Tahni -- AC21/15/17 -- CMD 10 -- HP 35/35 -- SR8 -- Rob C Monday March 19th, 2012 9:56:25 PM OOC: Spoken with Jerry and Addison. I'll be starting some posts as DM in the next few hours :)
Devlin -- 20/15/15 -- CMD 17 -- HP 28/28 Monday March 19th, 2012 10:48:44 PM OOC: Huzza Rob!!
Pictures in Crystals - (DM RobC) Tuesday March 20th, 2012 1:53:29 AM Rolls up DM sleeves...
Passing through the waterfall, the party find themselves inside a small, domed crystal chamber. There is enough room for the party to fit in, with a few feet to spare. The walls, ceiling, and floor all made of smooth, polished crystal. In the centre, Facet hovers in her crystal form.
The sound of the waterfall behind you suddenly stops. The waterfall too has become a solid sheet of crystal. There is now no way out.
"Behold" you hear Facet whisper.
Colours form and change on the walls surrounding the party - the ceiling and floor too. It looks like... the Scab? It looks so real it feels like you are there. The image envelopes you. Surrounded on all sides as if you were standing in a rocky outcrop in the Scab right now.
The picture begins to move. The images change. The land of the Scab passes by as a blur. It's like you have been strapped to the head of an arrow and aimed directly at Drakesmead. Like you are moving at a thousand miles an hour in a straight line.
The movement stops very suddenly.
You stand at the base of Drakesmead. The fortress walls tower above you. The nearby duergar guards seem oblivious to your presense. Their adamantine weapons polished black. Though you can see them talking and see things that should make a noise, the images you see are silent.
The picture begins to change.
The party seem to be rapidly gaining altitude and you can see Drakesmead from above. There are a large number of duergar inside the walls. You can see prisoners locked in cages to be pecked by vultures. Slaves too. Men? No, dwarven slaves! Dwarven men and women labouring under the watch of a bulky duergar - immediately recognised by Bruagh as the vile Humphrey. The dwarves are performing a number of tasks. Carrying barrels and crates to and from wagons, and moving and emptying what look to be minecarts full of rocks. The dwarves look very emancipated. One looks to have upset Humphrey, as the fighter picks up the lean dwarf in both hands, and then slams the dwarf down quickly, back first, across his broad knee. The dwarf slumps to the ground.
The picture begins to change.
Though your position remains the same, the world seems to be moving faster now. You note the guards leaving Drakesmead, the routes they take and their return. Their patrols run like clockwork. Precisely timed, thorough, and well manned. Approaching unnoticed would be difficult. All the while, the dwarf slaves labour on. Wagons come and go. The number of duergar inside though could be a problem. There are thousands of them.
The picture begins to change.
Time seems to have returned to its normal rate, but the party seems to be falling at an alarming speed. Whereas you would normally abruptly stop when hitting the ground, this time the image keeps going as if you are tunneling straight down. Through the earth until the picture final stops moving. Sam may not notice anything, but those with dwarven darkvision can see that Facet has stopped the image in a large cave. Perhaps tunnel? There are no lights, or wooden braces. The ground is uneven, and littered with stalagmites. Could this be a tunnel the duergar are unaware of?
The picture begins to change.
Circling underneath Drakesmead, Facet shows you another two possible entry tunnels that appear untouched by the duergar. One to the south west, and one to the south east. Both slightly narrower than the larger tunnel previously shown that ran due south.
The picture begins to change
The party "float" back up above the surface, and begin movement towards the largest and central building of Drakesmead. You approach the walls and are about to see what lies inside
The picture begins to change
Flames. Fire all around.
The pictures stop and vanish. The waterfall resumes its normal running.
Facet retakes her humanoid form. "Something stopped me from looking inside. How curious." she says idly "I hope you found what you were looking for."
The party gather outside the waterfall.
Devlin -- 20/15/15 -- CMD 17 -- HP 28/28 d20+10=12 ; d20+10=18 ; d20+10=12 ; Tuesday March 20th, 2012 9:38:19 AM
Devlin steps from the waterfall and shakes water from his hair. The beads of water turns to crystals as they fall making a chiming sound as they hit the floor. He is lost in concentration attempting to remember the details of the caverns below DrakesMead. He sits down and begins to sketch a few things things onto some of the paper Delrid provided.
Write down as much as you can lads any detail may be the one that helps us defeat the dark bloods.
When he has scoured his mind for information Devlin walks over to Facet. Your help has been invaluable ta us. Its cost far outweighs any information we can give you but I will do my best to give you some insight into the mortal races. The rogue settles in and tells Facet of his family history and his childhood. He tries to impress on her that even though a mortal may come from bad circumstances its the decisions he or she makes that shapes and molds who they will become.
With your permission we will stay here long enough ta rest and make plans before we leave your domain. I am afraid the city we came from will fear us lost and send out parties ta search for us.
