DM Kathy Thursday July 17th, 2008 12:54:25 AM
As you breakfast, you discuss possible strategies for when you arrive at the monastery. Nothing definite has been decided, an opinions vary as to the safest way to find what you are looking for.
Your breakfast over, you pack your belongings and re-claim your animals from the stables. They, too, look as if they've had a restful night.
Soon you are on your way, following the secondary road northward from the little village. It is not quite as good as the road you left, and once or twice you need to stop and help get the wagon over an especially rough patch. It's possible that you'll have to leave the wagon at some point, although so far you are managing all right.
The brisk wind continues thoughout the day, though it brings no rain as yet. You are still a few miles from the monastery as the sun begins to set.
Zeph 25/25 Thursday July 17th, 2008 1:15:09 AM
(OOC: Would it have been a good idea to find a place to store the wagon in town?)
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Thursday July 17th, 2008 7:14:53 AM
Axara nods at Sebastian and Zeph comments. "I agree that finding a safe building for a base might make sense. MY suggestion to go for the explored building first was to avoid having a building falling down on our head. If there is danger or vermins, they are likely to be in a previously explored building as they are to be in unexplored one. So I am fine with Zeph' suggestion."
She climbs back on the cart as they continue their travel. More than once she has to come out of the cart and help push it past a tough spot. She tries her best but her fail frame does not generate much strength.
Her travelling robe is getting muddied and she is getting dirty but at least it is not raining.
When the sun starts to go down, she asks the group "would it make sense for us to arrive at the monastery at sunset, thus it would require for us to camp now?"
OOC: Zeph, we said we were on our way to Rowena. Leaving the cart would mean we are doing something local and could raise suspicions.
Sebastian [AC:16, hp:14/17]CharSheetParty Loot List: Thursday July 17th, 2008 11:17:03 AM
Sebation comments during one of the many time they group has to help push the cart, ”Hopefully we can get the cart all the way there. You would have thought they had someway to deliver goods and such to the monastery. That is before it was abandon. Are you sure we are on the right path?”
As it start to get near dark, ”I suppose we should find some place to camp. Best to explore the ruins in daylight.”
Hmark Thursday July 17th, 2008 2:53:19 PM
Hmark rides in the back, keeping fairly quiet in the presense of his still-fairly new companions. Just like this morning, he bobs his head in agreement with Sebastian's suggestion. That fellow's got some good sense, he does.
Kiel Longarm 26/26 AC18 d20+7=15 ; d20+7=9 ; d20+4=18 ; Thursday July 17th, 2008 7:17:45 PM
Kiel decides to ride up front with Zeph as usual in order to look for trails and spot any oncoming enemies. He helps push the cart over the muddy spots they get stuck at without complaint.
"I would not object to stopping soon as well." Kiel says.
When the group decides to stop, he will gather firewood and make his fire as usual. He will also do what he can to assure that Axara will not complain... probably by making a tent for her.
(survival track = 15 Spot = 9 Listen = 18)
Zeph 25/25 d20+5=18 ; d20+4=24 ; d20+9=19 ; Thursday July 17th, 2008 10:53:06 PM
Zeph rides in the front as usual, keeping an eye out for trouble. He makes small talk with Owain on the way.
"So, Owain. I am interested in your knowledge of religion. Are there any in particular you favor over others?" Zeph says.
When the group stops to push the cart, Zeph wonders if it was wise to bring the cart along.
Couldn't we have stored it at the inn and paid the owners to watch over it for us? Oh well, we will probably need it to store loot from the monastery. Zeph thinks.
When the group begins to make camp for the night, Zeph says, "I would like to take the watch with Owain so that I may pick his brain on religion." Zeph says, fully intending on taking notes.
(Spot = 18 Listen = 24, nat 20 Search = 19)
Owain half-orc paladin AC: 18 HP: 23 Friday July 18th, 2008 12:38:28 AM
The large half-orc nods thoughtfully to Zeph.
"I would indeed be interested in speaking of religious matters if you are truly interested ..." the paladin says sincerely. "We will talk this evening."
Owain half-orc paladin AC: 18 HP: 23 Friday July 18th, 2008 12:39:29 AM
OOC
Sorry for the quick post - I just got back from a Rush concert, it's after midnight and I'm exhausted!
DM Kathy Friday July 18th, 2008 12:54:17 AM
By mutual consent, you stop and make a camp, and Kiel and Selemar find a good spot for you. You are in a little dell, surrounded by maple and alder trees. The trees are still leafing, and don't provide as much concealment as you would like. But the floor of the dell is soft and comfortable, and a small spring bubbles from the ground nearby.
Setting up camp is becoming a routine by now, and soon the animals are cared for, the fire is lit, and the cookpot is simmering.
The sky is still cloudless, which means that the temperature is dropping more sharply tonight than it has the past couple of nights. For some of the more delicate members of the group, warmth may be an issue.
Some of you worry about the cart, feeling perhaps that you should have left it back at the inn. Axara points out that it wouldn't be consistent with your cover story of heading to Rowena. However, you left the village via the north road, rather than the Rowena road, so that may already have drawn some questions. The main reason you wouldn't have left the cart behind, though, is that you had no way of knowing what the road was like.
Now that you do know, you have the option of leaving the cart here in the dell, and continuing to the monastery without it. You estimate that it isn't far, so it shouldn't be much of a hardship to walk the distance. You could also ride double on some of the mounts. Or, you could bring the cart with you and hope you are able to take it all the way to the monastery.
Zeph volunteers to stand watch with Owain, wanting to talk religion, and the paladin readily agrees. [OOC: you guys can multi-post over the weekend if you'd like]
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Friday July 18th, 2008 7:03:00 AM
Axara thanks Kiel for making the make shift tent on the cart. After taking the first shift with Kiel, she retires under the tent, and using the cover of the night, completely undresses herself to wash herself with a cloth, soap and water from her waterskin. After that she puts back her cotton gown and goes to sleep, wondering what mysteries and danger awaits them at the ruined monastery..
Sebastian [AC:16, hp:14/17]CharSheetParty Loot List: Friday July 18th, 2008 11:15:51 AM
Sebastian looks around at the surrounding land when the group stops for the evening. (OOC: Kathy, Are their any farms houses or signs of people or was the village the last spot of civilization?)
As the group settles in, ”If no one is likely to disturb the cart we could leave it here, but we would have to carry all the supplies in the cart. We could scout the way then comeback for the cart if its clear enough in a day or two?
Sebastian uses his magic to clean his gear and himself, before turning in for the evening, "I'll take last watch again."
Hmark Friday July 18th, 2008 1:12:47 PM
"Maybe a couple of us could ride out ahead tomorrow, and see if this place is close or not," Hmark suggests. "All our ruins-searching stuff is in there. I hate to have to carry all that too far."
Over the night watch, the brown eyed human tries to get paired up with Rollo. He's still curious about the gnome's "pots-and-pans" armor. "Where did you get that?" he asks.
Zeph 25/25 Friday July 18th, 2008 5:10:41 PM
Zeph smiles when he hears Sebastian's suggestion of scouting ahead. He is just full of good ideas. I was about to say the same thing.
"Good idea Sebastian. I was thinking Kiel and I could scout ahead... and anyone else who could remain hidden. I'm sure Kiel could judge whether or not the cart can make it the rest of the way." Zeph says.
"Should we leave early in the morning or before nightfall?"
DM Kathy Sunday July 20th, 2008 10:40:31 PM
Your night is uneventful, and in the morning Zeph and Kiel depart to scout the road ahead.
A short way past your camp, you find that the road begins to climb. It skirts a ridge, circling around to traverse a very steep slope with a roaring river below. The view is spectacular. Looking across to the cliffs on the other side, you see what must be the monastery--an imposing cluster of stone buildings perched over the river. You continue up the road, and soon reach a place where part of the road has been washed away. Horses and mules could probably manage to pass on the narrow slice of road remaining, but it is immediately clear that the wagon will not go through here.
You return to the group and report on what you found.
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Monday July 21st, 2008 12:26:59 PM
Axara listens to the scouting report from Zeph and Kiel and shakes her head at the news. "Things were going too easy to last for long. We will have to leave the cart around here. someone with expertise in camoufalge should try to hide to the best we can. Should we tie a rope around each of us in case someone slips and falls?"
Zeph 25/25 d20+7=27 ; d20+7=16 ; d20+7=14 ; d20+2=18 ; Monday July 21st, 2008 2:53:44 PM "Hmmmm, yeah. We will try to camouflage the cart if we can. I would hate to see someone steal our valuables... Maybe Owain should carry the Falchion just incase, it is magical and worth a lot after all." Zeph says.
After this, Zeph and Kiel begin to collect shrubbery to conceal the wagon (Hide = 27, nat 20!)
Zeph and Kiel will then try to make climbing harnesses for the team, hoping that noone will lose balance... if the cliffs are really steep. If they are not bad, then this is unnecessary.
(Balance = 16 Use rope = 18)
Selemar Monday July 21st, 2008 3:04:58 PM
"If the paths are as rough as they say, I think we had best go by day. Particularly as we don't know if anyone else is around. I'd hate to meet any locals on an unsteady trail in the dark."
Bill subbing for Rollo Monday July 21st, 2008 3:06:44 PM
"Where did I get what? Oh, the armor? There is a long tale, full of intrigue and strange happenings. Wait a minute. No, there's not. It was in the kitchen."
Hmark Monday July 21st, 2008 4:49:11 PM
Head spinning in confusion, Hmark decides that maybe trying to talk to Rollo isn't such a good idea after all. He welcomes the return of Zeph and Kiel and the resultant change in topic.
Since it looks like the wagon is staying here, Hmark looks for some of the rope and a grappling hook that Sebastian stashed there, and places them in his backpack. Once the party starts moving up the trail, he moves up along with them.
Sebastian [AC:16, hp:14/17]CharSheetParty Loot List: Monday July 21st, 2008 9:31:11 PM
Sebastian sighs, "Leave the cart? Well if we must. I suppose we can load the gear on the animals and leave the cart concealed around here. Do we take the loot with us or bury it near the cart until we come back?"
