DM Kathy Sunday December 9th, 2012 9:47:56 PM Vaniime dismisses her spell as Wilma uses her scrolls to restore Vaniime and Ariach to full strength.
Thessa pokes around but doesn't find anything interesting.
Emrys, picking up the threads of his spell, leads the way out of the conservatory.
What follows is a confusing series of turns, corridors, rooms, and dead ends. Emrys's spell tells him where the portal is in relation to where you are standing, but not whether a particular passage continues the way you want to go, or abruptly veers off in the wrong direction. You, and the other groups, make good use of your chalk, and you do get the sense that you're closing in on the thing.
Finally, you find yourselves approaching a set of double doors. You can see, faintly, a green glow coming through them. This is it.
Graf the Falcon checks quickly for traps, then flings open the doors.
On the other side is an enormous ballroom. The wooden flooring is sadly warped; no place for dancing now. The walls still have tatters of silk wall-coverings, and pieces of shattered gilt mirrors. Musicians' galleries stand on either end of the room, now devoid of musicians and music.
Near the center of the room is the portal. It has grown a bit since you last saw it, and is now probably large enough to step through. If a person wanted to step through it. In addition to the glow, there now seems to be a swirling energy within it.
All around the portal--all around the room in fact--are undead. Lots and lots of undead; at least a hundred. They are variously shambling, gliding, shuffling, and flying. Toward you.
"Not good," says Graf.
Grell AC 26 (29 vs. Evil) /14/23, HP47/47, Remove Fear, Protection from Evil, Shield, Insight Sunday December 9th, 2012 10:47:10 PM
"Not good at all" echoes Grell. Gulping, he reaches into his bag and pulls out his second oil of bless weapon. He begins to vigorously rub it onto his sword, knowing that this is going to be an epic battle.
OOC: Kathy, how many rounds has it been since we entered the Castle for the second time? I'm lost on what spells might still be active. Also, my computer has been giving me fits. Sorry about the missed posts!
DM Kathy Monday December 10th, 2012 11:11:03 AM
[OOC: It's been ten minutes since you entered the building for the second time. That's 100 rounds.]
Thessa - HP: 23/23, AC: 15/10/10 Monday December 10th, 2012 5:13:19 PM
[OOC: I wish we'd had an opportunity to renew our protections when we saw the green glow coming out from under the doors before Graf opened them, alas...]
The doors fling open and Thessa is awash with fear. She has never seen anything like this before. Scores of wispy forms and decaying corpses and skeletal figures approach them far too quickly for her liking. Adding to the tenseness, shivers roll up her spine as she feels the magic of the last of the protection spells, Remove Fear, dissipate from around her. At that moment, her fear turns to borderline terror.
There is no way they would be able to outrun the creatures this time - not when many of them pay no mind to the stony walls of the castle and float right through them. Their only hope is that Graf and his more experienced companions have some tricks up their sleeves, and if that is indeed the case, all they can do is provide support.
Thessa looks around to the closest of the fighters and sees Grell quickly wiping oil on his sword. Seeing his grim determination, she is reminded how much she admires the bravery of her new friends.. She feels that she could use some of that bravery right now.
She reaches into her belt, pulls out the Wand of Shield and taps him, quickly bestowing another shield on him. "Try to buy us time to renew our protections if you can.. but mainly, just stay alive!" she says, and the concern on her face is evident.
Ariach AC 24/14/19 ; HP 44/47 Monday December 10th, 2012 5:33:06 PM
Now itīs the moment to become a hero! Hundreds of undead enemies against a vanishingly low number of human adventurers. These are the topics real hero tales are made of. Yes of course the chance to die in this chamber is very high. But those who will survive will be known all over Plateau City.
Ariach knows that most of the spells which were cast on him have ended already.
"If it is possible to renew some of your spells- please do it now!"
The warrior also holds his mace at Grellīs direction, asking him wordless to put some oil on it, too.
A relaxed impression appears on Ariachīs face while he is waiting for the inevitable fight. How relaxed you are when you know the end is coming.........
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt)/AC19vsEvil; HP39/39 (temp Con Bonus via Bear's Endurance); Prot fm Evil; +4vsFear; Shield Monday December 10th, 2012 6:31:18 PM
Wilma immediately took the time to refresh her party's Protection from Evil enchantments.
"Somebody needs to find a way to make all those undead flee in the opposite direction," she pointed out. "There's no real way for us to fight them all, one on one..." A brief recollection about rumors of a certain artifact...what was it called...? Oh, right:
The Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch.
Too bad they didn't have one of those now...
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 22/22/18, Mage Armor, Bless Weapon Monday December 10th, 2012 6:51:27 PM
"Oh man!"
Tuck's eyes go big and his face pales to that of a sheet's coloring as he fumbles for an Oil of Bless Weapon and pours the magical liquid over his right hand.
"Here they come, guys!" Stepping up next to Grell, he claps the man on his shoulder. "I'm here, buddy."
Emrys (ac18 (20evil), hp23/23), remove fear, see invisibility Monday December 10th, 2012 6:56:24 PM
(Guys, your Remove Fear buff is still active. Has 10 minutes left.)
"Uhh... Commander Graff ... Sir?!" is all Emrys can mumble with his eyes being assaulted by so much horror. If it weren't for his Remove Fear spell, the bard would have surely soiled himself (it may happen anyway). However, self-preservation takes over and he slings two rapid fire spells at the floor, 30-ft from the doors, inside the grande ballroom.
(Using a Hero point to get a 2nd standard action, Emrys casts Grease twice. He creates a 20-ft wide by 10-ft deep area of grease, 30-ft away from the doors. Reflex DC 17 or fall prone.)
He then lets everyone else know, "I greased the floor, 10 paces (30-ft) ahead." Emrys then tactically moves to the rear of the group, not having much faith in his wooden armor.
DM Kathy Tuesday December 11th, 2012 12:44:27 AM
[OOC: Gaah! I'm sorry; I spaced on my DM post today, and now I'm out of time. So let's do this. While Graf was searching the door for traps, you guys had a round to re-buff. Go ahead and post what you did during that round, and then we'll start the battle.]
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt)/AC19vsEvil; HP39/39 (temp Con Bonus via Bear's Endurance); Prot fm Evil; +4vsFear; Shield Tuesday December 11th, 2012 3:19:39 AM
(OOC: just remembered that the wand Protection from Evil spell lasts close to an hour and does NOT need to be renewed...however, anyone needing to make their non-magic weapons enchanted for the upcoming encounter, please post which ones will be getting the +1 boost.)
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:42/42 Protectrion from evil, shield, remove fear, magic weapon (staff) Tuesday December 11th, 2012 7:15:18 AM
Van take another shot of sheild and preps her last three plants into her right hand waiting for the door to be opened.
When the door opens and they see all the undeae andthe swirling portal she nearly turns and runs, but when she sees everyone else standing and ready toface the threat her back bone stiffens and she draws a deep breath.
After that moment's hesitation she throws her three plants into the middle of the mass of undead and casts her final entangle spell.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt)/AC19vsEvil; HP39/39 (temp Con Bonus via Bear's Endurance); Prot fm Evil; +4vsFear; Shield Tuesday December 11th, 2012 2:44:23 PM
(OOC Again: my apologies--the wand version of Protection from Evil lasts five minutes and NOT fifty! (DOH!) That means Wilma would definitely use the Protection wand on everyone as well as enchanting anyone's weapon(s) of choice.)
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt)/AC19vsEvil; HP39/39 (temp Con Bonus via Bear's Endurance); Prot fm Evil; Shield Tuesday December 11th, 2012 2:46:14 PM
(Another OOC (sigh!): changing the Active Spells in Wilma's Post Name.)
Ariach AC 24(26vs. evil)/14/19 ; HP 44/47 (prot. fm Evil, remove fear, magic weapon+1) Tuesday December 11th, 2012 6:08:04 PM
Ariach thanks Wilma for enchanting his mace and renewing the protection from evil spell. He checks out his holy water phials and put them in his belt.
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:42/42 shield Tuesday December 11th, 2012 6:12:51 PM
Van take another shot of sheild and preps her last three plants into her right hand waiting for the door to be opened.
When the door opens and they see all the undeae andthe swirling portal she nearly turns and runs, but when she sees everyone else standing and ready toface the threat her back bone stiffens and she draws a deep breath.
After that moment's hesitation she throws her three plants into the middle of the mass of undead and casts her final entangle spell.
Emrys (ac18 (20evil), hp23/23), remove fear, see invisibility Tuesday December 11th, 2012 7:25:19 PM
Emrys takes advantage of this opportunity, while Graf negotiates the lock and any possible traps, to restore everyone's ward against fear.
(Casting Remove Fear from wand. One charge each to all seven Vanguards.)
(Emrys will perform the same actions he did last round when the doors open up.)
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 28/28/24, Mage Armor, Bless Weapon, Prot. from Evil, Remove Fear, Shield Tuesday December 11th, 2012 8:53:58 PM
Tuck removes two vials of holy water from his haversack and watches as the deaders approach.
"If this is it, Grell, then I'm glad that it's with friends."
Grell AC 25 (27 vs. Evil) /14/23, HP47/47, Protection from Evil, Shield, Remove Fear d20+10=30 ; 2d6+11=18 ; 2d6+11=16 ; Tuesday December 11th, 2012 9:31:54 PM
Grell nods toward first Ariach and then Tuck. "I'll go first then." While Wilma and Thessa are buffing everyone up, Grell hands Ariach an Oil of Bless Weapon. "Alright, when you two are ready to go, come and back me up. I'm off then." That being said, Grell advances to the edge of the Grease spell and readies an attack for any undead that might make it through the slippery area.
(Held Action:Attack AC30 (crit. due to Bless Weapon), for 34...BoooYa!!!)
DM Kathy Tuesday December 11th, 2012 11:11:42 PM
[Okay, I've got to put the brakes on here. I said you had a round to cast spells. One. Unless you're casting Mass spells, you only had time to put a spell on a single target. You can continue casting protective spells if you like, but please specify who has what spells active.]
[Alternatively, you can say that, the whole time you were chasing this thing, you paused and re-cast spells as they expired, but that's going to pretty much be the end of the wands.]
As the door opens, and the undead swarm, the adventurers act.
Several clerics turn undead at once. The result isn't as spectacular as earlier in the foyer, but it's still pretty effective. A couple of fireballs are lobbed. Somebody tosses up a Wall of Ice, effectively blocking off a number of undead.
