A Mineshaft Gap [DM Ben] Tuesday March 13th, 2012 5:12:35 AM
The scene poses contrast on several levels. As the party draws together physically to heal wounds and debate course of action, each member has diverging interests.
Keela thinks of her sister and the people of Bryn Baraz. She worries about these flying beasts and what will happen in the future. She worries about her family to the South.
Dibs thinks of the reason they came, and the immediate future of any survivors and captives.
Garret thinks of the past, present, and future all at once. Why did this happen, and what does it mean? He tries to anticipate the best course or at least next course of action.
Sjurd is fully committed to the present. He wants to search the destroyed town, find what they can, and move on. He sets his eyes to the Stables, and prepares to douse the inferno one small block at a time.
Zeph is entrenched in the past. How did a fire from half a century ago bring so much pain and destruction to the present? Why is he singled out by unknown attackers, seemingly with a personal axe (or falchion) to grind?
The fire burns out swiftly. Dry tinder, plenty of air circulation, and the chemical catalysts leave the party surrounded by flames for only a few minutes. Coals and embers line the streets. The vertical development of buildings, lining the streets, swiftly changes to walls of smoke and steam and flying ash.
As Sjurd douses the remaining flames at the stable, he finds an irregularity in the flooring. The fire seems to have burned much more efficiently in one specific area. The planks are much more completely burned, revealing a rectangular orifice in the ground. A few hunks of iron slag partially deformed and twisted leave evidence of perhaps hinges and a lock.
Was there a trap door? The access to air would explain the inconsistent burning pattern. The hole looks like it goes directly toward the old mine location. Is this some kind of secret tunnel?
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:32/32/25 HP:44/66 Ki:9/11 CMD: 22] Tuesday March 13th, 2012 12:55:25 PM
Garret looks around at the confusion and takes a deep breath. He grabs Zeph by the shoulders and says, "Zeph, Zeph! We're here. Today. We can avenge your parents, and we will. But focus on now!"
"I still don't understand what's going on, but I agree, we need to search this place to see what is here. Maybe we can find a clue as to why they torched this place. Keela, I share your concern about Bryz Baraz. But there is no point in heading there now. If those things wanted to burn the town, it will be long gone before we can get there. Let us focus here, now, and perhaps we will find some clues about what is going on here and why those things were waiting for us."
"Sjurd, anything look promising over there?"
Keela [AC 20; HP 20/61; CMD 18] [Extended Mage Armor] Tuesday March 13th, 2012 10:31:52 PM
Keela frowns. "Well, then, I guess we should see what's on the other side of that trap door," she says. It's probably too hot to touch at the moment, though. Is there anything else we can look at in the meantime?"
Davdok - AC 18/14/14 - CMD21 - HP 53/59 - 13/13 Bombs Tuesday March 13th, 2012 10:36:42 PM
Finally, he could see. What a way to show his usefulness. There was nothing he could do except grin and bear it. Speaking of bears, he was hungry. Wait, bad idea to continue down that train of thought. He needed to look around.
"So...uhm...can we pretend my little problem there didn't happen?"
Sjurd [HP:88/88 AC:18/15/18 CMD:17] Tuesday March 13th, 2012 10:51:02 PM
Sjurd transforms back into his flesh and blood form, then calls out to the group. "There is a trapdoor here in the barn. Just a moment." The masked man takes several steps backward until he stands on solid earth, then once again shifts into a being of stone and rock. He disappears into the ground, sliding his way toward the side of the trapdoor shaft.
ooc: Polymorph to earth elemental. Travel sideways and take a peek past the trap door without opening it. I have darkvision in my elemental form.
Struggle in the Tunnel [DM Ben] Wednesday March 14th, 2012 4:41:09 AM
You all stare at a 3' x 3' hole in the ground, surrounded by coals and a few pieces of slag. What may have been a door is now completely burned away. You think because of the airflow, the fire more more effectively destroyed this section of the stables.
As Sjurd slides past the mouth of he tunnel, he sees ash and soot from the fire. The tunnel drops around 10 feet, with a few partially burned, smaller boards that were likely part of a ladder. Looking to the northwest, he sees a tunnel. The tunnel shows clear signs of struggle, and a trail of blood. The walls are scraped, a few blood spatters mark the wall, and what might be a human fingernail lays next to some scratch marks.
Perhaps the prisoners were taken this way?
Sjurd [HP:88/88 AC:18/15/18 CMD:17] Wednesday March 14th, 2012 9:42:10 AM
Sjurd reappears on the surface and relays what he saw to the rest of the party in a gravelly, hollow voice due to his current elemental form. He sums it with, "I believe the prisoners vere taken that vay, but ve are depleted und must rest before attempting to explore. I vill scout ahead a bit more."
ooc: Sjurd will follow the tunnel, gliding through the earth and popping his head back into the tunnel in 10' increments until he sees something.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:32/32/25 HP:44/66 Ki:9/11 CMD: 22] Wednesday March 14th, 2012 12:17:31 PM
Garret says, "Be careful, Sjurd, as you explore. We will rest here." He stands watch and ponders the destructive power of the creatures as they wait.
Keela [AC 20; HP 20/61; CMD 18] [Extended Mage Armor] Wednesday March 14th, 2012 12:57:47 PM
"If we're going to rest, we should unhitch the horses and find someplace safe to leave them," Keela says. "Well, relatively safe. And I can cast my Rope Trick for anybody who wants to use it."
Struggle in the Tunnel [DM Ben] Wednesday March 14th, 2012 5:12:45 PM
OOC: I have a check ride tomorrow, which occurs every 17 months to ensure I can still do my job. This is a big deal. My next job (or jobs) will likely be non-flying, so this is probably my last chckride for a very long time. Like maybe 5 years.
I may not post tomorrow, either out of anxiety, joy or grief.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:32/32/25 HP:44/66 Ki:9/11 CMD: 22] Thursday March 15th, 2012 11:03:52 AM
"I think the rope trick will certainly provide some safety. If nothing else, it will hide us from any additional ambushes."
OOC: Hope it goes well with you!
Davdok - AC 18/14/14 - CMD21 - HP 53/59 - 13/13 Bombs Thursday March 15th, 2012 11:28:11 PM
"After what was most assuredly a harrowing battle, I agree we should rest, if only for the excuse to explore."
Sjurd [HP:88/88 AC:18/15/18 CMD:17] Thursday March 15th, 2012 11:28:33 PM
ooc: checking in.
Zeph Illidian HP 48/95 AC 29/28t/22ff CMD 25 (Mage Armor, Prot vs. Evil, Shield, Detect THoughts, Heroism, Haste, Blurr, Displacement)) d20+15=29 ; d20+16=25 ; Friday March 16th, 2012 1:35:23 AM "If any are alive, we need to find them quickly."
He searches the trap door (perception = 29 for traps, 28 otherwise) for traps and looks at how it is locked. If all is clear, he will try to open it (disable device=25)
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:32/32/25 HP:44/66 Ki:9/11 CMD: 22] Friday March 16th, 2012 10:27:51 AM
"I agree, Zeph, but do be careful, you don't look like you're quite healed yet. If there's any kind of resistance, our entire group is rather weakened at this time."
Sjurd [HP:88/88 AC:18/15/18 CMD:17] Friday March 16th, 2012 11:48:52 PM
ooc: .....I don't want a red X.
A Vision of Division [DM Ben] Sunday March 18th, 2012 7:15:03 AM
OOC: OK, flight evaluation is over, paperwork is done, all is well. In addition, I talked to my wife about getting an Android-based Samsung Galaxy Note phone. I've been highly frustrated by trying to post from my iPhone, and the lack of interaction between apple and google.docs (which is the primary data delivery method in the wold). Anyone have experience?
-------------------
Keela and the others elect to pause the rescue mission to rescue themselves. Low on arcane reserves, battered and humiliated from combat, and certainly not ready to continue the adventure, they hole up in a Rope Trick.
Does Davdok make an attempt to join the group?
Are the others accepting of their new-found companion?
Tune in next week to find out!
Sjurd pokes his head into the carved tunnel at roughly 10' intervals. He continues this way for around 25 to 30 checks, where the small tunnel he enters seems to meet the actual mine shaft from the old Golden Glen mine. As he glides through the earth he finds tiny ribbons of gold peeling rippling through the earth, as this area is quite rich with resources.
A large clump of rocks partially the tunnel proper, but with one glide he is on the other side. The collapse looks to have been recently cleared, and the droplets of blood increase on over the pile. Some streaks and smears of blood cover the fallen rocks, like bleeding bodies were shoved and dragged through a confined space.
As he clears the small tunnel, it opens to the mine shaft proper. Looking to the left (East), he sees the likely reason for the town abandonment. Many rocks and support structures are collapsed, and he can see a few skeletal limbs protruding from the cave in. Dessicated husks of miners (not minors) are strewn about the collapse.
Sjurd's sixth and seventh senses kick in, in a white flash he feels his mind transported back 150 years...
Men look at each other with distressed countenance as Sjurd's eyes focus. He sees their grief first, then he sees their faces. They look at the rocks, they look at each other, they look down in shame, and they look to the figurative sky despite being under ground. Soot and gold flecks are pushed into streams on their faces, shaped by sweat and tears.
A few men look at their hands, strong but broken. Their fingernails show dark rock dust packed deep into them, some show bits of human flesh, but from where? The pile of rocks seems unmoved by these men of action, and a few stand next to their fallen comrades in the rock pile. Sjurd seems to have arrived at the end.
No one is standing. Completely exhausted, they all sit or lay on the earth, some hold the cold dead hands of those crushed by rocks, and some are solitary. The eyes tell the story. Collapse, death, ruin and greed shroud this place. Haste for new found wealth have destroyed these men. Now they sit, surrounded by their ore with no food, no water, and no hope.
In another flash he sees the other side of the rock pile, a few women stand by in a vigil of grief for their fallen husbands. A few hold pickaxes in blistered hands with sweat-soaked dresses. It would take months, if not years, to move these rocks. But no one has months. This might be the last day any of the men are alive, but it certainly won't be the last day any women work to save them.
In the distance Sjurd can see the town of Golden Glen. Some wagons are already on their way out, and many are being loaded by sorrowful women, children, and elderly. The vibrant colors on the buildings, the signs, the hope and ambition are readily apparent to the witch. All of which was destroyed by the collapse.
Now, these men sit divided from what truly matters. Family, friends, food and fluids are far beyond their reach. Surrounded by gold and grief, they are divided...
In another flash, the vision is over. Sjurd sees the ore on the ground, next to the skeletons. He looks to his right, down the shaft, and sees a faint slit of reddish light poking through the wall of the mineshaft. He mutters to himself, "Perhaps zee others should see zis...?"
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:32/32/25 HP:44/66 Ki:9/11 CMD: 22] Monday March 19th, 2012 12:39:52 PM
Garret takes a space near the entrance to the rope trick so he can peek his head out on occasion to watch for anything going on outside when he's not sleeping and resting.
Sjurd [HP:88/88 AC:18/15/18 CMD:17] Monday March 19th, 2012 1:51:29 PM
Sjurd travels back toward the party, gliding through earth and stone. He pops his head out of the ground near the side of the barn, looking around for a moment to find the party after the disorienting experiencing of traveling through earth. "There is something ominous down below. Not the kind I vould like to search by myself. A tunnel extends perhaps twenty spans, then branches to east und vest. To the east is a collapsed mine vith old, old corpses. To the vest is a glowing red light." He reaches up and taps the side of what would be his nose if he weren't wearing a mask. "Und ve all know that red light means evil. I suggest ve rest before exploring."
Davdok - AC 18/14/14 - CMD21 - HP 53/59 - 13/13 Bombs Monday March 19th, 2012 10:15:17 PM
"Corpses, that's never good. But I can at least try out something I've been tinkering with for the past few days. In the meantime, I agree with..." He pauses for a second, as if trying to remember something "...Sjurd. We should rest."
Keela [AC 20; HP 20/61; CMD 18] [Extended Mage Armor] Tuesday March 20th, 2012 12:46:26 AM
Keela casts her Rope Trick and scrambles inside. "Make yourself at home," she tells her friends.
"And, when somebody has a minute, I could use some healing."
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:32/32/25 HP:44/66 Ki:9/11 CMD: 22] Tuesday March 20th, 2012 12:13:57 PM
Garret says, "Good find, Sjurd. Let's all rest for the evening here in the Keela's magical house and head over to check out that light after we're all rested."
Dibs Mckoy - AC 34/T28/FF26, CMD 21, HP -42/86 (Mage Armor; Cameleon Stride- concealment, Haste)) Wednesday March 21st, 2012 10:13:34 AM
"My haversack won't be able to come into your extradimensional space" Dibs said. "And I hesitate to leave it unattended out here. Are any of you int he same position?"
If the group decided to all go into the space, Dibs will empty his bag inside the rope trick space and then look for a place to stash his haversack.
"Keela raises an interesting point regarding healing" Dibs said. "Are any of us accomplished healers? I for one am not. Assuming the rest of you are like me, perhaps we should invest in some healing wands to get us through situations like these."
Soon after Dibs lay back and started resting his hurts and his wounded pride. It had been a long day.
A Blanket of Smoke [DM Ben] Wednesday March 21st, 2012 10:59:40 AM
As Sjurd glides and bounces through the tunnel on his return, he bumps into a cylindrical case buried in some dust and rubble near the cave in en route to the stable entrance. He finds the case in an unexpected spot, but it seems to have just what he wanted. He finds a scroll of Confess within the case. It must have been dropped by those moving through the access corridor as they displaced the rubble. Finders keepers...
Keela, Davdok, Dibs, Zeph, and Garret nest in the rope trick, waiting for Sjurd to return. Once re-united, the witch describes the events and hints at potential for evil causing the red glow.
After performing her matronly Rope Trick duties, Keela settles in for some down time. She mentions how she could sleep better if the puncture wounds in her spleen were repaired, or the deep contusions in her chest did not exist.
Zeph seems to disagree with the group about resting. He feels as though saving lives was the purpose of the visit, and an 8 hour nap in the middle of the afternoon doesn't align with that purpose. After voicing his opinion, but looking at the resources of his compatriots, he finally does acquiesce.
Dibs reflects on the combat, and how one *thing* seemingly ran roughshod through the entire party, but with support. He sees the ambush as a learning point, but is thankful they have all survived. On the flip side, these foes are not to be taken lightly. While Zeph may have an excellent point about haste, Dibs is cautious about getting over-extended.
