DM Tanner Friday July 26th, 2013 9:21:10 AM
You quickly find your way to the Plateau City graveyard. Among the numerous rows of headstones sit sarcophagi of various shapes and sizes, dependent on the wealth of those who cared for the dead. One in particular stands out among the crowd in both size and ostentation. It is a full crypt, made of marble and bearing an iron door with large handles. A city guard stands outside, and it is apparent that large tools have been used to gain entrance, as one of the doors has been bent and hammered.
As you approach, he calls out, "You hear to poke around? We've had a few come by, most just curious, but a few looked like the adventurous type. The chief constable and most of the men left about an hour ago. We combed the crypt and graveyard high and low. Couldn't find nothin'. You're free to look and see if we missed anything."
SKILL CHECK Perception DC 25 - Highlight to display spoiler: {A dozen yards from the crypt, you find a small hole burrowed in the earth. It looks like a badger hole by the size of it, but you notice that fresh digging marks surround the rim of the hole. Small-size characters can fit through, while Medium-size characters would need to squeeze through.}
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 d20+16=26 ; d20+24=40 ; Friday July 26th, 2013 10:28:39 AM
After a quick stop back at the House to change out of her 'good' clothes, Alleah is ready to hit the graveyard.
She listens politely to the guard, nodding along as he speaks, whilst walking carefully amongst the tombstones and being careful not to step on any graves. "I believe I have found something here" she calls out to the Vanguard "A small hole - badger sized. Fresh dig marks. Want me to poke my head in and check it out?" (Perception: 26)
Assuming she gets the go ahead from the group, the halfling will draw her cloak tightly to her and stealthily make her way just inside the hole (Stealth: 40)
Vaniime AC 18/14/15, HP:52/52, d20+9=19 ; Friday July 26th, 2013 11:11:03 AM
Until shown Vaniime has no clue about the hole in the ground.
Alleah, Why don't you tie this rope around you and then go down that way if necessarty we can haul your backside back up in an emergency. Mind you it is only 50 ft unless you want to add another 50 to it from someone else.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 Friday July 26th, 2013 11:21:27 AM
Alleah gives a nod to Vaniime and ties the rope around her waist.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 d20+7=14 ; Friday July 26th, 2013 12:31:02 PM
In the crypt Ariach feels uncomfortable and is obviously out of his comfort zone. In here the warrior is confronted with the topic of dying. A topic a fighter shouldn´t touch all too often- excluded fighting. The young man stares at Alleah and Vaniime not understanding why a small hole should be important. (perception=14) Still he offers his help on holding the rope.
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 d20+12=16 ; Friday July 26th, 2013 10:37:29 PM
Tuck falls in step with the others as they pass through the manor's gate and head towards the cemetery.
"That guy was creepy," he confides in Grell.
Tuck looks around but fails to notice the hole before Alleah does.
"It would be nice to speak with the guards that were on duty when the crypt was robbed. Perhaps they could give us some information that Ajah couldn't."
Grell, AC20/13/18, HP63/68 Saturday July 27th, 2013 12:55:09 PM
OOC: Guys, I'm really struggling to get my posts in. I'm sorry I let you down, but I'll try to get my post in tonight. :(
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. guidance d20+14=33 ; d100=77 ; d20+8=13 ; d20+14=24 ; Saturday July 27th, 2013 3:35:21 PM
(Perception: 33. BTW, Ive seen badger holes, but never one large enough for an adult to squeeze into. lol)
After noticing the hole, Emrys asks, "Like the Wold Mother yawning, how is it possible no one has seen this cavernous hole until now?" The bewitching bard takes a moment to ponder this. He then looks at the bent iron door on the crypt. He compares the two to see if both openings are equally as large ... or small, depending on one's perspective.
Uttering a few simple words of power, Emrys shrinks down to half his size. (Leyline: 77. Casting Reduce Person on himself.) He then walks the path from the hole to the crypt, carefully observing every step and checking for tracks, as he attempts to reenact the crime (Survival [tracking]: 13. Perception: 24). Emrys casually says, "Hello," to the guard and carefully scrutinizes the bent door, mainly looking for where the thieve's tools made contact (either down low at his new perspective or above).
The idea that this could be the work of kobolds or goblins excites him. He's never met one and would like to observe them first hand. Especially goblins, they're known for being quite clever and industrious. But what would be their motivation to steal the bones of a human king? 'Maybe more needs to be learned about our dear King Froederick the Great,' he thinks.
(Since Emrys' attempt at gaining membership to the Sage Guild remains unresolved, Im wondering where a person can go to do research on such a topic. Are there public libraries in Plateau City?)
DMTanner - That's news to me. When did you try to join the Sages Guild? Was any RP done?
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51 d20+12=16 ; d20+6=11 ; Saturday July 27th, 2013 7:52:10 PM OOC: Wilma's Perception is way off today--only a 16.
The cleric of Gargul thanks Master Ajah sincerely for his assistance in a matter that is very important to the group--the well-being of the Centurian children in their care. After bidding the man adieu, she goes along to the mausoleum with the rest of the party, missing the hole in the ground until it is pointed out by other, more observant members of the Vanguard.
While Van and the others explore the hole, Wilma attempts to chat up the guards to see if they've heard or seen anything since taking up their posts. OOC: and the sucky rolls continue, as Wilma's Diplomacy check is a total of 11.
Grell, AC20/13/18, HP63/68 d20+4=8 ; Saturday July 27th, 2013 10:20:18 PM
The ever so quiet of late warrior strides along with the others to the crypt. Pulling off his dress shirt and pants, Grell reveals his armor underneath. Looking around, Grell doesn't spot much of anything.
He nods at Tuck "Yeah, I hear ya...he gave me the creeps too." Pulling his sword out, Grell paces around the room, on edge. "Uggg...icky nasty dead place." His massive shoulders shudder as he looks to Vaniime. "Well...what now? Oh hey....a hole...and an iiiity biiity Emrys...hey little guy!"
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. d100=48 ; Sunday July 28th, 2013 8:37:32 PM
"Grell, you'd be amazed by what you see if you change your perspective. Why don't you give it a try." Emrys repeats the same words of power, except this time they're focused on Grell.
(Leyline: 48. Casting Reduce Person on Grell. If he chooses to resist, it's a Fort Save DC 16. Duration 4 minutes.)
DM Tanner Monday July 29th, 2013 10:45:44 AM
With a great deal of squirming and magic, your party makes it through the small opening. The earthen tunnel leads sharply downward for perhaps 10 feet, before suddenly opening into a larger tunnel. It is apparent that the thieves burrowed into an existing, larger passage. Lightless space gives way to your illumination, revealing a restricted, steeply sloping tunnel that is maybe 5 feet wide and 7 feet tall. Posts of green wood hold up the walls. The air is damp, stinking with rot. If the slope holds, the tunnel likely surfaces hundreds of yards to the north, though how much farther it penetrates to the south is lost to darkness.
SKILL CHECK: Knowledge (dungeoneering) DC 15 OR Profession (miner) DC 15 - Highlight to display spoiler: {This tunnel was rapidly and rudely dug in the last month by someone using a combination of picks and magic. In fact, it has the look of an exploratory shaft sunk into the earth to locate valuable minerals.}
Knowledge (local) DC 20 - Highlight to display spoiler: {This is a little used section of the Maw, a complex series of tunnels and dungeons beneath Plateau City.}
Marching order, please.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 d20+16=19 ; d20+24=41 ; Monday July 29th, 2013 12:13:07 PM "Well if there are wooden beams then it is unlikely to be a badger hole" Alleah says with a shrug. The damp and smelly air doesn't bother her. She has smelt far worse in her lifetime. "I'm quite small and quiet, so am happy to act as point. You should know at the first sign of danger I'll be looking to take cover behind one of you bigger folks though"
Assuming Alleah takes the lead... Perception: 19, Stealth: 41
DM Ezra - Ribbit Monday July 29th, 2013 12:54:54 PM
Ominous roots hang down from the roof of the tunnel...
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 d20+6=17 ; d20+5=6 ; Monday July 29th, 2013 6:00:10 PM
(knowledge duneoneering=17, knowledge local=6 natural 1)
If the the entire group disappears in the small hole. Ariach will not stay back alone. Otherwise he asks Vaniim "Do we all go? I can bring up the rearguard, if it is wished."
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 d20+2=3 ; d20+2=11 ; d20+12=22 ; Monday July 29th, 2013 8:23:34 PM
Tuck takes up a position behind Alleah, giving her space to inspect ahead.
"Oh man, back under ground we go." The memories of the ankheg tunnels are still fresh in his mind. "Do we have any light?"
(Dungeoneering 3, Local 11, Perception 22)
Vaniime AC 18/14/15, HP:52/52, d20+7=25 ; d20+6=11 ; Monday July 29th, 2013 8:57:17 PM
Having somehow gotten down in the hole onto the tunnel floor Vaniime takes the time to remove the rope from Alleah.
KDungeon DC 25 Hey Guys, This tunnel was dug within the last month or so and not very well either using a combination of manual and magical labor.
Alleah If you want to go up front you may, I will be right behind you then.
Ok guys let's see what we can find out. Ariach can you bring up the rear please.
Marching order: Alleah, Vaniime, Grell, Wilma, Tuck, Emrys, Ariach (OOC If anyone has an issue or wants to suggest a change please do so quickly.)
Grell, AC20/13/18, HP63/68 d20+9=12 ; Monday July 29th, 2013 9:53:10 PM
Grell suddenly shrinks down and slips down the hole grumpily. "Ergggg... change... me... back! " It's probably comical watching the diminutive warrior fuss and fume.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. light d20+4=19 ; d20+9=21 ; Monday July 29th, 2013 10:52:58 PM "Don't worry, Grell. By the time you get to the bottom, you'll grow back. Meanwhile enjoy that you need not crawl or squeeze through the hole." As Emrys had promised, by the time they reached the floor of the mine shaft, Grell and Emrys find themselves restored to their normal size. Emrys will extend to others the same charity if they wish.
(Knowledge [dungeoneering]: 19, I mistakingly used a +4 instead of a +8 with the roll, but I'll keep the score anyway.Knowledge [local]: 21.)
From the darkness, Emrys says, "Illuminatis!" Suddenly the mine shaft becomes bathed in a warm light. "I whole-heartedly agree with you, Vaniime. I will also add that I think these tunnels belong to the Maw. The dungeon we once entered from the Red Wyrm Inn. I hope we don't meet another gibbling mouther!" After a few steps down the tunnel, Emrys adds, "Lets not go too far, we still have responsibilities at home with our young guests. The nanny won't arrive until morning."
DM Tanner d20+15=30 d20+15=29 5d8(8+1+7+8+6)=30 5d8(2+5+5+6+7)=25 Tuesday July 30th, 2013 12:14:09 AM
You travel down the tunnel for perhaps 50 feet before Alleah stumbles, having tripped and broken a tripwire. With a deadly whistling sound, a hail of bolts trap is triggered, showering Alleah and Vaniime with a barrage of crossbow bolts.
Alleah Attack 30 Damage 30
Vaniime Attack 29 Damage 25
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 14/44 d20+16=28 ; d20+24=33 ; Tuesday July 30th, 2013 2:33:42 AM
As soon as Alleah feels the trip-wire at the ankle she knows she is in for a world of pain. That pain comes shortly thereafter in the form of multiple crossbow bolts piercing her skin, and practically nailing her to the opposing wall. "Ow... " she moans "Definitely not a badger hole"
The halfling pulls any remaining bolts from her body, pocketing one as a reminder that she should have been more careful.
