Time to go home... Monday April 8th, 2013 1:24:14 PM
Trapped chests...cliche, but effective. More charges from Wilma's wand are expended as the party recovers from this cheap shot. Thankfully, aside from some charred clothing and singed eyebrows, our heroes are still mostly ok.
...and hey, treasure! Emrys takes a gander to see what they've found. The gems aren't magical, but some of them may be worth quite a bit. The coinage is also not magical. Coins like this haven't been minted in some time, but the metal they're made from is valuable no matter what the age.
Note: Appropriate appraisal rolls will be needed unless you feel like trusting a jewelry merchant to be completely honest with you. The coinage is worth face-value as presented. These aren't rare coins.
The rest of the goodies are absolutely magical. Emrys racks his brain trying to determine what they are, but his brain isn't alone at the moment.
"So we're thieves too, are we? Well aren't we the noble bunch. No no, go ahead, really. Just tuck me here in your belt and take what was given to Shandresh before she went and got all big headed. It's not like it's going to make it out of this place anyway.
"None of you are." It takes Emrys a moment to recover as the rod makes its "voice" heard. Looking at the items before him, he's afraid he can't make heads or tails of most of them.
Wait! Those are ghost touch arrows, he's sure of it. The rest he'll have to wait until later to figure out unless someone else can have a go at it.
With that, the room is picked clean. Are heroes our burned and slimy, but they're richer for their troubles.
More importantly, they have a way out of this place in Shandresh's sceptre. Assuming, of course, our heroes can keep it under control...
***
Good to be back everyone. As a recap, the sceptre can communicate telepathically, control unintelligent oozes, turn into an ooze itself, and can be used to open the portal from this place. Whomever's got possession of it incurs a negative level. Hopefully no one's auctioned off all your stuff by now back in your own dimension.
EDIT: Almost forgot your XP. 500 XP for scene 4. Total XP given for the module thus far is 2500 in case Ezra or I missed an XP reward. Breakdown as such:
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 51/59 Monday April 8th, 2013 5:44:59 PM
Ariach looks at Emry while the bard casts his spell over the found treasure. But the warrior doesnīt trust the silence. Who knows what comes next.
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:45/45 Monday April 8th, 2013 7:46:40 PM
Lighting the oil covered seeds, Van steps back a bit making sure nothing goes jumping about.
(OOC: Any result from Van's perception roll on Thessa?)
The chest Monday April 8th, 2013 8:14:24 PM
Vaniime would be able to make out that whatever moved her shirt wasn't a normal body movement, ditto with Grell.
Tuck HP 32/42 AC 18/18/14 Monday April 8th, 2013 8:41:55 PM
"Thank you, Wilma."
There are fewer burns covering Tuck, enough that he can ignore until he can receive some more healing.
"Unfortunately, Emrys, I cannot carry anything. My bag's not working properly. But if that scepter works, we should get back to the children and get everyone out of here."
Grell, AC18/13/16, HP58/68, Fatigued Monday April 8th, 2013 9:23:33 PM
Grell takes Emrys chastisement with silence. He knows it was a mistake, he knows the bard is right. He will not be a fool again. The warrior nods his agreement with Tuck. "Yeah, we need to get the others and get out of here." Grell is struck by a strange thought "Hey Emrys, that thing controls the slimes, right? Can it like get the oozes to bring the others here?"
Emrys ac10, hp20/20. -1 temp. level drain, light, prestidigitation, deathwatch, unseen servant, divine favor d20+12=24 ; Monday April 8th, 2013 11:06:23 PM
"The gems, gold and platinum are just that. The rest are magical," Emrys says with a soft tone. "I'm unable at this time to identify them ... other than the arrows. Vaniime, you may be glad to know these are ghost-slaying arrows (ghost touch). We could have used these in Lasher Castle. However, I have a feeling you'll get to use them soon enough!"
With walking stick in hand, Emrys then steps over and reclaims the dagger he had discarded earlier and restores it to its scabbard. The bard then continues, "As for the rest, I was unable to determine. The scepter taxes me, but I remain in control. I do recommend we make haste."
With the scepter's last words, Emrys takes the scepter from his belt and stares into it with a dispassionate gaze, removed from all warmth and emotion. He replies to the scepter's comments cooly and collected in his thoughts where Emrys is the master. "We don't steal, we take what's ours. Shandresh's claim of ownership was forfeit the moment Ga'al caged her like an animal so many millennia ago. You should have seen her, what she has become ... I have. In her current state, words like pathetic, pitiful and wretched would only serve to flatter her. You must be able to sense her madness. You know I'm right. Have you not any pride? Why would you wish to serve her still? Like these treasures from the chest, you no longer belong to her." (Diplomacy: 24)
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 51/59 Tuesday April 9th, 2013 2:47:39 AM
Ariach goes to Vaniim and asks her if he should carry parts of the treasure until the split it up. The boots would fit in his backpack.
"In the chest is a lot of money and also gem stones with some wealth. Their former possesor will not need them anymore. Therefore i think we take the stones and the money and use them to pay for a proper education and an accomodation for the children we have found here."
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35 d20+5=10 ; Tuesday April 9th, 2013 5:31:03 AM
Wilma sighed.
"My backpack is no good for helping with the transport, either..." she said, nodding towards Tuck since her situation was the same as his. Then the rather odd behavior of Emrys caught her eye and she briefly wondered if the scepter he was holding rather tightly to was influencing him somehow...but the rod didn't seem to her to be anything besides perhaps the key out of this plane.
OOC: sigh. Voluntary Spellcraft check on the scepter comes out to only 10.
Time to go home... Tuesday April 9th, 2013 1:16:35 PM Note: your backpacks are currently normal backpacks, meaning you can put stuff in them & carry them around the demiplane. You may want to empty them before exiting, but you can still make use in the meantime.
Plans are made to transport the loot out of this place. Ariach notes it's enough money to fund reintegrating the children into modern day society. Who knows what kind of trauma they're going to have after living in these conditions for two years, not to mention coming back to a world were their loved ones are long dead.
Emrys takes a moment to put this scepter in it's place. He can feel it seethe for a moment, then reply simply, "do not assume to know who I serve."
Wilma worries about her friend's grip with that scepter, but can't be certain how he's holding up. Would she know if Emrys was being controlled?
Grell may be more brawn than brain, but he can still learn a lesson. Humbled by seeing his friends hurt, he decides to use a little more finesse next time.
Vaniime decides that absolutely no good can come from these seeds. A little oil and a little fire, and the problem is no more. The seeds quickly burst before the box itself is consumed in the blaze. The seeds won't be bothering the good people of the Wold again.
Tuck is one to travel light. As such, carrying large amounts of coinage back isn't something he's suited for.
A quiet falls over the stronghold as our heroes briefly cut their chatter and stop moving. Nothing stirs in this place. There is no breeze, no scurrying of critters behind the walls. Thanks to our heroes, nothing remains in this place.
Tuck HP 32/42 AC 18/18/14 d20+11=14 ; Tuesday April 9th, 2013 8:27:10 PM
"Let's get out of here, shall we?"
After the loot has been gathered, Tuck steps out of the room and heads back the way that they came from. He keeps an eye open for anymore surprises.
(Perception 14)
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:45/45 Tuesday April 9th, 2013 9:41:04 PM
Vaniime again looks over at thessa anf quickly gooes over to her.
"Thessa there is something small moving around under your shirt. Could it be one of the oozes or the last seed thing?"
If possible Vaniime will help her get rid of whatever it is as soon as possible.
On the perifery of things she hears the other conversation about the treasure.
"Yes, everyone divvy up what we can between us all so as not to overload anyone. Good catch Emrys on those arrows yes I can certainly use them."
"Once I have this thing with Thessa taken care of We should indeed head out. though we are still looking for the way home. Emrys, does "it" have any ideas????"
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35 Wednesday April 10th, 2013 12:00:04 AM
"There's WHAT????" Wilma echoed Van's announcement and then hastily aided Thessa in searching her clothing for the missing heartseed.
Emrys ac10, hp20/20. -1 temp. level drain, light, prestidigitation, deathwatch, unseen servant, divine favor d20+12=26 ; d20+14=22 ; Wednesday April 10th, 2013 12:10:29 AM
In response to the scepter's comment, Emrys smiles and mentally replies, "Excellent, that's exactly what I've been theorizing. I'm a diviner and a collector of lore, I assume nothing. It would be mutually beneficial that we cooperate with each other; instead of this adversarial word play that we do. I respect and value your power and intelligence; even though we have opposing perspectives. You are a worthy opponent and the fact that I hold you now, deep down, you too, respect my power as well."(Diplomacy: 26) Emrys hopes these tactful and careful words are enough to stroke the scepter's ego and allow him insight to the scepter's ability to conjure a portal home ... and where he needs to do it.
Now that the scepter inadvertently revealed that it serves another, other than Shandresh; the only question that remains is who. Unless there is someone else in hiding within this plane, the list of possible candidates is very short!
Emrys tucks the scepter gently within a loop on his belt. Speaking to his friends he says, "Certainly, I can carry some of the treasures. The side pouches on my haversack were already empty." Emrys takes a portion of the load he is able to carry, which isn't all that much.
In reply to Vaniime's question, Emrys says, "I'm working on that as we speak."
As everyone is going about preparing to leave, a very good question enter his mind, and he doesn't understand why it's just now coming to him. "Huh, are we going to investigate that rotting door (on the west wall) ... possibly a closet? I think we earned the right." (Perception: 22)
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 51/59 Wednesday April 10th, 2013 5:40:29 AM
Ariach escorts Emry when the bard tries to open up the closet but he also looks back to see what happens with Thessa.
Grell, AC18/13/16, HP58/68, Fatigued d20+4=21 ; Wednesday April 10th, 2013 6:10:42 AM
Shrugging as his idea is ignored, Grell figures it was probably a stupid one anyway. He takes any extra treasure that no one else wants to carry, and then quickly cleans the goop from his sword. He watches as Wilma frisks Thessa and is tempted to go an help, but decides it would be kinda awkward. Hearing about creepy crawlies gives him the heeby geebies, and he does a quick pat down of himself. (Percept=21).
