DM RobC - Tiptoe tiptoe Tuesday April 8th, 2014 7:56:17 AM
The party seem agreed that the priestess or temple are the key to finding some answers on this island.
Sam starts to become adamant that now is the time to get serious - though what does he plan to do that's more serious than the last time where he tried to take away the free will of a priestess of Alemi standing on Holy Ground?
Terser considers that the group may be more welcome in the temple than in the priestess' home.
Spire and Coer debate the merits of armor and the favor of the Gods.
Jozhur, Kane and Zeoll all consider the storm.
Atop the high, rocky hill on the northwest side of town stands the temple. Constructed of heavy wood, it appears to have once been coated in a bright whitewash that has since largely peeled away. The great holy symbol of Alemi atop the short steeple seems almost to be bleeding as it sheds the rain.
To the left of the temple, the priestess' home. To the right, the cemetary.
The hill itself is a bit steep and has become slick from the rain.
----- Climbing the hill will require 2 x DC20 Climb checks to get to the top. Please keep in mind any armor check penalties. A Climb check that fails by 4 or less means that you make no progress A Climb check that fails by 5 or more means that you fall. If you fall you take 1d6 non-lethal damage as you tumble and slide to the bottom, unless you can make a climb check vs DC30 to catch yourself
I need precise marching order (single file? two to a row?), spells in effect, and the people in front to make perception checks
Sam (David W): 14/12/13 -- CMD 13 -- HP 42/42 Tuesday April 8th, 2014 8:20:49 AM
Sam, being a poor climber will cheer on anyone needing assistance from the bottom of the hill. He then will hope someone will help him up with a rope or something.
Ooc to group- inspire competence will give +2 to a roll. Sam only has 11 rounds left for the day, so only the weak climbers should use 2 rounds worth each. Be sure to declare the bonuses so I can keep track.
Kane' Ma'Kai (SteveK) AC13/ T13/ F10/ CMD 17) HP 47/47 d20+9=25 Tuesday April 8th, 2014 9:02:50 AM
Kane looks about. If the townsfolk were all coming here, they must have a way to the chapel at the top of the hill. Further, the heroes are probably much stronger and fit than the townsfolk, he thinks, and that they would have an easier entrance for children or the elderly at least...
If he fails to find another way up, he turns to his friends, Sam, and Terser. "To make the trek uphill easier, I could take Sam Sir with me on my broom and some rope to the top of the hill. We may be able to anchor the rope and then give the climbers an easier time of climbing." His suggestion made, Kane' waits for a decision by the Captain. ............
Perception 25
Kane's Climb is a +1; no way he is even going to try the hill without assistance.
Loss of Domain, Granted power, and Domain spells Spells 1 - 4 2 - 3* 3 - 2*
Terser (Warren G) [22/13/19 -- CMD 23 -- HP 60/60 (raging 84/84)] Tuesday April 8th, 2014 10:34:49 AM If using accelerated climb will get me up in 1 check, then I got this. if not, will have to repost DC 20 +5 for accelerated = 25 Take 10 +8 skill -3 armor +2 rage +2 bard song +6 strength surge = 25
Not waiting for the discussion of the others, Terser psyches himself up with a couple of deep breaths and swarms up the hill like it had dwarven made stone steps instead of a treacherous slide of mud. He lets a rope down when he reaches the top, only slightly out of breath, and yells back What are ye all waiting for!
He sets his feet and prepares to haul up any who can't make it on their own.
(Brock) Jozhur AC20/15/15--CMD 20--HP 37/49 d20+10=16 ; Tuesday April 8th, 2014 10:43:48 AM
Jozhur stays to the rear of the group, waiting to help anyone who has trouble with the hill. He hopes none of the taurs come tumbling down the hill and squash him.
-------------------- Take 10 on climb check for a 20.
Climb check to aid another: 16
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC22 - HP33) d20+17=34 ; Tuesday April 8th, 2014 11:12:59 AM
Zeoll sits at the bottom of the hill and talks with people who walk by.
"My old bones arre too weak forr that hillside," he says. "I'll just stay herre and talk with passerrs-by."
[OOC: At a net -1 on Climb checks, Zeoll can't get up the hill.]
The old liontaur can at least keep watch. Perception 34 to note any townsfolk in sight.
Magana (Craig) [AC19] [HP 57 of 71] d20+4=17 ; d20+4=13 ; d20+4=21 ; Tuesday April 8th, 2014 1:52:49 PM
Magana takes Terser's rope and goes up.
1) 17 (+5 for rope assistance?) = 22 success 2) 18 total = fails but does not fall 3) 26 total = 2nd success, makes the top
Terser (Warren G) [22/13/19 -- CMD 23 -- HP 60/60 (raging 84/84)] Tuesday April 8th, 2014 3:03:50 PM
ooc: as long as you don't weigh more than 1040 pounds, I can haul you up the slope with the rope, no assistance necessary. So feel free to join us, Zeoll =)
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC22 - HP33) Tuesday April 8th, 2014 4:21:15 PM
If a rope is lowered and a friend offers to haul up the liontaur, Zeoll gladly agrees!
OOC: Thanks Warren!
Sam (David W): 14/12/13 -- CMD 13 -- HP 42/42 Tuesday April 8th, 2014 4:26:24 PM
Sam gladly accepts the broom route to the top. Once there, he adjusts his courtier's outfit and casts "message" on himself once again. The gnome hopes that he won't have to interrupt the worship, but will do what it takes to get the job done.
(StevenVdB) Aexana HP 49/49 - AC16/14/13 / +4 vs Giant - CMD 15 / +1 vs Lizard & Goblinoids d20+5=20 ; d20+5=9 ; Tuesday April 8th, 2014 6:35:57 PM
Aex starts to climb the hill up to the church. Halfway she staggers and eventually she slips down!! She didn't exactly choose a position to climb the hill so let's assume there's a chance for her to knock a few of her friends down...
"Oh ... timber!!
Coerator (Mark) AC17/16/14 -- CMD 21 -- HP 64/68 (Ki 3/5) d20+8=28 ; d20+8=23 ; d20+12=16 ; Tuesday April 8th, 2014 9:22:02 PM
Coer powers to the top of the hill, the slick mud causing him little bother. Once at the top he unwinds the rope from around his waist and throws one end down the hill. Flexing his impressive muscles he offers to pull up anyone who still needs a hand.
¬¬¬ climb checks = nat 20 (28) and 23. perception once at the top = 16
Spirysn'rar Kilarn (Ian) AC 17/13/15 - CMD 14 - HP 24/24 Tuesday April 8th, 2014 11:23:18 PM "Um, if you would, Terser..." Spire asks to also get lifted to the top, as he is not as physically adept as most of the others.
DM RobC - Tiptoe tiptoe onwards d20+9=16 ; d20+9=23 ; d20+9=28 ; Wednesday April 9th, 2014 7:25:08 AM OOC: Don't know if you guys missed it - but I needed "precise marching order (single file? two to a row?), spells in effect, and the people in front to make perception checks". Since I didn't get any of that, I will assume the order to be as you posted, single file, and with no spells in effect...
Kane's intuition (and eyes) are spot on. Amidst the mud and running water he notices a set of carved out steps to the right. They wind their way up to the temple. It is a less direct route, but certainly an easier one (The steps currently have a climb check of DC7)
Terser takes off through the mud and slush, and makes it quickly to the top. The wind and rain still affect his senses. Everything seems quiet. Peaceful.
Jozhur stays at the rear of the group, ever the protector of the group.
Magana gets halfway up the slope. Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays a might minotaur.
Aexana is following close behind, carefully following in Magana's footprints.
Coer comes up close behind, ready to brace the gnome should she fall.
Zeoll takes one look at the slope and declares it beyond his old bones. Spire too doesn't make the climb.
Terser sees a flock of ravens scatter to the skies from the direction of the temple. There are no lights from the temple, nor the priestess' house.
Current party location/order: Terser at the top Then Magana, Aexana, Coer halfway up Then Kane', Sam, Zeoll, Spire, Jozhur at the bottom
Those in the middle are free to use either their climb rolls from your previous post, or roll again
Kane' Ma'Kai (SteveK) AC13/ T13/ F10/ CMD 17) HP 47/47 d20+1=17 ; Wednesday April 9th, 2014 10:13:18 AM
Kane' points out the stairs and leads whoever wants to take the stairs instead of the steep, muddy hill. It is still semi-slippery, but if the BloodWitch takes it easy, he doesn't have problems. .............................. Actions......
Kane' "takes 10" to climb the stairs (When your character is not in immediate danger or distracted, you may choose to take 10.) As long as he isn't attacked or distracted, Kane' has a Climb Roll = 11
Climb = 17 (in case there is a distraction.)
Double Move (60 feet) up the Stair.
Effects..... No spells currently on Kane'
Spells..... Loss of Domain, Granted power, and Domain spells Spells 1 - 4 2 - 3* 3 - 2*
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC22 - HP33) Wednesday April 9th, 2014 10:28:21 AM
Zeoll has a mage armor up.
I thought Terser was volunteering to haul up this old liontaur?
Magana (Craig) [AC19] [HP 57 of 71] Wednesday April 9th, 2014 12:03:40 PM
(ooc: using previous rolls)
Magana continues the rope climb.
(+5 for rope assistance) 2) 18 total = fails but does not fall 3) 26 total = 2nd success, makes the top
Spirysn'rar Kilarn (Ian) AC 17/13/15 - CMD 14 - HP 24/24 Wednesday April 9th, 2014 1:22:00 PM
Active Effects: Mage Armor (reflected in AC) for 4 more hours
OoC :: Waiting on Terser's response to see if he hauls us up...
Sam (David W): 14/12/13 -- CMD 13 -- HP 42/42 d20+3=18 ; d20+3=6 ; d20+3=4 ; d20+3=16 ; Wednesday April 9th, 2014 3:52:07 PM
Sam decides it best to take the stairs. He does fine early on, but slips and falls. (Climb=18, 4, 6,16)
If Sam tumbles down the stairs, he waits for others to go before attempting the climb again...
Ooc to DM-Please delete previous post. Missed the stair comment. Also, (sigh) I realized my 2nd roll is a nat 1 for climbing after 4 rolls. I wasn't sure if I needed 2 rolls to make it to the top. Sorry for the mess of posts.
Terser (Warren G) [22/13/19 -- CMD 23 -- HP 60/60 (raging 84/84)] Wednesday April 9th, 2014 4:21:20 PM Zeoll, hold the rope, Spire, hold on to Zeoll.
Terser heaves the pair up easily once they find their grips, getting them to the top safely, if rather muddy.
I'm at the top first, no spells, not paying attention to my surroundings. Hauling up Zeoll and Spire if they both grab on.
(StevenVdB) Aexana HP 49/49 - AC16/14/13 / +4 vs Giant - CMD 15 / +1 vs Lizard & Goblinoids d20+5=24 ; d20+8=9 ; d20+15=30 ; Wednesday April 9th, 2014 6:26:34 PM
Aex continues to scale the stairs. Her tiny feet are able to carry her up safely. The Druid observes the ravens wondering if something is wrong with these birds (Knowledge nature 9 - nat 1) but she can't see anything wrong about them.
Once upthe hill she again observes her surroundings. Perhaps now that the thunderstorm has almost passed some new things may come to sight. (Perception 30).
No active spells atm
(Brock) Jozhur AC20/15/15--CMD 20--HP 37/49 d20+10=20 ; d3=1 ; d20+10=26 ; d20+9=19 ; Wednesday April 9th, 2014 7:32:14 PM
Jozhur moves along the left side of Zeoll and Spire as they are hauled up the hill. He keeps his eyes peeled, it's been a strange night and he's expecting more trouble.
--------------- Take 10 on climb if able for a 20. Climb checks: 20, 26 Perception: 19
Spirysn'rar Kilarn (Ian) AC 17/13/15 - CMD 14 - HP 24/24 d20+8=12 ; Wednesday April 9th, 2014 9:55:44 PM
Spire holds on to Zeoll as best he can, clambering awkwardly onto the Seer's back. "My apologies, Zeoll," he mutterers, looking up as they climb. (Perception: 12)
DM RobC - Wind, Rain and Thunder, Oh My Thursday April 10th, 2014 9:31:03 AM
One by one the party make their way to the top of the hill. Some more cautiously than others. Terser waits patiently for all to join him.
Aexana notes nothing unusual about the birds. Their behaviour in the sky looks normal - they flock, they separate, they climb, they dive. Birds will be birds, I guess.
At the top of the hill, all you see is the soggy landscape surrounding the tired building of peeling whitewash and the slightly-misaligned tiled walkway leading to gothic-style double doors of iron-bound wood.
The door to the priestess' house is closed, and no light can be seen within. Would you have expected her to leave the door open and be welcoming to the party based on your last visit?
The cemetery is equally quiet. Leaves swirl about in the wind, and perhaps thankfully, that is all the movement that can be seen there.
Just as suddenly as it eased, the storm regathers in force. The wind picks up, the rain seems heavier, and the thunder is that much louder up here. It's as if some malignant spirit was attempting to blow the heroes away from the place. It could all be natural though...
Terser (Warren G) [22/13/19 -- CMD 23 -- HP 60/60 (raging 84/84)] d20+5=17 ; Thursday April 10th, 2014 10:31:57 AM Damned weather. Seems determined to make us not want to be here. Wonder if it's natural...
knowledge nature 17 - does the weather seem like it's being manipulated? or is this normal?
He contemplates this on the way up to the impressive (for human craftsmanship anyway) doors.
Kane' Ma'Kai (SteveK) AC13/ T13/ F10/ CMD 17) HP 47/47 Thursday April 10th, 2014 5:43:44 PM
Kane' doesn't know much about Nature, but the gathering storm plays right into his theory about what is going on with this place. "We start to get on a track and the storm returns! It may be best to get inside the chapel as quickly as possible."
Kane' moves to the chapel, waiting for his friends to do likewise and get out of the storm. "There is something that doesn't want us here!"
.............................. Actions......
Move to the Chapel. Do not go in unless Coer is also going in.
Effects..... No spells currently on Kane'
Spells..... Loss of Domain, Granted power, and Domain spells Spells 1 - 4 2 - 3* 3 - 2*
Sam (David W): 14/12/13 -- CMD 13 -- HP 42/42 Thursday April 10th, 2014 7:40:29 PM
Sam slowly stumbles up the last of of the stairs. He appears wiped out from the journey. Once the group reforms and is ready to enter the church, Sam renews his message spell. The bard finds his typical spot in the middle of the group.
Active spell= message for 10 minutes. Sam will renew the spell as needed.
Coerator (Mark) AC17/16/14 -- CMD 21 -- HP 64/68 (Ki 3/5) d20+12=26 ; Thursday April 10th, 2014 11:07:20 PM
As the weather suddenly changes once again Coer sighs and shakes his head.
"it will take me a week to dry off. Lets go inside and say a prayer for the dead."
Coer moves to enter the temple, peering through the window (if there is one) as he closes the gap
~~~ ooc: perception 26
Magana (Craig) [AC19] [HP 57 of 71] Thursday April 10th, 2014 11:25:50 PM
Magana maneuvers herself to be the last to enter, keeping an eye to their backs, and a hoof in the way of the door.
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC22 - HP33) Friday April 11th, 2014 12:02:50 AM
Zeoll stays outside, alert for the start of the call to the sea, a vial of acid ready to throw.
(Brock) Jozhur AC20/15/15--CMD 20--HP 37/49 d20+9=29 ; Friday April 11th, 2014 12:53:29 AM
Jozhur moves towards the temple door and prepares to open it for Coer. He keeps his eyes and ears open for anything unusual.
---------- Perception: 29
Spirysn'rar Kilarn (Ian) AC 17/13/15 - CMD 14 - HP 24/24 Friday April 11th, 2014 2:53:42 AM "Do not be so quick to fight," Spire cautions. "We are busting into a holy temple. It would not do us well to run in with our blades drawn looking to do battle."
DM RobC - Wind, Rain and Thunder, Oh My d20+9=15 ; d20+9=13 ; d20+9=18 ; Friday April 11th, 2014 9:07:54 AM
The party line up outside the temple, the building sheltering you from the worst of the wind and rain. Large drops of water drip from the eaves onto the heads of the party below.
As far as Terser can tell the weather here is unpredictable, but he cannot be sure one way or the other if it is being manipulated. What a gift it would be if the elements could be controlled in such a way.
There are no windows low enough that Coer can see through. Like the rest, the taur can hear the sound of the rain falling on various surfaces - the puddles on the ground, the roof of the temple - as well as the thunder overhead. He doesn't hear (or see or smell) anything to indicate a living soul nearby.
Zeoll is less keen to enter the temple and almost expects the mysterious noise to sound again. He holds a vial of acid at the ready.
Jozhur rests a damp hand on the old temple door and prepares to push it open for Coer. Spire urges caution however, fearing how the party will be received if they barge in with weapons drawn.
How will the party enter then? Casually? Stealthily? As a breach?
Magana (Craig) [AC19] [HP 57 of 71] Friday April 11th, 2014 3:38:09 PM
Magana speaks up in response to Spire's cautions, her patience clearly short after the extended exposure to the howling wind. "Maybe busting a few heads will get us some answers! This mincing around has gained us nothing thus far. I feel certain Alemi supports us in freeing his people from these sacrifices by whatever means."
Sam (David W): 14/12/13 -- CMD 13 -- HP 42/42 Friday April 11th, 2014 5:13:26 PM "I think we should walk in and see what is happening. Our actions will be determined by their actions to our presence. If the high priestess was giving a sermon, I was going to question her from a distance with the message spell. Either way, I have a strong feeling that we are going to have the minority opinion."
Kane' Ma'Kai (SteveK) AC13/ T13/ F10/ CMD 17) HP 47/47 Friday April 11th, 2014 6:05:40 PM "... by whatever means." Kane' winces and is absolutely certain that whatever means is not nearly what Alemi would want. "Perhaps by whatever honorable and courageous means?", he meekly suggests.
As the Lionfish, Terser, and Sam all seem ready, Kane' simply moves forward and opens the chapel door, coming in from the wind and rain, and tries to be solemn when entering a holy place.
.............................. Actions......
Open Chapel Door and Go In.
Effects..... No spells currently on Kane'
Spells..... Loss of Domain, Granted power, and Domain spells Spells 1 - 4 2 - 3* 3 - 2*
Terser (Warren G) [22/13/19 -- CMD 23 -- HP 60/60 (raging 84/84)] Friday April 11th, 2014 10:10:57 PM
As Coer said, Terser certainly had several people to offer up prayers in behalf of. He is respectful of whatever ceremony is taking place, and enters with the others.
