JohnP) Monday July 24th, 2006 10:26:20 PM
Gradually, the people who were waiting on Skull Street move forward to join the others in Skull Market. There are whispered conversations back and forth, wondering about what the scouts have seen and heard. And how to prepare for the fight that looks to be coming.
Some of them, like Mira and Angus take the time to cast protective spells in anticipation of the fight. The fighters, like Famina and Kadaz simply loosen their weapons. Others, like Ash, Arm and Edmund are simply dragged along with the others.
Finally, everyone reaches the edge of Skull Market and can see the tenement ahead. Guided here by Wynn and Syr, this looks like a good spot for casting spells and preparing for the assault. Or, to exercise the better part of valour and come back in the daylight. But everyone's blood seems to be up too much for that.
Xenia has by now whispered back her findings to Wynn. It's now time to determine whether the main attack will go through the front or back doors, or if the group will split up. And who might be casting Invisibility on any who care to sneak inside.
Ash Monday July 24th, 2006 10:38:44 PM
Ash, concerned that a battle might happen shortly, decides that defence is the best offence. Raising his hand over Shelya, he casts Barkskin on her. He doesn't know if it will happen, so he holds back on any offensive spells for the interim.
Level 2 Animal Trance: Fascinates 2d6 HD of animals. Barkskin Summon Nature's Ally II Summon Swarm
Level 3: Cure Moderate Wounds Summon Nature's Ally III
Xenia (AC22, HP 48/48) d20+17=28 d20+14=27 d20+16=31 d20+16=36 Monday July 24th, 2006 11:02:26 PM
"I think we can confirm the undead," Xenia sends the message back to Wynn. "Also pretty sure the front entrance connects with the back stairs, Wynn, though I'm just about to confirm that. If it does, then we can take the whole group in through the front. I'll check for traps too. Not likely, but always better safe than sorry."
"What's the word on the Invisibleness? And we got something that can make Silence? Maybe a spell that can block the hallway?"
"I'm going in."
Xenia leans into the Tattoo Guy. "I'll be right back, um, Conner. Gonna make sure the front door way checks out," she whispers. Then she switches from lenses to Goggles and quiet as a mouse, she slips inside.
Mira (AC 13+4,40 HP) Mage Armour Monday July 24th, 2006 11:14:58 PM
"Kadaz, you ready for this?" asks the sorcerer, touching the homely dwarven fighter lightly on the shoulder. The sorcerer plucks one of her eyelashes and rolls it in a bit of gum arabic. A few graceful movements with her hands and the whispered words amin quella. Mira touches Kadaz lightly on the forehead, and his image starts to fade. "You have about 3 minutes, ai atar! Make good use of them."
Turning to the others, she asks, "who's in contact with the lead group? Tell them Kadaz is on his way...invisible." With a smile, she adds, "who's next? Wynn? Famina?"
DM Sanity Info:
Spells In Effect:
Mage Armour - on Mira-3 hours Message - on Mira, cast by Angus Invisibility - on Kadaz - 3 minutes (30 rounds)
- Spells: (0-level 6 per day, 1st level 7 per day, 2nd level 6 per day, 3rd level 4 per day) 0-level: detect magic, read magic, light, mage hand, open/close, ray of frost 1st-level: magic missile, burning hands, mage armor#, shield 2nd-level: glitterdust, invisibility# 3rd-fireball
Edmund Tuesday July 25th, 2006 2:50:25 AM
Somewhat more nervous and panicky than usual, Edmund is already considering what to do when the horrible heavily-armoured sorcerer-warriors come bearing down upon him. His plan is relatively simple, and is etched upon his mind in a formula similar to this:
1) Monsters attack in force. 2) Run away.
The method of adopting this policy is, of course, entirely speculative. Edmund now rues, not for the last time, the lack of Teleport.
"Why don't we come back during the daytime? It really looks like it could stand to wait. And I'm not feeling entirely well. It'd be much easier to come here with some of the guards. Possibly a score of them. And a siege engine. It'd be much safer. Much safer indeed. I'm the last person to advocate anything which might be misconstrued as cowardice, but discretion is the better part of valour. He who runs away lives to fight another day. And that."
Yet, desite all of this, Edmund still seems dependable enough. In his head, he goes over the spells at his disposal. Largely area-of-effect, he is none too certain of being able to cast them without hitting his new acquaintences as well. "Still, one must do their best, what what?" he thinks, dismally.
DM Sanity Info Spells in Effect: None Spells Memorised: L.0: Daze (x2), Detect Magic, Read Magic, Resistance L.1: Charm Person (x2), Colour Spray, Grease, Hypnotism, Sleep L.2: Daze Monster (x2), Hypnotic Pattern, Web L.3: Hold Person, Slow, Suggestion
Arm d20+4=9 d20+9=20 Tuesday July 25th, 2006 6:01:34 AM
Doing as Mira wishes, he blocks her as best he can from obvious view while she casts her spell. When she finishes he DOES give her a quick kiss, "For luck," he whispers afterwards.
Scowling at Edmund, he says to him, "It's a bit late now to back out, as it seems they've already begun entering. You may leave if you wish, but you'll be on your own returning.". He then scans the area while he grips the pommel of his sword. (spot=9, listen=20).
DM Clarification (DM JohnP) Tuesday July 25th, 2006 7:38:51 AM I just realized that it wasn't clear from my posts. There is a front stairway to the basement AND a rear stairway.
Conner [AC=22; HP=62]Message Tuesday July 25th, 2006 7:44:21 AM
Conner nods to Xenia and taps the hilt of his sword. "I've got yer back" he whispers. The tattooed fighter grins in the darkened corner, "this one has pluck!" he thinks to himself. He takes a quick mental recount of his potions, Blur and Haste in the right belt pouch and two healing potions in the left. Very quietly he straps his shield into position and readies himself for the onslaught.
Wynn [AC=21; HP=59] Message, Disguise d20+6=16 d20+9=20 Tuesday July 25th, 2006 7:53:00 AM
Wynn shakes his head at Mira's offer, "This disguise will suffice, your spell is better spent on Famina, but thanks anyway."
As the bard approaches the house he spots Conner against the wall and raises a finger to his nose in recognition. Sounds like two sets of stairs he whispers back to Angus. "I suggest we split into two groups and catch them between us" Wynn slips past Conner into the hallway, creeping along the wall towards the stairs as quietly as possible [Spot=16, Move Silently=20].
"Don't wait there forever Conner" he whispers as he passes. "When the rest arrive, move up. We are going to need that sword arm of yours".
Angus Hp 33 AC 14/16 for evil Tuesday July 25th, 2006 8:53:11 AM
Angus moves forward with his group and listens to Syr and Wynn "Yes we should split up and cover all entrances. Wynn you cover your sweet. I will send you Ed, Thar, Belkior, Mira and Arm for support. Syr, Kadaz, Famina, Sunshine, Ash and me will support Lang and Shadow."
Angus relays the message to Mira as she approaches and also includes the rest of the middle group in the conversation. "Did I forget anyone? Lets send the sneaky ones in first to check the situation. Combat as a last resort. Warriors protect the spellusers and be ready to support the scouts."
Angus will then turn Syr invisible and whisper "Go forward and help out Shadow and Lang, we will follow behind you."
Before spliting the groups Angus talks to Belkior "Please cast you detect undead and any other protective spells. I want both groups to have a bit of information before we split. Lets get closer to the building before we split."
OOC: John can we have a map of the building so we know how far apart the groups will be? John how much time is elasping per post, we need to keep rack of spells.
Message (Mira, Arm, Syr) Mage Armor - Hours Protection from Evil - 16 minutes (extended) Inviso on Syr - 8 minutes
Rod of extend 1/3
Lang d20+17=28 d20+15=19 d20+6=10 d20+6=15 Tuesday July 25th, 2006 9:02:02 AM
Lang's nose never seems to fail him and he relays the information to Shadow "lets move down and see what else we can see and maybe take out this one undead guard. How accomplished a rouge are you Shadow? Can you take the undead with one blow or do you want me to slice and dice him?" Lang flexes his ample muscles.
"I really want him, all those zombies and vampires at the farm house got my dander up, but lets see what we are facing before potentially alerting the whole place." Lang smiles a toothy grin, showing oversized canines.
Lang will take his time and move into position (move silent 17), ready to strike killing blows. Lang will then hide (hide 19) and see what he can see (spot 10) and hear (listen 15) again from his new vantage point.
ooc: How is the area lit? Is Lang using darkvision?
Posting Correction - ADM Scott (PC) Tuesday July 25th, 2006 9:26:50 AM
I apologize there was an error in the posting record for Edmund in the week of 7/17-7/23, it should state he had a perfect posting record. Sorry Shawn.
Posting Report For Tuesday July 25th, 2006 10:26:23 AM
Game #9 Crimsom Shields Week of July 17, 2006
Name MTWTF DM John XXXXX
Xena XXOXX Angus XXXXX Lang XXXXX Wynn XXXXX Syr XXXXX Famina XXXOX Belkior XXXXX
Adm Ceil; Almost perfict!
DM Clarifications (JohnP) Tuesday July 25th, 2006 10:38:26 AM
In answer to the OOC questions:
MAP will show up tonight. The building is approximately 100 feet (front to back) but Lang and Xenia think that the basement is slightly smaller.
TIME - consider that 30 seconds (5 rounds) have elapsed on spells, other than Message. Don't bother with durations for Message or Mage Armor.
LIGHTING - is described in the spoiler post for the scouts. Lang doesn't need to use darkvision.
Shadow (AC 21/18 HP 28/28) d20+3=21 d20+10=14 d20+9=14 Tuesday July 25th, 2006 11:11:18 AM
Shadow mentally critizes his botched attempt at moving in silently, but recovers quickly. He hears Xenia talk about traps and he realizes he should have thought of that also and begans scanning the area. He comes up short when he spots the human, but then hears Lang report it is an undead. "We are not going to be able to sneak in from the back. I am not sure we can take this undead down quietly, so we will wait here until you are ready." Shadow will wait patiently for the backup to arrive.
Actions Spot=21 Hide=14 Search for traps=14
Thar ail Baerer AC 19, hp 41 Tuesday July 25th, 2006 11:11:19 AM
Thar will continue moving to support Wynn and the rest of his group. He will check his holy symbol carefully, to ensure that he is ready to try and turn any undead that appear.
DM Sanity Check
L0 Spells: Det Magic (2x), Det Poison, Read Mag L1: Bless, Shield of Faith, SumMon 1, Prot from Evil L2: Delay Poison, SumMon 2, Spiritual Weap
Turn Undead Attempts - 4/4
Famina (AC 19, hp 84/84) and Kadaz (AC24, hp 63/63, subbed by Mikey, invisible) Tuesday July 25th, 2006 12:29:48 PM
The dwarf nods in thanks to Mira, then chuckles as he realizes she can't see that gesture. "Thanks, Mira.." He swiftly moves forward, running if necessary to get to near the entrance of the house. While he's got the invisibility running he wants to make maximum use of it.
Meanwhile Famina moves up just a little but stays near the mages, or at least Mira. The woman may be capable at magic, but she doesn't look very good at fighting...and she'd hate to have someone sneak up on them from behind and take out their support. "You guys all right here, or should i go rushing ahead?"
Belkior/Sub Al (AC20, AC22 vs Evil, HP40/40) Tuesday July 25th, 2006 5:42:06 PM
"Another moment. Bother." Short legs at times have a decided drawback. Belkior stops to cast another spell. His companions around him are covered in Alemi's Holy Protection against Evil.
But others all around are casting spells, preparing to go into the Tenement.
"Would you like Silence as well as Invisibility ... er ... " The halfling looks around the street. " ... Kadaz?"
Active Effects Owl's Wisdom (Duration, 7.5/8 minutes) Magic Circle Against Evil (Duration 90 minutes)
0 Level: Detect Magic**, Detect poison*, Light*, Read Magic*, Resistance* 1st Level: Bless**, Detect Undead*, Hide from Undead*, Magic Stone*, Sanctuary*, (Protection from Evil+) 2nd Level: Hold Person*, uOwl's Wisdom*, Silence, Spiritual Weapon* (Aid*) 3rd Level: Dispel Magic*, Prayer*, Searing Light*, Speak with Dead (uMagic Circle against Evil+*) 4th Level: Death Ward*, Freedom of Movement*, Summon Monster IV+, (Holy Smite+*)
Inside / Outside the Tenement (DM JohnP) d20=11 Tuesday July 25th, 2006 10:13:23 PM
The others have finally made their moves up to the tenement and, following the directions of Angus, moved to either the front or back doors.
At the back, Lang creeps down the stairs until he is on the bottom steps. Shadow is right behind him. The two can see almost all of the basement now. There is a zombie guarding the base of this stair and one opposite as well. Mostly, they see the backs of kneeling cultists facing towards one end of the basement. Somewhere in front of them, out of Lang's sight, is the person who is leading the service. Among the cultists is the bugbear that they had seen earlier in the day.
Several archways lead from the main basement room into what look like storerooms. Lang's eyes can see partway into them but he can't see much.
Angus leads Ash, Famina, Kadaz and Syr around to the back. Along the way, Ash casts a protective spell on Shelya. Famina moves to protect Angus as the four wait outside the back door. Syr remains quiet and contemplative. The trip was a little confusing since Kadaz was invisible.
At the front door, Xenia creeps down the hallway to the door to the stairs with Wynn right behind her. Conner moves to the hallway when the others arrive. Before they split up, Mira cast Invisibility on Kadaz. As he moves up, Belkior casts a protective spell that shelters several of his companions. Arm mutters something to Edmund but the wizard now appears ready for combat. Thar simply fingers his holy symbol.
Player Sanity Back Door Group Angus - outside Ash - outside Famina - outside Kadaz - invisible, outside Lang - hidden, bottom of stairs Shadow - hidden, bottom of stairs Syr - invisible, outside Birdie - following invisible Kadaz Shelya - following Ash Sunshine - guarding Angus
Front Door Group Arm - outside Belkior - outside Conner - outside Edmund - outside Mira - outside Thar - outside Wynn - top of stairs Xenia - hidden, top of stairs
Xenia (AC22, HP 48/48) d20+14=27 d20+14=17 d20+16=31 d20+16=34 Tuesday July 25th, 2006 11:12:18 PM "Looks like there are two sets of stairs, Lang." Xenia puts an arm around Wynn as he comes in from outside. "We're at the top of the stairs on the other side."
"I think we got some Invisibles coming in. Why don't we let them through first. They can get a good look at exactly what's down there and report back. For now, we'll just hold the stairs and monitor things from just outside the room, alright?"
Xenia gives Wynn's hand a squeeze before she creeps down the stairs, her eyes open for sentries. She thinks of a certain potion that she has in storage, and, as she reaches over her shoulder, her haversack puts it right on top.
Rolls and Actions Spot 27 Listen 17 Hide 31 (1/2 speed for Max Hiding.) Move Silently 34 Draw Potion of Barkskin.
Movement and Position 15 feet to E10
Active Effects Message (Duration 50 minutes)
Question: How high are the ceilings?
Arm d20+4=23 d20+9=27 Wednesday July 26th, 2006 5:59:56 AM
Arm grips Mira in a hug, then tell her, "Well, this looks like it...stay close if you like, and I'll do my best to watch over you.".
He then draws his sword before entering the front door so as not to make any undue noise, and is ever watchful for trouble (spot=23, listen=27).
Wynn [AC=21; HP=59] Message, Disguise d20+9=22 Wednesday July 26th, 2006 7:47:47 AM
Wynn reacts instantly when Xenia mentions invisibility. "I can make you invisible if you think it would help" he suggests. If Xenia approves he will cast invisibility on the rogue, otherwise he casts it upon himself and proceeds down the stairs [Move silently=22]
[OOC Wynn's invisibility spell lasts for 5 minutes]
Conner [AC=22; HP=62]Message d20+2=13 Wednesday July 26th, 2006 7:52:41 AM
Conner waits until the rest of the group has assembled outside before entering the house himself. "Keep an eye to the street" he advises the group, and then follows Arm inside [move silently=13]
Mira (AC 13+4,40 HP) Mage Armour Wednesday July 26th, 2006 8:05:17 AM
"Stand still!" admonishes Mira as she casts Invisibility upon the woman-warrior from the Crimson Shields before the group splits up. "Remember, you loose the advantage once you strike out at the enemy," she reminds Famina.
*****
The green eyed sorcerer looks up into the bard's eyes, as she briefly hugs him back. "I'll stay back a bit...be one of the last to go in, okay?"
Mira lets Conner, Thar, and Arm pass through before she follows after. "Come along Edmund, and keep an eye on the little guy with the funny legs," she says as she follows the bard over the threshold of the front door.
DM Sanity Info:
Spells In Effect:
Mage Armour - on Mira-3 hours Message - on Mira, cast by Angus Invisibility - on Kadaz, - 3 minutes (5/30 rounds used) - on Famina, - 3 minutes )30 rounds)
- Spells: (0-level 6 per day, 1st level 7 per day, 2nd level 6 per day, 3rd level 4 per day) 0-level: detect magic, read magic, light, mage hand, open/close, ray of frost 1st-level: magic missile, burning hands, mage armor#, shield 2nd-level: glitterdust, invisibility## 3rd-fireball
Angus AC 14/16 evil Hp 33 Wednesday July 26th, 2006 9:58:19 AM
Angus looks for the invisible Syr "Syr, Syr, where are you?" Angus whispers at the back entrance. Once Syr answers Angus continues. "You are very sneaky. Go forward and see how Lang and Shadow are doing. Maybe you can sneak or tumble past any guards and get mor information. But be quite. We want information and if necessary we can capture the whole evil lot and turn them over to the authorities."
Angus will look to Ash "We do want to take them to the authorities, don't we? Or are they too evil to save? This is crunch time, are we going to subdue?"
Angus will hang out by top of the back stairs (S9) and scratch Sunshine behind the ears.
Message (Mira, Arm, Syr) Mage Armor - Hours Protection from Evil - 7/160 rounds (extended) Inviso on Syr - 6/80 rounds
Rod of extend 1/3
Lang AC 24 Hp 92 d20+17=28 d20+6=12 d20+6=7 Wednesday July 26th, 2006 10:01:24 AM
Lang will listen to the ceremony as best he can from his vantage point and relay the information to Shadow, via hand signals.
Two fingers and point at the Zombie.
Flash a handfull of fingers 3 times (15) and the big bugbear points at shadow.
1 finger and Lang points at himself.
Lang indicates to Shadow that he want the rouge to pass the information forward.
Lang will let Syr pass when he comes forward and is ready to back up his friend if there is any trouble.
Hide 28 Spot 12 Listen 7 (natural 1 - was concentrating too hard on shadow.)
Shadow (AC 21/18 HP 28/28) d20+10=25 d20+10=24 d20+3=4 d20+9=26 Wednesday July 26th, 2006 10:29:14 AM
Shadow carefully follows Lang down the stairs trying to make no noise and continue to hide his presence from those below. When the bugbear starts giving him information Shadow realizes he wants him to relay the info, so he moves back up the stairs.
As he is concentrating on Lang and his message Shadow is unable to determine what is actually being chanted by the cultists. Once back a safe distance Shadow will communicate their findings to the group, "There are 2 zombies, one each guarding the stairs, 15 cultist chanting, and 1 bugbear down here." As he is telling this to the group he feels Syr pass him and allows his invisible comrade to pass by. He will wait a second to see if there are any further instructions and then will move back down to Langs position ready for what is about to happen.
Xenia (AC22, HP 48/48) - 2nd Illegal Post and Change of Move Wednesday July 26th, 2006 11:20:09 AM
"You do!" The rogue's excitement is clear even through the whispered Message. She spares her handsome bard a kiss. "Do it to me," she says before heading down the stairs.
"Zombie on the right at the bottom of the stairs, Wynn," she reports. The girl rogue eyes the cultists, getting up real close, enjoying the freedom that invisibility lends. It's pretty spiff. She reports back on just who and what she thinks they are, and she's half thinking about how this might be kinda fun just she and Wynn back at a room at an inn ... when she sees something that brings her to a stop.
The dark rogue freezes and backs quickly away from the gathering of cultists.
"Lang! That bugbear's down here. Everyone there's a bugbear down here. That means he can smell us. Right, Lang? Is that right?"
Bugbears is north of the stairs and to the east. I'm gonna back off to the south and wait.
Rolls and Actions Spot 27 Listen 17 Hide 46 (-5 for Full Range of Movement. +20 for Invisibility.) Move Silently 34
Movement and Position Move to H12
Active Effects Message (Duration 50 minutes)
Question: How high are the ceilings?
Belkior/Sub Al (AC20, AC22 vs Evil, HP40/40) d20+1=20 Wednesday July 26th, 2006 11:42:44 AM
Kadaz is nowhere to be seen.
"I'm not sure whether the spell will see through the walls, Angus," the halfling replies. "But, I'll see what I can do."
Hands out before himself, forming the symbol of Alemi, Belkior calls upon the spell to Detect Undead. Then, with a quiet that amazes even himself, the halfling moves step by step through the front door of the Tenement, seeing through the lens of the spell.
Rolls and Actions Cast Detect Undead (First Round: Presence or absence of undead auras.) Move Silently 20
Movement and Position Move in 20 feet. Possibly to the top of the stairs.
Active Effects Owl's Wisdom (Duration, 7.5/8 minutes) Magic Circle Against Evil (Duration 90 minutes) Detect Undead (Duration Concentration or 9 minutes)
0 Level: Detect Magic**, Detect poison*, Light*, Read Magic*, Resistance* 1st Level: Bless**, uDetect Undead*, Hide from Undead*, Magic Stone*, Sanctuary*, (Protection from Evil+) 2nd Level: Hold Person*, uOwl's Wisdom*, Silence, Spiritual Weapon* (Aid*) 3rd Level: Dispel Magic*, Prayer*, Searing Light*, Speak with Dead (uMagic Circle against Evil+*) 4th Level: Death Ward*, Freedom of Movement*, Summon Monster IV+, (Holy Smite+*)
Thar ail Baerer AC 21, hp 41 - Belkior's PfE spell, Bless Wednesday July 26th, 2006 11:46:58 AM
Thar first cast Bless upon the group he's with (he'll try to hide behind the nearest person, so that no one outside will be able to observe him or hear his whispered words.
He'll will follow behind Wynn and whisper "If you need me to try to turn the zombie guard, let me know. Otherwise, I'll wait for the action to begin b/f doing anything.
Spell Affects - Belkior's Prot from Evil, Thar's Bless
DM Sanity Check
L0 Spells: Det Magic (2x), Det Poison, Read Mag L1: Shield of Faith, SumMon 1, Prot from Evil L2: Delay Poison, SumMon 2, Spiritual Weap
Turn Undead Attempts - 4/4
Bless duration - 1/15 rounds, +1 attack and ST's vs. fear
DM Clarification (DM JohnP) Wednesday July 26th, 2006 12:49:58 PM Ceiling Height - The ceiling is low, about 7 feet in most places. Consider archways and entrances from stairwell to be closer to 6'. In other words, cramped and claustrophobic but no penalties for combat for medium character. Now, if someone summons a large animal ... or turns into troll ... it might experience some penalties.
Edmund Wednesday July 26th, 2006 1:05:34 PM
Edmund still remains at the rear of his group and, after some thought on the issue, follows them in. He nods to Mira's instruction but, perhaps surprisingly, doesn't speak.
The first spell he can think of which would be of any value is Web, so he immediately goes over the mental preparations involved. He feels some small relief that he will not, at least, have to deal with any of that spell component nonsense. Still, he does need to remember the correct movements and words, so he goes over them again and again in his head. He has to ensure this doesn't go all wrong.
As a result, Edmund has a kind of distant look, his mind more on his preparations than the reality of impending battle.
Syr (AC 20/19 HP 62) Indivisible d20+9=20 d20+8=13 Wednesday July 26th, 2006 9:30:17 PM
Syr tweaks Angus on the arm as he moves past. He whispers, "I'll look for spell casters." (spot 13)
Giving the Zombie as wide of berth as possible he moves into the room. He heads toward K13 while moving through N11 so that he never closes on the bugbear. (Move silently 20) Once there he relays anything he sees with the whispered message cast by Angus.
Creeping and Peeping (DM JohnP) d20=2 d20=13 d20=1 Wednesday July 26th, 2006 10:51:22 PM
Everyone starts moving closer to the basement and some of the scouts sneak in.
At the back door, Lang uses some impromptu sign language with Shadow. The rogue understands what the bugbear intended and goes back up the stairs to pass the information to the others. Angus has a quiet conversation and directs the others. Syr listens to his instructions and sneaks downstairs, avoiding the bugbear. Ash and Kadaz simply wait at the top of the stairs.
At the front stairs, Wynn offers to cast Invisibility on his companion. Xenia accepts and sneaks down the stairs, an invisible and silent zephyr that curls around the zombie standing guard. Wynn and Thar follow her down the stairs. Neither of them can see much of the basement.
At the top of the front stairs, Arm and Conner prepare to follow the others down the stairs while Mira casts Invisibility on Famina. The tall barbarian woman hurries around the building. Edmund hangs back, waiting to see what happens down below.
In response to Angus' earlier suggestion, Belkior casts Detect Undead and begins scanning the area. The floor of the building is thin enough for the Paragon to detect the presence of undead. He doesn't say anything since everyone knows about the zombies, and he doesn't want to distract anyone.
Down in the basement, Syr and Xenia can now see more of the basement. At the far end, in the torchlit area, a robed figure is leading the service. Like the kneeling people, he is facing a rough altar at the far end with his back to the stairs. Looking about, the rogue and monk can see more of the basement. The storage room beside Xenia is piled full of broken furniture and other cast-off belongings. The one on the opposite side of the basement beyond Syr is similar except that it looks like most of the junk has been recently moved out. There is mud tracked all over the floor in this end of the basement. The two cannot see into any of the other storage rooms.
+++++
The bugbear cultist lifts his head and looks about. He inhales and then gets to his feet. So far, none of the other cultists have moved or responded to his actions.
Player Sanity Back Door Group Angus - outside Ash - outside Famina - invisible, outside Kadaz - invisible, outside Lang - hidden, bottom of stairs Shadow - hidden, bottom of stairs Syr - invisible, basement Birdie - following invisible Kadaz Shelya - following Ash Sunshine - guarding Angus
Front Door Group Arm - hallway, top of stairs Belkior - hallway, top of stairs Conner - hallway, top of stairs Edmund - hallway, top of stairs Mira - hallway, top of stairs Thar - stairs, behind Wynn Wynn - stairs Xenia - invisible, basement
Posts from now on will take place in rounds. Please make it easier for me and indicate destination squares for movement, etc..
Ash Wednesday July 26th, 2006 11:26:42 PM
Ash sticks beside where he thinks Kadaz is, all the while ensuring that Shelya is ready for anything that might come out the door.
Xenia (AC24, HP 48/48) d20+19=37 d20+14=21 d20+16=24 d20+16=32 Wednesday July 26th, 2006 11:28:06 PM
"Wynn!!!" Tension fills the whispered voice of the dark rogue. "I think the bugbear's onto us. He's standing up and sniffing around."
Remaining where she is, Xenia reaches quietly quietly behind to her haversack for a potion. It's right on top, and she feels her skin toughen as she drinks it down.
"The floor on the area to the south is all muddy. Like if maybe someone came out of the sewers they'd muck up the floor and stuff. So if there's an entrance to the sewers, could be it's at the South end of the room. If anyone else invisible comes down here, tell them not to walk in the mud. They'll leave tracks and get spotted like real quick."