Emrys ac10, hp20/20. -1 temp. level drain, light, prestidigitation, deathwatch, unseen servant, divine favor Wednesday April 10th, 2013 7:44:47 AM
(ooc: sorry, I had forgotten about Grell's question)
"Oh!," Emrys says apologetically. "Forgive me, Grell. I didn't completely hear your question with all the chatter between myself and the scepter. I don't know if such an action is possible given the range and lack of sight. I would need to consult the scepter. I'm sure being grabbed up by an ooze and carried away would come to them as a shock."
Emrys mentally asks, "By the way, do you have a name? Surely you prefer to be called something other than just scepter?"
Time to go home... Wednesday April 10th, 2013 9:24:42 AM
Grell and Thessa, aided by Wilma and Van, each find a single tiny ooze hidden beneath their clothing. They look no different than the others milling around the plane. They're each roughly the size of an apricot. If held in a hand, they flatten, almost as if they're trying to maximize the surface area in contact with you.
There's very little sensation involved. Maybe a tingle. They're probably very, VERY slightly acidic. They'd likely need to be in contact with the same patch of skin for days before it did any damage. Casual handling has no noticeable effect. In short, they appear harmless. Maybe it's kind of gross that they've been hiding out in your clothing, but that's your call to make.
Treasure is divided up. Between the lot of you, there's plenty of room to carry all of it. The arrows make a nice addition to Vaniime's arsenal.
Calls are made to get this show on the road. The saying "time is wasting" has a lot more meaning here.
Emrys continues his chat with the scepter. "Respect your power? You arrogant, self-righteous toad." The thoughts creep across Emrys' mind like a thick, oily fog. He can feel them probing, penetrating...trying to find some way in. "You and your kind are a mistake. You poison this existence with your free will and delusions of importance. Maybe in time you'll be given the gift Ga'al can bestow and see how trivial you are. Call me Focus if you wish for now, but you'll be calling me Master soon, I assure you."
(OOC: Will save please, Emrys...)
A final check of the rotting door shows it is indeed a closet. A lone ooze, trapped for goodness knows how long, quickly slimes its way across the floor to escape. Inside are the rotting remains of once luxurious vestments and little else.
Emrys ac10, hp20/20. -1 temp. level drain, light, prestidigitation, deathwatch, unseen servant, divine favor d20+9=22 ; Wednesday April 10th, 2013 1:28:15 PM
(Will save: 22. An additional +2 against enchantments.)
Emrys can feel the scepter's attack like a claw trying to grapple his mind. He gives his head a single shake to wrestle it free. Emrys then replies, "You won't win any points with me with talk like that, Focus Pocus!"
He turns to his friends and explains, "This trinket is quite feisty!"
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35 Wednesday April 10th, 2013 3:53:26 PM
Wilma plucked up the ooze trying to remain with Thessa and tossed it onto the bed.
"We don't need extra 'passengers' for the trip home," she pointed out and did the same for Grell's ooze. She also offered the use of whatever room there was in her non-operational backpack to house the unidentified trinkets and gems.
"We'll need to hurry back to the others and get them so that we can get everyone out of here at the same time..." A brief vision of the unfortunate floating bubble prisoner flashed across her mind's eye.
"Well...almost everyone..." Wilma amended. "But--time is still of the essence! The longer we stay in this plane, the more speeded-up time passes in the Wold. Everyone ready to go..?"
Tuck HP 32/42 AC 18/18/14 d20+11=31 ; Wednesday April 10th, 2013 5:25:50 PM
"I'm ready," Tuck responds to Wilma. He leads the way from the room back down the stairs.
"Oh man, I can't wait to get out of here."
(Perception 31, natural 20)
Emrys ac10, hp20/20. -1 temp. level drain, light, prestidigitation, deathwatch, unseen servant, divine favor d20=12 ; d20+10=18 ; Wednesday April 10th, 2013 10:45:51 PM
Emrys carefully steps over to Wilma. While he does this, his thoughts are filled, LOUDLY, with the intricate scores from the Balad of the White Rose. One of the most difficult musical structures that transition between the root and fifth triads in the uppermost pitches that creates the most complex harmonies. While concentrating on this, he then whispers into Wilma's ear!
In the orc language, Emrys whispers, "IF the time comes, and I fall in this fight, I will need the aid of your Protection!" With that being said, Emrys' gaze purposely looks down from Wilma's eyes and to her collection of wands in her belt pouch. He then looks back to Wilma's eyes. Emrys then pauses to see if Wilma understands. (Bluff: 18, to communicate this Secret Message.)
In agreement with Tuck, the bard replies, "Yes, I am homesick and desperately need a hot bath lasting no less than three days!"
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35 Thursday April 11th, 2013 1:24:37 AM
Wilma stared at the half-elf bard for a moment, her eyebrows briefly puckering. She had been trying to glean visual clues as to whether or not the scepter he held was controlling him. She hadn't seen anything untoward, and now he was speaking as though his words held double meaning.
Hmmm...if the scepter was at all sentient, then Emrys' words would seem to indicate that he was still in control of himself at the moment. She bobbed her head at him, acknowledging that she may well have to help Emrys out if the scepter got the upper hand. The priestess hoped she wouldn't have to, because she could only think of one way she might be able to wrest Emrys from the sway of an intelligent artifact, and she sure didn't want to have to do that...
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 51/59 Thursday April 11th, 2013 2:17:37 AM
"If there is a way home- letīs go! I really want to leave this place. But donīt forget the children. They have to come with us."
Time to go home... Thursday April 11th, 2013 2:29:02 PM
Emrys maintains control. How frustrating it must be to possessed by one with such a well-trained mind as his. He can't keep it up forever, though. Hopefully Wilma will know what to do should he fail.
With everyone in agreeance that it's time to move on, our heroes exit the stronghold. Unsurprisingly, nothing has changed out here.
Thessa is the last to leave. Anyone paying attention notices her gait deteriorating quickly. She's barely through the exit when she collapses to one knee. Her breathing becomes ragged as she sinks lower to the ground. It is with no small amount of shock that she realizes her sinking is quite literal. She holds a hand up to her face and watches her flesh begin to pour down her arm. A panicked look crosses her face as she locks eyes with Ariach one last time.
The transformation, once it really gets going, is shockingly fast. One second she is there, the next there are only her belongings in a pile of muck that used to be Thessa. A grapefruit sized ooze nonchalantly squeezes out of what used to be her garments.
Emrys is immediately aware of her as the transformation finishes, but it's a minor awareness compared to the lake of ooze behind him. He can feel its flows and eddies. It has a powerful undercurrent. He feels very...connected to it.
Tuck HP 32/42 AC 18/18/14 d20+9=10 ; Thursday April 11th, 2013 5:24:53 PM
"Thessa!"
Tuck tries to grab at her as she's dissolving into slime, but cannot reach her. He tries to grab "Thessa" before she can wriggle away, but his shaking hands cannot grip. (Grapple 10, natural 1)
Van aids with the oozes but is very frustrated that there still seems to be one heart seed missing, and that worries her quite a bit. More concerning right now is the battle apparently occuring between Emrys and the scepter. having felt the presence of the thing, if only for a moment and while not in contact was bad enough, knoiwing that Emrys is in contact with it so she can only assume it is that much more powerful. Realizing there is nothing she can do about either situation at the moment, she along with the others start heading out. Taking the lead as she did before.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35 Thursday April 11th, 2013 11:47:23 PM
"Thessa...?" Wilma gasped, her sapphire eyes widening in horror when the young wizard's transformation takes place. "THESSA!!!"
However, there is nothing that the priestess of Gargul can do but watch as the goo that was Thessa emerges from her clothing. For a moment all the redhead can do is stare in utter shock.
"Emrys...Emrys!!!" Wilma yelped sharply. "Do you have another jar? If you don't, then dump out the gooey you have and scoop up...Thessa. We...we can't lose her here." She swallowed hard, looking utterly miserable.
"We just can't..." whispered Wilma. After Emrys helps to contain what's left of their colleague, the cleric somberly gathers up Thessa's possessions and beckons to Grell.
"Is there room in your...your backpack..?" his older sister asked him. "I'd carry this myself...but...but...I'm not as strong as you are..." She held out Thessa's things towards the young barbarian.
Grell, AC18/13/16, HP58/68, Fatigued Thursday April 11th, 2013 11:55:37 PM
Grabbing the ooze and flinging it off his body, Grell heads out with the others.
Grell watches in horror as Thessa is transformed into an ooze. "Oh gods NO!!" The warrior stares for several more seconds, not knowing what to do. Then he is beckoned by his sister. "Yes, I will hold her things with honor. He looks over at Emrys as he collects Thessa's new form in a specimen jar. "Would you mind if I take care of her? I kinda feel like I let her down..." Plodding on with shock and disbelief, Grell vows to himself that he WILL find a cure for Thessa...no matter how long it takes!
Emrys ac10, hp20/20. -1 temp. level drain, guidance, light, prestidigitation, deathwatch, unseen servant, divine favor d20+2=14 ; d20+8=25 ; d20+14=27 ; Friday April 12th, 2013 12:46:45 AM
The sensations Emrys feels are hard to describe. As if he has become one with the ooze. His body slightly sways with the flow. The closest thing he's experienced that comes close to this feeling is his connection with the nexus and the leylines of Woldsblood. So it isn't completely foreign to him.
He senses the disturbance and turns around just in time to witness her transformation. His first reaction would be to express horror, shock and anger that this has happened, but he feels that expressing these emotions, at this tenuous moment, would only weaken his resolve and empower the Focus against him (Wisdom check: 14). Upon hearing Wilma's request, he opens his belt pouch and pulls out one of his empty specimen jars. He waits for the Thessa-oozling to be properly captured, there are more than enough hands available. "I think I might be able to do something," replies Emrys.
Emrys quickly prepares himself by uttering a few words of divination (Casting Guidance). Taking Focus Pocus from his belt, he extends his arm, with the scepter, towards Thessa's oozling. Emrys then commands Thessa to return to her natural state. Through his force of presence and influence, he brings the full strength of his will down upon the scepter. Emrys will NOT rely on the Focus' charity! (Use Magic Device(Cha): 26.Any bonuses from being attuned to the ooze? My roll should have had a +9 modifier, I mistakingly selected +8)
(Perception: 27, to discern the results and fluctuations in the ebb and flow of the ooze environment.)
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 51/59 Friday April 12th, 2013 3:50:36 AM
"What the hell is going on here?"
The young warrior watches with horror how Thessa transform into an ooze. For a short moment he thinks about destroying the ooze, hoping the action would bring Thessa back. But the risk to lose her definitely stops him from doing it.
