Arien(HP 96/118: AC: 17(touch:17) Stoneskin, Sickened Spells d20+17=19 ; d20+17=36 ; d20+17=21 ; d20+17=18 ; d20+17=25 ; d20+17=36 ; d20+15=24 ; d4=3 ; d20+17=30 ; d20+28=33 ; Friday June 20th, 2008 7:39:46 PM
Arien, seeing the large beasty appearing next to him decides it would be prudent to move a bit out of the way. Casting defensively (concentration check 33), Arien dimension doors out of the way (X,28)
(Arien takes 52 damage from the 5 unholy blights, failed the save on the 4th one (19, 36, 21, nat 1, 25) and is sickened for 3 rounds. Then he is healed for 170 damage, saves vs the hold monster, cone of cold and the unholy blight (36 hold monster, 24 cone of cold, 30 unholy blight)and so takes 31 and 11 damage. Due to the Shield Other spell have of this goes to Tratain so Arien takes 16 cold damage and 6 from the unholy blight and Tratain takes 15 and 5 respectively.)
Monthor Hit Points:155 ( 97) AC32 (33 vs Worm thingy) d20+26=31 ; d10+19=25 ; 2d6=3 ; Friday June 20th, 2008 10:37:21 PM
http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=dg3zz6dj_1f72rbxcs&hl=en
--------------------------------------------------------------- Spell Resistence: 20 (bracer of protection) Fire Resistence: 20 points (ring) Necklace of Adaptation - Grants immunity to all harmful vapors and gases. Bracers of protection- Absorb energy-draining attacks, death effects, and negative energy effects. Death Ward ( From Tratain) Magic Weapon( From Tratain) Protection from Evil - 3 Minutes (+2 deflection AC bonus, +2 on saves Stoneskin 145 Points - 150 Minutes AC - 32 vs Evil Dodge +1 bonus to (Worm thing)
======================= Att. +26 Damage 1d10 +19 ( two handed power attack. -5 to hit +10 damage, +2 flanking bonus,+2)
------------- Movement: The subject can fly at a speed of 60 feet (or 40 feet if it wears medium or heavy armor, or if it carries a medium or heavy load). It can ascend at half speed and descend at double speed, and its maneuverability is good. Using a fly spell requires only as much concentration as walking, so the subject can attack or cast spells normally. The subject of a fly spell can charge but not run, and it cannot carry aloft more weight than its maximum load, plus any armor it wears.
================================
ooc> Wouldn't the stoneskin take care of the damage from the bat?
[Absolutely! I just do damage, I'm counting on you to distribute it between hit points and spells. M.]
Monthor turns, moves up and flanks the worm thingy (M15) . He and Fred then starts to do what they do best.
Hits AC 31 for 25 physical and 3 holy damage.
Jova -12/104 HP AC 30 Sickened 3 rounds d20+15=21 ; d20+15=17 ; Saturday June 21st, 2008 3:54:11 AM
Jova seems to be getting used to the unholy type spells and shrugs off the damage. Well most of it anyeay. He watches as the monster rises from the ground. Fascinating, as his mind is being control;l;ed by the beast. Even with his newly bpought ring of evasion, he is unable to escape the breath of the night creature and sturns to a pillar ofd ice.
--Save against unholy, fail the paralyze, take full damage. --Looks like I am dead. rolling 1's and 2's when needing at least a 3 sucks. Have fun guys good luck!! Spells 0--6-DC17--Resist +1 Save Throw, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Ghost Sound, Pres 1--8-DC18--Shield, Mage Armor, True Strike +20 ATT, Mount, Ray of Enfeeble SRyes 2--7-DC19--Glitterdust - Will save, Scorching Ray, Melfs Acid Arrow, Darkvision, See Invis 10/level 3--7-DC20--Fireball, Phantom Steed, Vampiric Touch Melee Touch SRyes, Fly 4--7-DC21--Stoneskin, Grtr Invis, Polymorph , Enervation 5--5/7-DC22--Cone of Cold, Blight, Telekinesis-Will Save-SRyes, Teleport 6--4/6-DC23--Freezing Sphere, Greater Heroism, Greater Dispel 7--5-DC24--Greater Teleport, Waves Exhaustion 8--3-DC25--Polar Ray
You were Fully healed last turn, You were hit by 5 Unholy blights then you were fully healed, you started this round at full hit points. I have no Idea why you thought you were at 50 to start that last round. 104 - 11 - 62 = 31 hps left.
Jova -12/104 HP AC 30 Sickened 3 rounds Sunday June 22nd, 2008 2:09:54 AM
OOC-Vediks spell healed 170 points. I took up like 70 of them. I figured others needed the healing as well. Is this wrong? Noone stated how many they were using, I just assumed.
TratainCurrent Spells Sunday June 22nd, 2008 8:18:55 AM
OOC: Everyone Heals 170 points, its not 170 points split between the group. Jova Heals 170, Arien Healed 170, Draax Healed 170, Dwight Healed 170 Vedik Healed 170, Tratain Healed 170.
TratainCurrent Spells d20+15=24 ; d20+15=29 ; 4d8+19=34 ; d20+27=30 ; d20+19=26 ; Sunday June 22nd, 2008 9:56:00 PM
When the Giant worm releases its Cone of Cold Tratain is able to avoid some of its blast. (reflex 24) and Identify the New Monster as a Nightcrawler. (Knowledge Religion 29)
Tratain moves 20 feet towards the New Monster and defensively casts Mass Cure Critical Wounds on Himself, Vedik, Jova, Draax, and Dwight. (Those people heal 34) (Cast Defensively 30) and He includes the Nightcrawler but fails to break its spell resistance (SR Check 26)
He calls out "Vedik try and Help Jova!"
------------------------------------------------- AC 37 HP 100/188; Touch AC 18 (Tratain was actually too far away to get the mass heal last round it looks like) Greater Magic Weapon - 19 Hours Magic Vestment - 19 Hours Shield Other(Arien) - 19 Hours Shield of Faith - 19 Minutes Protection from Evil - 3 Minutes Tongues, Comprehend Language, See Invisible - Permanent
Dwight hp 60/99 ac 25 d20+10=30 ; d20+11=12 ; Sunday June 22nd, 2008 10:54:24 PM
Unholy Blight: 30 (dmg 11)
Mass Hold Monster: 12 (Failed and held. This is the second time I got a natural 20, and 1 right after!!!!!)
Cone of Cold: Failed, full damage: 62
Healed 34 by Tratain
================= Lavender and Green Ioun Stone (absorbs spells up to 8th level: 50 levels remain)
spells cast: 3rd - 1
==========
OOC: Okay, I wasn't sure we should use the AC of creature in MM since it could always be different.
VedikCurrent Spells AC 25 (13 touch) HP 206/214 d20+18=29 ; d20+24=35 ; d20+11=19 ; d20+12=30 ; d20+12=25 ; d20+29=34 ; Sunday June 22nd, 2008 11:07:41 PM
Vedik nods at Tratain's command, and flies over to Jova. Thinking for a moment, he reaches out a hand and casts Greater Spell Immunity on Jova, making him immune to Cone of Cold, Unholy Blight, Finger of Death, and Hold Monster.
OOC: Will Save DC 18, Passed (should have been +24, but +18 still beat it), 11 damage Will Save DC 23, Passed Reflex Save DC 19, Passed, 31 damage 34 healed from Tratain Knowledge Religion checks for creature knowledge, passed Fly to U21 Cast Greater Spell Immunity on Jova (Cast defensively passed)
Round 8, party actions - DM MarcinAoO vs Monthor: d20+29=37 4d6(4+4+5+4)+21=38 Grab on Monthor: 4d6(5+3+3+6)+41=58 Monday June 23rd, 2008 3:29:06 AM
Arien uses a spell to get out of harm's way.
As Monthor moves up to the towering worm the beast snaps at him with its huge maw [AoO, Monthor takes 38 damage, apply Stoneskin as appropriate]. The huge jaw of the beast closes around the dwarf like the final embrace of Death himself [Improved Grab, grapple check 58, Monthor is now held and grappling with the worm and can't complete his attack].
Jova is under paralyzing influence of the monster and can't act [Joe is correct, a Mass Heal cures all receipients of 170 points of damage].
Tratain moves up to the now idenitifed nightcrawler and provides some healing to the badly damaged party.
Dwight suffers the same fate as Jova and is held immobile [I should have posted the AC of monsters after a round or two of combat - I'll try to do better next time].
Vedik flies up to Jova and makes him immune to the spells that have been recently flying through the battlefield [Jova will automatically be successful on his save vs Hold Monster next round].
[...]
Round 8, enemy actions - DM MarcinUnholy Blight: 5d8=23 ; Swallow Whole on Monthor: d20+41=59 ; Cone of Cold: 15d6=51 ; Monday June 23rd, 2008 4:09:36 AM
With a last mournful howl the sole Nightwing still in existence unleashes a final bolt of dark magic and turns to flee straight away from the party [everyone but Monthor is hit by an Unholy Blight - damage 23, Will save DC18 for half, you are sickened for 1d4 rounds if you fail the save].
The worm holding Monthor in his jaw decides to snack on the brave warrior [Swallow Whole, grapple check 59]. <GULP!> - down goes the dwarven snack. Then it turns its now free maw at the party gathered conveniently in its shadow and covers the Knights in its frigid breath [everybody but Monthor is hit by another Cone of Cold - damage 51, Ref save DC19 for half or auto fail if you are still paralyzed]. Then, with a great rumbling noise, the beast starts to burrow into the purple sand, vanishing from sight! Monthor, tumbling inside the creature's stomach, is aware of the rapid vertical movement.
[The Nightwing is now 110 ft away from the party and, because of the clouds of dust, will most likely move out of range of spells and out of sight next round. The nightcrawler has burrowed into the ground and is not visible. No map needed this round.]
[We are still counting time in rounds as Monthor seems to be in grave danger. Those on the surface who are paralyzed can attempt to make the Will save DC23 every round to shake off its effects.]
[At the beginning of each of his rounds in the belly of the monster Monthor will be taking 2d8+12 bludgeoning damage (which can be absorbed by Stoneskin) and 12 acid damage. If he decides to crawl out of the maw he needs to make two successful grapple or Escape Artist checks - first one to get back to the maw, and another one to escape it. The DC to beat is 55. If he decides to cut his way out he needs to do 35 damage to creature's gizzard (AC21) with a light slashing or piercing weapon. The creature's damage resistance will apply.]
Monthor Hit Points:155 ( 116) AC32 (33 vs Worm thingy) Monday June 23rd, 2008 8:31:17 AM
ooc> What if Monthor decides to use his cloak of the mountbank to Ddoor out of there? No, he's not wearing it right now. He'd have to switch it out. So, I'd guess, One round to switch out the cloaks ( the Mountbanks is in the magic haversack) One round to activate it?