Magana (Craig) [AC19] [HP 57 of 71] Saturday April 12th, 2014 12:47:30 AM
Magana responds to Kane' with a shrug. "Courage always. Honor when at all possible. Victory when required."
(StevenVdB) Aexana HP 49/49 - AC16/14/13 / +4 vs Giant - CMD 15 / +1 vs Lizard & Goblinoids Sunday April 13th, 2014 5:26:11 PM
(Ooc - sorry for the missed Thursday posts friends.)
"Have you guys ever thought about just politely knocking and then peacefully entering??" Aexana says with a wrinckle on her eyebrows. Barging into the Priestess's home hasn't exactly been a great succes so the Gnome believes now they should at least try to be a bit more dimlomatic...
Coerator (Mark) AC17/16/14 -- CMD 21 -- HP 64/68 (Ki 3/5) Sunday April 13th, 2014 6:22:02 PM "I intend to be polite... and generous. what temple doesn't like a donation from a weary traveler?"
Coer fishes a small coin pouch (50gp) from his bag and enters the temple, head bowed.
Magana (Craig) [AC19] [HP 57 of 71] Sunday April 13th, 2014 11:41:01 PM
"Good plan. Be polite, generous, and carry a big stick. I believe I read that somewhere once."
(Brock) Jozhur AC20/15/15--CMD 20--HP 37/49 d20+9=19 ; Monday April 14th, 2014 12:42:46 AM
Jozhur follows in right behind Coer and takes a look around the temple.
"Sure, polite...but ready to be not polite."
-------- Perception: 19
Spirysn'rar Kilarn (Ian) AC 17/13/15 - CMD 14 - HP 24/24 Monday April 14th, 2014 3:05:09 AM "If there is a service, we can simply sit and observe. Perhaps it will give us some clues to what is happening here. But I agree with Sam and Aexana." Spire utters a short prayer to Gargul, tucking the holy symbol in his robe so as to not insult the priestess within. He stays behind Magana.
DM RobC - Shelter Monday April 14th, 2014 7:01:04 AM
The party take different stances to enter. Magana carries a "big stick", Coer a bag of gold, other just their manners.
Finally, Kane' pushes gently on the door and it slowly opens with a long, loud creeeeeeeak
The building is empty.
Seeking shelter from the rain outside, the party find themselves within a long chamber, its vaulted ceilings making it appear far more cavernous than it truly is. On the far end, a raised dais boasts a heavy altar, draped in cloth embroidered with a smattering of holy icons, and supporting several chalices, incense burners, and candelabras. Rows of wooden pews, made rough and rickety by years of use, face the altar. Several stained glass windows (probably worth more than the rest of the building combined) sit high in the walls. The occasional flash of lightning sends multi-hued patterns dancing and wriggling obscenely across the floor.
The sound of the footsteps made by the party echo off the walls and ceiling. Even your own breathing seems louder in here.
Sam (David W): 14/12/13 -- CMD 13 -- HP 42/42 d20+8=16 ; d20+10=28 ; Monday April 14th, 2014 7:20:36 AM
Sam is shocked to see no one in the church. He silently thinks back to the retaking of DrakesMeade (see Forged issue #137). The hallucination seemed so real as he scrambled to activate the bomb. The bard would have bet anything that the vision was purely a thing of reality. Could the people walking to the church also be some collective delusion?
The gnome comes to his senses and begins searching the hall and main chamber for clues or hidden passages. He calculates the relation of the hill's shape and size to that of landmarks inside the structure.
Zeoll sniffs for the presence of people, and tries to figure out when the temple was last used. He casts Taur's Try and Guidance as needed. He He looks for footprints, too.
Survival 31 nat 20 with scent!
Terser (Warren G) [22/13/19 -- CMD 23 -- HP 60/60 (raging 84/84)] d20+10=30 ; Monday April 14th, 2014 12:37:14 PM We all saw the people going in, right? Where could they have gone?
Terser takes a careful look around, going over anywhere there could be a secret door or unnoticed exit. These people have to have gone somewhere.
Perception 30 - natural 20 +8 skill +2 for stonework
Sam (David W): 14/12/13 -- CMD 13 -- HP 42/42 Monday April 14th, 2014 1:44:58 PM
Ooc- I was pretty excited about my rolls. It looks like I needn't have bothered!
Spirysn'rar Kilarn (Ian) AC 17/13/15 - CMD 14 - HP 24/24 d20+8=26 ; d20+8=13 ; Monday April 14th, 2014 4:01:32 PM
Spire blinks a few times before casting Prestidigitation on himself to dry off, and offering it to the others as well. He keeps an eye out for any secret doors, trying to think of where they might be built in a place like this. "A long time ago my... an elf I once knew told me that my people are exceptionally gifted at finding secret doors. I suppose we shall see if this is true."
Perception: 26 Kn Engineering: 13
(StevenVdB) Aexana HP 49/49 - AC16/14/13 / +4 vs Giant - CMD 15 / +1 vs Lizard & Goblinoids d20+15=22 ; Monday April 14th, 2014 5:05:35 PM
The tiny Gnome looks around the church disbelieving what she sees... (perception 22)
"At first this town was just weird... now it's getting creepy..."
Not wanting to go far from the main group she cautiously walks around the church...
Magana (Craig) [AC19] [HP 57 of 71] Monday April 14th, 2014 7:52:17 PM
Magana looks around for something to wedge the door open, then gratefully accepts Spire's offer to get dry. This improves her mood noticeably, and she smiles as she says, almost joyously, "Dry, a roof overhead, and a mystery to solve! Don't suppose someone has a cask of wine to round out this good fortune?"
Kane' Ma'Kai (SteveK) AC13/ T13/ F10/ CMD 17) HP 47/47 Monday April 14th, 2014 10:13:41 PM
Kane' stops off to one side of the Church doors, making sure all of his companions are out of the rain before shutting the doors. "All of the villagers were hurrying here, right?", he asks aloud, almost as if he can't believe that they can't see the church crowded with people.
The BloodWitch thinks back, trying to piece together all the little clues they may have come across in wandering about this very, very strange situation.
............................
ooc: OK DM, I am completely befuddled, and have absolutely no clue where this adventure is going! Could we have a recap or clue or something? Thanks much in advance! :-)
Actions......
Think. (Will even use a Hero Point to get a clue from the DM if we have to.)
Effects..... No spells currently on Kane'
Spells..... Loss of Domain, Granted power, and Domain spells Spells 1 - 4 2 - 3* 3 - 2*
(Brock) Jozhur AC20/15/15--CMD 20--HP 37/49 d20+9=18 ; Tuesday April 15th, 2014 1:11:46 AM
"And the night gets even stranger."
"Were they really going inside? Maybe they were heading somewhere else, around the building."
Jozhur helps search for any secret passages.
--------- Perception: 18 (21 for any traps)
DM RobC - A Secret Revealed Tuesday April 15th, 2014 7:57:22 AM
Kane' is just about ready to throw his hands in the air and ask the Gods for wisdom.
But then, a few things happen...
Aexana keenly notices a layer of dust on the presentation salver and the chalice on the altar. They probably haven't been used in some time. And unfortunately for Magana, there is no sacramental wine present.
Sam and Jozhur are convinced SOMEONE must have come in from the storm, and recently, because there are quite a few wet footprints that lead to the pews to the left of the door.
Spire and Zeoll notice that the wet footprints lead to a specific pew...and they don't go back outside again...
The highly perceptive Terser closely inspects the second to the last pew to the left of the doors. As he does so, he grips the armrest and there is a telltale "click"...and the pew slides to one side, revealing a spiral staircase that descends into darkness.
The spiral staircase is constructed of a wrought-iron frame with thick wooden planks for the steps. As stated, it goes downwards, into an unlit space of unknown dimension. Terser's darkvision allows him to see the staircase spiral downwards, but he cannot see through the staircase floorboards to see the bottom.
There is no noise that can be detected from below.
Coerator (Mark) AC17/16/14 -- CMD 21 -- HP 64/68 (Ki 3/5) d20+12=15 ; d20+4=8 ; Tuesday April 15th, 2014 8:54:27 AM "Gold won't do much good in the dark" mumbles Coer as he places the coin purse back in his pack and retrieves his lantern.
lighting it he scans the temple walls trying to see any familiar symbols that may give a clue as to what is worshiped here.
~~ ooc: perception; 15 know religion; 8
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC22 - HP33) d20+9=17 ; Tuesday April 15th, 2014 11:15:02 AM
Zeoll looks at that spiral staircase and flinches. He'll have to squeeze in and down as best he can. The other Taurs might have to do the same. Then, with a spellcraft check of 17, he has an idea.
"KahNay," he says to his witch friend, "Can you shrink us big folk so we can fit down those stairs a little better?"
Magana (Craig) [AC19] [HP 61 of 71] d8+1=4 ; Tuesday April 15th, 2014 11:59:53 AM
As the discovery of the hidden passage comes to light, Magana's good mood quickly disappears.
"I'll go down first unless someone wants to scout the way."
She takes a potion from her pack and knocks it back to take sting out of her previous injuries.
(last cure light potion for 4 HP)
Sam (David W): 14/12/13 -- CMD 13 -- HP 42/42 Tuesday April 15th, 2014 1:56:42 PM
Sam summons "dancing lights" to aid the group in the dark. He takes his place in the middle of the group. With only about half his normal energy remaining, he silently hopes he has enough power to support the team as they venture into the depths of darkness.
Sam (David W): 14/12/13 -- CMD 13 -- HP 42/42 d8+5=8 ; Tuesday April 15th, 2014 2:03:49 PM
Seeing that Jozhur is injured Sam casts CLW on him before they head down the passage.
Jozhur healed for 8 hp
(StevenVdB) Aexana HP 49/49 - AC16/14/13 / +4 vs Giant - CMD 15 / +1 vs Lizard & Goblinoids d20+7=11 ; d20+15=19 ; Tuesday April 15th, 2014 6:02:14 PM
Aex slowly follows the group down. Her low light vision does help a little but the dancing lights probably give enough illumination.
Slowly she goes down the stairs... (stealth 11, perception 19)
--------------------------------------------------------------------- Retrieving the last Spell list I put on the board here
8 x Storm Burst (Weather Domain Power) (7/8 left) 1 x dancing lights (Gnome Magic) 1 x ghost sound (Gnome Magic) 1 x prestidigitation (Gnome Magic) 1 x Speak with animals (Gnome Magic)
Available Wild Shapes Today : 2/3 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Spirysn'rar Kilarn (Ian) AC 17/13/15 - CMD 14 - HP 24/24 Tuesday April 15th, 2014 7:47:46 PM
Spire pulls out his quarterstaff and casts Light on the top, just in case. "I will keep to the middle, given my... fragile state. Given the circumstances, I might be a bit more useful this time." Spire pulls the holy symbol of Gargul out from beneath his robe as a white rat scurries onto his head from the folds of his cloak. The elf scratches it absent-mindedly, smiling to himself.
Kane' Ma'Kai (SteveK) AC13/ T13/ F10/ CMD 17) HP 47/47 d100=95 ; d100=86 ; d100=6 ; d100=23 ; Tuesday April 15th, 2014 8:08:04 PM
ooc: LOL! That's what I get for getting confused too early! :-) ..........................
Kane's mood of despair mercurially turns to thankfulness and he looks at the rafters, "mahalo, akua lono". Then the Bloodwitch nods and moves to the secret passage.
As the heroes get in line to descend the stair, Kane' reaches for a ley line and taps it using his arcane knowledge he still retains to cast a Reduce Person spell on Magana who leads. Another spell goes to Captain Coer, and turning to bestow a third reducing spell on Zeoll, the fickle ley line slips from his mental grasp and the spell is lost. The Bloodwitch must make another grab before successfully casting Reduce Person a third time on the old liontaur before falling in at the end to make their way down the stair.
Actions......
It takes 4 rounds for Kane' to cast the three Reduce Person spells. On the 4th round, he starts down the stair.
Effects..... Reduce Person Magana - 57, Coer - 58, Zeoll - 60 /60 rounds [CL6] reduced to Medium Size; (+1 AC,+1 to hit, +2 Dex, -2 Str) Fort DC 12 to negate if they wanted
Spells..... Loss of Domain, Granted power, and Domain spells Spells 1 - 4 2 - 3* 3 - 2*
Terser (Warren G) [22/13/19 -- CMD 23 -- HP 60/60 (raging 84/84)] d20+8=16 ; Tuesday April 15th, 2014 9:46:22 PM
Terser follows the reduced Magana down the stairs, alert for anything to happen, though feeling more at home than he has in a long time from the tunnel-like passage.
Perception 16
Magana (Craig) [AC20] [HP 61 of 71] d20+11=31 ; Tuesday April 15th, 2014 11:16:17 PM
(ooc: perception 31 on nat 20)
Glad for the dancing lights, Magana descends on the mysterious stairway...
(Brock) Jozhur AC20/15/15--CMD 20--HP 45/49 Wednesday April 16th, 2014 12:55:23 AM
Jozhur lets out a long sigh, obviously not thrilled to be heading into the pitch dark underground. He starts to retrieve a torch from his bag, but figures the dancing lights and Coer's lantern will be enough.
The rogue falls in behind Magana, ready to head down second in line.
(Brock) Jozhur AC20/15/15--CMD 20--HP 45/49 Wednesday April 16th, 2014 12:55:56 AM
Make that third in line, behind Terser.
DM RobC - A Secret Revealed Wednesday April 16th, 2014 6:45:02 AM OOC: Post incoming. Just having "mapping" issues :)
DM RobC - A Secret Revealed Wednesday April 16th, 2014 7:28:23 AM
Even Coer can recognise that this temple is (or was?) dedicated to Alemi. Perhaps even to the Gods of the Wold as a pantheon. Who knows? Religious studies never were his strong suit - unless of course you count sending people to meet the Gods.
Noone in the party expresses surprise at the finding of the hidden stairwell. After all, the people they saw earlier had to go somewhere, didn't they?
Aexana attempts to stealthily make her way down the stairs. It may be a moot point as Magana thumps down behind her.
The stairs creak and shift beneath your feet, almost as though they were grunting in pain. The chamber into which the stairs descend is empty. Two doors provide egress to your right and left. Ahead of you, a large double door stands between two much smaller ones. All of the walls are etched with images of horrific creatures of the deep, from mighty serpents to great krakens. Their eyes seem to glare at you in hatred.
The only light in the room is that provided by the various sources the party brought or conjured, and the shadows created make the room all the more creepier.
A number of the party are observant enough to notice there are still enough wet footprints to show that people seem to have passed through the double doors recently.
I have assumed that all of the taurs consented to the Reduce Spell. If so, please note the effects: a +2 size bonus to Dexterity, a --2 size penalty to Strength (to a minimum of 1), and a +1 bonus on attack rolls and AC due to reduced size. If not, you can remain large and use squeezing rules.
Please forgive the crudeness of the map, but it's one of those times I think mapping will be useful. There are 4 smaller doors (represented by yellow) on the map There is a set of 2 larger doors (represented by green) on the map
Sam (David W): 14/12/13 -- CMD 13 -- HP 42/42 d20+10=22 ; Wednesday April 16th, 2014 3:01:16 PM
Sam focuses on the images on the walls of the room. He attempts to identify the creatures. (Dungeoneering=22)
The gnome then looks to the braver members of the group as to where they are going next.
He whispers,"I'm thinking we should just open the main doors and say hi. I doubt stealth will be much of an option with how old and creaky everything seems to be."
(StevenVdB) Aexana HP 49/49 - AC16/14/13 / +4 vs Giant - CMD 15 / +1 vs Lizard & Goblinoids Wednesday April 16th, 2014 4:41:31 PM
Just before entering Aexana places her hand on Magana casting Barkskin on the shrunken Taur... "This will increase your protection my friend... be careful... I don't like the feeling of this place"
(Casting Barkskin on Magana - AC+3 for 600 rounds)
--------------------------------------------------------------------- Retrieving the last Spell list I put on the board here
8 x Storm Burst (Weather Domain Power) (7/8 left) 1 x dancing lights (Gnome Magic) 1 x ghost sound (Gnome Magic) 1 x prestidigitation (Gnome Magic) 1 x Speak with animals (Gnome Magic)
Available Wild Shapes Today : 2/3 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Magana (Craig) [AC23] [HP 61 of 71] d20+11=25 ; Wednesday April 16th, 2014 5:50:23 PM
Magana murmurs her thanks to Aexana as her skin hardens under gnomes touch.
"I'm going to open these doors, unless someone objects," she whispers to the others, and takes a moment to inspect the double-door's mechanism before reaching for it. (perception 25)
Cleric spells (underlined = cast): 0: guidance, purify food & drink, light, stabilize 1: command, command x2, elf vision 2: calm emo x2, faerie fire (One calm emo used to summon the fey)
Sorcerer spells: Cast: 1 of 5 (mage armor) Laughing Touch: used 0 of 7. Channel Energy 1d6: used 0 of 7. Fey domain: Hide Away: used 3 of 7. Spread the Word: used 1 of 1.
Current effects: Mage Armor (4 hours, cast March 28); Elf Vision (50 min), Guidance, Reduce Person Also Used: Detect Evil scroll, hero point, vial of acid
Kane' Ma'Kai (SteveK) AC13/ T13/ F10/ CMD 17) HP 47/47 Wednesday April 16th, 2014 6:04:13 PM
Kane's spells are quite limited, and many of his powers that he received from his Akua are gone for the foreseeable future, so the BloodWitch is reduced to his stock of potions and other magic. He draws his wand of CLW anticipating battle, and gets a potion of Shield out of his HHH.
There isn't a need to speak since the group is already doing what he would have suggested anyways. Poised for action, Kane' waits on the actions of Magana and the others.
Actions......
It takes 4 rounds for Kane' to cast the three Reduce Person spells. On the 4th round, he starts down the stair.
Effects..... Reduce Person Magana - 57, Coer - 58, Zeoll - 60 /60 rounds [CL6] reduced to Medium Size; (+1 AC,+1 to hit, +2 Dex, -2 Str) Fort DC 12 to negate if they wanted
Spells..... Loss of Domain, Granted power, and Domain spells Spells 1 - 4 2 - 3* 3 - 2*
Coerator (Mark) AC17/16/14 -- CMD 21 -- HP 64/68 (Ki 3/5) Wednesday April 16th, 2014 6:23:29 PM "Well look at me... I FIT!" exclaims Coer as he trots down the stairs in his minimized form.
