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.
Through the Node
DM Tanner Tuesday August 27th, 2013 10:50:10 PM
Tuck and Wilma retire to the house, while Ariach and Vaniime head shopping in the market.
Alleah casts for rumors from the beggars and mendicants of Plateau City, only to find that there is little on their tongues besides the missing king's bones and the enormous bounty offered by House Indevan. One toothless codger remarks, "I heard their butler met with some adventurers, and offered them a half a million gold pieces for its return! Do you have any idea how much ale and whores you could get with that much money? You could buy... a whole lot!"
Emrys stows away the goblin statue into his handy haversack, and joins the group in ascending to the surface. Above ground, the city guardsman waves him inside and he is permitted to investigate the inside of the crypt. There is little of note, unfortunately. Of the dozen or so sarcophagi, only King Froederick's was disturbed. The heavy stone lid pushed half-way off of the tomb. Emrys looks for some soil, but instead finds but would best be described as 'detritus.' The king was laid to rest directly into a stone tomb. He finds a gray, powdery substance formed of dead skin and clothing fiber.
Arriving home, you are greeted by Goody and the children, who are eager to hear of your adventures. So much action in but a day! After well-deserved baths, food, and rest, you retire for the evening.
ooc: Your evening is a montage. Just let me know if you would like some specific activity. Spellcasters, please update your prepared lists.
You rise with the morning, feeling rested and confident. The earth node awaits you, needing only a small expenditure of magical power before teleporting your party to parts unknown. Following, you believe, the trail of the missing king's remains.
Anything before you go?
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. light, prestidigitation, comp. languages, identify d20+10=20 ; d20+12=21 ; d20+12=23 ; d100=86 ; d100=84 ; d20+14=23 ; d20+14=21 ; d20+14=33 ; Wednesday August 28th, 2013 12:33:37 AM
Emrys will stop by the Druid Quarter and sees if he can find some berries to forage (Survival: 20). He will spend the rest of the day and evening brewing two Feather Fall potions at his highest caster level.
(Casting Feather Fall for the potions. Leyline checks: 86 and 84. Wow, both are FREE casts! Craft [Alchemy]: 21 and 23. Both potions take 2 hours/each. Emrys will make more if allowed, since he still has two 1st level witch spells left for the day.)
He spends whatever time is left of the evening playing a variety of instruments in the Music room. His first couple of performances are nice, but the last was truly spectacular. Those within earshot would have been moved to tears. "Yes, that is the stuff!"
(Perform [strings]: 23, 21 & 33.)
Grell, AC20/13/18, HP68/68 Wednesday August 28th, 2013 7:42:37 AM
Wiping must of the bug goop off his arms, Grell treats briefly to his man cave and then disappears into the market for a LONG time. When he returns, Grell heads straight to Vaniime's room. Once he has attracted her attention, he hands her a small decorative box. "I wanted to give this to you before, but it was too crazy..."
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 Wednesday August 28th, 2013 8:26:59 AM
Alleah eventually returns back to the mansion where she takes a spot in the sitting room. For the rest of the afternoon she practices locking herself in manacles and picking the lock. She tries to do this as quietly so as not to disturb Emrys (or anyone else) too much.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Wednesday August 28th, 2013 5:46:37 PM
Ariach enjoys Emry´s music perfomance until it is time to go to bed.
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 Wednesday August 28th, 2013 6:02:17 PM
Tuck is up early. After a light exercise, he is downstairs and ready for the others. "Everyone ready to go? Hopefully there are no more bugs we will have to contend with. Oh man, that was nasty."
Emrys ac15, hp28/28. reduce person, hat of disguise d100=87 ; d20+20=33 ; Wednesday August 28th, 2013 6:47:14 PM
After putting the instruments away and going back to his room, Emrys begins his nightly rituals: brushing his hair, applying moisturizer and so on. And then he just stands there, in his silk evening robe, staring at the goblin statue that he had leaned up against his wall. He studies it ... memorizes every detail. He turns to Gestalt and says, "She may be homely or ugly to us, even hideous when compared to me, but I think she would have been quite lovely amongst her kind." Gestalt answers with a hoot and a ruffling of feathers. Emrys laughs, "Yes, I think you're right."
He takes his magic hat from the chair and puts it on his head. "Let's try something shall we!" Emrys activates the hat and tries to make himself look like the stoned goblin. He checks himself in the mirror to compare and make modifications. "Even a foot shorter, I'm still too tall. I got a remedy for that." He casts a witchy cantrip and he reduces himself to half his size.
(Leyline check: 87, lol another free cast. Casting Reduce Person. Disguise Check: 33, using the Hat of Disguise.)
In the goblin language, he mimics a female voice and says,"Lookie here you tasty owl! Aren't I pretty pretty?!" Gestalt's eyes go wide and he cautiously flies up and perches on the curtain rod, well out of reach of Emrie, the flirtatious, female goblin.
DM Tanner Wednesday August 28th, 2013 11:38:33 PM
ooc: Long day, abbreviated post. Sorry.
Everyone winds down for the evening. Emrys successfully brews two potions, and gathers two pounds of berries from a ripened blackberry bush. He thinks he makes a convincing facsimile of the petrified goblin (at least in his own mind), but is aware that he may be guessing on important things like skin color.
After a great night's sleep, you arise and head toward the graveyard. Following your own footsteps, you travel down the tunnel and descend down the rock chimney. You are, once again, on the floor of the earth node. It requires a 2nd-level spell to activate, and will allow up to eight people to teleport. The effect is instantaneous, and effects everyone on the node simultaneously rather than opening a portal for your leisure.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 Thursday August 29th, 2013 7:41:55 AM "I have no spells of the required level" Alleah shrugs.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51; Sanctuary Thursday August 29th, 2013 5:53:24 PM
Wilma (after her bath) spent time catching up with the Centurion Children and speaking with the Dwarven nurse/governess that has come to the townhouse to make sure the time-displaced youngsters remain safe while the Vanguard is busy earning a living.
"Thank you so much for doing this," the priestess of Gargul said sincerely, "They're really old enough to look after themselves, but since they've been removed from their native time period and (to them) suddenly plopped into this contemporary age of the Wold...we didn't want to have to worry about being away for a long while just in case they needed help coping with whatever might happen in the Vanguards' absence."
Wilma spent the rest of her time recharging her curative wand and meditating on her clerical spells for the group's return to the underground node.
"I have four or five spells to choose from to use for the node," the redheaded cleric offered.
OOC: Wilma's 2nd Level spells are: Aid, Hold Person, Silence, Spiritual Weapon and Locate Object. The Locate Object spell is the one that she'd prefer to sacrifice, as it is a Domain spell and she can't "swap" it out for a Cure Wounds spell if the necessity should arise.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Thursday August 29th, 2013 6:34:38 PM
Ariach waits for someone to start casting the needed spell.
Vaniime AC 18/14/15, HP:50/52, Thursday August 29th, 2013 8:49:47 PM
Van picks up her replacement supplies and heads bac to the house for a bit of a rest and some down time and finds herself pleasantly and suprisingly happy when Grell shows up to her room and with a present no less.
"It's beautiful Grell! she exclaims as she looks over the box and opens it to check out the rest of the workmanship and pictures what trinkets she can store in it. Standing up she quickly wraps her arms around him and gives him a hug that is like to curl his toes and kisses him lightly on the lips.
"I love it. Thank you." Grell, do you miss it? You know, the Culverwood, the Tower, All of it." There are times I wish I was little again and just playing with Uncle Bertram and and Aunt Trill and our parents....
Early evening as they head back to the graveyard and below, Van seems a bit mellower and very quiet. As they get on the "platform" she takes out her bow and suggests that other have theirs ready as well. "You never know what we will be popping into, so weapons and spells at the ready guys."
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 Thursday August 29th, 2013 8:56:23 PM
Tuck unslings his own bow and tries the string to make sure everything is set to go. "So, I suppose we're sitting here for a bit, then. Anyone have any cool stories to tell?"
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. Thursday August 29th, 2013 9:16:06 PM
Emrys stands there, in a moment of awkward silence, looking at the node. He slowly rocks on his feet and begins to whistle but then immediately stops and clears his throat. He then turns to Alleah oh so slightly and then Wilma. Alleah suddenly breaks the silence and says with a shrug, "I have no spells of the required level."
A perplexed expression forms across Emrys' face. After a moments hesitation, he asks, "What do you mean by 'level'? Are your spells uneven or bumpy in some way?"
Wilma then offers a suggestion by saying, "I have four or five spells to choose from to use for the node." The warmest of smiles immediately forms across his face. "Excellent idea, Wilma! Your wisdom is rivaled only by your beauty." He then turns to the group and adds, "I suggest arming ourselves. We don't know what or who could be on the other side!" Upon saying that he loads a bolt in his crossbow.
DM Tanner Thursday August 29th, 2013 11:53:31 PM
Wilma casts her spell, focusing the floor of the earth node as the target of her magic. The spell is cast, and in what could probably be described as a 'greedy' fashion, it is absorbed. A slight hum fills the air, and reality seems to slide sideways. With a blur, the world turns right again.
You find yourselves in a 30-foot-diameter rock crater within a larger space, but the crater's rim obscures the nature of the space. It is perhaps 10-12 feet from the bowl of the crater to the edge of the rim in height. It looks like an easy climb, with only loose rock dust presenting a challenge. Soft blue-green light suffuses your surroundings. By the temperature of the air and the echoing sound of your own breathing, you are still underground.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 Friday August 30th, 2013 12:26:24 AM "Would Locate Object be a useful spell to keep, for instance, in trying to locate the remains?" Alleah asks before the casting.
She closes her eyes slightly, unsure of what to expect. When the casting is complete, she takes in the surroundings, and is thankful to be in one piece
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 d20+16=25 ; Friday August 30th, 2013 12:30:00 AM Perception: 25
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. Friday August 30th, 2013 1:03:10 AM
Emrys replies to Alleah's question, "To find the nearest random set of bones, yes. However to locate specific set of remains, like those of the King, one needs to be familiar with the bones; able to see them in your mind. I'm afraid none of us are that personally acquainted."
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Friday August 30th, 2013 4:46:31 PM
As always if magic is used, the warrior does not feel comfortable with that. Therefore he is very happy when the effects of the spell disappear quickly and he is master of his senses again. He immediately sets off in one direction and secures one flank of the group. Then he waits for further instructions of Vaniime.
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 d20+11=17 ; Friday August 30th, 2013 7:55:45 PM
Tuck looks about for potential threats, scanning the rim of the crater. (Perception 17)
He tries to discern whether he can see anything beyond the crater, any tunnels, structures or other such things. Then he looks above, attempting to determine the height of the ceiling.
DM Tanner Friday August 30th, 2013 11:54:56 PM
You detect no threats along the perimeter of the crater, and have some difficulty in estimating the height of the ceiling above you. There are no landmarks, and the luminescence that fills the cavern is so diffuse that you could not accurately guess. Tuck ascends the side of the crater and looks over the edge.
Beyond the crater opens a wide Underwold vista lit by pale light shining through enormous columns that march into the misted distance. The benighted waters of a sunless sea meet a pebble-strewn shore a half-mile away. Across that dark water, another stretch of rock covers the base of the cavern until it joins the far wall.
A cobbled road, which emerges from an opening in the dimly glowing cavern wall about a quarter-mile to the left, passes within 10 feet of the crater and continues on to the right. It finally connects to a narrow but elongated stone formation that spans the shadowy sea.
Just across the road from the crater, a strange covered wagon sits. A broad and dusky dwarf, with ashen gray skin and a white beard, stands in front of it, smiling. He wears a thick leather coat and gloves that have gold piping. Two large gray lizards stand idly nearby.
SKILL CHECK Knowledge (dungeoneering) or Knowledge (geography) DC 10 - Highlight to display spoiler: {This creature is a duergar. Duergar dwell in subterranean caverns far from the touch of light. They detest all races living beneath the sun, but that hatred pales beside their loathing of their surface-dwarf cousins. Dwarves and duergar once were one race, but the dwarves left the deeps for their mountain strongholds. Duergar still consider themselves the only true dwarves, and the rightful heirs of all beneath the world's surface.}
The grinning dwarf calls out in a deep baritone in perfect Common, "Node travelers, and unless I miss my mark, surfacers, too! I am Durovar Silverblood, a humble merchant! Perhaps you would like to see my wares?"
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 d20+2=13 ; d20+12=15 ; d20+16=17 ; Saturday August 31st, 2013 7:45:55 AM Knowledge Dungeoneering: 13
"Well met Master Silverblood. I am Alleah Vanduer Gard, a humble traveller. I, for one, would be very interested in any wares you have for sale" Alleah tries to keep her calm. In these undergrounds, the duergar would certainly have the upper hand.
(Bluff check vs DC15 to pass secret message to the rest of the party that this is a duergar: 15 = Pass Perception: 17)
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51; Sanctuary d20+5=16 ; d20+12=18 ; d20+10=11 ; Saturday August 31st, 2013 5:35:19 PM
As neither Dungeoneering nor Geography were in the sphere of Wilma's studies, she could draw on neither of those to help glean more possible information about the Duergar that Alleah was secretly identifying to the group. However, she did pause long enough to try to scrape the rust off her memory in regards to how the Duergar race interacted with the surface Wold through the annals of History.
OOC: first roll is a Knowledge (history) check of 16.
The cleric of Gargul kept her silence, her sharp sapphire eyes probing the group's surroundings while she also assimilated the sounds and smells around her as well. OOC: second roll is Wilma's Perception--totaling 18.
She tried to intuit Durovar Silverblood's motives in his greeting of the group, but came up a complete blank on that particular score. OOC: last roll is a natural 1 for Wilma's attempt at Sense Motive. Sigh.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. d20+8=15 ; d20+10=19 ; d20+12=24 ; d20+14=22 ; d20+14=31 ; Saturday August 31st, 2013 10:55:54 PM
(Knowledge [Geography]: 15.) (Knowledge [Local]: 19, to remember info about this species.)
Emrys steps forward with Alleah and replies with his own greeting, "The Deeper, the Truer, Master Dwarf," he says with a slight bow. "It is a pleasure to meet you, here in the heart of the Wold. My name is Emrys Myrridanmyl." (Diplomacy: 24. To win favor with Durovar.)
As he continues to approach, Emrys maintains a warm smile, but his eyes scrutinizes the Duergar's mannerisms and tone. "I would like very much to see your wares." Which is the truth; he really does. However, he finds it odd to find a duergar alone.
(Sense Motive: 22, to sense deception. Perception: 31, to notice things hidden, like other duergar. )
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Monday September 2nd, 2013 9:21:47 AM
Ariach never has seen a duergar before, therefore he watches him very interested but doesn´t say anything. He is quite sure that one of the others know how to handle the merchant.
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 d20+2=22 ; d20+11=24 ; Monday September 2nd, 2013 8:08:06 PM
(Dungeoneering 22)
Tuck also notes the grey dwarf and is quite proud of himself for doing so. He is curious about why the duergar would be out here on his lonesome, especially near a traveling node. If it was common knowledge, why weren't there others? Why wasn't this guarded?
Tuck approaches the merchant with Alleah and Emrys, his bow still held at the ready. He continues to scan this new place, prepared to fight if necessary.
