Two men standing/DM Buzz Monday March 21st, 2011 10:24:48 AM Kyan is acknowledged as a valuable resource to the party with his tracking skills by Restlin. Bosk and Zeoll cast a couple of spells to increase their power. Beltrin can't believe how far these people have to go to collect bodies, the distance is just so far. All the while, Beriothian searches well the area and doesn't find anything of note that would be dangerous. No sounds can be heard on the other side of the stone secret door. No air currents are felt to come from or go through this area.
The door slides open with a grinding noise, taking the strength of two average men, into a completely noticeable, newer passage. It is twenty feet wide and eight feet high. The passage is only forty feet long before it enters a room larger then the passage. Forty five feet away are two humans, standing still in artificial light. One is an average sized male with dark hair and scraggly facial hair. The second is a taller male with light brown hair and a hint of a shadow for facial hair.
If they heard or see you, they do not acknowledge it. They seem to have both hands on chains in front of them, the chains suspended from something above them, out of your sight. They say nothing and do not seem to act.
Kyan(Jon) AC:19/13/16 HP: 42/48 Monday March 21st, 2011 10:48:41 AM OOC: Just to clarify, do they have their hands on the chains, as in holding them, or in chains as with prisoners?
DM Buzz: They seem to be holding the chains, suspended from above, with both hands.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 14/12/12 HP:35 (Spells) Current spells: Detect Magic Monday March 21st, 2011 4:19:39 PM "Anyone else waiting for the thing that chain's attached to to saunter forward and ruin this otherwise enjoyable day?" Restlin mutters under his breath to no one in particular.
Restlin ponders whether or not the grinding sound should have been heard by the two creepy guys in the room. Was it loud enough to be heard over there? Should they have turned around by now? If he's sure they should have heard that, he has some choice words for them regarding the type of guards they choose to employ...
DM Buzz: Anyone within a hundred feet would have heard the stone wall moving easily. They are facing you, they do not have their backs to you.
Kyan(Jon) AC:19/13/16 HP: 42/48 d20+10=30 ; Monday March 21st, 2011 7:34:36 PM
Kyan makes no move to enter the room, but eyes the men, the chains and their surroundings as he pulls his bow from its spot and readies an arrow just to prepare for the inevitable confrontation. "If they're just going to sit there, perhaps it's time for that charm enchantment you mentioned before?[/b"
[b] Perception: 30
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/17/17 HP:41/41 d20+9=22 ; d20+8=12 ; d20+11=14 ; Monday March 21st, 2011 9:35:57 PM
Beriothian tries to figure out where exactly they are, surely even a wizard wouldn't be able to build such a chamber under Hook City without being detected. Perhapse this is room has been here since the city was built.
As the elf enters he finds it odd that nobody has responded. Are they even concious? Beri tries to figure out what they are doing, but doesn't say a word, not wanting to call any undo attention to himself.
Perception = 14 (16 on traps) Knowledge(local)=12 Sense motive = 22
ooc: The strength of two average men to open the door? So you are saying Bosk only used one hand to open it?
Bosk (James) AC: 20/12/19 HP 46 of 52 Spells d20+8=19 ; d20+7=27 ; d4+1=5 ; d4+1=4 ; Monday March 21st, 2011 10:17:22 PM
As they enter Bosk quickly accesses the situation (perception = 19). Are the men armed or wearing armor? If so, what are they wearing? I know the men are facing our direction, but are the men looking at the ceiling or at us? Is this possibly a trap, and are the men illusions? He also does hi best to sense the mens motive in not acting. Are the prisioners? Are they scared of something on the ceiling?
If the men,or anything/one else approaches, Bosk will throw the magic stone he won in the Loot N Booty lotto at them, casting CL3 Magic Missile and sending forth two balls of energy. If not, he will cast see invisiblity.
Actions: Perception = 19. Looking for anything odd, traps, illusions, something on the ceiling as well as the ground Sense Motive = 27, Nat 20!!!
If necessary Attack for 4 and 5 damage.
Zeoll (HP35, AC18) d20+16=21 ; Monday March 21st, 2011 10:22:25 PM
Zeoll looks closely to see if they are undead: Perception 21.
If they are not, Zeoll puts away his lens (his shield is already on his arm), and advances until they are 35 feet away, and casts a charm person spell. Save DC 18.
Beltrin (Keith) AC: 19/14/15 HP: 38/47 Spells d20+8=26 ; Monday March 21st, 2011 11:52:12 PM
Following Zeoll's lead, Beltrin examines the scene to see if there is anything unusual about the men and then steps up to Zeoll's side and casts a charm spell on the man that Zeoll is not targeting (by default, he'll choose the taller man)
--------------------------- Perception 26 Charm Person DC 16
Nothings changed/DM Buzz Tuesday March 22nd, 2011 11:04:30 AM Please note: For future reference. If targets of aggressive spells are not stated in the future, as in this case left or right was not used by Zeoll or Beltrin, Then I will roll randomly and the players will take what comes up. This could mean, you both cast on the same person. Please consider yourselves advised. I need to know your complete actions, every "battle", when you are attacking or defending. :)
Restlin wonders aloud at what the group might be getting into.
Not at all liking the scene, Kyan moves his missile weapon into his hands and waits for word from others or an aggressive move from the two men.
Beriothian can tell, the catacombs is over a thousand years old and this new passage is perhaps a two hundred years old. The rogue is careful of further devices of surprise and finds none in front of him, unfortunately, that takes time so he does not yet have a moment to gauge their intentions. Sense Motive generally takes at least one minute (not one round) to use.
Bosk wants to know what he is up against. Looking across the short distance, he sees two men, in common clothes, somewhat dirty and shabby, with no weapons. The tall one appears somewhat emaciated, with a red shirt, blue pants and boots. The shorter man is wearing a brown leather vest with brown breeches, in bare feet. It would take to long to sense their motives, so as the liontaur steps forward, he casts a spell. Sense Motive generally takes at least one minute (not one round) to use.
Zeoll is not capable of knowing about undead, with just his perception. It takes some knowledge of religion in order to determine the creatures in Gargul's realm of power. (Using the same roll for "All Other Knowledge" checks of +5) To Zeoll they look like humans that are very much alive. Taking a couple of steps forward he casts a spell.
Following his companions actions and without having to move, Beltrin casts a spell as well, on the other human.
The two men continue to stand there, unmoving.
Highlight to display spoiler: {Secret DM rolls, rolled on DM Board.}
Beltrin (Keith) AC: 19/14/15 HP: 38/47 Spells d20+2=15 ; Tuesday March 22nd, 2011 1:10:12 PM
Hoping that their spells were powerful enough to overcome the human's willpower, Beltrin waves to the men and greets them "Ho there friends! Why do you strain so to hold those chains?"
Zeoll moves forward, with no weapons drawn, smiling, with Beltrin, hoping to gleam some hint that the spells have been resisted or not. Sense Motive: 21, 23
Bosk (James) AC: 20/12/19 HP 46 of 52 Spells Tuesday March 22nd, 2011 3:09:39 PM
Bosk moves forward, trying to stay in front of tbe group. He tries to get close enough to see what the chain is attached to without getting close enough for anything to fall on his head.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 14/12/12 HP:35 (Spells) Current spells: Detect Magic Tuesday March 22nd, 2011 3:21:13 PM
Restlin moves with the group, but is obviously on edge. Anyone giving him a glance will see his hands contorted and words on the tip of his tounge. He is ready to spring into action at a moment's notice.
ooc: DM, Restlin's waiting for any sign to cast shatter on the chain of the man on his left.
Kyan(Jon) AC:19/13/16 HP: 42/48 Tuesday March 22nd, 2011 4:02:34 PM
Kyan continues to eye the men warily and moves up a few feet with the others. He keeps his bow ready in front of him, but pointed down and not drawn as he waits for a reaction from the men or from anything else in the room.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/17/17 HP:41/41 Tuesday March 22nd, 2011 8:16:46 PM
Visions of devious traps attached to the end of the chains run through the rogues mind. Almost anything could be at the end of those chains. Hopefully whatever it is won't be riddled with disease. Beri draws his bow and notches a cold iron arrow.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 14/12/12 HP:35 (Spells) Current spells: Detect Magic Tuesday March 22nd, 2011 9:18:57 PM
Restlin looks around at the lack of action going on.
"Somebody needs to make a move," he says through clenched teeth. "Someone big...with horns."
Bosk (James) AC: 20/12/19 HP 46 of 52 Spells Tuesday March 22nd, 2011 11:54:23 PM
ooc: See invisibillity = 50 minutes left.
Bosk plans to make a move once he knows what the chain is attached to.
Lots of noise/DM Buzz Wednesday March 23rd, 2011 11:02:15 AM
The group slowly moves forward as the two men stand motionless, their hands still holding the chain in front of them.
Beltrin and Zeoll attempt to communicate with the men, hoping their spells were powerful enough to overcome their will.
Once the group gets to about ten feet away from the room, Bosk attempts to see what the chains are attached to. About thirty feet above the men are sprockets in the walls, on each side both men, the chains form a loop around the teeth of the sprocket so it can be one continuos pull, one direction or the other.
Kyan and Beriothian have weapons ready to unleash a flight of death on the men or whatever it is they might release.
Once the minotaur can see what is up however, in unison the men start pulling on their respective chains, with a very fast pace. With the movements of the chain a howling sound pierces the air and then grinding of something on stone, from above them.
At this point, a series of things seem to occur, with Restlin casting a spell on the chain, held by the man on the left. A large ringing sound fills the ears of those present as the frequency does not seem to effect the metal chain the man is holding. Highlight to display spoiler: { Restlin doesn't need an Arcane Knowledge check to know, the spell should have worked, unless it is a magical chain or it weighs more then fifty pounds.}
The grinding sounds continue to come down from above them. Those looking up and into the room can see, many, many feet up, darkness, with no ceiling immediately apparent.
The men do not respond to voices and getting closer to them, it is easy to see, these men are not well. Not well at all!
Please put active spells on the bottom of your post or I might forget you have them working!
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/17/17 HP:41/41 Wednesday March 23rd, 2011 7:54:20 PM
ooc: Has the chain stopped moving, or are they still turning the gear?
DM Buzz: Still turning the gear.
Beltrin (Keith) AC: 19/14/15 HP: 38/47 Spells d20+8=22 ; d20+9=20 ; d20+6=8 ; Wednesday March 23rd, 2011 9:26:46 PM
Seeing that his spell has failed to alter the mood of the men towards him, Beltrin prepares for the worst, assuming that whatever the men are doing with the chains it can't be anything good. He moves towards the men, trying to identify what exactly is amiss about them.
Once he is close enough, he attempts to stop the taller man from pulling on the chain by catching him in his net, but he catches the net on the edge of the tunnel and it flies wide.
---------------- Move action: move to within 10 feet of the taller man Standard action: throw net at taller man Hit touch AC 8
Perception: 22 Knowledge (Any): 20
spells in effect: Mage Armor (I think, duration is 4 hours and I cast it before the zombie fight. Let me know if it has expired)
Standard
Bosk (James) AC: 20/12/19 HP 46 of 52 Spells Wednesday March 23rd, 2011 11:11:33 PM
ooc: What else is in the room? Are there any exits or other? Bosk is trying to determine if these men could be activating a lift that brings them up somewhere...or potentially bringing the baddies down to them.
See Invisibility active for 50 minutes.
DM Buzz: No exits except for no ceiling seen. Maybe a lift?
Bosk (James) AC: 20/12/19 HP 46 of 52 Spells Thursday March 24th, 2011 1:42:30 AM
Bosk stands in full defense waiting to see what happens.
Kyan(Jon) AC:19/13/16 HP: 42/48 Thursday March 24th, 2011 8:38:50 AM ooc: Could you expand on "Not well" looking? Sickly? Rotting? All crazy eyed?
Kyan pauses as he watces the men pull on the chain, not wanting to shoot unarmed men for pulling a chain, but keeping his bow at the ready.
Zeoll (HP35, AC18) Thursday March 24th, 2011 9:14:25 AM
Zeoll readies his action -- to use his shield for total cover when he is physically attacked. On the off chance his charm worked, he asks, "What is happening here? What are you doing? Why?"
Going up?/DM Buzz Thursday March 24th, 2011 10:24:12 AM
The two men continue to pull on the chains, not answering any question or even acknowledging the groups existence and the sounds of stone being scraped is still noticeable as the movement above is reduced a bit, likely because it takes a little bit to get it started.
The two men look very ill, now that everyone is close enough to see them, however, you could not tell they are ill by the strength they exhibit, bringing down the lift from above. Their stares are blank and unblinking. When a net is thrown at one of them, they do not seem to notice, but that could be, because, it did not hinder his job performance.
As they seem to be doing their job without complaint, you can hear the shaft above you is changing in that something large is coming down and now after about four minutes since they started, a wooden platform is seen coming from above and when it enters the room, everyone stands with trepidation, waiting for an attack, but in fact. the platform rests on the floor behind the two men and it is at this time, they stop and switch their hand positions, placing their hands now on the opposite side of the chain loop as if they are ready to pull the platform back up.
Please mark five minutes off of your spells.
Zeoll (HP35, AC18) d20+5=7 ; d20+10=17 ; Thursday March 24th, 2011 11:11:39 AM
Zeoll says quietly, "I hearrd once about a necrromancerr who used skeletons to powerr lifts and doorrs, but I neverr hearrd of this! But the fact that they arre both strrong and sick leads me to suspect the influence of the God of Disease."
Zeoll's Know Religion check to see if his intuition is based on anything more substantial: a 7.
Heal check to get a better idea of what could be infecting these humans: 17.
Zeoll does NOT add that he was himself an unwitting agent of the god of death, once upon a time. It is a dark memory, and he almost never mentions it. That historical fact, however, does influence his next suggestion.
"The obvious rroute is to ascend via this lift -- but I am opposed to it in the strrongest terrms. Firrst of all, I hate the idea of making sick men, maybe contrrolled by the Foul One, worrk to lift us. Second of all, the Taurrs are surrely too heavy. Cerrtainly too heavy forr all of us to go at the same time. Thirrd, what if these men let go when we werre high up? It is too dangerrous."
"I urrge us to grrapple these poor men and rrestrrain them. Then we eitherr leave to tend them and ourr own infections, orr we set up an ambush."
Bard Spells: 1 of 4 first level spells cast (Charm Person) 1 of 2 second level spells cast (Heroism)
Goodberries from yesterday: 0 all used Bard Music Rounds used: 8 of 16 rounds.
Currently Active: Zeoll has only the Taur's Try (minotaur form) going. He casts it again to renew it. 10 minute's duration.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 14/12/12 HP:35 (Spells) Current spells: Detect Magic Thursday March 24th, 2011 11:19:37 AM
"Well, if they let go, 5 of us would float gracefully down and land safely. Of course, one of us would plummet to our deaths and burst on the stone below, but from a mathematical standpoint those are some pretty good odds.