Garret is more focused on the task at hand. He seems very much the voice of reason, and recommends Zeph belay his zeal for a healthy meal, and quality rest. He thanks Sjurd for scouting, and stands vigil for his casters. He knows their minds are fragile, and in need of unfettered rest. Though he appears as a child to other noble races, he seems much more the parent of this group. A Fatherly figure to the motherhood of Keela.
Not sharing the same focus as the rest of the group, and not necessarily in full comprehension of the background, Davdok sees an opportunity for research. Some bodies, some mystery and some underground tunnels are right up the alchemist's alley. He hearkens back to the words of legendary alchemist Ashley J. "Ash" Williams: Good. Bad. I'm the guy with the gun.
OOC: Do you all have enough healing to restore the party prior to resting? If not, please note what resources were used prior to departure.
The party camps in the rope trick, and looks out the portal at the black and grey destruction. Some smoldering embers, and plenty of smoke rise from each pile of ash where a building previously stood. You look out at the carnage, and try to piece together the combat. None of you is exactly certain what the creatures you battled were. Zeph inferred that they were related. It all happened so swiftly, and the memories of the combat seem as hazy as the orange sky. The dark smoke fills your field of view, the dark thoughts burrow deeply as you settle in for your rest, and the dark purpose of this destruction forms a blanket on your dreams.
In the morning, you feel the cool crisp air. No one feels particularly refreshed. You all smell of cured meats, as the smoky odors have permeated your clothing. The sunrise is bloody red from the amount of smoke in the sky, and your eyes are bloodshot. The spring morning lacks the chirp of birds or the buzz of bees, the smoke dispersing the wildlife from the already barren area. The party makes way through the access tunnel, and sees the scene Sjurd described previously. It is quite dark in the collapsed mine, save the slit of red glow.
---------- Darkvision? Spells? Just update your post titles with any ongoing effects.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:32/32/25 HP:66/66 Ki:11/11 CMD: 22] d20+6=16 ; Wednesday March 21st, 2012 12:36:22 PM
Garret rises, surprised that he had fallen asleep. He awakens quickly, opens his eyes and looks around without moving at first. He remembers the rope trick spaces and slowly rolls over to peer out the entrance, half expecting to see the flying demon creatures waiting for them. The smell of the smoke reminds him all too clearly of the battle the night before. He feels better than the rest of the group, much more refreshed, but still dirty (use ki points before sleep to restore hit points).
Before the others wakes, Garret quietly slips out of the space and looks around. He takes in the still-smouldering ruins as the sun rises. He shakes his head at the senseless destruction, but when the sun's rays hit a flake of gold on the ground, he remembers why this has all happened. "Another monument to the greed and evil of all peoples," he mumbles. He kicks a stone and heads back to the rope trick to wake everyone else up.
As he wakes Keela, he carefully checks her wounds that he attempted to patch the night before (Heal: 16). He says, "I wish I had more healing skills, but I have no magical abilities at all. I am sorry."
---
When the group reaches the cave-in, Garret says, "Well, anyone bring a super powerful magical shovel? Sjurd, I'm looking at you."
DM Ben FYI - The cave-in has been cleared enough for medium creatures to comfortably cross, but is heavily streaked with three day old blood...
Sjurd [HP:88/88 AC:18/15/18 CMD:17] d20+15=34 ; d20+15=26 ; d20+15=20 ; d20+15=18 ; d100=12 ; d100=7 ; d100=14 ; d100=29 ; d8+5=8 ; d8+5=7 ; d8+5=6 ; d8+5=12 ; Wednesday March 21st, 2012 1:59:38 PM
ooc: I used up all of my 3rd- and 4th-level spell slots. I need to rest. I can, however, use up some CLW to speed things up.
No ley line checks failed.
33 hit points healed for whomever needs its before we go to sleep.
Keela [Extended Mage Armor] Thursday March 22nd, 2012 12:26:11 AM
Keela thanks Sjurd for the healing. The time spent resting in the Rope Trick is enough to restore her to full health.
She also tells Dibs, "You can bring the Haversack in here. It's just a Portable Hole you need to avoid. On the other hand, it probably won't hurt to have somebody stay with the horses and wagon."
When she finishes resting, she prepares spells. Then she re-casts her Mage Armor and is ready to explore.
Today's Spells:
0 Acid Splash 0 Light 0 Mage Hand 0 Prestidigitation 1 Color Spray 1 Feather Fall 1 Magic Missile 1 Protection from Evil 1 Ray of Enfeeblement 1 Unseen Servant 2 Acid Arrow 2 Extended Mage Armor 2 Rope Trick 2 Scorching Ray 2 Web 3 Daylight 3 Dispel Magic 3 Haste 4 Invisibility, Greater 4 Wall of Ice 4 Dimension Door
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:32/32/25 HP:66/66 Ki:11/11 CMD: 22] Thursday March 22nd, 2012 12:05:15 PM
"Sjurd, you had not gone much past here? Then let us continue our exploration and hope that there are not more of those flying demons down here. At least if there are, they won't be able to fly away from us. I can take the lead, unless Sjurd has a good shape to lead us with."
Sjurd [HP:88/88 AC:18/15/18 CMD:17] Thursday March 22nd, 2012 1:35:53 PM
After resting and replenishing his spells (my temporary hit points have to be regained by sacrificing small animals, so nothing I can do right now), Sjurd takes the lead. He transforms into an earth elemental and addresses the party. "I vill scout ahead. Every 10 spans I vill survey the tunnel, then return und report. Ve vill leapfrog our way in safety." He sinks into the earth and continues as the previous day, gliding through the earth parallel to the tunnel and peeking his head out to look around every 30 feet, then returning to give a report to the party. He will stop at the intersection for the party to prepare themselves for the ominous red light.
Zeph Illidian HP 95/95 AC 29/28t/22ff CMD 25 (Mage Armor, Prot vs. Evil) d20+16=23 ; d20+15=33 ; Thursday March 22nd, 2012 2:49:25 PM
Quite downtrodden at the idea of anyone awaiting the heroe's help, Zeph thinks, Definitely will need a Scroll of See Invisibility if we are to fight those guys again...
As he closes his eyes in the rope trick to meditate, his mind wonders... Why would they kill them? What do they want?
He says a prayer to Jancassis: May I be the agent of your vengeance, so that other's can see their blood repaid. My own desires are second to your will....
Four hours of meditation later, his mind is ready to once again unleash any arcane death required to get to the bottom of this.
At the cave in of the tunnel, Zeph begins to search about for clues, traps, or other ways in. (perception = 23) If a trap is found (Disable Divice = 33)
Breached Wail [DM Ben] Friday March 23rd, 2012 10:55:34 AM
Still lightly battered, the group proceeds through the access tunnel to the site Sjurd previously described. His scouting is impeccable, and he unerringly guides the party directly to the red slit in the wall. While the Gnome and the Halfling have to crouch slightly to move over the access tunnel rubble, the bigger folk have to climb awkwardly through the gap. Davdok especially has to take painstaking effort, as his glass decanters and vials ring against the stones like a tiny bell choir. Were it not for the blood, the fear and the darkness it would likely provoke a chuckle.
While rearranging equipment and investigating by the red slit, Zeph notices a very strange movement of a pool of blood on the dark earth. Upon closer inspection, he sees the blood and earth aren't moving at all, but a spider is moving across them. The black spider with the red hourglass markings has woven a double-helical web. It appears as though Jancassis has made her presence known. Is it encouragement, or is it warning? Sweeping away the cobweb, Zeph's fingers strike a cylindrical object, protruding from the rubble. Drawing the cylinder from the stone feels like unsheathing a blade. The exterior shows the red double-helix within a circly, the holy symbol of his deity. Zeph finds the scroll of See Invisibility inside for which he had prayed. In fact, he finds not one, but two!
The party reconstitutes near the Mineshaft Gap exuding the red light. It appears to be a wedge-shaped crack, and the trickles of blood lead here. Again, the blood trickles become scrapes, and a few signs of struggle line the rim. The gap appears to be three to four feet tall, but only around 2 feet wide at the bottom. Some squeezing will certainly be necessary for everyone, and likely a side-laying crawl for Keela, Davdok, and Zeph.
The red light seems to emanate from beyond the corridor. Peering to the North through the tiny tunnel you see a wash of red light, possibly originating from the right of the corridor. The entire corridor is bathed in red light, and probably 15-25 feet long. You hear a faint moan or a very distant and muffled wail. It's tough to tell which...
----- ----- OOC: Assuming you want to pass through the breach, what's the marching order? Are there any actions, spells, preparations prior to entering the breach?
Sjurd [HP:88/88 AC:18/15/18 CMD:17] Friday March 23rd, 2012 12:47:04 PM
ooc: Sjurd will glide through the stone and take a peek, then return and report.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:32/32/25 HP:66/66 Ki:11/11 CMD: 22] Friday March 23rd, 2012 1:19:53 PM
Garret reaches up to his neck and touches the tattoo there. The tattoo glows just slightly for a moment as he activates it (Barkskin). He looks to the others and says, "Sjurd, would you like to continue your scouting and check back? If we don't hear from you, we'll come rushing in."
Keela [Extended Mage Armor] Sunday March 25th, 2012 12:14:14 AM
Keela looks at the small opening. "I'm going to ruin another skirt today, aren't I?" she asks of nobody in particular.
She await's Sjurd's scouting report, then (presumably) moves through with the others, keeping towards the back.
She reminds her friends that there is a Greater Invisibility ready for anyone who wants one.
The Smell of Blood [DM Ben] Sunday March 25th, 2012 6:48:07 AM Sjurd glides through the floor, under the breach, beyond the tunnel, and out the other side. The room smells of coagulated blood and decaying bodies. He sees a completely level, roughly 200' circular room bathed in red light. The light seems to emanate from a giant pentagram etched in the floor. Upon closer inspection he sees giant rubies at each intersection of the pentagrammic design. Within each ruby he can make out a shadowy flame swirling inside the gem. More specifically, all the gems seem to be glowing with red light, and there are dozens of gems anchoring the dozens of intersections.
The etched grooves appear blood red. Sjurd slinks closer to the pentagram, the grooves are actually troughs roughly an inch wide. Each trough seems to actually be filled with blood, making the entire design a series of interconnected canals of sanguine fluid. Where did all this come from?
The cause of the odor and the answer to Sjurd's question are collocated in the center of the design. Within a small circle is a pile of bodies. The supposed women and children sent to settle Golden Glen have been captured and exsanguinated. A hoarse groan creeps out from the middle of the pile, muffled by the dead. Sjurd would estimate the pile contains 40 or so humans.
Looking across the room, a 20' wide ramp rises into the distance. It is on the very Northern end of the room, while Sjurd is to the far South and West. The smell of blood is very, very thick in the stagnant air.
OOC: Only Sjurd is in the room, the rest of you are there for reference and swift placement in the future.
Zeph Illidian HP 95/95 AC 25/24t/18ff CMD 21 (Mage Armor, Prot vs. Evil) Monday March 26th, 2012 1:27:38 AM
Zeph taps the glass vial and unravels the See Invisibility scrolls... and smiles... its been a while.
He places them in his backpack, full intentions on scribing it to his spellbook later on in the evening...
Squeezing through crevices, jingly jingle, looking to Garret, "This is the first time I've envied your height".
Ugh, blood smell.
First he flicks a gnalred oaken wand that creates a barrier to evil around him, Then his hands flick slightly as arcane sight envelops his eyes, Cast Detect Magic and he searches about for magical auras... or trap doors.
Active Spells: Extended Mage Armor (16hours) Protection Vs. Evil (8minutes)
Sjurd [HP:88/88 AC:18/15/18 CMD:17] Monday March 26th, 2012 7:15:46 PM
Sjurd pops back over to the party and relates everything he saw. "I do not know if the moaning I heard from the pile is an injured villager or some undead creature. Regardless, something large und powerful is being summoned vith this much blood. I suggest ve disrupt the summoning circle. If it has yet to be used, then a crisis is averted. If it has already been used, then ve lose nothing. I suggest ve do it quietly. I am guessing that the area is varded. I can use my earth elemental form to break or move the rubies anchoring the sigil vithout crossing any uniplanar barriers. Please, join me inside if you vish."
Sjurd will stay in the form of an earth elemental and travel through the ground, surfacing inside the pentagram (J18) and attempt to move the ruby at the intersection.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:32/32/25 HP:66/66 Ki:11/11 CMD: 22] d20+20=37 ; d20+18=27 ; Monday March 26th, 2012 8:34:11 PM
Garret replies, "I am in complete agreement. We need to break that summoning star as soon as possible. Make sure when you move the ruby, you might just want to move all the earth around it, so it moves without you touching it - and you might also want to try and disrupt that horrible blood trough, too. I'll be in behind you."
Garret slowly moves into the room, trying to blend into the shadows (Stealth: 37) and watching for movement in all directions (Perception: 27).
Keela [Extended Mage Armor] d20+17=19 ; Monday March 26th, 2012 10:07:22 PM
Hearing Sjurd's report, Keela tries to remember anything she may have heard about such dark rituals [Knowledge Arcana or Spellcraft 19; Keela's bonus is the same for both skills].
She passes along any knowledge she has before following her friends underground.
Zeph Illidian HP 95/95 AC 25/24t/18ff CMD 21 (Mage Armor, Prot vs. Evil) d20+9=24 ; d20+9=21 ; d20+15=26 Monday March 26th, 2012 11:55:38 PM
Zeph nods in agreement with Sjurd and Garret, "Whatever is going on is not good."
He also wonders about the connection between this summoning portal and the demonic enemies from before.... What could my family have been involved in to warrant such wrath?
(Knowledge History = 24, Knowledge Planes = 21)
And he too slinks into the shadows (Stealth = 26)
The Fallen [DM Ben] Tuesday March 27th, 2012 3:36:04 PM Sjurd reports to the party what he finds, and they decide to pursue. Cramped and dirty and vulnerable, they squeeze through the crevice beyond the breach in the wall. The smell of stagnant, coagulating blood is repugnant. The sight is especially heartbreaking for Keela as she identifies herself as a settler. The others have a detachment from these people, whether driven by race or moral compass or background or even age. But not Keela. She knows these faces and mourns their death. But are they all dead?
