Speck AC19/20 HP:26/26 Sunday January 10th, 2010 7:52:38 PM
just checing in. Ready to pick up again. :)
Regroup and Replan (DMSteveK) Tuesday January 12th, 2010 11:44:10 AM Lucky and Marcas, the leaders of this band of adventurers, leads Sir John, Speck, and Cedric walk out of Osgood's Graveyard for war machines, and back to the occupied areas of Tharn. There are too many questions and not enough answers for our brave heroes, and they need a little advice.
Most people ignore the party, handling their own business and moving quickly indoors. A few scattered gangs see the group, but when they advance and see a group of armed and hardened mercenaries, they look for easier prey. Most business are shut down, as few people will come out in the toxic atmosphere. As they near the watch's HQ, they see various prophets claiming that the time of reckoning is near. These wild-haired, soot caked prophets of doom call for all to bow down and accept the inevitable.
The explosions continue from the SW district, and it appears that the fire is still spreading, though slowly. The SouthWest district of the town holds many foundries, magic supply shops, chemical factories and various other business that are incredibly flammable. It's sort of the rundown part of Tharn, but it is odd that the fire is still spreading. It also appears the looting and riots are continuing.
As the group continues through the cold and dark, their minds think back on the recent events; the murders of Tharn by the Raven. For six days, the Raven sends letters to the town news, taunting the police about his next murder victim, and on the seventh day they are dead. This week, the Constable Lucius, has hired our heroes to solve the murder mystery.
A cold wind whips down the street as our heroes march on, silent in their thoughts. The heroes were able to identify the next victim as an exotic dancer named Mordreia. Watching her for two days, the heroes discovered Mordreia was already captured and a doppelganger was impersonating her! An interrogation led the group to Osgood's Graveyard where they fought a Drider, undead, and a Chain Demon, all of who were lackeys of the Raven. Victory was bitter, for while the monsters are dead, so is Mordreia, her severed head and butchered body a testimony that the heroes were days too late.
As they near Lucius' office, they see guards standing outside, shivering in the cold. As they get closer, they notice that these seem to be reserve officers, and a passerby mentions that most of the regular officers are fighting the fire and trying to stop the riots and looting. And so on they march, through the falling snow and soot and bitter weather until they arrive at Tharn's Constablary and enter in.
At the door, they are met by a newcomer who looks to be newly deputized by Lucius. A curt note in the Constable's handwriting is to Lucky. "Here's some help. Use him. - Lucius"
...NOTES Environmental Conditions: Outdoors, there is a continual blizzard conditions. Further, the snow is mixed with soot from the large town fires. 1. Outdoor Spot, Listen and Search checks at -8. 2. No Ranged Attacks possible. 3. Each hour exposure, Save Fort DC 15 or d6 non-lethal damage to extreme cold. 4. Each hour exposure, Save Fort DC15 or d6 non-lethal damage vs soot/breathing.
The Half Bloody Prince Tuesday January 12th, 2010 4:56:51 PM
The Captain of the team finishes reading his note and then passes it to Marcas. He grins at the new guy.
"Hey! New guy! Down here!" calls the halfling wearing no armor, but more than somewhat covered with blood and ichor. He sticks out his hand and offers a shake to the newcomer. His palm is sweaty or something.
"What's your moniker, son? My name is Several Snakes, of House Shivering. This here is Marks On Thighs, the battle leader. Also Sir John, the paladin; this other guy, the singer whose name I forget, and some other guys."
"Pardon me for being brusque, but I got a severed head here to drop off to a next of kin, if I can find one." He nods to a dripping sack he is carrying, and wipes his hand on his pants. Yes, the same damp hand he had offered for a shake.
"Anyway, we're trying to find this Raven character. You here to help out, or you got some other reason to talk to us?"
"Either way, welcome!"
Speck AC19/20 HP:26/26 Tuesday January 12th, 2010 10:04:01 PM
Speck, a rather simply looking hafling, looks up at the sign Tharn's Constablary and sighs. With a slight wave of his pinky finger and a little mumbling 'Spellio Reparo' and the sign's letters change so it reads Tharn's Constabulary.
Speck holds still for the introduction to the newcomer but then heads on in. "Hey! Where's the Hot Cocoa we were ... cough, cough... promised? Oh well." He waves his pinky finger again and says 'Axio Hot Cocoa', but nothing happens. "Darn. I really could have used some Hot Cocoa."
Sir John (Ken) Wednesday January 13th, 2010 10:19:10 AM
(OOC - Not to bring it up again needlessly, but do we know our XP from the last adventure or 2? I'm near a new level for Sir John and wanted to see if I had enough to get it before our next fight...)
Sir John greets the newcomer and introduces himself while looking over their new companion, "Hello friend, I'm Sir John the Pious, a paladin of YHWH. You come recommended by Lucius, and that's good enough for me. All I ask is that you hold your own in a fight and support the rest of the team. What can you bring to the group's abilities?"
Marcas (SteveK) Wednesday January 13th, 2010 11:37:37 AM
Eight and a half feet tall, the normally immaculately brushed brown fur of the minotaur is caked with bits of rotted flesh, soot, blood, and less identifyable things. His purple surcoat over burnished armor has fared even worse. "Let us get a room to clean up and talk", he rumbles in his gravelly basso. "There is a meeting room in a constable shop, yes?"
Regroup and Replan (SteveK) Wednesday January 13th, 2010 11:40:43 AM
One of the guards escorts the group to a back room which is large enough for all of them to come in. She also indicates where the washroom is and shows them where there are basins and towels that can be used for cleaning up.
The group of heroes is left alone with their thoughts and knowledge. It is now early afternoon, and the group needs to learn about each other and what the next plan should be.
...NOTES Environmental Conditions: Outdoors, there is a continual blizzard conditions. Further, the snow is mixed with soot from the large town fires. 1. Outdoor Spot, Listen and Search checks at -8. 2. No Ranged Attacks possible. 3. Each hour exposure, Save Fort DC 15 or d6 non-lethal damage to extreme cold. 4. Each hour exposure, Save Fort DC15 or d6 non-lethal damage vs soot/breathing.
Marcas (SteveK) Wednesday January 13th, 2010 11:48:17 AM
The deeply soiled minotaur immediately fills a basin and grabs half a dozen towels before moving to the large room. Marcas strips his clothing, backpack, and armor off and begins the laborous process of getting clean. The first thing he cleans is his backpack before opening it and reaching for the soap and a large brush.
Also coming out of the backpack is a long-haired cat that moves off a little ways before emulating the minotaur by licking herself clean.
"Greetings", Marcas says to the drow standing in thier midst. "I am Marcasthai, Hand of Imod, and Battle Leader to this group." The minotaur looks amusingly at Lucky and blinks his black eyes. "You may call me Marcas."
The armor and surcoat are next on the cleaning cycle. As water and soap clean the garment, the purple cloth reveals a symbol of a hammer entwined by a grape-laden vine. "What do you know of our current situation?", he asks Remsus Kai.
Speck AC19/20 HP:26/26 Wednesday January 13th, 2010 10:24:54 PM
Sipping an imaginary cup of hot cocoa, Speck introduces himself as well. "I'd prefer singing than hunting undead things in this pea-soup of smuck, but this has given me good stories to sing about. Dobbins Rumbletummy is the name. You may call me Speck."
Speck looks at himself for a moment then adds, "That shorty over there is a hafling too, but he don't know it," pointing to Lucky. "Something addled his brain I think. Probably lack of proper meals. Y'know. Starving the brain. Anyway, glad to have your company."
Speck, having suffered only from the effects of the foul air, casts a cantrip and cleans himself from the soot, and helps Marcas get gory stuff the minotaur misses.
Meanwhile, he comments, "I don't know about you guys, but Mordrea didn't last six days. I thought the Constable had said the Raven send clues for six days and then killed the victim on the seventh. It's only been two days since we received the first clue and pinpointed Mordrea. Think the Raven is getting sloppy?"
Remsus Kai HP 43 Thursday January 14th, 2010 2:38:25 AM
(Sorry for not posting. I didn't know we had started up until I checked my email. blah. Daily posting now in session!)
Remsus looks like a fish out of water... to say the least.
Firstly, his outfit is not the common clothes of any person who would live in the town. He looks like he has traveled long distances and has not enjoyed the company of many humanoids.
