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Lang & Sunshine  d20+14=20 d20+6=17
Thursday September 28th, 2006 9:46:12 PM
Lang contemplates Thar's question about what may be underneath the boulder.

"I guess anything is possible. I am not sure how we can go about trying to move something that large though."

Lang could follow the cultist's trail in his sleep. Between the quantity of the cultist's, the soft ground they are walking over and them not really trying to hide their trail, it makes for easy tracking. Perhaps when they get to the mountains the trail will go over some rocks and then he can test his ability to track.

The clearing comes up and Lang and Thar call for the group to halt. Everyone gathers around and one by one start to point or gasp towards the flying creature as it gets trapped by the spider (spot 17).

Lang is one or two steps into the clearing before he realizes he has drawn his swords, itching to fight either the spider or the flying lizard or maybe even both. Lang turns around rather sheepishly and gets back in place.

He watches to see what happens when the spider tries to claim his prize.

"Does anyone see any evidence of the cultist's being attacked as they crossed the clearing?"

Syr 
Thursday September 28th, 2006 10:18:53 PM
Syr matches along silently matching Kadaz's easy pace. "Being at the rear has it's advantages, look at all the people in front to wear down the trail for us... Anyway you were saying about 'shrunk'? What happened to you guys? Some evil Wizard?"

Belkior  d20+6=21
Thursday September 28th, 2006 10:27:29 PM
The halfling cleric stares across the clearing, a strange mix of feelings playing on his face. While he realizes that the natural world includes predators that consume other beings, it doesn't mean that he has to like it. Not the mention the deep instinctive fear that a creature weighing less than 35 pounds has when confronted with a much larger beast.

Belkior quietly whispers to Angus and the others nearby, "Maybe it will be satisfied and not bother hunting us."

Still, as he watches the struggling flyer drawn up by the spider, he can't help but check the locations of the healing magics on his person.

Under the Open Sky (DM JohnP) 
Thursday September 28th, 2006 10:43:08 PM
DM Note - not waiting for the laggards. A couple have let me know they aren't able to post.

Nearly everyone is taken aback by the sight of the spider capturing the reptile flyer. Once it has drawn the struggling flyer up close enough, they can see it biting and the struggles slow. Then the spider retreats into the canopy. Only Xenia is able to follow it's movements through the treetops. She also spots an unusual movement in the tall undergrowth, off to one side of the cultists' trail.

Edmund whirls around with his crossbow up and loaded, looking for more giant spiders. But none are in sight and, despite how skilled it might be, something that large isn't easy to hide. Angus and Belkior are both nearby, the sorcerer casting a protective spell on himself.

Arm, standing near the silent Mira, also looks about for more spiders. Wynn has been thinking about the statues, trying to remember anything about what he learned about the history of this area back in Plateau City. There were those mentions of a great city ruled by a necromancer but nothing specifically about elves.

At the back of the party, Kadaz and Syr look ahead at the others. Kadaz notices Birdie whining and acting nervous abou something that he cannot see. Ahead of them, the druid's companion wolf is also acting strangely.

At the front of the party, Lang draws his weapons and steps into the clearing before he realizes what he is doing. He is just asking the others about whether they've spotted signs of combat when he pauses, Sunshine stiff at his side.

Lang only - Highlight to display spoiler: {Your nose catches a wild Scent in the clearing, just like you smelled back at the campsite. You don't know what direction it is coming from, but the wind is at your back blowing across the clearing.}

Thar ail Baerer  d20+10=20 d20+6=17
Thursday September 28th, 2006 10:51:00 PM
As everyone starts taking about a spider above them, Thar looks up and sees what they were referring to(Spot 20). "We need to get moving, as I don't feel like getting into a fight with one of these things. Let's keep on the cultists trail and get past this clearing" he urges.

Track = 17


Xenia  d20+19=37 d20+14=31 d20+12=30 d100=48
Thursday September 28th, 2006 10:54:13 PM

"There!" The dark rogue's voice is a low hiss. "Angus. Wynn. Lang. Movement. In the grass. I'll mark it."

She draws a feathered shaft back to her ear and lets fly at the spot at which she had seen the movement. (If you need: Hit AC30, Miss Chance 48 /51 and Greater is a Miss)

Quickly drawing another arrow, she does a quick turn to scan the surroundings in all directions. (Spot 37, Listen 31.)

Edmund  d20+4=23 d20+4=21 d4=4 d20+4=23 d4=3
Friday September 29th, 2006 12:08:30 AM
When Xenia whispers and shoots, Edmund also whirls and lowers his crossbow on the indicated area. No one has ever actually seen him use this crossbow, and in fact, Edmund has never spoken about what sort of weapons training he has, so it is quite up in the air as to whether he has any idea what he is doing or not.

Edmund doesn't fire yet. Perhaps this is because he is waiting to see the outcome of Xenia's shot, or maybe it is because he is paralyzed by fear, or just possibly he simply doesn't know how to operate the crossbow. It is clear he knows how to load it, at the very least, and his aim seems fairly steady. He certainly doesn't look like he's fooling around--his features express more anger than anyone in the party has ever seen from him.

But still, he doesn't shoot.

Edmund will, if provoked, fire his crossbow at any enemy which should attack or approach in a threatening fashion. (AC=23 causes Threat (Nat. 19), Threat Roll AC=21, Dmg. Roll=4, Crit. Dmg. [if threat succeeds] Roll=3) He will not fire until such an enemy is visually identified and until that enemy makes some sort of threatening move.

(OOC: Ignore that second d20+4=23 roll, I meant to hit the d4 button instead. Sorry!)

Arm  d20+4=6 d20+11=14
Friday September 29th, 2006 6:06:30 AM
Arm cannot help but think that they are slowly and methodically being surrounded. Trying as best he can, he struggles to identify threats, but doesn't seem to be able to (spot=6, listen=14).

Kadaz  d20+1=9
Friday September 29th, 2006 7:19:01 AM
Birdie is rarely wrong and Kadaz knows that the dog's senses are better than his. "Danger is close. Get ready." he announces in a clear voice easily heard by most of the party. And then, a bit more softly, "Syr, I'll tell you the story another time. We're going to be in battle soon I fear."

Kadaz turns around and faces the rear, feet planted squarely in the path and axe held ready to strike. He peers into the undergrowth trying to see any threats. (spot 9)

Angus Mage Armor & Message 
Friday September 29th, 2006 8:01:49 AM
Angus is concerned, the tracker are watching a potential foe and now the rear guard is alarmed. Angus quickly casts message on himself and points to Lang, Thar, Mira, Belkior, Ash, Syr, Xenia and Kadaz. Angus then speaks in hushed tones "What is going on? Can we make it through or do we go around?"

Spell Slots used:

0 Level 1/6
1 Level 1/8
2 level 0/8
3 Level 0/6
4 Level 0/4

Spells in Effect:

Mage Armor 8 hours
Message 80 minutes

Shadow  d20+3=10 d20+3=18 d20+3=8
Friday September 29th, 2006 12:35:33 PM
Not wanting to take a chance with huge spiders, Shadow agrees with Thar about moving to the clearing. Quietly Shadow says, "We do need to move out from here because we don't know what is above us." He readies his bow by nocking an arrow hoping not to have to use it. 'I hate spiders, and now these creatures' he thinks to himself as he shudders from the dread of these things attacking.

Lang & Sunshine  d20+6=22 d20+6=17 d20=10
Friday September 29th, 2006 6:10:29 PM
Lang freezes as soon as the smell invades his nose. He draws his two short swords and tries to pin point where the smell is coming from.

Lang also hears Xenia's warning and sees her shoot an arrow into the brush.

"Something is approaching. It has a smell similar to a scent I smelled back at the battle scene. Fighters spread out, but stay close. Non-combatants get in the middle."

Lang takes up position facing the brush where the movement came from.

Spot 22
Listen 17
Scent 10

Syr 
Friday September 29th, 2006 7:33:28 PM
Syr rolls his eyes as Kadaz turns serious. "Bah! it's just a bunch of spiders at worst. I was moving the boats, did Lang ever figure out if the Spiders attacked the undead or were they allied with them? That might play a small role." He pinches his fingers close together to further illustrate the point. "Besides the last forest we were in tried to eat Angus, this place is so peaceful compared to that... nothing to worry about." Contrary to his words and casual attitude the elf focuses on the rear of the group and in particular, threats from above.

Mira (Mage Armour AC 17, 40 HP)  d20+2=5
Friday September 29th, 2006 10:56:21 PM
Mira looks about nervously (Spot=5). Then, as if to block out any distractions, she closes her eyes. Selecting a dry, curled, piece of cured leather from her velvet spell componant pouch, she wraps herself in an invisible field of force.

DM Sanity Info:

Mage Armour (cast on self) - 6 hours duration
Position: middle, to end of group formation

Spells: (0-level 6 per day, 1st level 6+1 per day, 2nd level 5+1 per day, 3rd level 3+1 per day)
0-level (DC 14): Detect Magic(#), Read Magic, Light, Mage Hand, Open/Close, Ray of Frost,
1st-level (DC 15) Magic Missile, Burning Hands, Mage Armour#, Sheild
2nd-level (DC 16) Glitterdust, Invisibility
3rd-level (DC 17): Fireball



Thar ail Baerer 
Saturday September 30th, 2006 9:51:35 AM
Knowing that trouble is about to arise, Thar will ready his swords and says "Let's not stop and keep moving everyone. If we wait, they'll likely encircle us!"



Ash 
Saturday September 30th, 2006 12:14:10 PM
Shelya growls warning. Ash attempts to convince the spiders that easier food can be found elsewhere.

OOC: Not sure exactly how it works but am trying to use Wild Empathy on the spiders.


Xenia (2nd Illegal Post) 
Saturday September 30th, 2006 1:17:09 PM
As the dark rogue scans their surroundings, she takes in the whole of it with a tactical eye.

Nothing up above. But that don't mean nothing couldn't come around and over them. But for now, above is not a problem. What is a problem is the tall grass and big ferns along the side of the trail. They're hiding stuff. There's the fliers up over head too. And the spider most definitely up above the exit from the clearing on the other side.

"No! Hold here," Xenia whispers. "We maybe got cover here. We try to cross and we'll be walking right into whatever's in the brush at the side of the trail. One thing that we do know is that there's a really big spider in the trees just above where we need to go and there's some flying things circling around up above.

What do you think, Angus? Think there's time to get an invisible flying scout in to the air to take a look first?"

=== Questions ===

1) How much cover do the trees give us now?
2) How much concealment do the ferns and grasses give anything at the sides of the trail? That is to say, how far can we see into the undergrowth at the sides of the trail?
3) Is the undergrowth such that within it we might take concealment from attacks from above?
4) How big is the clearing?
5) How wide is the trail?


Wynn [AC=21; HP=59]  d20+6=25
Saturday September 30th, 2006 8:36:25 PM
Wynn reacts instantly to Xenia's release of an arrow. His eyes scan the general vicinity of the arrow for any signs of movement[Spot=25] as he unshoulders his bow and knocks an arrow. The bard edges slightly away from the rest of the group but not into the clearing.

"May be best to spread out just in case one of these spiders has a mind to trap us all in a web"

Conner [AC=22 HP=62]  d20+10=29 d6+4=7 d20+4=16
Saturday September 30th, 2006 8:46:47 PM
Conner raises his shield arm in defence and spins to face the new danger. He reaches into his quiver and withdraws a javelin.

It's black wooden shaft is tapered at both ends and fitted with a small pointed spearhead. The smooth wood rests comfortably in his hand as he awaits what may come. If an attacker emerges from the jungle within 30 feet of him, he will hurl the javelin at it.

[Held Action Hit AC=29 for 7 HP, Spot=16]

Belkior 
Saturday September 30th, 2006 10:44:52 PM
The halfling cleric crouches as his companions prepare for combat. He looks in all directions, as they do, searching for spiders or other things approaching through the tall grass.

Out of the Grass (DM JohnP) 
Saturday September 30th, 2006 11:11:36 PM
The combined party has been on edge since entering the jungle and the sight of the spider feasting on a reptile flyer may have unnerved them. The party is standing on the edge of the clearing, staring 50 yards across to the other side where the spider is hiding. The edge of the clearing is thick with small trees, ferns and whatnot. The snaeky types figure that they would have no problem hiding and would be completely unseen until they approached closer than 10 feet to a foe.

The path cut by the cultists and zombies is about 10 feet across. While they would be concealed from opponents on the ground, anything flying or more than 10 feet tall would easily spot party members.

While Thar is urging everyone to quickly cross the clearing, Xenia fires an arrow off into the grass where she saw movement. Edmund simply raises his crossbow, searching for targets.

In the centre of the group, Arm vainly looks for any opponents. Shadow is also looking for opponents, dreading the thought of fighting spiders.

Angus casts a communication spell and tries to determine what is happening. Beside him, Mira casts a protective spell while Belkior simply looks for opponents. As Shelya quivers beside him, Ash looks for spiders, intending to calm them and dissaude them from attacking.

Wynn and Conner both prepare for battle, readying weapons in case an attacker shows themselves.

At the back, Kadaz spins to guard their backtrail but does not spot anything approaching. Beside him, Syr starts scanning the trees even while he questions if they have anything to fear.

Lang turns towards the motion in the grass, Scenting that this is the direction the wild scent is coming from.

As everyone does this, a deep resonant voice calls from the long grasses. The voice comes from near where Xenia fired her arrow, towards where Lang is facing. It asks a question, waiting for responses and then repeats itself in another language. The question is meaningless to anyone who does not speak these tongues.

Those who speak Elven - Highlight to display spoiler: {The dialect is guttural and archaic, allowing you to catch only a few words.

"Who ... forest ... peace .... friend .... foe ... forest ..."}

Those who speak Sylvan - Highlight to display spoiler: {The diction is formal and old-fashioned, but the language spoken by woodland creatures changes little.

"Who are you to walk the Cursed Forest? Did you come in peace? Are you friend or foe of those who killed my fellow Cursed? Speak now or I shall feed your bones to the Forest!"}


Edmund 
Saturday September 30th, 2006 11:54:53 PM
On hearing the words, Edmund raises his crossbow instantly, making a logical guess, and not wanting to threaten any elves. He answers in Elven, "Peace. Peace. Friends. Friends."

Looking to the rest of the group, he speaks in Common, It's the elves, speaking some kind of old Elvish with which I am not entirely familiar. They seem to be asking if we come in peace--if we are friend or foe, and who we are. You should lower your weapons, do not threaten them!

Edmund turns towards the place from which the sound originated and speaks in Elven once more, "We are friends. We want peace. We come to stop those who would harm you. We come to stop those who would defile your forest. We come to prevent evil. We are friends. We want peace." Edmund is not certain if the elves will understand him, but is fairly certain they will get the general thrust.

Edmund slowly puts his crossbow down on the ground in front of himself and raises both hands, palms outwards, in a sign of peace. "Peace. Friends," he says in Elven once more.

Kadaz (AC 24, HP 63)  d20+1=7 d20+5=10
Sunday October 1st, 2006 12:16:45 AM
At the back of the party Kadaz hears the voice from the weeds, then Edmund replying, first in a strange language and then in common. It's a good sign they're talking, not firing from ambush. But until proven otherwise, the voice is a potential threat. Kadaz and Birdie remain on guard, ready for trouble, but letting the talky types do their thing. (Kadaz spot 7, Birdie spot 10)

Xenia  d20+7=15
Sunday October 1st, 2006 8:33:14 AM

"Cool, Ed," Xenia cuts in. "Cool and focused. What I could pick up word for word was 'Who ... forest ... peace .... friend .... foe ... forest ... ' Anybody catch the rest of it? For all we know they're saying we're foes of the forest and they want to have us for lunch with us as the lunch."

"Angus, you speak elvish. Wynn? Syr? Let's turn on some charm here." The dark rogue stands from her crouch, her arms open with one hand empty. The shortbow with nocked arrow remains in the other. She calls out across the clearing in elfish. (Diplomacy 15)

"Mae govannen," she begins in elvish. "Lye soora kshqualentie sina men karna. Manke naa lle? Lle puttaaya lyre, lyre dagoruva."

"I told them we're following the evil people who made this trail. I asked them who they are. And I told them that if they try to stop us we'd have to fight."

OoC: Elvish Language from Gray Company.

Shadow 
Sunday October 1st, 2006 11:13:46 AM
Shadow continues to be watchful of the surroundings as the group tries to communicate with whatever is out there in the grass. He is not sure if he trusts the voice, but is allowing the rest of the group to figure it out. He does understand some of what is being said, but is very hesitant to add anything to the conversation in fear of provoking whatever is there.

Thar  d20+2=15
Sunday October 1st, 2006 11:20:06 AM
As Thar hears the odd dialect of elven and Edmund's response, he halts and adds (in elven) "We mean you no harm, oh great one. We simply wish to follow those who have injured your mighty forest and gain retribution on them for the injury they have inflicted upon you. We beg of you, please let us pass."

Diplomacy = +2 = 15

Angus - Mage Armor & Message & Invisible & Polymorph  d20+3=20
Sunday October 1st, 2006 12:02:56 PM
Angus smiles and lightly pats Edmund on the back and whispers "We spoken."

Angus also followed the brief elven words and tries a few of his own in addition to Xenia and Edmund. "As my friends of spoken, we are friends of the forest and do not want to disturb it. We only wish to pass through in search of those that defile the living. Will you let us pass unharmed?"

Angus takes up Xenia's suggestion and turns himself in visible, but uses his rod to extend the spell and if time permits then into a pixie, his new favorite form.

Angus will then gain 30 feet of altitude and have a look around.

Spot 20

Angus will make sure he still has contact with his message mate. Very quitely he will add "Going up about 30 feet to have a better look in the trees and grasses."

Spell Slots used:

0 Level 1/6
1 Level 1/8
2 Level 1/8
3 Level 0/6
4 Level 1/4

Spells in Effect:

Mage Armor 8 hours
Message 80 minutes
Invisiblity 16 minutes
Poylmorph 8 minutes

Edmund (2nd, illegal post) 
Sunday October 1st, 2006 2:29:42 PM
Edmund looks at Xenia and does his best not to roll his eyes when she starts talking about being cool and focused. He responds [in Common] with a smirk,

"If they thought we were foes of the forest, and if they wanted to eat us for lunch, do you think they would stand there and inform us of their villainous plan, whilst giving us ample time to respond with force? No. I think not. It is clear they are asking whether we are friends or foes, and they want to know who we are--reasonable questions and the sort of thing you'd expect them to ask having wandered upon trespassers in their woods. Logic, Xenia. Logic. How's that for 'cool and focused'?"

Shaking his head, he nods to the efforts of Thar, adding, in Elven, "There are evil people in your forest. They have slain your brethen and are using undead to do their bidding. We wish to stop them."

Mira  d20+2=6 d20+2=7
Sunday October 1st, 2006 4:17:15 PM
'Who ... forest ... peace .... friend .... foe ... forest ... '

Mira is able to make out the words spoken haltingly. She wishes she could understand the more flowing speach that followed, but, alas, she could not. "Arm," she stage whispers to her companion, "do you understand this foreign tongue?"

The sorcerer stands still, amidst her companions, as words of peace are spoken. She tries to see over the shoulders of the taller ones (Spot=6), and listen for other sounds coming from the forest (Listen=8) but isn't particularly adept.

Xenia (2nd Illegal Post) 
Sunday October 1st, 2006 4:19:19 PM
"I think you're probs right, Ed. I hope you are." With even voice the dark rogue continues to watch the clearing. Her arms remain out, exposed, but her bow remains in her hand.

"But have you considered that there's at least one out in the brush already, and there's at least one up in the trees over there? It would be a good plan to wait till we were half way across the clearing, and then attack from the brush. We'd run for the other side then the tree guys would drop down on us. That's logical, right? And it's got facts to back it up. 'Cept we're not moving, 'cause we saw the spider tag that flier. So have you thought that they're trying to get around back of us now? Good bet they know the forest better than we do and they can move faster through it. 'Specially if you agree that it's probs their home."

"Logical so far?"

"So could be this guy is trying to buy time. Could be. Could be either. We gotta hope that you're logic's right, 'cause that's the peaceable way. But you notice, guy out there hasn't come out? Hasn't exposed himself. Best case scenario, he's being cautious. Sound logical? So what could it hurt to make a gesture of, like, peace without goin' and throwing your weapons down in a dangerous wood, huh? Even if the guy and his friends out there aren't gonna attack us, no telling whether the fliers up there won't."

"That make sense, Ed? And does it also make sense not to try and rile one of your own group with the smirky face thing while your in a possibly dangerous situation?" Xenia pauses to listen to the sounds coming from the brush around them. "Probs not a good idea, Ed."

Edmund (3rd, illegal post) 
Sunday October 1st, 2006 6:37:06 PM
Edmund shakes his head at Xenia.

"Keep waving your bow at them and I suspect we shall soon find out what they are willing to stand for. After all, there are several dead elves behind us, and you're waving weapons about. This strikes me as being somewhat unwise.

As for him not showing himself, I think he has a jolly good reason not to come out, considering that as far as he knows, we could be the people responsible for the murder of his friends. I should point out none of our party are lying dead on the ground, and this is not our island. The impetus is upon us to make the first signs of peace--not them. For God's sake, put your bow down."

Lang & Sunshine 
Sunday October 1st, 2006 7:52:26 PM
Lang stands facing the voice. He remains silent as he doesn't understand the language being spoken.

Xenia (3rd Illegal Post) 
Sunday October 1st, 2006 8:22:38 PM

"I'm not waving it, Ed. I'm standing perfectly still. Maybe you're hysterical and you're seeing stuff or something." Xenia continues to watch the clearing and listen to the brush.

"What do you think everyone? Do we all want to put our weapons down? You think that's the best thing to do?"

Edmund 
Sunday October 1st, 2006 9:43:36 PM
Tired of being systematically patronised over the past few days, culminating in this latest round, Edmund gives up entirely, shrugging his shoulders with plaintive resignation.

"Do whatever you like. If they intend to kill us, I can at least rest assured in the knowledge that I'll die last. They can quickly surmise I am the stupidest, most useless person here, having fallen so easily for their very devious plan, and therefore I pose no threat to them whatsoever.

Anyway, If I am to die, at least it'll be a change from all the delightful walking, the charming scenery, and the lovely fauna."

With this, Edmund shoves his crossbow away with his foot and sits down on the ground, looking over towards the bushes. "Tea?" he asks in Elven, figuring, if he is very lucky, this word will make sense even in the older language. If he is even luckier, they might even have some tea with them.

Edmund hopes so.

Ash 
Sunday October 1st, 2006 10:49:12 PM
Ash considers the comments made by the voice. Waving the others and Shelya back, he walks forward, and bowing speaks both in Druidic and Elven, "Greetings fellow Forest-dweller, we mean no harm to any who come to us in peace, as I am sure you do. We apologize for any actions which you might have considered threatening."

Wynn  d20+9=27
Sunday October 1st, 2006 11:53:37 PM
The bard furrows his brow in concentration, trying to pick out words in the ancient language; "Who ... forest ... peace .... friend .... foe ... forest ..." It doesn't quite make sense. He searches his memory for place names from songs and stories he has heard for many of them slip in and out of the ancient languages [Bardic Knowledge 27]

Conner 
Sunday October 1st, 2006 11:56:07 PM
Conner maintains his vigilance as the voices sing out across the clearing. He does however lower the javelin into a slightly less menacing position.

Arm  d20+9=20
Monday October 2nd, 2006 8:19:40 AM
Arm whispers back to Mira in Common ,"Yes, I can understand most of what they say, but have your friend Edmund stay his weapon before he hurts someone, most likely himself.".

Addressing them in halting elven, he says, "We mean you no harm. Many of us are elves, though we are unlike you, we share the same bloodline. We only seek those who have no business here, as they seek to harm you as well (diplomacy=20)".

Edmund (OOC) 
Monday October 2nd, 2006 9:11:22 AM
(OOC: I thought I had made this pretty clear in my post, but from Arm's post, I guess it is not: Edmund is not armed, and his weapon is on the ground.)

ADM Record keeping (Scott - PC) 
Monday October 2nd, 2006 1:00:32 PM
Plateau City
DM John: XXXX
Kadaz: XXXXX
Arm: XXXXX
Ash: OXXXX
Shadow: OXXXX
Edmund: XXXXX
Mira: OXOXX
Connor: XOOXX
Thar: XXXXX
Overall: 87% effective

Crimson Shields
Syr: OXXXX
Lang: XXXXX
Belk: XXXXX
Wynn: XOXXX
Angus: XXXXX
Xenia: XXXXX
Overall: 93% effective


Shadow 
Monday October 2nd, 2006 1:01:31 PM
Shadow looks around for a place to hide in the shadows if the situation calls for that, but will maintain his position with his bow held with an arrow nocked.

Belkior 
Monday October 2nd, 2006 1:31:29 PM
The halfling cleric hears the voice from the grass but, like the others, only catches a few words. Belkior listens to the words of his companions and can't really think of anything to add.

He hunkers down and casts a spell, scanning the area where the voice is coming from. He is attempting to determine if any evil creatures are lurking in the grass. Belkior will whisper his findings to his companions.

Action - Cast Detect Evil

Spells
0 - DC 15 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Guidance, Purify Food and Drink, Resistance
1 - DC 16 - Bless, Detect Evil*, Detect Undead, Hide from Undead, Sanctuary (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - DC 17 - Delay Poison, Lesser Restoration(2), Spiritual Weapon (D - Aid)
3 - DC 18 - Dispel Magic, Prayer, Protection from Energy, Remove Disease (D - Magic Circle of Protection from Evil)
4 - DC 19 - Death Ward(2), Restoration (D - Holy Smite)

Syr 
Monday October 2nd, 2006 2:39:34 PM
Hearing the gibberish and Xenia's question, Syr's face turns a bright shade of red, "Umm, no, my parents left when I was too young. I never learned elvish."

"Weapons? I have no weapons." He calls out with an innocent smile. "Like I said, Didn't the evidence at the beach suggest a fight between the spiders and the undead? 'The enemy of my enemy is my friend.'"

Kadaz (2nd post) 
Monday October 2nd, 2006 6:49:24 PM
Kadaz overhears Syr's optimistic view about enemies. "Syr, in my experience the enemy of my enemy is just sizing me up. Don't relax your guard," Kadaz says over his shoulder while watching the back trail.

Strange Sights (DM JohnP) 
Monday October 2nd, 2006 10:22:28 PM
The words from the grass don't do much to ease the fears of the group. Some people think the person, or thing, out there is friendly. Others aren't so sure.

Edmund replies with some of the words that he understood while suggesting to his companions that they lower their weapons. He lowers his crossbow as an example. Xenia tries much of the same thing, but doesn't release the grip on her bow. Several other people say much the same thing - Thar, Angus and Arm -- but perhaps the speaker in the grass has the same problems understanding their Elven words.

Angus also casts a spell to make himself invisible, but doesn't get a chance to do any more.

Shadow, Mira, Lang, Conner and Belkior opt for silence, not wanting to perhaps provoke their visitor. The Halfling cleric casts a spell but does not detect any evil creatures within its range. He whispers this finding to his companions.

Wynn wracks his brain and recalls that the very oldest elven songs that he knows are in a dialect very similar to that spoken by the voice in the grass.

At the rear of the party, Kadaz crouches and scans for threats. Neither he nor Birdie spots anything. He and Syr have a whispered conversation about enemies and allies.

Ash replies in Elven and then repeats himself in Druidic. The voice in the grass hadn't replied to any of the elven speech but does when he hears Druidic. A flow of words in the ritual tongue of druids comes from the grass.

Ash only -- Highlight to display spoiler: {Greetings, from one Guardian to another. I wish to converse with your companions. Tell them that I will be stepping from the grass. My years have shown me that your kind do not take kindly to those who are Cursed.}

++++++


The grasses wave in front of Lang and a brown-skinned male elf appears above them, looking down and across at the party. The face is weathered, seamed with long exposure to the sun and elements, and the elf's graying hair is pulled back in a simple bun. The elf speaks again, directing his words towards the druid.

Ash only -- Highlight to display spoiler: {I shall not approach closer until I have the measure of your fellows. Are you pursuing those who do not allow the dead to return to the earth? Their passage through the Cursed Forest causes the stones deep underground to scream out in memory of the Corrupter.}

The elf studies the party, particularly the animals that accompany Ash, Kadaz and Lang. When no one makes an aggressive motion, the elf parts the grass and steps onto the path cleared by the cultists.

Everyone pauses, seeing a creature unlike anything seen before. The upper body of an elf rises seamlessly from the thorax and abdomen of a large spider. The brown skin of the elven body blends into the striped tan and black body of the spider, becoming entirely on the underside and legs. When he holds himself erect, the spider-elf would be taller than any of the party.

The elf-spider speaks again, still directing his words to Ash.

Ash only -- Highlight to display spoiler: {If you truly oppose them, destroy their vessel that one of you carries.}



Thar ail Baerer  d20+4=8
Monday October 2nd, 2006 10:46:40 PM
For a moment, Thar listens to Ed and Xenia's amusing exhange. When the creature steps up, Thar's mouth drops open as he sees the strange creature leave concealment. He's heard of driders in the past, but isn't sure if this is the same sort of creature as he's used to seeing. (Know Nat check = 8).

He remains silent though, glad that at least Ash can talk to whatever it is.

During intermissions, he says in Elven "Ash, what's it saying? What sort of language is it speaking? What does it want?"

Edmund 
Monday October 2nd, 2006 10:48:12 PM
When more speech in a seemingly friendly tone, this time in Druidic, come from the undergrowth, Edmund smirks, certain, as usual, of his first conclusions. "That sounds encouraging," he says in Common. "Maybe they do have some tea after all!"

Edmund folds his arms across his chest and smiles broadly. He continues to beam until the Elven-Spider emerges from the brush.

Edmund literally tips over, falling backwards, managing to exclaim one word before he becomes a bundle of jumbled-up half-elf. "Driders!" he squeaks, before he becomes inescapably tangled in his cloak. Muffled words come from within--very probably unhelpful words.

Xenia  d20+19=37 d20+14=27
Monday October 2nd, 2006 10:53:18 PM
The dark rogue remains silent, holding position while Ash speaks to the guy out in the brush. But when it emerges, when it steps onto the path, its body in full view, one word screams through her head ... Drider.

Xenia's eyes narrrow and the muscle at the corner her jaw jumps with tension.

Still she doesn't move.

Ash is talking. The Drider guy's not black. Everything's cool. Everything's calm. Sort of. For now. Listen. Watch. Be ready. (Spot 37, Listen 27)

"What's it say, Ash?" Tension clings thick to the rogue's words. "What language is that you're speaking." At least it isn't Undercommon. That she knows.

Wynn  d20+10=23
Monday October 2nd, 2006 11:33:38 PM
The bard recalls a number of older tunes and begins to piece together more of the ancient elvish and is about to ask who or what has been 'cursed' when the Drider steps out from the vegetation. Wynn is pretty sure who has been cursed but not why and by whom. He steps forward from his own concealment and shoulders his bow.

"We mean no harm...We pursue an evil force that has passed this way...those who butchered your bretheren near the beach." Wynn calls out in his best attempt at ancient elvish. His words are awkward and stilted, but he hopes his voice carries his good intentions [Diplomacy=23]



Conner 
Monday October 2nd, 2006 11:36:11 PM
The fighter maintains as neutral a posture as possible for as long as the conversation continues. He does not know what this creature is, nor understand it's language. There have been no signs of aggression, so he will hold his course.

Mira  d20+8=18 d20+2=14
Monday October 2nd, 2006 11:38:16 PM
Having found plenty of adventure within the walls of Plateau City, and having only ventured briefly and not far beyond its immediate environs, Mira has never seen anything like the half-elf/half-spider, unless it is the funny little cleric with the cat legs. Mira wonders at what type of magic could have created such a strange...construct. (Knowledge Arcana=18)

The sorcerer is unable to understand the words of the third language spoken by the half-elven creature others in her party are calling a drider, but she focuses on the tone of the aged one's voice, and his general demeanor in an attempt to discern his intentions. (Sense Motive=14)

Leaning close to Arm, she continues her whispered enquiry. "The cleric, Belkior says he does not sense evil from...from...the creature. What do you make of him?"



Kadaz  d20+1=6 d20+5=21
Tuesday October 3rd, 2006 7:39:21 AM
"Hey, Syr, it's a spelf" Kadaz notices, making up a word to describe the odd creature. But it's not attacking, so that's a good sign. He keep watch on the trail, just in case this is a diversion, but as usual he has trouble seeing much beyond the grass in front of his eyes. (spot 6)

Birdie also keeps on guard for oncoming enemies, doing a bit better at sensing what's around them. (spot 21)

Angus Mage Armor & Message 
Tuesday October 3rd, 2006 8:08:23 AM
Angus sees that the spider-elf is not threatening the group and be cancels his invisibility spell. Angus tries hard to concentrate on the words being spoken by Ash and the spider-elf but can not make them out.

Angus whispers "What does it want?"

Spell Slots used:

0 Level 1/6
1 Level 1/8
2 Level 1/8
3 Level 0/6
4 Level 0/4

Spells in Effect:

Mage Armor 8 hours
Message 80 minutes Lang, Thar, Mira, Belkior, Ash, Syr, Xenia and Kadaz.



Ash (DM JohnP - sub) 
Tuesday October 3rd, 2006 9:15:23 AM
DM JohnP - I'll plead being tired last night. Feel free to make additional posts based on this post. Ash - post for yourself, too.