When the party are ready to move on, she vows to keep alert to any more traps (Perception: 28, Stealth: 33)
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51 d8+5=12 ; d8+5=13 ; d8+5=6 ; d8+5=13 ; d8+5=11 ; d8+5=9 ; Tuesday July 30th, 2013 4:59:34 AM OOC: Real Life interrupted me, or I would have posted on Monday.
Wilma had only just cast a Light orison on her staff when Alleah and Vaniime were the targets of a nasty sort of trap.
"Wait up, there..!" the cleric called out, pulling out her wand and tapping each of the wounded females with it three times.
OOC: OOPS--hit the Roll Die button one too many times--the first TWO taps for Van completely heals her damage; second set of three taps completely heals Alleah. Kindly ignore the sixth roll.
"Try to curb your enthusiasm, Alleah," Wilma advised the halfling with a wink and a grin, "You've been accepted into the Vanguard already--no need to do extra to 'prove yourself' or anything like that..."
OOC: CLW wand now has 45 out of 50 charges left.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Tuesday July 30th, 2013 6:14:05 AM
Once again Ariach wishes he had listen to his inner voice which had told him to stay in front! But he thought Grell, his big warrior friend, would take the lead. "Vaniime, if you wish i can lead. I am better protected than anybody else within our ranks and probably more resistent to physical damage than our new companion Alleah." Ariach wonders why Vaniime has choosen Alleah to take the lead. The small and fragile looking halfling woman shouldn´t be the first choice for such an undertaking. For little Alleah it would be better to stay within the group where everybody can come to her aid.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 Tuesday July 30th, 2013 8:52:29 AM "Thanks Wilma, but at this point I have proven nothing. I failed to notice a trap and almost got killed for it. Moving about undetected is what I do best, and so far, I haven't exactly done that well"
Vaniime hears the twang of the wire being snapped and the tell tale whooshes of the trap being sprung and knows there isn't much she can do about it at this point. She barely manages to yell the word "trap" before she does her immitation of a pincushion. Lying there on the ground oozing blood she has a moment to recall where she is and is pulling out bolts. She is about to call for Wilma when lo and behold her friend is there beside her and tapping her with the wand. Moments later she is up and though healed she still has memory of the pain and being stuck.
That kind of hurt. I do think that we have perhaps gotten a bit lackadaisical. We haven't really dealt with an intelligent foe for a while. We need to keep a bit sharper eye out.
Hearing Ariach's question, she responds, Yes, I kow that is why I have you in the rear in case we are attacked from there. You are the lone fighter back there and will have to hold the line until Grell or I are get back there.
Generally Alleah and I should be the best at tracking and making sure we aren't missing the trail. I just have gotten out of practice thinking about how criminals think and act. My mistake and I paid for it.
As they move on Van now is on the look out for other trap signals both at the ground level and above.perception DC 22
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 d20+12=21 ; Tuesday July 30th, 2013 5:34:21 PM
"I thought I was second," Tuck grumbles to himself when Vaniime orders him close to the end of the line...again.
Then the crossbow bolts strike both Vaniime and Alleah and Tuck's normally stolid face blanches in concern for his friends. Wilma is there in a moment and it seems that everyone is fine again.
Tuck keeps his eyes peeled for further danger. (Perception 21)
After nerves are calmed and wounds healed, Emrys takes a few of the unbroken bolts from the trap and closely examines them next to his light. He observes the mechanism as well. He tries to determine their size (small, medium, large, etc.), sophistication (crude, masterwork, etc.) and any racial marks or stylings (Knowledge [Dungeoneering]: 25. or maybe Knowledge [Local]: 26).
"Maybe we need to move more slowly with a light up front." So he removes the bullseye lantern from his haversack and casts his Light spell into it. Once he does this, the Light spell on the top of his walking stick ceases to exist (casting Light spell). "Here, someone up front, take my bullseye lantern." He passes it up to the next person.
Emrys also casts a few other spells that might be useful. He casts Prestidigitation and then Know Direction in order to know the direction of true North. He would like to try and keep track of facing so he can better determine what part of Plateau City they're heading to.
He turns to Ariach and says, "If it means anything, I feel a great comfort that you're back here with me."
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Wednesday July 31st, 2013 6:35:57 AM
Ariach agrees with Vaniime´s decision to keep the rearguard. In fact he feels proud that the leader of the Vanguards trusts in him. Or has she just said it to calm him down? Whatever - she makes a good job holding the group together.
Ariach gives Emry a contented smile. "That means a lot to me, my friend."
Encouraged through their words Ariach increases his attention.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 Wednesday July 31st, 2013 6:54:38 AM
Alleah will stay just ahead of the bright light of the lantern. It does little to aid stealth if you walk around with a glowing bullseye (or in this case, a bullseye lantern).
Grell, AC20/13/18, HP63/68 d20=6 ; Wednesday July 31st, 2013 8:17:45 AM
Grell watches the trap go off with horror and freezes up for a couple of seconds... long enough for Wilma to push past him and patch them up. Grunting in frustrating, Grell suddenly remembers what he forgot to do back at the Townhouse...fumbling in his pocket, he grabs hold of the ring of protection and gives it to Vaniime. "I'm sorry Van, I didn't have time to get it engraved before we left. I wanted you to have it. " After He'll gives Van the ring, he slides back into his position, trying to keep an eye out for more danger. " Perception =6...oh well.
DM Tanner Wednesday July 31st, 2013 2:11:02 PM
Investigating the scene, Emrys observes that the crossbow bolts are of standard size and grade (Medium, mundane). They are without ornamentation or stylization, and would easily match any crossbow bolt that could be purchased at a smithy in Plateau City.
Continuing down the tunnel, you feel the air begin to change, bringing with it a scent like that which precedes a storm. A metallic tang in your nose and a tightness on your skin tell you that something is not quite right. There are no longer neat and ordered lines to the tunnel, and the wooden braces no longer support the ceiling. It is much more organic, and perhaps was a natural tunnel that was the target of the mined tunnel. The tunnel begins to slope downward into the earth.
SKILL CHECK: Knowledge (arcana) DC 20 - Highlight to display spoiler: {You have heard of such phenomena existing deep underground, and is indicative of a concentration of elemental earth power.}
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 d20+9=20 ; d20+9=20 ; d20+16=32 ; d20+24=36 ; Wednesday July 31st, 2013 3:32:01 PM
Alleah stops and raises her fist in the air, a silent signal to those behind her to stop. The scent in the air is... different. Wrong. "Elemental power in the air. An earth elemental, or elemental magic perhaps" she whispers back to the party. (Knowl Arcana: 20)
She prepares to cautiously move ahead (Perception: 32, Stealth, 36)
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. light, prestidigitation, detect magic d20+10=22 ; d20+14=30 ; Wednesday July 31st, 2013 7:33:06 PM
(Knowledge [Arcana]: 22. Knowledge [Nature]: 30, to access his knowledge of earth elementals)
"Yes," Emrys says with wide wondrous eyes, "I sensed it too ... can't you all smell it? It's odd though, most earth elementals don't leave a tunnel. They can pass through soil and stone without leaving a single mark or trace. They could certainly make a tunnel, if they so desired, but why would they want to? Unless they were forced." Emrys searches his mind for other elemental creatures that burrow. 'No it can't be that one,' he thinks, 'the walls of the tunnel would be charred and molten,'
He decides to cast a simple divination and concentrates to detect any lingering auras. (Casting Detect Magic.)
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51 d20+1=9 ; d20+8=15 ; Wednesday July 31st, 2013 8:41:28 PM
Wilma looked around her, not sensing a single thing that Alleah and Emrys had picked up on. (OOC: Wilma's Knowledge {arcane} roll came out to only 9.)
"Elemental?" she echoed, then tried to recall anything she'd learned about the Elemental Plane of Earth while she had been at the Academy. (OOC: voluntary Knowledge {planes} check totals 15.)
"I wonder if this is all directly related to the missing remains of King Froderick..?" she asked out loud, rubbing her chin with her free hand in a gesture reminiscent of her mother.
DM Tanner Wednesday July 31st, 2013 9:21:04 PM Emrys recalls that although earth elementals are unmatched in their mastery of earth and stone, they typically rely upon natural spell-like abilities rather than learning to manipulate magic through spellcasting. It is certainly possible that concentrations of elemental earth magic could affect the growth and power of an earth elemental, it is unlikely that such a concentration would be purposefully manipulated by such a creature.
Wilma recalls that portals to the Elemental Plane of Earth often coalesce near concentrations of earth magic. It may well be that such a portal could be found near here.
The roughly hewn tunnel continues for another 1,000 feet, then widens into a terrace, at least 20 feet wide and long, with a ceiling rising to 8 or 10 feet. The porch has no far wall, instead opening into a great, echoing hollow. This close to the cavernous rift, the air seems charged as if a great storm is imminent. The walls of the opening ascend and descend, moving closer together as they rise into darkness, forming a wider space as they go downward. Two humanoid forms lie unmoving near where the terrace drops off into the hollow.
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 d20+7=27 ; d20+12=24 ; Wednesday July 31st, 2013 9:31:44 PM
Tuck's memory is piqued by something Theodore spoke to him about. (Arcana 27)
"We should be careful," he says to his party as they continue forward.
Seeing the hollow and bodies ahead, Tuck tenses his body, prepared for danger. He looks around, checking behind the party, as well. (Perception 24)
"They might not be dead," he whispers. "This could be a trap."
DM Tanner Wednesday July 31st, 2013 10:05:50 PM Tuck and Alleah are very perceptive, and can see there is nothing on the balcony besides smooth stone and two figures. They appear to be the size of human children. Both are very, very still.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Thursday August 1st, 2013 8:54:04 AM
Ariach trusts in his friends to handle every upcoming situation in front. For himself nothing counts more at the moment than to hold the rear safe.
Vaniime AC 18/14/15, HP:52/52, Thursday August 1st, 2013 12:36:17 PM
Hmm, children and earth elementals, this somehow seems all too familiar. Wilma, Emrys, guys, you don't suppose this could be related to the incident at school do you?
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. light, prestidigitation, detect magic Thursday August 1st, 2013 2:20:09 PM
"The thought had crossed my mind, however let's not forget that child-size to us could mean fully grown to others," says Emrys whispering back. "I've been theorizing that our thieves are small in size."
DM Tanner Thursday August 1st, 2013 2:54:49 PM
Moving forward carefully, you discover the corpse of a male halfling in violet robes and the toppled statue of a wide-eyed female goblin.
SKILL CHECK Heal DC 15 - Highlight to display spoiler: {You can determine the halfling was shot with several arrows, which were removed, and bitten in the face by a few tiny, fanged creatures. }
Two large bags lie nearby, though those bags are now empty. In his hand, the halfling clutches a message written in squiggly script.
SKILL CHECK Linguistics DC 10 or Intelligence check DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {The letter is written in Yuan-ti.}
READ ONLY IF YOU HAVE THE APPROPRIATE LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY OR THROUGH TRANSLATION MAGIC Highlight to display spoiler: { "Serenek,
I have been delayed. My servants carry the king's bones and all of the items of his champions that I could find. I cannot locate Tsunvik. I shall spend a bit more time trying to find it, but I am sending these on so our rendezvous is not compromised. Please give the Empire my regards. I shall be along shortly.
