The Long Kiss Goodnight -- Jim C Friday December 14th, 2012 11:39:51 PM A willow tree in Fall; its leaves will not be missed as much as cherry blossoms. --Senryu, 1818
Slow. Agonizing. Boredom. Restlin stirred, restless in his bed. The sun had set, darkness had swept the lands and the faint buzzing of the weather control system could be heard if listened for. Yet, in Restlin's eyes, his bedroom was awash in greys of many hues. The black of night was stayed from the mages eyes while he was in contact with the Gloom Blade--his Luck Quests reward. Absentmindedly he held the sword and tapped its tip on the floor, or whatever was in reach. Then it occurred to him, why was he playing with this sword when he should be sleeping and how could he see in the dark of his room? In the corner of his mind, between the past and hidden thoughts, in that place few venture, he heard a voice. "In the darkness I awaken my master. I shall serve thee faithfully and open your eyes when light has fallen." Restlin, while you hold the sword in natural darkness, you are granted the power of Darkvision in addition to the other powers listed for the sword.
In his litter, for no regular bed would hold him, Zeoll slept like a baby. Once or twice the Belt of Perfection spoke, but kept its voice down. <Scottish accent> "Ach, my aching back. Crushed between a fat liontaur and his shallow bedstuffing. I've had better lodgings at the leper colony." Accustomed to falling asleep when someone or something was talking to him, Zeoll simply rolled over and went back to sleep, unaware.
Bosk lay fitfully, seemingly on edge, tense about something that he just couldn't put his finger on. Was it the twin girls residing in the tower? Their very existence was an abomination to his god, Gargul, but he had done nothing to send them on their way. Would Gargul hold this against him at some future time? Contemplating on the woes of eternity and his duties as a Grim, the Minotaur drifted away to a place familiar to him and few others.
Beri couldn't get over the fact that Bosk had won himself some spring-loaded wrist sheaths. Lucky bugger that he was, the rogue began devising an intricate and clever plan to wrest the sheaths from Bosk, without it looking like he was in fact stealing them. His plan was so cunning, or so he thought, that you could stick a tail on it and call it a weasel. Grinning as he dozed off, he was oblivious to the dark and its cold embrace.
Meditation was the pathway to all enlightenment. With the proper technique, one could ascend to a higher level, to a place of tranquility that few others had ever reached. Deep in such meditation, Zane blocked out all that was around him. It was all nothingness that he touched. Then the nothingness touched him back.
Wyaar had disturbing dreams before; such was the lot of those that fought evil on all levels--from the demonic possessions of madmen to the corrupt temptations that laid themselves at the paladin's feet daily. But this, this dream, no--nightmare, was more upsetting than any torture devised from the depths of the abyss than a man could stand. In his dream the proud warrior of faith rode resplendent in mithral armor atop a white stallion. His lance bearing the pennon of his house, the paladin could barely hold onto his reins as the small Halfling sitting behind him clutched and pulled at his cape yelling, "Faster, daddy! Faster!"
Down the hall a shadow fell where light should have held it at bay. It crept slow and sinister as a snake stalking its prey. Under each door it passed, splitting off from itself and continuing on to the next. Soon all that was, changed.
This place was not unfamiliar to Bosk, he had been here before and he remembered it not fondly, but with much regret. The Temple of the Illithid had remained as they, those few who had been there before, had left it. Untouched. Corrupt. Evil.
Down the steps they felt drawn, down into the darkness, and then into the massive cavern. Before them lay the great pit, an open wound in the face of the earth. Darkness drew near, it's caress a cool breath on the nape of your neck and it beckoned, it yearned for your embrace. It spoke only a single word, its voice mixed with despair and torment, "Awaken."
With a clatter, the Gloom blade hit the floor, making everyone jump. As each awoke to find they were standing in a circle downstairs, it would seem that each had sleepwalked to this area. The Iron Adventurers then noticed what they were standing in a circle about--the teleport circle. It lay on the floor, it's rune glowing, eager for someone to step on it and be sent to the Temple of the Illithid.
Everyone is fatigued.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 17/14/15 CMD: 15 HP: 31/50 (Spells) Saturday December 15th, 2012 8:15:20 AM
Restlin stretches & yawns. Lazily scratch his head, he looks around & takes in his surroundings. "Team meeting then? Good. I've been meaning to talk to you guys about kitchen duty."
He casually picks up the Gloom Blade, nervous and excited about it at the same time. He didn't share Bosk's disdain for intelligent objects, but he remembered Lowd's sword & the control it exhibited. Still, it had called him master instead of the other way around. That had to count for something, right?
"I should probably tell them," he thinks to himself, "but this hardly seems like the time."
"What's with the teleportation circle? Are we going somewhere?" He looks around. "Why does everyone look so grumpy?