Does the mechanics sound accurate?
[Move action: take it out, move action: take off the Cloak of Resistance, move action: put it on, standard action: activate it - two rounds seem to be an accurate count. If that's what you are planning to do you can go ahead with two rounds of actions (and roll gizzard damage twice). M.]
Draax HP 134/166, AC35 d20+8=25 ; d20+13=30 ; d20+8=23 ; d20+8=10 ; Monday June 23rd, 2008 5:35:12 PM
Seeing the creature disappear into the ground after swallowing the dwarf, Draax switches to his bow with his silver arrows. Knowing that the Monthor is enough to give any creature a stomachache, Draax has faith the creature will be spitting the dwarf up soon and waits for the creature to show come back to the surface.
Saved hold monster (25); Save Cone of Cold (30) takes 32 dmg; Save unholy blight (23) takes 11 dmg; Healed 34; save unholy blight (10) takes 23 dmg.
----------------------- Endure elements Necklace of Adaptation Slippers of Spider Climbing
TratainCurrent Spells d20+15=18 ; Monday June 23rd, 2008 5:46:31 PM
Tratain can only watch as Monthor is swallowed by the Nightcrawler and it burrows back into the ground. Thus distracted he isn't able to dodge the Cone of Cold at all.
Tratain casts Heal on himself. And if There is a second round of action he casts Heal and holds the charge just in case the Night Crawler reappears.
------------------------------------------------- AC 37 HP 174/188(if Arien Fails Save) HP 188/188(If Arien Makes save); Touch AC 18 Greater Magic Weapon - 19 Hours Magic Vestment - 19 Hours Shield Other(Arien) - 19 Hours Shield of Faith - 19 Minutes Protection from Evil - 3 Minutes Tongues, Comprehend Language, See Invisible - Permanent
Monthor Hit Points:155 ( 92) AC32 (33 vs Worm thingy) 2d8+12=21 ; 2d8+12=20 ; Monday June 23rd, 2008 8:03:04 PM
http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=dg3zz6dj_1f72rbxcs&hl=en
--------------------------------------------------------------- Spell Resistence: 20 (bracer of protection) Fire Resistence: 20 points (ring) Necklace of Adaptation - Grants immunity to all harmful vapors and gases. Bracers of protection- Absorb energy-draining attacks, death effects, and negative energy effects. Death Ward ( From Tratain) Magic Weapon( From Tratain) Protection from Evil - 3 Minutes (+2 deflection AC bonus, +2 on saves Stoneskin 47 Points - 150 Minutes AC - 32 vs Evil Dodge +1 bonus to (Worm thing)
--------------------------- Two rounds of action.
Monthor takes out his Cape of the Mountbank, move action: take off the Cloak of Resistance, move action: put the cape on, standard action: activates it and pops himself and Fred out of the belly of the beast and up 30 feet above ground.
(acid damage roled 41)
Dwight hp -2/99 ac 25 d20+11=23 ; d20+11=13 ; Monday June 23rd, 2008 8:16:04 PM
OOC: This is bad, might be Dwight's last round it all comes down to save from blight!
unholy blight: 23 (Whew! half damage, which I am still assuming is possible even if held since its a Will save, but I might be wrong -- dmg 11)
cone of cone (held, auto failed -- dmg: 51)
Dwight remains held, but his eyes roll back as if making the next step to the afterlife.....currently at -2 hp
=====================
Lavender and Green Ioun Stone (absorbs spells up to 8th level: 50 levels remain)
spells cast: 3rd - 1
VedikCurrent Spells AC 25 (13 touch) HP 168/214 d20+24=27 ; d20+11=20 ; Monday June 23rd, 2008 9:46:57 PM
Vedik manages to shrug off both of the attacks, but looks in horror as the beast disappears below the surface. Cursing, he ponders the options for a moment before seeing the bleeding mess of flesh that used to be Dwight. Flying over, he casts Heal on Dwight, healing him fully.
He calls out "Gather close"
(Second round action: Ready action to cast Mass Cure Critical Wounds if the nightcrawler returns.)
OOC: Will save passed, 12 damage Reflex save passed, 26 damage Cast Heal on Dwight.
Jova 54/104 HP AC 30 Sickened 1 rounds d20+15=34 ; d20+11=30 ; d20+21=24 ; Tuesday June 24th, 2008 1:30:19 AM
Jova shudders as the magic of this nether reallm washes over him. The healing magics of his fellows is a definate need, if traveling here. Jova is able to shake off the monsters hold, although he figures he had help doint that. He rollsa out of the way of the next blast of cold. As he sees the shafow leave the area he points his hand forth, desperately wanting to do away with the creature, before it can hela and return.
--Save Blight, evade the cone cold, save, Fire maximised fireball at retreating ngihtwing. Beat SR 24 [BS!!] 60 damage.
The combat ends - DM Marcin Tuesday June 24th, 2008 8:53:27 AM
Tratain heals himself and casts another healing spell holding its magic in his palm.
Dwight is mauled into unconsciousness by the shards of ice crystalizing in the air, but Vedik's well-timed healing brings him back from the brink of oblivion.
Jova, saved by Spell Immunity, fires off one more Fireball, but the accursed monster shrugs off his magic once again and manages to escape.
There are ten seconds filled with horror when everybody wonders what happened to Monthor, but then the dwarven warrior appears in the thin air flying over ground, all covered with acid and dripping with nightcrawler's digestive juices. The black liquid melts stones as it stains the ground.
It seems that the first battle in this realm of darkness and shadow has been won.
Four copies of the necromancer continue to move about the ring paying no heed to the Knights as if the party was not there at all. Further away a boiling, heaving sea of spirits is silently watching the stone ring.
[We switch back to a more relaxed counting of time. For now you can act as you will.]
[I'll be now accepting hero points nominations for actions in the combat that just ended. Either e-mail them to me or post them as a private message on the board.]
[Sorry for a late post today. Had RL duties I couldn't postpone.]
TratainCurrent Spells d20+12=14 ; d20+11=13 ; d4=1 ; Tuesday June 24th, 2008 4:25:06 PM
Tratain is relieved when Monthor shows back up a few seconds after being swallowed, as he wasn't sure how they could have rescued him.
He tells his friends "Check around the area real fast and see if those spirits dropped anything, I think I saw the big ones drop something, but no one Travel outside the stone rings, Jova If you don't mind please Telekinesis those stones over to use. I don't want everyone to get too seperated just incase that Nightcrawler comes back. Everyone keep a look out. If it does come back we need to kill it immedietly, if it swallows anyone else I'm not sure we could get them back."
Tratain then approaches one of the Necromancer Spirits and attempts to listen to what it has to say, (Spirit Number 1) and tries to spot any difference between them. If given enough time Tratain will listen to all the spirits and try and discover what they say if anything.
Monthor Hit Points:155 ( 92) AC32 (33 vs Worm thingy) Tuesday June 24th, 2008 9:23:01 PM
Monthor lands near Tratain and whipes himself off. " Well... that was NOT fun.. "
Monthor then swaps the cape out for his cloak of protection.
" Best money Me's ever spent that Mountbank thing... Me might just have to get mees another one for backup. "
" Mees could use a little healing here boys... "
Dwight hp 99/99 ac 25 d20+15=26 ; d20+6=18 ; Tuesday June 24th, 2008 10:04:29 PM
Dwight floats to the ground and stares for a moment or two into the far off as his body re-adjusts to from his recent trauma. "Thanks, thought for sure I'd be seeing ya'll differently the next time I saw ya. Remind me, once we get back to get ya'll a large feast and all the ale you can drink! Dying here is likely not the best way to take up an afterlife," he adds trying to add humor, but failing even in his tone.
Seeing Tratain wonder towards a spirit, Dwight follows suit, beginning with the 4th spirit. He begins slowly, (listening: 26, sense motive (#4): 18), trying to get the spirit to recall his face and offer of help. (Dwight stays within the stone circle)
If Dwight and the others get nothing, he offers to create the man's book, but says that it will likely take 10 minutes or so. This is time consuming so Dwight hopes his other attempts work. If they don't he will use his magical stick of hairs to draw the book which will transform into a blank, but identical book to the man's journal. Perhaps seeing something he obviously cared for will persuade him to help/speak.
VedikCurrent Spells AC 25 (13 touch) HP 203/214 3d8+16=35 ; Tuesday June 24th, 2008 10:51:09 PM
Vedik relaxes as Monthor appears, landing on the ground but keeping his wings out. "Yeah, if you're done playing with worms Monthor I'll clean ya up." He then gathers everyone close that needs healing and casts Cure Serious Wounds, Mass, healing everyone for 35 damage.
He then flies up a few feet, and keeps his eyes to the horizon, spinning around slowly while the spirit talkers handle the ghosts.
Jova 89/104 HP AC 30 Sickened 1 rounds Wednesday June 25th, 2008 1:35:28 AM
Jova is insensed with how easily the magic had been thwarted. In a practiced movemnent he cleans himself off od all ice ands or debris using a presidation spell. When Monthor appears, Jova immediately goes to his side. Casting the spell, he cleans the excess acid and grime fron the dwarf. He relates the ability to each who need it.
Doing as Tratains suggests, he dows what he can to bring, lift the stones closer to the center of their circle. His anger is still present, it was an odd senstaion, he was usually able to dismiss bad things quicly.
The spirits up close - DM Marcin Wednesday June 25th, 2008 6:42:33 AM
The party reforms and tries to recover from the recent violent encounter. Physical wounds have been healed, the grime and dust have been removed with help from Jova, and Vedik, airborne, is standing watch, but can't see anybody or anything approaching the group at the moment.
Each of the three defeated powerful undead left behind a strange, glistening black stone the size of a head. Jova's magic slowly tows these into the stone circle and they are deposited on the ground rising small clouds of dust. It is not immediately obvious what these are [some skill checks here, folks?].
Tratain and Dwight slowly approach the spirits of the necromancer. They all look the same, but there are different expressions on their faces.
As Tratain walks up to the first image he can clearly see that the spirit is consumed with hate. Its eyes, madly darting around, eventually focus on Tratain's face. "Mogal!" - comes a whisper like a hiss of a snake - "how can this hedge wizard, this, this - slime, this barbarian savage, this scum usurp the credit for my work?! Advance at my cost? This is the payment I get for my devotion? Oh no, he doesn't know whom he made his enemy yet. And when he learns, he won't have a chance to regret. His death shall be swift, but his afterlife an endless torment! Mogal, you will soon see how your master deals with those who wronged him. Now, how shall we begin?..." It is soon obvious that the spirit is reliving some scene from its past and thinks Tratain is someone else.
The second spirit, when approached by Tratain, bends in half in mortal fright. "Nooo, I beg of thee..." - it croaks - "I am but a speck of dust to you, I am nothing, my soul will not satiate your terrible hunger... Let me serve you, let me be your slave... No, not anymore, please, I beg, let it end, do not look, DO NOT LOOK! Aaaaah!..."