"Open the door Magana, but dont expect a warm reception"
Sam (David W): 14/12/13 -- CMD 13 -- HP 42/42 Wednesday April 16th, 2014 6:31:12 PM
Sam says nothing as the doors are about to be opened. He focuses his mind on possible aid the group might need of their new bard.
(Brock) Jozhur AC20/15/15--CMD 20--HP 45/49 d20+12=17 ; Wednesday April 16th, 2014 6:57:52 PM
Jozhur quickly checks the door for traps then motions for Magana to open it.
--------- Perception : 17
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC23 - HP33) Wednesday April 16th, 2014 8:39:40 PM
OOPS! I had some errors in my sanity info, which I edited.
Terser (Warren G) [22/13/19 -- CMD 23 -- HP 60/60 (raging 84/84)] Wednesday April 16th, 2014 9:25:37 PM Perhaps we should check out these smaller doors first, to see if they have any nasty surprises back there for us. A quick look wouldn't hurt.
Whatever the group decides, Terser has his glaive ready for action.
13/17 remaining rage rounds today
DM RobC - A Secret Revealed Thursday April 17th, 2014 7:15:21 AM
Sam checks out the images on the walls. Of the ones he recognises - a kraken, sea serpants, sea drakes, to name a few - none are carved in a "I'm happy, here's some flowers" kind of way. They're carved to appear menacing. Terrifying. Powerful. (Fyi - I assume you mean Knowl Nature to determine what you know about these sea creatures rather than Knowl Dungeoneering. )
With agreement from the rest of the party, Magana reaches out her now normal sized hand to open the door. Only Terser has reservations, wondering if perhaps the other doors warrant investigation.
The doors open with a satisfying 'click'. Unlocked? Hmm.
Behind the door is a straight staircase descending downwards to another set of double doors. Still the only light is that created by the party.
----------------- OOC: Fyi - If you plan on moving please give me the coordinates you move to :)
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC23 - HP33) d20+19=32 ; d20+19=27 ; Thursday April 17th, 2014 11:31:19 AM
Zeoll says "SHHH!" to his friends and listens at the other doors before moving on.
Door at L14: 32 Door at G16: 27
Unless listening reveals the presence of ambushers who might attack from behind, Zeoll suggests that the group should follow the wet footprints through the big doors and down stairs.
Zeoll will be in J17 when the lower door is opened.
DM RobC: Does Zeoll also stop to listen at the other two doors: H18 and K18?
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC23 - HP33) d20+19=31 ; d20+19=35 ; Thursday April 17th, 2014 12:50:08 PM
There are two other doors? OOPSIE! Oh look!
Sure, yes please! 31 and 35, sweet!
Spirysn'rar Kilarn (Ian) AC 17/13/15 - CMD 14 - HP 24/24 Thursday April 17th, 2014 1:21:22 PM
Spire readies himself for whatever may be on the other side of these doors.
OoC :: Sorry for lagging on my posts a bit recently, I'm simultaneously graduating college and moving away for a new job. Life is a bit hectic.
Magana (Craig) [AC23] [HP 61 of 71] d20+11=15 ; Thursday April 17th, 2014 3:59:36 PM
Magana nods in approval as the other doors are checked, but waits at the main doors. Once everyone is satisfied she heads down the steps at a reduced clomp, flail in hand.
(perception 15)
Magana (Craig) [AC23] [HP 61 of 71] Thursday April 17th, 2014 4:27:15 PM
(ooc: nothing to see here... move along... just tracking & prepping for battle... DMRob: I'm using 6 rounds per post for spell effects since not in battle... let me know if you want it otherwise)
1) hits a ?? for ?? dmg 2) hits a ?? for ? dmg 3) hits a ?? for ?? dmg
AC = 23 -2Rage = ??
[AoO if needed hits a ?? for ?? dmg] [Rage used = 7 of 17 rounds] [Barkskin = 10 of 600 rounds] [Reduce Person = 47 of 60 rounds]
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC23 - HP33) Thursday April 17th, 2014 4:47:28 PM
OOC: 6 rounds per post, huh? ... Zeoll renews his Guidance from time to time ... and KahNay, watch out that we do not unshrink at an inopportune moment! :-)
Kane' Ma'Kai (SteveK) AC13/ T13/ F10/ CMD 17) HP 47/47 d100=91 ; Thursday April 17th, 2014 6:21:34 PM
Kane' replies in earnest. "I will count my time, Zeoll Sir."
It is not time for the Witch to be ready for combat, so he carefully sheathes his wand just like he would a dagger, and uses his free hand to prepare himself as best he may. The pictures on the walls do not inspire confidence at the kindness the Lionfish will receive on the other end of the wet trail, but Kane' still isn't sure whether the villagers are active or reluctant participants in the mystery of Gullport.
He casts Message, enabling him to provide a whispered conversation to anyone he points his finger at.
Actions......
Cast Message 91% success
Effects..... Reduce Person Magana - 51, Coer - 52, Zeoll - 54/60 rounds [CL6] reduced to Medium Size; (+1 AC,+1 to hit, +2 Dex, -2 Str) Message - 60/60 minutes, [CL6] whisper messages and receive whispered replies. Overhear requires a Listen Check at DC 25
Spells..... Loss of Domain, Granted power, and Domain spells Spells 1 - 4 2 - 3* 3 - 2*
(StevenVdB) Aexana HP 49/49 - AC16/14/13 / +4 vs Giant - CMD 15 / +1 vs Lizard & Goblinoids d20+15=18 ; d20+7=8 ; Thursday April 17th, 2014 6:53:31 PM
Aex is worried about tje whole situation and there's not that much the little Gnome Herbalist can do right now... She tries to get a sense of directions to the streets above... they climbed he hill towards the church, then they started to decent into the hill along the stairs... (casting Know Direction upon herself)
"Could this just be some old smuggler's route? Perhaps these tunnels just exit at the waterfront...
The Druid waits for his friends to clear the area and the follows them down. She tries ti stay lore or less in the center of the pack.
(Perception 18, Stealth 8 - nat 1) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Retrieving the last Spell list I put on the board here
8 x Storm Burst (Weather Domain Power) (7/8 left) 1 x dancing lights (Gnome Magic) 1 x ghost sound (Gnome Magic) 1 x prestidigitation (Gnome Magic) 1 x Speak with animals (Gnome Magic)
Available Wild Shapes Today : 2/3 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
(Brock) Jozhur AC20/15/15--CMD 20--HP 45/49 d20+13=19 ; d20+9=10 ; Thursday April 17th, 2014 10:26:25 PM
Jozhur heads down the steps ahead of the others while Zeoll is listening at the other doors. He moves as quietly as he can, but the darkness makes things difficult.
------------- Perception: 10 (13 to find traps) Stealth: 19
Terser (Warren G) [22/13/19 -- CMD 23 -- HP 60/60 (raging 84/84)] Thursday April 17th, 2014 10:46:11 PM
(assuming nothing from behind the doors)
Terser follows next to Magana, ready to open the lower doors.
Sam (David W): 14/12/13 -- CMD 13 -- HP 42/42 Thursday April 17th, 2014 11:50:11 PM
Unsure if the group is opening doors before venturing down or not, Sam holds his ground. He renews his dancing lights spell.
Coerator (Mark) AC17/16/14 -- CMD 21 -- HP 64/68 (Ki 3/5) Friday April 18th, 2014 12:16:45 AM hehe... he... just imagine if we all grew again... at the same time... in this small tunnel...." Coer loos around nervously.
Should we not look for answers behind these doors? maybe some clue as what is happening lies here?
(Brock) Jozhur AC20/15/15--CMD 20--HP 45/49 d20+9=16 ; Friday April 18th, 2014 12:34:50 AM
"Up to you boss, I'm just checking the steps quick. Sam can let me know if you're checking another room and I'll hurry back up."
Jozhur moves to J24 and waits. Once there he will also quickly examine the door for traps.
------------ You can use my earlier perception roll for the door or this new roll (16, 19 for traps).
Sam (David W): 14/12/13 -- CMD 13 -- HP 42/42 Friday April 18th, 2014 1:52:02 AM "I'm not much of a door checker. I more of the help the door checker type of gnome."
Sam holds his ground at the center of the upper chamber and waits for the sounds of trouble in any direction.
DM RobC - A Secret Revealed Friday April 18th, 2014 7:18:51 AM
Zeoll does the rounds, pressing an ear to each door. Not a single sound can be heard behind any of them. Perhaps the old taurs hearing is starting to go on him?
Aexana casts a spell to gain her bearings. She puts the ocean to the west of where she is standing (left on the map) and the town to the south-east (bottom right of the map).
Jozhur heads down the stairs and examines the double closed doors. They are almost identical to the ones just opened. He doesn't see any signs of traps, nor can he hear anyone on the other side.
The party seem mixed on how to proceed. Does anyone dare open the doors at the bottom of the stairs? Will the other doors to this room remain closed? Will Coer return to his large size and crush everyone else?
----------------- OOC: Happy Easter folks! I don't know if others will be posting today, this weekend, or Monday, however I will endeavour to post again on Monday
Sam (David W): 14/12/13 -- CMD 13 -- HP 42/42 Friday April 18th, 2014 9:36:48 AM
Sam studies the group's surroundings and forms an opinion.
"If we ignore the doors on this level, we might miss the people we are looking for, by passing them as we proceed downwards. Maybe we should check each floor before proceeding."
With his opinion voiced, the bard waits for the commanding types to determine a course of action. He will follow Terser's vote as always.
Kane' Ma'Kai (SteveK) AC13/ T13/ F10/ CMD 17) HP 47/47 d20+8=26 ; d20+6=7 ; d20+6=17 ; Friday April 18th, 2014 5:58:35 PM
Kane' shakes his head. "The watery footprints are probably significant, if we but follow them." Keeping in the background and only making a suggestion, not a statement, the BloodWitch again looks at the mean-spirited mosaics and thinks if any wisdom can bubble up from the esoteric knowledge he knows.
Effects..... Reduce Person Magana - 50, Coer - 51, Zeoll - 53/60 rounds [CL6] reduced to Medium Size; (+1 AC,+1 to hit, +2 Dex, -2 Str) Message - 60/60 minutes, [CL6] whisper messages and receive whispered replies. Overhear requires a Listen Check at DC 25
Spells..... Loss of Domain, Granted power, and Domain spells Spells 1 - 4 2 - 3* 3 - 2*
Sam (David W): 14/12/13 -- CMD 13 -- HP 42/42 Friday April 18th, 2014 8:10:57 PM
The gnome considers Kane's suggestion and weighs the possibilities.
"I do agree, but we have no way of knowing if they are able to circle back up another passage unless we check."
Terser (Warren G) [22/13/19 -- CMD 23 -- HP 60/60 (raging 84/84)] Saturday April 19th, 2014 5:41:50 PM well, no use standing around until they come out at us. Keep guarding the door down there, J, while we check these out.
Terser opens the door K18.
Spirysn'rar Kilarn (Ian) AC 17/13/15 - CMD 14 - HP 24/24 Sunday April 20th, 2014 2:38:02 PM "Fortune favours the bold, I suppose," Spire mutters, holding his quarterstaff at the ready.
(StevenVdB) Aexana HP 49/49 - AC16/14/13 / +4 vs Giant - CMD 15 / +1 vs Lizard & Goblinoids Sunday April 20th, 2014 5:51:02 PM "The footprints lead further down... behind these doors we might learn more about what goes on here... something we will most likely also find out by surprise if we go ddown without checking the doors... Let's go..."
Aex walks towards the double doors and stands close to Magana.
Coerator (Mark) AC17/16/14 -- CMD 21 -- HP 64/68 (Ki 3/5) d20+12=13 ; Sunday April 20th, 2014 8:32:12 PM After you Terser"
Coer cautiously follows the bold Terser through the door @ k18, examining the room as he enters
¬¬¬ perception 13
Magana (Craig) [AC23] [HP 61 of 71] Monday April 21st, 2014 12:43:54 AM
Magana holds her position at the top of the double doors until Cover completes his exploration.
DM RobC - A Secret Revealed Monday April 21st, 2014 6:14:05 AM
Sam has second thoughts about proceeding. What if they miss something important? What if these doorways allow the enemy to circle behind the party? What if ... ? The mind of a gnome is a wonderful thing :)
Kane is practically convinced the watery footprints are the clue that must be followed.
Terser, ever bold, strides up and opens one of the doors. You can almost feel Spire tense up.
Behind the doorway can be seen... a cloakroom. Plain blue cloaks hang neatly across the back wall. Unfortunately, these simple cloaks fail to cover either the face or much of the body, and thus they are next to useless as disguises. The cloaks are all dry and clean. Coer confirms everything looks fine here.
Aexana stays next to the relative safety of Magana. Magana holds her watchful position at the top of the stairs. Though she lacks her former size, she is confident none shall pass her.
DM RobC - A Secret Revealed Monday April 21st, 2014 6:18:35 AM
Oh, and Kane is unable to glean any more information from the mosaics than the party have already learned.
(Brock) Jozhur AC20/15/15--CMD 20--HP 45/49 d20+9=16 ; Monday April 21st, 2014 6:32:33 AM
Jozhur waits for the others at the bottom of the steps, continuing to look and listen at the door. (perception: 16)
Sam (David W): 14/12/13 -- CMD 13 -- HP 42/42 d20+10=14 ; d20+8=16 ; Monday April 21st, 2014 7:51:23 AM
Interested in knowing more as to what is going on, Sam examines the robes for signs of the religious practitioners to whom they belong. (religion=14)
He then helps search the room for other clues. (perception=16)
"Let's check the other doors before proceeding downward."
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC23 - HP33) d20+11=31 ; d20+17=21 ; Monday April 21st, 2014 8:41:36 AM
"Wait a minute," Zeoll mutters, "What about the sighs of passage we have seen?"
The liontaur sniffs the watery footprints, then moves down the stairs to look and sniff among the cloaks. He renews his Guidance and Taur's Try.
Survival to track (by smell or otherwise) 31 nat 20!
Perception 21
Terser (Warren G) [22/13/19 -- CMD 23 -- HP 60/60 (raging 84/84)] Monday April 21st, 2014 9:48:18 AM Looks like we had nothing to fear up here. Still, that's a good idea. Perhaps one of the other rooms has something we can use as disguises, or at least additional clues about what's going on.
Terser proceeds to open the door on the other side of the stairs, and if it is similarly non-threatening, will do the door on the west after.
Spirysn'rar Kilarn (Ian) AC 17/13/15 - CMD 14 - HP 24/24 Monday April 21st, 2014 1:12:34 PM
Spire uses Detect Magic, scanning the room quickly to see if anything registers.
(StevenVdB) Aexana HP 49/49 - AC16/14/13 / +4 vs Giant - CMD 15 / +1 vs Lizard & Goblinoids d20+15=25 ; Monday April 21st, 2014 6:31:43 PM
Aexana waits for her companions to check the different rooms. Seels like these folk have a dresscode! She's worried though that the wet footprints soon will dry out... then it won't be as obvious where these people went...
While waiting she exalines the footprints (survival 25) Any chance of knowing how many went down? All humanoids? No marks of anyone being dragged down?
Kane' Ma'Kai (SteveK) AC13/ T13/ F10/ CMD 17) HP 47/47 d20+9=27 ; Monday April 21st, 2014 9:59:08 PM
Kane' sees the others are overcome with curiosity with the doors, and in truth, the BloodWitch doesn't see anything wrong with checking it out first. The half=elf opens another one of the doors just to check. If it is another closet, he will even put his hand in to feel the back of the closest and make sure there is no secret entrance.
Actions......
Perception: Looking for secret doors in the closests DC 27
Effects..... Reduce Person Magana - 49, Coer - 50, Zeoll - 52/60 rounds [CL6] reduced to Medium Size; (+1 AC,+1 to hit, +2 Dex, -2 Str) Message - 60/60 minutes, [CL6] whisper messages and receive whispered replies. Overhear requires a Listen Check at DC 25
Spells..... Loss of Domain, Granted power, and Domain spells Spells 1 - 4 2 - 3* 3 - 2*
Coerator (Mark) AC17/16/14 -- CMD 21 -- HP 64/68 (Ki 3/5) d20+12=18 ; Monday April 21st, 2014 10:48:04 PM
Cover watches a Kane opens another door and quickly moves to support him, Miniturised fists at the ready.
~~~ Perception 18 looking into the door opened by Kane
Magana (Craig) [AC23] [HP 61 of 71] Tuesday April 22nd, 2014 12:02:05 AM
Magana scrapes a hoof distractedly along the top step, willing herself to be calm, but nearly unable to contain the desire to be moving on. Though not by intent, her demeanor gives away her underlying agitation and impatience.
DM RobC - A Secret Revealed Tuesday April 22nd, 2014 6:01:02 AM
Magana is getting anxious. Is it being underground and away from nature that is bothering her? Is it that the unknown is ahead? Possibly that there and evil-doers deserving of her punishment getting away.
Coer keeps an eye on proceedings. Spire too looks about, but cannot see anything magical. There are lingering magical auras in the air, though with people in the party moving about it cannot be determined whether the auras are from friend or foe.
Sam and Terser open two other doors. The door on the other side of the double doors opens into another closet - virtually identical to the other, and with the same cloaky robes inside.
The door on the west opens into a type of bedroom. This chamber is empty but for a pair of unmade bunks, each with a small foot locker beneath it. The sheets are yellowed from long use, and acrid with the sweat of sleeping men with evil dreams. The room coming off it to the east is a closet full of blankets, pillows, and spare cloaks. It may take a few minutes to search through these rooms in greater detail.
While the others check out the doors and rooms, Aexana and Zeoll have a closer look at the footprints. Though worried they may dry out soon, they are still plenty wet enough. In fact, there are so many it is difficult to tell how many people may have come this way as the water all starts to bleed together. Certainly more than 2 or three people. This may be a central thoroughfare. The footsteps clearly seen are booted - no barefeet, paws or claws. And perhaps interestingly, they all go in the same direction - none come back this way.
After checking the closet for a false back (and not finding one) Kane' tries the door on the east wall. Unlike the other doors, this one is locked tight. The door doesn't even wiggle.
Jozhur keeps watch and guard at the bottom of the stairs.
Terser (Warren G) [22/13/19 -- CMD 23 -- HP 60/60 (raging 84/84)] Tuesday April 22nd, 2014 10:35:05 AM Well, I'm satisfied up here for now. I would bash down the other door, but that would be sure to alert anyone here to our presence, if they're not aware already. Let's see what's behind door number 6...
