The Self-Cleaning Dungeon [DM Jeff] d20+20=23 ; d20+20=29 ; d20+20=28 ; d20+20=27 ; d20+20=31 ; d20+20=23 ; Monday January 11th, 2010 4:37:48 AM Echlhin, using perhaps the oddest form of transporation the Knights have ever tried, is carried over the gaping chasm by one of the earth elementals. The other even acts as a back-up, ready to catch the Grim.
Plyf stands next to the pedestal, wrapped in silence. It takes a few seconds for them to communicate what they want, but Echlhin ends up holding the old Crystal and Plyf with the new one. And, not really having anything else to do, Plyf replaces it.
---
The entire room goes completely dark for a moment. Plyf and Echlhin feel their magic turn back on and can make out the subtle, but reassuring, noises around them again. Those with Dark Vision see nothing to be alarmed about. The room is, as it was a few moments ago.
The walls start to glow softly, first at random, then patterns start to form on them. They may be words, but they move far too fast to be read. All that can be caught are glimpses; dozens of different languages, some the Knights know and others the Knights do not. Eventually, the walls are simply glowing sufficiently to be considered proper lightning again.
The signs of battle around the room start to disappear. Marks on the floor and wall fade away. Damage to the guardians, as difficult to detect as it is, starts to be healed. The chasm between the various group members starts to be filled in with a floor. Before it is completely filled, the elementals escape.
All of the Knights are hit by a Heal spell from the walls themselves. [SR Checks: Vedik 23, Echlhin 29, Monthor 28, Plyf 27, Dwight 31, Tratain 23]
It seems the plan worked...
---
No longer in combat rounds.
Vedik AC 32 (16 touch) HP 191/191 Character SheetSpells Monday January 11th, 2010 11:01:42 AM
"Huh" the old dwarf states flatly.
He scratches his nose and looks around.
"Well, that was a heal spell, and I saw nothing dangerous in it."
He calls out loudly "Hello?"
OOC Vedik's spell resistance resists the heal spell. Go me!
Shapechange (Extended 6 hours cast at start of star fight) Astral Deva Form: Damage reduction 10/evil, darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision, immunity to acid, cold, and petrification, protective aura, resistance to electricity 10 and fire 10, spell resistance 30, tongues, uncanny dodge
Plyf (AC:32 ; HP:114/134) 1 Magic Vestment, Greater Magic Weapon, Monday January 11th, 2010 1:34:06 PM It seems...
Plyf remains unconvinced for some time, until they leave the area and go back upstairs, that they are out of danger.
"Alrighty then. I suppose this was one of my first real tests outside of my day job. Boy do I suck! I guess I better learn to work better under pressure."
MonthorHit Points:(213 of 213) AC 40 Monday January 11th, 2010 8:23:52 PM
"Now what?"
Dwight hp 160/160, ac 33(touch 25) Monday January 11th, 2010 8:50:17 PM
"Wwwwwooww," exaggerates Dwight. "Did everything jussst click back into place like it was sssuppossse to? I mussst sssay, I float here in disssbelief -- then again if the nice folksss above have turned into hideousss monssstersss, which I hope to be falssse I can't sssay I would be sssurprisssed."
"Ssshall we return to the sssurface?"
Dwight not having any spell resistance takes the full brunt of the Heal spell. :-/
Echlhin AC 34 (Touch 28/34 vs. Incorp.) HP 191 of 191 Monday January 11th, 2010 11:45:59 PM
Echlhin agrees with Monthor's simple statement. He thanks the elementals for their assistance before their departure and thinks it may be time to return to figuring out what to do, if anything, with the "thing" upstairs.
Now What? [DM Jeff] Tuesday January 12th, 2010 4:01:08 AM
The elementals fade away, the Knights are healed, and the room is quiet. Monthor and Echlhin ask the important question of "Now What?". With the general silence of an empty dungeon all around them, the Knights are fairly certain that they are safe. No troves of treasure await the Knights here, it seems. Perhaps MOM may have some guidance for the Knights.
MonthorHit Points:(213 of 213) AC 40 Tuesday January 12th, 2010 7:58:02 AM
"... let's go see MOM... " ooc> Where's our leader?
Plyf (AC:32 ; HP:114/134) 1 Magic Vestment, Greater Magic Weapon, d20+16=22 ; Tuesday January 12th, 2010 1:52:26 PM
Plyf is in deep thought as she begins to compose the song that will be born from this adventure as she rejoins the group and travels upstairs with the others. She takes the lead, still searching for anything that may endanger them.
Search: 22
Vedik AC 41 (16 touch) HP 191/191 Character SheetSpells Tuesday January 12th, 2010 10:04:25 PM
Vedik takes a moment to refresh his magic vestments, using drops from his container.
He then looks down the hall. "I guess we go back up."
