DM Kathy Tuesday October 30th, 2012 10:41:31 PM
[First, before I forget again, everyone take 1200 XP for the first two scenes.]
You make preparations, get into position, ready yourselves, and......open the door!
You see a short hallway with doors and no undead.
Cautiously, you begin exploring, room by room, moving generally westward. You explore two or three rooms without encountering any undead. Lasher Castle must have once been a grand place indeed; you see the remains of what was probably silk on the walls, and traces of gilding still cling here and there to the moldings and fixtures. Now, however, the place is dusty, decaying, and full of cobwebs.
There is a door leading forward, directly at the end of the short hallway. You open it, your precautions somewhat less elaborate by this point. You enter what was once a parlor or sitting room of some kind. Aside from the door you entered, there are two other doors, one leading west and one leading north.
Oh, and there are four undead in here. They are part flesh, and part skeleton. Their eyes glow with a malevolent red light.
[OOC: You guys are fighting undead on Halloween. How cool is that? :) ]
Emrys (ac14 (16evil), hp21/21) prot. evil, magic weapon, light d20+13=14 ; d20+19=36 ; Tuesday October 30th, 2012 11:48:21 PM
Upon sighting the red-eyed, rotting shamblers, the young bard becomes frozen in fear. He thought he'd be prepared for the walking dead, but being in their presence, the dark energies that animate their carcasses, is too much for his mind to bear. They seem familiar, but as of now, he has trouble remembering his own name.
(Knowledge [religion]: 14, natural 1. Not a good start. Not good enough to start his Naturalist performance.)
Desperate to remember, Emrys quickly calls upon the powers of divination to clear his mind and recall the memory. It then dawns on him, what they are ... "By all that's holy, they're _________!"
(Using Recall to reroll knowledge skill attempt. Knowledge [religion]: 36. He can identify these undead up to 21HD. But he cant start his Naturalist performance until next turn.)
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 24/24/20, Guidance, Prot. from Evil, Magic Weapon (Unarmed Strike) d20+8=19 ; d8+3=11 ; Wednesday October 31st, 2012 7:21:13 AM
"Oh man, here we go!"
Tuck quickly falls into his fighting stance as he moves to N4 and throws a mighty punch at the closest creepy dead guy. Hits AC 19 for 11 damage.
Thessa - HP: 23/23, AC: 13/13/10 (15vsEvil), Guidance, ProtE Wednesday October 31st, 2012 11:56:36 AM
Thessa sees Tuck leap into battle and since he's the only one without a shield in reach, she steps through the door beside Wilma [to O5] to reach out with the wand. She casts Shield on Tuck right after his deadly swing.
She takes a moment to look over his shoulder at the skeleton, its rotting flesh falling from its bones. She shivers and scans the room trying to determine the strength of the foe.
Ariach AC 25/14/19 ; HP 47/47 d20+9=25 ; d8+4=6 ; Wednesday October 31st, 2012 5:17:13 PM
Ariach rushes to J9 and tries to destroy one of the undeads. (Hits AC 25 for 6 damage)
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Protectrion from evil d20+9=17 ; d10+4=6 ; Wednesday October 31st, 2012 8:43:42 PM
Moving to I7 to flank Ariach's opponent, Vaniime cuts down quickly with a vicious slash. AC17 for 6 points damage.
Grell AC 21 (23 vs. Evil)/14/19, HP47/47, Silversheen (Gtswd), Guidance, Prot. from Evil, Magic Weapon (Flail, Bow) d20+12=32 ; d20+12=16 ; 2d6+7=14 ; 4d6+14=27 ; Wednesday October 31st, 2012 9:14:24 PM
Growling in frustration, Grell heads toward the closest undead (M4). "You are SO going down!!" His sword swoops down in a destructive arc, sending goo and flesh flying. (AC32/16 for 27 if crit, 14 if no crit) He waits to see the effectiveness of the blow before upping the anty.
Wilma AC17, 19 vs Evil (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35;Guidance, Prot. from Evil (subbed by Nellie) d20+7=12 ; d4+2=5 ; Wednesday October 31st, 2012 10:09:03 PM
Taking up a position near her brother (N4), Wilma's follows up Grells blow with one of her own. Her quarterstaff slams down on the creature's exposed skull (AC12 for 5). She calls over her shoulder to her brother "Hey little brother, you better be careful how close you let that thing get...don't want it scratch MY new bow!"
DM Kathy d20+4=12 ; d20+4=5 ; d20+4=23 ; d4=3 ; Wednesday October 31st, 2012 10:41:08 PM Emrys sets his mind to figuring out what these things are. The answer eludes him at first, but then he refocuses, and realizes--wights! The good news about that is that you don't need special weapons to hurt them. The bad news is, they can drain levels.
Tuck moves up and punches one. The blow connects, and does damage.
Ariach moves up to attack a different wight. His blow, too, connects. Vaniime moves to support him, and also draws....blood? Whatever.
Grell moves up to support Tuck, and dispatches the wight with a single swing of his sword.
Wilma moves up to support her brother, but her blow misses, and anyway that one is already dead. Or, deader. Or re-dead. Anyway, it's no longer a threat.
The remaining wights, however, are still active. The one Ariach attacked slides over and attempts to slam him, but the fighter's armor is too much for it.
The other two advance on Vaniime. One stumbles and nearly falls, but the second scores a solid hit! Vaniime takes 4 points of damage. Worse, the creature drains energy from her. Vaniime acquires one negative level.
Upon finally remembering what they are, Emrys catches his breath and begins to weave a magical tale about their viciousness and frailties.
(Performance: Naturalist +1. Everyone gets a +1 Insight bonus to Attack rolls, Armor Class and Saves. These bonuses stack with everything else so far.)