Zeph doesn't want to wait to find out. He begins to brace himself for some pending danger. The ominous room, bathed in red light, it all seems so foreboding. The 20 foot high ceiling refracts much of the red glow from the rubies, and creates a sense of limitation. As though the ceiling and the floor would crush any one at any moment, they serve as two intimidating planes of a giant press or mill, grinding the party to paste. He casts Detect Magic and finds very strong conjuration and necromantic energies emanating from the entire pentagram. In a flash, he begins casting defensive spells, thinking "This does not look good. How could I be tied to this?"
Amidst the commotion of wriggling through the narrow crawlspace, Keela assesses the situation. She puts her keen intellect to the task of analysis. As she moves toward one of the rubies at the outermost ring, she sees what could be a person in the shadowy movement. As though the gem were a miniscule prison, she sees a familiar face within the gemstone. Roderick Blunderbuss, an Associate Professor of Illusion from her time at the academy stares back at her from the facet of the ruby. She would recognize his fat, pompous, sneering face anywhere! His ego was only outsized by his appetite, and the Glutton of Glamer was respected but roundly disliked. But now, it's not him. It's a shadow of him, trapped in a gem, the size of her palm. What could have caused this? She detects a hint of something else in the blood within the canals of the pentagram.
Garret helps his friends through the crawlspace and looks around. The groan or wail he heard moments ago seemed to emanate from the central pile of bodies. His keen senses try to sift through the overwhelming stimuli. Scents of blood and death, a ruby assault on his retinas, and the scuffle of his larger companions make it quite challenging. However, he sees a tiny bit of motion from the pile and he hears what could be a cry for help. There is someone alive in the tangle of bodies!
Sjurd moves to an intersection of the middle ring. He delicately attempts to move the gem with his innate earth-bending skills. As one finger moves beyond the etched grooves, the slightest of vibrations disturbs the surface of the bloody fluid in the trough. A tiny ripple begins, and a shadowy black flame begins to lick the surface of the fluid. A split second later, the black flame races down the trough, hits the intersections at both ends, and begins to fan out. As the sanguine fluid in each groove ignites in dark, shadowy fire the ripple grows. Turning left and right, forking at intersections, the blood seems to boil in the troughs. In the span a breath, the entire pentagram has burst into black flame with boiling blood.
When the final intersection is completely engulfed the floor of the room flashes with red lightning, and the stone floor becomes translucent red. As a giant visage of a stained glass window, the floor reveals a scene of horror below. The central ring hasn't moved at all , but the pile of corpses seems to sink below. Once each body is clear of the translucent red plane, it appears to fall hundreds of feet into a lake of lava. The splash of impact creates a plume of steam and a high-pitched squeal as the flesh is vaporized. Garret notices a jet of steam from the slit throat of a brunette woman as she lands on her back. One young boy yells as he falls, and looks to Sjurd to save him. He must have been the lone survivor in the harvest.
As the bodies explode and churn forth billows of steam and smoke from the lake, they are replaced by terrifying figures. They seem to fall in the opposite direction, starting in the lake of fire and accelerating toward the translucent red flooring. They crash into the barrier, and you can make out several types of figures. Some show as bloated bald bodies with long lanky limbs. Some arrive as gaunt shadowy skeletons of malevolent spite. Some show as animalistic humanoids oozing foul spittle from their mouths. One seems a mix of bone and brawn, with horns for fingers and juts of skeletal outcroppings from all joints.
The pitch is fever, the tension is high, the scene is terrifying, and the beasts are passing through the floor. Anxiety builds and it will only be a few seconds before they pass through the floor and are among you.
Dibs Mckoy - AC 34/T28/FF26, CMD 21, HP -86/86 (Mage Armor; Cameleon Stride- concealment, Haste)) d8+1=4 ; d8+1=4 ; d8+1=3 ; d20+8=26 d10=1 Tuesday March 27th, 2012 3:52:20 PM
OOC- Sorry I haven't posted in a few days... year-end at work. I back posted a few healing spells, as I would have done it when I first woke up. If that's a problem just say the word and I'll drop the HP.
IC: Dibs studied the creatures below very carefully and assessed their weaknesses and strengths (knowledge- 26). He then quickly relayed that information to his companions.
And then Dibs started casting.
ACTIONS: 1) Knowledge check to nature/type/weaknesses of enemy- 26
The Fallen [DM Ben] Tuesday March 27th, 2012 5:58:14 PM
OOC: No problem, just burn the spells cast already today.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:32/32/25 HP:66/66 Ki:11/11 CMD: 22] Tuesday March 27th, 2012 7:50:33 PM
Garret reaches out as he sees the bodies falls and barely holds back from retching at the horrible scene. He watches in fear as the creatures fly up from below. He calls out, "Any time now, Sjurd!"
Keela [Extended Mage Armor] d20+12=27 ; Tuesday March 27th, 2012 11:09:37 PM
[OOC: I really am going to have to improve my character's History section. Keela never attended anything as fancy as an academy, though I suppose she could know this guy from somewhere.]
Keela stares in fascination at the gem. "There's...there's somebody in there," she says, horrified.
Then, fresh horror as the beings rise through the floor toward them. Not sure what else to do, Keela casts a Protection from Evil on herself, and tries to figure out what these things might be.
[I'm guessing they're some kind of undead, and that's a 27 Knowledge Religion check. If they're something else, that's a 29 Local, 30 Nature or Dungeoneering, 31 Planes, or 32 Arcana]
Sjurd [HP:88/88 AC:18/15/18 CMD:17] Tuesday March 27th, 2012 11:56:16 PM
ooc: Bravo, DM Ben, on the excellent visuals.
"It is time to, as they say, dance! Stay out of the center!" Sjurd springs to action in a blur of arcane energy. A small glow from around his neck envelopes him in a shimmering field of invisibility, even as his form changes into a hazy cloud of air. Sjurd rises up and casts a spell, invoking a billowing cloud of smoke centered on the plane of energy.
ooc: Use polymorph to change to air elemental form. My bonded item, Uli, can cast vanish an unlimited number of times per day and will always act after my action, so I have effective permanent invisibility. I rise up 20 feet to the ceiling and cast mind fog, centered on hole in the floor. Ley line check passed. It extends in 20 feet from the center of the pentagram. Creatures must make a DC23 Will save or take a -10 penalty on Wisdom checks and Will saves. (A creature that successfully saves against the fog is not affected and need not make further saves even if it remains in the fog.) Affected creatures take the penalty as long as they remain in the fog and for 2d6 rounds thereafter. The fog is stationary and lasts for 30 minutes (or until dispersed by wind).
====================== TEMPORARY EFFECTS 18 temporary hit points Vanish Air elemental: If the form you take is that of a Small air elemental, you gain a +2 size bonus to your Dexterity and a +2 natural armor bonus. You also gain fly 60 feet (perfect), darkvision 60 feet, and the ability to create a whirlwind.
Out of Character Quickie [DM Ben] Wednesday March 28th, 2012 7:26:07 PM
OOC: Hey everybody, today got long. Plan on an updated map tomorrow morning with some description. Thanks for the encouragement, Tanner.
Kathy, Jeff L et al, I've taken some creative liberties with your backgrounds, but tried to stay true to your theme. I assumed you can't become an 8th level conjurer without some professional training. Otherwise it's pronounced "Sorcerer", right?
I started drafting the next module (Jul-Dec 2012). The sooner you can get me some background, the better I can incorporate your characters. If you just want to update your character sheets please shoot me an e-mail or DM post letting me know where to look. The more I have to build upon, the more incorporated your characters will become, and the more direct plot lines that will tie in. Hence the Zeph focused feel of the previous confrontations.
Thanks everybody! I'm having fun, and I hope you are as well :-)
Sjurd [HP:88/88 AC:18/15/18 CMD:17] Wednesday March 28th, 2012 10:06:14 PM
ooc: Thanks for letting us know. I updated my character sheet and removed the higher level spell effects from Surrender Self. :)
Zeph Illidian HP 95/95 AC 25/24t/18ff CMD 21 (Mage Armor, Prot vs. Evil) d20+17=28 ; Wednesday March 28th, 2012 11:56:27 PM
(OOC: Very nice descriptive post Ben=)
The scene turns to horror.
Pits of blood and fire
A wimper for help is heard, he sees the boy fall.
Zeph runs as fast as he can to the boy as black flames jout about him. He jumps into the air in attempts to catch the lad (Acrobatics = 28), Shouting, "Do what you can to slow them down!" If successful, Zeph will then try to run the boy to the exit, thinking
Ugh, I HATE the undead
Mineshaft Gap Round 0 [DM Ben] d20+8=15 ; Thursday March 29th, 2012 10:06:11 AM
Spell Penetration roll for Sjurd's Mind Fog = 15
------
As soon as Zeph mentions his disdain of undead, Keela turns to him with a reply:
"Great news, then - They are all Demons. The small ones on the outer rim are Dretch. The ones in the outer star are Schir. The inner star holds Babau. The one in the very center I think is a Kalavalus.
They are all susceptible to good aligned weapons, some to cold iron, but electricity and poison are useless."
Zeph thinks back to his shocking attack on The Patient at the mention of electricity.
The beasts still work to penetrate the flooring. They will be on you next turn.
Sjurd [HP:88/88 AC:18/15/18 CMD:17] d20+8=28 ; Thursday March 29th, 2012 11:16:40 AM
ooc: DMBen - A caster level check to overcome spell resistance is actually 1d20 + caster level + spellcasting ability modifier. My check is a 35 for the mind fog spell. I will post my action for the remaining round later today.
DM Ben Terrific! What a great time for a Nat 20. However, I double-checked the spell resistance rules in the PRD Glossary, and you do not get ability modifiers.
Adjusted to 28
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:36/36/25 HP:66/66 Ki:11/11 CMD: 22] Thursday March 29th, 2012 11:33:23 AM
Garret stands, stunned, as he watches all the creatures rising from the bodies. He moves over to Keela and stands between her and the creatures as they continue to rise.
OOC: Yeah, I got absolutely nothing. I'm open to ideas, because I don't think Garret can contribute anything at all to this fight. He's got nothing to overcome their DR and can't hit hard, so most likely all his attacks will do no damage. I guess he can stand up in front with total defense and attempt to absorb damage...
Total Defense: AC +4
Keela [Extended Mage Armor] Thursday March 29th, 2012 3:28:56 PM
Keela takes a step back from the pentagram [to G-29] and casts a Haste spell on herself and her allies.
Everybody is Hasted for 8 rounds.
OOC to Garret: You can still use Stunning Fist. You only have to hit, not do damage, and the demons are not immune to stun AFAIK. Once they're stunned, Zeph can sneak attack 'em. :)
Haste: 8 rounds remaining
Sjurd [HP:88/88 AC:18/15/18 CMD:17] d20+15=19 ; d100=71 ; Thursday March 29th, 2012 8:48:46 PM
ooc: You're right, I was thinking of a caster level check.
Sjurd reaches into his cloak and withdraws a small iron vial. He tosses it to Garrett."This should help, my small und furious friend!"
ooc: potion of bull's strength (CL 8th). Hopefully Garrett can use his turn to drink it before the demons come.
Dibs Mckoy - AC 34/T28/FF26, CMD 21, HP -86/86 (Mage Armor; Cameleon Stride- concealment, Haste)) d20+26=28 ; d20+15=23 ; d20+7=14 ; Thursday March 29th, 2012 10:29:32 PM
Dibs finished casting his spell and instantly a Baslikisk appeared at the edge of the Pentagram. "Attack them" Dibs said as he pointed in the direction of the Demons.
Dibs then began to tap-tap-tap with his drumstick melodically against his buckler. Steadily the pace and power of the rhythm intensified. Soon the drumstick was accompanied by the sound of Dibs chanting magical notes. These notes ebbed and flowed around the music and slowly they seemed to grow in power. It was as if the music itself was feeding the magic; like oil to a fire.
ACTIONS: 1) Completed summoning Basilisk from last round http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/basilisk.html. I can't speak it's language, but it's supposed to "act as I command to the best of its ability". As such, I'll leave it up to you to dictate its actions. Have it appear around G27.
2) Cast Confusion using Better With Music Ability- Full round action; use perform check for DC = Will DC 28; CL check 14; 15' radius. Center spell at L16.
Mineshaft Gap Round 1 [DM Ben] d20+5=6 ; d20+5=6 ; d20+5=13 ; d20+5=13 ; d20+5=9 ; d20+5=16 ; d20+5=6 ; d20+5=12 ; d20+5=12 ; d20+10=23 ; 2d6+10=21 ; 2d6=9 ; d20+6=7 ; d20+6=26 ; d20+6=22 ; d20+7=13 ; d20+7=16 ; d20+7=19 ; d20+7=26 ; d20+7=26 ; d20+7=15 ; d20+12=22 ; d20+12=30 ; d20+12=30 ; d20+12=27 ; Friday March 30th, 2012 7:32:09 AM
This appears to be a massive assault force. The Kalavakus appears as a captain of the warband, with Babau as his Lieutenants, Schir as their sergeants, and the Dretch performing "rank and file" duties. In an act of leadership and self preservation, the Klavakus unleashes a Haste spell of his own immediately upon arrival.
The Mind Fog preemptively planted by Sjurd seems to have an overwhelming impact. Every Babau within the fog seems to struggle, and seek retaliation immediately. Four of them move to flank the witch while six cast Dispel Magic directly at Sjurd. Caster Level Checks = 26, 26, 19, 16, 15, 13. I think that drops the Polymorph, Bears Endurance, and Vanish effects. The four Babau on the ground position their longspears for a full-fledged assault.
Dibs unleashes an incredibly powerful anthem of musical magical meyhem, but even his empowered chanting cannot breach the Abyssal Arcane Armor of the enemy. He did seem to possibly dent their resolve, but to no significant effect.
Two Dretch charge Garret, but are completely outclassed in close combat. They have no chance to touch the monk, let alone hurt him. They seem to be reconsidering their strategy.
Several of the Dretch and Schir make their way toward the recently summoned Basilisk and Zeph, but none can overcome the protective barriers against summoned creatures. The basilisk wisely steps back, and turns 5 Dretch and one Schir to stone. The party is huddling together in a corner, surrounded and outnumbered. Now is the time for Heroics!
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:37/37/25 HP:66/66 Ki:11/11 CMD: 22] d20+18=33 ; Friday March 30th, 2012 2:08:06 PM
Garret grabs the potion and quickly downs it, then dives and rolls over towards Keela (acrobatics: 33) to attempt to keep the creatures from overwhelming her. He lands on his feet and bends his small knees in a defensive stance.