- L"}
SKILL CHECK Perception DC 20 or Survival DC 20 (Track feat automatically succeeds) - Highlight to display spoiler: {You discover faint tracks, apparently those of a Medium humanoid creature wearing boots. The tracks lead off the edge of the terrace, as if the creature leaped into empty space.}
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51 d20+12=23 ; d20+2=7 ; d20+12=26 ; Thursday August 1st, 2013 4:35:32 PM
"Good guessing, Emrys," Wilma noted humorously, giving Alleah a telling glance as she carefully made her way over to where the bodies were lying. "Hmmm...the one in the purple clothes looks like a male halfling...and the other is one of the most lifelike statues of a female goblin I've ever seen..." The cleric of Gargul renewed her Light orison, only she targeted the headband she was wearing rather than her staff, making her headband into a rather effective headlamp. She knelt by the side of the fallen halfling and carefully inspected the body.
"Hmmm, let's see now..." Wilma spoke of her findings out loud, "This guy looks like he's been shot full of arrows, but there are no signs of them here at all--they've either been retrieved or they weren't your typical physical arrows, if you know what I mean..." She put her staff down on the floor next to her and began poking around the body. (OOC: Wilma's Heal check is 23.)
"Ooo, hel-lo...what's this..?" the redhead exclaimed, finding something in the clenched hand of the ex-halfling. "Oh--it's a note...or something...I can't say as I recognize what's drawn on the paper, though. Emrys...?" She straightened up a bit and held out the paper for the witchy bard to take. After she passed over the note, Wilma's sapphire eyes swept the area once more. (OOC: Wilma's Linguistics check is only 7, but her Perception turned out to be 26.)
"Van..." she said slowly, "...are those tracks on the floor...?" Her red head bobbed in the direction of the markings as she casually picked up her quarterstaff once more.
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 d20+3=20 ; d20+2=5 ; d20+12=17 ; d20+2=17 ; Thursday August 1st, 2013 5:33:13 PM
Tuck looks on the scene and notes the same things about the dead halfling as Wilma. (Heal 20) "It also looks like something small bit him on the face. Maybe a spider." He shivers involuntarily.
He peers at the message that Wilma discovers but can't make heads nor tails of it. (Intelligence 5, Perception 17)
"I wonder if we can determine anything about this poor fellow by what he wears. Perhaps what his station in life was." (Knowledge Local 17 to determine any information by the halfling's dress.)
Vaniime AC 18/14/15, HP:52/52, d20+10=29 ; d20=13 ; d20+10=27 ; d20+11=15 ; Thursday August 1st, 2013 5:53:55 PM INT DC 13Taking a look at the paper she has no idea what so ever about what might be written there.
Survival DC 29 As Wilma indicates the possible tracks and Van agrees they are definitely tracks. She tells them that the tracks appear to be those of a medium sized humanoid creature wearing boots. The tracks lead off the edge of the terrace, as if the creature leaped into empty space.
She further takes a much closer look at the terrace edge to she if there are any steps or useable ledge path. Survival DC 27 Taking a bit of loose sand or dirt she tosses it out past the edge to make sure there is nothing invisible there as well. Perception DC 15
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. light, prestidigitation, comp. languages d20+6=21 ; d20+12=30 ; d20+14=19 ; d100=20 ; Thursday August 1st, 2013 8:23:11 PM
(Heal check: 21, just an observation.)
(Linguistics: 30, good enough to decipher intricate, exotic, or very old writing.)
(Perception: 19, sigh!)
Emrys enthusiastically moves forward to take the note from Wilma. "Peas and Carrots! The letter is written in Yuan-ti! They speak their own language heavily rooted in old draconic, but much more sibilant to account for their long, narrow tongues. I can make out most of what it says, but why chance a mistake." He then speaks words of magik that sound like gibberish. Then suddenly the message is quite simple to read. (Leyline: 20. Casting Comprehend Languages)
The bewitching bard then begins to read the message,
"Serenek,
I have been delayed. My servants carry the king's bones and all of the items of his champions that I could find. I cannot locate Tsunvik. I shall spend a bit more time trying to find it, but I am sending these on so our rendezvous is not compromised. Please give the Empire my regards. I shall be along shortly.
- L"
"Empire!? And the bones have been taken. What horrible luck."
DM Ezra - Roll the bones Friday August 2nd, 2013 12:18:16 AM
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Emrys ac13, hp28/28. light, prestidigitation, comp. languages d20+10=27 ; d20+14=32 ; Friday August 2nd, 2013 12:22:19 AM
(Knowledge [Local]: 27)
Emrys reads the message several times over and then looks at the dead halfling and his purple robe. His jaw drops after coming to a possible conclusion to the halfing's identity. "I'm losing my wits here. I was just THERE the other DAY! Quickly, help me search the halfling." As he starts to search the body, Emrys begins to tell his story. "When I was at the Sage Guild the other day, I was taken on a short tour. Those who wore purple robes were members of the Chamber of Experimental Magic! I couldn't help but notice that the doors of this chamber were widened to accommodate the headmistress .... a gigantic woman!! An impression was made, you can say. Quickly, if I am right, this poor fellow will have a badge, unless it was pilfered after he was slain."
(Perception: 32, to search the body.)
Grell, AC20/13/18, HP63/68 Friday August 2nd, 2013 6:07:26 AM
Grell watches the others work, as always in a little awe of their proficiency with all matters academic. Yet again he thinks to himself that he really did have paid more attention in linguistics class. His sword at tyre ready, Grell asks Van if she would prefer a heavy hitter on the front line.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 d20+2=11 ; Friday August 2nd, 2013 9:01:17 AM Int check: 11
"Purple robes, you say?" Alleah wonders how the others would feel about her taking the clothes off the halfling's corpse. She'll wait and see what else Emrys discovers on the body before bringing it up.
DM Tanner Friday August 2nd, 2013 9:57:44 AM Emrys' search of the body of the halfling reveals little. He appears to have been stripped of his possessions - an empty scabbard is tied to his belt, an empty belt pouch lies crumples near his body, it even appears that a decorative belt buckle was cut from him. While you have seen the purple robes before, you do not find a Sages Guild pin or any other identifying features.
Vaniime edges closely to the rim of the balcony, looking over and even throwing a handful of loose dirt to check for invisible walkways. The dirt falls, rather naturally, far into the darkness.
Bringing a light source to the edge of the terrace, you see that you have discovered a vertical chimney, its width slowly narrowing as it rises, until it finally pinches off completely 40 feet above the level of the terrace. At the level of the terrace, the chimney is 15 feet in diameter. The smooth, vertical walls of the chimney descend through the utter darkness to the hard, flat floor 150 feet below. There the diameter widens to about 50 feet, creating an elongated, cigar-shaped hollow.
ANY PC WITH SPELLCASTING ABILITY Highlight to display spoiler: {The air hums powerfully with primal magic. It draws you like a lodestone to the base of the chamber below the terrace.}
SKILL CHECK Climb DC 25 to climb the wall of the chimney. Climbing a rope tied from the terrace is DC 10, while a knotted rope is DC 5.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 Friday August 2nd, 2013 10:44:38 AM "So... how much rope do we have? I have 50ft and a grappling hook" Alleah offers up. She keeps an eye on the robes hoping no one else wants them. They do look to be her size after all.
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 d20+12=21 ; Friday August 2nd, 2013 5:28:27 PM
"I have another 50 feet of rope. If we're climbing down, let me go first. I'm a good climber and if I fall, I can slow my descent."
Tuck scrutinizes the chimney, looking for any openings, odd smells or other peculiar things. (Perception 21)
(OOC - Just trying to clarify: The chimney's opening is 40ft above where we are currently?)
DMTanner - It is not a chimney in the sense that it opens to the surface. The ceiling is 40 feet above you. You do not notice any other openings or unusual features.
Vaniime AC 18/14/15, HP:52/52, Friday August 2nd, 2013 10:04:10 PM
I've got 50 feet as well, but... Do you feel the magic? Where is it coming from
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 d20+16=22 ; Friday August 2nd, 2013 11:57:17 PM
While waiting on the group to determine how to proceed, Alleah examines the toppled golbin statue, trying to determine whether it may have been used as a weapon, whether its original location looks to have been in here, etc... (Perception: 22)
"The magic seems to be coming from ... down there" Alleah responds to Vaniime, peering down the shaft
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Saturday August 3rd, 2013 6:08:29 AM
Ariach will wait for the others to climb down the chimney. He whispers to Emry "Whoop-de-do! Climbing- can´t wait for it. Falling down with my armor will feel like having a metal coffin with me." The young warrior gives Emry a sarkastic smile.
Vaniime AC 18/14/15, HP:52/52, Saturday August 3rd, 2013 4:36:31 PM
Yeah, Ariaxh but just think of how we will feel when you fall on us?
Grell, AC20/13/18, HP63/68 Saturday August 3rd, 2013 8:50:52 PM
Grell grunts. "I got 50 foot here...and a grappling hook. You're welcome to them." He laughs at Ariach's comment...huh unh...I ain't gonna let Ariach be on top of me!"
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. light, prestidigitation, comp. languages d100=33 ; Saturday August 3rd, 2013 10:04:09 PM
Not finding what he was wanting on the halfling, Emrys then decides to scrutinize the female goblin statue. "This is quite interesting. Why is a work of art doing down in these tunnels, of a goblin no less. She has a wide-eyed expression, as if caught be surprise or in a state of wondrous amazement.
(ooc: Is the statue life-size, or is it smaller? Is it polished or roughly hewn? Does it have a base, or are her feet free from any support structure?)
IF the goblin is life-size, has a look of surprise, roughly hewn, and no base for which it can stand upon, THEN ... "I think this goblin is possibly not a work of art after all. I think she's been turned into stone ... and most assuredly a witness and a burglar!" Emrys begins to mutter words of power. His eyes flash with divine light that quickly fades. He then focuses on on the female goblin, searching if she has an intelligence and able to produce thoughts. (Leyline: 33. Casting Detect Thoughts. Will attempt to read her surface thoughts, if any. Will save DC: 18)
Shortly after his investigations, Emrys begins to feel the lure of a source of magical power. For him the tug is twice as powerful, since he can cast both arcane and divine magiks.
As he slowly approaches the edge of the terrace, he pats Ariach on the shoulder. "Don't worry Ariach," Emrys says consolingly, "you don't need to climb down the rope. You can simply jump off the edge with me ... if you like." Turning to Vaniime, he replies, "Yes, I feel the magik's sway upon me, as well. It speaks to me with such gravitas, yet so primal in nature ... I fear I have not the patience to descend to such a depth by rope. I can take three others with me; it's like being a leaf on the breeze."
DM Tanner Sunday August 4th, 2013 4:55:02 PM
ooc: A petrified character is unconscious. Detect thoughts works on "conscious creatures with Intelligence scores of 1 or higher." Your spell detects the absence of thoughts. :)
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. light, prestidigitation, comp. languages Sunday August 4th, 2013 5:54:10 PM
ooc: Ahh, foiled by the fine print. I did not know that. Emrys would have, so I change the spell to Deathwatch instead. With that he can detect the presence or absence of life and sees through any spell or ability that allows creatures to feign death.
DM Tanner Sunday August 4th, 2013 6:02:34 PM
ooc: Make a Spellcraft check, please.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. light, prestidigitation, comp. languages d20+8=18 ; d20+12=25 ; Sunday August 4th, 2013 6:12:12 PM
(Spellcraft: 18. Knowledge [Arcana]: 25, for good measure. :)
DM Tanner Sunday August 4th, 2013 8:25:20 PM Emrys is aware of powerful spells and enchantments, currently beyond his abilities, that can turn flesh to stone. When transformed into stone, the creature is not dead, but it does not seem to be alive either when viewed with spells such as deathwatch.
DM Ezra Truesight will show that the stone statue is a petrified person, and probably the only way to detect it.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51 Sunday August 4th, 2013 11:24:39 PM
"I don't know about Tuck, Van, but I sure feel it--that's magic power, pure and simple," Wilma addressed herself to the spirit ranger. "And I have some silk rope, too, if it's needed. I know that I'll be needing all the help I can get..." She glances over at Ariach and smiles at him.