"Guard with shield then strike with knife, a scratch from wights will steal your life."
(Perception: 22)
Emrys (ac15 (17evil), hp21/21) naturalist, prot. evil, magic weapon, light Wednesday October 31st, 2012 11:16:57 PM
(ooc: things i forgot to mention)
Emrys moves forward (M7) to make sure everyone benefits from his lecture.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Protection From Evil 2d6=10 ; Thursday November 1st, 2012 12:17:49 AM OOC: I'm back online after three days of being incommunicado! Hooray! Now, I'm assuming that the Guidance spell has been used up in Wilma's misguided attack of last round.
Wilma's sapphire eyes widened even as Emrys rhymed his warning to all--wights--and it looked like those unholy monsters had already tagged her best friend in the Wold with their terrible life-draining powers, too! She sucked in a deep breath, channeling her righteous anger as she stalked forward, bringing her staff up in her two-fisted grip as she bellowed in the voice of command:
"Let Gargul judge..!"
She stopped about ten feet or so shy of Vaniime and banged the base of her staff on the floor even as she uttered the last word of her sentence, expelling a burst of positive energy that engulfed everyone in a thirty-foot radius...
OOC: Wilma has moved to J6 on the map and channeled positive energy so that it will effect everyone. Living people will be healed of 10 hit points of damage; the undead must overcome DC14 to resist the damage.
Ariach AC 25(30) (+1 insight bonus+2 combat exp.+2 evil//14/19 ; HP 47/47 d20+8=18 ; d8+4=11 ; Thursday November 1st, 2012 7:14:32 AM
As the warrior decided to fight for Domi he knew that once would be the day to fight great evil.
Now he is in a castle full off undead creatures and some of them try to kill his allies. Ariach curses his last move. He missed the chance to position himself next to Vaniim. Now it is nearly impossible to help her without giving his foe the chance to strike him down from behind. Reluctantly he decides to defeat his oppenent first and then support Vaniim. Hopefully the others see Vanimmīs akward situation and come to her aid. With a hard blow of his mace he tries to shatter the undead in front of him not forgetting his defense.
(Hits AC 18 for 11 damage / combat expertise: -2 attack/+2AC already adjusted)
Thessa - HP: 23/23, AC: 13/13/10 (15vsEvil), Guidance, ProtE Thursday November 1st, 2012 10:29:33 AM
[ooc: Kathy, I'm not sure if you got Thessa's last round 5' step to O5. It's not reflected on the map.]
Wights? Thessa has only seen sketches of these creatures, and those sketches did not do them justice. They were more hideous than she thought... and the smell..
She shivers and upon hearing Emrys talk about stealing life, she knows it's even more important that she shield as many of the melee fighters as possible.
She steps to N5 and touches Grell with the wand, conveying another Shield. Having seen him almost cleave the wight in half, she says to him, "Amazing! Now do it again! Go help Vaniime!" and a shoots him a quick grin.
Grell AC AC 24 (27 vs. Evil)/14/19, HP47/47, Silversheen (Gtswd), Guidance, Prot. from Evil, Magic Weapon, Shield (Flail, Bow) d20+12=19 ; 2d6+8=19 ; Thursday November 1st, 2012 5:18:48 PM
Grunting a thanks to Thessa, Grell shoots a worried look over towards Vaniime. Slinging the goop from his sword, the warrior works his way across the battlefield. Since Wilma's blocking a direct path to Van (rassin frassin bossy big sisters!) Grell sidesteps toward Ariach, hoping to let him dispatch his walking kokpar and free him up to help Vaniime. Planting his feet just like Ganz had them practice, Grell brings his large blade down in a devastating arc, severing bone and loosely attached flesh (AC19 for 19). "Hey Van, don't worry, we're on our way!" he calls over his shoulder as he attempts to pull his sword free from the wight's rotting innards. As he struggles, he begins to taunt the undead, hoping maybe to get them to head his way "HEY, YOU...YEAH YOU...YOU ROTTING HAGGIS...COME OVER HERE...I GOT SOMETHING FOR YOU!!"
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 29/29/25, Mage Armor, Prot. from Evil, Magic Weapon (Unarmed Strike), Shield, Naturalist d20+8=15 ; d8+3=11 ; Thursday November 1st, 2012 6:05:43 PM
Tuck quickly moves to J8, dodging allies and furniture, to end with a splendid leaping spinning reverse kick, the heel of his shoe smashing into the jaw of W2...hopefully. (Hits AC 15 for 11 damage)
"Van, are you okay?"
Movement: Just wanted to make sure I wasn't abusing the rules. How I understand it, Tuck moves diagonally from N4 to L6 (15ft), straight across to J6 (10ft), then diagonally to J8 (15ft) for a total of 40ft, Tuck's base movement. Please let me know if this is incorrect and Tuck will still move to J8 but will not be able to attack.
Side note, did you notice there were two Js on the map and no H, DM Kathy? Are we under some kind of confusion spell?!
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:14/23 Protectrion from evil d20+16=31 ; d20+9=23 ; d10+4=12 ; d20+9=18 ; d10+4=14 ; Thursday November 1st, 2012 6:13:36 PM
Swearing loudly as she feels the cold bite of the wight's strike, Vaniime fights hard to beat back the coldness that is trying to overtake her body (using hero point, prior to roll, for fortitude save.)
As she feels the cold retreating from her body (Fort DC 31) she strikes out at W1 with her sword AC 23 - for 12 points and continues her slice into her other opponent, W2. Cleave Feat - AC 18 - for for 14 points as well.
In response to everyone's queries, comments and concerns, she calls out to all who can hear.