When Dwight walks up to the third spirit it he can see a scowl on his face. "You have ridiculed me, Trannon. You have stolen all I cared for, all I loved, and turned her into manure. You have made my life a living hell, a nightmare, and then you have forgotten about me. But I, Trannon, never forget. I have grown strong, so strong that I can turn you inside out with a single gesture. Beg Trannon, beg for my mercy... I want to see your fear. Humor me enough and maybe I'll make your death quick."
The fourth spirit wears a visage of an all-consuming hunger. "Master" - it addresses Dwight as he approaches - "I am ready. I humbly beg of you to teach me more. I want to be more useful. I want more power. I deserve more power than others, I can prove it, just give me a chance!"
Dwight contemplates making a copy of the journal, but one can only guess how much of what is going on around them the spirits can actually register with their senses.
[The following people have been nominated for and receive hero points: 1. Vedik and Tratain both get one hero point for providing efficient healing. 2. Vedik gets a second hero point for saving Jova with a Spell Immunity. 3. Monthor gets a hero point for escaping a death trap of the nightcrawler's belly. You can still send in more nominations.]
Arien(HP 118/118: AC: 17(touch:17) Stoneskin, Sickened Spells d20+30=36 ; d20+29=42 ; d20+29=39 ; d20+36=50 ; Wednesday June 25th, 2008 11:19:08 AM
Arien approaches the large stones and studies them to see what he may know of them or might be able to guess about them. (Knowledge: Arcanna = 36, Knowledge: Dungeoneering = 42, Knowledge: The Planes = 39, Spellcraft = 50)
Draax d20+10=18 ; Wednesday June 25th, 2008 5:22:44 PM
Draax tries not to show the relief he feels when Monthor reappears, "I figures you would have given it a bad taste in its mouth and it would have to spit you out sooner or later"
While the others take care of the Necro, Draax remains on guard. (spot check 18)
TratainCurrent Spells Wednesday June 25th, 2008 6:56:49 PM
Tratain listens to what the Necromancer says, and since it seems to believe he is someone else Tratain decides to play along and see what it says.
To the First spirit he says "Please allow me to be the instrument of your vengeance Master, Think how it will humiliate the savage that I, your servant enact your revenge. It will show him that he is beneath your notice before you finally destroy him. Please tell me where I may find him, and what I should do to strike the first blow against him, perhaps with your permission master, we should sabotage the project that causes the earthquakes? Tell me how I may derail it enough so that he will not be able to fix it, and he will have to come and beg for your help!"
To the Second spirit he says "You do not need to fear me spirit, I will send you along to Lord Gargul where he will look after your spirit. I ask that you tell us about what was causing the recent earthquakes. How are they caused? Where can I find your comrades?"
Tratain listens to what the spirit says to compare what they say, perhaps they will give some kind of useful information, and in comparing what all four spirits say the group can learn what the next step must be.
Monthor Hit Points:155 ( 127 ) AC32 (33 vs Worm thingy) Wednesday June 25th, 2008 8:44:52 PM
A freshly cleaned and partially healed Monthor pats his mates on their back one at a time.
" Thanks me friends. Me ands Fred missed ye all too,, "
To Draax... " to many possible ' [Uh, I'm editing this out before Jerry sees and has a heart attack. Be good lads and keep the site PG - Marcin] ' jokes for me to even go there Draax,,,but my Moradin's left pinky, me's loves that Mountbank cape. To bad they can only be used once a day.
Dwight hp 99/99 ac 25 d20+3=21 ; d20+3=12 ; d20+5=14 ; d20+2=17 ; d20+7=21 ; Wednesday June 25th, 2008 9:35:24 PM
Dwight hears that he and Tratain had the same idea, play along.
To the third spirit:
"No, no, I have not forgotten you, my trusted ally, nor forced you to endure such traumas deliberately. I ask for your forgiveness if I have led you to believe otherwise. It has been a chain of bad events beyond some of our control. Come, let us talk of how we can split the rewards we have gathered and make new plans to take revenge on our loses. Perhaps we can discuss the methods to make more earthquakes?" (Dwight is assuming Trannon (former master) isn't likely to immediately back down, even if he did destroy the man and is trying to play that card. Bluff?: 21)
To the fourth spirit:
"Keep your hands off me slim! A task to prove yourself worthy you ask, hmmm, let us discuss a such a task. Do you have ideas or must I do it all?"
Dwight waits a moment, hoping the spirit offers something, then he chides him again and nudges the thought of capturing souls, and earthquakes. (Bluff? 12, Diplomacy? 14)
----------------------
Rolls for stones:
knowledge --geography: 17 --nature: 21
TratainCurrent Spells d20+15=18 ; Wednesday June 25th, 2008 9:42:57 PM
Knowledge Religion check for the Stones = 18
VedikCurrent Spells AC 25 (13 touch) HP 203/214 d20+8=20 ; d20+8=21 ; Thursday June 26th, 2008 7:55:15 AM
Vedik remains in the air, keeping a look out for anything approaching. He calls down "If ya need me to look at anything say so, or I'll keep my eyes out for enemies."
OOC: Spot/Listen: 20/21
The spirits talk - DM Marcin Thursday June 26th, 2008 9:17:19 AM
No more attackers come, at least not at the moment, but the Knights keep their guard up.
The glistening stones are not magic. These form inside the bodies of the largest of undead much like pearls are given birth to by oysters, but only the oldest and most savage of the nonliving creatures ever exist long enough to carry them and they must abide where there is a lot of negative energy. Thus the material, sometimes called nightstone, is considered an exquisite, exotic, and one of the rarest of the precious stones. Not many royal treasuries can boast an item inlaid with this.
As the party decides to play along the spirits continue their crazied ramblings:
FIRST SPIRIT:
"Yes, yes, that would be fitting. You shall be my weapon, Mogal, and your weapon will be poison. But we must prepare, bid our time before you go to the Plateau City and-"
"- what was that? Earthquakes? What project? Have you been spying on somebody without my instruction, Mogal?"
SECOND SPIRIT:
"No, not to the Gargul, not to the Eye! I want to live until I cross to undeath, oh mighty one! Please, let me live! I know nothing about the earthquakes, I'm just a collector, I do not look, I do not hear, I do as I'm told, I obey all, obey masters, obey the Elders, worship your kind! I shall bring any of us your hunger desires" - the spirit licks its spectral lips - "yes, I shall do so if you command."
THIRD SPIRIT:
"Ah ha ha ha! Trannon! If you could see yourself as I see you! You, a peasant, would be ally to the likes of me?! You are not worthy of my spit" - the spirit hisses with hate that obviously survived despite his departure from his body - "Recall that last day when you saw me? When I was leaving the village to find my power? Recall all the curses I have thrown at your head?... Guess what" - the spirit smiles a sinister, evil smile - "all of them are now going to come true. And I'll make sure you have ample time to savour each and every one to its fullest."
FOURTH SPIRIT:
"Yes, master! As you command!..."
"There are, yes..." - the spirit hesitates - "opportunities. I am the keeper of the logs of the collection runs. I have given it some thought... If we were to hold to some of the soulgems... we could amass a stash and then contribute that to the Elders as our own share - your share, Master... Nobody sorts through the gems one by one, if one in a fourty or so was empty who would notice?..."
[I'm in travel tomorrow. My Friday post might be late and even actually come on Saturday.]
Draax Thursday June 26th, 2008 6:19:39 PM
Draax stays on guard, but he also lets himself watch what his teammates are doing with the necros.
TratainCurrent Spells Thursday June 26th, 2008 8:39:39 PM
Tratain listens to the response from the first spirit and thinks Well, it seems there is or was someone in Plataue City he thought was stealing credit for something from him, but who knows when he thinks he is right now, and it seems I asked a little too much, maybe if I act obsequious enough I can get him back on track.
Tratain tells the First spirit "A thousand Apologies Master! I humbly beg forgiveness. I only did it so I might prove my usefulness and dedication to you. So that I could provide information on what the others are doing so that you might stay ahead of them and allow me to serve you as you gain power and crush those who oppose you as you are thier better. Their Servants you see, when given enough spirits to drink begin to talk. They know little most time but some rumors I do hear. It will give you an advantage over them, not that you need it Master, if you allow your servant to continue. "
For the Second spirit Tratain thinks He seems afraid but not at all repentant, trying to be nice doesn't seem to be working, maybe time for a different tactic.
He says to the Second Spirit "Very Good, you have passed the first test. You will now Tell me about your latest collection run, from where you started to where you deposited the souls, Leave Nothing out. I will know if you attempt to lie to me. I know you know more than you let on, If you please me with your answers I will elevate you above the others, if you do not I will send you before the eye myself, but only if I am feeling generous, and I rarely am. Tell me of the Masters and the Elders as well. Which of them are wavering from the path. I await your answers!"
When not in conversation with the spirits Tratain will place the stones dropped by the Undead and anything else found into his haversack for safekeeping.
Dwight Thursday June 26th, 2008 9:45:38 PM
THIRD SPIRIT:
Dwight grits his teeth having played it wrong, but not sure if it would really have made a difference, commited he plays along, "Always high and mighty, and rightly so at this point. The table has turned for me I suppose, the master has become the student. Perhaps there is something I could do to for you then, a task needing to be completed, something that needs to get done discreetly. Much of what you know and can do, was aided by my guidance though you had the ability. Regardless you know I can complete many things." (Dwight intends to give some, acknowledge his power, but still not quiver in submission)
FOURTH SPIRIT:
"Excellent, excellent, I knew you were brighter than the rest. Make it so. Discreetly mind you. Now, where to hide our stash for a short time?"
If the spirit offers a place, Dwight questions it which of the Elders does he suspect is the most observant and thus the most dangerous.
(Obviously Dwight is trying to draw out some informaiton about the stash or the Elders)
VedikCurrent Spells AC 25 (13 touch) HP 203/214 d20+8=20 ; d20+8=22 ; Thursday June 26th, 2008 10:34:34 PM
Vedik remains thirty feet in the air, keeping an eye on the spirits around him. Commanding his wings to hover, he circles about slowly, looking in all directions.
OOC: Listen/Spot: 20/22
Arien(HP 118/118: AC: 17(touch:17) Stoneskin, Sickened Spells Friday June 27th, 2008 1:11:25 AM
Arien lets those of a more persuasive nature speak the the shades and wanders over to where Monthor destroyed the fifth spirit and checks to see if anything was left behind by that particular shade.
Four conversations - DM Marcin Friday June 27th, 2008 5:46:05 AM
The stones are collected. Arien strolls over to the place where the fifth spirit was but it is now empty aside from a patch of purple sand.