"Getting smooshed by Ariach? I can think of worse ways to go..." The cleric of Gargul winks saucily and then turns her attention to peering over the railing with the benefit of her Light spell. "Hmmm...can nobody see the bottom..? No? Well...hold on..." She rummaged inside her belt pouch and came up with a single copper piece, muttering her orison again.
"Get thee onto the coin..." Wilma directed, and instantly the light shining from her headband relocated to making the copper piece shine brightly. "Okay, then--jerrrrrrrrionimmo-o-o-o-o...!" The redhead tossed the light source into the abyss, watching to see how far down it fell...
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. light, prestidigitation, comp. languages Sunday August 4th, 2013 11:48:48 PM
"Wilma, you're welcome to feather fall down with us. It just requires a leap of faith," Emrys says with a smile.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. light, prestidigitation, comp. languages Monday August 5th, 2013 12:08:43 AM
Giving Wilma a confused look, he asks, "Geronimo?! I speak twelve languages and I'm currently enchanted with an Interpretation divination, yet I've never heard of such a word, nor understand it!"
(ooc: Geronimo is buried only 40 miles from where Im sitting. :)
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51 Monday August 5th, 2013 12:20:57 AM OOC: That's "Jerry-onimo", actually. ;D
"Feather Fall would be very efficient, wouldn't it..?" Wilma commented, waiting to see where the coin with the Light spell on it landed. "I'll take you up on that, then, Emrys. The gods only know that I don't have a lot of the muscle required for climbing..."
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Monday August 5th, 2013 5:44:03 AM
Ariach thanks Emry for his offer but says nothing in response of Wilma´s fresh statement. He simply smiles.
"It would be great if you cast that "Feahter Fall" thing on me, Emry."
But when it is time to float to the ground, Ariach also grabs the rope as a reinsurance just in chase the magic will fail.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 Monday August 5th, 2013 9:04:33 AM "A featherfall spell would benefit me also. Climbing is not one of my strengths". Alleah helps herself to the purple robe worn by the dead Halfling. And the empty scabbard. And the empty coin purse.
Vaniime AC 18/14/15, HP:52/52, Monday August 5th, 2013 2:58:21 PM
Ok Emrys, you say you can take three and yourself, right? Ok then Wilma, Ariach and Alleah, you go with Emrys.
Before you go let's add two more ropes to the grapple hook rope, so the rest of us have an easier trip down.
We will let you four go down first, then Tuck, Grell and I will follow down on the rope.
Once the grapple and rope are secured, she sends Emrys and the others on their jouney downward and then waits for the other two to climb down before doing so herself.
DM Ezra - Roll the bones Monday August 5th, 2013 4:29:33 PM
What is the rope being anchored to, and who is anchoring it?
Kent:: What is around that can be used? Not very clear on the current surroundings.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51 Monday August 5th, 2013 4:44:59 PM OOC to DM: No information about how far down the copper with the Light spell on it has fallen...?
"Here..." Wilma said, producing a large coil of silk rope from her backpack. "...I specified a double length in one rope, Van, so you got a hundred feet of rope there..."
DM Tanner Monday August 5th, 2013 5:09:56 PM
From the previous post: "The smooth, vertical walls of the chimney descend through the utter darkness to the hard, flat floor 150 feet below."
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. light, prestidigitation, comp. languages Monday August 5th, 2013 7:16:57 PM
Emrys cautions the kind-hearted protector, "Ariach, I would not suggest you hanging onto the rope. Either you jump or you don't. This magik only lasts for a few short moments (4 rounds at 60-ft per round). If you haven't landed before it fades, you'll drop the remaining distance like a man wrapped in heavy metal armor!"
When Alleah admits to not being a skilled climber, Emrys sympathetically nods at first and then immediately does a double-take. "Huh?! Ohh, alright."
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 d20+11=15 ; d20+12=19 ; Monday August 5th, 2013 7:22:27 PM
Tuck goes about tieing the ropes together and then hooks the grappling hook to a secure location. If there is none, he makes a suggestion.
"It seems that there isn't a place to anchor the grappling hook to. I would suggest the four that are using the magic stay up here and hold the rope while we descend and then follow after."
Whether there is a place to anchor the hook or not, Tuck descends the rope, keeping an eye peeled for potential enemies below. (Climb 15, Perception 19)
DM Tanner Monday August 5th, 2013 9:44:47 PM
Your group descends through mundane and magical means, safely traversing the distance. The hollow's smooth floor is roughly circular. The air here is alive with energy and thick with the smell of developing lightning.
SKILL CHECK: Knowledge (arcana) DC 20 - Highlight to display spoiler: {You have discovered an earth node, a mystic confluence of elemental power connecting one location with another. Those with spellcasting or spell-like abilities can activate an earth node to move from one location to another as a teleportation effect.
You become aware of the power of the node, and can sense that the power has been used within the last week. If you make a successful Intelligence check (DC 11 + spell level) when casting within the node, you receive a +1 bonus to your caster level. A failed Intelligence check results in a normal casting.
You also realize that if you spend at least 8 hours resting in contact with the floor of the node, you can use a 2nd-level spell slot to instantly transfer all those standing on the surface of the node to its connecting node. }
Small holes puncture the walls near the floor, opening into a dozen small tunnels that run off into the lightlessness. Dull dust is thickly heaped around the edges, thickest near the holes.
SKILL CHECK Knowledge (nature) DC 15 - Highlight to display spoiler: {Sifting through the dust, you discover that it is made up of thousands of disintegrating empty shells shed by insects.}
The tunnels are approximately 2.5 feet across, and could accommodate a Medium creature crawling through, or a Small creature moving at half speed. In the dim light you can shine down the tunnels, you can see a golden glint at the end.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Tuesday August 6th, 2013 5:19:30 AM
Ariach holds the rope until everybody of the climbers get down. Then he takes a deep breath. "I am ready Emry."
The experience of floating down the chimney is a strange one. One small part of Ariach enjoys the feeling but the bigger part is scared to crash. To be on firm groung again raises him a relieved smile.
"Wasn´t that bad. But it still has rememberd me on Fizzle´s Flying Floop."
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 d20+9=20 ; d20+16=34 ; d20+24=26 ; Tuesday August 6th, 2013 8:02:52 AM "We are in an earth node" Alleah whispers to the group once she reaches the safety of the ground "They can be used to teleport between other nodes. I sense this one has been used recently. They also help boost arcane power" (Knowledge Arcana: 20)
She treads carefully and cautiously, again ready to take the lead (Perception: 34, Stealth: 26)
DMTanner - Where are you heading? Are you going down the tunnels? Rob: Assuming everyone wants to proceed and there is nothing more to be found here, then Alleah will lead the group towards the golden glint
DM Tanner Tuesday August 6th, 2013 2:38:11 PM
ooc: Post will come late this evening. Crazy day.
While Emrys examines the elemental node in complete awe of its splendor, the rogue is able to explain what it is before he can. The bard does another double take, but this time it's complemented with a raised eyebrow. The rogue can't find traps or climb a wall, but has extensive knowledge of arcane lore. "Interesting."
"Alleah is correct, someone has used it ... I'd say within a weeks time. We can all teleport through this node to a connecting node, but we must be attuned to it's energy. I believe a full nights sleep on this surface should do it."
As everyone begins to wander about, Emrys hears the distinctive crunch under their feet from dried shells that were either shed or the physical remains of insects. "Careful everyone! Notice the piles of insect debris. We are possibly near a nest or hive. Assuredly, whatever they are, they may be attracted to the elemental energy, like a moth to a flame. I don't fancy being swarmed!"
Emrys takes out his magnifying glass and tries to identify the type of insect from the piles of remains. (Knowledge [Nature]: 25)
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 d20+7=24 ; d20+2=22 ; Tuesday August 6th, 2013 8:51:59 PM
Tuck also notices the earth node's power.
Dad, you've taught me well.
"Do you think the thieves could have used this node to travel away from here? Perhaps we should check down those tunnels and see what's on the other side. If we detect no trail, we could double back and try the node."
He grimaces at the piles of insect husks. If they were to be attacked while traveling through those tunnels, they'd be in trouble.
Grell, AC20/13/18, HP63/68 d20+3=5 ; Tuesday August 6th, 2013 10:23:33 PM
Grell looks around at all the dust. "Huh, I bet there's something magicky going on here! " Know=5 "Geez, this is boring!" The warrior mutters as he waits for the all clear.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51 Tuesday August 6th, 2013 10:49:23 PM OOC: odd...my CS has a complete blank area for Knowledge (arcana) and I had thought that I had points in there before. I guess I forgot to make sure I put the points back when I had to rearrange Wilma's CS before. Now I'll have to wait until she levels again before she can be considered trained in it.
Unable to fathom the reason behind it all, Wilma nonetheless had to acknowledge that this was a place of power.
"Wow...this is...really wild..." she said, then looked around for where her copper landed. "Hey, wait, Alleah--you can toss this ahead of you before you go down any of the passages..."
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Wednesday August 7th, 2013 3:22:38 AM
One more time Ariach shakes his head in disbelief. Everywhere the Vanguards go they come upon magic portals, magic nodes or other magical things. All these things have something in common- Ariach has no idea how they function nor how he should deal with them. Ariach wonders where are the times of the old tales where a man was able to fight his enemy in a honorable infight. Now he finds himself wandering about a dark cave taking care he is not overrun by insects. "Hopefully we find a track of the thiefs. I don´t like it in here."
Knowledge Arcana DC 25 Momentarily awed by the area they are in, once she is back in the real world she passes on all the information she can about the node, and then as she looks around [/knowledge nature[/b] something crunches under her feet and and as she looks more closely she sees that under the dust are thousands of disintegrating empty shells shed by insects. she also passes this information along to her friends.
Ok all there is nothing we can do if they used this portal to leave here so we do what we can and check out the tunnel. Everyone look out for traps and the such. all these holes inthe walls have me nervous.
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 d20+12=30 ; Wednesday August 7th, 2013 8:44:10 PM
Tuck keeps his eyes peeled as they move into the tunnel. (Perception 30)
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51 Thursday August 8th, 2013 12:01:48 AM
Wilma is still wondering about whether or not she was able to get her Lighted copper and give it to Alleah...
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. light, prestidigitation, comp. languages Thursday August 8th, 2013 12:22:15 AM
Emrys takes his bullseye lantern and recasts Light within it. "Save your hard-earned money, my dear Wilma. Adjust the aperture here on my lantern, like so, and you can focus a beam of light across a great distance."
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. light, prestidigitation, comp. languages Thursday August 8th, 2013 8:40:22 AM
(ooc: Just thought I'd let everyone know that I will be on vacation all this next week. I will be in a small cabin on a remote peak near a small mountain lake in the Rocky Mountains. To my surprise, Ive been told there will be wifi. So I will be posting from my phone or iPad. If not, I will let you guys know.)
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 d20+7=13 ; Thursday August 8th, 2013 9:57:24 AM
Following Vaniime´s order Ariach checks out the tunnel. (perception: 13) But he takes care he sees at least one of his comrades at any time.
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 Thursday August 8th, 2013 7:05:16 PM
Tuck waits on the others to form up to venture into the bug tunnels. "This is going to be nasty. I hope I don't get any bugs in my mouth."