To the group he says. Get the notes together and get some rest, we make plans after we rest and than we move. We need ta reestablish contact with MountainBurrow and resupply. Than we head for DrakesMead, counsel support be damned. I'm not going ta sit on my hands when good Dwarven folk are enslaved and a once proud Dwarven fortress sits in the hands of the enemy.
Knowledge Dungeoneering = 12, 18, 12
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/11/21 -- CMD 17/21 -- HP 45/45 Tuesday March 20th, 2012 10:40:53 AM
A smoldering anger is clearly evident on Bruagh's face. The last time such an anger was on his face he executed the pirate that stabbed the unarmed woman. He says nothing but the rage is readily apparent. He jots down notes and then hands them to Delvin. In a barely audible voice the paladin speaks to Tahni, though loud enough the others can here it. "That dwarf's death, and any other that Humphrey commits or has committed is on my conscious. His blood and others is on my hand. I swear it now in the name of Domi, that dark-bloods life is forfeit. Those Dwarves will be freed or I will die trying."
Sam -- 18/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 23/23 Tuesday March 20th, 2012 9:14:18 PM
Sam walks out of the chamber with the group. Ideas race through his head. What is the best way to get in? How do we overcome their numbers? Devlin and Bruagh's comments pull Sam from his deep thought.
To Devlin-"We need to make plans now while the vision is still fresh in our minds. Your brethren are enslaved and dying. We need to plan, get word of our plan to Mountainburrow if necessary, and act." (Thought we all had rested status from my awesome singing)
To all-"It is clear that we are outnumbered and that our enemy has a superior position which is carefully watched and guarded. We obviously need to take advantage of the tunnel entrances. We need to, at the minimum rescue our kin...This belt must be working! I'm speaking as if I'm a dwarf! Anyway, where was I? Oh yes. We need to find a way to save the dwarves and if possible, take the keep. I have developed three plans for the group's consideration." Sam briefly pauses and begins again.
"Plan number 1 uses pure stealth. We sneak our way through the tunnels, quietly killing sentinels in our path and free the dwarves when the dark bloods are least active. This, in my opinion is my most difficult plan to accomplish."
"Plan number 2 uses deception. We find a way to disguise ourselves as the enemy, whether by costume of magic, infiltrate the base by the front door or the tunnels, and free the dwarves. I speak undercommon fluently and can be quite deceptive if need be. For this plan to work, as in plan number 1, nothing can go wrong or we will be in big trouble."
"Plan number three is the big one. And by one, I don't mean plan number one. I mean three. Plan number one was the other one. I said one twice in the same sentence! That was kind of funny..." Sam smiles at the group who mirrors back with blank stares of annoyance and impatience. His smile vanishes and he continues.
"Plan number 3 requires Mountainburrow's complete involvement. They would gather their forces and march to Drakesmead. Once within its sight, they would set camp and prepare to invade. I would stay with that group and with the aid of my jeweled scepter, project my voice to draw out much of their forces to meet us in battle. Meanwhile, smaller forces lead by the rest of our group would infiltrate the tunnels and seize the fort from within. This plan requires more coordination between groups, but could allow us to save the dwarves and take back Drakesmead." Sam looks at the faces of his friends to read signs of approval or lack thereof.
"Well...that's all I have."
Pictures in Crystals - (DM RobC) d20+27=28 ; d20+27=39 ; d20+27=44 ; Wednesday March 21st, 2012 3:13:34 AM OOC: Playing Tahni as an NPC now, so will be trying to remove her from any sort of group decisions where possible. And Sam is correct - everyone is already fully healed, rested and spells prepped.
"It is not your fault, Bruagh, but mine. I was the one who believed people capable of change, and as a result, Humphrey still lives today to kill again" Tahni laments her previous decision to take duergar prisoners "The next time we see him I want your axe to find his neck" she then turns quickly to walk away from the paladin, wiping a tear from her face.
Meanwhile Devlin sets about noting down as much as he can now while it is still fresh. Tahni offers paper and ink for sketching and does what she can to assist in terms of the knowledge dump as well "You seem to be the best with a pen, Sam, perhaps your sketches will be better" Tahni then enters her oracle trance, recalling as much information as she can about the images shown by Facet.
Facet listens intently as Devlin tries to explain about the mortal races and telling his life history. She cocks her head as if trying to understand what the dwarf is telling her "You have funny names for things" she says with a giggle. Looking around, she picks up four crystal pebbles. Holding them in one open hand, she touches the pebbles one by one with a finger from her other hand. The pebbles pop like bubbles. The first releasing a small crystal butterfly that quickly takes flight, the second a small snail (which Facet aids to the groud) and the third just releases more bubbles. "The pebbles look the same, even though what is inside them is different. It doesn't make one better or worse than another. That's what you mean isn't it?" she smiles and gives the fourth pebble to Devlin "Do not worry about the colour of your blood, Devlin Dealbreaker. You will be what you were meant to be." Facet then merrily starts skipping along after the butterfly. (OOC: The pebble is just a small gem pebble)
Sam - the strategist - provides the party with the three options he believes are available to the party, and those of MountainBurrow. Each option presents its own risks. What will the party choose?