Grell watches in excitement as Vaniime opens the box. Inside is a beautiful gleaming ring which bears the an inscription in orcish Highlight to display spoiler: {Happiness is victory.} . Grell happily reports that the ring is a +1 ring of protection and insists that she put it on immediately.
**Meanwhile...back in the tunnel*** Grell grunts at the dwarf. "Hmmmph...seems like a long way to come just to buy stuff!" Grell looks around, trying to spot any potential source of danger. Perception=23
DM Tanner d20+11=24 Monday September 2nd, 2013 11:52:57 PM
Wilma recalls that there is little of note concerning the duergar in the history of the surface world. Unlike the expansionist and depraved drow who warred with their surface cousins, the duergar are isolationist and live much further underground.
[Durovar Silverblood Sense Motive check = 24]
The merchant raises an eyebrow at Alleah's hidden message. Durovar smiles a placating smile. "You are new, node travelers, so I will give you some advice before we proceed. I am not a dwarf. I am a duergar. Likewise, drow are not elves, derro are not halflings, and svirfneblin are not gnomes. Those are surface names, and mark you as uncouth. I would highly suggest you ask what people call themselves."
He gives a small chuckle at the half-orc Grell's comment. "You must be new to node traveling, or have had the misfortune of a miss-jump. You are not in the wilderness of the Heartwold." He waves a hand, taking in the enormity of the cavern. "This is Bthanchend Grotto. It is home to the Nchardumz Sea, the Deepbridge, and the great city of Bthanchend. Which translates to Redoubt of the Ancestors in my native tongue."
Looking out, you see that the cavern is tremendous. Not only does it have a small sea in its center, but its sloping walls form a depressed oval perhaps a dozen miles in width. The luminescence comes from glowing fungus, which covers the entire ceiling. Despite Durovar's claims, you see no indication of a city anywhere.
"But enough about me. Would you like to see my wares? Come, come."
Durovar's wagon is composed of a light iron frame into which buoyant materials have been bolted and sealed. It's a covered wagon that is also built to float, and it contains two compartments - the front compartment is open and has a space for the driver to sit and lie down, and the rear holds trade goods. It is pulled by two cave lizards, squat reptilian creatures measuring nearly 10 feet in length with toothy maws.
ooc: Durovar sells any goods listed here with a value under 20gp. Surprisingly, he also sells a large compliment of poisons in small glass vials. Just ask him if you would like anything and he will check his stock.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51; Sanctuary Tuesday September 3rd, 2013 6:39:13 AM OOC: Sorry about not posting Monday--it's a holiday here in the USA and I was carousing at a family BBQ.
Wilma looks around her as the Duergar rattles off the names of places and the advice about checking to see how Underwold society labels itself. She pats Emrys' shoulder in a consoling gesture, as it was very, very rare for the learned bard to make a mistake about such matters. She looked over the wares Silverblood had in stock and pointed to the compass.
"Does this work here..?" she asked the trader. "I am new to your land, and I seem to recall hearing warnings that compasses could lead one astray if you used them underground..."
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Tuesday September 3rd, 2013 8:17:50 AM
"Do you have a map of this environment" the young warrior wants to know from the duergar. "As you already have said, we are new to node travellng and need any support we can get."
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. Tuesday September 3rd, 2013 1:32:46 PM
(ooc: what language is Bthanchend? Is it dwarven or undercommon? Emrys knows both languages and would like to confirm which of Durovar's three languages he considers native. Durovar said it was his native tongue.)
DMTanner - His native language is Duergar. He may or may not speak Dwarf, but Bthanchend is not a Dwarven word. Undercommon (just called Common now that you are underground) is the lingua franca trade language.
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 Tuesday September 3rd, 2013 5:55:56 PM Seems like a nice enough fellow. I wonder what all the fuss is about Duergar being evil and all. I'll check his things out here. See if he's got anything nice.
"Say Durovar, you've got some nice stuff here. Do you normally set up shop here? I'll be you see a lot of people come through."
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 d20+16=35 ; d20+9=29 ; Tuesday September 3rd, 2013 8:03:32 PM
They say curiosity killed the cat, and it may well kill Alleah too, as the young halfling cannot help herself but poke through the various odds and ends that Durovar has for sale. She gives a whistle of surprise on seeing some of the poisons. Unfortunately Warrd has not been kind of late and she lacks the funds to buy any.
Perception: 35 Sense Motive: 29 Aaaand there go my best two rolls
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. d20+12=27 ; d20+14=20 ; Tuesday September 3rd, 2013 8:32:29 PM
Emrys listens to every word said by Durovar eagerly. He truly finds the conversation fascinating. Then comes Wilma's consoling pat on the shoulder. "Oh, I'm completely alright with it. Mr. Durovar has graciously saved me from a great deal of future embarrassment. Experience is the best source of knowledge. It's also the name we give our mistakes. Thank you, Mr. Durovar. It's apparent that many of the books I've studied are obviously surface-centric." (Diplomacy: 27. Perception: 20)
With wide eyes, Emrys scans across Durovar's underwoldly treasures. "Oh, I do love that scarf!d Oh and this one too. In fact, I will take five of these. Hmm, a patchwork cloak ... this should be a nice aid when storytelling." Emrys pauses for a moment in disbelief. He then reaches out for the umbrella. This is quite nice, I'll take it." His eyes go even wider when he spots a very special and rare string instrument! "Is that what I think it is? Could that possibly be a Roar Cord!! I've only read about them, I've never been able to track one down. Amazing!"
(Total cost of purchases: 27gold.)
Emrys then turns to Durovar and asks, "I noticed you didn't have any maps or books about the Bthanchend Grotto, the Heartwold or any other lands. I was wondering if you could scribe a simple map in my journal. I'm sure I can fill in the rest as we go. What would you consider an sufficient price for the trouble?"
Grell, AC20/13/18, HP68/68 Tuesday September 3rd, 2013 11:41:13 PM
Grell pokes around the guy's shop, trying not to offend but not really that interested.
DM Tanner Tuesday September 3rd, 2013 11:56:08 PM
Durovar smiles at Wilma. "A compass works in the Heartwold as well as it works on the surface. Magnetic rocks exist, but they are concentrated, and effect readings only when very close."
He turns to Ariach. "I am afraid I do not carry maps. It is rare and unusual for someone to not know their way around. The Heartwold is not forgiving, and the lost tend to become lost forever. You could find maps for sale in Bthanchend."
He turns to Tuck. "I am but a humble wandering merchant, plying my goods along the safer routes between Bthanchend and neighboring cities. It is not currently trading season, so there are few travelers now."
Alleah notices that... Highlight to display spoiler: {Durovar is holding a small, polished stone in his hand as he speaks with the party.}
[Emrys - All purchases approved.]
He turns to Emrys. "Your manners are refreshing and delightful! I do not sell maps, but if you just wish to know the Grotto, then I see no harm." He removes a sharpened piece of graphite from his vest and motions toward Emrys' journal. He sketches a rough oval, with numerous tunnels leading away like the spokes of a wheel. "Most of these tunnels are currently empty, due to it being out of season for trade. The Grotto is quite bustling when the fungal harvest creates capital for investment." He makes a dotted line that squiggles across the page. "This is the road you are on now. It leads to the Nchardumz Sea. It is a great moat that encircles the city. Across the Deepbridge lies the plateau, where you will find Bthanchend. It is roughly in the middle of the entire cavern."
Vaniime AC 18/14/15, HP:50/52, Wednesday September 4th, 2013 7:48:05 AM
Van Is not too surprised when they find someone at the other end of of the transport but is more than a bit wary about it being a Duergar. Her mother being half drow had mentioned them in several of her stories but never in much of a flattering light. While lowering her bow as not to be offensive or threatening, she does not put it away and could easily have it at the ready in the blink of an eye. As she lowers her bow she catches a glint of something and realizes it is the ring, that Grell had just given her, that she is not quite used to seeing on her hand.
As the others peruse the Duergar wares, she feels the need to get to the point.
"Master Silverblood, Have you by chance run across any other of late that have used this node for travel? If so could you tell us how many what they looked like and which way they were going when they left?"
DM Tanner Wednesday September 4th, 2013 3:43:05 PM
Durovar considers Vaniime's question with a rub of his beard, which extends past his collarbone and is braided and decorated with tiny silver rings. "This node is a hub. It acts like an anchor for someone who wants to create an earth node portal, but does not want to go to the trouble of creating both ends of the portal. You can make an entrance, and simply point it to this hub and cut your labor in half. In fact, the reason it is in a crater is due to the portal magic pushing the rock and stone with each jump! Unfortunately, you need a portal key for a return journey. There are no other settlements of any size for several dozen... I believe the word is 'miles'?... but whoever you are following, you would need to know their portal key to make the journey back. It appears you need to find them, and they are likely in Bthanchend."
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Wednesday September 4th, 2013 3:55:37 PM
"Nchardu... Bthanchn." Very quite Ariach tries to repeat some of the names he heared from the Duergar. How unfamiliar the words sound and how difficult it is to pronounce them. But all the others seem to have no problems with the strange names. Maybe he should have given more attention to the linguistic exercises at the academy.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51; Sanctuary Wednesday September 4th, 2013 4:14:30 PM
Wilma eyed the compass wistfully, stepping back from the merchant's display. She already owed the group money, and knew she could not afford to get the device. Listening to Silverblood explain the operation of the earth node, the cleric of Gargul suppressed a sharp sigh.
"Obviously," she commented wryly, "All roads lead to Bthanchend. I hope we may catch up with our...friends in a timely manner and find that all-important portal key."
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 Wednesday September 4th, 2013 5:36:09 PM
Tuck takes a look at the road leading to Bthanchend.
"Any advice to travelers from above ground for getting around and being safe in Bthanchend, friend Durovar? We wouldn't want to ignorantly break any customs or offend."
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 Wednesday September 4th, 2013 10:13:02 PM "I imagine being here alone that safety is a concern for you. May I ask what it is that you have there in your hand?" Alleah asks directly
Vaniime AC 18/14/15, HP:50/52, Wednesday September 4th, 2013 10:42:26 PM
Well all i guess it is time for us to part company with our new friend here, Wwe do have a job to do.
DM Tanner Wednesday September 4th, 2013 11:59:44 PM
Durovar reaches out and pats Wilma reassuringly on the shoulder. "Do not worry! Most portal keys are easily replaceable items so that you are not stranded if you happen to lose your key. Something most people would not carry everyday, but you could easily buy. Like a pair of tongs, or a stick of butter. You could hire a diviner to sort it out, if you have the coin."
He raises an eyebrow at Alleah and his smile fades slightly. "It is in case I meet people who are less than friendly. You cannot be too careful."
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. d20+14=19 ; Thursday September 5th, 2013 12:05:19 AM
(ooc: Tanner, thankfully I'm a Texan of Scottish descent, and I live near Scotland, Texas. :)
(Perception: 19)
Emrys notices Wilma eyeing the compass and he says, "Wilma, you want to purchase it? No one will mind. I was given one as a child, but it wouldn't work for me. The needle would just spin round and round whenever I held it. It so frustrated me that I smashed it with a rock. Oh the insolence of youth. It didn't matter, I've always had the uncanny ability to discern true north; even when blindfolded."
Before they leave, Emrys puts away all the items he had purchased, except for one of the thinner scarfs. He primps and teases it until it flows from his neck just right. He looks to his friends with the warmest of smiles, obviously fishing for compliments.
He then turns to the duergar and says, "Thank you so much Mr. Durovar. It has been a pleasure. By the way, I wanted to show you something." Emrys removes one of the drowian coins from a pouch and shows it to Durovar. "I'm just curious. We found this coin near the node. It looks to be a drow coin, though I'm not familiar with its markings or where it's from. Do you know its origin or the woman depicted on the front?"
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51; Sanctuary Thursday September 5th, 2013 8:39:51 AM
Wilma smiled and shook her head.
"Thank you, no, Emrys," she replied. "I will trust our new friend Master Silverblood in that we can get ourselves from here to Bthanchend without the need of a compass. Although..." Here she turned her sapphire eyes to the Duergar once more, "...I would like to make sure there aren't any fees and such to enter the city--I've also heard that some outposts of civilization charge for entrance, besides having certain laws or codes that restrict the use of magic or the practice of certain religions...?"
DM Tanner Thursday September 5th, 2013 2:30:14 PM
Durovar squints and holds the gold piece closely. He reaches into a pocket and removes a jeweler's loupe, peering closely at the coin. "Hmm... no, sorry." He reaches out and hands it back to Emrys. "Drow have not been very numerous in these lands, although a group of them settled in Bthanchend several years ago after the destruction of their city. Disreputable sort, mixed up with rogue and thieves."
He turns to Wilma. "As long as your worship does not harm others or encourage people to harm others, it will be allowed. Of course, 'harm' is likely quite a loose interpretation in the Heartwold compared to the surface, and city justice has a great degree of... flexibility... in judgment. Cutting off fingers for theft, stockades for debtors, that sort of thing."
He raises his eyebrows as he remembers a thought. "Oh, and one more thing. As a first time visitor to Bthanchend, you will not have a visitor's token. The city is protected against spying and observation, so you will likely not be able to actually see the walls until you are almost across the Deepbridge. Whatever you do, be respectful as you cross the bridge. You are being watched."
With a wave, Durovar jumps onto the seat of his wagon and grabs the reins. "A profitable journey to you! Yip, yip!" With a snap, the cave lizards grunt in acceptance and clamber across the rock floor, pulling the wagon behind them.
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 Thursday September 5th, 2013 6:11:58 PM
Tuck watches Durovar trumble away.
"I don't suppose you picked up any kind of trail, Vaniime? If not, I suppose our next destination would be Bthanchend."
He flexes his fingers as he looks in the direction of the city. "Is everyone ready to go. This should be interesting."
Vaniime AC 18/14/15, HP:50/52, d20+11=28 ; d20+13=27 ; Thursday September 5th, 2013 10:21:18 PM
At Tuck's comment vaniime responds quickly. You know I haven't even looked. Let me remedy that now.
Van begins looking for the signs of recent travel that match up with the prints they saw at the neux hub under the graveyard.
Perception DC 28 Track DC 27
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. d20+10=15 ; Friday September 6th, 2013 12:19:38 AM
Emrys watches Durovar as his wagon rolls out of sight. He takes off his hat and runs his fingers a single stroke through his coppery-blond locks. He stares out into distant thoughts, confounded and faintly annoyed. "Were we all a witness to that?" His tone lost of all the warmth from just a few moments ago.
"Is everything I know of the Duergar a lie? Everything I've read about them they're described as vile and cruel! It's written that they'll slay their hated dwarven cousins on sight without a moments hesitation. Yet not a single throbbing vein of anger nor a hateful word bellowed the moment I called him DWARF! Gods! Couple that with disturbing insights into my own family! YES, I may be a half-breed elf, but the other half ... I can no longer be certain; not with recent revelations. How can I claim to know someone I've never met if I don't even know myself?!" After a short pause, he says, "To be perfectly honest, it would have eased my heart and mind if Durovar had been belligerent and violent! How sad is that?"
Emrys angrily kicks a small stone next to his boot. He strokes his hair one last time before putting his hat back on. He stares at the ground, mutters a bit and then forcefully points into the distance. "That way is North! That's about all I'm certain of."