Wyaar (JonL) AC 27/17/22 CMD 23 HP 62/62 Saturday December 15th, 2012 11:32:57 AM
Wyaar lets out a shuddering breath and says a prayer to his Queen to steady his nerves. The frightful presence of a ancient dragon could not frighten him, but the the sheer horror of that dream had shaken him. The strength of his faith once again fills him and he looks about at the others and the circle in front of them.
"Indeed... what is this?"
~~~~~~~~~
OOC: Assuming we're dressed for bed and not for battle?
Jim: correct :)
The Long Kiss Goodnight -- Jim C Saturday December 15th, 2012 2:02:50 PM I didn't make it readily apparent, but the teleport circle is the same one that is on the piece of wood flooring that was take by the group some time ago and stored in a safe place. So this is not new, someone must have taken it out of it's storage area.
Zeoll (HP49 of 49, AC23, CMD15) Saturday December 15th, 2012 2:12:31 PM
Zeoll looks around. He rubs his eyes and yawns. He pinches himself to make sure he is awake this time.
"Looks like some forrce wants us to rreturrn to that foul place. I would be willing, because we neverr did finish ourr job of shutting down that place. But at the moment I have not prrepped spells norr got any of my gearr, except forr my perrfect belt herre."
"Can we rreconvene in an hourr?"
Bosk AC: 30/14/27 CMD:23 HP 64 of 64 Spells Saturday December 15th, 2012 3:10:49 PM
ooc: Are we fatigued for magical reasons or from lack of sleep?
Jim: You will recover in less than an hour
Bosk AC: 30/14/27 CMD:23 HP 64 of 64 Spells Saturday December 15th, 2012 4:02:13 PM
Bosk looks down at the teleport circle as horrifying flashes of the events that transpired on that day flash through his mind. The unspeakable acts of evil and horror that took place, that the cleric himself participated in...the children he himself had sacrificed and fed to the monster within.
He remembers how the group found the teleport circle hidden in the bottom of a wardrobe and how it had brought them to the Temple of the Illithad, the image identical to that of a painting they had found in the same hotel room the teleporter was found in. The teleporter caught them of guard, sending them underwater. When they rose out of the water they found themselves standing before the great temple. Inside they fought and destroyed an Illithad that had been plaguing Mudtown and his cursed offspring. Children from the village the group had tried to save, but the Iron Adventurer's made the mistake of exploring too deep into the temple and came upon a creature whose voice echoed in their minds, and the group found themselves shaking in fear or forced to obey its commands, and it commanded them to feed it the children... ... ... ... Bosk takes a deep breath and relays the story to the new adventurer's so that they might be mentally prepared for what was to come, speaking for the first time of the terrible role he played on that ill fated night. I am not sure what power has drawn us all here, but I think this is a sign that we cannot put off facing our past any longer. I had this teleporter safely hidden away, or so I thought, yet here it is and here we all are. I think we should do as Zeoll suggests and prepare ourselves to enter the cursed temple once again, while it is of our own choice. If we had entered just now, unprepared or armed, well I don't think the results would be pleasant. Be prepared for a mental onslaught and to buff your will and fort saves. Before the creature appeared trapped in a chamber inside the temple, but after this much time it is possible the thing has found a way out and may be waiting for us as soon as we enter the telport circle.
ooc: Can you tell us how long the walk was from the teleport circle to the chamber where the children were sacrificed was so that we can plan spell durations out accordingly?
Jim: maybe 5 minutes
Zane Stormfront AC 27 CMD 23 HP 63/63 Saturday December 15th, 2012 11:15:59 PM "Anyone care to fill me in? I'm lost as to what you are talking about?
Bosk AC: 30/14/27 CMD:23 HP 64 of 64 Spells Sunday December 16th, 2012 1:11:54 AM
ooc: Bosk stated above he tells everyone the story. I emailed the actual story of the last encounter to everyone, but it was too long for a post.
Wyaar (JonL) AC 27/17/22 CMD 23 HP 62/62 Sunday December 16th, 2012 10:04:46 AM
OOC: We're still in our tower, right?
Wyaar is silent a moment as he looks towards Bosk and the others that were present on their previous visit to that evil place. He moves over a places a hand on the taur, "Your body may have done evil, but it was not your mind or soul. The blame is not yours."
"And Zeoll has it right. We should prepare. If the circle has waited this long to be used it can wait a little longer. We'd be foolish to rush in now. If this doesn't smell of a trap nothing does."
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 21/14/19 CMD: 15 HP: 31/50 (Spells) - Mage Armor: 1hr Sunday December 16th, 2012 10:26:58 AM
Restlin takes the whole story in. "No wonder Bosk is so grumpy," he thinks.