Jarga recommences picking his nose.
Delrid - 12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP 29/29 Wednesday March 21st, 2012 4:52:10 AM
Delrid is very wary of the amount of opponents in the fortress. Direct challenge to that many defenders seems foolish. However, the desire to free slaves is real. He is concerned about increasing the. Umber of their party, or making multiple advances, or strengthening the attack.
"Sam, I like your idea of disguising yourself the most. Perhaps we could play the part of 'slaves and slaver' to get close enough to free our kinsmen? Unless we have significantly more combatants, now is not the time for direct assault."
"Perhaps we could accomplish the following:
1) Disguise Sam as one of them 2) Take down a patrol or two on the way in through the unknown tunnel 3) Bring weapons and healing for the slaves 4) Free the slaves & retreat via the previously cleared path 5) Gather a legitimate assault force to reclaim the fortress
"Does that sound reasonable to anyone else?"
Sam -- 18/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 23/23 Wednesday March 21st, 2012 6:03:12 AM
Sam smiles as Delrid approves and expands on plan number 2. Maybe I do have what it takes to be a tactician.
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/11/21 -- CMD 17/21 -- HP 45/45 Wednesday March 21st, 2012 10:05:38 AM "Personally, I like plan three, but two might work as well."
Delrid - 12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP 29/29 Wednesday March 21st, 2012 11:13:31 AM "Yes, I suppose I assumed the gnomes would not be willing to support. Our last council meeting did not seem promising. If we could garner their support, I might think our course of action only builds. We still infiltrate as 'slave and slaver' but continue with weapons and an internal assault utilizing freed captives, synchronized with an attack from above."
Delrid would be in favor of only one attack launched simultaneously from both inside and outside DrakesMeade, but the gnomes were very much against risking their own forces...
Sam -- 18/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 23/23 Wednesday March 21st, 2012 8:31:35 PM
Sam diligently works with Tahni and Devlin to organize notes and rough sketches of maps as other members of the group discuss plan possibilities.
Devlin -- 20/15/15 -- CMD 17 -- HP 28/28 Wednesday March 21st, 2012 11:45:45 PM How about a modified plan of one and two? We rely on stealth to get us as far as possible and than switch over ta the ruse of slavers/slaves. I can assist Sam with the bluff if needed. Devlin looks to the group before continuing. Are we going back ta mountainburrow first our are we ready for drakesmead?
Where plans are being made - (DM RobC) Thursday March 22nd, 2012 1:07:30 AM
The group continue discussions on how best to proceed.
Approaching via the tunnels seems to be the general concensus, relying on as much stealth as possible. But what to do then? Free the slaves and retreat? Coordinate and time an assault with Mountainburrow forces at the same time?
"What about the soldiers with us now?" Tahni asks, looking around at the other dwarves still with the party - BlackAxe, Tally, and a couple of other soldiers.
"If it would help you..." Facet interjects. She's still tracking the butterfly with her eyes and doesn't appear to be giving you her full attention "... I can send those ones back to a place different to where you wish to go"
Jarga looks for something else to pick
What will the party do?
Sam -- 18/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 23/23 Thursday March 22nd, 2012 8:22:55 AM
To Blackaxe- "Tactically, I think plan 3 has the best chance of working, but also have the feeling that it will be impossible to achieve. The citizens of Mountainburrow want us to retake Darkesmead, but don't seem to want to help us do it. We can do our best to save your people."
Sam reaches into his bag and pulls out his marble shaving kit and locket (both won at the GG). "Tally. Can you please gives these to Miss Tina and her new husband as a wedding gift when you see them."
"I agree with Devlin that the ruse is the best remaining plan. I fear that if we stealth and are discovered, the ruse will be harder to pull off because of the higher level of suspicion we would face. It might be harder to pull off, but it does at least give us a back-up for failure of plan 1. So how do we mask our appearance and my good nature (alignment)?"
ooc-Sam is ready to go for Drakesmead when everyone else is ready.
Where plans are being made - (DM RobC) Friday March 23rd, 2012 2:50:12 AM
BlackAxe grows red in the face as Sam addresses him. Gritting his teeth and folding his arms, he responds "Don't want your help to do it? As I remember it, the vote for retaking Drakesmead was tied and your group voted against it. If you now finally see the inevitable, then I will need to return to the council and see if they will allow a second vote"
Tally steps forward to speak to Sam, and places a hand on the angry dwarf's shoulder "I'll be sure they get the gift"
Scowling BlackAxe moves past Sam to address Bruagh "Do what you can to take it from the inside, lad. I'll have every able-bodied dwarf and gnome on their doorstep when the time is right. You can trust me on that."
Sam -- 18/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 Friday March 23rd, 2012 10:39:03 AM
Sam does his best to hide his smile as Blackaxe stomps away from him. "I'll definitely need to remember to attack Blackaxe's pride anytime we need him to help us."
To PC group-"We could head towards Drakesmead to scout it out and wait for Blackaxe and his army. While there we might be able to refine our plan and watch for changes in the enemy's position."