Shapechange (Extended 6 hours cast at start of star fight) Astral Deva Form: Damage reduction 10/evil, darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision, immunity to acid, cold, and petrification, protective aura, resistance to electricity 10 and fire 10, spell resistance 30, tongues, uncanny dodge
TratainCurrent Spells HP 219/249 AC 44 Tuesday January 12th, 2010 10:34:02 PM
Tratain says "I agree, everything seems to be ok here now. Lets head back up and see how things are on the surface."
A Whole New MOM [DM Jeff] Wednesday January 13th, 2010 3:58:45 AM
The Knights make the relatively short journey back upstairs. Plyf finds nothing, which would normally be of no note, except that she literally finds nothing. Even a few minutes prior she was certain she had seen dust or debris or anything to show that the place was in disrepair. But now everything was perfectly clean and intact. Powerful magics indeed.
When the Knights make the climb up the stairs back into the "temple" building, they find that their surroundings are very different. The room once held little but wooden benches and small alters. Now, it has been transformed into a splendid meeting hall. Chairs and tables, beautifully made, are spread all around. A raised platform, clearly made for speaking and presenting from. The walls are adorned with paintings of various events that the Knights know little about: an unarmored man readying himself for a coming army; various women and men, looking proud; even someone who looks quite similar to the Elder Maldar that the Knights met previously. And finally, largest of all the paintings and behind the platform where all could see, are the Gray Knights holding up a Star Crystal. And around the group are streams of water and full, flourish trees.
"What do you think?" The voice is heard before the Knights manage to see MOM, but then the odd figure appears next to the group. "Dramatic license was taken, but I think it will serve as a reminder to the Tribe of the good you've done here. And the good you've done for me. Thank you. I apologize for my behaviour before. It appears that my originally programming had tied my emotional state to that of the Star Crystal as a warning measure, in case other signs of the degrading magic went unnoticing, my... irritable side was to alert people to a problem with the Crystal. I have negated that particular effect and it shouldn't happen again."
"Now, who is hungry?"
Plyf (AC:32 ; HP:114/134) 1 Magic Vestment, Greater Magic Weapon, Wednesday January 13th, 2010 4:52:52 PM
Plyf likes the groups rendering, but much greatly appreciates MOM's new demeanor. "You caught my good side. How sweet of you!"
Plyf runs out to the door way and looks outside to see what types of changes may have occurred in the protected magical dome. Looking back she replies, "Some of your local fare please. I do so enjoy exotic things."
She places her index finger on that delicate little jaw she has and goes into thought for a moment. "I do believe, this is a harp moment."
With that she casts a spell and a small, generic harp appears in her hand. She rests herself nearby and begins to play softly.
Cast Summon Instrument.
MonthorHit Points:(213 of 213) AC 40 Wednesday January 13th, 2010 8:10:11 PM
" Now yar talking me language! Let's EAT!!!"
Dwight hp 160/160, ac 33(touch 25) Wednesday January 13th, 2010 10:02:43 PM
Dwight smiles at his floating depiction, content that that treasure, generations from now will be worth more than anything they could have found.
"Food would be greatly appreciated asss a halfling can alwaysss take jussst one more bite. But before we eat, could we invite your dependentsss into the fessstivitiesss? It ssseemsss they have ssstruggled much more of your low-fueled attitude than we did. And they certainly could ussse the food."
TratainCurrent Spells HP 219/249 AC 44 Wednesday January 13th, 2010 10:32:56 PM
Tratain says "I agree with Dwight, now that everything seems to be up and running well again are the people taken care of? If they are we can sit down and relax and plan what to do next. The Son's of Dread are supposed to be around here somewhere."
Celebrate Good Times [DM Jeff] Thursday January 14th, 2010 3:52:09 AM
Tratain and Dwight both think of the Tribe before themselves, which brings a smile to MOM. "Things will take a while to recover before the Tribe is able to properly support themselves. Some trees will need to be replanted. Animals will need time to replenish themselves. The Star Crystal will move things along considerably, but if I rush it too much then the flora and fauna will not be sustainable. For now, they will be magically provided for."
MOM leads the Knights outside where changes are already visible. Trees that looked sickly are have green on them. Animals can be heard. And there are tables as far as the the Knights can see, filled with food. The entire Tribe is gathered, feasting and enjoying themselves. Thousands of people, having what can only be described as a party. Maldar, the elder with whom the Knights met before, seeings the group and waves them to seats.
Vedik AC 24 (13 touch) HP 191/191 Character SheetSpells Thursday January 14th, 2010 9:15:40 AM
"But you will end this protection, and let them out into the world when they are ready for it?" ask Vedik before sitting down to enjoy himself.
He relaxes, returning to Dwarf form for the meal.
