The Trip Home (DM Cayzle) Friday January 18th, 2008 4:29:24 PM
The party leaves in sadness at this farewell, walking uphill to the Wold proper. After a time the grey grass fades away and the shadows thin; the rivulets of Woldsblood get thinner. You can see now that you are travelling through the Wold -- or rather, through the part of the Wold that lies contiguous with the Realm of Shadows. You see Sunshine outside the cave, howling. Maybe he knows? You walk through stone and tunnel, and finally back into the den of the dragon.
You step back into the Wold. Lang's body is inert and lifeless. The bodies of the dragon and the priest are here too, of course.
Wynn Friday January 18th, 2008 6:36:56 PM
The bard is relieved to be free from Garguls realm,even though the reality of Lang's plight is once again driven home by his lifeless form.
"Xenia. Why don't you conduct a proper search of the priest and the dragon to make sure we've missed nothing. Belkior and I can look after Lang."
The bard signals to the cleric for some assistance and begins removing the rangers armor and weapons. "I don't know how he would chose, but I propose we bring him to Stone Gap and burn his body on a pyre like the men from the north. We can use the proceeds from his gear to help outfit the rest of us, for he'll not be needing them again."
Xenia d20+17=37 Friday January 18th, 2008 8:53:54 PM
"Yeah. Alright, Wynn." The rogue allows herself the luxury of a pouty look and one or two sad sidelong glances at the dead body that used to be Lang. "Poor, Lang. Poor Sunshine." One last look at the dog lying next to the body of his dead master, loyal to the end. Then to work.
Well, almost. The Timmity Priesty Guy gets himself a well earned kick in the head. Sounds like a melon.
"Now give up stuff, you," she says to the dead priest of Ga'al, and begins a second and more thorough search of the cavern. (Search 37 /Natural 20)
DM Cayzle Extra Friday January 18th, 2008 10:12:11 PM
Sunshine was left outside the cave, and is still outside the cave. Sorry that was not clear.
Xenia finds nothing except the secret door she found bafore, but which was never opened.
Xenia (2nd Post) Friday January 18th, 2008 10:29:38 PM
"Anybody wanna help me get this door open?"
OoC: Can I assume that the door is also searched for traps?
Angus Saturday January 19th, 2008 4:37:22 PM
Angus will dimension door the group past the Forbinance, includeing Sunshine, so that no one take the nasty damage.
Angus looks down at Lang's lifeless body. "We can not leave Lang like this. I would like to bury him at the plantation but according to Wynn that is weeks of travel away. Belkior maybe you can perform some rites here. Does anyone have a shovel?" Angus wipes away a tear, seeing his dead friend again in such a state.
Angus straighten up and announces "Lets leave this place in the morning after we attend to Lang. I think we should make our way back to ur home territory of the Floating City and the Orphanage. We can stop by Stone Gap on the way if anyone wants."
-----------------------
ooc; Are our catacomb purchases in effect???
Xenia (3rd Post) Sunday January 20th, 2008 8:55:40 AM
*clang*
*clatter*
Xenia pauses in her examinations, and, first one, then another compact shovel bounces to a halt with the sound of steel on rock.
"Just do not believe how long I been carrying those things 'round," she mutters, then moves on.
Syr Sunday January 20th, 2008 9:14:01 PM
Syr looks over at Lang's body and frowns as if trying to remember something. Syr puts a hand up to the sorceror trying to stop the spell, "Umm, Angus, how about we explore Red's door before we go pick up Sunshine?" The elf moves into position behind Xenia and awaits the opening of the door.
Xenia - OoC Sunday January 20th, 2008 9:46:47 PM
If I recall correctly, the previous description of the door is that it fills the entire back of the 20x20 or so alcove. DM said that it was far too large for any single PC to open by themselves, let along a skinny girl.
Anyone want to lend a hand?
DM, do you need STR checks?
Syr d20+6=9 Monday January 21st, 2008 2:26:00 AM
Syr moves up to help Xenia but unfortunately, his feet keep slipping (wow, str check 9, let's hope not.)
Wynn d20+4=15 Monday January 21st, 2008 7:42:28 AM
The bard finishes stripping Lang's body of gear and then carefully wraps his comrade in a bedroll for travel. Only then does he go to assist Xenia with the door [STR=15]
The Door (DM Cayzle) Monday January 21st, 2008 11:25:46 AM
The group quickly determines that there are no further mysteries. The bodies and chambers have been fully explored.
Did you take the heavy but valuable appointments, by the way? If so, how?
Syr, Belkior, Wynn, Angus, and Xenia soon turn their attention to the door. Yes, it is a block of stone, at least 20 feet by 20 feet. Clearly it is intended to be pushed aside by a huge adult red dragon.
It will take a Str DC40 check to open. You get a +4 on your check if you are Large, and a +8 if you are Huge. You can take 20 if you like.
The Cage (DM Cayzle) Monday January 21st, 2008 11:29:53 AM
[OOC: This post is for Matt C (running his new PC), Shegger, and Justin.]
You look around, groggily coming awake. You are still in your cage. The room is 30 feet by 30 feet by 10 feet high. The cage is in the center of the room, 15 feet by 15 feet by 10 feet high. That's the same as it was. But where are the kobold guards who had been watching you? Why is the door to the room standing open? And where is your morning meal of stale bread and water?
Your two companions -- both tossed in here unconscious yesterday -- are also in the cage with you.
Xenia Monday January 21st, 2008 11:50:02 AM
"That's some door," the rogue muses. Hands on hips she eyes the huge slab of rock. Her foot taps rapidly on the stone floor as she sizes up the challenge.
"You know, if Tionel were still here, I bet he'd use a spell to carve a hole in that thing. Wonder where he went. Little weirdo."
OoC: What time of day is it, DM?
Cayzle OOC: This is the day after the dragon fight. It is mid-morning.
Angus Monday January 21st, 2008 12:44:55 PM
Angus looks at the Door and then at Xenia "Do you have anything in your bag of tricks to open giant huge dragon doors?"
Angus pauses a moment and comments "I could turn all of us into Trolls and we could attempt together? Do we have a troll sized crowbar to assist?"
Angus looks at Syr "Do you still have the giant strenght belt? That will help and I think Lang had one too. Someone should wear that and then we may have a chance as a group of troll. Everyone up for it."
Angus will use all of his 4 and 5 level spell slot to turn everyone into a troll so we can take 20 to open the door.
20 +2 for crowbar +7 for 23 strenght +6 for Syr's belt of Giant strenght +6 from aid other (from the remaining 4 of us)
Total 41
OOC: What side of the forbidance did we land? In the cave I am assume so then Angus could save spell slots on the dimension door spells.
-----------------------
ooc; Are our catacomb purchases in effect???
Xenia (2nd Illegal Post) Monday January 21st, 2008 12:52:44 PM
*clangityclang*
A crowbar hits the stone floor.
"I seen you when you've done that Changing spell, Angus," Xenia replies. "Looks like your clothes and what you got on you changes along with you to whatever size you become. If whoever's gonna do it holds onto that bar, I'm thinking it'll get big right along."
Theodore Monday January 21st, 2008 3:12:32 PM
Over in one corner of the cage sits a smallish fellow in plain brown clothes. His tunic is a bit too long, the sleeves spilling over his hands clasped about his knees. His head is bowed protectively encircled by his arms. Just the mass of tangled and dirty brown hair shows above his knees.
He raises his head to look around, blinking through his left eye. His right is swollen shut.
"Are you all right?" he asks the other two figures in the cage with him. "I'm Theodore. Do you know where we are?"
Belkior Monday January 21st, 2008 9:50:37 PM
The halfling cleric isn't so sure about being turned into such a large creature. All of a sudden, the ceiling is far too close and Belkior feels the urge to duck. When Angus calls, Belkior will lend a hand to moving the stone block.
"If no one objects, how about at least one of us not be trolls when we go see what is on the other side?"
Florin Jadenth Monday January 21st, 2008 10:15:33 PM
Florin awakes in the cage and looks to the one who spoke first, "Hello Theodore. It would seem we got into a nice dilema here. My name is Florin Jadenth."
Florin looks about as he stands up. He atleast has his clothes if nothing else. The royal blue colored tunic and pants not in the best of shape now. He frowns as he looks the place over more, "Now how to get out of this."
Harley d20+12=21 Monday January 21st, 2008 11:28:22 PM
Harley rolls over on to his back as consciousness seeps back into his head. He lays there, eyes closed, as he tries to figure out what happened and where he is. A symbol Harley thinks. Maybe that was what the magic was.
Spellcraft 21
Harley hears people talking, telling each other their names. He opens and eyes and gathers in more of his predicament. He sees a cage and two other men in it. Slowly he gets to his feet and reaches for the cage bars, gauging their strength.
Harley reaches to his neck and appears to almost speak for the first time. There is nothing around his neck and his hand drops back to his side and a frown appears on his face.
He finally turns to his fellow cage mates and speaks, "I am Harley. I may have a way out of this cage for us."
Turning to Theodore, "That is quite a nasty wound on your face. Would you like some healing?"
Into the Unknown (DM Cayzle) Tuesday January 22nd, 2008 3:38:11 PM In front of the Door
Angus offers to turn several into trolls, the better to push with.
Xenia seems okay with that, and holds her crowbar ready.
Belkior will help, but not as a troll.
Syr and Wynn do not voice an opinion.
But there is only room for two trolls at the door anyway. But a troll has a str bonus of +6 and a size bonus of +4, so if two trolls take 20, that gets you to the needed 40 -- 20 +10 +10.
Xenia and Angus, in troll form, push the stone forward. After pushing it ten feet forward, there is a click, and it slides to the left. An open corridor stretches ahead 60 feet, then turns right.
Light source? Marching order? Actions?
In the Cage
Florin, Theo, and Harley take stock. They are awake and aware, alive and whole. The gurads seem to have gone away for now. You are wounded, thirsty, hungry, and you have no gear except your clothes (you do retain any hidden items).
Harley tries to figure out what it was that laid him low. A magic symbol? A trap of some sort? A Glyph? He is not sure.
Theo asks where you are. Florin wonders how to get out. Harley offers cures -- and maybe a way out?
There is a door with a lock in the cage. And through an open door, freedom beckons!
Role call- ADM Scott the Southern Tuesday January 22nd, 2008 4:38:18 PM
All 5 players and DMs present and accounted for last week! Now it's up to 8.
Syr Tuesday January 22nd, 2008 4:48:01 PM
Growling in his deeper voice, "May as well keep me as a troll, Angus. It's beginning to become a second skin for me... and we'll never know what we might run into."
Letting Xenia lead, he replaces Angus at the front and just behind the suddenly clumsier rogue. "Lead on, although not sure if you want Angus to change you back?"
Wynn d20+6=16 Tuesday January 22nd, 2008 6:53:35 PM
The bard slips his sword free from it's scabbard and readies to enter the passageway. He trains his low-light vision down and to the right, following the passageway with his eyes, looking for danger [Spot=16]
"I'll follow Xenia, then all you trolls can back us up if it's needed" he suggests.
Xenia d20+17=36 d20+17=21 Tuesday January 22nd, 2008 8:10:49 PM
"Like, yuck, Angus!" The rogue's voice comes from the deep well of the Troll's throat. "I didn't wanna be a troll. Whyn'cha pick one of the other guys?"
"Don't look, Wynn."
"This isn't like the Gryphon was at all! Gross! Yuck! Get it offa me!"
Once returned to normal, the rogue eyes the dark tunnel with a wary eye. She draws an everburning torch from her haversack.
"Why'ntchoo carry this, Syr. I'm gonna take this slow and careful. Seems to me that a guy who has a secret door which he doesn't put to light like the rest of his place, is probs protecting something. And that means traps. I'm gonna sweep the tunnel for traps. I'll be at the edge of the light, but outta the shadows so you can me. I'll be listening for what's ahead, but my eyes are gonna be mostly on the ground and stuff. So, if you could, like, watch my back?"
With that request, she lifts up on her toes to kiss Wynn on the cheek by way of telling all just who she means. Then she slides on down the tunnel.
(Search 36/Traps, etc; Listen 21)
OoC: Sorry for having you waste a spell, Jim. BTW, DM, just curious, what was lighting the other caves that isn't lighting this tunnel?
Belkior Tuesday January 22nd, 2008 8:53:18 PM
The halfling cleric falls in beside Angus as they Shields prepare to enter the tunnel.
"Hey! Before you go traipsing off somewhere, let me put a Status spell on you."
Hopefully Xenia and the others will wait until Belkior has the spell cast.
Status - cast on Xenia, Wynn, Angus & Syr
Angus Tuesday January 22nd, 2008 11:15:18 PM
Angus snapps his fingers and he is no longer a troll "I was not sure how many of us it would take to open the stone doors. Better to be safe than Sorry. I am just glad I was not really needed, since I did not want to have to break a sweat."
Angus will refresh the message spell by recasting it on his fellows. Angus points at Xenia "Testing, Testing. Red hair looked real strange on a troll. Testing, Testing."
Message 110 minutes on everyone Mage Armor 11 hours Polymorph in effect still on Syr, Belkior, and Wynn
Theodore Wednesday January 23rd, 2008 9:16:42 AM
Theodore remains huddled in the corner of the cage, even as the two other men stand and begin to move about.
He gives Harley a speculative look through his good eye. "Yes, if you can spare any healing, I won't turn it down," he says.
"All my things are gone!" he wails. "And Macaw, my friend. I can feel him around, but I don't know where."
He shakes his head sadly. "This never would have happened if I hadn't left the City. Stupid, stupid Theodore. Leave all your friends behind and you get yourself in such a predicament."
Gnashing his teeth, he begins to get more upset with himself. "Stupid, silly, selfish Theodore."
Xenia (2nd Illegal Post) Wednesday January 23rd, 2008 10:07:17 AM
"Smelly, gross, lumpy, ugly ... " The rogue mutters back to Angus through the message spell.
Harley d8+5=13 Wednesday January 23rd, 2008 11:06:23 AM
Harley walks over to Theodore and takes the man's head into his hands. He is interested to see if his spell works or if there is some magical suppression also confining them in this cage. Harley casts Cure Light Wounds on Theodore.
Cure Light Wounds 13 hps (spontaneous casting of Detect Undead).
If the spell works Harley says, "I can cast a spell that will get the three of us out of this cage. Then we can find our stuff and find out who captured us."
If the spell does not work Harley says, "I think there is a magical suppression on our cage. We will need to force the lock with strength."
Obstacles in the Way (DM Cayzle) Wednesday January 23rd, 2008 5:08:10 PM
In the doorway
There are continual flame spells in the main room, but none in this corridor.
There is a little more shifting as some assume or retain Troll form, and others drop it.
Xenia's sharp eyes spot the tell-tale sparkles, the faintly drawn lines of power, the arcane tingle, that tells her there is a trap! A magical trap! She is not sure what it does, but it's there all right! Activated when the wrong sort of people walk into the area. And Xenia thinks she is the wrong sort.
In the Cage
Harley cures Theo and deduces that there is no obstacle to spellcasting here. Theo has some existential regrets, but maybe a solid cure spell will help him feel better.
Xenia d20+11=27 Wednesday January 23rd, 2008 5:46:14 PM
Her hand thrusts into the air, fist closed.
"STOP!" If a whisper can be screamed, then this one is. "There's a trap here, Angus."
Deep breaths. One. Two. Three.
"I'm going to try and disable it. Wish Waard's luck to me."
She takes out a special tool kit and sets to work. (Disable Device 27)
OoC: BTW, I take it that the trap is in the very entrance of the Tunnel. Correct? We still have a 60ft stretch of tunnel before us until a right hand turn. Illumination with Low Light Vision to the tunnel is perfect. Correct?
Angus d20+19=32 Wednesday January 23rd, 2008 6:44:55 PM
Angus stops at Xenia's insistance and cast detect magic on himself and starts to scan the area in front of Xenia.
Spellcraft check 32
"Do you need more light Xenia? I will provide." Angus whispers as he looks for magicial traps.
To everyone else Angus adds "Be careful and eyes open everyone."
Message 110 minutes on everyone Mage Armor 11 hours Polymorph in effect still on Syr, Belkior, and Wynn
Xenia (2nd Post) Wednesday January 23rd, 2008 7:34:24 PM "Ssssssshhhhh" The rogue shushes Angus. Then she draws the back of her sleeve across her brow as though to wipe away a non-existent cold sweat.
Finally, she sits back on her haunches and shakes her head.
"Don't think that's gonna do it. It's a magic trap. A magic trap's tough. Takes magic to get pretty much anywhere with it. You can maybe cast a spell to unspell it. Or ... "
She draws a gray bag from her haversack.
"We could all get a goodly distance away, and we can see if a little animal will take the hit for us."
OoC: If everyone's good with this, then back 60ft away and use Bag of Tricks to send a summoned creature to go through the trapped area. Keep in mind, folks, that this might be an Alarm type trap. I'd like to see what Angus gets as results from Detect Magic.
Xenia - OoC Wednesday January 23rd, 2008 8:12:27 PM
BTW, did we ever decide whether Sunshine was inside with us or outside the cave?
Florin Jadenth Wednesday January 23rd, 2008 9:21:25 PM
Florin nods as he listens to Harley, "I'm ready to leave as soon as you are. I can do more once we are out of this over sized bird cage anyway in the sense of aiding us." Florin figures he can still summon his bonded mount. However he checks out the dimensions of the room and such to make sure it would be okay to do so once he is back on the ground and outside the cage.
Belkior Wednesday January 23rd, 2008 10:54:32 PM
The halfling cleric stands waiting for Xenia to disarm the trap. If something goes wrong, Belkior will be there to patch the wounds.
Wynn Wednesday January 23rd, 2008 11:35:10 PM
The bard stops, one foot raised in mid-step, as Xenia calls out her alarm. "Could be the backdoor is as trapped as the front. Best send in the beastie"
Wynn retreats from the mouth of te tunnel and awaits Xenia's further actions.
Syr (Troll, Status) Wednesday January 23rd, 2008 11:52:29 PM
The elf/troll backs away as instructed by Xenia. Whispering to Angus, "Hey, if this doesn't work, do you want to try your dimension door thingie?"
He squats down next to Belkior, "Do you think the dragon's hoard is behind it?"
