DM Kathy d4=3 ; Thursday October 18th, 2012 11:46:16 PM
You resist being given the brush-off. You know your capabilities, you know your worth, and you will not be denied.
Tuck and Grell look their intimidating best. Wilma runs through your resume. Thessa argues, persuasively, that it would be folly to turn down competent help. Ariach points out the value of righteous purity. Vaniime lists your references. And Emrys wraps it all up with a well-reasoned and persuasive plea.
Yet it all seems to be going for naught. Indrel shakes her head regretfully and says, "Look, I'm sure you think you can handle this, but..."
At that moment, a man steps up to the table. You had not seen him before, and you wouldn't have said the hall was shadowy enough to hide in. Yet there he is, appearing like a conjurer's trick. He is a human man, tough and wiry in black leather armor. "Sign them up," he says.
Indrel looks startled. "Sir...?"
Slowly, the man looks you over, sizing you up. You get the feeling he's done this sort of thing before. Many times. You see his WLA pin, which is a little different from yours.
Knowledge: History, Knowledge: Local, or Bardic Knowledge 10 Highlight to display spoiler: {The pin marks him as a high-ranking officer of the WLA.}
Knowledge: History, Knowledge: Local, or Bardic Knowledge 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {The pin marks him as a High Commander, one of only 12 in the entire Wold. Only the Lord High Commander himself has more authority.}
Knowledge: History, Knowledge: Local, or Bardic Knowledge 25 Highlight to display spoiler: {The man is Graf, called Graf the Falcon, a very high-level rogue. No wonder he was able to hide from all of you.}
"Sign them up," he repeats at last. "They know what they're getting into."
"Yes, sir." Without demur, Indrel begins writing. "Uh...that was 'Vanguard,' right?"
A ghost of a smile crosses the man's austere face. "Come with me," he says. "I'll brief you on the mission."
He leads the way towards a nondescript door nearby.
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 18/18/14 d20+6=7 ; Friday October 19th, 2012 9:48:45 AM
Tuck is a bit put off by all the arguing and hard words. He nudges Grell with his elbow and whispers to him, "Women."
It seems that his friends' arguments have no sway on Indrel. A stranger has to step in to speak for them. Someone powerful in the WLA, and confident, Tuck thinks.
As they follow the fellow into the next room, Tuck asks Emrys, "Who's this guy?"
Knowledge History 7
Ariach AC 25/14/19 ; HP 33/33 d20+4=13 ; d20+5=17 ; Friday October 19th, 2012 3:44:28 PM
Convinced that his words have changed the prevailing view, the warrior doesn´t hesitate to follow the unknown benefactor. Ariach tries to remember what the meaining of this special WLA pin is or if he has heared something about this guy before. (knowledge history=13, knowledge local=17)
Emrys is quite startled, being caught by surprise so thoroughly! When asked who the man is, after a short pause from being dumbstruck, he blurts out, "It's High Commander Graf ... the Falcon! Master of subtly and stealth." Unable to contain himself, he whispers, "Peas and carrots, he knows our name!!"
He whispers to Tuck next to him, "no joking with this man, he answers only to the lord high commander. he can make or break your adventuring career ... among other things!"
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) Friday October 19th, 2012 7:00:51 PM
(sorry, I meant, "Master of subtlety and stealth.")
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Friday October 19th, 2012 9:32:38 PM COMBINED POST FOR WILMA AND GRELL
Grell drew a blank--as did Wilma--about whom the man in black was. However, brother and sister could both tell from his garb that he was, indeed, an adventurer. Then Emrys announced the High Commander's identity.
"...whoa..." Grell breathed, very suitably impressed. The High Commander of the Woldian League of Adventurers..! This one was sure going into the next letter home!
Wilma was suitably surprised, too...not only by the man's phenomenal stealth, but also by his ability to recognize that the Vanguard was a group worth including on this mission to Lasher Castle.
"You heard the man, Vanguard," the young cleric of Gargul said, gesturing a come-hither, "Follow him that-a-way..!" She matched her actions to her words and walked in the High Commander's wake.
Thessa Friday October 19th, 2012 11:23:45 PM
Thessa is taken aback when Emrys mentions his name. Graf is something of a legend around the WLA and she is completely awe-struck to meet him.
She quickly moves to follow him, not wasting a moment. When an opportunity like this presents itself she was not one to hesitate.
As they hurry after him, she turns to Vaniime who happens to be near her and whispers, "If the Vanguards want to prove themselves around here, this is the man to impress. Can you believe it? The Falcon! Meeting with US!"
There are so many questions she wants to ask this man as they follow him but she's too shy to speak up. As they enter reach their destination, she's embarrassed to realize that she feels like an eager schoolgirl, wanting to get the closest seat to him as possible.
Van is shaking her head in disbelief at the woman's denseness, when she is surprised by the man who suddenly appears sporting a different form of WLA pin. She assumes that means he is someone important but what really matters is that he is telling Indrel to sign them up. She turns to smile at the lady when the man invites them to the back to brief them about the mission.
DM Kathy Sunday October 21st, 2012 7:56:14 PM Emrys is able to whisper a few details of the man's identity along the way. He is Graf the Falcon, a High Commander (not the High Commander; that would be the Lord High Commander, who is not here).
Graf leads the way to the door and opens it, revealing a small room arranged for meetings. Chairs cluster around an oval-shaped table; however, he does not choose one of these. Instead he turns, hitches one hip up onto the table, folds his arms, and regards you again with that penetrating look. He waves a hand vaguely at the room, inviting you to pick a chair, sit on the table as he is doing, or remain standing.
"Before I start," he says, "I just want to make sure you all realize--there's a strong possibility some of you will not return from this mission." He looks at you again. Emrys had also conveyed the information that Graf is a high-level rogue. Rogues are supposed to be--well, roguish. A little chaotic. Likely to shrug off authority with a wink and a flick of the wrist. You find yourself doubting that Graf has ever winked once in his entire life. He is regarding you with a sternness that would do Ganz proud. However, he seems to see what he is looking for, because he gives a little nod.
"Lasher Castle," he begins, "is in the Outcast Quarter. It is filled with undead. Powerful magic keeps them there, and a stout stone wall keeps curiosity-seekers out. It is an 'official' dungeon, although it is difficult to adventure there. Since the wall has been built, magic is about the only way in.
"Lately, nearby residents have been reporting a strange, green glow that seems to be coming from the Castle. It appears at different times, in different places about the castle, at different strengths, for different durations. In short, it has no pattern.
"However, it is new, and that is troubling. The WLA is putting together a team of adventurers--several adventuring companies--to go in and sweep through the place, hoping to find this glow and figure out what is causing it. Everything is just about in place, so we're planning to go in the day after tomorrow, in the first hour after dawn.
