DM Kathy Sunday September 16th, 2012 11:17:45 PM
At last, you put the flurry of your graduation from Maplehurst behind you. You pack up all your gear, and load your trunks, bags, and boxes into carts and/or wagons for the journey to Plateau City.
You are on your way!
You enter through the Quest Gate, and find yourselves again in the bustle of Adventurer's Square. You have been here before, with your professor, but now you are adventurers, too! The signts and sounds are as exciting as ever.
You head for the Red Wyrm Inn, and they have rooms available. By the end of the day, you, your trunks, your bags, and your boxes, are all loaded into rooms on the third floor.
Your first task, now that you have arrived, is to find a place to call home. Your first option is actually right here. You could adventure out of the Red Wyrm Inn. It'll probably be a little pricier than regular lodgings, and it won't have that feeling of "home," but it is an option.
Your parents and professors have all warned you that finding lodging in Plateau City is no easy thing. You will need a strategy and a game plan.
[Questions to consider: where do you want to try to find loding? We are in the process of revamping Plateau City, so don't assume a particular quarter is the way you remember it from earlier games. Check the Woldipedia. Also, are you going to try to find a place where you can all live together? Would you rather split into two or three groups? And even if you'd rather find a place all together, would you be willing to split into two or three groups? All things to consider before you start house-hunting.]
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) d20+11=23 ; d20+11=16 ; d20+7=9 ; d20+9=17 ; d20+12=28 ; Monday September 17th, 2012 7:01:00 PM
Upon arriving in Plateau City, Emrys is filled with nervous energy and becomes overwhelmed by an insatiable thirst to acquire information about the locals and places of interest. After getting settled at the Red Wyrm Inn, he goes out to the street and looks for areas where decrees, adverts and bulletins are posted for the public to read (perception: 23). He calmly strolls the street, with his trusty walking stick and his most pleasant yet nonchalant expression. He doesn't want to appear as a recent arrival (perception: 16, sense motive: 9, bluff: 17). He keeps his eyes and pointed ears keen for any hint of information from the people around him, especially for more permanent lodgings. He considers places that would have information about such things. Even recent obituaries ... 'out with the old, in with the new, I've always said.'
(Knowledge [local]: 28)
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 17/17/13 Monday September 17th, 2012 7:02:19 PM
Tuck puts his things in a corner in his room. "I don't have much to my name, do I? Hmm."
The thought doesn't seem to bother him, rather it interests him. What would that corner look like in 10 years?
After he has taken a few minutes to lay down and enjoy his new room, Tuck tramps out to bang on everyone's door.
"I'm going out to explore a bit! Who wants to come?"
Grell AC 22/13/18, HP47/47 Monday September 17th, 2012 10:15:35 PM
His mouth slightly ajar, Grell takes in the wonder that is Plateau City. He is struck the sheer *magnitude* of the city. While he had been here on the field trip, things had been structured so that he really hadn't had a chance to really take everything in. But now... Trying really hard not to look like a kid in the Wold's largest candy store, Grell plops his equipment and gear into his room and throws himself on his bed. He still can't believe they're actually going to be adventurers in THE CITY! Taking a deep breath, Grell bolts upright. "I thought you'd never ask!"
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Monday September 17th, 2012 10:37:10 PM
"I would like to visit the Black Cathedral, please," Wilma said. "If we're going to be an official team of adventurers for the City, I need to know where to report for worship and meet my future temple contacts."
DM Kathy Tuesday September 18th, 2012 12:12:54 AM Emrys, restless, goes out to look around. You notice quite a few things. There are, here and there, various notice-boards where people might advertise for Adventurers Wanted or Used Gear for Sale or Lodgings to Let. Now, however, the boards are pretty much empty. A notice of a missing cat flutters forlornly in the upper corner of one of the boards. Another thing you notice, as you make your way around the Dragon Quarter, is that the adventurers here look...old. Of course, people can and do adventure into middle-age and beyond, but the adventurers of the Dragon Quarter look a little skewed to the older end of the scale. You see gray hair, weathered faces, and signs that armor has been expanded a time or two. They still look as if they know their business, but--you don't see any adventuring groups your age. Or even ten years older than you. This is what you find in the Dragon Quarter. If you go to other quarters, let me know.
Shortly after Emrys leaves, Tuck, Grell, and Wilma also find themselves anxious to explore the city. Wilma has a specific destination in mind: she wants to check in at the Black Cathedral. (I'm assuming that the other two tag along). Accordingly, you head south through the Circus Quarter and its lively, colorful atmosphere. You cross the Endless River, and keep a wary hand on your purse as you make your way through the rough-and-tumble Rogue Quarter. At last you emerge in the Skull Market, where all manner of macabre trinkets are for sale. Looming above the Market is the skull-shaped Black Cathedral: the Temple of Gargul for Plateau City.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Tuesday September 18th, 2012 2:35:26 AM
"If you come with me into the temple," Wilma told Tuck and Grell, "You'll have to be polite...most temples of Gargul aren't what you'd call 'festive'...more's the pity. I really do think they could use an official festival of Life and Death--not enough people seem to realize that Gargul isn't a god of killing or murder...he's the one responsible for seeking out the truth of one's soul and--" The young acolyte recognized the rather glazed look in her sibling's eyes and stopped, clearing her throat.
"Sorry, guys," Wilma apologized, a bit embarrassed, "I can come on a little strong. I just want people to give Gargul the proper respect, is all. Anyhow, I have to go and check in with the temple staff here. You can tag along or poke around in the Skull Market while you're waiting for me." With that, Wilma went into the temple to learn about who staffed the Black Cathedral and to give them her tithe from her adventuring so far.
Upon arrival Vaniime unpacks and then decides she should take a visit to the catacoms and see what she can do about spending some of her hard earned booty.
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 d20+5=24 ; d20+5=10 ; Tuesday September 18th, 2012 6:48:26 PM
Back in Plateau City Ariach feels restless. He decided to leave the City for his warrior education at Maplehurst and because he wanted to be away from his parents- he wanted to live his own life.
It would be easy to knock on his parentsī frontdoor and ask for his old chamber. But he is to proud for that. He is now a member of the "Vanguards". A member who will live close to his friends- maybe at the same house if the finde one.
While he puts his stuff on the floor in a tiny room at the Red Wyrm Inn, he thinks about where he can get informations about available accommodations. (knowledge local=24, knowledge engineering=10)
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 17/17/13 Tuesday September 18th, 2012 9:16:05 PM
Tuck takes a moment to look over the imposing Black Cathedral. He wasn't one for religion. The gods existed, their hand could be seen in the Wold, but autonomy was important to Tuck. He didn't begrudge anyone their beliefs, so long as they kept from hurting innocents.
"I'll go in with you, Wilma. I'll try to behave, but tell me if there is a specific ritual I need to observe while we're within. I must confess to ignorance when it comes to these things." He gives her a youthful smile. "I would like to stop by the Woldian League of Adventures post in this city. I want to join. Then make a few purchases at the Catacomb. If you guys don't mind stopping there after the Cathedral."
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Tuesday September 18th, 2012 10:27:42 PM (OOC: second "illegal" post)
"Thank you, Tuck," the redhead said, smiling, "I don't think you'll be expected to participate in anything--just respect the sanctity of the temple while I'm there." She tilted her head as she thought for a moment.
"And I think that I'd like to see what the WLA is about, too," she agreed. "I've heard that they're a very good guild for adventurers."
Grell d20-2=8 ; Tuesday September 18th, 2012 10:28:42 PM
Grell allows Wilma to head over to the Black Cathedral, though he is not at all interested in going in. The last few days had done wonders for healing some of the animosity he had toward his sister, but a temple of Gargul was the one place he wasn't sure he'd ever be able to set foot. He nods at Tuck, but remains outside.
As he hangs out around the Skull Market, Grell idly pokes at a Yrthak claw which has been turned into a ladies handbag. He reminisces back to graduation day when his Mom had told him she was proud of him, and he wonders why it meant so much to him. I mean, it's not like she hadn't said she was proud of him before. But somehow this time was different. He thinks back to all the lessons he's learned during his years at Maplehurt...about the bitterness and anger that were so much a part of him when he started school. He casts his gaze about the massive city around him and ponders. New city...new life...new beginnings. He nods his head in answer to the silent question he poses to himself. Yes...it was time to turn over a new leaf as it were.
A slight pounding at his temples alerts Grell that he has mentally overexerted himself, so he busies himself by asking around the Market, trying to see if there might be any lodging options nearby or chances for an adventure or two. (Diplomacy=8). Mentally he curses that Lowell wasn't here. Somehow, his twin had the knack for finding out this kinda stuff.
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) d20+9=26 ; d20+12=14 ; d20+17=25 ; Tuesday September 18th, 2012 11:17:35 PM
Emrys easily notices the emptiness and the age of the Dragon Quarter. 'This is odd,' he thinks to himself. 'The center of adventuring appears to have moved ... I wonder where?' He asks around gently, as to not to offend any sour feelings about the turn of adventurer traffic and gather what information he can get. He will also consider what he knows of Plateau City and where the next logical location would be.
DM Kathy Wednesday September 19th, 2012 12:17:07 AM Wilma and Tuck step into the cool quiet of the Black Cathedral, a sharp contrast to the noise and color outside. Wilma recalls that she does know, or at least know of, a couple of the priests who work here. Crugeon Uryter has given guest lectures at Maplehurst a time or two. He is, alas, a walking stereotype of a Priest of Gargul: tall, thin, ascetic, lugubrious. Not much fun. There is Darstina the Cudgel, an acquaintance of your parents, but the last you heard, she was still actively adventuring and only using the Black Cathedral as a home base of sorts. You could search for one of them, or you could just talk to whoever's handy.
Grell explores the market. People keep trying to sell you curses and hexes. "Romantic rival, sir? This'll do the trick." "You look like a man who needs to get even. Achliar the Gray guarantees results!" It's a little creepy, even if some of the trinkets are interesting.
Ariach, who grew up in the city, turns his thoughts on where to acquire lodging. You know that there are any number of houses, rooming-houses, flats, studios, and cottages that might be available for sale or rent; the trouble is finding them. A person could wear out a lot of shoe leather wandering the various quarters, looking for notices..... aha! Ariach remembers that although there are likely places to live scattered here and there throughout the city, many of the properties are managed by brokers or companies in the Gold Quarter. Perhaps a visit to one of these establishments would yield a list of possibilities.
Vaniime hurries off to the Catacombs.
Emrys, wandering the Dragon Quarter, realizes that it isn't quite as advertised. You ask around about the changes you see, and oh boy, do you get an earful! You learn that young people today don't want to work hard and put in their time; they're all off to the Scab, or the Uncharted Lands, or the new Emerald Kingdom, or Domi knows where else. You learn that the center of adventuring is still right here, and don't let anyone tell you different. A little gentle pressure reveals that a lot of these adventuring companies have been "between adventures" for several years, "but we're still active, young fellow, never doubt that! The Wold gets in danger, we're the ones who'll save it!"
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Wednesday September 19th, 2012 12:56:44 AM
In spite of the fact that Wilma personally thought of Crugeon Uryter as definitely being of "the old guard" (so to speak,) she went in search of him anyway--courtesy demanded that she at least let him know she was going to reside in the city, and he did have a very firm grasp on the historical aspects of Gargul's pantheon.
"Preceptor Uryter," she greeted the elder cleric with a bow, "I am Wilma Illutu-Grell...I was a student at Maplehurst the last few times you graced us with your lectures. I will be committing myself to the defense of Plateau City and New Elenna and residing in the city, so I have come to familiarize myself with the Black Cathedral and to give the temple my tithes."
Dreppi HP 33/33 AC 16/13/14 Wednesday September 19th, 2012 2:09:39 PM
Ooc: hey all I was gone out of state for a week. I'm back now. =) I'll post after work.
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 17/17/13 Wednesday September 19th, 2012 6:08:50 PM
Tuck wanders through the Cathedral, trying his best to be quiet. He looks wonders at the architecture and the overall size of the building. It was certainly quite amazing.
When Wilma has finished speaking with her contact, Tuck falls in step beside her. "So, tell me about this place. What's the history behind it? It's quite intriguing!"
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 d20+5=9 ; d20+5=16 ; Wednesday September 19th, 2012 6:56:41 PM
At the Gold Quarter Ariach looks for a broker. (knowledge local=9, knowledge engineering=16) He knows that the brokerīs service will not be cheap. The Gold Quarter is known for a place which tend to be expensive. Itīs said it is a privilege to spent his money at the shops of the Gold Quarter. He passe the Blue Ale Tavern and goes straight to "The Morining Star apartments" where he hopes to get more informations about a broker. Already there he asks for the price of such an apartment.
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Wednesday September 19th, 2012 7:52:48 PM
(OCC: ok all school is kicking my but right now so my posts may be a bit short and boring for the next couple of days.)
As Vaniime wanders to the catacombs she takes in te sights, a bit disturbed at how run down things seem to be. It doesn't seem to be much like what her parents told her about the place.
After her time in the Catacombs, Vaniime heads into the hindquarter to see what might be found in the way of lodging, keeping an eye out for her compatriots.
Grell Wednesday September 19th, 2012 10:36:15 PM
An image of Ariach with Wilma flashes through his mind as the vendors hock their wares, but Grell quickly dismisses the idea. New leaf...new leaf...new leaf. His mantra running through his head, Grell grunts a "No thank you". Then he heads over a couple of stalls and examines some of the exotic stuffed creatures. As he pokes around, he wonders how much longer Wilma and Tuck are going to be. The place gives him the heebee jeebees, and so he's more than anxious to get a move on to another less "exotic" place.
Emrys listens intently to the experienced adventurer as he tells his tale. "I hear you, Sir. I can't agree with you more. It is a pleasure to know that there are still champions like you around. That is exactly why my friends and I have come to Plateau City. We seek to make a name for ourselves, here in the center of the adventuring world. We all value the same principles, cut from the same cloth as you. Any advice you could give would be most appreciated." If the adventurer wishes to give any words of wisdom, Emrys listens earnestly and carefully (Sense Motive: 12).
"We are staying at the Red Wyrm. My name is Emrys Myrridanmyl, ask for me and we can drink to your valor and maybe you can speak of your adventures."
DM Kathy Thursday September 20th, 2012 12:29:01 AM
"Ah, yes. I remember you." Preceptor Uryter looks down his long nose at Wilma, his expression implying that the memory is not one he cherishes. "I shall inform the Bishop that we have a new....adventuring cleric in the city. I can take charge of your tithe, if you like, or you can place it in the box." He waves a thin, bony hand in the direction of a large wooden donation box. "You may, of course, explore the cathedral, but I ask that you do not disturb any services in progress."
Grell, meanwhile, prowls the market stalls, impatiently awaiting his sister.
Ariach wanders through the Gold Quarter. You see well-dressed people going about their business. Most of them seem inclined to look down their noses at you. The Morning Star apartments are, of course, a bit too expensive for adventurers just starting out, but the manager there is able to direct you to a small office in a nearby street. Painted on the window is "Jelzix Otterbrook Properties." You enter, and a half-elf woman looks up from her ledger. "Good afternoon, sir," she says. "How may I help you?"
Vaniime wanders into the Hindquarter to look around. You are very excited when you first see a "For Rent" sign on a sturdy little house on a quiet side-street. True, it probably isn't big enough for the whole group, but it seems like a bit of luck, finding something so quickly. But as you continue to wander the streets, you see several "For Rent" and "For Sale" signs. You'd been told that lodging was hard to find in Plateau City; you can't help but wonder what's going on.
Emrys wraps up his conversation with the older adventurers by asking for some advice. "Pay your dues," the grizzled fighter tells you. "Don't expect to be slaying dragons right away. You have to earn your fame and fortune, young man." He seems on the brink of launching into another speech about The Trouble with Young People Today, so you buy him another drink and make a hasty escape.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Thursday September 20th, 2012 3:37:11 AM
It was all Wilma could do not to roll her eyes at the elder cleric's dismissive attitude. Ah, well--Gargul would see what was truly in the Preceptor's soul when his time came...it wasn't for her to judge.
"Thank you, Preceptor," the acolyte said, giving into Uryter's care the pouch that held her tithe, "I would rather give you the money--I'm a bit too nervous about leaving five hundred gold lying about in a box. Give my best to the Bishop!" She smiled and made the traditional obeisance before leaving the cleric's presence.
"Come along, Tuck," she told the young monk with her, "I'm done here--we'd best catch up with Grell before someone in the Skull Market talks him into buying some bloody entrails for good luck or something..!"
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Thursday September 20th, 2012 6:38:41 PM
After inspecting the half-elf woman Ariach gives her a warm smile. "Good afternoon! May i introduce myself? My name is Ariach Gatelatch. I am a member of the "Vanguards". The "Vanguards" are an adventuring group which decided to settle down in Plateau City. Now we need accommodation in Plateau City. The shelter should be large enough to provide space for 6-10 people. A small stable or the like would certainly be an advantage. We need a strong, clean building. By no means pretentious, though, according to the taste of my colleagues, it could be something fancier. It should be within a reasonable area. Since I am from Plateau City I know that you better hire a professional broker if you plan to rent or to buy a decent house."
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 17/17/13 Thursday September 20th, 2012 6:58:38 PM
Tuck laughs. "You two fight like brother and sister, for sure. I'm an only child. Well, I think I am, at least. I'm my father's only child, anyway. I don't know who my mother is. Hmm! I don't know, maybe I do have some brothers or sisters out running around, somewhere." The thought intrigues the monk.
When they catch up to Grell, Tuck suggests going to visit the WLA office. "Do either of you know where it is? I suppose it'd be in the Dragon Quarter, since that's where all the adventurers hang out. Do you guys want to visit?"
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) d20+12=23 ; d20+12=23 ; d20+12=26 ; d20+12=25 ; d20+9=17 ; d20+11=23 ; Thursday September 20th, 2012 7:20:08 PM
After the old fighter had left, Emrys is finding it hard to contain his mounting annoyance. Not a bit of information to go on, other than the trend of younger adventuring guilds dispersing to other locales. If that is the case, then Plateau City should be ripe for the picking. Then he feels something brush up against and continues to bounce past him. "Huh? Aughh! ... is THAT a tumbleweed ... in the Dragon Quarter?! Really?!" That is not a good sign.
Emrys does his best to contain his disappointment and put on a more pleasant face. With no leads to go on, he tries again to gather information about employment, a place to live, rules and unwritten rules and who best to talk to. Emrys is confounded, he should know something. He's been planing this move for years. He's studied the various organizations, guilds and the governing body. "Oh where should I go?" (Knowledge [geography]: 23, to know the location of nearest community or noteworthy sites. DC 20) (Knowledge [local]: 23, to know local laws, rulers, and popular locations. DC 10) (Knowledge [local]: 26, to know a common rumor or local tradition. DC 15) (Knowledge [local]: 25, to know hidden organizations, rulers, and locations. DC 20)
If nothing helpful comes to mind, he will continue to search for information while he wanders the shops and markets along the streets. (Diplomacy: 17. Perception: 23)
Grell Thursday September 20th, 2012 10:40:41 PM
Grell sighs in relief when Tuck and Wilma return. He's all smiles at the mention of heading to the Dragon Quarter. "Would I!!" Let's get out of here! Besides, I want to check out the WLA gym. I hear it's got the BEST equipment in the Wold." The warrior is all grins and even whistling a happy tune as he heads toward the fabled Dragon Quarter.
DM Kathy Friday September 21st, 2012 12:17:27 AM
"Goodbye, Wilma," the Perceptor says, cordially enough. "May the Eye watch over you."
Wilma and Tuck meet up with Grell in the Skull Market. There is some interest in visiting the WLA, so you retrace your steps back to the Dragon Quarter.
Emrys, getting a little frustrated, turns his mind to where else he might look for information. A good place for things of interest to adventurers, he realizes, is probably the WLA whose headquarters is right here in the Dragon Quarter. You begin heading in that direction, and you see Wilma, Tuck, and Grell headed your way, apparently with the same purpose.
"Oh, yes, Mr. Otterbrook has several properties available," the half-elf woman tells Ariach eagerly. "But...6 to 10, you say? I'm not sure he has anything that large at the moment." She pulls a sheaf of papers out of a drawer and begins looking through them. "Most of what's available are flats," she says, sorting through the stack. "Or smaller houses, especially in the Hindquarter. Hmm...no....no..." She reaches the end of the papers, and looks up at you, chewing on her lower lip. "We could probably find two properties close together," she says. "Two flats in the same building, for example, or two houses on the same street. Would that be suitable, or do you all need to be under the same roof?"
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 17/17/13 Friday September 21st, 2012 5:38:21 PM
Tuck waves at Emrys. "Hey, man. Are you going to the WLA, too?"
After finding the headquarters, Tuck steps in and looks for a representative to speak with.
Walking up to one of the places for rent and tries to find someone to talk to. If she finds anyone around to question, she asks if the person knows of any place big enough in the area for their group or how she might contact a person that might could help her.
Knowledge local 6 (ouch) Knowledge geography 14 Perception 24
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Saturday September 22nd, 2012 6:04:31 PM
Ariach listens carefully to the half-elf womanīs proposals. "Both possibilities would be fine for us- i think. But maybe you can show us the objects tomorrow morning? Right now we live at the "Red Wyrm Inn". We meet there at 8?"
Satisfied that his efforts were successful he strolls back to the Red Wyrm Inn. There he waits for his friends and tells his companions about his arrangement with the half-elf broker.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Sunday September 23rd, 2012 7:55:49 PM
Wilma remembered that Emrys had mentioned going to visit some sort of procuring agent who knew the city, and so headed that way to see if the trio she was in could manage to hook up with the bard. Fortunately she, Grell and Tuck managed to do just that.
Oh, and look--Ariach was there, too. How lucky!
Upon hearing that the only known options seemed to be two flats in same building or perhaps two smaller properties on the same street, Wilma thought it over.
"We should look into both possibilities, I suppose," Wilma advised. "We'd have to actually see them in order to compare them as choices." She shrugged. "And...we still ought to check out that League of Adventurers...that just might be another choice we aren't aware of yet."
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) Sunday September 23rd, 2012 9:33:34 PM
"Hello all, funny meeting you all here, most fortuitous. Yes, Tuck ... I decided to give the WLA a try. Information seems to be on short supply in the Dragon Quarter."
Emrys stops them all before going in the WLA offices and confides in his friends. "If you haven't noticed, there isn't an army of adventurers here in the Dragon Quarter, especially young adventurers. I've learned that the growing trend with the various guilds is to station themselves at far away locales. Plateau City is practically ripe for the picking. We have leverage here, they need fresh blood and from the looks of it, we are the only supply."
DM Kathy Sunday September 23rd, 2012 10:24:45 PM Vaniime wanders the streets of the Hindquarter. You see houses for sale and rent; however, none of them seem large enough to house an entire adventuring party. Most of the signs you see have information about where to make inquiries. You notice that many of the houses are managed by various people and companies in the Gold Quarter, although some have other contact information. In short, if you want a smallish house in the Hindquarter, it really wouldn't be too difficult to find one.
Ariach finishes his business in the Gold Quarter. The clerk agrees to meet with you at the Red Wyrm Inn at 8 in the morning, ready to show you some properties.
Emrys meets up with Wilma, Tuck, and Grell (but not Ariach) at the WLA headquarters. Those of you who want to can join the WLA; there are clerks on hand to help you with your paperwork and collect your fee.
Emrys gives an update on what he has found, and I'm going to correct a few things. The Dragon Quarter is as full of adventurers as it ever has been. It's just that those adventurers tend to be older, and many of them have been "between adventures" for a while. They (presumably) still train and prepare spells an so on; they just haven't spent a lot of time recently killing monsters and taking their stuff. And it isn't so much that the guilds have left--the guilds are still here. But plenty of younger people, seeking opportunity, have left for the Scab or Rum or the Emerald Kingdom or Bryn Baraz.
Your business at the WLA takes a bit of time, so you have time to catch up and compare notes. [And hopefully, our new player will jump in and start posting! Tom, did you get my email?]
Grell Sunday September 23rd, 2012 10:42:17 PM
Chomping at the bit to see the fabled WLA gym, Grell taps his foot impatiently. "Yeah...yeah..can we get to the WLA headquarters already? We've got a place to stay for now, can't this wait until tomorrow?" "
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Monday September 24th, 2012 2:15:24 AM OOC: my apologies...I understood from Ariach's post that he was with Emrys--no biggie, ultimately. Everyone in the group will no doubt discuss what they've seen and heard while out on the town during their grop meal (presumably together.) I'll do an In-Character post later today.