Xenia (3rd Post) d100=23 Thursday January 24th, 2008 8:02:03 AM
With everyone clear 60ft, Xenia draws a small puff ball from the gray bag. She tosses it into the air and it becomes a tiny flapping bat.
"Go, Batty! Down the tunnel!"
"Poor Batty Guy."
Theodore Thursday January 24th, 2008 9:24:32 AM
Seeing that the others are trying their best to figure a way out of the cage, Theodore starts to feel quite ashamed of himself. A look of conviction crosses his face as he grabs a bar to hoist himself up and on his feet.
Theodore is not a very tall person at only five and a half feet. He is definitely human and quite a plain looking human, at that. His most defining feature seems to be the tangled mess atop his head. He is a skinny young man, in his early twenties, you would judge.
"Harley, thank you for your help. And I must apologize to both of you for my disgusting display of self-pity, just then. You are better men than I am."
He looks around at his surroundings to get a better picture of how things stand. "How can I help?"
Harley d20+10=26 d20+10=16 Thursday January 24th, 2008 1:54:57 PM
Harley takes one last look around the cage and the room they are in. He also gives a good listen to see if he can hear anything from outside their room.
Spot 26 Listen 16
"Ok. Time to make a prison break. We have no weapons and I do not have any offensive spells to really help us fight. Do you 2 have anything that can help us if we need to fight?"
"Is there any reason why we shouldn't just stay put in here?"
If Florin and Theodore want to leave then Harley says, "This will only take a second."
Harley grabs hold of Florin and Theodore and casts Dimension Door, teleporting the three of them outside the cage and re-appearing near the doorway.
Break On Through Thursday January 24th, 2008 4:27:01 PM
Note: Sunshine never entered the caves. He is still outside in the hilly woods. It's been a couple days. You saw a glimpse of the dog on your way in from the Realm of Shadows.
In the Doorway
The sacrificial lamb -- or bat -- flies out and back without setting off the trap. Maybe it is too small, or not touching the floor, or not the right alignment?
Angus analyzes the auras and discerns summoning and evocation magic.
Belkior, Wunn, and Syr back up and let the experts do their thing.
Will Xenia use her disarm check? The one already rolled, please.
Outside the Cage
Harley, Theo, and Florin dimension door out of the cage! You three are just outside a corridor. When you peek out, you see a corridor with other doors left ajar. On the corridor floor are several socks, a torn shirt, and a box with a hole in it.
Xenia d20+21=37 d20+18=26 Thursday January 24th, 2008 5:32:39 PM
"So let me get this straight," the rogue says after Angus explains the magic that he detected on the trap, "Evocation is, like, 'Splosions and stuff, right? And Summoning is, well, like, summoning."
She frowns.
"Well, a magic trap is pretty hard to unable," she explains. "Don't think my messing with it earlier did much of anything."
"Don't you go pooping on my shoulder!" The little bat squeaks, but doesn't poop on her shoulder.
"So, unless we can find another way, I don't think that trap's going anywhere." Xenia bites her lip. "Unless. Maybe. Hang on." From her pack she draws out a scroll. The words roll from her tongue, and her form is graced with divine protection.
"I'm gonna trigger it. Be ready. Go away, Batty Guy. Shoo. This ain't gonna be pretty."
"Ready?" She looks at her companions and then runs forward.
Rolls and Actions UMD 37 vs DC21 for scroll of Protection from Evil Reflex Save 29 (if you need / forgot to add +3 for Trap Sense)
Angus d20+10=17 Thursday January 24th, 2008 5:54:49 PM
After Angus relays the magical trap information to Xenia he backs up 30 feet "You go girl, but be careful. You handle the explosions and will see if I can take care of the summoning. Give me once shot at disabling the trap before you go."
Angus will cast dispel magic and then ready a dispel magic if it does not work and Xenia sets off the traps.
Dispel check 17
Ready action Dispel magic
Syr (status, Troll) Thursday January 24th, 2008 10:12:19 PM
The hulking figure of the monk leans with one hand against the wall. He remains just outside 30' away from where Xenia detected something and watches with interest as she runs forward. "Hey Belk, how far away from someone can you be to cure them without touching them? I'm hoping Red doesn't need it. Oh, and Angus, once the magical trap goes off, does it automatically rearm for the next person like that forbiddance thing did earlier? If the cavalry is going to go running in to help the damsel, I wanna know before finding out the hard way."
Florin Jadenth Thursday January 24th, 2008 10:37:58 PM
Florin looks to the others and breaths a sigh of relief now but not overly much as he is still wepaonless. Thinking he speaks up, "I can summon my friend if we run into trouble. He should beable to aid us alittle. For now though I guess we should keep going but just becareful so we don't get into too much trouble."
Belkior Thursday January 24th, 2008 11:02:48 PM
The halfling cleric looks up at the towering form of Syr.
"If I want, I can cure Xenia from quite a distance, if need be. I just hope that it won't be too bad."
Belkior is fretting about what might happen to Xenia.
Theodore d20+2=20 Friday January 25th, 2008 9:29:55 AM
"Where are the guards?" Theodore wonders out loud. He peers down the corridor, looking for anything that shouldn't be there. (Spot 20)
Noticing the box, he squats down to prod it with a finger. If nothing, then he flips the top off the box to take a look inside.
"Where could they be?" he says distractedly.
Sprroingg! Round 1 (DM Cayzle) d20+21=36 [conc check] d20+18=36 d20+18=28 [claw attacks] 2d8(5+2)+6=13 2d8(7+6)+6=19 [damage] d20+22=35 [grapple] 3d8(3+4+2)+9=18 [grapple damage] Friday January 25th, 2008 3:23:02 PM
[OOC: Have to post a little early today, friends. Real life issues.]
Theo, Florin, and Harley look around. You get the real sense of a hasty departure. Items cast off or dropped at the last minute. Doors not closed completely. And no one anywhere.
But the three hear a Sproing! in one direction, and a roar!
======
Angus tries to dispel the trap, but his dispel check 17 fails. He backs up 30 feet.
[OOC: I want to make it clear what is going on, so that there will be no questions after our fearless rogue ends up defunct! Muahaha! One option is that Xenia tried to disable the trap. If so, her roll of 27 was a failure, and in fact set it off. Another option is that she set it off deliberately. Either way, the result is the same. If I have interpreted that incorrectly, PLEASE let me know ASAP. Also let me know if your position on the map is wrong. And who is in Troll form besides Syr?]
Xenia moves forward. The trap sproings and goes off. It creates two effects: A forcecage traps Xenia. And a monster is summoned! It looks like some kind of bug-devil with a stinger! Not the kind you've been fighting, but maybe kin.
[Note that a forcecage is invisible, but I'll let you know that it is a forcecage based on Angus's spellcraft and my being a nice DM.]
Syr, Wynn, and Belkior watch as the thing tries to rip into Xenia, roaring in anger.
First, does its magic resistance allow it to touch Xenia? It's magic resistance is a 23. So Xenia, please roll 1d20+caster level and beat that 23 to see if it can grab you.
If it CANNOT grab Xenia, then it tries Hold Person on her. Will DC is 16. Concentration check to do so defensively is a 36.
If it CAN grab Xenia, then its claws hit AC36 and AC28 for 13 and 19 hp damage. Add in the +2AC from the protection from evil -- SR only takes down the physical shield. If it hits, also roll a Will save DC20 or be affected as by a Fear spell.
On a successful claw attack, the devil gets a free grapple check. The grapple check is a 35 -- sure to beat Xenia's Grapple DC -- and inflicts 18 hp damage with its stinger.
Bug Devil: AC 29 Note that the thing has lots of spikes all over its body. Looks like it would hurt to strike at the thing.
Xenia - OoC Friday January 25th, 2008 3:32:11 PM
How does the creature know whether its SR will work or not? It either makes the Attack (grab) and succeeds or fails. Or it tries Hold Person. Either way it must expend its actions on what it knows now not on what will succeed or fail based on something it's already tried.
Correct? I guess, what I'm saying, is choose one or another, please.
Cayzle OOC Friday January 25th, 2008 6:21:50 PM
Is that how Spell Resistance works? Try to attack, and if the spell goes down, great. If the spell stays up, you've wasted your action?
I'm not sure I agree with that, but for now, for this battle, no prob, let's play it that way. The demon tries to attack. If the spell does not buckle under its resistance, then it will do nothing this round.
But honestly, was the Protection from Evil that Xenia cast from a scroll higher than first level? It would have to be at least third level to beat that 23 SR, and then only with a nat 20, right? My guess is that the spell was cast as if by a first level caster, and the spell resistance will break though it like an adamantine hammer through a plate glass window.
Xenia - OoC Friday January 25th, 2008 6:36:07 PM
That's the way things work with protection of any kind, isn't it? Attack. Try to overcome, armor, protection, whatever. If fail, then that's it.
Normally SR is working the other way. It would be protecting the Devil from attack normally. This is a special use of SR, but it's still an attack, regardless.
Though yes, you're right. There's little chance that Xenia can resist any of what the Devil is dishing out.
Wynn Friday January 25th, 2008 6:59:49 PM
The bard watches in anguish as Xenia is first trapped and then attacked. His immediate response is to encourage the plucky rogue with song. [Inspire Courage +2; all allies gain +2 to atk and dmg roles as well as saves versus fear].
Call in the hangman, We've a criminal to lynch Holler for the Sheriff, He's always helped us in a pinch Someone find two horses, And we'll tear her right apart What wrongs did she commit, you say? The vixen stole my heart.
Wynn advances towards the force cage as he begins his song.
Matt C. - OOC Friday January 25th, 2008 8:55:01 PM
Hold Person will not work due to 2nd effect of the Pro Evil spell.
Its not the SR that would cause the devil to lose its action. How would it know Xenia has Pro Evil on until it attacks or casts a spell at her?
Cayzle OOC Friday January 25th, 2008 10:04:50 PM
Yup, I agree with what you all say! The devil would have to attack -- and it does so -- and after the attack is declared but before it is resolved, the SR roll happens. Thanks for the feedback and comments.
JimF d20+18=27 Saturday January 26th, 2008 9:13:37 AM
OOC: What kind of forcecage is up: Bars or windowless cell. It makes a huge difference in how we can act!
If Angus must take a full round action to determine the type of forcecage with spellcraft or detect magic he will.
Spellcraft 27
---------------------------
Interesting trap. I was assuming it was a greater glyph of warding but it can not hold 7th level spells???
Harley Saturday January 26th, 2008 10:20:08 AM
Harley looks around the corridor. Three more doors and a corridor off to the left.
"I'll check out this door (W3) and see what is behind it."
Before Harley can move far he hears a lot of noise from down the left corridor.
"Take a careful peak and see what that noise was," Harley says quietly to Theodore and Florin.
Harley peaks behind door W3.
OOC - does that gray section on the map (AB5.AC6) look like more corridor or wall?
Cayzle to Angus and Harley Saturday January 26th, 2008 10:48:12 AM
ANGUS
Since the forcecage is invisible, how can you tell what it is? A spellcraft check on a spell in place would work. The rules say that that is no action, so it's a freebie.
It is the cage.
Also note that I tossed you another hint. You heard the devil's roar. In the cube form, I think sound would have been blocked.
HARLEY
Looks like the corridor bends, but you have not gone over there to look. Grey just means "unexplored."
Also, the size of the cage should be a hint. It's too big on the map to be the Cell version. --Al
Xenia (AC28 w/Total Defense, 18/68hp) d20+1=2 d20+1=5 d20+9=29 d20+8=23 d20+3=8 Saturday January 26th, 2008 11:51:36 AM
"Aaaaaahhhh! WYNN!"
The rogue backpedals only to fetch up against something hard, unyielding, invisible to her eye. Sharp things cut her flesh from uncountable angles bursting in a single moment of bright red pain.
Through all this, she fights her own mounting panic, she fights the unnatural fear that attacks her mind. Xenia screams like an angry cat and struggles with all of her might to defend herself as the vision from the bad places of hell pulls her into its grasp.
Rolls and Actions CL Check DC2 Burn hero point DC5 /Both fail. Will Save DC29 vs DC20 Fear (There's my Natural 20! Bloody hell.)
Total Defense +6 to AC
Grapple to Escape DC23, DC8 /Both Fail - Ignore this. Per DM Cayzle, changed move to Total Defense.)
Expended: Hero Points 2/3
Xenia - OoC Saturday January 26th, 2008 12:01:58 PM
Note to Companions: The devil has initiated a grapple with Xenia. That means it must expend at least one of its attacks next round to Escape the grapple, (admittedly a simple thing to do - DC18.) before it can attack anyone else who might enter the cage with its One Remaining attack.
Theodore Saturday January 26th, 2008 12:24:36 PM
Hearing the roar, Theodore pauses, still squatting on his haunches with one hand reaching out for the discarded box.
"What was..." he tries to say before he hears a woman's scream. He straightens moves quickly to O5, where he stops again.
"Hey!" he calls out before thinking it's probably not the best of ideas to be calling attention to himself in such a helpless position.
He looks back to Harley and Florin, "There are some people in trouble. What can we do?"
Angus Saturday January 26th, 2008 1:20:30 PM
Angus gets his bearing and assess's the situation "Aw Crap."
Angus looks to Wynn and Belkior (assuming neither is in troll form) and grabs hold of each "Hold on to your boots!"
If either is in troll form Angus will add "Drop the troll!'
TO Syr "I'll be right back."
Angus will dimension door behind the demon creature with Wynn and Belkior in tow. "This does not look much better from this angle." Angus mutters to himself.
Message 110 minutes on everyone Mage Armor 11 hours Polymorph in effect still on Syr
Florin Jadenth Saturday January 26th, 2008 9:39:02 PM
Florin looks to the others and begins to speak but then hears the problems near by and the scream. The voice sounds familiar to him and his blood boils as he knows trouble is afoot, "Dang it."
Florin looks towards Harley and speaks quickly, "Harley, no offense giving orders friend but check those rooms quick and see if any or all our equipment might be in any of them. We need our stuff to fight more effectively."
Florin closes his eyes a moment and thinks quickly before speaking, "Ajax, come to me. I need your help my friend."
Florin also speaks quickly to Theodore, "Hold up a moment friend, we don't know whats on the otherside of that door other then from the sounds atleast one friend I know. Haste and unpreparedness leads to death. When I say, throw open the door though and I'll go ahead."
Florin plans to mount up on Ajax...Florin himself will be armorless but Ajax atleast carries Florin's lance and that will give him a weapon to fight with for the moment.
(OOC:Cayzle, this post may not be suitable if Ajax wouldn't fit in the room right.)
Belkior (AC 23; HP 91) d20+5=17 d20+17=33 4d8(7+2+2+8)+13=32 Saturday January 26th, 2008 9:51:55 PM
The halfling cleric hears the trap go off and Xenia's anguished cry for help. Belkior only has a moment before Angus grabs him and teleports. OOC - Assuming that Angus teleported inside the Forcecage.
Even while he is fighting down the nausea that comes every time that Angus teleports him, Belkior steps so that he can reach and touch Xenia. Belkior doesn't know what this thing is but it's clearly harmful and intent on killing Xenia. The Paragon focuses on getting his spell off, reaching down to touch Xenia and let the healing energy flow into her. Knowledge Planes = 17 Cure Critical Wounds - 32 hps to Xenia
Spell List 0 - DC 16 - Detect Magic(x2), Detect Poison, Read Magic(x2) 1 - DC 17 - Bless(x2), Command, Hide from Undead, Sanctuary(x2) (D - Protection from Evil) 2 - DC 18 - Hold Person, Resist Energy(x3), Spiritual Weapon, Status* (D - Aid) 3 - DC 19 - Dispel Magic(x2), Invisibility Purge, Prayer, Searing Light, (D - Magic Circle Against Evil) 4 - DC 20 - Air Walk*, Death Ward, Freedom of Movement (D - Holy Smite) 5 - DC 21 - Greater Command, Summon Monster V (D - Dispel Evil) 6 - DC 22 - Heal(x2) (D - Heal) 8 = cast
Syr HP 142 AC 27 M14 Sunday January 27th, 2008 4:32:24 PM
Syr watches as Angus moves the rest of the group to save Xenia. Despite seeing Xenia obviously trapped by something invisible, he rushes up to try and help her only to be stopped by the cage.
Sprroingg! Round 2 (DM Cayzle) d20+22=38 3d8(4+5+2)+9=20 [grapple vs Xenia] Monday January 28th, 2008 4:51:06 PM Wynn sees the merciless attack on Xenia and gets right to work. First he inspires his friends with courage, and then he moves closer.
[OOC: If you do not give map coordinates, I'll be doing my own best guess!]
Angus deduces the nature of the trap, and deems it to have been created in place, like a magic item, using feats and life's experience to make it last.
Xenia is not afraid, but she is in dire trouble. She tries to focus on her defense above all else.
Angus wants to grab Wynn and Belkior, but Wynn has moved close to the cage and out of the mage's reach. Also, he knows that the caster cannot take any actions until his next turn after dimension dooring -- but passengers can! So Angus grabs Belkior and dimension doors the two of them into the cage.
Belkior -- now in the cage -- can cast with no worry of an attack of opportunity. The devil is grappling and cannot do a thing to stop him. So he reaches down and cures Xenia for 32 hit points. He notes, with the detail imposed by proximity, that this is a spiked devil known as hamatula.
Syr moves up next to Wynn.
Theo moves to O5 and sees that there is a fight. He lets his new friends know.
Florin spends the round calling his warhorse, Ajax. The sacred mount has a weapon for the paladin -- a lance. There is enough room for the horse. and the two can move and act freely next round.
Harley peeks aroudn the door at W3. He sees a small barracks, cots, chests. Looks hastily abandoned.
========
The devil continues to grapple Xenia. Its grapple check is +22. It rolls a 38, and therefore impales Xenia for 20 hp damage. It also pins her, with the restriction in actions that that entails.
Devil AC23 grappling (loses dex bonus while grappling).
Florin Jadenth Monday January 28th, 2008 7:00:21 PM
(OOC:I haven't done the math yet on my char's current hitpoints.)
Florin now that Ajax is summoned, grabs the lance and smiles to his trusted friend, "Okay friend, we have some friends to help out. Lets go greet them and see what we can do."