FIRST SPIRIT:
A cynical, self-absorbed look comes over the face of the spectral necromancer. "Curiosity is a dangerous thing. Knowledge can be a burden, and you could have drawn the ire of others on my head. You shall never do so again unless I tell you to. We will discuss the details of your punishment later. For now, tell me all you know!"
SECOND SPIRIT:
"Yes, your Lordship!..." - the spirit starts to recite a list of towns and cities matching the one deciphered by Arrak from the journal, but adding the names of providers that the dragon failed to figure out. None of the names sound familiar. "...then I was bound for Crescent Valley, the final stop, and after that I was to carry the gems back to Darkmoon Gate, but, but... strange... I... don't... remember..."
At the mention of the Masters and Elders the spirit starts to quake: "I know nothing, oh Mighty One! I swear on my soul! Their minds and devices are shielded from me!"
THIRD SPIRIT:
"Yes, there is something you can and will do for me. You. Can. Die." - the hand of the spirit makes a gesture that would summon necromantic power and inflict disease was it still corporeal. "Enjoy the next month. I'll be back when your fingers have fallen off. Oh, and don't think that killing yourself is an escape. I'll whisk you out from the afterlife and make you suffer doubly for trying to defy my will." With a sinister chuckle the spirit turns away, walks into a nearby pillar, and is gone.
FOURTH SPIRIT:
Dangerous gleams appear in the spirit's eyes. It is obvious that he now chooses his words carefully. "Somewhere safe, somewhere far away from the Lands of Glory, away from the attention of others... Maybe we could make a cache in a remote part of Scab? Once we have collected enough we will - you will, Master - take it to the Darkmoon Gate?"
"Oh no, no, no, please, Master, the Elders must never even suspect! It has to be done out of their sight, behind their backs! You test me, Master, yes? I know of their power, how great it is! I would never try to deceive any of them!"
Arien(HP 118/118: AC: 17(touch:17) Stoneskin, Sickened Spells Saturday June 28th, 2008 2:17:01 AM
Arien looks around to see if the purple sand is a normal occurrence here, if not Arien will gather some of the sand in a bag and stow it, in case it might be useful later.
Draax d20+10=15 ; Sunday June 29th, 2008 1:17:05 PM
Draax tries to stay on guard and listen to 4 separate conversations at the same time. Realizing that he has no idea what is going on with the conversation, Draax turns his full attention on scanning the area for anything that might attack the group. (spot check 15)
VedikCurrent Spells AC 25 (13 touch) HP 203/214 d20+8=9 ; d20+8=26 ; Sunday June 29th, 2008 7:56:31 PM
Vedik continues his airborne vigil, wheeling about the group and searching for trouble.
OOC: spot/listen: 9/26
TratainCurrent Spells Sunday June 29th, 2008 8:44:45 PM
Tratain tells the first spirit "Yes Master, There are only two things worth noting that I have learned so far. The savage is doing something with collected souls that is supposed to cause earthquakes in the vicinity of the City, and he is spending time with a woman, I did not learn her name, though I did learn she is supposed to be with one of the others, the one who visits him from outside the city quite frequently. Perhaps we can use that against him? Use her to turn the others against him while you sit back and watch master?"
To the Second spirit he says "You will tell me the route you would normally take to travel from Crescent Valley to the Darkmoon Gate. You will then tell me everything you know about the Darkmoon gate, which of the Elders and Your Masters are there, and where it is located. Please me and be elevated above them, Fail me at your own Peril!"
Jova 89/104 HP AC 30 Sickened 1 rounds Sunday June 29th, 2008 9:11:37 PM
Stans hackin up more flem than any one human should have in his body.
Dwight Sunday June 29th, 2008 9:53:24 PM
THIRD SPIRIT:
Dwigth tries to call to the spirit, but is a bit jostled by the intention of having a spell cast on him. By the time he recovers, it is gone.
FOURTH SPIRIT:
"Well done. And remember you are always being tested. Fail me and you will face consequences you fear to dream of. Course, help me prosper and you can share in the my wealth."
"Now, the Scab is full of dangers in an of itself, that can work to my advantage. Perhaps a precise location, yes, I need a precise location."
"Speak quickly, I have tasks to atend too to be assured this stays a secret."
(Dwight, having lost one spirit, tries to pull/push for more information before it too disappears.)
And then there were only two - DM Marcin Monday June 30th, 2008 8:54:06 AM
Arien sifts a handful of purple dust through his fingers. It is very fine, much like dust, and stains his hand crimson. One can only guess if purple is its natural color or if it is the light that is giving it this shade. There is nothing supernatural about it that his knowledgeable mind can sense.
Others stand watch over him and recovering Jova. The ring of spirits does not approach, but grows denser with every minute. Was that a slight tremble of the ground that Draax just sensed?...
Meanwhile, the conversations continue.
FIRST SPIRIT:
"A woman?..." There is a pause. "This changes, this... changes quite a lot."
"You will go back to spying on him, and on her" - says the spirit in a commanding tone of voice. "Be careful. Do not let yourself be caught or I'll destroy you before you can talk. Prepare to leave tomorrow. I will give you detailed orders on first light. For now I must go and think." The spirit turns and starts to walk in circles as if he was going down a spiral staircase. Within moments he disappears into the ground.
SECOND SPIRIT:
"Yes, as you command. I normally teleport to the monolith outside of the circle of glyphs warding the Gate. It is way too far to go there any other way. The Gate - I beg your forgiveness, your lordship, but I know very little about it. It is a very secret project of the Elders. Only them and their closest associates ever enter the site. It is warded against divination by the strongest magic the Elders could raise up. I have never even seen it - my load is collected by golems and taken through the wards. I... I don't know where exactly it is located. I have been taken by magic to the monolith once by an Elder, and he told me to examine the area carefully enough so that I might teleport there later on. I was forbidden to ever stray away from the monolith. But the trees, the water, the smell, everything tells me it is within Lands of Glory, Lands of our Master, Lands of Dread. I always carry a pebble from that place with me so that my travel there might be as accurate and safe as possible."
"I do not know how many of the Elders are there, but there must be many, and among them quite a few of those who have embraced lichdom. I hear the place is constantly guarded against attack by meddling foes."
FOURTH SPIRIT:
"Why not one of the burial mounds of the ancient giants in the north you have taken me to during my apprenticeship, Master? They all have been looted and nobody goes there anymore?"
[Sense Motive DC15 Highlight to display spoiler: {The fourth spirit is hesitant and unsure when he gives the answer. It is possible that his real Master never bothered to listen to his student's plan and it remained not carried out.}]
TratainCurrent Spells Monday June 30th, 2008 7:30:52 PM
Tratain motions Arien and Jova over to the spirit and also Mimes that he wants something to write with. He then says to the Second Spirit "Describe to me the Monolith and the Surrounding lands is as great a detail as you can. Also tell me what you know about the Earthquakes that have been happening recently." And after it finishes with the description he says "Recite to me again the names of all those who you collected souls from, We shall use them to feed power to you, you have pleased me."
If there is time after finishing with the Second spirit Tratain goes to near where the first spirit disappeared and calls out "Master, It is I your humble servant Mogal. You told me you would have instructions for me regarding the savage this morning." Hopeing it is still there and not aware of the passage of time.
Draax d20+3=4 ; d20+10=14 ; Monday June 30th, 2008 8:52:41 PM
Draax waits and watches as the guys deal with the spirits. He stops for second when he feel some trembling. "I am not sure, but I think something is coming from the ground again, it might be a return visit of Monthor's dinner guest." He puts a silver arrow in his bow and hopes it was just his imagination. (listen check a natural one; Spot check 14)
Dwight d20+6=8 ; Monday June 30th, 2008 10:12:13 PM
Sense motive: 8
Dwight is a bit disappointed in the answer the spirit gives and lets him know it. "A looted burial mound, what an awful idea. Placing such valuable relics where a low life goblin, orc or troll could accidently come across it. Perhaps my faith was misplaced in you." Dwight feints his anger hoping to stir the spirit to offer more.
"I'll notify you later exactly where the stones will be kept. For now, I want you to give me the details of where and how you will get the stones. I need to be sure you understand what discreet means, or if I need to drive a spike into you to drill the point of discretion. Failure and slip ups will not be tolerated."
VedikCurrent Spells AC 25 (13 touch) HP 203/214 Tuesday July 1st, 2008 7:20:38 AM
Vedik continues his circle of the group until Draax's warning about the ground. Preparing as best he can, he casts Heal, and holds the spell, ready to charge the monster if it surfaces.
OOC: Cast Heal, hold the charge.
About soulstones - DM Marcin Tuesday July 1st, 2008 8:31:11 AM
Even though the distant howling of the spirits makes it impossible for him to hear anything Draax is certain he can feel slight tremble of the ground that is getting progressively stronger. Vedik notices what's going on and readies a spell [aboout 6 minutes elapsed so far].
Tratain calls out where the first spirit has vanished but there is no reply.
SECOND SPIRIT:
The necromancer starts to describe the swampy forest around the monolith he mentioned. Having been a Teleport user himself he skillfully paid attention to memorize unusual details like branches twisted in strange shapes, odd cracks on the surface of the monolith and such. He now describes these to the party. Following that the spirit repeats the names of the providers of soulstones and the Knights are able to make a list.
"The earthquakes, yes. They have something to do with the secret project of the Elders. The Elders knew when those were about to happen for I have been sent prior to each of them to collect gems from the region that was about to be affected. The providers are replaceable, there is never lack of young and unscrupulous mages, but the soulstones are worth a lot. I have not been allowed any more knowledge of the subject, your Lordship. Except... I have overheard one of the Elders once speak about the darkest flame, but I have no idea what that might be."
FOURTH SPIRIT:
The spirit quakes, visibly shaken by the sudden change of mood. "Master! I apologize!... I, I know who the providers are, and before I officially visit them I can raid their stores and switch a couple of stones for empty ones. Then I'll point out the empty ones when they bring up their quota and they'll agree to sign off for a smaller number by themselves!" Judging by the gleam in the eyes of the spirit he's already figuring out how large a bribe he can demand from them for keeping quiet about their "mistake".
TratainCurrent Spells Tuesday July 1st, 2008 8:33:43 PM
Tratain, noticing his friends growing unease asks them to try and stay close to each other just incase the Nightcrawler returns or the horde of spirits looks like it is going to approach and he needs to shift the group back to the wold in a hurry.
He tells the Spirit, "Tell me exactly what was said about the Darkest Flame, anything pertaining to the conversation that you can remember."
Having gotten a great deal of information already Tratain also decides to try and find out about who in Plataue City the first spirit was talking about. He says to the Spirit "Tell me about your rival in Plataue City, I would like to hear about him before I destroy him."
Monthor Hit Points:155 ( 127 ) AC32 d20+4=23 ; Tuesday July 1st, 2008 9:02:24 PM
Spot 23.
Monthor and Fred the keep watch for any sign of trouble (readied action. Attack with Fred should anything come close and poses a threat.).
