Podo [AC:19 | HP: 36/36] d20+9=22 d6+2=7 d20+4=11 Thursday April 19th, 2007 9:56:33 PM
"Er, Mister Lion. I believe I may be of some sort assistance to you. If you'd be so kind as to answer two questions for me, I will tell you truthfully, something about the other lion. First question, what is this hot ruddy colored moss on the wall? And second, were you or your mate, the lions that killed a halfling, ripping his torso in half? He would have had a religious incense burner with him. Do you know of him? When you answer would you speak loud enough for everyone to hear, I'm a bit deaf now..."
If the lion makes any offensive moves towards Podo, Podo will deliver a Stunning blow to the beast, even if Podo is forced to jump to do so! (Jumping DC:11; Attack DC: 22, Damage: 7 non-leathal + he must save vs. fort @ DC:15).
Selithe d20+3=17 Thursday April 19th, 2007 10:00:17 PM
Selithe frowns at how long the group has been down there and decides to try and go down herself now. With this she puts her bow up and tries going down now.
(Climb:17)
Dwight (hp 23/35, ac 16) d20+3=16 d20+2=7 d20+3=7 Thursday April 19th, 2007 10:03:25 PM
Dwight listens to the conversation, but doesn't feel he needs to add anything to the already tense situation. He does 'whisper' to Selithe and fills him in on what has/is transpiring.
As Podo mentions the moss, Dwight takes a look at it (especially how much may have gotten on him).
spot: 16 knowledge: nature: 7 (how dangerous is it?) sense motive : 7 (in regards to how the lion responds)
DM Cayzle OOC Friday April 20th, 2007 5:43:30 AM
[waiting for Fickle]
Fickle (AC 21/ 58 hp) Friday April 20th, 2007 7:18:23 AM
OOC: Last post Fickle advances as far as he could with spear in hand (Ready for any move, Was my last post on Thursday, before sunrise)
Again, Fickle advances as far as he can. Now he should be with in range of his target!. but dos not attack (Yet!).
Fickle will wait to see how the Talk are going. BUT one sign from this BIRD! He'll attack and skin HIM.
The Skin (DM Cayzle) Friday April 20th, 2007 10:10:42 AM
There is, as it ends up, no chance for further parley. The manticore opens his mouth to answer several questions. But as Fickle approaches, the lion's nostrils flare. It rears up. It shouts, "That smell! You killed her! You skinned her! You barbarians! YOU MONSTERS!"
That's plenty enough for Julian, who kills the beast with a mighty blow. Selithe arrives just in time to see the beast's lifeblood spill out over the rugged cavern floor and down the slope.
Dwight d20+3=19 d20+3=5 d20+11=26 d20+3=17 Friday April 20th, 2007 12:03:27 PM
Dwight is both shocked and not at the same moment as the lion exhales its final breath.
Seeing Selithe, Dwight begins to feel a little trapped as no one is watching up above now. "Okay, lets search this place. Find what we need and get our other stuff delivered."
Uneasy about no-one on top, "Perhaps while some of us search for bones and the smoke thingy, someone could watch outside. Just to make sure another mate doesn't show up unannouced."
If someone volunteers to go up, Dwight will begin searching, though will be careful about his interaction with the moss. If no-one volunteers, Dwight will go up and hide.
spot:19 search: 5 (hmmm, lion must have eaten it, because nothing is around here!)
(if outside and hiding: 26, and spot outside: 17)
Kendry d20+3=13 Friday April 20th, 2007 2:31:39 PM
As the manticore erupts with rage, Kendry looses his arrow into the intelligent beast, though with Julian's enormous blow, this attack is redundant.
"Well, I suppose this means we won't be having tea together," he says to the leonine creature.
Then he looks at the blood spattered over Julian, even a few drops having reached himself. He immediately repents of his flippant utterance, and bites his lip.
"Sorry," he says. "Sorry I said that." He sighs, and puts his bow back over his shoulder.
"Podo!" he shouts as his friend who just confessed to being hard of hearing. "Let Sharles take a 'look'." He signals the same with his hands.
"How is everyone doing?" he asks. He looks around to see who is wounded. "Dwight - would you like to do the honors with your wand on whoever needs healing? Julian looks like he could use some help."
He approaches Airin. "How are you doing, sweetie?" He looks to see how she looks, whether she was struck by one of the tail feathers.
[Spot: 13 - does he notice the warm red stuff?]
Once everyone checks out all right, the bard says, "Well, we may want to see what our host and hostess have left behind."
Tobias (AC 20, HP 22 / 38) [Message, Inspired: +1 attack, +1 damage, +1 save vs charm, fear; favored enemy: +2 damage] d20+6=12 Friday April 20th, 2007 4:47:34 PM
Tobias will search around the cave for what we came to get... bones and something or other.
Search: 12
Julian Friday April 20th, 2007 6:59:49 PM
Julian slices his new sword, EagerTooth, into the lion thing. He changes his footing to prepare for a counter-attack but his weapon is stuck fast, so deep it is in the lion. Instead he leans into the sword, driving it in deeper, and twisting it as he goes. There is an unexpected stillness to the lion.