He has a gray rabbit-fur lined cloak that is quite worn and dusty from the soot and years of abuse. His tunic is blue and rather simple, with a belt buckle holding a mundane rapier and dagger. You can also notice many many pockets within his cloak and pants that contain spell materials. Each pocket has a label written in draconic. His boots are also gray-rabbit fur lined and very worn and dirty.
Remsus also has a crossbow slung over his shoulder and a backpack that seems to be stuffed with books. You can see some extremely sooty goggles in a pocket. He has a metal symbol of Gargul on his chest hanging down from his neck. Lastly you see a Weasel perched on the drow's shoulder. It is quite odd looking to see a navy-blue drow with a brown and white-bellied weasel on his shoulder.
He shakes Several's hand and then looks at his moist palm and quietly takes out a handkerchief and wipes his own hand and then offers the handerchief to Several.
Remsus speaks rather quietly, almost as if he would be happier as a librarian. "Greetings Marcas, Speck, Sir John, and Several Snakes. It is good to meet you all. I, as you may suspect, am not of this city, though when I heard shouts for help, I could not turn a blind eye. You see, I travel a lot... and study a lot. I travel to find new sources of information that I can document for the Star Mages guild..." then Remsus takes a deep breath.
"But as I traveled into this territory, I heard of many disturbances and cries for help. Despite my attempts to stay distant from it all and simply observe... I had to get involved by saving a family from some bandits. Its funny what a sleep spell and a few fireballs can do really. As the size of an explosion increases, the number of social situations it is capable of solving approaches zero. Hrm, anyway, so I was awarded with a little deputy star and drafted into the guard. Next thing I know, I am healing wounded and telling men what the afterlife is all about, according to lord Gargul, the all-seeing eye."
Then Remsus addresses Marcas, the battlemaster "As far as combat tactics. I don't really do melee. I'm more of a... root and nuke method.... Now, will someone please inform me what your group has done thusfar? Obviously something with claiming heads and this Raven character" Remsus asks, as he touches his fingers to the head to bless it so that the person may pass into the afterlife quietly.
Regroup and Replan (SteveK) Thursday January 14th, 2010 1:00:39 PM
Remsus Kai is introduced to the party. Having already presented his credentials through Lucius' note, the drow admits the Constable was very tired, irritable, and not in the mood to talk to a lone adventurer looking to help. In short, Remsus doesn't know anything about the situation.
Between the two halflings (Lucky and Speck), minotaur (Marcas), and human (Sir John), the story comes out.
The group had been travelling on a road with others when attacked by a couple of dragon-men and a small dragon. Travellers told of the magic city of Tharn that was having trouble, and so the heroes went ot see if they could help.
When they got to Tharn, they found big trouble. A fire started in the SouthWest district of the town, which holds many foundries, magic supply shops, chemical factories and various other business that are incredibly flammable. It's sort of the rundown part of Tharn, but the fire is still spreading despite all the townsfolk can do. The constables are understaffed since there is looting and riots happening at the same time.
To make matters worse, a snowstorm has seem to have parked over Tharn, and the combination of fire and snow are making it difficult to stay outdoors without freezing or having trouble to breathe.
Then there is this fellow who calls himself the Raven, a serial killer. Weeks ago, anonymous tales of grisly murder began arriving at the Tharn Inquisitive. Hair raising and horrific, these letters gained wide readership, similiar to murder mysteries that you may have read from time to time. However, the 'fans' delight soon turned to dread as they realized that these were actually true stories and related to real crimes."
Over the last two weeks, two people have been killed brutally. The killer, called the Raven, has been busy. His first week, titled "Tales in Blood" ended with the torture and death of a professor of literature at Morgrave University. His drained husk was found at his desk, his epitaph scrawled in his own extracted blood. "Demise of the Cowardly Shifter," the second letter, concluded with the death of a spinleless beasthunter named Mange. Hs body was found in an abandoned silver shop named Shining Star silver, where the killer poured molten silver over his head, freezing his face into a silent scream."
"This Raven sends his tales to the Inquisitive piecemeal in six fragments, each offering clues to his identity and that of his prey. Each fragment describes the stalking of his 'muse' and preparations for their demise. The sixth and final fragment culminates in the story's climax, yielding the blood-soaked details of the victim's grisly end. So far, his attacks seem random and we haven't found any pattern to the killing or clues to his identity, other than what's in the old letters."
This week, the letter is named, "Stars of Darkness." The heroes pull out the letter to read again and show Remsus...
The letter reads, "Stars in the Darkness: Part 1. All light and magic, she twinkles to the cries of brutes and simpletons. She is their dream and the star by which they set their course across the uncharted waters of the Thunder. For one night they are hers before death finds them in a dusty tomb or a giant's embrace. Her body, outlined by the quicksilver gleam, strikes them harder than a titan's hammer. The shining silhouette of a goddess. (New paragraph) When the lights go out she is alone. The long walk home through biting wind and bleak snow leaves her cold and empty. There is no one waiting for her. Or so she thinks. She is no more alone than a star in the night. Darkness surrounds her. I wait in the gloom. I'll hold her close. Hold every part of her close." - Quoth the Raven.
The heroes were able to identify the future victim as Mordreia, an exotic dancer at a club. In trying to watch her and ensure she wasn't abducted, the heroes learned that Mordreia was already captured and a doppelganger was impersonating her! And then the second letter came out.
"Stars in the Darkness, Part 2" Metal bleeds as she does. Rust runs from weeping wounds. Forgotten beasts of steel discarded after the war, or banished to this dismal ground by age and wear. Black snow dusts the muddy soil of the graveyard. Somewhere within this mournful field of rust and decay, the rancid stench of festering meat chokes the air. On a stretch of cold earth lies her steel prison filled with tainted flesh. She dies so slowly. I eat her living flesh while she looks on in stunned terror. Her death will be exquisite; I shall savor her pain and horror for days. Amongst these forgotten metal giants, no one hears her hoarse screams as I feast on her.
An interrogation of the doppelganger and the letter led the group to Osgood's Graveyard, discard place for old war machines. There, they fought a Drider, several undead, and a Chain Demon, all of who were lackeys of the Raven. Victory was bitter, for while the monsters are dead, so is Mordreia, her severed head and butchered body a testimony that the heroes were days too late. And there, they found a third letter in the mouth of dead Mordreia.
Stars in the Darkness, Part 3 Once dancing on air, she flaunted her skin to give men's blood to rise without a touch. Now the wheel has turned, and she is unmoving. All her skin has been touched, consumed, and flesh exposed for all to see. Was it not exquisite to see her hanging here? Like bait on a hook, she hangs to catch stronger, larger prey. And here you are!
The Raven is a hunter, and the hunt has now begun. Tis early winter past, our poor heroes aghast, to see their pretty maiden to be rescued now forlorn. And now with bodies weary, and souls exquisite dreary, they find THEY are the quarry to be stalked 'cross Tharn's floor! -- Quoth the Raven ................
And the heroes look at the letters and the clues they have found.
And they talk about what it all means...
...NOTES Environmental Conditions: Outdoors, there is a continual blizzard conditions. Further, the snow is mixed with soot from the large town fires. 1. Outdoor Spot, Listen and Search checks at -8. 2. No Ranged Attacks possible. 3. Each hour exposure, Save Fort DC 15 or d6 non-lethal damage to extreme cold. 4. Each hour exposure, Save Fort DC15 or d6 non-lethal damage vs soot/breathing.
Marcas (SteveK) AC 19 HP 84/84 Thursday January 14th, 2010 1:06:43 PM
The minotaura stops grooming for a moment as he blinks his black eyes rapidly, and then clears his throat. "Our leader is having his jest. His name is Lucky, not 'Several Snakes'". But then his eyes grow hard and sparkling like obsidian. "One other piece of information. This Raven knows my matron's name, Thorlathai, and used it to lure us to Osgood's Graveyard. This cannot be random. This is personal."
Marcas pauses and breathes deeply to stay under control as his mentors taught. "So where do the clues point to search?"
Remsus Kai HP 43 Thursday January 14th, 2010 3:47:43 PM
When whoever is informing Remsus mentions the Undead... Remsus's eye twitches violently in irritation.
Remsus thinks for a little while and instead of providing a possible answer to what the clues may lead, he instead pulls out a book and opens it to a page.