"Each adventuring company will be assigned a section of the Castle to explore." If possible, he looks more stern now. "Each company will stay in its assigned section and explore it. We aren't going to have much time; we don't need people running all over the place, trying to be heroes. There will be plenty of heroics to go around.
"I should tell you that teleportation magicks, including lesser spells like Dimension Door, will not work inside the Castle. Summoning spells are unpredictable--they may work; they may not; they may do something entirely unexpected. Extradimensional storage--your haversacks and efficient quivers and so on--will work properly. Do you have any questions?"
tl;dr: You are going into Lasher Castle the day after tomorrow to look for the source of a mysterious green glow. Teleportation will not work; summoning may not work. The place is full of undead.
Ariach AC 25/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Monday October 22nd, 2012 4:47:39 PM
As Ariach hears the words of High Commander Graf the Falcon, his hand involuntarily slips on his mace. How well that magic isn´t important for the way he prefers to fight. But the fact that magic will not work properly in Lasher Castle will weaken some of his companions. The more important it will be that he holds his protective hand over his friends. With a side glance he scrutinizes Wilma and promises silently he will hold all troubles away from her.
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Monday October 22nd, 2012 6:29:23 PM
Vaniime Looks around the room at her companions and the rises her hand to catch Commander Graf's eye.
"Commander Graf, I have several questions if you don't mind?
First off, does anyone know whether the green glow is magical in nature?
Second, What is to be done with the source of the light, or the light itself should we be so fortunate to come across it?
Third, what types of undead might we be likely to encounter?
And finally, as we will be assigned to a specific area of Lasher Castle, is there a floor plan or map of that area so we do not stray?"
Questions asked she sits back and awaits his answers if any.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Monday October 22nd, 2012 6:38:14 PM COMBINED POST FOR GRELL AND WILMA
Grell very eagerly seconded Vaniime's questions, especially in regards to getting a map of the official dungeon, if possible. He was almost salivating at the thought of being able to pound the living daylights...well, in this case, the unliving daylights...out of some ghouls or the like.
Wilma was not talking, her sapphire eyes narrowing as she concentrated on the High Commander and the way he answered the young spirit ranger's questions, all of which were ones that she would have asked herself. She was eager to face the bane of Gargul's pantheon, but she knew it was only wise to get as much information as possible about what was known before the group forayed into Lasher Castle.
Grell Monday October 22nd, 2012 7:27:01 PM
I'm back in business. :) Thank you Donna for taking over Grell for me!
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 18/18/14 Monday October 22nd, 2012 8:00:50 PM
"It would also be helpful to know which other teams will be inside the castle searching for this glow. We don't want to run into any other groups and start a fight not knowing they're on our side. If we use magic to get in, how do we get out?"
Tuck seems a bit jittery, whether from nerves or excitement. Maybe both. He keeps fidgeting.
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) d20+13=24 ; Monday October 22nd, 2012 9:30:39 PM
"I think a simple answer to your question, Tuck, about running into other groups ... and by no means is this comforting advice, but we only need to worry about the dead ... not the living. Is this correct, Sir?" Emrys looks at Graff for agreement. "Sir, are there any special tools we need to better accomplish our goal?" The whole idea of descending into the a domain of the walking dead makes the bard shudder, but he does his best to remain stoic and unperturbed.
He goes through his mind, and tries to determine which of his spells would be the most useful. Alas, he knows no spells that would harm the dead, other than cure magic (Knowledge [religion]: 24). Then he decides is to concentrate on misdirection, and hampering their movement since there is no chance to befuddle skulls full of rotten gunk.
DM Kathy Monday October 22nd, 2012 9:57:18 PM Ariach, Wilma, and Grell listen in silence, but Vaniime has questions.
"We don't know for sure that the glow is magical," he replies to the first question, "but we assume it is. It could, I suppose, be coming from some new kind of undead, which would account for its moving around. Magic is the more likely cause, I'm told."
About what, specifically, you need to do, he says, "If you see the glow, find the source, if you possibly can. If you find the source, try to figure out what it is. Use such detection spells as are available to you. If you aren't sure what it is, observe it closely and remember what it does. If we can describe it later, in detail, to the scholars, they may be able identify it."
What types of undead are we likely to encounter? He shows you a fierce grin. "All of them."
He shakes his head a little when asked for a map. "We haven't been able to turn any up," he says, "although we're still looking. The Castle apparently....resists being mapped.
Tuck asks a question, which Emrys tries to answer. "Your friend has the right of it," Graf tells Tuck. "Your foes will all be the walking dead. Your friends will not be. We will all gather outside the Castle before going in, so you will have the opportunity to see the other groups then."
Asked about special tools, he looks thoughtful. "Silver is sometimes effective against some of the greater undead," he says. "Others need magic weapons. Blessed or holy weapons will often do extra damage against the undead." He frowns. "Some of this is beyond your financial means at the moment, I know. If nothing else, you might want to invest in a few flasks of holy water. It's available at all the temples. Or, your own cleric could make some for you; you've got a day to prepare."
Emrys gives some thought to what spells might be useful against undead. Unfortunately, the answer seems to be "not Bard spells." Undead are immune to anything mind-affecting. Direct-damage spells would work just fine, of course, but for a bard the best course of action is probably going to be bolstering allies.
Graf seems willing to answer any questions you may have. "Anything else?" he asks.
Thessa Tuesday October 23rd, 2012 12:56:13 AM
[OOC: Sorry for the late post.. Got carried away studying for a test tomorrow(later today). I guess my old brain isn't as good at multitasking as it used to be.. *grumble* ]
Thessa remains quietly thoughtful. She listens to the conversation and nods with each of the questions asked. The more information going in to this, the better.
She sits forward to ask one of her own.
"Forgive my being presumptuous, but since you are correct and our funds are scarce at the moment, do you think the League would be willing to offer its members," she waves a hand around the room, "and companions, a stipend to outfit ourselves better? As you said, silver weapons for the warriors and additional scrolls for the magic wielders would be very helpful. Even if it was a loan that could be repaid with interest upon completion might be worth consideration."
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Tuesday October 23rd, 2012 5:34:46 PM
"...and has anyone inquired at the Black Cathedral about auguring Lasher Castle?" Wilma suddenly added. "Or is the place resistant to spells from Gargul as well..?"
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 18/18/14 Tuesday October 23rd, 2012 6:03:41 PM
"I'm not stupid," Tuck says defensively to Emrys. "I just wanted to make sure." Although he tries to hide it, Tuck appears to be hurt.
Having no further questions, Tuck folds his arms and waits for the rest of his friends to ask theirs. His eyebrows raise slightly at Thessa's rather forward suggestion of having the WLA help to fund the team. He doubts that they would be forthcoming in that area. However, Thessa has been with the WLA longer than he. Maybe the WLA operates differently than suspected.