Vaniime throws her plants and casts Entangle--plenty of room here to avoid hitting friendlies! Several lurching, shambling figures stop mid-lurch.
Emrys casts a couple of Grease spells and a few more undead are incapacitated, at least temporarily.
Tuck magicks his hand. Ariach prepares vials of holy water. Grell hands him an Oil of Bless Weapon and stands ready.
"We need to get closer," Graf says. "Closer to the portal, so we can figure out what it is and where it goes. We can't tell anything from back here."
The group begins to press forward, and the undead begin to press around you.
You find yourselves in an area on the left flank. You have the support of stronger adventuring groups, but it looks as if there are a few undead you're going to need to handle on your own.
Two of them, you remember as Wraiths--you fought them in the hallway on your first trip into the Castle. The other is something you don't recall seing before. It looks like a skeleton, but a reddish-black tangle of entrails is wound through it, and ends protruding from its mouth like a horrid tongue.
They aren't upon you yet, but they will be in a moment.
Thessa - HP: 23/23, AC: 21/16/16(+2 vs Evil), Shield, ProtE, Remove Fear d20+6=10 ; Tuesday December 11th, 2012 11:20:54 PM
Time seems to slow for Thessa as she winds her way through her companions bestowing Shields. Once she's finished, she takes a moment and casts a final spell on herself. Energies coalesce around her body and there is a faint shimmering of Mage Armor around her.
Ready as she ever will be for whatever lies beyond that door, she lines up for a clear shot through the door. But no amount of preparation could ready her senses for the vision beyond the open door when it opens. In fear and unbelief she feels numb as she lets her arrow fly. [AC: 10]
Thessa - HP: 23/23, AC: 17/14/14, Shield, Tuesday December 11th, 2012 11:34:29 PM
[OOC: Ok then, this post will supersede any other posts from me from yesterday or today.]
Thessa manages to get Grell Shielded before Graf opens the door. As everyone is moving forward she touches herself with the wand as well. Her face is white with terror as the undead swarm them. The heat from the fireball, the cool wafting air from the wall of ice, the smells, the noises - they are all a chaotic blur to her as Graf leads them further into the room.
This round, since Tuck is next to her, she'll touch him with the wand too. Better to defend the fighters than to take pot shots with the bow, she thinks to herself.
"Gods be with us," she says as the wraiths close in.
She'll try to take slip past Tuck into G6 if she can, but at this point they all seem quite tightly packed.
Emrys (ac18 (20evil), hp23/23), remove fear, see invisibility d20+6=23 ; Wednesday December 12th, 2012 12:10:05 AM
Emrys takes a small vial from his belt pouch and hurriedly unstoppers it. He makes one hasty request of his friends, "Allow me a moment with the skeleton. I'm attempting to control it! If this doesn't work, he's all yours!" (Emrys isnt yelling this. Just making sure everyone sees it.)
The bard drinks down the horrid-tasting, black liquid. The taste of death almost makes him gag! He then turns to the gutsy skeleton and focuses his will upon him. Speaking to the grotesque creature, Emrys attempts to command it. "Attack the wights, they want to steal what's yours!!"
(Emrys takes the Command Undead potion. Focused on the "M". Will save DC 18. Charisma check: 23, if one is needed to force it to do something it wouldn't normally do.)
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt)/AC19vsEvil; HP39/39 (temp Con Bonus via Bear's Endurance); Prot fm Evil; Shield d20+9=25 ; Wednesday December 12th, 2012 12:45:04 AM
Wilma's eyes narrowed to sapphire slits as she beheld the skeletal monstrosity advancing on her party.
"I know this one...what is it...?' she thought, her mind a-whirl with the myriad possibilities. Then her memory clicks and she announces in a loud voice:
"Watch out for the Mohrg!!! It paralyzes you and turns you into zombies..!!!" OOC: Wilma got 25 on her Knowledge check.
The young priestess of Gargul cast her only battle-enhancing enchantment upon herself and stepped in front of Thessa to protect the elf from the advancing wraith.
"Fall back to where I was, Emrys," she advised over her shoulder, "You'll be safer there." Meanwhile, Wilma held her staff with both hands in a battle-ready stance, never taking her eyes off the undead things threatening her party, an expression of grim determination on her face.
Let these Gargul-defying creatures come, then, and make their moves--she'd be ready for them when they did.
OOC: Wilma cast True Strike on herself and moved to D6 to make herself a target and draw attention away from Thessa and Emrys behind her.
Ariach AC 24/14/19 ; HP 44/47 (oil of blessing)) d20+9=28 ; d8+4=12 ; Wednesday December 12th, 2012 4:59:11 AM
Instead of preparing the holy water vials the warrior will use the oil of bless weapon.
When the door opens up Ariach holds his position and focuses the wraith next to him who will for sure attack him or Vaniim. Therefore he attacks the wraith (W1) when the enemy comes in reach of his mace and strengthens Vaniimīs attack as well. (move action: aid another +2 attack)
"This time i will not waste any energy on protecting myself. You dirty......ghost!
(Hits AC 28 for 12 damage)
Thessa - HP: 23/23, AC: 17/14/14, Shield Wednesday December 12th, 2012 4:45:43 PM
Thessa digs through the fear to find some hope that Emrys is able to control the skeletal creature Wilma described as a Mohrg. It was a hideous thing and she's amazed that Wilma would put herself between it and the group, particularly to protect Thessa and Emrys - yet another example of the sacrifice and bravery of her comrades.
Knowing she'll need all the protection she can get from this creature, Thessa (if needed) touches Wilma with the Wand of Shield, else she'll knock and arrow and take aim at the skeletal creature, waiting to see if Emrys' control spell works.
Grell AC 25 (27 vs. Evil) /14/23, HP47/47, Protection from Evil, Shield, Remove Fear Wednesday December 12th, 2012 5:08:29 PM
Maneuvering around the others, Grell shifts into a position near Ariach (C6). He then proceeds to rip into the wraith in front of him W2. (Kathy, can I please used my awesome roll form last round??)
If so, it's AC30 (crit. due to Bless Weapon), for 34.
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 26/26/22, Mage Armor, Bless Weapon, Shield d20+6=22 ; d8+3=9 ; Wednesday December 12th, 2012 6:28:54 PM
Seeing that his holy water wouldn't be effective against the wraiths, Tuck drops them as he hurries forward to do battle. He steps in front of a wraith (W2) and lets fly his blessed fist.
Current AC 22/16/16: +4 shield, +2 favored defense -2 charge
current attack bonuses: +4 favored enemy, +2 charge, +2 aid another
Drawing her sword Van charges W1 ending at C3 and swings straight down trying to split the thing from head to toe AC 32 for 20 points
DM Kathy d20+9=26 ; d20+15=17 ; d20+6=12 ; d20+6=9 ; Wednesday December 12th, 2012 11:53:37 PM Thessa, having shielded Grell, now casts a shield on Tuck. She slips to the back row.
Emrys drinks the potion that your DM thoughtfully provided for you, and orders the horrible skeleton-think to attack the wraiths.
Wilma identifies the horrible skeleton-thing as a Mohrg. She casts a spell on herself and moves up.
Grell steps up beside his sister and unloads on the wraith. Tuck joins him and lands a solid blow.
Ariach grips his mace and waits for the other wraith to come his way, but Vaniime steps in front of him to attack it. Her curved blade slices through the creature.
The Mohrg hesitates when Emrys gives it orders, but then it shakes its head and advances toward the party. [Will 26. Phooey!] It steps up to Ariach, who swings his mace and connects! Its answering blow isn't nearly as effective, and its horrible claws scrape along Ariach's armor.
Then the wraiths attack; one on Tuck and one on Vaniime. Both miss their nimble targets.
I've done something different with the map. Instead of making a new PDF every round and uploading it, I converted my spreadsheet into the native Google Doc format. The good news is, I don't have to make a new PDF every darned day. The bad news is, you now get to be as confused as I sometimes get because the coordinates on the map are one off from the documents row and column numbers. Whee!
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt)/AC19vsEvil; HP39/39 (temp Con Bonus via Bear's Endurance); Prot fm Evil; Shield Thursday December 13th, 2012 4:17:28 AM
OOC to the DM: When are you going to update the map? The spreadsheet one you made still shows everyone at their old coordinates and the mohrg is still at its old position. I'm hoping that Wilma can take a five-foot step and Channel Strike the mohrg, but I don't know where it is on the map.
DM Kathy Thursday December 13th, 2012 8:07:24 AM
[D'oh! It helps if I save the map before I upload it. It should be correct now.]
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 26/26/22, Mage Armor, Bless Weapon, Shield d20+5=21 ; d20+5=19 ; d8+3=8 ; d8+3=10 ; Thursday December 13th, 2012 5:35:00 PM
Tuck throws a straight right followed by a front kick at the wraith, connecting both times.
(Flurry of Blows on W2 hitting AC 21 & 19 for 8 & 10 damage.)
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt)/AC19vsEvil; HP39/39 (temp Con Bonus via Bear's Endurance); Prot fm Evil; Shield d20+27=34 ; d6+8=14 ; 2d6=9 ; Thursday December 13th, 2012 6:44:44 PM
Wilma saw the mohrg attack Ariach. Shock and anger at the temerity of this blasphemous affront to Gargul welled up in her, filling her with the righteous energy from the god of Life and Death. She practically flung herself at the mohrg, lifting her quarterstaff high as she attacked it.
"Back to Gagul!!!" howled the priestess as she swung her weapon down upon the head of the horror before her, smiting the mockery of true life with all her heart and soul...and quarterstaff.
OOC: Wilma has elected to Channel Smite this mohrg. With the aid of her previously-cast True Strike spell, she hits AC34. If this is good enough to hit her target, then her blow does 14hp of Blunt damage, and her Channel Smite will release a brilliant burst of positive energy, doing an additional 9hp damage--but the morgh can make a Will save versus DC14 for half of the Smite damage.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt)/AC19vsEvil; HP39/39 (temp Con Bonus via Bear's Endurance); Prot fm Evil; Shield Thursday December 13th, 2012 6:45:16 PM
OOC: oh---and Wilma took that five-foot step into E6, too.
Ariach AC 24/14/19 ; HP 44/47 (oil of blessing)) d20+9=14 ; d8+4=12 ; Thursday December 13th, 2012 6:53:45 PM
It seems like the Mohrg feels Ariachīs pure soul and therefore faces the noble warrior and tries to bring him down. But the young man isnīt scared. This is a fight between light and darkness and Ariach is determined to fight the Mohrg and any other undead in this castle to the bitter end. He swings his mace and attacks the Mohrg.