"Um, there's an altar to the north and there's a guy doing culty chanting stuff there. He might be the strongest culty magic guy here."
"Gonna try and see who the fighters are and stuff. Anything I should look out for for Spellcasters? Holy Symbols! Right! No, but if this is a cult, you'd think they'd all have weerdo holy symbols. Even if they're magic guys or not."
The rogue's green eyes roll over the crowd of cultists, searching for the glint of weaponry.
Rolls and Actions Spot 37 (For Weapons) Listen 21 Hide 44 (+20 for Invisibility.) Move Silently 32
Mira (AC 13+4,40 HP) Mage Armour Thursday July 27th, 2006 12:16:36 AM
Treading close on the heels of those in front of her, Mira whispers for Conner. If the fighter lets her get within range, she will cast the Invisibility spell once again.
DM Sanity Info:
Position: Mira-in the hallway, trying to get down the stairs (towards G10?)
Spells In Effect:
Mage Armour - on Mira-3 hours Message - on Mira, cast by Angus Invisibility - on Kadaz, - 3 minutes (6/30 rounds used) - on Famina, - 3 minutes (1/30 rounds) - on Conner, - 3 minutes (30 rounds)
- Spells: (0-level 6 per day, 1st level 7 per day, 2nd level 6 per day, 3rd level 4 per day) 0-level: detect magic, read magic, light, mage hand, open/close, ray of frost 1st-level: magic missile, burning hands, mage armor#, shield 2nd-level: glitterdust, invisibility### 3rd-fireball
Syr (AC 19/20 hp /62) d20+9=26 d20+8=15 Thursday July 27th, 2006 2:30:39 AM
The elf relays what he sees to Angus, Mira, and Arm. Next he whispers, "They aren't really doing anything bad that I can see. No real reason to jump them other than suspicion."
Pausing as he sees the bugbear move, "If you guys hold fast for a little longer, I'll get in a position to take out the priest quickly if need be. Tell Lang and Shadow to back off a bit, Lang's got a brother that is moving. I need to be quiet now."
Using the chanting to mask his movements (Move Silently 21) and watching where he walks carefully, the elf moves around the group of chanters towards the front, keeping the same distance (25') between himself and the suspicious bugbear (should end in F9 and next round up front). While there he tries to discern what type of rite is being performed. (spot 15)
Famina (AC 19, hp 84/84, invisible) and Kadaz (AC 24, hp 63/63, invisible, subbed by mikey) d20+1=13 Thursday July 27th, 2006 4:35:39 AM
Famina accepts the invisibility spell somewhat tentatively, uncertain as to its complete effects. Kadaz shakes his head in response to the halfling's question, then realizes that won't do. "No thanks, Alemite," he politely says. "Uh, Birdie, Protect him..." He gently instructs his dog, hoping it understands his command. It seems to do so (dc 13), stopping following his voice/smell to stand next to Belkior and guard him.
So it is that both of them move in. Invisible, and hopefully not too loud, or at elast at a distance such that it won't make a difference. They descend slowly. They make sure to keep ahead of the others in the group that they can see so that they can easily defend them. If any non-sneaky person moves up, such as Angus or Belkior, they will move along with them. If any cultist moves to attack anyone else near the back door, they will move to intercept and attack those people back. The key being, to quickly respond to an attack and/or quickly be part of one in the next few rounds.
Arm (AC14, HP 27/27) Thursday July 27th, 2006 6:01:59 AM
Arm waits for Conner to see if he proceeds down the stairs. If he does, he will follow behind him (OOC: I'll be 1 square behind wherever he stops). While he is waiting, he whispers as quietly as he can in Mira's ear, "If there IS an entrance to the sewers to the south down there, we need to make sure that we block off that escape route. If Ilonia is here, we cannot allow her to escape again.".
Conner [AC=22; HP=62]Message, Bless, Invisible d20+2=13 Thursday July 27th, 2006 7:57:21 AM
Conner feels the warm touch of the cleric's spell wash over his body and smiles at the deformed halfling in acknowledgement of his efforts. He also accepts Mira's invisiibility spell. "I'll try to block off any exit through the sewers" he whispers, and sets off down the stairs in search of the muddy footprints [Move Silently=13]
Wynn [AC=21; HP=59] Message, Disguise, Bless Thursday July 27th, 2006 8:03:31 AM
Wynn waits quietly on the stairs as the invisible rogue investigates the basement. "See if Lady Ilonia is down there" he whispers. When he hears the bugbear is sniffing around he instinctively reaches for the hilt of his longsword.
Lang AC 24 HP 90/92 d20+15=34 d6+6=7 2d6(2+4)=6 d20+13=28 d6+6=10 d20+8=12 d6+6=11 d20+10=20 d6+6=12 2d6(6+1)=7 d6=2 d6=6 d20-1=18 Thursday July 27th, 2006 9:04:16 AM
Lang is getting concerned about the opposing bugbear and thinks that it is time for a distraction.
Lang flexes and positions his short swords to strike the Zombie in front of him, making sure that Shadow sees the movement. Lang Whispers to Shadow, just before his strike "Distraction time, get everyone ready, especially those invisible."
Full Attack (Did not take any flanking bonuses)
RH AC 34 - damage 7 +6 for vicious - 13 total LH AC 28 - damage 10 LH AC 12 - damage 11, if hit RH AC 20 - damage 12 +7 for visious - 19 total
Lang will hold his last strike with his vicious weapon, if the Zombie is already destroyed.
Damage to Lang
2 and 6 if necessary
Once the Zombie is redead, Lang will boldly step in the basement and announce "I hear this is the place to come join the death cult. Did I find the right place or do I have to go an pound that half orc that told me." Lang's short swords hang loosly at his sides, but they are ready at a moments notice. Lang give the crowd a big toothy bugbear grin.
Bluff 18
Lang looks at Shadow with hs periphial vision to make sure he and the other are getting in position.
Lang is at N10
Angus Ac 18/20 evil, HP 33 d20+6=20 Thursday July 27th, 2006 9:12:45 AM
Angus hears the action at the bottom of the stairs and moves into action. In a rushed whisper Angus calls those outside to action "If you are invisible, get down the stairs and get in the basement. Do not attack, unless you or Lang are threatened, lets see how far Lang can take this."
Angus rolls his eyes and casts Shield on himself and then looks at Sunshine and mutters "What is your master getting us into?"
Angus will attempt to reinforce Famina's ordres for Birdie "Come her pup, be a good dog."
Message (Mira, Arm, Syr) Mage Armor - Hours Protection from Evil - 8/160 rounds (extended) Inviso on Syr - 7/80 rounds Shield - 1/160 rounds (extended)
Rod of extend 2/3
Shadow (AC 21/18 HP 28/28) d20+10=20 d20+10=29 d20+5=25 d4+1=5 d20+5=7 Thursday July 27th, 2006 10:52:50 AM
Shadow will move into a flanking position near Lang in case his attacks do not drop the zombie. If the zombie does not go down Shadow will assist the bugbear with this opponent. If the zombie drops, Shadow will try and remain hidden as to be able to attack a different target as needed. (either way will try and be near O-10 or N-11)
Actions Move Silently=20 Hide=29
Attack=25 (nat 20 no crit) dmg=5
Belkior/Sub Al (AC20, AC22 vs Evil, HP40/40) Thursday July 27th, 2006 11:07:49 AM "Just a little more, and I'll know how many undead and how strong the strongest is."
One hand extended before himself, the halfling Paragon of Alemi maintains his concentration on the undead in the basement while he reaches for a wand in the haversack on his back.
Rolls and Actions Detect Undead (Second Round: Number of undead auras in the area and the strength of the strongest undead aura present.)
Movement and Position MEA: Take out Wand of CMW Remain at the top of the stairs.
Active Effects Owl's Wisdom (Duration, 7.5/8 minutes) Magic Circle Against Evil (Duration 90 minutes) Detect Undead (Duration Concentration or 9 minutes)
0 Level: Detect Magic**, Detect poison*, Light*, Read Magic*, Resistance* 1st Level: Bless**, uDetect Undead*, Hide from Undead*, Magic Stone*, Sanctuary*, (Protection from Evil+) 2nd Level: Hold Person*, uOwl's Wisdom*, Silence, Spiritual Weapon* (Aid*) 3rd Level: Dispel Magic*, Prayer*, Searing Light*, Speak with Dead (uMagic Circle against Evil+*) 4th Level: Death Ward*, Freedom of Movement*, Summon Monster IV+, (Holy Smite+*)
Thar ail Baerer AC 21, hp 41 - Belkior's PfE spell, Bless Thursday July 27th, 2006 11:20:35 AM
Thar will continue waiting b/h Wynn, and will draw his shortbow. He'll continue hiding also, trying to keep an eye on what's occurring, but not attacking until he get's the signal.
Spell Affects - Belkior's Prot from Evil, Thar's Bless
DM Sanity Check
L0 Spells: Det Magic (2x), Det Poison, Read Mag L1: Shield of Faith, SumMon 1, Prot from Evil L2: Delay Poison, SumMon 2, Spiritual Weap
Turn Undead Attempts - 4/4
Bless duration - 2/15 rounds, +1 attack and ST's vs. fear
Edmund Thursday July 27th, 2006 3:58:15 PM
Edmund follows at the rear of his group ((along row 10 towards the interior, I presume)), as yet taking no provocative action. He is happy, however, to be the recipient of Thar's Bless--the use of magic by the others gives him hope for victory, for he has a fairly dim view of weapons and what they can achieve.
DM Sanity Info Spells in Effect: Bless (Thar) Spells Memorised: L.0: Daze (x2), Detect Magic, Read Magic, Resistance L.1: Charm Person (x2), Colour Spray, Grease, Hypnotism, Sleep L.2: Daze Monster (x2), Hypnotic Pattern, Web L.3: Hold Person, Slow, Suggestion
Battle in the Basement - Round 1 (DM JohnP) d20=5 d20+14=22 d20+14=20 d2=1 d2=1 d2=1 d2=1 d2=2 d2=1 d2=2 d2=2 d2=1 d2=2 d2=1 d2=1 d2=2 d2=2 d2=2 d2=1 d2=2 d2=1 Thursday July 27th, 2006 11:05:35 PM
Outside the back door, Ash and Shelya wait patiently. The invisible Famina and Kadaz join the line of people going down the back stairs.
In the upstairs hallway, Mira casts another Invisibility spell on Conner this time. Then the sorcerer joins the queue of people going down the stairs, right behind Arm who has slipped in ahead of her. The invisible Conner leads the way but Wynn is still waiting at the bottom of the stairs.
Downstairs, Xenia remains within her little quiet happy place as she fortifies herself with a potion from her pack. She sees that the bugbear has two of the curved sword-daggers called kukris at his belt. All of the other cultists are wearing shapeless robes and are carrying only small weapons if they're even armed at all. The cleric looks to have a light mace at his belt.
Syr silently slips around the back of the gathered cultists, over towards the bottom of the front stairs. The altar at the front of the room is bare except for a heavy green stone bowl or chalice that seems to be the focus of the cleric's attention. The elven monk is right ... nothing bad happening here, if you overlook the undead guards, that is. Syr's not certain but he suspects that Plateau City probably has a "No Undead Creation" bylaw or something similar.
The people outside the front and back stairs now hear the sound of combat coming from the basement. Lang lashes out at the zombie, which is slow and unarmored, and drops it with his final swing. Then he moves 5 feet into the room and challenges the room. DM Note -- I took your actions to be Full Attack, then 5' shift. The zombie had Cover (+4 AC) from the wall and the third attack missed as a result.
Angus encourages the others to move down to the basement and then casts a protective spell on himself, while looking down at Sunshine. Shadow follows Lang into the basement but remains hidden.
Upstairs at the front, Belkior scans one end of the basement through the floor. He pales for a moment and then brightens. He whispers to those nearby, "Lots of undead ... nine just in this end. But the strongest one is no more than half my strength, weaker than any of these Plateau City folk." Those nearby think that Belkior is scanning the end of the basement where Zenia said the altar was.
Thar draws his shortbow, scanning for targets. Behind him, Edmund waits in the upstairs hallway.
+++++
Lang's action has got everyone's attention. The bugbear looks at him and tilts his head. The cultists scramble to their feet and edge away from this seeming mad bugbear that has just destroyed one of their guardians. And the cleric at the end of the room also comes to his feet and turns towards the back stairs.
The bugbear draws his two kukris as he looks at Lang, then speaks.
"If you want to join us, why do you destroy our god-given servant? And you're not alone, either ..."
The bugbear concentrates for a moment, then snaps a command to the cleric.
"They have clerics with them, powerful too! They mustn't take the chalice!"
He then whistles and prepares to enter battle. The knowledgeable in the basement might have a chance to determine what he did. Lang, Shadow, Syr, Thar, Wynn, Xenia - Spellcraft DC 16 - Highlight to display spoiler: {Detect Good}
This triggers a frenzy of movement among the cultists. The cleric moves to pick up the stone chalice in front of him and then calls out.
"To me! Guard me!"
The people in the basement now see undead - skeletons and zombies - moving out of the storerooms in the basement. Four skeletons come from the end rooms (1 and 2) and assemble around the cleric. Zombies come from two next rooms (3 and 4) and shamble towards the entrances. And from the south two rooms (7 and 8), three more skeletons clatter towards Lang. Each of these undead are armed with a simple wooden club. Syr - can make an AoO against Z4. Shadow - can make AoO against S5 &/or S6
And a hulking dire rat comes from a storeroom (6) with fragments of cloth and bone clinging to it's fur.
The cultists surge towards the exits. Some draw daggers but others simply seem to want to escape. None attack any of the party .... yet.
Ash d20+5=15 Thursday July 27th, 2006 11:16:51 PM
Ash, hearing the noises, decides that they have been discovered. At this point he asks Shelya to enter the stairwell and follows her down [Handle Animal=15]
Xenia (AC24, HP 48/48) d20+16=25 d20+16=30 Thursday July 27th, 2006 11:39:00 PM
"Uh oh. That's gone and done it. Lang's stirred the pot here. You close enough to see, Hon? Looks like skeletons and zombies. But the other ones, tell all the others that most of these cultists look like just harmless nutjobs."
"The main guy, he's got this Chalice thing that he seems to think is real important ... And you know what, Wynn? I'm gonna get it."
The dark rogue once again dips into her pack for a potion. She drinks it down and then rises five feet into the air and flattens herself against the ceiling.
"Remind me later to tell Lang he's a lunatic. hehe." The rogue's chuckle tumbles over the Message link, like water gurgling through a stream.
Rolls and Actions Hide 45 (+20 for Invisibility.) Move Silently 30
Draw and Drink potion of Fly
Movement and Position Five foot Rise. At H12 (5 feet up)
Syr (AC 20/19 HP 62) Indivisible, G3 d20+10=23 d20+10=24 Thursday July 27th, 2006 11:47:31 PM
Syr silently curses to himself and mumbles VERY quietly to the linked, "... and I thought I was the impulsive one." With a sigh, "Okay, I'm moving to the front corner and waiting of an opportunity."
He then precedes to weave as delicately as possible through the cultists without touching any. He heads toward the corner of the room and waits to see what everyone else is doing. (Not sure what skill to use: Tumble 23, Move silently 24)
ed. DM JohnP - Tumble skill is appropriate and the DC would be 29 (25 for first opponent, +2 for each additional). Ordinarily, the failed roll would trigger an AoO but these are zombies. So no movement, and Syr can attack if he wishes.
Edmund (AC:12+2, HP:27/27) Bless d20+10=27 Friday July 28th, 2006 3:43:12 AM
As the moment of choice comes, Edmund will proceed into and down the stairs as far as he dares ((towards a destination at square D-10)) without any intention of being quiet. "Foul creatures! Foul villains! Foul wretches! Prepare to meet thy fate!" As brave (and somewhat over-the-top) as these words are, he nevertheless is more than a little frightened.
Still, he will keep his head and begin casting Web on the large room ahead ((target centred on square J-10)) with the intention of creating a mass of webs anchored between the floor and ceiling to impede or trap the cultists and their associates. Whilst he does this, he keeps his eyes open and his wits about him, casting defensively so as not to endanger himself (Concentration: 27)
The spell begun, and the arcane motions of his hands fluidly performed, Edmund will speak the words quite firmly without any noticeable quaver to his voice. Perhaps he is braver than even he thought he was. "Ecce tela mea!" he will declare, calling the Web into existence.
DM Sanity Info Spells In Effect: Bless (Thar), Web (Duration: 50 minutes)
Arm Friday July 28th, 2006 6:03:08 AM
Impatient at not being able to join the fray, Arm instead clears his throat experimentally, then begins to sing a song of people who excel at what they do (bardsong: inspire competence - +1 vs. charm, +1 attk, +1 dmg - 30' radius cast on himself). He knows that his stylings won't reach the entire group, be for the moment he can at least help out those that are with him.
OOC: I don't know what the duration of this song is, as I don't have my PH at work here...if someone can help me out, it'd be greatly appreciated... :)
ed. DM JohnP - The song you're thinking of is "Inspire Courage". It takes a standard action to start, free action to continue and continues for 5 rounds after Arm stops singing. Casting a spell or using most magic items will also cause it to end.
DM Clarification (DM JohnP) Friday July 28th, 2006 7:48:03 AM
I meant to do this last night but ran out of time.
Marching Order - Front Door People lined up to go down the stairs are, from bottom to top: - Wynn (in basement, on map) - Thar (in basement, on map) - Conner (on landing, on map) - Arm (off map) - Mira (off map) - Edmund (off map) - Belkior (off map) - Birdie (off map)
Marching Order - Back Door - Famina (in basement, on map) - Kadaz (in basement, on map) - Angus (on landing, on map) - Sunshine (off map) - Ash (off map) - Shelya (off map)
In the Basement Alphabetical - Lang - Shadow - Syr - Xenia
Movement Notes Movement through square occupied by a friend costs normal movement. (This is different than rules, but in tabletop movement would end up being sync'd through use of Held actions and I'm not going to bother with that.) I'm also going to allow the front people to act &/or move, then the people behind, rather than strictly posting order.
Movement through square occupied by an opponent requires a Tumble check. Calculate the DC for the check by counting opponents between start and open square (DC 25 for first, +2 for each additional). And Tumbling is at half-speed unless you take a -10 to move at full speed.
Any character on the map can see far enough into the basement to cast area spells.
Wynn [AC=21; HP=59] Message, Disguise, Bless d20+11=30 d20+10=24 d8+3=5 Friday July 28th, 2006 8:06:46 AM
Wynn darts quickly through the gap between the cultist at the botom of the stairs and the zombie, clearing the way for those behind him [Tumble=30 Ends up in G-11]. The half elf then turns and slashes wickedly at the zombie [Hit AC=24 for 5 HP] "Come on" he calls back up the stairs. "There's no time to waste!"
Conner [AC=22; HP=62]Message, Bless, Invisible d20+6=18 d20+13=33 d8+7=15 Friday July 28th, 2006 8:19:30 AM
Once Lang prematurely springs the trap, the fighter realizes his invisibility will serve little purpose. Trapped on the stairs he cannot slip through the crowd in time to stop the cleric escaping with the alter. When Wynn clears a space at the bottom of the stairs he will dart through.
If the Zombie remains standing, Conner hewes him in two [Hit AC=33; Nat 20 for 15 HP] and the tattooed fighter pops back into sight standing in E-10.
If the Zombie fell under Wynn's attack, a still invisible Conner slips past the fallen undead and to his left F-9.
Lang AC 24 87/92 Hp d20+15=25 d6+6=7 2d6(5+1)=6 d20+13=30 d6+6=11 d20+8=18 d6+6=12 d6=3 Friday July 28th, 2006 9:05:46 AM
Lang is disgusted with his diplomacy skills and attacks a zombie (Z1) with full abandon. Lang growls through gritted teeth "Foul undead"
RH AC 25 for 7 damage + 6 for viscious total 13 LH AC 30 for 11 damage
If these two thrusts drop the zombie, Lang will switch to a new opponent S6, if not he will finish off the zombie.
LH AC 18, for 12 to the zombie or 9 to the skeleton.
Viscious damage to Lang 3
Lang looks frustrated and bellows "Everyone drop you weapons and kneel on the floor and you will not be harmed!" Lang is doing his best to push into the room, so that those behind him can come in. Lang will also do his best to keep the cultist from leaving.
Lang thinks to himself, diplomancy is not my stong suit.
Angus AC 23/25 evil HP 33 d20+3=10 d20+9=18 Friday July 28th, 2006 9:25:23 AM
Angus realizes that things are moving fast now and he has to get out of the way so that others of this diverse group can enter the fray. Angus polymorphs himself into a pixie.
Angus's features begin to rapidly shrink and he takes on more sylvan caracteristics, including wings. Angus flying into the room and scans it hovering (H11) close to the ceiling.
Spot 10
In a high pitched voice Angus adds, "Everyone calm down and surrender, we do not need to spill living blood today if you cooperate."
Message (Mira, Arm, Syr) Mage Armor - Hours Protection from Evil - 9/160 rounds (extended) Inviso on Syr - 8/80 rounds Shield - 2/160 rounds (extended) Polymorph - 1/80 (18 Dex and natural AC improvement)
Rod of extend 2/3
Shadow (AC 21/18 HP 28/28) d20+5=15 d4+1=4 Friday July 28th, 2006 9:26:09 AM
Shadow is not sure he approves of his new companions tactics, but no sense in trying to put the coins back in the purse. He will take a swing at skeleton S5, and try to make room for those behind to get up front.
Action To hit=15 dmg=4
Belkior/Sub Al (AC20, AC22 vs Evil, HP40/40) Friday July 28th, 2006 10:47:26 AM
The voices and hubbub drift up the stairs. Sounds like the cat's out of the bag so to speak.
Jump *clank* Jump *clank* Jump *clank*
Armored in breastplate and buckler, Belkior hops up and down on his cat feet, trying to see around the line of humans on the stairs.
"The undead aren't very powerful!" he calls down to his companions. "I'd ... " Jump *clank* " ... try to turn them ... " Jump *clank* " ... But the stairway is too narrow."
Rolls and Actions Jumping up and down
Movement and Position Remain at the top of the stairs.
Active Effects Owl's Wisdom (Duration, 7.5/8 minutes) Magic Circle Against Evil (Duration 90 minutes)
0 Level: Detect Magic**, Detect poison*, Light*, Read Magic*, Resistance* 1st Level: Bless**, uDetect Undead*, Hide from Undead*, Magic Stone*, Sanctuary*, (Protection from Evil+) 2nd Level: Hold Person*, uOwl's Wisdom*, Silence, Spiritual Weapon* (Aid*) 3rd Level: Dispel Magic*, Prayer*, Searing Light*, Speak with Dead (uMagic Circle against Evil+*) 4th Level: Death Ward*, Freedom of Movement*, Summon Monster IV+, (Holy Smite+*)
Famina (AC 19, hp , hp 84/84, invisible) and Kadaz (AC 24, hp 63/63, invisible, subbed by mikey) d20+8=24 d6=5 d6=4 d20+12=29 d10=8 Friday July 28th, 2006 1:48:50 PM
The battle has begun! And there's no way Famina or Kadaz is going to be kept out of it. "Lang, move to the left just a little..." an invisible voice behind him chirps excitedly. She brushes right past him (moving through his square) and continues on. Hopefully he managed to drop that zombie he's been focusing on. If he hasn't, she heads into the empty area next to Lang and resumes his attack on that very same zombie. (Along the way, I believe I provoke attacks of opportunity from the two zombies and the skeleton next to Lang, but I have Mobility for +4 AC) If that zombie has fallen, which she hopes it has, she moves into the square in which it was standing and takes a swing at the skeleton six that is next to Lang. Hopefully, she can help clear out the way for others to get in. Either way, with a chopping blow with some force thrown behind it, she deals her enemy a powerful blow. (using power attack -4, hit AC 24, did 9 + 8 (PA) + 6 (strx1.5) +1 = 24 damage) And becomes visible right afterwards. (though I think the invisibility doesn't matter to the zombies anyways)
Kadaz is right on the tail of the barbarian, even though he can't see her. He, too, brushes past Lang, and the undead have probably just taken a swing at Famina and can't get an attack against the dwarf. At this point, things get complicated. If the zombie has fallen, and Famina appears in that square attacking the skeleton, then Kadaz goes into the empty square next to Lang. He will then join in the attack on the skeleton, unless it is ashes, in which case he will attack the zombie (with cover). If the zombie has fallen but Famina is not in its square (aka, Famina managed to finish it off after moving), Kadaz moves into that square and will attack the skeleton. And finally, if the zombie has survived this round, then Kadaz has no place to go to, as he unfortunately finds out. He tries moving into Famina's square, then into the dog's square, then heads back into his very own square, feeling very sad he can't be in the fight.
If he does get an attack in with his adamantine battle axe, he's pretty happy. He chops off an arm or leg with a good swing (hits AC 29, does 13 damage).
Thar ail Baerer AC 21, hp 41 - Belkior's PfE spell, Bless d20+1=14 2d6(3+2)+4=9 Friday July 28th, 2006 3:20:18 PM
Seeing that the fun is know beginning, Thar will squeeze to the side of the passageway, trying to allow his companions to pass.
He will look at the closest group of enemy undead that are still standing and attempt to turn them w/ his cross.
Turn Check (most powerful I can turn) = 1d20+Chr bon = 14 = 4th Level (my cleric level + 1)
Turn Dmg = 2d6 + your cleric level + your Charisma modifier = 9 HD turned
Turned Rounds = 1/10
Spell Affects - Belkior's Prot from Evil, Thar's Bless
DM Sanity Check
L0 Spells: Det Magic (2x), Det Poison, Read Mag L1: Shield of Faith, SumMon 1, Prot from Evil L2: Delay Poison, SumMon 2, Spiritual Weap
Turn Undead Attempts - 3 left /4
Bless duration - 3/15 rounds, +1 attack and ST's vs. fear
Battle in the Basement - Round 2 (DM JohnP) d20+1=12 d20+1=9 d20+1=15 d20+1=17 d20+1=5 d20+1=12 d20+1=13 d20+1=8 d20+1=19 d20+1=12 d20+1=13 d20+1=15 d20+1=13 d20+1=3 d20+1=6 d20+1=7 d20+1=11 d20-1=6 d20-1=10 d20+17=35 d20+5=11 2d4(1+1)=2 2d4(3+3)=6 d20+4=7 d20+4=12 d20+1=9 d20+1=18 Cultist 4 d20+2=7 Cultist 9 d20=11 Cultist 18 d20+2=20 d4+1=3 Cultists d20+1=18 d20+1=10 d20+1=2 d20+1=11 d20+1=18 d20+1=6 d20+1=3 d20+1=18 d20+1=4 d20+1=17 d20+1=16 d20+1=3 d20+1=4 d20+1=6 d20+1=21 Sunday July 30th, 2006 10:05:54 PM
The battle intensifies down in the basement as bits of rotting corpse go flying about the room. Thinking to try a different approach, Xenia downs another potion from her haversack and rises up towards the ceiling of the room.
Syr slips by the zombies in front of him. Since he was invisible, the zombies couldn't move to block him and he moves into the corner of the basement.
Upstairs, Arm starts to sing a rousing song to inspire his companions. Because he's still in the hallway, his voice reaches only the others in the hallway and those near the bottom of the stairs. DM Note -- Those affected, at present -- Arm, Belkior, Conner, Edmund, Mira, Syr, Thar, Wynn
Wynn rolls past one of the clumsy zombies and slices into it. Conner pushes through and finishes that undead off, leaving two large pieces on the floor.