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Monday September 24th, 2012 3:32:53 AM
Sitting on a table in the "Red Wyrm Inn" Ariach enjoys one glas of wine while waiting for his friends. He thinks about the upcoming adventures and what the group will decide to do next.
Thessa Monday September 24th, 2012 12:00:57 PM
[OCC: Inside the WLA, as the group enters]
Thessa leans over the counter, standing an easy half foot taller than the clerk behind it, giving him a stern look of reproach.
"What do you mean that's all you've got? You know I can't go in there alone!"
Thessa hears the door close and realizes they aren't alone. She sighs, then takes a breath and quiets her tone, but her frustration is still completely obvious.
"Listen, I'm tired of being the League's mail carrier. I know there aren't a lot of options at the moment, but I want you to look back in that book of yours and find me something useful.. please?"
She glances back to the people that entered and gives them a small, apologetic, almost embarrassed smile then turns back to the clerk and quietly taps her boot as he searches through his paperwork.
--
Thessa Duirsar is a tall, very slender young elf woman with fine, chiseled features and deep blue eyes. She has long, almost jet black hair that flows around her shoulders, kept out of her face by a lovely silver circlet of ivy and leaves. She wears fitted black pants, a loose white shirt, and on her belt, along with several small pouches, is a beautiful curved blade in a sheath. On her back is a normal backpack and over one shoulder she carries a leather satchel. Over the other shoulder is an exquisite quiver that has a slight glow coming from one of the compartments.
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 17/17/13 Monday September 24th, 2012 7:54:31 PM
Tuck smiles at Grell's impatience. He keeps to himself that he is also excited about seeing what the WLA has to offer.
He takes note of the tall elf and gives her a nod and smile should they catch eyes.
Stepping up to an available clerk, he smiles. "Hello, my name is Tuck Gryphon. I would like to join the League. Is it still two thousand gold? I have that right here." He reaches into his haversack and produces his purse.
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) Monday September 24th, 2012 9:16:02 PM
"Two thousand gold!" blurts out the bard, thankful that he wasn't drinking anything at the moment. That was enough for Emrys to hear. "Sorry to leave you all in such a rush, I just remembered another appointment that I must keep. See you at the Red Wyrm." Before allowing much time for an inquiry, Emrys is out the door.
He hadn't truly considered joining the Woldian League of Adventurers. It was never his goal. He looks toward the Grand Sage's tower. That's where his first stepping stones to his destiny lie. Emrys turns and starts heading in the direction of the The Sages Guild.
Grell Monday September 24th, 2012 9:32:52 PM
Trying very unsuccessfully to hide his excitement, Grell strides up to one of the clerks. "Yes, I'm interested in potentially joining, but first, I was wondering if I could get a tour. I've heard a lot about your trai..." The last of his sentence trails behind as Grell suddenly spots Thessa. His mouth hangs open for a couple of seconds as his brain takes in the immense beauty of the young elf. His cheeks turn bright red as he realizes that he was staring, and his eyes shift down to the floor as a vision of Vaniime flashes through his head. His stomach suddenly in knots, Grell tries to pick back up his conversation, but it's clear he's very distracted. *ahem* "Your training...facilities...I've heard...good things..."
DM Kathy Monday September 24th, 2012 10:10:39 PM Thessa is talking to the clerk.
"We've been over this," he says. "You aren't an adventuring company. You're one person. You have to find a couple other people, at least, before I'll have anything real for you. Sorry, Thessa."
[OOC: Thessa went to Maplehurst, and was a couple of years ahead of you. Whether your character recognizes her or not is up to you.]
Tuck steps up to the clerk, ready to pay his fee and join the WLA. The clerk is happy to take your money and sign you up, and a few minutes later, you have your very own WLA pin.
[OOC: I don't know if there's anything else I need to do as DM to confirm your membership, but as far as I'm concerned, you're a member.]
Emrys, hearing the fee for joining, decides he has business elsewhere.
Grell is eager for a tour, and soon he is being shown around the headquarters. The fabled gym is not, perhaps, everything he dreamed of (as a practical matter, it would be difficult to have actual griffons and dragons on hand), but it is bigger and better than the training facilities at Maplehurst, which aren't exactly terrible. There are archery targets, which can be set at different ranges. There are sparring dummies of cloth and wood, a whole rack of practice weapons, and numerous clubs, weights, and balls for training. It's pretty awesome.
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Monday September 24th, 2012 11:13:27 PM
Having had semi luck, Van continiues to wander when she sees Wilma, Grell, Emrys and Tuck heading somewhere with a purpose. Falling in along behind them Van is content to just follow along keeping track of them and who if anyone might be watching them.
As they head into the WLA Van waits outside and just moments later sees Emrys charge back out of the building. Half drawing her sword she waits to see what is pusuing him and when nothing follows calls out.
"Psst, Emrys where's the fire? where are the others?"
Dreppi HP 33/33 AC 16/13/14 Monday September 24th, 2012 11:26:33 PM
Dreppi having become lost exploring the city, asks random merchants and people looking for his fellow adventurers. He got alittle too involved in his alchemy and forgot about where the group was going, having finished his work. He headed out. He described the group as best he could though wasn't for sure how successful he was.
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Tuesday September 25th, 2012 5:34:52 AM
Ariach wonders at the fact nobody of his friends show up in the "Red Wyrm Inn". He orders already his third glas of wine and the alcohol starts to bother him. But as a warrior he knows how important it is to enjoy the time of peace. Way to fast it can happen that he dies on the battlefield not being able anymore to enjoy life. "Waiter! Bring the best meal you serve."
Thessa Tuesday September 25th, 2012 10:39:07 AM
"Two thousand gold!"
Thessa turns her head at the outburst. It wasn't the worst reaction she's seen to the price of membership, and considering it costs a small fortune to join it wasn't surprising. What was surprising was the person who made it. Only catching his profile, she couldn't help but notice his copper-blond hair and for a moment her mind is taken back to school, some three years ago. The haze of time parts and she remembers a name. Emrys. But before she can say anything he's gone.
She takes a moment to study the rest of the group. They all seemed familiar to her. She caught the glimpse and subsequent blush of the white haired young man and offered a tentative smile back. With his rippling muscles, he looked like he could wrap that huge sword around someone's neck if the need arose. The other, taller young man looked impressive as well. His leaner muscles stretched taught around his thinner frame. A name came floating to the forefront of her mind.. Tuck. He had seemed so young when she left Maplehurst, but judging from his stance and his battle-worn staff, his training had been expeditious and effective.
She then turned to the girl with the red hair. The color reminded her of one of her favorite trees in Culverwood in the fall. She smiled slightly at the memory. How she missed home! The attractive young woman seemed to have a disarming demeanor that made Thessa feel at ease. Judging from the chain shirt with the large eye symbol on it, she knew she was a priestess of some sort. Thessa quietly berated herself for skipping all of her religion classes while at Maplehurst.
After the white-haired fellow leaves excitedly for his tour and Tuck purchases his membership, Thessa approaches.
"Welcome to the Woldian League of Adventurers. Tuck, right? I think we went to school together a couple of years ago. I'm Thessa Duirsar." She turns to each of you and smiles.
"It's nice to see new faces and an enthusiasm for actually adventuring for a change. So many veterans seem rather apathetic about it these days. And I'm finding that there is only so much that a single elf can do on her own." She tries to smile sweetly, quietly ignoring the nervousness she feels about approaching relative strangers.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Tuesday September 25th, 2012 8:39:44 PM
"Hey...I remember you..!" Wilma said to the newcomer. "You helped out Van with her Ranged Combat finals the year before last. Her full first name is Vaniime...she's an elf spirit ranger. I don't know if you remember me--we didn't have much contact, you and me--I was studying for my Gargul Purification Rituals test about that time. But...well, gosh, it's been a while! How are you? Have you done much adventuring since you graduated?" Excited to see someone she knew (albeit only slightly) from Maplehurst, Wilma became rather animated and was smiling even as she more or less grilled Thessa, obviously hoping to get a "True Life perspective" of an adventurer's life after graduation from her.
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) Tuesday September 25th, 2012 8:42:29 PM
Emrys stops and confides with Vaniime. "I was stopping by the WLA to glean a little information. I wasn't considering to join. However I ran into Wilma, Tuck and Grell along the way and they seem so enthusiastic about joining. I simply didn't want to be painted into a corner and I don't wish to reveal my true plans just yet. Those plans being a member of The Sages Guild, in an adjunct capacity, of course."
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 17/17/13 Tuesday September 25th, 2012 8:50:50 PM
Tuck smiles widely as he places the pin on his tunic. "Eh? What do you think about that, guys?" He strikes a pose for Grell and Wilma, hands on hips and chest puffed out to present his newest, shiniest accessory.
His foolishness ends quickly when Thessa approaches and greets him. He had only given her a quick glance when they entered. Now that he was closer, he remembered her from Maplehurst. He was envious of how easy she and the other elder students made it look. Plus, she was quite attractive, something a teenage boy paid close attention to.
As Tuck turned to face Thessa, he assumed a more professional stance; straight, shoulders back, head held high. Just as Ganz demanded.
"If you're going to be a monk, at least stand like one. Maybe that will scare your enemies into thinking you know what you're doing. If that doesn't work...well, Tuck, I'd suggest you run. You fight like a sissy."
Tuck smiled just a bit. If only Ganz could see him now. No doubt he'd proclaim Tuck the best stander in his class.
"Thessa," he finally says. "I do remember you. How are you? We just arrived and were walking about the city. It's a small Wold, huh?"
No. Doubt.
Grell Tuesday September 25th, 2012 10:12:26 PM
Grell half heartedly follows the tour guide around, only catching about half of the guide's words. His mind keeps drifting back to Thessa and Vaniime. He thanks the guide when they return. "Yeah, that's really nice! I like your free weights area. Count me in!" Grell pays his membership fees and fills out the necessary forms. He smiles broadly when he is presented the membership pin, already savoring the adventures he will have being part of such a prestigious society. If only Lowell could see him now...wouldn't he just be jeal...
A small twinge of anger flairs up in Grell when Tuck makes his performance. Who does he think he is showing off like that?!
And then, just as quickly as the rage came, it is gone, leaving the orc raised warrior more than a little confused. WHAT was that?! He shakes his head in confusion. The flood of emotions that her presence evokes sends his mind down paths he's not accustomed to traveling. Unconsciously he takes a step back away from Thessa, as if she were a viper. It's like Chieftain Grell always said "If you can't fight it, eat it, or toss it, it's probably best to avoid it."
Then again...the old orc hadn't ever seen an elf as beautiful as this one! I mean, just look at the way those pants hug her well muscled hips! I mean, she must run a couple of miles every day to be that well toned... Where in the name of Maarteuses pustules did these thoughts come from?! the warrior muses internally.. Once more Grell finds himself blushing, and decides it's probably time to leave. "Errr...I'm gonna just *cough* head back and check on Ariach. Don't want him getting lonely.... I'll meet you guys back at the Inn..." Bowing his head slightly toward the newcomer elf, Grell bolts for the door as if the building was on fire and structurally unsound, and promptly bumps into Vaniime. His face turning beat red, Grell completely looses the ability to articulate any spoken language. Instead, he manages to stammer an apology before he continues his hasty retreat back to the Red Wyrm Inn.
DM Kathy Tuesday September 25th, 2012 10:57:52 PM Vaniime and Emrys meet up outside the WLA, and Emrys catches her up on what is happening inside.
Dreppi is taking the opportunity to just wander for a bit. You bask for a while in the wonders of the Dragon Quarter before moving south into the life and noise and color of the Circus Quarter. Here, there are street performers, and snatches of song and poetry coming from open windows, and all manner of art displayed for sale. You continue south, and cross the river into the Trade Quarter, and the pandemonium that is the Open Palm Market. You see all kinds of goods for sale, some of them looking extremely dubious. However, you do not fear being lost, because you remember that you, and the entire group, are staying at the Red Wyrm Inn in the Dragon Quarter. When you end your exploring and make your way back, you find Ariach there, enjoying a meal and a pint, and eager to share his news with the group.
Wilma, Tuck, and Grell make (or renew) the acquaintance of Thessa, in the WLA on business. Indeed, Tuck and Grell are especially enthusiastic about speaking with Thessa.
Grell is able to join the WLA, and soon has a pin of his own.
You all begin to talk about returning to the Red Wyrm and seeing what your compatriots have found out today.
Dreppi HP 33/33 AC 16/13/14 Tuesday September 25th, 2012 11:44:50 PM
Arriving at the Red Wyrm Inn, a wide grin spreads across his face. "Ariach! Hows your day going!? I enjoyed a day of exploring the city and also find everyone. Being to such a giant city for the first time ever is daunting yet exciting! Hows the food here?" sits down at the table.
Thessa Wednesday September 26th, 2012 2:50:26 PM
Given her rather serious nature, Thessa rarely smiles, but Wilma's energy and enthusiasm iss rather contagious and she can't help but smile at her as she is assailed with questions.
She noted Tuck's straight posture and change in stance. He looked almost uncomfortable, which made it all the more endearing. She reaches out and touches his new WLA pin and smiles, ""It looks nice on you." And she shows off her own pin on her collar.
Grell's hasty exit didn't go unnoticed either. Thessa wondered if she had done or said something that disturbed the young human. She was still rather unsure of herself when it came to the nuances of human communication.
Struggling to remember the red-haired girl's name Thessa nods, "I remember Vaniime well. She passed with honors if I remember correctly. She seemed nice and a pleasure to work with. You are friends?"
"As far as adventuring here, there are plenty of opportunities for groups outside the city, which has sent many of the younger resident adventurers out into the wilds. I seemed to have missed the 'rush', so after my WLA training I started picking up odd jobs from WLA and the elven consulate. There are fewer local opportunities and even those will take more than a single person can handle alone."
Thessa pauses for a moment and her eyes move from Wilma, to Tuck, to the door Grell so hastily left through.
"There IS talk of a WLA expedition to Lasher Castle, if dealing with undead sounds intriguing to you. Is it just the three of you and Vaniime then?"
Thessa silently chastised herself for her overly business-like demeanor - something she has been working on. She knew she needed to relax.
"Perhaps we should discuss over a drink or two? It would be my pleasure to buy the first round..."
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Wednesday September 26th, 2012 7:01:28 PM
After Dreppi takes place next to Ariach, the young warrior looks up from his plate and grins broadly. With his mouth full and greased fingers he points to the piece of meat laying in front of him. "Excellent! The smoked meat here is one of the delicioused things i have ever eaten. I warmly recommend you to order one."
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 17/17/13 Wednesday September 26th, 2012 7:17:27 PM
Tuck is confused by Grell's hasty exit. The man was acting strange, lately. When Thessa points out her own WLA pin, Tuck smiles and relaxes his stance. "It looks good on you too." His smile is quickly replaced by an incredulous look. He seems to be quite perplexed with his sudden awkwardness.
"Uh, there are more than four of us. We're staying at the Red Wyrm Inn. I believe we're heading back there, if you would like to come with us. I'm sure the others would like to meet a fellow alumnus." Tuck looks to Wilma for confirmation.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Wednesday September 26th, 2012 9:02:53 PM "Awesome idea, Tuck!" Wilma enthused, then beckoned to Thessa. "Come on along, then--we can introduce you to everyone in the Vanguard and maybe even help you out with qualifying for that assignment that the WLA seems to have available..." The young priestess practically bounced out of the building.
"I can't afford to join the WLA officially yet," she admitted a bit dolefully, "I went to the Catacombs and got some healing supplies and this really neat staff--" Here Wilma proudly held up the carved staff of black wood in her right hand. It was easily a little over five feet in length. The staff was an exceptionally well-crafted weapon, about an inch and a half in diameter, with the top part of the staff flaring out to a roughly three inch globular head, whereupon was deeply carved the sign of the Open Lidless Eye--the symbol of Gargul.
"What do you think...?" Wilma asked. "I think the craftsman did a marvelous job--if I ever decide to further enchant the staff, the carver told me that I can easily have a gem or the like inlaid into the middle off the pupil there...I'm leaning towards getting a garnet or maybe even splurging for a ruby that glows when I'm using whatever the magic in the staff will be." The anticipatory chuckle that followed her statement sounded almost sinister...then she sighed.
"But...that will have to wait for some time," Wilma said with another gusty sigh. "Right now I can't even pay the WLA fee because I had to tithe to the temple when I first got to the City."
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Wednesday September 26th, 2012 9:15:33 PM
Van has just finnished chatting with Emrys when Grell comes bolting out the door and nearly runs into her. As he stutters and stammers his way through an apology as he rushes off Vaniime shakes her head and looks after him with a bewildered look on her face.
"So Emrys, shall we wait for the others or do we follow our retreating comrade and see what scared him so much?"
DM Kathy Wednesday September 26th, 2012 10:17:42 PM
Your errands mostly finished, you all meet back up at the Red Wyrm Inn, with Thessa accompanying the group from the WLA.
Ariach, who has been back at the inn for a while, recommends the smoked venison, which is indeed tasty.
Ariach also has news for the group; he has spoken with a property manager, and a representative will be meeting you tomorrow to show you some potential living spaces.
Everyone has the opportunity to show off their freshly acquired magic items and WLA pins, and to meet Thessa.
Grell Wednesday September 26th, 2012 10:28:32 PM
Grell runs his fingers through his hair as he walks at a rapid clip toward the Inn. What in the Wold was going on?! Confused by this feelings for the two ladies of his party, Grell breaks into a jog...eager to put as much distance between himself and the ladies. He arrives at the Inn winded, but feeling better. The surge of adrenaline clears his head. He looks down at the WLA pin in his hand, eager to tell Ariach about the training facilities. Maybe he could even see about getting him a guest pass and they can work out together.
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Thursday September 27th, 2012 5:50:44 PM
As the rest of the crew exits the WLA building Vaniime does a quick count and then counts again, as there seems to be an extra body with the group. As she looks closer she sees who it is and a smile crosses her face.
"Thessa! What are you doing with this group of reprobates?" What have you been up too? Did you hear that we beat Gnowsy this year in the competition? Are you staying here in Plateau City"
This is probably the most animated you have seen Van outside of one of her pranks.
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Thursday September 27th, 2012 7:19:43 PM
Ariach is surprised as his friends enter the inn with a stranger who follows them right to his table. The graceful and glamorous looking young elf woman seems to draw all the attention of the "Red Wyrm Inn". Ariach also has to admit that she exerts a great pull on him. But when he sees Wilmaīs red hair behind the elf, the magic of the newcomer seems to vanish. When she reveals herself as Thessa, the warrior can remember her again. To his astonishment, Grell behaves in the presence of the young woman peculiar. Maybe the half- orc is offended once again because Ariach gives Wilma a foolish smile from time to time. "Nice to see you again, Thessa. Are you currently with your group of adventurers here in Plateau City?"
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) d20+9=27 ; Thursday September 27th, 2012 9:14:26 PM
Emrys enters the Red Wyrm and is glad to see his friends congregating at the dinner table. He happily joins them all. He pauses a bit, only pretending to 'just notice and remember' who the young elven woman is. He noticed her the very moment he entered the room. "Thessa, is it? I haven't seen you in a while. What brings you to our merry, little band?" Emrys quickly interrupts himself and asks the waitress as she passes by, "I'd like to have what good Ariach there is having, thank you." The turns back to Thessa with a guileful smile and says, "I fetch the impression you have an itchy bowfinger for which adventure is the only remedy."
(Sense Motive: 27)
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 17/17/13 Thursday September 27th, 2012 9:54:32 PM
Tuck sits at the table. "Why don't we eat and talk. About homes and adventures." He orders some food and drink.
DM Kathy Thursday September 27th, 2012 11:12:44 PM
You spend a friendly evening at the Red Wyrm Inn. Thessa shows an interest in hanging out with you. Maybe she's looking for an adventuring group? Since Pinwheel's abrupt departure, you do seem to have an opening...
As promised the half-elf clerk calls for you at 8 the next morning. "I am Jacinth Spring," she says, shaking hands all around, "representing Jelzix Otterbrook, a property manager. I spoke with Master Gatelatch yesterday about what you're looking for. I have a few properties in mind to show you today."
She begins leading you eastward through the Dragon Quarter. "First, I want to show you a couple of houses in the Hindquarter," she says. "Neither is really large enough for the whole group, but they are on the same street, just a few houses apart. One is for sale; the other is for rent."
She leads you into the Hindquarter, and, with frequent consultations of a small map she carries, in the general direction of the city wall. It is a quiet neighborhood, and the homes are small. Vaniime is pretty sure she walked through here on her wanderings yesterday.
Jacinth turns a corner, past a large (for this area) two-story house, painted white. There are approximately 400 children running around in the yard. No, on second thought, there aren't more than a dozen; they're just making a lot of cheerful noise.
When you turn the corner after her, you find yourselves on a narrow lane, the kind where two wagons or coaches could not possible pass one another. Fortunately, the lane is fairly short, and coaches and wagons don't seem very common in this neighborhood.
She stops at the second house on the street, the one next door to the house with all the kids. "Number 14 Bluebell Lane," she says. "It's for sale, and we're asking 1500 gold for it. Let me show you inside."
She leads the way up the cobbled front walk, past two cherry trees in full bloom. This house is also two stories, painted a dignified dark gray with neat white trim. The front door leads into an entry or mud room, with pegs for cloaks and hats, and a flagstone floor that won't mind the drips. It widens into a great room with a fireplace at one end and a built-in bench at the other.
"That's the eating area, of course," Jacinth says, gesturing to the bench. "Slide a table up to that bench, add a few chairs, and there's plenty of room for everyone. The house is unfurnished, as you can see," she continues, "but it's not too hard to find used furniture at a good price. Or you can buy all new if you prefer."
An archway near the eating area leads into the kitchen. A second archway nearer the fireplace leads into a short hall. The hall also opens into the kitchen, and there are three closed doors along it.
The kitchen is large and old-fashioned, with a fireplace and spit. A door near the back leads into the pantry; an adjacent door leads out into the back garden. The pantry has ample shelves and bins, and a trapdoor in the floor leads to a small root cellar. In the back are what look to be a vegetable garden and an herb garden, both sadly overgrown. Two apple trees are just beginning to bloom. If you go back into the garden, you see the kids from the neighboring house, hanging on the fence, watching you with wide-eyed interest.
The doors in the hallway lead to stairs going up, a large closet, and a nice-sized room with two windows and a closet. It could be used for just about anything: a parlor, an office, a bedroom.
Upstairs are three bedrooms, two large and one small.
Jacinth gives you time to look around and answers any questions you might have. [OOC: I'll answer any questions in my next DM post.]
Once you have finished looking around, she locks the front door and leads you further down the lane. "Number 17 Bluebell Lane," she says, "is for rent, and is furnished. We're asking 30 gold per month."
Number 17 is across the street and down a bit from the gray house that was Number 14. It (Number 17) is a one-story house. The walls are made of river-rock, painstakingly pieced together to a height of about three feet, with wooden boards above. The wood is painted a pleasant pale green.
The front walk is also river rock, and the occasional lump under your boots tells you that they didn't get it quite as smooth as they might have. Whatever the front yard once held, it now is just weeds and dirt.
There is no entry in this house; the front door opens directly into the great room. An archway directly across from the front door leads back into a kitchen. To the left of the kitchen door is another built-in bench, with a table and chairs drawn up to it. To the right of the kitchen door is a huge fireplace, shared by the great room and the kitchen. On this side, the great room side, comfortable-looking chairs and footstools are arranged in front of the fireplace.
Near the eating area, a second archway leads into a hallway with four closed doors. These turn out to be three bedrooms--one with a double bed and two with twin beds--and a good-sized closet.
The kitchen is smaller than the kitchen at Number 14, but it has plenty of space for cooking--and a bake-oven, which the other house did not have. It also has a full collection of pots, pans, and dishes. There is no pantry, but there is a root cellar, rather larger than the one at Number 14.
The back door leads from the kitchen to an overgrown back yard that may once have held a flower garden. The three trees in the yard look rather uninteresting until you identify them as hazelnut trees.
As before, Jacinth gives you time to look around and answers any questions you have for her.
tl;dr: The half-elf named Jacinth shows you two houses. The first house is for sale for 1500 gold. It has three bedrooms, two large and one small, plus another room that could be a bedroom if you wanted. The second house is for rent, 30 gold per month. It has three bedrooms.
Thessa Thursday September 27th, 2012 11:52:44 PM
Thessa enjoyed the walk to the Red Wyrm, listening to Wilma chatting about her time at school and the different members of Vanguard. Upon entering the Inn, Thessa notices Vaniime right away and beams her a big smile.
"Vaniime! It is really good to see you! Congratulations on your graduation. The same goes for all of you!" She looks around the room at each of the companions.