Terser heads down the stairs, ready to open up the large doors when the others are ready.
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC23 - HP33) d20+17=31 ; Tuesday April 22nd, 2014 11:32:59 AM
Old Zeoll querulously wonders what is going on. He thought the group was going downstairs. Once again, his confusion makes him think that maybe adventuring is a game best played by the young.
But then he shakes off his fugue and makes himself useful, walking down the stairs and listening to the door that Jozhur is guarding.
With guidance and taur's try, perception 31 +2 = 33! [OOC: I had forgotten about the Elf Vision spell! It adds an extra +2 perception and detects secret doors in passing!] [BTW, Zeoll's Perception is base 5 ranks, +4 wis, +3 class, +5 item +1 Taur's Try +1 Guidance +2 Elf Vision = +21! So make that perception check a 35, please!]
=====
DM Sanity Info
Cleric spells (underlined = cast): 0: guidance, purify food & drink, light, stabilize 1: command, command x2, elf vision 2: calm emo x2, faerie fire (One calm emo used to summon the fey)
Sorcerer spells: Cast: 1 of 5 (mage armor) Laughing Touch: used 0 of 7. Channel Energy 1d6: used 0 of 7. Fey domain: Hide Away: used 3 of 7. Spread the Word: used 1 of 1.
Current effects: Mage Armor (4 hours, cast March 28); Elf Vision (50 min), Guidance, Reduce Person Also Used: Detect Evil scroll, hero point, vial of acid
Zeoll worries that his reduce is going to wear off soon.
Sam (David W): 14/12/13 -- CMD 13 -- HP 42/42 Tuesday April 22nd, 2014 12:27:14 PM
Sam nods at Terser's suggestion. The locked door could be opened on the way back. Also, the noise required to get in would be "alarmingly" loud. The bard follows behind his brother.
Magana (Craig) [AC23] [HP 61 of 71] Tuesday April 22nd, 2014 3:50:55 PM
Once the go-ahead has been given, Magana not quite charges down the stairs, but she certainly is not making any attempt at stealth. Assuming Jozhur has all-cleared these doors, she opens them, bracing herself for an attack.
(StevenVdB) Aexana HP 49/49 - AC16/14/13 / +4 vs Giant - CMD 15 / +1 vs Lizard & Goblinoids d20+15=28 ; Tuesday April 22nd, 2014 5:24:47 PM
Aexana follows along with Magana once the door is opened... holding no weapons... but keeping an eye out for trouble (perception 28). It seems highly unlikely that there would be traps on the stairs... stairs that are so frequently used by so many just feel... 'safe'...
Kane' Ma'Kai (SteveK) AC13/ T13/ F10/ CMD 17) HP 47/47 Tuesday April 22nd, 2014 6:04:45 PM
Kane' is also happy the 'go-ahead' is given and takes his place in the line going down the stair, continually feeling the reduce person spells in his head and so will know when to renew them.
Actions......
Perception: Looking for secret doors in the closests DC 27
Effects..... Reduce Person Magana - 48, Coer - 49, Zeoll - 51/60 rounds [CL6] reduced to Medium Size; (+1 AC,+1 to hit, +2 Dex, -2 Str) Message - 60/60 minutes, [CL6] whisper messages and receive whispered replies. Overhear requires a Listen Check at DC 25
Spells..... Loss of Domain, Granted power, and Domain spells Spells 1 - 4 2 - 3* 3 - 2*
Coerator (Mark) AC17/16/14 -- CMD 21 -- HP 64/68 (Ki 3/5) Tuesday April 22nd, 2014 9:59:51 PM "This space is safe for now - lets move forward."
Coer walks on and takes the next spot on the stairs.
"Open the door already, Jo"
Spirysn'rar Kilarn (Ian) AC 17/13/15 - CMD 14 - HP 24/24 Wednesday April 23rd, 2014 3:59:41 AM
Spire takes a deep breath to calm his churning stomach. "I do not usually experience this much stomach distress on dry land... although I suppose the land in this place can hardly be called dry."
(Brock) Jozhur AC20/15/15--CMD 20--HP 45/49 d20+9=29 ; Wednesday April 23rd, 2014 6:04:20 AM
Jozhur nods to Coer and tries the door.
Should it open he enters the next room and has a look around. (perception: 29)
DM RobC - Deeper into the rabbit hole Wednesday April 23rd, 2014 6:23:01 AM
Terser is confident that he cold break the locked door down. Like any door has ever kept a dwarf from where he wanted to go underground! Sam nods with his assessment, but agrees to leaving it for later.
The others fall in line, with Coer acting as rear guard. Kane' stays close to Jozhur, wary not to let the rogue befall any more harm. What would the gods think!
Zeoll listens at the double doors, but hears nothing. Between the gaps in the door a familiar odour wafts to his keen nose. It smells like, the ocean? Fish too, perhaps?
There is a small grumble, which turns out to just be Spire's stomach. Is it land-sickness?
Satisfied that there is nothing more to learn here, Magana and Terser open the doors at the bottom of the stairs.
Behind the doors is a fairly empty chamber. A heavy black curtain hangs across the wall to your left, waving slightly despite the lack of any breeze. To your right, a pair of bookcases creak beneath the weight of ancient tomes of cracked leather and yellowing pages.
On the opposite side of the chamber, a familiar set of closed double doors.
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC23 - HP33) d20+20=31 ; Wednesday April 23rd, 2014 6:53:44 AM
Zeoll readies the use of his tower shield for total cover, to be triggered by any attack. He moves into the room after Magana and Terser, looking and watching as he walks to K26. He points to the tapestry.
Perception at +20: 31
=====
DM Sanity Info
Cleric spells (underlined = cast): 0: guidance, purify food & drink, light, stabilize 1: command, command x2, elf vision 2: calm emo x2, faerie fire (One calm emo used to summon the fey)
Sorcerer spells: Cast: 1 of 5 (mage armor) Laughing Touch: used 0 of 7. Channel Energy 1d6: used 0 of 7. Fey domain: Hide Away: used 3 of 7. Spread the Word: used 1 of 1.
Current effects: Mage Armor (4 hours, cast March 28); Elf Vision (50 min), Taur's Try (Mino), Reduce Person Also Used: Detect Evil scroll, hero point, vial of acid
Spirysn'rar Kilarn (Ian) AC 17/13/15 - CMD 14 - HP 24/24 d20+8=26 ; d20+12=27 ; d20+12=21 ; Wednesday April 23rd, 2014 6:56:21 AM
Spire continues to use Detect Magic, gazing at the tapestry and the bookcase. He peruses it quickly, seeing if any religious or arcane texts jump out in particular. (Perception: 26, Religion: 27, Arcana: 21)
Terser (Warren G) [22/13/19 -- CMD 23 -- HP 60/60 (raging 84/84)] Wednesday April 23rd, 2014 12:56:54 PM Hmph. Even I know that books shouldn't be stored in these damp conditions...
Seeing nothing that warrants his investigation, Terser moves on to the uninspired 3rd set of double doors and readies himself to kick them open in concert with Magana. While he does this, he is also planning a new set of doors that would add some flavour and life to the temple. Perhaps new carvings, possibly some gilding, anything to relieve the monotony of the architecture.
Sam (David W): 14/12/13 -- CMD 13 -- HP 42/42 d20+8=15 ; Wednesday April 23rd, 2014 4:03:03 PM
Curiosity overcomes tactics as Sam finds himself drawn to the bookcase. He combs the tomes for ancient or foreign languages. If none are found, he looks for anything with an unusual topic. Sam appears possessed in his eager pursuit of knowledge. (Perception=15)
"Give me a few minutes. I need to examine these."
(StevenVdB) Aexana HP 49/49 - AC16/14/13 / +4 vs Giant - CMD 15 / +1 vs Lizard & Goblinoids d20+15=26 ; Wednesday April 23rd, 2014 5:35:14 PM
Aexana takes in the room and instinctivly checks where the wet footprints lead to... the movement of the tapestry without breeze makes her assume there's something behind it!
In any case Aex follows the footprints. (Perception 26)
Magana (Craig) [AC23] [HP 61 of 71] d20=8 ; Wednesday April 23rd, 2014 10:10:22 PM
(Intelligence check = 8)
Despite Zeoll's hint, Magana thinks nothing of the waiving tapestry and moves up next to Terser to open the next set of doors.
Magana (Craig) [AC23] [HP 61 of 71] Wednesday April 23rd, 2014 10:11:34 PM
*waving* not *waiving* ... grrr
Kane' Ma'Kai (SteveK) AC13/ T13/ F10/ CMD 17) HP 47/47 d20+9=12 ; Wednesday April 23rd, 2014 11:01:16 PM
Kane' keeps his CLW wand in one hand, and follows his crew mates. His hackles rise as he sees the tapestry moving underground without a breeze. The little gnome Aexana has the right idea, but Kane' feels he should be more direct. After all, if there is anyone behind the curtain, it is highly unlikely the non-stealthy group will be able to surprise them.
Approaching defensively, Kane' uses his Message spell to quietly tell the others: "the curtain is moving, I will see what is behind it." and he moves the curtain aside and looks behind it.
Actions......
Defensive: +2 AC
Move to K, 27
Open black wall hanging
Perception: 12
Effects..... Reduce Person Magana - 47, Coer - 48, Zeoll - 50/60 rounds [CL6] reduced to Medium Size; (+1 AC,+1 to hit, +2 Dex, -2 Str) Message - 60/60 minutes, [CL6] whisper messages and receive whispered replies. Overhear requires a Listen Check at DC 25
Spells..... Loss of Domain, Granted power, and Domain spells Spells 1 - 4 2 - 3* 3 - 2*
(Brock) Jozhur AC20/15/15--CMD 20--HP 45/49 d20+13=24 ; d20+9=20 ; Wednesday April 23rd, 2014 11:22:41 PM
Jozhur tip toes alongside Kane to check out the wall hanging. He draws his sword and spaces himself from Kane, standing ready as the curtain is flung open.
------------------ Move to K29 Stealth: 24 Perception: 20
Coerator (Mark) AC17/16/14 -- CMD 21 -- HP 64/68 (Ki 3/5) Thursday April 24th, 2014 1:34:50 AM
Coer finds himself in an unusual situation. His crewmates have rushed before him towards a potential unseen foe and he is unable to reach over their heads to assist.
Thinking quickly he prepares his shurikans (which have also shrunk to the appropriate size) and stands behind Kane.
DM RobC - Deeper into the rabbit hole Thursday April 24th, 2014 7:09:03 AM
Zeoll moves in and keeps his back to the wall. He signals to someone to indicate the moving tapestry. This whole room smells strongly of the ocean, dust and fish.
Terser recalls the great dwarven halls and architecture, and how this place could benefit from it. This place is nothing like Drakesmeade!
He and Magana go straight towards the other set of doors. The curtain is moving? Bah! Who ever got hurt by a piece of cloth. Where are the real enemies?!
Aexana follows the wet footprints, and notes they move all about this room. The bookcase, the curtain, the double doors. It's like they went straight through the last room to get to this room. But then where did they go?
Spire and Sam are quickly taken by the bookcase.
Sam scans the volumes. The bookcase has books and scrolls in it--none of them look magic, but a couple of the books have really nasty-looking pictures of creatures that look like somebody spent a few too many nightmarish months at sea, as they appear to be completely unnatural mishmashes of humanoids and fish, or humanoids and squids, and one is a particularly gross hybrid of a humanoid/cockroach/lobster.
Spire's mind ticks over as he looks at the contents of the bookcase. The stuff in the bookcase looks to be a course in how to properly worship what is described as an Elemental deity: "Billoopl, the Aquan Emperor of Evil". The tomes and scrolls look to be written by hand, and recently. Apparently this Billoopl being is a harsh and unforgiving power, as the texts warn to never disappoint the Father of the Deep, or "all will become as dust and fall upon the waves of the sea, never to be seen again..."
Spire then casts Detect Magic, and can only smile at the result. Nestled inside the cover of three books are three scrolls with divine auras.
Jozhur draws his sword. It's been too quiet for too long. His gut tells him that trouble is just around the corner.
Coer feels the same. He misses his extended reach and instead draws his medium sized shuriken.
Kane is the one to tug at the moving curtain, and is perhaps surprised by what he discovers. The curtain moves smoothly along a rail to reveal another half to this room.
The chamber's hidden half is an almost perfect square, with a large stone pool precisely in the center. The rim of the pool is carved with repeating images of sea serpents devouring whole ships, and the water -- despite the fact that it cannot be but a few feet deep -- is an impenetrable black.
(Brock) Jozhur AC20/15/15--CMD 20--HP 45/49 d20+9=22 ; d20+10=11 ; d8+2=4 ; Thursday April 24th, 2014 9:36:33 AM Why was that curtain moving? There has to be someone, or something, here.
Jozhur looks around the hidden room and checks the surface of the water. Has something disturbed the water recently?
Jozhur's curiosity gets the best of him. He replaces his sword with his longbow, aims at the pool, and lets an arrow fly.
Sam (David W): 14/12/13 -- CMD 13 -- HP 42/42 Thursday April 24th, 2014 9:37:01 AM
Sam's attention is not drawn away from the bookcase. He grabs books and scrolls that seem to be the oldest or of most interesting topics and shoves them into his handy haversack. Sam will stuff his bag full if possible.
The future loremaster thinks to himself, "These tomes will surely help me gain favor with the sage's guild."
Terser (Warren G) [22/13/19 -- CMD 23 -- HP 60/60 (raging 84/84)] Thursday April 24th, 2014 11:49:23 AM
Seeing that there is something interesting in the room after all, Terser joins the others in the investigation. He looks around for something less precious than his glaive to use testing the waters, and settles on the curtain rod. He rips it from its moorings and probes into the pool to see how deep it is, and if there is anything interesting that may be hiding in it.
Magana (Craig) [AC23] [HP 61 of 71] d20=3 ; Thursday April 24th, 2014 2:06:38 PM
(intelligence check = 3)
Although surprised and dismayed that she didn't anticipate a possible threat from the direction of the curtain, Magana still doesn't understand everyone's interest in a stupid pool of water. She waits by the double door to ensure no surprise from that direction, but otherwise just idly swings her flail until they satisfy their curiosity.
Spirysn'rar Kilarn (Ian) AC 17/13/15 - CMD 14 - HP 24/24 Thursday April 24th, 2014 5:12:09 PM
Spire continues to leaf through the book describing the Elemental god, concern growing across his face. "Wait," he calls out as everyone goes into the next room. "I believe I have found something rather important. Billoopl, the Aquan Emperor of Evil. 'Billoopl is a harsh and unforgiving power. Never disappoint the Father of the Deep, or all will become as dust and fall upon the waves of the sea, never to be seen again...'" He looks worriedly at his teammates before grabbing the books that caught his attention (including the on he was reading) and the three glowing scrolls, switching to Read Magic to decipher the writings on them. He hovers by the door of the room with the pool as he does so
(StevenVdB) Aexana HP 49/49 - AC16/14/13 / +4 vs Giant - CMD 15 / +1 vs Lizard & Goblinoids Thursday April 24th, 2014 6:43:11 PM "Don't..." Aexana starts as suddenly an arow and the curtain pole dissapear in the dark pool, "... touch the water... yet"
At the discription of this "Billoopl" a shiver runs down Aex's spine... this aint good... as not all the footprints dissapeared into that next room Aex wonders if they have gone through this pool... perhaps it is a portal or somehing similar?
Kane' Ma'Kai (SteveK) AC13/ T13/ F10/ CMD 17) HP 47/47 Thursday April 24th, 2014 8:17:13 PM
Kane' wonders at the pool, but doesn't want to disturb the dark waters. "More to show this cult has been here a long time, perhaps even longer than the town. We should follow the wet footprints."
The BloodWitch urges the others to follow Magana, but he stays within touching distance of Jozhur.
Actions......
Effects..... Reduce Person Magana - 46, Coer - 47, Zeoll - 49/60 rounds [CL6] reduced to Medium Size; (+1 AC,+1 to hit, +2 Dex, -2 Str) Message - 60/60 minutes, [CL6] whisper messages and receive whispered replies. Overhear requires a Listen Check at DC 25
Spells..... Loss of Domain, Granted power, and Domain spells Spells 1 - 4 2 - 3* 3 - 2*
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC23 - HP33) d20+20=37 ; d20+20=37 ; d20+20=38 ; Friday April 25th, 2014 12:44:10 AM
Zeoll, aware that his spell gives him the ability to detect secrets in passing, slowly walks around the pool, keeping his tower shield readied in case of attack. (Readied action - use tower shield for total cover if attacked)
His perception checks as he moves around (eventually returning to the spot he started): 37, 37, 38. Wowsy!
DM RobC - Deeper into the rabbit hole Friday April 25th, 2014 8:00:37 AM
Aexana urges caution, and Kane' too doesn't want the dark water of the mysterious pool disturbed.
But it is too late...
First Jozhur draws his bow, and despite being at point blank range - he manages to miss his target! (Sorry, but I think a Nat1 on an attack is always a miss). The arrow ricochets harmlessly off the stone edge of the pool and into a nearby wall where it snaps.
Terser though takes things into his dwarven hands. Ripping the curtain rail free from its bearings, he probes the pool with it. He can feel the rod strike the stoney bottom at about 3, maybe 4 feet?
To the relief of Aexana and Kane', nothing visibly terrible happens.
Sam grabs books by the armful. The knowledge contained therein could be invaluable. At the least, this collection may fetch some gold from the right buyer.
Spire starts to grow concerned - if he wasn't already. These books may be the work of a madman, or genius, or both? He casts his read magic spell and deciphers the scrolls as being: Contagion (Clr 3), Quench (Dru 3), and Water Breathing (Clr 3).
Magana is impatient. How long has it been since she got to clobber something? And it goes without saying that the next kill will be all the less satisfying in this medium sized form she is in.
Zeoll walks the perimeter of the room with his shield at the ready. (Note "when using a tower shield in this way, you must choose one edge of your space". I assume this time you mean away from the wall and towards the center of the room)
Something strange catches his eye however. Where Jozhur's arrow struck the wall, Zeoll notices a crevasse far greater than the arrow could have caused. Looking around this section of wall, Zeoll is convinced he has found a hidden door (Indicated on the map at Q26)
Sam (David W): 14/12/13 -- CMD 13 -- HP 42/42 Friday April 25th, 2014 10:02:18 AM
Sam continues flipping through books. The mission at hand is lost to his obsession. He hopes that this information can be used Wold-wide by the sages' guild to prevent further deaths.