Florin calls out to Theodore, "Throw open that door now. I'll do what I can to aid and hold anything off from getting in here depending and you and Harley should work on trying to find our or atleast some weapons."
When the door is opened, Florin gives Ajax a gentle slap, "Lets go my friend."
Florin if he has any more time to move will begin to walk out to the hallway to see the Shield's, Ajax probably out distanceing him some, "Hello Shields. Long time no see. Need a helping hand?"
Belkior (AC 23; HP 91) 4d8(7+7+7+6)+13=40 Monday January 28th, 2008 9:37:05 PM
The halfling cleric casts another healing spell on his companion, trying to keep her alive until they can escape.
"Get us out of here!"
Actions Standard - cast Cure Critical Wounds, 40 hps
Spell List 0 - DC 16 - Detect Magic(x2), Detect Poison, Read Magic(x2) 1 - DC 17 - Bless(x2), Command, Hide from Undead, Sanctuary(x2) (D - Protection from Evil) 2 - DC 18 - Hold Person, Resist Energy(x3), Spiritual Weapon, Status* (D - Aid) 3 - DC 19 - Dispel Magic(x2), Invisibility Purge, Prayer, Searing Light, (D - Magic Circle Against Evil) 4 - DC 20 - Air Walk*, Death Ward*, Freedom of Movement (D - Holy Smite) 5 - DC 21 - Greater Command, Summon Monster V (D - Dispel Evil) 6 - DC 22 - Heal(x2) (D - Heal) * = cast
Wynn [AC=26, HP=75]Inspired +2 Monday January 28th, 2008 10:36:47 PM
The bard ceases his song and begins a ridiculous poem about a devil who impaled himself on the horns of his own dilemma.
[OOC Casts Tasha's Hideous Laughter on the devil (DC 14 Will Save), all allies continue to benefit from, Wynn's song for 5 more rounds]
Angus d20+18=34 Tuesday January 29th, 2008 7:07:47 AM
Angus slides past Belkior (position O13) and grabs hold of his two friends and defensivly casts another dimension door.
cast defensifly 34
"Lets get the He...POP"
The trio lands behind Troll Syr with a POP. "...L of here." Angus finishes.
"Well that was exciting." Angus attempts a smile for the benifit of the others, but keeps one eye on Xenia and Wynn and the other on the devil in the cage.
Angus get ready to cast wall of force next, just in case.
Message 110 minutes on everyone Mage Armor 11 hours Polymorph in effect still on Syr
Theodore Tuesday January 29th, 2008 9:28:00 AM
"What door?" Theodore looks from Florin to the battle and back again.
"Oh! It looks like she has friends helping her, now. I hope they're all right."
As Florin moves past him, warhorse at his side, Theodore nods. "Okay, then. I'll help look for our things."
He hurries to W4. "Find anything?" he asks Harley.
Xenia (AC22 w/Total Defense, 68/68hp) d20+22=36 d20+17=20 Tuesday January 29th, 2008 11:04:30 AM
Amazing, how powerful Belkie's healing is. Chopped and poked so badly just a moment ago, and now, not a twinge. Not a pain.
"There's sump'in else down the tunnel!" Xenia warns after a quick look down the unlit tunnel "I hear sump'in else coming!"
She dashes back to the main arena room, drawing the halfing's bow for protection. Up against the wall, she stands with an arrow nocked.
Really weird, though. The thought flashes quickly through her mind. Why would she be hearing Florin's voice in a place like this?
Rolls and Actions Spot 36, Listen 20
Position: S21
Expended: Hero Points 2/3
Harley d20+10=16 Tuesday January 29th, 2008 12:59:21 PM
Harley looks in the apparently abandoned barracks for some sort of weapon (from the doorway).
Spot 16
"Theodore, it looks like an abandoned barracks. I am going to check this other door."
Harley moves to Z4 and peaks behind that door.
The Grinning Devil (DM Cayzle) d20+12=22 Tuesday January 29th, 2008 3:09:33 PM
Magic works its charms. Xenia is healed, and Angus yanks her and Belkior out of the cage. The devil sits there, grinning. He seems happy to laugh at Wynn's story.
[No need to roll spell resistance vs SR23 to see if it is affected, because it saves with a 22.]
Combat is over.
South of the cage, the Crimson Shields gather.
North of the cage, Florin and his warhorse take a look at the party, recognize some friends, and calls a hello.
The rooms to the north are storerooms and barracks, kitchen, etc. Around the corner is a HUGE cave. No one has entered the cage.
Post any actions you prefer with the devil. But after two minutes, it and the cage pop out of existence, and the two sets of heroes can meet at last.
Theodore d20+2=8 d20+2=22 d20+2=6 Tuesday January 29th, 2008 4:14:37 PM
(OOC - Cayzle, do I know the general direction that Macaw is in? About how far?)
Theodore peers over Harley's shoulder into the room. (Spot 8) "Oh boy. I wish Macaw were here. His eyes are much better than mine."
The wizard seems dejected, but not as much as when he was in the cage.
"What about this other room?" He points to the door to their West. "I'll check that one out."
He moves to do so, putting an ear to the door first. (Listen 22, natural 20) If he hears nothing suspicious, he creaks the door open and peeps in. (Spot 6)
Angus Tuesday January 29th, 2008 4:29:16 PM
Angus carefully watches the devil and the cage until it disappears and is glad he did not have to cast any walls to prevent its advance. "Hotshot had some nasty fiends as friends. I am glad he is no longer alive to bother anyone else."
Once the cage is down, Angus slaps his knee "Well I'll be, this is a small Wold. Is that Florin and Ajax. Did you guys come to kill Hotshot? If so you are late as we just did. Much to our loss." Angus ends somberly.
Angus call out to Florin just to check to make sure it is him "Florin have you ever been another race? And what did you give me as a gift?"
Message 110 minutes on everyone Mage Armor 11 hours Polymorph in effect still on Syr
Xenia Tuesday January 29th, 2008 4:32:30 PM
The dark rogue peers around the corner, her bow at the ready.
"Florin?"
Sure looks like him. But him having changed all Elfie like, it's hard to tell.
"FLORIN? HEY FLORIN! WHAT IN FRAM JAMBLE ARE YOU DOING HERE? WHY AREN'T YOU WITH JELLA?!"
Xenia sticks a pink tongue out at the Devil and then ducks back around the corner.
Cayzle Extra to Theo Tuesday January 29th, 2008 4:46:48 PM
Theo gets the clear idea that Macaw is outside the caves. The wizard gets a second-hand sense of a dog barking. He has a suspicion that Macaw is dropping acorns on the dog's head from high above it.
Scott the Southern Tuesday January 29th, 2008 6:43:23 PM
Role Call (Apologies if I missed something)
DM Cayzle XXXXX Syr OXXXX Belkior XXXXX Angus XXXXX Florin XOXXX Theo XXXXX Xenia XXXXX Wynn XXXOX Harley XXXOX
90% effective
Florin Jadenth Tuesday January 29th, 2008 9:20:49 PM
Florin moves down the hallway so he is closer to the group and pays Ajax once while lowering the lance he carries. He is armorless and other then the lance weaponless.
Looking over the assembled group he smiles, "Hello Xenia, is nice to see you again and Jella is with Lady Ivy at the momen I would figure. Jella seems to taken to haveing a mom quite well."
Florin looks to Angus, "Well, before tangling with the Knot of Drusis I was a human but I've been changed to a elf and been getting use to this form, quite alot better now then I was. An to be honest my friend, the gift was some time ago and I'm not sure now. What happened to Lang? I don't see him among the group." Florin's eyes move to the troll among the group and smiles abit, "An when did the Shields begin recruiting trolls? He is friendly right?"
(OOC:Sorry Syr, had to poke a joke.)
Florin motions behind him, "I wokeup here in a giant bird cage moreless, with a couple new friends. They are currently searching the rooms back to see if they might beable to find out equipment." Florin dusts off his pretty much ruined tunic and sighs. He is injured because of the arrow practice the kabolds have been haveing with him, Theodore and Harley.
One of the other few items Florin would have inless taken by extreme force and if Cayzle would allow would be his wedding ring yet.
(OOC:Cayzle, I sent a email with all the items my char will be buying. I don't know if you got it so let me know. Once the items are approved I will update my CS fully and get it to you. Also, do we have to reroll hp too or just for new levels obtained.)
Belkior d20+25=42 Tuesday January 29th, 2008 9:41:42 PM
The halfling cleric peers at the elf that he barely remembers. When Florin mentions that he and the others who were held in the back were injured, Belkior gets into motion.
"Who needs healing? Where are they? Are they able to walk?
Belkior will move up to Florin and attempt to determine how injured the elf is. Heal = 42
Syr d20+17=18 Wednesday January 30th, 2008 4:18:39 AM
The troll smiles widely displaying his teeth to the paladin, "HE doesn't bite if that is what you are asking. It's me Syrdeth! Florin, You and Ajax are a sight for my eyes. It's great to see you again. Ignore this form, of late we've been in a few fights and it was necessary. Well, either that or I feel like boosting Angus' self esteem by letting him be the pretty boy in the group." He takes a moment to step back out of reach of the demon and flexes his bulging muscles once in an attempt to intimidate the creature (Intimidate nat 1).
Seeing his attempt fail, he smiles at the group on the other side of the cage, "More importantly, how come we didn't get an invite to your wedding? I thought we were family! Did the lady's father make it a sudden necessity? Now that might be the Florin that I knew!"
Once the cage and demon are gone, he walks in his normal form and shakes the hands of all the newcomers with a tight hug for Florin. "Syrdeth Redbow is the name, giving elven paladin's a hard time is my game."
To Florin he adds sadly with a shake of his head, "Lang just decided to stay in the Shadowlands, depending on what we find back here, we are on out way to pick up Sunshine and head for home."
Angus (second illegal post) Wednesday January 30th, 2008 8:00:42 AM
Angus visibly relaxes at Florin's answers as this is his old friend "It is good to see you again old friend. How did you get our here?"
Angus pauses a moment before answering the last question "Lang has died and in order to make life easier for the rest of us, decided to stay with Gargul."
Angus brightens a bit "Who are your new friends?"
Harley Wednesday January 30th, 2008 11:30:11 AM
Harley eyes the huge cave from is entrance. He really wants to enter it and search for his belongings, but will not until he can consult with his new friends. He moves back the other way to see where Florin and Theodore have gone.
Harley approaches the cage and stands next to Florin and Theodore. He is glad that the evil creature is stuck inside. He hears Florin talking to the other group as if he knows them.
Once the barrier is down, Harley will introduce himself to the other group.
OOC - Harley is a human male about 6 feet tall. He is muscular, but in a lean and fit sort of way. He is dressed in travel clothes and does not appear to have any armor or weapons
Xenia (2nd Illegal Post) Wednesday January 30th, 2008 11:48:09 AM
*Look*
*Look*
*Look*Look*
The rogue refuses to come out from around the corner until the Devil is gone. But ... afterwards ...
"YOUR MARRIED!!! Is that this Ivy girl? Where'dja have the wedding? At the Temple of Domi? The Overlord let you have it at the Amphitemple of Courage and we missed it?!?!?! What'd she wear? Is she an elf too? Didja have a big party?"
A million questions and a half.
Friends new and old (DM Cayzle) Wednesday January 30th, 2008 6:52:04 PM
With the danger of the trap past, Florin, Xenia, Angus, and Syr trade greetings. and renew a friendship.
Belkior heals Florin and then Theo, who he finds checking out a few of the remaining rooms. Theo finds nothing of value and only signs of a hurried departure.
Harley finds that this is surely the dragon's lair. There are scattered coins from what was once clearly a vast bed. There is a dented silver cup that rolled into a corner undetected by those who cut and ran. And there is a way out -- a corridor that leads to open air. Then Harley goes to meet the others. He is greeted by Belkior's healing touch.
You notice that the newcomers have no weapons, armor, or magic items. Other small nonmagical items were retained.
Belkior Wednesday January 30th, 2008 9:23:26 PM
After tending to Florin and the others, the halfling cleric packs his gear and gets ready to leave. But before that, Belkior will ask Xenia if she has checked all of the rooms.
"You know ... secret, hidden rooms. Like a paranoid dragon might have."
Once they are all ready to go, Belkior will fall into his assumed position in the centre of the party. He knows that it will be a fair distance to the village.
Florin Jadenth Wednesday January 30th, 2008 9:47:14 PM
Florin chuckles some at all the questions and such thrown his way and speakis first to Xenia, "Yes, Ivy is the name of my wife. We were married in Jarlwolf and she wore a very nice white dress with satin and lace and a full train. She is human and her father is a high ranking priest of Domi in Jarlwolf actually. We had a smaller party afterwards since I wanted to bring her back to the Float to meet my family and all of the Shields. I wanted to send invitations but I didn't know if they would reach you all in time and Jarlwolf would of been a travel inless you could of used the teleporter to reach there."
Florin smiles and gives Syr a hug in return. Florin has grown abit stronger in his time away from the group and due to the muscling he still doesn't quite look elfish.
Florin looks to Angus and smiles abit saddly, "I'm sorry to hear about the loss of Lang. His choice was for you all, he was a very honorable man and still even more so as a bugbear. I'm afraid my new friends and I got caught by some trap or such that put us to sleep. Some kobolds have been using us as target practice till recently and we been stripped of our gear. I hope it is among the stuff here some place." Florin motions to the other two friends when they arrive but is happy to see that Harley introduced himself already, "The other fellow searching back there yet is Theodore."
Florin looks to Xenia, "I would be very greatful if your skills of finding things might detect our stuff. Some of it is magical so if Angus has a spare detect magic spell, it might help too."
Florin looks to Belkior, "Thanks for the healing my friend. Last I seen you you were still kind of new to the group. However you have gained in power and bearing I see. You deserved the ring I handed over that day." Florin holds out a hand in greeting to Belkior, "I hope my sword once we find it may be of help and defense to you one day when you have need. In return for the healing."
Florin for the moment places the MW lance he has back on Ajax and straps it down, "Well Ajax, looks like no fighting yet which is just as well. I'll keep you around though, one of our friends might like alittle ride."
Angus Thursday January 31st, 2008 7:05:18 AM
Angus will introduce himself to Harley and Theo and give Florin a congratulation hug for his wedding bliss.
"We recently bested a Dragon, Hotshot, and his cleric of Gaal friend, but we did not find weapons or armor that look to fit all of you. We may have to track these Kobolds you speak of as it appears they took your gear. Do any of you track; as Lang was our tracker?"
Angus will look in the main room "It looks like we are packed up, but we still have to find Sunshine, Lang's dog, and bury Lang. Who will carry Lang?"
Message 110 minutes on everyone Mage Armor 11 hours Polymorph in effect still on Syr
Xenia d20+17=37 Thursday January 31st, 2008 9:44:19 AM
"Satin. And lace ... "
Xenia sways ever so slightly, as though turning in a long and elegant dress. In her imagination, of course, the girl in the white dress is slim and dark skinned with flaming red hair, green eyes, and not very human at all. Funny how the groom is completely different as well.
"Hey, Wynn," the rogue snaps out of her waking dream, "isn't Jarlwolf in Cinnamon Valley? That's where you're from, right? And that's where Bralin went to, isn't it?"
"Hi. I'm Xenia." She waves at the two other capturees, her signature wave, fingers spread with a flat hand, like wiping a pane of glass in front of her shoulder.
"I searched the rooms back there, pretty thorough. If they stashed your stuff, not much chance it's back there." The rogue walks up the tunnel casting about. This is professional stuff, and she's got her professional face on now. Nothing more to say about poor Lang. Gotta move on from there.
"I can search these rooms," she says. "But from looks, I'd say whoever trapped you, -kobolds was it?- they lit outta here pretty quick. Also looks they took everything valuable with them, and I'd say that means your stuff too."
"I'll give this place a search. But I think you'd better see if you can head them off at the same time. Syr, you think you can maybe run 'em down? I'll catch up to you. Or you can backtrack here when you're done."
And the dark rogue begins another search for secret doors. (Search 37 /Nat 20 - Traps too.)
Theodore Thursday January 31st, 2008 9:54:31 AM
Theodore sighs to himself. "Macaw," he says softly, shaking his head. He sends a mental command for the bird to come to him.
Turning about, he moves towards the new group with a hand outstretched and a smile on his face. "Hello, everyone. My name is whoops!"
Walking forward, he steps on the hem of his trousers, which seem slightly too long for the short human. Stumbling forward, he manages to catch himself against the wall before keeling over. "Theodore. I'm Theodore."
From his soft features, you'd probably put him in his early twenties. He has a plain look about him, his most distinguishing feature being the mass of dark brown hair on his head.
"Do you guys know where we are? I don't know where we are."
Syr Thursday January 31st, 2008 12:51:27 PM
He grunts once when Florin applies a bit of force to his hug, "You have been working out a bit!" He steps back briefly to size up the paladin, "You are most certainly a welcome sight. With Lang gone, we are a bit shy on the muscle side of things." With a hard look over at Harley, he adds, "Between you and Harley, I feel better already. Although we need to get some weapons into your hands. It's not much but either of you need a sharp knife? That's about all I have to offer. You know me, I always travel light."
To Theo, "We were transported here ourselves so we are not entirely sure where we are either. Wynn gave it his best guess. One thing's for sure, we are far from home. Oh, and don't head out yet, there is a mean trap that Angus was able to get us past earlier, I wouldn't want you stumbling into it."
Harley Thursday January 31st, 2008 1:27:05 PM
Harley hopes this Xenia person finds a secret door and that it leads to their captured equipment. Otherwise they might have to chase after the Kobolds.
"I can track, although I am not an expert at it."
Harley eyes the large pile of loot that the other group has to carry out.
"If it is ok with you, can I use some of your captured loot until I find my own. This way I can help you by carrying it and you can help me by outfitting me. I can use any of the armor, preferrable the full plate. I can also use the shield and the warhammer even though I am not proficient with it."
"If there is anything else in there you think I can use and want me to carry, I will."
The Secret Door, and the Exit (DM Cayzle) Thursday January 31st, 2008 3:46:22 PM
Florin catches up with old friends and introduces old ones. Thei stumbles but still manages a hello.