"Morbidness aside, I think setting up an ambush may be wishful thinking. Whoever set this up knew what they were doing. I'm not sure catching them off guard in their own basement is likely to work. We haven't exactly passed unnoticed so far."
ooc: Spells active: Detect magic
Bosk (James) AC: 20/12/19 HP 46 of 52 Spells Thursday March 24th, 2011 12:12:30 PM I have a feeling that these men must have some abnormal strength, and there is likely a pulley system and magic making the job easier. If we are concerned about weight, I have three items that can cast reduce person.
See Invisibillity 45 minutes left.
Going up?/DM Buzz Thursday March 24th, 2011 12:57:53 PM Restlin senses a faint magical aura coming from both men, when he gets closer and also needs to make a Knowledge Arcana check to determine more.
He could have notified others to follow suit if desired by magical members of the group, but please decide what you want to do with going up, going back or staying still, today if possible.
"I don't see anyway up there other than this elevator, even if it is powered pretty heinously. I vote we go. It will make for a great campfire story for future Iron Adventurers."
James posting for Beri Thursday March 24th, 2011 1:54:41 PM
Beri looks around the room, and stares at the pittiful men. I agree with Bosk and Restlin. The only way I see is up. I'm skilled in the arcane arts, but if both the men and the chain are magical, I would be afraid seperaring them or stopping them might kill them.
Zeoll (HP35, AC18) Thursday March 24th, 2011 3:08:35 PM
OOC to DM Buzz: What are the dimensions of the platform? Can we all fit on it? Any word on that Heal check to diagnose the men?
IC: "I think we will rregrret using such a foul means of trransporrt," says Zeoll. "It is evil to use sick folk in this way. We would place ourr verry souls in perril should we do so. It would be betterrr to disable the lift and anchorr and climb the chains up. Orr to haul ourrselves up."
OOC to all: Seriously, friends. This is evil.
Beltrin (Keith) AC: 19/14/15 HP: 38/47 Spells d20+9=11 ; d20+9=28 ; Thursday March 24th, 2011 3:58:51 PM
Seeing that neither the men nor the lift pose an immediate physical threat, only a moral one, Beltrin gathers his net and re-folds it. He also takes a minute to examine the lift and the chains to see if he thinks that it is sturdy enough to bear the party's weight (Knowledge (Engineering) 11). He also casts detect magic and examines the chains and the men (Knowledge (Arcana) 28).
Beltrin understands and shares Zeoll's revulsion at using diseased men that have been turned into automatons, but his practical nature outweighs it. "I agree that the way these men are being used is evil Zeoll, but I see little choice in the matter. It seems to me that the only way that we can reach Mr. E, who is probably the only one that can cure their affliction, is by using the lift to follow the trail. However, if you truly cannot be reconciled to the idea, I'll volunteer to help haul the lift and climb the chains up afterwards. After all, they aren't too different from the ropes in Hook City...." A wistful look fills his eyes, but he snaps himself back to reality. "But you'll have to disable the men yourself, I can almost feel the Zombie Rot eating at my insides already, I'm not going to risk catching whatever they have as well."
Kyan(Jon) AC:19/13/16 HP: 42/48 Thursday March 24th, 2011 7:48:18 PM
As the lift moves down into sight, Kyan lifts his bow and pulls the string back to his cheek, ready to loose at whatever is on the platform and lets out a breath when he sees it is empty and eases his bow back from its drawn position.
When it becomes obvious the men are not going to move, he puts the arrow back in his quiver and replaces the bow over his shoulder and moves closer to examine them and the lift with a frown.
"I can help pull the rest of you up and climb the chain as well... if we can get these unfortunate men off of them"
Zeoll looks at his brother Taur. "Bosk," he asks, "Don't you have a Cure Disease spell? Why not use it on one of these poor souls? Once cured, he can tell us what is going on." Zeoll casts Detect Magic to try to tell if one or the other has been affected by the Charm Person spells.
Spellcraft 18, Know Arcana 25.
He will suggest that Bosk cure a charmed one, if possible.
James posting for Beri Friday March 25th, 2011 12:51:48 AM
Can anyone tell if it is a disease or magic? I would hate to waste the spell when three of our own are sick.
Zeoll (HP35, AC18) Friday March 25th, 2011 5:33:41 AM
Zeoll has detected magic and made Healing 17, Spellcraft 18, and Know Arcana 25 checks to figure that out. Also still awaiting word on lift dimensions.
Going up?/DM Buzz Friday March 25th, 2011 1:24:42 PM
Dropped the ball, sorry guys, yesterday turned into an event.
Post this afternoon.
It's all in the details/DM Buzz Friday March 25th, 2011 7:33:37 PM
The room is thirty feet by thirty feet. The men with the chains stand only five feet inside the room. In their hands are large thick chains. Their dimensions are easily sixty or sixty five feet long and each link is large and heavy enough to allow the thick metal teeth of the sprockets above them to bite into the chain that is easily heavier and thicker then normal chain. There is no corrosion on the chains, but they also do not look new and shiny. There is nothing magical about the chains, the sprockets or the large lift that comes down as a ceiling and takes up the entire room. There are spaces in the floor of the lift that allow the sprockets, chain and men to remain in one spot and avoid being crushed. The six chains for the lift are attached to large wooden arms that are buried in a large groove in the walls. They are each, twice the size of the chains the men are using for the sprocket. The mechanism for the device, concealed behind tons of stone. The floor of the lift is made with large wooden beams that span three feet apart. Each beam is a 4X6 inch piece of hard wood. These beams are covered with 1X6 inch flat boards, allowing many creatures to use this device. Truly, the group with all their gear will test the mettle of this device, but it seems to be able to support the weight of all, if used.
The men, after examining them are determined to be dead. The tall emaciated man likely passed away from organ failure or perhaps, he was soon to die and hadn't yet. The cause of this could be many, but substance abuse is likely the cause. The shorter man does not seem to have any problems upon looking at him. The faint magic aura does come from each of them. It is a twist between transmutation and necromantic energies.
Neither however seem dead. They could easily pass for a citizen of Hook City, if not for their odd characteristics.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/17/17 HP:41/41 Friday March 25th, 2011 8:03:28 PM
ooc: There aren't many diseases that make you wander into a 200 year old room and wait next to a chain on the off chance a random group of adventurers enter. Which means there is a 50-50 chance one of us will contract such a disease by the end of this fight.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/17/17 HP:41/41 Friday March 25th, 2011 8:24:14 PM
The rogue looks curiously at the decased automatons. It looks like there isn't much we can do for these men now. I don't particularly think that we are in danger from the lift itself, however anybody that can to this to a person is going to a concern to our well being. Still, should the worst happen while on the lift and we start falling I should be able to take care of myself.
Beriothian puts up his crossbow and pulls out a potion with two scarlet cows drawn on it. Should the platform break/fall he will immediately sip from it (gives feather fall for 3 rounds).
ooc: a bunch of new posts appeared once I submitted, must have had an old cached version in my history.
DM Buzz: Deleted your extra post. :)
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 14/12/12 HP:35 (Spells) Current spells: Detect Magic Friday March 25th, 2011 9:43:34 PM
"Excellent! We take the elevator of the damned, then."
Restlin saunters over to lift and hops onto it. "I don't think anyone's going to be offering an invitation. Let's get going..."
Bosk Friday March 25th, 2011 11:23:31 PM
Bosk looks at the men with much the same feelings Zeoll did a minute ago when he thought them merely diseased. As a Cleric of Gargul he feels compelled to kill them where they stand, but his training as an avenger helps him to view them as a means to an end. They will be returned to Gargul soon enough. If they don't die when they stop their master, then Bosk will kill them on the way back. He may be an Avenger, but even that won't allow him to tolerate their presence for long.
Bosk is ready to take the elevator. If it looks like their weight is too much he will shrink down to medium size and give Zeoll a option to do the same.
See invisibilliity = 45 minutes left
Zeoll (HP35, AC18) d20+18=30 ; Sunday March 27th, 2011 2:45:22 PM
"Huh," says Zeoll. "Undeath, not disease. Maybe therre should be no differrence, but somehow this offends me less. Well, let's ascend."
Zeoll casts Heroism before boarding the lift. He remembers his Pearl of Power is in his pocket, and he uses it to recall his Elf Vision spell, although he does not cast the Elf Vision quite yet. On the way up he casts Guidance and recasts his Taur's Try if he has time.
He tries to keep alert as the lift goes up: Perception 30. His shield is in one hand, his lens in the other.
Kyan(Jon) AC:19/13/16 HP: 42/48 Monday March 28th, 2011 8:34:18 AM
Kyan steps onto the elevator and readies his bow once again. "I think its worth saying again that we should assume that surprise is gone. I wonder what sort of greety party our hosts will have thrown together to meet us."
The ranger peers upwards as they ascend, watching for any signs of movement.
What a blast!/DM Buzz d20+12=25 ; 7d6=22 ; Monday March 28th, 2011 11:24:36 AM
The group steps up onto the platform and when the last adventurer is in the small area, it is clear, that is the cue for the undead to start pulling the lift up. They strain at first, barely moving the group on the platform, and after about three inches, the lift moves easier and the undead men seem to strain less.
As the group ascends to where the lift may take them, they can see they are enclosed by solid stone and what amazing mechanisms might be installed in this area. The darkness overwhelms those without darkvision (Which I believe is everyone) and the lift agonizes over the weight it must haul.
Along the way though, the stench of death is everywhere and movement can be heard around you from time to time. An undead groaning as it were. Then, that sound passes as it then again, can be heard again. Someone accidently brushing up against the stone can feel areas of stone are missing, replaced by metal bars, perhaps keeping something or some things at bay. Many "some things" most likely.
After about eight minutes, you hear a small feminine voice from above in the darkness, "Welcome intruders! Grandfather wrote to me, warning me to expect this day. Thankfully, he planned well in advance." With that said, a pea sized globe of red falls toward the group from above and as it hits something, the lift, the side of the wall, a minotaurs face, it explodes in a brilliance of energy, engulfing everyone, including the lift. Fireball causes 22 damage. Please make a reflex save DC16 for half damage. Thankfully, the maker of the lift made it strong enough to last through at least one of those massive explosions. The smoke from it and you briefly drowns out the stench of the dead. "Let me go and prepare for my guests." the voice is heard to say from above.
It only took the lift four minutes to descend down to the catacombs level but it takes three times that long to bring the bulk of the group where the lift is supposed to land on top.
Engineering checks will determine how far the group has left to go in feet, but you know, you are around two thirds of the way there.
Perception check DC 12 also needed, noticing something from the light of the blast.
Kyan(Jon) AC:19/13/16 HP: 42/48 d20+7=23 ; d20+10=20 ; Monday March 28th, 2011 1:23:25 PM
"Sounds promisi..." Boom. The ranger's mutter is interrupted by that pea-sized globe suddenly erupting in a burst of searing heat and flame. He instinctly turns away from the source of the blast, putting his back to it and craddling his bow against his chest as the heat rushes over him.
He lets out a cough as the first waves of smoke and the smell of singed hair reach his nose and he spits to get the taste of burnt taur out of his mouth. Raising his bow once again with a slight wince of pain, he looks around at the group and the surrounding dark, ready to fire on anything else that may take the opportunity to show its face.
OOC: Reflex: 23 Perception: 20
Bosk (James) AC: 20/12/19 HP 46 of 52 Spells Monday March 28th, 2011 3:24:15 PM
Bosk has taken the Shadow Domain, which grants him low light and dark vision. He also has 45 minutes left on his see invisibility. Does that effect anything?
DM Buzz: Not this situation, but you get a private email from me. :)
"Hmm," Restlin thinks to himself. "I know this. A small red ball like that means something, but I can't for the life of me remember..." He is still pondering this when the fireball hits him full in the face.
"Oh yes! A fireball! That brings back memories. Anyway, I don't know about you gentlemen, but I find the lack of hospitality in this place to be highly improper. My mistress taught me to always introduce myself before launching an attack."
He cranes his head upwards, cups his hands around his mouth, and continues in a much louder voice, "She knew how important manners are when dealing with company!"
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/17/17 HP:41/41 d20+11=16 ; Monday March 28th, 2011 9:07:38 PM It's dark on this elevator, and I have a hunch there is something waiting for us up top. I should really ready my bow so I can shoot at it. But shooting straight up in the dark would be bad, I really need some light so I can see what I'm shooting at. Hmm, I have three torches I could use. I also have these nifty goggles that can cast light... or better yet, I have 20 candles and some tinder twigs. But which candle to use... candle number one feels like it may be slightly longer than the others. But candle number two feels like it may be in slightly better condition. Now, this third candle.....
This line of thinking apparently goes on for quite a while when a disembodied voice starts making vaguely threatening comments. Suddenly a red light appears, pinpointing the location his target. The rogue pulls out his trusty bow, takes a slender rod between his fingers, and is about to let it fly when he realizes he has absentmindedly loaded a candle into his bow. Oh well, nobody else seems to have attacked this creature, so it's probably better the rogue didn't provoke anyone. He puts up his crossbow and candle.
Suddenly the seriousness of the situation hits the rogue, and very nearly a large fire ball as well. The rogue quickly draws his rapiers (and if the room is dark again he activates the light goggles that are on his forehead)
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/17/17 HP:41/41 d20+11=22 ; Monday March 28th, 2011 9:08:14 PM
ooc:forgot, perception = 22, 24 on traps
Beltrin (Keith) AC: 19/14/15 HP: 16/47 Spells d20+9=11 ; d20+8=26 ; d20+4=9 ; Monday March 28th, 2011 10:42:01 PM
Beltrin is paying close attention to the straining lift as it rises, afraid that the weight of the party may strain it past its breaking point at any time. He is caught totally unawares by the blast of fire from above. Hearing their attacker antagonize them from above, he looks upwards, hoping to catch a glimpse of what lies ahead.
He quickly casts a spell to light up the shaft and draws his bow to target any enemies that he may see ahead.
Standard action: cast dancing lights to appear as near to the origin of the fireball as possible (range 140 ft.) move action: draw bow
Beltrin (Keith) AC: 19/14/15 HP: 16/47 Spells Monday March 28th, 2011 10:44:22 PM
OOC: Forgot my active spells:
Dancing Lights (10/10 rounds remain) Mage Armor
Bosk (James) AC: 20/12/19 HP 46 of 52 Spells d20+5=7 ; d20+8=12 ; 2d6=6 ; 2d6=6 ; d3=1 ; 2d6=12 ; d8=6 ; Monday March 28th, 2011 11:11:39 PM What in Gargul's name...its like some sort of undead zoo displaying his creations. Bosk is caught so off guard by the sight that he forgets the others are unable to see in the dark, and a fireball to the face does little to help him gather his thoughts. Fearing the worst, the cleric does what he can to heal the group.