She beckons the waitress and orders a plate of meat and cheese as well as a glass of wine, then sits down with the group.
"Ariach, it's nice to see you too. I've been keeping myself employed here in Plateau City these last couple of years. Minor odd jobs mostly. It's hard to do much else when you don't have a group to fall back on."
She glances over at Tuck for a moment, still wondering if she'd said or done something to offend, then turns back to Emrys. Thessa had never given such things much thought in school, but she notices her breath catch in her throat slightly. He was quite an attractive man, even if he was half-elven. Shaking her head slightly, she banished the thought from her mind for now.
"Well, Emrys, to be honest, I'm finding myself at quite a loss on my own. I can make ends meet by selling my bows and doing odd jobs for the consulate and WLA, but I was hoping to find some company to go beyond just 'making ends meet'. And yes," she pats her quiver, "I think my bow has been feeling a little under-utilized!"
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Friday September 28th, 2012 4:58:07 PM
Ariach follows Jacinthīs tour eagerly interested. When he sees the kids hanging on the fence observing him and his comrades, he straightens himself right in front of them. He salutes and introduce himself to them "I am Ariach Gatelatch! Member of the "Vanguards" and at your service!" With a smile he turns and follows Jacinth again.
Knowing that a too enthusiastic behavior could minimize the success of bargaining, he tries to stay calm and relaxed. But right after they leave the first house he tells the others
"I love this place! I donīt know exactly why, but i like this place. Itīs a feeling what tells me to live in here. Maybe to be a shining example for these kids in the neighbourhood. Maybe i have to stay for another reason. I hope we will take it. I also like the garden. In the garden we can plant useful herbs for our healers. Itīs a quite and peaceful quarter- the right place to make a good recovery from our adventures. If we spend some money for the furniture it will be perfect. What do you say?"
I like it ok but I would rather us all be together if possible and I would like to be in a bit quieter of a neighborhood. We don't really want to endanger our neighbors too much by inadvertantly bringing any enemies home.
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 17/17/13 Saturday September 29th, 2012 9:00:51 AM
Tuck seems to be enjoying himself during the meal. He speaks easily and laughs at any jokes.
"Thessa, perhaps we could accompany you on an adventure or two. See how our group meshes. I can only speak for myself, but we all know each other. I don't think the rest of the group would mind if we worked together." He looks around the room to see if there were any dissenters.
Tuck seems disinterested in the tour. He doesn't seem to be a real estate mogul, for sure. At one point, he kicks a fireplace. "Hmm, that's a good fireplace. It seems to be built pretty well." He nods his head as he looks it up and down. "Yep...it's a fireplace."
"They seem nice enough, but I agree with Vaniime. We shouldn't jump on the first place we see."
DM Kathy Sunday September 30th, 2012 10:21:07 PM Ariach likes the neighborhood, and the houses. He likes that there are kids around, and that your group could set an example for them.
Vaniime, however, has misgivings. Such a neighborhood has a lot of innocent bystanders, and adventuring groups often attract the wrong kind of attention. Would you be putting these people in danger by living here?
Tuck agrees that you shouldn't jump on the first place you see. Jacinth nods, and doesn't seem upset that your group is having second thoughts.
"As I explained to Master Gatelatch," she says, leading you toward the river, "we don't presently have a property large enough for the entire group. However, we do have two flats available in the same building, so perhaps that is more to your liking."
She leads the way to a small landing on the river, and hails a taxi-barge. "We're going to the Outcast Quarter," she tells the pilot. To you, she adds, "we'll essentially have to travel the entire length of the Endless River. It's a good chance to see the city."
She does not, however, seem to feel up to playing tour guide. She busies herself with papers--and answers your questions--as the barge makes its way along the Endless River. You pass the colorful Circus Quarter and the busting Trade Quarter, which some of you have already visited. You pass Gladiator Park, with the arena looming in the background. The barge slides between the awe-inspiring Cathedral of light and the High Lord Mayor's Castle; then on past the mansions of the Noble Quarter. You catch only a glimpse of Outcast Castle before you glide past the embassies of the Foreign Quarter. Finally, the barge begins to pull toward the bank, and you stop just on the other side of a bridge. Jacinth pays the fare, then leads the way.
The Outcast Quarter has become the home of many who don't fit in easily elsewhere. You see goblins here, and hobgoblins. You're pretty sure that person over there is at least part troll. An ordinary-looking human walks past you, going about his business, and you don't notice until the last moment that he has glowing red eyes and tiny horns growing out of his forehead. And, judging from the smell, there are troglodytes somewhere in the area.
There are, of course, plenty of unremarkable humans, dwarves, elves, halflings, gnomes, and Taurs walking around as well. But they don't stand out as much.
Jacinth leads you past the ruined War Cathedral and toward the city wall. Streets become narrow and a little confusing, and the wall looms ever closer. Finally, Jacinth stops at a large building on Owlbear Street. It is right up against the wall--in fact, from this angle, it's impossible to tell if there's any space at all between the building and the city wall. "Wyvern Court" is spelled out in large letters across the front of the building.
Wyvern Court does not seem to have a front door. Instead, Jacinth leads you to a pretty wrought-iron gate, which she unlocks with a key. You step through the gate and through a passageway into an interior courtyard. There are trees in planter-boxes here, and a few benches. A drow woman is drawing water from a well located in the exact center of the courtyard. Looking around, you can see the doors what must be different flats.
"Let's go up here first," Jacinth says, climbing some stairs. "Apartment G has three bedrooms, and we're asking 25 gold per month." She unlocks the door and lets you in.
The door leads into a great room, rather smaller than the ones in the houses you saw earlier. There is no fireplace, but there is a brazier in one corner. To the left, an archway leads into a kitchen. It, too, is smaller than the kitchens in the houses, but it is more modern, boasting a wood-burning stove. From the other side of the great room, a short hallway leads back and then bends back the way you came into a much longer hallway. Looking at the thick, unforgiving stone that makes up the outside wall of the hallway, you realize that it is the city wall! This building isn't just built right up against the wall; it actually incorporates the wall as part of its structure!
You're not sure whether to be impressed or appalled, but it's a fact that nobody has attacked Plateau City from the outside for centuries.
The hall leads to three bedrooms, all of which have windows overlooking the courtyard.
Jacinth answers any questions you have, then locks the door behind you, and leads the way down the stairs and across the courtyard. "Apartment P is on the ground floor," she says. "It has four bedrooms, and we're asking 35 a month for it."
This flat is similar to the other one, although it none of its walls are part of the city wall. There is a great room, with a kitchen behind it (also with a wood-burning stove). On either side of the great room, doors lead directly into the bedrooms (two on either side), with no hallway.
As before Jacinth is ready to answer any questions you may have.
Thessa Highlight to display spoiler: {you know of a house for rent that may be of interest to the group, which I included in the email. If you don't want to share it, that's fine; I just want to be sure it isn't overlooked. :) }
tl;dr: Jacinth takes you by taxi-barge to the Outcast Quarter, and shows you two flats in the same building. One is on the second floor and has three bedrooms; its rent is 25 per month. The other is on the ground floor and has four bedrooms; its rent is 35.
Thessa Sunday September 30th, 2012 11:55:43 PM
Thessa accompanied the Vanguards on the tour around the city. Partly to get away from her standard WLA duties, but mostly she wanted the time to get to know her new friends a bit better. She offers some of her basic knowledge of the city when asked, and tries to be as friendly and helpful as she can. Having temporary lodging of her own, she's more interested in conversation with them than the actual house-hunt, but after listening to Vaniime's concerns, she hits upon an idea.
After examining the Outcast Quarter apartments, Thessa finds a lull in the conversation to offer her thoughts.
"I don't want to presume to know exactly what you're looking for, but I thought I'd offer another option. Feel free to take or not, as befits the group, but there is a large townhouse I happened to have walked by during a delivery a few days ago. It was for rent and it might have enough room so that everyone could sleep under a single roof. That seems to me to be more convenient than splitting up..."
Her voice trails off for a moment, "The only thing is that it is located in the Nightmare Quarter. I know it's not exactly Platinum Road, but still.. perhaps it might be worth taking a look at?"
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 17/17/13 Monday October 1st, 2012 9:36:38 AM
Tuck doesn't seem impressed by the next apartments. "I preferred the previous place. Perhaps we should check out this townhouse that Thessa recommended. Where do you live Thessa? Do you rent or own?"
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 17/17/13 Monday October 1st, 2012 9:36:38 AM
Tuck doesn't seem impressed by the next apartments. "I preferred the previous place. Perhaps we should check out this townhouse that Thessa recommended. Where do you live Thessa? Do you rent or own?"
Thessa Monday October 1st, 2012 10:55:04 AM
"I rent a small room at the Flying Monkey Tavern in the Foreign Quarter. It's not much, but they make the best tasting Elven sweetbread in the city and.. well," she pauses somewhat embarrassed, "I am a terrible cook, so it works out well for me."
Thessa Monday October 1st, 2012 10:55:04 AM
"I rent a small room at the Flying Monkey Tavern in the Foreign Quarter. It's not much, but they make the best tasting Elven sweetbread in the city and.. well," she pauses somewhat embarrassed, "I am a terrible cook, so it works out well for me."
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Monday October 1st, 2012 2:05:55 PM OOC: sorry for the tardy posting.
Wilma was abnormally quiet during their time with the property agent, and was polite to the lady when she and the group parted ways for the day.
"The houses each had their charms," she finally opined, "But they were clearly too small to act as a base of operations. And I have to say that if we were going to bother with having two apartments in one building, then we'd be better off holding out for either two apartments that were next to each other on the same floor or were situated one on top of the other. That way we could negotiate paying for having a doorway leading between the side-by-sides, or a set of stairs that connect the upper and lower apartments." She listened to Thessa's suggestion and shrugged.
"Well, it couldn't hurt for us just to look, could it..?" Wilma pointed out. "Just because we take a peek at this townhouse doesn't mean we'd have to take it. Besides...it seems that the neighborhoods of the City are being...ummmm...dynamic. It just may be that the Nightmare Quarter isn't as...ahem...nightmarish as it may have been in days of old..."
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Monday October 1st, 2012 6:57:29 PM
Ariach is very disappointed that nobody doesnīt like the first house in a way he does. But he finds the truth in Wilmaīs words. It would be better to find one bigger lodging for all of them. Although he really doesnīt like that the next object is in the Nightmare Quarter.
Ariach AC 25/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Monday October 1st, 2012 7:02:01 PM
OOC: Testing
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) Monday October 1st, 2012 8:01:21 PM
"Yes, there are good things to say about all we've seen, however lets ... uhmm, give the place in the Nightmare Quarter a look and make a final decision, empowered with the total sum of what we've seen." He clears his throat and asks, "Why would anyone give it such a name? I certainly hope this dwelling is not located on the corner of Maim and Dismemberment Avenue!"
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Monday October 1st, 2012 8:52:01 PM
Van listens to the agent and then to Thessa's option. She has some misgivings about the namem of the quarter, but is willing to take a look and see what is what. If worst comes to worst they could stay at an inn a bit longer if needed.
DM Kathy Monday October 1st, 2012 10:10:52 PM
By the time you finish in the Outcast Quarter, it is time for lunch. Jacinth buys lunch for you all at the nearby Flying Pigs Inn. During the meal, she points out some of the best features of the properties you've seen--how Bluebell Lane is in a nice neighborhood and handy to the Dragon Quarter; how Wyvern Court is close to Lasher Castle. At the end of the meal, she takes her leave, reminding you to call at the office at any time.
"If these properties don't suit, we may have some that do," she concludes.
After she has left, Thessa tells you about a town house she saw for rent just the other day. It seems large enough to hold the entire group--but it is in the Nightmare Quarter.
Of course, Wilma, Tuck, and Grell have already been to the Nightmare Quarter; it is where the Temple of Gargul is located. They can, perhaps, fill you in on some of the details as you travel.
You catch a taxi barge across the river--there being no bridges just here--and soon Thessa is leading you down Falls Road toward the Castle Gate. About halfway down the street, she stops, turns, and points. "Down there," she says.
"There" is a slice of road branching off from Falls Road like a short claw. Raven Crescent, a sign proclaims it. Number 2 Raven Crescent has a very visible "To Let" sign fastened to the front gate.
You move into Raven Crescent to investigate further. It actually is in the shape of a crescent, with one end opening onto Falls Road, an the other end dead-ending at the river. Six townhouses stand along the crescent. All are tall, narrow structures with tall, narrow doors and windows. All are built of dark stone. They appear to have been built to look looming and intimidating, and probably did at one time.
A funny thing happens, however, when houses are occupied by regular people instead of evil cultists. Little decorative touches start appearing. Flower-boxes are attached to frowning windows. Trees are planted, and ivy is allowed to grow over dark stone.
Present-day Raven Crescent looks a little old-fashioned, but not all that intimidating. At least, not in broad daylight.
Number 2 is built of dark-gray stone, made interesting by years and weather. The wrought-iron fence and gate in front of the house have little spikes on top, but the tiny patch of ground next to the front walk has several rosebushes just beginning to bud.
On closer inspection, the "To Let" sign goes on to say that all inquiries should be made to Mr. Tholin Ressler, followed by an address in the Merchant's Quarter. If you would like to see inside the house, presumably Mr. Ressler should be your next stop.
Ariach AC 25/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Tuesday October 2nd, 2012 3:51:59 AM
Even as a small boy Ariach had avoided this quarter because of the bad reputation.. Although it seems to be safe during the day, still there is a touch of madness in the air. Even the small window decorations do not improve his mood.
"With all due respect. You donīt really think about settling down here? I donīt wanna get in contact with at least half of the district residents. And if i have to deal with the others, i would have the feeling to wear my armor to be safe."
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Tuesday October 2nd, 2012 6:02:25 AM
The look on Wilma's face bordered on rapt.
"I suspect that this is named the Nightmare Quarter because of the very poor public image that Gargul has had--and still suffers from--with a majority of the Wold..." the young cleric pointed out. "Skull Market and the Black Cathedral define this area of the city, so someone obviously slapped 'Nightmare' on the area and it stuck. Try to see this objectively--we are within walking distance of the temple of my patron deity, and this quarter is centrally located to everything else in the city as well." She turned to the others.
"I think it's worth at least contacting this Master Ressler in order to see the inside of the place for ourselves," Wilma said firmly. "None of the other places we have seen are optimal for what we'd prefer to have for our group, so it only stands to reason that we try to explore all of our options before making a decision about it...right..?"
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 17/17/13 Tuesday October 2nd, 2012 6:37:16 PM
Tuck nods. "I agree with Wilma. It doesn't appear to be a place where there are too many innocents that might be put in harm's way because of us, as Vaniime is concerned with. It doesn't look very sinister. It's got rosebushes, after all. Let's give it a look-see."
Hmmmm, and that area over there with allthe trees is the druid quarter isn't it? I bet I could get some decent tree time there even if it isn't the Culverwood. I'd be willing to take a look.
Thessa d20+10=27 ; Tuesday October 2nd, 2012 8:56:45 PM
Thessa smiles a bit to herself. She's glad to have been a bit useful, and admittedly she is a bit curious to see the inside of the place herself.
Although the place looks homey on the outside, she ponders to herself what the crime rate is like at night in the Nightmare Quarter as opposed to some of the other places in the city... (Knowledge, Local: 27)
"I agree, Vaniime. Being close to the druid's park makes me feel a little less out of place too, although a little more homesick."
She motions to the sign, "Should we drop in on Mr. Ressler and inquire about it?"
Grell Tuesday October 2nd, 2012 10:15:07 PM
Grell keeps to himself, keeping a physical distance from both Thessa and Vaniime while he tours the living options. Having never dealt with the complexity of hormones and amorous feelings, the warrior is confused and overwhelmed. His mind on other things, Grell doesn't have much opinion about which place would be the best, though he does prefer to be away from the children. The Nightmare Quarter, while mildly creepy, does have a certain appeal As he tags along to go find the renter, Grell sticks close to Ariach. He is eager to find some time to ask the former paladin about these strange feelings. He has a sneaking suspicion that Ariach might understand, given the way he occasionally looks at Wilma.
DM Kathy Tuesday October 2nd, 2012 10:46:21 PM Ariach expresses misgivings about living in the Nightmare Quarter.
Wilma, however, is excited at the prospect of living so close to the Temple of Gargul. Vaniime notes that the Nightmare Quarter is close to the Druid Quarter. Thessa's impression is that the crime rate here is about average for the city, and Tuck expresses a willingness to at least see the place. Grell, somewhat out of his element, is willing to tag along.
Your curiosity wins out, and you make your way to the Merchant Quarter to speak with Master Ressler. You inquire at his business, and after a brief flurry among clerks, junior assistants, and assistant associates, Master Ressler himself comes out to greet you. He is a short, middle-aged human man with thinning brown hair. He introduces himself, and gets your names in return.
"I have managed to move some appointments," he says, "so I can show you the house right away. Please, come this way."
He hadn't been joking about "right away." Waiting outside is a young man in the livery of Rod's Reliable Transportation, and a Carpet of Flying big enough for the whole group.
"I have appointments later this afternoon," Master Ressler explains, ushering you all aboard, "so I didn't want to take a lot of time on travel. Here we go!" And with that, you lift and begin flying over the city.
Those of you who flew on the Floop find the sensation rather similar, except the Floop had nice sturdy sofa-backs to keep you from tumbling out. Of course, the Floop was also controlled by a stuffed goblin head with an odd sense of humor, so perhaps it evens out.
At any rate, you are soon once again in Raven Crescent, and Master Ressler is unlocking the front door.
"The place belonged to my great-aunt," he explains, ushering you inside. "That side of the family always was--a little strange."
You enter into a foyer whose floor is tiled in shades of black and blood-red. It's a little off-putting until you realize that the red tiles form the shape of a blooming rose on the black background. It could probably be made to look sinister in the right light, but at the moment it's just interesting.
Doors open to the left and right from the foyer. A hallway leads straight ahead, and beside it, stairs climb to the second floor.
Master Ressler opens the door leading to the left. On the other side is a formal parlor or sitting room. The furniture here is large and imposing, made of some kind of dark wood. The upholstery and drapes are deep red. It's a little off-putting.
"A-hm. Yes. Well, I don't think Auntie used this room very much." Master Ressler looks a little dismayed. Then he smiles. "But here--" he opens sliding doors that lead to the next room--"I spent many hours in here as a child."
The next room is a library, filled with bookshelves. There is a fireplace, and leather-covered couches and armchairs. And yes, the furniture is still heavy and imposing, and the colors are dark. But the room just can't manage to be forbidding--not with all those books and comfortable-looking places to read them.
Master Ressler leads you out of the library through a different door, and you find yourselves in the hallway you saw earlier. Across from you is a very grand set of double doors. "The formal dining room," Master Ressler says. "Ah....well....I'll show it to you." He opens the doors.
If the parlor was grim and imposing, this room is doubly so. There is a very large table, and enough chairs for 60 to sit down to dinner together. There are tapestries on the walls, which look to be high-quality works made of expensive materials. However, they depict very upsetting scenes of bloodshed and dark rituals.
"Yes. Well." Master Ressler seems a bit discomfited. "My word, that's as bad as I remembered. But, through here..." he opens a door that leads back the way you came--almost certainly the room to the right of the foyer. "This is the music room. Auntie had this one re-decorated."
You step into the music-room, and it is obvious that it was not decorated by the same fierce hand as the parlor or dining room. The wood is lighter, the furniture is of a more approachable style, and the drapes and upholsteries are pleasing shades of green and gold. The music-room boasts a spinet, a harp, and a large cabinet containing several stringed instruments.
Master Ressler leads you back into the foyer, so you have gone in a small circle. He then leads the way down the hall. Past the library, he opens another door and steps through.
"This is the breakfast-room," he says. "Auntie had this one re-done as well." Indeed the breakfast-room looks like a much more pleasant place to have a meal. Again, the furniture is less imposing and more pleasing; and there is more of the green and gold that "Auntie" seemed to favor. The table and chairs will seat eight comfortably.
Master Ressler then leads the way to the kitchens, which take up the whole back portion of the house. There is a wood-burning stove and a huge fireplace and a couple of bake-ovens, along with numerous work areas and all manner of shelves and bins. The place is clean and workmanlike, with none of the intimidating flourishes of the rest of the house. A set of back stairs lead upward.
"We might as well take the back stairs," Master Ressler says, "since we're here."
The second floor contains four very large bedrooms, each with its own separate sitting area. All are furnished, and thankfully none show any signs of the macabre decor you saw earlier. One room--again, furnished in green and gold--has a partial view of the river.
The third floor has six smaller bedrooms, "smaller" being a relative term. All of them, for example, are larger than the large bedrooms in the house in the Hindquarter. They are also furnished, and two of them have views of the river.
The fourth floor has a nursery, schoolroom, playroom, and several smaller rooms which are probably intended as servants' quarters. There is also an attic.
"Well. There we are," says Master Ressler. "We're asking 75 gold per month for the place. I know that some of the rooms aren't exactly--comfortable, but it's a fine house."
He answers any questions you have, then leads you back to the foyer.
tl;dr: The townhouse is four stories. Some of the rooms are really scary-looking; most are not. There are four ginormous bedrooms, six large bedrooms, and servants' quarters. Rent is 75 per month.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Wednesday October 3rd, 2012 5:04:03 AM
Anyone looking at Wilma's face could instantly tell that she was totally in love with the interior.
"Would we have permission to redecorate this place, Mr. Thessler..?" she asked. "I am of a mind that we may wish to use some cantrips here and there to brighten up the drapes and upholstery in some of the rooms. While I don't mind leaning towards the gothic theme, I think your great-aunt's choices for green and gold would be better than having midnight black and red everywhere in the public rooms."
Without a doubt, however, the Ravenclaw townhouse was far and away the roomiest place they'd seen--and Wilma would just love to poke through that library herself in order to see what kinds of books were held within it.
Thessa Wednesday October 3rd, 2012 12:14:46 PM
Thessa quietly enjoyed the tour, taking in the size of the house. It was amazing! She had never been in a house this big before. Her little room at the Flying Monkey felt like a broom closet compared to this place.
When they were escorted to the library, Thessa could feel her mouth drop. Hundreds of books lined the walls, and the comfortable chairs and fireplace called for her to stay a while and lose herself here but she suppressed the desire and hurried along after their guide.
Even the bedrooms on the top floor were three to four times the size of her current quarters, and when she walked into one of the bedrooms overlooking the river, she was in love. She opened the window slightly and listened to the faint sound of water pouring over the Endless Falls. She closed her eyes and imagined curling up with a book and listening to the water and the gulls and the bustle of the streets below.
She opened her eyes with a start, realizing she was being exceedingly presumptuous. The Vanguards barely knew her and certainly hadn't asked for her to stay with them. Regardless of how useful she felt she could be to them, she'd need to wait for that invitation to be sure they felt the same way.
She turns to Wilma and Vaniime, not bothering to conceal the smile on her usually composed face. "This place is amazing, isn't it? I had no idea it was so big! And the library," she shakes her head in awe. "There's even a bedroom for each and every one of us! .. err," she catches herself, "Each one of you, the Vanguards, that is."
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 17/17/13 Wednesday October 3rd, 2012 6:11:30 PM
Tuck, again, is of a similar mindset to Wilma. The house is plenty spacious and interesting. Some of the rooms are a bit macabre. With a little light and different coloring, however, it should be quite satisfactory.
"I like it. It has character. What do you think Ariach? If we brightened it up a bit, it would suit us nicely."
Ariach AC 25/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Wednesday October 3rd, 2012 6:42:38 PM
The interior of the house turns out to be much larger than Ariach adopted. There is a large indoor property with swanky furniture and an impressive library. But he doesnīt get the feeling of being at a possible home while standing in here. On the contrary, some rooms are so dark and mystical that Ariach doesnīt want to think about what vile rituals were performed here. To his astonishment, the others donīt care. Everyone seems to have to praise the virtues of the house as if they would get a commission of master Ressler for the rental of the house. Ariach wouldnīt even think for a second about living here if there wouldnīt be a young, red-haired priestess. Her shining eyes as she goes through the library, her radiant smile at the sight of the large rooms and her desire to be near her temple, stills Ariachs protests.
Maybe he can occupy one of the normal rooms at the fourth floor. This could be a start.
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) d20+16=31 ; Wednesday October 3rd, 2012 7:20:11 PM
Emrys approaches the house with an open mind and a macabre fascination. He can feel the history of the house, some pleasant and others a bit unnerving. He can't help but feel there is more to this place than what his eyes can see, or what his ears can hear. He was utterly captivated by the library and all its dusty tombs. Likewise, he was delighted to see the music room, stocked with instruments. In fact, he couldn't but give the harp a try with a short, pleasant melody.