(Hits AC 14 for 12 damage)
Emrys (ac14, hp23/23), remove fear, see invisibility d20+15=30 ; d20+15=22 ; Thursday December 13th, 2012 7:10:33 PM
"God's Hooks!" exclaims Emrys, obviously frustrated by the Mohrg's willpower. He thought he had that one. It was a strong attempt, he could feel it. However, he doesn't have the time to complain or rant. He starts in on a strange tale about the Mohrg, since his friends appear to be thoroughly spanking the wraiths like bald-footed half-hobbits during the Month of Festivals.
(Performing Naturalist +1. Knowledge [religion]: 30. Affective against 25HD Mohrgs and lower. Everyone gets a +1 Insight bonus to Hit, AC and Saves vs. the Mohrg.)
(Perception: 22)
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:42/42 shield d20+13=25 ; d10+8=12 ; d20+14=23 ; d10+9=13 ; Thursday December 13th, 2012 8:21:23 PM Current AC 22 (23 vs Mohrg)/16(17)/16(17): +4 shield, +2 favored defense -2 charge
current attack bonuses: +4 favored enemy
Everyone gets a +1 Insight bonus to Hit, AC and Saves vs. the Mohrg.)
******************************
Bringing her sword back around Van "Cleaves" through the wraith again AC 25 for 12 more points and the follows it up with a slice into the Mohrg Ac 23 for 13 points and a quick exclamation.
"This time stay Dead!"
Grell AC 25 (27 vs. Evil) /14/23, HP47/47, Protection from Evil, Shield, Remove Fear d20+11=19 ; 2d6+12=20 ; Thursday December 13th, 2012 9:01:46 PM
Happy with how he and Tuck are working together, Grell pulls his mighty sword through the Wraith once more....determined that this will be the last attack he waists on the creature. (AC19 for 20).
DM Kathy d20+15=28 ; 2d8+5=11 ; d20+15=32 ; 2d8+5=11 ; d20+10=14 ; d20+6=9 ; d20+4=22 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; Friday December 14th, 2012 12:44:09 AM Tuck delivers two powerful blows to the wraith, and Grell hits again with his sword. The wraith is still there, but now little pieces of its incorporeal form seem to be streaming away. You believe you are close to destroying it.
Meanwhile, Wilma focuses all her anti-undead zeal on the mohrg, dealing it a powerful blow. It looks to be a tough undead, though; it will take a lot more to bring it down. Ariach swings at the creature as well, but misses.
Emrys switches tactics, and his now-familiar voice is telling you all about mohrgs, giving you advantages against it.
Vaniime saves time by attacking two opponents at once. She hits both, but the wraith is incorporeal and the mohrg seems to have a lot of unlife still left in it.
[OOC: You are all doing full damage to the mohrg, but it has a ton of hit points.]
The mohrg again attacks Ariach, and this time hits. Ariach takes 11 points of damage. It swipes its other claw at Vaniime, hitting her for 11 damage as well. Its horrid tongue strikes at Wilma, but the cleric's magic protects her. [Prot. Evil for the win!]
The first wraith shifts to flank Vaniime with the mohrg, but is still unable to touch the nimble ranger.
The second wraith has more luck against Tuck, and manages to land an incorporeal touch. [I think. I count for Tuck's touch AC: Mage Armor (4), Dex bonus (3), Wis bonus (3), Dodge bonus (1). That makes 21, and the critter hit 22. The monk's AC bonus, and the Shield spell, don't count for touch attacks, so unless Tuck has a protection from evil up, I think it hits.] Tuck takes 3 points of damage, and must succeed at a DC 17 Fortitude save or take 2 points of Con damage.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt)/AC19vsEvil; HP39/39 (temp Con Bonus via Bear's Endurance); Prot fm Evil; Shield 2d6=6 ; Friday December 14th, 2012 5:15:45 AM
Wilma stepped to her left, lifting her staff again.
"Let Gargul judge!" The young cleric bangs her quarterstaff upon the ground as she utters the last word, releasing another burst of energy that radiates out from her position, flashing through not only the morgh directly in front of her, but also the two wraiths that are also in battle with her comrades.
OOC: Wilma has shifted to D5 on the map. (And DM Kathy is right--that double-column of Slightly Different Numbers IS confusing! ;D) She has Channeled Energy, this time in a burst that should effect all undead within 30 feet of her, for 6hp damage unless the undead in question can save versus DC14 for half damage.
Thessa - HP: 23/23, AC: 17/14/14, Shield d20+8=12 ; Friday December 14th, 2012 12:29:10 PM
Thessa moves to G4 to get a clear view of the hideous mohrg and takes a shot at the it with her bow, but as soon as the arrow leaves the bow, she realizes that in the chaos of battle she shot the arrow with the bad fetching accidentally. (AC: 12)
She curses and pulls back another arrow, hoping that the next one finds its mark!
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 26/26/22, Mage Armor, Bless Weapon, Shield d20+6=23 ; d20+5=18 ; d20+5=22 ; d8+3=6 ; d8+3=6 ; Friday December 14th, 2012 6:11:40 PM
The wraith grazes Tuck but he shrugs off the accompanying chill that tries to set in. (Fort save 23) Wilma's healing burst settles over him and quickly heals the scratch.
"Grell, go help the others with that...thing. This one's almost done. I can handle him and you hit harder than I."
Tuck again throws two punches into the smokey wraith.
(Flurry of Blows hits AC 18 & 22 for 6 & 6 damage)
Grell AC 25 (27 vs. Evil) /14/23, HP47/47, Protection from Evil, Shield, Remove Fear d20+11=23 ; 2d6+12=19 ; Friday December 14th, 2012 9:12:18 PM
Nodding in understanding, Grell steps away from his current opponent and shifts focus to the mohrg (D5). The smell of the creature assails his nostrils as he approaches, and he brings his sword down in a strike that is less powerful than it should be. (AC23 for 19)
Current AC 24 (25 vs Mohrg)/16(17)/16(17): +4 shield, +2 favored defense
current attack bonuses: +4 favored enemy
Everyone gets a +1 Insight bonus to Hit, AC and Saves vs. the Mohrg.)
******************************
Moving to d3 in order to flank the Morhg along with Ariach Van tries to cut into the fiend but misses extremely badly. AC 14 (nat 1)
Ariach AC 24(29)/14/19 ; HP 44/47 (oil of blessing)) d20+3=15 ; d8+4=12 ; Sunday December 16th, 2012 5:27:49 PM
After the claw of the Mohrg slashes open his upper arm the young warrior once again takes note of the fact that you cannot simulate real fights in practice lessons in a proper way.
But he is relieved after he recognizes there is no other baneful effect.
To avoid another hit from the Mohrg on Vaniim,Ariach protects her with his shield and attacks the Mohrg vigorously.
(fighting defensively -4attack,+2AC /combat expertise -2 attack/+2 AC/ moveaction: aid another(+2AC) on Vaniim) (Hits AC16 (i forgot to count the insight bonus) for 12 damage)
Emrys (ac14, hp23/23), remove fear, see invisibility d8+3=5 ; Sunday December 16th, 2012 7:21:07 PM
Emrys continues his story about the Mohrg. "Murderer, warmonger, butcher and slayer ... the taint of a lifetime for being a killer. The weight of countless evil misdeeds, has earned him to roam as a Mohrg forever."
Emrys seeing that the brave Ariach has taken some serious blows. So he moves up next to Ariach (F3) and taps him with his wand of curing.
(Emrys heals Ariach for 5 points.) (Naturalist +1 continues. +1 Insight bonus to Hit, AC and Saves vs. the Mohrg.)
DM Kathy d20+15=35 ; d20+15=20 ; 2d8+5=15 ; d20+15=22 ; d20+10=29 ; d20+4=10 ; Sunday December 16th, 2012 9:39:00 PM Wilma steps closer to the fray and calls on Gargul to judge the undead.
Thessa moves and takes a shot at the mohrg, but misses.
Tuck tells Grell to switch targets; he'll finish the wraith. Suiting actions to words, he lashes out with his fists. Between his blows and Wilma's burst of positive energy, the wraith is destroyed.
Grell attempts to move to D-5, only to find his sister there ahead of him. It's all right, though; he can flank the monster with Ariach. He lands a solid blow, but the creature clearly has plenty of fight left in it.
Vaniime shifts to flank the mohrg (with Wilma, not Ariach, but it's all good). She swings her blade, but rushes her attempt and nearly falls over.
Ariach attacks defensively. But the bones of the mohrg are tougher than they look; Ariach's sword skids off them to no effect.
Emrys, continuing to provide information, moves to where he can heal Ariach if need be.
The mohrg turns on Grell, and rakes at him with its claws. It hits, but (luckily) doesn't crit, for 15 damage. Its other claw attacks Ariach again, and doesn't even come close. The tongue lashes at Vaniime this time, and hits! Vaniime must make a DC 21 Fortitude save or be paralyzed!
The other wraith, feeling unloved, moves up to attack Grell, but misses.
The remaining adventurers continue to surge forward. All around you, you hear battle cries, curses, clashing weapons, twanging bows, and voices casting spells. You hear Graf's urgent voice: "can you tell what it is yet?" but there is no reply.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt)/AC19vsEvil; HP39/39 (temp Con Bonus via Bear's Endurance); Prot fm Evil; Shield Sunday December 16th, 2012 11:41:47 PM
(OOC: No new map...?)
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt)/AC19vsEvil; HP39/39 (temp Con Bonus via Bear's Endurance); Prot fm Evil; Shield Sunday December 16th, 2012 11:43:58 PM
(OOC: never mind--I realized that I had to backtrack to the older posts and click on that link again.)
DM Kathy Monday December 17th, 2012 11:52:48 AM
[Yeah, but I should still link to it. I've updated my post. Thanks. :) ]
Thessa - HP: 23/23, AC: 17/14/14, Shield d20+8=20 ; d8+1=3 ; Monday December 17th, 2012 4:08:47 PM
Thessa still has a clear shot at the Mohrg, so she decides to try another arrow.
By the gods, this one better hit the cursed thing! she thinks to herself.
This arrow flies true and finally offers some slight satisfaction as it strikes the tough bone. (AC: 20, Dmg: 3)
From the glancing blow, it's obvious she's proving herself uselessness again. In frustration and anger Thessa utters a searing curse in Undercommon - her drow cousins have the most satisfying expletives. Resisting the urge to throw down her bow, she pulls the Wand of Disrupt Undead, hoping that has a little more effect.
