DM Kathy Sunday August 17th, 2008 10:51:11 PM
At Axara's suggestion, you make your way across the courtyard to look at the bones. It is still raining, but you avoid the worst of it by using the covered walkways.
When you reach the bones, those with applicable training search their memories for accounts of anything like this, but you come up blank. [OOC: Zeph rolled high, but does not have ranks in Knowledge: Arcana. If you are not trained in a Knowledge skill, the highest result you can get is a 10, which is not high enough in this case.] Kiel is fairly certain this is not a natural creature.
Hmark keeps his eyes and ears open, but sees nothing but the rain.
You have what you came for, but Zeph and Kiel seem to want to explore some more. What other treasures might lie hidden here?
Hmark Monday August 18th, 2008 8:13:40 AM
Hmakr appreciates the sight of Axara bending forward trying to examine the skeleton. Once the group realizes that they cannot deduct much from the pile of bones, Hmakr suggests they take a look at other buildings.
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Monday August 18th, 2008 8:16:04 AM
Axara tries but cannot deduct anything from the skeleton. "I am sorry guys. I am drawing a blank here. I thought I could get a sense what exactly did here but I cannot tell. Sorry.
After Zeph and Hmark suggests they go exploring, Axara smiles "Great idea gentlemen. If we get lucky, we could find other magical goodies such as the wand. Zeph, pick a building and we will follow. "
Sebastian [AC:16, hp:17]CharSheetParty Loot List: Monday August 18th, 2008 10:21:21 AM
Sebastian shrugs at the unknown skeleton and continues on with the group.
Kiel Longarm *ac18 hp26* Monday August 18th, 2008 10:52:44 AM
After the multiple attempts to identify the skeleton, to no avail, and the willingness to explore some of the other ruins, Kiel suggests: Lets hit that building. pointing to the 3 story structure Not only will it have the possibility of treasure but from the top floor we can get a good look of the surrounding area.
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] d20+3=4 ; Monday August 18th, 2008 12:15:45 PM "I'm always up for adventure, but isn't there some sorta evil we need to stop before it kills off our family and friends? I mean based on the condition of those books the treasure that's here has been here for some time and will remain here.Just a thought."
Rollo will do what ever the group deems best, he was brought here to assure the young ones make it out alive after all.
Zeph d20+9=13 ; d20+5=18 ; d20+4=10 ; d20+7=24 ; d20+7=14 ; Monday August 18th, 2008 6:57:28 PM
(OOC: Woah. Kiel is back. Woot. Um. DMKathy, can you please post the map again? )
"Didn't we just check the 3-story building (building number 6. That is where we got this book from." Zeph says nudging his backpack where the book lays.
"I think maybe I would like to explore the two-story structure next to the collapsed chapel (building 8). I also wouldn't mind looking in the collapsed building to see what made it fall down. I'm... curious. I already checked building 2 and 3 when we first got here and they were quite mundane." Zeph says, looking around the courtyard and looking through the bones one last time.
Then Zeph will start walking towards building 8, attempting to remain unseen by anyone who may be in the premises.
DM Kathy Monday August 18th, 2008 11:03:43 PM
[OOC: The monastery map is linked from our Woldipedia page, which is linked from this page. I'd like you guys to get into the habit of checking the Woldipedia page for any resources you may need. If it's not on the Woldipedia page, then by all means poke me. :) ]
Hmark seconds the idea of exploring more and looking for more treasure. Axara seems inclined to agree.
Rollo reminds the group that they are on a mission, but is willing to go with the majority.
Kiel, perhaps a bit turned around, suggests looking out from the library the group just left. Zeph overrules him, and begins heading toward Building 8.
Building 8 is made of stone, as are all the other buildings. It has large windows on the ground floor, and double doors on all four sides. Zeph looked through the windows when you first arrived, and saw empty rooms. You can all look through the windows again today, and see the same empty rooms.
Hmark (Alain subbing) Tuesday August 19th, 2008 8:03:29 AM
Hmark follows Zeph towards Building #8. The former farm boy keeps an eye open for any potential danger lurking in these ruins. His only distraction is the occasional look at Axara bodily curve. Fortunately for the group and unfortunately for Hmark enjoyment, the sorceress robe is not bery fitted and leaves a lot to his imagination.
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Tuesday August 19th, 2008 8:06:47 AM
Axara follows Zeph, lost in her thoughts. She is quite upset with herself at her lack of knowledge and ability to provide some clue on the nature of the dead beast. "I have been quite useless so far. A few magic missiles in the fight which the tanks owned. A series of dire warning about a magic mouth. Yep I am adding a lot of value. NOT! May be Selemar is right. MAy be I should switch to entertainment."