Ariach AC 25/14/19 ; HP 47/47 d20+5=24 ; Tuesday October 23rd, 2012 6:08:25 PM
Ariach listens to the instructions of the High Commander. He has an uncomfortable feeling when thinking of all the undeads there. The trip will not be a picnic and therefore he makes plans for preparing himself better.
After the meeting he acquires some flasks of holy water from the skull market or buys it somewhere else. Then he tries to remember where he can find a person telling him more about undead threats. (local history=5) He wanna collect as many informations as possible.
Back at home he will clean and polish his weapons, his shield and his armor. He will pack in food supplies and he will talk to Grell and Tuck about a battle array. Ariach will propose them that he fights in the middle flanked by the two other warriors. That will give him the chance to protect them with his shield as well.
Ariach AC 25/14/19 ; HP 47/47 Tuesday October 23rd, 2012 6:12:59 PM
2nd post:
local history check was 24
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) d20+13=32 ; Tuesday October 23rd, 2012 10:06:42 PM
A little confused, Emrys replies, "Sorry Tuck, I didn't mean it that way, merely answering a question." After a short pause he continues. "Well, I have a great deal of preparation before tomorrow. While the undead are susceptible to the influence of illusion and enchantment, they are, however, quite impervious to my powers of suggestion or befuddlement of the mind."
(Knowledge [religion]: 32, to recall the traits of the undead)
"Let it also be known that the undead, as Wilma will attest, are not vulnerable to attacks that would stun or paralyze a living creature. These abominations never tire and are free from the worries of disease or poison. Of course, having their head severed at the neck still has the same desired effect. Ariach and Tuck, your talents for bludgeoning would be quite valuable." Emrys turns to Wilma and assuringly says, "I have a cure wand now, I can help with healing. Don't feel you must hold back your authority over the dead."
Grell Tuesday October 23rd, 2012 10:08:17 PM
Flexing his muscles, Grell grins at the description of the assignment. It wasn't *quite* as to play Toss the Corpse when the suckers kept moving, but hey, he was up for a challenge. He listens attentively as the various questions are asked and he does his best to think of any questions that might still need to be answered, but his mind (as it often does) draws a blank. Mentally he thinks through the supplies he'll be needing at the Catacombs. He is thankful that he still has some gold left over, because it looks like the trophies will be plentiful.
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 d20+4=10 ; d20+4=9 ; Tuesday October 23rd, 2012 10:25:57 PM
Van listens to what Graf has to say and then thinks a bit more about what they maybe facing and rellay can't tink of much other than one basic thing of note.
Grell, K'nara, guys, as I recall skeletons, if we run into them are more susceptible to bludgeoning attacks from club, maces, morning stars and staves and the such. Thessa's and my swords may not be as helpful with creatures like these. With others we may have more effect.
DM Kathy Tuesday October 23rd, 2012 10:31:40 PM Thessa asks about the possibility of a loan or some similar arrangement. "I'll see what I can do," the Falcon replies.
Wilma asks about auguries. "Several divinations have been cast," the Falcon says. "The gods decline to tell us what is causing this--at least, not in any way we can understand. We believe the endeavor will be successful, but not without a price."
Emrys has further thoughts on possible strategies, which he shares with the group.
The rest are already looking ahead, to their preparations, and ultimately, to the adventure itself.
Once the meeting breaks up, Ariach heads for the War Cathedral, hoping to procure some holy water. Several of the priests there remember you, and remember that you have already given a substantial donation to Domi's church. When they hear what you need, and why you need it, they give you 4 vials of holy water for free.
Ariach also wonders where he can ask about undead threats. You recall that Wilma is a cleric of Gargul, and therefore probably knows an awful lot about the undead. Maybe you should ask her. Maybe you should have a long discussion with her about the undead. Business, you know. ;)
Grell is mentally planning a trip to the Catacombs.
[OOC: Preparation time! Let me know what your character is doing to get ready. It is still morning when you leave the WLA, so you have the better part of two days (in-game) to make preparations. I have hopes of getting this all done in a single day's worth of posts. Hey, it could happen....]
Thessa Tuesday October 23rd, 2012 10:53:33 PM
[OOC - Since my previous post was "yesterday's" post, this one will catch me up to date.]
Thessa leaves the WLA (with all the others) when they are done talking with Graf. She swallows her uncertainty. The words "not without a price" echo in her head and she knows that this is no school exercise or simple delivery errand. She knows little about the undead, besides what she had read in a few of the books at the royal library at a glance. Nothing that could help her prepare any better than she had.
She heads back to her room to lighten her load a bit. She opts not to take her cloak and leaves her half-worked bow behind. In the event she needs extra storage, she purchases a few extra pouches and small sacks to take with her.
Later in the afternoon, she'll stop by the WLA and see if Graf had managed to secure a loan or other funds. This would give her time to regroup with the Vanguards that evening, discuss how best to spend the money, and still make it to the Catacombs tomorrow to purchase the supplies.
She does make a trip to the Foreign Quarter and the Flying Monkey Tavern around noon to say hi to her barkeep friend and purchase a few loaves of Elven Sweetbread and a skin of wine. If she's going to be in some dank, dusty castle, she wanted something good to eat and drink!
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Wednesday October 24th, 2012 9:21:37 AM
"I would highly recommend that everyone make sure that their primary weapons have at least a basic enhancement spelled on them," Wilma told her teammates. "I have some funds left over from upgrading my staff...Grell, if you're going to the Catacombs, I would appreciate it if you could see about picking up a wand charged with the magic to temporarily enhance weapons." (OOC: Wilma still has 1254gp--don't know if it's enough to get a wand of Magic Weapon, but she's willing to give up the cash.)
"I'll also make a batch of holy water for us to use..." she said, pausing to do some quick mental figuring. "I...think I can make enough to come up with about a half a dozen or so flasks for us...I'll stop by Skull Market to get the little glass flasks, they had some at a stall there..."
Before purchasing the flasks, though, Wilma paid a visit to the Black Cathedral, seeking out the cleric on duty in order to get their advice on the upcoming mission.
"My group will be facing the bane of Gargul," she told her fellow priest, "Have you any advice for us when we go to battle the legions of undead that infest Lasher Castle?"
After getting the advice of priest on duty, Wilma got the flasks she'd be needing for creating her batch of holy water and went home to start on the ritual.
OOC: by my calculations Wilma should be able to make at least six flasks of holy water during the two-day prep time period...she can make eight if Gargul allows for her First Level Domain to be temporarily "swapped out" for the Bless Water spell for these two days only.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Wednesday October 24th, 2012 11:25:55 AM OOC: second "illegal" post
Wilma Says...About Undead:
Most undead are powered by spirits that have not been able to pass into the Shadow Lands so that Gargul can see them and judge where the departed souls are to go as their behavior in life dictated. The circumstances for remaining in the Wold can range from an unexpected death to meeting a tragic or heinous fate to being usurped by necromancy. However the undead form, it is the duty of all clerics of Gargul to see that any such being is freed from the Wold in order to be judged by the deity of life and death.