DM Ezra - Idle Thoughts Friday September 6th, 2013 12:32:15 PM
The cavern isn't as quite as one would expect. There is a slight breeze that seems to whisper lightly as it passes the cavern you came through.
There is a low clicking and clacking, as if by many small feet on rocks. And occasionally, in the distance a louder chirp can be heard.
Signs that the cave is not dead, but home to a thriving population of creatures.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51; Sanctuary Friday September 6th, 2013 1:06:32 PM
"Take it easy, Emrys," Wilma said consolingly, "We're in a completely different environment here--unless it's someplace that is observed and reported about on a regular basis, we aren't likely to know everything about everyone who is native to it. Just as not all Drow are automatically evil, obviously the same holds true for Duergar." The young priestess looked around her again.
"Is north the way to that city--to Bthanchend? If so, then we'd probably try getting there as soon as we can."
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Friday September 6th, 2013 1:08:15 PM
Ariach gives Emry an amicable backslapping before he starts to talk. "As i know it isn´t that important where you come from and who your ancestors were. More important is who you are and how you behave in difficult situations. And for all i know you are an honest and good guy and always controll yourself in each situation. So there is no reason for you to lament."
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 Friday September 6th, 2013 5:39:29 PM
Tuck waits to see what Vaniime turns up before they move off to the city.
DM Tanner Friday September 6th, 2013 10:02:25 PM
Vaniime searches for tracks that match those found at the earth node near Plateau City, but finds little of notice. Whatever tracks they might have left have been covered by the tracks of dozens of other creatures who have used the avenue of approach to the city.
The road to the Deepbridge lies ahead of you, as well as Bthanchend.
Ok all I guess we go in blind as whatever traces there may have been are trampled by a dozen or more sets of tracks. So i guess we have two directions. Any thoughts on which way??
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. Sunday September 8th, 2013 3:02:50 AM
"I'm sorry, friends. You caught me during a moment of weakness. Ever since being severed from the Wold, within that horrid realm of ooze, everything has been different." He turns to Wilma and Ariach and softens his voice, not to disturb Vaniine and the others. "It's hard to explain. The rhythms, the ebb and flow, are stirred into chaos. I find myself out of tune. My problem isn't with being wrong or discovering inaccuracies in my studies. What vexes me has deeper roots than that. Memories, about my life, I once thought true, have now proven to be lies."
After hearing the clicking and clacking, the sounds of life all around, Emrys lowers his voice to a whisper as if in fear of being overheard and says, "I think ... I think I've been under the influence of powerful magik ... all, all my life! Why, I don't know! However after we left the Wold's embrace, became trapped in that realm of ooze, the spell was broken!"
Emrys wipes his eyes and steps back. He straightens up and restores a stoic facade across this face. He takes a few clear breaths and says, "This isn't the time or place. I'm better now, thank you." Looking back in the direction of Bthanchend. "We have a king to find."
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 Sunday September 8th, 2013 8:26:07 AM
Alleah wonders what the little stone may have been in the duergar's hand. A thunderstone perhaps? It distracts her from engaging with the others for the moment.
OOC: Apologies for my poor posting this week guys - been busy buying a house! :))
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 Monday September 9th, 2013 5:53:28 PM
Tuck makes a funny face at Emrys' declaration. "What? I don't get it."
"I think we should head to Bthanchend. Durovar seemed to think our thieves might be there. If not, at least we could get some information. We'd have to be very careful, though. We're outsiders there."
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 Monday September 9th, 2013 5:54:07 PM
(OOC - I will be unable to post from Wednesday through Friday. Could anyone take Tuck for those days? Thanks in advance.)
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Monday September 9th, 2013 6:58:17 PM
Ariach waits for further instructions. He is looking forward to enter the unknown city called Bthanchend but also wonders himself if the thiefs of the bones will be there setting an ambush for their pursuer.
Vaniime AC 18/14/15, HP:50/52, Monday September 9th, 2013 10:13:32 PM
All right then lets's move out then. Bthanchend it is lets go.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51; Sanctuary Monday September 9th, 2013 11:09:20 PM
Wilma kept an eye out as she walked along towards the underground city.
"I wonder what kind of food they have down here..." she asked out loud. "I've heard that some cultures develop some pretty wild cuisine..."
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. d100=62 ; d20+14=22 ; Monday September 9th, 2013 11:13:37 PM
"Does anyone want a scarf to wear. It wouldn't hurt to adorn oneself with local flair." Emrys retrieves several colorful scarves he had purchased from Durovar.
(Perception: 22)
DM Tanner Monday September 9th, 2013 11:53:51 PM
A cobbled road emerges from a natural tunnel to the west and connects to the Deepbridge that spans the Nchardumz Sea. It then leads on to Bthanchend, or so the duergar says. The road provides easy passage over the rough floor of the cavern, which is covered in broken rock, slippery clay, and fissures.
A lone island protrudes above the glassy water a half-mile or more away, faintly glowing with blue light from a source impossible to determine at this distance.
Walking along the western shore of the Nchardumz Sea rewards explorers with the discovery of the pilings of a collapsed dock. Now, those who don't carry their boats with them use the Deepbridge.
Spans of massive stone blocks mingle with the sculpted southern side of the Bthanchend Grotto, forming a bridge over the ominous waters of the Nchardumz Sea. Even cursory examination of the bridge shows it to be solid, if old. The bridge rises about 2 feet above the surface of the water at its highest, eventually connecting to a road on the eastern side of the sea near Bthanchend's southern gate. The bridge is the only way to reach Bthanchend.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Tuesday September 10th, 2013 6:13:03 AM
Ariach watches around and then enters the bridge. He walks slowy, not forgetting the duergar´s words that they will be observed. His shield is ready to protect his friends who are walking behind him. But his mace is in his belt to look peacefully.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 d20+16=17 ; d20+24=30 ; Tuesday September 10th, 2013 9:37:26 AM
Alleah creeps forward carefully, but in doing so doesn't maintain her usual awareness of her surroundings.
Perception: 17 Stealth: 30)
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51; Sanctuary d20+12=23 ; Tuesday September 10th, 2013 4:59:22 PM
"I'll take one of those, Emrys," Wilma said, taking the bard up on his offer. She chose one and used it as a loose sort of head scarf. OOC: as a cleric of Gargul, Wilma is supposed to stick to shades of gray, so her color preference would be for a gray scarf, or a silver one, or a white one (in that order.) She continued to keep her eyes peeled as the group came to the ancient bridge that spanned the water.
"Well..." the redhead said with a nod, "...this explains the unusual nature of Master Silverblood's cart--anyone going to and from the city would benefit from having a vehicle that converts to being a boat when needed."
OOC: I forgot to roll for Perception last time, so I'll roll for Wilma's Perception this time; Perception check total is 23.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. d20+14=18 ; Tuesday September 10th, 2013 11:11:51 PM
"This one has a nice shade of gray with silver accents." Emrys hands her the scarf. "Oh look, it's not silver, they're small pieces of polished stephanite sewn in a pattern. See how they catch the dim light and sparkle. However, after we get home, you shouldn't expose it to sunlight or the crystals lose their luster and turn dull. A true Underwoldian garment, you can't find anything like that on the surface."
Noticing that Alleah has gone into hiding again, Emrys decides to take his lute and pluck the strings of a simple traveling song. A halfling traveling song called, Hair On Wandering Feet Never Turns Gray (a literal translation from their native tongue). Emrys performs the song in halfling, however one of the verses he substitutes the lyrics with a message for Alleah (sung in halfling) Highlight to display spoiler: {"Be respectful, we're being watched, shadows wont hide you here."} Of course, in halfling it rhymes.
(Perception: 18, too concentrated on his song, i guess.)
Since this is non-cobat, and there are no npc's about, no issues. Otherwise there would have needed to be a perform and bluff check.
Vaniime takes up the offer of a scarf and starts whitling a catchy little tune as the walk across the bridge. (Simon and Garfunkel, Bridge over Troubled Water)
DM Tanner d20+15=26 ; Tuesday September 10th, 2013 11:49:24 PM
Ahead, a few of the massive stone blocks of the Deepbridge are cracked and sit askew. A navigable path yet exists here the corners of the crooked stones come close enough together, but unlike the minor erosion endured by the majority of the bridge, this section seems to have sustained damage.
Mystery check 26
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Wednesday September 11th, 2013 8:52:18 AM
Ariach stops for a short moment, waiting for further instructions.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 d20+16=27 ; d20+24=26 ; Wednesday September 11th, 2013 10:00:09 AM
Alleah pauses on hearing Emrys' song "Has he seen something I haven't?" Not seeing an immediate threat she edges forward.
Perception: 27 Stealth: 26
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51; Sanctuary d20+12=23 ; Wednesday September 11th, 2013 9:14:23 PM
Wilma frowned thoughtfully.
"Is that...damage...?" she asked, moving closer in an effort to peer at the stonework. "Odd that the only landbridge to and from the city is left damaged like this...it's quite contrary to maintaining a profitable relationship to merchants coming and going..."
OOC: Wilma's Perception check is 23.
DM Tanner Wednesday September 11th, 2013 10:51:29 PM
The serene and gloomy surface of the Nchardumz Sea ripples, and the air grows foul with the stench of rotting fish. Four humanoids haul themselves from the depths. These hunchbacked, green-skinned humanoids have wide, frog-like heads but a mouth more akin to that of a toothy fish.
They pause approximately 60 feet away. Their breaths are ragged, wet rattles as they stare at you with white, unblinking eyes. They stand still, not moving forward.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. d20+14=23 ; d20+14=28 ; d20+8=23 ; Wednesday September 11th, 2013 11:48:22 PM
(Perception: 23, to notice any other fish-like humanoids. Knowledge [Nature]: 28, to identify these monstrous humanoids.)
Emrys' song abruptly ends and he quickly silences the strings of his lute with the palm of his hand. The damage to the bridge (Knowledge [Engineer]: 23, to determine possible causes) and the sudden presence of the foul-smelling fish-men adds to the awkwardness of the encounter.
He doesn't recall Durovar ever mentioning creatures like this inhabiting the city. They could be traders but they don't appear to possess any trade goods (ooc: are they armed?). He hopes he can recall any information about them.
DM Tanner Thursday September 12th, 2013 7:19:54 AM
ooc: Knowledge (dungeoneering) check. ;)
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 d20+16=19 ; d20+24=36 ; d20+2=13 ; Thursday September 12th, 2013 9:52:41 AM
Alleah stops in her tracks, unsure if she has been seen or not. She makes no sudden moves and keeps her hands away from her weapons - for now.
Perception: 19 Stealth: 36 Knowl Dungeoneering: 10 (Untrained so the 13 gets pulled back to a max possible 10)
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 d20+6=12 ; Thursday September 12th, 2013 6:32:02 PM
Ariach positions himself between the frog-men and the other group members. He is absolutely unsure what to do next. (Knowledge Dungeoneering=12)
Vaniime AC 18/14/15, HP:50/52, d20+4=7 ; Thursday September 12th, 2013 10:08:39 PM
Up at the front Van can't help but be a bit shocked and appalled at the sight of these creature, as she has no idea about what they might be. She feels a bit more at ease as Ariach moves up beside her. Trying to keep the calm in her voice she speaks out to them in common.
"Greetings, Can we help you in some way?"
At the Bridge
DM Tanner Thursday September 12th, 2013 10:51:27 PM
The creatures turn their heads this way and that, emitting low, guttural croaks and clicks.
Emrys pales slightly at the sight of the creatures. "Skum are the most prolific and successful of the countless races created by the aboleths to serve as slaves. At the height of the aboleth empire, skum were legion and their armies waged many wars upon the land, yet now that the aboleths are in decline, skum have been set loose to manage on their own."
[ooc: Please pardon me using Emrys like a sock puppet. Just trying to expedite party knowledge.]
The lead skum reaches out with gnarled, jagged claws and scratches at the stone of the Deepbridge, sending screeching reverberations through the immediate area.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51 Thursday September 12th, 2013 11:00:10 PM
Wilma is shocked into stillness, and she wonders if these people even speak the above-ground version of Common...
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. d20+12=13 ; Friday September 13th, 2013 12:08:10 AM
Emrys steps up just behind Vaniime and Ariach. He continues by saying, "I can not be certain, but these skum may be sending a signal to others. Since we are but visitors here, maybe we should trying speaking to them as Underwoldians."
Emrys strums his lute and tries to mimic the same screeching sound, albeit more pleasantly, to get their attention. Then speaking in undercommon, he repeats what Vaniime had previously asked, "Greetings, Can we help you in some way?"
(Diplomacy: 13, blah!)
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51 Friday September 13th, 2013 6:38:48 PM
"Is it possible that these are...um...servants of the city..?" Wilma asked, edging a bit closer towards the reassuring presence of Ariach. "Sort of...guards or...toll bridge keepers...or something like that...?"
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Friday September 13th, 2013 7:17:56 PM
Ariach observes the frog-men intensively while he tries to act as relaxed as it is possible for him in such a situation.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. Saturday September 14th, 2013 10:50:26 AM
"Very possibly," replies Emrys to Wilma's question. "If what Durovar said is true, and we're being watched from Bthanchend, then the city guard would have been dispatched by now to remove any possible threat from their gates. Of course, that's an assumption on my part."
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 d20+16=17 ; d20+24=27 ; Saturday September 14th, 2013 10:57:56 AM
Alleah remains silent and unmoving by the edge of the bridge, unsure if she has been detected or not. "Emrys seems to have no fear of them" she notes with interest.
Perception: 17 Stealth: 27 My good rolls are over!
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. Saturday September 14th, 2013 12:10:02 PM
(ooc: Emrys says all that while hiding behind Vaniime and Ariach the entire time; not to mention having Wilma and Grell standing nearby. All of which allows him to appear very brave, lol.)
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. Saturday September 14th, 2013 12:48:19 PM
(ooc: RobC, I'm not certain, you can check, I don't have my book with me, but I don't believe you need to roll another Stealth check until you move again. So you probably get to keep your previous higher stealth roll.)
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 Saturday September 14th, 2013 10:00:34 PM OOC: Thanks Ezra, I'm pretty sure you're right - but when in doubt I'm happy to go with the DMs call :)
DM Ezra I believe you meant Emrys? I have no objection to keeping the prior stealth roll if no movement has taken place.
DM Tanner Sunday September 15th, 2013 9:58:55 AM
ooc: Many apologies for my tardiness. I had a 24-hour bug and my stomach has finally decided to calm down and give me a break.
I will post this evening. Please list a marching order, if you happen to read this.
Vaniime AC 18/14/15, HP:50/52, Sunday September 15th, 2013 4:44:38 PM
Van wairts and watches to see if a pre-emtive strike is going to be necessary.
DM Ezra - Skum of the Earth Sunday September 15th, 2013 8:29:12 PM screeccch scritch
buuuhd
weeeiiii
zzzeeerrrr
Grell, AC20/13/18, HP68/68 Sunday September 15th, 2013 9:21:04 PM
The scent of rotting fish fills his nostrils and snaps Grell out of the walking coma that he has been in for hours now. Wiping a small amount of drool from his chin, Grell grips his sword but does not draw it. He edges forward in anticpation of a potential fight.