The party starts looking around -- and a discovery is made.
A secret door is found in the dragon's main chamber, the only one you have not yet fully explored. It is ten feet up in the air and locked tight with magic.
In addition, there are 300 gp scattered on the floor, and 1,000 copper. And a small silver cup, dented, non-magical, worth 50 gp.
AND there is a back door exit!
Angus d20+18=38 d20+18=24 d20+18=25 d20+18=29 Thursday January 31st, 2008 5:04:24 PM
Angus is a tall impossibly thin human with long sandy hair under a large leather floppy travel hat. Angus's hair almost reaches his shoulders and unlike Florin, it looks like Angus has never done a hard days work in his like.
Angus is pleased that the group has found a new secret door and casts a new detect magic on himself and concentrates on the magic by the secret door and the back door as he does not want to stumble into another Forbiddance spell.
Spellcraft checks as needed 38 (natural 20), 24, 25, 29
Angus seems ready to move on. "Lets find Florin's, Theo's and Harley's gear and get of of this cave. We still have to bury Lang, recover Sunshine, and stop by Stone Gap before finding a way home."
Angus looks around at all in attendance and continues "Who is going to carry Lang? Who is going to look after Sunshine once we find him? Do we want to leave Sunshine at the orphanage?"
Angus addresses the newcomers "Syr is correct as we are not exactly sure where we are. There is a town, Stone Gap, about two days away, but it is a long ways away from our base of operation in the Floating City. We also look after an orphanage on the outskirts of the Plateau City. The rest of us need to find a way back to the Floating City and then the orphanage, and all of you are welcome to come along and then see where our travels take us. I fear it is a long walk to the Floating City, at least according to Wynn."
Message 110 minutes on everyone Mage Armor 11 hours Polymorph in effect still on Syr
Syr Thursday January 31st, 2008 8:45:33 PM
As Xenia searches around, Syr feels the spell expire and drops back to his normal 4'9" elven form. "Either Xenia gets to stand on Ajax's back or maybe a spell that makes her bigger to get up there?"
Looking sadly down at the unmoving bugbear he sighs, "I'll carry the big guy. He does deserve a noble burial, were you thinking of doing it back at the Float?" When it's time to leave, the elf gently picks up the Ranger's body.
(OOC: I hope the hot link worked?)
Looks like you finally got the hang of that closing tag, Scott. --Al
Belkior Thursday January 31st, 2008 10:40:24 PM
The halfling cleric blushes as Florin speaks to him. Belkior isn't comfortable being singled out for praise and he would much rather be busy looking after people.
"Interesting. Let's see what more we can learn, and then head back."
"Maybe, if only one or two people are needed to try the door, I can help prepare Lang for burial. If no one objects, I can say a few words as a ceremony."
Florin Jadenth Thursday January 31st, 2008 11:05:13 PM
Florin looks to Xenia and nods as he hears Syr's comment, "Come on Ajax." Florin leads Ajax over and holds the reigns so he will stay still for Xenia to stand on the saddle, "There you go Xenia."
Florin looks towards Angus, "We should be ready to move out soon. I'm looking forward to getting out of here as much as the next person."
Florin looks to Syr, "We can use Ajax to carry Lang for awhile. I also have some tracking ability and can work with Lang's dog Sunshine with my skill of handling animals."
Xenia d20+29=49 d20+19=29 d20+22=41 d20+17=34 Friday February 1st, 2008 9:04:29 AM
"And who's gonna carry my mirror!!!" The slim half-elfish girl pouts. She sighs in defeat, then. "Well, this place is pertected pretty good. Maybe we can seal it up. Maybe even use it for a hideout if we come to this part of the country again. I heard of a spell that can shrink things down small. Maybe I'll get me a scroll of one of them and come back for my mirror. Maybe I will."
"As to that locked door up there, guys," with hands on hips she turns to the assembled crew, new and old, "that's a magic lock. Nothing I can do 'bout it. I heard of a spell that can open that sorta thing, and I was gonna get some scrolls of that too when we get back, but I ain't got any now."
"Sorry, your just gonna have to unspell it if you wanna get in. No traps, though. I checked. You can be sure of that."
"Meantime, I'll take a peek outside this back exit." With a single step the rogue enters the shadows, vanishing completely into the darkness. Only the most keen of ear hears her pad to the secret back exit and crack open the door. Xenia peers outside, listening for movement and spying for danger. (Hide 49 /Nat 20, Move Silently 29, Spot 41, Listen 34)
Theodore Friday February 1st, 2008 9:25:03 AM
Theodore gives the elevated door a thoughtful look. "Well, if I had my spellbook, I could memorize a spell to open it. Of course, I don't have my spellbook. In fact, it's probably behind that door. Ironic, huh?"
"Does anybody else have a way in," he asks, looking at the others. "I'm fairly helpless without my magic."
He projects his thoughts once again towards his familiar. Macaw! Come!
Angus (Second illegal post) d20+10=16 d20+10=19 d20+10=30 d20+10=26 Friday February 1st, 2008 12:05:32 PM
OOC: Trying to speed things up
-----------------------------------
If the results of Angus's detect magic are such that it is a spell he feels he can dispel, the scorcerer will give it a try until sucessful.
Dispel Checks
16 19 30 26
"Well lets hope that did the trick."
Harley d20+11=24 Friday February 1st, 2008 12:53:11 PM
Harley is happy when the secret door is found. He hopes that his stuff is behind it. He watches as Angus studies the magic and tries to dispel it. If Angus is unsuccessful with his Dispel Magic, then Harley will try to get rid of the magic.
Cast Greater Dispel Magic - 24
Wynn Friday February 1st, 2008 5:15:59 PM
Wynn greets Florin and the newcomers and ponders magically sealed door. "Perhaps someone should go up there and see if there are any clues to the magic lock...a set of runes or a magical inscription we might puzzle out" he suggests.
He scratches his head a moment and then shouts out at the door in draconic. "Open! I command you in the name of Hotshot".
The Secret Door Opens (DM Cayzle) Friday February 1st, 2008 6:13:22 PM
Angus determines that the magic holding the door closed can be dispelled -- it is a simple Arcane Lock. And dispel it he does! Since the door is ten feet off the ground, it takes some levitation or climbing to get too, but that is a trivial problem soon solved.
Inside are the items and gear of the three former captives. Theo, Harley, and Florin can detail that if they like.
There is one other item in the cave: a scroll case. There is a magical scroll inside. You have not read it or looked at it.
[OOC: You three newcomers all start with three hero points, please.]
Wynn Friday February 1st, 2008 8:51:03 PM
Wynn looks up at the door in amazement. "Hey Xenia, did you see that? I just told it to open and it did" Wynn tries again and is dissapointed when the door fails to close on it's own.
Florin Jadenth Friday February 1st, 2008 10:35:43 PM
Florin looks to Wynn when he speaks to him and smiles, "Hello Wynn. I got to spend some time with Bralin. He was thankful for what you've done and I told him about how the group and you were doing."
Florin is happy to see his equipment and looks to Theodore and Harley, "Looks like we can gear up with our own stuff after all."
When the stuff is pulled down from the door that is pretty high off the floor, Florin begins looking it over and picks out his stuff.
Taking some time he straps on the magical mithril breastplate and then picks up his backpack, checking the arrows on it and the inside and then his darkwook composite longbow. With this checked he puts it on and then picks up the last three items. sliding the masterwork dagger in it's sheath in his boot and then checks his mithril bastardsword, he smiles as it rings from it's case and the high woldian letters down the blade glow some, spelling "Glimmer". The handle of the sword is silver and shaped like a dragon, the guard looking like it's wings and the eyes haveing small ruby chips in it. Lastly he pops the small hat he had pickedup on his head. His armor slowly fades for the moment and he looks like he is wearing noble clothes of blue coloring, "There we are. Ohh, if you were curious Xenia, I wore my armor to my wedding. Took alot of polishing to get just the right shine. An you should of heard Bralin's part, he was my best man. He stepped forward and gave this challenge to anyone to speakout against Ivy and I getting married."
Harley Friday February 1st, 2008 11:12:47 PM
OOC - this google link is pretty cool. Cayzle, made some minor changes, primarily to my AC and To Hit section as I am switching one spell I cast from Aid to Shield of Faith.
"Thanks Angus. Thanks everyone for helping us find our possessions."
Harley looks through the large pile of stuff, passing armor, weapons and other apparent magic items looking for something in particular. Finally he finds what he is looking for. After a short prayer to himself, Harley puts around his neck what appears to be a simple leather necklace with a flail shaped medallion attached to it.
With the symbol of his faith in place, Harley is able to pick out the rest of his stuff. He puts on a suit of Mithral Full Plate Armor and a Buckler that has a Flail painted on it. He grabs a Flail, a cloak and a backpack and gets them situated on his body. He then looks for his smaller stuff, a periapt, a headband, a stone that starts to circle his head, some gloves, a ring and something that looks like a bead.
Finally he is done and turns back to the now larger group.
"So where is this Stone Gap?"
Xenia - OoC Saturday February 2nd, 2008 4:42:05 AM
What did Xenia see/hear out the back exit, DM?
DM Cayzle Extra Saturday February 2nd, 2008 9:04:49 AM
The back exit leads to a cliff face -- it opens about 60 feet off the ground. There is a knotted rope leading down. When you are outside, there is a permanent illusion of a wall hiding the cave mouth.
Sunshine is down there, led by Macaw. Barking.
Angus Saturday February 2nd, 2008 10:45:54 AM
Angus is happy that the groups new companions now have their gear.
Angus smiles at Xenia when she reports the back door is open and the group is ready to leave.
Angus announce "I will take down anyone that does not want to climb the rope."
Angus will dimension door down with anyone that wants a lift, making two trips if necessary.
Once at the bottom, Angus will scratch Sunshines ears "It looks like you found a new friend, indicating the bird.
Once everyone is down Angus will announce "Where is a good spot to lay Lang to rest. Any ideas Belkior?"
Angus will look over to Xenia and in a small voice add "I think we need your shovel."
After a spot if found for Lang "First stop after Lang's ceremony is Stone Gap to report on Hotshot and the Ga'alian demise. Who remembers which direction it was?" Angus smiles in an attempt to lighten the mood before the funeral.
ooc: Did Angus dispel the arcane lock on the first attempt? I want to adjust his spell list.
Xenia d20+7=12 d20+7=27 d20+17=31 Saturday February 2nd, 2008 11:53:39 AM
"Ooop." The rogue's view drops down the sixty foot fall to the ground below before she turns to the sound of her name. "Huh? What, Wynn?" The form of a slim girl detaches itself from the light smattering of shadows. "Hey, yeah. Pretty schway. I guess your magic's just stronger than that old dragon's magic, huh?"
"I saw Sunshine, by the by, he's outside the door there chasing some bird. Go figure. Watch that first step outside the door, though. It's a sixty foot fall."
The girl rogue takes a run at the open doorway of the secret chamber. A leap upward puts her hands on the ledge where she scrambles up with ease.
"So you're a Magic Guy, huh Theo? I mean, I heard of spell books and such. Means you study scrolls and such, right? And you can make 'em and such too, right? I'm just saying 'cause I collect a bunch of them, and if I got some you wannit to take a look at, well, that's just fine with me. Maybe we can make, like, a Mutual Benefit Pact, if you know what I mean. A business deal, yeah?"
"You should come back with us to The Big Float. We got a place on Merchant Level where you can stay for a while if you like. Plenty of room. And there's lots of opportunities there after the place got nearly destroyed by the Crying Woods during that Fey King dust up. Lots of need for magicing. Lotta money to be made."
"Right Syr? See, we got a construction company going too. We're all part owners."
...
Xenia pauses in mid patter. Her head turns toward an object on the floor.
"That ... don't belong to anyone here. Does it? Hold on. Don't touch it. Lemme take a look at it first. Sometimes these things are trapped."
With ginger fingers, the rogue examines the case and teases out the scroll. (Search for traps: 31. If it's not trapped, pass it on to one of the Magic Guys. Most likely to Wynn.)
Theodore Saturday February 2nd, 2008 1:18:11 PM
"Yes, thank you all very much for your help," Theodore agrees with Harley.
He picks his equipment out from the items that Xenia hands down. A quarterstaff, backpack, cloak, a couple of pouches, a small case, a crossbow, a ring, and a cloak. He quickly slips into his gear.
He reaches into his satchel to produce a large tome. Passing a nervous hand over the cover, he smiles to himself. "That's a relief"
"A bird, you say? A raven? That's Macaw, then." Theodore pauses for a moment and then continues, stressing his words. "Just a warning. Macaw isn't very sociable. I hope you'll all understand that he's really quite harmless and you shouldn't take anything he says or does seriously."
"Scrolls?" Theodore looks blankly at Xenia. "Yes, I can make scrolls. What did you have in mind?"
When they reach the exit to the cave, Theodore looks doubtfully down the rope. "I would like to take you up on your offer of a simpler way down, Angus. I hope it's no trouble. I'm afraid I'd slip and break my head if I tried it myself."
At the bottom, Theodore is reunited with his familiar. The raven flaps over to his master and perches on the young wizard's head. Theodore turns his new friends, "Everyone, this is Macaw."
Wynn Saturday February 2nd, 2008 2:44:10 PM
Wynn takes the scroll from Xenia and examines it carefully. The half-elf then casts read magic and reads the first line or two of the scroll. If all seems well he continues to read through to the end.
Once the nature of the scroll is settled, Wynn picks up his pack and steps out the back door, floating down to the ground below [Ring of featherfall]
Syr d20=13 Sunday February 3rd, 2008 1:38:09 AM
Syr nods at Florin's sword, "New toy I see?"
The elf bows his head slightly embarassed when Xenia mentions the business, "It helps to have good people. I know a bit but Dotta is really the person that makes Shield Construction run. Assuming that you guys hang around, we are always looking for new investors."
Once the others are ready to leave, he lowers Lang's body gently down before following suit.
Xenia d20+5=13 d20+5=22 d20+5=25 d20+5=11 d20+5=12 d20+17=35 Sunday February 3rd, 2008 8:09:38 AM
OoC: Given that we're finished here in the cave ...
First in. Last out. One final sweep to make sure they haven't left anything behind. None of their own gear, and certainly no stuff that they could possibly sell or use.
Then Xenia slips out the secret exit, bracing herself against the wall with one hand on the knotted rope while she ensures that the door is closed and properly hidden. Down the rope next. It's an easy climb. At the bottom she looks back up to inspect her handiwork before breaking out her shovel and building two distinctive cairns to both sides of the magic illusion, markers, should they ever wish to find this place again.
"Say, Florin, you say you learned how to do some tracking, huh? And, um, Harley, is it? You mentioned tracking too." The girl rogue, herself, stoops to inspect the ground below the knotted rope. (Search to find Tracks 35) "I'm thinking we should maybe chase down those little beezams what captured you guys. "You think you could track 'em down? We could slave 'em up, and have 'em carry our loot for us. 'Specially my mirror."
"Not that this is the only reason, mind you. We'd be clearing them from outta the area, right? So they don't bother the folks at Stone Gap. Also, I 'spect you guys want revenge, right? I mean, they practiced bow archery on you. That's bad. Must make you, at least sorta kinda mad, right?"
Fresh Air (DM Cayzle) Monday February 4th, 2008 4:28:50 PM
Angus dispelled the arcane lock on his second try.
The former prisoners gladly regain their precious gear.
The party leaves the cave, enjoying fresh air for the first time in what seems like forever -- although it was only a couple days.
Syr brings the body of your old friend to the base of the cliff. Angus thinks about a place to put Lang's remains to rest, after blipping himself and Theo down.
Xenia takes one last sweep of the complex. No one has taken the scroll that was with the prisoners' gear. And there was a bunch of expensive furniture, rugs, and other appointments that were not taken -- unless you can convince me that you can bring it out somehow. (I think we never resolved that, did we?)
Outside, two courses of action seem possible. Return to the village of Stone Gap? Or track and chase Kobolds.
Xenia - OoC Monday February 4th, 2008 5:08:53 PM
Correction: Xenia did pick up the scroll after searching both it and the scroll case. She gave it to Wynn who cast Read Magic and had a crack at it.
Please re-read the posts above.
Angus Monday February 4th, 2008 5:29:22 PM
Angus is glad to have everyoen out of the dragons lair.
Angus moves over to Belkior "Would you do the honors for Lang, at least from a ceremony. I am sure we all want to say a few words."
Once a suitable location for Lang's final rest is found; Hopefully something nice, like under a shade tree overlooing a brook....The group can bury their brave friend.
While the grave is being dug, Angus will inquire of Florin and his new friends "How were you captured by Kobolds? They seem a bit under powered to take three adventurers?"
Angus will listen to the explainations and continue "We can track down the Kobolds now as they may threaten Stone Gap. Stone Gap is not going anywhere fast, at least until we tell the two alcolytes that their boss is now confersing with Gargul."
"I would not mind waiting till morning to track the Kobolds as I have plenty of spells to recover." Angus will look over at Theo and Harley and add "What are the basic types of spells you two cast? If we are going to be traveling together, we need to know if you are capable of taking care of yourselves and can help the group. We know Florin and how he can help."
Angus will call over to Florin "Florin can you team up with Syr again and form our front line? Us softer folk need protection from the big and nasties."
Message 110 minutes on everyone Mage Armor 11 hours Polymorph in effect still on Syr
Florin Jadenth d20+8=11 Monday February 4th, 2008 8:22:00 PM
Florin looks to Syr and smiles at his comment on a new toy, "Ahh, I decided to work with a new sword and this is it." Florin whispers the word to cause the shocking and the blade of the bastardsword crackles with lightning before Florin turns off the ability of the sword and sheathes it, "It is a fine weapon and I figure will be of good aid to the Shields. I'm hopeing to join back up since the group I was with had to go it's seperate ways and I just can't sit around the Float and get fat and lazy."
Florin will have Angus help him down and also will have him help Ajax down inless he can't. In that case Florin will dismiss Ajax.
At the bottom Florin looks to Xenia and nods, "Yes, I have trained in the hunting of undead and in doing so I learned some tracking ability. Maybe not as good as others."
