Memories of Innocence [DM Jerry] Thursday March 13th, 2008 4:05:58 PM
Our heroes stand at a distance from the smoking Fort. The Fort that has stood for centuries, exuding feelings of safety and security. The smell of that smoke tickles the nose bringing back flashes of memory.
Memories of innocence.
The flashback is broken as the group ponders their next step: How do we get to the lift, if that is where we're going...Keep the faith Brave Reader!
--------
Didn't mean to push you too much yesterday. Twas just moving on to the next decision and story point. Thought things were dragging a bit.
Hope you're enjoying yourself.
Rosario (subbed by Kent) Thursday March 13th, 2008 10:12:28 PM
"Well Zita, let's see if we can find this doorway."
GIGI Thursday March 13th, 2008 10:13:22 PM
Following along, Gigi feels a pit of something begin to harden in his belly as he looks at all the destruction and devestation.
Julien Friday March 14th, 2008 10:56:10 AM
If they're going for the door, Julien will cast DETECT MAGIC on it as they approach. Their assailants had been pretty thorough so far, and he's not sure if this door is a secret as it's supposed to be.
Jerry Friday March 14th, 2008 11:08:28 AM
::checking in. Will try back later and see if more have posted. ;)::
Betheas Friday March 14th, 2008 12:38:48 PM
Betheas goes thru a quiet spell as the morning turns to day. The devastation of the fort has the elf feeling a bit sullen. He manages a nod when Rosario and Zita discuss the secret door. The idea of traversing the mound of debree didn't sound all that much fun.
Really, he just felt like making someone pay for this.
[Have we received any XP yet? Just wondering if I overlooked something.]
Bendis Friday March 14th, 2008 7:48:08 PM
Bendis is relieved they don't have to climb over the ruins of the gate. It hadn't occured to him that it might be a potential trap; he had simply be concerned that with his distinct lack of natural grace, the climb might well have proved fatal without assistance.
As they head for the secret door he says bashfully to the diminutive cleric "Th-thank you, Picci. Fuh-for my feet I mean. You really are rather good you know, they feel wonderful today. Duh-did you use magic, or was that a natural massage? I must admit, I was trying to watch, but I sort of duh-drifted off."
Zita (subbed by Carl) d20+1=8 d20+1=21 Friday March 14th, 2008 8:00:09 PM
Zita's eyes linger on the ruins of the once-great gate, an immutable image from her childhood, now reduced to so much rubble. How symbolic, she thinks.
Rosario, ever practical, snaps her out of her reverie. Zita nods to her brother and they set off for the door.
When Julien speaks she agrees at once. "You're right. Whoever has done all this, they seem to know us and our movements uncannily well. They may even know about the door. Keep your eyes open everyone. And keep your weapons ready." She readies her longbow as they head for the wall.
(OOC Listen 8, Spot 21)
All Clear? [DM Jerry] Friday March 14th, 2008 11:58:40 PM
No magic is detected on the door. The seal is tight and there are no footprints near the door showing passage.
No dangerous or noteworthy sounds are discernable both in the vicinity of the pary nor beyond the door. That doesn't mean the area is clear, but that nothing is heard.
Picci Sunday March 16th, 2008 11:23:36 PM
The petite acolyte looks around her in an almost uninterested manner, idly wondering what the group will be doing next.
Jerry Monday March 17th, 2008 12:44:43 PM
::Checking in, will try again later today when more have posted. Enjoy your day!::
Julien Monday March 17th, 2008 1:49:19 PM
Julien talks quietly.
"Well, we're not likely to get zapped by anything magical, not in the close vicinity, anyway. Who's going first?"
Zita Monday March 17th, 2008 4:57:42 PM
"Come on, we don't have all day" zays Zita, moving towards the door.
Bendis Monday March 17th, 2008 4:59:18 PM
"Nuh-no Zita, let me" interrupts the dwarf, stepping into her path. "It might be a trap."
(Sorry for the short posts, not feeling well)
Rosario (Subbed by Kent) Monday March 17th, 2008 7:48:21 PM
"Sis, Bendis is correct. I am afraid that the days of you bolting off willy nilly before everyone else are now gone. As much as you won't like it, you are in the middle of the pack where you can better be protected."
Betheas, you go first, then Picci, Bendis, Myself, then Zita, Julian and Gig can bring up the rear. Any concerns?
Ok then let's go.
GiGi Monday March 17th, 2008 7:50:16 PM
Standing around with the othersm Gigi is thinking about how the brothers at the temple would already have entered and had a plan in place when Rosario speaks his piece. Nodding Gigi moves to the rear taking up his assigned place watching everyone's back.
The Doors [DM Jerry] Monday March 17th, 2008 8:24:27 PM
Though Betheas seems lost in his own world (no post ::grin::) he gets the door open. Inside the wall is a small chamber with a few swords stuck up on the walls, a few dusty cots, and some stored food. Strange.
A 2nd door exits the other side of the wall. The second door opens behind a small shack about 40' from the lift. The lift luckily is down. Looks like someone from above had dropped a new rope, but no one from below has attached it to the lift.
The rope is about 4 inches in diameter. A small 8' diameter circular platform has been laid near the downed lift. It is commonly known that those are used for emergency 2 and 3 man operations and is self lifted with a grip and pull device.
Picci Monday March 17th, 2008 11:28:54 PM
Picci squints at the surroundings.
"What's odd--besides there being nobody here to man the lift--is that the dust would seem to show that there hasn't been anyone here for quite some time." the jet-tressed girl points out. "I wonder what could have happened to whomever was supposed to have been here."
Betheas Monday March 17th, 2008 11:54:41 PM
Betheas carefully opens the second door and peers beyond. An audible "Shisk" can be heard from his mouth as he sees what lies beyond. "Not good. Not good at all."
Turning to the others, "the lift is inoperable. An emergancy lift has been dropped, but I would need to tie it off, and then it's just a self crank device. I know how to do it. I've done it before. The good news is the lift is fairly close-by."
Looking out again, "it would be slow... suicide if we tried it..." blinking up at the sun, "in broad daylight. We can't wait til night fall. They'll be back... closer... looking for us."
"Everyone get inside the wall and close the outer door behind us. Secure it shut. Gigi."