"I think I am ok at this point, but I don't know if I can handle a lot more of that on a consistant basis, so If you aren't too busy, I could use a bit of help over here."
*******
Protection from evil: +2 deflection bonus to AC +2 resistance bonus on saves prevents bodily contact by evil summoned creatures
Energy Drain: --1 penalty ability checks, attack rolls, combat maneuver checks, Combat Maneuver Defense, saving throws, and skill checks.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt)/AC19vsEvil; HP 35/35; Protection From Evil Thursday November 1st, 2012 7:50:57 PM OOC: just clarifying--the J6 that Wilma moved to IS [b]J[b]6 (as opposed to the "J" that is erroneously replacing the "H" on the map coordinates. That also means that Wilma is NOT blocking anything as far as I can tell, as there is at least a single unoccupied square on three adjacent sides of her, as well as three diagonal sides of her, too.
DM Kathy d20+5=16 ; d20+5=20 ; d20+5=24 ; d20+6=14 ; d20+6=12 ; Friday November 2nd, 2012 4:00:41 AM
Now that he knows what you're facing, Emrys begins to help by providing information about your foes.
Wilma moves up and calls on Gargul to heal her friends and smite her foes. Her foes, unfortunately, do not seem to be affected. [Will saves 16, 20, 24]
Thessa moves up and uses her wand on Grell.
Ariach smacks his opponent again. Vile black ichor spews, but the monster is still on its feet.
Grell moves over to smack one of the creatures attacking Vaniime.
Tuck dodges across the room to land a spinning kick on another opponent.
Vaniime lines up and swings. She downs one of her foes, the one Grell hit earlier. The other reels, but manages to keep itself together for another round.
[OOC: I can see I should have linked to energy drain in my last post, as well as negative level. Vaniime will eventually get a save, but she doesn't get one now. She has a negative level, and will for 24 hours or until a Restoration spell is cast on her.]
The two remaining wights both target Tuck. Both miss.
DM Kathy Friday November 2nd, 2012 4:02:39 AM
Whoops. Forgot the map.
Once Grell is in position, he lets lose with a blow to the back of the spine. The stench of the creature fills his overly sensitive nostrils throwing him off his game. Profanities spew as Grell fumes about his awful performance. "By Gargul's sweaty feet, how can these things smell so *%!@ing bad?! (Power Attack, AC30 for 16).
Thessa - HP: 23/23, AC: 13/13/10 (15vsEvil), Guidance, ProtE Friday November 2nd, 2012 10:20:18 AM
Thessa sees that the battle tide has turned in their favor and the wights seem to be dropping like flies. But, hearing Grell shout to her, she decides erring to the side of defense is probably better for now. She quickly closes the distance, taking Grell's old position at H6 and touches Vaniime with the Shield wand. Hopefully that will prevent her from getting touched again.
Seeing Van's blood drained face worries Thessa, "Are you sure you're alright?" she asks as she shields her.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt)/AC19vsEvil; HP 35/35; Protection From Evil, Naturalist d20+8=12 ; d6+9=11 ; Friday November 2nd, 2012 2:08:56 PM
Wilma didn't show her disappointment that the energy burst hadn't effected the wights the way she hoped it would, taking solace in the fact that Vaniime's injuries had been healed by the positive energy. (OOC: Van should be back up to her max HPs, minus the negative level, of course.)
"Gargul's sweaty feet smell a sight better than these things, brother!" the redheaded cleric snarled, stepping up to the wight that was slightly to the left of Tuck (W3) and swinging her staff at it in a bid to knock it silly.
OOC: sigh. Wilma's blow hits AC12 for 11hp of damage.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt)/AC19vsEvil; HP 35/35; Protection From Evil, Naturalist Friday November 2nd, 2012 2:10:21 PM
OOC (again): Wilma is now at J7 on the map.
Ariach AC 25(30) (+1 insight bonus+2 combat exp.+2 evil//14/19 ; HP 47/47 d20+8=22 ; d8+4=8 ; Friday November 2nd, 2012 3:40:18 PM
Ariach widens his eyes in disbelief after hitting his foe a second time without the expected result. But to his relief he sees the others gathering around Vaniim.
"Now die - you undead monster!"
(Hits AC 22 for 8 damage / combat expertise: -2 attack/+2AC already adjusted)
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:18/23 Protectrion from evil, shield, Naturalist performance d20+9=16 ; d10+4=9 ; Friday November 2nd, 2012 5:16:54 PM
AC Currently 25/18/20
Vaniime tries to adjust her strike, as Grell takes a swing on W2, Wilma's familiar healing energy washes over her and she is tapped from behind by Thessa and the wand, trying to connect with a shot on W3, but doesn't manage to get her best shot in AC 17 (forgot Naturalist Performance bonus) for for nine points.
Protection from evil: +2 deflection bonus to AC +2 resistance bonus on saves prevents bodily contact by evil summoned creatures
Energy Drain: -1 penalty ability checks, attack rolls, combat maneuver checks, Combat Maneuver Defense, saving throws, and skill checks.
Shield: +4 shield bonus to AC
Naturalist Performance: +1 AC +1 Attack +1 saves
Emrys (ac15 (17evil), hp21/21) naturalist, prot. evil, magic weapon, light Friday November 2nd, 2012 6:30:43 PM
(ooc: Van's AC is 25. +1 AC from the Naturalist performance. Along with +1 attack rolls and saves.)
Emrys (ac15 (17evil), hp21/21) naturalist, prot. evil, magic weapon, light d20+5=7 ; Friday November 2nd, 2012 6:50:00 PM
Emrys continues his performance as he raises a crossbow and fires it at the wight nearest him (W3). However, the young bard has the bad habit of closing his eyes upon squeezing the trigger, nervously anticipating the recoil. And again, the bolt lands firmly in the ceiling.