Ash quickly translates the words spoken by the elf-spider, whispering them to anyone else linked by Angus' spell.

"He's coming out of the grass, calling me another Guardian like him. Something about being Cursed ... whatever that means."

"He's asking if we're pursuing the 'ones who don't allow the dead to return to earth', the cultists I guess. Something about their passing through the 'Cursed Forest' making the stones cry out in memory of the 'Corrupter'."

"Ummm ... ahhh, he wants us to destroy the cultists' vessel. That one of us carries."

Shadow  d20+3=20 d20+3=4
Tuesday October 3rd, 2006 9:41:37 AM
Shadow almost lets his fear overwhelm him when he sees the 'creature' emerge from the grasses. He shakes himself and mumbles, "You need to get back to the city, you are getting too jumpy." He is not sure the 'creature' is friendly but it has not made any menacing moves towards the group. Once Ash tells the group what the creature is saying, Shadow relaxes a bit. He will lower his bow, but not put it away. He will continue to scan the area.

Listen=20
Spot=4

Xenia (2nd Illegal Post) 
Tuesday October 3rd, 2006 10:12:01 AM
"I've got it." Xenia reaches over her shoulder and lifts the flap of her haversack. First thing on top is the stone cup and she raises it above her head.

"Anyone want to take this? Someone strong enough to smash it?"

"Ash," she whispers into the Message spell, "do you trust it? Ask it how it knows we had the cup."

"How 'bout the rest of you? Whaddya think? If it's drow-born ... " The rogue leaves the sentence hanging. A war rages inside her head. Drow-born but not drow.

"We found you just outside a sewer culvert, Xenia." The dark little red-headed girl nestled warm in Sliver Merryman's arms. "Now I'm guessing your mother was human. Your real mother, that is. I suppose she had her reasons for giving you up." There's a look of sad sympathy in Sliver Merryman's eyes. "I'm just glad that she did or you'd never have come to us."
The memory echoes through Xenia's thoughts. It was a memory to return to her time and time again. Whenever her sensitive ears would pick up the words whispered in her presence. Drow.

It would be years from the time that Sliver Merryman had told her adopted daughter how she was found. It would be years before little Xenia came to hear that men would at times force themselves upon women. But it was not long after that, however, that she would connect this idea with the story of her unknown birth mother, and guess at the origin of her own conception.

Edmund (2nd, illegal post) 
Tuesday October 3rd, 2006 10:30:28 AM
Edmund continues to fumble around inside of his cloak, making little progress in extricating himself. He can be heard squeaking rather violently within, uttering all sorts of nonsense. When Ash translates the words of the drider, Edmund calms down a bit and speaks slowly enough that he can finally be understood.

"Do what it asks! Destroy the chalice! Destroy the bloody chalice! Don't expect me to do it--get Thar! He's strong enough! Thar! Thar! Destroy the chalice!"

This sort of thing continues until Edmund exhausts himself and falls more or less silent. He continues to struggle, less violently, to escape from the confines of his own cloak.

"Could... ah... someone... help me out? Please?"

Arm 
Tuesday October 3rd, 2006 11:52:10 AM
Even though he was proven wrong previously about the drow, Arm gives Mira a brief description of what he knows of driders, then adds, "It's a good but unusual thing that it doesn't resonate evil. Let us see what it has to say, but be on guard.".

As Ash translates for the group, he turns to Xenia and says, "My dear, if it would please you, I would like to be the one to destroy the chalice. It has caused me much turmoil and pain since I drank from the cursed thing, so I think it only fitting that I be the one to end it's existance.". He then looks to Mira for moral support, then to the rest of the group to see if they concur.

Belkior  d20+4=22
Tuesday October 3rd, 2006 11:59:23 AM
The halfling cleric relaxes slightly when he hears Ash's translation of the spider-elf's words. As Xenia debates, Belkior whispers through the spell to his companions.

"It's not asking for the chalice, it want's the thing broken. I say do it, but take your own counsel. Kadaz or Lang can probably shatter it."

Belkior thinks about Ash's translation and what they learned in Plateau City before striking out.

"This lich, At-mah-lan-to, was supposed to use spiders, wasn't he? Maybe the lich is the 'Corrupter' that this elf-spider is talking about. We know that the lich used to rule this area a long time ago. Maybe the 'corruption' is what 'cursed' this forest, and this fellow there.'"

"Ash, ask him about the Curse!"


Xenia (3rd Illegal Post) 
Tuesday October 3rd, 2006 12:34:19 PM

Eyes still on the drider-elf, Xenia nods to Arm. She raises the stone cup up higher to make sure that it's seen. Then she passes it to the Arm.

"If you can't break it right at first go," she says, mindful of Belkior's suggestion, "you can ask maybe Kadaz to give you a hand with it."

"Hey, Ash," Xenia continues almost silently over the Message spell, "I still want to know how it knew we had the cup, huh? Even if that thing out there is friendly, it might give us a clue as to what's going on here."

Edmund (3rd, illegal post) 
Tuesday October 3rd, 2006 1:43:52 PM
At Arm's suggestion, which Edmund hears, the bundle of half-elf-plus-cloak nods.

"Yes. I think it is probably only fitting that Arm should destroy it, if he wants to. He has the greatest claim to such a thing."

Edmund's head finally peeps out from beneath the cloak, which is now wrapped about him like a toga. "But of course, if he needs help, that's fine too. I doubt as he will, though."

Edmund stumbles to his feet and bows, awkwardly, to the Drider. Maybe Edmund is shaking--or perhaps it is just the tangle of his cloak.

Ash 
Tuesday October 3rd, 2006 3:02:59 PM
OOC: Most of what I was going to post was co-opted by DM somehow :)

Only additions:

Ash bows respectfully and greets the stranger. He asks, very carefully, in Druidic, "M'lord, I apologize for my ignorance and if I am overly forward in asking; but, what do you mean when you refer to yourself as cursed?"

During a lull in the conversation, he advises the others than their new acquaintance speaks the high holy tongue of his order.

He returns to speaking Druidic to the Spider-Elf, "m'lord, I will admit further confusion; what vessel? what is it? why must we destroy it? I do not mean to act the ignorant buffoon, but I have only recently left the Grove and my knowledge of these events is not as it should be expected."

Mira 
Tuesday October 3rd, 2006 6:08:10 PM
"Yes, Xenia," says Mira, "let Arm destroy the thing that has caused...so much grief." The sorcerer steps out of the way to allow the bard his space. As she steps past the half-drow girl, she adds, "it wasn't worth anything, right? And there was no residual magic?" Mira is pretty sure she is correct.

Seeing that Edmund has got himself tangled up, and appreciating the wizard's potential, she lends a hand. "You know, Edmund, that was pretty good..the polite words, and stuff." As the wizard sorts himself out, Mira stoops to pick up the crossbow by one bow end. She lets it dangle in a non-threatening manner as she hands it back to Edmund.

"You any good with this?" she enquires in a low whisper, intended for Edmund's pointy ears only.

Lang & Sunshine  d20+6=25 d20+6=9
Tuesday October 3rd, 2006 7:04:08 PM
Lang remains silent as the elf spider comes out of the brush. As it does not appear threatening and his comrades are talking to it, Lang shifts his attention elsewhere. Lang does not sheathe his swords, but looks out onto the field for other movement.

Sunshine sniffs the air as the creature approaches the group. He lays down at Lang's feet.

Spot 25
Listen 9

Syr 
Tuesday October 3rd, 2006 7:54:33 PM
Syr looks over at Kadaz and chuckles aloud, "SPELF?" "Where in the Wold did you hear that one?"

When he hears the word 'Drider' that brings out a very diferent reaction. Muttering out of the side of his mouth, "uhoh! I've seen her reaction to the dark side of herself before." Telling Kadaz, "I'll be a couple steps away." He moves toward Xenia with a purpose unsure of whether to protect or restrain her."

Edmund (4th, illegal post) 
Tuesday October 3rd, 2006 8:18:50 PM
Edmund looks over to Mira as he slowly manages to untangle himself from the complicated and very difficult-to-operate Ordinary Cloak. "Oh? Don't mention it, it's the truth, after all. Who of us can claim better personal reasons to destroy the chalice."

When Mira hands Edmund the crossbow, he leans over and whispers very quietly to her, "Oh, I think so. All things considered, I mean, I think, at least, very probably, I'm very likely a tolerable, if not entirely indecent, shot. If you know what I mean."

Ash (this is either a 2nd or 3rd post---i've lost count) 
Tuesday October 3rd, 2006 9:07:46 PM
Ash turns and looks at the rest of the people and asks them kindly to put theoir weapons away.

He then turns back to the "drider" and begins introductions with "this is my companion Shelya, and this is..um...Mira, and ..."; introducing everyone.


Thar ail Baerer 
Tuesday October 3rd, 2006 9:47:25 PM
Seeing that Arm would be a better person for destroying the chalice, Thar nods thanks to Edmund for his confidence (in his ability to destory the chalice) and decides to wait until the group get some answers re: the chalice before destroying it.

"If we decide to destroy it, we should conduct some sort of rite to eliminate any evil that is in it and prevent it from doing any more evil," he adds.

When introduced to the stranger, he says in elven "Blessings to you and I'm glad to meet you." He does make sure that his hands are empty, ready to grab his swords and fight if needed.

The Spider-Elf Speaks (DM JohnP) 
Tuesday October 3rd, 2006 10:39:39 PM

Edmund had fallen to the ground after seeing the creature and then proceeds to get entangled in his cloak.

Conner watches and waits while Mira studies the spider-elf, trying to figure out how it may have been assembled. She has heard many things about humanoid-creature hybrids and how they might have been created. Perhaps the spider-elf knows himself. Angus is curious as well as he listen to Belkior's musings about the origins of this creature.

Wynn keeps speaking Elven to the spider-elf and it seems to catch some of his words. Thar also speaks in Elven and the creature seems to follow along. Shadow keeps watching for other creatures approaching, even if he does relax after Ash translates.

At the back of the party, Kadaz and Birdie guard the trail while Lang looks to the front. Syr moves up closer to Xenia in case the rogue does something rash.

The spider-elf watches as Ash translates his words and Xenia hauls out the chalice. It recoils, holding one hand to its face as soon as the chalice is visible. From its motion, it seems to be able to smell the chalice and can't tolerate the smell of it.

Ash only -- Highlight to display spoiler: {"Break it!"}

Near him, Xenia holds the chalice above her head. Her face trembles a bit as she thinks about her drow heritage and how this spider-elf might be connected to it. Arm steps forward to break the chalice and Xenia passes it over.

After looking to his companions for confirmation, Arm grips the chalice in both hands. Looking about, he spies a block of stone peeking through the grass to one side of the cultists' trail. He steps across to the stone, raising the chalice above his head and then throws it down. The chalice cracks with a low ringing tone, a split running through the centre of the bowl. The tone hasn't died away before Arm pitches to the turf, barely catching himself.

But it's only a moment before he stands and looks around at his companions. Brushing some grass from his hands, Arm looks back at the spider-elf. That creature looks at Arm and the others, stopping at Ash. He speaks rapidly in the ceremonial language of the Druids. Ash can barely keep up as he translates.

"I am Guardian. I am Cursed because I walk the paths of the Cursed Forest. My brethren and I accepted the Curse to guard this Forest against those who might by chance or purpose disturb the Corrupter. Our people took this burden years ago to atone for what we did when the Corrupter made us into this form."

"Our people's sages hoped that our age-old burden might be at an end when the Changer awoke. Our people's sages hoped that the Fae King would end the ageless sleep of the Corrupter, restoring balance to Nature. And, perhaps, releasing us from the Curse."

"Our burden will be ended if those whom you pursue are able to release the Corrupter. But not in the way that my brethren would choose."

"Come! Follow me! I will show you a quicker path that leads to the upper edge of the Forest."


Edmund 
Tuesday October 3rd, 2006 11:01:25 PM
Edmund accepts his crossbow from Thar and, after unloading it, slings it over his back. He smiles, returning Thar's nod. After all, Edmund has never ceased being impressed with Thar's sword-in-each-hand trick.

When Arm destroys the chalice and falls over, Edmund steps over to help him to his feet, but stops when Arm manages to get up by himself. Smiling brightly, Edmund shakes his fist in a sign of encouragement. "Well done! Well done, indeed! Glad we are finally rid of that miserable burden! I feel better about this whole hopeless cause already!"

Moving back near the centre of the group, he watches (and listens) as the Drider and Ash converse in a language entirely unknown to Edmund.

"Guess they haven't any tea after all," Edmund says with a hint of a grin. "All the more reason to get this over with as soon as possible. I'm ready when you are.--it's time to stomp the Evil Elf Sorceress Queen and put an end to the Invincible Lich King! The sooner, the better"

Xenia 
Tuesday October 3rd, 2006 11:04:54 PM
The words wash over the rogue as though the drider-not-drider speaks with Ash's voice. Xenia's green eyes remain narrow and skeptical. Though, when the critter offers a faster way through the woods, she looks to each of her companions and simply gives a shrug of her thin shoulders, acknowledgement of the value that this opportunity presents.

"If we can get a jump on the Cultists we could, like, set up an ambush," is all she says before turning to the broken stone cup lying in the grass. Gingerly, she reaches out a hand, like a cat extending an exploratory paw, and bats at the cup. When nothing happens, she lifts it up off the grass, eying it in the light. Xenia turns to Arm and Mira.

"Maybe there was some magic in it after all," she says. "Funny to think of magic leaking outta a cup when you break it." She shrugs again. She tucks the broken cup back into her haversack. "Lets go," Xenia says, and forms up next to Wynn.

Arm 
Wednesday October 4th, 2006 6:02:18 AM
After breaking the cup and regaining his composure, Arm stands a bit straighter, his head held a bit higher. Smiling at Mira, he approaches her and evelops her in a tight hug. As the company prepares to leave though, he looks inquiringly at Xenia, "Are you sure it is wise to take that cursed thing with us? Perhaps we should let Kadaz smash it until it is unrecognizable and leave it where it lays. If by some chance we are captured and that is found on us, we will surely be held liable for it, and I'm sure that would not bode well for us.".

Ash 
Wednesday October 4th, 2006 6:47:54 AM
Ash notices that the "drider" didn't answer the question about the "cup" but keeps it to himself. Having finished translating for everyone else, he waits to see if the others decide to take the "drider" up on his offer.

Kadaz 
Wednesday October 4th, 2006 6:58:05 AM
From the back Kadaz yells forward. "Hey Ash. Does that spelf have any actual name other than Guardian? And does he know how many are in the party we're pursuing? And we'd better be off right now. Don't want the others to actuall reach their destination before we get there."

Once again Kadaz trudges along at the end of the party, slowing everyone down. He may be slow, but he keep up this pace all day.


Angus Mage Armor & Message 
Wednesday October 4th, 2006 7:47:23 AM
Angus has mixed feelings about the chalise being broken as it is lost as a bargining tool, but they may have gained a friend and guide.

Angus nods at Xenia "Ambushes are very good as long as we are the ones doing the ambushing."

Angus looks from Kadaz to Ash. "Yes, find out the guardians name and see if his leading us will keep the creatures of the forest at bay. Then lets see if we can make some time."

Angus uses his message spell "Lang and Thar, keep leading us, but keep your eyes open for any traps, just incase our new friend is less than genuine."

Belkior  d20+21=33 d20+6=16
Wednesday October 4th, 2006 8:41:37 AM
The halfling cleric watches as Arm breaks the chalice and then falls to the ground. He moves over to check his companion as Arm rises to his feet.
Heal = 33

"You seem okay, Arm. Did you simply slip when you broke the chalice? Or was it something else?"

Belkior isn't quite sure about the spider-elf, what with the language differences and all.
Sense Motive = 16

Since his companions seem to be trusting the spider-elf, Belkior tightens the straps on his haversack and prepares to walk. He's hoping, though, that this "short-cut" doesn't involve climbing. He likes the ground well enough and doesn't see any need to get any farther from it than he needs to.


Shadow 
Wednesday October 4th, 2006 10:19:31 AM
Shadow keeps quiet during the exchange, and sees the reaction of the 'spider-elf' when Xenia brings the chalice out. He watches patiently as Arm gets it and then breaks it on the rock. He is startled to see what happens to Arm, but does nothing. He notices the 'guardian' seems okay once the chalice broke.

Not wanting to be noticed, Shadow will remain near the back and make sure the group is covered just in case the 'guardian' is not as friendly as it seems.

Xenia (2nd Illegal Post)  d20+19=33 d20+14=24
Wednesday October 4th, 2006 10:28:14 AM

"Much easier to ditch something later than it is to get something back once you need it, Arm," the girl rogue replies. "Looks like maybe the crack you made let all the air out of it anyway. Leastwise, Spider Guy there don't seem bothered by it anymore."

"Hey, Ash," Xenia calls over the message spell, "you ask the Drider how he knew we had the Cup?"

Then, out loud, "Anyone else here notice that Spelfie over there knew that what we were carrying was a ... whadja call it, Ash? ... a vessel? I mean, without seeing it, Spider Guy knows it's a cup thing."

"Now I'm not saying this makes him a bad guy and all. But it means there's more here that we're not seeing. Maybe clues to stuff that might be important."

"Sure wish we all could talk to him. Got a lotta questions."

The rogue takes a good look around before the group moves out after the ... Spelf? (Spot 33, Listen 24)

Thar ail Baerer 
Wednesday October 4th, 2006 10:49:15 AM
Seeing that Arm stumbled after breaking the chalice, Thar runs over to check him and make sure he is OK. (Heal Check???)

If he is OK, Thar will say "OK group, we should consider following this Spelf thing, as we've been talking for a while and I'm still not happy being in this wide open area, where we could be attacked easily."

He'll move to the front and wait for his fellow ranger to join him in taking point.

Wynn  d20+6=16 d20+2=7
Wednesday October 4th, 2006 5:50:22 PM
The bard takes up position next to Xenia and readies to follow the drider. "Ask him his name!" he calls out to Ash. [Spot=16; Listen=7]

Conner  d20+4=20 d20+3=12
Wednesday October 4th, 2006 5:53:10 PM
The fighter replaces the javelin into his quiver, re-shoulders his pack and readies to leave. "Better to have a guide than stumble about in a foreign land" he mumbles to anyone within hearing distance [Spot=20; Listen=12]

Mira 
Wednesday October 4th, 2006 6:29:38 PM
"Excuse me," says Mira, nodding to the wizard, as she goes to check on Arm. Arriving after the little cleric has already made his enquiry, she waits for the bard's response.

When they start the trek, following the half-spider creature, Mira admits to Arm that she would like to see the chalice ground into powder as well, but she explains that she trusts Xenia, and is sure the half-drow wouldn't let it fall into the wrong hands.

Secretly, the sorcerer is worried about Arm's reaction when the chalice was broken. She wonders at what the connection must be between the bard and the goblet, but no answers come.

Lang & Sunshine 
Wednesday October 4th, 2006 7:32:09 PM
Lang nods silently at Angus's wish.

"Sunshine heel."

With his shortswords out he is ready to follow the creature and lead the large group.

Edmund (2nd, illegal post) 
Wednesday October 4th, 2006 10:24:34 PM
When Xenia picks up the chalice and puts it in her pack, Edmund's brow furrows.

"I think it is better to smash it into little bits. The sooner we are entirely rid of it, the better," he opines.

Edmund looks around, trying to remember who he was supposed to stay near. Angus, was it? Now, which one was he?

Syr 
Wednesday October 4th, 2006 10:27:32 PM
Syr nudges Kadaz with an elbow, " 'Spelf' See you started a trend." Calling from his position in the rear, "I'm all for the fast route. If not get ahead, I at least want to pull even."

Short-Cut (DM JohnP) 
Wednesday October 4th, 2006 10:44:48 PM
Xenia gathers the fragments of the chalice, wondering about the lingering magic that it seemed to hold. After she does this and looks around the clearing, the spider-elf leads the party away from the clearing and the cultists' trail through the jungle. Lang and Thar are not too far behind the creature and Ash has moved closer to be able to translate. The creature talks quietly over his shoulder as he walks. As he moves, the two rangers notice that he does not leave a trail that can be followed by conventional means but the bugbear ranger still notices the spider-elf's unique scent. The spider-elf doesn't seem to be following any path but the way is easy and free of obstructions. The two rangers and Ash think that the spider-elf is taking a direct path through the woods.

"Guardian is my name. I gave up any other when I chose to walk the forest paths and accepted the Curse. The Corrupter placed the Curse upon my people ages ago, when this land was his domain. My ancestors were the Corrupter's soldiers and killers, guarding his borders against those who would attack him. Now, we still guard the borders of his land to keep away those who would awaken him."

"This group you pursue is the most serious threat my people have faced for many, many years. Even now, they are crossing the Plain of Stones and should arrive at the Corrupter's tomb tonight. My people spied that much out but could not follow them."

When Ash translates Kadaz's question about the cultist party, the spider-elf pauses for a moment before answering.

"When they entered the Plain of Stones, there were eight living and ten walking dead, carrying the burdens. The path that I am taking will get us to the Plain of Stones more quickly, perhaps early enough that you can deal with those who wake the Corrupter before they break into his tomb."

Xenia falls in with Arm, who suggests disposing of the fragments. The bard, however, doesn't disclose what happened to him when he collapsed. Not even to Mira, who walks nearby. Both clerics, Belkior and Thar, examined him and could not find anything wrong. Xenia worries about how Guardian knew about the chalice and when Ash asks again, Guardian answers.

"The Corrupter made us sensitive to his magic, and that practiced by his followers. Whatever the reason, today it allows my people to identify those who use the same magics."

Edmund stumbles along with the others, trying not to think about tea and crumpets at his favorite lunching spot or the pleasures of studying an arcane text for hours, puzzling out a spell. Wynn and Conner join the line following the spider-elf through the jungle.

Behind them all, Shadow and Syr keep pace while watching the spider-elf.

++++++

The spider-elf guides the party quickly through the forest. The rangers' impressions were correct -- Guardian took a route that was both more direct and easier. The party quickly left the clearing and were back under the high canopies for the remainder of the day. During the trip, even the rangers did not see any threatening wildlife even though they could hear sounds and see (and smell, for Lang) sign of large beasts.

As he walks, he quietly converses with Thar in Elven. As the day progresses, Guardian gradually speaks in a version of Elven that is closer to modern, close enough to be understood by most of the party at least.

Near the end of the day, the observant notice a structure or platform built high in the trees, over 200 feet above the forest floor. Watching carefully, they can see humanoid figures moving about the platform, seeming to perform household activities. A watcher notices the party and calls down in the ancient elven that Guardian speaks.

Friend! Foe!

Guardian raises two forelegs from the ground, waving them in acknowledgement. When pressed, Guardian answers evasively.

"My people, those who have not accepted the Curse. You cannot disturb them. We shall meet more Cursed soon and they will have word of those we pursue. We will be spending the night near the upper edge, not far from the Plain of Stones. It is best if you travel the plain during the cool morning hours."

The party travels into the early evening, after dusk under the tree canopy. Pointing ahead, the party sees a mass of webbing suspended a short height above the forest floor between two trees. Guardian leads them to a ramp that leads up the webbed mass. The ramp has been covered with leaves and twigs and whoever steps on it finds that they can move freely without becoming stuck. Guardian motions up towards the webbing.

"Come, my fellow Cursed have built this place for you."

Edmund 
Wednesday October 4th, 2006 11:23:58 PM
Trudging along, Edmund finds himself in the unpleasant situation of trying not to think about something. This, of course, only makes him think about it all the more. By the time the group reaches the shelter the Cursed have constructed, Edmund's thoughts are practically consumed by thoughts of scones, crumpets with butter, steaming tea, and mountains upon mountains of books. Only the most cursory of examinatory glances is necessary to destroy any hope of finding tea, scones, or books. Edmund sighs.

"No tea anywhere, I'll warrant."

After looking around, Edmund is only too happy to rest until the morning, when they are due to set out for the Plain of Stones. In fact, when Edmund finally sits down, he almost immediately dozes off sitting upright, smiling faintly as he dreams of a Plain of Scones, bordered by the shores of a steaming lake of tea.

Thunir 
Thursday October 5th, 2006 1:51:29 AM
Hefting the Urgosh onto his left shoulder, I walk stoicly and without word with the others. Watching and listening to everything around the group.

When arriving at what will be called the camp for the night, I volunteer to take the first and last watch.

We may be in a camp of supposed friends, but I will not throw caution to the wind.

And then I proceed to set up my bedding and then help those others do the same.

Arm 
Thursday October 5th, 2006 5:59:41 AM
Grateful for the assistance, Arm smiles at Thar, Belkior and Kadaz, assuring them that he is ok.

As they continue their march, he leans close to Mira and whispers, "When the chalice broke, I felt as if something was wrenched from my soul, and suddenly I felt better than I have in a long time. Perhaps that will be the end of my nightmares. As for disposing of the chalice..I am more concerned with the enemy finding it on us and taking out their aggression for its demise rather than it falling into the wrong hands.".

Once they reach the encampment, Arm looks apprehensively at their accomodations, then reaches out tentatively to touch the webbing, confident that if he becomes stuck, the others will help him. IF everything seems ok, he follows the rest to their lodgings then says, "I still think we should post a watch, even if our hosts aren't aware of it. Who wants to go first?".

Kadaz 
Thursday October 5th, 2006 7:17:22 AM
Kadaz replies to Arm's question about watches. "We have enough fighters to allow the spell casters to sleep the whole night. And I doubt that any real threat will pass by these spelfs unnoticed."

Kadaz carefully climbs onto the web loft and makes himself comfortable. He bounces up and down a bit to make sure the surface will hold him. "I wonder why this is in the air. Insects on the ground maybe?" he wonders aloud.

Angus Mage Armor 
Thursday October 5th, 2006 8:43:33 AM
Angus is somewhat excited about all of the happening. "This is all very interesting." Angus mumbles to himself.

When Ash translates that the Guardian feels the magic that is practiced by the corrupter and his follower Angus asks Ash to translate a question from his elvish "Ash, what types of magic can Guardian feel and what has he felt lately from the evil cultists? Also, please ask him if he knows why the evil cultists are in his land." Angus is hopeful that it is not to easy to reanimate a lich king.

Upon seeing the web house, Angus looks to Guardian and in elvish adds "Thank you for your help and this fine abode."

Shadow 
Thursday October 5th, 2006 9:30:27 AM
Shadow starts feeling better about the situation right now, but then as they travel and he remembers why they are here. He tries to keep a watchful eye out, but is starting to succumb to the feeling that they are safe with the 'spelf'.

When they reach their 'lodging' he looks at it and waits for others to test it out. He will remain on the forest floor until he sees Kadaz jump up and down on it. He then proceeds upwards. "I agree we should keep watch, and I can do any of the watches." He starts to get his dinner of trail rations together and sits and eats quietly. Listening for the answers from the 'spelf' of the groups questions.

Xenia 
Thursday October 5th, 2006 11:46:15 AM
Not a word. Xenia moves with the group without a word as they make their way through the forest behind the mysterious Spider Guy. Instead, she tunes herself to all the stuff around her, the little sounds and movements of the Big Lizard Forest, the ways of her companions around her, the trail as it changes putting roots and holes and rocks under her feet. But most of all, she tunes herself to Wynn. Swinging her eyes in sync with him to cover more of the forest, moving her body with his rhythm. The passage through the woods moves like a dream this way.

Even the dark of evening under the canopy of trees is lit bright to Xenia's elf-born sight. She lifts her eyes to take in the web platform the Spidies made for them. They're in this deep now. Nothing to do but go on with the idea that these Spider Guys are helping them. No sense taking it any other way.

"I'll take a watch with Wynn," she volunteers. "You need to rest now?" She reaches out to him, her arm slipping around his waist, her hand to the small of his back. "I'll be right up. I ... I just gotta check one thing. It's ... probs nothing ... " The rogue's face contracts into a frown of concern. "But I gotta check it."

With a small hug, she disengages from Wynn. Then she walks straight over to the Guardian Guy. Straight up, she stare s at him, straight into his eyes, watching his face.

"Xun dos harl'il'cik ulu l' ilythiiri?" she says in her book learned Undercommon.

Mira 
Thursday October 5th, 2006 12:55:07 PM
Intrigued by the drider, Mira tries to work her way closer to the front of the group in order to hear what he is saying and catch Ash's translation. She finds the creature's dissimulation a little sad, and wonders at the self esteem of one who would refer to himself as 'cursed'. Although his form is odd, even kind of ugly, it certainly provides the half-elf/half-spider with some...benefits.

Clutching the silver and emerald pendant at her neck, the woman wonders if others of mixed race consider their heritage a blessing or a curse.

Following the group up the leaf strewn ramp, she stops, unconsciously holding her breath, when the dusky skinned rogue confronts the one who calls himself Guardian, in a foreign tongue.


Belkior 
Thursday October 5th, 2006 1:17:24 PM
The halfling cleric follows along with his companions, skipping over the small obstacles and making short detours for the larger ones. It's times like these ... along with stairs in big people sized buildings ... that he wonders why he tries to keep up with big people. Still, there are times that he can simply duck under branches and fern fronds that his companions have to push aside.

When they party reaches the sleeping .. web, for lack of a better term ... Blkior moves up beside Ash. He's had a question bothering him all day.

"Ash, Guardian said that there were eight living people in the cultist party. But he didn't say more, could you ask him about that?"

After watching kadaz enter and bounce on the webbing, Belkior will gingerly follow. This is getting very close to climbing into the trees. Why doesn't this spider-elf sleep in a nice, snug burrow under a tree root?


Angus (second illegal post) 
Thursday October 5th, 2006 7:24:08 PM
Angus stretches and asks Guardian. "Should we have a fire? Or is it dangerous here?"

Angus looks around as the others start to set up a camp. "The spellusers should take first watch again. If there are not objections. It looks like we will have a big day tomorrow."

Ash 
Thursday October 5th, 2006 8:10:23 PM
While not his home, the "Guardian" has led him to a place close enough to cause Ash to feel homesick. Keeping his misgivings about the "Guardian" to himself, Ash follows quietly, listening to everyone and everything, but keeping close to Shelya (just in case).

Considering Belkior's request, he turns to Guardian while walking, and asks about the living people in the cultists party.

Thar ail Baerer 
Thursday October 5th, 2006 9:51:14 PM
Thar will closely follow "Guardian" through the undergrowth, watching for any unwelcome surprises. Once their final destination is reached safely, Thar nods appreciaively at the impressive structure that the elves have set up.

"Very nice home you all have. Your architecture is truly beautiful," he adds, enjoying the sight of homes made out of natural items. "I'm truly sorry that you are in this situation though and I'll do my best to help you eliminate these evil cultists."

"I'll take a watch, and will go 2nd," he says to his companions.

While waiting, he unobtrusively walks around the area, especially looking for escape routes, if the elves become hostile.

DM Announcement (DM JohnP) 
Thursday October 5th, 2006 10:14:24 PM
Crimson Shields - BigTim has asked all of us to post over on the Shields board as a planning and introduction process.

See you there!

Syr 
Thursday October 5th, 2006 10:29:45 PM
Calling from the back of the group when they stop, "Hey Ed! Maybe no 'T' but at least we have a few I's around." He points a finger at his left eye keeping a solemn expression on his face.

Yawning and streching out on the webs, "I'm for last watch again, besides I like these wierd hammocks. Just grab me when it's my time."

Last Day in the Woods (DM JohnP) 
Thursday October 5th, 2006 11:02:25 PM
Almost everyone has entered the webbing when they see the other Cursed that Guardian mentioned. It's difficult to tell, but these creatures seem younger and they defer to Guardian when he enters. After Ash asks about the cultist party, Guardian converses with the other spider-elves. Their hushed conversation is in the ancient form of Elven and some members of the party are able to overhear. Those who speak Elven understand more of the words after listening to Guardian for the day.

Listen DC 10 -- Highlight to display spoiler: {Group .... Gone ... Fight ... Away ... Negative ... Return ..."}

Guardian turns to Ash and speaks slowly, allowing the druid to translate.

"As I said, eight living. They entered the Plain of Stones this afternoon and my fellows could not follow them any further. But my fellows heard signs of a fight out there, probably with the plains beasts. That is why you should go in the morning when it is cool and the plains beasts are less active."

"My fellows say that one or two of the living ones were either tied or being assisted by the others. Some were injured in the fight near their boats, so it may either way."

It seems that the spider-elves have also provided hammocks for everyone to sleep in, familiar after the time aboard Thunir's boat. While everyone is dropping packs and preparing to rest, some of the spider-elves carry in great wooden containers holding water. Their gestures make it plain that these are for washing. Looking around, the party notices that these people use very little metal. Their weapons look very similar to those found at the scene of the first battle -- well crafted wood and leather but crude metal.

After people wash, the spider-elves carry in baskets of fruit and vegetables. Some are familiar while others are exotic -- strange fluted fruit shaped like a star; prickly shells with sweet-smelling flesh the consistency of custard; something that smells appalling to most of the party; and a cabbage-like thing that smells like new-mown hay. When Guardian sees the party looking for more food, he speaks and Ash translates for him.

"Sorry. My people rarely use fire, living as we do in structures like this either on the ground or above. I thought that these things would satisfy you, since I understand that your people rarely enjoy flesh unless it has been seared with fire. If I am wrong, my fellows will acquire reptile, bird or furred as you desire -- living or dead. Your companions, though, are much like the furred creatures in the Cursed Forest. They may find some food below the webbing that is to their liking."