He points it out, then steps back to let someone else open the thing. He keeps his shield readied, half expecting a tentacle to emerge from the dark water and attack.
Terser (Warren G) [22/13/19 -- CMD 23 -- HP 60/60 (raging 84/84)] Friday April 25th, 2014 3:25:05 PM
Terser uses the rail to dredge the bottom of the pool for a moment, trying to bring up anything that may be submerged. If unsuccessful, he will wait for someone more perceptive than himself to check out the secret door for danger before attempting to prize it open.
Magana (Craig) [AC23] [HP 61 of 71] Friday April 25th, 2014 4:12:46 PM
With Zeoll's new discovery, Magana resigns herself to more tedious exploration, although she manages to suppress a small sigh.
She looks for a means to bar or jam the double-doors in case the secret door leads to something more than a single room.
Sam (David W): 14/12/13 -- CMD 13 -- HP 42/42 Friday April 25th, 2014 5:06:23 PM
Sam's attention is finally grabbed at the mention of a secret door. Perhaps greater knowledge is hidden within the new discovery. The future loremaster closes his haversack and joins the others.
Kane' Ma'Kai (SteveK) AC13/ T13/ F10/ CMD 17) HP 47/47 Friday April 25th, 2014 8:59:16 PM
Kane' echoes Magana's sigh, but there is nothing for it, the wind is in his friends' sails. The Bloodwitch contents himself to be ready to heal Jozhur or any others at need.
Actions......
Effects..... Reduce Person Magana - 46, Coer - 47, Zeoll - 49/60 rounds [CL6] reduced to Medium Size; (+1 AC,+1 to hit, +2 Dex, -2 Str) Message - 60/60 minutes, [CL6] whisper messages and receive whispered replies. Overhear requires a Listen Check at DC 25
Spells..... Loss of Domain, Granted power, and Domain spells Spells 1 - 4 2 - 3* 3 - 2*
(Brock) Jozhur AC20/15/15--CMD 20--HP 45/49 d20+9=13 ; d20+15=16 ; d20+15=35 ; Saturday April 26th, 2014 1:00:35 AM
"And to think I thought everyone was swallowed into that pool by some monster..."
Jozhur examines the door, looking for the mechanism that opens it.
If some locking device is found, he will try his hand at it.
--------- Perception: 13 Disable device: 16, 35
Coerator (Mark) AC17/16/14 -- CMD 21 -- HP 64/68 (Ki 3/5) d20+12=25 ; Saturday April 26th, 2014 11:15:18 PM "Hmmm... perhaps the water is magical" muses Coer as he examines the floor for wet footprints potentially leading under the wall.
~~~ perception 25
Spirysn'rar Kilarn (Ian) AC 17/13/15 - CMD 14 - HP 24/24 Sunday April 27th, 2014 2:22:53 AM
Spire stuffs the scrolls into his bag, finally turning his attention to the pool of water. He activates Detect Magic and continues to scan around them, focusing on the pool for a short amount of time. If the group moves through the newly discovered door, Spire will follow in tow.
(StevenVdB) Aexana HP 49/49 - AC16/14/13 / +4 vs Giant - CMD 15 / +1 vs Lizard & Goblinoids Sunday April 27th, 2014 5:26:24 PM
Aex isn't too fond about Jozhur's comments about being dragged into the pool by some monster and lightens when the secret door is discovered. She tries not to think about dreadful sea monsters and observes the hidden door.
Sam (David W): 14/12/13 -- CMD 13 -- HP 42/42 Monday April 28th, 2014 5:23:16 AM
Sam waits to hear news of the discovered door. He renews his dancing lights over the group. Beams of light reflect off of the rippling pool and on to all individuals and things by which it is surrounded.
DM RobC - Deeper and deeper Monday April 28th, 2014 7:58:34 AM
Sam recasts his dancing light spell. Light does indeed bounce off the surface of the watery pool but does not enable anyone to see the shallow bottom. Inwards he is happy with the tomes he has stashed in his pack. It should provide for some good reading at a later date. (No encumb penalty at all, unless you try and carry one of the bookcases of course!)
Terser dredges the bottom of the pool with his curtain rod, but can only feel it scrape on a stony bottom.
Spire does not detect any magic in the watery depths.
Aexana does her best to muster her courage. The others seem keen to investigate things and give no second thought to the sea monster things.
Magana looks for a way to bar the double doors before her. They open away from her (outwards from this room) so jamming them would require some sort of creativity.
Zeoll points out the door and then courageously stands back to let someone else open it. Kane too, sighs, and stands back to allow someone else to try the door.
Jozhur examines the secret door and manages to find a way to pry it open - eventually. Coer sees watery footprints all around the pool of water, but none leading to (or from) the hidden door.
Finally the door is opened. By sticking his head through, Jozhur can see that there is a passage on the other side. One way heads south towards some stairs. The other way north, before turning north-east towards some unseen and unknown destination. As with all the rooms to date, there is no light in this passageway.
DM RobC - Deeper and deeper Monday April 28th, 2014 8:04:11 AM OOC: SteveK - Please keep a check on the Reduce Person spells. For example, it took Zeoll 3 rounds to scan the room for hidden doors, and then another 2 rounds for Jozhur to open the secret door. Also, with Zeoll readying his shield every turn it limits him to only one move action (ie: 40ft) per round.
Just saying it may be worth double checking your count on the time left on your spells :)
Terser (Warren G) [22/13/19 -- CMD 23 -- HP 60/60 (raging 84/84)] Monday April 28th, 2014 2:08:09 PM Hmmn. I bet these secret stairs open up into the same room as the double doors - mayhaps a pincer move will keep the element of surprise on our side. Though I favour searching north first before going down any more.
Terser volunteers to lead going north from the no longer secret door, using darkvision to keep anyone in the room from seeing their lights.
Kane' Ma'Kai (SteveK) AC13/ T13/ F10/ CMD 17) HP 47/47 Monday April 28th, 2014 2:55:44 PM
ooc: Thanks, DM! I was only going one round per post and must have missed the need for multiple rounds. I'll update the duration by 6 downward.
Kane' moves to Jozhur's side and is ready to follow through the door. "Where do the wet prints lead?", he asks courteously.
Actions......
Effects..... Reduce Person Magana - 40, Coer - 41, Zeoll - 43/60 rounds [CL6] reduced to Medium Size; (+1 AC,+1 to hit, +2 Dex, -2 Str) Message - 59/60 minutes, [CL6] whisper messages and receive whispered replies. Overhear requires a Listen Check at DC 25
Spells..... Loss of Domain, Granted power, and Domain spells Spells 1 - 4 2 - 3* 3 - 2*
(StevenVdB) Aexana HP 49/49 - AC16/14/13 / +4 vs Giant - CMD 15 / +1 vs Lizard & Goblinoids d20+15=24 ; Monday April 28th, 2014 4:55:51 PM
Assuming Coer will inform the group of his findings (watery footprints around the pool but none that lead towards or from the hidden door) makes Aex wonder if it is wise to search the hidden doors...
"Only if they all dried their feet it seems no one went that way..." she says pointing towards the hidden door, "but that secret passage might just lead us to wherever this watery doorway leads to... who knows! Perhaps all the followers of this sect are expected to go through the water?"
With no where else to go Aex follows through the passageway... (perception 24)
Sam (David W): 14/12/13 -- CMD 13 -- HP 42/42 d20+10=27 ; Monday April 28th, 2014 5:49:27 PM
Determined not to lose the last of the Grim Guard (barring himself of course), Sam chimes in,"If we are to split up, I will stay with you Terser."
While the others discuss options, Sam continues calculating. He determines the depth and direction traveled compared to that of the approximate height of the hill. He then tries to figure out where the secret stairs could take them in relation to the known landmarks. (Dungeoneering=27)
Magana (Craig) [AC23] [HP 61 of 71] Monday April 28th, 2014 8:16:18 PM
Seeing that the party intends to explore the secret passage, Magana decides to be the rear guard this time (unless ordered otherwise) and moves appropriately.
Sam (David W): 14/12/13 -- CMD 13 -- HP 42/42 Monday April 28th, 2014 10:36:34 PM
If it is voted the group will stay as one, Sam will travel hidden in the middle of the group.
Coerator (Mark) AC17/16/14 -- CMD 21 -- HP 64/68 (Ki 3/5) Tuesday April 29th, 2014 12:44:11 AM "Who would have guessed such an expansive maze was down here. It is amazing - i just wish the tunnels were a bit larger. Lets search this level quickly"
Coer marches through the secret door and heads up the north passage.
(Brock) Jozhur AC20/15/15--CMD 20--HP 45/49 d20+9=14 ; Tuesday April 29th, 2014 12:45:56 AM
Jozhur listens for a moment, then motions Terser to go ahead. He follows right behind with his hand on the dwarf's shoulder.
Perception: 14
DM RobC - Deeper and deeper d20+10=26 ; d20+10=28 ; d20+10=15 ; d4+4=7 ; d4+4=8 ; d4+4=7 ; d3=1 ; d3=2 ; d3=2 ; d20+10=22 ; Tuesday April 29th, 2014 6:42:00 AM
The corridor - roughly five feet wide and about 10 feet tall - stretches before you, leading south to yet another staircase and north/north-east to the unknown. Footsteps, speech, and even breathing echo strangely in this passage, returning to you twisted and distorted.
Perhaps the warping of the echoes is due to the intricate carvings? Walls, ceiling, and floor are covered with more images of marine creatures. Immense claws snap humans in half, while tentacles the size of redwoods wrap themselves about shattered galleons. Winding through the center of it all, along the floor, is a series of impossibly long serpents, with heads on both ends, each biting the throat of the next. So real are many of the images, you can practically smell the salty tang of the sea.
Terser volunteers to take the lead, and suggests searching northwards first. He awaits the go-ahead from the others. As a dwarf all this underground exploration is a pleasant change from ships, muddy trails, and that horrible weather on the surface. If there were a mineshaft and a pick down here he'd almost feel right at home.
Coer is a taur of action though, and doesn't wait for feedback. He boldly marches through the once-secret-now-obvious door. If the tunnels were only slightly wider though he could resume his imposing stature. For now though, he'll either have to squeeze through the tunnels or accept this smaller size. (Question: Does Coer still have his shuriken in hand, a different weapon, or, is he now unarmed?)
Jozhur finally gives the nod to Terser (who follows behind Coer) and then in turn follows him. The rogue stays silent. Is he trying to act stealthily, or is there something on his mind?
Kane moves to follow along behind Jozhur, keeping the rogue at arms length.
The others fall in line with Magana taking her now familiar position as rear guard. (Marching order listed below based on player posts. Please correct me if you want to change)
Nothing can stop the party now. Nothing.
... click! ...
Well, maybe that.
Despite Terser's stonecunning and Jozhur's trap-senses, neither detect anything unusual about the passage until it is too late. Terser: Highlight to display spoiler: {I emailed you earlier today about making a D20 roll prior to me making my DM post. This was for your stonecunning perception check. Per my email I've now rolled on your behalf: D20+10=22}
The various sea creatures on the walls appear to suddenly flick their tongues at the party. Coer, Terser and Jozhur are all struck by the piercing and slashing tongue-blades. A sticky, gel like substance remains on the wounds. The tongues retreat back into the mouths of the creatures.
Coer - Hit Flat Footed AC26 for 7pts damage. Please make a Fort Save against Poison. DC24 or take 1pt Str damage. Terser - Hit Flat Footed AC28 for 8pts damage. Please make a Fort Save against Poison. DC24 or take 2pts Str damage. Jozhur - Hit Flat Footed AC15 for 7pts damage. Please make a Fort Save against Poison. DC24 or take 2pts Str damage.
As if things weren't bad enough, from somewhere behind these walls an immensely loud bell starts to sound. This triggers off another, and another, and another. Four bells are now sounding VERY loudly throughout the tunnel and room.
Marching Order -------------- Coer Terser Jozhur Kane' Sam Aexana Spire Zeoll Magana
Sam (David W): 14/12/13 -- CMD 13 -- HP 42/42 d20+13=25 ; Tuesday April 29th, 2014 7:34:23 AM
Sam's sensitive ears are nearly shattered from the clanging bells as their report echos through the tunnels.
He yells to the group,"They know we're here now! Some of us should wait in the main room in case they try to escape or possibly trap us. Others can explore ahead. I'm staying by the bookcase to watch for trouble."
Sam pushes past the rearguard and makes his way back to the main room. Once there, he hides as best he can. (Stealth=25)
Sam (David W): 14/12/13 -- CMD 13 -- HP 42/42 Tuesday April 29th, 2014 7:46:47 AM
Ooc: The goal will be to post at H29.
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC23 - HP33) Tuesday April 29th, 2014 10:09:54 AM
Zeoll says to Magana, "My fellow Taurr, the jig is up, and Sam is rright. We should stand in the doorr in case enemies arrrive."
Zeoll himself moves 35 feet to 31-I, and readies the use of his shield, triggered by a physical attack or by the door opening (in which case, he will set his shield to the south, of course).
He hopes (and suggests) that Magana will move to 31-J and either hold the door closed or ready an attack in case someone opens it.
OOC: Sorry, I missed a real post yesterday. Too busy with other Wold stuff, not to mention work!
Terser (Warren G) [22/13/19 -- CMD 23 -- HP 53/60 temp -2STR (raging 84/84)] d20+13=19 ; d20+13=16 ; d20+10=25 ; Tuesday April 29th, 2014 10:50:56 AM looks like Cayzle used up all the good rolls - fail and hero point fail, fatigued for 2 rounds for 1 round of rage.
Ouch! Son of a... that was hidden better than I would have given these people credit for. Watch out guys, these creatures are poisonous. Terser takes his time to inspect the passageway more carefully from now on. It's not like he has any assets to fall back on if his strength is to fail him.
stonecunning 25 for further inspections of the passageway
(Brock) Jozhur AC20/15/15--CMD 20--HP 45/49 d20+9=24 ; Tuesday April 29th, 2014 11:00:19 AM
Jozhur draws his sword again and puts his left hand back on Terser's shoulder, "I'm with you if you want to keep going." He scans ahead, straining to see in the darkness. (Perception: 24)
-------------- At 4th level, rogues (and barbarians at 2nd) gain uncanny dodge and cannot be caught flat-footed, even by invisible enemies.
Spirysn'rar Kilarn (Ian) AC 17/13/15 - CMD 14 - HP 24/24 Tuesday April 29th, 2014 11:02:21 AM
Spire flattens himself against the wall, preparing for the inevitable fight that would come from this dungeon delve.
Magana (Craig) [AC23] [HP 61 of 71] Tuesday April 29th, 2014 4:13:00 PM
Magana quickly sees that the party is in a very bad tactical position and nods in agreement with Zeoll, having come to the same conclusion. She catches Spire's attention and suggests he take a position by the bookcase where she can provide protection for him more ably.
(Magana moves to 31-J)
(StevenVdB) Aexana HP 49/49 - AC16/14/13 / +4 vs Giant - CMD 15 / +1 vs Lizard & Goblinoids Tuesday April 29th, 2014 7:03:59 PM
Aex steps back into the main room and casts a Call Lightning on herself. When something comes out to feast on the Lionfish crew Aex will release a lihtning bolt.
--------------------------------------------------------------------- Retrieving the last Spell list I put on the board here
8 x Storm Burst (Weather Domain Power) (7/8 left) 1 x dancing lights (Gnome Magic) 1 x ghost sound (Gnome Magic) 1 x prestidigitation (Gnome Magic) 1 x Speak with animals (Gnome Magic)
Available Wild Shapes Today : 2/3 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Kane' Ma'Kai (SteveK) AC13/ T13/ F10/ CMD 17) HP 47/47 d8+1=8 ; Tuesday April 29th, 2014 7:04:27 PM
Kane' taps Jozhur with his Wand of CLW, transfering a charge of power into healing. He then moves just a bit to allow the leaders to either withdraw or to find the mechanism to stop the trap.
The din of the bells ring in the BloodWitch's ears, and he doesn't worry about his Message spell: the others must know the group is here now!
"I think the bell do two things! They alert the residents here of enemies, and also make it impossible for us to hear them coming."
Actions...... CLW - Jozhur heals 8 hit points 5-foot step to P27 Ready to follow the leaders wherever they may go.
Effects..... Reduce Person Magana - 39, Coer - 40, Zeoll - 42/60 rounds [CL6] reduced to Medium Size; (+1 AC,+1 to hit, +2 Dex, -2 Str) Message - 59/60 minutes, [CL6] whisper messages and receive whispered replies. Overhear requires a Listen Check at DC 25
Spells..... Loss of Domain, Granted power, and Domain spells Spells 1 - 4 2 - 3* 3 - 2*
Spirysn'rar Kilarn (Ian) AC 17/13/15 - CMD 14 - HP 24/24 Tuesday April 29th, 2014 8:45:19 PM
Spire, not being one to disagree with a minotaur, retreats a few steps into the previous room. (K30)
Small Coerator (Mark) AC19/18/15 -- CMD 20 -- HP 57/68 (Ki 3/5) d20+8=16 ; d20+8=17 ; Tuesday April 29th, 2014 11:02:07 PM
As the blades slice into Coer he lets out a small roar of pain, which is drowned out by the bells. He motions for the group to move back as Terser looks for more traps.
Coer begins to feel weak as the poison works its way into his bloodstream.
~~ fail fort save, fail hero point reroll :( Coer loses 1 pt of strenght
Small Coerator (Mark) AC19/18/15 -- CMD 20 -- HP 57/68 (Ki 3/5) Wednesday April 30th, 2014 12:47:57 AM
ooc: Coer is holding a shuriken, but they are a free action to draw. In melee combat he is usually unarmed. He retreats to to the room with the pool
DM RobC: Uh, just so I'm clear - you want Coer to move back over the trap/traps?
Small Coerator (Mark) AC19/18/15 -- CMD 20 -- HP 57/68 (Ki 3/5) Wednesday April 30th, 2014 3:35:06 AM
Ooc: did I say retreat? I meant stay still until Terser has scanned for traps. Because we should move forward :D
DM RobC - Bells are ringing... d20+10=14 ; d20+10=27 ; d20+10=14 ; d4+4=8 ; d3=1 ; d3=2 ; Wednesday April 30th, 2014 10:20:16 AM
Sam is startled, and decides now is the best time to try and find a safe place to hide. The bookcases are the first thing to come to his mind.