Julian looks across the limp creature. It takes a second to register...
Bracing his foot against the body Julian puts all his strength into retrieving his sword. Predictably, he falls onto his back, with the swords spraying a line of blood across the room behind him. He lets his Rage drop.
"Now, that was satisfying. Hey, now we have Tobias and Julian, Flying Lion Killers."
"Fickle, if you're gonna skin this one too, can I buy the mane from you? Name your price. Here, this'll help." Cast Prestidigitation to clean up the lion for skinning.
"I'd stay to help, but I've never been away from Shark for so long before. I am going up. I'll let you know if anything comes up."
Cast Message on to Selithe.
Julian moves up the rope (taking 10). "I'm coming Shark."
Podo d20+4=17 Friday April 20th, 2007 11:28:06 PM
As soon as Podo realizes the beast detects something is wrong, and goes into a frenzy, the chance for questions is gone! Realizing what just happened, within a spanse of seconds, Podo releases such a blood curdling scream he nearly falls over from the act. Screaming at the top of his lungs at what appears to be a lifeless animal, Podo yells,"What have you done! Why did you bring Fickle down here! We were so close! You ruined everything, you simpled minded thud! All you care is to kill. Why don't you leap out of the cave you dimwit! You can kill youself in the process, perhaps the Gods might even help by bouncing your head on the rocks on the way down... Maybe it will knock some sense into that thick head of yours. You couldn't wait to kill, you even dug deeper after its death to spray its blood upon the floor... it was right you are all monsters! Come on Sharles, we have work to do... I will take you back home myself. These selfish fleas don't know what working together means..." Podo finishes his rant ending in mumbles to Sharles; in the bag on his back.
Podo with guidance from Sharles will search the cave looking for the Thurible.
Search DC: 17
After finding the Thurible, if it's here, Podo will do his best to get a sample of that ruddy moss, and to place it into some sort of container, one that might be hanging around the cave so Podo can transport it.
Podo takes (10) to search around for anything of value, that he can transport in his Haversack. Manticore feathers, Ruddy Moss, Any other scrap of something... perhaps even the other half of Sharles!
Podo will be the last to leave the cave.
Kendry Friday April 20th, 2007 11:39:13 PM
"Satisfying?" Kendry questions. "Satisfying? Not so much for me, Julian. Not so much for me. Questions now go unanswered. Another few moments might have been more satisfying.
"And did we do justice, here? I'd like to know."
As Julian moves to ascend above, Kendry puts his hand on his arm. "That was well struck, Jules. Thanks for going to keep an eye out above. You'll check on the other animals, too, yes?"
He says to the manticore, "Good journey through the Blood of the Wold, if Gargul and Eberyon will it so, lord of this place."
Selithe d20+3=14 Friday April 20th, 2007 11:59:53 PM
Selithe looks around and blushes a bit as she wasn't too much help in this fight at all. After a couple moments to collect everything that had gone on in her mind or mainly in her thoughts she speaks up, "Well, guess I better head back up and keep watch again. I was worried about coming down and leaving the place unguarded above. Someone give yell if you need my assistance please."
(Climb: 14)
Kendry, Part the Second Saturday April 21st, 2007 12:03:34 AM
[Prior post concurrent to Podo's. Kendry was reacting to the situation prior to the monk/cleric's expression of dismay.]
At first Kendry is not sure whom Podo addresses. The manticore itself? Julian? Tobias? Kendry himself? Then it becomes clear that he is upbraiding Julian. He is surprised both at the volume and vituperation of Podo's diatribe. He knows that Podo suffered injury from the beast, and Julian very much so as well. And perhaps part of the volume is that Podo's ears were damaged by the thunderstone. But his words to Jules are so vehement. Kendry looks at the ground in sorrow. After Podo finishes, Kendry speaks to him.
"Podo - If the manticore had chosen to speak earlier, it may not have come to this. From the outset he chose attack, though you did not start with attack. It was only when he sensed imminent defeat that he chose parlay."
He listens to Selithe. "'S all right, sis."
He looks about the cave area now. "Gather what you may, place it in one area, if you will, and I can cast detect magic," he says to all still in the cave. "We are all intact, thank heaven. Hard fought. Well done.
"I need to think for a moment. I'll... I'll do as you suggested, Dwight, at the entrance to the cave."
He holds out his hand for Airin, and, if she will come with him, walks - and climbs the small inclines, back to the entrance of the cave. He sits on the ledge, his feet hanging over, and pats the hard rock next to him, in that way asking her to sit at his side.
Kendry looks now out across the canyon, seeing what there is to see. If she will, he holds her hand, one heel bouncing off the edge of the cliff wall.
Julian Saturday April 21st, 2007 12:26:53 AM
Before he ascends he listens to Podo, "What? What have I done wrong? I held back on my attacks for as long as it was safe. I've tried to ensure we were all safe by getting in there in the front line. I will happily take on any monster first so that the rest of the group has a chance to get organised, or get outta there.