Current AC 26 (28 vs Mohrg)/16(20)/16(20): +4 shield, +2 favored defense, +2 aid other +1 Naturalist
current attack bonuses: +4 favored enemy
Van feels the slimy tongue cross her skin and she feels the horrid undeadness of it start to seep into her muscles nearly paralyzing her with fear. With great effort she shakes it off and takes a swing at the beast AC 23 for 10 points
{OOC: was having mouse issues with those extra rolls. Everytime I tired to go to +15 it would roll a +14 roll}
And after all that I left out the flanking bonusas well which would make that AC 25.
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 26/26/22, Mage Armor, Bless Weapon, Shield d20+6=22 ; d8+3=9 ; Monday December 17th, 2012 5:51:05 PM
After the wraith dissolves into the air, Tuck moves to engage the other one. He hammers home with a stinging slap to it's "face" hoping to distract it from the others. "Come on, Ugly!"
(Moves to A5 and attacks W1 hitting AC 22 for 9 damage)
Emrys (ac14, hp23/23), remove fear, see invisibility d20+20=37 ; d20+14=22 ; Monday December 17th, 2012 6:39:59 PM
Emrys hears the urgency in Graf's voice and decides to make a hard decision. Emrys explains to his friends, "We have not the time to defeat all these undead, we need answers! I'm going to try and identify the portal!"
With a few muttered words of power, Emrys disappears into thin air and begins to make his way to the mysterious green portal.
(Emrys cast Invisibility on himself and then moves 30-ft. Stealth check: 37)
(Perception: 22. How far away, and how clear the path?)
Ariach AC 24(29)/14/19 ; HP 44/47 (oil of blessing, insight bonus) d20+4=17 ; d8+4=10 ; Monday December 17th, 2012 6:42:40 PM
Although the brave warrior didnīt hit the Mohrg, Ariach doesnīt change his tactic.
He nods at Emry when he feels the healing energy from the bardīs wand.
Then he attacks the Mohrg knowing that he will hit the undead sooner or later.
Beside his offensive efforts he still protects Vaniim with his shield.
(fighting defensively -4attack,+2AC /combat expertise -2 attack/+2 AC/ moveaction: aid another(+2AC) on Vaniim)
(Hits AC 17 for 10 damage)
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt)/AC19vsEvil; HP39/39 (temp Con Bonus via Bear's Endurance); Prot fm Evil; Shield d20+8=9 ; Monday December 17th, 2012 7:47:43 PM
Wilma was visibly upset to see the horrid mohrg attack her best friend in the Wold. The young cleric howled in fury as she swung her quarterstaff at the undead creature's head. So angry was she that none of her blows landed on the mohrg at all.
Grell AC 25 (27 vs. Evil) /14/23, HP36/51, Protection from Evil, Shield, Remove Fear d20+11=21 ; 2d6+12=18 ; Monday December 17th, 2012 10:31:16 PM
Barely noticing the morg's attack, Grell feels the familiar sensation of the adrenaline surge that always comes before his anger takes over. He grins as he spots the skeleton's exposed rib cage. Yep...that's where he's gonna take down the little oogie boogie...right...there. Changing his grip on the pommel of his sword, Grell struggles to balance his massive weapon as he lunges forward, aiming for the creature's exposed innards. (AC21 for 18)
Grell AC 25 (27 vs. Evil) /14/23, HP36/51, Protection from Evil, Shield, Remove Fear Monday December 17th, 2012 10:33:22 PM
OOC: Forgot to add in flanking bonus. So, with that, should be AC23 for 19.
DM Kathy d20+4=21 ; Monday December 17th, 2012 11:18:31 PM Thessa takes another shot at the mohrg, and its a good shot. It would have hit just about anything you've fought so far. But it doesn't hit the mohrg; it skips off a bony shoulder. This thing is hard to hit!
Ariach continues fighting defensively, and misses his target again. Wilma's rage lends her strength, but not, alas, accuracy, and she misses as well.
Vaniime, however, connects, doing solid damage. Then Grell, with one final lunge, hits the creature and knocks it into a pile of bones and goo.
[And you guys took out a frickin' mohrg! CR 8, for crying out loud.]
Emrys, hearing Graf's cry, turns invisible and heads for the portal. [You are not quite caught up with the group that seems most interested in examining the portal, though you are close.]
Tuck steps up and attacks the wraith, who is starting to look a little the worse for wear. The wraith's return attack comes very close, but doesn't quite hit the nimble monk.
Around you, the battle still rages. If you can deal with this last wraith, you might have time to catch your breaths before more undead attack.
Grell AC 25 (27 vs. Evil) /14/23, HP36/51, Protection from Evil, Shield, Remove Fear d20+11=30 ; 4d6+24=38 ; Tuesday December 18th, 2012 5:34:32 AM
Letting his sword hang over his shoulder so that the tip of the gigantic sword almost touches the ground, the enraged fighter spins, pulling his blade down on the poor unsuspecting wight. His amped up, adrenaline fueled frenzy renders him practically deaf, so he doesn't even hear the satisfying *CRUNCH* as his blade rips through the undead's body. All Grell is aware of is the rapid *thud, thud, thud* of his heartbeat in his ears and the slight tunnel vision that signals him tapping into that well of profound hatred and anger stored deep down inside him. His countenance completely changes as Grell literally transforms into a visage of extreme violence. (AC30 (crit from Bless Oil), for 38)
Thessa - HP: 23/23, AC: 17/14/14, Shield d20+6=20 ; d6=5 ; Tuesday December 18th, 2012 9:49:34 AM
Thessa presents the Wand of Disrupt Undead and readies a shot from it while she watches Vaniime deliver the death blow to the mohrg (an impressive blow indeed!). Through the falling mohrg bones, she sees Grell swinging his sword in a fearsome arc at the shadow of the last wraith. She shivers from the frenzied look on his face and decides to continue with her original intent. She lets a bolt loose from the wand and watches it lance through the wispy form of the wraith. Finally! she thinks to herself, I've hit something! (AC: 20, Dmg: 5)
[OOC: Unless, of course, it's already dead from Grell's powerful swing! *lol*]
Ariach AC 24(29)/14/19 ; HP 44/47 (oil of blessing, insight bonus) d20+4=5 ; Tuesday December 18th, 2012 5:57:59 PM
Happy that Vaniim has destroyed the mohrg Ariach faces the only remaining enemy. He doesnīt lose any time and goes straight to the last undead and attacks him. On the way to the wraith Ariach raises his mace to use the energy of the rush against the hated enemy. But on his way he slips on a spot wet of blood or water and stumbles into the wraith. (natural 1) Fortunately the phenomenal blow of Grellīs sword kills the wraith but misses Ariach by a few inches.
Invisible to the world, Emrys continues to make his way closer to the portal. Also being gifted with the divination to see the unseen, he also keeps his eyes peeled for other invisible or incorporial creatures lurking about (Perception: 16). The bard relies on the chaos and noise of battle to help augment his sneakiness.
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 26/26/22, Mage Armor, Bless Weapon, Shield d20+5=17 ; d3=1 ; d20+5=17 ; d8+3=6 ; d8+3=6 ; Tuesday December 18th, 2012 7:54:10 PM
Tuck adds a few punches to the wraith just in case Grell's massive blow doesn't finish it.
(Flurry of Blows hits AC 17 & 17 for 6 & 6 damage)
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt)/AC19vsEvil; HP24/39; Prot fm Evil; Shield d20+10=16 ; Tuesday December 18th, 2012 8:49:01 PM
The cleric of Gargul was panting with frustration at having missed hitting the mohrg, Her spirits lifted considerably when she saw the way her brother dispatched the last wretched wraith that lay between them and...the green glowy portal thing. She looked around, trynig to see where it was in the midst of the skirmishes around her. OOC: Wilma rolled a 16 total for a Perception check.)
Wilma started to stride forward, panting with the effort of putting one foot in front of the other. She was only walking, for goodness' sake--how could it be hard?
Then she stopped as a wave of weakness swept over her, drawing away her strength as it ebbed.
'The Bear's Endurance spell...!' she thought in her shock. '...it...it must be wearing off...' Willma shook her head in an instinctive bid to shake off her loss of strength.
"Hey..." she said suddenly, "...where's Emrys...?"
Watching with satisfaction as the Morhg falls and the Wraiths soon follow, Van keeps her eyes roaming the room watching what is going on and trying to keep any eye on what is happening everywhere at once.
Perception DC 26
DM Kathy Wednesday December 19th, 2012 12:07:38 AM Thessa with her wand and Tuck with his fists do a little damage to the wraith, but it is Grell's mighty blow that finishes the thing off.
Wilma feels her boosted Constitution leave her. Ariach remains ready for the next attack.
Vaniime, keeping her eyes peeled, is the first to spot the trio of mummies headed for the party.
Emrys gets up to the portal just in time to hear one of the wizards swear. "That," she says, "is a portal to the Realms of Shadow, and it's almost complete! We have to destroy it!" Emrys's knowledge of other planes is almost all theoretical, but he concurs with the assessment. And, now that he knows what he's looking for, he can see something squirming deep inside the portal, ready to come through once the connection is complete.
"So destroy it!" Graf has switched from bow to knives, and is carving up undead at an astonishing rate.
"Ok Guys. Wake up we've got company coming," Van calls out as she sees the mummies coming their way and moves to (F5) .
"Tuck you and Grell form up on the first one, Ariach you and Wilma take the one in the middle and Thessa and I will take the third."
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 26/26/22, Mage Armor, Bless Weapon, Shield d20+6=20 ; d8+3=5 ; Wednesday December 19th, 2012 5:41:28 PM
"Oh man!"
Tuck sees the formidable mummies approaching them and takes a deep breath.
"I hate deaders," he comments as he falls again into his attack stance and moves forward to meet them.
He throws an overhand right at the closest mummy and prepares to duck the counterattack.
(Moves to C6 and attacks M1 hitting AC 20 for 5 damage)
Grell AC 25 (27 vs. Evil) /14/23, HP36/51, Protection from Evil, Shield, Remove Fear d20+11=31 ; 4d6+24=43 ; Wednesday December 19th, 2012 5:42:48 PM
Moving to D6
His tunnel vision narrows to the point where his peripheral vision is nonexistent. Whether it's the pounding of his heart or the adrenaline surge that courses through his veins, Grell is rendered almost deaf as well. A dangerous combo considering his enraged state. Not hearing Van's instruction, Grell charges forward and rips into his next victim, undead goo splattering the once grand ballroom furniture. Any form of reason that the warrior might have once held has now long sense fled and what remains is a hulking creature twisted by rage into a killing machine.