Dwight Tuesday July 1st, 2008 9:12:40 PM
Dwight, finding it hard to be mean as it really isn't in his halfling blood tries to continue.
"Now, before I let you take your leave, with your head still on your shoulders, tell me the order in which you will visit the providers, by name and location! Timing will be key so know that failure will be worse than death."
Arien(HP 118/118: AC: 17(touch:17) Stoneskin, Sickened Spells Wednesday July 2nd, 2008 2:50:19 AM
Arien keeps an eye out, brushing the sand from his hand and a spell ready.
Squeezing out more answers - DM Marcin Wednesday July 2nd, 2008 6:46:56 AM
The tremors of the ground increase in strength. Far away a cloud of dust can be seen approaching the party, as if something invisible was running towards the stone circle - or burrowing towards it just below the surface at high speed. Two similar clouds can be seen converging on the group from other directions.
SECOND SPIRIT:
The spirit concentrates. "It was after I delivered a particularily bountiful batch of gems, your Lordship, two weeks ago... The Elder said to his companion: <Excellent, we almost have enough for the Darkest Flame to reach its full potential>."
"My enemy?" The spirit is surprised by the question, but answers without hesitation. "A necromancer going by the name of Xarhall in the Lands of Glory, your Lordship. In the Plateau City the takes on the guise of Golken the Herbalist. Arrogant, disloyal, power-hungry, dangerous! I would have removed him myself, only he has the backing of some of the Masters."
FOURTH SPIRIT:
The spirit panics: "Oh, but the order is never the same, Master! I am told what to do and where to go only just before I leave! Sometimes I visit all of them, sometimes just some! The Masters decide!"
Dwight Wednesday July 2nd, 2008 8:48:08 AM
Dwight looks around feeling as if the empty space is closing in on him.
"Don't you hold back on me," he fires at the spirit, "where and when is the next meeting to take place?"
Then he looks to the group, he has the look of 'time to depart?'
VedikCurrent Spells AC 25 (13 touch) HP 203/214 Wednesday July 2nd, 2008 1:53:47 PM
Vedik continues to fly above the group, holding the heal spell ready for the first sign of trouble.
Draax Wednesday July 2nd, 2008 5:25:39 PM
Draax readies his bow as he looks at the clouds of dust coming toward the party. In a voice loud enough for everyone to hear, but low enough to not disrupt the conversations with the spirits, Draax says. "Looks like we got at least 3 incoming. Be ready for them if you can."
TratainCurrent Spells d100=96 ; Wednesday July 2nd, 2008 6:11:44 PM
Tratain tells the Others "I think its time we left. We have several leads now as to where we go to next and from the look of things we've attracted more attention. After the Spirit answers Dwights Last question gather round and I will Plane Shift us back to the Wold. If those things get close we're going whether or not the spirit has finished answering the question. Destroy the last two spirits before we go as well. Its too bad two have left our reach already. I don't know if destroying all 5 spirits would have done anything for the Man, but maybe destroying three out of the five will return most of his soul to Garguls care where it belongs and away from this place."
Tratain Gathers the Party and either after the Spirits are destroyed or the things approaching get near he casts Plane Shift and returns the Party to the Wold, his Intended Destination is the Shrine of Alemi the group left from.
(Plane Shift Roll = 5*96=480 Miles off intended Destination. Looks like we're going swimming heh)
Traveling back - DM MarcinDirection of the spell slip: d100=53 ; Thursday July 3rd, 2008 6:10:28 AM
The last spirit squirms under the gaze of Dwight. "Master! When I completed my... I did... did I? Why, the Crescent Valley!... I don't... I don't remember anymore, please, Master!"
Seeing that the place is becoming more and more inhospitable by the second the group quickly dispatches the remaining two spirits. Shortly after Tratain's spell takes them away just before the ground bursts and spits out the incoming monstrosities.
There is a blinding flash of white light as the spell pierces the dark veil of this planar domain, and before the Knights can blink it out from their eyes -
***
Crash! The group lands on a solid (if slippery) surface. Opening their eyes the Knights see all around them the emerald waves of a calm sea sparkling in the yellow light of the sun high in the crystal-clear, blue sky. The party has arrived on the deck of what looks like a very old, derelict sailship. It could have been an ocean-going caravel many years ago, but now it is nothing but a rotting hulk, its sails torn up by the winds long ago, its hull pierced in many places by barnacles, the colors of its sides and banners faded away.
The air is hot and humid and smells of salt and fish. A warm, gentle breeze caresses the faces and hair of the heroes. All that can be heard is creaking of wood and sloshing of the waves against the ancient woodplanks of the sides of the ship. Nobody comes up to investigate the source of the noise. Nothing can be seen at the horizon but the sky and the sea.
VedikCurrent Spells AC 25 (13 touch) HP 203/214 Thursday July 3rd, 2008 9:46:39 AM
Vedik peers around, surprised by the ship but clearly enjoying the fresh air. He breathes deeply, and stretches his shoulders while his wings mimic the action.
"We should investigate this ship before we go."
He flies over and takes a look at the ship, trying to gauge what its resting on, and how badly repaired it is. He then lands on the deck.
"You know, give me a day or so, we could fix this ship."
Dwight d20+15=31 ; Thursday July 3rd, 2008 8:44:31 PM
Dwight smiles as he pulls his broom out and mounts it getting a much firmer standing. "Halfling and water don't mix very well," he comments hoping the short limbs are justification enough.
As he looks around he responds to Vedik, "Is this what you had in mind as a floating castle? Perhaps get it all fixed up and then cast some anti-gravity and it could float like my broom."
spot: 31
Monthor Hit Points:155 ( 127 ) AC32 Thursday July 3rd, 2008 8:47:37 PM
Monthor lands on his ample back side with a loud THUD.
" Well, that sucketh. "
The mighty warrior decides to stay where he is for now and complain very loudly to all that will hears that Tratain's spell... well, wasn't all that great.
" Can we go back now? "
The ship - DM Marcin Friday July 4th, 2008 7:43:03 AM
The group gathers their wits and looks around. The wreck is floating freely on the waters of the ocean - one of the ghost ships that, when met at night, send chills down the spine of even the saltiest of the sea dogs. It is practically falling apart, its masts long gone and many dark, gaping holes in its sides; less than half of its hull is now above the line of water, definitely much less than what its constructor originally intended.
Some wish to take a look at the hulk. Others encourage the group to move on with their main quest.
Draax Friday July 4th, 2008 8:38:24 AM
Draax looks around as they appear on the ship. "I agree, we should take a few minutes to investigate the ship. I have no idea how or why we came here, but maybe it was for a reason."
Arien(HP 118/118: AC: 17(touch:17) Stoneskin, Sickened Spells Saturday July 5th, 2008 1:25:53 PM
"Indeed, I think I shall start with the captains quarters, maybe there is a log that explains what this ship is doing here." Arien then starts looking for the captain's quarters.
TratainCurrent Spells Sunday July 6th, 2008 8:09:59 PM
Tratain says "It couldn't hurt to look around for a little while, we need to get back to the Temple though and check on he Necromancer. We should also go talk with Lord Arrak again, and check in at Gargul's Temple and tell what we have learned as part of our latest bargin. Everyone try and stick together as well while we are here, just incase something lives on the boat."
VedikCurrent Spells AC 25 (13 touch) HP 203/214 Sunday July 6th, 2008 9:53:39 PM
Vedik nods at Tratain's word.
"The hull's likely submerged. Anyone breath water? And yeah, we should give Lord Arrak a chance to buy these gems if they are rare. He may appreciate having them in his horde, and its the least we can do for his help."
Vedik then begins searching the ship.
Arien(HP 118/118: AC: 17(touch:17) Stoneskin, Sickened Spells Sunday July 6th, 2008 10:24:49 PM
Arien turns Vedik and says, "Well I might not have water breathing but I can turn into an aquatic animal for a few hours once a day, if it turns out that we need to do some exploring in the water I can do so with ease."
Dwight d20+15=28 ; d20+15=27 ; Sunday July 6th, 2008 10:31:46 PM
Dwight hoovers for a moment, making sure the group isn't going to leave without him. He then flies around the boat, checking the see-able sides from the air (about 15' above the water surface).
spot: 28 (port side), 27 (stern side)
"Ya know, I said it in gest before, but a floating city, has its advantages. Course, it has its disadvantages as well.
The ship's log - DM Marcin Monday July 7th, 2008 4:27:43 AM
The party decides to cautiously investigate the ship. It is harder than it might seem at first for the planks making up the deck are completely rotten through and threaten to give way under the slightest of loads, but the Knights have enough magic at their disposal to safely bypass any such traps.
After a moment there is no doubt that this used to be an ocean-going merchant ship once. It is not known what cargo it might have carried on its last journey, for the upper sections of its hold are completely empty. The lower sections are submerged in water. The crew quarters seem to have been abandoned in a hurry, with some hammocks still hung up under ceiling, empty tin cups rolling on the floor and old, yellow shirts hung up to dry and never taken off the ropes. There are small cranes on the deck where rowboats would normally be, but these are gone. The vessel used to be well maintained as witnessed by the faded paint on the sides and once-clean deck, but now everything is covered with algae and crystals of salt.
The door to the captain's cabin is half open and completely breaks up when pushed. Inside there is a small table with a handful of rotten maps, an open chest with personal belongings of the officer (mostly spare clothes and items of personal hygene) - a smaller, padlocked chest, a hammock, an old lantern, a tall inkwell, a compass, a few white quills, and - yes - a leatherbound ship's log.
***
Day 1, Anchored at Ilthmar. Our crew of twelve is finally assembled. Under command of me - captain Ilsmore - the other eleven volunteers will soon brave the ocean on the strangest journey we have ever embarked upon. Our cargo arrived earlier today - a stone sarcophagus of great weight. The ship creaked and moaned when it was lowered into the cargo hold, but the strenghtening beams we were advised to put in before its arrival seem to hold its weight for now. I wanted to talk to the men who brought it here over land about it and the legendary curse it is accompanied with, but as soon as the cargo was in our hands they practically run away.
Day 2, Lower King's Channel, making good speed with moderate eastern gale. We are to take our ship, Fargunian Princess, over the Gorn's Deep. Then we are to sink her and her cargo over these black depths so that the curse plagues the lands above the sun no more. Very poetic, but why waste a whole ship when we might as well drop the sarcophagus over the side? The Princess may be old, but she could still sail for many years. Still, we are paid such a homungeous amount of gold that none of us will question our orders and we shall fulfill them to the letter.
Day 4, Lotophagi Ocean, est. 50 miles south of Aisildur, making moderate speed with NE gale. We have met with the Syren today. She is a fine ship, if a bit smaller than the Princess. Once the Princess reaches its final destination and goes below the waves the Syren shall take us all back to Ilthmar. The captain of the Syren, Prescott, I do not know, but I have sailed with her helmsman and bosun, so I know she's in good hands.
