A Storm Approaches -- DM Ian Monday October 15th, 2012 9:50:24 PM
The suns rise over Bryn Baraz, unseen by the populous below.
Six months have passed since the heroes defeated Phezrual and the Keepers of the Chalice. An unprecedented peace has settled over the town, although the heroes do not lack for things to do. Keeping themselves busy with friends and family, perhaps buying land, or simply finding a new companion to travel with (or on, rather), the heroes of Bryn Baraz occupy themselves now that their heroics are a little out of date. The citizens of Bryn Baraz continue to revere their rescuers, and playing heroics has become a popular pastime among the local children.
The first few months after the ordeal with the Keepers had the citizens of the mining settlement once again on edge. While the heroes had once again dispatched their attackers, the people knew that their town had become a bit of a magnet for trouble. However, as time passed, they became more relaxed. The entire town was calmer, and it showed. Children once more ran through the street, people were smiling, laughter could be heard among the buildings, and even the miners seemed to be enjoying their labour. And no one has forgotten that the heroes are to thank for that.
That morning, the sky is revealed to be coated in dark grey clouds that hang low in the sky. The night before had been crisp and clear, but now anyone outside can feel the humidity hanging thick in the air. Rolling waves of thunder can be heard in the distance, ever approaching on Bryn Baraz. Parents can be seen ushering their children up the street, shuttering windows, and generally shutting down. The wind whips cloaks around, and it threatens to be quite a storm.
What are the Heroes of Bryn Baraz doing on this dark and stormy day? Have they gotten anything else done in the past six months?
Welcome to the new module everyone! If you have any Catacombs purchases to finalize, please do so within the next couple of days. All levelling for characters needs to be done by now. We're launching right into this one, folks. As for posting, I will be making my posts at the same time every night -- around 10PM EST. If this is a problem for anyone, please do not hesitate to contact me. I want to make sure everyone can post, and I have no problem posting at a different time if it will help everyone post. Jerry has sent out his two cents on this, and so I won't bore you any more.
Good luck, heroes.
Davdok - AC 18/14/14 - CMD21 - HP 53/64 - 11/14 Bombs Monday October 15th, 2012 11:58:54 PM
Over the months of downtime, the people of Bryn Baraz have been hearing strange noises coming from both of Davdok's properties. Today Davdok sits at his desk, writing down his latest results for his experimentation.
"Six months, I think I have it right by now. Let's hope I don't have to use the thing."
He looks at the day outside. "Wonderful, I finish and the day is like this..." He walks toward his window, taking the scenery in from his secluded lab.
Keela d20+21=30 ; d20+21=34 ; d20+21=30 ; d20+21=23 ; Tuesday October 16th, 2012 12:11:03 AM
After returning from the Catacombs, Keela spent several days intently studying and writing in her spellbook. When she finally emerged, triumphant, from her room at the inn, she had four new spells in her book, which is nearly full.
"I must remember to buy a new one," she says to herself.
But the past few months have belonged to her family, and to Jack. She helped Senna with the household tasks, laughing and chatting as they had once done as young girls in their mother's house. She plays with her nephews and niece, and resumes teaching them about the history and geography of the Wold, the natural world around them, and the lessons of the gods.
She spends a great deal of time with Jack. It's enjoyable, but secretly she begins to wonder. If he's serious, shouldn't he be asking her to marry him at some point?
She still finds it odd to be seen as a hero. It's strange to watch children--some of whom she once taught--running around pretending to be her. Surely they have more interesting people to look up to?
That dark and stormy day, Keela is helping Senna rescue the last of the summer herbs from the impending storm while Daben double-checks to see that the roof is secure and watertight (that is, if this storm is an end-of-summer kind of deal. If it's a different season, let me know.).
Zeph Illidian HP 113/113 AC 22/19t/14ff CMD 24 Tuesday October 16th, 2012 12:39:27 AM
Zeph is flying Avis back from Plateau City, where he goes to conduct business for the mine.
He rushes to a landing within the confines of Bryn Baraz's aerie and speaks with Ulfgar, "Alert the guards to keep the residents safe. I wish to meet with you on Bryn Baraz's finances before the morrow."
Then he moves to find Keela, "My father has shown me several powerful spells that could assist us if you care to record them." (Telekenisis, Teleport, Magic Jar, Fickle Winds, Apparent Master)
After food, he will inquire to Ulfgar about how much money the mine is generating and if there are ways to increase profits... perhaps hiring craftsmen to forge tools and weapons?
Anrete [HP: 107/107, AC 25/16/21, CMD 26] d20+6=25 ; Tuesday October 16th, 2012 3:17:02 AM
Anrete alternates his time between Alexi & Copper, and cooking dinner for the companions.
It is dinner time, and Anrete is just waiting for subjects to try out his latest dish - curry lizard chunks with potatoes.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:32/32/25 HP:86/86 Ki:12/12 CMD: 23] Tuesday October 16th, 2012 1:29:34 PM
Garret continues to spend his time with Tara, though he studiously avoids becoming domesticated. He keeps up his practices and hones his craft. He is as fit as ever, for a halfling. Tara has all but moved in to Garret's room at the Inn and she helps out downstairs when there is the need, sort of becoming a de facto employee of the inn and sharing in the profits with the innkeeper.
When the storm begins to arrive, Garret heads outside and stands strong in the wind, apparently enjoying the feel of the powerful wind on his face. He smiles and looks the sky, watching the storm build.
Alexi AC 24 Tch 12 Ffted 21 HP 80/102 CMD 28 Tuesday October 16th, 2012 8:41:07 PM
Alexi returns from the Catacombs with some new things, one of which is a very intricate belt. A large leather belt with a grand buckle, images of entangled dragons carved into the leather and brought alive with different colored inks. Although it is impressive, Alexi keeps low key about it.
The six months of down-time gives Alexi much time to improve the defenses of Bryn Baraz. He commissions watch towers to be constructed along the ridge surrounding the settlement. These are simple one room wooden enclosures on stilts some 10' off the ground, manned by a watchman. This allows the people to see any enemies approaching from a distance, giving the defenders a little more time to prepare a defense. Small gongs are used as a warning signal.
During this time, Alexi notices Jack's unrelenting pursuit of Keela. Fortunately, or not, Keela seemed very responsive. Fortunately in the sense that it wasn't against her wishes and Alexi would not have to intervene. Unfortunately, for the same reason...
On the other hand, only one thing kept Alexi from vying for her attention as well. And Alexi certainly felt he had a right to court Keela also. But his Code of Chivalry prevented him to do anything more than flirt with her when they were together on business. He wondered if Jack fully understood what it was like to be married to an adventurer. It was one thing to wave goodby to a love interest going off to fight evil, it was another thing altogether to watch your wife, or husband, ride off to possible death! Or leave your kids!
Alexi is careful with Hope, always being cheerful and charming, but also keeping himself very, very busy.
The Cavalier enjoys, sometime more than others, Anrete's new cooking experiments. Having already passed numerous times the gastro-intestinal tests the barbarian managed to create, Alexi never flinched at the new menu that would suddenly appear before them.
Alexi made sure Anrete and New Copper, or Junior, or Horsey, got well accustomed to each other. Once Alexi was comfortable with the horse's battle training, he worked with Anrete some, then left the two go at it alone so Horsey would be atuned to the barbarian, smell and all.
"Anrete," he advised, "now that we've spent two months on, Whatshisname, you'll want to save up on some protection for him. A good set of studded leather barding should do fine for starters."
The turn of weather, to Alexi, seemed a good thing. The dry plains could always use some more rain. High humidity was good, it kept the grass fires to a minimum... so the rumbling of thunder was a good sign.
After breakfast Alexi heads over to the stables, as was customed on his daily routine. Looking out across the compound, seeing the residents preparing for a storm, Alexi started pondering what he'd do for the rest of the day if the rain muddied up the training grounds too much.
From inside the stables the rumbling kept going, but Alexi was busy brushing Lobo and thinking about K...
A Storm Approaches -- DM Ian Tuesday October 16th, 2012 10:29:07 PM Davdok finds himself in his lab. Rumours have spread quickly through the town of the odd building, full of bright lights and loud noises. The children dare each other to run up and touch the outside walls -- those brave enough run screaming back to their friends.
Keela works in the garden with Senna helping to pick the last of the harvest. This is, in fact, a late summer storm -- although it threatens to be the worst yet. Daben shouts down that the roof is secure.
Zeph is speaking with Ulfgar Greymine, who seems interested in his proposals. "Craftsmen, yes... if we could start producing our own items, it could cut costs..."
Anrete practices his culinary skills. He can usually find some willing test subjects at the Victory Inn, and today they give him thumbs-up while drinking down mugs of ale, tears streaming down their face. "It's a bit spicy," one of them mentions as sweat begins to bead on his forehead.
Garret welcomes the oncoming squall. A few people shoot him a look as they run past him, but no one bothers him. They have come to learn that it's best not to question what the Halfling monk does.
Alexi busies himself with the horses, distracted from the storm brewing just outside.
Anyone outside can feel a slight mist begin to fall from the sky. The streets are quickly cleared, and all doors and windows are locked. The thunder booms even closer, the gaps between it and the lightning getting ever smaller. A quick flash, and the thunder almost immediately follows. Apparently, that was all the clouds were waiting for -- they open up and begin drenching the town.
DC 15 Nature or DC 20 Perception check- Highlight to display spoiler: {The lightning and thunder don't seem to be matching up -- in fact, there is definitely more thunder than there is lightning.}
DC 25 Perception check- Highlight to display spoiler: {The "thunder" seems to be coming from the southern part of town, near the market.}
Davdok - AC 18/14/14 - CMD21 - HP 53/64 - 11/14 Bombs Tuesday October 16th, 2012 11:44:55 PM
Davdok turns away and decides to create a few alchemical items while he has a moment.
OOC: Going to take a few full round actions to create a 5 sunrods, 5 Tindertwigs, and 5 Soothe Syrups.
Ian's Notes: Please update your header! :)
Zeph Illidian HP 113/113 AC 22/19t/14ff CMD 24 d20+16=33 ; d20+20=39 ; Wednesday October 17th, 2012 12:41:26 AM
(Perception = 33)
As Zeph discusses specifics of what sort of crafts to focus on, his ears twitch (Perception = 33), "Good Sir, I leave the specifics to you, but do make sure each artisan is highly gifted at his craft. We aim to make a name for ourselves."
As he makes for the door, he says to Ulfgar, "Send runners to fetch Garret, Keela, Anrete, and Davdok. Meet at southern part of town"
Then he quickly casts Expeditious Retreat on himself and dashes for the southern part of town.
When he gets there, Zeph takes in the scene and fades into the shadows (Stealth = 39)
Anrete [HP: 107/107, AC 25/16/21, CMD 29] d20+15=32 ; d20+17=34 ; Wednesday October 17th, 2012 4:01:13 AM
Anrete retorts back at the diners, "If ye don't work up a sweat eating, then there is no point eating at all!".
"Something's wrong. Seems to be at the southern part of the town. Any volunteers?"
Anrete shrugs if no one else volunteered, and proceeds to retrieve Copper and makes his way towards the disturbance.
As he nears the area, Anrete dismounts, and fades into invisibility, his new darkwood bow stringed and ready.
OOC: I still have a few pending purchases from Catacombs
Davdok - AC 18/14/14 - CMD22 - HP 71/71 - 15/15 Bombs Wednesday October 17th, 2012 4:11:48 AM
Just as he is finishing up the last few syrups, Davdok is interrupted by a knock at his door. Upon hearing of the call to the southern gate, Davdok takes but a few moments to grab supplies, throwing them in his pack and pockets. He waves the runner away and heads towards the southern gate.
Maybe he'd get to use his new experiment today...
OOC: I'll assume enough time has passed and he spent enough time looking at the window for the runner to show up.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:32/32/25 HP:86/86 Ki:12/12 CMD: 23] d20+20=38 ; Wednesday October 17th, 2012 11:44:07 AM
Garret stands and watches the rain and the storm build and head towards town. He smiles and watches the power of the thunder and the lightning build. But when the storm starts to open up, he frowns. He notices that the thunder is just not quite right (perception:38). He can hear the differences near the south end of town and starts walking in that direction. When he spots the runner from Zeph, bent over and running through the gathering mud, he simply waves them off and keeps up his steady pace towards the south end of town.
As he walks, he observes more about the storm and tries to tell if the storm is being drawn towards the south end of town, or even if it appears to have the south end, or a particular house, as the source of the storm. He mentally figures out how close Davdok's new house is to the source of the thunder.
DM Zach: Personally, I love this! "He mentally figures out how close Davdok's new house is to the source of the thunder."
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 24 HP 114/114 CMD 27 d20+10=16 ; Wednesday October 17th, 2012 10:00:35 PM
Perception +10 = 16 Alexi, busy inside the barn, does not notice anything all that unusual about the storm. However Anrete comes barging in, sopping wet, with word to meet Zeph at the southern part of town. The wet-smelling barbarian saddles up Copper Jr. and Alexi follows suit. They both leave the dry stables and make muddy tracks to the rendevoux point in the middle of the downpour.
A Storm Approaches -- DM Ian d20+12=13 ; d20+12=30 ; d20+12=16 ; d20+12=25 ; d20+12=18 ; d20+12=19 ; d20+12=20 ; d20+12=27 ; d20+14=31 ; d20+14=27 ; d20+10=14 ; d20+20=24 ; d20+14=23 ; d20+15=17 ; d20+15=25 ; Wednesday October 17th, 2012 11:42:00 PM Davdok quickly prepares some alchemical reagents before dashing away to the southern gate.
Ulfgar cocks an eyebrow as Zeph turns to leave, but his demeanor grows serious as Zeph asks for the runners. "Of course. Right away." He understands that the heroes aren't all called together without reason.
The people sitting near Anrete look around at each other and shrug. They don't seem to hear anything. Upon reaching the scene, Anrete slips into invisibility.
Garret attempts to pinpoint the source of the storm -- but even his heightened senses can't seem to see where it is coming from. Although it does not seem to be centered or emanating from anywhere in town.
Alexi is shocked when his barbaric friend barges into the stable, speaking of Zeph and the southern part of town.
Thick smoke rises from a few buildings, and citizens are busy trying to put them out. Lightning flashes again, followed up by not one, but two crashes of thunder. The rain begins to pound down around you, making the ground beneath your feet slick and unstable at some points. As you look upon the buildings here, there is another flash of lightning -- and the thunder strikes closer.
The roof of the nearest building is blown off in an enormous explosion. The nearby citizens scream, looking to the sky or retreating back to their homes. Perhaps a dozen remain to put out the fires that have now begun, although they and the heroes wonder if lightning is truly the cause of them.
Garret and Zeph please highlight: Highlight to display spoiler: {There are shadows moving about in the clouds -- they seem to disappear when the lightning strikes, but the lightning is flashing too brightly for you to be able to see whatever these shadows are.}
Zeph Illidian HP 113/113 AC 28/25t/20ff CMD 26 (Mage Armor, Prot Vs. Evil) 10d6=31 ; Thursday October 18th, 2012 2:41:41 AM
Anger flashes across his face as the civilians run for cover. Zeph looks up to the sky and says to his friends, "Shadows, in the clouds."
Then he taps himself with two wands, one of Mage Armor and another of Protection Vs. Evil, summoning silvery hues around his frame. He looks to Garret and taps him over the head with Mage Armor as well, smirking.
Then he says, "Lets see if they want to come down and play."
Flames burst from his hands as he casts Fireball, launching the sphere straight up where the lightning meets the clouds and the spirits dance... I think 800feet is enough range right? (31 Fire damage to everything in the 40'diameter. Reflex DC 19 to half.)
Anrete [HP: 107/107, AC 25/16/21, CMD 29] Thursday October 18th, 2012 10:20:57 AM
Finding a good spot with shelter from the rain to avoid giving away his position, Anrete readies his bow and remains invisible, flanking Zeph and Garret.
Keela Thursday October 18th, 2012 11:50:58 AM
Keela hurries over to help her friends--not to mention the poor folk whose buildings are on fire. She gives a startled scream as the roof collapses.
Her own Mage Armor already cast that morning, she watches Zeph with a puzzled frown. "It's just a cloud, Zeph," she says. "We should concentrate on putting these fires out."
0 Detect Magic 0 Light 0 Prestidigitation 0 Read Magic 1 Feather Fall 1 Magic Missile 1 Magic Missile 1 Protection from Evil 1 Ray of Enfeeblement 1 Unseen Servant 2 Acid Arrow 2 Extended Mage Armor (cast) 2 False Life 2 Knock 2 Scorching Ray 2 Web 3 Daylight 3 Dispell Magic 3 Fireball 3 Haste 4 Dimension Door 4 Invisibility, Greater 4 Secure Shelter 4 Wall of Ice 5 Baleful Polymorph 5 Baleful Polymorph 5 Break Enchantment 5 Wall of Force
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/34/27 HP:86/86 Ki:12/12 CMD: 23] Thursday October 18th, 2012 3:39:51 PM
Garret winks to Zeph as he casts the mage armor and Garret touches the tattoo on his neck. The tattoo glows dimly for just a moment (casting Barkskin). Garret looks at the shadows in the cloud as the massive fireball explodes. He says to Keela, "No, there is something there. This is not natural."
He watches the clouds carefully but also looks to see if there are any residents needing immediate help. He listens carefully to hear if anyone is crying or trapped in burning houses anywhere. As he looks and listens, he continues to Keela, "I imagine if you were to search the clouds for magic, you would find them full of it. But from where, I cannot tell."