To Tally-"Thank you so much. Tell them I wish them the best."
ooc-I increased my HP by 2 because of the belt of dwarvenkind con bonus
Delrid - 12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP 29/29 Friday March 23rd, 2012 12:42:55 PM
Delrid is very excited about the confluence of events. Should all plans go accordingly, they will need weapons for the freed slaves. "Do we all have weapons for the freed slaves? We might be able to crank out a few axes in a rush job, but we could save time if we had extras. I could likely craft two battle axes by tomorrow, as could likely Bruagh and Tahni and BlackAxe (though lower quality than usual). Any thoughts?"
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/11/21 -- CMD 17/21 -- HP 45/45 Friday March 23rd, 2012 1:06:43 PM
Bruagh clasps Blackaxes' hand pulls him into his chest. "We, along with as many of our freed brethern will punch up through their middle and if possible open the gates from the inside. If you say Mountainburrow will be there then I know it will be so."
Turning to Delrid, Bruagh seems pessimistic. "We have no supplies or materials to craft such weapons. Of course Dwarven Slaves will typically be able to get their hands on picks, shovels, axes, and the like. If we can find the materials I'll craft as much as possible, but where will we get it from?"
Devlin -- 20/15/15 -- CMD 17 -- HP 28/28 Friday March 23rd, 2012 1:37:33 PM Its settled than. Blackaxe leads an assault from the outside while we sneak in and free the slaves for an assault from within. I understand your concern about the stealth to slave ruse Sam. I will stay hidden and if you get into trouble it will leave me free to help. Resolve settles on Devlin's face and he lets out a sigh. We will worry about the weapons when the time comes, I'm going ta leave that up ta Waard's luck. Gather your things we leave soon.
The rogue settles into packing up his belongings and hands the sketches and plans to Delrid to hold.
Delrid - 12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP 29/29 Friday March 23rd, 2012 2:05:54 PM
Delrid looks quizzically at Bruagh: "I have steel and tools in my pack for just such an occasion. Do we want to give BlackAxe two days to muster forces and travel before we infiltrate?"
OOC: Of course the craftsman has supplies. Silly Paladins...
Sam -- 18/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 Friday March 23rd, 2012 4:53:01 PM "I am an average bow and Aerosmith if required." After using a hilarious, side-splitting homonym, Sam gathers his gear and prepares to head for Drakesmead with his companions.
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/11/21 -- CMD 17/21 -- HP 45/45 Saturday March 24th, 2012 2:14:18 AM "Wait... you keep an iron ingot in your pants... you know what... nevermind."
Delrid - 12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP 29/29 Saturday March 24th, 2012 6:49:30 AM
Delrid looks at Sam and laughs, then turns back to Bruagh. "60 pounds, if you know what I mean. Enough to take care of 10 Battle Axes."
"I do think we should give BlackAxe two days for diplomacy and travel, which means we could be building better weaponry for the freed slaves, emergency rations or potions to help them fight, or scrolls protect them."
Devlin -- 20/15/15 -- CMD 17 -- HP 28/28 Sunday March 25th, 2012 1:17:03 PM While I appreciate your enthusiasm Delrid I think we will require the two days time to get ourselves into position and be ready to strike. Facet how close if at all are your able to get us to the fortress of Drakesmeade?
Where plans are being made - (DM RobC) Sunday March 25th, 2012 8:30:01 PM
The plan is made. The group decides that a two pronged assault has the best odds for success - the party attacks from inside with a coordinated assault from outside led by General BlackAxe.
Sam notes with interest that the dwarfs pride may be his weak spot. How many times can it be prodded though before he takes exception?
Delrid considers crafting weapons, though Devlin seems confident that weapons (improvised or otherwise) should be easy enough to come across.
"Oh? What's that?" Facet returns her attention back to the group "I can get you within a day or two walk of that place you wish to go. Any closer might be viewed by other fey as my interfering in mortal affairs" Her voice trails off as she finishes her sentence.
Tally seems to be working quietly on something. It looks like a small, handheld mirror.
========== OOC: Hypothetical - if I was to say we were to level, would everyone have their sheets complete by the end of the week? I'd love to level everyone before the next encounter, but at the same time, I want to intro our newest player (Evan) asap as well as get the game progressing.
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/11/21 -- CMD 17/21 -- HP 45/45 Sunday March 25th, 2012 10:11:49 PM
I can have mine ready by tomorrow. =)
Sam -- 18/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 Sunday March 25th, 2012 10:23:55 PM "Facet. I am sorry I was so cautious and untrusting of you when we first met. We have encountered many foes along our journey. I want to thank you for all that you have done to help us. You have given us a real chance to save our people."
Sam is ready to travel.
ooc-I really need this next level and can be ready in 1-2 days after we get the word. Part of my prestige goal is to pump points into charisma skills. Definitely helpful for the next bit and beyond.