DM Kathy Tuesday July 22nd, 2008 12:11:34 AM
It isn't difficult to camouflage the wagon so that it is not readily visible. If you use the mule purely as a pack animal (that is, if nobody rides him), you can pack all the gear and loot with you. Of course, many of you will be on foot, but the monastery isn't far off.
Zeph and Kiel report that, although the road will not accommodate a wagon, you and the horses should be safe enough on it.
Accordingly you set out, and after you've walked uphill for about an hour, you round the ridge to see the wild beauty of the river gorge. Your road moves along one side of the gorge and, looking across the river, you see the monastery on the other side.
You continue on your way, navigating the washed-out section of road with little difficulty. You cross the river on an old wooden bridge, still sturdy despite its age. Shortly after noon, you arrive at the deserted cluster of buildings.
The building closest to you appears to have been a chapel at one time. Most of its stained-glass windows are broken out, and the roof has partially collapsed. The large double doors in the front appear to have been smashed in at some point.
As you look at the chapel, you realize that the day has grown subtly darker. You look up to see clouds rolling in, a likely sign of more rains to come.
[The monastery map is linked from our game's Woldipedia page, which is linked from the top of our posting board.]
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Tuesday July 22nd, 2008 7:13:24 AM
Axara looks at the ruined monastery and then at the group. "We have finally made it. Now sebastian idea was to set up a base camp. Now young Hero, that you see the buildings, which one do you want to select?"
Selemar Tuesday July 22nd, 2008 2:44:42 PM
"I'd suggest that one, if it's sturdy enough to stay up." Points toward the chapel. "I'd like to be near the entrance until we have a chance to explore further."
Bill subbing for Rollo Tuesday July 22nd, 2008 2:47:41 PM
"The monks don't seem to be here anymore!" the gnome seems surprised by this, then thinks for a moment.
"but there are clouds. Many many clouds. Monks aren't normally afraid of clouds. I wonder if they knew something we don't"
He eyes the sky somewhat nervously.
Selemar Tuesday July 22nd, 2008 2:57:30 PM
Haven't posted spells in a while
Hmark d20+2=3 d20+2=8 Tuesday July 22nd, 2008 5:22:59 PM
Hmark gives Rollo a worried glance.
"Um, Dulcet already said its abandoned, from even before when the Swords of Light were here," he reminds the gnome.
The lad waits for everyone else to agree to hit the chapel first, and then moves with them, covering the rear. Unfortunately, the idea that he's going into harm's way with folks who might not have all the hens in the house is weighing on his mind. [Listen 3, Spot 8]
Sebastian [AC:16, hp:17]CharSheetParty Loot List: Tuesday July 22nd, 2008 7:26:40 PM
Taking a breather from climbing the trail to the monastery, glances around for the young hero that Axara is taking about, then realizing she might be addressing him he clears he throat, "Ahm. Yes of course, um... How about the two-story structure the bandits were hiding in? It was explored so there shouldn't be any surprises and I would think if the bandits had chosen it; it was probably in better condition than the others. Before we enter, perhaps the scouts should check for tracks or other signs of habitation?" Sebastian points to building five.
Sebastian eyes the structures trying to determine which are safe. (knowledge arch & Eng: take10 = 14 )
Zeph 25/25 d20+5=15 ; d20+9=21 ; d20+7=18 ; d20+7=24 ; Tuesday July 22nd, 2008 10:55:32 PM
Zeph takes in the view of the monastery and looks around for any clues as to previous or current inhabitants. (Spot=15, search = 21). He looks for foot prints, clothing, scraps of debris, ect.
"Perhaps Kiel and I should do some scouting again?" Zeph says as he covers his face in his hood to hide in the shadows. (Hide = 24. Move silent = 18)
Zeph will enter the bandit camp first to look around. Possibly from any side windows. He will be very cautious. Then, if the bandit building is uneventful, Zeph will search remaining buildings in the same manner, looking for windows to peek through and being cautious not to alert anyone.
Kiel Longarm d20+7=21 ; d3=2 ; d20+7=10 ; Tuesday July 22nd, 2008 10:57:38 PM
(Survival = 21)
Kiel is rather silent, but always looking about. Kiel tries his best to look for tracks of any creatures both when heading to the monastery and when they arrive. (Survival track = 21. Spot = 10)
(ooc: the d3 was a misclick. browser is screwed.)
DM Kathy Wednesday July 23rd, 2008 12:21:31 AM
Upon arrival, Selemar suggests exploring the chapel first, with an eye to possibly setting up a base camp there.
You find that the interior of the building is pretty well trashed. Scattered, broken sticks is all that remains of any furniture that once sat here. Dry leaves, twigs, pine needles, and other detritus cover the stone floor, having fallen through the hole in the roof, and been swept in through the broken door and windows. The bits of the roof that remain would probably keep the rain off--if there was no wind to blow it in through the windows and door--so you could probably camp here. It probably wouldn't be too comfortable, though.
Zeph is keen to check out the building the bandits were using when the Swords of Light came here, so he moves through the courtyard toward Building 5.
The courtyard is cobblestone, with arched walkways connecting some of the buildings to one another. Buildings 1 and 5 are not connected by a walkway, but it isn't raining yet, so it's a simple matter to walk across the courtyard.
Looking through the ground-floor windows, you see nothing to excite alarm. You explore the building, and find it empty except for mice in the walls and pigeons under the eaves. The rooms are mostly devoid of furniture except for two rooms on the second floor. Here, you find some makeshift cots, each made of several thin mattresses piled atop one another. One room also has a chest, now open and empty, and a credenza.
It is now about mid-afternoon.
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Wednesday July 23rd, 2008 7:12:36 AM
Upon hearing the scouting report, Axara offers the following opinion "I propose we establish quarters in the old bandit hideout. It has a roof and cots and if proabl easier to defend that the broken down chapel. After that it is time to hunt for a book. Any suggestion how we get started?"
Selemar Wednesday July 23rd, 2008 12:22:08 PM
"I doubt we'll have an easy time with the search. We'll just have to go over it thoroughly and hope we find something."
Bill as Rollo Wednesday July 23rd, 2008 12:25:40 PM we should probably keep a guard. Who knows what they're up to? The tall one seemed helpful...
Approaches Hmark "I'm not too sure about this. They can probably see us from where they are. Maybe you and I can keep an eye on them? Just to make sure they don't interfere. I'm sure they're more scared of us then we are of them. Maybe we should fear them more..." Looks ominously at the clouds. "They're just watching. Waiting. Lurking. Don't let your guard down."
Sebastian [AC:16, hp:17]CharSheetParty Loot List: Wednesday July 23rd, 2008 12:31:54 PM
Looking at the map, Sebastian scratches his head, ”humm.. If I were a monk where would I keep such a book? Probably not the Dormitory. Perhaps the building attached to the chapel (#2) or the three story structure (#6). Since we only have half a day and the building next to the chapel was mostly explored we should give it a once over for the book?”
Hmark Wednesday July 23rd, 2008 2:44:09 PM
Hmark looks at Rollo in alarm and confusion. A realization hits him like a thunderbolt - This guy is totally bonkers.
"Uh, who's watching?" he asks cautiously. "There's no one here but us."
Sebastian provides a welcome distraction. "The buildings the Swords of Light have explored are likely safest for us," he opines. "They'da tore up anything dangerous. Let's knock out those ones first and see if we get lucky."
Zeph d20+7=24 ; d20+7=23 ; d20+9=24 ; d20+5=23 ; d20+4=19 ; Wednesday July 23rd, 2008 6:42:17 PM
Zeph listens to the group's ideas again and agrees with the plan.
"Sure then, lets go explore... carefully. I volunteer to go first if so" Zeph says.
Zeph will also spend time searching the outside of every building he can, mainly for traps, but also by peeking in windows. Then he will meet back with the group and examine the building they all decided to enter first.
(OOC: Do I use the same rolls from before or what? if not, I made new ones, which are actually better! Hide = 24 Move Silently = 23 Search = 24 Spot = 23 Listen = 19)
DM Kathy Thursday July 24th, 2008 12:32:56 AM Axara suggests setting up a base camp where you are, in Building 5, but the others seem more interested in exploration.
Zeph begins circling the buildings, looking in windows.
[OOC: According to the Player's Handbook, a single Search check can be used to search a 5-foot square. A Hide or Move Silently check can be used to make one move (at half speed). Technically, searching the entire outside of a building would take well over 100 Search checks. I'm willing to abstract that to one Search check per building exterior, but no farther than that. One Search check will not cover the entire complex.]
Zeph finds nothing untoward in buildings 2 or 3, so you search them both, looking to see if anything changed since the Swords of Light were here. It doesn't appear that anything is different. Building 2 seems to be a repository for old, broken furniture, which blocks doors in some places. Building 3 does indeed prove to be some kind of dormitory, with over a hundred very small, individual rooms. Many have thin mattresses, the kind that have been combined to make the makeshift beds in the old hideout.
You find no sign of books in either building. It rains off and on while you search, but since you are inside, it makes little difference to your searching.
You may want to do some more searching, but it is getting quite late and you are losing the light.
Zeph d20+9=18 ; d20+9=16 ; d20+9=25 ; d20+9=26 ; d20+9=14 ; d20+9=25 ; d20+9=13 ; d20+7=22 ; d20+7=11 ; Thursday July 24th, 2008 8:27:26 AM
(OOC: Ok, I didn't mean to bend any rules. I just wanted to do my job so I arbitrarily use search checks to cover my bases)
Zeph will scout as long as he can while still being able to see. He will look for tracks, look through windows, and look at the entrances to buildings for traps and such while still trying to remain hidden, his Longbow will be drawn through most of the exercise just in case.
Zeph will then report to the group as night falls, telling them everything he can relate about the occupants of the various buildings and their condition.
In the case that Zeph gets spotted by anything, he will run for cover and try to rehide (Rehide = 22, ReMS=11).
Selemar d20+4=10 ; Thursday July 24th, 2008 9:38:24 AM
Selemar takes the wolf around for a bit, to see if he can pick up any strange scents.