Once Conner moves, there is room for Edmund to squeeze through. The wizard makes it down to the landing and he casts a spell into the basement. A mass of webbing grows from the walls, floor and ceiling to engulf anyone in the centre of the basement. That includes a newfound companion -- Wynn. But he's caught virtually all of the cultists in the webbing. Wynn -- Please make Reflex saves vs. DC 17. If successful, you are simply Entangled (half speed, -2 Attack, -4 DEX). Failure requires a full-round DC 20 Strength or DC 25 Escape Artist check to get free and simply be Entangled. DM Note -- Since area effect spells are centred on square corners, I default to the top left corner for centring spells.
Nearly all of the cultists are caught in the webbing although a couple are able to twist away as it formed. The zombies, of course, were too clumsy to escape but the bugbear appears to be unaffected. The dire rat looks stuck, though.
On the other side of the room, Lang hacked into another zombie in front of him. His shortswords plunge into the soft flesh of the zombie and don't harm the undead like they would a living opponent. Still, his weapon's magic and the strength of his arms combine to destroy the zombie. Then he steps aside to clear the doorway.
Angus shifts himself into the form of a pixie and flies forward. The Web and the skeletons block his path, however, so he cannot advance as far as he wants. He cries out to the cultists to surrender. Some of those who are simply trying to escape listen to his words but they're all inside the Web.
Now that Angus has moved, Ash can send Shelya into the stairs.
Shadow swings at the skeleton in front of him but his rapier simply rattles through the bones of the undead's ribcage.
In the hallway upstairs, Belkior tries to see around his larger companions.
Famina and Kadaz cannot move forward to attack, so they stay invisible and waiting behind Angus.
Thar gestures with his holy symbol from the stairs and calls forth positive energy to repel or destroy undead. The zombies turn and struggle in the web ... but the one on the far side runs into storeroom 4. The three skeletons in front of Lang and Shadow are destroyed, falling into splintered bone and dust. Now that room is available, Shadow and Angus move forward into the room. And that means that there is room for Kadaz and Famina to move as well.
Mira waits patiently upstairs.
========================================
Wynn starts with alarm as the torch on the wall ignites the webbing. It flares briefly before burning out. The same occurs at other points in the basement, catching a zombie and a cultist in the resulting flames.
Shadow can see into storeroom 6 where the dire rat came from. There is much more mud on the floor of this storeroom than in the main part of the basement.
+++++
The bugbear steps out of the webbing and calls out to Lang.
"Brought friends, did you? Well, how about I slice you up first before I start on the rest? That's for trying to trick me, yes it is."
The bugbear mutters a few words and a malignant aura settles around one of his kukris. Spellcraft DC 16 - Highlight to display spoiler: {Corrupt Weapon}
Then he calls out again, presumably to the dire rat.
"Philemus! Get out of the web and attack!"
The dire rat struggles in the Web but cannot break free.
The cleric grips a medallion around his neck and mutters some words. Then he commands the skeletons to protect him and move with him. Lang & Syr - Please make Knowledge (Religion) checks.
The closest zombies is caught in the Web. It thrashes and throws itself about but cannot get any further away from Thar and his holy symbol. The other one is free of the Web but cannot push past the cultists caught in the Web.
Cultist 4 moves slowly through the Web until he is out and then he closes with Lang. He jabs at Lang with a dagger but doesn't come close to harming the ranger. Cultist 9 also moves out of the Web and also attacks Lang with a rusty dagger. Cultist 4 - dagger misses AC 7 Cultist 9 - dagger misses AC 11
Cultist 18 also jabs at Wynn. Because Wynn is within the Web, his dagger manages to slip by the bard's armor. Cultist 18 - dagger hits AC 20, 3 damage
All of the other cultists attempt to break free of the Web's bonds. Only one of them does so but when she tries to run, she bumps into an invisible figure. One had the webbing burned away and is covered in terrible burns. He slowly makes his way out of the Web, sobbing with pain.
Player Sanity Info Skelton -- AC 13, DR 5/bludgeoning Zombie -- AC 11, DR 5/slashing
Web - anyone entering Web's area is Entangled (half speed, no Run or Charge, -2 on Attack, -4 to Dexterity and Concentration check required to cast spell)
Moving Through Opponents - There are two, or three, possible methods of moving through a square occupied by an opponent. a) Tumble skill - DC 25 for first opponent and +2 for each subsequent. Failure means that movement stops at the first opponent, who gets an AoO. b) Overrun special attack - move into the square and opponent can choose to either block or allow movement through square. If the opponent blocks, determine whether they are knocked down and movement can continue. Opponents can only choose to block opponents that they are aware off (my ruling), so Invisible characters who have made Move Silent checks can attempt this. c) Bull Rush special attack - pushes the opponent back 5' or more.
Xenia (AC24, HP 48/48) d20+16=36 d20+16=26 d20+11=20 Sunday July 30th, 2006 10:36:10 PM
"Framble farping fan pans!!!" From her horizontal position at ceiling height, the dark rogue watches the chaos as everyone thrashes around in the web stuff.
"What idiot put the web up?!!! Watch out, Wynn!!! Frapping Framble Matter!!!" grrrrrrrrr
The flame headed rogue can feel a tiny growl ticking away at the back of her throat.
She grits her teeth and plunges into the web anyway. Head first, she flies at ceiling height. Bending and flexing her body around strands of web, Xenia weaves her way to the other side. Until, at last, she breaks free! She's on the other side!
Arcing around the edge of the crowd, swift and silent, the invisible rogue swoops in directly behind the ususpecting weirdo cultie cleric.
Rolls and Actions Hide 51 (Nat 20+20 for Invisibility. -5 for Full Movement) Move Silently 26 Reflex 20
Movement and Position (Half speed through H11 to H7) 95 effective feet out of 120-foot double move. Now at L4(5 feet up) How about a 4th way, John? Fly over their heads. ^_^
Famina (AC 17, hp , hp 98/98, invisible) d100=8 d100=56 d100=82 d20+9=23 d6=2 d6=1 Monday July 31st, 2006 12:16:15 AM
The barbarian is normally a frenzied fighter, but this time there's too much confusion, and she understands the value of tactics at times. Besides, she always prefers the bigger fight. Picking from her enemies, she chooses the monstrous rat just over to her left. NOW she is ready to unleash her fury! She yelps out an attack cry, something in dwarven vaguely, "Ishkhaqwi ai durugnul ur druggen dundiggen nackhnal!" which translates vaguely to 'I spit upon your grave, you stinking nose-picking rustbucket!' She skirts the web and moves into position just to the side of the huge critter and bursts out of her invisibility with a wild chop!
(Moving south to M13, then heading west to K13. I don't think I provoke attacks since I am invisible [according to aoo rules I think] If it does I have +4 AC (AC 23 till I rage) since mobility. Then, raging and taking a power attack -5 at the dire rat at K12. Hit AC 23, did 3 base + 10 pa + 9 str + 1 magic = 23 damage. Poor critter!)
(For fun, use http://www.delving.com/swear.html to make your own dwarven curse! :D)
Edmund (AC:12+2, HP:27/27) Bless, Inspire Courage d20+10=27 Monday July 31st, 2006 1:42:13 AM
Edmund cannot see Wynn from his position, but he can see a cultist missed by the web, and this particular cultist seems to be slashing at something. Certain this cannot be a good sign, Edmund holds position and readies Charm Person. Still casting defensively (Concentration: 27), he makes the arcane movements with practised ease--the words of his voice firm, but strangely pleasant, encouraging, and friendly. Smiling, he looks to the dagger-wielding cultist (at F-11), and warmly ends his incantation. "Amicus!"
If successful, Edmund will adopt a casual and good-natured attitude with the cultist and say, "Ho there, my fine fellow. You look like a man of intelligence and devotion. Let's consider things as equals, what. I know I can trust you--I'm an excellent judge of character--and I can tell you're the sort of fellow willing to help a chap out when he's in a bind. You see, I've got a bit of a difficulty here. Lots of stuff going on, can't really keep an eye on it all, but I'm certain you can help. If you could just poke about and make certain none of my friends have gone and gotten themselves caught in that nasty web, silly twits, I'd really appreciate it. Just do your best to cut them free, if they have, and you know such deeds will never go unrewarded. My gratitude will be unrelenting."
"Once you've done that, if you would be so good as to pip off down this hallway here and just round the corner to the local guard post, I've an important message which I'm trusting you to deliver. If you could just let them know that my friends and I are all here, I would be--once again--deeply appreciative. I know it's not too much to expect of someone as accomplished and helpful as you, especially as between friends. And, you'd be doing yourself no small amount of favour as well, if you know what I mean."
DM Sanity Info Spells In Effect: Bless (Thar), Web (Duration: 50 minutes), Inspire Courage (Arm), Charm Person #1(Duration: 5 hours)
Arm Monday July 31st, 2006 5:16:57 AM
Unable to do much more at the present, Arm resorts to continue his song, and hopes that it provides some help for those down below.
Kadaz (AC24, hp 63/63), invisible Monday July 31st, 2006 5:52:43 AM
The invisible Kadaz takes a quick look around and sees the others handily taking care of the undead. But that cleric and bugbear are a concern. He's going after them!
Kadaz decides to take advantage of being invisible. He steps into the web (move to M10) and struggles to make any headway at all. He forces his way through the web (to L9), trying not to touch the cultists and alert them to his position. Kadaz makes no attempt at moving quietly - he's too busy forcing his way though the webs. Hopefully the sounds of active battle will overwhelm his jingling. But, he suddenly notices, he's leaving a wake in the web! What genius had the bright idea to cast a web?
If one of the cultists does attack Kadaz will take the blow and not retaliate. He grits his teeth keeps struggling forward.
Spells In Effect:
Invisibility - (10/30 rounds used)
Wynn [AC=21; HP=56/59] Message, Disguise, Bless, Inspired d20+9=27 d20+11=23 d8+4=10 Monday July 31st, 2006 7:52:32 AM
Wynn manages to avoid the web and easily slips out of the sticky mess [Reflex=27; Move to G12]. He does not take his eyes off the dagger wielding cultist and once out of the web slashes at the man with his longsword [Hit AC=23 for 10 HP].
Conner [AC=22; HP=62] Message, Bless, Inspired d20+5=25 Monday July 31st, 2006 8:02:29 AM
The fighter sees the escaping cleric and plunges into the web in pursuit [Reflex=25]. The going is slow as Conner carefully steps between the strands of webbing [New Position I-11?]
Shadow (AC 21/18 HP 28/28) Monday July 31st, 2006 9:20:17 AM
Shadow will scoot back a little to get better shot at the cultists 'I really want to get a shot at the bugbear or cleric, but just way too many bodies in the way' he thinks to himself as he puts his rapier away and get his bow out.
Thar ail Baerer AC 21, hp 41 - Belkior's PfE spell, Bless, Inspired d20=14 2d6(5+2)+4=11 Monday July 31st, 2006 11:54:39 AM
Thar will move forward into the position that Conner just vacated (E10) and can now see Skeletons S1-4 (near the Bugbear)
Readying his cross again, he'll try to turn these abominations. Since he has already affected the zombies near him, he'll ignore them this time and focus on other targets.
Turn Check = 15 = 4 HD Max affect Turn Dmg = 11 HD turned
First Turn Attempt Rounds (Z4-6) = 2/10 Second Turn Attempt Rounds (S1-4) = 1/10
Spell Affects - Belkior's Prot from Evil, Thar's Bless, Inspired
DM Sanity Check
L0 Spells: Det Magic (2x), Det Poison, Read Mag L1: Shield of Faith, SumMon 1, Prot from Evil L2: Delay Poison, SumMon 2, Spiritual Weap
Turn Undead Attempts - 2 left /4
Bless duration - 4/15 rounds, +1 attack and ST's vs. fear
Belkior/Sub Al (AC20, AC22 vs Evil, HP40/40) d20+14=20 Monday July 31st, 2006 1:01:55 PM
A space opens up ahead.
"Excuse me." Belkior pushes past the talkative member of the Plateau City group. Edumnd. Yes that was his name.
"Sorry. Excuse me, Edmund."
There looks to be more space in front of ... Thar ail Baerer was his name. Wasn't it.
"Excuse me, Thar."
The halfling cleric eases past Thar as well, only to find himself stuck in some sort of sticky web with robed, dagger-wielding humans ... and zombies all around him. Quickly, Belkior forms his hands into the Symbol of Alemi and casts a spell upon himself to be Free of the webs that bind his Movement.
Rolls and Actions Cast Freedom of Movement Defensively 20 vs DC19
Movement and Position Move to F10. Draw AoO from 18 as Belkior moves from E10 to F10. If 18 is still standing after Wynn's last hit, that is.
Active Effects Owl's Wisdom (Duration, 7.5/8 minutes) Magic Circle Against Evil (Duration 90 minutes) Freedom of Movement (Duration 90 minutes)
0 Level: Detect Magic**, Detect poison*, Light*, Read Magic*, Resistance* 1st Level: Bless**, uDetect Undead*, Hide from Undead*, Magic Stone*, Sanctuary*, (Protection from Evil+) 2nd Level: Hold Person*, uOwl's Wisdom*, Silence, Spiritual Weapon* (Aid*) 3rd Level: Dispel Magic*, Prayer*, Searing Light*, Speak with Dead (uMagic Circle against Evil+*) 4th Level: Death Ward*, uFreedom of Movement*, Summon Monster IV+, (Holy Smite+*)
Mira (AC 13+4,40 HP) Mage Armour Monday July 31st, 2006 4:44:42 PM
"This should help you get about," the sorcerer whispers to the bard in front of her in the line-up to get into the fray. Mira extracts a scroll from her case, and chimes out the words she had nearly memorised during previous study. As the scroll disolves, she directs the magic the bard's way. "You should be able to climb along the walls and the cieling, but you must always be in contact with the surface to do so," she says, adding, "see if you can get the chalice, but be careful."
DM Sanity Info:
Position: Mira-in the hallway, still trying to get down the stairs, but happy to be buffing folks up and sending them down before her!
Spells In Effect:
Mage Armour - on Mira-3 hours Message - on Mira, cast by Angus Invisibility - on Kadaz, - 3 minutes (10/30 rounds used) - on Famina, - 3 minutes (5/30 rounds) - on Conner, - 3 minutes (30 rounds) Spider Climb - on Arm - 3 minutes (30 rounds)
- Spells: (0-level 6 per day, 1st level 7 per day, 2nd level 6 per day, 3rd level 4 per day) 0-level: detect magic, read magic, light, mage hand, open/close, ray of frost 1st-level: magic missile, burning hands, mage armor#, shield 2nd-level: glitterdust, invisibility### 3rd-fireball
Syr (AC 19/20 hp /62) Inspire, Invisibility d20+10=30 Monday July 31st, 2006 7:31:02 PM
Syr grins at the comic scene before him as everyone struggles with the web. Prior to laughing aloud, he remembers the seriousness of the situation and moves on the source of the problem. Moving with the utmost of care, he sneaks up on the priest. Thinking to himself that even Xenia would be proud of his stealthiness. He stands just behind the priest and flexes his muscles in preparation.
(OOC: I'm one of those rule challenged people, what kind of modifiers do I get next round for attacking?)
[ Invisible creatures get +2 Bonus To Hit against Sighted creatures. -- Al (Just helping out.) ]
Lang (AC 24; HP 79 or 81/92) & Sunshine (AC 22; HP 47/47) d20=4 d20+13=28 d20+13=18 d20+8=13 d20+8=21 3d6(2+3+1)+6=12 d6=6 d6+6=9 3d6(2+3+6)+6=17 d6=2 d6+6=9 Monday July 31st, 2006 8:55:44 PM
Knowledge Religion 4.
Lang does not understand the motion the Cleric made.
Lang hears the Bugbear taunt him and responds with his own.
"Bugbear you and your foul friends will meet death today. You are next."
Lang continues his methodical killing of the evil cultists.
Attack Cultist #9 and then Cultist #5:
RH hit AC 28; damage 12; damage to me 6 LH hit AC 18; damage 9 RH hit AC 13; damage 17; damage to me 2 (let me know if this hit) LH hit AC 21; damage 9
If Lang kills the 2 cultist he will step forward, closer to the Bugbear (into cell M8).
"Famina take care of that rat."
Sunshine hears the strong tone in his Masters voice. A low growl starts in the dog's throat.
Angus AC 23/25 evil HP 33 d20+4=13 d20+4=21 d20+8=23 4d6(6+2+4+4)=16 4d6(6+6+6+4)=22 Monday July 31st, 2006 9:10:53 PM
Angus's view of the room is severely hindered by the web spell. He sees Wynn and a cultist stuck in the web in front of him and a large rat off to his right a short distant.
He decides to soften up the rat for Famina, after hearing Lang's command.
Cast Scorching Ray - 2 rays Hit TAC's 13 & 21 Spell Resistance 23 (if needed) Damage 16 & 22
Message (Mira, Arm, Syr) Mage Armor - Hours Protection from Evil - 10/160 rounds (extended) Inviso on Syr - 9/80 rounds Shield - 3/160 rounds (extended) Polymorph - 2/80 (18 Dex and natural AC improvement)
Rod of extend 2/3
Ash Monday July 31st, 2006 9:28:26 PM
Ash follows Shelya down the stairs, preparing to check for wounded compatriots
Battle in the Basement - Round 3 (DM JohnP) Cultist 9 d100=99 d20-1=17 Listen d20=14 Bugbear d20+14=15 d20+14=21 d20+9=23 d20+9=10 d20+4=17 Cleric d20+17=33 Skeleton S3 d20+1=21 d20+1=20 d6+1=7 d6+1=4 Skeleton S4 d20+1=9 Zombie 4 d20+1=18 Cultists d20+1=12 d20+1=14 d20+1=11 d20+1=5 d20+1=18 d20+1=19 d20+1=15 d20+1=2 d20+1=14 d20+1=10 d20+1=13 d20+1=8 d20+1=4 d20+1=10 Monday July 31st, 2006 10:40:11 PM
The parties start manoeuvring around the Web in the centre of the room.
Xenia has one solution, flying nimbly directly through the centre of the area. She manages to avoid the worst of the webbing and emerges on the far side of the area. She finishes her movement directly behind the cleric who is clutching the stone bowl.
Famina ... well, the barbarian princess takes a more forceful approach. Brandishing her greatsword, she moves around the webbing until she can attack the dire rat. One mighty swing is enough to destroy the creature.
On the stairs leading to the front hall, Edmund tries to enchant the cultist that attacked Wynn. Unfortunately, he cannot see enough of the cultist to target him. DM Note -- No Line of Effect to Cultist 18 since he has Cover from Edmund. The spell isn't expended.
In the hallway, Arm keeps singing since he didn't see any way forward down the stairs. DM Note -- If you do want to move, put your intended destination in the next post since there should be room.
Like a dwarf in a china shop, Kadaz simply bulls his way through the webbing until he realizes that he is probably showing everyone where he is. Cultist 9 jabs out when he moves but cannot hit the heavily armoured fighter. Cultist 9 -- 99%, dagger misses AC 17
Wynn, encouraged by Xenia's words, managed to avoid being caught by the spell. He steps out of the webbing and attacks Cultist 18, killing the poor deluded fellow. Actually, the cultist looks even worse than the dire rat that Famina chopped.
Following Kadaz' example, Conner plunges into the webbing also. He makes his way partway in and none of the cultists attack him.
Shadow moves to get a better line on the bugbear, shuffling his weapons as he does so.
On the stairs, Thar steps forward and again tries to turn undead. He seems to have done everything correctly, but nothing happened that he could see.
Sensing that there is space up ahead, Belkior pushes past the people from Plateau City and into the webbing. Then he casts a spell to allow him to move freely within the spell's area.
The sorcerer Mira reads a scroll to cast a spell upon Arm. She tells the bard that he can crawl on the walls and ceilings now.
Back in the basement, Syr the invisible elven monk creeps close to the cult cleric and his skeleton guards.
Lang swings at the two cultists in front of him and easily cuts them down with his first two swings. Then he steps closer to the bugbear cultist and taunts him some more. DM Note -- I'm assuming that you actually meant Cultist 4, the one that attacked you not the unarmed Cultist 5 who is deeper in the Web.
Angus was going to attack the dire rat with a spell but it died from Famina's mighty swing. DM Note -- spell not expended.
Finally, Ash creeps down the stairs behind Shelya.
++++++
The bugbear steps closer to Lang and starts swinging. At the end of it, none of his attacks manage to hit the ranger from Floating City. Primary hand -- misses AC 15 (natural 1) Off-hand -- misses AC 21 Primary hand -- misses AC 23 Off-hand -- misses AC 10 (natural 1) Primary hand -- misses AC 17
The cleric casts a spell, unaware that there are any invisible opponents nearby. Once he has done that, he moves closer to the bugbear. DM Note -- Syr, roll an AoO if desired. I'll adjudicate the results of the attempted spellcasting following that. Lang, Syr and Xenia - Spellcraft DC 18 -- Highlight to display spoiler: {Magic Circle Against Good}
The four skeletons move to protect the cleric's back. If Syr revealed himself, the closest ones will attack. The first one gets a lucky swing in with it's club and manages to hit the elven monk. The second misses badly. Skeleton S3 hits AC 21 (threat), possibly confirmed AC 20, 7 or 11 damage. Who was Syr dodging? Skeleton S4 misses AC 9
The zombies keep trying to run away from Thar. One is still stuck in the Web and the other can't get past the other cultists.
The cultists keep trying to escape the Web but none break free. One who had escaped before manages to make it out and approaches Ash, pleading.
"Please! Don't kill me! Don't let them kill me!"
Player Sanity Info Cultist -- AC 11, 7 hitpoints Skeleton -- AC 13, DR 5/bludgeoning Zombie -- AC 11, DR 5/slashing
Web - anyone entering Web's area is Entangled (half speed, no Run or Charge, -2 on Attack, -4 to Dexterity and Concentration check required to cast spell). Five full feet of Web also provides Cover and 20 feet provides Total Cover.
Xenia (AC24, HP 48/48) d20+10=24 Monday July 31st, 2006 11:41:24 PM
Spell stuff.
Hey! HEY!!! Framblemation! the rogue curses inwardly as the Cleric Guy moves away and the Skellies close in behind him. Alright, you. Gonna do this the hard way. The dark rogue spots a clear spot just inside the door to the nearby store room.
"Lang," Xenia whispers over the Message Link. "I'm going to go for that Stone Chalice. Keep the Bugbear guy off of me, will you?"
With effortless grace, Xenia rises upward and flattens herself against the ceiling. The mass of Skeletons and Cultie Weirdoes pass below as she glides toward the door. She slips in ... reaches around the corner ... grabs the Chalice thingie ... AND YANKS!!!
Suddenly, Xenia appears floating up above the ground next to Lang.
It happens so fast, that the dark rogue isn't quite sure whether she's got it or not.
Rolls and Actions Disarm 24 to Grab item. (Base 11, -4 per Woldian Rules, +1 Bless, +2 Invisible)
Question: Does Xenia have the Chalice, John? If she does, there's some shouts and threats from the girl rogue that follow.
Edmund (AC:12+2, HP 27/27) Bless, Inspire Courage d20+10=25 2d4(3+4)+5=12 Tuesday August 1st, 2006 1:01:01 AM
Edmund tries to make his way down the hallway a bit (towards a desired destination of E-10 or farther), disappointed at the sudden death of his target and the failure of his spell due to an intervening wall. Still, he keeps his chin up, and upon reaching his destination, make the swift gestures necessary for Hypnotic Pattern, (Targetted on the upper-left corner of I-9, affects 12 hit dice of creatures) whilst continuing to cast defensively (Concentration: 25).
DM Sanity Info Spells In Effect: Bless (Thar), Web (Duration: 50 minutes), Inspire Courage (Arm), Hypnotic Pattern (Duration: Concentration+2 Rounds)
Syr (AC21/20 HP 62) Inspire d20+12=18 d20+10=29 d20+14=22 d10+6=11 d20+13=17 d20+13=28 d20+7=17 d10+6=16 d10+6=13 d10+6=12 Tuesday August 1st, 2006 1:02:38 AM
Seeing the priest trying to move away from him, the monk panics and grabs his fleeing collar (Touch attack 21). With a quick yank, he drags the priest back to him and gets him in a bear hug (grapple check 30). Squeezing until the veins stand out on his arms, he wrestles with the cleric (att 21 damage 11).
OOC: Trying something new so feel free to correct me. So not only should the spell be interrupted for a grapple, he also did damage. Not sure if he gets multiple attacks or not but I rolled them above)
Edmund--Correction, 2nd illegal post Tuesday August 1st, 2006 1:07:09 AM
((OOC: Correction to previous post. Edmund's move description should read 'towards a desired destination of E-10'. Please ignore the words 'or farther'))
Arm (AC14, HP 27/27) Tuesday August 1st, 2006 5:58:04 AM
Finally seeing his way clear, Arm heads down the steps past Edmund and to the right of Belkior (F11). He realizes that he may be attacked by one of the cultists doing this (#14), but while still singing, he renews his original intent to block off the southern area so that none escape.
Kadaz (AC24, hp 63/63), invisible d20+12=15 d10+5=15 d20+7=9 d20+12=24 d10+5=12 Tuesday August 1st, 2006 6:23:37 AM
With all that is going on, Kadaz finds it impossible to ignore the cultists in front of him. He targets one carrying a dagger (#16) and suddenly becomes visible as he swings twice. (hit AC 15 for 15 damage, hit AC 9).
If the first swing hits and kills the cultist Kadaz takes advantage of the momentum of the axe to continue swinging at the next armed cultist (#12). (use cleave feat, hit AC 24 for 12 damage)
Conner [AC=22; HP=62] Message, Bless, Inspired d20-2=8 Tuesday August 1st, 2006 7:35:49 AM
Conner continues working his way through the web, cursing the mess of sticky strands that impede his progress [Move 1/2 speed and arrive at K-7]. "I'm coming for you!" he threatens the cultists that might block his way, hoping they stand aside as he passes. He is not at all sure this will work, but he is determined to get to the cleric [Bluff=8]
Wynn [AC=21; HP=56/59] Message, Disguise, Bless, Inspired d20+16=34 d20+7=27 Tuesday August 1st, 2006 7:47:05 AM
Wynn decides to follow Conner through the web, counting on the tattooed fighter clearing a path. Anyone paying attention to him will note a slight shimmer as the facade of a beggar becomes the cloaked figure of a cultist [Disguise=34]. "Make room, make room!" he commands any of the cultists that might impede him. "I must protect the chalice!" [Bluff=27, Nat 20]
Wynn advances behind the fighter and slips between him and the Bugbear [L7]. He will dodge the Bugbear if it looks like his impersonation of a cultist has failed.
Results of Syr's Grapple AoO (DM JohnP) d100=65 d20+1=7 Tuesday August 1st, 2006 7:57:55 AM DM JohnP - this Grapple attack changes the results of the cleric's spellcasting and subsequent movement. I'm not going to change the skeleton's rolls, though.
Syr manages to grab the evil cleric by the collar. Using some secret elven martial art, he wraps his arms around the cleric and interrupts his spell casting. DM Note - Spell fails, no damage this round from Grapple but can try in following rounds
The cleric calls out, "Invisible! They're invisible! Save me, you wretches!"