Delrid - 12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP 29/29 d6=2 Monday March 26th, 2012 4:09:07 AM
Delrid is ready to travel anytime. "I misunderstood. I thought Facet could deliver us directly to the secret tunnel. If not, we should go soon. Also, do we know where the secret tunnel begins?"
OOC: Delrid just gets more 2nd level spells, spells per day, and SKILL RANKS BABY!. So that would only take a day or two...
New Spells: Resist Energy - Abjuration Mirror Image - Illusion
2 Hit Points: Apparently the "die" roller wants Delrid to "die"
4th level ability point to INT (pure shocker, I know, a wizard boosting INT)
Edit: Character Sheet Complete for 4th Level
Devlin -- 20/15/15 -- CMD 17 -- HP 28/28 Monday March 26th, 2012 9:15:06 AM
OOC: Yeah NP leveling here
Where plans are being made - (DM RobC) Monday March 26th, 2012 8:22:28 PM
Facet smiles at Sam but doesn't say anything to him. She seems very care-free and happy though, not like she's holding a grudge.
"Is the first group ready to leave this realm?" she asks, raising her voice for all to hear "Please gather by the waterfall and I will send you on your way"
Tally finishes with what he was doing with the mirrors "I thought we may need someway to communicate at range once the mission gets underway. I have enchanted these two small mirrors to be able to scry on each other - and only each other. Using them, we should be able to coordinate our actions." he holds one out to the party. The mirrors have been enchanted with a Scry spell. Think magical equivalent of walkie-talkies :) Who wants to carry it?
BlackAxe finishes inspecting his previously wounded soldiers. He has not said a word to Facet the entire time. You note he is having a quiet word with one soldier in particular, though what is being said you cannot be sure.
He and the soldier then approach the party, where BlackAxe presents him "Corporal Sarnak has volunteered to accompany you on the initial infiltration of DrakesMeade. The Corporal has special 'talents' that I think will come in handy on the inside" BlackAxe smiles as if privy to an inside joke "I insist" he adds, as if expecting resistance. The soldier looks very capable. Tanned skin, red beard, shiny mithral breastplate, and a wicked looking morningstar.
"Good Luck, Corporal" BlackAxe adds "And good luck to the rest of you. May Domi smile upon us in glorious battle"
BlackAxe, Tally, and the few remaining soldiers gather by the waterfall with Facet, where she guides them to walk through it.
"When you are ready I will send you on your way as well. But no rush!" Does she ever not smile?
========== Everyone is awarded 600xp for their encounter with Facet, and the anticipation of the assault of DrakesMeade. This should put everyone at level 4. If you don't have at least 9000xp by this, please bump your xp up to that level.
Please also join me in welcoming our newest player - Evan! (Sarnak)
Sarnak squares his stance and salutes the group. "Happy to be here, Men. Gods willing we will save who we can and kill those who get in our way, and get out without them the wiser. Dead men don't talk eh?" He drops the salute and waits with his arms crossed behind his back, the morningstar fastened to his side.
OOC- Hello all! Great to be here. And hopefully men encompasses dwarves :P
Sam -- 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 29/29 Monday March 26th, 2012 9:04:21 PM "I think Devlin should take the mirror. He will be in the shadows and be able to communicate in secret. I would be honored to normally, but I don't want to blow my cover if we try to bluff our way in."
ooc-I am mostly leveled. I'll be dropping hypnotize for cure light wounds and also be picking up cure moderate wounds. As long as I'm doing a little of everything, I might as well do the best I can to fill in as healer.
Where plans are being made - (DM RobC) Monday March 26th, 2012 9:08:10 PM OOC:
Jarga will be going back to MountainBurrow with BlackAxe, to spend his time with a buxom barmaid.
Tahni will be travelling along as an NPC temporarily, until the party get enough healing skills of their own.
Delrid: This may be your lucky day. HP rolls always occur on the LnB rather than the game board. So that 2 you rolled here doesn't count. Please go try your luck in the LnB :)
Sam -- 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 29/29 Monday March 26th, 2012 9:40:05 PM "Nice to meet you Sarnak. I'm Sam SnapdragonMcFisticuff. I am the group's bard and tactician...and token gnome. We're glad to have your assistance. What talents do you bring?"
ooc- TO SARNEK- I have 2 bardic abilities to ease your posting. The first is inspire courage. It gives +1 to hit/wound and vs fear/charm. Don't forget to add the bonus once it starts. I will give you notice when I'm going to stop it. So if you post before me and see no notice, add the bonus.
The other ability is inspire competence. It gives you a +2 bonus to a skill check. Don't ask to use it when you need it. I have plenty of rounds/day. Just post that you are using my ability and use it.
TO DM- I can't substitute my spell for cure light wounds this level per the rules. I would like to invoke the Woldian surgery clause and switch the spell that way. Also, (and this may be pushing it) I want to drop my mounted combat feat for a bardic feat. I haven't used the mounted combat feat once and probably never will. Please!