OOC: Attacking M1 AC31 for 43.
Emrys (ac14, hp23/23), invisible, remove fear, see invisibility d20+15=23 ; d20+12=21 ; d20+14=19 ; Wednesday December 19th, 2012 6:37:36 PM
Emrys shrinks just a little as he stares into the face of pure evil. An evil that is trying to invade the Living Wold. "I SEE THE UNHOLY BEAST ... IT APPROACHES!!," yells Emrys! (Knowledge [Religion]: 23. Knowledge [Planes]: 21)
'Think, think, think ... what is that? why is this happening here? Why this place? Why now? All he knows of the planes and those foreign to the Wold. Then an idea ... is the portal feeding off the immense negative energies of this horrid place? What disrupts evil energy .... good, of course!
Emrys quickly opens his belt pouch and extracts a vial of Holy Water. He then splashes it liberally upon the portal.
(Perception: 19 ... ack, I can't look, it's just too evil!)
Ariach AC 24(29)/14/19 ; HP 44/47 (oil of blessing, insight bonus) d20+4=23 ; d8+4=12 ; Wednesday December 19th, 2012 6:39:15 PM
Ariach follows Vanimmīs order and attacks the new undead threat in the middle (M2). He takes position next to Grell (E6) and hits the mummy with his mace.
Thessa - HP: 23/23, AC: 17/14/14, Shield d20+6=10 ; d6=6 ; Wednesday December 19th, 2012 8:05:41 PM
Thessa turns to see the mummies shambling toward them and instinctively takes a step back to G3. She bites her lip, hoping that the wand makes an impact on the linen-wrapped foe. She almost yips with glee as the positive energy bursts into the mummy. (AC: 10 (RTT), Dmg: 6)
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt)/AC19vsEvil; HP24/39; Prot fm Evil; Shield Wednesday December 19th, 2012 8:13:27 PM
Wilma felt so tired...so weak...but she said nothing about it, instead stepping into place directly behind Ariach. As she positioned herself behind him, the cleric's left hand fumbled a bit awkwardly with her belt pouch--she had only one vial of Holy Water left, but she was determined to use it on the musty, dusty bandaged horrors advancing upon them. She found herself leaning heavily upon her staff as she did so.
'Gargul,' she prayed silently, 'Give me the strength to face those who would avoid your rightful judgement...'
OOC: digging out a bottle from a belt pouch--that takes a round, right...? Then she can throw it next round?
Edited by DM Kathy per player request.
DM Kathy d20+5=7 ; Wednesday December 19th, 2012 10:01:41 PM
Seeing the mummies advance, Vaniime moves up to begin re-forming the line of battle, calling encouragement to her teammates.
Tuck and Grell move up in tandem to attack the first of the mummies. A moment later, Ariach joins them.
Thessa takes a step back and shoots a beam from her wand.
[OOC: So, the Pathfinder prd is having server problems, so I can't get to the mummy page. We'll just assume everybody hit. :) ]
Wilma digs out a vial of Holy Water and tosses it into the midst of the mummies. [Retrieving an item is a move-equivalent action, and since you didn't move this round, you can also throw it.] It's not the worlds greatest throw [I rolled for you. I rolled a 2. Sorry.]...but at least there's splash damage.
Emrys, near the portal, can hear the high-level casters discussing strategy. "I've got a Greater Dispel," pants the human woman who first identified the portal. "If somebody could hit it with a Break Enchantment at the same time...?"
"I'm thinking it's time for a Disjunction," an elf mage replies, pulling out a scroll.
Nearby, another human shrugs. "I was going to go with Disintigrate," he says. "It solves a lot of problems...."
"On three," the human woman says. "One, two..."
With a great cacophony of mystic words and thunderous magical effects, several spells hit the portal at once. Also, a vial of Holy Water, which--who knows?--might be doing just as much good as all that magic.
The noise is unbelievable. At first, you think it's the loudest noise you've ever heard. Then it gets louder. It's as if the entire Wold was a piece of paper, and some unseen hand is tearing it apart with a massive RIIIIP! As if that weren't enough, every undead in the place shrieks at the top of---whatever passes for its lungs. The noise seems to go on forever. Some of the adventurers actually drop to the ground, although there doesn't seem to be a lot of vibration that goes with the sound.
The portal warps, and shivers, and then, with a massive burst of dark energy, closes in on itself. If possible, the noise gets louder.
Then, the portal is gone. The room is quiet. The undead flee.
And everybody's stone turns red.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt)/AC19vsEvil; HP24/39; Prot fm Evil; Shield Thursday December 20th, 2012 2:15:32 AM
"We need to..." Wilma gasped, feeling very shaken by her sudden loss of vitality (again), "...we need to get out of here...NOW!!!" The young priestess swayed in place, with only the fact that she was leaning heavily upon her quarterstaff keeping her from toppling over.
"...but I think...I'm gonna need some....help with that..."
Grell AC 25 (27 vs. Evil) /14/23, HP36/51, Protection from Evil, Shield, Remove Fear Thursday December 20th, 2012 10:15:23 AM
OOC: Grell is not *really* in a rage...I'm just testing out the RP aspects of it, should I choose to add that to his character when the nerf changes are made. I'm sorry if this is confusing.
Watching his prey flee triggers the inner predator deep down inside. Reason thrown to the four winds, Grell begins to give chase to the retreating mummies, intent to destroy them completely.
OOC to DM: If it's okay, I'd like to test out the RP angle of rage, BUT, I don't want to screw Grell or the party by having him continue to chase after the mummies. If this is going to land Grell or the party in big trouble, then Grell will snap out of his new psychological condition and start heading back with the others.
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 26/26/22, Mage Armor, Bless Weapon, Shield Thursday December 20th, 2012 5:25:48 PM
"Grell!" Tuck yells after his friend as he begins to follow the mummies. "Grell, we need you. Wilma needs help. It's time to get out of here!"
He gives Wilma an arm to lean against as he tries to herd the others back towards the exit. "Let's go, let's go!"
Van recoils slightly as the noise hits her and then recovers as she sees/hears her best friend. Sheathing her sword on the way to her, Van looks Wilma over and seeing only minor wounds assumes there is some loss of strength or some such due to magic or some such warns her friend. "Ok, Over the shoulder it is Wilma."
With that said she scoops her friend up and starts back toward the exit. strenght roll DC 19
"OK all lets go, and quickly."
Emrys (ac14, hp23/23), remove fear, see invisibility d20+14=31 ; Thursday December 20th, 2012 6:42:15 PM
Emrys gets a front row seat to the sudden rip in light and darkness, time and space. When powerful streams of arcane and divine magiks, along with a splash of Holy Water, intertwine and clash with dark energies ... uhhh .... the bard completely loses track of the commentary within his thoughts. The narrative will have to wait, because the blast completely throws him backwards into the other casters.
His head is pounding, ears ringing, and he's covered in a kind of ooze that smells like the funk of 40,000 years! The next thing he knows is that he is being pulled up off the floor by the other casters. Realizing it's time to go, Emrys runs for the exit like there is no tomorrow.
(Perception: 31)
(Im assuming that Emrys' attack on the portal canceled his Invisibility. If it didn't, he drops the spell.)
Wilma is willing to follow, but her Constitution drain is holding her back a bit. Vaniime, ever loyal, steps up to help her.
Grell, in a foaming fury, goes running after the mummies. Tuck is hot on his heels, urging him to stop and follow the rest of the group.
There are benefits to being in a group with higher-level spellcasters. They have targets to spare on some of their mass-effect spells, and they're willing to make you those targets. Soon, about half of you are Hasted, and the other half are part of a Mass Fly spell. Both spells increase speed, and soon the whole group is flying through the Castle toward the exit (some literally).
Somebody even hits Grell with a Calm Emotions.
Luckily, your chalk markings are still clear and strong; you can tell where you need to go. Also luckily, the implosion of the portal seemed to have knocked the undead for a loop; the few that you see appear weakened and disoriented.
Despite your speed, the gap in the wall is definitely closing by the time you reach it. One by one, you plunge through, back onto the safe cobbles of the Outcast Quarter. Again, Graf is the last one through, though this time, he actually has several seconds to spare.
"Did the other group make it out?" he asks.
"We beat you sluggards out by a good minute," a very battered-looking dwarf replies. "The Swords took some casualties, but we rescued what was left."
You look around at the other adventurers. All are more experienced than you, with better equipment. But you stuck right in there with them. You accomplished what you set out to do, and you helped stop what could have become a very serious situation in Lasher Castle.
And, you realize, it isn't even lunchtime yet.
[Everybody take 1500 XP for this scene. I will do Hero Points via email. Because of the Christmas and New Year holidays, posting between now and January 2 is optional. We can do some roleplay as your characters level up, and we'll work on getting everything nice and tidy so your new DMs can come in and mess it all up again. :) ]
Thessa - HP: 23/23, AC: 17/14/14, Shield Thursday December 20th, 2012 11:53:41 PM
Thessa happens to be one of the ones aided by the Mass Fly spell and immediately makes her way toward the exit with arrow knocked and bow drawn using the additional height, just in case there is any lingering undead that block their way.
Outside, she floats quickly over to Wilma, noticing Van had carried her most of the way.
"Are you alright, Wilma? Do you need healing magic? I can try to get one of the other clerics to help," the look of concern on her face is deep and genuine.
Grell AC 25 (27 vs. Evil) /14/23, HP36/51, Protection from Evil, Shield, Remove Fear Friday December 21st, 2012 7:20:28 AM
His breathing slowly returning to normal, Grell's hands begin to tremble as he looks around trying to get his bearings. Tuck has grabbed onto his shirt and is dragging him down one of Lasher Castle's endless corridors. *Why* is Thessa flying?!
Grell searches his memory. The last thing he recalls is fighting a mohrg. Covered in sweat, and now very tired, Grell is completely lost as he heads back to the entrance and finally out the portal. A panicked thought fills his tiny brain. Van and Wilma!! Where are they?!! With the crowd of adventurers pressing around, the warrior doesn't immediately spot the duo, and his is almost in total panic before he finally spots Van *carrying* Wilma. The icy cold fingers that grip his heart now smash it flat. Roughly pushing past the higher level adventurers blocking his way, Grell makes a beeline for Van, searching Wilma over. She's breathing...good...she can talk...better. But *why* is Van carrying her?! There is more than an edge of terror in his voice when he looks up at Van. "Van, what's wrong with Wilma? What happened in there anyway...I...I can't remember some of it."