When people start trying the fruit, they find all of it to be quite tasteful. They even find the fruit that smells like worn foot-wrappings forgotten for weeks under a bed tasty, if they can get it past their noses. With the clear, fresh water provided by the spider-elves, it's a simply and barely satisfying meal.

Guardian bids the party goodnight and begins ascending the webbing. When he reaches the peak of the structure, his front spider-legs start tugging at webbing that he produces from the underside of his spider body. In a very short time, Guardian has bound himself to the webbing and allows himself to hang freely. It's a strange sight, after days of unusual sights, and will probably plague the sleep of Belkior.

++++++


The night passes quietly for all. Those on watch do not see any sign of creatures although they occasionally hear what seem to be other spider-elves moving in the trees. Perhaps their patrols are keeping the jungle creatures away.

The spider-elves bring in more fruits after the party begins waking in the morning. Again, Belkior rises with the dawn to pray and request spells. While the fresh fruit is a nice treat for the vegan cleric, he thinks that his companions may be breaking out trail rations this morning.

As everyone is eating and preparing for the day, Guardian stirs and climbs down from his perch. He stretches his forelegs and reaches back with his elven hand to pluck at a patch of matted fur on his back. When everyone is ready to proceed, Guardian leads the way through the forest. The jungle appears different in this last stretch. More stone outcroppings and boulders are visible through the undergrowth. The giant trees that form the uppermost canopy are fewer and it is now possible to catch glimpses of the mountains. The mountains are much closer than anyone expected -- either they traveled further or faster yesterday than they thought or this is simply a spur of the mountain range.

Finally, the edge of the jungle is in sight. The giant trees end and even the second canopy trees diminish until the party is walking through only the ferns. Suddenly, like a line drawn by a ruler, the ferns end and the grassland of the Plain of Stones begins. The reason that Guardian and his fellows use that name isn't apparent, since it looks simply like verdant grassland. Across the grass, the party can see herds of creatures and the foothills of the mountains. One hill, closer than the others, stands out because of it's cone shape.

Guardian speaks to Ash again, pointing across the Plain of Stones and then to the north.

"I can approach no closer. The trail of those you pursue is only a short distance in that direction. Even if you do not find the trail, that hill is the Corruptor's Tomb and it is their destination."

"Cross now, before the plains beasts become active. If those you pursue turn back, my fellows and I will prevent their departure."

Guardian stands there, waiting. He might be willing to answer questions or he might simply be waiting for the party to depart.


Thunir  d20+13=27
Friday October 6th, 2006 3:33:41 AM
Slinging his Urgrosh across his back and pulling out and readying his bow, I will begin looking for signs of recent tracks. (Within the last hour)
Search for tracks: 27

Thunir opts to take the lead, using his ranger abilities to guide the party across the grassland before, like the guardian suggested, the beasts begin stirring.


Supplemental (DM JohnP) 
Friday October 6th, 2006 7:24:21 AM
When Xenia speaks a few words of Undercommon, Guardian looks at here and then to Ash.

"What language is it that she speaks?", Guardian asks Ash.



Kadaz 
Friday October 6th, 2006 7:27:50 AM
Kadaz looks at the Plain of Stone in front of them and tries to think about what could be out there.

"Ash, please ask the spelf some questions for me. These plains beasts, how big are they? What do they look like? And how do they fight, singly or in packs, in the open or from ambush? And when we get to the Corruptor's Tomb is there anything we should take care not to do?

Angus - Mage Armor 
Friday October 6th, 2006 8:45:26 AM
Angus's thoughts echo those of Kadaz and he nods his head at the warrior at his well thought out questions for Guardian.

At the grass lands, Angus coats himself in mage armor. "Ah, that feels soo good."

Angus turns to Guardian and attempts to thank the drider in elvish. "Thank you sir. You have been and honored host and we appreciate your hospitality. If we do not meet again, live well."

When the group heads out, Angus takes his spot in the middle with the other spell users and suggests "We are getting close, lets spread out our line a bit to avoid any nasty spell type surprises."

Angus looks to the front of the line "Lead on Lang and Thar, show us the way." Angus dons his big leather floppy hat.

Arm  d20+11=29 d20+4=19 d20+11=28
Friday October 6th, 2006 9:52:38 AM
Arm eats tentatively of the food provided, but once he sees that no others are adversely affected, he eats his fill. He has no trouble overhearing the conversation (listen=29), though he has no idea what to make of it. Turning to Mira, he relates what he hears in hopes that she may have a clue.

Once they reach the edge of the jungle, Arm draws his sword in preparation of a fight, if need be (spot=19, listen=28).

Shadow  d20+3=12 d20+3=15
Friday October 6th, 2006 11:02:38 AM
Shadow even though is suspicious of the 'spelf' he will enjoy the meal and the hammock that has been fashoned for him. Once it is his turn for watch he will find a comfortable place near the ramp up to their 'web cabin' to watch for anything out of the ordinary. He then thinks, 'How is any of this ordinary?'

Once the group arrives at the 'plains' he follows the gestures of Guardian and waits for translation from Ash, since he can only catch a phrase or two. He then unslings his bow and nocks an arrow. "Well we should get moving."

Actions:
Listen=12
Spot=15

Xenia  d20+19=25 d20+14=23
Friday October 6th, 2006 12:09:54 PM
The confused look upon the face of the Spider Elf Guy hits Xenia like a fresh comforting breeze. She closes her eyes and her body visibly relaxes.

"Diole lle." Thank you, she says in elfish. "Diole lle." She smiles, and dips in a little curtsy before the Guardian.

Worries of the evil drow now banished from her mind, the forest loses some of its previous menace. The girl rogue dives with relish into the feast of new weird fruit stuff. Even trying the stinky fruit. Collecting her own stash of fruits of each kind, Xenia settles in next to Wynn. Carving and peeling, she feeds the choicest pieces to her guy.

"Wonder what they call this stinky fruit, Wynn?" she asks. "Prickly Bomb. No. Ouchie Fruit. No. Dorian. No. I guess we'll never know. Not bad stuff, though."

The night passes peaceful between the big old trees, all snuggly with Wynn. It's a good way to spend the night before you gotta head out to a place called the Plain of Stones.

"Aa' lasser en lle coia orn n' omenta gurtha," Xenia says to the Spider Elf Guy at the edge of the Plain of Stones. Kinda formalish. And not the kind of thing she'd say every day. But here, on the edge of the Big Lizard Forest bordering on the Plain of Stones it just seems ... kinda right.

May the leaves of your life never turn brown.

It's, like, a goodbye. Never knowing if you're gonna see each other again. And just before marching out across the plain into monsterland where you're gonna be chasing down some culties bent on raising up a crazy lich guy, well, that just seems right.

Xenia draws a potion out of her bag and grips it in her hand. Not gonna be any place to hide out here.

"Yup, lets get going," she says, echoing Shadow's words. Eyes and ears peeled, the dark rogue walks out onto the Plain of Stones, good or bad, today feels like a day of destiny. (Spot 25, Listen 23)

Wynn 
Friday October 6th, 2006 12:13:08 PM
The bard spends a restfull night in the safety of the drider's lair. He spends as much time as possible asking questions and listening to the story of the corrupter, his vanquish, and their cursed role in life.

In the morning he takes his normal position in the marching order. Once at the Plain of Stones he cannot help but wonder why it bears such a name. He asks the Guardian why it is so.

Conner  d20+4=18
Friday October 6th, 2006 12:18:20 PM
The fighter marches along with little effort. Years of military service have accustomed him to long marches. He knows how to set a pace that can be kept, when to rest, and when to simply knuckle down and move on.

Once they arrive at the grassland he surveys the area for danger and the safest route to the tomb site. [Spot=18]

Conner secures his shield to his forearm and slips a javelin from the quiver across his back in preparataion for the next stage of teh march.

Mira 
Friday October 6th, 2006 1:15:47 PM
Mira helps herself to the foodstuffs provided by their hosts. She makes sure she takes only enough to satisfy her hunger, ensuring she leaves plenty for the rest of the party.

The sorcerer is quiet, preferring to keep her eyes and ears open as she watches the interactions of her party and the spider folk.

Thar ail Baerer  d20+6=12 d20+10=14
Friday October 6th, 2006 2:22:28 PM
Thar will follow Thunir, helping to watch their path and look for trails. He'll keep his eyes and ears open, looking for footprints or any other tell tale signs that their foe has left.

Knowing that Thunir is more experienced than he is, Thar will gladly pick up any advice that Thunir can give on tracking. "I'm looking forward to eliminating anything that evil, especially those who create undead," he adds to the conversation

He'll have his swords ready, hoping that he doesn't need to use them in battle.

Track =12 (ouch, another low roll...)
Spot = 14 (yet another, what is it w/ this dice roller...)


Edmund 
Friday October 6th, 2006 3:08:41 PM
When Edmund wakes up--which he does with a bit of a start--he rubs his eyes and looks around.

"So it wasn't all a dream, what? How disappointing. I guess we really will have to fight the Evil Elf Sorceress Queen and the Invincible Lich King after all."

Picking up a few pieces of fruit, he wrinkles his nose and manages a few mouthfuls, coughing a bit. "Not entirely pleasant, eh? I think... I think I've had enough."

Edmund looks to the other group members nearby and shakes his head.

"Strange dream I had--I was in a great library, and there were all these books, and tea, and the most wonderful scones. It was lovely! But, there was also this fruity voice which kept talking in undercommon. It asked me, over and over again, if I knelt to the Drow. The strange thing was, every time it asked, I had my mouth full. When I swallowed and answered, the voice had already... left. If that makes sense? Then, I'd go and take another bite, and it would come back and ask me, again! It was very frustrating. Just the sort of thing you'd expect to dream after the past day's events, though. No tea anywhere, and these things what are very similar to driders."

After relating this, Edmund goes off to study his spellbook, readying himself for the day's upcoming pleasantries. He returns in due course, smiling broadly.

"Well, I'm all set, if you are. No reason to delay, I suppose. It's the early bird as catches the worm, and it's early still. Anyway, the way I see it, the sooner we go the better. Either we go to triumph, in which case I shall soon have tea and books to hand once more; or we go to death, in which case, the tea and scones won't be a matter for concern. In either case, the longer we delay, the hungrier I become, so let's make an end of it for good or ill. It's not the dying I'm afraid of--just the waiting for an outcome which is so intolerable."

Edmund sets about his final preparations, fussing for some time with his cloak, despite all his protestations of 'readiness'. Soon enough, though, he is ready to go, surprisingly even more cheery than before. Indeed, the closer the moment of peril draws, the brighter his countenance seems to become. Perhaps there is something to his philosophy after all.

Syr 
Friday October 6th, 2006 7:55:01 PM
Syr tries to hide his disappointment when he hears that the other group is still ahead of them. Moving over to Angus, "Hey boss, it sounds like we are still playing catch up. You may want the scouts to range farther ahead to avoid an ambush."

Lang & Sunshine  d20+14=28 d20+6=20 d20+6=19
Friday October 6th, 2006 9:12:57 PM
Lang & Sunshine move back in front with Thar. For the most part Lang walks with his quarterstaff in hand.

"Go ahead Thar you take point. I'll follow a short distance behind with Sunshine"

Track 28
Spot 20
Listen 19

When they get to the spot where the spider creature will not advance, Lang will switch to his long bow.

"Thank you Guardian", Lang says in common even though the creature cannot understand him.

"Well let's get going. We have some undead to return to the earth. And probably a few live ones also."

Lang strides forth onto to plains taking point.

Belkior 
Friday October 6th, 2006 10:57:14 PM
The halfling cleric grimly tightens the straps on his haversack and performs another check of his pouches and cases, ensuring that all of his healing magics are present. His little cat feet are shuffling as he waits for Guardian to answer all the questions.

"We've got cultists to fight and undead to put down. And I don't want to meet these plains beasts that Guardian is talking about."

On the Plain of Stones (DM JohnP) 
Saturday October 7th, 2006 11:13:08 AM
Before the party bids farewell to Guardian, they have some parting questions. Ash dutifully translates and waits for Guardian's response.

"Some plains beasts may be no larger than you but many, most actually, are many times my size. The plains beasts are all scaled. Some fly but most walk upon the earth. It is the smaller meat eaters, the ones that hunt in packs, those you should worry most about. They sometimes pursue prey into the Cursed Forest, too close to my people's lodges. The large meat eaters usually do not bother with something as small as myself, let alone you. The big ones rarely enter the Cursed Forest."

"It is ages since my people went to the Corrupter's Tomb. We no longer have any knowledge of what it contains, except that the closest and most trusted servants of the Corrupter were sealed there to serve him for eternity."

"The Plain is now mostly grassland. Ages ago, the Corrupter's city stood there. The name comes from that time, when it was covered with buildings."

Considering that Guardian is larger than any of the party, nearly eight feet high and more than that long, the plains beasts must surely be massive. While thinking about that, the party bids Guardian farewell and they strike into the grassland. Guardian clasps his elven hands over his torso and dips his body slightly. He stays there, watching the party as they move deeper into the grassland.

++++++


It's only a short time before Thunir and Thar pick up the trail of the cultists. As before, the cultists have made no effort to hide their tracks. After some study, the three rangers conclude that the same number of cultists and undead are still walking. The trail leads straight into the grassland. The ground dips and rises, often allowing the party glimpses of things across the Plain. The mountains, of course, are always visible directly ahead. At this time of morning, the western faces are still cloaked in shadow. The conical hill that Guardian identified as the tomb is also directly ahead.

Finally, they spot of herd of creatures to the south. After judging distance, those skilled in estimating opponents figures that the smallest of these things is twice the size of Guardian. Fortunately, the creatures seem to be grazing on the grass which is now higher than Belkior, waist or chest high on everyone else.

Knowledge Nature DC 10 -- Highlight to display spoiler: {The creatures are giant reptiles called dinosaurs, herbivores and unlikely to bother the party unless the party approaches too closely and frightens them into a stampede.}

Xenia and the others who are watching occasionally spot bleached white stone sticking through the turf. As they move deeper into the grassland, the stone becomes more frequent. Finally, the scouts see what could be portions of two massive pillars lying on their sides. If the pillars were completely exposed, they might be 20 feet in diameter and over 100 feet in length.

However, the scouts' attention is drawn to the flattened grass near the pillars and the bodies heaped there. Some shiny and reflective things, they can't tell what, lie on the grass near the bodies. Lang and the animals can smell putrefying flesh that the cool morning breeze can't dispel.

Lang spots some movement in the grass on the far side of the clearing and hisses a warning to Thar, Thunir and the others behind him and Sunshine.

Crouching at the edge of the clear area where the path enters, the party has time to decide how to investigate. Or decide to simply detour and avoid this potential trap. Looking into the clearing, Xenia and Shadow figure that there is enough cover to sneak out. And the distance to far side of the clearing is great enough to have warning of whatever is lurking there.

Xenia  d20+19=20 d100=58
Saturday October 7th, 2006 5:19:17 PM

"Don't like this setup."

Crouching at the edge of the grass, Xenia looks out over the clearing.

"I mean, that look natural to you, Lang? Ash? The way the grass is all flat like that? And, you know, maybe it's just the way my mind works and stuff, but I see a rolly thing like those pillars, and I see flat grass and dead bodies. Well, it's like, my mind just sorta puts the two together. You know what I mean?"

Xenia eyes the length of the pillars and the area of the flattened grass, comparing the length of the pillars to the width of the grass.

"Way I see it, if this is some sorta really really big trap, then we can do things three ways. One, we can try go around. Two, we can try run right though it. Three, we can try and disarm it. Sum'pin this big, I dunno, could take a bit of time to disarm. Going around could take time too. And not only we gotta catch those Culties, but the longer we stay out here the more chance we got of being lizard food."

"That sound about right, Shadow?" she consults with the rogue from the Plateau City group.

"Plus ... we got whatever-it-is waiting on the other side." The rogue strains her eyes to pick out what it is over there, but something in the rays of the sun or the wave of the grass makes everything look the same. (Spot 20 /Nat 1)

"Angus, you know, if we could get one of the Scoutie types up into the air, they could maybe tell us what it might cost us in time to go around. Could maybe even get a glimpse of what's on the other side of the clearing."

"Meanwhile, I might have something here that may tell us if this thing is a trap or not." The rogue pulls a gray bag out of her haversack. She reaches into the bag and pulls out a ball of fur. She lays it on the ground and it becomes a rat. (Bag of Tricks, Gray 58=Rat)

"Hey, guy." She pets the rat on the top of its head with the tip of her finger. "I got a job for you."

Edmund 
Saturday October 7th, 2006 7:52:40 PM
At the hissed warning from Lang, Edmund smiles--though rather emptily. Looking about the field, which lives up to its name, he lowers his head for a moment. "So we've come to it, eh?"

Drawing his crossbow and readying it, he prepares to shoot at the first thing which threatens the party.

"They're not going to be interested in surrender this time around--not these ones. So, if I'm going to die, I'd like to go out with a bit of a sting to my touch, what?"

Edmund takes up a position near the rear of the group, a wan smile on his face.

"Now, it's your move."

Kadaz 
Saturday October 7th, 2006 8:33:30 PM
The chest-high grass has made it difficult for Kadaz to see much more than the butt of the person in front of him. But he does notice Edmund preparing his cross bow.

"Hey, Edmund" the dwarf whispers. "I know you haven't been in many fights. I have. So here is a tip. Everyone should do what they're best at. Fighter types like me move up and face the enemy. Quiet, sneaky types scout out the opposition, then hang back and use bows. And spell casters like you are supposed to use your brains and cast appropriate spells, either to attack the enemy or aid others in our party. And I guarantee that you will be much more effective casting spells than trying to shoot that bow."

Kadaz explains this in a calm, rational tone of voice. But if that mage really tries to shoot his crossbow Kadaz fears for those in the front of the party.

"Holding that bow will prevent you living up to your potential. Can you please put it away? I promise you, I've got your back."

Edmund (2nd, illegal post) 
Saturday October 7th, 2006 9:12:06 PM
Edmund listens to Kadaz, but shakes his head.

"If you absolutely insist, but I hope you realise I don't know a single attack spell--in fact, I can't even learn them, or use items which cast them. And, out here in a field, the spells I have are not going to be of much use. If we were were in a little room, or a corridor, or a cave... it would be different.

Frankly, I don't know how much use Web will be, and my Mist will just diffuse. There's very little I can do with my spells."

DM Sanity Info.
L.0: Daze, Detect Magic (x2), Read Magic (x2)
L.1: Charm Person, Colour Spray (x2), Grease, Obscuring Mist, Sleep
L.2: Daze Monster, Glitterdust, Hypnotic Pattern, Web
L.3: Hold Person, Slow, Suggestion

Kadaz (2nd post)  d20+1=12 d20+5=14
Sunday October 8th, 2006 6:37:01 AM
"Ed, I think you're selling yourself short," Kadaz whispers back. "While all of your spells might not be effective everytime we meet enemies, I think with a little imagination you could be the difference between life and death in some cases. You just have to watch, be ready, and make the best use of your spells. What spells can you cast?"

While talking with Edmund Kadaz keeps an eye on their back trail, and the grass surrounding them. Birdie is also on high alert now, he senses something is up. (Kadaz spot 12, Birdie spot 14)



Xenia (2nd Illegal Post) 
Sunday October 8th, 2006 9:33:31 AM

Xenia reaches behind to her bag again, though her attention never leaves the strange clear field of flat grass.

"Here Ed," she holds out a wand, "take this. It's got magic in it that'll shoot a ray. The ray weakens guys for about a minute. Might even work against Zombies, and the ray just needs to touch 'em to work."

"If we're lucky, they're wearing enough armor to stick'em down to the ground with this. Very least, it'll save some of our fighter guys some pain, I'd think."

"I was thinking to stick near Belkie and use it myself. But now I think it's probs best for me to get in there quick and foozle the Cultie magic guys. I'm not quite used to working magic anyway. You probs put better use to it, yeah?"

"Take it if you want. It's good stuff."

(Wand of Ray of Enfeeblement.)

Ash 
Sunday October 8th, 2006 10:36:47 AM
<OOC: Sorry guys, lost track of time and didn't realize I'd missed a post>

After a day of translating, Ash, is still no wiser as to the situation. However, he is defintely more cautious. Keeping his thoughts to himself, he watches as the rest of the party discuss options.

Thar ail Baerer  d20+4=5
Sunday October 8th, 2006 12:26:54 PM
Thar listens to Xenia and sees her plan with the rat. "Good idea, Xenia. I'm not fond of entering a trap, but we need to keep moving, as I don't want the cult to walk up on us, if we're ahead of them. I like your idea of someone flying up in the air and doing some recon work. Shadow or you would be prime candidates for that."

After observing the creatures in the distance, Thar is unable to decipher what they might be (Know (Nat) Check = Nat'l 1). "What do you guys think those might be?" he asks his fellow ranger.

"Ed, Kadaz has a good point re: your spells. Those 1st level spells you've memorized can change a battle quickly. After all, charming an enemy caster can tilt the balance in our favor."

Edmund (3rd, illegal post) 
Sunday October 8th, 2006 12:56:50 PM
Edmund frowns darkly, beginning to look a bit annoyed--and also a bit angry. He shakes his head bitterly as he looks to Xenia.

"Do I tell you what to do, or what you can and cannot accomplish? No, you are an adult--I presume you know how to do things. But you ignore me, you patronise me, you treat me like an idiot. Did you not listen to me? I have just said I cannot use such things. I am not wrong--I know my own abilities!"

Edmund turns away, scowling at the ground. This is too much like being at home, in some ways. He feels a knot in the pit of his stomach, and clenches his fists in frustration.

"Just because I am new to the group... it does not mean I am stupid! I am tired of being treated like a child who does not know his own name. I am tired of being patronised and pushed about. I wish you would just stop!"

Edmund turns around and walks as far away from Xenia and the others as he safely dares. He folds his arms and stares across the plain, biting his lip to prevent tears.

"I hate it," he whispers. "If this is an adventure, I could have stayed at home for the same thing--only without the threat of death. I wish I had!"

Syr 
Sunday October 8th, 2006 6:58:28 PM
Listening to the others telling Edmund what to do he frowns to himself. As the spell caster approaches whispering to himself, he waves a hand over beckoning the human. "Ed, don't worry about them. Shake it off. Remember the goal. We are here to stop the cultists and their evil magic. You just do what you think is right. If things do get hairy, I wouldn't mind a little help from your bow with whoever I am going up against. However, you will have to be fast to keep up with me."

Giving the mage a tap on the back, the whispers in his ear, "Now c'mon think of the big picture and get back up there and make a difference."

Xenia (3rd Illegal Post) 
Sunday October 8th, 2006 7:01:26 PM

A dark cloud moves across the face of the flame-headed rogue. Her eyes narrow and her gloved hand tightens into a fist.

But then her gaze flicks to the opposite side of the clearing. Slowly, she pulls in a deep breath. And slowly she lets it out again.

"Was just offering," she says pretty much to no one at all. "Mira, Angus, if you think you might wanna use it, just sing out."

Then she puts the wand back into her havrsack and returns her attention to the stuff that needs to get done.

Lang & Sunshine  d20+3=12 d20+6=20
Sunday October 8th, 2006 7:57:08 PM
Dinosaurs?! Lang thought they were creatures of myth.

"They're dinosaurs. They are large and stupid. Shouldn't bother us unless we get to close to them."

Lang ignores the heated conversation going on behind him. He tries to see more details of the movement and the flattened area.

Spot 20

"I don't thinks so Xenia. The pillars look like they haven't moved in a long time. More likely it is just the aftermath of another battle."

"I could go up and take a look."

Edmund (IVth, illegal post) 
Sunday October 8th, 2006 9:38:37 PM
Edmund looks up from his reverie when Syr speaks and, after a moment, joins him. Edmund's eyes turn down again, focusing on a point somewhere between his feet, as Syr speaks. At first, Edmund doesn't give much indication he has even heard what Syr said. He simply stands, looking at the ground. After a moment, he nods slowly. "I suppose," he says. "I suppose."

Edmund glances over to the rest of the group unhappily before speaking quietly to Syr. "When I was at home, my younger brother always treated me as if I was an idiot. 'Explain everything to Edmund. Tell Edmund precisely what to do. Make sure you use small words so Edmund can understand.' One of the reasons I was so keen to leave was to get away from being treated like a child. No matter how far I go, though, I am still shoved around, ignored, and treated like an infant."

Edmund frowns at the ground. "I know I'm not the smartest half-elf in the world, I know I'm not the best Wizard, or the cleverest fellow. Still, I hoped..."

Edmund shakes his head and turns away. "'Do as you're told, Edmund.'" he says, wryly, with a bitter smile on his lips. "Yes, I'll be over there in a moment. It's not as if I have any real choice, anyway, do I?"

Belkior 
Sunday October 8th, 2006 10:01:44 PM

Belkior watches the exchange between Edmund and the others with unease. It is with a sigh of relief that he turns back to the clearing as Syr steps up to patch things together.

"Getting someone up above might give us an idea of how far we have left go go as well, Angus," the cat-legged halfling adds to the opinions expressed so far. "And they might spot the Cultist from up there too."

Day's Spells
0 - Detect Magic**, Detect poison*, Mending*, Read Magic*
1st - Bless*, Detect Evil, Hide from Undead, Magic Stone, Sanctuary* (Protection from Evil+)
2nd - Delay Poison*, Hold Person*, Owl's Wisdom*, Resist Energy*, Spiritual Weapon (Aid*)
3rd - Blindness/Deafness, Dispel Magic*, Prayer*, Searing Light* (Magic Circle against Evil+*)
4th - Death Ward, Neutralize Poison+*, Summon Monster IV (Holy Smite+*)

Shadow  d20+3=19 d20+3=10
Monday October 9th, 2006 9:40:18 AM
"Yes, that sums it up fairly well, except that I can think of a fourth although really part of three. That is for the two of us to follow the cover and see what this is all about with the rest of the group ready to back us up." Shadow looks at Xenia and shrugs.

When Edmund, Kadaz and then Xenia get into it, Shadow just steps back and listens to the discussions. He shakes his head, but does not offer anything.

Actions:
Spot=19
Listen=10

Arm  d20=12
Monday October 9th, 2006 11:19:18 AM
Having only heard descriptions of them and seen some crudely drawn pictures, Arm is amazed at the sight of actual dinosaurs (knowledge: nature=12). He is more drawn to the hint of treasure among the bodies. He is tempted to go and investigate, but seeing the caution of the others, he holds back for the moment. Searching the ground, he finds a palm-sized rock and heaves it as far as he can in the general direction of the bodies, hoping to trigger a trap if there is one (OOC: I don't know if I needed an attack roll for this...if so, I'll do it on tomorrow's turn).

Depending on what happens (if nothing), Arm seeks out Angus and apologizes for his recent temper towards him and the rest of his group, "Since the chalice has been broken, I feel much more myself, though I'd STILL like to see the end of this cultist threat.".

Syr (5th illegal 2nd post ever) 
Monday October 9th, 2006 3:46:26 PM
"Bah! Pay them no mind, 'idiots' are those like me that don't seem to have a knack for magic and spells." He shrugs his shoulders and points to his head.

As the belaguered mage walks off with his head down he grins ruefully at his back, "Choice? Well... not unless you ironed out the details for draining the lake. It might be a long swim home otherwise."

Edmund (5th!, illegal post) 
Monday October 9th, 2006 4:58:48 PM
When Syr mentions draining the lake, even Edmund's dark mood cannot prevent the tiniest hint of a smile crossing his lips. Despite himself, he feels a little better.

Scott the Southern One 
Monday October 9th, 2006 5:34:37 PM
Role Call

Crimson Shields
Syr XXXXX
Xenia XXXXX
Lang XX0XX
Wynn XX0XX
Angus XXXXX
Belkior XXXXX

Plateau City
Ed XXXXX
Ash XXXOX
Arm XXXXX
Shadow XXXXX
Kadaz XXXXX
Thar XXXXX
Mira XXXXX
Conner XXOXX


At the Clearing (DM JohnP) 
Monday October 9th, 2006 10:17:39 PM
The party bunches up at the entrance of the clearing, staring across it and wondering how to proceed. The fallen columns lie half-buried in the turf with small shrubs and other vegetation growing around and over them. The grass has been flattened, presumably from the battle that resulted in the dead bodies heaped in the centre of the clearing.

Xenia frets over the possibility that this is a trap of some kind. She can't make out anything about whatever is waiting in the grass on the far side of the clearing. After asking Angus to get an aerial scout, she summons a scout creature of her own.

Edmund fades to the back of the group, drawing and arming his crossbow. He frets that his selection of spells will be less than useful in this situation. Kadaz offers some advice about the coming fight, if there is one, and the two discuss the matter. The discussion prompts Xenia to offer a wand

Ash stands by.

Thar also can't spot anything about what is waiting on the opposite side of the clearing.

As the debate concerning magical tactics continues, Syr offers the mage some encouragement.

Lang sees a bit better, thinking that creatures of some description are lurking in the grass on the far side of the clearing. From what the ranger can see, the bodies heaped in the centre of the clearing seem more decayed than they should be for a battle that happened less than a day before. His nose tells him the same thing. The shiny things look to be weapons. Lang offers to advance and investigate.

Belkior watches the goings-on with some concern. He also urges Angus to send an aerial scout out.

Shadow suggests that he and Xenia go ahead to scout, with everyone else ready to pile in if things go bad.

Bored with waiting, Arm picks up a chunk of stone from the turf and hurls it into the centre of the clearing near the bodies. Absolutely nothing happens except that some small carrion-eaters scurry away from the corpses.

Nothing else happens in the clearing. The corpses are still heaped in the centre of the clearing. The things still lurk in the grass on the opposite side. Looking about, Lang and Thar think that the group can go around the long side of the clearing and avoid whatever is lurking in the grass.

DM Addendum -- I realize that today was a holiday for many people. I made a DM post to keep things moving and hopefully clarify some points. I can have a map of the clearing posted up tomorrow, if that would help.


Xenia (AC24, HP 48/48)  d20+16=32 d20+19=24 d20+14=32 d20+16=30 d20+16=31
Monday October 9th, 2006 10:34:55 PM

"Alright, so we scout. But first I wanna little edge."

Xenia draws a scroll from her haversack. She opens it and takes a look. With a little frown, she edges closer to Belkior. Then she smiles, and as she reads from the scroll, the parchment crumbles and the magic transfers to her, adding speed to her stride.

She draws two potions. One, she holds onto. The other, pops its seal with a flick of her thumb. As she drinks her dark skin hardens.

"Right. I'm ready," she whispers. She reaches up on her toes and brushes Wynn a kiss on the cheek. "I'll be right back."

"Who's going with me? Gonna go out as far enough to see what's waiting on the other side. Maybe see what's up with the bodies in the middle too."

"Angus, got that Message thing still? Would sure come in handy."

"Alright, c'mon little Ratty Guy. You take off first. She gives the rat the Seek command and a 30 foot lead before she follows it across the grass, low and slow, using the shadows of the natural cover.

Rolls and Actions
UMD 32 vs DC21 for scroll of Longstrider
Spot 24
Listen 32
Move Silently 30
Hide 31 (1/2 speed)

Active Effects
Longstrider (1 hour)
Barkskin (30 min)

Arm  d20+4=10 d20+11=31
Tuesday October 10th, 2006 5:51:36 AM
It having been far too long since the last time he could use his sword, Arm grips its pommel firmly and sets off after Xenia to provide backup for her, ever watchful for danger (spot=10, listen=31-nat. 20).

Wynn 
Tuesday October 10th, 2006 6:56:58 AM
The bard shakes his head in disbelief at Edmund's petulance. "So much for the dignity of elven blood" he thinks to himself.

When Xenia readies to go forward, Wynn readies his bow and moves to the very edge of the clearing in support.

"It must have been quite a battle" he comments to the guardian. "I'll want to hear the full story when I return, "as well as what magic keeps you from venturing across the area."

Conner 
Tuesday October 10th, 2006 7:00:18 AM
The fighter moves forward to support the scouting party should it form. "If we are going to go, then let's go!" he urges. "The guardian said we should go before these plains beasts awaken. A quick and rapid movement enmasse should give us the greatest tactical advantage."

Kadaz  d20+1=11 d20+5=14
Tuesday October 10th, 2006 7:08:04 AM
Watching Edmund sulk makes Kadaz wonder what in the Wold could have driven this mage out and into an environment he's obviously totally unsuited for. But right now, that's not his problem.

"Heads up everyone" he whispers. "Sounds like they're going to try something up at the front." Kadaz keeps his attention focused on the back. (Kadaz spot 11, Birdie spot 14)


Belkior  d20+8=14 d20+8=23
Tuesday October 10th, 2006 9:32:05 AM

"Wait!" The cat-footed halfling holds up a hand to those about to go out to scout the battle site. "Have you considered that the bodies out there may be the undead that the Cultists created the act as porters? Now that they're near, they no longer need them and have set them here as a guard or maybe a trap in case they were followed."

Belkior hops up and down once or twice to get a better look at the view beyond.

"No use," he sighs. "If I could get up closer I might be able to detect the evil from them. But as it is, I can tell you that the most common way to create undead produces zombies and skeletons. So look for those among the bodies up ahead."

"This may help as well." Belkior holds his hands out, forming the symbol of Alemi. He intones a prayer and then touches each of the scouts. "You should be undetectable to most undead now. Be warned, though, the spell will end if you attack them in any way."