Actions ---------- Reflex Save= 7 Perception = 12
If we are in combat rounds: Channel Energy to heal everyone for 6 dmg
If we are not in combat: Channel Energy twice to heal everyone for12 dmg CLW on self for 11
Zeoll (HP35, AC18) d20+9=29 ; d20+7=11 ; d20+18=28 ; Tuesday March 29th, 2011 10:08:15 AM
Over the 8 minute ascent, Zeoll continues to renew his two cantrips, Guidance and Taur's Try. Likely he would have cast a Light too, but no matter.
Zeoll uses his Guidance spell for the save. With the heroism spell, that's a +3 to his usual +6 on reflex saves. He rolls a nat 20 for a 29, and takes half damage.
Hit Point total: 35-11 = 24
Then an engineering check and a perception check:
Engineering 11. Perception 28.
From what DM Buzz says, we have four more minutes to go before we get to the top.
If we have time for Bosk's healing surges, 12 hp of healing brings Zeoll back up to max.
Zeoll, however, is worried about more attacks from above. He can't create a wall, but maybe he can provide some concealment.
He casts a Message cantrip and then uses the whispered messages and Bluff checks to pass secret messages to communicate his ideas to his friends. NOTE: You do not need to make a check to understand the secret messages if you are the intended recipient!!
Zeoll tells his friends via secret message that he wants to casts Silent Image and make an illusion of thick mist covering the party and extending up. He will communicates to his friends that it will be an illusion, so that they will be able to see through it.
He asks Beri if he can disable the lift so that it stops in place? If so, we might stop it and wait. That will throw them off. Meanwhile, we ascend through the mist unseen. In fact, is it possible to ascend via climbing faster than the lift can ascend? Could we possibly get there early, before they are expecting us?
Bluff checks for secret messages: Zeoll is at +19 with heroism, so there is no chance of failure, even for complex secret messages.
Bard Spells: 1 of 5 first level spells cast (Charm Person) 2 of 3 second level spells cast (Heroism x2)
Goodberries from yesterday: 0 (all used) Bard Music Rounds used: 8 of 16 rounds Pearl of Power Level 1: Used today. Diseased by Dead Finger Contact
Currently Active: Taur's Try (minotaur form), Guidance, Message; Heroism (8 of 40 min used)
ooc: DM Buzz Tuesday March 29th, 2011 11:12:38 AM
Late post today.
Bosk (James) AC: 20/12/19 HP 46 of 52 Spells Tuesday March 29th, 2011 2:30:54 PM
ooc: Can you clarify in your next post if we are in combat rounds. If not, I would like to heal the group some.
DM Buzz: Sure :)
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/17/17 HP:41/41 Tuesday March 29th, 2011 3:31:44 PM
ooc: that is one of the most unnerving posts I have ever read.
Made it up alive/DM Buzz Tuesday March 29th, 2011 7:42:28 PM
As the lift travels up, characters cast spells of light to allow some vision. The stone walls surrounding them appear well worked and mortared, five feet by five feet blocks. The groaning of the lift grows tedious (Disable Device once in shaft DC50) but is soon forgotten when about half way from where you think you need to go, the sides of cages come into view. Each cage is half as big as the lift, and inside each cage are a score of skeletons in a morbid state of decay. They might even be considered zombies on the verge of being skeletons. As the lift continues to rise, more cages come into view. The occupants in each cage appear to be less and less decayed as it seems these creatures have been stored here for a very long time. They are unmoving and do not at all look alive, like the operators of the lift.
The hardy adventurers have been through a lot so far and they can see maybe six layers of cages by the time they are hit with the fireball. The magical blast does not seem to be large enough to effect all of the undead in the cages, but a few of the zombies up near the doors are effected and drop from the blast. Deep within the cages, you can see a large block is attached to each wooden beam operating the lift. It operates in a corkscrew fashion, with the axis staying stationary in it's circular operation, raising and lowering the blocks of stone where the beams are attached. (Entering the cages to Disable Device DC20)
Unless someone can climb a sheer wall or they can jump very high, then they will have to wait the last four minutes to get the next 100 feet out of the way. The chains supporting the burnt lift are sixty feet long and attached to large wooden beams buried into the stone walls.
The group is not attacked during this time and when the lift gets close to the top, the stench of death is somewhat overwhelming as an enormous stone room comes into view. It's dimensions are the size of three Hook City mansions and it is unnaturally lit with a soft red glow coming from orbs one hundred feet in the air, suspended from a domed ceiling. Spanning across the room in but a moments glance would be, off to the right and left of the lift are two large sprockets lying horizontal on the floor. On the outer spokes of each sprocket are five humans turning each clockwise. It seems it is easy enough for them to turn around and push the opposite direction as well. They continue to grip their respecting wooden beams. What might be just a little more unnerving however might be the large forging equipment in place off to the far right in the chamber. A leather bellows is attached to the furnace which heat three large cauldrons. The cauldron contents can be separated with a basin off to the side and large chain links can be smelted together. Off to the left are large quarry tools. Massive chisels, and large supports for placing and cutting stones. Mortar pits used for mixing with all the tools many people used to create this complex area and perhaps the catacombs itself?. For some reason, though, this work seems much newer then where the dead had been buried deep under the city.
The rest of the room appears empty, except for the large stack of dead bodies in the back of the room, in various forms of decay, their corpses filled with gas and oils from dying tissue seep from wounds gained before or after death.
Toward the front of the room,one hundred and fifty feet away, is a large Bulette standing in front of a large open door. Three other doors are also in the room, one on each of the other walls.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/17/17 HP:41/41 d20+11=25 ; d20+8=28 ; d20+4=18 ; d20+5=21 ; d20+14=17 ; Tuesday March 29th, 2011 11:16:16 PM
As the elevator moves upward Beriothian takes note that it would be beyond his skill to disable it from outside, though it should be a simple matter for him should he slip into one of the cages. When the reach the top the elf surveys the room, not wanting to be have another close call with a ball of fire. He glances over the equipment, wondering whether this was used in the creation of the catacombs, and what it is currently being used for. Suddenly the Bulette catches his eyes, surely this fearsome creature is far worse than a fireball! Beriothian prepares to tumble out of the path should he need to respond to an incoming attack.
Perception = 25 (27 on traps) Knowledge (local) = 28 (to determine if this was used to Knowledge (engineering) = 18 (to determine the current use of the equipment) Knowledge (Arcana) = 21 (knowledge check for Bulette)
Ready action - tumble = 17
Beltrin (Keith) AC: 19/14/15 HP: 16/47 Spells d20+9=21 ; d20+9=13 ; d20+7=15 ; d8+3=4 ; Wednesday March 30th, 2011 1:11:01 AM
Reaching the top of the lift, Beltrin finds the scene almost as horrifying as the one on the ride up. His eyes quickly skip over the macabre scene before him and focus on the obvious threat at hand in front of the open door. He wracks his mind to see if he can recognize this massive creature.
Realizing the sort of danger that they might be in, Beltrin backs off the lift on the opposite side of the Bulette. "Careful, that thing is quicker than you'd expect... maybe if we can lure it onto the lift, these poor souls will drop it down for us."
-----------------------------------------------
Knowledge (arcana): 21 (determining what the Bulette is) Knowledge (engineering): 13 (trying to figure out the best way to drop the lift)
Ready action, fire bow at Bulette if it approaches the group. (Hit AC 15, damage 4)
Bosk (James) AC: 20/12/19 HP 46 of 52 Spells d20+13=24 ; d20+9=17 ; Wednesday March 30th, 2011 2:48:04 AM
Looking around at the quarry tools, Bosk wonders if it is wrong to take the equipment. Surely any tools taken out of the hands of anyone creating zombies and skeletons would be favorable in Gargul's Eye. As he scans the room he spots an armor plated creature with huge teeth. The cleric finds himself instinctively moving his hand towards his sword, despite the creature's distance. This was without a doubt the largest creature he has seen since traveling to Mudtown, and he looks forward to mounting the things head on his wall. Activating the magic Holy Symbol on his belt to to strengthen his prayer (+1 to caster lvl) Bosk casts Blink. As his hands move faster and faster in wide motions, his body becomes harder to focus on with each pass, and then he is gone. A moment later he appears begins to blink seemingly in and out of reality at random.
P.S.Everyone remember to add 12 to your HP from Bosk using Channel Energy twice on the lift
Active spells ------------------- See invisibility active for 34 minutes Blink active for 6 rounds ignore the d20+9, I planned to attack, but misread the distance by 100 feet.
Zeoll (HP35, AC18) Wednesday March 30th, 2011 8:22:01 AM
Oh kindly DM Buzz, can we do a little retconjuration? It had really been my intent to cast the Silent Image (of thick mist) before the lift got to the top. And to make sure my friends knew it was an illusion, so they could see through it.
Made it up alive/DM Buzz Wednesday March 30th, 2011 9:59:48 AM
Yes Cayzle, I apologize for missing that part. It seems there is always something. The spell is not listed on the bottom of your post though, where I tend to look for such things.. :) The area surrounding the lift is full of your Silent image.
As well, I have ahuge day today, so DM post will come tonight for tomorrow.
We will get back on track then.
Kyan(Jon) AC:19/13/16 HP: 43/48 d20+7=22 ; d8+8=9 ; Wednesday March 30th, 2011 10:35:56 AM
Kyan steps off the lift as it reaches the top and quick scans the room for any sign of imminent danger with his bow raised and ready, but not drawn. His eyes briefly go wide at the side of the large Bullette across the room and he mutters an oath and nods Beltrin's way. "Something that big... the lift barely wanted to hold us, I doubt it would hold it."
He turns his attention back to the monstrous creature and steadies himself, taking aim and ready to fire if it comes towards them.
OOC: If the bulette comes within 100', he'll attack. Attack: Deadly aim, hit AC 22, damage 9
Zeoll (HP35, AC18) d20+7=15 ; Wednesday March 30th, 2011 11:51:50 AM
Yeah, I didn't post it at the bottom of my post because I wanted to make sure that everyone knew about it first and no one objected. Events moved faster than I thought they would, though that's A-OK!
Note to all: No enemy can see through the illusion until they "interact" with it. That means for the present they cannot see us but we can see them. That's a +2 to hit and sneak attack damage within 30 ft.
IC: Zeoll is skeptical about the strange malformed creature he sees. He tries to recall if he has ever heard of such a thing before. Knowledge check at a bare minimum is a 15 for all knowledge areas; which is a 19 for knowledge, planes, and local; 20 for arcana; and 23 for nature.
Since he is concentrating on maintaining the illusion, he makes no standard actions.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 14/12/12 HP:25/35 (Spells) Current spells: Detect Magic d20+9=21 ; Wednesday March 30th, 2011 6:09:04 PM
"I have to give it to this Mr. E. Only class A villains have land-sharks guarding their lairs. Between the legions of undead, the traps, and now this, I'm beginning to think we should have brought many more people with us. Still, let's not let that stop us from charging ahead towards the danger!"
Restlin says all this without a hint of sarcasm.
ooc: Knowledge, Arcana (to see if he knows anything about this creature. Straight knowledge is 16 if arcana isn't appropriate.): 21
Beltrin (Keith) AC: 19/14/15 HP: 28/47 Spells Thursday March 31st, 2011 12:57:40 AM
OOC: Just updating hit points before I forget.
------------------ Active Spells: Mage Armor
Standoff/DM Buzz Thursday March 31st, 2011 2:34:31 AM
The Bulette.
Oh what a fearsome creature one is to behold. A massive hill of sinew, muscle and exoskeleton. It haunts the Sargrass plains and is one of the most feared and talked about creatures anywhere it is considered temperate. Even though it favors hills in most domains, the Sargrass has a wide display of anomalies and the rich, fertile soil is a prime hunting grounds for these majestic beasts.
Stories in the tents of Mud Town and in the Pubs of Hook City are always abound with horrors of such beasts, as a lone guardsman spins a tale of being the only survivor of a merchant train decimated by a lumbering Land Shark.
They can take down a herd of gazelle in a rumble of earth and only the most experienced or fool hardy face one in combat, with the intention of success.
Many rumors abound about the creature. They are magical indeed and some are said to fly as well as burrow. Others sing a song and entrance you. Most of which are hog wash and wives tales, but none mistake the truth behind, how deadly they are.
The group faces one down and it seems to not see anyone still on, or stepping off the back of the lift.
It is unmoving and so seems the group, for the moment. The Illusionary cloud still envelops the Iron Adventurers..
Beri having escaped the damage of the fireball by ducking under the liontaur, he now prepares for the fight of his life. The only way he can see the lift being lowered is to have the "humans" turn the sprockets the opposite direction. The forge appears to be cold and the equipment unused in quite some time.
Beltrin successfully identifies the huge creature ahead and steps back off the lift in a defensive posture. He comes up with an unlikely plan, yet brilliant if pulled off.
Bosk sees a lot of potential with the tools of the area and ponders the ethics of loot. After seeing something quite large and inherently aggressive, he activates an item (and a spell?).
Kyan, with bow drawn, waits for the creature to leap forth and will then, launch an attack in a preplanned manner.
Zeoll knows well about the Bulette and also knows, rumors are rumors, but the truth can still be deadly.
Restlin is impressed with this Mr. E. Acknowledging the wiles of an enemy will keep one in the game, where as making a critical mistake in a chess game will cost you a queen. He knows as much about the Bulette as the others.
The ball is back in the groups court. One round of items and spells have been marked off and you are in combat rounds at this time.
The Bulette is a common creature in this territory, so only the most vague of questions must be rolled for an answer.
Zeoll (HP35, AC18) Thursday March 31st, 2011 7:36:56 AM
Zeoll whispers via Message spell to everyone to remember to be as quiet as possible. He suggests moving slowly as a group away from the creature.
[Buzz, can Zeoll move the illusionary cloud with him as the group backs off, or does it have to stay in place? Either way, Zeoll's suggestion is to back away, keeping the cloud between the monster and the group.]
The liontaur adds, via Message, "I bet that's a zombie bulette."
If everyone agrees, he will use a move action to back away from the monster. Is there any obvious exit in that direction? Interesting tables or objects to hide behind or use as cover?
Bard Spells: 2 of 5 first level spells cast (Charm Person, Silent Image) 2 of 3 second level spells cast (Heroism x2)
Goodberries from yesterday: 0 (all used) Bard Music Rounds used: 8 of 16 rounds Pearl of Power Level 1: Used today. Diseased by Dead Finger Contact
Currently Active: Taur's Try (minotaur form), Guidance, Message; Heroism (8 of 40 min used), Silent Image
PS: 11 hp damage completely healed with two positive energy waves, thanks!