"Perhaps we could heal it if it means that much to you. Use the party wand that I put a lot of coin towards. Perhaps that's not a bad tactic anyway. Show it that we could defeat it, then raise it. It should then feel grateful or intimidated and speak truly either way.
"I am going up the rope for now, to get back to my badger. I think we all need to talk about tactics in general."
Since Selithe is also going up the rope Julian will cast Message on Kendry(if that's all right?) before climbing the rope.
Kendry Saturday April 21st, 2007 4:34:49 AM
"Sure, good idea - thanks," Kendry says, accepting the message spell from Julian.
Fickle Sunday April 22nd, 2007 9:02:50 AM
Fickle get's th the Big Bird/Lion and begin to skin the beast. "Ahh! No Goodz! Too Many holes, But Me'z did skin the Main-fur For Julian!! Makies nice Slall foe nicie GIRL??" Htell all.
OOC: He also has a smerk on his face.
Dwight d8=7 d8=2 d8=5 d8=8 Sunday April 22nd, 2007 9:08:34 PM
Dwight will heal Julian as he heads out.
heal: 7+2+5+8=22 Wand has 45 uses left.
Otherwise Dwight looks for the bones and the thurible (see previous rolls). Once they are found, Dwight will remain as lookout near the entrance of the cave while other sort through the lions treasure.
Julian Sunday April 22nd, 2007 9:22:42 PM
"Thanks, Dwight."
ADM Kim - Posting Report April 16-22, 2007 Monday April 23rd, 2007 1:44:51 AM
Cayzle DM: MT2T2-- 7 Anthony Dwight: MTWTFS- 6 Ceil Fickle: MTWTFS- 6 Jon-Paul Podo: -2-TF-- 4 Justin Selithe: M-2TF-- 5 Kim Kendry: -2-222- 8 Pedro Tobias: MT3TF-- 7 Robert Julian: -2-3FSS 8 Steven Airin: FT-2--- 4
Justin returns this week, taking over posting for Selithe, with thanks to Jon-Paul for doing the job while Justin was away.
Everyone had at least 4 posts. The male manticore dies - to be skinned by Fickle, it looks like.
The party starts to look for the thurible that Sharles asked us to seek.
Now, what halfling did the manticore have a deal with? Was it Sharles, or someone else?
Airin and Fioni Monday April 23rd, 2007 6:00:38 AM
With a sigh of relief Airin lowers her crossbow as she witnesses the death of the Manticore. Though sad that yet another creature of Nature was slain by the group there was no other option.
She smiles at Kendry when he approaches and gladly takes his hand. "I'm fine love" she says and feels the warmth of his hands bringing joy into her heart.
"So is that thurible here?" she asks her friends who are deeper into the cave allready.
OOC: DM Cayzle Asks a Question Monday April 23rd, 2007 10:07:23 AM
Friends, with your next post, please also say how you feel about the auto-succeed/auto-fail for skill checks on a 1 or a 20. That's SKILLS only, not saves or attacks. If we got rid of that house rule, what would you say?
(Turn coming up)
The Mold (DM Cayzle) Monday April 23rd, 2007 10:07:43 AM
The manticore's death prompts some party controversy. Podo is especially upset, although the irony of a peaceful Walker wishing a knock on the head to a comrade may not be lost on all present.
Tobias and Dwight searches the lair.
Kendry checks on his friends' well being and then joins Tobias and Dwight.
Julian casts a message cantrip and then goes up to see to his friend.
Selithe joins him.
Kendry gets pensive, and Airin sits with him.
Fickle skins this monster, too. Now he has a pair of furs!
The cave is quickly searched. Sharles is glad to find his bones in a corner. The undead fellow says that the Thurible is in the other corner, with the hot red mold. The mold -- and other objects -- detect as magic over there. It is clear that reaching into the mold will burn you. Maybe quite badly.
[DM OOC: Some PC vs PC conflict is fine, IF it is character vs character only! If it gets personal, please back off and take it to e-mail. We are all friends here, so don't let your character's reaction be your own reaction.
I don't even mind some PC fighting, but remember, your characters are friends too. In real life, you might punch a friend, or wrestle, or play a joke, etc, but no lethal force! At all! And even nonlethal attacks should be approved through the DM first as part of a story that you are telling in character. Okay? If there are questions, e-mail me!]
Tobias (AC 20, HP 22 / 38) [Message, Inspired: +1 attack, +1 damage, +1 save vs charm, fear] Monday April 23rd, 2007 10:45:23 AM
Tobias will volunteer to stick his hand into the red mold to retrieve the thurible. "Friends I can get that thurible out. I have some protections from fire. But, first I need to be healed from the manticore." [OOC: Tobias is down 16 hp]
"Or if someone else would prefer to do it, I can cast that protection on you..."
Prepared spells: Entangle Resist Energy
[OOC: I'd be glad to not have that house rule.]
Kendry Monday April 23rd, 2007 7:07:01 PM
The bard of auburn hair is pleased with his friend of raven hair, and he enjoys her presence for a moment, even as Dwight joins them. He thinks over events of the past few weeks: Changing interactions, expectations, and choices within the group. Fear of the unknown. A sort of cowardice, perhaps? A growing inclination to lean toward death for those who stand in the way. Those who have come, those who have gone. His dear friend and cousin, who, though a hot-head sometimes in days past, yet now strives for ways of peace - but who just now hurled abuse, even wishing great harm, upon another friend - and, yes, cousin.