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt)/AC19vsEvil; HP24/39; Prot fm Evil; Shield Friday December 21st, 2012 4:22:36 PM
"Don't...don't worry, Grell..." Wilma said, waiting for Van to put her down, "...Van was in a hurry....she helped me get out....of the castle." The young priestess sat down on a nearby.
"That Bear's Endurance spell wore off at...totally the wrong time!" she explained. "So my vitality is...a lot lower than it normally is. It's likely to stay that way...unless I can persuade a healer to cast the proper sort of magic...." She leaned forward and rested her forehead on the quarterstaff she still clutched in both hands.
"But, Grell--" Wilma added, tilting her head a bit so that her sparkling sapphire eyes had a (mostly) clear view of the warrior, "--you totally kicked undead butt! That was a freakin' mohrg in there!" Her obvious approval was accompanied by a big, bright smile.
Ariach AC 24(29)/14/19 ; HP 44/47 (oil of blessing, insight bonus) Friday December 21st, 2012 4:34:11 PM
Ariach is very relieved to find out that all of his friends made it out. Finally they had completed their task and the portal was destroyed by the enormous power of the spellcasters in their rows.
Out of Lasher Castle he doesnīt hesitate to sit down and rest his terrible tired body. Then he sees all the others gathering around Wilma and joins them. Maybe there is something he can do for the priestess.......
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 26/26/22, Mage Armor, Bless Weapon, Shield Friday December 21st, 2012 5:35:28 PM
Tuck is as relieved as any to be outside of the castle. If he never saw another undead creature for the rest of his life, he figured that he would be quite okay with that.
"Everyone out? Everyone alive? Woo! What a rush, huh?"
Emrys (ac14, hp23/23), remove fear, see invisibility Friday December 21st, 2012 7:55:29 PM
Still catching his breath and looking quite disheveled, Emrys states, "I can't believe it ... we did it. We all stared the beast in the eye and live to tell about it. My friends, you were all amazing! I swear ... a Mohrg!!"
He pauses to catch his breath and continues this thought in a lower tone so only his friends can hear, "Erase all worries, my friends. Our wounds will soon be cast aside and replaced with restored vigor. My father gave me something special after graduation, and I've been holding on to it all this time. I was hoping to surprise you all with it, but now, I think, you all should know. I've prepared a great feast for us back at the house... a feast fit for king ... a feast that will revitalize and invigorate our body and soul! Tonight we dine like heroes!"
Grell AC 25 (27 vs. Evil) /14/23, HP36/51, Protection from Evil, Shield, Remove Fear d6=4 ; Friday December 21st, 2012 9:27:07 PM
Grell looks over at Wilma with a mixture of relief and confusion. Apparently he had defeated the morhg. "Uhhhh...yeah, thanks. It was nothing." A measure of worry begins to work through his tiny brain. *WHY* can't I remember the battle?!
Grell gives Tuck a half-smile. Sometimes his friend's exuberance was just the pick me up the warrior needed, but not today. No, the measure of worry about his recent bout of memory loss grows incrementally. He hasn't experienced another blackout since that time so long ago...when he fell into the worg pit. If it was happening again, then it was definitely reason for concern...deep concern.
As Emrys chimes in, Grell can't help but be relieved, even if he doesn't fully understand what the hoity toity half-elf was saying. Apparently, the bard thought he could heal Wilma, and that was all he really needed to know. "Well, what are we waiting for...let's get this party started!" Grell's over excitement about the impending "feast" is completely misplaced, even for the not so bright warrior, and it is a sure signal that something just isn't quite right with the warrior.
OOC: Ignore the d6...hit on accident.
DM Kathy Sunday December 23rd, 2012 11:43:03 PM
All of the adventurers are understandably keyed-up when you exit the Castle. Everybody spends a fair amount of time re-hashing the battles, talking about how this spell or that volley of arrows really helped turn the tide.
You have the wounded to see to, however--and, in the case of the Swords of Triumph, dead companions for whom a petition to Gargul must be arranged. Soon, the various adventuring parties go their separate ways, with a few die-hard onlookers still applauding, and Graf promising to be in touch.
You return to the town house, and Emrys, true to his word, conjurs up a feast fit for a king. Or rather, he conjurs up a rather odd-looking halfling fellow who cooks a feast fit for a king.
True, it's the kind of feast usually enjoyed around the time of the winter solstice, and it seems kind of odd to be eating roast beast and mince pies and figgy pudding with summer coming on. Everything is delicious, however, and the food magically restores the lingering effects from the undead. [Everyone who eats the feast gains the benefits of a Restoration spell.]
Although your excursion to Lasher Castle was momentous, it only consumed a few hours start to finish. Your town house is much as you left it. The black kitten is still hiding under the easy chair in Grell's room, and of course the parlor and dining room are as off-putting as ever.
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 26/26/22, Mage Armor, Bless Weapon, Shield Monday December 24th, 2012 8:05:39 AM
"Home again, home again, jiggity jig jig! Boy, even though we haven't been here for long, it feels good to come back to this old place."
During the meal, Tuck raises his glass for a toast. "To the Vanguard! May we be friends forever and for always!"
He seems to be in fine spirits, jibber-jawing the whole night, complimenting his friends on their valor and prowess. By the way he is stuffing food into his mouth, he seems especially appreciative of Emrys' feast.
"Emrys, that was the best meal I've ever had. My father could never cook that well." He seems forlorn at the memory. "He was always mixing up this or that to try on dinner, but never could get anything to taste...adequate."
Emrys Monday December 24th, 2012 1:55:50 PM
Emrys raises his glass and drinks to Tuck's toast. After refilling his glass, Emrys makes a toast of his own, "Yess ... and may I add, that today we proved our mettle. We made a name for ourselves. Our stories will be told by the light of evening flame ... songs will be sung with the clinking of pints. Hurrah, Vanguard!"
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:42/42 Wednesday December 26th, 2012 7:15:02 PM
Vaniime was unseemingly quiet on the way back to their home.
There was a lot to think about and try and figure out. There were lucky today. Even with all the others there, there really shouldn't have been any way they should have been able to takeout a mohrg....
And Grell, what happened with him? Her dad had told stories of fighters that got "battle fever" and kind of lost theirselves for a bit during the battle and for a time after....
DM Kathy Wednesday December 26th, 2012 8:52:40 PM
You have a hard battle (or rather, a series of hard battles) in the morning, then you go home and have a big meal, and now it as a warm, pleasant spring afternoon.
The result is predictable. Members of the Vanguard variously linger in the breakfast, room, or amble into the library, or seek their own chambers. Wherever they are, their eyes being to droop, their limbs begin to feel heavy, and the yawns begin. Birds chirp and trill outside opened windows; there's a pleasant breeze; the sun is warm....
It feels as if it's going to be a lazy afternoon.
Emrys Thursday December 27th, 2012 9:43:01 PM
In the open window, a tiny owl lands. In his talons is a small bundle of various herbs. Emrys looks over, his eyes widen and he calls out to the bird. "Gestalt, you missed the feast!" The owl looks disappointed. Then Emrys adds, "Not to worry ... I saved you some, my friend." The owl gently glides over to Emry's arm and graciously accepts his meal. The bard inspects the bundle of herbs and says, "Excellent, we should give these a try after they dry out a bit."
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt)/AC19vsEvil; HP49/49 Friday December 28th, 2012 2:27:18 AM
"We really need to find a rug for the foyer..." Wilma pointed out to nobody in particular. She felt much, much better now that she had eaten and had a chance to unwind from the party's first official dungeon crawl.
"We also need to follow up on that housekeeper person that Master Thessler told us about...what was her name again...?"
Grell AC 25 (27 vs. Evil) /14/23, HP36/51, Protection from Evil, Shield, Remove Fear Friday December 28th, 2012 5:23:24 PM
After the feast, Grell high tales it over to his room and stays there, watching his new found kitten from a distance and thinking. Thinking hard about what might have happened to him in that last battle and what it might mean for him in the future.
Emrys d20+12=17 ; Saturday December 29th, 2012 1:44:16 AM
Those who are walking about the house, and find themselves in the area of the kitchen, will happen upon a strange and musky odor. One can hear music being played from a stringed instrument along with a sharp ringing ping sound attempting to keep in time with the other.
Once you enter, your eyes turn to a small cauldron set over the fire. Within boils an odd-smelling, bubbling liquid. A lone wooden spoon stirs the liquid seemingly by itself as if being controlled by an invisible hand. Over on a stool, Emrys sits playing his darkwood lute. His attention appears to be focused on an tiny owl over on the countertop. The owl bobs his head as if he were keeping count and then pecks at a metal triangle dangling from a string.
"Good, good, you're getting better, Gestalt! You'll master this in no time." Then Emrys spots you in the doorway and says, "Oh, I hope we didn't rouse you from your leisure time. We were only working on a song ... oh, and brewing a few potent potables."
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt)/AC19vsEvil; HP49/49 Saturday December 29th, 2012 4:40:39 PM
"Whew!" Wilma breathed, wiping her brow in an exaggerated fashion. "For a moment there, I thought you were making lunch!" She grinned and winked at the bard.
"Listen...Emrys..." she said in a more serious tone, "...um...is it me...or has Grell been a bit...moodier than usual...?" The expression on her face easily conveyed the concern she was feeling for her younger brother.
Emrys Sunday December 30th, 2012 6:53:50 PM
"Yes, I too have noticed a more pensive mood from Grell. I can understand why. What we've endured this morning has had a profound effect on us all. That's why I'm choosing to stay busy. If I were to sit and reflect upon what I saw on the other side of that portal, I'd drive myself to madness. Even now, I'm still quite shaken. If left alone to my own devices, I'd probably go home to Culverheart, the one place in this world where I truly feel safe, amongst the tall trees." Emrys quiets as he too succumbs to brooding thoughts.
"Ping, Ping," is sounded from Gestalt's triangle. The owl wasn't going to let Emrys become lost in his thoughts. He glides over to Emrys' shoulder and nuzzles up against the side of his head. A smile returns to Emrys and he says, "You see, Gestalt has always been my anchor. Maybe you should go and be Grell's."
Changing the subject, Emrys adds, "I will be making a mild, herbal calmative later this evening if anyone is needing something to help them sleep. I know I will."