OOC: Magic Vestment x2 (20 Hours, CL 20, cast after battle) Shapechange (Extended 6 hours cast at start of star fight) Dwarf form //Astral Deva Form: Damage reduction 10/evil, darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision, immunity to acid, cold, and petrification, protective aura, resistance to electricity 10 and fire 10, spell resistance 30, tongues, uncanny dodge
Plyf (AC:32 ; HP:114/134) 1 Magic Vestment, Greater Magic Weapon, Thursday January 14th, 2010 10:12:50 AM
Plyf is also concerned about the future of these people. It might be a very long time before that crystal runs out, and then what? will they once again slowly starve? MOM needs to teach these people to be self sufficient so that it can conserve it's power for emergencies.
Yet, it is not her culture and who is she to tell people how to live?
"Ooh, that looks good." She reaches over to the bowl of something that looks like fruit.
MonthorHit Points:(213 of 213) AC 40 Thursday January 14th, 2010 3:10:26 PM
Monthor, in his usual fashion, sits and enjoys a well deserved meal. The somewhat scolding words from his teamates doesn't seem to affect Monthor's appetite to much. To a warrior, a meal is a just reward for risking his life. He does wonder however, when someone is going to offer something a bit more... substantial... to compensate the knights.
Dwight hp 160/160, ac 33(touch 25) Thursday January 14th, 2010 8:15:50 PM
During the meal, Dwight remembers that he had collected some of the remains of the fallen warriors. With some reluctance, Dwight looks in his bag hoping not to find the remains still there.
Should the remains still be there, Dwight approaches MOM to see if they can be revived. If not, he speaks with the leader and offers to toast in their honor for pointing in the right direction and forewarning us of dangers surpassed in part due to their honor and bravery.
Once the fallen warrior's remains have been handled properly Dwight finally feels like he can enjoy the party. Filling a plate almost as big as himself, Dwight samples everything he can find.
A Brief Reprieve [DM Jeff] Saturday January 16th, 2010 1:52:23 AM
Dwight does indeed find the remains still in his bag. A hushed tone starts at the near tables and eventually reaches them all. Maldar looks to Dwight with a sadness in his eyes. "We were desperate... And perhaps foolish." A few younger members come from their seats and take the bones with a bow. "Thank you... We will see that they are honored properly."
As the Knights sit down to eat, they look to MOM for promises of taking care of the Tribe in a more longer term fashion. After all, isn't the Star Crystal only really a temporary solution. "You are quite right. They need to be able to survive without my assistance. Then again, my assistance would still be here if the Star Crystal had not been sabotaged..." MOM leans close to the Knights and talks in a very hushed tone. "I am not entirely sure who these Sons of Dread are, but there is something quite unusual going on here. I do not wish to alarm the Tribe. I will meet with you in private two nights from now. Until then, enjoy yourselves as best you can. I do not think you will have much time to relax."
Vedik AC 24 (13 touch) HP 191/191 Character SheetSpells Monday January 18th, 2010 8:32:57 AM
Vedik, relaxed now that that their mission to the Tribe is complete and the Lost Tribe, in time, will no longer be lost, enjoys the food and drink provided.
He spends the two days demonstrating basic crafting techniques to the tribe in preparation for their transition. He also takes some time to recharge the groups wands.
OOC: Plyf: recharge your Cure Critical Wounds wand 1 charge Dwight: Recharge your Cure moderate Wounds 6 charges. Self: Recharge Cure Light wounds to full.
Plyf (AC:32 ; HP:114/134) 1 Magic Vestment, Greater Magic Weapon, Monday January 18th, 2010 10:05:49 AM
Plyf enjoys the food and sits about to entertain as many people as possible. Taking up a position so she can be seen. In the back of her head though, she thinks on the subject of sabotage and the Sons of Dread. Why do people have to be such evil jerks? She can't grasp the idea of wanting to cause other people harm for absolutely no reason except their own maliciousness and morbid machinations.
Plyf (AC:32 ; HP:114/134) 1 Magic Vestment, Greater Magic Weapon, Monday January 18th, 2010 10:06:20 AM
ooc: Thanks for the recharge. I will make a note of it.
Dwight hp 160/160, ac 33(touch 25) d20+21=38 ; d20+3=11 ; Monday January 18th, 2010 6:09:07 PM
Dwight finally sits back and enjoys the food and entertainment. The following day he begins crafting some new arrow shafts and offers some teaching (if wanted) regarding creation of arrows and general tree maintence.
TratainCurrent Spells Monday January 18th, 2010 9:49:39 PM
Tratain takes the two days to rest and restore all his magics. During his free time he travels among the Tribe speaking about the Gods of the wold and seeing if the Tride knows about them. He also helps out around the village where he is able.
Some Teardrops Are Worthwhile [DM Jeff] Tuesday January 19th, 2010 3:56:53 AM
The Knights enjoy themselves over the next couple of days. They mix themselves amongst their own business and helping the Tribe. They find many eager bodies willing to listen to the group pass on their knowledge. Tratain's attempts to discover more about their Gods leads him down a very strange path. The more he talks, the more he is certain that they worship a long dead God. The Knights are able to piece together a timeline and connect the loss of the Tribe's God to the Rise of Gargul. It seems that somehow, this large group of people were simply lost in the cracks. The strange part is the ease with which many Tribe members accept that their God is no longer around. Instead, they to watch Echlhin and Vedik with close eyes. Apparently, Gargul is a close fit for their beliefs. And, more importantly, it appears they are a close fit for Gargul. After the first Knight, some of the Tribe speak of dreams of an ever-watchful eye...