DM Buzz: Since the spell has a range and speaks of an area, I will say no, it can not move from the target area after cast. The only things one can hide behind are large sprockets or the equipment on the left and right side of the huge lift over one hundred feet away.
Kyan(Jon) AC:19/13/16 HP: 43/48 d20+10=24 ; Thursday March 31st, 2011 9:34:37 AM
Easing his bowstring down, Kyan lowers his bow, but keeps the arrow nocked and ready as he stares at the bulette with a frown. He look for a long moment, trying to judge whether the creature simply hasn't moved yet because it has not seen them or if it is standing unnaturally still like the dead.
Turning his had to look to the rest of the group, there is an unsure tone to his voice as he whispers, "It would good to not have to fight that monstrousity, but I also don't want to end up being pinned between it and a dozen zombies if we leave it at our backs."
OOC: Perception, to see if the bulette is moving at all: 24
Standoff/DM Buzz Thursday March 31st, 2011 10:39:05 AM There are four doors, one in each wall of the massive room. Only one is open in front of you.
Zeoll (HP35, AC18) Thursday March 31st, 2011 1:10:32 PM
Zeoll still advocates backing away and keeping the illusional fog between the monster and the party. When we have backed all the way back to a wall, we can see how far we are from a door.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 14/12/12 HP:25/35 (Spells) Current spells: Detect Magic Thursday March 31st, 2011 8:50:14 PM
"Buddy, if you've come up with an idea that involves not engaging the land-shark head on, I'm all ears."
Restlin begins moving away from the bulette, but stays hidden in the illusionary fog for now.
Bosk (James) AC: 20/12/19 HP 46 of 52 Spells Thursday March 31st, 2011 11:23:22 PM
Having already activated the magic Holy Symbol on his belt to to strengthen his prayer (+1 to caster lvl) Bosk casts Blink. As his hands move faster and faster in wide motions, his body becomes harder to focus on with each pass, and then he is gone. A moment later he appears begins to blink seemingly in and out of reality at random. The blinking cleric follows with the group, if they all chose to move. He whispers in response to Zeoll and the group, I say we fight this thing now. This was planned and placed in advance, what are the odds we can walk around it? The odds are we need to go past it to find our destination, and that any door we open contains something else to fight. Remember the crates of zombies? What if we open a door to a room full of zombies and then have the shark hear the battle and come at us from behind?
ooc: What do the doors look like? Is there an obvious lock? Are they more wooden doors or solid stone and metal bound doors?
Active spells ------------------- See invisibility active for 34 minutes Blink active for 6 rounds (jumped ahead of myself and combined 2 rounds of action last time).
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/17/17 HP:41/41 Friday April 1st, 2011 12:57:29 AM I agree, it would be pointless to have the Bulette guarding a door that isn't important. We should take this chance to attack before he notices us.
Zeoll (HP35, AC18) d20+18=20 ; Friday April 1st, 2011 8:18:54 AM
Zeoll and Restlin -- back off.
Beri and Bosk -- fight.
Any word on Kyan's perception check?
Zeoll will try too -- is that thing even alive? Of course, it is likely covert undead, like the things below.
Perception 20
Other votes on what to do?
DM Buzz: I mentioned in the previous DM post the creature was not moving. The perception confirms it. :)
Standoff still/DM Buzz Friday April 1st, 2011 10:31:04 AM
The group is full of indecision as the proverbial clock continues to tick against the group. Spells have been cast and some of those with shourt durations are almost half way expired.
Who will charge, who will cast and who will avoid the monster that stands waiting before them?
One thing is certain, Mr. E has a way of buying himself time, but what could he have been doing for the last four minutes and eighteen seconds?
The room rumbles a little bit as large machinery off to the right gasp, belch and then, the large bellows begins to pump and a giant flame erupts in the furnace. Clearly, it has been activated, from somewhere.
The humans manning the sprockets at this time do an about face and start to lower the lift, back down. Perhaps, the lift will be bringing up the hundreds of undead the group saw previously?
The lift moves slowly at first allowing everyone a chance to disembark if they desire.
The Bulette still has not moved.
Kyan(Jon) AC:19/13/16 HP: 43/48 Friday April 1st, 2011 11:16:32 AM
"That beast is too still to be alive." Kyan concludes after studying the bulette and confirming its unnatural lack of movement.
His head snaps over to the bellows as the machinery beings to move, but he quickly turns his attention back to the monstrous land shark. "I think to Mr. E has laid our path before us and we have little choice but to follow. We should slay that abomination now and be after our host."
Beltrin (Keith) AC: 19/14/15 HP: 28/47 Spells d4+1=3 ; d20+9=14 ; d20+5=10 ; d8+3=6 ; Friday April 1st, 2011 2:16:32 PM
Beltrin isn't thrilled about taking on the Bulette, undead or not, but sees the wisdom in Bosk's argument. He casts Mirror Image on himself and gestures with his bow to Kyan: "Well, if we're going to take this beast on, let's see if we can lure it to us. What if Kyan, Beri and Restlin take up a position on one side of the lift, Bosk, Zeoll and myself on the other and we pepper it with arrows until it makes a move against one group? Then the others can close in from the opposite side."
Beltrin casts a spell and suddenly 3 additional Beltrin's appear next to him, mimicking his actions directy. All 4 Beltrins move to the position that he described and gets ready to fire on the land-shark.
---------------------------------------------- Cast Mirror Image: 3 images active Knowledge (Religion): 14, trying to see if there are any signs of undeath about the Bulette Not sure if we are in combat rounds or not, but as long as the rest of the group is moving forward with the plan, my next action will be to fire an arrow at the Bulette: [b]Hit AC 10 for 6 damage
Spells active: Mage Armor Mirror Image (3 images)
Zeoll (HP35, AC18) Friday April 1st, 2011 7:04:06 PM
So say we are still at the top of the lift, in the illusionary cloud, and the lift is going down, and the "bulette" is 150 ft away.
Zeoll can cast another illusion, starting 20 ft from the bulette, of another cloudbank, say 40 ft across and 20 ft deep. If we are lucky, we will then be able to approach and enter the new cloud without rousing the monster. And then we can attack from within the cloud, gaining bonuses as if we were invisible. Either it will stand there and get slaughtered, or it will enter the cloud and attack. If it enters and fails its save vs illusion, then it still takes the penalties as if the cloud were there.
The liontaur explains all this with quiet whispers via cantrip. Comments?
Beltrin (Keith) AC: 19/14/15 HP: 28/47 Spells Friday April 1st, 2011 8:10:56 PM
Beltrin likes that idea better than his own. "Aye, that sounds like a good idea to me."
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/17/17 HP:41/41 Friday April 1st, 2011 10:59:19 PM
The rogue nods silently, ready for the group to jump into action.
Bosk (James) AC: 20/12/19 HP 46 of 52 Spells d4+1=5 ; d4+1=5 ; Saturday April 2nd, 2011 12:38:12 AM
Bosk agrees with the plan and takes the lead, moving forward 20 feet (130 feet from the bullette). Taking careful aim, he throws the magic stone he won last year in the lottery and throws it at the land shark. The stone arcs through the air and upon its descent he hopes to see it split into two balls of energy that will fly towards the huge target. Bosk smiles, confident that his soon to be fired magic missiles will find their mark.
Actions: -------------- If Zeoll casts the spell this round, Bosk will wait until the spell is cast to move. If not, he will move right away.
Move 20 feet towards the Bulette. Throw magic stone that casts Magic Missile at CL 3, both missiles at aimed at the Bullette Atk 1 5dmg Atk 2 5dmg (10 dmg total)
Active spells ------------------- See invisibility active for 34 minutes Blink active for 5 rounds (jumped ahead of myself and combined 2 rounds of action last time).
Zeoll (HP35, AC18) Saturday April 2nd, 2011 6:55:19 AM
Okay, that's good enough for Zeoll. He casts his Silent Image so that a new cloud appears. Something like this. Of course, the old Silent Image goes away.
Then it is time to start moving slowly (40 ft per round because he is concentrating) toward the landshark, keeping the illusionary cloud between himself and the creature.
Note: Per the rules, you do not get a saving throw against an illusion until you interact with it. That means touching, I believe. So arguably, although Zeoll's friends KNOW the cloud is an illusion, they still cannot make a save, and therefore see through it, until they touch it.
DM Buzz: With that reasoning, the "landshark" doesn't need a save to see through it either, until it touches it. Sorry, I gave everyone the benefit of the doubt in the shaft because you had four minutes to make your saves, finally. Take this to the rules board if you disagree with me. :)
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 14/12/12 HP:25/35 (Spells) Current spells: Detect Magic Saturday April 2nd, 2011 11:38:15 AM
Restlin internally questions the wisdom of all this sneaking around when their cover has been blown so fantastically. He does this while taking a step backwards and off the lift (in other words, the retreating lift is between him and the bulette).
Action:
Holding for now. If the landshark charges as a result of Bosk's magic missiles, he'll hope it's a blind charge due to the illusion and cast a grease spell in front of the lift.
Kyan(Jon) AC:19/13/16 HP: 43/48 Saturday April 2nd, 2011 12:27:03 PM
Kyan advances with anyone else that moves forward, his bow ready, but unable to take a shot with the illusionary fog bank between him and the bulette.
Zeoll (HP35, AC18) Saturday April 2nd, 2011 1:42:11 PM
Hey DM Buzz -- we are in exact agreement. I just phrased it poorly. What I mean is that the cloud blocks vision for the party too until they touch it, and even after if they fail their saves. A truly kind DM might allow very large bonuses on that save, or repeated saves, since they know it is an illusion.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/17/17 HP:41/41 d20+10=14 ; d8+2=5 ; Saturday April 2nd, 2011 5:12:09 PM
Beriothian sees the horned cleric taking the lead and follows suit. Staying behind his large friend, the rogue pulls out a magic arrow from his quiver (offering to loan some to anyone that needs them.) He aims at the square he knows the land shark to be at and trusts his arrow will find it's mark.
ooc: If I am understanding the current scenario then I would get a +2 bonus for being invisible to the Bullette, and a -2 for being outside of 110 feet. I am unclear as to weather the -2 would from range be negated. I decided to leave the penalty on, but I don't think that it would influence the outcome.
attack = 14 damage = 5
A sculpture/DM Buzz d100=43 ; Monday April 4th, 2011 11:08:44 AM
Some of the group did not mention leaving the lift, but it will be assumed that you are all staying together unless I see a post from someone telling me they are going back down.
Kyan suggests an immediate assault before their host has more time to plan against them.
Beltrin becomes many and suggests a flanking maneuver to attack the beast. He might be to far away to identify it as undead.
Zeoll poses a solution as well and casts a new spell of illusion in response to the other members initial attacks.
Restlin decides to be patient with the situation and watches with some dismay, the illusionary fog blocking his view.
Bosk takes a stone and hurls it at the large creature, expecting the magical item to become arcane darts and is a little surprised when the stone lands on the warm stone floor and rolls just over one hundred feet away.
Beriothian taking a cue from the minotaur launches an arrow at the very large opponent and it hits the Bulette right in the forehead, shattering the arrow and doing no damage to the creature.
The creature continues to stand, perfectly still and all the arcane specialists know, something is terribly amiss. Magic Missiles are ever accurate, except when deflected by other magic and now as the group approaches, it is clear at about fifty feet away, it is not a creature at all, but a beautiful sculpture. The skeletal plates of the art work seem very real and they are, but they were assembled together by the hands of an expert. Amazing is the detail of the display.
The door behind the Bulette is twenty five feet high and twenty feet wide. It leads into a hallway that is of equal dimensions, except there are two sets of stairs leading up. On the right and left hand side, stairs for medium sized creatures lead up and in between them are steps for a huge creature.
Kyan takes a moment and doesn't believe anyone has come this way. Going back into the enormous chamber, the stone cutting equipment looks like it is used pretty often, but not by many people, only one sets of medium sized foot prints can be found in the dust given off from recent activity. The door behind the stone work look recently used and opens easily once pulled upon.
The same type of stairs as the open door, leads up and the group follows them up carefully, always wary.
Three flights of stairs and maybe two hundred feet at a thirty five degree angle, the group comes into another chamber, not quite as big as the one below. It has six levers set into a consol and they are all set to the right. Four openings are also in the room only sixty feet diameter and fifty feet tall. Otherwise this chamber is empty.
Dust from someone's foot prints are found and another stairwell leads the group up into a room only twenty feet wide and eighty feet long. Inside here you see two large cauldrons sitting on top of miniature furnaces that are running. A human female stands at each one, slowly stirring the contents. The smell in this room is of sulphur, metal and natural gas. A human male is seen walking back from a trough with a very large bucket attached to a long metal rod, used as a handle. He grabs a scoop from the nearest cauldron, walks over to the receptacle and dumps it in. Then, he pulls a lever next to it and a large arm swings out and forces the hot liquid, with force, through a small opening at the of the trough.
As before, the group does not appear to be noticed by those performing their mundane tasks.
Eight minutes have now passed, with the cautious movement and Kyans tracking ability. Short duration spells are expired.
Kyan(Jon) AC:19/13/16 HP: 43/48 Monday April 4th, 2011 1:44:33 PM
Kyan moves to the side of the long room to give the others enough space to come in from the stairwell while he raises his bow half drawn to watch the three working figures, his arrow following the man with the bucket pole.
He keeps an eye on the three figures, looking for any sign of hostility, but otherwise waits for the rest of the party, assuming they'd rather try to determine if the man and women are living and willfully part of this dread operation or one of the life-like undead they've seen before.
Bosk (James) AC: 20/12/19 HP 46 of 52 Spells Monday April 4th, 2011 1:52:58 PM
Bosk stares, dumbfounded, when his magic missiles fail to appear. At first he thinks that the magic failed, but when Beri's arrow shatters and elicits no response from the creature he begins to catch on. Cautiously walking forward to pick up the flat stone he threw, he is amazed at the quality of the statue. IT is unbelievably life like. Immediately he wishes he had a larger bag of holding to place the statue in, but that would have to wait.
As the group moves forward Bosk continues mapping the area and recording his observations. When they reach the stairs, the cleric once again offers Zeoll a magical item that will cast reduce person. Although they can both squeeze into the medium stairwells, it would be difficult to fight on them at full size.
As the group makes plans, the Horned Cleric listens as he lets the rogue ponder the levers and the ranger check for tracks. He also advises the group that he has a cantrip that can cause undead he touches to flee as if panicked for 1d4 rounds.