Again surveying the outside, guaging the wind, "a smoke screen might work. It wouldn't be that unusual, as there is fire all over the fort. Bendis, you couldn't happen to make the sun go out for few minutes... with your magic?" Betheas winks at the dwarf. "A counter weight might be effective too."
The elf uses his knowledge of the lift to decide if a way to counter weight the lift might be devised. "There are items in this room that might work."
He explains to the others in great detail how the crank device must be handled when they arrive at the lift. He begins to rummage thru the sacks of food, gathering what might be needed to create a counter-weight for the lift ropes. Anything might help lessen the weight of the over-occupied lift... at our age and weight... it wouldn't take much to make the lift as light as a feather.
The elf also tries to remember how he used to communicate with the operators above. Could they help pull up if they knew?
Julien Tuesday March 18th, 2008 2:03:03 PM
As soon as everyone is over the threshold, Julien flicks his wrist and mutters a quick cantrip to blow dust and what not surrounding the door, hopefully obliterating any footsteps they made.
"What if we made a few trips?" he asks Betheas. "How long would it take?"
Bendis Tuesday March 18th, 2008 4:46:19 PM
The dwarf shakes his head. "I'm suh-sorry Betheas, I don't think I have any magic that will help us with this."
He peers round the door anxiously, then ducks back in side. "Duh-do you think the lift is being watched?"
Zita (subbed by Carl) Tuesday March 18th, 2008 4:47:21 PM
Zita looks around the room, looking for a suitable counterweight.
Betheas Tuesday March 18th, 2008 10:54:16 PM
Betheas responds to both Julien and Bendis, "What? Am I being paranoid? You think we are not being watched?
"That's OK Bendis. I didn't really think that anyone here could block out the sun," under his breath, "yet."
Betheas and Zita work together to make heavy sacks.
[Standing-by and reserving the right to add a post after the DM addresses the lift situation.]
Gigi Wednesday March 19th, 2008 6:11:22 AM
Seeing everyone looking ofr a suitable counter weight, Gigi speaks up. Umm didn't we just pass around a huge pile of rubble that was one the gate and all. I am sure we could find something suitable in that pile of rock.
Rosario (subbed by Kent) Wednesday March 19th, 2008 6:13:43 AM
Well we reallu dont have much of an option unless someone wants to try their hand at climbing. I say we set up spotters with bows watching for those who might attack and then send a couple up at a time. Are we sure the lift is inoperable and not just appearing that way?
Betheas Wednesday March 19th, 2008 10:14:24 AM
"Nothing's ever for sure. But, yes it appears to need be tied off before the emergemcy lift will work. I volunteer to go tie off the lift. Who's good with a bow."
Decisions [DM Jerry] Wednesday March 19th, 2008 2:38:08 PM
[Picci, the area with the dust is between the walls inside the secret entrance to the fort, not past the walls, inside the fort, where the lift is. Sorry for the confusion.]
Betheas, studying the situation in his mind after closing the secret door realizes two things:
First, the rope that they dropped from the top could be attached to the lift fixing it. Or they could go up 3 at a time (large sized creatures would have to ascend alone and small can count as two medium allowing 6 small to fit on the repair circle platform.
The advantage to fixing the lift with the dropped rope is that whoever is up top would know it was fixed, though traditionally, the lift is tested with just cargo on it the first time. So it may be that no one would think anything about the lift coming up empty once the party got off at 3000'.
There are actually two lifts. One goes up, while being counterweighted by the second that comes down.
The advantage to using the repair circle left that requires the rider to pull himself up is that no one up top will detect any motion at all and the lift remains broken.
It is also possible that if the lift is fixed, that help will come from above since the lift goes to the third plateau where Plateau City is.
Surely, some help has descended from another ramp and is circumnavigating the 2nd plateau to reach them by now? Surely the people from the top saw the smoke? It can't be possible that no one knows of the attacks, right? Surely Dahlia has notified the authorities and perhaps the Dragon Consortium?
As far as nightly attacks are concerned, tha'ts an unknown. How long will the attackers return to the fort and castle to search for whatever thay are after, which is probably Zita? Will they ever try a day attack? What information, if any, has been obtained from captives, if there are any?
The musty smell of the inner wall chamber is uncomfortable, but somehow it feels like home.. A sense of history fills the place: that this was the final untouched place left of their family's legacy! Surely not, but it seems that way.
Picci Wednesday March 19th, 2008 3:58:51 PM
"I don't see any other way to get to where we need to go." Picci says baldly, watching Betheas mull over the lift options. "We should tie the rope and use the lift to reach the area that was shown to us by the ring."
Julien Wednesday March 19th, 2008 4:32:34 PM
Julien is mulling over the situation, and he shrugs helplessly at the request for bowmen. "Might be able to fry their backsides, tho'." He'll offer to help Betheas tie the rope, if needs be.
((Have I got this pictured correctly? We're forty feet away from the lift, the lift is on our 'floor', it just needs tying up? And once we leave the shelter of this little secret place, we're back out in the open? Or is it all enclosed?))
Bendis Wednesday March 19th, 2008 6:26:44 PM
"Yuh-you're probably right, Betheas, it's best to be cautious. We need to keep Zita safe. But we need to get up there. Oh dear."
When Julien offers to do some frying Bendis nods, albeit nervously. "Um, I'll help Julien. If anyone attacks I can put them to sleep, or maybe pursuade them to stop their fellows attacking us. Zita, you should probably go up first with Rosario or Betheas, once the lift is mended.
How about this; Julien and I, and maybe Gigi, head out to see if the coast is clear. If it is then Betheas and Rosario muh-make for the lift. They get it ready, and then you and Picci come out from the wall room and make your way up. Wuh-would that work?"
Zita (subbed by Carl) Wednesday March 19th, 2008 6:41:35 PM
"Good plan Bendis, but I'd feel safer staying with the others than stuck here in this musty old room. Let's stay together.
The only question is do we repair the lift, and alert whoever is topside, or go up in teams on the repair circle, and keep our presence secret?
I'm inclined to do the latter. Just imagine if our attackers are up there, waiting for the lift to be used. We get 2000 feet up, and then they cut the rope. Not a pretty thought."