(Perform [strings]: 31)
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Wednesday October 3rd, 2012 8:16:59 PM (OOC: second, "illegal" post)
Wilma could see Ariach's discomfort--and she really couldn't blame him. After Mr. Ressler answered the inquiries about whether or not they, as tenants, would be allowed to change up the decor, she would also propose to the group that they all chip in a few silver to have the house blessed by a cleric of Ariach's favorite deity. She knew that she felt that the property was suffering from being a poorly-perceived townhouse in the middle of a misunderstood area of the city, but countering those point-of-views would take some work.
She also intended to have a group meeting about proposing that Thessa be offered a spot in their little group...with Thessa and Tuck both members of the Vanguards, perhaps the clerk at the WLA office would be willing to let them take on the assignment Wilma remembered hearing her refer to when she was speaking to Thessa.
Van looks around the place with the others and finds that the newer, renovated parts are quite nice. However, the larger darker rooms are well, quite forboding, if not outright unpleasant and she found herself shivering as she entered each and hurrying through them as quickly as possible during the tour.
While a bit d toifficult do, she could see herself living here with the others, especially if she could manage one of the romms with a river view.
She can't help but smile at Thessa's exuberance and is truly glad that they all ran into each other.
"Thessa, I think what you said first is correct, there is plenty of room here for ALL of us."
With a few questions about things, she waits until the tour is finished and turns to face him.
Mr. Ressler, I agree with my friend that quite a bit of remodeling would need to done in order to make this house acceptable for our use. And that is going to cost a fair amount of money even if we use some of own magic for some of the smaller things. Can you tell us if anything nefarious ever occurred on these premise or if there were any unsavory practices carried out here? If so, we would need you to have the placed spiritually cleansed, before we could consider renting at all.
You say that you are asking 75 gold per month for rent. I think that seems perhaps a bit high particularly as this property has been unoccupied for as long as it has. Not to mention, we can stay at a nice enough inn and not worry about having to purchase food, in a better part of town, for around 30 gold per month. So might I suggest a rent of something more along the lines of 45 gold per month.
Also If we decided we did not want those distrubing tapestries or any of this heavy furniture, could you remove them and store them elsewhere or should we simply dispose of them ourselves?
Grell Wednesday October 3rd, 2012 10:24:49 PM
Grell instantly falls in love with the townhouse, his orcish "heritage" even allowing him to appreciate some of the tapestries. He does understand how Ariach would be concerned, so for once, he lights on Wilma's suggestion. "Yeah...it could be like blessed! And then we could redecorate it...that'd be good, right?"
DM Kathy Wednesday October 3rd, 2012 10:58:34 PM Wilma asks about re-decoration. Master Ressler looks a little hesitant. "Well," he says, "as long as you don't do anything permanent. I mean, if you want to bring in different furniture or draperies or what have you, you could certainly do that. But you would have to move the existing pieces to the attic and make sure they were protected from damage."
Vaniime asks about unsavory practices. "I don't believe so," he says. "Mind you, I think the people who built this place were some nasty customers, but history suggests they carried out their foul deeds in secret temples, or in the Scar. Not in their home."
She goes on to try to negotiate. Unfortunately, the price was set not by Master Ressler, but by your DM, who thinks it's a fair price. :) This place is more than twice the size of the house that was offered to you for 30 gold per month, or the flat that was offered to you for 35 gold per month.
"It's a very good price," Master Ressler says. "But if it will help, I will gladly pay for a ritual to cleanse the place, if you agree to rent it for a year."
Ariach still has his reservations, but Wilma seems to like it, which helps to persuade him. The rest of the group seem to view the house mostly favorably, although some still have reservations about it.
At last, Master Ressler says. "Well. Take some time to think it over; I need to get back to my office. I'll be happy to show you over the place again anytime you like."
Thessa Thursday October 4th, 2012 11:58:32 AM
Thessa blushes a bit as Vaniime talks about "us", to include her. She hadn't realized it, and probably wouldn't admit it out loud, but over these last couple of years she had missed the company of others. Especially other elven friends.
With the tour concluded and Mr Ressler heading back to his offices, Thessa looks around at the group and their reactions to the house. A mixed bag of emotions for sure, but it seemed that being together under one roof seemed the most important thing to most everyone.
"Well, if the Vanguards decide to make this their home of operations, I'd be happy to help out with getting the place in shape. It looks like it could use a few women's touches," she smiles. "Right Wilma? Vaniime?"
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) Thursday October 4th, 2012 12:59:49 PM
His curiosity peeked and salivating for more, Emrys asks if there are any other rooms not seen. "A house like this must have a basement or a cellar. Is that assumption an error, sir?" The bard continues to look about in utter fascination.
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 17/17/13 Thursday October 4th, 2012 5:43:51 PM
Tuck grins widely as everyone seems to be in agreement over moving in. "Oh man! I feel like a big boy! Look at me now, Dad! I'm getting my own place." He wipes away an imaginary tear.
He bounds over to Grell and shakes the warrior in childish exuberance. "Come on, buddy! Isn't this exciting? We can stay up late. No professors or parents to scold us. We're on our own. This is big. This is crazy!"
Ariach AC 25/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Thursday October 4th, 2012 6:25:27 PM
Wilmaīs idea of blessing the house, makes Ariach feel a little bit better. Ariach actually laughs out loud when he sees the childish behavior of Tuck. But thatīs why he enjoys being with his comrades. They are honest and trustworthy. Attitudes which are highly regarded by Ariach. Even if he doesnīīt like the place, he loves his friends.
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Thursday October 4th, 2012 9:48:24 PM
(OOC: Hey it never hurts to try. Her mother is a merchant after all.)
Van shrugs as her efforts to negotiate fall flat. At least he is willing to pay for the ritual cleansing.
Thank you for your time Master Ressler. We will indeed talk about the places we saw today and make a decision within the next day or so.
As she looks back over the place as they get ready to leave, she decides that overall it isn't too bad really. After all she grew up in a place that had a resident ghost and a talking ancient elven spirit painting for Domi's sake.
"So Wilma, what do you think Aunt K'nara and Ingrge would say about this place?"
Looking over at Grell she grins. "I think we both know how Uncle Gunther would react."
Grell Thursday October 4th, 2012 11:47:23 PM
Grell return's Tuck's exuberance. "Oh man, this is going to be epic!! We can have a big party...lots of ale...some toss the corpse. Oooooh yeah!" Grell gives Tuck a bone shattering high five.
Grell laughs at Vaniime's query. "Yeah, he'd be busy building a stable out back for the kitties right about now!" The warrior looks wistful "You know, I wonder if maybe I should get a kitty of my own one day... Something to curl up with at night..." Grell's eyes suddenly widen in horror and he claps his hand over his mouth. That came out wrong...really, realllly wrong! Clearing his throat, Grell turns back to Tuck. "Hey, uhhhh...should we go back to the Wyrm and pick out some ale for the party??"
DM Kathy Friday October 5th, 2012 12:34:07 AM Thessa appreciates being included, and has some ideas for brightening up the place.
Tuck and Grell are very enthused about the place, and Vaniime and Ariach are finding that it's beginning to grow on them.
Emrys asks about a basement. "No basement," Master Ressler says. "It's too close to the river. Dig a hole, and it fills with water. We've a lovely well, that goes right to the kitchen pump. But no basement."
You take your leave of him then, and return to the Red Wyrm Inn to talk about your options.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Friday October 5th, 2012 2:23:07 AM OOC: What happened to my Thursday post? I posted after Ariach but before Vaniime.
Back at their favorite corner table in the Red Wyrm Inn's tavern room, Wilma immediately speaks up:
"Okay, we should compare the pros and cons of the properties so that we're all agreed about which one--if any--to live at," Wilma said, ticking points off on her fingers as she continued to speak. "The Hindquarters houses were all right. The pros are that they are in the Hindquarter and on the same street--we would also actually own one of them as opposed to just renting it. The cons are that they are two separate locations and we would have the additional expense of entirely furnishing one. Van also is right in pointing out that they're in the middle of a family neighborhood full of potential 'collateral damage' should we ever be forced to, um, deal with our work while we're at home." She also points out that the group would have to lay out 1500gp to buy the house for sale and the other house is 30gp per month to rent.
"The Outcast Quarter Apartments are acceptable--we didn't think of that quarter when we were first looking around for places to live, but it's definitely got a lot of character. The pros are that they are affordable and they are in the same building, so they aren't as far apart as the Hindquarters houses are and the residents of that area look like they would mostly be able to handle themselves if a worst-case scenario of enemies attacking us at home should ever happen...but they also have the cons that they are still separate locations and are both unfurnished. The monthly rent for both totals to 60gp per month.
"The Nightmare Quarter townhouse is also a good option--it's the only property that is large enough for all of us under one roof. It's already furnished and the location is rather central to any part of the City we may need to reach in a hurry. Plus I'm pretty sure that if we ever have to deal with the possibility of fighting some enemy while we are there, the residents of that area also look like they'd be able to deal with invaders if they had to. The cons are that the house is clearly decorated to look overwhelmingly gloomy and dark, and we really would have to deal with changing or replacing at least some of the decor. This one would cost us 75gp per month." Wilma waited until the dinner of mutton stew was brought to the table and served before summing up the issue.
"So which option should it be: the Hindquarter houses, the Outcast Quarter apartments, the Nightmare Quarter townhouse...or should we just stay here at the Red Wyrm Inn for the forseeable future..?"
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 17/17/13 Friday October 5th, 2012 8:02:50 AM
"I've never had ale before. What does it taste like?"
Back at the Wyrm, Tuck finds that a package is waiting for him. It is a bronze headband with green gemstones about it's circumference. Tuck appraises it for a moment before placing it upon his brow.
"How do I look?" he asks his friends with a smile.
He seems all business again as Wilma starts the discussion about where to live. Tuck nods along as she ticks out the pros and cons of each. "I'm not a demanding person when it comes to living quarters. After all, I've spent several years in a tiny room with not much space to stretch out. We all have. That said, my preference is the house in the Nightmare Quarter. For all of the reasons that Wilma has stated, plus it's huge! There's plenty of room for us all to not have to trip over each other. I really think we can make it our own."
Thessa Friday October 5th, 2012 11:22:15 AM
Thessa joins the group at the Red Wyrm and looks around the group, observing how they interact. They do seem like a fun and interesting cadre and she has enjoyed spending time with them today.
She smiles at Tuck as he shows off his new headband, "Very nice, Tuck! What are those gemstones? Jade? Malachite?"
She then turns and listens to Wilma's summary with interest. She hadn't seen all the options, but was greatly impressed with the expansiveness of the Nightmare Quarter home.
"Well said, Wilma. A few more pro's to add to the Nightmare Quarter townhouse.. With all the extra space we'll have storage! There is an entire attic and other small rooms we could turn into storage rooms for adventure goods, and perhaps an alchemy lab or worshop. The dining room is large enough to entertain guests and potential "clients" as well. There's a music room for Emrys too. There's also the added benefit of having a temple so close at hand, especially a temple to the deity Wilma worships. It works well for her, and for us as well if we need healing or other services."
She catches herself and stops. "Listen to me, prattling on as if I was one of the Vanguard myself." She hesitates, then makes a decision to risk the rejection. "Well, if there is an opening, I'd like to apply. My spellbook, my bow, and my blade are at your disposal, and if you decide on that townhouse I'd gladly pay my share to occupy one of the rooms!"
She looks around, quietly hoping for more smiles than frowns.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Saturday October 6th, 2012 7:42:22 AM
Wilma aimed a smile Thessa's way.
"I think it would be a great idea to have you join us, Thessa," the young cleric said cheerfully. "We likely wouldn't have even found that townhouse if not for you...and...well...if you all don't mind my getting a little ahead of things here--I think if you band together with us, we can all qualify for that assignment the lady at the WLA hall was talking about before. It would be the best chance both we and you would have to get that job, I think."
Ariach AC 25/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Sunday October 7th, 2012 5:42:00 PM
Ariach immediately agrees to admit Thessa. From all he has heard she will fit perfectly into the group.
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) Sunday October 7th, 2012 8:18:22 PM
"I don't require any more discussion on the Nightmare house. I say we get it. I especially enjoy the added mystique of such a place, not to mention all the stray arcane energies roaming about."
DM Kathy Sunday October 7th, 2012 8:41:21 PM
Back at the Red Wyrm, you begin discussing the merits and drawbacks of each of your options. You seem to have accepted Thessa as a full-fledged member of the Vanguard, and why not? She is also a Maplehurst graduate, and, judging from the conversation some of you overheard, she might have a lead on a suitable adventure for you.
But for now, your focus is on choosing a place to live.
The houses in the Hindquarter are charming, and in a pleasant neighborhood. You'd have gardens, which would be a boon to anyone planning to take up alchemy or herbalism. You'd be close to the Dragon Quarter and the WLA. And, one of the houses is for sale, so you could actually own it, and possibly make improvements to it.
On the other hand, you wouldn't all be together in the same place. And there is a real question whether it would be responsible to bring adventurer-level trouble into that neighborhood.
The flats in the Outcast Quarter would put you all under the same roof, although not in the same quarters. Residents there are probably better at dealing with the unexpected. You would be close to Lasher Castle, one of Plateau City's official dungeons.
On the other hand, the spaces are smaller than the Hindquarter houses, and you still wouldn't all be together. And, other than Lasher Castle, you'd be pretty far away from everything.
So, most of you seem to be leaning toward the town house in the Nightmare Quarter. There is plenty of space; it's furnished; it's close to the Temple of Gargul and the Druid Quarter; it's close to the river and the taxi barges. And surely the residents of the Nightmare Quarter have seen stranger things than an adventuring group!
Its big drawback is that some of the decor is sinister and scary-looking. As you discuss it, you identify four basic areas where the decor is a problem, and some possible solutions.
First is the blood-red rose on black tile in the foyer. It's a pretty pattern, but the colors make it a little grim. And, given that it is set-in tiles, it would be very difficult to change. You could manage the lighting in that area to give it the best possible appearance, or you could buy a rug to go over it. Or you could leave it the way it is and just fix the other things, because it's not really that bad.
Also in the "not-that-bad" category is the library. Yes, the furniture is dark and heavy, but its colors tend more toward deep, rich browns and burgundies. It's just not as sinister as, say, the red-and-black of the foyer and front parlor. Talking it over, you start to wonder whether it would be enough to place a few mirrors around in strategic locations, to reflect the light and make the room a little brighter. After all, it's a place for reading; the light should probably be as bright as you can make it.
The front parlor also features dark, heavy furniture. Much of the wood is lacquered black; the upholstery and drapes are a deep wine-red. It has a distinctly funereal feel. Would it be enough to replace the drapes and cover some of the upholstered chairs? Or would you need to completely re-do the room--which means shopping for furniture? The front parlor is a problem.
The formal dining room is, in a word, horrible. It not only has the dark, heavy furniture; it also has those awful tapestries. You could get a nice tablecloth (or two, or three; the thing's huge) to cover the table, and maybe swap out the chairs for others that look a little less forbidding. And take the tapestries down. That might work.
It is Grell who hits on an alternative suggestion. [Sorry to hijack your character, Nellie, but he would so think of this.] If you could take the table out--which would be no small undertaking--remove the chairs and the sideboard and everything, maybe put down some matting, you could make it into a training hall! The room is enormous, after all, and it's unlikely you'll be serving dinner for 60 anytime soon. It wouldn't be as nice as the WLA gym, of course, but it would be right there in the house! How awesome would that be? You could probably even keep some of the tapestries in there; blood and guts aren't nice for dining rooms but they're fine for training halls.
[OOC: Continue discussing this, but unless somebody says otherwise, I'm going to assume you'll be contacting Master Ressler and arranging to rent the town house.]
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Sunday October 7th, 2012 9:37:39 PM
(OOC: LOL I was so totally thinking that that huge dining room would make a great combat practice room.)
Vaniime let's the others discuss bringing Thessa into the group as it is very obvious that she already considers her part of the group.
As for their living quarters Van is full in support of going with the Nightmare quarter house sinister furnishings and all. As Grell puts forth his thought about the huge dining room Van grins.
"Grell you and I think an awful lot alike. The moment I saw the room I was thinking it would make a great weapons / combat room."
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) Sunday October 7th, 2012 9:55:20 PM
With a little distaste in his tone, Emrys replies, "A training room in place of a dining hall!? Where would you have us throw dinner parties and what not? We have social responsibilities and reputations to maintain. How else are we to gentrify the neighborhood?"
Grell Sunday October 7th, 2012 10:05:05 PM
Grell shoot Emrys' a withering look. "Do it in your bedroom for all I care! We're adventurers. If we don't practice, we die!" Letting out a little puff of air, Grell realizes that he was too harsh on the bard. It's just he really liked impressing Vaniime. He turns to Emrys. "Hey Emrys, I'm sorry. It's just...we're not that popular right now, so maybe we can use it for a training area now, and when we become the toast of the town we can convert it back?"
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Monday October 8th, 2012 1:18:10 AM
Wilma coughed to cover up the fact that she had almost snorted her food through her nose when Grell pointed out the other, "obvious" use for the huge dining hall. Then she coughed again when Emrys sounded so dismayed at the loss of such "partying room".
"Well, Emrys," she temporized, "Grell has a point about we are not very likely to have scores of guests to entertain--but remember of that the front parlor connects to the library with that set of double doors..? We just open them up to make the two spaces into one bigger space and--taDAAAA!--you have a nice area for holding a party!" She thought about it for a moment.
"The easiest way to deal with how dark everything is would be to get a tailor and supply him or her with fabric to make new curtains for the windows and slipcovers for the furniture in the parlor. Just changing out the curtains alone would lighten the place up considerably--especially if they were the color of marigolds. A nice deep golden color like that would look very nice in contrast to all the dark wood..." The young cleric smiled at the idea.
"Oh..." Wilma said as an afterthought, "...I can look into getting a cleric of Domi to bless the place, too...you know...for luck..?"
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Monday October 8th, 2012 6:45:09 AM
As Wilma mentions getting a cleric to bless the place Vaniime speaks up.
"Wilma don't forget that he said he would pay for a ritual cleansing."
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Monday October 8th, 2012 2:53:12 PM (OOC: second "illegal" post)
"Oh, right..." the redheaded priestess agreed, "...he did, didn't he? There you are, then--a ritual by Domi and some marigold fabric and I'm sure that the Ravenclaw place will be just fine!" She mopped up the last of the broth from her stew with a piece of bread.
"So...with all that said...is everyone agreed, then? We'll rent the Ravenclaw townhouse..?"
Thessa Monday October 8th, 2012 5:02:21 PM
"I'm definitely in agreement, Wilma! It's immeasurably better than my room at the Inn! And it would be nice to find a place with new friends to call home," she smiles as she raises her wine glass up in a salute to her new companions and goes back to enjoying her plate of meats and cheeses.
Ariach AC 25/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Monday October 8th, 2012 6:44:30 PM
The mentioned changes in the house let Ariach hope. Perhaps the gloomy estate will change into a place where he can feel comfortable. Of course Wilma presence alone ensures that the warrior feels comfortable. Now they are actually living together under the same roof as he has been painted one time or another in his daydreams. But in these dreams not her half brother Grell nor Ariachīs other companions have been with them. The good thing about it, is the fact that Ariach will not have to face Wilmaīs occasional, violent outbursts of emotions alone.
"After the blessing by a priest of Domi and your decorative changes this place will certainly look a lot more comfortable. It will look more like a home. Donīt they say that home is the place where your friends are?"
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 18/18/14 Monday October 8th, 2012 6:45:04 PM
"All right! We've got a new home and a new buddy all in our second day here! I think I'm going to like it here."
Tuck seems excited about their new place, but disinterested in the redecorating. Other than Grell's suggestion for a training space, he doesn't seem concerned with the other rooms.
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) Monday October 8th, 2012 9:53:19 PM
The idea of trying to relax and create a oasis of peace and serenity with sword play down the hall to be quite repugnant to the young half-elf. However, seeing that he is outnumbered on this issue, Emrys tries to approach this quandary from a different direction.
"I humbly appreciate your apology and I too apologize for my tone and lack of consideration for your needs. I now understand your position, however my only appeal is that we try and create a sanctuary for rest, and study ... for quiet contemplation and escape from a world of turbulence. Yes, the dining hall would make a tolerable space for a gymnasium, but wouldn't it pale in comparison with the facilities of the WLA? However, I understand if you feel the WLA to be inadequate, nor able to live up to its exorbitant fee of membership. Alas, I am more than willing to help accommodate the group's desires to the best of my ability."
DM Kathy Monday October 8th, 2012 10:41:55 PM
Although there are still some specifics to be worked out, you agree in general that you want the town house. Master Ressler is glad to hear it, and dutifully arranges for a priest of Alemi to come from the Temple of Light and give the place a good spiritual spring cleaning. In return, you sign a one-year lease and pay the first month's rent.
There are changes to be made, of course, to make the place more homelike. For now, though, the big question is: who is going to sleep where?
You take another tour of the house. The second floor, as you remember, has four bedroom suites with separate sitting rooms. The two suites at the back of the house face the river. There are other buildings, however, between you and the river, so only one of those back suites has an actual view--a good-sized slice of river visible between two buildings from one of the bedroom windows.
That bedroom is decorated in shades of light and dark green, with gold accents. The attached sitting room is mainly gold and light green, with touches of cream-color. We'll call this one "Auntie's suite."
Also at the back of the house is what we'll call the "water suite." Its bedroom also faces the river, although the river isn't visible. You can hear the river, though, and the Endless Falls, if you open a window. The bedroom is decorated in shades of blue and aqua, with flowing, wavelike forms reminiscent of water. The attached sitting room is done in tranquil shades of blue.
On that same side of the house, at the front, is what we'll call the "fire suite." Its bedroom windows face the street--both the quiet cobbles of Raven Crescent and parts of the busier Falls Road beyond. It is decorated in bright shades of orange, yellow, and red. Sinuous twists of fabric climb the bedposts, suggesting flames. Not "oh, no, the bed's on fire" kind of flames; it just looks interesting. The attached sitting room is more autumnal than fiery, with darker shades of russet, orange, and brown.
Also at the front of the house is what we'll call the "girly suite." Its bedroom also faces the street, although it doesn't see as much of Falls Road. The bedroom is in shades of deep rose and pale pink, with cream accents. The sitting room is cream and pale pink, with touches of silver. The decor is feminine, but also tasteful. There are no huge poufs of fabric or paintings of big-eyed children or statues of unicorns to be seen.
The third floor has six rooms, not as large as the suites, but plenty big enough. The two at the back both have views of the river; they are high enough to see over the other buildings. One of these rooms is rather masculine in appearance, decorated in handsome shades of black and tan. The other is pale blue and white, with splashes of yellow. It's a little like walking into a sunlit sky.
The two rooms at the front of the house overlook the street. From one of them, you can actually glimpse the towers of the Black Cathedral in the distance. That room is decorated in lavender and silvery gray. The other front room is done in dark green and rich dark brown; it's strongly reminiscent of a forest.
The two "middle" rooms have views only of the townhouses on either side of you. Not that interesting. One of these rooms is decorated in apricot, with touches of cheery orange and warm golden yellow. The other is a deep midnight blue, with accents of brown and black.
Of course, there's no reason you can't change the decor of a particular room, if you're of a mind to. But it would be easier to find one you like and just keep it the way it is....
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Tuesday October 9th, 2012 7:44:27 AM
"Dibs on the Fire Suite..." Wilma calls, holding up a hand. She looked around at the others. "I know there was a lot of interest in trying to get a river view--that means Auntie's Suite, the Sky Room and...uh...the Man Cave..? Well...those are the three with the river views, anyhow."
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 18/18/14 Tuesday October 9th, 2012 9:30:16 AM
"I would like the blue and white room that overlooks the river. I don't need any of the extra large rooms."
Thessa Tuesday October 9th, 2012 9:54:38 AM
Thessa is a little disappointed that the Sky Room went so quickly, since that was the one she was so enthralled with, but being so new to the Vanguards, she was hardly going to complain. She did enjoy the decor of the water suite as well and the sitting room would be a nice place to set up as a bow crafting area. With the sound of the Falls in the distance, it would be a nice peaceful place.
"I'd like to put my request in for the Water Suite. I don't need a view of the water. As long as I can hear it, I'm content. It is one of the larger rooms though, so I'm willing to pay an extra couple of gold a month if that's what we decide."
"As for the dining hall, I'm inclined to agree with Emrys. A home should be more of a place of rest and recuperation. I for one don't want the sounds and.. um.. smells of a gym anywhere near the kitchen if possible. There are places for all of us - library, music room, garden. Maybe we can find a place outside to set up as a sparring area?"