Zeoll moves to prepare for an attack from the south. He moves to the door with his shield at the ready.
Kane proposes that the bell serves two actions. Perhaps he is right? He heals Jozhur and then makes way for the group to retreat back to the room if they feel it necessary.
Aexana casts a call lightning spell, looking to shoot first and ask questions later.
Now that the trap has sprung, Terser can see the mechanism. What's more, he is almost certain it has reset and is ready to spring again! His stonecunning extends 10ft, and he can see that the space ahead of Coer is safe, as is the space behind Jozhur. He holds his ground.
Jozhur too stands firm, though ready to proceed ahead if that is what Terser wishes to do.
The third poor soul caught by the trap is Coer. Like the others, he elects to hold his ground.
For some reason, despite all three clearly standing in a trapped area - none choose to step away, dive backwards, or even use acrobatics to get out of the way. Noone even attempts to disable it! (I did try and give you guys a nudge via email but you must have missed it)
The tongues lash out again, however this time the three are ready for the attack.
Coer - Attack vs AC19: 14 = Miss! Terser - Attack vs AC22: 27 = Hit! Terser takes another 8pts damage and must make a another Fort Save against Poison. DC26 or take another 1pts Str damage. Jozhur - Attack vs AC20: 14 = Miss!
The tongues once agin retreat back into the mouths of the respective creatures, and there is a familiar 'click' which Terser discerns to be the trap rearming itself again.
Coer feels his muscles start to tighten as the poison makes its way through his system. Please make another Fort Save vs Poison. DC24 or take another 2pts Str damage.
The bells continue their ringing. Jozhur (the only one to make a perception check - hint hint) determines that no new bells are ringing. Just the original four ... so far.
The party inside the room anxiously wait. Will the attackers come? If so, from where? The locked door in the first room? The double doors to the south? The stairway behind Jozhur? The passage ahead of Coer? Have the group put themselves in a position to be surrounded?
Terser (Warren G) [22/13/19 -- CMD 23 -- HP 45/60 temp -2STR (raging 84/84)] d20+13=31 ; d20+17=27 ; Wednesday April 30th, 2014 10:35:27 AM
Despite being rather slow on the uptake noticing that the trap had reset itself, Terser is not nearly as surprised the second time. He is also ready to shrug off the effects of the poison. He dives back and attempts to drag Jozhur out of harms way with him. Bull Rush Jozhur to R28 vs CMD 27, end my movement in R27
Someone turn off those damned bells! Maybe breaking the dart trap will silence them with it! And move your rear forward or back to the pool room if you don't want to get shot again! He says this despite the fact that he's the only one that managed to get himself shot twice...still, wouldn't do to let the others stay in harm's way.
Sam (David W): 14/12/13 -- CMD 13 -- HP 42/42 Wednesday April 30th, 2014 11:10:03 AM
Unable to help much of anyone at the moment, Sam stays hidden against the bookcase, with his tiny hands covering his ears. He silently doubts many could hear his voice for bardic support.
Magana (Craig) [AC23] [HP 61 of 71] Wednesday April 30th, 2014 11:34:30 AM
(DMRob: The map is not updated for my previous move wherein Magana moves to 31-J)
Magana shakes her flail in anticipation as she regards the closed doors to the south. Deciding she wants more warning than just the door opening to an attack, she opens her side and looks through, ready to close it again if a ranged attack is staged on the other side...
------------- DM Rob: Sorry about the map. I've updated it now. Thanks!
(Brock) Jozhur AC20/15/15--CMD 20--HP 45/49 d20+15=16 ; d20+15=17 ; d20+15=17 ; Wednesday April 30th, 2014 12:41:14 PM
"Thanks Terser. Wasn't expecting that thing to go off again. Watch my back, I'll see if I can shut this thing off."
Jozhur nudges past Terser and attempts to disable the trap. ------------------------- Disable device: 16 (natural 1), 17, 17
I suppose we're in rounds now so I only get one roll, but there's three rounds worth of fails...
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC23 - HP33) d20+20=39 ; Wednesday April 30th, 2014 1:55:23 PM
Zeoll grins at Magana, and chuckles when she actually opens the door to peek out.
Which way does the door open? Toward Zeoll or away?
He keeps his shield readiedm his eyes open, and his ears cocked.
Perception 39. OOC: Who says the die roller is unlucky!
Spirysn'rar Kilarn (Ian) AC 17/13/15 - CMD 14 - HP 24/24 Wednesday April 30th, 2014 3:09:54 PM "I will ensure that we do not get surrounded," Spire calls out, concentrating through the din of the bells to ast Web on the staircase behind them. -------------------- Cast Web centered on J21 Anyone entering/caught in the web must make a DC 18 Reflex save OoC :: This should stop us from getting flanked if they send more people in, and I can dismiss it at any time if we need to retreat
(StevenVdB) Aexana HP 49/49 - AC16/14/13 / +4 vs Giant - CMD 15 / +1 vs Lizard & Goblinoids d20+14=18 ; Wednesday April 30th, 2014 7:16:09 PM
The group apparently starts to split up... Aex is left around the pool and observes the water expecting it to start bubbling soon when some nasty sea monster pops up... The corridor is cramped and booby trapped... the door at the South is covered by Zeoll, Magana and Spire. The tiny Gnome has little ideas where she would be of use.
Aex chooses to change form... her body convulses and becomes more or less translucent. Gusts of wind twist around her and in no time she has taken the shape of a small Air Elemental. She now can fly at 60 ft.
Assuming that the trap trigger is activated by standing on something Aex decides to hower a few inches above the ground... she howers towards the hidden corridor and checks the trapped area and the corridor towards the South. (Perception: 18)
--------------------------------------------------------------------- Retrieving the last Spell list I put on the board here
8 x Storm Burst (Weather Domain Power) (7/8 left) 1 x dancing lights (Gnome Magic) 1 x ghost sound (Gnome Magic) 1 x prestidigitation (Gnome Magic) 1 x Speak with animals (Gnome Magic)
Available Wild Shapes Today : 2/3 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC23 - HP33) Wednesday April 30th, 2014 7:53:50 PM
"Good ideas, Spirre and Aexana!" Zeoll says in encouragement.
"Just do not get killed, Aex!" the liontaur calls after the explorative druid.
Kane' Ma'Kai (SteveK) AC13/ T13/ F10/ CMD 17) HP 47/47 d20+9=14 ; Wednesday April 30th, 2014 9:24:03 PM
With the ringing of bells in his ears, Kane' tries to listen for any approaching people/things and tries to keep out of the other Lionfish crew's way.
Actions.... Perception: 14
Effects..... Reduce Person Magana - 38, Coer - 39, Zeoll - 41/60 rounds [CL6] reduced to Medium Size; (+1 AC,+1 to hit, +2 Dex, -2 Str) Message - 59/60 minutes, [CL6] whisper messages and receive whispered replies. Overhear requires a Listen Check at DC 25
Spells..... Loss of Domain, Granted power, and Domain spells Spells 1 - 4 2 - 3* 3 - 2*
Small Coerator (Mark) AC19/18/15 -- CMD 20 -- HP 57/68 (Ki 3/5) d20+8=21 ; d20+8=28 ; d20+8=16 ; Thursday May 1st, 2014 3:36:30 AM
Despite the poison wracking his body Coer is able to dodge the poison blades. He follows his friends and quickly leaves the trapped area, diving through the door and coming to rest next to the spooky pool.
"Friends, I have been poisoned." he calls out, taking a moment to assess his weakened state before standing, his face a pained grimace and he stretches his weakened body.
~~~ acrobatics to try and avoid further traps; 16 move to p26 fort save 21 fails, hero reroll nat 20 (28) SUCCESS. Thats good because a frail Minotaur is no fun ;)
DM RobC - Bells are ringing... d3=2 ; d3=3 ; Thursday May 1st, 2014 6:51:49 AM
Sam covers his little gnomish ears and bravely stays hidden.
Terser realises the danger he is now in. Poisonous blades hidden in the walls. It would be easy to just dive out of the way. But no. Not this dwarf. He musters his might and pushes Jozhur back out of the way as well. Courageous? Or perhaps Jozhur was just in the way.
Jozhur takes it as Terser trying to save his life and gives thanks. With that the rogue sets to trying to disarm the trap. Fortunately he can see several ways that he might be able to bypass the spring mechanism. Unfortunately, it may take a while for him to disarm the trap. (Note that it takes at least 2d4 rounds to disarm a trap - unless you have some speedy way I don't know about. Please let me know if you are willing to spend this amount of time kneeling in the corridor with your tools in hand)
Spire does a spiderman impression and webs the door to the north. Nothing will be coming (or going) through that door in a hurry. Well, unless they have some flaming weapon or equivalent anyway.
Aex is still distracted by the pool of water. What is its purpose? Why is it here? She is still quite distrustful of this inanimate object. Wary that the enemy may be coming soon she adopts a different form - that of an air elemental.
Kane seems lost - the loud ringing of the bells disturbing his concentration.
Coer feels weakened by the poison, but does his best to stand upright. Terser too feels like his muscles continue to tighten. The poison still courses through his veins.
Coer: Please make a Fort Save vs Poison. DC24 or take 2pts Str damage Terser: Please make a Fort Save vs Poison. DC24 or take 3pts Str damage
Zeoll can see now that the doors open away from him. He readies his shield when he sees what Magana is about to do.
Magana has had enough of this waiting business. Minotaurs are known for their honour, and she is no exception. Why, as any minotaur knows - the right way to settle a dispute is with a worthy battle! No more of this hiding and tip-toeing business. She pushes open her side of the door. Carefully though. She's not crazy.
Magana and Zeoll then look inside...
This room is the only one that is already illuminated - this side of the double chamber being illuminated by torches set into stone holders carved into the wall. This part of the overall room is more or less twenty feet square and is empty save for several rows of kneeling cloths on which are embroidered huge, gaping, ichthyic maws. The surreal atmosphere exuded by the secret shrine is underscored by the pair of life-sized statues flanking the double doors in the north wall of the room: there are a pair of basalt man-fish-things you recognize as the creatures you fought near the Turning Tide Inn only a few hours ago, standing at eternal attention with shields up and rapiers clutched in their terrible webbed and clawed hands. The hellish light sputtering from the four torches set into holders spaced along the walls lend the illusion of writhing, slithering movement to the sea serpents and mutant lobster-things that run amok in the bas-relief that festoons the walls, floors and even the thirty-foot-tall ceilings of this double chamber, depicting all manner of graphically-unnatural monsters laying waste to ships and coastal areas of human civilization.
Evil. This place is pure evil... you can feel it in the very air, fetid with the stink of old fish and vile intentions.
On the opposite side of the room, a narrow stair leads to a higher platform that is ten or twelve feet higher than the area in which you are standing. You cannot see much of what's up there, save for two statues that appear to represent masses of intertwined tentacles and eel-like visages, and a huge altar of black stone from which rises a sculpted serpent, glaring toward the left. You think, but cannot be certain, that someone may be moving about behind that altar...
Terser (Warren G) [22/13/19 -- CMD 23 -- HP 45/60 temp -2STR (raging 84/84)] d20+13=28 ; Thursday May 1st, 2014 1:05:36 PM Fort 28, round 3 of rage (6 rounds fatigue when over)
Holding onto his anger to help battle the poison that is still trying to work in his veins, Terser stands at the head of the stairs, peering down looking for movement, and ready to protect Jozhur as he works on the trapped floor. He is ready for anything, and prepared to use the high ground to his advantage if anything were to come up at them.
Sam (David W): 14/12/13 -- CMD 13 -- HP 42/42 Thursday May 1st, 2014 1:53:46 PM
Sam's attention is now divided between the room of pure evil and the fact that Coer is poisoned. Sam moves to (O29) and removes a bottle of antitoxin from his pack. His hand holds the life-saving vial towards his companion in need.
"Coer! Take this if you need it! It'll help stop the poison!"
Magana (Craig) [AC23] [HP 61 of 71] d20+1=18 ; Thursday May 1st, 2014 4:26:52 PM
(wisdom check 18 hehehe)
Despite the urge to charge after the flash of movement (was it a red cloak?), Magana informs the others, loudly, "There is an alter in here and it reeks of evil doings! I think I saw something move in the back! I'm going to check it out!"
She sounds entirely too eager to stir up some trouble, but waits for the inevitable cautionary responses from her more level-headed comrades.
;)
Kane' Ma'Kai (SteveK) AC13/ T13/ F10/ CMD 17) HP 47/47 d100=31 ; d20+6=22 ; Thursday May 1st, 2014 5:24:43 PM
Kane' is standing right next to Captain Coer as he announces there was poison on the blades. The Bloodwitch immediately springs into action.
Pulling a bit of charcoal from a pouch, he reaches into the Shadow Realm and taps a Ley Line, forming the power to course through Captain Coer and burn away the poison, but it is just too strong for mortal spells!
Downcast, Kane' mumbles to his Captain, "I fear you must overcome this poison without magical assistance. I am not strong enough to affect this poison."
Actions.... Cast: Neutralize Poison on Coer: (Ley Check: 31 good)(DC 22 vs poison DC 24 = fail)
Effects..... Reduce Person Magana - 37, Coer - 38, Zeoll - 40/60 rounds [CL6] reduced to Medium Size; (+1 AC,+1 to hit, +2 Dex, -2 Str) Message - 59/60 minutes, [CL6] whisper messages and receive whispered replies. Overhear requires a Listen Check at DC 25
Spells..... Loss of Domain, Granted power, and Domain spells Spells 1 - 4 2 - 3** 3 - 2*
Terser (Warren G) [22/13/19 -- CMD 23 -- HP 45/60 temp -2STR (raging 84/84)] Thursday May 1st, 2014 5:31:05 PM Go for it, Magana! I've got their escape route covered!
Terser is obviously not one of the level headed comrades she was worried about... ;-)
(StevenVdB) Aexana HP 49/49 - AC16/14/13 / +4 vs Giant - CMD 15 / +1 vs Lizard & Goblinoids 3d6=11 ; d20+14=31 ; Thursday May 1st, 2014 6:33:21 PM
Four are tangled up in the secret passage leaving no space for anyone to squeeze through. Hearing how Magana intends to rush in another foul chamber Aex decides she might be of some use there... having a 60ft flight speed now she will easily get as far as J34. Aex-Air flies close to the ceiling what possibly allows her to see what is going on behind the altar. If something or someone even just looks angry at her she'll release one of the lightings... damage 11HP, reflex save DC18 for half...
Perception 31
Spirysn'rar Kilarn (Ian) AC 17/13/15 - CMD 14 - HP 24/24 Thursday May 1st, 2014 7:22:34 PM
Spire, knowing that his ally will charge forward regardless of his actions, utters a short incantation before placing his hand on her shoulder and casting Protection From Evil. -------------------- Web: 50 mins. (499/500 rds) remaining Protection vs. Evil on Magana: 5 mins (50/50 rds) remaining Prepared Spells
Small Coerator (Mark) AC19/18/15 -- CMD 20 -- HP 57/68 (Ki 3/5) d20+13=19 ; d20+13=23 ; Thursday May 1st, 2014 11:37:32 PM
"Concentrate Kane, don't give up just yet, you are more powerful than you know."
Coer heroically inspires his friend and feels the poison burn from his body. He has been weakened but the witches spell has stopped the poisons spread. Coer stands tall and smiles, despite feeling he may now be a burden on his crew and friends.
~~~ Ooc: use hero point to add +2 to another players roll. Kane's spell now reached DC24 and the poison is neutralised.
Sam (David W): 14/12/13 -- CMD 13 -- HP 42/42 Thursday May 1st, 2014 11:48:21 PM
Ooc-Sam is holding the antitoxin for you and is not adjacent.
(Brock) Jozhur AC20/15/15--CMD 20--HP 45/49 d20+9=28 ; Friday May 2nd, 2014 12:07:32 AM
As long as someone has his back, Jozhur continues working to disable the trap until he gets the feeling he is urgently needed elsewhere. He tries to remain aware of his surroundings while fiddling with the trap.
------------ Perception: 28
Small Coerator (Mark) AC19/18/15 -- CMD 20 -- HP 57/68 (Ki 3/5) Friday May 2nd, 2014 1:02:07 AM
ooc: oops - that's what i get for trying to post while working.
Coer actually moves to p28 and takes the vial from Sam - the rest of the post still applies, unfortunately
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC23 - HP33) d20+20=27 ; Friday May 2nd, 2014 5:55:59 AM
Zeoll moves to H37, keeping his shield readied for an attack by man, beast, statue, or trap!
As he moves, he draws a tanglefoot bag.
He tries to see the moving thing more closely ... Perception 27.
=====
DM Sanity Info
Cleric spells (underlined = cast): 0: guidance, purify food & drink, light, stabilize 1: command, command x2, elf vision 2: calm emo x2, faerie fire (One calm emo used to summon the fey)
Sorcerer spells: Cast: 1 of 5 (mage armor) Laughing Touch: used 0 of 7. Channel Energy 1d6: used 0 of 7. Fey domain: Hide Away: used 3 of 7. Spread the Word: used 1 of 1.
Current effects: Mage Armor (4 hours, cast March 28); Elf Vision (50 min), Taur's Try (Mino), Reduce Person Also Used: Detect Evil scroll, hero point, vial of acid
DM RobC - Welcome friends! Friday May 2nd, 2014 8:22:43 AM
Jozhur keeps work at the trap. He hears a familiar 'click', but alas, the trap has not been disarmed. If anything, Jozhur has managed to make the mechanism much more sensitive and tricky to disarm (Highlight to display spoiler: {Per Disable Device skill: "If you fail by 5 or more, something goes wrong."}) Do you wish to try again?
Terser keeps guard. He looks down the stairs, but all he can see at the bottom is a door. Thankfully his strong immune system has now killed off the poison. Its effects still remain however.
Sam goes to help Coer, as does Kane'. With Coer's heroic encouragement, Kane's spell is able to overcome the power of the poison. As with Terser, the effects of the poison linger in Coer's system.
Spire bolsters Magana's defences in anticipation that she will need it.
Aexana and Zeoll fearlessly enter the room.
A male voice can be heard by all "Come in, friends. Come in" It sounds welcoming, almost as if you have been expected. The voice then speaks a bit louder "Can someone please stop the bells? The guests have finally arrived!". It takes a few moments, but the sound of the bells does die down until they stop completely.