Sebastian [AC:16, hp:17]CharSheetParty Loot List: Tuesday August 19th, 2008 9:57:45 AM
Enthusiastically Sebastian speaks up, ”uh, I don’t think check out one more building would be too time consuming while were here, besides it raining and half the day is gone already. We can’t start back yet, so we might as well do some more searching.” The bard follows Hmark and Zeph to building #8.
Selemar Tuesday August 19th, 2008 9:59:38 AM dear gods, I agree with Rollo. We should probably leave. Our goal should be too important to waste time here. Still, they're humans, and it's probably easier to get this over with.
"Lango, come on. I'd hate for you to get lost. I'd be heartbroken. I'd probably never be able to find a wolf so wonderful, and would have to make due with something else. I'll have to think of what..." The druid and elf follow the group, with hints about bears being delivered from time to time
Kiel Longarm *ac18 hp26* Tuesday August 19th, 2008 11:12:02 AM I agree with Sebastion. Half the day is spent, its raining yet again, and we already have a feel for this place. We might as well stay here, examine some of these buildings, spend the night being dry then head out in the morning.
Besides, something tells me this adventure to get the book destroyed is going to take a lot longer than some of you might think. If my memory serves me right, everytime some adventuring troupe has some powerful magic item that has to be destroyed, they have a long and arduous set of tasks to go through before it can be completed and I have a strong inkling that that will be our dilemma as well.
Passing Hmark to catch up with Zeph, Kiel lightly smacks him on the back of his head and with a smirk as he passes him says: Get your mind on the task and off the lass. There will be plenty of time for oogling her later.
My money is on her that she'll ring your neck when she realizes what you're doing to her in your thoughts, Kiel thinks.
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Tuesday August 19th, 2008 1:56:50 PM Time is merely one issue. Unnecessarily putting the only source of salvation in harms way is another. For people so concerned with stealth they sure seem eager to find trouble. Like seeing how many times you can poke a rabid mongoose before it turns and bits you. Perhaps this is their condition? Perhaps if I bring a little trouble their way it will sate the need to find it long enough for the return home.
The gnome turns to Kiel, "Are you attempting to avoid the quest ahead? If it is long and arduous the sooner we start the better I say."
Rollo shrugs, and walks over to building #8 and knocks on the door. "Anyone home?"
Kiel Longarm *ac18 hp26* Tuesday August 19th, 2008 5:03:49 PM
Replying to the gnome: Unlike some people, before going forward, I would like to make sure there is nothing behind me to bite me on the arse. And is 1/2 a day really going to kill you?
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Tuesday August 19th, 2008 5:57:06 PM "It won't be killing me. Our family and friends are the ones we need to be worried about."
Zeph d20+9=10 ; d20+7=16 ; d20+7=14 ; d20+5=22 ; d20+4=6 ; Tuesday August 19th, 2008 6:42:36 PM
Zeph watches the gnome knock on the door with surprise as he is trying to examine the door for traps.
Urg. Why did I think he would understand the concept of subtlety? Zeph thinks as he jumps under the nearest window, trying to see if he can sneak in without anyone noticing him.
Zeph will try to go in through the window and remain hidden, then he will wait if someone shows up for him to ambush. If not, then he will begin exploring the first floor.
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Tuesday August 19th, 2008 9:49:12 PM
Hmark reacts as Rollo announces the group to the closed door " Hey mate ... do you think that .." He feels a hand on his arm and turns his end. It is Axara.
The sorcerer smiles "Don't. I know the gnome does not make any sense but they never do. Somehow we are still alive and his intentions are probably good if not incomprehensible. Plus I expect that any monster would be not to smart as we have been around for a while ... unless we are about to awake a sleeping evil ..." she lets her voice trails as she falls again in her thoughts of danger and incredible evil.
Hmark looks at her smiling. The man has stopped listening to her after "don't" He is losing himself in her hair, her face, her eyes, her smile, her mouth. Good for him that Axara is lost in her own thought to notice that Hmark eyes have started at the top of her head and are slowly but surely lowering themselves toward her chest.
DM Kathy Tuesday August 19th, 2008 10:56:06 PM
You decide to do some exploring, some of you eagerly, some against your better judgement.
To Zeph's disgust, Rollo simply marches up to the door and knocks. There is no answer.
Eventually, you go in and explore this building. It has wide hallways and large rooms. Those of you with formal education can easily recognize classrooms, although they are devoid of furniture.