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) Tuesday October 9th, 2012 1:56:56 PM
Emrys finds the "Auntie Room" most agreeable. He finds the colors soothing, and there is plenty of room for a writing table, a shelf for his personal books and enough closet space for his extensive and elaborate wardrobe. There are plenty of windows for his plants and a decent view of the night's sky for star gazing and the river. "If we are calling dibs, then I will have to claim this one."
Ariach AC 25/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Tuesday October 9th, 2012 5:35:39 PM
After Wilma and the others have announced their choice, Ariach takes a deep breath. His mouth seems like dried up and he has to cough and clear his throat several times before he is able to talk. "I ask for the" girly suite ". Unless of course someone else wants to have it. Then I take one of the other rooms." Immediately his face turns red and he smiles sheepishly.
After he pronounced his decision he doesnīt dare to look towards Grell. Ariach can only hope that the half-orc doesnīt notice the room being close to his sisterīs. The whole room does not conform to Ariachs taste. But maybe there is the time Wilma is in need of a protector or a guy who helps her out - then Ariach will be there.
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Tuesday October 9th, 2012 7:27:17 PM
Van had been hoping that all the girls could have wound up on the same floor, but as people spoke up it became clear that was not going to happen. Well, I guess I will take the forest room on the third floor then.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; d10=8 ; Tuesday October 9th, 2012 8:19:11 PM OOC: second "illegal" post
"Ariach," Wilma said to the paladin-in-spirit, "If you want, we can swap the furniture from your room to mine--I really wanted the Fire Suite because of its location on that floor. I wanted to be able to look out on either of the streets from it. The furniture doesn't matter, really--not to me, anyhow. This way you can have the more masculine-minded furnishings from the Fire Suite..."
Grell Tuesday October 9th, 2012 10:21:37 PM
OOC: Ariach, Grell is fully human, not half-orc. It's just his family was raised by orcs (long story), and so he considers himself orc, though he has no blood ties.
Grell's eyebrow's arch in suspicion at Ariach's housing choice, but he says nothing. He reminds himself, after all that this is a new city...new beginnings...and maybe even new choices.
Grell sighs when all the good rooms are snatched up, but is happy to hear that Vaniime has decided to stay on the 3rd floor. Loving the idea of the extra cardio that he'll get doing the stairs several times every morning, Grell asks for the "Man Cave". He grins over at Tuck. "Well, it's official, then...I guess we should pick out some ale and find out what it tastes like."
OOC: Sorry guys, my daughter's been sick this last week. She has pneumonia, and it's been a little difficult to keep up with everything. I might be late in posts this week.
DM Kathy Tuesday October 9th, 2012 10:47:46 PM
You choose rooms for yourselves without the shoving and bickering that's such a staple of reality TV. Wilma claims the fire suite, Thessa chooses the water suite, and Emrys picks Auntie's suite. Ariach, somewhat surprisingly, opts for the girly suite. What's he up to?
Upstairs, Tuck wants the blue-sky room, and Vaniime likes the forest room. Grell claims the black-and-tan room as his own, leaving Dreppi to pick one of the remaining options. [If we ever hear from him again.]
[By the way, I didn't feel up to the task of detailing exactly what furniture is in each room. You each have a fireplace and a large bed; other than that, you get to say what you've got. :) ]
In short order (relatively speaking), you have your things moved and put away in your new quarters. And then the question arises: now what?
[OOC: that question is also from your DM. Do you want to tackle the downstairs decor? Try to hire servants? Find an adventuring gig? Something else?]
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 18/18/14 Wednesday October 10th, 2012 10:43:44 AM
Tuck is excited to have a new place and a new room. He moves his few possessions into his space overlooking the river. After looking out the window at his new view for a few moments, he lies on his bed and looks into the blue of the ceiling above.
"Peaceful," he murmurs to himself.
Alas, there's no time to be a slug-a-bed today. Tuck assists anyone else with moving in, not afraid of a little hard work.
After all that is done, Tuck dusts his hands off. "Well, I think we've earned a little fun. What do you guys say to throwing ourselves a little housewarming party? Grell and I could pick up some ale." A large grin spreads across the young man's face.
Thessa Wednesday October 10th, 2012 1:30:50 PM
Once arrangements have been made with Ressler, Thessa returns to the Flying Monkey to gather her belongings and say goodbye to the small room that has been her home for over almost two years. On the way out she buys a large batch of Elven Sweetbread and a bottle of honey mead to bring to the housewarming party.
Once back at the manor, she unpacks and finds a relatively small, square table in one of the unused rooms. She asks for a bit of help from Tuck and they move it into her sitting room area. She pulls our her tools from her pack and sets up her fletching bench. She then positions her comfortable sitting chair and small end table near the window so that she has a place to read and study while enjoying the fresh air and sounds of the Falls.
Next, she picks up a beside oil lamp and pulls out the dried up wick. Sprinkling red dust on it, she waves her hand and speaks a word. A stark white light bursts brightly from the wick and she stares at it for a moment. She slips the wick back into the lamp and turns the wick down so that most of it is inside the base and only a candle's worth of light escapes. She smiles to herself and returns the lamp to the bedside table.
After noting how the dust has accumulated in this room over the months, she moves to the center of the room, speaks a few arcane words and ripple of barely visible force springs into existence in front of her. She sends this "unseen servant" out the window with the rugs and curtains to shake the dust out of them and sweep up the rest of the room while she arranges her craft table and changes into a clean set of clothes. The broom-wielding force follows her out of the room and spends the next hour or so sweeping the hallways and floors around Thessa as she helps the others move in. As she heads downstairs, she wills the force to put the broom away and dissipate into nothingness.
She goes to the large dining hall with mead and bread in hand, hoping that the festivities will soon begin. She's anxious to socialize and maybe talk a bit about some potential WLA work.
"Tuck! Grell! Are you two done with your heavy lifting yet?" she says with a laugh and smile. "When does this housewarming party start?"
Ariach AC 25/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Wednesday October 10th, 2012 6:20:19 PM
Blessedly nobody says something about Ariach picking the "girly suite". As soon as all have choosen their rooms he goes back to the "Red Wyrm Inn" to get his stuff. Back in his new home he hears something about a housewarming party. Certainly it is Tuck who wants to celebrate his new won freedom. If Ariach wouldnīt know better you could think Tuck was in a prison called Maplehurst. Celebrations are part of life, Ariach was told by his father after he had proclaimed he will never ever celebrate a non religous festivity. Therefore he searches for a glas or goblet and joins the party members. "I have a proposal. We buy a big sign- on it written in golden letters- HOME OF THE VANGUARDS We can position it on top of the entry."
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; d3=2 ; Wednesday October 10th, 2012 9:30:14 PM
"If we get material in darker purple and gray colors," Wilma pointed out to Ariach, "The suite will look a lot less...girly." She smiled. "We can still swap furniture if you wish--although both your quarters and mine will look a bit strange with the walls and paneling in one color scheme while the furnishings would be in a completely different one. I'll leave the choice up to you, because the look of the furniture isn't that important to me."
One thing was important, though: setting up a prayer station dedicated to Gargul in one corner of her room. To be sure, as an entry-level priestess, the station wasn't going to be anything that elaborate: a prie-deux put in front of a small, framed tapestry or painting depicting the open eye symbol of Gargul. She already had the side table that she planned to use to burn candles and incense upon.
Wilma made sure to practically drag Thessa into the Fire Suite in order to excitedly tell her all about how she planned to set up her prayer station and such, taking very blatant advantage of the Unseen Servant's penchant for sweeping and dusting the immediate area while the elven spellcaster was being enthusiastically hosted on the tour.
"Thanks for letting me 'borrow' your Servant there, Thessa," Wilma said with a wink and a smile, "Say...we probably ought to take a good look at the attic--I bet there's more than enough room there to make at least part of it into a lab..."
When everyone came together at mealtime, Wilma asked about how everyone was settling in.
"I plan on going to the marketplace tomorrow," she said, "I need a couple of things for my quarters. I'll poke around for a tailor to consult about the curtains and slipcovers, too."
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Wednesday October 10th, 2012 9:33:39 PM (OOC: second "illegal" post)
Wilma tilted her head to one side as she listened to Ariach's suggestion.
"I have to admit that I'm a little uncomfortable with putting up a sign," she replied, then turned to the others. "What do you all think..?"
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) Wednesday October 10th, 2012 9:58:30 PM
"May I suggest that we conduct ourselves, in public within the Nightmare, with stoic discretion. Word has surely spread about this home becoming occupied once again. We are going to be watched by scores of unsavory individuals. Lets not throw our wealth around." Emrys pauses for a bit and continues his story. "As a child, I was often plagued by nightmares ... horrible visions. My father, being the shapeshifter that he is, advised me that in my dreams no form is permanent. That I should become the bigger monster and the phantoms of my sleep would be too fearful to haunt me again. I think that same advice can be employed here. That being we should cultivate a persona that discourages those who wish to take from us or do us harm."
(Knowledge [local]: 33, using lore master ability of taking20 1/day on knowledge skill, to determine the different groups and gangs in the Nightmare Quarter.)
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Wednesday October 10th, 2012 10:09:08 PM
Van joins the others on the trek back to get their things and then begins the arduous task of cleaning her roomand making it hers.
When the conversation turns to the prospect of a sign Van Looks around at everyone and puts her two cents worth in.
On our travels around town looking at places the brokers pointed out certain places like red dragon castle etc, and none of those had signs announcing who lived there. I am not sure I want that kind of attention and I don't want us to be considered puffed up with our importance.
DM Kathy Wednesday October 10th, 2012 10:28:53 PM
You spend some time getting settled. Thessa conjures up an Unseen Servant, but really, there's not a lot of dust. Master Ressler must have been paying somebody to clean the place. Of course, it's not likely to stay dust-free forever.
Ariach suggests putting up a sign, but the rest of the group is not enthused at the prospect.
Wilma begins setting up a small shrine to Gargul, and strategizes with Ariach about possible changes to his room.
Tuck helps his friends move, and suggests a housewarming party, which sounds good to most of you.
Plans for hiring servants, re-decorating, and finding an adventure are therefore put on hold for the evening. You acquire food and ale from nearby pubs, and have a grand celebration.
Grell (subbed for Nellie by Donna) Thursday October 11th, 2012 7:05:18 AM
The brawny young man didn't say much at the housewarming celebration--he was concentrating on consuming the pickled pigs feet that Wilma had thoughtfully included amongst the available foodstuffs. Then something that Wilma said sort of made an impression on him:
"I'll go to the marketplace with you..." he offered, courteously wiping his mouth on the back of one of his forearms, "My room could use a nice stuffed bugbear head on the wall..."
Thessa Thursday October 11th, 2012 1:47:34 PM
"We'll take a look at the attic tomorrow, Wilma. Tonight, we have a party to prepare for! What are you wearing?" She engages Wilma in a brief talk about clothing options and leaves to get ready.
The first night in the new house plays out well for Thessa. She finishes her mead in record time and enjoys getting to know her companions a bit better. She even succeeds in not making a complete fool of herself, which is always a trick.
She tries to talk Emrys into entertaining them with a few songs in the music room, and even tries her hand at dancing, which she finds quite fun. She can't remember having this much fun since a few of her friends at Maplehurst threw a big graduation party. It's hard to believe that was two years ago.
After a few hours, her head slightly spinning from the wine, she excuses herself and heads up to her bedroom. She slips into bed and turns down the light. "Yes," she says quietly to herself, "I think I'm going to like it here." With that, she slips quickly into a restful slumber.
(OOC: I could not find whether or not Woldian Elves sleep for a full night or go into a Trance for 4 hours like their D&D cousins. Could someone enlighten me? Thanks!)
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Thursday October 11th, 2012 5:39:24 PM
(OOC to Thessa: as far as I know, Woldian elves trance...as per the Pathfinder system rules, right..?)
"As a novice priest of Gargul," Wilma explained to Thessa, "I wear gray robes most of the time, although I'm allowed to wear white on special occasions." She held up the blue gown that had been her attire for the Maplehurst graduation ceremony. "I suppose I should get rid of this...I was allowed to wear it while I was attending the school, but now that I'm out in the real Wold, I'll never wear it again." She put the gown aside.
"Don't forget..." the redhead said to the entire group while they were having their little celebration, "...we need to decide on at least two things: what colors to make the drapes and slipcovers for the public rooms...and if we are going to contact an employment agency to get us some sort of live-in help."
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 18/18/14 Thursday October 11th, 2012 5:43:25 PM
Tuck is eager to sample the ale that Grell's been talking about. He finds it quite pleasing and soon is clanking mugs with his friend and singing along with Emrys, quite off key. Seeing Thessa dancing about the room, Tuck decides to dance, as well.
"Let me try that." He staggers a couple feet, looses his balance and face plants onto the floor. Either he's lost consciousness or fallen asleep, because there he remains.
Ariach AC 25/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Thursday October 11th, 2012 6:53:26 PM
With open mouth Ariach stares at the beautiful young elven women while she is dancing. Itīs an extraordinary spectacle seeing Thessa gliding over the floor in harmony with the music. The event is interrupted as Tuck tries to dance too. At the beginning Ariach laughs about Tuck attempts but when Tuck doesnīt get up after falling, Ariach goes to Tuckīs rescue.
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) d20+16=36 ; d20+16=30 ; d20+16=23 ; d20+16=26 ; d20+16=28 ; d20+16=17 ; Thursday October 11th, 2012 7:05:17 PM
Emrys eats and drinks and performs for the others to their heart's content. Even switching to different instruments, the ones he can find in the music room. Of course, his playing suffers near the end of the night after having one too many drinks of hard cider.
(Perform [strings]: 36, 30, 23, 26, 28, 17.)
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Thursday October 11th, 2012 8:46:54 PM
Van Joins in the celebrations and makes a bit of a scene as she comes down the stairs in a long filmy, not quite transparent, form fitting dress that gave her the illusion of wings.She even joins Thessa on the dance floor. As Tuck joins them she laughs at firat and then gets serious as he falls face first. Moving to help Ariach pick him off the floor she asks the paladin. "Ariach can you get him to his room or do you need some assistance?"
Eventually as things wind down, she finally makes her way to her room and gets some sleep, not knowing what the morning would bring.
(OOC: There is no longer a rule about elves not needing sleep and it was left out purposefully. Apparently there are several thoughts on the topic even on the Paizo site. I post the question onthe DmBoard this evening.)
DM Kathy Friday October 12th, 2012 12:57:27 AM
Even though you are the only attendees, the party is a smashing success. You drink, and sing, and dance, with varying degrees of success. Tuck manages to wind up flat on his face, but when Ariach checks on him, he finds that the monk has simply passed out. Eventually, you all seek your beds, where Thessa and Vaniime may or may not sleep, because that seems to be unclear. [I wasn't aware that anything had changed in that regard. I think that, at least for the foreseeable future, we don't need to worry about it.]
The next morning, questions still await you. Do you try to hire servants? Decorators? Or do you just try to find some way to go kill something and leave the tough decisions for later?
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; d20+2=7 ; Friday October 12th, 2012 4:33:27 AM COMBINED POST FOR GRELL AND WILMA
The Illutu siblings rise relatively early in the morning and set out for the Skull Marketplace and the Black Cathedral, where Grell sought out suitable taxidermy with which to decorate his room while Wilma went to the temple. After she was done, she more or less let Grell continue his search for the perfect dead beast wall decoration and poked around the marketplace, chatting up the vendors there in order to find out where to find a domestic service agency. She also kept an eye out for a likely tailor to inquire about how much the creation of new curtains and slipcovers for the townhouse would likely cost.
OOC: made a voluntary Diplomacy roll to see if Wilma could get the vendors to be helpful, but the result is 7.
Thessa d20+12=26 ; Friday October 12th, 2012 12:09:42 PM
Thessa rises early in the morning to greet the dawn - a morning ritual she has kept since childhood. The world is so quiet at this time of morning, and the house too. This isn't surprising, since everyone was making so merry last night, especially Tuck. She hopes he made it to his bed ok.
After assembling a list of spell components and items she needs from the market, she decides to get started.
The market is teaming with life and she has no trouble finding the herbs she is looking for, as well as a small wooden weapon stand to hold her bows and arrows in the making. She stops by a small tent and shakes hand with a familiar vendor. He always has a beaming smile on his face and after a few words, he produces a wooden box filled with gorgeous goose feathers. She passes him a similar wooden box with silver coins (15sp) and they shake hands. It's a steep price to pay, but the convenience is worth it to her. She opens the box of feathers again as she walks away and smiles, "and the quality of his merchandise is always amazing!" she says quietly to herself, admiring the clean and precisely cut feathers.
She buys a few more things at the market (a small meditation rug, a new blanket to match the room decor) and heads back to the house.
If the rest of the day passes uneventfully, she'll spend some time crafting her latest masterwork composite longbow (DC:12). She is about halfway done with it and still needs to craft the masterwork portion (DC:20).
[She succeeds with a roll of 26, which puts her 45sp closer to finishing (26*12=312; 312/7=45). A total of 545sp of 1,000sp of crafting complete.]
Later that day, when Wilma and Grell get back, she'll approach Wilma at an appropriate time. "So, that attic is still waiting to be explored... Shall we see what's up there?" She flashes Wilma an adventurous smile.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Friday October 12th, 2012 3:39:11 PM OOC: second "illegal" post
The young cleric's sapphire eyes lit up at the sound of Thessa's invitation.
"Count me in!" Wilma said excitedly. "We need to see exactly how much space is up there, anyhow--I've a sneaking suspicion that we'll be needing to store a lot of the dining hall furniture up there soon, if Grell's anticipation about converting that room is anything to go by..."
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 18/18/14 Saturday October 13th, 2012 9:06:50 AM
Tuck wakes slowly and with a pitiful moan. The light beating on his eyelids is painful. He assumes that he's dieing until he opens his eyes. How did he get in his bed? Closing his eyes, he tries to go back to sleep.
Nothing doing. His head feels about to pop. He opens one eye to look about the room, sure that Grell is sitting nearby laughing like a maniac. Or maybe Emrys pranked him again. Did he cast a spell on him?
That's the last time I call him a nerd.
Discovering that his mouth is dry, he sits up. He puts his feet on the cold floor and stands. Putting a hand on a bedpost, he steadies himself as the room shifts and rocks. After a few moments, he manages to dress himself and shuffle downstairs to find some water.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; 2d6=7 ; Saturday October 13th, 2012 10:50:53 AM OOC: more "illegal" RPing posts
The redheaded cleric gave Tuck an amused sort of glance, watching the obviously-hungover monk try to work the tap on one of the sinks in the kitchen. She went over and, taking the cup he had barely managed to rustle up from the nearby cupboard, poured him a cup of water. As she watched him groggily drink from the cup, she grinned and then produced a burst of positive healing energy. (OOC: Channeled Energy for 7hp of healing power.)
"Hope that helps, Tuck," Wilma said humorously, "That ought to teach you to try to out-drink Grell at a party..!"
Van wakes up after the most restful eight hours of sleep she's had in over a year and makes her way downstairs a smile spread alll over her face.
After a morning of running errands and attending to personal things, Van makes it back to the house and sees Thessa and Wilma conspiritorily whispering to each other.
"Ok Ladies what are you two up to? And, can I get in on it?" She asks with a grin on her face.
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 18/18/14 Sunday October 14th, 2012 10:08:34 AM
Tuck greedily drinks his water. Wilma's healing has him feeling much better. He blinks his eyes a few times as everything around him becomes much clearer.
"Thanks, Wilma. Ugh. If I ever even look at another mug of ale, please hit me with your staff."
Ariach AC 25/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Sunday October 14th, 2012 1:26:02 PM
*Poor Tuck. He really looks sick. Fortunately Wilma helps the suffering Tuck with one of her healing spells.*
Ariach smiles as the warrior speaks to Tuck. "I donīt know what is the better choice. Headache from to much ale or headache from a hit of Wilmaīs staff. By the way - i remember that an old friend of my fahter who used to drink a lot told me that the best medicine against a hangover is to drink the same drink you drunk last the other day. Do you want a glas of ale, Tuck? "
DM Kathy Sunday October 14th, 2012 9:47:38 PM
The next morning, Wilma and Grell go off to visit the Skull Market. Grell has any number of odd little pieces of taxidermy to choose from, including a dire rat, a stirge, and an aurochs head. Wilma asks around about domestic help, but the Skull Market really isn't the place for that kind of thing.
Thessa also makes an early start, buying some things for herself at the Open Palm Market (I'm assuming). She spends the rest of the day crafting, and speaks of exploring the attic. Vaniime also expresses some interest.
Tuck is feeling the effects of his unaccustomed partying, and the ever-helpful Ariach stands by to offer him assistance.
Once you are all back in the house, you again discuss what your next move should be. It occurs to you that Master Ressler is a reasonably wealthy man, and probably employs servants of his own. Perhaps he can get you aimed in the right direction.
The Guild Quarter is the home of crafters and artisans of all kind. If seamstress work is wanted, perhaps that would be a good place to look for it.
Some of you overheard Thessa speaking with the clerk at the WLA--something about a job, maybe? Perhaps that might be an avenue to explore.
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 18/18/14 Monday October 15th, 2012 8:31:25 AM
Tuck gives Ariach a venomous look. "You jest. I'm swearing off the stuff, I say!"
With a harumph, he stands and leaves Wilma and Ariach alone in the kitchen as he hustles back up to his room.
Later when the group meets up, Tuck suggests going to the WLA to look into a job. "Thessa, if you have the time, perhaps you'd like to come with me. I assume you already know about the job, plus you've had a lot more dealings with them than I we have. We can get the information about the job and disseminate to the others. Meanwhile, some can keep looking for things we need for the house. How does that sound?"
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Monday October 15th, 2012 5:36:01 PM COMBINED POST FOR WILMA AND GRELL
Grell cast a jaundiced eye upon the auroch head--to be sure, it was bigger than an average steer head, but clearly it was not a mountain auroch, which was bigger and more impressive than an "ordinary" auroch. He decided to pass on the mounted trophy for now. Hopefully he would be able to bag a more impressive specimen for his bedroom wall. He sighed, heartily regretting that the group had been forced to leave behind the ankheg bodies from their foray into the Monster Preserve--a stuffed and mounted ankheg trophy truly would have been a beautiful addition to his quarters.
Wilma tilted her head as she considered Tuck's suggestion.
"You know..." she said sagely, "...we do need to start establishing ourselves in the city as legitimate adventurers...and going to the WLA to follow up on that possible assignment would be a good start on doing that. Besides...we could pay a quick visit to Mr. Thessler on the way back--I bet he can recommend someone to at least look after the property while we're away on missions..."
Ariach AC 25/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Monday October 15th, 2012 7:02:20 PM
Not willing to stay at home alone Ariach decides to wander through the city. From his former life in Plateau City he knows some locations where a helping hand is always welcome. He visits a feeding station for the poor. There he donates some money and serves food. Then he helps a charitable institution to rebuild a house which was consumed by fire. He also tells the people that he is back in town again and where to find if they are in need of any help. Finally he visits the temple of Domi. He prays for a couple hours before he talks to a priest about a donation from 1000 GP.
"I consider it an honour and in accordance with the codex to suscribe the money" is the only statement he puts out.
DM Kathy Monday October 15th, 2012 9:54:21 PM Grell decides to forego the pleasure of a taxidermy animal, at least for now. Wilma and Tuck are in favor of heading to WLA Headquarters to see what kinds of adventures might be available.
"Recent graduates, you say?" the clerk says. "No, we've nothing for you, I'm afraid. Not a lot of adventuring happening in the city these days; everyone's gone to Bryn Baraz and Rum and the Scab."
Ariach is becoming known around town at the various places that care for the sick and destitute. He spends a few hours at a soup kitchen in the Rogue Quarter, helping the priests of Alemi. He stops by the War Cathedral to pay his tithe, and the priests of Domi are appreciative.
With the others going out and about, Van finds herself alone and with nothing else to do, so heads over toward the druid quarter and the trees there for a bit of time with nature.
Thessa Monday October 15th, 2012 11:37:51 PM
Thessa comes down from her room in the evening after spending some time crafting and studying her spellbooks. She also found an interesting book from the library. In fact it was so interesting that she left Wilma and Tuck to go chat with the WLA clerk on their own.
It intrigued her to find out that the clerk hadn't mentioned the job that they were trying to recruit for earlier.
"Really?" she says as she listens to Wilma and Tuck talking at the dinner table with the rest of the Vanguards. "They didn't mention Lasher Castle? That was the job they had talked to me about. It may have been that they have filled the requirement already, but they told me that they wanted to put together a group to deal with the undead that fill its depths."