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 24 HP 114/114 CMD 27 Thursday October 18th, 2012 9:50:16 PM
OOC: DM, considering the huge deluge, any fire started by the lightning would only last a round or two, right?
IC: Alexi shakes his head as Anrete dismounts and leaves poor Copper Jr. to fend for itself in the storm, lightning blasting here and there.
Taking Jr. reigns, Alexi tries to keep the horse from bolting while assessing the situation. Bryn Baraz is located in a box canyon, with high cliffs on each side, effectively protecting it somewhat from the worse storms. Why the lightning seems to avoid the trees lining the cliff ridge and targeting the buildings below seemed very odd.
Above the din he hears Garret mention about something in the clouds and this all being unatural. First thoughts of Al Mathir coming back with a new method of revenge cross Alexi's mind. He supresses the urge to draw his sword and shake it at the clouds in anger. Instead he leads Lobo and Jr. away from the caos and ties them to a hitching post nearby.
Davdok - AC 18/14/14 - CMD22 - HP 71/71 - 15/15 Bombs Thursday October 18th, 2012 11:41:37 PM
Davdok arrives, his items in tow. He takes one look at Zeph. "Well, whatever is up there, they know we're here now. Best prepare for aerial combat I suppose."
Death From Above -- DM Ian d20+9=28 ; d20+9=12 ; d20+9=11 ; d20+9=29 ; d20+9=10 ; d20+9=10 ; d20+9=10 ; d20+10=24 ; 3d6+5=19 ; Thursday October 18th, 2012 11:45:07 PM Anrete stays hidden, bow at the ready, waiting for the more perceptive members of the group to point something out.
Keela fails to see anything wrong with the clouds, and focuses on helping the townsfolk put out the fires.
Garret doesn't see anyone in any immediate danger -- the townsfolk seem to just be focusing on putting out the fires. He suggests checking the clouds for magic.
Alexi wonders about the nature of the fire. As he looks at the burning buildings, the fire seems to be eating away at the wood rather quickly, resisting the pouring rain quite easily. However, as the townsfolk deluge it with buckets and barrels, it becomes quickly extinguished. He leads the horses away from the din and ties them to a nearby hitching post.
Zeph takes the offensive, casting Fireball on the darkness.
Three figures fall out of the clouds -- Garret and Zeph get a brief glance at them before they retreat into the clouds once again. They looked almost like tiny dragons... but you get a better look once four of them dive out of the clouds. The drop quickly, their wings folded in, and pull up at the last moment, letting something small fall onto the ground near the heroes. Whatever they drop explodes, sending fire lancing through the air. Clearly, this is the source of these fires.
And clearly, you've made them angry.
Zeph, please take 19 fire damage!
Garret and Anrete, please make a DC 24 Reflex Save or take 8 fire damage!
We are now in combat! The creatures are 100 feet away. Currently, you can see four, but there were far more attacks on you this round. Consider yourselves lucky -- your DM rolled THREE NAT ONE'S on attacks this round!
Anyone who has modified their AC with spells, please make sure it is reflected in your header!
Anrete [HP: 99/107, AC 25/16/21, CMD 29] d20+11=13 ; d20+15=16 ; d20+10=28 ; d8+5=12 ; 2d6=7 ; d20+17=36 ; d20+15=27 ; Friday October 19th, 2012 12:41:05 AM
Ignoring his burns, Anrete stood up and rapidly launches 2 arrows at the figures before fading back to invisibility as he watches out for further attacks.
------------------------------ Reflex 13 Attack 1: AB 16 Critical Miss Attack 2: AB 28, DMG: 12
Stealth: 36 + 40 (invisible) Perception: 27
PS: Ignore the last 2d6 roll, forgot 2nd attack have no sneak cuz I am not invisible anymore
Keela[Mage Armor, Haste][AC 20; HP 71/71] d20+21=24 ; d20=2 ; Friday October 19th, 2012 11:11:27 AM
Keela tries to figure out what's going on.
[Knowledge Arcana or Spellcraft to figure out what they're dropping: 24 (Keela has the same bonus for both skills)]
[Knowledge to find out what the flying things are: 23 Arcana, 22 Planes, 20 Dungeoneering or Nature, 19 Religion]
Uncertain what else to do, she casts Haste on herself and her companions.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:35/35/27 HP:82/86 Ki:12/12 CMD: 23] d20+18=20 ; d20+20=30 ; d20+14=23 ; d20+9=16 ; d20+14=16 ; d4=2 ; d4=2 ; d4=1 ; Friday October 19th, 2012 12:54:22 PM
Garret is looking carefully into a nearby house where he thought he heard a yell when the figures drop from the clouds and drop their bombs. The bomb explodes right next to him before he even notices it (reflex: 20, fail). He shakes off the flames and yells out, "Davdok? Those better not be your bombs they're dropping!"
As he shakes off the fire, Garret quickly grabs a few stones from the ground and lets them fly towards the creatures. "What are those things?" He tries to count the moving figures (perception: 30)
OOC: Massive, powerful sling attacks: Hit AC 23, 16, and 16. Wow. Just in case they're trained pigeons, damage (massive): 2, 2, 1.
Zeph Illidian HP 94/113 AC 28/25t/20ff CMD 26 (Mage Armor, Prot Vs. Evil) d20+10=27 ; d20+10=13 ; d20+10=30 ; d20+10=23 ; d20+10=22 ; d20+10=26 ; d20+19=39 ; 5d4+5=20 ; 5d4+5=19 ; d20+12=26 ; d20+20=40 ; Friday October 19th, 2012 1:33:51 PM
As the drgon-kin swoop down and deliver their hot packages, Zeph watches their movements intensely, searching his mind for knowledge (Koweldge Arcana = 27. Dungeoneering= 13. Nature=30. Geography=23. ) (Spellcraft = 39. nat 20)
Then the flame hits him in the forehead, and he winces, sweats, and then wipes the flames from around him with an angry hand.
In response, Zeph grabs his Rod of Metamagic Quicken to cast Magic Missile as a free action, sending five dark bolts of arcana soaring to one of the already fireball-injured flying enemies, blasting holes in its wings. (Damage = 20, Caster Level to beat SR = 26)
Then he shouts to Alexi, "Can you fly?" If the Soldier says yes, then Zeph will cast Fly on him (std action) and then duck behind the smoke caused by the fires for his move action (stealth = 40, nat 20)
If Alexi does not respond or says the negative, Zeph will instead cast Elemental Body I on himself (std action), turning into a small air elemental and then soaring to the skies for his move action, attempting to blend in with the clouds (stealth = 40, natural 20)
Zeph Illidian HP 94/113 AC 28/25t/20ff CMD 26 (Mage Armor, Prot Vs. Evil) d20+10=27 ; d20+10=13 ; d20+10=30 ; d20+10=23 ; d20+10=22 ; d20+10=26 ; d20+19=39 ; 5d4+5=20 ; 5d4+5=19 ; d20+12=26 ; d20+20=40 ; Friday October 19th, 2012 1:33:52 PM
As the drgon-kin swoop down and deliver their hot packages, Zeph watches their movements intensely, searching his mind for knowledge (Koweldge Arcana = 27. Dungeoneering= 13. Nature=30. Geography=23. ) (Spellcraft = 39. nat 20)
Then the flame hits him in the forehead, and he winces, sweats, and then wipes the flames from around him with an angry hand.
In response, Zeph grabs his Rod of Metamagic Quicken to cast Magic Missile as a free action, sending five dark bolts of arcana soaring to one of the already fireball-injured flying enemies, blasting holes in its wings. (Damage = 20, Caster Level to beat SR = 26)
Then he shouts to Alexi, "Can you fly?" If the Soldier says yes, then Zeph will cast Fly on him (std action) and then duck behind the smoke caused by the fires for his move action (stealth = 40, nat 20)
If Alexi does not respond or says the negative, Zeph will instead cast Elemental Body I on himself (std action), turning into a small air elemental and then soaring to the skies for his move action, attempting to blend in with the clouds (stealth = 40, natural 20)
DM Ian The clouds are 200ft from the ground - do you have enough movement to get there?
Zeph Illidian HP 94/113 AC 28/25t/20ff CMD 26 (Mage Armor, Prot Vs. Evil) Friday October 19th, 2012 2:43:08 PM
(OOC to Ian: Firstly, I apologize for all the double-clicks, but apparently my mouse is registering 2 for my every 1. Secondly, I would like to amend that Zeph also draws his curve-blade as part of the possible move actions. Again, my apologies, but you said, "Three figures fall out of the clouds -- Garret and Zeph get a brief glance at them before they retreat into the clouds once again." + "The creatures are 100 feet away." Which led me to believe the clouds were also 100feet away. Air Elemental form gives 60feet fly (perfect) + 30ft from Keela's Haste = 90 ft total.
Clouds tend to be rather amorphous, especially when trying to spot an air elemental, so I thought 10feet were a moot point.
If it is not possible for Zeph to hide in the clouds, then he will instead attempt to hide in the smoke rising from the buildings, maybe? If not that, then I will rethink strategy b/c I don't want to be the only ally flying and thus targeted by all the enemies at once.)
DM Ian My apologies, I should have been more clear. The creatures dropped out of the sky, and then proceeded to move closer, eventually ending at 100ft away. The clouds are another 100ft above them. They essentially divebombed directly on top of you all. As an Air Elemental, I would confer you the same stealth bonuses they receive if you were 10ft away from the clouds, but unless you double move, you would not get there that round. If you have any more questions, do not hesitate to ask.
Zeph Illidian HP 94/113 AC 28/25t/20ff CMD 26 (Mage Armor, Prot Vs. Evil) Friday October 19th, 2012 8:16:49 PM
(OOC: Can I move 90feet up/towards the smoke from the house fires to disappear within them?)
DM Ian Most definitely.
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 24 HP 114/114 CMD 27 Friday October 19th, 2012 9:05:32 PM
Alexi, rushing back from the hitching post hears Zeph yell at him 'Can you fly?" and replies back, "YEAH, LIKE A ROCK!" then under his breath "You dork!" But then Alexi get's his meaning. The fighter had forgotten when Zeph and Keela had cast the Fly spell on them against the demons some 8 months ago. "Oh, yeah. I've practiced some," and runs over to Zeph. OOC: it's not much but he does have 1 rank in Fly. I would think that runing over to Zeph and getting the spell cast would take up the round for Alexi.
Davdok - AC 18/14/14 - CMD22 - HP 71/71 - 15/15 Bombs d20+11=31 ; d20+11=25 ; d8=7 ; d8=7 ; d6=1 ; Friday October 19th, 2012 11:48:46 PM
Davdok is unsure how to combat enemies up in the air, so he does the only thing he can.
He reaches for his crossbow and mutters a short prayer as his ammunition begins to drip with acid. He takes aim, and fires it at the nearest enemy while going through his mind of the extracts prepared for the day.
OOC: Hit AC 31....wait, I think I just got a Nat 20. Roll for confirm is a 25. Damage for normal hit is 7. Crit is another 7 tacked on, so 14. And 1 acid damage for a total of 15 at the nearest enemy.
Death From Above -- DM Ian d20+14=31 ; d20+14=27 ; d20+14=28 ; d20+14=19 ; d20+14=16 ; d20+14=34 ; d20+14=24 ; d20+14=31 ; d100=89 ; d100=84 ; d20+10=30 ; d20+12=17 ; 3d6+6=15 ; d20+9=25 ; d20+9=24 ; d20+9=28 ; 3d6+5=14 ; 3d6+5=17 ; 2d6+8=14 ; Saturday October 20th, 2012 12:55:02 PM Anrete's singed hands fumble with his bow, and the arrow goes wide of his target. However, the creatures have no chance of seeing the invisible rogue.
Keela turns her eyes to the creatures in the sky. At this distance, they do look a bit like dragons... but at the same time, you can tell they most definitely are not. Each creature has vivid white skin, a pair of wings, a tail, two arms, two legs, and a reptilian head. But other than that, these creatures seem completely different. They range in size from a few feet in height to nearly five. One seems to have trouble flying, as one of its wings is not fully developed. While there is definitely an Arcane origin to these monstrosities, there is also something natural to them. Keela is unable to determine much else.
One of Garret's stones connect, but it seems to do little more than enrage the creatures even further. From this distance, he can see something shining on the skin of the creatures, but cannot tell what it is from this distance, especially with the rain in his eyes. Currently, he sees four outside of the clouds. Shadows move around inside the clouds, but he is unable to determine how many are left.
Magic Missiles lash out at the nearest creature, striking it through its wings. It cries out in pain, plummeting to the ground twenty feet away from the party. Zeph casts Fly on his ally before vanishing. (+2 bonus to stealth checks while in the smoke, provides partial concealment.) Their enemies completely miss the elf as he disappears in the smoke.
Alexi runs over to his ally and has the spell cast on him.
Davdok brings out his crossbow, hitting one of the monsters square in the chest. The creature grabs at the bolt while it tries to stay airborne, but a gust of wind sends it spiraling down to the ground. A sickening crunch, and all that remains is a corpse.
The creatures drop another sixty feet, letting another volley of bombs drop on the party. One flies wide, smashing into a nearby building and setting it ablaze. The other finds its mark with Anrete! Please take 15 fire damage! Keela and Garret, please make a DC 24 Reflex save or take 9 fire damage!
A squad of three creatures drops out of the sky, stopping a hundred feet short of the party and letting their explosives rain down on them. Davdok and Keela, please take 14 and 17 fire damage respectively! Garret, Zeph, and Alexi please make a DC 24 Reflex save or take 8 fire damage!
Just as the party goes to react, another explosion rings out around them! Everyone please make a DC 24 reflex save or take 14 fire damage!
Keela[Mage Armor, Haste][AC 20; HP 59/71] d20+9=24 ; d20+9=10 ; d10+10=19 ; d20+8=16 ; d4=4 ; d4=4 ; Sunday October 21st, 2012 8:10:30 PM
[OOC: The creatures were at 100 feet; they dropped 60 feet; so their distance is now 40 feet. At least, that's how I'm reading this. If I'm wrong, let me know and I'll re-do everything.]
Keela tries to get out of the way of the dropped firebombs, with mixed success [Reflex saves 24 and 10].
She moves a short way away from her companions, trying to get out of what is sometimes called "fireball formation." Grasping her Lesser Rod of Quicken, she casts a False Life to boost her health a little.
Then she sights on one of the attacking creatures and sends a tiny green dart in its direction. It sizzles a little when it hits. [Cast Acid Arrow. Hit Touch AC 16 for 8 points of acid damage.]
DM Ian Your assumption is correct.
Anrete [HP: 84/107, AC 25+1/16+1/21, CMD 29] [HASTED] d20+17=20 ; d20+15=29 ; d8+5=10 ; 2d6=5 ; Sunday October 21st, 2012 9:12:14 PM
"Bad idea.", the singed warrior grumbled as he emerges from the inferno.
Anrete decides to change his position to somewhere safer, and sneaks swiftly (70ft) away from his companions to flank the attacking monsters.
After taking another shot at the monsters, Anrete fades back into invisibility once again.
------------------------------ Quick Stealth: 20 + 20 (invisible) Attack 1: AB 29, DMG: 10 + 5 (sneak if any)
DM Notes Just making sure you've read the rules on Stealth and sniping.
Anrete [HP: 84/107, AC 25+1/16+1/21, CMD 29] [HASTED] d20+12=32 ; Sunday October 21st, 2012 9:14:44 PM
"Once burnt, twice shy." Anrete scrambles to avoid the next explosion.
OOC: Forgot to roll reflex for the last fireball
--------------------------------- Reflex 32 pass.
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 24 HP 92/114 CMD 27 d20+10=22 ; d20+10=17 ; Monday October 22nd, 2012 8:43:06 AM
Ref +10 DC24 = 22, 17 dmg 22 OOC: I was not sure if Alexi was in range for the Haste spell so I did not add that bonus in. DM, please make a ruling on that today. I'll wait for your decision and to see if Garret want's to ride on Alexi's back or not.
DM Ian I'm working on the assumption that Keela would have cast the spell on everyone, so yes, Alexi is benefiting from it.
Zeph Illidian HP 94/113 AC 28/25t/20ff CMD 26 (Mage Armor, Prot Vs. Evil) d20+19=29 ; d20+19=22 ; Monday October 22nd, 2012 10:22:28 AM
(OOC: Post coming soon. Reflex saves 29 and 22. oucies)
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:35/35/27 HP:77/86 Ki:12/12 CMD: 23] d20+18=19 ; d20+18=31 ; d20+18=35 ; d20+9=26 ; Monday October 22nd, 2012 1:16:36 PM
The first fire bomb drops and the flames hit Garret (save 19). He quickly looks up and notices the other bombs falling and moves to step away before the bombs hit (saves: 31, 35). He spots the other creatures coming down from the cloud and moves quickly to the nearest tall building and climbs to the roof (climb: 26).
Zeph Illidian HP 80/113 AC 32/27t/23ff CMD 27 (Mage Armor, Prot Vs. Evil, Haste, Heroism) d20+23=30 ; d20+20=40 ; Monday October 22nd, 2012 1:51:25 PM
Despite Zeph being hidden in the rubble and smoke, the flames from a third bomb lick his feet (Reflex 29 and 22, 14 fire damage!)
From his hiding spot on the ground, Zeph first uses his Quicken Rod to cast Heroism on himself (free action), making him shimmer with power.
Then, glad Alexi is now in flight, casts Elemental body on himself (std action), transforming into a translucent air elemental.
He remains inside the vertical column of dark smoke arising rapidly from the flames, staying hidden and moving up, up up! (stealth = 30)
Until he can see the enemy on their aerial plane (perception = 40), hoping to find the head he should cut off to end this snake's writhing Blade in hand.