"Sir... Uh, Lucky. Can I please see that head? Was it the head of the last person killed by Raven??"
If so, then Remsus will put the head on the floor, uncovered, and sit infront of it cross-legged. "Anyone ever seen a talking disembodied head before?" he asks quietly.
He will cast Speak with Dead and ask it questions.
Question 1: Describe the person who attacked you in detail. Question 2: ....... can anyone else think of a good question to ask it???
"You learn to cope with death when you are a priest of Gargul... " Remsus explains
It looks like a gruesome sight.
(text slightly changed by current DM, since there is no DC modifier attached to the spell)
Remsus Kai HP 43 Thursday January 14th, 2010 7:43:38 PM
(OOC: Sorry. That was only a bad attempt at a joke. =)
Speck AC19/20 HP:26/26 Thursday January 14th, 2010 10:28:18 PM
"There was a trick like that at the circus I belonged to, but, hmm..., the person really wasn't dead, and the body was hidden by mirrors. So, no, I guess I've never seen a talking disembodied head before. Gulp."
"Since we now are the next targets of the Raven, I suppose it would behove us to learn something from poor Mordrea, if this is possible. Oh, we could ask if the Raven took any personal item or object, something unique, from her. If so, we could procure a Locate Object spell and see how far that gets us."
Sir John (Ken) Friday January 15th, 2010 2:31:22 PM
Sir John frowns and says, "It seems that the hunted has decided to become the hunter. However, I'm not going to wait for him to come to us. Does anyone recognize any clues from this letter?"
He takes a moment and says, "I think we should ask the constable too if this letter provides any clues. There's got to be something more to this whole issue or maybe we should return to our last location after resting and healing ourselves up. Maybe there are other clues that we can find?"
Eddie Friday January 15th, 2010 2:58:52 PM
Eddie nods when Marcas "explains" his name. "You can call me Lucky," he says to Remsus, "or you can call me Plucky, or you can call me Eddie, or you can call me Ready. Just don't call me Late For Dinner. That ticks me off."
Eddie looks sideways when Remsus suggests casting Speak With Dead on the dead girl. Then he agrees. "Well, okay, but make sure you ask her who I should give her body to here in town, next of kin or a friend or what-have-you. And ask her if she heard anything about Marks On Thigh's mom."
"Mister Paladin," he says to Sir John, "What do you think of this idea?"
If the group agrees, Eddie will lay out the dead girl in as respectful a way as possible, somewhat putting parts where they should go. He'll do this on a nice table in a rented room somewhere, hopefully after having a chance to clean up a bit.
After, he asks Speck to sing a little song or maybe make a tune for the girl.
==========
OOC: Sorry, what was the story with xp again? Also, what was the story with loot and rewards? Does someone have a loot list? I think I made one a couple months ago. We should go over that for the split, no? Remsus, can you cast Identify?
By the way, with only five PCs in the game (five, right?) do we want to put a notice on the LnB to let folks know we have openings?
Regroup and Replan (DM SteveK) Friday January 15th, 2010 3:43:19 PM
The group lay out as much of Mordreia's remains as possible, and Remsus casts Speak With Dead. The mystical drow can only ask two questions, and the corpse should be as nearly intact as possible. It is kind of gruesome, and when the dead girl's mouth begins to move and whisper, a little disconcerting!
Question 1: Describe the person who attacked you in detail. Cowled and cloaked, I didn't see my attacker, or my tormentor. Chains! The Knife! It hurts!
Question 2: Who should we give your body to here in town, next of kin or a friend or what-have-you? There is a ranger whom I loved, Jarlos Takrain. Let him mourn my body. The spell ends and the mouth slowly stops its movement.
Lucky Eddie suggests to search the notes for clues.
Speck thinks perhaps a Locate Object spell may help if they are close enough to the Raven.
Sir John thinks that the Constable may have ideas if the group is out of them. If not, a return to Osgood's Graveyard may help to find a clue.
==========
Notes: Does someone have a loot list? I think I made one a couple months ago. We should go over that for the split, no?
By the way, with only five PCs in the game (five, right?) do we want to put a notice on the LnB to let folks know we have openings? I agree
Marcas (SteveK) AC 19 HP 84/84 Friday January 15th, 2010 3:47:34 PM
Marcas stoically watches the spell. He has listened to the notes being read time and time again, but can find no clues. "If we have run into a wall with Mordreia, perhaps there is a clue at the other murder scenes that we could use to find who is the Raven. He has to be someone we know."
Marcas ignores the purring long-haired cat at his feet as he continues to brush his brown fur to perfection. The brush grows faster, and with more forceful strokes when he speaks of the Raven.
Remsus Kai HP 43 Friday January 15th, 2010 5:48:05 PM "Well, that was uneventful." Remsus says with a sigh.
"I am at your disposal. I would also like to accompany whoever decides to bring the corpse to the Ranger. I'm quite experienced at dealing with death." then Remsus says a blessing over the corpse and leaves it at that.
"If our plan is to let the Raven come to us, then I suggest we plan ahead for quite the battle. I would hate to be surprised. If he has the ability to control chain demons and the like, he is quite powerful. I vote we try to seek him out still. I would rather get the drop on him... and... I can cast Circle of Invisibility." Remsus explains
Eddie AC HP26 of 46 d20+13=31 ; d20-3=8 ; d20-3=6 ; d20-3=9 ; Saturday January 16th, 2010 8:34:15 AM
"Oh Con Chair, good Remo," says Eddie. "It was an event not to be missed, the chance to see the dead speak. And now we know our next step. Come, let us visit this 'Jarlos Takrain' fellow and leave with him the remains of this sad girl."
"And it behooves us to move together, since 'splitting up the party,' as my great-grandfather, a first edition bard, used to say, is a sure path to disaster." Lucky grins as he gently picks up the body and associated bits.
"And as for calling demons, well, sure, it's not a job for neophytes, but it is also not that remarkable. I myself will be able to perform similar magic not too long from now. So do not fly your freak flag too high on that concern."
Eddie urges the group to move together, to find this boyfriend, and give him the body. How to find him? Ask at the constabulary. Ask at the tavern at which the girl used to perform. Make some gather info checks: Untrained Gather Info checks made at a natural -3 = 8, 6, 9. Probably not helped by the fact that Lucky keeps asking about "Jarlwolf the Rain" instead of "Jarlos Takrain."
=====
DM sanity info:
AC roll in effect until next combat: 31! Sweet.
Spells: Underlined = cast
0: Create Water, Resistance, Virtue, Read Magic, Purify Food 1: Sanctuary, Comp Lang, Inflict LW, Pro Evil, Pro Law 2: Lesser Restoration, Owls Wis, Find Traps, Spirit Weap, Shatter 3: Sum Mon III, Daylight, Remove Curse, Pro Energy
Tattoo: 2 of 3 used so far today. Current magic stones: 0
Spells in effect: none
Current Luck Points: 9
Eddie AC HP26 of 46 Saturday January 16th, 2010 8:43:21 AM
OOC Stuff
Things Lucky has found: - +3 icy burst dagger lifted from the doppelganger - old wooden table leg, with ornate silver inlay - Setanos vestment of Jancassis, +1 - chain shirt is of exceptional make that fits Spider - two small tear shaped objects that appear to be made of glass - a small wooden rod, about six inches long and an inch thick. It is carved with various runes. - two hundred gold in various coins - several chain shirts, three light crossbows with quarrels and various disguise kits (Spider's minions)
Other things found (not by Lucky) - potion of protection from arrows 10/magic - scroll of Pyrotechnics (lev 2) - scroll of Deep Slumber (lev 3) - chain shirt of very fine make (from the ghoul rogue) - dagger - a sling - 16 magic sling bullets - 2 magic sling bullets which have some sort of sticky substance on them, likely poison - magic pair of gloves, fingerless - magic hat - magic potion - very high quality (MW) disguise kit
OOC: The reason I break found stuff up into stuff found by Lucky vs stuff found by others is that Lucky is fully proficient and can activate any items he finds. NOT to stake out any claim.
Also note that the DM said XP was on the way on Dec. 2, but I have not seen any. By my records, XP was last awarded in mid August.
Sir John (Ken) Saturday January 16th, 2010 3:23:29 PM (OOC = I posted the loot list about a while, and I'll go ahead and put together and updated one. Since I have the actual module, I'll be able to double check everything too...)