Florin also looks to Angus, "Wasn't the kobold's that captured us so to speak as much as the ward or whatever it was that put us to sleep. The kobolds kindly took us in after that from what I can tell as their personal arrow targets."
Florin will pull the spade he has and also give a hand in making a grave if it's decided to bury Lang here.
(Track:11 wow, not showing off much with that but it is only a +8.)
Harley Monday February 4th, 2008 10:27:30 PM
OOC - Oops! Made a mistake. I have survival not tracking.
Harley climbs down the rope and joins the rest of the group at the bottom. He help the Shields with the burial of their companion. He silently says a prayer for the dead man as he was apparently a valued friend and member of the group.
"I think it was a Symbol spell that captured the three of us. Probably cast by the cleric you killed in your fight with the dragon."
"I am a spell caster like Theodore. However, my spells are of a Divine nature as granted to me from the Gods of the Wold. The spells I select support my fighting ability with my Flail. One set of spells I cast turns my armor, buckler and weapon into magic. The other set of spells I cast enhances my strength, health and size."
"When properly prepared, I will be twice my size and taking up a lot of area. I can fight on the front line next to Syr and Florin or I can stand behind them and reach past them to fight the enemy."
"I do have some offensive spells and some utility spells, but I tend to cast them only when the time is right."
Belkior Monday February 4th, 2008 10:36:56 PM
The halfling cleric drops his pack on the ground and looks inside for his religious items. Belkior normally wears his vestments and other outwards symbols of his belief in Alemi, but there are some smaller items that he keeps safe in his pack. First, he takes a simple white cloth from his pack and unfolds it, laying it out on the ground.
Belkior kneels and begins to recite a prayer to Alemi. Then he removes his holy symbol from his neck, kisses it and then places it on the centre of the cloth. As he continues the prayer, the Paragon removes a set of small silver bowls from his pack and sets them around the holy symbol. He begins to fill the bowls, the first one from a flask of holy water. A small bag of salt is poured into the second while incense is placed into the third. Once this is complete, Belkior begins to finish the prayer.
"Okay, I'm ready to begin."
Wynn Monday February 4th, 2008 11:13:05 PM
Wynn watches on as Belkior prepares himself for the ceremony. As the Crimson Shields, old and new, gather round the resting place of his friend Lang, the bard recites a poem in the strange lilting tongue of the elves, and then repeats the verse in common.
There's a Sacred Spot beyond the sea There's a comrades's grave so dear to me. Holy Father will you guard it well O our love for him no tongue can tell. Keep your vigil o'er it night and day Guard that Sacred Spot so far away. God of battles will you hear my plea For that Sacred Spot beyond the sea.
Role Call- Scott the Southern Tuesday February 5th, 2008 12:07:10 AM
Cayzle XXXXX Xenia XXXXX Angus XXXXX Harley XXXXX Theo XXXXX Florin XXXXX Belkior XXXXX Syr OXXXX Wynn XOOXX
Syr Tuesday February 5th, 2008 12:17:45 AM
Syr helps straighten out Lang's body and preparing it for burial. He stands quietly by as Wynn begins his song and says a pray to Domi to look in on the ranger occasionally in the Shadow. Quietly to Xenia he says, "You know, in my mind, I'll always remember him as a bugbear. He overcame that curse to live a good life. I still have an image of him and the orphans playing."
DM Cayzle Extra: The Scroll Tuesday February 5th, 2008 7:19:43 AM
[OOC: Sorry! I thought I read through all the posts, but, foolish me, I had not.]
Wynn opens the scroll. It is magic, Read Magic does not help. There is writing on the scroll -- in draconic! If you can read draconic, then this is what it says:
Highlight to display spoiler: { The first bit is in one handwriting: A priest of Ga'al who represents Aisildur wants me to take on a heartseed. I don't want to say yes, but it is dangerous to say no. A group of adventurers opposed to him is poking around. What should I do?
The second bit is in a different handwriting: Sounds like it is time for a contest.}
Wynn Tuesday February 5th, 2008 8:03:26 AM
After the ceremony for Lang, Wynn reveals the contents of the scroll to his comrades. "I don't understand this. It appears as if hotshot is conversing with someone via this scroll. He asks for advice about the heartseed, and then is answered by a different hand and a contest is suggested." Wynn puzzles for a moment. "Who's hand is this? It is surely not the Ga'alians? What magic is this?"
Theodore & Macaw (see invisibility) Tuesday February 5th, 2008 10:07:39 AM
Theodore thanks Angus for the help down the cliff. "I most assuredly would have split my head. Thank you for keeping that from happening."
As the others stop to bury their friend, Theodore takes the time to regain his lost spells. He goes off a few yards and sits cross-legged with his book on the ground in front of him.
After he has restocked his magical supply, he closes and returns his book to the satchel. Using his quarterstaff to stand, he moves back to the burial site. He looks on, solemnly.
After the rite is finished, Theodore answers Angus' question. "I use several different spells, but I've focused in the illusion and evocation schools. I'm particularly fond of illusions and misdirections. I don't like to hurt or kill unless necessary, so I use a lot of spells that will confuse and hinder."
"Could I take a look at the scroll, Wynn?"
Xenia d20+7=14 Tuesday February 5th, 2008 10:17:00 AM
"But it's so lonely out here ... "
It is but a small short complaint that comes as the group prepares to lay their companion to rest. A small short complaint that quells with the first strains of Wynn's verse.
Xenia nods her head at Syr's remembrance.
"Maybe he woulda wannit to be buried out here in the wild. Hope this place isn't too far from the Float. We could come back and put up a stone or sump'in, you know."
(Decipher script 17 /Nope)
OoC: Could you give a specific list of the valuable items in the cave, DM? Ingenuity, I find, comes with specifics. It would also give us a list to prioritize against, as well as working up that certain head of greed that more naturally comes with a fuller knowledge of just what we'd be leaving behind.
DM Cayzle Extra Tuesday February 5th, 2008 12:40:32 PM
As to where you all are ... the three newcomers have a pretty good idea about that. You are on the border of Aisildur, in the foothills surrounding Shadow Mountain. Which you can see over there to the west and northwest. The Windbourne Hills are to the north and northeast. The Culverwood is to the east. Blackbird Forest and Izen are to the southeast. Aisildur is to the south and southwest. I'll post a link after the Woldipedia comes back online.
DM Cayzle Extra Tuesday February 5th, 2008 1:01:47 PM
Complete Loot List since Hotshot was defeated
ITEMS PREVIOUSLY DESCRIBED AND DISPOSED OF, THE DM THINKS ==========
Potions water breathing, neutralize poison, displacement, invisibility Scrolls: prayer, remove curse and waterwalk Ring of energy resistance, fire major Meta magic rod maximize +2 full plate acid resistance +2 unholy warhammer +1 shield of fortification
Scrolls: Spell Immunity, Cure Serious Wounds, Enthrall, Divine Favor, Lightning Bolt Rod of Negation Figurine of wondrous power, bronze griffon Amulet of Mighty Fists +2
Pile of coins and gems - 1,000 gp in copper - 1,000 gp in silver - 100 gp - 900 gp in semi-precious gems
Furnishings worth 2,000 gp, since they are quite nice. An arcanist's library -- unappraised. A dragon-size bath -- unappraised -- VERY hard to move! Scrying mirror -- to be used with a Scry spell -- 1,000 gp -- 3 feet by five feet.
5 Hobgoblin Seals of Timeliness (Use it as a free action to gain an extra move action. Remember that you only get 6 slots for seals, and a hobgoblin seal counts for two.) for Xenia, Wynn, Syr, and Angus.
Hotshot's hide -- treat as if from a Large Red Dragon. (See new Woldian rules on dragonhide).
300 gp and 1,000 copper. And a small silver cup, dented, non-magical, worth 50 gp.
Magic Scroll - strange.
Cayzle has tired typing fingers Tuesday February 5th, 2008 1:03:30 PM
That's three Extra DM Posts since my Monday post. And since three extra posts = one daily post, I say three is the charm. The next true DM post will be tomorrow (Wednesday). Feel free to post freely!
Cayzle with his fourth update! Tuesday February 5th, 2008 4:11:24 PM
The village of Stone Gap is not shown on this map, but it is there:
Go to Argo. The diagonal lines to the northwest are the slopes of Shadow Mountain. Follow those lines northwest across the river (the West Peaseblossum?). When you are directly south of the lower case 'g' in 'Geography,' then you are at Stone Gap.
Florin Jadenth Tuesday February 5th, 2008 8:27:40 PM
Florin has something to add to the burial of Lang and moves forward for a moment and kneels down, "This might seem funny since you all got to see Lang's spirit I take it leave with Gargul but this is a tradition my family and I have, much like the gift day tradition." Florin pulls a pair of silver pieces from his pouch and places them over Lang's eyes, "For the ferry ride to Gargul's realm. May there be wide green fields and warm sunny days for you in the beyond."
Florin now waits as the rights are done that need to be and he keeps his head lowered through it in respect to a brave man..err..bugbear.
When everything is done Florin looks to the others knowing they can't stay around to long right now or from the sounds they shouldn't, "I have a haversack that I can help carry some of that in and Ajax there has saddle bags also. Of course when he vanishes he will take it with him but you'll get it back the following day when I resummon him."
Florin also thinks and comments on something else so the subject will be ended on his part anyway, "When you start splitting your spoils there, I personally don't think I have any coming. I wasn't there to give a hand so I rightfully don't deserve none of it."
Florin moves over to Syr and speaks to him while the others do what they need to now, "How are the orphans anyway?" Florin's blue eyes show a hint of pain as he thinks of something from his time with the Sword's of Light as he asks Syr this, "Is kind of ironic. I let members of the Anvil Hearts live and they caused the poor orphans here problems and with the other group we ended up in Koshe Mar and while there the Sword of Light and I lost a child to a vampire. We never did get to go back and bring him to justice either. Thats part of why I became a undead hunter."
Florin shakes his head of these thoughts and turns them back to other things, "It will be nice to see Ivy again though once we return to the Float. I want to introduce her to everyone and maybe even have a small gathering in the GG."
Xenia (AC23 vs Florin, HP 68/68) d20+29=40 d20+19=35 d20+14=26 d3=3 5d6(4+3+6+2+2)=17 Tuesday February 5th, 2008 8:59:01 PM
"Heeeyyyyy ... " The eyes of the dark rogue narrow to slits. "The coins. I heard that bit before." She takes a step past Syr and then vanishes into the light shadows of mid-day.
*BAM*
The punch comes out of nowhere, hitting the paladin in a vulnerable gap in his armor.
"Last time I heard that coin bit was from a weerdo Scorpion Jancassis lover! THIS ISN'T FLORIN! HELP! TAKE HIM DOWN!" With a fierce growl Xenia begins tearing at Florin's hair and clothing. "You can take off the disguise, Scorpion Boy! We're twigged to you. Whaddaya done with Florin? Huh? Whadday done with him?"
Rolls and Actions Hide 40, Move Silently 35
Unarmed Strike: Hit Florin AC26 (Florin Flat footed, striking as an Invisible Creature) Damage 3+17Sneak = 20hp Nonlethal
Angus d20+2=21 Wednesday February 6th, 2008 9:19:54 AM
Angus is quit and somber and he watches the preparation for Lang. "He really was a teddy bear to the kids and a grizzly bear to his enemies." Angus mumbles as he remember Lang and is lost in his thought.
Angus nods to Theo's thanks and explaination "Excellent and thanks. We will have to put you on mine and Belkior's fighting team. We stay to the middle and assist the front line and take out leaders. Illusion and evocation are two of my favorite schools. Are you a specialist or a generalist?"
Angus is slow to react to Xenia's attack on Florin "What is going on?!?"
Angus quickly thinks to himself 'can paladins become undead hunters'
Intelligence check 21
"Florin answered our questions as only Florin would know, not the other." Angus exclaims, but still holds some doubt in the back of his mind as you can never be too careful.
Angus looks to Syr "Syr, separate them so we can sort this out!"
Florin Jadenth Wednesday February 6th, 2008 9:59:28 AM
(OOC:LOL, seeing a hazard in having char's have the same traditions here. Maybe Xenia will rmember that Ashlan gave a gift out for gift day so that traditions can be the same with some people.)
Florin stumbles back from Xenia's hard blows and coughs hard as he felt the wind knocked out of him. He makes no move to pull his weapon since he knew the attacker to be Xenia and he would not pull a weapon on a friend, "W..what *coughs*..Xenia..*coughs* it's me." Florin finally cetches his breath some and spits something out that maybe will get the rogue's attention, "You have a necklace with the symbol of Domi on it, I believe it was made of misty rose gem. I gave that to you with a set of clothes sometime after we first met. If my memory is correct it was because you had no spare clothing to change into once we all got soaked in one of our missions together." Florin figures this should spark Xenia's memory sine no one else would know that.
Florin looks to the others now and shakes his head abit, "You seen Ajax and he is right there, who else could summon him? An the only thing I have that can hide my appearance in anyway is my magical hat, however you seen me without it when we first met and even seen me put it on."
Theodore & Macaw Wednesday February 6th, 2008 10:24:52 AM
Theodore is shocked by the sudden blitz on Florin. He attempts to stay out of it, moving away from the scuffle.
"I don't know what's going on, Macaw," he says, watching the spectacle with concerned eyes.
Macaw seems to enjoy the sight, though, chanting, "Fight! Fight! Fight!" while bobbing up and down on Theodore's head.
Harley Wednesday February 6th, 2008 1:05:45 PM
Hmm this is not starting out to good Harley thinks as he sees Xenia attack Florin.
"What is going on? Why are you attacking him?"
Harley tries to help separate the 2 individuals.
Fight at a Funeral (DM Cayzle) Wednesday February 6th, 2008 4:47:44 PM
The party gathers to mourn a fallen friend, and the ceremony is quite beautiful. Belkior leads the service. Wynn has a bittersweet poem for the occasion, and the party members say good-byes.
But emotions run high, and so do, it seems fisticuffs! Tinking Florin to be not what he seems, Xenia attacks the "false" Florin, who reacts with surprise (and restraint).
Xenia Wednesday February 6th, 2008 4:48:49 PM
The dark half-elf continues to fight and growl even as she is detached from the paladin. Then the words sink in.
"Oh stars ... " She puts a hand to her mouth. Her green eyes are wide, showing the whites against her dark skin. "Oh stars in the sky. Florin. I am so so sorry. I 'member that pendant. And Ajax just wouldn't come for Scorpion Boy, now, would he?"
"Oh, I am so sorry. Are you alright? Didn't burst your kidney or nothing? Oh stars, what's your Ivy gonna say. Don't tell her I punched you, 'kay? She'll hate me. I feel so dumb."
Florin Jadenth d20+3=10 Wednesday February 6th, 2008 11:01:35 PM
Florin smiles abit now that Xenia is back to her normal self and rubs the sore spot given him by her blow, "I'm not sure that anyone can summon a paladin's mount besides the person it is bonded too to be honest. An I'm okay, was shocked mainly and now know not to get on your bad side, you pack a punch." Florin smiles to Xenia as his last comment was aimed at helping ease her worry. Florin waves off the one comment though and smiles to Xenia, "I don't plan to tell Ivy much about this really. Don't want her worrying about me and my new friends here getting caught by kobolds and the trap. Ivy is a fair hand with a sword, I've practiced with her quite a few times and walked away with a number of bruises." Florin smiles as he wouldn't hit a woman anyway inless it was a matter of life and death so it isn't hard to guess he would of went easy on Ivy no matter.
Florin looks to Angus, "We should make note of this place and look into getting a map when we can so that we might beable to get a proper stone and such for Lang. I would be more then happy to chip in. Also I would be interested in hearing more on this company. Maybe I could offer some money to it." Thinking he Florin also asks something else for his own curiousity, "I was wondering, have you heard of any undead movements in the area also? I would like to hear anything you might know on such things as we move along."
Belkior Wednesday February 6th, 2008 11:15:36 PM
The halfling cleric looks up after he completes his service and is shocked to see Xenia attack Florin.
"You okay? What's going on?," exclaims Belkior.
Once Xenia withdraws, Belkior moves to check Florin to determine if the elf had been injured.
Theodore & Macaw Thursday February 7th, 2008 9:04:07 AM
Theodore reaches up to pinch Macaw's beak shut between thumb and forefinger. The fight ends, and Theodore shakes his head, removing his fingers from Macaw's yapper.
"That's a relief," Theodore says.
"No fight?" caws Macaw, tilting his head this way and that. "No fight?"
Harley Thursday February 7th, 2008 1:04:12 PM
Harley breathes a sigh of relief as Florin and Xenia work out there issue. He remains quiet waiting to hear if they are going to camp for the day or move out.
The Next Step (DM Cayzle) Thursday February 7th, 2008 4:35:37 PM
The service ends with only a bruise or two to show. Lang is laid to rest. And now the group has choices.
First, about the bulky treasure. Leave it? Take it? How? (see loot post above)
Second, where to next? Stone Gap? (see map post above) If so, what will you do there? And then what after that?
Third, what about this strange magic scroll? Just stow it? Or something else?
[OOC: Folks, do let's move the action along a little. We can pick up the pace, I think.]
Angus Thursday February 7th, 2008 5:56:01 PM
Angus breaths a sigh of relief when Xenia and Florin make amends. Angus is also glad the sad task of laying Lang to rest is over.
"Alright people, it is time for us to move forward. We have a duty to inform the people of Stone Gap what happened to us and the Ga'alian priest. We may want to consider sending the two Ga'alian alcolytes on their way back home. It sounds like the Kobolds were jailer and not capturer of our new friends. We can tell the leaders of Stone Gap to watch out for the Kobolds and track them down if they appear to be a threat."
Angus looks arounds at new friends and old "It is time for us to get back to the Floating City and check on the orphanage outside of Plateau City. We have a long walk ahead of us."
Angus smiles at Xenia "I have no idea how we can take your mirror. We can seal the cave and come back at a later date to recove the mirror and the other items that we can't carry. Lets load up the valuables and magic and get to Stone Gap."
Anonymous Thursday February 7th, 2008 6:55:35 PM
Well not really.
Lang would like his valuables either sent back to his family or donated to the orphanage.
Hint hint.
Lang did have a Wand of Cure Light Wounds that was party magic with 35 charges left on it.