Aexana and Zeoll ONLY Highlight to display spoiler: { From the upper level (about ten or twelve feet higher than the square part of the chamber to the north), the contents of the room become clearer. The statues of tendrils on the east and the west sides of this area seem to writhe of their own accord, though this may be the result of the flames from the hanging braziers that flicker near them. The altar in the middle is an enormous chunk of blackness, as though carved from the night sky, and the serpent that rises from it is primordial, vicious, and angry, silently hissing with its elongated maw open and bristling with an impossible number of spiky teeth. At the rear of the room, a pool of brackish water suggests bottomless depths.
Standing in front of the altar (and blocking your intended path, Zeoll) stand four individuals. They are all facing you and wearing blue robes like the ones you found in the closet earlier. Their hands are pressed together by their chests, as if in prayer. All are smiling in an almost disconcertingly pleasant manner. The one on the right (at H38) you recognise as Mother Rillan - the priestess you spoke with earlier! Don't tell Sam. Noone likes a know-it-all :)
"My friends, please." The voice is that of an old man, old yet firm. It echoes a bit through the double chamber, its speaker initially unseen. Now that your attention has been drawn to him, you can indeed see an elder fellow, his gray hair long and stringy, wearing a hooded black cape. He stands behind the altar, his arms open inviting you to approach. "Would your friends care to join us? The passageway they are in can be quite dangerous, as can standing too close to the sacred pool behind the curtain. We have much to discuss"
They all stand empty handed, though curiously each has a morningstar hanging from their belt. }
Sam (David W): 14/12/13 -- CMD 13 -- HP 42/42 d20+8=16 ; Friday May 2nd, 2014 8:48:44 AM
After hearing the bells stop and the voice from the man, Sam rushes to the southern entrance (H31). As he gets there, he glances around the corner to look for danger to the group. (perception=16)
He stays hidden around the corner. With few spells and without Terser by his side, his self-confidence is rattled. The typically, vocal gnome is overcome with fear of the unknown.
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC23 - HP33) Friday May 2nd, 2014 10:19:24 AM
Zeoll sees that this is a dangerous situation, and that the party is divided, and that the enemy is ready. "This is not good," he thinks. "Time to retreat!"
The old liontaur says to his air elemental friend, very firmly, "Aex, get out of the room, NOW! Back the way we came!
Zeoll turns invisible (move action, fey domain) and backs off to I-30. He says to Magana, "Please, Magana! Be ready to slam that door shut as soon as Aex flies back here!"
Magana (Craig) [AC23] [HP 61 of 71] Friday May 2nd, 2014 12:07:14 PM
A welcoming tone from a man atop an evil altar? This can't be good, Magana thinks.
Trusting Zeoll's assessment, she will close the door as soon as they have returned to (relative) safety.
Stating what is probably obvious to everyone, she calls to the rest of the party, "I think we've found the trouble we were looking for!"
Terser (Warren G) [22/13/19 -- CMD 23 -- HP 45/60 temp -2STR (raging 84/84)] d20+8=23 ; Friday May 2nd, 2014 6:29:19 PM Not sure we can get out this way, Joz looks like he's having trouble with the trap. Though may be I could jump it!
In the meantime, Terser moves down the stairs to take a peek at what's behind this door, ready to slam it shut and brace it should anything be on the other side.
unrage, perception 23, 6 rounds before can re-rage
Spirysn'rar Kilarn (Ian) AC 17/13/15 - CMD 14 - HP 24/24 Friday May 2nd, 2014 8:17:19 PM "Then why have we stopped?" the elf inquires as to Magana's statement. "We have come this far - why bother retreating?" Spire's face grows dark as he continues. "Have we truly done all of this, come all this way, simply to retreat at the last moment?" He moves to the door, one hand on it as he looks to the others. "I will not have everything we have done here be in vain."
Kane' Ma'Kai (SteveK) AC13/ T13/ F10/ CMD 17) HP 47/47 d100=23 ; Friday May 2nd, 2014 8:48:01 PM
Kane' is thankful for Captain Coer's confidence; the minotaur's faith healed him as much as Kane's magic!
And then the voice, and the silencing of the bells, and the shouts of Zeoll... all want Kane' to run to the doors where Magana is and see if there is something he can do... but the Captain is here and Jozhur is here, and the half-elf will not leave his companion's side again. There is a reason he was told to stay with the rogue, and Kane' will not fail again.
Kane' reaches over and touches Jozhur, "the Guidance of Lono be upon you". he breathes.
Actions.... Cast: Guidance on Jozhur (Ley Check: 23 good) +1 next skill check
Effects..... Reduce Person Magana - 36, Coer - 37, Zeoll - 39/60 rounds [CL6] reduced to Medium Size; (+1 AC,+1 to hit, +2 Dex, -2 Str) Message - 59/60 minutes, [CL6] whisper messages and receive whispered replies. Overhear requires a Listen Check at DC 25
Spells..... Loss of Domain, Granted power, and Domain spells Spells 1 - 4 2 - 3** 3 - 2*
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC23 - HP33) d20+8=14 ; Saturday May 3rd, 2014 2:15:15 AM
Zeoll clarifies for Spire and anyone else in earshot: "We arre too split up. I'm trying to eitherr buy us some time to all get herre, orr finish explorring the otherr way and all go that way if it is betterr."
OOC: This is just a tactical retreat to let us regroup. Also, we arre not particularly buffed, but maybe they are. In which case a delay makes their buffs run out at no price to us since our buffs so far are long lasting (mage armor) or cantrips to be recast at will.
The liontaur does not want the enemy to hear all that, however, even through the door, so he speaks obliquely, in code, so only friends will understand. Bluff check to do so: 14 = total fail. Well, he'll just speak quietly then. Ugh.
(Brock) Jozhur AC20/15/15--CMD 20--HP 45/49 Saturday May 3rd, 2014 6:06:04 AM
It would be a short jump from R27 to P26. Is it possible or is the passageway too cramped?
DM Rob: Hmm... Considering you have no run up and some squeezing would be involved, if you make a DC15 Acrobatics check I'd allow it - provided there isn't a taur standing there when you land :) With your +11 a DC15 should be achievable. If you fail though I'd have the trap go off but give you the benefit of partial cover (+2 AC) as you finish the move. Sound fair?
(Brock) Jozhur AC20/15/15--CMD 20--HP 45/49 d20+16=26 ; d20+11=14 ; Saturday May 3rd, 2014 2:04:11 PM
Jozhur calls out to Kane and Terser, "You can try to jump over the trigger if you want, if not I'll keep working on this thing."
He is ready to get out of the way in case Terser or Kane want to jump over the trap. If both attempt to jump, he will follow them.
------------ Disable device: 26 Acrobatics: 14
Sam (David W): 14/12/13 -- CMD 13 -- HP 42/42 Saturday May 3rd, 2014 6:38:17 PM
Sam is baffled by the events as they occur. The gnome is not used to "falling back" against a foe. The Grim Gaurd charged head-long into every battle. Although that strategy sometimes resulted in...rough outcomes, it is the only strategy Sam has ever known.
He then is reminded that Terser is exploring at a time the enemies have shown themselves! Perhaps the stress of leaving the Scab and losing so many of their brethren has taken its toll on the mighty dwarf? Has Terser gone soft? :)
Small Coerator (Mark) AC19/18/15 -- CMD 20 -- HP 57/68 (Ki 3/5) Sunday May 4th, 2014 7:03:29 PM
Coer assesses the situation "Terser and Jo should be able to hold the passage. Another face at the font line would be best."
Coer stretches and quickly moves up behind Magana (J30), peering over her shoulder to see what lies ahead.
(StevenVdB) Aexana HP 49/49 - AC16/14/13 / +4 vs Giant - CMD 15 / +1 vs Lizard & Goblinoids d20+5=6 ; d8=4 ; Sunday May 4th, 2014 7:04:48 PM
Aex-Air is speechless as she sees what unfolds in front of her and Zeoll... even though the welcome sounds almost friendly and ... welcoming... Aex is almost certain this sect isn't about little mermaids under the sae...
When Zeoll asks her to retreat she doubts.. "... why??... they appear to be friendly" Aex stammers... (sense motive 6 - nat 1!! - Aex is convinced they have nothing to hide...
In any case, she flies back to the chamber with the rest of the group: "Come friends, we are invited to enter here... they look friendly! We've been mistaken about their intentions!"
--------------------------------------------------------------------- Retrieving the last Spell list I put on the board here
8 x Storm Burst (Weather Domain Power) (7/8 left) 1 x dancing lights (Gnome Magic) 1 x ghost sound (Gnome Magic) 1 x prestidigitation (Gnome Magic) 1 x Speak with animals (Gnome Magic)
Available Wild Shapes Today : 1/3 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
DM RobC - Two trapped, Four by the door, One by the trap, one gone for a walk... Monday May 5th, 2014 8:20:52 AM OOC: Had thought about doing spoilers here for each of the groups, but let's keep things simple and I'll just post for everyone to see...
Zeoll sees the predicament he and Aexana the Air-Elemental are in. 5 potential foes and the rest of the party are behind them in another room. He calls for Aexana to get get out of the room. In addition, he tries to send a secret message to the rest of the group to let them know his thinking. Unfortunately his code isn't as sophisticated as he may have hoped, and he is convinced the other people in the room well and truly understood it. The now saddened face of Mother Rillan looks to confirm this.
Zeoll turns invisible and seeks to get out of there. And quickly.
"No! Please don't go, friends!" Mother Rillan begs, as she points a hand towards the open door (Readied action triggered. Spellcraft DC15: Highlight to display spoiler: {She has cast Mage Hand}). The door closes in front of Zeoll and Magana.
The statues on either side of the doorway each sidestep to stand in front of the doors, blocking Zeoll and Aexana's potential escape. Both were convinced the statues were just that - inanimate rock - when they entered. Now though - yuck. These seaspawn are blatantly unnatural, with fishbelly-white and squamous flesh (and shades of sickly green splotches) merged with humanoid skin. They look exactly like those fought earlier this day. But they do not attack. They just maintain their position by the door. (Readied action triggered)
"My friends, please." The old man speaks, holding his open hands up. "There is no need for further violence. Join us. Pledge yourself to the Father of the Deep, and be greatly rewarded. Gold, jewels, and great magics can all be yours, as can forgiveness for those of the flock you have already slain, for Father Billoopl is ever accepting." For all that his tone is reasonable - even cajoling -your gut reaction is as if you've heard the sound of nails scraping across the surface of a slab of writing slate...
"Yes, yes!" says the man to the left side of the room, who you now recognise to be Alderman Bittern "The Father can reward you greatly. Please stay"
Interesting. They haven't attacked. This seems to support Aexana's opinion that these people really are friendly after all. (OOC: Please keep in mind that while in air elemental form you can only speak Auran.)
Magana is a little surprised. First Zeoll says to close the door behind him, and now the door closes in front of him. Well, she thinks it closed in front of him. Last she saw he went invisible. Perhaps he snuck past her? Perhaps he closed the door?
Coer wonders what is going on in the room, and peers over Magana's shoulder. He can't see a lot, but sees even less now the door is shut.
Sam is unsure of the current going-ons. Zeoll called for people to fall back, Sam rushed to the door and then the door shut. And where is Terser?
Spire too is perplexed. Why turn back now? He moves up next to the door, ready to enter as well.
Meanwhile, Jozhur continues to try and work at disabling the trap. He pauses to momentarily high-five Kane' around the corner, and receive the benefit of his guidance spell (Per email, it is a touch spell, but will let it slide this time)
Terser makes his way down the stairs and opens the door to have a peek. The passageway is unlit, but his darkvision gives him a clear view. There is another door to the side, just a few feet ahead of him. The passage veers to the right at the end. As with the passage he just left, the images of sea creatures line the walls and floor. Even though they are just images carved into stone, Terser feels as if each one is watching his every move.
Sam (David W): 14/12/13 -- CMD 13 -- HP 42/42 Monday May 5th, 2014 8:54:51 AM
As the doors slam shut in front of him, Sam panics. The gnome is short on strength (as always) and worse yet, short on magic. Although he is in the company of some of the Lionfish's crew, Sam feels very alone. He retreats away from the door and yells.
"TERSER! HELP!"
actions move to H29
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC23 - HP33) d20+9=13 ; Monday May 5th, 2014 10:19:45 AM
spellcraft check 13 ugh.
Zeoll shouts, in Tauric: "Help! Magana! Aex and I arre trrapped in herre! Get those doorrs open!"
Zeoll takes out a scroll (move action).
He reads it (standard action).
A mist springs up to cover the room (Obscuring Mist).
Zeoll takes a five foot step to H 36.
(Brock) Jozhur AC20/15/15--CMD 20--HP 45/49 d20+11=16 ; Monday May 5th, 2014 11:30:15 AM
"Come Terser, I think we're needed elsewhere!"
Jozhur leaps out of the passage and heads toward the rest of the crew.
--------------------- Acrobatics: 16 Move to I30
Still has tools in hand, need a move action to put them away.
(StevenVdB) Aexana HP 49/49 - AC16/14/13 / +4 vs Giant - CMD 15 / +1 vs Lizard & Goblinoids d20+4=5 Monday May 5th, 2014 6:17:35 PM
(How high is the ceiling)
Regardless how disgusting this place looks like the people here have not attacked... So what's'the reason to panick?
Aex was planning to buying some time by flying towards the old man and talk about this Billoopl but then realizes (thanks DM Rob for email clarification) that in Elemental Shape she could only talk to other elementals... So Aex flies up high along the ceiling towards J36. Then suddenly she dissapears from view by Zeolls' fog... Ok they can't see her well but neither can she see them! Let's hide and see how this unfolds...
(Stealth: 5 - natural 1... Sigh... I'M HERE!!!)
--------------------------------------------------------------------- Retrieving the last Spell list I put on the board here
8 x Storm Burst (Weather Domain Power) (7/8 left) 1 x dancing lights (Gnome Magic) 1 x ghost sound (Gnome Magic) 1 x prestidigitation (Gnome Magic) 1 x Speak with animals (Gnome Magic)
Available Wild Shapes Today : 1/3 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Magana (Craig) [AC23] [HP 61 of 71] Monday May 5th, 2014 6:19:24 PM
Magana roars in anger when the doors slam shut before her comrades return. Enraged, she slams the doors to forced them open, but her reduced size greatly reduces her effectiveness in this. Frustration fuels her rage further, and she screams (In Tauric), "Remove the spell! Remove the spell! I must reach them!"
(rage round 7 of 17 for the day) (Strength = 18(normal) -4(reduced) +2(raging) = 16)
Terser (Warren G) [22/13/19 -- CMD 23 -- HP 45/60 temp -2STR (raging 84/84)] d20+6=16 ; Monday May 5th, 2014 8:19:01 PM
Damn, I was hoping to outflank them. This door may go to the right place, but there's no time to chance it. Especially not when Sam is in trouble.
Terser runs back up the stairs and makes a leap over the trapped corridor to meet the door. acrobatics DC 16
He quickly looks around to find Sam, and moves as far as possible to take up a guarding position. think I can make it to N26 with the full round
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC23 - HP33) Monday May 5th, 2014 8:44:52 PM
OOC: Magana, Reduce gives a -2 to Str, and Rage gives a +4, right?
Kane' Ma'Kai (SteveK) AC13/ T13/ F10/ CMD 17) HP 47/47 Monday May 5th, 2014 11:04:30 PM
Kane' is inhaling to call Jozhur and Terser up and away, there are crewmates who need there help!, but the call goes unneeded: the heroes are already bounding past Kane' and to the scene of help.
There is nothing for Kane' to do but move around the black pool and under the curtain to see the situation. The Bloodwitch concentrates, and Captain Coer's Reduce Person spell is dismissed. Coer is Large size again!
Actions.... Move: J,26
Effects..... Reduce Person Magana - 35, Coer - dismissed, Zeoll - 38/60 rounds [CL6] reduced to Medium Size; (+1 AC,+1 to hit, +2 Dex, -2 Str) Message - 59/60 minutes, [CL6] whisper messages and receive whispered replies. Overhear requires a Listen Check at DC 25
Spells..... Loss of Domain, Granted power, and Domain spells Spells 1 - 4 2 - 3** 3 - 2*
Small Coerator (Mark) AC19/18/15 -- CMD 20 -- HP 57/68 (Ki 3/5) d20+2=10 ; Tuesday May 6th, 2014 6:19:10 AM
It suddenly gets very cramped as Coer returns to his regular size, having to crouch just to fit under the low ceiling.
With his renewed reach he pushes on the door, assisting Magana to try and force it open.
Coerator (Mark) AC17/16/14 -- CMD 20 -- HP 57/68 (Ki 3/5) Tuesday May 6th, 2014 7:20:39 AM
ooc: correcting header
DM RobC - Two trapped, Four by the door, One by the trap, one gone for a walk... Tuesday May 6th, 2014 8:08:14 AM OOC: Sorry folks but real life issues means I won't be getting a post up for a few hours. Given the time difference that will not give you much time between DM posts, so I may need to miss the post altogether. We'll see how we go, but in the mean time please feel free to post chatter and discuss plans. Thanks!
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC23 - HP33) d20+20=35 ; d20+20=36 ; d20+20=32 ; d20+20=25 ; d20+20=23 ; d20+20=39 ; d20+20=24 ; Tuesday May 6th, 2014 10:03:42 AM
Zeoll stands still and quiet in the mist. He does not want to reveal his position. And he wants to listen ... to do his best to pinpoint the location of his enemies. [OOC: Perception at -20 will do that even if blind, right?]
Perception checks, one per enemy: 35, 36, 32, 25, 23, 39, 24
=====
DM Sanity Info
Cleric spells (underlined = cast): 0: guidance, purify food & drink, light, stabilize 1: command, command x2, elf vision 2: calm emo x2, faerie fire (One calm emo used to summon the fey)
Sorcerer spells: Cast: 1 of 5 (mage armor) Laughing Touch: used 0 of 7. Channel Energy 1d6: used 0 of 7. Fey domain: Hide Away: used 3 of 7. Spread the Word: used 1 of 1.
Current effects: Mage Armor (4 hours, cast March 28); Elf Vision (50 min), Taur's Try (Mino), Reduce Person, Obscuring Mist
Also Used: Detect Evil scroll, hero point, vial of acid, mist scroll
(StevenVdB) Aexana HP 49/49 - AC16/14/13 / +4 vs Giant - CMD 15 / +1 vs Lizard & Goblinoids 3d6=10 ; Tuesday May 6th, 2014 7:02:47 PM
Aex hovers near the ceiling in the concealement of the fog. Her Lightnings still available she will release one as soon as one of the sect members make a move against her or Zeoll.