"Ok, let's do this. Beats sitting around hunched over my scroll table." With that, he heads back up to his room.
"Let's see...stinky pit of unspeakable evil. I'll need my good robe for this one." He dons his robe of resplendence, boots of levitation, jewelry & fancy new quiver stocked with rods and wands. Luck quests are fun, but this felt like a job to be fully geared for. Goods prepared, he sits down and prepares his spells. It's rare for Restlin to have an idea of what he'll use his spells for in the immediate future; it's a welcome change.
"So, Mr. Sword," he mentally says to the Gloom Blade. "Do you have a name?"
After preparations are made, he appears back downstairs fully decked out w/ his new blade on his back & his sword cane in his hand where it usually is. He turns to Wyaar. "So, this is right up your alley, right? Paladin. Big stinking pit of evil. This feels good." The wizard holds up his cane & twirls it around himself. A shimmer suddenly appears around him & fades away just as quickly (mage armor).
Restlin's ready to go...
Bosk AC: 30/14/27 CMD:23 HP 64 of 64 Spells Sunday December 16th, 2012 12:20:29 PM It was my fault. I was too weak. Bosk walks wordlessly away to prepare. Vengence will be his.
Zane Stormfront AC 27 CMD 23 HP 63/63 Sunday December 16th, 2012 7:57:34 PM
Zane, after listening to the story, now understands why this situation is bothering his new friends.
"I can't help with the Protection from Evil, my spells are very limited. They're mostly protections and buffs."
OOC: I'm headed to the hospital for 2-3 days, Dave F will cover for me If I can't post on my tablet.
The Long Kiss Goodnight -- Jim C Sunday December 16th, 2012 9:50:33 PM Please list all buffs before heading in.
1st Temple post on Monday, so please be prepared :)
Thanks!
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 62/62 CMD = 23 (hero point spent) Sunday December 16th, 2012 10:18:20 PM
After the recent announcement I think we all have some trips to make at the catacombs before then.
That's not in effect until 1/7/2013.
Zane Stormfront AC 27 CMD 23 HP 63/63 Sunday December 16th, 2012 11:13:37 PM
I did the math, I lose about 50-65 percent, but I'll get over it.... the thing that hurts most is "Hand of Domi" changes. I'll try to post tomorrow afternoon, after I check into the hospital.
Bosk AC: 30/14/27 CMD:23 HP 64 of 64 Spells Monday December 17th, 2012 12:26:29 AM
Bosk comes back downstairs, having prayed to Jancassis to give him strength to obtain vengence on the creature that forced his to commit that dark deed in the Temple of the Illithid. Pulling out a scroll from his bag, he casts nemesis scrying on the creature in the pit to verify its location before The Iron Adventures cast thier buffs and step onto the teleporter to test their fate.
ooc: Buffs to be cast before steping onto the teleporter will be dependant on the creature's location. No materials or components are needed for this spell.
Jim: The rope's blood and the creature in the pit are not related.
Zeoll (HP49 of 49, AC23, CMD15) Monday December 17th, 2012 11:47:35 AM
Zeoll prepares for this adventure ... as if it will be his last! :-)
Before casting his buffs, be stands in front of the teleportal and uses his Divination: "Please, oh fey powerrs that be, do you have any advice as I and my frriends prreparre to step onto this teleporrtal?"
Zeoll's chance of success is 74%.
DM Sanity Info
Cradled Spells Prepped: lvl 0 - Innocence, Keen Senses, Beguiling Gift lvl 1 - Suggestion, Heroism, Deep Slumber, Jester's Jaunt; Comp Lang lvl 2 - Divination, SFF2, Euphoria; Memory Lapse
Bard Spells 0 of 7 first level spells used 0 of 4 second level spells used
Natural Divination 0 of 1 saves bonuses unused 0 of 1 skills bonuses unused
Fey Magic 0 of 2 used
Memory Subdomain Recall power 0 of 12 used
Staves of curing 0 of 10 used 0 of 10 used
Zeoll (HP49 of 49, AC23, CMD15) Monday December 17th, 2012 1:21:20 PM
Zeoll tells his friends that the Powers that Be tell him it will be dark. "I wish I had some way to shed light, but I can't even cast a Light cantrrip!"
He thinks for a sec. "So I'll be rrelying on my earrs!"
He casts the Taur's Try cantrip that boosts Perception, and he is ready to cast Heroism and Keen Senses to boost her hearing even more. With luck, he'll be able to hear the enemies.
"Most spells rrequirre line of sight to cast," he says, slightly pedantically. "But spells that coverr an arrea of effect, like firreball, can be cast into the darrkness. And thank goodness, my most powerrful spell is an arrea spell. And that, of courrse, is my Calm Emotions."
Jim: Calm Emotions, LOL!