Day 5. Lotophagi Ocean, est. 150 miles north of Gorn's Deep, making good speed with strong NEE gale. Storm is coming. We can see black clouds quickly moving with the wind. I've ordered the ship prepared for rough seas.
The rest of the log is written in a quick and uneven script, with occasional stains of ink and smears.
Day 6, Lotophagi Ocean, unknown pos, storm. Lost sight of Syren, lost second mast. Never endured storm so severe, the wind is howling like damned souls, men are shaken, we struck sails, three men have to work the helm.
Darkness - day 7? - unkn.pos, storm, lost third man, washed from deck, how much longer we can hold-
Day 8 (?), still darkness, mother of all storms - no doubt the accursed thing in hold is resisting its last journ., can no longer steer the ship, need to save our lives - this is my last entry and a warning to whoever may read this - STAY AWAY FROM THIS CURSED SHIP AND ITS DAMNED CARGO - will now try rowboats with the crew, maybe the storm is only following the Princess - gods have mercy on our souls! Capt. Ilsmore.
TratainCurrent Spells d20+15=30 ; Monday July 7th, 2008 8:26:51 PM
Tratain looks around the ship with the others, when the log and chest are discovered Tratain will looks through the log after Arien has finished. Tratain will then cast detect Magic to examine the Padlocked chest. If there seems to be a stable place on the ship to try and open the Padlocked chest Tratain will attempt to break the lock with his Adamantite War Hammer, wanting to examine its contents before anything is removed from the chest. Tratain will also cast Detect Evil and examine around the ship as well.
Tratain says to the others "It seems we have a knack for finding things better left alone. Lets examine what we can, and sink the ship all the way before we leave. Be Careful though, the log says a sarcophagus was brought onboard (Knowledge Religion 30) There could be some kind of undead in it."
VedikCurrent Spells AC 25 (13 touch) HP 203/214 Monday July 7th, 2008 9:05:45 PM
Vedik nods. You can sense his disappointment that the order is to sink the ship, but he says nothing.
"If there is some curse, and an undead involved, is it right for us to leave it? There's few in the wold better suited to deal with such a thing. And we have a Grim, should it be a spirit."
VedikCurrent Spells AC 25 (13 touch) HP 203/214 d20+11=30 ; Monday July 7th, 2008 9:06:42 PM
Vedik then ponders a moment, trying to recall something useful about ships like this.
Draax HP 166, AC35 Monday July 7th, 2008 9:39:17 PM
Draax can offer little to the conversation, but voices his suggestion to what to do with the ship. "I am for sinking the ship and leaving whatever it is only, but if it is decided to challenge this thing, I will help where I can."
Dwight d20+7=17 ; d20+15=23 ; Monday July 7th, 2008 9:49:16 PM
Dwight feels it would be a bit ironic to leave the land of the spirits, only to be killed by an undead curse on a old ship.
"I am not opposed to sinking the ship, but won't that just pass the curse onto the underwater world, unabated by power of good?"
Dwight wonders why the ship hasn't sunk anyways, floating out in deep sea, having taken on plenty of water.
Knowledge (nature): 17 (Is it likely a rock rest below the ship keeping it afloat or other natural aids? Age should have sunk this ship.)
Dwight flies a bit higher, trying to get a better view under the water near the ship. (Hoping to bypass the glare that normally occurs when near the water.)
spot: 23
Looking through the cabin - DM Marcin Tuesday July 8th, 2008 2:50:08 AM
Tratain scans the small chest for magic, but its outside does not radiate any, so he gives the padlock a try. The warhammer is not really needed, the sides of the small coffer have weakened so much that it is possible to pull off the lock with bare hands. There are four leather pouches inside, three filled with an amazing collection of gold, silver and copper coins from every port in the Wold. The fourth holds a handful of small pearls and other semi-precious stones. A small, rolled up parchment at the bottom of the chest seems to be a payroll. Twelve names are listed, starting with Captain Ilsmore. It seems that the crew was to be paid more than 200 gold per head for completing this journey. Four small, gray feathers can be found near the parchment; each of them radiates a moderate conjuration aura. There is also a small golden band with an opal and a silver ring with a wavy pattern running around it. Both radiate moderate transmutation magic.
The scan with Detect Evil picks up a single strong aura. It is located somewhere in the lower hold of the ship and radiates out through water up to the deck.
Tratain's knowledge of religion allows him to recall that the natives of Aisildur very seldom bury their dead in sarcophagi, so whatever was loaded into the Princess's hold must have came from far away.
Vedik's knowledge of architecture is not really useful at sea; his skill at engineering allows him to notice that the ship's hold has been indeed strenghtened before it departed on its last journey.
Dwight's closer examination reveals that one would indeed expect the ship to have sunk long ago, and yet, for some reason, it didn't. The water is rather clear and looking from the side of the ship shaded from sun Dwight can verify that it doesn't rest on any reef or shallows - it seems to be floating freely in the water. The bottom of the ship seems to be badly damaged. Some of the planks have fallen out and black holes below waterline lead into the cargo hold, now homes to small crabs and schools of tiny silver fishes.
TratainCurrent Spells Tuesday July 8th, 2008 7:26:50 PM
Tratain says "Ok, if we're going to look into this further we need to take some precautions. Arien and Jova, I'l like the two of you to get a mental picture of the deck in case we need to teleport back here. There is something evil below decks, maybe in the sarcophagi. Since the ship hasn't sunk yet its probably keeping it afloat. When we destroy this Evil thing or open the Sarcophagus if that becomes our plan we need to be prepared for the ship to start sinking."
He continues "Jova, I would also ask that you teleport back to Lord Arrak's and ask him he knows anything about this ship, unless someone has a message spell handy. Do you have a Teleport memorized Arien? Jova won't be able to take all of us with him if it comes to it, we need to make sure we can all escape this ship if need be. We'll all wait up on the deck until Jova gets back, so we don't free it by accident while looking around down there, I'm not even sure we can get to the Sarcophagus, it may be under water."
Monthor Hit Points:155 ( 127 ) AC32 Tuesday July 8th, 2008 7:59:02 PM
If ye're going to be doing something stupid like messing with some evil thingy, then ye're gonna need mees and Fred...
VedikCurrent Spells AC 31 (13 touch) HP 203/214 d20+29=40 ; Tuesday July 8th, 2008 10:42:58 PM
Vedik ponders for a moment, then begins drawing woldsblood.
"Does anyone require a magical vestment?" He proceeds to anoint his armor and shield. If no one requires it, he will use the remaining two drops to recharge his cure light wounds wand.
"I have some more spells to cast on the group, but they must wait until the time is closer."
OOC: Draw 4 drops: DC 30, passed Magic Vestment on Armor and Shield.
Dwight Tuesday July 8th, 2008 10:56:49 PM
Dwight nods in agreement, and tells Vedik, he could use some extra protection given his last fight.
Preparing - DM Marcin Wednesday July 9th, 2008 5:20:38 AM
The Knights discuss what course of action is to be taken. Some prepare through magic for the coming dangers. There is a general agreement not to act until Arrak has been consulted.
The ship, rocked by waves, creaks every now and then. Gentle warm breeze is a very welcome change after astral winds on the borders of Koshe-Marr. The warmth of the sun would make one wish to remove armor and sunbathe were it not for a faint feeling of uneasiness that nests in the stomach and won't go away.
Jova 89/104 HP AC 30 Sickened 1 rounds Wednesday July 9th, 2008 12:36:08 PM
Through his swollen lips Jova reminds Tratain of the ring, and the ability to talk to Arrak through it. Otherwise though sick and barely conscious he seems to be recovering.
Draax HP 166, AC35 Wednesday July 9th, 2008 6:39:32 PM
Having no idea what is going to happen, Draax decides to relax now while he has the chance.
Dwight Wednesday July 9th, 2008 8:25:52 PM
Dwight hoovers on his broom, assured he'll not slide on the boat and awaken this curse.
"Jova, you don't look so well, I always thought humans were much more sea-tolerant than halflings?" (OOC: Sickened?)
"Should this thing appear, I'll pelt it with some arrows. Perhaps not the most effective, but likely the best I've got. If we have to go underwater, well, I'll think of something to help."
He takes a deep breath soaking in the warm, fresh, salt air.
VedikCurrent Spells AC 31 (13 touch) HP 203/214 Wednesday July 9th, 2008 9:20:23 PM
Vedik anoints Dwight's tunic, granting it Magical Vestment.
OOC: Magical Vestment, CL 18, +4 enhancement to armor
TratainCurrent Spells d20+17=34 ; Wednesday July 9th, 2008 9:38:27 PM
Tratain says "ahh, I almost forgot about the communication device he gave us so we could speak with him. Arien don't you have it? Lets try and contact him and see if he knows anything about this ship, maybe he's heard some rumors about it. Any information we can get would help."
Tratain then walks over to check on Jova (Heal 34) to see if he is alright. The group spent several minutes conversing with the Necromancer spirits, any magics cast by the Undead should have worn off in that time."
OOC: Please if you are down hit points let us know in your next post so we can top everyone off just in case.
Monthor Hit Points:155 ( 127 ) AC32 Monthor Wednesday July 9th, 2008 10:35:20 PM
Hey, a little loving this way too Tratain.
===========================================
Spell Resistence: 20 (bracer of protection) Fire Resistence: 20 points (ring) Necklace of Adaptation - Grants immunity to all harmful vapors and gases. Bracers of protection- Absorb energy-draining attacks, death effects, and negative energy effects. Magic Weapon( From Tratain)
Jova 104/104 HP AC 30 Sickened 1 rounds Wednesday July 9th, 2008 11:55:31 PM
OOC sorrty fixed hp, been sick in real life
Jova 104/104 HP AC 30 Wednesday July 9th, 2008 11:56:30 PM
better
Healing wounds - DM Marcin Thursday July 10th, 2008 4:34:47 AM
The Knights take some time tending to their wounds. The effects of the undead magic have worn off some time after the attack. The group is considering contacting Arrak.
The waves glisten in the sun sending golden reflections in all directions and creating a magnificient display of dancing lights on the side of the ship that is turned southwards. After some time the creaking of the ship starts to feel like music - a somber requiem to the Princess and her crew.
TratainCurrent Spells Thursday July 10th, 2008 8:04:59 PM
Tratain says "Oh wait, that device that Lord Arrak Gave us only teleports the people who hold it and say the command word to near his Lair, it doesn't actually let us speak to him. It looks like we'll need you to teleport to near his Lair and Speak with him after all Jova, if you don't Mind."
