Good Evening - DM Donna Thursday May 1st, 2008 3:37:16 AM
Slowly, surely, the party advances along the left-hand corridor. There is no noise. There are no tracks. The corridor wends its way northwest for another thirty feet and ends in a pair of closed wooden doors that looks a bit like this...
The doors are closed.
Arm d20+7=13 Thursday May 1st, 2008 5:56:06 AM
Nodding to himself, Arm whispers to Shadow, "If you could ply your talents for traps again, my friend?". As his friend does what he does best, Arm tries to lend a hand by scanning the doors for any arcane markings or more riddles (spot=13).
OOC: Are the hinges on the outside of the doors?
Kadaz - Jeff H Thursday May 1st, 2008 6:52:29 AM
OOC: I am leaving Thursday next week for a 2 week vacation in Alaska. Some of the places we're staying say they have internet, some don't. But I wouldn't want to post irregularly when the party is in battle. Could someone take over Kadaz starting next Thursday (5/8) for 2 weeks?
Kadaz d20+1=7 Thursday May 1st, 2008 6:53:32 AM
While those in front examine the closed door Kadaz keeps watching back towards the fork in the tunnel, anticipating trouble from that direction. His attention is somewhat divided, however. (spot 7)
Shadow d20+5=6 d20+9=24 d20+10=30 Thursday May 1st, 2008 7:06:06 AM
Shadow will approach the doors cautiously and then check them out, listening and searching for anything that should not be there. He however chooses the wrong time to concentrate on his listening and only hears the group around him. (natural 1 roll, lol)
Thar d20+13=23 d20+13=30 d20+8=14 Thursday May 1st, 2008 12:03:28 PM
COming up to help at the door, Thar takes his turn listening, spotting and searching. ONce done, he'll whisper whatever he found to Shadow, who is much more skilled in de-arming traps,etc.
Listen = 23 Spot= 30 Search = 14
Edmund Thursday May 1st, 2008 4:37:31 PM
Edmund squints at the door warily.
"Trapped for sure," he mutters quietly. "And worse behind, I'll warrant."
Julian Thursday May 1st, 2008 6:29:42 PM
Julian whispers harshly, offering his preferred alternative: "Let's really surprise 'em by quickly barging in. I'll go first."
Can't Be TOO Careful - DM Donna Thursday May 1st, 2008 7:01:49 PM DM OOC: Whomever is kind enough to help Kadaz's player out, please send an email to him and CC both myself and DM Nellie. Our current email addresses should be on the Address List that was recently sent to everyone in the Wold.
The doors look to be made of stout wood--not very ornate but certainly solid-looking. The hinges of these doors are not on the side the party is currently on.
Poking around for any nasty ol' traps...none are indicated. Anyone attempting to open the doors must make a STR check DC10--they're a bit on the heavy side.
Kirsten Thursday May 1st, 2008 8:21:18 PM
She peered at the doors with the others, but made no move to try and open them unless the others gave her the okay. She was never really one to rush into things, no doubt having picked this up from her friend, Edmund.
Julian Friday May 2nd, 2008 12:46:15 AM
Whispered to the fighters: "Let's just kick it in and rush in. Who's gonna help me to do it?"
Arm d20+2=15 Friday May 2nd, 2008 6:07:24 AM
Arm sighs and says, "Let us get this over with." As he says so, he pushes his shoulder against the right-hand door, sword in hand. (strength=15).
Shadow Friday May 2nd, 2008 7:05:47 AM
Having found nothing about the door that would indicate there are mechanical traps, Shadow nods his head towards Arm. He will see if Arm is able to open the door by himself, if so Shadow will be ready to defend him if there is anything on the other side of the door that does not want them to enter.
Thar Friday May 2nd, 2008 10:35:06 AM
Thar will step up next to Arm and setting his feet against the floor, pushes with all his might. (i.e. aiding another... I assume it is a +2 since I'm helping him open it?)
Kadaz Saturday May 3rd, 2008 7:40:59 AM
While the front of the party decides what to do, Kadaz keeps watching the back. But he does add his opinion. "Did anyone try to just open the doors?" he asks.
Julian (Mage Armour) AC 22, hp 63 Sunday May 4th, 2008 9:39:10 PM
Julian is ready to rush in, falchion raised in both hands, with the two badgers right behind him.
Spells spent 2x1st level
Arm +13=13 ; +7=7 Monday May 5th, 2008 6:04:35 AM
Once inside, Arm looks are for immediate signs of danger (listen=13, spot=7).
OOC: Um, I don't think the new dice rolling interface is working properly, as only the bonuses are showing up.
DM OOC: trying to see if DM mode still works.
Shadow +9=9 ; d20=10 ; Monday May 5th, 2008 7:12:06 AM
Shadow will keep an eye out for anything inside the doors.
OOC: yes, the new rolls only are showing the bonuses.
DM Donna d8+3=10 ; Monday May 5th, 2008 8:22:36 PM
OOC Test of the Die Roller, which was supposed to have been fixed. Rolled a d8+3 with 10 as the result...posting to see what appears on the board.
The DM Mode still seems to work on the board...those PCs whose rolls were showing only the Bonuses, please roll again.
Kirsten Monday May 5th, 2008 10:55:32 PM
The paladin watches as the other's try to open the door. She waits, wondering what could be on the other side.
Edmund Monday May 5th, 2008 10:56:32 PM
Edmund stays near the center of the group and, for once in his career, remains silent as his companions work at the door. He waits to see what will be on the other side.
Arm +13=13 ; +7=7 ; Tuesday May 6th, 2008 5:56:50 AM
OOC: Nope, still getting only the bonuses :(
Kadaz d20+1=2 ; Tuesday May 6th, 2008 6:07:27 AM
Kadaz remains focused on the rear of the party, looking out for trouble. As he waits he glances at the walls of the tunnel, looking to see if there's anything unusual about them. (spot 2, natural 1)
Shadow d20+9=27 ; d20+10=19 ; Tuesday May 6th, 2008 7:54:37 AM
OOC: mine seems to be working.
JeffH Tuesday May 6th, 2008 4:49:08 PM
(OOC: No one has yet volunteered to play Kadaz while I'm away for 2 weeks. I believe that this party will need his fighting ability soon. Of course, it might take 2 weeks to get this door open!)
What's Behind Door #2 - DM Donna Tuesday May 6th, 2008 10:44:00 PM
With Arm and Thar helping each other out, the right door is pushed creakily open...and the left one opens up as well, so that the party sees this...
The chamber resembles a rough sort of rectangular/oblong shape--it's easily about sixty-five or so feet wide and maybe thirty-five feet deep from where the doors stand open. Like the corridors that have been traveled so far, there is...something lighting the room, but it is impossible for the party to be sure what or where the source is.
In the center of the width of the room, maybe thirty-five feet from where the front ranks of the party stand is a scene that looks to have come from "Villains 'R' Us": an elegantly-attired human male indolently lounging sideways on a tall, carved throne, one leg thrown negligently over the armrest on one side of the chair of command.
The man has a regal bearing to him and he does not stand when you enter, though he does give a smile and his eyes flash with enjoyment.
"Welcome, Mithril Order, to my castle." Seated at his feet are a pair of young ladies, wearing little more than thin wisps of cloth to hide unmentionables. Standing on either side of the open doors (and only JUST visible to Shadow, Thar and Arm) are two men in black full armor, for a total of four figures. They make no move at all at the party's sudden appearance...in fact, they might be just armor...
DM OOC: my apologies to the badgers, whom I know have names and should NOT be merely "A" and "B" on the map...but I'm running late.
Arm +10=10 ; d20+7=16 ; Wednesday May 7th, 2008 6:03:53 AM
Arm addresses the figure in the chair, "We are here per your request. What is it you want from us?".
OOC: Die rolls are working now..the first one was there when I opened the window (?).
Shadow Wednesday May 7th, 2008 7:10:32 AM
Shadow will move out of the way of the other members (to J5), preparing for trouble. He will not make any agressive moves just yet, but he will be ready to prepare his bow if the situation moves beyond talking. "Beware there are more suits of armor just inside the door." He whispers to the rest of the group.
Thar Wednesday May 7th, 2008 9:39:14 AM
Thar will echo Shadow's movements, moving back to L8 and saying to Kadaz "Want to change places big guy?" He'll keep his hands near his swords and give a brief description of what he coudl see to the rest of the party.
Edmund d20+14=16 ; d20=3 ; d20+12=13 ; Wednesday May 7th, 2008 12:40:11 PM
Edmund does his best to draw himself up and appear diplomatic and intelligent, all the time racking his brain to remember anything which might aid him in his statements. However, the setting has unnerved him terribly, and he is less confident than usual.
"Your excellency, we come not in desire for battle, but only to hear and to consider your words. Speak, and we will listen."
Know. Nobility=13 (nat. 1), Diplomacy=16 (nat. 2), Sense Motive=3 (nat. 3)--Shocking bad rolls!
Kadaz d20+1=13 ; Wednesday May 7th, 2008 2:30:23 PM
Kadaz considers Thar's request. "Not just yet, but thanks." He's still convinced that something is going to come at them from the rear. (spot 13)
(OOC: This may be my last post for 2 weeks. Any volunteers to run Kadaz while I'm gone? Here is his sheet: http://docs.google.com/View?docid=dhkk6mwb_12gjrhf8fb Please contact DM Donna if you're willing to help. Thanks. -- Jeff)
ShawnC (OOC) Wednesday May 7th, 2008 3:04:32 PM
I'd be happy to pick up for Kadaz, but I've never played a melee character and I fear it would be a very bad job if I were to do it. I'd hate to hand you back a dead character. If no one else is willing to step into the breach, I'll do my best. :/
Julian Wednesday May 7th, 2008 8:04:13 PM
Julian takes a few steps forward with his falchion held en-guard. He looks at the four armour stands, and at the Count. "Who is this guy?" he asks back over his shoulder.
Move to I6
Kirsten Wednesday May 7th, 2008 8:25:42 PM
The paladin takes a step forward, moving to stand where Julian did, beside Edmund (K6? if no one is there already). She will wait, then, and see what the man has to say.
Questions and Answers - DM Donna Thursday May 8th, 2008 2:16:17 AM
Arm remains at J9 and asks the apparent nobleman what he wants. Shadow steps back and hugs the wall at J5. Thar moves back to L8 and confers with Kadaz. Edmund remains at K7 and hopes that he can either spin a yarn or detect one. Kadaz steps to the side, moving to L7 and heroically Spots nothing behind the party yet. Julian moves up to occupy J6, the space that Shadow vacated. Badger A follows by moving to K5. Badger B scampers into Thar's previous position at J7. Kirsten steps forward into K6.
"Look at the floor!" Podo says in a fierce whisper. "He's surrounded by a personal moat...of Woldsblood!" Indeed, there is a ring of the living scarlet stuff a good six feet wide that completely surrounds the man on the throne. Shaking with anger, Podo pushes his way forward, not stopping until he is at G7.
"Arm is right!" the halfling growls. "YOU invited us here, 'Count' Darkar...what DO you want???"
The brunet man lounging on the throne looks at the party, humor sparkling in the depths of his dark eyes. He takes his sweet time answering the questions put to him, content to watch the contents of the goblet he swirls casually in his hand.
"My, my...so disrespectful!" he replies a bit mockingly. "I should have my head examined for even thinking that your little outfit could become valued allies in the Master's plan for advancement. However, I did give my word that I should make you the offer, and so...offer I shall." He pauses again, sipping delicately from his cup.
"You have two choices before you, members of the Mithril Order." the count says. "You can ally yourselves with the Master and aid us in our quest to secure our position in the Wold."
"OR...?" prompts Podo through clenched teeth.
"Or...you can die."
Edmund believes that the Count may not be bluffing.
Arm Thursday May 8th, 2008 6:02:27 AM
Arm Advances two steps into the room (H8) and tilts his head quizically at their 'host', saying "The Master? We thought YOU were the master..who is this master that you speak of and why do you wish to control the Wold?". Even though he feels his questions are pointless, he figures that he can play the stalling game as well, at least until more of his friends enter the room and position themselves accordingly.
Shadow Thursday May 8th, 2008 7:09:47 AM
Shadow will remain against the wall, keeping an eye on as many of the enemies in the room. He will see if the group can get more information out of the 'count' before this turns ugly. Shadow will make sure his bow is ready and if any of the creatures attacks he will fire at the 'count'.
Thar d20+5=11 ; d20+5=14 ; d20+6=23 ; Thursday May 8th, 2008 11:03:23 AM
Letting others do the diplomacy, Thar tries to remember what effect Woldsblood would have on combat, PC's, magic, etc. He also asks his fellow party members if they know anything about it. (Know (nature)? = 11 ; Spellcraft?=14; Know (Religion) = 23 )
Lastly, he'll try to hide behind one of his fellow PC's (to avoid notice from the count or his attendants) and SUBTLY cast magic circle against evil, 10' radius. (Note that it has a 60 min duration, so might as well cast it now...)
He'll whisper to those around him "Try to stay w/i 10' of me as long as you can, since you're protected by the spell"
Spells in Effect MCvE = 10' radius; =+2 AC, +2 saves; blocks any attempts to mentally control people in the circle; keeps out summoned evil creatures and helps prevent them from attacking (though Spell resistance can allow a creature to overcome this protection and touch the warded creature.)
Julian (Mage Armour) AC 22, hp 63 Thursday May 8th, 2008 8:30:00 PM
Julian rushes to be beside his friend Podo. [G6] He is keeping himself between Podo and the nearest armoured figure, facing it and keeping an eye on the count. The badgers follow loyally to H6. "Errr, Podo. I thought it was my job to start fights..."
OOC: these badgers as small animals, could they share a square whilst out of combat?
Edmund d20+14=15 ; Thursday May 8th, 2008 8:54:01 PM
Edmund surveys the scene, notes the guards, the personal moat of blood, and the fact that they are in a foreign landscape. He comes to a decision quickly.
"Quite a tempting offer, your excellency," Edmund squeaks. "If you would be so kind as to give us a moment to consider it?"
Turning to the others, Edmund whispers, "Let's get out of here!"
Diplomacy=15 (Nat. 1) (...Getting a bit sick of the rubbish rolls.)
ShawnC (OOC) Thursday May 8th, 2008 8:58:59 PM
Hey Guys,
Seeing as no one is going to pick up Kadaz, I'll blunder my way through it. The problem I'm having is that for some reason the link to the Plateau City woldipedia page sends me to the geography page for the city, rather than to the game page. Even by searching, or going through the games index, I cannot figure out how to get to the page with the links to everyone's character sheet.
Can someone figure this out or alert the necessary people? I can't really play Kadaz at all without his character sheet. Thanks!
DM OOC: The linkS at the top and the bottom of this page are SUPPOSED to go to the Woldpedia's entry for the Plateau City Game, but I notice that it goes to the MAP of the city rather than the game info. Here is the link to the game (links to everyone's character sheets are there...except for Julian, which I will have to email specific people about.)
DM Donna Thursday May 8th, 2008 10:17:45 PM
Waiting for everyone to post.
Kirsten Thursday May 8th, 2008 10:56:52 PM
Kirsten will try to stay near the front of the party but will not offer any comment on the words of the Count. Her opinions as a paladin are surely obvious to the other members of the group.
Kadaz (Sub: ShawnC) Thursday May 8th, 2008 11:10:12 PM
Kadaz realises that the real challenge lies before the group, not behind. Grumbling a bit, he does his best to make his way to the front, the axe in his hand presenting a strong, unspoken statement that the Order isn't to be taken lightly by anyone, Count or not.
Giving a bit of a critical look at the man on the throne, Kadaz turns to the others and mutters, "Enough of this blatherin'. If he or any of his little men try anything, I'll show 'em we can open heads as easily as we can open doors."
((Apologies to Jeff for the dismal playing!))
Arm d20+8=24 ; Friday May 9th, 2008 5:56:46 AM
While Arm awaits their host's answer (or not), Arm wracks his mind to see if he can remember anything about wolves' blood and its magical properties (knowledge arcana=24).
Shadow Friday May 9th, 2008 7:00:15 AM
Shadow continues to wait to see if the group is going to get attacked or what.
JeffH Saturday May 10th, 2008 10:59:20 AM
(OOC: I am on vacation in Seward Alaska, on the other side of America from my home in NJ. And I came across a WiFi spot that I can use.
Thank you very much Shawn for taking over Kadaz. You're doing a very good job.I hope you have fun swinging an axe for a while.)
Combat Round 1 - DM Donna Sunday May 11th, 2008 1:22:57 AM
Arm advances into the room and makes his demands of the lounging Count. Whether or not his diversionary tactics work remains to be seen.
Shadow observes from a distance without changing his position. DM OOC: if you want to Spot something, don't forget to roll and post the result.
Thar wracks his brain and remembers reading in some religious text that Woldsblood is the substance that carries the souls of those who recently died through the Shadowlands and into the presence of Gargul, the God of Death and Life. Any living thing that comes into contact with Woldsblood will immediately have their soul removed from their body. He surreptitiously casts his Magic Circle, engulfing himself and Edmund within it.
Julian and his badgers move forward--Julian to G6 and both badgers occupy H6. DM OOC: as you will see on the map, I removed the circles from the letters designating the two badgers because you ARE correct--badgers are Small, and two of them can occupy one five-foot-square.
Edmund uses his brand of diplomacy and urges his Mithril Order colleagues to prove that discretion is the better part of valor...without moving from his present position.
Kirsten follows her paladin-ly instincts and steps in front of Julian so that she is in square F6. DM OOC: please see the map.
Kadaz also strides forward, ready to meet whatever challenge this snooty Count may bring the group, ending up in square G8. DM OOC: please see the map.
If Arm is attempting to recall anything that he may know about Woldsblood, then he recalls the same thing that Thar now knows: Woldsblood is NOT good for any living person to come into contact with. If, however, he's trying to think of the magical properties of wolves' blood, then he can't think of any.
Podo aims a grin and a wink at Julian, not moving from his present position.
The Count on the throne, however, stiffens and looks seriously affronted.
"So...you accept my invitation to my home, and you defile the basic courtesies of guests towards their host by casting such a spell in my presence?" In the blink of eye, the Count is on his feet--and so are both of the dancing girls that are with him. "In that case, be my guests...and have a drink!"
As he says the word "drink", the nobleman violently throws an arm out--the one with the hand that was holding his goblet. In horrific slow motion, the party sees an arc of ultra-red liquid hurtling through the air...and completely splatter Podo.
Podo's eyes widen in shock before the light of vitality fades out of them, leaving his lifeless corpse to tumble to the floor.
"Kill them, my pets!" thunders the Count. "Kill them all!!!"
Edmund (HP: 38/38, AC: 16/18v.Evil) Mage Armour, Prot.v.Evil Sunday May 11th, 2008 1:16:06 PM
Upon this series of circumstances, Edmund is so shocked that he can hardly bestir himself to act. He stares dumbly at the scene, mouth hanging open as he tries to process everything that is happening at once. With great effort, he manages to free himself from his stunned state, and with a few words he is protected by Mage Armour. He then addresses the others, aware now that the red stuff seems to be instant-death.
"Back! Into the hall! Draw them back, away from that stuff! Draw them back!"
To make room for the others to back up into the hall, Edmund moves backwards ten feet so that he is now behind Thar.
DM Sanity Info. Move Action: 10ft South to M-7 Standard Action: Cast Mage Armour (self)
Spells in Effect Mage Armour (self) - 7h remaining Magic Circle Against Evil - from Thar
Spells Per Day L.0: Daze, Detect Magic, Light, Message, Read Magic L.1: Charm Person, Mage Armour, Magic Missile, Magic Missile, Shield, Sleep, Summon Monster I L.2: Daze Monster, Fox's Cunning, Scorching Ray, Scorching Ray, Summon Monster II, Web L.3: Fly, Haste, Lightning Bolt, Lightning Bolt, Summon Monster III L.4: Lesser Geas, Shout, Summon Monster IV
Thar Sunday May 11th, 2008 2:17:11 PM
Thar will also move backwards and end up next to Edmund (M8), drawing his weapons and considering what spell to cast next. He thinks he'll be able to cast Mon Sum 3 and hopefully kill D2 and injure the count.
(OOC = I have a question about dynamics here.
A.If a creature, such as a large celestial bison was to be dropped into the stream/pool of woldsblood near area B8, would its weight and mass be enough to splash sufficient woldsblood onto the count and the dancer (enemy #D2)? B. Thar's plan is to summon the bison (since they weigh a few tons) slightly above the pool, have him immediately (due to gravity) fall into the pool and cause a big splash of blood to fall on the count and Dancer D2? The bison's aren't real intelligent creatures and likely wouldn't understand what that red liquid was and if I summoned it slightly (10'? or so) above the pool, we may get to take out the dancer and at least hurt the count? Of course, Thar doesn't want any to splash onto his companions, so he'll take that into account. If this will work, he'll cast Mon Sum 3 and make it happen. C. If Thar's knowledge of Woldsblood reminds him that the blood is too thick to splash or not enough will splash to hurt the count and dancer, then he'll cancel this idea and do the below action D.:
(Alternative if A-C don't work) Thar will cast bless, and thus boosting everyone's attacks by 1 and St's vs fear by 1.
DM Sanity Info Hp 70, AC 23/24 Spells In Effect = Magic Circle vs. Evil (1 hour duration), Mon Sum 3 (maybe?)
Level 0 Spells = Det Mag 2x, Det Poison, Guidance, Read Magic Level 1 Spells = Bane, Bless, Comp Lang, Divine Favor, Shield of Faith, Mag Weapon Level 2 Spells = Aid, Hold Person, Resist Energy, Restoration (Lessor), Spiritual Weapon Level 3 Spells = Dispel Magic, Sum Mon 3 (cast?)
ShawnC (OOC) Sunday May 11th, 2008 3:49:34 PM
Jeff, are you able to post for Kadaz from your WiFi spot? If so, let me know (or post!) and I'll stop posting for Kadaz. Otherwise, I'll post Monday(?) evening before the next DM post goes up.
Ken, I just have to say that plan is sheer genius. I'm ashamed I didn't think of it!
Julian (Mage Armour) AC 22, hp 63 d20+8=25 ; d10+11=16 ; Sunday May 11th, 2008 10:11:04 PM
"Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!"
"Kirsten, fall back to the door. We can fight them better with some extra defences.
"Keep an eye back up the tunnel and send some buffs through."
Julian takes a five foot step to H6, shoving his badgers back out of harm's way, "Skat you two (badgers). Stay out of this one. Right out of the way."
He swings at G4 as he steps. Power Attack 3 Hit AC 25 Damage (1d10+5 +6 PA) 16
Arm d20=10 ; Monday May 12th, 2008 6:07:26 AM
Arm pales at the thought of what the wolfsblood can do. After seeing Podo drop instantly from the red liquid in the chalice, he can only assume that there was some of that vile liquid in it. Confused by the party's sudden retreat, he backs up, only to bump into Kadaz (Dex=10). He tries to remain upright, but only manages to fall backwards and land on his posterior.
Shadow d20+13=25 ; d6+3=5 ; Monday May 12th, 2008 7:24:24 AM
Shadow steps out from behind the door (J6) and fires an arrow at count. He will nock another ones as the group makes its move back into the hallway.
Actions: To hit: 25 dmg: 5
Kirsten (HP 81/81, AC 22) Monday May 12th, 2008 10:44:11 AM
Kirsten, seeing Podo fall and hearing her companions' call for retreat, will back away from the count and towards the door (to I8?). She will then cast Bless.
DM Info Move: to I8 Action: Cast Bless (PHB 205): Allyies gain +1 bonus on attack rolls and saving throws against fear effects
Kadaz (HP: 103/103, AC: 27) [Sub: ShawnC] d20+16=35 ; d20+11=29 ; d10=4 ; d6+7=11 ; d10=8 ; d6+7=9 ; Monday May 12th, 2008 2:12:35 PM ((OOC: Arm cannot have backed up into Kadaz, because Kadaz is in front of Arm (see map). Moveover, you can move through a square occupied by friendly characters without penalty (PH 147).
Jeff: Unless I am misreading your CS, Kadaz's To-Hit with his Axe should be +16/+11 as opposed to +15/+10. Is there something I'm overlooking? You can add Focus and Spec. together.))
Kadaz doesn't lose his head even when Podo falls. Instead, he makes good use of his Axe, bringing it down against the nearest black-metal guard (G5). (Two Hits vs AC 35/29 for 15/17 damage [32 total].)
Kadaz then takes a five-foot-step southwest to H-7.
"You'll pay for that, you will," he growls ominously at the count.
Kadaz (Correction) [Sub: ShawnC] Monday May 12th, 2008 11:34:08 PM
OOC: I misread Kadaz's character sheet. Wpn.Spec. gives bonus to damage rolls, not attack, &c. Anyway, the attack summary should be hits AC 34/28 for 15/17 damage. Also, I should specify Black Metal Guard G5 for the +1 Dodge bonus, too. Sorry! My knowledge of Melee is... limited. ;)
Arm d100=62 ; Tuesday May 13th, 2008 6:05:56 AM
OOC: Sorry, my bad..must not have been awake yet.. :s
IC: (last round) Arm takes one step backwards and pulls out his rod of wonder.
(this round) He points the rod at the count and hopes for the best, but apparently that will not be the case this time (62-Grass grows in 160-sq.-ft. area before the rod, or grass existing there grows to ten times normal size).
Shadow Tuesday May 13th, 2008 7:11:51 AM
After firing an arrow at the count, Shadow will move back t allow more room for the rest of his companions to move into the hallway away from that nasty stuff on the ground that took Podo's life. He will ready another arrow as he does this.
Nellie 1d20+7=24 ; Tuesday May 13th, 2008 10:30:17 AM
Guys, Donna's internet's on the blink. I'll be taking over for a while. I'll try and post later this afternoon. Thanks for being patient!
Fight...Fight...Fight (ACDM Nellie) (G4's attacks) d20+10=14 ; d20+6=19 ; (G3's attack) d20+10=30 ; d20+10=16 ; d10+6=10 ; (G5's attack) d20+10=28 ; d20+6=7 ; d10+6=7 ; d20+2=16 ; (G6's attack) d20+10=22 ; d10+6=13 ; Wednesday May 14th, 2008 1:09:37 AM
Though shocked over the loss of Podo, the Mithril Order snaps quickly into action. While most call for a retreat, several party members decide to leave the enemy with parting blows as it were. Julian cuts into the nearest guard and is satisfactorily rewarded with a grunt of pain. Kadaz also hacks into the armored guard and smiles as his axe returns bloodied.
Shadow pulls back and takes aim at the Count. Though it's difficult to pull off the shot with the two dancers blocking the way, Shadow watches the arrow sink into the Count's side.
Thar and Arm both try to think outside the box. Thar comes up with a brilliant idea, but then reconsiders. That's a whoooole lot of Woldsblood, and a bison is a big critter. He's sure he'll catch the baddies in the splash, but there's a fairly good chance his group will get caught up in the mess. He settles for casting Bless. Arm pulls out his rod and feels the magic flow out, but oddly nothing sprouts. It's as if the vegetation is unable to grow in this unnatural realm.