Active Spells ----------------- See invisibility 24 minutes left
Active Cantrips ------------------ Guidance Toro's Taur try: Minotaur: +1 on Perception and Intimidate checks Centaur: +2 on Survival checks Liontaur: +1 on Acrobatics and Stealth checks
Zeoll (HP35, AC18) Monday April 4th, 2011 2:09:02 PM
OOC to Bosk:
Minotaur: +1 on Perception and Intimidate checks Centaur: +2 on Survival checks Liontaur: +1 on Acrobatics and Stealth checks
Pick one, my friend, I would think. Not all three. That's how I play it.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 14/12/12 HP:25/35 (Spells) Current spells: Detect Magic d20+9=25 ; d20+9=25 ; Monday April 4th, 2011 2:37:38 PM
As the group breathes a sigh of relief, Restlin still feels something is amiss. Is this really just a statue? Cautiously, he goes and knocks several time on the stone creature. He recasts detect magic and inspects it again.
OOC:
Spellcraft: 25 Knowledge, Arcana: 25
Specifically, Restlin wants to know if this is an impressive feat of craftsmanship, or a bulette that's been turned to stone.
Bosk (James) AC: 20/12/19 HP 46 of 52 Spells Monday April 4th, 2011 2:52:43 PM
I pick survival
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/17/17 HP:41/41 d20+11=13 ; d20+11=27 ; d20+4=5 ; Monday April 4th, 2011 8:41:59 PM I can't believe I wasted a magic arrow on a statue! Beriothian follows the group into the new room, glancing around the room for signs of traps. His eyes quickly land on the equipment, anything with fire and sulfur spikes the rogues concern. He tries to determine weather this contraption poses any danger to them, though the intended use for such equipment is harder for him to nail down.
Perception- (check room)=13 Perception-equipment (is it dangerous to us)= 27(29 if a trap) knowledge-engineering=5
Beltrin (Keith) AC: 19/14/15 HP: 28/47 Spells d20+9=23 ; Monday April 4th, 2011 9:05:06 PM
Beltrin gazes around the room, trying to discern the purpose of the equipment there. Seeing how oblivious the workers are to the invasion of their space, and not wanting to waste another spell on undead, he strides closer to the workers (within 30 feet) and calls out to them. "Ho there, what manner of contraption do you maintain here?"
Beltrin (Keith) AC: 19/14/15 HP: 28/47 Spells Monday April 4th, 2011 9:06:52 PM
OOC: Forgot active spells:
Active Spells: ----------------------- Mage Armor
Zeoll (HP35, AC18) Monday April 4th, 2011 9:51:49 PM
Zeoll keeps up the illusion for now. Maybe the statue will animate. Or is a trap. Or some enemy will come through the open door. He brings up the rear, moving slow as he concentrates.
A sculpture/DM Buzz Tuesday April 5th, 2011 10:42:46 AM
ooc: I have a slow day today so I should be able to get a post in before noon my time.
Oooh that smell!/DM Buzz Tuesday April 5th, 2011 1:28:45 PM
Mixed emotions fills the Iron Adventurers. A harsh blend between dismay at casting spells or using items and relief at not having something enormous pounce on someone and rip them to pieces before the rest of the group could kill it. After Kyan makes himself irreplaceable, the group moves on. Restlin, not at all at ease, casts a Detect Magic spell and concentrates on it for some time. Zeoll leaves the illusion up, even after they leave the room and go upstairs.
Downstairs, Bosk takes the time to let Beriothian investigate the control panel with the levers. The rogue explains, he could probably disable the device, but it would take some knowledge of engineering to know what the levers do. Beri Highlight to display spoiler: {The repercussions of disabling levers or gauges that maintain power for multiple mechanisms, could also have serious drawbacks, he is aware.}
After several flights of stairs leading up, now, the group is in a new chamber, the far end of the room is seen another large door. From the entry way, it looks closed but as the large rectangular room is inspected, it does seem to be opened slightly. Kyan does not see the human automatons making any motion other then their continuous pattern.
The room seems free of traps and the equipment is indeed dangerous to anyone that is dumb enough to stick their hand in either the furnace or the cauldron, but wise use of such tools is completely safe.
The equipment in this room is used for blending chemicals, Beltrin can easily deduce and Restlin and anyone else that has Detect Magic going, can tell, the cauldron closest to the trough or it should be said, the contents of the cauldron closest to the trough is magical in nature and gives off a Transmutation aura. Yelling at the workers does nothing to discourage their current actions.
Peeking through the open door, one can see it is a very big storage room. Broken bottles lie shattered upon the ground and many of their contents are blended together, causing a caustic reaction to the incompatible substances. There is a thick stench in here, much stronger then in the cauldron room. It burns the nose and throat and causes one to back away from the door, at first.
Entering the room without some form of protections requires a Fort save DC 15. Mr. E is indeed covering his tracks, attempting to escape or further weaken the group for the villains victory, who can tell?
Kyan(Jon) AC:19/13/16 HP: 43/48 d20+12=23 ; 2d6+8=13 ; Tuesday April 5th, 2011 2:21:50 PM
"More undead workers?" When the workers fail to react, Kyan puts his arrow away and hangs his bow back over his shoulder before attempting to move past the male, careful to avoid getting in his way and disrupting his task.
If able to make it past him, he'll walk up to the female on the left and poke her gently in the side before stepping back to gauge her reaction, a hand going over his shoulder to the rest on the hilt of his sword, but not drawing it yet.
If either the man or woman react violently, he'll quick draw his sword to defend himself.
OOC:
I don't know if we're considering combat rounds or what the flow of actions is, but if one of the workers attack and Kyan is still able to make an attack despite having moved it will be: Attack 1: Hit AC 23 (25 if Undead), Damage 13 (15 if undead)
Beltrin (Keith) AC: 19/14/15 HP: 28/47 Spells d20+8=16 ; Tuesday April 5th, 2011 6:45:27 PM
Beltrin tries to get a glimpse through the fumes to see whether he can see any other doors leading out of the storage room. He certainly doesn't want to risk breathing the poisons if there is no way out the other side.
------------------- Perception: 16
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/17/17 HP:41/41 d20+11=12 ; Tuesday April 5th, 2011 7:58:07 PM I think I can disable this machine, but I don't know how wise it would be to disrupt the functions of a machine the spews molten metal.... ummm, or how safe it is to be touching reanimated corpses.
A grimace crosses the rogues face at the thought of walking through the potions room. He only glances into the room for a second to see if there is a path before turning away from the foul smelling room.
Perception = 12
Zeoll (HP35, AC18) d20+18=22 ; Tuesday April 5th, 2011 8:50:54 PM
Zeoll keeps his shield ready, abandons the illusion after they leave the room, and watches from the rear.
Perception 22.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 14/12/12 HP:25/35 (Spells) Current spells: Detect Magic d20+9=16 ; d20+9=19 ; Tuesday April 5th, 2011 9:34:21 PM
After making certain that the bulette statue isn't going to come alive and eat him anytime soon, Restlin turns his attention to the concoction in the cauldron.
"Beltrin, what do you make of this?" He looks around for something to poke at the mixture with & tries to deduce what this is...
Spellcraft: 16 Knowledge, Arcana: 19
Bosk (James) AC: 20/12/19 HP 46 of 52 Spells d20+10=16 ; d20+9=21 ; Tuesday April 5th, 2011 11:53:00 PM
Bosk takes a deep breath and examines the store room, looking for tracks, secrete exits, traps, and potions / poisons / reagents on the shelf that may be useful. Should it necessary for the group to enter the room, and impossible to avoid stepping in the caustic puddle, Bosk will take out one of his two ladders from his Bag of Holding and lay it on the ground for people to step on without getting their feet wet. If he cannot see through the puddle, he will find something disposable to brush part of the puddle away to make sure it isn't hiding a secret door.
Actions --------------------- Fort Save = 16 Perception = 21
Active Spells ----------------- See invisibility 24 minutes left
Active Cantrips ------------------ Guidance Toro's Taur try: Minotaur: +1 on Perception and Intimidate checks
Beltrin (Keith) AC: 19/14/15 HP: 28/47 Spells d20+9=13 ; d20+13=21 ; Wednesday April 6th, 2011 1:24:48 AM
Beltrin casts Detect Magic and examines the ruined supply room with Restlin.
It burns/DM Buzz Wednesday April 6th, 2011 11:03:31 AM Kyan pokes an undead worker and does not get a response.
Beltrin would need to make a fortitude save to get a better look in the room.
Beriothian would need to make a fortitude save to get a better look at the room.
Zeoll is satisfied, the group is not being followed, at least not yet.
Restlin does not recognize the contents of the cauldrons, but does realize the first cauldron is the base and when it is added to cauldron two, is when the magical additions are initiated. Yet, there is no Necromantic magic found here, so the process can not be complete.
Bosk can feel, as soon as he walks into the room, the skin underneath fur begins to itch and burn. Bosk makes his save on the initial entry and takes 5 nonlethal damage immediately. His eyes are unprotected by the abrasive chemicals that fill the air and he blinks continuously in order to keep them moist and wash away the toxins that fill the room. There are no jars unbroken on shelves and off to the right is a desk with papers scattered around and those papers are turning yellow and wrinkling, not at all immune to the caustic atmosphere that has enveloped the room. There is no "puddle" one would walk through, but several puddles of pooled liquid and scattered ingredients. Behind the desk is a door that is closed and it appears locked.
Anyone remaining in the room, needs to make a fort save every round. Please mark one round off of spells, if you have short term spells.
Kyan(Jon) AC:19/13/16 HP: 43/48 d20+5=10 ; Wednesday April 6th, 2011 11:58:17 AM
"Huh" Kyan grunts as his poke illicits no response from the woman and briefly considers tossing her into a cauldron to see what would happen, but with a glance to the rest of the group decides against it. While he loathed the undead and hated to leave them intact behind him, he doubted the rest of the party would approve of such disposal methods.
Instead, he moves across to the room to the doorway into the fumed room, seeing the noxious fog filling the room and wincing. "Any of you got a trick that can take care of that?"
OOC: Not entering the room yet, but if a Fort save becomes needed at the door way, it's a 10.
DM Buzz: Getting near the doorway, one winces and can move away. Doing anything else, will force a saving throw.
Bosk (James) AC: 20/12/19 HP 46 of 52 Spells d20+8=20 ; d20+5=8 ; Wednesday April 6th, 2011 2:20:27 PM
The very air itches the minotaur's skin, and his first reaction is to leave and tell the others what he has found. Fighting this urge, he continues holding his breath as he checks the door (What does it look like? Is there a lock on it? How solid is it?). He then moves to the desk, and drags it to the entrance (and out through the door if possible). He then exits the room with the papers on top of the desk (or the entire desk if possible). If there re drawers, he has them facing the entrance so that they may be accessed without entering the room.
Actions ------------- Perception = 20 (looking for traps and tracks) Is the door trapped? If not, is it locked? If not open the door. Carry or drag desk to door. Take anything important from the desk. (Can easily lift 387 lbs and can drag 1935 lbs) Fort Save = 13 failed.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 14/12/12 HP:25/35 (Spells) Current spells: Detect Magic d20+9=13 ; d3=2 ; d20+9=25 ; Wednesday April 6th, 2011 2:38:11 PM
Restlin doesn't think his delicate constitution would hold up too well in the chemical sauna, so he's more than content to let the tougher adventurers poke around in there.
He looks around for a cup, ladle, anything that can be used to scoop up liquid. He gathers a small amount from cauldron #2 and throws it in the base. He quickly covers his face and flinches at whatever result occurs, but he does keep an eye out to watch the reaction.
OOC:
Spellcraft: 13 Knowledge, Arcana: 25 the d3 was accidental
These are to gauge the reaction from his experiments.
DM Buzz: Restlin please give me a Reflex save
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 14/12/12 HP:25/35 (Spells) Current spells: Detect Magic d20+3=7 ; Wednesday April 6th, 2011 6:39:13 PM
My failed reflex save: 7
Beltrin (Keith) AC: 19/14/15 HP: 28/47 Spells d20+7=20 ; Wednesday April 6th, 2011 7:37:17 PM
Beltrin winces back from the doorway, his eyes watering. "Phaugh!!! Well those might have once been useful, but no longer. Whoever bombed us with that fireball likely did this before fleeing through the room. I wonder if we can burn the vapors away?"
Once Bosk has returned with the desk and/or papers, Beltrin lights an arrow from the furnace. Moving towards the storage room door, he says to the others "Stay back, I don't know all of what's in there..." Standing as far away as he can and still succeed, he shoots the flaming arrow into the former storage room, hoping to burn away the vapors.
------------------------
Attack roll for arrow (if applicable): Hit AC 20
Active spells:
Mage Armor
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/17/17 HP:41/41 d20+11=28 ; Wednesday April 6th, 2011 7:54:31 PM
Beriothian sees Restlin and Beltrin attempting something in the toxic room. Perhaps by agitating the unstable chemicals they hope to burn off the fumes. He decided to pull the goggles on his head down over his eyes to protect them in case his companions experiments go awry. Deciding to stay away from the entrance for the moment Beri looks around for a hidden door that would allow them to circumvent the trap laid before them.
Perception = 20+11=28 ;
Burn baby burn/DM Buzz d3=3 ; Thursday April 7th, 2011 12:03:11 PM Kyan asks others for some insight on how to get through the room.
Bosk with one hand can grab the heavy table and pulls it out of the room where it can be investigated. He accidently breathes in some of the fumes and makes it out of the room, coughing and hacking, his lungs begging for some fresh or fresher air. Bosk please take 5 lethal and 5 nonlethal damage. When done coughing, he can describe the room to the others.
Restlin attempts to garner more information on the contents of the magical mixture in the second cauldron. He finds a cup in his pack and when he attempts to dip it in, he burns himself causing a little damage and a lot of pain. Restlin take 3 damage please He quickly pulls his hand back before further damage is done. The only safe way to do this is to commandeer the scooping device the male is using.
Beltrin uses the heat from the furnaces well and the arrow does not ignite anything combustible in the next room. The gases must not be flammable. If the missile didn't shatter against the wall, the heat from the fire surely ruined everything but the fletching.
Beriothian looks for another route and does not seem to find one.
The next room is another large area. It is about forty feet high, thirty feet wide and sixty feet long. Stone shelves line the walls where many components of different types once stood safe. All of the doors are sized twenty feet by twenty feet. They are solid hard wood panels reinforced with iron bindings. It is less likely to destroy the entire door then to disable it from the inside by removing it's hinges, which would take about the same time as a rogue to pick the lock. At least one of those guarantees success, if someone could reach that top hinge.
Zeoll (HP35, AC18) Thursday April 7th, 2011 12:05:55 PM
Zeoll stays in the rear, keeping away from the foul stenches. He senses that there is not enough time for extensive searching, even with his Elf Vision spell. It also seems to him that a clever villain would set up this caustic room as a dead end and escape out a side door. So Zeoll casts his Detect Secret Door spell, hoping to find something that he would not otherwise detect.