Most undead are not able to be reasoned with by the living. Minor undead lack the self-awareness, but undead with more intelligence may simply be far too fixated on whatever circumstances created them to engage in productive interaction with the living. (A ghost that haunts the forest clearing where they had been robbed and murdered is a good example.) There are those undead that definitely have the intelligence to communicate with the living--like vampires and liches. A general rule of thumb is, the more intelligence and free will any undead manifests for itself, the more powerful it is.
Undead creatures do not suffer wounds and physical damage in the same way the living do. Minor undead can be harmed by regular weapons, but often to truly disrupt or destroy the undead, the weapon used must be magical in some way or the undead will only reform later or just ignore the physical damage entirely. Nonlethal attacks have no effect on them. The use of curing, healing or positive energy harms the undead even as it helps the living. Since most undead have no "mind" to speak of, they are immune to magic or powers that may effect the mind. Some undead come in forms that require specialized weapons such as silver or materials that effect incorporeal states. Undead do not eat, sleep or breathe...not like living beings do.
Last (but not least), there are almost always undead who manage to find a way to appear to break the above "rules"...especially those who became undead through choice.
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Wednesday October 24th, 2012 2:20:59 PM
Vaniime heads to the druid quarter and other places where thorny vine like weeds and plants might be found and carefully digs up six small thorny vine like plants and then carefully replants them in several small water proof pouches with soil and fertilizer and then waters them.
The rest of the time is spent with her friends planning their forray and readying her supplies.
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 18/18/14 Wednesday October 24th, 2012 6:15:13 PM
Tuck has nothing more that he needs to prepare for their latest excursion. Instead, he offers help to any who need an additional pair of arms for carrying things. Otherwise, he spends his time sitting quietly in his room overlooking the river, visualizing their upcoming trials and how he will overcome them.
Ariach AC 25/14/19 ; HP 47/47 Wednesday October 24th, 2012 7:23:58 PM
Back at the new home of the Vanguards Ariach asks Wilma for a meeting to talk about the undeads. To observe the proprieties they meet at the library. Ariach arrives with two glasses and a bottle of wine in his hands and seems to be nervously.
"Ähmmm.... i didn´t know if you drink wine but i thought it make the meeting more comfortable especially when we are talking about undeads."
He fills the glasses, takes a seat and listens carefully to Wilma´s explanations. When she finishes Ariach´s face is ashy. With a shakily voice he asks for a favor.
"I have heared horrifying tales about undeads and how they are created. So you have to do something for me. If i die, you don´t leave my body in Lasher Castle. You will bring my body back and lay me to rest at an ordinary cemetery. ---- Can you promise that?"
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Wednesday October 24th, 2012 7:49:17 PM OOC: second "illegal" post for RP
"I love wine..!" Wilma said with a smile. "My parents let us drink a little bit on certain holidays...greatly diluted with fruit juice, usually, but..." She sat down on one of the couches and very eagerly launched into the basics about the undead, reeling off the known facts about them with a rather enthusiastic attitude.
"...but even so," the young cleric summed up, sipping her wine, "...it's my duty to dispatch the undead from the Wold that the poor souls attached to them may be freed for their rightful judgment and final disposition as Gargul wills." Spying the look on the noble fighter's face, Wilma belatedly reined in her conviction a bit. Then Ariach made his request.
"Ariach..!" the redhead gasped, her sapphire eyes wide, "I plan to keep all of the Vanguard from having to receive their final judgment from Gargul while we are on this mission to Lasher Castle...but...well...bringing you back from there is the very least I can do. Even if I have to give Grell noogies for the rest of his life, I'll make sure that he bears you back to where you can have that proper funeral!"
Grell Wednesday October 24th, 2012 10:34:31 PM
As Wilma delivers her speech about undead, Grell grunts. "Don't forget about fire...lots of times they don't like fire..." Grell gives an awkward grin at Vaniime... "Sure kinda makes you wish your Dad could be here, huh? Uncle Ingrge could throw a wicked fireball!" Once the group has broken up, Grell collects his adventuring gear and gold and heads to the Catacombs...preferable with the accompaniment of Tuck. Though he would adamantly refuse to admit it, the warrior is more than a little afraid of getting lost in the massive city.
Returning from his trip, Grell spends the rest of his time alternating between organizing his gear and going through the swords forms his mother taught him and Ganz perfected. Then, just for good measure, he races up and down the townhouse stairs until he is completely covered in sweat (which takes a good long time considering Grell's amazing cardio condition). After his work out, Grell takes a jog around the Nightmare Quarter. About half way through his run, Grell spots a small black kitten hiding under a crate near the taxidermy shop....
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) d8=6 ; d10=7 ; d20+12=14 ; d20+18=29 ; Wednesday October 24th, 2012 10:44:23 PM
Emrys spots Vaniime in the Druid Quarter as he sits near one of his favorite trees. She appears to be digging? He decides not to disturb her. Emrys has also found the wooded area of the quarter to be a pleasurable respite from the confinement of city life. Around him several iris flowers begin to emerge from the ground. Emrys had planted each one as part of his daily ritual. A ritual that not just honors his commitment to Eberyon but also to his mother as well. He's always been told that she loved the iris most of all.
After he plants another iris seed, he gathers his things and decides to walk amongst the trees. His communal with nature has always been an exercise of strengthening his bond with the Wold Mother, however today there is an added purpose. He comes across a majestic, red-gum tree. Emrys has always appreciated their colorful, star-shaped leaves and the twisted, knotted limbs. He notices a fallen branch near the base of the tree. There's a section of the branch that is small enough for him to easily hold in his hand. "You're right, this would be useful, thank you." Emrys begins to weave a spell and the misshapen piece of wood begins to straighten. The end opposite his hand bulges into a round knot shape and becomes smooth. The handle molds to a shape that fits his hand more comfortably. After a few adjustments, the length of wood becomes a well-balanced cudgel ... a shillelagh his father would be proud of. One last finishing touch, a small hole forms at the base of the handle, perfect for a leather strap he could tie on later. "Yes, this would be useful, indeed."
(Knowledge [engineering]: 14, Recall reroll: 29. To determine the clubs quality as a weapon and to notice flaws and weaknesses in its construction.)
(Emrys had cast, Wood Shape. Kathy, I thought you wouldn't mind if I made one since clubs don't cost anything in the PHB.)
Grell d20+3=9 ; Wednesday October 24th, 2012 10:50:17 PM
OOC: 2nd post for fun...now that I got my daily post in.