And what of Dwight? Long mysterious, closed, elusive, but who now has grown in leadership, with a mind attuned to good strategies and tactics, and the ability, in some wise, to calculate ramifications of evidence, and likely outcomes of actions. Whence his fears of late?
He wants more time to ponder. But, well, there are things to do now. Things to do. Perhaps later, to talk.
"I've got lots on my mind, love. I fear for our little troupe. How might we cohere, when we are not agreed on our pathways?" He pats Airin's hand.
"Perhaps when our chores are done here, then we all might talk together." He gives her a kiss on the forehead - then lifts his legs, tumbles backwards, and comes up to his feet. "Time to work."
Julian d20+3=8 d20+5=6 Monday April 23rd, 2007 9:19:56 PM
Back up on top Julian picks up his badger, now regular sized, and gives it a good ruffling. He tends to the other animals, soothing them with the tone of his voice saying, "I hope Podo blows off some steam," and "Stupid lion thing didn't look natural to me anyway," and "Let's not forget it tried to kill us," and other niceties that the animals like to hear.
He keeps an eye for dangers, not sensing anything to concern him. Spot 8 Listen 6
[OOC] I'd vote to get rid of that house rule, but what about when DMs rotate again?
Dwight d8=3 d8=1 d8=1 d8=6 d8=6 d20+3=20 Monday April 23rd, 2007 9:33:25 PM
"Sorry Tobias', didn't mean to forget you there." Pulling his wand out, Dwight heals Tobias to full hp.
Wand 40 charges remain
Once the thurible has been located, Dwight moves to the entrance to keep watch. "Well Tobias before I have to heal you again, perhaps a sword point or lion bone could be used to pull the thurible out. Or perhaps some of Kendry grappling or climbing gear could hook it."
spot: 20
Selithe Monday April 23rd, 2007 10:18:02 PM
Selithe follows Julian seeing his temporment at the moment she can't help but do something as she plans to get a smile from the sturdy halfling, "Well look at you Julian, your armor is kind of bloody and everything. Let me look at you and see if your still bleeding anywhere."
If Julian argues about her looking at his wounds she places her hands on her hips, "Now don't start. I'm 100 times scarier then any flying lion." Selithe smiles and then gives Julian and small nudge, "You okay thought, you do look abit banged up."
Julian Monday April 23rd, 2007 10:59:21 PM
"Thanks Selithe. It's all dried lion blood now. Dwight hit me with the wand before I came up. Glad it wasn't Podo."
Kendry Tuesday April 24th, 2007 5:19:28 AM
"I'm not sure how many of you have done some gardening before," Kendry says. "We sometimes used tools to pull while standing up. Uncle Orby is always good at making such. Easier on the back, and you don't get stickers in your fingers. Let me see what I might have to make the job easier..."
From his haversack, the bard withdraws a crowbar fashioned of cold iron; a few pairs of smoke crystal goggles; a miner's pick; a few pitons.
Via the message spell, he tells Julian, "Say, Jules, in the left saddlebag of the dappled pony is a shovel. A grappling hook is tied to the outside of the right saddlebag. Could you get those for us? Maybe put them both in a bag, and lower them on a rope? Oh, and the iron pot - on the other pony."
Should Julian retrieve these items, then Kendry will begin to put them to work.
"Now, I don't know for sure - some plants seem to have a measure of intelligence. I guess we'll find out if that's the case for this hot moss. I'll try to find out for us. Tobias - let's see how the tools do first, but I'm glad you have that energy resistence available. Let's keep it in reserve, for once we know a little more."
He offers a few pairs of smoke crystal goggles to those who will be near the moss - to protect the eyes.
If the thurible has a handle, then Kendry will offer the grappling hook to Tobias to use to try, with care, to pull it out. If need be, he'll use the shovel, or another can use the crow bar, to assist Tobias in this wise.
Using the shovel, Kendry begins to scrape away the edges of the moss, taking care not to damage thurible or other items hidden within. Just taking his time, here a little, then step back. Step forward, a little more, then step back. And so forth - unless circumstances suggest a better approach. If the crowbar is useful, he'll use that. Or let someone else use it as Kendry uses the shovel.
Kendry - rolls that Cayzle can use for Kendry's efforts - not sure how to assign d20=6 d20=13 d20=18 d20=3 d20=7 d20=18 Tuesday April 24th, 2007 5:27:38 AM
Here you go, Mister DM - random rolls for Kendry's work in obtaining / recovering thurible and magic items.
Podo (by Kim) Tuesday April 24th, 2007 6:00:50 AM
Podo, after his outburst directed at Julian, pulls within himself somewhat, just focusing on the matter at hand - getting the thurible, working with Tobias, Kendry, and whoever else wants to help.