"Emry! Do something!"
Time to go home... Friday April 12th, 2013 8:38:44 AM Emrys focuses the entirety of his formidable will on returning the ooze-that-was-Thessa to her original form. The thing quivers a bit, and actually takes the rough shape of a humanoid for a moment, but it's still ooze. He is able to control it, however. Getting it into a jar or other container is a snap.
The loss of a friend is never easy, but at least Thessa's technically still with you. Perhaps in time a way to bring her back will be found.
For now, there are a group of hungry, desperate children and one very out of place baker counting on our heroes.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35 Friday April 12th, 2013 11:26:35 AM
Wilma's heart soared for a moment when it appeared that Emrys might be able to reverse the curse that had transformed their friend--but the redhead was utterly deflated when it became clear that Thessa could not be restored.
"Thanks for trying, Emrys," Wilma said, taking up the jar with the goo-ball that had been the wizard now inside it. "I get the feeling that it's going to take a much more experienced cleric or spellcaster to cancel out this particular effect..." She put the cover back on the jar.
"So...I guess we'll be getting back to the others now, right..?" the cleric asked a bit wistfully.
Tuck HP 32/42 AC 18/18/14 d20+11=14 ; Friday April 12th, 2013 5:34:00 PM
Tuck watches in disbelief as Wilma closes the lid on Thessa's new home. "How did this even happen? Why would she turn into an ooze?"
It doesn't make any sense, but perhaps Wilma was right. If they got back home, they could have someone more powerful look into the matter. He takes a deep breath and straightens.
"Let's go get those kids."
Shandresh's Focus Friday April 12th, 2013 5:51:55 PM
Emrys hears the scepter in his head I'm impressed, your friend must have had an affinity for Ga'al. That process normally takes half a day, to see such a glorious transformation in only minutes... A tribute to Shandresh! You should be honored, too bad that box of seeds was destroyed by the elf.
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:45/45 Saturday April 13th, 2013 5:27:31 PM
Shaken by what just occured with her friend, but trying not to show it, Vaniime steps to the door and looks around trying to decide which way to go if there is a choice.
Emrys ac10, hp20/20. -1 temp. level drain, guidance, light, prestidigitation, deathwatch, unseen servant, divine favor d20+10=23 ; d20+14=33 ; Sunday April 14th, 2013 4:16:52 PM
Emrys is about to apologize to everyone for his failure to change poor Thessa back to her natural form until Focus Pocus utters his statement. "What?!," he mentally queries, "How does THIS glorify Ga'al?" Emrys takes a short moment to ponder what the scepter said ... about this being a tribute to Shandresh. As his mind delves deeper into Focus' psyche; a sudden spark of awareness brings to light a possible reason to all this.
"Focus, you're continuing Shandresh's work, aren't you? Not only do you want to control their hearts and minds, you want dominance over their shape and form! As you know, I am not a practitioner of Ga'al's philosophy, but I do comprehend it. I now understand why Ga'al imprisoned Shandresh here and why Ga'al has never allowed another woman in the priesthood. Yes, Ga'al wants to dominate the noble races because he see's them as defective and imperfect beings needing constant guidance ... and, and they NEED guidance. If I were Ga'al, I would be furious by this display ... I, I can feel his anger; it continues to resonate within these borders. How can these pathetic races LEARN of their imperfection if they're mindless? How can these puddles of ooze worship Ga'al? They are his dominion, to be dealt with the way HE sees fit! How DARE you deprive Ga'al of his followers and his most deserving worship!! Shandresh was too ambitious. She did not bend to Ga'al's PERFECT will ... she wanted to be his equal! Ga'al DOES NOT lay down with the filth of the Wold! Such blasphemy must be punished. Don't you understand your scheme is doomed to fail ... Ga'al will not allow it. Don't you understand it's your faith in him that is being tested. You were left behind to be Shandresh's jailor, not her acolyte! You are being tested! I've sensed that from the moment I first held you." Emrys pauses and then concludes, "My friends and I are leaving this prison. When we do, lock the door behind us as Ga'al wills it. This place is meant for Shandresh. She too must learn; don't deprive her of Ga'al's mercy."
Emrys lifts his head up and addresses his friends, "I'm sorry I couldn't restore Thessa to her proper form. To do so is beyond this scepter's abilities. Lets make haste to the raft. I grow so very weary of this place." The bard seems mentally fatigued. "This Focus is very sentient and devoted to Ga'al. We've been having some rather passionate and philosophical discussions. Once we leave this place, we can tell stories and sing songs about his devotion and inspire others to rise up and do the same!"
Upon finishing his statement, his facial expression relaxes for just a bit and he then purposely "WINKS" at his friends. As to say, 'just go with it.' (BLUFF: 23, to pass the secret message to his friends.)
"Lets get to the raft. I can cause a current of ooze to carry us swiftly to the other shore."
(Perception: 33, for dangers and other unforeseen things that should be noticed)
Grell, AC18/13/16, HP58/68, Fatigued Sunday April 14th, 2013 11:07:45 PM
The warrior takes up a position by Vaniime and lays a hand on her shoulder. He knows that Vaniime shoulders responsibility for the group and that leadership can be a heavy cloak. He keeps his words short and to the point "We'll bring her back.". Then he heads back to his spot in the rear, not wanting to cause a scene.
Grell watches Emrys with interest. "Uhhhh...ummmm...okay." Spotting the wink, Grell's not really sure what game Emrys is playing (since he hasn't been privy to the fey kin's thoughts recently), and he's not really sure how to play along, so he decides to just slog along quietly behind the others and keep his thoughts to himself for now.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 51/59 Monday April 15th, 2013 6:52:14 AM
Ariach starts to go back to the entry.
"Letīs go for the children and get home. In Plateau City we will find help for Thessa."
Time to go home... Monday April 15th, 2013 4:45:10 PM
Focus is still for a moment, as if pondering something.
Emrys, roll a bluff for the scepter separately, please.
The companions hope Emrys knows what he's doing. It's a darn shame he couldn't bring Thessa back. Even Grell has a moment of tenderness. Still, she's safe in a jar at the moment. Plateau City is a big place. Hopefully they'll find someone there to help.
Making their way back to the lake. It appears as if those currents took hold of the raft. It's currently about 20' from the shoreline. It's odd to see a floating raft be so motionless. Even on a calm lake rafts bob up and down a bit. This one just sits completely still.
Tuck HP 32/42 AC 18/18/14 d20+11=26 ; Monday April 15th, 2013 5:43:12 PM
Tuck looks at the drifting raft with an obvious look of unpleasantness upon his face. "If I could get into my satchel, I could get my grappling hook." He turns to Grell. "But I can't get into my satchel."
"Does anyone else have a grappling hook? I would prefer not to swim through that stuff."
Tuck scans the skies for a floating bubble with a crazy woman stuck inside.
(Perception 26)
Emrys ac10, hp20/20. -1 temp. level drain, guidance, light, prestidigitation, deathwatch, unseen servant, divine favor d20+11=16 ; d20+11=24 ; Monday April 15th, 2013 6:59:15 PM
(Bluff check (using +1 from Guidance on this roll): 16. Hero point reroll: 24, that was my last one) :(
Emrys says, "I can move the raft back to shore with the Focus, if it remains cooperative. Otherwise, keep that thought, it was a good one."
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35 Monday April 15th, 2013 7:20:00 PM
"That's strange..." Wilma mused, squinting out at the raft from her position on the shore, "...I was pretty sure that we'd dragged the raft up onto the beach so that we didn't have to worry about this happening." Her sapphire eyes narrowed.
"It's also just sitting there in the...uh...lake. It's not bobbing with what little current there is..." She tilted her head to one side. "I've got a bad feeling about this..."
Grell, AC18/13/16, HP68/68 d20+5=19 ; Monday April 15th, 2013 11:12:36 PM
After rooting around in his backpack for a couple of seconds, Grell produces his rope (50 foot) and grappling hook with a grin. "What would you guys do without me?!"
He looks over at Emrys and waits to see if he is able to use the scepter to control the lake. If not, her readies his grappling hook and rope and chucks it out toward the lake. (Throw=19)
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:45/45 Monday April 15th, 2013 11:17:08 PM
"Grell go for it." Nocking an arrow to her bow, she continues. "Those of you with distance weapons have them ready the rest just have you weapons at the ready. Wilma's right there is something a bit odd going on here."
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 51/59 Tuesday April 16th, 2013 2:42:17 AM
Ariach goes in front to give the shooters cover with his body shield in case an unexpected threat appears.
Emrys ac10, hp20/20. -1 temp. level drain, guidance, light, prestidigitation, deathwatch, unseen servant, divine favor d20+14=15 ; Tuesday April 16th, 2013 10:49:09 AM
While the Focus ponders what its been told, Emrys holds out the scepter toward the raft and attempts to command the ooze of the lake to gently push the raft back to shore.
With his momentary attunement with the ooze, he tries to determine the presence of hostile oozes. (Perception: 15, natural 1, ha!)
Time to go home... d20+3=20 ; Tuesday April 16th, 2013 12:30:19 PM
Focus actually seems a bit placated. Emrys can still feel its displeasure, but at least it's shut up for a minute.
Tuck scans the "skies" for any hostiles, but sees nothing. Visibility in the ooze is very low; it's a foot at most. If anything was bumping up against the dome, he would have seen it.
Wilma wonders how the raft they beached ended up in the lake. She wonders about the stillness, but looking at the ooze it's easy to figure that an unladen raft in such a viscous material isn't going to bob around as if it were in water. Still, she hopes nothing's holding on to it.
Ariach stands ready to protect his friends, as always. It won't do to lose two of them during this miserable adventure...
Grell wonders how these folks manage to get along without him there. He produces a grappling hook to retrieve their raft & is advised by Vaniime to use it. The warrior grips the rope & spins it overhead to get some momentum going. It's not far off shore, and its slightly decayed condition makes the raft an easy target for the sturdy hook. It's no picnic pulling the thing in, though. This sludge is thick, and keeping it from tipping under requires some finesse.
Luckily, Emrys steps forth and uses Focus' power for his own. A gentle wave rises behind the raft, ensuring that between it and Grell's pulling, the thing is back on shore and no worse for wear. In the meantime, Emrys tries to pin point any hostile oozes, only to find he can't sense whether an ooze is hostile or not. He experiments and finds he can only determine where an ooze is, and where an ooze isn't. As the entire lake registers as ooze to him, there's no telling what's in it.