Rosario Wednesday March 19th, 2008 8:00:41 PM
Thanks Kent
Rosario leans against one of the cold stone walls. It felt very reassuring here and he knew it would be a feeling a long tim ein the making again if at all for him. So for now, he would savor it. The others had thier thinking hats on and were covering all the bases, nothing he needed to really add but an opinion.
"I would like to stay together repair the lift. My guess is the attackers of Fort Silence took out the lift and unless they took out the entire upper Plateau they are not standing about up there. The lift will bring help to our servants and men now hiding and dodging about in the fields. Let's fix it and get up quickly."
rosario will equip himself with one of the bows and a quiver of arrows. [what kind of bow? can I add it to my sheet?]
GiGi Wednesday March 19th, 2008 9:08:02 PM
Gigi listens and adds in his two coppers.
"I have to agree with Rosario about them not hanging around up there, but I think that we need to send at least two up there with the rope to fix the lift. I will go with Betheas unless there is someone better suited for the task."
Picci Thursday March 20th, 2008 6:04:32 PM
"I'm good for cleric-ing, cooking and herbs." Picci replies to Gigi's question. "Anything else I do at risk."
Bendis Thursday March 20th, 2008 7:04:40 PM
The portly dwarf perks up at the mention of cooking, but says nothing when he realises there is no immediate risk of sustenance.
The Way is Clear [DM Jerry] Thursday March 20th, 2008 7:43:22 PM
Our beleagered heroes make their plans and decide their fate. Their hearts weigh heavy as they still mourn that which they knew as they try to protect that which remains: Zita the Duke and Betheas the Protector.
Peaking out, the way still appears clear.
Jerry Friday March 21st, 2008 1:33:52 PM
Guess I'll wait until later huh? ::grin::
Picci d20+6=16 Friday March 21st, 2008 2:05:16 PM
Picci whips up a quick but nourishing meal out of the supplies on hand as well as the herbs she was able to gather before. (OOC: made a voluntary Cooking skill check for a result of 16.) After cleaning up, the cleric puts on her backpack and looks from Zita to Rosario and back with expectant obsidian eyes.
"Well...we're rested and fed." Picci points out the obvious. "Time to get this show on the road, right..?"
Benis Friday March 21st, 2008 3:56:29 PM
The dwarf nods, his mouth full. "Yup. No time like the present."
Zita Friday March 21st, 2008 3:57:45 PM
Impatient to get going Zita shoos them out of the door. "If enemies are waiting for us we'll find out soon enough. Now let's get going."
Rosario Sunday March 23rd, 2008 1:19:26 PM
"Time to Go. I'll hold here with Zita, Betheas and Picci, get that lift fixed. Soon as it is signal and the rest of us will be there double time. No need for all of us to be standing about in the open while you tie it off."
Rosario fixes an arrow and stands in the doorway to get a good view of the surroundings.
Sour Grapes [DM Jerry] Monday March 24th, 2008 11:35:15 AM
Three scruffy looking men are spotted roaming the compound looting and pilfering. They look hungry. They fuss and argue as they look for loot.
One says to the other, "Yeah, I know its not safe. But a man's gotta survive. Ain't gonna hurt nobody now."
The other says, "Hey look, they've dropped a rope from above to fix the lift. might be lots of help if we fix that thing. We could run the lift up and just see all the food from up there that's awaiting to come down."
The first absently says, "Yeah...stop your yapping na dhelp me find somethin we can eat or trade for eats. I'ze getting tired of sour grapes."
Julien d20+4=16 Monday March 24th, 2008 5:14:21 PM
Julien looks at the others as the three foraging men appear. Friend or foe, he's wondering while taking in their appearance and whether they appear to be armed.
Spot 16
He doesn't mind showing himself along with Betheas and Gigi if that's the plan. Although he think's it's important that Rosario and Zita stayed hidden. The less anyone knew where they were - the better.
But time was ticking.
Picci Monday March 24th, 2008 7:16:12 PM
Picci nods in agreement with Rosario's suggestions...and then idly wonders if the group has enough food to spare for the three foraging men. If the group didn't, however, the petite cleric contemplated simply giving the men some of her own personal stores.
"Let's get on with it." the dark-haired girl said, moving towards the lift.
Betheas Monday March 24th, 2008 9:26:17 PM
Betheas looks back at the others and winks. The elf decides to try and sneak the perimeter (wall to cliff face).
Darting from one concealment to the next he makes his way to the lift. Once there he immediately goes about tying the rope off... just as he's seen it done in the past.
He shivers, imagining an arrow in the back.
[Jerry, check your second to last post. You made reference to Betheas being "the protector". We were thinking it was Rosario. I'm guessing it was an over-sight.]
Bendis Tuesday March 25th, 2008 9:53:54 AM
The portly dwarf readies a sleep spell, just in case the three men prove to be unfriendly. He tries to calm himself, but he's well aware of just how dangerous this could be.
Zita (subbed by Carl) Tuesday March 25th, 2008 9:55:23 AM
"You're right, Rosario, no harm in holding back until the lift is ready. Be careful, you two."
She slips her blade from its scabbard and waits to see what happens next.
Picci d20+2=17 Tuesday March 25th, 2008 8:47:11 PM
If there is one thing that Picci is reasonably good at, it's being as small as possible--which the petite girl uses to her advantage as much as possible while following Betheas and aiding him in his efforts to get the lift tied off and operational again. (OOC: made a voluntary Hide/Move Silently check of 17.)
She can't help but continue to feel sorry for the three hungry men, though.
Rosario Antonino Sevisius Tuesday March 25th, 2008 9:03:17 PM
Rosario checks his anger and holds his fire, Dirty, filthy thieves and looters. Picking over the dead before they are cold. Picking clean like the vermin of the sewer. His family, his home. His bow comes up and he takes a long draw and aims, but still holds his fire.
GiGi Wednesday March 26th, 2008 8:21:49 PM
Ok then, if we are going to do this before everyone and their mother shows up, I say we need to move now. Let's go.
Repairs Complete [DM Jerry] Wednesday March 26th, 2008 9:44:17 PM
As the group shows themselves, the scavengers make a run for it quickly and disappear.
The lift is finally repaired. It takes about an hour. Now to release the safety catch and see if anyone up top is set to move the lift. About this time, one of the scavengers returns.