(OOC = Re: XP, we've had so many changes in DM's that I'm sure it's gotten lost somewhere along the way... It seems like our XP would be ~ 1000/"scene", and we have 2 scenes that we need credit for... So I say we say "2000 XP" per person and call it even... The module doesn't break XP down per scene, but this seems like a fair number. Either way, it's just a game and this keeps us from having to do a lot of needless work. All in favor, say "aye")
(OOC = I put the opening out there last month, which is what gained us Remsus, but I didn't have any other takers. The module actually works well with only 5 people, but if you all think we need another one, we can...)
(OOC = We've already met Jarlos, since he's the ranger that helped us at the beginning of the game... Remember he's the stalker that was actually a good guy. He left us before we continued on, but should be easy to find at a local tavern. He'll surely be a good NPC to help out if we want another character to help out...)
Sir John replies, "I remember jarlos saying we could meet him at the bar where Mordreia used to perform, so let's go there quickly and let him know what's going on. He'll probably want to bury her... And yes, let's stick together, especially since we're now the hunted..."
Speck AC19/20 HP:26/26 Saturday January 16th, 2010 7:24:46 PM
OOC: I have written in pencil on my CS 1,750 exps. but I think that was for the combat we had on the road. Since then, we dealt with the doppleganger and the drider/undead/chain demon. I don't think we were given exps for that.
Also, we met Jarlos, he's the one that was tailing Mordrea and we thought he was the Raven. Remember the bar scene were Speck lit up the place with a Flare spell and illuminated his face? We cornered him and he explained who he was. And THAT was how we discovered the doppleganger.
Speck looked at the rod but didn't discover anything. He would like to have the 16 magic sling bullets. If no one can use the magic gloves, he'd like to have a go at them as well.
IC: "Yes," Speck agrees with Sir John. "He did say to meet him there when we needed him. We should go there first."
"Now, as for the Raven, my guess that all his abductions were done by his minions. What we need to do is do something that will tip his hand. A thorough exploration of the siege graveyard may help or not, but it's about the best we have to go on."
Meanwhile, when we the party does settle down to rest, Speck will inspect the loot and see if he recognizes anything. (OOC: you want a separate Bard roll for each item not identified yet?)
Eddie AC HP26 of 46 Saturday January 16th, 2010 8:41:52 PM
When Sir John and Speck remind Lucky Eddie that they have already met the boyfriend, he says, "Of course I knew that! That's who I meant, you know. Trent Raingear! The ranger fellow. That's who I said, by Gargle's Gravenuts!"
Remsus Kai HP 43 Sunday January 17th, 2010 8:04:49 AM
Remsus's eye twitches when Eddie says 'Gargle's Gravenuts'.
"You know. A simple Scrying or maybe Locate Creature spell could help us out here." Remsus says, damning his own multiclassness... and probably not for the last time.
"Even a Divination could help"
Eddie AC HP26 of 46 Sunday January 17th, 2010 10:18:46 AM
OOC to Remsus: "Even a Divination could help" -- so why don't you cast one? It's the third level spell of the Insight Domain! :-)
Also OOC to Remsus: You can't join the Star Mages until you can cast 3rd level spells. So how is it that you have so many Star Mage skill points? That might need a second look.
Also OOC to Remsus: Star Mages don't charge for learning spells, but you still have to pay for paper and ink, per the PHB.
Remsus Kai HP 43 Monday January 18th, 2010 4:15:34 PM
(OOC: I thought it said I could be a student of the star mages guild even before then, thus gaining the skill points? Yep. Paid for the scribing. 100gp per page right? Now I just have less spells)
"Hmmm. anyone have any suggestions as what to ask the almighty gods for the Divination?? I'm still new here and know little of what is going on." Remsus asks the group.
Eddie AC HP26 of 46 Monday January 18th, 2010 5:47:26 PM
OOC Re. Star Mages: Only full members get the benefits. So you likely just joined as a full member, and will gain your first bonus skill points at level 9 (6th level wizard casting).
Funeral and Decisions (DM SteveK) Tuesday January 19th, 2010 12:31:47 PM
Once the party decides to see Mordriea's lost love, the group bundles up and, with the dancers remains in tow, heads back to the Starlight Lounge to find Jarlos Takrain. The ranger is there and stoically accepts the reponsibility to lay the dancer to rest. He shows no outward emotion. Sense Motive DC15 Highlight to display spoiler: {Jarlos is keeping his emotions in tight hold, not letting strangers to see them.} Sense Motive DC20 Highlight to display spoiler: Highlight to display spoiler: { Jarlos is in disbelief at the defiled corpse of his lover, and is soon coming over to anger. There is no telling what his actions will be after he buries Mordriea; whether a controlled anger to hunt down the Raven, or an uncontrolled displacement of the anger onto the heroes.}
Jarlos is able to give no further useful information about anything. Being a stranger himself, he can't even give directions back to the Constablatory or the scenes of the other murders.
Rather anticlimatic, the heroes are soon back in thier meeting room, trying to decide what to do next. They have a pile of equipment that they have been lugging around. The only long term decision is that the heroes aren't willing to wait around to be victims.
Needing a decision on what to keep with them and what to put in safe holding is one thing that has to be decided. The other is what to do to find the Raven before he finds them!
NOTES
Experience For the drider and chain demon, each party member (at that time) earns 1,000xp.
Party Treasure Things Lucky has found: - +3 icy burst dagger lifted from the doppelganger - old wooden table leg, with ornate silver inlay - Setanos vestment of Jancassis, +1 - chain shirt is of exceptional make that fits Spider - two small tear shaped objects that appear to be made of glass (Marcas is currently wearing both. One is Ebyron Tear of Electric (1d6 additional damage), and One is Ebyron Tear of Vicious (2d6 on enemy, 1d6 on self) - a small wooden rod, about six inches long and an inch thick. It is carved with various runes. - two hundred gold in various coins - several chain shirts, three light crossbows with quarrels and various disguise kits (Spider's minions)
Other things found (not by Lucky) - potion of protection from arrows 10/magic - scroll of Pyrotechnics (lev 2) - scroll of Deep Slumber (lev 3) - chain shirt of very fine make (from the ghoul rogue) - dagger - a sling - 16 magic sling bullets - 2 magic sling bullets which have some sort of sticky substance on them, likely poison - magic pair of gloves, fingerless - magic hat - magic potion - very high quality (MW) disguise kit
Sir John (Ken) Tuesday January 19th, 2010 3:05:37 PM
Sir John admits his frustration as their search and investigations remain fruitless. "I still think we should return back to the site of our last battle and maybe we can find some more information or clues on the Raven. I'm not much of an investigator, but this will at least give us something to do if our divination doesn't help."
Regarding their treasures, he says, "I think we should consider getting most of those items identified and then see if any of them could help us in our upcoming fights. Otherwise, we could use the money to help us procure other items of interest."
Speck AC19/20 HP:26/26 d20+8=23 ; d20+8=20 ; d20+8=23 ; d20+8=20 ; d20+8=10 ; d20+8=14 ; d20+8=11 ; d20+8=18 ; d20+8=11 ; d20+8=27 ; Tuesday January 19th, 2010 8:23:15 PM
Speck hums to himself as he looks at each of the following items:
Spider's chain shirt: Bardic knowledge d20+8=23 small wooden rod with runes: B.K. d20+8=20 chain shirt from ghoul rogue: B.K. d20+8=23 magic bullets: B.K. d20+8=20 (hmm... a pattern here...) 2 magic bullets with sticky stuff, very carefully handled, with golves: B.K. d20+8=10 (if it is poison, it probably has lost it's effectiveness by now, I'd think) magic fingerless gloves: B.K. d20=8=14 magic hat: B.K. d20+8=11 magic potion: B.K. d20+8=18 dagger: B.K. d20+8=11 sling:B.K. d20+8=27
Remsus Kai HP 43 d20+15=18 ; Tuesday January 19th, 2010 9:50:09 PM
(Sense motive =18)
"Jarlos, I am truly sorry for your loss. We will do what we can to avenge her." Remsus states rather flatly.
Marcas (SteveK) AC 19 HP 84/84 Wednesday January 20th, 2010 11:47:35 AM
Marcas keeps quiet and watches as Mordreia's remains are given to the human ranger.