A small smile works it's way across Grell's face as he remembers Dad's "kitty" (a large black panther with attitude). Slowly, he approaches, the kitten, speaking softly and reassuringly (Handle Animal=9). Pulling out a small hunk of cheese, he tosses it to the kitten. "Hello there little one...what are you doing here? This isn't a safe place for you. You should come home with me." Grell does his best to coax the little kitten to come to him, intent on taking it home.
DM Kathy Wednesday October 24th, 2012 11:21:14 PM
You all make your preparations as the day approaches.
Thessa acquires some new pouches and sacks, and leaves her bow project in her room. She stops by the WLA, but finds that Graf has not yet checked back in.
Wilma picks up some extra flasks, then goes to the Black Cathedral to acquire her components and ask for advice. You are able to buy the powdered silver you need. As with Ariach and the War Cathedral, the priests at the Black Cathedral remember you and your donation. You, too, get four vials of holy water for free. Alas, you find you are not able to swap out your Domain spell. But, the six vials you create, combined with the four you received, makes for a respectable arsenal.
Tuck rests and meditates, although he is available for heavy lifting, should any be required.
Ariach meets with Wilma--on a strictly business basis, of course--and asks her about the undead. He also has given thought to what might happen if one of you should fall in the Castle, and specifically requests that you bring his body out if he dies. Wilma vows to do so, but assures Ariach that she means to keep the group alive.
Vaniime and Emrys spend time in the Druid Quarter, each in their own way. Vaniime's activities draw the attention of one of the druids who care for the place; he helps her retrieve her specimens. Emrys is able to fashion a club from a fallen branch.
Grell spends much of the day training. As he is jogging through the Nightmare Quarter, he spots a small black kitten hiding under a crate. It looks at him with its round, fathomless eyes, then opens its mouth in a tiny "mew" that is barely audible over the bustle of the street.
The morning of the big adventure finally arrives. You arise with the dawn (assuming you slept at all) and head for the Outcast Quarter. You have been here before, of course, looking at some flats on Owlbear Street, but today your destination is Lasher Castle.
The Castle is unmistakable. Its stone towers are easily visible over the stout wall that has been built to encircle the entire building. There is no gate or door in the wall, just signs every 20 yards. KEEP OUT they say. This building is sealed by order of the Lord High Mayor. EXTREME DANGER. The Dead walk within.
Milling about near the castle is a good-sized crowd of townsfolk. Apparently, word of the expedition has gotten out, and people are on hand to cheer the brave adventurers. Or possibly make bets about which ones die first.
"Here come some more!" somebody shouts as you approach. A ragged cheer rises from the crowd as you make your way to where the other adventurers wait.
And what adventurers! You see some very well-equipped, obviously very experienced adventurers gathered near the wall. Two more groups arrive, to more cheers from the crowd, as you look around. You begin to see what Indrel was talking about. There doesn't seem to be a group here that's under 10th level. Except you. Gulp.
A hush falls over the assembled townsfolk as Graf the Falcon steps to the fore. He comes over to your group, and hands a few items to Thessa. "Two jars of Silversheen," he says, "And three Oils of Bless Weapon." He looks around at the rest of you. "You'll do fine," he says.
He moves to take up a position near the center of all the adventuring groups. "Gather 'round," he says. "I want to go over your assigned areas."
tl;dr: The big day has arrived. You are outside the Castle. The other adventuring groups are way higher-level than you. Graf has brought you some Silversheen and some Oil of Bless Weapon.
Ariach AC 25/14/19 ; HP 47/47 Thursday October 25th, 2012 6:19:47 PM
Ariach stands straight and isn´t intimidated by all these experienced adventurers. It feels good to know that there will be others in Lasher Castle, too. Others who will fight the undeads and pull together. A feeling of pride rises when he finds out that he, the simple warrior, is part of such an important mission. He inspects the groups and nods to everyone who is willing to greet him as well.
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 18/18/14 Thursday October 25th, 2012 7:29:31 PM
Tuck accompanies Grell on his errands about town, chatting amicably with his friend. He has grown quite comfortable around the burly warrior.
"Have you ever seen any undead, before? I'm a bit nervous. Don't tell anyone. I mean, it's different fighting something living. I know that I can hurt it. If I punch it, it feels pain." He shakes his head, a concerned look on his face as he stares at the street before him. "I don't want to let anyone down."
The morning of the mission, Tuck is up early to get a proper breakfast and work through his katas. Up in the attic, he moves slowly from stance to stance. He syncs his punches and kicks to sudden exhalations of breath.
Back in his room, he looks calmly out at the river as he wraps his hands, feet, knees and elbows in long strips of cloth. His breathing is steady and consistent as he's done this a thousand times before.
In front of the castle, he nods politely at Graf, even as he appraises the other teams.
"I hope they can keep up with us," he whispers to Emrys, nudging him with an elbow.
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Thursday October 25th, 2012 8:02:04 PM
Vaniime spends her time walking to Lasher Castle caught up in some mixed emotions. Having grown up in Saryd's Tower, the home of the Emerald Dragons, she was nearly raised by two of the undead that lived in the tower, Bruss the guard and the Old Elf from Fae Skiemir painting. She understands that most undead are not like them and are, if not evil, at least primarily detrimental to humanoids.
Arriving on the scene she is momentarily surprised by the cheering crowds and finds herself blushing a bit. Especially when they meet Graf and see the other groups, who seem much more mature and experienced. She has a momentary feeling of being overwhelmed and then recalls that she is with her friends and that together they are quite formidable themselves. Straightening up she takes a good look at the other groups and what equipment they might be carrying.
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) d20+14=33 ; d20+13=20 ; Thursday October 25th, 2012 9:34:54 PM
Replying to Tuck's question, "I hope so too!"
Emrys listens to the plan, laid out by Graf the Falcon. However, he wonders why the officials of Plateau City would allow for such a structure to stand. He knows if his father was here, with his friends, they'd reduce this tower to ash, along with the undead masses that shamble around within it.
they say the forest cried the day she died. you have her eyes. open them and see.
"What?!" Emrys' eyes dart around and no one appears to be reacting to what he just heard. The same familiar voice he hears in his dreams, now haunt him while he is awake. Why now? He's not even inside and this place is affecting him in some strange way. He wonders of this place, Lasher Castle. Why do you still exist? What are your secrets?
(Knowledge [history]: 33, about the history and legends of Lasher Castle. Knowledge [local]: 20, notable Lasher family members.)
Grell Thursday October 25th, 2012 10:16:40 PM
***Previous day*** Grell looks over at Tuck with a merry twinkle in his eyes as he tosses a lock of white hair out of his eyes. "Well, we had this old fart of a ghost back at the Tower...man, was he a crotchety old geezer! You have NO idea what it's like to have a ghost lecture you for *hours* about the proper way to don armor and the importance of using the proper technique when cleaning your weapons..." Gunther lets out a long, hearty laugh. "There was this one time that Bruss followed me and Lowell through the entire place...and I do mean the entire, as in *through the walls* giving me one of his lectures on the importance of keeping proper intervals while marching." The smile fades quickly; and Grell shifts his gaze to the ground as he begins to pace. "But I don't think that's what tomorrow's going to be like." Looking up once more, Grell fixes his buddy Tuck with a concerned look. "Look, I get the feeling tomorrow's going to be rough. Just promise me that you'll stick by my side." Grell punches Tuck playfully in the arm and manages a half smile "Cus there ain't nothin the two of us can't handle!"