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt)/AC19vsEvil; HP49/49 Sunday December 30th, 2012 7:08:53 PM
"Hey, now, elf..." Wilma said in a mock huff, "...since when did you get such wisdom..? I'm the cleric in this party, y'know..!" Her sapphire eyes twinkled with humor for a moment, but then her expression grew more serious.
"I didn't see what you saw, Emrys," the redhead said soberly, "But if you find yourself dwelling on it a bit too much, try to keep this in mind: we all did our part to stop some being from fleeing the Shadow Lands--no doubt it was trying to avoid the righteous judgement of Gargul. It isn't here in the Wold because we all did our best to shut down the gateway it was trying to open. In short--you did good. Forget the rest...as best you can."
Grell AC 25 (27 vs. Evil) /14/23, HP36/51, Protection from Evil, Shield, Remove Fear d20+1=18 ; Sunday December 30th, 2012 8:52:58 PM
Making a quick trip down to the kitchen, Grell spots Wilma and Emrys chatting. Not at all wanting to engage in conversation, Grell grabs a bit of venison from one of the larders and runs up the stairs back to his room (CLUNK, CLUNK, CLUNK). Once he's back in his room, the warrior lays down on the ground and munches on a small piece of the meat while trying to lure the kitten out from under the chair with the remainder. He waits patiently, knowing that it will do him no good to try and rush things. (Handle Animal=18)
He speaks soothingly to the kitten, trying to work through his own fears. "It's alright little one...there's nothing to be afraid of (OH how I wish that were true!). No one will hurt you as long as I'm here (unless *I* hurt you while I'm in one of my awful blackouts!!). That's right...you can come out now.." Feeling his patience slip as yet again, the kitten just cowers under the chair ears flat, the warrior lets out a puff of air. He tries to remember some of the training Ganz gave him. "Losing your cool in a battle is just going to get you killed cream puff! You better learn how to tame that temper of yours Grell! Now, go runs some laps and cool down!" Hmmmm...exercise...maybe that's the key...
Striping down to a thin tunic and pants, Grell stretches out his quads and hams in the hallway and then begins bounding up and down the stairs that connect the bedrooms and the kitchen. THUD, THUD, THUD....THUDDITY, THUDDITY, THUD! Down the stairs, then right back up again...rest is for wimps and that is one thing Grell is not! After about 12 flights of stairs, Grell is covered in a pleasant layer of sweat and feels warmed up, but the nagging thoughts are still there.
Striping off his shirt, Grell heads back into the kitchen and draws himself some water, drinking straight from the bucket and slopping a good deal of water on the floor in the process. He looks over at Emrys and the bird. Huh...an owl...Emrys didn't strike him as the bird owner kinda guy. He looks over at Wilma, who looks...concerned? Kinda like the time she helped bind his wounds after the famous worg incident. You know, I gotta give it to her. I really thought she was gonna rat me out to Mom and Dad that summer, but she never did. Then he remember back to something that his Mom had told him so long ago. Of course he hadn't bothered to listen back then. He rarely paid very much attention to what she said far too often. "Grell...don't forget...no matter what's going on, your family will *always* have your back..." Dropping his sweaty shirt on the spilled water, Grell wipes up the mess, then he swallows his pride and strides toward Wilma. "Ehhhm...hey Wilma...you got a minute?"
DM Kathy Sunday December 30th, 2012 9:58:32 PM Emrys shakes off the lethargy of the afternoon and welcomes a new companion, an owl called Gestalt. He performs some kitchen experiments, which he earnestly promises will result in a potion of some kind.
Wilma expresses a wish to buy a rug for the foyer. There are probably all kinds of rugs to be found in the Open Palm Market, just upriver in the Trade Quarter. She also wonders how the search for servants is coming along; Master Ressler's assistant, Arcia Rookward had said she'd make inquiries. It's only been a couple of days, but perhaps Mistress Rookward will have something to report soon?
But that may have to wait. Both Wilma and Emrys are worried that Grell seems to be in something of a funk.
In Grell's experience, the best cure for a funk is exercise! So off he goes, clomping up and down stairs indoors, as if there weren't a lovely sunny day outside in which to clomp. Still, he probably has his reasons....
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt)/AC19vsEvil; HP49/49 Monday December 31st, 2012 5:23:08 AM
Grell's older sister immediately focused her attention upon him.
"Sure, Grell," Wilma agreed readily. "I've always got time for you." She paused so that the obviously troubled warrior could take the lead and speak of whatever was bothering him in the way he wanted to speak.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt)/AC19vsEvil; HP35/35 Monday December 31st, 2012 8:15:11 AM
OOC post to correct that way over-the-top HP total--D'OH!
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP35/35 Monday December 31st, 2012 8:16:28 AM
...and yet another OOC post to further correct Wilma's post headings...sigh...
Grell AC 25 (27 vs. Evil) /14/23, HP36/51, Protection from Evil, Shield, Remove Fear Monday December 31st, 2012 9:53:06 AM
Grell eyes Emrys suspiciously. NO WAY his spilling his big secret in front of him! "Can we talk in my room?" Assuming Wilma agrees, Grell bounds back up the stairs again and then waits for Wilma to join him. It's another reminder of how he really out to figure out a workout schedule for his sisters. She could *really* use some cardio work!
Once they are settled into his room, Grell paces back and forth, frustration mingled with fear make words difficult. "You errrr...do you remember that one summer that I jumped into the worg pit?" In all the years that have passed since the event, Grell has never once mentioned that day, though it has featured in more than one of his deepest darkest nightmares. "Well..." Grell rubs his chin and notices a small amount of stubble forming. "There's something I never told you....while I was in the pit..." the bulky warrior shivers, just remembering all those teeth and claws is enough to tie his stomach up in knots. "Ahem...well...while I was trying to get out, I had something happen...somehow I beat them off of me...or I would have died that day. But the thing is...I can't remember what happened. I remember before the attack, and I (Grell grits his teeth) remember you helping me afterward." Big beads of sweat form on Grell's forehead, though they're not from the exercise. No, this is...Grell can't even believe he's thinking it...this is *fear*.
"Anyway, it happened again...this morning in the battle with the mohrg. I...uhhh...I don't know what I did in there." Grell shudders and his eyes reflect his internal terror. "I think there's something wrong with me. I...I...I'm sc....I mean, I'm frig...." Grell can't bring himself to say the words, and his shoulders slump. "I'm worried I'm going to hurt someone." Wilma's brother stares at the floorboard, unable to look his sister in the eye. It is true...he is weak...and even worse, he is weak in the one place that he can't exercise...his mind.
Emrys d20+14=28 ; Monday December 31st, 2012 2:26:07 PM
After Wilma and Grell leave the kitchen, Emrys can't help but chuckle to himself. Not for Grell's internal struggles, Emrys would do all he could to help Grell, if asked. The bard is amused by the fact that Grell thinks he can keep secrets from him by simply moving to another room. Grell's secret, however, will remain safe because he simply respects the privacy of his friends.
Emrys wishes he could follow Wilma's advice, to forget what he saw in the portal. His insatiable thirst for knowledge will not allow that. He wants to know who or what that was. If it could conjure a portal once, it most certainly could do it again.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP35/35 Monday December 31st, 2012 2:40:52 PM
Wilma followed in her brother's wake, perching herself on the edge of the window seat in his room and watching as he explained what was bothering him. When he was done, Wilma didn't look directly at Grell, but seemed to stare thoughtfully at the training dummy he'd had sent to him from their home in the Emerald Kingdom. The young warrior knew from her expression that she was definitely thinking about something because Wilma was also occasionally rubbing her chin as she did so, a habit she picked up from their mother.
"I've...heard of things like that happening to certain kinds of fighter-types..." Wilma said, her sapphire eyes focusing directly upon Grell once more, "...I think...yes, I believe that what you need to do is to talk to a trainer at the WLA. They would no doubt recognize what's happening and be in the best sort of position to help you deal with it." The priestess of Gargul smiled slightly.
"I can tell you this much, though, Grell--you may not remember how you carved up a mohrg, but I saw how you fought it. You stayed on target until it was finished, and then tried to move on to other undead--you didn't turn against the Vanguard or even against any of our allies, so I'm pretty sure that you'll be able to get a handle on whatever this is, and even use it to your advantage in the future."
Emrys d20+12=25 ; Monday December 31st, 2012 5:21:26 PM
"Alright, Gestalt. Let's try another potion." The owl nods in agreement.
Into the hot cauldron, Emrys pours three to four ladles of clean water. He adds a combination of crushed herbs and dung beetles from a mortar. Uncorking a bottle, Emrys then pours a few drops of muskrat oil into the mixture as it just begins to bubble. Then a pinch of powdered nightshade, seahag salt, an eye of gingrich, then a bay leaf and a slice of ginger root for flavor. Speaking to the unseen servant, Emrys commands, "Stir this until I tell you to stop... please." When the appropriate amount of time has passed, the bard chants the incantation. With a silver spoon, Emrys scoops out what is left into a small vial, which he then corks and gives a good shake.
(Brewing a Cat's Grace Potion, 1st level spell for a witch. Craft [alchemy]: 25. Time: 2 hours. Cost: 25g in materials.)
Ariach AC 24(29)/14/19 ; HP 44/47 (oil of blessing, insight bonus) Tuesday January 1st, 2013 6:32:03 AM
After the difficult and arduous struggle of the last day Ariach enjoys the peace in his new home. He usually knows to appreciate the company of his comrades. But today he just enjoys the complete silence in his room.
THUD, THUD, THUD .... THUDDITY, THUDDITY, THUD!
Startled by the sudden sounds Ariach reaches for his short sword and watches what is going on in the hallway. Relieved he recognizes that it is once again Grell who ensures the unnecessary noise. Not in the mood to join Grellīs exercises Ariach goes back to his room. There his battered body receives the well-earned rest.
Grell Tuesday January 1st, 2013 7:43:25 AM
Grell nods at his sister. She was right...the WLA would probably be a good place to go looking for answers. On his feet in an instant, Grell snatches up his older sister in a sweaty, smelly hug. "Thanks....sis." Though he still has nagging worries, Wilma has gone a long way to dispel some of them. Never being one to sit around, Grell grabs up a fresh tunic and trousers and begins changing. "Hey Wilma, you want to head into town? I need to do a couple of quick laps around the Nightmare Quarter to finish up my cardio this morning, but if you wanted to do some shopping while I'm in the WLA..."