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] d20+2=16 ; d20-1=13 ; Thursday July 24th, 2008 9:46:38 AM
Axara will follow the group is which everbuilding they decide to go in and will look for clue to identify where the book could be. Search: 1d20 +2 = 16 Spot: 1d20 -1 = 13
Sebastian [AC:16, hp:17]CharSheetParty Loot List: Thursday July 24th, 2008 12:06:07 PM
Sebastian helps in the search, but when it gets too dark, ”Lets go back to the camp building and have a bite to eat. We can pick up the search tomorrow.” Sebastian check out one of the cots, using his Prestidigitation magic to clean the thin mat.
I suppose we need to keep watch, if so I’ll take the last one again. Though I don’t know why, I can’t see why anyone else would be up here. Unless we were followed?” Sebastian looks left and right having made himself a little paranoid.
(ooc: for searching Sebastian will use take 10 or take 20 if there is enough time.)
Hmark Thursday July 24th, 2008 1:26:12 PM
Its beginning to look like this book they're looking for is in one of the other buildings. Hmark shrugs. He sorta expected it.
At Sebastian's (again) excellent suggestion, the brown eyed archer nods and heads back to their "base" building. As is usual for him, he accepts whatever watch position is assigned, but doesn't volunteer for any.
[ooc - for dm sanity purposes, let's say third watch]
DM Kathy Friday July 25th, 2008 12:56:01 AM
As the others search Buildings 2 and 3, Selemar and Lango patrol the area looking for strange scents, and Zeph searches around the other buildings.
[OOC: I'm stating this correctly? You guys want to leave the party and go off on your own?]
Zeph finds that, as advertised, Building 9 has fallen in several places and seems very unstable. He looks through Building 8's ground-floor windows and sees mostly empty rooms. Building 6's ground-floor windows are shuttered, and the shutters are locked from the inside.
Because of Lango's scent ability, it is he and Selemar who find the corpse. Well, bones, really. A large creature apparantly died in the walkway between Buildings 1 and 10.
As the light fades, you leave your searching to return to the bandit "camp" in Building 5. Neither room has a fireplace, so you forego a fire. You eat cold rations, set watches, and settle in for the night. It's a little chilly to camp without a fire, but not too bad. An extra blanket is all most of you need.
Your watches are uneventful, and the morning brings (surprise!) more rain.
Sebastian [AC:16, hp:17]CharSheetParty Loot List: d4=1 ; Friday July 25th, 2008 9:43:12 AM
Glade that the night passed uneventful, Sebastian gets ready for another day of searching, "Zeph, you had a look at the other buildings. Which one do you suggest we search next?"
Sebastian inclination is to search building 6 next, unless another is suggested.
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Friday July 25th, 2008 11:29:14 AM
Axara wakes up a little refreshed from the eventless night. It was nice to actually sleep in a cot and she able to get some privacy which she really appreciated.
"How do you find a book in a set of ruins? It could be buried under tons of ruins or could be right under our nose, covered only with a thin layer of dust. This is truely like looking for a pin in a hay stack....."
She smiles, seems to get lost in her thoughts, then turn really really red and adds ".not that I have much expereince laying on hay stack .. "
OOC: If Selemar mentions the skeleton, she will ask for a description and ask if he could identifying it and guess how old it is and if he could determine the cause of death.
Selemar d20+9=21 ; Friday July 25th, 2008 4:40:16 PM
Axara's questions are good ones. if I have answers, I'll share
Knowledge nature 21
Selemar spends an evening taking a turn on watch, and probably keeps the last watch company.
Hmark Friday July 25th, 2008 5:03:50 PM not that I have much expereince laying on hay stack
Hmark simply cannot help himself.
"That's too bad," he retorts immediately. Realizing his mouth might have been moving just a little too quickly, the archer decides some other room needs to be explored...um...now.
He steps out into the rain.
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Friday July 25th, 2008 5:09:52 PM
Axara hears Hmakr comments and her face changes from pepper red to crimson red and she covers her redden face with her hood to hide her embarassement and looks at the ground, happy that Hmark goes outside in the rain.
"the farm boy is sharp and quick. I wonder how he will react when he finds out we have the same background and that, yes I do have some experience with hay sack .....
Zeph Friday July 25th, 2008 5:52:18 PM
(OOC: Yes, Zeph was intending on exploring alone. Only because he knows that he stands a better chance of not being seen by evildooers if he is alone.)
"Well, it seems that building 9 is too heavily damaged to enter right now. Building 8's ground floor seems empty. Building 6 is rather suspicious as the windows are all shuttered and locked from the inside. If there were inhabitants of this compound, then they may be in there. If we wanted to surprise evil before evil surprised us, that is where I would suggest." Zeph says to the group.
DM Kathy Sunday July 27th, 2008 10:49:25 PM
Examining the bones, Selemar knows that whatever it was, the creature was not natural. Perhaps someone with some magical backgroun will have more insight. From the marks on the bones, Selemar can tell it took several powerful blows to bring the creature down.
The next morning, you are again faced with your task, and you are coming to understand how daunting it is.
Building 6 arouses your interest, so you make your way there. Fortunately, there is a covered walkway between it and Building 5, so you do not need to get wet. Zeph found no traps or other cause for alarm on the exterior, so you move to the door. It is locked, but with a little time and patience, Zeph is able to get it open.
The interior of the building is, of course, quite dark with all the windows shuttered. You enter into some kind of foyer, with stairs leading up and hallways leading off to either side. Looking around, you see that you seem to be in some kind of library.
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] d20+2=9 ; Monday July 28th, 2008 7:17:55 AM
Axara says to Selemar "A non-natural creature? May be it was magical in nature. As soon as it stops raining, let's go take a closer look."
As the group enters building 6, Axara smiles"A library! Somehow I have the sense the book is not there. But we should check every nook and crany of this place, just in case.
She goes to the nearest bookshelf in the room (assuming there are some with book on) and starts searching. (1d20 + 2 = 9). She starts huffing an puffing as the search is not going well.
Hmark d20+2=5 ; Monday July 28th, 2008 8:55:26 AM
Entering the darkened interior, Hmark takes a moment to fish around in his backpack and pull out an Everburning Torch. With the help of the light, he makes a show of scanning the room, but keeps getting drawn to the figure of Axara as she bends over to look at the book titles [Spot 5].
Willing his eyes away from the woman, the lad glances at the darkened hallways and the staircase.
"Probably should make sure this place is clear before we start messing with books," he comments.
Should Kiel or Sebastian or Zeph ask, he'll accompany them on a run-through of the building. Otherwise, he finds a high spot to plant his torch - providing illumination and freeing his hands.
Selemar Monday July 28th, 2008 10:55:02 AM "Probably should make sure this place is clear before we start messing with books."
"Sounds wise Hmark. Shall we take a look?" Begins wlking towards the stairs. "Axara, keep your ears open. I'm sure we'll find nothing, but if I'm wrong, your help will be needed quickly"
"You on the other hand, will probably be little help. Sure, you found the big thing, but any bear could ahve done the same.." Whatever else the elf is saying to the wolf becomes somewhat indistinct as they head away towards the stairs
Zeph d20+9=18 ; d20+7=12 ; d20+7=11 ; Monday July 28th, 2008 6:49:39 PM
Zeph enters the interior of the building and looks around the library with everyone else, looking for clues as to the inhabitants of the building or the hiding place of the book.
Well. If the evil book were found in a dirty library, why wouldn't the good book? Zeph thinks
Zeph will try to remain as hidden as possible to not alert any suspicion.
Kiel Longarm d20+7=14 ; d20+5=9 ; d20+5=12 ; Monday July 28th, 2008 6:50:53 PM
(Survival = 14)
Kiel stays with the group and looks for tracks and clues upon entering the room. He also looks for the doors and any possible trace of enemies or danger.
(spot = 9 Listen = 12)
Sebastian [AC:16, hp:17]CharSheetParty Loot List: Monday July 28th, 2008 8:35:53 PM
Sebastian watches as Zeph manages to open the closed building, then upon seeing the old library the bards eyes light up with joy, "Wonder how long this books have been locked away? Yes, yes ... you all can check the rest of the building Axara and I will start looking here. Just yell if you need us." Sebastian starts searching through the books one shelf at a time. He sets aside any interesting books. (search take 10 or 20 which ever we have time for.)
When Zeph mentions about the other library the evil book was found in, Sebastian pipes up, "Your right, the other book was found in concealed chamber, maybe this is the same way! We should check for secrete doors." Sebastian starts to methodically search every five feet of the library for secrete doors (search take 20)
DM Kathy Monday July 28th, 2008 11:04:39 PM
A library seems like a place for books--which makes some of you think that the Book of the Guided Way must be here, and others think that it cannot possibly be here.
Nevertheless, you begin to search by the light of Hmark's torch.
On the ground floor, you find a number of comfortable-looking reading rooms, each with a couple of shelves. The shelves are about half-filled with books. Looking at the clues, Kiel believes books were removed hastily, as if someone (or likely several someones) grabbed them up in a great hurry before leaving.
You can also see that "locked" was possibly overstating the condition of the shutters. They are indeed latched from the inside, but the latch seems designed to prevent the shutter from blowing open in heavy weather. Zeph can now tell that he could probably have popped a latch, if he'd known.
Sebastian looks for secret doors, but finds none. [OOC: The Codex was not found in a secret room; it had just been out of sight. Not sure if that's an IC mistake or not. :) ]
You mount the stairs to the second floor, and find "the stacks". Rows and rows of shelves meet your eye, all full of books. Tucked here and there among the shelves are tables with chairs, each with a lamp or lantern. At either end, stairs head up to the third floor.
href="http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dfrfhm2n_37dmp7wcd4"]Zeph 25/25 AC17 d20+9=25 ; d20+7=15 ; d20+7=21 ; d20+5=17 ; d20+4=19 ; Tuesday July 29th, 2008 1:09:18 AM
Zeph is still cautious, but getting impatient, wanting to move the group along faster. After little of interest is found in the second level library, Zeph decides to slowly creep up the staircase to the third floor, searching for traps along the way.
Zeph will peek into the upper floor slowly, if there is a door, he will inspect it and then open it slowly if it is not trapped. He will try to open the door silently, if there is one and peek inside using his senses the best he can.