"Yare going to need someone to hook the animals up to the crank and start 'er up. Help me connect the animals and you're up to PCity...milady."
----------
Somehow, my post Tues didn't take. And work has blocked the site so I can't post during lunch or when I don't have students. So I'll be posting evenings now. So here goes again.
Picci Thursday March 27th, 2008 8:05:02 AM
After working all that time on the lift, Picci looks to the young duke.
"I think we should accept his help, Zita." she advises. "I have rations we can give him in payment."
Up, Up and Away [DM Jerry] Thursday March 27th, 2008 6:22:08 PM
"Hi. I'm Rocco. My dads works in the East Fields milady. Leas' he did. He's dead now."
Rocco helps round up enough oxen from the pen to run the lift. "That enough of em? Hope so?"
"Hop on folks and I"ll get them to cranking the ropes."
As soon as everyone is aboard he starts the lift.
It rises at its usual sure pace.
The wind blows harder further up. Even with the rope cranked tight, the lift is blown to one side and then back again as the gust passes.
Zita (subbed by Carl) Thursday March 27th, 2008 7:31:23 PM
Zita looks upon the fellow with a sympathetic eye.
"You say your father died? In the attacks? I'm sorry for your loss, Rocco. This has been a terrible time for us all. I thank you for your strength and loyalty in these terrible times."
She climbs aboard the lift, usherring the others to do the same.
Bendis Thursday March 27th, 2008 7:32:18 PM
The dwarf is not convinced that Rocco is on the level, but does as Zita says, trusting her at least.
Julien Friday March 28th, 2008 12:53:30 AM
Julien's ambivalence toward the scavangers leaves him with no objections to one of them helping and recieving some food in payment. Everything was rubble. Livelihoods were gone and he and his friends were scrabbling around, too. He'd got long past the idea of snapping his fingers and his father and mother would come running. Speaking of whom, he looked up. They were up there somewhere. he wondered if they knew.
He does his best to keep an eye on the surroundings and holds on to the side of the lift. "Hang on," he says as the lift starts to sway around.
Rosario Friday March 28th, 2008 8:39:03 AM
Rosario relaxes some but not much. Circumstances were conspiring against these men too, but still. He hopes that if he were to encounter these choices that his will and honor would hold up. With the Oxen hooked and things ready to go, he hustles the rest of the group to the lift. The tactical side of his mind also has troubles. There were now witnesses to thier course. Witnesses of suspect loyalty, but with Waards help they did not know who just went up the lift. He dobhts it though, Anyone with half a brain would put it together.
"Zita, low profile is the word of the day." He glances at everyone. "We are simply fleeing men at arms from the area right now."
Betheas Friday March 28th, 2008 11:40:16 AM
So, we are going to abandon the lift half-way up... right?
The elf begins scanning the areas above them as they are made visible.
Picci Friday March 28th, 2008 1:58:57 PM
Picci gives Rocco half her rations and gets into the lift.
"I do believe that was the plan, Betheas." she confirms the elf's inquiry. "Well...that still is the plan...isn't it, Zita..? Rosario..?"
Long Way Down [DM Jerry] Friday March 28th, 2008 5:54:53 PM
The lift begins to be buffeted by the winds. In the past, replacing a rope, a rare thing, required a day or two of tope testing, tightening, and fine tuning as the rope stretches, and the slack slowly worked out of the 5000' foot lift.
The raft is light. Usually, it has a couple of tons of weight to help stablize it.
1000' up by estimate. Then 2000'.
Then the lift from above, the twin of the one our heroes ride comes into view. Descending to match this one.
In a perfect world, the two will pass at 2500': half-way up and half-way down. Our heroes' goal is 3000' up. That means that the rafts will pass before our party departs.
500' to where we cross the other lift. 1000' to our jumping off place.
Jumping off place. The term sends shivers down ones spine. It is indeed...
...a long way down.
[Spot checks please before my next post on Monday. :) Enjoy your weekends!]
Bendis d20+2=4 Sunday March 30th, 2008 10:07:50 AM
The dwarf's trepidation at this unusual mode of transport grows significantly as the lift platform sways and swings in the wind. He places himdelf at the center of the lift, sits to increase stability, and screws his eyes tight shut (spot 4!). Please let this be over soon, he thinks, fighting rising panic. He wishes he was back underground, safe beneath the comforting earth.
Zita (subbed by Carl) d20+1=7 Sunday March 30th, 2008 10:14:45 AM
As the lift rises Zita nods. "You're right, Rosario. I wasn't thinking. But it makes you think; it's not just us who have endured loss in these terrible events. How many others have lost loved ones in these attacks? How many have had to die?"
Though the swaying lift is somewhat alarming (she holds on tight to the handrail) she is quite used to this journey. The tremendous height send a thrill of fear through her, but one that is easily quashed. Instead she keeps an eye on the men below, the approaching platform overhead, and the destination of their journey. Squinting in the morning sunlight, she sees nothing out of the ordinary. Up here, with nothing but the wind for company, she feels almost calm.
Picci d20+4=6 Sunday March 30th, 2008 11:47:12 PM
Picci is actually unconcerned with the height of the lift, simply because practically everything in the Wold is so much bigger than she is, being so petite and all. She also notices nothing out of the ordinary unless someone else brings it to her attention. (OOC: bleagh! Spot check is only 6.)
Rosario d20+1=18 Monday March 31st, 2008 8:48:35 AM
"Add them to our list of why we must survive and unravel what has happened. They will no more be forgotten than our precious blood." As Rosario thinks on the friends also lost and back to this attack and slaughter of his family his hand tightens about his fathers sword. His eyes darken with the rest of his visage, Yes there would be a mighty reckoning and payment in blood for the deeds committed against his family and he would see it done to the last. A blast of wind and creak of rope and wood break him away and the young Protector glances upwards towards the descending lift. [Spot 18]
GiGi d20+3=19 Monday March 31st, 2008 9:31:46 AM
Always one to enjoy heights and adventure Gigi joins Zita at the rail but on the otherside so as to help keep the platform balanced, Gigi is absorbed in looking at the countryside and the surrounding area to pay to close attention to the conversations going on around him.
Spot DC 19
Julien d20+3=10 d20+3=9 Monday March 31st, 2008 10:48:51 AM
SPOT 10 BALANCE 9
Julien frowns, trying to keep his balance as the lift swings about. Stupid lift. "Hang on, Bendis, not far now," he assures his friend.