Delrid - 12/12/10 - CMD15 - HP 36/36 Monday March 26th, 2012 9:49:45 PM "Sam, don't sell yourself short! You're as good a gnome as can be found, and an even better friend." Delrid turns from the bard to the Corporal. "I am Delrid Val-Al, and I dabble in the arcane. My true passion lies in steel and stone. Someday I hope to make them come alive and rebuild this broken land."
OOC: Welcome Evan!
OOC 2: HP rolled on LnB, character sheet updated...
Devlin -- 20/15/15 -- CMD 18 -- HP 31/31 Monday March 26th, 2012 10:00:47 PM
As the group prepares and Devlin finishes packing he finds the crystal butterfly that Facet made for him. It flutters its wings as he holds it. The light glints and reflects off its surface and the curious rogue brings it closer to his face to examine it. He is mesmerized by the reflection of the light and he feels as if its wing beats are in time to his own heartbeat. He brings the construct closer to him and it reaches out its tiny limbs towards his face. In a flash of blue light the creature lunges towards Devlin's eye and begins to burrow in. The spry Dwarf opens his mouth as if to scream but no sound is heard. Bluish green veins begin to trace down his body as if glowing from within. A flash of green light, a grunt of pain and its over the butterfly is back in his hand. Devlin stands in shock blinking, those with a keen eye can see that for a few seconds his eyes seem to be made of crystals. The butterfly takes flight and lands on his shoulder its wings beat slower and slower until they cease to move. It no longer looks to be living and stands as a perfect crystal carving.
Devlin makes a few small coughs before he finds his voice. Me head feels as if its about ta split open. He says faintly before sitting down. The fingers on his right hand begin to twitch, as he watches they begin to move as if sculpting. Within seconds they have created a tiny glass vial. He stares at it for a few second before rummaging around in his pack to find a few random bits of food and herbs. These are mixed in the vial with water which fizzes before returning to a clear liquid. Unsure of what to do now Devlin finds a large rock and tosses the vial at it. Upon striking the rock the vial shatters and the mixture explodes into a tiny fireball. I could get ta like these. Devlin says with a grin.
OOC: Figured I needed an extraordinary way for Devlin to be able to toss bombs and make potions all of the sudden. Character sheet is up to date for 4th level.
Sarnak: AC21/13/18 - CMD17 - HP37/37 Fluffy: AC17/13/14 - CMD20 - HP38/38 Monday March 26th, 2012 10:14:46 PM
Sarnak nods at the two as they introduced themselves, nodding at the gnome as he responded. "My , talents, are that, when unprepared bring all manner of exotic beasts to aid us a couple times a day, and when prepared a specific beast who is more capable than the others I can bring put together. And I welcome your tactical support, any small benefit increases the abilities of my, little friends, to a large degree, so I'm glad for your abilities. He then turns to the wizard. "Same to you, I've had many rears saved by judicial use of the arcane."
He then noticed the thrown vial erupt into a fireball and grinned. "And a alchemist as well, this will be a fun adventure, I'm looking forward to seeing what we pull off. I can bring out my companion when we have a minute or two to prepare, Although I feel we should get on our way before bringing him forth."
Devlin -- 20/15/15 -- CMD 18 -- HP 31/31 Monday March 26th, 2012 10:21:50 PM Och sorry about me manners lad. The name is Devlin and up until about a minute ago most things I knew about were sneaking about and the likes. Now all of the sudden I know all that and much more. Enough about me though. Glad ta have you and any friends you bring aboard. Devlin extends his hand in friendship. We leave for Drakesmead soon, make sure your ready ta move out.
Sarnak: AC21/13/18 - CMD17 - HP37/37 Fluffy: AC17/13/14 - CMD20 - HP38/38 Monday March 26th, 2012 10:25:42 PM
He extends his hand and shakes Devlin's. "Nice to meet ya, was a bit worried we were going to attempt to be sneaky without anyone knowing how."
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/11/21 -- CMD 18/22 -- HP 53/53 Tuesday March 27th, 2012 8:40:16 AM
The old dwarf wearing fullplate, a heavy shield, and carrying a dwarven war axe at his hip returns the salute to the Corporal. "Bruagh Stormbringer, Paladin of Domi, welcome aboard. It's about to get ugly."
OOC: Bruagh's character sheet is 98% updated. I don't think I missed anything but I was working on it after midnight. I"ll double check it today though. And welcome to Evan!
Sam -- 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 29/29 Tuesday March 27th, 2012 9:38:07 PM
Sam listens as Devlin describes his new found abilities and a nervous smile appears on his gnomish face. "Devlin...I thought you were the sneaky one of the group. How quiet are the bombs you are planning on making? Can't you just throw rocks or darts?"
ooc-4th level complete aside from my surgical consult. Hoping to get lingering performance feat. Boring cavalier next level and then after hitting level 6, it is so on! 2013 here we come!
Where plans are being made - (DM RobC) Wednesday March 28th, 2012 1:51:17 AM
Facet idly stands by the waterfall
"You are free to stay as long as you need. When ready simply gather by the waterfall and I will send you on your way" she smiles
OOC: Apologies for the lack of posting yesterday. I'm awaiting an email from Jerry. Mwah ha haaaa >:) Can I assume that character sheets will be 100% done by this time tomorrow, or do people still need another day?