OOC: I just went back looking in the Archives, the Device he gave us only teleports people to near his Lair, he told us he doesn't believe in Magical Communication devices as they are easy to listen into. Unless there's another Item I'm forgetting about. Also I've noticed that over the last couple weeks our posting rate from the players has gone down alot. We need to pick that up, I believe 9 posts out of 10 is the acceptable minimum. Our DM's are doing a fantastic job in all aspects, we need to step it up a little as players
Dwight Thursday July 10th, 2008 10:06:34 PM
OOC: Hmm, my post was lost, i'll repost it, it was all RP.
Dwight lets his mind wander as he floats about
To bad the orb can be controlled. It would be great to suck in demons and undead upon command.
Do dwarves float or sink? Monthor, I think, will sink.
Wonder how fast this boat is gonna sink once the curse one is destroyed or laid to rest?
Gravy and biscuits would be great right about now.
VedikCurrent Spells AC 31 (13 touch) HP 210/214 d10+5=7 ; Thursday July 10th, 2008 10:24:19 PM
Vedik ponders the situation.
"Would ya like me to go with Jova? I wanted to see if he would be interested in purchasing those gems we found for his lair, instead of just selling em to the Catacombs. Unless anyone objects to that." He then casts a quick healing spell on himself.
OOC: Dwight, I happened to glance at your character sheet, the Magic vestment wont stack with the Bracers of Armor you have. Cure light wounds on self: 7 HP.
Draax HP 166, AC35 Thursday July 10th, 2008 10:28:30 PM
Draax listens as Tratain recalls the purpose of the device and watches as healing is given out. He hopes that Arrak can at least give the group an idea of what they might encounter when they check on the cargo. "I wonder what Arrak will say about this trip into the unknown that we are about to take?"
Arien(HP 118/118: AC: 17(touch:17) Stoneskin, Sickened Spells Friday July 11th, 2008 12:50:29 AM
"I think I'll scout out the vicinity under the water for a while, see what might be lurking about, maybe even find that source of evil you found, Tratain." That said Arien walk to the edge of the boat and drops into the water, turning into a porpoise as he does. Once in the water, Arien spends a few moments becoming accustomed to his new form them swims a circuit around the ship.
Below the waves - DM Marcin Friday July 11th, 2008 4:27:26 AM
While the rest of the Knights stand on deck and discuss what shall be done while at Arrak's Arien decides to take a look at the ship from below.
<Splash>
The water of the ocean is warm. The world below the surface is all blue and green. Yellow spears of sunlight pierce the heaving seas and go straight down into the depths. The visibility is good, but looking down Arien can't see the bottom - just an endless, turquise void. Schools of bright colored fishes dart around here and there, some of them in really bizarre shapes - seahorses, sea snakes and such. A dark shilouette of a big fish sails below the wizard - a marlin?
The bottom of the ship looks like a small, miniature sea garden. Barnacles, algae, corals, molluscs, crabs and countless other sea beings had many years to occupy and thrive in this small habitat forming a colony that looks like a small tropical reef. Tiny yellow creatures with pincers slowly stroll among miniature forests of corals and ascend the hills of shells the largest of which are the size of a shield. Starfish cling to the wood of the ship. Everywhere one looks there is something small trying to cling to life.
The holes in the bottom allow one to look into the cargo hold. It is a dark, empty space that the sea life did not dare to enter for some reason. Right in the middle of the hold, supported by massive wooden beams, rests a black shape - no doubt the sarcophagus the log was talking about. It looks a bit like a massive coffin, but is easily the length of two humans. A giant would easily fit in. No details can be seen without some light.
[As Joe said for the next few weeks the action will move at the pace that you set.]
VedikCurrent Spells AC 31 (13 touch) HP 210/214 Sunday July 13th, 2008 6:46:19 PM
Vedik waits for Jova.
Draax HP 166, AC35 d20+10=24 ; Sunday July 13th, 2008 7:04:09 PM
Draax keeps a watch out for Arien's return to the surface and for any other creatures that might be in the water. (Spot check 24)
TratainCurrent Spells 3d8+15=20 ; d8=4 ; d8=2 ; Sunday July 13th, 2008 8:43:48 PM
Tratain casts a healing spell on Monthor (Monthor Heals 24) and then looks around from the deck to see if what he can see while waiting for Jova and Vedik to teleport to Lord Arraks to find out if he has any information about the ship.
Dwight Sunday July 13th, 2008 9:46:10 PM
Dwight continues to hover and think about the boat and the water, but the thoughts of biscuit and gravy seem to prevail and soon he is digging in his bag for stale honey raised bread.
Arien(HP 118/118: AC: 17(touch:17) Stoneskin, Sickened Spells Monday July 14th, 2008 1:16:31 AM
Arien surfaces a moment to get a breath then dives back under the water. The shapechanged mage cautiously enters the hole in the hull to get a better view of the sarcophagus.
The sarcophagus- DM Marcin Monday July 14th, 2008 6:26:02 AM
The wounds have been tended to and all the Knights save for Arien are now standing over what remains of the railing looking into the rolling waves of the sea. The splashes on the surface far away might be a group of playing dolphins or a school of flying fish. No dangerous sea creatures can be seen anywhere close to the party.
Arien enters the flooded hold. The water here is still and cold - unnaturally cold, sending shivers down the spine of the mage. It takes his eyes several minutes to adjust to the darkness inside before he can finally see some details in the faint light coming in through cracks between the planks of wood.
The sarcophagus is made out of dark stone that looks like granite and has been no doubt enchanted as its surface remains perfectly clean and smooth after so many years. A line is running all around the huge coffin where the lid joins the casket, but the two slabs of stone have been somehow fused together and form now a single block [Spellcraft DC23 Highlight to display spoiler: {The fusing is a result of a Stone Shape spell.}]. Thin lines of wards and magic symbols have been traced with silver into its surface on all sides. Most of these seem to be magic seals of great power, all focused inwards, all intended to keep whatever is inside dormant and inactive, but there is also a line of script running all around the sarcophagus which says in all languages of lore known to intellinent creatures of the Wold: "Mortal danger! Extremely powerful curse is trapped inside! Under no circumstances attempt to open it!"
TratainCurrent Spells Monday July 14th, 2008 8:39:47 PM
Tratain finds a comfortable spot on the Deck and takes a seat. He could cast Windwalk upon the group but then they would probably never be able to find the Ship Again, and who knows where there were in the First place. If they fly in the wrong Direction they could end up in the water before finding land. So instead he decides to wait and see if Jova will take Vedik to Lord Arraks to ask about the ship, and if Arien has found anything interesting in his expolrations.
When Arien Returns he says "Hey Arien, do you have a Teleport spell Memorized? It seems that Jova is worn out from our trip to the other Plane. If you only have one you and Vedik and use the Rod Arrak gave us to get to his Lair, and Teleport back. We need as much information as possible before we decide what to do."
Monthor Hit Points:155 AC32 Monthor Monday July 14th, 2008 8:49:36 PM
ooc> Sorry, RL has been insane lately.
Monthor leans over the side and says to no one in particular....
" Maybe mees should jump in after Arien... he does manage to get himself in trouble so easily... "
Fretting like a mother hen, Monthor rather impatiently waits for his friend to come back up. He knows that his necklace of adaptation would allow him to breath underwater... and he hopes that his winged boots would allow him to manouver underwater....
ooc> Would a fly spell help the armored dwarf swim?
Dwight Monday July 14th, 2008 10:12:33 PM
Finishing his bread, he brushes the few crumbs from his lap and watches to see if any nice fishes appear for the rare treat.
Draax HP 166, AC35 Monday July 14th, 2008 11:10:17 PM
Seeing no immediate danger to the group, Draax waits for find out what Arien found and see who goes to talk to Arrak.
Leisure time on the deck - DM Marcin Tuesday July 15th, 2008 6:09:52 AM
A swirling mass of tiny, yellow fishes appears to feed on Dwight's breadcrumbs. A moment later a slender, silver shape pierces their group like a javelin. The yellow ones disperse. Such is the way of marine life - everything preys on something and is, in turn, food for something else.
The group is still on the deck. The trials of the nether realm have exacted an especially heavy toll from Jova. He's lying on the deck, asleep, his face still a bit pale. It might be some time before he recovers enough to lend his hand and magic to the group once again.
[Technically, the boots give you a fly speed. In order to move through water you need a swim speed. Monthor could probably safely dip into the water even up to his waist, but the moment he is completely submerged he is no longer flying and needs to start making swimming checks.]
VedikCurrent Spells AC 31 (13 touch) HP 210/214 Tuesday July 15th, 2008 8:38:00 PM
Vedik sees to Jova, seeing how he is feeling. "Ya alright lad?" he asks, checking his friend over.
"We need ya to take me and you ta Lord Arrak's, when you can."
TratainCurrent Spells Tuesday July 15th, 2008 9:04:41 PM
Tratain says "If Jova is Still feeling I'll, I can use the device Lord Arrak gave us to go and speak with him. And I can Teleport back tomorrow Morning. Unless anyone else has any other Ideas. If we all spend the night on the Ship here we'll have more options in the Morning, Arien can memorize some Teleports for us, or Vedik and I can use some sending spells, although speaking with him directly would be best."
Tratain studies the deck of the ship and if he ends up going to see Lord Arrak he will take the journal with him
Unless Jova or Arien Teleports Vedik to go see Lord Arrak, Tratain will use the Device given to the group by Arrak to teleport to near his Lair to go speak with him. After speaking with him and resting the Night Tratain can use Miracle to emulate greater teleport.
Dwight Tuesday July 15th, 2008 9:43:02 PM
Dwight worries about having to spend the night out here. "Likely not be the most restful night of sleep on the open waters. Could everyone use the device, and then we teleport back here? We could leave something, or draw something to help us remember this exact spot."
Dwight doesn't object to sleeping out here, but would prefer something better than the group splitting up.
(OOC: I'll be sleeping invisibly)
Jova 104/104 HP AC 30 Tuesday July 15th, 2008 9:56:49 PM
OOC Joe we used the teleport rod a long time ago, I really dont think we have one. Arrak did give us a ring that we could use 2 times to communicate with him. Best of my knowl;edge we never used that. Which brings me to the next point, we should really try and wrap up some of the things going on. I just cant remeber what we did last year. And we have saeveral quests goin on. Anyway its confusin.
Jova spits out a curse and stands up.
"Blasted old age." Ok ya we can teleport. 3 or four at a time, or jump into the bags of holding and we could all go. In fact, that would be the best idea. Monthor and Dwight willing? Then we could all get off this cursed ship and baCK ON WITH THE QUERST."
Monthor Hit Points:155 AC32 Monthor Tuesday July 15th, 2008 9:58:40 PM
" Me's hungry.... "
Draax HP 166, AC35 Tuesday July 15th, 2008 10:09:52 PM
Draax watch the interaction of the fish while he listens to the others. "If we are coming back to the ship, there is no reason why all of us should go, but if you want to keep everyone together, we can wait until we have enough spells ready."