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 Thursday August 8th, 2013 7:52:08 PM "Keep the light behind me" Alleah responds quietly "I'd prefer to get a quick view of whatever may be ahead before it sees me." (Rolls from earlier: Perception: 34, Stealth: 26)
DM Tanner Thursday August 8th, 2013 10:13:14 PM
ooc: Sorry, everyone! I just got back from vacation at an Indiana State Park. A state park, mind you, where I was told by the head ranger himself over the phone that they had internet access at the visitor's lodge. I arrived to find that their satellite had been knocked down during a storm prior to our arrival.
As the group steadies itself at the bottom of the natural chimney and takes stock of their surroundings, they investigate the natural magical phenomenon of the earth node as well as the tunnels branching from the base of the chamber. As Alleah and Tuck start their way down one of the tunnels, they do not make it more than 10 feet down one tunnel before everyone hears a new sound. It is not a good sound. It is a chittering, skittering, squeaking sort of sound. It is coming from several of the tunnels, arranged like the spokes of a wheel around the chamber. It is coming closer.
Wisdom check DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: {You estimate you have 2 rounds before the sound reaches you.}
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51 d20+4=7 ; Thursday August 8th, 2013 10:27:30 PM OOC: Wilma feels stupid--her Wisdom check totals a mere 7. Sigh.
The cleric of Gargul is so intent on trying to find her enchanted copper piece that she doesn't even register the ominous approach of the telltale chittering.
"DagNABbit, that thing has got to be around here SOMEwhere..!"
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 d20=7 ; Thursday August 8th, 2013 11:34:34 PM "Ok... WHAT is that noise?" Alleah pauses in her tracks to ask the others (Wisdom check: 7)
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. light, prestidigitation, comp. languages d20+2=5 ; d20+3=10 ; Friday August 9th, 2013 12:21:01 AM
(Wisdom check: 5, nope ... nothing but fear) (ooc: Was Emrys able to identify the insects by examining their remains, from the last round?)
"Oh Zounds!!" Emrys is horrified by the sounds he was wishing he'd never hear. Yet another foe immune to his abilities. It aggravates him, but he's mostly horrified of the idea of suffering a death of 10,000 bites. It's up there with being burned alive, or swallowed whole. Especially by creatures that lack the ability to appreciate his beauty.
"Everyone! The mists I'm about to create is but a figment, an illusion! Watch as I cast and disbelieve. It is not real!" Emrys hums a sultry tune and the chamber becomes shrouded within the thickest, most billowy of mists.
(Casting Silent Image, a figment. Area: four 10-ft cubes of space. Will save DC: 17. Im hoping the party gets a free save for disbelieving, or at least a big bonus to their Will save, for being warned and witnessing the spell being cast. When disbelieved, a figment appears translucent. I'm trying to hide the party, while allowing them to see thru the illusion.)
Grell, AC20/13/18, HP63/68 d20=7 ; d20+2=12 ; Friday August 9th, 2013 6:33:30 AM
Grell winks at Emrys. "What are you so afraid of... it's only bugs. " Wis=7. He watches in awe as Emrys begins to cast his spell. Even though he kisses it's an illusion, it looks soooo very real! Will=12
Vaniime AC 18/14/15, HP:52/52, d20+8=10 ; d20+9=15 ; Friday August 9th, 2013 7:05:24 AM
Vaniime takes a quick look at the discarded casings on the floor ato try and figure out what kind of insect they might be from DC 10 and then tries to figure out where exactly they might be coming from. perception 15. If she can figure out where they are coming from she will put forth the idea she has forming.
DM Tanner Friday August 9th, 2013 9:35:14 AM
Between successful Wisdom and Perception checks, your party determines that the noise is approaching from three different directions. Looking at the shell fragments on the ground, you would guess that the creatures are cockroaches, but of a size larger than anything you have ever seen. They seem to vary greatly, with some being regular-sized, while some are greater than a foot long.
Vaniime AC 18/14/15, HP:52/52, Friday August 9th, 2013 3:44:03 PM
Do any of the insects seem to be coming from the tunnel they are planning to go down.
Ok all who else has some oil? Lets block go up the passage a bit and then coat the floor and 1 foot up the wall with the oil so when the critters come we can light it and make some crispy critters behind us and we can concentrate primarily ofn what is in fronmt of us. That said she begins taking out several oil flasks.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 d20-1=8 ; Friday August 9th, 2013 4:36:09 PM
"I am sorry Vaniime but i don´t have any oil which could help you."
Regarding the insects Ariach doesn´t understand why his friends are scared.
"Is there something i have to know about the insects? Or why are you all so scared? They are just insects and they shouldn´t be a big threat for us."
After hearing Emry´s warning about the illusion Ariach is even more confused. Why does the bard tell everybody he will cast an illusion if he conjures a real mist. (wisdom=8)
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 d20+3=6 ; d20+12=14 ; Friday August 9th, 2013 8:40:04 PM
(Wisdom 6, Perception 14)
"Back, back!" Tuck shouts at Alleah as he scoots back out of the tunnel into the chamber so that he can stand. He tries to determine which tunnels the bugs are coming from. Otherwise, he takes up a defensive stance, ready for battle.
DM Tanner Friday August 9th, 2013 11:58:35 PM
ooc: Only one person passed the Wisdom check? And they didn't even let you guys know the pertinent info. :)
Posting a map tomorrow. An exploration map. Yeah, that's it... an exploration map....
DM Tanner Saturday August 10th, 2013 3:25:49 PM
Here is a map of the base of the earth node. An 'X' indicates a tunnel opening.
You estimate that there is 1 round remaining before the wave of skittering noises reach you. Please indicate if you would like your position changed, and where you would like spells centered that have already been cast.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. light, prestidigitation, comp. languages d20+3=18 ; Saturday August 10th, 2013 4:40:28 PM
(ooc: I'm assuming the DM is giving everyone a free pass on disbelieving the illusionary mist conjured by the spell, Silent Image, since he didn't ask for Will saves. He did warn everyone repeatedly. The area effect is four 10-ft cubes. The four corners of this misty area take up: M7, P7, M10 and P10. Those who disbelieve see only a translucent outline of the mist.)
Emrys responds to Grell's underestimation of the coming threat by saying, "See those large holes in the walls? Imagine the size the vermin must be to burrow such a thing!!"
(Wisdom check: 18. Are you allowing a retry?)
DmTanner: For the sake of keeping the game from getting bogged down, unless an illusion would prove to have some adverse reaction to a fellow party member, I won't ask for a Will save. Also, while you don't have to explicitly state it, I'm going to assume that you inform party members that you are casting an illusion. If you would specifically like an illusion to (a) purposely affect party members or (b) appear as a spell of another sort, then please let me know in a private post.
The Wisdom check was to determine the number of rounds until the sounds arrived, so it is not necessary at this point. ;)
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51 Sunday August 11th, 2013 3:07:05 AM
"Bugs? Big bugs???" Wilma gasped. "That makes horrible, terrible sense...the things making that noise may not be more than a foot or two long--but their sheer numbers will be able to easily overwhelm us!" The cleric squinted up and around her.
"I don't suppose there's a quick lift out of here, huh..?" she asked. "Too bad there isn't a way for us just 'poof' away or something..."
Vaniime AC 18/14/15, HP:52/52, d6=4 Monday August 12th, 2013 1:56:17 PM
Breaking two bottles of oil in the opening of S11 and L13, Van pulls out her two flasks of alchemists fire and hands one to Grell.
When you see the first insect coming out of that hole pointing at L13 throw this at the oiled area and I will do the same at S11. Tuck Alleah watch that other hole pointing at J6.
DMTanner - Sorry! You would guess that the noises are coming from the tunnels at J6, L13, and S11. I will wait until this evening to post to allow you time to respond.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Monday August 12th, 2013 3:09:22 PM
Ariach gets ready to fight the insects. The last time he has fought insects he nearly died. The ankhegs were hard and dangerous opponents. Maybe these insects will be the same.
The young man leads his shield in a good defending position and waits for them to arrive.
DM Ezra - Cockroaches Monday August 12th, 2013 5:57:34 PM
Just imagine thousands of cockroaches crawling all over your skin, under your clothes...
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 Monday August 12th, 2013 6:07:25 PM
Tuck positions himself between Emrys and Wilma and the tunnel. "Grell, I hope you brought your stomping shoes! This is going to be gross."
(Tuck moves to M7)
DM Tanner Monday August 12th, 2013 8:48:49 PM
The noise continues to build, until all you can hear is the dull, susurrant roar approaching the chamber from multiple tunnels. Suddenly, out of the tunnels pour a veritable tidal wave of cockroaches. On one side, it is a heaving wave of tiny cockroaches, forming an amalgam swarm with their instinctual coordination. On another is several cockroaches approaches nearly a foot in length. Finally, one cockroach emerges from a tunnel that dwarfs them all. It is enormous, easily measuring six feet in length. Its slim form is likely the only thing that affords it clearance through the narrow tunnels.
ROUND 1
Vaniime Emrys Wilma Grell Alleah Tuck Ariach ==================== Cockroach Swarm (CS) Giant Cockroach (GC) Large Cockroach (LC) Large Cockroach (LC) Large Cockroach (LC) Large Cockroach (LC)
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 d4+1=3 ; d4+1=2 ; Monday August 12th, 2013 10:05:57 PM
Alleah has seen her fair share of bugs, so isn't overly disgusted by the sight of the cockroaches. She backsteps and directs an open palm towards one of the larger ones. Two balls of force impact against the bug. (5ft step to O8. Cast Magic Missile at L10 for 5pts damage)
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. light, prestidigitation, comp. languages Monday August 12th, 2013 11:47:24 PM
Emrys has always had a very fond relationship with nature. Despite always being impeccably neat and clean, he didnt mind getting his hands dirty in his nature studies. He even collect insects from time to time ... the beautiful ones, that is. Emrys has little love for these disgusting creatures. He tries his best to concentrate on the illusionary mist.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51 Monday August 12th, 2013 11:58:25 PM
"I hope to the gods that somebody in the group has stuff that effects a larger area," Wilma yelped, horrified by all the insects, "Because I got nothin'..."
She gripped her staff in both hands and gulped, eying the Cockroach Swarm before her but waiting to see what the swarm would do before taking any action.
'Maybe if we're really lucky, they'll just go scurrying back into the dark where they came fr--' the cleric thought, then stiffened as she realized something.
"Light!" Wilma cried. "Cockroaches favor the dark--does anyone have any way to light up this place? They run away from light!!!"
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 d20+7=8 ; Tuesday August 13th, 2013 8:58:46 AM
Facing the giant cockroach Ariach immediately starts to move. He changes his position and moves to P10 (over O9) He swings his flail and attacks the giant cockroach not forgetting to protect his friends with his shield by using "Take under wing" to increase their defense. (-5 to attack, +5 armor class bonus to all allies within 5 feet)
Because of the dim light he stumbles and nearly falls to the ground. (hit AC 8, natural 1)
Vaniime AC 18/14/15, HP:52/52, d20+9=22 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; Tuesday August 13th, 2013 9:28:12 AM
As the giant cockroach comes out of oiled hole S11 Van throws her alchemist's fire right at it AC 22 for 3 points and ignites the poured oil, hopefully engulfing the beast 4 more points.
Grell throw yours now at those large cockroaches. L13.
DM Ezra - Cockroaches Tuesday August 13th, 2013 2:47:06 PM
Knowledge Nature, DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {Cockroaches are adverse to light, however, being creatures of the night, they do not rely on sight as a primary sense. They have superb abilities to sense air flow changes and generally feel their way along with their antennae. As such, an illusion of mist would actually help them against light sources but would not unduly impede them as they would move forward to touch and through the touch, taste anything they come in contact with.}
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. light, prestidigitation, comp. languages d20+14=32 ; Tuesday August 13th, 2013 4:12:19 PM
(Knowledge [Nature]: 32. ooc: my idea behind the mist was an "out of sight, out of mind" theory. Vermin have no intelligence and therefore no memory. I know thats weak, but that was my only option at the time with no visual and knowing no direction for which to focus on from the failed wisdom check. I was hoping that if we deprived their vision, the vermin would simply forget what excited them.)