OOC: I should be back now. I'm working night shift now and have a much more regular schedule. :)
DM Tanner Sunday September 15th, 2013 9:44:03 PM
Without warning, a splashing 60 feet behind you reveals another four skum pulling themselves over the edge of the pilings.
The lead skum in front of you takes several ragged, heaving breaths, inflating a small sac underneath its chin. With a bellow, it roars at you. The skum behind it hiss in sibilant tones.
Even more horrific, an alien form of writhing tentacles, fishy scales, and glowing malevolent eyes rises to the surface about 20 feet from the bridge.
Knowledge (Dungeoneering)
DC 17 - Highlight to display spoiler: {This creature is an aboleth, an intelligent, aquatic aberration. This result reveals all aberration traits.}
DC 22 - Highlight to display spoiler: {An aboleth's attacks can cause a terrible affliction where the victim's skin becomes a clear, slimy membrane that must remain moistened with cool, fresh water. They also surround themselves with a viscous cloud of mucus that can cause victims to temporarily lose the ability to breath air. Aboleths speak their own language, as well as Undercommon and Aquan.}
DC 27 - Highlight to display spoiler: {Aboleths have an array of powers that create illusions to help ensnare their victims. They can also enslave a victim through the domination of their mind.}
Knowledge (Arcana)
DC 17 - Highlight to display spoiler: {The creature is an aboleth. This intelligent race make natural arcane casters, and the most powerful of their kind are usually competent wizards.}
DC 22 - Highlight to display spoiler: {The mucus that aboleths exude can be used to great effect in the creation of potions of water breathing.}
"Oh Gods!" Emrys blurts out in shock. "Out in the water ... it's an Aboleth! It's very ancient and intelligent; the creator of this slave race of Skum (like he said before)! Don't allow it to touch you. It's mucus delivers a terrible disease!"
Emrys turns to the aboleth. He can't allow that thing to touch his friends. Letting his darkwood lute fall to his side, hanging from its shoulder strap, he points an imposing finger at the beast and says, "Oh, sorrow's eye, glazed with blinding tears; See only the darkness, amassed from all your years!"
(Leyline: 83, woot free cast! Casting Blindness/Deafness on the Aboleth. Fortitude DC 18. I'm choosing blindness.)
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51; Sanctuary Monday September 16th, 2013 11:11:20 AM OOC: Where's Wilma on that map? I don't see a "W" on it anywhere...
Wilma felt so rattled by the dire downturn in their present situation that she seemed to lose herself within it. Regardless of this, however, she cast a Sanctuary spell in preparation of the nastiness to come...
OOC: didn't realize I still had the "Sanctuary" tag in my header line before...but it's up now. Wilma has 6 rounds of protection (hopefully!) or until she makes an attack. The DC for the bad guys to beat is 15.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 Monday September 16th, 2013 11:26:37 AM OOC: There are two character's whose names begin with 'A', and two 'A's on the map. I'm assuming being a scout that Alleah is at the front at L15
Well subtlety seems to be out the window, so Alleah does what she can to slow the approach of the creatures ahead. (Cast Entangle at L4. Reflex Saves vs DC16 for any within a 40ft radius)
"That ought to slow them down" she thinks to herself, and then seeks some cover from the 'aboleth' (5ft step from L15 to K16
-------------- Spells available to cast today Cantrips: Unlimited Level 1: 6 -1 = 5
Entangle:This spell causes tall grass, weeds, and other plants to wrap around creatures in the area of effect or those that enter the area. Creatures that fail their save gain the entangled condition. Creatures that make their save can move as normal, but those that remain in the area must save again at the end of your turn. Creatures that move into the area must save immediately. Those that fail must end their movement and gain the entangled condition. Entangled creatures can attempt to break free as a move action, making a Strength or Escape Artist check. The entire area of effect is considered difficult terrain while the effect lasts.
DM Tanner Monday September 16th, 2013 3:20:35 PM
ooc: Updated map. Added a 'W', clarified 'Al' and 'Ar'.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 d20+6=18 ; Monday September 16th, 2013 7:07:09 PM
Ariach is confused. Is he supposed to attack or hold his position? Why are all others casting spells and what spells are they casting? Having no answers he decides to stay but he takes his mace out of his belt to be ready for an upcoming fight. (dungeoneering=18)
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 d20+2=20 ; d20+7=26 ; d20+8=17 ; d8+2=10 ; Monday September 16th, 2013 7:29:54 PM
(Dungeoneering 20, Arcana 26)
Tuck flows into his attack stance as the party is surrounded. "We should break through and hurry on to the city!" He points in the direction of the four skum blocking their path towards the city.
Tuck moves forward quickly, unslinging his bow as he moves. He nocks and looses an arrow at one of the blocking skum.
(Moves to L10, attacks S2 hitting AC 17 for 10 damage.)
Grell, AC20/13/18, HP68/68 Monday September 16th, 2013 7:43:20 PM
Grell turns to Vaniime, uncertain whether to charge in and slice and dice or to hold back. In typical male fashion, Grell looks to the woman folk for a decision as he pulls out his bow. "So, you you want me to go after small and slimy or big and ugly?" Once Van gives him a heading, Grell snaps into action.
If she indicates that he should attack the Aboleth, he draws his bow and proceeds to aim for the most tender and juicy part of the ugly thing he can find.
If Vaniime directs him to attack the Skum, Grell spins and takes aim at the delicate looking air sacks.
OOC: I'm at work right now and have no access to my CS (won't pull up for some reason on this computer). Can the DM please roll the bow attack for me (no called shot...that was just for RP fun)? Thanks!
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. Tuesday September 17th, 2013 12:32:01 AM
Emrys prays to the gods that his spell works.
Hearing the worry, fear and edges of terror in Emrys' voice Van joins him in casting a sepll at the thing, hoping there are plants in the water. Casting entangle aiming for a point 40 feet below the water underneath the beast. DC 15 for 1/2 movement.
Grell, Ariach keep those things off of us for a bit, should they attack, then, we move forward, through and over them if necessary.
DM Tanner Tuesday September 17th, 2013 9:02:50 AM
ooc: DM Ezra will be taking over this battle while I work on the next module. Enjoy!
DM Ezra - Lunch time d20=7 ; d20=19 ; d8=3 ; d20+6=23 ; d8+2=8 ; d20+6=14 ; d20+6=13 ; d8=3 ; Tuesday September 17th, 2013 4:30:54 PM
Please apply your own perceptions to these: The soft blue-green light provides dim lighting throughout the cavern. The dark water is murky with visibility for 30', without freedom of movement, anything in or under water has cover or total cover from anyone out of the water. The bridge is 2' above the water.
Four long tentacles writhe from the three-eyed fish-like creature's flanks, and its green body glistens with thick, clear slime. Bubbles rise from below the surface of the water around the creature as its central eye blinks hypnotically and an ear grating screeching as if fingernails on a chalk board reverberate throughout the cavern. !@#($)_ QEOFJAWE:LFJQ:LQJR#: LJR WDNDDNAKDNKN AJFAEN EF EFA EL A! (Aboleth)
Emrys warns the rest of the party to the danger lurking in the water. "Oh Gods!" Emrys blurts out in shock. "Out in the water ... it's an Aboleth! It's very ancient and intelligent; the creator of this slave race of Skum (like he said before)! Don't allow it to touch you. It's mucus delivers a terrible disease!"
Emrys turns to the aboleth. He can't allow that thing to touch his friends. Letting his darkwood lute fall to his side, hanging from its shoulder strap, he points an imposing finger at the beast and says, "Oh, sorrow's eye, glazed with blinding tears; See only the darkness, amassed from all your years!"
Wilma felt so rattled by the dire downturn in their present situation that she seemed to lose herself within it. Regardless of this, however, she cast a Sanctuary spell in preparation of the nastiness to come...
Alleah decides that subtlety seems to be out the window, and does what she can to slow the approach of the creatures ahead. Casting a spell to entangle the scum. The skum look about blinking their large eyes and low grumbles that are likley what comes as laughter emanates from them when nothing happens.
DM Ezra: Please note that the spell entangle has an area of "plants in a 40' radius spread." A stone cavern floor doesn't really have plants, fungi are not plants, and the light source does not provide for photosynthesis.
Ariach is confused. Is he supposed to attack or hold his position? Why are all others casting spells and what spells are they casting? Having no answers he decides to stay but he takes his mace out of his belt to be ready for an upcoming fight.
Tuck flows into his attack stance as the party is surrounded. "We should break through and hurry on to the city!" He points in the direction of the four skum blocking their path towards the city.
Tuck moves forward quickly, unslinging his bow as he moves. He knocks and looses an arrow at one of the blocking skum.
Grell turns to Vaniime, uncertain whether to charge in and slice and dice or to hold back. In typical male fashion, Grell looks to the woman folk for a decision as he pulls out his bow. "So, you you want me to go after small and slimy or big and ugly?" Once Van gives him a heading, Grell snaps into action.
If she indicates that he should attack the Aboleth, he draws his bow and proceeds to aim for the most tender and juicy part of the ugly thing he can find.
If Vaniime directs him to attack the Skum, Grell spins and takes aim at the delicate looking air sacks.
Vaniime hears the worry, fear and edges of terror in Emrys' voice Van joins him in casting a sepll at the thing, hoping there are plants in the water.
DM Ezra: Assuming that plants existed, from where Vaniime is standing, she could only see 30' through the water, but she does not have line of sight or effect to a point 40' below the aboleth.
S1 trembles before charging forward to attack Tuck, stabbing its trident into Tuck's thigh, striking with two of the three tines! (Hit AC 23, 8 HP)
Joined by the skum that Tuck had injured, S2 also charges forward towards the only meal in range, Tuck. Unfortunately, the arrow protruding from one shoulder throws off his aim as his trident digs into the stone bridge. (Hit AC 14)
Frightened into action by the commands of the aboleth, S3 also charges forward with its broodmates. Less experienced than the others, its strike is also a lucky miss for Tuck. (Hit AC 13)
The fourth skum between the party and their destination charges forward but finds itself blocked from striking at Tuck.
Waving their tridents and croaking with fury, the group of skum behind the heroes runs forward.
The aboleth's tentacles continue to weave about, its eyes blinking and wobbling about independently.
Vaniime, please make a will save vs DC 22.
End round 1. Map has been updated.
(I would like an additional will save from each player, if circumstances come up, I will refer to this save and reveal the reason) (That's two for Vaniime)
Aboleth: Highlight to display spoiler: {Bring the lunch to me!}
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 d20+8=11 ; d20+12=21 ; d20+8=25 ; d8+2=5 ; Tuesday September 17th, 2013 6:19:00 PM
(Will 11)
Tuck cartwheels over S2 and between the other oncoming skum, past them and onwards towards the awaiting city.
"Haha, you dumb jerks! You can't catch me, I'm just too darned quick!"
He continues up the bridge keeping an eye on any pursuit behind him. If he finds the skum pursuing him, he continues down the bridge, otherwise, he stops and shoots another arrow at S2 to get their attention.
"Are you guys coming?!" he hollers back at his team. "We don't want to get caught in a flanked position. Attack this side!"
(Tuck uses an Acrobatic check to go through an S2's square and past him to L5. His check is 21 against the skum's CMD +5 to go through his space with no attack of opportunity. Once at square L5, if the skum aren't pursuing Tuck, he shoots an arrow at S2 hitting AC 25 for 5 damage.)
DM Ezra: The DC was actually +9 since you still moved through squares threatened by other creatures (each adding +2). Had you moved through S1's square, then only S2 would have also threatened. Your acrobatics roll was high enough to avoid the attacks of opportunity from S1 and S3, unfortunately, you did not exceed the adjusted DC for S2 and are stopped in your tracks.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 d20+1=11 ; Tuesday September 17th, 2013 6:48:31 PM
Ariach follows Vaniimes´s order and moves next to Grell (move to L17). The young warrior is ready to charge and fight to his bitter end if one of the oppenents from the south attack the Vanguards. (Will=11)
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 d20+7=25 ; d20+12=20 ; Tuesday September 17th, 2013 8:18:12 PM OOC: Yeah, I was hoping there may have been weeds or roots on the bridge since we're underground, but since it's a solid stone floor I take your point that the entangle spell would be useless
Will Save: 25 (+2 vs Fear)
Alleah watches as Tuck tumbles away and comes to the realisation that there is now nothing between her and four of the scum - and there are still four more to the south "Hold firm Vanguard!" she says softly as she casts a spell "I am hoping to split them up. Don't be fooled" (Cast 'Silent Image' depicting a wall of fire 10ft high from K13 to N18. Will Save vs DC16 to disbelieve).
In common she calls out to the skum "We're immune to the fire, but how many of you want to be cooked for dinner?" (Bluff: 20). Goodness knows if they understand her.
-------------- Spells available to cast today Cantrips: Unlimited Level 1: 6 - 2 = 4
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. d20+10=11 ; d20+10=25 ; d20+8=23 ; d100=80 ; Tuesday September 17th, 2013 8:24:20 PM
(Will save: 11, natural 1, typical! Hero point reroll: 25. Additional modifiers: +2 vs. Enchantments and +4 vs. Sonic and Language Dependent spells or effects.)
Emrys notices the strange sounds and movements from the Aboleth. He can only assume it's casting its magic. (Spellcraft: 23, to identify the spell being cast.) "The beast may be weaving magik upon us, shout out if unaffected!"
The bewitching bard steps a little further away from the Aboleth (K15). He tries again to blind the beast, "Alas, the bounty you wish to reap, only the darkness is what you'll keep!"
(Leyline: 80, woot, another free cast. Casting Blindness/Deafness! on the Aboleth. Fortitude DC: 18 vs. blindness.
DM Ezra: SLA's are not recognizable from spellcraft checks lacking verbal/somatic components.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51; Sanctuary d20+9=20 ; Tuesday September 17th, 2013 9:27:58 PM OOC: Wilma's Will Save will be 20.
Wilma switched her quarterstaff from her right hand to her left, reaching her now-free right hand up and over her shoulder to dig into the Haversack for her Protection from Evil wand.
"Not a good idea to let Tuck run ahead too far, guys..." she advised as she procured the wand from her backpack.
Wilma's Sanctuary spell is good for 5 rounds.
DM Ezra - Round 2 Tuesday September 17th, 2013 11:07:25 PM
I would like do the write up for each post in the evening, allowing the next day for all players to post. This week will be a little confusing as we switch GM's (and I'm on vacation Friday-Sunday).
Once Grell and Vaniime post for Round 2, I'll write up the post.
Tomorrow's post may thus need some checking in posts from the others.
Thank you for your cooperation!
Please note that I have noted responses to actions for Tuck.
Vaniime AC 18/14/15, HP:50/52, d20+6=23 ; d20+6=25 ; d20+11=23 ; d20+6=26 ; d20+6=13 ; d20+11=31 ; d20+11=18 ; d10+4=10 ; d10+4=13 ; d10+4=9 ; d10+4=7 ; d10+4=6 ; Tuesday September 17th, 2013 11:37:43 PM
(OOC: Am I to assume then that nothing seems to have happened from vaniime's spell cast into the water??)
Will saves DC 23 and 25.
Fighting what ever it is that was aimed for her Van seems to throw it off for the time being and calls out to Emrys as asked.