"Be careful everyone. Zeph says plainly, looking to each person in the group.
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] d20+2=22 ; Tuesday July 29th, 2008 7:18:43 AM
After being told that the second floor is safe and finding nothing of interest in the first floor, Axara goes to the second floor and look for the book. She search each shelves, feeling that if the book is on that level, she will find it. She will bend toward each shelf, not knowing that such a position might be distractive for some.
Search (1d20 + 2) = 22
Selemar d20+5=17 ; Tuesday July 29th, 2008 8:35:49 AM
Selemar keeps an eye on Lango, in case the wolf sees or smells anything unusual. Assuming the wolf is come, he'll look at a random book or two.
"It will be hard to find one book amongst so many."
Hmark Tuesday July 29th, 2008 11:00:02 AM
Seeing all the books and papers piled about on the second floor, Hmark sighs loudly. "This'll take forever," he grouses. The man picks up a random book, scans the cover, and tosses it haphazardly to the floor.
"I don't suppose this Way book is magic?" he asks hopefully. "Can we find it that way?"
Either way, Zeph moving up a flight of stairs appears a whole lot more interesting than paging through musty paper. Still holding his everburning torch, the archer follows him.
Sebastian [AC:16, hp:17]CharSheetParty Loot List: Tuesday July 29th, 2008 11:26:26 AM
Sebatian sighs when he hears of the other rooms and floors filled with books, "This will take a while. I wonder if they had some sort of index or order they grouped the books by." Sebastian starts to look for some sort of master list log book or such.
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Tuesday July 29th, 2008 12:36:41 PM
As Hmark leaves the room and taking with him his source of light, Axara questions "Do you think it would be possible to open the latches and remove the boards from the windows to get in some natural light?"
OOC: If it is not possible, she will pull out her own everlasting torch.
Kiel Longarm d20+7=24 ; Tuesday July 29th, 2008 6:53:35 PM "Someone cast detect magic already before the sun goes down." Kiel says as he scans for clue of inhabitants.
(survival = 24)
DM Kathy Wednesday July 30th, 2008 12:13:05 AM Axara asks about opening the shutters. It shouldn't be too difficult, but it is raining outside and the windows have no glass. Opened shutters could let the rain in. Then again, the books are very old already; maybe a little water won't make much of a difference one way or another.
Selemar looks at a couple of random books, but finds Hybridization Techniques for Hardier Pole-Beans less than fascinating. Lango scents nothing interesting.
Hmark is no more enthralled with A Beginner's Guide to Flax, and wonders whether the book you are looking for is magical.
[If it is magical, Dulcet did not mention it.]
Kiel tries to glean some clue of former inhabitants, but it's been a while since anyone was here, and any conclusions he can draw are fairly obvious. For example, the building was likely used by Medium-sized humanoids who were literate.
Sebastian thinks to look for an index. After some poking about, he finds it on the first floor.
Zeph, tiring of the tedious serches, climbs to the third floor. He finds it a largely open area, with tables and chairs. In the center, however, a large area is caged off. A sign hangs on the door to the cage, and a desk stands in front of it. Around the cage is a ring of floor stones that are a different color from the rest of the floor in the room.
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Wednesday July 30th, 2008 7:09:27 AM
Axara starts opening one of the shutters then realizes that it is raining hard outside so she closes it back. "I do not thin that water and old books are a good combination."
She keeps searching until she finally hears that Sebastian has finally found an inde. "Good job young minestrel. Now let's identify the location of this book and go."
She is all ready to find the book and go when she hears Zeph's finding on the third floor. Her curiosity is too strong and she goes there.
Looking at the cage and the circle of stones around it, she inspects to see if she can find out if it is an arcane protective circle. She also tries to read the sign on the cage without entering the circle.
OOC: I know that Kiel player is on vacations but what about Rollo and Owain?
Hmark Wednesday July 30th, 2008 10:58:12 AM
"Bunch a nuthin'" Hmark comments, as he quickly surveys the third floor.
The archer half-heartedly approaches the desk, holding up his Torch so that he can make out the sign. He does makes sure not to cross/touch the line of odd-colored stones, though.
Sebastian [AC:16, hp:17]CharSheetParty Loot List: Wednesday July 30th, 2008 12:59:50 PM
Sebastian looks through the index for the book titled "Book of the Guided Way" or there variation of. Once he has the clue to where the book might be found he will go search.
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] d20+8=24 ; Wednesday July 30th, 2008 2:03:04 PM
OOC: forgot to roll Axara knowledge of Arcana to see if she can get any information for the circle 1d20+8 = 24
Selemar Wednesday July 30th, 2008 5:55:48 PM
"Nicely done Sebastian. Hopefully, we'll be on our way soon."
Sebastian [AC:16, hp:17]CharSheetParty Loot List: Wednesday July 30th, 2008 9:21:02 PM
Smiling at Selemar's and Axara's praise, Sebastian mentions "I got the idea of an index from the Gnomes of Zan who, I hear have an index system where they weigh the books and use the authors month of birth. The heaviest books go on bottom floors and the month of birth use used like clock face with one o'clock being the first month then two o'clock then next month and so on. They originally placed the heaviest books on the upper floors, but after an unexpected collapse of the first library they reversed that." The bard is more than happy to share some bits of random knowledge with others.
DM Kathy Thursday July 31st, 2008 12:25:40 AM Axara looks at the different-colored flooring [it is more of a rectangle than a circle, as it outlines the shape of the cage]. In and of itself, it doesn't seem magical. This section of flooring, though, is readily distinguishable from the rest; perhaps it is meant to mark some boundary?
Hmark can see that the sign on the cage door reads: "Rare Books. Staff Only."
Sebastian looks through the index for the Book of the Guided Way. He has some trouble locating it. It isn't listed with the other books. At last, however, he finds the "Rare Books" section at the end of the catalog. The Book of the Guided Way is listed there, and its location is listed as "Rare Books, Third Floor."
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Thursday July 31st, 2008 7:19:59 AM
Axara smiles back at Sebastian"In addition to music, you are versedinmany other things. You are quite smart and remind me of a wizard I know. I believe that if you even grow tired of music, you could have a future in magik."
Once on the third floor, outside the line of different stones, she proposes the following plan. "I will cast a detect magic. After that the two strongest warriors should go and open the cage. For some reason,the monks felt to put the rare books here. It was either to protect them from getting lost or to protect the regular monks from them.Given what has happened to me and the booj, I vote for the latter.
She steps back and casts detect magic. After that she readies a magic missile spell and wait for the warrior to open the cage. She will stay outside the circle at all time.
Selemar Thursday July 31st, 2008 9:59:25 AM
" A good plan. If anyone feels a need to do anything odd with the book, please speak up."
Hmark Thursday July 31st, 2008 10:42:02 AM
With a mischievious gleam in his eye, Hmark snorts at Selemar's remark. The archer has a quick, totally irreverent suggestion, which he manages to suppress.
The lad looks about for Zeph and Owain - the two strongest warriors - but the half-orc doesn't seem to be about. Hmark swallows convulsively upon the realization that he's likely the next pigeon in line. He walks up to the gate, prepared to swing it open once Axara determines there aren't any magical nasties waiting for him.
"What's a 'booj'?" he quietly asks the other man.
Sebastian [AC:16, hp:17]CharSheetParty Loot List: Thursday July 31st, 2008 11:00:52 AM
Joining the others on the third floor, Sebastian smiles at Axara comment and replies "And you dear could have a fine future in entertainment if you ever tired of magic."
Zeph Illidian Thursday July 31st, 2008 6:30:39 PM "Hmm. Perhaps I could try throwing a useless book at the oddly-colored stones to see if something happens... like maybe it could burst into flames." Zeph says as he grabs several books from the second floor and hurls it at the tiles.
Zeph Illidian d20+9=27 ; Thursday July 31st, 2008 10:56:19 PM
(OOC: Sorry. FOrgot about this. Im a bit distracted this week)
Zeph decides to search for traps on the tiles and around the room.
(take 20 if we are patient enough = 29)
(Search = 27)
DM Kathy Friday August 1st, 2008 12:41:18 AM Zeph tosses a couple of books onto the colored stones, but nothing happens.
Axara casts a Detect Magic and sees seven magical auras in the vicinity of the cage.
Hmark, taking a more direct approach, walks up to the cage. When he steps onto the colored stones, a mouth appears at the door of the cage. As its lips move, a pleasant, female voice says:
"Students are not allowed in the Rare Book cage. Please move away from the cage, and contact a staff member for assistance."
Zeph searches around the cage, and sees that the door is trapped with what appears to be a dart mechanism.
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Friday August 1st, 2008 7:10:39 AM
Axara nods in appreciation "An interesting permanent voice spell. Nice touch!"
She stops and analyzes the situation. "Well somehow, the spell thinks that Hmark is a student. So there must be a special rune or code or word that the library staff held or said to deactivate the magic spell and other protections."
She stops and looks at the other, smiling and really happy to deal with arcane issues "Now we have two main issues to deal with. a) We need to find the Staff identifier to eliminate the protection and b) we will have to deal with what is inside and protection. Has anyone searched the desk?"
Zeph d20+11=17 ; Friday August 1st, 2008 11:34:53 AM
Zeph looks at the trap and takes out his masterwork thieves tools. He begins to work meticulously, knowing that as long as the group is patient, he has time.
(Zeph will Take 10 or 20 depending if the group is willing to wait around. Take 20 score is 31, Take 10 is 21. Roll is 17)
Sebastian [AC:16, hp:17]CharSheetParty Loot List: d20+4=21 ; d20+6=21 ; Friday August 1st, 2008 11:52:37 AM
Sebastian grumbles as Zeph tosses some book across the circle, "Book are not worthless." When Hmark triggers the polite reminder spell, Sebastian smiles at the magic "Such a nice voice. wonder what it does if you don't back off? Also, how does it know who is and isn't staff?"
Sebastian tries to recall what he knows of this order that built this monastery (knowledge history 21, bardic knowledge 21).