While the days are busy with teaching and learning, the Knights are extravagent affairs. Dancing, feasting, general merryment until the wee hours of the morning. At some point on the third night, the festivities stop and the Knights are brought onto a platform where Maldar stands.
"Long ago, when we Fell from Grace," Maldar begins, and a few of the more brazen voices shout at this idea thanks in part to the revelations of the Knights, "the clouds opened up and He wept for us. His people were no longer worthy of his glory. Those great rains lasted too long; it was not a washing away of pride, but a reminder of our finitude. When the sun finally shone again, we were a new people; a people alone. But to remind us of our Fall, He left us with these." Six tribe-members pull out what appear to be small books and open them. Instead of words and paper, the books hold saphires the size of a human fist. Each is in the shape of a teardrop and each glistens bright. "Whenever we have felt pride in ourselves or believed ourselves too great, we have looked upon His tears to remind ourselves that we are not. But now, we are again a people reborn! Once forgotten for so long, we are now found. Once dying, now rejuvenated. Once alone, now together. You, noble Knights, deserve a prize much greater than we could ever possibly give you, but we hope that these tokens will serve you well..."
Each of the Knights earns 5517 experience. In addition, does anyone want to nominate anyone else for Hero Points?
[OOC: I should note here that we're not going to have very much of a turn-around in between modules. This is partially because Dan and I split a single module into two and also because... SECRET! Ooooh! Secrets!]
MonthorHit Points:(213 of 213) AC 40 Tuesday January 19th, 2010 11:15:37 AM
Nice module Jeff. Some questions: 1. What's the value of the "gifts". 2. I'm assuming we have time to do a catacombs run before the next start up?
Plyf (AC:32 ; HP:114/134) 1 Magic Vestment, Greater Magic Weapon, Tuesday January 19th, 2010 7:33:27 PM
ooc: Put one of my pets to sleep today. I willpost tomorrow.
Dwight hp 160/160, ac 33(touch 25) Tuesday January 19th, 2010 9:46:28 PM
Dwight thanks the locals for such a tremendously generous gift given that their culture has so little in terms of materialistic items.
Echlhin AC 34 (Touch 28/34 vs. Incorp.) HP 191 of 191 Tuesday January 19th, 2010 10:36:22 PM
Echlhin thanks them for their generous gift. He will try and speak with those willing about their dreams. To those who are inquisitive he will also offer to answer any of their questions about his faith in Gargul.
Some Teardrops Are Worthwhile [DM Jeff] d20+15=32 ; Wednesday January 20th, 2010 6:08:39 AM
[The Teardrops will need an appraise check to determine their worth. In the interest of speed, I rolled for Vedik (as I believe he has the highest appraise check). Each of the Teardrops is worth 25,000 gold.
As for a Catacombs run, there won't be time "in game" to go to the Catacombs. But I'll allow any transactions made to magically appear on your characters. And since it is 3 am right now, Jeff is going to go to bed instead of do a proper post. Take this time to update character sheets and hit the Catacombs]
Vedik AC 24 (13 touch) HP 191/191 Character SheetSpells Wednesday January 20th, 2010 9:22:58 AM
Vedik bows to the tribe leaders, and thanks them for the precious gift. He tries to keep the dwarf in him from eyeing the magnificent gems too greedily.
"Ye are kind, and welcome." he says with a broad grin. "There is much change that will come to ya in the next few months. Though it seems you are ta belong to Gargul, as is good, remember ta thank Alemi as you learn ta rebuild on the outside."
He then waits for the groups meeting with MoM, curious what unusual things are afoot at the Lost Tribe's bubble.
Plyf (AC:32 ; HP:114/134) 1 Magic Vestment, Greater Magic Weapon, d20+19=36 ; d20+19=29 ; d20+19=37 ; d20+20=23 ; d20+6=26 ; Wednesday January 20th, 2010 1:17:00 PM
Plyf thinks of some way to wear one of hers, but the setting for it would be just to large. All the other women would think her a slut. Naw, she will buy a few items when the opportunity presents itself.
She removes her belt while with the people, not really needing it's magical functions. She attempts to do some information gathering while she is here. She would like to know many things about the Teucri and perhaps return with that knowledge to share with others.
Gather Information on Teucri or anything else about their history and the planet they are on or is it a planet? We might well be some place in the Shadow Realm?
Three rolls as needed using whatever mundane items she carries as money. 36 29 37
Diplomacy: 23 Knowledge Planes: 26 (Natural 20)
Echlhin AC 34 (Touch 28/34 vs. Incorp.) HP 191 of 191 Wednesday January 20th, 2010 6:50:29 PM
Unsure as to what vegetation grows here, Echlhin hunts about to see if he can find any suitable components for his Fireseeds spell, also grabbing some insects for food for Vigo.