Alexi AC 24 Tch 12 Ffted 21 HP 92/114 CMD 27 d20+21=28 ; d8+9=17 ; Monday October 22nd, 2012 7:18:06 PM
OOC: DM, a helpful hint - at the end of your turn, list the important reminders, like cloud hight, and all visible foes and their height and if hurt. Without a map, a lot of things from previous rounds can be forgotten and it is a pain to keep scrolling back and reviewing DM posts from two or three days ago. :}
Spells in effect: Haste, Fly +30 base move; +1 attack, +1 AC, +1 Ref
IC: Alexi again feels the weirdness of being able to fly and with a kick off the ground and shoots towards the newcomers that popped out of the clouds hoping to draw out their leader, longsword in one hand and hand axe in the other. Note to DM: Alexi had to put his shield away to tie the horses and has not re-equiped it, so now he has both hands with a weapon.
DM Zach: Hey guys, really proud of how great posting was last week. Keep it up!!!
CDM Jerry Monday October 22nd, 2012 10:58:22 PM
I need Addison and Alex to reply to my latest email before posting again please. :)
[DMs, you may delete this once these two gentlemen have replied to my emails.]
Davdok - AC 18/14/14 - CMD22 - HP 71/71 - 15/15 Bombs d20+10=27 ; d20+11=16 ; d8=8 ; Monday October 22nd, 2012 11:09:15 PM
Great, one down, more to go. Davdok shrugs off the flames and moves into position for another shot.
OOC: Reflex Save 27 to dodge the fire damage. Hit AC 16 for my shot this round, dealing 8 damage if it the hits the next enemy.. And I sent Jerry an email. I really should have actually prepared extracts today instead of leaving all my slots open again.
Death From Above -- DM Ian 3d6(5+6+1)+8=20 ; 2d6(5+1)=6 ; d20+10=27 ; d20+10=15 ; d20+10=26 ; 3d6(3+1+6)+6=16 ; d20+10=17 ; d20+10=27 ; d20+10=11 Monday October 22nd, 2012 11:51:09 PM ROUND 3
Keela bumps up her lifeforce before tossing a glob of acid at the creatures. It strikes one in the chest, and it screams as the corrosive liquid eats at its skin.
An arrow flies from the dark, striking another one of the monsters. Anrete slips quietly back into the shadows.
Garret quickly climbs to the roof of the nearest building. The nearest squad of creatures are a mere ten feet above him.
Zeph morphs into an air elemental, staying hidden in the smoke. He and Garret can both see the creatures much more clearly now. From here they almost look like... kobolds. Looking around, the two can also see that all of the citizens have or are currently retreating -- the fires burn on.
Alexi charges up into the sky, taking the monsters by surprise and skewering one through the gut. Gravity takes care of it from there, letting the corpse slide from his blade and fall to the ground in a heap.
Davdok has little trouble keeping out of the fire, but the wind takes his bolt before it can reach the creatures.
The only creature remaining from the first squad charges Alexi, screaming, "GUTH'ROKAAAAA!" Before he can move, the creature squeezes on the vial clutched in its claw, causing it to explode! Alexi, please make a DC 24 Reflex save or take 26 fire damage!! On a successful save, 13 damage is still dealt!
The second squad drops down another forty feet, launching a volley at those below them. The one aimed at Garret flies wide... into the building he's standing on. Davdok watches as a bomb drops right at him... only to be carried away by the wind at the last second, slamming into the ground and exploding. A third flies at Keela, finally connecting with its target! Please take 16 fire damage!
Another three creatures drop from the clouds. While two seem as stunted and mutated as the rest, one of the faux-dragons is clearly larger than the rest... and seems to look quite a bit angrier as well. The three let bombs fly, but two are caught by the wind. The third, launched by the larger creature, seems to be headed right for Alexi, but a sudden gust has it careening off into the darkness.
First Squad (40 ft.) Guth'Roka 1 -- DOWN 41 -- engaged in combat with Alexi
Please note that the larger Guth'Roka is still medium sized.
Alexi AC 24 Tch 12 Ffted 21 HP 92/114 CMD 27 Tuesday October 23rd, 2012 12:00:06 AM
OOC: Lockjaw - wasn't that a villain in a James Bond movie?
DM Ian: Yes, I was locked in deadly combat with him on a collapsing bridge while my love interest was in mortal peril. Then I realized I had a DM post to make and left it to the police.
Anrete [HP: 84/107, AC 25+1/16+1/21, CMD 29] [HASTED] d20+15=21 ; d8+5=11 ; d20+10=30 ; d20+10=29 ; d8+5=10 ; 2d8+10=22 ; Tuesday October 23rd, 2012 10:08:24 AM
Having found a good spot, Anrete releases 2 more arrows at the nearest Guth'Roka, before fading into invisibility again.
-------------------------- Full Attack Attack1: AB 21, DMG:11 Attack2: AB 30, Critical Check:29, DMG:10+22(critical)
Turns invisible as free action (no stealth)
Alexi AC 24 Tch 12 Ffted 21 HP 92/114 CMD 27 d20+10=21 ; Tuesday October 23rd, 2012 10:46:21 AM
OOC: before i post my action, I need something clarified. If the creature exploded the bomb in his hands, does he not also need to save or take damage? or did you already do that and that is part of the 41 damage?
IC: Perception +10 to notice if the creature took fire damage as well = 21.
DM Note The creature did not receive a saving throw. It took the full 26 damage.
Alexi AC 26 Tch 14 Ffted 23 HP 66/114 CMD 27 d20+10=20 ; d20+19=38 ; d20+19=39 ; 2d8+18=32 ; d20+14=18 ; d6+5=6 ; d20+11=18 ; d8+9=13 ; d20+5=6 ; d20+17=29 ; d8+9=12 ; Tuesday October 23rd, 2012 2:33:44 PM
OOC: Ian, Thanks. Stuff like that is really good to know. :)
Ref +10 DC24 = 20, dmg 26 IC: Alexi takes the blast in the face but retaliates without hesitation.
Att1 Longsword: +18 +1 haste = 38 -2 t-w fighting = 36, possible crit, confirm = 39 -2 = 37 yes! damage for crit hit = 32
IF this kills it, Alexi flys to engage Large Guthy 2 (Alexi is at 40', move of 60' puts him in melee range).
If not: Att2 off hand handaxe +15 +1 haste -2 t-w fighting = 18, if hit, dmg = 3
IF this kills it, Alexi flys to engage Large Guthy 2 (Alexi is at 40', move of 60' puts him in melee range).
If not: Att3 primary 2nd att +12 +1 haste -2 t-w f. = 18, if hit, dmg 13 Att4 off hand 2nd att +9 +1 haste - 5 (imprv. t-w fighting) = 6, mis Att5 Haste Attack primary Longsword: +18 +1 haste -2 t-w fighting = 29, dmg 12
OOC: basically, if in Alexi's first Action phase the creature is dead, he'll use is second Action phase to Move 60' to engage Large Guthy 2. Otherwise he'll need to use his second Action phase to finish off the little pesky creature in front of him.
Keela[Mage Armor, Haste][AC 20; HP 43/71] d4=1 ; d4=3 ; Tuesday October 23rd, 2012 3:12:18 PM
Keela cries out a little as the flames envelop her. Losing temporary hit points shouldn't hurt so much!
She gets some satisfaction, however, thinking of her Acid Arrow, continuing to eat away at her opponent. [The creature Keela hit last round takes an additional 4 points of acid damage.]
She turns her attention to the second wave of attackers. "No time like the present," she murmurs, and unleashes her brand-new spell.
[She targets--oh, let's say #4--with a Baleful Polymorph. The creature must make a DC 23 Fortitude save or be transformed into a house-finch. If it fails, it must then make a DC 23 Will save or hilarity ensues. (Details in the spell description.]
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:35/35/27 HP:77/86 Ki:11/12 CMD: 23] d20+50=68 ; d20+13=31 ; Tuesday October 23rd, 2012 3:55:00 PM
Garret watches for the right moment, then in a light flash of blue light, he jumps up to the nearby attacker (Acrobatics: 73). He flies up in the air, much higher than the creature, flips over and carefully aims himself as he heads back towards the ground. He tries to land on top of the creature, hoping to grab its wings and wrestle it to the ground (CMB: 31).
OOC: Darn die roller won't let me roll a d20 + 55. Sheesh. And yes, he really just rolled a 73 for an acrobatics check. So he jumped straight up in the air over 18 feet. Without a running start. Be impressed. :)
Alexi AC 26 Tch 14 Ffted 23 HP 66/114 CMD 27 Tuesday October 23rd, 2012 5:31:17 PM
OOC: impress me with walking on a bed of nails. :) Yeah, I'm impressed. I'm gonna start calling Garret Rocky, and Alexi Bullwinkle.
Zeph Illidian HP 80/113 AC 32/27t/23ff CMD 27 (Mage Armor, Prot Vs. Evil, Haste, Heroism) d20+18=32 ; d10+4=6 ; 2d6=4 ; 2d6=7 ; 5d6=16 ; 5d6=20 ; Tuesday October 23rd, 2012 8:25:05 PM
Zeph sees Alexi make a dash for the Large Guth'Roka that seems to be leading the bunch, and decides to help.
From the smoke stack a fighter-jet-trail is blazed across the sky as Zeph air-charges the Large Guth'Roka (180ft move, fast) ending his move Flanking it with Alexi
Holy Blade first, hilt buried through the creature's back (Hit AC 32 for 6slashing+4holy+16sneak attack=26 damage to the large one)
As he pulls the blade from the beast, he looks to Alexi and the surrounding draconic-koboldish enemies, Smiling to the Soldier, "I like these odds"
Death From Above -- DM Ian d20+8=28 ; d20+14=30 ; d20+10=21 ; d20+10=11 ; 3d6+6=19 ; 5d6=15 ; 4d6+5=15 ; 4d6+5=13 ; Tuesday October 23rd, 2012 10:52:05 PM ROUND 4
Anrete ducks out of the shadows just long enough to stick the nearest Guth'Roka with arrows.
Alexi finishes it off with a massive blow from his longsword. The creature falls to the ground screaming, only to have it end with the ground. He then moves to engage the largest Guth'Roka.
Keela watches as the creature she struck earlier falls to the ground, the acid doing little but ensuring its death. The reaches out to turn one of the monsters into a finch... but it easily shakes off her spell! (Fort Save 28!)
As the next couple of squads descend, Garret leaps up with an unnatural strength and latches onto the nearest one. The monster screeches in his face, attempting to bring it to the ground. Its wings become tangled in the monk's arms, and begins to plummet to the ground!
Zeph joins his ally in the air, speeding up to the larger opponent and skewering it with his sword. It screeches in his face, and Zeph can see a green liquid dripping from its fangs.
The second squad drops down to 40 ft, which is where Garret finds his target. Guth'Roka 3 and 4 make a beeline for the ground, letting their bombs fly on the party below! Davdok, please take 19 fire damage! Guth'Roka 2 is being grappled by Garret, and drops to just 10ft above the ground!
In the third squad, the larger Guth'Roka opens its mouth, spewing acid straight onto Zeph! Please take 15 damage and make a DC 15 Fortitude save! A successful save results in half damage (rounded down). The other two occupy themselves by following their bretheren below -- by charging the two men with bombs in hand, detonating them when they're close enough! Zeph and Alexi, please take 28 damage! A DC 24 Reflex save reduces this damage by half.
Any questions I will answer in the morning. Your sickly DM needs to get some rest.
Zeph Illidian HP 44/113 AC 32/27t/23ff CMD 27 (Mage Armor, Prot Vs. Evil, Haste, Heroism) d20+15=16 ; d20+22=23 ; d20+18=31 ; d20+18=24 ; d20+13=31 ; d10+4=14 ; d10+4=9 ; d10+4=11 ; 2d6=8 ; 2d6=8 ; 2d6=8 ; 5d6=13 ; 5d6=21 ; 5d6=18 ; d20+13=26 ; d20+13=23 ; d10+4=13 ; d20+23=38 ; Wednesday October 24th, 2012 2:32:29 AM
The large Guth'Roka pukes acidic slime on Zeph's airy form, sizzling (Fort save = 16. nat 1. is that critical fail full damage or not?)
Then the two suicide Guth'Roka explode, making the elemental into a sirocco of hot flame (Ref save = 24. another nat 1! and a tie! What happens there? Forgot the +1 for air elemental dex bonus.)
"Arrrgh!" Pain makes him grip his blade with furocity,
Flying under and around the beast, Zeph skewers it where the wing meets the body (Hit AC 33, forgot+2 for Flanking for 14slashing+8Holy+13sneak attack = 35 damage
He drags the blade through to the sternum and swipes down, splitting the large beast's belly (Hit AC 26 for 9slashing+8Holy+21sneak = 38 damage
Pulling the blade out, Zeph makes a bee-line for the creature's neck, attempting to decapitate it (Hit AC 33 for 11slashing+8Holy+18sneak= 37 damage. 18 is critical threat for curveblade, confirm crit Hit AC 26 for 13 more slashing damage)
123 damage to Larger Guth'Roka (yay for finally +6BAB and Haste!)
Blood spewing about him in a fury of wind and slicing, Zeph then grabs his Quicken Rod and casts Resist Energy Fire on Alexi, granting him 20 resist! (Concentration check to avoid AOO = 38)
Finish this he says to his friend, looking at the two nearby enemies.
DM Ian Nat ones only count on attacks, so no, you do not take full damage.
Anrete [HP: 84/107, AC 25+1/16+1/21, CMD 29] [HASTED] d20+16=35 ; d20+16=24 ; d20+11=16 ; d8+5=7 ; d8+5=9 ; d8+5=6 ; Wednesday October 24th, 2012 10:07:39 AM
Popping out from his invisibility, Anrete swiftly releases 3 more arrows in rapid succession.
Shifting his position slightly, Anrete fades back into invisibility again.
------------------------------ Full attack: Attack 1: AB 35, DMG 7 Attack 2(haste): AB 24, DMG 9 Attack 3: AB 16, DMG 6 5 ft step to new position then fade back to invisibility
Zeph Illidian HP 58/113 AC 32/27t/23ff CMD 27 (Mage Armor, Prot Vs. Evil, Haste, Heroism) Wednesday October 24th, 2012 12:00:40 PM
(OOC: Yay. I'm not almost dead after all!)
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:35/35/27 HP:77/86 Ki:11/12 CMD: 23] d20+15=26 ; d10=10 ; d6=5 ; Wednesday October 24th, 2012 12:46:15 PM
Garret continues to ride the strange beast down to the ground, punching it hard in the back as they plummet towards the ground.
OOC: Stunning Fist attack: Hit AC 26, Damage: 16 Fort Save DC 20 or stunned
Davdok - AC 18/14/14 - CMD22 - HP 21/71 - 15/15 Bombs d20+10=30 ; 5d6+10=24 ; 5d6+10=29 ; Wednesday October 24th, 2012 5:08:30 PM
Angry from the fire, Davdok decides to use one of his bombs. He rears back and lets it fly at whichever is the closest that his small friend isn't grappling. He then backs away, trying to find some sort of cover from the explosions.
OOC: And I 20ed again. Unfortunately my bombs don't crit, so the creature just takes 24 fire damage.
Keela[Mage Armor, Haste][AC 20; HP 43/71] d20+8=19 ; d20+8=25 ; 4d6=7 ; 4d6=16 ; Wednesday October 24th, 2012 7:44:17 PM
"Well, that was disappointing."
Clutching her Rod of Quicken again, Keela casts a quick Scorching Ray at #3. Two golden rays shoot toward the creature. [Hit Touch AC 19 for 7 damage; hit Touch AC 25 for 16 damage].
Then she tries again--another Baleful Polymorph on #4, and another opportunity for it to become a house-finch. DC 23 Fortitude save, plus a DC 23 Will save if it fails the Fort.
Alexi AC 26 Tch 14 Ffted 23 HP 42/114 CMD 27 d20+10=13 ; Wednesday October 24th, 2012 7:48:32 PM
Spells in effect: Haste, Fly +30 base move; +1 attack, +1 AC, +1 Ref After blast damage: Resist Energy (fire) 20
Ref +10 DC24 = 13 +1(haste) = 14, dmg 24
Duck-and-roll is not possible while flying and Alexi takes the full blast, of both bomb and guts from Large Guthy. OOC: with 153 dmg to L. Guthy, I can only hope it's dead, so Alexi will concentrate his attacks on the bombers. If it's not dead yet, just allocate as many attacks as needed to kill LGuthy and what's left over to his adjacent bomber.
IC: With a 5' fly move, Alexi positions himself above his Guthy Bomber (OOC: sounds like some WWII plane) to give himself the advantage of Higher Ground and give it the taste of his blades.
OOC: the attack rolls will have to wait until later. I'm heading off to the hospital with my wife to visit her sister that unexpectedly had to be hospitalized this morning. I should be able to finish sometime after 9:00pm Texas time. Sorry. :}
IC: With a 5' fly move, Alexi positions himself above his Guthy Bomber (OOC: sounds like some WWII plane) to give himself the advantage of Higher Ground and give it the taste of his blades.
Death From Above -- DM Ian d20+8=20 ; 4d10=16 ; d20+8=27 ; 3d6+5=14 ; 3d6+6=14 ; d20+10=22 ; d20+10=11 ; Thursday October 25th, 2012 12:36:19 PM ROUND 5
Not missing a beat, Zeph annihilates the larger Guth'Roka. With a final screech, it plummets towards the ground, landing in a twisted heap.