Spells are cast and the retreat is begun.
The enemy, however, seem to have different plans. The guards clank into action, pursuing the retreating order. Julian's sparring partner (G4) brings his sword down in two vicious swipes which miss him altogether. Then the other guard (G3) moves in and takes a slice at Julian. With a swipe that would surely kill a lesser man, the guard still manages to draw some blood (AC30/16 for 10).
On the other end of the battlefield, the guard facing Kadaz whales away with his bastard sword and manages to get a blow in on the swarthy dwarf (AC28 for 7). The other blow smashes noisily into the marbled floor.
Meanwhile, the other guard (G6) nimbly crosses over the rivulet of glowing red at his feet and moves to engage Julian, straddling Podo's dead body. Though slightly off time, there is an undeniable look of satisfaction in the red eyes behind the guard's helm as he cuts into the Protector of Domi. (AC 22 for 13).
Hissing in anger, the two scantily dressed women close ranks in front of the Count, making sure than any further arrows will have to go through their own bodies. With his cronies blocking the way, it's hard to know exactly what the Count is up to, but there is the telltale sound of spellcasting.
And then...if thing's weren't bad enough, Edmund and Thar here the unmistakable THUD, THUD, THUD of armored footfall behind them. Sure enough, it's the two guards that were watching the entryway door...and they're looking none too friendly right now. (The closest guard is approximately 10 feet away from Thar)
OOC: Trying to work on getting the map up on google docs, but it's slooow going right now.
Update...it's 1:30 am and I still can't get the map on Google Docs. Going to bed now. Hope I have better luck in the morning. Sorry guys!---Nellie
Arm d100=28 ; Wednesday May 14th, 2008 6:02:03 AM
Arm again points his rod, this time at one of the guards nearest Julian. A noxious green cloud erupts from the end of it this time (Stinking cloud at 30-ft. range (Fortitude DC 15 negates)).
Shadow d20+13=21 ; d6+3=7 ; Wednesday May 14th, 2008 7:00:35 AM
Shadow will take aim at one of the dancers, since they have stpped in front of the count. He is hoping that maybe the order can handle this situation since he saw what happened to Podo. He shakes his head and tries to get out of his cloudy contemplation.
Actions: To hit=21 dmg=7
Thar, AC 23/24, hp 70/70 Magic Circle vs. Evil 10', Bless, Sum Monster 3 (this round) d20+13=27 ; d20+8=17 ; Wednesday May 14th, 2008 12:16:05 PM
(OOC = Everyone remember that you are blessed AND Protection from Evil is also in effect w/i 10' of me! So take those modifiers into account on your attacks, saves, etc.!
Deciding that the bison may be a good idea, but possibly to interfere with the two dancers and the Count, Thar casts "Sum Mon 3" and calls for it to land behind or next to the count (can't see the map, so DM can pick where). His intent is for the BIson to grapple or bull rush the count and interfere wih the count's ability to cast spells. Per the spell's description, the creature appears immediately and acts immediately also.
Option 1: If the Count is NEXT To the woldsblood (w/i 5'), the BIson will appear 10' from him, charge and try to bull rush him into the blood. Bull Rush = -4 for non prof + 2 charge + 6 Str mod + 4 size = 17
Option 2: If Option 1 isn't possible, the Bison will try grappling = (DM Nellie, I haven't tried grappling with Wold's rules very often so please bear with me here ;-) ) = Attempt modifer = +3 BAB + 6 (Strength modifier) + 4 (Size modifier) = + 13 = 27.
I'm not sure if the grapple causes damage if he's successful, but my goal is to have the Bison pin him to stop him from casting spells or interfere with his spells...
DM Sanity Information Hp 70, AC 23/24 Spells In Effect = Magic Circle vs. Evil (1 hour duration), Bless (50 rds), Mon Sum 3 (5 rds)
Celestial Bison = Ac 13, hp 37, Att = +3, Grapple = +13, Res 5 to cold, acid, electricity, 5/magic DR, Spell Resistance 10, Note his Strength is 22 so +6 modifier
Thar, AC 23/24, hp 70/70 Magic Circle vs. Evil 10', Bless, Sum Monster 3 (this round) Wednesday May 14th, 2008 12:23:48 PM
(I just saw the map, so I'm updating my post:
1. Thar will quickly move to J7, and still cast his spell. "Ed, come with me! We're about to get bracketed out here alone and I don't feel like dying alone!"
NOTE THAT WHEN HE MOVES, HIS PC's will also benefit from the MCvE, now that he is in range...
2. Since it doesn't appear the bison can charge, I'll settle with option 2 for Grappling with the count.
Just wanted to remind you that Summon Monster is a full round action. So it will take Thar the entire round to cast the spell, which means that it will appear at the beginning of the next round. It also means that you cannot move more than 5 feet if you want to cast the spell this round (sorry :( ). Please let me know if you want to cast the spell or move.---Nellie
Edmund (HP: 38/38, AC: 16/18) Bless, Prot. vs. Evil, Haste Wednesday May 14th, 2008 3:11:26 PM
As Arm waves the rod futiley, causing first nothing, and then a noxious cloud, guards approach from the south. Thus imperiled, Edmund grows more irritable than ever. "Put the bloody rod away!" he shouts at Arm. "The Count doesn't need any more help!"
Stepping forward to avoid the oncoming guards from the south, Edmund readies Haste on everyone in the party--everyone alive, that is. Podo is well beyond any aid which Edmund can provide.
"Trouble in the rear!" Edmund shouts to everyone. "The doormen are coming up, and I suspect they aren't here to show us the way out!"
Haste - When making a Full Attack, you may make an additional attack with any weapon you are holding. The roll is made using your full Base Attack Bonus plus any modifiers appropriate to the situation. - You gain a +1 bonus on Attack Rolls. - You gain a +1 Dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves. - All of your modes of movement increase by 30 ft. up to a maximum of double your normal speed.
(Remember: you also get a +2 AC vs. Evil when within 10ft of Thar, and a +2 to all saves vs. Evil spells/effects. Thar's magic circle also makes it very hard for evil creatures to attack or cast spells, and protects those within from evil mind controlling effects. Furthermore, Kirsten's Bless gives you +1 to all attack rolls and +1 to saves vs. Fear effects. Don't forget to include these bonuses in your rolls!)
DM Sanity Info. Move Action: 10ft North to K-7 Standard Action: Cast Haste (Everyone)
Spells Per Day L.0: Daze, Detect Magic, Light, Message, Read Magic L.1: Charm Person, Mage Armour, Magic Missile, Magic Missile, Shield, Sleep, Summon Monster I L.2: Daze Monster, Fox's Cunning, Scorching Ray, Scorching Ray, Summon Monster II, Web L.3: Fly, Haste, Lightning Bolt, Lightning Bolt, Summon Monster III L.4: Lesser Geas, Shout, Summon Monster IV
Kadaz (HP: 96/103, AC: 28) Bless, Haste d20+15=31 ; d20+10=24 ; d10=2 ; d6+7=10 ; d10=4 ; d6+7=9 ; d20+15=30 ; d10=5 ; d6+7=10 ; Wednesday May 14th, 2008 3:52:06 PM
Despite the onslaught of the oncoming foes, Kadaz has time to grin darkly at Julian. "Rough work eh, lad? I bet you wish you'd stayed in bed." With a guttural laugh, Kadaz attends to the foes before him once more.
Kadaz grunts as a blow just makes it past his armour. Undaunted, the swarthy dwarf returns as good as he gets, and then some. Emboldened and hastened by Edmund's spell, three solid blows are delivered to the guard before him (G5). (Hits AC 31/24/30 for 12/13/15 damage)
"So this is the best the Count can manage? A few guards and some dancing girls? I've seen tavern brawls more fearsome than this!"
DM Sanity Info. Move Action: None Standard Action: Full Attack vs. G5 (Hits AC 31/24/30 for 12/13/15 damage)
Spells in Effect Bless (from Kirsten) Haste (from Edmund)
Notes +1 Dodge bonus to AC vs. G5
Kirsten (HP 81/81, AC 22, Bless, Haste) d20+12=25 ; d20+7=16 ; d20+12=23 ; d8+4=9 ; d8+4=8 ; d8+4=12 ; Wednesday May 14th, 2008 4:05:17 PM
Kirsten will swing her warhammer at the nearest guard (G5) (Hits AC 25/16/23 for 9/8/12 dmg).
DM Info:
Move: None Action: Full Attack on G5 (Hits AC 25/16/23 for 9/8/12 dmg)
Thar, AC 23/24, hp 70/70 Magic Circle vs. Evil 10', Bless, Sum Monster 3 (this round) Wednesday May 14th, 2008 4:08:18 PM
(Updated Post per my discussion w/ the DM)
Since Thar's spell is a full round action, he's going to stay where he is (and probably get pummeled) and hope the bison's grapple with the count works...
He will however yell out "Hey guys, I need help here!!!"
ShawnC (OOC) Wednesday May 14th, 2008 4:30:52 PM
OOC: Len, don't forget that Thar can still take a 5-ft step! :)
Julian (Mage Armour, Rage) AC 20, hp 63+14 -23=54 d20+10=16 ; d20+5=24 ; d20+5=14 ; d10+12=17 ; d20+16=31 ; Wednesday May 14th, 2008 7:35:45 PM
Julian's pupils dilate and the whites are bloodshot. He seems to grow from within, and faces down the enemy, looking to swipe at G3 and G6. [Julian has 3 Attacks of Oppportunity]
"Nahh Kadaz, this makes getting out of bed," Julian swings his falchion at the guard that hit him (G4), "completely worthwhile.
"I want to bring Podo out of here with us, you know."
Full Attack vs G4 Power Attack 2 Attack +12/+7 (-2) Hit AC 16, 24 (sorry I'e double clicked the second attack roll) Damage (1d10+5 +3 rage +4PA)= 17 Rage Round 1 of 8
Fort Save vs Stinking Cloud +16 = 31
ShawnC (OOC) d20+11=29 ; d20+5=13 ; Wednesday May 14th, 2008 8:32:32 PM
(I don't know the range of the Stinking Cloud (or if it even works, seeing as the Grass didn't), but just in case, Kadaz's fort save is 29 and Edmund's is 13)
Crumbling Cookies (ACDM Nellie) (G3's attack) d20+11=15 ; d20+6=13 ; d20+11=21 ; d10+6=10 (G4's attack) d20+11=23 ; d10+6=10 ; d20+7=11 ; d20+11=16 ; (G5's attack) d20+11=24 ; d10+6=9 ; d20+7=8 ; d20+11=27 ; d10+6=13 ; (G6's attack) d20+11=26 ; d10+6=16 ; d20+7=9 ; d20+11=21 ; d10+6=14 ; (G1's attack) d20+10=12 ; d20+6=12 ; (G2's attack) d20+10=14 ; d20+6=21 ; (Guards' forts) d20+12=18 ; d20+12=27 ; d20+12=24 ; d20+12=18 ; d20+12=26 ; d20+12=19 ; (Dancers and Count Fort) d20+8=18 ; d20+8=10 ; d20+2=14 ; d4+1=4 ; d4+1=5 ; d20+5=18 ; d20+5=6 ; d20+4=16 ; (G1 & G2 AoO) d20+10=13 ; d20+10=23 ; Thursday May 15th, 2008 1:16:58 AM
Arm shakes his magic stick and low and behold, a large stinking cloud envelopes most of the enemy. Though all of the guard shake off the cloud easily, Arm is pleased to see one dancer and even the Count himself gagging and choking from the noxious fumes!
With a very bold plan in mind, Thar moves back slightly (5 foot step) and begins casting the long, arduous Summon Monster spell.
Edmund's Haste definitely speeds things up, and the combined attack of Kadaz and Kirsten almost brings Guard 5 to its knees.
Julian whips himself into a frenzy and does a good number on his intended target, but it looks like it still has some fight left in it.
And the fight goes on...
Those fighting the guards on the front line notice that they are definitely moving a lot faster now a days. It's as if they were the subjects of a Haste spell as well.
Guard 3 lashes out at the savage Julian and gets another lucky shot in (AC21 for 10). Guard 4 also cuts into Julian (AC 23 for 10) Gravely wounded, Guard 5 switches targets, opting instead for that nice looking young gentleman waving the rod around. He manages to connect twice (AC24 for 9, AC27 for 13) Guard 6 takes in its options and pounces on the wounded Julian, rather than the crazed dwarf with the bloodied axe. Two of his blows manage to connect (AC26 for 16, AC21 for 14)
Reeling from the magical cloud, the Count and the two dancers make a hasty retreat out of the cloud...or attempt to! While the Count and Dancer 1 easily spring across the moat and out of the cloud, the other Dancer (D2) manages to fall into the Woldsblood! Though she looks none too happy floundering about, she does not, however, appear to be harmed by the glowing red liquid surrounding her body.
Meanwhile, on the other end of the battlefield, Thar is busily casting away when the doormen arrive. Stepping eagerly forward, they take full advantage of the distracted spellcaster and take their attacks of opportunity. Amazingly, neither strike connects, and neither do any of their regular attacks! Warrd is definitely watching closely over this battle!
Julian (Mage Armour, Rage, Haste, Bless) AC 21, hp 14/63(+14 rage) d20+12=22 ; d3=3 ; d20+12=29 ; d20+7=13 ; d10+12=21 ; d10+12=13 ; Thursday May 15th, 2008 2:46:00 AM
All too painfully it dawns on Julian that Podo was not only his friend, but his main form of healing!!!
The brave halflings chops at the legs of the guard (G4), swinging with all his might. He then retreats a step, "Sorry Kadaz, but I can only take one at a time - I need some healing..."
5 foot step to I6 Full Attack vs G4 Power Attack 2 Attack +12/+7 (-2) (+1) (+1) Haste attack Hit AC 22, 29, 13 Damage (1d10+5 +3 rage +4PA) 21, 13, na Rage Round 2 of 8
Arm (AC 23,25 vs evil) HP 11/33 Bless Haste d20+11=21 ; d3=3 ; d20+11=26 ; d20+11=17 ; d20+11=22 ; d8+6=14 ; d8+6=11 ; d8+6=9 ; d8+6=14 ; Thursday May 15th, 2008 6:09:45 AM
Once he is hit by the guard, Arm takes advantage of his faster movement by attacking the offending guard (#5) with his silver longsword (attk: 21, ignore d3 roll, 26,17,22 dmg: 14,11,9,14).
So are you dropping the rod to the ground (free action) to draw your sword and attack? If Arm stores the weapon then there is no attack. Also, I believe Arm gets only one attack this round since drawing a weapon is a move action.---Nellie
Shadow (AC 24/19 HP 47/47) d20+14=32 ; d20+14=31 ; d6+2=4 ; d6+2=3 ; Thursday May 15th, 2008 7:11:37 AM
OOC: not sure exactly where the count is since he had to move out of the gas cloud, so if he can Shadow will fire at him and if not then again at the dancer.
Shadow will fire two arrows at either the count or the dancer blocking his line of sight to the count.
Actions: To hit=32, 31 dmg=4,3
Scott, I emailed out a map last night. You didn't get it?---Nellie
Thar, AC 23/24, hp 70/70 Magic Circle vs. Evil 10', Bless, Sum Monster 3 (this round) Thursday May 15th, 2008 11:23:39 AM
Thar gives a quick prayer of thanks since he hasn't been slashed into ribbons as of yet. Seeing Arm and Julian heavily injured, Thar takes a withdraw action (and thus avoiding any AoO's) as a full round action and moves quickly back to locaiton I6. "Guys and Gals! I'm on my way and I'll get you healed next round" he calls to his companions.
(OOC = DM Nellie = The bison was supposed to act last round, since the spell indicated that it appeared immeidately and could act immediately.... Do you know what the results were? I'll post the bison's actions once I hear more. Also, could the count move if he was already successfully grappled by the bison?)
Actually it took all of last round to summon (SM takes a full round to cast) the bison. It appears at the beginning of this round, so we'll find out what that big boy can dish out this round. :)---Nellie
Kirsten (HP 81/81, AC 22, Bless, Haste) d20+5=18 ; d8+4=6 ; Thursday May 15th, 2008 1:30:54 PM
Kirsten sighs as she sees Arm injured by the guard. As she's closest to him, the Paladin will turn to rest a hand upon Arm as she casts Cure Light Wounds on the bard (Concentration: 18, Heal Arm for 6 DMG).
"More caution, is in order, I think," she says firmly to him. "You are a bard, yes? Perhaps it is time for a song to rouse our courage, Arm."
DM Info:
Move: None Action: Cast Cure Light Wounds on Arm for 6 HP
ShawnC (OOC) Thursday May 15th, 2008 1:43:23 PM DM Donna OOC: deleted the previous (blank) post from ShawnC.
Anyway, there seems to be some confusion (again) about what Haste does. I tried to make it clear in my post, but I'll state it again here just to eliminate any confusion.
Haste does not... ...Double your number of attacks. ...Increase your damage. ...Make actions take less time.
Haste does... ...Give you one (1) extra attack (with full bab+modifiers) vs. one (1) target, and then only when making a full attack (which is a full round action). ...Give you a +1 bonus on Attack Rolls to land hits vs. target AC. ...Give you a +1 Dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves. ...Increase your movement by 30 ft. up to a maximum of double your normal speed.
Kadaz (HP: 96/103, AC: 28/30 (vs.Evil)) Bless, Haste, Prot.Evil [Sub: ShawnC] d20+15=34 ; d20+10=15 ; d20+15=33 ; d10=5 ; d6+7=11 ; d10=4 ; d6+7=11 ; d10=3 ; d6+7=13 ; d20+15=17 ; d10=6 ; d6+7=8 ; Thursday May 15th, 2008 2:11:57 PM
((DM: as Julian is already in I-6 per his post, I am assuming Thar is as near to it as possible (J-7?), so that Kadaz is still within range of the Magic Circle. Additionally, Edmund should be in K-7 (not K-6) per my post yesterday, so I'll be going on assuming that is where he actually is.))
As Kadaz's foe flags, the dwarf redoubles his efforts to put an end to the guard (G5). The axe comes down again and again as Kadaz's fury is meted out in the dealing of harsh blows.
(If Guard G5 falls, Kadaz will turn his attention to the next guard G6. Kadaz will take his dodge bonus against Guard G6, and will employ cleave for a further additional attack versus Guard G6. -- Hits AC: 34/15/33/17(cleave) for 16/15/16/14 damage)
As Julian retreats, Kadaz surveys the situation grimly. "Only six left on this side for me," he remarks to the others. "I'll let you deal with the two in the rear!"
DM Sanity Info. Move Action: None Standard Action: Full Attack vs. G5 and then G6 (Hits AC 34/15/33/17(cleave) for 16/15/16/14 damage)
Spells in Effect Bless (from Kirsten) Haste (from Edmund) Prot. vs. Evil (from Thar)
Notes +1 Dodge bonus to AC vs. G6
ShawnC (OOC DM Question) Thursday May 15th, 2008 2:16:17 PM
Questions for DM before I can post for Edmund: How high is the ceiling? Both in the hallway and in the Count's chamber?
Thanks!
Thar, AC 23/24, hp 70/70 Magic Circle vs. Evil 10', Bless, Sum Monster 3 (this round) Thursday May 15th, 2008 5:06:28 PM
OOC (Thanks Shawn for clarifying things with Julian. I didn't see him in the square on the map... Must have missed it ... Sorry ;-(
OOC DM Nellie = Did the count move during Thar's casting (since it took a full round) and if so, can he have the Bison still appear next to the count?
Yeah, the count moved. But then **you** get to decide where the bison appears this round, so go forth and show him where the beef is.---Nellie
Edmund (HP: 38/38, AC: 17/19 (vs.Evil)) Prot.Evil, Bless, Haste Thursday May 15th, 2008 10:22:16 PM
Edmund surveys the oncoming guards to the south with dismay. Aware that he is in grave danger of being smashed into mage-mash, he surveys the hallway and the chamber and makes a decision.
((DM, please choose the option appropriate to the situation. :) ))
If the ceiling is higher than 10ft. up: Edmund readies Fly and immediately sails up to the ceiling (or 40ft up, whichever comes first) where he is out of range of the approaching guards.
"Look out, everyone," Edmund declares. "Behind you!"
-or-
If the ceiling is 10ft. up or less: Edmund takes a five-foot step west to K-6 and readies Web on the lower right corner of N-9, engulfing everything within a 20ft. radius of that point in sticky, goopy strands that stretch from ceiling to floor, and from wall to wall. The web will stop just short of Edmund.
"That should hold them for the present," Edmund says with assurance. "At least, I hope it will."
DM Sanity Info. Move Action: See Post Standard Action: See Post
Spells Per Day L.0: Daze, Detect Magic, Light, Message, Read Magic L.1: Charm Person, Mage Armour, Magic Missile, Magic Missile, Shield, Sleep, Summon Monster I L.2: Daze Monster, Fox's Cunning, Scorching Ray, Scorching Ray, Summon Monster II, Web L.3: Fly, Haste, Lightning Bolt, Lightning Bolt, Summon Monster III L.4: Lesser Geas, Shout, Summon Monster IV
And a Nice Cold Glass of Milk (ACDM Nellie) (G5's AoO) d20+11=20 ; (G1's attack) d20+10=19 ; (G2's attack) d20+10=30 ; d20+10=17 ; d10+6=8 ; d20+11=30 ; (Forts) d20+12=29 ; d20+12=32 ; d20+12=22 ; d20+12=22 ; (Dancer's fort) d20+8=19 ; (G3's attack) d20+11=31 ; d20+11=16 ; d10+6=16 ; d20+7=10 ; d20+11=19 ; (G5's attack) d20+11=13 ; d20+7=14 ; d20+11=24 ; (G6's attack) d20+11=30 ; d10+6=13 ; d20+7=25 ; d20+11=15 ; Friday May 16th, 2008 1:20:36 AM
The battle wears on... Julian gets a couple of good licks in on one of his tormentors before he backs away. Strange thing is, he knows those blows should have inflicted more damage than they did.
Wanting a little bit of the fun, Arm drops his rod of wonder on the ground and pulls out his sword. He grins as he watches his only strike cut into the foul guard.
Shadow lines up on the Count again, but it's awful dicey work with all of his friends in the way (-4 penalty). Taking his time, he lines up two beautiful shots which do indeed connect with the Count, but do not appear to bother him what-so-ever.
Thar pulls back away from the klutzy guards moving in on him, and Edmund takes to flight.
Kirsten gives the gift of the healing touch, leaving Arm feeling a little better.
Kadaz presses his attack, determined to down the guard in front of him and move on to bigger and better things. He too finds that his attacks don't appear to hurt the guard as much as they normally would, and although he knows the guard won't last another attack, he still stays on his feet.
And as for the enemy....
The fighting is getting thick on the northern end of the field.
Guard 3 moves forward and presses his attack against the beleaguered Julian. With a powerful arc his deadly bastard sword slices down and almost manages to nick an artery. With a muffled THUMP the Halfling falls unconscious to the ground. His remaining two blows bounce harmlessly off Kadaz's armor.
Having no one to attack, G4 holds his ground with a menacing look on his face.
G5 continues to attack Arm, but it's just not his round and his strikes go wide.
Last but not least, G6 goes toe to toe with that killing machine of a dwarf...and manages to get one in! With a feral grin, he smiles as he pulls back his bloodied sword (AC30 for 13).
The guards to the south advance. Since there's no mage to pick on, the first guard decides to work on that pesky archer. He strides forward and...promptly misses Shadow altogether! His buddy (G2) fairs a little better as he slashes into Thar's back, causing a pittance of damage. (AC30/17 for 8)
Though it's almost impossible for those in the fray to see, the look on the Count's face is priceless as hundreds of pounds of angry buffalo appear out of nowhere and bear down on him! And then, suddenly he and the dancers disappear. One moment they are there and then...they are gone! (Spot DC30 for an interesting discovery).
Arm (AC 24,26 vs evil) HP 11/33 Bless Haste d20+7=24 ; d20+11=15 ; d20+11=13 ; d20+11=23 ; d8+6=7 ; Friday May 16th, 2008 6:05:04 AM
Arm notices the Count's disappearance, but doesn't know why (spot=24), as he is far to busy with fighting the guard. He attacks guard 5 again, but only one of his attacks seems to hit (attk: 15,13,23 dmg: 7).
OOC: Thanks for the correction, Nellie..I've been a bit out of sorts this week..also, if my other attacks hit this round, please let me know :)
Shadow (AC 24/19 HP 47/47) d20+9=19 ; d20+15=34 ; d6+2=3 ; Friday May 16th, 2008 7:03:13 AM
Shadow was watching the count as he disappears and does not see what actually happens (spot=19), and as he is attacked from behind he loses interest as the count and dancers disappear. He turns dropping his bow and getting his rapier out. Because of the haste spell he is able to take one swing at the guard that attacked him. He connects but does little damage.
to hit=34 dmg=3
Thar, AC 26/27 (vs. G2), hp 62/70 Magic Circle vs. Evil 10', Bless, Sum Monster 3 (this round) d20+10=19 ; d8+9=17 ; d20+14=21 ; d6+3=4 ; d6=4 ; d20+14=16 ; d20+13=18 ; Friday May 16th, 2008 9:47:52 AM
Seeing his buffalo friend appear, Thar yells with a wry grin on his face "Get 'em Bob! There's your dinner!" However, Fred's target is now gone, so Thar orders it to move around and charge enemy G4.
Bob the Bison's Charge on enemy # C4 = (Move to spot f5) Attack = +10 (due to charge) = 19; Dmg = 17 but Bob's AC is 11 now due to the charge)
Thar turns and notices that Julian has fallen. His attention is broken as he feels the sword slice into his side and he realizes he's fighting for his own life for now. Drawing both weapons, he'll attempt to slash into his enemies chest. (Attacking enemy G2)
Attack 1 (SS Flaming): +12 +1 bless +1 haste = Hit AC 21; Dmg = 4 + 4 (Fire) = 8 Attack 2: Hit AC 16
As he notices the count disappear, Thar tries to spot where the heck it went (Spot = 18), but can't tell...
(EVERYONE = Rem that the McVE gives you an AC bonus vs. the evil fighters (if they are truly evil...)!!!
DM Sanity Information AC 26/27 (vs. G2) Spells In Effect = Magic Circle vs. Evil (1 hour duration), Bless (49 rds), Mon Sum 3 (4 rds)
Bob the Celestial Bison = Ac 13, hp 37, Att = +3, Grapple = +13, Res 5 to cold, acid, electricity, 5/magic DR, Spell Resistance 10, Note his Strength is 22 so +6 modifier
Thar, AC 26/27 (vs. G2), hp 62/70 Magic Circle vs. Evil 10', Bless, Sum Monster 3 (this round) Friday May 16th, 2008 9:48:45 AM
(OOC = Correction on Bob's stats at the bottom of my post. His BAB = +3, but his attack bonus = +8.