OOC: Move to G28, 33 to avoid AOOs. Bull's Strength (8 minutes): +4 str, +2 atk, +2 dam. Haste (extra atk, +1 AC +1 atk +1 reflex)
Dibs Mckoy - AC 34/T28/FF26, CMD 21, HP -86/86 (Mage Armor; Cameleon Stride- concealment, Haste)) d10=6 ; Friday March 30th, 2012 4:49:40 PM
OOC- LAST round- My spell from last round should come into effect at the beginning of this round (as it's a full round action). I assume that's why it wasn't mentioned in your post... or perhaps it was resisted? If it's the former could you change location to J18 to account for the moving demons? Will save 28; CL 14; 15' radius.
DM Ben Sorry, I kind of rushed this morning. I was holding my infant. Your spell happened, it's on the map, but it had no impact on any of the targets.
This Round: Dibs decides that the group needs further reinforcement, so he begins casting another summoning spell. Out of the corner of his eye he watches the Basilisk hold the front line.
Zeph Illidian HP 95/95 AC 25/24t/18ff CMD 21 (Mage Armor, Prot vs. Evil) Friday March 30th, 2012 6:13:31 PM
Did I save the civilian?
DM Ben Sorry, he'd already plunged...
Keela [AC 19; HP 61/61] [Haste; Protection from Evil; Extended Mage Armor] d20+10=16 ; 8d6=23 ; Friday March 30th, 2012 10:34:58 PM
Keela retreats another step, and, remembering this time, draws the Lesser Rod of Quicken. First, she casts a Quickened Web, aiming it to slow down one of the waves of demons. Then she lets loose with a Fireball. She knows the demons will ignore some of the damage, but it's the best she can do for now.
[5-foot step to F-29. Draw Quicken rod. Cast Web, Quickened with the rod, centered on I/J 17/18. I'm assuming the ceiling is low enough to act as an anchor point. Reflex save 18; no SR. Cast a standard Fireball, using her Arcane Bond, centered on J/K 26/27, which I think avoids friendlies (it's a little hard to tell what the icons are, because I'm a blind old woman!). SR check is 16. Do you want me to roll just once, or once for each critter, or once for each type? If I need to roll more, let me know. Reflex save 19. Damage is 23.]
DM Ben Let's just check once per spell. The "When Spell Resistance Applies" commentary in the prd glossary says check only once per spell or spell-like ability at the initial casting. Sound good?
Also, I'm sorry for the image quality. I create the maps in PowerPoint, then convert to PNG for the GoogleDoc link. I tried exporting to JPEG, and it's worse. Maybe I'll just e-mail the map...
Haste: 7 rounds remaining
Zeph Illidian HP 95/95 AC 25/24t/18ff CMD 21 (Mage Armor, Prot vs. Evil) d20+10=23 d20+10=30 d20+10=14 d20+10=16 d20+10=22 Sunday April 1st, 2012 12:00:12 PM
Zeph turns to Keela and begins casting Displacement on her, splitting the Wizardress into two replicates, only one real.
Then Zeph notices the Mind Fog that Sjurd laid about and remember what the spell does to the wills of creatures, and thus he pulls out his Quicken Rod and casts GlitterDust aimed at the creatures affected by the Mind Fog.(Will Save DC 17 or be Blinded!)
(Caster level checks to overcome Spell Resistance: 23, 30, 14, 16, 22, how many more? yay Elf for having +2 to these!... Oh wait Glitterdust doesn't require spell caster check, nevermind)
DM Ben FYI - only one spell penetration roll required per spell, but I get it.
He then draws his sword and readies to defend his friends, he says, "We need to get out of here"
Active Spells: Extended Mage Armor (16hours) Protection Vs. Evil (8minutes)
Sjurd [HP:88/88 AC:18/15/18 CMD:17] Monday April 2nd, 2012 9:52:22 AM
ooc: Under the spell description for permanency, it states, "This application of permanency can be dispelled only by a caster of higher level than you were when you cast the spell." The babaus' dispel magic spell-like ability is CL 7th, so they would not be able to dispel my polymorph.
DM Ben My bad. I swear your character has more "special rules" than the rest of the party combined.
ooc2: Are the babaus flying? Or did you assume they could flank me because I would no longer be in air elemental form?
DM Ben Yes, it was based on the idea that you would be at ground level.
ooc3: Is there any way to label which monster is which? I'm having a hard time telling dretches from babaus from kalavakus on the map.
DM Ben Sure. I also think I'm going to start e-mailing the images. The GoogleDocs don't really keep the same level of detail.
ooc4: I'm guessing blue is the hole and yellow is the mind fog?
DM Ben No hole. Blue is mind fog, Yellow was from Dibs confusion. Detailed combat is very frustrating in PbP. Now I know why most don't bother...
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:37/37/25 HP:66/66 Ki:11/11 CMD: 22] Monday April 2nd, 2012 12:13:35 PM
Garret attempts to continue defending Keela and calls out to Zeph, "Get out of here? What, you can't handle the 100 on the right yourself?"
Sjurd [HP:88/88 AC:18/15/18 CMD:17] d100=41 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; Monday April 2nd, 2012 11:49:44 PM "They seem to be very upset! Like ugly girl at village dance!" Sjurd's bonded cauldron, Uli, flashes as it renews the vigor enchantment on the blood witch. The haze that is his elemental form descends a short distance toward the demons below as words of eldritch power are heard spoken above the din.
ooc: Uli will cast bear's endurance. Leyline check passed. Descend 5 feet, cast confusion, targets I17, I19, J17, K17, K19 within range. Will DC 23, including -10 penalty for mind fog.
ooc2: I forgot to roll for the duration of the mind fog. Technically you should roll for every creature, but that would be every enemy on the map and I'm not going to make you keep track of all of that. 7 rounds left. ====================== TEMPORARY EFFECTS 18 temporary hit points Air elemental: If the form you take is that of a Small air elemental, you gain a +2 size bonus to your Dexterity and a +2 natural armor bonus. You also gain fly 60 feet (perfect), darkvision 60 feet, and the ability to create a whirlwind. Creatures in the mind fog take a -10 penalty on Wisdom checks and Will saves. (A creature that successfully saves against the fog is not affected and need not make further saves even if it remains in the fog.) Affected creatures take the penalty as long as they remain in the fog and for 2d6 rounds thereafter.
Mineshaft Gap Round 1 [DM Ben] Tuesday April 3rd, 2012 8:00:45 AM OOC: Party People,
I worked a 48 hour shift this weekend (Sat night to Mon night), and I'm back at work today. I can advance the story, but I can't update maps or GoogleDocs from work. I'll try to get something out during the day from my phone, then send a fresh map. Long story short, you guys are doing awesome against an overwhelming force. Keep it up!
Ben
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:37/37/25 HP:66/66 Ki:11/11 CMD: 22] Tuesday April 3rd, 2012 12:39:55 PM
Garret continues to dodge and dance, hoping to draw some of the creature to himself and away from Keela.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:37/37/25 HP:66/66 Ki:11/11 CMD: 22] Wednesday April 4th, 2012 1:00:07 PM
Garret watches as the devils and everyone else seems to move in slow motion all around him... :)
Davdok - AC 18/14/14 - CMD21 - HP 53/59 - 13/13 Bombs d20+10=11 ; d20+5=12 ; 4d6+8=17 ; Wednesday April 4th, 2012 3:32:22 PM
OOC: My bad for disappearing everyone, some family issues came up, I see my name isn't in the roll call at the bottom anymore, but here's hoping I can be forgiven.
Davdok, snapping out of what seemed to be a silent character coma, moves towards Keela and throws a bomb
Moving to F 29 and throwing a bomb at the enemy in F 25, using Precise bomb to avoid any allies in the blast. If enemy is directly hit, he takes 17 damage. All other enemies take 12 and need to make reflex saves for half at DC 19
Zeph Illidian HP 95/95 AC 25/24t/18ff CMD 21 (Mage Armor, Prot vs. Evil) Wednesday April 4th, 2012 9:00:34 PM Feeling like an ancient man I got heaven, I got hell in my hand I got hell in my hand
This radiation spills from my heart Darkness come, darkness come, And darkness fall apart, Darkness fall apart
I seen my reflection in the river and hide Sister Sky whispered to our mother, the Earth Mother Earth,
I envy the night, for it's absence is the light
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:37/37/25 HP:66/66 Ki:11/11 CMD: 22] Thursday April 5th, 2012 1:41:32 PM
Garret moves quickly as the blows fly towards him, but he feels like he is in another dimension as he moves around the creatures with ease and back to Keela. He takes time to look up at the ceiling of the large cavern and wonder about what other creatures might have lived here before the horrible evil that has appeared.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:37/37/25 HP:66/66 Ki:11/11 CMD: 22] Friday April 6th, 2012 1:15:15 PM
Garret continues to move in fluid motion as everyone and everything around him slows down even further and even starts to look transparent to him. Is the world fading away before his very eyes?
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:37/37/25 HP:66/66 Ki:11/11 CMD: 22] Monday April 9th, 2012 11:56:41 AM
As the world slows to a complete stop around him, Garret stands ready, expecting at any moment that the world will begin again and the creatures will be upon him. He cringes, but nothing happens. He stands up straight and sees that there truly is nothing moving around him. He moves over to the nearest demon and pokes it in the eye. It does not respond. Garret wonders if he should simply decapitate every evil being here, but decides that somehow just wouldn't be right. He wanders over the Keela and waves his hand in front of her eyes. "Hello?" He ponders if the entire Wold is frozen in time or if it is a unique aspect of this single cavern.
Sjurd [HP:88/88 AC:18/15/18 CMD:17] Monday April 9th, 2012 6:42:07 PM Mahna mahna (ba dee bedebe) mahna mahna (ba debe dee) mahna mahna (ba dee bedebe badebe badebe dee dee de-de de-de-de)
(repeats)
mah mama na mahna mah namwomp mwomp ma mo mo mana mo mahna mahna (ba dee bedebe) mahna mahna (ba debe dee) Mahna Mahna! (ba dee bedebe bedebe badebe debe de-de de-de-de)
(long pause)
...mahna mahna?
Keela [AC 19; HP 61/61] [Haste; Protection from Evil; Extended Mage Armor] Tuesday April 10th, 2012 12:40:26 AM Boy, these spells are taking a long time to cast, Keela thinks. That Web spell didn't seem Quickened at all!
DM Zach Tuesday April 10th, 2012 10:44:57 AM
I have good news and bad news.
Good news is you guys will get an IC post tonight, of that you can be assured.
The bad news is... Ben is beyond swamped IRL which means you guys are stuck with me. Give me a few hours to go take two tests and turn in a paper and I'll try to resolve your last round of posts and get this combat moving again.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:37/37/25 HP:66/66 Ki:11/11 CMD: 22] Tuesday April 10th, 2012 12:33:01 PM
Garret gasps as Keela shows sign of movement, but still the world seems completely frozen around him. He hears a humming of some sort, almost sounding like Sjurd?
Sjurd [HP:88/88 AC:18/15/18 CMD:17] Tuesday April 10th, 2012 9:27:08 PM I've got spurs that jingle jangle jingle, (jingle jangle) and they go right merrily along. (jingle jangle)
There Will Be Blood -- DM Zach d20+5=6 ; d20+5=10 ; d20+5=14 ; d20+5=18 ; d20+5=8 ; d20+5=11 ; d20+5=20 ; d20+5=18 ; d20+5=17 ; d20+5=11 ; d20+10=21 ; d20+10=21 ; d20+10=11 ; d20+10=12 ; d20+10=13 ; d20=7 ; d20=20 ; d20=18 ; d20=17 ; d20=15 ; d100=91 ; d100=57 ; d100=64 ; d100=98 ; d100=33 ; Tuesday April 10th, 2012 9:35:26 PM OOC: To begin I would like to apologize to each and every one of you. Ben was filling in for me while I was on somewhat of a hiatus and I didn't realize his RL was as crazy, or worse than my own. I was not checking in as I should have been so until I got an email this morning, I had no idea you guys were being... neglected.
I apologize profusely.
Please note, I am stepping in to a combat that some one else started, with a map that I am trying to decipher. I will make mistakes, not account for actions you have taken, etc. Just tell me when I mess up, and I promise I'll do better next round.
Thanks for your patience.
Also, I will not be using the map for the rest of combat. I am utterly terrible at using them in a PbP setting, and only marginally better at the tabletop, a fact to which Ben can attest.
----------------------------------------
Garrett vaults gracefully through the air and tumbles along the red floor, placing himself between Keela and the bulk of the demonic host. He crouches into a defensive stance awaiting any attacks.
Dibs begins casting another spell. It seems he has decided a few more friends could certainly even out the odds. His friend the basilisk, continues to to petrify dretches and even a few Babau as they approach. It petrifies 6 dretches and 3 babau, but more still approach.
Keela looses a fireball at the approaching demons who weren't stopped by the basilisk and fries them. Though still on their feet, they are hurt, especially the weaker dretches who seem to barely be on their feet. She then quickly looses a web upon them catching all but one Babau.
Sjurd casts confusion on the on remaining Babau and the Dretches still held in the Keela's web. The result is the Babu turns and skewers a dretch, killing it. One dretch attacks another, killing it as well why a third and fourth attacks themselves. The final Babau from the group just stands there, babbling incoherently in abyssal.
Davdok throws a bomb at the Babau, doing quite a bit of damage as it stands there babbling.
The Kalavakus is furious, having nearly the entirety of his demonic horde wiped out in seconds by mere mortals. He points and Zeph screaming, "Yoooooooooouuuuuuuu, You will PAY!!!"
Zeph feels his soul be torn from his body, not completely dissimilar to what happened when Varros stabbed him with the knife. Before he has time to think he feels a mental assault upon his being attempting to dominate his very essence.
Zeph please make two DC 18 Will Saves: If you fail the first you take a --6 penalty on all attack rolls and saving throws against that kalavakus. If fail the second, you are dominated. The second is at -6 if you fail the first.
-------------- The only creature remaining is the Kalavakus. I had trouble reading the map, and their was a slight conflict from the numbers in the module to the numbers in the map, so I deferred to the module. I may has just nerfed the encounter, so my apologies.