"Keep in mind that this may be an attempt to slow us down too. To give them time to reach the Tomb and raise the Lich."

Rolls and Actions
Cast Hide from Undead (Can cast on up to 8 people)
Spellcraft 14 (These rolls to justify player knowledge.)
Knowledge Religion 23

Active Effects
Hide from Undead (80 minutes)

Day's Spells
0 - Detect Magic**, Detect poison*, Mending*, Read Magic*
1st - Bless*, Detect Evil, Hide from Undead, Magic Stone, Sanctuary* (Protection from Evil+)
2nd - Delay Poison*, Hold Person*, Owl's Wisdom*, Resist Energy*, Spiritual Weapon (Aid*)
3rd - Blindness/Deafness, Dispel Magic*, Prayer*, Searing Light* (Magic Circle against Evil+*)
4th - Death Ward, Neutralize Poison+*, Summon Monster IV (Holy Smite+*)

Thar ail Baerer  d20+10=20 d20+8=17 d20+8=12
Tuesday October 10th, 2006 10:26:09 AM
Anxious to get moving, Thar will join the scouting group, but stay near the rear, knowing that the more skilled members should be up front. He has his swords ready, hoping that they won't be needed. Knowing that he has nothing of relevance to add to the conversation, he simply says "I'll join you in the scouting group."

Otherwise, he tries to be as stealthy in the weeds and grass, hoping to make as little noise as possible and not attract undue attention. He closely watches what Xenia does and ensures that he is supporting Conner and Arm.

Spot = 20
MS = 17
HiS = 12

Lang & Sunshine  d20+6=9
Tuesday October 10th, 2006 12:33:46 PM
Lang & Sunshine follows along behind the scouting group. They will space a little distance away from the rest of the support group.

"Everybody stay alert. And make sure nothing approaches from the back unseen."

Spot 9


Angus 
Tuesday October 10th, 2006 12:35:11 PM
"Belkior I could change you into a flying creature if you want to move forward in the air. I could change anyone else for that matter."

Angus remains near Belkior amongst all the fighters.

Edmund 
Tuesday October 10th, 2006 12:35:24 PM
Edmund slowly moves back towards the rest of the group, but keeps his crossbow out as he has nothing to cast for the moment. When and if he has a use for his spells, he will use them, as he has in the past.

He keeps the crossbow lowered and, when Belkior mentions the corpses might be an undead trap, turns and faces those bodies in the intention of shooting any of them which might take to their feet, provided he can get a clear shot in.

DM Sanity Info.
L.0: Daze, Detect Magic (x2), Read Magic (x2)
L.1: Charm Person, Colour Spray (x2), Grease, Obscuring Mist, Sleep
L.2: Daze Monster, Glitterdust, Hypnotic Pattern, Web
L.3: Hold Person, Slow, Suggestion

Shadow  d20+3=8 d20+3=22 d20+10=17
Tuesday October 10th, 2006 1:20:35 PM
Shadow follows Xenia out into the clearing trying to stay at the edge of the tall grasses. He will have his bow out just in case of trouble. He knows he can not keep pace with his fellow rogue, so he tries to move forward quickly.

Actions:
Spot=8
Listen=22

IF needed:
Hide=17

Ash  d20=18
Tuesday October 10th, 2006 6:22:11 PM
Ash asks Shelya to guard Xenia. He then prepares to cast Barkskin on Shelya.

Syr 
Tuesday October 10th, 2006 8:21:25 PM
From the back of the group, the elf watches Belkior hop up and down trying to see, "Interesting." is his only brief comment. With that he continues his scan behind the group looking for any signs of trouble. To Kadaz, "You know an attack from above would be very effective with so little cover around on the plains..."

NPC Thunir (DM JohnP) 
Tuesday October 10th, 2006 10:04:28 PM
The dwarf ranger draws his bow and stands back with Wynn. He would have joined the scouts but didn't act before Belkior had shielded all of them with his spell.

Into the Clearing - Round 1 (DM JohnP) 
Tuesday October 10th, 2006 10:55:16 PM
A decision is reached and several scouts prepare to venture across the clearing towards the bodies clustered near one of the fallen columns. Before they strike out, Xenia commands her rat to range ahead, heading towards the corpses. Then she has to wait while the tiny creature moves through the grass.
DM Note -- Minimum of 1 round for the rat to make this distance.

Belkior's whispers for the scouts and others to wait and accept a spell that will hide them from any undead.

Ash casts a protective spell on his companion Shelya and asks her to guard Xenia.
DM Reminder -- Please make Handle Animal rolls to command Shelya. If you want her to use skills like Hide, or to Track, please make skill rolls for her.

Xenia leads a scouting party with Shadow across the grass towards the corpses. Shelya paces at Xenia's heel, possibly giving away the rogue's location. Of course, if it is undead watching, all of them are shielded by Belkior's spell.

Arm, Conner, Thar follow to support the scouts. Lang and Thunir are slightly ahead of them with Sunshine.

Wynn moves to the edge of the grass with his bow drawn, preparing to cover the ones doing the scouting.

Angus stays near Belkior, behind Wynn. Edmund is nearby, still holding his crossbow since he thinks that none of his spells will be effective in this open area against undead. Ash is also there, watching his companion cross the grass. Mira waits patiently with them.

At the back of the party, Kadaz keeps making sure that nothing sneaks up on them from the back. Syr is back there with them, scanning the skies as well in case there is an airborne opponent.

The rat has just made it up to the corpses when a human male without weapons or armor runs into the clearing from the other side. He's nearly to the centre of the clearing before he notices the scouts and others inside the clear and is skidding to a stop on the grass.

"What!? Who are you lot?", the man manages to shout before some skeletal monsters burst from the grass from the spot where Lang had spotted the movement. The monsters run and jump on their hind legs and are nearly able to reach the recent arrival but cannot attack.

Spot DC 10 -- Highlight to display spoiler: {The skeleton looks a lot like the creature's body at the boat landing. Right down the impressive teeth, the claws on each front leg and the ripping claw on each hind leg.}

Covered by Hide from Undead
Arm
Conner
Lang
Shadow
Shelya
Sunshine
Thar
Xenia

Hide from Undead information.

DM Note -- Combat Time now. Map is linked showing approximate positions. Please post intended destination or I will simply place you where I think you intended to go.

Players act next -- then monsters.

MAP


Bin  d20+6=25 d20+4=5 d20+3=11
Wednesday October 11th, 2006 12:27:49 AM
Seeing the skeletons before he hears them, the small frail human stands boldly before the undead and says "By the power of Domi, be gone from here!" Not altogether taking his attention from the group.

Spot 25
Listen 5
Turn Undead 11

ed. DM JohnP - Bin, you've rolled your turning check to determine how powerful of undead you can turn. Can you roll a turning damage (2d6 + turning levels + CHA modifier)? I'll roll for you if you don't check the board before tonight.

Arm (ac: 14 hp 27/27)  d20+4=22 d20+11=29
Wednesday October 11th, 2006 5:55:21 AM
Under cover of the hide spell, Arm pauses for a moment to watch the scene play out before him, unwilling to give away their positions to the undead. As an aside, he says to whomever is closest to him, "If that fool isn't careful, he'll give us all away.". He then scans the area for more undead (spot=22, listen=29).

OOC: The map is down, so I couldn't give an exact position for Arm.

DM JohnP 
Wednesday October 11th, 2006 7:49:19 AM
Yep, it looks like my ISP's web server is down so no map right now.

I'll keep checking and, if it's still down, go to my second option. That option is still available, Al?

[ Yes. Fortunately I had the map up last night and it's still there now. All I have to do is copy it and then put it up on Imageshack. Here it is. --Al ]

Map

Mira (AC 13, 40 HP) 
Wednesday October 11th, 2006 9:31:49 AM
"Move or let me through!" hisses Mira. The sorcerer will follow her companions as they move forward, or else squeeze past them in order to get a better view of the man who is calling out. "For good or bad, we can not let this man be taken by the creatures!"

Mira will do her best to get close enough for her magic to reach the things that are chasing the man, trying to stay behind any of the party that move forwards to help him.

Mira feels the palms of her hands tingle as she anticipates the use of magic.

DM Sanity Info:

Full round action to get within 100 ft. of creature closest to Bin. If possible, place Mira somewhere along line 30.

Thar ail Baerer 
Wednesday October 11th, 2006 9:43:32 AM
"Oh heck" he mumbles to himself, trying to decide whether to remain hidden or help the man running from the skeletons. "I'm going to mover closer, as I can't turn them from this far. I may be able to do it in a moment," he says to Arm and Conner.

He decides to move forward as far as possible, but ensures that he remains within the spell hiding him from the undead.

Move = 30'(Assuming each square is 5') to T28.

Shadow  d20+3=6 d20+3=6 d20+3=15
Wednesday October 11th, 2006 9:51:27 AM
Shadow will move up and to his right (AD,40). He will remain ready to assist, but does not want to break the spell just yet. He will look for further danger to the man and group. He however is distracted by the skeletal creatures, trying to figure out where he has seen them before.

Actions:
Spot=6
Listen=6
Spot=15

Xenia (AC24, HP 48/48)  d20+19=39 d20+14=16
Wednesday October 11th, 2006 11:20:28 AM

Blown! They're blown. Doesn't matter who this guy is with. If there are Culties out there, they know something's stirring now.

"HEY YOU!" The slim dark-skinned girl dressed in midnight black stands up in the grass and shouts at the little guy facing off against the lizard skelies. "Run this way! Draw 'em this way!"

"Shadow," Xenia talks fast as she pops the seal from the potion in her hand, "the Culties are out there somewhere, whether they're making for the Tomb or they're waiting to ambush us. Either way, we gotta find out. I'm gonna go up in the air and take a look."

"Meanwhile, try and make it so they come to us instead of us going to them. Could be Culties behind the pillars waiting to ambush us. We'll find out."

The rogue drains the potion.

"Bye, Kitty." She pets the fur on top of Shelya's head. "Wish me luck." Then the dark rogue shoots straight up into the air and spins in a circle, searching the ground for sign of the cultists.

Rolls and Actions
Drink Potion
Spot 39 /Nat 20!!!!
Listen 16

Movement and Position
Y25 (30 feet up)
(1/2 speed for upward incline)

Active Effects
Longstrider (1 hour)
Barkskin (30 min)
Fly (3 min)

Belkior (AC20, HP 60/60)  d20+6=20 d20+8=27
Wednesday October 11th, 2006 11:52:20 AM
Something's going on up ahead.

Belkior calls upon Alemi for greater Wisdom. Then as quickly as possible he scrambles forward and out into the open to a position at Arm's side.

"Looks like the Cultists have made undead of some of your Dinosaurs, Lang," he says. As he surveys the scene Belkior wracks his brains for what he might have learned in Seminary regarding Skeletal Undead, their strengths and vulnerabilities. He must have been particularly attentive that day for it all comes streaming back to him.

Rolls and Actions
Cast Owl's Wisdom
Spot 20
Knowledge Religion 27 (Undead Lore for Skeletons)

Movement and Position
20 feet to T34

Active Effects
Hide from Undead (80 minutes)
Owl's Wisdom (8 minutes)

Day's Spells
0 - Detect Magic**, Detect poison*, Mending*, Read Magic*
1st - Bless*, Detect Evil, uHide from Undead, Magic Stone, Sanctuary* (Protection from Evil+)
2nd - Delay Poison*, Hold Person*, uOwl's Wisdom*, Resist Energy*, Spiritual Weapon (Aid*)
3rd - Blindness/Deafness, Dispel Magic*, Prayer*, Searing Light* (Magic Circle against Evil+*)
4th - Death Ward, Neutralize Poison+*, Summon Monster IV (Holy Smite+*)

Ash 
Wednesday October 11th, 2006 1:41:18 PM
"Oh dear, more of these undead beasts-things like we encountered in the CITY. I must help Shelya."

Ash casts Magic Fang on Shelya. He then proceeds to look for a good location to overlook the party so that he can run to aid anyone who might need healing.

Kadaz (AC 24, HP 63)  d20+9=16 d20+5=23
Wednesday October 11th, 2006 4:10:54 PM
At the back Kadaz sees nothing of what's coming. But by what Xenia said something is attacking someone in the clearing.

He reaches ahead to touch Edmund on the back. "Birdie, defend" he orders, hoping the dog can give the mage some help. Birdie obediently trots up to stand by Edmund's feet. The guard dog bristles a bit as he looks around for threats, growling at the grass. (Kadaz handle animal 16, Birdie spot 23)

Kadaz will remain at the back of the party, advancing behind the last person. He will move as fast has he can (20' normal, 40' move move) if the next to last person moves up that much.



Edmund 
Wednesday October 11th, 2006 7:58:25 PM
Edmund jumps when the undead creature spring into view and finds himself frozen in position for a moment, just staring as events unfound. "Good heavens!" he exlaims, entirely shocked by the creatures, even though he had been trying to prepare himself.

When Kadaz touches his shoulder, though, he recovers himself and moves forward (as far as he can, if necessary) into the clearing, being careful to stay near other group members who are capable of protecting him.

Unsure of what to do specifically, and not wanting to hit any of the people running around, he doesn't fire his crossbow, but remains ready to act if a spell is needed or a clear shot becomes available.

Bin Berry (AC 11/23, HP 45)  2d6(6+1)+11=18
Wednesday October 11th, 2006 8:30:31 PM
The power of Domi fills the small man as he unleashes holy power against the animated foes.
Hit Dice 18

Spells
0-*Detect Magic, *Detect Poison, *Guidance, *Light, **Resistance
1- *Detect Evil, *Entropic Shield, *Protection from Evil, *Sanctuary, **Enlarge Person
2- **Cure Moderate Wounds, **Find Traps, *Bull's Strength
3- ***Cure Serious Wounds, *Dispel Magic, *Prayer
4- **Cure Critical Wounds, *Divine Power, *Air Walk

Wynn 
Wednesday October 11th, 2006 8:40:16 PM
The bard moves forward, sliding to his right. If the stranger runs towards the party, and the skeletons follow, they may expose themselves. Wynn will also provide cover for any who remain behind him.

Position Y27

Conner 
Wednesday October 11th, 2006 8:45:03 PM
"Lets go boys!" calls the fighter, as he swings his shield around to cover his burly chest. Conner stays abreast of Thar.

Position: V28

Syr 
Wednesday October 11th, 2006 8:59:50 PM
Hissing to Kadaz, "What's going on? I can't see between everyone and this darn grass." The 4'10" elf bounces up and down trying to figure out what is happening in the clearing up front. Mindful of the others, he begins to work his way as close to the front as possible. (will rely on DM's discretion)

Lang (AC 24; HP 100/100; Sunshine AC 23; HP 47/47)  d20+10=25 d8+5=10 d8+5=7 d20+6=9 d20+6=9
Wednesday October 11th, 2006 9:05:09 PM
Lang watches as the Shields and their new friends move into action to help the man who is running from the skeletons. He hopes this is not part of a big trap.

"Let's not get too separated. Stay with your partner. This could still be a trap. We do not know if this guy is a cultist or not. Be alert!"

Lang moves closer to the man and the battle scene. Ending up in cell W25. He readys an arrow shot if enemy approaches him.

Ready Standard action:
Longbow (PBSm) - Hit AC 25; damage 10 & 7 before DR

Lang continues to look and listen.

Spot 9
Listen 9

Angus 
Wednesday October 11th, 2006 9:20:16 PM
Angus moves forward with Belkior. He is a little too far away for he magic to be effective at this point.

Cell S34.

Spell Slots:
0 level 0/6
1st level 0/8
2nd level 0/8
3rd level 0/6
4th level 0/4

Into the Clearing - End of Combat (DM JohnP) 
Wednesday October 11th, 2006 9:49:16 PM
The party begins reacting as soon as they see the human run into the clearing and the undead charge out of the bushes. Arm, shielded by Belkior's spell, scans for other opponents but doesn't see any.

Mira pushes her way past the others on the pathway and runs into the clearing. She gets as close as she dares and then halts. The undead skeletons seem to notice her but are intent on their first prey. Thar also moves closer.

Closer to the action, Shadow moves close to the corpses while watching the skeletons. As he nears the corpses, he sees no signs of movement among the obviously decayed bodies.

Xenia drinks a potion and soars into the air above the clearing. From this vantage point, she looks over the area and sees ... nothing except grass, the skeletons and the decayed corpses. And she sees more whitened stone sticking above the grass in all directions.

Belkior casts a spell upon himself and moves into the clearing. Looking at the skeletons, she recalls everything that he ever learned about them. They resist anything but bludgeoning weapons, and are immune to cold and quick. From the looks of them, he should be able to turn them if he got close enough. Angus moves along with him.

Ash realizes that he can't get close to Shelya to cast the spell upon her. He stays where he is, trying to determine where everyone is heading and wanting to be in the centre.
DM Note -- Magic Fang is a touch spell

Kadaz commands Birdie to protect Edmund and then charges into the clearing, the elven monk Syr beside him. Edmund stands ready to fire his crossbow or cast a spell, but sees nothing requiring either action.

Wynn runs ahead to near Xenia, trying to cover the people behind him and get a shot at the skeletons. Conner, Lang and Sunshine also run ahead towards the undead opponents.

As everyone is doing this, the newcomer holds aloft a symbol and calls forth divine energy. All of the skeletons collapse, falling to the ground in a shower of bone fragments and dust.

COMBAT OVER

++++++


In the silence that follows, everyone realizes that there are no more opponents only the destroyed bodies of undead animated by the cultists. From her vantage point, Xenia sees only herds of the plains beasts moving through the long grass. When she looks ahead she can see the steep-sided hill identified by Guardian as their destination. It looks like three or four hours of walking should get them to the hill.

The people on the ground can examine the area in peace now, without the threat of and undead. The rangers pore over the tracks and come to the conclusion that the cultists were attacked by a pack of the dinosaurs. With several of the zombies destroyed, the cultists animated the dinosaurs to guard their trail from any pursuers. The cultists don't seem to care about material goods since the shiny objects turn out to be silvered weapons. The final tally is four short swords and three longswords, all masterwork quality.

The newcomer also stands there, looking across the clearing at the party.

Loot
4 silvered masterwork short swords
3 silvered masterwork longswords



Thunir 
Wednesday October 11th, 2006 10:53:39 PM
Standing there quite impressed with this stranger, I walk up to him.

Placing a hand on his right shoulder, and looking at him in his eyes.
Well done lad, well done.

M'name is Thunir and anyone who uses the name of Domi and destroys dead stuff like that is a friend of mine. But tell me, what brings you out this way in just your skivvies and your god symbol?

Xenia (AC24, HP 48/48) 
Wednesday October 11th, 2006 10:55:12 PM

Um ... Like ... Whoa!

The dark rogue swoops down from above.

"No Culties in sight!" she reports. "Not from here all the way to the Tomb. They must be there already!"

"Hi." Floating in the air above, Xenia gives the little guy a wave of her gloved hand. "I'm Xenia. Who are you?"

Active Effects
Longstrider (1 hour)
Barkskin (30 min)
Fly (3 min)

Kadaz  d20+9=28
Wednesday October 11th, 2006 11:18:51 PM
"Hmmm, these undead don't seem to be so tough." Kadaz notices.

Birdie, release" Kadaz orders, letting Birdie leave Edmund. Birdie moves back to Kadaz. "Good job, you were ready for anything, weren't you" Kadaz says to the dog as he rubs his head and gives him a doggie treat.

Arm  d20+4=20 d20+11=18
Thursday October 12th, 2006 6:01:01 AM
Stepping up to the swords, Arm clears his throat and speaks a few arcane words in order to determine if they have any magical properties (spell: detect magic). Aftwards, he seeks out Thar to see if there is an evil aura about them.

If everything seems ok, he will stoop and pick up one of the longswords, sheathing his original one as well. If one of them has magic about it, that will be the one he takes.

When this is done, he looks toward their destination and prepares to set off (spot=14, listen=18).

Belkior  d20+8=19 d20+21=36
Thursday October 12th, 2006 10:18:52 AM

Belkior runs across the grass as fast as his cat legs can carry him. As he runs he examines the man for signs of religious affiliation, for surely this man must be a devotee of a God of power to perform such a feat.

"That was truly amazing." The halfling stands near the human and surveys the array of bones into which this man had deconstructed the Undead. "Four separate undead creatures at once."

"I'm Belkior Orvisson, Healer and Paragon of Alemi. It is an honor to meet someone with devotion so pure as to defeat these undead so quickly."

Then he lifts his eyes to Xenia.

"Are you certain that you see no Cultists?" he asks. "If that's the case, then they must already be somewhere in or very near the Tomb. We should hurry."

Then the halfling cleric hops quickly to the circle of fleshy corpses and runs a quick practiced eye over the remains.

"What did you say before, Lang? Eight living cultists and some ten zombies?" Belkior eyes reconstruct the remains upon the ground to come up with a body count of both freshly dead and destroyed undead. "That means that there are possibly eight cultists left and maybe three zombies, wouldn't you say?"

Rolls and Actions
Knowledge Religion 19 (To ID Bin's Religion)
Heal 36 (To identify the bodies)

Active Effects
Hide from Undead (80 minutes)
Owl's Wisdom (8 minutes)

Day's Spells
0 - Detect Magic**, Detect poison*, Mending*, Read Magic*
1st - Bless*, Detect Evil, uHide from Undead, Magic Stone, Sanctuary* (Protection from Evil+)
2nd - Delay Poison*, Hold Person*, uOwl's Wisdom*, Resist Energy*, Spiritual Weapon (Aid*)
3rd - Blindness/Deafness, Dispel Magic*, Prayer*, Searing Light* (Magic Circle against Evil+*)
4th - Death Ward, Neutralize Poison+*, Summon Monster IV (Holy Smite+*)

Thar ail Baerer 
Thursday October 12th, 2006 10:24:01 AM
Once the battle is over, Thar takes a deep breath and gives thanks that things turned out well. He moves to the new person and offers a hand, "Hello, my name is Thar ail Bearer, but you can call me Thar. Its nice to meet you and how did you come to be chased by those creatures? It appears that you are a fellow priest and again, its good to meet a member of the cloth." After a moment, he adds "What can you tell us about the cultists? We know quite a bit, but anything you can add is good."

He will pick up one of the shortswords, admiring its quality, especially that it is silvered.

"Well group, should we continue on and finish those cultists off? It appears it is still several hours to our destination."

Shadow  d20+3=16 d20+3=17
Thursday October 12th, 2006 12:55:37 PM
Shadow sees the newcomer deal with the skeletal 'dinosaurs', but thinks to himself, 'How convienent that was.' He will remain cautious and wait to see what happens when the others approach him. He will not put the bow away or the arrow that is nocked, but will lower the bow showing no sign of aggression.

Actions:
Spot=16
Listen=17

Bin Berry (Ac 11/23, HP 45)  d20+9=10
Thursday October 12th, 2006 2:08:34 PM
As those that greet him approch his face turns from one of rage at the unholy spirits inhabiting the animated bones to one of boyish good looks and a wide smile. The only thing preventing him from looking like a youth is the days long stubble that dots his normally clean face. His light blond hair is accented by his deep blue eyes. Wearing nothing but a loin cloth, his pale skin covers what looks to be bones, very little fat and scrawny limbs. As immaciated as he appears though, he seems full of energy and enthusiasim, waving to the people that seem to be a gift from Domi.
"Well hello to you as well, and thanks for the attempt to assist me. My name is Bin. Bin Berry to be exact. I am a priest to Domi and designated a Protector of Domi. It's a pleasure to meet you." He shakes each persons hand in turn, those that are there first and the others later.
"Wow, I knew Domi had a purpose for me, to be kidnapped by these fiends but when they spoke of sacrificing me to their gods was when I decided I needed to make an exit. I get ahead of myself though. So I will start at the beginning." His hands move about as he talks, as if he is casting some unknown spell. What a very animated person he appears to be. "So, no dung, there I was, on my way to visit this nice little old lady that likes to make me pies." His eyes glaze over as he thinks of the pie, then he snaps back to reality. "Anyway, I was walking my horse when I was hit by a spell, I presume. I went unconcious and when I awoke, my head didn't hurt, but I was bound, gagged and hooded. The degenerates carried me through my own city in a bag and I was helpless to escape. Once I even heard them stop a guard patrol for directions, while I was being hauled around. The indignity of it all. Anyway, they got a boat and we traveled through the jungle awhile. Then we got into the plains. They had two different battles that I heard of. One at a boat landing and another one here. There were more then there are now but I am still not sure how many remain. At least 2 men and a woman that I heard, all in need of some lessons on how to respect others." Hands and arms moving around faster as the story reaches it's end. "Well after the last battle here. I heard the zombies digging for hours and the cultists giving them orders until they found what they were looking for. They all sounded very excited, except the zombies of course, then they left me. When I got free I saw this large hole in the ground and that is where I presume they were going." Bin dosn't seem the least bit winded by his story so he continues on, "So, now I have a dilemma." he motions to himself from top to bottom. The only thing he holds is a piece of wood shaped like a shield with two twigs depicting crossed swords attached to the face of the wood. "I think my equipment was near the entrance, but I didn't dare try to retreave them in case they came back. However, if you will assist me to get my equipment, I will certainly help you bring them to justice. I can only reason that Domi wanted me here at this specific time and manner for a reason, I would like to follow through on this corse set before me." he finishes with a humble bow to his would be rescuers.

Diplomacy - 10

Xenia (AC24, HP 48/48) 2nd Illegal Post 
Thursday October 12th, 2006 3:05:33 PM

Xenia continues to hover in the air, her face screwed up into a mask of concentration as she works on sorting through all the stuff the little guy is saying.

Then the light goes on.

"So that's why I couldn't see the Culties anywhere! They went down a hole!" She swoops down quick and grabs up one of the silver shortswords.

"Show us where, Bin Berry! We'll help you get your stuff back. 'Specially if you can do the same thing you did here to the rest of their Cultie Undead."

Active Effects
Longstrider (1 hour)
Barkskin (30 min)
Fly (3 min)

Edmund  d20+4=24
Thursday October 12th, 2006 6:44:40 PM
Shocked and surprised by the sudden demise of the undead creatures, Edmund is silent when Bin Berry approaches. After the young fellow finishes his introductions, during which Edmund has been grinning like a maniac, Edmund extends his hand to Bin, beaming broadly when they shake hands. Edmund instantly decides he likes the animated Bin, and considers him the finest person they've encountered so far.

"Good heavens, what a tale you have to tell, my good man!" Edmund exclaims with delight. "I must hear it all again! --Though, perhaps, when the need to pursue an enemy is not so pressing? As for your equipment, yes, I agree, let us get it at once, that you might revenge yourself upon these foul cultists!"

Edmund himself is an animated and verbose fellow, and wastes no time getting to know Bin, smiling broadly and congenially all the while. In fact, it is the first time Edmund has had anyone truly interesting to talk to--that is to say, someone who talks as much, and as expressively, as Edmund does. Encounters of this sort are rare enough, and Edmund wants to make the most of it.

"Edmund Greenleaf. Pleasure to make your acquaintence, I'm sure. I think you mentioned pies? Good heavens, what I wouldn't give for a nice hot pie myself. Let me ask you, do you happen to have any tea on you? You know, we set out and no one thought to bring any? Leastaways I have an excuse, being preoccupied with my studies--but these good ladies and gents brought no tea, only these vials of medicine which, I suspect, is hardly the sort of thing one can settle down with of an evening. Dreadful! No bathing, either. Nor books. Nor proper beds, not by half. It's been a right mess, it has. Quite inconvenient. What with evil elf sorceress queens and invincible lich kings and cockatrices and ersatz driders, well, a fellow doesn't know which way to look, what? For my part, I just want to go home, have some tea, and pursue adventures of a slightly less daring sort. Perhaps we could rescue damsels from rather ill-mannered poodles, or some such."

"Luckily, of course, they've brought me along, and though I don't particularly care for this sort of in-depth, over-the-top, save-the-world adventure, I'm utterly averse to abandoning those in need, and certainly could not conscience letting the present company go down to death and defeat. No, in fact, I've saved us all a few times. Quite mightily, in fact. And provided invaluable and timely aid. I'm just far too modest to mention it. Often. But one does one's best, what what? Must forge ahead, protect one another, find the tea, and come out all right at the end. At least, that's the goal. The quest, you might say. You seem like the sort who knows this sort of thing! A fair fortune it is to meet you out here on the back of beyond! Well-met, well-met, and well-met again, Bin Berry!

(Diplomacy=24 [Natural 20!])

Syr 
Thursday October 12th, 2006 10:29:57 PM
Syr gets to the front just in time to see the action end. Shrugging his shoulders to show his lack of concern with the previous danger, he moves to the newcomer and interjects during one of edmund's pauses to breath, "Pleased to meet you, the name's Syrdeth."

In the Home Stretch (DM JohnP) 
Thursday October 12th, 2006 10:48:41 PM
The aftermath of the battle -- fight or squabble, rather -- is short and to the point. Several people, including Thunir and Xenia, approach the newcomer and greet him.

At the rear of the party, Kadaz calls Birdie to his side and rewards him for good behaviour.

Arm is more interested in investigating the bodies and the swords. He utters a few words and gestures, then studies them. He confirms that all of them have a faint magical aura about them. When Thar is called over, the cleric explains that he would have to use a spell to detect evil. After thinking about it for a bit, the two realize that any truly evil weapon would radiate a much stronger magic aura than these weapons do.

After Belkior introduces himself and briefly studies the newcomer. From what he can tell, the newcomer is a follower of Domi. Then he looks over the bodies of the fallen zombies and determines that there are three humans, a dwarf, a half-orc and two half-elves among them. While he is doing this, Shadow is studying the ground and notices that there is far more blood and gore than he would think from the combat. After conferring with the Halfling cleric, the two think that maybe more cultists were killed here and were raised as undead.

After all of the introductions, the newcomer names himself Bin Berry and launches into a lengthy explanation of how he ended up nearly naked in the middle of the Plain of Stones. The short version involved his being kidnapped by the cultists to serve as a sacrifice for their ritual, getting carried all this way and then escaping after the three surviving cultists descended into a hole of some sort. Edmund, sensing a kindred soul, eagerly explains what the group is doing. Except that he does so in a florid, highly entertaining manner that charms the new Protector.

During this lengthy discussion, Syr manages to squeeze in an introduction. Everyone else prepares themselves for the continuing hike. From her vantage point Xenia cannot see any cultists or other threats nearby. From her observations and Bin's recollections, it will take several hours to reach the hill. Depending on the number of breaks they take, the party should arrive in mid to late afternoon.

++++++


The walk through the grassland is both relaxing and tense. The setting is idyllic, in a way. The skies are clear and the mountains appear to be almost close enough to touch. In the distance, the keen-eyed spot huge flying creatures soaring on winds rising over the mountains. But those distant creatures remain in the distance. Closer, the party sees a few distant herds of the plains beasts grazing on the grass. Once, a large bipedal plains beast raised its gore-covered face from the body of a larger beast and gazed at the party. Obviously, it dismissed them as a threat when it returned to its interrupted meal.

The pieces of bleached stone become more frequent. Near the middle of the day, the party crosses a section where large flat panels of stone prevented the grass from growing. This spot seemed like a nice place to rest. Thunir pointed to a section of stone still standing and explained that the carvings were identical to those he had found in the ruins during his first trip to this area. When people look, they can see the repeated forms of what is now recognizable as spider-elves like Guardian.

Finally, after several hours of walking, the party is near the base of the steep hill. The hill is possibly a hundred feet high with steeply sloped sides covered in the same grass as the Plains.

Bin remembered that the zombies had beaten down the grass near the tunnel they had dug, maybe 40 feet or so out from the tunnel. When Lang and Thar figure that they are a couple hundred feet from the base of the tunnel, they halt the party. While the path is about 10 feet wide and stretches ahead, it wanders enough that the open area near the base of the hill cannot be seen. Or the party seen from there.

Now is the time to determine if they charge in en masse, or send scouts ahead to learn what awaits them.

Spot checks from everyone, please

Loot
4 silvered masterwork short swords (all with faint aura)
3 silvered masterwork longswords (all with faint aura)

DM Note - Please confirm in your next post if your character has chosen to use one of these weapons. If you use it in combat, treat it as a masterwork weapon (+1 Attack) and I will add any bonus.

DM Note 2 - The grass offers concealment at distances greater than 5 feet, but causes half movement. The trail is full movement.

DM Addendum - No post tomorrow night, as usual. Post on probably Sunday afternoon.


Angus - Mage Armor  d20+3=22
Friday October 13th, 2006 12:09:38 AM
Angus is impressed with this Bin character. Could be a nice addition.

Angus moves forward slapping backs and shaking hands "Nice to see everyone snap into action. I think we will work well once we do get to the cultists." There is a glint in Angus's eye when he speaks of the cultists.

Once he reaches Bin he extends his hand a thin hand "Angus Deminoff. Pleased to meet you. Very impressive work out there. Think you can do it again? Those we all pursue, and that now includes you, may very well have more undead to deal with. Are you ready to ruin the cultist's day and get your stuff back. If so lets go. Lead our rangers to their trail."

Angus looks around and then back at the hole. "Lets form up. Find a battle buddy. Bin you stay with the ranger as that will make a group of four in front."

Spot 22

Angus will make sure he is in the middle of the group with Belkior, Mira and Edmund.