AshleyOOC Friday May 16th, 2008 11:40:46 AM
Arm, please note that Kirsten healed you for 6 HP last round. You may want to factor that into your post. Thanks. =)
Kirsten (HP 81/81, AC 22, Bless, Haste) d20+10=13 ; d20+5=17 ; d20+10=22 ; d8+4=6 ; d8+4=9 ; d8+4=9 ; Friday May 16th, 2008 12:30:39 PM
Kirsten swings her warhammer at the nearest guard left standing. (If G5 is still standing, she will attack him, if not she will turn to G3 and attack it) (Attack = AC 13/17/22 for 6/9/9 DMG).
DM Info:
Move: None Action: Full Attack (G5 or G3) AC 13/17/22 for 6/9/9 DMG
Spells on Me: Bless Haste Magic Circle (from Thar)
Kadaz (HP: 83/103, AC: 28/30 (vs.Evil)) Bless, Haste, Prot.Evil [Sub: ShawnC] d20+15=18 ; d20+10=12 ; d20+15=35 ; d20+15=20 ; d20+15=27 ; d10=7 ; d6+7=12 ; d10=6 ; d6+7=10 ; d10=9 ; d6+7=12 ; d10=3 ; d6+7=10 ; d10=10 ; d6+7=12 ; d10=2 ; d6+7=8 ; Friday May 16th, 2008 12:32:10 PM
As Julian falls, Kadaz grimaces as a blow from Guard G6 makes it past the armour. Kadaz lays into the guard before him (G6) desiring vengeance: the axe comes down three more times as Kadaz does his best to utterly shatter his foe before moving on to the critically weakened guard (G5, or G3 if G5 is down because of Arm or Kirsten).
(Hits AC: 18/12/35*/20(cleave) for 19/16/21*/13 damage. *Threat! - hits AC 27 to confirm for 43 total damage [21+22+10])
"Hang in there, lad," Kadaz grunts to Julian as he rains blows upon his enemies. "Jus' gimme a minute to deal with these talentless grunts."
DM Sanity Info. Move Action: None Standard Action: Full Attack vs. G6 and then G5 or G3 (Hits AC: 18/12/35*/20(cleave) for 19/16/21*/13 damage. *Threat! - hits AC 27 to confirm for 43 total damage [21+22+10])
Spells in Effect Bless (from Kirsten) Haste (from Edmund) Prot. vs. Evil (from Thar)
Notes +1 Dodge bonus to AC vs. G6; or if G6 is dead then G5; or if G5 is dead then G3.
ShawnC (OOC) Friday May 16th, 2008 12:34:18 PM
I count good. Kadaz's Critical, if confirmed, will do 53, not 43 damage.
Edmund (HP: 38/38, AC: 17/19 (vs.Evil)) Prot.Evil, Bless, Haste d20+5=15 ; d3=2 ; d20+5=11 ; 4d6=17 ; 4d6=15 ; Friday May 16th, 2008 12:58:16 PM
Edmund, having sailed up to the ceiling, now flies along it a little ways until he is above the party. Looking down at Thar directly below, Edmund does his best to aid his friend.
"Help is on the way!" he squeaks, and lets loose with two Scorching Rays at Thar's opponent (G2).
(Ranged Touch Attack for Scorching Ray hits AC 15/11 for 17/15 fire damage.)
For a Ranged Touch Attack, the opponent's AC does not include any armour bonus, shield bonus, or natural armour bonus. However, size modifier, dexterity modifier, and deflection bonus (if any) all apply normally. (PH 141)
"Take that!" the wizard shouts from above. "Ha!"
DM Sanity Info. Move Action: Fly 5ft NE to J-7 (height: 15ft. up) Standard Action: Cast Scorching Ray (2 rays: RTA hitting 15/11 for 17/15 fire damage) on G2
Spells in Effect Mage Armour (self) - 7h remaining Haste (everyone) - 5r remaining Fly (self) - 69r left
Spells Per Day L.0: Daze, Detect Magic, Light, Message, Read Magic L.1: Charm Person, Mage Armour, Magic Missile, Magic Missile, Shield, Sleep, Summon Monster I L.2: Daze Monster, Fox's Cunning, Scorching Ray, Scorching Ray, Summon Monster II, Web L.3: Fly,Haste, Lightning Bolt, Lightning Bolt, Summon Monster III L.4: Lesser Geas, Shout, Summon Monster IV
[ignore the d3 roll. I hit the button by mistake.]
Ken OOC for Thar Friday May 16th, 2008 9:16:13 PM
(OOC = Great rolls Shawn for Kadaz! I'm going to have you start rolling Thar's attacks!!!)
DM Nellie = Sorry, but I forgot to include a flank bonus for Bob the Bison's attack. He should have hit AC21 and not AC19.... It's been a long 2 days... I had a parishioner die yesterday, so my mind's been kind of preoccupied with the family and doing the whole ministerial thing. Preaching on Sunday is much more "fun" than doing funerals, trust me....
Julian (Unconscious) Friday May 16th, 2008 11:47:00 PM
Feeling his breastplate buckle and split under the weight of the guard's sword, Julian grunts in pain. His eyes roll back into his head and he falls heavily to the ground.
Everything turns black in his vision, though he hears the dwarf call him a, "talentless grunt" and determines to clobber him for it before the end... (OOC I realise it was the guard you aimed that at ;-)
More Fun with Sharp Objects (ACDM Nellie) d20+10=26 ; d10+6=10 ; d20+6=21 ; d20+10=26 ; d10+6=11 ; d20+6=19 ; d20+11=25 ; d10+6=8 ; d20+7=26 ; d10+6=7 ; d20+11=19 ; d10+6=12 ; d20+11=25 ; d20+6=9 ; d20+11=26 ; d10+6=9 ; d20+11=26 ; d20+6=18 ; d20+11=26 ; d100=8 ; d20+11=25 ; d10+6=8 ; d20+7=27 ; d20+7=9 ; d10+6=8 ; d20+11=23 ; d10+6=7 ; Saturday May 17th, 2008 12:01:34 AM DM Note to Kadaz: I don't understand how you're calculating the damage. I assume you're power attacking at +5. However, if you are power attacking, then you have to subtract that number from your attack bonus, so it would be +10/5 instead of +15/10. Please help me understand
To Shadow: I'm not sure I understand how you calculated your AC. By my numbers it should be 22 with the Bless and Pro from Evil. Can you show me your calculation?.---Nellie
Blood and sweat are the order of this battle...
Mithril Order: Arm slices into his opponent who is quite literally staggering.
Shadow manages to nick his foe, though every little bit helps!
Bob the friendly bison obediently changes course and charges at the lazy G4...and just misses him!
Thar hacks into the armored menace and just barely connects. But oh it is a good feeling to exact sweet vengeance!
Kirsten gangs up with Arm and manages to pierce the guard's (G5) defenses once. It's a clean shot, but she feels her strike is not as powerful as it normally would be. And some how, as if by will power alone, the Guard manages to stay on its feet.
Confident that his friends can finish up the wounded G5, Kadaz carves away at his new victim (G6). His first two strikes ping harmlessly...but the third...ooooh yeah! His axe swings true across the rib cage and right where the lungs should be. But hey, wait...there should be a spray of blood...where's the spray of blood?! Though he knows the blow was on the mark, the guard doesn't seem to be any more wounded than if he were hit by a regular blow. And now that he thinks about it, he notices that the blood on his axe isn't the bright red that he would expect, but more a blackish color...like old blood.
Enjoying his airborne position, Edmund safely fires off his spell and watches in satisfaction as his rays burn into the guard tormenting Thar.
Lying on the cold marble floor, his lifeblood oozing around his garments, somehow a miracle happens and Julian stops bleeding. He's still unconscious, but at least not bleeding out anymore (Stab.=8!)
Ok, I need another spot DC30, 20 for Edmund.
The Baddies: Guard 1 continues to press his attack on Shadow and gets another blow in (AC26 for 10). Guard 2 continues to work on Thar and likewise does a small amount of damage (AC26 for 11).
Guard 3 having noticed Kirsten decides it's time to change targets. There is an unnatural gleam in it's eyes as it hits the paladin hard with three attacks. (AC25 for 8, AC27/9 for 8, AC23 for 7)
Having narrowly avoided a rear end collision with 2 tons of beef, Guard 4 is, needless to say, no longer lazing about! Spinning, it turns its wrath on the bison and hacks mercilessly into its hide. Though it's attacks are all accurate, the natural goodness of the celestial creature...(not to mention it's damage reduction!) keep it on its hoofs...though it is obviously wounded. (AC25 for 3, AC26 for 2, AC19 for 7)
Guard 5 weebles and woobles, but won't fall down. So instead, he attacks Arm again and gets in one (AC26 for 9).
Guard 6 presses his attack with Kadaz once more but just can't get past that pesky armor.
Julian (Unconscious) Saturday May 17th, 2008 3:19:41 AM
Moving about like a waterfall, thousands of microscopic halflings hold together against the flow of cells beating against them. One tiny hand linking with another they stem the blood streaming out, and begin calling his name, Julian! Julian!
ShawnC (OOC) Saturday May 17th, 2008 12:38:08 PM
Nellie: Per his character sheet (http://docs.google.com/View?docid=dhkk6mwb_12gjrhf8fb) Kadaz's attack is 1d10 + 4 strength bonus + 1 weapon bonus + 2 feat bonus + 1d6 electrical damage.
Or: 1d10 + 1d6 + 7
I can't roll d10 and a d6 and a +7 at the same time, so I roll a d10, and then a d6+7, and add the results.
Excellent!! Thank you Shawn! I knew it was just a misunderstanding. Just a note that usually I see people roll it as a d10+7 and the d6 separately, since the electrical damage is separate. No big, just needed your help to understand. Thanks again!---Nellie
Thar, AC 26/27 (vs. G2), hp 51/70 Magic Circle vs. Evil 10', Bless, Sum Monster 3 d20+14=30 ; d20+14=30 ; d6+3=8 ; d6+3=4 ; d6=5 ; d20+9=15 ; d20+9=23 ; d8+9=10 ; Saturday May 17th, 2008 2:36:39 PM
Thar counts himself lucky to avoid the first two blows but grimaces as he feels the guard's weapon cut into him. "I guess we'll be trading blows for a while you cretin!" Thar says, laughing in the guards face. 'thanks Edmund!" he yells as he sees the rays of heat burn into the foe.
Thinking for a moment, Thar yells "ED! Keep hitting him! I've got to get Julian, Arm and Kadaz healed, as well as everyone else! I can't do it while I'm engaged!!"
Thar tries a few stabs and pokes with his swords, hoping to penetrate enemy G2's armor.
Attack1 = Hit AC30 = 8 pts of dmg + 5 pts of fire dmg = 13 Attack2 = Hit AC30 = 4 pts of dmg = 4
Meanwhile, Bob gets angrier as he senses that enemy G4 wants to use him for BBQ tonight. He changes his mind and decides to try to grapple his foe, thus denying him some AC bonuses and the chance to attack him with medium or heavy weapons...
(From woldipedia = First, you make a melee touch attack to grab the target. If you fail to hit the target, the grapple attempt fails. Second, make a grapple check as a free action. If you succeed, you and your target are now grappling, and you deal damage to the target as if with an unarmed strike.)
Bob's grapple touch Attack = +3+6+4 (size) - 4 (nonprof) = (Melee Touch attack to start grapple!) = 15 +2 (flanking) = 17 Bob's grapple check (free action) = 23 If hit, unarmed strike dmg (but he has a natural weapon, so I assume he is still considered "unarmed"? Dmg = 10 pts It's not like 2000 lbs of angry buffalo on top of you isn't going to do much dmg...
DM Sanity Information AC 26/27 (vs. G2) Spells In Effect = Magic Circle vs. Evil (1 hour duration), Bless (49 rds), Mon Sum 3 (4 rds)
Bob the Celestial Bison = Ac 13, hp 25/37, Att = +8, 1d8+9 dmg, Grapple = +13, Res 5 to cold, acid, electricity, 5/magic DR, Spell Resistance 10, Note his Strength is 22 so +6 modifier
Nellie Saturday May 17th, 2008 2:52:31 PM
Ken, one small correction. Bob is not flanking with anyone. In order to be flanking, he would have to have another of the Mithril Order on the other side of G4 (basically where G3 is right now). It doesn't really make a big difference right now, but wanted to point that out to you. :)
Kadaz (HP: 96/103, AC: 28/30 (vs.Evil)) Bless, Haste, Prot.Evil [Sub: ShawnC] d20+15=17 ; d20+10=19 ; d20+15=20 ; d20+15=21 ; d10+7=11 ; d6=5 ; d10+7=12 ; d6=1 ; d10+7=8 ; d6=4 ; d10+7=8 ; d6=5 ; d20-2=3 ; Saturday May 17th, 2008 4:46:00 PM
Kadaz continues his meciless assault against his foe (G6), leaving the critically weakened guard (G5) to the others to finish off.
"Come on," he says with a swarthy grin as he brings down the axe again. "I've left him barely standing for you--the least you can do is finish him off before I give you another one to play with!"
With redoubled effort, Kadaz addresses himself to the battle, though he is distracted by a surprise--Julian seems to have stopped bleeding all over the place. "And a good thing too," Kadaz thinks to himself. "There's enough blood here already."
Kadaz is further distracted by the strange realisation that the blood from these foes isn't present as it should be, neither is it the same colour. "What are these things?" he grunts to the others. "They don't bleed like men!"
With his mind slightly off the battle, Kadaz's attacks are less accurate than they have been to this point. It annoys the dwarf, who has no greater desire than to smash his foes into tiny bits of monster kibble. (Hits AC17/19/20/21(cleave vs. G3) for 11+5/12+1/8+4/8+5 damage)
"ARRRRGH!" Kadaz roars with a mixture of frustration and rage. And he shakes his axe for good measure! --Or rather, he meant to, for unfortunately he nearly drops his axe, and ends up shouting "ARR-DOH!!" instead, coming off looking rather silly. (Intimidate=3)
It's a good thing Julian is unconscious; he can't see the embarassed redness of those Dwarven ears.
DM Sanity Info. Move Action: None Standard Action: Full Attack vs. G6, Cleave vs. G3 if possible. (Hits AC17/19/20/21(cleave vs. G3) for 11+5/12+1/8+4/8+5 damage)
Spells in Effect Bless (from Kirsten) Haste (from Edmund) Prot. vs. Evil (from Thar)
Notes +1 Dodge bonus to AC vs. G6; or G3 if G6 goes down.
Edmund looks down at Thar below and shakes his fist in a sign of solidarity. "Happy to help," he calls down with a grin.
Pointing both hands at the Guard (G2), Edmund lets loose with another volley of scorching rays, intent upon blasting this particular foe into smoking oblivion. (Hits Touch AC 22/18 for 16/19 fire damage)
"Ha ha!" Edmund shouts again, "Don't like that so much, what what!?"
So preoccupied is Edmund with his spells that he doesn't see much else. He is far too intent upon raining fiery death from above. (Spot=9)
OOC: I forgot Kadaz's spot roll in the previous post. His is 18.
DM Sanity Info. Move Action: None Standard Action: Cast Scorching Ray (2 rays hit Touch AC 22/18 for 16/19 fire damage) on G2
Spells in Effect Mage Armour (self) - 7h remaining Haste (everyone) - 4r remaining Fly (self) - 68r left
Spells Per Day L.0: Daze, Detect Magic, Light, Message, Read Magic L.1: Charm Person, Mage Armour, Magic Missile, Magic Missile, Shield, Sleep, Summon Monster I L.2: Daze Monster, Fox's Cunning, Scorching Ray,Scorching Ray, Summon Monster II, Web L.3: Fly,Haste, Lightning Bolt, Lightning Bolt, Summon Monster III L.4: Lesser Geas, Shout, Summon Monster IV
Thar, AC 26/27 (vs. G2), hp 51/70 Magic Circle vs. Evil 10', Bless, Sum Monster 3 d20+13=29 ; Sunday May 18th, 2008 12:56:36 PM
OOC = Thanks Nellie. I was using info from the last post and forgot to update it with the new map ;-) Thanks for keeping me in line ;-))))
Thar also looks to see if he can spot where the count went, and is allllllmost able to see..... but still can't clearly ID what happened; Spot = 29
Kirsten (HP 58/81, AC 22, Bless, Haste) d20+12=13 ; d20+7=20 ; d20+12=31 ; d8+4=10 ; d8+4=5 ; d20+2=8 ; Sunday May 18th, 2008 6:53:30 PM
The paladin winces as she's hit by the guard. She shakes her head when she sees Arm persisting with their foe, and turns her warhammer upon the guard again ( Hit AC 13 (Nat. 1) / 20 / 31 for 10/5 dmg). Unfortunately, Kirsten doesn't fair well against the guard as she seems too preoccupied with her own frustrations.
Maybe I should have stayed home, she wonders to herself. As a result of her thoughts, Kirsten doesn't notice much of anything as she surveys the battlefield. (Spot=8)
DM Info:
Move: None Action: Full Attack (G53) AC 13 (Nat.1)/20/31 for 10/5 DMG
Spells on Me: Bless Haste Magic Circle (from Thar)
Arm (AC 24,26 vs evil) HP 14/33 Bless Haste d20+11=21 ; d20+11=16 ; d20+11=23 ; d8+6=12 ; d8+6=13 ; Monday May 19th, 2008 6:03:56 AM
Determined to finish of at least this ONE opponent this time, Arm again swings at G5, connecting once and possibly twice (attk:21, 23 dmg: 12,13).
OOC: Thanks Ashley for the heads up..see? I WAS out of it last week ;)
Shadow (AC 22/17 HP 37/47) d20+9=24 ; d20+9=26 ; d6+2=7 ; d6+2=6 ; Monday May 19th, 2008 7:26:21 AM
OOC: Nellie, it has been at 24 for so long I am not sure why (I did the calculations and you are right on, so I have corrected it. Sorry)
IC: Shadow will take a couple of swings at the guard. He is hoping that the others are doing better because he will not last long against this opponent, but will do his best.
Actions: To hit= 24, 26 dmg=7,6
Surprise...Surprise...Surprise (ACDM Nellie) (G1's attack) d20+10=11 ; d20+6=25 ; d10+6=13 ; (G2's attack) d20+10=27 ; d10+6=11 ; d20+6=26 ; d20+6=16 ; d10+6=10 ; (G3's attack) d20+11=29 ; d10+6=9 ; d20+7=18 ; d20+11=31 ; d20+11=15 ; d10+6=12 ; (G6's attack) d20+11=14 ; d20+7=18 ; d20+11=17 ; Tuesday May 20th, 2008 1:04:11 AM
Though the enemy is strong and relentless, the Mithral Order presses on, determined to rid this place of the strange guards...
Miraculously, Julian lays unconscious and stabilized on the ground as his friends cut and dice into the enemy.
Thar cuts into his foe with his first blow, but the second blow doesn't even seem to faze the guard. He's too busy with the guard in front of him to figure out what that little sliver of movement was... Meanwhile, faithful Bob pushes and shoves against the armored guard, and pins him against the door.
Kadaz makes his amazing discovery which literally rocks his world. Consequently, he misses his foe with every one of his blows!
Edmund lets loose with another couple of rays and is satisfied to see the tail tale smoke rising from under the armor....oooh...you just know that hurt!
Kirsten lends a helping hand to Arm and pings the guard in front of her, but she gets the impression that it doesn't really bother him too much.
Shadow gets in a couple of blows against the armored menace threatening him, but he too senses that he doesn't hurt the guard too much.
And finally...Arm takes a might swing...and that stupid pesky guard drops to the ground unmoving...and then poof...the guard isn't there anymore! (Kadaz, Spot DC20, please).
And as for the guards...
Guard 1 gets a little cocky and throws a hasty blow that Shadow easily shrugs aside. But he recovers and slides his second shot in. (AC25 for 13)
Guard 2 is looking decidedly shaky after Edmund's attack, but still is able to wield his weapon as he proves to Thar with two nasty blows. (AC27 for 11, AC26/16 for 10).
With an evil grin, Guard 3 rips into Kirsten again, cutting past her defenses. (AC29 for 9, AC31/15 for 12)
Pinned under Bob's horn's Guard 4 looks a little perturbed...and then he just disappears...poof...he's not there anymore. Kirsten and Kadaz, Spot DC15 to notice something important.
Guard 6 steps forward and takes the spot where Guard 5 was. He swipes at the wounded Arm, but yet again has no luck.
And then....out of the blue.... Edmund is in for a bit of a surprise as two scantily dressed women suddenly appear right next to him!! Standing on the wall they hiss menacingly at the mage, daggers in hand. (Note that D2 is actually occupying the same spot as G1. Both women are 15 feet up standing on the wall).
Arm (AC 24,26 vs evil) HP 14/33 Bless Haste d20+11=23 ; d20+11=23 ; d20+11=19 ; d8+6=11 ; d8+6=11 ; Tuesday May 20th, 2008 6:03:47 AM
Mindful of the disappearance of his recently defeated foe but not much else, Arm starts in on G6, connecting twice (attk: 23, 23 dmg: 11, 11).
Shadow (AC 22/17 HP 24/47) d20+9=19 ; d20+9=25 ; d6+2=3 ; d6+2=8 ; Tuesday May 20th, 2008 7:01:41 AM
Shadow will take another 2 swings at the guard he is facing. "I don't know if anyone else is free, but this guy is a little too much for me." Shadow says over his shoulder.
Actions: to hit=19,25 dmg=3,8
Thar, AC 26/27 (vs. G2), hp 30/70 Magic Circle vs. Evil 10', Bless, Sum Monster 3 d20+14=27 ; d3=3 ; d20+14=34 ; d20+14=33 ; d6+3=6 ; d6=5 ; d6+3=8 ; d6=4 ; d20+12=32 ; d20+12=16 ; d8+9=12 ; Tuesday May 20th, 2008 10:07:01 AM
"What the heck?" says Thar as he sees various enemies appear and disappear around him. As his attention wavers, he feels the multiple blows from G2 and realizes that the clock is ticking on his life... Deciding that its best to pay attention, Thar continues his flurry of stabs and slashes at G2.
Attack 1 = 27 (ignore the d3 roll. Hit the wrong button)= Dmg = 6 + 5 fire = 11 Attack 2 = 34 Critical; = 8 dmg Critical Check = 33 => Crit Dmg = 4 > Total Dmg = 12 on Attack 2
Bob shakes his head in confusion at the disappearance of his tormenter. Turning his horned head, he sees an appetizing dwarf nearby but somehow he realizes that he shouldn't try to eat that short figure since it is his summoner's friend Kadaz.
However, enemy G3 looks edible. He moves to area G5 and tries to get in a flank attack against the ugly foe.
Bob's Attack = (including bless and flank and haste, assuming he's now in the radius of the haste...) = 32 (Critical. (Wow, this is my lucky day for crits. Of course I'll probably roll 1's next round...) Bob's Dmg = 12
Bob's critical check = 16 (miss?) =
DM Sanity Information AC 26/27 (vs. G2) Spells In Effect = Magic Circle vs. Evil (1 hour duration), Bless (47 rds), Mon Sum 3 (3 rds)
Bob the Celestial Bison = Ac 16 (prot from evil, hasted), hp 25/37, Att = +8, 1d8+9 dmg, Grapple = +13, Res 5 to cold, acid, electricity, 5/magic DR, Spell Resistance 10, Note his Strength is 22 so +6 modifier
ShawnC (OOC) Tuesday May 20th, 2008 11:56:28 AM
Ken, regarding Haste: it is a targetted spell, not an area of effect spell. Unfortunately, Bob the Bison wasn't around to be targetted (and Edmund can only target seven people). So, Bob doesn't benefit from Haste. Sorry!
Kadaz (HP: 96/103, AC: 28/30 (vs.Evil)) Bless, Haste, Prot.Evil [Sub: ShawnC] d20+1=19 ; d20+15=25 ; d20+10=21 ; d20+15=17 ; d20+15=29 ; d10+7=14 ; d6=1 ; d10+7=16 ; d6=4 ; d10+7=13 ; d6=5 ; d10+7=12 ; d6=4 ; Tuesday May 20th, 2008 4:39:14 PM
Kadaz is surprised at the disappearance of the guard, but looking around fails to illuminate the matter for him. (Spot DC 19)
Doing his best to focus on the task at hand, Kadaz lays into Guard G6 (or G3 if G6 is dead) fiercely, intent on felling him quickly. This time, the blows land where they ought. (Hits AC: 25/21/17/29(cleave vs. G3) for 14+1/16+4/13+5/12+4 damage)
"Aye!" Kadaz shouts, "That's more like it!"
DM Sanity Info. Move Action: None Standard Action: Full Attack vs. G6, Cleave vs. G3 if possible. (Hits AC 25/21/17 for 14+1/16+4/13+5 damage (Cleave vs. G3: hits AC 29 for 12+24 damage))
Spells in Effect Bless (from Kirsten) Haste (from Edmund) Magic Circle vs. Evil (from Thar)
Notes +1 Dodge bonus to AC vs. G6; or G3 if G6 goes down.
Kirsten (HP 37/81, AC 22, Bless, Haste) d20+2=9 ; d20+12=30 ; d20+7=18 ; d20+12=32 ; d20+12=27 ; d8+4=7 ; d8+4=11 ; d8+4=12 ; d8+4=7 ; d8+4=11 ; 2d8=7 ; Tuesday May 20th, 2008 4:44:50 PM
Kirsten doesn't notice anything out of the ordinary (spot=9) as she turns her warhammer on the guard before her (G6), however if he has already fallen under Kadaz's blow she will turn to the next guard within her range (G3). (Attack AC 30/12/32* Critical Threat (To Confirm AC 27) for 7/10/30+7 Sonic* dmg *Thundering Warhammer DC 14 Will save or deafened).
DM Info:
Move: None Attack: Full Attack (G6 if able, if not able will attack G3)
Attack 1: AC 30 for 7 dmg Attack 2: AC 18 for 11 dmg Attack 3: AC 32* Critical Threat! AC 27 to Confirm for 30 (12+7+11) + 7 Sonic dmg (DC 14 Will save or deafened)
Spells on Me: Bless Haste Magic Circle (from Thar)
Edmund (HP: 38/38, AC: 17/19 (vs.Evil)) Prot.Evil, Bless, Haste d20+3=18 ; Tuesday May 20th, 2008 4:57:21 PM
Surprised at the sudden appearance of the dancing women on the ceiling, Edmund gives a cry of alarm.
"Ahhh!" he shouts, "The femme fatales are up here now!" Having made the situation clear, Edmund immediately takes to flight... by flight! (Withdraw Action: Edmund can Fly 120 feet)
Sailing back above Thar and towards Kirsten (Nellie: Edmund should have been in J-7; he moved there in my post on Friday, May 16), he then turns and flies out into the chamber and up to the ceiling there, eventually stopping up at the ceiling, west of the Throne (E-2).