Keela [AC 19; HP 61/61] [Haste; Protection from Evil; Extended Mage Armor] d20+10=21 ; d20+8=23 ; d6+4=10 ; d20+7=14 ; 2d4=6 ; Tuesday April 10th, 2012 11:20:42 PM
Using the Lesser Rod of Quicken again, Keela fires a quickened Ray of Enfeeblement at the Kalavakus. The sickly green ray hits the fiend square in the chest. [Caster level check (for Spell Resistance) 21; hit Touch AC 23. If that hits (and I assume it does), the Kalavakus takes -10 to Strength, Fort save DC 17 for half]
Then she casts a regular Acid Arrow, knowing she doesn't have to overcome the creature's unnatural resistance to her magic. A greenish dart flies from her fingers, but it isn't an especially good shot. [Hit Touch AC 14 for 6 points of acid damage if it hits. No SR.]
Haste: 6 rounds remaining Strength penalty to Kalavakus: 8 rounds remaining Acid Arrow (if it hit): 2 more rounds of sizzling acid goodness
[OOC: Thanks for picking it back up, Zach!!]
Davdok - AC 18/14/14 - CMD21 - HP 53/59 - 12/13 Bombs d20+10=17 ; 4d6+8=30 ; Wednesday April 11th, 2012 12:16:40 AM
Davdok, for lack of a better thing to do, is simply going to move to a more advantageous position and throw another bomb at the remaining enemy (Rolling a 17 to hit him and a 30 to damage), making sure to not include allies in the blast.
OOC: Using Precise bomb to avoid any allies in the blast. If enemy is directly hit, he takes 30 damage. If not, he takes 12 and need to make reflex saves for half at DC 19
Sjurd [HP:88/88 AC:18/15/18 CMD:17] Wednesday April 11th, 2012 4:22:47 AM
ooc: Are we trying to keep him alive? I can cast charm monster, which he will auto-fail due to the -10 penalty to his Will save. Barring a natural 20, of course.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:37/37/25 HP:66/66 Ki:11/11 CMD: 22] Wednesday April 11th, 2012 11:20:11 AM
Garret pauses and looks at the remaining monster. He looks over to Zeph, hoping that his friend is okay. He calls out to Sjurd, "I imagine Zeph might like to ask this thing some questions!"
Sjurd [HP:88/88 AC:18/15/18 CMD:17] d100=52 Wednesday April 11th, 2012 4:36:48 PM
The elemental haze near the ceiling nods, or at least the closest approximation to a nod that a semi-coalesced being of air can make. With mumbled words of eldritch power, it points toward the demon leader and cries out, "Stand exactly vhere you are! Do not move or teleport!"
ooc: Leyline check passed. Cast charm monster. Will DC 22. With -10 penalty from mind fog, the target will fail unless it rolls a natural 20.
====================== TEMPORARY EFFECTS 18 temporary hit points Vanish Air elemental: If the form you take is that of a Small air elemental, you gain a +2 size bonus to your Dexterity and a +2 natural armor bonus. You also gain fly 60 feet (perfect), darkvision 60 feet, and the ability to create a whirlwind. Creatures in the mind fog take a -10 penalty on Wisdom checks and Will saves. (A creature that successfully saves against the fog is not affected and need not make further saves even if it remains in the fog.) Affected creatures take the penalty as long as they remain in the fog and for 2d6 rounds thereafter.
Maybe There Won't Be Blood -- DM Zach d20=10 ; d100=16 ; d100=79 ; d20+10=25 ; d20+10=20 ; d20+10=14 ; Wednesday April 11th, 2012 7:22:13 PM OOC: Consider this a partial post, pending me knowing what happens with Zeph, but for the moment we will assume:
----------------------------
One of the Babau's seems to come out of it's state of confusion and moves to attack Garrett but before it gets the chance it's equally confused partner Babau attacks it. The two attack each other, making everyone's life just a bit easier.
After Sjurd makes his commands known, the Kalavakus looks at Sjurd as if pondering his motives. It does not attack or doing anything... for the moment.
Of course someone failed to mention to the basilisk that he should not continue trying to turn the demons to stone. Neither Babau is affected, but the Kalavakus turns into a truly awesome statue. Perhaps Sjurd should put it in his room back at the Inn?
With all enemies out of the fight, combat is essentially over. I do need to know what is going on with Zeph before we continue.
Sjurd [HP:88/88 AC:18/15/18 CMD:17] Wednesday April 11th, 2012 9:53:12 PM
Sjurd curses out loud. "An hafra mothir allra an hafra mothur! Vhy do ve keep losing our interrogation targets!?"
Giant Highlight to display spoiler: {"Motherless goat of all motherless goats!"}
Sjurd sighs aloud and descends toward the ground, making sure that all enemies are dead and starting the process of field stripping the bodies.
Dibs Mckoy - AC 34/T28/FF26, CMD 21, HP -86/86 (Mage Armor; Cameleon Stride- concealment, Haste)) Thursday April 12th, 2012 10:23:46 AM
Dibs watched as his magical song from last round came to and end, and his spell fell over the remaining enemy.
Noticing that Zeph might be in some trouble, Dibs moved in and cast protection from evil on him.
Meanwhile, the summoned Basilisk continued to do its thing.
ACTIONS: 1) Confusion using Better With Music Ability from last round - Will DC 28; CL check 14; 15' radius. Center on remaining enemy.
2) Cast protection from evil on Zeph.
3) Basilisk- DM controlling it- [link]http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/basilisk.html. I can't speak it's language, but it's supposed to "act as I command to the best of its ability". As such, I'll leave it up to you to dictate its actions. Have it appear around G27.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:37/37/25 HP:66/66 Ki:11/11 CMD: 22] Thursday April 12th, 2012 12:28:26 PM
Garret's body relaxes as he watches the last creatures destroy each other but stands by and can only watch as the big monster is stopped, then quickly turned to stone. He leans back to Keela and says, "You don't have the ability to change stone back to flesh, do you?"
Not Much Going On -- DM Zach Thursday April 12th, 2012 7:11:08 PM OOC: Checking in again. Still not sure what the resolution with Zeph is going to be so I am going to send him an email. Also, in the next three or four days expect a group email and such. I would post more but honestly most of this can't be further resolved until then.
I know, just as we start gathering steam we get slowed down again.
My fault and again I apologize.
Zeph Illidian HP 95/95 AC 25/24t/18ff CMD 21 (Mage Armor, Prot vs. Evil) d20+11=26 ; d20+11=18 ; Friday April 13th, 2012 3:53:50 AM
(Will Saves = 26 and 18!)
The words of teh Kalavakus rend at Zeph's mind, Thoughts ambition leads to vanity but his will is iron
He says, "Sorry guys, had a bit of a brain spasm there"
Not Much Going On -- DM Zach Friday April 13th, 2012 10:51:47 AM Zeph stands resolute against the will of the statuesque Kalavakus.
Sjurd field strips the demons and finds little more than crude spears in the hands of the dead demons. Most of them are stone anyway and their items can't be retrieved. The Kalavakus might have more on him, but alas everything he owns is stone as well.
There is a small pile of gems, all rubies. They seem to divided up as follows: Rubies 5 Small (500 each), 5 Medium (1,000 each), 5 Large (2,000)
Moving away from the circular area is a ramp that leads up to what appears to be a small chamber.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:37/37/25 HP:66/66 Ki:11/11 CMD: 22] Friday April 13th, 2012 12:20:22 PM
Garret looks around as Zeph shakes his head and Sjurd's form searches around. He spots the ramp leading up and starts up the ramp, calling out to the others, "Do you think there's more up here?"
Sjurd [HP:88/88 AC:18/15/18 CMD:17] Friday April 13th, 2012 7:58:44 PM "Just a moment, just a moment." Sjurd transforms back into his corporeal form, once again a gaunt man in green and brown leathers with a wooden mask. He reaches for his belt and takes a knife in hand, bending down to cut off an ear from a dretch and from a babau. He stows these in his spell component pouch.
ooc: For the polymorph spell effect that duplicates disguise self and requires a piece of the creature you wish to emulate.
He bends down again, this time taking one of the dead babaus by the forearm. He holds it on the ground in front of him and slices deeply into the wrist, sawing his way through skin, flesh, and tendon. Cutting through, he wipes the blade on his cloak and stows the hand in his handy haversack.
ooc: NOTE TO SELF, lesser tinker.
He stands and regards the petrified kalavakus. He rubs what would be his chin if he weren't wearing a mask and nods. He points at the former demon. "I call dibs on the statue." He turns to the gnome spellcaster. "No pun intended."
He then joins Garrett and looks out to the room beyond. "Do you have any idea vhat may be beyond?"
Davdok - AC 18/14/14 - CMD21 - HP 53/59 - 12/13 Bombs Friday April 13th, 2012 11:34:45 PM
The battle was over quickly, more quickly than Davdok thought should have been possible. Oh well, small miracles.
"There is only one way to find out, after all. Shall we go?"
Keela [AC 19; HP 61/61] [Protection from Evil; Extended Mage Armor] Friday April 13th, 2012 11:53:31 PM
Keela blinks and puts her wand away. "That was....not what I was expecting," she says.
"If we're all unhurt, we should keep looking, see if we can figure out what's going on here."
She follows the others when/if they go.
Well, isn't this interesting -- DM Zach Saturday April 14th, 2012 9:53:17 PM
Climbing the ramp will reveal a smaller circular chamber, with several desks and writing on the walls. Nearly all documents have been recently taken, and the chalk writing on the walls is still damp from a swift attempt to erase the contents with a sponge. One wall segment can be shown to reveal what looks to be mechanical drafts of a cylindrical weapon with the words "Mage-Cannon" on the walls. A ruby tang of a soulblade (identical to the one Zeph was attacked with by Varros)is found under a smoldering pile of parchment ash nearby. Another scorched map fragment reveals two crescent moons marking locations; one to the north in the red hills, and one west of Bryn Baraz betwixt the rivers.
There are also extensive notes on members of the original group, with the most extensive notes on Zeph and Keela, particularly detailing their arcane abilities.
Keela (or whoever is carrying the journey book taken from Varros) feels a light warmth, almost a tingle, emanating from the journey book.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:37/37/25 HP:66/66 Ki:11/11 CMD: 22] Monday April 16th, 2012 11:44:20 AM
Garret calls back, "Zeph? Keela? I think you should see this. I think someone doesn't like you very much." He looks over at Zeph and continues, "I guess this is more on whoever it is that wants you dead. Can you make sense out of any of this writing?"
Keela [AC 19; HP 61/61] [Protection from Evil; Extended Mage Armor] d20+17=35 ; Monday April 16th, 2012 1:21:32 PM
Keela studies the remains of the "mage-cannon" drawings, trying to glean something of its design and purpose. Specifically, she's wondering whether it's a cannon designed by mages, or a cannon to be used against mages? Or both?
[Knowledge Arcana 35]
Soulgems, Soulblades, and Mage-Cannons -- DM Zach Monday April 16th, 2012 8:24:57 PM Garrett is the first to notice all of the papers on Zeph and Keela. They are most written as a scouting report of some sort. It is obvious that this group has had their eyes on Zeph for... most of his life.
Keela is greatly disturbed by what she is able to glean from the drawings of the mage-cannon. It seems as if it is some kind of mechanical weapon that fires to kind of trapping mechanism into and through an arcane caster at medium range. No more than 100feet. What is disturbing though is the trapping mechanism. It is hard to know what it is or does exactly, but they mechanism is identical to the large gem that is attached to the red-hued blade you found in here as well as the one that attacked Zeph.
It is also identical to the gem where she saw the trapped face of her old acquaintance. Remembering what Zeph said he felt when stabbed by Varros' soulblade (the pulling and tearing of his soul) it is obvious that these are some sort of soulgems. You aren't 100% on the method behind it, but it is painfully obvious, someone has found a way to trap the souls of arcane casters and utilize their power to... what do they plan to do?
Sjurd [HP:88/88 AC:18/15/18 CMD:17] d20+11=29 ; d20+11=12 ; Monday April 16th, 2012 11:45:11 PM
ooc: Are they black soul gems? ;)
"Let me see that closer..."
ooc: Please ignore the second roll, I double-clicked by mistake. Sjurd will examine the drawings to see if they remind him of anything devilish or demonic in nature. Knowledge (planar) check 29.
Zeph Illidian HP 95/95 AC 25/24t/18ff CMD 21 (Mage Armor, Prot vs. Evil) d20+9=11 ; d20+9=20 ; Tuesday April 17th, 2012 12:53:51 AM
Zeph looks over the notes about his combat abilities, his history, his... family?
He searches for anything on his mother or father and why they were also targeted.
When Keela tells the group of the ability to extract arcane energy from mages, his jaw drops, and anger flames in his heart, did they use my mother for such things?!
Noticing the soulblade, Zeph breathes and meditates for a moment before grabbing it and inspecting the blade... where could it have been made? searching for any symbols of demonic influence.
(knowledge arcana = 11 and religion = 20)
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:37/37/25 HP:66/66 Ki:11/11 CMD: 22] Tuesday April 17th, 2012 12:39:20 PM
Garret steps up and stands behind Zeph. He watches as Zeph reads the information. He says quietly, "We'll get them Zeph, we'll get them, old friend."
When Keela talks about the mage cannon, Garret asks, "Could it be a cannon used to shoot mages through the air? No?"
Keela [AC 19; HP 61/61] [Protection from Evil; Extended Mage Armor] Tuesday April 17th, 2012 5:24:15 PM
Keela gives an odd, choked little laugh at Garret's question. "I don't think so," she says. "This seems to fire one of those soul-capturing things from a distance. I'm not sure it would work, but I really, really don't want to be the one who finds out."
Soulgems, Soulblades, and Mage-Cannons -- DM Zach Tuesday April 17th, 2012 10:39:27 PM Sjurd notices that while the soulgems aren't black in color, more of translucent redish ambery color, it is not demonic... well not inherently. What he does deduce is potentially more disturbing. However they are crafted, it most certainly involves Woldsblood.
Flipping through the papers Zeph did find mention of his mother by name. To find her exact fate as well as that of his fathers he knows would take hours of pouring over the hundreds of papers here. Of course that is probably not a bad idea anyway.
Looking closer at the soulblade, Zeph isn't able to figure anything out... perhaps because of his anger. He doesn't immediately notice any signs of demonic influence on the blade.
Garrett attempts to comfort his friend Zeph as well as lighten the mood for all with a quick joke and seems to succeed at least somewhat in both.
Keela shudders at the thought of what an operation mage-cannon could accomplish. She also feels the warmth of the Journey Book flare up again, almost as if signaling her.