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 d20+2=5 ; d20+7=12 ; d20+7=23 ; d20+2=22 ; d20+2=11 ; d8+2=6 ; d8+2=4 ; Tuesday August 13th, 2013 5:11:37 PM
(Knowledge Nature 5)
A little creeped out by the swarm of cockroaches, Tuck begins stomping on them, trying to smoosh as many as possible. His nose and mouth are curled up in a look of disgust.
(Flurry of Blows hits AC 12 (assume it's a miss), 23 (for 6 damage), and 22 (natural 20, follow up is 11 so assume it's not a crit; for 4 damage))
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. light, prestidigitation, comp. languages Tuesday August 13th, 2013 7:15:50 PM
Emrys decides to not let his fear and disgust of these creatures to cloud his judgement. He begins to speak of tales where bugs are mashed.
(bardic performance (inspire courage) +1 competence bonus to hit and damage, +1 morale bonus on saves vs. charm and fear.)
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51 Tuesday August 13th, 2013 10:44:45 PM
Wilma shuddered in the presence of the oversize insects, taking the time to cast a Sanctuary spell on herself. Hopefully it would keep the insects away while she...or somebody else...could think of a way to drive off the vermin...or use some sort of Arcane Knowledge that she didn't have due to her own lack of organization to somehow escape their current location at the nexus of some unseen but definitely deeply-felt magic nodes...
DM Tanner Tuesday August 13th, 2013 11:03:12 PM
placeholder
DM Tanner d20+14=24 ; 2d6+12=18 ; d6=4 ; d20+6=13 ; Wednesday August 14th, 2013 1:23:38 AM
A carpet of roaches quickly covers the entire floor of the earth node with the vibrating sheen of the tiny forms. All Acrobatics checks take a -2 circumstance penalty.
If any creature (other than a cockroach) falls prone in a square covered by the carpet of roaches, the creature must succeed on a DC 10 Acrobatics check to stand up as a standard action. A prone creature takes 1d6 points of damage each round it remains prone on the carpet of roaches as they swarm and nibble on soft tissue.
ROUND 1 SUMMARY
Vaniime throws a vial of alchemist fire, landing a direct hit on the enormous cockroach. It hisses in pain and confusion. Emrys breaks out into a delightful story entitled Bugs, They are Not Your Friends. It inspires his comrades. Wilma stands bewildered, trying to think of an effective strategy against the swarm of minute insects. She decides to cast sanctuary and steps out of combat, waiting for someone else to take the lead in driving the bugs away. Grell steps toward the largest roach and with a mighty swing shears off one of its antennae, sending it into a frenzy of pain. (Attack 24, Damage 18) Alleah takes a step back and fires a magic missile at one of the foot-long roaches, taking off several legs as it hisses in pain. The sick smell of burning carapace wafts through the air. Tuck (4 damage) strikes swiftly and powerfully, but makes no discernible impact on the cockroach swarm. Ariach swings his flail and misses.
Active Effects: Bardic performance (inspire courage) +1 competence bonus to hit and damage, +1 morale bonus on saves vs. charm and fear. ==================== Cockroach Swarm (CS) moves toward the monk trying desperately to strike it and engulfs him. Thousands of cockroaches swallow his form and he cries out in terror as tens of thousands of tiny feet and pincers cover his uncovered skin. (auto hit, 4 damage) Giant Cockroach (GC) (21 damage) attempts to bite Grell, but misses. (Attack 13) Large Cockroach 1(LC) stands confused, unable to see any opponents. Large Cockroach 2(LC) (5 damage) stands confused, unable to see any opponents. Large Cockroach 3(LC) stands confused, unable to see any opponents. Large Cockroach 4(LC) stands confused, unable to see any opponents.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 d4+1=5 ; d4+1=4 ; Wednesday August 14th, 2013 9:23:21 AM "Don't forget to concentrate when you cast. The power of this node can accentuate your casting power" Alleah targets the same cockroach as before (Cast Magic Missile at L10 for 5 and 4pts damage respectively)
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 d20+8=17 ; d8+4=8 ; Wednesday August 14th, 2013 6:15:18 PM
Ariach repeats his action. Again he attacks the giant cockroach while protecting his friends with his shield. (-5 attack, +5 armor class bonus to all allies within 5 feet) Hits AC 17 for 8 damage
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 d20+7=21 ; d20+7=12 ; d20+2=19 ; d8+2=6 ; d8+2=9 ; Wednesday August 14th, 2013 8:42:48 PM
As he is covered in disgusting roaches, Tuck begins flailing about, trying desperately to shake the clinging bodies off. He strikes out, slapping and stomping, crushing as many insects as he can.
(Flurry of Blows hits AC 21 (6 damage), 12, 19 (9 damage))
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. light, prestidigitation, comp. languages d20+3=6 ; d100=35 ; Wednesday August 14th, 2013 9:59:03 PM
Emrys decides to move to a safer location (P7) and increases Grell's strength and size.
(Maintains his Inspire Courage performance, free action. Casts Enlarge Person on Grell, leyline check: 35.)
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51; Sanctuary d20=3 ; d20=14 ; d20=13 ; Wednesday August 14th, 2013 11:41:00 PM
Wilma swallowed a shriek of disgust when poor Tuck went down, covered by the bugs. She leaned down and reached out to help Tuck regain his feet.
OOC: not sure what kind of roll(s)--if any--that Wilma may be called upon to make, so I'm rolling 3d20 in case it's needed. 3, 14, and 13 are the results. Sigh.
Vaniime takes a quick step away from the largest cockroach, then fires two swift arrows toward the roaches not currently engaged. Both miss. (Attack 10, 11) Emrys moves to a safer location away from the ravenous, tiny jaws. He casts a spell on Grell, causing him to swell in size. Perhaps he will also tell him to fell the spider with a death knell blow and send it to hell. Wilma (3 damage) tries to help Tuck, but it is apparent that though he is engulfed by the cockroaches, he is not actually being held. She only succeeds in enraging them, causing them to move forward into the room. Grell (2 damage) swings again, cutting the giant cockroach nearly in two! (Attack 21, Damage 19) Alleah fires another magic missile, causing the lead cockroach to explode in a mass of white, sticky fluid. Tuck (7 damage) continues to strike out impotently against the horrible creeping swarm. Ariach swings his flail again, this time finding his target for a solid blow.
Active Effects: Bardic performance (inspire courage) +1 competence bonus to hit and damage, +1 morale bonus on saves vs. charm and fear. ==================== Cockroach Swarm (CS) is attracted by the smell of Wilma and surges forward swallowing the priestess as well in a carpet of filthy, skittering feet. (auto hit, 3 damage) Giant Cockroach (GC) (48 damage, DEAD) makes a last, pathetic attempt to bite Grell before being cleaved in half. (Attack 8) Large Cockroach 1(LC) attacks Grell and misses. (Attack 11) Large Cockroach 2(LC) (14 damage, DEAD) Large Cockroach 3(LC) attacks Grell and hits. (Attack 20, Damage 2) Large Cockroach 4(LC) attacks Grell and misses. (Attack 7)
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 d4+1=3 ; d4+1=5 ; Thursday August 15th, 2013 10:04:44 AM
Satisfied that one bug is dead, Alleah back-pedals again, and once more unleashes two balls of force at a nearby target (5ft step to P8. Cast Magic Missile at LC1. Hit for 3pts and 5pts)
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51; Sanctuary d20+1=17 Thursday August 15th, 2013 11:35:19 AM
How did Wilma get damaged? Her Sanctuary spell is supposed to keep her from being attacked as long as she isn't attacking anyone (or, in this case, any cockroaches)...as far as I can tell, something trying to eat you when you don't want to be the meal has to attack you when they make their attempt.
DMTanner - The sanctuary spell notes, "This spell does not prevent the warded creature from being attacked or affected by area of effect spells." The Swarm creature subtype notes, "Swarm Attack: creatures with the swarm subtype don't make standard melee attacks. Instead, they deal automatic damage to any creature whose space they occupy at the end of their move, with no attack roll needed." The sanctuary does not remove you from physical space, it only causes enemies to not notice you. Just as you would not be protected form a fireball, your spell does not protect you against a creature physically detecting you as it moves through your space. Does that help?
But just in case, the cockroach swarm rolled a 17 for a successful Will save (assuming DC = 10 + 1 spell level + 4 Wis mod).
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 d20+8=25 ; d8+5=11 ; Thursday August 15th, 2013 2:23:11 PM
Ariach steps beside the enlarged Grell and attacks one large cockroach without giving up his attention to protect his friends. (move to O10, attacking LC1 )
(hit AC 25 for 11 damage) (take under wings: -5 attack, +5 armor class bonus to all allies within 5 feet)
Tuck HP 38/49 AC 21/21/17 d20+7=17 ; Thursday August 15th, 2013 5:30:46 PM
"Yeaaaagh!" Tuck moves out of the swarm swatting at the bugs again. "Can someone throw some magic on these things? I'm not hurting them at all!"
(Hits AC 17. Moves to K8. Mobility feat adds +4 to AC against AoO due to moving.)
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 48/51; Sanctuary d8+6=14 ; Thursday August 15th, 2013 6:13:18 PM OOC: (elevated eyebrows) A mindless swarm gets a Will save? Well...that particular one is surprising...but, ultimately, if they made their Save to ignore the spell effect, then that's the part that counts (darn it all).
IC:
"Ouch! Ow! OW!!!" Wilma gasped, flinching at the stinging/biting effect that the vermin were inflicting and wishing she possessed some kind of Arcane Knowledge that could, hypothetically, allow her to know that if she sacrificed a 2nd-level spell, any spellcaster type could probably use the existing nodes to teleport the entire group away from at least the larger Cockroach threats now surrounding them.
But, alas, Wilma technically did NOT possess such knowledge at the moment, so the best she could do was step over to L8 on the map, pull out her minor curing wand and tap Tuck with it, curing him up a little bit.
OOC: Tuck is healed of 14hp damage. Wilma's CLW wand now has 44 charges left in it. Wilma is also now wishing that the Wold had "Deep Woods OFF" technology.
And that Sanctuary spell has 4 rounds left.
DMTanner - From a previous post, "You also realize that if you spend at least 8 hours resting in contact with the floor of the node, you can use a 2nd-level spell slot to instantly transfer all those standing on the surface of the node to its connecting node."
Vaniime AC 18/14/15, HP:52/52, d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; Thursday August 15th, 2013 6:34:44 PM
Having crawled through the oil as they entered Van tosses her last alchemists fire at N12, causing causing 4 points of damage to the splashed roaches and hopefully ingiting them as well for an additional 4.
Vaniime tosses another vial of alchemist fire, squarely striking a roach. Emrys continues his bardic performance, inspiring his fellow party members. He casts a spell on Tuck, increasing his girth until he matches Grell in size. Wilma (7 damage) heals Tuck of his damage with a wave of her wand. Grell (2 damage) swings again, bringing swift death to another rabid insect. Alleah steps lightly to one side and fires another magic missile, splattering yet another cockroach. Tuck continues to try hurting the swarm in vain, his punches and kicks not affecting them in the slightest. Ariach closes to a cockroach and smashes it to bits with his flail.