Turning around, he scans the room once again for any sign of approaching women or devious activities on the part of the suspiciously absent count and guards. (Spot=18)
DM Sanity Info. Move Action: Withdraw (Full Round Action): to the ceiling (25ft further up to a total height of 40ft?) of E-2 Standard Action:
Spells in Effect Mage Armour (self) - 7h remaining Haste (everyone) - 3r remaining Fly (self) - 67r left Bless (from Kirsten) Magic Circle vs. Evil (from Thar)
Spells Per Day L.0: Daze, Detect Magic, Light, Message, Read Magic L.1: Charm Person, Mage Armour, Magic Missile, Magic Missile, Shield, Sleep, Summon Monster I L.2: Daze Monster, Fox's Cunning, Scorching Ray,Scorching Ray, Summon Monster II, Web L.3: Fly,Haste, Lightning Bolt, Lightning Bolt, Summon Monster III L.4: Lesser Geas, Shout, Summon Monster IV
Thar, AC 26/27 (vs. G2), hp 30/70 Magic Circle vs. Evil 10', Bless, Sum Monster 3 Tuesday May 20th, 2008 5:03:12 PM
(OOC = Thanks Shawn. I thought Ed might have a slot or two left for haste "victims," but poor Bob will have to do the hard work on his own ;-)
Julian (Unconscious) Tuesday May 20th, 2008 9:33:12 PM
...!
Cats and Mice (ACDM Nellie) (G1's attack) d20+10=12 ; d20+6=16 ; (G2's attack) d20+10=22 ; d20+6=8 ; (G3's attack) d20+11=31 ; d20+11=19 ; 2d10+12=17 ; d20+7=14 ; d20+11=17 ; d10+6=15 ; (G6's attack) d20+11=14 ; d20+7=16 ; d20+11=29 ; d10+6=10 ; (D1's attack) d20+11=24 ; d4+4=6 ; (D2's attack) d20+13=15 ; Wednesday May 21st, 2008 12:26:16 AM
Strange things abound as the battle rages on.
Kadaz , Kirsten and Arm tag team on G6 and get in several excellent blows. Kirsten notices that her amazingly well timed blow doesn't inflict nearly enough damage. Although he's not looking great, he still seems to have a good deal of fight left in him.
Shadow carves away at G1 and does a little more damage.
Thar continues to work on the wounded G2, who looks like he is a breath away from going down...but still on his feet. Bob moves in on G3 and gets in a wicked blow...but just like with Kadaz, the attack doesn't inflict nearly as much damage as it should have.
Edmund backpeddles away from the dirty dancers and heads into the cavern, on the look for further danger.
And dem dere villans...
Guard's 1 & 2 attack but can't get their blows in.
Guard 3 looks almost relieved to have an easy opponent. He lashes out at Bob and carves himself up a side of beef. (AC31/19 for 12 (that's after the DR) and AC17 for 10. Ken, I show Bob at 3HP now)
Guard 6 presses on against Arm, a hungry look in its shadowed eyes. He manages to sneak another blow in. (AC29 for 10).
As for the hussies, then watch the fleeing mage with a playful look...not unlike a cat with a mouse. They sprint hurriedly across the wall in hot pursuit. The lead woman lashes out with her dagger, slicing into the mage with a look of pure joy. (AC24 for 6). The other dancer sprints down low across the wall, goes below Edmund and then back up to flank him with her sister. She too lashes out with her dagger, but can't connect.
And then, out of nowhere, another Guard appears between Thar and Arm. There are several cuts and nicks on the Guard's armor, lending one to believe that he's seen recent action. The creature brandishes his bastard sword menacingly, sizing up the opponents in front of him.
Arm (AC 24,26 vs evil) HP 4/33 Bless Haste d20+11=29 ; d20+11=31 ; d20=10 ; d20+11=28 ; d8+6=10 ; d8+6=7 ; d8+6=8 ; Wednesday May 21st, 2008 6:04:53 AM
Realizing that he may be joining Julian on the floor soon, Arm tries his best to dispatch G6, this time connecting 3 times (attk: 29,31(non crit),28 dmg: 10,7,8).
Shadow (AC 22/17 HP 24/47) d20+9=18 ; d20+9=12 ; Wednesday May 21st, 2008 6:24:29 AM
Shadow realizing he is not going to get any help swings again at the guard but misses with both attacks. He hopes he can avoid the guards attacks again, but fears the worst.
Nellie to Len Wednesday May 21st, 2008 9:38:39 AM
Hey Len, shouldn't your attacks be +11/6/11 with the haste? I don't see how you're getting +11/11/11. Can you clear things up for me?
Kadaz (HP: 96/103, AC: 28/30 (vs.Evil)) Bless, Haste, Prot.Evil d20+15=19 ; d20+10=22 ; d20+15=31 ; d20+15=19 ; d10+7=11 ; d6=3 ; d10+7=11 ; d6=6 ; d10+7=10 ; d6=6 ; d10+7=16 ; d6=3 ; Wednesday May 21st, 2008 10:27:17 AM
(OOC: I'm back from vacation. Many thanks to Shawn for taking over. Kadaz has never been so eloquent!)
Kadaz is getting tired of this guy. He concentrates on the same one Arm is fighting, ready to swing his axe to the other side if the first goes down. But something is bothering him. "Could we be fighting undead?" he yells out, spacing the words out between his swings. He's not damaging this armored guy as much as he thinks he should be.
DM Sanity Info. Move Action: None Standard Action: Full Attack vs. G6, Cleave vs. G3 if possible. Swing 1: Hit AC 19, damage 11 axe + 3 electric Swing 2: hit AC 22, damage 11 axe + 6 electric Swing 3: hit AC 31, damage 10 axe + 6 electric cleave swing: hit AC 19, damage 16 axe + 3 electric
Spells in Effect Bless (from Kirsten) Haste (from Edmund) Magic Circle vs. Evil (from Thar)
Notes +1 Dodge bonus to AC vs. G6
Thar, AC 26/27 (vs. G2), hp 30/70 Magic Circle vs. Evil 10', Bless, Sum Monster 3 d20+14=32 ; d20+14=15 ; d6+3=5 ; d6=4 ; d20+11=12 ; Wednesday May 21st, 2008 11:12:19 AM
"And just when I thought I was making progress" Thar says to himself, realizing that he has yet another foe appear in front of him.
Looking around, he sees that no help is coming soon and prays for more luck.
Hoping that soon G2 will be dead, Thar continues his rain of strikes against him.
Bob feels the pain and agony from the repeated blows into his bleeding carcass. Knowing that he is on death's door, he decides for one last attack against his enemy.
(OOC =Yes, Bob is at 3 hps... poor thing... I think PETA may have something to say about that ;-)....)
Bob's attack = 12 (miss)
DM Sanity Information AC 26/27 (vs. G2) Spells In Effect = Magic Circle vs. Evil (1 hour duration), Bless (46 rds), Mon Sum 3 (2 rds)
Bob the Celestial Bison = Ac 16 (prot from evil, hasted), hp 3/37, Att = +11 (bless, flank), 1d8+9 dmg, Grapple = +13, Res 5 to cold, acid, electricity, 5/magic DR, Spell Resistance 10, Note his Strength is 22 so +6 modifier
Edmund (HP: 32/38, AC: 17) Bless, Haste, Fly Wednesday May 21st, 2008 12:08:33 PM
With something of a squeak, Edmund alerts the rest of the party that he is injured. Seeing that he has no safe route of withdrawal along the ceiling, he takes just a moment to think and realises that the dancers seem to be walking on the walls as opposed to flying.
With that, he devises something clever: he drops fifteen feet down through the air, and then flies out farther into the center of the chamber where he now hovers away from walls and the ceiling. (Withdraw (Fly) down fifteen feet, and then ten feet over to D-4)
Glancing back at the women, Edmund winks and waves, whilst clutching his side with his hand. "Were the circumstances but different," he shouts to them, "I should be most flattered at your attentions!"
DM Sanity Info. Move Action: Withdraw (Fly) down 15ft, then over 10ft. to D-4 (25ft. ht) Standard Action: None
Spells Per Day L.0: Daze, Detect Magic, Light, Message, Read Magic L.1: Charm Person, Mage Armour, Magic Missile, Magic Missile, Shield, Sleep, Summon Monster I L.2: Daze Monster, Fox's Cunning, Scorching Ray,Scorching Ray, Summon Monster II, Web L.3: Fly,Haste, Lightning Bolt, Lightning Bolt, Summon Monster III L.4: Lesser Geas, Shout, Summon Monster IV
Kirsten (HP 37/81, AC 22, Bless, Haste) d20+12=28 ; d20+7=8 ; d20+12=20 ; d8+4=8 ; d8+4=5 ; Wednesday May 21st, 2008 7:57:07 PM
Kirsten, seeing that Arm is very near his demise, attacks G6 once again and hopes it will be enough to fell him... or perhaps she is just trying too hard. (Attack AC 28/8(Nat.1)/20 for 8/5 dmg)
DM Info:
Move: None Attack: Full Attack (G6)
Attack 1: AC 28 for 8 dmg Attack 2: AC 8 Nat. 1 Attack 3: AC 20 for 5 dmg
Spells on Me: Bless Haste Magic Circle (from Thar)
Julian (Unconscious) Wednesday May 21st, 2008 8:30:52 PM
...!
OOC enjoying the combat none-the-less
Please no Littering (ACDM Nellie) (G1's attack) d20+10=23 ; d10+6=14 ; d20+6=9 ; (G4's attack) d20+11=24 ; d20+7=27 ; d20+7=23 ; d10+6=11 ; d20+11=19 ; (G3's attack) d20+11=14 ; d20+7=20 ; d10+6=11 ; d20+13=20 ; Thursday May 22nd, 2008 12:52:15 AM
Our heroes... The combination of Arm, Kadaz and Kirsten proves too much for Guard 6, and he disappears with a poof.
Likewise, Thar is finally able to rid himself of the Guard in front of him, who also disappears.
Bob makes his last stand, but he's too wounded to pull off a decent attack.
Edmund realizes his foes inadequacies and takes off flying once more.
And the dark side.... Guard 1 continues to carve away at Shadow. (AC24 for 14). Guard 3 hefts his sword and promptly sends Bob back from whence he was called. (AC20 for 11). He turns his attention to Kirsten, but she's just too quick for him. Guard 4 slams down hard on Arm with his sword and almost crushes his rib cage. Still, the damage is enough to leave the bard unconscious and bleeding on the ground. (AC27/23 for 11)
And the hussies...they grin as Edmund flies past. "How I do love a chase!" one murmurs to the other as they moisten their lips. And in the flash of an eye there is no longer two women clinging precariously to the wall. Instead, two huge bats appear and then fly over to where Edmund is flying.
Julian (Unconscious) Thursday May 22nd, 2008 2:40:44 AM
Through the shadow Julian sends an ethereal wave to Arm, "You too?"
Arm (AC 24,26 vs evil) HP -7/33 Unconscious Thursday May 22nd, 2008 6:03:24 AM
As the darkness envelops him, Arm hears a voice..a familiar voice...JULIAN'S voice! He quickly thinks a reply, "Yes, me too...alas I fear not for long...perhaps I'll see you in the next existence...".
Kadaz (HP: 96/103, AC: 28/30 (vs.Evil), +1 vs G3) Bless, Haste, Prot.Evil d20+15=19 ; d20+10=21 ; d20+15=20 ; d10+7=13 ; d6=4 ; d10+7=13 ; d6=2 ; d10+7=11 ; d6=4 ; Thursday May 22nd, 2008 7:02:05 AM
With Arm hitting the floor, this is beginning to look very grim. "Kirsten, step behind me" he says, trying to provide some protection to the paladin. "Then heal someone" he suggests.
Kadaz turns to concentrate on the guard near him. "Look at me!" he yells trying to attract its attention. He swings three times, trying to add this set of black armor to the junkyard of unconscious folks, arms and armor on on the floor. Alas, his swings are all somewhat subpar compared to Kadaz's normal.
DM Sanity Info. Move Action: None Standard Action: Full Attack vs. G3 . Swing 1: Hit AC 19, damage 13 axe + 4 electric Swing 2: hit AC 21, damage 13 axe + 2 electric Swing 3: hit AC 20, damage 11 axe + 4 electric
Spells in Effect Bless (from Kirsten) Haste (from Edmund) Magic Circle vs. Evil (from Thar)
Notes +1 Dodge bonus to AC vs. G3
Shadow (AC 22/17 HP 10/47) d20+9=26 ; d20+9=29 ; d6+2=5 ; d6+2=8 ; Thursday May 22nd, 2008 7:13:20 AM
Shadow winces as he takes another slash. He swings back and at least connects this time, but he worries that the guard is hurting him faster than he is hurting them.
Actions: to hit=26,29 dmg=5,8
Thar, AC 26/27 (vs. G4), hp 30/70 Magic Circle vs. Evil 10', Bless, Sum Monster 3 d20+14=24 ; d20+14=23 ; d6+3=4 ; d6+3=5 ; d6=5 ; Thursday May 22nd, 2008 11:20:43 AM
"Kirsten, I'll join you in a moment!" Thar yells at their Paladin. "If you need it, I've got the wand of CMW's attached to my belt! Heal whomever needs it (especially Arm)! The fellow that took out Arm is coming at me now and I've got to get rid of that pesk!"
He sees Bob disappear, as the poor Bison's life slowly ebbed away.
Facing enemy G4, he attempts to stab at his vitals, hoping to score any type of hit.
(OOC = I'm getting XML errors on the dice roller and I've had to hit it 4-5 times to get it to roll. Does anyone else have this issue?)
Attack 1: Hit AC24 Dmg 1: 4 + 5 (fire) = 9 Att 2: Hit AC 23 Dmg 2: 5 hps
DM Sanity Information AC 26/27 (vs. G4) Spells In Effect = Magic Circle vs. Evil (1 hour duration), Bless (43 rds)
Kirsten (HP 37/81, AC 22, Bless, Haste) Thursday May 22nd, 2008 9:48:22 PM
"I'll need the wand then, all I have left is lay on hands," she shakes her head somewhat, despairing that Arm did not take her advice and remove himself from danger. "Shadow first, before we lose another, then Arm!"
Kirsten fears that should she move to heal Arm, that one of the guards would manage to finish off Shadow in the meantime.
The paladin turns toward Shadow and reaches out to use her Lay on Hands ability. She doesn't move from the spot where she is standing behind Kadaz. (Lay on Hands to heal Shadow for 14 HP)
DM Info:
Move: None Standard: Lay on Hands heals Shadow 14 HP
Spells on Me: Bless Haste Magic Circle (from Thar)
ShawnC (OOC) Thursday May 22nd, 2008 9:53:14 PM
DM Nellie: I have some questions for you and I lost your e-mail address.
Edmund doesn't seem to be able to move in any direction, horizontal or vertical, without provoking two attacks of opportunity. However, there may be another way.
If Edmund falls to the floor, he will be moving at a speed of about 30ft/s, which means that he will reach the floor in less than a second. Furthermore, he will exit the range of the two bats in about 2/6th of a second, or to put it another way 2/60th of a round.
Attacking is a standard action. Will the bats have time, if Edmund suddenly plummets without warning, to get in two attacks of opportunity before he hits the ground and takes 2d6 points of falling damage? Furthermore, because Edmund would do this by dismissing his Fly spell (a free action), would he then be able to both move, and attack, after landing.
Additionally, because Edmund is deliberately jumping down, in a manner of speaking (he is purposefully cancelling Fly fully aware that he is going to fall, can I make a DC 15 Jump check for 'intentionally jumping down from a height' which would reduce the falling damage by 10ft (down to 1d6)?
Thank you!
Well, you could certainly use the Withdraw movement like you've been so successfully doing (grumble, grumble...just kidding!). You wouldn't draw an AoO that way. I'm torn on dismissing the spell. It says in the spell description that if it ends suddenly then you slowly float down to the ground. Hmmmm...I guess it's ok to dismiss the spell and let him fall, but I'm afraid I can't let you take the Jump check. There's no way to try and slow down a fall from that height, just like it is practically impossible to catch yourself when you fall.---Nellie
ShawnC (OOC) Thursday May 22nd, 2008 11:13:26 PM
DM Nellie: I hope I'm not hanging Edmund by trying to be faithful to the rules!
My concern about the Withdraw action stems from my perception that the bats are on opposing sides of Edmund at the same height as him. Withdraw allows me to exit from the threatened square in which I start. However, no matter what direction he goes in, he will be threatened in the next square he enters. Should he exit that square, he will provoke an attack of opportunity--even if it is from the same enemy he was originally trying to withdraw from.
I view the current action in three dimensions as if it were made of cubes that are five feet on a side. That said, just as character in a square threatens acts diagonally in two dimensions on the ground, a character in a 3D cube threatens every adjoining cube, even those diagonal. Hence, when Edmund withdraws and moves five feet downwards, he will be threatened down-and-diagonally-forward by both bats. Exiting that threatened square by moving down (or to either side away from the bats) is what will provoke the attack of opportunity from both.
I presume that threats in 3D space work diagonally as I understand it--that there are vertical-diagonal threats. If this is not the case, than a simple Withdraw action will easily free Edmund from the bat-trap.
ShawnC (OOC) Thursday May 22nd, 2008 11:28:34 PM
Addendum!
One thing I forgot to mention is that if Edmund were to Withdraw towards and then away from a bat in a sort-of zig-zag (as opposed to in straight lines) he would be able to ensure that he only presents a single potential AoO to the enemies.
Exampe: Edmund moves 5ft. down and south, putting him 5ft. under bat D1. If he were then to drop another five feet, he'd provoke a single AoO and end up out of range of D1, where he could continue his withdraw until he had safely escaped (for now!) the batty ladies.)
Any chance of getting your e-mail so I don't bore everyone else to death whenever I run into a rules impasse? We've got three men down already; no point killing the players with rhetoric. ;)
Edmund (HP: 32/38, AC: 17/19 vs. Evil) Bless, Haste, Fly, MCvsEvil Friday May 23rd, 2008 12:55:49 AM
Flanked fore and aft by immense bats, Edmund's brain works faster than it ever has before. He considers all manner of possible options, and realises that there is but one excellent plan open to him. At once, he executes that plan.
Diving down and forward through the air, he flies under the bat which stands between him and the party (D1). Maybe he opens himself up to an attack from it, maybe not, but he must try his plan, for inaction will surely result in death. As the ground rushes up at him, he pulls himself up, sailing up again and leaving the bats behind. Rocketting forward, he heads for the tunnel, flying over the black metal guard, his companions, and his childhood friend. Only when he has passed them all does he stop, just within the range of Thar's magic circle, near the ceiling of the hallway.
(Withdraw (Fly) south-down to E-4 (ht: 20ft), then south-down to F-4 (ht: 15ft), then southeast-up to G-5 (ht: 20 ft), then again to H-6 (ht: 25ft), then southeast to I-7, and finally south to L-7. (Total Distance Travelled: 50ft -- I've counted 3D diagonal movement like 2D diagonal movement.))
Now behind the party, he waves violently at the bats, flailing his arms and ensuring they can see where he has gone. "I'm over here!" he shouts at them "Come and get me, you flying rats!"
DM Sanity Info. Move Action: Withdraw (Fly) 50ft to L-7 (25ft. ht) Standard Action: None
Spells in Effect Mage Armour (self) - 7h remaining Haste (everyone) - 1r remaining Fly (self) - 65r left Bless (from Kirsten) Magic Circle vs. Evil (from Thar)
Spells Per Day L.0: Daze, Detect Magic, Light, Message, Read Magic L.1: Charm Person, Mage Armour, Magic Missile, Magic Missile, Shield, Sleep, Summon Monster I L.2: Daze Monster, Fox's Cunning, Scorching Ray,Scorching Ray, Summon Monster II, Web L.3: Fly,Haste, Lightning Bolt, Lightning Bolt, Summon Monster III L.4: Lesser Geas, Shout, Summon Monster IV
A Voice of Reason? (ACDM Nellie) d100=58 ; d20+10=19 ; d20+6=23 ; d10+6=13 ; d20+11=12 ; d20+7=26 ; d10+6=15 ; d20+11=17 ; d20+11=31 ; d3=1 ; d20+11=16 ; d20+7=24 ; d10+6=14 ; d20+11=26 ; d20+6=20 ; d8+4=12 ; d20+6=8 ; Friday May 23rd, 2008 1:14:22 AM
Kirsten gives some much needed healing to the wounded while her comrades continues to hack and slash.
Kadaz, Thar and Shadow all manage to get some good blows in, though the enemy is still in fine fighting form.
Edmund executes an excellent plan for escape and follows it back out the corridor.
Laying on the ground, Arm's lifeblood continues to soak his armor. (No stabilization this round. Arm is now at -8...eek!!)
Guard 1 howls in frustration as Shadow's wounds close up due to Kirsten's healing touch. With a primal grunt he swings his sword down on the half-elf. Whoosh A blind mage could dodge the first blow. But the second cuts deep, almost undoing the healing that he just received. (AC23 for 13)
Guard 3 ignores Kadaz and glares at Kirsten. Missing her entirely with his first blow, he redeems himself with his second attack, cutting a large gash in the paladin's side. (AC29 for 15).
Guard 4 continues to press Thar, though that paladin looks mighty tempting... He lands a solid blow, but turns out he probably should have gone after the paladin after all. (AC31/16 for 14).
Squeaking in glee, the bats continue to pursue the elusive Edmund....and catch up with him. The first bat zips in and crunches into that tender little Halfling neck. Mmmm...yummy, taste that juicy mage goodness! (AC20 for 12) The other bat misses by a longshot.
And suddenly, above the din of combat, there's a noise...clapping. Now visible in the north east corner of the room, the Count looks amused. "Good, good....very good! You are worthy indeed to join me. Why do you insist on this needless bloodshed. Join me. For even if you do manage to defeat me, how will you escape these lands?! The portal you used to get here is tied to me...we are bound together. If you kill me, it will seal and you will remain here forever! Drop your weapons and cease this nonsense and I can personally see that you become more powerful than in all your wildest dreams!"
Julian (Unconscious) Friday May 23rd, 2008 1:57:12 AM
..!
Arm (AC 24,26 vs evil) HP -8/33 Unconscious Friday May 23rd, 2008 5:59:12 AM
Unable to hear the words of the count, Arm instead begins to see a bright light in the distance that is rapidly approaching him. In it, he can almost make out the flame-headed bard whom he had taken a liking to at Samson's. Suddenly, his thoughts drift to Mira, "My love, how I miss you..hope you are faring better than I. Should I enter the light, I promise I will still watch over you.".
Kadaz (HP: 96/103, AC: 28/30 (vs.Evil), +1 vs G3) Bless, Haste, Prot.Evil d20+15=29 ; d20+10=11 ; d20+15=32 ; d10+7=10 ; d6=1 ; d10+7=13 ; d6=4 ; Friday May 23rd, 2008 7:02:43 AM
"The Mithril Order will never yield!" Kadaz yells out at the Count. Now would be a good time to get in some really, really good hits on this guy, and then treat Arm. He keeps swinging, now a little bit desperate. Hist first and third swings are excellent, but his middle swing whiffs extremely badly, creating a gust of wind.
As the mage flies overhead Kadaz yells at him: "Ed, fly a little lower next time and maybe I can hit a bat"
DM Sanity Info. Move Action: None Standard Action: Full Attack vs. G3 . Swing 1: Hit AC 29, damage 10 axe + 1 electric Swing 2: hit AC 11, (natural 1) Swing 3: hit AC 32, damage 13 axe + 4 electric
Spells in Effect Bless (from Kirsten) Haste (from Edmund) Magic Circle vs. Evil (from Thar)
Notes +1 Dodge bonus to AC vs. G3
Shadow (AC 22/17 HP 11/47) d20+9=10 ; d20+9=17 ; d6+2=5 ; d6+2=6 ; Friday May 23rd, 2008 7:14:19 AM
Shadow is relieved to feel some of his wounds close up as Kristen focuses some of her energy on him. Unfortunately it is short lived as the guard hits him again. He is thrown off balance by eiher the sudden healing or the last wound taken as he misses the guard with both of his swings. He is worried that he might succumb to the next attack of he guard.
Action: to hit=10, 17 dmg=5,6
Thar, AC 26/27 (vs. G4), hp 31/70 Magic Circle vs. Evil 10', Bless, Sum Monster 3 2d8+5=15 ; d20+8=25 ; Friday May 23rd, 2008 9:41:12 AM
Slowly running out of energy and blood from the numerous blows he's received, Thar realizes he still isn't going to have a chance to catch his breath. Activating his wand of CMW's, Thar tries to heal some of his serious injuries and hopefully get ahead some in the battle.
CMW = 15 hps (gets me up to 31) Charges left =46 Conc Check = 25
Edmund (HP: 18/38, AC: 17/19 vs. Evil) Bless, Haste, MCvsEvil 2d6=2 ; Friday May 23rd, 2008 2:54:22 PM
Looking at the bats beside him, and hearing the Count's words in the hall, Edmund smiles weakly. "Methinks," he shouts, "There may be something worth hearing!"
And then, with a dismissive gesture, Edmund plummets through the air, out of the reach of the bats, and lands spryly on his feet. Perhaps it is because he was expecting it to hurt a lot more, but he finds himself only slightly pained by the landing. (2d6 points of falling damage for a 20 foot fall=2 damage)
Looking up at the bats above him, he scowls. "Of course," he shouts, "When I said something worth hearing, I meant this: Never! Never! NEVER!"
And with that, Edmund makes a gesture and speaks a word of command. A giant web appears, stretching between the hallway walls, and extending twenty feet on every side, centred on the top left corner of the ceiling of L-7 (The hall has a height of 25 ft, so those on the ground should be just under the lowest point of the web. The bats, however, should be caught in the thickest part of it.)
That done, Edmund turns, looking to Thar and the others.
"Ready for a last stand, then?" he asks as he draws his dagger.
DM Sanity Info. Free Action: Dismiss Fly Move Action: Draw Weapon Standard Action: Cast Web centred on top left corner of L-7 (ht: 25ft)
Spells in Effect Mage Armour (self) - ~7h remaining Haste (everyone) - Final Round Bless (from Kirsten) Magic Circle vs. Evil (from Thar) Web (top-left L-7 @ 25ft ht.) - 70m remaining
Spells Per Day L.0: Daze, Detect Magic, Light, Message, Read Magic L.1: Charm Person, Mage Armour, Magic Missile, Magic Missile, Shield, Sleep, Summon Monster I L.2: Daze Monster, Fox's Cunning, Scorching Ray,Scorching Ray, Summon Monster II, Web L.3: Fly,Haste, Lightning Bolt, Lightning Bolt, Summon Monster III L.4: Lesser Geas, Shout, Summon Monster IV
Kirsten (HP 22/81, AC 22, Bless, Haste) d20+12=18 ; d20+7=27 ; d20+12=30 ; d20+12=17 ; d8+4=8 ; d8+4=8 ; d8+4=8 ; 2d8=8 ; Friday May 23rd, 2008 9:15:16 PM
Kirsten shuddered as she realized there was little else she could do for her companions. Unable to offer Shadow or Arm any more help in the way of healing, she will grimly raise her warhammer and attack G3. (Attack AC 18/ 27*/17 *Critical Threat AC 30! for 24 + 8 sonic dmg) She fears there is little she can do, but like Kadaz is unwilling to give into the count's demands.