Picci Tuesday April 1st, 2008 1:29:59 AM
Picci is still enjoying the scenery...such as it is.
Bendis Tuesday April 1st, 2008 7:17:57 AM
Bendis isn't, though Julien's words are some comfort.
"Ooh" he moans, his stomach lurching. "What a time to find out I'm scared of heights!"
((OOC Temp DM Jan)) Tuesday April 1st, 2008 2:05:57 PM
((Just waiting for the module, folks, where I'm sure it will say something about dropping us all from a great height - then I'll be able to drop us all from a great height. Jerry has an eye injury.))
daniel k Tuesday April 1st, 2008 4:15:13 PM
Tell Jerry to stop poking himself in the eye
The elf faces inward on the lift; facing the cliff wall. He looks for any kind of natural structure in the cliff wall that might indicate a hollow, cave or grotto.
Dm Jan Wednesday April 2nd, 2008 1:36:13 AM
The lift continues to rise, and all of a sudden it seems the descending lift is hurtling down toward the group. With all the swinging around - will they collide?
It's a hair raising moment as the other structure slips past quietly, and thankfully without a collision. There is no one aboard. Apparently those up top want to make sure every thing is in working order before risking it.
Betheas, Rosario and Gigi spot a change in colour on the cliff wall above them - it's a shadow. There's a ledge coming up around the 3000' mark, and it's coming up really fast.
Time to leap, step, jump off. Into more danger?
JUMP CHECKS folks. Roll your best.
Picci d20+1=3 d20+1=20 Wednesday April 2nd, 2008 5:04:35 AM (OOC: Picci rolled a 3 for her Jump check; I spent her only Hero Point to reroll and got a 20 result this time.)
"Last one off is a grouchy goblin!" calls Picci with a silly grin and she leaps off the lift at the prescribed point.
For one breathless, gods-awful moment (as she tumbles through the air,) the petite acolyte believes that she may have misjudged her trajectory...
Gigi d20+1=4 d20+1=17 d20+4=19 Wednesday April 2nd, 2008 9:12:22 AM
"Get ready guys and gals our jumping off point is coing up quickly," pointing it out to the others as he readies himself for what might be a life ending leap.
Backing up he readies himslef and them leaps, only to feal the lift shift underneath him and buck a bit sending his jump off and taking away much of his momentum Feeling himself falling and about to miss the edge Jump DC 4 He uses what momentum he has along with a quick jack knifing of his body to turn his fall into a flip that just brings him to the cleft with a graceless flop. Hero point reroll - Jump DC 17Tumble DC 19
Lying there panting, heart racing like a racehorse and bruised, the young priest rolls himself over to his knees and begins praying in thanks.
Rosario d20+5=9 Wednesday April 2nd, 2008 1:57:07 PM
With the rest, Rosario leaps for the ledge. [Jump 9 making it 4']
Zita (subbed by Carl) d20-1=18 Wednesday April 2nd, 2008 3:14:25 PM
The jump off point is coming up alarmingly fast. And in her armour Zita feels les than confident about the leap. Still, this is their only chance to get off. They have to do this.
"Come on everyone, let's go! Bendis! That means you too! Move!"
She drags the dwarf to his feet and propels him towards the edge of the raft, then runs and jumps. Fear gives her strength, and she lands easily on the other side. Then she turns and reaches out her hands.
"Come on Bendis! You can do this! Jump!"
(Move action to jump, standard action to Aid Another: +2 to Bendis' jump check, or if Bendis makes it OK to anyone else who looks like the might not make the leap.)
Bendis d20-5=-2 d20-5=12 Wednesday April 2nd, 2008 3:36:22 PM
The portly dwarf looks at his companions in total horror. "Yuh-you're not serious?! Jump? Off this platform? Wuh-we're thousands of fuh-feet up in the air!"
But Zita won't let him off the hook so easily. He staggers to his feet, looking ashen-faced with fear. As he approaches the edge of the creaking, swaying lift that fear begins to border on panic. He's no athlete; the closest he got to athletics was holding the other dwarfs' helmets and sidearms while they went off to play Orcball. He can't do this!
"Nuh-no, I can't! Puh-please, don't leave me!"
Zita's words cut through his mounting terror. He meets her eyes, sees her outstretched hands. The lift continues to rise; in another moment it will be too late. With a primal bellow Bendis races towards the edge of the lift, his short legs pumping furiously. He launches himself off the side, flailing through the air, and slamming into the rocky edge of the ledge, his torso and legs dangling over the side. For a moment he thinks he's made it. Then he feels himself slipping inexorably back. He's going to fall! (OOC: Jump -2! By rights he should have gone backwards!)
Scabbling furiously for a handhold he desperately tries to cling on, and at the last possible moment he succeeds; his hand closes on a twisted root, and with Zita's help he hauls himself up onto the ledge, lying panting on the ground.
"Nuh-nuh-nuh-nuh-never again!" he half-sobs.
(OOC: Hero Point used to reroll jump check 12, but it seemed like more fun to play it out this way :-))
Julien d20+2=3 d20+2=20 Thursday April 3rd, 2008 1:27:54 AM
((And alas there was much FAIL! Also had to use hero point.))
One of the last ones off the lift, Julien is fairly confident he can make it. Even for a mage he's fairly athletic, and so he springs off, and then the sleeve of his robe gets caught, and for one horrible moment he is grappling for his life. Somehow, he manages to swing, let go and land on the ledge, arms pinwheeling all the way.
"What?" he says, mortified at his less than accomplished landing.
DM Jan Thursday April 3rd, 2008 1:43:32 AM
With the exception of Zita, who sails onto dry land with no problem at all, everyone else has a rather hair-raising experience.
Closest to the edge, Rosario and Bendis see a scattering of tiny pebbles fall down the cliff after all the scrambling. Above them, their lift is still on the rise, and below, the other elevator working its way down toward the devastation.
The group are now on a ledge on the cliff face, and a trail - about 10 ft across - leads off at a slight incline, curving away and out of sight.