TratainCurrent Spells Wednesday January 20th, 2010 9:44:47 PM
Tratain waits until the Meeting with MoM starts. Once it does he says "How was the Crystal sabotaged? Perhaps the Sons of Dread are here nearby and wished to take advantage of these people with the failing of their guardian."
Dwight hp 160/160, ac 33(touch 25) Wednesday January 20th, 2010 9:52:38 PM
DWight offers what assistance he can, preps his arrows and then is ready to speak with MOM.
Secret Agents? [DM Jeff] d20+11=27 ; d20+17=32 ; Friday January 22nd, 2010 4:56:24 AM
[Yay! The Wold isn't down! Lots of writing in this post. Sorry!]
On the morning of the second day since MOM left, the Knights awaken to a familiar sound: music being played. The difference between this day and the last is that the Knights are certain they had not heard (or see, for that matter) anyone in the Tribe with a trumpet. When the Knights make their way out to the noise, they see what the commotion is: a pale-white woman is floating near the Temple. Large, feathered wings flap softly and keep her afloat. She is the very embodiment of beauty. And it is from her trumpet that the song is playing: a slow, haunting melody travels around the Tribe. Her trumpet is clearly adorned with Gargul's eye. She continues playing for the better part of the morning and the entire Tribe seems mesmerized by her song. When she finally stops playing, she nods in the direction of the Gray Knights and then she teleports away.
---
The Knights are busy for the day, either instructing or teaching or helping out around the site. It quickly becomes apparent that the Tribe is not as helpless as MOM had first led the Knights to believe, although they clearly would have had great difficulties surviving without the Construct. Now, with proper food and resources, the Tribe seems to be moving towards a usual routine. Physical training. Community gatherings. But they also take the Knights words to heart, some of the braver Tribesfolk taking weapons into the forest and seeking animals instead of simply waiting for MOM to capture them. It is going to be slow-going, but the Knights have reason to be optimistic.
Echlhin ventures around to find acorns or berries to use for his Fire Seed spell and the Druid is successful. Although the trees and plants are different, he discovers some that are remarkable similar. One bush in particular catches his eyes: it is a holly bush, although there are very few berries on it. Eight in total. The druid examines the bush closely and determines that they are a much more potent product than normal holly [Effect: Echlhin's next cast of Fire Seeds - Holly Berry Bombs increases the DC of the Reflex Save by 2].
Teucri information is scarce from the Tribe, so Plyf attempts to find MOM and get answers from it. But her search is a resounding failure. The Construct has been missing since the request to the Knights that they be ready to meet.
---
Late at night with a bright full moon in the sky, when most of the Tribe have wandered off to bed, the Knights are left alone. It seems that MOM is not showing up today at all. Then, as you are making your way to their quarters in the Temple, the now familiar sight of MOM appears. The weirdness of seeing your own features mixed in amongst the other Knights' is still unusual, but the look of distress on MOM's face removes such thoughts.
"I apologize for departing so quickly. The new Star Crystal required a great deal of set-up and that required temporarily removing this form..." MOM takes a moment to gather its thoughts. "Star Crystals are quite powerful. Their magic is not supposed to decay. I have been examining the information that was left on the old Crystal in an attempt to discover why it failed and I found this."
Beside MOM an illusion pops up. It is the Crystal Room where-in the Knights fought with the Guardians. But this time, there are no Guardians and the Star Crystal is glowing bright. The room looks rather peaceful until a figure teleports next to the Star Crystal. It is difficult to determine details because of the dark cloak covering the figure, but the Knights are able to watch as it casts some sort of spell on the Star Crystal. The light of the Crystal begins to fade and then the figure teleports away.
"You see, this was not at all an accident..."
DM clarification on Plyf's where are we inquiries Friday January 22nd, 2010 7:12:54 PM DM Clarity....The tribe is several hundred in total size. The Knights are the first visitors in any memory. Some oral stories, tell of others visiting, but as the people do not keep anykind of written history or time marker, when these stories orginated is unknown. The eldest remembers them from his grandfather marking at least 150 years ago. None of the people have ever been more than a week's walk. Not much of a need to. Here is simply here there is not geographic reference to anywhere else. From stars and the track of the Moons and sun, the Knights are certain they are somwhere in the Wold. Likely on or near the lands known as the southern continent. the last being conjuecture derived from the assistance supplied by the people of the Ice Vein, a known Southern continent land.
Dwight hp 160/160, ac 33(touch 25) Sunday January 24th, 2010 7:37:47 PM
Dwight listens to MOM, trying to keep all the information they have learned, guessed, or otherwise gathered. When MOM announces that the star crystal being destroyed wasn't an accident, Dwight isn't really surprised someone would want to do such a thing, but that they could.
"MOM, how they know and get to the exact correct spot.