DM Info:
Move: None Attack: Full Attack (G3)
Attack 1: AC 18 Attack 2: AC 27* Critical Threat! AC 30 to Confirm for 24 (8+8+8) +8 Sonic dmg (DC 14 Will save or deafened) Attack 3: AC 17
Spells on Me: Bless Haste Magic Circle (from Thar)
AshleyOOC Friday May 23rd, 2008 10:01:37 PM
Oops! I made a mistake on my roll to confirm critical, it should be a +7 modifier and not a +12, so the total would be AC 25 instead of AC 30.
Sowwies!
Sticky Situation (ACDM Nellie) (Arm's stab) d100=66 ; (G4's AoO) d20+11=19 ; (Guard's Will) d20+9=20 ; (D1's Ref.) d20+10=25 ; (D2's Refl) d20+10=25 ; (G1's attack) d20+10=27 ; d10+6=10 ; d20+6=11 ; (G3's attack) d20+13=22 ; d10+6=14 ; d20+9=21 ; d20+13=22 ; d10+6=14 ; (G4's attack) d20+11=22 ; d20+7=25 ; d20+11=15 ; (D1's attack) d20+8=17 ; d20+8=20 ; d8+4=12 ;(D2's attack) d20+8=17 ; d20+8=25 ; d8+4=5 ; Saturday May 24th, 2008 9:57:20 AM
Having refused the Count's offer, the Mithril Order presses on bravely against all odds!
Kadaz inflicts his opponent with a couple of good strikes, but can't put him down.
In his weakend state, Shadow can't seem to connect.
Thar pulls out his healing wand (drawing an AoO which misses!!) and gives himself the gift of healing. (I'm assuming that Thar dropped his short sword to the ground in order to hold his wand. Let me know if I am in error.)
Edmund comes up with a brilliant plan to get rid of his tormentors. Dropping down he falls on his hind quarters (prone) and begins weaving his magic spell. A sticky web forms all around the bats. (Shawn, note that the ceiling in the entryway is only 15 feet high!, it's 30 feet high in the chamber. In the interest of not creating a TPK, I'm going to allow Edmund to be outside of the web, but note that this is only because I'm feeling unDMly kind today **wink**.)
Arm continues to bleed to death as his wounds just won't close up on their own.
Having a full measure of dire straights that her companions are in, Kirsten lashes out and strikes a massive blow against her foe. Although she cuts a large gash in the guard, once more she intuitively knows that she should have done a lot more damage!
And for the baddies...
Guard 1 presses on and gets in one slice against Shadow (AC27 for 10).
Guard 3 grins evily at Kirsten. With a look of pure lust he carves into the paladin, and drops her to the ground. (AC22 for 14, AC22 for 14...ummm those rolls are just weird!)
Guard 4 whacks away at Thar, but he just isn't having any luck against the cleric.
As for the bats (or maybe I should call them bussies...or hats...hmmm) they easily fly through the web and swoop down on Edmund. Fangs glinting in the eerie haziness, they swoop and strike with amazing agility and speed. Though they both miss on their first attempt, both of them are able to connect on the second go. (AC20 for 12, AC25 for 5)
From his corner the Count clucks his tongue. "That's the problem with you good people...so unwilling to see reason. Oh well, I suppose you will make fine slaves for me. Especially you...oh yes..you will be a strong worker in my mines! Now, hold still for your Master!" Pointing a finger at Kadaz, the Count weaves a spell. Kadaz feels a strong urge to hold perfectly still (Will save DC23 or be held).
Important Addendum!!! (ACDM Nellie) Saturday May 24th, 2008 9:01:18 PM
Uhhhh duhhhh!!! I accidentally had the hussies both move and have a full attack last round. That is absolutely not right (chalk it up to lack of sleep!) The second attacks on Edmund Do Not Occur. The bats are still flanking him and in a position to attack, but Edmund did not lose any HP last round! I am very sorry about the mix up! Shawn, please post again and I will delete your old post if you wish.
Edmund (HP: 18/38, AC: 16/18 vs. Evil) Bless, MCvsEvil d20=9 ; Saturday May 24th, 2008 9:50:02 PM DM Nellie: You can delete the old post. This version has a few substantive changes.
Note to others: Haste has worn off. You no longer receive +1 to AC, +1 to Attack Rolls, increased movement, and an extra attack.
As the bats pass through his web inexplicably, Edmund feels like he has been kicked in the stomach. The blows which rain down on him seem to occur in slow-motion. Somehow, he manages to dodge the incoming blows.
Wincing from the wound in his side, Edmund sees Shadow nearly felled just before Kirsten sinks to the floor. Thar is injured, Julian is barely stable, Arm is but a moment away from death, and Podo has already shrugged off his mortal coil. Only Kadaz seems to be able to hold out, but Edmund doubts that even the doughty dwarf could handle all these foes on his own. To make matters worse, Edmund's own Web spell has done nothing except to block the escape route; Edmund dismisses it with a swift hand gesture.
Glancing at the hall, Edmund is aware that he could turn and run, leaving his friends behind. For a moment, he thinks of himself escaping the tunnel. After all, there seems to be nothing he can do to save them, but surely one alive is better than all dead. If the choice had come to him a few months ago, he might well have fled. But things have changed. Edmund is loathe to part whilst anyone remains--even Arm.
Edmund chooses to stay and share the fate of his friends. Barely able to bring himself to pronounce the loathesome words, but realising that his decision may give possibility for escape or at least buy time, Edmund drops his dagger and raises both his hands.
"Pax!" he shouts "We surrender! Cease the assault and we will parley!"
Hoping that the Count and his minions listen, Edmund rushes to stand over Julian's stabilised body (in I-6, this permits an AoO from G1 if they continue the assault), next to Kirsten, leaving critically wounded Arm to someone more knowledgeable in first aid.
DM Sanity Info. Free Action: Dismiss Web Move Action: Withdraw to I-6 Standard Action: None
Spells in Effect Mage Armour (self) - ~7h remaining Bless (from Kirsten) Magic Circle vs. Evil (from Thar)
Spells Per Day L.0: Daze, Detect Magic, Light, Message, Read Magic L.1: Charm Person, Mage Armour, Magic Missile, Magic Missile, Shield, Sleep, Summon Monster I L.2: Daze Monster, Fox's Cunning, Scorching Ray,Scorching Ray, Summon Monster II, Web L.3: Fly,Haste, Lightning Bolt, Lightning Bolt, Summon Monster III L.4: Lesser Geas, Shout, Summon Monster IV
Ignore the d20 roll. I was going to make a heal check for Kirsten, but Withdrawing is a full-round action.
Thar, AC 26/27 (vs. G4), hp 31/70 Magic Circle vs. Evil 10', 2d8+5=12 ; Sunday May 25th, 2008 4:41:53 PM
"Oh hell" Thar says to himself, uttering a rare profanity. "Edmund may have a point here and I think we've bought off more than we can chew."
Looking around him, he sees Shadow get cut deeply, Kadaz trying to struggle off a spell and Kirsten fall too.
Putting up his hands in a gusture of surrender, he says "OK Count man. As my friend says, we want peace and are willing to parley."
(i.e. he's delaying his action until the guards move this round.)
Assuming the guards don't attack him, he'll move quickly to Arm and cast a CMW spell on him, hopefully stabalizing him. (12 pts)
If the guards do attack him, then he'll fight them and try to kill the nearest one. (I'll do my rolls if that's required...)
Kirsten (HP -6/81, AC 22) Sunday May 25th, 2008 5:48:38 PM
Kirsten falls to the ground with a grunt as the guards' attacks finally get the better of her.
Julian (Unconscious) Sunday May 25th, 2008 7:42:16 PM
... Did that foolish mage call surrender? If only I could move...
Arm (AC 23,25 vs evil) HP 3/33 Monday May 26th, 2008 6:31:18 AM
Feeling life once again return to his body, Arm sighs deeply and struggles to open his eyes. When he does, he sees Thar standing over him and grins weakly. For the moment he will lay there a rest for a bit.
OOC: Nellie, do I have to make a CON check?
Kadaz (HP: 96/103; AC: 27/29 vs.Evil, +1AC vs G3; Bless, Prot.Evil d20+19=26 ; d10+6=9 ; d6=4 ; d20+15=27 ; d10+6=16 ; d6=2 ; Monday May 26th, 2008 8:48:56 AM
Those attuned to magical energies might notice the Count focusing on Kadaz, trying to enchant the dwarf fighter and freezing his muscles in place. These specially attuned persons would then notice the magical energies dashing themselves on the aura that surrounds the entire group. The cascading and battling magical auras in play might even overwhelm the magical eyes of any being able to see the unseen! And in the end the divine aura that Thar provided proves to be the stronger! The unseen auras die back down, leaving the party unaffected but the Count fuming at his ineffectual gesture.
Kadaz is, however, attuned to magical auras about as strongly as your typical garden rock. He has no clue that Thar's foresight at the beginning of the battle has just saved him from becoming a statue.
Kadaz does notice, however, that he is surrounded by 4 unconscious party members. Time for a change in tactics. Kadaz's swings at the attacking guards's weapon, trying to break it. He is hopeful that his adamantine axe will shear through the guard's weapon, rendering him ineffectual. The dwarf swings twice and the sound of metal hitting metal echoes from the sides of the cave. After the 2nd swing Kadaz looks at the floor, hoping to see a broken sword lying there.
DM Sanity Info. Move Action: None Standard Action: Full Attack vs. G3's weapon Kadaz's adamantine battle axe bypass hardness < 20. Swing 1: hit AC 26, damage 9 axe + 4 electric (?) Swing 2: hit AC 27, damage 16 axe + 2 electric (?)
Spells in Effect Bless (from Kirsten) Magic Circle vs. Evil (from Thar)
Notes +1 Dodge bonus to AC vs. G3
Arm (AC 23,25 vs evil) HP 3/33 Tuesday May 27th, 2008 5:00:13 AM
Arm shakily regains his feet after remembering to pick up his rod of wonder. Pocketing it, he shows no attempt at agression...for the moment.
Shadow (AC 22/17 HP 1/47) Tuesday May 27th, 2008 7:12:12 AM
Shadow staggers and tries to remain sanding, but goes to a knee. He is about to attack the guard that has almost taken his life when he hears th egroup ask for parley. He is not really ready to resist and will put all of his effort into avoiding any further attack by the guard. Although, he is not even sure he could move out of the way of a galloping horse yet alone an attack. He even feels like he is moving through mud since the group lost the quickness from haste.
Shadow (AC 22/17 HP 1/47) Tuesday May 27th, 2008 7:13:54 AM
OOC: Just so everyone knows, I am going on vacation next week (5/31-6/8) so will need a sub for Shadow (that is if we survive). There is supposed to be internet at the condo, but you never know (and we are driving so a lot of time in the car).
Thanks,
Thar, AC 26/27 (vs. G4), hp 31/70 Magic Circle vs. Evil 10', Tuesday May 27th, 2008 9:20:05 AM
(OOC = I'm also on vacation but if there is Inet, I'll do my best to post
Also, I'll cover for you Shadow. Go ahead and email me your info... kmestemacher@everestkc.net
Pardon e Parley?? (ACDM Nellie) (G3's attack) d20+11=21 ; d20+7=9 ; d20+11=18 ; (G4's attack) d20+11=31 ; d20+11=24 ; d10+6=13 ; d20+7=27 ; d20+7=10 ; d10+6=15 ; d20+11=29 ; d10+6=9 ; (D1's attack) d20+8=20 ; (D2's attack) d20+8=13 ; Wednesday May 28th, 2008 12:26:50 AM
Feeling that the odds are stacked against them, several of the Order call for parley.
Kadaz, however, does not appear to share the sentiment, and presses his attack...not against the guard, but against his sword. He is rewarded with watching the weapon shatter under his two blows. In return, the Guard he attacks reaches out and takes a few swings at the dwarf, none of which connect. Then another guard steps forward and engages Kadaz. Perhaps he is more confident, armed with his bastard sword...and in the end he inflicts several nasty blows on the hold out (AC31/24 for 13, AC27/10 for 15, AC29 for 9) The dire bats also join in the attack on Kadaz, but are unable to injury the warrior. Though he holds his sword at the ready, Guard 1 does not attack this round.
The Count smiles hearing Edmund's surrender. "Good, good...someone with some sensibilities about them. I accept your surrender, but first, you must have your small friend cease his attacks. There's already enough blood spilt for today." The Count points his finger at Thar. "And then you will drop that irritating spell of yours. Then we will discuss the terms of parley."
There is an air of breathlessness as everyone in the hall watches to see whether Kadaz will continue his attack or stand down.
Edmund (HP: 18/38, AC: 16/18 vs. Evil) Bless, MCvsEvil d20=14 ; d20+14=26 ; d20=17 ; Wednesday May 28th, 2008 1:38:12 AM
Edmund, fair to a fault at times--even when dealing with evil badness--nods to the Count, though he does his best to determine whether the villain is being genuine (Sense Motive=14). "Right, no spells, that's agreeable, but give us a moment to at least ensure we can listen without people dying whilst we trade words," Edmund says before turning to address Kadaz.
"Kadaz, hold man, hold," Edmund says in a lower voice. "Our host means business, and it can do no harm to hear him out and parley. Indeed, quite the opposite," he adds pointedly.
Turning back to the Count with as firm a gaze as he can, doing his best to appear resolute and stoic. "For our part, we'll press our attack no further provided you and yours maintain this peace as well. Explain your offer and we will consider it fairly, for you have clearly proven your might in combat, as I hope you will appreciate that we have proven our own." (Diplomacy=26)
Then, fully aware that they need to recover themselves, but unsure how to do this without Thar's spell, Edmund ponders for a moment as he kneels and does his best to stabilise Kirsten's wounds. (Heal=17)
Spells in Effect Mage Armour (self) - ~7h remaining Bless (from Kirsten) Magic Circle vs. Evil (from Thar)
Spells Per Day L.0: Daze, Detect Magic, Light, Message, Read Magic L.1: Charm Person, Mage Armour, Magic Missile, Magic Missile, Shield, Sleep, Summon Monster I L.2: Daze Monster, Fox's Cunning, Scorching Ray,Scorching Ray, Summon Monster II, Web L.3: Fly,Haste, Lightning Bolt, Lightning Bolt, Summon Monster III L.4: Lesser Geas, Shout, Summon Monster IV
Arm (AC 23,25 vs evil) HP 3/33 Bless d8+1=2 ; Wednesday May 28th, 2008 5:44:28 AM
Not quite ready to speak for the group yet, Arm fishes his CLW potion from his pack and downs it, but with little effect (CLW-2...DOH!).
Shadow (AC 22/17 HP 1/47) d20=10 ; Wednesday May 28th, 2008 7:14:05 AM
Shadow, still a little woosey from his wounds will let Ed do the talking. He will look down and see if he can bind his own wounds so that he will not bleed to death. A moment of feeling sick passes as Shadow sits to take care of his wounds.
Actions: Heal=10
Nellie to Len Wednesday May 28th, 2008 9:28:14 AM
Len, house rules say you get to reroll that 1 on healing. Reroll, please. :)
Kadaz (HP: 65/103; AC: 27/29 vs.Evil, +1AC vs G4; Bless, Prot.Evil) d20+1=4 ; Wednesday May 28th, 2008 4:47:30 PM
The new guard manages to hit Kadaz hard, just as Edmund's words penetrate through Kadaz's anger. Kadaz stops, axe drawn back for a swing, then slowly lowers it to his side.
He turns slowly in place, glaring at every opponent but not taking any other action. The bats fluttering around his head, obscure his sight.but he sees all too well the number of his friends who are on the floor, trying to staunch their wounds. (spot 4)
"No good can come of accommodating evil, Edmund. I hope you know what you're doing." he whispers.
DM Sanity Info. Move Action: None Standard Action:
Spells in Effect Bless (from Kirsten) Magic Circle vs. Evil (from Thar)
Notes +1 Dodge bonus to AC vs. G4
Julian (Unconscious) Wednesday May 28th, 2008 7:04:01 PM
...!
Terms of Surrender - DM Donna Thursday May 29th, 2008 1:47:11 AM
The Count's perfect white teeth flash as he smiles in genuine delight, his finely-wrought hands coming together in a single clap.
"Enough, my pets!" he announces. "No more battle today! Sharmayne...Saybel...kindly see to the...annointed one...he needs tending!"
Upon his command, the remaining guards step back from their respective positions, their weapons stilled. The two bats suddenly change into the slinky pair of female dancers that had flanked Count Darkar when he was sitting on his throne. They go to where Podo lies on the ground, where one of them nods to the other and scoops up the lifeless halfling, carrying him from the room much like a mother would carry her beloved child. (Wow...the Web is no longer there!)
"Now...I must insist that you dispense with that horridly inhospitable spell of yours." Count Darkar's eyes flash as he addresses Thar directly. "As soon as you do so, I will have the delectable Saybel give you a jar of ointment which should help those of your party who are currently making a mess on my nice custom stonework."
The Count, Guards and Saybel wait for Thar to do as he's been requested.
Arm (AC 23,25 vs evil) HP 12/33 Bless d8+1=9 ; Thursday May 29th, 2008 6:07:16 AM
Arm now feels MUCH better than he did previously, now that his potion has taken affect (CLW=9). He DOES, however, wonder what the rest of his friends have in mind. He for one has no plans on surrendering.
OOC: Nellie, thanks for the heads-up.
Thar, AC 26/27 (vs. G4), hp 31/70 Magic Circle vs. Evil 10', 2d8+5=17 ; Thursday May 29th, 2008 8:10:36 AM
Continuing to heal his friends, Thar says in a polite and respectful, but firm manner "Sir, thank you for the offer of healing my companions and it is greatly appreciated. However, I am a healer and would prefer to heal my friends so you can use your ointment on your brave guards. I see that they have fought bravely and are wounded, but I don't think I have enough healing left to help them. I hope you understand sir."
He'll burn one of his spells and do a CMW on Julian. for 17 pts of healing.
While being polite to the count but not canceling his MCvE spell, Thar will move to Julian and heal him. He'll also give the CMW's wand to Shadow and say "Here, my friend. Try using a few of these on yourself."
Edmund (HP: 18/38, AC: 16/18 vs. Evil) Bless, MCvsEvil Thursday May 29th, 2008 1:09:51 PM
Edmund racks his brain trying to come up with something, anything. When Thar politely refuses to drop the MCvE for the moment, Edmund does his best to salve the Count's impression of the situation.
"Your Grace," Edmund begins, "You know how Clerics can be. He is merely concerned for the continued safety of the wounded. No doubt once that matter is redressed, he'll be much more inclined to dispense with the array of protective spells at his disposal. If you like, we can let him tend these wounded whillst you and I sort things, as betwixt gentlemen."
Turning to the others for a moment so that the Count cannot see his face, the smile fades and he looks at the rest of the order with an expression of profound misery and lamentation. Whispering quickly and quietly as he makes a show of kneeling down to check Kirsten, he gives them some instructions.
"I'm going to do what I can to distract our host, but the rest of you should take the first opportunity to escape. I'll see what I can do about providing a distraction, and you'll know when it's happening, trust me. Get everyone's wounds tended and try to get back to the Wold. Don't wait for me, what? I'll figure something out, and I'll see you soon enough."
Without waiting for a response, Edmund quickly stands up and turns around to face the Count again, once more all smiles and gentility. "Perhaps you have somewhere more accomodating where we can speak whilst we let my companions address their wounds? They'll be fine here for the moment, and it will allow you and I some time to hammer out the details of our cooperation."
DM Sanity Info. Move Action: None Standard Action: None
Spells in Effect Mage Armour (self) - ~7h remaining Bless (from Kirsten) Magic Circle vs. Evil (from Thar)
Spells Per Day L.0: Daze, Detect Magic, Light, Message, Read Magic L.1: Charm Person, Mage Armour, Magic Missile, Magic Missile, Shield, Sleep, Summon Monster I L.2: Daze Monster, Fox's Cunning, Scorching Ray,Scorching Ray, Summon Monster II, Web L.3: Fly,Haste, Lightning Bolt, Lightning Bolt, Summon Monster III L.4: Lesser Geas, Shout, Summon Monster IV
Shadow (AC 22/17 HP 1/47) Thursday May 29th, 2008 2:23:51 PM
Shadow will accept the wand from Thar and try to use it on himself a couple of times (OOC: sorry at work don't know how much the wand actually heals-not sure what dice rolls to make). He will try and watch to see what happens, but is not happy about any of this. Being one that does not like to be captured, but has tried to mend his ways of being deceptive also.
Shadow (AC 22/17 HP 1/47) Thursday May 29th, 2008 2:24:54 PM
OOC: Please remember that I will not be posting next week (probably) because I will be on vacation in South Padre Island (I say probably because I am not sure of the availability of internet where I am going).
Julian 10hp? Thursday May 29th, 2008 7:08:20 PM
"What? Huh? I'm gonna kill him! and the dwarf, then the mage!" Julian staggers to his feet, pushing Thar away. He looks around for the count and brings his sword arm up to charge - but his hand is empty. The halfling stands there poised to run, arms in the air, eyes wide with fury, sword on the ground somewhere behind him. With a clear note of dejection he murmers, "I hate it when this happens..."
Kadaz (HP: 65/103; AC: 27/29 vs.Evil, +1AC vs G4; Bless, Prot.Evil) Thursday May 29th, 2008 8:35:24 PM
Kadaz takes the change in status with ill grace. He has no good idea about what to do, other than glare at the Count. "Hey", he yells at the evil one, "where are you taking Podo?"
OOPS...That's Supposed to be: UNCONDITIONAL Terms of Surrender - DM Donna Thursday May 29th, 2008 8:39:35 PM
The Count watches the party with a professional smile on his face.
"My, oh my...we seem to have a failure to communicate," the handsome man says loftily. "I blame myself--in my eagerness to recruit new allies, I didn't emphasize my words correctly, so I will make sure that you all know exactly what you need to do:
"Stop fighting; put down all your weapons; don't cast any more spells..." Count Darkar ticks off the points on his long, tapered fingers as he speaks. "...oh...and your cleric must drop his Magic Circle spell...now...or my minions...all two dozen or so of them...will tear you limb from limb."
Julian, who happens to facing the party--and, thus, can now see very clearly into the corridor just behind the group--sees something that makes him certain that the Count will brook no cutesy maneuvers or verbal fencing...
...there are now a host of feral-looking humanoids standing within striking distance of the party--if Julian can count, there are about twenty or so of them there...all of them with red eyes and bared fangs.
"I am a man of my word." The Count says amiably. "Sharmayne is carrying your companion to where he may be tended to...and you may consider that to be additional...incentive...to behave yourselves and acquiesce to my requests--because if you don't, you will never see your friend again."
Anyone in the party who does NOT roll a natural 1 on their Sense Motive check will be able to tell that the Count is NOT bluffing.
Edmund (HP: 18/38, AC: 16/18 vs. Evil) Bless, MCvsEvil Thursday May 29th, 2008 9:17:19 PM ((Magic Circle vs. Evil is not a Dismissable spell. (PH 176 & 249))
Edmund, frustrated by this latest development, turns to the others and then sees the horde of foes in the rear. Frowning a bit, he speaks to the others quietly.
"Do as he says," Edmund says drily. "And consider yourselves fortunate we gave up when we had a chance, before this lot arrived. There may yet be a way out of this, but I assure you, fighting is not it. Now is the time for thinking and watching, not for swords and blows. As for you Thar, I'm not sure what to do. Give me half a moment."
Turning back to the Count, Edmund once more smiles and carries on with a pleasant demeanour. "Your Grace is too kind in extending an explanation to us. We heartily apologise for the regrettable misunderstanding and look forward to your explanation of how we may assist you. However, I regret to inform your Grace that our cleric cannot simply abandon his spell--as you may be familiar with such spells, you will undoubtedly realise that it cannot be dismissed at will, but must run its course. Thus, why not, whilst we wait for it to expire, take the opportunity to discuss things between ourselves. I am certain my companions will be fine, tending their wounds here, whilst you and I work out the details of our forthcoming association."
DM Sanity Info. Move Action: None Standard Action: None
Spells in Effect Mage Armour (self) - ~7h remaining Bless (from Kirsten) Magic Circle vs. Evil (from Thar)
Spells Per Day L.0: Daze, Detect Magic, Light, Message, Read Magic L.1: Charm Person, Mage Armour, Magic Missile, Magic Missile, Shield, Sleep, Summon Monster I L.2: Daze Monster, Fox's Cunning, Scorching Ray,Scorching Ray, Summon Monster II, Web L.3: Fly,Haste, Lightning Bolt, Lightning Bolt, Summon Monster III L.4: Lesser Geas, Shout, Summon Monster IV
Julian 10hp? Friday May 30th, 2008 12:36:02 AM
"Okay, there's a lot more of them coming from behind. This is..." his voice trails off
Julian listens to Edmund till the part where he says, "and consider yourselves fortunate..."
"I want Podo back," he exclaims as he sits in a heap on the floor. He idly fingers the sword beside him as tears well up in his eyes.
Arm (AC 23,25 vs evil) HP 12/33 Bless Friday May 30th, 2008 6:00:10 AM
Arm sheathes his sword as he thinks on Ed's words, "Run? To WHERE? Simpleton...". He tries his best to come up with a way to escape this situation, but nothing presents itself at the moment.
Shadow (AC 22/17 HP 1/47) Friday May 30th, 2008 7:17:41 AM
Shadow also sheathes his sword and waits to see what happens next. "We have thrown the dice to see what happens, and we will not get out right now."
Thar, AC 26/27 (vs. G4), hp 31/70 Magic Circle vs. Evil 10', Friday May 30th, 2008 8:13:16 AM
"I know I'm going to regret this" says Thar to his companions in a soft but disappointed manner.
"Count, as my friend said, I can't dismiss this spell, as it is an undismissable spell. I would if I could... As my friend Edmund said, it is not within my ability and do you have any ideas?"
(OOC = DM, to ease things, how about allowing some dues ex machina to allow Thar to dismiss it?)
Pausing, he adds, "As I am a healer, may I have your permission to heal those among us who are seriously bleeding? I'm worried about their wounds and my faith won't allow me to let them bleed to death."
He won't cast any spells until the count approves however. He'll stand and wait to see what happens next.
Thar, AC 26/27 (vs. G4), hp 31/70 Magic Circle vs. Evil 10', 2d8+5=13 ; Friday May 30th, 2008 8:15:04 AM
OOC = Shadow, here is a roll for last turn's healing with the wand = 13 hps. Also, I'll do Shadow next week and send me your character link and I'll take care of him...)
Kadaz (HP: 84/103; AC: 27/29 vs.Evil, +1AC vs G4; Bless, Prot.Evil) 3d8+5=19 ; d20+1=8 ; Friday May 30th, 2008 5:47:49 PM
Kadaz does not trust the count at all. He carefully looks at the creatures that have sealed them in, trying to determine how tough they look. (spot 8) As he does so he pulls a potion out of his pouch and drinks it. (cure serious). He then rearranges his potions a bit to make sure that he has quick access to what he might need.
Kirsten (HP -6/81, Unconscious) Friday May 30th, 2008 7:23:58 PM
The paladin continues to lie there, entirely oblivious. No doubt dreaming of something slightly more pleasant that what her friends are experiencing.