[OOC: Placeholder for any additional information that Thessa may have about the job, she'll share it freely with the group. I'll let Kathy expound, otherwise, Thessa will suggest we go as a group to the WLA the next day and prepare ourselves for exploring and potentially dealing with the denizens therein.]
Thessa is also impressed to hear about Ariach's devotion to those who are sick and poor. "It's admirable to do what you do. There are so many that cannot, or will not. I'm not much of a religious woman, but for your sake, I few of my gold may find its way into the Domi Temple coffers to help with those endeavors."
She finishes the meal and gathers the dishes of those who are finished. "Well, should we all get a good night rest and agree to all go to the WLA first thing in the morning?"
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) Tuesday October 16th, 2012 12:15:58 AM
(sorry for not posting in time, ive been doing a lot of freelance at night and forgetting to post.)
After hours of getting all his things put away and giving his room the "Emrys touch", the young bard's inquisitive mind gets the best of him. He decides to investigate the rest of the house a little more. He goes from room to room checking for stray auras of magic and other types of energy (using detect magic, of course). Maybe the past occupants had a few permanent wards or magical effects not yet noticed.
He will also inspect all the instruments in the Music room. Those that are already out and the ones stored away. The attic also intrigues him as well.
Ariach AC 25/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Tuesday October 16th, 2012 3:08:13 AM
Ariach starts to listen attentively as Thessa speaks about a threat of undeads.
"It is our duty to destroy these creatures. I would prefer to get paid for smashing them to pieces but we should fight them even if we donīt get paid. Maybe we should talk at the WLA about Lasher Castle to find out more."
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Tuesday October 16th, 2012 7:07:57 AM COMBINED POST FOR WILMA AND GRELL
Grell focused largely on making a list of personal items that had been left at his room at Emerald Dragons Castle. He added a message for his parents to kindly send him his stuff at his new address in Plateau City. As decor went, the overall black-and-tan theme in his room was all right...but he wanted to add his own personal touch to the place. He was looking forward to being able to proudly display his own kills in his quarters.
Wilma went away from the WLA office considerably deflated--she had been sure that the clerk there had mentioned to Thessa that there was some sort of mission available earlier. However, Wilma herself was not a member of the WLA (yet) and didn't feel as though she had any standing to challenge the clerk.
On the way back to their townhouse, the young cleric remembered to stop by the business office of Mr. Thessler. She greeted him amiably, telling him that her group was settling into the roomy dwelling very nicely, but then asked him if he could recommend a person or service for tending to the house in a domestic capacity.
"None of us are really cooks or domestics, you see, sir," Wilma admitted to him, "And we would like to make sure that the townhouse is properly cared for, not only while we are out on assignments, but while we are in residence, too."
Back at the townhouse, Wilma related the happenings to the rest of the team, and then seconded Ariach's opinion regarding Lasher Castle after Thessa spoke about it.
"The undead must be cleansed from the premises!" she said emphatically. "They are an affront to Gargul and a danger to the living who dwell in the area around the infestation! If that particular task has not been claimed by other WLA members, then I have to agree with Ariach--we ought to just go there and take care of the problem ourselves, whether or not we are paid for it."
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 18/18/14 Tuesday October 16th, 2012 9:08:07 AM
"Ugh, undead. Do you guys realize I have to touch those things to hurt them? Gross! It makes my skin crawl." As if to prove his point, the normally hardy man shudders. "But we gotta do what we gotta do. So, we're going back to the WLA, tomorrow, and tell them to give us the case!"
"Well, it sounds like we're all of one voice on it then. Good! We'll talk to the WLA in the morning. I'm glad we're getting down to business."
She pauses for a moment and smiles, somewhat mischievously. "But before we embark on our potentially heroic quest, there's the small matter of an attic that needs exploring! Who's in?"
With that, Thessa leads the way up the stairs to the attic, being sure to cast a Detect Magic spell, just in case some long lost memento decides to reveals itself during the exploration.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Tuesday October 16th, 2012 3:40:09 PM
Wilma followed right behind Thessa.
"I can cast a Light orison if we need it..." the young priestess offered.
Thessa Tuesday October 16th, 2012 4:37:54 PM
[OOC: Second "illegal" post.]
"Thank you, Wilma. My apologies. With my elven sight, I often forget that not everyone can see in the dark as well as I can. Please go ahead."
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Tuesday October 16th, 2012 8:20:23 PM (OOC: second "illegal" post)
Wilma picked up one of the many knick-knacks that cluttered the various occasional tables that were strategically placed around the huge townhouse as they trooped towards the attic.
"I'll cast the spell on this when we get there..." she explained, holding up the little brass monkey that was covering its mouth with both hands.
DM Kathy Tuesday October 16th, 2012 10:44:23 PM Vaniime spends some time in the Druid Quarter, which is surprisingly forest-like for an urban area like Plateau City. Of course, even here, you can't escape the fact that you're in a highly-populated city. You meet plenty of townsfolk strolling the paths or stopping beside the Lake of Serenity. You also see what most townsfolk probably miss: the occasional druid, moving silently and almost invisibly through the trees.
Emrys looks about for magic auras, but finds none that don't belong to his companions. He inspects the music room. The instruments are all of good quality. The spinet is reasonably in-tune; the harp, woefully out-of-tune. The other stringed instruments, too, appear to need tuning. Other than that minor, easily-remedied problem, all of the instruments are the kind a bard would be proud to play.
Wilma stops by Master Ressler's office. He seems a little surprised to hear from you so soon, but nods as you explain the situation. "I think Mistress Rookward should be able to assist you," he says. He leads you to an outer office and introduces Arcia Rookward. "Mistress Illutu and her companions have rented the Raven Crescent house," he says, "and they're in need of domestic staff. Can I ask you to assist them?" At his assistant's murmured "of course," he takes his leave and returns to his office. You've been handed off to a flunky.
However, she seems a competent flunky, and she seems genuinely interested in helping you out. "Finding domestic help is a little tricky these days," she says. "So many of the poorer folk have gone off to seek their fortune; most of those left behind already have positions they like. The agencies are all but useless." She smiles. "The thing to do is to find a servant who's becoming dissatisfied with their position and lure them away. And working for adventurers would be appealing for a lot of people, I think. I'll make inquiries."
Thessa is disappointed to hear that the trip to the WLA didn't yield much in the way of adventuring leads. You do, in fact, know of something that's going to be happening at Lasher Castle. True, nobody ever specifically told you about it, or made you any promises, but you've heard the talk and you know it's happening. To get in on it, though, you may have to be a bit more assertive than Wilma and Grell were this morning.
For now, however, the whole group has gone up to explore the attic. It is on the fourth floor, along with the nursery, schoolroom, playroom, and servants' quarters. It is quite a large space, lit mostly by skylights. And it is mostly empty. You do find some folding screens, and one small cabinet with a broken door, but nothing else.
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) Tuesday October 16th, 2012 11:30:36 PM
Emrys becomes thoroughly distracted as he takes to the task of tuning each instrument. Before he knows it, the day has passed.
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 18/18/14 Wednesday October 17th, 2012 8:59:47 AM
Tuck pokes around up in the attic with the others. "What are we going to do with the space up here? You know, some of you didn't like the idea of us having a workout space in the dining room. How about here? We'd be out of sight."
After they're done exploring the upstairs, Tuck suggests going back to the WLA as a group. "Perhaps if we present a united front, they might be more forthcoming.."
Thessa Wednesday October 17th, 2012 2:29:42 PM
Thessa rises in the morning and prepares herself for a day of action. She begins with a hot bath, well aware that if they start out tonight, it might be the last she gets for a while. She spends some time memorizing her spells and sipping on some black tea. She then dons her tight leggings and loose-fitted shirt, pulls on her thick-soled walking boots and belts her curved blade to her waist. She pulls out her beautifully carved bow from her quiver and examines it, running her hand along the length and pulling at the drawstring a few times. Satisfied, she sheaths the bow and slings the quiver over her back. She puts on her silver ivy circlet and is ready to go as the sun peeks over the rooftops of Plateau City.
Downstairs, the others are assembling as well. When the Vanguards look to be in order, she turns to address them all. Gone was the softness and serenity on her face from the party the night before. With the impending mission on the line, she is all business - complete with furrowed brown and slightly pursed lips. She looks around at the formidable group of adventurers assembled in front of her.
"I hope everyone slept well! Being a more senior League member, I will probably have more luck talking with the clerk, but Tuck, Grell, I want you two on either side of me looking... imposing. We want to appear as capable as possible to the League. This might be a tougher assignment, or they may have someone else in mind for the job, but we need to make them see that The Vanguards are the best choice for the task! Emrys and Wilma, if Grell's muscles and my sharp tongue can't deliver, we might need your more charming personalities to sell the idea so be ready. Ok, is everyone ready? Let's go!"
With that, she turns on her heel and walks out of the front door.
Thessa was very uncomfortable with leadership - even in this short little trek to the WLA headquarters she felt out of character. Along the way she cheered herself up by assuring herself that once they had landed this assignment, she'd go back to where she was most comfortable - in the back, in the shadows, supporting the mission. She patted her quiver absently, "Soon. I'll be needing you soon."
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Wednesday October 17th, 2012 9:36:36 PM COMBINED POST FOR WILMA AND GRELL
Grell was itching to get out there and find something to beat the bejeebers out of.
"If we can't get this clerk to give us the mission..." he said, "innocently" cleaning his fingernails with a sharp, pointy dagger, "...then I volunteer to make him change his mind." He was doing rather well projecting a cool, mildly dangerous kind of guy when he flicked a little too hard with the dagger and the weapon flew out of his hands--landing with a thunk in the wood of the high-backed chair that Wilma was currently occupying as she finished the last of the oatmeal she was eating for breakfast. The cleric of Gargul snorted, rolling her eyes and yanking the dagger out of the chair, batting nary an eyelash for all that the blade had landed inches away from her ear.
"If you're as good at intimidating as you are with your aim, brother," Wilma said, sliding the dagger back across the table to him, "Then we'll be lucky we aren't laughed out of the office--and watch where you're doing that! This furniture isn't ours to use target practice on..!" She frowned at the pock mark left in the dark wood while Grell sheepishly snatched the dagger off the table and sheathed it.
"Okay, then, Thessa," Wilma addressed the comely elf, "Let me go rinse out my breakfast stuff at least and then I'll be ready to go..." Soon both of the Illutu siblings were ready to see whether or not Grell would, indeed, be called upon to intimidate anyone at the WLA.
Back from the Druid quarter and a bit more relaxed from her time spent in semi nature, Van finishes the day off with the others exploring the attic and finding something to eat before settling down for the night.
**************************
The next morning, She is coming downstairs as Thessa is making plans to go with Grell and Tuck to the WLA headquarters. And then she includes Wilma and Emrys and within a few moments Van is just about to spit nails as her relaxation from the previous day vanishes in an instant.
Feeling slighted and more than a bit out of sorts, As the past few days run through her head (only girl not on the same floor with the other girls, Wilma acting like she's got a new best friend, not being asked along to do things with the two of them), she perches upon the banister post of the stairwell, as the group gets ready to depart.
She growls. "What am I then, chopped liver? Have I become totally invisible? Perhaps I am dead and a ghost and I just don't know it. Or, mayhaps because I did not join the WLA, I am not good enough for the rest of you?"
"I will have you know that I can probably out shoot everyone here, including you Thessa and I would put my sword abilities up against anyone here as well."
"If we go to the WLA looking for work, It will look better if the Vanguard were their in their entirety rather than a piecemeal assortment. If they want to hire us they need to see us all and make their assessment of the group.
While you may know the WLA better than us, We know our strengths and weaknesses and what we are capapble of. Can you say the same? Those of us you knew while you were at Maplehurst have changed drastically in the two years since you've been gone and we are none of us even close to the same people you knew.
We have references and accomplishments that you do not know about and can not inform the WLA about, just as I am sure you have the same, that we do not know about."
She abruptly comes to an end of her rant with a slightly abashed look upon her face and drops her eyes. A momnet later the she raises her head and stares everyone down as if daring them to say anything about her unusual and emotional outburst.
Thessa Wednesday October 17th, 2012 11:20:37 PM
[OOC "illegal" post: FYI, Thessa would have waited for everyone to join us downstairs, and would not have specifically excluded anyone, especially her fellow elf, from the mix. I thought I made that clear in my post. That being said, this offers an interesting RP opportunity, so I'll post on it tomorrow. Trust me, Thessa knows how presumptuous her self-elected leadership (on this matter at least) is to everyone, including herself. ;) ]
(No worries. Just RPing a jealous teen age girl. Kent)
DM Kathy Thursday October 18th, 2012 12:17:23 AM
You gather in the morning, and you all go to the WLA together, presenting a unified front.
Thessa recognizes the human woman at the desk, a former fighter named Indrel. "Thessa!" she calls. "Found an adventuring company at last, have you?"
You ask about the Lasher Castle mission.
"Yes, we're going in in a couple of days," she says, "but it way beyond you kids. That place is crawling with undead; we're sending in the big guns."
You (I assume) protest. Indrel shakes her head. "This is serious stuff," she says. "People nearby have reported seeing a strange, green glow coming from the castle. It appears in different places, at different times. The mission is to investigate and find out what's happening. Which means we have to cover every inch of the place. Which means that--no offense--nobody's going to have time to babysit you."
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 18/18/14 d20=13 ; Thursday October 18th, 2012 9:53:24 AM
Tuck folds his arms across his chest and does his best to look intimidating. Intimidation 13 Although he hasn't had as much practice at it as Grell has. He keeps quiet, allowing those more skilled to do the talking.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Thursday October 18th, 2012 5:22:21 PM COMBINED POST FOR WILMA AND GRELL
Wilma blinked shocked sapphire eyes at the way Van was reacting.
Grell, on the other hand, had a rather lovestruck expression on his face. His older sister rolled her eyes, but she looked very levelly at her best friend and spoke directly to her in Elven:
If your PC understands the Elven language, Highlight to display spoiler: {: "Everyone's been trying to concentrate on getting three really important things done all at the same time, Van...getting ourselves moved in here; arranging for the right kind of help to look after this place; and--most importantly--getting a job to pay for everything. Nobody has been ignoring you...well, not purposely, anyhow. We all need to pull together to get everything done so that everyone here is fine with our mutual arrangements. Besides...have you seen the quality of Thessa's Goth Grafitti? There is NO way in the Wold I'd ask her to spray-paint a skull with a bow on it..!"}
Even as she very calmly spoke her piece to Vaniime, Wilma's hand unerringly reached out and smacked the back of her brother's head. Immediately the lovestruck look on his face disappeared and he scowled at Wilma instead.
"What was that for..?" he demanded truculently, rubbing the back of his head. The priestess' gaze slid from Vaniime to Grell.
"Now is not the time for you to be...distracted," she said firmly. Grell looked like he would have argued with her, but then he subsided.
After all the drama was resolved, then came the reception from the clerk at the WLA...again. Last time, Wilma hadn't felt she'd the right to protest. This time, however, there was at least one point that she felt had to be made:
"Listen...Indrel..?...we may be straight out of Maplehurst Academy, but we aren't exactly strangers to the need to battle against unexpected foes that would have been considered too dangerous for 'newbies' to fight. We kept children from being kidnapped by an evil spellcaster who used magical beasts--TWICE! We have defeated a chimera! We even fought a half-dozen or so ankhegs who had taken a seasoned ranger of the Monster Preserve captive, rescuing her in the process! So do not sit there and dare to presume that we would need...babysitting...of any kind!"
Thessa d20+1=14 ; Thursday October 18th, 2012 5:41:44 PM
Thessa stops in her tracks, turns back and looks directly at Vaniime. She thought for sure she had seen her in the group gathered downstairs. How could she have missed her?
"Vaniime, please." The slight scowl on her face was more of placation than of pleading. "You are far from chopped liver! I'm well aware that each of you have your strengths and weaknesses and I look forward to finding out more about each and every one of you. You have made yourselves a cohesive team, otherwise you wouldn't have stayed together after graduation. I respect that, as I try to respect all here."
She closes her eyes momentarily and takes a breath, her tone softens slightly. "The bottom line is that I've been a member of WLA for two years and they know me. They know that they can trust me. This might give us more of an advantage in discussions. I'm simply hoping that I can succeed in getting us this assignment. I'm not presuming to lead the Vanguards at all, but my understanding is that we all want to establish our group in the city and this is the most obvious way to do it. If I can help us do this, I will. After that, I'll be content to fall back and let someone else lead the way."
"So then, will you join us on our way to the League headquarters?" With that, she turns and leads the group out of the house.
**********************************
Later, at the WLA HQ, Thessa is doing her best to fulfill her promise.
"Indrel, I know you don't know our capabilities as a group, but I'm confident we can be useful. I mean, look at the size of these guys!" She motions to each of the men beside her. "You should see them in action! Besides, with so much ground to cover, and so many Leaguers involved, how can you turn down the extra help?"
She waits and listens to Indrel's response. [OOC, I'm going to assume from Kathy's post that she sticks to her guns about the Castle and doesn't offer the assignment to the Vanguards.]
Thessa shakes her head and sighs. This wasn't going at all the way she had planned.
"Fine, if your absolutely convinced we're not experienced enough to handle the undead in the castle, then there HAS to be work that those adventurers in the castle have left behind that we can take care of." She lowers her voice and talks more personally to the clerk, "Give us something, Indrel. Please. You know there's nothing worse than a group of bored adventurers - they always find something to do, even if they have to stir it up themselves!"
[Diplomacy: 14]
Thessa Thursday October 18th, 2012 5:52:02 PM
[OOC: "illegal" RP post.]
Thessa smiles inwardly at Wilma's defense of her comrades. The Vanguard's list of credentials was better than she had expected and exactly what Indrel might need to hear to convince her of their abilities.
"See? I told you we were confident in our capabilities and weren't as green as you think.. So, what do you say, Indrel?"
Ariach AC 25/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Thursday October 18th, 2012 7:09:00 PM
Somewhat taken aback Ariach listens the dispute between Vaniim and Thessa. Obviously Thessa wants to be in the spotlight while Vaniim seems to be jealously. Ariach doesnīt understand one of them. But what does he know about - why women act the way they act. Briefly he considers to say something to stop the dispute. But then he remembers how his friend Belwin once wanted to end a dispute between two girls. With the result that both girls had first insulted the poor boy, beat him and then didnīt talk to him for days.
*Just do not interfere, do not interfere, do not interfere.*
The situation passes whitout escalating and they group focuses on the important task of finding a mission.
The answer, which the group maintains angers the otherwise serene warrior a little.
"I did not know that you have to belong to the elite of adventurers in order to crush the undead. I always thought a clean heart, courage and skills in dealing with weapons would be important but apparently I was wrong."
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Thursday October 18th, 2012 7:22:37 PM
Van looks around at the group and then at Wilma and then at Thessa as they each speak. Rolling her eyes at Wilma's comment she quickly reponds
"Duh! Do il amin "ner sinta" he ten' a re'na lajer aris lle sinta." Highlight to display spoiler: { "Duh! Don't forget I have known her longer than you."}
With that she hops down and with a little flip of her yellow bangs, she is ready and with the rest of the group as if nothing was ever wrong, giving the group a "What are we waiting for look."
***********************************
At the WLA Van really gets fed up with the lady's attitude after she dismisses both Thessa and Wilma, and walks up the woman's desk herself.
"Excuse me. Indrel, right? You have heard what my friends have said, but I really don't think you are actually listening. So I will speak slowly and plainly. We have references. So why don't you take down these names and find a way of checking with these folks about our talents and qualifications.
First, there is Mistress Droverson and Master Wintershine, honorable members of The Order of the White Rose.
Secondly, There is the first battalion of the Rangers of the Monster Preserve.
And finally, if those aren't enough, and you feel the need to bother them you can contact Gunther and K'nara Illutu and Ingrge Nightseer and Brother Bertram of the Emerald Dragons.
Emrys can't help but smile as he stands back and listens to everyone address Indrel and argue their case. Everyone speaks passionately and as a unified force the group may just overwhelm the poor WLA officer. Emrys saunters forward with the warmest smile and calmly speaks to Indrel.
"Madam, as you can see, we are a passionate lot, and there is not much I can add that hasn't already been said. Yes, we are fresh to this fine city, however let it be known that we were considered the elite amongst our peers. Our works are not only immortalized in story and song, but dare I say erected in a glorious monument for all to see and remember. All of this ... these great deeds we have done before leaving the cradle of Maplehurst. Now here we stand before you ... our hearts beat with the blood of the Wold's greatest heroes ... and there is nothing we can't do."
(Diplomacy: 28)
A Real, Dead Adventure
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 doesnīt 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 isnīt 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 didnīt 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 Wilmaīs explanations. When she finishes Ariachīs 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 donīt 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 isnīt 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 doesnīt want to convey the impression of being the leader. Heīs 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 isnīt able to join this community he focuses on his task. Ariach points his mace in Wilmaīs 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.
"Letīs go Vanguards. Undeads are waiting for us."
"Grell! Donīt 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.
A Chamber Quartet
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."
Decision Point
DM Kathy Monday November 12th, 2012 8:49:06 PM Emrys casts a Detect Magic. He can detect a lingering trace of magic from where the glow was, but he can't tell what kind, and he can't tell what direction it went.
Wilma looks around, but doesn't spot anything new.
Thessa, too, casts Detect Magic. She can also see a lingering aura where the glow was. Also, there seem to be several magic auras inside the box. [The box is, let's say, longbow-sized. :) ]
Tuck suggests going right at the T. Ariach begs his friends for a little less noise--there are still enemies in here!
Vaniime takes up a rear-guard position.
As you reach the T intersection, several things happen at once.
The green glow re-appears, this time coming from behind one of the closed doors in the hallway.
Two insubstantial forms rise up through the floor behind you, partly blocking your only known escape route.
And the stone tied around Wilma's neck turns from a soothing blue to an urgent red.
Grell AC 24 (27 vs. Evil)/14/19, HP47/47, Silversheen (Gtswd), Prot. from Evil, Magic Weapon, Shield (Flail, Bow), Bless Weapon (Gtswd) d20=12 ; d20+5=14 ; Monday November 12th, 2012 9:09:11 PM
When Ariach complains about the noise the group is making, Grell cocks his eyebrow up. Could it possibly be that that's what *he* sounds like all the time...so grumpy and irritable? Understanding why Ariach is on edge, the warrior attempts to be more stealthy (Stealth=12) and is able to lengthen his strides so his armor doesn't jingle quite so bad. He keeps an eye out for any more signs of the pesky green light (Percep=14)
Grell AC 24 (27 vs. Evil)/14/19, HP47/47, Silversheen (Gtswd), Prot. from Evil, Magic Weapon, Shield (Flail, Bow), Bless Weapon (Gtswd) Monday November 12th, 2012 9:54:22 PM
Grell's face breaks out into a full blown grin when he spots the green glow and he begins to unconsciously push Ariach forward when Wilma's stone turns red. Graf's words echo through Grell's head "Not 'right after we check this room;' not 'once we've unlocked this treasure chest;' not 'after we've killed this thing.' Now." The warrior freezes in indecision. He really, reallly wants to go kick in the door real quick. It won't take long...a couple of seconds at the most. Surely they have time. He looks over at the glow, and then Wilma...and then the door, biting his lip in frustration. He looks over at Ariach. "C'mon...let finish this thing. Let's bust down the door!"
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt)/AC19vsEvil; HP 35/35; Protection From Evil Monday November 12th, 2012 10:28:09 PM
Wilma nodded at the box Thessa was holding.
"Is that more than one--" she began to ask, only to be reminded by Ariach that the Vanguard is in the midst of Undead Central, so it would be a good idea to keep the noise down.
Then the pair of ghosties captures her attention...as well as suddenly seeing red.
"Red stone means 'go'!" the young cleric barked. "But we have incorporeals behind us!" She immediately began to chant one of the spells she had prayed for only a few short hours ago.
"We should be able to fight our way out if we have to--" Wilma announced, holding her quarterstaff in a battle-ready stance. "I asked Gargul to make the ghosties vulnerable to our physical weapons for a bit..."
OOC: Wilma has just cast her Ghostbane Dirge spell. The party now has 4 rounds to use physical weapons against the the pair of ephemerals blocking their only known exit. During these 4 rounds, non-magicked weapons do half-damage; magic weapons (as well as spells, spell-like effects, and supernatural effects) do full damage.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt)/AC19vsEvil; HP 35/35; Protection From Evil Monday November 12th, 2012 10:32:43 PM OOC: *Again* I'm misreading the spell--Wilma's spell only effects ONE of the wispies, so she will choose whichever one is closest to the party. If neither one is "closest", then she'll choose the one on the right-hand side of the hall.