Echlhin AC 34 (Touch 28/34 vs. Incorp.) HP 191 of 191 Sunday January 24th, 2010 8:50:50 PM
Echlhin asks MOM...
"How long ago did this occur and how quickly did everything degrade?"
TratainCurrent Spells Sunday January 24th, 2010 9:04:05 PM
Tratain says "It worries me that something could break through all of the defenses in the temple without being detected. That shows they must have gathered information about the crystal long before they showed up. Also they had to have some sort of knowledge of Teucri magic as they knew enough about the crystal to create a spell to make it stop working."
It's a Bird. It's a Plane. Or... not. [DM Jeff] Monday January 25th, 2010 5:06:10 AM
The Knights obviously have questions... Who could this person be? When? How could they slip by the defenses so easily? Why? MOM nods at all the inquiries. "The who, how and why are baffling. They do not have easy or obvious answers. There are no probable scenarios and the improbable ones range from a Teucri with some desire to eliminate the base to a series of unlikely accidents resulting in this exact situation. Without more information, I have nothing helpful to add. As for the when... a couple of months ago, providing the magic hasn't been tampered with as well. But that seems to fit with the timeline of failures on the base, including my own rapid decline. Which I failed to notice, because I was working so hard to sustain the Tribe that has gotten far too large for a single Star Crystal to manage..."
There is a brief silence. The Tribe is settled down and the Knights seem certain that everyone has gone to bed. Another habit that the Tribe will need to get out of if they want to sustain themselves. At least a few people should be on the night watch. MOM, clearly uncomfortable with not knowing these answers, ooks away from the Knights and into the bright moonlit sky. An expression of shock crosses the illusion-construct's face and the Knights look up to the sky to see what it is.
In the middle of the sky, where there should be an unobstructed view of the stars, is a wall. At first, all that can be see is the bricks of this wall and it seems rather surreal. Then, other pieces of sky begin to flicker and over the course of a minute an entire floating island reveals itself. From way down here, all the Knights can see are a few walls and the bottom of the island. They can hardly tell what it is from here, but they are certain that there is at least one structure on it.
"Well then. Now is that an answer or is it simply another question?" MOM asks with a touch of wonder.
Plyf (AC:32 ; HP:114/134) 1 Magic Vestment, Greater Magic Weapon, Monday January 25th, 2010 10:27:11 AM
Plyf looks up at the sky, then to the group. She says nothing, knowing what it is they have to do. She just waits for others to make the call so they can go investigate.
MonthorHit Points:(213 of 213) AC 44 Monday January 25th, 2010 8:21:31 PM
" The floating island.... " Monthor rubs his hands together.... " We have to go there... "
Dwight hp 160/160, ac 33(touch 25) Monday January 25th, 2010 9:03:43 PM
Dwight looks with awe at the size of the floating island, wondering what magic could be powerful enough to keep that afloat followed by why here, why now. "The timing of that thing'sss appearance doesssn't ssseem accidental. Sssurely, sssomeone knowsss the ssstar cryssstal hasss been repaired," Dwight states matter of factly.
Vedik AC 41 (16 touch) HP 191/191 Character SheetSpells Monday January 25th, 2010 9:53:30 PM
Vedik nods at Dwight. "I think you're right."
He casts Shapechange, and takes the form of his favored winged celestial.
OOC: Magic Vestment x2 (20 Hours, CL 20, cast after battle) Shapechange (Extended 6 hours cast at appearance of flying castle.) Astral Deva Form: Damage reduction 10/evil, darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision, immunity to acid, cold, and petrification, protective aura, resistance to electricity 10 and fire 10, spell resistance 30, tongues, uncanny dodge
Just Desserts [DM Jeff] Tuesday January 26th, 2010 3:11:28 AM
Vedik gets all sky-ready and the rest of the Knights look on in awe. Dwight puts forth the idea that maybe the Knights drew some attention with the Star Crystal. MOM starts to speak, but is abruptly cut off by another alarming visual. This time it isn't as interesting a castle in the sky. Instead, an old man pops into existence right next to MOM. It's Vran! Although this time, the ex-Dread member isn't look so good. His skin is pulled tight over his bones to the point where it is difficult to tell if there is any flesh left on him. He is covered in large wounds: his chest, legs, face, arms. Everything is covered in blood and still bleeding.
Vran attempts to wipe his eyes clean, only managed to smear them even further. Whether or not he can see, he gives up. He falls to the ground in a heap, but the Knights can clearly hear him speak. "He knows you're here. The Dread knows you are here!"