Details, Details! - DM Donna OOC: MY APOLOGIES TO THE PLAYERS--I WAS GOING ON MY FELLOW DM'S POST THAT THE MAGIC CIRCLE SPELL WAS DISMISSABLE...NO WORRIES. Friday May 30th, 2008 7:44:28 PM
The Count pinches the bridge of his nose with his fingers, squeezing his eyes shut for a moment.
"Ahhh...my apologies, Mithril Order," he says with a gusty sigh, "Forgive my inhospitable attitude...that spell, obviously, pains me with its very presence...I should have realized it is not the type of magic you can simply will away. Very well...you are cooperating in every other respect, so I will forgo that part of my terms, then...and substitute a different...request:
"After you are all healed up, I want you all to do me a little favor. I have a grim irritant that I need to deal with, and I need you all to go fetch him here for me." Count Darkar exhales a pent-up breath. "Do this favor for me, and I'll allow you to return to the Wold with your little friend, Podo. If you do not agree to fetch the man to me or if you leave and choose to escape to the Wold on your own...Podo remains my prisoner...and I must warn you: I eat prisoners for breakfast."
Edmund (HP: 18/38, AC: 16/18 vs. Evil) Bless, MCvsEvil Friday May 30th, 2008 11:59:18 PM This is more like it. Edmund immediately begins to formulate a plan.
Continuing to smile and carry on genteely, as if this is a perfectly ordinary diplomatic transaction, Edmund quickly replies before any of the other more hot-tempered members of the Order can respond.
"Quite all right, no doubt you are concerned with more weighty propositions than the duration of small, irritable spells. Your offer is a generous one, and I am happy to accept it on behalf of myself and my comrades here. We are eager to assist you in this small way, as proof that we are genuine in our desire to work with you in this, and in future endeavours."
Turning to the others, he continues to smile, though he speaks very insistently and with more than the usual force. "Let's heal up and then go find his Grace's enemy so that his Grace may rest easily in the knowledge that we will serve him well."
But, if the others are observant, they'll notice that subtle gleam in Edmund's eyes which indicates that there is something else, more than what he has said. It is clear to those who know him that the Wizard has an idea and is excited about putting it into effect--and that this is not actually enthusiasm for doing the will of an cruel and evil man.
Thar, AC 26/27 (vs. G4), hp 31/70 Magic Circle vs. Evil 10', d8+5=12 ; d3=2 ; d8+5=11 ; d8+5=8 ; d8+5=10 ; d8+5=7 ; 2d8+5=14 ; 2d8+5=15 ; 2d8+5=12 ; 3d8+5=16 ; Saturday May 31st, 2008 8:25:34 AM
Nodding at the Count, Thar adds "Thank you for your hospitality and understanding Sir." To Ed, he adds "Um Ed, we're almost out of spells and see if the count will allow us to rest for a little while to prepare ourselves to get this problem taken care of."
Knowing that Ed is much better at Diplomacy, Thar returns to his healing and (assuming we're not in combat rounds) uses up the rest of his spells to heal the rest of his party:
(OOC = Can everyone please post their latest hp totals, so I can ensure I heal who needs it... Here's what I have so far:
Thar 31/70 Ed 18/38 Kadaz 84/103 Kristen -6/70 Julian 10/? Arm 12/33 Shadow 14/47
3 CLW's = to Kirsten = +31 5 0 level heals to Kirsten = +5 2 CLW's to Julian = +17 1 CMW to Ed = +14 1 CMW to Shadow = +15 1 CMW to Kirsten = +12 1 CSW to Thar = +16 (so now at 47/70)
(Sorry Kadaz. I'm out of spells now but will get you next...)
Kadaz (HP: 84/103; AC: 27/29 vs.Evil, +1AC vs G4; Bless, Prot.Evil) Sunday June 1st, 2008 10:19:15 PM
Kadaz scowl deepens as the mage starts to engage the Count in conversation. It seems clear the group is overmatched a bit by the count and his minions, and that makes Kadaz even more grumpy. Heshuffels to the back of the group and watches Thar heal everyone. "I'm fine for now, Thar. Thanks for noticing me." he replies moodily. It has not been a good day.
At least he's doing better than poor Podo.
Julian 10hp? Monday June 2nd, 2008 1:58:48 AM
Julian is flabbergasted that someone would kill Podo, and use his body as blackmail. With tears welling up in his eyes the armoured halfling feels that he has no other choice. He nods meekly and hangs his head in shame.
Arm (AC 23,25 vs evil) HP 12/33 Bless Monday June 2nd, 2008 6:05:09 AM
Arm practically draws his sword to lop off Ed's head when he hears his bold declaration, and even the gleam in his eye does not assuage his fears, "Great...not only are we working for the enemy now, but Ed's got another plan...what ELSE can go wrong today?" he thinks to himself.
Meanwhile, he stands by and awaits his turn at some healing.
Thar, AC 26/27 (vs. G4), hp 31/70 Magic Circle vs. Evil 10', Monday June 2nd, 2008 9:38:43 AM
(OOC = Sorry, I missed that Arm was so low. I was having a tough time keeping up with each person's current hp...
DM and Arm => Instead of Thar healing himself, he'll use the CSW on Arm for +16.
Kirsten (HP 42/81, AC 22) Monday June 2nd, 2008 1:36:40 PM
Thanks to a little healing from Thar, the paladin soon finds herself conscious again and wondering what had happened. She quickly realizes that her companions had surrendered, and proceeds to sulk rather moodily.
Exiting the Parlor - DM Donna Monday June 2nd, 2008 11:03:28 PM
"Just so that we're clear on this," the Count says silkily, "I'm not a fool. I know that--if you had the chance--you'd kill me...if you could. However, it should be overwhelmingly apparent that you've just tried and failed...abysmally. I am secure in the knowledge that your party is no match for me and my minions. I also respect that you don't want to have anything to do with me or my offers to assist in your healing. Fine." The noble aims a dark glance at the remaining dancer.
"Saybel here will show you to your quarters." he announces. "You have my word that you will not be attacked or harassed...as long as you remain in your assigned area. I will inform you of the details of your mission for me after you've rested." The scantily-clad female approaches Ed, slinking her way up to the spellcaster.
"Follow me..." she bids the party in a husky tone before turning and, with a wave of one slender hand, causes another passageway to appear in the southwestern section of the throne room. Anyone in the party making a Spellcraft check of 10 or more can tell she's just dispelled an Illusion.
The new passageway is much more finished than the one that led from the doors to the throne room, and the party can see that there are branches that lead to other areas that are likewise much less rough. Saybel pads silently along, casting the occasional hungry glance at Ed as she does so. Several right and left turns later, the Mithril Order is shown into a suite of rooms that consist of a large sitting room with very comfortable furniture in it with doors that lead to two different bedrooms.
"These are your rooms." the raven-maned vixen says, her eyes sweeping Ed up and down as she steps up to him until she is only a breath away. "Call me if you need...a bite." Saybel smiles suggestively, running her tongue over her pointed teeth before moving off, her hips swaying almost hypnotically as she exits the room, closing the door behind her.
Arm (AC 23) HP 28/33 Tuesday June 3rd, 2008 6:04:58 AM
Still feeling uneasy, Arm casts a glance around their temporary 'home', and wonders what skullduggery (OOC: I've always wanted to use that word ;) ) their host has in mind for them. Not wanting to speak overly loud for fear that they are being observed, he whispers to the group, "Now what?".
OOC: Thanks, Thar.
Thar, AC 26/27 (vs. G4), hp 31/70 Magic Circle vs. Evil 10', d20+11=15 ; Tuesday June 3rd, 2008 9:25:16 AM
Finished healing up his companions as well as possible, Thar follows the vixen, feeling very uncomfortable being around such an evil creature of darkness. He has to continually fight the urge to raise his cross and destroy her uttertly.
Once they reach the room, he checks everyone's wounds again and says "I think we al need a good rest to heal up for a while. Kirsten, if we watch everyone closely, we should be able to help them heal up a bit more than normal healing... What does everyone think?"
Heal check = 15
(OOC = He was referring to longer term care (~ 1+ day, assuming we rest that long)
From http://www.d20srd.org/srd/skills/Heal.htm Long-Term Care Providing long-term care means treating a wounded person for a day or more. If your Heal check is successful, the patient recovers hit points or ability score points (lost to ability damage) at twice the normal rate: 2 hit points per level for a full 8 hours of rest in a day, or 4 hit points per level for each full day of complete rest; 2 ability score points for a full 8 hours of rest in a day, or 4 ability score points for each full day of complete rest
Edmund (HP: 18/38, AC: 16/18 vs. Evil) Bless, MCvsEvil Tuesday June 3rd, 2008 12:12:05 PM
Edmund does his best to smile politely at the dancer, but finds himself rather unable to forget that one of them recently took a rather significant chunk out of his shoulder. And he hasn't forgotten being stabbed, either.
Once they get back to their room, Edmund makes a few remarks--well aware, as he is, that every word they speak is almost certainly being listened to by their host.
"We need to heal up to full capacity and get ourselves ready," he says carefully. "His Grace the Count has an enemy around here--one presumably difficult enough for him to deal with that he is sending us. I think we should do as the Count asks, and find this fellow as soon as possible."
Edmund looks meaningfully at the others after saying this.
"As for Podo," Edmund says to Julian, "The count said he would tend to him--perhaps there is some means of reviving him. I have heard tell of such things. And better that he should do it, because I can tell you that I surely cannot. No fear, we'll get Podo back. But for now, it's smiles and good cheer all 'round, okay? As hard as it may be."
Edmund takes a seat and lets out a long drawn-out sigh. He looks very, very tired.
Julian 10hp? Tuesday June 3rd, 2008 4:33:53 PM
"Smiles and good cheer? I've had to suppress my natural tendencies for too long. We should have gone in swinging hard and fast, not sneaking ans skulking and being taken by surprise. We were obviously in enemy territory, there was no need for words. "Now I've just watched the life sucked out of the only friend I have from my homeland. I've been captured rather than killed on the battlefield. I'm stuck in situation which goes against my personal beliefs. I am imprisoned by words. I couldn't even die in battle. "Smiles and good cheer," Julian lumbers off towards a bedroom.
Kadaz (HP: 84/103) Tuesday June 3rd, 2008 6:15:30 PM
Kadaz is also somewhat glum. He doesn't even have the excuse of having been knocked unconscious in the last battle. "What Edmund says unfortunately makes a great deal of sense. We don't have a lot of options here. Anyone have a different plan?" he asks the group.
When Julian goes into the bedroom, Kadaz sits down beside Edmund and takes out a stone and his axe. As he sharpens he tries to cheer up Edmund. "Sometimes you need an axe, and sometimes you need a brain. Good thing we're both here."
He then addresses everyone else. "Everyone else try to get some rest. I'll take the first watch and wake someone when I'm tired." If they agree, Kadaz sits quietly in the dark, watching the doors and walls, slowly rotating his axe in his hand while mentally going over what went wrong today. "We'll get you back, Podo", he quietly promises the ether.
Shawn (OOC) Tuesday June 3rd, 2008 7:47:53 PM
Correction to last post: Edmund's HP is at 32. I had to rewrite the post and forgot to update the HP the second time around.
Clarifying Things - DM Donna Tuesday June 3rd, 2008 10:05:37 PM
Is Kadaz going to be the only one on watch? If there are others on watch, it would be nice to know whom will be on watch and when. Thanks.
Kirsten (HP 42/81, AC 22) d20+10=16 ; Tuesday June 3rd, 2008 11:07:38 PM
Following Thar's lead, the paladin will assist where she can in aiding the party's healing. No doubt they all need it after such a miserable loss of a battle.
Heal Check = 16
She will also offer to take a share of the watch, whatever seems most convenient to the party.
Arm (AC 23) HP 28/33 Wednesday June 4th, 2008 6:03:29 AM
Arm steps up and says, "I shall take second watch, so someone please wake me at that time.". He then retires to his room where he gingerly lays down, still sore from the last battle and his close brush with the hereafter.
Thar, AC 26/27 (vs. G4), hp 31/70 Magic Circle vs. Evil 10', Wednesday June 4th, 2008 9:18:41 AM
Thar will take one of the latest watches, so that he can rest for 8 hrs and tend to the injured.
Kadaz (HP: 84/103) Wednesday June 4th, 2008 4:58:47 PM
On first watch, Kadaz goes over again and again what happened to his companions that day. He gets more and more depressed as he does this. At least Birdie isn't here to witness this debacle, he thinks.
At the end of his watch he wakes Arm. "Your turn" he says. Kadaz changes out of his plate mail and into his chain mail for sleeping.
Edmund (HP: 32/38) Wednesday June 4th, 2008 7:11:50 PM
Edmund will take the middle watch shift, unless asked to do otherwise or if enough of the others volunteer so that he isn't needed.
Arm (AC 23) HP 28/33 Thursday June 5th, 2008 6:01:11 AM
Arm wakes at Kadaz' beconing, then commences the lonly time of watch duty. Assuming nothing happens, he wakes Ed with a none-too-gentle shove, saying "up and at 'em....hero...". He then retires once again, though his sleep seems troubled by the goings on.
Edmund (HP: 32/38) Thursday June 5th, 2008 11:50:39 AM
Edmund groggily wakes up, in the middle of the night, when Arm shoves him.
Without responding, he trudges over and sits down near the door, where he can look out into the hall. Every fifteen minutes or so he carefully walks up and down the hall, glancing into each person's room. (Assuming they are in rooms off of the same hall.)
If nothing happens: when his watch ends, Edmund heads over to wake up Kirsten, informing her that she is to wake Thar after her own watch is over. Then, he returns to bed.
Kirsten (HP 42/81, AC 22) Thursday June 5th, 2008 4:07:24 PM
Kirsten wakes with a faint murmur of protest at Edmund's nagging. She nods an affirmative at his instructions and moves to make her way towards the door where she, too, can see into the hallway.
After her watch is finished, the paladin will gently awaken Thar from his slumber. "Your turn," she whispers, offering him a sympathetic smile before heading back to bed.
Oh What a Night - DM Donna Thursday June 5th, 2008 5:55:12 PM
The watches come and go uneventfully. Apparently the Count--in spite of being a suavely evil person willing to kill the Mithril Order if they don't toe the line--is as good as his word, and the party is left undisturbed. With a judicious use of time and prayer, the healing magics of the party help bring everyone up to their full hit points. However, just when the spellcasters go to regain their spells, there is a knock on the door and the sultry voice of Saybel announces:
"His Grace wishes to see you...now."
Julian Thursday June 5th, 2008 8:10:17 PM
"We will be there shortly. Thank you. We just need a moment together first."
"How much longer do you need Eddy? Thar? Who else?"
Julian Thursday June 5th, 2008 8:11:44 PM
Julian will cast Mage Armour on himself as they leave the rooms, hopefully later rather than sooner. He will be dressed in his full breastplate.
(OOC: accidently hit submit whilst flicking through my tabs)
Edmund Thursday June 5th, 2008 11:56:58 PM
Edmund looks over to Julian, frowning at the whole situation.
"Only fifteen minutes," he says. "And it doesn't have to be here. If we leave to look for the count's enemy, we can stop somewhere."
((Only a few of Edmund's spells have been used, and therefore he should be able to refresh those slots in the minimum amount of time as long as he doesn't change the selection --PH 178.))
Arm Friday June 6th, 2008 6:01:47 AM
Arm rises and prepares himself, checking that his rod of wonder is secured on his person. Sighing deeply, he says, "Well, when we are ready, let's see what our gracious host has planned for us.".
Kadaz (HP: 103/103) Friday June 6th, 2008 6:36:17 AM
While the spell casters are busy bringing everyone back up to full health Kadaz is busy putting all of his armor back on and securing it. He thinks there's a good chance this is going to be a very full day. When the knock at the door comes he moves towards it, just in case he's needed.
Thar Friday June 6th, 2008 9:07:17 AM
"I guess I'll need the most time" says Thar. "I rested before going on watch, so I'll probably have a few of them memorized, but not all. If I can have 15 minutes like Ed said, that's a good thing."
To Ed, he whispers "Maybe one of us can have some gastro-intestinal issue on the way and need 15 minutes to clear our system. While there, we can get the final minutes needed. I know it's gross, but we need the time... "
The Assignment (Should You Choose to Accept It) - DM Donna Friday June 6th, 2008 11:01:55 AM
Once the group concedes to answer the summons of the Count, they find they are accompanied by both Sharmayne and Saybel. The sultry pair are as scantily-dressed as ever, slinking their way back to the throne room with its titular chair surrounded by its mini-moat of Woldsblood. After herding the party to the space in front of the throne but on the opposite side of the moat, the pair move to flank the empty seat.
A mist swirls into the room and concentrates above the cushion of the carved throne--and suddenly becomes the well-dressed Count Darkar.
"I trust you all slept well?" he asks rhetorically. "Now...a quick recap of the situation: I have your little friend. You have the means to help me deal with a problem...a problem in the form of a human hunter who prowls the Shadowlands looking for me and my minions. You will go above and bring the hunter here to me. I would prefer that you bring his dead body to me...but even if he is alive, I want him here. He is...is..." The nobleman frowns. "Sharmayne, Saybel...what does this pest look like?"
"He's tall, strawberry blond and very good-looking." Sharmayne practically purrs.
"He's quite muscular and has the most amazing blue eyes." Saybel adds, licking her lips. The two women exchange a suggestive glance before adding in unison:
"He looks good enough to eat."
"Yes, yes, thank you." the Counts says brusquely, then turns his attention onto the party. "Well, there you are--find the man and bring him here. Do this for me and I'll allow you to take your friend and leave. Fail and you all die. Now go!" The Count and his ladies are enveloped in swirling mist...a mist that expands to fill the entire chamber before it all suddenly disappears, leaving only the Mithril Order standing in an empty throne room with a mini-moat of Woldsblood.
Kadaz (HP: 103/103) Sunday June 8th, 2008 5:35:22 PM
Kadaz looks around the the Countless room and shakes his head sadly. "If we're being sent out after a paladin, then I think I will have a problem. But I won't know until we find this guy. Shall we get started?"
Kadaz turns to leave the room to start this new quest.
Julian Sunday June 8th, 2008 6:00:18 PM
"You think we might have a problem. Paladin's are usually so black-and-white its not funny. We're currently being blackmailed and I really don't like that. I am even thinking of... I'll tell you later. Ask me under the blue-sky."
Arm Monday June 9th, 2008 5:58:53 AM
Something bugs the bard's memory about the description, but he cannot quite put his finger on it at the moment. Echoing Julian's sentiment, he says "Yes, let us take leave of this place as soon as possible.".
To Ed he whispers, "See if you can collect any of that wolfsblood..it may come in handy later.".
Shadow (AC 22/17 HP 47/47) Monday June 9th, 2008 7:08:07 AM
Shadow follows along keeping his opinion to himself. When the suggestion of collecting some Woldsblood is brought up, "I would probably not do that if I were you, but I am not." He thinks it could be useful, but is it worth the risk.
OOC: I am back from vacation.
Thar Monday June 9th, 2008 11:48:17 AM
Thar listens as he follows everyone. He doesn't say much and ponders their options. "The blood might be handy later against the count, but it is pretty dangerous stuff. "
In regards to the hunter, Thar says "You're right about taking down a paladin, if he truly is one. I'm not comfortable at all doing that but hopefully we can find out more of why he's here. Of course he may be able to help us in our quandry ..."
Kirsten Monday June 9th, 2008 1:38:12 PM
At Julian's mention of a paladin, her eyes turn to him slowly. "I like to think that we paladins aren't all so bad," she comments, voice dull. "It's just a matter of presenting your case reasonably."
She falls into step with the others, "Personally, I'd rather not go anywhere near that woldsblood, dangerous as it is."
Kirsten falls silent, then, letting out a faint sigh of dismay.
Shawn (OOC) Monday June 9th, 2008 5:05:15 PM
((I only have a moment as I'm typing from class.
A proto-cyclone tore through my neighbourhood yesterday evening. I'm fine and my house is undamaged, but we are very fortunate. Several people had 80-foot trees dropped on their homes. The utility poles are, for the most part, completely destroyed: wires sheared off, poles snapped, trees on top, &c. It will be some time until we get power (a week), and some time after that before the phone and cable companies can get in to rebuild their infrastructure.
Ashley is going to play Edmund for me whilst I'm offline. If anyone has any questions for me, let her know and she'll see they reach me.
Oh, and Edmund won't be touching or getting near any of the Woldsblood, ever. Sorry Arm, it'll be a little harder to get rid of Ed than that. ;)
Cheers, everyone!))
Edmund (Sub: AshleyP ) Monday June 9th, 2008 8:14:31 PM
"Well, that's that then," Edmund chimed when the Count and his minions disappeared.
At the suggestion that he be the one to collect Woldsblood, the sorcerer throws up his hands, "Not me, absolutely not! I'll do no such thing! By all means, Arm, if you want some of this woldsblood help yourself, but me? I'll pass."
"Let's get out of the this place!"
He moves to fall into place with the rest of the party, eager to leave and find the Count's enemies.
DM Donna Tuesday June 10th, 2008 1:40:35 AM
OOC Message: Bear with me a moment while I make sure that all of the rabid monsters and inescapable traps are in place for the Mithril Order's departure from the Count's HQ.
;D
Arm Tuesday June 10th, 2008 6:00:34 AM
Pondering for a moment, Arm cannot seem to come up with a safe way to procure any of the wolfsblood, so he resigns himself to leaving the chamber.
OOC: Ashley, plz tell Shawn I'm glad he's OK, but it's unfortunate that Ed wasn't a victime of the cyclone..lol!!! :D
Shadow (AC 22/17 HP 47/47) Tuesday June 10th, 2008 9:19:56 AM
OOC: Yes, please share with Shawn that we will be thinking about him and his family, and are greatful that he is okay.
IC: Shadow will follow along as they are lead away from the count, and he will be relieved to be out from under the domain of the count. He is not sure how the Mithril Order will handle the coming confrontation with this wanted person, who by being after the count could be a possible friend. He thinks, 'the enemy of my enemy could be my friend ~ maybe'.
The Hunt (ACDM Nellie) Tuesday June 10th, 2008 11:44:23 PM
With the Count and his Minions gone, the group pauses to consider their options. Gathering Woldsblood is given brief consideration, but quickly abandoned.
After remembering back on the Count's discussion, the group remembers that the person they are looking for is thought to be somewhere in the Shadowlands which lie right above this very hall. As the Order talks over its options, there is the tell tale clank of armor in the hallway leading out. Two guards take up their position by the doors and raise their swords, pointing toward the exit. The unspoken message is clear...the Order has overstayed their welcome and now it's time to head out.
Arm Wednesday June 11th, 2008 6:02:00 AM
With one last distasteful look at the guards, Arm says, "Well, let us head for the surface..it would be nice to breathe CLEAN air again.". The last part of his comment was for the guards benefit, but he doubts that it affected them in the slightest.
Shadow (AC 22/17 HP 47/47) Wednesday June 11th, 2008 8:22:59 AM
"I am not sure how clean the air is up there in this aspect of the Wold, but it will be better than down here." Shadow says as he heads out with the group.
"Where to now?" he ponders as the group gets out of the tunnels.
Edmund (Sub: AshleyP ) Wednesday June 11th, 2008 8:48:50 AM
"Anywhere but here," the mage murmurs in answer to Shadow's question. "Not that it is so much better above, but I rather feel like I'm being watched."
Edmund turns his gaze towards the guards, frowning. He moves to make his way to the surface with the others.
(OOC: Thanks everyone, I will definitely let him know that you are thinking about him :) If things go well he should have his power back by tomorrow (I hope)! )
Kirsten Wednesday June 11th, 2008 8:51:46 AM
Her eyes flicker towards the guards and then back to her companions. "Let's make this as short and as painless as possible," she grumbles, grumpily. Kirsten falls into step with the rest of the group, eager to get out of the confines of the Count's cave, but at the same time not looking forward to a journey through the Shadowlands.
At least it will make an interesting story to write home about, if she manages to survive.
Thar Wednesday June 11th, 2008 9:40:20 AM
(OOC = Yes Ashley, please let him know our thoughts and prayers are with him ;-) )
Thar follows suit and follows his companions out of the hall. He briefly mentions a need he has: "We still need to rest a bit so I can get my spells back, as I don't want to go tromping about in the wilds with no spells. If we could find a safe, secure spot, that'd be great."
He watches the guards as they leave and he nods politely at them, fighting the urge to glare. "Love your enemies, love your enemies, ... " he keeps telling himself, though it is easier said than done.
When they arrive outside, he'll look around for a suitable safe spot for him to briefly rest and rememorize his spells.
Kadaz (HP: 103/103) d20+1=4 ; Wednesday June 11th, 2008 6:05:55 PM
Kadaz walks slowly by the guards on his way out, trying to detect any weak spot in their armor. Unfortunately, the light is rather poor and he sees very little new. (spot 4)
Once outside he looks around at the surroundings. "Well, this is just ducky" he complains. Everyone is a bit on the grouchy side and Kadaz doesn't feel like trying to alter the mood. Right about now it would be good to find an opponent (on the weak side please) and kick its butt. He looks around again, this time more hopefully.
Julian Wednesday June 11th, 2008 7:42:52 PM
"Well, which way? Let's just go that way," the halfling points vaguely left, " and hope for the best."
Shawn (OOC) Wednesday June 11th, 2008 9:51:07 PM
((Just wanted to let you know that power was restored this evening and the cable lines are, by the grace of God, undamaged. I'll resume posting for Edmund after the next DM post.
Glad to be back. You can now look forward to forthcoming verbosity from everyone's favourite wordsmith!))
Signs (ACDM Nellie) Wednesday June 11th, 2008 11:53:17 PM
The trip out of the Count's lair is uneventful and soon everyone is back in the eerie misty half light of the Shadowlands once more. With recent events as they are, it is a very depressing atmosphere with the constant half light and the ever present mist.
Sheltering in the nearby craggy hills, everyone is able to fully recover their spells. Afterward, Thar is able to scout out the immediate area and spots a grouping of humanoid tracks about 100 feet away from the entrance to the Count's lair. They appear to head further into the craggy hills and seem to be very fresh. Thar is confident that without having to push themselves, the Order could easily overtake whoever left the tracks in a matter of hours.
Julian Thursday June 12th, 2008 4:08:59 AM
"Maybe they know where to get a good lunch." Julian is very keen to follow the tracks.
Arm Thursday June 12th, 2008 6:03:56 AM
Arm takes a deep breath and realizes that the air IS in fact not much better than down below. After everyone has rested, he says, "Well, let us be off after these tracks then. The sooner we do, the sooner we can get Podo back...hopefully.".
Arm 2nd illegal post Thursday June 12th, 2008 6:04:39 AM
OOC: By the way, NICE graphic for our game..I nearly missed it when I logged in to post today..LOL!!
Shadow (AC 22/17 HP 47/47) Thursday June 12th, 2008 7:11:54 AM
Shadow is also very anxious to get after the person to find out who and what he is to have gotten the ire of the count. "Yes, let us get going."