Spell Slots:
0 level 0/6
1st level 1/8
2nd level 0/8
3rd level 0/6
4th level 0/4


Arm  d20+4=16 d20+11=14
Friday October 13th, 2006 6:00:43 AM
Going off by himself for a moment, Arm swings his new sword experimentally, and is satisfied with the balance of it. Before heading out, he makes a point of introducing himself to the newcomer, then falls in alongside Mira while he shows her his new acquisition. He is obviously very proud of it.

Once they get closer to the hole, Arm once again makes himself battle-ready and scans the area for trouble (spot=16, listen=14).

OOC: Arm took one of the silver longswords. :)


Xenia  d100=30 d20+19=30 d20+14=34 d20+16=35 d20+14=29 d20+8=23 d20+8=23
Friday October 13th, 2006 9:54:03 AM
With the hole now in sight, the girl rogue sets up to scout the way. After a good look and listen, she brings out the little gray bag again. This time, the ball of fur becomes a Bat instead of a Rat.

"Perfect. Your just the little guy we need." Actually it's kind of amazing how much uglier bats are than you'd imagine they'd be. Her haversack produces a scroll, and gets herself up close next to Belkior. Somehow reading these things is much easier around the little guy, and pretty soon the magic takes over and she can talk to the batty guy.

"I need you to fly down around that hole there and see if there are any living people like us, or any dead things that are strangely acting like they're living. Then come back here and tell me how many and where they are. Okay?"

"You guys ever work with bats before?" Xenia asks the woodsy type guys. "Dunno how smart they are. Hope this works."

Rolls and Actions
Bag of Tricks 30=Bat
Spot 30
Listen 34 /Nat 20
UMD 35 vs DC21 (Speak with Animals)
Bat Hide 29
Bat Spot 23 (Blindsense)
Bat Listen 23

Speak with Animals (1 minute)
Bat (10 minutes)
Bag of Tricks 2/10 per week.

Thar ail Baerer  d20+10=30
Friday October 13th, 2006 10:43:15 AM
Responding to Xenia, Thar says "I don't think they're very bright, but its worth a shot. It should be able to at least tell us if there ar a lot or a few and if they are close or not to the entrance."

"I recommend we have Belkior, Shadow, myself and Xenia scout ahead, if the bat idea doesn't work. I want to make sure we don't walk into an ambush, but you never know what will happen."

He begins admiring his new silver short sword and likes that it is silver. His preferred weapon is a short sword and this is a nice addition to his collection.

Spot = (nat'l 20, finally...) = 30

Edmund  d20+10=30 d20+3=7
Friday October 13th, 2006 11:42:13 AM
Edmund follows along with everyone else, chatting amicably with Bin if the opportunity presents itself, and explaining a great deal about his own past, very possibly to the surprise of everyone else. During this, he does not look around much, and probably sees very little of anything, so engrossed is he in conversation. (Bluff=30 [Natural 20!], Spot=7)

It emerges that Edmund has a younger (but apparently wiser) brother named Caspian who took over the family business of politics and oratory back in the Windbourne Hills. When Edmund left, Caspian was extremely supportive, and gave Edmund everything he wanted to speed him on his way. Edmund had the usual training in the Navy, the mage university, and a Wizard tutor, all of which ended much sooner than usual. Edmund is convinced this is because of his amazing capacity for quick learning.

Edmund tells some comparatively brief stories about some other adventures in which he stomped vampires (by removing their little hats), defeated an immense animated dire turnip (by pulling its sprouts out), and saw off two dozen imps (by singing deliberately off-pitch hymns).

Edmund also relates what the rest of the group recognises as a highly fictionalised account of the battle in Plateau City. In his version of events, the rest of the group was trapped in one of the store-rooms, pleading with him to save them. He duly obliged. Edmund apparently trapped the cultists in a web, destroyed the skeletons, and strong-armed the bugbear into submission single-handedly, aided only by a menacing tone of voice, his little dagger, and the single web spell.

Perhaps Edmund's memory is faulty. It seems each time he relates a series of events, they become even more grandiose.

If the other people in the group contradict him, Edmund will acknowledge whatever they say happily, but carry on as if they had not contradicted him at all, not amending his story in the least. Whatever the case, it is clear he is not operating from malice, as he is extremely pleasant and clement--in fact, he seems happier than anyone has seen him since they met him in Plateau City.

He's still sad about the tea, though.

Belkior  d20+6=18
Friday October 13th, 2006 11:51:47 AM
"I'm afraid I'm not very quiet, Thar," Belkior apologizes. "But, maybe I won't have to be if we'll be sneaking up on Zombies.

"And I should be able to detect any Evil presence even through the concealment of the grass."

Rolls and Actions
Spot 18

Day's Spells
0 - Detect Magic**, Detect poison*, Mending*, Read Magic*
1st - Bless*, Detect Evil, uHide from Undead, Magic Stone, Sanctuary* (Protection from Evil+)
2nd - Delay Poison*, Hold Person*, uOwl's Wisdom*, Resist Energy*, Spiritual Weapon (Aid*)
3rd - Blindness/Deafness, Dispel Magic*, Prayer*, Searing Light* (Magic Circle against Evil+*)
4th - Death Ward, Neutralize Poison+*, Summon Monster IV (Holy Smite+*)

Shadow  d20+3=4 d20+3=7 d20+3=22 d20+3=18
Friday October 13th, 2006 12:27:38 PM
Once it is clear to Shadow that the group feels there is no threat from this chatty fellow, he will move forward and lower his bow all the way. "I am called Shadow." he catches Bin's attention and nods then moves off to the end of the clearing checking out the trail.

Once the group starts moving again he will continue to try and spot any possible dangers to the group. He mumbles, "we couldn't be in a nice city doing recon, but out in this infernal tall grass." and shakes his head.

When Xania produces the ball of fur and it turns into yet a different animal Shadow says, "You will have to let me know the secrets behind that, how handy would that be?" the last part more to himself as he ponders something.

He is ready when the group is to enter the tunnel/hole.

Actions:
Spot=4
Listen=7

second set of actions:
Spot=22
Listen=18

Mira 
Friday October 13th, 2006 1:51:56 PM
While Bin explains his predicament and others in the large party introduce themselves, Mira drops her pack and digs around inside. Finding what she is looking for, she approaches the newcomer. "Here Bin, take this," she says, holding out a generic cotton tunic of the one-size-fits-all-unisex variety. "Sorry I don't have any breaches," she says, continuing, "my name is Mira, and I'm with a group of folks from Plateau City. You've met Edmund and Shadow, then there's Arm, Ash, Thar, Conner, Kadaz and some critters." Mira nods at the different folks as she says their names. "The rest are a group from Floating City. We're working together to track down the cultists of which you speak."

*****

Later, Mira asks Arm if she can have a look at his new weapon. "Must make sure there are no evil magics cast upon it," she says, looking meaningfully into the half-elf's eyes. (Detect Magic) Mira will share whatever information she gathers with Arm, and the rest of the party.

*****

Still later, as the group anticipate going down the hole, Mira asks those preparing to go out first if they want to be made Invisible?

DM Sanity Info:

Spells: (0-level 6 per day, 1st level 6+1 per day, 2nd level 5+1 per day, 3rd level 3+1 per day)
0-level (DC 14): Detect Magic(#), Read Magic, Light, Mage Hand, Open/Close, Ray of Frost,
1st-level (DC 15) Magic Missile, Burning Hands, Mage Armour, Sheild
2nd-level (DC 16) Glitterdust, Invisibility
3rd-level (DC 17): Fireball



Xenia 
Friday October 13th, 2006 2:04:00 PM
Grins big at Mira and raises her hand.

Angus (Second Illegal Post) 
Friday October 13th, 2006 5:08:08 PM
Angus smiles at Xenia "Nice combination you are trying there batgirl. I like the way your mind works."

Angus approaches Bin again "Do you have any armor or weapons to shiled and defend yourself? If not maybe we can scrounge you some protection. Anyone have a spare shiled or club for Bin? Do you like swords?" Angus indicates the silvered ones on the ground.

Syr 
Friday October 13th, 2006 8:43:03 PM
Tired of walking the monk sits down facing rearward and waits for the others to proceed.

Lang & Sunshine 
Friday October 13th, 2006 9:01:00 PM
Lang steps up to the rescued man and introduces himself.

"I am Lang and this is my best friend Sunshine. We are glad to have helped you escaped from the cultists. We will also be happy to liberate your equipment from them."

After the spellusers determine that the swords are just swords, Lang will take a shortsword for use against the undead. Unless someone else has better need of it.

Bin  d20+6=22 d20+5=19 d20+5=6
Friday October 13th, 2006 9:33:28 PM
When Xenia asks about the hole he gladly points in that direction.

Then turning to meet Edmund he smiles patiently while he explains his inconvenient situation at not having a bath or tea. When asked how he feels about it he simply says. "believe it or not, there was a time in my life when I owned less then a loin cloth, so dirt and such isn't a problem for me, but I feel sympathy for those that is not used to it. Pleasant it is not. Sorry, no tea. I do have some rations and such with my gear if that helps.

To Angus he answers his question, "I can do it many times in a day, with more then just undead as well." He holds up his holy symbol proudly. "I made this spur of the moment before I escaped and I know it has been blessed by Domi, so all is good until it gets better or worse."

He is grateful to Mira for the tunic. "Thank you very much. You can have it back when I am properly attired with armor." His white smile flashing across his face.

To Angus he replies, "All my possessions are near where I came from. It's not much but I own some magic and my armor is of superior quality. I can only use daggers and light hammer with ease but I will carry sword if you like. I doubt I will use it though.

So to those that welcomed him without questions, he greets warmly and thanks all for their help as well. He seems to relax as time goes on. He was very excited to see others, and lets face it, not all adventuring groups are friendly. He may have gone from the pan to the fire if not for the grace of Domi.

Bin tolerates Edmund and his tales of heroic deeds with a quiet smile. Watching some of the reactions from those around him he attempts to sense the motives of this talkative individual.

Seeing Edmund truly in distress over not having a tea, Bin will look for a substitute in the wild that might replace his favorite drink. Using his Herbalism skill, if there is something out here tasty to add to hot water, he may know it.

Spot roll for DM = 22
Sense Motive =19
Herbalism = 6

Ash  d20+6=12
Friday October 13th, 2006 11:48:05 PM
Ash Spot: 12
Shelya scent?

Ash can barely contain his excitement, another stranger!!! How exciting. However, to the outside world, a single raised eyebrow is the only outward sign.

Mira (2nd illegal post) 
Saturday October 14th, 2006 5:40:29 PM
"Bin," says Mira, "I can provide you with an armor of sorts, if you wish. It is invisible and magic, made of force you see. It will not hinder your movements, and incorporeal creatures can not bypass it."

If Bin accepts the offer, Mira will cast Mage Armor upon him, after casting Invisibility upon the half-drow, Xenia.

DM Sanity Info:

Spells: (0-level 6 per day, 1st level 6+1 per day, 2nd level 5+1 per day, 3rd level 3+1 per day)
0-level (DC 14): Detect Magic(#), Read Magic, Light, Mage Hand, Open/Close, Ray of Frost,
1st-level (DC 15) Magic Missile, Burning Hands, Mage Armour#, Sheild
2nd-level (DC 16) Glitterdust, Invisibility#
3rd-level (DC 17): Fireball

(OOC: DM, please advise if Mira's actions are okay, or if she has tried to do too much during the round.-Carla)



Kadaz 
Saturday October 14th, 2006 10:29:57 PM
Kadaz walks up to Bin and introduces himself and Birdie. "We're both from Plateau City and are very very far away from home. Can I interest you in one very talkative mage?"

Conner  d20+4=18
Sunday October 15th, 2006 11:27:47 AM
Conner nods his head in acknowledgement of the introduction made by Mira and offers Bin teh use of a javelin if he is so inclined, otherwise he simply checks his supply of potions and ensures that his oil of Bless Weapon is close at hand and ready for use.

[OOC Spot=18]

Bin 
Sunday October 15th, 2006 11:36:59 AM
Looking to Mira with gratitude, he responds, "I sure would feel more comfortable with some protection. That is certain. Thank you for your generosity."

When Kadaz offers me a deal on a mage he simply smiles and shrugs almost uncomfortably at the jest toward another.

To Connor Bin replies, "Thank you. I will carry it with me until I find my gear. A missle weapon is always handy when without one.

So with his magical armor and handy javelin, he travels with the intrepid adventurers into the unknown.

Wynn  d20+6=18 d20+9=10 d20+2=15
Sunday October 15th, 2006 11:44:02 AM
The bard slips up close to Edmund and in a hushed voice passes along some friendly advice "Better to acknowledge the contributions of others than to find yourself alone at the front, my friend."

Wynn then prepares to accompany Xenia down the hole. He retrieves one of the silvered longswords and slips it into his belt. Just before slipping down the hole behind the rogue he will cast Invisibility on himself as well as Message on Xenia, Angus, Mira, and two of whom ever accompanies the scouting party down the hole. "This will allow us to communicate at distance in but the merest of whispers" he explains.

[Spot=18, Listen=15, Move Silently=10 if needed]

Arm 
Monday October 16th, 2006 5:51:40 AM
Arm hands his new weapon over to Mira, grimly nodding in agreement to her statement. He knows all too well what the effects of evil magic can have on someone, and he has no desire to revisit that.

Posting Record 10/9/06 (Scott ADM PC) 
Monday October 16th, 2006 9:39:08 AM
Plateau City
DM John: XXXX
Kadaz: XXXXX
Arm: XXXXX
Ash: XXXOX
Shadow: XXXXX
Edmund: XXXXX
Mira: OOXXX
Connor: OXXOX
Thar: XXXXX
Overall: 88% effective

Crimson Shields
Syr: OXXXX
Lang: XXXOX
Belk: XXXXX
Wynn: XOXOX
Angus: OXXXX
Xenia: XOXXX
Overall: 82% effective

Bin: XXXXX


Shadow  d20+3=14 d20+3=22
Monday October 16th, 2006 9:40:43 AM
Shadow will continue to keep up his guard as they approach the 'hole' the cultists made. He will search aroung the entrance for anything that would suggest a trap.

Actions:
Search=14
Listen=22

Bin  d20+6=7
Monday October 16th, 2006 5:07:22 PM
Bin paying attention to his surroundings is anxious to find his gear. He follows the group patiently, hoping that his items are still present and intact. "If we are lucky, the cultists won't even know I am missing and we can catch them by surprise."

Spot to look for gear = 7

Kadaz (2nd post)  d20+1=17
Monday October 16th, 2006 8:36:40 PM
Once near the tunnel Kadaz looks around very carefully. "I'm good in tunnels" the dwarf reminds the group's thinkers, as he swings his axe back and forth, loosening up his muscles. "I'd like to be near the front of the group when it enters." (spot 17)

Before the Hill (DM JohnP)  d20+9=29 d20+2=10 d20+2=11 d20+2=14 d20+2=10 d20+2=14 d20+2=22
Monday October 16th, 2006 10:11:43 PM

The newcomer is welcomed into the group, especially since he seems so handy at destroying undead. Angus shakes his hand and directs the group for the trail ahead. Shadow also introduces himself before resigning himself to more walking through nature, then Mira completes the introductions of the others from Plateau City after offering the cleric a garment to cover his less than impressive physique. Bin replies to the kind words and charity of Mira and the others with a smile.

Before heading out on the trail, Arm takes some trial swings with the silvered sword at some weeds. It seems very balanced in his hand. Lang and Thar each pick up a weapon also.

Edmund welcomes the new set of ears with relish. Someone, finally, who hasn't heard his stories already. Maybe even an appreciative audience for his lavishly embellished tales. Bin smiles and nods, thinking back to his days listening to the interminable stories of the elderly worshippers at the temple where he first ministered.

++++++


Once the party nears the hill, everyone looks towards it and wonders what they might find. Bin, of course, has related what he remembered from his escape. The party is able to form a rough idea of what to expect from his descriptions.

Xenia reaches into a marvellous sack and draws forth another creature. Then she unfurls a scroll, reading it and then squeaking at the summoned bat. She hurls the creature into the air and it starts flying away towards the hill. Since the tunnel is 200 feet away, it will take the bat nearly a minute to return.
DM Note -- Belkior's bonus to CHA looks to be personal only, not to nearby people as well. At least that is my reading.

While they are waiting, Thar crouches beside Xenia and discusses who to send forward. Belkior doesn't think that he'd be a very good scout, at least with his armor on, but knows that zombies are not exactly watchful.

As Thar discusses this, he spots a reflected gleam of light from something metal or reflective on the hill above where they think the tunnel is. Hunkering down and studying the spot, the ranger thinks that the cultists have a lookout posted on the hill.

Everyone makes use of the time while they are waiting for the bat. Mira is worried that Arm may have picked up a cursed item and is about to cast a detection spell over the sword when the bard tells her that he has already determined that it is magical. And that a truly evil weapon would radiate much greater magic than this sword did.

Angus comes over to Bin and tries to organize some weapons and armor for the cleric. Bin is confident that they will find his gear when the party reaches the tunnel entrance. Even so, he accepts the offer of magical protection from Mira and the use of a javelin from Conner.

As he speaks with Angus, Bin is searching the ground but doesn't find anything that he recognizes as being good tea material. Kadaz comes over and jokes with Bin, leaving the cleric uncomfortable.
DM Note -- You really don't have the time necessary for a Take 20 check using this skill.

Syr sits down and rests while watching their trail through the grass. Ash and Shelya are, as ever, trying to appear stoic and inscrutable.

Wynn decides to take one of the silvered longswords and thinks of what he will do when the time comes to enter the tunnel. He stops and revises his plan when the bat returns and lands in Xenia's red hair, chittering excitedly. The sounds are fast-paced and bats might always sound that way. Regardless, Xenia translates what she is being told by the bat. She also questions it based on what Thar spotted but no one is wholly satisfied with the report of a creature no more intelligent than a dog or horse.

"Some movers, person-sized, slow outside hill. Nothing tunnel, not even bugs. Big, big, big space ... good roost ... down below. Some things moving but too far to tell before fly back."

"Nothing move on hill."

"Space big big. Bigger than anything. Closed long time. Room for many bats but none live there."

Xenia's spell ends not long after she, or the others, ask some more questions. Then it comes down to planning for the approach to the tunnel entrance. Thar is pretty certain that there is a lookout posted and he doubts that the entire group can sneak up there without being spotted. A small group of stealthy types may be able to get close.

Loot
4 silvered masterwork short swords (all with faint aura) (Lang, Thar)
3 silvered masterwork longswords (all with faint aura) (Arm, Wynn)

MAP

DM Request -- Take this next post to ask any more questions of the bat, organize yourselves, cast preparatory spells and start approaching the hill.
- You are approximately 200 feet from the hill.
- The approach will NOT be played out round by round of sneaking through the grass, but will jump to contact with any enemies.
- that means that any preparatory spells, etc. will be incremented by the time required to make the desired approach.
- the long grass (off the trail) provides concealment but slows movement to half normal. So even slower if trying to move hidden.
- the hill is steep, ~45 degrees. Each 5' square means a 5' rise in height, requires a DC 0 Climb check to move at one quarter normal speed or a DC 5 Climb check to move at half speed.


Xenia  d20+13=30 d20+5=7 d20+5=19 d20+5=22 d20+5=23 d20+16=35 d20+19=38 d20+14=30
Monday October 16th, 2006 10:50:30 PM
"Hey Thar, point out the guy you spotted and I'll have Batty Guy here fly up that way and Seek him out. That way the rest of us can get a fix on him."

Xenia eyes the shortsword she snagged back at the pillars. Could come in handy. Could *have* come in handy against the Vampie Sarah. Then she sheathes it and draws a scroll, the last one of its kind she's got. Should last long enough. Wish she had saved the Fly potion, though.

The scroll reads fine, and puts speed into her feet.

"Alright, I'll take that invisible stuff now, Mira. And with the Message spell I should be able to get up pretty close and tell you what's up there."

"That's not gonna get us into the hole, though. You guys want to know what's up there before coming in? Or you wanna just head in fast?"

After receiving the Invisibility and the Message spells, Xenia heads straight down the trail, quick and quiet, headed for the spot where Thar saw the lookout.

Rolls and Actions
UMD 30 vs DC21 for Longstrider
Climb checks: 7, 19, 22, 23 for 160 feet of double moves.
Move Silently 35
Spot 38
Listen 30

Note: Xenia avoids the dirt piles and begins climbing at a point to the outside of them.

Active Effects
Bat (10 minutes)
Longstrider (1 hour)
Invisibility (3 minutes)
Message?

Bag of Tricks 2/10 per week.

Mira (Mage Armour AC 17, 40 HP)  d20+3=16 d20+3=8 d20+3=22 d20+3=10
Monday October 16th, 2006 11:20:22 PM
"Bits of leather...gum arabic...eyelash..." Mira mutters to herself as she gets busy with her magic and casts spells on her companions and on herself. She offers invisibility to Kadaz as well, since he is volunteering to be one of the first.

Invisibility - on Xenia - 3 minutes
Invisibility - on Kadaz - 3 minutes
Mage Armour - on Bin - 3 hours
Mage Armour - on Mira - 3 hours

The green eyed sorcerer will then select a trio of scrolls and stick them in her belt along with her wand, where they will be easy to access. Moving along the path, she keeps behind those better equiped for hand-to-hand combat, seeking out Edmund as a companion.

DM Sanity Info:

Position: Please place Mira where it seems most appropriate. She would be behind the scouts and fighters. Climb Checks 16, 8, 22, and 10 for good measure.

Message - on Mira, cast by Wynn

- 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



Arm  d20=17 d20+4=8 d20+11=19
Tuesday October 17th, 2006 5:53:09 AM
readying his newfound weapon, Arm takes up a position in front of Mira as they enter the hole area which he has no difficulty reaching (climb=17). As they approach, he asks Mira if she still has another mage armor spell for himself. He then peers into the hole to see if he can see anything (spot=8, listen=19).

Kadaz (AC 24, HP 63)  d20-6=-3 d20+2=3 d20+2=19 d20+2=12 d20+2=4 d20+2=20 d20+2=9 d20+2=21 d20+2=12 d20+2=18 d20+2=21 d20+2=4 d20+2=13 d20+2=19 d20+2=15 d20+2=16 d20+2=22 d20+2=14 d20+2=19 d20+2=3 d20+2=19 d20+2=21 d20+2=6
Tuesday October 17th, 2006 6:57:13 AM
Kadaz thanks Mira for the the offer but waves off the spell. "I am very slow and noisy. You should cast the spell on someone who can move up the hill faster. But what I can do is be a decoy. I'll march up the hill, attracting attention, and you fast invisible types get behind whoever is watching me."

With that, Kadaz holds his shield in front of him and starts slowly marching up the hill, armor clanking with every step.

(Kadaz has +10 in climb and +2 on move silent but a -8 armor check penalty. On a successful climb check move 10, if fail then 5.
Move silent: -3
Climb: 3, 19, 12, 4, 20, 9, 21, 12, 18, 21, 4, 13, 19, 15, 16, 22, 14, 19, 3, 19, 21, 6.

It takes Kadaz 23 rounds to move 200' uphill on the path. Luckily he has endurance.)


Wynn [AC=21 HP=59]Invisible, Message  d20+9=28 d20+6=19 d20+2=3 d20+5=14 d20+5=10 d20+5=24 d20+5=13 d20+5=12 d20+5=24 d20+5=10 d20+5=19 d20+5=20
Tuesday October 17th, 2006 7:44:18 AM
Wynn casts invisibility on himself and message on those around him including Xenia. He draws his sword and follows Xenia up the hill. There is no danger that he will bump into the rogue as she moves far more quickly than he.

The bard keeps Xenia, Mira, Angus, and two others up to date on his progress via the message spell.

Move Silently=28
Spot=19
Listen=3
Climb=14,10,24,13,12,24,10,19,20

Conner [AC=22 HP=62]  d20+2=12 d20+4=24 d20+3=6 d20+4=13 d20+4=15 d20+4=8 d20+4=12 d20+4=8 d20+4=23 d20+4=24 d20+4=22 d20+4=13 d20+4=13 d20+4=24 d20+4=18 d20+4=13
Tuesday October 17th, 2006 7:51:06 AM
The fighter steps off the trail and begins climbing the hill through the long grass, hoping it will conceal his movement, and provide some element of surprise should Kadaz become a target.

Conner parrallels the dwarfs progress from 15-20 feet away in the grass, he carries a single javelin in his right hand. The weapon assists him in parting the vegetation and could prove most effective at medium range.

Move Silently=12
Spot=24 (Nat 20)
Listen=6
Climb=13,15,8,12,8,23,24,22,13,13,24,18,13

DM Addendum & Clarification (DM JohnP) 
Tuesday October 17th, 2006 8:06:16 AM
The hill rises sharply from the nearly level grassland. Looking at the hill, coupled with Xenia's translation of the bat's speech, Kadaz suspects that the hill isn't natural. Instead, it may have been made many, many years before.

DM Clarification

What I intended and hoped that the map showed was:

- party is on plains, 200 feet from hill
- the hill, once someone gets there, is steep and requires Climb checks
- no Climb checks are required to get TO the hill's base.
- the tunnel is located at the hill's base

Feel free to repost, based on this.


Xenia - Slight Backpost 
Tuesday October 17th, 2006 9:07:15 AM

... a bit before leaving ...

"Um, um, um, um ... " With gentle but insistent hands, the girl rogue transfers the bat from hair to shoulder. "That's better." Kneeling in the trail, she maps out the area. With the tip of the silver shortsword, Xenia draws lines and dots showing the locations of things as she sees it from the description of the bat, with Thar's info thrown in.

"Here's the edge of that weird hill thing. And here's the hole the Culties dug down at the base. That's where we need to go. But I'm thinking that there are zombies down around the bottom here clustered around the hole. Now that would be fine. But from what Thar is saying, there's someone up on the hill too. Maybe a look out. Maybe someone sitting up there waiting to throw down on guys below when they come in close."

"So, how 'bout this? A small group gets Invisible with a link to the main group with your, Message spells. The small group gets up the hill and finds that guy or whatever is up there that Thar spotted. We attack from there."

"While the zombies and everything are looking up the hill, the rest of you come in from behind them and take 'em."

"Sound good?"

"Um, if whatever is up there is really powerful, then we'll have to change this. But we can let you know through the Message spell if that's what's going on, 'kay?"

Shadow [AC 21/18 HP 28/28]  d20+10=14 d20+10=16 d20+10=14 d20+10=21 d20=4 d20=1 d20=5 d20=1 d20=17 d20+10=15 d20+10=28
Tuesday October 17th, 2006 9:37:59 AM
"Xenia, that sounds like a good plan. Xenia, myself and one or both of the rangers would be good to move quietly to take out the threat on top of the hill. If we have enough invisibility that would be the best, but I can try to make it without it though." Shadow looks to the mages around the group to see what they think. "Oh, and I think that I might want to try out that last short sword, you never know what we might need." He takes the short sword if it is offered to him.

If the group is formed and headed to the hill here are the actions:

Move silenty = 14,16,14,21
Climb=4,1,5,1,17
Hide (if needed)=15 & 28

(not good climb rolls, good thing he was sneakinig up and not trying to move fast, lol)

Xenia (2nd Illegal Backpost) 
Tuesday October 17th, 2006 10:16:28 AM
"And Wynn." The bat jumps, its wings spreading to lift off the ground in a reflexive reaction as the girl rogue throws an arm around her bard with a smile. "And Wynn too."

Bin  d20+1=15 d20-2=16
Tuesday October 17th, 2006 10:23:01 AM
Bin's small fist tightens around the javelin as the group discusses it's plans. "I am not known for stealth and shadows. Perhaps I should stay here and wait for you to signal it is clear?"

Hide = 15
Climb = 16

Edmund (AC: 12, HP: 27/27) 
Tuesday October 17th, 2006 11:35:34 AM
Edmund looks at the hill dubiously. "A barrow! Just the sort of thing one might expect to find a Lich in. Not to mention wights, and God only know what else."

"But yes, Xenia is right. Best to take a small party up there. I don't know that I could manage it, to be honest. It looks right steep. Better if you take the sort of fellows who can scale that grassy mess."

"I'd be happy to stay down here at the bottom, near the door. I think I could probably hide us for a little while in a mist, whilst you investigate the hill top, if you think it would help. I don't know how long the mist will hold out-of-doors... not more than a few minutes, I warrant. Maybe enough time for you to get up and down, if you don't hang around the top too long, and if you are quick about getting up there."

Otherwise, Edmund will remain near the bottom of the hill with the 'sentry' group, letting the 'scout' group do their thing until they specifically request his aid.

DM Sanity Info.
L.0: Daze, Detect Magic (x2), Read Magic (x2)
L.1: Charm Person, Colour Spray (x2), Grease, Obscuring Mist, Sleep
L.2: Daze Monster, Glitterdust, Hypnotic Pattern, Web
L.3: Hold Person, Slow, Suggestion

Belkior 
Tuesday October 17th, 2006 12:08:40 PM
The halfling cleric of Alemi listens quietly to the plan, in the full knowledge that he will never be able to match the speed of the others.

Forming his hands into the symbol of his patron god, he mutters an incantation before reaching to the ground and plucking three stones from the path. Each stone, in turn, glows with divine magic.

"Would you like one or two?" Belkior holds them out, offering to Edmund. "I don't think I will have time to throw all of them. The blessing on them is especially effective against undead."

Rolls and Actions
Cast Magic Stone.

Active Effects
Magic Stone (3 stones for 30 minutes)

Day's Spells
0 - Detect Magic**, Detect poison*, Mending*, Read Magic*
1st - Bless*, Detect Evil, uHide from Undead, uMagic Stone, Sanctuary* (Protection from Evil+)
2nd - Delay Poison*, Hold Person*, uOwl's Wisdom*, Resist Energy*, Spiritual Weapon (Aid*)
3rd - Blindness/Deafness, Dispel Magic*, Prayer*, Searing Light* (Magic Circle against Evil+*)
4th - Death Ward, Neutralize Poison+*, Summon Monster IV (Holy Smite+*)

Angus AC 20 HP 33 Spells listed below 
Tuesday October 17th, 2006 12:23:37 PM
Angus considers the situation and then casts several spells on himself. "Wynn, good Idea. I will add a message spell of my own also.

Message - Angus, Lang, Thar, Mira, Xenia, Syr, Shadow, Belkior.

Angus clears his throat and points at several people "Testing, Testing, lets go sneak forward. I will do a quick recon via the air and invisible. Talk to you soon. Race you to the top." Angus adds with mirth.

Angus then casts protection from evil and invisibility (both extended), followed by polymorph (pixie).

Angus takes flight and gains altitude as he move forward. Angus squeaks "The view is great from of up hear. Angus will report what he sees to the group through the message spell.

Spell Slots:
0 level 1/6
1st level 2/8
2nd level 1/8
3rd level 0/6
4th level 1/4

Mage armor - 8 hours total
Protection from evil - 16 minutes
Invisibility - 16 minutes
Polymorph - 8 minutes


Syr 
Tuesday October 17th, 2006 8:27:24 PM
The elf rises easily and accepts Angus' touch for the message spell. He whispers back, "That shape changing thing you do is like a new toy for a kid. Just don't commit yourself to anything hazardous, we can't afford to lose you. For now, I'll hang back. Let me know when to bring Kadaz and myself as the cavalry." He looks over at the dwarf's short legs and then smiles, "Well, cavalry astride small ponies maybe..." As he sees Kadaz try to start up the hill he grabs his arm, "Easy there speedy, we'll just go in the hole."

After a moments pause he whispers to Xenia in the message, "Hey Red, any chance we can look for a second entrance, methinks the narrow entrance is definitely to their advantage."



Kadaz (AC 24, HP 63) 
Tuesday October 17th, 2006 8:35:51 PM
(sorry for the misunderstandin)

Kadaz is just starting off when the elf grabs and stops him. "Hey" growls Kadaz, "this sneaking around isn't for me. I still think I should walk slowly up towards the entrance. You all can sneak around the back, up on top, fly over, whatever. I'll go slowly enough so that you can get in place and ambush whatever is waiting for me."

Lang (AC 24; HP 100/100; Sunshine AC 23; HP 47/47)  d20+15=31 d20+17=32 d20+6=21
Tuesday October 17th, 2006 9:28:35 PM
Lang quickly casts the spell Longstrider on himself.

Lang watches as everyone takes off in different directions and by different modes. So much for sticking together and working as a team he thinks.

Well one this is certain, the bad guys went into the hole. Plus that is where this Bin guys stuff is. So that is where Lang is going.

"Come on Thar let's sneak up there and see what we can see and what fun we can scare up."

"Sunshine stay."

Lang moves off the path, into the tall grasses. Using his stealth he sneaks closer to the entrance to and tries to see what enemy is visible.

Lang Hide 31
Lang Move Silently 32
Spot 21

OOC - Lang still has his Longbow out.

Longstrider - duration 3 hours

Ash  d20+5=18
Tuesday October 17th, 2006 10:07:08 PM
Ash prepares for the impending battle, and decides to follow Kadaz, asking Shelya to defend (handle animal=18)



Thar ail Baerer, Message  d20+9=17 d20+8=26 d20+10=27
Tuesday October 17th, 2006 10:51:12 PM
Thar will point out what he saw on the hill and says "I'm not a great climber, so othersof you should handle that." After hearing Lang's offer, he smiles and says to Lang, "Great idea and lead the way. I'm all for stirring up this hornets nest and seeing what shakes out.