[Echlhin - Spot Check DC 30: Highlight to display spoiler: {Your Spirit Sense is not active, but you most definitely notice something is amiss with Vran. This, though, is most certainly not a matter of a disembodied soul. In fact, if you had to guess, you'd say that Vran had no soul at all. An empty husk...}
[Vedik - Spot Check DC 10: Highlight to display spoiler: {The smell of dirt. A slightly different tinge than normal blood. The consistency. While Vran is, most certainly, bleeding, the ex-Dread also appears to be oozing another liquid. A much more dangerous one: Woldsblood.}
Plyf (AC:32 ; HP:114/134) 1 Magic Vestment, Greater Magic Weapon, d20+6=10 ; d20+6=17 ; Tuesday January 26th, 2010 9:58:35 AM
Plyf looks the man over. Clearly, he is not well. She moves to help him, but the gaunt look on his face gives her pause. He looks almost undead. She attempts to use some of her knowledge to determine what might be going on with the man.
Knowledge Dungeoneering: 10 Knowledge Planes: 17
Echlhin AC 34 (Touch 28/34 vs. Incorp.) HP 191 of 191 d20+27=41 ; Tuesday January 26th, 2010 12:16:34 PM
Echlhin notices that (spot check 41) it as though Vran has no spirit at all. A bit alarmed he informs the group and is cautious about getting too close to Vran, or what may have been Vran.
Vedik AC 41 (16 touch) HP 191/191 Character SheetSpells d20+2=15 ; Tuesday January 26th, 2010 6:45:37 PM
Vedik looks sharp. "Get back" he shouts to the party. "He's bleeding Woldsblood."
He moves to Vran's body and begins to collect the Woldsblood in his hands, returning it to the Realm of Shadow.
OOC: Spot Check DC 10: Passed Move Action: Move to Vran Standard Action: Used as Move Action: return Woldsblood in his hand to realm of shadow. As a Fixer wearing his holy symbol, Vedik is immune to the effects of exposed Woldsblood.
Magic Vestment x2 (20 Hours, CL 20, cast after battle) Shapechange (Extended 6 hours cast at appearance of flying castle.) Astral Deva Form: Damage reduction 10/evil, darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision, immunity to acid, cold, and petrification, protective aura, resistance to electricity 10 and fire 10, spell resistance 30, tongues, uncanny dodge
MonthorHit Points:(213 of 213) AC 44 Tuesday January 26th, 2010 7:42:22 PM
Monthor hefts Shirley up, activates his animated shield and stands ready for an attack.
Dwight hp 160/160, ac 33(touch 25) Tuesday January 26th, 2010 8:05:06 PM
Surprised by both his comrades statements, no soul and bleeding woldsblood, what rituals has he performed on himself.
Hoping to gain more information before he dies (errr, if he was living that is), Dwight casts Detect Thoughts and begins studying Vran.
His next thought is to use his wand, but 'healing' something not living could make it worse. "Can we help him at all?" he inquires toward Tratain.
Spare Change? [DM Jeff] Wednesday January 27th, 2010 3:45:53 AM
The Knights are, quite sanely, alarmed at Vran. MOM simply observes, seeing that can be done to aid the situation for the moment.
Plyf puts her mind to what could be going on with the man, but it certainly doesn't seem to be related to anything she's heard about.
Vedik, perhaps a combination of Brave and insane, rushes to Vran's side. The Fixer's first thought is to the Woldsblood coming from the man and he starts funneling it back to the Realm of Shadow. The effort isn't quite wasted, but Vedik continues to see more Woldsblood flow.
The Detect Thoughts spell from Dwight alerts the halfling to the presence of thoughts from the man.
---
With Vedik being the closest Knight (and the only one able to withstand the toxic Woldsblood flowing from his body), Vran reaches for and pulls Vedik close. "They're coming! Now! I heard it myself. I had to fight my way out to warn you. I'm done for. They have my Coin." The Knights will recall that Vran once warned them the dangers of joining the higher-ups in the Sons of Dread: they tie your life-force to a coin, giving strength but binding you to them. Apparently Vran is saying that his condition is, at least partially, the result of losing that coin...
Plyf (AC:32 ; HP:114/134) 1 Magic Vestment, Greater Magic Weapon, Wednesday January 27th, 2010 9:25:54 AM
Quite squeemish when told it's Woldsblood seeping from his wounds, Plyf withdrawls with an unconcious scowl of disgust on her face. She attempts to feel bad for the dread member that has attempted to turn good, but he dug his hole to deep to safely climb out of it.
"A coin?" She asks after a moment. "Can we get your coin back? Is it up there?"
Dwight hp 160/160, ac 33(touch 25) Wednesday January 27th, 2010 1:22:09 PM
"MOM, it ssseemsss evil isss approaching the area, can you hide or protect thessse people. They will have no concern with attempting to ssspare their livesss. Perhapsss they could all hide in the temple, provided you can prevent them from teleporting in again."
Continuing to detect thoughts on Vran, Dwight waits to see other's reaction.
Plyf (AC:32 ; HP:114/134) 1 Magic Vestment, Greater Magic Weapon, Wednesday January 27th, 2010 6:46:10 PM
Plyf also pulls her bow and prepares.