(Naturalist Performance continues. +1 to attack rolls, ac, and saves for everyone.)
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 29/29/25, Mage Armor, Prot. from Evil, Magic Weapon (Unarmed Strike), Shield, Naturalist d20+7=23 ; d3=1 ; d20+7=17 ; d8+4=9 ; d8+4=10 ; Saturday November 3rd, 2012 9:45:50 AM
As the wights surround Tuck, he feels a tinge of fear. Their eyes, so hot with hate. Then his friends are there, slashing and piercing. Tuck's courage is bolstered.
"Aaah! You creepy weirdos! Leave us be!"
He let's fly a crisp two-piece, right cross and left hook on W3, hitting it in the stomach and the face. (Flurry of Blows hits AC 23 & 17 for 9 & 10 damage. Been forgetting to add the +1 damage for Magic Weapon. Ignore the d3 roll.)
DM Kathy Sunday November 4th, 2012 8:24:35 PM Thessa taps Vaniime with the Shield wand.
Wilma misses her swing at the undead, and Emrys misses his shot. Vaniime's shot is a little better. [OOC: Yes, I remember this from getting negative levels as a player. The worst part is all the math. :)]
But between them, Grell, Ariach, and Tuck reduce the remaining wights to piles of smelly goo.
The battle is over.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt)/AC19vsEvil; HP 35/35; Protection From Evil, Naturalist Monday November 5th, 2012 9:04:17 AM
"Well, I was nice and practically useless," Wilma grumped, frowning. She rolled first her left shoulder and then her right, shrugging off her backpack one arm at a time. Then she put the pack on the table beside her, laying her staff down beside it so that she had both hands free to rummage through it.
"I have a scroll that should be useful..." the redheaded cleric said absently, opening the backpack and poking around inside it for a moment. "...those are the skins...that's a pair of extra socks...oh, bother! I just have to get a haversack the next time I go shopping--ah ha!!!" Wilma pulled out a tube and held it aloft a bit triumphantly.
"Here it is..!" she practically sang, then beamed a grin at Vaniime. "I have a scroll here that should help you out, Van." The cleric of Gargul prised open the seal on the scroll and unfurled it.
"While I take care of this," she suggested, "You should take the time to look around the room for anything that we might be able to find--especially if it gives us a clue about that mysterious green light we are supposed to be looking for..." Wilma then went on to use the scroll to cast her restorative spell on the spirit ranger.
OOC: Wilma is using one of her Lesser Restoration scrolls to restore Van's negative level.
Thessa - HP: 23/23, AC: 13/13/10 (15vsEvil), Guidance, ProtE Monday November 5th, 2012 3:31:45 PM
Thessa stood there, amazed at how quickly the battle was over. In all of her skirmishes in school, being limited to magic and ranged weapons, her battle scenarios took many minutes and this one was over in just a few seconds!
She finds herself at a loss for words for a moment and then blurts out, "that was amazing! Those wights fell like kobold dishwashers!"
Having virtually no experience with the undead, she stands over one of the piles of otherworldly goo and curiously pokes around, as if to find some sort of magical charm that brought them from the negative plane.
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:18/23 Protectrion from evil, shield, Naturalist performance Monday November 5th, 2012 6:12:08 PM
Wanting to sags to the ground now that the adrenaline rush has subsided, Vaniime first wipes down her sword blade and then drops to her knees mildly shaking and feeling weaker than the little bit of damage she actually sustained.
As Wilma starts burrowing in her pack she gets a moment of relaxation until she mentions that it is a lessor restoration spell. Before she can use it, Van speaks up.
"Wilma are you sure that is going to do what you want it to do? I would hate for you to waste it. I know that I didn't pay real close attention in my divinity classes, but I do recall there are several different levels of that spell and each does different things."
Ariach AC 25(30) (+1 insight bonus+2 combat exp.+2 evil//14/19 ; HP 47/47 Monday November 5th, 2012 6:54:50 PM
Ariach feels a great relief when he sees that all the enemies are crushed and Vaniim is safe. After a quick glance in the direction of the undead, he turns to Wilma. "Maybe you should talk a short blessing. Their souls have the right to find peace."
Then he goes straight to the opposite door not forgetting to wipe softly over Vaniimīs shoulder when he passes her. "Take care of yourself Vaniim! We nee you! You are part of the Vanguard family."
Ariach takes position at the door opposite the entry. Depending on how the door opens he will position himself in front or next to the door. "This door is safe! Nobody will enter the room without paying a high price. Grell or Tuck, maybe you watch the other door while the rest have a look in here."
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 22/22/18, Mage Armor d20+10=12 ; Monday November 5th, 2012 7:57:24 PM
Tuck takes a few deep breaths to calm the adrenaline surging through him. Slowly, his hands unclench and he flexes his fingers to get the circulation going. He nudges a pile of undead with his boot. Glancing at his friends, he tries to determine if anyone is hurt or shaken.
As Ariach suggests, he moves to keep an eye on the other door while the others have a look around.
"Is everyone alright? That was intense!"
Perception 12
Emrys (ac15 (17evil), hp21/21), prot. evil, magic weapon, light d100=33 ; d8+1=6 ; Monday November 5th, 2012 8:56:17 PM
"Now umph, ... now," adds Emrys as raises his outreached hand toward his bolt stuck in the ceiling, "umm, let us not tempt fate with words that belittle our enemy. Words are living things set upon the wind that have the power to promote disaster from entities with the conviction to meddle." The bolt wiggles and twists free and flies back to Emrys' hand. He then reloads his crossbow. The bard then talks to his crossbow bolt, "Someday you will finally reach your target."