Ok Vanguard, since they have attacked first, Show no mercy and lets get across this bridge.
That said she whips out her curve blade as she charges S3 & S4 cleaving into S4 AC 23 for 10 points, AC 26 (nat 20 crit threat) AC 1 for another 13 +9 = 22 pointsb and follows up with a cleave attack on S3 AC 31 (Nat 20) AC 18 for 7 + 6 points damage.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 d20+1=7 ; d20+8=12 ; d20+12=21 ; d8+4=7 ; Wednesday September 18th, 2013 5:47:25 AM
The warriors first intention is to charge against the enemies in the north when Vanniime demands it. But as suddendly a big firewall appears it is impossible for him to reach Tuck and help him fighting the scums. (Willsave=7) Then Alleah tells the scum that the members of the Vanguards are immune to the fire and Ariach relaxes. He walks through the fire (sense motiv check=12) and doesn´t feel any pain while doing it. Then he follows Vaniime and charges into the group attacking S1. (hit AC 21 for 7 damage)
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 d20+7=25 ; d8+2=9 ; Wednesday September 18th, 2013 8:53:41 AM
His cartwheel attempt blocked, Tuck quickly lands back on his feet and throws a quick kick to the liver of S3.
(Oops, sorry that I didn't calculate the acrobatics check properly. Tuck would have still had an attack had he failed, so he attacks S3 with a Stunning Fist, hitting AC 25 for 9 damage. S3 must make a Fort save DC 16 or be stunned for 1 round.)
DM Ezra - Round 2 d20+4=5 ; d20=13 ; Wednesday September 18th, 2013 12:18:34 PM
Please apply your own perceptions to these: The soft blue-green light provides dim lighting throughout the cavern. The dark water is murky with visibility for 30', without freedom of movement, anything in or under water has cover or total cover from anyone out of the water. The bridge is 2' above the water. Please keep in mind that combat is concurrent. Everything happens in six seconds. Waiting to watch another player may be deemed holding your action until the next round.
Tuck attempts to Tuck cartwheel over S2 and between the other oncoming skum, past them and onwards towards the awaiting city. "Haha, you dumb jerks! You can't catch me, I'm just too darned quick!" "Are you guys coming?!" he hollers back at his team. "We don't want to get caught in a flanked position. Attack this side!" Unfortunately Tuck is unable to maneuver past the wounded skum and stops short, easily dodging the swing of the trident.
Ariach Ariach follows Vaniimes´s order and moves next to Grell. The young warrior is ready to charge and fight to his bitter end if one of the oppenents from the south attack the Vanguards.
Alleah watches as Tuck tries to tumble away and comes to the realization that there is now nothing between her and four of the scum - and there are still four more to the south "Hold firm Vanguard!" she says softly as she casts a spell "I am hoping to split them up. Don't be fooled" . In common she calls out to the skum "We're immune to the fire, but how many of you want to be cooked for dinner?" Goodness knows if they understand her.
Emrys notices the strange sounds and movements from the Aboleth. He can only assume it's casting its magic. "The beast may be weaving magik upon us, shout out if unaffected!" The bewitching bard steps a little further away from the Aboleth. He tries again to blind the beast, "Alas, the bounty you wish to reap, only the darkness is what you'll keep!"
Wilma switched her quarterstaff from her right hand to her left, reaching her now-free right hand up and over her shoulder to dig into the Haversack for her Protection from Evil wand. "Not a good idea to let Tuck run ahead too far, guys..." she advised as she procured the wand from her backpack.
Vaniime did not see anything happen from her spell as she shrugs off the mental assault from the aboleth and calls out to Emrys as asked. "Ok Vanguard, since they have attacked first, Show no mercy and lets get across this bridge." Vaniime recognizes Alleah's spell for what it is and charges through the wall of flames.
DM Ezra: Stating you are charging is a full round action. Cleave is a standard action. Please note which action you intended, and I will edit and complete the post.
(Alleah cast 'Silent Image' depicting a wall of fire 10 ft high from K13 to N18. Will Save vs DC16 to disbelieve) Based on the will saves provided, with a +4 for Alleah's warning, Tuck and Ariach believe the wall is real fire. Still need a save from Grell.
Vaniime AC 18/14/15, HP:50/52, Wednesday September 18th, 2013 6:26:40 PM
(OOC: sorry I forget and sometimes use more colorful descriptive language that I meant in terms of the game. She moved to attack and cleaved, she did not charge and take her one single attack.)
Grell, AC20/13/18, HP68/68 d20+13=23 ; d10=1 ; 2d6+15=24 ; d20+2=20 ; Wednesday September 18th, 2013 11:57:10 PM
Will save=20 Charging forward, Grell cuts into the nearest fish thingy, attempting to impale it in one blow. AC23 for 24
Ooc: I have to do this post on my smartphone and it's hard to pull up so the maps and all. I'm assuming Grell can charge, but I'm sure the DM will let me know if I'm wrong.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. Wednesday September 18th, 2013 11:59:16 PM
Gestalt lets out a hoot in all the excitement. He, too, hopes the aboleth is blinded.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51; Sanctuary Thursday September 19th, 2013 12:25:54 AM OOC: Ooops...just a little late with the post--sorry about that. So, to kind of make up for it, here's the Combat Map so that you all don't have to go scrolling up through three day's worth of posts to find it again...
Wilma stepped forward (OOC: moved to L16 on the map) and tapped the warrior on her right with the Protection from Evil wand.
OOC: I'd love it if this means Grell gets some extra protecion before he dashes off, but if the DM rules that Grell be gone, then Ariach will be the one who gets the boon.
LATER EDIT: oh, and if Grell can receive the PoE tap, she'll have smacked him across the back of the head with the wand.
...it's an older sister/younger brother thing...
8D
Wilma has 4 rounds left to her Sanctuary spell.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 Thursday September 19th, 2013 12:31:32 AM check...
Vaniime did not see anything happen from her spell as she shrugs off the mental assault from the aboleth and calls out to Emrys as asked. "Ok Vanguard, since they have attacked first, Show no mercy and lets get across this bridge." Vaniime recognizes Alleah's spell for what it is and charges through the wall of flames.
That said she whips out her curve blade as she engages S3 & S4 cleaving into S4 and follows up with a cleave attack on S3. He hits are true and she messily dispatches S3 and grievously wounds S4.
Ariach posted a second time for round 2. As his first post states he moved to protect against the south group, I don't see where he would have seen Vaniime walk through the flame wall to the north. While he gets a +4 to the save on the flames, he does not get an automatic disbelief.
Tuckp manages to kick out at S3 when he is unable to get past the defenses of S2. His stunning fist is successful against the collapsing corpse of S3 as his kick sends half the body flying back just as Vaniime cleaves it in two.
Wilma stepped forward and smacks Grell upside the back of the head with the Protection from Evil wand.
Grell charges south to engage the group coming at the party. His great sword swings up at just hte right moment, catching the skum and opening it up from hip to shoulder.
========= S1 squeels with anger and unleashes a futile flurry of attacks at Tuck, swiping at him with claws, teeth, and a trident. Tuck manages to dodge the blows.
S2 trembles in fear as it also lashes out at the surface dweller before it, its own attacks as ineffective as its broodmate.
S4 lashes out at Vaniime. Vaniime's extensive training in defensive maneuvers lets her shift just enough to let the trident slide under her arm without touching her. A flick of the wrist and she dodges the lunging strike as the skum tries to bite her.
S5 lunges forward to engage Grell, its trident flashes past Grell's ear.
S6 also attacks the walking food in front of it, but it tastes nothing but armor and air.
S8 shambles foward to also engage Grell. Distracted by the other attacks, this one manages to land a couple of blows on Grell, sinking the trident into his side as it snaps at him with its teeth. (-10 HP)
Ariach feels a pressure in his head, forcing him to make a will save (DC 22) as the aboleth moves towards dinner.
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 d20+7=14 ; d20+7=17 ; d20+2=8 ; d8+2=10 ; d8+2=8 ; Thursday September 19th, 2013 10:51:05 AM
Seeing Vaniime join the fray with Tuck gives the young monk confidence. Weaving in and out of the thrusting weapons, Tucks whips off a blur of punches and kicks at the two skum in front of him.
(Flurry of blows against S2 and S1. Attacking S2 first, and if S2 falls, will direct other attacks against S1. Hits AC 14 for 10 damage, AC 17 for 8 damage, and AC 8.)
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51; Sanctuary Thursday September 19th, 2013 3:02:18 PM
Wilma turned towards Ariach, once again using her PoE wand, only this time she tapped it against the paladin-in-spirit's left shoulder (and likely with a good bit less force than that which was applied to her brother's head, too.)
"Go help Grell!" she half-pleaded, half-demanded of Ariach.
OOC: Wilma's Protection from Evil wand now has 48 out of 50 charges; Wilma's Sanctuary spell will last three more rounds.
Vaniime AC 18/14/15, HP:50/52, d20+11=19 ; d20+6=20 ; d20+4=17 ; d10+4=11 ; d10+4=8 ; Thursday September 19th, 2013 3:17:09 PM
Seeing number 3 fall to pieces in front of her and expecting that Tuck will take care of her backside opponent Van steps up between S2 and S4 as she swings her sword to take down S4 AC 19 for 11 points and catches it on the back swing as well AC 20 for 8 more.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 d20+7=26 ; d8+4=8 ; Thursday September 19th, 2013 6:47:51 PM
OOC: In my last post I rolled a sense motiv check =12 for Ariach versus Alleah´s bluff attempt. He failed and i thought Ariach believes Alleah´s words "We're immune to the fire, but how many of you want to be cooked for dinner?". That was the reason why he went through the fire wall.
After hearing Wilma´s words Ariach attacks S5 without hesitation. (moving to S19, hit AC 26 (still adjusted) for 8 damage) Like Wilma has demanded he protects Grell with his shield. (Take under wing: attack penalty -5 for Ariach, all allies within 5 feet +5 to armor class)
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. d100=61 ; d20+14=25 ; Thursday September 19th, 2013 8:59:38 PM
And again. "No see, no harm, third time's the charm!"
(Leyline: 61. Casting Blindness/Deafness on the Aboleth. Fortitude DC: 18 vs. blindness.)
(Perception: 25)
DM Ezra - Round 2.2 Thursday September 19th, 2013 9:38:17 PM
Ariach needs a will save before he moves on round 3.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 d20+1=18 ; Friday September 20th, 2013 3:09:17 AM
OOC: Overread it- sorry. Will save= 18
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 d4+1=2 ; d4+1=3 ; Friday September 20th, 2013 8:30:33 AM
Comfortable that no fishy creatures are near her - for the time being anyway - Alleah takes a moment to assess the battle. Grell seems to in most need of support, so Alleah directs a magic missile his way to assist (Cast Magic Missile at S5 for 2 and 3 pts damage respectively)
-------------- Spells available to cast today Cantrips: Unlimited Level 1: 6 - 3 = 3
Grell, AC23/13/18, HP58/68 Protection from Evil d20+15=31 ; 2d6+15=25 ; d20+4=6 ; Friday September 20th, 2013 2:34:56 PM
The wack from Willma's wand still stinging, Grell feels the adrenaline surge rising as the critter pierces in that delicate spot under his armor and then sinks its teeth in his arm. His vision goes red, and Grell feels the monster rising within him begging to be released.
With the last remaining shred of concious thought, Grell recognizes Ariach moving up. The sound of his heart pounding in his ears causes Grell to shout out a little louder than he normally would. "For Gods sake...make sure you don't get in front of me! I can't really control it once I let it lose!"
Fully in the throws of his rage, Grell hacks into the unfortunate fishy monstery thing that dared to last touch him (S8). With a monsterous blow, he cuts into the critter and slashes at it with a savagery that is unpleasant to most civilized eyes. (AC34 for 27...NOTE to DM. I didn't have the stats in front on me when I rolled the dice. Adjusted to reflect rage). Flicking the bloody goop from his enormous sword, Grell stares at the other pathetic foolish creature that dared to cross his path (S6). "You're next!" he bellows as he stares the critter down in an attempt to indimidate it (Intimidating Glare DC6...yeah, like that's gonna happen :P ).
DM Tanner d20+2=22 d20+2=7 d20+2=9 d20+2=20 d6+1=6 d6+1=6 Friday September 20th, 2013 11:51:50 PM ARIACH, READ THIS SPOILER. NO ONE ELSE! Highlight to display spoiler: {You have been dominated by a spell. Do not post an action for the next round.}
Vaniime slashes with her blade and draws blood. Emrys casts another spell on the aboleth, but the eldritch horror shakes it off without effect. Tuck whips off a blur of punches, pummeling one of the skum servitors with a wet thud. Ariach moves forward and swings hard, catching a skum with his sword. (I don't think S19 is a good space for you to move to, since it is in the middle of the sea) Wilma taps Ariach with her wand, granting him protection from evil. Grell makes a mighty swing, catching skum flesh. Alleah casts a spell, slamming one of the skum with an arcane blast. ======== S1 bites Tuck (Att 22, Dam 6, Crit conf 7) S2 DEAD S3 DEAD S4 DEAD S5 bites Grell (Att 9) S6 bites Grell (Att 20, Dam 6) S7 DEAD S8 DEAD Aboleth waves its tentacles in a threatening manner, almost as if it were making motions in a commanding sort of way.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. Deathwatch d100=31 ; d20+14=21 ; Saturday September 21st, 2013 3:22:37 PM
How is this possible, even on his third try, he thinks to himself!? Emrys' most powerful magik is shrugged off without the slightest evidence of struggle or effort. "Peas and Carrots! What sort of podsnappery is this? Do my eyes deceive me?
Emrys moves to the center of the bridge (M15) and mutters the dark speech of necromancy once again, however this time, the whites of his eyes fill with an inky blackness. He then stares out at the Aboleth. "We'll cut to the quick of this enigma!"
(Leyline: 31. Cantrip, free cast. Casting Deathwatch to try and detect if the Aboleth he sees on the water is alive, dead or nothing at all.)
(Perception: 21)
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51; Sanctuary Saturday September 21st, 2013 4:19:46 PM
Wilma's attention turned to Alleah, and she tapped the halfling with her wand.
"Hope this helps..!" she commented as she cast the Protection from Evil enchantment on the roguish female.
OOC: Wilma's Protection from Evil wand now has 47 out of 50 charges; Wilma's Sanctuary spell will last two more rounds.
DM Tanner Saturday September 21st, 2013 7:31:48 PM Emrys - Highlight to display spoiler: {Your deathwatch spell reveals that the aboleth is mysteriously both alive AND dead. Make a Will save!}
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 d20+3=16 ; Saturday September 21st, 2013 7:59:07 PM
16
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. Deathwatch d20+10=27 ; Saturday September 21st, 2013 8:48:35 PM
(Will save: 27. Additional modifiers: +2 vs. Enchantments, +4 vs. Sonic & Language-Dependent spell effects.)
"Oh what unholy monstrosity is thi .... arghh!" Emrys suddenly convulses and reaches for his forehead. "It's both?!"