Vedik AC 41 (16 touch) HP 191/191 Character SheetSpells Wednesday January 27th, 2010 10:46:18 PM
Vedik looks Vran in the eye. "If you wish it, I can turn you to stone, and put you out of suffering for a short while in hopes that we can retrieve your coin. Or I can end your life here and now. Do you wish either of these things?"
If Vran says he wishes it, Vedik thanks him for his sacrifice and casts either Polymorph any Object (Flesh to Stone) or Disintegrate on Vran.
OOC: Possibly cast spell.
Magic Vestment x2 (20 Hours, CL 20, cast after battle) Shapechange (Extended 6 hours cast at appearance of flying castle.) Astral Deva Form: Damage reduction 10/evil, darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision, immunity to acid, cold, and petrification, protective aura, resistance to electricity 10 and fire 10, spell resistance 30, tongues, uncanny dodge
TratainCurrent Spells Wednesday January 27th, 2010 11:08:56 PM
Tratain decides to keep an eye out for any threats while Vedik helps Vran.
Saved by Stone [DM Jeff] Thursday January 28th, 2010 1:51:42 PM
Vran looks up at Vedik with surprise. "I hadn't thought of that." The man laughes weakly, his body shaking violently as he does. "Do it. Protect me. But don't touch the coin with your hands!" While his words most certainly sound self-serving, the ex-Dread looks incredibly sad as he says this. One wonders just how long he served the Dread and how long he had been playing both sides. Vedik turns the old man to stone creating what may be the oddest statue in the Wold.
Dwight helps MOM understand the significant of the incoming problem and the construct disappears (likely to reappear somewhere else) and immediately everyone can hear the Tribe preparing to hide. For a moment, the Knights are completely alone to process what has just happened...
Dwight hp 160/160, ac 33(touch 25) Thursday January 28th, 2010 7:17:46 PM
OOC: Any last thoughts before Vran is turned to stone?
"Perhapsss we can ssslide the new ssstatue under a busssh and go introduce ourssselvesss?" Dwight states as he looks up reminded of the floating island upon him. He pulls his broom out, ready to get on it.
"MOM can likely protect the villagersss and our presssence elsssewhere would likely help asss well," Dwight comments wondering how much of their presence has caused the disruption to their lives.
As Vran mind dissipates (as stone), Dwight opens his mind upward to detect anything/thoughts.
DM Jeff Update: For the second time in a couple days, Dwight finds himself stunned by the intelligence of his Detect Thoughts subject. Vran may not have the same intelligence that MOM does, but he certainly is intelligent. At least as bright as Vedik, if not more-so.
Vedik AC 41 (16 touch) HP 191/191 Character SheetSpells Friday January 29th, 2010 8:55:31 AM
Vedik turns his eyes and thoughts skyward. "You're right Dwight, they are here for us, and we should go introduce ourselves. We are a target here, and put the tribe and Vran in danger."
He smirks. "And I bet Monthor wants to go say hi."
"Who can bring us up there? I can teleport, but I suspect its locked against such approaches. Windwalk maybe?"
OOC Contingency: Contingency: If enemy begins to cast disjunction: DDoor 1000' feet straight up. Magic Vestment x2 (40 hours, cast in morning) Shapechange (Extended 6 hours cast at appearance of flying castle.) Astral Deva Form: Damage reduction 10/evil, darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision, immunity to acid, cold, and petrification, protective aura, resistance to electricity 10 and fire 10, spell resistance 30, tongues, uncanny dodge
MonthorHit Points:(213 of 213) AC 44 Friday January 29th, 2010 7:19:15 PM
" Me does, but let's get ready first. Those guys were pretty tought the first time around. Let's get buffed up before paying them a visit. And we should use some tactics... Maybe one or two of use should be invisible and pay them a surprise from behind? Some hastes and enlarge would be usefull. As would as many protection spells as possible."
Echlhin AC 34 (Touch 28/34 vs. Incorp.) HP 191 of 191 Saturday January 30th, 2010 9:22:28 AM
Echlhin offers what spells he has to the group. Given his first encounter with them, he agrees with the statement of preparation.
(If you would like any of them cast, please let me know so I can mark them off)
Dwight hp 160/160, ac 33(touch 25) Saturday January 30th, 2010 4:28:42 PM
As Dwight picks himself off the ground, he realizes he needs to stop casting "Detect Thoughts" as often as he does. However, despite landing on his rump, he did learn that Vran was still technically a living person, rather than a souless, undead creature.
Saved by Stone [DM Jeff] Monday February 1st, 2010 3:41:21 AM
[will post in the morning]
Plyf (AC:32 ; HP:114/134) 1 Magic Vestment, Greater Magic Weapon, d20+10=21 ; d20+7=24 ; d20+4=21 ; Monday February 1st, 2010 10:04:51 AM
With bow in hand, Plyf attempts to spot any place on the bottom of the flying building for an opening or something they could teleport to. She delves deep into the recesses of her mind to find something about floating or flying places, with the Float coming to mind also, on what the sky island is.
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