You continue your explorations, and find that Building 7 is a toolshed, Building 10 is a residence, and Building 4 is an infirmary. You find a few scattered tokens of the former inhabitants, but nothing of value.
You are not attacked, and you set off no traps. The sun is setting by the time you finish exploring.
Building 9, the unstable one, is the only building left unexplored. If you decide to go in there, please make some Reflex saves.
Hmark Wednesday August 20th, 2008 9:41:03 AM
Hmark breathes a little easier when Rollo risky move does not result in any danger. After going through the buildign and finding them empty, the man realizes that probably previous adventurers have cleaned up the ruins and that it will be time to go back to Madam Dulcet.
He takes his turn on the watch hoping to not be thinking about Axara as he stands alone in the dark but the sorceress face keep coming back to his mind.
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Wednesday August 20th, 2008 9:43:01 AM
Axara follows the group and after finding nothing in three buldings decides not to go in the unstable building. She will take the last watch with Ziel.
[hr]
OOC: This is my last post for this week for Hmark and Axara. MikeK will return next week and play Hmark and sub for Axara
Kiel Longarm *ac18 hp26* d20+4=6 ; d20+3=15 ; d20+7=8 ; Wednesday August 20th, 2008 11:25:29 AM
After the thorough search of all the buildings not in disrepair (ie not fixing to fall down on our heads) and the group sets up a camp in one of the buildings, Kiel will affix a couple extra blankets to make a wall so Axara has a little privacy for changing. Then, Kiel changes into drier clothing, hanging up his wet ones and settles in for a restful (hopefully) night.
Rising on his shift, he stuffs his dry clothes in his pack, (to be washed at a later date) eats a snack, and assumes standard watch operations.
Listen: 6 Search: 15 Spot: 8
Sebastian [AC:16, hp:17]CharSheetParty Loot List: d20+6=23 ; d20+6=8 ; d20+9=17 ; d20+9=21 ; Wednesday August 20th, 2008 12:03:22 PM
After the group settles in to the rooms they are camping in, Sebastion ask ”Zeph, can I examine the book and wand?”
If allowed, the bard will first examine them to see if he has any information on them (bardic knowledge for wand: 23, book: 8). Then he will cast a detect magic to try and determine if they are magical and if so what type of magic (spellcraft on wand: 17, book: 21). If the book has no magic aura on it Sebastion will look through it to see if it has the information on how to destroy the cursed book.
Once that is done, Sebastian will rest until the last watch which he stands guard.
Kiel Longarm *ac18 hp26* Wednesday August 20th, 2008 12:55:28 PM
**ooc Sorry for this interruption but I was looking at everyones character sheet on woldipedia and I had to say this to Adam, your drawing of this group on your sheet is Hilarious. And awesome! Thanks for making me smile. ... If you havent seen it, go click on Rollo's sheet, scroll down to just before his background and check it out.**
Edited per player request. --Al
Zeph d20+5=20 ; d20+4=5 ; Wednesday August 20th, 2008 7:55:21 PM My caution may slow down the group now... but I feel it may save the groups' life in the future... but perhaps I should take a page out of the Gnome's book. Zeph thinks to himself.
Zeph will read his book on magic in the down time.
"Of course you can check them out, Sebastian... I gotta learn that detect magic trick of yours." Zeph says.
"I was surprised by how uneventful our quest has been thusfar. I was expecting... more..." Zeph says, thinking hard about something.
Zeph will take his watch whenever.
(spot = 20 Listen = 5)
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Wednesday August 20th, 2008 8:23:07 PM
Rollo looks at the rickety building. "If anyone intends to inspect that building I would suggest not taking the books in with you. I forgot my shovel."
Rollo will take his turn in the watch rotation when we set up camp for the night.
Zeph d20+5=20 ; d20+4=5 ; Wednesday August 20th, 2008 10:46:51 PM My caution may slow down the group now... but I feel it may save the groups' life in the future... but perhaps I should take a page out of the Gnome's book. Zeph thinks to himself.
Zeph will read his book on magic in the down time.
"Of course you can check them out, Sebastian... I gotta learn that detect magic trick of yours." Zeph says.
"I was surprised by how uneventful our quest has been thusfar. I was expecting... more..." Zeph says, thinking hard about something.
Zeph will take his watch whenever.
(spot = 20 Listen = 5)
DM Kathy Wednesday August 20th, 2008 11:58:07 PM
Your explorations done, you return to your indoor camp and set watches.