***Back to the present*** Standing outside the Castle, Grell takes in the other adventuring parties. Will you get a load of that armor?! Slippers of Spider Climb? Sweet!! Though he does his best to not to gawk, the orc in him can't help but be a little jealous. Shifting his gear, Grell moves closer so he can hear Graff's assignment. He looks over at Tuck and give him a thumbs up.
Thessa Thursday October 25th, 2012 10:38:12 PM
The day before the group sets out to Lasher Castle, Thessa gets up and gathers the party funds as discused the night prior, along with the added funds from Wilma, Grell, and herself and sets out to the Catacombs to fulfill the list of items they require for this endeavor. She skips along, humming an old Elven tune her mother sang to her as a child.
After her trip to the Catacombs was complete, she heads back to the house to divvy up the goods. She enjoys a last simple meal before heading up to bed and relaxing for the evening.
The next day, they all set out for the Castle. Thessa was not used to the crowds at all. What were they hooting and hollering for? Where they really supporting the cleanup of the castle? Or were they looking forward to tales of blood and gore that the adventurers would bring back? She didn't pretend to understand and instead finds herself far from the pack of onlookers.
Once inside, she really feels intimidated by the obviously much more experienced adventurers, but is somewhat reassured when Graf delivers a few added supplies. There was a simple confidence in his voice when he said, "You'll do fine," and Thessa clings to those words as if they were from a divine manuscript. She looks over at Wilma and wonders, is this what faith feels like?
She holds out the goods to the group and offers them to whomever needs them. [OOC: something we can determine via email if we want.]
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Thursday October 25th, 2012 11:09:16 PM
Wilma had faith that Grell would be able to acquire the items that the group would be needing during his visit to the Catacombs. She spent her time creating the holy water that she knew her team would be needing for their visit to Lasher Castle. When she wasn't creating the water, she was meditating on the will of Gargul and praying that he favor the Vanguard on their mission to return the souls of the undead of Lasher Castle to him that he may judge their proper place in the multiverse.
Standing with her team outside the official dungeon of Plateau City, a strange sort of peace came over her.
She was Wilma Illutu-Grell...and she was about to embark on the mission she was born to undertake, in the service of the deity she followed. She would do everything in her power to make sure that the undead were dispatched...and the living remained that way.
When Thessa turned around and offered up the items that Graf had presented, Wilma looked over the bottles and jars with great interest.
"These will come in very handy, I think!" she said with a nod. "Let's find out what the exact assignments now and we can see which of us will get what, all right, Thessa...?"
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Thursday October 25th, 2012 11:09:58 PM
OOC: yes, we can figure out the split for the Silversheen and Bless Weapon Oil via email.
DM Kathy Friday October 26th, 2012 1:26:28 AM
[The day before, Grell was able to get close enough to the kitten to grab it. It hissed and struggled, because it did not understand it was being rescued. He took the little kitten back to the townhouse, where it is presently hiding under the furniture. We'll have more kitten hijinx when the adventure is over. :) ]
Emrys tries to think about the history of the castle, and why it is allowed to stand, but comes up blank. [OOC: You don't know because I don't know. All I was given is that this is an "official dungeon" of the Wold. I assume I'm not allowed to mess with it too much. I don't have a lot else to go on.]
Graf waits until the adventuring groups have gathered around him. It takes a while; adventuring groups are not known for their focus and discipline. At last, however, everyone has gathered and is (reasonably) quiet. Graf begins handing out assignments. "Oaken Shield, head for the third floor and sweep west. Tiger Lotus Guild, you're also for the third floor and sweep east. White Rose--" you look up at the familiar name, and you see that yes, there are Saadi Droverson and Tilannen Wintershine, at the back of their group, listening intensely.
Graf goes on giving out assignments. Finally, he says, "Vanguard. Stay on the first floor and head west. We're pretty sure that's a straight route through several rooms; we don't think you'll get lost. Try to keep an open escape route at your back."
An elf mage steps forward, gives Graf a nod, and drops several small objects into his hand. Graf begins handing them out, one to each party. "The mages are going to hold an exit open for us for as long as they can," he explains. "It will not be easy; there are magicks in the Castle that will resist them--and of course there are the warding spells that are designed to keep curiosity-seekers out. These stones," he finishes distributing them, "will begin to glow blue once the way is open and we're ready to go in. When the mages begin to feel that the exit is beginning to collapse, the stones will turn red."
He gives everyone a stern look. "When your stone turns red, that means get out now. Not 'right after we check this room;' not 'once we've unlocked this treasure chest;' not 'after we've killed this thing.' Now. When collapse is imminent, the stone will begin to flash. Which is your cue to start running. If you don't make it out, you'll be stuck inside until we can open an entrance again. That may take a while."
"We are looking for the source of this green glow. Find it if you can. Learn about it if you can. But do not compromise your safety to investigate. It will do no good if you learn all about it and then fail to exit on time."
"Questions?"
tl;dr: Your group is assigned to stay on the first floor and move west. You have a stone that will begin to glow red when it is time to leave. The stone will not be kidding.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Friday October 26th, 2012 12:36:24 PM
Wilma rummaged in her backpack for the extra pair of boots that was stuff in there (why hadn't she remembered to take out the silly things before coming on this mission??? sigh) and removed one of the leather thong shoelaces on it. Then she took the signal stone and wrapped the lace around it once or twice, tying off the thong at the top of the stone before lifting the resulting "necklace" to her own throat and tying the ends of the lace together behind her neck.
"There..!" the young cleric said, glancing down at the stone now resting a couple of inches or so below the base of her throat. "Now we'll be able to see when the stone flashes..."
Thessa Friday October 26th, 2012 3:03:43 PM
Thessa admires Wilma's new necklace and smiles, "Nice idea!"
She finishes handing out the rest of the supplies to the Vanguards and does a quick check of all her gear. Satisfied, she looks up at the looming Castle in front of her, mentally focusing her thoughts on the task at hand.
Quietly, she whispers to herself, "here we go," and pulls out her bow and starts to follow the group into the castle.
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 18/18/14 Friday October 26th, 2012 6:18:29 PM
"First floor. Head west." Tuck mentally tucks that information away. He looks to his friends to see if everyone's ready to go. Seeing Grell's thumbs up, he nods and smiles to the confident warrior.
His right fist smacks into the palm of his left hand, punctuating his next statement. "Let's kill some deaders!"