Edmund Thursday June 12th, 2008 11:06:13 AM
Edmund studies his spells and then sets off with the others, much more eager than usual to be on his way, no doubt out of a desire to get as far away from the Count's abode as possible. After a while, he turns to the others and speaks in a careful, cautious way.
"The Count said this land was bound to him, so there may be no place wherein that we can have privacy. It is entirely possible that he can see--and hear--everything. Therefore, we must be careful what we say."
Looking meaningfully at the others he continues, "Let's find this enemy of the Count and do what we ought as members of the Mithril Order--which we must needs remain regardless of who is issuing orders. After all, the enemy of my enemy is..."
Edmund trails off for a moment, pausing before he continues: "Well! At any rate, let's do as the Count wills and find him as soon as may be. Then, we can return with him to the Count and snatch our reward." At last turning his attention to the road, Edmund smiles and remarks blithely, "Did I say snatch? I meant receive, of course. Onward!"
Thar d20+13=20 ; d20+11=23 ; d20+13=20 ; d20+10=16 ; Thursday June 12th, 2008 11:17:27 AM
Thar nods at Arm's comments and as they head out, Thar continues tracking whatever humanoid left the tracks. After a short while, he looks towards Shadow and says "Do you feel like taking point with me? I dont' want to walk into an ambush..."
As they walk, he listens to Ed's comments, and simply says (with a grin) "I'm OK with either one of your definitions regarding how we get our reward."
Spot = 20 Survival (for following tracks, using tracking feat) = 23 Listen = 20 MS = 16
Kadaz (HP: 103/103) d20+1=6 ; Thursday June 12th, 2008 5:31:41 PM
Kadaz, as usual, is about 2 sentences behind Edmund, trying to figure out what is going on. "What you said, Ed, what you said" he finally decides is a safe reply.
"So, you think the count is watching? Well in that case, take this" he says as he makes a very rude gesture back towards the tunnel entrance. "OK, I'm ready now.
Kadaz walks along behind Thar, and then Shadow, looking past them and on the lookout for an ambush or other threat. But his helmet keeps slipping down over his eyes, preventing a really good look. (spot 6)
Arm d20+13=18 ; d20+7=20 ; Friday June 13th, 2008 6:03:17 AM
Arm smiles at Kadaz' gesture and moves up next to him and pats him comfortingly on the shoulder. As they walk, he surmises, "I doubt if we'll be able to disguise our quarry from the Count OR make him invisible from his detection. If we DON'T bring him back though, we shall never leave this place and never see Podo again. Either way, we will probably end up being the cause of ending a life..most likely unjustly.".
Not necessarily expecting a response from Kadaz, he resorts to scanning the surroundings (listen=18, spot=20).
Shadow (AC 22/17 HP 47/47) d20+9=14 ; d20+5=11 ; Friday June 13th, 2008 8:06:51 AM
Shadow shakes his head in a bit of resignation. He did not realize what the count had indicated during the short discussion he had with the group, but Shadow realizes Edmund is probably correct. "Lets keep moving, and find this person soon. Once we do we will have to probably move quickly whatever we are going to do."
Shadow will keep his eyes and hears open to see if he can sense anything.
Actions: Spot=14 Listen=11
Kirsten Friday June 13th, 2008 3:08:43 PM
She moves along with the others, allowing them to deal with the looking around, as she was never all that observant. Kirsten shivers at the thought that the Count might be watching them, and as a result decides it would be best were she to act as unsuspecting as possible.
Quarry (ACDM Nellie) Friday June 13th, 2008 11:49:29 PM
The tracking proceeds flawlessly and rapid progress is made by Thar and then Shadow. When the group is within hearing distance of the trackee, Shadow pulls the group aside. If there is going to be any plan of attack formulated, now would be the time.
OOC: Sorry about the missed post will make it up this weekend if everyone posts.
Julian (Tiny size) AC 22, hp 77/77 (Mage Armour, Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, Expeditious Retreat, Reduce Person) d100=86 ; d100=69 ; Saturday June 14th, 2008 5:37:08 AM Shark AC 23, hp 38/38 (Mage Armour, Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, Expeditious Retreat)
"If we've caught up with whoever we're following, I think I'll get ready for battle. Just in case-like."
Julian retrieves a wand and a scroll, and then he Shark begin to dance around each other, chanting and chattering, stomping and scratching at the earth, arcane magic weaving through their dance and entwining the pair.
When the ritual is complete the armoured halfling is half his usual size, sitting in the saddle upon his armoured badger. Both of them appear more ready for battle then ever before, though Julian is only 28 inches tall, and he has a scroll in one hand.
He approaches the others saying, "S'pose you'll want to talk with whatever it is over there. I'll use my Merciful sword then, and I think I'll now name it 'Podo'. He always preferred this 'soft damage.' "I'll sneak closer, charge in and take it down quickly. I'll take my True Strike with me," he says grimly, retrieving a scroll from his pack.
Bear's Endurance (4 minutes) +14hp for Julian and Shark [25% failure = 86 ;-) ] Bull's Strength from scroll (4 minutes) +4 Str for Julian and Shark [25% failure = 69 ;-) ] Expeditious Retreat (4 minutes) +30'/round for Julian and Shark Reduce Person from wand (4 minutes) for Julian -1 size category +1AC, -2 Str, +2 Dex, +1 attack, also +4 to Hide. Mage Armour still in effect from casting this morning.(?)
Edmund (AC: 12, HP: 38/38) Saturday June 14th, 2008 11:50:21 AM
Edmund looks completely horrified at the prospect of 'taking it down', and frowns sternly at Julian.
"We're going to do no such thing," he admonishes the halfling. "Don't you understand? The person we have been tracking is also an enemy of the Count, and a powerful one, at that! One the Count fears enough that he doesn't want to deal with himself. Our job here is to fight evil, not to run errands for it!--and we fought it fair-on-well last time; we'll do much better with a powerful ally--and allies are not generally won by beating upon them with swords."
Edmund folds his hands over his chest as he continues, "You, always wanting to rush in, are going to upset everything--maybe even get yourself killed, and then we'll have lost you and Podo--do you think that's wise? Do you think that is the sort of success we're aiming for here? You have a lot to learn, you impetuous fellow! Now calm yourself, and let's hear no more of this hasty rushing in. That's a quick way to ruin, that is."
Looking to the rest of the order, Edmund continues. "By all means, prepare for combat, but that must not be our first intent. I suggest you let myself, Thar, and Kirsten approach this fellow. I will do my level best to explain the situation and enlist his aid. If there is danger, if something goes sideways, then by all means we'll bring his head to the Count. But, I for one have no intention of attacking unsuspecting individuals who have never done us harm. In fact, the only thing we know of him is that he opposes the Count and this, I think, is not quite the right reason to rush in and kill him!"
If most of the Order approves, and if Kirsten and Thar are willing, Edmund will accompany them to meet with the Count's enemy whilst the rest of the group prepares for combat just in case.
Kadaz (HP: 103/103) Saturday June 14th, 2008 6:59:44 PM
"I totally agree with Edmund. We must talk with this guy first. If he's evil, I have no problem attacking. But if he's a good fellow, attacking him without any provocation is out of the question. I admire your drive, Julian. And I understand that you are anxious about rescuing Podo. But us dong evil won't help."
"I'd like to go with the party that approaches this guy" Kadaz adds. He pauses and concentrates, activating his bull's strength tattoo. "Let's go now, before my strength spell wears off. And maybe with a bless spell?" he asks hopefully.
Active spells: bulls strength, 30/30 rounds
Thar, Magic Circle vs. Evil, 10' radius Sunday June 15th, 2008 8:58:58 AM
Thar says "I agree with Kadaz and Ed. There's no reason to go in and hit this guy hard before we even know anything about him. On the other hand, it is wise for us to be prepared and I'll cast MCvsE on us so we're at least protected for a while. Yes, Ed, I'll join you to meet with this individual."
"Kirsten, will you let us know if he's evil? If he's not, he may be willing to help us understand why the count's after him and why the count needed us to take him out."
After casting the spell, he waits for Edmund and Kirsten to begin moving towards their foe.
Kirsten Sunday June 15th, 2008 1:01:18 PM
She nods at Thar's request. "Just a moment," she murmurs and begins to concentrate.
The paladin then proceeds to concentrate on the individual they will be approaching, and uses her ability to cast Detect Evil. She will concentrate for as long as it takes to discern whether she senses any sort of evil coming from the stranger.
She will then join Thar and Edmund in a slow approach towards the individual.
Arm d20+13=18 ; d20+7=26 ; Monday June 16th, 2008 6:00:57 AM
Arm joins Kirsten, Thar and Ed as well..purely as a backup should their target decide to attack. Somehow, he doubts it, but you can never be too safe. Meanwhile, he still keeps an eye out for possible friends of his (listen=18, spot=26).
Shadow (AC 22/17 HP 47/47) d20+17=19 ; d20+14=20 ; Monday June 16th, 2008 7:14:54 AM
"Well, I for one hope that this individual is someone we can work with, but just in case I will circle around ready to assist in any way I can." Shadow suggests. He will get his bow ready and make sure his rapier is loose in its scabbard. He will wait for the small group that is going to approach the individual and he will circle around trying to keep to any shadows.
Actions: Move Silently=19 Hide=20
Contact (ACDM Nellie) d20+10=15 ; Tuesday June 17th, 2008 12:55:57 AM
Not exactly sure what they are up against, our heroes hope for the best as they prepare for the worst.
Kirsten casts her spell and begins concentrating. Nope, absolutely no aura of evil about the individual.
As the party cautiously advances, they find a young man hunched over a small pot. Golden chainmail tinkles as the warrior spins to confront the Order. Strawberry blond ringlets frame an angelic face which looks absolutely out of place in this bizarre atmosphere. Glowing flail in hand, the man looks first threatening and then curiously at one face after another before he speaks. "And what have we here...the living among the land of the dead... very curious."
Arm d20+17=34 ; Tuesday June 17th, 2008 6:01:30 AM
Arm steps forward and says, "Well met, sir paladin..just as curious to US is that we find you. What brings you to such a forsaken land?". (diplomacy=34)
Shadow (AC 22/17 HP 47/47) d20+17=30 ; d20+14=34 ; Tuesday June 17th, 2008 7:07:50 AM
Shadow realizes that even if this young man is not a paladin the group would be in bad straights if they attacked him. He feels that just maybe they can get him to help them take out the count, and he hopes his companions can convince him. He will continue to watch from the shadows.
Actions: Move silently=30 Hide=34 (nat. 20)
Julian (Tiny size) AC 22, hp 77/77 (Mage Armour, Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, Expeditious Retreat, Reduce Person) Tuesday June 17th, 2008 7:24:50 AM
Julian hangs back around 100' or so. Circling around, looking for an advantageous attack should the opportunity present. He is, however, slumped in his saddle, fairly certain that nothing more than words will be exchanged. He considers dismissing the Reduce Person but would rather not be so noticable. "I hate this..." he murmers to himself.
Thar, Magic Circle vs. Evil, 10' radius Tuesday June 17th, 2008 9:20:49 AM
Thar relaxes as he realizes that the individual is likely a paladin and not some evil denizen they're going to have to fight.
Following Arm, Thar moves forward and echo's his companion's greeting with a large smile, "Hello and well met. My name is Thar and it is nice to meet you. May I ask your name and as my friend said, what led you to this land of shadows?"
Kirsten Tuesday June 17th, 2008 4:37:21 PM
Allowing Thar to speak, the paladin bow subtly in greeting to the count's enemy and stands nearby. Kirsten watched him curiously, waiting to see what he will say and certainly hoping that they don't end up having to fight him.
Kadaz (HP: 103/103) d20+1=3 ; Tuesday June 17th, 2008 5:34:56 PM
Kadaz eyes cautiously this unlikely-looking individual. If the Count is afraid of this person then there is more here than meets the eye. Any allieys? While his fellows start to question the new person Kadaz looks around to see if he might have any friends hidden away. (spot 3)
Edmund d20+14=27 ; Tuesday June 17th, 2008 7:30:36 PM
Edmund bows deeply and politely before launching into his speech.
"Hail and well met. We understand you are a foe of one Count Darkar, lately calling himself lord of these shadowlands, a fiend of incomparable cruelty, and a practicer of savage villainy. We engaged him in combat recently and, despite a valiant effort, were bested. We lost one of our number and became for a short while prisoners of the evil man."
Edmund pauses for a moment before carrying on, "Promising to restore our friend to us, he has directed us to hunt you down and slay you--a task we have absolutely no intention of carrying out. He has further directed that, should we be unable to slay you, we are to take you back to him in custody and hand you over to him. Even this, we will not do. We do not serve evil masters, neither do we commit evil in the pursuit of any reward, even one so dear to us as the life of one of our own."
"We ask you, therefore, for your help. Play a ruse with us, accompanying us back to the domain of this Count and there let us spring our trap, destroying him and his foul servants utterly. You will pretend to be our prisoner, but we will not bind you verily, but rather all will be a charade, ready for the moment when we strike and, using the element of surprise, cut down the Count once and for all."
There is a moment's pause as Edmund looks over his companions. Then, he finishes.
"We cannot demand this of you, and should you refuse to help us, you shall depart unhindered. We will not relate your whereabouts to the Count, but will instead return to him to do battle with him ourselves. We would be truly grateful for your assistance, but the choice must be yours."
With this, Edmund ends and awaits a response. (Diplomacy=27)
It's all about the Benjamins...(ACDM Nellie) Wednesday June 18th, 2008 12:55:29 AM
At the mention of "paladin" by Arm, the man laughs, a cheerful noise that like so much about the youth is completely out of place in the Shadowlands. "Paladin... Wouldn't mother have liked that. Paladin...hehehe."
As first Thar and then Edmund speaks, the warrior listens attentively, his flail now resting by his side. He mutters several times through Edmund's speech...things like "So that's who's been bringing them." and "Very interesting". The grip on his flail tightens and crystal blue eyes dilate as Edmund mentions taking him back to the Count, but his frown is soon replaced by an ear to ear grin. Reaching forward, he gives Edmund a hearty slap on the back. "I like your style! Lure them in and then grab them by the throat. Yes indeed!"
The warrior looks over at Thar and realizing that he has forgotten to introduce himself, readily rectifies the situation. "I'm sorry, didn't mean to be rude. Name's Benjamin Fletcher. I'm what's known by some as an Undead Hunter. I do most of my hunting in the Wold, but a bunch of my prey has been disappearing. I've tracked them down here...must be business of that Count you talked about." Glancing over at Edmund he reaches into his pack and pulls out a small bundle. "This is a most fantastic twist of fate! So you know where their lair is and you can lead me there! More than I could have hoped for!" Unraveling the bundle, Benjamin pulls out several small biscuits and hunks of cheese, as well as a small flask. "But where are my manners. You must be starving after being cooped up with the blood suckers." Benjamin pushes the food toward the Mithril members. "Like my mom said..."Never hesitate to show a bit of kindness"".
Still wary, Kadaz has a look around, but can't spot anybody but Benjamin.
Arm Wednesday June 18th, 2008 6:04:34 AM
Arm grimaces at Ed's profuse release of information, but at Ben's words, he brightens "Yes we can lead you back there, and we can surely use your help in defeating him. The last time we clashed a few of us here came within a hair's breath of moving on to the next world. As soon as you are ready, we can head out.". He then takes the proferred food, sniffs it, then takes a bite of the cheese.
Shadow (AC 22/17 HP 47/47) d20+17=32 ; d20+14=18 ; Wednesday June 18th, 2008 6:45:29 AM
Shadow still not out in the open, winces internally as he hears Edmund be so up front with the stranger. He hopes that this is not another of the Counts ploys but it is too late for that. Shadow will remain hidden for now making sure that what the group sees is what is actually there.
Actions: Move Silently=32 Hide=18
Thar, Magic Circle vs. Evil, 10' radius Wednesday June 18th, 2008 9:55:24 AM
Thar nods as he listens to Benjamin's conversation. He politely accepts some of his food and reaching into his own pack, offers some of his own rations to the hunter. "What sort of prey have you been hunting in your time here? We haven't encountered many of them so far, but any information you have would be handy."
Since Edmund and Arm seem to have the conversation handled, he steps back and listens to the remainder of the discussion.
Edmund Wednesday June 18th, 2008 2:32:35 PM
"Well, Benjamin, Not only can we lead you there," Edmund replies warmly, "it will be our pleasure to show you the way."
Smiling genuinely for the first time in days, Edmund introduces himself and the others. "My name is Edmund, and these are my companions--the Mithril Order. We are glad of your acquaintence."
"In my own youth I considered going in for Undead Hunting myself, but I'm not nearly strong enough for it," Edmund adds, sizing up the youthful fellow. "Seems you are, though; maybe even enough to give our own Kadaz a challenge!"
Returning to the matter at hand he continues: "We really are most grateful for your assistance. After a brief rest here, we can set up our plan and then put it into effect. For my part, I am eager to repay our gracious host for his earlier kindnesses".
Kadaz (HP: 103/103) Wednesday June 18th, 2008 4:36:52 PM
Kadaz is more than willing to take another chance at the Count. But the Count has companions. And if this guy has experience then he may be very useful.
"Excuse me. But the Count has 2 female servitors, vampires I guess because they can become bats and fly around. And some walking suits of armor that didn't take damage as well as I would have thought. Would you have any suggestions on the best way to fight the Count and his followers?"
Kirsten Wednesday June 18th, 2008 5:09:55 PM
She allows the others to do the talking as she regards Benjamin curiously. The paladin will stand back and let Arm and Edmund do the talking, as they seem to enjoy it much more than she ever would. Kirsten shifts somewhat, her gaze shifting around the strange place, and rather wishing they could complete their business there as soon as possible.
Julian (Tiny size) AC 22, hp 77/77 (Mage Armour, Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, Expeditious Retreat, Reduce Person) Wednesday June 18th, 2008 8:26:15 PM
Julian grunts, and urges his mount forward. The tiny halfling on his small badger certainly look fearsome, to a cricket perhaps. He casually wanders closer the group with Ben, and if Edmund ever closes his mouth he nod towards Ben, "I'm Julian," offering to shake his hand as he dismisses the Reduce Person spell to regain his normal 3'6"
Q&A (ACDM Nellie) Thursday June 19th, 2008 12:34:20 AM
Benjamin great fully accepts the food offered. Were it a different place, any onlookers would find the picnic among adventures slightly odd. In the Shadowlands it's downright bizzare.
Nodding cordially at all the introductions, Benjamin rubs his handsome chin as logistic talks begin. "Well, I mostly hunt vampires, though any undead are fair game. I'd been hunting a clutch of blood suckers when they just upped and disappeared. Took me a while, but I tracked them down here. Several clutches have been disappearing over the last few months, so I figure he's got a good deal of the leaches hidden around somewhere. Can't figure out what he needs them for though..." The Hunter smiles at Kadaz. "You must mean the floozies. Yeah, I've seen them...matter of fact, they were the first couple of vamps I started hunting down." The warrior shrugs his shoulders. "You have silvered weapons, right? Hard to fight 'em without it. Mirrors and holy symbols can keep them off you for a while, but the best technique, in my opinion is to hit 'em hard so they don't come back. Of course, they'll just turn into gas and come back later if you don't kill them right. To really kill them you've gotta drive a steak through their hearts...or expose them to sunlight...which is pretty scarce around here. Running water's also really good at bringing them down, but once more is hard to find here..." Though he looks like he could go on for hours and hours illuminating the party on the most efficient ways to destroy undead, Benjamin pauses and waits to see if the Order has any further questions for him.
As he circles around checking out the surroundings, Shadow sees several wispy figures floating down the nearest rivulet of Woldsblood. Far from being threating, the figures look almost peaceful as they float farther and farther away on the glowing red liquid.
Arm Thursday June 19th, 2008 6:03:52 AM
Arm swallows his morsel of cheese and introduces himself as well. He then tells Ben "Yes, at least SOME of us have silver weapons...I for one do. However, we barely got to the bloodsuckers the last time. The MAJOR problem was with the guards. There were far too many of them for us to handle comfortably.".
Shadow (AC 22/17 HP 47/47) d20+14=18 ; d20+9=16 ; d20+7=21 ; Thursday June 19th, 2008 7:05:39 AM
Shadow will maintain his position, but he does feel a little better about this situation then he first did. He will continue to watch the surroundings also.
Actions: HIde=18 Spot=16 Listen=21
Thar, Magic Circle vs. Evil, 10' radius Thursday June 19th, 2008 2:13:30 PM
Thar listen's to Ben's discussion and asks "Well, I have some magical swords, one of which produces flames. One is silver, while the other is not. Even if it isn't silver but is magical, would that work against them?"
To the group, he says, "So how do we want to do this next time? We're obviously not going to be able to do this like last time, since they hit us from the back and front, which put us in a bad position. Ideas?"
He continues eating and strategising with , confident that Shadow is watching their position and will warm them of any dangers.
Kadaz (HP: 103/103) Thursday June 19th, 2008 4:43:09 PM
Kadaz considers his short list of options. "I only have a silvered dagger. But I have one potion of bless weapon left. Will that work just as well? And does anyone here have the ability to bless weapons?"
Edmund Thursday June 19th, 2008 5:57:02 PM
Edmund ponders for a moment before putting in his own comments on combat.
"Well, I don't have a silvered weapon, obviously," he says, "But I can conjure up some fire, which should be just as good. I can give you some lightning too, but I suspect that will be less useful versus undead."
Thinking for a moment he pauses and then continues, "I think we should definitely put what spells up as we can before we engage. The count will think we are carrying Benjamin against his will and should naturally assume that we would come before him armed to the teeth anyway, to keep Ben restrained."
Glancing at the rivulets of woldsblood, he remembers something he wanted to add. "We should definitely avoid fighting anywhere near the woldsblood. A single touch is instant death..." he trails off, thinking of the count throwing a cup of the vile substance at Podo, and the terrible result.
Shaking his head to clear the awful thoughts, he finishes his statement. "Yes, instant death, and clearly it doesn't affect his little friends. If there is any way to fight him somewhere else, somewhere far away from the stuff, that would be best. I don't fancy crossing the final river just yet, and I---"
Edmund stops abruptly at that point and shakes his head. "No, nevermind that. Enough said, right? Let's keep away from the woldsblood, at all costs."
((Question for DM: I assume the woldsblood is not 'everywhere' in this place? Or even everywhere in the Count's dominion? I don't remember seeing it in the big hall before the party went into the Count's throne room.))
Julian (Tiny size) AC 22, hp 77/77 (Mage Armour, Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, Expeditious Retreat, Reduce Person) Thursday June 19th, 2008 8:30:07 PM
Julian's ears prick up at the thought that magic weapons will be good enough. He is hoping that things can be better prepared this time. "We need to think about flanking too. Not just about being flanked, but flanking, and surprise. In my smaller form I could hide more easily then pop out when the time is right. I've hidden in backpacks before - so long as I get out before the spell ends."
Kirsten Thursday June 19th, 2008 8:43:18 PM
"I agree, it's best we are better prepared if we plan on turning against the count and at the same time getting Podo back," she frowns as she speaks, remembering back to their comments that the Count could be listening to them speak. No doubt if he can, he is watching then now.
"So, we have a few things cleared up now. One, stay away from the woldsblood. Two, fight these things with silvered weapons which I don't have. Three, be more organized."
The paladin shrugs. "If it's undead we're dealing with, I can try to turn them."
More Q&A (ACDM Nellie) Friday June 20th, 2008 2:18:26 AM
Various strategies are batted about and Benjamin chimes in giving his two coppers on the subject. He shakes his head as Thar and Edmund talk about what type of weapons work best against vampires. "Well, kinda depends on what we're up against here. Fire's ok on all of them, but not any better than a normal creature. Electricity's not a good idea...hardly touches the boogers. If it's a full out vamp we're up against, then yeah silver, and magic, work great. But if you're talking about their spawn, then that's a different story. Even magic weapon's won't penetrate their thick skins. The vamps can change form and the spawn can't...that's one of the easiest ways to tell them apart." He pauses to rearrange his golden chain mail and then goes on. "Woldsblood you say? Oh, no, no...don't want to be touching that stuff. Suck the soul right out of your body." As Edmund switches to the informal "Ben", the muscles around his mouth stiffen into a grimace. "It's Benjamin...please. I would prefer that you call me by my given name."
Benjamin shrugs at Kadaz's question. "I don't think Bless Weapon's gonna help ya out."
The Hunter nods at Kirsten's comments. "It's worth a shot to try and turn them. I can be a small measure of help with that. But don't hold a lot of stock in it working. Vamps and their spawn can be tough to turn...just so you know." Noting her apprehensive glances, Benjamin smiles reassuringly. "I sincerely doubt if this "Count's" following you. Gargul really hates undead, and he's got a lot of Grim's in the Shadowlands that'd make short work of him and his friends. That's what I couldn't figure out...but you said he's got some kinda hideout. That makes sense now. Also makes sense why he sent you to come get me. A few adventures running around the Shadowlands isn't nearly as suspicious as vamps."
Rummaging around in his pack, Benjamin pulls out a small bag. "I've got a couple of extra vials of silversheen that you're welcome to. I've also got about a half a dozen stakes. I don't suppose any of you can cast Create water? That would be very handy...though I've never tried it myself."
OOC: No, the Woldsblood isn't everywhere. In the Shadowlands above there are small rivulets runnning hither and yon. In the Count's lair all you have encountered thus far is the moat around his throne.
Arm Friday June 20th, 2008 6:09:22 AM
Arm accepts one of the stakes, but then says, "Well, I have a rod of wonder that produces water...from time to time. It's HARDLY reliable, though.".
Kadaz (HP: 103/103) Friday June 20th, 2008 6:42:12 AM
Kadaz reaches over for a vial of silversheen. "This will be very useful on my axe next time we meet. So, have we reached agreement on a plan? Benjamin will pretend to be our prisoner and we'll all go see the count. Right?"
Julian (Small size) AC 22, hp 77/77 (Mage Armour, Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, Expeditious Retreat, Reduce Person) Friday June 20th, 2008 6:48:47 AM
"I'd like of those, two if you can spare it. One for the lance, one for the sword. "I'll buy you some replacements if I live to see the inside of the Catacombs again. Otherwise, have Flesh to Stone cast on my corpse and stand my up somewhere as a guard.
Shadow (AC 22/17 HP 47/47) Friday June 20th, 2008 7:10:00 AM
Shadow remains hidden, but is making sure he can hear the full plan the group comes up with. He hopes that the individual 'Benjamin' is who he says he is. He will follow the group back and wait and see what truly happens at the entrance of the count's lair.
Thar, Magic Circle vs. Evil, 10' radius Friday June 20th, 2008 9:32:10 AM
Relieved that the magic weapons will work on some, but not all creatures, takes a vial of silversheen from Benjamin, along with a stake. To Kadaz, he says "Hey Kadaz. I can bless your weapons however, and that should help you somewhat, especially when combined with the silversheen."
Remembering what his clerical arsenal includes, Thar adds "Yes, I can create water. I just need to rest for a bit and memorize it. How much water do we need to make?"
(OOC = It's a 0 level spell for me and I can cast 5/day...)
Edmund Friday June 20th, 2008 9:26:37 PM
"Sorry about that," Edmund replies. "Benjamin it is."