He then walks over to Vaniime. With the wand, Emrys sends a spark of positive energy that heals her wounds.
(Casting Cure Light Wounds on Van. Heals for 6 points.)
Grell AC 24 (27 vs. Evil)/14/19, HP47/47, Silversheen (Gtswd), Prot. from Evil, Magic Weapon, Shield (Flail, Bow) d20+5=13 ; Monday November 5th, 2012 9:56:18 PM
Pulling out a rack from his own backpack, Grell begins to fastidiously wipe the undead goop off his sword. Somehow he had thought that fighting the living dead was going to be more exciting. Instead, it was just...messy. After he is satisfied that his blade is clean and ready for action once more, he turns his attention to checking out the room. He circles the area checking for anything incredibly obvious (Like...oh, say...something glowing green). Then he makes another pass, carefully examining (ie, kicking) the undead bodies. Ending up near Thessa, Grell reaches into his boot and pulls out a dagger. Prying off an exposed skeleton arm, Grell wraps it up in cloth and puts it in his backpack. He looks over at the mage and grins. "Don't suppose you got something back home that'll take the stench off this thing?? I'm gonna mount it when we get home." Seeing that Ariach and Tuck have the exits covered, Grell glances back over at Thessa. "Well, what do you think? You figure out the glow yet?"
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt)/AC19vsEvil; HP 35/35; Protection From Evil, Naturalist Monday November 5th, 2012 10:06:08 PM
"Let me double check on that, Van..." Wilma told her shaken friend, squinting at the spell scrawled on the parchment to see if the magic would be effective against the chill touch of the wight.
OOC: The description of the Lesser Restoration is as follows:
Lesser restoration dispels any magical effects reducing one of the subject's ability scores or cures 1d4 points of temporary ability damage to one of the subject's ability scores. It also eliminates any fatigue suffered by the character, and improves an exhausted condition to fatigued. It does not restore permanent ability drain.
Did I err in my understanding of the wight's abiity to drain energy and give its victims a negative level? I thought that the negative level drain of a wight was only temporary, yes? If so, then would not the Lesser Restoration spell counter the temporary drain..?
"...and I'll be happy to do those poor unfortunates a service, Ariach..." the redheaded priestess said, stepping over to the lifeless husks of the tortured souls the group had just freed. Lifting her hands Wilma solemnly intoned:
"May your journey through the Shadow Lands be swift and sure...and may Gargul judge you true."
DM Kathy Monday November 5th, 2012 11:19:24 PM Thessa marvels at how quickly your foes went down, while Ariach prepares for any potential assault.
Grell cleans his weapon and recovers a souvenir; Emrys recovers his crossbow bolt. [OOC: I don't think the cure spell is necessary. Vaniime didn't take that much hit point damage; her issue is the negative level.]
Vaniime just catches her breath.
Wilma rummages for a scroll, but realizes that Lesser Restoration is not going to do the trick.
[OOC: Lesser restoration dispels an ability penalty. For example, if an enemy caster had cast Ray of Enfeeblement on Vaniime, and sapped her strength, Lesser Restoration would dispel it. Or, Lesser Restoration can restore 1d4 temporary ability damage. If, for example, Vaniime had been poisoned, and the poison had done damage to her Dex score, Lesser Restoration would get some of it back. Or, Lesser Restoration eliminates fatigue, or changes exhausted to fatigued. None of those things is the same as a negative level. Compare the spell description for regular Restoration, which specifically says it dispels negative levels. Vaniime needs a regular Restoration, or a good Fortitude save tomorrow. Nothing short of that is going to work.]
Tuck spends a few minutes looking around. There's not much to see; the furniture is in ruins, and the undead are...well, in a different kind of ruins. There might be some treasure or something hidden in the furniture, but....you know, it's really difficult to examine the room with that weird green light coming from under the western door.....oh.
You all see it now. There is definitely something green glowing on the other side of the western door.
Ariach AC 25(30) (+1 insight bonus+2 combat exp.+2 evil//14/19 ; HP 47/47 Tuesday November 6th, 2012 6:26:25 PM
Ariach notices that green light is glowing on the other side of the door he is guarding. Immediately he raises his shield a little higher and strengthens the grip around his mace. Althoug he doesnīt want to whisper, he cannot prevent it.
"I wouldnīt be sad if one of you guys join me here. From the bottom of my heart i hope we are lucky to find the green light but........ i have a bad feeling."
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt)/AC19vsEvil; HP 35/35; Protection From Evil, Naturalist Tuesday November 6th, 2012 6:33:06 PM
"Oh, darn!" Wilma said, rolling the scroll back up again and putting it in its tube. "I was anticipating a different spell. Sorry, Van..." She tucked the scroll back into her backpack.
"I thought sure that it was the proper magic to help heal you up!" the priestess fretted, putting her arms into the straps of the pack and pulling it into place. "Must have been the green light that confused me, blurring the writing and..." Wilma's words faltered and she blinked as what she was saying and seeing finally dawned on her.
"Green..." she said in a hushed voice. "...the light...it's green..." She reached out and plucked up her quarterstaff, holding it in a tight, white-knuckled grip. The redhead was trembling--with excitement--and her voice turned into a squeaky sort of whisper:
"Guys--GUYS!!! It's the light! We found it!!!" Clearly it was all that Wilma could do to restrain herself from just busting the west door open as she shifted from one foot to another.
"Who's going first? How do we do this? This is SOOOO radical!!! We are gonna just kick sooooo much undead booty..!"