The skeletons move to attack the person who assaulted their master. Skeleton 3 steps closer and catches the grappling Syr with a hard knock. Skeleton 3 - hits AC 21 (threat), confirmed AC 20, 11 damage NOTE - Grappling means that attacker (Syr) also loses his DEX bonus to AC
Skeleton 4 swings wide of the elven monk. Skeleton 4 - misses AC 9
Skeleton 2 moves to attack Syr and bumps into an invisible opponent. It swings it's club through space L4, but misses whoever is standing there. Skeleton 2 - 65%, misses AC 7
The other skeleton stays where it is.
DM Announcement - I'm going to try to get the map updated.
Anyone who has already posted, feel free to re-post considering this outcome of an AoO.
Xenia (AC24, HP 48/48) - Move Redo Tuesday August 1st, 2006 9:29:51 AM
"Woooo! Go, Syr!!!" Xenia's voice comes out of the thin air next to her companion and the grappled Cult Cleric.
"I'll take that off your hands," the rogue whispers softly as she reaches in, grabs hold of the stone Chalice, and yanks it loose.
Visible, now, the flame-headed rogue backs away from the phalanx of skelies and the whole melee mess. With a practiced reach, she stuffs the Chalice into the haversack behind her.
"I got your Chalice!" the rogue shouts to the room. "Surrender! Or you'll never see it again!"
"Probs never see it again anyway where you're going," Xenia whispers, unaware that her subvocalization is going to Wynn, Lang, and Shadow over the Message spell. "Weerdo undead lovers."
Rolls and Actions Disarm 24 to Grab item. (Base 11, -4 per Woldian Rules, +1 Bless, +2 Invisible) :: Using same Roll from Original Post ::
Movement and Position Back up 5 feet to L3 (Near the ceiling.) ME: Put Chalice into Haversack.
Please say "Here" Tuesday August 1st, 2006 10:39:33 AM
Plateau City: DM POSTS XXXXX Mira XXXOX Kadaz XOXXX Ash XXXXX Thar XXXXX Conner XXXXX Shadow XXXXX Arm XXXXX Edmund XXXXX 95% effective
Crimson shields: Xenia XXXXX Syr OXXXX Angus XXXXX Wynn XXXXX Lang XXXXX Belkior XXXXX Famina X0XXX % Effective 94.3%
Shadow (AC 21/18 HP 28/28) d20+6=13 d4+1=4 Tuesday August 1st, 2006 11:39:55 AM
Shadow will take aim at the bugbear that is attacking Lang, and let go of the arrow. He will then ready another arrow to shoot at the bugbear or a new target depending on how good his new companion is.
Actions: To hit=13 dmg=4
Famina (AC 17, hp , hp 98/98, invisible) d20+4=10 d20+6=10 Tuesday August 1st, 2006 12:18:24 PM
Famina rushes into the web, intent on enemies...only to find herself caught by strands that even her great strength can't break through. She spends the round cursing and thrasing against them, just ten feet away from the cultists she wishes to cut down...
Belkior/Sub Al (AC20, AC22 vs Evil, HP40/40) Tuesday August 1st, 2006 12:26:26 PM
The Web is impossible! Can't see a think through it.
"Invisible! They're invisible! Save me, you wretches!"
Belkior focuses on the voice. Heedless of any attack, the Paragon of Alemi hustles around the south edge of the crowd. He passes Wynn and Conner. The edge of the mob curves north back in the direction of the voice. Belkior rushes through a gap between the cultists and comes face to face with ... A Skeleton!
Rolls and Actions
Movement and Position Double Move to K7 Draw AoO from Z4/Unless turned, 16, 11, 12, 3 - AC22 vs Evil. (14, 15, 7 I assume are unarmed.)
Active Effects Owl's Wisdom (Duration, 7.5/8 minutes) Magic Circle Against Evil (Duration 90 minutes) Freedom of Movement (Duration 90 minutes)
0 Level: Detect Magic**, Detect poison*, Light*, Read Magic*, Resistance* 1st Level: Bless**, uDetect Undead*, Hide from Undead*, Magic Stone*, Sanctuary*, (Protection from Evil+) 2nd Level: Hold Person*, uOwl's Wisdom*, Silence, Spiritual Weapon* (Aid*) 3rd Level: Dispel Magic*, Prayer*, Searing Light*, Speak with Dead (uMagic Circle against Evil+*) 4th Level: Death Ward*, uFreedom of Movement*, Summon Monster IV+, (Holy Smite+*)
Lang (AC 24; HP 73/92) & Sunshine (AC 22; HP 47/47) d20+13=27 d20+13=31 d20+8=26 d20+8=27 d20+13=22 d20+8=9 d20+8=15 3d6(2+6+3)+6=17 2d6(1+2)+12=15 3d6(6+5+4)+6=21 d6+6=10 d6=5 d6=3 Tuesday August 1st, 2006 12:27:54 PM
A small look of concern comes across Lang's face when he realizes that he will not be able to match the Bugbear swing for swing. Well he will just have to make his swings hurt more.
Lang continues to taunt the Bugbear.
"You're first Bugbear. Then your cleric friend."
Attack Bugbear. Probably hit 4 times with 3 criticals - but only 1 confirmed:
RH hit AC 27; 17 damage; damage to me 5 LH hit AC 31 (22); 15 critical damage RH hit AC 26 (9); 21 damage; damage to me 3 LH hit AC 27 (15); 10 damage
Sunshine continues growling.
Angus (AC 23/25 evil; HP 33/33) d20+3=21 Tuesday August 1st, 2006 12:37:58 PM
The web and its stuck creatures are becoming a visual nuisance. Angus can hear his friends, both new and old on the other side in combat. He also hears the enemy commanding creatures and threatening his pal Lang. Angus needs to see what is happening on the other side of the room. He carefully flies his way over ending up in square H4, looking around as he goes.
Message (Mira, Arm, Syr) Mage Armor - Hours Protection from Evil - 11/160 rounds (extended) Inviso on Syr - 10/80 rounds Shield - 4/160 rounds (extended) Polymorph - 3/80 (18 Dex and natural AC improvement)
Rod of extend 2/3
Thar ail Baerer AC 21, hp 41 - Belkior's PfE spell, Bless d20+8=13 d20+8=15 d6+4=6 d6+4=8 Tuesday August 1st, 2006 12:54:20 PM
Thar silently curses to himself, b/c his turning effort didn't seem to work as planned.
"Edmund, I'm moving in and go ahead and follow me, if you'd like. I'll try to ensure that no one gets past me."
He looks around and seeing that the time for him to use his trusty short swords has arrived, Thar moves to F11 and attacks C14. "Alright girls, let's go do some damage, since it's been a while," he whispers to his swords, as he moves in for the attack.
Use Dodge against F11 (AC21 vs. him, 20 vs. other targets)
DM Sanity Check
First Turn Attempt Rounds (Z4-6) = 3/10
Spell Affects - Belkior's Prot from Evil, Thar's Bless, Inspired
L0 Spells: Det Magic (2x), Det Poison, Read Mag L1: Shield of Faith, SumMon 1, Prot from Evil L2: Delay Poison, SumMon 2, Spiritual Weap
Turn Undead Attempts - 2 left /4
Bless duration - 5/15 rounds, +1 attacks and ST's vs. fear
Still Inspired = +1 on attacks/dmg
Ash d20+5=14 Tuesday August 1st, 2006 4:05:56 PM
Shelya moves to guard Ash from the cultist, moving between the Druid and the cultist, hackles raised and teeth beared in a threatening growl.
Ash surprised by someone coming up to him and begging to be taken prisoner, agrees to the surrender and asks Shelya to guard the cultist (Handle Animals= 14)
Looking beyond he notices the other cultists and prepares to summon a swarm of rats to attack them.
Level 2 Animal Trance: Fascinates 2d6 HD of animals. Barkskin (cast) Summon Nature's Ally II Summon Swarm (casting next round presumably)
Level 3: Cure Moderate Wounds Summon Nature's Ally III
Further Note: I have 6 points to put into skills (probably some of which will be in Handle Animal) but given the period between the stories, I have decided that Ash wouldn't actually have had time to actually improve them)
Mira (AC 13+4,40 HP) Mage Armour Tuesday August 1st, 2006 7:32:57 PM
Now that Arm has entered the fray, Mira is impatient to do her part. Placing a hand on the person in front of her (Edmund?) she gives him a shove...into the room. The sorcerer looks to see if there are any enemy, and gets ready to start casting.
DM Sanity Info:
Position: F9
Spells In Effect:
Mage Armour - on Mira-3 hours Message - on Mira, cast by Angus Bless - Mira, from Thar Inspire Courage - Mira, from Arm Spider Climb - on Arm - 3 minutes (1/30 rounds)
- Spells: (0-level 6 per day, 1st level 7 per day, 2nd level 6 per day, 3rd level 4 per day) 0-level: detect magic, read magic, light, mage hand, open/close, ray of frost 1st-level: magic missile, burning hands, mage armor#, shield 2nd-level: glitterdust, invisibility### 3rd-fireball
Battle in the Basement - Round 4 (DM JohnP) Cultist saves d20=2 d20=15 d20=12 d20=5 d20=6 d20=11 Shadow miss d20+6=17 Bugbear d20+14=28 d4+5=9 d20+14=22 d20+9=13 d20+9=11 d20+4=7 Cleric d20+2=11 Skeletons S1 d20+1=10 S2 d20+1=12 S3 d20+1=11 S4 d20+1=20 Zombie d20+1=21 Cultists d20+1=14 d20+1=5 d20+1=3 d20+1=18 d20+1=5 d20+1=2 d20+1=9 Tuesday August 1st, 2006 10:17:17 PM
Syr's move has surprised the cultists, making escape and protection of their chalice look nearly impossible.
Inching closer, Edmund casts a spell into the concentration of cultists. A pattern of lights emerges within the Web. The only response is a muttered, "Oooh, look at the pretty lights."
After gripping the cult cleric last round, Syr tries to continue holding him and hurt him this time. He steps closer and squeezes the cleric, hurting him. DM Note -- I interpreted your post as meaning the following: - Maintain grapple by moving into cleric's space - Inflict damage by making another Grapple check (which beat cleric Grapple DC), rolling monk unarmed damage If this is not correct, you'll need to provide more information in your posts.
Arm moves into the basement and continues to sing. Everyone in the basement can now hear his voice.
Deep in the Web, Kadaz tries to attack one of the cultists. His axe goes wide, however.
Conner pushes his way through the Web, going right past two of the dagger-wielding cultists. Neither can act, however, since they are both firmly caught in the webbing.
Manipulating his spell, Wynn moves through the Web right behind Conner. He tries to look and act like one of the cultists and, so far, it seems to be working. DM Note -- Double move at half speed doesn't quite take you where you want to finish.
Seeing her chance now that Syr has the cleric in an elven monkey-death grip, Xenia reaches in and grabs the chalice away. Then she retreats and threatens to destroy the chalice.
From the far end of the basement, Shadow looses an arrow at the evil bugbear. The arrow doesn't even come close to the cultist. It does come dangerously close to Lang's ear, though. DM Note -- Applying the Woldian house rules for firing into melee, since you didn't take the -4 for firing into melee and the -1 for the intervening figure (Lang), the DM rolled for accidentally hitting Lang in the back.
Famina rushes in and gets caught up in the Web.
Belkior freely moves through the Web, moving up to where Wynn and Conner are. None of the cultists could attack since they are caught in the Web. DM Note -- Belkior's intended destination was where Conner finished his move. Belkior could also move to J7 or L7. Let me if you want him moved further and I will correct map.
Fighting the evil cultist toe-to-toe, Lang responds with a similar flurry of attacks. He hits with all four attacks and seems to have hurt the bugbear.
Angus weaves his way through the maze of webbing.
Wanting to take the fight to the cultists, Thar was going to step in but finds Arm in front of him.
Ash accepts the surrender of the cultist and order Shelya to guard. Then he starts casting a spell.
Mira moves into the basement.
++++++
The bugbear again swings repeatedly at Lang. This time he hits once, then steps back away from the ranger. Primary hand -- hits AC 28, 9 damage Off-hand -- misses AC 22 Primary hand -- misses AC 13 Off-hand -- misses AC 11 Primary hand -- misses AC 7
The evil cleric cries out, "Save the chalice! The chalice!", as he struggles against Syr's grip. Grapple check = 11 vs. unknown DC DM Note -- if you're using Grapple, please determine what your own DC is and post it.
The four skeletons move to attack Xenia. None of them manage to hit the agile rogue, their clubs swinging by her head. Conner -- please make an AoO vs. S2 S1 -- misses AC 10 S2 -- misses AC 12 S3 -- misses AC 11 S4 -- misses AC 20
The zombie struggles against the Web spell and finally breaks free. The other one cannot move past the cultists.
The cultists continue to try to escape the bonds of the Web spell but the spell holds them fast.
Player Sanity Info Bugbear -- AC 22 Cultist -- AC 11, 7 hitpoints Skeleton -- AC 13, DR 5/bludgeoning Zombie -- AC 11, DR 5/slashing
DM Sanity Plea - If you're casting spells or other actions that require saves by the targets, please list the DC. It saves me a lot of time referring to character sheets.
Speaking of character sheets, some of you still owe me sheets.
And, if you're using Special Attacks, please provide all the necessary information to determine the outcome.
Conner [AC=22; HP=62] Message, Bless, Inspired d20+14=27 d8+8=15 d20+16=28 d20+10=12 Tuesday August 1st, 2006 10:43:40 PM
Conner swings his longsword at S2 as it attacks Xenia [Hit AC=27 for 15 HP AoO] and then turns his attention to the bugbear. Stepping forward [L6] he attempts to disarm the creature. The fighter slides his blade along his opponents weapon and gives a hard inward twist, trying to wrench it from the bugbears hand [Improved disarm=28 trying to disarm primary weapon]. He then follows up with a shield bash, hoping to further unbalance the beast [Hit AC=12].
Xenia (AC24, HP 48/48) d20+13=32 d6+1=6 Tuesday August 1st, 2006 10:44:38 PM
"Wah!" The dark rogue is suddenly surrounded by Skelies!
Tumbling through and just flying away shouldn't be too hard. But ...
"Wynn!!!" Xenia steps back and orders up her Light Mace from the Haversack. "I, uh, got the Skelies trapped back here! Help!" And she punctuates her cry by bringing the little spiky ball of her weapon right down on top of one of the boney heads with a crunch.
Rolls and Actions Hit Skeleton S1 AC32, Damage 6hp w/Inspire Courage
Movement and Position Back up 5 feet to M3 (Near the ceiling.)
Wynn [AC=21; HP=56/59] Message, Disguise, Bless, Inspired d20+11=25 d8+4=9 Tuesday August 1st, 2006 10:57:01 PM
Wynn reacts immediately to Xenia's cry for help. His longsword flashes as he strides forward and slashes down on S4 [Hit AC=25 for 9HP]. He prepares to dodge this same opponent should the skeleton attempt to return the favour [Effective AC=22, 25 vs AoO]
"Hold on Xenia, I'm on the way" he calls out as he strikes at the skeleton.
[Wynn is now in space K5]
Edmund (AC:12+2, HP:27/27) Bless, Inspire Courage Tuesday August 1st, 2006 10:57:11 PM
Edmund stands a little to the side, allowing Mira to pass him as Thar and Belkior did, if she feels it impossible to resist plunging into the larger area of the basement. As for being shoved about, he doesn't take well to that sort of outrageous behaviour, and remains in the position he recently took up ((at D-10 apparently, according to the map)). He does not attempt to move any further into the basement and will resist, strenuously and to the very utmost of his physical ability, anyone's attempt to forcibly propel him in any direction.
Unable to determine whether or not the fanatics are fascinated by his Hypnotic Pattern--these things being rather difficult to tell under the circumstances--he continues concentrating on the spell to maintain its effect. Ruefully, he considers it really is his only significant option other than to dismiss his Web, which would of course free all of the evil fanatics, their friends, and the undead servants of the Evil Elf Sorceress Queen simultaneously. Absolutely resolute in his determination that such an eventuality must not come to pass, he carries on the good work of trying to fascinate the cultists instead.
"Good thing I'm here," he says to himself with a smile. "Otherwise all of these EVIL VILLAINS would have escaped in a trice!"
Syr (AC 14 HP 51/62) Inspire d20+10=15 d20+14=25 d20+14=21 d20+14=21 d20+9=15 d10+6=8 d10+6=7 d10+6=9 d10+6=7 Wednesday August 2nd, 2006 12:50:18 AM
Refusing to be distracted by the priest's calls, he tightens his bear hold and shifts his hips to knee the man in the thigh area several times. (grapple check 15, att 25,21,21,15 dam 8,7,9,7). Meanwhile, he messages to Angus and the others, "I've got the priest in a hold but we are outnumbered over here. Xenia's got her hands full and she's closer to the one trapped."
Famina d20+6=12 Wednesday August 2nd, 2006 4:51:42 AM
The barbarian is roaring with rage, but the webs still hold her. Damned magic!
Arm d20+6=20 d8+5=7 Wednesday August 2nd, 2006 5:58:52 AM
Thrilled to finally see some action, Arm strikes out at the cleric nearest to him (#14), quite probably connecting with him (attk: 20, dmg: 7). All the while, he continues his song to aid his companions.
OOC: Remember all, you all get +1s to attk & dmg from my song... ;)
Kadaz (AC24, hp 63/63) d20+12=18 d10+5=7 d20+7=17 d10+5=13 Wednesday August 2nd, 2006 6:48:36 AM
Now visible, Kadaz concentrates on the two armed cultists in front of him. He yells "Drop those weapons" as he swings at one (#16). (Hit AC 18 for 7 damage; hit Ac 17 for 13 damage).
Shadow (AC 21/18 HP 28/28) d20+6=11 Wednesday August 2nd, 2006 8:56:56 AM
Shadow noticing just how close he was to hitting Lang, will change his target to one of the cultist to discourage them (#16). He does miss, but maybe will discourage them to attack.
Actions To hit=11 (or 6 if DM feels this is into melee) miss either way
Thar ail Baerer AC 21, hp 41 - Belkior's PfE spell, Bless Wednesday August 2nd, 2006 10:07:36 AM
"Well, crap. I guess I'm going to have to do something else now," Thar says to himself, as he realizes that he can't get directly into melee w/o getting trapped in the web.
"Arm, move and give me some room! I can't get into combat with you in the way!" yells Thar to Arm, hoping that he'll give Thar some room to move.
While he's waiting for Arm to move, Thar will cast Monster Summoning 2 and call a Celestial Giant Bombardier Beetle (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/giantBombardierBeetle.htm) into spot J3.
DM Sanity Check
First Turn Attempt Rounds (Z4-6) = 4/10
Spell Affects - Belkior's Prot from Evil, Thar's Bless, Inspired
L0 Spells: Det Magic (2x), Det Poison, Read Mag L1: Shield of Faith, SumMon 1, Prot from Evil L2: Delay Poison, Spiritual Weap
Turn Undead Attempts - 2 left /4
Bless duration - 6/15 rounds, +1 attacks and ST's vs. fear
Still Inspired = +1 on attacks/dmg
Beetle - HP 13, AC 16
Lang (AC 24; HP 53/92) & Sunshine (AC 22; HP 47/47) d20+13=30 d20+13=23 d20+8=26 d20+8=12 d20+13=28 d20+8=9 4d6(5+5+5+1)+12=28 d6+6=12 3d6(4+6+3)+6=19 d6=6 d6=5 Wednesday August 2nd, 2006 12:46:51 PM
Lang steps forward after the retreating Bugbear (square M7).
The taunts continue to fly out of his mouth.
"Is that the best you've got? This isn't even a fair fight. Maybe I should only use 1 arm this time. Better yet, I should let our Sorcerer fight you. Then maybe you would have a chance."
Attack Bugbear. Hit 3 times with 2 criticals - 1 confirmed:
RH hit AC 30 (28); 28 damage; damage to me 6 LH hit AC 23; 12 damage RH hit AC 26 (9); 19 damage; damage to me 5 LH hit AC 12; 0 damage
"Sunshine defend." Sunshine moves forward to guard Lang's back (square M8).
Belkior/Sub Al (AC20, AC22 vs Evil, HP40/40) d20+3=19 2d6(6+5)+4=15 Wednesday August 2nd, 2006 1:47:42 PM
Belkior rushes through the gap in the cultists on the heels of Conner and Wynn. His aura of Protection Against Evil keeps pace with them, covering them.
The scene is one of classic Undead Evil. The halfling Cleric calls upon his god to strike down the blaspheme of those who should have left this Wold. Alemi answers with all of his might, Turning the ghastly Skeletons and casting them down.
Rolls and Actions Turning Check 19 (Can Turn 6HD baddies) Turning Damage 15hd (Directed at Skeletons in the corner)
Movement and Position Move to K6. Covers the following with Magic Circle Against Evil: Conner, Wynn, Lang, Syr
Active Effects Owl's Wisdom (Duration, 7.5/8 minutes) Magic Circle Against Evil (Duration 90 minutes) Freedom of Movement (Duration 90 minutes)
0 Level: Detect Magic**, Detect poison*, Light*, Read Magic*, Resistance* 1st Level: Bless**, uDetect Undead*, Hide from Undead*, Magic Stone*, Sanctuary*, (Protection from Evil+) 2nd Level: Hold Person*, uOwl's Wisdom*, Silence, Spiritual Weapon* (Aid*) 3rd Level: Dispel Magic*, Prayer*, Searing Light*, Speak with Dead (uMagic Circle against Evil+*) 4th Level: Death Ward*, uFreedom of Movement*, Summon Monster IV+, (Holy Smite+*)
Turning 3/4 per day
Ash Wednesday August 2nd, 2006 1:56:52 PM
Ash continues to cast a spell: concentrating on his link to the natural world, As requests the aid of the smallest of small, summoning a swarm of rats to attack the cultists cought in the web (specifically cultists 12, 13, and 16)
Shelya continues to guard the prisoner.
Angus (AC 23/25 evil; HP 33/33) 4d4(3+2+1+4)+4=14 Wednesday August 2nd, 2006 2:07:19 PM
Angus (AC 23/25 evil; HP 33/33)
Angus readies a magic missile spell to cast against the Cleric if the cleric escapes from Syr's grasp or tries to cast a spell.
Standard Action: Ready Magic Missile for 14 damage
Angus hears Lang tell the Bugbear to fight a sorcerer. What?!?! I am that Sorcerer. What is his friend thinking?
Message (Mira, Arm, Syr) Mage Armor - Hours Protection from Evil - 11/160 rounds (extended) Inviso on Syr - 10/80 rounds Shield - 4/160 rounds (extended) Polymorph - 3/80 (18 Dex and natural AC improvement)
Rod of extend 2/3
Mira (AC 13+4,40 HP) Mage Armour d20+16=17 Wednesday August 2nd, 2006 6:07:18 PM "MOVE!" yells the mage, and she squeezes past the wizard pressed against the hall wall, and behind Thar. Mira tries to concentrate on casting a simple offensive spell, but the press of so many foe affect her concentration (Casting Defensively=17, nat. 1, oh crud...)
A dribble of fire lands on the ground at the sorcerer's feet.
DM Sanity Info:
Position: F9
Spells In Effect:
Mage Armour - on Mira-3 hours Message - on Mira, cast by Angus Bless - Mira, from Thar Inspire Courage - Mira, from Arm Spider Climb - on Arm - 3 minutes (2/30 rounds)
- Spells: (0-level 6 per day, 1st level 7 per day, 2nd level 6 per day, 3rd level 4 per day) 0-level: detect magic, read magic, light, mage hand, open/close, ray of frost 1st-level: magic missile, burning hands#, mage armor#, shield 2nd-level: glitterdust, invisibility### 3rd-fireball
Battle in the Basement - Round 5 (DM JohnP) d2=2 Swarm d6=3 d6=6 d20=18 d20=1 Bugbear d20+12=17 d20+12=25 2d8(3+5)+3=11 Cleric d20+19=26 Cultists d20=3 d20=10 d20=10 d20=8 d20=13 Wednesday August 2nd, 2006 10:24:10 PM Conner smashes skeleton S2 before it had a chance to attack the half-elven rogue who snatched the chalice away from the cleric. Then the tattooed fighter make a short step forward and twists the spell-enhanced kukri away from the bugbear cultist. The shield bash, however, goes wide.
Faced with three remaining skeletons, Xenia steps back and lashes out with a light mace that she pulled from her belt. It connects with one of the skeletons and crumples it, falling into a pile of disconnected bones on the floor.
Wynn moves in to attack one of the skeletons threatening his lady love, nearly smashing it to pieces.
Over on the other side of the room, Edmund wonders why everyone is so impolite and pushy. As far as he's concerned, he's captured all of the evil cultists and continues to concentrate on keeping them in place.
Now that the evil cleric is firmly in the elven monkey death grip, Syr starts punching him using the woodpecker technique. He misses his first try, but manages to hit with some subsequent attacks. DM Note -- Using Woldian special attack rules, if you want to attack the cleric no grapple check is required. However, the attack rolls are made at --4. Using the attack rolls, modified with a -4: Attack 1 -- hits, 8 damage Attack 2 -- hits, 7 damage Attack 3 -- hits, 9 damage
Famina is starting to get really angry with this Web!
Near the front stairs, Arm cuts down an unarmed cultist while continuing to sing.
Two screams come from deep inside the Web where Kadaz is hacking at the cultists. He cuts down two of the dagger-wielding cultists, leaving their bodies hanging in the webbing.
Shadow was about to shoot at the cultists but Kadaz killed his target.
Since he can't move forward, Thar begins the preparations to summon a creature. DM Note -- You could move through the space occupied by Arm.
Lang keeps up the pressure on the evil bugbear, hitting him three times. Sunshine moves forward to protect Lang.
Calling upon the divine light of Alemi, Belkior rushes in and attempts to turn the remaining skeletons. He does manage to frighten them off but that is all that he is able to do. Knowledge Religion DC 15
Ash calls forth a swarm of rats to attack the cultists inside the web. The swarm arrives where he directs and promptly sets to attacking the only surviving cultist in the area. The cultist starts screaming, "Ah! Ah! Get them off! Please! Please!"
And Kadaz is attacked, too, since the dwarf is within the area. Kadaz -- takes 3 hitpoints damage and must make the following checks: - DC 12 Fortitude to avoid disease, - DC 12 Fortitude or become nauseated (single move only possible action) for 1 round.
Across the room, Angus prepares himself in case the cleric escapes Syr's grasp. And he wonders why Lang would think it a good idea for him to fight the bugbear. Isn't it more fitting that the bugbears fight one another?
Mira pushes past Thar and Edmund and approaches the zombies. The jostling and web disturb her spellcasting and she cannot complete her spell.
+++++++
Both Conner and Lang both press the bugbear hard and he may actually be getting worried. Or maybe that's just the light of fanaticism in his eyes. He mutters the words of a spell and gestures with his free hand, then reaches out to touch Lang. Concentration = 17 vs. DC 17, No AoO Touch attack = 25 Lang - 11 hitpoints damage, Will save DC 14 for half damage (Belkior's Circle of Protection covers you and provides +2)
The cleric struggles with Syr, then mutters the words of a spell. The elven monk feels the death magic touch him. Concentration - 26 vs. DC 23, able to cast Syr -- Fort save vs. DC 18 or become Blind (Belkior's Circle of Protection covers you and provides +2 to save)
The skeletons cower against the wall.
The zombies are both free but can't make any progress against the cultists who are stuck in the Web.
The cultists keep struggling but none can break free. The cultist next to Angus pleads, "Please! Don't hurt me any more!"