Tuck HP 32/42 AC 18/18/14 d20+11=24 ; Tuesday April 16th, 2013 5:20:27 PM
"Well done, Grell," Tuck claps his friend on the shoulder. "Maybe a little quicker, next time. You sure took your sweet time hauling that boat in. Geez."
Tuck looks the boat over for anything out of the ordinary before stepping in. (Perception 24)
"Shall we?"
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35 Tuesday April 16th, 2013 10:42:04 PM
"Is there any way to tell if the added weight of those coins is going to sink the raft..?" Wilma asked. "If..the weight becomes an issue, I think I can lighten the load of the raft by using one of my spells..."
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 51/59 Wednesday April 17th, 2013 2:23:38 AM
Impatiently Ariach waits until the raft is back on shore. He jumps on the raft and reaches a hand out to his friends.
Emrys ac10, hp20/20. -1 temp. level drain, guidance, light, prestidigitation, deathwatch, unseen servant, divine favor Wednesday April 17th, 2013 7:38:01 AM
Emrys steps onto the raft and awaits everyone else to find a spot. "I don't believe weight will be an issue. We traveled easily enough before and poor Thessa, in her current state, is barely contributing any weight to the load."
Grell, AC18/13/16, HP68/68 Wednesday April 17th, 2013 7:57:09 AM
As beads of sweat trickle down Grell's forehead from the exertion of pulling the raft, a very strange thought works it's way to the forefront of the orc spawn's brain. If this weren't such a gods forsaken chamber pot of a realm, it would be the *perfect* place to get in some extra cardio! I wonder if it's possible for somebody to set up a portal to this place so he could pop in from time to time and do a quick row across the lake and then pop back home... Then Grell remembers the whole "time dimension shift" whatserjigger, and the idea starts feeling a whole lot less desirable. He gets the feeling that popping in for a quick workout and then getting stuck and coming back when he's 30 and OLD would really ruin his day!
When Tuck suggests that next time he go a little faster, Grell snorts. Really, it's his fault for making it look easy, but sometimes he really does wonder what the group would do without him. I mean, it's not like *Wilma* would be able to pull this sucker in. Matter of fact, sometimes he wonders what would happen to his sister if he wasn't around. She is so woefully out of shape that she isn't even able to haul half of her gear! A quick glance over at Ariach quickly reassures him. Naw...she'll be just fine. Ariach will take care of her if something happens to me. Still...I should probably see about getting her set up on a cardio schedule...just to be on the safe side...
Grell waits on the shore line, holding the raft steady so the group can board safely, then, presuming everyone (and the loot) is able to safely board, Grell boards the craft last and readies himself to help row the raft ashore.
Time to go home... Wednesday April 17th, 2013 3:35:45 PM
Well, let's see here. Our heroes have a lot more loot than they did when they rode this raft over, but Thessa was a lot more solid then, too.
A few tentative steps is all that's required to see the raft will indeed hold everyone. Thick as this ooze is, it could probably hold a lot more.
One by one everyone gets aboard before Grell gets the thing moving. Once again, it's a slow, steady process. Not a problem for Grell, obviously. This is a world-class workout. He's going to be very sore in the morning, a thought that no doubt gives him all kinds of warm fuzzies.
Of course, that's assuming he lives through this...
Tuck HP 32/42 AC 18/18/14 d20+11=13 ; Wednesday April 17th, 2013 7:32:47 PM
Tuck produces his bow and nocks an arrow as the boat pushes out into the sludge. He scans the area, looking for trouble.
Van looks over at Grell as is pulling in the raft, admiring the way his muscles ripple as he pulls the rope in hand over hand, when did he get all those extra muscles, he really must be working out more, hmmm. Averting her eyes before he notices her watching him, Van steps aboard the raft and moves to the front, bow at the ready, where she once again realizes she has a perfect view of Grell's back as his muscles bunch and release as he pulls the oars through the ooze.
Emrys ac10, hp20/20. -1 temp. level drain, guidance, light, prestidigitation, deathwatch, unseen servant, divine favor d20+14=33 ; Thursday April 18th, 2013 12:10:27 AM
Using the scepter, Emrys wishes to control the ooze surrounding the raft; creating a moving current to carry the raft more swiftly across the lake. He starts slowly at first and then progressively increases the flow to a comfortable speed.
He keeps a watchful eye and pointed ear to any dangers, or points of interest, that might be lurking about. (Perception: 33.)
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 51/59 Thursday April 18th, 2013 3:16:12 PM
Ariach doesnīt enjoy the raft trip. He looks to the other shore hoping they will reach it soon.
Time to go home... Thursday April 18th, 2013 9:57:02 PM Let's get this party started...
Emrys is able to move the raft along at a very steady clip with a little concentration. Between him manipulating the ooze & Grell paddling, it's starting to look like our heroes will reach the opposite shore in half the hour it took to make the original trip.
Unfortunately, Focus speaks up. "No. No, I don't think you'll be leaving in one piece." Emrys feels a surge from the scepter, but it's not aimed at him. One of the waves Emrys created suddenly swells higher and faster than expects, pitching the raft up very suddenly at a precarious angle.
Everyone needs to make a DC10 acrobatics check (or DEX if acrobatics is untrained). Failure indicates you are prone on the raft. Failure by 5 or more indicates you've fallen overboard.
"You have a way with words, Elf. I almost forgot myself there for a moment. Unfortunately for you, you're on my turf now. Let's see how well your diplomacy is with two lungs full of ooze..."
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35 d20+2=18 ; Thursday April 18th, 2013 11:46:41 PM
Wilma sighed in relief--her initial forebodings had not come to pass, and the raft was going at a very good clip. She allowed herself a slight smile in anticipation--if they got back quickly enough, she was sure that someone at the Black Cathedral would be able to reverse the horrible curse laid upon Thessa.
Then she heard the scepter/rod speak...out loud.
"What? Emrys, what di--" Even as the redheaded cleric began to ask about the obviously-intelligent scepter's meaning, the raft's abrupt angle change cut her off, forcing Wilma to practically dance in place in order to keep her footing.
OOC: Wilma's Dexterity check versus the sudden Tilt-A-Raft ride is 18.
"Get that thing under control!" Wilma barked at the bard. "If you don't think you can do it--then I'll give it a shot..." She reached out her hand towards Emrys, but waited to see if he needed to give her the rod first.
OOC: just to be clear--Wilma isn't going to snatch the scepter out of Emrys' hand (yet). First we'll have to see if he falls down...then we have to see if Emrys chooses to continue to hold on to the scepter. Oh, and we also have to see if any of us get killed, too...
"Friends, I'd advise you to steady your...!" Emrys begins to say, but he isn't quick enough to react to the Focus' actions. With his 'better-late-than-never' foresight, the young bard is able to fortify his balance with the help of his darkwood walking stick. Three legs are better than two.
However his success at maintaining his footing does nothing from keeping him from losing his temper (Wisdom check: 10). Visibly angry, and in a tone that's remarkably menacing, Emrys roars, "ENOUGH!! My patience with you is spent! This IS your turf, but you're in MY hand! You will BEND to my WILL or be BROKEN!!" Emrys focuses all the force of his personality and influence into controlling the scepter. (Use Magic Device: 25. In an attempt to suppress and control the scepter.)
Emrys will then attempt to take control of the surrounding ooze and calm the waves to safely maneuver the raft. If anyone was to fall, he will attempt to create a tentacle of ooze to lift and place the fallen back onto the raft.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 51/59 d20+2=22 ; Friday April 19th, 2013 3:13:13 PM
Ariach looks straight at the shore in front of him as the raft suddendly pitches up. Fortunately he has a solid stand and doesnīt fall off the raft. In anticipation of his friends fall off the raft he looks around and reach out his hand if help is needed.
After hearing Emry talking again with the scepter Ariach is worried. The warrior really hopes he will not come in the situation where he has to attack Emry to get rid of the scepter.
(Dex check= 22 , natural 20)
Tuck HP 32/42 AC 18/18/14 d20+11=29 ; d20+11=26 ; Friday April 19th, 2013 8:13:32 PM
Tuck is surprised by the sudden lurch from the tiny boat, but his instincts kick in and he easily shifts his balance with the boat.
"Oh man! And here I was thinking we were home free. What's going on?"
Focussed on Grell's back The upward surge catches the normally agile elf quite off gaurd and sends her plummeting into the bottom of the boat acrobatics DC 6. Somehow just barely Vaniime amnages to not fall overboard.
Grell, AC18/13/16, HP68/68 d20+2=20 ; Sunday April 21st, 2013 8:47:57 PM What in the nine levels of.... the sudden pitch of the craft cuts off the orcish profanity that is about to follow. Wedging the oar sideways into the craft, Grell manages to keep himself in the boat (Ref=20). He reaches over frantically to try and help Vaniime get back to a position of safety.
Time to go home... Monday April 22nd, 2013 7:46:32 AM
Despite Focus' efforts, everyone manages to remain on board, though Vaniime hits the deck in an effort to avoid falling over.
All around, the lake begins to ripple. Though Emrys' wave continues pushing the raft, it's no longer as steady as it once was.
Acrobatics DC10 checks will be needed each post while you're on the raft. Same rules as above: failure by 5 or more indicates you're taking a swim, otherwise you're prone on the raft. Failing while you're already prone sends you overboard.
Grell manages to keep upright using the oar to steady himself. An effective strategy for staying upright, though it does mean they've slowed down some. On the plus side, this rough water will give him one heck of a workout.
Ariach plants himself firmly. His success in staying upright impresses even himself, though deep down he knows that he's not as graceful as he appears. Hopefully his luck will hold!
Tuck lambasts the fact that they're still in danger. They just have to get back to the kids now & they can leave. The nimble monk is able to stay upright fairly easily & uses the moment to scan for danger. Nothing is immediately apparent, but his keen eyes detect movement along the top of the ooze from a nearby island. Multiple orbs, similar to those fought back in the stronghold, are racing over the surface of the lake towards them.
They'll be on you next turn.
Steadying himself with his precious staff, Emrys manages to stay upright. Anger flashing, he admonishes the scepter to behave. He fights to control the ooze, his force of will clashing with that of Focus. The once smooth surface of the lake echos the battle, but for the meantime no more waves come crashing into the raft.