Thar will follow Lang and do his best to HiS, MS and Spot any other things. He'll have two short swords ready for action. He'll be carrying his new silver magical SS in his right hand and one of his +1 SS's in the other. Lastly, he'll make sure he has his crucifix nearby, ready to turn undead or cast spells.

As he follows Lang, he'll watch the surrounding area closely and try to discern any possible ambushes or telltale tracks.

He doesn't cast any spells right away, due to the fact that most will only last 3 minutes anyway.

MS = 16 (should be 16 only, since I accidently put in a 9 bonus instead of 8)
HiS = 26
Spot = 27

Edmund (2nd, illegal post) 
Tuesday October 17th, 2006 11:01:09 PM
Edmund nods enthusiastically to Belkior.

"Much appreciated! Yes, I'd love one. I should be a tolerable shot--I used to play at skittles and didn't do entirely awfully!"

Hillside - Round 0 (DM JohnP) 
d20+2=17 d20+9=21 d20+7=11 d20+7=20 Angus' Spot d20+2=10
Tuesday October 17th, 2006 11:24:39 PM

After some discussion, the party decides to send a scouting group ahead while the main body follows behind. The scouting group includes Angus, Lang, Shadow, Thar, Wynn and Xenia. Everyone else decides to follow along. One of the preparations is the casting of Message spells to allow everyone to speak to one another over distances.
DM Note -- If I'm wrong, correct me in the next post, please. For the Message spells, please see below, and the casters can revise who they put their spells on.

The main group prepares to move ahead after waiting a short time for the scouts. Mira casts some more preparatory spells and then moves into the centre of the group. Arm prepares for battle by putting himself between Mira and potential harm. Edmund figures that t he middle of the group is a good spot for him, as well.

Bin moves to the rear of the group while Belkior moves ahead of the arcane casters. Ash moves beside Belkior, as well while keeping an eye on Shelya.

The front ranks of the main group include Kadaz and Syr. Conner slips into the grass to the side of the trail.

++++++


Xenia accepts the invisibility spell from Mira and then silently moves forward. Lang also casts a spell on himself and moves quickly through the long grass towards the tunnel entrance at the base of the hill. Thar tries to keep up to the bugbear. And Angus turns himself into an invisible flying pixie to scout overhead. He has the best view of anyone, seeing Lang move through the grass and looking down at the tunnel entrance.
Angus -- Please post exactly how high you are flying. Why, you ask?

The other two scouts, Wynn and Shadow, follow along behind, trying to keep an eye out for danger to the others. The bard is invisible so he keeps to the centre of the path while Shadow keeps to the edges.

Angus reports what he sees through the spell to his companions.

"I see eight zombies moving around down there. The tunnel looks to go straight into the hillside. It's narrow, too, only about 5 feet wide. I can't see the lookout or anything else."

After hearing this report, Wynn, Xenia and Lang add their comments. They've spotted the archer and describe his location to the others, about 20 feet directly above and behind the tunnel entrance on the hillside. They also stammer some words about something else that Angus hasn't spotted.

"Oh sweet Gods ... they're horrible ...

Lang, Thar, Wynn and Xenia -- Highlight to display spoiler: {DC 16 Will save (vs. Fear), please. Failure results in Paralysis (no actions, including speech through Message spell). I'll tell you how long next round.}

This garbled news causes concern among the others and they wonder what to do. But none of the zombies or the hidden lookout have made any hostile action. Yet ... anyway ... maybe ...

Message Ring 1 (Wynn's) -- Angus, Mira, Wynn, Xenia + 2 more
Message Ring 2 (Angus') - Angus, Lang, Thar, Mira, Xenia, Syr, Shadow, Belkior

Loot
4 silvered masterwork short swords (all with faint aura) (Lang, Shadow, Thar, Xenia)
3 silvered masterwork longswords (all with faint aura) (Arm, Wynn)

DM Addendum
Positions on the map are approximate, especially for scouts. If you want to be somewhere else, please tell me now.[/i]

MAP


Xenia (AC22, HP 48/48)  d20+4=23
Tuesday October 17th, 2006 11:41:20 PM

" ... ka ka ka gak ... " Gagging sounds from the dark rogue come down the Message spell. " ... stars ... That is so guh-roh-deee. But I'm fine."

"Sound off. Everyone else. Wynn? Lang? Thar?"

Rolls and Actions
Will Save 23

Active Effects
Bat (10 minutes)
Longstrider (1 hour)
Invisibility (3 minutes)
Message (60 minutes)

Bag of Tricks 2/10 per week.

Al: Map is 404 again. More pending recovery of the map.

Angus 
Tuesday October 17th, 2006 11:52:02 PM
Angus is 40 feet high

Arm  d20+4=21 d20+11=29
Wednesday October 18th, 2006 6:03:48 AM
A bit disconcerted by what the scouts see, Arm glances back at Mira and prepares for the worst. He was willing to head to the top of the hill to scout out, but apparently the group has more pressing concerns. (spot=21, listen=29)

OOC: Am I covered by Wynn's 'message spell'?



Arm OOC2 
Wednesday October 18th, 2006 6:04:14 AM
the map is down again... :(


Kadaz (AC 24, HP 63) 
Wednesday October 18th, 2006 7:02:02 AM
Kadaz learns of the archer on the hill and hopes that the flying ones can get up there and remove this threat. He keeps trudging forward, making sure his body shields Birdie from any arrow.

DM Addendum (JohnP) 
Wednesday October 18th, 2006 7:52:04 AM
Map should be working now. At least it was before I left home. Stupid ISP ...

Lang, Thar, Wynn, Xenia only - Highlight to display spoiler: {This is what you saw that nearly fightened you into paralysis:

You see two horrid, dessicated corpses slumped against the heaps of earth as if they had been carelessly tossed there by the zombies. Then, to your horror, you notice that they move ever so slightly. These things are alive ... AND THEY SHOULD BE DEAD!

Knowledge Religion DC 18 to identify}

If you made the skill roll - Highlight to display spoiler: {The horrid undead things are mummies.}

Wynn [AC=21 HP=59] Invisible, Message  d20+6=19 d20+6=8 d20+2=18 d20+9=15
Wednesday October 18th, 2006 7:53:29 AM
Wynn continues to make his way carefully up the path in support of Xenia and Shadow. He startles momentarily at what appears before him but manages to regain his composure. He continues to close the gap between himself, the zombies and their accomplices.

Wynn whispers to those with whom he shares his message spell, describing what he has seen and the disposition and strength of their foes.

Will=19
Spot=8
Listen=18
Move Silently=15

Wynn's message spell should include Conner, Arm, Xenia, Kadaz and Ash


Conner [AC=22 HP=62] Message  d20+2=5 d20+4=20 d20+3=8
Wednesday October 18th, 2006 8:01:04 AM
The former soldier picks his way through the grasses, sliding by the larger clumps with the aid of his javelin.

The garbled messages from Wynn are at first an annoyance, but his second attempts make it quite clear that there are a number of different undead. Conner pats his pouch and reassures himself that the potions he has purchased are secure.

Spot=20
Move Silently=5
Listen=8


Angus AC 18 - 20 verses evil Hp 33  d20+3=5 d20+3=7
Wednesday October 18th, 2006 9:27:37 AM
Angus is still flying forward and keeping 40 feet above the ground, even when it slopes up. Angus will end up just behind the hold. Angus is concerned about what is worrying his friends. "What do you see? What is it?"

Angus scans 360 degrees looking for all possible bad guy especially leader or special types.

Spot 5 (not good)
Listen 7 (better, but not much)

If Angus spots B or A he will relate the information to the group through his and Wynn's message spell.

Spell Slots:
0 level 1/6
1st level 2/8
2nd level 1/8
3rd level 0/6
4th level 1/4

Mage armor - 8 hours total
Protection from evil - 16 minutes (extended)
Invisibility - 16 minutes (extended)
Polymorph - 8 minutes
Message - Angus, Lang, Thar, Mira, Xenia, Syr, Shadow, Belkior
Message from Wynn to Angus

Rod of Extend 2/3

Xenia (AC22, HP 48/48)  d20+5=15 d20+16=27
Wednesday October 18th, 2006 10:25:50 AM

Relief floods into Xenia like a breath of fresh morning air as Wynn's voice whispers over the Message spell. But what about the others?

"I'm going in," she announces in a terse whisper. She continues in silence down the trail as Wynn fills the others in on the two really horrible things up on the mounds of dirt.

"I see a break between the zombies and I'm going through. Gonna try and make it up and above the archer. I'll be in position to foozle him in a sec."

Off to her right the rogue catches sight of the bat flapping through the air. She draws her rapier, keeping the silver shortsword in her left hand as she slips through the line of zombies and begins a quick climb up the slope.

Rolls and Actions
Climb 15
Move Silently 27
Draw Rapier as part of Move

Movement and Position
Double Move to AR15 (Hit Slope at 55 feet. Climb 10 more feet at 1/2 speed.)

Active Effects
Bat (10 minutes)
Longstrider (1 hour)
Invisibility (3 minutes)
Message (60 minutes)

Bag of Tricks 2/10 per week.

Could you place the Bat at AQ19?

Belkior (AC22, HP 60/60; Magic Circle Against Evil) 
Wednesday October 18th, 2006 10:52:13 AM
Belkior listens closely to the whispered Message traffic. Xenia's words and voice carry a hint of horror.

"From the sound of things, there may be something horrible or terrifying ahead," the halfling announces quietly to those around him. "This magic should give those around me some strength to resist it."

The Magic Circle forms around Belkior as he holds his hands before him in the symbol of Alemi.

"Shall we go?" he says, skipping forward a short twenty feet on dark cat legs.

Rolls and Actions
Magic Circle Against Evil

Movement and Position
K12 (Move 20ft)

Active Effects
Magic Stone (3 stones for 30 minutes)
Magic Circle Against Evil (80 minutes)

Note: All within 10 feet of Belkior gain +2 to Saves from Protection from Evil

Day's Spells
0 - Detect Magic**, Detect poison*, Mending*, Read Magic*
1st - Bless*, Detect Evil, uHide from Undead, uMagic Stone, Sanctuary* (Protection from Evil+)
2nd - Delay Poison*, Hold Person*, uOwl's Wisdom*, Resist Energy*, Spiritual Weapon (Aid*)
3rd - Blindness/Deafness, Dispel Magic*, Prayer*, Searing Light* (uMagic Circle against Evil+*)
4th - Death Ward, Neutralize Poison+*, Summon Monster IV (Holy Smite+*)

Question: Is the Save from B and C a Fear effect?

Bin  d20+11=13 2d6(4+3)+11=18
Wednesday October 18th, 2006 2:08:42 PM
Following the group with his holy symbol in one hand, javelin in the other he mentally prepares himself for battle against his would be captors and their minions. As soon as he sees undead, he blasts them with the holy power of Domi.

Turn Undead = 13
Hit Dice = 18

Edmund 
Wednesday October 18th, 2006 5:12:46 PM
Edmund moves along with the party, doing his best to maintain his position in the group as they draw nearer to the Zombies. He does not take any action as yet, however, until he can see how the situation begins to unfold.

As they move forward, he fingers the little rock which Belkior gave him. He's eager to use it, and keeps his eyes open for a chance to throw the rock at the head of the first Zombie he has an open shot to.

Mira (AC 13 + 4 Mage Armor, 40 HP) 
Wednesday October 18th, 2006 6:00:15 PM
(OOC: Those who have magics on them, don't forget to add the info to your Post Name header. Mage Armor info is p. 249 PHB).

"Good luck then, Kadaz," whispers Mira when the dwarf declines the magic of Invisibility. When the bard asks about Mage Armor Mira casts the spell and lays her hands on Arm. "Good thinking Edmund!" exclaims Mira when the wizard suggests casting a spell that will hide the party. "I don't have anything like that, but I've got this!" The sorcerer shows Edmund one of her scrolls. Highlight to display spoiler: {It is a scroll of Wall of Fire p. 299 PHB}.

"Wait a minute," calls Mira as she stops close behind the half catling. She concentrates as she listens in to the information being communicated by the circle of allies.

"Zombies!"

DM Sanity Info:

Position: I12 (or J12)

Invisibility - on Xenia - 3 minutes
Mage Armour - on Arm - 3 hours
Mage Armour - on Bin - 3 hours
Mage Armour - on Mira - 3 hours

Message - on Mira, cast by Wynn (or Angus?)
Magic Circle Against Evil - from Belkior

- 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



Shadow (AC 21/18 HP 28/28)  d20+10=25 d20+10=13
Wednesday October 18th, 2006 8:33:19 PM
Shadow will continue to move forward towards the zombies and whatever else there is at the entrance to the narrow tunnel. He will continue on his path using the grass to hide him from them.

Actions:
Move Silently=25
Hide=13

Lang (AC 24; HP 100/100; Sunshine AC 23; HP 47/47)  d20+4=5
Wednesday October 18th, 2006 10:05:00 PM
Lang stands completely still, not moving a muscle. He also remains silent.

Sunshine waits with most of the group for his master to come back.

Longstrider - duration 3 hours

Thar ail Baerer AC 19, hp 41  d20+8=18 d20+4=13
Wednesday October 18th, 2006 10:30:58 PM
Will save = 18

Horrified for a moment, Thar composes himself and realizes that something awful is up ahead. He messages (in whispers) what he has seen to his companions "It looks like we've got some mummies ahead of us and something has happened to Lang. I think he's terrified into immovability by them, but I'll keep an eye on him and if they get close, I'll pull him away".

Know (Religion) = 13, Thar will try to figure out what kind of undead mummies those may be, but appears to be unable to remember anything specific about them.

He'll maintain his position, unmoving and observing. If Z5 and/or Z6 move towards him (in a threatening manner, as if they have found him or Lang), then he'll try to turn them next round.

Syr (AC20/19 hp 61 
Wednesday October 18th, 2006 10:46:51 PM
Syr relates anything that the others are saying to those near him. He continues to mirror Kadaz next to him.

Ash 
Wednesday October 18th, 2006 10:52:18 PM
Ash follows Kadaz and Belkior closely, preparing to heal combatants if need be.

Edmund (AC 12, HP: 27/27) (2nd, illegal post) 
Wednesday October 18th, 2006 11:24:42 PM
Edmund looks at the scroll Mira offers him, but shakes his head quickly. "Can't use it, I'm afraid. Thank you for the offer, though," he says.

He smiles wanly before continuing, "I have a spell which will make a fog around me for a little while. It won't make us invisible, technically speaking, but it will make us extremely difficult to see. You'll have to stay near the place I cast it from, though... within 20 feet or so. The fog won't follow me or anything, of course."

Edmund pauses for a moment, thinking. Then, he adds as an afterthought, "Oh, I figure I should probably add that we won't be able to see out of the fog any better than the Zombies can see into it. That might be important."

((Question for DM: What's the wind direction/speed?))

DM Sanity Info.
L.0: Daze, Detect Magic (x2), Read Magic (x2)
L.1: Charm Person, Colour Spray (x2), Grease, Obscuring Mist, Sleep
L.2: Daze Monster, Glitterdust, Hypnotic Pattern, Web
L.3: Hold Person, Slow, Suggestion

Arm (ac: 18 (20) base + mage armor [+2 vs. evil] hp 27/27)  d20=15 d20+4=20 d20+11=28
Thursday October 19th, 2006 6:05:47 AM
Arm advances to an area somewhere near Xenia and Wynn (climb=15). While he waits for the rest to meet the enemy, he contemplates a spell to cast on himself, then scans the area quickly (spot=20, listen=28).

Mira (2nd illegal post) 
Thursday October 19th, 2006 11:12:52 PM
Mira watches Arm move ahead, and her heart skips a beat.

Bin (AC 11/23 HP 45) 
Friday October 20th, 2006 1:29:07 AM
OOC: Sorry all, my last roll for turn was wrong. I believe the roll should be this instead.
Turn=8
Hit Dice=18

Bin asks Edmund about his spell. "I am curious if this spell of yours is visible to those we are attempting to deceive? If so, then it might give away the fact we are here more then aid us, unless spontaneous fog is common in this area?"
He takes instruction from the group on when to move in.

Arm (ac: 18 (20) base + mage armor [+2 vs. evil] hp 27/27) 
Friday October 20th, 2006 5:42:25 AM
Arm waits patiently while the others decide how to proceed.

DM Advice (JohnP) 
Friday October 20th, 2006 8:36:16 AM
DM post coming tonight.

To save your DM and fellow players some headaches, please include the following in your Post Name:
- Character Name (you all do that)
- AC (however you like, as long as I understand it)
- HP (current / full format is VASTLY preferred by the clerics. If you don't do it, don't complain when they fail to heal you.
- Active Effects (specifically those that affect AC or Attack)

Casters - Somewhere in the body of your post, please list the active spells and targets (unless it's an area effect centred on your character, like Magic Circle or Take Under Wing).

And, as a favour to the person doing the maps, please use the co-ordinates on the map. Otherwise, I'll do my best to follow your intention but you may not like my literal reading of your words.

Answering Questions
Arm - per Wynn's post, you are included in his Message spell
Belkior - Yes, it is a Fear effect.
Edmund - The wind is at your backs (from the west), moving slowly (say 10 feet per round)



Edmund (3rd, illegal post) (AC: 12, HP 27/27) 
Friday October 20th, 2006 9:43:12 AM
When Bin voices his concerns, Edmund nods. "Yes, there's that as well. It's the best I can do, however. And, once they know where we are, anyway, it'll make it very, very difficult for them to attack us."

"I wouldn't advise doing it right now, standing here on this path, but once battle really gets going, it'll be quite useful if we need to get out of danger. The wind is light enough that it won't disperse very quickly, so it should provide adequate cover in a pinch."

"If, God Forbid, we need retreat, well, in that case, it'll be invaluable!"

Bin 
Friday October 20th, 2006 12:49:38 PM
OOC: LOL, still learning how to turn undead. Sorry for the mistakes all. It's like learning a new language here. I appreciate your patience.

Bin smiles at Edmund as he agrees with the fog best used for covering their retreat if one is necessary.

DM Addendum (JohnP) 
Friday October 20th, 2006 1:51:38 PM
Bin

As far as I'm concerned, what I would like to see is something like this:

Turning check = 13 (9 HD monsters)
Turning damage = 18 HD

That tells me what I need to know as a DM since I remember that you are level 8.

Hillside - Round 1 (DM JohnP)  d4=4 d4=1 d20+2=13 d4=1 d20+5=13 d20+10=13 d20+5=10
Friday October 20th, 2006 8:59:11 PM

The scouts relay messages back to the others about what they see near the tunnel entrance. Their disgust is evident in the stuttered exclamations and the ominous silence from Lang.

Xenia keeps her lunch down and moves silently through the zombies and other nasty things around the tunnel entrance, intent on her target on the hillside. The bat flitters along above the ground.

Arm glances back nervously at Mira before moving ahead of Kadaz and Syr. He scans ahead and sees something horrible hiding on a pile of dirt.
DC 16 Will save (vs. Fear) -- or Paralyzed for 4 rounds
DM Note -- Double move, 60 feet, straight ahead on path.

Kadaz, with Birdie at his heels, keeps moving towards the enemy. He can now plainly see some of the zombies in front of the tunnel.
DM Note -- Double move, 40 feet, straight ahead.

Wynn also manages to keep moving despite the horrible things hiding near the tunnel and ghosts forward on silent feet towards the tunnel entrance. He is now close to the first of the zombies.
DM Note -- Double move at half speed for Move Silent, 40 feet, straight ahead.

Conner easily keeps pace with the slower dwarf while staying within the grass.
DM Note -- Double move at half speed due to grass, 40 feet, straight ahead.

Angus flies invisibly 40 feet above the ground until he is just behind the tunnel entrance. Despite his efforts he cannot spot the hidden opponents who so bothered his companions.

Belkior casts a protective spell to shield himself and some companions against evil, then moves ahead. He can also now see some of the zombies.
DM Note -- Magic Circle also provides +2 AC (deflection) vs. evil

Bin moves head with the others until he can see some of the undead. Then he again invokes Domi's holy presence to destroy the foul zombies and ... Nothing happens.
Knowledge Religion DC 10 -- Highlight to display spoiler: {Maximum range on Turn Undead is 60 feet.}

Edmund moves ahead slowly, trying not to overtake the little catling Healer and put himself too close to the front lines. He's fingering a throwing stone that he will throw at one of the undead.

Mira moves ahead to keep pace with Belkior while conversing with Edmund.

Shadow moves head through the grass to remain hidden from the undead and lookout above the tunnel.

Lang does nothing . He gradually feels the Paralysis leaving his body. Sunshine keeps pace with the group.
DM Note -- Only 1 round of paralysis, so you can act next round.

Thar manages to resist the paralyzing fright and continues to watch the zombies, guarding Lang.

Syr trots ahead beside Kadaz, ensuring that everyone hears what he does through the Message spell. He can now clearly see the tunnel entrance and the undead.

Ash also keeps pace with the main group, Shelya pacing along in front of him.

++++++


The lookout on the hillside sees the party moving forward well enough to tell how much armour each is wearing. He looses two arrows at the one gesturing to repel his allies but both missiles soar over Bin's head. Xenia and Angus can see that the lookout is wielding a powerful composite longbow while wearing full plate armor.
Spot = 13, Knowledge Religion = 13
1st missile attack misses AC 7 (due to intervening characters)
2nd missile attack misses AC 4

The zombies move into a solid block in front of the tunnel entrance. Each zombie clutches a silvered longsword and wears the remnants of studded leather armor.

The two undead things heave themselves up from the pile of dirt and advance towards the party. Nearly everyone can now see the horrid, dessicated features of the things that are slowly moving towards them. Each of the things clutches a silver longsword and armor can be seen under the cloth strips wrapped around their bodies.
Knowledge Religion DC 18 - Highlight to display spoiler: {The undead things are mummies.}

Everyone but Conner not previously affected, including the animals - Will DC 16 (Fear) or Paralyzed 1d4 rounds. And the undead are Evil, so those within 10 feet of Belkior get +2 on saves.

DM Notes
- Ash, Lang & Thar - please roll for your animals
- Al, please roll for Flappy the Bat and, if he's Paralyzed, take 1d6 falling damage.
- Angus, if you are Paralyzed roll an additional 2d6 falling damage.

Paralyzed

MAP

ed. JohnP - Heh! The map works first try!


Kadaz (AC 24, HP 63)  d20+3=15 d20+1=12
Friday October 20th, 2006 10:09:24 PM
The sight of the undead sends a wave of revulsion and fear over Kadaz, causing a momentary hesitation. He shivers, and then pulls himeslf together. "Not me, you foul things" he snarls at the undead. (will save 15)

Birdie, peaking through Kadaz's legs, catches a glance of the mummies and freezes in place. (will save 12)

"Arm, let's get them" says. Kadaz doesn't notice what has happened to his dog and advances at a steady pace, 40'.

Thar ail Baerer AC 20/21, hp 41, Message, Prot from Evil (maybe) 
Friday October 20th, 2006 10:14:38 PM
Still hidden, Thar will continue waiting in the grass and stays concerned about Lang, who is still in shocked silence. As he looks around, he sees that his companions have not yet entered battle and as such, he'll wait until melee is met to bring his powers into play. He may cast a spell to prepare for battle (see #1 and #2)

1. DM John - Since he is hidden and not invisible, would casting a spell upon himself count as making himself "observable" now? If not, he'll cast Protection from Evil upon himself.

2. Protection From Evil is cast at 4th level, due to Thar's "good domain"

PfE Length = 40/40 rds, +2 def bonus AC, +2 ST's

3. He'll use his dodge feat to get his AC up by 1 (to 19 b/f the PfE spell and 21 a/f the spell) against any undead that would spot him and move to attack.

Spells

1st - bless, shield of faith, summon monster 1, protection from evil (still memorized if he can't cast it)
2nd - restoration (lessor), summon monster 2, spiritual weapon

OOC - I don't have an animal to roll for DM?

ed. JohnP - My bad. I was thinking "rangers and druids".

Unless you have the Still Spell and Silent Spell metamagic feats and have applied them to the spell, then spellcasting will reveal Thar.

Lang (AC 24; HP 96/100; Sunshine AC 23; HP 47/47)  d20+4=17 d20+2=18 d20+15=26 3d6(4+3+1)+6=14 d6=4
Saturday October 21st, 2006 1:03:08 AM
Lang snaps out of the fear of the undead creatures only to have another wave of fear hit him. This time it does not affect him.

Will save 17

"Thar you ok? Those undead creatures put a little bit of a fright in me. I think I'm ok now."

Sunshine whimpers softly at the sight of the walking dead. The dog continues to move forward with the group.

Will save 18

"Hey Thar, now is the time to have some of that fun we were talking about. These guys are in our way in getting to those cultists. Let's take the ugly one down first."

With a determined look on his face, Lang moves foward to cell AJ12 and swings at creature B.

Hit AC 26; damage 14; damage to Lang 4

"Sunshine boy I need you. Heel."

Sunshine moves forward 80 feet.

Longstrider - duration 3 hours

Xenia (Half Post)  d20+19=30 d20+2=21 d20+2=20
Saturday October 21st, 2006 7:31:29 AM
From down the slope, the girl rogue pauses to take the measure of the Bow Guy. Her keen eye searches or Holy Symbols, the sure sign this is a Magic Using Cultie guy. If she can maybe, like, take these things away from him, it'd pull some of his teeth right off.

And weapons, the dark rogue looks for other weapons and gear besides the bow. Something also tells her to look at his hands. (Spot 30, Knowledge Religion/INT Check 21)

Meanwhile, Flappy, the Bat Guy flies past the horrific animated copses below with little interest. (Will Save 20) His rudimentary brain catalogs them as a thing to avoid, but little more.

Questions
Any Holy Symbols on this guy? Where is it and how is it secured on his person?
Any other weapons aside from the bow?

Rest of Post Pending Answers

ed. DM JohnP - Answers:
- There's something that looks like a holy symbol on a thong looped around his right wrist
- He's got a bastard sword in a back sheath (that I should have mentioned)

Angus Ac 18/20 (evil) Hp 33 Spells listed below  d20+9=28 d20+3=7 d20+2=17
Saturday October 21st, 2006 2:05:20 PM
Angus finally catches sight of what has been bothering everyone, and the now pixie shudders, but is uneffected by the horror.

Will save 28

Angus then sees arrows fly toward his friends, most specifically Bin and Angus thinks to himself, the cultist do not like Bin, that speaks well of him.

Angus tries to find the origin of the arrows ar at least follow the trajectory back to the area of origin.

On the message hot line Angus whispers "Anyone spot the archer? I want to neutralize him."

Spot 7 (better than last time)
Int Check 17

Angus will then fly toward the area that the arrows came from, since he trusts his mind more than his eyes.

Angus will then call on his Haversack to get his scroll of protection of arrows and he will cast it on himself.

Spell Slots:
0 level 1/6
1st level 2/8
2nd level 1/8
3rd level 0/6
4th level 1/4

Mage armor - 8 hours total
Protection from evil - 16 minutes (extended)
Invisibility - 16 minutes (extended)
Polymorph - 8 minutes
Message - Angus, Lang, Thar, Mira, Xenia, Syr, Shadow, Belkior
Message from Wynn to Angus
Protection from Arrows - scroll 3rd level

Rod of Extend 2/3


Edmund (AC: 12, HP 27/27)  d20+7=18
Saturday October 21st, 2006 6:46:02 PM
Edmund advances forward fearlessly (Will Save=18) (to square O-14, or P-13) and readies Web (against the bottom-right corner of square AK-14), speaking the arcane words and making the necessary gestures, intent upon catching the entire sorry lot of undead minions in his spell. He doesn't bother with materials because, of course, he has learned not to need such things for most spells.

DM Sanity Info.
Spells in Effect: Web (Duration: 50 minutes or 300 rounds)

L.0: Daze, Detect Magic (x2), Read Magic (x2)
L.1: Charm Person, Colour Spray (x2), Grease, Obscuring Mist, Sleep
L.2: Daze Monster, Glitterdust, Hypnotic Pattern, Web
L.3: Hold Person, Slow, Suggestion

Wynn [AC=21 HP=59] Message  d20+9=19 d20+4=23 d20+4=19 d8+2=10 d8+2=10
Saturday October 21st, 2006 9:20:02 PM
"Not Yet!" Wynn whispers to his companions, but Lang springs the trap on the amassed undead before Xenia has dealt with the archer above. The bard has little choice and steps forward to assist his bugbear friend.

The silvered sword slips easily into his hand as he moves and the blade flashes across his victim, first down and to the left, and then back across and up beneath the chin [Atk 'B' AC=19 and 23 threat (19 to confirm - not much use against undead though) for 10 + 10 HP plus any damage bonuses for the weapon]

The bard becomes visible as soon as his sword strikes the creature and he prepares to dodge his foe [AC=22 vs 'B']

Position=AI-14

Conner [AC=22 HP=62] Message 
Saturday October 21st, 2006 9:34:44 PM
Hearing the battle joined ahead of him, the fighter tightens his grip on the javelin in his hand and runs forward through the tall grasses. Any thoughts of concealment are gone as he tramples the grass before him, a gutteral cry escapes his throat as he urges hismself and his comrades forward. "To Battle!"he yells.

New Position = X11

Shadow (AC 21/18 HP 28/28)  d20+1=7
Saturday October 21st, 2006 10:14:53 PM
Shadow is in midstride as he approaches the group keeping to the grass, when the creatures pop up out of the dirt. He sees these evil creatures and freezes. (Will Save 7)


Xenia (AC22, HP 48/48)  d20+5=13 d20+16=25 d20+9=19 d20+9=26 d20=2
Saturday October 21st, 2006 10:35:29 PM

Fram jamblies!!!

The sounds tell it all. Xenia doesn't even need to turn around to know what's happening.

"I'm going for Arrow Boy. He looks like some kind of Holy Magicer. I'm gonna try and take that away from him." The rogue whispers this quick over the Message spell. "I'll try keep him occupied as long as possible. Be nice to have some back up."

Then she drops the silver sword, and it becomes visible as it falls into the hole.

"C'mon Batty Guy, Attack." The rogue shouts the command and then immediately changes location, scrambling quietly up the slope. She pulls up even with the armored Cultie just as the bat comes flying up toward the guy and buzzes over his head.

Xenia reaches out for the danglie hanging from a thong from the guy's wrist. "Gimme that." With a quick grab she snags it !!!

But the thong doesn't give. The rogue becomes visible, one hand wrapped around the guy's medallion, the two of them linked by a leather thong. Then the dark rogue grits her teeth, and gives a heroic tug.

The thong parts, the holy symbol comes away in her hand. And Xenia holds up her prize.

"Hi there," the dark rogue grins, holy symbol in one hand, rapier in the other. "Give up. You're surrounded."

Rolls and Actions
Drop Silver Sword
Climb 13
Move Silently 28
Grabbing Items
Disarm 19 (+11 BAB, +4 Poorly Secured, -4 Light Weapon, -4 Not Monk, Duelist, or Hand, +2 Invisible)
Disarm 26 (Burn Hero Point)
Flappy Hit AC2 (Oops. Doesn't matter. Not enough action to attack anyway. Flappy is ascending and as such is moving 1/2 speed.)

Movement and Position
Xenia AV18 (Climb 1/2 speed)
Flappy AW13 (No AoO from Ranged Weapon.)

Active Effects
Bat (10 minutes)
Longstrider (1 hour)
Message (60 minutes)

Bag of Tricks 2/10 per week.

Belkior (AC22, HP 60/60; Magic Circle Against Evil)  d20+17=29 d20+8=25
Saturday October 21st, 2006 11:01:08 PM

"They're Mummies," Belkior announces. His voice is flat, carrying little inflection. These undead carry little terror for him.

"Lets go. We can't help them from back here." Belkior beings to run. As his dark cat legs drive his heavy plate armor across the ground, the halfling cleric wracks his brain for anything he might know of the vulnerabilities of the undead, especially Mummies.

Rolls and Actions
Will Save 31 (+2 Racial vs Fear, +2 Protection From Evil)
Knowledge Religion 25 (For a way to fight mummies.)

Movement and Position
W14 (Move 60ft Run)

Active Effects
Magic Stone (3 stones for 30 minutes /Belkior 2, Edmund 1)
Magic Circle Against Evil (80 minutes)

Note: All within 10 feet of Belkior gain +2 to Saves from Protection from Evil

Day's Spells
0 - Detect Magic**, Detect poison*, Mending*, Read Magic*
1st - Bless*, Detect Evil, uHide from Undead, uMagic Stone, Sanctuary* (Protection from Evil+)
2nd - Delay Poison*, Hold Person*, uOwl's Wisdom*, Resist Energy*, Spiritual Weapon (Aid*)
3rd - Blindness/Deafness, Dispel Magic*, Prayer*, Searing Light* (uMagic Circle against Evil+*)
4th - Death Ward, Neutralize Poison+*, Summon Monster IV (Holy Smite+*)

Bin (AC11/23 HP's 45)  d20+11=24 d20+4=16
Sunday October 22nd, 2006 12:42:09 AM
Upon hearing about the mummies, a growl is emitted from Bin at his disgust of such things and their unholy presence. "I will teach you to respect the dead." He promises the cultists though his words are unheard by them.

Bin sighs under his breath at not having enough intelligence to know he wasn't close enough to the enemy to turn them, but his thought quickly turns from the past to the present as the arrows whiz near him. He makes movement with the others, staying near Belkior even when running until he thinks he has another attempt to turn the undead again. "I hope that is the right range anyway." He knows there are others that will deal with the archer but he keeps an eye open up there during movement so if something changes, he can also. Once close enough, he turns again.