Davdok - AC 18/14/14 - CMD21 - HP 53/59 - 12/13 Bombs Wednesday April 18th, 2012 1:18:49 AM
Against his instincts and better judgement, Davdok would choose to let them rifle through the books, but at the mention of a mage cannon, he perks up.
"Soul-capturing? What are you talking about?" They may or may not have mentioned this before, but chances were fairly good his mind had wandered.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:37/37/25 HP:66/66 Ki:11/11 CMD: 22] d20+18=22 ; Wednesday April 18th, 2012 12:31:07 PM
Garret watches Zeph's determination and looks around the room, especially for other exits. He says, "Zeph, this may not be the most friendly place, but it looks relatively safe for the moment. I know you want to search through these papers some more. I'll check around and keep an eye out while you and anyone else who wants to search through these books and things looks."
He walks around the room, searching for physical exits, secret entrances, or any other way in or out of the room (Perception: 22).
Sjurd [HP:88/88 AC:18/15/18 CMD:17] Wednesday April 18th, 2012 12:42:40 PM "I suggest ve take everything ve can und retreat to Bryn Baraz. The forces behind this are likely to notice such a large disruption in the their plans. The villagers may be in danger. Also, they might trample my garden. Und I like my garden." Sjurd begins stowing papers into whatever scroll cases or folders are available on the desk.
Keela [AC 19; HP 61/61] [Protection from Evil; Extended Mage Armor] Wednesday April 18th, 2012 12:49:25 PM
"Zeph, let me see those notes for a minute," Keela says. She pulls out the journey book and opens it, intending to compare it to the notes, or see what happens.
Soulgems, Soulblades, and Mage-Cannons -- DM Zach Wednesday April 18th, 2012 6:05:28 PM
The group debates whether to move on, carrying the notes with them, or stay here and look them over.
Garrett conducts a thorough search of the area and finds nothing else out of the ordinary... well for this place. After all, it is not as though the things you have found so far are ordinary... not by any means.
Zeph hands Keela a few notes to look over. The notes are written by many different hands but one in particular seems to have done a majority of the work. It also looks vaguely familiar. When Keela opens the journey book, she gets two surprises.
The first is that the writing from the majority of the notes matches the writing of the person with the other journey book.
The second is that there are two new entries in the journey book.
The first reads:
"My dearest Zeph,
I am afraid our meeting here must be delayed. Next time please give me the courtesy of setting up an appointment.
My four flying underlings mentioned they might have encountered you. I hope they weren't rude.
Nonetheless, I would like to meet you in person. Just the two of us.
We have much to speak of...
Respectfully,
- P"
The second is much shorter and reads:
"P.S. I'll give my regards to your mother... or at least her soul. It is nothing personal, just that she is much more useful this way."
Zeph Illidian HP 95/95 AC 25/24t/18ff CMD 21 (Mage Armor, Prot vs. Evil) Wednesday April 18th, 2012 6:39:41 PM
Zeph reads the note and his eye twitches....
he looks to Sjurd and Keela, "Divination magic. P's blood in the book."
Sjurd [HP:88/88 AC:18/15/18 CMD:17] Wednesday April 18th, 2012 10:53:09 PM
Sjurd nods. "Bring it vith us. Ve must retain our spells in case there is trouble in Bryn Baraz upon our return."
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:37/37/25 HP:66/66 Ki:11/11 CMD: 22] Thursday April 19th, 2012 11:52:00 AM
Garret stands back from Zeph's anger, but sees the wisdom in Sjurd's argument. "Let's grab what we can, what looks important and head on back to town. I only hope we don't bring something more evil back to town with us while we're studying these papers."
Keela [AC 19; HP 61/61] [Protection from Evil; Extended Mage Armor] Thursday April 19th, 2012 1:49:45 PM
Keela turns the book thoughtfully in her hands. "I think this may be more Sjurd's area," she says, "but I'm happy to help."
"Yes, let's get back to town. If we keep this material locked away when we aren't studying it, that should help with anything.....unexpected."
Soulgems, Soulblades, and Mage-Cannons -- DM Zach Thursday April 19th, 2012 10:15:54 PM
The heroes are able to take back all the documents they choose along with the rubies.
The trip back to Bryn Baraz is uneventful.
The only thing truly out of the ordinary on the way back is Zeph's understandably dark mood.
---------------- Alright guys, for the combat and getting some answers. You all receive 20,000xp.
If that makes you level up, do so over the weekend. If you plan on doing any divination, do so. Also, if you need to hit up the Catacombs, do that as well.
The divination should be... fun.
Sjurd [HP:88/88 AC:18/15/18 CMD:17] Thursday April 19th, 2012 10:19:26 PM
Edit: Ninja'ed by Zach. I will post the full divinatory process tomorrow morning. It's lengthy. :S
@Zach - Would you like us to post a summary of changes for leveling?
Sjurd [HP:88/88 AC:18/15/18 CMD:17] Friday April 20th, 2012 12:53:21 AM
ooc: Did someone say we have a sample of the villain's blood?
Sjurd [HP:88/88 AC:18/15/18 CMD:17] Friday April 20th, 2012 10:13:55 AM
ooc: Forgive my multiple ooc posts. I need about 2,000gp for a ritual to gain my 9th-level class abilities. Can we sell our loot first thing?
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:37/37/25 HP:66/66 Ki:11/11 CMD: 22] Friday April 20th, 2012 3:07:59 PM
Garret returns to Bryn Baraz and is quickly distracted by Tara as the others start their strange magical adventures and mystical chantings over the papers and books. Garret, uninterested in such things, spends his time in his room with Tara and watching over the inn, the group, and the town.
Soulgems, Soulblades, and Mage-Cannons -- DM Zach Friday April 20th, 2012 6:09:47 PM OOC: @Tanner: It would be appreciated though not required. Also, if you are going to take something that significantly changes your character, or you are doing character surgery, let me know. By sample of blood, they mean they have the journey book and it requires blood to write in it. Therefore, P's blood was used to write it. Though, it was dry. To use it, you might have to be very... creative. Or ingenious. Oh, and email soon to come Tanner.
Finally, many people use gems as currency, feel free to divide them up and use them as such. That or sell them and lose 10% at the catacombs.
IC:
Garret spends quality time with Tara. She is happy to see him back and is obviously relieved, but true to her word, she does not worry that her love will not return. The halfling woman is tough as nails.
Jack Youngblood tries to spend time with Keela assuming she will make the time for him.
Sjurd spends a majority of his time preparing for the divination attempt on "P". Zeph spends most of his time with Sjurd preparing, as does Keela. Davdok joins Zeph and Sjurd on their rare breaks to the "recreational" garden. That would be the garden with numerous poisons of various types. Dibs spends most of his time around town and the inn, learning more about the place he has recently learned to call home. That is of course when not helping Sjurd.
It should be noted that no one has seen Naggy since returning.
Sjurd [HP:88/88 AC:18/15/18 CMD:17] Friday April 20th, 2012 7:17:47 PM
ooc: Can someone appraise the gems?
Keela d20+12=17 ; Saturday April 21st, 2012 12:30:04 PM
Keela is glad to see Jack again, and finds she enjoys spending time with him. She worries a little about their future, but tries not to let that get in the way of the present.
Meanwhile, she learns a few new spells and skills [OOC: I think Keela's level-up is complete].
Using one of her new-found skills, she examines the gems that they found. [Appraise 17]
Today's Spells: 0 Detect Magic 0 Light 0 Prestidigitation 0 Read Magic 1 Feather Fall 1 Magic Missile 1 Magic Missile 1 Protection from Evil 1 Ray of Enfeeblement 1 Unseen Servant 2 Acid Arrow 2 Acid Arrow 2 Extended Mage Armor 2 Scorching Ray 2 Scorching Ray 2 Web 3 Dispel Magic 3 Fireball 3 Haste 4 Dimension Door 4 Invisibility, Greater 4 Wall of Ice 5 Telepathic Bond 5 Telepathic Bond
Davdok - AC 18/14/14 - CMD21 - HP 53/59 - 14/14 Bombs Saturday April 21st, 2012 11:47:07 PM
OOC: Davok's level up is also complete.
Prepared Extracts
1-Expeditious Retreat 1-Endure Elements 1-Disguise Self 2 1st Level slots left open
All Second level slots are left open
All Third level slots are left open.
A respite was welcomes after what he considered a clustered day. Usually he preferred research and such, but the sheer amount of poison was certainly interesting. Fascinating, even. He'd be peppering other members of the group with questions as they relaxed.
Well, as relaxed as a scientist can be.
Zeph Illidian HP 95/95 AC 25/24t/18ff CMD 21 (Mage Armor, Prot vs. Evil) d20+16=33 ; Sunday April 22nd, 2012 5:13:35 AM
Zeph helps Sjurd prepare the divinations (Spellcraft = 33) to find the location of this P fellow who seems to be taunting him from afar.
His pulse quickens at the thought of slaying those who took his parent's lives.
At night, he meditates under the moon, Eyes close. breathe
A... scent?
The burning flames... is it close by?!
No... my clothes.
He stands and opens his eyes. The moon appears as close as ever. I smell fresh water He walks into the woods and finds a pool from a stream. Gulp... but in his reflection, he is something more
He reaches for his face, and the scents fade away, his hands though. A sensation... poison from his fingernails. A Snake tattoo?? A blessing. --------------------------
In the morning Zeph walks into Bryn Baraz and greets Keela, [b]"I've learned Dimensional Anchor. Next stop, catacombs to get a Cold Iron Holy blade. Could I study your spellbook later tonight to scribe some?"
Soulgems, Soulblades, and Mage-Cannons -- DM Zach Sunday April 22nd, 2012 8:34:11 PM OOC: The gems appraise at [17,500] total: Rubies 5 Small (500 each), 5 Medium (1,000 each), 5 Large (2,000)
Will wait until the Divination is posted by Tanner (Sjurd). Also has anyone heard from Jeff L or Max lately. I've sent a few emails and heard nothing.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:37/37/25 HP:66/66 Ki:11/11 CMD: 22] Monday April 23rd, 2012 12:05:09 PM
Garret continues to spend time with Tara, but he tried to keep Zeph on an even keel while the flames of hatred and passion continue to grow in him. "Zeph, we will get them, but you need to keep a clear mind. Don't forget those of us that are with you today, we can help you in your revenge. But stay with us, and stay focused..."
Sjurd [HP:100/100 AC:21/18/21 CMD:17] Monday April 23rd, 2012 6:51:03 PM
ooc: Level up stuff
Hit points - 6 (rolled on LnB) Feat: Spell Penetration +0 BAB +1 Fort +1 Ref +0 Will
ooc: The blood witch class requires a large number of 'rituals' for various class abilities. While they would make for interesting role-playing, I have three of them to do this level. Since I don't feel like writing for most of my day-off, I'm going to summarize them in bullet points.
1. Lesser tinker
Sjurd uses the harvested babau hand in a mystic ritual. He learns to capture the magic of the babau's dispel magic spell-like ability to empower his own spells. Sjurd can now cast dispel magic as though he had the Heighten Spell feat.
2. Save/slay
Sjurd purchases 82 small animals from villagers. (rabbits, chickens, etc.) He drowns them in his cauldron. (avoiding bloodshed) This replenishes his temporary hit point total.
3. Surrender Self
Sjurd brews a special brew in his workshop. You hear muffled screams of pain. (There is a note on the door politely asking everyone to leave him alone despite what they may hear) Sjurd emerges from his workshop. If anyone asks him what happened, he explains that he cut out one of his own eyes in exchange for significantly improved toughness. Sjurd gains barkskin (+3 natural AC)as a permanent ability, gains a -2 penalty to Perception and -1 penalty to ranged attacks.
====================== TEMPORARY EFFECTS 100 temporary hit points
Sjurd [HP:100/100 AC:21/18/21 CMD:17] Monday April 23rd, 2012 6:52:57 PM
ooc2: After all of these are finished, Sjurd starts his other projects.
1. Kalavakus Statue
Using polymorph to transform into a horse, Sjurd drags the wooden statue home on a pallet (the carrying capacity for a Large horse allows for the statue to be dragged, albeit at a walking pace). Sjurd puts the statue in on the deck in front of the Victory Inn in a scenic spot. He visits the local blacksmith and orders a cold iron piton. Using a hammer, he drives the piton into the statue where the demon's heart would approximately be. Now we have an interesting statue in front of our headquarters! Also, if for some reason he is ever un-petrified, he will have a cold iron stake through his heart as soon as he wakes up.
2. Loot
Sjurd will claim 1 large (2000gp) and 1 small (500gp) ruby. Sjurd sells the large ruby for 2000 gold pieces (needed for a ritual to get my 9th-level class ability), and will keep the small ruby (as a component for magic jar).
Ley line checks... Guidance 66 Divination 14 Locate Creature 74 Eye of Newt and Toe of Frog 23
(I rolled an Intelligence check for Contact Other Plane before remembering that I wanted to cast Divination instead)
1. I cast divination. Caster level check successful. The spell description states, "a divination spell can provide you with a useful piece of advice in reply to a question concerning a specific goal, event, or activity that is to occur within 1 week."
2. My question is, "I'm about to cast locate creature to find 'P.' What does 'P' look like?"
3. Cast locate creature. Determine which direction 'P' is located.
4. I cut out a section of the blood-writing and grind it into powder with a mortar and pestle. To this powder I add a few drops of water to re-constitute the blood. I cast eye of newt and toe of frog on the blood to preserve it indefinitely as a spell component.
Double, Double Toil and Trouble; Fire Burn, and Caldron Bubble. -- DM Zach d100=24 ; d100=19 ; Monday April 23rd, 2012 9:05:01 PM Sjurd is a busy, busy, little bee. Most of his time is spent doing morally questionable things... solidifying the stereotypes most people have about witches. He does take time to put a demonic statue in front of the quaint little Inn.
When it comes time for his divination Sjurd has to make a Caster Level Check (1d20+9) in order to get the answer to his divination. His Locate Creature fails though. He is able to preserve the spell component.
Garrett does his best to keep Zeph calm and focused.
Sjurd [HP:100/100 AC:21/18/21 CMD:17] Monday April 23rd, 2012 10:12:56 PM
Sjurd comes out of his workshop, his shoulders and neck stiff with agitation. He throws up his hands. "The spells tell me nothing! I vas able to preserve a drop of our foe's blood, vhich vill come in handy in the days to come. As for his vhereabouts, that is as uncertain as before."