Wilma worries about how long Emrys can hold out against this scepter and is poised to take over should the need arise. She is no doubt grateful to see the half-elf bring things more under control, but one look around her shows it's a continuing struggle.
As for Focus, it doesn't seem to have anything to say. Its attention is on the lake, and Emrys, and trying to stop these fool heroes from leaving. The anger and frustration are palpable to Emrys as he continues his struggle against it.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 51/59 d20+2=6 ; Monday April 22nd, 2013 8:39:26 AM
Ariach looks over to Emry. Hopefully the bard can control the scepter. Deep in thoughts Ariach loses concentration and the next movement of the raft pulls the rug out from under his feet. He falls to the ground but can avoid to go over board luckily.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Fly d20+2=6 ; d20+4=24 ; Monday April 22nd, 2013 1:38:07 PM
Wilma involuntarily shrieked as the raft tilted sharply in the opposite direction as it had before and she found herself face-to-face with one of the improvised bindings that had been used to strengthen the raft. It was holding, but it was creaking a protest at the way the ooze lake was pitching it to and fro.
OOC: Wilma's Dexterity check is 6; she fell down but she's still on the raft.
"That's it!!!" the redheaded cleric snarled, rolling onto her back. "I have had enough of this!" She then began to cast a spell...
OOC: According to the Pathfinder rules, Wilma can cast a spell while prone, but she needs to make a Concentration check versus the Vigorous motion of the raft. Wilma's Concentration check is 24.
The priestess of Gargul grit her teeth, concentrating on casting the extra spell that her god had granted her recently...and rose twenty feet into the air, where she no longer had to keep her balance against the sea of ooze that wanted to pitch everyone off the raft.
"Emrys, do you want me to--" Wilma yelled down to her friend, but the odd shapes effortlessly sliding across the surface of the lake caught her eye. She drew in her breath sharply.
"INCOMING BLOBBIES!!!" she shouted to the people on the raft, using her staff point in the direction the creatures were coming from.
OOC: Wilma has just cast her Fly spell. She has five minutes of flight time...assuming nothing kills her while she's aloft...
Tuck HP 32/42 AC 18/18/14 d20+11=25 ; d20+7=19 ; d8=3 ; d20+11=18 ; Monday April 22nd, 2013 8:13:54 PM
Tuck shifts with the rocking boat, nimbly pulling back on an arrow and loosing at the lead blob. (Acrobatics 25)
"Can you guys get us off of this ooze quick? We don't want to be fighting these things out here."
He glances quickly to the shore to see how far out they are. (Perception 18)
Easily managing to keep her balance no, Vaniime makes her way to a more secure kneeling position and rereadies her bow. Hearing Wilma's call she tries to see the incoming cubes and sends an arrow streaking out towards one (if they will be there in next round they should be within missile range.) [ac15 for 10 points[/b]
On either the trip over or back has there been any sign of plant in the "water"?
Able to keep command of his feet, Emrys is able to look out and see the oozlings heading their way. He gives the scepter a vigorous shake, hoping to disrupt the Focus' concentration with their oncoming attackers. Knowing who the antithesis to Ga'al is, Emrys looks to further disrupt Focus by invoking the name of Domi!
"Alright you glorified shoehorn, it's time you get to know a superior god! GET TO KNOW ME DOMI!," shouts Emrys, invoking the well-known battle cry! Inspired by the words, he again forces his will upon the scepter in an attempt to hedge out the Focus and take control of its power.
(Use Magical Device: 26, to gain further control of the scepter and use its power.)
(You didn't give us a direction from where the oozes are coming from. Dont know if they coming from our front, back, left or right.)
(IF they are coming from a mostly rear direction) Emrys attempts to create a rippling and churning whirlpool of ooze directly in the path of the oozlings. He also rotates the whirlpool in an appropriate direction that would cause rippling waves, that expand outward from the center, to continue and push their raft in the correct direction.
(IF they are coming from a mostly frontal direction) Emrys raises a tall wall of ooze that then arches and rolls towards the oozlings in the form of a crashing tidal wave of ooze.
Grell, AC18/13/16, HP68/68 d20+2=13 ; d20+8=22 ; d8+6=10 ; Tuesday April 23rd, 2013 7:06:32 AM
Once more using the ore for support, Grell has no problems maintaining his balance (Ref.=13). Following Van's lead, the warrior pulls out his bow. He grins is satisfaction at the tension on the string as he notches and draws his arrow. Yes, this compound bow is going to serve him well. Sighting in on one of the blobbies not hit by Van, Grell lets his arrow loose and smirks as he hears the overtaut TWANG of his bowstring. Yeah...let's see how those flying snot balls like *them* apples! (AC22 for 10)
Grell, AC20/13/18, HP68/68 Tuesday April 23rd, 2013 7:08:42 AM
OOC: Just putting in an AC correction...should be 20/13/18 since he's not raging anymore.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 51/59 Tuesday April 23rd, 2013 8:17:46 AM
Ariach looks at the approaching oozes in horror. Fighting while standing on a raft isnīt something he would like to do. Hopefully they will reach the shore before the oozes arrive.
Time to go home... Tuesday April 23rd, 2013 10:40:19 AM Ariach's cache of grace spent, he hits the deck, He fiercely grips the side of the raft & is able to save himself from falling overboard. From this vantage point he sees the orbs gliding along the surface of the lake at eye level. The dim light of this plane prismatically breaks apart inside them. It would be beautiful if they weren't in danger & in no place to have a melee.
Wilma has had enough. She casts her prepared fly spell and lifts off the raft. Her worry about Emrys takes a back seat for a moment when she sees the oncoming "blobbies."
Tuck stands with his feet firmly planted; his well-trained body able to shift and adjust to the choppy waves with ease. Taking careful aim, he lets fly at the incoming orbs. The shifting boat hinders his aim somewhat, but he still connects.
Vaniime pulls herself up to one knee & follows suit, though her arrow veers a bit off course. Looking around for plant matter, there are occasional outcroppings of rock with fungus growing on them. There's not enough visibility into the ooze to see if any type seaweed (oozeweed?) exists.
Grell's muscles swell as he pulls back on the stiff drawstring of his compound bow. The missile shoots clean through one of the oozes, severely disrupting it. After a minute, it forms back into an orb once more, but it's noticeably smaller.
Of course, while he's shooting, no one's paddling the raft. Some motion is provided by Emrys, but they've slowed down from their original speed.
Still locked in a battle of wills, Emrys tries to throw off Focus' game a bit by calling on Ga'al's nemesis. You and your twice-dead god have NO PLACE IN THIS REALM.. The scepter seems to warm a bit in response as well. The half-elf is unable to quiet the lake completely, but is able to stymie any efforts to capsize their vessel.
Spying the incoming orbs, Emrys stirs the lake. It's not a whirlpool, per say, but he is able to put enough rotation on the lake that the orbs are slowed down considerably. He can feel Focus try and guide them through, but the movement is too complex with Emrys forcing his will upon it.
OOC: Regarding your Use Magic Device skill, I see what you're trying to do, but it's not an appropriate use of the skill in this situation. You already have control of the scepter. You know enough about magic items to know something's not right about the situation. Give me a knowledge, arcana and a sense motive check to figure out what. From now on, use Will saves to overcome Focus.
***
Due to the unstable terrain, ranged attacks come with a -2 penalty so long as Focus is making his presence felt. I based this off the DC modifier from the acrobatics skill.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Fly Tuesday April 23rd, 2013 12:23:16 PM OOC: no map...? And Tuck's question about how far from shore the raft happens to be was never answered.
No, no map. You're all on a smallish raft and there's a cluster of gelatinous orbs coming at you. Distance is hard to gauge, but it took you folks an hour to row over the first time, and you were about 15 minutes out when Focus started his tantrum. You were moving considerably faster w/ Emrys' help, so maybe you're 2/3 of the way across? Remember, light is dim here. Even low light vision has it's limits where distance is concerned.
tl;dr: What shore?
Tuck HP 32/42 AC 18/18/14 d20+11=21 ; d20+5=16 ; d8=5 ; Tuesday April 23rd, 2013 5:51:16 PM
"Grell and Ariach! We need you two pulling at the oars. Get us to shore! Someone toss Wilma the rope and maybe she can help tug the boat along."
All this is said as he fits another arrow to his bow, his stance adjusting involuntarily with the rocking of the boat. He sights and fires at the nearest oncoming ooze.
(Acrobatics 21. Hits AC 16 for 5 damage)
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Fly Tuesday April 23rd, 2013 11:28:19 PM
Wilma took the time to put her quarterstaff into its transport loop and ready her crossbow.
"I don't know how helpful I can be with the raft..." she shouted down to the others in her party, "...towing or even carrying anything while flying still requires muscle...and I don't have a lot of that. Still, if anyone DOES throw me a line, I'll see what I can do..."
Wilma waited to see what would happen first--someone tossing her a rope or the blobbies on the horizon getting to the raft.
Emrys has never been so surefooted in his life! However, he is becoming very weary of the scepter. The struggle is taking its toll on his mental faculties. One thing is becoming abundantly clear, something isn't right about this magical trinket. If he falls, everyone else will need to know. (Knowledge [arcana]: 22. Sense Motive: 28, to figure this out.)
"Servant," commands Emrys, "Make yourself useful. Get behind the raft and push! And don't stop until I tell you differently!" He takes his walking stick and taps the spot from which it's supposed to push. (Unseen Servants can walk on water and push/drag a 100 pounds.) Emrys isn't expecting much from the servant to contribute to the raft's propulsion at all, but every little bit helps.
Emrys notices the currents are quite successful at holding back the oozlings. He decides to continue this tactic but increase the chaotic quality and strength of the frothy, semi-gelatinous flow. (Will: 12)
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 51/59 d20+2=3 ; Wednesday April 24th, 2013 2:32:56 AM
Ariach listens to Tuck. Whereas Grell is fighting the oozes Ariach immediately goes for the tentativ paddle to bring his friends to safety. But the young warrior is luckless. Still holding his body shield in one hand grabbing the paddle with the other hand, he loses completely balance and falls of the raft. (Dex check = 3 natural 1)
"Help, help!" Ariach screams in panic.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Fly Wednesday April 24th, 2013 3:28:52 AM
OOC to Ariach: I know what Wilma's going to do in the upcoming round...but doesn't Ariach have any Hero Points left for a reroll...?