Anrete lets fly another three arrows, although only two find a target in one of the closest Guth'Roka. (3)
While Garret's Stunning Fist does not seem to stall the creature, it is enough to distract it from the last ten feet. The two plow into the ground, taking a decent chunk of damage! Please make a DC 25 Reflex Save to avoid taking 16 falling damage!
Davdok shows off his own bombs, getting a direct hit on the nearest Guth'Roka! (4)
Keela fires off two heat rays, both finding their target, and dropping it to the ground to join its bretheren! She tries once more to turn one of the creatures into a harmless bird, but once again, it shakes off her spell easily. (Fort Save 27)
With the biggest threat dead, Alexi focuses on the other bombers. They are no match for his quick blade, and one plummets from the sky, trailing blood and screams behind it.
What few Guth'Roka remains seem to be getting more and more angry. Guth'Roka 2 stands up wearily, and, seeing the Halfling that drove him into the ground, screams with rage and drops a bomb at its own feet! Garret please make a DC 24 Reflex save or take 14 fire damage! On a successful save, take half damage. When the fire and smoke clear, Garret sees that the Guth'Roka succumbed to its own fire. Its ally from the second squad continues with its attack on the heroes below! Keela. please take 14 fire damage!
The one Guth'Roka that remains in the sky with Zeph and Alexi seems panicked, and retreats back into the clouds! A bomb flies out from where you last saw it, but flies wide as the wind catches it.
Second Squad Guth'Roka 2 -- DEAD Guth'Roka 3 -- DEAD Guth'Roka 4 -- 24 DAMAGE
Third Squad Guth'Roka 5 - 28 DAMAGE - Retreating Guth'Roka 6 - DEAD Larger Guth'Roka -- So dead it's not even funny
Sorry about the late post everyone. A recent illness has me spending most of my time in bed asleep.
Davdok - AC 18/14/14 - CMD22 - HP 21/71 - 13/15 Bombs d20+10=27 ; 5d6+10=28 ; Thursday October 25th, 2012 3:59:26 PM
Davdok rears back and fires off another bomb, aiming for the one 'Roka who wasn't smart enough to retreat.
It would learn soon enough.
OOC: Hit AC 27 for the 'Roka. He will take another 28 damage if it hits. Down to 13 bombs for the day.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:35/35/27 HP:61/86 Ki:11/12 CMD: 23] d20+18=19 ; d20+18=32 ; d20+20=37 ; Thursday October 25th, 2012 4:31:40 PM
Garret rides the strange creature towards the ground with a terrific yell. He has a smile on his face as the two of them slam into the ground and Garret tries to hold on, but he loses his grip (Reflex: 19) and tumbles hard across the ground. He rolls and bounces and as he regains his feet, the creature throws the bomb that destroys itself. Garret sees it coming and quickly moves towards the building, out of the blast of the flames (Reflex: 32), ready to climb it again and jump on another creature.
Looking around, he sees the battle appears to be over. He quickly and carefully looks around the area to be sure that all the townspeople have escaped and none are lying about injured (Perception: 37).
OOC: Well, I had to roll a one sometime, didn't I?
Alexi AC 26 Tch 14 Ffted 23 HP 42/114 CMD 27 d20+10=21 ; Thursday October 25th, 2012 9:00:24 PM
OOC: quick question, oh DM; does Zeph get an Attack of Opp on the retreating Guthy? They were in melee, or did it Withdraw?
Also, Perception +10 to guess they fly speed of the retreating Guthy = 21
DM Ian Alexi does not get an AoO.
Alexi AC 24 Tch 12 Ffted 21 HP 42/114 CMD 27 d20+21=35 ; d8+9=16 ; Thursday October 25th, 2012 9:59:31 PM
Alexi tells Zeph, through the Link, "Go after that one in the clouds and scout the clouds for more. Keep constant contact with us."
Then Alexi dives towards the last remaining flying creature. Charge Attack +18 +1 (haste) +2 (charge) = 35, dmg = 16
Spells in effect: Haste, Fly +30 base move; +1 attack, +1 AC, +1 Ref; Resist Energy (fire) 20
Death From Above -- DM Ian Friday October 26th, 2012 12:00:01 AM Holding off on the DM post until everyone has had a chance. Sheriff Ken has been notified of the little glitch in the posts I've created, so there will be no repercussions.
Zeph Illidian HP 58/113 AC 32/27t/23ff CMD 27 (Mage Armor, Prot Vs. Evil, Haste, Heroism) d20+18=32 ; d20+18=32 ; 4d6=10 ; 4d6=18 ; d20+18=29 ; Friday October 26th, 2012 1:13:09 AM
The windy Zeph nods to Alexi
Then zooms off after Guth'Roka 5 (90foot base move x 4 for run mode right?)
Upon reaching the beast, Zeph casts Scorching Ray,Golden fire similar to Keela's erupts from his palms The two beams spiral and meet at the creature, engulfing it in searing heat (Hit touch AC 32 and 32 for 10 +18 = 28 fire damage)
he thinks smells like roast turkey to his friends.
His jobs is not done, and the elf scouts the area for any more signs of trouble (Perception = 29)
Keela[Mage Armor, Haste][AC 20; HP 29/71] 5d4+5=13 ; Friday October 26th, 2012 1:33:00 AM
Keela takes more damage, and is definitely looking a little singed.
She unloads some Magic Missiles on #4. [13 damage]
Anrete [HP: 84/107, AC 25+1/16+1/21, CMD 29] [HASTED] d20+15=31 ; d20+15=21 ; d20+10=15 ; d8+5=12 ; d8+5=8 ; d8+5=9 ; Friday October 26th, 2012 10:08:54 AM
Grinning at the turn of fortune, Anrete continues to launch his arrows at the retreating monsters before fading out of sight once again.
-------------------------------------- Full Attack Attack1: AB 31 DMG 12 Attack2 (haste): AB 31 DMG 8 Attack3: AB 31 DMG 9 Invisible
Anrete [HP: 84/107, AC 25+1/16+1/21, CMD 29] [HASTED] Friday October 26th, 2012 10:10:37 AM
OOC: sorry. Forgot to edit the post
The AB shld be Attack 1: AB 31 DMG 12 Attack 2: AB 21 DMG 8 Attack 3: AB 15 DMG 9
Death From Above -- DM Ian d20+12=31 ; Friday October 26th, 2012 10:45:39 AM
Between Davdok, Alexi and Keela, Guth'Roka 4 stands no chance. It collapses on the ground before it can even grab another bomb from its small leather belt.
Zeph flies into the clouds, intending to give chase to the Guth'Roka. But as he enters the clouds, he realizes it's nearly as difficult to see through them as it is to see into them. The Guth'Roka is nowhere to be seen. (You can choose if you still want to have used that spell.)
Anrete is unable to see the retreating Guth'Roka, and his arrows fly into the clouds. Whether or not they connected, it's difficult to say.
Garret recovers from his fall, looking around for any townsfolk. By this point, they have all retreated, and the fires are still ravaging the nearby buildings. Looking up into the clouds, he can see the faint outline of a shadow flying away from the heroes very quickly. It might be possible for Zeph to catch it -- but he would have to find it first.
As the last corpse hits the ground, an odd calm falls over the area. The fires burning at the buildings still rage, although the constant downpour does seem to have hampered them a bit. The townsfolk seem to have completely disappeared. Buckets and barrels brimming with water lie around the heroes. It seems that for now the Guth'Roka have ended their assault, although their corpses are a grim reminder of what transpired.
It appears the peace that was settled over Bryn Baraz has now been shattered.
Anrete [HP: 84/107, AC 25/16/21, CMD 29] d20+6=18 ; d20+4=10 ; Friday October 26th, 2012 1:46:04 PM
Trying to recall whatever he knew about buildings, Anrete tries to identify buildings that can serve as firebreaks to prevent the spread of the fire.
Bellowing his orders out loudly like a barbarian he was, Anrete tries to get the villagers to return and help put out the fires.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:35/35/27 HP:61/86 Ki:11/12 CMD: 23] Friday October 26th, 2012 1:59:29 PM
Garret yells to Keela, "Check out those bodies! What were those things? Where did they come from?"
He spots the fleeing shadows and mentally points them out to Zeph, "Over there, it's going that way!"
He then quickly grabs some buckets and starts running around, trying to help put out the fires as quickly as possible.
Davdok - AC 18/14/14 - CMD22 - HP 49/71 - 13/15 Bombs 2d8+10=16 ; 2d8+10=12 ; Friday October 26th, 2012 7:31:24 PM
The others run around, while Davdok prepares a few extracts of healing. He uses two of them on himself.
OOC: Healing myself for 16 and 12 respectively. Up to 49 HP.
Alexi AC 24 Tch 12 Ffted 21 HP 42/114 CMD 27 Saturday October 27th, 2012 9:41:10 PM
OOC: I'm not sure DM Ian is aware of the special Blood Link between Keela, Alexi, Zeph, and Garret. Here it is if you don't have it: Special Abilities gained from the Al Mathir Witch Blood Pact: 1) Any member can locate another member within one mile 2) Telepathy among members within ten miles 3) Shared emotional empathy within 100 miles 4) All cooperation and aid other bonuses from actions or spells are doubled among coven members
DM Ian I was aware of it, but being reminded is helpful.
Alexi AC 24 Tch 12 Ffted 21 HP 42/114 CMD 27 Sunday October 28th, 2012 8:27:14 PM
OOC: this is my friday post
IC: Alexi is still curious as to the nature and coincidence of the storm and creatures. Knowing Zeph is still 'up there', he follows bellow, flying 50' below the clouds and in the direction Garret directed.
Through the link he tells Zeph "Keep in touch with me, Zeph, I'm following below the clouds."
Keela[Mage Armor, Haste][AC 20; HP 29/71] Monday October 29th, 2012 12:10:22 AM
Garret calls on her to check the bodies, but Keela has already tried and failed to identify the creatures.
"I don't know what they are. They came from the sky. Before that, I couldn't say."
She is more interested in helping the townsfolk fight the fires.
"They're gone now!" she calls. "We need to keep the fires from spreading!"
Zeph Illidian HP 58/113 AC 32/27t/23ff CMD 27 (Mage Armor, Prot Vs. Evil, Haste, Heroism) d20+18=20 ; Monday October 29th, 2012 8:10:09 AM
(Mycology exam in one hour)
Anrete [HP: 84/107, AC 25/16/21, CMD 29] Monday October 29th, 2012 11:12:49 AM
OOC: I am flying off in a few hrs, can Alexi help me sub for this week and next?
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:35/35/27 HP:61/86 Ki:11/12 CMD: 23] Monday October 29th, 2012 1:30:42 PM
Garret continues working on the fires, trying to put them out as quickly as possible.
Zeph Illidian HP 58/113 AC 32/27t/23ff CMD 27 (Mage Armor, Prot Vs. Evil, Haste, Heroism) d20+20=23 ; Monday October 29th, 2012 7:56:03 PM
Zeph searches for the creature (perception = 23), but is blinded by his own winds.
darn!
Alexi AC 24 Tch 12 Ffted 21 HP 42/114 CMD 27 Monday October 29th, 2012 10:42:13 PM
OOC: I'll do my best for Anrete. :}
Have a safe trip and have fun. :p
The "Calm" After The Storm -- DM Ian d20+10=17 ; d20+12=21 ; Monday October 29th, 2012 11:31:11 PM Anrete quickly identifies the buildings in the areas to be used as firebreaks. As the townsfolk begin to slowly leave the buildings, they quickly scramble to follow the orders bellowed by the barbarian. They seem more panicked than anything, but they're doing what they're told.
Garret puts himself to use putting out fires, and is soon joined by the locals, heaving buckets and upending barrels.
Davdok heals up his burns from the battle.
Alexi keeps up with his ally, gliding along beneath the clouds. He can see a dark shadow at first -- but it soon fades, and he loses track of where the Guth'Roka may have gone to.
Keela expresses little interest in trying again to identify the creatures. She also focuses on helping the townsfolk extinguish these fires.
Zeph attempts to follow the fleeing Guth'Roka, but is unable to make anything out through his own swirling winds and the thick cloud cover in front of him.
Although the townsfolk and heroes work diligently, the damage and fires caused by the creatures are widespread. The rain ends just as the last fire is extinguished, the clouds breaking to reveal a night sky. The moon shines through the clouds enough to illuminate the sad scene of what was once the small market district of Bryn Baraz. Hardly a building was spared, although some got off much easier than others. While some still stand, only partially singed, others will have to be entirely rebuilt from the ground up.
The townsfolk wander around the broken buildings. Sobs can be heard coming from the ones that are worse off -- there are even a few injured laborers to take care of. Mostly burns, although there are a few who were injured attempting to rescue others. Ulfgar Greymine finally finds the lot of you, either all together or individually, and reports that there were no casualties. But it will take some time to rebuild this damage. "Maybe you can have a look at these creatures. I had some of my men lay them out under that tarp..." He gestures over his shoulder at a large black sheet lying across the ground. There are a few bulges underneath indicating the corpses of the Guth'Roka. "Anything you can find out... anything at all. They seem..." Ulfgar shakes his head and looks down at the ground. "You best just have a look yourselves. It's tough to explain."
Davdok - AC 18/14/14 - CMD22 - HP 49/71 - 13/15 Bombs Monday October 29th, 2012 11:53:44 PM
Davdok quickly gathers himself up and heads toward the corpses to examine them.
OOC: Is there anything specific you want me to roll, or just the general Perception?
DM Ian Nature and Arcana rolls would apply as well as Perception.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:35/35/27 HP:61/86 Ki:11/12 CMD: 23] d20+20=31 ; d20+5=14 ; Tuesday October 30th, 2012 11:55:05 AM
Garret calls out, trying to inspire the townspeople, "Good people, this is not the end. We have overcome much worse opposition in the past! Do you not remember your time as slaves in the mines? This is but a minor setback. I know many of you have lost a great deal, but we will rebuild. Let us get started now, this very night. Let us move some of the destruction away now. Here, help me move some of these burned timbers into a pile over here. Once we have the destruction moved away, we can rest and then move forward." (Diplomacy? 14)
After the group gets started, he hears the call of Ulfgar and he takes a peek under the tarp (perception: 31).
Keela[Mage Armor, Haste][AC 20; HP 29/71] d20+21=23 ; d20+18=25 ; Tuesday October 30th, 2012 4:31:51 PM
Now that the crisis has died down, a very sweaty, tired, smoke-stained, and injured Keela takes a moment to examine the carcasses. She has no more success than she had before.
Alexi AC 24 Tch 12 Ffted 21 HP 42/114 CMD 27 Tuesday October 30th, 2012 8:34:02 PM
With pursuit now pointless, Alexi decides that a scouting trip with Avis later would be more suitable and returns to the chaos.
Garret is trying to get the poeple together and push asside their fears for the moment and get the fires under control. Alexi makes sure Lobo and Copper are safely out of the way and then pitches in, geting in the line of a bucket brigade, encouraging the people.
"Rebuilding will be easier the fewer buildings that burn!"
Alexi also takes a look at the critters and studies them in great detail, you never know when you may need to look like one. It sure helped being able to look like an Al Mathir lizardman!
When things finally get settled down, Alexi tells the others, "We need to take Avis out for a scouting trip and see where these things came from. We should also contact a sage and see what light he can shed on these creatures."
Alexi AC 24 Tch 12 Ffted 21 HP 42/114 CMD 27 Tuesday October 30th, 2012 8:53:24 PM
OOC: Subbing for Anrete...
IC: Anrete comes out of the shadows and helps putting out the fires. His gruff manner leaves only the tougher villagers around him. Although a mighty Hero of Bryn Baraz, many shy away from him. Some of the kids, though, think they are tough and are more than glad to take an empy water bucket from the barbarian.
When the group gathers around the corpses of the flying creatures, he comments, "Alexi, you smell Well Done. HA!"
Davdok - AC 18/14/14 - CMD22 - HP 49/71 - 13/15 Bombs d20+14=29 ; d20+18=22 ; Tuesday October 30th, 2012 9:51:07 PM
Davdok grabs instruments, basically netting anything he could to examine the creature. He begins his examination, making sure to net anybody else's advice about magical properties.
OOC: Knowledge Nature 22, Perception 29
The Calm After The Storm -- DM Ian Tuesday October 30th, 2012 11:44:54 PM Garret attempts to inspire the townsfolk, calling on past memories to urge them past this tragedy. He sees quite a few smiles in the crowd, but almost as many faces are downtrodden and broken.
Looking at the bodies, Davdok, Keela and Alexi can all easily agree on one thing -- whatever these creatures were, they were not natural. Their scaly skin is covered in burns and grafts, and bleached completely white. The eyes of the creatures almost seem to glow as they are revealed to be a bright, terrible red. They stare wordlessly at the sky, their bodies broken, mangled, and burned, but still intact enough to make one thing certain -- these were once kobolds.
They share all the similar features of a kobold -- a bit on the smaller side with rather reptilian features. However, these kobolds are larger than any of you have ever seen. Limbs and torsos seem to be grown out randomly, resulting in very many looking quite skewed and almost comical in a terribly macabre way. The worst part is the wings. Each wing seems to have been torn from a different creature and riveted to the kobold. Metal plates coat their back, and there are even some reinforcing weaker limbs. Spikes extend from their hands in place of their claws, as well as their teeth. Ulfgar is forced to turn away as you inspect the creatures, and anyone standing around when you do so quickly runs away -- either out of fear, or to vacate the contents of their stomach.
The crowd begins to thin as people make their way back to their homes. Shaking his head, Ulfgar says, "I know this sounds obvious, but... you must find out who did this. Please." He hangs his head, and for the first time, you all see Ulfgar in a completely different light -- as a simple, tired old miner. "I don't know how much more this place... these people... can take."