Sebastian takes some time to examine your finds. He learns that the Book of the Guided Way is not magical, and that the wand has a faint Transmutation aura. Reading the book is slow going; it is written in an archaic form of Common, and most of its lessons seem allegorical rather than straightforward. He tentatively decides that destroying the Codex will involve fire and some kind of venom. And mercy, though he's not sure how that enters into it.
The night is uneventful. You awaken to a chilly morning, but for a wonder, it isn't actually raining at the moment.
The question before you is whether to explore some more, or return with your find.
Zeph d20+9=27 ; d20+5=23 ; d20+7=8 ; d20+5=11 ; d20+4=15 ; d20+4=7 ; Thursday August 21st, 2008 12:38:58 AM
Zeph wakes up and tells the group, "I'm going to check the broken-down building. I want to know what happened there. It must have been a battle from the group that came before us. Any of you can come with if you wish." Zeph says, matter of factly.
Zeph walks to the broken down building and begins to tiptoe his way through the wreckage. Zeph searches for anything he can find as a clue to what happened in the past here.
There must be a connection between those bones and this building and the reason why this place is abandoned. The compound seems to be some sort of training academy based on the voice in the library... How could I have grown up here and not know anything about this? Zeph thinks
(Reflex save = 23 Search = 27 Spot= 11 Listen = 15 Knowledge local = 7)
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Thursday August 21st, 2008 10:48:10 AM
Rollo wakes up and flips through the book on the early history of the region seeing if the monastery or this site is even mentioned. This is just casual curiosity like looking your name up in the county census, or dictionary.
He waits patiently for the others to get ready to leave.
Sebastian [AC:16, hp:17]CharSheetParty Loot List: d20+4=15 ; d20+4=23 ; d20+4=18 ; Thursday August 21st, 2008 10:59:45 AM
(The Parry sketch in Rollo’s character sheet is great!).
In the morning, Sebastian tells the other of what he has leaned about the wand and book. ”The wand could enhance some aspect of a person such as strength, size, or one of number of things. The book was interesting; perhaps Lady Dulcet can understand it better. But my best guess is we’ll need to milk the poison from wyverns without killing them. Then burn the book in a pool of burning poison? It should only take the poison from about two hundred wyverns, I would think?” the bard tries to keep a striate face to see if anyone buys his embellishment.
Later when Zeph insist on searching the unexplored building, Sebastian will go to watch him, but not enter the building himself, ”Zeph, It looks pretty dangerous in there are you sure you should be doing that?”
While standing outside the broken-down building, Sebatian will examine the building trying to determine why it has been ruin (Knowledge Engineering: 15, Nature: 23, Arcana: 18) , is it old age, damage from a battle, fire, earthquake, or giant terminates?
Selemar Thursday August 21st, 2008 11:11:48 AM
"Did anyone grow up on a farm? I'm not sure how you milk a cow, so I might not be ready for a wyvern."
Kiel Longarm *ac18 hp26* Thursday August 21st, 2008 7:34:33 PM
Kiel eats a hearty breakfast then repacks his gear and gets ready to head out.
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] d20+7=12 ; d20+7=17 ; d20+3=21 ; d20+4=24 ; Thursday August 21st, 2008 7:41:12 PM
After eating a hearty breakfast and repacking his gear, Kiel heads out and enjoys the respite in the weather. Checks the ground for fresh tracks (other than ours) and then goes into scout mode for the journey back home. Securing his weapons for ease of access.
DM Kathy Friday August 22nd, 2008 12:08:28 AM
In the morning, Rollo and Kiel are ready to leave, but Zeph's curiosity gets the better of him. He goes over to explore the ruined building.
He ends up going through the partly-collapsed front door. Its lintel leans at a drunken angle, and its supports are splayed in opposite directions. It holds, though, and Zeph slips inside. It is dark, and Zeph can hear water dripping in a dozen places. From what he can tell, the lower floor seems to be one open, unbroken space, which may explain why this building has collapsed more than others.
As he moves about, the vibrations of his steps set off a small avalanche from the ceiling above. Fortunately, Zeph is able to jump back out of the way. Rock dust begins sifting into the air, accompanied by the tiny plink-plink of pebbles falling.
[OOC: If you decide to do some more exploring, make some more reflex saves.]
Standing outside, Sebastian also turns his thoughts to why the building collapsed. As far as he can tell, the causes are structural; the building tumbled in under its own weight. It's possible that a heavy load on the roof could have contributed. Learning from Zeph (presumably) that the lower floor appears to be one large open space, Sebstian is more sure than ever that this building collapsed because its weight exceeded its ability to bear it.