Matt C. - OOC Thursday February 7th, 2008 6:59:03 PM
Is there more to the scroll than what Wynn was able to read and relate to us.
Xenia d20+2=20 Thursday February 7th, 2008 8:10:46 PM
"Well, thinking back on the stuff in the cave," the rogue casts an eye back up the cliff before settling down to give the stuff a think, "I don't think there's that much worth trying to cart home, if you know what I mean. The stuff sure looked nice and all, but not so nice that we'd wanna haul it back through the wild."
"And that mirror was nice, Angus, but not as nice as the one we found in the ogre cave. Now that was *big*!" She throws up her arms for emphasis. "And I got the feeling that the mirror up there was sorta, like, you know, magic. Might make it more valuable, but it's kinda creepy to put up in your bedroom."
"Lemme see that scroll again, Wynn." Xenia eyes the strange lettering. "Does look like two different hand writtings."
"Hey!"
The girl rogue wriggles out of her haversack and sets it on the ground. She lays out pen and ink, then smooths the scroll out flat.
"Can you write this language, Wynn?" she asks. "Try and write something back. Tell 'em ... something 'bout the contest! I'll help you try and write like the dragon. This is his writing, right?" (Aid Another Forgery 20)
Belkior Thursday February 7th, 2008 10:19:36 PM
The halfling cleric finishes packing away his religious items and then stands to look around. If Xenia and Wynn's evaluation does not reveal anything of the scroll, Belkior will examine it with Detect Magic and Read Magic, thinking that it may be divine in origin.
"Angus! What about all of those arcane writings? Shouldn't someone check them for magic, or figure out that they're worth?"
Actually, while he is thinking of it, Belkior will examine the arcane writings with his Detect Magic spell. When his examinations are complete, Belkior will wait patiently for the others to begin their long walk back to Stone Gap.
Florin Jadenth Friday February 8th, 2008 1:27:56 AM
Florin when Belkior asks about his injured will shakes his head, "Mainly bruises. I should be fine."
When the comment is made about heading out, Florin prepares to head out with the others and pays Ajax's snout lightly. He hopes Syr might have some time to tell him about the company the group has started. Florin has alittle money and could invest some if they would like.
Syr Friday February 8th, 2008 8:11:47 AM
Glad to see that Xenia is pacified, he pats her on the back. "Don't worry about, I remember that mercenary too and he wasn't exactly on the likeable side." He prepares to move out with a final glance at the cave above.
(OOC: Sorry guys, I had another fun OSHA visit. If it makes anyone feel better, I didn't see my wife and kids either over the last few days)
Theodore & Macaw (see invisibility) Friday February 8th, 2008 9:45:29 AM
"The scroll might have additional writing that is magically hidden," Theodore suggests. "I don't have the means to detect that, though."
He turns away and begins to chant:
You have crossed sand and mud, wind and water Appear and carry me without falter
A black horse, powerful and darkly beautiful, appears from the air. It's mane and tail are a smoky grey, and its hooves appear to be nothing more than steam. The horse itself seems to be not entirely there, kind of hazy and unfocused.
Macaw immediately flies off to a branch, away from the summoned creature. Other animals would give the horse a wide berth as well.
Theodore smiles up at his familiar. "Where are you going? Come back and ride with me." He chuckles to himself. "Silly bird."
It takes him a few tries, but he manages to pull himself up onto the horse with the use of the saddle, which appeared already strapped upon the creature.
"I am ready to go," Theodore says. He pats the neck of the horse but the beast doesn't react at all, standing rather motionless.
Spells Active: See Invisibility: (permanent) Phantom Steed: 11 hours Phantom Steed AC 18, HP 18, Speed 220', Can Carry Caster + 110lbs
Xenia (2nd Illegal Post) Friday February 8th, 2008 12:45:34 PM
"Yeah. heh. Sorry again, Florin." The rogue's voice is contrite as she waits for Wynn to maybe give the writing a try.
"Doncha think we oughta go after them kobolds, Angus? I mean, while the trail's warm. The little lizard guys might have some valuable stuff. I mean, if I was running out, I'd grab the stuff that was valuable *and* light."
She looks up again, at the face of the cliff.
"And like Belkie says, there's them books upstairs. They look kinda magic. Might be interesting to you, Theo New Wizard Guy."
"WHOA!!!" Xenia starts as she turns to Theodore and the dark horse appears. "Horsie ... Didn't expect that."
"Hey, Sunshine. What's a'matter? It's just some magic. C'mere, boy. It's alright."
Heading Out? (DM Cayzle) Friday February 8th, 2008 4:02:43 PM
Everyone agrees on an honorable disposition of Lang's gear and wealth -- according to his last wishes, as you feel they would be.
Angus tells Xenia that he thinks some of the bulky loot must be left behind, at least for now. He wants to go to Stone Gap and then to the Float.
Wynn notes that there is no room to write any more on the magic scroll. There is no hidden text that anyone has noted, by the way.
The group casters take a closer, magical look at the scroll. It reeks of potent divination magic, as well as some transmutation as well.
The group heads out, walking or riding to Stone Gap.
But Sunshine will not go. The faithful dog sits at the foot of Lang's grave and gives you all a look that seems to say, "Where are you going? I think I'll stay right here."
Harley Friday February 8th, 2008 4:03:18 PM
"I can cast Comprehend Languages on the scroll if need be."
Harley prepares for the walk back to the Stone Gap.
OOC - What time of day is it?
Cayzle Has The Time Friday February 8th, 2008 4:26:00 PM
Maybe midday? You should be able to get back to the village tomorrow.
Angus Friday February 8th, 2008 10:36:28 PM
Angus considers Harley and Xenia's words "Kobolds are a nuisance. Lets see if anyone in Stone Gap has had any problems with Kobolds. It is most likely the Kobolds were lackies of Hotshot, or at least I hope. We can not go in every direction unfortunately."
Angus nods to Harley "Lets try your comprehend languages spell, as it may give us more information and direction at the same time."
Angus looks to Syr "What do we do with Sunshine? The poor thing seems lost with out Lang. I feel torn as I do not want to leave him. Come her boy, Come here. Heel." Angus will pat his leg in an effort to get Sunshine to follow.
Wynn Friday February 8th, 2008 11:03:47 PM
"I can write in draconic Xenia, but there is no room. Do you think the scroll is linked with another?" He hands the scroll to Harley for his examination and then prepares to head back to Stonegap.
[OOC Sorry for the poor posting -two straight weeks on the road.]
Syr d20-4=1 Saturday February 9th, 2008 1:50:50 PM
"Guys, I should be able to carry all of Lang's stuff. Once we get back to civilization, we'll sell it and send half to his family and half for the kids. That would have made him happy. Maybe even build a small archery range for the kids to practice on."
The elf looks back at Sunshine with sad eyes, he replies to Angus, "Let me see what I can do?" He sighs once before walking slowly up to the dog, "C'mon boy. Your work here is done. Lang wouldn't have wanted you left alone out here. The kids at the orphanage would love to have you around more often. Think of all the belly scratching you would get." (Handle Animal 1, ouch). The elf finally picks up the ranger's bow and slings it over his shoulder. He looks back at Sunshine once to see if the dog will follow.
(OOC: I'm assuming that I don't need to put anything on Syr's character sheet or go through the catacombs transaction for this.)
On the walk, he pairs up with Florin. "Yeah, Shield Construction is doing well. We even bought a warehouse on the docksAfter the city almost tipped over with that Fey King business, many of the buildings needed work. I went down to the dock and began recruiting craftsman. Some more skilled than others but people that just needed direction and a purpose. Their 1st job was to work on the new orphanage. That vampire was tough but once she was gone the orphanage turned out well. Anyway, since then business has been good."
Xenia Saturday February 9th, 2008 8:56:20 PM
"Wait! Wait." Xenia runs back to Sunshine as the dog sits alone at the end of the forlorn mound of freshly turned earth. One, two, three, four. Her fingers fumble as she attacks the packaging through blurred vision.
"That's ... that's for you, Pup. It's four days." She sniffs. "If you don't eat it all up right off."
Xenia hugs the big dog around the neck with her skinny arms. Drops of wetness fall on his fur as she places a kiss on the top of his head.
"You watch over him good now, huh?"
Then she runs back to catch up to the group, wiping her face with the back of her arm.
(Left 4 days Trail Rations.)
Belkior d20+5=24 Saturday February 9th, 2008 9:58:10 PM
When the halfling cleric sees that Sunshine is refusing to leave Lang's grave, he stops walking and returns. Belkior looks into the dog's eyes and tries to make himself understood.
"Hard, isn't it? Lang was special to all of us, wasn't he? Xenia's left some food ... or, you could come with us. I'm not going to make you come with us but you can follow us later, if you want. Or come now."
Handle Animal = 24
If Angus and Theodore aren't interested in the arcane writings, Belkior won't bother with them. He's content to travel with the others whether they head to Stone Gap or try to track down the kobolds.
Theodore & Macaw Sunday February 10th, 2008 11:02:27 AM
Theodore sits atop his conjured mount and considers Xenia's revelation of unclaimed books. He notices the others are eager to get going and shakes his head.
"I appreciate the offer, but I think everyone's ready to get on the road and away from here. Researching the library would necessarily take several hours, if not days. I can return to this place, if I want to."
Spells Active: See Invisibility: (permanent) Phantom Steed: 11 hours Phantom Steed AC 18, HP 18, Speed 220', Can Carry Caster + 110lbs
Florin Jadenth Sunday February 10th, 2008 9:04:34 PM
Florin hopes that Belkior will have some luck with Sunshine and waits patiently.
Thinking a moment he also speaks to Balkior, "No offense my friend but would you like to ride with me?" Florin will offer his hand and leans down from the saddle if Balkior wants, if not then Florin gives him a nod and a smile. He hopes Balkior doesn't take the offer wrong.
Florin also listens to Syr on the way and nods as he thinks over things, "Sounds like you and the others have started a good buisness. I figure you could use help still? May I ask how much you prefer for joining?" Florin is interested and might as well chip in if possible, he plans to live in the Float with Ivy and Jella inless things change from now and then.
Role Call ADM Scott the Southern Monday February 11th, 2008 2:17:52 AM
With 95% of the precincts reporting
Cayzle XXXXX Angus XXXXX Xenia XXXXX Theo XXXXX Florin XXXXX Belkior XOXXX Wynn XXOOX Syr XOOXX Harley XXXOX
Sunshine wolfs down all the rations left by Xenia, then woofs once and follows Angus and Belkior. (Sorry Syr -- that 1 on your Handle Animal check did not work so well! LOL!)
Syr makes generous plans for Lang's gear. He talks about the party's business.
Harley's Comp Lang reveals nothing new about the magic scroll. Just the question and the answer. The DM notes in passing that you have not cast Identify. Nor tried bardic lore.
An uneventful afternoon of travel, a night of sleeping under stars, and a morning's walk bring you back to Stone Gap. At the village there is amazing news: Two low level missionaries of Ga'al and several villagers who had been convinced to take Heartseeds are lying in a coma, stunned, and what's more -- their Heartseeds have withered, died, and fallen out!
Angus Monday February 11th, 2008 5:26:57 PM
Angus survives the walk and is very happy to make camp. "I miss my feather bed, real bad. At least it looks like it won't rain."
Angus watches as everyone sets up camp and announces. "We will need a new guard set up now that our group has expanded. I am still suggesting that Theo and I take first watch. Harley and Belkior second watch, Syr and Florin third and Wynn and Xenia can watch the sunrise together."
Angus will get his spells back in the morning and finish the walk to Stone Gap. Angus can not surpress a broad smile when he sees the Ga'alian in a coma and looks for John to see what he thinks and his daughter and son. Angus starts out the conversation "Free will is a powerful friend. One that you never want to give away. What happened here? I am curious how it timed out with our meeting with the main cleric and his dragon cohort?"
Angus waits for a response and then asks about Kobolds "John has the village been pestered by small reptiles, Kobolds recently. You did not mention any before we left, but we saw evidence of some on the mountain by the dragon lair."
Wynn d20+12=31 Monday February 11th, 2008 7:13:10 PM
Wynn can't help but wonder about the magic scroll and his suspicions that another has answered the dragon's questions...but from where. He tries to relax and let his mind wander, casting back to stories and tales he has heard in his travels, searching for any hint as to the nature of this scroll [Bardic Knowledge = 31].
Once Wynn sees what has befallen the villagers and the priests, teh bard takes comfort in the knowledge that they have indeed fulfilled their quest, for not only has the dragon not succumbed to Ga'al, but nor have the villagers, and he suspects that they have also managed to dispatch a very important cleric of Ga'al in the process. How else to interpret the withered heartseeds. He voices his conclusions to the group.
"Belkior, can you commune with your god and see if Domi is satisfied?"
Xenia d20+17=33 d20+11=29 Monday February 11th, 2008 9:01:24 PM
"Hey! You dumb dog! You ate up all of my rations!!!" Xenia laughs as she chases after Sunshine. As if actually catching him would get her anything but a face covered with doggy slobber.
Cooling to a chuckle, the rogue turns to walk backwards and face the mountain beneath which they had come up against so many strange and powerful foes, faced them and come out alive. All but one.
"Bye, Lang. So long. Catch up with you someday. Someday."
Then she flips back to face front, swinging alone with the rest, one eye on the road, the other turned to home.
+++++++++++++++++++
"You think I'm too 'motional, Wynn?" Later that night, curled up with their bags linked together, Xenia murmurs in the moments before sleep. "I mean, sometimes I think about that guy in Mira's group. You know, Ed the Wizard Guy. I keep thinking 'bout the stuff I kept telling him to do, to keep cool with, like, an even head. But then I go and be all 'motional myself." The girl rogue sighs and snuggles into his chest. Her voice drifts with her consciousness, floating in the warmth of his arms. "Maybe I should oughta try and be more cool headed. Huh?" Sleep takes both the rogue and her voice, down into its depths of peace.
++++++++++++++++++
"Well I'll be." Xenia walks a circle around the bodies of the Ex-Heart-Seeders. "You wouldn't figure taking out the one would do this to the rest of them." She pokes one of the loose heart seeds with the toe of her boot. She moves on to complete the circle and links arms with Wynn. Rising up on her toes, she makes like to nibble his earlobe.
"'Member I said Father Avorn and Brother Attil had a chest in their rooms?" she whispers. "I'm gonna go find out what was in it."
(Search 33, Disable Device 29, Open Lock 33 taking 20)
OoC: as reference to the chest in question, see the post of Tuesday June 19th, 2007 11:05:17 PM --Al
Florin Jadenth Monday February 11th, 2008 9:05:59 PM
Florin enjoys the time out and talking with his old friends and new ones too.
On their way back Florin moves over to Theodore, "That is a interesting friend you travel with. Macaw you said his name is?" Florin thinks, "He doesn't by chance like nuts or such? I don't know if birds eat dried berries." If Florin finds out he will then Florin will offer up a few nuts or such to Macaw, "My sturdy friend here is called Ajax. He has been my companion for awhile and we have seen many battles together." Florin pays the neck of Ajax and smiles, "What brought you out this way anyway? I mean before we ended up in that over sized bird cage."
Florin once the group arrives is curious about these heart seeds as he has never seen one before. If he finds someone who looks to be okay with showing him then he asks, "Umm, I'm a follower of Domi and protect his word. I have never seen one of these "heart seeds". May I see one of the withered ones if possible?" Florin's interest is only to make note of them so he can remember anything of them in the future.
Belkior d20+25=39 Monday February 11th, 2008 9:59:36 PM
The halfling cleric moves closer to determine what has befallen the heartseeded clerics of Ga'al. Belkior's quick examination might tell him something, but the mystery of the withered heartseeds still exists. Of course, the condition of those who had heartseeds is very likely linked to what happened to those things. Heal = 39
Regardless, these people will need the services of a healer and Belkior will ensure that they are well cared for. Wynn's question has peaked his interest, so Belkior decides to seek the advice of Alemi. After finding a quiet spot, the Paragon lays out his holy symbols and another flask of holy water. Once the spell is cast, Belkior asks questions of Alemi.
"Did what happened to these heartseeds happen to all heartseeds?"
"Is this permanent?"
"Has this freed the heartseeded from the domination of Ga'al?"
"Are these people now free to choose Ga'al or another deity?"
"Is Ga'al still a God of Testing?"
"Should I preach the faith of Alemi to these people?"
"Should I destroy the withered heartseeds?"
"Would the greater good be served by pursuing the kobolds or returning home?"
"Is the magical scroll dangerous to my companions and I?"
"Is the person, or entity, that the dragon was corresponding with more powerful than the dragon?"
"Am I forgiven for trying to cast a harmful spell during the battle with the dragon?"
Angus (second illegal post) Monday February 11th, 2008 11:27:37 PM
Angus muses to himself "Lang never liked plants much, strange for a ranger, but never the less Lang would have enjoyed this day in Stone Gap."
At the musings Angus will move over and scratch Sunshines ears "Good boy. What do you make of all this?"
Theodore & Macaw (see invisibility) Tuesday February 12th, 2008 10:03:20 AM
"As long as I can get a full night of sleep," Theodore replies to Angus' request to stand first guard with him. "I'm not sure if you're familiar with my profession, but I require rest so I can memorize spells in the morning. And without those, I'm pretty useless." He presses his lips together in an apologetic look.
When they make camp, Theodore dismisses the black horse, which simply disappears. Macaw returns to the wizard's noggin. "Welcome back, scaredy cat."
The raven pecks him once and Theodore flinches, but otherwise does not react. Apparently, the two have a special kind of relationship.
Theodore smiles at Florin when he approaches. When the man offers some nuts to Macaw, the bird moves in for a peek but takes none. He looks at the elf with shrewd eyes.
"Bugs? Bugs?" the raven asks. "Worms?"
Theodore sighs. "I'm sorry, Florin. Yes, normally ravens would indeed eat nuts and berries. Macaw's a little stubborn, though. He only eats bugs and dead things. I do hope you'll forgive him. Or at least tolerate him. Ow! That's what I do."
The wizard tries to swat at the pesky raven, but Macaw has already flapped off to a branch for the evening.