DM Tanner d20+12=29 Saturday September 21st, 2013 9:39:48 PM Emrys Highlight to display spoiler: {It is an illusion!}
Edit: I'll roll a Knowledge (arcana) check for you. Success! Highlight to display spoiler: {The aboleth is using a project image spell.}
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. Deathwatch Sunday September 22nd, 2013 12:30:15 AM "So very clever," he says under his breath! Emrys then declares to everyone, "Beware, the aboleth you see is a projected illusion, a replica ... outright fakery! The true scoundrel remains hidden nearby! Be on your guard!"
(Original Perception: 21, from the first post.)
Vaniime AC 18/14/15, HP:50/52, d20+10=21 ; d20+11=21 ; d20+6=18 ; d10+4=11 ; d10+4=13 ; Sunday September 22nd, 2013 5:19:01 PM
Vaniime steps forward 5 feet and continues the dance with her blade and connects twice with S1 Acs 21 & 18 for 11 and 13 points
Some where in the back of her head it registers that she hears Emrys yelling about something, but it doesn't seem to connect just yet.
Grell, AC23/13/18, HP58/68 Protection from Evil d20+15=20 ; 2d6+15=21 ; d20+4=10 ; Sunday September 22nd, 2013 10:31:22 PM
OOC: Grell's AC (thanks to Ariach) is now 23, so that last attack shouldn't have connected. Also, I don't see a roll for the Intimidating Glare. Was Grell's attempt against S6 successful?
All reason thrown to the wind, Grell launches himself against the poor Skum who dares to stand in his way. With enough adrenaline coursing through his veins to let him run a marathon, the massive sword in Grell's hands feels as light as a feather as he cuts through bone and cartiledge and slime. (AC20 for 21) Once he has finished decimating the poor soul in front of him, he once again casts his gaze toward the next walking corpse (S5). His face covered in skum blood and goop, Grell makes a much more intimidating figure this time (Intimidating Glare DC10).
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 (17/17/11 vs evil) -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 d20+5=22 ; d4-1=1 ; Monday September 23rd, 2013 2:18:32 AM
Having used up half of her daily spell allotment already, Alleah resorts to her trusty bow. She gives a nod of appreciation to Wilma for the boost of courage as she steps around the cleric.
Moving south, Alleah draws her bow and tries to line up her target "Ariach, I need a clear shot. Take a step to either side!"
- Move to L17 and draw bow as free action - If Ariach moves: Attack S5. Hit AC22 for a whopping 1 pt. Take that! - If Ariach does not move then target has +4 soft cover: Attack S5. Hit AC18 for 1pt.
These ACs already take into account a self imposed -4 penalty for shooting into melee without the Precise Shot feat
Tuck HP 35/49 AC 21/21/17 d20+11=19 ; d20+8=27 ; d8+2=9 ; Monday September 23rd, 2013 8:16:03 AM
If Vaniime downs the last skum, Tuck draws his bow and begins to search the area for the true aboleth. (Perception 19)
If Tuck should spot a real target, he nocks and releases an arrow. (Hits AC 27 for 9 damage)
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Monday September 23rd, 2013 9:43:28 AM
check
DM Ezra - Round 4 d20=5 ; 2d4=5 ; d20=3 ; d20=14 ; Monday September 23rd, 2013 2:50:57 PM
The wall of fire has disappeared as quickly as it arrived.
Wilma needed to make a touch attack to hit Ariach with the wand as he was then possessed. He failed the followup will roll anyway, so this washes.
Emrys realizes that casting necromantic spells on illusions doesn't work well as he warns the rest of the party. "So very clever," he says under his breath! Emrys then declares to everyone, "Beware, the aboleth you see is a projected illusion, a replica ... outright fakery! The true scoundrel remains hidden nearby! Be on your guard!"
Wilma's attention turned to Alleah, and she tapped the halfling with her wand. "Hope this helps..!" she commented as she cast the Protection from Evil enchantment on the roguish female.
Vaniime steps forward 5 feet and continues the dance with her blade and connects twice with S1, finishing the creature off. Some where in the back of her head it registers that she hears Emrys yelling about something, but it doesn't seem to connect just yet.
Grell launches himself against the poor Skum who dares to stand in his way. With enough adrenaline coursing through his veins to let him run a marathon, the massive sword in Grell's hands feels as light as a feather as he cuts through bone and cartilage and slime. Once he has finished decimating the poor soul in front of him, he once again casts his gaze toward the next walking corpse (S5). His face covered in skum blood and goop, Grell makes a much more intimidating figure this time.
Alleah resorts to her trusty bow. She gives a nod of appreciation to Wilma for the boost of courage as she steps around the cleric. Moving south, Alleah draws her bow and tries to line up her target "Ariach, I need a clear shot. Take a step to either side!"
Tuck draws his bow and begins to search the area in vain for the true aboleth.
All three eyes of the aboleth focus on Emrys and stare at him. The waving tentacles take on a hypnotic pattern and a ball of colorful lights emanates and fills L15-M16. Emrys, Alleah, and Wilma need to make DC 15 will saves.
Ariach Highlight to display spoiler: {hears an inner voice telling him that EMrys is in dire danger and needs water quickly. } He drops his weapon, and starts running towards Emrys, bull rushing him towards the water. Ariah needs to make a bull rush attempt against Emrys CMD of 10. (Succeed on 2+) Grell, Wilma, and Emrys may attempt attacks of opportunity if they are wielding weapons.
The last skum half-heartedly attacks Grell, but he is clearly intimidated and his swing goes wide.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51 d20+12=15 ; d20+5=6 ; d20+5=14 ; d8+5=11 ; Monday September 23rd, 2013 4:22:27 PM Totally OOC before I do anything with Wilma:
The DM posted: "Wilma needed to make a touch attack to hit Ariach with the wand as he was then possessed. He failed the followup will roll anyway, so this washes."
Does that mean that Wilma did not even touch Ariach? If so, then she would have gotten at least a clue that something was wrong, and should've gotten a Perception check to see if she could have caught it.
However, if it means she tapped him and the magic did not effect him due to what I suspect is now some sort of magic control, that means she's wasted a charge of her wand (phooey!)
Wilma's sapphire eyes ranged the area as she attempted to deduce where the aboleth that Emrys was warning the party about was truly located. Her concentration was shattered, however, when Ariach suddenly blew past her, running full-tilt at the witchy bard. OOC: Perception roll 15 (ugh!)
"Wha--oh, no!" the redheaded cleric gasped, realizing that poor Ariach had to be under the control of the evil fish-thingy that was hidden from peoples' sight at the moment. "Sorry, Ariach..." She swung her quarterstaff in an instinctive bid to smack the back of the dominated warrior's knees, but the blow bounced off the rock that comprised the bridge instead. OOC: AoO roll hits AC6--a clear miss, so I won't bother with damage.
"Ooooooo!" Wilma huffed in frustration. "DangNABitt!!!" Again she swung at Ariach...and again the blow missed. OOC: regular attack roll hits AC14 for 11hp but I doubt it connected.
This was NOT going well...
Wilma's Sanctuary spell is gone; the number of charges in her Protection from Evil wand is up for debate a bit...
DM Ezra: Since he was possessed, WIlma would have needed to make a touch attack to hit him with the wand, since he was no longer 'friendly'. I saw a second will save that would have been allowed by the PfE, therefore the lack of a touch attack roll was immaterial as the will save failed anyway. You may assume that you did not connect if you wish.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 d20+10=19 ; Monday September 23rd, 2013 6:22:56 PM
Knowing that he only can help Emry that way, Ariach bull rushes him towards the water. (bull rush attempt=19)
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. Deathwatch d20+10=24 ; d20+10=20 ; d100=61 ; Monday September 23rd, 2013 8:32:59 PM
(Will save: 24 vs. ball of colorful lights.)
"Ohhh, pretty colors?! Nice try, you SQUID!" Emrys notices Ariach heading his direction. "Hey Ariach, did you notice what tha .... huh, Ariach?! ARIACH!!, get OFF me!" Emrys retreats, if he can, from Ariach's attack (moves to M9). Along the way he concentrates his focus on the leylines. He then defensively casts a spell on his misguided friend.
(Concentrate Check: 20, to cast a cantrip, free cast. Leyline: 61. Casting Lesser Confusion on Ariach. Will save DC: 17 vs. becoming Confused.)
DM Ezra: I don't see retreating as a defense against a combat maneuver, sorry. The bull rush succeeded by more than 5, less than 10, pushing Emrys 10' from M15 to N13.
Vaniime AC 18/14/15, HP:50/52, d20+11=22 ; d20+7=9 ; d20+7=15 ; Monday September 23rd, 2013 10:40:12 PM
no other targets immediately in view it finally regsters what Emrys said and she begins looking around for anything out of the ordinary, knowing that illusions are being thrown about by both sides.
Perception DC 22 Know arcana DC9 Spellcraft DC 15
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. Deathwatch Tuesday September 24th, 2013 2:06:33 AM
Standing NEXT to Vaniime, a near panicked Emrys hopes that the image of a weaponless Ariach, chasing down the poor bard and trying to throw him into the water, finally begins to register!!!! "Vaniime, Tuck .... HELP!" :)
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 (17/17/11 vs evil) -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 d20+7=11 ; Tuesday September 24th, 2013 7:18:34 AM "Ariach when I said move I meant .... ooooohhhh .... pretty" Alleah lowers her bow from her next intended target to stand fast and admire the lights (Will Save vs DC15: 11 = Fail)
-------------------- OOC: Note to DM: Alleah is current under a Protection from Evil spell. I'm unsure what the spell is that she's saving against, however if it is evil she receives a bonus to her saves (though would still have failed this one!) In addition she is "immune to any new attempts to possess or exercise mental control" over her
DM Ezra: No such luck: illusion (pattern) [mind-affecting]. Know: arcana, DC 22, with a -4 penalty for your fascination would let you know it is a hypnotic pattern.
Tuck HP 35/49 AC 21/21/17 d20+10=11 ; Tuesday September 24th, 2013 7:32:22 AM
Hearing Emrys' cries for help, Tuck hustles back to his friends.
"Ariach, stop! What are you doing?"
As he nears the big warrior, Tuck lunges to grab for Ariach and keep him from attacking Emrys.
(Move to N16. Grapple attempt vs Ariach 11.)
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 d20+10=14 ; Tuesday September 24th, 2013 4:29:36 PM
Ignoring Tuck, Ariach pull rushes Emry again. (pull rush attempt=14)
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. Deathwatch Tuesday September 24th, 2013 4:43:15 PM
(ooc: Ariach needs to make a Will Save DC 17 vs. Lesser Confusion spell.)
Grell, AC23/13/18, HP58/68 Protection from Evil d20+13=19 ; d20+15=22 ; 2d6+15=21 ; Tuesday September 24th, 2013 7:35:23 PM
In his peripheral vision, Grell spots movement off to his side (Ariach moving for his Bull Rush) and the bulky warrior lashes out with his sword out of instinct (AC=19, bleh). Still, his unwavering attention remains on the last pathetic scalely fish that his is about to fillet. Shifting his weight so that he can draw momentum from his legs and core muscles just like Ganz taught him, Grell lunges forward with all his might, intent on impaling the creature upon his sword. (AC22 for 21)
Assuming that the last critter dies upon his sword, Grell wrenches his sword free from the corpse and stomps forward to take up a spot by Ariach (L16). Grell makes no effort to muffle his steps, but rather is allowing his blood lust to guide him toward his next victim...but alas there are no more left. Grell spins in place, desperately seeking some creature to pound into jelly.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51 Tuesday September 24th, 2013 10:28:58 PM
Wilma would LOVE to post, but the combat round needs to be resolved first.
However, on the "up" side, Wilma still has 48 charges in her wand, as she (oddly enough) didn't connect with Ariach when she tried to Protect him from Evil. Now she knows why (to her horror!)
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 (17/17/11 vs evil) -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 Wednesday September 25th, 2013 12:29:37 AM OOC: Also - fyi - Alleah is shown incorrectly on the map. In the previous round she moved around Wilma to be at L17. Thanks!
DM Ezra - Round 5 d20+10=25 ; d100=32 ; Wednesday September 25th, 2013 2:19:59 AM Wilma's sapphire eyes ranged the area as she attempted to deduce where the aboleth that Emrys was warning the party about was truly located. Her concentration was shattered, however, when Ariach suddenly blew past her, running full-tilt at the witchy bard. "Wha--oh, no!" the redheaded cleric gasped, realizing that poor Ariach had to be under the control of the evil fish-thingy that was hidden from peoples' sight at the moment. "Sorry, Ariach..." She swung her quarterstaff in an instinctive bid to smack the back of the dominated warrior's knees, but the blow bounced off the rock that comprised the bridge instead. "Ooooooo!" Wilma huffed in frustration. "DangNABitt!!!" Again she swung at Ariach...and again the blow missed.
Ariach knows that he only can help Emry one way, and bull rushes him towards the water.
Emrys looks at the spell effects that fill the area he is in, "Ohhh, pretty colors?! Nice try, you SQUID!" Emrys notices Ariach heading his direction. "Hey Ariach, did you notice what tha .... huh, Ariach?! ARIACH!!, get OFF me!" Emrys retreats, if he can, from Ariach's attack. Ariach responds with a foot between Emrys legs. Emrys will fall prone (hit cmd 25) Before falling, Emrys may counter with an attack of opportunity. From the ground at Ariach's feet, Emrys concentrates his focus on the leylines. He then defensively casts a spell on his misguided friend. A near panicked Emrys hopes that the image of a weaponless Ariach, chasing down the poor bard and trying to throw him into the water, finally begins to register!!!! "Vaniime, Tuck .... HELP!"
Vaniime sees no other targets immediately in view it finally regsters what Emrys said and she begins looking around for anything out of the ordinary, knowing that illusions are being thrown about by both sides. She can see a large area of the bridge is glowing with a rainbow of swirling colors, though she doesn't recognize the spell.
Alleah calls out "Ariach when I said move I meant .... ooooohhhh .... pretty" Alleah lowers her bow from her next intended target to stand fast and admire the lights.
Tuck hears Emrys' cries for help, Tuck hustles back to his friends. "Ariach, stop! What are you doing?" As he nears the big warrior, Tuck lunges to grab for Ariach and keep him from attacking Emrys, but is unable to get a grip. (Moved to M13 based on actual events.)
Grell spots movement off to his side (Ariach moving for his Bull Rush) and the bulky warrior lashes out with his sword out of instinct, but misses. Still, his unwavering attention remains on the last pathetic scalely fish that his is about to fillet. Shifting his weight so that he can draw momentum from his legs and core muscles just like Ganz taught him, Grell lunges forward with all his might, intent on impaling the creature upon his sword. He wrenches his sword free from the corpse and stomps forward to take up a spot by Ariach (changed to M15 based on actual events.)
++++++++++ Still need will save DC 15 from Wilma for last round. Ariach needs to make a will save DC 15 or be fascinated, if fascinated, Grell's approach breaks the fascination as a perceived enemy. He then needs to make a DC 17 will save for Emrys' confusion. If Ariach fails the second save, roll d100.
With Emrys now prone, Ariach would attempt to grapple him as this is likely the easiest way to get Emrys the water he so desperately needs to survive.
Tuck is in a position to make an attack of opportunity against Ariach.
The aboleth does not appear to be doing anything other than waving its tentacles and staring at Emrys.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 (17/17/11 vs evil) -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 Wednesday September 25th, 2013 2:27:25 AM OOC: DM - is Alleah still fascinated?