Hmark d20+1=16 ; Friday August 1st, 2008 11:55:37 AM
While Zeph messes with the door, Hmark rummages through the desk, looking for something that screams "I'm a staff person!". [Search 16]
The archer glances occasionally at the door, wondering if it could be forced.
"Anybody see any rusted bars in this cage?" he asks aloud. "Since we don't care about makin a mess, there ougtta be some way to rip the thing open."
OOC - Does the door swing out from or in to the cage itself? Is it possible to stand close enough to the cage to touch the bars without stepping on an odd colored stone? Are the gaps in the bars wide enough that one could weave a rope through them? (tie a rope and try to yank the gate open frinstance. How big/heavy is this desk (like if we slammed it into the gate)?
DM Kathy Sunday August 3rd, 2008 11:52:35 PM Axara is able to provide a couple of clues about the magic, due to her knowledge of the subject area. [OOC: If you would like to identify the auras you saw with your Detect Magic, please make some Spellcraft rolls.]
Sebastian tries to remember what he may have heard about the monastery. He seems to recall it was the pet project of a wealthy family from Rowena, who were interested in monastic discipline and wanted to do some good in the Wold.
Hmark searches in the desk, but is unable to turn up anything that looks like a Staff badge.
Zeph, meanwhile, is working on the trap. [OOC: You can take 10 to disable a trap, but you can't take 20 since there is "a penalty for failure."] The dart trap presents little challenge, and he is able to bypass it.
The door to the cage is locked, so Zeph begins working on the lock.
Hmark Monday August 4th, 2008 11:02:22 AM
Hmrak straightens up from his search of the desk, and looks over at Zeph and Axara.
"Well, I got nuthin'" he announces in a matter-of-fact tone that indicates he really hadn't expected a different result. Hopping up to sit on top of the desk, he watches the rogue, palms grasping the edge of the desktop, legs swinging freely in the opening below.
"If you can't get it," the lad offers, smacking the top of the desk, "maybe we can slam this thing into it a couple times."
Selemar Monday August 4th, 2008 12:40:26 PM
"Axara, you wouldn't be able to move any of those books closer, would you?"
Sebastian [AC:16, hp:17]CharSheetParty Loot List: Monday August 4th, 2008 4:28:19 PM
Sebastian waits while Zeph works on the door lock.
Zeph d20+9=18 ; d20+9=23 ; Monday August 4th, 2008 5:36:11 PM
(Open lock = 18. Although with no consequence of failure, I guess I could take 20? if not then I will just take 10)
"You guys just keep an eye out. And Axara, please discover if these squares are magical. I don't want to get shocked for opening this thing." Zeph says as he moves from the needle trap to the lock.
(Search for traps one more time just incase, particularly the squares = 23)
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] d20+10=29 ; d3=2 ; d20+10=19 ; d20+10=13 ; d20+10=12 ; d20+10=22 ; d20+10=18 ; d20+10=15 ; d20+10=18 ; d20+10=26 ; d20+10=23 ; d20+10=17 ; d20+10=20 ; d20+10=25 ; d20+10=28 ; Monday August 4th, 2008 11:54:03 PM
Axara's forehead gets covered with lies as she concentrates heavily on trying to identify the magic at work here. "This is hard. I am having mixed luck understanding the sort of magic at work her."
"Selemar, where do you want me to move the books?"
DM Kathy Tuesday August 5th, 2008 12:20:42 AM Hmark suggests that the cage could be battered in with the desk, but realizes that this will be Zeph and Axara's time to shine.
[OOC: My apologies; I didn't answer your questions before. The door swings out. It does appear possible to touch the cage without stepping on the stones, though it will require a good sense of balance. The gaps in the cage are pretty small. It might be possible to thread silk rope through them; thicker hemp probably won't go. And the desk--if it could be lifted--would probably seriously mess up the cage.]
Zeph needs to spend some time on it, but he is eventually able to get the lock open. [OOC: Yes, you can take 20 on locks, and in fact you'll need to on this one. :) ] When he gets the door unlocked, he takes one more look. This time, he spots a magical trap, which he believes may trigger when the door is opened.
While he works, Axara has time to identify the auras she has detected. She sees a faint Abjuration on the door of the cage. She cannot identify the aura where the speaking mouth appeared, but it is still there, and it is strong. Another strong aura, inside the cage, looks similar, but she can't identify that one either. There are four more auras inside the cage; Axara can identify two of them. One is a faint Evocation; the other is a faint Conjuration.
Zeph d20+4=23 ; Tuesday August 5th, 2008 1:19:11 AM "Hey. There is one heck of a magical trap here. Maybe we should find a different way to get this thing open other than standing here and opening it. Did the image say there was password or something? Maybe we should figure it out.... In the mean time I will examine this trap and try to identify how it works. Zeph says.
Zeph will spend all the time it takes to figure this trap out.
It must have something to do with the squares... I'm not opening this door unless I know what will happen. Zeph thinks to himself.
(Knowledge (whichever is applicable) = 23) (Take 20 on searching the trap and the area around it = 29)
Sebastian [AC:16, hp:17]CharSheetParty Loot List: Tuesday August 5th, 2008 8:50:05 AM
Sebastian rubs his chin, "Hmm, Magical trap? Well assuming the staff can enter with triggering the trap, perhpas we should look in the other buildings for staff quarters. Maybe there is something there."
Hmark Tuesday August 5th, 2008 9:56:26 AM
Hmark swivels in head to look at Sebastian. "I was thinking the same thing," he remarks.
"How 'bout me an you go check out another building while these two work here?"
To Zeph - "An if you manage to get in, give a shout."
Selemar Tuesday August 5th, 2008 3:30:39 PM
"Hmark, mind if i join you two? Not much for me to do here..."
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Tuesday August 5th, 2008 3:43:47 PM
Axara looks a little concerned as the other discuss."There is a lot of magic around and in that box. I do beleive that something nasty in inside. I am also wonder the idea of splitting the group and weaken ourselves."
DM Kathy Wednesday August 6th, 2008 12:12:10 AM Zeph puts some thought into the trap. [Minor correction: your experience tells you that the magical trap you found is not hugely powerful. The worrisome thing about magical traps is that the little buggers are darned near impossible to find without a Detect Magic.] Axara (presumably) reports that she detects a faint Abjuration aura on the door, right where the trap is. Faint is good news; it means that the spell is no more than third level. Abjuration spells are designed to protect and ward.
He spend some time walking around the cage, looking for more traps. When he is finished, he is satisfied that there are no more traps on the outside of the cage, or on the door. Whether there are more traps inside the cage...well, that's impossible to tell from out here. [Axara's Detect Magic spell has worn off by the time he's done.]
In his walking about, Zeph at one point moves off the colored stones, then steps back on them. Immediately, the mouth appears again, and the same voice repeats the same warning in the same tone. It seems clear that the colored stones mark a boundary around the cage. The question is whether they do anything else.
Sebastian, Hmark, and Selemar begin talking about searching other buildings for some kind of Staff badge or password. Will it be safe? Selemar and Zeph both went off on their own yesterday, and lived to tell about it. Perhaps all will be well.
Then again, there's some kind of dead monster in the courtyard. Did it have any friends?
Selemar Wednesday August 6th, 2008 8:31:46 AM
I wonder if we might be better off sending something in there, like a celestial monkey. See what ahppens. I'd rather not harm the creature, but our need is great...."
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Wednesday August 6th, 2008 8:46:52 AM
Axara shakes her head at Zeph's findings. "I do not have the knowledge of a spell that could dispell the magic around the box. I believe that we have two options. We take the chance of getting hurt by the magic, which I do not recommend or we go look for something that a staff member would have to deactivate the spell. I will follow the majority."
Hmark Wednesday August 6th, 2008 10:49:01 AM
"C'mon, we're in a library," Hmark scoffs. "Ain't no librarian gonna have a kill-em-all spell attached to their books. It's probably just some kind of alarm."
"And" the tousled haired lad continues, "we've been here two days and ain't seen squat. If we was gonna get jumped, it'd happened by now. I say the two of you can keep messin' with the cage if you like, and the rest of us can look for Staff badges. Or we tie a rope through the bars and pull the gate open, or we slam this turkey <patting the desk again> into it a few times till it breaks. Something loud will start yelling, big whoop."
Sebastian [AC:16, hp:17]CharSheetParty Loot List: Wednesday August 6th, 2008 11:56:47 AM
Sebastian scrachse his head, "Lets look for what ever it is that would define a staff from non-staff for the rest of the day. If we haven't found anything, then Hmark can try opening the door. If he's turned into a rabbit or something like that then at least we tried."
Sebastian heads back down stairs to the book index and looks for a books that may describe the monastery layout perhaps where the staff quarters are, histories of the monastery, journals or diaries made by members of the monastery. He'll take 10 or 20 (if posable) to search.
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Wednesday August 6th, 2008 3:39:07 PM
Rollo strolled from the woods.
When nature calls, one must answer. Even though she is a bit talkative, and never really gives you an opportunity to end the conversation. It's amazing how long someone can go on about spotted weasel migration and it's relation to the crab grass yields in the early spring.
Rollo re-enters the monastery, and notices that the group has moved on to a new building.
I wonder if they have found the book yet?
Rollo heads over to the building, and hokey smokes its a library. The gnome ascends the stairs to find the bulk of the group staring at a cage. As he enters the room he hears something about a celestial monkey.
"What do you got there? Some kinda cage?"
Spell memorization
0 Mending Detect Magic Light x 2
1st Elfvision Sanctuary Shield of Faith Summon Monster I
2nd Faerie Fire Enthrall Spiritual Weapon
Zeph d20+11=31 ; Wednesday August 6th, 2008 7:02:28 PM "Well. Whatever we do, I vote that we DO NOT split up. It would be foolish for half of us to go looking for a security pass or something in another building and the other half stay here. I'll give disarming this trap a try though, even though I may get blown up in the process." Zeph says
Zeph then begins to examine the trap and slowly pick through the magical mechanism (NAT 20 Disable Device = 31). Zeph is careful and precise in his work.
Even if we get the book, I would still like to explore some of the other buildings. The thought of unlooted gold intrigues my roguish side. Zeph says.