Double, Double Toil and Trouble; Fire Burn, and Caldron Bubble. -- DM Zach d20+9=27 ; Tuesday April 24th, 2012 10:29:03 AM Tanner, I still need a CL check to see what happens for the divination. Nevermind. I rolled it. Just know, since it passes, I'll let it stand, but if it had failed I would have let you rolled. =).
The divination answers Sjurd's question. "P" is an elf, though he looks like an average human with slightly sharp facial features, almost as if he could be a half-elf. He has green eyes that look greener in the light but darker otherwise. His hair is black and slightly wavy though grey strands can be found throughout. He is nearly 6 feet tall, muscular and lean.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:37/37/25 HP:66/66 Ki:11/11 CMD: 22] Tuesday April 24th, 2012 3:25:22 PM
One evening, Garret sits on his balcony with Tara. They hear the strange noises from Sjurd's room and Tara asks, "Are you sure he is okay in there?" Garret replies, "Well, that Sjurd, he's quite the odd fellow. I mean, he seems alright most of the time, but sometimes he does things that, well, I just don't know about." Tara hesitates before she asks, "Like what?" Garret looks over and says, "I don't think you want to know. Very strange, odd things. Sometimes with dead people or things. Sometimes with remains of people. I try not to think about it too much. And after all, he's always been on the side of good, but I just wonder about his methods some time. I know little about the arcane arts, but I often wonder if any of his magics would tend to pull him towards evil."
Just then, there is a scream from Sjurd's room. Garret moves with blinding speed towards the door, ready to ignore the note if his friend is in trouble. Before he can open the door, Sjurd opens it and explains about cutting his eye. Garret looks back to Tara and shrugs. "See what I mean?"
Sjurd [HP:100/100 AC:21/18/21 CMD:17] Tuesday April 24th, 2012 8:07:42 PM "Hah! As though anyone actually needs two eyes!"
Keela Tuesday April 24th, 2012 10:35:32 PM
Besides spending time with Jack, Keela also spends a lot of time with her family, helping Senna around the house, or playing with her nephews and niece.
Zeph Illidian HP 106/106 AC 25/24t/18ff CMD 21 (Mage Armor, Prot vs. Evil) Wednesday April 25th, 2012 1:17:44 AM
Zeph smiles to Garret, "A maelstrom rests just below the still waters. The storm has not arrived yet, and the calm before gives sharp focus to purpose."
When Sjurd casts his divination to discern the location and description of P, Zeph awaits in trepidation.
His jaw drops "That description... it sounds... my father?"
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:37/37/25 HP:66/66 Ki:11/11 CMD: 22] Wednesday April 25th, 2012 11:53:51 AM
Garret nods to Zeph and says, "Your father? But I thought... can you explain more?"
Davdok - AC 18/14/14 - CMD21 - HP 64/64 - 14/14 Bombs Wednesday April 25th, 2012 5:33:22 PM
Much of this will have to be explained to Davdok in the near future, as he isn't around to hear this interesting bit of information. He thinks the place is nice, but he isn't quite sure how well they would take to his continued presence.
Or he could be over thinking things. Probably was...was that an ingredient he needed? Oh what a delightful happenstance!
Like Father, Like Son? -- DM Zach Wednesday April 25th, 2012 6:23:11 PM Garret continues to spend quality time with Tara although much of it is spent worried about Sjurd.
The latter can later be heard lamenting about how it was just an eye and he was lucky enough to have a spare.
Keela takes the time to enjoy what matters most to her. Friends and family.
Zeph realizes that the description Sjurd received sounded very much like and older version of Zeph. In fact, he realizes it perfectly matches the description of his dead father. Of course it could be just coincidence. Or could it be something more.
Zeph thinks back to the burning of his home. He saw his mother killed, and his father told him to run and hide, but did he ever see his father murdered? For that matter, did he ever find his body? His father used to be an assassin before he met his mother? Was he still? The documents found in the cave have detailed records about everyone in Zeph and Keela's life, including Zeph's mother. That is except his father.
Before anyone has time to truly process the information a ruckus can be heard from the first floor of the Victory Inn.
It doesn't take long for the groups old friend Fen to run upstairs nearly out of breath. "It's Nagegy... he's dead. Looks like... assassin got him. Probably a day or two ago... right before... you returned. I'm sorry... his body... is still in his home. Nothing has been touched... though you would want... to check it out."
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:37/37/25 HP:66/66 Ki:11/11 CMD: 22] Wednesday April 25th, 2012 6:26:26 PM
Garret looks at the others, "Nagegy? But why? That doesn't make any sense. Let's go see what we can see."
Sjurd [HP:100/100 AC:21/18/21 CMD:17] Wednesday April 25th, 2012 8:47:29 PM "I vas vorried this vould happen. They know vhen ve leave und return. Ve can expect more surprises the next time ve leave." The blood witch leads the way toward Nagegy's room.
Zeph Illidian HP 106/106 AC 25/24t/18ff CMD 21 (Mage Armor, Prot vs. Evil) d20+15=22 ; Wednesday April 25th, 2012 11:13:14 PM
Zeph draws his sword and walks downstairs, using his wands to cast Mage Armor and Protection from Evil on himself as he goes.
When he approaches the door, he begins to look around for clues as to what may have happened (Search =22)
She follows the others to Lord Nagegy's house, casting her Extended Mage Armor as she goes.
Taunting -- DM Zach Thursday April 26th, 2012 1:48:03 PM
The group makes the short trip to Nagegy's home on the outskirts of Bryn Baraz. Fen opens the door and steps away, leaving it for the group to proceed inside. Many took time to make preparations in case of attack, but it is an attack that never comes.
The home is bereft of any signs of comfort being more designed for application. There is a small bed in the corner where Nagegy's dead body remains looking peaceful, almost as if he slipped into death during his slumber. There is a desk with many neat piles of papers and a singular book titled, "A Dissertation on the Ideological Crimes of the Frontiers". The only other items in the house seem to be row after row of bookshelves each filled with books in alphabetical order.
On Nagegy's body are two very disturbing things. One is a note reading:
You took one of mine, I took one of yours.
I shall leave you something to remember him by.
-P
On Nagegy's chest is a soulgem.
Inside the soulgem, shadowy movement can be seen. When the face looks out it is obvious it is Nagegy.
Sjurd [HP:100/100 AC:21/18/21 CMD:17] Thursday April 26th, 2012 8:33:24 PM
Sjurd looks between the note, to the soulgem, and back again. "I cannot help but think that shattering the gem or dispelling the enchantment vill either release him from his torment.... or destroy his soul." The blood witch looks to the others. "However, I believe if ve can release his soul from the gem, I can reincarnate him into another body."
ooc: I got the witch's reincarnation spell this level. It's like regular reincarnation, but only into humanoid forms.
Davdok - AC 18/14/14 - CMD21 - HP 64/64 - 14/14 Bombs Thursday April 26th, 2012 11:56:50 PM
Seeing his companions rush by him, obviously something was wrong.
He hated being right. The soulgem thing was still fairly new. Wait a moment...Sjurd could reincarnate people? Shoving the thought from his mind, Davdok would speak to his group. "So...who exactly is he?"
Keela d20+18=29 ; Friday April 27th, 2012 12:40:39 AM
"He is a lizard-nobleman," Keela replies to Davdok. "and a powerful spellcaster. He helped us against al-Mathrir. And now...." She looks troubled.
Keela tries to deduce whether destroying or dispelling the enchantment will help Nagegy.
[Spellcraft or Knowledge Arcana 29]
Sjurd [HP:100/100 AC:21/18/21 CMD:17] Friday April 27th, 2012 11:30:31 PM
ooc: I doubt I can beat Keela's knowledge check.
What Would Happen If...?-- DM Zach Saturday April 28th, 2012 11:43:55 AM Keela takes the time to contemplate what would happen if she dispelled the gem or perhaps even destroyed it.
She figures nothing bad will happen if it is dispelled, but that it is probably too simple of an answer to do any good.
As for destroying it there are two concerns. How do you destroy it and what happens when it is destroyed. Destroying it might be as simple as hitting it with a hammer but Keela doubts it. What is more disturbing is that with what Sjurd mentioned days ago about it being infused with Woldsblood makes you think that destroying might be very dangerous, and possibly not just for Nagegy. There is not telling what would happen to his soul though.
Keela Sunday April 29th, 2012 11:58:05 AM
Keela still looks distressed. "I don't think we should try to destroy it," she says. "The unmaking could have unforeseen consequences. I'm not sure what to do. I wish there was a temple or something we could take it to."
Zeph Illidian HP 106/106 AC 25/24t/18ff CMD 21 (Mage Armor, Prot vs. Evil) d20+14=18 ; Sunday April 29th, 2012 9:56:05 PM
Zeph looks down at the soulgem, "Why would he leave Nagegy's soul for us and not just destroy it?"
He will pick up the shard and look inside, whispering a prayer, "We will keep you safe, and free you... and see our enemies burn."
Then Zeph begins to search the room entirely to discern mode of entry... climbing pitons? Teleportation? Also, he will look at Nagegy's body to determine what the murder weapons were, so that he can adequately prepare for the eminent confrontation with his father...
Sjurd [HP:100/100 AC:21/18/21 CMD:17] Monday April 30th, 2012 11:30:26 AM
Sjurd pulls a knife from his belt and kneels down by Nagegy's body. "My apologies for this necessity, friend. Every opportunity to mislead our enemies must be exercised." The blood witch reaches out and grabs hold of Nagegy's tail (ooc: He has a tail, right?), and slices off the last half-inch. "Besides, I am fairly certain it vill grow back."
He stands up, concentrates on the small piece of lizard flesh, and begins to shimmer and reform. In the space of a breath, you see the form of Nagegy standing before you, with the voice of Sjurd. "Now if 'P' tries to scry on us, ve may confuse him. I suggest ve bury Nagegy's body. It there is some means of preserving him, it vould not be necessary to burn his body first to prevent it rising as an undead creature."
ooc1: Use polymorph and Nagegy's tail-tip as a spell component to assume his form. ooc2: Can anyone cast gentle repose?
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:37/37/25 HP:66/66 Ki:11/11 CMD: 22] Monday April 30th, 2012 1:50:41 PM
Garret nods in approval as Zeph picks up the gem. He says, "This is beyond my understanding." And when Sjurd mentions reincarnation, but then assumes the form of Naggy, Garret steps back. "Wha? Sjurd, could you not just reincarnate him into his own body?"
What Would Happen If...?-- DM Zach Monday April 30th, 2012 4:48:20 PM Zeph looks at Nagegy's body and realizes it was stabbed twice by relatively small blades, most likely daggers, in much the same way Varros attacked Zeph. The door was not locked so it is very possible someone snuck in or used lockpicks. Teleportation can not be ruled out either though.
Sjurd, as has become typical, desecrates the body of the fallen, this time a friend. He at least has the decency to ask that someone cast gentle repose. Many are curious as to whether he will attempt a reincarnation or the like.
Sjurd [HP:100/100 AC:21/18/21 CMD:17] Monday April 30th, 2012 10:03:23 PM "Ve do not know if that vould even be possible. I could attempt to reincarnate him, only to have the gem shatter in spray of Voldsblood as his soul attempts to escape. I suggest ve do more research, hence my suggestion of preserving his body."
Keela Monday April 30th, 2012 10:42:55 PM
"That sounds like a wonderful idea," Keela replies, "but where can we go to research this?"
Davdok - AC 18/14/14 - CMD21 - HP 64/64 - 14/14 Bombs Monday April 30th, 2012 11:20:02 PM
"Unfortunately, my knowledge lies firmly in the more natural workings of the world. On the other hand, how often have you encountered these stones before?"
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:37/37/25 HP:66/66 Ki:11/11 CMD: 22] d20+5=15 ; Tuesday May 1st, 2012 12:52:09 PM
"Sjurd, perhaps you and Keela can work on saving this body the best we can. Afterwards, we can do some research to see if we can save his soul from this gem. Davdok, perhaps you and I can ask around and see if anyone saw anything." (Diplomacy: 15).
What Now?-- DM Zach Tuesday May 1st, 2012 7:41:49 PM Sjurd suggests waiting on reincarnating Nagegy until more is learned about the soulgems.
Keela thinks research is a great idea but laments on where to find answers. That this deals with souls AND Woldsblood lends credit to the idea that very few people would have this information and even less would admit to it.
Davdok inquires about the soulgems and how many the group have found. In total, there have been three occasions. The one that was empty that was to house Zeph's soul had Varros been successful, the one with Keela's old acquaintance, and this one with Nagegy
Garrett takes to the streets, searching for any sign of, or anyone who might know something about Nagegy's assailant. No one he talks to even knew he was dead. Considering how professional Varros was, it stands to reason that no one would have saw his co-worker.
------
The party seems to be at a dead end when Fen comes running back to the group out of breath again.
"Witches... at the inn... asked for group... 'specialy Sjurd. Four of'em... sounds important"
It's obvious Fen's job as a courier and messenger has become a lot more important, interesting, and busy since the battle with the Lizard Champions.
Zeph Illidian HP 106/106 AC 25/24t/18ff CMD 21 (Mage Armor, Prot vs. Evil) d20+10=21 ; Tuesday May 1st, 2012 9:00:38 PM
Zeph fiddles with the empty soulgem, the one meant to hold his own soul. How is a soul placed into the gem? It seems anyone without arcane training can do it
(Use Magic Device = 21)
When Fen comes with news of witches, Zeph smiles, "Let's find out what they want"
Sjurd [HP:100/100 AC:21/18/21 CMD:17] d20+40=42 ; d20+40=55 ; Tuesday May 1st, 2012 11:33:03 PM
With a shimmer and a shake, Sjurd assumes his normal form. He gasps and claps both hands together, the sound muffled by his leather globes. "Vitches? Here!? I can finally 'talk shop,' as they say!" He starts to leave the domicile, then pauses. "Just a moment, I must prepare myself. After all, I von't have this chance again any time soon."
Drawing several components from his spell pouch, the blood witch weaves arcane mutterings and hand-signs together. A cloud of shimmering yellow motes erupt from his hands, only to float momentarily in the air and coalesce around him, fading into a second skin around Sjurd.
ooc: Cast like calls to like. "It gives an insight bonus to Diplomacy, Sense Motive, Intimidation and Bluff checks in dealings with hermits, witches, outcasts, recluses, and monstrologers; as well with all members of the Teucri race; and with all creatures with the aberration type. The insight bonus is equal to twice the character's caster level, with a maximum of +20." This buffs my skill checks to Bluff +26, Diplomacy +40, Sense Motive +18, and Intimidation +40. He also activates bit of luck just before reaching the inn. In a few more levels I can break the dice roller! :)
Sjurd walks briskly to the Victory Inn and throws open the front door. He draws his cape over one shoulder with a dramatic flourish and stands framed in the doorway, the light of the morning sun darkening his features. "I am Sjurd."