Picci Thursday April 3rd, 2008 4:02:53 AM
"...chamomile tea, anyone...?" the shaky voice of Picci offers weakly, although it's obvious from the way she's trembling at the closeness of everyone's various brushes with disaster that she isn't actually going to have hands steady enough to brew that tea for some time yet.
Rosario d20+1=15 Thursday April 3rd, 2008 1:51:46 PM
Rosario steadies himself and grabs Bendis as well to help steady the dwarf. "Let's try not to do that ever again." he says rather flatly. Looking downthe ledge, "Betheas let's get our little group moving." Rosario moves up to take a double breast point with the elf. Rosario draws his weapon and keeps his eyes ahead. [Spot 15]
Bendis Thursday April 3rd, 2008 5:06:15 PM
"Duh-duh-do you have anything stronger?" the dwarf replies to Picci, struggling to regain his breath and composure. That is as close as he has ever come to shrieking, plummeting death, and it has cemented one incontrovertible truth in his mind: heights are bad.
He finds his feet at last, and falls in behind the others, scarcely able to believe what has just happened. When his father sent him out to go adventuring, surely this can't have been what he had in mind? For a start there are precious few orcs to smite, and Bendis is pretty sure even Boomis Billingstone would have balked at a jump like that, three thousand feet up. Dwarves, he reflects, really aren't made for heights. Depths, now that's a different story. Thirty million tons of solid rock above your head seems to have a funny effect on some folk, but not dwarves. To a dwarf that kind of mass is a reassuring reminder that you're at home, where you ought to be. Nothing like a mountain on top of you to allay fears of falling. But out here, exposed on the windy ledge halfway up this immense plateau... a cold shiver runs down the dwarf's spine, and he hugs the wall, as far away from that vertiginous drop as possible.
Zita (subbed by Carl) d20+5=25 Thursday April 3rd, 2008 5:22:36 PM
The red-haired girl thanks her lucky stars that they all made it off the lift safely. That was incredibly lucky. They were within a hair's breadth of tragedy...
She forces herself not to dwell on what could have been. They're alive, and that's all that matters. Time to move on.
"Come on, we need to find out what that vision meant. Oh, wait a moment Rosario..."
Something from the ring's diorama plucks at the twilight ranger's memory. She focuses, calling up the ring's imagery once more, concentrating on the images the ring generates for all to see.
The "feet" of a young person is seen, stepping off a "lift" onto a trail. It is almost as if this is both truth and metaphor. The feeling is that this first step is not just a step, but a decision and life-changing event. The foot steps carefully leaving a print.
Using the vision as a reference point she searches for evidence of the footprints. Clearly the ground was soft enough then to leave prints. Perhaps they are still here, and perhaps they can be followed. Perhaps she can even tell how long ago the prints were made (Track: Survival 25!).
Julien Friday April 4th, 2008 11:24:36 AM
Julien elbows Gigi. "C'mon, it wasn't that bad," he says with a grin, his voice high pitched and jittery.
He'll help bring up the rear as they continue.
"Keep breathing, Bendis," he says, while taking his own advice.
DM Jan Friday April 4th, 2008 11:33:09 AM
The group begin their journey along the trail. As it rounds the slight bend they discover they can see quite a ways along the cliff face now.
It might feel a little disorienting to some - an uncompromising, abrupt rock face on one side, and absolutely nothing on the other - a wide open space giving the group a spectacular view.
Up ahead, about 30', there appears to be a slight fissure in the rock, big enough to enter, or hide something.
And the strange thing about the tracks, is that there are absolutely none ahead of the group on the trail. All the footprints made are their own...
Rosario d20+1=18 Saturday April 5th, 2008 10:25:46 AM
Rosario continues to lead the group with Betheas. "Sharp eyes everyone, looks like a entrance ahead." Sword in hand, Rosario moves up to peer inside. Spot 18
Zita (subbed by Carl) d20+1=17 d20+1=14 Sunday April 6th, 2008 6:06:48 PM
Zita nods to her brother and they start to move forward.
"Odd" she mutters. "No footprints at all. Perhaps the feet we saw in the vision were supposed to represent us? And is we're making tracks now, but seeing none ahead of us, wouldn't that suggest no-one else has come this way?"
Still, she remains alert. There has been too much danger of late to to even consider letting down her guard.
Spot 17, Listen 14.
Bendis Sunday April 6th, 2008 6:15:33 PM
The dwarf manages a half-hearted grin at his companion, but Julian's words do little to allay his fears. The quicker they get off this terrible ledge the better. He wonders idly what lies ahead. Answers, he hopes. They are being buffeted like leaves in the wind by these terrible events of late. They need to understand what has been happening to them if they are to have any hope of anchoring themselves, and perhaps even fighting back.
GiGi Monday April 7th, 2008 5:50:44 PM
Looking up from the ground as Julien says his piece, Gigi Picks himself up and glares at the mage for a moment. Without saying a word the young man checks the looseness of his sword in its sheathe and heads up the path.
Julien Monday April 7th, 2008 6:41:59 PM
Julien rolls his eyes at GiGi. "Aww c'mon, I was kidd - "
He shuts up, seeing the others slightly ahead, arriving at an entrance of some kind.
Picci Monday April 7th, 2008 9:19:40 PM
Julien feels a hand on his shoulder--it is Picci, who squeezes it comfortingly as she, too, pulls herself together after having so close a call with a far-too-long fall.
"I think we all could have benefited from some chamomile tea." she points out softly. "But since we can't do that at the moment, then you'd best give it some time...I'm sure he'll come to see that you were just trying to lighten the mood with some levity." The petite acolyte gives the back of Julien's shoulder a final rub of comfort and support before trotting along with the others.
What is the Secret [DM Jerry] Monday April 7th, 2008 9:40:18 PM
As the path nears the crevice, an apparation appears. It looks small, male, grey, with large open eyes without lids.
It stands barring the way. Standing there, it seems to observe you as if it was evaluating, scanning features, checking for worthiness.
It seems to come to a decision. With the voice of a child it says,
"What is the secret?"
It waits patiently, eternally, without emotion.
----------
Thanks for your continual patience folks. Eyes are better. Had a cut on the inner lid and pink eye.
Yeah, I knew you'd say that. But could I actually make that up?
I now know what a prize fighter feels like when he gets hit in the eye and it swells shut. :(
They are still sore on the edges where the tear ducts are, but MUCH better.