Bard Spells: 4 of 5 first level spells cast (Charm Person, Sil Image x2, det secret doors) 2 of 3 second level spells cast (Heroism x2)
Goodberries from yesterday: 0 (all used) Bard Music Rounds used: 8 of 16 rounds Pearl of Power Level 1: Used today. Diseased by Dead Finger Contact
Currently Active: Taur's Try (minotaur form), Guidance, Message; Heroism (9 of 40 min used)
Active: Heroism, Det Secret Doors, Taurs Try (Mino), Guidance
DM Buzz: Zeoll does not detect any secret doors within the current range and area of his spell.
Bosk (James) AC: 20/12/19 HP 36 of 52 Spells Thursday April 7th, 2011 1:54:56 PM
*Cough....Cough* So much for holding my breath. There is a door back there, and it is about the only way I see out of here.[/b] After describing the scene, Bosk continues. [b]We can have someone check the door for traps, or a few of us can try breaking it down. I have a ram with me (It would give me a +2 bonus or an automatic +4 bonus if I have the assistance of another). he cleric then begins looking through the papers and desk doors.
Kyan(Jon) AC:19/13/16 HP: 43/48 Thursday April 7th, 2011 1:57:21 PM
Kyan moves out of the way of the door to make room for Bosk and his table souvenir before giving the taur a worried expression when he comes out coughing.
He sets to rummaging around the table, scanning over the papers briefly to see if anything is legible to him before looking for anything else of interest. And perhaps a key.
Beltrin (Keith) AC: 19/14/15 HP: 28/47 Spells Thursday April 7th, 2011 9:27:56 PM "Hmm.... well, Bosk, I hate to ask you to go back in there, but if that is the only way forward, I know a spell that could make you tall enough to reach those bolts. Maybe someone else knows one that can protect you from the fumes?"
Bosk (James) AC: 20/12/19 HP 52 of 52 Spells d8+5=8 ; d8+5=9 ; Thursday April 7th, 2011 11:33:10 PM
Taking a deep breath of air to clear his lungs, Bosk nods. Yeah, I can do that. Just give me a minute to prepare. Perhaps Beri can give me a few pointers before I head out. Bosk quickle says a few prayers to heal himself and removes a crowbar, some select artisan tools, and a ladder from his bag oh holdings. I don't know if anyone has can shield me from the fumes for a while, but even I can't spend too long in there.
Actions ---------------- Cast Cure twice in place of Command and Bless Use pearl of power to regain bless. Cast Guidance Toro's Try / Perception
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/17/17 HP:41/41 d20+3=6 ; d20+13=17 ; d20+18=31 ; Friday April 8th, 2011 1:04:44 AM The lock is probably a better way to go at it than attempting to break it down. I can try picking the lock, just be ready to heal me. I'm sadly farely susceptible to such toxins. Beriothian makes sure his goggles are over his eyes to protect them and puts on a hand salve (resistance spell), He hands Bosk his wand of CLW and will make one attempt at the lock before going back to the safe air.
save = 6 (I wasn't lying about being susceptible) Disable Device = 31 Perception = 17 (unless it would take another round since Bosk already entered the room. Not sure if the perception check as a free move is the first time you enter the room or the first time anyone from the party does)
ooc: sorry for the late post, I thought I had posted already, maybe it didn't go through.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 14/12/12 HP:22/35 (Spells) Current spells: Detect Magic Friday April 8th, 2011 7:31:09 AM
Restlin's cup flies through the air in a graceful arc behind him; tiny globules of hot liquid fly every which way as it spins its way to the ground. The wizard is not nearly so graceful.
"Ow ow ow ow!" he exclaims was he holds his burned hand and dances around. As the pain subsides, he takes a look at the damage. Not too bad, it seems, but perhaps getting the ladle from the mindless slave would be a better way of going about this. Figuring polite conversation would be futile, he walks up and attempts to snatch the tool away.
Zeoll (HP35, AC18) Friday April 8th, 2011 9:17:27 AM
Zeoll looks within and without for any way he might help. An Air elemental might be able to disperse these fumes, but Zeoll cannot yet summon one. A Gust of Wind would be ideal, but oh well.
At the least, he can suggest some mundane things. "Wrrap some wet strrips of cloths arround yourr mouth and nose," the liontaur suggests to any considering entering. "Tearr them from yourr shirrts and use yourr own waterrskins forr the waterr. Wrap one layer of cloth over your eyes too, for so long as you can get away with it."
[OOC: Might give a +1 or +2 on the fort saves, or delay onset for a round or something.]
Zeoll stands at the doorway, not in the fumes enough to be affected, and tries using Prestidigitation Cantrips to help clean up the mess within.
[Note Prestidigitation has a range of 10 ft, duration one hour, and Zeoll can cast one per round. "It can color, clean, or soil items in a 1-foot cube each round."]
"Maybe I can help starrt to clean up this mess," he says. He takes his own advice about putting wet strips of cloth on his mouth and nose. That likely takes a round to prepare too.
It's on/DM Buzz d20+4=24 ; d20+4=6 ; d20+4=20 ; d6+4=7 ; d6+4=8 ; Friday April 8th, 2011 11:46:36 AM Bosk still has burning lungs, but he can breath enough to talk. He investigates the desk. Are your bag of holding items sized for large creatures?
Kyan assists the minotaur with the task of looking for something useful.
Beltrin can enlarge a large creature, making it easier to reach high objects.
Zeoll offers some advice on those entering the toxic room and it sounds like a good plan. There are no bonuses to the terrible saving throws that one must endure, but the cautious methods will reduce the damage of the acidic air. The limited range of his prestidigitation can not really help in the entire room clean up, without entering with the spell.
Beriothian immediately feels the burning sensations, but it is easy to see, it is less intense with the proper precautions. Beri please take 3 damage and 3 nonlethal damage.I am waiting for an answer in the rules board on time needed to pick a lock. If you know where I can find the answer, please share it. :)
Restlin attempts to grab the tool from the male zombie worker. It was enough to cause him interference with his job and that causes it to get violent. With a closed palm, he reaches out with lightening speed and smashes Restlin right in the face causing his nose to burst open with blood and maybe loosening a few teeth, but that's not all as Restlin stands there another punch comes from left field and smashes in the side of the head causing an immense amount of damage. This zombie is very fast and can attack twice in a round. Restlin is hit with a Critical hit, unconfirmed doing 7 damage and the second attack hits doing 8 damage.
The desk is empty except for illegible notes that have succumbed to the acrid nature of the previous environment. In the top drawer, there is an outline of where a key had once rested for some time. It is now gone.
Everyone please keep track of all damage taken, both lethal and nonlethal as well as if you are diseased, in your header. Thank you
Kyan(Jon) AC:19/13/16 HP: 43/48, Zombie Rot in 3 days d20+10=29 ; d8+12=18 ; Friday April 8th, 2011 12:28:13 PM
Kyan's head whips around at the sound of flesh thuding into flesh to see the zombie finish its last swing at Restlin's head. With a growl, he takes a small step away from the desk to give himself room while his hands move in well practiced motions so that one pulls his bow over his shoulder and raises it in front of him while the other darts down to his quiver to retrieve a cold-iron arrow, his quiver magically placing it at his finger tips. As the bow comes into position in front of him, the arrow is nocked and the string is drawn. He pauses only a moment to aim, holding his breath before letting the arrow fly towards the now violent zombie.
OOC: Quick draw weapon Attack, Deadly Aim: Hit AC 29 (25 if Restlin is in the way I believe?), 18 damage
Zeoll (HP35, AC14) Friday April 8th, 2011 1:15:14 PM
Zeoll moves up to Restlin, standing right next to him. "Withdrraw," the liontaur says. "I wish I could heal you but I can't. Howeverr, maybe I can get this thing to attack me instead of you."
The liontaur taunts the undead thing. "Herre! Herre! Me! Hit me, Dummy!"
The liontaur readies the use of his Tower Shield for total cover, triggered by any physical attack against which the shield would be effective. That is, if attacked, use the shield for total cover in the direction of the attack.
Note: AC is 14, not 18, because the shield bonus is lost when using the shield for cover.
Zeoll (HP35, AC14) d20+5=20 ; d4+1=3 ; Friday April 8th, 2011 2:25:51 PM
Oh, if Restlin withdraws and the undead follows, doing so may provoke an AoO from Zeoll as the undead leaves a threatened square. If so, Zeoll will take a paw attack. Rolling at +5, with no shield penalty and heroism, that's a hit vs AC 20 for 3 damage.
It's over/DM Buzz Friday April 8th, 2011 2:54:42 PM
Highlight to display spoiler: {Just so you can move along in your plans over the weekend.}
Almost before the fight had started, Kyan with much skill, plants an arrow through the zombies skull.
Everyone, some through bloodshot, teared up eyes and much pain, watches as the zombie falls to the floor unlifeless.
The two stirring the large cauldrons do not seem phased by the battle.
Beltrin (Keith) AC: 19/14/15 HP: 28/47 Spells Friday April 8th, 2011 6:07:51 PM
Looking at Restlin, Beltrin shakes his head... "Careful there, curiosity has killed more wizards than steel has...."
Turning back to the problem at hand, he awaits Beri's attempt at the lock. If it fails and Bosk is still ready to attempt the door, he will cast enlarge person on Bosk.
He will then prepare some wet cloth as Zeoll has suggested to protect his eyes and mouth in preparation for entering the room if the door has been opened.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 14/12/12 HP:14/35 (Spells) Current spells: Detect Magic - Current Diseases: Zombie Rot (4 days) d8+1=7 ; Friday April 8th, 2011 7:59:53 PM
Properly humbled, Restlin looks around for the ladle the now defunct zombie was carrying. Already burned and beaten, Restlin figures it can't get much worse...
While searching, Restlin pulls a small potion from a pouch and quaffs it (clw - 7).
"Someday, Beltrin, I will likely join that majority of wizards...but that day is not today!"
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/17/17 HP:41/41 d20+3=22 ; d20+3=5 ; Friday April 8th, 2011 8:18:21 PM if the irritation on my skin is any sign, then I'm very gald I put these goggles on! I really hope this lock opens fast!
ooc: double clicked on my save on accident. You can use the second one for my save when fleeing the toxic room.
fort 1 = 22
Bosk (James) AC: 20/12/19 HP 52 of 52 Spells d8+1=9 ; Friday April 8th, 2011 11:25:02 PM
ooc: I only specified large size on items that had it listed in the SRD (Weapons, armor, and storage). If you want it on everything, I can do that. I have enough excess gold, since it is only my mundane items that are effected. I want the items my size, if I must specify, and will buy a second if I want a medium sized one also. My only two immediate questions are:
Can anyone use a taur ladder, or are you spacing the steps apart farther? Can I have large and medium handles on the ram so that anyone can assist me, not just Zeoll (since he is large sized also?)
In Character Bosk watches as Beri works on the door, but holds off casting any spells until his second round inside. He then waves the wand and heals the rogue for 9hp. (I am assuming the wand is CL1). If directed to do so, Bosk will either lift Beri up after he is enlarged, or climb his ladder and do it himself.
Kyan(Jon) AC:19/13/16 HP: 43/48, Zombie Rot in 3 days Sunday April 10th, 2011 7:10:38 PM
Kyan lowers his bow as the zombie drops with a nod of satisfaction at his shot. He puts the bow back over his shoulder before striding across the room, drawing his sword on the way. Moving from one of the remaining zombie workers to the other, he sets himself behind each and takes a swing at each zombie's oblivious back, aiming to prevent any further accidents with the curious mage.
OOC: I'm assuming I can do a coup de grace to the zombies since they've been pretty much ignoring anything else unless disturbed. Sure, a sword hacking into you would count as a "disturbance", but by then it's too late.
If coup de grace is alllowed, it's at least 20 damage to each.
DM Buzz: Coup de Grace is not available. As it is seen, these creatures are not helpless and they are immune to Fortitude type attacks. No save needed.
Kyan(Jon) AC:19/13/16 HP: 43/48, Zombie Rot in 3 days d20+14=15 ; d20+14=18 ; 2d6+10=16 ; Sunday April 10th, 2011 9:24:06 PM
[b] OOC: Eh, I'd argue they are helpless for the purposes of a coup de grace, but no reason to drag it out. Here are the rolls:
Attack 1: Complete whiff. natural 1. If that doesn't trigger the zombie to go crazy and we're not in combat rounds: Attack 2: Hit AC 18, damage 16
Can't leave well enough alone/DM Buzz d20+4=23 ; d20+4=8 ; d6+4=7 ; Monday April 11th, 2011 11:44:04 AM
The group has had a long day and Restlin is able to pick up the large heavy ladle that the human zombie was using before. But before he can begin his experiments, he drinks a potion of healing.
Zeoll takes precautions to defend himself and the pure wizard from further attacks.
Beltrin jokingly chastises the bloody peer as he prepares himself with wet cloth to go through the room.
With nimble fingers Beriothian picks the lock, but then, what will he do? He thinks about fleeing the toxic room, but in which direction? Will he open the door and go through or will he run back to the group, having to pass through the room yet again later? Either way, his precautions paid off and he only takes 3 nonlethal damage this round. Only one save per round please. :)
Bosk can not see the rogue in the room without making another save. It is also unclear if the experienced lock picker will return to the others or call everyone over.
Not wanting more problems from the undead workers, Kyan decides to use his weapon and not waste more ammunition. But his wild swing was enough to cause it to stir. It isn't smart, but it does know when it is being attacked and fights back. It turns, leaving it's large stirrer in the cauldron and one attack in two smashes the ranger in the body doing 7 damage.
Q)Can anyone use a taur ladder, or are you spacing the steps apart farther? A) I would say, someone one size smaller could use large equipment without much difficulty, but I think a halfling would need more of a climb check, to get from one rung to another. That is one example.
Q)Can I have large and medium handles on the ram so that anyone can assist me, not just Zeoll (since he is large sized also? A) I don't have a problem with that, but again, I don't see a halfling and a taur, attempting to use the same ram, without some comedy involved. But hey, if I laugh hard enough as you role play it, I might let it slide.
:)
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 14/12/12 HP:14/35 (Spells) Current spells: Detect Magic - Current Diseases: Zombie Rot (4 days) d20+6=9 ; d4=3 ; Monday April 11th, 2011 2:26:28 PM
Grateful that he is no longer the last adventurer to unwittingly provoke a zombie attack, Restlin decides lend a hand. He pulls his very neglected dagger from it's sheath, casually tosses it into the air, and directs it towards the maurading zombie (hand of the apprentice - Universalist power).
Attack roll: Hit AC 9, 3 damage.
The dagger zips back towards Restlin's waiting hand after the attack.