DM Kathy Thursday August 7th, 2008 1:11:01 AM
You begin discussing the possibility of looking elsewhere for some kind of staff emblem. Sebastian heads back down to the index to see if he can find some clue as to where such a thing might be found. His search, however, turns up nothing.
Selemar suggests sending in a monkey. Lango goes to lie under a table. He gives Selemar a look from half-lidded eyes, a look that suggests there's no way a bear could fit uner here. He then puts his head on his paws and begins to nap.
Hmark suggests just sucking up whatever damage will be dished out. Axara knows there are magicks that could counter such a trap, but they are a bit beyond her yet. Rollo re-joins the group from...wherever he's been.
Zeph cautions the group not to split up, and decides to take a chance on disabling the trap. Somehow, he pulls a brilliantly deft maneuver out of his....uh...someplace. The trap is disabled, and Zeph is fairly certain he can now open the door safely.
Owain, who has been standing silently by, suddenly speaks. "My friends," he says, "I fear I must leave you for a time. The gods call." With that, he turns and departs. [OOC: Marc is taking a break from the Wold; we'll write Owain out of the story for the time being.]
Selemar Thursday August 7th, 2008 9:14:06 AM
"Good luck Owain."
"Are you certain it's safe Zeph? if anyone its turned into a rabbit, try to avoid the wolf. If the wolf is turned into a rabbit...that would be delightful."
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Thursday August 7th, 2008 9:52:34 AM
Axara looks at Zeph in awe. "This was quite an impressive display of skills. I wonder if you could rob me blind and me smiling at you while you do it, not knowing anything about it. Now seriously, I am concerned about what is inside that cage. The monks did not put all that magick protection for nothing. Let's expect the worst."
She takes a few seps back and readies a spell in case something comes out of that box.
As Owain indicates that he will, she gives a wonderful genuine smile at the half-orc. "I will personally miss you Sir Owain. We are losing our moral compass with your departure but I know that people in your order must obey their God's call. Now, someone needs to pick up the box and be the loyal carrier. I do not volonteer for the task as the book as already took control of me feeble mind once."
"Feeble my cute round firm little derriere, but this is sadly all I showed to this group"
Hmark Thursday August 7th, 2008 10:59:17 AM
The dissent is pretty much unanimous, and with a grimace, Hmark mentally resolves to keep his opinions to himself. The departure of Owain - one of the sane ones - doesn't improve his outlook much.
Zeph gets the trap deactivated. Hmark responds by hopping off his seat on the desk with a grin. "Nice," he adds to the general comments.
Then Axara pretty much demands they all prepare for the attack of the Invisible Librarian of Evil. Fine Hmark unslings a bow, and sets an arrow to the string. "Go ahead," he invites - in a tone that makes it plain the archer thinks they're being unnecessarily cautious.
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Thursday August 7th, 2008 11:28:58 AM
Rollo gives Owain a knowing look. "For omnipotent beings they sure are a needy lot. Be well and may the clouds remain firmly above your head."
Now onto this.
"It appears that Mr.Zeph has deactivated the trap. Is anyone confident enough in his abilities to retrieve the book?"
If no one else steps forward Rollo will head into the cage and look for the book.
Sebastian [AC:16, hp:17]CharSheetParty Loot List: Thursday August 7th, 2008 12:19:58 PM
Sebastian returns from his fruitless effort of checking the book index, to see Zeph beaming with pride at his ability to defeat such a trap, Sebastian remarks "Who needs staff when you have Zeph around."
Upon, Owain's announcement that he must depart, "If you must then you must, It's not wise to defy the gods, they can be quite vindictive. I managed to resist the allure of the cursed book once. I suppose, I could again if need be? I'll use my pure thoughts of Lilly as my shield against other beautiful women throwing them selfs at me for the book." Sebastian winks at Axara.
Zeph is a bit taken aback by Owain's announcement. "Well, only if you must good sir." Zeph says to Owain with a look of sadness.
"Bah, I'm confident enough in my abilities, I'll open the blasted thing." Zeph says as he pulls out his Warhammer and begins to open the cage.
Perhaps a Protection from Evil spell centered on the lead box could contain the book's influence? Zeph thinks to himself as he opens the cage.
Kiel Longarm d20+7=16 ; Thursday August 7th, 2008 1:11:15 PM
Kiel has been around throughout the entire ordeal with the cage and the library. He has been looking for clues as to the previous inhabitants of the library and trying to figure out what happened here.
As Zeph opens the cage, Kiel stands behind him, off the squares with his double-bladed sword drawn at the ready. Kiel will stand by the Rogue in melee combat if something were to happen.
"Perhaps it would still be wise to explore the rest of the compound even if this turns out to be ok." Kiel says.
(Survival = 16)
DM Kathy Friday August 8th, 2008 12:18:33 AM Axara advises caution, so you all prepare yourselves for the opening of the cage. Weapons drawn, you watch as Zeph cautiously reaches up and opens the cage.
Nothing happens.
The door swings open and hangs there, swaying a bit, its hinges creaking. Cautiously, you peer into the depths. Perhaps now Zeph can have another look for more traps.
Rollo, however, does not appear to have gotten the caution memo. He brushes past Zeph, and strides boldly into the cage.
Another mouth appears, this one inside the cage. It, too, speaks with a woman's voice. It may be the same woman; it's difficult to tell. The tone is very different. The voice outside the cage had been polite but firm. This voice is icy, and crackles with command. "This area is off limits," the voice says. "You should not be in here. Your actions are being reported to your Floor Master. Leave at once or face immediate expulsion!"
Rollo Highlight to display spoiler: {Make a Will save, DC 17. If you fail, you feel an overwhelming urge to leave the cage so you don't get expelled. }
Zeph d20+9=15 ; Friday August 8th, 2008 2:04:24 AM "Fool!" Zeph yells as Rollo enters the cage. When no explosions go off, Zeph regains his cool and beckons the unwary Gnome to leave the cage immediately.
"You could have blown us all up by stepping into that cage without letting me look for traps first! Look, you may not know this, but I know good and well that half of the world is dishonest and thus the honest half must trap their valuables so that they don't get stolen!" Zeph scolds Rollo for his carelessness.
Zeph peers inside to take a quick glance of the cage.
(Search = 15. Although I would like to take 20 if time permits = 29)
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] d20+6=16 ; Friday August 8th, 2008 3:13:55 AM
(ooc: I'm assuming the ward is an abjuration and not an illusion)
Rollo sighs at the irrate human.
You seem to forget that this was a place to learn the ways of good, it is very unlikely that they would be willing to blow up students because they were a bit curious. Besides any kind of explosive trap would destroy the books....although being expelled would be fate worst then death, so I'm gonna step out of here. Geeze, how would I explain that to my parents."
Rollo continues to mumble his contemplations about the severity of his actions as he strolls a good several feet from the cage, attempting to look as if he is not with the others in case the authorities show up.
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Friday August 8th, 2008 9:39:43 AM
Axara's relief that nothing potent has showed up from the cage is tempered by the lack of precautions from the other team members.
For the last time, she tries to let them understand of the fear she has about the situation "There is two levels of risk here. The first one is the protective magic the monk judged necessary to put on that cage to keep snooping umprepared students off. The second and to me the real danger is that these books they want to keep away from the students might be extremely dangerous. Some might be judged dangerous because they contains powerful spells descriptions and some might be dangerous because they can take control of your mind. May be I am overly paranoid but this is my fear."
She moves back closer to the exit (Where she expects to find Sebastian) as she suspects that her call to caution will not be answered.
She winks at Sebastian and says in a low voice "I think you are the right candidate to carry the book. I promise I will not throw myself at you as long as you are engaged to Lilly." She smiles and winks at him.
Sebastian [AC:16, hp:17]CharSheetParty Loot List: Friday August 8th, 2008 10:55:13 AM
Sebastian holds his breath as Zeph opens the door. He is about to let it out when Rollo strides right in and gets a stern warning from what he assumes was the librarian. Then Zeph admonishes Rollo who logically defends his action. The bard can't stand it any longer as he starts to giggle then laughs, "Oh no, we're in trouble now! We've been reported to the Floor master!"
Sebastian continues to chuckle about it as Axara caution them that some books might warrant stronger protection then expulsion. Trying to keep a strait face, the bard comments, "yea, I'm sure there are books in there the students were dying to read."
When Axara winks at Sebastian as she agrees he should carry the book then winks some more, Sebastian looks concerned, "Axara, do you have something in your eye. I've got some water if you need to wash it out?"
(OOC: Kathy, how big and heavy is the cursed book and box anyway.)
(edit: to remove MS control characters.)
Selemar Friday August 8th, 2008 11:10:58 AM
"if the worst that happens is a report to the floormaster, i think we'll be fine. Let's hope that's the only result. I hope no one else is being warned we're here. "
Hmark Friday August 8th, 2008 11:25:12 AM
With a grimace, Hmark lowers his bow. The archer agrees with Rollo and Sebastian, but has been in enough family quarrels to know he's probably better off just standing there. Plus, someone still needs to go into the cage and find out what the Floor Master might do, and like Sarge always said, that someone should be someone else.
"Ok. SO maybe I overreacted. But still... someone could have been turned into a rabbit like Selemar said, and then what kind of predicament we would be in?" Zeph says, blushing a bit at his previous outburst.
Well, I guess I should take into consideration where we are at and forget about the deadly traps I grew accustomed to for now. Zeph thinks
"So now, back to the problem. How are we to get into this cage to retrieve our book of... of whatever good it may posses. Maybe we should explore other buildings after I look for the trap mechanism in here?" Zeph says.
DM Kathy Sunday August 10th, 2008 11:20:14 PM Zeph scolds Rollo for just walking into the cage, but it appears that nothing happens to the gnome, other than another scolding, this one from the Magic Mouth. For some reason, Rollo decides to leave the cage immediately.
Axara warns that the magicks may become more dangerous, but Sebastian, for one, is unconcerned. Selemar and Hmark adopt a "wait-and-see" attitude.
Zeph suggests searching the other buildings before proceeding.