Grell, AC20/13/18, HP68/68 d20+2=11 ; d20+5=13 ; Wednesday April 24th, 2013 6:54:05 AM
Barely managing to keep his balance (Ref.=11), Grell spots Ariach go overboard. Dropping his bow in the raft, Grell rushes over to help his friend back in the raft (Str.=13). "C'mon Ariach...kick with your legs and get back in here! We need to get out of here!"
Time to go home... Wednesday April 24th, 2013 3:30:28 PM Tuck announces that Grell and Ariach should be manning the oars. Hopefully he has a plan for dealing with the blobbies bearing down on them.
Wilma doesn't think she'll be much use in tugging a raft. She puts away her staff & prepares for a ranged attack.
Vaniime ponders how she can use that fungus to her advantage.
Ariach tumbles into the drink. Grell drops his bow and rushes to aid him.
Ariach, make a DC13 swim check. Grell, if you're actively reaching for him, make me a touch attack vs. AC10. Success indicates you have a hold of him & can add your STR bonus to his swim check.
The events are lost on Emrys as a tiny seed of insight takes root in his mind. Intelligent items are righteous, egotistical bullies on the best of days, but they don't typically put up a constant fight like this unless something big's going down.
Emrys knows how to read people, but this is a hunk of magical jewelry and somewhat alien. He considers what he knows about bullies, then it hits him: they yell the loudest when they're scared.
The orbs are making slow progress. Emrys tries to increase the turbulence under them, but mental fatigue may be setting in. He can feel Focus successfully calm the area somewhat. Unless something is done to slow them, they should be here next round.
Unseen servants are mindless constructs, but Emrys swears he can feel his shrug and get to work on the somewhat futile task of moving the raft. Maybe the raft is moving a little faster, or perhaps it's in his head. Hard to say, but the difference is minor if there is any.
mental images Wednesday April 24th, 2013 4:34:25 PM I have this image in my head of my 4 year old tightly gripping and pushing the back of a Budweiser wagon being pulled by six clydesdales...
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 51/59 d20+8=10 ; d20+8=26 ; Wednesday April 24th, 2013 5:06:11 PM
Facing the danger of drowning Ariach mobilizes his whole body strength to keep himself above the oozy liquid. (swimming check=10, using hero point for reroll =26)
He tries to reach the raft and get on top again.
OOC to Wilma: Thanks for your advice but i really hate to spend a hero point on avoiding drowning. I think hero points should be spend to achieve a heroic feat :)
Tuck HP 32/42 AC 18/18/14 d20+11=12 ; d20+11=13 ; d20+5=16 ; d8=1 ; Wednesday April 24th, 2013 5:55:08 PM
(OOC - Did Tuck's attack hit last round?)
As Ariach goes into the drink, Tuck staggers and almost goes in himself. He just manages to prop himself back to his feet on his bow. (Acrobatics 12, natural 1. Used Hero Point to reroll for a 13, not much better but good enough.)
"Ariach! Oh man, this is no time for you to be clowning around!"
Grell lunges for the overboard warrior and Tuck refocuses his energies on the oncoming oozes. He fires off another arrow.
Shaking her head at her previous shot, Van frowns in concentration to kkep her balance, and while she does she is startled by Ariach going over the side and sends her arrow dep into the water below. Seeing that the oozes will be here shortly Van puts away her bow and takes out her rope cuts it into 5 ten foot sections and starts tying herself to the boat with about one of the lengths.
"Grell, Ariach, Tuck, Emrys use one of these sections to tie yourselves down. We will have a hard enough time fighting these things but if we fall over and can't get back in the boat we are certainly done for."
Grell, AC20/13/18, HP68/68 d20+2=15 ; d20+5=9 ; Wednesday April 24th, 2013 10:30:13 PM
Keeping his balance (Ref=15), Grell reaches over and tries to grab him, but can't reach the stalwart warrior. (Touch=9) Grell breathes a sigh of relief though because it looks like Ariach is going to make it into the boat on his own. He nods as Vaniime tosses the rope over to him, but isn't able to lash himself down quite yet.
OOC: Seriously, why couldn't you just have used the STR roll from last time for the ranged touch attack? It's the same modifier. Not sure why I have to roll again this round.
Horrified that Ariach had fallen in, Emrys sends his servant, sensing a better use for its services, to help lift the fallen protector back onto the raft. "Do it now, and then return to me!"
A small smile forms across his lips with the spark of insight. He didn't think the scepter was capable of such emotions, but yes, there it is. Emrys can feel its urgency ... its fear. (Sense Motive: 25) From his smile grows to a low chuckle, the most antagonizing and wicked of chuckles. 'You are being tested ... and you are failing! I sense your doubt. Fear grips you tighter than my own hand, backscratcher, ha ha ha! Allow me to squash the last remnants of your hope!"
Feeling roused in spirit and empowered with resolve and renewed confidence (Will Save: 27), Emrys takes a deeper control of the scepter and raises a wall of ooze out of the murky abyss. It teeters for a second or two and then goes smashing down on the attacking oozes in the form of a crashing tidal wave. If Emrys is allowed to experiment with his control of the ooze, he will attempt to solidify the crashing wave with jagged sharp edges at the point of impact with the oozes. If all else fails, he hopes, at least, the oozes are swept further away across the gelatinous expanse.
(Perception: 17)
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Fly Thursday April 25th, 2013 8:27:50 PM
Wilma felt her stomach plummet when Ariach fell off the raft. Even as she began a descent, however, she ssw the stalwart warrior clamber back onto the craft and breathed a sigh of relief.
Hmmm...what could she have done had Ariach not been able to save himself? It wasn't like she had the strength to pluck him out of the lake of ooze...
However, now that she was hovering about ten feet in the air over the raft, Wilma thought that she might act on that idea from before...
"I will add my strength towards getting the raft to shore..." she said, "...IF someone can secure a rope to the raft and then give me the other end..?"
Time to go home... Thursday April 25th, 2013 9:54:58 PM
The thought of drowning in this ooze is frankly unacceptable! Ariach kicks for all he's worth and drags himself back onto the raft w/ a hand from Grell. He's covered with ooze and breathing heavy from the exertion, but he's otherwise just fine.
Vaniime's bad luck with her bow continues. She decides she's better off assisting the others and offers rope to secure themselves.
Tuck trusts Grell with Ariach's well being & focuses on hitting the tiny, rapidly moving oozes. He clips one, but they continue unabated.
...until Emrys steps up. Capitalizing on his insights, he forces Focus' will to bend to his own. The lake calms in response. Acting quickly, Emrys attempts to manipulate the ooze to block the incoming orbs. He finds that even with unfettered control of Focus' powers, he can still only roughly manipulate the ooze. He IS able to cause a wave of the stuff to crash over them. Spikes of sorts stick out of the wave, but they lack any hardness & end up having no effect. Pity, as it was such a clever idea. The orbs buoy up to the surface a moment later, but they haven't made any progress towards the lot of you in the meantime.
OOC: You find you're unable to enact any fine control over the ooze. Imagine you're in a kiddy pool filled with this stuff. You could cause waves to crash, take a stick and swirl it up, cup your hands and send a spout of the stuff into the air, etc. You couldn't cause a tendril to snake up and dance around or anything.
Wilma gets ready to do something awesome. (OOC: Go ahead and post still. I'll edit this. I've been too busy and getting to this later and later each day to start getting judgy.)
***
The lake is currently calm. No acrobatics check needed for the next post.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 51/59 d20+4=20 ; Friday April 26th, 2013 2:22:31 AM
Ariach takes a deep breath. Relieved he ist out of the nasty liquid he nods thankfully to Grell for his help. He sips from his wineskin and rinses out his mouth. Then he stands up and grabs the paddle. Ariach starts to paddle as hard as possible.
"I will bring us out of here. I will not die in here!"
(strength check=20 for paddling)
Tuck HP 32/42 AC 18/18/14 d20+7=14 ; Friday April 26th, 2013 5:59:42 PM
Tuck fires another arrow, but can't seem to find his target.
"Darn boat," he mutters, watching the oozes approaching.
(Hits AC 14)
Time to go home... Friday April 26th, 2013 10:23:13 PM
OOC: Hello? Busy Friday?
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:45/45 Friday April 26th, 2013 10:47:00 PM
Tied on Van prepares by drawing her sword and standing in the Bow.
Hey is everyone tied down? we have incoming in a few moments.
Emrys ac10, hp20/20. -1 temp. level drain, light, prestidigitation, unseen servant d20+9=18 ; d20+14=18 ; Sunday April 28th, 2013 2:14:21 PM
"Welcome back, Ariach," announces Emrys with a salutatory nod. He then addresses his unseen servant, "Servant, take that short length of rope, there, and tie one end around my ankle."
Emrys then continues to concentrate on maintaining forceful flows of ooze to keep the attacking oozlings at bay and help propel the raft (Will Save: 18). He ponders the size of these oozes, not to mention how far away he and his friends are from reach the shore. The light from his walking stick radiates normal light for 80-feet in every direction for both him and Vaniime. Either elf should be able to see something. (Perception: 18)
(ooc: what size are the oozes? Are they like the big ones or the small ones? How far away are they? Is the shore in sight?
Grell, AC20/13/18, HP68/68 Sunday April 28th, 2013 9:12:19 PM
Taking his piece of rope, Grell secures himself to the raft and then secures Ariach. No sense in having to rescue him a second time!
Oozes of a puddle, flow together Monday April 29th, 2013 12:06:11 PM Filling in for Carl while he deals with a personal issue.
Are we still waiting for Wilma's awesome action?
Various members work to tie themselves to the raft as it rides the crest of a wave of ooze.
Emrys gets fragmented sensations of the orbs, similar to the ones that attacked in Shandresh's room. But with so much ooze being sensed through the Focus, he finds the ability to lock onto the smaller oozes difficult while maintaining control of the Focus as well. As his internal struggles for control slip, he can feel the glee of the Focus as a wave of ooze altars the direction of the raft just enough to head it towards some jagged rocks that he can just make out at the limits of his vision.
I'll give Wilma a little more time before moving things along. Feel free to consider this one of those long hand moments before stuff hits the fan.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Fly Monday April 29th, 2013 4:45:17 PM OOC: sorry about the lack of posting--Real Life hit the fan for me. And Wilma's "awesome action" was her asking if anyone still wanted her to try to pull the raft along...she needed someone to toss her a rope for that, though.