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP35/35 Tuesday January 1st, 2013 12:05:32 PM
Wilma looked down at what had been a freshly laundered gray gown only moments before, then she gave a mental shrug...it was worth the price of having to wash the dress once again if it meant that Grell wasn't brooding anymore.
"Ah, yes...the rug for the foyer..." she recalled, nodding. "It seems like a lifetime ago when we first got here, but it's only just been about a day, hasn't it..?" Her red head bobbed once again.
"Sure, Grell, that sounds like a plan," she agreed with him.
Tuck HP 42/42 AC 18/18/14 Tuesday January 1st, 2013 12:42:59 PM
Tuck spends some time up in the attic going through his different katas. Some are slow and focused, others quick and powerful. All of them, he flows through the moves like a well-practiced dance. Each movement is precise and definitive.
After an hour, he returns to the other levels to see what's going on with his friends. He notes that Grell seems to be keeping to himself, but leaves that to Wilma. If he wants help from Tuck, he would ask him.
Making himself a sandwich, he wrinkles his nose at the concoction that Emrys is brewing. "Emrys! Did you barf in this? It smells gross."
DM Kathy Tuesday January 1st, 2013 2:11:30 PM Emrys continues brewing potions, while Grell and Wilma take themselves off for a heart-to-heart talk. There may be some changes to Grell's fighting style in the future.
Ariach is briefly disturbed by all the running about, but soon returns to resting up after the fight.
Tuck, coming into the kitchen, takes on the role of food critic. The smell in the well-equipped kitchen really is....interesting. But Emrys already has one potion bottled, and is just about ready to bottle the next.
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:45/45 Wednesday January 2nd, 2013 5:43:10 PM
After getting home and eating, Vaniime relaxes with a bath and then redresses and heads out to the druid quarter for some relaxation and some time with nature. While there she takes a little time to prepare six more small bagged vines, should they be needed again anytime soon.
Tuck HP 42/42 AC 18/18/14 Wednesday January 2nd, 2013 6:50:01 PM
In between bites, Tuck points his sandwich at the owl sitting by the pot.
"What's this bird? I hope he doesn't eat Grell's cat."
Emrys Wednesday January 2nd, 2013 7:15:24 PM
The instruments have been set aside for now as the half-elf and owl continue their kitchen activities. The wooden spoon still appears to be stirring itself. Gestalt is gently turning pages to an open book left on the counter ... his eyes follow the lines of text. He appears to be reading! Emrys leans back in his stool with a small, leather-bound tome titled,"All Things Otherwoldly." He appears to be scribbling notes with his favorite quill on a short scroll of paper.
When Tuck interrupts his concentration, Emrys answers, "Oh ... why yes, the effervescent concoction in the cauldron is a potion we are currently working on. I swear we've been in here so long, we no longer notice the pungent odor." Gestalt turns to Emrys and makes a disagreeing squawk. "Ahh, I guess I speak only for myself then."
Emrys Wednesday January 2nd, 2013 7:17:43 PM
Emrys replies, "Why that's Gestalt. Haven't you two met already?" The bard seems quite surprised that everyone doesn't already know of his owl friend.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP35/35 d20+2=5 ; Wednesday January 2nd, 2013 7:58:00 PM
Wilma went forth into the city, keeping her eyes peeled as she accompanied Grell to the WLA guildhall. Along the way she spied a likely-looking carpet vendor with some very nice-looking wares. When she was able to focus on the business of shopping, she consulted the vendor and described the foyer with the bloodrose mosaic inset that the group preferred to cover up with a rug that would help the dark room seem less gothic and grim, and asked if the vendor had anything in stock that was about ten feet (either square or round.)
OOC: Wilma is taking her time with this, so consider this one a Take 20 scenario. I rolled a Charisma check to see if the cleric can attempt to sweet-talk the vendor into giving her a discount of sorts. Her roll totals a whopping 5, but (adding the 20) her attempt has a score of 25.
DM Kathy Wednesday January 2nd, 2013 11:28:44 PM Vaniime cleans up, then heads for the Druid Quarter. She is able to dig some new vines and get them safely stored in her pack.
Tuck asks about the owl, and worries about it eating Grell's cat. Which would be bad--not only because it would kill the cat, but also because the other cats in Kitty Heaven would make fun of it for being killed by a bird.
Emrys explains his potion-making and offers to do custom concoctions for his friends.
Wilma accompanies her brother to the WLA, taking a short detour through the Open Palm Market. The rug vendor asks her a few questions about what she is looking for. "You don't want to go too light," he cautions, "or it'll show the dirt. A rug in an entry hall will get things tracked onto it. Let me see what I have..."
You end up with a couple of options here, neither of which is ideal, but either of which will work. Both rugs are square. The first is a medium blue, with lavender and white flowers scattered across it. It's pretty, but the colors really don't go with anything on the first floor. The second rug is a brown-and-gold plaid, obviously hand-loomed, which gives it a homey, rustic feel completely at odds with the polished splendor of the town house.
Ariach AC 24(29)/14/19 ; HP 44/47 (oil of blessing, insight bonus) Thursday January 3rd, 2013 6:59:11 PM
In the evening Ariach decides to go for a walk and thinks again about the exceptional occurrences of the last days. He didnīt want to join the WLA and become one of these shoddy persons who boast of their doings. But after facing the great evil at Lasher Castle he is convinced that he is duty bound to be a ambassador of good- like a paladin. The next morning he goes straight to the WLA headquarter and asks for permission to join the organization. He pays the dues and promisses he will never take off the WLA pin or hide it.
Emrys d20+14=30 ; d3=2 ; d20+14=30 ; d20+14=25 ; d20+14=26 ; d20+9=11 ; d20+9=18 ; d20+9=17 ; d20+9=14 ; Thursday January 3rd, 2013 7:34:27 PM
After washing his cauldron and putting everything away, Emrys and Gestalt head to the parlor and attempt evaluate and appraise the collection of tomes in the library. He pulls out several titles that he finds interesting (nonfiction books about a various subjects like: religion, the planes, nature, history, folklore, etc.)
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP35/35 Thursday January 3rd, 2013 8:01:14 PM
Wilma thought about her choices and then shook her head regretfully.
"These are close--VERY close," she admitted to the vendor, "But not quite what the foyer of a polished townhouse can use. I'll just have to wait until you get more inventory to pick from. Do you know when you're expecting more rugs...?"
Grell Thursday January 3rd, 2013 10:14:35 PM
Heading into the guildhall, Grell waits patiently for a trainer to show up, not certain exactly how he's going to ask what he needs to ask.
DM Kathy Thursday January 3rd, 2013 11:20:50 PM Emrys finishes up in the kitchen, then heads into the library. There seem to be books on all manner of topics here, but they aren't organized especially well. Emrys ends up with a history of Plateau City and a book on the flora and fauna of Shadow Mountain.
Wilma passes up the rugs for now. "Oh, I'm here most days," the rug merchant tells her. "I buy and sell, so I get new rugs in fairly often."
Ariach heads to the WLA, where he takes his oath and joins the organization. Grell is headed to the WLA as well. He can find a trainer readily enough, and is soon working on a new fighting style. [OOC: I assume that's what you're after. :) ]
[It's been fun being your DM. I hope you continue to have great adventures!]
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP35/35 Friday January 4th, 2013 1:17:40 PM
"Thank you, then," Wilma tells the merchant, "I will make it a point to check back often, until I find what the foyer needs." She waved goodbye and returned to the WLA guildhall to wait for Grell. She hoped that the masters at the WLA would be able to recognize what Grell was experiencing and teach him some way to harness it for use in battle. She sat on a bench in the antechamber of the building and pulled out of the market bag she was carrying her current knitting project, content to knit as she awaited her brother's return.
Ariach AC 24(29)/14/19 ; HP 44/47 (oil of blessing, insight bonus) Friday January 4th, 2013 5:53:24 PM
When Ariach strolls back to the townhouse he catches himself thinking that he made another step to become a famous and respected valiant. Immediately he tries to banish these morally reprehensible thoughts. Vanity and arrogance arenīt knightsī characteristics..
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:45/45 Friday January 4th, 2013 7:23:31 PM
After spending some quality time with the trees, Van makes her way back to their new home arriving at just about the same time as Ariach.
Hey Ariach, whatcha been up to? Have you seen Wilma recently. She wasn't in her room when I left.
Tuck HP 42/42 AC 18/18/14 Saturday January 5th, 2013 8:27:35 PM
"Hmmm," Tuck says around a mouthful of sammich. "Nice to meet you, Gestalt." He waves at the pair with his sammich as they move into the library.
Grell Saturday January 5th, 2013 10:02:50 PM
The beginning of his training is the most difficult. After having it pounded into his brain for *years* at Maplehurst that he needs to control his anger, it's hard letting it loose in all it's fury. Even harder is trusting that when he loses control that he's not going to hurt someone. The first couple of times he lets the rage go, Grell is covered in sweat and shakes for a few moments afterward. But, as with all things, practice makes perfect, and thanks to the magic of the WLA facilitates, Grell quickly learns how to accept his barbarian side. What would have taken months and perhaps years at Maplehurst takes only a few short hours at the WLA guildhall. Striding out, Grell smiles at Wilma, feeling much more confident. "Hey Wilma, I'm famished. You want to go find something to eat? What do you say we go get the others and find some Inn to get dinner at? I'll buy..."
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP35/35 Saturday January 5th, 2013 11:11:40 PM
Wilma's sapphire eyes searched her brother's face, and she got the impression that his session with the guild masters here at the WLA had done him very well, indeed. She smiled, stowing away her knitting and getting to her feet.
"I'm fine with that, Grell," she told him. "Let's go home and ask the others..."
It wasn't until the townhouse was once again in sight that Wilma caught herself and chuckled: she had called the townhouse "home"...
Ariach AC 24(29)/14/19 ; HP 44/47 (oil of blessing, insight bonus) Sunday January 6th, 2013 7:22:28 PM
Ariach answers to Vaniime "I am sorry but i didnīt see Wilma the entire day. I come back from the WLA guildhall. Finally i decided to join them. The last events which took place in Lasher Castle showed me how important it is to set a sign. A sign that everybody knows i am fighting against evil."
Emrys Sunday January 6th, 2013 8:18:13 PM
Emrys becomes engrossed by the book called, Flora & Fauna of Shadow Mountain. He spends the rest of the evening, after taking a well-deserved bath, in his room reading the book. After many hours of study, he sets the book aside, blows out his lamp and goes to sleep.
LOG ON