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:35/35/27 HP:61/86 Ki:11/12 CMD: 23] Wednesday October 31st, 2012 12:04:53 PM
Garret gets a glimpse of the strange creatures and quickly turns away, hoping to attract the attention of the townspeople and draw them away from the horrible sight, "Good people, come, I will help you! Let us use this opportunity as a chance to rebuild an even better square here." He picks out one of the shopkeepers and continues, "Lornen, remember how you used to complain about the layout of your store? Now we can rebuild it whichever way you like!"
He says through his mental link to the others, "Who would do such a thing? Creating monsters out of monsters? Indeed, I do think it is time that Avis is pressed into service. I guess we can head off in the direction we saw the last one fleeing and see what we can find."
Zeph Illidian HP 58/113 AC 32/27t/23ff CMD 27 (Mage Armor, Prot Vs. Evil, Haste, Heroism) d20+9=19 ; d20+9=18 ; d20+20=33 ; d20+20=31 ; d20+10=13 ; Wednesday October 31st, 2012 5:50:31 PM
Zeph returns to land, obviously angry at letting the last one go, and joins the rest of the group and attempts to identify the macabre creatures (arcana = 19, history =18, bleh. perception = 33)
When Garret stands to speak to the people, Zeph nods, "I am your agent of vengeance now, Bryn Baraz. And you shall have it."
Then, speaking to Ulfgar, "Send one of these beasts to Katarina at the Star Mage's guild of Plateau City. Tell them to reply to myself or Keela via a Sending spell. Most importantly, we need possible directions"
Then he goes to Avis, uncovers it from the tarp he keeps on so it never rusts, and hops in. "All aboard", and he takes off (Fly = 31, Survival = 13)
His tongue becomes forked as his viper tattoo migrates to surround his left eye, gaining Scent ability.
Alexi AC 24 Tch 12 Ffted 21 HP 42/114 CMD 27 Wednesday October 31st, 2012 8:47:42 PM
Alexi does not recognize the critters other than for what they were at one time. But he does remember a story. "Back when I was just a Junior Officer in the Mailed Fist a brigade was sent to a small town that was having problems with the weirdest monsters wrecking havok on their farms. We found cows that had odd appendages attached to them, pigs with bird wings, you name it. We traced the abominations to a cave where a madman wizard was capturing the animals and somehow removing and adding appendages while the creatures were still alive. My sergeant called them mongrels and we had to fight our way through a number of his guards made up much like these, but they were orcs and hobgoblins, not kobolds. We put an end to that weirdness.
Obviously, it is not as rare a hobby as I would have thought."
Alexi takes Lobo and hands a silver coin to one of the lads and instructs him to stable Lobo and brush him good. If the saddle was too heavy for him, he could get an adult to help. Then he gets his adventuring gear from his room, waves goodby to Hope and tells her he'll be back for breakfast.
Hopping into Avis, he's ready for the ride.
"We need a way to track them. Can we get a sample of their blood and use some magic to find their kin?"
As the other join in, Alexi humbly asks if anyone still has any healing magic he could 'borrow' before they take off.
Alexi AC 24 Tch 12 Ffted 21 HP 42/114 CMD 27 Wednesday October 31st, 2012 8:55:40 PM
OOC: Subbing for Anrete...
IC: Anrete follows Alexi to Copper but instead of entrusting his new companion mount to one of the lads he takes Copper to the stables himself. In short time the barbarian warrior joins the group on Avis.
He looks at the contraption and growls, "You can make this thing fly?"
OOC: I don't know if Anrete has seen Avis before or not. If he has, ignore that last sentence.
Davdok - AC 18/14/14 - CMD22 - HP 49/71 - 13/15 Bombs 4d8+10=40 ; Wednesday October 31st, 2012 10:52:47 PM
Kobolds. These monstrosities were once Kobolds? What creature would do such a thing? Davdok had preformed a few morally questionable experiments in his time, but nothing on this scale.
Turning his mind away from the matter for now, he throws Alexi a vial smelling vaguely of almonds. "Drink that, I guarantee you'll feel much better.
OOC: Drinking it would give Alexi back 40 HP.
Keela[Mage Armor][AC 20; HP 29/71] Wednesday October 31st, 2012 10:52:51 PM
"Kobolds...." Keela murmurs. "Kobolds have something of an obsession with dragons. Whoever is doing this--the kobolds may be volunteers."
The Calm After The Storm -- DM Ian Wednesday October 31st, 2012 11:56:58 PM Garret calls out to the crowd, distracting them from the grotesque sight of the corpses. Lornen jumps as he is called out, and scuffs his feet. "I... could finally expand the main area..." The hafling insists that the group bring in their airship, Avis.
Zeph requests that Ulfgar send one of the creatures to their dwarven friend in the Plateau City. He nods, looking to two men standing behind him and nodding to one of the corpses. "I'll have it sent off before morning."
Alexi reminisces about an old adventure in the Mailed Fist. He is all for immediate action, running into Avis and rearing to go.
Anrete follows his friend onto the airship.
Davdok turns his mind from the dark creations he has witnesses and decides to help his scorched friend.
Keela, knowing that kobolds revere dragons, wonders if they may have volunteered to become more like their magnificent cousins.
The sky is still dotted with clouds, occasionally floating in front of the moon and cloaking the town in darkness. Those not clearing rubble have found somewhere to sleep. Some members of the party are ready to track the retreating Guth'Roka. What is the group's decision?
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:35/35/27 HP:61/86 Ki:11/12 CMD: 23] Thursday November 1st, 2012 1:31:51 PM
"Let us be off now, before whoever or whatever this is has a time to prepare for us." He hops into Avis as well and calls out to Ulfgar, "Get these people some rest now and prepare for rebuilding in the morning!"
Alexi AC 25 Tch 13 Ffted 22 HP 82/114 CMD 27 Thursday November 1st, 2012 2:09:35 PM
Alexi grins as he gulps the tonic. "Thanks Davdok. Much Apreciated!" he expresses his gratitude.
With shield strapped to his back and bow ready in one hand, he holds on to an Avis side panel and steadies himself for liftoff.
Alexi AC 25 Tch 13 Ffted 22 HP 82/114 CMD 27 Thursday November 1st, 2012 9:53:14 PM
OOC: Subbing for Anrete
IC: Anrete clambers into the wagon-like contraption and follows Alexi's advice to hang on to something.
Davdok - AC 18/14/14 - CMD22 - HP 49/71 - 13/15 Bombs Thursday November 1st, 2012 11:11:30 PM
Having never been taken for a ride on Avis, Davdok spend several minutes examining every little thing he can find. He waves off Alexi's thanks, mentioning to think nothing of it and for someone to explain to him how this thing is supposed to work.
In a nutshell, someone needed to explain Avis to Davdok.
The Calm After The Storm -- DM Ian Friday November 2nd, 2012 1:45:50 AM
The party is ready to get into Avis and make chase after the final Guth'Roka. Davdok, Alexi, Anrete and Garret pile into the small airship. Unfortunately, this leaves room for only one more passenger, as Avis is designed to hold 4 medium passengers and 1 small pilot. Zeph has the key -- who will stay behind?
Try as I may, I cannot find a description of the Avis. Would one of the players who was around during its inception care to fill us all in as to what your airship looks like? Many apologies for the late and lacking post - college is proving rather difficult. Once you have all decided who is going and what exactly you are doing, things will move along a bit quicker.
Zeph Illidian HP 58/113 AC 32/27t/23ff CMD 27 (Mage Armor, Prot Vs. Evil, Haste, Heroism) Friday November 2nd, 2012 9:20:46 AM
(OOC: Avis is a metal triangle frame enchanted with Overland Flight. The frame is encircled by wood and canvas. Sensitive to fire. We modified the device to suite a medium pilot and 6 passengers when we first acquired it from the Al Mathir)
Alexi AC 25 Tch 13 Ffted 22 HP 82/114 CMD 27 Friday November 2nd, 2012 10:23:24 AM
OOC: Here's something from Nov 12, 2010. Yeah, that far back :)
Keela looks at the flying machine. It seems to be made of Darkwood -- a special wood you may have heard of, that is as strong as regular wood, but only weighs half the usual amount. The rest of it is made of canvas and a strong thin scaly leather. It is much like a triangular covered wagon. with no wheels. Keela does notice that it has taken some small damage to its underside, likely in its unexpected landing.
Then on the 15th: Keela casts detect magic on the flying craft. The iron framework is magical, as is the attached seat for the pilot. Not the wood and canvas floor, seats, and surrounding.
You guys can correct me if my memory is faulty on the following: The 'key' is a plaque (like a card key) that hangs on a chain. The plaque and chain are magical and the pilot must wear it to activate the magic. The pilot, whith chain around his neck, inserts the plaque into a slot next to the steering mechanizm.
The higher the intelligence of the pilot, the easier the pilot has in maneuvering the craft.
Also, if my memory is correct, the foward movement is achieved by a propeller in the back, magically activated as part of the whole magic that levitates the frame.
Since the wooden frame is not magical, it can be altered, so we made it large enough for most of us, and the pilot's seat made larger (the original Al Mathir pilots were hafling sized) to fit Zeph.
Picture a flying wagon. For weather protection, we can take the canvas and pull it across the 'ribs' that arc from one side to the other, al-la covered wagon style.
Help any?
Whoever has access to editing the Uncharted Heroes home page should add Avis and it's description so each new DM has easy access to it.
Alexi AC 25 Tch 13 Ffted 22 HP 82/114 CMD 27 Friday November 2nd, 2012 10:32:54 AM
OOC: some more, from Jan 13, 2011: Zeph may remind his friends, or even himself, that the magic flying craft -- see what your DM means about what to call this thing -- can only be activated once per day, and requires continual concentration to fly. That means no breaks for poor Pilot Zeph, at least none that require a standard action. He thinks he could manage eight hours a day without problem, under normal, non-combat circumstances. The good news is that if Zeph's concentration is broken, the craft will gently land itself, as it did when the flier's last pilot was knocked unconscious.
Keela Thursday January 13th, 2011 7:06:42 PM "Perhaps we should call her Avis," Keela says. "Or Birdie. Are we starting our journey today, or do we have more preparations to make?"
Alexi AC 25 Tch 13 Ffted 22 HP 82/114 CMD 27 Friday November 2nd, 2012 11:18:17 AM
OOC: Ah! More Avis Stuff!
DM Cayzle - Extra Wednesday January 19th, 2011 12:05:23 PM Avis flies at 100. That's 100 ft in a move action, and usually the pilot "hustles" the flying machine with two moves per round, or 200 ft per round (in combat). For longer rides, it is harder to keep up that pace, but 100 ft per round is fine to maintain for hours and hours. Basically, Avis can fly twice as far as a horse moving at 50 can run over open plains in a day.
And there's probably more...
Alexi AC 25 Tch 13 Ffted 22 HP 82/114 CMD 27 Friday November 2nd, 2012 11:20:26 AM
OOC: AhA! I told you so...
Alexi talks about mounting a ballista on the back, but your test flying reveals that when Avis is in flight, some kinds of blades of force appear in the rear, propelling the flier forward. Only a thin framework of light wood and canvas separate passengers from those blades, which seem as if they could easily remove a hand. Putting a ballista back there would be tough. Garret gently teases Alexi and suggests mounting a couple wands of fireballs on Avis.
Close to what I remembered... And...
DM Cayzle - Extra Thursday January 20th, 2011 8:27:28 PM
Sorry, operating Avis is like maintaining an ongoing spell, like an illusion. Every round you have to use a standard action to concentrate on piloting the aircraft.
Sure, your DM is kindly and sweet, but he's not in the business of handing out free flying carpets unless there are some drawbacks to them! :-) By the way, did I mention that once started, Avis does not hover? Keela, Jet, and Alexi recall when two of these crafts dive bombed Bryn Baraz, letting attacking thrul jump out from a height as they flew by. They then circled around for another pass. They did not hover. There is a "hover mode" you can use when not piloting it, though, as you discovered on Jan. 3.
Alexi AC 25 Tch 13 Ffted 22 HP 82/114 CMD 27 Friday November 2nd, 2012 11:27:12 AM
OOC: OK, I think I've exhausted all the Avis particulars. Please add any you may remember that I've not mentioned. Nex, we need someone to compile this into a BIO of sorts and add it to the Uncharted Heroes home page. Whos' the volunteer for that? Whoever does it should earn a Hero Point, IMO. :)
DM Ian That would most definitely be worth a hero point.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:35/35/27 HP:61/86 Ki:11/12 CMD: 23] Friday November 2nd, 2012 11:50:18 AM
Garret points out the frame to Davdok and mentions the blades at the rear, "Be sure to stay away from that area. We haven't tested it out, but we're pretty sure those are real blades..."
Alexi AC 25 Tch 13 Ffted 22 HP 82/114 CMD 27 Friday November 2nd, 2012 8:12:31 PM
Alexi holds out a hand to Keela to help her aboard. She's well capable of climbing aboard on her own, he knows, but it is the gentlemanly thing to do, among other reasons...
"Everyone hang on tight. Zeph's a good pilot, but we may need to make sudden unexpected swerves, so might as well be ready."
Keela[Mage Armor][AC 20; HP 29/71] Sunday November 4th, 2012 5:37:38 PM
Keela waves the boys onto the craft. "I'll use my scroll of Fly," she says. "I've got a Feather Fall if something goes wrong with that; it should be fine."
She hesitates, then asks, "Is there any way I could get some healing?"
[OOC: I think I'm counting right. Four medium plus one small on Avis: Garret, Alexi, Anrete, Zeph, and Davdok. That leaves out Keela, who will be flying alongside. Fly grants a speed of 60 feet, but Keela can double-move and keep up easily.]
Alexi AC 25 Tch 13 Ffted 22 HP 82/114 CMD 27 Sunday November 4th, 2012 7:59:54 PM
OOC: Keela does not need to fly. Remember, Avis was modified to fit 6 medium plus the pilot. And two of us are small. So we have Zeph as Pilot, Anrete, Alexi, and Keela medium size, and Garret and Davdok small sized. There's plenty of room for all.
The Hunt Is On -- DM Ian Monday November 5th, 2012 12:05:24 AM
The heroes decide to use Avis, and they all pile in. Ulfgar sees them off, assuring the group that he will see to the townsfolk. "The skies seem to have settled for now. We can rebuild in the morning, most definitely. As Zeph activates the craft, the old miner steps back in awe of the airship. The Guth'Roka was seen fleeing south-west, and so the group sets off that way.
Tracking the clouds are easy -- the remaining Guth'Roka, less so. The storm is still raging on, moving south-west over the Great Prarie. Above the clouds, the party can see nothing. Flying below the clouds probably will not be dangerous -- but you are unsure if the winds would prove to be too much for the craft. One thing is for certain: from above the clouds, you can see nothing that would suggest the Guth'Roka is still here, or where it could have gone.
Do the heroes risk going beneath the clouds to search for the mutant kobold? Or do they turn back to the town? Tracking the storm took you two hours -- six hours remain before Avis must land and Zeph needs a break.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:35/35/27 HP:61/86 Ki:11/12 CMD: 23] Monday November 5th, 2012 12:31:05 PM
Garret says, "Perhaps we can fly above the clouds for a short time, then drop down through the clouds to attempt to get our bearings and find the strange creatures. Of course, that would eliminate any possibility of scanning the ground."
He then nervously looks around at the ground and says, "How long does that feather fall spell last? I'd hate to fall from this height..."
Alexi AC 25 Tch 13 Ffted 22 HP 82/114 CMD 27 Monday November 5th, 2012 12:43:08 PM
Alexi studies the situation and suggest that they go above the clouds and circle for a while, maybe two hours, and see what happens. "We aren't going to see much under the clouds, with the rain and all, we might as well stay atop and dry for a while. If we do draw them out of the clouds, I'd rather be up here than down there. Our arrows are more effective without all the wind and rain.
Hopefully, Zeph can get enough of a whiff of their scent up here to keep up with their general location within the storm."
Keela[Mage Armor][AC 20; HP 29/71] Monday November 5th, 2012 1:38:45 PM
Keela does some quick mental calculations. "A Feather Fall would be good for about 600 feet," she says. "Although I could extend it to 1200 feet if I needed to. If we fell from higher up, I'd need to delay casting until we'd fallen for a while." She swallows. That doesn't sound very pleasant. "I guess the thing is, to stay together if we fall," she concludes. "Try to stay in a group, so I can get everybody."
Zeph Illidian HP 58/113 AC 32/27t/23ff CMD 27 (Mage Armor, Prot Vs. Evil, Haste, Heroism) d20+10=15 ; d20+20=39 ; d20+18=33 ; Monday November 5th, 2012 9:50:00 PM
Zeph pilots Avis in the direction from which the lightning came to the town, attempting to pick up scents as they soar (Survival = 17)
He remains fast, moving from above to below the clouds keeping a keen eye for any signs of flapping wings or previously broken clouds (Fly = 39, perception = 33)
He smiles at Keela's worry, knowing that he feels almost equally comfortable in the air as on the ground. "Pass me a healing drought, Sir Davdok?"
Davdok - AC 18/14/14 - CMD22 - HP 49/71 - 13/15 Bombs 3d8+10=25 ; 4d8+10=29 ; d8+5=10 ; Monday November 5th, 2012 10:42:56 PM
At their request, Davdok whips up another three healing droughts, handing one to Zeph and one to Keela. He rolls the bottle containing the third for a moment before tapping Garret on the shoulder and handing him the last one.