Player Sanity Info Bugbear -- AC 22 Cultist -- AC 11, 7 hitpoints Skeleton -- AC 13, DR 5/bludgeoning Zombie -- AC 11, DR 5/slashing
Edmund (AC:12+2, HP:27/27) Bless, Inspire Courage d20+9=22 Wednesday August 2nd, 2006 10:52:02 PM
Edmund watches Mira move past to run into the web and fizzle a spell. This is precisely why he didn't move forward. He shakes his head, wondering why on earth all this commotion is taking place seeing as he has wrapped it up neatly for them. "People losing their heads, getting carried away, no doubt." he says, rather dismally.
Intent upon keeping his position so as not to foul himself in the chaos ahead, and continuing his concentration on Hypnotic Pattern ((if possible, considering his following actions)) he hears more shouting from the room--shouts for mercy from voices he doesn't recognise. As this is not the first time he has heard such cries, this strikes even Edmund as being odd behaviour for devoted fanatics, and he makes an incredible leap of logic as a result.
"I think," he begins, "I think they might want to surrender. Maybe we should stop attacking them. Perhaps they were being controlled by the Evil Elf Sorceress Queen."
Edmund writhes a bit, trying to decide if he is allowed to accept surrenders or make parleys. Unsure of who the leader actually is, he decides he is as good as the next fellow to offer conditions--it is his Web, after all.
Shouting to be heard over the din, Edmund cries out, "I am Edmund, Lord High Archmage of... Sampsonia! Throw down your weapons, put your hands in the air, and move towards my voice. You will be unharmed if you do not put up a fight! Those who resist will surely perish. This web is only the first taste of the destruction I am capable of! We have no wish to harm you if it can be avoided!" (Diplomacy=29)
Edmund hopes the other members of the party have heard him and will hold off on attacking any cultist who is no longer a threat. The sound of cultists screaming in agony is turning his stomach.
((OOC: As I understand it, changing the attitudes of people in combat with Diplomacy takes ten full-round actions. In this case, Edmund's primary goal is not trying to change attitudes (as from Enemy to Neutral), he is trying to encourage and direct in a uniform way any desire to surrender which is already there. Essentially, the die roll is there in case you have a use for it, not to indicate a decisive Diplomatic action on the part of Edmund.))
Xenia (AC24, HP 48/48) d20+12=22 d20+7=23 d3+1=4 d3+1=3 4d6(3+5+2+3)=13 4d6(1+4+5+2)=12 Wednesday August 2nd, 2006 11:03:36 PM
All of the sudden the Skelies are pretty much gone. Not like last time at the plantation at all. Most of it's just screaming and thrashing around. Most of these folks look pretty harmless too.
'Course, there's Syr who's wrassling with the Cult Cleric guy. And there's Lang is trading insults with the Sickie Bugbear guy. Both of them sound kinda like problems. But doncha know, killing them just don sit right. You know, like, maybe they're, like, evil and stuff. That is, they're, like, Undead Lovers, right? But does that make them Evil? Or just stupid?
Xenia sighs. This religio-morality stuff is just too much sometimes. But it's, like, even if they don't deserve to die, they're still causing problems, right? They're doing all this spell casting stuff and that's gotta stop.
Xenia glides sideways in behind Syr and the Cleric.
"Hey you. Cleric guy," she says. "Shut up."
*bap*bap*
The dark girl smacks him good a couple of time with her bare fist. And the places she hits, you just know they gotta hurt. Hurt a lot.
Rolls and Actions Hit Cleric with Unarmed Strike Hit AC22/AC23, Damage 4+3+13Sneak+12Sneak = 32hp Non-Lethal w/Inspire Courage (Maybe minus -4 from Cover for Striking into a Grapple)
Movement and Position Move Back 5 feet to L3 (Near the ceiling.)
Kadaz (AC24, hp 60/63) d20+8=14 d20+8=13 d20+12=28 d10+5=14 d20+7=23 d10+5=13 Wednesday August 2nd, 2006 11:52:42 PM
"Ahhh" yells Kadaz to alert the others. "They summoned rats!" (fort saves of 14 and 13 to resist disease & nausea)
Not one to take a bite lightly Kadaz swings wildly at the rats that are attacking him. (hit AC 28, damage 14, hit AC 23, damage 13). Turns out a really big axe is good at hitting these small rats!
Syr (AC 14 HP /5162) Inspired d20+7=16 d20+9=15 d20+9=25 d20+9=16 d20+4=13 d10+6=13 Thursday August 3rd, 2006 12:37:52 AM
Syr hangs on to the priest and continues pummeling him despite Listening to the priest, he realizes that a spell is being uttered and he tries harder to disrupt it (failed save). Suddenly, the lights go out. Cursing to himself he continues to pummel the man (att 15,25,16,13 after the -4, damage 13). Speaking loudly he says, "GUYS! he got me, I'm blind. Need help over here!"
Mira (AC 13+4,40 HP) Mage Armour d20+10=16 Thursday August 3rd, 2006 1:01:54 AM
A quick recon of the room, and Mira comes to the same conclusion as Edmond. Animated skellies, and un-dead aside, the cultists seem a pretty sorry lot. "Like the archmage said, throw down your weapons, and put your hands in the air, or I fireball the place!" (Aid another, Bluff=16 (or if Diplomacy is more appropriate it would be 14)) Mira starts to move her hands, as if readying to cast...
DM Sanity Info:
Position: F9
Spells In Effect:
Mage Armour - on Mira-3 hours Message - on Mira, cast by Angus Bless - Mira, from Thar Inspire Courage - Mira, from Arm Spider Climb - on Arm - 3 minutes (2/30 rounds)
- Spells: (0-level 6 per day, 1st level 7 per day, 2nd level 6 per day, 3rd level 4 per day) 0-level: detect magic, read magic, light, mage hand, open/close, ray of frost 1st-level: magic missile, burning hands#, mage armor#, shield 2nd-level: glitterdust, invisibility### 3rd-fireball
Famina d20+6=9 Thursday August 3rd, 2006 1:46:21 AM
Famina doesn't hear the words of peace and reconciliation...but she doesn't need to. Because she's still stuck in the bloody damned webs! She curses and thrashes about, twisting herself even more into them. Poor barbarian, she just can't seem tog et leverage to use her impressive strength.
Arm (ac: 14 hp 27/27) d20=17 d20+6=16 d8+5=10 Thursday August 3rd, 2006 5:58:29 AM
Arm grimaces a bit at Thar's insistance on his moving. Not wanting to get caught up in the web, he reluctantly moves over a step and seems to avoid it (DC=17). He then proceeds to attack the next cleric within reach, hoping to bring down this one as well (attk: 16 dmg: 10).
OOC: Sorry I couldn't be more precise with my actions, but the map is down... :(
Shadow (AC 21/18 HP 28/28) d20+6=7 d4+1=5 Thursday August 3rd, 2006 7:34:54 AM
Shadow hears the two mages suggest surrender to these cultist, but is not sure they will take it. He lines up to fire an arrow at any of the cultists that continue to fight (except the bugbear engaged too closely with Lang, and the cleric enganged with Syr)
Actions: (if having to attack) To hit=7 (nat. 1, not good) dmg=5
Conner [AC=22; HP=62] Message, Bless, Inspired , Prot Evil d20+14=34 d20+14=24 d8+8=12 d8+8=10 d20+9=19 Thursday August 3rd, 2006 7:39:03 AM
Conner grins with satisfaction when the bugbear's Kukri hits the floor. His demeanor changes however when the beast begins casting spells at Lang. The longsword flashes again and finds it's target. Conner can feel the blade pull across exposed flesh and hears the hissing sound as it does so. [Hit AC=34 critical confirmed with 24 for 22 HP].
The tattooed fighter flexes his massive forearm and the inked dragon seems to writhe. The blade of the longsword snaps back towards the bugbear, narrowly missing the exposed neck area [Hit AC=19]
Wynn [AC=21; HP=56/59] Message, Disguise, Bless, Inspired, Prot Evil d20+11=30 d20+11=18 d20+8=20 d8+4=12 d8+4=10 Thursday August 3rd, 2006 7:54:23 AM
Wynn steps in to assist Syr. He allows the guise of a cultist to fade away and becomes the well armoured and well armed half-elf that is his normal appearance.
With a firm and well controlled timbre in his voice he warns the cleric. "Either surrender now, or I will send you to Gargul without the benefit of retaining your head" [Intimidate=20].
Wynn presses his blade against the man's throat to emphasize his intent. If the cleric does not immediately show signs of surrender the bard will follow through and end the man's life. [Held Action - Coup de Grace - Hit AC=30 (Critical cinfirmed with 18) for 22 HP]
[OOC Wynn's AC vs AoO during Coup de Grace is 25]
Al/OoC Thursday August 3rd, 2006 9:15:41 AM
Map is now working.
Thar ail Baerer AC 21, hp 41 - Belkior's PfE spell, Bless d4+2=6 Thursday August 3rd, 2006 10:03:19 AM
Once the beetle appears at J3, Thar will order it to move and attack the skeletons that are nearby. He knows that they won't surrender and should be taken care of immediately, while they are still turned.
He thinks to himself "The rest of the group has the cultists handled, so this should help finish things off."
He'll order the beetle to move backwards (towards I3) and use it's acid spray against the two skeletons, hopefully doing 6 points of dmg to each, but not affecting Xenia or any other companions.
(... the creature can release a 10-foot cone of acidic vapor once per round. Those within the cone must succeed on a DC 13 Fortitude save or take 1d4+2 points of acid damage. The save DC is Constitution-based. )
For his own action (I assume my commanding the beetle was a standard action?), Thar will move towards G14 as best as he can. (It looks like he can avoid the web that way and also avoid Arm, since he moved to give Thar some room. Not sure how far I can get though...)
DM Sanity Check
First Turn Attempt Rounds (Z4-6) = 5/10
Spell Affects - Belkior's Prot from Evil, Thar's Bless, Inspired
L0 Spells: Det Magic (2x), Det Poison, Read Mag L1: Shield of Faith, SumMon 1, Prot from Evil L2: Delay Poison, Spiritual Weap
Turn Undead Attempts - 2 left /4
Bless duration - 7/15 rounds, +1 attacks and ST's vs. fear
Still Inspired = +1 on attacks/dmg
Beetle - HP 13, AC 16
Lang (AC 24; HP 38/92) & Sunshine (AC 22; HP 47/47) d20+4=7 d20+13=28 d20+13=33 d20+8=11 d20+8=24 d20+13=23 3d6(1+4+6)+6=17 2d6(4+5)+12=21 d6+6=8 d6=4 Thursday August 3rd, 2006 10:46:39 AM
The touch of the Bugbear leaves Lang with a nice wound on Lang's arm (Will save 7+2 = 9). The evil creature will pay for touching him.
The Bugbear makes it too easy for Lang as he presses the attack against the creature.
"You are not very good at fighting are you? You can't even hold onto your weapon."
Attack Bugbear. Hit 3 times with 1 critical - 1 confirmed:
RH hit AC 28; 17 damage; damage to me 4 LH hit AC 33 (23); 21 damage RH hit AC 11; 0 damage; damage to me 0 LH hit AC 24; 8 damage
Sunshine looks for a way past Lang to attack the Bugbear, but cannot get past Lang or the Web spell (square M8).
Belkior/Sub Al (AC20, AC22 vs Evil, HP40/40) d20+8=11 Thursday August 3rd, 2006 12:15:24 PM
Belkior focuses on both the bugbear and the cleric, trying to determine the nature of the spells being cast. But it isn't until Syr calls out that it becomes apparent.
"Hold on, Syr," he replies. "I can't do anything about it right now, but in the morning I will be able to restore your sight. In the meantime, keep hold of that cleric."
The halfling holds his hands out, forming the symbol of Alemi. "And I will see what can be done about the bugbear."
Rolls and Actions Spellcraft 11 If Bugbear is still standing: Cast Hold Person on Bugbear (Will vs DC19 or be Held for 8 rounds)
Movement and Position K6. Covers the following with Magic Circle Against Evil: Conner, Wynn, Lang, Syr
Active Effects Owl's Wisdom (Duration, 7.5/8 minutes) Magic Circle Against Evil (Duration 90 minutes) Freedom of Movement (Duration 90 minutes)
0 Level: Detect Magic**, Detect poison*, Light*, Read Magic*, Resistance* 1st Level: Bless**, uDetect Undead*, Hide from Undead*, Magic Stone*, Sanctuary*, (Protection from Evil+) 2nd Level: Hold Person*, uOwl's Wisdom*, Silence, Spiritual Weapon* (Aid*) 3rd Level: Dispel Magic*, Prayer*, Searing Light*, Speak with Dead (uMagic Circle against Evil+*) 4th Level: Death Ward*, uFreedom of Movement*, Summon Monster IV+, (Holy Smite+*)
Turning 3/4 per day
Ash d8=1 d8+5=9 Thursday August 3rd, 2006 2:14:32 PM
Ash moves in in order to cast cure light wounds on Kadaz (heal 9 points)
Angus (AC 23/25 evil; HP 33/33) 4d4(3+1+1+2)+4=11 Thursday August 3rd, 2006 8:27:31 PM
Angus casts magic missile spell at the cleric for 11 damage.
Message (Mira, Arm, Syr) Mage Armor - Hours Protection from Evil - 11/160 rounds (extended) Inviso on Syr - 10/80 rounds Shield - 4/160 rounds (extended) Polymorph - 3/80 (18 Dex and natural AC improvement)
Rod of extend 2/3
Battle in the Basement - Round 6 (DM JohnP) Swarm HP 4d8(5+6+6+6)=23 Skeletons d20=16 d20=19 Swarm d6=3 d6=1 Zombie d20+2=5 Cultists d20+1=6 d20+1=5 d20+1=2 d20+1=4 d20+1=19 Thursday August 3rd, 2006 9:54:32 PM
The combat is drawing to a close. Acting upon the calls for mercy that he is hearing from inside and beyond the Web, Edmund calls for the cultists to surrender. His call is answered in a variety of ways.
"Please! Keep them off me!"
"Kill them! Their touch profanes the Chalice! Kill them!"
"Don't hurt me!"
And there are some sounds of people simply crying in terror and pain.
After some internal debate, Xenia steps closer and knocks the cult cleric on the head with her bare fist. Immobilized in the elven monkey death grip, the cleric is unable to protect himself and slumps unconscious after the first blow.
Deep inside the Web, Kadaz starts swinging at the rats that have attacked him. He hits twice but there are so many of these things and they're crawling all over the dwarf.
Syr did not resist the foul magic from the cleric and can no longer see. He feels the cleric go limp after Xenia says something, though. DM Note -- If you want to pummel the unconscious cleric, go ahead but I'm assuming that you did not do so.
On the other side of the Web, Mira threatens more violence if the cultists do not surrender.
Since her companions want the cultists to surrender, maybe it's a good thing that Famina is still stuck in the Web.
Ignoring the words of Edmund and Xenia, Arm moves into the Web and cuts down one of the unarmed cultists.
Shadow prepares to shoot any of the cultists that threaten his companions.
Conner's longsword hits the bugbear cultist with a "Thwack!" like cleaver chopping soupbones. The evil bugbear drops to the floor but not before moaning some final words.
"I go to meet my Lord. We shall free the Old One soon and you will pay!"
Wynn holds his blade to the throat of the cleric, watching for signs that the cultist is not truly unconscious.
A celestial giant bombardier beetle appears next to the skeletons and is commanded to attack by Thar. The beetle sprays the two skeletons but they both withstand the attack. The beetle then moves backwards at his command. Meanwhile, Thar moves to the south side of the Web.
Lang stands over the fallen bugbear, hoping that he'll get up for more beating.
Belkior also stands ready to subdue the bugbear, this time with magic.
At the back entrance, Ash moves up to heal Kadaz. He manages to heal the dwarf but the swarm keeps biting the dwarf. DM Note -- Concentration broken by casting a spell, but swarm stays for 2 more rounds. Kadaz - 3 hitpoints damage, and two DC 12 Fortitude saves again.
The cultist screams one final time, "NOoooo!".
Angus would cast a Magic Missile but the cleric is already subdued.
++++++
Both the bugbear and cleric are subdued. The bugbear may bleed out, but the cleric is simply unconscious.
The skeletons cower against the walls.
When Thar moved, he got too close to one of the zombies that he had previously turned. Zombie 4 attacks Mira but misses badly. The other zombie is still trying to get away and there's the other one cowering in storeroom 4. Zombie 4 - misses AC 5
The cultists keep trying to escape from the Web but none can.
Player Sanity Info Cultist -- AC 11, 7 hitpoints Skeleton -- AC 13, DR 5/bludgeoning Zombie -- AC 11, DR 5/slashing
Xenia (AC24, HP 48/48) Thursday August 3rd, 2006 11:03:17 PM
With the two really troublesome ones down, Xenia puts some distance between herself and the Skelies. Flying over Syr and the unconscious Cult Cleric, the dark girl touches down at Wynn's side.
"You okay, Syr? What's wrong with him Belkie?"
"Hey! Whoever put this WEB stuff up, could you take it down already?" she shouts into the dark. "I can't see through all this, Wynn. How we supposed to know who's wants to give up and who don't?"
Rolls and Actions MEA: Replace Light Mace in Haversack.
Famina d20+6=20 Friday August 4th, 2006 12:37:06 AM
Famina can't really see any enemies, and doesn't know what's happening, and she manages to struggle through the webs just a bit closer to the cultists.
Edmund (AC:12+2, HP27/27) Bless, Inspire Courage d20+10=24 Friday August 4th, 2006 3:45:55 AM
Preparing to step forward and dismiss the Web, Edmund is horrified to see Arm cutting down an unarmed cultist who posed no threat. Revolted by this display of brutality, all thought of dismissing the Web or concentrating on maintaining Hypnotic Pattern disappears from his mind. Surely Arm must have lost his senses!
Thinking quickly about a non-lethal, temporary way to prevent Arm continuing his rampage without endangering him, he comes to a quick conclusion and, with a wave of his hands, the pronouncement of arcane speech, and focus upon a small bar of metal from his component bag, he casts Hold Person on Arm. (Will negates, saving throw 18 [10+3+5]). Edmund casts this defensively, as he is unsure whether or not Arm is in control of himself at the moment (Defensive Casting=24).
The Hypnotic Pattern, no longer being focused on, should persist for a little while longer.
Spells In Effect: Hold Person (Duration: 5 rounds, or until negated/dismissed) Bless (Thar) Web (Duration: 50 minutes, or until dismissed) Inspire Courage (Arm) Hypnotic Pattern (Duration: 2 Rounds)
Arm AC 14 HP 27/27 d20+5=25 d20=4 Friday August 4th, 2006 6:00:05 AM
Arm feels the tingling of a spell sent in his direction, but he brushes it off like so many leaves (will save=25-nat. 20). Glaring in the direction of Edmund, he says, "I don't know what you had planned for me, but we'll discuss it later...". Saying so, he attempts to move toward the cleric by the steps (#17) to ensure that he does not escape, but finds himself tangled in the web (Dex=4).
Knowing that even if one of these dead-worshippers escapes, they can rise up again to cause more problems, he calls out to Ash, "Mind the one by the steps! Don't let him escape!".
Kadaz (AC24, hp 60/63) d20+8=28 d20+8=11 Friday August 4th, 2006 6:02:37 AM
The rats just aren't going away! There're too many of them. Ash healed Kadaz's wounds but the rats jut reopened them. (save 28 vs disease, 11 vs nausea).
The rats crawling all over his armor and biting at him through the joints turns his stomach. Kadaz struggles to move out of the web but he is in so much distress that he can't do much more than slump limply against the webs. "Ash" he pleads, "I don't feel so good."
Thar ail Baerer AC 21, hp 41 - Belkior's PfE spell, Bless d4+2=3 d20+10=27 Friday August 4th, 2006 10:21:52 AM
While his companions subdue the rest of the cultists, Thar will move towards E14 and see what is in that room.
He'll command the beetle to again spray the two skeletons, while avoiding hitting any of his friends.
Spray damage = 3 points
Spot (for Thar looking into the storeroom) = 27
DM Sanity Check
First Turn Attempt Rounds (Z4-6) = 6/10
Spell Affects - Belkior's Prot from Evil, Thar's Bless, Inspired
L0 Spells: Det Magic (2x), Det Poison, Read Mag L1: Shield of Faith, SumMon 1, Prot from Evil L2: Delay Poison, Spiritual Weap
Turn Undead Attempts - 2 left /4
Bless duration - 8/15 rounds, +1 attacks and ST's vs. fear
Still Inspired = +1 on attacks/dmg
Beetle - HP 13, AC 16
Syr 51/62 blinded Friday August 4th, 2006 11:55:24 AM
As night closes in on his vision, the elf hears Belkior's words and takes same reassurance in them.
Then hearing a much closer voice nearby, "I guess it was you that clocked him but this guy is limp. I can't see much right now, can you tie him up? Oh, and Xenia... unless you have something specific going on... please don't go too far? I've never been unable to see before." His voice and confidence are a bit unsteady at this request.
Belkior/Sub Al (AC20, AC22 vs Evil, HP40/40) d20+21=37 d20+8=27 Friday August 4th, 2006 12:38:56 PM
"Excuse me," Belkior again pushes through the crowd of his companions. Along the way, he examines the cleric. And the takes a look at the bugbear. The cleric appears to be no more than unconscious. But the bugbear is dying.
"I'm sorry." The halfling looks up at Lang and Conner. "But as much as he deserves it, I can't let him die." Belkior kneels by the bugbear's side and begins tending to the worst of the wounds, staunching the blood to ensure that he unnamed bugbear is in at least stable condition.
All the time, he wonders why it was that the skeletons had not crumbled. Generally weak creatures, they should have been destroyed by the turning.
Rolls and Actions Heal 37 Knowledge Religion 27 (Sorry, I forgot to roll for this last round.)
Movement and Position Move to M5 Covers the following with Magic Circle Against Evil: Conner, Wynn, Lang, Syr
Active Effects Owl's Wisdom (Duration, 7.5/8 minutes) Magic Circle Against Evil (Duration 90 minutes) Freedom of Movement (Duration 90 minutes)
0 Level: Detect Magic**, Detect poison*, Light*, Read Magic*, Resistance* 1st Level: Bless**, uDetect Undead*, Hide from Undead*, Magic Stone*, Sanctuary*, (Protection from Evil+) 2nd Level: Hold Person*, uOwl's Wisdom*, Silence, Spiritual Weapon* (Aid*) 3rd Level: Dispel Magic*, Prayer*, Searing Light*, Speak with Dead (uMagic Circle against Evil+*) 4th Level: Death Ward*, uFreedom of Movement*, Summon Monster IV+, (Holy Smite+*)
Turning 3/4 per day
Shadow (AC 21/18 HP 28/28) d20+6=20 d4+1=5 Friday August 4th, 2006 4:53:32 PM
Shadow will continue to keep watch over the cultist, and if any of them make a move to attack or escape Shadow will say, "Hold or die."
Actions (if needed): to hit=20 damage=5
Conner [AC=22; HP=62] Message, Bless, Inspired , Prot Evil d20+12=21 d20+10=25 d8+8=12 d6+5=9 Friday August 4th, 2006 4:59:50 PM
Conner watches with grimsatisfaction as the bugbear drops. "The old one be damned!" he replies to the dying creature " the old one won't be helping you now."
Conner turns his attention to the cleric, and seeing that Wynn, Syr and Xenia have the situation under control he strides towards the beleagured Kadaz [K8] and swipes at the swarm of rats. Conner tries first with his longsword [Hit AC=21 for 12 HP] and then bashes at a second rat with his spiked shield [Hit AC=25 for 9 HP]. "Can any of you mages or clerics call off this swarm?" he calls out.
Wynn [AC=21; HP=56/59] Message, Disguise, Bless, Inspired, Prot Evil d20+11=22 d20+11=15 d8+4=8 d8+4=11 Friday August 4th, 2006 5:18:41 PM
Wynn steps past Syr and his unconcious victim and wades into the two skeletons, being extra careful to avoid the spray of the large beetle.[Position K4]
The bard spins on his plant foot as he swings his longsword, slashing across both undead [S3&S4]in a whirlwind attack [Hit AC=22 and 15 for 8 and 11 HP respectively].
"Foul undead" he mutters.
Mira (AC 13+4,40 HP) Mage Armour d20+3=20 Friday August 4th, 2006 6:54:47 PM
"Noooo!" cries the mage. Unsure of Edmund's intentions, she blurts out what she knows. "He's sipped from the chalice! I don't know if he has been affected, but he may not be himself!" Not heeding the enemy who may very well lash out at her, the human sorcerer races after the bard, and possibly into more trouble. (Dex=20, vs Web )
DM Sanity Info:
Position: K10 (or near Arm as appropriate)
Spells In Effect:
Mage Armour - on Mira-3 hours Message - on Mira, cast by Angus Bless - Mira, from Thar Inspire Courage - Mira, from Arm Spider Climb - on Arm - 3 minutes (3/30 rounds)
- Spells: (0-level 6 per day, 1st level 7 per day, 2nd level 6 per day, 3rd level 4 per day) 0-level: detect magic, read magic, light, mage hand, open/close, ray of frost 1st-level: magic missile, burning hands#, mage armor#, shield 2nd-level: glitterdust, invisibility### 3rd-fireball
Xenia (2nd Illegal Post) Saturday August 5th, 2006 12:01:18 AM
"Um, sure. Not going anywhere, Syr. Though I don't think he is either. I clocked him pretty good. Should be out for a couple of hours at least."
"Hey, Wynn. You hear that? That you, Mira?" Xenia peers through the Web stuff, trying to get a look at what's going on.
"'Sipped from the chalice ... ' Whaddya think that's supposed to mean, Wynn?"
Edmund (2nd Illegal Post) Saturday August 5th, 2006 12:06:10 AM
Edmund starts in surprise as Mira shouts and bolts off, into the web, towards the bard.
"He's sipped from the Chalice? Good heavens! No wonder. I didn't think he was the murdering sort, but if he's been drinking at tainted cups, there's no telling what he's capable of."
With a horrendous shock, Edmund realises he has just seriously annoyed the tainted bard. Terrified, he begins considering how he might escape the Wrath Of Arm.
Angus (AC 23/25 evil; HP 33/33) d20+3=19 d20+3=4 Saturday August 5th, 2006 1:26:44 AM
Angus continues to hover in his polymorphed self. He listens to the conversation of the other group and also for any more enemies that may pop out.
Message (Mira, Arm, Syr) Mage Armor - Hours Protection from Evil - 11/160 rounds (extended) Inviso on Syr - 10/80 rounds Shield - 4/160 rounds (extended) Polymorph - 3/80 (18 Dex and natural AC improvement)
Rod of extend 2/3
Lang (AC 24; HP 42/92) & Sunshine (AC 22; HP 47/47) Saturday August 5th, 2006 1:44:01 AM
Lang stands over the fallen Bugbear, the adrenaline rush of the battle still upon him. He looks down at the dying Bugbear, wondering if he should end its evil life now.
Belkior, however, steps in his way before he can make up his mind. Lang, in his battle lust, glares at the little healer.
"Exactly what do you plan on doing with him when you get him healed up? They may be doing something illegal here, but what do you think the authorities are going to do to us after they find out how we came into this building?
Lang stands there bleeding from all the cuts inflicted by the Bugbear and his own weapon. He awaits a response from Belkior or anyone.
Sunshine whines softly as he hears the frustration and anger in Lang's voice.