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt)/AC19vsEvil; HP 35/35; Protection From Evil, Naturalist Tuesday November 6th, 2012 6:35:09 PM OOC: goldarnDANGit!!! Ariach's post didn't appear on my browser, but obviously he posted first. Sorry about that.
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 22/22/18, Mage Armor Tuesday November 6th, 2012 8:30:43 PM
Tuck notices the green glow, as well. "Either we're very lucky or...we're not." He smiles, but it looks half-hearted.
"Before we bust in there, how about another round of protective spells. I think that mine have worn off."
Emrys (ac15 (17evil), hp21/21), prot. evil, magic weapon, light d20+16=34 ; Tuesday November 6th, 2012 9:55:16 PM
"Peas and carrots!" mutters Emrys upon seeing the greenish glow. He isnt sure what to do. He has no idea what it is. "Friends, lets not forget our 'hide' potions, have them ready."
Emrys pulls his darkwood lute around and he begins to nervously pluck a little counteractive tune.
(Performing Countersong. Perform [strings]: 34. To act as the group's saving throw against an audible magical attack.)
OOC: Is the duration of a spell from a wand considered being cast at 5th level? That's what my calculations are based on.
DM Kathy Wednesday November 7th, 2012 12:12:49 AM
The sight of the green glow spurs you all to action. You take up positions in front of the door, and do a quick assessment of spell durations.
Emrys strikes up a Countersong.
[Let me know which spells, if any, you're re-casting, and who is opening the door.]
Thessa - HP: 23/23, AC: 13/13/10 (15vsEvil), Guidance, ProtE Wednesday November 7th, 2012 1:48:48 PM
Not willing to take up precious battle time Shielding individuals again, Thessa moves to each unshielded party member (including herself) and as long as they nod, she'll bestow a Shield on them before we open the door. [OOC: let me know who needs a Shield and I'll mark the used charges on my character sheet.]
She then puts the Wand of Shield away and finds a perch on one of the chairs to get some elevation. It'll be easier to shoot through the door if she's shooting over people's heads instead of between them.
"If we can draw whatever is beyond that door into this room with us, we can surround it and have a distinct advantage. Regardless, I'm ready when you are," she says as she pulls a broad tip arrow from her quiver and knocks it.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt)/AC19vsEvil; HP 35/35; Protection From Evil Wednesday November 7th, 2012 3:07:10 PM
Wilma gave Thessa a nod, accepting the elven wizard's Shield spell. She pulled out her own wands and used both on each member of the party who felt they needed to refresh their Protection from Evil or to make their regular weapons Magic.
"Who's on first...?" she asked softly, bobbing her red head towards the door. She knew that logic dictated that one of the warriors in the party would likely be the best choice to open the door--but given the fact that they all knew Lasher Castle had an exploding population of undead, Wilma (being a cleric) was the second best choice.
OOC: I'm sure our esteemed DM will let us know if Wilma needs to renew the Protection from Evil spell on everyone. Since the Magic Weapon spell is one that has a relatively shorter duration, please indicate which of your normal melee weapons your PC wants to have enchanted with a temporary +1 attack and damage bonus. For instance, Tuck will have each of his hands bespelled, using 2 charges of Wilma's wand.
Oh, and if nobody else goes first through the door, Wilma will be happy to do so.
Ariach AC 25(30) (+1 insight bonus+2 combat exp.+2 evil//14/19 ; HP 47/47 Wednesday November 7th, 2012 4:14:29 PM
Ariach thanks Wilma after the cleric has enchanted his mace with her wand.
"Let me go first. If there is an unexpected blast of whatever i have the biggest chance to parry it. I will position myself that Grell and Tuck can take position next to me. With 3 warriors in front we hopefully can avoid attacks on the others who are behind us. In return the second row should be able to cast their spells undisturbed and shoot arrows without hesitation."
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 28/28/24, Mage Armor, Shield, Prot. from Evil, Magic Weapon Wednesday November 7th, 2012 6:14:22 PM
Tuck accepts a tap from Shield, Protection from Evil, and Magic Weapon wands before he steps up to the door next to Ariach.
"I'm ready to go."
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:18/23 Protectrion from evil, shield, hide from undead Wednesday November 7th, 2012 6:59:29 PM
Still feeling weakened and not wanting to put her friends in danger, Van steps to the rear and sheathing her sword pulls out her hide from undead potion, quaffing it in one swallow and then takes out her newly enhanced bow and nocks one of her silver tipped arrows on to the string.
"Ok all, try to leave a central alley for me to shoot through, she states as the other three move to the front."
***********
Protection from evil: +2 deflection bonus to AC +2 resistance bonus on saves prevents bodily contact by evil summoned creatures
Energy Drain: -1 penalty ability checks, attack rolls, combat maneuver checks, Combat Maneuver Defense, saving throws, and skill checks.
Shield: +4 shield bonus to AC
Hide from Undead:
Emrys (ac15 (17evil), hp21/21), prot. evil, magic weapon, light d20+12=13 ; Wednesday November 7th, 2012 7:50:56 PM (BTW, the Naturalist performance is not active. Emrys needs to first identify the enemy before he can perform it. The current performance is Countersong. IF we get hit by an audible magical attack, everyone will receive a saving throw equal to my performance roll, which is 32. Unless you can roll higher.)
Emrys will accept both magical wards from Wilma and Thessa. He wonders if it's possible to identify this green, glowing entity. How will he determine its purpose or nature? Most importantly, will they all survive to tell the tale?! Just before they prepare to open the door, Emrys will (officially) begin his countersong as a precaution. He doesn't know what to expect.
(Perception: 13, natural 1)
Emrys (ac19 (21evil), hp21/21), shield, prot. evil, magic weapon, light Wednesday November 7th, 2012 7:54:20 PM
(whoops, wrong stats in title bar. here we go.