OOC: I handed Keela the Cure Critical Wounds bottle, she heals for 29 HP. Zeph got the one with Cure Serious, healing for 25 points. And Garret gets a Cure Light Wounds, healing for 10 which should put him near max. Is there more healing requested?
Alexi AC 25 Tch 13 Ffted 22 HP 82/114 CMD 27 Monday November 5th, 2012 11:22:53 PM
OOC: subbing for Anrete
IC: Anrete grips the guardrails as the storm gets closer and the craft bobbles some while Zeph tries to keep it steady.
Alexi AC 25 Tch 13 Ffted 22 HP 82/114 CMD 27 d20+9=25 ; Monday November 5th, 2012 11:35:51 PM
Alexi chimes in "If you remember, as long as Avis remains relatively intact, it won't plummet. Remember when Keela killed the khothrul pilot that first time they attacked Bryn? That craft just slowly drifted to the ground. But let's hope that our arrows hit their mark before anything gets too close. Another reason not to fly into or below the clouds where we can't see very well, we don't know if one of them is large enough to pluck one of us out of Avis and drop us. It might not be a bad idea to each one of us tie a rope around our waist and to Avis."
Having said that, Alexi does just that, ties a rope around himself and firmly ties it to Avis. Survival +9 to tie a rope firmly to Avis: 25
The Hunt Is On -- DM Ian Tuesday November 6th, 2012 12:53:14 AM Garret suggests staying above the clouds for a short time, asking his friends about the Feather Fall spell.
Alexi agrees with the plan of scanning above the clouds, hoping to draw whatever might be in there out to them.
Keela does some mental math, telling the group to stay close in case Avis should fail.
Zeph tracks the storm with ease, keeping an eye on the clouds below. However, he spots nothing out of the ordinary. The Avenger also asks his half-orc friend for a healing potion.
Davdok quickly creates a few potions, doling them out to his allies. The airship smells strongly of chemicals as he does so.
Alexi secures himself to the airship.
As the heroes continue to discuss their plans, they continue to fly along above the storm. Zeph can see that the far edge of the storm has reached the western coast of the Great Prairie, and is breaking up over the waters. As he sniffs the air, the smell of Davdok's chemicals is strong, but even before that, some stench permeated the air. Through the humidity caused by the storm, Zeph can smell something foul beneath the clouds -- but they obscure his vision too much to see what could be the source. The group spends another half hour above the clouds, leaving you another five and a half.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:35/35/27 HP:71/86 Ki:11/12 CMD: 23] d20+20=36 ; Tuesday November 6th, 2012 2:59:42 PM
Garret thanks Davdok for the potion as he quickly quaffs it down.
He then shifts over to stand behind Keela as he addresses Alexi, "I'm not worried about Avis going down slowly, I'm more worried about something attacking Avis, breaking it to pieces, or knocking us out before we can get down. But I do like the rope idea, make sure you tie it to the frame down there."
"Zeph? Do you sense something? Perhaps its time to head down for a bit and take a look around."
OOC: Perception if we drop below the clouds and have a look: 36
Zeph Illidian HP 58/113 AC 32/27t/23ff CMD 27 (Mage Armor, Prot Vs. Evil, Haste, Heroism) d20+20=25 ; Tuesday November 6th, 2012 4:57:46 PM
Zeph nods and prepares to dip beneath the clouds to get a look at what could be causing the nauseating vapors.
"Prepare incase we are assaulted. If we crash, rendezvous a mile away from the crash site near the coast, and stay hidden"
He will make the dip below the clouds quick, as to take in the scene, and then hop back above (fly=25)
Alexi AC 25 Tch 13 Ffted 22 HP 82/114 CMD 27 Tuesday November 6th, 2012 5:23:33 PM
Alexi has never been this far on the plains and the smell of the ocean is as strange as the flying koboldoids. When Garret and Zeph suggest going down to check out the stench, Alexi points out, "See the clouds breaking up as they cross over onto the cooler waters? Why don't we wait for the entire storm to dissipate over the ocean and see what's left over?
Alexi AC 25 Tch 13 Ffted 22 HP 82/114 CMD 27 d20+15=23 ; Tuesday November 6th, 2012 5:32:45 PM
OOC: subbing for Anrete...
IC: Anrete expresses his desire to take on the foul creatures head-on, but does take the precaution of tieing himself first. Then with a hand wave and a grunt, readies his bow.
Perception +15 if we go down into the clouds = 23
Keela[Mage Armor][AC 20; HP 58/71] Wednesday November 7th, 2012 12:17:42 AM
Keela thanks Davdok for the potion, and drinks it with a sense of relief.
"I'm a little worried about flight time," she says. "If we stay out here too long, we won't be able to get back. And the town is pretty vulnerable just now; I don't think we should be away overnight."
The Hunt Is On -- DM Ian Wednesday November 7th, 2012 9:37:10 AM Garret voices his concern should Avis be struck down, agreeing with the plan to head beneath the clouds.
Zeph steels himself to get the airship beneath the clouds, and prepares the group for the worst.
Alexi suggests they wait for the storm to dissipate -- although the rest of the group seems intent on going down now.
Anrete pulls out his bow, keeping an eye out.
Keela mentions that the group is pressed for time -- Avis will not stay airborne forever.
Zeph begins to pilot the airship beneath the clouds. As you pass through the cloudbank, your vision is completely obscured, and it grows cold. Moisture begins to bead inside the canvas covering you, and the air around you feels wet. As you break through to the other side, Zeph immediately feels the push and pull of the wind on Avis -- and subsequently, the strain it takes to maintain the flight now. Zeph Highlight to display spoiler: {While flying beneath the clouds, piloting Avis requires greater focus -- and puts a greater strain on the mind. Every hour spent in the storm counts as two towards the eight hours you have in the air.}
Everyone in the airship can smell it now. Even over the lingering scent of Davdok's concoctions, this stench permeates the air. It smells extremely unpleasant, and burns your nostrils. As you descend, it grows stronger. But if any of you dare to look out of the craft, you see nothing but the Great Prairies stretching out before you. If the Guth'Roka is here, you cannot see it - or where it might have gone.
It took half an hour to dip beneath the cloud bank. You have five left, and are approximately two hours out from Bryn Baraz.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:35/35/27 HP:71/86 Ki:11/12 CMD: 23] Wednesday November 7th, 2012 11:52:21 AM
Garret shrugs off the cold and the water and yells out, "This place really stinks. I think it we land now, perhaps we can find the source. If we go back to Bryn Baraz now, I'm afraid whatever this is will just get stronger and regroup. If we end up staying out overnight to let Avis recharge, I think that's okay -- at the least, we'll hopefully distract whoever this is from attacking the town again while we're here."
Alexi AC 25 Tch 13 Ffted 22 HP 82/114 CMD 27 d20+9=14 ; d20+10=30 ; Wednesday November 7th, 2012 9:59:44 PM
OOC: i did not find any written description of windows in the canvas for any passengers to see out of but if there isn't, the canvas would not be pulled, but folded away.
Also, DM, is it still raining under the clouds? You mentioned seeing the coast, how far away is it?
IC: Alexi grumbles when they clear the coulds again. The wetness does not bother him but the darkness under the clouds and the buffeting winds do. He tries to estimate the distance to the coast: Survival +9 = 14.
He doesn't get much help from the darkness under the coulds and the whirling wind.
"Normally," Alexi comments, "we would be looking for a lair of sorts down there. Maybe in a cave in cliffs on the coast. But this storm did not originate here. It is ending here. One would think that its hideout would be near where the storms start. If its hideout is here, than it sure went way out of its way to attack Bryn. Not to mention the long years of waiting for the right storm to head in the right direction to hit Bryn head-on."
Meanwhile he scans the skies as best he can.
Perception +10 = 30 N20! i hope it's not a waste. :}
Alexi AC 25 Tch 13 Ffted 22 HP 82/114 CMD 27 d20+15=27 ; Wednesday November 7th, 2012 10:07:50 PM
OOC: subbing for Anrete...
IC: Anrete shruggs off the cold and wetness. Nothing unusual for the barbarian used to the open skies. But Anrete is more used to solid ground, not a bouncing flying contraption. Despite that, and the smell, he continues his vigil, wishing they hunt something he could put in his cooking pot for a change.
Perception +15 = 27
Davdok - AC 18/14/14 - CMD22 - HP 49/71 - 13/15 Bombs d20+14=20 ; Wednesday November 7th, 2012 10:27:49 PM
Davdok resisted the urge to just dive down off of Avis. That would be a bad idea. But they needed to land.
OOC: Perception 20. Wow, I rolled a 6...
Zeph Illidian HP 58/113 AC 32/27t/23ff CMD 27 (Mage Armor, Prot Vs. Evil, Haste, Heroism) Wednesday November 7th, 2012 11:51:17 PM
Zeph looks to Garret and Alexi, "Our flight time is limited and we should head back soon if at all. But, I'm willing to see this through if you are. I propose We land, camouflage avis, and track the Goth'Roka to their source, hopefully to discover why they attacked Bryn Baraz. The only question is whether we should rest or not on the plains first so that Avis is fresh for a quick getaway in the morning. Keep in mind... this may be a trap."
this may be risky
The Hunt Is On -- DM Ian Thursday November 8th, 2012 10:37:29 AM Garret suggests landing, expressing concerns about the potential threat regrouping for another attack.
Before dipping below the clouds, Alexi estimates that the coast is another two to three hour flight away. Underneath the clouds, the storm still rages -- although its power has significantly dropped since coming over the prairies. The cavalier peers across the sky, and does spot something off in the distance -- a mutated bird, perhaps, or... the Guth'Roka? From this far away, it could be either.
Anrete and Davdok are unable to spot the anything through the rain.
Zeph waxes philosophic about their options, reminding the group that they may be walking into a trap.
The group spends another half hour beneath the clouds, bucking and swaying in the wind. The general consensus seems to be to land Avis and track the Guth'Roka back to their lair, wherever it may be. The smell still chokes the air, but still none of the heroes can pinpoint the source.
Alexi Highlight to display spoiler: {The figure in the sky begins to drop rather quickly towards the ground. It may have spotted you - or it may simply be falling to the ground.}
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:35/35/27 HP:71/86 Ki:11/12 CMD: 23] d20+20=38 ; Thursday November 8th, 2012 1:23:38 PM
Garret continues to look out over the lands, trying his best to spot anyplace that might look like a hideout for their quarry (Perception: 38).
Keela[Mage Armor][AC 20; HP 58/71] Thursday November 8th, 2012 4:27:53 PM
"I don't like the idea of spending the night away from town," Keela says. "We didn't tell them we'd be gone this long, and they still haven't recovered from the attack. I think we should go back to town, prepare for a longer time away, and then come back here tomorrow."
Alexi AC 25 Tch 13 Ffted 22 HP 82/114 CMD 27 d20+10=30 ; Thursday November 8th, 2012 10:12:41 PM
A lightning flash reveals a UFO (unusual flying object) and Alexi hollers over the din of the storm "Over there! Something flying seems to be landing and I don't think it is a cow! Quick! That way!" and Alexi points to where he saw the UFO.
Perception +10 to keep the thing in sight = 30! another N20! whoopeee!
Alexi AC 25 Tch 13 Ffted 22 HP 82/114 CMD 27 Thursday November 8th, 2012 11:21:44 PM
OOC: Sub for Anrete...
IC: Anrete chimes in, "You must have been eating your carrots!", then, "Head for watever he's pointing at!"
Davdok - AC 18/14/14 - CMD22 - HP 49/71 - 13/15 Bombs Thursday November 8th, 2012 11:59:14 PM
"Quick, we must pursue it!"
Zeph Illidian HP 58/113 AC 32/27t/23ff CMD 27 (Mage Armor, Prot Vs. Evil, Haste, Heroism) d20+18=23 ; d20+18=30 ; d20+20=32 ; Friday November 9th, 2012 1:00:20 AM
/agree with Keela.
When Alexi shouts, Zeph steers the craft to zoom in the direction he points (FLy=23,30, stealth=32) "Finish it, then lets get home."
Zeph Illidian HP 58/113 AC 32/27t/23ff CMD 27 (Mage Armor, Prot Vs. Evil, Haste, Heroism) d20+18=23 ; d20+18=30 ; d20+20=32 ; Friday November 9th, 2012 1:00:20 AM
/agree with Keela.
When Alexi shouts, Zeph steers the craft to zoom in the direction he points (FLy=23,30, stealth=32) "Finish it, then lets get home."
The Hunt Is On -- DM Ian d100=77 ; Friday November 9th, 2012 10:29:51 AM Garret sweeps his eyes over the land below, but there is nothing but grassy plains as far as the eye can see.
Keela voices her concern in spending so much time away from Bryn Baraz while it is in such a vulnerable state.
Alexi points out the unidentified falling object, easily keeping track of it as it plummets towards the earth.
Anrete and Davdok cry out to follow it!
Zeph pilots the craft towards whatever is falling, just wanting to blow this thing and go home.
As you approach the creature, it becomes clear that is a Guth'Roka. Whether or not it is the one that got away, you are unsure, but there is no doubting that this is a mutated Kobold. Despite Zeph's best efforts, the creature looks up as you approach, its screeches drowned out by the storm. As it plunges towards the ground, you see it spread its wings, hitting the grass at a run. It doesn't seem to be running towards anything that you can see, but it is definitely running away from you. The Guth'Roka seems to be limping -- although whether this is from its own mutations or an injury, you are unsure.
Great posting this week, everyone. Sorry mine was a bit sporadic - should be back to 10PM EST posting time next week.
Zeph Illidian HP 58/113 AC 32/27t/23ff CMD 27 (Mage Armor, Prot Vs. Evil, Haste, Heroism) d20+18=33 ; d20+12=16 ; Friday November 9th, 2012 11:21:34 AM
As the creature hits the ground running, Zeph swoops Avis low over the plains (about 15feet from the surface), zooming at top speed towards the creature. (We move pretty fast right?)
"Fire when in range"
Where is the Guth'roka running? Must be close if its an entrance to their base he thinks, attempting to track its pace to a designated location (Perception = 33, Survival=16)
DM Ian You have no problem keeping up with the Guth'Roka.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:35/35/27 HP:71/86 Ki:11/12 CMD: 23] Friday November 9th, 2012 1:37:45 PM
Garret starts swinging his sling as the creature is sighted, but does not release a shot. Instead he says out loud, "Look around, everyone, watch where it goes. Mark this place so we can find it again, then let us return to the town to ensure its safety."
Alexi AC 25 Tch 13 Ffted 22 HP 82/114 CMD 27 d20+10=13 ; Friday November 9th, 2012 9:24:16 PM
OOC: Avis's speed: DM Cayzle - Extra Wednesday January 19th, 2011 12:05:23 PM Avis flies at 100. That's 100 ft in a move action, and usually the pilot "hustles" the flying machine with two moves per round, or 200 ft per round (in combat). For longer rides, it is harder to keep up that pace, but 100 ft per round is fine to maintain for hours and hours. Basically, Avis can fly twice as far as a horse moving at 50 can run over open plains in a day.
IC: When Alexi has time to think, sometimes he overthinks. "Careful. Kobolds, even if mutated, are cunning. Now that it knows we are on its tail, literaly, he'd be more likely to lead us away from its lair, not to it. But, y'a never know.
Alexi has an arrow readied in his bow but looks for any anomallies (dark holes?) in the area as the whiz by.
Perception +10 = 13. drat! that's the end of my N20 run. :(
Alexi AC 25 Tch 13 Ffted 22 HP 82/114 CMD 27 Friday November 9th, 2012 9:25:50 PM
OOC: subbing for Anrete...
IC: Letting go of his hand-hold on Avis, Anrete stedies his feet and knocks an arrow as well.
Davdok - AC 18/14/14 - CMD22 - HP 49/71 - 13/15 Bombs d20+14=24 ; Saturday November 10th, 2012 8:18:35 PM
Davdok loads up his crossbow, making sure to check around for what the 'Roka might be leading us to.
OOC: Perception 24
Keela[Mage Armor][AC 20; HP 58/71] Sunday November 11th, 2012 11:06:28 AM
It's all very well to say "fire when ready," but Keela doesn't have anything to fire.
And then they decide to just follow the kobold, so Keela just watches with the others.
Anrete [HP: 84/107, AC 25/16/21, CMD 29] d20+15=18 ; Sunday November 11th, 2012 9:27:52 PM
Anrete readies his bow as he hopes to make some kobold stew tonight.
"So anyone has a charm spell? Maybe we can try to charm the little devil to bring us to its lair?"
OOC: Thanks Alexi! I am back!! haha! --------------------------------------------------- Perception: 18
The Hunt Is On -- DM Ian Monday November 12th, 2012 10:36:39 AM Zeph keeps the craft steady while keeping along behind the fumbling Guth'Roka.
Garret has his sling out, but holds off on firing, checking around the area to make sure he could return properly.
Alexi reminds the party that even Kobolds can be clever. Looking around, he can see nothing that would indicate where the Guth'Roka is going.
Davdok hefts his crossbow, keeping an eye out for where they might be led to.
Keela and Anrete keep their eyes peeled.
The Guth'Roka continues to hobble along before tripping on something, and collapsing onto the ground. It scrambles around a little bit before going limp. It has stopped moving -- perhaps it has died, perhaps it is playing dead. Either way, it seems to have stopped in the middle of this field for no reason. Everyone in the group sees nothing around them. Simply a flat, grassy plain in all directions around them. You have approximately five hours of flight left.
Zeph Highlight to display spoiler: {With the mental strain, you only have four hours left.}
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:35/35/27 HP:71/86 Ki:11/12 CMD: 23] Monday November 12th, 2012 11:56:39 AM
Garret says, "This appears to be our point of no return. We either land now and begin exploring, knowing we will be here overnight; or we head back now and see to the people of the town."