In addition, there is the issue of who should carry the lead-lined box with the codex. The book itself is about a foot long, by eight inches wide, by four inches thick, and weighs about two pounds. The box is 14 inches long, 10 inches wide, and six inches thick. It weighs about 10 pounds.
With a little experimentation, you discover that stepping on the colored stones triggers the first Magic Mouth, and entering the cage itself triggers the second. When the second Mouth triggers, it is accompanied by some sort of spell. Those failing a DC 17 Will save feel an overwhelming urge to leave the cage before they are expelled.
Anyone making the save can remain in the cage and begin the search, although there is no guarantee they won't trigger more traps. Or, you can search the other buildings as Zeph has suggested.
Selemar Monday August 11th, 2008 9:10:33 AM
"I'm happy to carry the book, though I don't mind if anyone else wishes to. I'd suggest we leave immediately. So far, we've seen no sign of anyone else here, but it is possible we are followed. We should leave."
Hmark d20=5 ; Monday August 11th, 2008 10:19:19 AM
Hmark shoots Selemar a look of disgust. "We ain't seen any sign a huge invisible dragon is about to eat us either," he remarks sarcastically. "But its possible one's sitting right over there. So let's all put on our flame retardant pants."
The archer sighs, clearly frustrated with some of his companions. "Geez, people. If there were any 'Authorities' here, Dulcet woulda just asked them for the book instead o' sending us out here. And if any bad guys are here, they'd a jumped us yesterday. We've been stomping about for two days now. Nobody's here but us."
Hmark impatiently strides into the cage, waving his hand negligently at the first warning. When the second one sounds off though, he immediately turns around, leaves the cage, and returns to his spot by the desk. Blinking, the man stops, turns again, and looks at the cage with new found respect.
"That's a good spell," he admits lamely.
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Monday August 11th, 2008 2:04:27 PM
Axara senses the group is getting closer to infighting again and she feels responsible as she gets giving warnings about magical traps and so far it is have been a couple of magic mouths attached with a will control components.
She tries to stop the upcoming fight "Well, I think that the magic mouth spell activates when people enter a certain space. Now, for some reason, it would not do that for a staff member. Which mean that the staff member has something to deactive the spells or the magic mouth has been crafted to sense a certain item. At this point we can go look for anything that might work or use brute force as try to smash the cage. I am not a big fan of using brute force on magic but it is only 1 vote among 8. So I would think that we might want to see if we can find something helpful in other parts of the monastery. And there is the skeleton of that monster that I would be interested in studying. However if you decide to try to destroy the cage, I'll be more than happy to watch, from outside the room."
Zeph remembers a story from his book on Magical Theory, in a chapter about researching new spells, about how a young wizard in a new adventuring group came across some high level abjuration spell that shot light rays to blind people as they entered a room. The clever young wizard thought up an easy spell that simply made several mirrors spin about a person and intercept any high frequency beams. The group passed through the room relatively unharmed after a day or so of research.
After thinking of the story, Zeph thinks, Boy, maybe if we could cast silence on the cage the voice will stop being able to expel us unwillingly.
Then Zeph watches Hmark enter the cage and then suddenly leave. Somewhat amused, Zeph says, "Heh, Lemme give it a try."
Zeph walks into the cage and hears the voice, but doesn't feel particularly afraid of being expelled. Then Zeph walks forward cautiously, checking out the floor to make sure he doesn't hit any other traps. Then he looks about the cage room seeing what he can see.
After hearing Selemar, Hmark and Axara, Zeph speaks up, still looking into the cage, trying to see if there is any way to disarm such a device. "Well. Truth be told, this is only one trap and even if we could bypass it, that doesn't mean there wont be more inside guarding each book we try to touch. Quite frankly, I enjoy my eyesight and I don't want to be Polymorphed today... so I vote we check out some other areas and figure out the mystery of how the staffers could get in and look about... Like Axara said, its probably just some sort of item, like a badge or something."
Sebastian [AC:16, hp:17]CharSheetParty Loot List: d20=12 ; Monday August 11th, 2008 6:02:49 PM
Sebastian picks up the box with the cursed book, ”Whoa, that’s heavy than I thought. I suppose we can’t just leave it back at the rooms we setup camp at.”
Sebastian looks around the third floor room and out any windows if any (spot 12), as the other discuss what to do next. ”Doing a little searching might save some trouble, besides we a week or two of supplies.”
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Monday August 11th, 2008 6:04:44 PM
Rollo recalls that he has not enrolled in the monastery, which leads him to contemplate his expulsion.
Catapult. That's how I would do it. Would expel you pretty far.
The gnome comes around to see the group debating badges.
Badges. We don't need no stinkin' Badges
"A suggestion. The spells seem only effective when someone enters the cage. What if we took the cage out of the equation? Or entering it for that matter. Can anyone move things with there mind? Or open up the floor underneath the books, or perhaps teleport the books to another part of the library, or summon monkeys! I get it! That is what Selemar was talking about. You are smart, I see why Lango sticks around."
Rollo contemplates where the best spot for the monkey to appear to start throwing books from the cage.
"You guys might want to stand clear of the door."
Rollo cracks his knuckles.
DM Kathy Monday August 11th, 2008 11:44:17 PM Hmark is inclined to scoff at the trap--until he experiences it for himself.
Axara suggest searching for some kind of Staff badge, and Selemar and Sebastian seem to agree.
Zeph is amenable, but he wants to try the trap for himself. He is more successful, and is able to remain inside. [Make a Spot check, please]
Rollo thinks of several improbable scenarios for getting the book, and begins to understand Selemar's "monkey" remark. He steps back, preparing to cast.
Sebastian does see a couple of windows, closed with shutters like the windows on the first floor.
Hmark Tuesday August 12th, 2008 1:30:59 PM
Hmark stands outside the cage, listening as some of the group come full circle and propose to do the very thing he wanted to do earlier - namely, look for some way to tell the magic 'hey, we're staff'.
Then Rollo makes his suggestion.
The archer hastens to follow the cleric's recommendation, and backs away from the cage and whatever the unpredicatable gnome is going to do.
Sebastian [AC:16, hp:17]CharSheetParty Loot List: d20=11 ; d20+9=13 ; Tuesday August 12th, 2008 2:24:33 PM
Sebastian opens one of the windows to see if it is still raining and to see what can be seen (spot 11). If there is nothing interesting out side then the bard will turn his attention to the cage and its magic. Using his understanding of spell craft, Sebastian tries to gain an understanding of what spell like effects are in play (SpellCraft to "Identify a spell that’s already in place and in effect" if possible he will take 20 or 10 if not then he rolled a 13. )
Selemar Tuesday August 12th, 2008 3:31:21 PM
"we don't really know what else might be here. I'm willing to try grabbing some books, if no one has another idea..."
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Tuesday August 12th, 2008 5:27:42 PM
After hearing the gnome warning and fearing for the group, Axara slowly moves away from the cage, standing the doorway, waiting for the gnome to be done.
Zeph d20+5=14 ; Tuesday August 12th, 2008 6:58:57 PM
Zeph looks into the room for any clue as to where the book we seek could be... then he hears Rollo crack his knuckles.
Oh my. This won't turn out well. Zeph thinks as he exits the cage in a hurry
Zeph stands next to Axara at the doorway to the room, hoping against hope that the poor monkey wont be catapulted out of the cage with extreme force.
Zeph leans over to Axara, "I'll bet you 5gold that the monkey doesn't last 2 minutes grabbing books in there." Zeph whispers.
In a more serious tone, Zeph says, [b]"Which building should we explore next then?"[b]
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Tuesday August 12th, 2008 7:58:25 PM
No one seems to have a better idea, so....
Rollo casts Summon Monster I
Nillywig, mysterious bearer of the dark sigil of num head my call for aid.
With a whip-Crack! and mighty simian cry a silver and green monkey appears in the cage.
"Nillywig! Throw the books from the cage!"
DM Kathy d20+1=19 ; Wednesday August 13th, 2008 12:14:19 AM Sebastian looks out a window and sees that it is still raining. Across the courtyard, he can make out the lumpy shape of the dead monster skeleton. Other than that, there is nothing to be seen outside.
Selemar offers to grab some books, but basically everyone steps back, waiting for the monkey to be summoned.
Zeph wagers that the monkey won't last two minutes, a sucker bet because Summon Monster is a rounds-per-level spell, and unless Rollo has been holding out on the rest of you, he is not 20th level.
Rollo eyes the cage and casts his spell. A monkey pops into being directly in the cage.
[OOC: I can't see anything in the Monster Manual to indicate that monkeys understand Common. They have an Int of 2, which makes it unlikely. I'm going to let you command the monkey this once, because I find your solution creative. And hilarious. :) Don't get into the habit, though. :) ]
The Magic Mouth activates, and recites its warning. Nillywig seems immune to its effects, however, and for the next 18 seconds, he pitches books out of the cage as fast as he can. Then, with another pop!, he is gone.
He has tossed a total of 10 books out of the cage. You realize as this is happening that many of the books are old and fragile. Being tossed out of a cage by a monkey onto a hard stone floor is, as it turns out, not good for them. Two books burst on impact, sending pages and pieces of their cover skittering across the floor. Others seem to sustain significant damage.
You move over and begin looking at titles. None of them is the book you seek.
On the other hand, none of them shot rays of fire at anybody, or turned anybody into a rabbit.
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Wednesday August 13th, 2008 8:08:00 AM
Axara smiles at Zeph. "I will not take your bet kind sir. From what I know of magic, the monkey will last between 12 and 24 second by itself. Less if it is attacked"
She watches the spectable of the monkey throwing book with a smile on her face then she looks at Zeph "Ready to go search for a staff identifier when you are. And I also want to check that skeleton. So pick the building and let's convince the rest of the group."
Sebastian [AC:16, hp:17]CharSheetParty Loot List: d20+8=12 ; d20+2=8 ; d20+8=18 ; d20+2=4 ; Wednesday August 13th, 2008 11:20:09 AM
Sebastian watches the circus act as the monkey throws books out of the cage. The bard cringes as several of the books are destroyed on impact with the floor. ”I’m not sure that is working. But it does give me an idea for something to try.”