Once back at their room, the big taur echoes Sir John. "I think that we need to find the Raven. If Jarlos and Mordreia are no more help, we go back to where the trail ended and look for a clue."
Marcasthai turns to Lucky Eddie to make the final decision on where to go.
"We also need to distribute the gain to use effectively against our adversary. I think the spell scrolls go to Remsus?"
Divvying up Treasure (DM SteveK) Wednesday January 20th, 2010 12:00:32 PM
Sir John wants to identify the magical equipment, then go to Osgood's Graveyard to pick up the trail of the Raven.
Speck looks over the magical items to see if he knows how to use any of them. (ooc: A successful bardic knowledge check will not reveal the powers of a magic item but may give a hint as to its general function.)
ooc: Ken, Highlight to display spoiler: {I don't know the functions of any of the magic items in the pile. Can you assist?}
Remsus responds to Jarlos' lack of emotion with a woodenness of his own. The ranger barely acknowledges the concern.
Marcas echoes Sir John's sentiments.
............
Upon inquiry, the group learn that there are wizards and groups of wizards in Tharn that could normally conduct Identify spells for a fee, they are not available now. Either they are helping fight the fires and explosions with all thier knowledge, or they have fled the city. The group will have to Identify the equipment on its own.... or do without.
The equipment is laid out to decide what to use immediately, and what to store with the Constables until the Raven is caught.
Party Treasure Things Lucky has found: - +3 icy burst dagger lifted from the doppelganger - old wooden table leg, with ornate silver inlay - Setanos vestment of Jancassis, +1 Constable- chain shirt is of exceptional make that fits Spider Marcas- Ebyron Tear of Electric (1d6 additional damage), Marcas- Ebyron Tear of Vicious (2d6 on enemy, 1d6 on self) - a small wooden rod, about six inches long and an inch thick. It is carved with various runes. Constable- two hundred gold in various coins Constable- several chain shirts, three light crossbows with quarrels and various disguise kits (Spider's minions)
Other things found (not by Lucky) - potion of protection from arrows 10/magic Remsus- scroll of Pyrotechnics (lev 2) Remsus- scroll of Deep Slumber (lev 3) - chain shirt of very fine make (from the ghoul rogue) - dagger - a sling - 16 magic sling bullets - 2 magic sling bullets which have some sort of sticky substance on them, likely poison - magic pair of gloves, fingerless - magic hat - magic potion - very high quality (MW) disguise kit
Remsus Kai HP 43 Wednesday January 20th, 2010 12:48:07 PM "Uhm. Thanks for the scrolls, I will keep them close by. Also, as you may suspect, I can cast Identify on each item over the next few days if you wish, but the cost for spell components is 100gold a pop in fine pearls. So, I would suggest we identify the most readily useful ones first. Maybe the Magic hat and gloves?"
Remsus puts the two scrolls in an impossibly deep coat pocket and then writes a little sticky-pad label in draconic that says "Pyro + Slumber" and labels the pocket with it.
(OOC: SO, I know thus far I have not listed the spells I have memorized for the day, and really its quite hard being prepared for both Utility stuff like Identify and Divination and also taking possible combat into account. I will look it all over and have a list of spells for days that look like combat and a list for lazy days and a list for a combination... by tomorrow. I guess for now just rest assured that I have Divination, at least one Identify, and Speak with Dead in my head)
Eddie AC HP26 of 46 d20+16=17 ; Wednesday January 20th, 2010 12:50:47 PM
Sorry I missed a day! D'Oh!
Sense motive on what's his name, with an extra +5 on the check: a natural 1! That brings my current luck points to 4.
"Whatever we do, we need to hole up and rest. I'm hurt and out of spells."
Regarding the loot, Eddie says he wants to keep the vestments and the table leg. Especially since he is the only ones who can use them.
OOC: I see no wounds registered in headers ... are you all really at max hp? This is still the same day we fought the undead drider and the chain devil.
Sir John (Ken) Wednesday January 20th, 2010 3:20:37 PM
Sir John agrees that they probably need to rest for a while if people need healing, but he is itching to move along with the adventure. "How about we take a4-6 hours to rest so our casters can memorize spells and the rest can heal up. Then we can go to the scene of our last fight, like Marcas and I suggested?"
Regarding the items, he says, "I'd like to know about that ghoul rogue's chain shirt myself, but aside from that, there's not much else of use. Since we'll have to pay money either way to identify the goods, we might as well start doing it now..."
Speck AC19/20 HP:26/26 Wednesday January 20th, 2010 10:53:43 PM
Speck suggest that the wooden rod is more important than the hat. The hat is probably a roguish hat for disquise. As well as the gloves. But the rod has runes on it.
Speck whispers to Lucky, "Jaros Seems taking the loss of the one he loved and came all the way here for rather matter-of-facltly, wouldn't you say? Think that doppleganger is back to work again? I wouldn't mind paying a visit to the tavern and following him to see where he goes tonight. What do you think?"
Remsus Kai HP 43 Thursday January 21st, 2010 12:30:46 AM "It takes an hour though. Can do it while we rest for a bit. I can also spend some time resting prepping other spells for more combat after casting this and divination. Still, the question begs: what shall I ask the gods of the Wold in the Divination?" Remsus asks
If the group agrees, Remsus will cast identify on the wooden rod and will then cast Divination once someone comes up with a proper question. Perhaps the Question "What will happen if we venture back to the sight of the last battle?" or perhaps, "SHould we wait for the Raven to find us or actively seek him out?"
Eddie AC HP26 of 46 Thursday January 21st, 2010 12:37:27 AM
Eddie says of the rod, "I used it in combat and got the feeling it helps cast spells."
Marcas (SteveK) AC 19 HP 74/84 Thursday January 21st, 2010 12:30:32 PM
Marcas agrees that the group needs to rest before returning to the Osgood's Graveyard. "Spells can be the difference between victory and defeat. The walls of Imod's training arena in Tauric Isles tell of the value of 'combat multipliers'. We rest now."
Casters, do what spells you need for healing and information, and then we will rest here, getting started again as soon as may be. Sir John and I will take turns on watch to allow the spell casters to sleep.
Rest and Recuperate (DM SteveK) Thursday January 21st, 2010 12:50:07 PM
The group settles down in the Constable building for some rest and recuperation. Between the constables, Marcas, and Sir John, the place is safe enough and nothing disturbs the group until rested and rejuvenated.
OOC: Casters, please post what spells you use prior to sleep
OOC: Casters, please post your spell list in spoiler and identify what spells used after sleep.
.........
Party Treasure Things Lucky has found: - +3 icy burst dagger lifted from the doppelganger Eddie- old wooden table leg, with ornate silver inlay Eddie- Setanos vestment of Jancassis, +1 Constable- chain shirt is of exceptional make that fits Spider Marcas- Ebyron Tear of Electric (1d6 additional damage), Marcas- Ebyron Tear of Vicious (2d6 on enemy, 1d6 on self) Identify- a small wooden rod, about six inches long and an inch thick. It is carved with various runes. Constable- two hundred gold in various coins Constable- several chain shirts, three light crossbows with quarrels and various disguise kits (Spider's minions)
Other things found (not by Lucky) All not specifically called for stays in Constable building - potion of protection from arrows 10/magic Remsus- scroll of Pyrotechnics (lev 2) Remsus- scroll of Deep Slumber (lev 3) - masterwork chain shirt - dagger - a sling - 16 magic sling bullets - 2 magic sling bullets which have some sort of sticky substance on them, likely poison - magic pair of gloves, fingerless - magic hat - magic potion - very high quality (MW) disguise kit
Sir John (Ken) Thursday January 21st, 2010 4:08:27 PM
(DM Only) = Highlight to display spoiler: {Steve, I sent you what you requested and when I sync up my PC tonight, you should get it...}
Sir John takes his turn at watch, but does try to memorize his few spells.
Spells Memorized (none used after sleep) 1st = CLW's, ProtfromEvil 2nd = Bull's Strength
Remsus Kai HP 43 Thursday January 21st, 2010 4:39:19 PM
BEFORE RESTING: Tired at the lack of direction, Remsus takes the Small Wooden Rod and begins to cast Identify on it. After the hour of the spell casting is done, Remsus writes down what the item does and reads it to the group.