Zeph Illidian HP 58/113 AC 32/27t/23ff CMD 27 (Mage Armor, Prot Vs. Evil, Haste, Heroism) Monday November 12th, 2012 4:15:22 PM
Zeph says "Guys, it's difficult to control this beast. Stay or go? Last chance. Keela, can you cast Arcane Mark so we can locate this body later?"
Anrete [HP: 84/107, AC 25/16/21, CMD 29] Monday November 12th, 2012 10:38:03 PM
"I can turn invisible and scout out the body before we decide to continue or turn back?"
Davdok - AC 18/14/14 - CMD22 - HP 49/71 - 13/15 Bombs Monday November 12th, 2012 11:29:15 PM
"Judging by Zeph's words, we must not have much flight time left. If Anrete can go, let him go quickly, lest our decision be made for us."
Alexi AC 25 Tch 13 Ffted 22 HP 82/114 CMD 27 d20+1=19 ; Monday November 12th, 2012 11:31:10 PM
OOC: glad I could help. Thank goodness we didn't get into a fight, though, as Anrete is quite a complicated PC, hah! Not the simple barbarian of the Ol' Days. :)
IC: "Zeph, bring her down to hover just above the grass. I'll hop down and verify whether he's just 'playing kobold' or truely dead, or nearly dead."
If/when Zeph complies, Alexi hops off Avis and with sword ready in one hand, he first pokes it, then, if necessary, checks for a pulse.
Heal check? +1 = 19
Keela[Mage Armor][AC 20; HP 58/71] Monday November 12th, 2012 11:46:12 PM
"Oh, how clever, Zeph. Yes, I can do that," Keela says.
But Alexi is determined to jump down and take a look for himself. "Let me cast Fly on you first, so you can get back up to Avis," she says. If Alexi pauses long enough, she casts Fly from her scroll.
Then, if there's time, she uses her Arcane Bond to cast an Arcane Mark, even though she doesn't have one prepared.
Zeph Illidian HP 58/113 AC 32/27t/23ff CMD 27 (Mage Armor, Prot Vs. Evil, Haste, Heroism) d20+20=21 ; Tuesday November 13th, 2012 1:33:26 AM
Zeph hovers the craft right next to the body as Keela and Alexi jump down to administer the Arcane track. (Fly = 21)
As soon as the spell is cast and the pair jump back into Avis, Zeph intends to take off at top speeds to break above the clouds and head back to Bryn Baraz
The Return Home -- DM Ian Tuesday November 13th, 2012 10:24:46 AM
The group seriously contemplates turning back. Garret and Davdok remind the group that they don't have much time left if they intend to return to town.
Anrete offers turning invisible, but is overridden by Alexi's offer to fly down and inspect the creature.
Zeph brings the craft down to hover over the creature. Alexi and Keela hop down next to it. Keela'sArcane Mark shines brightly on the ground next to it as Alexi kneels over next to the creature, which does not stir. Turning it over, Alexi realizes that it is, indeed, dead. It's bright red eyes stare lifelessly up at the sky, and you can see that quite a bit of foam has built up in its mouth -- almost as if it was rabid, or maybe choking on something. Or maybe both.
Zeph pilots the airship back to Bryn Baraz with ease, gliding just above the clouds. The suns are just beginning to rise as Avis touches down, and a very tired Ulfgar Greymine runs up, waving to the heroes. A small crowd has also formed behind him, marvelling at the flying machine. As the heroes step out, he attempts a smile, saying, "Most everyone's asleep right now. A few didn't much feel like sleeping with their houses in shambles and have already started rebuilding." Looking at each of you, soaked in a mixture of rain, blood, and in some cases Guth'Roka acidic vomit, the old miner seems a bit shocked. "Maybe you folks should get some rest, as well. You've all had a long day." As Ulfgar turns around, you can see that you recognize quite a few faces in the crowd. Keela sees her family smiling at her, and Jack standing a bit further back, the relief palpable on his face. Garret picks out Tara waving at him from in front of everyone, and Alexi even spies Hope's face smiling out from in the crowd. It's clear that everyone was quite worried whether or not the Heroes of Bryn Baraz would make it back.
Zeph Illidian HP 113/113 AC 32/27t/23ff CMD 27 (Mage Armor, Prot Vs. Evil, Haste, Heroism) d20+18=37 ; d20+10=12 ; Tuesday November 13th, 2012 2:02:05 PM
Zeph steps down and looks to Ulfgar, "Any word from Katarina on the nature of these mutated kobolds?"
After, Zeph will assist Davdok in dissecting these creatures to gather information with Detect Magic activated. Questions he is attempting to answer: 1. Where did they come from? Both natural and unnatural habitat. 2. How/why were they augmented? 3. Where did the spare parts to create these homunculi come from? 4. What their weaknesses and strengths are? (Resistance to elements, Spell Resistance, lowest saving throw, etc.) (Spellcraft = 37, KNowledge nature =12)
Zeph will also collect blood for use in his own Divinations. Maybe Jancassiss can help. These people deserve their revenge.
After the gruesome work, Zeph will retire to his study and await word from Katarina.
Before sleeping, Zeph writes in the Journal to his communicate with his captive father, Phezrual. Bryn Baraz was attacked by Kobolds flying via wings from other creatures, perhaps dragon parts. Apparently they can summon storms to strike lightning and breathe acid. A wizard of some power may be behind this. Any ideas?
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:35/35/27 HP:71/86 Ki:11/12 CMD: 23] Tuesday November 13th, 2012 2:33:00 PM
Garret climbs down from Avis and runs over to Tara. "No, dear, we're fine. Just out scouting. The next time, well, we do have to find out who is doing this."
He quickly thanks Ulfgar and says, "Indeed, I will rest, but we need to be sure people are active and working in the morning so they do not have time to despair!" He nods to Zeph, knowing he will be up late, and heads back to the group's inn to rest for the night.
Alexi AC 25 Tch 13 Ffted 22 HP 82/114 CMD 27 Tuesday November 13th, 2012 10:08:21 PM
OOC: DM Ian, Question: the storm came to Bryn Baraz in the morning, but on our return from the chase you wrote "The suns are just beginning to rise..." Were we gone that long? Wouldn't that have been somewhere around a 20hr trip?
IC: Alexi sees Hope in the crowd and waves but has too much other business to attend to. Bryn Baraz once sported several archer towers. They were of wood, overseen by none other than Keela's brother-in-law. What they needed now was stone archer towers. Ulfgar seemed to be a more agreeable dwarf than Dwain and might see to it that stone towers are built.
DM Ian Scene One opened the morning of the previous day. The clouds had already moved in, and the storm did not begin until later in the day. When the storm had finally cleared, it was nighttime. Your investigation has taken the rest of the night.
Alexi AC 25 Tch 13 Ffted 22 HP 82/114 CMD 27 Tuesday November 13th, 2012 11:21:09 PM
OOC: ah, ok. It was not clear exaclty how long it took for the strom to 'break' over Bryn. I was under the impression it was more like mid-morning. Makes more sense now. Thanks. :}
Keela[Mage Armor][AC 20; HP 58/71] Wednesday November 14th, 2012 12:05:42 AM
Keela runs to greet her family, forgoing hugs because of the mess. Though, on second thought, the children are at least as dirty as she is. She scoops Cole into her arms, surprised by how big he's getting.
"Did folks come through all right?" she asks anxiously.
Reassured that her family is safe, she moves to greet Jack. She clasps his hands. "Jack," is all she says; her shy smile says the rest.
Eventually, she goes back to the inn to clean up and get some rest.
Anrete [HP: 84/107, AC 25/16/21, CMD 29] Wednesday November 14th, 2012 4:33:39 AM
Having no one else to run to, Anrete dashes off to hug his pony Copper, before jumping into a nearby stream to clean himself up - somewhat.
The Return Home -- DM Ian Wednesday November 14th, 2012 10:15:25 AM
When asked about Katarina, Ulfgar shakes his head. "Nothing yet. Best to give her some time. Those things... they ain't exactly normal."
Zeph and Davdok busy themselves with the dissection of these creatures. The remaining corpses had been taken to Davdok's laboratory, for lack of anywhere better for the townsfolk to put them. The dissection is a long a grueling project, not to mention disgusting. In this dissection, you learn the following: These were most definitely once Kobolds. There is no doubting that. When looking in its mouth, you find a small pill designed to look like a tooth. Davdok easily recognizes this as a poison pill -- clearly, whoever made these did not want them getting caught alive. The wings on each mutant seem to be taken from the same creature, but no two pairs are the same. One seems to have the wings of a Harpy, another the wings of a dragon, or pseudodragon. No two mutants are exactly alike, even down to their organs.
They were augmented through various magical and alchemical means. Zeph can easily point out the areas where the creatures were fused using magic, while Davdok recognizes the areas that were stitched together using alchemical methods. As for why they were augmented, it can only be assumed that they were designed for combat. It is tough to say if anything from the original kobold is even left. Their stunted growth and bleached skin indicate they may have spent quite a bit of time away from the sun.
Zeph receives an answer from his father almost immediately. Highlight to display spoiler: {Flying Kobolds? Dragon Parts? I have never heard of such things. Rumors, legends, perhaps, but nothing like this. Did you see them summon this storm? It may have just been used to their advantage. If I think of anything else, I will be sure to let you know.}
Garret simply turns in for the night.
Alexi approaches Ulfgar about archer towers. He listens to the cavalier carefully, stroking his chin and nodding. "Aye. I've avoided it for too long. We do need some defences. Once we've rebuilt from the fire, I'll commission some archer towers to be built."
Keela's family greets her with excitement, laughing and smiling as she walks up. "Some people have managed to fall asleep, but... we couldn't." Jack smiles as she takes his hand, simply saying, "Keela."
Copper is pleased to see Anrete, nuzzling up against the barbarian as he approaches the horse.
The heroes of Bryn Baraz sleep well into the day. By the time they are up and moving, the town is bustling with activity. Nearly everyone has stopped their daily routine to help with the construction in some way. The only evidence of last night's storms is the enormous puddles scattered around town that the children seem to be enjoying. That, and the damage dealt to the market. Ulfgar can be seen barking orders to workers. You can see that the mines have been closed -- the old miner clearly wants these repairs done quickly.
What do our heroes do over the next few days? Investigate the Guth'Roka further? Hop into Avis? Pick up a hammer and help with the construction? Laze about and watch everyone else work?
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:35/35/27 HP:71/86 Ki:11/12 CMD: 23] Wednesday November 14th, 2012 11:48:16 AM
Garret rises early after a refreshing night. He quickly scampers down the outside wall of the inn, just to stay in practice. He walks the streets of the old market, checking for safety, looking to see where progress is being made before most other people are awake. When he sees Ulfgar, he congratulates him on doing a fine job with the quick reconstruction.
When the others wake up, they find Garret at the stables with Avis, checking it out to be sure it is ready for another day of flight. He says, "I think we should load up on Avis and plan on spending a couple days out there searching for the source of this aberration. We can fly out as far as we followed that last creature, plan on landing, then exploring the area. Hopefully we can find the source, destroy it, and return the next day." He smiles and continues, "Sounds simple enough, right?"
Alexi AC 25 Tch 13 Ffted 22 HP 82/114 CMD 27 d20+3=21 ; d20+6=20 ; Wednesday November 14th, 2012 10:07:26 PM
With Ulfgar's support, Alexi hopes the archer towers will be built. The Outer and Inner walls already have towers, but several towers within the town itself would help protect the buildings from such attack as that of the night before. If made of stone, that is.
Alexi sneaks into Garth's old headquarters and snatches a map of the town. Stealth +3 = 21
With that in hand back at their own headquarters, he sits down at a table and starts plotting the best positions for the towers to protect the buildings and themselves. The temple is high priority and a tower between it and the barracks would protect both, then...
Immersed in his plotting, he barely notices Hope come and go.
Next day Alexi hands over the map with the most efficient locations for the archer towers: Engineering +6 = 20
then he joins Garret in the stables. Actually, he goes to check on Lobo and finds Garret. "I'm still thinking we should search upwind, so to speak. That is, in the direction the storm came from. I'm willling to bet we'll find the source of these creatures there, not downwind. But some Divine guidance may be in order before we leave. Perhaps one of the priests in the temple can seek some wisdom in this for us.
Either way, we can't afford to waste any more time in trying to find it. The longer we take, the longer the time whoever is doing this has to create more."
Keela[Mage Armor][AC 20; HP 58/71] Wednesday November 14th, 2012 10:59:09 PM
Keela helps with the dissection--er--"party"--then does what she can to help the townsfolk. This probably amounts to minding the children.
She also shares some information about kobolds. "They're really cowards," she assures the other townsfolk. "At least, they are in their natural state. Perhaps their courage has been magically enhanced somehow. Still, it's possible that a show of strength could scare them off. If they come again."
Davdok - AC 18/14/14 - CMD22 - HP 59/71 - 15/15 Bombs Wednesday November 14th, 2012 11:31:39 PM
"Indeed, it sound simple enough, but as we all know, nothing is quite so simple in our profession. I shall prepare some extracts. Any requests?"
Anrete [HP: 94/107, AC 25/16/21, CMD 29] d20+6=10 ; Thursday November 15th, 2012 1:33:01 AM
Knowing that they will be setting off again, Anrete spends his time preparing the supplies to be loading into Avis - he even whipped out some new dishes!
"Hey Davdok! Heard ya good at making some tasty juices! I'm feeling abit roasted, mind giving me a shot or two?"
The Return Home -- DM Ian Thursday November 15th, 2012 10:58:56 AM Garret is the first to rise, and the first to make it to Avis. The craft is in good condition, but the Halfling suspects the canvas will eventually have to be replaced, unless magically protected.
Alexi has no problem snatching a map... although upon reflection, he realizes that he probably could have just asked for one. Ulfgar thanks him profusely the next day, looking over the map and smiling. "We'll get started on these as soon as repairs are finished. Thank you, Alexi." The cavalier suggests going upwind, as opposed to returning to the Prairies.
Keela pitches in on the dissection, and looks after the children in the downtime. They and the townsfolk seem placated at the news that their enemies are cowards.
Davdok contemplates the efficacy of their mission, and offers up his extracts to the group.
Anrete loads some supplies into Avis, and takes the alchemist up on his offer of potions.
Two plans have been produced -- going north-east, from the source of the storm, or going south-west in the direction you went the previous day.
If a consensus is reached soon enough, I will post again today.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:35/35/27 HP:71/86 Ki:11/12 CMD: 23] Thursday November 15th, 2012 1:43:18 PM
Garret nods to Alexi and says, "I agree, there is certainly some doubt as to where to go, and some divine knowledge might help. But I know no gods that will help me at such a time. We can only guess, and my guess is that the kobold we saw would not be smart enough to attempt to flee and trick us. I would think that since it was injured, it would attempt to find its way home."
Zeph Illidian HP 113/113 AC 32/27t/23ff CMD 27 (Mage Armor, Prot Vs. Evil, Haste, Heroism) Thursday November 15th, 2012 3:26:50 PM
Agreeing with Garret, Zeph will procure parts from the Kobolds- wings, heart, blood, eyeball, talons- and places them in a sacrificial urn.
Then he begins to pray, Jancassiss, I ask that you bless the people of Bryn Baraz with your vengeance once more, so that I may complete your will Then he lights the offering ablaze, and casts Nemesis Divination... with one question in mind, Where?
Anrete [HP: 94/107, AC 25/16/21, CMD 29] Thursday November 15th, 2012 10:07:39 PM
Anrete looks on, smiling.
"Interesting recipe! I should try it some day. Kobolds wings, heart, blood, eyeball, and talons."
Alexi AC 25 Tch 13 Ffted 22 HP 82/114 CMD 27 Thursday November 15th, 2012 10:56:45 PM "Garret, the kobold would be smart enough to stay within the clouds, and the clouds were heading southwest. What you suggest is that they started in the southwest, flew way around to some point in the northeast looking for a storm that just happened to be heading in our direction, and hitched a ride in it to keep hidden.
I suggest that they originated in the northeast and waited for an opportune moment to approach Bryn undetected. The storm may have been created magically when the winds were blowing right so it would head this way or the storm may have been a natural one.
Either way, I was thinking that our Bryn priests might be able to seek devine guidance if we didn't have the means, but hopefully Zeph's inquiry will be what we need." Alexi states rather intellectually.
Keela Friday November 16th, 2012 1:22:42 AM
Keela nods, listening to the conversation.
"The one we followed south may have just been looking for an opportune place to hide. I agree that north is probably the better option."
[I still need to re-do spells; I'll try to get to that by the weekend.]
Anrete [HP: 94/107, AC 25/16/21, CMD 29] d20+6=16 ; Friday November 16th, 2012 9:59:22 AM
Anrete tries to recall what he can about the area before giving his opinions.
OOC: I have to post now cuz I am taking a boat to a nearby island for my friend's wedding. Most likely no internet.
---------------------------------------------- Local Knowledge: 16
The Hunt Continues -- DM Ian Friday November 16th, 2012 10:24:11 AM Anrete wonders whether or not the Guth'Roka would taste good in one of his dishes. It is unlikely the townsfolk would be willing to try that dish.
Alexi thinks about where the storm may have come from, and whether or not the Guth'Roka would have used it as cover. He awaits word from the Avenger in the group.
Keela agrees that the north is likely a better idea.