He thinks over what he said. He really doesn't want Julian dead - that's for sure. But he makes Podo so mad, sometimes! Of course, Kendry has made him mad, too. "Well, I'll just shut up for a while and we'll get this done," he mutters, alternately feeling steamed and deflated.
Dwight (OOC: Rolls) Tuesday April 24th, 2007 7:07:23 AM
OOC: I would actually like to see the rule disappear. At the very least take 20 should be gone. Even the very best can't do something perfect all the time.
In my home games, we don't allow the take 20 roll. And we have a modified 1 roll. If you roll a one, a d100 is rolled and something else happens (mostly related to combat, such as you hit your ally instead, or yourself, or sword get stuck in wall, breaks or flies out of your hand). Others consist of things like your belt breaks and your pants fall down (this could be bad during combat). Of course nothing could happen, or even you hit you oppenent but drop your weapon. It adds alot more fun to the idea of a 1.
Flickle Tuesday April 24th, 2007 7:09:56 AM
As he put his hands to the red moss, "Hmmm! Hot! Still want it'z?" he waaits for an answer.
Loot! (DM Cayzle) Tuesday April 24th, 2007 7:22:28 AM
Using the Resist Energy spell and a few tools, the items in the Mold are fairly easily recovered. The Thurible is there -- it's leather straps are gone, but the metal parts remain, and Sharles seems content. He does mention that the sword was his, but it looks like it is now destroyed.
In fact, the undead thing seems to be more at rest. He asks you to take his bones and the Thurible to a temple of Pantheon. THen he is still, unless you try to rouse him.
Also there are several gems, and partly melted coins -- a meld of gold studded with copper and silver coins. There is a sword that breaks when removed. It seems to have been *eaten* by the mold.
The mold sizzles, sparks, and smokes when disturbed. Please make a d20 check. I'll apply relevant mods. Obviously, not the folks up top.
Airin nd Fioni Tuesday April 24th, 2007 9:38:23 AM
Airin somehow senses sorrow in Kendry's words and wonders what she can do to help although she can not hold the group together.
"It will all..." but Kendry walks off to talk to the others. He's right though, there are other more important matters to resolve.
With the thurible discovered Airin hopes they will now take on the second part of their quest before heading to the temple as desired by Sharles.
DM Cayzle Tuesday April 24th, 2007 12:38:22 PM
Airin and everyone, please DO make that d20 roll! Everyone in the cave, that is.
Tobias d20=11 Tuesday April 24th, 2007 1:47:48 PM
Tobias is glad that the spell and the tools help them dig the item out. And, that Sharles's remains appear to be content... But, he's also ready to get back to their original mission... "Let's be off as quickly as we can friends, we still have more work to do today."
d20 roll: 11
Kendry's roll d20=18 d3=3 Tuesday April 24th, 2007 2:43:27 PM
Kendry's cave roll: 18
"Let's be off as quickly as is meet, Tobias. We are here, now. Are we overlooking something we ought not overlook? Can we spend another fifteen minutes, half an hour, to see if there is a secret area, an overlooked treasure? As some of us search, someone else prepares food for us, and feeds our animals. Then, something found, or not, we go.
"Someone, also, might look at the ground at the foot of this canyon. Was something of worth inadvertently knocked to the floor beneath us?
"Let us not get in the habit of making so much haste that we miss what is in front of us. Nor spend too much time lost in minutiae that we waste time.
"Now, this mold certainly is interesting. I wonder if it could be used to spice up food? Looks like it rusts metal pretty efficiently."
Dwight d20+3=5 d20+9=18 d20=1 Tuesday April 24th, 2007 10:34:27 PM
Dwight remains stannding near the entrance to the cave, watching and listening to those above if they were to shout.
As Kendry mentions items may have been dropped to the cave floor, Dwight will look down to see what the chasm floor looks like (bushes, trees, dirt etc.).
Julian Wednesday April 25th, 2007 12:28:45 AM
via message: "Sure, Kendry. Can do. Whachya using this stuff for?"
Jude completes his cousin's request.
"Selithe, did I do something... nevermind.."
Airin d20=17 Wednesday April 25th, 2007 3:18:35 AM
Somehow there seems to be a voice inside Airin's head that gets her intrigued by the mold. She does not approach any closer than absolutely needed and if she begins to feel it gets too hot she backs ups.
Roll: 17
Fickle d20=5 Wednesday April 25th, 2007 6:54:26 AM
Fickle is about to touch the red moss, but is reminded of the Fire a his parents home!!"NO! me'z not touck! Hot! Burn! Bad'z"
Fickle will start to walk out of the cave.(his face is ashen in color.
The Breeze (DM Cayzle) Wednesday April 25th, 2007 7:09:58 AM
Airin and Kendry notice that the smoke from the disturbed moss seems to suggest that there is a breeze moving through the cave.
Up on top, Selithe and Julian help Fickle to the top of the cliff. They see that a few vultures are now circling overhead, over the skinned body of the first manticore.
Airin and Fioni d20+8=13 d20+8=27 d20+12=23 d20+12=16 Wednesday April 25th, 2007 7:33:13 AM
"Notice that love?" Airin asks Kendry "a breeze is disturbing the smoke from this moss... with only one entrance, how can there be a breeze?!?"