Ariach AC 25/14/19 ; HP 47/47 Friday October 26th, 2012 6:30:49 PM
Ariach almost wants that the crystal starts turning red already. Alone the imagination to see Wilma's face in the red glow of the crystal, turns his legs to jelly. What a beautiful and proud person. Then he looks over to her brother and Ariach wonders again when he would find the courage to talk to Grell about Wilma.
Then he focuses on the mission again. It will be his task to secure the survival of his friends. He raises his shield, draws his mace and goes into the castle. But he takes care not being the first one. He doesn´t want to convey the impression of being the leader. He´s just the shield of the group.
"By the way - it would be great if one of you could enchant my weapon if it is necessary. It would take a lot of time to get rid of my shield to do so. And of course i have no idea how long such potions work. I know my insight comes late but......" The young warrior smirkes, shrugs his shoulders and tries to avoid eye contact with the others.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Friday October 26th, 2012 6:31:42 PM
"Again." Wilma deadpanned Tuck's pronouncement.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Friday October 26th, 2012 6:37:46 PM (OOC: D'oh! When I sent in Wilma's post Ariach's wasn't on the board yet...but now Wilma's comment appears after Ariach's post. Sigh. Ah, well--the RP posting continues...)
"Grell was supposed to pick up a wand for me that should prove handy..." the cleric of Gargul told Ariach, then turned to her brother. "Grell...were you able to get the stuff on the list..?"
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Saturday October 27th, 2012 1:52:20 PM
Uncharacteristically, Vaniime doesn't have a weapon in hand as she enters, but rather has a piece of chalk clutched in her fingers.
DM Kathy Sunday October 28th, 2012 7:55:51 PM Wilma creates a necklace with your group's stone, so everyone should be able to see it pretty well.
Thessa checks her gear and pulls out her bow. Tuck repeats your assignment to himself. Ariach grips mace and shield more firmly.Vaniime gets out a piece of chalk.
The adventuring groups move toward the wall. You can see the mages now, set apart from the adventurers, chanting their magic incantations that will open the way for you. And, a moment later, a shimmering opening appears in the wall.
Graf the Falcon leads the way through the wall, and across some quite ordinary-looking cobbles toward the front door. Then you remember that the wall is a more recent addition, erected after the undead took the Castle over, and these cobbles used to be just part of the road.
Then you are stepping up to the grand double-doors at the front of the castle. The first adventurers to reach them are able to pull them open quite easily, and then the entire group is in the foyer of Lasher Castle.
It is a huge foyer, with a soaring ceiling and two sets of stairs leading up to a second floor gallery. It is also teeming with undead.
You stand in the knot of adventurers, pressed on all sides, and badly outnumbered, by all manner of living dead. Bony, fleshy, vaporous; evilly intelligent and viciously stupid; walking, gliding, flying, shambling. Toward you.
Reacting instantly, every cleric and every paladin holds aloft their holy symbol and calls for the undead to begone in the name of their deity. You hear many shout for Alemi and Domi, and a few for Pantheon. A beautiful elf woman calls on Flower. Somewhere, a lone voice (it sounds like a gnome) invokes Ffloy's name. There's even a shady-looking half-orc who tosses two dice on the ground and commands the undead to "get outta here" in Wardd's name. And of course, from right in your midst, you hear Wilma's clear voice calling on Gargul.
All those priests and paladins, calling on all those gods at once, creates an unexpected result. There is a burst of pure, radiant energy, and then a golden wave bursts from the knot of gathered adventurers and pulses outward in all directions. And everywhere the golden wave hits an undead, the undead is destroyed. The corporeal ones burst into dust or dissolve to ashes and bones. The incorporeal ones wither into nothingness. The screams and cries are deafening. Within seconds, every undead that was in the foyer, or on the stairs, or on the gallery, has been destroyed. The golden pulse continues all the way to the walls and doors.
Through the walls and doors? It's difficult to say. Once the shrieks die down, and the awed murmurs from the adventurers subside, you think you can still hear scrabbling and creaking off in the distance. It's unlikely that the golden wave destroyed every undead in the castle, or even most of them. It did, however, give every group a good head start, and probably made it possible to keep the exit clear.
Wilma is aware of two things. First, the golden wave was a one-time thing. You aren't going to be able to replicate it, even if all the clerics and paladins act together again. Second, you have not expended a channel energy use. Gargul seems to have given you that one for free.
Graf the Falcon clears his throat. "Let's not waste that," he says. "Get to your assignments. I will remain here and try to make sure everybody makes it out."
Grell AC 21/14/19, HP47/47, Silversheen (Gtswd) Sunday October 28th, 2012 8:14:23 PM
Grell nods and looks over at Thessa. "Truth be told, Thessa picked up the stuff. I had....er..some problems getting my list together..." Grell looks over at the new bow hanging from his back and the shiny new scabbard holding his sword and grins. "Oh, and I got a few more things...Grell passes out several vials to various members. Then he begins to rub the Silversheen into his Greatsword, and he encourages the others to do so as well, considering the effects last quite some time. Grell looks up as Graff asks if there's any questions, but he can't think of anything, so he lets the moment go and waits to find out what questions the others might have.
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) Sunday October 28th, 2012 8:48:12 PM
Emrys staggers a bit from being overwhelmingly awed by the display of divine power. As the other groups begin to make their way up, he starts empowering his friends with a minor but effective divination. He touches each one imbuing them with divine guidance.
(Casting Guidance on everyone. +1 Competence bonus to next attack roll, saving throw or skill check.)
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Monday October 29th, 2012 12:34:25 AM
Wilma pulled out the recently-purchased wand from her backpack.
"Who's on point?" she asked, holding the slender piece of wood aloft. "I need to make sure you're protected first...then I can get everyone else as we head westward..." She looked around the now-empty foyer.
"Which way is west in here..?" she asked curiously. "To our left, yes..?"
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Monday October 29th, 2012 4:36:41 AM OOC: Reading my post, I realize that I may not have been as clear as I meant to be: Wilma is using the wand with Protection from Evil in it on her team members. She'll even tap anyone's non-magic weapons with the other wand in her backpack--the one charged with Magic Weapon spells.
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 22/22/18 Monday October 29th, 2012 11:36:33 AM
As the large group makes it's way into the foyer only to be confronted by a small army of undead, Tuck instinctively recoils with hands up ready to defend himself and his friends.
"Oh man!"
Before the two groups can engage, the clerics release a splendid burst of holy energy, destroying all of the undead. Tuck is momentarily speechless from the display of sheer power. Finally he shakes himself and begins to prepare for the upcoming battles. Taking a potion from his haversack, he quaffs it before following the others.