Clearing his throat, the bard goes up to the circle and starts reciting poetry in an attempt to counter the power of the magic voice (Counter-song to counter magical effects that depend on sonic or language-dependent magical attack. Perform check: 12 ) His voice wavering uncertainly, Sebastian steps forward into the cage. When the voice threats him with expulsion, the bard (will save 8 or counter song 12 ) feels the dread of failure as he hastily retreats from the cage.
”Well that didn’t work very well. It really wasn’t very good poetry, perhaps if is used different material?”
Trying again, but this time using better poetry Sebastian start to recite (Counter-song Perform check: 18) Feeling more confidant in his ability, the bard tries to enter the cage once more (will save 4 or countersong 18) Sebastian waits to see if he feels compelled to leave.
(If the countersoung is able to counter the magical voice then everyone can enter the cage with out being effected while Sebastian keeps reciting up to 10 rounds.)
Use 2 bardic song for the day.
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Wednesday August 13th, 2008 11:52:55 AM
Rollo bids Nillywig farewell before rummaging through the spoils.
Rollo examines the titles on the books hoping to see if this is indeed a repository of powerful magic and dark secrets, or it is merely the libraries "adult" section.
Hmark d20=4 ; Wednesday August 13th, 2008 1:45:46 PM
"Well, nothing happened to the monkey," Hmark points out. "Looks like that 'get out' spell is the only thing we gotta deal with."
Hmark sees Sebastian walk in, and gives it another try himself. But as soon as the second warning is delivered, the archer again strides quickly out of the cage.
"That is really annoying", he remarks sourly.
As it is becoming painfully obvious he can't overcome the compulsion, Hmark is reduced to waiting for the others to succeed or give up. The man parks himself on the desk top and does just that.
Zeph d20+2=21 ; d20+5=24 ; d20+9=21 ; d20+4=20 ; d20+8=9 ; Wednesday August 13th, 2008 6:54:56 PM
(Hey DMKathy. I didn't see the results from my 14 spot check last post. Also, I assume that the spell works like most mind-affecting traps: if you succeed on one roll then you are immune for 24hours. But I rerolled will save anyways = 21)
Zeph watches with amusement at the monkey's antics and takes in the information gathered.
Ok. so maybe I could go rummaging with only a little fear. I will still be cautious. Zeph thinks
Then Zeph strolls into the caged room humming a little ditty he picked up from Sebastian. He immediately looks to the floor and ceiling for signs of traps as he searches through the bookshelves. He walks through the shelves in the caged room with supreme caution, stopping to read any signs that could signify what section of books he is in. He runs his fingers on the floor and bookshelves, trying to get a feel for how old the place is.
He also keeps an eye out for any interesting books pertaining to magic or treasures that he could... borrow.
(Will save = 21 Spot= 24 Search = 21 Listen = 20. holy crud I am doing well today!)
DM Kathy Wednesday August 13th, 2008 11:54:44 PM Rollo moves to examine the books. Five of them are in languages you don't know. One of the others is an early history of the region. Another includes incredibly detailed drawings and diagrams of birds, bats, dragons, and other flying creatures. Its text describes the theory of flight, using barely-comprehensible terms like "lift" and "thrust." One of the books that burst open proves to be the Life of Sir Haakharn, a rather well-known tale favored by moral and lawful types. This edition, however, is very old, and includes illustrations you have never seen before. Another book is an extensive catalog of underground dangers, including slimes, oozes, strange fungi, and fierce-looking humanoids with grey skin and no eyes. The last book you can read is a diary of some kind.
Sebastian gets the idea to Countersong the spell. His first attempt fails, but his second try is more successful and he is able to remain in the cage.
More importantly, as long as he keeps the Countersong going, his friends can enter the cage, too.
[OOC: Countersong allows the entire party to substitute Sebastian's Perform check (18) for their Will save. This means anybody can waltz into the cage.]
Hmark walks into the cage, and is able to remain there, thanks to the Countersong.
Zeph is also able to re-enter.
[OOC: You saw nothing interesting with your first Spot check (the 14). Each time you enter the cage, the spell is cast again. Since it is a fresh casting of a spell, and not a creature's special ability, a new save is required each time. In much the same way, if Axara cast the same spell twice in one combat at the same target, he'd need to make his save each time.]
Zeph does some searching around. He finds the Book of the Guided Way, lying on its side in a stack of other books. He also glances onto an upper shelf and sees something that looks like a magic wand.
Zeph Thursday August 14th, 2008 12:24:41 AM Well. Before I touch that I will look for traps, as usual. Zeph thinks to himself.
Zeph will spend 2 minutes searching the area around the Book of the Guided Way and the wandy item. (take 20 = 29) If all is satisfied and safe, he will grab the book and the wand and show them to his companions.
"Wow. maybe we got all worked up for nothing. It still boggles me that the only thing keeping robbers out of this section is a lame expelling trap. I would have at least Polymorphed someone if it was my book collection I was protecting. Zeph says to the group.
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Thursday August 14th, 2008 1:54:33 AM
Rollo will gather up the books he can read and stuff them in his pack using a mending spell on The Life of Sir Haakharn before packing it away.
Well, at least there will be something to read on the road.
Rollo notices that more people have entered the cage.
"Find anything?Catapults?"
Hmark Thursday August 14th, 2008 8:31:35 AM
Hmark shrugs at Zeph's comment. "When they cast the spells, they figured there'd always be people here," he reasons. "Betcha there's an alarm going off in an empty room somewhere, too."
With the rogue's discovery of the Guided Way, the brown eyed human leaves the cage, and gets ready to leave. He plainly expects the others will do the same.
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Thursday August 14th, 2008 10:29:18 AM
Axara claps when she hears that he finally found the good book. "Great Job Zeph. You surely are a heck of tracker. I think you should be the one carrying the good book as your smart and skills were key at finding it. Regarding the wand, let's take it and I will identify it as soon as I can put my hand on a pearl."
She smiles as Hmark passes her out of the room. "Now that we found the book, who is game about taking a look at that skeleton?
Sebastian [AC:16, hp:17]CharSheetParty Loot List: Thursday August 14th, 2008 11:22:29 AM
Sebastian continues to recite his counter-song poetry.
"The cage is out of bounds Full of big interesting books The teachers are full of frowns When ever we go for a few looks
But when the teachers are gone And it is only the six of us around We sneak right in and ring the gong still we search until the book is found."
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Thursday August 14th, 2008 11:51:03 AM
Rollo smiles at the news of the books discovery.
"Excellent! Problem solved. Shall we head back, or test our luck?"
DM Kathy Friday August 15th, 2008 12:49:31 AM Zeph searches, but finds no traps on the books or the wand, so he retrieves both. He makes a few contemptuous remarks about the protections provided--forgetting, perhaps, that he disabled a magical trap on the way in, and still doesn't know what it would have done if triggered.
Rollo tries to fix one of the broken books with a Mending spell, but the damage is too extensive. It's going to need a Make Whole. Or a really good bookbinder. He puts the pages, and the five other books he could read, into his backpack.
Sebastian continues his Countersong.
Hmark and Axara seem to expect that the party will leave, now that they have the book.
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] d20+9=13 ; Friday August 15th, 2008 9:51:59 AM
Assuming the group decides to leave the library, Axara will go to the skeleton, asking for Selemar, Zeph and Hmark to come with her if they want. She hopes that the ranger and druid can provide some light on the type of monster and how it died. She will herself uses her knowledge of Arcana to try to shed some information on the monster type. Sadly, it soes not ring a bell (skill check = 13).
Hmark d20+2=16 ; d3=1 ; d20+2=9 ; Friday August 15th, 2008 2:00:04 PM
Lacking anything else to do, Hmark goes with Axara. The archer leans up against a handy wall, watching the shapely sorceress poke about the monster skeleton, and occasionally even shooting a glance or two at the nearby windows and alleyways.
[Listen 16, Spot 9]
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Friday August 15th, 2008 2:05:06 PM
Rollo follows the group as it heads down to examine the bones. He gives it a quick look his hand clutching his hook hammer. He taps the giant skull with his foot bouncing away quickly, and when it fails to move, he relaxes.
"I think we can all breathe easier. It's dead."
Sebastian [AC:16, hp:17]CharSheetParty Loot List: d20+4=15 ; d20+6=10 ; Friday August 15th, 2008 3:24:13 PM
Realizing that his audience is leaving or has left, Sebastian exits the cage and stops his counter song, to the nearly empty room he bows and comments to no one ”Your welcome.”
The bard then heads downstairs to look at the monster skeleton (knowledge check (which ever is needed arcane, nature, religion, planes): 15 or bardic knowledge: 10 )
Zeph d20+4=23 ; d20+5=11 ; d20+4=8 ; Friday August 15th, 2008 9:27:56 PM
(OOC: Yeah. I did forget I disarmed a trap already. I didn't mean to offend you, DMKathy.=)
Zeph walks with the group down to the large skeleton and begins to examine it as if he were examining an intricate trap.
"I must have read something about it." Zeph says as he looks at the skull.
Zeph tries to look out for any signs of life in the compound, but it seems that the large pile of bones has grabbed his curiosity firmly enough to distract him for a second.
After examining the skeleton, Zeph says to the group, "Would anyone else be up for searching a few more houses? I have a feeling that there could be more valuables here that could aid us in our quest to destroy this book."
(Knowledge, whichever is most applicable, arcane, nature, religion, planes, history, dungeoneering = 23 Spot = 11 listen = 8)
Kiel Longarm d20+3=16 ; d20+9=25 ; d20+7=14 ; d20+7=20 ; d20+4=6 ; Friday August 15th, 2008 9:33:19 PM
(OOC: I forgot to roll a search check for Zeph. I rolled it here, the result is 25. He wants to search the skeleton to see if there is any sign of what could have slain such a creature.. and any items they could have left behind.)
Kiel sticks with the group and keeps an eye to the ground, looking for tracks. He then examines the corpse with everyone, trying to remember if it is anything he has encountered in the past.
"I don't like being out in the open like this too much... and I can also see the value in exploring a couple of buildings. We found a wand in the bookshelves, we may find more in other places." Kiel says as he looks at the windows of the neighboring buildings, keeping an eye out for signs of life.
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