Seeing that everyone was busy securing themselves to the raft, Wilma chewed her lip and took aim at the oncoming oozes, thinking to herself that they looked very ominous.
OOC again: are the oozes within her crossbow range yet..?
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 51/59 d20+4=15 ; Monday April 29th, 2013 6:01:49 PM
Tied up with the raft now Ariach feels more comfortable. He still paddles with all his power but prepares himself of changing paddle with his mace for the upcoming infighting.
(strength check = 15 / if needed)
Tuck HP 32/42 AC 18/18/14 d20+7=9 ; Monday April 29th, 2013 7:52:48 PM
Tuck fires off another wayward arrow which sinks fruitlessly into the sea of ooze.
"Oh man. Ariach, I don't think I'm going to save us. I hope you can get us to shore."
(Hits AC 9)
Oozes of a puddle, flow together Monday April 29th, 2013 7:58:20 PM
they are indeed in range, and now only about 30' from the raft
Emrys ac10, hp20/20. -1 temp. level drain, light, prestidigitation, unseen servant d20+9=22 ; d20+14=18 ; Monday April 29th, 2013 10:20:51 PM
(Will save: 22, to control the scepter)
Amid all the distractions, Emrys grits his teeth as he bears down and concentrates his thoughts to fight back the Focus' control. He tries to help to correct the rafts course and increase the various flows of ooze to push back the oozes. He is beginning to show signs that the fight is taking its toll on him mentally and physically. Emrys sniffs and he dabs his nose with his finger revealing a trace smear of blood.
Noticing that his servant has tied the rope to his ankle, he then commands, "Servant, tie the other end of the rope to the raft."
(Perception: 18)
Grell, AC20/13/18, HP68/68 Monday April 29th, 2013 10:25:35 PM
Now that he and Ariach are secure, Grell joins Ariach in helping row the boat toward the shore.
Batter up! d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d4=3 ; Tuesday April 30th, 2013 1:33:32 PM
The party has managed to tie themselves to the rickety raft as it continues to make its way across the lake of ooze. Emrys' continued struggle with the Focus is enough to push the raft. Enough that the raft doesn't hit the rocks head on, though the party is jarred by the impact and a piece of the decking is smashed and breaks off from the side of the raft. Acrobatics this round is DC 15, or fall prone. If already prone, roll off raft.
A sense of deja vu overcomes the party as the three orbs rush the raft.
Orb #1 jumps at Wilma, Orb #2 jumps at Ariach, and Orb #3 jumps at Grell. Everyone may make an attack of opportunity. Wilma, Ariach and Grell may instead choose to attempt a reflex save to dodge the attack. DC is 13. Making the AoO or failing the save means that the Orb has landed on thy head. Ye are blind, deaf, and nauseated. Take 3 pts of acid damage to your head.
Anyone attempting to hit an orb that has engulfed someone's head has a 50% chance to damage the head and not the orb.
Emrys Highlight to display spoiler: { after the orbs strike, their presence becomes distinct from the lake of ooze. You can now sense them through Focus. Feast my little friends, taste flesh! you hear the Focus laughing at the plight of your companions. You can take control of one ooze at a time, if you attempt to take control of an orb, your control over the wave of ooze will be disrupted, slowing the raft. Since your actions are in direct opposition to Focus, you will need to make control will saves every other round. for this round you are in control.}
Vaniime AC 19/15/15, HP:45/45, Dodge d20+4=20 ; d20+10=24 ; d10+4=6 ; d20+10=22 ; d10+4=9 ; Tuesday April 30th, 2013 5:22:23 PM
Standing in the bow of the boat, the ooze jumps right past Vaniime to try and hit Grell and so she takes a swing (AoO) AC 24 for 6 points of damage and hopefully diverting it from its chosen path.
If clear of Grell's head she will press her attack [b]AC 22 for 9 points of damage. (if Grell's head is engulfed Van will choose another close safe target.)
Tuck HP 32/42 AC 18/18/14 d20+11=24 ; d20+6=26 ; d20+6=7 ; d8+2=7 ; d20+6=8 ; d20+6=11 ; Tuesday April 30th, 2013 8:55:00 PM
Tuck maintains his balance with relative ease as the boat swipes the jutting rocks. (Acrobatics 24)
As the orbs launch into the boat, Tuck drops his bow and clobbers one of the incoming oozes with a powerful right hand. He tries to follow up his attack but can't seem to connect in the confines of the small craft.
(AoO hits AC 26 (natural 20) follow-up hits 7, so no crit. 7 damage. Flurry of Blows hits AC 8 and 11.)
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Fly d20+2=7 d20+2=17 d20+5=23 d8=7 Tuesday April 30th, 2013 9:55:42 PM OOC: Holy Hannah--these things can jump UP out of the lake 20+ feet???
Burning 1 Hero point to reroll the missed Dex save.
Wilma switched her perspective from the raft below her to targeting one of the goo-balls chasing the raft--and was stunned to see it flying out of the lake straight at her! She was so stunned that she almost forgot to try to duck...but fortunately she managed to do that at the very last possible second.
OOC: Wilma's Dex Save (after reroll) is 17.
After avoiding the ooze that had launched itself at her, Wilma took the opportunity to fire her crossbow at it.
"That oughta teach ya to pick on a cleric of Gargul, ya big goo-ball!!!" she shouted after the creature.
OOC: Wilma's shot hits AC23 for 7hp damage.
Grell, AC20/13/18, HP68/68 d20+2=18 ; d20+2=19 ; d20+12=29 ; 2d6+11=19 ; Tuesday April 30th, 2013 10:25:45 PM
Maintaining his position in the boat (Ref=18), Grell dodges the incoming blog (Ref=19). Dropping the oar, Grell pulls his sword and slashes at the blob with all his might. (AC29 for 19).
Emrys ac10, hp20/20. -1 temp. level drain, light, prestidigitation, unseen servant d20=3 ; d20+14=26 ; d20+4=15 ; Tuesday April 30th, 2013 11:00:13 PM
Emrys takes a swing at one of the passing oozing orbs; using the scepter as a club. "Take that, you Gobbledygoo!!" Of course, he misses (AoO: HitAC: 3, lol)!
When they scrape against the rocks, amazingly Emrys is still able to maintain a foothold, "Peas and Carrots," he says with shock! (Acrobatics: 15)
Now that the oozes have arrived, making a run for it has become less urgent than helping defend his friends. So IF there aren't any other sharp, pointy rocks, or other obstacles, to steer around, he will turn his attention to the oozing orbs. He takes a quick look to be sure no other collisions are eminent (Perception: 26). If there are more obstacles, he will maintain control of the currents to steer the raft and move it more swiftly to shore.
IF a lucky oozing orb finds itself a juicy head to slobber on, Emrys will turn the scepter on it and force it to remove itself. He will then compel it to grapple one of the other oozes who are without a head to suck on.
(ooc: If this is successful, both oozes will gain the Grappled condition [-4 dex, -2 attack, and can't move]. Everyone else possibly gets a bonus to attack them.)
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 51/59 d20+2=15 ; d20+2=20 ; Wednesday May 1st, 2013 5:52:35 AM
Ariach sees the ooze jumping at him and for a short moment he thinks about attacking it. But then he remembers the first fight and decides to dodge under the jumping ooze. (DC=15) Not having a problem with the wild movement of the raft Ariach doesnīt stop to paddle. He trusts in the abilities of his companions to get rid of them. (Acrobatic- Dex check= 20)
Batter up! d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d4=2 ; Wednesday May 1st, 2013 2:02:30 PM
The party manages to stay on their feet while the raft continues to weave and bob on the waves of ooze. Some are surprised as the orbs come flying up out of the ooze at them, much like a fish jumping into the air. Of course these ones have better aim, and are acidic.
Vaniime slices into Orb#1, and manages to give it just enough deflection to help Wilma dodge its attack. Tuck drops his bow to swing at an orb, said bow is now rolling around on the deck of the raft. While his first hit is solid, his follow ups are less than desired. Probably because he just had an aha moment. Didn't need to drop the bow to strike with empty hand, or flurry with a body part. Wilma successfully dodges the orb, with emphasis, as she recalls her last encounter with them. Her bolt drives into and through the orb, and with any other creature, it would have been pegged to the deck. Unfortunately the ooze flows around the bolt leaving a trail of ichor. Grell finds his sea legs and nimbly dodges the orb and follows up with a swing at the orb now at his feet. In the mean time, Emrys finds himself looking between his friends and the path of the raft, head swinging back and forth between the two trying to decide where to focus his attention while Focus laughs in his head. And Ariach manages to make rowing look downright easy as he shifts his head just enough for the orb to fly past while he continues to row.
The orbs find lunch all about them and continue their onslaught as they jump with an accuracy that continues to cause wonder to some of the party as the orbs consider new meals from Vaniime, Arioch, and Grell.
More acrobatics checks to maintain footing, DC remains 15, fail by 5 and you step on Tuck's bow. Those targeted may make AoO's or reflex saves. DC remains 13. Damage from a failed save is 2 pts of acid as the orb engulfs your head. All others may make an AoO at one of the orbs. Emrys needs to make another will save to maintain control over Focus.
Orb#1 -14 HP (near Wilma) Orb#2 Orb#3 -19 HP (near Grell)
Emrys ac10, hp20/20. -1 temp. level drain, light, prestidigitation, unseen servant Wednesday May 1st, 2013 2:14:16 PM
(ooc: You completely ignored my actions. I said if there werent obstacles to maneuver the raft around he was going to control an ooze and attack another ooze with a grapple attack!! Emrys wasnt the least bit indecisive in what he was doing.)
DM what you actually said was that if an ooze landed on a head you would control it to instead attack another ooze. Since no oozes made it on a head, your if then didn't find a truth. I do apologize for not making an assumption of what you would have done had no ooze been successful.
Tuck HP 32/42 AC 18/18/14 d20+6=8 ; d20+6=10 ; d20+11=12 ; Wednesday May 1st, 2013 9:10:25 PM
Tuck attempts to flurry on the oozes again, but instead falls to the boat as it rocks him off his feet.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Fly d20+5=8 ; d8=7 ; Thursday May 2nd, 2013 7:33:11 AM
Wilma aims and fires at the ooze that had attacked her, but she finds that aerial combat is a bit different than standing on the ground.