Then, Remsus begins to cast Divination and will ask the almighty gods of the Wold (the DM) "Would our group do well to search for clues at the sight of the last battle"
AFTER RESTING, combat spells memorized: Highlight to display spoiler: { Cleric Spells Memorized lvl 0: Detect Magicx2, Read Magic, Purify Food and Drink, Create Water, lvl 1: Sanctuaryx2, Command, Shield of Faith, Bless Domain: Longstrider lvl2: Hold Person, Calm Emotions, Sound Burst, Domain: See Invisible lvl 3: Bestow Curse, Magic Circle Against Evil Domain: Fly
Eddie AC HP30 of 46 Thursday January 21st, 2010 7:33:53 PM
If no one else wants it, Eddie will take the magic dagger as well as the table leg and the vestments to the god of revenge. NOT TO KEEP -- just to use for now.
Eddie casts his very last four spells -- four cure minor wounds -- bringing himself to 30 hp. Then he takes the world's shortest bath (to get off the yucky bits) and then the world's longest bath (for soaking).
The next morning, still being on a Luck Quest, Eddie selects his spells completely at random. He ends up with ...
Level 0: Guidance, Inflict Minor Wounds, Read Magic, Virtue, Detect Poison Level 1: Cause Fear, Hide From Undead, Endure Elements, Bless, Entropic Shield Level 2: Bear's End, Silence, Sum Mon 2, Silence, Shatter Level 3: Cont Flame, Rem Curse, Pro Energy, Circle vs Law
Luck Points (reset each morning): 4
Tattoo Used: 0 of 3.
Remsus Kai HP 43 Thursday January 21st, 2010 7:51:49 PM
Oh yeah. I forgot about the curing. Remsus also burns all of his cure spells on whoever needs them the most BEFORE resting. Why waste em right? Thats like 5 cure lights, 2 cure meds and 2 cure serious.
Eddie AC HP30 of 46 Friday January 22nd, 2010 8:44:06 AM
"Hey, thanks!" says Eddie when Remsus offers some curing. "I could sure use that!"
OOC: Remsus, you want to roll? I'm down 16.
Remsus Kai HP 43 3d8+5=21 ; 3d8+5=15 ; 2d8+5=15 ; 2d8+5=14 ; d8+5=12 ; d8+5=11 ; d8+5=9 ; d8+5=10 ; d8+5=7 ; Friday January 22nd, 2010 1:32:53 PM
Here are all my cure wounds rolls. Take what you need. No reason to not use up spells before resting right??
Suffice it to say, Remsus cures until there is no more curing to be done before studying his spellbook, praying to Gargul, and taking a long drow-meditation nap. Remsus even throws some extra cures to wounded soldiers around the area if the party gets full before he is out of spells
(OOC: and you guys wanted me to play a pure wizard! bah!)
Eddie AC HP46 Friday January 22nd, 2010 2:56:32 PM
Eddie heals up and is gratefully at full.
Marcas (SteveK) AC 19 HP 84/84 Monday January 25th, 2010 2:53:31 PM
Marcasthai gratefully accepts the healing hands of Remsus once in a minor spell. That and a good night's sleep cures the minotaur of any further ailments.
He keeps watch on, watch off through the night to allow the spellcasters thier rest, and sees what morning will bring.
Spells and Morning (DM SteveK) Monday January 25th, 2010 3:36:50 PM
Remsus discovers the Wand is a Wand of Scorching Ray with 25 charges left.
The drows Divination also brings some results. After asking the question, he gets the distinct image of a yellow circle with two big lozenge black eyes and a great black smile.
Sir John (Ken) Monday January 25th, 2010 4:29:51 PM
Sir John continues his watch...
Remsus Kai HP 43 Tuesday January 26th, 2010 12:48:40 AM
After seeing the image of a classic smiley face, Remsus says, "That would be a great picture to put on a shirt. So simple, so elegant! We can make a fortune.. erhrm. Yeah. Lets see where the site of the last battle was and take a peek?" Remsus says to the group, ready to go after sleeping and getting his combat spells prepped.
Eddie AC HP46 Tuesday January 26th, 2010 7:36:58 AM
Captain Lucky grins when he hears about the Divination and the image of the Happy Sun. "Well, the meaning is clear! We will succeed if we act in the daytime. So I think we're going to have a good day!"
"Now, we have a mission, and we had better hop to it. First off, is there any profit for us in returning to the graveyard? We never did enter the spider fellow's building, I think. We did not really explore the building in which we fought the demon."
"And failing that, where can we go to find the Raven? We need some leads. Ideas, people?"
Level 0: Guidance, Inflict Minor Wounds, Read Magic, Virtue, Detect Poison Level 1: Cause Fear, Hide From Undead, Endure Elements, Bless, Entropic Shield Level 2: Bear's End, Silence, Sum Mon 2, Silence, Shatter Level 3: Cont Flame, Rem Curse, Pro Energy, Circle vs Law
Luck Points (reset each morning): 4
Tattoo Used: 0 of 3.
Marcas (SteveK) AC 19 HP 84/84 Tuesday January 26th, 2010 11:59:48 AM
"yes, the meaning is clear", speaks Marcas in his soft, gravelly voice. "We go to the site of our last battle, and find clues to lead us to Raven."
The large minotaur is imaculately clean once more, and hefts his ranseur and backpack. Careful to ensure the white long-haired cat is in her customary place, Marcas affectionately pets Khloe and is ready to face the day.
Back to Osgoods Graveyard (DM SteveK) Tuesday January 26th, 2010 12:14:25 PM
The heroes are determined to hunt down the Raven, and off they go!
Opening the outside door to the Constablatory Office is like stepping from one world to another. Inside, the walls are thick, the rooms are lit with rushes, lamps, and fires, and the warmth keeps life in the body. Outside however... A cold wind whips down the street, snuffing out the nearest lamps inside the building. Though it is morning, the sun is unseen through the flung snow and blackened soot of the near fires. Immediately, the air combines to cause coughing, the cold sapping the strength. The storm must have intensified in the night.
It takes an hour for our heroes to travel the distance from the Constables Office to Osgoods Graveyard. Though not to far on a clear day, the weather slowed them down to a snails pace. Further, the fires have spread in the night, and our heroes had to detour around an area of choking fumes.
All heroes take FOUR Fort Saves at DC15: 2 for cold and 2 for soot. Each failure = d6 NON-lethal damage.
Eddie, Marcas, Sir John, Speck, and now Remsus enter Osgood's Graveyard. Thier are paths that wind thier way through the hollow, the occasional gravestone and tree obstructing any view not already wiped away by the flying soot and snow. The hulking wrecks of rusted and rotting warmachines left where they were abandoned, this the spot of a long ago battle.
Soon enough, the group is in the relatively sheltered area of the ruined buildings. The bodies of the ghouls and drider are still here, untouched since yesterday. One building was searched (and where the group found the Chain Demon and the butchered body of Mordreia). One building is nearly collapsed, but there is one opening that the wounded heroes have not checked yet...
...NOTES Environmental Conditions: Outdoors, there is a continual blizzard conditions. Further, the snow is mixed with soot from the large town fires. 1. Outdoor Spot, Listen and Search checks at -8. 2. No Ranged Attacks possible. 3. Each hour exposure, Save Fort DC 15 or d6 non-lethal damage to extreme cold. 4. Each hour exposure, Save Fort DC15 or d6 non-lethal damage vs soot/breathing.
Speck AC19/20 HP:8N/26/26 d20+4=20 ; d20+4=11 ; d20+4=16 ; d20+4=7 ; 2d6=8 ; Tuesday January 26th, 2010 11:20:19 PM
OOC: Ok, I'll get my Fort saves in now and post my action tomorrow, it's late and I can't think straight. :)
Remsus Kai HP 7N/43/43 d20+6=7 ; d20+6=24 ; d20+6=12 ; d20+6=20 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d20+18=31 ; Wednesday January 27th, 2010 12:32:28 AM
Remsus is about half-way healthy. He coughs at the soot and a bit of blood comes up. He also shivers and his toes go numb. Failed 2 saves. takes 7 damage.