Kyan(Jon) AC:19/13/16 HP: 43/48, Zombie Rot in 3 days d20+14=30 ; 2d6+10=17 ; Monday April 11th, 2011 2:33:10 PM
"Gaah...!" Kyan exclaims as he manages to trip over his own feet while make his swing at the zombie-kitchenaid-mixer, causing his overhead chop to go wide and clang into the rim of the cauldron just a hair's width to the side of the undead. He lets out a grunt as the corpse moves with sudden speed to flail at his chest, causing him to stagger backwards at the blows. Managing to pull his sword back with one arm, his other hand goes to grab the blade and he half-swords his weapon into position to thrust the point at an upwards angle through the zombies chest.
OOC: Attack 1: Hit AC 30, damage 17
Two down/DM Buzz Monday April 11th, 2011 2:51:22 PM
Although Restlin misses with his missile, Kyan kills the undead female and her corpse too, falls lifeless to the floor. The only undead female remaining is stirring the base.
Bosk (James) AC: 20/12/19 HP 52 of 52 Spells Monday April 11th, 2011 8:02:06 PM
As the commotion breaks out, Bosk looks over his shoulder to see that Restlin and Kyan have things well taken care of. The minotaur continues waiting and listening for any signs that the rogue may need help.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/17/17 HP:41/41 Monday April 11th, 2011 8:09:08 PM
ooc: Am I able to search the door for traps and go through on the same round?
DM Buzz: According to the D20 SRD, Inititating a Perception check is a move action, so yes, I believe you can.
Beltrin (Keith) AC: 19/14/15 HP: 28/47 Spells Zombie Rot (4 days) d20+5=13 ; Monday April 11th, 2011 10:29:05 PM
Beltrin shakes his head as he watches his companions fight with the undead workers. It seems like a waste of energy to him to pick unnecessary fights, when the real enemy lies ahead. But he cannot argue that destroying the vile creations is a good thing.
He waits to hear from Beri about the results of his attempt on the door before doing anything else. If Beri reports back that he was successful, Beltrin will finish wetting the rags about his face and move through the supply room and through the door.
-------------------------- Active Spells:
Mage Armor
Fortitude save (if he moves through the room): 13
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/17/17 HP:41/41 d20+13=29 ; d20+3=17 ; Monday April 11th, 2011 10:35:13 PM
As the toxins in the air continue to irritate his skin Beri forces himself to keep his composure and make sure the door is safe before going through. If his search turns up nothing he will proceed into the next room.
Perception = 29 save = 17
Kyan(Jon) AC:19/13/16 HP: 36/48, Zombie Rot in 3 days d20+12=29 ; 2d6+16=24 ; Tuesday April 12th, 2011 9:09:34 AM
Not being the least bit spiteful, stubborn or angry, Kyan stalks over to the remaining zombie and takes a massive swing at the creature with a growl to finish the deed he started.
OOC: Power attack, hit ac 29, 24 damage.
Time to run/DM Buzz Tuesday April 12th, 2011 3:11:30 PM
The group prepares in different ways for the next few rounds. Some cover themselves in wet cloth to prevent the intense burning gases in the room beyond where the cauldrons are stored. A younger woman, with long dark hair and commoners clothing looks over at the ranger as he approaches. Her large brown eyes, somewhat sunken into her skull shows no emotion both before the power attack lands and after, as her body falls to the floor, they remain, ever staring. No traps are found in the other room and it is opened into another large corridor.
A dark liquid pools around the bodies of the undead. The magical concoction seeping from the wounds they endured before they died. The desk is ransacked and no legible information can be garnered. The non base liquid that detected magic seems to be reacting somewhat to the environment. The lack of stirring which it seems to be needing is causing it to destabilize and is beginning to become violent.
Between the group and the brave rogue is a large room that must be over come by all. When it is called back to the others through some coughing and hacking, the next passage is safe, the others can take the time to prepare themselves with cloth to avoid full damage.
So, everyone needs to make their saving throws to pass through the room, hopefully before whatever is in the cauldron explodes into who knows what type of chemical reaction.
Beriothian please take 3 nonlethal damage.
Zeoll (HP35, AC14) d20+5=21 ; d20+5=19 ; Tuesday April 12th, 2011 3:29:23 PM
Zeoll has been watching the destruction of these undead things with some approval, but given that they pose little hazard, does not feel bad about not touching them with his paws or otherwise. Besides, if he had attacked, he would have had to stop concentrating on his Secret Doors detection spell. Instead, he has wrapped his face and prepared to move carefully through the room, avoiding stepping in puddles with his bare paws.
Fort saves beat DC21 and 19. Let me know if you need more.
Zeoll follows Beri through the doorway and out before the cauldron explodes.
Bard Spells: 4 of 5 first level spells cast (Charm Person, Sil Image x2, Det Secret Doors) 2 of 3 second level spells cast (Heroism x2)
Goodberries from yesterday: 0 (all used) Bard Music Rounds used: 8 of 16 rounds Pearl of Power Level 1: Used today. Diseased by Dead Finger Contact
Currently Active: Message (2 of 10 minutes used); Heroism (10 of 40 min used), Det Secret Doors (1 of 4 minutes used), Taurs Try (Mino) (2 of 10 minutes used)
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 14/12/12 HP:14/35 (Spells) Current spells: Detect Magic - Current Diseases: Zombie Rot (4 days) d20+3=11 ; Tuesday April 12th, 2011 3:43:52 PM
Restlin is indeed fascinated by the unstable cauldron, but decides he's caused enough damage for one day. As he walks towards the rest of his companions, he opens his waterskin & pours a generous amount down the front of his tunic. "No time for more respectable preparations, it seems," he thinks to himself.
Before he enters the room, he covers his mouth/nose with the now wet tunic and speeds across the room as fast as he's able. He wastes no time, as he's far too frail to wade into such an environment without someone at his back...
OOC:
Fort save - 11
Also, I'll be at Vanderbilt with my daughter for a large chunk of tomorrow. I'll post, but it will be later in the evening before I'm able.
Kyan(Jon) AC:19/13/16 HP: 36/48, Zombie Rot in 3 days d20+5=12 ; d20+5=9 ; Tuesday April 12th, 2011 3:52:07 PM
Eyeing the liquid seeping from the undead and the unsettling behavior of the liquids in the cauldron, Kyan quickly sheaths his sword and turns to the rest of the group. "Time to go, I'd say"
He moves over to the door leading into the gas-filled room, pausing briefly to pull his water skin from the top of his haver sack and soak the front of his surcoat before ducking his head and pulling it up over his nose and mouth and heading into the other room.
OOC: Fort Save 12 and 9 if we need two rounds to get through
Beltrin (Keith) AC: 19/14/15 HP: 28/47 Spells Zombie Rot (4 days) d20+5=22 ; Tuesday April 12th, 2011 3:53:27 PM
Seeing the cauldron beginning to bubble and shake, Beltrin calls out "Restlin, no! Leave it be!" Keeping his bow in one hand and using the other to hold his dampened cloak over his face, he quickly makes his way through the ruined supply room to Beri. As soon as the entire party is safely through the room, he slams shut the door to protect against whatever the results of the interrupted alchemical process may be....
---------------------- Fortitude save: 22
Bosk (James) AC: 20/12/19 HP 52 of 52 Spells d20+10=14 ; d20+9=21 ; Tuesday April 12th, 2011 8:52:07 PM
The cleric remains focused on the toxic room until he notices Zeoll preparing cloth and water and decides it in his best interest to do the same. Bosk douses his winter blanket in water and wraps it around his body and head, leaving a slit just large enough for his eyes. He then renews his cantrips and waits in anticipation of the signal. When Beri gives the signal, the taur holds his breath and runs into the newly opened room. Upon entering he quickly looks for traps and anything unusual.
Actions ---------- Fort Save = 14 (not counting any bonus for holding breath or wet blanket) Perception = 22
Active Spells ----------------- See invisibility 24 minutes left
Active Cantrips ------------------ Guidance Toro's Taur try: Minotaur: +1 on Perception and Intimidate checks
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/17/17 HP:29/41 (3 lethal 9 non lethal) d20+13=27 ; Tuesday April 12th, 2011 10:54:47 PM
Beriothian looks around the room, ever watchful for traps. Moments later his friends come pouring into the the room with him. They appear to banged up, wet, and leaving with some urgency.
..do I even want to ask?
perception = 27
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/17/17 HP:29/41 (3 lethal 9 non lethal) Tuesday April 12th, 2011 11:29:18 PM
ooc: Bosk, can you use my wand to heal me (so charges aren't wasted on a missed UMD roll)
Bosk (James) AC: 20/12/19 HP 52 of 52 Spells d8+1=2 ; d8+1=2 ; d8+1=5 ; d8+1=9 ; Wednesday April 13th, 2011 12:09:54 AM
Sure, assuming it is safe to do so. Used 2 charges, healed for 5 and 9 =14 hp total (Rerolled 1s)
on and on/DM Buzz Wednesday April 13th, 2011 10:05:06 AM Those that failed the DC 15 fortitude save, please take 3 damage and three nonlethal damage. those that saved, please take 3 nonlethal damage.
The group escapes the toxic room and realizes, that entire set up was a big trap. If the group had come in and killed the undead immedietly, they woud have been stuck between the toxic room with the locked door and the unstable cauldron, but thankfully, it did not work out that way.
The group moves into another large corridor, twenty feet wide, forty feet high and goes about one hundred feet before it turns right. Following, it goes up a large flight of stairs for both large and medium sized cratures. After two flights, the group comes to another door. It is open and a large set of equipment is in the room. It looks like some type of nightmare room as chemicals percolate in beakers and coils of glass drip liquid into other beakers.
Up against the far wall, perhaps sixty feet away, you see a human, tied down in a contraption that looks loike a torture device. He is screaming at the top of his lungs, begging for mercy and to be let go. Next tothe table is a large reavoir where that dark liquid from the cauldron room, is blended with a liquid looking like a white milky substance. It appears, they are combined in one more beaker and pumped into victims. The fluid can be seen to be moving through an IV tube and is almost ready to enter the poor mans screaming body, which is tied down sixty feet away.
There is a door standing open twenty feet past the strapped down human and there is no sign of Mr.E.
Zeoll (HP35, AC14) Wednesday April 13th, 2011 11:05:25 AM
On the way to this room, does Zeoll detect any secret doors?
[OOC: advanced spell durations by a minute, OK?]
"Arrcherrs, shoot that tube!" says Zeoll, pointing to the tube that is about to carry the poison into the man's body. Zeoll sings an inspirational song to help the archers strike true. That takes a standard action to initiate, so he has to drop his Detect Secret Doors spell.
Inspire Courage gives a +1 to hit and damage. Good luck shooting, friends!
Bard Spells: 4 of 5 first level spells cast (Charm Person, Sil Image x2, Det Secret Doors) 2 of 3 second level spells cast (Heroism x2)
Goodberries from yesterday: 0 (all used) Bard Music Rounds used: 9 of 16 rounds Pearl of Power Level 1: Used today. Diseased by Dead Finger Contact
Currently Active: Message (3 of 10 minutes used); Heroism (11 of 40 min used), Taurs Try (Mino) (3 of 10 minutes used)
DM Buzz: No secret doors were detected.
Kyan(Jon) AC:19/13/16 HP: 36/48, Zombie Rot in 3 days d8+1=5 ; d8+1=5 ; d20=5 ; Wednesday April 13th, 2011 11:18:08 AM
Once out the toxic room, Kyan lowers his surcoat and coughs, glancing over to Beri at his question with a shake of his head, "Best not to."
He pulls his own wand of cure light wounds from his belt pouch and uses it on himself twice before putting it back in its spot and moving on with the others, his bow pulled out with an arrow ready once again.
Able to hear the screaming man before seeing him, Kyan has his bow raised and ready when they come into the room, searching for a target. He pauses at the sight of the all the unfamiliar, to him at least looking equipment, but his eyes settle on the man and the apparatus next to him. Wary of traps and not wanting to blindly rush towards the man to save him, the ranger comes to the same conclusion as Zeoll.
He takes a moment to aim at the tube, letting the bard's song wash over him, and lets fly.
ooc: Attempt to hit the tube: Hit AC 13
Beltrin (Keith) AC: 19/14/15 HP: 25/47 (3 non-lethal) Spells Zombie Rot (4 days) d20+8=12 ; d8+4=11 ; Wednesday April 13th, 2011 1:44:44 PM
Hearing the screams of the helpless man, Beltrin rushes into the strange laboratory. Even as Zeoll speaks the word to shoot for the tube, Beltrin is notching an arrow. He lets it fly at the strange tube and then races across the room towards the victim.
----------------- Standard action: fire arrow at tube (Hit AC 12 for 11 damage) Move action: move 40 feet towards the man.
OOC: Hope for the poor guy's sake that Beri rolls better than us!
Zeoll (HP35 (3 nonlethal), AC14) Wednesday April 13th, 2011 4:33:21 PM
Sorry forgot to update my hp in my header.
Bosk (James) AC: 20/12/19 HP 52 of 52 Spells d20+9=19 ; d20+3=14 ; Wednesday April 13th, 2011 6:59:26 PM
As he enters the room, Bosk stares in horror as he sees the cursed liquid travel up the IV tube. Realizing it is probably a trap, the cleric cannot bring himself to not help the man. Deciding the best thing to do is to get the IV out of the man's arm as quickly as possible, or at the very least, keep the liquid from entering the man. If he has time, Bosk will remove the IV from the man's arm, if not he will charge up to it and if there is slack he will knot / tie off the tube, if that is not possible he will cut it in the space between the foul liquid and the mans arm (keeping a distance of 10 feet so neither blood or liquid spills on him). If there is time (or we are not in combat rounds), he will also pinch or tie off the IV to prevent further blood loss.
Actions ----------- Use as necessary Attack (to cut or if there is enough slack tie off the IV)= 19 Heal (To safely remove the IV)= 14
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/17/17 HP:41/41 d20+11=19 ; Wednesday April 13th, 2011 7:52:39 PM
Beri sees Bosk making a dash towards the unfortunate victim who is almost certainly being used as bait in another trap.
I sure hope my arrow is faster than he is....
Beri pulls out an cold iron arrow and sends it flying toward the IV in an effort to make Bosk's heroics unnecessary. ooc: if someone could aid another it would push me over 20
Bosk (James) AC: 20/12/19 HP 52 of 52 Spells Wednesday April 13th, 2011 8:26:36 PM
ooc: Bosk is also worried cutting the iv will drain the man of his blood.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 14/12/12 HP:19/35 (3 non-lethal) (Spells) Current spells: Detect Magic - Current Diseases: Zombie Rot (4 days) d8+1=8 ; Wednesday April 13th, 2011 9:42:21 PM
Seeing everyone jump to action, Restlin decides SOMEONE needs to check on what's on the other end of that other door, so he does so. He doesn't actually go THROUGH the door, but he'll take a look at what's through it.