He also ponders how best to fight the mummies, and at what level he would need to turn such vile monsters.

Rolls and actions:Will save and being near Belkior=24
Knowledge Religion=16

Movement and position:W14 (Move 60ft run)

Active effects:Mage armor=AC23
In Belkior's magic circle=+2 (80 minutes or until out of area of affect).

Spells
0-*Detect Magic, *Detect Poison, *Guidance, *Light, **Resistance
1- *Detect Evil, *Entropic Shield, *Protection from Evil, *Sanctuary, **Enlarge Person
2- **Cure Moderate Wounds, **Find Traps, *Bull's Strength
3- ***Cure Serious Wounds, *Dispel Magic, *Prayer
4- **Cure Critical Wounds, *Divine Power, *Air Walk

Mira (AC 13 + 4 Mage Armor, 40 HP)  d20+7+2=29
Sunday October 22nd, 2006 11:37:33 PM
The tones of their voices carry a sense of urgency as their words communicate what is going on. As she jogs after the catling cleric, the sorcerer catches sight of what waits at the entrance of the cave (Will Save=29, nat. 20), but is undaunted.


DM Sanity Info:

Position: V14

Mage Armour - on Arm - 3 hours
Mage Armour - on Bin - 3 hours
Mage Armour - on Mira - 3 hours

Message - on Mira, cast by Wynn (or Angus?)
Magic Circle Against Evil - from Belkior

- 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 Hp 62 AC 19/20 m  d20+7=19
Monday October 23rd, 2006 5:35:13 AM
Syr closes in on the pyramid beside Kadaz. He auses only slightly as he sees the 'mummy' (will 19). Asking the dwarf out of the side of his mouth, "What's the weakness of a mummy? Silver?"

Arm (AC 18 [20] base + mage armor [+2 vs. evil], HP 27/27  d20+5=18 d20+6=25 d8+5=13
Monday October 23rd, 2006 5:53:43 AM
Seemingly unfazed by whatever he sees in the dirt (will=18), Arm calls out to Kadaz to hold, then depending on what it is he sees, he strikes at it with his newly found blade and makes solid contact (attk: 25, dmg: 13).

Ash (hp 26)  d20+8=16 d20+2=21
Monday October 23rd, 2006 7:46:19 AM
Ash watches over everyone he can see, concerned for their health. He otherwise, waits, nervously.

Will checks:
Ash: 16
Shelya: 21

Spells:
Brahmah's Tattoo Type (B) infused with Cure Light Wounds
Level 0:
Cure Minor Wounds
Flare
Guidance
Read Magic

Level 1
Cure Light Wounds (x2)
Goodberry
Magic Fang
Summon Nature's Ally I

Level 2
Animal Trance: Fascinates 2d6 HD of animals.
Barkskin (cast on Shelya)
Summon Nature's Ally II
Summon Swarm

Level 3:
Cure Moderate Wounds
Summon Nature's Ally III



Thar ail Baerer, AC 20/21, hp 41, Message, Prot from Evil 
Monday October 23rd, 2006 9:55:27 AM
Now that the battle has begun, Thar decideds the need for secrecy is past and casts protection from evil upon himself, trying to give himself some added protection before entering the battle.

AC 21 (Dodge) vs. the closest creature that moves towards him.

(OOC - John, re: the animals, no problem ;-) that's what I thought you had in mind and in a level or 2, I'll have a companion.)

Rounds left PfE = 40/40

Spells

1st - bless, shield of faith, summon monster 1
2nd - restoration (lesser), summon monster 2, spiritual weapon



Hillside - Round 2 (DM JohnP)  Kadaz d4=1 Birdie d4=3 Lookout d20+1=17 Edmund Spellcraft d20+15=21 Shadow d4=3 Lookout d20+17=18 Zombie 1 d20+3=8 Zombie 3 d20+3=13 Zombie 5 d20+3=20 Zombie 6 d20+3=14 Mummy B d20+12=32 d20+12=28 2d8(6+5)+16=27
Monday October 23rd, 2006 11:46:21 AM
The lookout has fired his bow and the undead have begun moving, including the foul mummies that had been hidden near the tunnel entrance. The horrid appearances of the mummies have had their effect, freezing several of the party in place.

Kadaz and Birdie both stop in fright. The dwarf fighter will be able to move soon, but Birdie can only whimper in fright.
DM Note -- DC was 16, so both are Paralyzed. Kadaz frozen for this round only, Birdie for this and two more rounds.

Crouching in the grass, Thar tries to determine whether it is better to cast a protective magic or wait until the undead notice him. He sees Lang charge in, so he casts Protection from Evil on himself.

Unshaken by the mummy, Lang and Sunshine charge into combat. The mummy's tough body absorbs some of the force of Lang's shortsword but the flash of energy damages it fully.
DM Note -- Lang, please Vicious damage separately from weapon damage.

From her vantage point on the hillside, Xenia sees how things are playing out. She studies the lookout and sees what she thinks is a holy symbol looped to his wrist. The flame-haired rogue stretches out her hand and plucks it from his wrist, becoming visible. Then she taunts him, expecting that he might falter in his devotion to the cult. Now that she is closer, Xenia also sees that the human lookout has some goggles pushed up on his forehead and he is wearing the typical red cloak of the cultists. Flappy flaps up to the cultist.
DM Note -- Left you adjacent to the lookout, as opposed to posted location.

Angus briefly thanks whoever he prays to that he wasn't flying lower because the arrows went under his invisible feet. The polymorphed sorcerer clearly sees where the lookout is standing on the hillside. He pulls a scroll from his pack and recites the words upon it. The cultist turns his head towards Angus but doesn't do more than that.
DM Note -- Did not move you, otherwise there is no time for reading the scroll.

The wizard from Plateau City considers casting a Web spell but then mutters to himself without doing so. Even so, Edmund is now up beside Kadaz and feels better for having the solid, albeit unmoving, bulk of the fighter beside him.
DM Note -- Spellcraft vs. DC 12 to remember limitations of the spell.

Cursing silently, Wynn steps forward and swings twice at the nearest mummy. To his dismay his attacks do not manage to get past the thing's defenses.

Conner shouts and charges forward through the grass.

In the grass, Shadow freezes at the sight of the mummies.
DM Note -- Paralyzed for this and two more rounds.

Belkior recognizes the undead as mummies and recalls what he can about them. Resistant to damage, he thinks, and vulnerable to fire. Then he runs closer to the action.

Bin and Mira follow the catling cleric towards the sound of battle.

Syr and Arm both speak to Kadaz before seeing that the dwarf is briefly paralyzed. They both turn and run toward the battle.
DM Note - Moved Syr anyway. Arm isn't in contact with opponents to be able to attack, so made double move. If you want to change, let me know.

Ash remains on the path, watching his companions run towards the tunnel entrance. Shelya remains at his side.
DM Note - Left you behind. If you'd rather keep pace, let me know.

++++++


The lookout snarls at Xenia, "Too late, fool! We'll release the lich soon enough, and then you shall cower!". He drops the bow and draws the bastard sword from his back, glowing with a sickly green light. Swinging wildly, the sword passes nowhere close to Xenia.
Attack misses AC 18 (natural 1)

The zombies begin shuffling forward to attack. Their movements are uncoordinated and often interfere with one another. Zombie Z1 moves slightly and clumsily swings its sword and misses Wynn. Zombie Z2 slowly moves towards Wynn and isn't able to attack.
Zombie Z1 misses AC 8

Zombie Z3 steps towards Lang and swings, also missing. Zombie Z4 moves around to get closer to Lang. Zombie Z5 swings its sword in Lang's direction and misses.
Zombie Z3 misses AC 13
Zombie 5 misses AC 20

Zombie Z6 steps into Wynn and swings wide. Zombie Z7 moves around the pack of undead to get close to Wynn while Zombie Z8 does the same on the other side.
Zombie 6 misses AC 14

Mummy B swings its silver sword at Lang, hitting the bugbear ranger very hard. Mummy C rigidly steps into the long grass, moving even slower than the zombies. It manages to get behind Wynn even so.
Mummy B hits AC 32 (threat), confirmed AC 28, 27 damage to Lang

Message Ring 1 (Wynn's) -- Angus, Mira, Wynn, Xenia + 2 more
Message Ring 2 (Angus') - Angus, Lang, Thar, Mira, Xenia, Syr, Shadow, Belkior

Loot
4 silvered masterwork short swords (all with faint aura) (Lang, Shadow, Thar, Xenia)
3 silvered masterwork longswords (all with faint aura) (Arm, Wynn)

Map going up tonight.


Belkior (AC22, HP 60/60; Magic Circle Against Evil)  4d8(1+1+7+7)=16
Monday October 23rd, 2006 12:32:22 PM

"The mummies resist the damage of weapons!" Belkior shouts. "Attack them with Fire if you can."

The he holds his hands forth, forming the Symbol of Alemi and calls down a Holy light that bathes the melee and Smites all within who bear the taint of Evil.

"That might hold them for a while, but not for long," the little cleric says before rushing forward to aide those already embroiled with the undead.

Rolls and Actions
Cast Holy Smite Centered at Intersection of AI/AJ/13/14 (Evil Only: 16hp and Blind for 1 round in 20-ft radius. Will vs DC20 for 1/2 damage and no Blindness.)

Movement and Position
AA14 (20ft move)

Active Effects
Magic Stone (3 stones for 30 minutes /Belkior 2, Edmund 1)
Magic Circle Against Evil (80 minutes)

Note: All within 10 feet of Belkior gain +2 to Saves from Protection from Evil

Day's Spells
0 - Detect Magic**, Detect poison*, Mending*, Read Magic*
1st - Bless*, Detect Evil, uHide from Undead, uMagic Stone, Sanctuary* (Protection from Evil+)
2nd - Delay Poison*, Hold Person*, uOwl's Wisdom*, Resist Energy*, Spiritual Weapon (Aid*)
3rd - Blindness/Deafness, Dispel Magic*, Prayer*, Searing Light* (uMagic Circle against Evil+*)
4th - Death Ward, Neutralize Poison+*, Summon Monster IV (uHoly Smite+*)

Edmund (AC: 12, HP 27/27) 
Monday October 23rd, 2006 12:38:53 PM
Edmund recalls the limitations of Web at the last moment, having initially forgotten the need for anchoring surfaces, lest the web collapse and disappear. His original plan was to catch the Zombies in a sort of sticky blanket, but he realises this would not be the case, either. (Spellcraft 15 v. DC 12)

Thus advanced, he is glad to find himself next to Kadaz, though at the same time confused by Kadaz's seeming unwillingness to advance. "What ho there, Kadaz--what's the problem?" Edmund asks in a surprisingly normal tone of voice, despite the battle raging before them. "Are you all right?"

Edmund will put his hand on Kadaz's shoulder and give him a bit of a shake, if Kadaz doesn't respond in the affirmative.

Turning to the battle ahead, Edmund watches with somewhat amused disinterest as the Zombies blunder about incompetently, flailing their swords to no avail. With a bit of a smirk, Edmund remarks, "Well, that's not much of threat, what?"

Then, one of the other things, the Mommies--a name Edmund doesn't quite understand--swings and deals Lang a blow that would have felled Edmund instantly. The wizard stops smirking, and goes a rather ghastly shade of grey.

As he watches the weapons of his friends seeming to have no effect upon these creatures, Edmund suddenly realises just why everyone else is so concerned. He racks his brain for something useful, some spell, some sort of ability, and realises there isn't much he can do. Colour Spray seems best, but he doesn't want to hit his friends, either.

And then Edmund feels the little rock in his hand.

((Saved by the DM! I'll post the rest later, from home, when the map is up.))

Xenia (AC22, HP 48/48)  d20+5=19
Monday October 23rd, 2006 12:53:24 PM

"Yipe! This guy is strong." Xenia's voice comes down the Message Spell. "But lets see if he can catch me!"

"Right, Foo Brain. Look again. See how fast we're chewing up your Undead Guys?" With the slightest twitch of the his eyes, the dark rogue breaks off and scrambles further up the hill.

"Down, Batty Guy! Down." Xenia commands the bat to pull back as well.

"Come catch me, you Tin Pot!" she taunts the Cultie from her position up the hill. "You want this back?" Xenia holds up the symbol dangling from its leather thong. "COME CHASE ME! CAN YOU CLIMB? LETS SEE HOW WELL YOU CLIMB!!!"

And the dark rogue laughs.

Rolls and Actions
Climb 19

Movement and Position
Xenia BA15 (Climb 25 feet Off Map)
Flappy AX12, 15 ft above the surface of the hill.

Active Effects
Bat (10 minutes)
Longstrider (1 hour)
Message (60 minutes)

Bag of Tricks 2/10 per week.

Angus Ac 20/22 (vs. evil) Hp 33 - Spells listed below  d20+8=23 d20+8=14 6d6(2+1+5+5+4+1)+6=24 6d6(4+5+2+5+2+5)+6=29 6d4(3+3+1+1+4+4)+6=22
Monday October 23rd, 2006 2:59:47 PM
Angus smiles at Xenia's antics, but decides to take a more forceful approach since the tin can did not surrender.

Angus makes sure he is still well out of sword range and check his distance to the tin can and then he unleashes two empowered scorching rays.

Touch Ac 23 & 14 (Please note that I did not add +2 for flanking for being invisible)

Damage 18 & 23 (Ignore the +6) total of 41

From above the tin can Angus squeeks "That had to hurt!"

If for some reason the archer is out of range Angus will empower a magic missile.

damage 22

Invisibility ends

Spell Slots:
0 level 1/6
1st level 2/8
2nd level 1/8
3rd level 0/6
4th level 2/4

Mage armor - 8 hours total
Protection from evil - 16 minutes (extended)
Polymorph - 8 minutes
Message - Angus, Lang, Thar, Mira, Xenia, Syr, Shadow, Belkior
Message from Wynn to Angus
Protection from Arrows - scroll 3rd level

Rod of Extend 2/3

----------------------------

ooc: Made an error on my AC +4 mage armor, +4 dex (pixie), +1 size (pixie), +1 natural (pixie), and +2 for pro evil for 20/22

Edmund (Update 1)  d20+15=27
Monday October 23rd, 2006 3:55:40 PM
((DM, this is the spellcraft roll from my previous post. I thought I rolled it, but after I put down the base number for reference, I forgot to do the roll after writing the post! Sorry! Rest of previous post still to follow after the map is up.))

(Spellcraft=27)

Mira (AC 13 + 4 Mage Armor, 40 HP)  d20+6=19
Monday October 23rd, 2006 7:05:35 PM
Mira takes in the scene at a glance, as her mind works to filter the messages coming to her from her magically linked friends as well as those called out by companions around her. Never one to hold her aces, the combat sorcerer pulls the scroll from her belt and almost before the parchment is unfolded intones the magic she has memorized.

The challenge of a higher magic is easily mastered (Caster Level Check=19). The sorcerer calls a warning to her friends, as she holds the magic until the last possible moment, in order to give them a chance to escape. With a single step forward, and final cry, "Nar tuarninin!" the scroll crumbles and a wall of fire is laid down through the zombies, and mummies at the cave entrance.

DM Sanity Info:

Position: W14

Mage Armour - on Arm - 3 hours
Mage Armour - on Bin - 3 hours
Mage Armour - on Mira - 3 hours
Wall of Fire - duration 9 rounds **(trying to encircle the undead and avoid the 'good guys', focusing the burning inward towards the undead. p. 298 PHB (2d4 pts dmg to those within 10 ft., 1d4 pts dmg to those past 10 ft. but within 20 ft., 2d6+4 to creatures passing through wall. DM, please roll damage vs your creatures. Please note double damage vs undead in addition to vulnerability of mummies.))**

Message - on Mira, cast by Wynn (and Angus)
Magic Circle Against Evil - from Belkior

- 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



Shadow (AC 21/18 HP 28/28) 
Monday October 23rd, 2006 7:19:37 PM
Shadow is so taken aback by the unholy creatures that have arisen that he is unable to even move from fright. 'I am going to die by these creatures!' Continuously runs through his mind.

Kadaz 
Monday October 23rd, 2006 8:21:36 PM
Kadaz tries to advance. But while his brain says go his body says no. Kadaz freezes in place long enough for most of the party to pass him by. Edmund stops by and makes idle chit chat and that seems to be enough.

Kadaz shudders as his body starts to respond. He looks grimly at Edmund. "Don't get close to them, Ed." Kadaz starts running towards the battle, hoping to get close enough to be useful next round.

(Kadaz runs ahead as fast as he can as far as he can.)



Thar ail Baerer AC 20/21, hp 41, Message, Prot from Evil (maybe)  d20+1=19 2d6(4+4)+4=12
Monday October 23rd, 2006 8:32:17 PM
Now that he has some protection, Thar stays where he is and attempts to turn the nearest Zombies. Grabbing his cross, he faces them and while praying, says "By the power of all that is good and mightly, begone you unholy creatures."

Turns/Day = 3/4 (after this one)
Turn Check = 19 = Max HD monster afffected = 6
Turn Dmg = 12 = Total HD affected.
Turn Duration = 10/10 rounds


MAP (DM JohnP) 
Monday October 23rd, 2006 9:53:08 PM
Here's the MAP.

Feel free to alter movements or spell targets based on this.



Bin (11/23 HP's 45)  d20=16 2d6(4+2)+11=17
Monday October 23rd, 2006 10:04:49 PM
Bin follows Belkior with Mira up until he stops and begins to cast. Bin wants to be sure he gets the undead in his Turn ability this time so he quickly moves as close as he needs to, to turn the undead this round.

If he can not get close enough to Turn this round, he moves as far as he can instead.

"Glory be to Domi! Feel his power and suffer his wrath foul minions of the dark!"

Turn Undead check=11 HD
(Buzz-it's d20+cha not d20+cha+level. 16+3(cha)=19 hence cleric lvl+3)

Turn damage=17 HD

Modified by DM BigTim


Xenia (2nd Illegal Post) 
Monday October 23rd, 2006 10:22:49 PM
The touch of a frown compresses the girl rogue's dark lips at the sight of all the zombies and stuff surrounding Wynn.

"You get 'im, Angus!" she shouts at the armored Cultie. "You call off your zombies or we're gonna burn you down! You call 'em off now and throw down your weapon or you'll die in fire."

Ash 
Monday October 23rd, 2006 10:27:50 PM
Ash sees his new friends getting hurt and runs up to help them. He hopes to be able to heal them as soon as possible.

Edmund (AC: 12, HP: 27/27) 
Monday October 23rd, 2006 11:16:08 PM
Edmund watches Kadaz charge forward, and then looks over to the Mommies and the Zombies far ahead. He fingers the magic stone he received from Belkior, and internally debates what he should do. Then, he decides. Too far to throw it with a clear shot, he runs after Kadaz, though not as far, desiring to stay away from monsters capable of instantly killing him outright. (Double Move to position AA-15, 55 feet)

DM Sanity Info.
Spells & Effects: +2 Protection from Evil (Belkior)

L.0: Daze, Detect Magic (x2), Read Magic (x2)
L.1: Charm Person, Colour Spray (x2), Grease, Obscuring Mist, Sleep
L.2: Daze Monster, Glitterdust, Hypnotic Pattern, Web
L.3: Hold Person, Slow, Suggestion

Lang (AC 24; HP 61/100; Sunshine AC 23; HP 47/47)  d20+13=25 d20+13=23 d20+8=21 d20+8=26 d6+6=9 2d6(3+3)=6 d6=6 d6+6=10 d6+6=8 2d6(2+3)=5 d6=2 d6+6=9
Monday October 23rd, 2006 11:25:20 PM
Lang staggers under the mighty blow from the Mummy. This is not exactly how Lang planned it. But then again Lang knows that he has a lot of friends backing him up. Let's see if I can chop this guy down to size, he thinks.

RH Hit AC 25; damage 9 + 6; 6 damage to me
LH Hit AC 23; damage 10
RH Hit AC 21; damage 8 + 5; 2 damage to me
LH Hit AC 26; damage 9

Lang gets a few good smacks in. Hopefully all are able to penetrate the undead's armor.

Lang looks at the battle scene, trying to figure out where Sunshine may be effective.

"Sunshine heel"

Sunshine moves off into the grass to get to Lang. He ends up in cell AJ11.

Longstrider - duration 3 hours

Mira (2nd illegal post) 
Monday October 23rd, 2006 11:33:59 PM
Mira will try to set the wall of fire in a line that runs through points in AK10 and AI15. The wall is 160 ft. long and 20 ft. wide. (Hopefully the allies' reflexes are better than the enemies!)

Wynn [AC=21 HP=59] Message  d20+11=27 d20+11=29
Monday October 23rd, 2006 11:44:39 PM
Wynn readies to try yet another attack when he hears Mira's warning call and he quickly tumbles back away from the tunnel entrance towards Sunshine [Tumble=27 & 29 to avoid 'C' and 'Z7'; new position = AE 15]

"The ugly ones are really tough" he calls out to all those listening

Conner [AC=22 HP=62] Message  d20+3=13 d6+4=6
Monday October 23rd, 2006 11:55:13 PM
Conner hears the commotion ahead and spots a zombie trying to sneak behind Lang. The muscled fighter runs forward and hurls his javelin with all his might. The projectile whistles toward Z4 in a shallow arc just as Mira's spell appears. [Hit AC=13; -2 for range increment, -4 for opponent in melee, 6 HP if successful]

New Position = AB 11

Arm 
Tuesday October 24th, 2006 5:56:36 AM
OOC: I'm going to forego movement for today simply because I'm just too confused:

1) If I was able to see something hiding in a mound of dirt and wasn't affected by fear, why couldn't I attack it?

2) If Shadow is hidden and paralyzed (I'm assuming the red 's' on the map), then what is the GREEN 's' directly behind me?

Sorry if this hurts the party, but I really don't know what's going on... :(

ed. JohnP - To answer your questions:
1. Arm moved to a position on the path where he had Line of Sight to the dirt mound that the mummy was hiding behind. And he rolled high enough to spot them. However, at that point he was still over 100 feet away. I read your attack as melee, rather than missile.

2. The green 'S' north of Arm is Shadow (hidden and paralyzed). The red 'S' west of Arm is Syr from the Crimson Shields.

I apologize for any confusion, Len.

Bin 
Tuesday October 24th, 2006 10:55:10 AM
OOC OK guys, I'm getting confused now also and I thought I had this figured out until you just corrected me so lets go through all this ONE MORE TIME!
I am a "Protector of Domi" which gives me a +1 per caster level to my turn check, so where do I put the bonus? It's not to the damage roll or it would say +1 to Turning Damage instead of what it says now. Please refer to the Black Cathedral for verification. I will check back in later today to clear this up.

ed. JohnP - Bin, here goes with the explanation.

- Turning, depends on cleric levels or, in other words, the # of levels in the cleric base class.
- in Bin's case, he has levels in the Protector prestige class which can also Turn Undead. Add cleric levels and Protector levels to determine "Effective Cleric Levels" for purposes of Turning.

In Bin's case, that's a total of 8.

The Turning Check (d20 + CHA modifier) result is compared to the Turning Undead table to determine the HD of the most powerful undead turned relative to the "Effective Cleric Level".

For this most recent turning attempt, the d20+CHA result was 19, so an undead with 3 HD more than Bin's effective level (8) can be turned (an 11 HD monster).

Effective Cleric Level also figures into Turning Damage (2d6 + cleric level + CHA) or 17 HD for this last attempt.

Compare this to Belkior who has only 3 cleric levels. His remaining levels are in the Healer and Paragon prestige classes that do not grant Turning. So he Turns Undead as if he were a 3rd level cleric.

Angus 
Tuesday October 24th, 2006 11:35:41 AM
Angus looks down at the smoking lookout "Last chance to surrender." Angus squeeks.

Hillside - Round 3 (DM JohnP)  Z1 d20+3=15 Z2 d20+3=12 Z3 d20+3=20 Z4 d20+3=16 Z5 d20+3=21 Z6 d20+3=17 Z7 d20+3=13 B d20+10=25 C d20+10=12 AoO d20+17=23 Wall of Fire Z3 4d6(3+3+4+3)+14=27 Z4 4d6(3+3+1+5)+14=26 Z5 4d6(2+1+6+1)+14=24 Z6 4d6(4+2+2+6)+14=28 Z8 4d6(4+5+2+6)+14=31 B 4d6(5+1+1+2)+14=23 C 4d6(3+1+3+3)+14=24 Lookout d20+1=8 d20+2=14
Tuesday October 24th, 2006 12:19:21 PM
The allied parties close in on the undead and the lookout in an attempt to end this fight as soon as possible. The mummies are far tougher than they seem but at least they are slow.

Forming his hands into the symbol of Alemi, Belkior calls down divine light onto the pack of undead. The light diminishes and blinds most of the zombies and they howl mindlessly. Three of the animated cultist corpses are destroyed outright, the evil animating force driven away. The mummies are made of tougher stuff, however, but one is more severely damaged than the other.

Edmund waits, fingering the stone given to him by Belkior. He's hoping that Kadaz will get into the fight.

Xenia scrambles away from the lookout, trusting in her agility to protect her. She's correct, and his swing misses her crimson locks. Xenia stands higher on the hill, laughing at the cultist and trying to distract him from the larger fight. Flappy also manages to get away.

Hoping to take advantage of the distraction provided by Xenia, Angus begins casting a spell at the lookout.

Mira steps forward, pulling a scroll out as she goes. She flawlessly recites the arcane inscription on the parchment and calls forth a Wall of Fire near her companions. The sorcerer carefully controls the spell and places it just beyond her companions fighting the undead with the hot side towards the tunnel entrance. The wall immolates all of the remaining zombies and the farthest of the mummies also crumples into a mass of burning bandages and bone fragments.
DM Note -- As shown, it was possible to position the line so that it did not go through squares containing Lang or Wynn.

Hidden in the grass, Shadow remains motionless.
DM Note -- Paralyzed for this and 1 more round.

Freed from his momentary paralysis, Kadaz charges towards the remaining opponents. Edmund easily keeps pace with the dwarf. Birdie remains behind, staring at the sole remaining mummy.
DM Note -- Birdie paralyzed for this and 1 more round.

Thar was going to turn the zombies but only one mummy remains. With the same idea, Bin moves ahead and focuses the energy granted him by Domi on the remaining mummy. It flees blindly away from the unseen Protector directly into the Wall of Fire. It manages to stagger a step beyond the Wall before it collapses into burning cinders.

Lang and Wynn see all of their opponents crumpled on the ground around them and the lookout remaining on the hill on the other side of the fiery Wall. Sunshine moves up beside the bugbear ranger, sniffing at the rapidly rotting remains on the ground nearby.

Conner charges ahead through the grass, a javelin held ready to hurl at an opponent.

Angus completes his spell now and sends two fiery rays towards the lookout, burning him badly.

++++++


No zombies or mummies remain on the battlefied.

After being burned himself and witnessing the destruction of his servants, the lookout leaves his bow and moves downslope. He slips under the flying Angus and lightly drops over the tunnel lip. His parting words before he disappears into the inky blackness are, "Kill me or burn me, I welcome it! I'll come back more powerful in death!"

Lang sees the cultist retreating down into the tunnel, not pausing. Most of the remains of the undead are on the opposite side of the Wall of Fire and everyone can see the weapons, armor and other gear lying with the remains. Lang can spot a bundle of gear near one of the piles of dirt, presumably belonging to Bin who escaped here from the cultists.

++++++


You can choose to pursue the lookout into the tunnel. Those on the west side of the Wall of Fire can move 80 feet to either end and then back, or move through the wall and take damage. Xenia, Angus and Flappy the Bat can pursue him more easily. The entrance of the tunnel is 5 feet wide and it does not appear to narrow or widen farther in. The tunnel is pitch black inside without any light sources.

Wall of Fire duration = Concentration + 7 rounds

Message Ring 1 (Wynn's) -- Angus, Mira, Wynn, Xenia + 2 more
Message Ring 2 (Angus') - Angus, Lang, Thar, Mira, Xenia, Syr, Shadow, Belkior

Loot
4 silvered masterwork short swords (all with faint aura) (Lang, Shadow, Thar, Xenia)
3 silvered masterwork longswords (all with faint aura) (Arm, Wynn)

Map tonight, but not really needed.

Xenia (AC22, HP 48/48)  d20+5=25 d20+19=24 d20+14=33
Tuesday October 24th, 2006 1:33:56 PM

"Wooo!" The dark rogue gives a war whoop. But under all that she's whispering.

"Angus! Can you get me invisible again? No. Better yet, yourself. Flyin' like that, you're faster than me. I'll distract the Tin Guy. He can't have gone far in all that armor."

"Seek!" The rogue gives the command to the bat and drops the holy symbol in the grass. She begins scrambling quickly down the slope. At the top of the hole, she stops and looks down into the dark, listening carefully for the movements of the guy she knows can't have gotten too far down inside.

"Hey. Tin Guy," she whispers. "Better run. We're coming for you. Better run quick."

Rolls and Actions
Climb 25 /Nat 20
Spot 24
Listen 33

Movement and Position
Xenia AS14 (40 foot climb)
Flappy Into the Tunnel. (2x speed for descending from height. Find and remain one five foot square away.)

Active Effects
Bat (10 minutes)
Longstrider (1 hour)
Message (60 minutes)

Bag of Tricks 2/10 per week.

BIn  d20+7=12 d20+6=26
Tuesday October 24th, 2006 1:43:33 PM
OOC: So basically, I just need to forget about the +1/caster level since I was a cleric before I became a protector, all it's trying to tell me is they stack, it's not a bonus. Sheesh, it's like pulling wisdom teeth I know.

Bin Blindly throws his javelin at the escaping cultist through the Wall of Fire. A blind shot is better then just letting him get away. "Dead it is then you misguided creature, may Domi protect your soul when it's released."
(Modifers please? I know I can't see him through the wall but if he's running away, I may get a bonus from behind. I'm not sure what all is involved here, but it looks like he misses with the javelin.)

Bin then makes movement to his pack when he sees it.

Javelin throw to hit=12
Spot check to see gear=26


Angus Ac 20/22 (evil) Hp 33 spells below 
Tuesday October 24th, 2006 5:15:29 PM
Angus is excited at the damage his new and old friends have wrought.

Upon hearing Xenia's plan, Angus turns himself invisible and comments "I am right behind you carrot top. Let go crack that tin can."

On the message line Angus adds "Xenia and I are heading into the hole, follow quickly, as I am sure there are more rats holed up. Bring torches or the like to light the way."

Angus flys after Xenia and Flappy into the hole.

Spell Slots:
0 level 1/6
1st level 2/8
2nd level 2/8
3rd level 0/6
4th level 2/4

Mage armor - 8 hours total
Protection from evil - 16 minutes (extended)
Polymorph - 8 minutes
Message - Angus, Lang, Thar, Mira, Xenia, Syr, Shadow, Belkior
Message from Wynn to Angus
Protection from Arrows - scroll 3rd level
Invisibility 8 minutes

Rod of Extend 2/3


Thar ail Baerer AC 20/21, hp 41, Message, Prot from Evil (maybe)  d20+10=24 d20+8=18 d20+8=16
Tuesday October 24th, 2006 6:02:55 PM
"Great call on the wall of fire!" shouts Thar to Mira, glad that her wise choice of magic eliminated the undead.

Turning to watch the remaining enemy run into the tunnel, he says to his ranger companion, "Lang, how about we follow that guy and give our invisible friends some back up?"

He'll move into the tunnel, trying to be silent and quiet, watching for any possible traps or ambushes.

Spot = 24
MS = 18
HiS = 16

Rounds left PfE = 39/40

Spells

1st - bless, shield of faith, summon monster 1
2nd - restoration (lesser), summon monster 2, spiritual weapon

Edmund (AC: 12, HP: 27/27) 
Tuesday October 24th, 2006 6:10:40 PM
Edmund tags along at the back of the group, still clutching the rock Belkior gave him. "Wish I could do that," he says of the Wall of Fire. "Right useful in a pinch."

Edmund will not walk through the wall of fire and take damage, but will instead carefully circumvent it, even if it takes longer. If it cannot be circumvented, he will wait until it expires. Nothing can compel him to walk through it.

Mira (AC 13 + 4 Mage Armor, 40 HP) 
Tuesday October 24th, 2006 8:31:07 PM
The sorcerer is tempted to keep the blazing curtain of shimmering violet fire going a little longer, but time is of the essence, and it is blocking the party's progress. Mira drops her concentration, and the opaque sheet of flame is gone.

Mira blushes at the praise from her comrades, but her wide grin shows that she is pleased.

"Let's form up, and go after the cultists, but first somebody better check for traps at the entrance. Maybe we can get to this Ah-mah-fellow first?!"

Mira will advance as fast as she can stopping just short of the entrance of the cave. "Anyone want to be invisible?" she enquires, reaching once again into her spell component pouch.

DM Sanity Info:

Position: AL14 (or where ever the DM sees fit)

Mage Armour - on Arm - 3 hours
Mage Armour - on Bin - 3 hours
Mage Armour - on Mira - 3 hours

Message - on Mira, cast by Wynn (and Angus)
Magic Circle Against Evil - from Belkior (if applicable)

- 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

Map Post (DM JohnP) 
Tuesday October 24th, 2006 9:14:26 PM
MAP is here.

Anyone can choose to move around or through the Wall of Fire. It will remain active for another 7 rounds even if Mira drops concentration (it's not Dismissable).