When the group arrives to the place of the battle, Remsus searches about vehemently for clues and such, (search check = 31-8 =23)
Eddie AC HP46 (Endure Elements) d20+13=21 ; d20+10=13 ; d20+9=18 ; Wednesday January 27th, 2010 8:19:48 AM
Eddie casts his Endure Elements spell, so I figure he only has to make the soot saves? How many saves do we need to make? I'll assume at least one, so Lucky's fort save vs soot, using all four of his luck points for a total +13, is a 21. That means no soot damage the first hour, and luck points are up to 5.
If we are out in it a second or third hour, please let us know.
Lucky is ready to go take a look at the opening we have not explored. He stands at the gap and listens: using no luck points: a 13. Looking into the dim: spot 18.
That's 5 and 10 with the -8 penalty, if that applies.
Marcas (SteveK) AC 19 HP 6N/84/84 d20+11=20 ; d20+11=27 ; d20+11=31 ; d20+11=14 ; d6=6 ; d20-1=18 ; d20-7=13 ; Wednesday January 27th, 2010 11:28:44 AM
The cold doesn't bother Marcas, but he coughs a lot and has to spit out black gunk from his mouth and nose. (2 cold saves, 1 soot save, 1 soot fail), 6 Non-lethal damage.
Not very good at seeing or searching, Marcas' abilities are further hampered by the weather. Still, he is able to Spot anything that may be easily noticeable, and assists Remsus in the looking for clues.
...Actions
Spot: 18 Aid Another Search: 13 +2 to Remsus
Battle Site at Osgoods Graveyard (DM SteveK) Wednesday January 27th, 2010 11:38:25 AM
The initial blast of cold and soot is withstood by most of the heroes, yet it is the constant staying in the infernal weather that saps the strength. Still and all, our heroes are tough, and able to carry on.
At Osgood's, the heroes cast about. Remsus is able to note there are footprints (rapidly erasing in the wind and blowing snow) that are near the opening Eddie is listening at. All evidence of footprints from the battle the day before is gone. It can only mean that someone was here afterwards!
Eddie listens carefully at the darkened doorway, but can niether see nor hear anything over the howling wind.
..................
NOTE1: One cold and one soot save was due to shock effect of coming from the comfortable Constable building into the cold. A second cold and soot save was due to an hour of exposure. Therefore, all heroes have 4 saves.
Sir John- 4 saves Fort DC 15 required Eddie - 1 more Fort DC 15 required (not need cold saves due to Elements spell)
NOTE2: I adjusted Post Names so we all track Non-Lethal damage in the same manner. Non-Lethal is tracked as increasing increments and separate from Current Hit Point total.
From DMG: Highlight to display spoiler: {Dealing Nonlethal Damage: Certain attacks deal nonlethal damage. Other effects, such as heat or being exhausted, also deal nonlethal damage. When you take nonlethal damage, keep a running total of how much you've accumulated. Do not deduct the nonlethal damage number from your current hit points. It is not "real" damage. Instead, when your nonlethal damage equals your current hit points, you're staggered, and when it exceeds your current hit points, you fall unconscious. }
Sir John (Ken) d20+11=22 ; d20+11=21 ; d20+11=16 ; d20+11=23 ; Wednesday January 27th, 2010 2:26:08 PM
(Sir John struggles through the mess and muck and tries to resist it to the best of his abilities, and is somewhat successful....
Fort Saves = 22, 21, 16, 23 ... All made...)
Sir John stares at the door and says, "If someone will check it out for traps, I'll take point once we know its not trapped. If someone was here after us, then we may be making some progress..."
Remsus Kai HP 7N/43/43 d20+17=21 ; d20+6=24 ; Thursday January 28th, 2010 3:16:50 AM
Remsus sees the footprints that are rapidly fading and says, "Hey guys. If there was a battle here and we cannot see your footprints from the fight, but we can see these here, then that means someone was here very recently. Let's track it." and with that Remsus will follow the footsteps in the snow, looking around constantly for suspicious activity, fully expecting to see someone hiding behind some junk.
(Spot = 21, Listen =24. looking around while following tracks)
Eddie AC HP46 (Endure Elements) Thursday January 28th, 2010 2:45:56 PM
"Tracking is a great idea, Remo!" says Luckie Eddie. "Lead on, tracker!"
Marcas (SteveK) AC 19 HP 84/84 Friday January 29th, 2010 3:10:14 PM
Ranseur in hand, Marcas moves to be directly behind Sir John, ready to decend the stairs.
At The Doorway (DM STeve) Friday January 29th, 2010 3:12:11 PM
Remsus suggests a tracker to follow the footprints. Without any specialized tracking ability, the drow can see the footprints either went into or out of the door in the building and are quickly lost in the graveyard. The door is the only possible clue from the prints.
Sir John suggests a footpad to check for traps at the door entrance.
Marcas gets ready to follow Sir John
Eddie thinks tracking is a good idea.
Speck remains quiet.
But nobody actually does anything....
Sir John (Ken) Friday January 29th, 2010 4:02:40 PM
(I thought that Remsus was tracking, since he made rolls and said he was following them and checking them out...)
DMSteveK made small addendum to Remsus.
Eddie AC HP46 (Endure Elements) Friday January 29th, 2010 5:11:16 PM
Eddie looks around. "Less jaw work! More paw work! I believe I still AM the leader of this group! Follow Remo here, please. Seems like he has a clue."
Remsus Kai HP 7N/43/43 d20+18=28 ; d20+15=31 ; Friday January 29th, 2010 5:40:20 PM
(OOC: Um. Yeah I got pleanty of ranks in survival, but no track feat. I always thought that was stupid in 3.5, you can have a +20 to search and survival and not be able to track a rabbit in the snow? WTF is that about? Could I at least make a survival check to avoid the cold damage? I think thats in the skill description somewhere.)
Remsus does the best of his ability to follow the trail.
"Remo? Remo.... remmo. remoo. Formalities are out the window eh?" he mutters to himself quietly.
(Search = 28, Survival =31)
Speck AC19/20 HP:26/26 d20=3 ; d8+1=8 ; d20+5=7 ; Friday January 29th, 2010 10:15:18 PM
OOC:Survival is a Skill, whereas Tracking is a Feat. On the other hand, pg 101 PHB, after the Condition table, under Normal: heading, it states that anyone can use the Tracking Feat as long as the DC is 10 or lower. Footprints in the snow, (See entry after the Surface table, Very Soft Groud, ) is DC5.
IC: Speck tries to determine which way the footprints head. Survival d20 = 3. hahahahahahahaha
Speck is still suffering from the effects of snow and soot and figures it he can't even distinquish between a toe and a heel, he's worse off than he thought. He takes out his want of CLW and taps himself once. Heal 1d8+1 = 8 pts of Non-Lethal dmg.
Speck offers to peek inside the building and to help see, he naps his fingers and a 'faintly glowing, vaguely haflinglike shape' appears before him and moves into the building. (cast Dancing Lights)
Spot d20+5=7 ick. get these bad rolls out of the way now, before combat
Sir John (Ken) Saturday January 30th, 2010 10:20:27 AM
If neither Speck or Remsus find anything at the door or information on the tracks, Sir John will kick the door open (unless it's unlocked and then he'll just open it) and move inside, watching for any dangers..
Marcas (SteveK) AC 19 HP 6N/84/84 Monday February 1st, 2010 11:11:27 AM
The big minotaur blinks and then smiles down at Remsus. "Aye, Remsus, Lucky Eddie has little concept of what is proper. Yet he has great capacity for what is right."
The minotaur keeps his ranseur at the ready to cover Sir John.
Into The Building (DM SteveK) d20=16 ; Monday February 1st, 2010 11:18:00 AM
Remsus can see that the bootprints go in and out of the door, but can't determine which ones were made last; out... or in.
No determination is made on the door, and the old thing is at least stuck if not outright locked. And so Sir John uses a number 12 hard leather key and kicks in the door. The wood cracks and the latch shatters (DM roll 16) and the opening is able to be looked through in the dim light.
Sir John looks through and can see nothing in the darkness beyond. from the sound and echo of the room, it feels like it is a large area.
Eddie AC HP46 (Endure Elements) Monday February 1st, 2010 5:22:04 PM
OOC: The following all takes place before ANYONE steps in, please.
The Cap'n peers into the dark, and says, "I better have more than just my trusty table leg ready." He uses his tattoo and makes three Magic Stones. He also looks for something to cast his Continual Flame spell on -- the doorknob from the broken door will do, if there is nothing else. Once cast, he hands the continually flaming item to Sir John. "Here you go, Silverado."