Ash d8=5 d8+5=9 Sunday August 6th, 2006 5:37:55 PM
Ash, feeling guilty that he caused Kadaz harm, casts another Cure Light Wounds on him. (9 points)
Battle in the Basement - Round 7 (DM JohnP) d20=5 d20=16 d20=12 d20=8 Monday August 7th, 2006 7:35:43 AM DM JohnP - Apologies for missing the regular post last night. I'll get back on the usual schedule tonight.
Xenia moves about, getting closer to Wynn. She's concerned with what happened to Syr. And the Web is now getting annoying so she calls for it to be dismissed.
At the other end of the basement, Famina keeps struggling in the Web.
Edmund was about to dismiss the Web but Arm's callous killing of the cultist has enraged him. The wizard tries to control Arm by casting a Hold Person spell but the bard shrugs it off. After doing so, he glares at Edmund and promises to "discuss" the matter later before getting stuck in the Web.
Inside the Web, the rats have been crawling over Kadaz and the smell is too much for even his dwarven stomach. After he's still a little squeamish after watching ... eat breakfast this morning.
Thar tells the summoned beetle to keep attacking the skeletons. It does so and one of the skeletons is weakened. The elven cleric moves to examine storeroom 5, finding nothing more than cobwebs, broken furniture and a box of chipped crockery.
In the dark, Syr asks for assistance while he kneels over the unconscious cleric.
Wanting to save the life of the bugbear, Belkior moves over and checks the cleric as well. He manages to bandage the wounds of the cultist. Thinking on it, he thinks that the cleric had strengthened or bolstered the skeletons to protect them from turning. It's all rather academic since one of the skeletons has now recovered from the turning.
Shadow keeps watching the cultists, particularly the one near the stairs that has surrendered.
Wanting to rescue his companion from the rats, Conner moves down and smashes the last of the little creatures.
Wynn cuts down both of the remaining skeletons.
Concerned about her friend's actions, Mira moves through the Web to stand beside where he is caught. Her movement allows one of the zombies to attack her back but it misses. Zombie 4 AoO -- club misses AC 12
Angus watches and waits.
Lang questions why Belkior has preserved the life of the bugbear cultist but makes no move to end the creature's life.
Ash heals Kadaz once more.
+++++++
The cleric is still unconscious on the floor and Belkior has managed to prevent the bugbear from dying.
Zombie 4 keeps attacking Mira but does no better than before. Zombie 4 -- club misses AC 8
Syr 51/62 blinded (Sub/Al) d20+4=13 Monday August 7th, 2006 11:08:14 AM
Blind, Syr feels for a hold on the cleric's clothing. Without the benefit of eyes, the elfish monk turns to his ears. (Listen 13) There's a scrabbling behind and to the right.
"Are all the skeletons gone? I remember the wall behind me, and a corner close by. If you don't mine, I'll just take this Evil Cleric and we'll get out of everyone's way."
(Drag Cleric with him to M3)
Belkior/Sub Al (AC20, AC22 vs Evil, HP40/40) d20+8=25 4d8(2+8+6+6)+9=31 Monday August 7th, 2006 11:37:31 AM
"I'm sorry, Lang, but this bugbear is a living being." The halfling healer shakes his head. "I can't just let him die if the cost is as simple as staunching the flow of his wounds. Through my inaction I would be responsible for his death."
"Your actions are your own, though. We all have only so much influence on each other. Kill him if you feel that he is deserved of death. But keep in mind that we only just encountered these people moments ago. Their use of Undead aside, as far as we know, they've done nothing more than fight as fiercely as we would have to protect what is theirs."
"I think we need to know more of what is going on here. Now, let me tend to some of your wounds ... "
Belkior steps toward his towering bugbear companion. Then he stops. Placing both fists upon his hips, he tilts his head back and looks all the way up to meet Lang's eyes. (Knowledge Arcana 25)
"Is that a Vicious weapon that I see?"
Belkior gives his companion a disapproving look, but still steps forward to apply Alemi's healing magic. "Your body is a temple, Lang. You should treat it with respect."
Rolls and Actions Burn Deathward for Cure Critical Wounds Heal Lang 31hp
Movement and Position 5-foot step to M6 Covers the following with Magic Circle Against Evil: Lang, Sunshine, Ash, Kadaz, Conner
Active Effects Owl's Wisdom (Duration, 7.5/8 minutes) Magic Circle Against Evil (Duration 90 minutes) Freedom of Movement (Duration 90 minutes)
0 Level: Detect Magic**, Detect poison*, Light*, Read Magic*, Resistance* 1st Level: Bless**, uDetect Undead*, Hide from Undead*, Magic Stone*, Sanctuary*, (Protection from Evil+) 2nd Level: Hold Person*, uOwl's Wisdom*, Silence, Spiritual Weapon* (Aid*) 3rd Level: Dispel Magic*, Prayer*, Searing Light*, Speak with Dead (uMagic Circle against Evil+*) 4th Level: uDeath Ward*, uFreedom of Movement*, Summon Monster IV+, (Holy Smite+*)
Turning 3/4 per day
Thar ail Baerer AC 21, hp 41 - Belkior's PfE spell, Bless d20+9=23 d20+4=9 d20+4=8 Monday August 7th, 2006 11:57:44 AM
Seeing that the skeletons are now gone, Thar will dismiss the beetle from the battle.
He will then go towards Mira and attack Z4 with his twin short swords, frustrated that he had to enter the ill-timed web from earlier. Luckily, he is only entangled and can still attack the zombie
Spell Affects - Belkior's Prot from Evil, Thar's Bless, Inspired
L0 Spells: Det Magic (2x), Det Poison, Read Mag L1: Shield of Faith, SumMon 1, Prot from Evil L2: Delay Poison, Spiritual Weap
Turn Undead Attempts - 2 left /4
Bless duration - 9/15 rounds, +1 attacks and ST's vs. fear
Xenia (AC24, HP 48/48) d20+19=38 d20+15=31 Monday August 7th, 2006 12:15:26 PM
Grrrrrrr ... This is all still SUCH A MESS!
She looks around, eying the situation. (Spot 38)
"HEY!!! You know, we got a few folks here who just don't get the idea and they're still holding onto their weapons. Yeah, I see you there." The dark rogue tracks around the edge of the web, drawing a spiked chain. "I wantcha to PUT THAT DOWN!" The spiked chain lashes out and strikes the weapon from the hands of one of the cultists. (Disarm #3)
"And that goes for all of you Cultie Guys. You lay down your weapons now and we won't have to kill you any worse than we are now. Hear?"
"Everyone sound off and give a report in! This is Xenia. North is secured down. We got the Head Cultie Cleric guy and the Bugbear. All undead are gone."
"How you doing in the south? Make sure you check for secret doors. I think maybe with all the mud they've tracked around, they got a way from here to the sewers."
After giving her report, the dark rogue gives a listen. She listens into the Web stuff for a particular voice. The she calls out in an exaggerated whisper.
Mira!?! Hey, Mira? You okay in there?"
Rolls and Actions Spot 38 Disarm #3 +31 [+11 MAB, +1 MW, -4 Non-proficient, +4 Two Handed, +2 From Chain, +1 Bless]
Arm (AC 14, HP 27/27) d20=20 Monday August 7th, 2006 1:27:12 PM
Casting one more glare at Edmund, Arm manages to extricate himself from the web (Dex=20-nat. 20). Moving himself across the room to the rear steps, he yells to Mira, "I'm OK. Don't worry about me, but mind the southern area. We can't allow any of these scum to escape. If we do, we may never sleep easy again!".
After he says this, he thinks to himself, "Perhaps if we rid the Wold of these creatures, I will have some peace as well.".
Famina d20+3=14 Monday August 7th, 2006 2:07:57 PM
Hearing the battle is over, and not being able to see any enemies are up (the web blocks sight), Famina drops out of her rage and tiredly tries to pull herself out of the web. She promises to have a few words with whatever mage put up the blasted thing.
Edmund Monday August 7th, 2006 2:27:04 PM
As the battle seems to be winding up save for a block of cultists and zombies caught in his web, Edmund finds himself at a loss of what to do next. Distressed by everything which has happened, and sickened by the battle, he backs up a bit (to C-10) to sit down at the top of the stairs.
Frustrated, angry, and more than a bit ill, Edmund remembers all too clearly the spectacle of the miserable cultists begging for mercy. Having signed up for adventure, not murder, he is revolted at having participated in what was essentially a massacre.
Edmund puts his head in his hands and waits for someone to come tell him everything is settled. He wants no more part of this infamous affair.
DM Sanity Info Move: 5 feet to C-10 Position: C-10 Action: None
Spells In Effect: Bless (Thar) Web (Duration: 50 minutes, or until dismissed) Hypnotic Pattern (Duration: 1 Round)
Mira (AC 13+4,40 HP) Mage Armour 3d4(2+3+3)+1=9 Monday August 7th, 2006 2:31:21 PM "Whew! That was close!" thinks the sorcerer as she ducks the zombie's club and moves back up the stairs towards Edmund. Mira registers the bard's voice, and wonders if Arm really is OK.
"Just a minute, Xenia," she calls out to the rogue somewhere past the web-mess. Hands outstretched before her, Mira sends the full force of a ball of magical energy into the chest of the creature that had been plaguing her. (9 pts. magic missile dmg. to Z4.)
DM Sanity Info:
Position: E10
Spells In Effect:
Mage Armour - on Mira-3 hours Message - on Mira, cast by Angus Bless - Mira, from Thar Inspire Courage - Mira, from Arm Spider Climb - on Arm - 3 minutes (4/30 rounds)
- Spells: (0-level 6 per day, 1st level 7 per day, 2nd level 6 per day, 3rd level 4 per day) 0-level: detect magic, read magic, light, mage hand, open/close, ray of frost 1st-level: magic missile#, burning hands#, mage armor#, shield 2nd-level: glitterdust, invisibility### 3rd-fireball
Kadaz (AC24, hp 63/63) d20+4=24 d20+6=24 Monday August 7th, 2006 3:25:24 PM
A wave of healing washes over Kadaz, closing up rat bites and calming his stomach. The dwarf straightens to his full 4' height and grabs his axe again. "Thanks Ash, those rats were annoying. Did you see where they came from?"
Seeing most of the party to the north of the room Kadaz decides to cover the south. He struggles though the web and manages to move 10' (to M11). He breaks out of the web into a clear spot and involuntarily shivers, glad to be free again. (strength check 24, natural 20)
When he gets there he glares at the cultist in front of him (#17). "Surrender" he orders. And shouldn't Birdie be up those stairs a bit? "Birdie come here!" he orders. Birdie hears and starts moving towards his friend. (handle animal 24).
Ash Monday August 7th, 2006 6:58:36 PM
Ash looks to see if anyone else needs healing. "Is everyone okay?" he yells. He then looks to Shelya to ensure that she is okay with his prisoner.
Angus Monday August 7th, 2006 7:14:37 PM
Angus has had enough of watching and waiting and tries a new tact, and backs up Xenia's words "Surrender now, resistance is futile."
Angus then cast charm person on one of the still armed cultists in the web (DC 16 will save). Angus then call out to his new found friend "Put away the dagger, we just need to talk. Work your way over to me if you can. I am the small pixie flying up by the ceiling."
Angus sees that Belkior has saved the cleric and suggests "Anyone have some stout rope." in his new squeeky pixie voice.
Message (Mira, Arm, Syr) Mage Armor - Hours Protection from Evil - 12/160 rounds (extended) Inviso on Syr - 11/80 rounds Shield - 5/160 rounds (extended) Polymorph - 4/80 (18 Dex and natural AC improvement)
Rod of extend 2/3
Conner [AC=22; HP=62] Message, Bless, Inspired , Prot Evil d20+3=16 d20+4=21 d20+14=24 d8+8=10 d20+10=28 d6+5=8 Monday August 7th, 2006 7:57:27 PM
Conner hears the warnings to look to the south and plunges back into the webbing. He manages to evade most of the sticky strands and easily brushes off any of the others [Dex=16, Str=21]. The armed and dangerous fighter moves to assist Mira [H-10] and slashes at the Zombie if it remains standing [Hit Z4 AC=24 for 10 HP]. If the zombie has fallen, Conner will turn his attention to the cultist and cleric stuck in the web. If either move against him he will drive his forearm up and into them and let the shield spikes do their work [Held Action, shield bash hit AC=28 for 8 HP]
"What do we do with this lot?" he asks Mira. "Is Lady Ilonia in there anywhere?" he waves at the wall of sticky webbing.
Wynn [AC=21; HP=56/59] Message, Disguise, Bless, Inspired, Prot Evil d20+11=30 d20+11=29 d8+4=8 d8+4=12 d20+8=18 Monday August 7th, 2006 8:14:00 PM
"You heard the lady" Wynn calls out to the ensnared cultists "drop those daggers and give yourselves up!" Wynn moves within reach of the cultists [Intimidate=18]and slashes into the webbing with his longsword should any move to attack him. His actions are swift, sure and threatening [Held action; Hit 30 critical, confirmed w/ 29 for 20 HP damage]
Position =H6
Lang (AC 24; HP 73/92) & Sunshine (AC 22; HP 47/47) Monday August 7th, 2006 8:16:55 PM
"Thank you Belkior for the healing."
"Yes, Belkior this weapon has been enchanted with the power of Vicious. After the last battle with the Undead where I was unable to inflict a lot of damage I felt I had to improve my damage capability. This enchantment was the cheapest and quickest way. The damage done to me is a small price to pay to quickly end the life of my adversaries."
"Plus I always have you to heal me if it gets out of hand," Lang says with a lopsided grin.
Lang looks around and it appears the 2 groups have everything under control. His swords are not needed down here anymore. There is nothing more that Lang can do downstairs.
"I will go upstairs and keep lookout on the back entrance. Someone should do the same for the front entrance."
"Sunshine heel."
Battle in the Basement - Round 8 (DM JohnP) Monday August 7th, 2006 10:30:55 PM
Trying to get out of the way of the others, Syr gropes his way into the corner of the basement. He drags the limp body of the evil cleric with him. The blind monk hears the discussion between Belkior and Lang about the evil bugbear and the new weapon that Lang wields. They don't seem to come to an agreement before Lang leaves to guard the rear entrance.
Wanting to deal with the remaining zombies, Thar moves closer and manages to avoid getting stuck in the Web. He swings at the nearest zombie but cannot hit it. The celestial beetle returns to its home since it is no longer needed.
Xenia wants this all to end. She whips a chain at the nearest cultist and whips the dagger from her hand. That cultist was strangely distracted or dazed. She calls out to the other cultists to drop their weapons.
Famina is still struggling with the Web. It's creator, Edmund isn't sure what to think of things. He's rather sickened by the bloodshed here in the basement.
Mira blasts the nearest zombie with a Magic Missile but is not able to drop it.
Kadaz moves through the Web towards the rear stairs and glares at the cultist there. Ash and Shelya are still guarding the man who surrendered to them and Arm was already there.
Angus Charms one of the cultists who is still trying to fight and then orders the man to come to him. The cultist is still stuck in the Web and cannot move. Charmed Cultist 1
Conner keeps forcing his way through the Web and gets close enough to attack Zombie 4. His sword swing cuts the zombie apart and it hangs in the webbing. Wynn moves over to the few remaining cultists that have some fight in them.
+++++++
The cleric and bugbear are unconscious and out of the fight.
The remaining zombie tries to push past the cultists but they are stuck fast in the Web. The zombie that went into the storeroom can't be seen but it can be heard crashing about in the room, trying to get farther away from Thar.
The only cultist who is trying to get out of the web is the unarmed one next to Sunshine (#5). She can't break the webbing, however.
Player Sanity Info Cultist -- AC 11, 7 hitpoints Zombie -- AC 11, DR 5/slashing
Xenia (AC24, HP 48/48) d20+15=19 Monday August 7th, 2006 11:21:14 PM
"Hey, Wynn, I ... you know ... I don't think these folks are, like, responsible for themselves, you know. I mean, look at them. They're, like, all Zombied out." From behind Wynn, Xenia again flicks the chain out at the middle cultist's dagger to send it to the floor.
"Maybe they're, like, mind controlled or something. You think?"
"Weerd ... " she whispers as she waits for the Web to come down.
Rolls and Actions Disarm #2 19 [+11 MAB, +1 MW, -4 Non-proficient, +4 Two Handed, +2 From Chain, +1 Bless]
Edmund (AC:12+2, HP:27/27) Bless Tuesday August 8th, 2006 1:47:23 AM
With an anticlimatic 'pfft!', Edmund's Hypnotic Pattern spell exhausts itself. Edmund takes no notice, remaining in position with his face in his hands.
DM Sanity Info Move: None Position: C-10 Action: None
Spells In Effect: Bless (Thar) Web (Duration: 50 minutes, or until dismissed)
Kadaz (AC24, hp 63/63) d20+8=28 Tuesday August 8th, 2006 5:40:35 AM
Kadaz looks at the shadowy south end of the cellar and has a thought. He unlaces a belt pouch and pulls out a smaller bag. From inside this bag he pulls out a small cube that has been enchanted with continual flame. He tosses the cube at the south wall of the cellar. "Hide now, evil ones!" he taunts. (hit AC 28, nat 20, with thrown light cube)
He moves slowly past Arm to the the first side entrance and looks in. (stands at M14 and looks into room 6).
Arm d20=19 d20=12 Tuesday August 8th, 2006 6:00:48 AM
Arm moves up to stand directly in front of the cleric (#17 at M10). Holding his still-dripping sword at his throat, he says, "Where is Ilonia, you dog? Speak fast, and speak truly, otherwise you'll have more than three holes to breathe from, at least until you drown in your own blood!" (dex=19, intimidate=12).
Angus (Ac 23/25 evil) Hp 33/33 d20+8=22 Tuesday August 8th, 2006 8:41:40 AM
Angus is happy to see that the one cultist is under his spell and cautions "Just relax, we will free you from thw web in short order. Have your friends stand down so that it is easier for us to free all of you from the web."
Angus also sees Syr in distress. "Let me see if I can take care of that for you Syr." Angus comments to the blind monk in his new high squeeky voice.
Angus cast a targeted dispel magic on the blindness.
Dispell 22
Angus looks around the room and calls out. "Lets quickly dispatch the undead and then have a parley with our new guests. Who ever is closest, please check the front and back entrances for possible friends of our new guests."
Message (Mira, Arm, Syr) Mage Armor - Hours Protection from Evil - 13/160 rounds (extended) Inviso on Syr - 12/80 rounds Shield - 6/160 rounds (extended) Polymorph - 5/80 (18 Dex and natural AC improvement)
Rod of extend 2/3
Syr 51/62 blinded (Sub/Al) Tuesday August 8th, 2006 11:13:41 AM
"Thanks ... er, Angus." Syr stretches a hand out in front of his face. He blinks and squints as though to restore his sight by that act alone. At the same time, he reaches for rope to bind the unconscious cleric. Until, that is, he remembers that he doesn't have any.
Belkior/Sub Al (AC20, AC22 vs Evil, HP40/40) d20+8=19 Tuesday August 8th, 2006 11:28:37 AM
The halfling devotee of Alemi shakes his head, a gesture of sadness. The things that some will do in the name of inflicting harm upon others.
Belkior watches Lang move off through the Web to guard the outer exit. But are things indeed over here? And how to bring things to a safe and merciful conclusion? Is this Web now functioning to protect and preserve lives? Or is it merely serving to promote fear and uncertainty?
From the sound of things, there is more than enough strength in these two groups to control this small group of Undead worshippers. Perhaps it is time to see this spell gone.
"I will attempt to bring the Web spell down," Belkior announces. "Please be ready." He forms his hands into the symbol of Alemi and directs the divine magics toward the Web.
Rolls and Actions Dispel Magic 19 (Targeting Web Spell)
Movement and Position M5 No movement
Covers the following with Magic Circle Against Evil: Syr
Active Effects Owl's Wisdom (Duration, 7.5/8 minutes) Magic Circle Against Evil (Duration 90 minutes) Freedom of Movement (Duration 90 minutes)
0 Level: Detect Magic**, Detect poison*, Light*, Read Magic*, Resistance* 1st Level: Bless**, uDetect Undead*, Hide from Undead*, Magic Stone*, Sanctuary*, (Protection from Evil+) 2nd Level: Hold Person*, uOwl's Wisdom*, Silence, Spiritual Weapon* (Aid*) 3rd Level: uDispel Magic*, Prayer*, Searing Light*, Speak with Dead (uMagic Circle against Evil+*) 4th Level: uDeath Ward*, uFreedom of Movement*, Summon Monster IV+, (Holy Smite+*)
Turning 3/4 per day
Thar ail Baerer AC 21, hp 41 - Belkior's PfE spell, Bless d20+7=23 d20+10=27 Tuesday August 8th, 2006 11:48:40 AM
In a grateful tone, Thar says "Thanks Conner, for handling that Zombie."
He'll leave the webbed area and go south, to check out room #7. If he needs light, he will light one of his torches to help inspect the room.
Search = 23 Spot = 27
DM Sanity Check
First Turn Attempt Rounds (Z5-6) = 8/10
Spell Affects - Belkior's Prot from Evil, Thar's Bless, Inspired
L0 Spells: Det Magic (2x), Det Poison, Read Mag L1: Shield of Faith, SumMon 1, Prot from Evil L2: Delay Poison, Spiritual Weap
Turn Undead Attempts - 2 left /4
Bless duration - 10/15 rounds, +1 attacks and ST's vs. fear
Mira (AC 13+4,40 HP) Mage Armour Tuesday August 8th, 2006 1:01:19 PM
Eyes forward on the meeting room of the cultists, Mira backs carefully up the stairs until she bumps into the distraught wizard. After a quick glance to assure herself that it is indeed Edmund, she asks, "why the long face, Edmund? You did fine, and we still need you!"
Mira places a hand on the man's shoulder, and gives him a gentle shake, "the lady has yet to be found, and I fear some of our party would prefer to extract confessions at the point of a sword!" Hand still on Edmund's shoulder, Mira stoops to bring her face closer to the wizard's. "I'll stay here until the hall is secured. Send a fighter to me. Find one of the healers, the little one with the furry legs, and go question the...survivors."
Mira will squeeze against the hall wall in order to let Edmund pass.
As an afterthought, she adds, "be careful. The lady may still be in the room, masquerading as a follower."
DM Sanity Info:
Position: D10
Shadow (AC 21/18 HP 28/28) d20+6=13 d4+1=4 Tuesday August 8th, 2006 1:29:36 PM
Shadow will make ready for the release of the web spell. He will keep an arrow knocked in case the cultists do not surrender. He will release if one of the cultist makes an aggresive move towards any of his companions or makes to exit the room.
Actions To hit=13 dmg=4
ADM Scott A - Posting for 7/31/06 Tuesday August 8th, 2006 1:40:37 PM
Plateau City DM John: perfect Kadaz: perfect Arm: perfect Ash: perfect Shadow: perfect Edmund: perfect Mira: perfect Connor: perfect Thar: perfect Overall: 100% effective
Ash Tuesday August 8th, 2006 4:38:14 PM
Seeing that everything has been handled in a professional manner by everyone involved, Ash stands beside Shelya and his prisoner and watches to see what happens next.
Conner [AC=22; HP=62] Message, Bless, Inspired , Prot Evil d20+3=17 d20+4=21 d20+14=22 d8+8=12 d20+9=13 d8+8=12 Tuesday August 8th, 2006 5:17:06 PM
"No worries Thar" Conner gives a quick glance back to his companion in arms. Conner is sure that the remaining zombies must be dispatched. He steps forward and to hack at Z5 with his now well blooded blade. [Dex=17 to avoid web, Str=21 to push through any stray strands, Hit AC=22 and 13 for 12 and 12 HP respectively].
"It may be fine to release the cultists, but these undead must be sent back to their graves" he grunts as he slashes into the zombie.
Wynn [AC=21; HP=56/59] Message, Disguise, Bless, Inspired, Prot Evil Tuesday August 8th, 2006 5:24:38 PM
Wynn maintains his vigil over the cultists and prepares to defend himself and Xenia depending on the actions of the ensnared worshippers once the web comes down. [Held action from previous round; Hit 30 critical, confirmed w/ 29 for 20 HP damage]
"you may be right Xenia, but there's been lots of spells flying around, and as far as I'm concerned they're responsible for whatever they've done. Keep your guard up when this web falls!"
Lang (AC 24; HP 73/92) & Sunshine (AC 22; HP 47/47) d20+6=18 Tuesday August 8th, 2006 8:15:07 PM
Lang and Sunshine continue moving up the stairs to the rear entrance. Once there they remain quiet listening to the sounds coming off the street.
Listen 18.
Battle in the Basement - Round 9 (DM JohnP) d2=1 d2=2 d2=1 d2=1 d20+1=7 Tuesday August 8th, 2006 10:44:58 PM Xenia disarms another of the cultists while speaking with Wynn. The two disarmed cultists seemed unaware of anything but the fading pretty lights. Their creator, Edmund, barely notices that his spell has run its course. He is still very disturbed by the violence that his fellows have visited upon these poor misled people. Mira backs up the stairs and reaches out to the wizard, trying to console him.
Kadaz tosses a light cube into the shadows at the south end of the basement. The magical glow from the cube banishes nearly all of the shadows. The dwarf fighter then moves to the opening into storeroom 6 and peers inside. His darkvision reveals a great deal of mud and debris on the floor along with a rat-gnawed sack of grain. Unlike the other storerooms, this one is empty of broken furniture except for a tattered rug hung over the outside wall. Kadaz senses that there is an opening behind that curtain.
There is now a knot of people at the rear stairs. Arm has moved up to threaten the cultist there, who cringes away from him. Ash and Shelya continue to guard the cultist. Lang pushes past the group and goes to the rear door with Sunshine.
Angus issues further instructions to his new friend and casts a spell that removes the magical blindness from Syr's eyes. The sorcerer instructs the others to both deal with the remaining undead and watch for any reinforcements.
With his vision restored, Syr moves to bind the unconscious cleric but doesn't have any rope. Belkior has tired of the problems that the Web is causing and dispels it. The webbing shrinks away from the cultists and party members caught within it until there are only wisps clinging to the ceiling and walls. The cultists are now free to act.
As soon as the Web disappears, the charmed cultist 1 moves toward Angus. He is tucking his dagger back into his belt as he moves.
Thar thanks Conner for dealing with the zombie and then moves to the south end of the basement. His elven eyes show nothing in the storeroom but broken furniture and some crates stuffed with rags.
Shadow readies an arrow in case any of the cultists do not surrender.
With the Web gone, Conner has a clear route to the last zombie. He steps up and chops it into pieces.
Wynn stands ready to defend Xenia and the others in that corner of the basement.
Famina waits patiently.
++++++
When the spells holding them end, the cultists are free to move. Some choose to run while others try to surrender.
The only remaining zombie keeps banging against things in storeroom 4.
The cultists vary in their reactions depending on their devotion to the chalice. The ones who had earlier been trying to simply escape (Cultists 5, 7 & 10) now drop to the floor and try to surrender.
Cultist 17, who surrendered before, blurts out a response to Arm's threats.
"Ilonia! Don't know now Ilonia! Don't know names of any of the bosses! They left today, before service! Don't know where!"
Cultist 2 reaches down for his dropped dagger. Wynn sees this action and chops down with his sword, neatly skewering the cultist.
Cultist 3 holds up her empty hands, indicating that she wants to surrender.