"Ajax, you say?" He gives the horse a friendly smile. "Is it okay if I pat him?" If Florin gives him the okay, Theodore rubs the horse's nose. "Boy, I wish Macaw were half as friendly as Ajax, here."
Florin asks about Theodore's reason for being in these parts. "I had been studying at the Star Mages' Guild in Plateau City for a few years and decided to do some traveling. I'd never been to the Culverwood and decided to look around the area. I ended up skirting the forest's southern limits and began northwest into Aisildur, heading for Argo. I was attacked." He shakes his head in disbelief. "Totally unprepared. I'm used to traveling with friends. Friends who can spot an ambush before it happens. I'm no good at that stuff."
"How about yourself?"
Once they reach Stone Gap, Theodore looks on the scene of the comatose Ga'alians. He'd seen heart seeds before. The look on his face showed that he did not approve. He sighs and watches as others, more skilled in such things, tend to the villagers.
Spells Active: See Invisibility: permanent Phantom Steed: 11 hours from morning AC 18, HP 18, Speed 220', Can Carry Caster + 110lbs
News Indeed! (DM Cayzle) Tuesday February 12th, 2008 3:43:44 PM
The locals seem concerned about their fellows who are in comas, and ask you to do what you can to help them.
Wynn thinks about legends and tales of scrolls like these, and he seems to remember hearing that the Archmage of the Star, Ahora Levinatra d'Mohi, was rumored to once have an oracular scroll to which she could pose questions and get answers, back in her days as the Archmage of Divinations. Maybe those answers helped her gain her current high seat as the leader of the Star Mages?
Wynn suggests a Commune spell.
Xenia investigates the unconscious missionaries' belongings. She finds a locked chest, disables a glyph, and opens it. It holds religious books, vestments, and altar trappings suitable for establishing a church. It is very nice -- worth 1,000 gp, maybe?
Florin asks about Macaw and the withered heartseeds.
Theo talks about his past and expresses his disdain for the Heartseeds.
Belkior asks his questions:
"Did what happened to these heartseeds happen to all heartseeds?"
Rejoice, All Children of Aisildur, All Slaves of the Tyrant God, for now you are free of the weeds that choked your hearts! All hail the brave Swords of Redemption who have slain the Heart of Ga'al!
[OOC: This is a very wordy answer for a Commune! And Belkior gets a real sense of joy at this answer.]
"Is this permanent?"
Weeds regrow. But the brave can pull them before they root.
"Has this freed the heartseeded from the domination of Ga'al?"
For now.
"Are these people now free to choose Ga'al or another deity?"
Yes.
"Is Ga'al still a God of Testing?"
Yes.
"Should I preach the faith of Alemi to these people?"
Sure! Why not?
"Should I destroy the withered heartseeds?"
Doesn't matter.
"Would the greater good be served by pursuing the kobolds or returning home?"
If you need gold, follow the lizards. Otherwise come home.
"Is the magical scroll dangerous to my companions and I?"
Maybe.
"Is the person, or entity, that the dragon was corresponding with more powerful than the dragon?"
Don't know.
"Am I forgiven for trying to cast a harmful spell during the battle with the dragon?"
Do what penance seems just to you, and stay true.
Angus Tuesday February 12th, 2008 4:58:52 PM
OOC: What did John (with son & daughter) have to report or could ANgus not find the defacto leader of Stone Gap????
-----------------------------------------------
Angus smiles at Theo when he describes his profession. "I understand your profession well as I am a sorcerer. That is why you and I are on first watch together; we need a good night sleep to recover our spells. We may from time to time have to let Belkior and Harley have the first watch to make it easier for them to commune with their gods and recover their spells as well."
Angus is amazed when Belkior relates the results of his commune spell "Way to go Belkior. You must be in good with your boss. Keep up the good works."
Angus looks about "We may want to do some testing of our own about these weeds. Harley can you attempt to remove some of the weeks under Belkior's supervision. We do not want to kill any of these unfortunates if we can avoid it."
Angus takes off his big leather floppy hat and scratches his head "Gold with the kobolds. Very tempting. Does everyone want to make a detour before we head back to the Big Float? I am up for some more gold. Not much after my last Catacomb purchases. That is unless we have a way to teleport to the Big Float and then teleport back. Long distance teleportation is not yet my forte, soon though. That would let us do a bit of both; get in position to track the kobolds and check on the Big Float."
----------------------------
OOC: Do we have our Catacomb purchases yet as a result of the Cleric/Dragon trove?
-----------------------------
Angus will cast Mage Armor on himself after breakfast as usual and message on the entire group.
Xenia Tuesday February 12th, 2008 9:17:59 PM
"Grrrr. Eeh, err, eeh, errrrr."
Xenia tugs an pulls at the chest, alternately dragging it behind her and then running around back to push.
"Hey Belkie, there's all kinds of religiocity stuff in here. Maybe you can find something in it to help these Stone Gap folks. I mean, not that you couldn't do the same, Harley, but Belkie is our Healer Guy, you know. What god do you follow?"
"And if you can't find nothing to help, well, I guess you could pretty much use all this to start your own church like Bin was thinking of doing. You got books and candles (none of them scented) there's fancy clothes, some pretty 'xpensive looking candlesticks." She shrugs. "Religiocity. Might help. Maybe."
Somewhat apart from the sensitivities of the concerned villagers, the rogue add her two cents on the subject of their next destination.
"I think we should chase after them miniature lizards. I just got this feeling that they ran off with the best of the good stuff. I mean, could be that where they went is on our way home even! By the by, anybody know which way is home? Anybody even know which direction to the nearest city? The nearest inn? With a bath even?"
Harley Tuesday February 12th, 2008 9:58:15 PM
Harley surveys the town and the stricken townspeople along with the rest of his companions. He doesn't know much about this god called Ga'al, but it looks like the god was dealt a severe blow.
"Xenia, I do not follow any one God of the Wold. I pray to them all, but I do have an affinity to Domi and Gargul."
"That information about the scroll is rather interesting. How could a god not know the answer to something?"
Before bed, Harley goes through his evening ritual. He lays his armor, shield and weapon before him and retrieves a small bead and his two magic rods from his belongings. Harley then casts some spell before getting his rest.
OOC -- Harley typically will cast his four long duration spells before going to sleep. This way, for the next day, he will have all his spells studied for and have use of his Karma bead and Rods of Extend if they are needed.
Metamagic Rod Usage: Extend (1-3): 0/3; Extend (1-6): 0/3
Belkior Tuesday February 12th, 2008 10:06:41 PM
The halfling cleric relates all that he learned from his contact with Alemi. As Belkior looks to his companions, he attempts to convey the emotion that he felt during the communion with his deity.
"I think that I need to do something for these people here, the ones who may have been swayed to worship of Ga'al. Why don't I spend some time here while some people look for the kobolds. I'm thinking that one or two days might be enough to get them on their feet."
OOC - Did Belkior learn anything from his Heal check of the people in a coma?
Syr Wednesday February 13th, 2008 12:37:23 AM
With a shrug of his shoulders, he turns and looks around the town at all the faces. "Kobolds, or home... it doesn't matter to me. I'm kinda getting more comfortable out here in the middle of no where. Hey Angus, you ever learn that 'teleport thang'?"
While he waits for the rest of the group, he begins playing difficult games of catch with the children in the city,
Wynn Wednesday February 13th, 2008 7:16:18 AM
Wynn reveals what he has recalled about oracular scrolls and the archmage of the Starguild. "Perhaps that is the nature of the scroll...I wager it renews itself daily!!"
Wynn encourages Angus or Belkior to re-examine the scroll now that a new day has begun. "Is the writing still there?" he asks.
As for the Kobolds...Wynn agrees with Xenia, they are already here, so why not pursue the Kobolds and rid the area of their mischief.
Xenia (2nd Illegal Post) Wednesday February 13th, 2008 8:28:24 AM
"'A priest of Ga'al from Aisildur wants me to take a heartseed. I don't want to say yes, but it's dangerous to say no. A group of adventurers is poking around, and they don't like him. What should I do?'"
Xenia recites from memory the contents of the scroll as revealed before by Wynn.
"'What should I do,' he asks. And what does the thing reply?"
"'Sounds like it's time for a contest!!!???'"
"Anybody else here think that this is maybe not the best bit of magic to have around? I mean, like, Big Red takes this thing's advice and guess who's packing around his skin now? Like, hello? Bad advice much."
Theodore & Macaw (see invisibility) Wednesday February 13th, 2008 10:32:52 AM
"I'll accompany you in your search for the kobolds," Theodore says, still looking on the unconscious townspeople. "If you don't mind, of course."
He finally turns away from the scene. "If they're intelligent enough to capture us, they're a nuisance we shouldn't leave unresolved."
On top of Theodore's head, Macaw bobs up and down. In agreement, perhaps?
Theodore's summoned steed waits patiently outside of town.
Spells Active: See Invisibility: permanent Phantom Steed: 11 hours from morning AC 18, HP 18, Speed 220', Can Carry Caster + 110lbs
Angus (second illegal post) Wednesday February 13th, 2008 1:07:59 PM
Angus looks down at Belkior "I do not want to split up the group Belkior. This is some dangerous territory, although maybe less so now that the Gal'alians are down and Hot shot is dead. Lets stay overnight here and see what we can all do to assist you in your ministrations to these people and then we head out after breakfast tomorrow to find the kobold."
Angus smile broadly at Sry and then puts a Wall of Force in front of the Monk "This is What I learned instead of Teleport. That is next though. I will tell you that I was torn between the two spells."
Angus laughs with Xenia "Not real smart magic at all. Lets just keep an eye on the scroll and see if there is any more conversation from the other side. Very dangerous if it falls into the wrong hands, especially ours."
Harley (2nd post) Wednesday February 13th, 2008 4:04:30 PM
"Syr, I can cast a short range, usually line of sight teleport spell called Dimension Door. I can also cast the longer range spell called Teleport. However, there is some risk involved with this spell when you have not actually been to the area you are teleporting to."
Angus (Thrid Illegal Post) Wednesday February 13th, 2008 7:34:24 PM
Angus snaps his head around and looks at Harley "Well that is very interesting. Harley have you ever been to the The Floating City or even Platea City? That could make life much easier if you have." Angus finishes expactantly.
Florin Jadenth Wednesday February 13th, 2008 9:12:31 PM
Florin continues his talk with Theodore for abit longer, "Actually, I just went to the Floating City with my new wife. Been there for a couple days before deciding to take a little ride and explore abit. Also heard my friend's were out and about so I thought if I could find them...well, from there you know what happened. Is alittle shameful in away. I mean I trained to combat undead and fought many different enemies and then run into a trap and become prisoners to kobolds."
Florin will do his best to help out with those who need it around the village and also to catch up with his friends.
Florin speaks more to Syr about the buisness more and asks what would be a exceptable beginning buy in.
Florin also spends some time seeing if he can study up on heart seeds abit. (Please remember, in game Florin has never seen or ran into one before. Is there someone DM that can give Florin abit of info on them? Just trying to rp this part out.)
Later Florin will see if there is a decent tavern in the town and see if everyone will join him there, "Thanks everyone. I thought since we had abit of a break that this would be a good time to toast old friendships and new ones." Florin looks towards Angus, "I take it your the leader now? If so then I like to comment that I hope to tag along with everyone again. I just hope you all won't mind. I know my leaving before was tearful and maybe abit upsetting but I like to put that in the past. My sword has always been for those who can not fight and my shield for those who can not and need defending. I hope I can be a Shield again."
Belkior Wednesday February 13th, 2008 10:55:52 PM
The halfling cleric hears Florin's question and moves closer.
"These things here," Belkior says as he points to the withered pieces of heartseed. "That's a heartseed. The clerics of Ga'al used to implant them into worshippers of Ga'al. They did a number of things, mainly taking away a person's ability to act independently."
Xenia (3rd Illegal Post) Thursday February 14th, 2008 10:00:32 AM
"Looks dead to me." Xenia picks up one of the fallen heartseeds and begins picking at it with her nails, peeling strips off and tossing them over her shoulder.
"Um, well, Harley, if you can't take us to Floating City, 'cause you never been there before, can you take us to somewhere that you *have* been before? I mean, like, where you from? A city somewhere? Ever been to Plateau City? That would be good too."
"I mean, no offense," she leaves off her excoriation of the heartseed to offer an apology to the nearby villagers, "but Stone Gap is sorta out of the way and all. Any place else has gotta be closer to home than here." She returns to the heartseed and resumes peeling off strips of woody material. "Especially if that anyplace else has a bath."
"After, that is ... " The rogue works her nails under a tough bit of wood. " ... after we slap down them kobolds."
Catching up (DM Cayzle) Thursday February 14th, 2008 11:04:11 AM
[OOC: Sorry for the delay folks. Family emergency. I'll likely post on Saturday to make up for it.]
By the way, John and his kids and others are who I meant when I said that the locals were concerned.
Angus notes that the withered heartseeds have actually fallen out of the chest-wounds of the newly implanted. The dead plants are still rooted in the chests of the missionaries.
Angus suggests that the kobolds would be worth consideration.
It seems clear to Xenia that the chest of religious items was intended to be used by the missionaries to outfit the under-construction church when it is completed.
Belkior's examination of the unconscious reveals that the newly implanted are wounded but should recover soon. The clerics have suffered a greater blow. If left untended, they may die of shock and neglect.
Syr is happy to follow the lead of the party. Meanwhile, "he begins playing difficult games of catch with the children" -- leaving the DM to wonder what will happen if he drops a child on one of the more difficult catches. :-)
Wynn's intuition that the scroll renews itself daily is not born out the next day, as the writing is still there. Good idea, though. The bard also is interested in clearing out the kobolds.
Xenia makes the DM laugh with the comment that the advice the scroll gave the dragon does not seem to have worked out so well! LOL!
Theo will join in to fight the kobolds.
Angus urges Belkior to do what he can to help the people here, but then to join the party in stamping out the kobold menace.
Harley volunteers that he can cast Teleport.
Florin talks about his goals. He is willing to help out. He asks about heartseeds. He learns from Belkior and others that the god Ga'al grants his followers heartseeds as a reward and as a way to enforce conformity.
NOTE TO PCS: You CAN complete Catacombs deliveries here!
Does the rest of the day goes by with Belkior ministering to the sick wounded? Preaching? Any further investigations of the Scroll? Other actions for today? After that, let us move to the morning and setting out for the Kobold Kaverns.
Xenia - OoC Thursday February 14th, 2008 12:39:15 PM
If we can complete Catacombs transactions here, DM, does that mean that there is an entrance to the Catacombs in Stone Gap? Or, at least some miraculous, possibly temporary portal that allows access?
And ... if so, might we go through and have the Scroll Identified?
DM Cayzle Thursday February 14th, 2008 3:09:43 PM
In the Woldian Games that I DM, you an enter the Catacombs, just as you can enter the Giggling Ghost, in a dream-like state. That's how you could place your orders from the Dragon's Den.
But thereafter you either have to go to a branch office to complete the transaction in person, or arrange a delivery. In this case, I'm happy to assume the latter.
Xenia - OoC Thursday February 14th, 2008 3:19:51 PM
So, can we go to the Catacombs in a dream during the night mentioned in your post above, and then get the scroll identified? Not delivery necessary. This would just be information.
We did already get all of the loot from the Dragon's Den identified. Would this be much different?
Theodore & Macaw (see invisibility) Thursday February 14th, 2008 4:29:14 PM
"I can also cast a teleportation spell," Theodore informs Angus. "I can take up to three people with me at a time and I can cast the spell twice a day. I'm also very familiar with Plateau City. I used to study there."
"So you've already met with these guys before, then?" Theodore asks Florin. "That's a spot of good luck! Having them coming through right as we're escaping. Pretty crazy stuff."
Spells Active: See Invisibility: permanent Phantom Steed: 11 hours from morning AC 18, HP 18, Speed 220', Can Carry Caster + 110lbs
Angus Thursday February 14th, 2008 5:11:29 PM
Angus wakes in the morning and as he is usually a late riser and sees everyone getting ready for the day. Angus inspects his the new shine on his cloak and his new special ring. "Look at my new goodies. These will be real helpful." Angus smiles brightly while inspecting his new toys.
"Is everyone ready to move out? I am ready to put Stone Gap behind me and investigate the Kobolds. It appears we have done all we can for those of Stone Gap." Angus announces to the group.
When Theo tells Angus of his teleporting capability he asks with a hopeful expression on his face. "That is excellent. We will have to visit Plateau City and then Floating City soon. That will save loads of time." Angus wipes his brow with a mock sigh.
Angus attempts to pull Harley into the conversation with Theo "Theo will have to take you to Plateu City and then the Floating City to also get you familiar. You two will increase our mobility greatly. Mobility is very powerful and will make it easiler for all of us to range farther and still keep an eye on the orphanage and our apartment. We can pop back into Hotshots lair and maybe get Xenia's mirror if she springs for an item spell."
Angus looks to Xenia "Have you secured the funds you found from the Ga'alian acolytes as it appears they will not need it anymore. We may want to leave a bit with John to help easy the recent problems the town has experienced."
Angus goes and rounds up Florin and Syr "It looks like you two are on point. Both of you have the mobility. The rest of us can follow behind as you range forward, just try to stay within range of the message spell (200 feet) or at least within sight."
Angus collects Wynn and Xenia "You two have our flanks and rear. Move around as you see fit. THe rest of us (4) will follow in a group behind the point group."
After breakfast Angus stands and cleans his hands and annouces "Everyone ready for a walk or ride in some instances."
Angus will cast mage armor on himself and message on everyone in the group. Angus will test the message spell on the new comers so they are familiar with its usage "Testing, Testing. Please response that you hear me."
Xenia Thursday February 14th, 2008 8:34:52 PM
"Wasn't funds, Angus," the rogue replies. "Was books and a bunch o' decorating stuff. Stuff for setting up a church."
"I mean, yeah, it's pretty fine stuff. You could get maybe a thou outta it if you sold it. But where are they gonna sell it way out here? Might as well set up the church with it. The building's almost mostly built anyway. Maybe they can do Alemi instead of Ga'al. Or maybe Domi. Him's what brought us here in the first place."
"All that stuff would make a nice church for the town. A church they could be proud of."
"Hey, and speaking of magic stuff, whaddya say we take the weerdo scroll to the Catacombs. They can magic it up and identify it for us. Good idea?"