Then he says to the entire group, "I got me a nifty spell to hide us from them what's movin' around long after they shoulda been RIP, if you know what I mean. Using this nice robe what aids my castin', I can cover up to seven people for over an hour. During that time, if you don't attack undead, they likely won't see you. The trick is that if even one person attacks an undead, the spell breaks for everybody."
"So the question I got for you, Marks-On-Thighs, since you be the warlord and all, is who gets the spell, and can they promise to not attack until you tells 'em to?"
[OOC: Steve, are you playing the battle leader role and the DM? If not, feel free to pick someone else to do the job for the duration.]
Marcas: The minotaur immediately picks Eddie himself to get the spell to keep everyone covered. "You don't get to do any attacking, Leader Eddie, but can do lots of directing in any battle." ooc: Cayzle, why don't you be the chaotic battle leader while I'm DMing? :-)
Spells
Level 0: Guidance, Inflict Minor Wounds, Read Magic, Virtue, Detect Poison Level 1: Cause Fear, Hide From Undead, Endure Elements, Bless, Entropic Shield Level 2: Bear's End, Silence, Sum Mon 2, Silence, Shatter Level 3: Cont Flame, Rem Curse, Pro Energy, Circle vs Law
Luck Points: 5
Tattoo Used: 1 of 3. Stones Used: 0 of 3
Eddie AC HP46 (Endure Elements) Monday February 1st, 2010 5:25:53 PM
OOPS! Started my luck points today at 4, and gained another to get 5. But I actually started at 5, and so am now at 6.
Sir John (Ken) Monday February 1st, 2010 5:37:03 PM
Sir John waits to hear what the decision re: the spell is, and once it's decided, he'll do his door kicking routine...
Speck AC19/20 HP:26/26 Monday February 1st, 2010 9:56:20 PM
OOC: Retracting Specks actions (I thought the door was already opened...
IC: Speck suggests, "I can send a decoy inside if that will help any. What'd you say about that, Oh Mighty Leader? Shall I?"
Remsus Kai HP 7N/43/43 Tuesday February 2nd, 2010 1:23:40 AM
Remsus stands and waits for instruction.
[i]Detect undead??[/i} he thinks to himself
Eddie AC HP46 (Endure Elements) Tuesday February 2nd, 2010 7:26:34 AM
Huh? Lucky did not act until after the door was kicked in. That's how he figured he could cast continual flame on the doorknob after the door was splintered into flinders.
Into The Building (DM SteveK) d20+10=25 ; d20+10=11 ; 2d8+8=16 ; Tuesday February 2nd, 2010 2:07:18 PM
Sir John has the door kicked in. The building is dark and has the feel of a large, single room.
Marcas stands behind Sir John with his ranseur at the ready.
Eddie looks for advice about his spell. He already has his Magic Stones and casts Continual Flame on the doorknob, handing it towards Sir John.
Remsus waits and considers spells.
Speck asks some questions on spells.
................
And then the decsion on what to do next is taken away from the heroes! Stepping into the doorway (like they were ready to pound anyone who came through) are two mail-shirted zombie ogres. Wielding large greatclubs, they slam down at Sir John and Eddie!
Zombie Ogre D plants a club the size of a small tree into the paladin! (AC 25 Dam 16)
Eddie AC HP46 (Endure Elements) d20+11=28 ; d20+5=8 ; Tuesday February 2nd, 2010 2:54:26 PM
Eddie says, "What the heck!"
He casts Hide From Undead on the defensive. His Concentration check is normally at +6. He adds in another 5 luck points, making it a +11 check. His DC is 16. He rolls a 28, so no problem. That brings his current Luck points to 7.
The save DC for intelligent undead to resist the spell is a roll of d20+1+4, or 8. LOL! Not so good this time, sorry friends!
Spells
Level 0: Guidance, Inflict Minor Wounds, Read Magic, Virtue, Detect Poison Level 1: Cause Fear, Hide From Undead, Endure Elements, Bless, Entropic Shield Level 2: Bear's End, Silence, Sum Mon 2, Silence, Shatter Level 3: Cont Flame, Rem Curse, Pro Energy, Circle vs Law
Luck Points: 7
Tattoo Used: 1 of 3. Stones Used: 0 of 3
Remsus Kai HP 7N/43/43 Tuesday February 2nd, 2010 9:58:15 PM
Remsus reacts by casting Grease, spanning the 10foot space from square E-F 8-9. DC 18 to resist falling prone.
He also takes a 5-foot hop to square A-7, hoping that the Minataur could help protect him from anything.
"Why didn't someone tell me we would be fighting undead? All my enchantment spells I prepared are useless against these guys! "Remsus says, angry at his own lack of foresight.
"Oh well. As soon as I see a few more back there I will fireball them. No need on wasting my one-shot on two ogres. For now, lets see if zombie ogres can balance." Remsus says as he looks behind the ogres looking for more monsters that could be included in the radius of such a blast.
Cleric Spells Memorized lvl 0: Detect Magicx2, Read Magic, Purify Food and Drink, Create Water, lvl 1: Sanctuaryx2, Command, Shield of Faith, Bless Domain: Longstrider lvl2: Hold Person, Calm Emotions, Sound Burst, Domain: See Invisible lvl 3: Bestow Curse, Magic Circle Against Evil Domain: Fly
Speck AC19/20 HP:26/26 Tuesday February 2nd, 2010 11:39:46 PM
Speck takes a 5' step to B10 and holds his sling ready in case Eddie's spell doesn't work.
"We didn't? Oh well, now you know," Speck blurts out, rather matter-of-factly.
Marcas (SteveK) AC 19 HP 6N/84/84 d20+9=29 ; d20+9=19 ; 2d6+22=28 ; 2d6+22=28 ; Wednesday February 3rd, 2010 1:06:02 PM
Marcas' ranseur flashes and ... stops. The minotaur is poised for immediate action if the zombie ogres continue an attack on any of his companions.
Readied Attack: If any zombie attacks any hero.
...Actions Readied Power Attack on first zombie that attacks. AC 29 nat20! Crit 19 Dam 28 + Crit 28) Power attack: -5 to hit, +5 damage (+10 for 2-handed damage)
Zombies in the Graveyard! (DM SteveK) d20=7 ; d20=5 ; d20=5 ; d20=18 ; d20+10=12 ; Wednesday February 3rd, 2010 1:28:57 PM
Eddie casts Hide from Undead and renders the heroes undetectable for the unintelligent zombies!
Remsus casts Grease on the area below the ogre zombies. Neither are able to stand and they both fall into a heap. The damage to Eddie's spell is complete, and the Hide from Undead is gone!
OOC: similar to the invisibility spell: "an attack includes any spell targeting a foe or whose area or effect includes a foe." The grease area included a foe and so ended the Hide spell.
Speck steps closer and readies his sling without firing.
Marcas holds ready to strike the first zombie that attacks.
Sir John stands on the defensive. (without Player post, will automatically assume best defensive position without moving or attacking. This gives +2 AC to Sir John)
......Enemy
Zombie Ogre B tries to stand and fails.
Zombie Ogre D is able to stand, and obviously sees the group to continue its attack.
A large arm comes from the darkness of the building by Zombie B and drags it partially out of the Grease.
There is more movement in the dark, but no telling what is out there in the Continual Flame in Eddie's hand.
Eddie AC16 HP46 (Endure Elements) d20+9=17 ; d20+6=10 ; d20+13=16 ; Wednesday February 3rd, 2010 2:02:44 PM
The Cap'n says to Remo, "No worries, brother. That Hide spell had crap-all for a save DC anyway."
Eddie throws the continual flame doorknob into the dark, hoping to illuminate the area. Note that throwing a doorknob might well provoke attacks of opportunity.
(If you want a to hit roll, I got a 17.)
If he has enough of an action left, he reaches out to pick the pocket of the Ogre standing next to him. Sleight of hand 10.
And a roll for AC: 16 this round.
Spells
Level 0: Guidance, Inflict Minor Wounds, Read Magic, Virtue, Detect Poison Level 1: Cause Fear, Hide From Undead, Endure Elements, Bless, Entropic Shield Level 2: Bear's End, Silence, Sum Mon 2, Silence, Shatter Level 3: Cont Flame, Rem Curse, Pro Energy, Circle vs Law
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