As he jogs up to the door, he'll quaff another potion (clw: 8). He's looking rough...
on and on/DM Buzz Thursday April 14th, 2011 10:56:11 AM
ooc: On my way to the doctors. Post later today. I might be mistaken but magical healing removes nonlethal damage, for those that have drank potions.
on and on/DM Buzz Friday April 15th, 2011 9:55:25 AM
ooc: Took a pain pill yesterday. Killed any imagination I had. Post coming in an hour or two.
Way past dark/DM Buzz Friday April 15th, 2011 10:49:44 AM
Upon entering the large room riddled with contraptions, gadgets and thingamajigs, the focus of the heros attention is drawn to the male strapped to the table. His hair is shoulder length and brown and at first, his brown eyes are not discernable until closer. His street clothes are clean and worn. If he has a body odor, it is easily drowned out by the stench of chemicals and alchemy.
The long thin tube pulses and wiggles as the victim struggles against his bindings. His whimpers drown out the sounds of boiling liquids surrounding him. Then Zeoll inspires his friends to take out the liquid in the tube. Kyan and Beltrin barely miss it, the tube being both fine and a slightly moving target. Bosk wasting no time can get up close to the bound man just as Beriothians' arrow clips the tube cleanly in half and the mans natural fluids can be prevented from leaving his body.
He spots the groups entrance and as monstrous as a couple appear, he seems relieved when arrows speed by him and cut the tube, stopping the flow of that dreadful concoction. "He's releasing zombies on the city!" he tells everyone as they gets closer. "Hundreds of them! I've seen em! They look alive like us!" The man seems rather panicked.
Restlin can see two sets of stairs. Going up to the right is the same ole large corridor the group has been following. Large steps with medium steps besides it. Off to the left though, there is a circular, medium sized stairwell going straight up.
Please. All players include your modified bonuses and penalties to your dice rolls. If you do not have the time to look them up, what makes you think I do also? :)
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/17/17 HP:41/41 Friday April 15th, 2011 11:14:11 AM
Not wanting to say anything that could give away his thoughts, Beriothian looks over their new, helpless friend. He pays special attention how he is bound, looking for any signs that the man could have bound himself. He doesn't want to take any chances that this is a clever ruse of the Mr. E they have been chasing.
ooc: Will your blood really flow out from an iv hose? I always thought by putting the needle in the direction of the blood flow that you allowed the medication to flow freely into the blood stream and prevented blood from seeping out (because it would need to go against the blood flow at a very specific angle to get into the needle) ... my DM may have just given me a permanent fear of IVs.
DM Buzz: The narrator was just including in his post a concern one of the characters had posted. Also, if for some reason you are suspecious, then you need to roll a Sense Motive skill please. :)
Kyan(Jon) AC:19/13/16 HP: 36/48, Zombie Rot in 3 days d20+12=22 ; Friday April 15th, 2011 11:39:19 AM
Seeing that the man has been saved, Kyan moves about to explore the room, careful not to touch any of the equipment. He moves to the door leading out and begins searching for tracks to see if they were still on right path to follow Mr. E.
OOC: Track: 22
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/17/17 HP:41/41 d20+9=20 ; Friday April 15th, 2011 12:24:48 PM
sense motive = 20
Bosk (James) AC: 20/12/19 HP 52 of 52 Spells d20+8=17 ; Friday April 15th, 2011 9:54:10 PM
Taking a deep breath, Bosk looks around and accesses the room again, looking for traps, secrete doors, and surveying the room in general in hopes of learning more about the contraption being used to zombify people and Mr. E's plan. As he works, he speaks aloud So what are we going to do with this guy? Should we question him before we free him? Should we bring him with us, or is he safer here until our job is done?
Actions ---------- Perception = 17
Beltrin (Keith) AC: 19/14/15 HP: 25/47 (3 non-lethal) Spells Zombie Rot (4 days) d20+13=23 ; d20+9=23 ; Friday April 15th, 2011 10:55:30 PM
Beltrin tries to calm the man. "Easy there, don't hurt yourself, we're here to help you. Now tell us, what is this zombie hoard that you speak of? And who is this mastermind that you speak of?"
He whispers to his companions: "I'm inclined to trust him unless we have a reason not to, after all, he was wired into these awful machines and seemed to be in great pain."
If he has a chance, he'll also cast detect magic and take a look around the laboratory.
All bound up/DM Buzz Monday April 18th, 2011 9:56:49 AM
In all the commotion, it is clear the man bound to the table is indeed tied down. It would have been difficult for the person to extract themselves from the table without magic or a very good Escape Artist check. Beriothian remains suspicious though with good reason. The group just barely saving a mans life seems all to convenient. Plus, given the other tricks played to throw them off, maybe this is just one more. Beri doesn't trust this situation.
Making his way around tables filled with beakers, lamps, burners and a conglomeration of other alchemy utensils, Kyan exits the room to look around and discovers, the circular staircase leading up carries within it, a similar smell of alchemy. Someone working long hours in the previous room has been this way a few times in the last couple of days.
Looking around, Bosk finds nothing secret, concealed or other wise out of place in the room. He asks the others what to do with the man they rescued.
Wanting more details, Beltrin asks a few questions of the man in question. He relates a tale. After casting a spell, it is clear. The red liquid from downstairs and in the reservoir detects magic. The milky white liquid being combined with it also detects magic. There are other signs of magic in the room, some beakers basically in it's early stages of alchemy and not quite processed. As well, the man on the table has a magical taint.
He answers questions, "There are at least a hundred living dead upstairs. They are stationed in cages attached to pulleys to bring them to the surface. I don't know who kidnaped me. The last thing I remember is being tied up in a sack. I'm just a guard from Heranmar. Three thugs jumped me in an alley of tents! What day is it?"
Kyan(Jon) AC:19/13/16 HP: 36/48, Zombie Rot in 3 days Monday April 18th, 2011 1:12:54 PM
Kyan moves back to the others and nods his head in the direction of the stairways, "I couldn't see anything recent, but at least one person has been in and out of here several times"
Bosk (James) AC: 20/12/19 HP 52 of 52 Spells Monday April 18th, 2011 4:20:29 PM
Bosk looks down at the man with some pity as he is trying to decide what to do with him. After relaying the date to the former guard, he asks a few of his own questions. Well, it seems you could at least see when they brought you here. Tell us, , he continues, who hooked you up to this device, and which way did they go? Did you see where the control mechanism for the cages is, or a way to disable them, or any other information that may help us to defeat this common enemy? As he tries to think up a few more questions to ask, the taur brushes back some of his hair, still damp from the precautions he took in the chemical room.
Zeoll (HP35 (3 nonlethal), AC14) d20+19=21 ; Monday April 18th, 2011 4:57:57 PM
Zeoll tries to gauge the victim's honesty. Is this really true? At least, does he believe it?
Sense Motive (with a +2 from Heroism): 21.
He tells his friends what he thinks.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 14/12/12 HP:19/35 (Spells) Current spells: Detect Magic - Current Diseases: Zombie Rot (4 days) Monday April 18th, 2011 8:55:32 PM
Restlin wonders why nobody seems fazed by the upcoming zombie attack on the city. "Surely this man's immediate danger is past. Leave him tied if you don't trust him; I see no reason to, after all, but we have a very bad man to attend to and a zombie massacre to thwart..."
Restlin continues to wait impatiently by the door...
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/17/17 HP:41/41 Monday April 18th, 2011 10:17:22 PM
ooc: do I not trust the situation because of the sense motive roll?
Beltrin (Keith) AC: 19/14/15 HP: 25/47 (3 non-lethal) Spells Zombie Rot (4 days) Monday April 18th, 2011 10:33:51 PM "I agree with Restlin, all of the materials in this room reflect magical alchemy. This man's story rings true to me, I think that we should free him. He knows the way around this place and this zombie attack must be stopped."
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/17/17 HP:41/41 Tuesday April 19th, 2011 2:34:51 AM
Beriothian does not trust the guy. He may not have been able to tie himself up, however his motives do not seem to be that of a helpless victim (...did I read your post correctly?...). If this man is the mastermind he could easily have had the zombies do this to him, it shouldn't me any different than the other tasks they'd been brainwashed to do.
Highlight to display spoiler: {DM Buzz: I think you read my post correctly.}
What are you waiting for?/DM Buzz d20+6=18 ; Tuesday April 19th, 2011 10:54:25 AM Bosk asks questions of the man and he noticeably relaxes into the restraints that still bind him tight. "All I remember is fading in and out. I've been drugged up for three days, if your date is correct. He always has two of those creatures with him. They look alive but their eyes are blank. I think they strapped me here when I was out and I awoke to the machine being placed in my arm. The guy running the monsters wore a mask, I didn't see him. All I saw was the cages. The cages are on pully's to bring them up. Once when I was lucid, I heard him say the city would pay, I only assume the dead is his weapon. Please, I've told you all I know!"
Zeoll and Beriothian feel that something is out of place also, but what could it be? Is this man a guard from Heranmar or perhaps he is an outlaw, just trying to get away from any potential heros? He might be Mr. E himself? On a hunch, there still isn't much to go on, except he isn't entirely truthful.
Restlin and Beltrin believe the story however and want to continue on to find the villain before their escape is set in stone. The man isn't going anywhere easily so maybe the group can come back for him?
Kyan points out the most traveled path for any workers of the room and waits by the door.
The man speaks again, "Just standing around waiting for me to grow horns, wings and a tail isn't going to help the city defend against the undead."
Please roll a perception check, now that the man isn't screaming and crying, possibly drowning out other sounds of the deep underground complex.
Kyan(Jon) AC:19/13/16 HP: 46/48 (3 nonlethal), Zombie Rot in 3 days d20+10=13 ; d20+5=17 ; Tuesday April 19th, 2011 12:03:29 PM
Kyan gestures at the restrained man, "Restlin is right. We need to go." and then towards the stairway leading up.
"We can take him with us. Tie his hands behind his back, bind his fingers together, and gag him in case he's a wizard. If he's telling the truth, he'll behave. " And he looks towards the possible-prisoner, his voice going cold, "If he tries anything, we can break his hands or cut out his tongue. If he's involved in this, he deserves worse, but we should try to keep him alive to answer for his crimes."
Given the rangers demonstrated dislike of the undead, it might not be too far of a stretch for him to carry out those threats against the people responsible. Or it might just be best if the man thought he would.
OOC: Perception: 13 Intimidate: 17
Bosk (James) AC: 20/12/19 HP 52 of 52 Spells d20+8=16 ; d20+8=26 ; d20+8=14 ; d20+13=14 ; d20+5=22 ; Tuesday April 19th, 2011 3:50:57 PM
Not sure what else to do, Bosk asks the man if he has any weapons or anything else on him. He then begins searching the man looking for anything that may be a threat or of interest. This includes any tattoos, spell component pouch weapons, jewelry, etc.As he does this, he ponders the voice they heard on the elevator that threw the fireball at them. Grandfather wrote to me, warning me to expect this day. What could that mean? How long has this experiment been going on? Could Mr. E be the grandfather, or is there yet another mastermind behind this evil plot? He further wonders if they are overlooking the motivation for creating such unique zombies.
When he is done searching the guard he backs away and whispers to Zeoll, using the bards message spell I am getting a bad feeling about this. I just remembered some stories I heard about necromancer's willfully turning themselves into undead liches. Think that may be what is going on here? And what happened to the girl that blasted us with the fireball?
Actions Perception (search the human guinea pig)= 16 Perception (Since the beggar quieted down) = 26
Checks to determine other possible uses for this equipment, such as creating a lich: Knowledge Arcana = 14 Spellcraft = 14 Knowledge Religion = 22
Active Spells ----------------- See invisibility 24 minutes left
Zeoll works hard to unbind the man from the table. He shushes Kyan's cruel talk and tells the man that this is a group of heroes, not villains. "We'll help you, don't worrry," Zeoll says. As he checks the man over, he makes sure he is not undead. Heal 18, Knowledge (any) 20.
Buzz, are we in round-by-round action? If not, Zeoll will cast a Guidance spell on himself. And round-by-round or no, assuming the man is not undead, the liontaur then casts Charm Person on the man. If there is any chance of provoking an AoO with a spell, he'll make sure he is a five foot step back. The will save DC for the first level spell is an 18.
Bard Spells: 5 of 5 first level spells cast (Charm Person x2, Sil Image x2, Det Secret Doors) 2 of 3 second level spells cast (Heroism x2)
Goodberries from yesterday: 0 (all used) Bard Music Rounds used: 9 of 16 rounds Pearl of Power Level 1: Used today. Diseased by Dead Finger Contact
Currently Active: Message (4 of 10 minutes used); Heroism (12 of 40 min used), Taurs Try (Mino) (4 of 10 minutes used)
What are you waiting for?/DM Buzz Tuesday April 19th, 2011 6:34:40 PM
ooc: Since you guys are talking about binding him, gagging him or searching him, we need to go to round by round.
Let say, yes we are.
Beltrin (Keith) AC: 19/14/15 HP: 25/47 (3 non-lethal) Spells Zombie Rot (4 days) d20+8=9 ; Tuesday April 19th, 2011 6:56:45 PM
Beltrin is a bit anxious to move onwards, but seeing Zeoll cast a spell, forces himself to wait patiently while he waits for liontaur's charms to take effect. He moves over to the door by Restlin, keeping a sharp lookout for any more of Mr. E's minions.
---------------------
Perception: 9 (natural 1)
Spells in effect: Mage Armor
Zeoll (HP35 (3 nonlethal), AC14) d20+18=33 ; Tuesday April 19th, 2011 7:31:28 PM
Oh, and perception: 33
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/17/17 HP:41/41 d20+11=17 ; Tuesday April 19th, 2011 8:00:51 PM I don't like this at all. This guy is hiding something, and under the circumstances I don't think we should take a chance on someone who is already deceiving us. I say we put the guy to sleep and continue on before we become the victims of another trap.
The elf nervously takes in the room, not pleased with staying here longer than necessary. While the newer members of the group may not know the elf's way of thinking, he is pretty confident that Bosk and Zeoll know that he keeps a leather sap that he prefers to magic when it comes to helping people sleep.
Perception = 17
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 14/12/12 HP:19/35 (Spells) Current spells: Detect Magic - Current Diseases: Zombie Rot (4 days) d20+9=12 ; d3=2 ; d20+9=16 ; Tuesday April 19th, 2011 9:04:07 PM
Restlin can't help but notice that his trusty companions are still not venturing forth. He doesn't want to make with the impatient foot tapping, but he's starting to feel like he has no choice.
Still, the last time he rushed things he got a face full of zombie and severe hand burns. Perhaps he'll show some restraint. He will, however, take a look around the room they're in.
OOC: Spellcraft: 12 Knowledge, Arcana: 16 Both are to get an idea of what all these chemicals might do, besides the obvious "create unholy abominations that are WAY too protective of their cook-ware."
I swear I didn't hit that d3 button. I'm not sure why it rolled.
LOG ON