Active Effects: Bardic performance (inspire courage) +1 competence bonus to hit and damage, +1 morale bonus on saves vs. charm and fear. ==================== Cockroach Swarm (CS) continues to nibble on Wilma (autohit, 4 damage). Giant Cockroach (GC) (48 damage, DEAD) Large Cockroach 1(LC) (8 damage, DEAD) attacks Grell and misses (Attack 12). Large Cockroach 2(LC) (14 damage, DEAD) Large Cockroach 3(LC) (11 damage, DEAD) attacks Grell and misses (Attack 4). Large Cockroach 4(LC) (21 damage, DEAD) attacks Grell and misses (Attack 5).
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. light, prestidigitation, comp. languages d100=74 ; Friday August 16th, 2013 1:14:30 AM
Emrys then casts Enlarge Person on Tuck and continues his story how the Culverwood River Dancers could stomp their feet over 200 times in a single minute. Now they had cockroach killing power!
(Inspire Courage continues. Cast enlarge person on Tuck, leyline check: 74.)
DmTanner - Let's pretend you posted this before I updated the round. :)
Drawing her sword, Vaniime starts trying to slice little roaches into timier pieces. AC 22 & AC 23 for 7 points and 10 points.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 44/51; Sanctuary Friday August 16th, 2013 3:04:24 PM
By now, Wilma was heartily wishing that the little narrative voice in her adventures wasn't so busy trying to juggle mundane things like Real Life and Other Gaming Pursuits so that she didn't even HAVE to vaguely hope about things she didn't even know--it was mightily distracting to other people who may have been looking her mental entries over! (OOC: sigh. Sorry about the miscommunication.)
"Oh! OW! Ugh!" she continued to shriek. "For the love of Gargul, SOMEBODY HELP GET THESE THINGS OFF ME!!!" The red-headed cleric was practically lost under the Cockroach Swarm and definitely not at all happy about it as she vainly attempted to slap/brush/shake off the insects...
OOC: 3 rounds of the Sanctuary spell left.
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 Friday August 16th, 2013 5:31:16 PM
Taking out his waterskin, the enlarged Tuck upends the container over Wilma's head, hoping to wash away some of the bugs, at a loss for much else to do.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Friday August 16th, 2013 7:09:49 PM
Ariach hurries to come at Wilma´s side. Her screams make him feel really bad and he wishes he could cast any spell to help her. In sheer desparation he grabs one of his "holy water" flasks on his way to Wilma and throws it at the bugs right under Wilma´s feet, hoping it will show any effect.
"Grell! Come on! Lift her up in the air that the bugs cannot reach her anymore."
Then the young warrior tries to attract the bugs attention with kicking and trampling against them.
Vaniime (2 damage) tries vainly to strike the cockroaches with a sword. Emrys continues his bardic performance, inspiring his fellow party members. Wilma (3 damage) tries screaming and swatting, to little effect. Grell (2 damage) grimaces and tries to think of how to solve their predicament. Alleah thinks about what could possibly be done to solve their predicament. Tuck dumps a waterskin over Wilma, helping to wash away some of the roaches as the swarm moves toward Vaniime. Ariach moves to Wilma's side and tries to help her. The flask of water has no effect on the cockroach swarm.
Active Effects: Bardic performance (inspire courage) +1 competence bonus to hit and damage, +1 morale bonus on saves vs. charm and fear. ==================== Cockroach Swarm (CS) is attracted by Vaniime's sword and moves toward the ranger, engulfing the elf in a carpet of pincers, feet, and antennae (autohit, 2 damage). Giant Cockroach (GC) (48 damage, DEAD) Large Cockroach 1(LC) (8 damage, DEAD) Large Cockroach 2(LC) (14 damage, DEAD) Large Cockroach 3(LC) (11 damage, DEAD) Large Cockroach 4(LC) (21 damage, DEAD)
Vaniime AC 18/14/15, HP:52/52, Saturday August 17th, 2013 9:44:20 AM
Sheathing her sword, Vaniime takes her last two vials of oil and pours it on the roaches on the ground around her.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 Sunday August 18th, 2013 9:27:52 AM "Anyone? Any ideas?" Alleah back steps again and follows Vaniime's lead, drawing two vials of oil from her haversack (5ft step to Q7. Two move actions to draw two vials of oil from haversack)
DM Tanner Monday August 19th, 2013 11:33:33 AM
ooc: Vaniime has poured two vials of oil onto the swarm, while Alleah has drawn another two vials. I would like to get out of the habit of posting really late at night. Does anyone else have actions to declare?
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Monday August 19th, 2013 5:11:34 PM
"Does anyone have a regular, non magical torch? Fire seems the only thing they scare. Or let´s withdraw. We cannot stay in here any longer without having a plan how to kill them." Ariach tries to speak clear and calm and avoids to show signs of his discomfort.
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 Monday August 19th, 2013 5:57:45 PM
"Everyone get back," Tuck says as he pulls forth his flint and steel from his haversack. "Wilma get ready to heal anyone that's hurt by the fire."
Tuck strikes the flint and steel together near where Vaniime poured the oil, trying to set the roaches on fire.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51; Sanctuary d8+6=11 ; Monday August 19th, 2013 7:57:08 PM
Wilma quickly used the curative wand on herself, anticipating that she was about to get fried up with a few cockroaches...
Wilma's HP was 41 out of 51 coming into this round, but a charge from her CLW wands cured 11hp, which brings her up to 51 before whatever happens with the oil & fire.
2 rounds left on the Sanctuary spell 43 charges left in the CLW wand
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 Monday August 19th, 2013 10:45:05 PM "I have both alchemist's fire and tindertwigs. How much fire do you want?" Alleah asks still holding on to the flasks of oil
DM Tanner Monday August 19th, 2013 11:31:22 PM
With a squealing shriek, the swarm is lit aflame by the doused oil. For a brief moment, it becomes a roiling ball of flame and pain as its individual members are consumed by the raging tongues of fire. Then, with a withering shudder, the swarm disperses, leaving you with the cloying stench of singed vermin entrails hovering in the air.
ooc: Congratulations! You each gain 500 xp for successfully traversing the earth node chimney and defeating the giant cockroaches. Emrys, please take back those vials of oil you mention below.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. light, prestidigitation, comp. languages d20=8 ; Monday August 19th, 2013 11:32:51 PM
Emrys is completely frustrated. There is nothing he can do but inspire his friends. These vermin, just like the oozes from Shandresh's realm, and the undead from Lasher castle, have no intelligence ... no mind to attack! It's as if the masters of fates are playing a cruel joke by putting him in situations where he is completely useless. What misfortune it is to face one mindless foe after another. I mean, really?! What are the odds, he thinks?
Emrys does the only thing he can do, he searches his haversack for his two vials of oil. He then sprinkles the oil into the swarm. (Touch attack, hit AC 9.)
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 Tuesday August 20th, 2013 7:06:04 AM
Alleah repockets the two vials of oil she had prepared. She takes a moment to kick the corpse of one of the larger cockroaches - just for satisfaction. "Does anyone still need a moment or do you want me to check out what that glint was ahead?"
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Tuesday August 20th, 2013 10:18:35 AM
"Please remind me to buy a few vials of oil. From now on i think it is a must have whenever you meet a swarm of annoying insects."
The young man turns to Wilma. "Are you alright? I hope you aren´t badly wounded."
Vaniime AC 18/14/15, HP:50/52, Tuesday August 20th, 2013 1:56:48 PM
(OOC: I have started back to school and will not have access to he site until the evening so none of my posts are likely to be before 7-8 PM or so starting on Monday.)
Vaniime knowing she just has just about depleted her bag of tricks having used up her alchemists fire and all her oil, runs though her remaining inventory of things and then loks around at the others. "Well shall we be on our way?" In response to Alleah's quesion, she reaponds with a quick, "Yes, Please do."
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51; Sanctuary Tuesday August 20th, 2013 3:50:54 PM
Wilma smiled ruefully at the noble warrior who asked after her, lifting her arms and giving them a sharp shake or two to force off the water she'd been drenched in. She felt like (and no doubt slightly resembled) one of those Irish Setter-type dogs that had been caught out in the rain.
"My robes are cold and clammy and they're sticking to me like a second skin," she said, pointing out the obvious, "But it beats becoming Cockroach Chow. Now--does anybody else need healing while I still have ol' Bessie here..?" She raised her curative wand and waggled it to emphasize that she was available to heal any lingering wounds from the battle.
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 Tuesday August 20th, 2013 7:50:02 PM
Tuck flips one last cockroach off of his forearm and then shivers dramatically. "GROSS!"
Seeing that everyone appears to be ready to move on, Tuck takes up his position.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. light, prestidigitation, comp. languages Tuesday August 20th, 2013 9:41:26 PM
Thoroughly disappointed with himself, the bewitching bard uses his powers of prestidigitation to sweep away from the platform the filthy cockroach debris. He takes the rose from his lapel and holds it against his nose to fight off the stench of smoldering insect carcasses.
"Let's clean this place, shall we. Time is what we have left to kill until we become attuned to this node."
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 d20+16=34 ; d20+24=32 ; Tuesday August 20th, 2013 10:28:03 PM
With a slight nod to Vaniime, Alleah silently scouts ahead towards the glint she saw earlier (Perception: 34, Stealth: 32)
Grell, AC20/13/18, HP??/68 Tuesday August 20th, 2013 11:02:22 PM
Shaking his head, Grell finally snaps out of his apparent slumber. His shoulder slump as he realizes that he really wasn't very helpful in this last combat.
OOC: Email forthcoming.
DM Tanner Tuesday August 20th, 2013 11:51:29 PM
With the insects defeated, the party can worm their way into the roach den. Alleah squeezes through the tight tunnel, all the while sending swarms of regular cockroaches scurrying ahead. Inside she finds the desiccated bodies of what apparently were once drow beneath the excrement. Most of their gear is rotted and useless, but a finely made belt, 52gp, and a small stone box filled with several garnet gemstones are nearby. The coins are stamped on one side with the profile of a female elf, and the other with a spider. One of the corpse's mummified hands clutches a blue potion.
Appraise and Spellcraft rolls, please.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Wednesday August 21st, 2013 8:48:17 AM
As the warrior hears Wilma talking about her wet clothes stucking to her like a second skin, his gaze inevitably wanders over her shapely body. As he caughts himself starring at the priestess of Gargul he quickly shakes his head to come out of his trance. He turns abruptly and walks away to follow Alleah. "...ahhh great to hear that you are alright."
Finding the szenario of the mummified corpses he asks "Who were these pitiable creatures."
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51; Sanctuary d8+6=7 ; d20+1=13 ; d20+5=9 ; Wednesday August 21st, 2013 8:09:42 PM OOC to Grell: according to my math, Grell got nibbled on for 6hpd. Let me know if I forgot to count something...
Wilma noticed that Grell was a little worse for wear and tapped one of his shoulders with her wand. OOC: Grell is cured of 7hpd. However, Wilma's streak of sucky rolls continues: her attempt at Appraisal (can you use that untrained?) is only 13 and her Spellcraft is worse: total of 9.
"What do you mean, 'attuned to the node'???" Wilma echoed Emrys' words. "What is that and how long will it take?"
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 Wednesday August 21st, 2013 8:56:02 PM
"What do you see in there, Alleah?" Tuck calls down the tunnel. "I hope there aren't any more bugs."
DM Tanner Wednesday August 21st, 2013 11:17:59 PM
ooc: We seem to be missing a lot of people today...
Vaniime AC 18/14/15, HP:50/52, Wednesday August 21st, 2013 11:27:22 PM
You all right in there Alleah? No pressure but we need to be moving out to somewhere real soon so don't dilly dally.
So Emrys, tuck what do you think which way should we head?