Grell AC 24 (27 vs. Evil)/14/19, HP47/47, Silversheen (Gtswd), Prot. from Evil, Magic Weapon, Shield (Flail, Bow), Bless Weapon Wednesday November 7th, 2012 9:08:51 PM
Taking up his spot next to Tuck, Grell readies himself for what lies beyond. Before he goes in though, he remembers to take his chalk and mark the door, pointing back the way they came. He makes sure he does it the same way that Van did in the previous few rooms...namely shoulder and knee height. Then he readies his sword once more and prepares to enter the room beyond.
DM Kathy Wednesday November 7th, 2012 11:36:35 PM
[OOC: Protection from Evil is minute/level, so it's still active.]
Ariach volunteers to go first, with Tuck and Grell right behind him. Vaniime, still feeling a little sub-par, lingers in the back. Wilma takes a moment to renew spells, and Emrys keeps the Countersong going.
Thessa, after renewing enchantments, steps up onto an upholstered chair so she can see over her companions. The chair is not in very good shape. In fact, Thessa's weight rips an even larger hole in the cushion. And she can see that, stuffed inside the chair, there is a wooden box.
You open the door. On the other side is a hallway, going from your left to your right. The hallway, like the rest of the Castle, was once grand, but is now very tattered. It is also, mercifully, free of undead.
The green glow seems to be coming from the right.
Ariach AC 25(29) (+2 combat exp.+2 evil//14/19 ; HP 47/47 Thursday November 8th, 2012 6:40:56 PM
Ariach opens the door and is very surprised not being attacked. He goes straight to the right where the green glow is coming from. He goes slowy and expects an attack after each step. From time to time he turns to his companions to assure himself that he is not alone.
Emrys (ac19 (21evil), hp21/21), see invisibility, countersong(32), shield, prot. evil, magic weapon, light d20+12=22 ; Thursday November 8th, 2012 8:20:46 PM "Lefty looty, righty bitey," mutters Emrys as he recalls the old adventurer expression. The phrase has always meant to be a kind of light-hearted jest when trying to decide which direction to go. However, now it has taken on a more sinister tone.
He continues to gently pluck at the strings of his lute and tries to keep the volume to a minimum as he moves with the group (Countersong 32. Maintain as a free action). As another precaution, Emrys decides to cast one of his more powerful divinations. Without uttering a single word or making a grand gesture, his eyes suddenly become clear and shiny, like glassy orbs of crystal. (Casting See Invisibility. Emrys can see invisible and ethereal creatures. Was cast using his Fey Magic ability, as a spell-like ability. Duration: 40 minutes.)
(Perception 22)
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 28/28/24, Mage Armor, Shield, Prot. from Evil, Magic Weapon d20+10=18 ; Thursday November 8th, 2012 9:15:30 PM
Tuck glances down the hallway to the left. "I dislike leaving unknown areas behind us," he says to no one in particular.
He tries to make out what might be down the hallway opposite the green glow. [b]Perception 18[/b}
Grell AC 24 (27 vs. Evil)/14/19, HP47/47, Silversheen (Gtswd), Prot. from Evil, Magic Weapon, Shield (Flail, Bow), Bless Weapon d20+5=15 ; Thursday November 8th, 2012 10:07:39 PM
Talking his chalk, Grell makes sure he marks the way back once more, not wanting to get lost in the hallway. Then he takes up his spot by Ariach once more. HIs armor jingling is no competition for the overwhelming pounding in his ears. The adrenaline surges and his vision strains against the darkness, searching for signs of anything ominous. (Percep=15)
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:18/23 Protectrion from evil, shield, hide from undead Thursday November 8th, 2012 10:11:46 PM
Staying in the background, Vaniime follows along checking back over her shoulder every two or three steps in order to make sure noting sneaks up on them from behind.
Wilma (subbed by Nellie) d20+11=18 ; Thursday November 8th, 2012 10:40:57 PM
Her quarterstaff clasped in a white knuckled grip, Wilma takes up her spot toward the middle of the group, checking both in front of the group and behind them (Perception=18). She looks about anxiously for the undead she knows to be lurking in the shadows, ready to dispatch them back to Gargul. As she's checking the rear, Wilma frowns a bit at Vaniime's current state. She is disappointed that she wasn't able to help her friend and worries that she might be a bit weaker than she's letting on.
DM Kathy Friday November 9th, 2012 12:14:14 AM
Cautiously, you advance into the hallway. Emrys enhances his vision, but sees nothing he didn't see before.
Tuck is understandably reluctant to leave unexplored territory behind you. Of course, since the hall goes left to right, you'd have to do that regardless. If it's any consolation, you can see that the hallway to the left ends after about 20 feet. There is a door down there, leading to the west.
But you are headed right, where you saw the green glow. You can't quite make out where it is coming from. Is it moving? It's hard to tell.
You seem to be getting closer, but then the glow flickers a few times and disappears.
Thessa - HP: 23/23, AC: 17/17/14 (19vsEvil), Guidance, ProtE, Shield d20+5=7 ; Friday November 9th, 2012 2:31:30 PM
Thessa sees everyone moving into the hall and out of sight. Not eager to be left behind in a place like this, she steps down from the couch and quickly looks at the wooden box she exposed. (Perception: 7) Not paying it much mind, if it's small enough to grab and go, she'll tuck the box under her arm for later inspection and hurry after the group.
Ariach AC 25(29) (+2 combat exp.+2 evil//14/19 ; HP 47/47 Friday November 9th, 2012 3:39:36 PM
Although the green light disappears Ariach moves in the direction where he has seen the light before. He cannot say what is weirder- the green light- or the now prevailing darkness.