Arien(HP 118/118: AC: 17(touch:17) Stoneskin,Spells d20+30=39 ; d20+30=39 ; d20+30=46 ; Tuesday July 15th, 2008 11:41:50 PM
Arien examines the container a bit longer, recognizing the spell used to shut the thing (spellcraft 39). Then the mage swims back outside while considering what he might know about such a curse (knowledge:arcanna 39, spellcraft 46). Then, the mage changes back into his normal form and returns to the ship deck, relaying what he had seen.
Arrak's council - DM Marcin Wednesday July 16th, 2008 9:11:18 AM
With only very little information to go on with it is hard to figure out the exact nature of the curse. One thing Arien is certain of - there have been heroes 60 years ago, too, so if lifting the curse would have involved just defeating a terrible foe it would have been done. More research at the port of departure might shed some light on the ship and its mysterious cargo.
The group (or part of it?) decides to finally leave for Arrak's place.
[Please let me know who went and who stayed, and what means of travel did you use. You have discussed quite a few possibilities and now I'm confused as to which one you have finally chosen. Jova's spells are, as I understand, at your disposal.]
Compared to the stress of a Plane Shift the interplanar travel feels now like something as common as cutting bread. The ship and the rolling waves are left behind and the pond near Arrak's home slowly fades into view.
There is a sharp difference in the smell, temperature and humidity of the air. It feels like walking out of a warm room into a late autumn evening. The smell of the forest fills the nostrils of the Knights.
It takes a few moments for the gnome servants of the dragon to notice the group and to bring the news of its arrival to their lord, but when the Knights walk up to the mouth of the dragon's cave he is already there to greet them. Arrak is in his usual guise of an older, aristocratic man. The elegant silver vest and black, silk trousers he is wearing suggest that he is expecting formal guests. The dragon starts the meeting with his usual litany of divinations. Once satisfied with the identity of his guests he spreads his hands and says: "Welcome. I haven't expected you back so soon. Are you ready to travel to the realm where the soul is trapped? Or have you come for some last bit of advice?"
VedikCurrent Spells AC 31 (13 touch) HP 210/214 Wednesday July 16th, 2008 1:18:29 PM
Vedik bows slightly to Lord Arrak.
"We're returned, actually, with hopefully some useful information concernin the earthquakes. But we wanted your advice on another matter."
Vedik then explains about the trip, what has been learned and the groups suspicious. He then goes on to explain about the ship, the log, and the large coffin in the hold.
"Ya see, like so much else, it seems this now falls on our shoulders ta deal with it. If you've heard or remember anything about it, or what's inside the coffin, it would help us greatly."
And lastly, with a slight twinkle in his eye..
"Oh, and we found these black gems, someone said the term Nightstone. I understand they are rare, and I thought you'd might want one or two for your horde. I wish we could give em to you, but with the requirement of the castle building, well.. If you want them let me know and we'll bring them here instead of the catacombs. It's the least we can do for all the help you've given us."
OOC: Vedik went with Jova. I think it was just the two of us, unless Tratain says otherwise.
TratainCurrent Spells Wednesday July 16th, 2008 8:43:28 PM
Tratain takes a seat on the Deck and looks out over the water waiting for Vedik and Jova to return.
Draax HP 166, AC35 Wednesday July 16th, 2008 9:18:54 PM
Draax moves slowing around the deck while he waits for the others to return.
Dwight Wednesday July 16th, 2008 10:38:55 PM
Dwight tries to keep a more diligent watch with a portion of the group gone.
Arien(HP 118/118: AC: 17(touch:17) StoneskinSpells Thursday July 17th, 2008 3:28:55 AM
Arien decides to take some time examining the maps in the captain's quarters. The mage is trying to determine where they might be in the Wold. After a few moments of study a thought occurs to Arien and he approaches Tratain saying, "You know, some sort of divination spell or perhaps contacting a being of the higher planes might give us a chance to learn more about this curse and the fate of the crew. I myself do not have any such spells in my books but I was wondering if you perhaps might, I would like to know exactly what we are dealing with here."
The dragon speaks - DM Marcin Thursday July 17th, 2008 5:25:00 AM
"Oh, you have already returned?..."
As the story is told in the dragon's living room it can be easily seen that Arrak is processing several chains of thought at once. Even as Vedik is speaking he takes out of his pocket a small, leatherbound notebook and a thick, leaden pencil and starts to scribble notes for himself. Finally everything has been told.
"This is excellent news! You have made the first real progress we've had in this case. I'm glad you managed to come back alive, too - it would have been next to impossible to restore to life somebody who died in there."
"I have never heard about this Darkmoon Gate, but that shouldn't surprise us - the Sons (who are fond of giving such pretentious titles to their nightmarish projects) keep them as secret as they can. The next logical step would be to investigate this gate. If you managed to go there and somehow learn exactly where it is located and what is being done in there that would solve half of the problem, I think. The problem is, going there will probably require a creative use of travel magic, as none of us have exactly seen the site. Also, this project seems to be at the moment the center of interest of the whole organization of the Sons of Dread, so the security measures at the site might be so high that even you might be unable to assault the base directly. Subterfuge might be called for. I'll inform the Consortium - and the Council - of your finds. We'll take off your hands hunting down the lesser necromancers from the list you have brought back. It will probably be prudent not to start with that just yet so that the enemy doesn't learn that we have obtained new and detailed information until it is too late for them to react."
"As for the ship - you do seem to have a talent for bumping into this kind of things. I haven't heard about this curse, but truth be told sixty years ago I was far from Aisildur and occupied with other matters. There is a dragon on the Council who is obsessed with curses and if anybody knows anything about the cargo of that ship it is her. But she is walking the planes right now. Still, I'll try to consult her on the matter, but this might take time. For now I would strongly urge you not to get involved until the matter of the earthquakes and the orb is settled."
"Ah, nightstones, yes!... These are very valuable. Be sure not to tell any young fools where you got them or they might try to go hunt for more and get their souls lost. Allow me to take a closer look." After the stones are weighted and carefully examined Arrak says: "I can take them off your hands for 45000 gold. It is probably a bit more than the Catacombs would give you for it. I hope you don't mind if I pay you with several sacks of silver? The smaller change just keeps accumulating in my treasure chamber and as I grow older I lose interest in less valuable metals..."
***
Meanwhile, on the deck of the ship, Arien unfurls the old map and examines the ship's course plotted on it [the course is not shown on the wiki map]. Captain Ilsmore managed to keep an accurate account of the location of his ship right up to the beginning of the storm. The Princess has sailed out of Ilthmar, down the Lower King's Channel, and about a hundred miles into the Lotophagi Ocean. After that the huricanne has taken her to parts unknown.
[Survival DC40, Knowledge(Geography) DC30, or any profession realated to sailing DC20 Highlight to display spoiler: {The knowledge of the currents of the ocean allows one to be reasonably sure that the ship is now hundreds of miles south of Yrth and the Elennian Peninsula, in the open ocean.}]
Draax HP 166, AC35 Thursday July 17th, 2008 7:21:52 PM
Draax begins polishing his armor and weapons, there is very little chance that his magic on them will allow them to rust, but he oils them anyway.
TratainCurrent Spells d20=7 ; Thursday July 17th, 2008 8:09:16 PM
Not knowing how long Vedik and Jova will be gone Tratain begins counting the Coins in the 4 pouches and looks over the gems attempting to see how much all of it is worth all together. While counting he says to his friends "Maybe we should keep a cask of Ale and some bottles of Wine in our portable hole or one of the Bags of Holding, it might be nice to have for the odd moments like this that we get to sit around and relax."
When Arien asks his question Tratain thinks for a moment and says "Thats probably a good Idea, a Planar Ally spell might do the Trick, We might have to wait until we've finished with this Darkmoon Gate thing, and lets see what Lord Arrak knows about it as well. When I use the Planar Ally spell the being I ask for help will probably need several days to learn what we need, and it will need to know where to find us to report back."
He continues "Oh, while we are waiting we got a small collection of things that need to be Identified Arien, when you can. Theres the Two Rings of Binding, Two Gauntlets from those Legion things we fought, and the new things from the chest, 4 feathers, that gold band and the ring. And Maybe you can have look at the Gems and see how much they are worth as well, everyone else too, I'm not that good at judging the worth of such items."
Dwight Thursday July 17th, 2008 9:29:27 PM
Dwight listens and agrees that having some spare food items would be good. He offers some of his honey bread. It's a bit hard, but still sweet.
"We could sink the orb. Won't all the demons just drown? Seemed to be the thought process of whoever commissioned this ship."
Jova 104/104 HP AC 30 Thursday July 17th, 2008 10:49:46 PM
To Arrak
"Although I believe the ship would foloat on forever, we may never find it again. Do you think it would be possible to shrink the sarcophugus/coffin and carry it with us? I mean I wanted to deposit the orb in the other realm, but it wasnt prudent I guess. So if we find a place for the orb, we could also deposit the coffin thingy. You think?"
VedikCurrent Spells AC 31 (13 touch) HP 210/214 Thursday July 17th, 2008 11:08:55 PM
Vedik nods at Jova. "Shrinking it is a good plan. Or we could put it in our hole."
He then bows to Lord Arrak. "Thank you again. I will contact you tomorrow via a sending spell if we do not plan to return soon, and I will get the gems to you as soon as possible, and make arrangements for the silver."
"Jova, when you are ready, I think we can return."
Jova 104/104 HP AC 30 Friday July 18th, 2008 3:34:42 AM
If Arraak has no objections, then they should return to the ship.
Examining loot - DM Marcin Friday July 18th, 2008 9:58:01 AM
"Shrinking and hiding the sarcophagus somewhere safe? This might be a good idea. Of course it is quite possible that magic tampering with the container could upset the seals. If getting rid of it was just as easy as putting it in a magic bag and throwing it out over the ocean nobody would have bothered to sacrifice a whole ship to put it to rest. It might be that the only way to safely move it is by physical strength. Hmm, I wonder why they didn't ask a dragon to carry it to its final destination. Maybe they didn't trust us?"
The pair of messengers bids Arrak goodbye and is soon on their way back. When they arrive they find the rest of the party busy examining the loot.
[A brief explanation about the demon armor: it is a single piece, the gauntlets are an integral part of it and are not removable.]
[Three bags of coins: Appraise DC22: Highlight to display spoiler: {These used to be worth about a thousand gold, but are now much more valuable because there are many rare and old coins in the mix. The Catacombs would probably pay 8,000 gp for it and still make a profit selling it later piecemeal to collectors.}]
[A bag of gems: Appraise DC18 Highlight to display spoiler: {There is nothing special here. The gems are worth about 500 gp.}]
[The demon armour: Appraise DC30: Highlight to display spoiler: {A wealthy collector of oddities or a research wizard could be expected to pay 30,000 gp for this.}]]
[The feathers and rings are magic and their worth can't be fully learned until they are identified.]
LOG ON