OOC: Wilma hit AC8 for 7hpd.
Emrys ac10, hp20/20. -1 temp. level drain, light, prestidigitation, unseen servant d20+4=22 ; d20+9=12 ; d20=18 ; d6=4 ; Thursday May 2nd, 2013 9:05:54 AM
(ooc: still waiting to find out if there are obstacles in the lake. Emrys has a full 360 degree view of the lake, and made a Perception check (26) good enough to hear and understand a whispered conversation while still asleep! Still waiting to find out how the ooze orb, that Emrys took control of, is doing with its attack on one of the other ooze orbs.)
(Acrobatics: 22) (Will: 12)
Using the Focus as a club, Emrys hits AC 18 for 4 damage.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 51/59 d20+2=22 ; d20+2=21 ; Thursday May 2nd, 2013 10:00:35 AM
Again Ariach dodges the oozeīs attack. (reflex save=22) And although chaos is around him he keeps on his feet and continues to paddle. (Dex check=21)
Grell, AC20/13/18, HP66/68 d20+2=4 ; d20+2=9 ; d20+10=26 ; Thursday May 2nd, 2013 12:16:52 PM Cruuuunch! As the boats rocks and his shifts his weight, Grell is sickened to find himself standing on Tuck's bow...or is it his OWN new bow...after all, his bow is also rolling around on the bottom of the raft (Reflex=4). Still, Grell has precious little time to ponder who's bow he's crushing under foot as a blobby launches itself at his face once more. This time his luck doesn't hold out as the critter latches itself onto his face! (Reflex=9). Smothering in goop, Grell reaches up with his left hand and wastes no time in attempting to rip the nasty critter off his face. (Unarmed attack or CMB...however you want to count it AC=26). As soon as he wrestles control of the creature, he will pull it off his face and throw it to the ground.
The once very steady elf suddenly finds herself falling to the boat's deck Acrobatics DC 12 and then finds her head engulfed Reflex Dc 11 by an ooze that somehow had the intelligence to suddenly change its trajectory in mid flight and drop four feet and still find its target. Reacting Van tries to grab hold of the ooze CMB 15 and tries to remove it from her head.
Highlight to display spoiler: {(OOC: I very confused. But how come I'm not seeing any to hit rolls for the oozes. I mean it seems awfully funny that they always seem to hit if a reflex save isn't made and not only just hit but at what equals a called head shot no less, which no longer exists. Not to mention that we either get a reflex save or an attack of opportunity? Since when? Unless specific actions are being taken, ie: charge, 5 ft step, full retreat, etc. An attack of opportunity is in effect when an opponent or yourself enter a defended square.) In effect you are saying that because I took an attack of oportunity, I am automatically hit whether or not they able to hit my ac. I am also confused as to why we are making a DC 15 roll on acrobatics each round when we are on a surface at least 1-3 feet wide DC 5, in a boat on rough water +2, and I'll even go and say slippery due to wet +2, to me that makes a 9 not a 15. Even if you could make a case for moderately unsteady, boat in a Storm +5, that is still only a DC of 12 And then while it is attached to my head I need to roll a to hit die to grab it???? Color me very confused. }
DM These are good points, and I will hope to have all of them addressed. The module was written to require a DC10 acrobatics check every turn while on the raft for the return trip, while the lake of ooze is actively fighting. I am not sure where that number came from, but reverse engineering it I come up with base DC 5 for width of raft, lightly obstructed +2 (these are not hewn planks, but round beams lashed together), slightly slippery +2, slightly unsteady or mildly unsteady +2 or +5 or severely unsteady +10. So that's 5+2+2=9+2/5/10 for a final DC of 11, 14, or 19. The raft smashing into the rocks would have been a 19, but Emrys avoided most of the impact for a 15, should have been 14. But then I don't know why the original number wasn't 11. I do apologize as the DC 15 was only for the round that had the raft hitting the rocks, and should have reduced back to the previous 10 before then. Since I don't know where the 10 comes from, I'm fine with everyone considering 10 as the target for this and future rounds, unless otherwise stated (instead of the calculated 11).
As for the orbs attacks. Curious players wanting to metagame may go look at them on d20pfsrd, they are Gelatinous Orbs CR2. They have a special attack:Engulf head "Gelatinous orbs have the uncanny ability to jump up and land on a Medium-sized or smaller creature's head, completely engulfing it as a standard action." Originally I misread this and was treating it as an attack, and not as a standard action in itself. As for the AoO or reflex save. Note that some types of actions are a to hit roll against AC or SR, others require a save. This standard action gives a choice, it is going to hit unless the character dodges with a reflex save, optionally the player can forego the relex to try and kill it with an AoO. Please look at the entry under Gelatinous Cube: Engulf; Livestone: Engulf; and the universal monster entry 'engulf'. Please note that previously I erred and was making attack rolls for the orbs in the bedroom. The Gelatinous Orb has the ability to Engulf Head due to its smaller size. Please continue to post questions as I will make the occasional mistake and will do what I can to rectify it.
Batter up! d20+2=18 ; d8+2=5 ; d3=2 ; d20-1=6 ; d6=3 ; Thursday May 2nd, 2013 9:16:11 PM
Please note that since everyone is in close proximity, everyone can make an AoO against at leasst one orb. Those targeted by an orb get a choice fo AoO OR reflex save. I don't see that anyone made AoO's that was not targeted. I will assume that you did and roll appropriately.
Tuck finds himself unbalanced as the raft crests a wave, arms outstretched for his bow?, and falls onto the raft, easy pickings! No! For one of his feet slashes up and strikes an orb (#2)! (AoO)
Wilma remains above the others and tries to fire into the scrambling melee on the raft below her, and somehow managing to miss everyone. Side of a barn next time?
Emrys feels his control slipping and swings the Focus (in anger?) at one of the orbs, inflicting minor damage. Accept that you must join us. There is yet one true heartseed! Together we can free Shandresh and return her to her rightful place! His strike at an orb as it jumps around meets only air. (AoO)
Ariach continues to paddle the raft even as it slows and begins to turn as the Focus regains self control.
Grell finds someone's bow underfoot as he tries in vain to maintain his footing, even as one of the orbs lands on him with a soft plop and quickly stretches over his head. Rolling on the raft deck, Grell manages to get a hand into the gelatinous body even as a wave of nausea overcomes him. Hopefully he can yank it off his head. (You have a grapple on it.)
Vaniime nearly stumbles but manages to keep her feet under her, unfortunately she was unable to dodge out of the way of the orb as it splattered across her face and flowed up and over her lovely tresses. Thinking quickly, she is able to wedge a few fingers under the edge of the orb near her ear. Hopefully this will provide enough leverage to yank the creature off! (You have a grapple on it.)
Orbs 1 and 3 have found lunch and start munching, take 3 acid damage. You both have managed to gain a hold on the orb and can attempt to pull it off this turn, CMD 14. Orb #2 finds itself left out and goes for the easy meat rolling around, jumping at Tuck. AoO OR reflex DC 13. Failed or no reflex, take 3 points of acid damage. Everyone else on the raft may make another acrobatics, DC 10 as the craft bobs and starts to spin about. those not engulfed may make an AoO on the orb attacking Tuck, attempting to hit one of the others has a 50% of hitting the PC instead.
Orb#1 -18 HP (on Vaniime) Orb#2 -2 HP (near Tuck) Orb#3 -19 HP (on Grell)
Grell, AC20/13/18, HP63/68 d20+2=20 ; d20+10=13 ; Thursday May 2nd, 2013 10:07:46 PM
Somehow managing to keep his footing (Ref=20), Grell tries to wrench the stupid thing off, but can't quite pull it off (CMB=13). Stars begin to form on the edges of his vision as he knows it won't be much longer until he passes out.
Emrys is completely astounded by his sure-footedness. For a half-fey, who has spent all his life deep in the Culverwood, his legs have proven to be quite seaworthy.
(Will save: 18, to gain more control of the scepter) The Focus' change in tone and tactfulness raises an eyebrow. (Sense Motive: 30, on the Focus) It's still trying to recruit the bard, even after trying to kill him ... several times over. It must be becoming even more desperate the closer they come to shore. Emrys mentally asks, 'You're speaking of the missing heartseed, from the box? What about it?' He hopes to learn more by drawing more of the Focus' attention by sounding 'interested' (Bluff: 23).
If he is able, Emrys attempts to remove the gelatinous orb from Grell's head with a bit of magical influence. If he can, he will attempt to 'inspire' the orb to jump onto the business end of Grell's blade.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Fly d20+5=25 ; d8=4 ; d20+5=14 ; d8=3 ; Friday May 3rd, 2013 9:29:04 AM
Gritting her teeth and taking her time with her shot, Wilma aimed her crossbow at the orb that Tuck had avoided (since she didn't want to risk hitting either Van or her brother) and slowly squeezed the trigger to her weapon. She was rewarded with the satisfying "spluck!" of a direct hit!
Wilma whooped triumphantly and readied her crossbow for another shot...
OOC: Wilma's dice finally seem to be cooperating: the first roll is a natural 20, resulting in a bolt that strikes AC25 for at least 4hpd. The second roll to confirm the crit hit is one that hits AC14 for 3hpd...but I am belatedly recalling that a PC can't score a Crit Hit on oozes...right..?)
Unfortunately, that is correct.
Tuck HP 32/42 AC 18/18/14 d20+7=17 ; d20+11=22 ; d20+6=14 ; d8+2=5 ; Friday May 3rd, 2013 9:45:05 PM
Tuck rolls out of the way of the attacking ooze and quickly regains his feet. He lashes out with a kick at the offending ooze.
"Rragh!!" he vents his frustration at the annoying critters.
(Reflex 17. Acrobatics 22. Stands from prone and attacks hitting AC 14 for 5 damage on Orb # 2.)
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 51/59 d20+2=10 ; d20+9=27 ; Saturday May 4th, 2013 2:31:42 AM
Ariach still paddles. They have to reach the shore. The enitre situation gets out of controll and it seems like his friends need him. But it becomes harder and harder to keep a good stand on the raft while others are laying on the raft, paddeling or fighting. Ariach himself keeps on his feet barely. (Dex check=10) He even uses his paddle as a club to hit Orb#2. (hit AC 27 for ? damage)
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