Grell, AC20/13/18, HP68/68 Wednesday August 21st, 2013 11:27:52 PM
Grell acknowledges his older sister's healing with a grunt. "C'mon...let's just kill the rest of the crap and move on with things..." Grell begins to tap his foot impatiently.
DM Tanner Thursday August 22nd, 2013 12:06:52 AM
Alleah is still mucking about in the tunnels as the party waits for her to emerge.
ooc: I will move things forward by 12:00EST if Alleah does not post. The same goes for Emrys explaining his insights into the earth node.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. light, prestidigitation, comp. languages d100=61 ; d20+8=17 ; d20+9=12 ; d20+10=26 ; d100=98 ; d20+8=19 ; Thursday August 22nd, 2013 12:17:27 AM
Emrys explains, "Yes Wilma, we must all be attuned to the elemental node. As I already explained, we must all rest here on the platform for at least eight hours. We can then travel to the adjoining elemental node."
Noticing that some items were found, his pointed ears become perked. "Interesting indeed." He casts his simple divinations and removes his magnifying glass from his belt pouch.
(Spellcraft check: 27, with help from Identify spell. Appraise check: 12, sucks! Knowledge [local]: 26, to identify the elf on the coin. Knowledge [Nobility]: 19, to identify the Spider heraldic symbol.)
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. light, prestidigitation, comp. languages, identify Thursday August 22nd, 2013 12:25:49 AM
ooc: Sorry for the wait. Fell asleep on the couch again!
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 Thursday August 22nd, 2013 2:22:51 AM
Alleah shows off the things she has found then looks at one of the coins "I wonder if this elven lady is some drow of esteem? They worship their women folk, don't they?"
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Thursday August 22nd, 2013 4:17:59 PM
"I have no idea if they worship their women folk but i am quite sure Emry knows it."
Ariach turns to Emry from whom he expects some answers.
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 Thursday August 22nd, 2013 5:15:24 PM
"Drow, halflings, roaches. What's next? What's in the bottle? And was there anything beyond the corpses?"
DM Tanner Thursday August 22nd, 2013 6:32:42 PM
You identify or appraise the following:
belt of incredible dexterity +2 small stone box filled with several garnet gemstones (400gp... you think) potion of cure moderate wounds
With no other enemies in sight, there seems to be little to do besides (a) return to town for last minute purchases or rest, or (b) rest where you are to attune yourselves to the earth node. Attuning is necessary for teleportation.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51; Sanctuary Thursday August 22nd, 2013 9:24:30 PM
"Who's got first watch...?" Wilma asked, still trying to wring out water from her overrobes. It wasn't working as well as she hoped.
All right all, I guess we are sleeping here for a bit and trying to use this platform. Wilma, I will take first watch, Grell second along with Alleah, Tuck and Ariach 3rd and Wilma and Emrys with take the 4th. Everyopne cool with that?
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. light, prestidigitation, comp. languages, identify Thursday August 22nd, 2013 11:16:50 PM
"Yes, it is highly probable that these coins are from a drow city in the Underwold. We did find a drow corpse after all. The drow are a matriarchal society, so the image of the elven woman is likely a matron mother or high priestess, maybe both. They have a great affection for the spider, even so far as to worship them. I don't recognize the woman's image. I've seen only two other drowian coins. They were part of a friend's collection, but they didn't look like these, other than having a spider on one side."
Emrys takes his magnifying glass and scrutinizes the coins very closely for any writing. They have plenty of time.
"Excellent idea, Vaniime," he says in a complementing tone. "Afterwards, we might as well head back up. It should only be late afternoon by then. We can better equip ourselves since we now have a good idea what we're dealing with. Then we can retire, have a nice dinner and a good night's sleep."
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 d20+16=24 ; Friday August 23rd, 2013 9:02:43 AM "A society where women are worshipped? I could live with that" Alleah smiles. She happily agrees to second watch (Perception: 24)
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Friday August 23rd, 2013 5:15:10 PM
"I don´t care if we rest here or if we return. I will find good sleep anyway."
Ariach prepares his bivouac but if Vaniime decides to go back he will be ready to move instantly. Otherwise he will keep the third watch.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. light, prestidigitation, comp. languages, identify Friday August 23rd, 2013 6:42:22 PM
(ooc: DM, could you tell us what time of day it is? I'm assuming we left for the Noble Quarter late morning (10 -11am). The meeting took 15 to 20 minutes, if that. Our trip to the cemetery and to our current location maybe took 1.5 hours? Is is safe to say it's sometime around lunchtime?)
"I wouldn't recommend trying to sleep in the middle of the day. The casters of this fellowship will still need to slumber before preparing or meditating for spells at sunrise. It may be prudent to just to return to the street level and better prepare and equip ourselves for a journey to the Underwold ..." the latter part Emrys says stuttering. "Goodness, I can't believe I just said that ... Journey to the Underwold!!"
Emrys continues make a mental note of the things they need. "I definitely need to make some potions. We could use some climbing gear: pitons, hammers, hooks, etc. We need to be there to greet the nanny in the morning and let her in. More food and water. I don't believe any of his prepared for a long journey today. A good book to read, for eight hours on this platform. Oh, there is so much to do!"
DM Tanner Friday August 23rd, 2013 6:55:41 PM
Emrys examines the coins, using his magical comprehension to decipher the text. While highly abbreviated, likely due to the limited area for engraving, it roughly reads, "ALL SHOUT-GLORY NIGHT-MOTHER -- POWER AND RULE ETERNAL". You are aware that the largest drow city in the Underwold was destroyed some time ago by the legendary Storm Dragons, but they had a long and storied history prior to their demise. It is likely that this coin is from a different administration or era from those you have seen before.
Resting as well as you can on the base of the earth node (and trying to avoid thinking about the stifling odor of vermin) you feel yourselves become attuned to the magic of the stone. You experience an awkward sensation, what you might describe to someone as "spiritual distension." You feel a small part of yourself being drawn into a non-space within the node. You may now sacrifice a small portion of spell power (2nd-level spell) to transport up to eight people to the connected node. Wherever that may be...
You rest without incident. Where to from here?
Edit: Sorry, Emrys. You posted while I was writing my post. Yes, it is currently about lunchtime. You could likely send a message to warn Goody about the nanny coming in the morning. BUT, the attunement lasts for several days before it needs to be renewed. You could go up to the surface and have a good night's sleep, do some shopping, and prepare yourself.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51; Sanctuary Friday August 23rd, 2013 9:49:29 PM
Once Emrys relayed the information regarding becoming attuned to the node, Wilma is all for returning to the surface, as it will give the group a chance to better prepare themselves (and for her to change into clothing that isn't damp and vermin-y odored.)
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 Saturday August 24th, 2013 12:32:40 AM "I'm afraid I do not know any 2nd level spells, so will not be able to activate this node" Alleah advises with a shrug.
Grell, AC20/13/18, HP68/68 Sunday August 25th, 2013 5:02:17 PM
Grell looks over at his soaked sister. "Yeah, let's get out of here. I don't want to have to sleep in the same tunnel as stinky over there!" He cracks a grin as if daring Wilma to retaliate.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Monday August 26th, 2013 6:47:26 AM
Ariach agrees with the others to sleep a last time in town before they use the magical knot. On their way back he gets 4 vials of oil from the market in case they will face bugs again.
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 d20+11=23 ; Monday August 26th, 2013 8:06:42 AM
"Alright, so we're heading back. I think that was our shortest adventure yet!"
Tuck is mighty glad to get out of the roach pit, he shimmies up the rope and out of the pit where he helps others out if they should need it. (Climb 23)
DM Tanner Monday August 26th, 2013 4:28:48 PM
The party ascends their ropes up the vertical chimney (hand-waving the Climb rolls since you have all the time in the world), and reaches the terrace. You traverse the dimly lit tunnel until you reach the opening, emerging a stone's throw from the Indevan family crypt.
Ariach voices his intention to purchase more alchemist fire in the market. It is currently mid-afternoon. What would you like to do with the rest of your day?
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 Monday August 26th, 2013 6:09:09 PM
Tuck heads back to the house to check on the children and rest for the upcoming adventures.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51; Sanctuary Monday August 26th, 2013 9:04:06 PM
"I'm going to think hard about what to meditate upon for my next bunch of spells," Wilma announced. "But first--dibs on the hot water, because I'll be taking a bath..."
Vaniime AC 18/14/15, HP:50/52, Monday August 26th, 2013 9:40:35 PM
Van joins Ariach on his shopping trip so she can replace the materials she used up below.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 d20+16=17 ; d20+5=21 ; d20+5=8 ; d20+5=18 ; d20+5=17 ; Monday August 26th, 2013 11:32:52 PM
Alleah pulls the hood of her cloak up so as to nearly cover her face. She takes a different direction from the rest of the group, and wanders the marketplace and adjoining streets. She keeps her hands to herself for a change - her pockets nearly overflowing already.
She will keep an eye out for any beggars - in particular children - and hand them out some fresh bread. Alleah has learnt over time that regardless of the city, there are always the 'haves' and 'have nots'. (Alleah has many loaves of bread in her haversack. She will break two loaves in half so as to hand out four pieces to the poor)
(Perception: 17. Diplomacy to gather any info or rumors from what I hope are now happy beggars: 21, 8, 18, 17)
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. light, prestidigitation, comp. languages, identify d100=46 ; d100=50 ; d20+14=26 ; Tuesday August 27th, 2013 12:39:05 AM
A smile forms across his face, seeing that his plea for preparation didn't go unheard. "I'll see you all at the top," his smile now turns to a devilish grin. With a few spoken words of power, Emrys transforms into the shape of a small bat. With his wings furiously flapping, he continues to circle the chamber as he ascends to the tunnel above (Leyline check: 46. Casting Beast Shape on himself in the form of a bat).
When he gets to the top of the terrace, he lands next to the dead halfling and changes back into his natural form. "Mr. Burglar," says Emrys, "If I were just a little more receptive to ebb and flow of the leylines, just a little more power, I'd be hearing your confession right now. Your words are but a faint echo, a whisper to me. That's why you must consider this place your temporary grave, for now. It's not so bad, but we can't have you talking to anyone who can hear your words! So here you will stay. The Vanguard will reclaim the King's bones." Giving the air a sniff, Emrys recoils with haughty disapproval. "Shooo! We can't have you stinking up the place either!" Emrys then gives the dead halfling a simple touch of his hand.
(Leyline check: 50. Casting Gentle Repose on the dead halfling. Stays fresh for 4 more days.)
Now that his handy haversack is free of masterwork tools, he thinks he has plenty of space for the small, stone-like statue of a female goblin. "Sorry dear, you're just too precious to leave behind. I'm so very curious about you."
Once he is above ground, he will make his way back to the tomb. If he is allowed to enter the sepulcher, he will take a quick look around (Perception: 26). Secondly, he looks for some loose soil from around or beneath where the King's remains once lain. If there is some grave soil, he will take a few handful samples and put them in a jar. The soil from the bottom of a grave can be powerful magic.
Emrys shudders for a moment before leaving. He ponders the grimness of his actions then heads back to their townhouse in the Nightmare Quarter.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Tuesday August 27th, 2013 6:01:35 PM
Back home Ariach prepares everything for a long trip. He also takes care to back in some dried meat. During the night his dreams are full of gigantic bucks and other insects and when he wakes up very early in the morning he doesn´t hesitate to get up and be the first in the kitchen waiting for his friends.
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 Tuesday August 27th, 2013 6:43:17 PM
Back at the townhouse, Tuck meditates quietly in his room. He sits in the middle of the floor with the windows open, breathing in the fresh air, focusing on the upcoming mission.
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