Betheas Monday April 7th, 2008 9:51:20 PM
[business called - sorry to be away]
Betheas picks up his glaive, having hefted it overboard onto the ledge before jumping.
Nodding toward Rosario's direction, "aye, I will be with you step for step."
"There's a crevice ahead. Allow me a few more steps ahead to guage what may be beyond. Fortunately, no one that was behind us is now ahead of us."
Seeing the strange person ahead, Betheas readies his weapon. He looks back at the others, because he himself had no idea what the creature was talking about. Never in his life had Betheas ever seen such a race. He knew from whispers about an ancient race that had once lived in the cliff walls, but it was nothing more than mythology.
Bendis d20+4=19 d20+4=5 d20+4=24 d20+4=15 d20+4=17 d20+4=15 d20+7=15 Tuesday April 8th, 2008 8:22:15 AM
"Goodness, what a cuh-curious creature!" enthuses the dwarf. He's sure he's never seen anything quite like it before, though he wracks his brains for some memory of anything similar being mentioned in any of his reading (Knowledge (Arcana) 19, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) 5, Knowledge (Local) 24, Knowledge (Nature) 15, Knowledge (Religion) 17, Knowledge (The Planes) 15). And that manifestation; how did it do that? Is it really there, or just some sort of illusionary projection? (Spellcraft 15).
"The secret, you say? Hmm, that's not much to guh-go on, is it? I mean, the suh-secret could be lots of things, depending on who's doing the asking.
It could be "don't look down", or "don't take more than you give", or "bang the rocks together", or "whenever you are wrong admit it, whenever you are right shut up" or "think positively", or "shoot first and ask questions later", or "count your blessings", or "add a pinch of coriander just before you serve", or "ask the right questions of the right people at the right time".
It really depends what secret you mean. The secret of Happiness maybe? I read once that the suh-secret of happiness is freedom, and the secret of freedom is courage. But is that tuh-true? I mean, doing what you like is freedom, but liking what you do is happiness. And as our Mam always used to say "Stop looking, and live your life!" And maybe that's the secret. Then again, Paps always said Mam's secret of happiness was having a separate room for helmets and shoes, so perhaps they're not the best examples.
Um."
The portly dwarf pushes up his spectacles, and blinks, realising that he is rambling somewhat. "Suh-sorry. I, um, I don't know."
Zita (subbed by Carl) Tuesday April 8th, 2008 8:31:27 AM
Zita gazes at the short grey creature with suspicion. What is this thing?
She winces a little at Bendis' meandering response, but buried deep in there somewhere is the germ of a fair point. She clears her throat and addresses the creature, trying not to sound as nervous as she feels.
"There are a million secrets in the Wold. What secret do you mean?"
Rosario Tuesday April 8th, 2008 2:05:39 PM
Rosario levels his sword towards the creature, the tip a quick lunge from burying into its chest. If it didn't like it, well he could easily live with disappointing the thing. Rosario keeps his eyes trained ahead and speaks, "Zita, the earring led us here, I would imagine 'The Secret' has some connection to you and I. Or more precisely the Duke and the Ducal Protector. Any thoughts along those lines?"
Julien d20+10=17 d20+8=26 Tuesday April 8th, 2008 4:49:20 PM
"I think a shot of my dad's green gnomish would have been better," Julien says to Picci as they get near the crevice.
The creature has him racking his brains, trying to remember if he's seen pictures of it, or read about it.
Knowledge Arcana 17 Knowledge History 26
As for the secret, he's a stumped as everyone else.
GiGi Tuesday April 8th, 2008 4:56:48 PM
Still silent and grumpy as he moves onward he steps forward as the creature asks his question. Looking like he is not at all pleased with having yet another riddle set in their way, he grumbles at the beast.
"Well it wouldn't be much of a secret if I told you now, would it?
Picci d20=19 d20+4=15 Tuesday April 8th, 2008 6:54:00 PM (OOC: Hooray & welcome back, Jerry! And congratulations on presenting an insanely obscure riddle. Grrrr)
Picci ponders the words of the greyling creature.
"It may be wise if you and Rosario try to utilize the counsel of your special items, Zita." the young cleric advises, referring to the ring and the earring. "Bendis is right, though--without any specific reference any answer can be the correct one to that particular question. As a cook and herbalist, I'd tend towards the 'pinch of coriander' one..." The jet-tressed girl concentrates on the question set to the group, hoping that she is either smart enough or wise enough to decipher what the greyling wants from them. (OOC: made voluntary Intelligence and Wisdom checks, with 19 and 15 as the respective results...seems that Picci is smarter than she is wise this time around. ;D)
Then, as a sort of inspiration, Picci suddenly adds:
"Wait...didn't you say that Nonna told you something, Zita...a secret about the way our vineyard produced the Holy Blue Wine for the Taur Isles customers...?"
I'm Sorry But...Opponent's Initiative Round 1 [DM Jerry] d20+5=24 1d8+3=5 Tuesday April 8th, 2008 9:07:09 PM
The strange little man looks at Bendis and says, "That is incorrect. I am profusely sorry. But you cannot pass intruder, nor can you leave this place alive. Most sorry."
It then sets itself in a strange battlestance and moves forward to attacks Bendis, though it has no weapons striking with its palms!
The strike hits AC24 for 5hpd. When it hits Bendis can feel a vibration go through him, trying to still his movement. (Fort Save DC12 or paralyzed for 1d3 rounds.)
-------------
AC 14 Touch 12
There is enough room there near the entrance to the crevice to arrange yourselves so we won't worry about placement too much. You are all within reach if you want to close to attack.
Email me for any other information you need. Remember I do not have Woldian access at work but have access to email.
Player Initiative Round 1 Begins now.
Bendis (HP 2/7, AC 12, paralysed 1 round) d20+3=6 d3=1 Wednesday April 9th, 2008 4:36:31 AM
"Ouch!" cries the portly dwarf, doubling over as the creature's palm slams into his midriff. He straightens, reaching up to straighten his glasses. "What did you do that f..."
The words die on his lips as he feels the strange vibration permeate his every nerve ending, locking him in place. His hand stops halfway to his glasses. He gazes unblinking at the creature, completely incapable of movement.