DM Ezra: yes
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. Deathwatch Wednesday September 25th, 2013 3:22:25 AM
(ooc: Doesn't Ariach need to make two Will saves? One for the Confusion spell, the other for entering the area of the Hypnotic Pattern, like Grell.)
DM Ezra: Corrected, in which case Grell doesn't need to make a save. Changes made to post above.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 d20+1=9 ; d20+1=11 ; d100=44 ; Wednesday September 25th, 2013 6:26:03 AM
(will save=9), (will save for Emry´s spell=11), (d100= 44)
DM Ezra: Ariach paused and started to stare at the lights but was knocked out of the trance by Grell's aggressive approach. After knocking Emrys to the ground, Ariach succumbs to Emrys' confusion spell and stands there babbling incoherently.
Tuck HP 35/49 AC 21/21/17 d20+10=16 ; Wednesday September 25th, 2013 10:51:27 AM
Tuck again tries to grab Ariach, but misses. "Ariach, snap out of it!"
(Grapple 16)
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 (17/17/11 vs evil) -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 Wednesday September 25th, 2013 11:29:00 AM
Alleah stands and turns on the spot, fascinated by the colors and lights surrounding her "So beautiful"
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51 d20+9=23 ; Wednesday September 25th, 2013 12:59:43 PM OOC: sorry about the lack of Will Save! Wilma's rolled a 23.
Realizing that the group needed to find out where the big magic fishy-monster actually was, Wilma ignored the immediate goings-on long enough to cast Detect Magic. Hopefully she would be able to pinpoint where the hidden menace was by the type of magic it was using to shield itself from view...
OOC: Wilma is now on her first round of concentrating upon her Detect Magic spell.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. Deathwatch d20+14=19 ; Wednesday September 25th, 2013 1:58:24 PM
Emrys has never loved the sounds of incoherent babbling more than he does right now. Amazed that a simple cantrip had just saved him from certain and immediate death, he wastes no time getting up and moving as far away from Ariach as he can (M18).
"Ariach must be controlled by that thing. Please don't hurt him! He doesn't know what he's doing!" He notices that Wilma is casting and he adds, "The aboleth is watching and attacking us through that illusionary double. It's a very powerful illusion! The true aboleth undoubtedly is hiding from us from beneath the waves!"
(Perception: 19) ----------------------- What Emrys knows so far about the Aboleth from his various Knowledge checks throughout this combat: 1. Race, basic traits, and languages. 2. Its two main special abilities. 3. The image of the Aboleth is an illusion, and what spell was used to create it.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51 Wednesday September 25th, 2013 6:19:55 PM
As she continues to concentrate on whatever the Detect Magic spell may reveal about the spell-casting monster's whereabouts, it occurs to Wilma to ask the following out loud:
"By that way...is that 'damaged bridge section' real...or is it an illusion..?" As she asked, she waved a hand absentmindedly towards the section of the bridge that has previously been described as "a few of the massive stone blocks of the Deepbridge are cracked and sit askew. A navigable path yet exists here the corners of the crooked stones come close enough together, but unlike the minor erosion endured by the majority of the bridge, this section seems to have sustained damage."
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. Deathwatch Wednesday September 25th, 2013 6:37:33 PM
"Wilma, I don't know. I hadn't thought of that," answers Emrys.
Vaniime AC 18/14/15, HP:50/52, d20+11=15 ; d20+6=17 ; d6+2=6 ; d6+2=7 ; Wednesday September 25th, 2013 10:42:04 PM
Vaniime not seeing anything else to target sends two arrows streaking into the colorful area AC 15 & 17 for 6 & 7 points of damage
Grell, AC18/13/16, HP52/68 Protection from Evil, Rage4/6 Wednesday September 25th, 2013 10:49:36 PM
The world turned to red...his heart pounding in his ears...every enemy he can reach is dead. Grell's breath comes in short, controlled bursts and he struggles to comprehend what's going on around him through his haze of rage.
There's an enemy somewhere, he knows it. Wait...did Emrys just tell him to hurt Ariach?? Or is is that big tuna out there in the water? Maybe he should just jump in there and kill the thing...seems better than hacking up Ariach.
Hey looks over at Vaniime and practically yells at her over the thudding in his ears "Who do I kill next?!!"
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Thursday September 26th, 2013 8:59:10 AM
Ariach still stands there in confusion.
DM Ezra - Round 5 Thursday September 26th, 2013 10:04:57 AM
The glowing effect that has entranced Alleah dissipates.
The eyes of the aboleth blink, slowly, as the creature sinks below the surface of the water.
Ariach blinks as Emrys' confusion spell ends and looks up at his companions...
(Ariach may now respond as normal.)
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51 Thursday September 26th, 2013 2:24:56 PM
OOC: ... and Wilma's Detect Magic spell detects...what...(if anything)?
DM Ezra: A magical effect in the water (the illusion). Unfortunately the surface of the water does break line of effect. If you would like to get in the water, or duck your head under the water, you would be able to check deeper down.
LATER EDIT: meaning that the damaged portion of the bridge is NOT an illusion, right?
Tuck HP 35/49 AC 21/21/17 Thursday September 26th, 2013 7:30:46 PM
"Ariach, are you okay, buddy? Yes? Then let's get out of here. We don't want to be sitting around when that thing comes back with reinforcements."
"Wilma, could I trouble you for some healing? I think they got me a couple of times."
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. Deathwatch Thursday September 26th, 2013 7:46:27 PM
Emrys moves back a bit further. He chooses to be cautious and watches intently his friend Ariach. He doesn't have much trust in the aboleth's departure. He wants to believe and his many inner voices keep trying to convince him it is true. Perhaps the loss of all its skum proved too high a cost to continue.
He then looks at Wilma as she appears to be concentrating on a spell. Did she defeat the aboleth all on her own? Did she free Ariach from its embrace!? Was it the love of a woman or fear of a mortal death levied by a priestess of Gargul?
Vaniime AC 18/14/15, HP:50/52, Thursday September 26th, 2013 10:34:17 PM
Grell, Stand Down!' It's over now. Let's get across this blasted bridge before something else happens.
DM Ezra - The bridge Friday September 27th, 2013 4:35:58 PM
Ahead, a few of the massive stone blocks of the Deepbridge are cracked and sit askew. A navigable path yet exists here the corners of the crooked stones come close enough together, but unlike the minor erosion endured by the majority of the bridge, this section seems to have sustained damage.
The party finds themselves looking at each other, eight skum corpses are scattered around the bridge.
Ariach seems fine, though a bit hazy about the last minute or two.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Friday September 27th, 2013 4:37:07 PM
"What has happened? Did i really attack Emry? I don´t know why but i thought it is the only way to save his life. I am so ashamed.......... Ähmm.....please accept the expression of my apology, Emry."
For a short moment the young man seems very sad and desperated but then he strengthens his shoulders.
"If you wish i will deliver myself up to court in Plateau City. I attacked an innocent man and i am willing to accept each punishment."
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51 Friday September 27th, 2013 6:20:59 PM
"Looks like the damage to the bridge is real," Wilma commented, not moving from her spot, "I'm going to concentrate on my little spell to detect magic just to make sure that awful monster-fish-thing isn't still trying to pull a fast one...so somebody else is gonna have to smack Ariach for me...we know that the magic fish beastie used a charm on you, Ariach--no way you did what you did by yourself..."
True to her word, Wilma sticks to concentrating on analyzing the full results of her Detect Magic orison...she just does not trust that ambushin' aboleth.
DM Ezra: Your detect magic spell reveals seeral active auras of varying strength. You detect more than 80 magical auras, most are active aura's some are lingering, the strongest aura is a lingering strong aura. If you want to start making know:arcana rolls, I'll tell you the magic school for each... :-)
Tuck HP 35/49 AC 21/21/17 Saturday September 28th, 2013 8:50:01 AM
"Are we ready to move?" He looks to Vaniime. She seems as eager to get off the bridge as Tuck. "Alleah, did you want to take the lead again?"
Tuck wipes some of the blood from his leg as he waits on Wilma to finish her magicking.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. Deathwatch, Prestidigitation, Clean Blood d100=94 ; d100=51 ; Saturday September 28th, 2013 4:12:04 PM
Relieved that Ariach has truly been released by the aboleth, he begins to walk back to the group, carefully avoiding the bloody masses of skum left behind by Grell's handiwork.
"Ariach, not for one more minute do you blame yourself! As Wilma so eloquently said, that monster-fish ... thing did this to you; no forgiveness is necessary. If there are any apologies called for, it would be from me to you. I added my own praestigium to the barrage of magiks coalesced in your mind. A desperate act of preservation on my part, but a violation nonetheless, and for that I sincerely apologize."
After taking account of the groups condition, Emrys continues, "I wholeheartedly agree with Vaniime, we need to keep moving. However, it would be most prudent to clean ourselves from the gore of battle before we enter the city. Turning to Grell, he appraises that the warrior is the most in need to this. "Grell, if you don't mind, let me help you with this." If Grell allows, Emrys will touch the hilt of his sword, mutter a few words, and the blood and gore simply evaporates into thin air. Grell's sword looks fresh and new, like the first day he held it. "I've always wanted to try that spell. Never had a chance since I've never bloodied a blade." He will follow the first spell with Prestidigitation in order to clean the blood from his armor and clothes.
(Leyline: 94, free cast. Casting Clean Blood upon Grell's sword. Unless he disallows.)
Taking successively deeper breathes, Grell slowly releases his rage. Where there was the previous warm tingle of adrenalne in his extremities, Grell notices the leaded feeling of fatigue settling in. His breathing becomes slightly more labored and a slight sweat breaks out on his forehead. If he weren't in such amazing physical conditioning Grell is sure that he would hardly be able to move.
Grell gives Emrys a weak smile when he offers to clean his blade. "You know, normally it would be considered offensive for an orc to clean the blood of his enemy from his blade, but I do understand that some of the more "civilzed" races might not understand the ways of my people..." Grell's hand has a slight tremor as he extends his blade to Emrys. He watches with interest as the blood evaporates. "Hmmm...that's pretty cool. Too bad you can't use that spell agains an enemy! Imagine pulling the enemy's very own life blood from his still beating heart...now *that* would be impressive!" All the blood removed from his blade and his armor, Grell sheathes his sword and retrieves his bow and gets ready to take up his position with the others...even if it is at a slightly slower pace.
Ok all let's move out. Alleah, you want to join me up front?
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51 d8+5=11 ; d8+5=8 ; d8+5=6 ; d8+5=6 ; d8+5=9 ; Monday September 30th, 2013 1:14:33 PM
"Hey, wow..." Wilma's sapphire eyes grow very wide as she looks around, "Golly...there's magic ALL over this place..!" She would have loved to have been able to concentrate on what kind of magic was where, but she was feeling particularly unintelligent today, so she decided that healing up her friends and continuing on to the underground city would likely be the better part of valor at the moment. She fished out her healing wand and brandished it.
"Okay...who needs boo-boos bandaged..?" Wilma quipped with a smile. She taps Grell twice with her wand and Vaniime once. OOC: Grell healed up for 19hp and Van gets 6hp healed.
"Ooops...almost forgot you...and you asked first!" the cleric pointed out, then tapped Tuck twice to heal him as well. OOC: Tuck is healed up by 15hp.
Wilma now has 45 out of 50 charges remaining on her Cure Light Wounds wand.
DM Ezra - The bridge Monday September 30th, 2013 4:00:49 PM Wilma realizes that each of her companions is glowing with many magical aura's giving them a rainbow of colors to her magicked eyes, with most of the auras being moderate or strong. She would need to study them longer to start working out what the specific effects from. She did notice something giving off a moderate aura from underwater. However, she stops her detect magic spell after only a few seconds to tend to the injuries of her companions.
Ariach starts coming around, somewhat confused by the recent events.
The others suggest moving on.
Ahead of the party is some broken and cracked roadway. A DC 5 acrobatics will get the party past the blocks that have been knocked around and dislodged.
OOC: Please review your sheets and note locations for your gear.
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 d20+12=29 ; d20+11=24 ; Monday September 30th, 2013 6:47:04 PM
"Thank you, Wilma." Tuck wipes the blood away from the now closed wound in his leg. "It never gets old."
Tuck easily makes his way past the broken part of the bridge. (Acrobatics 29) He keeps a sharp eye out, including in the water. (Perception 24)
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 d20+2=13 ; Monday September 30th, 2013 7:23:43 PM
Still unsecure what to do next, Ariachs waits for further orders. Relieved to hear that Vaniime wants to move on Ariach passes the broken part of the roadway and tries to find his place within the group again. (acrobatics=13)
Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- HP 44/44 d20+11=20 ; Monday September 30th, 2013 10:01:13 PM Donna posting for RobC
Shaking her head and blinking away the fascinating effects of the "pretty colors", the cute halfling lass grinned at the spirit ranger.
"Sure thing! Let's get going!" So saying, Alleah nimbly clambered over the damaged area on the bridge and, after clearing that area, paused. She gave a cheeky wave.
"Well...you coming or what..?" she asked.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51 d20=2 Monday September 30th, 2013 10:02:58 PM
Wilma frowned, unsure that she could actually be anywhere near as nimble as the cute halfling girl was, but she gave it her best shot...
This situation reminds Emrys of an earlier event, when they were all still students at Maplehurst Academy. Not that long ago, they were traveling along the magically protected road between Gnowsy Overdale and Middleden, just east of the academy. The headmaster had decided it would be best if the students stayed at a nearby mansion, after an attack on Maplehurst by earth elementals, until repairs could be made. Along the way, a mud slide had blocked the road, forcing students to leave its protection and make their way around the mound of earth. Bandits masked by the shadows sprang to attack ... much like how the skum had done. The skum had climbed onto the bridge where the damage was at its greatest. He thinks it's not too inconceivable that if a city had the magical resources to hide itself from view, that they could certainly be able to furnish their bridge with the same level of protection.
After Emrys makes his hop, skip and jump though the damaged area, he will turn back to the damage and try the only thing that might repair the area. He begins to cast.
(Leyline: 63. Casting Make Whole on the damaged section of bridge. Area: 40 cubic feet.)
Vaniime makes the passage look easyacrobatics DC 23, perhaps too easy as she hears Wilma scream from behind. Turning quickly she rushes back acrobatics DC 16 she lloks to see what has befallen her friend.
DM Ezra - The bridge d6=4 ; Tuesday October 1st, 2013 4:33:39 PM
Most of the party easily bypasses the few massive stone blocks of Deepbridge that are cracked and sit askew.
Wilma is all wet, from head to toe. Is she encumbered? Can she swim? Is she afraid of that which lurks beneath the surface?
Emrys hears "Wha-a-a-a-a-at..?!", and a splash as he finishes casting a spell on one of the massive blocks.
One of the massive stones trembles and then shifts back into place, the cracks and chips magically regrowing and sealing together. Another stone trembles slightly and some of the cracks on it seal themselves.