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 28/28/24, Mage Armor, Shield, Prot. from Evil, Magic Weapon d20+10=27 ; Friday November 9th, 2012 5:37:34 PM Perception 27
"This is creepy," Tuck whispers. He keeps slightly behind and to the side of Ariach as they move down the hallway. The ioun torch continues to circle his head, lighting the way. As they move, he scrutinizes the floor, the walls, and the ceiling. Anything out of the ordinary. Anything that might be a trap.
Emrys (ac19 (21evil), hp21/21), see invisibility, countersong(32), shield, prot. evil, magic weapon, light d20+12=16 ; Saturday November 10th, 2012 3:37:57 PM
Emrys whispers, "agreed, i'm uncertain if i feel relief or alarm from the dying of the light." The bard steals a moment to scrutinize the hall in which they creep. In hush tones, Emrys adds, "friends, we can find solace with the fact i detect no phantom or being, magically cloaked or unseen."
(Perception: 16, these bad rolls need to stop. Perform: Countersong: 32, free action.)
Grell AC 24 (27 vs. Evil)/14/19, HP47/47, Silversheen (Gtswd), Prot. from Evil, Magic Weapon, Shield (Flail, Bow), Bless Weapon (Gtswd) d20+5=6 ; Sunday November 11th, 2012 3:43:02 PM
Once more marking their way, Grell takes up his position on the opposite side of Tuck. His does his best to whisper, though the pounding in his ears make it hard to control his tone. "I wish we could just find it, pound it and get out of here!!" He takes a quick look around but doesn't spot anything...as a matter of fact, he misses seeing the small bit of broken furniture at his feet (Perct=6) and trips on it. His armor jingles and clangs noisily as he tries to regain his composure...barely managing to check his impulse to spew profanities.
DM Kathy Sunday November 11th, 2012 7:47:28 PM Thessa scoops up the box. It is not what you'd call small. It's quite long, in fact. It will be very awkward to carry under your arm. Extra-dimensional storage is probably the way to go.
Without the green glow distorting your view, you can now see that the hallway continues ahead for another 40 feet or so, before becoming a "T" intersection. There is one door to your left, and another to your right, a little further down. Both doors are shut.
So, what happened to the green glow? Did it go around one of the corners and down the other hall? Did it somehow go through, or under, one of the doors? You aren't sure.
Tuck is alert for a trap and Emrys continues his countersong, but there doesn't seem to be anything hostile here.
Emrys (ac19 (21evil), hp21/21), detect magic, see invisibility, countersong(32), shield, prot. evil, magic weapon, light d20+12=31 ; d20+10=18 ; Sunday November 11th, 2012 8:55:08 PM
"There must be some kind of trail," Emrys muses, "we only need eyes to see." The bard casts another spell and attempts to divine lingering auras of magic possibly left behind in the path by their mysterious green prey.
(Perception: 31. Casting Detect Magic to detect a trail of lingering auras and possibly an aura strength. Spellcraft: 18, to determine aura strength and school. Countersong32 continues as a free action.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt)/AC19vsEvil; HP 35/35; Protection From Evil d20+11=15 ; Sunday November 11th, 2012 11:27:50 PM
Wilma swallowed a bit nervously, frowning at the sudden disappearance of their luminous quarry. She craned her neck, looking around in front of the group as well as behind in search of where the green glow had gone. OOC: voluntary Perception check result is 15.
In looking around, however, the cleric's sapphire eyes fell upon the sizeable wooden box that Thessa now sported under one arm.
"Souvenir..?" she asked, nodding to the new acquisition. "What is it?"
Continuing to occasionally mark at and knee and shoulder the route they are taking, Vaniime continues to watch their rear making sure that no one is coming up from behind.
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 28/28/24, Mage Armor, Shield, Prot. from Evil, Magic Weapon d20+10=25 ; Monday November 12th, 2012 9:09:18 AM
Tuck waits on the Emrys to provide any information as to which way to go. If his spell does not provide any information, then Tuck suggests going right, back the way they came to clear out any rooms still behind them.
Perception 25
Thessa - HP: 23/23, AC: 17/17/14 (19vsEvil), Guidance, ProtE, Shield Monday November 12th, 2012 10:03:06 AM
Thessa huffs and puffs to catch up to the rest, her arm already starting to ache from the size and awkwardness of carrying the big box.
She turns to Wilma, "I'm not sure, but I almost put my foot through it when I stood on that big upholstered chair. Do you have a bag we can put this in to check out later?"
She looks around and notices the absence of green light.
"Where did it go? Has anyone looked for traces of magic?"
Thessa sets the box down and casts Detect Magic. She looks around for traces of whatever caused the light, but also takes a moment to examine the box at her feet as well.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt)/AC19vsEvil; HP 35/35; Protection From Evil Monday November 12th, 2012 1:50:52 PM OOC: if the DM could give us the box dimensions, we could probably guess at what's in the box. Just from the initial description it could be something as long as a rod or even a short sword.
Ariach AC 25(29) (+2 combat exp.+2 evil//14/19 ; HP 47/47 Monday November 12th, 2012 5:39:49 PM
Ariach continues his way in the same direction. He hopes to find more answers at the T- intersection in front of him. He doesnīt dare to look back over his shoulder when he hears Thessa talking something about a box she has found. His eyes fixate the point in front of him where he expects enemies all over. Irritated about all the noise coming from his comrades he whispers. "With all due respecti is it possible you guys could be less noisy? We are in enemy territory and not at an afternoon coffee party." Recognizing this wasnīt very gentle he adds "I am sorry but i donīt feel comfortable with the whole situation."
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