Fascinating, thinks the dwarf to himself. He feels nothing, not even the pain from the blow.Total bodily paralysis from a single physical blow. No obvious magical component, it must be a purely martial technique. Amazing.
Zita (subbed by Carl) HP 11, AC 18 d20+5=15 d6+1=4 Wednesday April 9th, 2008 4:55:48 AM
"Bendis!" cries Zita, seeing her companion freeze in place under the creature's blow. "What have you done to him?"
She whips her rapier up and lunges forwards, determined that the creature's aggression will not go unpunished.
(OOC: Hit AC 15 for 4hp)
"If you attack one of us you attack us all, creature" she growls. "And I've had just about enough of being attacked. You're going to be a great deal more "profusely sorry" in a minute."
Betheas / AC 19 d20=14 d10+3=12 d20=14 d10+3=6 Wednesday April 9th, 2008 11:49:59 AM
[Well, if we are all in reach... then...]
As the creature lunges forward to attack Bendis, Betheas takes an attack of opportunity (10ft glaive has reach advantage. I'll assume also that the creature has some unarmed feat which allows it to use unarmed combat without creatures within five feet getting an attack of opportunity).
AOO: hits AC 18 for 12 points.
The elf spins his glaive around for an additional attack.
Attack 1: hits AC 18 for 6 points of damage.
The elfs spins in an artful martial display, just the slightest hint of a snear.
"If we told you, then it would no longer be a secret."
[applying dodge bonus towards the attacking creature. AC 19]
Gigi d8+1=8 Wednesday April 9th, 2008 5:37:36 PM
Seeing Bendis hit and motionless Gigi quickly casts a cure light wounds and touches Bendis as he drags him out of the way. Cure light wounds (healed 8)
Julien d4+1=4 Wednesday April 9th, 2008 5:59:51 PM
"What the - ?" A mutter and a flick of the rest, and Julien sends a Magic Missile toward the grey creature that Zita and Betheas are trying to skewer.
4 Dam
"Is he going to be all right, Gigi?" he then asks, glancing down at the immobilized dwarf.
Party Results: Round 1 [DM Jerry] d20+5=19 d8+3=11 Wednesday April 9th, 2008 9:51:10 PM
Bendis hit by the creature, stops moving. Gigi, doing what Gigi does best, reaches up to heal, earning himself an Attack of Opportunity.
The attack hits AC19 for 11hpd.(Fort Save DC12 or paralyzed for 1d3 rounds.)
(Bendis was closed with the creature, so healing him is an AAO. If the attack hits, the spell is lost.)
Meanwhile, the rest of the party lets loose with attacks to neutralize this strange creature.
Zita hits. Betheas wallops the little creature...twice. Julian brings a spell online.
The creature staggers, but stands. The attacks seem to weaken it considerably, but wounds do not show.
[Working next on Opponent's Initiative so hold on.]
Opponent's Initiative Round 2 [DM Jerry] d20+5=12 d20+5=6 Wednesday April 9th, 2008 9:54:26 PM
The little guy frowns at the power of this party, and turns to its strength: Betheas.
It sets itself again and strikes out twice this round!
It hits AC12, which I assume misses.
Then it gets rolls a 1 missing again.
[I'm done folks! You may post. :) Again, if you have any concerns, email me please. No access to the boards at work.]
Gigi: Ac 17, HP 2/13 d20+4=16 d20+4=9 d20+4=16 2d6(1+6)+1=8 d20+4=10 Wednesday April 9th, 2008 11:16:13 PM
Hit on the way in Gigi is shocked by the attack loses his spell concentration DC 9 but somehow manages to avoid being paralyzed. Seeing the creature turn his back on and attack Betheas leaves him open for an attack of opportunity which Gigi takes as he steps forward 5 ft and draws his sword, slashing almost immediately AC 16 for 8 points, following that up with a regular attack AC 10 Assuming that misses.
Bendis (HP 2/7, AC 12) Thursday April 10th, 2008 6:16:15 AM
Bendis feels the feeling returning to his body, and with it the pain in his stomach from the creature's blow.
"Ouch! That really hurt! And how did you freeze me in place like that? Well two can play at that game!"
He moves back (OOC: 5' step out of the creature's range), and with a curious twist of his fingers he casts a simple cantrip. He casts Daze, intending to return the creature's favour. (Will DC 14 or no actions this round).
Zita (subbed by Carl) HP 11, AC 18 d20+5=10 Thursday April 10th, 2008 6:22:28 AM
"Good to have you back with us my friend" smiles Zita grimly as she circles the grey creature, looking for an opening (5' step). She tries to takes up a flanking position with one of her companions, and then lashes out. The creature is too quick for her, however, and her rapier thrust goes wide.
(Hit AC 10, 12 if flanking. Zita grants a +2 flanking bonus to anyone opposite).
Rosario AC 18 HP 13/13 http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=dgv44k6x_1g9zksc&hl=en d20+6=24 d10+6=14 Thursday April 10th, 2008 9:20:04 AM
Taken aback by the attack, Rosario shakes the cobwebs from his mind. Rosario starts to work to his left to come around the creature's right flank. As he moves, the bastard sword thrusts straight and pushes its way into the odd opponent before them. 5' free step to the left. [Hit AC 24 Dmg 14]
Picci AC17; 10/10hp Thursday April 10th, 2008 7:29:04 PM
Picci's obsidian eyes widen as she suddenly guesses what the group faces. (OOC: as per her successful Intelligence check two rounds ago.)
"Bendis, it isn't alive!" she says firmly. "It's a construct--you either answer the question correctly or destroy it before it can kill you." The acolyte concentrates and casts Guidance, this time the recipient is Betheas, the gray construct's newest primary target.
Betheas d20=11 d10+3=10 Thursday April 10th, 2008 10:52:48 PM
Betheas knocks away the creature's attack with the back end of his glaive, before twirling the glaive back around for another attack.
[Hit AC 15 for 10 points of damage]
Julien Friday April 11th, 2008 11:55:59 AM
Julien glances toward Picci as she tells them the creature isn't a creature at all. He frowns and concentrates, wanting to cast BURNING HANDS, but has to hold off in case he sets fire to his friends.
Picci Friday April 11th, 2008 11:05:34 PM
(OOC: waiting on DM's post)
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