The cultist lookout is barely within the tunnel, still visible to Lang. In other words, Lang could reach him with a double move or charge if he goes through the Fire.

Xenia (2nd Illegal Post) 
Tuesday October 24th, 2006 9:15:09 PM

"I'll take that Invisible stuff, Mira," Xenia grins from atop the hole.

"If there are any traps, Mira, they'd be all magic," the rogue offers. "Any mechanical traps Stove Pipe Boy would be setting off as he runs off down the hole." The rogue grins down at the Cultie down below. "Glyphs and stuff, though, all he'd need was a password and he could fly right by."

"That sort of stuff takes time to put up, though. I don't think there will be any traps," she says.

I hope.

Belkior (AC22, HP 60/60; Magic Circle Against Evil) 
Tuesday October 24th, 2006 9:22:56 PM

Life it seems for the short of leg is filled with running. Belkior hustles forward in his heavy armor, sighting the Lookout just before the entrance to the hole.

Cat legs braced apart, Belkior raises his hands again and shouts out, "Hold!"

"By the Holy Power of Alemi, Hold!"

Movement and Position
Cast Hold Person on Lookout (Will Save DC17 or be Held for 8 rounds)

Movement and Position
AE14 (20ft move)

Active Effects
Magic Stone (3 stones for 30 minutes /Belkior 2, Edmund 1)
Magic Circle Against Evil (80 minutes)

Note: All within 10 feet of Belkior gain +2 to Saves from Protection from Evil

Day's Spells
0 - Detect Magic**, Detect poison*, Mending*, Read Magic*
1st - Bless*, Detect Evil, uHide from Undead, uMagic Stone, Sanctuary* (Protection from Evil+)
2nd - Delay Poison*, Hold Person*, uOwl's Wisdom*, Resist Energy*, Spiritual Weapon (Aid*)
3rd - Blindness/Deafness, Dispel Magic*, Prayer*, Searing Light* (uMagic Circle against Evil+*)
4th - Death Ward, Neutralize Poison+*, Summon Monster IV (uHoly Smite+*)


Lang (AC 24; HP 69/100; Sunshine AC 23; HP 47/47)  d20+6=14 d20+6=24
Tuesday October 24th, 2006 9:29:58 PM
OOC - added back 8 HP's for vicious damage from sword attacks not needed last round.

Lang hears the message from Angus about the retreating cultist and mummy going down into the tunnel. He eyeballs the fire wall and decides that he has taken enough damage and will not damage himself needlessly by going through it. He wondered who cast the nicely timed spell.

"Yes, Thar let's follow them. At least a short distance into the tunnel."

Lang and Sunshine move with Thar towards the tunnel entrance. He sees the cultist and moves towards him. He will try to get to him to swing at him, but does not think it is possible this round.

OOC - I move 40' per round. Does it look like he is moving less than that?

OOC - double movement means no swing this round right?

Spot 14
Listen 24

Longstrider - duration 3 hours

Mira (AC 13 + 4 Mage Armor, 30?/40 HP)(2nd illegal post)  2d6(2+4)+4=10
Tuesday October 24th, 2006 10:01:46 PM
Mira is startled when the wall of fire stays in place, even though she no longer bends her mind to the magic of maintaining it. Finding her way blocked by comrades and allies, she gets as close to the cave as she can. (If the momentum of her run carries her through the violet wall, the mage takes a little heat. (10 pts. dmg.) and tries to get as far away from the burning side as possible.)

(OOC: DM JohnP you are a very evil DM!)

Kadaz (AC 24, HP 63) 
Tuesday October 24th, 2006 10:19:58 PM
Kadaz eyes the wall of fire and sees how far it extends into the grass. It will take him over a minute to make his way through the grass around the wall. He quickly makes up his mind.

"Wynn, get outta my way" he yells as he starts running straight for the wall of fire. At the last minute he puts his shield over his face and jumps through it.
"AAAARRRRGGGGGGGG" he yells, smoking on the other side.

(run 60', end at AM15)

Wynn [AC=21 HP=59] Message  2d6(5+4)+4=13
Tuesday October 24th, 2006 10:22:31 PM
Wynn stands back from the sorceress' wall of flame and admires her handiwork. The acrid smell of burnt flesh reaches his nostrils and he grimaces at the sour odor. "Nice work" he calls back to her. "Can you douse the flames or must they die of their own accord?"

Wynn waits for a reply from Mira before proceeding and will follow her through the flames if she proceeds. He covers himself with his cloak as best he can and dives through [13 HP damage], moving hastily towards the tunnel entrance and away from the heat.


Conner [AC=22 HP=62] Message  2d6(4+1)+4=9
Tuesday October 24th, 2006 10:31:54 PM
Conner's first reaction to Mira's spell is amazement, for he had no idea just how her powers had grown. His second thought is one of caution, but that choice is immediately taken from him by the dwarf and half-elf who charge through the flames.

"Damn bezerker!" he cries out in dwarvish as he follows on Kadaz' heels. [9HP damage]

Edmund (Follow-up post) 
Tuesday October 24th, 2006 11:01:19 PM
Edmund sets off through the grass to the southeast, intent upon walking around the wall of fire. (Double move at half speed = 30 foot move to AF-21)

Ash  2d8(4+3)+5=12
Tuesday October 24th, 2006 11:36:12 PM
Having seen Lang injured earlier, Ash attempts to move foward to his side in order to heal him.

If I'm successful:
Cure Moderate Wounds on Lang (12)

Arm (ac: 18 (20) base + mage armor [+2 vs. evil] hp 27/27)  2d6(3+3)+4=10
Wednesday October 25th, 2006 5:47:32 AM
Frustrated at not being able to attack the initial wave, Arm approaches, then jumps through the wall of fire, taking no little damage to himself (10 pts dmg). Before he approaches the hole, he seeks out Ash or Thar to provide healing for himself.

Kadaz (AC 24, HP 55/63) 2nd post  2d6(3+1)+4=8
Wednesday October 25th, 2006 7:13:21 AM
On the other side Kadaz takes a split second to figure out how much he was hurt. His body posture makes it clear he intends to keep running into the tunnel, if possible.

Thar ail Baerer AC 20/21, hp 26/41, Message, Prot from Evil (maybe)  2d6(5+6)+4=15
Wednesday October 25th, 2006 9:42:28 AM
Thar will also go through the fire, knowing that he'll suffer somewhat, but he'll have the abiity to heal himself and others if needed. He grits his teeth and charges through it. Once through, he notes the wounds and burn marks that he suffered from the fire.

He looks back through the fire and sees that Arm may need some help in a round or two (if he goes through the fire) and says "I'll heal you if you need it, once we get into the cave after this lookout!".

Unless any of his companions are dying, he'll turn and follow Lang into the fire and try to move silently, hiding in the cave walls shadows and trying to spot anything out of the ordinary.

Double Move = 60' max, but he'll only go enough to stay up with Lang (40'?)

(OOC - Just assume that Thar will use the HiS, MS and Spot rolls, since I wasn't clear before on him going through the fire.)

Dmg from Fire = 15
Spells
1st - bless, shield of faith, summon monster 1
2nd - restoration (lesser), summon monster 2, spiritual weapon

CDM Jerry 
Wednesday October 25th, 2006 3:55:31 PM
Please post the report for last week's posting habits please....both for Game 8 and 12. Email me when this is done.

Thanks!

Hillside - Round 4 (DM JohnP)  d20+6=12 2d6(5+6)+4=15 d20+6=14

Wednesday October 25th, 2006 10:06:10 PM
The combat has rapidly switched from nearly being overwhelmed by undead to pursuing the sole surviving opponent. The cultist lookout is sorely wounded as well and may not put up much of a fight.

Xenia carefully scrambles down the hill to a position just above the tunnel entrance. She tells her summoned creature to pursue the cultist lookout and Flappy flies down and into the tunnel entrance.

Wanting to stop the fleeing cultist lookout, Bin hurls a javelin at his back. The spear catches fire as it passes through the Wall of Fire but doesn't come anywhere close to the cultist lookout. Bin then runs up to the wall, seeing a bag that probably contains his gear beside the southern pile of dirt.
DM Note -- Single move forward. Gear is in AM17.

Angus casts an Invisibility spell on himself and then flies down and into the tunnel. He finds the cultist (and Flappy the Bat) only 10 feet inside the tunnel.

Seeing the cultist lookout only a little way inside the tunnel, Thar plunges through the Wall of Fire. He is about to attack the armored human inside the tunnel when he runs into an invisible creature. Thar restrains himself from swinging wildly because he saw Angus turn himself invisible.

Edmund is having nothing with walking through the fire so he starts moving to the south around the Wall.

Satisfied with having destroyed all of the undead, Mira stops concentrating on the spell. But the Wall won't disappear immediately so she decides to run through it after the cultist lookout.

Belkior summons divine energy from Alemi and casts a holding spell at the cultist lookout. The evil human stops in his tracks, helpless in the tunnel.

Lang pursues the cultist, running through the Wall of Fire.
DM Note -- If you did go through the wall, take 15 fire damage. And, continuing in the Evil DM(tm) mode, make an Handle Animals roll DC 25 to persuade Sunshine to go through the Fire.

Kadaz covers his eyes and runs through the fire, shouting a dwarf war song. Behind him, Birdie can move again after both mummies were destroyed. The dog moves ahead towards his master but is nervous of the fire.
DM Note -- Same thing, DC 25 Handle Animal check to persuade Birdie through the Wall of Fire.

Following the dwarf, Wynn covers his face and runs through the Wall of Fire to just outside the tunnel. Conner does just the same. Arm joins the others, feeling the flames lick over his skin but not being too badly hurt.

Ash runs up to the wall but Lang has already moved away.
DM Note -- Same thing again, DC 25 Handle Animal check to persuade Birdie through the Wall of Fire.

Syr waits. Shadow can move again, but doesn't do anything.

++++++


The cultist lookout seems to tremble in front of Angus, but cannot break free of Belkior's spell.

Angus, or anyone who can push by the pixie-mage, can now freely attack the cultist lookout. Or do something else to the evil human.

STAYING IN COMBAT TIME


Tunnel Line-up
10 feet inside - Cultist Lookout (Held)
5 feet inside - Angus (invisible, polymorphed) & Flappy the bat (in same square because Flappy is Diminutive)
0 Feet -- Thar
Outside -- A crowd of other people

Wall of Fire duration = 6 rounds

Message Ring 1 (Wynn's) -- Angus, Mira, Wynn, Xenia + 2 more
Message Ring 2 (Angus') - Angus, Lang, Thar, Mira, Xenia, Syr, Shadow, Belkior

Loot
4 silvered masterwork short swords (all with faint aura) (Lang, Shadow, Thar, Xenia)
3 silvered masterwork longswords (all with faint aura) (Arm, Wynn)

MAP


Xenia (AC22, HP 48/48)  d20+16=32 d20+19=32 d20+14=20 d20+12=21 d6=1 4d6(6+3+2+2)=13
Wednesday October 25th, 2006 10:14:00 PM

"Hehe." The dark rogue slips down over the lip of the hole, taking up the impact in her legs and rolling to the far side of the frozen Cultist.

Look first. Listen, then turn.

The dark girl rogue peers up the tunnel before turning to the cultist and sticking him with her rapier.

"Lets put him down," she whispers to the others. "I don't think he's gonna give up any information." Then she turns to the bat.

"Go. Seek. Find them Culties."

In her mind, she's thinking about what she can do to prepare before going along down this awfully narrow tunnel after some pretty dangerous folk.

Rolls and Actions
Tumble 32
Spot 32
Listen 20
Hit Lookout AC 21 (forgot the +2 for flanking)
Damage 1+13Sneak = 14hp

Movement and Position
Xenia (Just the other side of the Cultist)
Flappy Into the Tunnel. (Seek any living thing then return.)

Active Effects
Bat (10 minutes)
Longstrider (1 hour)
Message (60 minutes)

Bag of Tricks 2/10 per week.

DM REMINDER - STILL IN COMBAT TIME (DM JohnP) 
Wednesday October 25th, 2006 10:14:55 PM
Stay in combat time, please, to assist with duration of spells and exploration of tunnel.

Unless, with consensus, there will be a 10 round drop from combat to allow:
- Wall to expire
- healing to occur
- looting and dressing

Edmund (AC: 21, HP: 27/27) 
Wednesday October 25th, 2006 10:28:29 PM
((I'm all for staying in combat time, personally. It makes keeping track of things a lot easier.))

Edmund suddenly arrives at the fire wall much sooner than he expected; why, it's almost as if the wall has rotated on its axis clockwise!

((The wall appears to have spun a bit, so Edmund is now closer to the wall than he would have been if it had held the position in the previous map.))

More than a little nervous, Edmund carefully picks his way around the wall of fire, intent on heading back towards the party. (Double Move, 30 feet, new position AI-21)

((I am under the assumption that the Wall of Fire does not extend into square AF-24, and that square AF-24 is grass. If the Wall of Fire extends into AF-24, Edmund will walk as far south as is necessary to entirely avoid it.))

Angus Ac 20/22 (evil) Hp 33 spells below 
Wednesday October 25th, 2006 10:41:51 PM
Angus is bumped by Thar as he enters the hole and he squeeks "Hey, I'm flying here."

Angus then sees Xenia jump down and responds to her practical mind "Just do it quick and then I will make you invisible. We need your eyes in front."

Angus then looks at Thar "Heal yourself, you look a bit cooked and then lead everyone forward."

Angus will wait for Xenia to dispatch the lookout and then cast invisibility on her. "Lets go Carrot top" Angus squeeks.

Spell Slots:
0 level 1/6
1st level 2/8
2nd level 3/8
3rd level 0/6
4th level 2/4

Mage armor - 8 hours total
Protection from evil - 16 minutes (extended)
Polymorph - 8 minutes
Message - Angus, Lang, Thar, Mira, Xenia, Syr, Shadow, Belkior
Message from Wynn to Angus
Protection from Arrows - scroll 3rd level
Invisibility 8 minutes
Invisibility on Xenia 8 minutes

Rod of Extend 2/3



Edmund (Typo Correction) 
Wednesday October 25th, 2006 10:53:28 PM
((In the above post, Edmund's AC is 12, not 21. Sorry about that!))

Matt C. 
Wednesday October 25th, 2006 11:16:10 PM
OOC - Lang & Sunshine ran around the Wall of Fire not through it (rate of movement is 40').

Mira (AC 13 + 4 Mage Armor, 40 HP) 
Wednesday October 25th, 2006 11:21:20 PM
Mira starts digging around in her component pouch, pulling out a bit of phosphorescent moss. "Lumen lanta" she whispers and with an elegant flick of her wrist she casts a light spell on the pointy end of her short spear. The object glows like a torch, shedding a bright light in a 20 ft. radius (dim light for 20 ft. beyond.)

"Stay in the shadows if you do not wish to be seen," she whispers across the message spell. "I will wait here for the others."

DM Sanity Info:

Position: AO14 (Mira will move out of the way 5 ft. if she is blocking someone!)

Mage Armour - on Arm - 3 hours
Mage Armour - on Bin - 3 hours
Mage Armour - on Mira - 3 hours
Light - on Mira's short spear - 1 hour

Message - on Mira, cast by Wynn (and Angus)
Magic Circle Against Evil - from Belkior (if applicable)

- 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



Wynn [AC=21 HP=46/59] Message  d20+9=25 d8+3=8 d20+4=24 d20+4=9 d8+3=4
Wednesday October 25th, 2006 11:28:22 PM
The bard steps 5 feet into the tunnel, sliding by Thar. He can make out the cultist in the dim light (low light vision) and delivers a wicked blow to the lookout [Hit AC=25 for 8 HP]. If the cultist still stands, he will try to finish him with a second swing [Hit AC=24; failed critical for 4 HP].

Wynn looks about to see who else has joined them and passes along Angus' plan to those in his message chain.

Conner [AC=22 HP=53/62] Message, Dark Vision 
Wednesday October 25th, 2006 11:32:48 PM
Conner steps forward towards the opening of the tunnel and readies himself to advance. "I will follow the scouts at a short distance" he announces. "This draught should let me see even without Mira's magic." He reaches into his pouch and retrieves a potion which he consumes.

Arm (ac: 18 (20) base + mage armor [+2 vs. evil] hp 17/27) 
Thursday October 26th, 2006 5:48:40 AM
Not wanting to hit any of the party, but pleased that they are taking out the cultist, Arm waits patiently while they finish the job. Once he is dispatched, he enters the tunnel and approaches Thar, saying, "About that healing...?".

Kadaz (AC 24, HP 55/63)  d20+9=29
Thursday October 26th, 2006 5:55:16 AM
Kadaz waits outside the tunnel for his turn to enter. "What is that frozen guy carring? Let's tie him up before he comes to so that he can't attack us again. And let's be quick about it! Those cultists are probably doing something nasty right now."

Looking back at Birdie Kadaz asks the dog "Where have you been?" Then he orders "defend" as he points to Edmund. Birdie takes off after Ed, intending to protect the mage. As the dog passes he growls at the wall of fire, warning it to stay away from the mage. (handle animal 29)

Thar ail Baerer AC 20/21, hp 26/41, Message, Prot from Evil (maybe)  d8+3=10
Thursday October 26th, 2006 10:24:25 AM
Seeing that his companions will handle the magically held cultist, Thar will walk over and simulcasts cure light wounds upon Arm, healing 10 points of his fire damage.

Spells Left

1st - shield of faith, summon monster 1
2nd - restoration (lesser), summon monster 2, spiritual weapon

Rounds left of PfE = 37/40

Thar ail Baerer AC 20/21, hp 26/41, Message, Prot from Evil 
Thursday October 26th, 2006 10:25:11 AM
(Sorry. Disregard the PfE (maybe) comment. I fixed it for future reference)

Lang & Sunshine 
Thursday October 26th, 2006 1:13:20 PM
Lang & Sunshine join up with the rest of the group as they gather around the captured cultist.

"Well what do we do with him?"

Bin/Sub Al (AC15, HP34/45)  2d6(4+3)+4=11
Thursday October 26th, 2006 2:12:19 PM
"My gear!" Bin grits his teeth before shielding his face with is arms and rushing through the wall of fire. Hair and skin pops and sizzles, but he's through.

"Go on ahead. I'll follow behind!" The Protector of Domi grabs up the bag and begins rumaging for his armor.

Rolls and Actions
11 hp from Wall of Fire
Take Chain Shirt from bag

Estimated time to GST 12 rounds.

Movement and Position
AN16 (30-ft move)

Active Effects
Mage Armor (3 hours)

Spells
0-*Detect Magic, *Detect Poison, *Guidance, *Light, **Resistance
1- *Detect Evil, *Entropic Shield, *Protection from Evil, *Sanctuary, **Enlarge Person
2- **Cure Moderate Wounds, **Find Traps, *Bull's Strength
3- ***Cure Serious Wounds, *Dispel Magic, *Prayer
4- **Cure Critical Wounds, *Divine Power, *Air Walk

Turn 6/8

Belkior/Sub Al (AC22, HP 52/60; Magic Circle Against Evil)  2d6(2+2)+4=8
Thursday October 26th, 2006 2:19:38 PM

There is little time to savor success as the cultist freezes in the grip of the Hold spell. Without hesitation Belkior drives forward, plunging through the flames. The smell of singed cat hair fills the air as the halfling cleric of Alemi pulls up next to Bin, breathing a sigh of relief.

"If someone could remain here to help," Belkior adds, "Bin could equip himself in half the time."

Rolls and Actions
8hp from Wall of Fire

Movement and Position
AN15 (40ft double move)

Active Effects
Magic Stone (3 stones for 30 minutes /Belkior 2, Edmund 1)
Magic Circle Against Evil (80 minutes)
Hold on Cultist (7/8 rounds)

Note: All within 10 feet of Belkior gain +2 to Saves from Protection from Evil

Day's Spells
0 - Detect Magic**, Detect poison*, Mending*, Read Magic*
1st - Bless*, Detect Evil, uHide from Undead, uMagic Stone, Sanctuary* (Protection from Evil+)
2nd - Delay Poison*, Hold Person*, uOwl's Wisdom*, Resist Energy*, Spiritual Weapon (Aid*)
3rd - Blindness/Deafness, Dispel Magic*, Prayer*, Searing Light* (uMagic Circle against Evil+*)
4th - Death Ward, Neutralize Poison+*, Summon Monster IV (uHoly Smite+*)

Edmund (2nd, illegal post) 
Thursday October 26th, 2006 5:04:05 PM
When Birdie shows up, Edmund cheers considerably. He stumbles through the grass as quickly as he can, intending on getting around the wall of fire in the next few seconds (should take 2-3 more rounds or so).

Ash (hp 26)  d20+5=18
Thursday October 26th, 2006 9:20:13 PM
"Well, I tried", he shrugs. "Well Shelya, should be go on the other side of this wall? What do you think?"

Shelya responds by backing further away from the fire.

"Okay", makes sense to me. We will wait to see if anyone needs healing.

Hillside - Round 5 (DM JohnP)  d20+6=9

Thursday October 26th, 2006 10:17:39 PM
DM Note -- Playing fast and loose with movement in the tunnel.

With a chuckle on her lips, Xenia flips over the edge of the tunnel and slips past everyone there until she lands just beyond the cultist lookout. She stabs the helpless man with her rapier but doesn't do much damage.

Angus was going to cast a spell on Xenia but the rogue is beyond the cultist lookout. Who isn't dead yet, either. But he manages to get past the two of them and makes Xenia invisible.

Wynn squeezes into the hole, too, and slashes the helpless cultist lookout twice.

Wanting to be able to see down in the hole, Mira casts a Light spell on the end of her spear.

After pulling a potion from his pouch, Conner drinks it down and feels ready to explore the dark depths of the tunnel.

Arm asks about some healing from Thar. The cleric turns and heals his companion.

Down to the south, Edmund walks around the end of the Wall of Fire and starts heading back towards the tunnel.

Kadaz decides that tying the cultist lookout is the better method of controlling him, rather than striking down a helpless man. Then he turns and commands Birdie to guard Edmund. The dog scrambles to the south and around the Wall of Fire.

Lang and Sunshine get around the north end of the Wall of Fire and start heading towards the tunnel entrance.

Seeing his gear on the ground, Bin charges through the Wall of Fire and grabs his armor from the sack. The Protector starts donning the armor.
DM Note -- 10 rounds to don, 5 rounds to don hastily with penalties. For a chain shirt, help doesn't speed things up.

Following behind the other cleric, Belkior dashes through the flames.

On the other side of the Wall, Ash cannot persuade Shelya to cross so the druid waits to see if anyone needs healing.

Shadow and Syr are lost in thought.

Flappy hasn't yet returned from his scouting mission.

++++++


The cultist lookout trembles, but cannot break free of Belkior's spell.

If the party wants to tie him up, someone will need to get up there with a rope. Either that, or stop with the namby-pamby poking and slashing and simply put him out of his misery.

Tunnel Line-up
20 feet inside -- Angus (invisible, polymorphed)
15 feet inside - Xenia
10 feet inside - Cultist Lookout (Held)
5 feet inside -- Wynn & Flappy the bat (in same square because Flappy is Diminutive)
0 Feet -- Thar
Outside -- A crowd of other people

Wall of Fire duration = 5 rounds

Message Ring 1 (Wynn's) -- Angus, Mira, Wynn, Xenia + 2 more
Message Ring 2 (Angus') - Angus, Lang, Thar, Mira, Xenia, Syr, Shadow, Belkior

Loot
4 silvered masterwork short swords (all with faint aura) (Lang, Shadow, Thar, Xenia)
3 silvered masterwork longswords (all with faint aura) (Arm, Wynn)

MAP

Posting Report - October 16 to 20 (DM JohnP) 
Thursday October 26th, 2006 10:39:44 PM
Doing this for the ADM's who both appear to have gone AWOL.

DM posting was off due to Tim's computer crash when I was out of town.

Plateau City
DM John: 2200X
Kadaz: XX00X
Arm: XXXXX
Ash: XX00X
Shadow: XX00X
Edmund: XXXXX
Mira: XXX0X
Connor: XX00X
Thar: XX002
Overall: 64% effective (100% on days that the DM posted)

Crimson Shields
Syr: XX00X
Lang: XX00X
Belk: XX00X
Wynn: XX00X
Angus: XX00X
Xenia: XX00X
Bin: XXXXX
Overall: 66% effective (100% on the days that the DM posted)



Xenia (AC22, HP 48/48) /Active Spells Listed Below  d20+31=44 d20+16=28 d20+17=36 d20+14=28
Thursday October 26th, 2006 10:48:16 PM

The dark rogue holds up her invisible hand and turns it in the dim light.

"Thanks, Angus. I'm invisible." She reaches into her pouch and brings out a pair of Goggles.

"Gonna leave the Cult Guy to all of you. Heading down the tunnel, making a sweep for traps. Going slow. Gonna keep talking. If I stop, you know something's wrong, 'kay?"

"Angus, can you detect magic up the tunnel? That might be even better. Don't think there will be any physical traps. But coulda left some magic ones."

Plenty of light from Mira's burning spear. Enough, sure for Xenia's elfish eyesight. Cautiously, she makes her way down the narrow tunnel. Eyes on every surface of the tunnel, she trusts her ears to pick up any possible approaching danger.

"The little Batty Guy's not back yet. Might mean this tunnel is pretty long."

"That, or it means they've got him somehow."

Rolls and Actions
MEA: Take out Goggles of Minute See
Hide 44 (+20 for Invisible, -5 Full Speed)
Move Silently 28
Search 36 (1/2 speed)
Listen 28

Movement and Position
Xenia AW14 (20ft at 1/2 speed)
Flappy Into the Tunnel. (Seek any living thing then return.)

Active Effects
Bat (10 minutes)
Longstrider (1 hour)
Message (60 minutes)
Invisibility (8 min)

Bag of Tricks 2/10 per week.

Belkior/Sub Al (AC22, HP 52/60; Magic Circle Against Evil)  2d8(6+4)+3=13
Thursday October 26th, 2006 11:04:58 PM

Belkior shakes his head, throwing off sparks. He reaches to his Haversack for a wand.

"Conner, allow me." A trigger word and a single touch closes all of the fighter's wounds. "Thar, you're hurt too. You're next, please."

Rolls and Actions
MEA: Draw Wand of CMW
CMW from Wand Heal Conner 13hp

Movement and Position
AO15 (5-ft Step)

Active Effects
Magic Stone (3 stones for 30 minutes /Belkior 2, Edmund 1)
Magic Circle Against Evil (80 minutes)
Hold on Cultist (7/8 rounds)

Note: All within 10 feet of Belkior gain +2 to Saves from Protection from Evil

Day's Spells
0 - Detect Magic**, Detect poison*, Mending*, Read Magic*
1st - Bless*, Detect Evil, uHide from Undead, uMagic Stone, Sanctuary* (Protection from Evil+)
2nd - Delay Poison*, Hold Person*, uOwl's Wisdom*, Resist Energy*, Spiritual Weapon (Aid*)
3rd - Blindness/Deafness, Dispel Magic*, Prayer*, Searing Light* (uMagic Circle against Evil+*)
4th - Death Ward, Neutralize Poison+*, Summon Monster IV (uHoly Smite+*)

Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds (3/50 - level 3)


Bin/Sub Al (AC15, HP34/45) 
Thursday October 26th, 2006 11:12:30 PM
"Thanks to Domi! It is all here." Bin pulls his arms through the shirt of chain mail. "I will do this quickly. It will have to do," he says.

Rolls and Actions
Donning Chain Shirt (Hasty 5/5 rounds)

Movement and Position
AN16

Active Effects
Mage Armor (3 hours)

Spells
0-*Detect Magic, *Detect Poison, *Guidance, *Light, **Resistance
1- *Detect Evil, *Entropic Shield, *Protection from Evil, *Sanctuary, **Enlarge Person
2- **Cure Moderate Wounds, **Find Traps, *Bull's Strength
3- ***Cure Serious Wounds, *Dispel Magic, *Prayer
4- **Cure Critical Wounds, *Divine Power, *Air Walk

Turn 6/8

Edmund (AC: 12, HP: 27/27) 
Friday October 27th, 2006 12:07:34 AM
Edmund continues his hasty movement through the grass to join the rest of his party, finally arriving to find Bin putting on his armour. ((Move to AL-17 = 10feet at half speed, 10 feet at normal speed))

"If you need some sort of help, it'd be my pleasure. Despite my appearances, I know a lot about armour!"

If Bin accepts, Edmund will help him equip his armour ((Do I need to make some sort of roll for this?)), and will prattle on with various armour-related trivia, minutae, and somewhat doubtful information.

"Did you know the halflings of Greenhill-on-Water wear plate mail fashioned entirely from cured ham? It's true--apparently it drives off the wild wildebeests which occupy the area, and provides sustenance in a pinch."

Otherwise, Edmund will wait until the party begins to advance into the tunnel which leads, presumably, into the barrow.

Angus Ac 20/22 (evil) Hp 33 spells below 
Friday October 27th, 2006 12:19:51 AM
Angus beams an invisible smile as Xenia goes invisible. "Move in front of me as I cast my detect magic. You search in front and I will check for magic."

On the message line Angus adds "Xenia and I are moving forward slowly and looking for traps. Someone take care of the lookout, one way or another."

Angus whipsers to Xenia "Lead on."

Spell Slots:
0 level 2/6
1st level 2/8
2nd level 3/8
3rd level 0/6
4th level 2/4

Mage armor - 8 hours total
Protection from evil - 16 minutes (extended)
Polymorph - 8 minutes
Message - Angus, Lang, Thar, Mira, Xenia, Syr, Shadow, Belkior
Message from Wynn to Angus
Protection from Arrows - scroll 3rd level
Invisibility 8 minutes
Invisibility on Xenia 8 minutes
Detect Magic

Rod of Extend 2/3



Mira (AC 17 Mage Armor, 30/ 40 HP) 
Friday October 27th, 2006 12:22:10 AM
Mira looks over to see Arm next to her, and Thar ministering to the bard's burns. "You guys alright?" she asks. "I'll stay here and wait for the others if you want to be with the first group to follow the scouts."

"Hey Conner, let me make you invisible!" she calls sotto vocce when she spots the big fighter. If the man is in agreement, Mira will cast the spell.

DM Sanity Info:

Position: AO14 (Mira will move out of the way 5 ft. if she is blocking someone!)

Mage Armour - on Arm - 3 hours
Mage Armour - on Bin - 3 hours
Mage Armour - on Mira - 3 hours
Light - on Mira's short spear - 1 hour
Invisibility - on Conner - 6 minutes

Message - on Mira, cast by Wynn (and Angus)
Magic Circle Against Evil - from Belkior (if applicable)

- 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


Arm (ac: 18 (20) base + mage armor [+2 vs. evil] hp 27/27)  d20+6=25 d8+5=13
Friday October 27th, 2006 5:55:02 AM
Arm looks at the cultist with distaste, "If no one will tie him up, I'll be happy to sever his ties with this existance.". Depending on the response, he swings at the lookout, doing none too little damage (attk: 25, dmg: 13).

If he doesn't strike, after affirming to Mira that he is now OK (After a nod of thanks to Thar), he will head down the tunnel after Xenia, saying to Mira, "Be careful, my dear.".

Kadaz (AC 24, HP 55/63)  d20+2=12
Friday October 27th, 2006 6:39:54 AM
Kadaz walks up the cultist and quickly disarms him, throwing all weapons outside the tunnel. Then he takes off any rings or anything that looks like it might be magical. Also, any pack or pouches. Then Kadaz takes his rope (50') and tries to securely tie the cultist. (use rope 12)

"Can someone check these knots to see if they are good enough?" he asks those remaining outside.

Conner [AC=22 HP=62/62] Message, Dark Vision, Invisible  d20+4=17 d20+2=20 d20+3=8
Friday October 27th, 2006 8:04:54 AM
Conner gratefully accepts the healing spell from Belkior and the Invisibility spell from Mira. The raw soreness of his burns ebb under the cleric's touch just as his muscular form fades from view.

He trots after Xenia and Angus, following some 15 feet behind untill they reach the edge of Mira's light spell. At this point the fighter peers into the inky darkness and scans the tunnel as far as he can see. He relays any information he gathers through the message spell.

[Spot=17, Move Silently=20, listen=8]



Wynn [AC=21 HP=46/59] Message  d20+3=18 d20+4=17
Friday October 27th, 2006 8:14:03 AM
Realizing that the cultist has been incapacitated, the bard ceases his attack and proceeds to disarm their captive. "Leave him to me Arm" he steps between Mira's beau and the cultist.

The bard then searches the captive for wands, rings, amulets and the like, and removes those items. "I will bind this one" he announces as he searches his pack for rope.

[Search the captive=18, Use rope=17]

[Wynn will spend several rounds to search and bind the cultist at the DM's discretion]



Lang & Sunshine 
Friday October 27th, 2006 12:32:28 PM
Lang & Sunshine move past the group of people standing around the cultist. They make their way further into the tunnel, following Xenia and Angus.

Thar ail Baerer AC 20/21, hp 26/41, Message, Prot from Evil 
Friday October 27th, 2006 12:48:39 PM
Thar says "Thanks Belkior" as he walks over to him to recieve the healing that was offered.

He keeps his bow ready, keeping an eye out for any problems that may arise.

Spells Left

1st - shield of faith, summon monster 1
2nd - restoration (lesser), summon monster 2, spiritual weapon

Rounds left of PfE = 36/40

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