He raises one hand outstretched to the four visitors, palm facing forward. His other hand is placed on his breast over his heart. "Siskhlis moutsodebs t'k'ven. Kavshirebi t'k'ven . Tsinadadebebis t'k'ven sheuert'deba sibneleshi lots'va. Aghik'vams motsodeba , da vits'i, komp'orts t'k'veni kin."
Giant Highlight to display spoiler: {"Blood calls to you. Ties you. Bids you join in the dark prayer. Heed the call, and know the comfort of your kin."}
"Vhat has brought you, my kin?"
ooc: Diplomacy check 55.
Keela Wednesday May 2nd, 2012 11:36:59 AM
"Witches? Oh, I hope they know something about all this!"
If nobody else picks up Nagegy's soul gem, Keela will do so. She hurries along to meet with the delegation of witches.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:37/37/25 HP:66/66 Ki:11/11 CMD: 22] d20+20=30 ; d20+19=31 ; Wednesday May 2nd, 2012 11:49:44 AM
When Fen brings news of the witches, Garret sighs, "More witches? I sure hope these are on our side, too."
As Sjurd prepares to head over, Garret moves along quickly and attempts to get to the inn before Sjurd and will attempt to blend into the background (Stealth:30) to just observe (Perception: 31) -- not just the witches, but anyone else who seems to be out of place or taking an extraordinary interest in the witches or Sjurd.
Witches -- DM Zach Wednesday May 2nd, 2012 11:10:38 PM Zeph contemplates in regards to how the soulgems function. He has no luck getting anything to happen. He does recall that the games were attached to a special blade when used on him. He does figure that by killing a person while the soulblade is in their body will effectively trap their soul in the gem. Of course, it is difficult to know without testing it.
Garrett slips into the crowd effectively disappearing. He keeps an eye out for any strange goings on while Sjurd congregates with his own kind.
--------------- The four witches, all female, all misshapen, missing various body parts, fingers, eyes, nose, ear etc stand before Sjurd. Three of them seem to defer to the one in the middle who speaks first.
"Blood of our blood, tis' ill omens and black tidings that we do bring. We know of your trouble with demons, and of the evil that will be should you fail. We know not what you must do, only where you must go. East and north, follow the foul and pugent river to it's source. There you will find great evil." Pointing to Zeph she continues, " And direction to he that has the answers you seek."
To Sjurd the witches cries, Come with us for the night and unite in blood as a coven... by doing this you will gain the power you need to stop your foes."
Davdok - AC 18/14/14 - CMD21 - HP 64/64 - 14/14 Bombs Wednesday May 2nd, 2012 11:33:09 PM
Spellcasters were strange. Strange in a singularly unique way, but strange all the same. As a reaction, he nearly attempted to disappear into the crowd. as well.
Sjurd [HP:100/100 AC:21/18/21 CMD:17] Thursday May 3rd, 2012 11:57:45 AM
Sjurd nods, then turns to the rest of the party. "Vell," he dusts off his hands, though it is obvious that his gloves are clean. "It seems that these four ladies require my presence for the evening." His mask twitches slightly, giving you the impression that he winked despite not being able to see his face. "Und obviously it vill help us in our present troubles. I vill return in the morning. In the meantime, plesae make sure that Nagegy's body is hidden somewhere that a scrying sensor vould be unlikely to search."
He turns again to the gathered coven and bows from the waist. "Lead on, sisters."
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:37/37/25 HP:66/66 Ki:11/11 CMD: 22] Thursday May 3rd, 2012 12:13:11 PM
Garret suddenly appears behind Zeph and Keela and says, "Where a scrying sensor would not see? I don't know how you can hide a dead body from scrying... then, again, I wasn't really aware that you could see a dead body with scrying."
He puts his arm around Zeph and looks over at Davdok and continues, "You know, I have absolutely no interest in following Sjurd to his coven. How about we attempt to relax this last night in town before we head up the river? Who knows when we will see the likes of civilization again? How about a round of drinks?"
"I don't know that you can even scry on a dead body," Keela says. "I think it has to be a live person, or the spell fails. But, if we put him in a box or a coffin or something, that would make scrying more difficult."
She smiles a little at Garret, but says, "No, if we're leaving tomorrow I want to go see my family." And Jack she thinks, but does not say aloud.
Sjurd [HP:100/100 AC:21/18/21 CMD:17] Thursday May 3rd, 2012 6:33:58 PM
Sjurd clears his throat. "A scrying sensor must be directed by a spellcaster. They vould not be attempting to find his body so much as simply using the spell to spy on Bryn Baraz und see his body by looking for it. If you vere to hide it, say up in a tree, that vould foil the scry more so than trying to keep it in a protected container that vas still nearby. It is not his body that I vould like to hide, so much as our attempts to discover the secrets of the soulgem. I happen to have a lead-lined chest in my laboratory. If someone could place it in there und hide Nagegy's body somevhere inconspicuous, it vould prevent them from gathering more information."
Witches -- DM Zach Thursday May 3rd, 2012 7:21:15 PM Davdok laments at the uniqueness of casters... well mostly witches... but still.
Sjurd offers his opinion on what to do with Nagegy and his soulgem but leaves it to the other to accomplish as he sets of with his coven of witches.
Garrett, Davdokand Zeph enjoy a round of drinks or three before each heading back to their room. Tara is waiting for Garrett and is still visibly upset about the death of Nagegy. Crying on Garrett's should she snifles, "If they could get someone as powerful as Nagegy when he sleeps, what keeps them from getting you, or me?"
Keela spends the evening with Seena, Daben, Teigan, Cole and Nila. They all enjoy a nice dinner and sharing stories by the fire. Keela finds Jack waiting at the entrance of the Inn. "You look like you could use someone to talk to. Care to go for a walk?"
---------------------
Meanwhile Sjurd does any number of unspeakable acts (well for anyone except a witch) that none of the other would know or want to know about.
OOC: All feel free to RP what happens on this night. Tomorrow we will move to the next day and get the next scene started here very soon.
Also, please note that your new Co-DM Ian is lurking in the background.
Zeph Illidian HP 106/106 AC 25/24t/18ff CMD 21 (Mage Armor, Prot vs. Evil) d20+10=17 ; Thursday May 3rd, 2012 9:59:38 PM
Listening to the Blood Witches, he smiles when they point at him, wondering Who is this HE they are referring to?
Zeph asks Fen if he could run to the church and purchase a Gentle Repose spell, handing the lad a few hundred gold for the purchase.
The elf will then scribe the scroll into his book, memorize it, and begin to chant the spell over Nagegy's body, preventing it from decaying.
Then he hides the corpse in Sjurd's poison plant garden, buried 6feet under.
Returning, dirty from shoveling, he smiles to Garret, "Aye, a drink sounds good before a journey."
Keela Friday May 4th, 2012 11:20:31 AM
Keela enjoys spending the time with her family, telling tales to her niece and nephews. She walks home in a little glow of contentment, and glows a little brighter when she sees Jack waiting for her.
"It's good of you to volunteer," she says in a teasing tone, and sets off for a starlit walk. Hand-in-hand, they walk through the sleeping town, talking about hopes, dreams, and plans. It is well past midnight by the time Keela finally returns to the inn for a few hours' sleep.
Sjurd [HP:100/100 AC:21/18/21 CMD:17] Friday May 4th, 2012 12:17:10 PM
Sjurd returns the next morning with a spring in his step. "Good morning, fair associates. I have returned und feel magnificent. Allow me to share vith you vhat I have gained."
====================== Spirit Cauldron: As an intelligent item it gains the Speech and Senses 60' abilities. It also gains telepathy with witches (including master) and all spirits and incorporeal undead, within long range (100 ft + 40 ft/level). It also gives a +20 bonus when used for Craft - Alchemy checks and cuts potion brewing costs by 2/3. It can now shrink or enlarge in 1 round. Filled with water, the Cauldron can be used as a focus for Scrying.
PLEASE NOTE EVERYONE: My costs for producing alchemical items, potions, and poisons has been cut in half (yes, you can now get a potion of true strike for just 8.25gp). These are my new crafting costs:
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:37/37/25 HP:66/66 Ki:11/11 CMD: 22] Friday May 4th, 2012 2:49:55 PM
Garret does his best to lighten the mood in the inn in the early hours of the evening. He tries to tell some stories and has a few drinks, offering many to others, to try and enjoy the time as much as he can.
Later, when he returns to his room and Tara, he tries to comfort her, saying, "Dear Tara, everyone has their time, and that is beyond what any of us can control. When it is our time, there is nothing that anyone can do to alter that. Yes, our enemies may reach out and find me -- but I am just as likely to live to 100 or die tonight, peacefully, in your arms. It is not for me to know when my time will come, so I say to celebrate life for as long as it may be here!"
Once More into the Breach -- DM Zach Friday May 4th, 2012 5:47:11 PM
After a much needed night of relaxation and... other activities, the group is ready to tackle the day ahead. The witches have already left town, but will come again if the need is great enough.
They left a little map that details where the river has become foul and stagnant. Coincidentally (or not) where they indicate the source of the trouble might be also aligns with one of the locations on the map you found among all the notes where you killed the demons.
Sensing that their Champions and Family are leaving again, the whole town stands around in the early morning to see you off. Tara, Jack, Senna and her family, Fen, Ulfgar and numerous miners and their family are all present to wish you luck. While in the past, their fights have always become your fight... this time your fight has become theirs, and they are both proud and honored to stand with their Champions.
Davdok - AC 18/14/14 - CMD21 - HP 64/64 - 14/14 Bombs Saturday May 5th, 2012 6:46:51 PM
Davdok looks upon the crowd gathered thoughtfully. It appeared the group he had begun traveling with had lives after all, and even a place to call home.
That was more than he could say at least.
Zeph Illidian HP 106/106 AC 25/24t/18ff CMD 21 (Mage Armor, Prot vs. Evil) Monday May 7th, 2012 1:43:35 AM
Zeph asks Sjurd, "Good sir. Do you know of any potions or herbs that could render us immune to nausea? Last fight, we were crippled with stomach pains."
Then he thinks for a second about potions and poisons and asks his Blood Witch companion, "I would like to keep a small stock of emergency potions... and I would like to try my hand at poison use, can we make one of each poison type and: Comprehend Languages, Enlarge Person, Endure Elements, Detect Thoughts, Speak with Animals,True Strikex4, Resist Energyx2, Cure Light wounds, Lesser Restoration, Remove Curse, Gaseous Form, Cure Moderate Wounds"
He pulls the money from a hidden stash, Glad I sold that human bane longbow so long ago... that thing hurt and hands it to Sjurd.
Zeph then looks to Fen, Jack, Senna, Tara, Ulfgar and the rest of Bryn Baraz, pauses, and speaks, "Thank you... for supporting us in our hour of need. Our enemies are using innocent souls to fuel a weapon of untold power... They are targeting myself and Keela. We shall not run. We are meeting this challenge, and by attacking, keeping Bryn Baraz out of the line of fire. I beseech you, keep productive and safe. For the free people of Bryn Baraz are strong when united to purpose. Farewell for now."
Then he turns to Davdok, "We are to go to a land of death and decay.... are you sure you wish this harm upon yourself?"
Keela Monday May 7th, 2012 1:58:24 AM
Keela is touched by the send-off. She waves and smiles to the people she knows.
She casts a quick Prestidigitation spell and creates colored sparkles and flights of brightly-colored butterflies to help celebrate the departure of the heroes.
Once More into the Breach -- DM Zach Monday May 7th, 2012 1:38:35 PM
OOC: Alright guys, make sure any last minute purchases are done and your gear is ready. I am very short on time today and will try to get a the next Scene Started tonight but if not, it will be on tomorrow.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:37/37/25 HP:66/66 Ki:11/11 CMD: 22] Monday May 7th, 2012 2:00:23 PM
As the group prepares to leave in the morning, and everyone greets the townspeople, Garret moves over to the largest member of their group, Davdok, and says to the crowd, "Good people, this is Davdok, and he has joined us in this fight against evil. We hope that you will invite him into your hearts as you have the rest of us, as his life is on the line as much as anyone else here." Garret looks way up at Davdok and winks at him.
Sjurd [HP:100/100 AC:21/18/21 CMD:17] d20+29=42 ; d20+29=35 ; Monday May 7th, 2012 5:33:09 PM
ooc (potions): DM Zach - The rules say that I can only brew one potion per day. Does this seem unreasonable, considering some of my potions cost <10gp to make? Can I make more than one per day if they are under a certain cost? Perhaps we could say that Zeph placed the order some time ago and just retcon the crafting process into the past?
Without a DM exception, the potions will take 16 days to brew.
ooc (poisons): Find the item's crafting price in silver pieces (1 gp = 10 sp). 301.6gp = 3016sp Find the item's DC from Table: Craft Skills. The DC to make a poison is equal to its Fortitude save DC. To simplify the process, we will use the average DC of 14.83. Adding 10 for accelerated crafting gives us a final DC of 24.83. Make an appropriate Craft check representing one week's worth of work. If the check succeeds, multiply your check result by the DC. Use Bit of Luck. Craft (alchemy) check 42. 42*24.83=1042.86
Assuming comparable performance every day, I can finish the poisons in 3 days.
Davdok - AC 18/14/14 - CMD21 - HP 64/64 - 14/14 Bombs Monday May 7th, 2012 9:47:36 PM
Davdok muses for a moment at Zeph's question. "Well, I'm not particularly useful in combat, or much outside of it." He tilts his head to the side. "But I suppose I'll lend my bombs to you all for a little longer at least. I appear to have stumbled upon an injustice being committed to the people of this town. And from what I have seen of you and Keela, you are good people. I simply cannot allow this series of events to continue."
And with his small speech done, he sighs. "The short answer is yes."
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:37/37/25 HP:66/66 Ki:11/11 CMD: 22] Tuesday May 8th, 2012 12:45:48 PM
Garret smiles and waves to the crowd and then meets Tara off to the side, out of the way of the crowds to tell her goodbye one last time, but hopefully not forever.
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