Zeph answers Garret's question about which God might help by performing a ritual only available to Avengers. As he begins the ritual, the light around him seems to dim, and he can feel the familiar presence of his God. The ritual feels whole, unlike the one performed months ago -- and Zeph hears a familiar wheezing, cackling laugh, following by a fit of horrible coughing. An image flashes through his vision -- The Great Prairie -- before a sharp pain spikes into his mind. The ritual ends, and Zeph is left with the echoes of the laughter and the image of the Great Prairie to the southwest.
In the interest of keeping things moving, I'll assume you all go southwest with this information. If you want to do anything else before that, please make note of it in your post.
The heroes of Bryn Baraz climb into Avis, heading southwest over the Great Prairie. It takes two hours to reach the area where you found yourself yesterday. As Zeph brings the craft lower over the Prairie, you can see one thing very clearly. Which is to say, you can't see anything -- Keela's Arcane Mark has disappeared. As has the Guth'Roka corpse. The only evidence that something has happened here is the pungent stench of chemicals that permeates the air.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:35/35/27 HP:71/86 Ki:11/12 CMD: 23] Friday November 16th, 2012 1:36:29 PM
Garret climbs aboard Avis and keeps watch as the group flies towards the prairie. When it is pointed out that the arcane mark is missing, Garret says, "Are you sure?" He looks around. "Is this the right place? It is possible that we're in a different place and that the mark isn't just somewhere else?"
Alexi AC 25 Tch 13 Ffted 22 HP 92/114 CMD 27 Friday November 16th, 2012 10:03:37 PM
OOC: don't forget, folks, that we healed 1hp/lvl when we rested. For those that are still injured, that is.
IC: "Well, give it to a god to prove me wrong, To the south it is, then," Alexi shruggs, still not totally convinced that south is the source, even if it IS the right direction to go for now.
Over the 'spot', Alexi grumbles "Should have built a pyramid. Then he shruggs, "Oh well, it doesn't matter anyway. Even if this isn't the spot, it is as good a spot to start searching as any other. Shall we start here and go in an ever widening circle?"
Davdok - AC 18/14/14 - CMD22 - HP 59/71 - 15/15 Bombs d8+5=11 ; Friday November 16th, 2012 10:51:03 PM
"Unless someone comes up with a better idea, I'd say we should do it. In the meantime, Alexi, drink this." Davdok shoves one of his extracts into Alexi's hand.
OOC: Alexi will heal for 11, putting him back up into triple digits.
Keela d20+21=33 ; Saturday November 17th, 2012 10:04:24 PM
[OOC: I thought we spent a couple of days resting up? Everybody should be back at full health]
Before leaving, Keela prepares her spells and casts an extended Mage Armor on herself.
She, too, is puzzled by the lack of evidence where they left the kobold. She tries to think of what could remove an Arcane Mark.
[Spellcraft or Knowledge Arcana 33]
Today's Spells
0 Detect Magic 0 Light 0 Prestidigitation 0 Read Magic 1 Feather Fall 1 Magic Missile 1 Magic Missile 1 Protection from Evil 1 Ray of Enfeeblement 1 Unseen Servant 2 Acid Arrow 2 Extended Mage Armor - cast 2 False Life 2 Knock 2 Scorching Ray 2 Web 3 Dispel Magic 3 Fireball 3 Fly 3 Haste 4 Dimension Door 4 Invisibility, Greater 4 Secure Shelter 4 Wall of Ice 5 Baleful Polymorph 5 Baleful Polymorph 5 Break Enchantment 5 Wall of Force
Zeph Illidian HP 113/113 AC 26/23t/18ff CMD 24 (Mage Armor) d20+16=23 ; d20+10=12 ; Sunday November 18th, 2012 12:49:13 PM
Zeph's head splits from the pressure of receiving the goddess's message, and he tells the group while drenched in sweat.
After cleaning himself and preparing his spells and casting his own Extended Mage Armor, Zeph pilots Avis back to the spot where the mark was lain and swoops low, inspecting the earth for prints and sniffing the air for new scents. (Perception = 23, Survival = 12)
He asks Keela, "Detect Magic to see any traces of arcane energy. Spellcraft could help too."
The Hunt Continues -- DM Ian Monday November 19th, 2012 12:42:38 AM Garret is in disbelief as the group realizes the Arcane Mark is missing. But looking around, the monk can tell that this is indeed the same place they were yesterday. While the Prairies do look rather featureless, to someone as perceptive as Garret can pick out a few landmarks.
Alexi is still concerned as to the whereabouts of their target, but offers up a plan regardless.
Davdok agrees with the plan, offering up one of his concoctions in the meantime.
Keela scans the land below them, and finds it quite lacking in arcane auras. There is no evidence of any spell being cast her recently. She cannot even find a trace of her own spell cast yesterday.
Zeph sniffs for anything new, but the same smell of strong chemicals still permeates the air. He confirms that this is the same place they were in the day before.
The party can land here, or continue on in Avis. Either way, there will have to be some collaboration on a plan -- as none of the heroes see anything out the ordinary. You have six hours left with Avis.
Anrete [HP: 94/107, AC 25/16/21, CMD 29] Monday November 19th, 2012 3:24:07 AM
"I don't think the kobold would flee here without a cause. Let us search the vicinity for suspicious entrances? Some aboard the Avis, the rest on foot? If we don't find anything, maybe we can try the north tomorrow?"
Keela Monday November 19th, 2012 12:08:17 PM
[I apologize for the confusion. Keela's Spellcraft check was not to look for magical auras, but rather to answer the question "What could erase an Arcane Mark?"]
Addendum Keela knows from her vast magical knowledge that many things could erase an Arcane Mark. Spells such as Dispel Magic could do so quite easily if cast by a high level spellcaster. Other spells such as Wall of Suppression or Antimagic Field could also do away with the spell. However, such spells are quite powerful, and would likely leave an aura of their own. Keela can tell that this place has absolutely no arcane auras - almost as if the Arcane Mark was removed and scrubbed clean.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:35/35/27 HP:86/86 Ki:12/12 CMD: 23] d20+20=28 ; d20+8=20 ; Monday November 19th, 2012 12:39:37 PM
Garret jumps down to the ground and starts looking around the area for any signs of tracks (Perception: 28, Survival: 20). He calls back, "Hold on with landing Avis, let me see if I can see anything here."
Keela Monday November 19th, 2012 8:11:43 PM
"No magic left here," Keela reports. "The smell....something alchemical?"
At Garret's suggestion, she stays aboard Avis.
Alexi AC 25 Tch 13 Ffted 22 HP 103/114 CMD 27 Monday November 19th, 2012 10:35:11 PM
Alexi thanks Davdok for his concoction and drinks it, smacking his lips. "I like Anrete's soups better, but they don't heal," he grins back.
"Good idea, Garret. Whatever took the kobold would have to leave tracks unless it was flying, like us. Worth a look-see in anycase."
He turns to Davdok and asks, "This alchemical smell that permeates this area despite the wind and rain. Could it be emanating from the ground itself? We've had the ground come alive under our feet and attack us before, I'd not be surprised if the dirt here is weird, alchemically."
"Garret, grab up a handfull of dirt and hand it to Davdok to inspect, will you?"
Zeph Illidian HP 113/113 AC 26/23t/18ff CMD 24 (Mage Armor) d20+16=27 ; d20+11=26 ; Monday November 19th, 2012 11:11:41 PM
Zeph flies Avis in expanding spiral from where the mark was, scanning the ground and sniffing the air for possible openings in the earth where air is moving (perception = 27. Survival=26)
"This is the place, what divinations have we at our disposal?"
Anrete [HP: 94/107, AC 25/16/21, CMD 29] Tuesday November 20th, 2012 4:17:46 AM
"Maybe they are just an illusion? But the burns sure feels real!"
The Hunt Continues -- DM Ian Tuesday November 20th, 2012 10:29:15 AM Anrete suggests scouting the area on foot, and checking the north later.
Garret makes his way to the ground quickly, checking around for any tracks that could have been left. He does find a few tracks, potentially from their kobold. It is in the same rough area it collapsed yesterday, but as you know, the corpse is gone. The monk does find a small bloodstain on the ground where the corpse could have fallen, but there is no trace of the body.
Keela informs the group of the distinct lack of magic, and wonders where the smell could be coming from.
Alexi suggests taking a sampling of the dirt in the area for Davdok to inspect at a later time, proposing that whatever might be causing the stench might be underground, or even the ground itself.
Zeph can see the area where Garret is inspecting is most definitely the area where the body was yesterday. He doesn't see anywhere in the ground where the smell could potentially be leaking out from. If the smell is coming from the ground, it must simply be the earth itself.
The heroes continue to scour the landscape, but turn nothing up short of the bloodstain on the ground. Another hour is spent searching this area. Five hours remain with Avis.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:35/35/27 HP:86/86 Ki:11/12 CMD: 23] d20+50=64 ; d20+20=26 ; Tuesday November 20th, 2012 1:50:19 PM
Garret reaches down and grabs a handful of soil. He calls out to Zeph, "Come on down here and pick me up!" When Zeph brings the craft lower, Garret makes a tremendous jump (Acrobatics: 69), over 17 feet straight up and onto Avis, landing with the grace of a cat. He hands the handful of dirt over to Davdok and says, "There's no tracks down there. Whatever picked that thing up probably also flew in and out of here. We're going to have to try to spot something from the air, I think."
He looks around, hoping to spot something that looks like perhaps smoke or another sign of life in the area (Perception: 26).
Zeph Illidian HP 113/113 AC 26/23t/18ff CMD 24 (Mage Armor) Tuesday November 20th, 2012 5:13:04 PM
After swooping down to gather Garret, Zeph says, "Maybe were thinking too low. Lets search the skies."
Then Zeph pilots the craft upwards above the clouds to take a peak.
Keela Tuesday November 20th, 2012 8:28:55 PM
Keela looks somber. With no way of tracking the creatures, they're going to be hard to find.
"Let's fly a search pattern," she says, "and search the ground and the air. Maybe we'll luck onto something."
Alexi AC 25 Tch 13 Ffted 22 HP 103/114 CMD 27 d20+10=16 ; Tuesday November 20th, 2012 9:49:38 PM "Half of us look to the air, the other half to the ground," Alexi suggests and peers at the ground for any signs of a cave or a non-natural structure.
"The coasts tend to have caves, if we don't find anything in this circular pattern, let's head to the coast."
Perception +10 = 16
Anrete [HP: 94/107, AC 25/16/21, CMD 29] d20+15=34 ; Wednesday November 21st, 2012 5:15:22 AM
Anrete volunteers to be the ground search party.
The Hunt Continues -- DM Ian Wednesday November 21st, 2012 10:23:53 AM Garret grabs a handful of dirt for inspection later. After an incredible jump straight up, suggesting that whatever took the Guth'Roka flew in and grabbed it.
Zeph takes Avis higher in the skies, scouting for any abnormalities in the landscape.
Keela concurs with the plan, hoping the heroes will luck into something.
Alexi suggest splitting the party into two search groups, one on the ground, another in the air. He suggests checking the coastline for caves.
Anrete volunteers for the ground crew, following under the general pattern of Avis.
As the heroes of Bryn Baraz move higher in the sky, they see that there is little change to the Prairies in the distance. Upon inspection of the coastline, Anrete can tell that there are indeed many caves dotting the coastline. However, inspecting all of them would take quite a bit of time and effort, and Anrete can tell that many of them barely go in twenty feet. The heroes also notice that the area is completely devoid of all wildlife. While the Prairies are often heavily populated with small animals, moles. voles, groundhogs and the like, the only wildlife in the area are some rather spooked birds quickly vacating the sky around you. You have four hours remaining in Avis.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:35/35/27 HP:86/86 Ki:11/12 CMD: 23] d20+20=21 ; Wednesday November 21st, 2012 12:42:08 PM
Garret says, "What is the story with the animals? There is nothing here where there should be. I know little of animal life, but the animals clearly know that something is wrong here. Can any of you sense anything particular in relation to the animals of the region?"
He keeps watching over the side of Avis for anything else out of place (Perception: 21)
Davdok - AC 18/14/14 - CMD22 - HP 59/71 - 15/15 Bombs d20+17=22 ; d20+14=18 ; d20+28=46 ; Wednesday November 21st, 2012 10:00:41 PM
Davdok takes the sample of dirt and splits it into smaller samples, storing it in as many vials as he safely do so. He takes the time to examine one as well as he can on Avis.
OOC:Sorry for not posting before, holiday prep and all.
Knowledge Nature 23, I accidentally rolled my History modifier instead. Perception 18 (what is up with my rolls? A 5 and a 4?) And Craft Alchemy 46 for the dirt.
Alexi AC 25 Tch 13 Ffted 22 HP 103/114 CMD 27 Wednesday November 21st, 2012 11:46:41 PM "The lack of animals suggests that the land is dangerous to them. It could be that the Land has a means of devouring them. That would explain the vanishing dead flying kobold. We were not on the ground long enough to be affected.
Of course, that does not explain where the flying kobold came from, just what happened to the body. I"m more interested in where it came from. I don't think we'll find anything else here," Alexi finishes.
Anrete [HP: 94/107, AC 25/16/21, CMD 29] d20+6=9 ; Thursday November 22nd, 2012 4:03:42 AM
Anrete tries to remember what he can of the area, and nods in agreement with Alexi on his assessment.
The Hunt Continues -- DM Ian Thursday November 22nd, 2012 12:55:39 PM Garret's keen eyes don't see anything else out of the ordinary.
Davdok inspects the dirt, taking multiple samples for a later time. The dirt seems normal for the area, and Davdok can see no inconsistencies with it. A few routine tests show nothing out of the ordinary, but the alchemist would be able to do much more back at his lab in Bryn Baraz.
Alexi postulates that the land itself is devouring the local wildlife, and even the corpse of yesterday's Guth'Roka. The cavalier still believes this to be the wrong place to look.
Nothing comes to mind as Anrete wracks his brain for any knowledge on the subject.
The heroes continue to coast around the Prairies. While there are still quite a few mysteries remaining, one thing has become very clear to the heroes. The Great Prairies have nothing of interest -- literally nothing of interest. Simply a gentle breeze, carrying with it a choking chemical smell. Davdok now has samples of the dirt, and you have three and a half hours in Avis, with two hours to get back to Bryn Baraz.
Zeph Illidian HP 113/113 AC 26/23t/18ff CMD 24 (Mage Armor) Friday November 23rd, 2012 4:01:37 AM
checking in
Davdok - AC 18/14/14 - CMD22 - HP 59/71 - 15/15 Bombs Friday November 23rd, 2012 2:18:51 PM
"Out of curiosity, is it possible to recharge Avis in any way? Perhaps energizing it with magic?"
DM IanAvis itself does hold any energizing magic within itself - it draws power from the pilot (Zeph). It is simply too mentally taxing for someone to pilot Avis for more than eight hours.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:35/35/27 HP:86/86 Ki:11/12 CMD: 23] Friday November 23rd, 2012 5:36:13 PM
Garret keeps looking and keeps seeing nothing. He says, "I don't know that we're doing any good here. I suppose we could head back and wait, though I hate to wait in such cases. Perhaps we just need to be ready to chase down whatever attacks next time..."
Alexi AC 25 Tch 13 Ffted 22 HP 103/114 CMD 27 Friday November 23rd, 2012 8:24:23 PM
Alexi ponders the breeze that carries the alchemical smell.
"Zeph, this breeze is picking up this awful smell from somewhere. We need to head against the wind until we don't smell it anymore. It would be good to find out what is causing it, as it certainly is not natural to these grasslands.
Keela Sunday November 25th, 2012 12:40:52 AM
"I think we should head back," Keela says. "We've no idea where to go next, and Bryn Baraz is unprotected when we're not there. It would be one thing if we were running down a solid lead, but there's nothing here."
Zeph Illidian HP 113/113 AC 26/23t/18ff CMD 24 (Mage Armor) d20+10=13 ; d20+10=17 ; Sunday November 25th, 2012 5:48:00 PM
Zeph nods to Alexi and directs the craft to follow the source of the stench. (Survival = 13, 17. We need a dr00d)
Anrete [HP: 94/107, AC 25/16/21, CMD 29] d20+6=10 ; d20+6=22 ; Sunday November 25th, 2012 8:19:32 PM
Anrete nods, "Let's do a quick check before heading back?"
Anrete tries to identify if he had smell the stench before.
The Hunt Continues -- DM Ian Monday November 26th, 2012 12:01:32 AM
A few heroes mention their desire to return home, voicing concern about what might happen in their absence. Alexi suggests they track the stench with the little time they have left in Avis before returning to Bryn Baraz. Zeph attempts to pilot the craft towards the source of the stench, but every time the Avenger thinks they're getting close... the smell suddenly cuts out, and the air is fresh as a spring daisy. Anrete does recognize the smell -- he often associates it with Davdok's concoctions and extracts, but this is on a much larger scale . The smell is not only more widespread, but more concentrated.
The tracking leads you in wide circles for about an hour before you just have enough time to get back. There is a smaller crowd as Avis lands this time, and a bit less fanfare. From the skies above Bryn Baraz, you can see that the repairs are going well -- if they continue building at this pace, the damage will be fixed within a week. The beginnings of a few sentry towers are also spotted throughout the village. Ulfgar is, as usual, there to greet you as you all step out. He approaches you, and for the first time in a few days, seems relaxed. "The repairs are going smoothly. Everyone's really pitched in. It's..." He glances over his shoulder at the crowd before continuing. "It's... it's really moving to see everyone come together like this. They're all rootin' for you." The old miner turns to leave, calling back, "Get some rest, I expect you all up bright and early. We need to discuss a few things."
The suns are just setting as Ulfgar strides away from you. The small crowd that has gathered is comprised mostly of friends and loved ones, who run up to greet the heroes as the old miner strides off.
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