There are 4 blocks cracked, crumbling, and out of position. Each is roughly a 3' cube. 27x4=108 cubic feet.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 d20+2=10 ; Tuesday October 1st, 2013 6:22:40 PM
Although he isn´t the most delicated guy, Ariach goes back to help Wilma out of the water. (acrobatics=10)
He gives her a helping hand and offers to carry her over the difficult terrain.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. Deathwatch, Prestidigitation, Clean Blood d20+14=28 ; Tuesday October 1st, 2013 11:26:14 PM
Emrys didn't realize the true extent of the damage on the bridge. Satisfied that he had repaired a good bit, however he wasn't prepared to spend the rest of his magic to finish the repairs. Nor was he available for the next dozen hours recasting Mend spells to finish the job. So after Wilma is pulled from the water, he will not delay the group any further from reaching the city.
(Perception: 28)
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 Wednesday October 2nd, 2013 9:25:23 AM
"Wilma, this is no time for a bath! Stop fooling around. Really, Grell, can't you control your sister any better than this?"
DM Ezra - More of the bridge d20=12 ; d20=10 ; d20=17 ; d20=14 ; d20=10 ; d20=19 ; d20=7 ; d20=5 ; Wednesday October 2nd, 2013 4:38:26 PM
With some teasing from her companions Wilma is pulled back onto the bridge.
Your eyes have grown accustomed to the dim lighting shed from the many bio-luminescent fungi that grows on the ceiling of the cavern several hundred feet overhead. You can see the bridge extending out before you across the vast sea.
This far from shore, only the squish, squish of Wilma's wet footwear breaks the silence that hangs heavy over the party. Occasionally, something disturbs the glassy surface of the sea, creating ripples spreading out and reverberating off the bridge pillars.
Those hairs on the back of y our neck, you realize they've been standing up for a while. That fleeting sensation that you're being watched, its been growing the last minute. Even the squishing of Wilma's shoes seems muted, quieted, muffled.
Perception and will saves please.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51 d20+9=15 d20+12=26 Wednesday October 2nd, 2013 4:49:35 PM
"Thanks, guys..." she said gratefully, climbing out of the water. "Though I wish Emrys had fixed that part before I tried to cross over it..."
Wilma was not happy. She felt like a wet cat, and was secretly convinced that she looked like one, too. She squished along in a visible funk, glaring around her and feeling uncomfortable in the cold, clammy robes that stuck to her skin and made her feel colder.
"They didn't stint on the magic around here," she said in as dignified a voice as she could muster. "In fact, there's so much magic around here, that I find it rather surprising that the bridge was damaged the way it was...we should probably inform the City Guard about the cracked area so that they can notify the proper people in the city government. They're gonna want to fix up the bridge to make sure that traders and such can still come and go."
OOC: Gah! Wilma's Willpower is only 15; her Perception is a respectable 26, though...
DM Ezra I'm sorry if I didn't note it before, except for the aura from under the water, you were picking up the other PC's
Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- HP 44/44 d20+7=8 d20+16=23 Wednesday October 2nd, 2013 4:57:12 PM
Alleah looked around her with great interest as she walked along, unaware of anything that may have been working against her Will, but her sharp eyes roaming the landscape in an effort to spy anything out-of-sorts...
OOC: Alleah's Will Save is a fail with a Natural 1 rolled! Her Perception totals 23.
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 d20+11=27 ; d20+8=27 ; Wednesday October 2nd, 2013 6:46:00 PM
(Perception 27, Will 27)
Tuck continues along, the sensation of following eyes tickling the back of his neck. He keeps his suspicions to himself, not knowing if the others feel the same.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. Deathwatch, Prestidigitation, Clean Blood d20+14=26 ; d20+10=11 ; Wednesday October 2nd, 2013 11:56:29 PM
Emrys recalls the warnings from Durovar. He knows to expect to be watched. He's quite used to it. 'Why wouldn't they want to watch me, I'm absolutely gorgeous,' he thinks. He can sense their stunned expressions, unable to put into words his arresting magnificence. Although Emrys senses remain keen on his surroundings, his mind continues to plunge ever deeper down a spiral of radical narcissism.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 d20+1=15 ; d20+7=16 ; Thursday October 3rd, 2013 2:34:56 AM
Knowing he isn´t allowed to use a bow Ariach wonders how he should fight a foe raising from the water. He really hopes the thing will not try to control his mind again. And he opes even more he will resist it if the aboleth tries to control him again again. (will save=15 , perception=16)
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 (17/17/11 vs evil) -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 Thursday October 3rd, 2013 3:12:44 AM OOC: Hi all, I'm back! Sorry for the short notice departure however I had a family emergency to attend to. I see Donna has kept up my trend with unsuccessful will saves :)
Back a the front with alleah again, Van is expecting to be watched throughout this journey so doesn't put a lot of effort into searching for the watchers though she does take a look Perception DC 18. While looking around she feels someone or something trying to mess with her head and she silently, yells at whatever it is to get out of her head and to stay out.will save DC 24.
DM Ezra - More of the bridge Thursday October 3rd, 2013 2:03:40 PM
The bridge continues off into the distance.
With your next step, a shimmering image begins to break through the backdrop of the cavern and bridge. The view of he far cavern and bridge crumbles as a massive wall of stone seems to grow before you, stretching off to the left and right for several hundred feet.
Under your feet you no longer see the bridge, but a small peninsula of rocky land, the only land you can see before the wall that drops down into the water to either side.
In front of you, two impressive barbicans jut forward to either side of the gatehouse. A pair of closed stone doors is inset in the front of the gatehouse. Each door is at least ten feet wide and twice as high. The outer wall of Bthanchend is formed from stones of a dark granite, mortared with black cement.
Arrow loops dot the barbican and gatehouse. Helmeted figures are visible in the merlons atop the wall, the shafts of bows visible beside each. A quick count reveals at least twenty figures.
Rising from within the city and far overhead to the cavern roof are several thick stone columns. Structures cling to the sides of the columns and lighted windows dot the surface. Several bridges span between the columns.
A gravelly voice barks out in undercommon State your business!
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. Deathwatch, Prestidigitation, Clean Blood d20+12=26 ; Thursday October 3rd, 2013 7:38:06 PM
(Diplomacy: 26, to improve the attitudes of the gatekeeper and all those watching.)
Emrys steps up next to Vaniime and says, "He asks to state your business."
The bewitching bard then treads a few steps forward with the warmest smile, removes his hat as a sign of respect and gives a slight bow. In the undercommon tongue, he replies, "Gracious gatekeeper, we mean no harm. We wish to visit and take refuge in your fair city. Please, come down and we can greet each other as friends."
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. Prestidigitation Thursday October 3rd, 2013 7:45:49 PM
If necessary, Emrys will translate for the party. He will repeat anything that needs to be said, if no "common" tongue is found between the two parties.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51 Friday October 4th, 2013 12:57:38 AM
Wilma stands there, still dripping...
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 (17/17/11 vs evil) -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 d20+5=18 ; Friday October 4th, 2013 3:05:04 AM
Alleah raises her empty hands to show she is unarmed. "Um.... we come peacefully" she adds to Emrys' speech.
Diplomacy to aid another (Emrys): 18. Pass. Emrys gets a +2 bonus to his diplomacy roll
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 (17/17/11 vs evil) -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 d20+16=19 ; d20+9=19 ; Friday October 4th, 2013 3:08:29 AM Extra rolls.... Perception: 19 Sense Motive: 19
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 Friday October 4th, 2013 8:48:22 AM
Tuck has to rely on Emrys to translate. He waits patiently but uncomfortably. Standing before 20 odd potential enemies behind a fortification with ranged weapons is not an ideal situation.
"Oh man."
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Friday October 4th, 2013 7:22:46 PM
Ariach tries to appear relaxed although all his senses are ready for an upcoming fight.
Grell, AC18/13/16, HP52/68 Protection from Evil, Fatigued 1/12 Saturday October 5th, 2013 9:01:34 PM
Grell takes up the rear guard position, far too tired to worry about much of anything. He's surprised at how much the last rage took out of him. Once he gets home, he's going to double his aerobics schedule. He can't be letting the others down like this!
OOC: How many rounds have passed since the end of the last battle??
Vaniime AC 18/14/15, HP:50/52, Sunday October 6th, 2013 12:02:39 PM
Even with her part drow heritage Vaniime doesn't understand the actual words but is fairly sure of their meaning when Emrys translates for her and verifies her guess. In common she calmly states.
"We are visiting your city, sir. May we enter?"
DM Ezra - More of the bridge Monday October 7th, 2013 12:39:31 AM
Undercommon: Highlight to display spoiler: {Refugees? You must report to the Ministry of Immigration. You will find this by following Blackstone Road. Declarations?} A few soft spoken words are insufficient to sway a guard used to dealing with many travelers each shift. Showing (or feigning) real interest in the guard may show results.
The guard hears Vaniime, but shows no sign of recognizing the language.
OOC: Without knowing the language, Alleah's diplomacy aid would not be effective. Grell realizes that it took them about 5 minutes to walk from when they battled the aboleth.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 (17/17/11 vs evil) -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 d20+16=25 ; Monday October 7th, 2013 1:20:00 AM
Alleah keeps her hands raised and whispers "What did they just say?"
She tries to stay alert in case these men plan to attack (Perception: 25)
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Monday October 7th, 2013 5:32:23 AM
Ariach wonders if it was a mistake not to visit the foreign language lessons at the academy. But he comes to the result that sitting in a boring class room, listening to an even more boring teacher who is teaching boring things must be the most boring thing anyway.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. Prestidigitation d20+12=22 ; Monday October 7th, 2013 8:01:10 AM
(diplomacy: 22)
In Undercommon, he replies, "Please pardon my misuse of words. It's obvious my grasp of your language isn't as strong as it should be. We aren't looking to immigrate, we merely wish to visit your city and enjoy the safety behind your walls. We were attacked on your bridge just a short while ago."
Emrys then motions to Vaniime and says, "This is Vaniime Elemiire Claudia Nightseer, and she says that we would like to visit your city, sir. May we enter?" Emrys then switches back to common and says, "He asks if we are refuges, which I already said we are not. He now asks for declarations. I will ask him to elaborate."
In undercommon, he asks, "Sir, if you don't mind, just so I understand, I respectively ask what you wish us to declare?"
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 (17/17/11 vs evil) -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 Monday October 7th, 2013 8:10:36 AM OOC: Question to DM - are the guards pointing weapons at us, acting threateningly, or just acting "guardish"?
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 Monday October 7th, 2013 8:48:18 AM
Tuck listens as Emrys translates. The man seems so confident as he speaks to total strangers from a vastly different culture.
I wish that I had his confidence with people. I always get so uncomfortable around folks I don't know.
DM Ezra - Passing the Gatekeepers Monday October 7th, 2013 2:21:35 PM The guards are "guardish" and not the lazy kind. It's obvious that they are watching you and the area. Though weapons are not pointed at you, it is obvious they quickly could be.
Diplomacy is a minimum full minute action requiring common language. Emrys' prior roll of 26 is being utilized for the encounter.
I will post this evening for tomorrow.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51 Monday October 7th, 2013 3:25:33 PM
The wet and clammy cleric of Gargul shivers where she stands.
"My kingdom for a Comprehend Language spell..." Wilma sighs, leaning upon her staff.
DM Ezra - Passing the Gatekeepers Tuesday October 8th, 2013 1:25:54 AM
Undercommon Highlight to display spoiler: {The underwold has many dangers, any who travel in it must be prepared for the local flora and fauna. Declare yer goods and enter. Be sure you pick up broadsheet of laws.} The guard motions with his hand and the party hears several clicks and clacks before one of the two large doors slowly starts to open outward. A dark tunnel leading into the gatehouse is visible to the party.
Perception 15: Highlight to display spoiler: {A portcullis bars the way through the other side of the tunnel, about 20 feet in. Past that a road is just visible leading into the city with low buildings lining the street.}
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 (17/17/11 vs evil) -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 d20+16=17 ; Tuesday October 8th, 2013 1:36:07 AM Perception: 17
"So are they opening the doors to send something out to kill us or do we walk on in?" Alleah whispers, her hands still raised.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. Prestidigitation Tuesday October 8th, 2013 10:22:45 AM
(ooc: Emrys translates to the group ... his post will come later.)
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51 d20+12=13 ; Tuesday October 8th, 2013 10:47:03 AM
Wilma is too dazzled by the impressive architecture around her to notice anything in particular, although Alleah's question makes her smile nervously.
OOC: if it weren't for the fact that The Wold is family-friendly, this OOC space would be FULL of expletives, since Wilma's rolled an auto-miss with a natural 1 on the dice. Sigh.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 (17/17/11 vs evil) -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 Tuesday October 8th, 2013 1:53:06 PM OOC: No auto fails on skill checks with Nat 1s thankfully, and Alleah's peception check was also a Nat 1!
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 d20+7=10 ; Tuesday October 8th, 2013 4:30:58 PM
Staring at the guards Ariach doesn´t recognize that the doors slowly start to open up until Alleah warns them all. (perception=10)
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 d20+11=23 ; Tuesday October 8th, 2013 8:14:41 PM
(Perception 23)
Tuck sees the gate barring their way forward and has the same concerns that Alleah does. "Why haven't they opened the portculis? Emrys, can you find out why the gate is still lowered? I hope they don't intend to lead us into a trap."
Emrys turns to his friends and explains, "They wish that we declare our 'goods' and take a broadsheet that will inform us of their laws. By 'goods' I'm not certain if he means trade goods or our belongings."
He faces the gatekeeper with a smile and begins to declare his belongings. In undercommon, Emrys says, "As far as trade goods, I don't have much. I have an 8 pound block of sea salt, a mere sample. Is there much demand for sea salt? I am known to brew a potion or two and I have an assortment in my bag. As for defending myself, from the local flora and fauna, my only protection are my bracers and cloak. By the way, if you don't mind me asking, who crafted your outfit? You wear it well, sir." He slowly opens his cloak on one side and says, "I declare to have a darkwood crossbow, excellent craftsmanship, light as a feather, but with all that quality I still can't hit the broadside of a cavern wall. My lute and cane are also made from darkwood. I'm afraid I don't have the strength to carry much, hence the light-weight materials." Emrys will invite the gatekeeper to hold his crossbow and experience the "feel" of it, as he tells the story of the dryad that made it. He will look back at his friends and explain and translate what is being said.
Emrys goes on to talk about his jewelry, detailing each stone, including the non-precious ones. Even going as far as taking out his magnifying glass to show the flaws and imperfections in excruciating detail. If at any point the gatekeeper has had enough, he will kindly put everything away.
He wonders if his openness has inspired some trust in the gatekeeper. He takes quick glances to see if the portcullis has begun to raise.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. Prestidigitation d20+12=28 ; Tuesday October 8th, 2013 10:15:09 PM
(Perform [Oratory]: 28) forgot to roll a perform check to improve the quality of his storytelling and make the descriptions of his gear, mainly his crossbow, sound more interesting.
Grell, AC18/13/16, HP52/68 Protection from Evil, Fatigued 1/12 d20+3=18 ; Tuesday October 8th, 2013 10:42:52 PM
Grell keeps a look out...for what, he's not quite sure (Perc=18). Still, he is compliant and declares whatever he needs to, following Emrys' lead.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 (17/17/11 vs evil) -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 Wednesday October 9th, 2013 8:35:25 AM
Alleah bites her lower lip gently. She has a number of items concealed upon her, and she's not keen on handing anything over. She'll follow along with the group and wait to see if the guards ask her anything directly.
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