Readied action: damage 10Hp, Reflex DC18 for half
Terser (Warren G) [22/13/19 -- CMD 23 -- HP 45/60 temp -2STR (raging 84/84)] Tuesday May 6th, 2014 8:17:22 PM placeholder for DM post - will move to guard Sam unless otherwise indicated
Kane' Ma'Kai (SteveK) AC13/ T13/ F10/ CMD 17) HP 47/47 Tuesday May 6th, 2014 9:24:45 PM
ooc: take care of the real world, Rob, no sweat! .................
Kane' sends a quick thought to his Akua Lono, to be with him as they battle to free the innocents from the power of the false water gods.
Sam (David W): 14/12/13 -- CMD 13 -- HP 42/42 Tuesday May 6th, 2014 9:55:49 PM
Sam is relieved to see the familiar face of Terser. Some courage courses back in to the meek gnome's body. His brow furrows as he sets his gaze on the door breaching the crew of the Lionfish is attempting. Once through, the bard knows that they will need his support. He hopes that he will have enough to see them through the impending struggle.
Spirysn'rar Kilarn (Ian) AC 17/13/15 - CMD 14 - HP 24/24 Wednesday May 7th, 2014 2:01:20 AM
Spire busies himself with the complex spell, ready to unleash it when the doors fly open.
Coerator (Mark) AC17/16/14 -- CMD 20 -- HP 57/68 (Ki 3/5) Wednesday May 7th, 2014 7:40:53 AM
Despite being cramped in this corridor, Co er can't help but wonder aloud "Imagine if I was even bigger!"
DM RobC - Two trapped, Four by the door, One by the trap, one gone for a walk... 3d8=16 ; d4=4 ; Wednesday May 7th, 2014 7:40:59 AM OOC: My apologies for missing yesterday's post guys. Real life can sometimes get the better of us! I've already taken the liberty of emailing Sheriff Ken and putting my hand up to say I missed my post. Don't think this means I will pull any punches though :)
Zeoll calls for backup, cunningly in a language only understood by the taurs. Even those that don't know the language get that it is made with a sense of urgency.
Aexana hovers close to the ceiling. She is ready to call down lightning, but the problem is, with Zeoll's Obscuring Mist, anyone beyond 5ft is totally concealed.
Sam 'strategically retreats' (that's gnomish for "flees") back to the bookcases. He call for his longtime friend to come to his aid. Deep down Sam knows that combat is not his strength - particularly when his spell alotment is near its end. Had the bard been at full strength this could have been a different story.
Jozhur knows something is going on. He keeps his tools in hand and runs towards the area, passing Sam as he goes. So intent is he on getting to the door that he has maintained his grip on his thieves tools. (Fyi - though it may be a move action to put them away, you can drop them as a free action if you wish)
Terser follows closely behind. The passage he had been exploring could have opened up battle possibilities, or, knowing his luck, seen more enemies join the fray. With a little parkour style running he is able to quickly get into the room, and get close to the door (Fyi - allowing for difficult terrains I think you can get closer than N26. I think you can make it to K28 - which puts you equal distance from the door and from Sam.)
Kane' is about to call for Jozhur and Terser, but sees the two run past before he has a chance. Considering Terser and Sam haven't journeyed with the Lionfish crew before, the two really are showing the quality of their characters. Kane utters a few magical words and restores Coer to his former large and menacing size. (Fyi - Keep in mind that to dismiss a spell "You must be within range of the spell's effect". Just saying in case you have plans to dismiss any others :) )
Spire does not hesitate. He begins the ritual to summon forth two small water elementals. In the back of his mind a few recently read words dwell "Elemental Deity" and "Billopl, the Aquan Emperor of Evil". Perhaps by summoning water elementals Spire is looking to switch sides?
Magana bangs on the door, screaming back in taurish. Coer and Zeoll know she is really just asking someone to remove the spell cast on the door. To anyone else listening though, it sounds like an angry taur swearing the death of her enemies. (Fyi - Please see Cayzle's excellent note on what your strength may be...
The now large Coer slumps down to fit comfortably in this cramped space. He lends his considerable strength to Magana's to push against the door. Had he been at full strength he may even have simply put his massive hand through it. As it stands, he can see the veins in his hand are raised from the poison.
The door opens from the pressure applied by the Taurs, and the obscuring mist envelopes those by the door.
Zeoll can hear the footsteps of people moving about, all around him. Two voices are heard - one being the old man and the other being Mother Rillan. Both still come from atop the altar area of the room. It sound as if they are casting spells.
"Friends, I see you need an example of the power of Lord Billopl. Feel his embrace and join with him" comes the voice of the old man. A feeling of cold, sickening power washes across a number of the group.
Coer, Jozhur, Magana, Spire, Zeoll, Aexana: Please make a Will save vs DC17. Fail and you take 16pts damage and are sickened for 4 rounds. Pass and you only take 8pts damage.
Where the enemy are standing in this fog is anyone's guess.
-------------------------------------- Further details of the area to aid our heroes: - The north half of the room is 20ft high. Enough room to swing a linotaur :) - The south half of the room has stairs leading up to it. It is 10ft higher than the north half, but the ceiling is the same.
On using Spellcraft checks to ID a spell as it is being cast: "Identifying a spell as it is being cast requires no action, but you must be able to clearly see the spell as it is being cast". With Obscuring Mist between the two forces, neither can ID the others spells.
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC23 - HP 25 of 33) d20+5=19 ; d20+15=24 ; Wednesday May 7th, 2014 9:49:46 AM
Zeoll tries to figure out what kind of magic could inflict damage and sicken a body. OOC: Using Know Arcana to "Identify a spell that just targeted you" -- and rolls a 19, which is not enough, alas.
Zeoll is entirely relieved when he hears the doors crash open!
As for that DC17 Will save, Zeoll rolls a 24 and throws of most of the effect.
OOC to our kindly DM: Highlight to display spoiler: {Rob, last post I wanted to use my Perception to pinpoint the location of the enemies. You can do that with a -20 mod on your check, right? And they did not roll any stealth checks that I can see ... and "hearing the details of a conversation" is a DC0 Perception check. And casting a spell is at least talking as loud as normal conversation? So with a -1 or -2 for distance, I should be able to pinpoint the spot the casters cast from. And "hear the sound of a creature walking" is a DC10 check (and I got a couple 30+ rolls last round), so I'm hoping to know the location of the enemies that are walking around. The whole reason for all this rules-lawyering is that Zeoll wants to cast his Peaceball, and he wants to place it optimally to affect enemies and not friends.}
Listening with cat-like accuracy, Zeoll casts his Peaceball spell, positioning it to affect enemies and not friends when possible. It covers an area of effect, so Zeoll does not have to see his target location.
The Will save DC for a Peaceball is base 10 +2 lvl +4 wis +1 feat +2 bloodline +1 cradled = 20.
Zeoll calls out in common: "Standarrd Operrating Prrocedurre, my frriends! Only fight the ones that fight you firrst! Aex make a peaceful and calm rretrreat out of this rroom!"
Then Zeoll shouts in Tauric, "Coer, Magana, Don't let any of our party enter! Wait for Aex and I to get out! Then close the doors and use their own tactic against them! We can hold some at bay in the room within while dealing with the ones that come into the room after me!"
That may take a bit of time to shout, but Zeoll hopes he can do so while moving out of the room. He has 40 ft of move left, which should suffice. Hopefully any AoOs he triggers by walking past enemies will be mitigated by Calmness. (Move to 29I if it all works out!)
Sam (David W): 14/12/13 -- CMD 13 -- HP 42/42 d20+8=28 ; Wednesday May 7th, 2014 12:04:21 PM
Sam braces himself to charge in as the door opens, but then sees the mist roll in to the room. The commotion and lack of ability to identify friend from foe cause him to quickly change strategies. Seeing that the door is webbed, Sam falls back to the room with the pool of water and watches for a flanking ambush. (perception=28. nat 20!)
actions move to M26
Spirysn'rar Kilarn (Ian) AC 17/13/15 - CMD 14 - HP 16/24 d20+10=24 ; d20+5=12 d20+5=20 d6+3=4 Wednesday May 7th, 2014 12:52:47 PM
Spire completes his spell, working through the pain of the spell cast on him. (Will: 24) and summons two small Water Elementals at H33 and K33. In Aquan, he shouts at them to attack any and all enemies that pass by them. "Someone let me know when we need my web gone," he calls out, looking over his shoulder at the mass of stringy webs. He then takes a tactical retreat to H28. -------------------- Water Elemental Attacks: 12, 20 Damage: 4 ACTIVE SPELLS Web: 50 mins. (496/500 rds) remaining Protection From Evil on Magana: 5 mins (47/50 rds) remaining Summon Monster III: 5/5 rds remaining Prepared Spells
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC23 - HP 25 of 33) d20+20=27 ; d20+20=31 ; d20+20=27 ; d20+20=25 ; d20+20=22 ; d20+20=26 ; d20+20=22 ; Wednesday May 7th, 2014 1:06:17 PM
SORRY SORRY FRIENDS! Zeoll does not have a Calm Emotions spell left! I thought I did but I did not.
So he still shouts for Aex to leave the room, and he shouts in tauric to close the doors once the party is out. But he is not casting his Peaceball spell. You can attack at will against everybody!
Really sorry for the confusion. I blame jet lag.
Zeoll casts True Strike before moving on the off chance it might come in handy. (It ignores concealment.)
Perception checks to pinpont foes for next round: 27, 31, 27, 25, 22, 26, 22
Sam (David W): 14/12/13 -- CMD 13 -- HP 42/42 Wednesday May 7th, 2014 1:46:50 PM
Sam recasts dancing lights when he reaches his destination.
reduced, sickened Magana (Craig) [AC23] [HP 45(+12rage) of 71] d20+5=12 ; d20-2=13 ; Wednesday May 7th, 2014 2:49:22 PM
[failed Will save]
Magana's relief that the doors yielded to their combined strength is short-lived as a waive of nausea strikes her. She is torn between charging into the room and heeding Zeoll's orders, but her martial training holds and she only bellows in frustration again, holding her position for the moment.
(rage round 8 of 17 for the day) (Strength = 18(normal) -2(sickened) +4(rage) = 20) **corrected! thx! I was tired when I posted that :) Sickened: The character takes a --2 penalty on all attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks. (round 1 of 4)
reduced, sickened Magana (Craig) [AC23] [HP 45(+12rage) of 71] Wednesday May 7th, 2014 4:19:41 PM
(StevenVdB) Aexana HP 41/49 - AC16/14/13 / +4 vs Giant - CMD 15 / +1 vs Lizard & Goblinoids d20+10=26 ; d20+14=19 ; Wednesday May 7th, 2014 5:49:12 PM
(Will save 26)
Aexana shakes of the nausiating mindaffecting 'embrace' of Billopl... the Druid hears people walkig around but she also hears the door burst followed by cries from Zeoll and roars from Magana!
Realising Zeoll's right to call for a retreat to the other chambers Aex turns around and flies towards the door and if possible she passes her friends near them... but what happened to those statues next to the door?? Aex continues flying untill gets out of the fog (I28)
------------------------------------------------------------------- Aexana - Air Elemental Current AC19/17/15
8 x Storm Burst (Weather Domain Power) (7/8 left) 1 x dancing lights (Gnome Magic) 1 x ghost sound (Gnome Magic) 1 x prestidigitation (Gnome Magic) 1 x Speak with animals (Gnome Magic)
Available Wild Shapes Today : 1/3 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Spirysn'rar Kilarn (Ian) AC 17/13/15 - CMD 14 - HP 16/24 Wednesday May 7th, 2014 7:05:12 PM
OoC :: Post edited to reflect Zeoll's new round.
Terser (Warren G) [22/13/19 -- CMD 23 -- HP 45/60 temp -2STR (raging 84/84)] d20+11=24 ; d10+5=15 ; Wednesday May 7th, 2014 8:45:09 PM What's going on, Sam? Where did this mist come from?
Terser takes up a guarding stance, his glaive ready to intercept any perceived threat.
readied action to charge at an enemy that comes out of the mist with a drawn weapon or casting a spell
AC24 for 15 damage - 3 rounds fatigue left, rolls adjusted for fatigue, poison, charge, effective AC 20
[/i]
Kane' Ma'Kai (SteveK) AC13/ T13/ F10/ CMD 17) HP 47/47 d20+9=16 ; Wednesday May 7th, 2014 9:47:19 PM
Kane' sees the doors open and the mists of the sea pour in; he can't see Magana to return her to her full height!
Spire calls out and Kane' can just barely see the wizard on the edge of the mist. Using his Message spell, Kane' points to Spire. "I will watch the Web spell", he informs.
The voice of Zeoll urging them to hold their position makes sense to Kane', and he hopes that the Lionfish as well as Terser and Sam follow the advice of the old liontaur.
Other than that, the BloodWitch again is at a loss on what he can do to help, and so he only stands there keeping a watch on the Web and the Curtain to give warning should anything be happening behind the group as they fight in the evil temple.
Actions.... Perception: 16
Effects..... Reduce Person Magana - 34, Zeoll - 37/60 rounds [CL6] reduced to Medium Size; (+1 AC,+1 to hit, +2 Dex, -2 Str) Message - 59/60 minutes, [CL6] whisper messages and receive whispered replies. Overhear requires a Listen Check at DC 25
Spells..... Loss of Domain, Granted power, and Domain spells Spells 1 - 4 2 - 3** 3 - 2*
(Brock) Jozhur AC20/15/15--CMD 20--HP 33/49 d20+2=11 ; d20+11=25 ; d20+7=11 ; Thursday May 8th, 2014 12:35:30 AM
Jozhur succumbs to the embrace of Bilopl. His face turns green and one would think he was out on rough seas again.
He fights through the urge to vomit and slips around the corner just out of the mist that came rolling out of the next room. He stows his tools back in their pouch and draws his sword. ------------------------------- Will save failed 5' Step to H29 Stealth: 25 Perception: 11
SIckened: Round 1 of 4 Jozhur should have been at full health prior to this round, I kept forgetting to update the header.
Coerator (Mark) AC17/16/14 -- CMD 20 -- HP 49/68 (Ki 3/5) d20+7=23 ; Thursday May 8th, 2014 5:34:40 AM
Coer holds as the enemy magic washes over him, and although injured it has no lasting effects.
"Well that hurt. A few more of those and we will be in trouble. Zeoll, is there room for a tactical assault?"
DM RobC - Join us, friends! Round 2 d20+4=10 ; d20+4=24 ; d20+4=7 ; d6+1=5 ; d100=1 ; d20+4=15 ; d20+4=7 ; Thursday May 8th, 2014 6:56:57 AM
Sam steels himself, but the blanket of mist gives him a change of thought. He renews the light in the room, recalling that this one is without any light source.
Spire's elementals spring into existance. He bids them to kill anything that passes them by. One assumes he also means tries to pass them by as well. He too then back-peddles. (Note that from your position at K31 you did not have line of sight to K33 to place your water elemental. J33 - by the door - would be close. Let's assume you summoned it there and told it to take a 5ft step east this round and then prepare to attack. Also: Small Water Elementals - Water Mastery: "If the opponent or the elemental is touching the ground, the elemental takes a --4 penalty on attack and damage rolls.")
Zeoll hesitates, but decides the best course of action is one not in this room. He heads for the doorway, passing a seaspawn (at I34) on his travels. The creature swings its rapier where it thinks Zeoll is, but misses badly (Attack vs AC23: 10 = Miss!)
Magana keeps the food in her stomach from coming up. First it was the rough ship voyage, and now this. It's almost enough for her to consider a nice, tropical island somewhere. She holds her position.
Aexana flies quickly towards the door. She doesn't understand a lot of what is being said between the taurs, but the tone is enough to gauge it isn't good. As she flies she narrowly misses a sharp rapier thrust towards her by the seaspawn lurking below (at J34). (Rolled a Nat20 to attack, but due to the Obscuring Mist, the miss chance rolled a D100=1. Miss!)
Terser gets ready to throw down. He is confused as to what has happened so far, but the mist in the room and the fact the rest of the party are out here can't be good. (Fyi - Two things wrong with your readied charge. 1: A charge is a full round action, and cannot be readied. You can ready "a standard action, a move action, a swift action, or a free action". 2: "If any line from your starting space to the ending space passes through a square that blocks movement, slows movement, or contains a creature (even an ally), you can't charge).
The enemy are getting a little too close for Kane's liking. Still, he bravely holds his ground and stays alert for enemies that may come from any direction. (Fyi - Terser ripped the curtain from its rails. You have a clear line of sight all around)
Like Magana, Jozhur feels the sickening power of the spell. It had better be a spell. If it was an elemental deity the party may be under-equipped. He stows his tools and prepares his weapon for some close combat.
Coer holds his position. He feels the pain caused by the enemies magic, but should he move he only opens the way for more damage to be done to his friends. No, best he take the brunt of the attack.
Coer and Magana have a nagging feeling. Like they have forgotten to do something. Something they were asked to do that may have been important.
The enemy act...
A conversation can be heard between two voices speaking a strange language. One is from near the doors (Zeoll identifies it as the sea spawn that attacked him). The other is the old mans voice
If you understand Aquan Highlight to display spoiler: { Seaspawn: "The cat thing left the room. I failed to kill it. The air elemental left too. There are two water elementalsss here. Are they followersss of the Lord?" Old man: "No you fools. Ignore them and go after the outsiders." There is the slightest of pauses Seaspawn: "Yesss oh great one" }
Emerging from the mist and standing in the still open doorway, Magana finds herself face-to-face with the two seaspawn. The water elementals on either side attack, alas, both fail to land a blow.
The seaspawn coordinate their attack, but Magana - even in sickened, poisoned and reduced state - just cannot be struck! (Attacks vs AC23: 15 & 7 = Miss and Miss)
Zeoll can make out further footsteps in the room though the cold damage must have affected his hearing. He is unable to pinpoint their precise location this time. He is confident that there is a seaspawn standing at J33 however.
Behind Kane a loud 'bang' sounds from the darkness atop the stairs. Though he cannot see through the darkness and web combination, the sound is familiar and ominous. The doors atop the stairs have been closed...
Please keep in mind the rules for Obscuring Mist: A creature 5 feet away has concealment (attacks have a 20% miss chance). Creatures farther away have total concealment (50% miss chance, and the attacker cannot use sight to locate the target).
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