Airin's interest in the cave is once again aroused and she begins to cross the cave trying to find where this odd breeze can go to... or come from...
Perhaps a hidden door where wind creeps through the closings... or a passage not yet found by her and her friends...
Without knowing why, Airin unsheaths her Bastard Sword as she advances deeper into the cave looking for answers to this newly found riddle. Maybe, just maybe she will be able to hear the wind whisteling somewhere deeper in the cave. Or perhaps there are traces to be found on the cave floor that lead to a secret passage?
spot: 13 search: 27 listen: 23
Outside Fioni continues to fly lazy circles. From the look at the halflings below it's obvious everything is ok with her master and the group. So why should she not enjoy the open air! Better than a damp cave is it not?
Kendry d20+3=21 Wednesday April 25th, 2007 10:38:19 AM
"You're right," Kendry confirms Airin's observation. He makes sure everyone else in the cave notes it, as well. "Let's find the source."
He tells Julian of the breeze. "Look, how about you and Selithe get some grub going for us while we check this out. I'll send the iron pot back up so you have something to cook in." He explains where to find among the ponies' baggage the food, the water bags, and dry wood for a fire. He also lets him know where the food for the dogs and ponies is, so that they can eat. He wonders whether the dogs and wolf might be checking out the body above. And he sends up the pot.
Then he begins to search. [Search: 21]
Tobias d20+5=21 Wednesday April 25th, 2007 11:55:34 AM
Tobias follows Kendry and Airin's lead and draws his short sword, looking also for the breeze source that they mentioned...
Search: 21
Podo (by Kim) d20=5 Wednesday April 25th, 2007 3:39:09 PM
Podo joins in the search for the source of the breeze as well.
[Search 5+? - Cayzle, I don't have Podo's CS, so you'll have to add any adjustments]
Dwight d20+3=4 Wednesday April 25th, 2007 4:13:21 PM
"Really?" Dwight inquires as others mention a breeze (spot: 4 ouch two 1's in a row) Turning towards the direction of the supposed breeze Dwight tries to feel for it from where he stands. "Nothing, but if more than one of you feel it, you should check it out. I'll stand watch here."
"Perhaps there is a false bottom? A little water could answer that question if nothing can be found through other means."
Julian Wednesday April 25th, 2007 7:40:23 PM
"Okay Kendry. Do you want me to reshoe your pony and brush him down too?" says Julian sarcastically. He likes to poke fun at his cousin with all his 'words.'
Julian retrieves the iron pot and rummages through Kendry's gear looking for stuff to cook. Satisfied that he enough stuff to make a stew he gathers the stuff together.
"Selithe, mundane fire? Got anything better?" Assuming that a mundane fire is the better way to go Julian clears an area for a fire and digs it out a little. He gathers some twigs and small branches and sets them alight using Prestidigitation.
Julian hastens back to the trees to get some larger branches and brings them back to get the fire cooking.
There is also food preparation that needs doing. Prestidigitation makes peeling vegies and chopping meat much easier, freeing up Julian's hands to tend the fire.
Selithe d20=9 Wednesday April 25th, 2007 10:37:04 PM
Selithe chuckles at Julian's comment and shakes her head, "No, has to be normal fire as I have no fire spells at my command."
Selithe will help make the fire but will need some help with the meal as cooking isn't a skill she has. Selithe sits and pokes at the fire abit before lighting up her pipe, "Wish I could of helped down in the cave, however I think my bow would of been of less help."
(Cook:9 unmodified as I don't have the book handy)
Kendry Thursday April 26th, 2007 12:13:47 AM
Kendry enjoys the banter as he explores. "Oh, you're a blacksmith? Sure, Jules, set up your forge, and whip up some new shoes for the ponies while you're at it. Don't buckle them too tight, though."
Julian Thursday April 26th, 2007 12:49:36 AM
"Horse shoes don't have buckles, you clown."
Kendry Thursday April 26th, 2007 1:50:07 AM
"Oh, right, right, no buckles. Don't lace them too tight, I meant."
Julian Thursday April 26th, 2007 3:56:47 AM
"Got it, Capt'n."
Fickle Thursday April 26th, 2007 7:35:28 AM
Fickle makes it out of the cave, look up and seeing the vultures, YELLS "HEY YOU"Z! Go AWAY!"
A Pot And A Crack (DM Cayzle) Thursday April 26th, 2007 9:59:48 PM
Up top, Selithe and Julian work on grub (an untrained craft check, most likely). So far they have made a serviceable start on it.
Fickle shoos off the vultures. They circle a couple hundred feet overhead.
The searchers find a crack. It is in the deepest part of the cave, near the ceiling. It is very narrow. But using one of Podo's lights, you can see a gleam of metal within.
It will take an escape artist check vs DC27 for a normal halfling to squeeze in. A human could never do it, and a manticore would have trouble fitting a paw in. On the plus side, if someone will hoist you up, or if you climb up, you can take 20 on the attempt to get in. And you might be clever in thinking of ways to gain a bonus to your escape artist checks, if needed.