Sam -- 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 29/29 Wednesday March 28th, 2012 6:16:53 AM
Sam moonwalks over to the waterfall. "I'm ready Facet."
Devlin -- 20/15/15 -- CMD 18 -- HP 31/31 Wednesday March 28th, 2012 9:44:04 AM
Devlin walks over to the waterfall and stands next to Sam. Aye lets get ta DrakesMead.
Delrid - 12/12/10 - CMD15 - HP 36/36 Wednesday March 28th, 2012 12:10:01 PM
Delrid strolls over to the waterfall, checks his Vambraces, Annulus, Cloak, Brooch, Bag of Holding, Amulet, Haversack and Beard Toggles. Once satisfied he looks inquisitively to Facet.
OOC: My Vambrace of Intervention has 48 more charges or Color Spray. I plan to lead with that for any Duergar encounters. Code word is STAY!
OOC 2: Next level - Craft Magic Arms and Armor and Craft Construct! Like Dave, it will be officially super-on like super-Donkey Kong!
Sarnak: AC21/13/18 - CMD17 - HP37/37 Fluffy: AC17/13/14 - CMD20 - HP38/38 Wednesday March 28th, 2012 6:08:14 PM
Sarnak nods at the group, and heads to the waterfall as well as he watches the area around, eager to start the mission but aware of his surroundings before they enter.
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/11/21 -- CMD 18/22 -- HP 53/53 Wednesday March 28th, 2012 7:23:07 PM
Bruagh walks to the waterfall, ready to go.
Sam -- 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 32/32 Wednesday March 28th, 2012 8:17:27 PM
ooc-HP bump for belt
Where plans are being made - (DM RobC) Wednesday March 28th, 2012 11:49:26 PM ... DM post incoming in an hour or twos time...
Where plans are being made - (DM RobC) Thursday March 29th, 2012 3:37:46 AM
When all have gathered by the waterfall, Facet looks over the group "Curious that mortals that are so very different can be so very much the same. May your travels be safe" with that she gestures towards the waterfall, beckoning you each to walk through the running waters.
One by one you say your farewells, and proceed to walk through the watery curtain, closing your eyes as you do so.
The air you breathe and surrounding you feels cooler and lighter, then strangely warm and dry. Very dry. In fact, you feel dry.
Opening your eyes, you find yourselves back in the Scab. Any sign of Facet, her crystal realm, or a portal through which you may have travelled are gone. Your body and clothes are dry.
The land here is very different to Facet's realm and to the other areas of the Scab that you have seen.
You put the time around noon, maybe a little before. Dark clouds are in the sky, but there is no sign or sense that it will rain soon. The sun manages to find gaps in the cloud, creating spots of light over the land.
The land. Dry, cracked, light coloured earth. Perfectly flat for miles all around. To the far east, far west, and far north you can see separate mountains. Tall, dry mangroves spot the flat land, their roots exposed to the air. Was this once the site of a great lake?
========== Make what rolls you will. I will also need a marching order/formation
Sam -- 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 32/32 d20+6=11 ; d20+8=17 ; d20+8=20 ; d20+8=11 ; d20+8=13 ; Thursday March 29th, 2012 8:01:22 AM
Sam's senses adjust to the sharp contrast of the two environments. He scans the area for any signs of friend or foe. (perception=11) Sam tucks his jeweled scepter away in his pack and carefully loads a cold iron bolt into his black and gold crossbow. His eyes fall on the group's immediate surroundings.
"I wonder if this was once the site of a great lake." His eyes then scan for Drakesmead's location. (geography=17) (history=20) (local=11) (nature=13)
"I feel like I've been here before." Sam thinks for a quick moment. His eyes are fixed on the mountains. "Maybe all this traveling has got me mistaken."
Once Sam figures out the direction of travel (hopefully), he finds his place in the middle of his dwarven companions.
Sarnak: AC21/13/18 - CMD17 - HP37/37 Fluffy: AC17/13/14 - CMD20 - HP38/38 Thursday March 29th, 2012 8:34:35 AM
As Sarnak steps out into this new area he looks over the enviroment. "Seems like this would be a good area to observe for attackers, I don't know if they could ambush us though with how open it is. Regardless, Let me bring forth my companion, give me a minute." He begins gesturing and muttering under his breath, beginning the ritual to summon his Eidolon, as a small rune begins flickering on his forehead, the flickering slowing and becoming constant the further into the summoning he gets. "If no one else volunteers, He can take point as well. I have a wand to heal him with, and still have backup summons if he goes down."
OOC: spending 1 minute to summon Fluffy, For marching order, when Fluffy is out he'd be at the front of the group if no one else volunteers to be the head, If someone else does volunteer, he'd be approximately 10' behind and 10' to the right of them. Sarnak at the rear. Sarnak and Fluffy would always attempt to stay within 35' of each other at most, so that as a move action Fluffy could always reach his summoner.