"The closest ghostie--" Wilma remembered to clarify a bit belatedly, "--the one on the right...!"
Thessa - HP: 23/23, AC: 17/17/14 (19vsEvil), Guidance, ProtE, Shield d20+7=21 ; d10-1=3 ; Tuesday November 13th, 2012 12:21:28 AM
Thessa spins around in place, seeing Wilma casting a spell and holding her quarterstaff at the ready. She's greeted by the two ghostly apparitions, floating too close for her comfort.
Somehow an arrow doesn't seem enough to even phase the wispy forms, so she takes a step back and draws her Curved Blade as a move action and in fluid forward arch, she launches it at the ghost to the right.
The sword flies end of over end, and pierces the otherworldly form, but it's impossible to know how much damage it did. As it exits the other side of the creature, it reverses course and flies back to Thessa's hand.
[OOC: Although the return effect is magical, the sword is not. I believe that makes the damage done a whopping 2 points.]
Emrys (ac19 (21evil), hp21/21), hide from undead, detect magic, see invisibility, shield, prot. evil, magic weapon, light d20+12=22 ; Tuesday November 13th, 2012 2:21:28 AM
"Oh gods!" The sudden rise of the glowing figures and the presence of the green light sends Emrys heart racing. Then the added threat of the red gem around Wilma's neck. The bard quickly takes his potion from his belt pouch, uncorks it and quaffs it down.
"Friends ... take your hide potions, now! We don't have time for this, we need to leave! I will attempt and create a distraction to clear our path! Otherwise, we find a new exit ... maybe the hallway to the right will lead us back to that other door from the previous room."
(Drank the Hide from Undead Potion. Undead shouldn't be able to see, hear or perceive us at all. Perception: 22)
Ariach AC 25(29) (+2 combat exp.+2 evil//14/19 ; HP 47/47 d20+7=19 ; d8+4=5 ; Tuesday November 13th, 2012 5:34:40 PM
Ariach is undecided what he is supposed to do. Emry expects that everybody takes the hide potion. But Grell clearly wants to fight the ghosts. To take the hide potion would be the smarter action but he doesnīt think Grell will choose this possibility. Therefore Ariach follows Grellīs decision. Ariach will accompany Grell whatever he is doing- either following him to fight the ghosts or taking the hide potion.
(If fighting is the decision he attacks the right ghost who was Wilmaīs spell target. Using combat exp. and hitting AC 19 for 5 damage)
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:18/23 Protectrion from evil, shield, hide from undead d20+10=20 d8+4=10 Tuesday November 13th, 2012 6:12:39 PM
Seeing the figures appear and Wilma cast and send directions sends her already nocked silver arrow into the figure on the right as directed. Attacking from hidden from undead, (should remove any dexterity bonus to their AC for this attack from Van. I hope.)
AC 20 for 10 points
She then shoves her bow into her quiver and draws her sword.
"Grell, Ariach Tuck, through the door now find out what is there, but don't go too far, we've got to leave!"
"We will keep these two occupied and clear the way for us to return."
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 28/28/24, Mage Armor, Shield, Prot. from Evil, Magic Weapon d20+6=19 ; d8+4=7 ; Tuesday November 13th, 2012 7:55:57 PM
Tuck hurtles by Vaniime and throws an overhand right at the vulnerable apparition. Hits AC 20 (forgot to add +1 from Magic Weapon) for 7 damage. His corded arm blurs with the speed of his punch.
"I'm not leaving you guys with these things!" he responds to Vaniime.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt)/AC19vsEvil; HP 35/35; Protection From Evil Tuesday November 13th, 2012 8:03:46 PM OOC (again): Wilma's previously stated actions were to use her Magic Weapon wand on anyone whose weapons were not already magic. If Thessa's primary weapon is the Curved Sword, then it, too, should have undergone being enchanted for +1 properties.
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=25 ; d20+9=18 ; Tuesday November 13th, 2012 9:28:45 PM
Grell nods at Vaniime and heads to the doorway where he saw the glow. Throwing the door open, he looks inside, hoping to figure out what the green glow is before they have to go (Perception=natural 20!! Woot, Woot!!). If the door gives any resistance, he will kick it down if need be (Roll 18 to kick in the door...not sure how to do the damage).
DM Kathy d20+4=8 ; d20+7=19 ; d20+7=16 ; Tuesday November 13th, 2012 10:47:26 PM Grell, unable to bear the thought of leaving without investigating the green glow, lines up to kick down the door! Ariach, ever loyal, moves to his side.
Wilma uses Gargul's power to make one of the undead more vulnerable to attack. Thessa promptly turns and flings her blade through the apparition.
Not to be outdone, Vaniime shoots it, then Tuck comes hurtling down the hallway to smack it in its ghostly head.
Emrys calls a warning, and drinks his potion of Hide from Undead.
Grell decides to kick down the door! The results are kind of a good news/bad news situation. The good news is that you get a good look at the source of the glow. It looks kind of like a window or door, except it's wobbling and its edges are shifting around. The green glow streams from someplace within it.
The bad news is the pair of wights that are also in the room. One of them steps up to attack, but misses. The other can't get to Grell, but lingers in the background.
Meanwhile, the incorporeal undead attack Tuck. Both miss.
It has been one round since the crystal turned red.
And the map. A1 is the creature affected by Wilma's spell. The "wight room" marked on the map is the room in which you just fought the wights, through which is your known exit. Of course, Grell has just discovered another wight room!
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt)/AC19vsEvil; HP 35/35; Protection From Evil Wednesday November 14th, 2012 12:55:36 AM
Even as Wilma conceded the merit of Emrys' suggestion, the bard's warning is followed by a sound that the young priestess knew all too well: that of Grell's combat yodel and the accompanying crunch of wood that was no doubt a door being forced open.
"See if Grell needs help, Emrys," Wilma advised her friend, not taking her eyes off the wispy forms now attacking Tuck, "Hopefully he won't have found anything he and Ariach can't handle. Meanwhile, the rest of us can try to get rid of at least one of these...other things..."
Wilma softly invoked the inpenetrable peace and protection of Gargul, then she moved into place beside Tuck in order to observe the ethereal foes and try to identify them from her stores of temple-taught knowledge.
OOC: Wilma casts [i]Sanctuary upon herself and she moves to L15 on the map. She plans to try to use her Knowledge; Religion in order to identify the type of undead that is in the hallway (although obviously she can't make that attempt until next round.)
Undead A1 will still be vulnerable to most attacks for another 3 rounds.
Emrys (ac19 (21evil), hp21/21), hide from undead, detect magic, see invisibility, shield, prot. evil, magic weapon, light d20+12=17 ; Wednesday November 14th, 2012 2:22:48 AM (ooc: Kathy, didn't you say the "green glow" came back through the door before the last post, the same round the other two incorporeal figures came up through the floor? Wouldn't Emrys have easily seen the green glow being only a few squares away?)
Emrys rolls his eyes as he begins to question the intelligence of some of his friends. Not only was his wisdom disregarded outright, but they attempt searching for another exit in the opposing direction while adding more combatants to the battle. However, seeing that there IS an open path to their freedom, he decides there is no need for a diversion this go around.
From what he saw of the green glow, while augmented with his magical sight, he tries to determine what kind of incorporeal undead it is. Drawing upon all he has studied and learned about the undead, Emrys uses his mastery of lore to identify it.
(Bardic Knowledge Loremaster ability, 1/day, take20 on a knowledge skill. Knowledge [religion]: 34 to identify the "Green Glow." The 34 is good enough to identify a 19HD Undead. IF the green glow has an invisible bodily form, Emrys will see it with See Invisibility.)
To Wilma's request, Emrys replies, "Help me to get the others to take their potions, or we too will be trapped in these halls as the walking dead forever!"
(ooc: If Emrys needs to look at the Green Glow again to identify it, then he will move behind Grell and look at it through the open door, otherwise he will... )
Hoping that his Hide potion is working, Emrys walks between the two incorporeal undead in the hall, taking special care not to touch them, and heads to the door from which they came. Once arriving, he opens the door. (Double move to L18. Making a Knowledge skill check doesn't require an action. Opening the unlocked door, a swift action. Perception: 17)
Ariach AC 25(31) (+2 fighting defensively+2 combat exp.+2 evil//14/19 ; HP 47/47 d20+3=15 ; d8+4=9 ; Wednesday November 14th, 2012 4:32:06 AM
Ariach is shocked as he becomes aware of the green door. He doesnīt know much about magic but it seems that the door is a portal to a very awful place. There must be someone who sends the undeads through the gate or at least casts magic to keep the gate open. For a short moment he thinks about rushing through the gate to find out more but that will leave his friends unprotected behind.
Then the young warrior focuses again and starts his fighting routine. He positions himself close to Grell to attack the foe who is blocking the doorway. But he doesnīt forget his friend and protects him with his shield as well.
(combat expertise: -2 attack/+2AC / fighting defensively: - 4 attack/+2AC already adjusted standard actions: attack B1 hit AC 15 for 9 damage, move action: aid another +2 bonus to AC and CMD)
Thessa - HP: 23/23, AC: 17/17/14 (19vsEvil), Guidance, ProtE, Shield d20+7=10 ; Wednesday November 14th, 2012 11:37:01 AM
Silently chastising herself for letting the battle confuse her thinking, she recalls that although her sword could have done more damage, her bow had been the recipient of Wilma's Magic Weapon wand and would be more effective. She slams the curved blade back into its sheath.
She takes a quick assessment of the situation - the glowing red stone, Emrys' hasty departure, and the two floating creatures blocking their escape. She decides that the hide potions will allow for a safe exit only when the most aggressive of the group decide to take them. She opts for another round of offense to help clear the escape route.
As she knocks and arrow and lets it fly at the same wight. The arrow sails over the creature and down the hallway. Thessa curses in Elven and prepares to knock another.
Thessa - HP: 23/23, AC: 17/17/14 (19vsEvil), Guidance, ProtE, Shield Wednesday November 14th, 2012 11:39:04 AM
[OOC: *wight = Undead A1. Misspoken on my part.]
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 28/28/24, Mage Armor, Shield, Prot. from Evil, Magic Weapon d20+6=14 ; d20+6=22 ; d20+6=25 ; d8+4=11 ; d8+4=11 ; d8+4=11 ; Wednesday November 14th, 2012 5:36:18 PM
With his friends in a dire predicament, Tuck emits a guttural cry and launches a ferocious three piece combination. Leading with a jab, followed by a right cross, and finishing with a left hook. He aims for the apparition's face with each blow, his hands blurring.
Flurry of Blows on A1, expending one Ki Point to add another attack to his flurry. Hits AC 14, 22, & 25 for 11, 11, & 11 damage.
Emrys (ac19 (21evil), hp21/21), hide from undead, detect magic, see invisibility, shield, prot. evil, magic weapon, light Wednesday November 14th, 2012 6:58:27 PM
(Using a hero point to get an extra move action.)
Tears begin welling up in Emrys' eyes. His friends so caught up in battle refuse to do what High Commander Graf had instructed them to. The next decision horrifies him more than facing these creatures alone. The bard makes one last request.
"Please, please, my friends! If you don't value my words, recall the words of Graf. He said when the gem blinked red ... YOU RUN! Don't wait to slay your foe, don't open the chest ... just RUN! Don't allow your hubris to bring about such folly. I beg you come with me!!"
With those last words, Emrys dashes into the room speeding his way to the exit.
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:18/23 Protectrion from evil, shield, hide from undead d20+9=16 ; d10+4=11 ; Wednesday November 14th, 2012 9:12:20 PM
Ok Emrys we hear you,
"Grell, Ariach, mark the door or wall, take note of everything you can see and let's get out of here. We need to go."
Wilma, Tuck, Thessa, let's try to make a path for us to get through. That said she moves forward 5 feet and launches an attack with her sword on A1. AC 16 damage for 11 points.
Grell AC 26 (29 vs. Evil)/14/19, HP47/47, Silversheen (Gtswd), Prot. from Evil, Magic Weapon, Shield (Flail, Bow), Bless Weapon (Gtswd)Hide from Undea d20+5=24 ; Wednesday November 14th, 2012 10:02:04 PM
Taking a long hard look at the windowy thingymabob, Grell tries to remember as many features of it that he can (Per.=24). Emry's words ring ever so loudly in his ears...literally. "Alright...alright, I GET it! Sheeeeesh, I'm not dumb, you know! And what does haggis have to do with anything?!!" Turning to Ariach, Grells grins "Welp, looks like our job here is done. What do you say we blow this pottage stand?!" Reaching into his pack, Grell pulls out his potion and gulps it down. "Okay Ariach, time to take your medicine!" Grell laughs, though there is more than an edge of fear to it...as brave as he might like to be, the thought of being stuck in this awful place forever is, well, worrisome. He makes sure that Ariach knows that he is pulling away from the combat and that he expects him to follow. Then moves back to where Wilma and the others are (L13).
DM Kathy d20+6=17 ; d20+6=21 ; d20+6=9 ; d20+6=23 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d20+6=26 ; d20+6=10 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; Wednesday November 14th, 2012 10:48:02 PM Wilma casts Sanctuary on herself and moves up next to Tuck.
[OOC: From what I understand, a Knowledge check is a no-action. So you can pretty much do it at any time, unless it's part of a specific ability like Emrys's thing.]
Emrys can tell that the source of the green glow is not a creature. It is a weird door-window-portal thingie in the next room. What exactly it is, and why it keeps moving around, are unknown at this time. He also knows that the two incorporeal creatures in front of the group are Wraiths. The things Grell is fighting are Wights, just like what you were fighting earlier.
[OOC: On the map I am using "A" and "B" for the different undead because "Wraith" and "Wight" start with the same letter. I thought this would be less confusing. Ha! Also, the Wights have nothing to do with the green glowy portal thing; they just happened to be in the room, because, well, the place is crawling with undead.]
Trusting in his spell, Emrys attempts to slip between the Wraiths and get to the door. Unfortunately, the Wraiths seem to know he is there. Both reach out to touch him with ghostly hands, but only one succeeds. Emrys takes 3 points of damage, and must succeed at a DC 17 Fortitude save or take 5 points of Constitution drain.
Emrys reaches the door, opens it, and looks through. Luckily, the way out looks clear. Making a heroic effort, he continues moving toward the exit.
Ariach attacks the Wight, and does some damage. [Aid Another is a standard action, unless you have a feat or something?]
Thessa switches back to her bow, but her shot flies wide. Tuck absolutely unloads on the thing, doing serious damage. Vaniime steps up to attack the Wraith, but just misses.
Grell takes one final look at the weird green thing, retrieves a potion, and drinks it. At that point, he's out of actions, so he can move next round. Actually, I'll let you shut the door, because it makes sense. Actually, I'll let you shut the door before you pulled out a potion and drank it, since that would have provoked.
The wraiths again attack Tuck, and one of them hits! [Because a natural 20 always hits; otherwise it would miss] Tuck takes 3 points of damage, and must make a DC 17 Fortitude save or take 2 points of Constitution drain.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt)/AC19vsEvil; HP 35/35; Protection From Evil, Sanctuary Thursday November 15th, 2012 12:15:10 AM
"Ariach! Grell!" Wilma shouted. "Drink your potions and follow Emrys right this instant..!" Wilma shifted her quarterstaff so that she now held it in her left hand, holding it aloft so that the wraiths in front of her could surely see the symbol of Gargul carved on its distinctive flared head. "Stay back, lost ones, or become subject to Gargul's judgment!" Her right hand clapped Tuck on his own left shoulder.
"Forget the attacks--follow Emrys, monk...do it [i]now!" The redhead's sapphire eyes never leave the two ghostly forms floating in front of her. "In fact--everyone follow Emrys this instant! I am protected by Gargul from harm and can cover our escape...but only if all of you move your butts back out to the foyer this instant!!!"
OOC: Wilma will stay in place for now. She isn't going to attack the wraiths (yet), but she's planning on being the last one out due to the Sanctuary spell she has active (so far)
Undead A1 will still be vulnerable to most attacks for another 2 rounds.
Wilma's Sanctuary will last 3 more rounds.
Emrys (ac19 (21evil), hp18/21), hide from undead, detect magic, see invisibility, shield, prot. evil, magic weapon, light d20+4=12 ; d20+4=24 ; d20+12=25 ; Thursday November 15th, 2012 1:35:08 AM
(Fortitude save: 12. Hero point reroll: 24, nat. 20 ... woot!)
Emrys feels almost completely numb as he races for the exit with a single-mindedness reminiscent of someone obsessed. Everything else, his footfalls, the sound of battle, is almost drowned out by the sound of his own beating heart. The icy touch of the wraith still stings, makes his hair stand on end, however his sheer determination to leave this place defies the deathly effects.
Emrys continues to run for the portal, even leaping through if he can.
(perception: 25)
Ariach AC 25(31) (+2 fighting defensively+2 combat exp.+2 evil//14/19 ; HP 47/47 Thursday November 15th, 2012 2:22:04 AM
Ariach puts out his "hide from undead" potion and drinks it. Then he runs after the others hoping they will reach their goal right in time. He doesnīt want to be trapped in a castle full of undeads.
(The "trustworthy" trait allows Ariach to use the aid another action as a move action)
Thessa - HP: 23/23, AC: 17/17/14 (19vsEvil), Guidance, ProtE, Shield d20+7=18 ; d8+1=8 ; Thursday November 15th, 2012 10:51:02 AM
Thessa notices that the wraiths seem to see Emrys even with the help of his hide from undead potion and yells out, "Be careful! Our potions don't effect these creatures!"
Hoping to capitalize on Tuck's extremely effective flurry of blows, Thessa lets fly with one more arrow instead of downing the apparently ineffective potion. As she watches the arrow fly through the air at the creature [AC:18], she hopes the damage [8] is enough to down creature and provide a pathway to escape.
Regardless, she knows that's the last attack she can safely make. She scoops up the box and prepares to bolt for the exit.
Tuck HP 33/36 AC 28/28/24, Mage Armor, Shield, Prot. from Evil, Magic Weapon d20+6=25 ; d20+6=25 ; d20+6=17 ; d20+6=26 ; d20+6=25 ; d8+4=10 ; d8+4=12 ; d8+4=8 ; d8+4=8 ; Thursday November 15th, 2012 4:08:10 PM
Tuck feels the cold touch of the grave as the wraith manages to penetrate his defenses. A surge of adrenaline overcomes the evil seeping into his body. Fortitude 25.
Fear and anger are fueling Tuck at this point. He hollers in frustration as he sees the wraith still standing. If his friends want to escape, they have to move past two of these creatures. At the very least, he can finish one of them.
Unless Thessa's arrow fells A1, Tuck channels his chi for another assault. Right, left and he steps into a powerful uppercut, using all of his momentum.
Flurry of blows on A1, using another Ki point to add a blow, hits AC 25, 17, and Crit 26 (confirmed Crit w/ 25) for 10, 12, and 16 damage.
If Thessa does take down the A1 wraith, then Tuck retreats towards the exit.
Uses Withdraw move if one of the wraiths falls before Tuck's attack.
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:18/23 Protectrion from evil, shield, hide from undead Thursday November 15th, 2012 8:19:56 PM
"Withdrawing" from combat, Van hurridly moves (full move) through the area and toward the way out, turning to hold the door open for the others as they follow.
DM Kathy d20+6=13 ; d20+6=10 ; Friday November 16th, 2012 12:43:46 AM Wilma orders the group out, planning to stand her ground and cover their retreat.
Emrys continues to run for the exit. These rooms didn't seem so big on the way in! Emrys is making progress, but he's got a ways to go before he hits the exit.
Ariach retrieves a potion and drinks it, which takes up all his actions for this round. He can move next round.
Thessa drops her foe with one final shot, then scoops up the treasure and prepares to head for the exit.
Tuck siezes the opportunity Thessa provided him and withdraws.
Vaniime likewise withdraws.
Grell moves up and calls for his companions to get a move on!
The remaining wraith moves to attack Grell, but misses. [Intelligent undead get a Will save to negate the Hide from Undead, and they keep making their saves!]
It has been 3 rounds since the crystal turned red.
Emrys (ac19 (21evil), hp18/21), hide from undead, detect magic, see invisibility, shield, prot. evil, magic weapon, light d20+12=32 ; Friday November 16th, 2012 2:14:53 AM
This place is truly a nightmare. In every disturbing dream he had as a child, running away always felt like slow motion. Every footstep felt like it sank in an ever-deepening quagmire. 'Become the bigger monster,' his father would say. Easy for him ... being the Wold's most powerful druid and master shapeshifter. Emrys growls with equal parts frustration and fear.
His senses are alert for every smear of chalk, every creak and moan. Will he run into the others trying to flee, are his friends following behind him, will he run into more walking dead?! Has the portal already closed??!! 'I should be there by now,' he says screaming in his head!
(Perception: 32, nat 20. Full round of running.)
Ariach AC 25(31) (+2 fighting defensively+2 combat exp.+2 evil//14/19 ; HP 47/47 Friday November 16th, 2012 4:01:50 AM
Convinced that the potion will hide him from all forms of undead, Ariach sprints along the corridor and tries to follow Emry.
Although the situation is hazardous a smile appears in his face when he listens to Grellīs spoken words. Ariach has to laugh about the fact that the guy who started fighting complains about his allies not withdrawing fast enough.
But that all doesnīt matter if the all make it out right at time.
Thessa - HP: 23/23, AC: 17/17/14 (19vsEvil), Guidance, ProtE, Shield, Exp Retreat(Mv:60) Friday November 16th, 2012 12:05:10 PM
She grins as the otherworldly creature falls. A moment later, Ariach dashes past her along the corridor and, knowing she's bringing up the rear, Thessa casts a quick spell [ Expeditious Retreat ] and in a blur of movement runs after him, hoping to make it to the door before the other creature cuts off their only escape route.
Tuck HP 33/36 AC 28/28/24, Mage Armor, Shield, Prot. from Evil, Magic Weapon d20+10=21 ; Friday November 16th, 2012 5:41:45 PM
Tuck continues his tactical withdraw, quickly scanning the rooms as he moves through them. Perception 21
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt)/AC19vsEvil; HP 35/35; Protection From Evil, Sanctuary Friday November 16th, 2012 7:46:22 PM
The only living person left in the hall with Wilma was her brother, and as Grell was literally at the open doorway, the young cleric swept through the doorway, reaching out and plucking at the warrior's arm as she went.
"We have to make sure the others all get out, Grell!" she shouted. "Come on--let's go!!!" Wilma proceeded to urge her brother to withdraw along with her as she moved at her top speed back the way the party had come in.
DM Kathy d20+6=15 ; d20+6=7 ; d20+6=18 ; d20+6=20 ; d20+6=23 ; d20+6=14 ; d20+6=13 ; d20+6=19 ; d20+6=17 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; Sunday November 18th, 2012 8:48:33 PM Emrys keeps moving, a series of remembered nightmares playing over and over in his head.
Tuck also keeps moving, keeping alert for anything untoward. Or, more untoward than usual.
Ariach moves down the hallway and through the door, trusting in his potion to protect him. His trust is somewhat misplaced; the wraith does see him, but misses its attack.
Thessa casts a spell to help her move faster, and then is off like a shot.
Wilma and Grell follow, at a slower pace.
What follows is a nightmare that seems to take forever. You run through rooms--all of which you remember, most of which you could have sworn weren't this big across. Or at least, they didn't seem this big across on the way in.
The wraith, howling with rage, pursues you. And, unfortunately, its base speed is 60, which means it can keep pace with Wilma, Grell, and Ariach and still attack. Also, it makes its save against Wilma's sanctuary.
Thus, as you run for the exit, Wilma is hit twice for a total of 11 damage. She will also loos 1 and 3 points of Con drain if she does not make 2 DC 17 Fortitude saves.
Grell's Protection from Evil spell prevents him from getting hit at all.
Ariach is hit once, for 3 damage, and must make a DC 17 Fortitude save or take 3 points of Constitution drain.
At some point during this mad flight, Wilma's stone begins flashing red.
But the exit is in sight, and you come pelting out the front door. Graf the Falcon is there, bow in hand, and nods as you pass. "Vanguard, good. Keep going." He fires his bow, and the wraith shrieks and withdraws.
You can see the opening in the wall, and beyond it, the crowd and a few adventurers. Already, the opening is beginning to shrink and fade. You hurry through it. You made it out!