The other two cultists are both fanatics and they try to fight their way out of the basement. They both make for the front stairs since this exit is closer and, frankly, Mira and Edmund seem like weaker opponents. But they both have to get past Conner. Cultist 6 sees no way to get past the fighter, so he stabs and misses with his dagger. Cultist 6 - dagger misses AC 7
Cultist 11 tries to run past Conner, allowing the fighter an attack. Shadow holds his shot because of Kadaz and Famina. Conner - take an AoO vs. AC 11
Player Sanity Info Cultist -- AC 11, 7 hitpoints Zombie -- AC 11, DR 5/slashing
Angus (Ac 23/25 evil) Hp 33/33 Tuesday August 8th, 2006 11:02:29 PM
Angus smiles when he sees Belkior add a dispel magic to his own and feels like he may want to try out his new found wings a bit. "Nice job Belkior." Angus squeeks.
Angus then flies over to the middle of the room.
K6
Angus call to his new found friend. "Follow me. Lets calm your friends."
Angus also takes note of the female cultist and thinks that seems to be a novelty and wants to add a new friend to his list.
Cast charm person on the female cultist DC 16. "Come over here my dear." Angus becons as two friends are better than one.
Angus then spreads his even smaller arms as he hovers and calls out. "Surrender and you will not be harmed. Kneel down in the center of the room and remain calm."
To the others Angus adds, "Shields and friends, lets quickly check all of the rooms, but some must watch our new found friends and the exits. Lets be quick as we might get company."
Message (Mira, Arm, Syr) Mage Armor - Hours Protection from Evil - 14/160 rounds (extended) Inviso on Syr - 13/80 rounds Shield - 7/160 rounds (extended) Polymorph - 6/80 (18 Dex and natural AC improvement)
Rod of extend 2/3
Syr 51/62 (Sub/Al) d20+10=29 d20+9=23 d20+10=19 d10+4=9 Tuesday August 8th, 2006 11:08:39 PM
"Domi! It's good to see again! Thanks, Angus!" Syr looks around the room, lit bright as day in his elvish sight. The Web is gone, and across the room is a cultist wielding a dagger against ... Conner.
With startling speed, Syr glides across the floor and (Touch #11 AC29, Trip 23 [+4 STR, +5 Improved Trip]) kicks the man's feet out from underneath him.
"And stay down!" Syr winds up and plants (Hit #11 AC19, Damage Non-lethal 9hp. Follow up on Improved Trip. Stunning Fist, Fort vs DC15 or be Stunned for one round.) a fist into a place between the muscles of the man's arm designed to cause stunning pain.
Move to I11
Conner [AC=22; HP=62] Message, Bless, Inspired , Prot Evil d20+10=30 d20+10=20 d8+8=9 d8+8=11 d20+16=35 d20+7=24 d3+5=8 Tuesday August 8th, 2006 11:23:30 PM
Conner's exasperation with these cultists begins to show, he lashes out at the escaping man's temple with the hilt of his sword, catching the cultist squarely as he goes by [AoO critical hit confirmed for 20 hp non-lethal damage; took -4 penalty on attack]
The cultist with the dagger is the next focus of his attention. Just as Syr knocks the man down, Conner bats the man's dagger from his hands with his own blade [improved disarm=35] He then slams his boot into the cultists mid-section in an attempt to knock the wind out of the man [unarmed strike hits AC=24 for 8 HP non lethal].
Conner's blood is up and the fierce look in his eye speaks to his ardent wish that the man attempt to pick up his dagger. "They want you alive, but nobody said you had to be healthy!" he growls. Conner's tattoo has taken on a deep shade of crimson, a sure sign he means what he says.
Edmund (AC12+2, HP:27/27) Bless Tuesday August 8th, 2006 11:27:36 PM
Edmund nods slowly to Mira as she talks, then suddenly starts to his feet. "Someone has dispelled my Web!" he declares, worriedly. I expect it's not sa--"
Interrupted mid-word, Edmund sees a cultist running towards them, just beyond Mira, who has pressed herself up against the wall to allow him to pass. In distress, Edmund cries, "Look out!"
Interposing himself between Mira and the Cultist (at F-10), Edmund readies Colour Spray (Saving Throw DC 16, Will Negates). With a few words and a quick gesture, he lets fly with it towards the oncoming Cultist (burst direction is to the right, emanating from the bottom right Corner of F-10).
DM Sanity Info Move: 15 ft to F-10 Position: F-10 Action: Cast Spell (Colour Spray)
Spells In Effect: Bless (Thar) Colour Spray (Instant)
Wynn [AC=21; HP=56/59] Message, Disguise, Bless, Inspired, Prot Evil d20+11=25 d8+4=8 Tuesday August 8th, 2006 11:34:43 PM
"Stay here and keep your sword on them" he tells Xenia. "There's something in that storeroom that needs to be put to rest." Wynn advances on the trapped Zombie and slashes at the undead creature with his longsword [Hit AC=25 for 8 HP].
There is no pity in the bard's eyes for the Zombie, only remorse that these cultists have raised the creature from death and now he must dispatch it.
Kadaz (AC24, hp 63/63) Wednesday August 9th, 2006 5:42:53 AM
Looking over his shoulder at the fight in the celler Kadaz shakes his head in disbelief. That idiot is attacking Conner with a dagger? Where does this cult recruit its members - the insane asylum?
Turning his attention to the room in front of him Kadaz examines it more closely. "There's an exit in this room!" he announces to the group. "I'm going to check it out." He holds his axe and shield at the ready and moves towards the blanket covering the back wall. He extends his axe and with the blade moves the covering aside to see what's behind it.
Arm d20+2=14 d8+5=8 Wednesday August 9th, 2006 6:00:46 AM
Tired of showing mercy to these scum, Arm instead slashes at the cultist's arm (-4 penalty to hit=14 dmg: 8) and says "Let this be a lesson to you.". To Lang he says, "If this thing tries to escape rend it's limbs from it's body, then turns to see if Conner needs help with dispatching the other two.
Thar ail Baerer AC 21, hp 41 - Belkior's PfE spell, Bless d20+7=27 d20+7=23 d6+3=9 d6+3=4 Wednesday August 9th, 2006 10:25:26 AM
Remembering that there is still one zombie left to deal with, Thar yells "We've got one more zombie to deal with" and runs at top speed towards the zombie in room 4 and aware that it will cancel the turning, swings both swords (if this round or next round, when he reaches the room since he's running) at his target.
If both hit (likely, hit AC 27, 23), they do 13 points of dmg (9, 4)
Famina d20+3=19 Wednesday August 9th, 2006 1:14:56 PM
Still in the web. Not much else to do. Famina also has a terrible urge to scratch her nose, and can't do it. Oh, the agony!
Xenia (AC24, HP 48/48) d20+9=22 2d4(3+1)+1=5 Wednesday August 9th, 2006 1:52:50 PM
"Sure, Wynn. Got it here." The rogue floats to within range of the cultist intent on sticking Mira's Tattoo Head friend.
"Don't even think about it, You," she warns. "We're merciful folks here, but if you keep trying to fight us, I'm gonna wang you with this chain here a good one. Got it?"
"HEY!" Xenia shouts across the room. "Yeah, you. um ... Arm! Whatcha cutting on folks for who don't have no weapons?"
All the time, the dark rogue is thinking to herself ... Uh oh. This is the one that's Mira's boyfriend, isn't it?
Rolls and Actions Ready Attack vs #6 if he continues to fight. Hit #6 AC22, Damage 5hp
Belkior/Sub Al (AC20, AC22 vs Evil, HP40/40) d20+21=36 Wednesday August 9th, 2006 2:05:45 PM
"Thank you, Angus."
"Alright, now that the Web is gone, gather around. Lets see to your wounds." Belkior tugs on the arm of a nearby cultist and examines his health. (Heal on #5 to check general health.)
"Famina, if Kadaz is looking into a secret exit, maybe you should follow to back him up."
Rolls and Actions Heal Check on #5 36
Movement and Position Move to K7
Covers the following with Magic Circle Against Evil: Syr
Active Effects Owl's Wisdom (Duration, 7.5/8 minutes) Magic Circle Against Evil (Duration 90 minutes) Freedom of Movement (Duration 90 minutes)
0 Level: Detect Magic**, Detect poison*, Light*, Read Magic*, Resistance* 1st Level: Bless**, uDetect Undead*, Hide from Undead*, Magic Stone*, Sanctuary*, (Protection from Evil+) 2nd Level: Hold Person*, uOwl's Wisdom*, Silence, Spiritual Weapon* (Aid*) 3rd Level: uDispel Magic*, Prayer*, Searing Light*, Speak with Dead (uMagic Circle against Evil+*) 4th Level: uDeath Ward*, uFreedom of Movement*, Summon Monster IV+, (Holy Smite+*)
Turning 3/4 per day
Shadow (AC 21/18 HP 28/28) d20+6=11 d4+1=5 Wednesday August 9th, 2006 3:27:50 PM
Shadow will move to L15 to get a better area to effect with his coverage with his bow. He will keep his arrow nocked and ready to realease if the cultists do not surrender. "Hold there and listen before you lose your lives." He adds to the noise of what is going on.
Actions if needed: to hit=11 dmg=5
Edmund (second illegal post) Wednesday August 9th, 2006 3:44:33 PM
Hearing Xenia shout at Arm, Edmund's mouth drops open. He shouts to the rest of the party, "Someone, stop Arm! He's drunk from the Chalice and has gone beserk! DO SOMETHING!"
Mira (AC 13+4,40 HP) Mage Armor Wednesday August 9th, 2006 3:50:54 PM
Once again behind the wizard, Mira stops at the base of the stair where she can see what is going on in the room, but block the way out for any who might try to escape.
With Edmund in front of her, she is unable to see clearly what is going on, but hearing his warning, Mira casts a quick spell of her own, transfering the magic (Mage Armor) to the wizard standing between her, and whatever is in the room.
"Oh, no!" She groans, when she hears Edmund call out the bard's name, "what has he done?"
DM Sanity Info:
Position: F10
Spells In Effect:
Mage Armour - on Mira-3 hours, Edmund-3 hours Message - on Mira, cast by Angus Bless - Mira, from Thar Inspire Courage - Mira, from Arm Spider Climb - on Arm - 3 minutes (7/30 rounds)
- Spells: (0-level 6 per day, 1st level 7 per day, 2nd level 6 per day, 3rd level 4 per day) 0-level: detect magic, read magic, light, mage hand, open/close, ray of frost 1st-level: magic missile#, burning hands#, mage armor##, shield 2nd-level: glitterdust, invisibility### 3rd-fireball
Lang (AC 24; HP 73/92) & Sunshine (AC 22; HP 47/47) d20+15=34 d20+15=34 2d6(3+6)+12=21 Wednesday August 9th, 2006 8:44:47 PM
Lang continues up the stairs to Q10 or farther, but not out the doorway into the alley. Sunshine remains right behind him, protecting Lang as he always does.
OOC - What is Cultist 17 doing besides blabbering? If he tries to leave Lang will threaten him with his shortswords. He he continues, Lang will swing at him with the flat of his blade (non-lethal damage from his non-vicious sword).
Hit AC 30 (30); Non-lethal damage 21; assuming you can critcal non-lethal.
If Lang makes it to the exit doorway he will take guard and not let anyone in or out.
The Battle is Over ... Aftermath (DM JohnP) Wednesday August 9th, 2006 9:41:17 PM Conner hits the fleeing cultist with the flat of his sword and lays him out flat. Then he turns and disarms the other cultist, following it with another blow that knocks the cultist out.
With that, the only remaining combatant is the zombie in storeroom 4. Thar and Wynn move into the storeroom and deal with that threat. Syr doesn't need to attack the cultist and Edmund doesn't need to cast a defensive spell.
Now there are only bleeding and unconcious cultists around the basement. If the party moves quickly they will be able to keep all of them alive. Belkior starts dealing with the injured cultists.
Angus charms another of the cultists who has surrendered and issues a set of orders. There are now two charmed cultists, six who have surrendered and ten who tried to fight and are now either unconcious or bleeding. Not to mention the unconcious bugbear and cleric.
Most of the drama occurs over by the back exit. Arm whacks the cultist with the flat of his sword and backs it by threatening violence from Lang. That elicits more wailing and protestations of knowing nothing. Not to mention concern from Xenia and Mira about Arm's actions.
"I don't know! Really!"
The other nearby cultists back up his story.
"They took off, all but Wyman and Otto there!"
"Talk to them two, not us!"
"They don't tell us nothing!"
Kadaz starts investigating what he thinks is a passage. He moves the rug aside with the flat of his axe and peers into the gloom. A low tunnel, low enough that a human would have to stoop, is shored up with bits of wood. From the smell, the dwarf figures that it's another connection to the sewers. Looking at the mud, he sees a mass of footprints and animal tracks. Maybe Lang could tell more.
Famina would go to help the dwarf but she seems to think that the webbing is still present.
Now it's time to complete treatment of the wounded and all the other post combat niceties.
Angus d20+9=15 Wednesday August 9th, 2006 11:08:49 PM
Angus is very surprised by Arm's recent actions and call out to the warrior and Mira "Arm. Stand down! There is not need for more bloodshed amongst the living."
Angus then looks to Mira and in his new squeeky voice call to the sorceress "Please control Arm, his blood lust is up. If you can not we will quickly have to subdue him before he causes to much trouble. I may have to give him a case of the giggles."
Angus readies his Laughter spell and will cast it at Arm if his continues to be belligerant or does not listen to reason from his mates. DC 17 will save.
Angus calls up both sets of stairs "Are our flanks protected? Do we have a clear path to leave if we must? Any sign of trouble?"
To Angus's two new found friends he asks "What are your names? What can you tell me about your two friends Wyman and Otto over there? Also what can you tell me about the ritual you were participating in and why your joined the cult?"
Message (Mira, Arm, Syr) Mage Armor - Hours Protection from Evil - 14/160 rounds (extended) Shield - 7/160 rounds (extended) Polymorph - 6/80 (18 Dex and natural AC improvement)
Rod of extend 2/3
OOC: How much time will elaspe from spells?
Syr Thursday August 10th, 2006 1:44:08 AM
Relieved to be able to see again, he stands by and watches as the last cultist is taken down. Stooping over he places his hands on his wound and concentrates. When nothing happens after a moment, he looks confused and puzzled. Looking down at the priest, he moves away a few feet and tries again. A look of relief crosses his face as he feels the healing touch spread through his body (cure 11hp). Muttering to himself, "Get over it, it's all in your head, just cause he took your vision, it don't mean he can change you." Taking strength from his own words, "Besides we have our own magic to use." The last he includes Angus on the whisper.
Arm d20=18 Thursday August 10th, 2006 5:59:02 AM
His job done here, at least for the moment, Arm heads toward either Wyman or Otto, whichever is closest. Forgiving the new people, he is nonetheless concerned about Mira, as he thought she understood their (and especially HIS) situation.
Flashing his best smile to her and giving a 'thumbs up' sign, he approaches one of the above and says, "Even though my friends here seem to think you deserve to live, I don't happen to share their opinion. Whether you do or not depends on how you answer me...where is the witch Ilonia?"(intimidate=18).
Kadaz (AC24, hp 63/63) d20+1=7 Thursday August 10th, 2006 7:15:42 AM
Investigating the dwarf-sized tunnel seems like a natural job for the dwarf fighter. "Tunnel here, I'm going in to see what's there" he announces to the group. With that, he heads down the tunnel carefully, watching for weak spots in the wall. (spot 7)
Ash Thursday August 10th, 2006 7:31:06 AM
Ash continues to stand over his prisoner, all the while looking to see if anyone needs healing.
"Um, excuse me. But does anyone want to do something with this fellow?", he asks, "Or should I let him go?"
Conner Thursday August 10th, 2006 7:53:44 AM
"Domi's Fist!! Well done, lad!" Conner thumps Edmund hard in the shoulder. "Your spells kept everything bottled up and we came in and swept up the lot!" The fighter moves on to congratulate Syr as well. "That was great!!" he says "I thought that clerics eyes were going to pop right out when you gave him that last big squeeze!"
Kadaz discovery of a tunnel shakes the fighter from his reverie. "Whoa there Kadaz, better bring someone with you! Anybody here a tracker?"
Wynn Thursday August 10th, 2006 8:01:04 AM
Wynn spends a moment wiping the blood from his longsword before sheathing it. A cultists cloak serves as a useful rag.
Once that is done he begins searching the clerics and cultists for anything suspicious, patting each of them down, examing their hands for rings and looking for any amulets, wands or other potentially magic items. Once he is satisfied he moves on to the cleric, bugbear and finally the corpses
Angus (second Illegal Post) Thursday August 10th, 2006 9:18:48 AM
Angus is relived that Arm does not immediately draw blood again and stays his readied spell.
Angus looks to Mira "What is this about drinking from the Chalice?"
Thar ail Baerer AC 19, hp 41 d20+6=10 Thursday August 10th, 2006 10:15:54 AM
After finishing off the zombie, Thar leaves the room and in an answer to Conner, says "Yes, I can help track, as I have experience tracking foes and beasts. I'll follow behind Kadaz and see what we can find."
As he is moving towards the tunnel, he adds "Someone should check the storerooms out thoroughly, making sure that nothing of importance is hidden in them."
For Survival check, assuming following condition for DC5 (soft mud, recent track, 1-2 people? (If 3 or more, DC is now 4))
Survival = 10
Shadow d20+7=16 Thursday August 10th, 2006 12:29:50 PM
Shadow will put up his bow and move over to Syr who had looked to secure the cleric, but had nothing to do it with. "Here let me do that." and he will then grab some of the rope they had used previously and will bind the cleric.
Actions: Use rope=16
Xenia (AC24, HP 48/48) Thursday August 10th, 2006 3:07:39 PM
"HEY, I'm talkin' to you!"Grrrrr ...
Xenia balls her gloved hand into a gloved fist as the Arm Guy just walks away without so much as a Hey don't worry about it. or an It's alright. I know what I'm doing. Flame-head begins the long stalk that winds up with her giving this guy a piece of her mind. Or at the very least a piece of her fist.
But something inside, maybe it's the magic of her new Circlet, something whispers into the girl rogue's mind telling her that maybe it's best to go through channels on this one. Maybe it's best to talk to folks in their group who have calmer heads, the one's with more control and common sense and who are more likely to see this in the Right way.
That, of course, has gotta be Mira.
The rogue veers in mid-stride.
"Hey, Mira!" The dark rogue comes in at an angle and walks a circle around the Mira to wind down her momentum. It puts her facing direct line toward the guy in question where he's gone to maybe do some more roughing up of the two captive head guys, the cleric and the bugbear. Xenia folds her skinny arms across her chest and watches him from across the room.
"So, uh, what's with your guy, huh? Looks like he's into the rough stuff."
Belkior/Sub Al (AC20, AC22 vs Evil, HP40/40) d20+23=34 Thursday August 10th, 2006 3:23:34 PM
"Don't let them go," Belkior replies to Ash standing over with the prisoners. "We'll need to turn them in to the authorities. I believe that consorting with and or raising the Undead is still a crime in Plateau City. At least it was when I left."
Then the halfling Paragon of Alemi steps directly into the path of the half-elf, Arm.
"You will not harm these men unless you intend to slay them, do you understand. And if you intend to slay them you'd better have a pretty good reason." Belkior stands his ground until he receives acknowledgement from the bard. Then he leaves to go from body to body looking for signs of life and staunching its ebb wherever he might find it.
Rolls and Actions Heal Check 34 (To Stabalize any dying cultists.)
Active Effects Owl's Wisdom (Duration, 7.5/8 minutes) Magic Circle Against Evil (Duration 90 minutes) Freedom of Movement (Duration 90 minutes)
0 Level: Detect Magic**, Detect poison*, Light*, Read Magic*, Resistance* 1st Level: Bless**, uDetect Undead*, Hide from Undead*, Magic Stone*, Sanctuary*, (Protection from Evil+) 2nd Level: Hold Person*, uOwl's Wisdom*, Silence, Spiritual Weapon* (Aid*) 3rd Level: uDispel Magic*, Prayer*, Searing Light*, Speak with Dead (uMagic Circle against Evil+*) 4th Level: uDeath Ward*, uFreedom of Movement*, Summon Monster IV+, (Holy Smite+*)
Turning 3/4 per day
Mira Thursday August 10th, 2006 6:34:47 PM
The sound of fighting dies down, and with Edmund moving further into the room, the sorcerer surveys the scene. Dead skellies and zombie remains mix with the blood of witless cult members, while the incapacitated leader-types from the Bearers of the Chalice are in the capable hands of the Crimson Shields.
Mira takes a seat on the second step from the bottom. The shadows of the stairwell accentuate the dark shadows under the mage's eyes. Removing her glasses, she starts to polish them with the hem of her tunic. Squinting up at Angus, and Xenia she explains: "The first time we checked out Lady Iliona's place, we went under the guise of Bearer wanna'be's. At a certain point in the ceremony there was a general invitation to 'sip from the chalice'. We were all spread around the room, watching different stuff, when Arm felt compelled..." Mira finishes cleaning her spectacles and places them back on her nose, adjusts them until they are comfortable, and then looking at those gathered 'round, "...well, he drank from the chalice, that's what he did!"
Quickly she adds, "look, Arm's had a traumatic childhood. Its left...scars...if you know what I mean." There is a look, kind of like a plea for understanding, then Mira reaches out for Xenia to give her a hand up. "Look," she says again, "he's been having dreams, and hearing things. Let's go talk to him." Mira takes a few steps into the room, then stops, and exclaims, "Gargul's eye! The chalice! Who's got the chalice!"
Xenia (2nd Illegal Post) Thursday August 10th, 2006 7:06:31 PM
The dark rogue reaches out to take Mira's hand and sets her weight without thought.
"Drank from the chalice, huh? Wonder what that did? Coulda done nothing." She sighs. "Have you thought of bringing him to the Temple of Light for, like, a check or something? I mean, they could probably do a Detect Something-Or-Other on him. Better safe than sorry, you know."
"No worry." Xenia hooks a thumb back at her haversack when Mira mentions the Chalice. "I got it right here in the bag. hehe Ran a snatch and grab on the Cultie Cleric."
"Lets go talk to your guy."
Lang (AC 24; HP 73/92) & Sunshine (AC 22; HP 47/47) d20+6=13 d20+6=22 d20+5=13 Thursday August 10th, 2006 7:53:12 PM
Lang waits by the back doorway. He sheathes his shortswords and retrieves his quarterstaff from his quiver.
Reaching down, Lang scratches Sunshine behind his ears. He stays silent and listens. If he hears nothing he will open the door slightly and take a peek outside.
Every now and then he glances down at Sunshine to see if he has picked up any sound.
Listen 13 Spot 22 Listen 13 for Sunshine
Edmund Thursday August 10th, 2006 8:09:17 PM
When Edmund hears Arm's words, his eyes widen and he shakes his fist at Arm.
"You'll do no such thing! He's bloody SURRENDERED! Lay one finger on that fellow and I'll see you in the dock myself! You're acting as bad as any of the Evil Elf Sorceress Queen's minions! You've already gone too far as it is. Stand down!"
Edmund looks and sounds like he has every intention of carrying through with his threat to have Arm brought up on charges for the outrageous behaviour he has witnessed. Sickened, angry, and disappointed that only Belkior seems willing to take a firm and resolute stand in defense of right, the wizard, normally genial and pleasant, is not about to tolerate any more nonsense from Arm. He is clearly serious.
Time for Talking (DM JohnP) Thursday August 10th, 2006 10:21:50 PM
The parties move to secure the basement, stationing people on both stairs to watch for any reinforcements. Or for the Guard, too. Lang and Sunshine look out the back door and there's a cluster of people on the front stairs. So far, there's no sign of any reaction to the fighting in the basement.
After a minute or so, with the combined efforts of Syr and Shadow, all of the cultists bound and secured in the centre of the basement. Ash and Shelya were watching all the while. Some of the cultists are still unconcious, but better to be safe than sorry. At least that's what Belkior always says.
Not all of the cultists are tied up. Two are listening avidly to Angus' words and reply to his questions with enthusiasm.
"I'm Tompkin Carver. Wyman over there always did the services, like the usual one tonight. Otto, he's new. He showed up last week, I guess. I heard about the Chalice and thought that it might be a way to communicate with Sherry, my wife. She died in the Troubles and I miss her so much. I sipped from the chalice and I knew that they were right."
"I'm Maria Clarkson. I didn't always have to live here in Nightmare Quarter, no way. I got cheated out of my inheritance after the Troubles and heard that the Chalice would help me get my own back. Wyman there, he told me how the Chalice would give me power. As long as I believed and worked, I'd get power and get my own back on that useless sister of mine. Otto there, he came from Floating City a week or so ago."
Others are also interested in talking to the cultists to find out what they know. Arm doesn't realize that the cleric, Wyman, and the bugbear, Otto, are still unconcious when he starts questioning them. And Belkior doesn't see fit to revive them simply so that the bard from Plateau City can hit them.
Kadaz carefully checks out the tunnel after Thar has had a chance to examine the tracks. From the looks of it, the tunnel is recently dug and none too stable. It runs not very far before it breaks into a sewer. Thar doesn't see any really fresh tracks in the mud. From the looks of it, nobody really looked at the tunnel after it was excavated. Certainly nobody walked down it in the last day or so.
Ever practical, Wynn was busy locating and examining the possible spoils. The run-of-the-mill cultists all carried daggers. Not very good daggers, but that's the only things of note besides a few coppers. The undead were armed with simple wooden clubs, table legs and broken boards for the most part. It's only Otto and Wyman who have anything of interest. Otto, the bugbear, has a good set of studded leather armor and two kukris, obviously silvered and well-made. Wyman, the cleric, has well-made breastplate armor and light mace.
All the while, there is a hushed conversation at the front stairs between Xenia and Mira about Arm's actions. Mira is rather worried about lingering effects of the sip that Arm took from the chalice, and Xenia suggests examination by skilled clerics and healers.
Edmund, of course, isn't shy about speaking his mind even though Conner has just been congratulating him on how he performed in his first battle. On the upside, Xenia managed to grab the chalice and that's got to be worth something.
Famina still stands in the centre of the basement. Nobody has yet carefully searched any other storerooms.
Famina Friday August 11th, 2006 1:48:48 AM
(Darn I just barely missed posting before the DM) The reason Famina has been standing there so long is that she has to catch her breath. Going into full combat mode always takes a lot out of her. Now, the fight seems over, and she has rested long enough to gain back her strength. So, she walks on over to examine the bugbear. "Hmmm... These cultists weren't as tough as we expected." She turns and looks at them and decides to give them a hard time. She strides over to them. Like a reproachful teacher, she scolds them. "And what do you think you were doing, worshipping a god of testing? You've probably done all sorts of horrible things to other people...but the moment something bad happens to you, you cowards start crying for mercy. Why can't you find some sort of decent activity to do, like drinking or gambling?" She pokes one in the chest. "You! With the dagger! Where do you get---" And so on, a bit.
Arm Friday August 11th, 2006 6:05:07 AM
With a look of disgust, Arm confronts Belkior, "And who are YOU to say who shall live and govern the actions of others? You and your troupe come in and act all sanctimonius, disregarding what we have endured recently. Then, when you leave, we'll STILL have these vermin to contend with, and you'll be free as birds!". Turning his back on him, he forcefully sheathes his sword, not even bothering to clean it first, "I'll NEVER have any peace with the likes of them around," he thinks.
As he passes Edmund on his way to Mira, he growls, "Mind your tongue, little one...I still haven't forgotten what you did. You'd best sleep with one eye open from now on.".