Drinks Potion of Mage Armor
Thessa Monday October 29th, 2012 11:56:48 AM
Thessa watches the golden pulse with awe. She has never seen such raw divine power concentrated in one area before. She might not be the religious type herself, but she recognizes that the world is better off for having active pantheons of gods. A barely audible "whoah" escapes her lips.
As the groups push forward after the pulses, she pulls the Wand of Shield from her belt with her free hand and keeps it at the ready. She sticks close to the Tuck and Grell, ready to touch them at the slightest hint of danger.
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Monday October 29th, 2012 8:20:39 PM
Momentarily shocked to immobility at being immediately confronted by the multitudes of undead at their entry, Van is far to stunned and shocked to react until as one the clerics and paladins accompanying the groups do their thing and there is a sudden bright blast of holiness the likes of which she had never before experienced, eased her fears and bolstered her mental state to near euphoria, it takes her another few moments to realize that all those undead were now not only gone, but permanently destroyed.
Blinking away the effects of the blast of positive energy, Van moves to the side in the direction which their group would be heading and finding the wall, made two large arrows pointing back toward the door at shoulder and knee height. At Kanara's voice she then turns back toward her and grins.
"I guess that would be me, since we don't have any stealthier types along with us."
Putting the chalk in her pocket she draws her sword and moves to the front of the group.
"Would anyone care to join me," she asks with a wry grin?
Ariach AC 25/14/19 ; HP 47/47 Monday October 29th, 2012 8:23:13 PM
The warrior is very impressed by the pure power of the priests. A little bit sad about the fact he isn´t able to join this community he focuses on his task. Ariach points his mace in Wilma´s direction hoping she will bless it or cast something on it to change the ordinary weapon into a more powerful one which is able to kill all sorts of undeads. When the group starts to explore the assigned territory he will not hesitate to be in the first fighting line.
The sight of the undead surge paralyses the warrior, and he finds himself stunned. It's not that he's seen that many undead before with the exception of the undead at the Tower...but this...this herd was...quite frankly terrifying. His numb fingers fumble toward his sword, but are completely ineffective. His throat dry, Grell manages a quite unmanly squeak as the undead advance. But then, Wilma (and maybe a few of the other priests) utters her command, and the golden wave tears the herd apart!
For the briefest of seconds, Grell stares slack jawed at his sister. Although those times she threatened that Gargul had given her the ability to dispose of him without a trace, he had mostly assumed that she had been bluffing. But now...well, he definitely had a *healthy* respect for his older sister, to say the least! Gulping down the last of his fear and new found awe, Grell takes a position to the side of Vaniime, backing her up. For the time being, he keeps his weapons sheathed, not sure what type of weapon he's going to need...and not sure how much of an enchantment he's going to need. Keeping his eyes peeled for threats (Percept=18), Grell pulls out several pieces of chalk and hands them out to each member of the party. "That way if Van or the rest of us are busy, we can mark our way back."
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) d20+10=24 ; d20+12=28 ; Monday October 29th, 2012 9:57:18 PM
(Survival: 24, to determine which way is West. Perception: 28, for obvious reasons.)
"West is this way," he points.
DM Kathy Monday October 29th, 2012 10:28:57 PM
Shaking off the effects of the massive display of divine power, you turn your attention to beefing up your weapons. And figuring which way west is.
Actually, it's not that difficult; you entered from the south, so west is to your left. You turn and find a door leading off the foyer. That is your assignment, and you head toward it.
Vaniime takes the lead, and the rest of you fall in behind.
[OOC: Last chance to buff! Also, I'll need something like a marching order. Also also, it is dark in here. When you were standing with the other adventurers this wasn't an issue; they had plenty of light to go around. Now, however, you'll need a light source.]
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 22/22/18 d20+10=19 ; Tuesday October 30th, 2012 8:45:45 AM
Tuck removes his ioun torch from his haversack and sets it to whirling about his head, providing the group with a source of light against the creeping dark. He then takes up a position behind Vaniime and beside Grell and Ariach.
"Is everyone ready to go?"
His heart is pounding so hard, Tuck believes that everyone else must surely hear it.
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) d20+12=24 ; Tuesday October 30th, 2012 8:47:09 AM
Emrys eliminates the darkness with the casting of a light spell on the gem embedded on the top of his walking stick, "Illuminatas. He takes a position within the middle area of the group.
(Perception: 24)
Grell AC 21 (23 vs. Evil)/14/19, HP47/47, Silversheen (Gtswd), Guidance, Prot. from Evil, Magic Weapon (Flail, Bow) d20+5=21 ; Tuesday October 30th, 2012 11:17:46 AM
Grell waits for any spells that might be cast. Sniffing cautiously, Grell tries to figure out if there are any undead waiting for them behind the door (though he is doubtless there are, still Track by scent=21). Pulling up close to Vaniime, he speaks in whispers. "Do you think Tuck should kick open the door, or would you rather I open it while you guys cover me with ranged weapons?"
OOC: Can we assume that Wilma was able to give us Protection from Evil and Magic Weapon?
Thessa Tuesday October 30th, 2012 5:30:31 PM
Thessa touches the door opener (Grell/Tuck/whomever) with the Wand of Shield then positions herself within reach of the door, Wand at the ready to touch any others entering if the room on the other side of the door has any enemies.
Her bow is in her other hand ready to provide support if necessary as well.
[Generally, Thessa is most comfortable in the back so she can rain down arrows on the enemy and limit the need for protective magics, but in this place, she's intending to use the wand to protect her comrades, weaving through them to touch and shield them as needed. She can start out toward the back of the pack for marching order, but will not necessarily stay there often.]
Ariach AC 25/14/19 ; HP 47/47 Tuesday October 30th, 2012 7:44:17 PM
It is clear that this strained situation bothers all group members. Therefore Ariach tries to stay calm but it is not that easy. Droplets of sweat drip from his forhead. A last time he takes of his helmet and wipes with one hand over his brow.
"Let´s go Vanguards. Undeads are waiting for us."
"Grell! Don´t be scared. I am with you and my shield will protect you- when you open the door and every second thereafter."
Emrys (ac14 (16evil), hp21/21) prot. evil, magic weapon, light Tuesday October 30th, 2012 8:23:08 PM
(ooc: Oh, I missed that Wilma cast Prot Evil and Magic Weapon yesterday. Adjusting my title line.)
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Protectrion from evil Tuesday October 30th, 2012 8:42:07 PM
With a grin Van turns to Grell.
"I think you should go high right while I go low left and let whoever has projectile weapons smack whatever is in the middle. Are you ready?"
"All right Vanguard, Let's go!"
With that she slings open the door and rolls in low and to the left, sword at the ready.
Grell nods at Vaniime. "Ok, Ariach and I got the right. Tuck you cover Vaniime. Thessa, give us some cover." Pulling his sword, Grell heads in and to the right, ready to hack anything that comes his way.
OOC: I'm going to assume that Vaniime got the Shield spell this round.
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