Harley Thursday February 14th, 2008 9:29:30 PM
"I can only cast my Teleport spell once a day. I have been to Plateau City so I can help us teleport there. I have not been to the Floating City."
Harley replies to Angus that he can hear him through the message spell.
Harley gets in line and starts walking.
Wynn Thursday February 14th, 2008 10:35:40 PM
The bard places his new ring in his finger, examines the edge of his blade, and satisfied that it holds a true edge, returns it to it's scabbard. "I'll visit the catacombs and have the scrol properly identified" he offers, and tucks the scroll safely away in a scroll case.
Wynn takes a position near the rear of the group, his black and brown cloak nearly concealing him in the tall grasses as the vertical stripes blend into the background.
Belkior d8+5=11 d8+5=12 d8+5=6 d8+5=7 d8+5=7 d8+5=13 d20+25=39 Thursday February 14th, 2008 10:53:25 PM
The halfling cleric looks around at where the villagers and the priests of Ga'al have been placed, trying to determine if provides enough shelter for working on the injured. Of course, it may be quicker to use some healing magic for that purpose.
"Angus, I think that these people need care from a skilled healer. Do you think that new fellows who can teleport could come get me? Say, in a day or two?"
Belkior will now cast some healing magics on the priests of Ga'al and the villagers. Cure Light Wounds - 11, 12, 6, 7, 7, 13 hps. Belkior is effectively CL 13 if spell resistance needs to be checked.
If that doesn't rouse the villagers and the clerics, Belkior will make preparations to remain behind and prepare long term care. If it is okay with his fellows, he will try to move quickly to catch up or get a lift from one of the new casters. Heal = 39
Syr Thursday February 14th, 2008 11:19:31 PM
After hearing Angus' praise of teleport, He nudges Wynn, "These guys might come in very useful. Whatcha think?"
The elf looks at Florin's mighty steed and then down at his beaten sandles before muttering, "Now that just ain't fair." He shrugs his shoulders and sets off beside the paladin.
Theodore & Macaw (see invisibility) Friday February 15th, 2008 9:23:51 AM
Theodore studies in his tome before setting out with the others. He does not summon his mount this morning.
"It would only draw attention," he explains.
The discussion regarding teleportation continues. "Do you happen to know how many miles we are from Plateau City?" he asks Angus. "I've never been great with geography. One of my weaker disciplines, unfortunately."
Theodore takes his appointed position in the group's lineup. He sports an amused smile as he watches the others taking their places.
"Reminds me of past days," he says softly.
Spells Active: See Invisibility: permanent
Angus (second illegal post) Friday February 15th, 2008 9:49:06 AM
Angus gives an amused laugh with Theo "I have no idea how far we are. Wynn is the one that has some semblance of an idea of where we are."
Angus call out to Wynn "Any Idea how far we are from Plateau City?"
Angus sits next to Belkior "We need all of us together. No one can stay behind. Kobolds are not normally too tough, but they are usually lackies for nastier stuff. I do not want to get overconfident and leave our healer and another spell user behind. What is it they say divide and conquer; I do not want to divide if we do not have to and possibly be conquered. My thoughts of Lang are too fresh in my mind. Come on Belkior, lets walk togther and get to know our new travel partners." Angus lies a light hand on Belkior's shoulders. "Do what you can but we have to all stick together. We can stop back in Stone Gap after the Kobolds, on our way to the Plateau City. Theo and Harley can get us back quickly."
Harley 2nd post Friday February 15th, 2008 9:57:54 AM
"Theo let's find a nice clear spot to study so that we can teleport back to Stone Gap and minimize any transportation mishaps."
Tracking Kobolds (DM Cayzle) Friday February 15th, 2008 2:22:37 PM
Through the magical efforts of the Catacombs Free Delivery Service, the recently negotiated parcels appear in the village (and backpacks and wallets are lightened, per contract).
Wynn visits the Catacombs to identify the strange scroll. The Identify comes back like this:
Scroll of Answers
This fate item calls upon some powerful entity, who will answer a question put to it. If you write a question on the scroll, an answer will appear between a minute and an hour later. The entity is wise and knowledgeable, but neither omniscient nor always correct. If you wash away the text, or use an erasing spell or agent, then you can ask another question the next day.
Major divination, faint transmutation; CL 20th; Cannot be made in game; Price unknown.
Angus gets the party ready to enter danger, going over a few common strategies.
There is some talk of Teleportation, The range of the spell is 100 miles per level. But how far is it to Plateau City? Theo and Angus do not know. Anyone else?
If you can make a Knowledge (Geography) check DC10, then Highlight to display spoiler: {Plateau City is in range, for sure.}
If you can make a Knowledge (Geography) check DC15, then Highlight to display spoiler: {The Float is in range, too, for sure.}
If you can make a Knowledge (Geography) check DC20, then Highlight to display spoiler: {Plateau City is 250 miles east of here, and 100 miles south. The Float is 700 miles east of here, and 75 miles to the north.}
Harley takes the time to study the village so that at least the group can blip back here in case of emergency with some solid hope the spell will not go awry.
Note that untrained knowledge checks cannot be made for DCs higher than 10.
Belkior spends the rest of the day helping and curing. All the villagers are well and will be fine. They are in the rare situation of being able to tell you what it is like to have been heartseeded -- before now, few were unseeded and lived to tell the tale.
The missionaries are out of the woods, but still unconscious. They are not in danger of death, thanks to Belkior. A few days rest should see them come around. Just keep giving them broths, the healer says.
In the morning, Angus urges the group to get moving. You set out. It is easy to get back to where you last saw kobold tracks. Could I get some tracking checks at this point? Any other prep before you press on?
Angus d20+2=20 Friday February 15th, 2008 4:11:02 PM
Angus does not enjoy the walk up through the hills and forest trails. "This walking is way too much like work at least when done for more than an hour."
Angus is glad to sit down and rest once the group makes it back to the kobold tracks. Angus announces to the group "Have at it trackers and may the spirit of Lang be with you in your efforts." Angus fans himself with his hat while waiting.
"If we can not find the tracks, we may have to circle out a few times to see if we can pick them up. If we are not sucessful, we get to try our the teleport spells earl as I do not want to walk back to either Stone Gap or Plateau City." Angus exclaims as he watches the trackers progress.
Angus calls Wynn over. "Nice scroll. When you get back to the catacombs see how much it is worth as we may want to sell it. Especially if we have two clerics of different sects that can commune. It is redundant. Some other adventuring group should find it more valuable than us."
"I can not wait to get back to a big city and a feather bed and a bath. Does anyone know how far we are from a known city?" Angus Muses.
ooc: Where is Sunshine? Is someone going to look after him?
If we pick up the trail and have to camp overnight we will use the same guard rotation.
Message 110 minutes on everyone Mage Armor 11 hours (will refresh before bed)
OOC: Assumed that Angus refreshed his message spell a few times during the day.
JimF Friday February 15th, 2008 4:12:37 PM
Update:
Cayzle let Angus change his recently acquired haste spell to arcane sight as we now have Theo. Wynn can also cast haste if needed.
Wynn Friday February 15th, 2008 5:24:40 PM
"Angus, I know of this area through tales I've heard, but I have no idea how far we might be from either Plateau City ot Floating City. As for the scroll, it is a fate item and thus loses it's power when sold so it has little to no monetary value." Wynn cleans the scroll with a damp cloth to see if he might gently remove the writing.
The bard nods his head in agreement when Syr speaks of the usefulnes of the new members. "It's always nice to have a ready means of egress..."
DM Cayzle OOC on Fate Items Friday February 15th, 2008 8:54:02 PM
Just to be clear, a Fate Item cannot be sold in the Catacombs. Some are cursed or linked to the finder, and hard to get rid of. Others are just things, and can be sold in game to an NPC buyer.
OOC [NOT CAYZLE!]: My character in game 4, Quinn, sold a fate item, but it was difficult, but very worth it in the end. Just a suggestion to the group since we have two clerics anyways and we rarely use commune. Belkior's recent commune was excellent.
Xenia d20+22=41 d20+17=27 d20+19=34 Friday February 15th, 2008 9:31:07 PM
Xenia slides the ring on her finger and holds her hand out next to Wynn's. They are a pair, his more masculine than her thin band, but decidedly of the same cut.
"Scroll of Answers, huh? I'm gonna call it Weegee! Weegee Scroll." She rests her chin on Wynn's shoulder as he wipes the Weegee Scroll with a cloth. "Maybe we can ask it how far Plateau City is away from here?" she whispers in Wynn's ear. "Long as we don't ask it what we should do."
The rogue kits up with her new gear. (A big hehehe secret smile for new stuff.) Xenia keeps a sharp eye peeled while the tracking guys do their stuff. With one of the new wands, she puts a little speed in her feet. (Spot 41, Listen 27, UMD 34 for wand of Longstrider)
OoC: Will send new CS with items included.
Florin Jadenth d20+8=18 d20+8=18 d20+8=25 Friday February 15th, 2008 9:36:09 PM
Florin chuckles at Syr's comment on it isn't fair, "Well, if I could I would summon you a horse to my friend." Florin moves along with Syr, "You still could probably out move Ajax here, he is meant more for fighting and such then movement."
When the group reaches where the beginning of the kobold tracks are, he begins looking the area over carefully.
(Track:18/18/25 Didn't know how many checks I needed.)
Belkior d20+6=23 Friday February 15th, 2008 11:13:11 PM
The halfling cleric is pleased with his healing efforts and putters away as the villagers care for their own. While the others are preparing to go, Belkior spends a few moments asking the ones who used to be heartseeded about the experience. And, while he is at it, trying to convince them that a deity like Alemi is a more fitting choice. Diplomacy = 23
Since there was a chance to shop, Belkior is trying out his new armor. Sleek and shiny, and it goes well with his vestments, too. Perhaps it will really come in handy some time in the near future.
Belkior keeps looking around at their surroundings as they travel, trying to look for signs of either the dragon's depredations or activity from intelligent folk. Once they get to the tracks, he carefully stays out of the way.
Angus (Second Illegal post) Saturday February 16th, 2008 8:25:22 AM
During the rest period Angus will talk with Theo and Harley "Once the time is right, we can just attempt one of your teleport spells to Plateau City. If the city is in range it will work, if not we will have to walk a bit, or so I am lead to believ on how the spell works." Angus shrugs "Easy check."
Kobold Tracks (DM Cayzle) Saturday February 16th, 2008 8:57:35 AM
[OOC: A note on Wold etiquette -- you may have edit rights to edit posts, but you should in general pretend you do not. It may be tempting to edit other people's posts, or to add notes to a DM post, etc, but it is a little unfair to exercise as a player rights that other players do not have. Exceptions: Editing posts to fix a link or code, editing your own posts within reason. and if you DO edit someone else's post, put your name in the edit! No big deal ... just a reminder. Thanks!]
After several packages are discreetly delivered in the night, several party members seem pleased to show off new possessions.
Belkior is pleased with his healing, and spends time preaching. Everyone is very respectful. If he were to devote some time here, or make a chapel, he feels sure he could convert most of the village. If Belkior stayed, he might even convert these two missionaries, whose faith has surely been shaken by the death of their heartseeds. But as it is, once Belkior leaves, if these missionaries recover and still honor Ga'al, the completion of the chapel and the cleric's presence will surely convert the village.
The problem is, that's true of almost any village this size. Should Belkior stay and minister to this tiny community? Or will he do more good adventuring. Such are the questions a hero-cleric often faces.
Angus gets the party moving and offers thoughts on finding the kobolds.
Wynn cleans the scroll -- now it is blank.
The party gets back to the vicinity of the dragon's lair, and Florin searches for tracks. He finds a set, clearly small humanoids, and leads the party into the foothills. The great mountain looms above in the distance.
The tracks lead to a cave. If anyone makes a Survival or Know Nature roll vs DC15, then Highlight to display spoiler: {You note tracks and signs that there are big ursines in the area. Bears? Owlbears? something. The kobolds seem to have entered their lair.}
Xenia - OoC Saturday February 16th, 2008 11:02:08 AM
How high does the cave ceiling look to be? How large is the opening?
Wynn Saturday February 16th, 2008 12:30:48 PM
The half-elf joins the rest of the group near the cave entrance having returned from his position on the flank. "Did the kobolds go in there?" he asks the others. Wynn has no training in tracking and discerns little from the various markings on the ground, this was where Lang had so often stepped up for the Shields.
"Any sign of bigger things?" he inquires, harkening back to previous discussions about kobolds working with more powerful foes. The bard checks his gear to ensure he is prepared for what may come. He removes his pack and adjusts the contents to remedy the bulge caused by his journal. With his belongings properly stowed, he is ready.
Florin Jadenth Saturday February 16th, 2008 2:22:12 PM
Florin looks over the tracks that he finds near the cave and frowns some as he speaks up, "Seems the kobolds went in here alright but there seems to be some type of bear tracks here also. I'm not sure if it's normal bears or some other type of breed."
Florin stands from the tracks he is near and looks to Sry before jokingly commenting to him, "Think you can out punch a bear? With luck maybe we won't run into any but it's doubtful."
Florin smiles and is glad his skills are proving useful, he'll have to remember to train in his tracking abit more in the future too.
(Note:Ajax is still summoned, just have it where Florin dismounted to look over the tracks.)
Angus Saturday February 16th, 2008 2:25:23 PM
OOC: What time of day is it?
Angus slaps Florin on the back and shakes his thin arm and hand in pain at the effort. "Nice job witht he track. You have done Lang proud."
At the entrance of the cave, Angus whipsers to the group "Not another cave? We need a bit more information on the cave and its possible inhabitants. Xenia I can turn you invisible and you can do a quick scout, you only have 11 minutes. We can stay within shouting distance and come running or dimension door in if you get in a pickle. You up for it girl?"
Angus will cast invisibility on Xenia if she agrees.
Angus will also cast detect magic on himself and scan the cave mouth, wary of forbinance and glyph spells. "Just a moment Xenia as we do not want to repeat the mistakes of our past."
"Everyone be ready to support Xenia at a moments notice." Angus casts his eyes to friends new and old.
Message 110 minutes on everyone Mage Armor 11 hours (will refresh before bed) Invisibility on Xenia 11 minutes Detec Magic on Angus
JimF Saturday February 16th, 2008 2:26:03 PM
Wynn's journal is fantastic. What a great job!
DM Cayzle OOC Saturday February 16th, 2008 7:52:59 PM
Florin, what was your Survival check to note the bear tracks?!? I do not see any die roll.
Florin-Missing Survival Roll d20+8=9 d20+8=13 Saturday February 16th, 2008 9:40:00 PM
(OOC:Cayzle, very sorry about that. I could of sworn I rolled a check. An now I roll a 1 Arrg. I went ahead and did a pair of checks.)
Suvival Roll:9 *nat:1*/13
(Angus: You might want to change your post. It looks like Florin didn't pick up the bear tracks after all. I could use a hero point for a reroll but not sure if it would be wise when the hero point may be more use later.)
Harley d20+10=19 Saturday February 16th, 2008 10:23:19 PM
Harley has been a little reserved on the march towards the kobolds. When the group starts looking at the tracks he snaps out of his funk and examines them.
Survival 19
"They look like bear tracks to me. They are mixed in witht he kobold tracks. I cannot tell if they are with the kolbolds or just happened to cross this area."
"Angus, tomorrow I will pray for my teleport spell."
Harley readys his flail and his buckler.
Belkior d20+6=25 Sunday February 17th, 2008 12:43:36 AM
The halfling cleric follows the lead of the others, walking through the woods until they reach the cave. Once there, Belkior immediately notices the bear tracks mixed in with the kobolds. He bends down, placing his small hand inside the bear prints to demonstrate their size. Survival (untrained) = 25
"See! Hmm, this is a big one from the looks of things. See he moved here, and then over there. Now, was he he first or were the halflings here first? Hmm, this is where we could really use Lang ..."
That thought makes Belkior miss his former companion all the more so he stands and looks towards the horizon, facing away from his companions so that they don't see the moisture in his eyes.
Xenia d20+21=33 d20+22=42 d20+17=37 d20+49=65 d20+19=36 Sunday February 17th, 2008 8:38:14 AM
"Stay. Shhhhh. No. Stay. Sunshine! grrrrr ... "
"Hey, Angus, can someone take Sunshine and make him behave?" Xenia whispers over the Message spell. The dark girl frowns down on the big dog, an expression she can't hold for long in the face of his earnest canine urge to be one of the pack. "Dumb dog." The affection in her voice belies the words themselves.
"Stay. Sure, I'll take the 'nvisible, Angus. Bears can smell, though. But I'm betting I can see 'em a'fore they can smell me."
"Lemme get this spell on first." (UMD 33 vs DC24 for Darkvision Arcane) "Leastwise, if they got bears tromping around here, we can bet them kobolds don't got no traps set. Alright. I'm ready for the 'nvisible spell. You wanna Status me, Belkie? Before Angus puts on the 'nvisible?"
Fully prepared for scouting, Xenia speaks a trigger word and her boots lift her up off the ground.
"I'm gone scouting." (Spot 42/Nat20, Listen 37/Nat20, Hide 65, MS 36; 1/2 speed with Fly is 30)
OoC: Note. If the cave lit Xenia will not use the Darkvision scroll.
Theodore & Macaw (see invisibility, mage armor) Sunday February 17th, 2008 11:28:00 AM
"Kobolds with bears?" Theodore says, furrowing his brow as he tries to imagine the mix. "I wonder if the kobolds ride the bears. Like a knight, maybe."
Silly imaginings aside, Theodore smells a fight coming. He retrieves a small square of cured leather from his pouch and begins to wave it about in circles before his body, chanting;
I am safe and protected from it all Whether thief's dagger or the titan's maul
He is momentarily outlined by a soft silvery light which quickly fades away, absorbed into his body. (Cast mage armor)
He watches as Xenia gets several spells cast upon her. "Good luck," he offers.
Spells Active: See Invisibility: permanent Mage Armor: 11 hours
Xenia - OoC Sunday February 17th, 2008 11:53:30 AM
BTW, Bob/Wynn, stellar job on the Journal. I really enjoyed reading about our adventures all over again.
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