Scouting the trail, Kiel can tell from the sound that the river below is running high, doubtless from all the rain. Other than that, everything appears the same as when you arrived.
Selemar Friday August 22nd, 2008 9:01:18 AM
"have we had enough excitement here? We've got the book, so we are closer to saving our homes. I'd say it's time to leave."
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] Friday August 22nd, 2008 11:50:19 AM
Whistles for Zeph and Sebastian to group up.
Finish up what you're doing, we leave in 15 minutes
Kiel will sit, conserving his energy for the arduous journey home.
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Friday August 22nd, 2008 12:05:02 PM
Rollo continues to read until the group is ready to leave.
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Friday August 22nd, 2008 12:08:21 PM
Rollo will switch from the history book to the diary, first checking how recent the last entry was.
Zeph Friday August 22nd, 2008 4:13:18 PM
Zeph emerges from the broken-down building and begins to pat dust off of himself.
"Fine by me. Lets get out of this place." Zeph says, thoroughly disappointed by the lack of excitement... and loot.. found in the compound.
Hmark Friday August 22nd, 2008 5:07:46 PM
Hmark pipes up at Selemar's 'farm' question. "Milking is the easy part...its keeping the end with all the teeth away while you're doing it that's tricky."
The archer is more than ready to head out.
Axara (Sub MikeK) Friday August 22nd, 2008 5:10:01 PM
Despite her very reasonable expections, there does in fact seem to be nothing else of interest here. Its quite frustrating. Why practically anybody could have come here and retrieved Dulcet's book.
Axara nods her assent. It is time to go back.
Sebastian [AC:16, hp:17]CharSheetParty Loot List: Saturday August 23rd, 2008 12:49:49 PM
Sebastian shrugs and follows the others back down the trail, commenting to Axara "Perhaps practically any person could have procured the particle book, but we were available and supposedly chasing a thief into the wilds who took the cursed book." the bard pats the sack which he is carrying the lead box with said book in it.
DM Kathy Sunday August 24th, 2008 10:18:42 PM Rollo takes a look at the diary. The first entries date from about 60 years ago. He doesn't have much time to look at it, however.
Zeph, finding nothing of interest, agrees to leave. Well before mid-morning, you are on your way.
Axara is, perhaps, a little discouraged that there wasn't more of a challenge, but for now she keeps her disappointment to herself.
Sebastian is carrying the lead box containing the Vaaphryn Codex, and Zeph carries the Book of the Guided Way.
[OOC: is that correct? If not, please let me know who is carrying what.]
You leave the monastery and cross the river. You start back up the road traversing the face of the cliff. It is not raining, but the countryside is still very wet.
You still have not reached the washed-out section of road when you hear an ominous rumble. Looking up, you see part of the hillside sliding down toward your group.
[Everyone make a Reflex save, DC 15. If you fail, make another Reflex save, DC 10.]
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] d20+5=15 ; Monday August 25th, 2008 12:26:46 AM
Reflex: 15
Gets ready to take off running from the landslide. Should I notice someone faltering will do my best to assist them. If noone falters, takes off.
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] d20+2=16 ; Monday August 25th, 2008 2:09:11 AM
Rollo hears the rumble and reacts.
Reflex:16
Zeph d20+5=9 ; d20+5=9 ; Monday August 25th, 2008 2:30:57 AM
Zeph apparently is caught unawares and does not react fast enough to the landslide!
Selemar d20+5=9 ; d20+5=16 ; Monday August 25th, 2008 8:39:25 AM
Reflex 9 2nd attempt 16
"guard those tomes!"
Sebastian [AC:16, hp:17]CharSheetParty Loot List: d20+4=7 ; d20+4=13 ; Monday August 25th, 2008 9:19:50 AM
As the group leaves the monastery, Sebastian looks back at the buildings and shakes his head sadly, ”All those books just rotting away without anyone to care for them. No telling how much knowledge will be lost once they are gone.”
While crossing the washed-out road section Sebastian looks up as the hillside gives way, ”Noooo!!!” (reflex Save: 7 & 13) The bard is caught in the path of the mud slide.
Axara (Sub MikeK) d20+3=5 ; d20+3=6 ; Monday August 25th, 2008 4:03:05 PM
Axara's attention is focused inward. This is simply too much. Here I am, trying to BE somebody, and I've been totally useless!
The sorceress peers at her feet as she walks along, working up her resolve to be the lynchpin of the group the next time she is needed. Lost in her thoughts, she barely notices the group around her until..
What IS that confounded noise?
Axara looks up, and her eyes widen. Half the hill descends upon the transfixed woman.
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