Dwight d20+3=19 d20+7=13 d20+3=9 d20+6=25 Thursday April 26th, 2007 10:04:04 PM
Smelling the scent of burning up above, Dwight looks skyward (spot:19). Seeing the birds circle around, Dwight yells up to Julian and Selithe. "Best get that lion cooked before the birds begin their feast."
With Fickle beside him, Dwight again mentions the thought to repel down the rest of the way. "Fickle, you wanna watch as I go to the chasm floor to search there? Wanna come with me?"
If Fickle agrees to watch or join Dwight will head down and search the chasm floor by climbing down the 100 foot rope.
climb: 13 spot: 9 search: (take 20 is allowed?) otherwise: 25 for chasm floor.
Julian d20+2=18 Thursday April 26th, 2007 11:01:57 PM
OOC Hey, I have 1 rank in cook... there's no burning going on up here.
Profession (Cook) 18
Julian continues cooking the stew and talking with Selithe.
"I'm sure there's not much to do that needed all of us down there. And I think it's better that I am up here for the moment."
Selithe Thursday April 26th, 2007 11:36:41 PM
Selithe chuckles and listens to Julian, "Yeah, glad to see your handy with a cooking pot Julian. If you had to rely on my cooking skills, you might stave to death or get sick." Selithe smiles, "If I was a cleric I could make food I suppose."
Julian Friday April 27th, 2007 12:36:27 AM
"Are you thinking of training in the temple, Selithe? There was a few things I heard them talking about in the Temple for Domi, back in Angel Springs, a few things that got me interested. I talked to some of the priests there about training with them. They talked about standing up for the weak and oppressed, and said "Right beats Might - with a little help from me!".
"I like that, like it a lot.
"and there was a great deal of talk about Domi, too. Wow, what a guy."
Podo d20+9=17 d20+5=22 Friday April 27th, 2007 2:32:58 AM
Podo tries to climb up towards the ceiling crack and squeeze thorugh enough to reach the glint of metal.
Skill Checks Climb: 17 Escape Artist: 22
Kendry Friday April 27th, 2007 2:48:58 AM
[If, via the spell alter self, Kendry can change into a tiny halfling (like a young child, or even toddler, if necessary), then he will do so. Will all the troubles I had with the alter self spell last, time, however, I'm a bit apprehensive about how, or whether, this will work, Cayzle. So, let me know. If he can do it, he does. Alternatively, if he can alter self into the form (if not the functions) of a fey creature (who, as the d20srd states, "are usually human-shaped," then he does so, into a tiny fey.
In any event, the now more diminutive Kendry asks for his friends' help to boost him to the opening, then through.]
Airin d20+25=31 d20+8=26 d20+8=20 Friday April 27th, 2007 3:38:28 AM
"Hold on a sec..." Airin says while she rummages through her belongings. But thanks to her Handy Haversack what she wanted to find lays on top!
"Here it is! Salve of Slipperiness! This should make it fairly easy to squeeze in and it lasts about 8 hours!"
"Are you ok if I try this?"
If the group accepts, Airin uses the salve on herself and squeezes in the crack and checks what's to be found in there.
Escape artist: 31 (with the Salve of Slipperiness +20) Spot: 26 search: 20
Fickle Friday April 27th, 2007 7:58:45 AM
Fickle looks at Dwight, smiling he answers "Me'z Go! Me'z Go with you'z, Couz!"
Fickle sniffs the air "Hmmm! Good Cooking!!"
Kendry Friday April 27th, 2007 10:25:38 AM
"Um, Airin, remember you gave me the salve of slipperiness to help us out in the Catacombs recently? Unless you have another one. Or, I could cast a grease spell - much less expensive than the salve of slipperiness, dear."
If the alter self spell helps make him temporarily smaller, he'd prefer to be the one who enters. If not, he'll be happy to cast the grease spell on Airin (as her escape artist skills are likely better than his), giving her a +10 circumstance on escape artist.
[Kendry has a +4 to escape artist, and the grease kicks it up to +14 - and with the take 20 from the assistance, that's a 34 - and likely higher if his 'make myself tiny via alter self' works. He has a grease scroll that costs 25 gp. The salve is valued at 1,000 gp. Let's do it for 25, rather than a thousand gp, if we can! He will take off most of his gear before casting grease, if he is the recipient of it.]
Airin Friday April 27th, 2007 11:02:12 AM
"oopsiedaizy! This is my night cream..." Airin says with reddish cheeks.
(ooc sorry guys, apparently I forgot to erase this from my char sheet)
Tobias Friday April 27th, 2007 11:08:06 AM
Tobias really doesn't have much hope of getting in there himself, but he will lend a hand however possible -- a boost for tiny Kendry to get him to the opening...
Selithe Friday April 27th, 2007 1:26:47 PM
Selithe listens to Julian and smiles before speaking, tasteing the stew once before that, "Actually no. I just think it would be handy but I have chosen my path already. Being a conjurer and rogue I been planning to become a Stinger. I heard of them and decided it sounded interesting. I'm hoping to become better in my arcane arts and gambling. Anyway, don't think being a cleric would really fit me."