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt)/AC19vsEvil; HP 35/35; Protection From Evil, Sanctuary d20+6=12 ; d20+6=24 ; Sunday November 18th, 2012 11:09:39 PM OOC: Wilma had a Protection from Evil spell active as well. However, her Fort Saves are 12 and 24; she will suffer 11hpd and 1 point of Constitution loss if it is determined that the wraith was still able to hit her.
DM Kathy Monday November 19th, 2012 12:02:40 AM
[OOC: I gave everybody credit for their Protection from Evil. The attacks on Wilma hit AC 20 and 26. :( ]
Thessa - HP: 23/23, AC: 17/17/14 (19vsEvil), Guidance, ProtE, Shield, Exp Retreat(Mv:60) Monday November 19th, 2012 10:38:36 AM
Thessa is panting, both from the run and from the fear of being trapped in there. She turns around to watch the last of her comrades clear the portal before it closes and breathes a sigh of relief. She thought she heard Wilma cry out while they were running, and seeing her face drained of color as she crossed the threshold Thessa's concern was heightened.
"Wilma! Are you alright?" She turns to the Graf and the other gathered adventurers, "She was touched by one of those creatures. Can anyone help her?"
Thessa turns back to Wilma, "We'll get you some help. Why don't you sit down over here? Vaniime, how are you doing?" She looks around for Van.
Ariach AC 25(31) (+2 fighting defensively+2 combat exp.+2 evil//14/19 ; HP 44/47 d20+7=11 ; Monday November 19th, 2012 6:20:54 PM
The young warrior is really surprised as the wraith tries to hit him. Fortunately the ghost misses. But Ariach has no idea why the hide potion doesnīt work. Deep in thoughts he doesnīt even see how the next wraight attacks and hit him. A cold shiver runs along his back and he feels a bloody wound on his right arm. The injury isnīt that bad but the shiver doesnīt fade. In addition he feels weak and tired. (fortitude save: 11)
Ariachīs heart is beating like crazy as he jumps with one last, huge leap through the entrance portal. Relieved, he notices that his friends made it out of the enchanted castle as well.
He talks quietly to Wilma. "I think that was it. The hide potion didnīt work. I donīt know why. But one of these creatures hit me and i think i am loosing my soul now."
Tuck HP 33/36 AC 28/28/24, Mage Armor, Shield, Prot. from Evil, Magic Weapon Monday November 19th, 2012 7:30:14 PM
Tuck does a quick headcount. Everyone's out. With a few deep breaths, Tuck squats and bows his head, waiting for the adrenaline to lessen and fade.
"Is everyone alright?" He stands again and looks around at the rest of the adventuring groups.
I hope that everyone else has made it out, as well.
Emrys (ac19 (21evil), hp18/21), hide from undead, detect magic, see invisibility, shield, prot. evil, magic weapon, light Monday November 19th, 2012 8:40:01 PM
(btw, what time of day is it?)
Emrys is the first of his group to emerge from the portal and stands there paralyzed with fear and agonizing dread that his friends might be trapped in such a horrid place. However all that fear quickly melts away and his relief and joy can hardly be contained once his friends begin appearing from the magical void. However he can tell that some of them dont walk away from the experience unscarred.
"Yes, Ariach, I felt the wraith's touch as well. Wraiths aren't mindless and they were able to see through the magical veil of the potion. Don't worry though ... all will be well soon." Emrys then turns to address all his friends, "Everyone, after we are done here, I have prepared a feast at home that will ease your suffering and make everything all better."
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:18/23 Protectrion from evil, shield, hide from undead Monday November 19th, 2012 9:36:16 PM
Vaniime makes her way through the rooms and back out the portal.
Halftime?
DM Kathy Monday November 19th, 2012 10:25:51 PM
Back outside the wall, you take a few moments to catch your breath and count heads. Yes, all of the Vanguard made it out safely. There are also two more adventuring companies out here, most of whom are in the air, looking over the wall. "Glad you kids made it out," one of them calls.
Another group of adventurers comes bursting through the opening in the wall, and also pauses to rest. "Hey, the kids made it out," one of them says. Another group comes through, and another. "Oh, good, the kids made it out." It is both heartwarming and irritating.
The Order of the White Rose comes through, also all flying. Then another group, looking a little the worse for wear, accompanied by Graf the Falcon. He pauses, just outside the opening. "Swords!" he shouts urgently. "Swords of Triumph! Has anybody seen them?"
The adventuring companies look at one another. "I think we heard them at one point," a dark-haired woman says hesitantly, "but it was before the stones turned red."
Graf utters a few choice phrases, and you are reminded that rogues spend a lot of time with unsavory people. He stays just outside the opening, looking back at the Castle, every line in his body tense. The opening gets smaller and smaller.
"Sir, you have to come through!" one of the spellcasters gasps. "We're losing--"
Graf steps through the opening seconds before it collapses. Whoever the Swords of Triumph are, they are still inside. The mood is somber.
Graf turns to the group of adventurers. "Did anybody at least see the green glow?" he asks.
[Emrys's feast is a lovely idea, but it may be a while before we get to it. :) ]
Grell AC 26 (29 vs. Evil)/14/19, HP47/47, Silversheen (Gtswd), Prot. from Evil, Magic Weapon, Shield (Flail, Bow), Bless Weapon (Gtswd)Hide from Undea Monday November 19th, 2012 11:03:10 PM
Grell steps forward. All joy and exaltation is removed knowing that another party didn't make it. "Sir, I saw the light. Just before we left, we found a room with the glow. When we opened the door, and looked in, the glow looked like it was coming from a window or a door. Except, it was all wobbly like. I believe Ariach and Emrys also got a good look too. I hope this is the information you need." Grell answers any of Graff's questions to the best of his ability.
<a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KUlT3552MqS8NLcvza8td3fzoOpFycIoX9scEgITcZQ/edit?hl=en_US/">Grell AC 26 (29 vs. Evil)/14/19, HP47/47, Silversheen (Gtswd), Prot. from Evil, Magic Weapon, Shield (Flail, Bow), Bless Weapon (Gtswd Monday November 19th, 2012 11:04:02 PM
OOC: Tomorrow is our Thanksgiving (since hubby has to work on Thursday), so I might not be able to make my post.
Emrys (ac19 (21evil), hp18/21), hide from undead, detect magic, see invisibility, shield, prot. evil, magic weapon, light d20+14=32 ; Tuesday November 20th, 2012 12:24:28 AM
Emrys nods with Grell's assessment, "Yes, I too saw the thing that Grell speaks of. At first, I was theorizing that the source of the viridescent light was the flickering flames of Witchfire. However, it proved not to be. My divinations confirmed no incorporeal presence was within the light. There were auras of magic present, but I was unable to determine the type. We were immediately attacked by wights and a pair of wraiths, who took tactical positions in the hall, blocking our escape route. One thing is certain, it wasn't a creature. As Grell described, the objected looked like a shimmering portal or sensor with edges that wafted away like swirling mist. One thing is certain, it is magical, possibly a ____________!" (see skill check below)
(Knowledge [arcana]: 32, to recall the aura Emrys saw and make an educated guess-timate at the type of magic.)
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:18/23 Protectrion from evil, shield, hide from undead Tuesday November 20th, 2012 2:09:52 PM
Obviously irritated at all the "Kids" remarks, Van listens as Grell and Emrys make their reports and then adds her two cents worth.
'It also seemed to be fairly mobile as at first it seemed to be in the hallway and then behind the door of this particular room.
And yes, before you ask, we should be able to show or give you directions to the room as we marked our route to the door we found it behind with arrows pointing back to this exit. The marks are made in chalk, at shoulder and knee level, so at least one set should be still in existance.
*********
1 negative level
Thessa - HP: 23/23, AC: 17/17/14 (19vsEvil), Guidance, ProtE, Shield, Exp Retreat(Mv:60) Tuesday November 20th, 2012 4:49:22 PM
Vaniime, Grell and Emrys all seem occupied with Graf, and doing a nice job of describing the source of the green glow. She only half listens to them as she attends to Wilma, offering any help she needs to feel better.
Once Wilma is settled in or brushes Thessa off, she finds a quiet spot to sit down and indulge her nagging curiosity. She sets the box she discovered in the castle on her lap and runs her hands over the seams, feeling for the hinges and the latch. If it's not locked, she will open it and examine the contents. If it's locked, she'll pull her dagger out and see about prying the box open either at the latch or hinges - whichever seems weakest.
Ariach AC 25(31) (+2 fighting defensively+2 combat exp.+2 evil//14/19 ; HP 34/47 Tuesday November 20th, 2012 6:33:44 PM
Back outside Ariach sits down. He feels dizzy and wants to avoid to black out. But he nods to the words Emry and Grell are telling Graf. "I can affirm the truth of their words. Unfortunately we hadnīt enough time to inspect the portal in detail."
(Ariach took 3 points of constitution drain. His HPs are reduced by 10 - or is it more?)
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt)/AC19vsEvil; HP 24/35 Tuesday November 20th, 2012 9:06:33 PM
Wilma's face--which seldom saw too much sunlight since she tended to burst out in vivid freckles whenever she was in the sun for too long--was definitely paler than normal.
"I...I got tagged by the wraith that chased...us out of the castle..." the young priestess told Thessa, "...I...I guess my spell...didn't work...as well as I'd...hoped..." The redhead allowed Thessa to help her over to a nearby carved stone bench and perched on its edge, slowly recovering from the feeling of weakness that the wraith's touch had invoked. Her sapphire eyes roved the faces of her teammates, noting that Ariach and Grell looked a little worse for wear as well. She also listened to the conversation between everyone who had managed to escape Lasher Castle.
"We should..." Wilma said, still a bit breathless, "...discuss plans to rescue...the others...after...we attend to...the draining effects...we've suffered on this...mission..."
Tuck HP 33/36 AC 28/28/24, Mage Armor, Shield, Prot. from Evil, Magic Weapon Tuesday November 20th, 2012 10:30:54 PM
Tuck uses the break to control his breathing and stabilize his body rhythms.
DM Kathy Tuesday November 20th, 2012 10:44:06 PM Grell and Emrys describe what they saw, with Vaniime supplying a few details now and then. Graf listens intently. Emrys is able to conclude that the fluctuating door-window thing is most likely a portal to another plane. The other, more experienced spellcasters gathered around agree with his assessment. Which plane? That's impossible to tell without first-hand observation. All you know for sure is that it glowed green. The Elemental Plane of Pistachio? Probably not.
Meanwhile, Thessa is opening the box, which is quite easily done. Inside are a composite longbow, a scroll, three potions, and a quantity of coin which ends up being 1400 in gold.
Tuck takes a moment to recover. Ariach and Wilma are feeling a bit shaky from their brush with the wraiths.
After a short discussion, it is Saadi Droverson who says, "We need to go back in."
Graf the Falcon nods. "Yes. We need to rescue the Swords, if at all possible, and track down this portal thing before it....does whatever it's going to do. I can't imagine it'll be good, whatever it is." He glances around. "Get ready. Re-cast spells if you can. I'm going to talk to the wizards; see how soon we can get back inside."
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt)/AC19vsEvil; HP 31/31(with Lower Constitution) d8+5=8 ; Wednesday November 21st, 2012 1:34:49 AM
"If everyone who suffered damage would step in a little closer, please..?" Wilma said out loud, getting to her feet. Once she saw that she was surrounded by the rest of the Vanguard, she produced her wand of curative magic and tapped people as needed.
OOC: Wilma's Constitution is now only 13, which means her max HP is now only 31 until her attribute is restored. She has tapped herself with the CLW wand and cured 8hp of her physical damage, bringing her up to her current max HP, 31hp.
Everyone else in the group wishing for their PC to be healed of physical damage must roll a d8+5hp per charge they need to be healed. Please remember to state how many times you want Wilma to use her wand on your PC.
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 28/28/24, Mage Armor, Shield, Prot. from Evil, Magic Weapon d8+5=11 ; Wednesday November 21st, 2012 9:37:05 AM
Tuck asks Wilma for a touch of healing and the weariness of the wraith's touch disappears. "Perhaps we should ask some of the more experienced teams if they have the ability to heal the few of us of our deeper wounds."
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:18/23 Protectrion from evil, shield, hide from undead d20=15 ; Wednesday November 21st, 2012 10:49:20 AM
Van starts going through her mental and physical check lists in preperation of returning inside when a thought pops in her head.
Umm Graf, While in there we did sustain a bit of not so visible damage after being struck by wraiths and the such. I dont suppose there are any non combatants here with a restoration spell or two?
Thessa - HP: 23/23, AC: 17/17/14 (19vsEvil), Guidance, ProtE, Shield, Exp Retreat(Mv:60) d20+12=26 ; d20+12=21 ; d20+12=28 ; d20+12=22 ; d20+12=15 ; Wednesday November 21st, 2012 2:55:04 PM
Not needing any extra healing, Thessa decides to take the few minutes before the next foray into the castle to attempt to identify some of the items she found. If the Vanguards are going back in, there might be something here that could help us all. Of course, she can't help but smile at the bow, but that is the last of the items she'll attempt to identify. She is hopeful that the potions will be something useful against those hideous wraiths! She casts her Detect Magic and examines each item.
[each item will take a few rounds to identify, so she'll continue until she's done, or the group needs to leave. The order is below, with the corresponding rolls.]
After she's done, she'll bring the box over to the group and report her findings.
"I found these items in our last trip to the castle. Hopefully they will be useful to us. I have a way of storing the bow and would like to keep it with me since it's my main weapon and I don't have a magical one, but the rest should be divided among us. And if there's anyone with a method to carry all this gold, that would be helpful, otherwise we could leave it with Graf until we return again."
Thessa - HP: 23/23, AC: 17/17/14 (19vsEvil), Guidance, ProtE, Shield, Exp Retreat(Mv:60) Wednesday November 21st, 2012 2:57:44 PM
[OOC: I just re-read my post. Thessa would use Read Magic on the scroll, so hopefully Kathy will let me use the 22 to identify the bow. :) ]
Emrys notices the odd-looking box that Thessa brought back from Lasher Castle. "What did you find ther... ," he begins to ask but quickly hushes up, allowing her to concentrate. He senses that she isn't really satisfied with her findings and decides to tap her shoulder that gives her a spark of recall.
(Casting Recall (domain ability) on Thessa. You can reroll any ONE of your skill checks from the last minute with a +6 insight bonus.)
While he waits to see what she discovers, Emrys takes a moment and taps himself with his cure wand (9).
Ariach AC 25/14/19 ; HP 34/47 Wednesday November 21st, 2012 7:21:19 PM
Airach doesnīt like to hear they will return to Lasher Castle. His health conditions donīt improve and he has a bad feeling about going back. But he supports the goal to rescue the lost adventurer group. As Vaniim asks Graf for magic spells which are able to restore Wilma and Ariach, the warrior really hopes there will be help at hand. He will be with his group anyway but he would prefer to be in good shape when they face the undead next time. "Thanks Vaniim for taking care."
DM Kathy Wednesday November 21st, 2012 11:21:29 PM Wilma heals herself and her companions. Emrys supplements that with some healing for himself from his wand.
Thessa examines the treasures from the box. They are: a +1 Composite Longbow, a scroll of Death Ward, and potions of Owl's Wisdom, Lesser Restoration, and Command Undead.
Tuck and Vaniime ask about help with more powerful healing, and Ariach listens with interest. A general call for assistance goes up among the other adventurers, and soon, several step forward to help.
The pretty elf cleric of Flower steps up, smiling, to Vaniime. In Elven, she says Highlight to display spoiler: {"I see you, sister."} She begins casting a Restoration spell, which takes a while [casting time one minute]. She annoints Vaniime's forehead with scented oil, and places flower petals in both hands while reciting prayers to Flower. Finally, she leans forward and kisses Vaniime lightly. Vaniime's negative level is removed.
A cleric of Domi, a dwarf, approaches Ariach. "This won't hurt a bit," he says gruffly. A Restoration from a cleric of Domi involves less scented oil and more calisthenics, but it is just as effective. Ariach's Constitution drain is reversed.
There is, unfortunately, no third Restoration available for Wilma. One of the wizards, though, has a make-work solution. "I've got a spell to boost your health," he explains. "Only good for about 15 minutes, but that should give us time to get in and out." He will cast Bear's Endurance on Wilma right before you go back into the castle. Wilma will get a +4 enhancement to her Constitution, which should negate the drain and then some. It will last for 15 minutes.
In the meantime, Graf has been speaking with the wizards, and it looks as if you'll be going back inside in a few minutes.
[Last chance to cast spells and distribute the goodies from the treasure box!]
Emrys (ac19 (21evil), hp21/21), remove fear, see invisibility, shield, prot. evil d20+12=21 ; Thursday November 22nd, 2012 1:51:38 AM
Seeing that they are about to venture forth into that hellish place once again, Emrys takes the second of his wands and activates its magic upon himself and each of his friends. You all feel an overwhelming sense of confidence. Whatever fears you had about reentering Lasher Castle are quickly chased away.
(Casting Remove Fear. From his wand, 6 charges. Everyone has a +4 morale bonus against fear effects for the next 10 minutes.)
(Perception: 21)
Ariach AC 25/14/19 ; HP 44/47 d8+5=10 ; Thursday November 22nd, 2012 5:58:10 PM
Ariach thanks the dwarfish cleric for the treatment and thanks Domi as well. He is very reliefed when the weakness disappears. Knowing they will fight one more time against the undeads he prepares for the next skirmish. Ariach hesitates to ask Wilma for healing. But he comes to the conclusion that an unharmed warrior is more valuable for the group.
Therefore he asks Wilma "It would be great if you use a charge on me. It will be not wasted. I will pay it back during the next fight."
(Wilma uses the wand 1 time for 10HP healing)
Then the warrior get ready to go back in. He positions himself in front of the Vanguards to lead them through the entrance.
"Ok Vanguards! This time we will fight and destroy all undeads who are crossing our road. No chance for them to hit us in the back while we are running."
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt)/AC19vsEvil; HP39/39 <b>(temp Con Bonus via Bear's Endurance); Protection from Evil; +4vsFe Thursday November 22nd, 2012 8:23:59 PM
After having healed up herself, Tuck and Ariach with her curative wand, Wilma swapped it out for her Protection from Evil wand. She made sure that everyone in her party was protected once again before putting it away once more.
"Will the warning stone work the same way again?" she asked of Graf. "You know--flashing a warning before the portal closes?"
Grell AC 21 (23 vs. Evil) /14/19, HP47/47, Protection from Evil Thursday November 22nd, 2012 10:19:52 PM
Though his shoulders droop, Grell resolves himself to go back in. Looking over at Thessa, he motions to his bow on his back. Would you mind tapping my bow and flail with the Magic Weapon wand? Then I'd really appreciate the Shield once we get to fighting. It worked AWESOME last time!" Readying his gear, Grell gets ready to head back in to that abysmal house of horrors. He nods at Vaniime's statement, more than ready to dispatch as many undead as possible!
Thessa - HP: 23/23, AC: 17/17/14 (19vsEvil), ProtE Thursday November 22nd, 2012 11:58:03 PM
Thessa walks over to Wilma with her arms full of the enchanted items.
"These might come in handy," she says as she hands over the potions of Owl's Wisdom and Lesser Restoration. "And this was written for you more than I." She hands her the Death Ward scroll.
She turns to Emrys and offers the potion of Command Undead. "Perhaps you can help turn our enemies against themselves with this?" she says with a wry smile.
"Grell, I think Wilma has the Magic Weapon wand, but I'll be happy to Shield you as soon as we get inside. Let's get this over with as quickly as possible!"
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt)/AC19vsEvil; HP39/39 <b>(temp Con Bonus via Bear's Endurance); Protection from Evil; +4vsFe Friday November 23rd, 2012 3:11:48 AM OOC: oh, yes: PLEASE state which normal weapons you wish for Wilma to bestow the temporary +1 bonus upon...
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 28/28/24, Mage Armor, Shield, Prot. from Evil, Magic Weapon, Remove Fear Friday November 23rd, 2012 12:50:39 PM
Tuck asks Wilma to magic him up with Protection from Evil and Magic Weapon on his fists. He also asks Thessa for a touch from her Shield wand. Feeling ready to venture back in, he nods to the others that he is ready.
"One more round. Oh man."
Ariach AC 25 (27 vs. evil)/14/19 ; HP 44/47 Friday November 23rd, 2012 6:02:55 PM
Ariach follows Tuckīs example and asks Wilma for casting spells upon him. He also asks for "protection from evil" and the temporary magic bonus for his mace.
His face takes on a determined look as he speaks to his friends. "I am here with you to keep away any harm from you. If you want me protecting you, stay close to me and donīt play a lone hand. I will accompany you to the hells if neccessary. We will not give the undeads the chance to hurt us a second time! ..... and now letīs go and find and rescue the lost group."
"The Vanguards fear nothing!"
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt)/AC19vsEvil; HP39/39 <b>(temp Con Bonus via Bear's Endurance); Protection from Evil; +4vsFe Friday November 23rd, 2012 9:12:56 PM
Wilma made sure that Tuck's hands were enchanted with a boost from her wand and did the same with Ariach's mace.
"Anyone else..?" she prompted. "These undead are being particularly unruly, so every little advantage any of you can use will help, I'm sure..."
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt)/AC19vsEvil; HP39/39 (temp Con Bonus via Bear's Endurance); Prot fm Evil; +4vsFear Friday November 23rd, 2012 9:18:38 PM OOC: anyone else needs a Magic Weapon boost?
Grell AC 21 (23 vs. Evil) /14/19, HP47/47, Protection from Evil Friday November 23rd, 2012 10:48:21 PM
Grell nods at Wilma. "My flail and (ahem) my bow."
Thessa - HP: 23/23, AC: 19/19/14 (+2vsEvil), ProtE, Shield Friday November 23rd, 2012 10:54:44 PM
Considering that the Shield spells will last a while and they are bound to run into more undead as soon as they re-enter Lasher Castle, Thessa decides to err to the side of caution and Shield her comrades before they enter. She taps Tuck, Grell, Wilma, Emrys and Vaniime (if she wants it).
No sense in being chivalrous, she thinks to herself as she touches her own breast with the wand. She's seen what these things can do to even the strongest of her companions.
She asks Wilma to enchant her curved Elven blade, in case she gets caught in close-quarters fighting and even casts Cat's Grace on herself before she enters the portal for an extra sense of proficiency with her weapons.
She struggles to calm the raging fear in her heart and prepares enter the portal once again.
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Protectrion from evil, shield, remove fear, magic weapon (staff) Saturday November 24th, 2012 9:23:55 AM
(sorry all, been traveling)
Vaniime breathes easier once the spell has been cast and responds in kind to the clerics greeting Highlight to display spoiler: { Thank you Devotee. Your love and compassion are most welcome. May the beauty of the Wold be always be open to your eyes.}
Se also accepts a shield shot from Thessa and a magic weapon shot to her staff from Wilma.
As the others move together for re-entry she joins them, looks around at all the assembled folk and then turns to Graf.
"Sir, what is the goal for this entry? Are we all going in as a rescue team going after our missing group, or are there separate goals here?"
Emrys (ac19 (21evil), hp21/21), remove fear, see invisibility, shield, prot. evil d20+12=13 ; Saturday November 24th, 2012 4:22:20 PM
Emrys thinks about having Wilma enchant his crossbow, but for what good. He is a terrible archer. Even with the magical benefits, he seriously doubts he can hit anything other than the broadside of a wall, on a good day! However, no one ever knows. "Here Wilma, will you enchant my poor crossbow."
Then Thessa offers him the Potion of Command Undead. Emrys accepts it with a wry smile of his own. If it weren't for the Remove Fear spell cast upon him, he would have accepted the dark gift with much trepidation. The bard has always been fearful of necromancy. (ooc: too bad it only affects ONE undead)
(Perception 13, nat. 1. I guess he's distracted.)
( REMINDER: Everyone has "Remove Fear" cast upon them. +4 saves vs. fear. For 10 minutes.)
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt)/AC19vsEvil; HP39/39 (temp Con Bonus via Bear's Endurance); Prot fm Evil; +4vsFear; Shield Saturday November 24th, 2012 5:35:33 PM
Wilma dutifully enhanced the weapons of all who asked, using eight charges of her wand this time around, enhancing the weapons of the Vanguard from Ariach on through to her brother.
"Here, Grell," she said, saving his enhancements for last, "Your flail...and (ahem) my bow..."
Emrys (ac19 (21evil), hp21/21), remove fear, see invisibility, shield, prot. evil Saturday November 24th, 2012 8:14:15 PM
(OOC: I have a correction. The Remove Fear spell, that was cast on all of you, will last 20 minutes, not 10 minutes. I forgot Emrys has Arcane Training and can cast bard spells from wands, staves, rods, scrolls, etc at +1 caster level.)
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