Kadaz (AC24, hp 63/63) Friday August 11th, 2006 6:45:43 AM
After coming back from inspecting the tunnel to the sewer entrance Kadaz calls to Birdie and sets him at the covered blanket, guarding the entrance. Then Kadaz carefully goes from store room to store room, inspecting each carefully for hidden doors as well as clues. "Shadow, will you help me search?" Kadaz asks. Shadow seems to be good at finding things.
Conner Friday August 11th, 2006 7:36:36 AM
Conner's enthusiasm for the outcome of their little set-to is not dampened by the verbal skirmish between Arm and Edmund. "The new fellow seems quite excitable" he thinks to himself.
"What did you find Kadaz? Is that where Lady Ilonia travelled escaped to?
Wynn d20+3=13 Friday August 11th, 2006 7:39:06 AM
Wynn removes the weapons and armour from the bugbear and cleric and deposits them in the middle of the basement along with any other weapons he can gather up. He then assists Kadaz and Shadow with searching the storerooms [Aid another=13]
Angus d20+15=22 d20+15=33 d20+15=21 d20+15=27 d20+15=34 d20+15=30 d20+15=24 d20+15=29 d20+15=21 d20+15=19 d20+9=20 Friday August 11th, 2006 8:40:36 AM
Angus is happy to see Xenia and Mira attempting to work out the Arm problem, until Arm opens his mouth again. "Mira get control of Arm or we will have to take him down. Arm, stay away from Belkior, and watch your tounge."
The now pixie sorcerer now pleads with Mira in calmer tones "After this is all done with, we may have to make a closer inspection of Arm, using magic to see if there is anything amiss or anything we can do about it. When did Arm drink from the Chalice and when did the dreams start?"
Angus casts detect magic to look at the items that Wynn collected and Arm.
Angus calls to Xenia "Let me view the Chalice, so I can see if there are any magical effects."
Angus then turns to his two new friends and asks "Maria and Tompkin what can you tell me about a mysterious Lady Ilonia? Have you had the pleasure of meeting the Lady and do you know where she may reside?"
Diplomancy 20 (unmodified for the charm spell)
Angus scans the basement and it looks like the cultist are under control "Lets search each room and see if we can get ourselves out of here. That is unless anyone want to make a foray upstairs? Anyone stealthy want to investigate?"
Message (Mira, Arm, Syr) Mage Armor - Hours Protection from Evil - 24/160 rounds (extended) Shield - 17/160 rounds (extended) Polymorph - 16/80 (18 Dex and natural AC improvement)
Rod of extend 2/3
Thar ail Baerer d20+7=23 Friday August 11th, 2006 9:38:11 AM
Thar climbs out of the long tunnel and reports to the group that they have had little luck in finding any fresh tracks in the sewer. "It seems to be a dead end, at least in tracking them that direction."
To make himself useful, Thar will accompany Shadow and Kadaz in searching the various storerooms, for any other loot, secret doors, etc.
Search = 23
Mira Friday August 11th, 2006 9:44:20 AM
Mira's green eyes flash when the little pixie squeaks out orders. "Look, you, Angus is it? I don't 'control' Arm, anymore than you 'control' your bugbear friend over there, or miss thing with the hair!" Mira flicks a finger at the Amazonian fighter, Famina.
The flash of irritation disappears when she turns to face Arm. Reaching a hand to cup his cheek she peers into his eyes. "Arm! " she whispers, "you must fight the demons that torment you!" Trying to read the half-elf's face, she continues, "it is the right thing to return the un-dead to the Shadowlands where their fates can be determined by the grey-eyed one. "Removing her hand, from his face, and placing it on his chest, where she can feel the beating of his heart, she continues, "but these others, the followers, have their own motives, misdirected as they may be. They are victims caught in a web of lies. Let us get what information we can regarding the Lady Iliona and the rest of the cultist leaders, and continue the hunt. Leave the followers to the guards. They will not go unpunished."
Before Arm leaves to do his duty, Mira will grasp his arm, and ask one more favor, "do not be too hard on Edmund, or the others. We are all working to the same ends, to make the Wold a good place."
Releasing the bard, Mira gives Xenia a look. "Let's see what needs to be done, question the ring-leaders, and send someone for the Plateau City Guards. We are known to them. When the guards arrive, let Kadaz and Conner do the talking."
"Can you bring these two 'round?" she asks the cat-ling cleric.
"Edmund, come help me question these two! Let's find out when, and where the lady was last seen."
Belkior/Sub Al (AC20, AC22 vs Evil, HP40/40) d20+8=21 Friday August 11th, 2006 10:58:23 AM
"It's the LAW, you fool!" Normally sedate and well reasoned, the halfling cleric raises his voice in frustration. "If you would like us to have regard for what you've endured all you need do is explain ... "
But the angry half-elf is gone before he can finish. Belkior closes his eyes and calms himself before continuing any further.
"I'll see what I can do, Mira," he replies to the bespectacled sorcerer. Walking back across the room to the bound cleric. He searches the human for a holy symbol and ensures that it is out of reach. His companions are thorough and they most certainly know more about the binding of prisoners than he. But Belkior ensures that the cleric's hands are bound well also before bringing the man to consciousness.
"Welcome back, Wymann," he says as the human comes awake. "I'm Belkior Orvisson, Cleric of the Order of Alemi. We have some questions for you."
Rolls and Actions Knowledge Religion 21 (To identify the holy symbol)
Active Effects Owl's Wisdom (Duration, 7.5/8 minutes) Magic Circle Against Evil (Duration 90 minutes) Freedom of Movement (Duration 90 minutes)
0 Level: Detect Magic**, Detect poison*, Light*, Read Magic*, Resistance* 1st Level: Bless**, uDetect Undead*, Hide from Undead*, Magic Stone*, Sanctuary*, (Protection from Evil+) 2nd Level: Hold Person*, uOwl's Wisdom*, Silence, Spiritual Weapon* (Aid*) 3rd Level: uDispel Magic*, Prayer*, Searing Light*, Speak with Dead (uMagic Circle against Evil+*) 4th Level: uDeath Ward*, uFreedom of Movement*, Summon Monster IV+, (Holy Smite+*)
Turning 3/4 per day
Xenia (AC24, HP 48/48) d20+16=20 d20+19=25 d20+14=27 Friday August 11th, 2006 11:50:47 AM
Xenia stands behind Mira as she talks with her guy. The rogue's eyes stray to Wynn as he helps the others in a search of the rooms, helping the dwarf where he might not know the places to look and the human where his eyes might not see in the dim illumination. He's just so perfect, and she feels her heart swell up, like, twice its size inside her just thinking about it.
The half-elf can't help but feel like the luckiest girl in the Wold.
"We're all here for each other," she adds on the tail end of Mira's talk with her guy. She reaches up and places a hand on the arm of each, Mira and her guy. "I guess sometimes it doesn't feel like it. Ask me sometime about these Chaos guys we met once. But we really are here to help each other, um, Arm."
"Yeah, um, I'll be right there, Angus."
"Sorry, gotta go. You guys gonna be alright here?" Immersed in the depths of her feelings, Xenia wants to just reach out and hug the both of them. But 'cause of the place they're in and a'cause maybe she doesn't know them really that well enough to do a thing like that, she just kinda leaves it there. "Alright. I'll be 'round."
"Gotcher Chalice here, Angus," she whispers. Xenia flies to a shadowy spot and pulls the stone Chalice from her haversack. She places the big stone cup-thing on the ground in an out-of-sightish sort of place. "I think maybe you wanna be, like, careful with this thing. I mean, seeing it might get these Culty guys excited again, you know. And it's not like that would be a big problem, but they might, like, you know, hurt themselves."
"I'll recon the upstairs while I still got the Fly on," the rogue volunteers. "I can take a look in all the windows. Be right back, 'kay?" And she zips off silently through the air.
Shadow d20+10=26 d20+10=16 d20+10=23 d20+10=27 d20+10=14 d20+10=28 d20+10=21 d20+10=25 Friday August 11th, 2006 1:59:13 PM
Shadow finishes up securing the cultists, and is interupted by the commotion Arm and Belkior have started causing. He is about to head over there to see what he can do to help, when Kadaz calls to him. He looks one more time at Arm heading over to Mira, and he think, 'that should take care of it, I hope.'
"Let's take a look." He says to Kadaz as he goes and checks out the storerooms.
Ash Friday August 11th, 2006 7:32:28 PM
Ash stands aside, watching and listening to what is happening. His offers of healing having had no response he kneels down beside Shelya and relaxes.
Syr Friday August 11th, 2006 7:59:08 PM
Syr echoes Xenia's comments and snorts in contempt at her mention of the Children of Chaos group. "Arm, just take care of your own and things will work out." He stays down near the cultists and stands guard over the lot.
DM JohnP Friday August 11th, 2006 10:32:29 PM
DM post coming over the weekend when I'm not so tired.
Edmund Saturday August 12th, 2006 2:03:10 AM
Shaking his head disgusted at Arm's comment, Edmund follows Mira over to the cultists who need to be questioned, glad to finally be given a task at which he is both capable and reasonably gifted.
"Right so. I think I'll be of use to you, finally." he says.
Lang (AC 24; HP 73/92) & Sunshine (AC 22; HP 47/47) d20+6=22 d20+6=12 Saturday August 12th, 2006 9:13:30 AM
Lang watches the crowd that has gathered. He tries to spot any armor or arms on the people (spot 22). He also tries to pick up on any conversation they are having (listen 12).
If nothing of interest happens he will try to get someones attention from downstairs and whisper to them what he sees.
Wrap-Up (DM JohnP) Sunday August 13th, 2006 9:21:12 AM
People are doing a lot of different things following the battle.
Lang is waiting on the back stairs, trying to spot anyone interested in the tenement. There isn't much to see in the alley, certainly no great crowd of people. But he does hear some doors opening inside the tenement. From what he can hear, some tenants are wondering what all the noise was. But no one does more than open their door slightly to peer out.
The party members on the front stairs are too busy talking to hear much from upstairs. But Xenia flies upstairs after leaving the chalice with Angus. Lang sees her flit through the first floor. Like the bugbear, Xenia hears whispered conversations behind closed doors and people peeking from slightly open doors. From what she can hear, the tenants in this building are too afraid to confront the building super about what happens in the basement. But one or two of the braver ones seem to be working up the nerve to fetch the Guards.
+++++++
After finishing their investigation of the tunnel, Kadaz and some others search the storerooms and the rest of the basement. Wynn, Shadow and Thar prowl in an out of the storerooms. Most of the rooms are full of broken furniture and discarded belongings, none of any value. The exception is storeroom 2 where a broken desk has been propped up with some bricks and a cot has been rebuilt. Searching the desk, they find a collection of notes written in tiny, cramped script. A quick glance indicates that it's a diary, of sorts, and details preparations for some sort of ritual. They see references to both Plateau City and Floating City. And there's a crude map in the book showing Floating City and the lake it sits in. They figure that it will take half a day for someone familiar with both cities to figure out what the book contains.
When they come back with their findings, they pile it all with the things taken from the cultist. Angus casts a divinatory spell and examines all of it. Nothing too interesting, really, but at least some of the equipment is magical. Except for that chalice ... it seems to be simply a lump of carved stone. Maybe Kadaz or another dwarf could tell more about it ... DM Note - Results of Detect Magic are shown at bottom of post
There are, however, lingering traces of magic from whatever the chalice held. From what he can tell, it seems to be Illusion magic. The fact that there is still a trace in the chalice suggests that it was a fairly strong effect.
+++++++
The confrontation near the front stairs continues. Arm is none too pleased about being lectured to, especially by some visitors to the City. As for Edmund, well the less said the better. And when the pixie thing suggests magical examination, well ... he is fairly steaming when he goes to stand beside Mira.
Mira defends her friend, bristling at the suggestion that she somehow controls him. Still, she admonishes Arm herself for his actions against the cultists while attempting to keep everyone focused on the overall task. She suggests that someone run to fetch the Guards, but it doesn't look like anyone does.
Conner stands off to the side, watching the interaction between Arm and Edmund. But the afterglow of battle is still upon him and everything is right with the world. Like the fighter, Ash simply waits patiently.
++++++
Famina recovers from her exertions and moves over to question the cultists and berate them about their worship. Syr is already there, watching over the lot of them.
While she is doing this, Angus asks his two newest and dearest friends about Lady Ilonia. The response he gets is the same:
"Never heard of her. Sounds like one of them snooty types, too good to talk to the likes of us."
After nearly erupting over Arm's remarks, Belkior calms himself. He goes over to the unconcious and bound cleric and searches him. He finds one holy symbol around the cleric's neck, clearly a symbol of Marteaus. Then, to his surprise, he finds a second holy symbol pinned inside the man's robe. This one looks like a symbol of Gargul but it's different, somehow. When he studies it for a bit, he concludes that it's an old symbol from before the Year of Ascension.
Then Belkior gently awakens the cleric. Edmund has come over, too, and prepares to question the human.
++++++
wymann's eyes flicker open to see the halfling standing over him. He flexes his arms and legs, testing his bonds while a snarl comes to his lips.
"Blasphemer! You profaned the Chalice! You shall all pay for that when we ..."
He stops speaking then, glaring about at the people standing near him. It will take a terribly persuasive argument or magic to get anything more from him.
Kadaz Sunday August 13th, 2006 6:10:16 PM
Kadaz looks over the captured cultists and loot. He motions to the other adventurers to move out of hearing of the prisoners and speaks softly.
"It's time to visit the guard" he explains. "We have a working agreement with 2 constables, Rabbitsfoot and Gormley. We have been exchanging information on this cult. I think the prisoners, especially that cleric, may know more than we are able to get out of them. But the constables may be able to learn more. We should hand these folks over. Also that diary. But we should understand what's in the diary before we give it up."
"Also, there are number of bodies here that will have to be taken care of. Any chance they might rise as undead?" Kadaz looks over at Belkior as he asks this question.
Angus Sunday August 13th, 2006 8:47:55 PM
Angus points out the magic items so that both parties know what is what. Angus hold on to the Chalice until Xenia returns. "Lets take the loot. Who can carry, we have alot." At least to a pixie Angus thinks.
Angus is pleased that one from the City speaks well and wise. "Kadaz, an excellent Idea, and you have contacts with the guard. That is most fortunate. Can you lead this entourage out of hear and to the countstable? I think we have may more than a nuisance of ourselves here."
Angus smiles when he looks over at the loud mouthed subdued cleric. "Don't worry, we have ways to make you talk."
Just as a first attempt, Angus casts Charm Person on Wymann DC 17 will save. "There is more where that came from." Angus smiles again.
Angus looks to Syr and Shadow "Do you two want to stay behind and see what happens after we leave. I will make you each invisible for eight minutes, to assist you ample skills."
Angus looks to his two new friends "Please escort me a a bit of a walk." Angus still flying for a bit more queues up behind Kadaz and waits for him to lead the group out of the building.
Message (Mira, Arm, Syr) Mage Armor - Hours Protection from Evil - 24/160 rounds (extended) Shield - 17/160 rounds (extended) Polymorph - 16/80 (18 Dex and natural AC improvement)
Rod of extend 2/3
OOC: How much time to mark off spells?
Xenia d20+3=22 Sunday August 13th, 2006 10:12:05 PM
"Hey guys." Xenia pads down the stairs. "The folks upstairs are pretty harmless. 'Side from being kinda worried 'bout what was going on down here, they're not up to nothing."
"What we got here?" The rogue picks up one of the silvered kukris. This is like that thing the Scorpion Boy was using, huh?" She takes a grip around the hilt and swings it through the air a couple of times. "Weirdo thing. Dunno how you'd use that. But the silvered blade might be useful. Those Vampies. 'Member?"
"Hmmm. Whatcha got there?" The rogue leans over the map with her hands behind her back. "Hey, that's Turtle Lake, isn't it? There's the Float. But what's this "Beach" thing here? That's pretty far away. I mean, look at it. It's all the way 'cross the lake, and that's one big lake."
"Wonder what someone would want out there." She thinks on what might be going on at the Big Float that these Culty guys might be up to. Then she gets this idea connection thing.
"Hey, Angus," the rogue calls, "wonder if this place on the map is the place that that Thundir at the party was talking about? You know. The Hill place. Big snake. Lizard things and the biggest fram frambin' spiders he ever seen."
"Wouldn't that be a coincidence?"
Rolls and Actions Knowledge Local 22
Active Effects Message (Duration 50 minutes)
Famina Monday August 14th, 2006 5:11:47 AM
Having finished berating the prisoners, Famina makes a little tour of the dungeon, checking on how the other adventurers are doing. Everyone seems all right, so she's pretty happy. "Turtle what?" Famina overhears Xenia as she's passing by. "Hmm..." She peers at hte map and nods at the half-elf's assertions.
Arm Monday August 14th, 2006 6:07:12 AM
Before joining Mira, Arm barks at Angus, "I'd rather leave the whole LOT of you be...". As he approaches Mira, he is finally able to shed most of his anger at the new group's unwillingness to remove their current menace. After her dissertation, his shoulders slump as he envelops her in a hug, not wanting to let go, yet knowing that he must, "You realize," he says to her, "that they have have no idea what they are dealing with here, or how far the corruption goes with these fools.". Softening a bit, he continues, "Thank you, my dear...you are my one and only sanctuary.".
Falling in behind Mira, he snorts derisively at their feeble attempts to question the prisoner, "Let them go," he thinks sardonically, not trying in the least to aid them.
Conner Monday August 14th, 2006 7:50:17 AM
Conner gathers up the two sets of armor and makes ready to leave. "Famina isn't it" he waits until she looks his way. "Why don't you make sure that one stays quiet during transport" he nods his head towards the vitriolic cleric.
"Good idea Angus, never know who might come looking for that chalice".
Wynn Monday August 14th, 2006 7:52:49 AM
Wynn gathers up the remaining unconcious cleric in what might resemble a firemans carry. "What happens to the rest of these pathetic followers, do we escort them to the guard or just take names?"
Mira d20+3=19 d20+8=15 d20+5=18 d20+8=14 Monday August 14th, 2006 8:07:17 AM
Mira waits for Angus in pixie form to finish with Wymann, spending her time in study of the diary. She doesn't know much about the island or the lake, but she grew up in Plateau City. She pays more attention to the diary and any references to the city or things arcane (knowledge local=19, knowledge arcana=15). If there appears to be any secret script, she will attempt to read it (decipher script=18).
When Edmund gets ready to question the captured cultist leaders, Mira lends her support (aid another, diplomacy=14).
*****
When the party prepares to leave, the sorcerer voices her opinion, "I'd rather not leave anyone behind, if we are going to quit this place. We should seal off the entry to the sewers. We should make the basement safe for the inhabitants as well. I'm not a holy person, but I've got some Holy Water. Will that do?"
Thar ail Baerer Monday August 14th, 2006 10:02:55 AM
Listening to the various conversations going on around him, Thar adds "I'm interested in what this map describes, as I'd be relieved to finally get out of this cities tight confines. I miss the outdoors and feel of the grass under my feet. Should we send a party to scout it out?"
In response to Mira, he says "I'll help seal off the entry. Kadaz, would you use your dwarven skills to help me make sure it is totally sealed?"
Belkior d20+8=22 Monday August 14th, 2006 10:54:01 AM
"I don't think that it's likely that these people will rise as undead unless someone specifically raises them, Kadaz," the halfling cleric replies. "And if that is to be the case then there's little we can do without catching those who intend to do the raising."
"Unfortunately, I haven't prepared the proper spells today. Otherwise we could put these two to question. But, if they're in custody, I don't think it would be too difficult to convince the Guard that allowing us to question them later would be in the best interest of Plateau City."
The halfling eyes the basement.
"I think that's an excellent idea, Mira. And normally I would have a spell to consecrate this area. I might have a spell to seal the way to the sewers as well. But, I didn't foresee the need this morning. Do you have any knowledge of collapsing tunnels, Kadaz? What do you think it might do to the ground on the surface, Thar?"
Rolls and Actions Knowledge Religion 22 (For Kadaz' Undead Question)
Active Effects Owl's Wisdom (Duration, 7.5/8 minutes) Magic Circle Against Evil (Duration 90 minutes) Freedom of Movement (Duration 90 minutes)
0 Level: Detect Magic**, Detect poison*, Light*, Read Magic*, Resistance* 1st Level: Bless**, uDetect Undead*, Hide from Undead*, Magic Stone*, Sanctuary*, (Protection from Evil+) 2nd Level: Hold Person*, uOwl's Wisdom*, Silence, Spiritual Weapon* (Aid*) 3rd Level: uDispel Magic*, Prayer*, Searing Light*, Speak with Dead (uMagic Circle against Evil+*) 4th Level: uDeath Ward*, uFreedom of Movement*, Summon Monster IV+, (Holy Smite+*)
Turning 3/4 per day
Shadow Monday August 14th, 2006 3:46:06 PM
Listening to the group discuss what to do next, Shadow is a little worried about collapsing the tunnel. "How about Xenia and I rig a couple of traps to deter people to use the tunnel and we can return tomorrow ans seal it. Unless Kadaz does have a way of closing it off without destroying the building."
"Xenia, you are familiar with the place on the map. Is it something we should check out after questioning these folks. Even though it does sound like Ilonia is sticking around we should make sure, if possible."
Edmund d20+9=28 Monday August 14th, 2006 4:05:03 PM
Edmund steps over to the human, kneeling down before him to look into his eyes. He speaks quietly, pleasantly, and seems wholly genuine in his demeanour. (Diplomacy=28)
"Listen, friend, let us put our quarrels aside. We surely have no desire to interfere with a peaceable religious gathering. The sooner you cooperate with us, the sooner all of this will be settled and things can return to normal, right? So let's work together so everyone ends up satisfied. We just have a few questions for you, you're in no danger, and then we'll be on our way."
"First, I'd like to know if you have heard of the noble Lady Ilonia. If so, where has she gone? We would very much like to speak to her, to settle our differences and remedy the situation we are all facing."
"Could you tell me more about the Chalice, and why you revere it so? Surely it has power--but what sort? The sooner we know about it, the sooner we can dispense with it and return it where it belongs."
"There seems to be an entrance, in the back there, to some sewers. Did you create it, and where does it lead. We are concerned for your safety and health, really. It is unwise to conduct a religious gathering so near an open sewer access. Who knows what might come out of it."
"Lastly, could you tell me about your gathering--what the purpose is, who you are worshipping or venerating--what deity it serves? I'm quite interested, in fact, and would very much like to know more about your customs and beliefs."
Edmund listens intently to the results of his inquiries, maintaing a friendly, non-threatening demeanour throughout.
Xenia (2nd Illegal Post) Monday August 14th, 2006 6:03:10 PM
"'Member when we first met, Shadow? We were talking about having come from a party? Well, one of the guys at the party, he was talking 'bout exploring a place on Turtle Lake. Temples, and big snakes, lizard men and big, big spiders."
The dark rogue rummages around in the mess of stuff from out of the side rooms, looking mostly at boards and stuff.
"It's a big lake, you know. I mean, could be the place on the map has nothing to do with this place that Thundir was talking about. But, you never know. Know what I mean?"
"Hey, Shadow. What do you think of this?" She grabs up an old board and then arranges some of the cultist's daggers along its length. "Tie a few of these to the board like spikes. Tie some rope to each end and stick the ropes to the ceiling with pitons. Pile up some furniture in front of the doorway. When the start taking down the furniture, this swings down and spikes them."
"Or we could dig a shallow pit. Nothing they'd fall into. But we could put a few of these sticking up in the bottom of it. They step in and get a dagger up their foot."
"Whaddya think?"
Lang (AC 24; HP 73/92) & Sunshine (AC 22; HP 47/47) Monday August 14th, 2006 9:08:40 PM
Lang relaxes a little bit by the back entrance as it appears that things are quieting down and no one ventures close enough to see what has happened.
He thinks back on the battle, happy that the Shields and their new friends were successful in overcoming the cleric and the cultists. If the two groups stick together for a while they will need some more organization in their battle tactics.
"You guys almost done down there?" Lang whispers down the stairs.
Ash Monday August 14th, 2006 9:48:42 PM
Ash listens to all the debate in confused amusement. "What will happen, will happen. Emotions only confuse matters. The only thing that man or elf can know is that so long as we have choice, the forces of good and evil will continue to struggle over us. Only by denying both, can we overcome this mortal coil. Oh well."
With that, Shelya and he go up the stairs in order to breath in the fresh air.
Getting Ready to Leave ... Maybe (DM JohnP) Monday August 14th, 2006 11:05:59 PM Kadaz suggests going to the Guards and turning over what they've found particularly since he expects that the constables will be better able to interrogate the important cultists. He does wonder about the possibility of more undead but Belkior reassures him that the animated corpses shouldn't rise up of their own accord. Magic, of course, might do the trick and the little cleric hasn't memorized the necessary spells to prevent a necromancer from doing so.
After pointing out the items with magic auras, pixie Angus agrees with Kadaz' suggestion to go to the Guards. He asks his new best friends to follow him from the basement and prepares to leave himself. Before he does, he tries casting a spell on Wymann to get him talking. The evil cleric simply glares at Angus and doesn't respond to the spell.
d20+12=22
Arm, of course, doesn't think much of the attempts to question the cultists. Not this namby-pamby talking, anyway.
His friend Mira doesn't think so, though, and she asks some questions about the contents of the diary that seem to improve the mood of Wymann. Priming the pump, so to speak, for Edmund to apply his skills.
The wizard pulls up a ... well, something less disgusting than the floor ... and speaks to Wymann. After offering to protect him from Arm, and with Mira's assistance, the cleric softens a little. But not really enough to do more than expound on his beliefs.
"The Chalice is the symbol of our faith, and our vessel that brings Truth. Drinking from it allows someone to see their destiny, their path, or their fate. And sometimes to connect with our God's true nature and He will send dreams and visions.
"When we awaken Lord Gargul's true nature, balance will be restored to the Wold. Those who were true, even when our Lord was not, will be raised to serve him."
++++++
Xenia plays with the magical kukris, marvelling at how they reflect the torchlight in the basement. Not to her taste, really, but they might be useful against undead types. She's actually more interested in the crude map inside the diary. It really does look like New Turtle Lake ... or whatever people are now calling the lake where the Float is since it moved ... but she can't recall hearing of anyone travelling that far down the lake. It might be where Thundir was since he did mention mountains and the only mountains close to the Float now are on the east side of the lake.
Famina looks over the rogue's shoulder and shrugs.
When she gets a chance, Mira looks at the diary and leafs through it. There are references to trips to libraries here in Plateau City and preparations for travel to Floating City. And there are words, or maybe names, listed in the book that she doesn't recognize. Overall, it reinforces the impression that someone will need to spend at least half a day with the diary before they can completely understand what is going on.
++++++
Finally, people make preparations to leave the basement. Conner grabs the two suits of armor, thinking that leaving some watchers here might be an idea.
Wynn stoops and takes the bugbear up onto his shoulders, straining to do so. But it does show off his athletic build quite nicely, at least he hopes so. Then he asks the obvious question - what happens with the rank and file cultists?
Then Mira pipes up with her suggestion to seal the tunnel. Thar volunteers to help but wonders if Kadaz would be better suited.
Shadow proposes trapping the tunnel and Xenia's interest is peaked.
Nobody moves to do anything, though.
+++++++
Outside the back stairs, Lang and Ash are getting impatient. What's taking them so long?
DM Note - Sorry for the abbreviated (?) post. Lot's doing tonight and I didn't have time to really advance things.
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