Edmund puzzles a bit over how to create water and is relieved when Thar says he can do it. "Can't do that. Fire yes, but water..."
"Well, do you think an ice storm would help?" he asks. "I can do you an ice storm. Or a sleet storm."
Kirsten Saturday June 21st, 2008 11:52:42 AM
She puzzles over the idea of creating water, "The best I can do is bless water, luckily Thar seems to have us covered."
"I wouldn't mind one of those vials," the paladin pauses, then adds, "that is if you have any extra."
Finishing Touches (ACDM Nellie) Sunday June 22nd, 2008 11:01:21 PM
Benjamin sighs as there are multiple requests for the silversheen. "I'm sorry, but I've only got 2 vials to share. I wish I brought more, but...well, I wasn't expecting anyone friendly."
When Edmund asks him about ice, Benjamin shrugs. "Every little bit helps. I suspect that surprise will be our greatest advantage. Is there a way we can keep reinforcements from arriving, or at least prevent ourselves from being flanked? Obviously I'm at a disadvantage here since I'm not sure about the terrain."
Shifting a few things in his pack, Benjamin grins. "I don't mind more planning, but I'm ready when you guys are."
Arm Monday June 23rd, 2008 5:46:04 AM
Arm frowns at Benjamin's question and says, "Aye, that was the problem we had the last time..flanking. There are two guards outside the 'throne room', and inside is a rather large area to cover. In order for us to perpetuate the ruse, we can't immediately attack those two guards without raising suspicion. I DO have an idea that we can try, though. Well, let us be off and do the best we can.". He then draws his silver longsword and briefly checks its sharpness. Satisfied, he re-sheathes it and prepares to head out with the rest.
Julian (Small size) AC 22, hp 77/77 (Mage Armour, Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, Expeditious Retreat, Reduce Person) Monday June 23rd, 2008 5:54:18 AM
"There's nothing like charging in - shouldda done that the first time."
"I hope this plan of surprise works out better. Let's get going sooner rather than later."
OOC it worked so well for Han...
Shadow (AC 22/17 HP 47/47) Monday June 23rd, 2008 7:10:10 AM
Shadow will try and keep out of sight just in case there is an issue, but once they reach the entrance to the Count's domain he will join the group as they prepare to enter back into his domain.
"I am Shadow, yet another member of the order." Shadow will say to Benjamin.
Thar, Magic Circle vs. Evil, 10' radius Monday June 23rd, 2008 10:26:50 AM
Thar frowns when he realizes they are going to be short on silversheen and says "Go ahead and give it to someone else. I'll be fine and besides, I'm not one of the front line sluggers anyway. "
Checkign his equipment, he says "I'm ready to go. However, do we have a plan for entering the Count's building (or whatever we call it?)"
Kirsten Monday June 23rd, 2008 12:23:40 PM
"What exactly is it you would like to try, Arm?" she turns her gaze towards the bard, gazing at him intently with steely blue eyes. "I'd rather like to know before we rush in to get ourselves killed for the second time. The idea of running in and not knowing what my companions plan to do... well... I don't find it entirely appealing."
Kirsten frowns somewhat, turning to Benjamin, "Best give the vials to the others then, I should be fine without."
"We should enter in a certain order, I think, I don't mind being near the front with Kadaz, perhaps? If we move to flank them quickly enough we might find ourselves with an advantage. Maybe Edmund can work something out, a spell or whatnot, to keep anything from coming at us from behind. If I recall, the throne room only had one entrace, yes?"
The paladin shrugs, "S'pose I was never very good with planning."
Kadaz (HP: 103/103) Monday June 23rd, 2008 5:47:13 PM
"I would like to keep this vial of silversheen, please. How long does it last?" he asks. This is an important consideration in the upcoming battle.
Edmund Monday June 23rd, 2008 6:53:17 PM
Edmund agrees with Kirsten emphatically.
"Absolutely. Let's have the plan before we get there. We had enough trouble last time, there's no sense going in with surprises waiting for us if they can be avoided here and now."
"As for a way to prevent them coming in behind us," Edmund continues, "I tried that last time with Web and they flew right through it, as if it wasn't even there. I've never seen anything like it. I think they can actually move through the magic, like walking through walls. It might work on the guards, maybe, but it won't work on those vampire ladies."
Edmund furrows his brow as he thinks, opening up his spellbook to flip through it. "Maybe I could turn someone into something..."
Arm Tuesday June 24th, 2008 6:05:07 AM
For Kirsten and the rest of the group's benefit, Arm explains, "I have a spell that can produce a volume of sound at a designated location. I haven't used it in a while, but since then I have learned much and I may be able to provide quite a distraction for the door guards or wherever necessary...thereby buying us some time.".
OOC: Ghost Sound Illusion (Figment) Level: Brd 0, Sor/Wiz 0 Components: V, S, M Casting Time: 1 standard action Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels) Effect: Illusory sounds Duration: 1 round/level (D) Saving Throw: Will disbelief (if interacted with) Spell Resistance: No
Ghost sound allows you to create a volume of sound that rises, recedes, approaches, or remains at a fixed place. You choose what type of sound ghost sound creates when casting it and cannot thereafter change the sound's basic character.
The volume of sound created depends on your level. You can produce as much noise as four normal humans per caster level (maximum twenty humans). Thus, talking, singing, shouting, walking, marching, or running sounds can be created. The noise a ghost sound spell produces can be virtually any type of sound within the volume limit. A horde of rats running and squeaking is about the same volume as eight humans running and shouting. A roaring lion is equal to the noise from sixteen humans, while a roaring dire tiger is equal to the noise from twenty humans.
Shadow (AC 22/17 HP 47/47) Tuesday June 24th, 2008 6:11:55 AM
As the group prepares to enter the count's domain yet again, Shadow asks, "Does anyone know if the invisibility spell we have used in the past will fool the count and his minions? If so would it not be wise for some of us to possibly be invisible?"
Kadaz (HP: 103/103) Tuesday June 24th, 2008 6:39:40 AM
Kadaz adds to the planning. "Don't forget that haste spell. I think that's very effective. Edmund should cast lots of those, I think.But casting that web spell on the guards makes a lot of sense. At least it might slow them down."
"I think the key will be not to let us be drawn into the open where they can attack us from all sides, including above. Instead if we can keep a controlled order, with a threat at only 1 side, then we'll be better off."
Edmund Tuesday June 24th, 2008 10:59:12 AM
As Edmund listens to Arm's plan to use Ghost Sound he rubs his eyes with one hand, shaking his head. Sighing, he addresses the bard.
"I am more than familiar with Ghost Sound, Arm--but it isn't going to be of much use here. First, you're not going to frighten the guards away with the noise, and secondly, these fellows are a bit too powerful to be taken in by a basic cantrip. You're going to need something a bit more substantial if you want to overcome their will to fight, or even to distract them for more than a moment. As for the vampires and the count, if they can fly through a magical web they're certainly not going to be bothered by a figment of sound."
Edmund taps his chin for a moment, thinking. "You're a bard, aren't you? Far be it for me to tell you the way of things, but why don't you concentrate your efforts on singing and improving the group's combat capabilities? It seems to me that, just as my Haste spell is valuable and even necessary at times, so are your songs."
"You and I really don't belong up in the front of battle, waving around our weapons and getting ourselves killed. That's just one more thing for everyone else to worry about. It's far better for you and I to keep out of harm's way and to focus on our spells and songs--the things that actually will help the big fellows, what. No one doubts your courage, but a rousing song will be of far more use."
Edmund sighs a little before continuing. "I wish it were not so. Betimes I used my crossbow to great effect, but against foes of the strength we are encountering, spells are of far more use, and of far greater function for the Order. If I wanted to be a battle-hardened warrior, I had my chance when I was younger. But, my path is set and now I must fulfill those duties without vainglorious attempts at martial combat. I would advise you, Arm, to resolve yourself similarly."
Opening his spellbook before addressing the others. "If you could give me a few minutes, I should like to glance over my spells and revise some of my earlier studies in light of this most recent information. I'll want to prepare several casts of Haste, Web, and the like. As for the guards, I may be able to daze them--but this, of course, is a long shot. And I suspect they are immune to sleep as well."
Finishing Touches II(ACDM Nellie) Tuesday June 24th, 2008 11:04:36 AM
Benjamin nods at all the planning. "Yes, invisibility will work well and haste is always a good idea." At the mention of webs, the Hunter shrugs. "Maybe, maybe not, vamps can be slippery little suckers. They can wiggle themselves through all kinds of nasty situations in the Wold. You know that they can form up into a gas, right? A wind wall could help prevent them from moving around in gas form, but obviously doesn't help when they're in they're in their other forms. A wall of stone would really help out, but that's some pretty strong magic."
Benjamin looks over at Julian. "I like your style, but let's give the others just a little more time to think. They might just save our bacon, eh?"
Thar, Magic Circle vs. Evil, 10' radius Tuesday June 24th, 2008 2:21:23 PM
Thar sits on a nearby rock and ponders how his magic can help with their upcoming battle. After a few moments, he presents several of his options to his friends and Benjamin, 1. "Well, my magic circle against evil is definitely going to help us somewhat while fighting the count's minions, but it isn't going to make or break our conflict. 2. My dispel magic would also help a bit against anything the Count throws at us, but that's no guarantee that Ican actually dispel his spells. His magic is likely stronger than mine. 3. I can pray for a blessing over our team (i.e. prayer spell), but again it won't be a deal breaker. 4. I can also summon some help (Mon Sum 3) but they won't last long against strong foes. Like Bob the Bison, they can fight for a few rounds, but will soon disappear. 5. I do have a nifty searing light spell that will do serious damage to undead and that should help us somewhat..."
I can only memorize 3, so my thoughts to go with are options 1, 3 and 5. While I'm not casting or healing, I plan on getting in a few licks with my twin swords."
"I like Ed's point about haste spells and focusing on improving the group's fighting abilities. "
To Kirsten, he adds "I don't think my assistance and bonus' from the MCvsEvil are cumulative with a bless spell, so do we want the MCvE to be our primary aid? That'll save you and I a first level slot..."
Kirsten Tuesday June 24th, 2008 9:36:05 PM
(OOC: Bless and MCvE should stack, but Bless wouldn't be able to stack with itself because we both casted bless in the last battle (is this what you could be thinking about?) as far as I am aware MCvE and Bless have different effects anyways)
Kirsten nods at Edmund's remarks and agrees wholeheartedly, "I agree with Edmund, we must become more aware of both our own abilities and those of our companions." Her gaze shifts towards Arm somewhat, recalling his ineffective attacks in their last battle. "Personally, I realize that as a paladin I have very little ability to heal, much less than say, Thar."
"As for Bless," she turns her attention towards Thar and his suggestions. "I think it might be useful to keep it, there is very little I can do in the way of my casting, perhaps I have been lax in my learning in the past. I think it would be wise to summon as much help as possible, it will give the enemies another target to distract them and draw them away from the party. I would hate to see any more of us meet and untimely end."
The paladin pauses again, her gaze shifting towards Edmund, no doubt having not spoken so much in her time with the Order. "They are undead, yes? I think your light spell would help a great deal, Thar, and as for myself I can try to turn them... though as Benjamin pointed out earlier, it may not be as effective as we might hope."
"If there is room, I can summon Wolfgang and enter combat mounted," she shrugs somewhat, obviously missing her companion. "My skills there may prove useful, to some degree."
Kirsten stops then, fearing that she has said too much.
Arm Wednesday June 25th, 2008 6:02:57 AM
Not wanting to argue at the moment with Ed, Arm simply nods in reply to his 'battle advice'. When Kirsten speaks, he agrees with her, "Aye, anything you can come up with can only help us in battle.". Fingering his rod of wonder, he contemplates using it along with his singing skills...hopefully with better results this time.
Julian (Small size) AC 22, hp 77/77 (Mage Armour, Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, Expeditious Retreat, Reduce Person) Wednesday June 25th, 2008 6:03:53 AM
"Words! Bah!" Julian sits and waits as his spells move towards expiration... "Did you say bacon? That'd be a great way to pass the time as they all talk!"
Shadow (AC 22/17 HP 47/47) Wednesday June 25th, 2008 6:43:22 AM
Shadow fidgets around out here in the open. "Is no one worried that the Count might be spying us right now and hearing all of our preparations?" He has not really felt comfortable since they entered this shadow of the wold and it has only gone downhill since then.
Kadaz (HP: 103/103) Wednesday June 25th, 2008 6:50:17 AM
Kadaz pipes up with his abilities. "The only special ability I have is that I've been working on defending a position. If I can get set in a location then I'm hard to displace. I can only do this once a day. But I also have a few potions to enhance my fighting. And I can cast protection from evil on myself three times a day. But this lasts only a minute."
Thar, Magic Circle vs. Evil, 10' radius Wednesday June 25th, 2008 9:53:48 AM
"Kirsten, I like your idea of charging into battle on your stallion! Nothing like a paragon of good charging into a nest of evil, sword in hand and bearing down on them ;-)"
"You've got a good point Shadow re: the Count hearing us, but I don't know other options we have. Our situation isn't that desirable..."
(OOC = You're right Kirsten. I meant that our deflection bonus from my MCVE won't stack with rings of PfE and other things like that, as well as the resistance bonus'. Hopefully DND 4.0 has that fixed....)
Edmund Wednesday June 25th, 2008 1:36:47 PM
"Well, Shadow," Edmund says, "If he's spying on us, he knows all about Benjamin here anyway, so the game is up. We have to hope he isn't because, really, there isn't much other choice for us."
"Here's what I intend," he says as he looks to the others. "I've glanced over these spells and I think I'll be able to help out quite a bit. I'll have a Web ready, of course, but remember that it will only work on the soldiers and even then it's a bit of a gamble, so let's try to fight them only on one side if at all possible. As for those flying nuisances, I have something for them this time if they try anything like that again."
"I've got Haste all ready too," Edmund adds at he looks to Kadaz. "And maybe one or two more tricks up my sleeve, just in case..."
Planning (ACDM Nellie) Wednesday June 25th, 2008 11:32:17 PM
Benjamin nods as several good options are passed out. "I'm not much of a spell caster, I'm afraid. Once the ruse is up, I'll mostly be at the front trying to crack a few skulls. Gargul has granted me the ability to turn undead as well as a few other tricks, but it's not all that impressive." Benajmin laughs melodically. "Guess I'm what they'd call a hack and slasher." As he waits for the final preparations to begin, the warrior pulls out a small locket and rubs it lovingly as he begins to arrange his gear so that it's ready for combat.
Arm Thursday June 26th, 2008 5:59:40 AM
On a rare occasion, Arm agrees with Ed...whether or not the Count knows of their plans is pretty much irrelevant at this point. Their only hope is that a change in tactics and their new ally will change the tide of battle this time. As they walk, he makes sure that he is not within earshot of Ed, and clearing his throat, experimentally hums and sings under his breath to prepare for his songs.
Thar, Magic Circle vs. Evil, 10' radius Thursday June 26th, 2008 10:57:45 AM
As they finish their preparations, Thar notices Benjamin's attraction to his locket. "That's an interesting locket" Thar says, trying to be polite but not sure how human's take that sort of approach from an elf like him. "Tell me about it, if you don't mind."
While he listens, he relaxes and focuses on memorizing his new spells, trying to prepare for battle.
Kadaz (HP: 103/103) Thursday June 26th, 2008 3:07:10 PM
Kadaz thinks about how to approach the count. "If the count can monitor us at a distance we're in trouble. But what if he can read our minds when we get close? Any way to counter that?"
Edmund Thursday June 26th, 2008 4:14:44 PM
Edmund puts away his spellbook after some study and sets off with the others.
"As for monitoring our thoughts, the Magic Circle should protect us from that," he says to Kadaz. "
Looking to everyone, he continues. "I can make someone invisible prior to the fight. It's special invisibility, as will not wear off even if you cross blades with the enemy. But, only person gets it--who should it be?"
Looking to the others for suggestions or requests, Edmund continues along. In his stomach there is the same sinking feeling he has before all fights, and the same desire to turn around and run as fast as he can in the opposite direction.
"Ugh."
Kirsten Thursday June 26th, 2008 8:15:27 PM
"Cheer up, Edmund," the paladin murmurs to her friend. "The sooner we get this over with, the better. Then we can go home and have some tea, I wouldn't mind some tea."
Kirsten turns to her weapons and moves to prepare to leave for battle. "What about making Shadow invisible? He's a rogue, yes?"
Edmund (OOC) Thursday June 26th, 2008 8:28:56 PM
OOC: It seems to me I should refresh everyone on what Greater Invisibility will do, so that you guys can work out who should get it.
- It will last for seven rounds after being cast (Edmund is L.7), and will not go away when the subject attacks.
- The subject will get +2 to their attack rolls, both melee and ranged, to overcome AC.
- The subject's attack target will lose their DEX bonus to their AC (i.e. they will be flatfooted).
- The subject will have total concealment and cannot, therefore, be targetted or attacked by enemies. However, an enemy can attack the square that they suspect the subject is in. If the enemy makes such an attack and scores a hit vs the subject's AC, then the subject rolls a d10 for miss chance--6 or better is a miss and the subject takes no damage (i.e. 50% miss chance).
Edmund can cast this spell exactly once, I'm afraid. His other two L.4 slots are being used for Shout and Summon Monster IV.
Gas it Up and Get Ready to Roll (ACDM Nellie) Thursday June 26th, 2008 11:43:34 PM
The planning continues, though it is in its final stages as the Mithril Order comes up with their plan to rid the Shadowlands of the Count.
When Edmund mentions his Greater Invisibility spell Benjamin perks up. "A rogue is good, but don't they mostly do sneak attacks? Won't work too well on vamps and the like. Maybe you should do it on a fighter type. Obviously I'm out, but you're got another tank, right?"
As Thar queries Benjamin about his locket, the youth's normally jovial demeanor changes abruptly. Blue eyes stare dejectedly at the locket. "It's from my mother. It was...a gift. She gave it to me before..." Benjamin's misty eyes lock with Thar's. "It's a long story...probably best for another day. Just a ritual I do before each hunt...brings me luck."
Dabbing at his eyes, Benjamin's smile returns. "If we're going to do this thing, we might as well do it right. We can tell them that I killed whoever you turn invisible. They might go for it. But to pull it off, you might want to make it believable. Soooo....who's going to rough me up?"
Edmund (OOC) Thursday June 26th, 2008 11:44:30 PM
OOC: One more thing! (I always forget something...)
- The subject does not provoke attacks of opportunity.
Julian (Small size) AC 22, hp 77/77 (Mage Armour) Friday June 27th, 2008 12:08:28 AM
"Benjamin, come here a sec. My wordy friends have forgotten something. Bend down so I can reach your head."
Julian scoops up some dirt and rubs it onto Benjamin's face, "Gotta make it look like we subdued you. Can you hide your weapons, or shall I carry them for you?" The halfling ruffles the human's hair and says, "Some blood here on you face would be good too, but... just rub some more dirt in. And stop looking so cheery. And limp a little. And this'll add to it," pulling some grass and rubbing it onto the golden chain-mail. Not much of it stays there, but it does start to look like a scuffle has been had.
"That's a bit better. Some people waste their whole days thinking, other spend it doing." Julian gives the human a wink and readies for battle.
OOC I would guess that my 1min/level spells have been wasted as we plan?
Arm Friday June 27th, 2008 6:01:20 AM
Arm chooses this moment to speak up, "I don't think that the count can read our minds, but he CAN probably detect a spell that is blocking thoughts, as well as the invisibility spell. If you remember, he detected the 'protection from evil' spell the last time. Best that we just go in as we are and take it from there. I don't think there's a need to 'rough you up', Benjamin, but we should at LEAST put up the pretense of capturing you by binding you, albeit loosely.".
Shadow (AC 22/17 HP 47/47) Friday June 27th, 2008 7:06:10 AM
Shadow says, "I can rig some rope to look like you are bound, but with an easy pull it will release. That could convince the Count that you are our prisoner." Shadow will bind Benjamin and test it to make sure that it will release easily.
Thar Friday June 27th, 2008 12:02:37 PM
Thar listens to Benjamin's comments and pats him on the shoulder, saying "I nderstand your reluctance to speak on such a painful subject. When you're ready sometime, we can talk."
Moving away, Thar watches as the group prepares Benjamin for the upcoming battle. "Good point Arm about the Count detecting my PfE spell. I'll go ahead and wait on casting that until we enter battle. I hate to burn up a round casting it, but we don't have man options."
Once Benjamin is bound, Thar volutneers to help lead the way back and watch or any foes or minions of the Count.
Edmund Friday June 27th, 2008 8:43:13 PM
"Another tank?" Edmund asks Benjamin curiously. "Another tank of what?"
Looking Kadaz over for a moment, Edmund taps his chin. "Yes, I suppose we could hide our doughty dwarf. How do you like the sound of that, Kadaz? Fancing being invisible?"
Addressing the rest of the party, Edmund is a little more serious. "As for making him invisible before we go on, I don't know how well that will work. The spell has a very short duration ((OOC: 42 seconds in time or, to put it another way, 7 rounds)). By the time we bust in there, it'll probably be over with. I'm afraid it'll have to be done first thing in the fight, so I suggest we keep Kadaz in the middle of the group, possibly personally guarding Benjamin. Once battle begins, I'll make him invisible and he can rush to the front. That way, they won't know where he is, and he can hit them as they go by to get to us, and even flank them if they make it past him."
Edmund grins wryly, "Not that I'm a combat tactician or anything..."
Kirsten Friday June 27th, 2008 9:44:48 PM
Kirsten nods at Edmund's suggestion, "And I think the count would find it strange if we returned without Kadaz. We want to try to seem as natural as possible."
She packs up her things and moves to follow the others when they make their way back towards the count's base.
Kadaz (HP: 103/103) Friday June 27th, 2008 10:00:06 PM
Kadaz considers going invisible during the fight. "Actually, I think they should be able to see me. I'm better able to take hits than Edmund, for example. If Ed were invisible he could cast spells as needed without having to worry about being targeted. Or perhaps someone who could sneak up on the Count. Thanks for the offer, but someone else should not be seen. I would, however, like to be faster. That's really, really useful."
Julian (Small size) AC 22, hp 77/77 (Mage Armour) Saturday June 28th, 2008 5:07:53 AM
"Kadaz has a point. If Edmund doesn't want it, Shadow would be a good one for the Invisibility. I'd like it too, cos I can pack a punch, but they hit me pretty hard last time."
Arm Monday June 30th, 2008 5:54:40 AM
Arm ponders a moment, then speaks up, "If I am to be a 'background singer' in this little escapade, would someone like to borrow my silver long sword for the battle? I still have the other one if I need it, and I'll hopefully get better results from my rod of wonder this time.".
Arm Tuesday July 1st, 2008 5:57:14 AM
Arm looks around expectantly, waiting to see if anyone would like to borrow his long sword for the battle.
Julian (Small size) AC 22, hp 77/77 (Mage Armour) Tuesday July 1st, 2008 7:35:15 AM
"What, are they all lost for words?"
And So It Begins (ACDM Nellie) Tuesday July 1st, 2008 12:19:14 PM
Benjamin grins as Julian decorates him. "Not quite as good as blood, but it'll probably do." He hands his flail to Julian. He also nods appreciatively as Shadow binds him.
Last minute planning and preparations are made, and the group heads back to the Count's secret lair. Having Benjamin bound does slow things up a bit, but the Order is able to make it back in a reasonable amount of time. The group pauses outside the foothills entrance, knowing that they need to finalize their plans before they head in.
OOC: I'm very sorry about last week's posting. Had a bad case of RL. This is the last chance to finalize combat strategies. We'll be entering the Count's lair tomorrow.
Thar Tuesday July 1st, 2008 3:12:50 PM
Reaching the area near the entrance, Thar comments, "OK, I'm ready to go. Arm, I appreciate the offer but I'm much more skilled with my twin swords. If things go South, then I may take you up on your offer."
He checks his gear, sharpens his swords and ensures he has the right spells memorized.
(OOC - I'm going to be traveling Thursday through Sunday, so my posting will be spotty, but I'll try to post each day if I can.)
Kirsten Tuesday July 1st, 2008 7:26:14 PM
She shakes her head at the offer of Arm's sword, "I think I'll stick with what I know, this warhammer hasn't failed me yet... very nearly perhaps... but not yet."
The paladin makes one final check of her gear as they come closer to the Count's.
Kadaz (HP: 103/103) Tuesday July 1st, 2008 9:36:25 PM
At the entrance Kadaz pauses to check his gear. He spreads the silversheen over his axe carefully, making sure not to drop any. "If the guards in armor are motionless, how about we tie them together? Or at least tie their legs together. That will give us some warning when they start to move. And by the way, I have some heal potions in this pouch, just in case anyone needs them." He points to a side pouch on his pack, making sure everyone sees it.
"By the way, did anyone notice what kinds of weapons the guards were using? Were they adamantine?" He thinks back to the previous battle, trying to remember the weapons used.
"And one more thing, when we come to the 'Y' just before we open the door to the Count's throne room I'd like to cast my battle prep spells. They don't last very long so I have to do it just before battle."
Active Spells: silversheen, on axe (1 hour duration)
Julian (Small size) AC 22, hp 77/77 (Mage Armour) Tuesday July 1st, 2008 11:14:33 PM
"Me too, Kadaz."
Julian will be better prepared once he has cast his spells (again).
Edmund (HP: 22/22, AC 16) Mage Armour, Message Wednesday July 2nd, 2008 12:47:10 AM
Edmund feels more than a little sick.
"I suppose this is it," he says to the others. "As soon as battle begins, I'll cast Haste on everyone, and then I'll make myself... invisible." He says the last word with notable dislike. "After that, the fun begins, I suppose. Keep your heads."
Pausing, Edmund stops everyone. "Wait a moment," he says. Then, he readies Message and casts it on everyone in the Mithril Order.
"Sorry about that, Ben. I can only use it on seven people," Edmund says apologetically. "It's just a precaution anyway, in case we get separated or if communication in battle turns out to be... hampered."
Edmund will also take this opportunity to cast Mage Armour on himself.
"I would definitely have done these things if we fought Ben, and I'll need them in battle," he explains. "When we stop to let Kadaz ready himself, I'll need a few seconds myself."
Spells Per Day L.0: Detect Magic, Light, Message, Read Magic, Resistance L.1: Mage Armour, Magic Missile x5, Shield L.2: Fox's Cunning, Scorching Ray x3, Web L.3: Haste x2, Fireball x2, Fly L.4: Greater Invisibility, Shout, Summon Monster IV
Arm Wednesday July 2nd, 2008 6:03:15 AM
Arm shakes his head at Ed's premature casting, figuring that their ruse will not be a ruse at all should the Count detect the spells. Sheathing his silver sword for the moment, he draws his rod and looking to the skies for luck, places it where he'll have easy access to it. Finalizing his bardsongs in his head, he prepares to enter once again.
Shadow (AC 22/17 HP 47/47) Wednesday July 2nd, 2008 9:48:00 AM
Shadow will hang back in the group because he will be better off with his magical bow than he will be with his expertly made but non-magical/non-silver rapier.
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