Bosk AC: 30/14/27 CMD:23 HP 64 of 64 Spells Monday December 17th, 2012 1:47:47 PM
Bosk grumbles when his fail spells. It would seem anyone unfortunate enough to suffer my wrath is also smart enough to hide themselves from my scrying. Do you guys think I should cast magic circle against evil now or after we have teleported? The cleric quickly prepares his buffs starting with the spells that have the longest durration.
Ant Haul from a scroll (14 hours) Comprehend Languages from scroll (70 minutes) Rose's Temperature Control from a scroll (15 hours) Nemesis Insight from scroll (7 hours) *could be a tribe, race, organization, guild or other clearly definable group Owl's Wisdom from scroll (7 minutes) Light Cantrip (70 minutes) Guidance (7 minutes)
Magic Circle against evil centered on self (70 minutes)
Bosk AC: 30/14/27 CMD:23 HP 64 of 64 Spells Monday December 17th, 2012 1:51:31 PM I have cast a light cantrip cast and I have Daylight prepared if we should need it. Should I cast that before we enter?
Bosk will cast daylight (70 min duration) if Zeoll recommends it.
next post -- Jim C Monday December 17th, 2012 2:05:44 PM
I'll give you guys a little more time before I post the turn as it will move you some distance and time. I'll post later in the afternoon in about 5 1/2 hours.
Zeoll (HP49 of 49, AC23, CMD15) Monday December 17th, 2012 2:19:30 PM
BTW, I've updated Zeoll's PC sheet. Thanks!
Wyaar (JonL) AC 27/17/22 CMD 23 HP 62/62 Monday December 17th, 2012 2:31:23 PM
Wyaar leans over to asked Restlin in a hushed tone, "Has his Calm Emotions ever worked?"
And he releases his ioun torch to float around his head. Wyaar will save his own Prot from Evi spell until a little later.
-------
Did Bosk do GMW for Zane and Wyaar using the pearl and extend rod?
next post -- Jim C Monday December 17th, 2012 2:36:05 PM
Oh, and give me a marching order to speed up the killing, err, posting.
Bosk AC: 30/14/27 CMD:23 HP 64 of 64 Spells Monday December 17th, 2012 2:54:31 PM
I thought you decided to buy a scroll for Restlin to do it. If not, and Jim lets me change it, I will prepare it in place of Freedom of Movement.
Bosk volunteers to go first, intent on letting his blade taste the beast's black blood.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 21/14/19 CMD: 15 HP: 31/50 (Spells) - Mage Armor: 1hr Monday December 17th, 2012 3:17:30 PM
Restlin nods sagely to Wyarr. "It has ended in bloodshed every time. After his targets were dead, they were indeed quite calm." Restlin barely registers hearing it will be dark. It doesn't seem to be a problem to him.
He'll then look to Wyarr's weapon & cast greater magic weapon on his <insert weapon here>. "There. You were asking about that, right?"
Bosk AC: 30/14/27 CMD:23 HP 64 of 64 Spells Monday December 17th, 2012 4:16:23 PM
Bosk raises his eyebrow, realizing for the first time that with Zeoll's accent he cannot tell if the taur is saying CALM emotions or QUALM emotions. That explains a lot. Then he crafted a cursed belt...was it an accident? Surely not...and why didn't Valla come back through the portal...
It may paranoia from their last trip to the templr, but he begins to grow suspicious of his companion.
Zeoll (HP49 of 49, AC23, CMD15) d20+7=24 ; Monday December 17th, 2012 4:37:36 PM
Zeoll's Sense Motive check vs Bosk's raised eyebrow ... a 24.
"Oh, don't worrry, my old frriend and brrotherr Taurr. Therre is no rresult I desirre morre than to do ourr job and rreturrn in one piece."
Zane Stormfront AC 27 CMD 23 HP 63/63 Monday December 17th, 2012 4:38:08 PM
Zane rushes up stairs, grabs his gear and slips into it. He pulls out an extended lesser rod. Using it he casts mage armor. He trots back down stairs,joining the others.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 62/62 CMD = 23 (hero point spent) Monday December 17th, 2012 6:58:41 PM
Beriothian will take a foxes cunning potion and apply two magic weapon potions (one to each rapier). Prior to entering the actual room with the monster Beriothian will activate his goblin seal:pilar of courage (only lasts one round, so I have to wait a minute).
Goblin Seal: Pillar of courage. You have seen unspeakable horrors and faced the unnamed things that go bump in the night. Breaking this seal is a free action and draws upon your courage granting you and your party get a +3 to saves against fear for 1 round.
Bosk AC: 30/14/27 CMD:23 HP 64 of 64 Spells Monday December 17th, 2012 7:08:54 PM
Seeing no objection from the group Bosk casts both Day Light and Circle of Protection against Evil.
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