Dwight Friday April 27th, 2007 10:54:23 PM
Wondering if he understood Fickle correctly, and smiling at the cuz remark, Dwight begins his descent down.
(see previous rolls)
He looks first for anythin living that might attack, and second for anything that may have been dropped by the lions at some point.
Kendry d20+6=25 d20+3=5 d20+3=8 d20+6=10 d20+16=34 Friday April 27th, 2007 11:00:21 PM
"Podo - can I borrow your coin of light?" he asks.
Kendry takes off most of his gear, keeps a dagger (just in case), gets small (alter self) and greasy (reads grease scroll, UMD 25), and gets a boost up from Tobias (and whoever else wants to help him ascend).
As he squeezes into the narrow, breezy opening, he looks around to see what he might see [Spot: 5], searches about [Search 8], and listens for what he might hear [Listen: 10] (wimpy rolls!).
[Just in case it's needed, a 34 on escape artist (not including extra smallness).]
The Corpse (DM Cayzle) Saturday April 28th, 2007 6:48:37 AM
Kendry's clever slipperiness gets him inside. He finds the body of a halfling. Some kinda gross maneuverings in too close quarters later, not to mention the obvious detectmagic, you have the following:
a dead body nice studded leather armor a nice spiked chain a scroll case a magic cloak magic boots
The scroll case has two parchments, neither magical. The first is a letter with orders. It says to go to Graeff's Refuge, infiltrate the staff, and await further orders. It warns that a justicar is after you.
The second is a map with instructions on how to get into the Valley of Four Peaks. It seems you have to look for the Giants' Stair.
Podo Danderfluff Pipewood [ d20+1=17 d20+9=17 Saturday April 28th, 2007 8:52:53 AM
Podo hands over the light coin to Kendry. Podo waits and watches Kendry slip into a fissure in the wall.
While Podo awaits Kendry's return, Podo searches the cave again just to be sure. (Search DC: 17)& (Spot DC: 17)
Afterwards, if Kendry has still yet to return, Podo will meditate on his anger issues.
Ficlle Saturday April 28th, 2007 9:06:11 AM
Fickle follows Dwight, mumbling "EveryBodt is Fickle CuZin! Me'z Like everybody here! Yep! Me'z Do!"
Kendry Sunday April 29th, 2007 10:46:36 PM
Kendry tells those outside the cave within a cave about his discoveries. He lowers each item carefully to those below, leaving the body for last.
"Well, our manticore hosts did seem to have a propensity for killing halflings. And this one," he indicates the remains, "was up to no good, as far as I can perceive."
He takes the time to make a copy of the map, and less time to write a copy of the letter with orders. He checks for any names - people, organizations - or seals or other identifying information on the parchment.
ADM Kim Posting Report Sunday April 29th, 2007 11:05:32 PM
Cayzle DM: 22WT-S- 7 Anthony Dwight: MTWTF-- 5 Ceil Fickle: -TWTFS- 5 Jon-Paul Podo: -2W-FS- 5 Justin Selithe: M-WTF-- 4 Kim Kendry: M3W23-S 11 Pedro Tobias: MTW-F-- 4 Robert Julian: 2-23F-- 8 Steven Airin: MT2-2-- 6
Airin Monday April 30th, 2007 3:54:30 AM
"So our good friend Sharles was out to get this man? Why? Couldn't we stir Sharles awake and ask him about this man?"
"All in all, this sounds quite intriging don't you agree?"
Airin's eyes seem to sparkle. She's always been fond of maps and vague clues... must be the rogue in her...
Julian Roscoe Holle Pipewood Trufflefinder 'the Badger' Monday April 30th, 2007 8:23:25 AM
Feeling a little more comfortable now, around his familiar and Collie dog, Julian relaxes with the cooking and enjoys Selithe's company.
"I really lik... errrr," Julian screeches as though in pain. "Sorry, Kendry's yapping in my ear again. Says he found... something... all greased up in a fissure. A note, up to no good, he says.
"Oh, I don't know, Selithe. He's yabbering on a lot about something, and he's excited so there's a lot of words. Hope this Message wears off soon."
Fickle Monday April 30th, 2007 8:29:31 AM
Fickle sit cross legged, well at least as far as his little leg will let him. "Hmmm! Food good! Who'z made it??" he ask.
Kendry Monday April 30th, 2007 1:32:00 PM
"Great idea, Airin," Kendry says. "Podo, do you suppose Sharles might be interested in this bit of news - and be able to fill us in a little bit more?"
"Oh, I just thought of something. Tobias, Dwight, Airin, Podo - could one of you give me a boost back up to the little crevice?" Once one of them does so, and if the squeeze is not too tight, Kendry continues up the air shaft a little ways. If it opens up more, or at least does not narrow, he continues until he finds the exit - whether up on the surface above, or along the face of the cliff, or wherever. If the passage gets too tight, though, he won't risk getting stuck, and returns the way he came.
Once he finishes that little exploration, he suggests we all meet up on top, and do what we might to evaluate the items found as we enjoy lunch, then prepare to move on.
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