Devlin -- 20/15/15 -- CMD 18 -- HP 31/31 d20+8=13 ; d20+7=18 ; d20+7=20 ; d20+5=19 ; d20+14=33 ; Thursday March 29th, 2012 9:05:06 AM
Devlin pulls out his shaded goggles and puts them on before surveying the area. I'll take the lead Sarnak, but I will be scouting ahead of the group. If Fluffy can be quiet enough he can join me, if not I'd rather he stays back here with the rest of the group. As he goes Devlin will keep an eye out for any entrances to the tunnels below the fortress.
Once the group gets moving Devlin takes his place in front. He moves with a practiced ease his footsteps sure, any shadows his constant companion. His mind wanders a bit as he goes. Are we crazy for thinking this possible? It seems as though we are going ta, at the least certain slavery and at the worst certain death. As these thought flit though his head he remembers the slaves seen in the vision and something stirs within his heart. I may have doubts about this but I know its what is right, what any Dwarf worth his salt would do for others.
Stealth = 28 (33-5 for moving at greater than 1/2 speed)
Delrid - 12/12/10 - CMD15 - HP 36/36 d20+13=19 ; d20+13=26 ; Thursday March 29th, 2012 9:55:34 AM "I recommend the following marching order:
Devlin - you take point, as always, and with spacing. Sarnak - you and Fluffy follow, but at a distance. Sam - you anchor the main party right behind Sarnak and Fluffy. From there you should be able to augment us all. I will follow Sam. Bruagh - Do you mind continuing your rearguard duties?
I think that gets us all where we need to be."
The tiny gold dragon starts searching around Delrid's Annulus of Arcane Attunement. Where are we, and where do we need to be?
Knowledge Geography = 19 Knowledge Nature = 26
Sarnak: AC21/13/18 - CMD17 - HP37/37 Fluffy: AC17/13/14 - CMD20 - HP38/38 Thursday March 29th, 2012 2:14:41 PM
Sarnak nods at the group, still performing the summoning "Alright, works for me. Neither me nor Fluffy take much enjoyment in sticking to the shadows, so I'll leave it to the expert."
OOC: Should I just have Fluffy appear or wait for the DM to say one minute has passed? I'm assuming wait on the DM.
Devlin -- 20/15/15 -- CMD 18 -- HP 31/31 Thursday March 29th, 2012 5:52:02 PM
Ooc: Unless we are in combat I would not worry about time too much. If there is an issue the dm will take care of it in their post.
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/11/21 -- CMD 18/22 -- HP 53/53 Thursday March 29th, 2012 6:17:57 PM
Bruagh nods to Delrid and takes position at the back of the group. The combat with the Grick seems to have proven that was a valid tactic for the group.
Sarnak: AC21/13/18 - CMD17 - HP37/37 Fluffy: AC17/13/14 - CMD20 - HP38/38 Thursday March 29th, 2012 8:56:39 PM
After a couple more moments of incantation the rune on his forehead shoots off from his head about 10' above him and begins spinning rapidly, growing in size as it spins. once it reaches about 5' wide there a soft click as the rune stops, the face of it level with the ground as a creature jumped through the gylph as if it was a portal, landing behind Sarnak as it twisted around so that it's head hovered a couple feet above Sarnak's head.
Lizard-like with a long neck, her muzzle is filled with sharp teeth, arranged in a manner similar to a crocodile. None are visible when her mouth is closed, and she has a long mane of fur along the back of her neck witch extends along her back and the length of her tail. She has large fore and hindpaws, similar in shape to a feline's, including retractable claws, and has a generally muscular build. She's covered in short fur, mottled through with shades of green and brown, such that it serves as camouflage in a forest environment. With her claws retracted and mouth closed, It looks like a exotic mount, and not that dangerous. Her claws are about 3 inches long, and are sharper than most blades, and when out will leave small gouges in any soft ground they step on, which are more pronounced when it's moving quickly. The way she moves and how it carries itself is closer to the movements of a lion than a lizard.
She surveys the group for a moment, then looks down to Sarnak. "So these are the ones We'll be working with? Seem like a good lot."
OOC: To make reading earier, When she talks it'll be in bold italics
Where plans are being made - (DM RobC) Thursday March 29th, 2012 10:41:44 PM OOC.... My apologies to all, but at this stage I cannot make the next DM post yet. As I mentioned earlier, I am awaiting an email from Jerry. He has specifically requested that I not make my next post until I receive his email. I expect to receive that in the next 24hrs, and will be making my post asap after that.
Please feel free to have some in-character chat, discuss the surroundings, admire Fluffy, etc.
Thanks for your understanding of what I promise will be a very short gap!
Delrid - 12/12/10 - CMD15 - HP 36/36 Friday March 30th, 2012 5:41:37 AM
OOC: Evan, way to hit the ground running! I really like your descriptions, and a lot of new players struggle to be consistent. Nicely done.
(OK, I admit it. I may not be a new player, but I do struggle to be consistent anyway.)
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